Correct Answer :   Hyderabad

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Indian Institute of Millets Research (ICAR-IIMR) as the ‘Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (Shree Anna)’ at the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi reiterated the role of the premier institute in the promotion and adoption of millets, in his video message at the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Hyderabad.

* In order to provide the Agriculture Ministers and delegates from various G20 countries a first-hand experience of ICAR-IIMR, especially during the ongoing International Year of Millets, a technical excursion to ICAR-IIMR was also arranged. The excursion was planned as part of the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting (AMM) which was held from 15th-17th June in Hyderabad.

* The excursion and exhibition witnessed an enormous participation of more than 300 people including Hon’ble Agricultural Ministers, various delegates from G20 countries, international organizations and several other dignitaries from India.

* After a traditional welcome of the Agricultural Ministers, the delegates were taken to the farms at IIMR campus where the standing crops of eight different millets were showcased. On this occasion, the Agriculture Ministers of G20 planted Millets as a symbolic gesture towards their collective commitment for promoting Millets.

* The Agriculture Ministers also visited the various Millet processing units established at the IIMR campus which included the Primary Processing Unit, the Bakery unit, the Packaging Unit, followed by the Flaking Unit, Cold Extrusion Lines, Continuous biscuits line etc. These processing machineries are equipped to make various Millet value added products such Millet muffins, cookies and noodles.

* The Ministers and other delegates also visited the Nutrihub. Nutrihub is the Government of India supported Technology Business Incubator hosted by the Indian Institute of Millet Research, ICAR – IIMR, Hyderabad. The Incubation Program at Nutrihub-IIMR is designed to help Millet start-ups grow in a streamlined fashion by providing them the required technology and support..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   IIT Madras

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Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have devised a mathematical model on contract farming to predict farmers' delivery of commodities using a decision-theoretic framework based on the 'Prospect Theory.'

The development of the model is targeted to aid policymakers in designing mechanisms that would encourage more firms to offer advance-payment contracts.

About Mathematical Model :

* The model will help calculate the upper and lower bounds of the contracted commodity that ought to be delivered and define the firm's production quantity. This will enable the profitability limits to be set with more precision than existing methods.

* The IIT Madras model, based on contract farming, also suggests the optimal timing for paying the advances to the farmers using two different strategies - one that favors the firm's profit maximisation objective, while the other only maximises its marginal cost savings from contracting to create a socially inclusive payment policy.

Improve Farmers Welfare :

* The second strategy substantially improves the farmers' welfare, especially those with smaller landholdings and limited access to credit, while simultaneously keeping the firm's profitability primarily unaffected. The development of the model is targeted to aid policymakers in designing such mechanisms that would encourage more firms to offer advance-payment contracts. It can also be used to shortlist the eligible farmers to whom the contracts are to be offered, considering their need for advance payments.

* The model can also be further modified to include the risk attitudes of the contracting firms and farmers, the relationship between the amount of payment given in advance to the farmers' output, the variability in the spot price of the contracted commodity, and so on. Most importantly, this model can also be adjusted to suit the needs of larger firms sourcing from poor suppliers in sectors other than agriculture..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Madhya Pradesh

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Tiger State Madhya Pradesh is poised to get its 7th tiger reserve with the state government going forward with the notification of Nauradehi and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuaries as a combined protected area.

* This new reserve, spanning an expansive 2,339 sq km and around 20km from Bhopal, is yet to be officially named and will straddle three districts -- Narsinghpur, Sagar, and Damoh.

* MP is known for its six tiger reserves : Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, Pench, Sanjay Dubri, and Satpura. Sources say the seventh will be named ‘Durgavati Tiger Reserve’.

* The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) granted preliminary approval for the creation of this new tiger reserve during a recent meeting of its technical committee, confirmed J S Chouhan, the state's chief wildlife warden.

* Establishment of this reserve is a crucial requirement for the Ken-Betwa River linking project.

