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 Current Affairs Weekly PDF – July 2023 – 1st Week
(1-7)
NATIONAL AFFAIRS

MoS For Panchayati Raj Kapil India’s leading exporter of electronic goods in
Moreshwar Patil Released Report on FY23, with exports reaching USD5.37 billion (bn),
nearly triple the export of FY22 (USD 1.86 bn).
Panchayat Development Index
Tamil Nadu is followed by Uttar Pradesh (UP) in the
Kapil Moreshwar Patil, Minister of State (MoS) for
2nd place with export worth USD 4.90 bn and
the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) released the
Karnataka in 3rd place with USD 4.52 bn.
Report on Panchayat Development Index (PDI)
during the National Workshop on PDI held at
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.Th aim of the MNRE Unveils Guidelines for Incentive
index Main focus To develop a strategic plan and Schemes for Electrolyser & Green
roadmap for the integration of the Ministry’s portal Hydrogen Production in India
/dashboard to build a data ecosystem. Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE)
✓ PDI was formulated to evaluate different announced comprehensive guidelines for the
indicators responsible for ensuring targeted implementation of the Strategic Interventions for
development in villages. Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme:
Component I – “Incentive scheme for Electrolyser
Major Changes Regarding TCS) & LRS Manufacturing” and Component II – “Incentive
Ministry of Finance announced that there will be no Scheme for Green Hydrogen Production”.
changes in the rate of Tax Collection at Source ✓ SIGHT programme is a major financial
(TCS) for all purposes under Liberalised measure under the National Green
Remittance Scheme (LRS) and for overseas travel Hydrogen Mission, with an outlay of Rs
tour packages, regardless of the mode of payment, 17,490 Crore.
for amounts up to Rs.7 lakh per individual per ✓ SIGHT programme aims to make India a
annum. global leader in the production and export
✓ It was also announced that more time will of green hydrogen.
be provided for the implementation of the
revised TCS rates and also for the inclusion Annual Hemis Tsechu Festival Concludes
of credit card payments in LRS. at Ladakh
✓ No change in TCS rates for all purposes The annual two day Hemis Tsechu Festival is
under LRS & for overseas travel tour celebrated by Hemis Gompa (monastery) from 28th
packages. June to 29th June 2023 in Leh, Ladakh on the birth
✓ The government has postponed the anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava to
implementation of its 16th May 2023 e- commemorate his life and works, who is referred to
gazette notification which brought credit as Guru Rinpoche.
card expenses under LRS. ✓ This festival also marks the opening of Guru
Padmasambhava’s silk thangka (Tibetan
Tamil Nadu becomes India’s Top painting) on the occasion of Monkey Year in
Electronics Exporter of FY23 with the the Tibetan Calendar, which falls every 12
export worth USD5.37 billion years.
According to the Export data released by the
government of India for FY23 (financial year ended
in March 2023), Tamil Nadu (TN) becomes

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Government Raises Interest Rates on domestic regulated carbon credit trading
Select Small Saving Schemes by Up To market.The scheme was 1st announced under the
Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022.The
0.3% For Q2 Of FY24
scheme was drafted by the Bureau of Energy
Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of
Efficiency(BEE), a statutory body under the
Finance (MoF) has announced an interest rate hike
Ministry of Power.
on selected small savings schemes by up to 0.3%
✓ The emphasis on reducing carbon emissions
for the 2nd quarter of the financial year 2023-24
is in line with India’s target to achieve net
(Q2 FY24) (i.e July 1, 2023-September 30, 2023).
zero by 2070.
Changed Interest Rates:
• The interest rate for the five-year recurring
deposit (RD) has been raised of 0.3%. KAPP-3 India’s 1st indigenous 700 MWe
Earlier it was 6.2%, now it is 6.5%.Interest Nuclear Reactor Commenced
rate has increased for the One-year term Commercial Operations in Gujarat
deposits with post offices will now earn The 3rd Unit of Kakrapar Atomic Power Project
0.1% reaching 6.9% (earlier 6.8%) and the (KAPP) (KAPP-3), India’s first indigenously
two years tenor is 7% (earlier 6.9%)…Click developed 700 MWe (megawatt electric)
here for the revised rate and unchanged Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) (nuclear
rates in detail… power reactor), commenced its commercial
operations at Kakrapar Site, Gujarat. The Kakrapar
Mod Signed a Contract of Rs. 2725 Cr project encompasses the construction of two 700
with MDL For INS Shankush MW PHWRs: KAPP-3 and KAPP-4.
✓ The reactor was built by Nuclear Power
Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with
Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a
the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for
wholly owned public sector undertaking
the Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) of
(PSU) of the Government of India under the
the Indian Navy Ship “INS Shankush”, a SubSurface
administrative control of the Department of
Killer (SSK) Class of Submarine.
Atomic Energy (DAE).
✓ The cost of the overall contract is Rs.2725
crore and the delivery of the Submarine
post-MRLC will be in 2026. India and France Conduct Joint Maritime
✓ Under this contract, INS Shankush, a Exercise off Visakhapatnam
submarine belonging to the SSK Class, will Indian Navy and the French Navy carried out a joint
undergo comprehensive renovation and life Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) in the Bay of
certification at MDL’s facility in Mumbai, Bengal along the coast of Visakhapatnam, Andhra
Maharashtra. Pradesh from June 26-29, 2023. The exercise
involved the participation of Indian Naval Ships INS
Power Ministry Notified Carbon Credit Rana (a guided missile destroyer) and INS Sumedha
Trading Scheme 2023 To Develop India’s (an indigenously built offshore patrol vessel),
alongside the French Navy’s La Fayette class frigate
1st Domestic Carbon Market
FS Surcouf.
Ministry of Power notified the “Carbon Credit
Trading Scheme, 2023”, to develop India’s first

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PM launched National Sickle Cell Pradesh.2nd June 2023 marks the 9th
Anaemia Elimination Mission and issued Statehood Day of Telangana.

AB-PMJAY cards in Madhya Pradesh

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India The 2nd Edition of the JDCC Meeting
launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Between India and Tanzania
Elimination Mission (NSCEM) as part of the On 28th & 29th of June 2023 the second edition of
National Health Mission (NHM) and released the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC)
guidelines for Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination meeting was held between India and Tanzania in
Mission in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh to eliminate Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa focused on a wide
anemia by 2047. Along with the initiative of NSCEM, range of opportunities for collaboration with a view
the PM also distributed sickle cell genetic status to enhancing security in the Indian Ocean Region
cards to the beneficiaries. (IOR).
✓ The PM also initiated the distribution of ✓ India and Tanzania have finalised a five-
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan year roadmap to expand defence and
Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) cards of about maritime, infrastructure building and
3.57 crore beneficiaries, with 1 crore cards collaboration in military equipment and
already being issued to the beneficiaries in technology.
Madhya Pradesh.
DoT Launches Bharat 6G Alliance for
IN & ICG Signed MoU With IPRCL to Next-Generation Wireless Technology
Develop a Gallery at NMHC Department of Telecommunications (DoT),Ministry
The Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) of Communications (MoC) launches Bharat 6G
has signed an Memorandum of Understanding Alliance (B6GA) to propel India’s technological
(MoU) with Indian Port Rail & Ropeway progress in the telecom sector. In this regard, the
Corporation Ltd (IPRCL) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to B6GA website (https://bharat6galliance.com) was
set up a Naval gallery at National Maritime Heritage also launched.The formation of B6GA was
Complex (NHMC).The MoU aims at Planning, announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw,
Development, Construction, and Commissioning of MoC, in the presence of Devusinh Chauhan, Minister
Gallery No.6, based on the theme, “Evolution of of State(MoS) for Communications.
Indian Navy & Indian Coast Guard” in Phase 1A of ✓ A grant of Rs 240.51 crores under the
this Project. Telecom Technology Development Fund
(TTDF) has been allocated to support the
Kishan Reddy releases postal cover on advancement of 6G technology.

