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 AFFAIRSCLOUD TODAY
Current Affairs 4 & 5 June 2023 : Headlines

1. MoRTH allows e-Bank Guarantee, Insurance Surety Bonds as bid

2. G20 3rd Employment Working Group Meeting held in Geneva
3. Indian Army’s Sapta Shakti Command Conducted “Sudarshan Shakti 2023” Exercise Along
Western Border
4. Indian Navy & IMU signed MoU for Technical Collaboration
5. THE Impact Ranking 2023: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham tops Indian Universities
6. IRENA’s Low-cost finance for energy transition Report Praises India’s Renewable Energy Growth
7. Security Council Extends UN Political Mission in Sudan for 6 Months
8. SEBI Issued Guidelines for Transactions in Corporate Bonds through RFQ platform by SBs
9. IRDAI Identified SBI Life as the Acquirer-Insurer of Business of SILIC
10. RBL Bank Introduces ACE Fixed Deposit Scheme, offering up to 8.50% Interest Rate
11. Karbon Card launched Card++, India’s 1st Mobile Based Expense Management Card
12. Tata Group to establish India’s 1st Lithium-ion Cell Manufacturing gigafactory in Gujarat
13. Tongan Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Passes Away at 75
14. World Bicycle Day 2023- June 3
15. Maharashtra Cabinet launched new Portal “Maha Labharthi” for implementing “Shasan Aplya
Dari” Scheme
16. TN govt signed 6 MoUs worth Rs 818.9 crores with Japanese Companies

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 NATIONAL AFFAIRS
MoRTH allows e-Bank Guarantee, Insurance Surety Bonds as bid & Performance Security in
BID, HAM & EPC Projects
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved the acceptance of e-Bank Guarantee
(BG) and Insurance Surety Bonds as a bid security and performance security in standard documents (Request
for Proposal (RFP) and Model concession Agreement (MCA)) of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction
(EPC), Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) (Toll) projects.

• This decision follows recent amendments by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance
in General Financial Rules (GFRs) 2017 relating to inclusion of e-BG and Insurance Surety Bonds
as means to accept bid security and performance security.
Key Points:
i.As per the approval, existing contracts including road development, toll contracts, ropewaysand any other
contract wherein Ministry has prescribed a BG can be replaced with insurance surety bonds.
ii.Physical bank guarantees (being taken as bid security or performancesecurity) may be accepted if e-bank
guarantees are not feasible.
iii.The introduction of surety bond insurance reduces the reliance on bank guarantees for infrastructure
developers and provides risk transfer and financial protection in case of non-performance.
• It also requires less collateral and frees up funds for business growth.
iv.In December 2022, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Finance, launched the country’s first-ever
surety bond insurance product to reduce the dependence on infrastructure developers on BG.
v.Recently, the Ministry of Finance has agreed to allow contractors engaged by state-owned National Highways
Authority of India (NHAI) and National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) to
convert their bank guarantees into insurance surety bonds.
Static Points:
i.A Bank Guarantee (BG) is a financial instrument used as a legal contract in which a bank acts as a guarantor
and undertakes an obligation to pay the beneficiary a certain amount of money specified in the guarantee, if the
debtor from the original contract does not fulfill his contractual obligations.
ii.Insurance Surety Bonds are instruments where insurance companies act as ‘Surety’ and provides the
financial guarantee that the contractor will fulfil its obligation as per the agreed terms.
iii.Ministry of Finance, has made e-BG and Insurance Surety Bonds at par for all Government procurements.

G20 3rd Employment Working Group Meeting held in Geneva

The 3rd Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting under the G20 (Group of Twenty) Indian Presidency
was successfully held from May 31st to June 2nd, 2023, at the International Labour Organization (ILO)
headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
• It was chaired by Ms. Arti Ahuja, G20 EWG Chair, and Secretary, Labour and Employment.

