28 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 28 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 28 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 – 28 June 2023

A book titled ‘The Yoga Sutra for Children’ by Roopa Pai

Why in news

Following the success of her award-winning bestselling book ‘The Gita for Children,’ author Roopa Pai’s new children’s book will reveal the mysteries of Patanjali’s 2,000-year-old Yoga classic. ‘The Yoga Sutras for Children’, published by Hachette India, aims to connect and relate the practice of Yoga to children’s everyday lives and helps them use their mind power to bring out the best in themselves.

The essence of the book

The book teaches Maharishi Patanjali’s techniques for “nurturing energies and attitudes, allowing them to do small and large things in a focused and balanced manner.” Featuring black-and-white artwork by illustrator Sayan Mukherjee, the book helps young readers to approach their increasingly complex lives with positivity and confidence. According to the publishers, Pai, in this “surprising” and “sparkling” book, unravels the secrets of Patanjali’s compact 2,000-year-old text in ways both fun and accessible.

Rajya Sabha MP Hardwar Dubey passes away

Hardwar Dubey, a senior politician of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh, died. He was a sitting MP elected to the Rajya Sabha in November 2020. The late Dubey, 74, was also elected as a member of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Agra Cantonment assembly segment in 1990s and served as a minister in the Kalyan Singh ministry in 1991. The late Dubey, who was loyal to the Sangh parivaar and its affiliate Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), was appointed state spokesperson and vice-president of the BJP in 2011 and 2013, respectively, before being elected to the Rajya Sabha.

IAF conducts Rannvijay exercise with integrated operations

Introduction

The Indian Air Force recently concluded Exercise Ranvijay, a series of integrated wargames aimed at enhancing the skills of fighter pilots. The exercise, which took place in the UB Hills and Central Air Command Areas of Responsibility from June 16 to June 23, focused on executing full spectrum operations with an emphasis on coordinated operations and the best use of the Air Force’s electronic warfare capabilities.

Objectives and Scope of Exercise Ranvijay

Exercise Ranvijay aimed to enhance the skills of fighter pilots through day and night operations involving combat aircraft like Su-30s. The exercise provided an opportunity for pilots to sharpen their operational capabilities and strengthen their proficiency in executing complex maneuvers. The focus on integrated operations highlighted the importance of coordination and synergy among different combat assets.

Location and Participation

The exercise was conducted from multiple air bases operated by the Central Air Command, which is based in Prayagraj. The UB Hills and the Central Air Command Area of Responsibility provided a suitable environment for conducting the wargames. Fighter pilots from different squadrons and units within the Indian Air Force actively participated in the exercise, demonstrating their expertise and teamwork.

Emphasis on Integrated Operations and Electronic Warfare Capabilities

Exercise Ranvijay placed particular emphasis on integrated operations, highlighting the need for coordination and cooperation among various combat assets. This strategy aimed to improve the Indian Air Force’s ability to carry out difficult missions. Furthermore, the exercise emphasised the Air Force’s electronic warfare capabilities, demonstrating their relevance in current conflict scenarios.

Strengthening Coordination and Integration

The Indian Air Force, along with the Army and Navy, has been conducting wargames to enhance coordination and strengthen integration among the three services. These joint exercises provide an opportunity for the armed forces to practice joint operations and improve their interoperability. Exercise Ranvijay contributed to fostering better understanding and cooperation between different branches of the Indian military.

Advancing the Plan for Theatre Commands

Following the successful execution of various joint exercises and addressing concerns, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have reached a consensus to proceed with the plan for establishing theatre commands(A joint command of army, air force and navy). Theatre commands are expected to enhance coordination and synergy among the three services by integrating their operational capabilities. This decision underscores the Indian military’s commitment to improving jointness and efficiency in the face of growing security concerns.

Important takeaways for competitive examinations

• Chief of Defence Staff — General Anil Chauhan
• Chief of the Army Staff — General Manoj Pandey
• Chief of the Naval Staff — Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar

Indian-Origin Satellite Industry Expert Aarti Holla-Maini Appointed as Director of UNOOSA

Why in news?

Aarti Holla-Maini, an acknowledged expert in the satellite sector of Indian descent, has been named Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Her appointment follows the tenure of Simonetta Di Pippo from Italy. The primary objective of UNOOSA is to promote global collaboration in the peaceful exploration and utilization of outer space, as well as the effective application of space science and technology to foster sustainable economic and social progress.

Extensive Experience in the Space Sector

With over 25 years of professional experience in the space sector, including managerial and advocacy roles, Aarti Holla-Maini brings a wealth of knowledge to her new position. Prior to her appointment as the Director of UNOOSA, she served as the Executive Vice-President of Sustainability, Policy & Impact at NorthStar Earth & Space. Prior to that, Holla-Maini served as Secretary-General of the Global Satellite Operators Association for an incredible 18 years.

Contributions to the Space Industry

Throughout her career, Aarti Holla-Maini has made significant contributions to the space industry. She served as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Space and was a member of the Advisory Group of the Space Sustainability Rating managed by the École Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) Space Center. She also served on the Advisory Board of the Satellite Industry Association of India and as a Senior Space Policy Advisor for Forum Europe. Between 2021 and 2023, Holla-Maini served as an Expert Advisor on Space Traffic Management for European Union research.

