15 June 2023 Current Affairs – The Day’s Top News | GKSERIES

Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 15 June 2023, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

So, here is the Top News of the Day for 15 June 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.

Current Affairs for Competitive Exam – 15 June 2023

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023: Date, Theme, Significance and History

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is an annual event held on June 15th to raise awareness of older mistreatment, prejudice, and neglect. The day serves as a platform to underscore the importance of upholding the rights of older adults, encouraging society to value and respect their presence. Its primary goal is to draw attention to the different forms of abuse, desertion, and misuse experienced by seniors, while also emphasising the importance of protecting their welfare and upholding their dignity.

Theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023

The United Nations has designated the theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023 as “Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Older Age Policy, Law, and Evidence-based Responses.”

Significance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The fundamental significance of honouring World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is to protect senior persons’ rights and to promote equality in society. Here are some key aspects that highlight its importance:

Creating awareness: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day plays a crucial role in raising awareness about elder abuse, aiming to eliminate all forms of discrimination and neglect faced by older individuals. It educates communities and organizations about the negative consequences associated with such abuse.

Protecting rights: This day serves as a platform to advocate for the protection of older adults’ rights. It underscores the necessity of legislative policies that ensure the preservation of dignity, respect, honor, and autonomy for the elderly. WEAAD urges governments and other organizations to address the pressing issue of elder abuse and strengthen frameworks aimed at eradicating it from society.

Fostering collaboration: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day promotes collaboration among governments, NGOs, healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and other entities. The goal is to develop robust strategies to combat elder abuse globally and provide comprehensive support to victims in every possible way.

History of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The United Nations General Assembly declared World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in 2011. The purpose of this annual observance is to bring attention to and raise awareness about various forms of elder abuse, such as financial, mental, physical, and emotional mistreatment. The day serves as a platform to promote measures aimed at addressing and preventing these inhumane acts of abuse against older individuals.

Important Takeaways for All Competitive Exams:

• United Nations General Assembly Headquarters: New York, United States;
• United Nations General Assembly Founded: 1945;
• United Nations General Assembly Founder: United Nations.

Cyclone Biparjoy: IMD Warns Of Flood, Power Disruption

Cyclone Biparjoy Live Location

Cyclone Biparjoy Live Location: The cyclone is currently located 1161 kilometres southeast of Masirah Island. Recent observations indicate that it has begun to move northeasterly at a speed of 7 kilometres per hour. It is anticipated that the cyclone will reach its maximum intensity with winds reaching around 185 kilometers per hour. As a precautionary measure, warnings have been issued to people residing in coastal areas. The authorities have captured a three-dimensional image of the cyclone’s location, and personnel are actively engaged in monitoring and managing the situation.

Storm Biparjoy is categorised as a tropical storm, with expected wind speeds ranging from 125-135 kmph with gusts exceeding 150 kmph upon impact. The National Disaster Management Authority categorizes cyclones into two main types: extratropical cyclones and tropical cyclones.

Cyclone Biparjoy, Latest Update

• UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi shared several images of Cyclone Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea on his Twitter account.
• The coastal districts of Gujarat are experiencing intense rainfall until June 17, prompting the Chief Minister to lead a meeting to assess the state’s readiness. The Gujarat government intends to evacuate around 55,000 people, with over 47,000 already transported to safe locations.
• Authorities evacuated approximately 30,000 individuals residing in coastal regions and relocated them to temporary shelters in preparation for the anticipated landfall of cyclone Biparjoy near Jakhau port in Gujarat’s Kutch district. The Army, in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), is formulating relief strategies for the affected areas.
• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a storm surge warning for the coastal regions of Gujarat in anticipation of the approaching very severe cyclonic storm, Biparjoy. The IMD has warned that low-lying regions in the districts of Kachchh, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, and Morbi are at risk of flooding. Although Biparjoy has decreased slightly from its prior severity, experts have issued a severe warning that it could regain strength and bring enormous havoc in Gujarat via massive storm surges.

