6th June, 2023 Current Affairs

Sakshi Education

NATIONAL
Government expects to unveil New Cooperation Policy in July this year

The Government has said that the New Cooperation Policy is expected to be unveiled next month, in July. The Cooperation Ministry said, the new policy will be unveiled after consulting all the stakeholders including State governments, Central Ministries, and National Cooperatives.
The Chairman of the National Level Committee for drafting the new National Cooperation Policy document Suresh Prabhu made a presentation to Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi yesterday. The Committee members briefed Mr. Shah about the key recommendations in various sectors. This includes structural reforms and governance, cooperatives as vibrant economic entities, a level playing field for cooperatives, sources of capital and funds, the inclusion of priority sections, the use of technology, and an implementation plan.
As per the guidance received from Mr. Shah, the Committee will prepare a revised draft. The National Level Committee for Drafting New National Cooperation Policy was formed in September last year. The current policy on cooperation was formulated in 2002.

INTERNATIONAL
EAM S. Jaishankar co-chairs first India-Namibia Joint Commission with Namibian Foreign Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at Windhoek

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired the first India-Namibia Joint Commission with Namibian Foreign Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at Windhoek.
India supported Namibia’s independence and Indians were very pleased to see Namibia take its rightful place in the comity of nations.
India-Namibia ties are forged in developmental cooperation, capacity-building programmes and political solidarity.
The Joint Commission will review and assess the progress India-Namibia ties. He added that this process of high-level visits and constant dialogue will help navigate the India-Namibia partnership better in times to come.
The External Affairs Minister also inaugurated the India-Namibia Centre of Excellence in Information Technology in Windhoek. He said this Centre will contribute to research, cyber security and good governance. He expressed confidence that Namibia’s youth will also use it as a platform to demonstrate their talent and creativity.

President Murmu holds talks with Suriname President; 3 MoUs signed in Agriculture and Health sectors

President DroupadiMurmu held restricted talks and delegation-level talks with Surinam President ChandrikapersadSantokhi. Three MoUs in Health and Agriculture sectors were signed between India and the Republic of Suriname in Paramaribo.
These MoUs include a Joint Work Plan for Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors for the period of 2023-2027; an MoU between the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission and the Health Ministry of Suriname for recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeial standards; and an MoU between Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Ministry of Health of Suriname on cooperation in the field of Medical products regulations.
On a three-day visit to Suriname, as President DroupadiMurmu arrived at the Presidential Palace, she was received by the President of the Republic of Suriname, ChandrikapersadSantokhi. The National Anthems of both India and Suriname were played upon her arrival. The first lady of Suriname, MellisaSantokhi-Seenacherry, was also present at the occasion.
The first Indians came to Suriname on 5th of June 1873, as indentured labourers. They arrived via the sea route, in the vessel Lalla Rookh. Today, a re-enactment of that historic moment was presented before President Murmu.
President Murmu also inaugurated a simulated village that showcases how the Indian diaspora has conserved their culture in Suriname. Paying her respect to the immigrated community, President Murmu garlanded the statues of Baba & Mai. The monument depicts a man and a woman who had just arrived in Suriname, after a long journey from Calcutta. It is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants and their resilience.

Also Read: May Weekly Current Affairs (Awards) Bitbank: Which port has been awarded the prestigious Sagar Shreshta award for the year 2023?

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ECONOMY
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das launches Financial Inclusion Dashboard – ANTARDRIHSTI

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, launched a Financial Inclusion Dashboard - ANTARDRIHSTI yesterday, June 5. As the name suggests, the dashboard will provide the required insight to assess and monitor the progress of financial inclusion by capturing relevant parameters.
This facility will also enable the ability to gauge the extent of financial exclusion at granular levels across the country so that such areas can be addressed. The dashboard, presently intended for internal use in the RBI, will further facilitate greater financial inclusion through a multi-stakeholder approach.

Former US Vice President Mike Pence officially enters 2024 presidential election

Former US Vice President Mike Pence has officially entered the 2024 presidential election, setting up a fight against Former President Donald Trump. The Pence campaign submitted a candidature declaration to the Federal Election Commission.
Mr. Pence will launch his campaign with a video and a speech in the early nominating state of Iowa tomorrow. Pence's candidature competes against front-runner Trump, whom he once fiercely backed but declined to do so when the former president attempted to overturn Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election.
According to the news agency, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is also planning to enter the race tomorrow and Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is jumping into the race tonight, bringing the total number of Republican candidates into double digits. Three Democrats, including Joe Biden, have declared their candidature for the White House.

