1 President Draupadi Murmu presents Bhoomi Samman Awards to nine State Secretaries and 68 District Collectors for their outstanding performance in land records modernization
President Draupadi Murmu presented the Bhoomi Samman Awards for 2023 at a function in New Delhi . The awards were presented to nine State Secretaries and 68 District Collectors for their outstanding contribution to key components of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme . Speaking on the occasion, the President said that digitization of land records has a significant contribution in the development of the country. He said that this would ensure transparency and people would be able to take advantage of government programs easily. Awards were given to Assam , Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tripura and West Bengal on the occasion .
2 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair through video conference . Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the new terminal building has been constructed at a cost of about Rs.710 crore and will improve trade and communication in the region. The total built up area of the new terminal building is about forty thousand eight hundred square meters. It will cater to the needs of about five million passengers every year. The architectural design of the airport terminal is in the shape of a conch shell, representing both the sea and the land. The state-of-the-art arrangement of natural light has been made in the new building. Andaman and Nicobar As the gateway to the pristine islands of India, Port Blair is a popular destination for tourists. The massive new integrated terminal building will give a boost to air traffic and help boost tourism in the region. This will help in increasing employment opportunities for the local community and boost the economy of the area.
3 Strategic Clean Energy Partnership between the United States and India – SCEP Ministerial Meeting Held in New Delhi
The Ministerial meeting of the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership – SCEP between the US and India was held in New Delhi . The meeting was attended by Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm . It underlined the growing importance of bilateral energy cooperation between the two countries. Both sides reiterated their commitment to bring about an equitable, orderly and sustainable transition in the energy sector. It aims to ensure access to reliable, affordable and clean energy for all.
4 Union Territories, 35 villages located along the India-China border in Ladakh included in the centrally sponsored ‘Vibrant Village Programme’
35 villages located along the India-China border in the Union Territory of Ladakh have been included in the ‘ Vibrant Village Programme ‘ sponsored by the Centre . Vibrant Village Programme, Union Territories of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim It is a scheme launched for the development of border villages and was announced in the budget for 2022-23. It is targeted to be fully implemented by the financial year 2025-2026. Under the scheme, it is proposed to set up craft centers in every village for pashmina and woolen products. Along with this, emphasis has also been laid on road construction and telecommunication connectivity. For the development of tourism, it has been proposed to make an e-cycle on the banks of the world famous Pangong Lake and a cycle track on Tso Moriri Lake. To promote astro tourism, 22 houses have been given telescopes.
5 Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Secretary Swapnil Nayak launches youth tourism club in Itanagar
Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Secretary Swapnil Nayak launched the Youth Tourism Club at a function in Itanagar . The event was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Arunachal Pradesh The tourism department of The club is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism aimed at encouraging youth to act as ambassadors in promoting tourism in India. These clubs are running all over the country. The aim is to generate interest in tourism among the students and to make them aware of the culture and other things of the place. Under this initiative, children start getting involved from the 6th standard itself and can remain a member till the college level. 135 Youth Tourism Clubs have been formed in Arunachal Pradesh with more than 5000 members.
6 Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurates Amrit Yuva Kalotsav at Tagore Hall, Srinagar
Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, inaugurated the Amrit Yuva Kalotsav at Tagore Hall , Srinagar . The three-day festival was organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Arts, Culture and Languages . This festival of music, dance and drama has been organized to mark the completion of 75 years of India’s independence.
7 The Australian state of Victoria will not host the Commonwealth Games 2026 due to over-expenditure
The Australian state of Victoria will not host the Commonwealth Games 2026 due to expenditure overruns . The holding of this multi-sport event after a gap of four years has come under the cloud of doubt. Dan Andrews, Premier of the State of Victoria has said that the cost of these games to be held in four regional centers will more than double the estimated economic benefit to the state. He said that the expenditure of more than six billion dollars for 12 days of sporting event is very high. The prime minister of the state of Victoria said that the main reason for agreeing to host the Games was to generate more benefits for the regions here. So that the development of residential facilities, tourism and sports infrastructure can be encouraged. He said that instead of spending on hosting the Games, other projects such as the construction of 1300 new social and affordable housing would be developed in the state of Victoria. The government will also build permanent sports facilities by the year 2026. He said that these projects would generate about three thousand employment opportunities in the entire state.
