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Current Affairs Pocket PDF – July 2023
Table of Contents
NATIONAL AFFAIRS ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
CABINET APPROVALS ............................................................................................................................................... 8
PARLIAMENT NEWS .................................................................................................................................................. 9
STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS ............................................................................................................................... 10
FESTIVAL ................................................................................................................................................................... 11
LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION ............................................................................................................................... 12
OTHER NATIONAL NEWS ....................................................................................................................................... 16
GOVT SCHEMES ............................................................................................................................................................ 21
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ......................................................................................................................................... 23
VISITS............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
INDIAN VISITS .......................................................................................................................................................... 25
FOREIGN VISITS ....................................................................................................................................................... 26
BANKING & FINANCE .................................................................................................................................................. 27
RBI IN NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................. 27
SEBI ............................................................................................................................................................................ 29
LOANS ISSUED BY BANKS....................................................................................................................................... 32
AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED.............................................................................................................................. 33
OTHER BANKING NEWS ......................................................................................................................................... 35
FINANCE NEWS......................................................................................................................................................... 39
ECONOMY & BUSINESS ............................................................................................................................................... 41
GDP & GROWTH RATE ............................................................................................................................................ 41
ECONOMY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................................... 42
BUSINESS NEWS ....................................................................................................................................................... 42
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 42
MoU’s WITH COUNTRY ........................................................................................................................................... 42
MoU’s WITH STATES ............................................................................................................................................... 44
MoU’s BETWEEN ORGANIZATION ........................................................................................................................ 46
OTHER MoU’s IN CONTENT FORMAT ................................................................................................................... 52
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 53
APPOINTMENTS ....................................................................................................................................................... 53
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 53

INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 59
RESIGNATIONS ......................................................................................................................................................... 60
OTHER APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS ........................................................................................................ 61
AWARDS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 62
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF ARTS & CULTURE FILMS ........................................................................................ 62
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF SPORTS ..................................................................................................................... 63
OTHER IMPORTANT AWARDS .............................................................................................................................. 63
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS IN CONTENT FORMAT .......................................................................................... 66
SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE .......................................................................................................................... 69
SUMMITS ................................................................................................................................................................... 69
EVENTS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 71
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS........................................................................................................................................ 72
MEETINGS ................................................................................................................................................................. 72
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................................................. 74
RANKING ................................................................................................................................................................... 74
REPORTS ................................................................................................................................................................... 75
RANKING & REPORTS IN CONTENT FORMAT .................................................................................................... 82
ACQUISITION & MERGERS ......................................................................................................................................... 83
DEFENCE........................................................................................................................................................................ 84
EXERCISE ................................................................................................................................................................... 84
ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE NEWS ......................................................................................................................... 85
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................... 86
SATELLITES LAUNCHES .......................................................................................................................................... 86
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 87
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 89
SPORTS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 90
CRICKET .................................................................................................................................................................... 90
BADMINTON & TENNIS ........................................................................................................................................... 91
ATHLETIC & FOOTBALL ......................................................................................................................................... 92
BOXING, WRESTLING & WEIGHTLIFTING ........................................................................................................... 93
ARCHERY & SHOOTING .......................................................................................................................................... 93
OTHER SPORTS NEWS ............................................................................................................................................ 93
BOOKS & AUTHORS ..................................................................................................................................................... 96
OBITUARY ..................................................................................................................................................................... 97
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 97
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 98

IMPORTANT DAYS ....................................................................................................................................................... 99
APPS & WEB PORTAL ............................................................................................................................................... 109

NATIONAL AFFAIRS
CABINET APPROVALS
Cabinet Approves Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill, 2022
Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi, approved the Draft of Digital Personal
Data Protection (DPDP) Bill, 2022, will be tabled in Parliament during the upcoming Monsoon session
that will start on July 20 and continue till August 11 2023.The bill aims to provide consent-based data
collection techniques. The Bill frames out the rights and duties of the citizen (Digital Nagrik) and the
obligations to use collected data lawfully of the data fiduciary (entities that collect personal
data)….Click here to read more detail….
Union Cabinet has Approved Commercial Mining of 6 Critical Minerals Through MMDR Act
Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) MMDR
Act of 1957, for the commercial mining of 6 critical minerals: lithium, titanium, beryllium, zirconium,
niobium and tantalum.This is the 5th amendment to the act since 2014. Earlier amendments authorised
e-auction for minerals and enabled the extension of expiring mine leases.
✓ The proposal will remove the six minerals from India’s ‘Atomic Minerals’ list and empower the
Center to auction their reserves for mining by private players.
✓ The amendment proposes for an exploration licence, awarded through an auction to carry out
reconnaissance(exploration) and prospecting of a particular land for a mineral.
✓ Union Cabinet also cleared amendments to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and
Regulation)(OAMDR) Act, 2002, which allows commercial mining of mineral resources in offshore
areas.
Cabinet Approves Changes to Jan Vishwas (Amendment Of Provisions) Bill 2023

The union cabinet approved amendments to the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023.The
amendments were made to decriminalise minor offences by amending 183 provisions in 42 Acts which
administered by 19 ministers with the aim to promote ease of business and living.
✓ It amends 42 laws, across multiple sectors, in agriculture, environment and media and publication.
✓ This includes the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Public
Liability Insurance Act, 1991, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Union Cabinet Approves Mumbai based NITIE as 21st IIM of India

Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a bill amending IIM Act to
include the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) in Mumbai as the 21st Indian Institute of
Management (IIM).The amendment will rename NITIE Mumbai as IIM Mumbai. Maharashtra is set to
become the first state to have two IIMs, which includes IIM Nagpur, established by the Government of
India in 2015, and newly designated IIM Mumbai.
✓ The first two IIMs, IIM Calcutta and IIM Ahmedabad, were established in November 1961 and
December 1961.
Union Cabinet Approves Mediation Bill, 2021 & Press & Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023
On 19th July 2023, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the
amendments to 2 key bills: The press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 and the Mediation Bill,
2021, which were re-worked to incorporate suggestions from a Parliamentary panel.

✓ Amendments to Mediation Bill 2021:
• Amendments to the Mediation Bill including reducing the maximum timeline for completing
mediation proceedings from 360 to 180 days.
• Pre-litigation mediation has been made voluntary instead of mandatory.
✓ About the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023: The Press and Registration of
Periodicals Bill, 2023 will replace the Press and Registration of Books(PRB) Act 1867’ which
governs the registration of the print and publishing industry in India.
PARLIAMENT NEWS
Ministry of Finance amends Small Saving Rules, allows NRIs as Nominees
The Ministry of Finance has amended the Government Savings Promotion General Rules, 2018 with
Government Savings Promotion General (Second Amendment) Rules, 2023, under which the Non-
resident Indians (NRIs) are made eligible to be nominated as nominee for government saving schemes.
✓ This is on the condition that payment to such nominee/s shall be on non-repatriation basis.
✓ This amendment has been added as sub-rule (9) in the principal rules, in rule 14, after sub-rule
(8).
The rule covers various schemes under the Government Savings Promotion Act, 1873, such as Public
Provident Fund (PPF), National Savings Certificate (NSC), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), Senior
Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS), Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme (MSSC), Post Office Time
Deposits, Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP), and Post Office Monthly Income Scheme.
Competition (amendment) Act 2023: Power to Appoint DG Shifted to CCI from MCA
The Central Government has implemented a key provision of the Competition (amendment) Act 2023
that vests power of appointment of Director General- DG (Investigation) in the Competition
Commission of India (CCI). Concurrently, it also has modified existing recruitment rules Competition
CCI (Director General) Recruitment Rules, 2009 to change the composition of the Search-cum-Selection
Committee for appointment of DG.
✓ Earlier, the Search-cum-Selection Committee was headed by Secretary, Ministry of Corporate
Affairs (MCA). Now, upon the vesting of power in CCI, the Search-cum-Selection Committee will
now be headed by Chairperson CCI and will have two Members, one each to be nominated by MCA
and Central Government (expert-person of eminence).
These changes follow the recommendation of the Competition Law Review Committee (CLRC) which
aims to address the issue of the Director General’s direct accountability to the Central Government
instead of the CCI.
Rajya Sabha Chairman reconstituted panel of vice-chairpersons with 50% women

Parliamentarians
The Vice President of India, ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar has appointed 4
women Parliamentarians namely Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha (PT Usha), Phangnon Konyak,
Fauzia Khan(Maharashtra) and Sulata Deo(Odisha) to the panel of vice-chairpersons of Rajya Sabha.
The panel has totally 8 members and this for the first time in the history of Rajya Sabha (the Upper
House of the Indian Parliament) has given equal representation to women.
✓ Phangnon Konyak from Nagaland became the first woman from Nagaland to be nominated to the
vice-chairperson’s panel.
✓ She is also the first woman from Nagaland to be elected as a Member of Rajya Sabha and the 2nd
Woman from Nagaland to be elected to either the House of Parliament or the state Assembly.
✓ PT Usha became the first nominated MP in Rajya Sabha to be nominated to the panel of Vice
Chairpersons.

Note: The Vice Chairpersons, conduct the proceedings of the House when the Chairman and Deputy
Chairman are not available.
STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS

Andhra Pradesh
AP-Genco & NHPC to Form a Joint Venture for Implementing PSPHs in Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation (AP-Genco) and National Hydroelectric Power
Corporation Ltd. (NHPC) will form a Joint Venture (JV) for implementing Pumped Storage Hydropower
Projects (PSPHs) with a total generation capacity of 6,000 Megawatt (MW)in Andhra Pradesh.
The 1st project will be a 1,350 MW (9×150 MW) PSHP at upper Sileru in GK Veedhi mandal of Alluri
Sitharama Raju (ASR) district.Upon completion , the combined installed hydropower capacity of the
Sileru basin will reach over 2,425 MW.
Assam
Sarbananda Sonowal Laid the Foundation Stone for Inland Waterways Transport Terminal in
Assam
On 4th July 2023, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush, Sarbananda
Sonowal laid the foundation stone of Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) terminal to be developed at
Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, Assam along the banks of the River Brahmaputra, (National Waterways 2).The
tourist-cum-cargo IWT terminal will be developed at Rs 46.60 crores and is scheduled to be completed
by February 2024.
Jammu and Kashmir

J&K launched India’s First Tele-MANAS Chatbot
Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) launched India's first Tele Mental
Health Assistance and Networking Across States (MANAS) chatbot in the Union Territory (UT) to
enhance mental health support for distressed people by initiating an instant conversation with those
who are in need.
J&K Govt Created Department of Public Grievances in Union Territory

On 12th July 2023, the government of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) accorded to the creation of
“Department of Public Grievances” as a separate Administrative Department in the Union Territory,
which will also deal with the redressal of Public Grievances, and Lieutenant Governor’s (LG) Mulaqaat –
Live Public Grievance Hearing. This is in line with the commitment of the J&K government that foresees
promotion of citizen-centric governance with emphasis on grievance redressal innovations through e-
Governance.
✓ The sanction was accorded in pursuance of Entry 15 of the Second Schedule of Transaction of
Business of the Government of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules.
Odisha
QCI and Odisha Government Launched Odisha Gunvatta Sankalp in Bhubaneswar
Government of Odisha launched the Odisha Gunvatta Sankalp (Odisha Quality Mission) in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha with an aim to promote and prioritize quality across various sectors in the state
of Odisha. The dynamic 5T initiative in Odisha has achieved remarkable progress in enhancing quality
across various sectors including public service delivery, heritage tourism, healthcare, education,
skilling, and access to drinking water, among others.

Odisha CM Launches ‘Ama Pokhari’ to Rejuvenate Water Bodies
Odisha Chief Minister(CM) Naveen Patnaik launched ‘Ama Pokhari’ scheme, which aims to rejuvenate
2,000 large water bodies in 115 urban local bodies at Lokseva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.The
‘Ama Pokhari’ scheme is implemented at a cost of Rs 120 crore.
The renovation and maintenance of the water bodies will be done in collaboration with members of
Mission Shakti Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs).
Odisha Cabinet Approved Scheme to Augment Rural Infrastructure and Preserve Jagannath
Culture
Odisha Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister(CM) Naveen Patnaik approved ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’
scheme to take measures to enhance rural infrastructure, leading to accelerated growth and to
promote, preserve and protect the Jagannath culture and tradition of Odisha.Under the scheme, a
budget provision of Rs 4000 crore will be allocated, and it will cover all Gram Panchayats (GP) with an
entitlement of Rs 50 lakh.
The Odisha Cabinet also approved the inclusion of Kui language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution
of India to include several benefits to the Kandh tribes of Odisha.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra renames Versova-Bandra Sea Link as Veer Savarkar Setu & MTHL as Atal Setu
The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the renaming of two infrastructure projects in Mumbai after
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The 17-km Versova Bandra
Sea Link (VBSL) which connects Andheri to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and a part of the coastal road
project will be renamed as ‘Veer Savarkar Setu’ after Savarkar.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan Cabinet Introduced ‘Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill 2023’
Rajasthan cabinet chaired by Chief Minister(CM) Ashok Gehlot introduced the Rajasthan Minimum
Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023 aimed to provide social security to individuals and households of
Rajasthan.The Bill focuses on 3 main areas such as Right to Minimum Guaranteed Income, Right to
Guaranteed Employment and Right to Guaranteed Social Security Pension.
These social security schemes were implemented by the Government of India’s United Progressive
Alliance (UPA) through Rights-based Laws such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Right to Education (RTE) and Food Security Act.
FESTIVAL
Annual Hemis Tsechu Festival Concludes at Ladakh
The annual two day Hemis Tsechu Festival is celebrated by Hemis Gompa (monastery) from 28th June
to 29th June 2023 in Leh, Ladakh on the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava to commemorate his
life and works, who is referred to as Guru Rinpoche.
This festival also marks the opening of Guru Padmasambhava’s silk thangka (Tibetan painting) on the
occasion of Monkey Year in the Tibetan Calendar, which falls every 12 years.

LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION
PM launched National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission and issued AB-PMJAY cards in
Madhya Pradesh
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination
Mission (NSCEM) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM) and released the guidelines for Sickle
Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh to eliminate anemia by 2047. Along with
the initiative of NSCEM, the PM also distributed sickle cell genetic status cards to the beneficiaries.
The PM also initiated the distribution of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-
PMJAY) cards of about 3.57 crore beneficiaries, with 1 crore cards already being issued to the
beneficiaries in Madhya Pradesh.
MNRE Unveils Guidelines for Incentive Schemes for Electrolyser & Green Hydrogen Production
in India
Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced comprehensive guidelines for the
implementation of the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme:
Component I – “Incentive scheme for Electrolyser Manufacturing” and Component II – “Incentive
Scheme for Green Hydrogen Production”.
✓ SIGHT programme is a major financial measure under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with
an outlay of Rs 17,490 Crore.
SIGHT programme aims to make India a global leader in the production and export of green hydrogen.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Campaign to Transform 75 Lighthouses into

Tourism Destinations
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, launched a campaign to
transform 75 historic Lighthouses across India into Tourism Spots from Dwaraka, Gujarat. He
inaugurated the 1st three renovated lighthouses in Dwarka, Gopnath and Veraval in Gujarat. The aim of
the campaign is to showcase the rich culture, significance, and magnificent structures of India.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched NCC Integrated Software for Cadets
On 7th July 2023, Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of Defence, launched the National Cadet Corps (NCC)
Integrated Software (NIS), a single window interactive software for Cadets, in New Delhi, Delhi.During
the event, NCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of India (SBI) to
open zero balance accounts of all NCC Cadets.
NCC and SBI signed a MoU to open zero balance accounts for all NCC Cadets with debit card,
chequebook & passbook facility under the “Pahli Udaan” scheme, SBI savings account for minors.
MSDE Launched “Ai for India 2.0”, Free Ai Training Programme for The Youth of India
On the occassion of World Youth Skills Day 2023 (15th July 2023), Dharmendra Pradhan, Union
Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship(MSDE) launched a free online training programme
on Artificial Intelligence (AI), “AI for India 2.0“.It is a joint initiative of Skill India and Grab Ur
Vernacular Imprint (GUVI), an Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu and
Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, Gujarat incubated company.
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Launches Bharat Internet Utsav

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under Ministry of Communication (MoC) in collaboration
with MyGov(Government of India’s citizen engagement platform), has launched the “Bharat
Internet Utsav” to celebrate the transformative role of the internet by encouraging citizens to share
their stories of how the internet has positively impacted their lives.

DoT is utilizing the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to provide affordable, reliable internet
access to citizens in remote and commercially unviable areas, ensuring widespread connectivity.
AIM And Bayer Launches Nationwide ATL Industry Visit for Students
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in collaboration with Bayer launched an industry visit initiative
under Atal Tinkering labs (ATL), at Bayer’s manufacturing facility in Vapi, Gujarat.The collaboration
aims to introduce students to the latest manufacturing techniques and technologies used in industry.
Bayer has opened its manufacturing and production plants and research centers at Vapi(Gujarat),
Shamirpet(Hyderabad ), Chandippa(Telangana) and Bangalore for ATL students to experience how
technology, automation and innovation are leveraged by the industry.
Indian Army & TVS Motor Launched All-Women Motorcycle Rally to Commemorate 24th Kargil
Vijay Diwas
The Indian Army, in partnership with TVS Motors company, launched a Tri-Services All Women
Motocycle Rally – ‘Nari Sashaktikaran Motorcycle Rally’ to commemorate 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas and
to highlight the brave spirit of women. General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) flagged
off all-women motorcycle rally from the National war memorial, New Delhi on 18 July 2023.
✓ The Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the victory of Indian Armed Forces against Pakistan on July
26, 1999, as part of Operation Vijay.
India and the US Jointly Launched a call for proposals on Critical and Emerging Technology
India and the United States of America (US) jointly launched a call for proposals on “Critical and
Emerging Technology: Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Transforming Lives“. The
program was designed by the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) and the Secretariat for
USISTEF.The objective is to promote technology innovation and entrepreneurship in commercially
viable and socially relevant areas.
✓ The program worth USD 2million launched under the US-India Science and Technology
Endowment Fund (USISTEF) for the joint development and commercialization of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies, and encouraged public-private collaborations to
develop high performance computing (HPC) facilities in India.
NHA launches 100 Microsites Project to Promote Digital Health Adoption

National Health Authority (NHA) launched the 100 Microsites project under Ayushman Bharat Digital
Mission (ABDM) to promote digital health adoption and enhance healthcare accessibility for all.The
project will be implemented by State Mission Directors of ABDM, while NHA will provide financial
resources and overall guidance.
The Microsites will be established across India in various states/Union Territories (UTs).
✓ The State and UT can collaborate with development partners and interfacing agencies to set up
and manage the microsites.
MoA & FW Launched 3 Technological Initiatives Under PMFBY & RWBCIS

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA & FW) launched three technological initiatives
under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather Based Crop
Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) in New Delhi,Delhi. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and
Union Minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju launched these initiatives.
✓ The initiatives, including YES-Tech Manual, WINDS portal, and AIDE (Sahayak) mobile app, aim to
empower farmers with accurate weather data, yield estimates, and crop insurance access from the
current tender cycle of 2023-25.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launches AMC Repo Clearing Limited and CDMDF
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance, initiated the trading on Limited Purpose
Clearing Corporation (LPCC) mechanism called AMC Repo Clearing Limited (ARCL), during an event
organized by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in Mumbai, Maharashtra.She also
inaugurated Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF). The Union Minister launched the
triparty repo in corporate debt securities offered through ARCL, a LPCC aimed at developing the
underlying Corporate Bond market in India.
Manoj Ahuja Launched BHARAT Campaign for Mobilization of Funds Through Banks
Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare(MoA&FW), virtually launched a new
campaign for banks under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) titled BHARAT (Banks Heralding
Accelerated Rural & Agriculture Transformation) to mobilize funds from banksThe 1 month long
campaign, which will run from 15th July 2023 to 15th August 2023, was launched with a target of Rs
7200 crore.
✓ Ministry of Agriculture called upon the banks to promote Rs 1 lakh crore AIF for creation of
necessary infrastructure in the farm sector.Under this scheme, Rs 1 lakh crore is to be disbursed
by financial year 2025-26 and the interest subvention and credit guarantee assistance will be
given till the year 2032-33.
BSE Launched New Logo on its 149th Foundation Day

S.S. Mundra, Chairman of BSE Limited (formerly known as the Bombay Stock Exchange), launched BSE’s
new logo during the event organised to mark the celebration of its 149th foundation day at BSE
International Convention Hall, Mumbai, Maharashtra.BSE, established in 1875 as the Native Share &
Stock Broker’s Association, was the first ever stock exchange in Asia.
PM Modi Inaugrates IECC Complex “Bharat Mandapam” at Pragati Maidan; IECC to Host G20
Meet
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated a futuristic International Exhibition-cum-Convention
Centre (IECC), the revamped India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) complex also known as
Pragati Maidan Complex, and also unveiled the G20(Group of 20) coin and stamp at Pragati Maidan in
New Delhi, Delhi.The IECC Complex has been named “Bharat Mandapam” and the naming ceremony of
the Centre was carried out using a drone.
The IECC complex was developed as a national project at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore with a campus area of
123 acres being India’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.
Product Design Centre Inaugurated in Kolkata And Grain-Ex Facility Launched Under Meity
Supported Projects
Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
inaugurated the Product Design Centre (PDC), set up at Centre for Development of Advanced
Computing (C-DAC), Kolkata, West Bengal.
On the occasion, 'Grain-Ex', an appearance-based detection system, through machine vision technology
for pulses developed under ‘National Programme on Electronics and Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) applications in Agriculture and Environment (AgriEnIcs)’ as
well as Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- The Indian Agricultural Research Institute
(IARI), New Delhi, Delhi was also launched.

