Important Current Affairs of the Day: Jet Engines, Ancient Cities, and More!

1. India's Jet Engine Deal with the US: 
   In a significant announcement, India unveiled a major agreement between General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This deal involves the transfer of critical jet engine technologies and the indigenous manufacturing of GE's F414 engine for India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2. This collaboration is a remarkable milestone in India's pursuit of advanced combat jet engine technology.
2. Coal India and CCI:
   The Supreme Court of India recently dismissed Coal India Ltd's (CIL) appeal, confirming the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) authority to examine CIL's conduct. CIL, the largest coal producer and supplier in India, operates under the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973. This decision ensures fair competition in the coal industry and reinforces the CCI's role in regulating market practices.
3. UNDP and DAY-NULM for Women Entrepreneurs:
   The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has joined forces with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) to empower women entrepreneurs in India. This partnership aims to support women in starting or expanding their own enterprises, particularly in sectors such as the care economy, digital economy, electric mobility, and waste management. It also seeks to enhance national-level schemes for urban poverty alleviation and livelihood promotion by providing capacity building support.
4. Discovery of Ancient Maya City: 
   
   Archaeologists in Mexico have made an astounding discovery in the dense jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula. They have uncovered the remains of an ancient Maya city, shedding new light on the rich history and influence of this advanced civilization. The Maya, known for their prominence in present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras, left a lasting impact on art, architecture, and culture.
5. Star Rating Registration Process for Coal Mines:
   India's Ministry of Coal has initiated the Star Rating Registration process for Coal and Lignite Mines for the financial year 2022-23. This system aims to assess and rate coal mines based on their compliance with environmental and social standards. By promoting responsible mining practices, this initiative emphasizes sustainable approaches and encourages the coal industry to prioritize environmental considerations.
6. Licensing and Regulation of Submarine Cable Landing in India:
   The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations on the licensing framework and regulatory mechanism for submarine cable landing in India. These recommendations are aimed at strengthening data flow, fueling innovation, and reducing reliance on foreign providers. By encouraging the use of Indian entity-owned vessels for undersea cable maintenance, the recommendations promote timely repairs and enhance India's position as a data powerhouse.
7. 'Made-in-Surat' Eco-Friendly Diamond:
   During the Indian Prime Minister's visit to the US, an eco-friendly lab-grown diamond from Surat, India, was presented as a gift to US First Lady Jill Biden. These diamonds, produced in laboratories using advanced techniques, possess the same chemical composition and physical properties as naturally occurring diamonds. This exemplifies the excellence of India's diamond industry and highlights the potential of lab-grown diamonds in various applications.
8. Summer Solstice:
   
   On June 21, the Northern Hemisphere experienced the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year. This astronomical event occurs due to the Earth's tilt on its axis. The summer solstice brings extended daylight hours, varying in intensity based on latitude. In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere experiences its summer solstice on December 21-23, when the Northern Hemisphere has its longest nights.
9. National Florence Nightingale Award:
   The National Florence Nightingale Award recognizes the meritorious services rendered by nurses and nursing professionals to society. Presented by the President of India, this award honours the dedication and contributions of these healthcare professionals in providing compassionate care and improving healthcare services.
10. Legal Counsel Challenges ED's Authority in PMLA Arrest Case:
    A senior counsel representing a petitioner before the Madras High Court has questioned the Directorate of Enforcement's (ED) jurisdiction in insisting on custodial interrogation in a case related to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This case raises legal questions regarding the extent of ED's powers and the duration of custodial interrogation as per the Supreme Court's ruling. The ED, responsible for investigating money laundering and foreign exchange violations, operates under the Ministry of Finance.