Today's Current Affairs 18th June 2023

NATIONAL

Google Doodle honours Dr Kamala Sohonie, an Indian biochemist on her 112 birthday

• Kamala Sohonie, born on June 18, 1911, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was a trailblazing Indian scientist. She became the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. degree in a scientific discipline. Despite facing gender bias within the scientific community, including opposition from Nobel laureate CV Raman, Sohonie persevered and made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry.
• Kamala Sohonie’s groundbreaking research on Neera, a palm extract with the potential to combat malnutrition among tribal communities in India, earned her the prestigious Rashtrapati Award.
• Kamala Sohonie’s father, Narayanarao Bhagvat, and his brother Madhavrao Bhagvat, were both chemists who had studied at the Tata Institute of Sciences (now the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru). Inspired by their footsteps, Kamala graduated in 1933 with a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry (principal) and Physics (subsidiary) from Bombay University, where she topped the merit list. Her pursuit of higher education led her to apply for an M.Sc. degree at the Indian Institute of Science, which was then headed by CV Raman.

 SPORTS

India beats Lebanon to win Intercontinental Cup title 2023

• India lifted the Intercontinental Cup as it tamed a young Lebanon side by two second-half goals at the Kalinga Stadium. India beat Lebanon 2-0 in the Intercontinental Cup final at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar to win the title. Sunil Chhetri’s 46th minute goal broke the deadlock before Lallianzuala Chhangte made it 2-0 in the 66th minute as India beat Lebanon for the first time since 1977.
• India made a strong start to the match, dominating 57% possession in the first half. It was in the first minute of second half that the deadlock was broken, with Lallianzuala Chhangte providing an assist for Sunil Chhetri. Chhangte turned scorer in the 66th minute as India increased their lead. This was also the Indian team’s sixth consecutive clean sheet, equalling a record dating back to 1952. This is India’s first win over Lebanon since 1977.
• There are two Intercontinental Cups in football. One was an annual competition between the winners of the European Cup/UEFA Champions League and the Copa Libertadores, from 1960 to 2004. The other is a four-nation tournament organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in India, from 2018 to present.

Goa launches 37th National Games mascot, Moga

• Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched ‘Moga’ at a launch ceremony held at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Taleigao,Goa.37th edition of the national games of India will be held in various locations in the state of Goa.
• It will feature competitions in a total of 43 disciplines.It will also feature ‘Gatka’, a traditional martial art form associated with Punjab.
• National Games in India are organised by the Indian Olympic Association. The Indian sports ministry, has affirmed that the National Games will be held every two years, except in years where the Olympics and Asian Games are held.
• PT Usha is the president of Indian Olympic Association which is headquartered in New Delhi.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

International Father’s Day 2023: Third Sunday of June

• Father’s Day is a celebration of fathers and fatherhood. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The day is a time to honour fathers, grandfathers, and other male role models who have made a significant impact in the lives of their children. This year Father’s Day held on 18th June.
• Father’s Day is a time to honour and celebrate fathers and fatherhood. Whether you are a father, grandfather, or someone who has been influenced by a special father figure, take a moment to reflect on the importance of this holiday. Let’s use this day to express our gratitude to the fathers in our lives and to acknowledge the important role that they play in our families and communities.
• Father’s Day is a day to honor fathers and father figures for their love, support, and guidance. It is a time to celebrate the special role that fathers play in our lives. There are many ways to celebrate Father’s Day. Some people like to go out to eat, while others prefer to have a cookout at home. Some people give their fathers gifts, while others simply spend time with them doing something they enjoy.