Cyclone Biparjoy: India Issues Alerts

Cyclone Biparjoy is a low-pressure area that is currently forming over the Southeast Arabian Sea. It is expected to intensify into a depression in the next 48 hours and may reach cyclonic storm intensity in the subsequent 72 hours. The track of the cyclone is not yet clear, but it is likely to move towards the West Coast of India. Cyclone Biparjoy is the first cyclone to form in the Arabian Sea this season. The monsoon season in India typically begins in June and lasts until September.

The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the West Coast of India. The heaviest rains are expected to fall in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The strong winds could cause power outages and damage to property. People in the affected areas are advised to take precautions and stay safe.

Cyclone Biparjoy: IMD issues alert for fishermen

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has given a notice to all ports in Gujarat, directing them to raise the distant warning (DW II) signal as a deep depression in the Arabian Sea has developed into a cyclonic storm named “Biparjoy.” According to the IMD, the storm has shifted its path to the north, posing significant hazards to coastal communities.

How Cyclone Biparjoy got its name?

The name Biparjoy was given to the cyclone by Bangladesh. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) names tropical cyclones in alphabetical order according to the names submitted by member countries. Bangladesh submitted the name Biparjoy, which means “Disaster” in Bengali.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely monitoring the cyclone and will issue advisories as needed. Residents of coastal areas are advised to be prepared for possible flooding and other impacts from the cyclone.

Here are some of the possible impacts of Cyclone Biparjoy:

• Heavy rainfall
• Strong winds
• Storm surge
• Flooding
• Landslides
• Power outages
• Communication disruptions
• Damage to property and infrastructure

Possible route for Cyclone Biparjoy

Cyclone Biparjoy is a low-pressure region across the southeast Arabian Sea as of June 6, 2023. It is projected to become a depression on June 8 then a cyclone on June 9. The cyclone is forecast to move northwards along the west coast of India and make landfall in Gujarat on June 10. After landfall, the cyclone is expected to weaken and move into Pakistan.

The following is a possible route for Cyclone Biparjoy

• June 8: Low-pressure area intensifies into a depression over the southeast Arabian Sea.
• June 9: Depression intensifies into a cyclone over the east-central Arabian Sea.
• June 10: Cyclone makes landfall in Gujarat.
• June 11: Cyclone weakens and moves into Pakistan.

How IMD decide cyclone named?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) decides cyclone names in a collaborative effort with other countries in the region. Each country in the region produces a list of 13 names, which are then rotated according to a set schedule. The names are chosen to be short, easy to pronounce, and gender-neutral. They are also chosen to be culturally sensitive and not offensive to any group of people.

The IMD uses a six-year cycle for its list of cyclone names. Once a name is used, it is retired and cannot be used again. The current list of cyclone names for the North Indian Ocean is as follows:

• Nisarga (Bangladesh)
• Gati (India)
• Akash (Sri Lanka)
• Gulab (Pakistan)
• Fani (Myanmar)
• Vayu (Thailand)
• Hidimba (Afghanistan)
• Mora (Iran)
• Tauktae (Oman)
• Yaas (Qatar)

How it will impact weather, monsoon in India?

The usual arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala on June 1, with a standard deviation of around seven days, has been delayed due to a low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea. Scientists, however, emphasise that this delay does not necessarily imply that the monsoon would be late in other parts of the country, nor does it alter overall rainfall over the season.

The Meteorological Department has stated that the cyclonic storm will significantly impact the progression of the monsoon towards the Kerala coast. Currently, no specific date has been provided for the monsoon’s arrival in Kerala. The private weather forecasting agency, Skymet Weather, suggests that it may occur on either June 8 or June 9, but with a relatively gentle and subdued onset.

