The year 2022 witnessed a significant surge in the number of people forcibly displaced from their homes due to social and climate crises, as reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges faced by these displaced individuals. It's worth noting that India is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which outlines refugee rights and protections.

Japan's Legal Protections for Minors: 

Japan passed a crucial bill in recent times to enhance legal protections for minors, particularly in cases of rape and sexual crimes. One significant change was expanding the definition of rape from "forced sexual intercourse" to "non-consensual sexual intercourse." The aim was to encompass a wider range of scenarios where victims may be unable to refuse or express their lack of consent to engage in sexual intercourse. This change represents a step forward in recognizing and addressing various forms of sexual violence.

International Day of Yoga 2023: 

The 9th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated on June 21, 2023, with various events and initiatives taking place across the country. This year's IDY theme was "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which highlights India's socio-cultural heritage and promotes unity. As part of the celebrations, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) collaborated with the Ministry of Ayush to supply yoga mats exclusively made by tribal artisans. These mats showcase the diverse cultural heritage of India's tribes and feature their stories, folklore, and artistic traditions. Additionally, there was coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Ayush to organize yoga events in countries along the Prime Meridian line and in UN member countries. Notably, yoga sessions were held at Himadri in the Arctic and Bharati in Antarctica, showcasing the reach and impact of yoga even in extreme regions.

Betelgeuse (Thiruvathirai/Ardra): 

Betelgeuse, known as 'Thiruvathirai' or 'Ardra' in Indian astronomy, is a bright red star located in the constellation Orion. It captivates observers due to its prominent position. The pulsation of Betelgeuse refers to the periodic contraction and expansion of the star, similar to the lid of a pot lifting to release steam. This phenomenon occurs because red giant stars like Betelgeuse expand and contract due to the heating and cooling of hydrogen in their outermost layers. The cyclic nature of this process results in periodic dimming and brightening of the star, observable from a distance.

Jagannath Rath Yatra: 

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha. It commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and his younger sister Goddess Subhadra from their home temple to their aunt's temple in Gundicha, located about three kilometres away. The festival officially began on June 20, 2023, and will culminate on June 28, 2023. Devotees pull intricately decorated chariots carrying the deities through the streets of Puri, and it is considered a significant religious event in Odisha.

Leptospirosis: 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans. The bacteria primarily reside in the urine of infected animals, including wild and domestic animals like rodents, cattle, pigs, and dogs, which serve as carriers of the disease. Humans can contract leptospirosis through contact with contaminated water or soil, especially in areas where the infection is prevalent. It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and if left untreated, it can lead to organ damage or even be fatal.

NHAI's Knowledge Sharing Platform for Highway Development: 

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a 'Knowledge Sharing' platform on its website to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in various areas of highway development. The platform aims to promote the holistic development of the national highway infrastructure by encouraging the adoption of innovative practices and sustainable approaches. Experts and citizens can share their insights and upload video clips, PowerPoint presentations, and PDF files related to road design, construction, road safety, and environmental sustainability. NHAI officials review these submissions for potential implementation. The platform also emphasizes the use of recycled materials such as fly-ash and plastic waste, as well as the promotion of sustainable practices like Recycled Asphalt (RAP) and Recycled Aggregates (RA) in National Highway construction.

World Sickle Cell Day 2023: 

June 19 is celebrated as World Sickle Cell Day. World Sickle Cell Awareness Day 2023 had the theme "Building and strengthening global sickle cell communities, formalizing newborn screening and knowing your sickle cell disease status." The theme emphasized the importance of recognizing and understanding the genotype of infants and adults to effectively combat sickle cell disease. It also stressed the utilization of advanced technology for identifying sickle cell disease status, improving early detection, and implementing appropriate interventions.

Indigenous Omicron-Specific Booster Vaccine: 

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in India achieved a significant milestone in the fight against Covid-19 by gaining approval for an indigenous Omicron-specific mRNA-based booster vaccine called GEMCOVAC®-OM. Developed by Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd using an indigenous platform technology, the vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Drug Control General of India (DCGI). This development contributes to the country's efforts to combat the spread of the Omicron variant and protect public health.

'One Nation One Helpline' Initiative for Childline Services: 

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoW&CD) in India initiated the 'One Nation One Helpline' initiative by integrating the successful Childline emergency counselling and distress helpline for children with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) number 112. The objective is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of child helpline services by integrating them with other emergency services such as the police, fire, and ambulance departments. The initial implementation of this merger is planned in nine states and Union Territories, with further expansion to other regions in a phased manner. The integration aims to provide comprehensive support and timely assistance to children in distress across the country.