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 19 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 19 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 – 19 June 2023
International day for countering hate speech: Date, Significance and History
The annual International Day for Countering Hate Speech on June 18 is an important reminder of the urgent need to combat hate speech around the world. In an era where communication technologies have magnified its influence, hate speech remains a catalyst for violence, intolerance, and fragmentation. This important day highlights the need for concerted efforts to stop the spread of divisive language and promote respect, inclusivity, and understanding between people.
International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2023: History
The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is a significant global initiative designed to address the alarming surge of hate speech worldwide. In July 2021, the United Nations General Assembly underscored the urgent necessity to combat hate speech and adopted a resolution emphasizing the importance of fostering inter-religious and intercultural dialogue as a means to counter this phenomenon.
The resolution acknowledges that discrimination and hate speech present substantial threats to human rights and social cohesion. It exhorts all pertinent parties, including governments, to step up their efforts to combat hate speech while maintaining global human rights legislation.
This important day builds upon the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which was launched on June 18, 2019. In observance of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the United Nations encourages governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and individuals to arrange events and initiatives that promote strategies for identifying, addressing, and combating hate speech.
International Day for Countering Hate Speech 2023: Significance
The International Day for Countering Hate Speech holds great importance as it acknowledges the destructive impact of hate speech and demonstrates a collective commitment to addressing this global problem.
With the rapid advancements in communication technologies, hate speech has gained wider reach and influence. The day is crucial in realising how urgently this situation needs to be addressed. The United Nations has consistently mobilised efforts to resist all types of antagonism. The UN is committed to combating hate speech on all fronts by standing up for human rights, respecting the rule of law, and working towards equality and peace.
The International Day for Countering Hate Speech provides a platform to raise awareness and promote strategies that prevent the spread of hate speech. It also serves as a reminder of the detrimental consequences it brings and underscores the UN’s unwavering dedication to human rights and inclusivity.
Gita press, gorakhpur, awarded gandhi peace prize for 2021
Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021
According to the announcement from the ministry of culture, Gita Press, Gorakhpur, will get the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 in honour of its “outstanding contribution towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.” The jury, which was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to award the prize to Gita Press.
About the Gandhi Peace Prize
- The Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual honour established by the Government of India in 1995 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth and to honour the principles he upheld. The award is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or gender.
- The award includes a monetary prize of Rs 1 crore, a certificate, a plaque, and a priceless traditional handicraft or item of handloom. The organisations that have received awards in the past include Ramakrishna Mission and ISRO.
- Past recipients of the honour include, among others, the ISRO, the Ramakrishna Mission, the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, the Vivekananda Kendra in Kanyakumari, the Akshaya Patra in Bengaluru, the Ekal Abhiyan Trust in India, and Sulabh International in New Delhi.
- The prestigious award has also been awarded to luminaries like Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and Julius Nyerere, former president of Tanzania among many other personalities. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said of Oman (2019) and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of Bangladesh (2020) are two recent recipients.
Gita Press
Established in 1923, Gita Press is one of the world’s largest publishers, having published 41.7 crore books in 14 languages, including 16.21 crore Shrimad Bhagvad Gita. The institution has never relied on advertisement in its publications, for revenue generation.
NTPC Barauni secures first rank at 4th national water awards, in best industry category
NTPC Barauni has achieved a significant milestone by securing the first rank in the Best Industry Category at the 4th National Water Awards.
An overview of the news
The award was presented to CMD, NTPC Gurdeep Singh, and Head of Project, NTPC Barauni,Rajeev Khanna by the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The award ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on June 17, 2023. The recognition was given by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, highlighting NTPC’s commitment and efforts in conserving and managing water resources.
NTPC has demonstrated its dedication to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, which played a crucial role in this achievement. The company has implemented innovative initiatives to effectively conserve and manage water resources, resulting in significant water savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
NTPC remains dedicated to its mission of contributing to the nation’s growth while embracing environment-friendly practices.
