International Yoga Day 2023

• The International Day of Yoga, established in 2015, is observed on June 21 each year to raise awareness about the long-lasting advantages of the ancient practice called yoga.
• This year commemorates the 9^th edition of this significant day.
• On 21^st June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a yoga session at the UN Headquarters for the first time.
• The chosen theme for the 2023 International Day of Yoga is "Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which eloquently captures our shared desire for "One Earth, One Family, One Future."

World Refugee Day 2023

• Every year on June 20^th, World Refugee Day is celebrated, serving as a worldwide reminder of the hardships encountered by refugees and displaced individuals across the globe.
• The theme for World Refugee Day is "Hope away from home," highlighting the importance of mental well-being in the journey of refugees as they reconstruct their lives and work towards a better future.
• The history of World Refugee Day dates back to December 4, 2000, when the United Nations General Assembly established it through Resolution 55/76.
• The resolution aimed to raise awareness about the increasing number of refugees worldwide and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Wihu Kuh Festival

• The Tangsa, a traditional tribal community residing primarily in the lush hills of the Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh, annually celebrates the Wihu Kuh festival, which holds great significance to their agricultural heritage and customs.
• Wihu Kuh, translating to "paddy transplantation festival", signifies the initiation of the agricultural season and serves as a cultural showcase that encapsulates the essence and traditions of the Tangsa people.

IPS Officer Ravi Sinha Appointed as New Chief of RAW

• Ravi Sinha, a senior IPS officer, has been chosen as the newly appointed chief of India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
• He will assume the role from Samant Kumar Goel, who will be completing his four-year tenure on June 30.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has officially approved Sinha's appointment as the Secretary of RAW for a two-year term.

Open Market Sale Scheme

• The Centre has discontinued the sale of rice and wheat from the central pool under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) to State governments, a move that will hit some States, including Karnataka, offering free grains to the poor.
• Rice sales through the OMSS will continue for northeastern states, hilly regions, and states dealing with law-and-order challenges or natural disasters.

SAGARMALA Project

• A recent joint review meeting took place between the Ministry of Shipping and various stakeholders to expedite the execution of different projects under the SAGARMALA initiative.
• The government of India has introduced a range of initiatives known as SAGARMALA projects, which are designed to promote port-led development along the country's coastline and hinterland.
• The primary objective of these meetings is to ensure that the SAGARMALA projects remain on schedule and within budget, thus contributing to the overall economic advancement of the nation.