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 21 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 21 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 – 21 June 2023
India Gifts Missile Corvette INS Kirpan To Vietnam
Introduction
The Vietnam People’s Navy will shortly receive the INS Kirpan, a vessel from the Khukri class commissioned in 1991, at a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnamese General Phan Van Gang. The announcement was made by Rajnath Singh, indicating the intent to transfer the vessel to Vietnam to bolster its naval capabilities.
About the meeting
A meeting was held in New delhi to review progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initatives. It was agreed that the Khukri class warship INS Kirpan, which was slated to be decommissioned, would be given to Vietnam in order to strengthen its forces. Vietnamese defence minister visited DRDO Headquarters and discussed ways to enhance defence industrial capabilities by joint cooperation of both the countries in defence research.
Aim of the meeting
To enhance existing areas of collaboration, especially in the field of defence industry cooperation, maritime security and multinational cooperation. India and Vietnam have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2016, and further defence partnerships are a key pillar to enhance the capabilities of their armed forces.
About Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, is famous for its rich history and cultural treasures. The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong, which is the official currency used for transactions in the country.
Ex Khaan Quest 2023: Indian Army participates in joint exercise
Introduction
The Multinational Peacekeeping Joint Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest 2023” has begun in Mongolia, with military contingents and observers from more than 20 countries participating. This 14-day exercise aims to enhance interoperability and train uniformed personnel for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
About the Exercise
- The exercise was begun in a magnificent ceremony by Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. This reflects the significance of the exercise and highlights the commitment of Mongolia towards international peacekeeping efforts.
- “Ex Khaan Quest 2023” is co-sponsored by the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC). This collaboration demonstrates the strong partnership between Mongolia and the United States in promoting regional security and stability.
Representation of the Indian Army
The Indian Army is represented in the exercise by a contingent from the esteemed Garhwal Rifles. By participating, India aims to reinforce its commitment to international peace and further enhance defense cooperation with the countries involved in the exercise.
Objective of the Exercise
- The “Ex Khaan Quest 2023″‘s principal goal is to prepare participants for future UN Peacekeeping deployments. The exercise aims to strengthen military readiness and peace operations capabilities by performing Command Post Exercises (CPX), Field Training Exercises (FTX), combat talks, seminars, and demonstrations.
- The participation of the Indian Army in this multinational joint exercise will not only enhance the defense cooperation between India and the participating countries, but also strengthen ties with the Mongolian Armed Forces, contributing to enhanced bilateral relations between the two nations.
United Nations Peacekeeping Role
- The United Nations Charter entrusts the United Nations Security Council with the responsibility to maintain international peace.
- UN Peacekeepers build and maintain safe zones, deliver humanitarian aid, and take the necessary precautions to protect vulnerable populations from violence and human rights violations.
- UN peacekeepers are often known as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets due to their distinct headgear, provide security and political peace-building support to countries transitioning from conflict to peace.
- The first peacekeeping mission was initiated in 1948.
Yoga Mahotsav 2023 Marks The Beginning Of 100 Days Countdown Of 9th International Yoga Day
The celebration of Yoga Mahotsav 2023 represents the official start of the 100-day countdown to International Yoga Day 2023, as well as an opportunity to sensitise and urge the general public to participate in Yoga-related activities in order to broaden the frontiers of Yoga.
More About The Yoga Mahotsav 2023:
The three-day Yoga Mahotsav 2023 is being held in the capital’s Talkatora Stadium on 13-14 March and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) on 15 March.
Prime Minister Modi’s Urge on Yoga Mahotsav 2023:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged everyone to participate in the three-day Yoga Mahotsav 2023, an event to commemorate 100 days countdown to International Day of Yoga 2023. Sharing a tweet by the Ministry of Ayush, the PM tweeted; “With a hundred days to go for Yoga Day, urging you all to mark it with enthusiasm. And, if you haven’t made Yoga a part of your lives already, do so at the earliest.”
The organizers of Yoga Mahotsav 2023:
The “Yoga Mahotsav” is being organised by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the MDNIY. As India’s G20 presidency theme “One World, One Health” resonates with the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” this year’s International Day of Yoga (IDY) aims to engage with the greater global community.
Along with global outreach, the IDY will focus on taking Yoga to each and every village in India through the active participation of Gram Panchayat/Gram Sabhas.
Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, will inaugurate the Yoga Mahotsav 2023 in the presence of Union Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy and other dignitaries.