“9 Years of Telangana Statehood”

Union Minister for Tourism, released a special NADA India Signs MoU with SARADO to
postal cover to commemorate “9 Years of Increase the Regional Cooperation in
Telangana Statehood” and Picture Post cards (a Anti-Doping in Sport
set of 5 cards) on “Buddhist Heritage in National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India signed a
Telangana – Bavapur Kurru” at an event in Dak MoU with South Asia Regional Anti-Doping
Sadan, Hyderabad, Telangana.The special postal Organisation (SARADO), comprising of Anti-Doping
cover featuring Dhulikatta Buddhist stupa is priced Organizations of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives,
at Rs 50 and the set of Bavapur Kurru post cards Nepal and Sri Lanka to increase the Regional
are priced at Rs 200. Cooperation in anti-doping in sports NADA India –
✓ Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of SARADO Cooperation Meet in New Delhi, Delhi.
2014, (Telangana Act), is an Act of Indian ✓ This agreement marks a significant
Parliament that split the state of Andhra milestone as the first of its kind for India in
Pradesh into Telangana and Andhra the field of anti-doping.

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Govt Launches Scheme to Support Tourism Spots from Dwaraka, Gujarat. He
Pregnant Minor Victims of Sexual inaugurated the 1st three renovated lighthouses in
Dwarka, Gopnath and Veraval in Gujarat. The aim of
Assault
the campaign is to showcase the rich culture,
Union Minister for Women and Child Development,
significance, and magnificent structures of India.
Smriti Irani has launched a new scheme to address
the challenges faced by pregnant minor victims of
sexual assault who lack family support. The RAKEZ and ICFA Sign MoU to Boost UAE-
“scheme for critical care and support for India Trade and Innovation in Food and
accessing justice to rape/gang rape survivors or Agriculture
minor girls who get pregnant” aims to provide Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and the
essential assistance to these vulnerable individuals Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture (ICFA)
under Ministry of Women and Child Development signed a MoU to promote growth and development
(MWCD). within the food and agriculture sectors of the
✓ Under the initiative, medical and financial United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India. This MoU
support will be provided through the further strengthens the UAE-India relations, which
Nirbhaya Fund. have been raised by the Comprehensive Economic
✓ The budget of the proposal is Rs 74.10 Partnership Agreement (CEPA)signed in February
crore. The allocated funds will also be used 2022.
to establish dedicated shelters for these
victims.
India Post & Canada Post signed a
Bilateral Tracked Packet Agreement
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal According to the Gazette of India notified by the
Launches Campaign to Transform 75 Department of Post, Ministry of Communication,
Lighthouses into Tourism Destinations dated June 28, 2023, India Post & Canada Post have
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, signed a bilateral Tracked Packet agreement to
Shipping & Waterways, launched a campaign to introduce International Tracked Packet Service
transform 75 historic Lighthouses across India into (ITPS) between two countries to facilitate e-

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commerce exports.The service commenced NORA-50 integration mast. The MoC brings
operation with effect from July 01, 2023. strategic partnership between two countries in the
✓ India Post already provides ITPS service field of defence Technology.
with 38 partner countries and Canada will ✓ This unique horn-shaped structure
be the 39th. consolidates multiple antennas for tactical
data link, TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation),
First of its kind Exhibition on ‘Banking and communications, aiming to reduce
radar cross-section (RCS) and enhance
on World Heritage’ at IGNCA, Delhi
operational capabilities.
Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for External
Affairs and Culture inaugurated an exhibition
‘Banking on World Heritage’ first of its kind in the DoT conducts 5G & Beyond Hackathon
world at Darshanam gallery of Indira Gandhi 2023 to showcase 5G products &
National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, Solutions
Delhi. This exhibition showcases Banknotes of G-20 The Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
Member Nations, depicting United Nations under the Ministry of Communication, conducts ‘5G
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization & Beyond Hackathon 2023‘, aimed at shortlisting
(UNESCO) listed World cultural Heritage Sites. India-focused cutting-edge ideas that can be
✓ The exhibition organised under the converted into workable 5G and beyond products
chairmanship of India as part of the ongoing and solutions.The participants include individuals,
G-20 Summit celebrations and will run till students, startups, and academic institutions send
July 9 2023 and has been organised in the their proposals from June 28, 2023.
spirit of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.

B.Neeraja Prabhakar Appointed

Startup20 Shikhar Summit held in Chairperson of Research Advisory
Gurugram; India passes torch to Brazil Committee of ICAR
Startup20 Shikhar Summit, organised by the B.Neeraja Prabhakar,Vice-Chancellor of the Sri
Startup20 Engagement Group under the India Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural
G20(Group of 20) Presidency, was held from 3rd to University appointed as the chairperson of the
4th July 2023 in Gurugram, Haryana. The 2-day Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of Indian
summit served as a platform for fostering Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian
innovations, collaborations, knowledge sharing, and Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) at Pedavegi
strategic alliances within the global startup in Andhra Pradesh.She assumed office on June 13,
ecosystem. The name “Shikhar,” which means 2023 and will head a 10-member committee for a
“mountain peak” in Sanskrit. period of three years.
✓ During the closing ceremony of the summit,
Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Chair of Startup20
and the Mission Director for Atal Innovation Cabinet Approves Draft Digital Personal
Mission (AIM), handed over the torch to Data Protection (DPDP) Bill, 2022
Brazil, which holds the G20 presidency for Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister(PM)
2024. Narendra Modi, approved the Draft of Digital
Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill, 2022, will be
tabled in Parliament during the upcoming Monsoon
Japan to Export to India Stealthy
session that will start on July 20 and continue till
UNICORN NORA-50 Integration Mast August 11 2023.The bill aims to provide consent-
India and Japan have recently solidified their based data collection techniques. The Bill frames
strategic partnership with a Memorandum of out the rights and duties of the citizen (Digital
Cooperation (MoC) for the development of the Nagrik) and the obligations to use collected data
UNICORN (UNIted COnbined Radio aNtenna)

