Today in History (June 12th, 1898)
The Filipino Revolutionary Forces, under the leadership of General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on 12th June 1898. The declaration asserted the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.
Summary of Today’s News
World Day Against Child Labour
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) observes the World Day Against Child Labour on 12th June every year to foster the worldwide movement to eradicate child labour. It also aims to spread awareness about health and mental issues faced by children forced into child labour. The theme for 2023 is “Week of Action Against Child Labour.”
Cyclone Biparjoy
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall on the Kutch coast of Gujarat on 15th June 2023, with a maximum sustained speed of 125 kmph to 135 kmph, gusting to 150 kmph. The name ‘Biparjoy’ was suggested by Bangladesh, which means ‘calamity’ or ‘disaster’ in Bengali.
India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem
The India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (IN-DUS-X) is a new initiative to advance cutting-edge technology in defence systems and production. It aims to complement existing government-to-government collaboration by promoting innovative partnerships between U.S. and Indian companies, investors, start-up accelerators, and academic research institutions.
Border Security Force gets new Director-General.
Sri Nitin Agarwal, a 1989-batch IPS Officer of Kerala cadre, was appointed as the new Director-General of the Border Security Force (BSF). He currently serves as the Additional Director-General (Operations) at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF.) The post of BSF D-G was lying vacant for more than five months after the retirement of Sri Pankaj Kumar Singh on 31st December 2022.
National Training Conclave
The Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the National Training Conclave in New Delhi to highlight the importance of capacity building among civil servants, ending silos, and effective service delivery. The National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building was also launched to prepare future-ready civil servants with right attitude, skills, and knowledge.
French Open 2023
Novack Djokovic of Serbia won his 23rd Grand Slam title after winning the French Open’s Men’s Single title. Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek won the Women’s Single title of the French Open 2023.