June 2021 TNPSC Monthly Current Affairs Online Test in English

Explanation

• Mount Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has an elevation of 3,470m. The volcano has erupted recently and has flushed out a river of lava. The lava has destroyed houses and highways.

Explanation

• The World Metrology Day is observed every year on May 20 to commemorate anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875. The treaty provides the basis for a coherent measurement system worldwide that underpins scientific discovery & innovation, industrial manufacturing and international trade, as well as the improvement of the quality of life and the protection of the global environment. The 2021 theme is “Measurement for Health”.

Explanation

• Every year, May 25 has been observed as the World Thyroid Day since 2008, across the world. The European Thyroid Association and American Thyroid Association established World Thyroid Day to promote public awareness of thyroid disease.
• Thyroid is the most common endocrine disorder. Jal Shakti Ministry has said that water plays a crucial role in treating the symptoms of thyroid and helping in weight loss.

Explanation

• India attracted the highest ever total FDI inflow of US$ 81.72 billion during the financial year 2020–21. This is 10% higher as compared to the last financial year 2019–20. Gujarat is the top recipient state of FDI during the FY 2020–21 with 37% share of the total FDI Equity inflows. It is followed by Maharashtra (27%) and Karnataka (13%).

Explanation

• As per the recent data released on India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow during 2020–21, Singapore’ is at the top with 29%, followed by the U.S.A (23%) and Mauritius (9%).
• In terms of sector, ‘Computer Software & Hardware’ is at the top with around 44% share of the total FDI Equity inflow followed by Construction Activities (13%) and Services Sector (8%).

Explanation

• The Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) has appointed Rajesh Bansal, a member of the founding team of Aadhaar, as its Chief executive officer. He has previously served at the RBI in various fields of technology, financial inclusion and payments systems. He also served a key role in designing India’s Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) at UIDAI.

Explanation

• The United Kingdom has launched a 14–week consultation process involving business representatives to start free trade talks with India. This process comes ahead of formal launch of free trade talks expected in September–October. India is seen as a huge market for British goods like whisky, cars and services.

Explanation

• The National Green Tribunal has set up a committee to submit a report on alleged violation of norms in the construction of a dam across the Cauvery River at Mekedatu, in Karnataka.
• Karnataka earlier proposed to construct the dam in the area and the proposal was deferred by the Cauvery Water Management Authority twice. Tamil Nadu Government had expressed its strong opposition citing the pendency of case before the Supreme Court.

Explanation

• The American space agency NASA has proposed an Earth System Observatory, which would provide key information regarding climate change, disaster mitigation, fighting forest fires, and improving real–time agricultural processes. The design involves a constellation of satellites, which would develop a holistic 3D model of the earth from bedrock to atmosphere.

Explanation

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) announced that it will set up One–Stop Centres (OSC).
• This scheme aims to support women affected by violence in public and private spaces, within the family, community and at the workplace. OSCs will be first introduced in 10 foreign missions in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.

Explanation

• Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists across the world. It was on the Day of Vesak in the year 623 BC that the Buddha was born. It was also on the same day, the Buddha attained enlightenment, on another Day of Vesak in his eightieth year, he passed away.

Explanation

• Van Gujjars is a nomadic tribe, who inhabit in the Himalayan region. They usually dwell in foothills of Himalayas and in states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• Recently, Uttarakhand high court has slammed the state government for forcing the tribe to live in inhuman conditions. The state, which feared to let them enter Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Uttarkashi, was asked to provide accommodation.

Explanation

• Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, a 1985–batch IPS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, has been appointed as the chief of the Central Bureau of Investigation for a two–year period. He is also serving as the chief of Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF). He had also a been part of the Intelligence Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Explanation

• Hong Kong mountaineer Tsang Yin–hung has recorded the world’s fastest ascent of Everest by a woman. The 44–year–old mountaineer scaled the summit in a record time of 25 hours and 50 minutes. Another mountaineer, the 75–year–old Arthur Muir, became the oldest American to climb the world’s highest peak at 8,848.86–metres.

Explanation

• Indian economist and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has been conferred with Spain’s top Princess of Asturias Award in the social sciences category.
• He was selected out of the 41 candidatures from 20 countries nominated for the Social Sciences Award. His research on famines and his theory of human development, welfare economics and the underlying mechanisms of poverty was recognised by the institute.

