29th-31st July, 2023

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) named as ‘Bharat Mandapam,’ at the redeveloped Pragati Maidan complex in Delhi.
2. National Health Authority (NHA) has launched 100 microsites project under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
3. President of India has laid the foundation stone for “Divine Light House” of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya at Dasabatia, Odisha
4. Prime Minister (PM) of India has inaugurated Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam, a 2-day event at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, Delhi.
5. Ministry of Culture has launched portal of ‘MERA GAON MERI DHAROHAR’, a virtual museum at Qutub Minar, Delhi.
6. PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 2nd edition of Semicon India 2023 conference organised by India Semiconductor Mission at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar,
7. Central Government has partnered with the Asian Development Bank(ADB) to sign an agreement for an additional $200 million loan, dedicated to the ongoing Rajasthan Secondary Towns Development Sector Project.
8. 20,000 Government teacher have been trained under Naan Mudhalvan Scheme of Tamil Nadu.
9. Government of Chhattisgarh has signed a 10-year Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Tata Technologies, an engineering and product development digital services company.
10. Tamil Nadu government has signed a memorandum of Understanding with K. government for setting up a botanical garden in Chengalpattu near Chennai.
11. Kerala has introduced the ‘Shubhayatra’ scheme, which aims to support and facilitate overseas emigrants from the state to enhance international migration.
12. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) of Papua New Guinea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share INDIA STACK.
13. State-owned RITES Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Railway Finance Corp. (IRFC) to explore avenues of mutual collaboration in the railway eco-system and the transport infrastructure sector.
14. State-owned non-banking financing companies Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) and REC Ltd have signed agreements with major clean energy companies for providing a total of Rs 5 lakh crore funds to their projects.
15. Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the BITS Goa Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Society (BGIIES, Goa).
16. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TMS), the Germany-based leading naval company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian defence PSU Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
17. SpaceX has launched the world’s largest commercial communications satellite – Hughes Jupiter 3 using the Falcon Heavy launch vehicle.
18. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-7 mission is scheduled to be launched in August.
19. NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have entered into collaboration to demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine in space.
20. RBI has included ‘NongHyup Bank’ in the list of Scheduled Banks under Schedule II of RBI Act.
21. According to a report released by Standard Chartered Bank, India will become middle-income country with GDP of $6 trillion by 2030.
22. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched a new term assurance plan “Jeevan Kiran”.
23. Razorpay, a Fintech company has launched its ‘MoneySaver Export Account’, built specifically for small and mid-size exporters to save 50% on international bank transfers
24. Future Generali India Life Insurance has partnered with JM Financial Services.
25. Jim Skea of the United Kingdom has been appointed as the new Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
26. India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, has been appointed as the chairman of the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD62).
27. Indian-American policy expert Nisha Biswal has been appointed as the Deputy CEO of the United States International Development Finance Corporation.
28. 28 July- World Hepatitis Day; Theme: One life, one liver
29. 28 July- World Nature Conservation Day
30. 29 July- International Tiger Day
31. 22 July- 28 July- National Moth Week
32. Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. has been appointed as the “Lead Insurer” for the State of Uttar Pradesh by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
33. Asian News International (ANI) Chairman Prem Prakash has been honoured with Global Education Mentor (GEM) Award 2023 – Lifetime Achievement Award.
34. Jake Dennis has won the all-electric Formula E world championship in London.
35. Iga Swiatek (Poland) has defeated Laura Siegemund (Germany) to win 2023 Warsaw Open.
36. Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen (Dutch)has won the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix making this as his 8th consecutive win and 10th overall this season.
37. Indian women’s hockey team has defeated Spain 3-0 to win the title of Torneo del Centernario 2023 in Terrassa, Barcelona.
38. BWF Japan Open 2023 finals
39. World University Games in Chengdu, China
40. Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a book titled ‘Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: Memories Never Die’ in Rameshwaram.
41. A new study conducted by scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun has revealed changes in the Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh, India.

National News

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) named as ‘Bharat Mandapam,’ at the redeveloped Pragati Maidan complex in Delhi.
   • It is set to be the largest conference and exhibition site in India, built at the cost of 2700 crore.
   • The complex has been designed by international firm Aedas (Singapore), the architect of Marina Bay Sands, and Indian firm Arcop, involved in IGI Airport Terminal 3.
   • The complex will also be the venue of the G-20 Summit in September.

2. National Health Authority (NHA) has launched 100 microsites project under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

What are microsites?

• They are a cluster of small and medium-scale clinics, nursing homes, hospitals with less than 10 beds, laboratories, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities that are ABDM-enabled and offer digital health services to patients.
• The microsites aim to establish a small ecosystem within a particular geographic area where there is complete ABDM adoption, and the entire patient journey is digitised.