First of its kind Exhibition on ‘Banking on World Heritage’ at IGNCA, Delhi
Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture inaugurated an exhibition ‘Banking
on World Heritage’ first of its kind in the world at Darshanam gallery of Indira Gandhi National Centre
for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, Delhi. This exhibition showcases Banknotes of G-20 Member Nations,
depicting United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed World
cultural Heritage Sites.
✓ The exhibition organised under the chairmanship of India as part of the ongoing G-20 Summit
celebrations and will run till July 9 2023 and has been organised in the spirit of Vasudaiva
Kutumbakam.
Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurated 7th Edition of IMC 2023 in Delhi

Minister of Communications(MoC) Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Curtain Raiser of 7th edition of
India Mobile Congress (IMC 2023) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi,Delhi . The Department of
Telecommunications (DoT) under Ministry of Communications and the Cellular Operators Association
of India (COAI) will jointly host the 7th Edition of Asia’s premier digital technology exhibition with the
theme ‘Global Digital Innovation’ which is scheduled to take place from 27th to 29th October at Pragati
Maidan, New Delhi,Delhi.
The Concept of ‘Partner Countries’and ‘Virtual exhibition’ will be introduced in the event.
India’s 1st PPP model ATL inaugurated in Kerala in collaboration with OPPO India
Minister of State(MoS) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajeev Chandrashekar inaugurated
country’s first Public-Private Partnership(P3) model Atal Tinkering Lab(ATL) under NITI(National
Institution for Transforming India) Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission(AIM) in partnership with a leading
smartphone manufacturing firm, Oppo India in Thrissur, Kerala.
Learning Links Foundation, New Delhi based ‘not for profit’ organisation will act as the implementation
partner. The ATL has been set up to empower school children in classes 6th to 12th to develop
innovative solutions.
President Droupadi Murmu Completes One Year in Office; Lays Foundation Stones/inaugurates
Various Projects at Rashtrapati Bhavan
On 25th July 2023, the President of India Droupadi Murmu completed one year in the office as the
15th President.
On the occasion, she laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various projects:
✓ Inaugurated ‘Navachara’ an Artificial Intelligence(AI) enabled gallery developed by Rashtrapati
Bhavan in collaboration with Intel India.
✓ Inaugurated ‘Sutra-kala Darpan’, a Textile Collection of Rashtrapati Bhavan, featuring antique
textiles that document the building's illustrious legacy.
✓ Inaugurated ‘Janjatiya Darpan’ a gallery showcasing the art, culture, and contributions of various
tribal communities in building the nation in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Center
for the Arts (IGNCA).
President Droupadi Murmu Lays Foundation of ‘Divine Light House’ of PBKIVV in Odisha
President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone for the “Divine Light House” of Prajapita Brahma
Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya (PBKIVV) at Dasabatia, Tamando, Bhubaneswar (Odisha) during
her 3-day visit to Odisha from July 25 to 27 2023. The President also launched the 2023 theme of
PBKIVV, “The Year of Positive Change” for conducting nationwide seminar and conferences.

OTHER NATIONAL NEWS
Major Changes Regarding TCS & LRS
Ministry of Finance announced that there will be no changes in the rate of Tax Collection at Source
(TCS) for all purposes under Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) and for overseas travel tour
packages, regardless of the mode of payment, for amounts up to Rs.7 lakh per individual per annum.
✓ It was also announced that more time will be provided for the implementation of the revised TCS
rates and also for the inclusion of credit card payments in LRS.
✓ No change in TCS rates for all purposes under LRS & for overseas travel tour packages.
The government has postponed the implementation of its 16th May 2023 e-gazette notification which
brought credit card expenses under LRS.
Government Raises Interest Rates on Select Small Saving Schemes by Up To 0.3% For Q2 Of
FY24
Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance (MoF) has announced an interest rate hike
on selected small savings schemes by up to 0.3% for the 2nd quarter of the financial year 2023-24 (Q2
FY24) (i.e July 1, 2023-September 30, 2023).
Changed Interest Rates:
The interest rate for the five-year recurring deposit (RD) has been raised of 0.3%. Earlier it was 6.2%,
now it is 6.5%.Interest rate has increased for the One-year term deposits with post offices will now earn
0.1% reaching 6.9% (earlier 6.8%) and the two years tenor is 7% (earlier 6.9%)…Click here for the
revised rate and unchanged rates in detail…
Power Ministry Notified Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023 To Develop India’s 1st Domestic
Carbon Market
Ministry of Power notified the “Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023”, to develop India’s first domestic
regulated carbon credit trading market.The scheme was 1st announced under the Energy Conservation
(Amendment) Bill, 2022.The scheme was drafted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency(BEE), a statutory
body under the Ministry of Power.
The emphasis on reducing carbon emissions is in line with India’s target to achieve net zero by 2070.
KAPP-3 India’s 1st indigenous 700 MWe Nuclear Reactor Commenced Commercial Operations
in Gujarat
The 3rd Unit of Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) (KAPP-3), India’s first indigenously developed
700 MWe (megawatt electric) Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) (nuclear power reactor),
commenced its commercial operations at Kakrapar Site, Gujarat. The Kakrapar project encompasses the
construction of two 700 MW PHWRs: KAPP-3 and KAPP-4.
✓ The reactor was built by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a wholly owned
public sector undertaking (PSU) of the Government of India under the administrative control of
the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
CSIR-IIIM Jammu’s Cannabis Research Project is India’s 1st Cannabis Medicine Project under
PPP with a Canadian firm
The “Cannabis Research Project” of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Indian Institute of
Integrative Medicine (CSIR–IIIM) in Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) is the first of its kind Cannabis
Medicine Project in India under Public Private Partnership (PPP) with a IndusCann Limited,
headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
✓ It is the first institute to obtain first license for Cannabis cultivation in India.

India’s 1st Fisheries AIC to be Set up at KUFOS Kerala with a Grant of Rs 10cr
India’s first Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) in fisheries will be set up at Kerala University of Fisheries and
Ocean Studies (KUFOS) in Kochi, Kerala to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological
advancement in fisheries and related sectors. KUFOS got a grant of Rs 10 crore from National
Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog to set up fisheries’ AIC at the University.
Bengaluru Becomes 1st Indian City to Join World Cities Culture Forum
Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka became the first Indian city to be part of the World Cities Culture
Forum (WCCF), a global network of cities that share research and intelligence to explore the role of
culture in future prosperity.Bengaluru became the 41st city to join the forum and the network currently
includes 40 cities across six continents. The participative project called Unboxing Bangalore.The forum
includes cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai. list of all wccf cities.
Kerala Gets India’s 1st Construction Innovation Hub in Kochi

Kerala got India’s first Construction Innovation Hub (CIH) that will serve as a platform to promote
innovation and entrepreneurship around sustainable and affordable building facilities by encouraging
collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the industry stakeholders. The CIH was launched at the
Sheltertech Summit, a summit to advance housing and construction innovations, which was organised
by the Habitat for Humanity and Kerala Start-up Mission (KSUM) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
IGI Airport Becomes India’s 1st airport to Get 4th Runway & Elevated Dual Taxiway
Delhi International Airport, also known as the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has become the
first airport in India to get four runways and dual Eastern Cross Taxiway (ECT) (elevated
taxiways).Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Civil Aviation and Steel inaugurated the new
runway and ECT at IGIA, New Delhi, Delhi. IGI Airport, Managed and operated by the Delhi International
Airport Ltd (DIAL), a consortium led by GMR Airports Infrastructure, is India’s busiest and the world’s
seventh-busiest airport.
India's 1st AI News Anchor Introduced by OTV in Odisha

On 9th July, 2023, Odisha Television Limited (OTV), an Odia based broadcast and digital media
company in Odisha, introduced India's and Odisha's first regional multi-lingual Artificial Intelligence
(AI) news anchor named "Lisa" in a ceremony held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The introduction of AI
Lisa, is an initiative driven by the visionary team of OTV. Lisa is the first AI anchor in the free-to-air
regional television broadcasting platform and also the first Odia news anchor with an ability to speak
multiple languages including Odia, English and others.
ONGC India’s First CPSE to Get certified for Anti-Bribery Management System by InterCert USA
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the largest crude oil and natural gas Maharatna Company in
India, has become the first Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) in India to get certified for Anti-
Bribery Management System (ABMS) by M/s InterCert USA, an international accredited certification
body in the United States of America (USA).
Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ONGC, received the ABMS Certificate in
an award ceremony.
Kishan Reddy releases postal cover on “9 Years of Telangana Statehood”

Union Minister for Tourism, released a special postal cover to commemorate “9 Years of Telangana
Statehood” and Picture Post cards (a set of 5 cards) on “Buddhist Heritage in Telangana – Bavapur

Kurru” at an event in Dak Sadan, Hyderabad, Telangana.The special postal cover featuring Dhulikatta
Buddhist stupa is priced at Rs 50 and the set of Bavapur Kurru post cards are priced at Rs 200.
Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, (Telangana Act), is an Act of Indian Parliament that split
the state of Andhra Pradesh into Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.2nd June 2023 marks the 9th Statehood
Day of Telangana.
DoT Launches Bharat 6G Alliance for Next-Generation Wireless Technology

Department of Telecommunications (DoT),Ministry of Communications (MoC) launches Bharat 6G
Alliance (B6GA) to propel India’s technological progress in the telecom sector. In this regard, the B6GA
website (https://bharat6galliance.com) was also launched.The formation of B6GA was announced by
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, MoC, in the presence of Devusinh Chauhan, Minister of State(MoS)
for Communications.
✓ A grant of Rs 240.51 crores under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) has been
allocated to support the advancement of 6G technology.
DoT conducts 5G & Beyond Hackathon 2023 to showcase 5G products & Solutions
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communication, conducts ‘5G &
Beyond Hackathon 2023‘, aimed at shortlisting India-focused cutting-edge ideas that can be converted
into workable 5G and beyond products and solutions.The participants include individuals, students,
startups, and academic institutions send their proposals from June 28, 2023.
Assam’s Numaligarh Refinery Limited Upgraded to ‘Schedule A’ CPSE

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in its recent notification announced that the largest refinery
in northeast India, The Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Assam has been elevated from the
‘Schedule B’ to ‘Schedule A’ category Central Public Sector Enterprises(CPSE) by Government of
India.With its new status as a ‘Schedule A’ enterprise, NRL becomes eligible to achieve the coveted
Navratna As a Navratna company, NRL will have the freedom to invest up to Rs 1,000 crore without
seeking approval from the central government.
DPIIT Notified 2 new QCOs on Potable Water Bottles & Flame-Producing Lighters
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce &
Industry, notified 2 new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on Potable Water Bottles and Flame-Producing
Lighters to enhance public health and safety of consumers. DPIIT has developed 64 new QCOs covering
317 product standards in partnership with the BIS.
✓ Flame – Producing Lighters (Quality Control) Order, 2023 - It mandates compulsory
certification under IS for ‘Safety Specification for Lighters’, and ‘Safety Specifications for Utility
Lighters’, for the Flame lighters manufactured for domestic market or imported into India. There
are two types of lighters available are Flame and Spark type.
Potable Water Bottles (Quality Control) Order, 2023 - It mandates compulsory certification under
the appropriate Indian Standard (IS) for the production and import of potable water bottles made of
copper, stainless steel, or aluminium…Click here to know the updated IS detail…
MoRTH & JICA Jointly Developed 5 Guidelines to Enhance Mountainous Road Infrastructure in
India
During the 225th mid-term council meeting of the Indian Road Congress in Raipur, Chhattisgarh ,Union
Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), released the five
guidelines to enhance mountainous road infrastructure in India developed by MoRTH with the technical

assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).These guidelines were published by Indian
Road Congress (IRC).
SCES Replaced by SCoS to Review Surveys for NSO

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s (MoSPI) Standing Committee on Economic
Statistics (SCES), tasked with examining economic indicators, will be replaced by a Standing Committee
on Statistics (SCoS), to review the framework and results of surveys conducted for the National
Statistical Office (NSO).
✓ The new Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) will have a more extensive mandate. Unlike the
SCES, the SCoS will not only focus on economic indicators but will also review the framework and
outcomes of all surveys conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
✓ i.Pronab Sen, India’s first chief statistician and the former chairman of the National Statistical
Commission (NSC), has been named the chairman of the SCoS.
DPIIT Joined Hands with Gujarat for the ODOP Program

One District One Product (ODOP) program, an initiative under the Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry partnered with the
Government of Gujarat in New Delhi, Delhi, with the aim to foster the promotion of the indigenous
crafts and artisans of the state.By implementing product tagging and story cards, the aim of the
collaboration will be achieved.
✓ ODOP-Gujarat presents an extensive array of 68 distinctive products, encompassing a diverse
range from traditional crafts (like Gamthi Block print and Mata-ni-Pachedi) to agricultural
commodities (like groundnuts and cumin).
DAHD implemented Credit Guarantee Scheme under AHIDF for Livestock Sector
Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying(MoFAH&D), has launched the first ever Credit Guarantee Scheme for Livestock sector.The
scheme under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) aims to strengthen the
credit delivery system and ensure smooth access to collateral-free credit for Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Livestock sector.
✓ To make the scheme operational, DAHD has set up a Credit Guarantee Fund Trust worth Rs. 750
crores which will offer credit guarantee coverage of up to 25% for the credit facilities extended to
MSMEs by eligible lending institutions.
Rajasthan Introduces India’s First Gig Workers Bill 2023

On 21st July 2023, the Rajasthan government introduced India’s first ever Gig workers Bill the
‘Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (registration and welfare) Bill 2023’ to guarantee social
security to gig workers.
✓ Aggregators, which include food delivery apps and e-marketing platforms, must provide a
database of gig workers on-boarded or registered with them within sixty days of the Act’s
implementation.
✓ If an aggregator that fails to comply with the Act. The state government may impose a fine up to Rs
5 lakh for the first offence and up to Rs 50 lakh for subsequent offences.
HCLTech joins XR Startup Programme with MeitY, Meta

HCL Technology (HCLTech) in Noida,UttarPradesh, has joined the XR Startup Programme, an initiative
between Meta and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)’s Startup
Hub(MSH) to discover, nurture, and accelerate extended reality (XR) technology start-ups in India.

Tamil Nadu’s Authoor Betel Leaves received GI Tag
The Geographical Indications Registry has issued the Geographical Indication (GI) tag certificate to the
Authoor Betel Leaves (Authoor Vetrilai) of Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu.
The tag was facilitated by the Tamil Nadu State Agriculture Marketing Board and NABARD(National
Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development) Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum(MABIF) is
registered in the name of Authoor Vattara Vetrilai Vivasayigal Sangam.
DAC Approves Proposals for Procurement Of 26 Rafale Marine Aircraft from France
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence
(MoD), granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft along
with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and
logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French government.
✓ This procurement is based on an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between Indian and France
and aims to bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.
DAC also granted the AoN for procurement of three additional Scorpene submarines under Buy (Indian)
category which will be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
CEM-14/MI-8 held in Goa on the sidelines of the 4th Energy Transitions Working Group
The 8th Mission Innovation Ministerial (MI-8) and 14th Clean Energy Ministerial(CEM-14), hosted by
the Ministry of Power and Department of Science and Technology, took place alongside the 4th Energy
Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting under India’s Group 20 (G20) Presidency held in Goa from
19th July 2023 to 22 July, 2023.
✓ The theme for the year 2023 is ‘Advancing Clean Energy Together’.
✓ The 4th ETWG Meeting was chaired by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power.
The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a Public Sector Undertakings under the Ministry of
Power, signed 15 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 700 crore, on the sidelines of the
recently concluded G20 Green Energy Ministerial in Goa…click here for full detail….
Central Govt approves 8.15% interest rate on Employees’ Provident Fund for FY23
On 24th July 2023, The Ministry of Finance, Government of India(GoI) has approved Employees’
Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)’s Central Board of Trustees’ recommendation to set the
annual interest rate of 8.15% on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) accounts for the financial year
2022-2023(FY23).
The current rate is 0.05% higher than 8.10% in FY22(4 Decades low interest rate).
CDoT to be the Nodal Agency for Handling IPRs & Patents

The Government of India(GoI) has decided to make the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT),
under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, as the nodal facilitation
agency to handle telecommunication intellectual property rights (IPRs) and patents.
Ministry of Jal Shakti Celebrated 1st Anniversary of Rural WASH Partners Forum (RWPF) in
Delhi
The Rural WASH Partners’ Forum (RWPF), a platform of the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation
(DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, celebrated its 1st anniversary during a two-day National
Conference on Rural WASH Partners’ Forum at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.The theme of the
conference was “Accelerating Progress towards a Swachh Sujal Bharat”. The conference was
inaugurated by Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri. Gajendra Singh and launched various initiative such as
✓ Release of the Manual for Disaster Management Plan (DMP),

✓ Set up of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Digital Academy,
✓ RWPF Annual Yearbook and Web page,
✓ Swachhata Chronicles – Transformative Tales from India, and
Field Assessment Framework and Ranking Protocol of SSG 2023….Click here for complete detail…
ITC released a Special Stamp on Mission Millets in Collaboration with Departmet of Post
ITC Limited, a leading Indian multi-business enterprise based in Kolkata, West Bengal, has released a
special postal stamp, a "Customised My Stamp” on Mission Millet in collaboration with the Department
of Post(India Post) under the Ministry of Communication.The stamp was released by Kailash
Choudhary, Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare(MoA&FW).
✓ My Stamp’ is the brand name for personalized sheets of Postage Stamps of India Post.Customized
My Stamp is a personalized sheet of Postage Stamps wherein the corporate, organizations and
institutions can get their customized sheets printed from India Post.
✓ India is the largest millet producer in the world.
GOVT SCHEMES
CENTRAL GOVT SCHEMES
Govt Launches Scheme to Support Pregnant Minor Victims of Sexual Assault
Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani has launched a new scheme to address
the challenges faced by pregnant minor victims of sexual assault who lack family support. The “scheme
for critical care and support for accessing justice to rape/gang rape survivors or minor girls who get
pregnant” aims to provide essential assistance to these vulnerable individuals under Ministry of
Women and Child Development (MWCD).
✓ Under the initiative, medical and financial support will be provided through the Nirbhaya Fund.
✓ The budget of the proposal is Rs 74.10 crore. The allocated funds will also be used to establish
dedicated shelters for these victims.
MHA launched Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States with
outlay of Rs 5000 crore
Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) launched a “Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services
in the States” as a part of the allocation of Preparedness and Capacity Building Funding Window under
the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to strengthen the fire services across the States of India.
The total outlay of the scheme is Rs 5000 crore and out of this, Rs. 500 crore is kept for to incentivize
the States on the basis of their legal and infrastructure-based reforms.
Govt extends Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana for 2 Years up to June 2024
The Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has extended the Atal Beemit Vyakti
Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY), an unemployment relief scheme, under the Employees’ State Insurance
Corporation (ESIC) for two years up to 30th June 2024. According to the gazette notification, the scheme
has been extended for a period 1st July 2022 to 30th June 2024 with relaxed eligibility conditions and
enhanced rate of relief.This is the third extension since its inception.
✓ Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) launched Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana
(ABVKY) scheme (on pilot basis) under the Section 2(9) of Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act,
1948.

STATE GOVT SCHEMES
TN Police launched “Pengal Pathukaaptu Thittam” for Women Traveling Alone at Night
Tamil Nadu (TN) Police launched a new scheme “Pengal Pathukaaptu Thittam” (Women safety scheme)
to ensure the safety of the women travelling alone at night (between 10 pm and 7 am).Under this
scheme, the women travelling alone can avail of free drop facility in a patrol vehicle in case they feel
unsafe.
MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan initiated the registration of Mukhyamantri Sikho Kamao Yojana
for youths in MP
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh (MP) implemented the Mukhyamantri Sikho-
Kamao Yojana (MMSKY) (CM Learn and Earn Scheme) for the skill development of the youths of MP.He
started the process of registration of youth applicants in this scheme and interacted with the youths
during the event organised at the Ravindra Bhavan in Bhopal, MP.The scheme-related training will
begin on 1st August 2023.
Odisha Government launches Mo Jungle Jami Yojana for Forest Dwellers

The Odisha Government launches ‘Mo Jungle Jami Yojana’ (My Forestland Scheme) with the aim to
recognise all rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of
Forest Rights Act)(FRA), 2006 in the next two years. Under Mo Jungle Jami Yojana scheme, Forest
Rights Cells will be constituted at the tehsil and district level for the implementation of FRA, 2006.
Pilot Project of Antyoday Shramik Suraksha Yojana Launched in Gujarat

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister of State for Communications Devusinh
Chauhan, launched the Pilot Project of Antyoday Shramik Suraksha Yojana for the welfare of the
workers from Nadia of Kheda district in Gujarat. Gujarat has become the first state in the India to
introduce this scheme aiming to benefit the workers.
✓ The scheme aims to provide financial stability to workers or Labourers, in case of any accident or
death.
It is being implemented through the Indian Postal Department, the Indian Post Payments Bank, and the
Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Karnataka Launches Scheme for Women Supporting Households

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the registration for Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which
provides Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of the households.The Scheme will benefit
around 1.28 crore families in Karnataka and the cash benefit of Rs 2,000 will be transferred through
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The Gruha Lakshmi scheme will be implemented from August 15, 2023.
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel Launches Gramin Awas Nyay Yojana

On 19 July 2023, During the announcement of Rs.1,764 crore worth benefits for various segments of
government employees, Chief Minister (CM) Bhupesh Baghel introduced the ‘Nyay Yojana,’ a housing
scheme aimed at providing homes to rural homeless individuals in Chhattisgarh.The scheme will be
fully sponsored by State Government of Chhattisgarh by allocating Rs.100 crore in budget.
✓ This scheme will help families which are encountering challenges in obtaining housing approval
due to the eligibility criteria for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana which is based on Socio-
Economic Survey 2011 (officially known as Socio Economic and Caste Census – SECC 2011).

Gujarat Launches Revamped PMJAY-MA Scheme with Rs 10 lakh Health Cover
Government of Gujarat launched the revamped Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Mukhyamantri
Amrutam (PMJAY-MA) scheme, under which people can avail free medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh,
a twofold rise from the previous limit of Rs 5 lakh.The revamped scheme was officially launched by
Rushikesh Patel, Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Gujarat in the presence of Gujarat Health
Department officials.
PMJAY, the world’s largest health assurance scheme, aims to provide poor and vulnerable families with
a health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
United States of America Rejoins UNESCO after 5 years
The United States of America (USA) re-joined as a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after 5 years.The 193 member states of UNESCO met for an
extraordinary session to examine the proposal of the USA to rejoin UNESCO as early as July 2023, on the
basis of a concrete financial plan, which includes a commitment to repay its estimated arrears of USD
619 million. During the meet, 132 voted in favour, 10 voted against.
✓ In 2017, the USA, during the presidency of Donald Trump, decided to withdraw from UNESCO.
FAO, UNEP, WHO & WOAH launched One Health Priority Research Agenda for AMR
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal
Health (WOAH) , “the Quadripartite organisations”, launched “A One Health Priority Research Agenda
for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)” through a webinar. The Research agenda aims to promot,e
increased research and investment in AMR.
The global experts have identified five key pillars as well as three cross-cutting themes, namely gender,
vulnerable populations, and sustainability using a mixed Method approach.The 5 key pillars are
Transmission, Integrated surveillance, Interventions, Behavioural insights & change, and Economics &
policy.
MEA: India joins Champions Group of Global Crisis Response Group

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that India has joined the champions group of the Global
Crisis Response Group (GCRG) at the invitation of Antonio Guterres, United Nations (UN) Secretary
General (SG), to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India.Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), MEA has
been designated as Sherpa to the GCRG process. The decision to join the Group reflects India’s
increasing global leadership and commitment addressing contemporary global challenges.
United Nations IMO adopts strategy to reduce GHG Emissions from Ships
United Nations(UN) International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted the 2023 IMO Strategy at the
Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) on Reduction of Greenhouse gases (GHG) Emissions
from Ships, with enhanced targets to tackle harmful emissions.The revised IMO GHG Strategy aims to
reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping close to 2050.
IMO has also established a goal to adopt technologies, fuels, and energy sources with zero greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions, aiming for a minimum adoption rate of 5% and striving for a higher adoption rate
of 10% by the year 2030.