Explanation

• The Lakshadweep administration has announced to introduce Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation 2021 (LDAR) and the Prevention of Anti–Social Activities Act (PASA) in the islands.
• It has drawn criticism from across the country as LDAR gives powers to the administration to remove the small holding for property owned by the islanders belonging to the Scheduled Tribes. PASA gives powers to the administration to detain a person without any public disclosure for a period of up to one year.

Explanation

• Archaeologists have recently discovered six sacrificial pits in Sanxingdui. The pits are said to contain about 500 artifacts, including gold and bronze masks. Sanxingdui is an ancient Chinese city, located about 1,500 kilometers southwest of Beijing. The artifacts date back around 3,000 years, to a time when this part of China was ruled by the ancient kingdom of Shu.

Explanation

• Professor C.N.R. Rao, who is a Bharat Ratna recipient has been conferred with International Eni Award 2020. This has been awarded for his dedicated research in renewable energy sources and energy storage. This award is also known as the Energy Frontier award and is considered to be the Noble Prize in Energy Research.

Explanation

• The Union Defence Ministry has launched the SeHAT OPD portal, which aims to provide telemedicine services to the armed force personnel, veterans and their family members. SeHAT stands for ‘Services e–Health Assistance & Tele–consultation, whose service can be availed by registering in the Defence Ministry’s website – https://sehatopd.in/.

Explanation

• The Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has launched a film festival named “The Eclipse and After”. This includes a series of films on women, which have been made by women. These are screened online from 28 to 30 May 2021. The festival comprises a package of 10 films which narrates stories of women coming out from inequality and injustice.

Explanation

• The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved eight Chinese names for features around the area on the Moon. Last year, China’s spacecraft Chang’e–5 probe landed near those places to collect samples from the lunar surface and return to Earth. China has been naming geographical entities on the Moon since 2010.

Explanation

• Dal is a lake in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is also called as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”. Recently, illegal constructions have been reported in the lake. The Lakes and Water Ways Development Authority (LAWDA), has demolished more than 170 illegal structures around the lake, in the last three months.

Explanation

• India holds the BRICS 2021 Chairship. It is the third time that India will be hosting the BRICS Summit after 2012 and 2016. Recently, the second BRICS Sherpas’ and Sous Sherpas’ meeting was convened by India to prepare for the upcoming meeting of the BRICS Foreign Ministers. The theme of the Chairship is “BRICS @ 15: Intra–BRICS Cooperation with Continuity, Consolidation and Consensus”.

Explanation

• The death anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi is observed across the country as ‘Anti–terrorism Day’. The 29th death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi was observed on May 21. On the same day in 1991, he was assassinated at Sriperumbudur, Chennai during an election campaign. Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest ever Prime Minister of India, when he took over as the sixth Prime Minister at the age of 40.

Explanation

• National Cadet Corps is the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces with its headquarters located in New Delhi. Defence Secretary has recently launched Directorate General National Cadet Corps (NCC) Mobile Training App Version 2.0. This app will assist in conducting countrywide online training to NCC cadets during the COVID–19 pandemic conditions.

Explanation

• Every year, the World Turtle Day is observed on May 23, across the world. The day is celebrated to sensitise people about turtle and tortoise and their vulnerable habitats.
• A non–profit organization called American Tortoise Rescue, that was established in 1990 leads the World Turtle Day celebration since 2000. The 2021 theme of the day is, “Turtles Rock!”

Explanation

• The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is celebrated on 29 May every year, to pay tribute to the contribution of the peacekeepers. This year the theme of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, 2021 is “The road to a lasting peace: Leveraging the power of youth for peace and security”.
• UN honours more than 3,900 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives during their service, since 1948.

Explanation

• Amnesty International, is a non–governmental organisation focused on human rights, which was founded in London in the year 1961. 
• Amnesty International Day is celebrated on May 28 every year, to honour its founding day. The organisation was awarded the 1977 Nobel Peace Prize for its campaign against torture and the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 1978.

