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 AFFAIRSCLOUD TODAY
Current Affairs 8 June 2023 : Headlines

1. PM Narendra Modi Launched 2 Schemes Amrit Dharohar and MISHTI Yojana to revive wetlands
and mangroves
2. Tracking SDG7: 2.3 people use polluting fuel & 675 million have no electricity
3. Sixth edition of India-Maldives Exercise ‘Ekatha’ begin in Maldives
4. JPMorgan Partners with 6 Indian banks to trial blockchain-based U.S. dollar settlement
5. SIDBI signs pact with HDFC Bank to offer Financial Solutions to MSMEs
6. Bajaj Finserv Launches its MF Business, Bajaj Finserv Mutual Fund
7. HDFC Bank Introduces Millennia Credit Card
8. World Bank trims India’s Growth Forecast to 6.3% for 2023
9. Microsoft India & AirJaldi signs MoU to offer internet access to underserved in 12 states
10. Prathapa Reddy took charge as Chairman of APGVB; succeeds K. Praveen Kumar
11. Competition Commission of India approves deal involving Manipal Group
12. Indian Navy partners with QNu Labs to Procure Quantum Encryption Systems
13. GalaxEye Space to launch world’s 1st Multi-Sensor Earth Observation Satellite ‘Drishti’
14. Israel Conducts the First Test of an Autonomous Flying Taxi to ease Traffic Congestion
15. Gracixalus patkaiensis: New Species of Green Tree Frog Discovered from NTR, Arunachal
Pradesh
16. World Food Safety Day 2023 – June 7
17. UP Govt launched “Nand Baba Milk Mission” Scheme & Family ID Portal under ‘One Family One
Identity’ Scheme
18. The central Government sanctioned Rs 12,911 crore for the Polavaram project in Andhra
Pradesh.
19. NHPC & Torrent Power signed MoU with Maharashtra for pumped hydro projects
20. Bihar & AAI signs MOUs to construct new Civil Enclaves at Darbhanga & Purnea Airport

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 NATIONAL AFFAIRS
PM Narendra Modi Launched 2 Schemes Amrit Dharohar and MISHTI Yojana to revive wetlands
and mangroves
On World Environment Day 2023 (June 05, 2023), Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi launched two schemes
named Amrit Dharohar Yojana and MISHTI Yojana (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats
and Tangible Incomes) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), to revive
wetlands and mangroves across India.

• As per the statement of PM, the number of wetlands and Ramsar sites in India have increased almost
three times in the past nine years.
Amrit Dharohar Yojana:
The scheme was launched to conserve the existing Ramsar sites and achieve sustainable ecosystem
development through public participation over the next three years, and make them as the centres of eco-
tourism and a source of green jobs for thousands of people.
MISHTI Yojana:
i.Backdrop: In the Union Budget 2023-24, the Union govt announced the scheme MISHTI for mangrove
plantation along the coastline and on salt pan lands, wherever feasible, through convergence between
MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), CAMPA (Compensatory
Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) Fund and other sources.
ii.The scheme envisages to comprehensively explore the possible area for the development of mangroves
covering nearly 540 sq km, spreading across 11 states and two union territories over 5 years, starting from
FY24.
iii.It would facilitate in reviving and protecting the mangrove ecosystem and restore the mangrove cover in
nine states across India. As part of the launch of MISHTI, mangrove plantation programs were organized at 75
mangrove sites in those 9 states.
• Union Minister of State for Tourism, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shripad Naik planted mangrove
saplings at Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Chorao, as part of the launch of MISHTI scheme.
• The program was organized in association with the Forest department, government of Goa and
Wildlife and Ecotourim, Campal Range, North Goa, to mark World Environment Day 2023 on June 5,
2023.
iv.Under the scheme, best practices on plantation techniques, management practices, conservation measures
and resource mobilization would be shared through the public-private partnership route.
v.The schemes would also help in mitigating the threat to lives and livelihoods in coastal areas from rising sea
levels and disasters like cyclones.
vi.The Union Government will covers 80% of the project cost, while state governments contribute the
remaining 20%.
Note – PM noted that to get rid of single-use plastic India started working on both central and state levels in
2018 with banning the single-use plastic and made the plastic waste processing mandatory.

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 • Due to this, there has been a compulsory recycling of about 3 million tonnes of plastic packaging in
India, which is 75%of the total annual plastic waste produced in India, and around 10,000
producers, importers and brands have come under its ambit till date.
Additional info on Mangroves:
i.Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that grow in the coastal intertidal zone at tropical and subtropical
latitudes near the equator as they cannot withstand freezing temperatures.
• Mangrove trees grow in areas with low-oxygen soil, where slow-moving waters allow fine sediments
to accumulate. Mangroves forests are beneficial and important as they stabilize the coastline,
reducing erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides.
ii.As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, India has about 3 percent of South Asia’s mangrove
cover. Sundarbans in West Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar region, the Kachchh and Jamnagar areas in
Gujarat have substantial mangrove cover.
Recent Related News:
On 4th February 2023, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, launched
the ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’, a campaign structured on a “whole of society” approach for wetlands
conservation, during the National level Celebration of World Wetlands Day at Nanda Lake in Goa.
About Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC):
Union Minister – Bhupender Yadav (Rajya Sabha – Rajasthan)
Minister of State (MoS ) – Ashwini Kumar Choubey

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Tracking SDG7: 2.3 people use polluting fuel & 675 million have no Electricity
According to the report titled “Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress 2023” released on 6th June 2023,
around 2.3 billion people across the globe are still using polluting fuels and technologies for cooking and
around 675 million people did not have access to electricity in 2021.

