17 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 17 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 16 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 – 17 June 2023

World day to combat desertification and drought: Date, Theme, Significance and History

World day to combat desertification and drought 2023

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed annually on June 17th. It is a global project aimed at increasing awareness of the problems faced by desertification and drought, as well as advocating initiatives to address these issues.

Desertification refers to the process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, often caused by various factors such as climate change, deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and overexploitation of natural resources. Drought, on the other hand, is a prolonged period of inadequate rainfall, resulting in water scarcity, crop failure, and ecosystem disruption.

Theme of World day to combat desertification and drought

This year’s International Day Against Desertification and Drought is “Her Land.” Her rights”, emphasizes that investing in women’s equal access to land and associated assets is a direct investment in their future and the future of humanity.  Women and girls must take the lead in global land restoration and drought resilience activities.

History of World day to combat desertification and drought

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was established in 1994 following a convention held at the United Nations General Assembly. The inaugural observance took place in 1995. The creation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) stemmed from the need to address environmental degradation caused by climate change. The primary goal of the convention was to raise awareness among the global population about effective measures to halt desertification, with particular emphasis on regions currently experiencing severe drought.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Significance

• Awareness and Education: The day is used to increase global awareness about the problems caused by desertification and drought. It informs individuals, communities, and governments on the origins, consequences, and potential solutions to these problems. By increasing understanding and knowledge, it empowers people to take action.
• Sustainable Land Management: The World Day highlights the significance of sustainable land management practices. It emphasizes the need to adopt strategies that conserve and restore land, promote responsible land use, and prevent further degradation. By promoting sustainable land practices, the day contributes to mitigating climate change, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring food security.
• International Cooperation: The observance fosters international cooperation and collaboration in combating desertification and drought. It encourages governments, organizations, and communities to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. By promoting cooperation at various levels, the day facilitates the exchange of ideas and the development of innovative solutions to address these challenges collectively.
• Climate Change and Resilience: Climate change is intimately linked to desertification and drought. The World Day emphasises the interconnection of these concerns, as well as the critical necessity to address them in the context of climate action. By promoting resilience and adaptive strategies, it contributes to building climate-resilient communities and ecosystems.
• Sustainable Development Goals: The World Day aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 15: Life on Land. It supports the achievement of targets related to combating desertification, restoring degraded land, and ensuring sustainable land management practices. By focusing on these goals, the day contributes to overall sustainable development efforts.
• Community Engagement: The World Day emphasizes the role of local communities in combating desertification and drought. It recognizes that sustainable land management requires the active involvement and participation of communities who are directly affected by these challenges. The day promotes community engagement, empowerment, and ownership of initiatives aimed at preventing land degradation and addressing water scarcity.

Overall, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought holds significance by raising awareness, promoting sustainable land management practices, fostering international cooperation, addressing climate change, supporting the SDGs, and engaging local communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our land resources and creating a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Asia Cup 2023 Schedule, Date, Venue & Teams

Asia Cup 2023 Schedule, Date, Venue & Teams

The Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from 31 August to 17 September 2023. The competition will consist of 50-over ODI matches played at international quality grounds. The 2023 Edition will feature two groups, with two teams from each group qualifying for the Super Four stage. The top two teams from the Super Four stage will then face off in the final.

Schedule for the Asia Cup 2023

Group Stage

Please note that the “TBC” in the final match indicates that the teams for the final are yet to be determined.

The following are the venues for the Asia Cup 2023

In 2023, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will host the Asia Cup cricket event. Keep an eye on this space for venue updates.

Asia Cup 2023 Groups

Board of Control for Cricket in India Secretary Jay Sah confirmed that India and Pakistan are in the same group for ODI Asia Cup 2023.

Group 1:

Group 2:

Ramachandra Guha’s book wins Elizabeth Longford Prize

Ramachandra Guha’s book wins Elizabeth Longford Prize

The Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography 2023 has been awarded to historian and author Ramchandra Guha for his book Rebels Against the Raj: Western Fighters for India’s Freedom. Guha has been awarded £5,000 (₹5 lakhs approximately) and a bound copy of Elizabeth Longford’s memoir. The jury was chaired by Roy Foster. The judging committee also included Antonia Fraser and Flora Fraser (daughter and granddaughter of Longford respectively), Richard Davenport-Hines and Rana Mitter.

Rebels Against the Raj demonstrates how absorption in individual lives may illuminate the mood of the times. As Guha points out, oppression does not disappear with the ending of colonial rule, and the ideas and priorities incisively drawn out in this book deserve urgent attention in today’s India,”. The book was published by Penguin Random House in India, William Collins in the United Kingdom, and Alfred Knopf in the United States.

About the Award

The award was founded in 2003 by Flora Fraser and Peter Soros to commemorate British historian Elizabeth Longford. Every year it rewards exemplary works in historical biography. The prize is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Previous winners of the award include The Long Recessional: The Imperial Life of Rudyard Kipling by David Gilmour, How to Survive the Titanic: The Sinking of J. Bruce Ismay by Frances Wilson, Margaret Thatcher: The Authorized Biography, Volume 1: Not for Turning by Charles Moore and Julian Jackson’s A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle.