Explanation

• June 1 was declared as the Global Day of Parents by the UN General Assembly in 2012. Since then, June 1 is being celebrated as Global Day of Parents every year. The day is celebrated with an objective of honouring all the parents around the world for their commitment and sacrifice they do for their children. The 2021 theme of the Global Parents Day is, “Appreciate All Parents Throughout the World”.

Explanation

• World Food Safety Day has officially celebrated on 7th June 2020 to strengthen efforts to ensure that the food we eat is safe. The 2021 theme of the World Food Safety Day is, “Safe Food Today for a Healthy Tomorrow”. The day is celebrated to promote global food safety awareness and to bring together countries, civil society and private firms to take required action.

Explanation

A team of Australian scientists has discovered a new species of a tree frog from the rainforests of New Guinea. Also called as the “chocolate frog” due to its chocolate colour, it belongs to the Australasian tree frog genus Litoria. Hence the new species was named as ‘Litoria mira’. The closest known relative of this new species is the Australian green tree frog.

Explanation

• Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is NASA’s new next-generation space telescope, which is currently under development. Formerly known as Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope, it is named after NASA’s first Chief of Astronomy, as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Recently, NASA announced that thousands of exploding stars called supernovae are to observed through this telescope.

Explanation

• The Assam government has recently announced Chief Minister’s Sishu Sewa Scheme for the welfare of those children who lost parents due to COVID–19. Monthly scholarship of Rs. 3,500 per month would be given to those children who lost their parents but have their extended family members. Free residential educational facilities would be provided to children who don’t have extended family members.

Explanation

• Tasneem Aslam, an Indian student belonging to Kerala has received United Arab Emirates (UAE) 10–year Golden Visa under the exceptional student category.
• The student is permitted to stay in the UAE till the year 2031. This visa is one of the most coveted documents, which is given to prominent global personalities for merit and academic credentials.

Explanation

• The Chief Minister of Karnataka B S Yediyurappa has launched a portal named Akanksha, which would provide details on all the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Karnataka.
• This comprehensive portal would help the state Government officials, corporates and donors. It seeks to improve transparency in utilisation of CSR funds by the Government.

Explanation

• As a measure to mitigate the distress caused due to COVID 19 pandemic, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in India have announced to provide financial assistance to individuals in the form of unsecured loans up to a limit of Rs 5 lakh. This is a part of the three new loan products introduced by the PSBs to provide financial support to vaccine manufacturers, hospitals/dispensaries, pathology labs etc. 

Explanation

• Tianzhou–2, or “Heavenly Vessel” is China’s cargo spacecraft which carried supplies, equipment and propellant to the space station which is being developed by China. It has successfully docked itself to the module Tianhe, which is a part of a space station. The spacecraft was launched from earth using the Long March–7 Y3 rocket.

Explanation

• Indian woman boxer Pooja Rani Bohra has clinched her second continental title at the Asian boxing championships, being held in Dubai. The Olympic bound boxing champion registered this victory against Mavluda Movlonova of Uzbekistan in the 75kg category with a score of 5–0.

Explanation

• The Union Government has launched the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 4.0 and has expanded the scope of the scheme by including the civil aviation sector and loan to health institutions for on–site oxygen generation. Under ECLGS 4.0 a maximum loan of 40% of the outstanding loan, or Rs 200 crore whichever is lower can be availed by borrowers from financial institutions.

Explanation

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting urged the private TV news channels to display four new national helpline numbers to help the citizens during the COVID–19 awareness initiative.
• In a letter to all private TV news channels, the said these national helpline numbers should be displayed in appropriate way: The National helpline number of Health Ministry –1075, Child helpline of the Ministry of Women and Child Development–1098, Senior citizens helpline of the Social Justice Ministry – 14567 and helpline of NIMHANS for psychological support – 08046110007.

Explanation

• New Zealand has entered into an agreement for space exploration with NASA. With this, New Zealand becomes the eleventh country to sign the Artemis Accord, which is an agreement with NASA to be a part of its plans to send humans to the moon by 2024 and further to Mars.

Explanation

• The State Bank of India, in its economic research report “Ecowrap” has predicted India’s GDP to grow at 7.9% for the FY 2021–22.
• Earlier the report had predicted a growth of 10.4%, and it has now been downgraded due to the large impact of the second wave of Covid–19 pandemic in the country.