• The report states that the world is not on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
7 for energy by 2030.
• The report highlighted that despite the progress across various indicators of SDG 7 agenda, the
current rates of progress is insufficient to achieve the 2030 targets.
Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report:
i.The Report acts as a global reference point for information on the realization of SDG 7: Affordable and Clean

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Energy
ii.The report is produced annually, since 2018, by five agencies: International Energy Agency (IEA), the
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World
Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO), which are responsible for tracking global progress toward
SDG7.
Access to Clean Fuels & Technologies For Cooking:
It is estimated that around 71% of the world’s population had access to clean cooking fuels and technologies in
2021. This represents an increase of 2%
points since 2020 and 14 points since 2000.
• The usage of polluting fuels and technologies increases the risk of chronic diseases among
household members(especially women and children).
• This also contributes to climate change, perpetuating gender inequity, and compromising actions for
sustainable development.
The report stated that around 1.9 billion people across the globe will not have access to clean cooking in 2030.
• If the current rate of progress continues, around 6 out of 10 people without access to clean cooking
in 2030 would reside in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Note: Around 3.2 million people across the globe die due to illness caused due to polluting fuels and
technology, which increases exposure to toxic levels of household air pollution.
Access to Electricity:
Globally, access to electricity grew by an annual average of 0.7% points between 2010 and 2021. The pace of
annual growth slowed during 2019–21 to 0.6% points
• In 2010, 84% of the world’s population had access to electricity. This increased to 91% in 2021.
• More than 80% of those without electricity(around 567 million in 2021) reside in sub-Saharan
Africa, similar to the deficit in 2010.
International financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy research and development and
renewable energy production, including in hybrid systems, in 2021 was about USD 10.8 billion
About International Energy Agency (IEA):
Executive Director– Fatih Birol
Headquarters– Paris, France
Established in 1974

Sixth edition of India-Maldives Exercise ‘Ekatha’ begin in Maldives

The 6th edition of the annual Naval Exercise ‘Ekatha’ between India and Maldives was scheduled to be
conducted from 4th June to 3rd July 2023, in Maldives to enhance interoperability in diving and special
operations.

• The 5th edition was held in Maldives from September 5 to October 3, 2022.

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Key Points:
i.Indian Navy divers and Marine Commandos (MARCOS) went to Maldives to participate in the exercise along
with Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
ii.The conduct report of the exercise was reviewed by Lieutenant Commander of the Indian Navy training team,
Mahesh Kumar.
iii.The High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief
of Southern Naval Command, Indian Navy, Vice Admiral M. A. Hampiholi handed over certificates to the
Marines of Special Operations Group (SOG) of the MNDF Marine Corps.
iv.Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdullah Shamaal, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval
Command, Indian Navy, Vice Admiral M. A. Hampiholi also participated in the exercise inauguration ceremony.
v.Ten marine commandos from the Indian Navy focused on combat shoot, VBSS, demolition, CQB, divator
diving, rebreather diving, and diving operations.

BANKING & FINANCE

JPMorgan Partners with 6 Indian banks to trial blockchain-based USD settlement
JPMorgan Chase & Co, the largest bank by assets under management in the United States (US), has joined
forces with six leading Indian banks to launch a pilot program designed to test a blockchain-based
platform for the settlement of interbank US Dollar transactions.
• The 6 Indian banks to be joining in the pilot program to test the new blockchain-based platforms
includeHDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank and IndusInd Bank and JPMorgan’s own
banking subsidiary at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City ).
Pilot Program:
i.Under the pilot, the six Indian banks will open on-chain Nostro accounts with JPMorgan’s branch in Gift City.
• Nostro Account –A nostro account, derived from the Latin word for “ours,” is an account held by a
bank in a foreign currency at another bank. These accounts are commonly utilized to facilitate
foreign exchange and trade transactions.