Adani Group Commissioned India’s First Transnational Power Project to Bangladesh
Adani Group commenced the full load power supply to Bangladesh from the Adani group’s Ultra Super-
Critical Thermal Power Plant (USCTPP) in Godda, Jharkhand. This is India’s first commissioned
transnational power project where 100% of the generated power is supplied to another nation.
✓ Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani called on Bangladesh Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina in
Dhaka, Bangladesh on full load commencement and handover of the 1600 MW USCTPP.
World Humanitarian Drive Got Special Status from The UN For Global Education
World Humanitarian Drive (WHD), an international Non-governmental organization (NGO), which
promotes international education and trade, has been granted special consultative status by United
Nations (UN)’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
✓ With this ECOSOC status, WHD will be authorised to interact actively with its subsidiary bodies,
the Human Rights Council, certain UN General Assembly (UNGA) sessions, other
intergovernmental bodies, and the UN Secretariat.
ECOSOC is the highest status granted to a NGO, which allows them to facilitate with the United Nations.
UK Signed Treaty to Join Trans-Pacific Trading Bloc

United Kingdom (UK) signed a deal to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-
Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a major Asia-Pacific trading bloc in New Zealand and became the first new
member and first European nation to join since it was formed in 2018.
✓ Kemi Badenoch, the Business and Trade Secretary of the UK signed the treaty confirming UK’s
accession protocol for the CPTPP in New Zealand.
UAE Becomes 1st Arab Country to Get Observer Status at Asia/Pacific Group on Money
Laundering
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the first Arab country to be granted observer status of the
Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), the largest Financial Action Task Force-style regional
body (FSRB) in the world. The decision was made at the APG’s 2023 Annual Meeting and Technical
Assistance and Training Forum held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from 9-14 July 2023.
The UAE was named to the Financial Action Task Force list in 2022. The list denotes countries that are
working to address “strategic deficiencies” with regard to money laundering and illicit financing, which
the UAE has displayed via its participation in Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force
(MENAFATF).
Italy Unveils Memorial to Honour Indian Army Soldiers Who Fought in World War-II
On 22nd July 2023, the Commune of Monotone, Italy and the Italain Military historians unveiled
the V.C Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial at Montone, Perugia, Italy, as a tribute to the Indian
soldiers from the 4th, 8th and 10th Divisions, who fought in the Italian Campaign, during the Second
World War (WW-II) (1939-1945).
✓ The memorial also honoured the supreme sacrifices of Indian Soldier, Naik Yeshwant Ghadge,
Victoria Cross (VC) recipient (posthumous), who was killed during the fighting in the of Upper
Tiber Valley, Italy on 10th July 1944.
3rd India & Lao FOC held in Vientiane, Lao; Signed MoUs for 5 QIPs
The 3rd round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Lao People’s Democratic
Republic (PDR) was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The FOC was co-chaired by Saurabh Kumar, Secretary
(East), Ministry of External Affairs(MEA), India and Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Deputy Foreign
Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lao PDR. During the 3rd India-Lao FOC, 5 MoUs were signed

between the 2 nations for the implementation of 5 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), in the fields of
education, health, water facility and Information Technology (IT).
✓ Discussions also covered mutual interests in regional and global issues, along with cooperation in
international forums such as the United Nations (UN), ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian
Nations), and Mekong Ganga Cooperation.
About Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR): Capital– Vientiane and Currency– Laotian Kip(Lao
kip)
VISITS
INDIAN VISITS
Highlights of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Visit to India from 20- 21st July
2023
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe made an official two-day visit to India from 20- 21st July
2023. The visit takes place as both countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic relations in 2023.
✓ India and Sri Lanka adopted a vision document titled, “Promoting Connectivity, Catalysing
Prosperity” that would strengthen maritime, air, energy and people-to-people connectivity.
Important MoU’s exchanged between India and Sri Lanka:
✓ Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) in the field of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
✓ MoU on cooperation in the field of renewable energy.
✓ Memorandum of Cooperation for economic development projects in Trincomalee district of Sri
Lanka.
✓ Network to Network Agreement between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL)and Lanka
Pay for UPI application acceptance in Sri Lanka
✓ Energy Permit for Sampur Solar Power Project.
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Rajasthan and Gujarat

Prime Minister(PM) of India, Narendra Modi was on a
two day visit to Rajasthan and Gujarat to inaugurate
and launch various new initiatives and events.
PM Modi visit to Rajasthan:
✓ He released the 14th instalment of the Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme
worth over Rs 17,000 crore to more than 8.5
crores farmers.
✓ He also launched ‘Urea Gold’, a new variety of
Urea coated with Sulphur to address sulphur
deficiencies in the soil.
✓ He also launched the onboarding of 1600 Farmer
Producer Organisations (FPOs) on the Open
Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
✓ Inauguration of 6 Eklavya Model Residential
Schools and One Kendriya Vidyalaya.
PM Modi visit to Gujarat:
✓ PM Modi inaugurated Gujarat’s first greenfield airport‘ Hirasar greenfield International airport’ in
Hirasar, Rajkot,Gujarat.

✓ He also inaugurated the 2nd edition of SemiconIndia 2023 conference in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
✓ PM Modi dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs.860 crores in Rajkot,
Gujarat…Click here to read more detail..
FOREIGN VISITS
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Tanzania officially for 4-days
Dr. S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister (EAM) went on a four-day official visit to United Republic of
Tanzania from 5-8 July 2023.EAM’s visit to Tanzania will further integrate the bilateral relations
between the two nations. On the 4-day visit, Jaishankar first visited a water supply project funded by
line of credit from the Government of India in Zanzibar, an island of Tanzania from 5th to 6th July 2023.
✓ EAM visited the water project in the Kibamba district of Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania), which is built
with Indian assistance that supplies water to Dar es Salaam. He was joined by Jumaa Aweso, the
Minister of Water and Irrigation of Tanzania.
✓ During the 4-day visit the EAM co-chaired the 10th session of India-Tanzani Joint Commisiion on
Economic, Technical and Scientific Cooperation, in Dar-es-Salaam and signified the bilateral
relations between the 2 nations have always been strong since independence.
✓ During His visit, on 6th July 2023, a MoU has been signed between India and Tanzania for
establishing the first IIT campus outside India named IIT Madras in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
✓ EAM S Jaishankar attended reception onboard INS Trishul along with Zanzibar President in
Tanzania.
Foreign Cooperation Department (FCD) of the government of Haryana and the Tanzania Investment
Centre (TIC) signed a MoU to support the bilateral economic collaboration and promote greater
economic growth and increase investment opportunities between India and Tanzania…Click here to
read complete detail…
Overview of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2-day visit to France; Horizon 2047 Adopted
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a 2-day official visit to France from 13th to 14th July 2023 at the
invitation of H.E. Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of France.Notably, the year 2023 marked the 25th
anniversary of the India – France Strategic Partnership.
✓ PM Narendra Modi has become the first Indian PM to have been conferred with the Grand Cross of
the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian and military honour, by French President
Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France.
✓ PM Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron met and emphasized the strong and resilient
relationship between their countries.
✓ In order to set out their shared vision for this next phase of the India-France Strategic Partnership,
both leaders adopted the ‘Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic
Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations’…Click here for more detail….
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to UAE

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India, officially visited Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This mark’s his 5th visit to UAE since 2015.He had official meet with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, HH
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan andHis Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan President of the UAE, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
✓ During the visit, the Indian PM met Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, President-designate of CoP28 (Conference
of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) and Group CEO (Chief
Executive Officer) of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

✓ Two agreements were inked between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Central Bank of UAE
(CBUAE) to facilitating seamless cross border transactions and payments, and foster greater
economic cooperation between the two countries.
✓ India signs MoU with Education and Knowledge dept of Abu Dhabi for setting up IIT Delhi campus.
✓ A Head of Agreement (HoA) was signed between India’s Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Limited to
import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from UAE’s Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Co (Adnoc) Ltd and
TotalEnergies of France on a long-term basis…Click here for complete detail..
Highlights of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s 3-day visit to Malaysia -July 2023
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a three-day official visit to Malaysia from 9-11 July 2023, with a
focus on further combining bilateral defence cooperation and Enhanced Strategic Partnership between
India and Malaysia. During his visit, he held bilateral talks with the Defence Minister of Malaysia Mr
Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan, where both the ministers reviewed defence cooperation between the 2
nations.
✓ During the visit, discussed the roadmap for the 4th Decade of India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation
with Malaysian counterpart Mohamad Hasan in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
✓ Rajnath Singh inaugurated Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) regional office in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.
✓ Rajnath Singh unveiled the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Malaysia…Click here to add
more detail…
BANKING & FINANCE

RBI IN NEWS
India May 2023 services exports rise 7.7% to USD 27.06 billion: RBI
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provisional data on July 4, 2023, India’s services exports
in May 2023 increased by 7.7% compared to May 2022, reaching USD ($)27.06 billion while imports
rose 2% to USD 15.5 billion.
The government’s initial estimates, released in mid-June, had indicated that services exports amounted
to USD 25.3 billion, with services imports at USD13.53 billion.
Education financing startup Propelld gets NBFC licence from RBI

Education financing startup, Propelld has procured a non-banking financial company (NBFC) license
from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to disburse loans worth Rs.2000 Cr by Financial Year(FY)24 and
to bolster its direct lending proposition. Previously, Propelld provided lending solutions by partnering
with NBFCs but now the new license will help the company to lend directly along with functioning as a
loan service provider (LSP).
RBI cancels licenses of Malkapur Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd & Shushruti Souharda Sahakara
Bank Niyamita
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the banking licenses of two co-operative banks viz. Malkapur
Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd(Malkapur UCB) based in Buldhana, Maharashtra, and Shushruti Souharda
Sahakara Bank Niyamita(SSS Bank) based in Bengaluru, Karnataka.In this regard, these two co-
operative banks ceased to carry on banking business as defined in Section 5(b) read with Section 56 of
the Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949 with effect from July 5, 2023.

IBA Sets Up 5-Member Group to Implement RBI Committee’s Recommendations on Arcs
Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has formed a five-member working group for the Implementation of
recommendations from the Reserve Bank of India’s committee on the working of Asset Reconstruction
Companies (ARCs). The formation of the working group follows the establishment of an RBI committee
chaired by Sudarshan Sen, a former Executive Director of RBI.
✓ The committee was tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the functioning of ARCs,
and its report was released on November 2, 2021.
The RBI has instructed the IBA and SLMA to form a Group to promptly implement the committee’s
recommendations, in consultation with lenders and ARCs.
RBI Allows Card Network Portability from Oct 1, 2023

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a ‘Draft Circular – Arrangements with Card Networks
for issue of Debit, Credit and Prepaid Cards’ empowering the debit, credit, and prepaid card users in
India with Card network portability w.e.f. October 1st, 2023.
✓ This means users can port their card network just like one can port switch/port mobile service
providers while retaining the same phone number.
✓ The Card network portability will keep their existing card accounts, balances, and credit history
intact.
RBI Cancelled Licence of 2 Co-Operative banks, Harihareshwar Sahakari Bank and Sri Sharada
Mahila Cooperative Bank
Reserve bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of two cooperative banks, Sri Sharada Mahila
Co-operative Bank, Tumkur, Karnataka and Harihareshwar Sahakari Bank, Satara in Maharashtra.The
licence was cancelled by RBI under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as these cooperative
banks do not have adequate capital and earning prospects and have failed to comply with the
requirements of the banking regulation act.RBI has asked these two lenders to cease banking business
from 11 July 2023 in two separate statements.
India Needs Average Annual Growth Rate of 7.6% for 25 Years to Become Developed Nation:
RBI Paper
According to the article titled “India @ 100” published in Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Bulletin July 2023
published by RBI’s Economic Research Department, India needs to achieve an average annual real Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 7.6% over the next 25 years to become a developed nation by
2047-48. This would require raising the current per capita GDP from USD2,500 to USD22,000, an
increase of 8.8 times.
✓ This paper, authored by Harendra Behera, V. Dhanya, Kunal Priyadarshi, and Sapna Goel, is
included in the RBI’s July 2023 issue of its monthly Bulletin, released on July 17, 2023.
✓ India’s industrial sector should increase its share from the current 25.6% to 35% by 2047-48, and
manufacturing should occupy 25% share in total value added.
RBI Cancels Licence of United India Co-operative Bank Limited

Reserve Bank of India(RBI) cancelled the licence of United India Co-operative Bank Limited, Nagina(
Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh) as the bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects to pay its
present depositors in full.
The bank also does not comply with the provisions of Section 11(1) and bank has failed to comply with
the requirements of Sections 22(3) (a), 22 (3) (b), 22(3)(c), 22(3) (d) and 22(3)(e) read with Section 56
of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

✓ The bank is prohibited from engaging in any ‘banking’ activities, including the acceptance and
repayment of deposits, as defined in Section 5(b) in conjunction with Section 56 of the Banking
Regulation Act, 1949.
The RBI reassured depositors that they will receive insurance claims for their deposits, subject to the
monetary ceiling of 5 lakhs from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), in
accordance with the DICGC Act, 1961.
RBI Sets Restrictions on Bengaluru based National Co-operative Bank

The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has imposed business limitations to National Co-operative Bank
Limited one of the oldest banks in Bengaluru for its declining financial condition. The restrictions are
imposed under the provision of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
RBI Includes S.Korea’s ‘NongHyup Bank’ in the list of Scheduled Banks under Schedule II of RBI
Act, 1934
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a notification addressing all the banks regarding the inclusion of
South Korea based ‘NongHyup Bank’ in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• As per the RBI notification, NongHyup Bank has been officially including in the Second Schedule of
the RBI Act 1934 and published in the Gazette of India (Part III – Section 4).
To qualify as a scheduled bank, the bank’s paid-up capital and collected funds must be at least Rs. 5 lakh
SEBI
Highlights of SEBI Board Meeting: Reduction of Public Issue Listing Timelines; Board
Representation for Retail Investors under REITS/InvITs
On June 28, 2023, the board of Securities and Exchange Board
of India (SEBI) has approved a series of decisions such as the
reduction of public issue listing timelines, the introduction of
regulations for Non-Convertible Debt Securities (NCDs), and
strengthening investor grievance handling mechanisms to
improve the market efficiency and investor protection.
SEBI board also approves the amendments to the SEBI
infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs) Regulations, 2014
and SEBI real estate investment trusts (REITs) Regulations,
2014 to provide nomination rights to unitholders holding
10%.
✓ SEBI has decided to mandate enhanced disclosures
from certain class of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs),
including furnishing granular level details about
ownership and economic interests.
✓ SEBI strengthened the investor-grievance mechanism
by integrating the SEBI Complaint Redressal System (SCORES) with the Online Dispute Resolution
(ODR) mechanism.
✓ SEBI board has approved the introduction of provisions related to the listing of non-convertible debt
securities and voluntary delisting of NCDs.
✓ Direct participation by clients in Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC).
The board also considered and approved the SEBI Annual Report 2022-23. the report will be submitted to the
Government of India in compliance with section 18(2) of the SEBI Act 1992.

SEBI mandates Certification for ESG Rating Providers Within 6 months; Tightens Disclosure
Norms for Listed Firms
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated that all entities providing ESG
(Environmental, Social, Governance) rating services to Indian entities to get a certification from it
within 6 months w.e.f. July 3, 2023.A person acting as an ESG rating may continue to do so for a period
of six months from the date of this regulation coming
into force.
✓ This information by SEBI is issued in exercise of
the powers conferred by Section 11 (1) of SEBI
Act, 1992 read with the provisions of Regulation
20 of SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations,
1999, to protect the interest of investors and to
regulate the securities market.
✓ SEBI has also tightened the disclosure norms for
listed companies with strict timelines and
introduced criteria for determining the
materiality of events w.e.f. July 15, 2023.
This information by SEBI is issued in exercise of the
powers conferred under sections 11(1) and 11A of the
SEBI Act, 1992 and regulation 101 of SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015/LODR Regulations, 2015.
BSE, NSE & SEBI Allowed Micro-Cap Stocks under ESM to Trade on All Days
On July 18, 2023, a joint discussion of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National Stock Exchange (NSE)
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decided to lift trading curbs on micro-cap stocks that
come under Enhanced Surveillance Measures (ESM). The revised framework is applicable from July 24,
2023.
Table showing existing Rules and New Rules:
Stage Existing Surveillance Revised Surveillance Action
Action
I Applicable margin shall be No Change
100% from T+2 day. AND
Trade for Trade settlement
with price band of 5% OR
2% (In case scrip is already
in 2% band)
II Trade for Trade settlement Trade for Trade settlement

with price band of 2%. AND AND 100% Margin AND
Trading permitted once a Trading permitted with +/-
week with Periodic Call 2% price band on all trading
Auction. days under Periodic Call
Auction
SEBI Expands Scope of ESG Investing, Allows Six New Strategies for Mutual Funds
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the regulator of the securities market, through a circular
allowed Asset Management Companies(AMC) to introduce six new strategies under the Environmental,

Social and Governance (ESG) category.Currently, mutual funds are restricted to offer only one scheme
with ESG investing under the thematic category for equity schemes.
The six sub-categories to the ESG theme, namely exclusion, integration, best-in-class and positive
screening, impact investing, sustainable objectives, and transition-related investments.
SEBI Rolled out Framework for CDMDF; Mandates FPIs to Disclose LEI Code
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) rolled out the Framework for Corporate Debt Market
Development Fund (CDMDF) which aims to establish a Backstop Facility to purchase investment-
grade corporate debt securities, enhance secondary market liquidity, and boost confidence among the
participants in the Corporate Debt Market during periods of stress.
✓ It complies with the Guarantee Scheme for Corporate Debt (GSCD) notified by the Ministry of
Finance on July 26, 2023.
✓ SEBI mandates all non-individual Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to disclose their Legal Entity
Identifier (LEI) code to improve the quality and accuracy of financial data systems for better risk
management. Presently, FPIs are required to provide their LEI details in the Common Application
Form (CAF), used for registration, KYC (Know Your Customer) and account opening of FPIs on a
voluntary basis…Click here for more detail….
LOANS ISSUED BY BANKS

LOANS ISSUED RECEIVED BY AMOUNT KEY NOTES
BY
European India’s National Green EURO 1 billion European Investment Bank (EIB) is set to
Investment Bank Hydrogen Mission support India’s National Green Hydrogen
(EIB) Mission with a substantial loan of up to
EURO 1 billion to boost green hydrogen and
renewable energy projects in India. The EIB
aims to boost India’s renewable energy
ambitions by supporting renewable energy
generation, energy storage technologies,
power transmission and distribution
infrastructure.
The government has set a target to build
capabilities for producing at least 5 million
metric tonnes of green hydrogen per annum
by 2030.
United States of IIFL Home Finance USD 50 million IIFL Home Finance Limited (IIFLHFL), a
America (US) Limited (IIFLHFL) digital first home finance company and a
International subsidiary of IIFL Finance, secured a USD 50
Development million loan from the United States of
Finance Corp America (US) International Development
(DFC) Finance Corp (DFC) in order to expand its
portfolio of affordable home financing
specifically targeting sustainable housing.
The fund was raised at a concessional rate of
5.72%, which includes the hedging cost. Its
funding cost on average is 8.4%.

AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED
BANKS SIGNED WITH KEY NOTES
Kotak Mahindra Bank National Payments To introduce the facility of linking its RuPay
Limited (KMBL/Kotak) Corporation of India (NPCI) Credit Card to a Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
with UPI-enabled apps. The Kotak RuPay Credit
Card will be linked to Virtual Payment Address
(VPA), a UPI ID, to enable safe and secure
payment transactions. With this, Customers are
no longer needed to carry their physical credit
cards.
Customers of KMBL can select from 7 RuPay
Credit Cards and scan Quick Response (QR) code
or perform transactions on Point of Sale (POS)
throughout India.
Shriram Finance, a Paytm Paytm announced a strategic partnership with
non-banking finance Shriram Finance, a non-banking finance company
company (NBFC) (NBFC) of the Chennai (Tamil Nadu)-based
Shriram group, to extend financial services to its
users, including loan products. Under this
partnership, Shriram Finance products will be
made available on Paytm’s platform digitally.
This partnership combines Paytm’s wide reach
and technology framework with Shriram
Finance’s lending expertise as the largest retail
NBFC in rural areas of India.
Indian Bank, a leading National E-Governance To roll out a range of digital services as part of its
public sector lender Services Ltd (NeSL) ambitious digital transformation initiative,
Project WAVE (World of Advance Virtual
Experience), which was initiated in January
2022. These innovative services are set to
revolutionise the banking experience by
significantly reducing the turnaround time for
bank guarantee issuance and delivery.
✓ As part of their digital transformation
efforts, Indian Bank and NeSL have
introduced an electronic bank guarantee
(e-BG) service to replace traditional
paper-based processes.
Indian Bank: MD & CEO – Shanti Lal Jain ,
Headquarters – Chennai,Tamilnadu.
Max Life Insurance DCB Bank Ltd To offer different types of life insurance products
Company Ltd to the DCB bank customers including Term,
Savings and Retirement Plans to secure their
financial future and increase their investment
portfolio.
✓ The partnership aims to empower DCB
Bank’s customers by providing them with

innovative and flexible life insurance
products that cater to their needs.
Under this partnership, DCB Bank customers will
get access to Max Life’s protection and long-term
savings products, providing financial stability for
themselves and their family.
PayU Payments Private Chiratae Ventures, a venture Launched a 45-day fintech accelerator program
Limited (PayU), leading capital firm called ‘inFINity’ for early-stage startups in India.
payments solution The deadline to apply for the program is August
provider, in 11, 2023. Selected applicants will be announced
collaboration with on August 17, and the program will begin on
Amazon Web August 31 with a three-day in-person boot camp
Services(AWS) India in Bengaluru(Karnataka), followed by four weeks
of intensive online training.
International Financial Pilani Innovation & Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Services Centers Entrepreneurship at BITS Pilani PIEDS Finxcelerator, Pilani Campus
Authority (IFSCA) Development Society (PIEDS), in Rajasthan.
Birla Institute of Technology The MoU aims to set up a framework for
and Science (BITS), Pilani cooperation and understanding between IFSCA
(Rajasthan) and BITS Pilani PIEDS Finxcelerator to collaborate
in supporting and facilitating FinTech and TechFin
entities.
Punjab National Bank Gujarat Cooperative Milk To offer financial services to Federation’s supply
(PNB) Marketing Federation Ltd network pan India under the Micro Units
(GCMMFL), known as “AMUL” Development & Refinance Agency Ltd (MUDRA)
scheme. Under this MoU, PNB will finance Amul’s
retailers, wholesale dealers/area milk distributors
and exclusive Amul preferred outlets-milk
parlours through small ticket financing under
MUDRA.
Union Bank of India IBM India Private Limited To create a state-of-the-art Digital Business
(UBI) Platform, focusing on Omni-channel experiences
and data-driven hyper-personalization and a
comprehensive financial services superstore
designed for seamless cross-selling and upselling.
Dvara Kshetriya HDFC Bank Limited Entered into a co-lending partnership to provide
Gramin Financial business capital to micro enterprises operating
Services (KGFS), primarily in the unorganised sector, that have
Chennai(Tamil Nadu) limited access to formal sources of finance.
based Non-Banking The partnership aligns with the Dvara KGFS’s
Financial Company 2023 Annual Operating Plan (AOP) looking to
(NBFC) enable credit for micro businesses across the 10
states that it serves.

