1 The Prime Minister was awarded the ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour’
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was awarded the highest French award ‘ Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour ‘ by the President of the Republic of France, His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Macron . The Prime Minister thanked President Macron on behalf of the people of India for this distinguished honour. The award ceremony was held at the Elysee Palace in Paris .
2 Commemorative coins released to mark the 120th anniversary of the Indian Government Mint in Hyderabad
Commemorative coins were released to mark the 120th anniversary of the India Government Mint at Hyderabad . The coins crafted in silver and copper reflect the rich heritage and contribution of the Indian Government Mint. Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Securities Printing and Currency Nirman Nigam Limited S.K. Sinha Issued commemorative coins. He said that the Government of India Mint in Hyderabad has been a pioneer in making high quality coins and other minted products for more than a century. He said that it is one of the important mints of the country because of its precision, craftsmanship and technological advancement. India Government Mint Hyderabad, a wholly owned Government of India Central Public Sector Enterprise (SPMCIL), Schedule “A” Mini-Ratna Category-I, Security Printing and a unit of the Indian Mint Corporation. The mint was originally established in 1803 as the Royal Mint to serve as the mint for the Nizam of Hyderabad. In 1950 , the mint was taken over by the Government of India, and the mint was inaugurated on 28 August 1997 at Cherlapally , where The mint was completely shifted to Saifabad on 1 November 2001 , and it started full-fledged operations.
3 Third Sherpa meeting under India’s chairmanship of G-20 to begin in Hampi, Karnataka
The third Sherpa meeting under India’s chairmanship of the G-20 will begin at Hampi in Karnataka . India’s G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant will chair the three-day meeting being held at the World Heritage Site near the Tungabhadra river in Hampi . The meeting will deliberate on the document of declarations adopted at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. The meeting will discuss issues of green growth, climate finance, eco-friendly lifestyle, progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, technology transformation and digitization of infrastructure and women-led development.
4 Speeding up TEPA talks between India and EFTA
Recently Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles held a successful meeting with the delegation of European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in London . Discussion Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between India and EFTA (Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement- TEPA) was focused on taking forward the negotiations. The primary objective of these talks is a fair, mutually beneficial and comprehensive trade agreement between India and EFTA. EFTA is an intergovernmental organization established in 1960 as an alternative trading bloc for European states that were unable or unwilling to join the European Union (EU). EFTA is India’s 9th largest trading partner, accounting for about 2.5% of India’s total merchandise trade in 2020-21. TEPA aims to generate trade and investment opportunities between India and EFTA by eliminating/reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers on a wide range of products.
5 DAC approves proposals for procurement of 26 Rafale seaplanes from France to boost operational capabilities of Indian Navy
The three proposals were approved on July 13, 2023 in the meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) held under the chairmanship of Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh . DAC procured 26 Rafale seaplanes as well as accessories, weapons, simulators, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the Government of France on the basis of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA). Approved the Acceptance of Requirement (AoN) for The price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French government after taking into account other relevant aspects including a comparative study of the purchase price of similar aircraft by other countries. In addition, integration of equipment designed in India and setting up of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) hubs of various systems after appropriate negotiation stages will be included in the contract documents.
6 INS Sunayana participates in CMF X ‘Operation Southern Readiness – 2023’
INS Sunayna was at Seychelles from 10-12 Jul 23 to participate in Operation Southern Readiness 2023 conducted by the Combined Maritime Force (CMF) . The objective of the visit was to strengthen multilateral ties and enhance cooperation through the CMF exercise. It is a multinational initiative aimed at enhancing maritime security, combating piracy to ensure security and freedom of navigation in the region. During the visit, personnel from the participating navies of the US, Italy, UK, Seychelles Defense Forces and Marine Police, EUNAVFOR member states were involved in extensive professional interactions, subject matter expert exchanges and visits.
7 GACL starts domestic production of Hydrazine Hydrate and Pure Phosphoric Acid
Taking a significant step towards achieving self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission , Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL), a leading chlor-alkali producer, has commenced shipment of Hydrazine Hydrate . In addition, GACL has also addressed the paucity of pure phosphoric acid manufacturers in India by setting up a plant with a capacity of 33,870 MTA. Hydrazine hydrate is a chemical compound with the formula N2H4 H2O . It is mainly used as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions, such as the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals .
