Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 28th June 2023

Udyami Bharat-MSME Day:

Udyami Bharat-MSME Day is an important occasion that highlights the achievements and potential of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India.

• This year, the event celebrated on June 27, bringing together key stakeholders from the government and the MSME sector.
• The Udyami Bharat-MSME Day event will take place at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, a prestigious venue that symbolizes the government’s commitment to the growth and progress of the MSME sector.
• Udyami Bharat-MSME Day will witness the launch of several noteworthy initiatives aimed at empowering and uplifting MSMEs.
• These include the unveiling of the Champions 2.0 portal, a platform that will provide valuable support and resources to MSMEs.
• Additionally, a mobile app for geo-tagging of cluster projects and technology centres will be introduced, facilitating effective management and monitoring of these initiatives.
• The event will mark the launch of the MSME Idea Hackathon 3.0, a platform that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship among women entrepreneurs.
• The event will also serve as a platform to acknowledge the accomplishments of MSMEs.
• The results of the MSME Idea Hackathon 2.0 will be announced, showcasing the creative and innovative ideas generated by participants.
• Certificate distribution ceremonies will be held to honor Gold and Silver ZED-certified MSMEs.

What Is Watermelon Snow?

Watermelon snow is a captivating natural phenomenon observed in snowy mountainous regions, including Utah, where the snow takes on a red and pink hue.

• This unique occurrence has been attributed to a specific type of algae and has fascinated both scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.
• It is a result of a green algae bloom known as Chlamydomonas nivalis.
• This species of algae thrives in cold, snowy environments, and its presence in the snowpack triggers the vibrant transformation of the snow’s appearance.
• The Role of the Secondary Pigment is to protect themselves from the intense solar radiation in their bright surroundings, the algae produce a secondary pigment.
• This pigment acts as a shield against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and safeguards the algae’s DNA and organelles.
• The secondary pigment allows the algae’s cells to absorb heat, which plays a crucial role in their access to water.

Florence Nightingale Awards(2022 and 2023):

The President of India conferred the Florence Nightingale Awards on 30 nurses and auxiliary midwives.

• Florence Nightingale Awards are named as a tribute to Florence Nightingale.
• Florence Nightingale was an English social reformer, statistician and the founder of modern nursing.
• She came to prominence while serving as a manager and trainer of nurses during the Crimean War.
• She organized to care for wounded soldiers at Constantinople.
• It is the highest national distinction a nurse can achieve for selfless devotion and exceptional professionalism.
• Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Objective: It was instituted as a mark of recognition for the meritorious services rendered by the nurses and nursing professionals to society.
• The award consists of a Cash Award of 50000/-, a certificate and a medal.
• The award is given to outstanding Nursing personnel employed in Central, State/UTs, Private, Missionary and Voluntary Organizations.

Veerangana Rani Durgavati Gaurav Yatra:

Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi will attend the six-day “Veerangana Rani Durgavati Gaurav Yatra” (to honour 16th-century Gondwana kingdom queen Rani Durgavati) in Madhya Pradesh

• Rani Durgavati (1524 – 1564) was the ruling Queen of Gondwana from 1550 until 1564.
• She is chiefly remembered for defending her kingdom against the Mughal Empire.
• She strengthened the alliance between the Chandel and Gond dynasties
• Assumed leadership of the Gond kingdom around 1550 after her husband’s passing.
• Defeated Bajbahadur, who took control of the Malwa province in 1556
• Direct interaction between Rani Durgavati’s realm and the Mughal Empire. Abdul Majid Khan, a Mughal subedar, invaded Rani Durgavati’s realm with Akbar’s approval
• She defended her realm from the Mughal army, and set up camp in Narrai valley. She refused to leave the battlefield and killed herself with a dagger
• Legacy and Honours:
  • Renamed the University of Jabalpur as Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya;
  • Commemorated with a postal stamp by the Indian government;
  • Durgavati Express, a train, and ICGS Rani Durgavati, an Inshore Patrol Vessel, named after her;
  • She is hailed as a patriotic ruler and defender of culture, becoming a symbol of pride and honour.

Action Against Obscene Content On OTT Platform : DPCGC

The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC) recently recommended punitive action on an OTT platform, invoking the Information Technology Rules (2021).

• The Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC), a self-regulatory body for online curated content providers (OCCPs) in India, has taken action against the Over-the-Top (OTT) platform ULLU for streaming explicit and obscene content.
• Headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice A K Sikri, the council issued an order demanding the removal of such content within 15 days, citing violations of the Information Technology Rules (2021) and complaints raised by a dissatisfied viewer.

Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council (DPCGC):

• It is an independent self-regulatory body for Online Curated Content (OCC) providers.
• It was set up under the aegis of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
• DPCGC has been recognised and registered by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting as Level II Self-Regulatory Body for publishers of OCC providers, under Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
• The DPCGC has an Online Curated Content Publishers (OCCP) Council composed of publishers of OCC as members and an independent Grievance Redressal Board [GRB] consisting of a chairperson and six members.
• The GRB will be chaired by a retired Supreme Court/High Court judge, and the members will comprise eminent persons from the media and entertainment industry and experts from various fields, including child rights, minority rights, and media law.
• GRB will oversee and ensure the alignment and adherence to the Code of Ethics by the OCCP Council members.
• It Provide guidance to entities on the Code of Ethics.
• It Address grievances that have not been resolved by the publisher within 15 days.
• It Hear grievances/appeals filed by complainants.
• DPCGC, through the GRB aims to usher in a redressal mechanism which will ensure a balance between addressing viewer complaints and showcasing content in free-speech environment without ad-hoc interventions

Greenwashing:

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) recently released a new set of G20-backed global rules aimed at helping regulators crack down on greenwashing.

• Greenwashing is the process of conveying a false impression or misleading information about how a company’s products are environmentally sound.
• Greenwashing involves making an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a company’s products are environmentally friendly or have a greater positive environmental impact than they actually do.
• In addition, greenwashing may occur when a company attempts to emphasize sustainable aspects of a product to overshadow its involvement in environmentally damaging practices.
• Companies can also greenwash initiatives with vague claims that don’t provide real data or scientific validation for the claims.

International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB):

• It was created in 2021-22 to develop a worldwide standard for sustainability reporting.
• It is part of the independent International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) foundation, which also writes accounting rules used in more than 100 countries.
• The mission of the ISSB is to develop in the public interest—a comprehensive global baseline of high-quality sustainability disclosure standards to meet investors’ information needs.

Director Of The United Nations Office For Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA):

The UN Secretary-General recently appointed Indian-origin satellite industry expert Aarti Holla-Maini as Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

• The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is the UN office responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
• It forms part of the United Nations Office at Vienna and serves as the Secretariat for the UN General Assembly’s only committee dealing exclusively with those issues: the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
• UNOOSA implements the United Nations Programme on Space Applications (PSA). Under the Programme, UNOOSA conducts training courses, workshops, seminars and other activities on space applications.
• On behalf of the UN Secretary-General, UNOOSA maintains the Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space and disseminates via its website that information recorded in the Register.
• It also prepares and distributes documents, reports, studies and publications on various aspects of space science and technology applications and international space law.
• It works to improve the use of space science and technology for the economic and social development of all countries, particularly developing countries.

Employees Provident Fund Organisation : Extended The deadline For Members

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has extended the deadline for members and pensioners to apply for higher Provident Fund (PF) pensions till July 11.

• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory bodythat came into existence under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, of 1952.
• The Act and Schemes framed there under are administered by a tripartite Board known as the Central Board of Trustees, Employees’ Provident Fund, consisting of representatives of Government (Both Central and State), Employers, and Employees.
• The Board administers a contributory provident fund, a pension scheme, and an insurance scheme for the workforce engaged in the organized sector in India.
• It is one of the world’s largest organizations in terms of clientele and the volume of financial transactions undertaken by it.
• The Board is assisted by the Employees’ PF Organization (EPFO), consisting of offices at 122 locations across the country.
• The EPFO is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.

Kharchi Puja : Tripura

The Prime Minister of India greeted people on the occasion of Kharchi Puja

• Kharchi Puja is one of the main festivals of Tripura.
• It is performed during the months of July-August on the eighth day of the new moon.
• The meaning of Kharchi can be understood by splitting the word into two Tripuri words “Khar” or Kharta meaning sin and “Chi” or si meaning cleaning. Hence it signifies the cleansing of our sins.
• It occurs during the month of ‘Ashad’ on the ‘Shukla Ashtami’ day.
• The fourteen Gods are worshipped by the Royal priest, ‘Chantai.
• It lasts for seven days, and it takes place at old Agartala in the Fourteen Gods temple known as the ‘Chaturdasha Devata’ temple premises.
• The Kharchi Puja deities do not have a full body; they have only heads which are worshipped.
• On the day of the puja, the fourteen Gods are taken from the temple to the river Saidra by the Chantai members and given bathe with the holy river water, then carried back to the temple.
• This festival’s customs are completely related to the authentic Tripuri traditions.

World Competitiveness Index 2023:

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) published the World Competitiveness Index.

• Denmark, Ireland, and Switzerland have been named the top three among 64 economies measured for their global competitiveness.
• India with 40th rank which is still in a better position than it was between 2019-2021 when it was placed 43rd three years in a row.
• India improved in government efficiency but fared slightly poorer than other countries in business efficiency, infrastructure, and economic performance.
• Specifically, the top three measures that helped India in its score are exchange rate stability, compensation levels, and improvements in pollution control.

World Competitiveness Index:

• The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY), was first published in 1989.
• It is a comprehensive annual report and worldwide reference point on the competitiveness of countries.
• It analyses and ranks countries according to how they manage their competencies to achieve long-term value creation.
• It is based on 336 competitiveness criteria and four factors, namely Economic performance, Government efficiency, Business efficiency, and Infrastructure.