OTHER BANKING NEWS
World Bank Approves USD1.5 billion to Support India’s Low-Carbon Transition
World Bank granted USD1.5 billion in financing to accelerate India’s development of low-carbon energy
sources. This funding aims to assist India in scaling up renewable energy, fostering the growth of green
hydrogen, and stimulating climate finance for investments in low-carbon energy.The program’s
objectives include scaling up renewable energy supply to reduce costs and improve grid integration.
✓ This will assist India in achieving its target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
✓ World Bank approved the USD200 million loan to Government of Himachal Pradesh with a
maturity period of 14.5 years, including a grace period of 4.5 years. The objective of the loan is to
facilitate power sector reforms in the state and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy (RE)
in its electricity generation.
World Bank: Establishment – July, 1944 ,Headquarters – Washington DC, United States of
America(USA).
Indian Overseas Bank Launches RuPay Select Debit Card, Offering Exclusive Luxury Benefits
Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) introduced the all-new RuPay Select Debit card, aiming to provide
customers with a comprehensive blend of luxury, convenience, and security. o be eligible for the RuPay
Select Debit card, individuals must maintain a savings bank account or a certificate of deposit (CD) with
IOB, with an average daily balance of Rs. 1 lakh.
✓ The cash withdrawal limit is set at Rs. 50,000, while the daily limit for merchant establishment
usage (PoS) is Rs. 5 lakh. For e-commerce transactions, users can spend up to Rs. 3.5 lakh per day.
Indian Overseas Bank : MD & CEO – Ajay Kumar Srivastava , Headquarters – Chennai,Tamil Nadu.
NABARD’s 42nd Foundation Day 2023- 12th July

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) founded in 12th July 1982,celebrated
its 42nd Foundation Day. Amit Shah, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation was the chief
guest of the event held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, Delhi.The day was marked by a series of events
throughout the country, including a webinar on the theme of “NABARD: 42 Years of Rural
Transformation.”
✓ NABARD has launched credit delivery mechanism like Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Joint Liability
Group (JLG) , Self Help Groups (SHG) , Banking Correspondents, improving the rural infrastructure
through Rural infrastructure development fund (RIDF), improving the financial health of co-
operative banks & Regional Rural Banks (RRB) etc.
HDFC Bank Crossed USD 100 Billion Valuation; Becomes World’s 7th largest Lender
On 14th July 2023,HDFC Bank crossed the USD 100 billion market capitalisation(m-cap) and traded at a
market value of around USD 152 billion. With this, HDFC Bank has emerged as the World’s 7th largest
lender, moving ahead of Bank of China( and Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs.
HDFC bank has entering the list of the world’s top 10 banks by market capitalisation. JPMorgan Chase
(USD 438 billion) tops the list followed by Bank of America at 2nd (USD 232 billion) and ICBC at 3rd
(USD 224 billion).
UST Joins Project Rosalind to Develop API Prototypes for CBDC

Digital Transformation Solutions Provider UST joined Project Rosalind, an initiative led by the Bank for
International Settlements (BIS) and the Bank of England (BoE) to develop Application programming
interface (API) prototypes for central bank digital currencies (CBDC). The project aims to explore the
potential impact of CBDCs on various sectors and to develop a well-designed API layer that can enable

interaction between a central bank ledger and private sector service providers for safe and efficient
retail CBDC payments.
SBI Revamps YONO App; Launches Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal Facility
State Bank of India (SBI) revamped its digital banking app, 'YONO for Every Indian,' and introduced
the Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW) facility, aimed at providing greater convenience to
customers. These updates were unveiled on SBI's 68th Bank Day. The revamped YONO (You Only Need
One) app aims to meet customer expectations for a seamless and pleasant digital experience, turning
the vision of 'YONO for Every Indian' into a reality.
3 Multilateral Development Banks Have Pledged upto USD 27 bn for India’s Green Growth
During the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023), three Multilateral Development
Banks, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank
have contributed USD 27 billion for India’s Green Growth.
The funding allotment:
✓ The EIB has pledged Euro(€) 1 billion to develop a large-scale hydrogen industry hub
✓ The ADB intends to provide USD 20-25 billion over 5 years to support India’s green growth
✓ The World Bank approved USD 1.5 billion to aid India’s low-carbon transition journey.
IDFC FIRST Bank, Club Vistara, & Mastercard has Introduced Travel Credit Card
IDFC FIRST Bank Ltd has collaborated with Club Vistara under TATA SIA Airlines Limited, known by the
brand name Vistara and Mastercard to introduce a travel credit card that aims to enhance travel
experiences and lifestyle-related offers to cardholders.The new card will provide banking services with
travel incentives.
The card offers CFAR(Cancel For Any Reason) Insurance, providing coverage for non-refundable
components of travel bookings.
IDFC FIRST Bank Ltd: MD & CEO- V. Vaidyanathan , Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Citi Commercial Bank launches a New Platform for Enhanced Digital Banking Service
Citi Commercial Bank (CCB) has unveiled a new platform called CitiDirect Commercial Banking in the
United States of America (USA). By integrating the services such as banking relationships, spanning
cash management, loans, trade, foreign exchange (FX), servicing, and onboarding into a single platform,
CCB aims to simplify and enhance the banking experience for its commercial clients.
Merger Between HDFC Ltd and HDFC Bank Ltd Receives Final Board Approval
In a significant development, the merger between Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC)
and HDFC Bank has successfully obtained final board approval. With a valuation of around USD 40
billion, this unprecedented merger creates a financial services powerhouse. The approval was granted
by HDFC Bank’s board in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013.
Composite Scheme of Amalgamation for merger:
✓ HDFC Investments Limited and HDFC Holdings Limited merged with HDFC Limited.
✓ HDFC Limited merged with HDFC Bank Limited has become effective from July 1, 2023.
Bank of India, 1st Bank, to Roll Out Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme
Bank of India (BoI) became the first bank to officially roll out Mahila Samman Savings Certificate
(MSSC), 2023, and operationalizing this scheme at all its branches. The roll-out ceremony was
inaugurated by the Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rajneesh Karnatak through

a Video Conference (VC). BoI is authorized to open accounts under MSSC. So far, only post offices were
authorized to open accounts under MSSC.
Airtel Payments Bank, Park+ team up to enable FASTag-based parking solution at Varanasi
Airport
Airtel Payments Bank has collaborated with Park+ to enable FASTag-based smart parking at the Lal
Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.This smart parking solution allows automatic
cashless payments at airport parking.
The parking fee payment is deducted through the FASTag associated with the vehicle, which reduced
the time required to make the payment.
✓ Amit Lakhotia is the Founder and CEO of Park+.
Flipkart with Axis Bank Launches Personal Loans to Attract New Customers
In collaboration with Axis Bank, Flipkart, the leading e-commerce company in India, has introduced a
personal loan service accessible through Flipkart’s app. This loan facility allows individuals to obtain up
to Rs 5 lakh, with a remarkable approval time of just 30 seconds and eliminates the need for document
submission.By offering personal loans, Flipkart is hoping to attract new customers who may be unable
to afford large purchases outright.
HDFC Bank Becomes First to Offer Interoperability Between CBDC and UPI
HDFC(Housing Development Finance Corporation) Bank, the largest private sector lender in India
launched UPI QR code(Unified Payments Interface Quick Response code)interoperable with India’s
sovereign digital currency, Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).With this, HDFC Bank became the first
bank in the country to complete the integration process between UPI payment system and Digital
currency.
✓ HDFC Bank will enable Digital Rupee payments in several cities, including Mumbai, Delhi,
Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, and Gangtok.
About HDFC Bank : MD & CEO – Sashidhar Jagdishan , Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra.
PNB Launched ‘Project PNB PALAASH’ for Environmental Sustainability

Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading Public Sector Bank, launched an environmental initiative ‘Project
PNB Palaash’, an eight-month campaign to promote sustainability aimed at reducing costs and enhancing
operational efficiencies through measures such as energy and resource conservation, paper reduction, waste
management and optimised digital processes.
✓ The campaign is in line with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) vision of sustainable finance and the 6th
iteration of Enhanced Access and Service Excellence (EASE 6.0), an initiative by Department of Financial
Services (DFS), Government of India.
Indian Bank Launched “Resources Acquisition Centres” to Build-up Deposit Portfolio

Indian Bank, India’s 7th largest Public Sector Bank launched “Resources Acquisition Centre” (RAC) to
bolster its retail deposit business portfolio, which encloses Current Deposit, Savings Bank, and Term
Deposit accounts. The bank plans to establish 20 RACs at Ultra Potential Centres in Phase-I to
strengthen its deposit portfolio. The inaugural ceremony of the first RAC took place in Mumbai,
Maharashtra.
Indian Bank: MD & CEO– Shanti Lal Jain , Headquarters– Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Federal Bank launches Non-Resident SB Account ‘NRE Eve+’ for NRI Women
The Federal Bank Limited (the erstwhile Travancore Federal Bank Limited) launched a unique Non-
Resident (NR) Saving Bank (SB) account scheme, named SB NRE (Non-Resident External) Eve+
designed exclusively for the financial needs of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) women.The customised debit
card was presented to the first NRE Eve+ customer (Suni Paul) of the Federal Bank.
✓ The release of NRE Eve+ Savings Account was announced at the ‘Nurses Day Out’ Event conducted
as part of Nikai Angel Awards 2023 held at the De Montfort University, Dubai, United Arab
Emirates (UAE) on 23rd July 2023.
About Federal Bank Ltd:MD&CEO– Shyam Srinivasan , Headquarters– Aluva, Kerala.
CRISIL’s 2023 Greenwich Share and Quality Leaders: HDFC Bank tops in 3 Categories
A list of Coalition Greenwich’s (a division of CRISIL) Share and Quality Leaders, and Greenwich
Excellence Awards 2023 was released in which HDFC Bank (among India’s local banks) has overtaken
the State Bank of India (SBI) as a top ranked bank in the 3 categories of Share and Quality Leaders
Award list.
✓ HDFC Bank topped the list of Indian Large Corporate Banking Market Penetration – Local
Banks and the list of Indian Middle Market Banking Market Penetration(Local Banks).
✓ HDFC Bank also shared a top spot with ICICI Bank in the category of ‘Indian Middle Market
Banking Quality – Local Banks’.
ICICI Bank has topped the Indian Large Corporate Banking Quality – Local Banks and emerged as the
sole designation for Greenwich Quality Leader 2023(Large Corporate)…Click here for the complete
award winners detail…
Indian Banks Receive Rs.5,729 Crore DEA Fund for Unclaimed Deposit Settlement
On 24th July 2023, Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad, the Union Minister of State(MoS) for Finance Ministry,
announced that over the past five years Indian banks have been allocated a sum of Rs.5,729 crore from
the “Depositor Education and Awareness” (DEA) Fund, as an effort to reunite unclaimed deposits
with their claimants.
✓ As of 31st March 2023, Rs. 36,185 crores is transferred from Public Sector Banks to DEA Fund and
Rs. 6,087 crores are transferred from Private banks as well.
✓ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated the “100 Days 100 Pays” campaign, aiming to help
banks locate and settle the top 100 unclaimed deposits of each bank in every district across the
country within a 100-day timeframe.
World Bank Approves Bank of Israel’s Membership to Join the ICCR

World Bank on June 2023 issued an official approval for the Bank of Israel to join the International
Committee on Credit Reporting (ICCR).
World Bank (WB) with the support from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) created and
coordinated the ICCR in 2009.ICCR is the only recognized international standard setter and guideline
issuer on credit reporting.
Canara Bank Leads PSBs in Lending with Rs 187,813cr to State PSUs & Corp.; TN holds Highest
Debt
For the 5th consecutive time Canara Bank topped the list of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) with the
highest lending of Rs 187,813 crore in FY23 to Corporations and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) of
States and Union Territories (UTs).

✓ Punjab National Bank (PNB) has notified as second highest lender in FY23 with a total loan
disbursal of Rs 70,142.5 crore. State Bank of India (SBI) as 3rd highest lender, lent Rs
66,523.2 crore to State enterprises in FY23, down from Rs 81,735 crore in FY22.
✓ Out of the 12 PSBs, only Canara Bank and Central Bank of India have increased their exposure
in FY23 while the other 10 had reduced their lending to PSBs.
Tamil Nadu has highest Outstanding Debt in India
As per the RBI’s ‘State finances: A study of budgets of 2022-23’ report published in 2023, Tamil
Nadu(TN) has the highest amount of outstanding debt among all States and Union Territories in India,
at Rs 7.54-lakh crore (as per budget estimates for FY23) followed by Uttar Pradesh (UP) at 7.10-lakh
crore.
✓ Odisha is the only state in the country to reduce its debt consistently over the past three years:
1.8% in 2019-20, 8.4% in 2020-21, and 12% in FY 2022-23.
FINANCE NEWS
India Voluntarily Contributes USD 1 Million to UN for Promoting Use of Hindi Language
India contributed USD 1 million as part of a voluntary contribution to the United Nations (UN) towards
expansion of usage of the Hindi language in the UN and to encourage inclusive dialogue and
understanding.Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN handed over a cheque of
USD 1 million to Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under Secretary General of the UN Department of Global
Communications.
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance sets Guinness World Records title at the first-ever General
Insurance Festival of India
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company (BAGIC), one of the leading private general insurers of India,
hosted the first-ever General Insurance Festival of India (GIFI) in Pune, Maharashtra, which officially set
a new Guinness World Records achievements for the largest attendance for an insurance conference.
✓ There was a record turnout of 5235 attendees who contributed to creating history in the
insurance industry worldwide. This record-breaking achievement was announced at the main
event of GIFI.
As a part of GIFI, Bajaj has established the GIFI Awards in India to recognise the top-ranked health and
general insurance advisors across the insurance industry….Click here for GIFI Awards announced the
top-ranked health and general insurance advisors .
Tata AIA Revolutionizes Insurance Payments with WhatsApp and UPI Integration
Tata AIA, the life insurance arm backed by Tata Group, has introduced a first of its kind feature in the
insurance industry by enabling digital payments through WhatsApp and Unified Payment Interfaces
(UPI). This allows policyholders to make instant premium payments using these popular platforms,
providing a hassle-free experience. This move showcases Tata AIA’s commitment to leveraging
technology and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Google Pay Introduced UPI LITE to Boost Small Value Transactions

Google Pay introduced its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) LITE payment (on-device wallet) feature to
allow users to make small payments without entering the UPI personal identification number (PIN).
Using Google Pay’s UPI Lite, users can make payments of up to Rs.200 without the use of a UPI PIN.
Users maintain a balance of Rs 2000 (Maximum balance) in their UPI Lite wallet, which can be loaded
up to twice in a day and can spend up to a total of Rs.4000 within 24 hours.

PhonePe Launched One Stop POS Solution for Its Merchants
On 6th July 2023, PhonePe launched its Point-of-sale (POS) device that enables merchants to accept
payments through Debit Cards, Credit Cards and UPI, with a simplified settlement experience.The
device comes preloaded with the PhonePe POS App and supports transactions through tap/swipe/dip
and interoperable dynamic QR (Quick Response) codes.
Razorpay India Launches First International Payment Gateway Through Curlec in Malaysia
Razorpay, a prominent Indian Full-Stack Payments and Business Banking Platform, unveiled its first
international Payment Gateway in Malaysia, in collaboration with Curlec, under the brand ‘Curlec By
Razorpay’ with the aims to bridge the gap between local and international payment gateways.
✓ Payment Gateway intends to cater to over 5,000 businesses, with a target of achieving an
annualised Gross Transaction Value (GTV) of Malaysian Ringgit 10 billion (USD 2.1 billion) by
2025.
✓ Razorpay bought the Malaysian startup Curlec in a USD($)20 Million deal in February, 2022.
Fincare Small Finance Bank launched “The Great Indian FD Fest” campaign
On 10th July 2023, Fincare Small Finance Bank Limited (FSFBL) launched its new multilingual
Television Commercial (TVC) campaign “The Great Indian Fixed Deposit (FD) Fest” to raise awareness
about the bank’s interest rate offering for all categories of customers and highlight the significance of
fixed deposit (FD) as a stable and long-term investment suitable for everyone. The media campaign
features FSFBL’s Brand Ambassador Grand Master (GM) Viswanathan Anand.
Bajaj Allianz Life Launched ‘First Time Ever’ a Flexible and Rewarding Life Insurance Plan
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has launched a new life insurance plan called Bajaj Allianz Life ACE, a plan
that is non-linked, participating, and offers early-income benefits, empowering customers to customise
their cash flows. This is the first plan which allows such a customisation.Unique feature is that the plan
offers an early or deferred income option, allowing customers to start receiving income from the
beginning of the policy or defer it for up to 5 years.
PhonePe Launches India’s First Health Insurance Platform with Monthly Subscriptions
PhonePe Insurance Broking Services Private Limited (PIBS), a wholly owned subsidiary of PhonePe
Private Limited, launched the health insurance plans offering comprehensive insurance in partnership
with leading insurers.With this launch, PhonePe Insurance became the first and only Platform in India
to enable customers to pay for insurance in easy monthly installments through Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) on the PhonePe app.
HDFC Mutual Fund launches HDFC Charity Fund for Cancer Cure
HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC AMC), investment manager to HDFC Mutual Fund (HDFC
MF), has launched its fourth fund the HDFC Charity Fund for Cancer Cure in partnership with the
Indian Cancer Society (ICS) for the treatment of underprivileged cancer patients.
Bajaj Finserv launches first equity scheme in flexi-cap category

Bajaj Finserv Asset Management launched its first equity Fund ‘Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Fund’ in the
flexi-cap category, an open-ended and dynamic equity scheme.
✓ Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Fund will follow an investment philosophy based on INQUBE – the Asset
Management Company (AMC)’s proprietary framework that adds the layer of behavioural finance
to the informational and quantitative edges.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launches ICICI Pru Protect N Gain, a Protection based Saving
Life Insurance Plan
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited (ICICI Prudential Life), launched ‘ICICI Pru Protect N
Gain‘, a protection-oriented life insurance plan that offers life protection against Accidental Death and
Accidental Disability (Permanent disability due to accident) along with market-linked returns.
✓ The scheme offers the dual benefits of protection and long-term savings to achieve the
fundamental needs of customers.
✓ It provides the customers a life insurance cover for the entire policy time and ensures financial
security to their families during the policy tenure and significant lump sum for self on survival.
LIC launches Jeevan Kiran to Offer Life Cover with Premium Return
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched a new term assurance plan “Jeevan Kiran”, a non-
linked, non-participating, individual, savings, and life Insurance plan that offers a combination of
protection and savings. This policy will provide financial support to the family in case of unfortunate
death of the life assured during the policy term and returns the total premiums paid in case of survival
till maturity.
✓ Upon maturity, if the policy is still active, the “Sum Assured on Maturity” will be equivalent to the
“Total Premiums Received by LIC” under both Regular Premium and Single Premium Payment
Policies.
Razorpay Launches an Account for Indian Exporters to Save 50% on Overseas Bank Transfers
Razorpay, a Finetech company announced the launch of its ‘Money Saver Export Account’, built
specifically for small and mid-size exporters by offering up to 50% savings on international bank
transfers for the Indian exporters. The facility allows exporters to open an account in any country of
their choice (over 160 countries). The exporters 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.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS

GDP & GROWTH RATE
ORGANIZATION YEAR RATE
Asian Development Bank FY2023 6.4%
Asian Development Outlook (ADO) July 2023:
Robust Growth with Moderating Inflation
published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
has retained India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
growth forecast at 6.4% in FY2023 and 6.7% in
FY2024, as projected in ADO April 2023.The
inflation projection for India in FY2023 is reduced
slightly from 5.0% in ADO April 2023 to 4.9% and
maintained at 4.5% in FY2024.The growth in
South Asia is projected at 5.5% in 2023 and 6.1%
in 2024.

ECONOMY NEWS
IMF WEO July 2023 Update projects Indian Economy Growth at 6.1% in 2023
the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its 'July 2023 World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update- Near-
Term Resilience, Persistent Challenges' projected a growth rate of 6.1% for India in 2023, which is a 0.2
percentage point upward revision compared with the April 2023 projection of 5.9%.
✓ For 2024, it remained at 6.3%, as projected in April 2023 WEO Update. India grew at 7.2% in
2022.
✓ The global growth is projected to fall at 3% in both 2023 and 2024 from an estimated 3.5% in
2022.
India & Bangladesh Launch Trade Transactions in Rupees to Lower Dollar Usage
In a significant move aimed at strengthening trade and reducing dependency on the US dollar,
Bangladesh and India have initiated transactions in Rupees as India is the top export destination for
Bangladesh in Asia.This marks the first time Bangladesh has engaged in bilateral trade with a foreign
country outside the realm of the US dollar. The exchange rate is based on Market Demand.
✓ The transaction costs in trade with India would reduce with the introduction of the Taka(Currency
of Bangladesh)-Rupee dual currency card which was about to be launched in September 2023.
BUSINESS NEWS
Ashok Leyland Won Orders Worth Rs. 800 crore from Indian Army
Ashok Leyland Limited, a part of Hinduja Group, has won a contract worth Rs 800 crore to supply
defence vehicles to the Indian army.The contract includes the procurement of the field artillery tractor
(FAT 4×4) and the gun towing vehicle (GTV 6×6). The new order secured from the Defence Sector
marked a significant milestone in the journey of Ashok Leyland, which is going to celebrate its 75th
anniversary in September 2023.
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS

MoU’s WITH COUNTRY
COUNTRY MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T), Spain’s shipbuilder Signed an ‘Teaming Agreement'(TA) in Delhi to
India Navantia jointly bid for a Rs. 43,000-crore project to build 6
advanced diesel-electric submarines for the Indian
Navy.The TA was signed for the purpose of
submission of a techno-commercial bid for the Indian
Navy’s Project 75 (India) or P75 (I), a military
acquisition initiative and submarine programme
affiliated to India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD).
India Japan India and Japan have recently solidified their
strategic partnership with a Memorandum of
Cooperation (MoC) for the development of the
UNICORN (UNIted COnbined Radio aNtenna) NORA-
50 integration mast. The MoC brings strategic
partnership between two countries in the field of
defence Technology.