ENVIRONMENT
Gulf of Mannar: A Marine Biodiversity Marvel

The Gulf of Mannar, the first Marine Biosphere Reserve in the South East Asia, running down south from Rameswaram to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, encompasses a chain of 21 islands with a total area of 10,500 sq. km.
The Gulf of Mannar has been renowned for its highly productive pearl banks and religious significance. Recognizing its rich biodiversity, the Government of India designated it as the country's first Marine Biosphere Reserve in 1989.
Gulf of Mannar National Park has also been identified as the important Bird Area by BNHS-Birdlife International because of rich avian fauna consist of 187 species and the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve has been identified as an Important Marine Mammals Areas of the World by IUCN due to its dugong population and other marine mammals presence.
At present, there are two zones exist in Biosphere Reserve (BR) such as Core Zone (National Park) that is surrounded by Buffer Zone. Core conservation areas in which disturbing/destructive uses are strictly prohibited. This zone can also protect breeding populations of fishes and other organisms. Buffer zone is proposed to be permitted for local people’s use such as fishing and fisheries related activities, tourism and tourism related activities.
The Gulf of Mannar is not only a haven for marine biodiversity but also a lifeline for thousands of fishing families along its coasts. Approximately 110,000 families from 268 fishing villages depend on the fishery resources within the reserve. The close relationship between these communities and the marine environment has shaped their lifestyle, culture, and social fabric, making the sea the center of their existence.
Also, a part of this biosphere are marine components including algae communities, sea grasses, coral reefs, salt marshes and mangroves. Spread across an area of 560 sq. kms., the biosphere covers the coasts of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari. Home to an affluent diversity of aquatic plants and animals, the national park has identified the presence of around 3600 plant and animal species. These even include endangered species including the sea cow and 6 mangrove species. One can find five species of turtles and several other marine species like dolphins, whales, sea cucumber and dugongs.

Gulf of Mannar harbours a diverse of life forms. Some of the prominent ones are:

Dugong (Sea cow): The Gulf of Mannar area is the last refuge of any significance off the Indian coast where the most endangered mammal, Dugong (Dugong dugon) occurs. Here, the seagrass beds are the ideal feeding ground for the endangered marine mammal, Seacow (Dugong dugon). The Dugong feeds only on seagrasses and requires 30-40 kg of them every day. Seagrasses are also fed upon by various herbivorous animals including turtles, fishes, etc.
Sea turtles: Four of the seven species of sea turtles found worldwide are reported to occur in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. These are the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), green (Cheloniamydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). All the four species of sea turtles that occur in these coastal waters are protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972), as well as listed in Appendix I of Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which prohibits trade in turtle products by signatory countries.
Lobsters: Stock enhancement and fattening of lobsters Panulirushomarus and P. polyphagus in this region is expected to improve the livelihood of the coastal fishermen who are fishing in the buffer zone of the Biosphere Reserve.
Crabs: Of the 11 important commercial crabs in India, six crab species occur in BR. It is essential to enhance the stock of these economically important crabs in this region i.e. in the core zone of the Biosphere Reserve, which ultimately spill over to the buffer zone where controlled and sustainable fishing is allowed.
Sea snakes: A total of 12 species of sea snakes have been reported in the Gulf of Mannar region.
Coastal Birds: A total of 187 species of birds were reported from the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, of which 84 were aquatic species and the remaining are terrestrial.

Coral reef ecosystem:

Corals and coral reefs of Gulf of Mannar National Park form an essential ecosystem, which supports a variety of ecologically and economically important marine life.
Coral reefs in Gulf of Mannar occur mainly around the 21 uninhabited islands encompassing an area of about 683 ha.
The islands in Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park are divided into three groups namely, Mandapam group (7 Islands), Keelakarai group (7 Islands) and Tuticorin group (7 Islands).

SPORTS
Dhanush Srikanth wins gold medal in Men’s 10m air rifle event in ISSF Junior World Cup in Germany

Dhanush Srikanth won the gold medal in the Men’s 10m air rifle event in the ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany yesterday, June 5. Dhanush Srikanth’s triumph marked India’s third gold medal in the ISSF WC so far.
Dhanush defeated Pontus Kallin of Sweden. India also picked up a bronze in the skeet mixed team competition, when Harmehar Lally and Sanjana Sood defeated their Swedish opponents David Jonsson and Felicia Ros in a shoot-off.
With these achievements, India currently leads the medal table, having secured three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.

Siddharth Choudhary clinches gold in men’s shot put event of U-20 Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea

India showcased its dominance on the second day of the Under 20 Asian Athletics Championships in Yecheon, South Korea.
India’s Siddharth Choudhary clinched gold in men’s shot put with a personal best throw of 19.52 metres. Further three other players Sharuk Khan (3000 metre steeplechase), ShivamLohakare (Javelin), and Susmita (Long Jump) claimed silver medals in their respective events. Shakeel (800 metre) and the mixed relay team concluded the day by winning the bronze medal. With this India won six medals on day 2 with the overall tally accounting to nine.

ANDHRA PRADESH
YS Jagan inspects Polavaram project works directs officials to expedite works

CM Jagan Mohan Reddy conducted a review meeting with officials on the Polavaram project after the inspection of works and directed them to expedite the diaphragm works so that the main wall works would be started by December.
To which the officials had given assurance to the chief minister in completion of works. Taking a dig at the opposition and a section of media, YS Jagan enraged over them saying that they are spreading false propaganda on the Polavaram project.
The section of media is magnifying the small drawbacks in the project with malafide intention to draw criticism against the government.
The Chief Minister on the occasion accused that due to the previous government failures in constructing the project, the cost of the project has increased to by more Rs. 2000 crores. He said that during the previous government, gaps were left in the upper coffer dam and opined that due to the flow of flood water, the project structures were severely damaged.
The Chief Minister on the occasion accused that due to the previous government failures in constructing the project, the cost of the project has increased to by more Rs. 2000 crores. He said that during the previous government, gaps were left in the upper coffer dam and opined that due to the flow of flood water, the project structures were severely damaged.
It has been stated that the Union Finance Department has issued a memorandum approving the giving of Rs. 12,911.15 crores and this has been communicated to the Union Jal Shakti department through a letter.

Published date : 06 Jun 2023 05:37PM