8 Central government cancels FCRA license of Sadbhavna Trust
The Central Government has canceled the Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) license of Delhi -based non-governmental organization (NGO) Sadbhavna Trust. Has done, which is actively working for the empowerment of Dalit and Muslim women. This cancellation prevents the trust from receiving or using foreign grants. According to officials, one of the cited violations of FCRA is the failure of the trust to open an FCRA bank account with the designated State Bank of India in New Delhi. The cancellation of Sadbhavna Trust’s FCRA license is the second time in two weeks that an NGO focused on women has faced this consequence after Delhi’s Young Women’s Christian Association. In addition, two other NGOs, CNI Child Care and Program for Social Action (PSA), have also lost their licenses recently.
9 Government bans import of certain gold jewelery and gold articles
The government has banned the import of certain gold jewelery and gold articles . In a notification, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade has moved gold jewelery and some other items from the free category to the restricted category. This means that now it will be necessary to take a license from the government to import these items. Under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, no license will be required for goods imported under this agreement and gold jewelery and gold articles can be brought into the country without an import license under this agreement.
10 International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA) signs MoU with BITS Pilani PIEDS FinAccelerator
International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA) and PIEDS BITS Pilani have signed an MoU at BITS Pilani PIEDS Finaccelerator, Pilani campus in Rajasthan . The objective of this MoU is to cooperate in providing support and facilitation to Fintech and Techfin entities.To create a framework for cooperation and understanding between IFSCA and BITS Pilani PIEDS FinAccelerator. IFSC is responsible for the development and regulation of international financial services, including the insurance sector, and is treated as a separate international financial jurisdiction, separate from other regions of India. IFSCA aims to establish a strong global connect and serve as an international financial platform at the regional/global level with a focus on the needs of the Indian economy.
11 ISRO to transfer SSLV to private sector
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will soon transfer its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to the private sector after conducting two development flights of the rocket , which can launch satellites weighing up to 500 kg into low-Earth orbit. wants to provide on-demand services to keep The commercial satellite launch services sector in India is estimated to contribute $13 billion to the economy by 2025, with SSLV transfers expected to accelerate its growth. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a three-stage launch vehicle configured with three solid propulsion stages and a liquid-propulsion based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage. SSLV is 2 meters in diameter and 34 meters in length and weighs about 120 tonnes. SSLV is capable of launching a satellite weighing 500 kg into a flat orbit of 500 km.
12 Secretary, DARPG V. Srinivas launched the third edition of National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NESDA) Portal
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has developed the NESDA framework with the overall objective of ascertaining the depth and effectiveness of existing e-governance service delivery mechanisms from the perspective of citizens. have developed. The framework, based on the Online Services Index (OSI) of the United Nations e-Government Survey, has been adapted to the Indian federal structure and the e-governance landscape of the states and union territories. DARPG conducts NESDA studies biennially. The study assesses states, union territories and focus central ministries regarding the effectiveness of e-governance service delivery. NESDA also helps the concerned Governments in improving the delivery of citizen centric services and shares best practices across the country for compliance by all States, Union Territories and Central Ministries. The department has successfully released two editions of NESDA study namely NESDA 2019 and NESDA 2021. Now, With the launch of the NESDA 2023 portal, DARPG has started the journey of the third edition of the study – NESDA 2023. The NESDA 2023 framework has been modified to suit the needs of contemporary citizens, a leading global digital government and United Nations e-Government survey study.
13 Joint operation against objectionable and unauthorized drugs: Operation Broder Sword
India and the United States recently joined hands in Operation Broader Sword , a multi-agency operation aimed at preventing illegal shipments of pharmaceuticals, devices and precursor chemicals through the International Mail System (IMS) . This operation, conducted in June 2023, resulted in the prevention of over 500 shipments of illegal and unapproved prescription drugs to US consumers.
14 National Law University Delhi launched a pioneering educational initiative named ‘Eklavya’
National Law University (NLU), Delhi has recently launched a pioneering educational initiative named ‘ Eklavya ‘. This innovative scheme aims to strengthen NLU Delhi’s commitment to collaboration and draw upon the expertise and diverse perspectives of individuals without traditional law degrees. By actively seeking partnerships outside the University, NLU Delhi intends to develop high quality legal scholarship that includes a wide range of experiences and knowledge.