Gopichand hinduja takes charges as group chairman

Following the death of his brother Srichand P Hinduja, Gopichand Hinduja, 83, has taken over as Chairman of the Hinduja Group. Earlier, Gopichand Hinduja was the co-chairman and was overseeing the diverse global business empire that straddles across sectors such as automotive, IT, media and entertainment, infrastructure, oil and speciality chemicals, power and real estate. Gopichand Hinduja is a strong leader with a wealth of experience. He is well-positioned to lead the Hinduja Group forward and to expand on the group’s accomplishments.

Gopichand Hinduja is a well-respected businessman and philanthropist. He is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Trade and Competitiveness and is a trustee of the Hinduja Foundation, which supports a number of charitable causes in India and around the world. Gopichand Hinduja has been associated with the Hinduja Group since its inception in 1914. He has held a number of senior positions within the group, including Co-Chairman and Chairman of the Hinduja Automotive Limited.

About the Hinduja Group

The Hinduja Group is a worldwide company with holdings in a variety of industries, including automotive, energy, banking, and healthcare. The company operates in more than 60 countries and employs over 200,000 people. The Hinduja Group was founded in 1914 by Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, a Sindhi businessman from Shikarpur, India. The group’s early focus was on trade and finance, but it soon diversified into other industries, such as manufacturing, energy, and healthcare.

The Hinduja Group has grown significantly in recent years, and it is now one of the largest privately held companies in the world. The group’s success is due to a number of factors, including its strong business acumen, its global reach, and its commitment to innovation. The Hinduja Group is a major player in the global economy, and it plays an important role in the development of many countries. The group is committed to corporate social responsibility, and it supports a number of charitable causes around the world.

Here are some of the key businesses of the Hinduja Group:

• Hinduja Automotive: This is the group’s flagship business, and it is one of the largest automotive groups in the world. The business has a diversified portfolio of interests, including manufacturing, sales, and distribution of vehicles.
• Hinduja Energy: This business is involved in the exploration, production, and marketing of energy resources. The business has operations in a number of countries, including India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Hinduja Finance: This business is involved in a range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and asset management. The business has operations in a number of countries, including India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Hinduja Healthcare: This business is involved in the healthcare sector, and it has interests in a range of businesses, including hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. The business has operations in a number of countries, including India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The Hinduja firm has a long and distinguished history as a profitable and respected commercial firm. The company is dedicated to corporate social responsibility and contributes significantly to the development of numerous countries.

Telangana’s 5 structures chosen for the green apple awards

In the Urban and Real Estate Sector category, Telangana has been awarded with the International Green Apple Awards for Beautiful Buildings. These renowned prizes have been bestowed upon any building or structure in India for the first time. The Green Organisation, an independent non-profit organisation based in London, presents the awards each year to recognise and promote global environmental best practises.

The five selected buildings and structures from Telangana are as follows: 

1. Mozzam-Jahi Market (Heritage category)

2. Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge (Bridge category)

3. B R Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat Building falls under the aesthetically designed office and workspace category

4. Integrated Command Control Center of Telangana Police is a distinctive type of office.

5. Yadadri Temple (Excellent religious structures category)

Each of these buildings has been recognized for their unique attributes such as exceptional restoration and re-use, innovative engineering, well-thought-out design, advanced technology and devotion to detail. The Green Apple Awards play an important part in recognizing and promoting eco-friendly building and design methods.

About Green Organisation:

The Green Organisation, founded in London in 1994, is an independent non-profit organisation that focuses on recognizing, rewarding, and promoting environmental best practices globally. The green organisation has been organising the annual ‘Green Apple Awards’ since 2016, with the aim of recognizing and honouring environmentally responsible construction and design practices.

UNGA Adopts Draft Resolution Introduced By India

The UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) has adopted by consensus a draft resolution piloted by India to establish a memorial wall in the UN headquarters to honour fallen peacekeepers.

About the news:

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj introduced the draft resolution titled ‘Memorial wall for fallen United Nations peacekeepers’ in the UN General Assembly Hall and it was adopted by consensus. 18 countries, including Bangladesh, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Rwanda, and the United States, supported the resolution. It received a record 190 co-sponsorships.

Significance of the memorial wall:

It will remind people of not only the sacrifices of the fallen but also be a constant reminder of the cost of our decisions.

Peacekeepers:

• People who serve in various conflict zones, enduring harsh conditions and risking their lives to keep peace.
• They not only maintain peace and security, but also facilitate the political process, protect civilians, assist in the disarmament and reintegration of former combatants.

