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 26 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 26 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 – 26 June 2023
World Drug Day 2023: Date, Theme, Significance and History
World Drug Day 2023
The International Day Against Drug misuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is commemorated every year on June 26th to promote global efforts to eliminate drug misuse. The goal of this year’s campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of treating those who use drugs with empathy and respect. It emphasizes the importance of providing evidence-based and voluntary services to all, while offering alternatives to punishment. Prevention is prioritized, and a compassionate approach is advocated. Furthermore, the campaign strives to address the stigma and discrimination that drug users suffer by encouraging the use of respectful, non-judgmental language and attitudes.
World Drug Day 2023 Theme
The topic of this year’s World Drug Day is “People First: End Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.” The world drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recognises the necessity of a people-centered approach to drug policy, with an emphasis on human rights, compassion, and evidence-based practises.
World Drug Day 2023 Significance
The UNODC recognizes the importance of taking a people-centred approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, compassion, and evidence-based practices. The world drug problem and illicit trafficking are complex issues that affects millions of people worldwide. These issues continue to pose a significant threat to individuals, families and societies worldwide.
World Drug Day History
At the International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Vienna on June 26, 1987, it was recommended that a day be observed annually to commemorate the struggle against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. On December 7, 1987, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 26 to be International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This was done to support their efforts to make society drug-free. Awareness about drug abuse can prevent someone from turning to dangerous substances.
The date June 26 commemorates the abolition of the opium commerce in Humen, Guangdong by Lin Zexu. This event occurred on June 25, 1839, just a few days prior to the outbreak of the First Opium War in China.
Cristiano Ronaldo sets Guinness World Record to make 200 International Caps
Cristiano Ronaldo sets Guinness World Record to make 200 International Caps
Cristiano Ronaldo has set a Guinness World Record after earning 200 caps for Portugal. The legendary forward is making his 200th appearance for A Selecao das Quinas in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Iceland. The 38-year-old has broken another record and is the most-capped player in international football.
The Guinness Book of Records has recognised Cristiano Ronaldo’s feat. Before Portugal’s match against Iceland, the captain was awarded with a certificate for his achievements.
It is yet another record to add to Ronaldo’s long list of accomplishments in international football. The Al Nassr frontman is the all-time top goalscorer in international football with 122 goals in 200 games to date. The legendary forward is showing no signs of stopping and isn’t intending on doing so anytime soon. The 38-year-old spoke this week about his future with the Portugal national team.
Ronaldo Debut
Ronaldo made his debut for A Selecao das Quinas in 2003, at the age of 18. He won the 2016 European Championships with his national team and may be interested in competing in next year’s event.
Journalist A.K. Bhattacharya authored a new book titled “India’s Finance Ministers”
Veteran journalist Ashok Kumar Bhattacharya (AK Bhattacharya) has written a new book titled “India’s Finance Ministers: From Independence to Emergency (1947-1977)” that highlights the role of India’s finance ministers in shaping the country’s economy in the first 30 years (from 1947 to 1977). The book is published by Penguin Business an imprint of Penguin Random House.
The essence of the book:
The book is divided into 3 main parts: Nehru and his finance ministers, those under Shastri and Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi as her own finance minister. Economic Journalist AK Bhattacharya is the editorial director of Business Standard and the writer of a long-running column – Raisina Hill. he has also served as the editor of the Pioneer and Business Standard. As the book makes it clear, though Nehru was a towering personality, the finance ministers he worked with like John Matthai, CD Deshmukh, TT Krishnamachari and Morarji Desai were no pygmies.
Day of the Seafarer 2023: Date, Theme and History
Day of the Seafarer 2023
The Day of the Seafarer honours all individuals who operate in close proximity to salt water, including Coast Guards, Navies, fisherman, marine biologists, and cruise ship captains.It commemorates the first recorded sea voyage around 3200 BCE, which was sponsored by the Egyptian Pharaoh Snefru, known for building several pyramids. This annual event, held on June 25th, strives to recognise the important role that seafarers play in international trade, the global economy, and society as a whole. Furthermore, it highlights their tremendous efforts to protect the marine ecosystem.