* During the third meeting of the Ken-Betwa steering committeein New Delhi, assurances were given that the notification would be issued quickly. J N Kansotia, principal secretary (forest), said that the notification process is currently underway and will be completed soon..

Source : TOI

Correct Answer :   India and Kuwait

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Embassy of India in Kuwait, in association with the United Nations Habitat Office in Kuwait, organized a Beach Cleaning Event on 16 June 2023.

The event, held  at the Beach opposite Bneid Al Gar, received tremendous support from various organizations, including the Office of the Hawally Governor, Kuwaiti Municipality, and Indian community associations such as the Kuwait Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KKMCC), Thrissur Association of Kuwait (TRASSK), Telugu Kala Samithi (TKS), Kuwait Tamil Peoples Service Centre (KTPSC), Prvasandra Reddy Association - Kuwait (PRAK), and Kuwait Kannada Koota (KKK).

The Beach Cleaning Event was organized as part of the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) initiative of the Government of India, which was announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister H.E Narendra Modi at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP26).

Aim : The mission aims to bring individual behaviors to the forefront of global climate action by promoting a circular economy and mindful utilization. Under Mission LiFE, behavioral change solutions target water and waste management sectors, encouraging climate-friendly practices at the individual, household, and community levels.

During the event, Ambassador of India to Kuwait Dr. Adarsh Swaika stressed the significance of sustainability in his inaugural remarks. Dr. Ameera Alhassan, Head of UN-Habitat GCC Kuwait Office, commended the Beach Cleaning event and called for the adoption of lifestyles that protect the environment.

Representatives of the Hawalli Governor, as well as ambassadors from Peru, Indonesia, Ghana, Afghanistan, Morocco, Romania, Vietnam, Cambodia, diplomats from the US Embassy, and several Heads of UN agencies in Kuwait, were also present and appreciated the efforts.

The Beach Cleaning Event saw enthusiastic participation from over 400 volunteers, including embassy staff, members of Indian community associations, and local residents. The activities focused on collecting and properly disposing of litter, particularly plastic waste and other debris that threatened marine life and the ecosystem.

The event aimed to promote environmental awareness and foster a sense of community while emphasizing the importance of making Mission LiFE a global movement by incorporating climate-friendly behaviors and social norms from different cultures..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   P Vasudevan

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Equitas Small Finance Bank on Friday (16th June 2023) said that the Reserve Bank of India gave its approval for the re-appointment of P N Vasudevan as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank.

* Vasudevan has been reappointed for a period of three years, from July 23, 2023, to July 23, 2026, the bank said in an exchange filing.

* Vasudevan had expressed his desire to move on from his role for a career in health and education. However, in December 2022 he withdrew his decision.

* Equitas Small Finance Bank reported a net profit of ₹190.03 crore for the quarter ending March 31, 2023. The bank had registered a net profit at ₹119.50 crore during the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

* For the year ending March 31, 2023, the bank had registered a net at ₹573.59 crore from ₹280.73 crore registered in the same period of the previous fiscal.

* Total income during the quarter under review stood at ₹1,394.41 crore as against ₹1,043.97 crore registered in the same period of last year.

* For the year ending March 31, 2023, the total income surged to ₹4,831.46 crore from ₹3,997.22 crore registered year ago..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Third Sunday of June

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The most popular date for Father's Day, It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

* This year (2023) Father’s Day held on 18th June.


International Father's Day  History :

* The Father’s Day origination is back to the early 20th century. In the United States, the first celebration of Father’s Day was held on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington.

* The idea for Father’s Day was conceived by a woman named Sonora Dodd. She wanted to honor her father, who had raised her and her siblings as a single parent after their mother died.

* The idea of a national Father’s Day was not immediately embraced, and it took several decades for the holiday to gain traction. President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making Father’s Day a national holiday in the United States in 1972.


