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 30 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 30 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 – 30 June 2023
International Asteroid Day 2023: Date, Significance and History
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution (A/RES/71/90) in December 2016 designating June 30th as International Asteroid Day. The goal of this day is to remember the Tunguska impact, which occurred on June 30, 1908, in Siberia, Russian Federation. Additionally, the day aims to raise public awareness about the potential hazards posed by asteroid impacts and educate people about the global crisis communication measures to be taken in the event of a credible near-Earth object threat.
The General Assembly made this decision based on a request made by the Association of Space Explorers and approved by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
Significance of World Asteroid Day
World Asteroid Day is dedicated to preparing the planet for an asteroid impact. Another goal for the day is to speed up the discovery of asteroids. Scientists think that only a small percentage of asteroids have been detected in space thus far, with hundreds more still to be discovered.
As per the UN website, The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) employs well-defined communication strategies and procedures to help governments analyse potential asteroid impacts and plan mitigating responses. The Space Mission Planning Advisory committee (SMPAG) is an inter-space agency committee that evaluates near-Earth Object deflection technologies and seeks consensus on planetary security proposals.
History of International Asteroid Day
Near-Earth objects (NEOs) are asteroids or comets that come close to Earth’s orbit and pose potential catastrophic threats to our planet. NASA’s Center for NEO Studies has discovered over 16,000 Near Earth Asteroids. The Tunguska event in Siberia, Russia, on June 30, 1908, remains the largest recorded asteroid impact in Earth’s history.
A huge fireball described as a “superbolide” entered Earth’s atmosphere and dispersed over Chelyabinsk, Russia, on February 15, 2013. According to NASA, the asteroid had an estimated diameter of 18 metres and a mass of 11,000 tonnes.The impact energy of the Chelyabinsk Fireball was estimated to be around 440 kilotons of TNT explosives, making it the most energetic impact event since the Tunguska blast in 1908.
Recognizing the global nature of the NEO impact hazard, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has been actively involved in addressing this issue for many years. Cooperation among the international community is essential to identify NEOs that pose a threat and plan appropriate mitigation campaigns to ensure public safety.
To respond effectively to the NEO impact threat, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) endorsed recommendations in 2013. This led to the establishment of two initiatives in 2014: the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG).
The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) uses well-defined communication systems and protocols to help nations analyse the potential repercussions of an asteroid impact and organise mitigating strategies.
The Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) is an inter-agency forum that identifies the necessary technologies for deflecting near-Earth objects. It aims to build consensus on recommendations for measures to defend the planet from potential NEO threats.
IPS officer Ajay Bhatnagar appoints as Special Director in the CBI
The Cabinet Appointments Committee (ACC) has approved the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) applications for the appointment of these IPS personnel to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has appointed Ajay Bhatnagar (IPS) as Special Director. Bhatnagar is a 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Jharkhand cadre. He is currently serving as Additional Director in the Cental Govt investigating agency. According to a DoPT order, he has been appointed to the post till the date of his superannuation on November 20, 2024.
Other appointments
- Anurag (IPS) has been appointed the Additional Director in CBI. Anurag is 1994-batch IPS officer of Tripura cadre. He is currently employed by the agency as a Joint Director. He has been appointed to the position for a period of seven years, until July 24, 2023, or until further orders, whichever comes first.
- Manoj Sashidhar (IPS) has also been appointed the Additional Director in CBI. Sashidhar is a 1994-batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre. Presently he is posted as Joint Director in the same agenc . He has been appointed to the post for a period of three years with effect from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
- While, Sharad Agarwal (IPS), who is currently serving as Joint Director in CBI, has been given tenure extension for a period of one year. The services of Agarwal as Joint Director of CBI have been extended from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- CBI Founded: 1 April 1963;
- CBI Headquarters: New Delhi.
Deloitte appoints former SoftBank India head Manoj Kohli as senior advisor
Deloitte appoints former SoftBank India head Manoj Kohli
Manoj Kohli, an experienced expert, has been engaged as a senior advisor by Deloitte. Kohli held major positions such as Country Head of Softbank India over his 44-year career that spanned 30 nations.During his tenure, he played a crucial role in expanding the firm’s presence in the Indian digital start-up market. Prior to that, he served as the CEO and Managing Director of Bharati Airtel, where he successfully drove the company’s growth and market dominance in India’s telecommunications industry.
Kohli’s extensive knowledge in technology, telecommunications, renewables, and digital sectors makes him a valuable asset in providing guidance on strategic initiatives, innovation, adapting to the evolving business landscape, improving client experience, and generating value for stakeholders.