Explanation

• P4G – Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 summit is hosted by the Republic of Korea / South Korea and was organised at Seoul. It is an acceleration event for promoting market–based partnerships to build sustainable and resilient economies. The theme of the event is “Inclusive Green Recovery Towards Carbon Neutrality”.

Explanation

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced new labels, using Greek alphabets, for various variants of the coronavirus disease (Covid–19). As per the WHO, Covid variant first found in India (B1.617.2) will be referred to as Delta, while earlier found variant in the country (B.1.617.1) will be known as Kappa.

Explanation

• Recently, a piece of space debris hit and damaged a part of the ISS’s robotic arm, called as Canadarm2. The astronomers confirmed that the arm’s functions will not be impacted by the damage. Canadarm2, the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), is used to move objects outside the station and to help in repairing works in the station.

Explanation

• CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR–NCL) Pune has developed a hybrid technology called “SWASTIIK”, for disinfecting water by using natural oils.
• With support from the Water Technology Initiative of the department of science and technology, the team has developed the technology. It involves boiling of a liquid as a result of pressure reduction (cavitation) and also uses natural oils having antimicrobial properties, to disinfect.

Explanation

• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID–19 was launched to provide personal accident cover of Rs. 50 lakhs to all healthcare providers.
• Recently, a new system for approval of claims has been introduced. The District Collector will certify that the claim is in accordance with SoP of the Scheme and on the basis of this certificate, Insurance Company will approve and settle the claims within a period of 48 hrs.

Explanation

International Nitrogen Initiative (INI) is being hosted by the Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt–UBA). The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the main focus of the eighth triennial conference of the International Nitrogen Initiative (INI). It is being held virtually from May 31–June 3, 2021.

Explanation

• Every year, the United Nations observes 1st June as the Global Day of Parents. A resolution in this regard was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and the first–ever Global Day of Parents was observed in the year 2012. This day is observed to celebrate parenthood and its selfless commitment.

Explanation

• Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Arun Mishra took charge as the new Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission. Justice Mishra is the first non–CJI to be appointed to the NHRC chief post since the amendment of the Protection of Human Rights Act in 2019. 
• Former Chairperson Justice H L Dattu completed his tenure in December last year. Two other members were also appointed in the Commission.

Explanation

• Kerala retained the top spot in the Niti Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index released in the year 2021.
• India’s overall score across SDGs improved by six points, from 60 in 2019 to 66 in 2021. The annual index evaluates the progress of states and UTs on social, economic and environmental criteria. Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu grabbed the second and third spots respectively while Bihar is placed at the last place in the index.

Explanation

China recently launched into orbit a new–generation weather satellite named Fengyun–4B (FY– 4B) successfully. The Fengyun–4B satellite was launched aboard a Long March 3B rocket into the geostationary orbit, to join the network of Fengyun satellites. The first of the Fengyun series, a low–Earth orbit satellite testing machine – FY–1A, was launched in 1988.

Explanation

• David Diop has become the first French writer to win the International Booker Prize, as he was selected for the prestigious award in 2021. His second novel, At Night All Blood is Black, was translated by the US author and poet Anna Moschovakis.

Explanation

• The Scientists at Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Hyderabad have developed an indigenous Chip–off technique.
• The main objective of the technique is to retrieve encrypted data from locked and severely damaged smartphones. This would benefit investigative agencies to produce credible evidences against criminals.

Explanation

• The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) six–member monetary policy committee, headed by Governor Shaktikanta Das, kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged. The repo rate will continue at 4.00% and reverse repo rate at 3.35%. With this, the repo rate has remained unchanged for a sixth consecutive time. The decision has been taken amid coronavirus uncertainty and fears over inflation.

Explanation

• The UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) food price index is a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities including cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar.
• According to the recent index, food prices in May were 4.8% higher than April. This is registered as the biggest monthly rise since October 2010. The prices were also 39.7% higher than this time last year, May 2020.

Explanation

• The state of Mizoram has been severely affected by African Swine Fever (ASF), which has claimed more than 4,700 pigs in over two months, since the first case was reported.
• As of now, the state government has declared 99 villages and localities as “infected areas”, of which 56 are located in Aizawl District, which is the state capital.