8 Many countries of the world are in the grip of severe heat; United Nations asked to prepare for severe heat
Outbreaks of heat waves and severe heatwaves continue in most parts of the world, including Europe , the Americas and Asia . The temperature in Italy can touch the record level. The World Meteorological Organization of the United Nations has warned that due to this there is a danger to health. may increase. In the island of Sardinia in Italy, the temperature is likely to exceed 47 degrees. The Meteorological Department has said that the temperature in many cities of Italy can reach 40 degrees. Temperatures reached 53 degrees in Death Valley, California, and more than 52 degrees in northwest China. Apart from this, there have been incidents of forest fires from Greece to the Alpine region of Switzerland ie Swiss Alps and South Korea is in the grip of severe floods. The World Meteorological Organization of the United Nations has asked to be prepared to deal with the severe heat. The organization said that the heatwave conditions in the Northern Hemisphere could become more severe in the coming days. Temperatures in North America, Asia and North Africa could remain above 40 degree Celsius this week. There is a possibility of increase in the minimum temperature late at night due to which the cases of heart attack may increase.
9 Home Minister Amit Shah launched CRCS-Sahara refund portal for submission of claims by depositors of four co-operative societies of Sahara Group
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal in New Delhi . This portal will be helpful for more than 10 crore depositors of Sahara group to get their money back. After the launch of this portal, Amit Shah said that the process of getting back the money of depositors stuck in four co-operative societies of Sahara group Sahara has started after the inauguration of the refund portal. In the initial phase, the refund portal will return five thousand crore rupees to the depositors. In the first phase, each depositor will be able to get only Rs 10,000. The entire refund process will be online. The Home Minister informed that four crore depositors will now be able to get up to Rs 10,000. Shri Amit Shah said that after the success of this initiative, a decision will be taken to return the depositors whose money is stuck in the co-operative societies of Sahara group.
10 Defense Minister Rajnath Singh holds talks with Argentine Defense Minister Jorge Enrique Taiana in New Delhi
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with Argentine Defense Minister Jorge Enrique Taiana in New Delhi . The two ministers discussed existing defense cooperation, including ways to enhance defense industrial partnership. Earlier in the day, Mr. Taiana visited the National War Memorial and paid homage. Mr. Taiana is on a four-day official visit to India. After Delhi, he will proceed to Bengaluru and visit Hindustan Aeronautics Limited . Defense start-ups at an event organized by Way Innovation for Defense Excellence Will also have a separate conversation with The Defense Ministry has said that bilateral relations between India and Argentina are being further strengthened. Both countries are working together to make defense ties an important part of their strategic partnership.
11 NTPC wins ET HR World Future Skills Awards 2023
NTPC has been conferred with the prestigious Economic Times (ET) HR World Future Skills Awards 2023 for “ Best Use of AI/AR/VR in Education & Skill Upgradation ” and “ Best Progress in Creating Extended Enterprise Learning Programs ”. has been achieved. Dilip Kumar Patel, Director (HR), NTPC, received the award on behalf of NTPC at an event held in Gurugram on July 13, 2023. These awards are a testimony to NTPC’s focus on adopting cutting edge technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) in Learning & Development (L&D). This reflects NTPC’s commitment to develop the competency levels of its own employees as well as outsourced employees through L&D initiatives like iGuru, which include Virtual Reality (VR) based training. In addition, NTPC has also launched several other innovative training initiatives such as GPILEARN, FutureSkills courses and SAMARTH modules.
12 NITI Aayog unveils TCRM Matrix Framework to revolutionize technology assessment and drive innovation in India
Techno-Commercial Readiness and Market Maturity Matrix (TCRM Matrix) Framework for Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India by NITI Aayog Issued. NITI Aayog released the Techno-Commercial Readiness and Market Maturity Matrix (TCRM Matrix) framework under the Policy Action Plan Papers series, a pioneering assessment tool designed to revolutionize technology assessment, spur innovation and encourage entrepreneurship in India. is designed for. The Action Plan paper highlights the historical development of the Technology Framework, including the Technical Readiness Level (TRL), Commercialization Readiness Level (CRL), and Market Readiness Level (MRL) scales. By building on the core principles of these frameworks, the TCRM Matrix Framework presents an integrated assessment model that provides deep insights and actionable intelligence to stakeholders at every stage of the technology development cycle.
13 The first MCA barge, LSAM 7 (Yard 75) was commissioned at INS Toonir at Mumbai.
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has entered into a contract with M/s Sicon Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam for the construction of 8X Missile and Ammunition (MCA) barges, under the “ Aatmanirbhar Bharat ” policy of the Government of India . First Barge of the Contract Series LSAM-7 (Yard 75) Indian Navy in the presence of Commodore Iftikhar Alam, Commanding Officer of INS Tunir on 18 Jul 23 was assigned to The barge is constructed to deliver a service life of 30 years as per the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification regulations. With all major/ancillaries sourced from indigenous manufacturers, the barge is the proud flag bearer of the “Make in India” initiative of the Ministry of Defence. The induction of MCA barges will aid in the Indian Navy’s commitment to operational missions by facilitating movement of Indian Naval ships and transshipment of cargo/ammunition to jetties and outlying ports.
