Current Affairs Quiz - June, 2023

Notes:
The Next Census will only count Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain as distinct religion options.
This is despite demands from several sections including Sarnaism, the Lingayat religion, to be counted as a separate religion. Census 2021, which was to be conducted in two phases, has been postponed indefinitely, with the Central government initially attributing the delay to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 8th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, at New Delhi.
It was attended by Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors representing 19 States and 6 UTs. HE urged the Centre, States and UTs should work as Team India and fulfil the dreams and aspirations of people for a Viksit Bharat at 2047.

Notes:
A new report titled “Hunger Hotspots – FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity” was released recently.
According to this report, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar are among the hunger hotspots in the world. Acute food insecurity can potentially increase in magnitude and severity for 18 areas in 22 countries.

Notes:
Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Yojana was rolled out recently by the Maharashtra government.
The scheme is on the lines of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi under which farmers get ₹6,000 a year as minimum income support. Once approved, the farmers in the state will be able to get a sum of ₹12,000 every year.

Notes:
The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing for organising Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. As part of this initiative, the setting up of Digital Kumbh Museum is being proposed.
This museum will be built at the cost of Rs 60 crores and will serve as an attraction for the devotees.

Notes:
The WHA recently decided to set up the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention. Its purpose is to prevent drowning worldwide.
This is the first alliance to address global public health concerns on the issue until 2029. The resolution asked member states to study national drowning scenarios within each country and implement policies and programmes to reduce risks.

Notes:
India recently joined the Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN) to test vaccines during pandemic and epidemics. This network currently has 15 partner facilities in 13 countries.
CLN is a part of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the Network is the largest global group which has standardised methods and materials for testing.

Notes:
The British-era 110 MW Shanan hydropower project is situated at Jogindernagar in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh.
Commissioned in 1932, the Shanan hydroelectric powerhouse was built under a 99-year lease. Its lease is being disputed between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh governments.

Notes:
The National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) is an initiative aimed at creating a pool of outstanding professionals willing to provide mentoring for school teachers and promote their professional development.
National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) launched NMM in Pilot mode in selected 30 Central Schools across the country. As part of this initiative, the NCTE organized a capacity building workshop for 60 mentors.

Notes:
Article 202 of the Constitution requires the state governments to present their budget each year before the legislature.
A new report by think-tank PRS Legislative Research revealed that, on an average, 20 states discussed budgets for 8 days in 2022. State assemblies across the country met for an average of 21 days in 2022.