27th July, 2023

1. Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya Scindia, has inaugurated the 5th Helicopter & Small Aircraft (Heli) Summit 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
2. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals has received 5,772 complaints of alleged overcharging.
3. National Security Advisor NSA Ajit Doval has met Director of the Office of the CPC Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
4. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released draft Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund (6th Amendment) Regulation, 2023.
5. Health Ministry has launched an online portal to report violation of ban on e-cigarettes.
6. India and Bangladesh have signed a contract for installation of computer based interlocking signalling system for Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebpur rail line.
7. Skyroot (Hyderabad-based space start-up) has successfully conducted a rocket-engine test at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu.
8. An awareness program named “Anu Awareness Yatra – 2023” is being organized by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.
9. Government has proposed to sell about 5.36% stake in Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) through an offer for sale.
10. IIM Kozhikode to set up India-Japan Study and Research Centre.
11. Financial fraud transactions of Rs 570 crore have been prevented using the cyber fraud reporting system.
12. President Droupadi Murmu has completed one year in office.
13. Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik has become the 2nd longest serving Chief Minister in India.
14. Madhya Pradesh government has lowered the minimum age for Ladli Behna Yojana.
15. Kerala Startup Mission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IFSCA to bolster fintech startups.
16. UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi has been elected as chair of WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference.
17. Madhya Pradesh government has lowered the minimum age for Ladli Behna Yojana.
18. Kerala Startup Mission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IFSCA to bolster fintech startups.
19. UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi has been elected as chair of WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference.
20. Gabon has launched Africa’s first debt-for-nature swap, with a plan to buy up at least $450 million of its government debt and switch it to an eco-friendly blue bond.
21. Canara Bank has topped the list of public sector banks with the highest lending to corporations and PSUs of States and Union Territories for the fifth year in a row.
22. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has appointed 4 women MPs to the panel of vice-chairpersons in the Upper House.
23. July 26- International Day for conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem
24. July 26- Kargil Vijay Diwas
25. India’s oldest Railway station (169 years) at Byculla, Central Mumbai has received Asia Pacific Cultural heritage award from
26. ISSF Junior World Championships 2023 (3rd edition)
27. Tampere Open 2023 tennis in Finland
28. Karman Kaur Thandi has won her second W60 ITF title after winning at the Evansville event in USA.
29. Handball Association of India (HAI) has been recognized as a National Sports Federation (NSF) for the promotion and regulation of the sport in the country.
30. Aryan Nehrahas equalled the ‘best Indian time’ to finish 27th in the 800m freesyle event at the swimming World Aquatic Championships in Japan.
31. Milan Kundera, one of the famous figures in European literature has passed away.
32. Twitter has officially replaced the blue bird symbol with a simple white X on a black background as its logo, as part of rebranding.
33. Open AI’s Sam Altman has launched eyeball scanning cryptocurrency project
34. The Bombay high court at Goa has directed the state government to notify Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (Goa) and other areas as a tiger reserve under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
35. “Son of Concorde,” NASA’s experimental X-59 to make its first test flights later this year.