Gruha Jyothi Scheme 2023, Benefits And Eligibility
Why the Scheme is in News?
The Karnataka Government recently launched its Gruha Jyothi Scheme, aimed at providing affordable housing to the poor and middle-class families of the state. The programme is part of the state’s ambitious “Housing for All” initiative, which intends to house almost 4.5 lakh households over the next five years.
Introduction
The Karnataka Government would give eligible beneficiaries with financial support of up to Rs. 2.5 lakh under the Gruha Jyothi Scheme for the construction of their own residences. The government will also provide subsidies on the interest rate for loans taken for the construction of the house.
About Gruha Jyothi Scheme
The scheme is open to all residents of Karnataka who do not own a house in their name or on the name of any of their family members. The financial assistance will be available to both individual households and to groups of families who are interested in building homes in the same locality.
Features
The Gruha Jyothi Scheme has been designed with a focus on the urban poor, who struggle to own homes due to a lack of access to affordable housing. The scheme is expected to bring about a significant change in the lives of these families and improve their standard of living. The Karnataka government has set out Rs. 2,288 crores for the Gruha Jyothi Scheme’s implementation. Karnataka Government hopes that the scheme will be able to address the state’s housing shortage, particularly in urban areas.
Gruha Jyothi Scheme: Vision
The scheme has received a positive response from the beneficiaries, and the government is optimistic that it will be able to achieve its objectives within the stipulated time.
World Music Day 2023: Date, Theme, History, Importance
World Music Day 2023
World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, is an annual observance held on June 21st that promotes the power of music and its worldwide ability to unite people.The occasion encourages musicians from diverse genres to showcase their talents in public areas, fostering a lively and inclusive ambiance for individuals worldwide to appreciate music. On this unique day, musicians and music enthusiasts from all corners of the globe unite to perform and revel in a wide array of musical genres.
World Music Day 2023 Theme
Although the theme for World Music Day 2023 has not yet been announced, you can familiarise yourself with the previous year’s theme. The theme of World Music Day 2022 was “Music on the Intersections.” At the intersectional level, this theme was about discovering and loving music.
World Music Day 2023 Importance
World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, is a global celebration that occurs annually on June 21st. It holds great importance as a day devoted to the universal language of music, promoting peace, unity, and cultural diversity, all of which play a vital role in everyone’s lives. Musicians from various genres and backgrounds across the globe come together to share their passion and talent through concerts, street performances, and events. World Music Day encourages the appreciation of diverse musical styles, fostering connections between different cultures and creating a sense of belonging. It represents music’s transforming power to cross barriers, unite people, and spread joy, making it a genuinely amazing and significant commemoration.
World Music Day History
The origins of World Music Day can be traced back to 1982 when Jack Lang, the French Minister of Culture, proposed the concept of celebrating a day dedicated to music, known as Fête de la Musique or the festival of music. Another legend holds that the celebration began in 1976, when Joel Cohen proposed an all-night music extravaganza to honour the summer solstice. Regardless, the first World Music Day celebrations were held in Paris in 1982, with over 1,000 musicians playing throughout the city. Since then, musicians have taken to the streets, parks, and concert venues to play and share their passion for music on this special occasion.
Swaminathan Janakiraman Named As New RBI Deputy Governor
Swaminathan Janakiraman has been appointed as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) by the Government of India. According to an official notification, Janakiraman’s appointment is for three years, beginning on the date of joining and ending until additional orders are given.He will be succeeding Mahesh Kumar Jain, whose tenure concludes on June 22nd.
Who is Swaminathan Janakiraman?
Swaminathan Janakiraman is the Managing Director of the State Bank of India (SBI), where he is in charge of the Corporate Banking and Subsidiaries division. Previously, he was responsible for the bank’s Assurance functions, which included Risk Management, Regulatory Compliance, and Stressed Assets verticals. According to his LinkedIn profile, Janakiraman is a seasoned banker with expertise in various areas such as Retail and Corporate Banking, International Banking, Trade Finance, Correspondent Banking & FI products, Digital Banking, and Transaction Banking products.
He was crucial in SBI’s Finance function, supervising budgeting and performance monitoring, Capital Planning, and Investor Relations. Additionally, he has been involved in the bank’s Digital Transformation journey as the Head of the Digital Banking vertical. Janakiraman has also served as a nominee director of SBI on the boards of Yes Bank, Jio Payments Bank, and NPCI. Furthermore, he has represented SBI as a director in Bank of Bhutan, a joint venture of SBI.
