1 E-medical visa facility started between India and Bangladesh
On June 22, during the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, several agreements were signed between the two countries. Under this, e-medical visa facility will be started in the country for Bangladeshi citizens coming to India for treatment . Along with this , a new embassy will be opened in Rangpur, Bangladesh for the people of the northwestern region of India. The two countries also signed an agreement to increase railway connectivity . An agreement was also signed to promote the maritime sector and blue economy . India and Bangladesh finalized a joint vision document for green partnership . Sheikh Hasina is the first state guest after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister for the third time.
2 Bureau of Indian Standards introduces two new standards to enhance safety and quality of electric vehicles in India
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced two new standards, IS 18590:2024 and IS 18606:2024 , aimed at enhancing the safety of electric vehicles in the L, M and N categories. These standards focus on the critical component of electric vehicles – the powertrain – ensuring that it meets stringent safety requirements. Additionally, they emphasize on the safety and performance of batteries, ensuring that they are both powerful and safe. However, the shift to electric mobility extends beyond cars and trucks. E-rickshaws and e-carts are gaining popularity across India. To address this, the BIS has introduced IS 18294:2023 , which sets safety standards specifically for these vehicles. These standards cover various aspects from construction to functionality, ensuring the safety of both the driver and the passenger. With these new standards, BIS has raised the standards, now there are a total of 30 Indian Standards for electric vehicles and their accessories, including charging systems.
3 Provisions of the law to curb malpractice and irregularities in competitive examinations will be implemented, President Draupadi Murmu had approved it on February 12
The Center has made a stringent law to curb malpractice and irregularities in competitive examinations. It provides for a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore for the culprits. In a notification published in the official gazette , the Personnel Ministry said that the provisions of the law will come into force from today. The Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Bill, 2024 was passed by the Lok Sabha on February 6 and the Rajya Sabha on February 9. President Draupadi Murmu gave her assent to the bill on February 12 and turned it into law. This act has been enacted to prevent unfair means in the Union Public Service Commission , Staff Selection Commission , National Examination Agency-NTA , Railway Recruitment Board , banking recruitment examination bodies and other public examinations. It provides for a minimum imprisonment of three to five years to prevent cheating. Also, those involved in organized crimes of cheating will have to face imprisonment of five to 10 years and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore .
4 Amit Shah inaugurated FTI-TTP
On June 22 , Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi became the first airport in the country to launch the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveler Program (FTI-TTP) . Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the FTI-TTP at the airport. FTI-TTP will make it easier for Indian passport holders and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders to travel. Travelers have become faster, easier and more secure through this. The advantage of the FTI-TTP card will be that passengers going for immigration will not need to stand in a general line anywhere from the outer gate of the airport to boarding. Eligible candidates for FTI-TTP will have to apply online. Application for this card will have to be made on the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs . After this, passports etc. will be verified by the Bureau of Immigration. After verification, cards will be issued after biometric verification at the counter designated for this at Delhi Airport.
5 In Tajikistan, the government has banned women from wearing hijab
There is an official ban on hijab in Tajikistan . This decision was taken in the Parliament of the country with 96 percent Muslim population . According to the new amendments, a heavy fine can be imposed for violating the law. The bill has been formally approved in the upper house of Parliament ‘ Majlisi Milli ‘. The bill also bans foreign clothing from participating in children’s celebrations for the two most important Islamic holidays, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. During this time, children come out of their homes to greet people. This proposal has been passed after approval of amendments to the Code of Administrative Violations.
6 Ayyanna Patrudu Chintakayala became Speaker of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
On June 22, senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA Ayyanna Patrudu Chintakayala took charge as the Assembly Speaker . He had filed his nomination for the post of Assembly General Secretary Speaker on June 21. Ayyanna Patrudu Chintakayala has become the third Speaker of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. G Buchaiah Chowdhary served as the Protem Speaker during the session. Ayyanna Patrudu Chintakayala was elected MLA from TDP party 6 times. He also became MP from Anakapalli constituency during 1996-98. He has served as a Cabinet Minister in Andhra Pradesh Government from 2014-19. Ayyanna Patrudu Chintakayala was born on 4 September 1957 in Narsipatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
7 Armenia recognizes Palestine
On June 21, the Armenian Foreign Ministry officially announced recognition of the State of Palestine . The Israeli government opposed this decision. Armenia is a mountainous country located in the Caucasus region of Western Asia and Europe. Before Armenia , Spain, Ireland and Norway had recognized Palestine. Because of this, Israel had recalled its ambassadors from Madrid, Dublin and Oslo. Palestine has been recognized by more than 145 countries of the world. In response to Hamas attacks, Israel launched brutal attacks on the Gaza Strip on 7 October 2023. More than 35 thousand Palestinians have been killed in this war so far.