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Participation:
i.Delegates representing 78 G20 Members countries, 09 guest countries, and 04 International Organizations
attended the meeting.
ii.The Ministry of Labour & Employment’s international knowledge partners i.e. International Labour
Organisation ILO), Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD), International Social
Security Association (ISSA), World Bank (WB) and a domestic knowledge partner i.e. Ministry of Skill
Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, attended the meeting to provide their technical
expertise to the group.
Key Points:
i.The members reached a broad agreement on the draft Ministerial Communique and Outcome documents
related to the three G20 EWG’s priority areas.
ii.The discussions included progress updates on Antalya and Brisbane Targets by the ILO and Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), highlighting the need for accelerated efforts to meet the
goals.
iii.Key outcomes under the Indian Presidency include the development of an international reference
classification of occupations and the extension of ILO and OECD’s Skills for Jobs Database to G20 countries to
address global skill gaps.
iv.Commitments were also made to provide social protection for gig and platform workers and ensure
sustainable financing.
v.3 key priority areas for EWG 2023 selected by the Indian Presidency include – Addressing global skill gaps,
Gig and platform economy and social protection, and Sustainable financing of social protection.
Note:The fourth and final meeting of the EWG and the Labour and Employment Ministers Meeting is scheduled
for 19th -21st July, 2023 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• The 2nd EWG meeting was held at Guwahati, Assam.

Indian Army’s Sapta Shakti Command Conducted “Sudarshan Shakti 2023”

Exercise Along Western Border
South Western (Sapta Shakti) Command of the Indian Army (IA) conducted a 4-day exercise “Sudarshan
Shakti 2023” from 22nd to 25th May 2023 along the Western borders in Rajasthan and Punjab.
• Exercise ‘Sudarshan Shakti 2023’, was designed to validate operational preparedness of the Indian
Army in a network-centric environment.
• The joint war exercise included the participation of various units from the Indian Army and other
defence forces to test their readiness and capability in dealing with different scenarios.

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Key Points:
i. The Indian Army’s elements of combat power, combat support and logistic support were exercised in a
synergised application under all domains of enemy threat including Grey Zone Warfare as part of high tempo
operations.
ii. The exercise is considered a unique event in its scope and objective as it is aimed to counter electronic
warfare.
iii. Special Forces and niche technologies covering drones, tethered drones, loiter ammunition were deployed
during the military drill.
iv. Shatrujeet Brigade (50th Independent Para Brigade), which is a formation of the Indian army and the
Western Command prominently took part in the exercise.
Key People:
General B.S. Raju- South Western Command’s General Officer Commanding-In-Chief; Air Marshal P.M. Sinha-
Western Air Command’s Air Officer Commanding-In-Chief were present during the war drills.
Note: This exercise fulfilled the stated objectives of the five pillars of transformation announced by Chief of the
Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pandey in January 2023, the 5 pillars of the transformation are:
• Operational preparedness
• Force modernization
• Human resource development
• Strategic partnerships
• Jointness among the armed forces.
Indian Army and Indian Air Force Joint Exercise:
i. C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster and AN-32 aircraft were used to insert troops and specialised
equipment into designated areas in the obstacle-ridden terrain with clinical precision.
ii. A high level of operational preparedness and synergy was displayed between Western Command, strategic
forces and the Indian Air Force (IAF) to undertake integrated operations in an obstacle-ridden terrain.
iii.This partnership is an excellent example of jointness and interoperability between the two forces during
various operational scenarios.

Indian Navy & IMU signed MoU for Technical Collaboration

On 2nd June 2023, Indian Navy and the Indian Maritime University(IMU), headquartered at Chennai(Tamil
Nadu), signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) for Technical Collaboration. The MoU enable
collaboration in areas of training, joint research and development, collaborative training, and field-level
problem solving by teams from the Centre of Excellence(CoE) (Marine Engineering), Indian Navy Ship(INS)
Shivaji, Lonavala(Maharashtra), and IMU.
• The MoU was signed by Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Equipment, and Dr. Malini V
Shankar, IAS (Retired), Vice Chancellor of IMU in New Delhi, Delhi.

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 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
THE Impact Ranking 2023: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham tops Indian Universities
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, has emerged as the top Indian
university on the Times Higher Education(THE) Impact Rankings 2023. 2023 Impact Rankings is the 5th
edition of THE Impact ranking.