14 DGFT की Advance Authorisation Scheme
In a bid to enhance trade facilitation and streamline procedures for exporters , the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced new measures under the Advance Authorization Scheme . The scheme aims at duty-free import of inputs for export purposes. which will ultimately give a boost to India’s exports. Along with this initiative, DGFT has developed a user-friendly and searchable database of ad-hoc norms decided over the years, which is hosted on their official website. Under the Advance Authorization Scheme, the eligibility of inputs is determined by sector-specific criteria committees. These committees use the input-output criteria as the basis for evaluating the eligibility of inputs. By aligning with industry-specific requirements, the scheme ensures that exporters get access to essential inputs without unnecessary burden or delay.
15 New recognition for South Indian cicada species
Recent taxonomic research has revealed an important discovery regarding a cicada species commonly found in South India . Earlier it was understood to be the Malaysian species Purana Tigrina, but now this cicada has been identified as Purana Chivida . has been named as a distinct species. The study also sheds light on potential implications for the distribution of cicadas for ecological assessment. The distribution of old chiveda is widespread in tropical evergreen forests from Goa to Kanyakumari in South India. This finding supports a high degree of endemism among cicada species. Decreased presence of cicadas in various regions may indicate a decline in soil quality and vegetation.
16 Gambusia fish released in water bodies for mosquito control in Andhra Pradesh
About 10 million Gambusia fishes ( also known as mosquitofish ) have been released in the state’s water bodies recently by the Andhra Pradesh government to combat mosquito-borne diseases . Potential damage to aquatic native species and ecosystem balance Concern is being raised about Native to the southeastern United States, Gambusia fish can eat 100 to 300 mosquito larvae/eggs per day. The fish is widely used as a biological agent to control or limit mosquito larvae/eggs, with controversy surrounding its effectiveness and unintended consequences as an invasive alien species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has named Gambusia as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. Many countries including India have listed Gambusia as an invasive species. However, the fish remains a major part of the country’s malaria control program and is being released into freshwater bodies of states across the country such as Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh.
17 Michelle Bullock Will Be The First Female Bank Governor In Australia History
Australia ‘s Treasurer announced Michelle Bullock will be the new Reserve Bank governor when outgoing Philip Lowe ‘s term ends in September, becoming the first woman to lead the country’s central bank. Bullock, 60, will face the challenging combination of steering policy at a time of high inflation and implementing sweeping central bank reforms.
18 List of special gifts given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in France
Prime Minister Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor by French President Emmanuel Macron . While giving a return gift , PM Modi presented Sandalwood star to French President Emmanuel Macron . Unique replica of musical instrument Sitar made of pure sandalwood. The art of sandalwood carving is an exquisite and ancient craft that has been practiced in southern India for centuries. PM Narendra Modi gifted Pochampally Ikat in a Sandalwood box to the First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron . Pochampally silk ikat fabric from Pochampally city of Telangana, India , a mesmerizing testimony to India’s rich textile heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a ‘ marble inlay work table ‘ to French Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne . ‘Marble Inlay Work’ is one of the most attractive works of art done on marble using semi-precious stones. The base marble is found in the city of Makrana in Rajasthan , which is famous for high quality marble. PM Narendra Modi gifted a hand-woven ‘ Silk Kashmiri Carpet ‘ to the Speaker of the French National Assembly , Yael Braun-Pivet . PM Narendra Modi hands over ‘ hand-made sandalwood elephant’ to Gerard Larcher, President of the French Senate‘Given as a gift. The decorative elephant idol is made of pure sandalwood. President Emmanuel Macron gifted a framed replica of a photograph taken in 1916 to PM Modi. The special thing about this replica is that it shows a Parisian man offering flowers to a Sikh army officer.
19 Tamil Nadu’s Aathur betel leaves get GI tag
Aathur betel leaves from Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu get Geographical Indication (GI) certificate by Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board and NABARD Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum has been awarded. The Athur Vattara Vetrilai Vivasayigal Sangam, a body representing growers of the Athur betel leaf, has been awarded the GI certificate. Aathur betel leaves are known for their spicy and pungent taste, and are used exclusively during special occasions such as temple festivals, housewarmings and weddings. This unique paan is exclusively found in the village of Athoor, located in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. The presence of the Thamirabarani river, which provides water for irrigation, contributes to its cultivation in local farms.
20 EIB’s €1 billion loan facility: support to India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced its support for India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission by offering a loan facility of up to €1 billion . The loan is aimed at helping India develop its nascent green hydrogen ecosystem and renewable energy projects. EIB Vice President Chris Peters will confirm the lender’s interest in providing the loan during his visit to India to participate in the G-20 events.