20 June 2023 Current Affairs

Most Important Current Affairs of the Day for UPSC and Various State Exams

Wed Jun 21, 2023

World Desertification Day 2023:

Observed on June 17th every year.
This year's theme is "Her Land. Her Rights," focusing on women's land rights and their role in achieving gender equality and land degradation neutrality.
Desertification, along with climate change and biodiversity loss, is seen as a significant challenge to sustainable development.
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994 to address these issues.

Remittance Inflow:

India saw a record-high of USD 111 billion in remittances in 2022.
However, minimal growth of 0.2% is expected in remittance inflows in 2023 due to slower growth in OECD economies and lower demand for migrants in the GCC countries.
Remittance growth globally is projected to be slower, with Latin America and the Caribbean showing the highest growth.

Addition of More Castes to Central OBC List:

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is processing requests for the approval of around 80 more castes in six states of India for inclusion in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list.

Miyawaki Plantation Method:

The Miyawaki Plantation Method is a Japanese technique that involves planting multiple types of indigenous trees densely within a small area.
It helps in restoring green cover, absorb dust particles, regulate surface temperature, and increase biodiversity and soil fertility.
The method has been implemented in Mumbai by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to combat climate change and enhance green cover.

Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT):

The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), developed by Pune's Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), will be integrated with ISRO's ADITYA-L1 mission.
SUIT aims to study the Sun's ultraviolet emissions and capture high-resolution images of the Sun's atmosphere.
It will observe the hotter and more dynamic regions of the Sun's atmosphere, such as the transition region and the corona.

Impact of Groundwater Extraction on Earth's Spin:

Groundwater depletion has been identified as a significant factor contributing to changes in the Earth's rotation.
The study highlights the need to address groundwater depletion globally and its consequences on rotational dynamics and rising sea levels.

Alligator Gar Fish:

The presence of Alligator Gar fish, an invasive species, in Kashmir's Dal Lake, has raised concerns.
Alligator Gar fish can grow up to eight feet and pose a threat to indigenous fish species.
The Biological Diversity Act 2002 prohibits the presence of invasive fish species that could harm natural fish populations.

Women 20 Summit 2023:

The Women 20 (W20) Summit was held in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, as part of India's G20 Presidency.
The theme of the summit was "Women-Led Development- Transform, Thrive and Transcend."

Ex Khaan Quest 2023:

Ex Khaan Quest 2023 is a multinational peacekeeping joint exercise taking place in Mongolia with the participation of military contingents and observers from over 20 countries.

National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI):

NIXI, a not-for-profit organization, celebrated its 20th Foundation Day.
NIXI works to spread internet infrastructure in India through services like Internet Exchanges, managing domain names, and operating Internet Protocol.

DAKSHTA: Empowering Young Professionals in Government Administration:

DAKSHTA is a curated collection of 18 courses launched on the iGOT Karmayogi Platform.
It aims to equip young professionals and consultants in government with the necessary competencies for effective administration.

NewSpace India to Enhance Maritime Communication with MSS Terminals:

NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, is working on a project to improve communication with vessels at sea and enhance monitoring of Indian waters.

Srijan Srivastava
A California-based travel writer, lover of food, oceans, and nature.