About the Deloitte
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, or Deloitte, is a worldwide professional services network based in London, England. Deloitte is the world’s largest professional services network in terms of revenue and number of professionals, and it is one of the Big Four accounting companies, along with EY, KPMG, and PwC. The firm was founded by William Welch Deloitte in London in 1845 and expanded into the United States in 1890. It merged with Haskins & Sells to form Deloitte Haskins & Sells in 1972 and with Touche Ross in the US to form Deloitte & Touche in 1989. In 1993, the international firm was renamed Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, later abbreviated to Deloitte. In 2002, Arthur Andersen’s practice in the UK as well as several of that firm’s practices in Europe and North and South America agreed to merge with Deloitte. Subsequent acquisitions have included Monitor Group, a large strategy consulting business, in January 2013. The international firm is a UK private company, limited by guarantee, supported by a network of independent legal entities. Deloitte provides audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax, and legal services with approximately 415,000 professionals globally. In FY 2021, the network earned revenues of US$50.2 billion in aggregate. The firm has sponsored a number of activities and events including the 2012 Summer Olympics.
GAIL Achieves Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) T3 Status
Introduction
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Ministry of Finance, has granted GAIL India Limited, a leading natural gas firm in India, the renowned Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) T3 designation. This recognition marks the highest level of facilitation for exporters and importers, positioning GAIL as a trusted and secure participant in international trade.
AEO Program
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) oversees the AEO programme, which aims to improve global supply chain security, reduce customs operations, and increase ease of doing business. It establishes a framework for customs administrations to collaborate with businesses in order to improve compliance while also facilitating lawful trade flows. By obtaining the AEO T3 status, GAIL India joins the league of esteemed companies that adhere to the highest standards of customs compliance and international trade best practices.
Enhanced Trade Facilitation
The AEO T3 status brings numerous benefits for GAIL India, positioning the company as a reliable and preferred trade partner in the global market. The certification streamlines customs procedures, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing the speed and efficiency of international trade transactions. GAIL can now leverage simplified customs clearance processes, reduced examination and documentation requirements, and prioritized treatment at ports and borders. These advantages translate into cost savings, improved supply chain management and a competitive edge in the industry.
Boost to Supply Chain Security
With its elevated AEO status, GAIL India reinforces its commitment to supply chain security and integrity. The company has demonstrated its robust internal controls, compliance with customs regulations, and adoption of secure business practices. The AEO T3 certification recognises GAIL’s efforts to mitigate global trade risks such as smuggling, fraud, and terrorism. As a trusted partner, GAIL contributes to maintaining the safety and reliability of the international supply chain, safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders involved.
Implications for GAIL India’s Financial Performance
GAIL India’s recent announcement of obtaining Authorized Economic Operator Tier-3 (AEO T3) status has had a positive impact on the market sentiment, leading to an upward trend in the company’s stock performance. Following this news, GAIL’s shares were traded at Rs 105.10, representing a 0.048% increase over the previous closing price of Rs 105.05 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Throughout the trading day, the stock achieved a high of Rs 105.20 and a low of Rs 103.70, demonstrating that investors are confident in GAIL’s increased trade facilitation skills and their positive outlook on the company’s future growth possibilities.
Important takeaways for competitive examination
- Sandeep Kumar Gupta is the chairman and managing director of GAIL
- Shri Vivek Johri is Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Custom
National Insurance Awareness Day 2023: 28 June
National Insurance Awareness Day is marked yearly on June 28th to create awareness of insurance, which provides a layer of security to guard against various situations, and the advantages of investing in an insurance plan. The day also serves as a reminder to people to check if all their insurance payments (or renewals) are up to date.
About the Insurance
Insurance is a legal agreement (financial tool) between two parties – the insurer (Insurance Company/provider) and the insured (Policy holder), also known as insurance coverage or insurance policy, in which the insurer provides financial coverage for the losses of the insured that s/he may bear under certain circumstances.
Evolution of Insurance in India:
- The Oriental Life Insurance Company was founded in Calcutta (now Kolkata, West Bengal) in 1818, marking the beginning of the life insurance industry in India.
- In 1914, the Government of India (GoI) started publishing returns of Insurance Companies in India.
- The Indian Life Assurance Companies Act of 1912 was the first statutory regulation of the life insurance industry.
- In 1956, an ordinance was issued nationalising the Life Insurance sector and Life InsuranceCorporation (LIC) came into existence
- The LIC of India was formed by an Act of Parliament (LIC, Act 1956), with a capital contribution of Rs. 5 Crores from GoI.
Note: The minimum paid-up equity capital of insurance companies is Rs.100 Crore. If the application is made for the business of Reinsurance, there must be documentary evidence proving that the paidup capital of the business is at least Rs. 200 crore.
Insurance penetration in India
i. According to the Economic Survey 2022-23, which was released on January 31, 2023, insurance penetration in India has increased from 2.7% in 2000 to 4.2% in 2020 and 3.2% in 2021.
Note: Insurance penetration is measured as the percentage of insurance premiums to Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
ii. In 2021, the total global insurance premiums rose by 3.4% in real terms, with the non-life insurance sector witnessing a 2.6% rise.
iii. Global premium growth in the life insurance industry is expected to be 4.5%.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Establishment- 1956;
- Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Chairperson- Siddhartha Mohanty;
- Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra.