Rank of countries according to the total number of peacekeepers contributed to United Nations operations:

Statics:

• The United Nations General Assembly is one of the United Nations’ six primary organs, having its headquarters in New York, United States.
• It is currently, an alliance of 193 member states which was founded in 1945 by United nations.
• International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is celebrated every year on May 29.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• India is the 3rd largest contributor to UN Peacekeeping missions
• Theme of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2023 is ‘Peace begins with me‘
• Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations is Ruchira Kamboj

A Book Titled “Master Residential Real Estate” By Ashwinder Singh

New book in the news

Master Residential Real Estate by Ashwinder R Singh, a well-known real estate specialist in India, provides a comprehensive reference to the industry. The book covers a wide range of topics, from finding the right property to financing a home purchase. Singh also provides valuable insights into the current state of the real estate market and offers advice on how to make the most of your investment.

The essence of the book

“Master Residential Real Estate” is a guide designed to help home buyers, investors, students, and real estate professionals navigate the difficult world of residential real estate in India. The book covers essential topics such as conducting proper due diligence, choosing the right location, negotiating a fair price, and avoiding legal blind spots.

The book empowers readers to take control of their financial and emotional future by providing them with the necessary information to make informed decisions based on data and research. If you’re looking to make an investment or career in the residential real estate sector in India, “Master Residential Real Estate” is an invaluable resource that can help you. About the Author With over two decades of experience in the Indian real estate industry, Ashwinder R Singh is a prominent figure in the field.

His expertise in real estate has earned him several accolades and titles, such as: Real Estate Person of the Year, South – Construction Week 2022 Most Enterprising CEO of the Year 2016 Top 15 Real Estate Influencers by Realty + and Thought Leader of the Year by International Brand Equity in 2023. Co-Chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Real Estate Regional Committee for 2023-24. Ashwinder also runs India’s first-of-its-kind newsletter “Open House” and has given over 200 keynote addresses. His latest book is a proud and honest effort to help every stakeholder in the industry. In his heart, the author believes that he will always remain a lifelong student of real estate.

Ring Digital Credit Platform Now Features NPCI UPI Plug-In

RING digital credit platform now features NPCI UPI plug-in

RING, a digital credit platform in India, is collaborating with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to implement its UPI Plug-in feature into its existing digital services. This arrangement will enable RING to offer its clients a ‘Scan & Pay’ option, as well as attract new consumers who choose to make payments using UPI.

Key Points:

• RING will be able to offer an all-in-one payment and credit solution, enabling customers to receive credit and pay merchants nationwide within the RING app. With the UPI payment feature, RING users can link their bank account to create a UPI ID, and then make payments by scanning a merchant’s QR code.

What are the plans of RING?

RING plans to use this partnership to improve its offerings and customer value proposition. Since launching in June 2019, RING has gained over four million transacting customers and has partnered with over 10 Lakh merchants.  With this new addition, RING intends to broaden its offering of useful digital financial tools and strengthen its market position.

Important Takeaways For All Competitive Exams:

• Co-founder & CTO, RING: Karan Mehta
• Chief of Corporate and Fintech Relationships and Key Initiatives, NPCI: Nalin Bansal

Russia’s Sberbank Launches Indian Rupee Accounts For Individuals

Russia’s dominant lender, Sberbank has launched Indian rupee accounts for individuals.

Aim: To expand the range of foreign currencies available to reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar and euro

Sberbank has more than 100 million retail clients and already offers deposits in China’s yuan and UAE dirhams. Rupee accounts would also be available to clients. Sberbank would also raise rates on dirham deposits by 100 basis points for a six-week period.

The bank’s finance chief said earlier that Sberbank will issue bonds in Chinese yuan this year if an opportunity arises and will continue borrowing in roubles to drive portfolio growth.

Indian Navy Launches “Julley Ladakh” Outreach Program

The Indian Navy recently launched an outreach program called “Julley Ladakh” (Hello Ladakh) to increase awareness about the Navy and engage with the youth and civil society in the pristine state of Ladakh. The Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, flagged off a 5000 kilometre motorbike expedition as part of this programme on 15 June 2023, from the National War Memorial.

Previous Outreach Efforts:

The Sam No Varunah automobile trip, which sought to engage with residents of coastal states, and the Indian Navy’s successful activities in the North East region are both references in this outreach programme.

Outreach Activities:

One of the outreach initiatives envisioned for this programme is a motorbike expedition that would travel through a sizable portion of Ladakh. In addition, a medical camp will be organised, the Navy band will perform, and a football match between the Navy and the Ladakh Football Club has also been scheduled.

The “Julley Ladakh” initiative aims to:

1. Celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, which marks 75 years of Indian Independence.
2. Conduct awareness campaigns in Ladakh’s institutions and schools to draw attention to the Agnipath Scheme and other career prospects provided by the Indian Navy.
3. Motivate the youth to consider joining the Indian Navy.
4. By integrating female officers and spouses in the programme, you can promote “Nari Shakti,” a Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi initiative.
5. Interact with naval veterans and Veer Naris (war widows) in the region.

Important Takeaways For All Competitive Exams: 

• Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of India: General Manoj Pande
• Defence Minister of India: Rajnath Singh
• Commander-In-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN): Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan AVSM
• Chief of the Air Staff of India: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari PVSM AVSM VM ADC
• Chief of Naval Staff of India: Admiral R Hari Kumar