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lawfully of the data fiduciary (entities that collect Indian Navy Conducts 7th Japan-India
personal data)….Click here to read more detail…. Maritime Exercise 2023
Indian Navy (IN) along with Japan Maritime Self
MHA launched Scheme for Expansion Defence Force (JMSDF)conducts the 7th edition of
and Modernization of Fire Services in the bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2023
the States with outlay of Rs 5000 crore (JIMEX 23) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) launched a from July 5 to 10, 2023. This edition marks the 11th
“Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of anniversary of JIMEX, since its inception in 2012.
Fire Services in the States” as a part of the ✓ JIMEX 23 provides an opportunity for the
allocation of Preparedness and Capacity Building two navies to learn from each other’s best
Funding Window under the National Disaster practices and facilitate operational
Response Fund (NDRF) to strengthen the fire interactions to foster mutual cooperation
services across the States of India. and reaffirm their shared commitment
✓ The total outlay of the scheme is Rs 5000 towards maritime security in the region.
crore and out of this, Rs. 500 crore is kept
for to incentivize the States on the basis of SALVEX: 7th Edition of IN-USN Salvage
their legal and infrastructure-based and EOD Exercise held in Kerala
reforms. 7th edition of Indian Navy (IN) – the United States of
America (USA) Navy (USN) Salvage and the
DGCA signed MoU with EASA for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise,
Unmanned Aircraft Systems & SALVEX was conducted from June 26th to July 6th
2023 in Kochi, Kerala to strengthen US and Indian
Innovative Air Mobility
divers’ capability in diving and salvage techniques.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),
✓ The first-ever IN- USN SALVEX was
aviation regulator of India has signed a
conducted in 2005 and the SALVEX series of
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
exercises have been conducted annually
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),
thereafter, alternately in Indian and US
aviation regulator of Europe, to enhance
Pacific locations.
cooperation in the areas of Unmanned Aircraft
Systems (UAS) and innovative air mobility.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Hurun Institute’s ASK Private Wealth billion compared to 24 (turned Unicorns

Hurun India Future Unicorn Index 2023: from the list) in 2022 pointed at a distinct
slowdown.
Witnessed Slowdown in The Indian
✓ The important factor contributing to this
Start-Up Ecosystem decline is the drop in the Investor interest,
On 27th June 2023, The Hurun Research Institute also termed as “Funding Winter”.
released the ASK Private Wealth Hurun India
Future Unicorn Index 2023, a ranking of India’s
start-up ecosystems worth at least USD 200 million,
India Stands at 126 Rank Out of 163
and the new additions in the unicorn list reveals a Countries in The Global Peace Index
significant decline in 2023, indicating a slowdown According to the 17th edition of the Global Peace
in the Indian start-up ecosystem. The cut-off date Index 2023 released by international think-tank,
was 31 May 2023. the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), India has
✓ In 2023, India added only three unicorn ranked at 126th position by climbing nine positions
start-ups having a valuation of over USD 1 from 2022. The list is topped by Iceland.The

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ranking, which is based on 23 indicators grouped ✓ The estimates are based on 4 health
into three criteria (societal safety and security; outcomes – diarrhoea, acute respiratory
extent of ongoing domestic and international infections (ARIs), undernutrition (protein-
conflict; and degree of militarization), shows 84 energy malnutrition (PEM)), and soil-
countries recording improvement and 79 showing transmitted helminthiases (STH).
deterioration.
Rank Country India Doubles Its Share of Global
1 Iceland
Commercial Services Exports To 4.4% In
2 Denmark
2022: WB & WTO Report
3 Ireland
According to the report titled “Trade in services for
4 New Zealand
development: Fostering sustainable growth and
5 Austria
economic diversification” co-published by World
126 India
Bank (WB) and World Trade Organisation (WTO)
✓ The bottom five countries are –
India has doubled its share of global commercial
Democratic Republic of the Congo (159),
services exports to 4.4% in 2022 from 2% in 2005.
South Sudan (160), Syria (161), Yemen
The report was launched by the WTO Director-
(162), and Afghanistan(163).
General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the World
Bank President, Ajay Banga, at an online event on
United States of America Rejoins 3rd July 2023.
UNESCO after 5 years ✓ China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and India are
The United States of America (USA) re-joined as a top exporters and importers of services,
member of the United Nations Educational, driving the trade performance of
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after developing economies.
5 years.The 193 member states of UNESCO met for
an extraordinary session to examine the proposal of FAO, UNEP, WHO & WOAH launched One
the USA to rejoin UNESCO as early as July 2023, on
Health Priority Research Agenda for
the basis of a concrete financial plan, which
includes a commitment to repay its estimated
AMR
arrears of USD 619 million. During the meet, 132 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
voted in favour, 10 voted against. Nations (FAO), United Nations Environment
✓ In 2017, the USA, during the presidency of Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization
Donald Trump, decided to withdraw from (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal
UNESCO. Health (WOAH) , “the Quadripartite organisations”,
launched “A One Health Priority Research Agenda
for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)” through a
WHO Report: Unsafe WASH Responsible webinar. The Research agenda aims to promot,e
for Death of 395K Children Under 5 in increased research and investment in AMR.
2019 ✓ The global experts have identified five key
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) pillars as well as three cross-cutting themes,
report titled Burden of disease attributable to namely gender, vulnerable populations, and
unsafe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene: sustainability using a mixed Method
2019 update, among children under the age of 5, approach.The 5 key pillars are
unsafe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) was Transmission, Integrated surveillance,
responsible for 395 000 deaths and 37 million Interventions, Behavioural insights &
disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). This change, and Economics & policy.
represents 7.6% of all deaths and 7.5% of all DALYs
in this age group.

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 BANKING & FINANCE

Tata AIA Revolutionizes Insurance Paytm Partnered with Shriram Finance

Payments with WhatsApp and UPI to Increase Digital Financial Services
Integration and Boost Loan Distribution
Tata AIA, the life insurance arm backed by Tata Paytm announced a strategic partnership with
Group, has introduced a first of its kind feature in Shriram Finance, a non-banking finance company
the insurance industry by enabling digital payments (NBFC) of the Chennai (Tamil Nadu)-based Shriram
through WhatsApp and Unified Payment Interfaces group, to extend financial services to its users,
(UPI). This allows policyholders to make instant including loan products. Under this partnership,
premium payments using these popular platforms, Shriram Finance products will be made available on
providing a hassle-free experience. This move Paytm’s platform digitally.
showcases Tata AIA’s commitment to leveraging ✓ This partnership combines Paytm’s wide
technology and enhancing customer satisfaction. reach and technology framework with
Shriram Finance’s lending expertise as the
UST Joins Project Rosalind to Develop largest retail NBFC in rural areas of India.

API Prototypes for CBDC

Digital Transformation Solutions Provider UST Highlights of SEBI Board Meeting:
joined Project Rosalind, an initiative led by the Reduction of Public Issue Listing
Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Timelines; Board Representation for
Bank of England (BoE) to develop Application Retail Investors under REITS/InvITs
programming interface (API) prototypes for central On June 28, 2023, the board of Securities and
bank digital currencies (CBDC). The project aims to Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved a
explore the potential impact of CBDCs on various series of decisions such as the reduction of public
sectors and to develop a well-designed API layer issue listing timelines, the introduction of
that can enable interaction between a central bank regulations for Non-Convertible Debt Securities
ledger and private sector service providers for safe (NCDs), and strengthening investor grievance
and efficient retail CBDC payments. handling mechanisms to improve the market
efficiency and investor protection.
Kotak Bank partnered with NPCI to offer SEBI board also approves the amendments to the
Rupay Credit Cards on UPI SEBI infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs)
Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL/Kotak) Regulations, 2014 and SEBI real estate investment
partnered with the National Payments Corporation trusts (REITs) Regulations, 2014 to provide
of India (NPCI) to introduce the facility of linking its nomination rights to unitholders holding 10%.
RuPay Credit Card to a Unified Payments Interface ✓ SEBI has decided to mandate enhanced
(UPI) with UPI-enabled apps. The Kotak RuPay disclosures from certain class of foreign
Credit Card will be linked to Virtual Payment portfolio investors (FPIs), including
Address (VPA), a UPI ID, to enable safe and secure furnishing granular level details about
payment transactions. With this, Customers are no ownership and economic interests.
longer needed to carry their physical credit cards. ✓ SEBI strengthened the investor-grievance
✓ Customers of KMBL can select from 7 RuPay mechanism by integrating the SEBI
Credit Cards and scan Quick Response (QR) Complaint Redressal System (SCORES) with
code or perform transactions on Point of the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)
Sale (POS) throughout India. mechanism.
✓ SEBI board has approved the introduction
of provisions related to the listing of non-