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 • A vostro account is an account held by a foreign bank in the local currency at another bank. Vostro
accounts, derived from the Latin word for “yours”.
ii.The pilot project would use JPMorgan’s Onyx blockchain platform after receiving the final approval from the
International Financial Services Center Authority.
iii.Onyx blockchain platform, a permissioned version of Ethereum that is designed to handle wholesale
payment transactions was originally launched in 2020.
• The platform is already being used by Goldman Sachs, DBS Bank and BNP Paribas.
• As of April 27, JPMorgan has processed almost USD700 billion in transactions in short-term loans
using its Onyx platform.
Benefits:
i.The collaboration aligns with the Indian government’s vision to elevate GIFT City, the Gujarat International
Finance Tec-City, to a competitive position among global financial centres such as Singapore, Hong Kong, the
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and the International Financial Centre (IFC) in Dubai.
ii.The implementation of blockchain technology is to expedite USD transactions between financial institutions.
iii.Dollar payments in India are currently made through the Swift messaging system via Nostro accounts held at
US-based banks.
iv.The current settlement system service is only available during US office hours not available on Saturdays,
Sundays, or public holidays whereas the blockchain platform will allow the banks to process instant
transactions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

SIDBI signs pact with HDFC Bank to offer Financial Solutions to MSMEs
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with HDFC Bank Limited under which both entities will work together to provide complete financial product
and services to the customers under MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) in a seamless manner.

Key Points:
i. The signing of the MoU involved V. SatyaVenkata Rao, Deputy Managing Director of SIDBI,
and Akhilesh Kumar Roy, Executive Vice President of HDFC Bank Limited.
ii.This arrangement will enable MSMEs to avail financial products and services of both the banks, and bring
more MSMEs in financial ecosystems.

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About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):
Chairman & Managing Director– Sivasubramanian Ramann
Headquarters– Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP)
Establishment– 1990

Bajaj Finserv Launches its MF Business, Bajaj Finserv Mutual Fund

On June 6, 2023, Bajaj Finserv Limited (BFS) launched its new mutual fund(MF) business under Bajaj Finserv
Mutual Fund.

• This will be India’s 43rd Asset Management Company (AMC) and 6th company to enter the MF
industry post-2021.

• This MF will be headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra.

Background:
i.In March 2023, BFS received the final registration from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to
commence its mutual fund operations under Bajaj Finserv Mutual Fund, with Bajaj Finserv Asset Management
Limited (BFAML), a wholly owned subsidiary of BFS, as the Investment Manager.
ii.Ganesh Mohan will be the chief executive officer (CEO) of the MF while Nimesh Chandan will be the chief
investment officer (CIO) of the MF. Sorbh Gupta Gupta and Siddharth Chaudhary will be the fund managers.
Key Points:
i.This AMC had filed its first seven schemes with SEBI i.e. the liquid fund, money market fund, overnight fund,
arbitrage fund, large and mid-cap fund, balanced advantage fund, and flexi cap fund.
• It will start rolling out these products within the next 30 days, starting with Fixed Income products.
ii.The comprehensive set of products across fixed-income, hybrid and equity categories will meet the needs of
diverse investor profiles ranging from retail and HNIs (High Net Worth Individuals) to institutions.
iii.It will deploy technology at scale to empower teams, create platforms for distributors, simplify investments,
and build long-term sustainable value for customers.
Note:
i.BFAML aims to combine all sources of alpha, such as Information edge, Quantitative edge and Behavioural
edge into a framework, called as ‘INQUBE’.
ii.India’s MF industry size is Rs 40.8 lakh crore.
About Bajaj Finserv Limited (BFS):
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD)– Sanjiv Bajaj
Headquarters– Pune, Maharashtra

HDFC Bank Introduces Millennia Credit Card

On June 7, 2023, HDFC Bank introduced a new credit card named ‘Millennia Credit card’ which offers
cashback over e-commerce platforms and multiple benefits.
Eligibility:
i.Millennia credit card is applicable to both self-employed and salaried Indian nationals.

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ii.Age: The minimum age limit is 21 and maximum age is 40.
iii.Income: For Salaried persons the Gross Monthly Income has to be more than Rs 35,000 and for Self
Employed the income has to be Rs 6.0 Lakhs per annum
Benefits of the Millennia Credit card:
i.The card comes with contactless technology allowing customers to ‘tap and pay’ via POS machine.
ii.Cashback:
• The HDFC Millennia Credit card offers cashback and reward points on Amazon, Flipkart, and other e-
commerce platforms.
• In addition, the card also offers 1% cashback on offline purchases, smart EMI, and lounge access for
free, among others.
• In every billing, a maximum reward of Rs 1000 would be offered.
iii.Millennia Credit Card would offer interest free period of up to 50 days from the date of purchase of the card.
About HDFC Bank Ltd
MD&CEO – Sashidhar Jagdishan
Headquarters -Mumbai, Maharashtra
Establishment – August, 1994
Tagline – HDFC Bank Parivartan. A Step Towards Progress.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

World Bank trims India’s Growth Forecast to 6.3% for 2023
On June 6, 2023, the World Bank (WB) in its Global Economic Prospects Report-June 2023 lowered India’s
growth outlook to 6.3% for 2023, a 0.3 percentage point downward revision from 6.6% in January 2023.
However, India will remain the fastest-growing economy (in terms of both aggregate and per capita GDP) of the
largest EMDEs (Emerging Market and Developing Economies).

