NEWS 13-06-2018. NEWS FOR 15-JUN (FRIDAY) 1. In a historic first, delegation level talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un began in Singapore on June 12, 2018. The summit aims to kickstart a process that would lead to complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. The North Korean disarmament efforts will be monitored by officials and verified. The promise of complete denuclearization makes with an assurance from the US Secretary of State of no further hostile US action towards North Korean sovereignty. 2. India to soon start producing first indigenous Lithium-Ion batteries. The Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu and RAASI Solar Power Pvt Ltd on June 10, 2018 signed a MoU for transfer of technology for India’s first Lithium Ion (Li-ion) Battery project. The production of the Li-Ion batteries will give tremendous boost to various flagship programmes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi like Clean Energy Initiative, National Electric Mobility Mission and Make in India initiative. 3. India, China sign 2 MoUs on sharing of Brahmaputra river data and supply of non-Basmati rice. The sharing of Brahmaputra river data is crucial to predict floods while the MoU on import of non-Basmati rice to China will help to bridge the trade deficit with China to a certain extent. 4. Mithali Raj on June 7, 2018 became the first Indian cricketer to score 2,000 runs in T20 Internationals. She achieved the feat during India's seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Women's Asia Cup T20 at Kaula Lumpur. Mithali now has 2,015 runs in 75 matches. Indian men's team captain Virat Kohli with 1,983 runs is the next on the list, followed by Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina. 5. The Union Ministry of Agriculture and farmers’ welfare has launched the Krishi Kalyan Abhiyaan from June 1, 2018 till July 31, 2018 to aid, assist and advice farmers on how to improve their farming techniques and raise their incomes. The Krishi Kalyan Abhiyaan will be undertaken in 25 Villages with more than 1000 population, each in 111 Aspirational Districts identified in consultation with Ministry of Rural Development as per directions of NITI Ayog. In the districts where the number of villages (with more than 1000 population) is less than 25, all villages will be covered. < < Back