13th-15th July, 2024

3. India-Taiwan Mutual Recognition Agreement on Organic Products
   • What:
     • India and Taiwan have implemented a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for organic products to facilitate easier export processes by eliminating the need for dual certifications, reduce compliance costs, and promote trade opportunities in the organic sector.
   • Tell me more:
     • The MRA covers various Indian organic products including rice, processed food, green/black and herbal tea, and medicinal plant products for export to Taiwan.
     • Implementing agencies involved are the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India, and the Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA), Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan.

4. DD-Robocon India 2024: Robotics Competition Hosted by IIT Delhi and Prasar Bharati
   • What:
     • IIT Delhi and Prasar Bharati are hosting the two-day Robot Competition ‘DD-Robocon’ India 2024 at Thyagaraj Stadium in Delhi.
   • Why:
     • DD-Robocon India 2024 is organized to enhance recognition for engineering students in the field of robotics by providing a platform to showcase their robotics capabilities.
   • Tell me more:
     • The winning team will represent India at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Robocon 2024 in QuangNinh, Vietnam.

       Source: NOA

Source: NOA

State News

1. Maharashtra Government Launched ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana
   • What:
     • The Maharashtra government has launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana (Chief Minister’s My Beloved Sister) 2024’ initiative in the state to promote economic independence among women in Maharashtra.
     • Under this scheme, the state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month to all women beneficiary.

   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to empower women and promote self-reliance (aatmanirbharta) by easing their financial burden on essential household expenses like cooking fuel.
   • Tell me more:
     • Apart from this, the state government will provide money for three LPG cylinders annually to women and girls with annual incomes under Rs 2.5 lakhs.
     • The Maharashtra government has announced free higher education for eligible girls from EWS, SEBC, and OBC families in professional courses.
       Source: CNBC
2. Tata Power Launches ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’ Initiative in UP
   • What:
     • Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL) has launched the ‘Ghar Ghar Solar, Tata Power ke Sang’ initiative in Varanasi to promote residential Rooftop Solar Solutions (RTS) across Uttar Pradesh (UP).
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to provide financial savings and environmental benefits to residents through state-of-the-art RTS, aligning with the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
   • Tell me more:
     • Under this initiative, households can receive a maximum subsidy of Rs 1,08,000, including a central government subsidy of Rs 78,000 and a state government subsidy of up to Rs 30,000 (Rs 15,000 per kW) for rooftop solar installations up to 3 kW.
     • The initiative is expected to benefit nearly 10 lakh homes in Uttar Pradesh.
     • TPSSL guarantees installation of rooftop solar modules within 7 days from inquiry, minimizing customer downtime compared to other market players.

3. Empowerment of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor: Amendments to J&K Reorganization Act, 2019
   • What:
     • The Union Home Ministry has amended the ‘Transaction of Business Rules’ under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, enhancing the authority of the Lieutenant Governor (LG).
   • Why:
     • The amendments aim to streamline governance and decision-making processes in Jammu and Kashmir by empowering the LG to directly handle matters related to transfers, postings of all-India service officers, police, and appointment of judicial officers.
   • Tell me more:
     • Under the amended rules, these proposals will now be directly presented to the LG through the chief secretary of the Union territory.
       Source: NOA

4. Kharchi Puja in Tripura
   • Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha participated in the Kharchi Puja celebration in Agartala.
     Source: ANI

5. Uttar Pradesh Mango Festival-2024
   • The three-day Uttar Pradesh Mango Festival-2024 is being held at the Avadh Shilp Gram.
     Source: HT

6. Eastern India’s First University for Physically Challenged Students Planned in Ranchi
   • What
     • The Jharkhand state government is planning to establish eastern India’s first university specifically for physically challenged students in Ranchi to ensure inclusive higher education opportunities for physically challenged students in eastern India.

   • Tell me more
     • The government also plans to introduce the ‘Navothan Scholarship Scheme’, offering full course fee reimbursement up to Rs 10 lakh per year for meritorious orphan and physically challenged students.
     • Additionally, Rs 48,000 per year will be provided for lodging and food arrangements.