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 convertible debt securities and voluntary expected to decline from 17.0% (historical
delisting of NCDs. high) in March 2023 to 16.1% by March
✓ Direct participation by clients in Limited 2024, under the baseline scenario.
Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC). ✓ The banking sector's bad loans have hit a
✓ The board also considered and approved decade-low. In March 2023, SCBs’ Gross
the SEBI Annual Report 2022-23. the report Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio
will be submitted to the Government of dropped to 3.9%, the lowest in 10 years,
India in compliance with section 18(2) of and the NNPA ratio fell to 1%, the lowest
the SEBI Act 1992. since June 2011.
✓ RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das launched the
World Bank Approves USD1.5 billion to Reserve Bank’s next generation data
warehouse.
Support India’s Low-Carbon Transition
✓ As per the report, the Deposit Insurance and
World Bank granted USD1.5 billion in financing to
Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC)
accelerate India’s development of low-carbon
settled claims of Rs 751.8 crore during
energy sources. This funding aims to assist India in
FY23.
scaling up renewable energy, fostering the growth
✓ The consolidated Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD)
of green hydrogen, and stimulating climate finance
of the states and Union Territories (UTs)
for investments in low-carbon energy.The
declined from 4.1% of GDP in FY21 to 2.8%
program’s objectives include scaling up renewable
in FY22 and FY23.
energy supply to reduce costs and improve grid
✓ RBI floating rate bonds interest rate hiked
integration.
to 8.05% from July 1, 2023….Click here to
✓ This will assist India in achieving its target
read complete detail…
of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by
2030.
✓ World Bank approved the USD200 million Indian Bank and Nesl Collaborate to
loan to Government of Himachal Pradesh Introduce Digital Services Under Project
with a maturity period of 14.5 years, WAVE
including a grace period of 4.5 years. The Indian Bank, a leading public sector lender, joined
objective of the loan is to facilitate power hands with National E-Governance Services Ltd
sector reforms in the state and accelerate (NeSL) to roll out a range of digital services as part
the adoption of renewable energy (RE) in its of its ambitious digital transformation initiative,
electricity generation. Project WAVE (World of Advance Virtual
✓ World Bank: Establishment – July, 1944 Experience), which was initiated in January 2022.
,Headquarters – Washington DC, United These innovative services are set to revolutionise
States of America(USA). the banking experience by significantly reducing
the turnaround time for bank guarantee issuance
Highlights of RBI’s 27th Financial and delivery.
Stability Report, June 2023 ✓ As part of their digital transformation
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its half yearly efforts, Indian Bank and NeSL have
publication (i.e) 27th Financial Stability Report introduced an electronic bank guarantee (e-
(FSR), June 2023, which assesses risks to financial BG) service to replace traditional paper-
stability and the resilience of the Indian financial based processes.
system. It reflects the collective evaluation of the ✓ Indian Bank: MD & CEO – Shanti Lal Jain ,
Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Headquarters – Chennai,Tamilnadu.
Development Council (FSDC).
✓ According to stress test results in the FSR,
the combined Capital to Risk-Weighted
Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 46 major banks is

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SBI Revamps YONO App; Launches e-commerce transactions, users can spend
Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal up to Rs. 3.5 lakh per day.
✓ Indian Overseas Bank : MD & CEO – Ajay
Facility
Kumar Srivastava , Headquarters –
State Bank of India (SBI) revamped its digital
Chennai,Tamil Nadu.
banking app, 'YONO for Every Indian,' and
introduced the Interoperable Cardless Cash
Withdrawal (ICCW) facility, aimed at providing Bank of India, 1st Bank, to Roll Out
greater convenience to customers. These updates Mahila Samman Savings Certificate
were unveiled on SBI's 68th Bank Day. The Scheme
revamped YONO (You Only Need One) app aims to Bank of India (BoI) became the first bank to
meet customer expectations for a seamless and officially roll out Mahila Samman Savings Certificate
pleasant digital experience, turning the vision of (MSSC), 2023, and operationalizing this scheme at
'YONO for Every Indian' into a reality. all its branches. The roll-out ceremony was
inaugurated by the Managing Director (MD) & Chief
Merger Between HDFC Ltd and HDFC Executive Officer (CEO) Rajneesh Karnatak through
Bank Ltd Receives Final Board Approval a Video Conference (VC). BoI is authorized to open
In a significant development, the merger between accounts under MSSC. So far, only post offices were
Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) authorized to open accounts under MSSC.
and HDFC Bank has successfully obtained final
board approval. With a valuation of around USD 40 India May 2023 services exports rise
billion, this unprecedented merger creates a 7.7% to USD 27.06 billion: RBI
financial services powerhouse. The approval was According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
granted by HDFC Bank’s board in accordance with provisional data on July 4, 2023, India’s services
the Companies Act, 2013. exports in May 2023 increased by 7.7% compared
Composite Scheme of Amalgamation for merger: to May 2022, reaching USD ($)27.06 billion while
✓ HDFC Investments Limited and HDFC imports rose 2% to USD 15.5 billion.
Holdings Limited merged with HDFC The government’s initial estimates, released in mid-
Limited. June, had indicated that services exports amounted
✓ HDFC Limited merged with HDFC Bank to USD 25.3 billion, with services imports at
Limited has become effective from July 1, USD13.53 billion.
2023.

Airtel Payments Bank, Park+ team up to

Indian Overseas Bank Launches RuPay enable FASTag-based parking solution at
Select Debit Card, Offering Exclusive Varanasi Airport
Luxury Benefits Airtel Payments Bank has collaborated with Park+
Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) introduced the all-new to enable FASTag-based smart parking at the Lal
RuPay Select Debit card, aiming to provide Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi in Uttar
customers with a comprehensive blend of luxury, Pradesh.This smart parking solution allows
convenience, and security. o be eligible for the automatic cashless payments at airport parking.
RuPay Select Debit card, individuals must maintain The parking fee payment is deducted through the
a savings bank account or a certificate of deposit FASTag associated with the vehicle, which reduced
(CD) with IOB, with an average daily balance of Rs. the time required to make the payment.
1 lakh. ✓ Amit Lakhotia is the Founder and CEO of
✓ The cash withdrawal limit is set at Rs. Park+.
50,000, while the daily limit for merchant
establishment usage (PoS) is Rs. 5 lakh. For

