Table of Contents
National News
DGCA Advisory Circular on Gender Equality in the Civil Aviation Sector
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory circular titled ‘Gender Equality in the Civil Aviation Sector‘ aimed at increasing women’s representation in aviation to 25% by 2025. This initiative aligns with the gender equality principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution and the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) vision for equal opportunities in aviation.
Indian Deposits in Swiss Banks Drop by 70% to Reach Four-Year Low of ₹9,771 Crore
Indian funds in Swiss banks have plummeted by 70% in 2023, reaching a four-year low of 1.04 billion Swiss Francs (₹9,771 crore), according to the Swiss National Bank (SNB). This marks a significant decline after a peak in 2021 and is attributed to decreases in bonds, securities, and other financial instruments.
International News
Tajikistan Government Bans Hijab and Other ‘Alien Garments’
On June 19, the upper house of the Tajikistan parliament, Majlisi Milli, passed a law prohibiting “alien garments,” which primarily targets the hijab and other traditional Islamic clothing. The lower chamber, Majlisi Namoyandagon, had passed the bill on May 8. This move has sparked debate among Tajikistan’s predominantly Muslim population in the tightly governed ex-Soviet republic.
State News
Hemis Festival 2024: Celebrating Buddhist Culture in Ladakh
The Hemis Festival, a vibrant celebration of Tibetan Buddhism, takes place annually in Ladakh, India. In 2024, this important cultural event will be held on June 16th and 17th. The Hemis Festival, also known as Hemis Tsechu, commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. This two-day celebration brings the Hemis Monastery, Ladakh’s largest Buddhist monastery, to life with color, music, and spiritual energy.
Appointments News
Manoj Jain Appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading Indian defense electronics company, has announced a significant change in its top leadership. Manoj Jain has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director of the company.
Government Appoints Atul Kumar Chaudhary as Secretary of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
The government (on 20 June) has appointed Atul Kumar Chaudhary, as the new Secretary, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the position which was lying vacant after the superannuation of V Raghunandan on May 31.
President Appoints Bhartruhari Mahtab as Pro-Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha
In a significant development, Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-term Lok Sabha member, has been appointed as the pro tem Speaker of the Lower House. The announcement was made by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on June 20.
Rear Adm Nelson D’Souza Takes Over as Commandant, Military Institute of Technology, Pune
Rear Admiral Nelson D’Souza has taken over as Commandant of Military Institute of Technology (MILIT), Pune from Air Vice Marshal Vivek Blouria. An accomplished alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Naval War College, Goa, Rear Admiral D’Souza has served in numerous key positions within the Indian Navy since his commissioning in March 1991.
Banking News
Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank Gets National Award for APY Implementation
Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB), a regional rural bank sponsored by Canara Bank, has been honoured with a national award by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for significant enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
Government Monetises ₹1.56 Lakh Crore in FY24 under National Monetisation Pipeline
The government monetised assets worth ₹1.56 lakh crore under the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) in the financial year 2023-24, falling short of the target of ₹1.8 lakh crore. This performance represents approximately 159% of the achievement in 2021-22. The NMP aims to unlock the value of brownfield infrastructure assets, with a total monetisation potential estimated at ₹6 lakh crore over a four-year period from FY22 to FY25.
Ranks and Reports News
India Ranks Third in Global Domestic Airline Market
India has achieved significant milestones in its domestic aviation sector over the past decade, emerging as the world’s third-largest market for domestic airlines by April 2024. This marks a remarkable ascent from its fifth position ten years ago, driven by robust growth and strategic developments under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Important Day News
International Widows’ Day 2024, Date, History and Significance
International Widow’s Day 2024: Observed annually on 23 June, International Widow’s Day (IWD) is a significant occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of widows worldwide and advocating for their rights and well-being.
United Nations Public Service Day 2024 Observed Globally on 23rd June
Every year on June 23rd, the world celebrates United Nations Public Service Day. This special day highlights the importance of public service and recognizes the hard work of public servants globally.
World Hydrography Day 2024 Celebrates on June 21st
Every year on June 21st, the world celebrates World Hydrography Day. This important day, organized by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), aims to raise awareness about hydrography and its crucial role in understanding our seas and oceans. The theme for World Hydrography Day 2024 is: “Hydrographic Information – Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities“.