TS Singh Deo appointed Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister
Mallikarjun Kharge named TS Singh Deo as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. Singh Deo’s appointment was announced at the Congress headquarters in Delhi at a review meeting to discuss the impending Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. In 2018, when the Congress returned to power in Chhattisgarh after 15 years, a war of supremacy had broken out between Bhupesh Baghel and TS Singh Deo, over the chief minister’s chair. Later, it was decided that the CM post would be fixed for Baghel for two-and-a-half years and for Deo for the remaining half.
Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections Loom as Power-Sharing Agreement Controversy Persists
However, the formula was not implemented and several attempts were made to corner Deo. Since then, Singh Deo and CM Bhupesh Baghel have been at loggerheads. The 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly election is slated for November of this year, with all 90 members of the state’s Legislative Assembly being elected. According to the TS Singh Deo camp, there was a rotating power-sharing arrangement that the party did not honour. There have also been allegations that the Chief Minister’s supporters have tried to undermine Mr Singh Deo.
The Battle for Power: Singh Deo and Baghel’s Rivalry in Chhattisgarh
Singh Deo has had a fractious relationship with Baghel, with both vying for the top post when the Congress swept to power in Chhattisgarh in 2018, by dislodging the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after winning 68 of 90 seats. Baghel, who was then state party president, and Singh Deo, then leader of the party in the state legislature, spent several days in Delhi, attempting to thrash out a solution. Those close to Singh Deo argued that a two-and-a-half year rotational system, where he would take over for the second half of the tenure, was thrashed out. This has always been rejected by the Baghel side. The issue caused conflict between the two leaders, causing the party’s top command to interfere in September 2021, when numerous MLAs gathered in Delhi to demonstrate their support for Baghel. As rumours of a change in guard swirled, Singh Deo resigned from one of his portfolios of rural development in July 2022.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Chhattisgarh Capital: Raipur (Executive Branch);
- ChhattisgarhGovernor: Biswabhusan Harichandan;
- ChhattisgarhChief minister: Bhupesh Baghel.
Operation Conviction’ has been launched by Uttar Pradesh for cow slaughter and child abuse cases
The Uttar Pradesh Police Department has launched ‘Operation Conviction’. The main aim of this operation is to expedite the prosecution of cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
It will also ensure the immediate arrest of criminals involved in cow slaughter, religious conversion, rape, and murder cases. It will ensure the collection of strong evidence against criminals, quality investigation, and effective representation of cases in courts.
UP police said that under this operation each commissionerate/district will identify 20 cases in each category in addition to cases registered under the POCSO Act. Charges on criminals will be framed within three days of the chargesheet being filed and the trial will be completed within 30 days.
District police chiefs will coordinate with district judges and request trail of these cases on a daily basis. Police commissioners/district police chiefs will also coordinate with the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to expedite the acquisition of lab reports. A monitoring cell will be also set up in each police commissioner or district police chief for monitoring the daily progress of the cases. A web portal will be also developed to track the progress of cases weekly.
Rohit Jawa becomes new MD and CEO of Hindustan Unilever
Rohit Jawa took charge as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL). He has taken the place of Sanjiv Mehta who retired after the company’s annual general meeting.
Shareholders approved the proposal to appoint Jawa as a Whole Time Director as well as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of HUL. He will receive an annual remuneration of Rs 21.43 crore and will also get a sum of Rs 4.83 crore as allowances in FY24.
Before this appointment, Jawa was the Chief of Transformation for Unilever in London. Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL):
It is a subsidiary of the British company Unilever. It was established in 1931 as Hindustan Vanaspati Manufacturing Co. It is headquartered in Mumbai. It is a consumer goods company.
Union Cabinet approved Ratification of the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between India and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
The Government of India (Gol) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) had signed the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) in August 2022.
In 2019, Cabinet had approved the setting up of CDRI along with its supporting Secretariat in New Delhi. It had also approved a financial support of Rs 480 crore to CDRI over a period of 5 years from 2019-20 to 2023-24.
In 2022, Cabinet approved recognition of CDRI as an International Organization. CDRI is part of India’s attempts to obtain a global leadership role in climate change and disaster resilience matters. The CDRI is a global partnership of National Governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, academic and knowledge institutions.
Its main aim is to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks by ensuring sustainable development. CDRI was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2019 in New York.
It is one of the key initiatives launched by the Indian Government. CDRI is continuously expanding its membership consistently. After the launch of CDRI, Thirty-one Countries, six International Organizations, and two private sector organizations have become members.
Economically advanced countries and developing countries which are vulnerable to climate change and disasters are becoming part of CDRI.
17th Indian Cooperative Congress will be inaugurated in New Delhi on 1 July.
17th Indian Cooperative Congress (ICC) will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The two days Indian Cooperative Congress will be organized by National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI).
The theme of ICC is “Amrit Kaal: Prosperity through Cooperation for a Vibrant India.” The Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will chair the ICC. The ICC aims to discuss various trends in the cooperative movement, showcase best practices being adopted by successful cooperatives, and deliberate on the challenges facing the cooperative world.
An exhibition showcasing various products of Self Help Groups and NCUI Cooperative Education Sector Projects will also be organized under the banner of NCUI Haat.