Key Involvement in Crisis Connectivity Charter

• Aarti Holla-Maini played a pivotal role in the development of the Crisis Connectivity Charter, established in 2015. This charter aimed to facilitate emergency telecommunications through satellite technology, working closely with the UN World Food Program’s Emergency Telecommunications Cluster.
• Her involvement in this initiative highlighted her dedication to leveraging satellite capabilities for humanitarian purposes.

Impressive Educational Background

Aarti Holla-Maini’s educational background further complements her professional achievements. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law with German law from Kings College London, United Kingdom, and a master’s degree in business administration from HEC Paris, France. She is also an International Space University alumni with proficiency in English, French, German, and Punjabi, as well as a working knowledge of Dutch.

Leading UNOOSA Toward a Brighter Future

As the newly appointed Director of UNOOSA, Aarti Holla-Maini is poised to steer the organization towards a future of enhanced international collaboration in outer space activities. With her extensive experience, expertise, and passion for leveraging space science and technology, she is well-equipped to drive sustainable economic and social progress through the peaceful exploration and utilization of outer space.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

• UNOOSA Founded: 13 December 1958;
• UNOOSA Headquarters: Vienna, Austria;
• UNOOSA Parent organization: United Nations Secretariat.

ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule, Date, Time & Location (Live)

ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule

The ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule has been issued by the organisation. From October 5 to November 19, 2023, India will host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The upcoming World Cup will feature a total of 10 teams. India, as the host nation, has secured direct qualification, along with Afghanistan, Australia, England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. These teams were chosen based on their performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League 2020-2023. The remaining two teams will be decided by the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

ICC World Cup 2023-Latest Updates

• The opening match of the tournament is scheduled to take place on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has announced that the final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
• Meanwhile, the first semi-final will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai while the second semi-final will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

ICC World Cup 2023- Tournament Venues

• Ten sites will be available: Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Dharamsala, Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
• Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram in addition to Hyderabad will host the warm-up matches from 29 September to 3 October.

Here’s a list of India’s tentative schedule for the ICC ODI World Cup:

Schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023

Priya A.S. received Sahitya Akademi Award 2023 for children’s literature

Priya A S, a gifted writer, was awarded the coveted Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023 in Malayalam for her work “Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal” (The Children Who Never Withered). This recognition adds to her previous achievement of winning the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Children’s Literature in 2020 for the same novel.

With the Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2023, Priya A S’s talent and creativity in children’s literature have been acknowledged once again. Her words connect with readers, capturing their imaginations and leaving an indelible impression. Priya’s writings are expected to inspire and captivate young minds as she continues her literary journey, cultivating a love of reading and storytelling among children.

Recognition for “Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal”

Priya A S’s novel “Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal,” published in 2018, has garnered significant acclaim. The book marked the beginning of the children’s literature section in the Malayalam news portal, IE Malayalam, a division of The Indian Express. It was featured as part of the Sammanapothi series by Poorna Books, introducing young readers to captivating narratives.

Priya was inspired to write “Perumazhayathe Kunjithalukal” by the disastrous Kerala floods of 2018. Priya watched the fortitude and solidarity demonstrated by youngsters from varied backgrounds in the face of the tragedy while working at the relief camps set up by the instrumentation department of Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) in Kochi. These experiences formed the backdrop of her novel, providing a unique perspective on the events.

About The Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar

The Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puraskar, awarded by the Sahitya Akademi, carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and an engraved copper plaque. The winners in each language are selected by panels of three members. Dr. Paul Manalil, B S Rajeev, and Mundoor Sethumadhavan served as the jury members for Malayalam. Priya’s novel emerged as the winner among the ten recommended books considered for the award.

Previous Accolades and Achievements

Priya A S’s literary prowess has earned her previous accolades as well. In 2014, she was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize for her Malayalam translation of Arundhati Roy’s Booker Prize-winning novel, “The God of Small Things.” This honour emphasised her talent and commitment to the literary world.

Personal Background and Dedication to Writing

Born in 1967 in Eramalloor, Cherthala, in Kerala’s Alappuzha district, Priya A S pursued her education in English literature at Maharajas’s College in Kochi. She later obtained a master’s degree through a private course. Recently retired as a section officer from Cusat, she currently resides in her ancestral house in Eramalloor with her parents and her son Tanmoy. Writing has been a passionate pursuit for Priya, and her dedication to storytelling has brought her well-deserved recognition.

Alappuzha doctor, K. Venugopal bags Indian Medical Association (IMA) award

A Chief Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at General Hospital, Alappuzha, Dr. K. Venugopal has been selected for an award instituted by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to commemorate National Doctors’ Day on July 1.

He was selected under the category of community service.

He will receive the award at a function to be held at IMA headquarters in New Delhi on July 1.

Indian Medical Association was Formed in 1928 & is Headquartered in New Delhi.

Historian David Hardiman’s new book released

Historian David Hardiman has released his new book ‘Non-Cooperation in India: Non-Violent Strategy and Protest’.

It is published by Westland Books.

The non-cooperation movement by the Indian National Congress (INC) was the first mass movement organized nationwide during India’s struggle for freedom, which was organized and led by Gandhi Ji.

The book is comprising seven chapters and is a detailed account of India’s first mass movement.

DBS Bank India appoints Rajat Verma as Managing Director

DBS Bank India has appointed Rajat Verma as managing director and head of institutional banking.

He will succeed Niraj Mittal, who will be taking up a new role as country head of DBS Bank in Australia.

Rajat Verma was formerly with HSBC as the MD and country head of Commercial Banking in India.

He will lead the growth of the institutional banking franchise for DBS Bank in India given the significantly expanded footprint of the lender.