• Globally, Amrita University is ranked 52 among the 1,591 universities from 112 countries.
• Western Sydney University in Australia has topped the overall ranking for the second year in a row
followed by the University of Manchester, in the United Kingdom(UK) and Queen’s University in
Canada.
Note:
• Amrita University, founded in 2003, is the youngest university to become credited “A” by the
National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
• The university is a multi-disciplinary institution located across 5 campuses: TN(Coimbatore),
Karnataka (Bengaluru, & Mysuru), and Kerala (Amritapuri, & Kochi)

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About Impact Ranking:
i.THE Impact Rankings is a global performance table that assesses universities against the United Nations
(UN)’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The universities are ranked individually over the 17 SDGs.
ii.The Impact ranking was first launched in 2019 with 450 universities. participating
Methodology:
i.The methodology was developed in conjunction with Vertigo Ventures and Elsevier.
ii.To feature on the overall ranking table, universities had to submit SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and a
minimum of 3 other SDGs.
Top 5 on the overall ranking:
Rank Name of the University Country
1 Western Sydney University Australia
2 University of Manchester United Kingdom
3 Queen’s University Canada
4 Universiti Sains Malaysia Malaysia
5 University of Tasmania Australia
Top 3 Indian Universities on the overall ranking:
Rank Name of the University State
52 Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
101-200 Lovely Professional University(LPU) Phagwara, Punjab
101-200 Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences Bajhol, Himachal Pradesh
201-300 Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Indian University among top 100 under Each SDG:
• For SDG 1: No Poverty: JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (Mysuru, Karnataka) is
ranked 65th.
• For SDG 2: Zero Hunger: LPU is ranked 41st.
• For SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being: JSS Academy is ranked 16th and Amrita university is
ranked 23rd and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Chennai, TN) is
ranked 83rd.
• For SDG 4: Quality Education: Amrita university is ranked 9th, Manipal Academy of Higher
Education (Manipal, Karnataka) is ranked 25th and B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science
and Technology (Vandalur, TN) is ranked 75th.
• For SDG 5: Gender Equality: Manipal Academy of Higher Education is ranked 4th and Amrita
university is ranked 46th.
• For SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Amrita University is ranked 24th and Shoolini University
of Biotechnology and Management Sciences is ranked 41st and B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent
Institute of Science and Technology and SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Chennai, TN) at
77th.
• For SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Guwahati(Assam) is
ranked 6th and Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences(TN) is ranked 18th, Chitkara
University(Chandigarh) ranked 40th and Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management
Sciences at 43 and LPU at 77th
• For SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: University of Calcutta (Kolkata, West Bengal) is
ranked 52nd and LPU at 97th rank.
• For SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: KIIT University is ranked 17th.

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 • For SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Saveetha Institute of Medical and
Technical Sciences ranked 44th and IIT Gandhinagar (Gujarat) is ranked 54th.
About Times Higher Education(THE):
Mission: To be the definitive source of data, insight, and expertise on higher education around the world.
First issue– October 1971
Headquarters– London, United Kingdom (UK)

IRENA’s Low-cost finance for energy transition Report Praises India’s Renewable Energy
Growth
A report titled ‘Low-cost finance for energy transition’ produced by the International Renewable Energy
Agency (IRENA) praised India’s achievement in rolling out renewable energy capacity, calling it
“unprecedented”.

• The report was prepared by IRENA in conjunction with India’s G20 Presidency and in close
collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of India, offers valuable
insights concerning access to low-cost finance for the energy transition and the deployment of
critical technologies in particular
Key Points of the Report:
i.India ranked third on the Renewable Energy Attractive Index in 2021 and India’s solar and wind power base
is the fourth largest in the world.
ii.India’s renewable energy sector growth is being driven by national targets of 175 GW of renewable energy
capacity by 2022 and 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
iii.IREDA:
• Establishment of the government-owned, non-banking finance company, Indian Renewable Energy
Development Agency (IREDA), in 1987 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is recognized
by the report.
• The report states that, IREDA has been serving India’s renewable energy sector and the
government’s ambitions for the past 35 years and it has helped commission approximately 20 GW of
renewable energy capacity in the country through financing to renewable energy developers
iv.Green Bonds:
• The report mentioned sovereign green bonds as a next logical step to showcase India’s commitment
to building a low-carbon economy, mobilise private sector capital for sustainable development and
lower the cost of capital for green projects by tapping into new investors.
• During the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), India set net-zero emissions
targets to achieve by 2070.
• The report estimated that India would need USD 10 trillion between 2022 and 2070 to achieve
them to meet its 2070 net-zero target.
• So far, overall green bond issuance in India has grown significantly to USD 18.3 billion cumulatively,
with 2021 being the year with a record issuance of USD 7 billion.
v.India aims to reach about 50% of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based
energy resources by 2030.