National News

1. Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya Scindia, has inaugurated the 5th Helicopter & Small Aircraft (Heli) Summit 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
   • Theme of the event: “Reaching the Last Mile: Regional Connectivity through Helicopters & Small Aircraft”
   • Organizers: Ministry of Civil Aviation, in association with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Ltd., and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
   • Other initiatives in the summit-
   • Launch of UDAN 5.2
   • UDAN 5.2 has been launched for further enhancing the connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country and achieving last-mile connectivity through small aircraft such as 1A (<9 seats) and Category 1(<20 seats).
   • A total of 22 new routes have been awarded.
   • HeliSewa-App has been launched.
   • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pawan Hans and Jetserve for advancing the Helicopter and Small Aircraft sector in India.
     Source: PIB
2. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals has received 5,772 complaints of alleged overcharging.
   • The information has been shared by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Bhagwanth Khuba.
   • The NPPA (pharma pricing authority) monitors the prices of scheduled as well as non-scheduled medicines under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 and acts against companies found to be overcharging consumers.
     Source: BW
3. National Security Advisor NSA Ajit Doval has met Director of the Office of the CPC Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
   Source: NoA
4. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released draft Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund (6th Amendment) Regulation, 2023.
   • TRAI had notified the Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund Regulations, 2007.
   • Under this-
     • A fund called “Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund” (TCEPF) was created.
       • The income generated by the TCEPF is utilised to undertake activities such outreach programmes, workshops, developing educational and awareness material, etc.
       • The activities are planned by the Committee for Utilisation of Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund (“CUTCEF”) setup under the regulations.
     • The authority has observed that for preparation, maintenance & audit of accounts of CUTCEF, expenditure is to be incurred from TCEPF and provisions are required in the regulations. Accordingly, amendments have been proposed.
     • During the year 2020, Corporation Bank, in which the TCEPF is maintained, has been merged with the Union Bank of India.
       • Further, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 has been repealed by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Therefore, amendments have been made to change the relevant provisions in the principal regulations.
         Source: PIB
5. Health Ministry has launched an online portal to report violation of ban on e-cigarettes.
   • Despite the ban imposed by the Union government in 2019, e-cigarettes continue to be sold on e-commerce sites.
   • Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019 (PECA) regulates the ban on e-cigarettes.
   • The online violations under PECA-2019 and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act-2003 may be reported to www.violation-reporting.in.
     Source: ET
6. India and Bangladesh have signed a contract for installation of computer based interlocking signalling system for Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebpur rail line.
   • It is one of the busiest rail lines in Bangladesh.
   • The project is being implemented under the Line of Credit extended by India to Bangladesh.
     Source: DDnews
7. Skyroot (Hyderabad-based space start-up) has successfully conducted a rocket-engine test at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu.
   • The test involved the Raman-II engine, designed by Skyroot to generate 820 Newton (Sea Level) and 1,460 Newton (Vacuum) thrust.
   • Skyroot intends to integrate the Raman-II engine into the fourth stage of its launch vehicle, Vikram-I.
     Source: ToI
8. An awareness program named “Anu Awareness Yatra – 2023” is being organized by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.
   • The program is being held in association with the National Council of Science Museum (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Vigyan Bharathi – Arivial Sangam, Tamil Nadu and Indian Association for Radiation Protection.
   • Theme- ‘ATOMS IN THE SERVICE OF THE NATION’
     Source: PIB
9. Government has proposed to sell about 5.36% stake in Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) through an offer for sale.
   • Under the proposed OFS, the government will offload about 7.08 crore equity shares, representing 3.4% equity on Day 1, which is the T Day and in the case of oversubscription, an additional 1.96% stake will be sold.
   • Only non-retail investors will be allowed to place their bids on T Day.
   • Only retail investors will be allowed to place their bids on T+l day.
     Source: ET
10. IIM Kozhikode to set up India-Japan Study and Research Centre.
    • The centre will enhance management education and research competencies in specific areas of mutual interest between both two countries.
      Source: HBL
11. Financial fraud transactions of Rs 570 crore have been prevented using the cyber fraud reporting system.
    • The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, under Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs was operationalised in April 2022 for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off of funds by the fraudsters.
      Source: News18
12. President Droupadi Murmu has completed one year in office. On this occasion, the President laid foundation stone of various projects and inaugurated several projects, which are –
    • ‘Janjatiya Darpan’ – New gallery ‘Janjatiya Darpan’ (tribal mirror) has been inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
    • It has been developed by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, an autonomous institution under the Union Culture Ministry.
    • ‘Navachara’-an Artificial Intelligence-enabled gallery – it is developed by Rashtrapati Bhavan in collaboration with Intel India.
    • ‘Sutra-kala Darpan’ – a Textile Collection of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
    • Rashtrapati Bhavan is a repository of distinct textile traditions, ranging from zardozi and gold-embroidered velvets in its carpets, bed and table coverings, to fine muslin and silk drapes. This gallery showcases a remarkable collection of antique textiles that decorate the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
    • Cricket Pavilion – The President laid the foundation stone for construction of a Cricket Pavilion at the Sports Ground of Dr Rajendra Prasad Kendriya Vidyalaya, President’s Estate
    • A book – Received first copy of the book on Ayush Wellness Centre, President’s Estate, titled ‘Preserving Health, Embracing Traditions’.
      Source: PIB

State News

1. Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik has become the 2nd longest serving Chief Minister in India.
   • Patnaik, the five-time Chief Minister of Odisha, has been holding the post for the last 23 years and 139 days.
   • He achieved this feat by breaking record of West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu, who held the office for 23 years 137 days.
   • Former Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling still holds the record of being the longest-serving Chief Minister of the Indian State, he served the state for over 25 years.
     Source: ANI
2. Madhya Pradesh government has lowered the minimum age for Ladli Behna Yojana.
   • This is an ambitious financial assistance scheme for underprivileged women where they are eligible for receiving ₹1,000 every month.
   • Earlier- Women aged between 23 and 60 years.
   • Now, those completing 21 years from January this year would also be included.
   • They, however, should be married and fulfil the other existing eligibility criteria
     Source: TH

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Kerala Startup Mission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IFSCA to bolster fintech startups.
   • Benefits- KSUM-registered fintechs will get access to IFSCA’s Regulatory and Innovation Sandbox. They can also apply to the IFSCA FinTech Incentive Scheme 2022 for grants.
   • KSUM is Kerala government’s nodal agency established in 2006 for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in the State.

