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 16 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 16 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 – 16 June 2023
UK Appoints Jane Marriott As First Woman Envoy To Pakistan
UK Appoints Jane Marriott As First Woman Envoy To Pakistan
The United Kingdom has named veteran diplomat Jane Marriott as the next British High Commissioner to Pakistan, making her the country’s first female envoy to Islamabad. Jane Marriott, 47, had served as the High Commissioner to Kenya from September 2019. She would be replacing Dr Christian Turner, who left Pakistan in January after serving as the envoy since December 2019. Ms Marriott brings a wealth of thematic and regional experience to her new role having joined the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in 2001, following roles in the Cabinet Office and Home Office.
Why Jane Marriott appoints?
- The appointment of a female British High Commissioner to Pakistan is a significant milestone. It demonstrates the UK’s commitment to gender equality and to building ties with Pakistan.
- Marriott is a well-respected diplomat with a wealth of experience. She is a strong advocate for women’s rights and has worked to promote gender equality in her previous roles.
- Her appointment is a welcome development and is a sign of the UK’s commitment to working with Pakistan to build a more prosperous and inclusive future for both countries.
Here are some of the challenges that Marriott will face in her new role:
- Terrorism: Pakistan is a critical front in the fight against terrorism. The UK has been a key supporter of Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, but the threat remains a major challenge.
- Economic instability: Pakistan’s economy is facing a number of challenges, including high inflation, low growth, and a large current account deficit. The United Kingdom can assist Pakistan in addressing these difficulties and promoting economic progress.
- Human rights: Pakistan has a poor human rights record. The UK can use its influence to promote human rights in Pakistan, including the rights of women and minorities.
Marriott is a capable diplomat with a strong track record. She is well-equipped to address the challenges facing Pakistan and to strengthen the UK-Pakistan relationship.
International Day Of Family Remittances 2023: Date, Theme, Significance and History
International Day of Family Remittances 2023
The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is a universally-recognized observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and celebrated every year on 16 June. The Day honours the efforts of over 200 million migrants to improve the lives of their 800 million family members back home and to provide a bright future for their children. Half of these flows go to rural areas, where poverty and hunger are concentrated, and where remittances count the most.
Theme of International Day of Family Remittances 2023
According to the United Nations, the theme of International Day of Family Remittances 2023 is “Digital remittances towards financial inclusion and cost reduction.”
Significance of International Day of Family Remittances
International Day of Family Remittances advocates policies and measures to increase financial inclusions and creates an environment to enhance the remittance benefits for both the migrant workers and their families.
The day celebrates the resilience, loyalty, and love demonstrated by migrant workers who provide for their families from overseas. According to United Nations, “The Day recognises the contribution of over 200 million migrants to improve the lives of their 800 million family members back home, and to create a future of hope for their children. Half of these flows go to rural areas, where poverty and hunger are concentrated, and where remittances count the most.”
History of International Day of Family Remittances
The history of International Day of Family Remittances dates back to 2008. On June 16, 2008, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Bank jointly observed the first-ever International Day of Family Remittances, with the goal of emphasising the role of migrant workers and their remittances in improving the economies of developing countries. Different financial organisations, policymakers, and other stakeholders, participated in the event, and discussed the positive impact of remittances on the economic development of countries worldwide.
The day received global recognition and support by various organisations and finally on 16 June 2015, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution and declared 16 June as official International Day of Family Remittances.
Warkari Community Celebrated Palkhi Festival In Maharashtra
Palkhi festival is an annual yatra to Pandharpur – the seat of the Hindu god Vithoba in Maharashtra, in honour of the deity.
About the festival:
The Palkhi starts in the month of Jyeshth (June). Every year on the eleventh day of the first half of the month of Ashadh (July), the Palkhi reaches Pandharpur( a pilgrimage town on the banks of Candrabhagā River in Solapur District, Maharashtra). The devotees take a holy dip in the sacred Chandrabhaga River before proceeding to visit the Vithoba/Vitthal temple in Pandharpur. The whole process lasts a total of 22 days.