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Education financing startup Propelld Bank) based in Bengaluru, Karnataka.In this regard,
gets NBFC licence from RBI these two co-operative banks ceased to carry on
Education financing startup, Propelld has procured banking business as defined in Section 5(b) read
a non-banking financial company (NBFC) license with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act,
from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to disburse 1949 with effect from July 5, 2023.
loans worth Rs.2000 Cr by Financial Year(FY)24
and to bolster its direct lending proposition. Flipkart with Axis Bank Launches
Previously, Propelld provided lending solutions by Personal Loans to Attract New
partnering with NBFCs but now the new license will Customers
help the company to lend directly along with In collaboration with Axis Bank, Flipkart, the
functioning as a loan service provider (LSP). leading e-commerce company in India, has
introduced a personal loan service accessible
RBI cancels licenses of Malkapur Urban through Flipkart’s app. This loan facility allows
Co-operative Bank Ltd & Shushruti individuals to obtain up to Rs 5 lakh, with a
Souharda Sahakara Bank Niyamita remarkable approval time of just 30 seconds and
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the eliminates the need for document submission.By
banking licenses of two co-operative banks viz. offering personal loans, Flipkart is hoping to attract
Malkapur Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd(Malkapur new customers who may be unable to afford large
UCB) based in Buldhana, Maharashtra, and purchases outright.
Shushruti Souharda Sahakara Bank Niyamita(SSS

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

NASSCOM signed MoU with MIDAS & UNCTAD’s World Investment Report
MAG to Set Up 1st Launch Pad in UK 2023: India and ASEAN top recipients of
The National Association of Software and Service FDI
Companies (NASSCOM), the leading organisation According to the United Nations Conference on
representing India’s technology industry, has Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s “World
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Investment Report 2023(WIR 2023): Investing in
with MIDAS (Manchester’s Inward Investment Sustainable Energy for All”, Foreign Direct
Agency) and MAG (Manchester Airports Group) to Investment(FDI) in Asia’s developing countries
establish first NASSCOM launch pad in the United remained unchanged at USD 662 billion and India
Kingdom (UK) to promote innovation, investment, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations
and technological exchange between Greater (ASEAN) were the top recipients , with an increase
Manchester (UK), and India. of 10% and 5% respectively.
✓ India was among the five economies that
accounted for almost 80 percent of the FDI
flows to the region. The four other
economies were China, Singapore, Hong
Kong (China) and the United Arab Emirates
(UAE).

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 AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Mary Kom Named Global Indian Icon of WB President Ajay Banga Named in
2023 at 5th UK-India Awards 2023 2023 List of Great Immigrants
Former Rajya Sabha member and India’s first-ever Ajay Banga, Padma Shri awardee and the President
Olympic medallist in women’s boxing, Mary Kom of the World Bank, has been named among the
(40 years old) has been honoured with the India 2023 annual list of “Great Immigrants”, that
Global Forum (IGF) United Kingdom(UK) Special honours individuals who have strengthened the
Award: Global Indian Icon of the Year award (2023) United States of America (USA) through their
at the 5th annual UK -India Awards (2023) held in contributions. The list is curated by Carnegie
Fairmont Windsor Park, Windsor, UK. Corporation of New York, the USA, a philanthropic
✓ She received the award from Indian High organization.
Commissioner to the UK Vikram ✓ Ajay Banga, became the first-ever Indian
Doraiswami and shared her remarkable 20- American to lead the World Bank in June
year journey filled with dedication and 2023 and he is the only honouree from
unwavering commitment to the sport of India in 2023 list of ‘Great Immigrants.
boxing. ✓ He was honoured with the Padma Shri in
✓ Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, 2016 for his contributions in the fields of
nominated for Oscar for his film “Elizabeth: trade and industry.
The Golden Age”, was honoured with “IGF
UK Special Award: Lifetime Contribution to British Children’s Writer Michael Rosen
UK-India Relations”. The award recognised
Honoured with PEN Pinter Prize 2023
his contributions to cinema in both
British children’s writer and performance poet,
countries.
Michael Rosen(77 years old), has been awarded the
PEN Pinter Prize 2023. He will receive the award in
King Charles and Queen Camilla Give a ceremony co-hosted by the British Library on 11th
Environmental Award to Indian October 2023.Michael Rosen is known for making
Conservationists poetry accessible to children through his work and
Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla performances. His themes are often social, political
presented the prestigious Elephant Family and ethical.
environmental award to Indian conservationists at ✓ The PEN Pinter Prize was established in
the 2023 Animal Ball, Lancaster House, 2009 in memory of playwright Harold
London,United Kingdom(UK) to recognise Pinter, who won the Nobel Prize in
contributions to protecting Asian wildlife. Literature in 2005.
✓ Kartiki Gonsalves,Filmmaker documentary
‘The Elephant Whisperers,’ received the GAIL accredited with Authorised
Tara Award.The Elephant Whisperers’, Economic Operator (AEO) T3 Status
which won the 2023 Academy Award/Oscar Gas Authority of India Limited (Gail (India)
Award for Best Documentary Short Film. Limited), a Maharatna – central public sector
✓ The Real Elephant Collective (TREC)-a undertaking (CPSU) accredited with Authorised
wildlife conservation group from India, Economic Operator (AEO) T3 Status which is a
consisting of 70 Adivasi artists, was highest level of facilitation for Importers &
honoured with Mark Shand Award. Exporters by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and
Customs, Ministry of Finance.
✓ AEO is a programme run by the World
Customs Organisation (WCO)SAFE
Framework (2005) of Standards to secure

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 and facilitate global trade, it aims to ✓ Previously, Manisha Kalyan won the award
improve international supply chain for the 2021-22 season. She became only
security, facilitate the flow of genuine the third Indian female footballer to win the
goods, and increase the ease of doing individual award two or more times after
business in India. Bala Devi (three) and Bembem Devi (two).

AIFF Awards 2022-23: Lallianzuala MoHFW won Kreta Vikreta Gaurav

Chhangte, Manisha Kalyan named Samman Samaroh 2023 award
Footballers of the Year Department of Health and Family Welfare under
On 4th July 2023, the All India Football Federation the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(AIFF) announced the winners of AIFF annual (MoHFW) received the winner of Kreta Vikreta
awards for the season 2022-23.Lallianzuala Gaurav Samman Samaroh, 2023 in Highest
Chhangte, an Indian Men’s Football Player from Single-Bid Procurements in the 2022-23 fiscal
Mizoram, was named the AIFF Men’s Footballer of category. The event was organised by Government
the year 2022-2023 for the first time and Manisha e-Marketplace (GeM) under the Ministry of
Kalyan, an Indian Women’s Football Player from Commerce and Industry at Vanijya Bhawan New
Punjab, was named AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Delhi, Delhi.
Year 2022-23 for the 2nd time.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

GoI Extends Brajendra Navnit’s Tenure ✓ Also known as modern-day Maharaja,

as India’s Ambassador to WTO Tribhuvaneshwar Saran Singh Deo (TS
Government of India(GoI) Singh Deo) is the titular Maharaja of
extended the tenure of Chhattisgarh’s Surguja, was first elected as a
Brajendra Navnit as member of the state’s legislative Assembly
Ambassador and Permanent in 2008.
Representative of India to the ✓ Deo also served as the Leader of the
World Trade Organization Opposition in the 4th Vidhan Sabha of
(WTO) by 9 months beyond Chhattisgarh.
28th June 2023 and upto 31st March 2024 or until
further orders.The Appointments Committee of ACC re-appointed Tushar Mehta, SGI for
Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Narendra Modi, Prime the Second Time
Minister of India, has approved the proposal of the Appointments Committee of
Department of Commerce for an extension in the the Cabinet (ACC) approved
tenure of the foreign deputation of Brajendra the re-appointment of Tushar
Navnit. Mehta as Solicitor General of
India (SGI) with effect fr.om
TS Singh Deo Appointed as Chhattisgarh 1st July 2023 for a period of
three years or until further
Deputy CM
orders, whichever is earlier. This is the 2nd
Senior Congress leader and Chhattisgarh health
extension granted to Mehta by the government of
minister TS Singh Deo(70), has been appointed as
India.
the deputy chief minister(CM) of Chhattisgarh.The
✓ The ACC also approved the re-appointment
appointment was approved by Congress President
of 6 Additional Solicitors General (ASG) for
Mallikarjun Kharge at the Congress headquarters in
the Supreme Court of India for a period of 3
Delhi.
years.