Janaushadhi scheme has helped citizens to save around RS 20,000 CR
According to Ravi Dadhich, CEO of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India, the Jan Aushadhi scheme has helped citizens save around Rs 20,000 crore on their medicine bills in the last 9 years.
An overview of the news
Over the past nine years, the number of Janaushadhi Kendras has increased significantly, growing by 100 times.
The sales of Janaushadhi Kendras have also experienced a remarkable increase, surpassing 150 times.
The government has set a target to further expand the number of Janaushadhi Kendras to 10,000 by the end of the current year.
Currently, there are over9,400 functional Janaushadhi Kendras across the country, where medications are sold at discounted rates ranging from 50 to 90 percent compared to branded medicines.
The product range of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana includes 1,800 drugs and 285 surgical equipment options.
About Jan Aushadhi Yojana
The Jan Aushadhi scheme was started by the UPA government in 2008.
The scheme was relaunched in the year 2015 by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
This campaign was started across the country by selling generic medicines through “Jan Aushadhi Medical Stores”.
In 2015, the name of ‘Jan Aushadhi Yojana’ was changed to ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana’ (PMJAY), but in November 2016 it was changed to “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Yojana”.
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMBJP) scheme was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, with the objective of making quality generic medicines available to all at affordable prices.
World father’s day-18 June
Father’s Day is a special occasion celebrated in many countries around the world to honor and appreciate fathers. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. This year Father’s Day 2023 is being celebrated on 18th June.
An overview of the news
It is a day to express love, gratitude, and respect towards fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and other father figures who have played important roles in people’s lives. People celebrate Father’s Day by giving cards, gifts, or spending quality time with their fathers.
The significance of Father’s Day goes beyond material gifts, as it serves as a reminder to acknowledge the love, support, and guidance provided by fathers. It is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between fathers and their children and to recognize the invaluable role fathers play in their families and society. This year’s Father’s Day theme is ‘Celebrating the Greatest Heroes of Our Lives’.
Background of the day
The origins of Father’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States.
Sonora Smart Dodd is often credited with the idea of establishing a day to honor fathers, inspired by Mother’s Day.
The first official Father’s Day was celebrated in 1910 in Spokane, Washington.
Over the years, Father’s Day has gained widespread recognition and is celebrated in various countries around the world. It was officially recognised by the U.S. Congress in 1972.
Union minister mahendra nath pandey launched “Dugdh sanakalan sathi mobile app” in Mussorie, Uttarakhand.
“Dugdh Sanakalan Sathi Mobile App” has been developed by Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments Limited (REIL).
Its main aim is to bring transformation in the Indian dairy industry by addressing key challenges of the milk collection process.
It will also help in improving the quality of milk and foster transparency among stakeholders. This app is a step towards government commitment of digitalization and facilitates Direct Beneficiary Transfer to milk producers.
It will improve operations across all partnerships including milk producers, milk co-operative societies, milk organizations and state federations. Milk Collection Partner Mobile App will provide information to milk producers in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu and other languages.
REIL has developed a comprehensive cloud-based solution. It will help in fullfiling critical needs for advancements in the dairy industry.
Fourth national water awards presented by vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar in new Delhi on june 17
A total of 41 winners were announced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti covering 11 categories including joint winners for the National Water Awards, 2022.
First prize in the best state category has been awarded to Madhya Pradesh. The second prize went to Odisha and third prize was jointly awarded to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.
The award in the best district category was given to Ganjam district of Odisha. 2nd prize went to Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu and 3rd prize was given to Adilabad District, Telangana. Jagannathapuram Gram Panchayat in Bhadradri Kothagudem district of Telangana was awarded the Best Gram Panchayat Award.
The 2nd prize went jointly to Kadavur Village Panchayat, Karur district, Tamil Nadu and Manickal Village Panchayat, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala while 3rd prize was given jointly to Kadegaon Village Panchayat, Jalna district, Maharashtra and Mawkyrdep Village Panchayat, Bhoi Rymbong Block, Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya.