3. President of India has laid the foundation stone for “Divine Light House” of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya at Dasabatia, Odisha
   • The theme of the year “The Year of Positive Change” has also been launched for conducting seminars and conferences.
     Source: PresidentofIndia
4. Prime Minister (PM) of India has inaugurated Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam, a 2-day event at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, Delhi.
   • The event was organized to mark the 3rd anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
     Key Highlights of Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam
     • The PM released the first instalment of funds under the PM SHRI Scheme.
     • The PM also released education and skill curriculum books translated into 12 Indian languages, enhancing learning by allowing students to study in their mother tongue.
     • The Union Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) app.
       • Slogan: Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram.
       • Objective: Impart basic education, digital and financial literacy and critical life skills.
       • Beneficiary: Citizens aged 15 and above who have missed the opportunity to attend formal schooling.
       • It is being implemented through It encourages volunteers to participate as DUTY or Kartavya Bodh towards nation-building.

5. Ministry of Culture has launched portal of ‘MERA GAON MERI DHAROHAR’, a virtual museum at Qutub Minar, Delhi.

About Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD):

• It is a component of National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) established by the Ministry of Culture in coordination with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
• Objective: To culturally map India’s 5 lakh villages, spanning 29 States and 7 Union Territories, on a comprehensive virtual platform.
• Core Idea: To encourage appreciation for India’s culture and traditions, paving way for economic growth, social harmony, and artistic development in rural communities.
• MGMD is undertaken as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), an initiative of the Government of India (GoI) to celebrate 75 years of independence.
  Source: PIB
6. PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 2nd edition of Semicon India 2023 conference organised by India Semiconductor Mission at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
   • Theme: ‘Catalysing India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem’
   • Purpose: To provide a platform to the participants to deliberate on various aspects shaping the semiconductor ecosystem in India.

   Other major highlights of the conference

   • US CHIP design major Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has planned to invest up to $400 million in India over the next 5 years.
     • AMD is a leading designer of semiconductor chips globally and is the chief competitor to Intel.
   • Micron reaffirmed its commitment to establish India’s first semiconductor plant in
     • This will include a total investment of USD 2.75 billion (around Rs 22,540 crore) with the total cost of the plant comprising USD 825 million (around Rs 6,760 crore) from Micron and the rest from the Indian government in two phases.
       Source: PIB , BS

7. Central Government has partnered with the Asian Development Bank(ADB) to sign an agreement for an additional $200 million loan, dedicated to the ongoing Rajasthan Secondary Towns Development Sector Project.

About the project –

• It was launched in2020 with initial capital of $300 million to assist the Government of Rajasthan in enhancing access to better water supply services in at least 14 secondary towns.
  Source: ET

State News

1. 20,000 Government teacher have been trained under Naan Mudhalvan Scheme of Tamil Nadu.
   • Under the scheme, announced in the State Budget 2023-24, 1,000 civil services aspirants would be shortlisted every year through a test and each of them would be provided ₹7,500 a month for 10 months to prepare for the preliminary examination.
     Source: TH
2. Government of Chhattisgarh has signed a 10-year Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Tata Technologies, an engineering and product development digital services company.
   • Purpose– To modernise 36 government-owned ITIs in the state with a total project cost of Rs 1188.36 crore.
     Source: Tata
3. Tamil Nadu government has signed a memorandum of Understanding with K. government for setting up a botanical garden in Chengalpattu near Chennai.
   • Purpose– Kew Gardens, London will provide advice and expertise around landscape planning, plant collection development and botanical garden management.
   • Other initiatives launched-
     • ‘Roadmap for Green Indexing of Industries’ for industrial decarbonisation in Tamil Nadu.
     • K. Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions’ (UK PACT) mangrove project.
     • “Tide Turner Plastic Challenge”, a global youth-led movement against single use plastics in association with UNEP.
       Source: TH

      

4. Kerala has introduced the ‘Shubhayatra’ scheme, which aims to support and facilitate overseas emigrants from the state to enhance international migration.
   • With a financial assistance of up to₹2 lakh, a tax holiday for 6 months, and attractive interest subvention, the scheme intends to help eligible candidates cover the incidental expenses associated with overseas employment.
   • The scheme will provide a soft loan called ‘foreign employability skilling assistant’which covers preparatory expenses for migration.
   • The Kerala government has allocated ₹2 crorein the current financial year for providing tax holidays and interest subvention to emigrants.
   • Candidates who avail of the soft loan will have a grace period of up to 3 yearsto repay the borrowed amount.
     Source: TH

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) of Papua New Guinea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share INDIA STACK.