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vi.Climate finance, green development and lifestyle for the environment (LiFE) are among the key priorities of
India’s presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20), under its chosen theme, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“One
Earth, one family, one future”).
Note – International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports
countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for
international co-operation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial
knowledge on renewable energy.

Security Council Extends UN Political Mission in Sudan for 6 Months

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has agreed to extend the United Nations Integrated Transition
Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) – United Nations(UN)’s political mission in Sudan, for 6 months until
the 3rd December 2023, as conflicts worsen in Sudan.
• Adopting resolution 2685 (2023), UNSC also requested the Secretary-General of UN to continue
reporting on the implementation of the Mission’s mandate every 90 days and decided to remain
actively seized of the matter.
UNITAMS was created in June 2020 to support Sudan’s democratic transition after the fall of Omar al-Bashir
government.
The resolution reaffirms the Security Council’s commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and
territorial integrity.

BANKING & FINANCE

SEBI Issued Guidelines for Transactions in Corporate Bonds through RFQ platform by SBs
On June 2, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued guidelines for transactions in
Corporate Bonds (CBs) through the Request for Quote (RFQ) platform by stock brokers (SBs) in order to
increase liquidity on the platform and to enhance the transparency and disclosure pertaining to trading in the
secondary market in corporate bonds.

Key Points:
i.SEBI has asked SBs to undertake at least 10% of their total secondary market trades by value in CBs in that
month by placing/seeking quotes through one-to-one (OTO) or one-to-many (OTM) mode on the RFQ platform
of stock exchanges.
• The instruction would be applicable for all the trades in a proprietary capacity with effect from July
01, 2023.
ii.The value would be increased by 25% of their total secondary market trades from April 1, 2024, onwards.
Note – This circular is issued by SEBI in the exercise of powers conferred under Section 11(1) of the SEBI Act,
1992, to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate
the securities markets.

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About Request for Quote (RFQ):
i.The RFQ is a trade execution platform launched in 2020 as per the guidance of SEBI, for inviting and/or
giving quotes. It is a direct participation model where all participants trade in their own accounts.
ii.Under the platform all regulated entities, listed corporate bodies, institutional investors and all Indian
financial institutions were eligible to register, access and transact.
iii.In October 2022, SEBI allowed SBs to place bids on the RFQ platform on behalf of their clients to facilitate
wider participation in the CB market.
• This was in addition to the existing option of placing bids in a proprietary capacity. Quotes on RFQ
platforms can be placed through OTO or OTM mode.
iv.In January 2023, SEBI allowed the participants to use the services of SEBI-registered brokers for
participation in RFQ platform.
v.The RFQ platform also provides options for users to seek a quote and to respond to a quote.
vi.The platform uses RFQ protocol where an initiator may request other participants for a quote in corporate
bonds, securitised debt instruments, municipal debt securities, Government securities, State development
loans, Treasury Bills, Commercial Papers and Certificates of Deposit or any other security as specified by an
exchange from time to time.
Additional info:
i.SEBI has been taking steps to increase the liquidity on RFQ platform of stock exchanges and made certain
stipulations for transactions on RFQ platform by Mutual Funds , Portfolio Management Services, and Alternate
Investment Funds.
ii.SEBI has directed the stock exchanges to file the compliance report from August 2023 with the Department of
Debt and Hybrid Securities (DDHS), SEBI.
Recent Related News:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated alternative investment funds (AIFs) to
provide investors with the option of a “direct plan” and introduced a trail model for distribution commission.
About Securities and Exchange Board of India ( SEBI):
Chairperson -Madhabi Puri Buch
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Establishment – 12 April 1992

