1.National Affairs
Himachal Pradesh: First state with 100% LPG connection coverage
Himachal Pradesh is now the first Indian state where 100% households have LPG gas connections
This coverage has been possible due to:
- Central government’s Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojna
- State government’s Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojana
Quick Fact: LPG, Liquified Petroleum Gas, contains a mix of propane and butane
2.Person in News
Book release by Maruti Suzuki Chaimran: Getting Competitive: A Practitioner’s Guide for India
RC Bhargava, the Chairman of Maruti Suzuki, has authored a book called “Getting Competitive: A Practitioner’s Guide for India”
It is based on his experience of being a policymaker and a leading industrialist.
The book has been published by Harper Collins India.
Quick Fact: Kenichi Ayukawa is the Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki
3.International Affairs
United States to withdraw from WHO by mid-2021
United States has submitted a notice to United Nations’ Secretary-General to withdraw from WHO by 6th July 2021
This step has been taken by the US President in the backdrop of allegations of mishandling the coronavirus pandemic by the World Health Organisation.
In addition to the withdrawal notice, US has also talked about freezing its funds to WHO
Quick Fact: United States is the largest contributor to the annual budget of the WHO
4.Science and Technology
WHO: Possibility of Airborne and Aerosol Transmission of COVID-19
As per existing WHO research and guidelines, COVID-19 infection was being spread through droplet transmission, i.e., expelled droplets from an infected person’s mouth and nose.
However, recent research has shown that there is a possibility that COVID-19 infection can be spread through tiny airborne particles.
This finding is not definitive as of now, since such spread has only been studied in specific conditions like poorly ventilated areas.
Quick Fact: World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland
5.International Affairs
Bhutan-China Boundary Negotiations
During June’s U.N. Development Programme’s Global Environment Facility (GEF) meeting, China objected to funding for development of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary which it sees as a disputed property
However, Bhutan has claimed long-standing sovereignty over the area.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in an Eastern Bhutan district which borders Arunachal Pradesh.
The ongoing dispute by China is being seen as a pressure tactic for India.
6.Environment
Golden Birdwing: Largest Butterfly in India
Golden Birdwing has been found to be the largest butterfly in India based on wingspan length of 194 mm
The habitat of the butterfly ranges from Uttarakhand to Shillong
Earlier, Southern Birdwing butterfly was considered to be the largest butterfly in India