• India’s growth to pick up slightly through FY2025/26 as inflation moves back toward the midpoint
of the tolerance range and reforms payoff.

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 • For 2024, WB expects GDP growth rate at 6.4%. While for 2025 forecast, the growth rate is expected
at 6.5%.
Reason behind the slowdown:
Slowdown is attributed to private consumption being constrained by high inflation and rising borrowing costs,
while government consumption is impacted by fiscal consolidation.
Key Points w.r.t. India:
i.The growth forecast for India in 2023-24 has been revised downward by the WB, citing a decline in private
consumption and a significant global slowdown.
ii.The manufacturing sector experienced a rebound throughout 2023, following a contraction in the second half
of 2022.
iii.Investment growth remained strong as the government increased capital expenditure.
iv.In terms of employment, the first quarter of 2023 saw a decrease in unemployment rate to 6.8%, the lowest
since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was an increase in labor force participation.
v.India’s headline consumer price inflation has returned to a range of 2-6 percent, which falls within the central
bank’s tolerance band.
The Global Story:
i.The global economy is projected to “slow substantially” this year, with a “pronounced deceleration” in
advanced economies
ii.Global growth is projected to decelerate from 3.1% in 2022 to 2.1% in 2023.
• It will be 2.4% in 2024 and 3% in 2025.
iii.Global growth is projected to slow significantly amid high inflation, tight monetary policy, and more
restrictive credit conditions.
iv.In EMDEs other than China, growth is set to slow to 2.9% in 2023 from 4.1% in 2022.
v.In advanced economies, growth is set to decelerate from 2.6% in 2022 to 0.7% in 2023 and remain weak in
2024 at 1.2%.
vi.Public debt averages in Low income countries about 70% of GDP. 14 low-income countries are already in, or
at high risk of, debt distress.
vii.On the regional front, South Asia is projected to edge down to 5.9% in 2023 and then to 5.1% in 2024.
About Global Economic Prospects Report:
This WB Group Flagship Report is a product of the Prospects Group in the Development Economics (DEC) and
Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions (EFI) Vice Presidencies. It examines global economic developments
and prospects, with a special focus on emerging market and developing economies. It is issued twice a year, in
January and June.
Recent Related News:
i.According to the WB report titled Connecting to Compete 2023: Trade Logistics in an Uncertain Global
Economy – the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and its indicators” released on April 21, 2023, India’s rank
increased by 6 places to 38 in the index, from 44 in 2018.
ii.According to the WB report “Striving for Clean Air: Air Pollution and Public Health in South Asia,”
concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM) like soot and small dust (PM 2.5) in some of South Asia’s most
densely populated and underdeveloped areas are up to 20 times higher than the World Health Organization
(WHO) threshold of 5 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/mʒ).
About World Bank (WB):
President (WB Group)– Ajay Banga
Establishment – 1944
Headquarters – Washington D.C, United States (US)
Member Nations – 189

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Microsoft India & AirJaldi signs MoU to offer internet access to underserved in 12 states
Microsoft India and AirJaldi Network signed a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide
internet access for underserved communities in 12 states.
Titled ‘Contentful Connectivity‘, the program aims to expand access to high-speed internet and meaningful
connectivity in rural regions of India by partnering with private, public, and non-profit sectors.
Note: AirJaldi is the brand name used by Rural Broadband Private Limited, a Class A Internet Service Provider
in India.
• Under this program, AirJaldi Networks will expand into 3 new states namely, Telangana,
Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• AirJaldi Networks will be strengthened in 9 states by extending the wireless and wired
infrastructure and supporting the extension of reach and connectivity provision for underserved
users.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Prathapa Reddy took charge as Chairman of APGVB; succeeds K. Praveen Kumar
On 4th June 2023 K Prathapa Reddy, Deputy General Manager of State Bank of India (SBI), took charge as the
Chairman of Warangal(Telangana)-headquartered Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank (APGVB), Regional
Rural Bank sponsored by SBI, Operating in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• He will serve as the chairman of APGVB for 5 years.
• He took charge from K. Praveen Kumar, the outgoing chairman of APGVB.
K Prathapa Reddy worked with SBI for over 2 decades and served at various positions, including that of the
regional manager of Nizamabad and Himayat Nagar regions.
• As the Deputy General Manager, he led the Real Estate Housing Business Unit (REHBU) at SBI
Bhopal circle.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India approves deal involving Manipal Group
On 6th June 2023, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), a fair-trade regulator, cleared the proposed
deal involving Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt Limited (MHEPL) and Manipal Education and Medical
Group India Pvt Limited (MEMG India).

