NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Jitendra Singh launches ‘One Week One Theme’ Campaign: Jitendra Singh has launched “One Week One Theme” (OWOT) campaign showcasing recent success stories of India in different streams of science and technology. ‘One week One Theme’ is the brainchild of Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. ‘OWOT’ is built on the legacy and success of the ‘One Week One Lab’ (OWOL) initiative started last year. OWOT program aims to promote their achievements and foster collaboration with industry to empower MSMEs, SHGs, Agripreneurs and Startups.
2. Srinagar gets tag of ‘World Craft City’, fourth from country: Srinagar has become the fourth Indian city to be recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC), three years after it was designated as part of the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN) for crafts and folk arts. Jaipur, Malappuram and Mysore are the other Indian cities that have previously been recognised as World Craft Cities. As of now, at least 10 different forms of craftsmanship survive in Srinagar and its suburbs, including papier-mâché, walnut wood carving, carpets, Sozni embroidery and Pashmina and Kani shawls.
3. L&T win deals for 185 MW solar plant in Bihar: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured a major order for setting up a grid-connected 185 megawatt (MW) solar PV plant along with a 254 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Kajra in Lakhisarai district of Bihar. The project cost is estimated to be in the range of ₹2,500-5,000 crore. The BESS, with a capacity of 254 MWh will enable storing solar energy during low-demand periods and discharging when the demand peaks. In addition, the BESS will also help smooth the fluctuations in generation, frequency regulation and voltage support. It comes with a black start capability to the grid that will facilitate quick re-energization after an outage.
4. Aditya Birla AMC reappointed A Balasubramanian as MD & CEO for 3 years: Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company (ABSLAMC) has reappointed A Balasubramanian as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for three years, effective from July 25, 2024. Balasubramanian, who brings over three decades of extensive experience, has been associated with ABSLAMC since 1995. Prior to assuming the role of CEO in 2009, he served as Chief Investment Officer from 2006 to 2009. Under his leadership, ABSLAMC currently oversees assets under management exceeding Rs 3.20 lakh crore.
5. South India’s First Leopard Safari Opens at Bannerghatta: At the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) – Bengaluru, South India’s first and biggest leopard tour was just opened by the Environment Minister, Eshwar Khandre. This important event is a turning point in India’s attempts to protect wildlife and promote wildlife .
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Paraguay becomes 100th member of International Solar Alliance: Paraguay has become the 100th country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member. The South American nation officially handed over its Instrument of Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi. The ISA, co-founded by India and France during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, aims to promote solar energy deployment worldwide. It serves as a collaborative platform for member countries to increase energy access, ensure energy security, and drive the transition towards sustainable energy sources. The alliance has gained significant traction since its inception, with 119 countries now signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement. Of these, 100 have completed the ratification process to become full members, with Spain joining as the 99th member in May this year.
2. 27 June – MSME Day: Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) Day is observed every year on 27 June. The day highlights the contribution of the MSME sector to a country’s economic development and employment generation. Theme 2024 – MSMEs and the SDG. On 6 April 2017, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to observe 27 June as the Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) Day. The first MSME Day was observed on 27 June 2017. According to the United Nations, MSMEs account for 90% of businesses, 60 to 70% of employment, and 50% of Gross Domestic Product worldwide.
3. Paraguay Becomes 100th Member of International Solar Alliance: Paraguay is the 100th country to become a full member of the International Solar Alliance. A formal ceremony was held in New Delhi to mark this important step in the growth of ISA. Fleming Raul Duarte, Paraguay’s ambassador to India, ..
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as the next Vice Chief of Army Staff: Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani is set to be the next Vice Chief of Army Staff with the government clearing his appointment to the post. The officer, who is presently helming the Army’s Central Command, will succeed Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi. Lt Gen Dwivedi, currently serving as the Vice Chief, will be the next Chief of the Army Staff when incumbent Gen Manoj Pande retires on June 30. Lt Gen Subramani has a distinguished and illustrious military career spanning more than 37 years. Lt Gen Subramani has the distinction of commanding a battalion during ‘Operation Rhino’ in Assam, an infantry brigade along the International Boundary with Pakistan and a ‘Black Cat’ division in Northeast India.
2. Tapan Kumar Deka gets one-year extension as IB Chief: Counter-terrorism expert IPS Tapan Kumar Deka has been given an extension as Intelligence Bureau chief for one year beyond June 30, 2024. Deka, known for his pivotal role in combating northeast insurgency and dismantling the Indian Mujahideen. He is an 1988 batch Officer for Himachal Pradesh. During his tenure as IB chief, Deka took the fight to the left-wing extremists in Central India with the Maoists now confined to Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. A highly competent, Deka has served in the US and was the main force behind India taking down the Pak-sponsored Indian Mujahideen group. He has investigated the 26/11 Mumbai massacre and brought culprits to justice.
SPORTS
1. Indian clinches 11 Medals at Under-17 Asian Wrestling Championships in Amman: India concluded their campaign at the Under-17 Asian Wrestling Championships in Amman, Jordan, on a resounding note. The young Indian contingent clinched a total of 11 medals, including four gold, two silver, and five bronze medals. Women wrestlers grabbed all four gold medals. Dipanshi in 46 kg, Muskan in 53 kg, Rajnita in 61 kg, and Mansi Lather in 69 kg delivered stellar performances in their respective weight categories to clinch the yellow metal. Raja Bala had to settle for a silver in the 40 kg category, despite her valiant efforts. On the men’s front, Samarth Gajanan Mhakave bagged a silver medal in the fiercely contested 55 kg category. While Akash in 65 kg, Sachin Kumar in 71 kg, Bikash Kacchap in 48 kg, Tushar Tukaram Patil in 60 kg, and Ronak in 110 kg showcased their prowess by clinching bronze medals.
2. Travis Head Tops T20I Rankings: In the recent T20 World Cup, Australia was eliminated in the Super Eight phase despite being one of the pre-tournament favorites. The team faced crucial losses against Afghanistan and India which impacted their progression. Travis Head had some great games ..
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. What is Macrophage?: New Discoveries in immunology have shown how important macrophages are for fighting diseases and helping tissues heal. The important discovery made by researchers like Dr. Fernando Martinez Estrada from the University of Surrey has opened up a whole new area ..
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. S&P Global Ratings retains India’s growth forecast for FY25 at 6.8%: The S&P Global Ratings retained its growth forecast for India at 8 per cent for FY25, citing high interest rates and lower fiscal boost tempering demand in the non-agricultural sectors. For FY26 and FY27, S&P projected India’s economy to grow at 6.9 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively. The rating agency expects the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to reduce its policy rate to 6 per cent in the current financial year from 6.5 per cent at present. Additionally, it anticipates further cuts in the lending rate to 5.5 per cent and 5.25 per cent in 2025-26 and 2026-27, respectively.
2. ICICI Bank unveils ‘SmartLock’, a new safety feature for iMobile Pay: ICICI Bank has launched a “SmartLock,” a novel safety feature that lets users lock and unlock several banking services at once without contacting customer support via phone or email. Available on iMobile Pay, it helps customers to lock/unlock access to internet banking, UPI (including payments from other UPI apps linked to the bank account), credit and debit cards, by clicking a button. ‘SmartLock’, the first-of-its-kind measure in the Indian banking sector, also allows customers to lock/unlock the entire iMobile Pay.
No comments:
Post a Comment