8 Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank receives National Award for APY implementation
Karnataka Vikas Gramin Bank (KVGB) , a regional rural bank sponsored by Canara Bank , has been conferred the national award by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for significant enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana (APY) . KVGB chairman Srikant M Bhandiwad received the award from Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Government of India and Deepak Mohanty, Chairman, PFRDA in New Delhi on June 21. APY provides a safety net for workers in the informal sector, ensuring a pre-determined pension after 60 years.
9 The famous Ambubachi fair at Kamakhya temple in Assam begins today
The famous Ambubachi Mela has started at Kamakhya temple in Assam . It will conclude on the 26th of this month. Lakhs of devotees have arrived at this fair. The gates of Kamakhya temple will remain closed during the festival, but will be reopened at 9:08 pm on the 25th. Kamrup Metro District Administration has made extensive arrangements for the devotees.
10 S. Tripathi appointed as the first director of UVCE
Professor S Tripathi, Head of the Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur has been named as the first Director of the University of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) . The appointment marks a significant step towards the college’s pursuit of excellence in engineering education.
11 Global Wind Energy Council India appoints Girish Tanti of Suzlon Group as new Chairman
GWEC India has announced that Mr. Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman of Suzlon Group has been appointed as Chairman. This position plays a key role in driving GWEC India’s work with national and state governments assisting government and industry efforts to build the right momentum and establish the policy frameworks that will ensure India fulfils its vast wind energy and supply chain potential, both in the marine and terrestrial sectors.
12 Britain became India’s fourth largest export market, leaving China behind
The United Kingdom (UK) has overtaken China to become India’s fourth-largest export market in May 2024, Commerce Department data showed. The UK was India’s sixth-largest export destination in May last year. Exports to the UK grew by a third to $1.37 billion in May, while exports to China rose 3 per cent to $1.33 billion last month. Exports to the Netherlands , which is also India’s third-largest export market , grew nearly 44 per cent to $2.19 billion in May. Other countries that recorded positive growth include Saudi Arabia (8.46 per cent), Singapore (4.64 per cent), Bangladesh (13.47 per cent), Germany (6.74 per cent), France (36.94 per cent). The United States (US) remained India’s largest export destination, growing 13 per cent, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) , which saw a 19 per cent growth.
13 Karnataka Governor inaugurates National Yoga Olympiad 2024 in Mysore
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot inaugurated the National Yoga Olympiad 2024 in Mysuru , emphasising the integral role of yoga in Indian culture and its global significance. Over 400 students and 100 teachers from across the country are participating in the inaugural three-day event. The National Yoga Olympiad is being held in Mysuru for the first time.
14 India-Sri Lanka launched Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)
India and Sri Lanka on June 20 launched a landmark initiative for maritime security cooperation , built on a $6 million grant from New Delhi. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the former’s one-day visit to the island nation.
15 Sudhakarrao Papa appointed Director (Enterprise) in BSNL
Sudhakarrao Papa has been appointed as Director (Enterprises), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on June 15, 2024 after a rigorous selection process by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB). His appointment is pending final vigilance clearance and approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
16 Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Preneet Kaur and Aditi Swami won gold in the compound team event at the Archery World Cup 2024
India’s Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Preneet Kaur and Aditi Swami have won the gold medal in the compound team event at the Antalya Archery World Cup 2024 in Turkey . The Indian women’s team defeated Estonia 232 – 229 to win the gold medal today. With this win, the Indian team completed a clean sweep this season and won all three World Cup gold medals in the compound team event. Earlier, the world number one ranked Indian women’s compound archery team defeated Italy in the World Cup 2024 Stage One category in Shanghai, while in the Stage Two category, India defeated Republic of Korea in Yecheon in the final.
17 International Solstice Celebration Day 2024: June 21
International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice is celebrated globally on June 21. The day brings awareness of the solstices and equinoxes and their significance to many religions and ethnic cultures. The summer solstice is the day of the year when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. It is on June 21 this year.
18 International Yoga Day
International Yoga Day is celebrated on 21 June across the world . Every year on 21 June, the whole world comes together to celebrate International Yoga Day. This global phenomenon recognizes the ancient Indian system of yoga and its profound impact on physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in Srinagar on International Yoga Day. He performed yoga with more than 7000 people at the SKICC Hall on the banks of Dal Lake . The theme of International Yoga Day this year is ‘ Yoga for Self and Society ‘.
