INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Nor-Shipping Conference 2025:
Why in news?
Nor-Shipping Conference 2025 held in Oslo, Norway
About the conference and its economic importance:
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, while addressing the Nor-Shipping Conference 2025, announced that India is committing $20 billion to the development of its maritime infrastructure.
- This investment will be implemented for enhancing multimodal logistics, port connectivity, and trade facilitation.
NATIONAL NEWS
2. 800-year-old Shiva temple:
Why in news?
800-year-old Shiva temple of Pandya period discovered in Tamil Nadu
Cultural importance of that shiva temple and its geographical area:
- An 800-year-old Shiva temple of the later Pandya period has been unearthed at Udampatti, a village in Melur taluk.
- The site is of major historical interest due to Tamil inscriptions dating back to 1217-1218 CE that reveal the temple’s name-Thennavanisvaram-and its financially independent status.
- This find sheds light on the cultural, architectural, and socio-economic dynamics of the Pandya era.
Brief about Pandya Dynasty:
- The Pandya dynasty was an ancient Tamil dynasty of South India that developed during the Sangam Age.
- It is one of the three Tamil dynasties, the other two being the Chola and the Chera.
- The kings of the three dynasties were referred to as the Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam.
- The symbol of the Pandya Dynasty was the fish
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE
3. ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign:
Why in news?
PM Modi launches ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign
Aim of this Campaign by Prime Minister:
- On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the second phase of the nationwide tree plantation campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ by planting a sapling at Mahavir Jayanti Park in New Delhi.
- As part of the drive, the government has set an ambitious target of planting 10 crore trees across the country between June 5 and September 30.
- In a parallel push for sustainability, the Prime Minister also flagged off 200 electric buses in Delhi to promote green public transportation and combat urban air pollution.
GOVERNMENT PORTALS
4. UMEED Central Portal:
Why in news?
Government launches UMEED Central Portal for Waqf properties
Aim of launching this UMEED portal:
- Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, launched the UMEED Central Portal in New Delhi, marking transformative step toward a modernizing the management of Waqf properties across India.
- UMEED full form: Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development
IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS
5. Chairman of Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister (EAC-PM):
Why in news?
Prof S Mahendra Dev appointed Chairman of Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister (EAC-PM)
About the appointment in brief:
- S.Mahendra Dev is a noted economist and former Independent Director of the Axis Bank.
- S.Mahendra Dev is the second person to be appointed as the Chairman of the EAC-PM since its constitution in 2017
- The seat has been vacant since November 2024 when the then chairman Dr Bibek Debroy passed away on 1st November 2024.
IMPORTANT DAYS
6. World Oceans Day:
Why in news?
World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8th
About the day and its importance:
- World Oceans Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean, its connection to human lives, and the need for its protection.
- It aims to mobilize global efforts towards sustainable ocean management and to promote conservation and responsible stewardship of marine ecosystems.
- In year 2008, the United Nations formally recognized World Oceans Day and designated June 8th as the official date.
- Theme for year 2025: “Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us