 International Day for Countering Hate Speech: 18^th June

• The annual observance of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech on June 18 serves as a crucial reminder to address the pressing global problem of hate speech. In an era where communication technologies have magnified its influence, hate speech remains a catalyst for violence, intolerance, and fragmentation. This significant day emphasizes the need for united efforts to combat the dissemination of divisive language and foster mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity.
• The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is a significant global initiative designed to address the alarming surge of hate speech worldwide. In July 2021, the United Nations General Assembly underscored the urgent necessity to combat hate speech and adopted a resolution emphasizing the importance of fostering inter-religious and intercultural dialogue as a means to counter this phenomenon.
• The resolution acknowledges that discrimination and hate speech present substantial threats to human rights and social cohesion. It urges all relevant parties, including governments, to enhance their efforts in countering hate speech while upholding international human rights law.

 Sustainable Gastronomy Day: 18^th June

• Sustainable Gastronomy Day which takes place on June 18 every year, highlights the important role that food plays in promoting sustainable development and the crucial choices about what we eat. According to the United Nations, gastronomy is sometimes called the art of food. It also refers to a style of cooking from a particular region.
• Sustainability is the concept that ensures particular activity, like fishing or food preparation is carried out in a manner that reduces the waste of natural resources and can be maintained in the long term without impacting the environment or our well-being. By accepting sustainable practices, we can contribute to a greener future.
• The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Local Flavours, Preserving Global Heritage.’
• Sustainable gastronomy promotes practices that reduce the environmental impact of food production. By using organic farming methods, diminishing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving water, and protecting biodiversity, sustainable gastronomy helps to conserve ecosystems and reduce climate change. It also encourages the consumption of nutritious, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients.

 SUMMIT'S & MOU's

Centre sets up panel led by former Law Secy T K Vishwanathan to recommend reforms in arbitration law

• The Indian government, through the Department of Legal Affairs, has taken a significant step towards improving the arbitration process by forming an expert committee. Led by former law secretary T K Vishwanathan, the committee aims to recommend reforms to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act of 1996. With a focus on reducing court intervention, enhancing cost-effectiveness, and ensuring timely resolution, the committee is expected to submit its recommendations within 30 days.
• One of the primary objectives of the expert committee is to thoroughly examine the functioning of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. By assessing its strengths, weaknesses, and challenges in comparison to foreign jurisdictions, the committee seeks to identify areas for improvement. This critical analysis will serve as a foundation for drafting proposed amendments and making other recommendations to the government.
• To make arbitration a truly party-driven process, the committee aims to propose solutions that limit the requirement for parties to seek judicial intervention. By addressing this issue, the committee aims to streamline the arbitration process and minimize delays caused by court involvement. The objective is to create a more efficient and time-bound framework for resolving disputes through arbitration.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Gandhi Peace Prize 2021 to be conferred on Gita Press: Govt

• The Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 will be conferred on Gita Press, Gorakhpur, in recognition of its “outstanding contribution towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods”, the ministry of culture announced. The decision to confer the award on Gita Press was taken by a jury headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award instituted by Government of India in 1995, on the occasion of 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as a tribute to the ideals espoused by Mahatma Gandhi. The award is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or gender.
• The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1 crore, a citation, a plaque and an exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item. The past awardees include organisations such as ISRO and Ramakrishna Mission.
• The past awardees include organisations such as ISRO, Ramakrishna Mission, Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, Akshaya Patra, Bengaluru, Ekal Abhiyan Trust, India and Sulabh International, New Delhi among others.

Mp Bags Top Award For Water Conservation

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar presented the fourth National Water Awards in New Delhi on Saturday, recognizing and encouraging the commendable efforts made by individuals, organizations, districts, and states in water conservation. The awards, announced by the Jal Shakti Ministry, aim to create awareness about the significance of water and inspire the adoption of best water use practices. Madhya Pradesh emerged as the top-performing state in the Best State category, demonstrating its commitment to water conservation.
• Madhya Pradesh was honored with the first prize in the Best State category at the National Water Awards 2022. This recognition underscores the state’s exceptional dedication and innovative measures toward water conservation. The government, along with various stakeholders, has implemented strategies to ensure efficient water management and promote sustainable practices across the state. Madhya Pradesh’s achievement serves as an inspiration for other states to prioritize and enhance their efforts in conserving this vital resource.