7. Haryana Cabinet Approves IT Saksham Yuva Scheme 2024
   • What
     • The Haryana Cabinet has sanctioned the launch of the IT Saksham Yuva Scheme 2024 aimed at providing employment to 5,000 youths in its initial phase.
     • This initiative is part of the ‘Mission 60,000’ initiative announced during the 2024-25 budget presentation, targeting employment for 60,000 young individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
   • Why
     • The scheme intends to offer job opportunities specifically to graduate and postgraduate IT applicants through specially designed short-term courses.
     • It aims to enhance employment prospects and economic empowerment among the youth in Haryana, both in government sectors and private entities.
   • Tell me more
     • Eligible applicants under the scheme will undergo a minimum three-month Haryana IT programme before being placed in various departments, boards, corporations, districts, registered societies, or private organizations in Haryana.
     • Initially, selected candidates will receive a remuneration of ₹20,000 per month for the first six months, which will increase to ₹25,000 thereafter. In cases where a candidate is not placed, the government will provide an unemployment allowance of ₹10,000 per month.
     • SVSU (Shri Vishwakarma Skill University) is the state university responsible for issuing completion certificates under the scheme.
       Source: HT
8. Launch of MV San Fernando at Vizhinjam Port
   • What
     • Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal received the first Mother Ship, MV San Fernando, marking the commencement of operations at India’s first deep water container transhipment port in Vizhinjam, Kerala.
   • Why
     • This port has been created on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis among the Government of Kerala, Government of India, and Adani Port SEZ.
   • Tell me more
     • Vizhinjam Port, a Greenfield project. represents an investment exceeding ₹18,000 crores under PPP mode.
     • It stands out as one of India’s largest port initiatives, strategically located near international shipping routes to facilitate quicker vessel turnaround and accommodate mega container ships.
     • The port’s development includes modern infrastructure such as container terminals, warehouses, and logistics parks, positioning it as a pivotal hub for regional trade connecting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Source: PIB

Banking and Economy

1. REC Secures JPY 31.96 Billion Green Loan from Deutsche Bank AG’s GIFT City Branch
   • What
     • REC Limited, a prominent player in the Indian power sector, has secured a green loan of JPY 31.96 billion (equivalent to USD 200 million) from Deutsche Bank AG’s GIFT City branch.
   • Why
     • This loan aims to support REC’s commitment to sustainable development under its Green Finance Framework.
   • Tell Me More
     • Loan Details: The green loan amounts to JPY 31.96 billion (USD 200 million) and is sourced from Deutsche Bank AG’s GIFT City branch.
     • Collaboration Significance: This is the first successful collaboration between an Indian government entity and Deutsche Bank AG’s GIFT City branch, setting a new benchmark for green financing in the Indian public sector.

• Kaushik Shaparia, CEO of Deutsche Bank Group India,

2. PNB and SAIL Sign MoU for Concessional Employee Loans
   • What
     • Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) to provide home, car, and education loans to SAIL employees at concessional rates.
   • Why
     • The agreement aims to improve the financial well-being of SAIL employees while expanding PNB’s customer base.

3. Greenko to Prepay $1 Billion in Dollar Bonds
   • What
     • Renewable energy company Greenko will prepay more than $1 billion of overseas dollar bonds maturing next year.
     • This prepayment will be funded by a Rs 6200 crore loan sanctioned by the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NABFID).
   • Why
     • The prepayment aims to reduce Greenko’s overseas liabilities amid higher interest rates abroad. By refinancing with rupee debt at a lower cost, Greenko seeks to lower its financial burden and align with broader market strategies to cut down on high-cost overseas borrowings.
   • Tell Me More
     • Loan Details: NABFID has sanctioned Rs 6200 crore, which Greenko will use to repay bonds maturing in January and July 2024. This includes a $500 million bond due in January and another $535 million bond due in July.
     • Greenko’s Capacity: Greenko has 7.5 gigawatts of installed solar and wind power capacity across 15 states in India, operating more than 100 projects through special purpose vehicles (SPVs).