International Father’s Day  Significance  : Father’s Day provides an opportunity to show appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices that fathers make for their families. It is a time to say thank you for the love, guidance, and support that fathers provide. Fatherhood is a challenging role, and fathers often face unique pressures and expectations. In some cases, fathers may feel overlooked or undervalued. Father’s Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the important role that fathers play in our lives.

Correct Answer :   June 17th

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The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is an annual observance held on June 17th.

Aim : It is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the threats posed by desertification and drought and promoting efforts to combat these challenges.

Desertification refers to the process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, often caused by various factors such as climate change, deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and overexploitation of natural resources. Drought, on the other hand, is a prolonged period of inadequate rainfall, resulting in water scarcity, crop failure, and ecosystem disruption.


World day to combat desertification and drought 2023 Theme : This year (2023), the theme of the International Day Against Desertification, and Drought “Her land. Her rights”, emphasizes that investing in women’s equal access to land and associated assets is a direct investment in their future and the future of humanity. It’s time for women and girls to be at the forefront of global land restoration and drought resilience efforts.


World day to combat desertification and drought of History :

* The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was established in 1994 following a convention held at the United Nations General Assembly.

* The inaugural observance took place in 1995. The creation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) stemmed from the need to address environmental degradation caused by climate change.

* The primary goal of the convention was to raise awareness among the global population about effective measures to halt desertification, with particular emphasis on regions currently experiencing severe drought.


World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought of Significance :

Awareness and Education : The day serves as a platform to raise global awareness about the challenges posed by desertification and drought. It educates individuals, communities, and governments about the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to combat these issues. By increasing understanding and knowledge, it empowers people to take action.

Sustainable Land Management : The World Day highlights the significance of sustainable land management practices. It emphasizes the need to adopt strategies that conserve and restore land, promote responsible land use, and prevent further degradation. By promoting sustainable land practices, the day contributes to mitigating climate change, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring food security.

International Cooperation : The observance fosters international cooperation and collaboration in combating desertification and drought. It encourages governments, organizations, and communities to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. By promoting cooperation at various levels, the day facilitates the exchange of ideas and the development of innovative solutions to address these challenges collectively.

Climate Change and Resilience : Desertification and drought are closely linked to climate change. The World Day highlights the interconnectedness between these issues and the urgent need to address them in the context of climate action. By promoting resilience and adaptive strategies, it contributes to building climate-resilient communities and ecosystems.

Sustainable Development Goals : The World Day aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 15: Life on Land. It supports the achievement of targets related to combating desertification, restoring degraded land, and ensuring sustainable land management practices. By focusing on these goals, the day contributes to overall sustainable development efforts.

Community Engagement : The World Day emphasizes the role of local communities in combating desertification and drought. It recognizes that sustainable land management requires the active involvement and participation of communities who are directly affected by these challenges. The day promotes community engagement, empowerment, and ownership of initiatives aimed at preventing land degradation and addressing water scarcity..

Source : UN

Correct Answer :   NITI Aayog and United Nations

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The Government of India and the United Nations have signed the Government of India – United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 (GoI-UNSDCF).

* This collaboration between NITI Aayog, the government policy think tank, and the UN in India aims to advance India’s sustainable development goals.

* The framework focuses on key areas such as gender equality, youth empowerment, human rights, and overall sustainable development, aligning with the 2030 Agenda.

The GoI-UNSDCF : A Strategic Roadmap for Sustainable Development
* The strategic roadmap aims to achieve India’s sustainable development targets.
* Four pillars of the framework: People, Prosperity, Planet, and Participation.
* Six key outcome areas: health and well-being, quality education, economic growth, environment and climate, and empowerment of individuals and communities.

Commitment to Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals
* India solidifies its commitment to localize the SDGs through the GoI-UNSDCF.
* Emphasis on South-South cooperation and India’s role as a global leader in sustainable development.
* Showcasing successful models of development on the international stage.