• The deals beyond a certain threshold require approval from the regulator CCI, which keeps a tab on
unfair business practices as well as promotes fair competition in the marketplace.
• The proposed combination entails the: (a) acquisition of equity shares capital of the Manipal Health
Enterprises Private Limited (MHEPL/ Target) by Kangto Investments Pte. Ltd.(Kangto), Kabru
Investments Pte. Ltd. (Kabru), Manipal Research & Management Services International (MRMSI),

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 Manipal Global Health Services (MGHS), MEMG International India Private Limited (MEMGIIPL) and
TPG SG Magazine Pte. Ltd. (TPG SG); and
(b) acquisition of optionally convertible debentures of MEMG India by MEMGIIPL from National
Investment and Infrastructure Fund – II (Proposed Combination).
Note:
• MHEPL operates a chain of multi-speciality hospitals under the brand name ‘Manipal Hospitals.
• MEMG India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RSP Trust India and belongs to the Pai family group.
CCI approved minority Stake Acquisition in Lenskart Solutions
CCI has approved the minority stake acquisition in Lenskart Solutions by Dove Investments, Defati
Investments Holding BV and Infinity Partners under the green channel route.
• The proposed combination relates to Dove Investments, Defati Investments Holding BV and Infinity
Partners’ minority acquisition of certain equity shareholding of Lenskart.
• Under the green channel route, wherein a transaction, which does not raise any risk of an
appreciable adverse effect on competition, is deemed to be approved on being intimated to the
antitrust/fair-trade regulator.
Note:
• Lenskart Solutions Pvt Ltd (LSPL) is engaged in the business of manufacturing, sale and wholesale
trading of eyewear products.
• Dove Investments, Defati Investments Holding BV and Infinity Partners are private equity
investors.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd:
CCI has also cleared the acquisition of securities of a newly incorporated entity of Mahindra & Mahindra
Ltd by the World Bank Group arm International Finance Corporation (IFC).
IFC would invest in Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd by subscribing to certain compulsorily convertible preference
shares (CCPS) of the new unit of Mahindra & Mahindra, which is being incorporated to improve the last-mile
electric mobility business.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Navy partners with QNu Labs to Procure Quantum Encryption Systems
QuNu Labs Private Limited (QNu Labs), a leading quantum technology startup company, partners with
the Indian Navy for the procurement and deployment of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) based systems.
• With this collaboration, Indian Navy becomes India’s 1st agency to procure large-scale Quantum-
based encryption systems.

• The procurement order for the QKD systems was signed by the Indian Navy in May 2023.
• Indian Navy will procure and deploy QKD systems in a Hub & Spoke configuration across multiple
locations, with QNu Labs as the partner of choice for delivering and integrating these state-of-the-art
systems.

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 • The procurement of QKD-based Hub & Spoke systems is a strategic move that underscores the
Indian Navy’s determination to stay at the forefront of emerging security technologies.
Objective:
i. The collaboration aims to increase the security of sensitive communication networks within the Indian Navy
and strengthen their defence against emerging cyber threats.
ii. It also aims to strengthen the security of the communication networks, which are critical for mission-critical
operations and the exchange of sensitive information.
Quantum Encryption:
i. Quantum encryption offers exceptional security by harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics to
protect sensitive information.
ii. Unlike traditional encryption methods, which rely on mathematical algorithms, quantum encryption
leverages the unique properties of quantum principles to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data.
iii. This technology provides a virtually impenetrable layer of protection, making it highly resistant to hacking
and eavesdropping attempts.
iv. The integration of quantum encryption systems will provide an extra layer of protection against
sophisticated cyber threats, ensuring the confidentiality and authenticity of data transmitted across naval
networks.
v. The deployment of quantum encryption within the Indian Navy will not only strengthen national security but
also contribute to the overall advancement of quantum technology in India.
Other applications:
Quantum Encryption has a wide range of suggestions for various sectors including finance, healthcare, and
telecommunications in addition to its usage in defence.
About QNu Labs:
Founded in– 2016
Co-Founder & CEO– Sunil Gupta
Headquarters– Bengaluru, Karnataka

GalaxEye Space to launch world’s 1st Multi-Sensor Earth Observation Satellite ‘Drishti’
Galaxeye Space Solutions Pvt Ltd(Galaxeye Space), a space-tech startup incubated by the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Madras, (Chennai, Tamil Nadu), is developing the world’s first multi-sensor earth
observation satellite namely ‘Drishti‘ incorporating a visible spectrum camera that allows synchronized
imaging, capable of capturing multiple images simultaneously.

