National
6th ‘Divya Kala Mela’ Jaipur
⇒ Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) organized a unique event showcasing the products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs/artisans from across the country, ‘Divya Kala Mela’ at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- The 7 Days ‘Divya Kala Mela’, Jaipur was open from 29th June to 5th July, 2023.
Key Points:
- The event was an enthralling experience for the visitors as it brought together vibrant products from various parts of the country including Jammu and Kashmir, North Eastern States such as handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery works and packaged food items.
- Around 100 Divyang artisans/artists and entrepreneurs from about 20 states/UTs showcased their products and skills.
- The Products were in the following broad category: Home Décor & Lifestyle, Clothing, Stationery and eco-friendly products, packaged food and organic products, Toys & Gifts, Personal Accessories – Jewellery, Clutch Bags.
- It was an opportunity for all to go ‘vocal for local’.
About Mela:
- Divya Kala Mela is an exhibition cum sale platform for Divyang artisans to showcase and sell their handmade crafts and products.
- It is being organized by the National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation (NHFDC) under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of india.
- The Divya Kala Mela presents a bigger platform for marketing and showcasing the products and skills of Divyang (PwD). This is a unique initiative of DEPwD towards economic empowerment of PwD/Divyangjan.
- The Divya Kala Mela, Jaipur Rajasthan is the sixth one in series starting from 2022 [(i) Delhi, December 2022, (ii) Mumbai, February 2023, (iii) Bhopal, March 2023, (iv) Guvahati, May 2023 (V) Indore June 2023].
5G & Beyond Hackathon 2023
⇒ Department of Telecommunications has conducted Hackathons for the development of 5G products and solutions. This culminated in the development of 5G products/solutions in different technological verticals.
Key Points:
- The DoT invited applications for ‘5G & Beyond Hackathon 2023’ from June 28 to August 7, 2023.
- The aim was to shortlist India-focused cutting-edge ideas that can be converted into workable 5G & beyond products and solutions.
Participants have developed 5G & beyond solutions from across multiple categories including-
Healthcare, Education & Governance, AgriTech & Livestock, Environment, Public Safety & Disaster Management Enterprise, Smart Cities & Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Banking, Finance & Insurance, Logistics & Transportation, Multimedia & Broadcast Satellite, among others.
Other Points:
- The 5G & Beyond Hackathon was open to individuals, students, start-ups, and academic institutions in India.
- The prize money for each winner is Rs 1 lakh.
International
India's Role in ITU 6G Vision Framework
⇒ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has approved the 6G Vision Framework.
About 6G Technology:
The 6th Generation or 6G Technology has been named ‘IMT 2030’ by ITU, the specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies of United Nations.
» India, through Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications played a key role in framing the Framework.
» Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had released India’s 6G Vision “Bharat 6G Vision” document on March 23, 2023 which envisages India to be a front-line contributor in design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030.
- Bharat 6G Vision is based on principles of Affordability, Sustainability and Ubiquity. It ensures that India takes its rightful place in the world as a leading supplier of advanced telecom technologies and solutions that are affordable and contribute to the global good.
- Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of Ministry of Communications has spearheaded India’s standardisation work on this 6G Framework. The National Study Group (NSG), headed by TEC, has done extensive work in submitting regular Indian contributions towards the development of the ITU 6G framework.
6G Framework:
- The recommendation of ITU for 6G Framework, approved on June 22, 2023; will serve as foundation document in 6G research and development and will pave way for development of 6G Technology worldwide.
- The ITU 6G Framework has been formulated with collaborative efforts of member countries of United Nations in which India has played front-runner role from the very beginning.
Handing over of INS KIRPAN to Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN)
⇒ On completing 32 years of illustrious service to the nation, Indian Naval Ship Kirpan has been Decommissioned from the Indian Navy and Handed Over to Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) on 22 July 2023 at Cam Ranh, Vietnam.
Key Points:
- The ship has been handed over to Vietnam People’s Navy with a complete weapon complement.
- The transfer of INS Kirpan from the Indian Navy to the Vietnam People’s Navy symbolises the status of Indian Navy of being the ‘Preferred Security partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region and would definitely be a catalyst for enhancing the existing bilateral relations between the two navies.
- Furthermore, the transfer of INS Kirpan to Vietnam resonates India’s vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)’.
- This is the maiden occasion of gifting a fully operational corvette by India to any Friendly Foreign Country.
Background:
- During the visit of Gen Phan Van Giang, Minister of Defence of Vietnam, to India from 17 – 19 June 2023, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri had announced gifting of in-service missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam.
- Towards executing the same, INS Kirpan was cast-off from Visakhapatnam on 28 June 2023 on her final journey from India to Vietnam.
About INS Kirpan:
- INS Kirpan is the third indigenously built Khukri class missile corvette, currently in active service in the Indian Navy.
- The ship is fitted with an array of weapons and sensors and has participated in various operational and humanitarian assistance operations.
- Manned by about 12 officers and 100 sailors, the ship is 90 meters long and 10.45 meters in width with a maximum displacement of 1450 tons.
- INS Kirpan, since commissioning in 1991, has been an integral part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet and has participated in many operations over the last 32 years.
India Pavilion at World Mining Congress 2023
⇒ Shri Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary, Ministry of Coal inaugurated the India pavilion having NLC India Ltd (NLCIL), Coal India Limited (CIL) and NMDC at the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2023 in Brisbane, Australia.
- The India pavilion at WMC showcased country’s technological prowess in the mining, energy sector and its commitment to sustainable development practices.
About WMC 2023:
- The World Mining Congress 2023 was held on June 26-29, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia.
- Australia’s internationally renowned national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) hosted the 26th World Mining Congress (WMC 2023).
- It provides the right platform for global industry leaders, experts and organizations to exchange ideas, foster innovations, and envision the future of mining.
Important Day
Helen Keller’s Day
⇒ Helen Keller Day is a commemorative day to celebrate the birth of Helen Keller, observed on June 27 annually.
- On Helen Keller Day, we recognize the progress that has been made in supporting and accommodating individuals with disabilities. It’s a reminder that everyone has potential and can contribute greatly to society.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India observed the Helen Keller’s Day on 27th June 2023, through the institutions associated with it by conducting various events at more than 50 places across India.
About Helen Keller:
- Helen Adams Keller, American author, political activist and lecturer, was born on June 27, 1880 and died on June 1, 1968.
- She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
- Although Helen Keller was born deaf and blind, she persevered in life and achieved her goals.
- She became a prolific writer, published numerous books, founded the “American Foundation for the Blind,” and served as an advocate for people with disabilities. Thanks to advances in science and technology, blind and deaf people are able to lead full and productive lives.