Development Process and Stakeholder Engagement
* NITI Aayog led the formulation of the GoI-UNSDCF, involving line Ministries, State Governments, and Union Territories.
* Inputs from the UN development system in India and contributions from civil society, think tanks, private sector, cooperatives, and labor unions.
* Third-party evaluation of the previous Cooperation Framework (2018-2022) and Common Country Analysis (CCA) informed the new framework.

Implementation and Coordination
* Implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the framework jointly overseen by the Government of India and the United Nations through a Joint Steering Committee.
* Joint collaboration mechanism to ensure effective coordination and synergy in driving sustainable development efforts.

India’s Vision for the Future
* The next five years crucial for innovation-driven, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development in India.
* Focus on the principle of “Leaving No One Behind” due to India’s vast and diverse demography.
* Adapting the Cooperation Framework to address evolving challenges and align with national development priorities.
 
India’s Progress and Role in Sustainable Development
* India’s strides in delivering development and resilience at scale.
* Transformation of social welfare systems, digital public infrastructure, and national missions.
* Leadership in climate action and resilience.
* Addressing challenges of the last century and embracing the challenges of Amrit Kaal for a developed and empowered India.

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   16th June 2023

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Daniel Ellsberg, the U.S. military analyst whose change of heart on the Vietnam War led him to leak the classified "Pentagon Papers," revealing U.S. government deception about the war and setting off a major freedom-of-the-press battle, died on Friday (16th June 2023) at the age of 92.

* Ellsberg, who had been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in February, died at his home in Kensington, California, the family said.

* Long before Edward Snowden and Wikileaks were revealing government secrets in the name of transparency, Ellsberg let Americans know that their government was capable of misleading and even lying to them. In his later years Ellsberg would become an advocate for whistleblowers and leakers and his "Pentagon Papers" leak was portrayed in the 2017 movie "The Post."

* Ellsberg took a secret action in 1971 to share important information with the media, hoping to help bring an end to the Vietnam War more quickly. However, this made him a target of attacks by the Nixon White House, which tried to harm his reputation. Henry Kissinger, who was an important advisor to the president at the time, even called him “the most dangerous man in America” and wanted to stop him at any cost.

* When he went to Saigon for the State Department in the mid-1960s, Ellsberg had an impressive resume. He had earned three degrees from Harvard, served in the Marine Corps and worked at the Pentagon and the RAND Corporation, the influential policy research think tank.

* Meanwhile at the behest of Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, Pentagon officials had secretly been putting together a 7,000-page report covering U.S. involvement in Vietnam from 1945 through 1967. When it was finished in 1969, two of the 15 published copies went to the RAND Corporation, where Ellsberg was once again working.

Born : 7 April 1931, Chicago, Illinois, United States

Died : 16 June 2023, Kensington, California, United States

Source : Reuters

Correct Answer :   Rs 5,740 Crores

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The country's largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI), has given the government a cheque of Rs 5,740 crore as its dividend income for the financial year 2022-23.

* This is the highest dividend the State Bank of India has given in any financial year. Dinesh Kumar Khara, chairman of the country's largest bank, handed over the dividend cheque to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday (16th June 2023).

* Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi was also present on the occasion.

* According to the data available on the BSE website, the State Bank of India has paid a dividend of Rs 23.1130 per share to shareholders for the financial year 2022-23. The record date for this was 31 May 2023.


SBI registers record profit in FY23 :

* State Bank of India reported a standalone net profit of Rs 16,694.5 crore for the quarter ended March, beating analysts' estimates by a huge margin.

* The PSU banking behemoth's net profit grew 83.2% compared to the corresponding year ago period.

* SBI's net interest income (NII) — or the difference between interest earned and interest paid — stood at Rs 40,392.5 crore for the three-month period as against Rs 31,197.9 crore for the quarter ended March 2022, according to a regulatory filing. .

Source : Zeebiz