IRDAI Identified SBI Life as the Acquirer-Insurer of Business of SILIC

On June 2, 2023, The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) identified SBI Life
Insurance Company Limited (SBI Life) as the acquirer–insurer of the business of Sahara India Life
Insurance Co. (SILIC).
• In this regard, SBI Life shall take over the policy liabilities of around two lakh policies of SILIC,
backed by the policyholders’ assets, with immediate effect.
Note: This decision has been taken by IRDAI in exercise of its powers under sub-section (2) of Section 52B of
the Insurance Act, 1938. Click Here for Official Release
Key Points:
i.For the implementation of the Order in a timebound manner, IRDAI has constituted a committee of Member
(Actuary), Member (Life) and Member (F&I).
ii.SBI Life has been instructed to engage with SILIC policyholders, ensuring policy servicing and establishing a
dedicated cell to address their queries.
• They are also required to publish essential information on their website.
iii.IRDAI will closely monitor the situation, providing further directions as needed to safeguard the interests of
SILIC policyholders.
The SILIC Background:
SILIC was granted a Certificate of Registration (CoR) in 2004 for life insurance. Due to financial and governance
issues, an Administrator was appointed in 2017, preventing the insurer from underwriting new business.

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Despite multiple directions to meet regulatory requirements, SILIC failed to comply and protect policyholder
interests. The company’s portfolio is in a run-off trend with increasing losses and claims. Consequently, on June
2nd, 2023, IRDAI decided to take the above mentioned action to safeguard SILIC policyholders.
About SBI Life Insurance Company Limited (SBI Life):
SBI Life was incorporated in 2000 and was registered with IRDAI in 2001.
MD & CEO– Mahesh Kumar Sharma
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tagline– Apne Liye.Apno Ke Liye.

RBL Bank Introduces ACE Fixed Deposit Scheme, offering up to 8.50% Interest Rate
RBL bank Ltd introduced a new fixed deposit scheme named ‘ACE Fixed Deposit scheme’ with an interest of
up to 8.50% to provide better saving options for its customers.

Key Points:
i.Term – The Fixed Deposit (FD) scheme is available for terms ranging from 12 months to 20 years, and the
customers will have additional alternatives for banks and prizes under the new plan.
ii.The minimum deposit value of the FD scheme is Rs 50 lakh and maximum deposit value is Rs 2 crore.
iii.Eligibility – The scheme is available to both resident and non-resident Indians.
iv.Under the scheme, the bank is offering 20 bps higher rate of interest, over and above the regular callable
deposits (Fixed Deposit with premature withdrawal). Moreover, senior citizens and super senior citizens
getting 50 bps and 75 bps higher interest rate respectively.
Fixed Deposit Interest Rate:
RBL Bank has also revised its fixed deposit interest rates effective from June 1, 2023 and it offers an interest
rate between 3.50% to 7.80% for regular citizens for deposits below Rs 2 crore. Click here to know more.
Under FD the bank offers, Senior Citizens (60 years to less than 80 years) with an additional interest rate of
0.50% per annum (p.a) and Super Senior Citizens (80 years and above) are eligible for an additional interest
rate of 0.75% p.a.
• Senior Citizens/Super Senior Citizens rates are not applicable on Non-Resident Fixed Deposits
(NRE/NRO).
About RBL Bank Ltd.:
Establishment – 6 August 1943
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
MD&CEO – R Subramaniakumar
Tagline – apno ka bank

Karbon Card launched Card++, India’s 1st Mobile Based Expense Management Card
Karbon Card, a B2B (Business to Business) payment solution provider, launched India’s first-ever mobile-
based expense management card namely ‘Card++’.

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 • Based on the mobile-first approach, it will address the challenges faced by startups and Small and
Midsize Business (SMB) by providing reliable and accessible expense solution, thus, reducing
disruptions caused by the use of multiple payment instruments by SMBs.
Benefits:
i. A dedicated Android app for easy access anytime anywhere
ii. Uncapped cashback on spends.
iii. Customizable transaction controls on the app itself
Key Points:
i.The card is free to use and provides uncapped cash-back offers.
ii.Its features include allowing payments on platforms like Google, Amazon, Swiggy, Ola, etc.
• It offers a comprehensive and user-friendly expense management experience with its 2-click sign-up
process, intuitive Android app for on-the-go access, and seamless top-up options.
iii.It aims to onboard a significant number of new customers by the end of 2023.
About Karbon Card:
Founders– Amit Jangir, Kartik Jain, and Sunil Kumar
Co-Founder & CEO– Pei-fu Hsieh
Headquarters– Bengaluru, Karnataka
Establishment– 2019

