Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2023

Notes:
Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD) program is a World Bank-assisted initiative that is being implemented from 2021 to 2026.
Its implementation was reviewed recently by Secretary, Department of Land Resources (DoLR) and the World Bank team.

Notes:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently released the Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing units.
The guidelines are based on the recommendations of the New Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment. CPCB is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sanctioned the merger of Maratha Co-op Bank with Cosmos Co-op Bank.
The Scheme has been sanctioned in exercise of the powers conferred under Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. All branches of Maratha Sahakari Bank will function as branches of The Cosmos Co-operative Bank.

Notes:
Gomphonema rajaguruii is a newly discovered species of oxygen-supplying algae. It is named after a veteran geo-archaeologist, the late Professor S N Rajaguru.
Gomphonema rajaguruii is a freshwater diatom species. The finding is unique because it shows the characteristics of two genus — Gomphonema and Gomphoneis.

Notes:
Capital Market Regulator SEBI has recently reconstituted its intermediary advisory committee.
This committee is responsible for providing recommendations on matters concerning changes in legal framework and increasing transparency in systems and procedures of market intermediaries like stock brokers, clearing members and depository participants.

Notes:
A Tokyo-based startup Preferred Robotics has introduced a robot called Kachaka for home use. It has the capacity to deliver items through voice commands.
The robot’s AI technology enables it to analyse camera images, allowing it to detect and avoid obstacles. Kachaka has a maximum carrying capacity of 20 kg, including the attached table.

Notes:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) recently launched “e appeal” scheme announced in the budget.
Its aim is to minimize pendency of appeals related to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) default issues and tax collection at source (TCS). The scheme empowers the Joint Commissioner (Appeals) for disposing of appeals filed before it or allocated or transferred to it.

Notes:
Brazil’s lower house of Congress approved Bill 490- a new land bill that restricts the new recognition of ancestral land of indigenous people in Brazil.
The bill would strip the environment and Indigenous people ministries of some powers, weakening their oversight of environmental protections and the demarcation of Indigenous lands.

Notes:
Canada has introduced a new category-based selection system for its economic immigration management program, Express Entry.
This year, priority will be given to candidates with a high proficiency in French or work experience in fields such as healthcare, STEM professions, trades, transport, and agriculture/agri-food.

Notes:
AIIMS Nagpur received the NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) accreditation recently.
It is the first of all AIIMS to achieve this feat. The NABH accreditation is recognized globally as a standard for healthcare excellence.