PM Modi’s Us Visit: Key Highlights
PM Modi’s US Visit: Key Highlights So Far
- Grand Arrival and Engaging with the Indian Diaspora: PM Modi’s trip to the United States started with a magnificent arrival at the Lotte New York Palace hotel, where he was greeted with chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai.’ He also interacted with the Indian diaspora, graciously giving autographs to representatives.
- Meeting with Elon Musk: A highlight of the visit was PM Modi’s meeting with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Musk hailed their conversation as “excellent,” and he announced plans to visit India in 2024, implying the possibility of future partnerships between India and Tesla.
- Engagements with Prominent Personalities: PM Modi had insightful meetings with notable personalities during his time in New York. He met author and academic professor Robert Thurman, statistician and writer Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Nobel laureate Paul Romer, American financier Ray Dalio, and astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson. These interactions focused on various topics, including resilience, risk-taking, India’s response to COVID-19, and strengthening international partnerships.
- State Dinner Hosted by President Biden: PM Modi’s visit includes a state dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on June 22. This prestigious event serves as a platform for further discussions and deepening the bilateral relationship between India and the United States.
- Address to the Joint Session of the US Congress: As part of his visit, PM Modi will deliver an address to the joint session of the US Congress on June 22. This provides an opportunity for him to share India’s perspectives and strengthen ties with the legislative branch of the US government.
- Talks with President Biden: PM Modi will also hold talks with President Joe Biden in Washington D.C. These discussions will focus on consolidating bilateral cooperation and engagement in plurilateral forums such as the G20, Quad, and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
- International Yoga Day Message: Ahead of the special event at the UN headquarters, PM Modi shared a message on International Yoga Day, highlighting the global spirit of Yoga and its unifying power. He emphasized the participation of millions of people worldwide in Yoga activities, guided by the theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (world is one family).
International Yoga Day 2023: Theme, History, and Poster
International Yoga Day 2023
Every year on June 21st, International Yoga Day 2023 is observed to promote the tremendous advantages of yoga practise. The chosen date is the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the holistic approach to well-being that yoga offers. It emphasises the significance of establishing balance in our fast-paced, modern life and promotes physical, mental, and spiritual harmony. Mindfulness, stress reduction, and overall health and vitality are all promoted by yoga.
In its 9th edition, this year’s International Day of Yoga will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UN Headquarters on June 21st. This marks the first time a yoga session will be conducted by the Prime Minister at this location.
International Yoga Day Theme
This year’s International Day of Yoga 2023 topic is “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which expresses our collective aspiration for “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
International Yoga Day Significance
The purpose of International Yoga Day is to increase awareness of the numerous physical and mental health advantages of yoga. Yoga is a mind-body practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga has been shown to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance. It can also help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
The primary objective of the International Day of Yoga is to raise awareness about yoga as a holistic practice for mental and physical well-being. This observance holds great importance in shedding light on the importance of psychological and physical wellness in today’s world. Furthermore, the day encourages the cultivation of a regular meditation practice to foster mental clarity and self-awareness, essential for thriving in a stress-free environment.
International Yoga Day History
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a dedicated yoga day during his speech at the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. On December 11, 2014, all 193 member states of the United Nations unanimously agreed to observe the International Day of Yoga on June 21. The inaugural celebration occurred on June 21, 2015. Millions of people around the world participated in yoga events on this day, and the event was widely covered by the media. Since then, International Yoga Day has become a global phenomenon, and it is now celebrated in over 190 countries.
UN Adopt First-Ever Treaty to Protect Marine Life in High Seas
UN has adopted the first-ever treaty to protect marine life on the high seas, approved by delegates from the 193 member nations.
The treaty will create a new body to manage the conservation of ocean life and establish marine protected areas on the high seas.
It also establishes ground rules for conducting environmental impact assessments for commercial activities in the oceans. The new treaty is under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, came into force in 1994.
Karnataka’s free power scheme, ‘Gruha Jyothi scheme’
Karnataka government has launched a free power scheme named ‘Gruha Jyothi scheme’ for providing free electricity up to 200 units a month.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also stated that the scheme also extends to tenants living on rent if their electricity consumption matches the scheme’s criteria.
The beneficiaries will get a ‘zero bill’ starting August 1 if usage is within their entitlement.
The Gruha Jyothi scheme is part of the Congress government’s five poll promises.