The Award for the Best Urban Local Body was conferred on Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, the 2nd prize went to Indore Municipal Corporation, Madhya Pradesh while 3rd prize was given jointly to Surat Municipal Corporation, Gujarat and Malkapur Municipal Council, Maharashtra. The Award for the Best Media was conferred on Advance Water Digest Private Limited Gurugram, Haryana.
The Award for the Best Institution for Campus usage was conferred on Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir. The Award for the Best Industry was conferred on Barauni Thermal Power Station, Begusarai, Bihar. The Award for the Best NGO was conferred on Arpan Seva Sansthan, Udaipur, Rajasthan. The Award for the Best Water User Association was conferred on the Sanjeevani Piyat Sahkari Mandli Ltd, Narmada, Gujarat.
The Award for the Best Industry for CSR Activities was conferred on HCL Technologies Ltd., Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Each awardee was awarded a citation and a trophy as well as a cash prize.
As part of the ongoing nationwide campaign to realize the government’s vision of a water-rich India, the award focuses on encouraging the good work and efforts made by various individuals and organizations. It seeks to create awareness among people about the importance of water and motivate them to adopt best water use practices.
The Vice President said that to revive the country’s ancient water harvesting systems like ponds, there is a need to adopt the mantra of three Rs- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. About 56 thousand Amrit Sarovars have been built in the country and almost the same number of Amrit Sarovars are under construction.
Glenda jackson, a two-time academy award-winning performer, died at 87
She had also a second career in politics as a British lawmaker. Recently, she completed filming The Great Escaper, in which she co-starred with Michael Caine. Jackson was born in 1936 in Birkenhead, North West England.
She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She became one of the biggest British stars of the 1960s and ’70s, and won two Academy Awards for Women in Love in 1971 and A Touch of Class in 1974.She then went into politics and won election to Parliament in 1992. She spent 23 years as a Labour Party lawmaker, serving as a minister for transport in prime minister Tony Blair’s first government in 1997.
In 2015, Jackson returned to acting after leaving Parliament.
Daniel Ellsberg, renowned whistleblower of the pentagon papers, passes away at 92
Daniel Ellsberg, a U.S. military analyst, passed away at the age of 92. He became known for leaking the “Pentagon Papers,” which exposed how the U.S. government deceived the public about the Vietnam War. This revelation sparked a significant fight for freedom of the press. Ellsberg’s actions, predating figures like Edward Snowden and Wikileaks, revealed that the government could mislead and lie to its citizens. Later in life, he became an advocate for whistleblowers and his story was depicted in the movie “The Post” released in 2017.
Ellsberg’s Bold Move: Leaking to End the Vietnam War and Facing Backlash
Ellsberg took a secret action in 1971 to share important information with the media, hoping to help bring an end to the Vietnam War more quickly. However, this made him a target of attacks by the Nixon White House, which tried to harm his reputation. Henry Kissinger, who was an important advisor to the president at the time, even called him “the most dangerous man in America” and wanted to stop him at any cost.
Meanwhile, acting upon the request of Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, officials at the Pentagon had been secretly compiling a comprehensive 7,000-page report on U.S. involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1967. By 1969, when the report was completed, only 15 copies were published, and two of them were sent to the RAND Corporation, where Ellsberg was working at the time.
Japan raises age of consent from 13 to 16 after over a century
About the news :
The age of consent in Japan has been increased from 13 to 16, a threshold that had been the same for more than a century and was one of the lowest in the world. Lawmakers also broadened the definition of rape from “forcible sexual intercourse” to “non-consensual sexual intercourse”. Acts committed while under the effects of drugs or alcohol are included in the expanded definition. It made grooming of children illegal as well. Sexual activity with a person who is younger than 16 will be regarded as rape.
Facts:
- Japan’s sexual consent age had been unchanged since 1907.
- Consent age is defined as the age below which sexual activity is considered as rape.
- Current consent age is 16 in Britain, 15 in France, 14 in Germany and China & 18 in India.
- Japan last revised its criminal code on sexual offenses in 2017.
About Japan:
- Fumio Kishida is the current prime minister of Japan.
- The Japanese National Parliament is called ‘Diet‘.