Explanation

• Lakshmi Nandan Bora, a noted Assamese litterateur and Padma Shri awardee belonging to Assam, passed away recently, due to COVID. He was 89 years old. Lakshmi Nandan Bora has authored more than 60 books in Assamese language.
• Patal Bhairavi and Kayakalpa are his famous writings. He received the Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 2015.

Explanation

• The Government of Denmark has approved for construction of an artificial giant island named Lynetteholm.
• This island would be 1 sq mile (2.6 sq km) in area and would include a dam system around its perimeter to protect its harbour from rising sea levels and storms. This island would be connected to the mainland by way of tunnel roads and metro lines.

Explanation

• The Government of India has announced that it would procure 30 crore doses of the COVID vaccine “Corbevax” which is manufactured by the company Biological E. The firm is headquartered in Hyderabad. This indigenously made vaccine is a “Recombinant Protein Sub Unit Vaccine ” (i.e.) made from the spike protein of COVID virus and is different from Covaxin or Covishield vaccines.

Explanation

• Every year, 5th of June is observed as the World Environment Day by the United Nations. This day first came into being in the year 1972. The theme for this year is “Reimagine – Recreate – Restore” and the Global Host for 2021 World Environment Day is Pakistan.

Explanation

• The Raimona reserve forest in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam, has been upgraded as the sixth national park of the state. The other five national parks in Assam are Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri, Orang and Dibru–Saikhowa. This Park is famous for its rich flora and fauna especially the Golden langur, clouded leopards, Indian gaur and Hornbill.

Explanation

• The Performance Grading Index or PGI 2019–20, which is an index to grade Indian states and Union Territories on Education, has been approved to be launched by the Union Ministry of Education.
• This index is based on a set of 70 parameters. Under this index, Punjab, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Kerala occupy the top 5 positions for the year 2019–20.

Explanation

• On June 10th, a Solar Eclipse is to be witnessed while on June 20–21, Summer solstice, the astronomical end of spring, and the beginning of summer will occur.
• This will be the day with the longest period of daylight. On the summer evenings, a curved grouping of stars is noticed across the southern sky, with red beacon. This is the constellation Scorpius, which can be observed in June. The full Moon of June is also called as ‘Strawberry Moon’.

Explanation

• The International Labour Organisation (ILO) released the assessment titled ‘World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2021’. As per the report, global crisis–induced ‘jobs gap’ will reach 75 million in 2021 before falling to 23 million in 2022. It also predicts that employment growth will be insufficient to make up for the losses suffered until at least 2023.

Explanation

• The Supreme Court of India has directed the State Government of Haryana and the Faridabad Municipal Corporation to remove all encroachments in Aravali forest near a village in Faridabad. These encroachments also consist of around 10,000 residential constructions.

Explanation

• The Indian Navy would receive MH–60 Romeo helicopters from the United States of America. India had earlier in 2020, signed a Rs.16,000 crore deal with the USA. A batch of Indian pilots have reached the US to be trained to operate the chopper.

Explanation

• The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the main organs of the UN and has 54 members. These members are elected every year for a term of 3 years. India has been recently elected to the ECOSOC for a term from 2022 to 2024 by way of voting by secret ballot.

Explanation

• The Australotitan cooperensis has been recently identified as the biggest dinosaur of Australia. This was announced after its bones were first uncovered. This is a part of the titanosaur family that lived about 100 million years ago. It is estimated to had a height of 5–6.5 metres and a length of 25–30 metres. Based on the limb size comparisons, this new titanosaur is estimated to be in the top five largest in the world.

Explanation

• As per a recent study, the younger generation of North Atlantic right whales are about three feet shorter than whales were 20 years ago. Entanglements with fishing gear, collisions with ships and climate change moving their food supply north are said to be the reasons for this phenomenon. The whales are being classified as ‘Critically endangered’ by IUCN.

Explanation

• Residents of Himachal Pradesh have been protesting against the proposed 804 MW Jangi Thopan Powari hydroelectricity project (JTP HEP). This is a proposed project over the Sutlej River. The run–of–the–river (ROR) project involves construction of a concrete gravity dam across river Sutlej and underground powerhouse on the right bank.