This unique horn-shaped structure consolidates
multiple antennas for tactical data link, TACAN
(Tactical Air Navigation), and communications,
aiming to reduce radar cross-section (RCS) and
enhance operational capabilities.
Directorate General of Civil European Union The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),
Aviation (DGCA), aviation Aviation Safety aviation regulator of India has signed a Memorandum
regulator of India Agency (EASA), of Understanding (MoU) with the European Union
aviation regulator of Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), aviation regulator of
Europe Europe, to enhance cooperation in the areas of
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and innovative air
mobility.
Saudi Arabia Association of Saudi Arabia signed the Treaty of Amity and
Southeast Asian Cooperation in Southeast Asia(TAC) with the
Nations (ASEAN) Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at
the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in
Jakarta, Indonesia.
Saudi Arabia became the 51st nation to agree to the
TAC and it was signed by Saudi Arabian Foreign
Minister (FM) Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
The 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM)
was held on 11-12 July 2023 in Jakarta, Republic of
Indonesia. The Meeting was chaired by Indonesia
under the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of
Growth”.
India Japan Signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) for a
semiconductor supply-chain partnership for
government-to-government and industry-to-industry
collaboration. The MoC signed between India and
Japan will cover the semiconductor industry,
including design, manufacturing, equipment
research, talent development, and enhancing supply
chain resilience.
✓ An implementation organization will be
created to facilitate government and industry
collaborations.
Japan : Currency-Japanese yen & Capital- Tokyo
India Bangladesh On July 23, 2023, India and Bangladesh signed a
contract for installation of Computer Based
Interlocking (CBI) signalling system for Dhaka-Tongi-
Joydebpur rail line at Rail Bhaban, Dhaka,
Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Railway (BR) has appointed a Mumbai,
Maharashtra based Indian company, KEC
International Limited, to develop signalling systems
for the under-construction 3rd & 4th dual-gauge rail
tracks from Dhaka to Tongi and double-line dual
gauge from Tongi to Joydebpur.

MoU’s WITH STATES
STATE MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
Tamil Nadu United Kingdom Tamil Nadu (TN) and United Kingdom (UK)
governments signed a MoU in Chennai, TN during the
4th G20 Environment & Climate Sustainability
Working Group(ECSWG) Meeting to set up a
botanical garden and also envisages launching
projects to conserve mangroves, forests and
wetlands, besides releasing a green rating framework
for industrial de-carbonization in TN.
✓ In technical partnership with Kew Gardens of
United Kingdom, the TN Government has
planned to set up a Botanical Garden in
Chengalpattu, TN.
Keystone Foundation located in the Nilgiris, TN
bagged this project which will work in 3 climate-
smart villages.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with the
Limited (MDL) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for the
Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) of the
Indian Navy Ship “INS Shankush”, a SubSurface Killer
(SSK) Class of Submarine.
✓ The cost of the overall contract is Rs.2725
crore and the delivery of the Submarine post-
MRLC will be in 2026.
Under this contract, INS Shankush, a submarine
belonging to the SSK Class, will undergo
comprehensive renovation and life certification at
MDL’s facility in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Meghalaya NTPC Limited Signed a series of Memorandum of Understanding
(formerly known as (MoUs) to enhance the power infrastructure and
National Thermal clean energy generation in Meghalaya.The MoUs
Power Corporation encompass the Power Portfolio Management Services
Limited) (PMS) for Meghalaya Discom, the setting up of Pump
Storage Power Plants (PSPs), and the implementation
of Floating Solar projects across Meghalaya.
It also aims at enhancing power portfolio
management of Meghalaya Energy Corporation
Limited (MeECL) by a team of professionals and
expertise of the NTPC.
The Indian Navy (IN) & Indian Port Rail & The Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ropeway Corporation has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Ltd (IPRCL) with Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Ltd
(IPRCL) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to set up a Naval
gallery at National Maritime Heritage Complex
(NHMC). The MoU aims at Planning, Development,
Construction, and Commissioning of Gallery No.6,

based on the theme, “Evolution of Indian Navy &
Indian Coast Guard” in Phase 1A of this Project.
National Anti-Doping South Asia Regional National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India signed a
Agency (NADA) India Anti-Doping MoU with South Asia Regional Anti-Doping
Organisation (SARADO) Organisation (SARADO), comprising of Anti-Doping
Organizations of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal
and Sri Lanka to increase the Regional Cooperation in
anti-doping in sports NADA India – SARADO
Cooperation Meet in New Delhi, Delhi.
This agreement marks a significant milestone as the
first of its kind for India in the field of anti-doping.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Indian Chamber of To promote growth and development within the food
Zone (RAKEZ) Food and Agriculture and agriculture sectors of the United Arab Emirates
(ICFA) (UAE) and India. This MoU further strengthens the
UAE-India relations, which have been raised by the
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
(CEPA)signed in February 2022.
India Post Canada Post According to the Gazette of India notified by the
Department of Post, Ministry of Communication,
dated June 28, 2023, India Post & Canada Post have
signed a bilateral Tracked Packet agreement to
introduce International Tracked Packet Service
(ITPS) between two countries to facilitate e-
commerce exports.The service commenced operation
with effect from July 01, 2023.
India Post already provides ITPS service with 38
partner countries and Canada will be the 39th.
Gujarat Ministry of Textile, For setting up Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated
Government of India Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park in
(GoI) Vansi village, Jalalpore Taluka in Navsari District,
Gujarat.
✓ The PM MITRA Park in Vansi is inspired by
the 5F vision of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi: Farm to Fibre to Fabric to Fashion to
Foreign.
This was the 7th PM MITRA Park under the union
government announcement to set up seven textile
clusters in seven states.
Gujarat OneWeb, a London- Gujarat government signed a MoU with OneWeb, a
based Company London-based Company, and Gujarat Government’s
Department of Science and Technology, for setting up
India’s First Private ‘Satellite Network Portal Site’
in Gujarat.This project under Digital India, aims to
provide affordable internet access to villages, district
panchayats, local administrative bodies, government
departments, and other entities throughout India.

OneWeb will establish one of the two private
‘satellite network portal sites’ in two villages in
Jotana taluka of Mehsana district of Gujarat.
Indian Institute of Indian Council of World To work together to expand awareness and
Technology Guwahati (IIT- Affairs (ICWA) knowledge on international affairs and Indian foreign
G), Assam policy. The MoU was signed between Professor
Parameswar Krishnan Iyer, Officiating Director, IIT
Guwahati, and Ambassador Vijay Thakur Singh,
Director-General, ICWA. The agreement will be valid
for a period of 3 years
Chhattisgarh Tata Technologies Tata Technologies Limited, a global product
engineering company, signed a 10-year
Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the
Department of Skill Development, Technical
Education and Employment, Government of
Chhattisgarh to transform 36 government-owned
Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Chhattisgarh
into Industry 4.0 technology hub. The total cost of the
project is Rs 1188.36 crore.
Tata Technologies is collaborating with 20 global
industry partners to upgrade the ITIs which will offer
6 new trades and 23 new short-term courses that
cater to Industry 4.0 demands.
MoU’s BETWEEN ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
International Financial Climate Policy Initiative -India These are detailed as below:
Services Centres (CPI) and IIML –EIC ✓ IFSCA MoU with CPI-India to cooperate on
Authority (IFSCA) Sustainable Finance :- IFSCA and CPI-India
has signed a MoU for mutual assistance and
cooperation to increase mobilization of
global sustainable capital flows into India.
IFSCA has also signed MoU with IIM Lucknow
Enterprise Incubation Centre (IIML EIC) at IIM
(Indian Institute of Management) Lucknow EIC,
Noida campus in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
United Nations Absolute®, a bioscience To jointly strengthen the Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Development company Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Government of India’s crop
Programme (UNDP) insurance scheme under the Ministry of
India Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and
enhance the strength of the farmers.
To boost the implementation of the PMFBY and the
Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance
Scheme (RWBCIS) by building technical
capabilities of the scheme and digitising service
delivery of crop insurance and agricultural credit
processes to increase reach and uptake of the
schemes.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) United States Navy (US Navy) Larsen & Toubro (L&T) limited has signed a Master
limited Shipyard Repair Agreement (MSRA) with the
United States Navy (US Navy) to strengthen the
strategic partnership between India and the United
States of America (USA) in the defence sector and
to contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific. This
also demonstrates the commitment of the USA to
utilise repair facilities on a regular basis at the L&T
shipyard in Kattupalli, Tamilnadu.
Electoral Tribunal (ET) Election Commission of India To establish an institutional framework for their
of Panama (ECI) ongoing cooperation in the field of Election
Management and Administration. During the meet,
they discussed on strengthening collaboration and
knowledge exchange between the two Election
Management Bodies (EMBs).
ECI has been expanding its links and cooperation
with foreign Election Management Bodies (EMBs)
through its ‘International Cooperation
Programme’. This is the 4th MoU signed by ECI
with an Election Management Body (EMB) in the
Latin American region.
National Association of MIDAS (Manchester’s Inward To establish first NASSCOM launch pad in the
Software and Service Investment Agency) and MAG United Kingdom (UK) to promote innovation,
Companies (NASSCOM), (Manchester Airports Group) investment, and technological exchange between
the leading organisation Greater Manchester (UK), and India.
representing India’s
technology industry
Bureau of Water Use Indian Plumbing Association Towards achieving a water-positive India by
Efficiency (BWUE), (IPA) improving water use efficiency. The MoU aims to
under the National create awareness & promote rain water harvesting
Water Mission (NWM) structures, low flow fixtures & sanitary ware,
of the Ministry of Jal treatment of grey & black water (5Rs: Reduce –
Shakti Recycle- Reuse-Replenish-Respect), water audit of
built environment.
Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) has been
set up under the Implementation of NWM by the
Department of Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD
& GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Ministry of Defence Hindustan Aeronautics For procurement of 2 Dornier Aircraft for Indian
(MoD) Limited (HAL) Coast Guard (ICG). The overall cost is Rs 458.87
crore along with associated Engineering Support
package.The aircraft will be procured under the
Buy (Indian) Category in New Delhi, Delhi in line
with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat policy.
Ministry of Defence Food Safety & Standards To promote use of millets and healthy eating
(MoD) Authority of India (FSSAI) practices among the Armed Forces and ensure
availability of safe & nutritious food in New Delhi,

Delhi. It aims to create awareness about the
nutritional benefits of diet diversity and millet-
based food products among the Army personnel
and also pave the way for the introduction of
millet-based menus in mess, canteens and other
food outlets under the MoD.
The union ministers Rajnath Singh and Mansukh
Mandaviya unveiled a book titled ‘Healthy
Recipes for Defence’ to promote the consumption
of Shree Anna (millets) and its health benefits.
Tata Consultancy Government e-Marketplace Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest
Services (TCS), India’s (GeM) software exporter signed a contract with
largest software Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Government
exporter procurement portal, for developing, implementing,
operating and maintaining the GeM portal in GeM
headquarters New Delhi, Delhi.
GeM was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry and it is a one-stop-shop
platform for government ministries and agencies
looking to procure goods and services.
THDC India Ltd National Highways Authority Signed at the NHAI headquarters in New Delhi,
(THDCIL), a Mini Ratna of India (NHAI) Delhi to provide technical services as the technical
category-I company consultant.
under National Thermal ✓ THDCIL will be responsible for assessing
Power Corporation landslide susceptibility areas and
Limited(NTPC) and a recommending mitigation measures for
Schedule ‘A’ Public vulnerable slopes between Udhampur and
Sector Undertaking Ramban in Jammu&Kashmir on
(PSU) NH(National Highway) 44.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Technical Assistance and Signed at BHEL Corporate Office in New Delhi,
Ltd (BHEL) Licence Agreement (TALA), Delhi.
an extension agreement of its ✓ Under this extension Agreement, BHEL
Gas Turbines (GTs) gained better access and enhanced rights
technology, with General for existing/ uprated and new Gas Turbine
Electric Technology GmbH models.
Switzerland (GE) As per the agreement, BHEL shall also be able to
supply GTs with fuel blends viz. Hydrogen,
Methanol, Syngas etc. and in hybrid configuration
contributing towards accelerating the energy
transition in India
Voyager Space, a global NewSpace India Limited Voyager Space, a global leader in space
leader in space (NSIL) exploration, signed a Memorandum of
exploration Understanding (MoU) with NewSpace India
Limited (NSIL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise
(CPSE), under Department of Space (DOS) and the
commercial arm of the Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO).

The MoU aims to foster collaboration in spacecraft
launch and deployment opportunities on-board
NSIL’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Indian Army Tata Advanced Systems Indian Army signed the contract for procurement
Limited of Tactical Access Switch with Tata Advanced
Systems Limited under the Make in India model to
produce a compact, modular, and strengthen
networking device capable of faster switching,
hence increasing the Indian Army’s tactical
communication capability.
Tactical access switch used for the communication
between two tactical army troops. It is equipped
with a non-blocking mode of operation as well as a
switching capability for data and Voice.
The Food Safety & AOAC INTERNATIONAL, a To collaborate and increase the food safety
Standards Authority of global organization that analytical ecosystem in India.
India (FSSAI), a advances food safety, food ✓ The MoU marks the joint commitment of
statutory body under integrity, and public health both FSSAI and AOAC to work towards
the Ministry of Health & achieving common objectives for the
Family Welfare advancement of food safety standards and
analytical practices in India.
The partnership between FSSAI and AOAC
INTERNATIONAL is of the utmost importance for
India’s food safety landscape.
Ministry of Culture Indian Navy Signed an MoU to revive and maintain the 2000-
year-old ancient stitched shipbuilding method
known as the Tankai method. The project aims to
leverage the expertise of the remaining traditional
shipwrights in India and showcase their
exceptional craftsmanship. It also aims to revive
the rich maritime heritage among Indian citizens
and also aims to promote cultural memories
among the Indian Ocean coastal countries.
India Chamber of Indian Council of Medical Signed an MoA to promote India as global Hub in
Business and Commerce Research (ICMR) healthcare manufacturing and delivery, and to
(India Chamber) build a strong healthcare ecosystem for the future
and attract investments in the healthcare sector.
The agreement is in the line with creating
Institutional arrangement for India Health
Dialogue- A national flagship initiative led by India
Chamber of Business and Commerce in
partnership with ICMR, IMA (Indian Medical
Association) and Ministry of Micro, Small &
Medium Enterprises (M/o MSME) to transforming
healthcare and establishing India-led global supply
chain networks.

Avaada Group REC Limited (formerly Rural Avaada Group signed a MoU with REC Limited
Electrification Corporation (formerly Rural Electrification Corporation
Limited) Limited) under which the latter will invest Rs
20,000 crore in Avaada Group over the next five
years.This MoU was inked on the sidelines of the
4th meeting of the G20(Group of 20) Energy
Transition Working Group (ETWG) in Goa. REC has
provided support to Avaada, either directly or via
the KfW Development Bank and World Bank line to
transform India’s renewable energy landscape, and
establishing Avaada as a significant player in the
global effort to combat climate change.
India AI, an Meta, India Signed a MoU to foster collaboration in the field of
Independent Business Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging
Unit (IBD) under Digital Technologies. The partnership will promote social
India Corporation (DIC) inclusion, enhance government service delivery,
of the Ministry of and drive innovation using large language models,
Electronics and Generative AI, cognitive systems, and translation
Information Technology models.
(MeitY)
Power Finance Clean Energy companies Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) and Rural
Corporation Ltd (PFC) & Electrification Corporation (REC Ltd), have signed
Rural Electrification Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with clean
Corporation (REC Ltd) energy companies for providing a total of Rs 5 lakh
crore funds to their projects during the “Green
Finance Summit” held in Goa.REC & PFC, a State-
owned Non-Banking Financing Companies (NBFC)
and a Maharatna central public sector
undertaking(CPSE) comes under the Ministry of
Power.
✓ PFC signed pacts worth Rs 2.37 lakh crore
with 20 companies in the clean energy
space
✓ REC tied up for Rs 2.75 lakh crore.
The summit is organised by REC Ltd in partnership
with the Indian Government’s Group of Twenty
(G20) Presidency, on the sidelines of the 14th
Clean Energy Ministerial and 8th Mission
Innovation meeting (CEM14/MI-8) in Goa between
19th to 22nd of July, 2023.
Ministry of Electronics Ministry of Information and Ministry of Electronics and Information
and Information Communication Technology Technology (MeitY), India; and the Ministry of
Technology (MeitY), (MICT) Information and Communication Technology
India (MICT) of the Papua New Guinea, signed a MoU on
sharing INDIA STACK i.e., successful digital
solutions implemented at population scale, in New
Delhi, Delhi.This MoU was a follow-up to the 1st
Global DPI (Digital Public Infrastructures) Summit

organized by MeitY on June 12-13, 2023 in Pune,
Maharashtra.
Bharat Electronics Gabriel Power and CoRover On 19th July 2023, Bharat Electronics Limited
Limited (BEL), a (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector
Navratna Defence Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence
Public Sector (MoD) signed Memoranda of Understanding
Undertaking (PSU) (MoUs) with
under the Ministry of ✓ Gabriel Power and Energy Pvt Ltd: to
Defence (MoD) Support the “Make in India” initiative by
enhancing indigenous manufacturing
capabilities and establishing India as a
leading global manufacturing hub for
advanced power and energy solutions.
CoRover Private Limited: to collaborate in the
fields of Generative AI platform, particularly with a
special focus on the BharatGenerative Pre-trained
Transformer (GPT) platform of Co-Rover.
Kerala Startup International Financial Signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
Mission(KSUM) Services Centres Authority for stronger support to budding fintech and techfin
(IFSCA) firms through increased capital and a wider global
network in the next three years.
Fintechs & Techfins:
Fintechs are businesses that use technology to
modify, enhance, or automate financial services for
businesses or consumers, while techfins provide
software solutions that are not primarily finance-
related.
Goa Shipyard BGIIES The Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a Mini Ratna
Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU), under
the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed a MoU with
the BITS Goa Innovation, Incubation and
Entrepreneurship Society (BGIIES, Goa) to drive
innovation and progress in the shipbuilding and
defence industry using cutting-edge Artificial
Intelligence (AI) technologies.
Under the MoU, both entities will collaborate
closely on research and development projects to
utilize AI’s full potential in shipbuilding and
defence applications.
RITES IRFC RITES Limited (formerly known as Rail India
Technical and Economic Service Limited), a
Miniratna (Category-I) and Schedule ‘A’ Central
Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry
of Railways, signed a MoU with Indian Railway
Finance Corporation (IRFC) to explore possibilities
of mutual collaboration in the railway eco-system
and the transport infrastructure sector

Germany-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Signed a MoU for the overhaul and modernization
Thyssenkrupp Marine Ltd (MDL), a Miniratna I of a Sub-Surface Killer (SSK) class submarine,
Systems (TKMS ) Central Public Sector Indian Navy Ship (INS) Shankush to extend its
Undertaking (CPSU) operational capability. NS SHANKUSH is the
second submarine in a series of four
Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) Class 209
Type 1500 boats that are all still in service
BBMP World Desgin Organisation On 24th July 2023, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara
Palike (BBMP), the administrative body of the
Greater Bengaluru metropolitan area & the 4th
Largest Municipal Corporation in India, signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Canada-based international non-governmental
organization, World Design Organisation (WDO),
to offer suggestions and guidance on the ways to
improve the infrastructure of Bengaluru
(Karnataka). The MoU was signed as a part of the
‘Brand Bengaluru’ initiative.
Walmart Flipkart Walmart and Flipkart signed a MoU with the
government of Telangana to support the Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in
Telangana. The MoU was signed between Swasti,
the programme partner for Walmart Vriddhi
Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi)
in India and Industries and Commerce Department
of Telangana.
The objective of the MoU is to facilitate the
development of local MSMEs towards accessing a
wider domestic marketspace, support online retail
and enable sustained growth and
commercialisation.
OTHER MoU’s IN CONTENT FORMAT

India, Singapore Have Extended MoU to Co-operate on Public Administration Till ‘2028
Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public
Grievances and Pensions(MoPPG &P), and the Public Service Division, of the Republic of Singapore
have signed a protocol document to extend the current MoU on Cooperation in Personnel Management
and Public Administration for another five years till 2028.
Gogoro & Maharashtra Govt. Made an MoU to Set Up Smart Battery Ecosystem
Gogoro Inc. (Gogoro), a Taiwanese-based battery-swapping service provider and two-wheeler
manufacturer and the Maharashtra Government entered into an ‘Ultra Mega Project‘ agreement to
invest more than USD 1.5 billion over the next 8 years to manufacture Electric Vehicles (EVs), smart
battery packs and battery swap stations across Maharashtra.The proposed ‘Ultra Mega Project’
agreement includes financial incentive and support from the Maharashtra government.
✓ In the 1st phase of the eight-year project, Gogoro will invest more than USD 500 million for
manufacturing vehicles and another USD 1 billion for smart battery infrastructure deployment
which will be supported by financial incentives and reimbursements by Maharashtra.

Taiwan announced its plans to expand its official presence in India by establishing its third and new
representative office "Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC)" in Mumbai, Maharashtra aimed
at expanding overall cooperation between India and Taiwan.
Gujarat signed six MoUs with Private Industries for Mangrove Plantation under MISHTI
Scheme
The government of Gujarat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six industries for the
mangrove plantation over 3000 hectares of land, under the MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline
Habitats & Tangible Incomes) scheme.
✓ The objective of these agreements were to increase the mangrove plantation cover along the
coastline of Gujarat.
The 6 MoUs were signed with Digvijay Cement Limited, Nayara Energy Limited, RSPL Limited, Tata
Chemicals Society for Rural Development, Cairn Oil and Gas (Vedanta Limited) and Reliance Industries
Limited (RIL).
Goa Government Has Signed 3 MoUs with CGTMSE, Paytm and ICAI
Goa government signed 3 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Credit Guarantee Fund Trust
for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), Paytm and Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
(ICAI).The MoUs focus on supporting Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises(MSMEs), enable digital
payments in Goa government departments and to contribute to effective policy-making.
✓ The MoUs signed with the CGTMSE aims to administer the Goa Credit Guarantee Scheme, also
known as the Mukhyamantri Saral Udyog Sahayya Yojana, within Goa.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

APPOINTMENTS
NATIONAL
PERSON NAME APPOINTED AS ENTITY / PLACE KEY NOTES
A Madhavarao CMD Bharat Dynamics Commodore A Madhavarao (Retd.)