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 ✓ The ACC also issued an order of re- Lt Gen M.U.Nair Appointed as the Head
appointing 4 ASG's in the High Courts of of National Cyber Coordination Centre
India for a period of 3 years. Lt Gen M U Nair has been
appointed the new National
PTC India Shareholders Approve the Cyber Security Coordinator
Appointment of Rajib Kumar Mishra as (NCSC) by the National Cyber
CMD Coordination Centre (NCCC),
On 28th June 2023, the PTC India Limited (formerly the cybersecurity and e-
known as Power Trading Corporation of India surveillance agency under
Limited) shareholders passed resolutions relating Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
to the appointment of Rajib Kumar Mishra as the in the government of India.
company's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) ✓ He is the third cyber security chief in India,
with requisite majority votes at the seventh Extra succeeding Lt Gen (retd.) Dr Rajesh Pant
Ordinary General Meeting (EGM). and preceded by Gulshan Rai, who was the
✓ He has been appointed as the CMD in first chief.
PTC India with effect from March 29,
2023. Vice Admiral Atul Anand takes over as
✓ He has been serving as the acting Additional Secretary, Department of
chairman of PTC India since November Military Affairs
2021, after former CMD Deepak Vice Admiral Atul Anand was appointed as the
Amitabh quit. Additional Secretary of the Department of Military
Affairs in the Ministry of Defence (MoD).He will
Ajit Pawar Took Oath as the succeed Lt Gen Anil Puri, who retired on February
Maharashtra Deputy CM 28, 2023. He commanded Torpedo Recovery Vessel
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar INTRV A72, missile boat INS (Indian Naval Ship)
was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister (Dy CM) Chatak, corvette INS Khukri and missile destroyer
by Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra, in a INS Mumbai.
ceremony at the Raj Bhawan in Mumbai,
Maharashtra in the presence of Maharashtra's Chief NATO extended the tenure of Jens
Minister(CM) Eknath Shinde. Now, Maharashtra has Stoltenberg as Secretary General of
2 Dy CMs. Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)’s Devendra
NATO up to October 2024
Fadnavis is the other Dy CM of Maharashtra.
The 31 members of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization
PM Prasad Takes Over as CMD of Coal (NATO), an
India intergovernmental military
PM Prasad took charge as newly-appointed alliance decided to extend the
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Coal tenure of Jens Stoltenberg,
India Limited (CIL) by succeeding Pramod Agrawal, Secretary General of NATO for
who superannuated on June 30, 2023.Prior to this another year until 1st October 2024. Jens
appointment, he served as the CMD of Central Stoltenberg’s term was supposed to end in
Coalfields Limited (CCL), the Jharkhand-based arm September 2023.
of CIL, since October 1, 2020. ✓ Jens Stoltenberg, a former Prime Minister of
Norway (from 2000 to 2001; 2005-2013)
became NATO Secretary General in 2014.
His term has already been extended 3 times.

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BCCI Appointed Former Indian Cricketer chairman Chetan Sharma, who resigned from the
Ajit Agarkar as Chairman of Senior posts in February 2023. Ajit Agarkar was
unanimously recommended to the post by the
Men’s Selection Committee
Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), consisting of
Ajit Agarkar, the former Indian Cricketer, has been
Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra, and Jatin
appointed as the Board of Control for Cricket in
Paranjape.
India (BCCI) new chairman of the Senior Men’s
Note: He was recommended based on seniority –
Selection Committee by succeeding the previous
total number of Test matches.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

IDFC Ltd to Merge with IDFC First Bank ✓ Second, the IDFC Limited will amalgamate
in a Share Exchange Ratio of 155:100 with IDFC First Bank.
The board of directors of IDFC First Bank Limited
approved the scheme of amalgamation of IDFC CCI approves acquisition of Marnix Lux
Limited with IDFC First bank and the share by Concentrix Corporation
exchange ratio is fixed at 155:100.IDFC First Bank On 4th July 2023, the Competition Commission of
has proposed to complete the merger by the end of India (CCI) approved the indirect acquisition of
2023. Marnix Lux SA (Marnix Lux) by Concentrix
The IDFC group rejig scheme is a two-step process. Corporation, and acquisition of
✓ First, IDFC Financial Holding Company approximately 22% shareholding in combined
Limited (HFCL) will be amalgamated with company by the shareholders of Marnix Lux.
IDFC Limited.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Greater Chennai Police Launched India’s the brief suborbital ride with 3 Virgin Galactic crew
First ‘Police Drone Unit’ in Chennai members.
The Greater Chennai Police(GCP), a division of the
Tamil Nadu(TN) Police, launched the ‘Police Drone Home Minister Amit Shah Launched
Unit’, the first in India, for aerial surveillance in Make in India "Akshar River Cruise" in
Chennai, TN.Director General of Police (DGP) and Gujarat
Head of Police Force C. Sylendra Babu inaugurated Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs and
the Unit at Besant Avenue, Adyar, Chennai. The unit Cooperation, virtually launched the 'Akshar River
was established at a cost of Rs 3.6 crore. Cruise' on Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad,
Gujarat. This is the first passenger catamaran built
Galactic 01: Virgin Galactic Completed in India under the “Make in India” initiative. This
First Commercial Spaceflight Cruise is a floating restaurant developed under
Virgin Galactic Holding Inc (SPCE.N), the space Public Private Partnership by Akshar Travels
company founded by United Kingdom(UK) Private Limited, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation
entrepreneur Richard Branson, successfully (AMC) and Sabarmati Riverfront Development
completed its first commercial spaceflight mission Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) at a cost of Rs.15
called “Galactic 01”. 2 Italian air force crore.
officers(Colonel Walter Villadei and Lieutenant
Colonel Angelo Landolfi) and an aerospace engineer
from the National Research Council of Italy made