Explanation

• The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Rankings 2022, which is an annual publication of university rankings has been recently published. 
• As per the release, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has secured the position of the “world’s top research university”. This institution has achieved a score of 100/100 under the metric Citations Per Faculty (CPF) assessment.

Explanation

• As per the Economist’s annual survey of the world’s most liveable cities in 2021, Auckland (New Zealand) has topped the list of most liveable cities in the world. This is followed by Osaka and Tokyo in Japan.
• Vienna, previously the world’s most liveable city has fallen to 12th position. Auckland has topped the list owing to its successful approach in containing the COVID–19.

Explanation

• The report titled ‘The Costs of Climate Change in India’ has been released by London–based global think tank Overseas Development Institute. The report states that India’s poverty would increase by 3.5% by the year 2040 on account of climate change. The report also stated that India would lose around 3 to 10 per cent GDP due to climate change by the year 2100.

Explanation

• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research in China have developed a technique to detect cyclone formation in the North Indian Ocean region, in advance.
• The study was conducted under the Climate Change Program with support from the Centre’s Department of Science and Technology.

Explanation

• Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is defined as the fraction of applied nitrogen that is absorbed and used by the plant. Recently, Indian biotechnologists have identified candidate genes for nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in rice.
• This is expected to save nitrogenous pollution and fertilisers worth billions of rupees. After analysing over 16000 genes, researchers shortlisted 6 high priority target genes, to improve NUE in rice.

Explanation

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently approved the Medtech company Meril for its self use Rapid Antigen Test for Covid–19, CoviFind. This indigenously researched and developed test can detect the SARS–CoV–2 virus swiftly in 15 minutes. This affordable test does not have any specific storage requirements.

Explanation

• The Union Cabinet has decided to allocate 5 MHz spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band to the Indian Railways. This is expected to improve the communication and signalling systems of the Indian Railways. It will also help to improve safety of passengers on the transport network. The LTE–based mobile train radio communication is to be completed in the next five years at a cost of Rs 25,000 crore.

Explanation

• The International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) is a worldwide initiative to improve awareness of level crossing safety. The campaign has been spearheaded by the Paris based International Union of Railways, an international rail transport industry body.

Explanation

• The UK holds the presidency of G7 and has invited India, Australia, South Africa and South Korea to the outreach summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to virtually participate in the outreach sessions of the G7 summit, hosted by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. This is the second time the Prime Minister is participating in the G7 meeting after France invited India in 2019 as a ‘Goodwill Partner’.

Explanation

• The United Nations Security Council is a 15–member body. Five veto–wielding permanent members of the council are the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France. Recently, five countries namely Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Albania, Ghana and Gabon have been selected for to join the U.N. Security Council.

Explanation

• The Ministry of Education has recently released the All–Indian Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) report 2019–20. The Gross enrolment ratio (GER) during 2019–20 is 27.1 %, which is an increase of 0.8 % from the previous year. Total enrolment in higher education stands at 3.85 crore in 2019–20. The rise in female enrolment in higher education during the period is 18.2 %.

Explanation

• As per the recent data from the Commerce Ministry, Exports of India’s organic farm products rose 51 percent in 2020–21. Outward shipments of organic products touched 1,040 million dollars last year compared to 689 million dollars a year before.

Explanation

• As per the Environment Minister of Delhi, the National capital is all set to get its first smog tower by August 15. Though the pilot project was inaugurated last year, the construction had been delayed due to the ongoing COVID–19 pandemic. The 25–meter structure will address 10 issues, from dust pollution, vehicle pollution to pollution caused by stubble burning in neighbouring areas.

Explanation

• The Indian Government has introduced the ‘Project O2 for India’ to tackle the medical oxygen demand after COVID 19 second wave. Under the project, a National Consortium of Oxygen would enable the national level supply of critical raw materials. It includes setting up of small oxygen plants, manufacturing compressors, oxygen plants, concentrators, and ventilators among others.

Explanation

• During the 44th GST Council meeting, the tax rate on the supplies was cut and medicines for treating the black fungus infection were exempted off GST.
• This was decided based on the recommendations of the group of ministers constituted to advise on the tax rates of COVID–related essential items. COVID vaccines will continue to be taxed at 5% GST.