Limited assumed charge as Chairman and
Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat
Dynamics Limited (BDL), a Public Sector
Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of
Defence (MoD) effective from July 19,
2023. The MoD approved his
appointment till the date of his
superannuation on April 30, 2026 or
until further orders, whichever is earlier.
After Siddharth Mishra, P Radhakrishna
Director (Production) assumed
additional charge CMD, BDL with effect
from 1st April 2023 for a period of 3
months. On 8th July Nuka Srinivasulu,
Director (Finance) assumed additional
charge of CMD, BDL.

Sat Pal Bhanoo MD LIC Sat Pal Bhanoo has been appointed as
the Managing Director (MD) of Life
Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
with effect from the date of assumption
of charge of office and up to the date of
his superannuation on 31st December
2025 or until further orders, whichever
is earlier.He succeeds Siddhartha
Mohanty, who was appointed as the
Chairman of LIC in April 2023.
Rajay Kumar Sinha MD & CEO SBI Capital Markets Rajay Kumar Sinha, has been appointed
Limited as the Managing Director (MD) & Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of SBI Capital
Markets Limited (SBICAPS), one of the
oldest investment banks in India,
effective from July 14, 2023.Rajay Kumar
Sinha succeeded Amitava Chatterjee,
who moved to SBI Corporate Centre as
Deputy Managing Director, in charge of
Commercial Clients Group.
Rakesh Pal Director Indian Coast Guard On 19th July 2023, Rakesh Pal has been
General of appointed as the 25th Director General of
Indian Coast Indian Coast Guard (DGICG). He holds
Guard (DGICG) the recognition of being the First Gunner
of ICG.He was given the additional
charge of DGICG in February 2023. He
was elevated to the rank of Additional
Director General in February 2022.
Note: Virender Singh Pathania was the
24th DGICG, appointed on December 31
2021.
Nivruti Rai MD & CEO Invest India Former Intel India country head Nivruti
Rai has been appointed as the Managing
Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Invest India, succeeding
Manmeet K Nanda, Joint Secretary,
Department for Promotion of Industry
and Internal Trade (DPIIT), who had
been serving as additional charge of MD
& CEO ad-interim in March 2023.
Sheo Kumar Singh-I Acting National Green Justice Sheo Kumar Singh-I was
Chairperson Tribunal appointed as the acting chairperson of
National Green Tribunal (NGT) by the
Union Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change (MoEFCC) with the
effect from July 6, 2023 until further
notice.

✓ He succeeded Justice Adarsh
Kumar Goel, chairperson of NGT
(July 2018 -July 2023), who
retired on July 6, 2023.
He was part of the NGT as a judicial
member since March 11, 2020.
Ajit Pawar Deputy Chief Maharashtra Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader
Minister Ajit Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy
Chief Minister (Dy CM) by Ramesh Bais,
Governor of Maharashtra, in a ceremony
at the Raj Bhawan in Mumbai,
Maharashtra in the presence of
Maharashtra's Chief Minister(CM)
Eknath Shinde. Now, Maharashtra has 2
Dy CMs. Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)’s
Devendra Fadnavis is the other Dy CM of
Maharashtra.
TS Singh Deo Deputy Chief Chhattisgarh Senior Congress leader and Chhattisgarh
Minister health minister TS Singh Deo(70), has
been appointed as the deputy chief
minister(CM) of Chhattisgarh.The
appointment was approved by Congress
President Mallikarjun Kharge at the
Congress headquarters in Delhi.
✓ Also known as modern-day
Maharaja, Tribhuvaneshwar
Saran Singh Deo (TS Singh Deo)
is the titular Maharaja of
Chhattisgarh’s Surguja, was first
elected as a member of the state’s
legislative Assembly in 2008.
Deo also served as the Leader of the
Opposition in the 4th Vidhan Sabha of
Chhattisgarh.
Tushar Mehta Solicitor Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
General of India (ACC) approved the re-appointment of
(SGI) Tushar Mehta as Solicitor General of
India (SGI) with effect from 1st July 2023
for a period of three years or until
further orders, whichever is earlier. This
- is the 2nd extension granted to Mehta by
the government of India.
✓ The ACC also approved the re-
appointment of 6 Additional
Solicitors General (ASG) for the
Supreme Court of India for a
period of 3 years.

The ACC also issued an order of re-
appointing 4 ASG's in the High Courts of
India for a period of 3 years.
B.Neeraja Prabhakar Chairperson Research Advisory B.Neeraja Prabhakar,Vice-Chancellor of
Committee of ICAR the Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State
Horticultural University appointed as the
chairperson of the Research Advisory
Committee (RAC) of Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian
Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) at
Pedavegi in Andhra Pradesh.She
assumed office on June 13, 2023 and will
head a 10-member committee for a
period of three years.
Lt Gen M U Nair Head National Cyber Lt Gen M U Nair has been appointed the
Coordination Centre new National Cyber Security Coordinator
(NCCC) (NCSC) by the National Cyber
Coordination Centre (NCCC), the
cybersecurity and e-surveillance agency
under Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology in the
government of India.
He is the third cyber security chief in
India, succeeding Lt Gen (retd.) Dr
Rajesh Pant and preceded by Gulshan
Rai, who was the first chief.
Atul Anand Additional Department of Vice Admiral Atul Anand was appointed
Secretary Military Affairs in the as the Additional Secretary of the
Ministry of Defence Department of Military Affairs in the
(MoD) Ministry of Defence (MoD).He will
succeed Lt Gen Anil Puri, who retired on
February 28, 2023. He commanded
Torpedo Recovery Vessel INTRV A72,
missile boat INS (Indian Naval Ship)
Chatak, corvette INS Khukri and missile
destroyer INS Mumbai.
Rajib Kumar Mishra Chairman and PTC India Limited On 28th June 2023, the PTC India
Managing (formerly known as Limited (formerly known as Power
Director (CMD) Power Trading Trading Corporation of India Limited)
Corporation of India shareholders passed resolutions relating
Limited) to the appointment of Rajib Kumar
Mishra as the company's Chairman and
Managing Director (CMD) with requisite
majority votes at the seventh Extra
Ordinary General Meeting (EGM).
✓ He has been appointed as the
CMD in PTC India with effect
from March 29, 2023.

He has been serving as the acting
chairman of PTC India since November
2021, after former CMD Deepak Amitabh
quit.
PM Prasad Chairman and Coal India Limited PM Prasad took charge as newly-
Managing appointed Chairman and Managing
Director Director (CMD) of Coal India Limited
(CIL) by succeeding Pramod Agrawal,
who superannuated on June 30,
2023.Prior to this appointment, he
served as the CMD of Central Coalfields
Limited (CCL), the Jharkhand-based arm
of CIL, since October 1, 2020.
Ajit Agarkar Chairman Senior Men’s Ajit Agarkar, the former Indian Cricketer,
Selection Committee has been appointed as the Board of
Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) new
chairman of the Senior Men’s Selection
Committee by succeeding the previous
chairman Chetan Sharma, who resigned
from the posts in February 2023. Ajit
Agarkar was unanimously recommended
to the post by the Cricket Advisory
Committee (CAC), consisting of
Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra, and
Jatin Paranjape.
Note: He was recommended based on
seniority – total number of Test matches.
Anurag Verma Chief Secretary Punjab Anurag Verma, a 1993-batch Indian
Administrative Service (IAS) officer, took
charge as the 42nd chief secretary of
Punjab in Chandigarh, Punjab. He will
also hold the charge as principal
secretary, personnel and
vigilance.Anurag Verma succeeded Vijay
Kumar Janjua, who retired on 30th June
2023. Anurag Verma served as the
additional chief secretary of Punjab,
Principal Secretary home affairs and
Justice, along with some other additional
charges.
K Rajaraman Chairman International According to the notification released by
Financial Services The Department of Economic Affairs
Centres Authority (DEA) under Ministry of Finance, The
(IFSCA) Department of Telecommunications
secretary and 1989-batch IAS officer of
the Tamil Nadu Cadre, K Rajaraman will
be the next chairman of the International
Financial Services Centres Authority

(IFSCA). He will be replacing Injeti
Srinivas, the first chairperson of IFSCA
(which acts as a unified authority for the
development and regulation of financial
products, financial services and financial
institutions) appointed in 2020.
Abhijit Chakravorty MD & CEO SBI Cards and SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited
Payment Services (SBICPSL), a subsidiary of State Bank of
Limited (SBICPSL) India (SBI) and India’s second-largest
credit card, provider appointed Abhijit
Chakravorty as its Managing Director
(MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
with effect from August 12, 2023 for a
period of 2 years. He is currently serving
as the Deputy MD of SBI.
He will succeed the incumbent MD &
CEO Rama Mohan Rao Amara, who
tendered his resignation with effect from
11th August 2023 owing to his transfer
back to the SBI.
Braj Raj Sharma(B R State Election J&K Retired IAS officer and former Chief
Sharma) Commissioner Secretary of J&K Braj Raj Sharma(B R
(SEC) Sharma) was appointed as the State
Election Commissioner (SEC) of J&K with
effect from the date he assumes charge
till he attains the age of 65. B R Sharma
succeeds K K Sharma whose tenure as
SEC of J&K completed on 1st February
2023. BR Sharma, a 1984-batch IAS
officer of the Jammu and Kashmir cadre,
served as the CS of J&K from 2015 to
2017.
Ritesh Chauhan MD NAFED Ritesh Chauhan, a 2005 batch IAS officer
of Himachal Pradesh(HP) cadre has been
given additional charge of the post of
Managing Director(MD), National
Agricultural Cooperative Marketing
Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) under
Department of Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare (DAC & FW), Ministry of
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
He is currently serving as Chief Executive
Officer(CEO), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima
Yojana (PMFBY) & Joint Secretary in the
Ministry of Agriculture.

INTERNATIONAL
PERSON NAME APPOINTED AS ENTITY / PLACE KEY NOTES
Shavkat Mirziyoyev President Uzbekistan On 9th July 2023, the incumbent Uzbek
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been
re-elected with 87.1 % of the vote for 7
years term according to preliminary
results released by the Central Election
Committee(CEC) of the Republic of
Uzbekistan. He is a member of the
UzLiDeP (Uzbekistan Liberal
Democratic Party).
On 30th April 2023, the Uzbek
President called for snap election on
which Uzbek citizens voted on
constitutional amendments through a
referendum which reset his term count
and extended the presidential term to
seven years from five.
Sheikh Talal Fahad Al President Olympic Council of Sheikh Talal Fahad Al Sabah of Kuwait
Sabah Asia (OCA) was elected as the new president of the
Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) from
2023-2027 by the 42nd OCA General
Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand. Sheikh
Talal joined the OCA in 2007 and was a
member of the executive board,
replaces his elder brother, Sheikh
Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, who was
suspended from Olympic involvement
in 2021.
Sheikh Talal beat Dr.Husain Al-
Musallam ,a Director General of OCA
and also the President of World
Aquatics.
Pedro Sánchez Caretaker PM Spain Pedro Sánchez, General Secretary of
Spanish Socialist Workers’ party
(Spanish acronym: PSOE) was formally
named as caretaker Prime Minister
(PM) of Spain. The interim government
will remain in power until a resolution
is reached for the political uncertainty
that emerged from the inconclusive
elections held on 23rd July 2023.
✓ Pedro Sánchez has been the 7th
PM of Spain (officially president
of the Government of Spain)
since 2018.
✓ In 2018, he became the first
politician from Spain to unseat a

PM (Mariano Rajoy) through a
motion of no-confidence.
A caretaker Prime Minister, also known
as a interim Prime Minister, is a
temporary leader appointed during a
period of political transition or
uncertainty until a new government is
formed or the political situation is
resolved.
James Ferguson ‘Jim’ Chair Intergovernmental James Ferguson ‘Jim’ Skea of the United
Skea Panel on Climate Kingdom (UK) was elected as the new
Change (IPCC) chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) an
intergovernmental body of the United
Nations (UN) that works to advance
scientific knowledge about climate
change caused by human activities. The
election was held at the United Nations
Environment Programme headquarters
in Nairobi, Kenya.
RESIGNATIONS
PERSON NAME RESIGNED AS ENTITY / PLACE
Harsh Chouhan NCST Chairman Harsh Chouhan, Chairman of the National
Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) resigned
from his post 8 months ahead of the end of his
tenure. He was appointed as the Chairman of NCST
in February 2021 for a period of 3 years.
Droupadi Murmu, President of India, accepted his
resignation on 27th June 2023.
✓ Following his resignation, the NCST is left
functioning with Ananta Nayak, the only
member of the commission.
Since 2019, the post of Vice Chairman (VC) has
been vacant following the appointment of then VC
Anasuya Uikey as Governor of Chhattisgarh (now
serving as Governor of Manipur).
Vijay Sampla Chairperson of NCSC Former Union minister and senior Punjab BJP
leader Vijay Sampla resigned from the post of
chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled
Castes (NCSC).Sampla has been holding the charge
of NCSC chairperson since 2021.He served as
chairman, for the Khadi and Village Industries
Board, Punjab from 2009-12.
NCSC is a constitutional body,under the
jurisdiction of Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment, Government of India established

to safeguard the interests of the scheduled castes
(SC) in India.
OTHER APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

GoI Extends Brajendra Navnit’s Tenure as India’s Ambassador to WTO
Government of India(GoI) extended the tenure of Brajendra Navnit as Ambassador and Permanent
Representative of India to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by 9 months beyond 28th June 2023
and upto 31st March 2024 or until further orders.The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC)
chaired by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, has approved the proposal of the Department of
Commerce for an extension in the tenure of the foreign deputation of Brajendra Navnit.
NATO extended the tenure of Jens Stoltenberg as Secretary General of NATO up to October
2024
The 31 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), an intergovernmental military
alliance decided to extend the tenure of Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO for another year
until 1st October 2024. Jens Stoltenberg’s term was supposed to end in September 2023.
Jens Stoltenberg, a former Prime Minister of Norway (from 2000 to 2001; 2005-2013) became NATO
Secretary General in 2014. His term has already been extended 3 times.
Microsoft India President Anant Maheshwari resigns, Irina Ghose becomes MD

Microsoft India promoted Irina Ghose as its Managing Director (MD), while Anant Maheshwari stepped
down from his position as Microsoft India President.As part of the executive reshuffle, Navtez Singh Bal
has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He was earlier heading the Government,
Public Sector and Education Business for Microsoft in India which is now taken care of by Venkat
Krishnan.
Rajkumar Upadhyay gets a 2-Year Extension as CEO of C-DoT

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal of the Department of
Telecommunications (DoT) for the extension in tenure of Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO (Chief executive
officer), C-DoT (Centre for Development of Telematics) for a period of 2 years till 9th July 2025 or
attaining the age of 60 years.
In October 2020, Upadhyay joined India’s telecom technology research organisation C-DoT as the
executive director and in November 2022 he was promoted as CEO and C-DoT’s board chairman.
IRDAI Appointed Tata AIG General Insurance as Lead Insurer for Maharashtra
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) selected Tata AIG General
Insurance Company Limited as the lead non-life insurer for the State of Maharashtra to collaborate with
all other non-life and health insurance companies to increase insurance penetration in Maharashtra in
line with its vision “Insurance for all by 2047”.
Under this collaboration,Tata AIG will leverage its expertise, technology, and partnerships to develop
innovative insurance products and services that cater to the evolving needs of the people of
Maharashtra.
Max Life Appointed as Lead Insurer for UP under State Insurance Plan of IRDAI
Max Life Insurance Company Ltd (Max Life) has been appointed as the “Lead Insurer” for the State of
Uttar Pradesh (UP) by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
Cholamandalam (Chola) MS General Insurance Company Ltd, has been appointed ‘Lead Insurer‘ for the

state of West Bengal by the IRDAI in line with the its vision of “Insurance for All by 2047” (State
Insurance Plan) to increase insurance awareness and penetration throughout West Bengal.
India’s UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Assumes the Chairmanship of 62nd Session of CSocD
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, has
assumed the chairmanship of the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD62).
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, has
assumed the chairmanship of the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD62).
Other appointment - Carla María Carlson, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of the Dominican
Republic; H.E. Jon Ivanovski, Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of North
Macedonia; and Thomas Lammar, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Luxembourg were also
elected as the Vice Chairpersons of the CSocD62.
UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Has Been Elected as Chair of WTO’s MC13
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of United Arab Emirates (UAE), has
been elected as the chair of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference
(MC13).The announcement was made during the WTO General Council in Geneva, Switzerland where
Dr Al Zeyoudi met with the WTO director general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The MC13 which will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi,United Arab
Emirates from 26th to 29th of February 2024.
4 New Chief Justices Appointed in the High Courts of Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana, and Orissa
On 19th July 2023, Droupadi Murmu, the President of India appointed 4 new Chief Justices (CJ) namely
Justice Sunita Agarwal, Justice Ashish Jitendra Desai, Justice Alok Aradhe, Justice Subhasis Talapatra in
the High Courts (HC) of Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana, and Orissa respectively.
MoS gives 3 month extension to Amitava Mukherjee’s tenure as CMD of NMDC & NSL
The Ministry of Steel(MoS) has extended tenure of the Amitava Mukherjee as the Chairman-cum-
Managing Director(CMD) Additional charge of NMDC Limited Formerly known as National Mineral
Development Corporation) and NMDC Steel Ltd (NSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NMDC Ltd for 3
months.
The extended tenure comes into effect from 1st September 2023 to 19th November 2023 or till a
regular CMD is appointed or until further orders, whichever is the earliest.
AWARDS
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF ARTS & CULTURE FILMS
AWARD NAME AWARD FIELD KEY NOTES
WINNER
Chevalier (Knight) de Aruna Sairam, a Music Government of France presented the title of
l’Ordre des Arts et des Padma Shri Chevalier (Knight) de l’Ordre des Arts et des
Lettres (Order of Arts awardee and Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) awards to
and Letters) awards Carnatic vocalist, Aruna Sairam, a Padma Shri awardee and
and Shashank Carnatic vocalist, and Shashank Subramanyam,
Subramanyam, flautist for their contributions in connecting
flautist France and India through their music.The award
Ceremony was held at the National Day of the

French Republic celebrations in Chennai, Tamil
Nadu.
✓ It is an Order of France established by the
Minister of Culture in 1957 and confirmed
as part of L’ordre National du Mérite by
President Charles de Gaulle in 1963.
ArunaSairam is recipient of several awards
including the Padma Shri for Arts in 2009 and the
SangitaKalanidhi by the Music Academy in 2018.
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF SPORTS

AWARD NAME AWARD FIELD KEY NOTES
WINNER
AIFF Men’s Lallianzuala Football On 4th July 2023, the All India Football Federation
Footballer of Chhangte (AIFF) announced the winners of AIFF annual awards
the year 2022- for the season 2022-23.Lallianzuala Chhangte, an
2023 Indian Men’s Football Player from Mizoram, was
named the AIFF Men’s Footballer of the year 2022-
2023 for the first time and Manisha Kalyan, an Indian
Women’s Football Player from Punjab, was named
AIFF Women’s Manisha Kalyan
AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year 2022-23 for the
Footballer of
2nd time.
the Year 2022-
Previously, Manisha Kalyan won the award for the
23
2021-22 season. She became only the third Indian
female footballer to win the individual award two or
more times after Bala Devi (three) and Bembem Devi
(two).
OTHER IMPORTANT AWARDS

AWARD NAME AWARD WINNER FIELD KEY NOTES
UK Prime Minister’s Moksha Roy Moksha Roy, a 7-year-old Indian-origin girl
(PM) Points of Light from Hertfordshire, the United Kingdom (UK)
Award has been awarded the UK Prime Minister’s
(PM) Points of Light Award as
Sustainability Champion for volunteering
for several sustainability initiatives
including raising funds for children in need for
United Nations International Children’s
- Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
✓ She has been the world’s youngest
Sustainability Champion, who started
advocating for the United Nations
(UN)’s Sustainability Development
Goals (SDGs) initiative against micro-
plastic pollution at the age of 3.
The Points of Light first established by George
H. W. Bush (Former President of the United
States of America (USA)) in 1990.