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Tata Group to Establish India’s 1st Lithium-ion Cell Manufacturing Gigafactory in Gujarat
On 2nd June 2023, Tata Agaratas Energy Storage Solutions Private Limited, a subsidiary of Tata
Group, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government to establish a lithium-
ion cell manufacturing giga factory in Sanand region, Gujarat.
This giga-factory in Gujarat will produce the 1st ever lithium-ion cells in India. The plant is expected to start
in less than 3 years
• The MoU was signed under the New Gujarat Electronics Policy 2022-2028, made under the
guidance of Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel.
• This plant will have an estimated initial investment of around Rs.13,000 crore and will have a
production capacity of 20 Gigawatt hours (GWh).
• The plant will help generate direct and indirect employment for some 13,000 individuals.
• The plant will help reduce Gujarat’s dependence on China and South Korea, which currently supply
battery cells to India.

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 OBITUARY
Tongan Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Passes Away at 75
On 28 May 2023, Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili of Tonga, a member of the Tongan Royal
family and a politician, passed away in Auckland, New Zealand at the age of 75. She was born on 12th May 1948
in Tonga, a Polynesian country.
She will be buried in Tonga at the Mala’e Kula Royal Tombs.
• She was the eldest daughter of Prince Fatafehi Tuipelehake and Melenaite Tupoumoheofo Veikune
and the eldest granddaughter of Her Majesty, the late Queen Salote.
• She served as the 1st elected female parliamentarian in Tonga from 1975 to 1977.
• She also served as president of the Langafonua Gallery & Handicrafts Centre, established by the late
Queen Salote to empower Tongan women with traditional skills and talents.
• She served as the patron of Tonga Health Society Langimalie Clinic (since 2018) and the Lapaha
Council, Tonga’s 1st village council.

IMPORTANT DAYS
World Bicycle Day 2023- June 3
The United Nations (UN)‘s World Bicycle Day is annually observed on 3rd June across the world to promote
the benefits of cycling and raise awareness about the social, economic importance of bicycles, which
contributes to a cleaner Environment.

• The day also celebrates the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean, healthy, environmentally
friendly and sustainable means of transport.
Objective:
World Bicycle Day is aimed at making people more active through simple activities, including cycling. The
World Health Organization (WHO) also emphasises that cycling proves to be an effective way to achieve
recommended activity levels.
Origin of Bicycle Day:
The idea for World Bicycle Day was first proposed by Professor Leszek Sibilski, a Polish-American social
scientist working in the United States of America (USA).
• He began a grassroots campaign to get the UNs to recognise World Bicycle Day, and he eventually
gained the support of Turkmenistan and 56 other countries that Co-sponsored the resolution.
• The World Cycling Alliance (WCA) and the European Cyclists Federation (ECF) welcomed this
resolution adopted by the UNGA, and have campaigned for an UN designated World Bicycle
Day since 2016.

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Background:
i. In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/72/272 during its
72nd Regular session and proclaimed 3rd June of every year as World Bicycle Day.
ii. The declaration was adopted by a consensus of 193 member states that encouraged them to include bicycles
in regional, international, and subnational development programmes and policies.
iii. The first UN designated World Bicycle Day was observed on 3rd June 2018.
World Bicycle Day Logo:
i. The original UN Blue and White World Bicycle Day logo was designed by Isaac Feld and the animation was
done by Professor John E. Swanson.
ii. This logo symbolises various types of bicyclists around the globe, accompanied by the hashtag
#June3WorldBicycleDay underneath it.
Cycling and Sustainable development:
i. On 15th March 2022, the UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/76/255 on integration of mainstream
bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development.
ii. It emphasised that the bicycle is an instrument of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message
to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate.
iii. A document titled “Cycling Delivers on the Global Goals!” delivered by WCA and ECF to the UN in 2015,
showed that cycling delivers directly on at least 12 of the 17 UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Benefits of Cycling:
• Cycling is a cheaper way of transportation and it saves money.
• It has an intrinsic zero-emission value, hence it helps to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
• It leads to being aware of the local environment, promoting environmental awareness as well as
sustainable consumption and production.
• It strengthens the muscles, improve physical fitness and flexibility and leads to a healthier life.
About United Nations (UN):
Founded in– 24 October 1945
Secretary-General– António Guterres
Headquarters– New York, the United States of America (USA)