15 CDS General Anil Chauhan inaugurates LRMR Hangar and Dispersal at Naval Air Station, INS Utkrosh at Port Blair
Chief of Defense Staff , CDS, General Anil Chauhan inaugurated LRMR Hangar and Dispersal at Naval Air Station, INS Utkrosh at Port Blair inaugurated. The twin hangar is spread over 6000 square meters. Combination of P8I aircraft with Dronair and advanced light helicopters can be accommodated. The newly added hangar facility will provide support for critical air operations in the strategically important Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This will help in strengthening the security of the Indian Ocean region. General Anil Chauhan also inaugurated the Wet Basin and Refit Jetty at the Naval Ship Repair Yard at Port Blair. The jetty has material bins and accommodation for personnel. It has been built in consultation with IIT Chennai at a cost of over 360 crores. The CDS said the jetties would enhance the strategic reach and maritime operations of India’s first joint theater command in the region.
16 Edgars Rinkewicz becomes the first openly gay head of state in the European Union
Former Foreign Minister of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics named EU ‘s first openly gay head of state A historic achievement has been achieved as Following his role as Foreign Minister, Rinkevic was officially sworn in as President of Latvia. Rinkewicz pledged to prioritize the fight for inclusion and equality during his presidency. Rinkevics aims to use his limited powers to influence legislation and shape public opinion, with the goal of making Latvia a more inclusive and egalitarian country. Rinkevics served as the Foreign Minister of Latvia from 2011 until his recent resignation. In November 2014, Rinkewicz publicly came out as gay and became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
17 ‘Vajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu Right 1924-1977’ by Abhishek Chowdhary
Abhishek Chowdhary ‘s new biography, Vajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu Right 1924-77, traces the late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ‘s formative years, which are not only instructive about the way Vajpayee approached politics and ideology but also the fluid lines between conservative and liberal politics in the pre-independence and post-independence years. In what would seem unbelievable now, the book explores how both the Congress and the Sangh Parivar tried to co-opt each other for several years until the conservatives in the Congress were cornered by the progressives. The book published by Picador India was to be released in May 2023. This first volume covers 53 years of Vajpayee’s life from 1924 to 1977.
18 Forbes 2023: 4 Indian-origin business leaders in the list of 100 richest women
The Forbes 2023 list of America’s 100 Most Successful Women has been released. Four Indian-origin women Jayashree Ullal, Indira Nooyi, Neha Narkhede and Neerja Sethi have made it to the prestigious list of America’s 100 Richest Self-Made Women. Four Indian-origin women, including Jayshree Ullal and Indira Nooyi, have made it to the Forbes list of America’s 100 Most Successful Self-Made Women with a net worth of $4.06 billion .
Indian-American women in the list:
- Jayashree Ullal (62): Ullal, CEO and president of computer networking firm Arista Networks, has been ranked 15th in the list.
- Neerja Sethi (68): Neerja Sethi is ranked 25th in the list with a net worth of $990 million. Sethi and her husband Bharat Desai founded the IT consulting and outsourcing firm Syntel in 1980.
- Neha Narkhede (38): Co-founder and former chief technology officer of cloud company Confluent, Narkhede is ranked 50th on the list.
- Indra Nooyi (67): Indra Nooyi is the former chairperson and CEO of PepsiCo. He has been ranked 77th in the Forbes 2023 list.
This list includes ABC Supply Company, Inc. (ABC) chairman and founder Dianne Hendricks topped the list for the sixth consecutive year with a net worth of US$15 billion.
19 Nari Adalats: Courts exclusively for women for alternative dispute resolution
The Government of India is launching an unprecedented initiative known as Nari Adalats , which are women-only courts established at the village level . These courts serve as alternative dispute resolution forums for issues such as domestic violence, property rights and challenging the patriarchal system. By providing a platform for redress outside the traditional judicial system, the government aims to empower women and promote gender justice. The scheme will be launched on a pilot basis in 50 villages each in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir from August and will be extended to the rest of the country in the next six months.
20 Dell joins hands with Intel to launch AI Skills Lab in India
Dell Technologies and Intel have joined hands to set up an artificial intelligence (AI) lab at the Telangana Institute . The partnership aims to bridge the digital skills gap and empower students at Lord’s Institute of Engineering and Technology in Telangana by integrating Intel’s ‘ AI for Youth ‘ program into their curriculum. The initiative seeks to prepare students for the industry with the expertise required for the job market of the future and foster an AI-ready ecosystem on campus.