2. State-owned RITES Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Railway Finance Corp. (IRFC) to explore avenues of mutual collaboration in the railway eco-system and the transport infrastructure sector.
   Source: LM
3. State-owned non-banking financing companies Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) and REC Ltd have signed agreements with major clean energy companies for providing a total of Rs 5 lakh crore funds to their projects.
   • PFC has signed pacts worth Rs 2.37 lakh crore with 20 companies while REC, has signed for Rs 2.75 lakh crore.
   • The memoranda of understanding (MoU) were signed for solar, wind, green hydrogen, battery storage, and electric vehicle companies as well as the manufacturers of green energy equipment, among others, in the clean energy space.
     Source: ET

4. Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the BITS Goa Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Society (BGIIES, Goa).
   • Purpose– To drive innovation and progress in the shipbuilding and defence industry using cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
     Source: HBL
5. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TMS), the Germany-based leading naval company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian defence PSU Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
   • Purpose- For the overhaul and modernisation of submarine INS Shankushto extend its operational capability.
   • INS Shankush is a Sub-Surface Killer (SSK) class submarine.
     Source: HBL

   
   

International News

1. SpaceX has launched the world’s largest commercial communications satellite – Hughes Jupiter 3 using the Falcon Heavy launch vehicle.
   • The Jupiter 3 satellite is designed to deliver internet services to customers in North and South America.
   • JUPITER 3 is built by Maxar Technologies and is launched from Kennedy Space Center Launch Pad 39A in Florida.
     Source: PRNewswire
2. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-7 mission is scheduled to be launched in August.
   • The spacecraft responsible for carrying the astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) is named Endurance.
   • Developed by SpaceX, this Dragon spacecraft will accelerate at an astonishing speed of 17,500 mph during its orbital insertion to rendezvous with the orbiting laboratory.
   • The Falcon 9 rocket will propel the Dragon spacecraft, Endurance, into space.
   • Crew-7 is the 7th rotational mission to the ISS for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
     Source: NASA
3. NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have entered into collaboration to demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine in space.
   • NASA and DARPA will partner on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, or DRACO, program.

   About DRACO program:

   • NASA is attempting to develop a nuclear rocket that will take humanity to Mars and beyond. Under the DRACO program, NASA aims to have an in-space test of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NPT) within 2027.
     Source: Nasa

Banking and Economy

1. RBI has included ‘NongHyup Bank’ in the list of Scheduled Banks under Schedule II of RBI Act.
   • NongHyup Bank (NH Bank) was established in 2012, is a commercial bank headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.

   What is a Scheduled Bank?

   • Scheduled banks are those banks that are listed under Schedule II of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
   • To qualify as a scheduled bank, the bank’s paid-up capital and collected funds must be at least 5 lakhs.
   • These banks are eligible for low interest loans from the RBI and also have membership in clearing-houses.
     Source: Livelaw
2. According to a report released by Standard Chartered Bank, India will become middle-income country with GDP of $6 trillion by 2030.

Key Findings of the report

• India’s per capita income is expected to grow around 70% to $4,000 by 2030 from $2,450
• Biggest growth driver– External trade which may double to $2.1 trillion by 2030 ($1.2 trillion in 2023)
• Second biggest growth driver– Household consumption which will rise to $3.4 trillion by 2030 ($2.1 trillion in 2023)

Status of Indian States-

• 9 states would grow to the upper middle-income country status with a per capita income of $4,000.
• Gujarat will lead the list by 2030, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Haryana, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, will have per capita income below $2,000 even in fiscal
  Source: BS
• Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched a new term assurance plan “Jeevan Kiran”.
  • It is a non-linked, non-participating, individual, savings, and life Insurance plan that offers a combination of protection and savings.
  • Eligibility & Restrictions:
    • Age (Entry): Minimum 18 years to Maximum 65 years.
    • Policy Term: 10 years to 40 years
    • Minimum Basic Sum Assured: Rs 15 Lakhs.
    • Maximum Basic Sum Assured: No Limit
    • Minimum Premium: Rs 3000 for Regular Premium Policies & Rs 30000 for Single Premium Policies
      Source: ET
3. Razorpay, a Fintech company has launched its ‘MoneySaver Export Account’, built specifically for small and mid-size exporters to save 50% on international bank transfers
   • The facility allows exporters to open an account in any country of their choice (over 160 countries).
   • The exporters will receive international payments locally via the Razorpay platform such as FedWire, Automated Clearing House (ACH) and more in order to save from high transfer costs, chargebacks and payment failures.
     Source: FE
4. Future Generali India Life Insurance has partnered with JM Financial Services.
   • Purpose- The partnership will help the insurer expand its product portfolio and leverage the distribution and financial advisory capabilities of JM Financial to offer innovative products.
     Source: HBL