STATE NEWS
Maharashtra Cabinet launched new Portal “Maha Labharthi” for implementing
“Shasan Aplya Dari” Scheme
In May 2023, the Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, launched an initiative
named ‘Shasan Aplya Dari’ (government at your doorstep) scheme aimed at providing citizens the necessary
information and full benefits of various schemes of the government.
The state government of Maharashtra will now use a new portal called Maha Labharthi, which means mega
beneficiary, where all the state schemes will be enlisted.
The portal Maha Labharth developed by Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) will be used
by the state government for effective implementation of its Shasan Aplya Dari scheme.
Objective:
The objective of ‘Shasan Aplya dari’ is to take various benefits of the government schemes at the doorstep of the
common people without any inconvenience.
Registration Process:
i. Once launched, the citizens can visit the MahaLabharthi website and after filling the requisite information,
he/she would get a list of government schemes, which he/she wants to use and get benefits of it.
ii. The portal will also provide information about the government office from where one can inquire about the
government scheme and its associated benefits and the necessary documents to avail of the benefits.

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Authorisation Centre:
i. The Maharashtra State Certificate in Information Technology (MS-CIT) centres as well as Common Service
Centre (CSC) at the district level will authorise the citizens, who are all eligible to visit and get the information.
ii. Upon filling the form, the citizens availing the government schemes will be provided a letter signed by the
Chief Minister (CM) and the deputy CM of the Maharashtra state.
iii. The letter can be taken to the concerned government office or to a place hosting the ‘Shasan Aplya dari’
program.
• For this initiative, a dedicated team has been set up in the CM’s office and 15,146 volunteers have
been appointed for the same across the state.
The district administrations have organised two-day camps in their jurisdictions to ensure the success of the
initiative. They have set a target of providing benefits to around 75,000 locals under the campaign.
The funds from the Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development Scheme (MLALAD) and the
District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC) were set to be used for the scheme.
About Maharashtra:
Chief Minister– Eknath Shinde
Governor– Ramesh Bais
Zoological Park– Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park and Rajiv Gandhi Zoological
Park (Peshwa Park)

TN govt signed 6 MoUs worth Rs 818.9 crores with Japanese Companies

On 29th May 2023, The Tamil Nadu (TN) government signed six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth
over Rs 818.9 crore with Japanese Companies during Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) M K Stalin’s nine-day
visit to Japan and Singapore.

• The MoUs were signed in the presence of CM of TN M K Stalin, at the end of an investors conclave,
organised by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in Tokyo, Japan.
Details of the MOUs:
i.On behalf of the Tamil Nadu Government, Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance Corporation (TN’s nodal agency for
investment promotion and single window facilitation) signed an MOU with KyoKuto Satrac, with an investment
of Rs 113.90 crore, for the establishment of a 13-acre plant at Mambakkam in Kancheepuram district, TN to
manufacture trailers and trucks parts.
ii.Shimizu Corporation signed an MOU with Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance Corporation to undertake
construction, engineering and related business in Tamil Nadu.
iii.Mitsuba India Pvt Ltd signed an MOU with Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance Corporation to expand its plant
at SIPCOT Gummidipoondi in Tiruvallur district to manufacture spare parts for four and two vehicles at an
investment of Rs 155 crore.
iv.Sato-Shoji Metal Works signed an MOU for setting up a factory to manufacture high-quality steel
components used in the aerospace, defence and construction equipment sector with an investment of Rs 200
crore.
v.Kohyei signed an MOU with Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance Corporation worth over Rs 200 crore to

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manufacture polycarbonate sheets, roofing systems, and extrusion lines for electronic components for use in
the construction industry.
vi.Tofle signed an MOU with Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance Corporation worth over Rs 150 crore to
manufacture stainless steel specialised flexible hoses.
Other Highlights of CM’s visit:
i. In addition to this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with
Omron Healthcare, a Japan-based manufacturer and distributor of personal healthcare products will set up a
medical devices manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu at a cost of Rs128 crore.
ii.TN CM M K Stalin participated in a joint conference with JETRO to invite Japanese companies to invest in
Tamil Nadu and also invited major Japanese companies to participate in the global investors’ meet in Chennai
to be held in January 2024.
Note – M K Stalin has signed 13 MoUs that would totally attract investments worth more than Rs 1,130 crore in
Singapore and Japan.
About Tamil Nadu:
Chief Minister– M K Stalin
Governor– R N Ravi
Airport– Chennai International Airport, Coimbatore International Airport

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