• The startup is going to launch “Drishti mission”, its first satellite, in 2024.
• It will be India’s first and the world’s highest-resolution multi-sensor imaging satellite.
Key Points:
i.GalaxEye is focused on deploying a satellite constellation featuring a unique sensor based on data fusion to
provide the most comprehensive dataset of imagery from space.
ii.This data fusion technology will deliver unprecedented insights and data from space, enabling satellite
constellations to conduct all-weather imaging without being hindered by atmospheric interference commonly

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experienced by single-sensor satellites today.
iii.The technology will allow the production of extremely high-resolution images through a compact satellite
constellation, and will provide global coverage in less than 12 hours.
About Galaxeye Space Solutions Pvt Ltd:
Galaxeye was founded by a team of 5 students/alumni of IIT- Madras who were qualified as the only Asian
Finalists at the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition 2019.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Suyash Singh
Incorporated in 2021
Headquarters– Bengaluru, Karnataka

Israel Conducts the First Test of an Autonomous Flying Taxi to ease Traffic Congestion
Israel, has carried out its initial tests flights of an Autonomous aircraft that can carry passengers and heavy
cargo, an Air taxi, in a bid to ease traffic congestion on the roads.

• The revolutionary aircraft which is part of the government-led pilot project, also known as
the Israel National Drone Initiative (INDI) is expected to serve as future public transportation.
• This is the first initiative of its kind in the world for an extensive and multidisciplinary examination
of new technologies, including the transportation of cargo and later, people.
Objective:
i. The project launched under INDI aims to create a national drone network and prepare the sky for drone
deliveries, across Israel, with regulators and private companies working together.
ii. It is also to build an ecosystem whereby drones will not only help with traffic congestion, but provide
commercial and public services more efficiently and give Israeli companies a global competitive advantage.
Collaboration:
i. This project is a joint collaboration between the Transportation Ministry, the Israel Innovation Authority,
Ayalon Highways Ltd (Israel), and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI).
ii. The collaborative project examines all the aspects, including regulation and legislative changes, involved in
the commercial operation of drones, as an additional tool to deal with congestion.
Second Phase:
i. The air taxis launched were part of the second phase of the INDI project, which began in January 2023 and so
far 11 drone operating and delivery companies were involved in the experimental tests.
• The first phase of the initiative focused on small cargo flights, which lasted until 2022.
ii. For the first time ever, an autonomous Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft with long-
distance capabilities were all tested within a managed urban airspace carrying heavy cargo loads, which in the
future could transport people.
Note: Notable results were achieved by Cando Drones, Israeli Air, and Downwind.

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About Israel:
Prime Minister– Benjamin Netanyahu
President– Isaac Herzog
Capital – Jerusalem
Currency– New Israel Shekel (NIS)

ENVIRONMENT
Gracixalus patkaiensis: New Species of Green Tree Frog Discovered from NTR, Arunachal
Pradesh
A team of Indian and German scientists discovered a new species of green tree frog
named Gracixalus patkaiensis from the Namdapha Tiger Reserve (NTR) in Changlang district, Arunachal
Pradesh.

• The suggested common name of the new species is “Patkai green tree frog”.
• The frog is named after Patkai hills range, where the type locality of the new species lies within
NTR.
• The discovery of the species is the first of its kind in India and the 6th new frog species discovered
from the NTR, one of the largest protected areas of Northeast India.
The findings of the new species have been published in the recent edition (26th May 2023) of the German
scientific journal Vertebrate Zoology
Genus and Species:
i. The new species of rhacophorid frog belongs to the genus Gracixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae).
ii. The genus Gracixalus is a subspecies of small- to medium-sized frogs, and there are 19 species of this genus
across Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, southern China and Myanmar.
Research team:
The team includes researchers from:
Dehradun (Uttarakhand)-based Wildlife Institute of India; Dresden (Germany)-based Senckenberg Natural
History Collections, and the Namdapha Tiger Reserve (NTR).
About the discovery:
i. The team first heard the frog’s mating call (a sound made by a bird or animal in order to attract a sexual
partner) while on a herpetological exploration of the NTR on 14th May 2022.
ii. The new species has been described based on morphological and molecular study, along with calling
patterns.
Note: Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians and reptiles.
Features:
i. patkaiensis is morphologically distinct from other congeners by a suite of morphological characters such as
snout-vent length 23.6 – 26.5 mm (millimetres) in adult males.
ii. It has a long head, small nostrils, a green back with irregular brown spots, slender physique, a dark streak

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across the head and white marks on its side.
iii. It also has spikes sticking out of its head and back and appears to be closely related to the
Gracixalus gracilipes found in China, Thailand and Vietnam.
iv. Genetically, the new taxon is found to differ from all the recognized Gracixalus species by 4–14.8%
divergence in the 16S (Mitochondrially encoded 16S Ribonucleic acid (RNA)) mitochondrial gene.
Note: The discovery of this new species can help in trans-boundary conservation initiatives and future
recognition of the area as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World
Heritage site.

IMPORTANT DAYS
World Food Safety Day 2023 – June 7
The United Nations(UN)’s World Food Safety Day(WFSD) is annually observed across the globe on 7th June to
create awareness about the importance of maintaining food standards and to promote actions to prevent
foodborne diseases at all levels.