Appointments

1. Jim Skea of the United Kingdom has been appointed as the new Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
   • IPCC is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change.
   • It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 
     Source: IPCC
2. India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, has been appointed as the chairman of the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD62).
   • The central theme for the CSocD62 is “Fostering Social Development and Social Justice through Social Policies to accelerate Progress on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the overarching goal of poverty eradication”.
     Source: ANI
3. Indian-American policy expert Nisha Biswal has been appointed as the Deputy CEO of the United States International Development Finance Corporation.
   Source: NoA

Important Days

1. 28 July- World Hepatitis Day; Theme: One life, one liver
   • Purpose- To highlight the importance of protecting the liver against hepatitis for living a long, healthy life.
   • Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver.
     Source: WHO
2. 28 July- World Nature Conservation Day
   • Purpose- To create awareness about the importance of protecting the environment, about the challenges of climate change and the necessity of conservation of natural resources.
     Source: cnbc
3. 29 July- International Tiger Day
   • Purpose- To raise awareness about the urgent need for tiger conservation. The day aims to highlight the critical plight of tigers, whose populations have drastically declined due to factors like habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade.

   India related numbers-

   • India’s tiger population increased to 3,682 in 2022, up from 2,967 in 2018, which is an annual rise of 6%.
   • India is home to approximately 75% of the world’s tiger population.
   • Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) has achieved a significant 50% increase in its tiger population. With 785 tigers as per the latest tiger estimation exercise, Madhya Pradesh is the leading Tiger State of India.
   • India has 53 tiger reserves, with Madhya Pradesh accounting for 6 of them.

4. 22 July- 28 July- National Moth Week
   • Purpose- It encourages scientists and non-scientists to participate in surveys of moths.
   • The event was observed in the Nilgiris.
     Source: TH

Awards

1. Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. has been appointed as the “Lead Insurer” for the State of Uttar Pradesh by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
   • Under the State Insurance Plan, IRDAI has initiated a collaborative platform with insurers by assigning two states to each insurer to enhance financial awareness and drive insurance inclusion.
     Source: ToI
2. Asian News International (ANI) Chairman Prem Prakash has been honoured with Global Education Mentor (GEM) Award 2023 – Lifetime Achievement Award.
   • GEM Award aims to celebrate the achievements of those who have dedicated their lives to improve education or its associated social sector in India and promoting innovative approaches to teaching and learning
     Source: ANI

Sports

1. Jake Dennishas won the all-electric Formula E world championship in
   • He has become the first British to secure the title after his 10th podium of the season.
     Source: Sportstar
2. Iga Swiatek (Poland) has defeated Laura Siegemund (Germany) to win 2023 Warsaw Open.
   • The Warsaw Open is a women’s tennistournament played on outdoor hard courts.
     Source: Sportstar

3. Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen (Dutch)has won the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix making this as his 8th consecutive win and 10th overall this season.
   • Verstappen is one win away from Sebastian Vettel’s F1 record of 9 consecutive victories.
   • Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez stood 2nd and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc stood 3rd in the race.
     Source: Sportstar

4. Indian women’s hockey team has defeated Spain 3-0 to win the title of Torneo del Centernario 2023 in Terrassa, Barcelona.
   • This was the 100th anniversary of Spanish Hockey Federation International Tournament
     Source: TH
5. BWF Japan Open 2023 finals
   • Men’s singles– Viktor Axelsen(Denmark) has defeated Jonatan Christie (Indonesia)in the finals.
   • Women’s singles– An Se Young(Republic of Korea) has defeated He Bing Jiao (People’s Republic of China).
   • The BWF Japan Open is a Super 750 event on the 2023 BWF World Tour, with players earning ranking points which count towards Paris 2024 qualification.
     Source: Sportstar

6. World University Games in Chengdu, China
   • Aman Sainiand Pragati have won a gold medal in compound mixed archery team.
   • India is currently placed 4th in the medal standings with 10 medals including four gold, two silver and four bronze.
     Source: Sportstar

Miscellaneous

1. Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a book titled ‘Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: Memories Never Die’ in Rameshwaram.
   • The book is a tribute to the life and legacy of late former President.
   • The book, is an English translation of the Tamil book ‘Ninaivirukkum Maranamillai’, written by Nazeema Marakaiyar and Dr. YS Rajan.
   • Sripriya Srinivasan has translated the book in English.
     Source: HT
2. A new study conducted by scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun has revealed changes in the Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh, India.
   Source: dst

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