History:
Palkhi is a 1000-year-old Maharashtrian practise that is still practised by its followers known as warkaris (those who follow tradition ‘Wari’). In the year 1685, Narayan Baba, the youngest son of Sant Tukaram started the Wari tradition. The word ‘Warkari’ is derived from Wari, which means to travel. Warkaris are devotees of Lord Vitthal or Lord Vithoba. Vithoba is a form of the god ‘Vishnu’ & it means ‘Lord who stands on a brick’
About the Hindu calendar:
- Our national calendar is based on the Saka Era, with Chaitra being the first month and 365 days in a year.
- It was adopted from 22 March 1957 along with the Gregorian calendar for the official purposes
Uttam Lal Appointed As NHPC’S Director Of Personnel
Uttam Lal Appointed as NHPC’s Director of Personnel
Uttam Lal has been appointed Director (Personnel) at NHPC Limited India, India’s premier hydropower corporation. Mr. Lal previously worked at NTPC Limited as the Chief General Manager (HR-CSR/R&R/LA). With an extensive background of over 35 years, he brings immense expertise in Personnel Management, Industrial Relations, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Mr. Lal’s considerable expertise and experience in the power sector make him a valuable asset, as he tries to successfully use human resources’ potential to contribute to the organization’s goals and vision.
About the NHPC Limited India
NHPC Limited is a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. It is the largest hydropower development organization in India, with an installed capacity of over 8,000 MW. NHPC has also diversified into other renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. The company was incorporated in 1975 with an authorized capital of ₹2,000 million. The first project undertaken by NHPC was the Baira Suil Power Station in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh.
NHPC has a proven track record of project completion. Over 50 hydropower projects have been completed by the business, including the 2,400 MW Nathpa Jhakri Dam in Himachal Pradesh and the 1,300 MW Bhakra Dam in Punjab.
NHPC is also involved in the development of several large hydropower projects, such as the 3,900 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh and the 8,000 MW Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project in Jammu and Kashmir.
The company has a strong focus on social and environmental sustainability. NHPC has implemented several measures to mitigate the environmental impact of its projects. The company has also set up a number of social development initiatives, such as schools, hospitals, and roads, in the areas where it operates.
NHPC is a profitable company. The company’s net profit for the financial year 2022-23 was ₹3,834 crore. NHPC has declared a dividend of ₹0.45 per share for the financial year 2022-23.
Reliance Tira Set To Sign Suhana Khan, Kiara Advani & More As Brand Ambassadors
Tira, Reliance Retail’s beauty retail initiative, is making deliberate measures to expand its footprint in India’s thriving beauty retail industry. Tira is preparing to launch a nationwide marketing campaign with an omni-channel retail approach and a variety of items in various pricing classes. As part of this initiative, the company has signed popular Bollywood actresses Suhana Khan, Kiara Advani, and Kareena Kapoor Khan as its first brand ambassadors. This move aims to leverage their star power and capture the attention of consumers across the country.
Tira’s Retail Strategy and Expansion
Tira is positioning itself as a strong competitor in the beauty retail market, competing with players like Nykaa, Tata Clique Palette, and SS Beauty. The company has adopted an omni-channel retail strategy, combining both online and offline sales channels. Its online beauty app is already available in over 100 cities, and in April, the company opened its first physical store in Mumbai’s Jio World Drive mall.
The Booming Beauty Market in India
The beauty and personal care market in India is experiencing significant growth, driven by factors such as aspirational demand, the influence of social media, and aggressive marketing efforts by companies. According to research by IMARC, the market was valued at $26.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $38 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.45% between 2023 and 2028. Increasing discretionary spending and the rising number of high-street stores are further contributing to the demand in the beauty market.
Investing in Enhanced Retail Experiences
Beauty retailers are spending considerably in improving the in-store experience for customers. Hiring beauty consultants with certain skill sets to provide cosmetics application techniques, knowledge about different skin types, virtual try-on tools, and personalised advice is one example. As per a report by Avendus, the overall beauty and personal care market is expected to reach Rs 2.2 lakh crore by 2025, growing four times higher than the previous year.
Reliance Retail’s Tira is poised to make a significant impact in the beauty retail industry in India with the signing of renowned Bollywood actresses as brand ambassadors. With an omni-channel approach and a focus on meeting the diverse needs of consumers across different price segments, Tira aims to capitalize on the growing beauty market. By investing in both online and offline retail experiences, Tira is well-positioned to attract customers and compete with established players in the industry.