• 7th June 2023 marks the observance of the 5th World Food Safety Day
The theme of WFSD 2023 is “Food standards save lives” and the slogan of WFSD 2023 is “Food safety is
everyone’s business”
Significance:
The observance of WFSD aims to draw attention and inspire action to prevent, detect and manage foodborne
risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agricultural production, market access,
tourism and sustainable development.
Background:
i.The 40th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Conference in July
2017 adopted a resolution in support of a World Food Safety Day and the World Health Organization(WHO)
expressed their support in December 2017.
ii.On 20th December 2018, United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/73/250
and proclaimed the 7th June of every year as World Food Safety Day.
• The first-ever World Food Safety Day was observed on 7th June 2019.
iii.On 3rd August 2020, World Health Assembly (WHA) passed a resolution WHA73.5 to recognize World Food
Safety Day to strengthen global efforts for food safety to reduce the burden of foodborne disease.
About Foodborne diseases:
i.Foodborne diseases are infectious or toxic in nature and are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical
substances entering the body through contaminated food or water.
ii.This delays the socioeconomic development by affecting health care systems, and harming national
economies, tourism and trade.

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Key Points:
i.Around 40% of the victims of the foodborne disease are Children under 5 years. Around 125000 children aged
below 5 die annualy due to foodborne diseases.
ii.Globally, around 600 million (1 in 10 people in the world) is affected due to eating contaminated food and
around 420000 die every year.
iii.340 Children under 5 years of age die due to preventable foodborne diseases, on average, every day
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya released 5th State Food Safety Index of FSSAI
On the occasion of the World Food Safety Day 2023 (7th June 2023), Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya,
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoH&FA), released the 5th edition of State Food Safety Index(SFSI),
an annual assessment released by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• The index was released during the event organised by FSSAI, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
Key People:
The SFSI was released in the presence of Prof. SP Singh Baghel and Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Ministers of
State(MoS) MoH&FA, G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FSSAI, and other senior
officials.
About State Food Safety Index:
SFSI acts as a tool to propel States and Union Territories to enhance their performance and establish robust
food safety systems within their jurisdictions.
Key Points:
i.Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) secured the 1st Rank among the Union Territories(UT) in the compliance to
ensuring food safety as per the FSSAI norms.
• J&K is followed by Delhi and Chandigarh in 2nd and 3rd ranks.
ii.Under Small states category, Goa topped the list followed by Manipur in 2nd and Sikkim in 3rd.
iii.Under Large States category, Kerala tops the list followed by Punjab in 2nd and Tamil Nadu in 3rd.
Other Highlights of the event:
i.3 comprehensive manuals to promote food safety were released during the event.
The 3 manuals are,
• Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods- Fish & Fish Products
• Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods- Cereal and Cereal Products – 2nd edition
• Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods- Beverages: Tea, Coffee and Chicory
ii.The winners of the Eat Right Challenge for Districts were felicitated during the event.
• The challenge, organised as the International Year of Millets, was launched to promote and
encourage healthy eating habits and enhance the overall food safety and sustainability.

STATE NEWS
UP Govt launched “Nand Baba Milk Mission” Scheme & Family ID Portal under ‘One Family One
Identity’ Scheme
On 6th June 2023, the Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP), launched the Nand Baba Milk Mission scheme, to
provide milk producers the facility of selling their milk at a reasonable price in villages through dairy co-
operative societies.
• The scheme has been allocated a budget of Rs 1,000 crore.
• The scheme aims to make Uttar Pradesh a leading state in the field of milk development and milk
production.
Key Points:
i. Under this scheme, a Dairy farmer producer organisation (Dairy FPO) in order to facilitate sale of milk in
producer’s villages itself under this mission.

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ii. The efforts made by the Dairy Development Department is to ensure the development of the rural economy
in UP, to provide beneficial prices to the farmers for their milk and to strengthen the agro-based infrastructure.
iii. There is a plan to set up 5 Dairy FPOs in 5 districts of UP as a pilot project in the Financial Year (FY) 2023-
24, in which women will also play a major role.
Other Highlights:
i. Dharampal Singh, Cabinet Minister for Livestock and Dairy Development Department, UP government,
unveiled the Nand Baba Milk Mission’s office at KisanGomtinagar, Lucknow, UP.
ii. He also unveiled the ‘Dairy Development Portal’ and logo of Nand Baba Milk Mission.
UP govt unveiled Family ID portal under ‘One Family One Identity’
On 6th June 2023, the UP Government launched the Family ID Portal for creation of unique Family
ID (Identity) under ‘One Family One Identity’ scheme.
• This aims to establish of a live, comprehensive database of family units of UP and to connect at least
one member of each family with employment.
Features:
i. Employment of underprivileged families can be identified on the basis of the integrated database obtained
through Family ID and prioritised, possible employment opportunities will be made available to them.
ii. Family passbook prepared by the officials, showing full details of the benefits of government schemes
received by each family, while reviewing the progress made in the context of Family ID.
iii. 12 digit unique family ID will be provided by the portal, to those families who are not ration card holders.
iv. An Aadhaar based e-KYC facility is available on the Family ID portal.
Eligibility:
i. Families, who do not have a ration card and are not covered under the National Food Security Scheme will
have to apply for the Family ID through the portal.
ii. Ration card holders made under the National Food Security Schemedon’t require family ID. Their ration card
ID will be the family ID.
Note: Currently, about 3.6 crore families and 15 crore aadhaar validated Ration Card holders living in UP are
getting the benefit of the National Food Security Scheme. As per the system of Family ID Scheme, their Ration
Card number will be their Family ID and they can check it by using the Registration portal.
Benefits:
i. The collected database will be helpful in better management of beneficiary schemes, timely targeting,
transparent operation and providing 100% benefit of the scheme to the eligible persons.
ii. Facilities are made in order to be accessedeasily by the general public.
About Uttar Pradesh:
Chief Minister– Yogi Adityanath
Governor– Anandiben Patel
Stadium: Eklavya Sports Stadium (Outdoor) and Late Mohan Choubey Pahalvan Sports Stadium (Outdoor)