Day of the Seafarer 2023 Theme
This year’s Day of the Seafarer reflects the 2023 World Maritime theme: “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”. The 2023 campaign hashtag is #OceansWorthProtecting
Day of the Seafarer History
The Day of the Seafarer was established through a resolution passed during the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila, where the revised STCW Convention was adopted. This day, observed on June 25th, aims to acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional contribution made by seafarers worldwide to international maritime trade, the global economy, and society as a whole. The resolution encourages governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners, and other relevant parties to actively promote and appropriately celebrate this significant day. The United Nations recognizes the Day of the Seafarer as an official observance day.
Paytm Collaborates with Arunachal Pradesh to Foster Startup Ecosystem
Paytm Payment Services Limited signs MoU with Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP)
Paytm Payment Services Limited (PPSL) entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP) to establish a thriving startup ecosystem for the youth in the northeastern state. The partnership aims to nurture entrepreneurship and encourage young business ventures during their early stages of development.
Discounted Products and Free Credits for Startups
As per the terms of the MoU, the Paytm Incubation Center will extend its products to early-stage startups at a discounted price. Furthermore, it will provide free credits through the Paytm Startup Toolkit, offering valuable support to young entrepreneurs as they navigate the initial phases of their business ventures. These initiatives are expected to help Arunachal Pradesh’s startup ecosystem grow.
Official Signing at Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park
The MoU was formally signed at the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park, which serves as the state’s inaugural marquee incubator. Tabe Haider, the CEO of APIIP, was present during the signing ceremony, emphasising the value of the collaboration.
Paytm’s Commitment to Empowering Entrepreneurs
Expressing their enthusiasm, a spokesperson from Paytm Payment Services emphasized the company’s commitment to partnering with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh in their endeavor to build a vibrant startup ecosystem. The Paytm Incubation Center aims to support young entrepreneurs by providing them with access to new customers, acquisitions, funding opportunities, and enhanced facilities.
Enabling Digital Expansion and Seamless Integration
The comprehensive platform offered by Paytm facilitates the expansion of businesses’ digital presence by seamlessly integrating payment, branding, and commerce solutions. Paytm, India’s leading payment app, has been instrumental in driving mobile QR payments across the country. Paytm also provides numerous financial services to its consumers and dealers through collaboration with financial institutions, catering to the needs of small traders.
RBI Imposes Penalties on Axis Bank, J&K Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied a monetary penalty of Rs 2.5 crore on Jammu & Kashmir Bank for failing to comply with certain RBI directives. The penalty stems from the bank’s inability to follow the RBI’s instructions on the central repository of substantial common exposures across banks, loans, and advances, as well as statutory and other constraints. Additionally, the bank did not ensure the timely implementation and strengthening of SWIFT-related operational controls. The RBI’s statutory inspection conducted on March 31, 2021, revealed non-compliance with these directions.
Axis Bank Fined for Violating RBI Guidelines on Credit Card Accounts
Axis Bank has been levied a monetary penalty of Rs 30 lakh by the RBI for non-compliance with certain provisions of the RBI’s directions on Prudential Norms on Income Recognition, Asset Classification, and Provisioning pertaining to Advances – Credit Card Accounts. The penalty derives from the bank imposing late payment penalties on select accounts for credit card dues that were paid on time through third-party platforms.
Bank of Maharashtra Penalized for Breaching RBI’s Directives on Loans and ATMs
The RBI has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1.45 crore on Bank of Maharashtra for non-compliance with specific directions issued by the RBI. The penalty is for the bank’s failure to follow the RBI’s Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions rules, as well as the Advisory on Man in the Middle (MiTM) Attacks in ATMs.
During the RBI’s inspection, it was discovered that the bank had sanctioned a term loan to a corporation without conducting proper due diligence on the viability and bankability of the projects for which the loan was provided. Furthermore, the bank failed to deploy the requisite ATM control measures on schedule, notably the end-to-end encryption of communication between the ATM terminal/PC and the ATM Switch.