Google Faces Charges From Eu For Engaging In Anti-Competitive Adtech Practices
Google faces charges from EU
Google’s adtech business may have to be sold to address concerns around anti-competitive practices, according to the European Union. In a statement of concerns, the commission cited practises such as preferential treatment of Google advertising services, which might result in a fine of 10% of the company’s annual global turnover.
Google faces charges from EU: Key Points
- Around 79% of Google’s total revenue is generated by advertising, with its 2022 advertising revenue totalling $224.5bn.
- The company has disagreed with the commission’s charges and has a few months to respond. It could also potentially settle by offering stronger remedies than previously proposed.
EU investigation:
Vestager confirmed that investigations into Google’s privacy sandbox and plan to limit access to its advertising identifier for third parties on Android will continue.
- The European Publishers Council applauded the accusation and lodged a complaint with the Commission in 2019.
- The Commission accuses Google of favouring its own display advertising technology services over those of its competitors to the detriment of advertisers and publishers. Google holds 28% of global ad revenue.
- The company sought to settle the case within three months of the investigation’s launch, but regulators found the pace and concessions offered to be inadequate.
KIIT-Hosted 1st Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav Comes To An End In Odisha
1st Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav Comes to an End in Odisha
The KIIT hosted the inaugural Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav, which is a spectacular sporting event that came to a close on June 12. Around 5,000 indigenous athletes and 1,000 officials from 26 states have participated in the event.
1st Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav: Why is it important?
- It is a joint endeavor of the Odisha Government and the Union Ministry of Culture.
- Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Dr Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, all attended the event’s opening ceremony.
- During the ceremony, the speakers expressed their belief that KIIT and KISS were the logical choices to host the event.
- Dr Samanta highlighted the event’s exceptional nature, specifically its merger of sports and culture, tribal communities and sports, and the amalgamation of tradition and modernity.
Overall Standings
- The first-ever Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav, a sporting event dedicated to indigenous communities, was a grand display of skill and ability.
- This spectacular event attracted 5,000 tribal athletes from 26 Indian states.
- Karnataka demonstrated their strong competitive nature and achieved the second-place position in the overall standings.
- Jharkhand also exhibited their remarkable talent and secured the third-place position, adding to the thrill and intensity of the occasion.
- Odisha demonstrated their remarkable skills in the competitive sport of Kabaddi, winning the men’s category to demonstrate their superiority.
- On the other hand, Karnataka demonstrated their strength and determination in the women’s division, claiming the top spot.
- Likewise, in the exciting sport of volleyball, Karnataka exhibited outstanding teamwork and strategic prowess, securing first place in both the men’s and women’s categories.
1st Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav: Aim and Vision
The 1st Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav served as a platform to not only celebrate sports but also promote tribal sports and unity. It created a chance for athletes from various backgrounds to demonstrate their abilities and cultivate a feeling of togetherness among the states involved.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Honoured With ‘Governor Of The Year’ Award
The Reserve Bank of India’s Governor, Shaktikanta Das was honored with the title of ‘Governor of the Year 2023′ by Central Banking in London.
Reason: For his role in managing inflation and handling India’s banking system during crises like the COVID pandemic and global turmoils
He is the second RBI governor after Raghuram Rajan, who was honored with this title in 2015. While the National Bank of Ukraine was presented with the 2023 Central Bank of the Year.
Russia’s Sberbank Launches Indian Rupee Accounts For Individuals
Russia’s dominant lender, Sberbank has launched Indian rupee accounts for individuals.
Aim: To expand the range of foreign currencies available to reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar and euro.
Sberbank has more than 100 million retail clients and already offers deposits in China’s yuan and UAE dirhams.
Rupee accounts would also be available to clients.
Sberbank would also raise rates on dirham deposits by 100 basis points for a six-week period.
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Flags Off Gabon’s First Agri-Sez Project
Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan has flagged off the first Agri- SEZ project of Gabon from New Delhi on June 14, 2023.
This project will be implemented by the AOM group with Centurion University as the technical and knowledge partner.
In the first phase 30 farmers and 20 B.Sc./M.Sc. Agri and B.Tech/M.Tech Engineering students from Gajapati district, Odisha will be traveling together as agri-technical and technical consultants for the agriculture SEZ.
