Today's Current Affairs 6th June 2023

NATIONAL

Didi Cafe providing access to low-cost food, snacks, coming up in UP

A strategy has been framed to introduce ‘Didi Cafe’ in 17 municipal corporation cities in Uttar Pradesh, including Mathura, Firozabad, and Vrindavan in the Agra division. This Didi Cafe will only be maintained by women’s self-help groups, which will provide access to low-cost meals, snacks, and other facilities in areas where women are employed through these canteens,

The effort is part of the Centre’s goal of empowering women who are connected to self-help groups established via the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM). Officials have said that many efforts by women’s organisations from Chhattisgarh and other states will be involved in the cause. A pilot experiment is already ongoing in Varanasi,

The decision to begin the campaign is believed to have been made during a meeting also attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department.

MV Empress, India's first international cruise sets sail from Chennai to Sri Lanka

India has launched its first international cruise ship from Chennai to Sri Lanka. The MV Empress, carrying 750 passengers, will visit three ports on the island country during its five-day cruise.

About: The MV Empress - The MV Empress will visit three ports in Sri Lanka before returning to Chennai: Hambantota, Trincomalee, and Kankesanturei. The tour packages available here are for two nights, three nights, four nights, and five nights, with variable pricing starting at ₹86,383 - for two persons for three nights.

The MV Empress service was launched from Chennai's International Cruise Terminal which is at a cost of 17.21 crores. It is the outcome of an agreement struck between Chennai Port and M/S Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd during the first Incredible India International Cruise Conference in 2022.

SPORTS

Serbia and USA win FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2023

Serbia’s men defended their title to win their sixth crown in eight editions of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup after defeating USA (21-19) in the final, in Vienna, Austria.

The “Maestro” Dejan Majstorovic had a game-high 7 points in the thriller against the US. Latvia defeated Brazil 22-12 to claim the bronze medal. The duo of Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis combined for 13 points in the game before Agnis Čavars scored the two to hand Latvia the victory.

In the women’s category, USA took home gold for the third time with a 16-12 win against last year’s champions France. Stars Hailey Van Lith and Cierra Burdick combined for 14 points to carry their side to victory. Cameron Brink was the centerpiece of their offense, finishing the tournament with 39 points, which earned her the title of World Cup MVP. Laetitia Guapo (France) and Marena Whittle (Australia) also featured in the Team of the Tournament.

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Nirmala Lakshman, The New Chairperson Of The Hindu Group Publishing

The Hindu, one of India's leading and most esteemed newspapers, has appointed Nirmala Lakshman as its new Chairperson. The decision came after Malini Parthasarathy resigned from the position of chairperson as well as the Board of Directors of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited (THGPPL).

About: Nirmala Lakshman - With a Ph.D. in post-modern literature and over four decades of experience as an editor, writer, and strategist for various publications of The Hindu, Lakshman brings an impressive set of qualifications and accomplishments to her new role.

During her tenure as Joint Editor of The Hindu, Lakshman played a pivotal role in revitalizing the newspaper's feature sections and introducing new ones. She spearheaded the re-launch of several prominent sections, including 'The Hindu Literary Review,' 'Young World,' and 'The Hindu in School.' These initiatives aimed to engage readers of all ages and provide them with insightful content tailored to their interests and needs.

Wrangler signs Smriti Mandhana as brand ambassador

Ace Turtle Omni Pvt Ltd., a retail company, has appointed Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana as the brand ambassador of its Wrangler brand. The company is the exclusive licensee of the denim brand in India.

Nitin Chhabra, CEO, Ace Turtle Services Ltd. said, that We are thrilled to welcome Smriti as the brand ambassador for the denim brand in India as we gear up for a major expansion in FY24.

And said that that Mandhana had carved her niche in international women’s cricket and has captivated fans worldwide with her exceptional talent and fearless approach. Her performances on the cricket field have earned her accolades like ICC Women’s cricketer of the year two times.

About: Smriti Mandhana - Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana is an Indian cricketer who represents the Indian women's national team. She plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women's Premier League. In domestic cricket, she represents the Maharashtra cricket team

IMPORTANT DAYS

Russian Language Day

Every year on June 6, Russian Language Day is celebrated worldwide. This day aligns with the birthday of Alexander Pushkin, a renowned Russian poet known as the founder of modern Russian language.

It was initiated by the UN in order to support and promote multilingualism and cultural diversity.

The initiative of the UN Language Days was launched in February 2010 in order to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity and to promote equal use of all six of the UN’s official working languages throughout the organization. Russian is one of the six official languages of the UN, along with Arabic, Chinese, English, French, and Spanish.

The Russian language is one of the world’s most widespread languages. It is currently spoken by 254 million people, 1.3 of which are in the Middle East and North Africa and 100 thousand in Sub-Saharan Africa.

SUMMIT'S & MOU's

India and Namibia co-chair the 1st Joint Commission of cooperation

India and Namibia co-chaired the inaugural session of the Joint Commission of Cooperation, with the Indian side led by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and the Namibian side by DPM and FM Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah,

Aimed at strengthening the cooperation between the two countries, the inaugural Session of the JCC, will enhance and consolidate the cordial and fraternal relations between the two countries.

Further, shedding light on the India-Namibia ties, the EAM said Namibia occupies a very special place in the hearts of Indians.

He said India supported Namibia’s independence and Indians were very pleased to see Namibia take its rightful place in the comity of nations.

Meanwhile, in Namibia on his first official visit, EAM Dr. S Jaishankar also held meeting with Namibian President Dr Hage G. Geingob and conveyed the personal greetings of PM Narendra Modi. During the visit, EAM Dr. S Jaishankar also participated

in inauguration of India-Namibia Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (INCEIT) in Windhoek.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

President Droupadi Murmu conferred with highest civilian honour of Suriname

President Droupadi Murmu has been decorated with the highest civilian honour of Suriname – The Grand Order of the Chain of Yellow Star, in Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname. She received the honor from the President of the Republic of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi. President Murmu is the first Indian to receive this award.

President Murmu is on a 3-day state visit to Suriname. Yesterday, President Murmu held delegation level talks with her Surinamese counterpart. During the discussions, the President noted that like India, Suriname is also a diverse country where people of different castes, languages, and religions live in peace and harmony. She said that deep historical and cultural ties provide the foundation for the India-Suriname multifaceted and modern partnership. She was happy to note that Hindi is widely spoken in Suriname which reminds her of her motherland.

The President also noted that bilateral trade between the two countries is well below potential. She said that there is a need to work together to expand bilateral trade for mutual benefit.