Source: HBL

International News

1. UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi has been elected as chair of WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference.
   • World Trade Organisation’s 13th Ministerial Conference that will be held in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.
     Source: NoA
2. Gabon has launched Africa’s first debt-for-nature swap, with a plan to buy up at least $450 million of its government debt and switch it to an eco-friendly blue bond.
   • In debt-for-nature swaps, a country’s debt is bought up by a bank or specialist investor and replaced with cheaper ones (with the help of a multilateral development bank “credit guarantee” or “risk insurance”).
     • The savings are intended to be used to fund conservation.
       Source: Reuters

   
   

Banking and Economy

1. Canara Bank has topped the list of public sector banks with the highest lending to corporations and PSUs of States and Union Territories for the fifth year in a row.

• Lowest Lending by – Punjab and Sind Bank ( ₹87.7 crore).
• The nationalised banks have not disbursed loans to State governments in the last five years, according to the Union Finance Ministry.
  Source: HBL

Appointments

1. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has appointed 4 women MPs to the panel of vice-chairpersons in the Upper House.
   • The MPs are PT Usha, Phangnon Konyak, Fauzia Khan and Sulata Deo, all first-time members of the Rajya Sabha.
   • This is the first time in the history of the Upper House that equal representation has been given to women members in the panel of Vice-Chairpersons.
     Source: IE

Important Days

1. July 26- International Day for conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem
   • Adopted by- General Conference of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2015.
   • Purpose- To raise awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems as “a unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem” and to promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and uses.
     Source: UNEP
2. July 26- Kargil Vijay Diwas
   • The day is celebrated to commemorate the valour and bravery of Indian soldiers who fought the India- Pakistan war under Operation Vijay.
     Source- ToI

Awards

1. India’s oldest Railway station (169 years) at Byculla, Central Mumbai has received Asia Pacific Cultural heritage award from
   Source: ANI

Sports

1. ISSF Junior World Championships 2023 (3rd edition)
   • Venue- Republic of Korea
   • India has finished 2nd in the championship with 17 medals.
   • India’s medals tally comprised 6 golds, 6 silvers and 5 bronze.

• Over 550 shooters from 44 countries participated, with India fielding a strong contingent of 90 shooters.
• Indian Gold medal winners in different category are-

2. Tampere Open 2023 tennis in Finland –
   • Sumit Nagal has won the Tampere Open 2023 ATP Challenger men’s singles title in Finland.
   • This is his 4th ATP Challenger Tour title.
   • He defeated Czech Republic’s Dalibor Svrcina in the final to win his 2nd ATP Challenger event of the year.
   • In April, he has won the Garden Open in Rome.
   • He is the 1st Indian tennis player to win two ATP Challenger titles on European soil.
   • Previous ATP Challenger wins- Buenos Aires (2019) and Bengaluru Challengers (2017).
     Source: olympics.com

3. Karman Kaur Thandi has won her second W60 ITF title after winning at the Evansville event in USA.
   • With this win, Karman has become the only Indian woman after Sania Mirza to win a pro title in USA.
     Source: Sportstar
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Handball Association of India (HAI) has been recognized as a National Sports Federation (NSF) for the promotion and regulation of the sport in the country.
   • The list of office-bearers:
     • President – Digvijay Singh Chautala
     • Secretary-general – A. Jagan Mohan Rao
       Source: Sportstar

5. Aryan Nehrahas equalled the ‘best Indian time’ to finish 27th in the 800m freesyle event at the swimming World Aquatic Championships in Japan.
   • In swimming, timing is considered a national record when it has been achieved at the National Aquatic Championships.
   • Hence, the timings clocked in other meets are called the ‘best Indian time’.
     Source: Sportstar
   
   
   
   

Miscellaneous

1. Milan Kundera, one of the famous figures in European literature has passed away.
   • He was best known for his 1984 novel ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’.
     Source: BBC
   
   
   
   
2. Twitter has officially replaced the blue bird symbol with a simple white X on a black background as its logo, as part of rebranding.

3. Open AI’s Sam Altman has launched eyeball scanning cryptocurrency project
   • Worldcoin aims at offering World ID, by authenticating a “digital passport” through iris scanning with the help of a device called ‘orb’ to ensure that an individual is a human and not an AI bot.
   • Worldcoin is backed by Tools for Humans organisation, operating in San Francisco and Berlin.
     Source: HBL
   
   
   
   
4. The Bombay high court at Goa has directed the state government to notify Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (Goa) and other areas as a tiger reserve under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
   Source: HT
5. “Son of Concorde,” NASA’s experimental X-59 to make its first test flights later this year.
   • Formerly called the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) plane, the aircraft marks a new era of supersonic mass transportation.
     Source: MA

Start Quiz of 27th July 2023 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 27th July 2023 on Desktop