SKOCH Award UMEED Programme The UMEED Programme of Jammu and
of Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM)
Kashmir Rural bagged the SKOCH Award under the theme
Livelihoods Mission “State of Governance India 2047” in Gold
(JKRLM) - category in District Governance for its
outstanding efforts in creating marketing
avenues for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the
Union Territory. JKRLM received the SKOCH
Award for the first time since the
establishment of the scheme.It was awarded
during the 93rd Summit of SKOCH.
Kreta Vikreta Department of Department of Health and Family Welfare
Gaurav Health and Family under the Ministry of Health and Family
Samman Samaroh, Welfare under the Welfare (MoHFW) received the winner of
2023 Ministry of Health - Kreta Vikreta Gaurav Samman Samaroh,
and Family Welfare 2023 in Highest Single-Bid Procurements in
(MoHFW) the 2022-23 fiscal category. The event was
organised by Government e-Marketplace
(GeM) under the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry at Vanijya Bhawan New Delhi, Delhi.
Global Education Prem Prakash Education and Prem Prakash, a renowned journalist and
Mentor (GEM) Journalism Founder & Chairman of Asian News
Award 2023 – International (ANI), was honoured with the
Lifetime Global Education Mentor (GEM) Award 2023 –
Achievement Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his
Award significant contributions to the field of
education and journalism throughout his
lifetime.
He was honoured with the award at the GEM
Awards 2023-24 program organised at Dr.
Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), in
New Delhi, Delhi
Global Indian Icon Mary Kom Former Rajya Sabha member and India’s first-
of the Year award ever Olympic medallist in women’s boxing,
(2023) Mary Kom (40 years old) has been honoured
with the India Global Forum (IGF) United
Kingdom(UK) Special Award: Global Indian
Icon of the Year award (2023) at the 5th
annual UK -India Awards (2023) held in
Fairmont Windsor Park, Windsor, UK.
✓ She received the award from Indian
High Commissioner to the UK Vikram
- Doraiswami and shared her
remarkable 20-year journey filled
with dedication and unwavering
commitment to the sport of boxing.
Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, nominated
for Oscar for his film “Elizabeth: The Golden
Age”, was honoured with “IGF UK Special

Award: Lifetime Contribution to UK-India
Relations”. The award recognised his
contributions to cinema in both countries.
PEN Pinter Prize Michael Rosen British children’s writer and performance
2023 poet, Michael Rosen(77 years old), has been
awarded the PEN Pinter Prize 2023. He will
receive the award in a ceremony co-hosted by
the British Library on 11th October
- 2023.Michael Rosen is known for making
poetry accessible to children through his work
and performances. His themes are often social,
political and ethical.
The PEN Pinter Prize was established in 2009
in memory of playwright Harold Pinter, who
won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2005.
Rising Star Award Coal India Limited Coal India Limited (CIL), a Maharatna Public
(CIL) Sector Unit (PSU) under the Ministry of Coal
has been honoured with the “Rising Star
Award” in appreciation of its outstanding
efforts to enhance procurement through the
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal in
the fiscal FY 2022–23.
✓ Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for
- Textile, Commerce and Industry,
Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public
Distribution, presented the award to
CIL.
Anupriya Patel, Minister of State (MoS) for
Commerce and Industry and Prashant Kumar
Singh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) GeM,
were also present at the event.
Insurer Innovation Bajaj Allianz Life Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Co. Ltd, has won
Award 2023 Insurance Co. Ltd the Insurer Innovation Award 2023 for the
Asia Pacific(APAC) region at The World’s
Digital Insurance Awards . The award was
presented to recognise Bajaj Allianz Life’s
- ground-breaking WhatsApp Conversational
Platform which empower customers to
digitally service their policies.
TDI – The Digital Insurer, hosted the 8th
edition of the World’s Digital Insurance
Awards to showcase some of the most
innovative projects in the insurance industry.
Government e- NLC India Limited Timely NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna
Marketplace (GeM) (NLCIL) Payments company under the Ministry of Coal, has been
award (CPSEs) declared the Winner of the Government e-
Marketplace (GeM) award for the year 2023
in “Timely Payments (CPSEs)” category for

promoting and encouraging business
activities through e-Market.
K Mohan Reddy, Director (Planning and
Projects), received the award on behalf of
NLCIL from Piyush Goyal, Minister of
Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs,
Food and Public Distribution & Textiles.
Advanced Thalappil Pradeep Eni, an Italian integrated energy company,
Environmental announced the names of the winning
Solutions Award researchers and scientists of the 15th edition
of the Eni Award.Thalappil Pradeep, professor
in the Department of Chemistry from the
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT
- Madras), has been awarded the Advanced
Environmental Solutions Award, which is
dedicated to research for the protection and
sustainable use of natural resources.He also
received other recognition such as with
Padma Shri(2020), Prince Sultan Bin
Abdulaziz International Prize(2022), Nikkei
Asia Prize(2020), Shanti SwarupBhatnagar
Prize(2008).
2022 UNESCO Asia Mumbai’s Byculla India's oldest railway station (169-years-old)
Pacific Award Railway Station Byculla railway station in central Mumbai,
Maharashtra received the 2022 United
- Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) Asia Pacific Awards
for Cultural Heritage Conservation (Award of
Merit).
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS IN CONTENT FORMAT

President Droupadi Murmu confers National Geoscience Awards 2022 to 22 Geoscientist
On July 24, 2023, the President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Geoscience Awards-
2022 (NGA) of the Ministry of Mines on 22 Geoscientists during an event organized at
Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
There were 10 awards grouped under three categories viz. National Geoscience Award for Life Time
Achievement, National Young Geoscientist Award, and National Geoscience Awards in various fields of
geosciences
National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Om Narain Bhargava, for his pioneering
work in the Himalayas spanning over the last four decades.
National Young Geoscientist Award: Dr. Amiya Kumar Samal, for his contribution in understanding
the variation of Sub-Continental Lithospheric Mantle (SCLM) beneath various Archean cratons of the
Indian shield. Click here to read full news

4 Indian Origin Women Features on Forbes’ America’s Richest Self-Made Women 2023
4 Indian Americans, Jayshree Ullal, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Arista Networks,
Neerja Sethi, co-Founder of Syntel, Neha Narkhede, co-founder of Confluent, and Indra Nooyi, former
chair and CEO of PepsiCo, were featured on the 2023 America’s Richest Self-Made Women, 9th edition
of Forbes’ annual ranking of the United States of America (USA)’s most successful women
entrepreneurs, executives and entertainers.
✓ The list is topped by Diane Hendricks, Chairman and founder of ABC Supply Co., Inc. (ABC), for the
6th consecutive year, with net worth of USD 15 billion.
✓ Sumit Virmani, chief marketing officer (CMO) of Infosys (India) is ranked 41st on the The Forbes
World’s Most Influential CMOs List 2023, which recognises the 50 Most Influential CMOs in the
World.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur Confers 8th and 9th Community Radio Awards
The Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, inaugurated the two-
day Regional Community Radio(CR) Sammelan (North) at the Indian Institute of Mass
Communication in New Delhi, Delhi on the occasion of National Broadcasting Day on 23rd July 2023.
✓ During the Inaugural Session, he presented the 8th and 9th National Community Radio Awards to
commendable Community Radio Stations (CRSs) that have made significant contributions in
their field and for the public interest.
National Community Radio Awards:
✓ The National Community Radio Awards consists of 12 awards under 4 categories such as
Thematic Awards, Most Innovative Community Engagement Awards, Promoting Local Culture
Awards and Sustainability Model Awards.
✓ Click here to read about 9th National Community Radio Awards
✓ Click here to read about 8th National Community Radio Awards
34th International Biology Olympiad Held at Al Ain, UAE; India Tops Medal Tally with 4 Golds
India won 4 gold medals and topped the medals tally at the 34th International Biology Olympiad (IBO
2023) held at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from
3rd to 11th July 2023. The 34th IBO was hosted by the UAE and organised by the Ministry of Education,
UAE in partnership with the UAEU.
✓ For the first time, all the students (4) representing India won the gold at the IBO.
Besides India, Singapore has also won 4 gold medals at IBO 2023.
President Murmu Presents Bhoomi Samman Awards 2023

President of India, Droupadi Murmu presented the Bhoomi Samman 2023 awards to 9 State Secretaries
and 68 District Collectors along with their teams for achieving saturation of the core components of
Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) – the core of Governance.
✓ The awards were given to Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh,
Odisha, Tripura and West Bengal at a function organised by the Union Ministry of Rural
Development in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ Odisha was presented “Bhoomi Samman” award as best state in implementing and meeting all the
parameters of DILRMP.
Jindal Aluminium Limited received AS9100D Aerospace Certification from NVT Services
Jindal Aluminium Limited, India’s largest Aluminium extrusion company and India’s second largest
producer of aluminium flat rolled products, was awarded the AS 9100D Aerospace

certification by M/s NVT Services, one of India’s top aerospace certification agencies. The certificate
recognises Jindal Aluminium as a qualified manufacturer for the aviation, space, and defence industry.
Odisha's Naveen Patnaik has Become the 2nd Longest-Serving CM in India

Odisha Chief Minister (CM) & Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president, Naveen Patnaik has become the 2nd
longest-serving Chief Minister in India, with a tenure of 23 years and 139 days. Pawan Kumar Chamling,
the former CM of Sikkim, holds the 1st position as the longest-serving CM after independence in India.
Patnaik, the five-time Chief Minister of Odisha, took charge on March 5, 2000 has surpassed the record
set by former West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu. Naveen Patnaik is also the 3rd CM after Pawan Chamling and
Jyoti Basu to win five consecutive terms as CM.
King Charles and Queen Camilla Give Environmental Award to Indian Conservationists
Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla presented the prestigious Elephant Family environmental
award to Indian conservationists at the 2023 Animal Ball, Lancaster House, London,United
Kingdom(UK) to recognise contributions to protecting Asian wildlife.
✓ Kartiki Gonsalves,Filmmaker documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers,’ received the Tara
Award.The Elephant Whisperers’, which won the 2023 Academy Award/Oscar Award for Best
Documentary Short Film.
The Real Elephant Collective (TREC)-a wildlife conservation group from India, consisting of 70 Adivasi
artists, was honoured with Mark Shand Award.
MoYAS recognised Handball Association of India as National Sports Federation

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports(MoYAS) recognised the Handball Association of India (HAI) as a
National Sports Federation (NSF) status for the promotion and regulation of handball with immediate
effect.
✓ Recognition was granted to allowing them to be responsible for the management and development
of handball-related matters.
HAI is also affiliated to the International Handball Federation(IHF), the Asian Handball
Federation(AHF) and the Indian Olympic Association(IOA).
WB President Ajay Banga Named in 2023 List of Great Immigrants

Ajay Banga, Padma Shri awardee and the President of the World Bank, has been named among the 2023
annual list of “Great Immigrants”, that honours individuals who have strengthened the United States of
America (USA) through their contributions. The list is curated by Carnegie Corporation of New York, the
USA, a philanthropic organization.
✓ Ajay Banga, became the first-ever Indian American to lead the World Bank in June 2023 and he is
the only honouree from India in 2023 list of ‘Great Immigrants.
He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2016 for his contributions in the fields of trade and industry.
GAIL accredited with Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) T3 Status

Gas Authority of India Limited (Gail (India) Limited), a Maharatna – central public sector undertaking
(CPSU) accredited with Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) T3 Status which is a highest level of
facilitation for Importers & Exporters by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Ministry of
Finance.
AEO is a programme run by the World Customs Organisation (WCO)SAFE Framework (2005) of
Standards to secure and facilitate global trade, it aims to improve international supply chain security,
facilitate the flow of genuine goods, and increase the ease of doing business in India.

Union Minister Kishan Reddy Confers Global Incredible Inc Leadership Award
Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of Northeast Region (DoNER)
conferred the ‘Global Incredible Inc Leadership Award’ from the U.S.India SME Council.The council
bestowed his efforts to promote tourism and India’s rich culture.
✓ It was presented by the president and chief executive officer(CEO) of U.S. India SME Council, Inc.
Elisha B. Pulivarti.
✓ Kishan Reddy attended the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) High-Level
Political Forum (HLPF) on economic, social and environmental sustainability on tourism in the
capacity of G-20 Tourism Chair at the UN headquarters in New York, the United States of America
(USA).
The 2023 UN HLPF theme was “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease and the full
implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels”.
Ministry of Coal won “Best Engagement” Award for Procurement through GeM Portal
Ministry of Commerce and Industry awarded the Ministry of coal under the “Best Engagement” category
for its achievements on e- procurement through Government e Marketplace (GeM).The Ministry has
consistently performed well on the GeM portal for 2 consecutive financial years. During the financial
year 2023-24, the Coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have showed a steady confidence in GeM by
publishing bids worth Rs. 21,500 crore.
IAU Named Minor Planets after Aswin Sekhar, 1st Indian Meteor Astronomer
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) through its Working Group Small Bodies Nomenclature
(WGSBN) named Minor Planets after 4 Indians namely Aswin Sekhar, India’s prominent meteor
astronomer from Kerala, Ashok Kumar verma, an Indian astrophysicist, Kumar Venkataramani, an
Indian astronomer and Rutu parekh, planetary geologist from Gujarat.
✓ This honour was conferred at the Asteroids, Comets, Meteors (ACM) Conference 2023, held in
Arizona, the United States of America (USA), from June 18-23, 2023.
Aswin Sekhar is the first professional meteor astronomer from India in modern times.
SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE

SUMMITS
SUMMIT VENUE KEY POINTS
Startup20 Shikhar Summit Haryana Startup20 Shikhar Summit, organised by the
Startup20 Engagement Group under the India
G20(Group of 20) Presidency, was held from 3rd to
4th July 2023 in Gurugram, Haryana. The 2-day
summit served as a platform for fostering
innovations, collaborations, knowledge sharing, and
strategic alliances within the global startup
ecosystem. The name “Shikhar,” which means
“mountain peak” in Sanskrit.
During the closing ceremony of the summit, Dr.
Chintan Vaishnav, Chair of Startup20 and the Mission
Director for Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), handed
over the torch to Brazil, which holds the G20
presidency for 2024.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization Virtual Mode Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi chaired
(SCO) Council of Heads of State the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
(SCO-CHS) Summit Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS) Summit which
was held in a virtual format. India, as the Chair of the
SCO, hosted the SCO-CHS Summit for the first time.
India assumed the chairmanship of the SCO in
September 2022.
Theme of the Summit: ‘Towards a SECURE SCO’
✓ SECURE stands for Security; Economy (and
Trade); Connectivity; Unity; Respect (for
Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity); and
Environment.
✓ PM Modi presents Indian AI-based language
platform ‘Bhashini’ at SCO.
✓ During the summit, Iran became the new
permanent member (9th) of SCO. Now, the
member nations of SCO increased to 9.
Belarus is set to become a full member by 2024 as
the nation signed a Memorandum of Obligations
which will lead to its membership….Click here for
more detail….
U20 Mayoral Summit 2023 Gujarat Ahmedabad (Gujarat), the Chair City of Urban
20(U20) 2023, hosted the 2-day U20 Mayoral
Summit 2023 from 7th to 8th July 2023 in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The Summit concluded with
the handover of the Communiqué from the Mayors to
G20 leaders.
✓ Kiritkumar J Parmar, Mayor of Ahmedabad
handed over the Communique to Hardeep
Singh Puri, Union Minister of Housing &
Urban Affairs and Amitabh Kant, G20 (Group
of 20) Sherpa.
✓ The handover was moderated by the U20
convenors, C40 Cities and United Cities and
Local Governments (UCLG).
The Communiquéwas officially endorsed by a record
number of 105 cities across the world. The
Communiqué is in line with the theme of India’s
(G20) presidency “VasudhaivaKutumbakam”, or One
Earth, One Family, One Future.
Global Food Regulators Summit Delhi India hosted the Global Food Regulators Summit
2023 2023 for first time, held as part of the Group 20 (G20)
event, in Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, Delhi from
20th to 21st July 2023. The summit was organised by
the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI).Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of
Health and Family Welfare inaugurated the Global
Food Regulators Summit 2023 to create a global

platform of food regulators to exchange perspectives
on strengthening food safety systems and regulatory
framework across the food value chain.
Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit Madhya On 25th July 2023, Union Minister of Civil Aviation
(Heli Summit 2023) Pradesh and Steel, Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the 5th
Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit (Heli Summit
2023) in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The summit
was jointly organized by the 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).
During the event Scindia launched
✓ RCS UDAN 5.2(Regional Connectivity
Scheme UDAN(Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik,5.2):
by awarding 22 routes for small aircraft and
increasing the VGF and reducing the fare cap
for helicopters.
✓ HeliSewa app: It is a single window service
platform to create an ecosystem between the
helicopter operators and the district
authorities.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between
Pawan Hans Ltd. and Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd. was
signed for advancing the Helicopter and Small
Aircraft sector in India.
EVENTS
EVENTS VENUE KEY POINTS
Operation Broader Sword The United States of America (USA) and India
conducted “Operation Broader Sword”, a bilateral
multi-agency enforcement initiative, to identify illicit
and illegal medical products shipped using the
- International Mail System. The operation held from
12th to 23rd June 2023 targeted shipments coming to
the USA from India through International Mail
Facilities (IMFs) in John F Kennedy International
Airport in New York, USA and O’Hare International
Airport, Chicago, USA.

COMMITTEES & MEETINGS
MEETINGS
MEETING NAME VENUE KEY POINTS
Joint Defence Cooperation Tanzania On 28th & 29th of June 2023 the second edition of
Committee (JDCC) meeting Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC)
meeting was held between India and Tanzania in
Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa focused on a wide
range of opportunities for collaboration with a view
to enhancing security in the Indian Ocean Region
(IOR).
India and Tanzania have finalised a five-year
roadmap to expand defence and maritime,
infrastructure building and collaboration in military
equipment and technology.
50th meeting of the Goods and Delhi The 50th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax
Services Tax (GST) Council (GST) Council was held in New Delhi, Delhi under the
chairpersonship of Union Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance. To mark the
milestone of 50th meeting of the GST Council, Union
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Chairperson) released
a short video film titled ‘GST Council- 50 steps
towards a journey’ in the presence of the Members
of the Council.
The film showcases the evolution of the GST Council
and is available in Hindi, English, and 11 regional
languages…Click here for the recommendations
relating to changes in GST tax rates…
G20 Finance Ministers and Central Gujarat The 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank
Bank Governors (FMCBG) 2023 Governors (FMCBG) 2023 meeting under the Indian
Meeting Presidency was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It was
jointly chaired by Union Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance, and Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das. The meeting
concluded with a G20 Outcome Document and
Chair’s Summary comprising 26 paragraphs and 2
Annexures.
✓ The G20 FMCBGs endorsed G20 Report on
Macroeconomic Risks Stemming from
Climate Change and Transition Pathways.The
member also endorsed new G20 2023
Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) for
the three years 2024-26.
✓ India will lead the implementation of the new
FIAP, as one of the Co-Chairs of Global
Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI),
for the next three years starting from 2024.

During the meeting, the Indonesian Finance Minister
Sri Mulyani Indrawati and her Indian counterpart
Nirmala Sitharaman jointly inaugurated the India-
Indonesia Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat to enhance collaboration on
bilateral and international economic and financial
matters…Click here for complete detail…
11th meeting of the Executive Colombia Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) led
Board of the Association of World the 3-member delegation from the Election
Election Bodies (A-WEB) Commission of India (ECI) to participate in the 11th
meeting of the Executive Board of the Association of
World Election Bodies (A-WEB) in Cartagena,
Colombia from 10th to 14th July 2023.The ECI
delegation included Manoj Sahoo, Deputy Election
Commissioner and Anuj Chandak, Joint Director.
On 13th July 2023, the National Civil Registry,
Colombia organised an international conference on
the theme “A global view on the challenges of
regional elections 2023” will bring together
representatives from the 19 Executive Board
Members and the 2 Oversight and Audit Committee
Members.
Environment and Climate Tamil Nadu The 4th Environment and Climate Sustainability
Sustainability Working Group Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and
(ECSWG) and Environment and Climate Ministers’ meeting was held between 26th to
Climate Ministers’ Meeting 28th July 2023, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN). G20
member countries & nine guest countries
participated in the meeting with a shared interest in
environmental conservation and sustainability.
✓ The Resource Efficiency Circular Economy
Industry Coalition (RECEIC) was launched by
Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for
Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEFCC).
✓ The G20 members adopted the ‘Chennai
High-Level Principles for a Sustainable and
Resilient Blue/ Ocean-based Economy’.
39 multinational corporations (MNCs) from various
sectors such as steel, FMCG, electronics came
together to pledge to adopt resource efficiency and
circular economy principles and to address
environmental challenges rising from waste,
including plastics, microplastics, e-waste, and
chemical waste.

INDEX
RANKING
INDEX / SURVEY NAME RELEASED BY / KEY NOTES
CONDUCTED BY
Global Peace Index 2023 Institute for Economics & India => 126th Ranks
Peace (IEP) According to the 17th edition of the Global Peace
Index 2023 released by international think-tank, the
Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), India has
ranked at 126th position by climbing nine positions
from 2022. The list is topped by Iceland.The ranking,
which is based on 23 indicators grouped into three
criteria (societal safety and security; extent of
ongoing domestic and international conflict; and
degree of militarization), shows 84 countries
recording improvement and 79 showing
deterioration.
Rank Country
1 Iceland
2 Denmark
3 Ireland
4 New Zealand
5 Austria
126 India
The bottom five countries are – Democratic
Republic of the Congo (159), South Sudan (160),
Syria (161), Yemen (162), and Afghanistan (163).
Young University Times Higher Education Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kerala has
Rankings (YUR)-2023 (THE) emerged as top among Indian universities under and
secured 77 globally. Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore tops the list in 2023.
✓ The only three universities from India in the
Top 100 World List are Mahatma Gandhi
University, JSS Academy of Higher Education
and Research, Shoolini University of
Biotechnology and Management Sciences.
Lovely Professional University (LPU) placed in
World’s Rank Band 251-300 in the ranking THE YUR
2023 list among the other universities created since
1973.LPU has surpassed three IITs, namely IIT
Guwahati and Bhubaneswar (ranked within the 301-
350 band), as well as IIT Mandi (ranked within the
351-400 band)…Click here for more detail….
Henley Passport Index Henley & Partners According to the Henley Passport Index 2023 (3rd
2023 (3rd quarter) quarter) released by Henley & Partners, a London-
based global citizenship and residence advisory firm,
India ranked 80th by providing visa-free or visas on

arrival access to 57 countries.Singapore is the
world’s most powerful passport with visa-free access
to 192 travel destinations out of 227 worldwide.
India’s current rank ties it with countries like Togo
and Senegal.
REPORTS
REPORT NAME SUBMITTED BY KEY NOTES
ASK Private Wealth Hurun India Hurun Research On 27th June 2023, The Hurun Research
Future Unicorn Index 2023 Institute Institute released the ASK Private Wealth
Hurun India Future Unicorn Index 2023, a
ranking of India’s start-up ecosystems worth at
least USD 200 million, and the new additions in
the unicorn list reveals a significant decline in
2023, indicating a slowdown in the Indian start-
up ecosystem. The cut-off date was 31 May
2023.
✓ In 2023, India added only three unicorn
start-ups having a valuation of over USD
1 billion compared to 24 (turned
Unicorns from the list) in 2022 pointed
at a distinct slowdown.
The important factor contributing to this
decline is the drop in the Investor interest, also
termed as “Funding Winter”.
Financial Stability Report (FSR) Reserve Bank of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its half
India yearly publication (i.e) 27th Financial Stability
Report (FSR), June 2023, which assesses risks
to financial stability and the resilience of the
Indian financial system. It reflects the collective
evaluation of the Sub-Committee of the
Financial Stability and Development Council
(FSDC).
✓ According to stress test results in the
FSR, the combined Capital to Risk-
Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 46
major banks is expected to decline from
17.0% (historical high) in March 2023
to 16.1% by March 2024, under the
baseline scenario.
✓ The banking sector's bad loans have hit
a decade-low. In March 2023, SCBs’
Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA)
ratio dropped to 3.9%, the lowest in 10
years, and the NNPA ratio fell to 1%, the
lowest since June 2011.