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SpaceX launched ESA's Euclid mission to online availability of the data is expected to
explore Dark Universe enhance the level of compliance and transparency.
European Space Agency (ESA)’s Euclid Spacecraft
was launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Elena Introduces India’s First NavIC –
Cape Canaveral, Florida, the United States of Based PNT Device
America(USA). ESA's Euclid mission is designed to Elena Geo Systems,a Space Technology Company
explore the composition and evolution of the dark and Optimus Logics, two companies based in
Universe(dark energy and dark matter) using a Bengaluru in Karnataka, have successfully
wide-angle telescope to survey galaxies as far away developed handheld devices called PNT
as 10 billion light-years from Earth. (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) that are
driven by satellite communications. This project
James Webb Space Telescope helps was funded by the Department of
researchers unveil 6 new galaxies Telecommunications under the Digital
In June 2023, National Aeronautics and Space Communication Innovation Square (DCIS)
Administration (NASA)'s James Webb Space scheme.It will become India’s first hand-held
Telescope (JWST) has helped researchers identify NavIC-based navigation device.
the earliest galaxies ever seen - within the first 650
million years after the Universe was born in the Big India Launches First 100% DME-Fueled
Bang, the project, is known as the JWST Advanced Tractor for Sustainable On and Off-Road
Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES). Usage
Researchers at Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)
MoRD Launches eSARAS App for Kanpur have developed the India’s first
Products from Women SHGs tractor/vehicle that operates solely on 100%
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna- National Rural Dimethyl Ether (DME), an indigenous and
Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the flagship renewable fuel. This breakthrough positions DME
initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development as a viable alternative fuel and engine technology
(MoRD), launched the eSARAS, an e-commerce for conventional diesel engines used in agriculture
mobile application to support the marketing of and transportation sectors.
products made by women of Self-help Groups ✓ The research was supported by the Science
(SHGs). and Engineering Research Board (SERB)
✓ The app was launched by Shailesh Kumar and was aligned with NITI Aayog’s
Singh, Secretary of MoRD in New Delhi, ‘Methanol Economy’ program.
Delhi.
✓ He also inaugurated the eSaras Fulfilment Ariane-5 Rocket Launched 2 Satellites
Centre at the MoRD office at Janakpuri, New Successfully on Its Final And 117th
Delhi, Delhi.
Mission
On 5th July 2023, the 117th and final launch of
ECI opened Online Portal for filing 3 Ariane 5, a 53 metre tall, three-stage launcher was
types of Financial Reports by the successfully blasted off from Europe's Spaceport in
Political Parties Kourou, French Guiana toward geostationary orbit
The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched a to deliver two military communications satellites
new web-portal Integrated Election Expenditure namely Syracuse 4B for the France and the Heinrich
Monitoring System to facilitate the online filing of Hertz (H2Sat) for the German Governments.
Contribution Reports, Audited Annual Accounts and ✓ Ariane 5, a European heavy-lift space
Election Expenditure Statements by the Political launch vehicle first launched in 1996 has 27
Parties according to the provisions in the years of experience with this final launch
Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1951. The mission.

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Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2023 @ AffairsCloud.com 20
 ENVIRONMENT
---------

SPORTS

2023 Lausanne Diamond League: Neeraj ✓ 14th edition SAFF Championship 2023 held
Chopra Wins in Javelin Throw with from 21th June to 4th July 2023, saw
participation of eight teams including India,
87.66m Throw
Kuwait, Nepal, Pakistan, Lebanon, Maldives,
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold medallist Neeraj Chopra
Bhutan, Bangladesh.
won the gold medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw at
the Lausanne Diamond League 2023 (officially
known as Lausanne Diamond League Athletissima FIH Hockey Pro League 2022-23:
2023), held from June 29 to 30 at Stade Olympique Netherlands Men’s Team won the Title
de la Pontaise in Lausanne, Switzerland.Neeraj for 2nd Time
Chopra recorded a throw of 87.66 meters(m), Netherlands men’s hockey team won the 4th
Germany’s Julian Weber finished second with the edition of Fédération Internationale de
throw of 87.03m and Tokyo Olympics silver Hockey(FIH) Hockey Pro League 2022-23 by
medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic finished defeating Belgium in the finals held in Antwerp,
third with the throw of 86.13m. Belgium.The Netherlands Men’s become the first
team in the men’s competition to win the title twice.
F1: Red Bull Driver Max Verstappen They won their 1st title in the 2021-2022 season.
Wins 2023 Austrian Grand Prix ✓ With the win, the Netherlands also become
Dutch-Belgium racing Driver Max Verstappen won the first nation to win both the men’s and
the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix(GP) - Officially women’s FIH Hockey Pro League titles in
known as Formula 1 Rolex Groser Preis Von the same season (2022-2023).
Österreich 2023, at the circuit Red Bull Ring, Netherlands Won The 4th Edition of
Spielberg, Austria.Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc Women’s FIH Hockey Pro League 2022-
(Monacan Driver) finished 2nd and Red Bull’s Sergio 2023:
Perez (Mexican Driver) finished 3rd. On 27th June 2023, Netherlands Women’s Hockey
✓ Verstappen won both the main F1 race and team won the 4th edition of the FIH Hockey Pro
the shorter sprint race from pole position at League 2022-23 title by defeating New Zealand in
the Austrian GP 2023. Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, The
Netherlands.This marks Netherlands women’s 3rd
title in FIH Hockey Pro League. So far, they have
Indian Men’s Football team defeat
won 3 of the 4 women’s FIH Hockey Pro League
Kuwait to lift 2023 SAFF Championships titles.
for 9th Time
Indian Football Team (also known as ‘Blue Tigers’)
won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF)
Bangladesh Cricketer Tamim Iqbal
Bangabandhu Championship 2023 defeating retires from International Cricket
Kuwait national football team at the finals, in Sree Bangladesh One Day International (ODI) Captain
Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, Karnataka.The Tamim Iqbal (aged 34) announced his retirement
2023 SAFF Championships marks India’s 9th SAFF from international cricket after 16 years of his
Championship title and second consecutive title journey in cricket.His last game was on 5th July
after it won in 2021 SAFF Championships in 2023, against Afghanistan in Chattogram,
Maldives (defeated Nepal). Bangladesh. Tamim Iqbal is the third-highest run-
scorer as of July 2023, after only Virat Kohli and

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Rohit Sharma, with 8,313 runs in 241 games,
including 14 hundreds.

OBITUARY

Alan Arkin, Oscar-winning ‘Little Miss United States of America (USA)at the age of 89. He
Sunshine’ Actor, Dies at 89 was born on 26th March 1934 in Brooklyn, New
Veteran United States (US) actor Alan Arkin, who York, United States of America. Arkin earned two
received four Academy Award nominations and Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Golden Globe Award,
won an Oscar passed away in Carlsbad, California, and British Academy Film Award.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

