Kerala Assembly has passed resolution to rename State as ‘Keralam’

Procedure for Renaming of States

• It can be initiated by the Parliament or State Legislature. 
• Renaming is governed by Article 3 of Constitution.
  • Article empowers Parliament to alter name of any State by law.
• Bill may be introduced in Parliament on recommendation of President. 
  • Then referred by the President to Legislature of that State for expressing their views.
• Bill is passed in each house by a simple majority.
• Following president's assent, change in name of state is recorded in First and Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.

The newly elected Members of Parliament (MP) of the 18th Lok Sabha have started taking oath. 

• To debate and vote in the Parliament, an oath is taken. 

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 99 deals with oaths of office of the MPs, to be subscribed before the President or some person appointed by him. 
  • The forms of oath are provided in the Third Schedule. 
• Article 104 provides a penalty for a member if he/she sits in the House without the oath. 
  • Exception to this rule: An individual can become a minister without being elected to Parliament. And, he/she can take part in proceedings of the house (without having the power to vote).
• Oaths can be subscribed in English or any of the 22 Scheduled languages. 

IHO celebrates World Hydrography Day (21 June every year) to raise awareness about hydrography. 

• Hydrography is the science that measures and describes the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes and rivers.

About IHO

• Intergovernmental organization that works to ensure all world's seas, oceans and navigable waters are surveyed and charted.
• It coordinates the activities of national hydrographic offices.
• IHO Secretariat has been hosted by Principality of Monaco since its creation in 1921.
• Members: 100 Member States including India. 
  • Indian Naval Hydrographic Department under Indian Navy is nodal agency for Hydrographic surveys and nautical charting in India.

Recently, a Mutual Fund was alleged to have indulged in Front Running.

About Front Running

• Front Running refers to usage of non-public information to directly or indirectly buy or sell securities, or enters into options or futures contracts, in advance of a substantial order. (Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI))
• It is illegal in India. 
• It undermines confidence in the financial markets and creates an uneven playing field for other investors.
• In 2022, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 was amended to incorporat provisions to counter front running.

Ministry of Mines has unveiled Scheme for Partial Reimbursement of Exploration Expenses for Holders of Exploration License.

About Scheme

• Objective: To provide partial reimbursement of exploration expenses for Exploration License (EL) holders from National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET).
  • NMET was established in 2015 under Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957 to expedite mineral exploration in country
• Eligibility: EL holders granted under section 10BA of MMDR Act shall be eligible to apply.
  • Provision of EL was introduced through an amendment in MMDR Act in 2023.

Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2024 has been notified by the Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions. 

Key Amendments:

• Surrogate as well as commissioning mother with less than two surviving children, may be granted maternity leave of 180 days, in case either or both are Government servants.
  • Commissioning mother means intending mother of child born through surrogacy.
• Central employee commissioning fathers with less than two living children, will also be entitled to get 15 days of paternity leave within six months of birth of child.
• Till now, there were no rules to grant maternity/paternity leave for surrogacy.

India and the US held discussions on the co-production of American javelin missiles in India, as per reports. 

About Javelin Anti-tank Weapon System

• World's premier single man-portable medium-range anti-tank weapon system.
• Missile automatically guides itself to the target after launch (fire-and-forget principle), this allows the gunner to take cover and avoid counter fire.  .
• Can be safely fired from inside buildings or bunkers.

Srinagar has been recognised as a 'World Craft City' by World Crafts Council.

• This recognition would boost the handloom and handicraft sector, benefit tourism, foster infrastructure development, attract greater investment and funding, etc. 
• Council was founded in 1964 to empower artisans and safeguard craft heritage globally.

About WCC

• Launched in 2014 by World Crafts Council- International.
• Establishes a dynamic network of craft cities across the globe, aligning with the principles of creative economy.
• Recognizes role of local authorities, craftspeople, and communities in cultural, economic, and social development worldwide.