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Union Government sanctioned Rs 12,911 crore for the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh
The Union government sanctioned Rs 12,911 crore to Andhra Pradesh (AP) for completing the first phase of
the Polavaram Project, which also includes an additional Rs 2,000 crore for the construction of the diaphragm
wall, which was washed away due to the Godavari floods.

• The Polavaram Irrigation Project is on the river Godavari near Ramayyapeta village of Polavaram
Mandal in Eluru district, where Godavari emerges out of the last range of the Eastern Ghats and
enters the plains in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.
About Polavaram Project:
i.The major part of this project is the construction of Earth cum Rock fill dam (2454 metre) with three gaps.
ii. This multi-purpose major irrigation project will irrigate agricultural lands up to 4,36,825 hectares.
iii.This project also includes a hydroelectric power plant with generation capacity of 960 MW power (12 x 80
MW).
iv.It will supply drinking water to a population of 20.50 lakh population in 611 villages.
River linking part:
This project interlinks Godavari and Krishna rivers by diverting 80 TMC of water to the Krishna river basin.
The Water Resources Department of AP is the Executing Agency for Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP) on
behalf of Govt. of India for the timely execution of the project.
Recently, the Union government sanctioned a revenue deficit grant of Rs 10,461 crore to AP and Rs 55,000
crore has been sanctioned to AP under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(MGNREGS) in the last nine years.
About Andhra Pradesh:
Chief Minister- Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy
Governor- S. Abdul Nazeer
Wildlife Sanctuaries- Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary, Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife
Sanctuary

NHPC & Torrent Power signed MoU with Maharashtra for pumped hydro projects
NHPC Limited (erstwhile National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) and Torrent Power Limited signed a
Memoranda of Understanding(MoUs) with the Government of Maharashtra for the development of pumped
hydro storage projects.
MoU between NHPC & Maharashtra:
NHPC Limited signed MoU with the Department of Energy, Govt of Maharashtra for the development of 4
pumped Storage Projects aggregating to 7350 MW(megawatt), namely Kalu – 1150 MW, Savitri – 2250 MW,
Jalond – 2400 MW and Kengadi -1550 MW and other Renewable Energy Source Projects in Maharashtra.
• These projects will attract an investment of about Rs 44,000 crore.
• These will generate indirect and direct employment for 7,000 people in Maharashtra.
Signatories: The MoU was signed by Biswajit Basu, Director(Projects) NHPC and Abha Shukla, Principal
Secretary (Energy), Department of Energy, Maharashtra in the Presence of Deputy Cheif Minister (Dy CM)
Devendra Fadnavis.

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MoU between Torrent Power and Maharashtra:
Torrent Power signed an MoU with Maharashtra for 3 pumped storage hydro schemes of 5,700 MW capacity in
Maharashtra at an investment of Rs 27000 crore.
• The projects will be executed over a period of 5 years.
• These projects will be implemented in Karjat 3000 MW in Raigarh District, Maval – 1200 MW and
Junnar – 1500 MW in Pune District of Maharashtra.

Bihar & AAI signs MOUs to construct new Civil Enclaves at Darbhanga & Purnea Airport
On June 5 2023, The Government of Bihar signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the
Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the construction of Civil Enclaves at Darbhanga Airport and Purnea
Airport in Bihar.
• The MOUs were signed by Kundan Kumar, Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Bihar and Charul Shukla,
Executive Director (Planning), AAI in the presence of other senior officers from AAI and GoB.
• Under this MoU, the Bihar government will provide undisputed land free of cost to AAI for both
airports.
• The construction will take place on 76.65 acres of land for the New Civil Enclave and the installation
of CAT-II approach lights in Darbhanga and 52.18 acres of land for the Civil Enclave in Purnea.
• The construction of the new Civil Enclaves will bolster the infrastructure and also pave the way for
the commencement of air services at Purnea Airport.

GA Questions Asked in Exams

• Affairscloud’s Self Analysis for General Awareness Section

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