RBI Chief Shaktikanta Das Named ‘Governor Of The Year’ At London’s Central Banking Awards

RBI Chief Shaktikanta Das Named ‘Governor Of The Year’

Shaktikanta Das, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been named Governor of the Year for 2023. Das emphasised the growing role of central banks in the monetary and financial systems in his speech, emphasising that they are now burdened with major obligations that go beyond their conventional mandates.The award was presented by Central Banking, a prominent organization that thoroughly covers and examines matters concerning central banks and financial regulators globally, during its summer meetings held in London.

The winners of the Central Banking Awards 2023 were announced in late March of this year. The National Bank of Ukraine was named 2023 Central Bank of the Year, and Shaktikanta Das of the Reserve Bank of India was named Governor of the Year.

Shaktikanta Das Education

Shaktikanta Das, the current governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is a graduate in history. He holds a bachelor’s degree (BA) and a master’s degree (MA) in history from St. Stephen’s College at the University of Delhi. He also holds a diploma in financial management from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B).

Das’s educational background has been praised by some for giving him a strong foundation in economic and financial matters. However, others have criticized his lack of formal training in economics, arguing that it makes him ill-equipped to lead the RBI.

Here is a more detailed look at Das’s educational background

• St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi: Bachelor’s degree (BA) and Master’s degree (MA) in history
• Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B): Diploma in financial management

Das has also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including Utkal University, the University of Madras, and the University of Mysore.

Shaktikanta Das Salary

Shaktikanta Das, the RBI Governor, is paid a monthly remuneration of Rs 250,000. In addition to the income, a variety of allowances and benefits are provided. Dearness Allowance, Grade Allowance, and reimbursements for expenses such as education, housekeeping, telephone, and medical expenses are examples of these. The comprehensive salary package reflects the significant responsibilities associated with the position, including the authority to grant or revoke bank licenses in cases of violation.

Here is the tabular representation of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das’s salary structure and allowances:

Education Loans Register 17% Growth In Fy23

Education loans register 17% growth in FY23, turning positive for first time in five years.

About the news:

• According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, the outstanding portfolio of education loans increased by 17% to 96,847 crore in 2022-23, up from 82,723 crore the previous year.
• The priority sector education loans show growth of 0.9 per cent in FY 2022-23 which is significant because the growth in education loans was flat during 2021-22 & it was negative for the three years prior to it

Table

• The Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in education advances stood at 7.82 per cent of a total outstanding portfolio of ₹80,000 crore at the end of the first quarter of FY23

Facts

Public Sector Banks in India disburse around 90% of education loans. Private sector banks and regional rural banks (RRBs) account for roughly 7% and 3% of total outstanding education loans, respectively.

Reasons for Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in loans:

• Fresh job creation has not kept pace with the number of graduates coming out of the colleges.
• Limited job opportunities or a mismatch between the skills acquired during education and the job market.
• Financial crises affected overall economic conditions & job market, making it challenging for borrowers to repay their education loans.

Important takeaways for all Comptitive Exams:

• A Non Performing Asset (NPA) is a loan or advance for which the principal or interest payment remained overdue for a period of 90 days
• Dharmendra Pradhan is the Union Minister for Education

PLI Schemes: Boosting Production, Employment, and Economic Growth

PLI Schemes Contribution

The country’s implementation of the output Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes has resulted in major beneficial effects such as increased output, job creation, economic growth, and exports.

During a press conference in New Delhi, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of DPIIT, highlighted that the PLI Schemes resulted in a notable 76% rise in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the manufacturing sector in the fiscal year 2021-22, reaching USD 21.34 billion, compared to the previous fiscal year’s USD 12.09 billion.

