NATIONAL:
1. Indian Ocean Dipole
Why in news - High hopes are pinned on the development of a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and its ability to counterbalance the El Nino effect.
Key Points –
• El Nino phenomenon is almost certain to affect the Indian monsoon this year.
• The IOD is an ocean-atmosphere interaction in the Indian Ocean. (very similar to the El Nino fluctuations in the Pacific Ocean).
• Much weaker system than El Nino, thus has relatively limited impacts.
• A positive IOD does have the potential to offset the impacts of El Nino. It was shown once in 1997.
• The IOD was identified as an independent system only in 1999.
About IOD (Indian Nino) –
• Happens relatively in smaller area of the Indian Ocean.
• East - Indonesian and Malaysian coastline. West - African coastline near Somalia.
• One side of the ocean, along the equator, gets warmer than the other.
• Positive IOD –
(a) the western side of the Indian Ocean, near the Somalia coast, becomes warmer than the eastern Indian Ocean.
(b) A positive IOD event is often seen developing at times of an El Nino.
(c) helps rainfall along the African coastline and also over the Indian sub-continent.
(d) suppressing rainfall over Indonesia, southeast Asia and Australia.
• Negative IOD –
(a) western Indian Ocean is cooler.
(b) negative IOD is sometimes associated with La Nina.
2. Meira Paibis (1977)
Why in news - Home Minister Amit Shah met with the Meira Paibis as part of his meetings with various civil society groups.
Key Points –
• Meira Paibis (women torch bearers) are Meitei women who come from all sections of society in the Imphal valley.
• They are also known as Imas or Mothers of Manipur and are widely respected, and represent a powerful moral force.
• Loosely organised, usually led by groups of senior women.
• One of the largest grassroots movements in the world.
• Focus - fighting alcoholism and drug abuse, countering human rights violations and the development of society at large.
3. Dr. Kalaignar Pen Monument
Why in news - Union Ministry of environment, forest and climate change has accorded Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the project.
Key Points –
• Location - 360 metres into the Bay of Bengal, off the Marina.
• Aim - to celebrate the contributions of former CM and Dravidian leader M Karunanidhi to Tamil literature.
• Tamil Nadu has sought the center’s permission under Section 4 (ii) (j) of CRZ notification, amended in March 22, 2016, for constructing it.
• National Centre for Coastal Research – Chennai.
About Pen Monument –
• Complex include - a pen pedestal, a lattice bridge above the beach and a land and pedestrian pathway above the sea.
• Design is based on the Veena, a traditional Carnatic musical instrument.
• Design for the landscaped garden on the memorial pedestal is inspired by Sikku Kolam, a traditional drawing made by Tamil women in their homes.
• Infrastructure and environmental consultant - Hubert Enviro Care Systems.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Why in news - Kyriakos Mitsotakis sworn in as Prime Minister of Greece.
Key Points –
• Party - New Democracy party (Centre-right).
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES:
1. Operation Greens Scheme
Why in news - Tomato price rise (Rs 100/kg) put focus on Operation Greens scheme.
Key Points –
• Reasons –
(a) Cobweb phenomenon - sudden price fall in April-May 2023 which led many growers to abandon their crops.
(b) unusual heat of March and April
(c) pest attacks
• India grows two major crops of tomato –
(a) rabi crop (5 lakh hectares) - Junnar taluka (MH) and in parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
(b) kharif crop (8-9 lakh hectares) - Uttar Pradesh, Nashik (MH), and elsewhere in the country.
• Ripening time - 3 months.
About Operation Greens (November, 2018) –
• Launched by - Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
• Aim –
(a) for integrated development of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) value chain.
(b) enhance value realization of TOP farmers
(c) price stabilization for producers and consumers etc.
• State-wise funds are not allocated as the scheme is demand-driven.
• Expanded operation greens scheme covers 22 perishables including shrimp.
SCIENCE – TECH:
1. Lithium-ion Battery
Why in news - John B Goodenough died on June 25 at the age of 100.
Key Points –
• His work sparked the wireless revolution that made portable electronics ubiquitous.
• His contribution to lithium-ion battery technology in 1980 helped him win the 2019 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
About Lithium-ion Battery –
• Whittingham developed the first lithium-based rechargeable battery. (drawback - either explode or catch fire in case of overcharging or repeated recharging).
• Use aqueous electrolyte solutions.
• Paved the way for the emergence of mobile phones and laptops.
• Nearly 100% efficient in both charging and discharging
• Cleaner technology and is safer for the environment as it does not have environmental impact as lead acid battery.
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES:
1. 8th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit 2023
Why in news - Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the summit 2023 in Mumbai.
Key Points –
• Theme - Patient Centricity: New Paradigm of Manufacturing and Quality.
• Host - Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA).
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Aarti Holla-Maini
Why in news - Aarti Holla-Maini to take over as the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna.
Key Points –
• Appointed by - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
• She replaced Simonetta Di Pippo of Italy.
• She is one of the chief architects of the Crisis Connectivity Charter (2015) to cater to emergency telecommunications via satellite.
UNOOSA –
• Promote international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
• Implements the United Nations Programme on Space Applications (PSA).
• Maintains the Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space.
BOOKS & AUTHORS:
1. Book “The Yoga Sutra for Children”
Why in news - Roopa Pai authored a new book titled “The Yoga Sutras for Children”.
Key Points –
• It introduces Maharishi Patanjali’s techniques to nurture energies and attitudes, enabling focused and balanced actions.
• Her other books - The Gita for Children.
BIHAR:
1. Patna-Ranchi Vande Bharat
Why in news - Ranchi-Patna Vande Bharat was flagged off remotely by PM Modi on June 27, 2023.
Key Points –
• Commercial run of the train started from Patna junction on June 28, 2023.
2. SMART-PDS
Why in news - State cabinet approved the proposal for signing of a MoU between the state and Centre for implementation of SMART-PDS.
Key Points –
• SMART-PDS - Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System.
• SMART-PDS is a centrally sponsored scheme for bringing in reforms in the PDS system through new technology.
Other Decisions –
• State cabinet gave nod to the subsidy scheme to promote cattle farming of indigenous breeds.
• Subsidy for cowshed installation, purchase of cattle and farming management –
(a) 75% - for scheduled caste/scheduled tribe and extremely backward classes.
(b) 50% - general category beneficiaries.
• SBI Capital Markets (SBI CAPS) was engaged as a “transaction advisor” and Metal Scrap Trading Company (MSTC) for providing the platform for auction of the mineral reserves discovered recently in the state.
POINTERS:
• Which ministry has launched NANDI (NOC Approval for New Drug and Inoculation System) Portal - Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• Centuries old Kharchi Puja began in which state – Tripura.
• Union Agriculture Ministry has signed an MoU with which company to develop various geospatial solutions, mainly for monitoring the health of crops and soil - Pixxel Space India Pvt. Ltd.
• The World Bank has approved a loan of what amount to improve technical education in government-run institutions - USD 255.5 million loan.
• Odisha has launched the Odisha Gunvatta Sankalp (Odisha Quality Mission) in Bhubaneswar in collaboration with which body - Quality Council of India (QCI).
• Which company has launched the "Jeetenge Hum" campaign to boost support and morale for Team India ahead of the 2023 World Cup - Adani Group.
• Who has won the Czech Ladies Open - Indian golfer Diksha Dagar.
• Which body has released the National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2023 report - Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex (ISC) 'Dhruv' at which naval command - Southern Naval Command, Kochi.
• A skin bank — a first for North India — was inaugurated in which city - Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital.