Today's Current Affairs 14th June 2023

INTERNATIONAL

India and UAE Target $100 Billion Non-Oil Trade by 2030

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have set an ambitious target to increase their non-oil bilateral trade from the current USD 48 billion to USD 100 billion by 2030. The decision was reached during the first meeting of the Joint Committee of India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Both countries aim to double their non-petroleum trade in the next seven years, emphasizing the need to enhance trade cooperation beyond the oil sector.

However, India’s petroleum exports globally are on a decline due to lack of consumer demand in western countries that have driven prices lower. Petroleum products exports, which was a key growth driver of overall Indian exports during the last financial year, registered a sharp 23% decline in April compared to the previous month.

NATIONAL

Kari Ishad mango of Ankola in Uttar Karnataka gets GI tag

The Kari Ishad mango prominently grown in Ankola taluk of Uttara Kannada has bagged the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government.

It is said that the mango variety has been cultivated for the last 400 years.

It has two variants — Kari Ishad, which has thin skin, more pulp and is sweeter, and Bili Ishad, which has thick skin and less pulp and sweetness, The Kari Ishad is accepted as one of the finest quality mangoes due to its unique aroma, luscious taste, high amount of pulp, shape, and size.

SPORTS

India win one Gold, 3 Silver & 3 Bronze medals in U-17 Asian Wrestling Championships

In wrestling, India wrapped up their campaign in the U-17 Asian Wrestling Championships with one gold, three silver and three bronze medals on the final day in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Ankush won India’s only gold medal of the day in the freestyle 55kg weight category, defeating Iran’s Amirreza Ali Teymorizad.

Dhanraj Bharat Shirke lost to Iran’s Ahora Farhad Khateri of Iran. Rupesh bagged the other silver after losing to Iran’s Sam Reza Sayar in the freestyle 48kg final.

With this, all 10 freestyle wrestlers won medals in the competition as India finished second in the freestyle team rankings behind Iran.

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Uttam lal takes charge as Director (Personnel) at NHPC

Shri Uttam Lal has taken over as Director (Personnel) at NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company.

Prior to his appointment at NHPC, Shri Lal was serving as Chief General Manager (HR-CSR/R&R/LA) at NTPC Limited. He has over 35 years of vast and rich experience in the area of Personnel Management, Industrial Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility. Known for his expertise and long experience in the power sector, he is a core HR professional seeking to amalgamate human resource potential in the service of the organization’s goal and vision.

Bihar Minister Santosh Kumar Suman resigns from Nitish Kumar’s Cabinet

In Bihar, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Welfare Minister Santosh Kumar Suman resigned from Nitish Kumar Cabinet, Mr Suman is son of former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and also the president of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Democratic) party.

The senior party leader of Morcha, Prafulla Manjhi said there was enormous pressure from JD(U) for merger of HAM with it. Talks were held between top leaders of the two parties but it could not materialize.

Following this, the HAM president resigned from the state government. The development is considered a big blow to the ruling Grand Alliance led by chief minister Nitish Kumar, ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Epson India signs Rashmika Mandanna as brand ambassador

Printer company Epson India has signed actor Rashmika Mandanna as its brand ambassador. The actress will collaborate with the company to promote its products in a multi-media campaign for its ‘EcoTank’ printers this month.In collaborating with the actress known for her performances across Kannada, Telugu, Hindi and Tamil cinema, the company said in a statement that it hopes to leverage her popularity to reach a wider audience across the country, particularly the younger generation.

Through this campaign we hope to reach a wider audience to spread awareness about the printers and their benefits. This association will help us communicate how our products deliver purposeful value that enriches lives and helps create a better world

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Blood Donor Day

The World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year on June 14 to thank the altruistic acts of selflessness of voluntary blood donors and celebrate life and humanity. Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person – the gift of life. A decision to donate blood can save a life, or even several lives, if the blood is separated into its components – red cells, platelets and plasma – which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.

History - In 2004 World Blood Donor Day was first distinguished by the WHO. In the 58th World Health Assembly, 2005 it was declared as an annual global event to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation.

Theme - The slogan or theme of the World Blood Donor Day 2023 is "Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often." The theme highlights the importance of giving blood or blood plasma regularly to create a safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products that can be always available, all over the world, so that all patients in need can receive timely life saving treatment.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Guwahati railway station awarded 'Eat Right Station' certification by FSSAI

The Guwahati Railway Station of N F Railway has been awarded ‘Eat Right Station’ certification by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) in recognition of providing high-quality, nutritious food to passengers.

The station has been able to qualify the guidelines established by FSSAI and becomes the first railway station in N F Railway to get this status. This certification has been awarded for the period of June 2, 2023 to June 2, 2025. Further, in its endeavour to ensure safe and hygienic food to passengers, N F Railway has planned to take up more stations in future like Rangiya, Lumding, Tinsukia, Alipurduar Jn. and Katihar to qualify as ‘Eat Right Station’.