PLI Schemes: Promoting Self Reliance

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s PLI programmes to develop self-reliance in India (AatmaNirbhar Bharat) are focused on 14 industries and have an incentive budget of roughly Rs. 1.97 lakh crore (approximately US$ 26 billion).
• These schemes aim to enhance the production capabilities of the sectors involved and facilitate the emergence of global leaders.
• Sectors such as Drugs and Pharmaceuticals (with a 46% increase in FDI), Food Processing Industries (with a 26% increase in FDI), and Medical Appliances (with a 91% increase in FDI) have witnessed a surge in foreign investments from the fiscal year 2021-22 to 2022-23.
• The PLI Schemes have also encouraged a transition in India’s export portfolio away from conventional commodities and towards high-value-added products such as electronics, telecommunications equipment, and processed food.
• Currently, a total of 733 applications have been approved across the 14 sectors, with an expected investment of Rs. 3.65 lakh crore.
• Notably, 176 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have benefited from the PLI schemes, primarily in sectors such as Bulk Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharma, Telecom, White Goods, Food Processing, Textiles, and Drones.

Data Released on PLI Schemes

• As of March 2023, the actual investment realized stands at Rs. 62,500 crore, resulting in incremental production and sales exceeding Rs. 6.75 lakh crore and the creation of approximately 325,000 jobs.
• Additionally, exports have been boosted by Rs. 2.56 lakh crore until the fiscal year 2022-23.
• Approximately Rs. 2,900 crore has been distributed as incentives under the PLI Schemes for eight sectors, namely Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM), IT Hardware, Bulk Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, Telecom & Networking Products, Food Processing, and Drones & Drone Components, during the fiscal year 2022-23.
• The PLI Scheme has resulted in major smartphone companies like Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron shifting their suppliers to India. Consequently, high-end phones are now being manufactured in India. The scheme has also led to a 20-fold increase in female employment and localization in IT Hardware, specifically in the production of batteries and laptops.

The Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) stated that the value addition in mobile manufacturing in India has reached 20%. He added, “We have achieved a 20% value addition in mobile manufacturing within three years, whereas countries like Vietnam took 15 years to achieve 18% value addition, and China achieved 49% value addition over 25 years. From this perspective, it is a significant achievement.“

PLI Schemes Contribution in Various Sectors

• The PLI Scheme, in conjunction with the current Phased production Programme (PMP), has contributed to enhanced value addition in the electronics sector and smartphone production, rising from minimal levels in 2014-15 to 23% and 20%, respectively.
• Out of the total electronics production worth USD 101 billion in FY 2022-23, smartphones account for USD 44 billion, including USD 11.1 billion in exports.
• Import substitution of 60% has been accomplished in the Telecom sector, making India almost self-reliant in Antennae, GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network), and CPE (Customer Premises Equipment).
• The PLI Scheme has also led to a sevenfold increase in the turnover of the drones sector, benefiting all MSME startups.
• Under the PLI Scheme for Food Processing, there has been a significant increase in sourcing raw materials from India, positively impacting the income of Indian farmers and MSMEs.
• As a result of the PLI Scheme, the pharmaceutical industry has seen a significant decrease in raw material imports.
• India is now manufacturing unique intermediate materials and bulk drugs, including Penicillin-G. Moreover, technology transfer has occurred in the production of Medical Devices such as CT scans and MRI machines.

List of PLI Schemes in India

• Key Starting Materials (KSMs)/Drug Intermediates (DIs) and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs): Department of Pharmaceuticals
• Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
• Manufacturing of Medical Devices: Department of Pharmaceuticals
• Electronic/Technology Products: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
• Pharmaceuticals drugs: Department of Pharmaceuticals
• Telecom & Networking Products: Department of Telecommunications
• Food Products: Ministry of Food Processing Industries
• White Goods (ACs & LED): Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
• High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
• Automobiles & Auto Components: Department of Heavy Industry
• Advance Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery: Department of Heavy Industry
• Textile Products: MMF segment and technical textiles: Ministry of Textiles
• Specialty Steel: Ministry of Steel
• Drones and Drone Components: Ministry of Civil Aviation

Padma Awardees From Haryana To Get Rs 10,000 Monthly

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced a Rs 10,000 monthly stipend for the state’s Padma recipients. In addition to the monthly stipend, the chief minister has promised free transport in the state government’s ‘Volvo bus’ service for Haryana’s Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awardees. The government has formulated various welfare policies to make life easier for the people of the state.