Amit Shah lays foundation stone of ‘Balidan Stambh’ in Srinagar
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the construction of ‘Balidan Stambh’ in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar on 24 June.
An Overview of the News
The opening ceremony took place at a park near Lal Chowk, the commercial centre of Srinagar. The ‘Sacrifice Pillar’ is a monument that is being built as part of the Srinagar Smart City project. The memorial’s goal is to honour the valiant warriors who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
About Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India until August 2019, which was bifurcated as two union territories namely Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on 31 August 2019.
- Capital- Srinagar (May-October), Jammu (November-April)
- Lieutenant Governor – Manoj Sinha
- Legislative Council – 36 seats
- Legislative Assembly – 89 seats
Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Justice – Koteshwar Singh
India and US agreed to end six trade disputes at WTO
India and the US have agreed to end six trade disputes at the WTO through mutually agreed solutions.
Customs tariffs on 28 American items, including almonds, walnuts, and apples, will be eliminated in India. India decided to lift retaliatory tariffs on steel and aluminium imposed in response to Section 232 national security measures. The US had imposed 25 per cent and 10 per cent import duties on certain Indian steel and aluminium products on the grounds of national security in 2018. After that, India had imposed customs duties on 28 American products in 2019. Now, US has agreed to provide market access to certain Indian steel and aluminium products.
Both countries have agreed to terminate six outstanding disputes at the WTO. The six cases are as follows:
- Countervailing measures on certain hot-rolled carbon steel flat products from India
- Certain measures relating to solar cells and modules
- Measures relating to the renewable energy sector
- Export-related measures
- Certain measures on steel and aluminium products
- Additional duties on some products from the US
The US is the largest trading partner of India. In 2022-23, the bilateral goods trade increased to USD 128.8 billion as compared to USD 119.5 billion in 2021-22.
NTPC gets the prestigious “Most Preferred Workplace of 2023-24” title.
NTPC Ltd has been honoured with the prestigious title of “Most Preferred Workplace of 2023-24” by Team Marksmen. This award was presented to recognise NTPC’s outstanding performance in a variety of critical areas, including Organisational Purpose, Employee Centricity, Growth, and so on.
Sital Kumar along with other officials received the award on behalf of NTPC. This award highlights NTPC’s dedication to achieving excellence in human resource development and management via continuous improvement, engagement, and learning opportunities. Because of its innovative and “People Before PLF” (Plant Load Factor) strategy, NTPC has become a favoured employer.
Team Marksmen in association with India Today and Business Standard has conducted the award.
NTPC Limited:
- It is India’s largest power generation company.
- It is under the ownership of the Ministry of Power.
- It was founded in 1975.
- Gurdeep Singh is its Chairman and MD.
India’s largest private rail coach factory was inaugurated in Kondakal village, Telangana.
The rail coach plant was opened on June 22 by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd of Hyderabad established it in collaboration with Swiss railway rolling stock maker Stadler Rail. With an investment of over Rs 805 crore, the first phase of the factory has been set up in about 100 acres.
It has an annual production capacity of 500 coaches and 50 locomotives. The plant has reportedly provided employment to over 550 people so far and 1,000 more will be added soon.
The company inked an agreement with the State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation in 2017 to establish a private rail coach plant, and the foundation stone was laid in 2020. Medha Servo Drives is the leading provider of propulsion equipment to Indian Railways. The Medha Servo Drives designs and manufactures electrical and electronic railway products. It is also only Indian firm with in-house research and development (R&D) facilities.
Dr Vanessa Kerry appointed as WHO DG Special Envoy for Climate Change
WHO has appointed Dr Vanessa Kerry as the first-ever WHO Director-General Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health.
She is a renowned global health expert and medical doctor and CEO of Seed Global Health.
She will play a pivotal role in amplifying WHO’s climate and health messaging and undertake high-level advocacy.
Climate change is emerging as the greatest health challenge of the 21st century, impacting various aspects of human well-being.