-----------

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Asteroid Day 2023 – June ✓ The 2023 theme focus on climate action and
30 emphasis that ‘climate action starts at
United Nations (UN)’s International Asteroid Day is home’.
annually observed across the world on 30th June to
raise public awareness about the asteroid impact National Doctor’s Day 2023 – July 1
hazard and to inform the public about the crisis National Doctor’s Day is annually observed across
communication actions to be taken at the global India on 1st July to appreciate and honour the
level in case of a credible Near-Earth Object (NEO) valuable contributions of doctors and healthcare
threat. The observance of the day was based on a professionals in India. This day also gives an
proposal by the Association of Space Explorers, opportunity to thank doctors for their selfless
which was endorsed by the Committee on the service and efforts for the well-being of the people
Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). in India.
✓ The day also commemorates the birth as
International Day of Parliamentarism well as the death Anniversary of Bharat
Ratna Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy (BC Roy), a
2023 - June 30
physician and one of the most influential
The United Nations(UN)’s International Day of
designers of India’s contemporary
Parliamentarism is annually celebrated across the
healthcare system.
globe on 30 June to celebrate Parliaments and the
✓ The theme for National Doctor’s Day 2023
ways in which parliamentary systems of
in India is – “Celebrating Resilience and
government improve the day-to-day lives of people
Healing Hands”.
across the world.The day also marks the
anniversary of the foundation of the Inter-
Parliamentary Union (IPU), the global organization 75th National Chartered Accountants
of national parliaments, founded on 30th June Day – 1st July 2023
1889. National Chartered Accountants (CA) Day is
30th June 2023 marks the 134th anniversary of annually observed across India on 1st July to
IPU. commemorate the establishment of the Institute of
✓ The theme of International Day of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on 1st July
Parliamentarism 2023 is “Parliaments for 1949. It is also known as ICAI Foundation Day
the Planet”. which honors the work of all Chartered

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Accountants.1st July 2023 marks the 75th World Sports Journalists Day 2023 - July
anniversary of the ICAI. 2
✓ The theme for the year 2023 is World Sports Journalist Day is annually observed
‘Empowering Financial Excellence’. all over the world on 2nd July to acknowledge and
✓ The logo features a modern interpretation honour the hard work of sports journalists across
of the Garuda, the mythical bird-like the world. The day also commemorates the
creature that is a symbol of strength, power, foundation of the International Sports Press
and wisdom in Indian mythology. Association (AIPS Association Internationale de la
Presse Sportive) in 1924 in Paris, France.2nd July
6th Goods and Services Tax Day – 1st 2023 marked the 99th Anniversary of the
July 2023 International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Day is annually
observed on 1st July to commemorate the International Plastic Bag Free Day 2023
implementation of the GST system, a - July 3
comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of International Plastic Bag Free Day is annually
goods and services in India.1st July 2023 marks the observed across the globe on 3rd July to create
observance of the 6th GST Day which awareness about the hazardous effects of single-use
commemorates the 6th anniversary of GST coming plastic bags on the environment. The day is a
into force (1st July 2017). reminder for individuals and communities globally
✓ Two taxpayers, namely, Ji Shoji India Pvt. to decrease their reliance on plastic bags and look
Ltd. and Rajan Agro Green Foods Pvt ltd for sustainable solutions as an alternative.
also received commendation from the ✓ In 2002, Bangladesh became the 1st country
MSME category. in the world to implement a ban on thin
plastic bags as it clogged the drainage
International Day of Cooperatives 2023 systems during the floods.
– July 1
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of First ever International Day of Women
Cooperatives (CoopsDay) is annually observed in Diplomacy – 24th June 2023
across the globe on the first Saturday of July to raise The United Nations (UN)’s first ever International
awareness about the importance of cooperatives Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWID) was observed
and their contributions to the development of on 24th June 2023 to recognize the role of Women
society.The day also commemorates the in Diplomacy as in furthering the Socio-Economic
establishment of the International Cooperative Equitable and Inclusive Sustainable
Alliance (ICA). Development.The theme of IDWID 2023 is
✓ 1st July 2023 marked the observance of the “Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women
101st International Day of Cooperatives. in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development”.
✓ The theme for the International Day of
Cooperatives 2023 is “Cooperatives:
partners for accelerated sustainable World Zoonoses Day 2023 - July 6
development”…Click here for more detail… World Zoonoses Day is annually observed across
the globe on 6th July to raise awareness about
Zoonosis or zoonotic disease, an infectious disease
that can spread between species, from animals to
humans or vice versa.The day commemorates the
anniversary of the day that Louis Pasteur, a French
biologist, successfully administered the first vaccine
against rabies, a zoonotic disease on 6th July 1885.

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 STATE NEWS

Maharashtra renames Versova-Bandra Sikho-Kamao Yojana (MMSKY) (CM Learn and Earn
Sea Link as Veer Savarkar Setu & MTHL Scheme) for the skill development of the youths of
MP.He started the process of registration of youth
as Atal Setu
applicants in this scheme and interacted with the
The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the renaming of
youths during the event organised at the Ravindra
two infrastructure projects in Mumbai after
Bhavan in Bhopal, MP.The scheme-related training
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and former Prime
will begin on 1st August 2023.
Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The 17-km
Versova Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) which connects
Andheri to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and a part of Sarbananda Sonowal Laid the
the coastal road project will be renamed as ‘Veer Foundation Stone for Inland Waterways
Savarkar Setu’ after Savarkar. Transport Terminal in Assam
On 4th July 2023, the Union Minister of Ports,
QCI and Odisha Government Launched Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush,
Odisha Gunvatta Sankalp in Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone of
Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal to be
Bhubaneswar
developed at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, Assam along
Government of Odisha launched the Odisha
the banks of the River Brahmaputra, (National
Gunvatta Sankalp (Odisha Quality Mission) in
Waterways 2).The tourist-cum-cargo IWT terminal
Bhubaneswar, Odisha with an aim to promote and
will be developed at Rs 46.60 crores and is
prioritize quality across various sectors in the state
scheduled to be completed by February 2024.
of Odisha. The dynamic 5T initiative in Odisha has
achieved remarkable progress in enhancing quality
across various sectors including public service Odisha Government launches Mo Jungle
delivery, heritage tourism, healthcare, education, Jami Yojana for Forest Dwellers
skilling, and access to drinking water, among The Odisha Government launches ‘Mo Jungle Jami
others. Yojana’ (My Forestland Scheme) with the aim to
recognise all rights under the Scheduled Tribes and
Anurag Verma Appointed as New Chief Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of
Forest Rights Act)(FRA), 2006 in the next two
Secretary of Punjab
years. Under Mo Jungle Jami Yojana scheme, Forest
Anurag Verma, a 1993-batch Indian Administrative
Rights Cells will be constituted at the tehsil and
Service (IAS) officer, took charge as the 42nd chief
district level for the implementation of FRA, 2006.
secretary of Punjab in Chandigarh, Punjab. He will
also hold the charge as principal secretary,
personnel and vigilance.Anurag Verma succeeded J&K launched India’s First Tele-MANAS
Vijay Kumar Janjua, who retired on 30th June 2023. Chatbot
Anurag Verma served as the additional chief Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and
secretary of Punjab, Principal Secretary home Kashmir (J&K) launched India's first Tele Mental
affairs and Justice, along with some other additional Health Assistance and Networking Across States
charges. (MANAS) chatbot in the Union Territory (UT) to
enhance mental health support for distressed
MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan initiated people by initiating an instant conversation with
those who are in need.
the registration of Mukhyamantri Sikho
Kamao Yojana for youths in MP
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya
Pradesh (MP) implemented the Mukhyamantri

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TN Police launched “Pengal Pathukaaptu scheme) to ensure the safety of the women
Thittam” for Women Traveling Alone at travelling alone at night (between 10 pm and 7
am).Under this scheme, the women travelling alone
Night
can avail of free drop facility in a patrol vehicle in
Tamil Nadu (TN) Police launched a new scheme
case they feel unsafe.
“Pengal Pathukaaptu Thittam” (Women safety

GA Questions Asked in Exams

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