Other important news:

• The chief minister said that the state government is giving the benefit of health insurance up to ₹ 5 lakh to families with an annual income of up to ₹ 1.80 lakh. The government is also considering adding families with yearly incomes between 1.80 lakh and 3 lakh in this scheme by charging a premium to provide them with a bonus of up to 5 lakh.
• Mr Khattar said after the implementation of the family ID card scheme — Parivar Pehchan Patra — 12.5 lakh new Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards have been made in the state. People have appreciated the merit-based job system started by the present government and it has brought transparency against the ‘parchi-kharchi’ (favouritism-bribe) system which prevailed earlier.

Important Takeaways for All Competitive Exams:

• Haryana Capital: Chandigarh;
• Haryana Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya;
• Haryana Chief minister: Manohar Lal Khattar.

Child Rights Advocate Lalitha Natarajan Wins 2023 Iqbal Masih Award

2023 Iqbal Masih Award

Lalitha Natarajan, a Chennai-based lawyer and campaigner, has earned the US Department of Labor’s 2023 Iqbal Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labour. Consul General Judith Ravin awarded Natarajan with the medal on May 30 at a ceremony at the US Consulate General in Chennai.

As a leader in the fight to end exploitative child labor in southern India, Natarajan identifies child victims of trafficking, specifically bonded labor, assisting in their reintegration into society, the US consulate in Chennai. In her role as a member of the Child Welfare Committee (North Zone), under the Department of Social Defence, Tamil Nadu, Natarajan ensures victims receive compensation under the Child Labor Act and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act . Besides working on child labour issues, Lalitha also provides legal and counseling support to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

About the Iqbal Masih Award:

The Iqbal Masih Award is a non-monetary award given annually by the United States Secretary of Labour and managed by the International Labour Organization’s Office of Child Labour, Forced Labour, and Human Trafficking. It was established by the United States Congress in 2008 to recognise remarkable efforts to the fight against child labour.

The award is named after Iqbal Masih, a Pakistani child who was sold into slavery at the age of four and forced to work in a carpet factory. He escaped at the age of ten and became an outspoken advocate for the rights of child laborers. He was assassinated in 1995 at the age of twelve.

Global Slavery Index 2023 Released

The Global Slavery Index 2023 provides national estimates of modern slavery for 160 countries.

Produced by: ILO, Walk Free, and International Organisation for Migration.

Walk Free has reported that 49.6 million people are living in modern slavery, out of which, India is home to 11 million.

Countries with the highest prevalence: North Korea, Eritrea, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

Countries with the lowest prevalence: Switzerland, Norway, and Germany.

Vigyan -Vidushi 2023 Summer Programme

Vigyan -Vidushi – 2023 has been commenced at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), in Mumbai.

It is an initiative to address the gender balance in the discipline of Physics at the doctorate level. 40 women students from forty different institutes all over India have attended this program which gave them exposure to advanced physics courses.

This program is an initiative of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), through its HBCSE.

Fino Payments Bank Partners Hubble For `Spending Account

Hubble has joined hands with Fino Payments Bank for introducing India’s first spending account.

Features:

Depositors can save money in the account and earn up to 10% cash back on all purchases they make from the account.

They can track expenses over 50 partnered brands and potentially save up to Rs. 20,000 annually. Users earn an interest rate of 2.75% annually on their parked funds. It will be integrated with Fino Payments Bank’s digital savings account.

Pankaj Agrawal Appointed As New Power Secretary

The government of India has appointed Pankaj Agrawal as the new Power Secretary. He would replace present Secretary Alok Kumar, who will retire on June 30.

While Rajat Mishra will be the new Fertiliser Secretary, and Chanchal Kumar to join the Civil Aviation Ministry as Secretary.

Sudhansh Pant will move from the Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry to Health Ministry. Subhas Chandra Lal Das will move to the Ministry of MSME as Secretary.