Explanation

• The Ministry of Education has launched an online module to compile data on out–of–school children. The data is to be mapped with ‘PRABANDH’ portal of Samagra Siksha.
• Admissions of children in the age group of 6–14 years in disadvantaged sections can be fast–tracked. Financial assistance will be provided for out of school children in the 16–18 years age group, to continue their education through distance learning mode.

Explanation

• WISA Woodsat is a nano satellite, which would be the world’s first wooden satellite to be launched to space by the end of this year from New Zealand. This nanosatellite is a cube shaped structure made of birch plywood with its sensors developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). It would be launched from a rocket electron which is developed by “Rocket Lab” – an American space company.

Explanation

• Barbora Krejcikova won her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the French Open Tournament 2021. She became the first Czech woman in 40 years to win the tournament. She won the women’s doubles titles at the 2018 French Open, 2018 Wimbledon and 2021 French Open and the mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Explanation

• The Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for ‘Cooperation in Development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat’.  NMHC, a world–class facility is to be developed near the ASI site of Lothal, located about 80 kms away from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The complex would be developed as an international tourist destination, where the maritime heritage of India would be showcased.

Explanation

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) mandated to use drones for monthly video recording of all national highway projects during their different stages of construction, operation and maintenance.
• NHAI has directed contractors to carry out the drone video recording in the presence of the Supervision Consultant, and upload the status of the current and last month on ‘Data Lake’, the portal of NHAI.

Explanation

• The 2021 summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was the 31st formal meeting of the heads of state and heads of government of NATO. It was held in Brussels, Belgium. NATO leaders warned that China presents systemic challenges to the world.
• This was also the first NATO Summit attended by the US President Joe Biden. Earlier Group of Seven (G7) rich nations issued a statement on human rights in China and Taiwan.

Explanation

• Geneva–based International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear–weapons (ICAN) has released a report titled “Complicit: 2020 Global Nuclear Weapons Spending”. The report details the spending of nine countries on their weapons, the companies that profited, among others.
• The amount had an increase of $1.4 billion from last year. USA tops the list with an expenditure of $37.4 billion, followed by China at $ 10.1 billion. Russia, UK and France are in the next places.

Explanation

• Indian Chess Player D. Gukesh won the $15,000 Gelfand Challenge chess title and eventually a ‘wild card’ for the elite Meltwaters Champions Chess Tour. 15–year–old Gukesh won all four rounds, including the key fight against Praggnanandhaa. He is the second youngest person to qualify for the title of Grandmaster, in March 2019.

Explanation

• The 7th edition of the UNESCO Science report has been released recently under the title “The race against time for smarter development”. This report makes a detailed analysis of the development path that countries have been following over the last five years in the field of science.

Explanation

• Every year, the United Nations observes June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This was initiated by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in 2006 and the UN General Assembly passed a resolution in this regard in the year 2011. This year’s June 15 is observed under the title “Safeguard older persons during COVID–19 and beyond”.

Explanation

• The state government of Kerala has recently approved for commencing land acquisition to SilverLine project, which is a semi high–speed railway project. Proposed at a cost of Rs.63,940 crore, the project aims to connect the northern and southern part of Kerala by rail and reduce the travel time. This is one of the biggest infra projects of recent times in the state.

Explanation

• The Pine Island Glacier is one of the largest ice streams in Antarctica and is the fastest melting ice shelves in the region. As per a recent study by the Washington University and British Antarctic Survey, the ice shelves of Pine Island Glacier are reported to rapidly break down. It is expected to collapse faster than previously expected timeline. Its complete melting could result in 0.5 meters rise in global sea levels.

Explanation

• The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on 17th of June to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.
• The day is a unique moment to remind everyone that land degradation neutrality is achievable through problem solving, strong community involvement and co–operation at all levels.

Explanation

• ‘International Day of Family Remittances’ is celebrated on June 16, every year across the world. This year, the International Day is observed with the theme of “Recovery and resilience through digital and financial inclusion”. This day also calls upongovernments, private sector companies and the civil society, to maximize the impact of remittances through individuals.