Source: ET

Defence News

1. DRDO Sanctions Seven New Projects to the Private Sector Under Technology Development Fund Scheme
   • What
     • The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has sanctioned seven new projects to industries under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme.
   • Why
     • The primary objective of these projects is to foster self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in the defence and aerospace sectors.
     • By supporting MSMEs and start-ups, DRDO aims to develop indigenous technologies that will strengthen the military industrial ecosystem and reduce dependence on foreign technology.
   • Tell Me More

2. Exercise Pitch Black: India-Japan
   • What:
     • Venue: Australia
     • Participants: Multinational exercise
     • Frequency: Biennial (once in two years)
     • Host: Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
       Source: RAAF

Awards

1. Exceptional Bravery Awards for Indian Ship Captain and Crew
   • What
     • Captain Avhilash Rawat and his crew of an oil tanker have been named among the winners of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 2024 Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea for their “extraordinary courage” shown in a Red Sea rescue mission.
   • Tell Me More
     • Award Ceremony: The awards will be presented at IMO Headquarters in London during the 109th session of the Maritime Security Committee.

2. IPBES Awarded Blue Planet Prize 2024
   • What:
     • The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has been awarded the Blue Planet Prize for 2024 by the Japan-based Asahi Glass Foundation.
   • Why:
     • The award recognizes IPBES for its outstanding contributions in scientific research and practical applications, addressing global environmental challenges through biodiversity and ecosystem services.
   • Tell me more:
     • IPBES was established in Panama City in 2012 as an independent intergovernmental body aimed at enhancing the science-policy interface related to biodiversity and ecosystem services.
     • It is not a UN body but receives secretariat services from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), headquartered in Bonn, Germany.
     • Membership is open to all UN member states, with over 145 member states currently participating, including India.

Source: IPBES

Important Days

1. International Malala Day 2024 – July 12
   • What:
     • Malala Day commemorates the birthday of Malala Yousafzai, who courageously advocates for girls’ education worldwide.

   • Tell me more:
     • Malala Yousafzai defied Taliban orders by attending school, becoming a global symbol for girls’ education rights after surviving a Taliban assassination attempt on October 9, 2012.
     • International Malala Day was first observed on July 12, 2013, following the United Nations addressing by former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, emphasizing the right to education for all girls.
       Source: BS
2. International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 2024 – July 12
   • What:
     • The International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms is observed annually on July 12 to raise awareness about the global challenges posed by sand and dust storms (SDS).
   • Why:
     • The day aims to highlight the severe impacts of SDS on various aspects of sustainable development, including health, agriculture, water resources, and economic growth. It underscores the need for international cooperation to mitigate these effects.

Source: UN

Sports

1. Copa America Championship 2024
   • Argentina clinched its second consecutive Copa America title by defeating Colombia 1-0.
   • This is Argentina’s 16th title in this tournament.
   • The 2024 Copa América was the 48th edition of the Copa América, the quadrennial international men’s soccer championship organized by South America’s football ruling body CONMEBOL.
     Source: HT
2. World Championship of Legends 2024
   • India Champions won the 2024 World Championship of Legends final by 5 wickets over Pakistan Champions in Birmingham, UK.
     Source: TOI

Appointments

1. Paytm Payments Bank Appoints Arun Kumar Bansal as MD & CEO
   • What
     • Arun Kumar Bansal has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paytm Payments Bank.
   • Tell me more
     • Bansal is a former executive of IDBI Bank. Paytm Payments Bank is an associate entity of One97 Communications (OCL), which is the company responsible for the Paytm brand.

• Established – 2017
  Source: APAC News

2. K.P. Sharma Oli: Nepal’s New Prime Minister
   • K.P. Sharma Oli was sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister for the fourth time.
     Source: TH

Miscellaneous

1. French Gymnast Eric Poujade Passes Away at 51
   • French gymnast Eric Poujade, Olympic silver medallist on the pommel horse at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, passed away at the age of 51.
     Source: TH
2. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
   • What:
     • A recent study has revealed significant gaps in awareness regarding vulture conservation across key habitats within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR).
   • Tell me more:
     • Declared as a tiger reserve in 2013.
     • Located in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, and contiguous with Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (TN), Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, and Bandipur Tiger reserves (Karnataka).
     • Acts as a corridor linking Eastern and Western Ghats.
     • Notable fauna includes elephants, tigers, panthers, sloth bears, gaurs, blackbucks, spotted deer, and Nilgiri langurs.
       Source: TH
3. Inauguration of INS Towers by Prime Minister Modi
   • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the INS Towers during his visit to the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) Secretariat at G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai.
     Source: PM
4. Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia
   • Nitish Singh, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, accomplished a remarkable feat by successfully summiting Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia.
   • He completed the challenging climb in just 19 hours.

Source: EDU

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