✓ RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das launched
the Reserve Bank’s next generation data
warehouse.
✓ As per the report, the Deposit Insurance
and Credit Guarantee Corporation
(DICGC) settled claims of Rs 751.8 crore
during FY23.
✓ The consolidated Gross Fiscal Deficit
(GFD) of the states and Union
Territories (UTs) declined from 4.1% of
GDP in FY21 to 2.8% in FY22 and FY23.
RBI floating rate bonds interest rate hiked to
8.05% from July 1, 2023….Click here to read
complete detail…
Report on Panchayat Development Kapil Moreshwar Kapil Moreshwar Patil, Minister of State (MoS)
Index (PDI) Patil for the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR)
released the Report on Panchayat
Development Index (PDI) during the National
Workshop on PDI held at Vigyan Bhawan, New
Delhi, Delhi.Th aim of the index Main focus To
develop a strategic plan and roadmap for the
integration of the Ministry’s portal /dashboard
to build a data ecosystem.
PDI was formulated to evaluate different
indicators responsible for ensuring targeted
development in villages.
Burden of disease attributable to World Health According to the World Health Organization
unsafe drinking water, sanitation Organization (WHO) (WHO) report titled Burden of disease
and hygiene: 2019 update attributable to unsafe drinking water, sanitation
and hygiene: 2019 update, among children
under the age of 5, unsafe Water, Sanitation and
Hygiene (WASH) was responsible for 395 000
deaths and 37 million disability-adjusted life
years (DALYs). This represents 7.6% of all
deaths and 7.5% of all DALYs in this age group.
The estimates are based on 4 health outcomes –
diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections (ARIs),
undernutrition (protein-energy malnutrition
(PEM)), and soil-transmitted helminthiases
(STH).
Trade in services for development: World Bank (WB) According to the report titled “Trade in services
Fostering sustainable growth and and World Trade for development: Fostering sustainable growth
economic diversification Organisation (WTO) and economic diversification” co-published by
World Bank (WB) and World Trade
Organisation (WTO) India has doubled its share
of global commercial services exports to 4.4%
in 2022 from 2% in 2005. The report was
launched by the WTO Director-General, Dr
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the World Bank

President, Ajay Banga, at an online event on 3rd
July 2023.
China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and India are top
exporters and importers of services, driving the
trade performance of developing economies.
World Investment Report United Nations According to the United Nations Conference on
2023(WIR 2023): Investing in Conference on Trade Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s “World
Sustainable Energy for All and Development Investment Report 2023(WIR 2023): Investing
(UNCTAD) in Sustainable Energy for All”, Foreign Direct
Investment(FDI) in Asia’s developing countries
remained unchanged at USD 662 billion and
India and Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) were the top recipients , with
an increase of 10% and 5% respectively.
India was among the five economies that
accounted for almost 80 percent of the FDI
flows to the region. The four other economies
were China, Singapore, Hong Kong (China) and
the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Performance Grading Index (PGI): Department of School Department of School Education & Literacy,
2.0: 2021-22: States & Union Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education (MoE), released the
Territories Ministry of Education ‘Performance Grading Index (PGI): 2.0: 2021-
(MoE) 22: States & Union Territories‘which assesses
the performance of school education system at
the State/UT level by creating an index for
comprehensive analysis.It should be noted that
the PGI: 2.0 is the revised version of earlier ‘PGI
– State structure for 2021-22’.
✓ The new PGI 2.0 structure covers 73
indicators, focused more on qualitative
assessment, digital initiatives and
teacher education.
✓ PGI 2.0 for 2021-22 classified the
States/UTs into ten grades viz., highest
achievable Grade is Daksh, which is for
State/UT scoring more than 940 points
out of total of 1000 points. The lowest
grade is Akanshi-3 which is for score up
to 460.
✓ The top-most grade attained in PGI 2.0
is Prachesta – 2. It was attained by only
2 States and UTs, namely Punjab with
score of 647.4 and Chandigarh (659.0).
List of Top 5 States as per Scores:
State/UT Score Grade
Chandigarh 659 Prachesta-2
Punjab 647.4 Prachesta-2
Delhi 636.2 Prachesta-3

Kerala 609.7 Prachesta-3
Gujarat 599 Prachesta-3
Progress on household drinking World Health According to the report by World Health
water, sanitation and hygiene Organization(WHO)- Organization(WHO)- United Nations Children’s
2000-2022: Special focus on United Nations Fund (UNICEF) Joint Monitoring Programme for
gender Children’s Fund Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (JMP)
(UNICEF) titled “Progress on household drinking
water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2022:
Special focus on gender”, gloablly women and
girls bear the burden of drinking water,
sanitation and hygiene (WASH) crises. Women
and girls spend more than ten times as much
time fetching water for households than
men….Click here for more detail…
From Evidence to Action: Twenty International As per the report, half of child trafficking
years of IOM child trafficking data Organization for victims are trafficked within their own country.
to inform policy and programming Migration (IOM) and ✓ In cases of international trafficking,
François-Xavier children are mostly trafficked to
Bagnoud Center for neighbouring, wealthier countries.
Health and Human This report, a first of its kind, is based on
Rights at Harvard analysis of extensive, globally sourced data,
University (FXB) using the IOM’s Victims of Trafficking Database
(VoTD).
Global Multidimensional Poverty United Nations As per it, a total of 415 million people moved
Index (MPI) Development out of poverty in India within just 15 years from
Programme (UNDP) 2005/2006 to 2019/2021 showing 55.1%
and the Oxford decrease in 2005-06 to 16.4% in 2019-2021.
Poverty and Human In India, multidimensional poverty declined
Development from 645 million people in 2005-2006 to 370
Initiative (OPHI) at million in 2015-2016, and further to 230
the University of million in 2019-2021.
Oxford, United
Kingdom(UK)
Survey on Digital and Sustainable United Nations India has emerged as the best-performing
Trade Facilitation Economic and Social country in the South Asian region in terms of
Commission for Asia trade facilitation.
Paciﬁc’s (UNESCAP) ✓ India has been positioned at the
forefront of global trade facilitation
eﬀorts, with an impressive score of
93.55% in 2023 vis a vis 90.32% in
2021 after evaluation of 160
economies(countries) and 60 trade
facilitation measures.
India has progressed by achieving a perfect
score of 100% in four key areas;Transparency,
Formalities, Institutional Arrangement and
Cooperation, and Paperless Trade…Click here
for more detail…

2023 UNAIDS Global AIDS Update UNAIDS, the Joint Highlights that there is a path to end AIDS by
– The Path That Ends AIDS United Nations (UN) 2030 and it requires strong political leadership,
Programme on following the science, tackling inequalities and
Human ensuring sustainable funding.
immunodeficiency The report contains data and case studies which
viruses highlight that ending AIDS is a political and
(HIV)/Acquired financial choice, and that the countries and
immune deficiency leaders who are already following the path are
syndrome (AIDS) achieving extraordinary results.
A world of debt. A growing burden Antonio Guterres, the A new report from the UN global crisis response
to global prosperity United Nations group and as per the report nearly 40% of the
secretary-general developing countries in the World is in serious
(UNSG) debt, as public debt reached a record USD 92
trillion in 2022, which is five-fold since 2000.
The report was jointly prepared by the UN
Global Crisis Response Group, the United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD), and the five United Nations Regional
Economic Commissions.
The Impact of Microplastics and Food and Agriculture As per it, Microplastics and nanoplastics
Nanoplastics on Human Health Organization (FAO) significantly affect the gut microbiomes of
humans, animals, and the environment.
✓ The report highlights instances where
changes in intestinal structure and
gastrointestinal functioning have been
observed as a result of exposure to
microplastics and nanoplastics.
However, the effects of exposure to
other plastic chemicals on the gut
microbiome remain largely unexplored.
The report’s authors reviewed 146 articles on
the subject.
Oil 2023 medium-term market IEA & PPAC International Energy Agency (IEA), Paris
report (France)-based autonomous organization, in
collaboration with Petroleum Planning and
Analysis Cell (PPAC) under the administration
of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
(MoPNG) launched the Oil 2023 medium-term
market report titled IEA Oil 2023 – Supply and
demand dynamics to 2028 in Delhi for oil
supply and demand.
✓ The Oil 2023 medium-term market
report forecasts that based on current
government policies and market trends,
global oil demand will rise by 6%
between 2022 and 2028 to reach 105.7
million barrels per day (mb/d).
The Oil 2023 medium-term market report finds
that growth of global oil demand is set to

decline, almost stop by 2028…Click here for
complete report..
National Multidimensional NITI Aayog The Vice-Chairman of National Institution for
Poverty Index (MPI): A Progress Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, Suman Bery
Review 2023 released the 2nd edition of NITI Aayog’s Report
‘National Multidimensional Poverty Index
(MPI): A Progress Review 2023‘.It represents
India’s progress in reducing multidimensional
poverty between the two surveys, National
Family Health Survey [NFHS-4 (2015-16)] and
NFHS-5 (2019-21).
✓ India has registered a significant decline
of 9.89 percentage points in number of
India’s multidimensionally poor from
24.85% in 2015-16 to 14.96% in 2019-
2021.
Uttar Pradesh (UP) registered the largest
decline in number of poor i.e. 3.43 crore
people…Click here for complete report…
Action Taken Report (ATR) Ministry of During a virtual event presided over by Kapil
Module of AuditOnline Panchayati Raj Moreshwar Patil, Union Minister of State(MoS),
MoPR. The module aims to provide a more
structured approach to the audit process,
ensuring clarity on the actions taken in
response to audit findings.
In order to achieve the accountability through
audits the MoPR introduced the ATR Module
aimed towards increasing the online audit
process and also promoting digital governance
at the grassroots level.
Export Preparedness Index (EPI) NITI Aayog According to the Export Preparedness
2022 for States and Union Index(EPI) 2022 for States and Union
Territories (UTs) Territories(UTs), the 3rd edition of the National
Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)
report, Tamil Nadu has topped the Index with
an overall score of 80.89.Maharashtra with
78.20 at 2nd place, Karnataka with 76.36 at 3rd
place and Gujarat with 73.22 at 4th place are
the top performers in EPI 2022 in all categories
of states.
✓ The report, which presents a
comprehensive analysis of India’s
export performance in FY22, was
released by Suman Bery, Vice Chairman
of NITI Aayog, on 17th July 2023.
Kanchipuram, Chennai, Tiruppur are the top
three among the exporting districts of Tamil
Nadu.

A NEW LENS FOR INNOVATION IN NITI Aayog The NITI Aayog (National Institution for
NEW INDIA –Introducing The Transforming India) has released the Techno-
Techno-Commercial Readiness Commercial Readiness and Market Maturity
and Market Maturity Matrix Matrix (TCRM Matrix) framework under the
NITI Working Paper series titled “A NEW LENS
FOR INNOVATION IN NEW INDIA –Introducing
The Techno-Commercial Readiness and Market
Maturity Matrix,” aimed at promoting
Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India.
The framework is a pioneering assessment tool
designed to revolutionize technology
evaluation, foster innovation, and fuel
entrepreneurship in India.
India Energy Security Scenarios NITI Aayog On 20th July 2023, the NITI Aayog (National
(IESS) 2047 (IESS 2047 V3.0) Institution for Transforming India) released a
Revamped India Energy Security Scenarios
(IESS) 2047 (IESS 2047 V3.0) to assess the
integrated impact of various green energy
policies of Government of India. IESS 2047 is a
user-friendly interactive tool that can help
ministries/ departments to develop a variety of
energy transition scenarios to achieve net-zero.
NITI Aayog in collaboration with energy and
climate think-tank Vasudha Foundation
released the India Climate Energy Dashboard
(ICED) 3.0 during the 14th Clean Energy
Ministerial (CEM) in Goa.
The paths to equal: Twin indices United Nations (UN) United Nations (UN) Women and United
on women’s empowerment and Women and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
gender equality at the Women Nations Development launched a report titled The paths to equal:
Deliver 2023 Conference Programme (UNDP) Twin indices on women’s empowerment and
(WD2023) gender equality at the Women Deliver 2023
Conference (WD2023) in Kigali, Rwanda, East
Africa.The report highlights the global
challenges faced by women and provides a
roadmap for targeted interventions and policy
reforms.
✓ Less than 1%of women and girls live in
countries with both high levels of
women’s empowerment and high
gender parity.
✓ More than 90% of the world’s female
population i.e 3.1 billion women and
girls live in countries characterized by a
large women’s empowerment deficit
and a large gender gap.
According to Women’s Empowerment Index
(WEI) on an average, women are empowered to
achieve only 60% of their full potential and the

Global Gender Parity Index (GGPI) measured
that women achieve 28 % less than men across
key human development dimensions.
Saagu Baagu’(agriculture Telangana & World On 20th July 2023, the government of
advancement) project Phase 1 Economic Forum Telangana & World Economic Forum (WEF)
Insights report (WEF) launches ‘Saagu Baagu’(agriculture
advancement) project Phase 1 Insights report in
Telangana, Hyderabad. The project aims to
provide AI-based agritech services to farmers in
Telangana.The WEF report showcases the
successful implementation of the pilot project
launched through Artificial Intelligence for
Agriculture Innovation (AI4AI) benefiting over
7,000 chilli farmers in Khammam district in
Telangana.
The project was initiated in 2022 and is
implemented by Digital Green (in consortium
with three agritech startups) with support from
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
SBI Ecowrap Report State Bank of India According to the State Bank of India’s (SBI)
economic research report Ecowrap dated on
27th July 2023, India is set to become the world
3rd Largest Economy in 2027(Financial Year
2028) based on actual Gross domestic product
(GDP) data as on March 2023.India currently
ranks 5th in the world’s largest economy,
accounting for 3.4% of global GDP.
✓ As per the report, India will surpass
both Japan and Germany in 2027 if it
develops at the present current rate of
growth.
✓ The report also states that India’s GDP is
expected to grow by more than 8% in
the first Quarter of Financial Year 2024
(8.1-8.2%).
It also predicted that India may surpass the
6.5% mark of overall growth (GDP)in FY24
RANKING & REPORTS IN CONTENT FORMAT

Tamil Nadu becomes India’s Top Electronics Exporter of FY23 with the export worth USD5.37
billion
According to the Export data released by the government of India for FY23 (financial year ended in
March 2023), Tamil Nadu (TN) becomes India’s leading exporter of electronic goods in FY23, with
exports reaching USD5.37 billion (bn), nearly triple the export of FY22 (USD 1.86 bn). Tamil Nadu is
followed by Uttar Pradesh (UP) in the 2nd place with export worth USD 4.90 bn and Karnataka in 3rd
place with USD 4.52 bn.

ACQUISITION & MERGERS
IDFC Ltd to Merge with IDFC First Bank in a Share Exchange Ratio of 155:100
The board of directors of IDFC First Bank Limited approved the scheme of amalgamation of IDFC
Limited with IDFC First bank and the share exchange ratio is fixed at 155:100.IDFC First Bank has
proposed to complete the merger by the end of 2023.
The IDFC group rejig scheme is a two-step process.
✓ First, IDFC Financial Holding Company Limited (HFCL) will be amalgamated with IDFC Limited.
✓ Second, the IDFC Limited will amalgamate with IDFC First Bank.
CCI approves acquisition of Marnix Lux by Concentrix Corporation

On 4th July 2023, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the indirect acquisition of
Marnix Lux SA (Marnix Lux) by Concentrix Corporation, and acquisition of
approximately 22% shareholding in combined company by the shareholders of Marnix Lux.
LIC Reduces 2% Stake in India Cements Through Open Market Transactions

Life Insurance Corp (LIC),Indian state-owned insurance group and investment company has reduced its
stake by 2% in India Cements Ltd from 5.87% to 3.83%. The reduction has taken place between
November 2017 and July 2023 through open market transactions.
Post the sale of 63.28 lakh share, LIC currently holds 1.19 crore shares of India Cements.
GQG Partners Invested around Rs.2400 crore and Acquired 5.96% Stake in Patanjali Foods
GQG Partners LLC, a Florida (The United States of America)-based asset management firm led by Rajiv
Jain, acquired a 5.96% stake (about 2.15 crore shares) in the Patanjali Foods Limited (formerly known
as Ruchi Soya Industries Limited), a manufacturer of consumer packaged foods in India, for Rs 2400
crore through the Offer-for-sale (OFS) process initiated by Patanjali Foods.
The floor price was kept at Rs 1,000 per share but allotment to non-retail investors was done at a share
price of Rs 1,103.80.
M&M Buys 3.5% Stake in RBL Bank for Rs 417 Crore

Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M), automotive manufacturing company of Mahindra group,
acquired a 3. 53% stake in Mumbai(Maharashtra) based RBL Bank, formerly known as Ratnakar Bank,
for Rs.417 crore.
This is the first significant move by a manufacturing sector to venture into a private bank, after new
norms of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2021.
✓ According to the new norms, Industrial houses can hold upto 10% stake in banks, but cannot be
their promoters and any entity looking to acquire over 5% stake in a bank needs to seek prior
approval from the regulator.
✓ RBL Bank - MD & CEO – R Subramaniakumar , Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra.
CCI approves Acquisition of 59.38% stake in Unichem by Ipca Labs

The Competition Commission of India (CCI), the competition regulator in India, approved the proposed
combination involving acquisition of shareholding up to 59.38% of stake in Unichem Laboratories
Limited by Ipca Laboratories Limited. Specifically, Ipca Labs is planning to acquire about 33.38% of the
issued and paid-up equity voting share capital of Unichem Labs as per the terms of a share purchase
agreement.

Future Generali India Life Partnered with JM Financial to Elevate Insurance Products
Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited (FGILI), a joint venture (JV) between the
Generali Group and the Future Group, partnered with JM Financial Services Limited (JM Financial), an
integrated and diversified financial services group, to expand its product offerings and market presence
across India.
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.
DEFENCE
EXERCISE
EXERCISE NAME VENUE / KEY NOTES
PARTICIPATING
COUNTRIES
Joint Maritime Bay of Bengal along the Indian Navy and the French Navy carried out a joint
Partnership Exercise coast of Visakhapatnam, Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) in the Bay of
(MPX) Indian Navy and the Bengal along the coast of Visakhapatnam, Andhra
French Navy Pradesh from June 26-29, 2023. The exercise involved
the participation of Indian Naval Ships INS Rana (a
guided missile destroyer) and INS Sumedha (an
indigenously built offshore patrol vessel), alongside
the French Navy’s La Fayette class frigate FS Surcouf.
Japan-India Maritime Andhra Pradesh Indian Navy (IN) along with Japan Maritime Self
Exercise 2023 (JIMEX Defence Force (JMSDF)conducts the 7th edition of the
23) bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2023 (JIMEX
23) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh from July 5 to
10, 2023. This edition marks the 11th anniversary of
JIMEX, since its inception in 2012.
JIMEX 23 provides an opportunity for the two navies
to learn from each other’s best practices and facilitate
operational interactions to foster mutual cooperation
and reaffirm their shared commitment towards
maritime security in the region.
Indian Navy (IN) – the Kochi, Kerala 7th edition of Indian Navy (IN) – the United States of
United States of America (USA) Navy (USN) Salvage and the Explosive
America (USA) Navy Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, SALVEX was
(USN) Salvage and the conducted from June 26th to July 6th 2023 in Kochi,
Explosive Ordnance Kerala to strengthen US and Indian divers’ capability
Disposal (EOD) in diving and salvage techniques.
exercise, SALVEX The first-ever IN- USN SALVEX was conducted in 2005
and the SALVEX series of exercises have been
conducted annually thereafter, alternately in Indian
and US Pacific locations.
Operation Southern INS (Indian Naval Ship) Sunayna, a second Saryu-class
Readiness 2023 patrol vessel, participated in two-week long annual
training exercise ‘Operation Southern Readiness
2023’, conducted by Combined Maritime Forces

(CMF), in Seychelles to strengthen international
- collaboration at sea & enhances operational readiness.
✓ The exercise was led by CMF’s new maritime
security training staff, CTF-154.
The training exercise onboard was witnessed by a
delegation of CMF from Bahrain headed by Cmde
Oliver, Commander of CTF56.
Hwasong-18( Mars Pyongyang, North Korea North Korea’s Hwasong-18( Mars Artillery Type 18), a
Artillery Type 18), a intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was
intercontinental successfully launched for the second time from
ballistic missile (ICBM) Pyongyang, North Korea (Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea). The first test-firing of Hwasong-18
was on 13th April 2023. Hwasong-18 is the North
Koreas’s first solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic
missile (ICBM).
Nomadic Elephant- Mongolia, India-Mongolia Nomadic Elephant-2023, the 15th edition of India-
2023 Mongolia bilateral joint military exercise is being
conducted at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 17 to 31 July
2023. Indian Army contingent comprising of 43
personnel is participating in the exercise at Mongolia.
✓ Primary Theme: Focus on counter-terrorism
operations in mountainous terrain under
United Nations (UN) mandate.
The previous edition (14th edition) of exercise was
held at Special Forces Training School, Bakloh in
Himachal Pradesh from 5 to 18 October 2019.
ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE NEWS

First Barge of Series LSAM 7 Delivered to Indian Navy
Indian Navy received the First Barge of the series LSAM 7 (Yard 75) in the presence of Iftekhar Alam,
Commanding Officer of INS Tunir. This Barge was constructed in accordance with the classification
rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and is expected to serve the Indian Navy for a service life
of 30 years.
✓ The Barge proudly exemplifies the “Make in India” initiative of the Government of India, as it
stands as a symbol of self-reliance with all its major and auxiliary equipment procured from
indigenous manufacturers.
IAF To Get Its First Airbus C295 Transport Aircraft in September 2023
Indian Air Force (IAF) will get its first C-295 transport aircraft in September, 2023 from Airbus and
Space S.A., Spain.C295 is replacing Avro transport aircraft that procured in 1960s. In September 2021,
the Defence Ministry signed a ₹22,000-crore deal with Airbus and Space S.A., Spain, for procurement of
56 C-295MW transport aircraft to replace the Avro aircraft in service with the IAF. As per contract, 16
aircraft would come in fly away condition, manufactured at the Airbus facility in Seville, and 40 would
be manufactured in India by Airbus jointly with Tata Advanced Systems Limited(TASL).

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
SATELLITES LAUNCHES
SATELLITE NAME COUNTRY PURPOSE
Chandrayaan-3 (Moon Indian Space Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully
Craft) Research launched ‘Chandrayaan-3 (Moon Craft)’ spacecraft into
Organisation orbit onboard Launch Vehicle Mark-3-LVM 3 rocket from
(ISRO), India SDSC SHAR (Satish Dhawan Space Centre- Sriharikota
Range), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh (AP).It is India’s
third lunar exploration mission after Chandrayaan 1 in
2008, Chandrayaan 2 in 2019.
✓ With successful landing, India will be the first
country to land spacecraft near Moon’s South Pole
at 70 degrees latitude, and the 4th country to soft
land on the moon after the United States (US) with
its Surveyor 1 in 1966; Soviet Union/Russia’s Luna
9 in 1966, and China with Chang’s 3 in 2013.
✓ Developed by ISRO, it consists of indigenous
Lander module (LM) called Vikram (Valour),
Propulsion Module (PM) and Rover named
Pragyaan (Wisdom) with an objective of
developing and demonstrating new technologies
required for Inter planetary missions.
National award-winning filmmaker-writer Vinod
Mankara’s new book titled ‘Prism: The Ancestral Abode of
Rainbow’ was also released from the rocket launchpad at
SDSC….Click here for complete detail of the article….
Syracuse 4B & Heinrich France & German On 5th July 2023, the 117th and final launch of Ariane 5, a
Hertz (H2Sat) 53 metre tall, three-stage launcher was successfully
blasted off from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French
Guiana toward geostationary orbit to deliver two military
communications satellites namely Syracuse 4B for the
France and the Heinrich Hertz (H2Sat) for the German
Governments.
Ariane 5, a European heavy-lift space launch vehicle first
launched in 1996 has 27 years of experience with this
final launch mission.
European Space Agency SpaceX European Space Agency (ESA)’s Euclid Spacecraft was
(ESA)’s Euclid Spacecraft launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape
Canaveral, Florida, the United States of America(USA).
ESA's Euclid mission is designed to explore the
composition and evolution of the dark Universe(dark
energy and dark matter) using a wide-angle telescope to
survey galaxies as far away as 10 billion light-years from
Earth.
ZhuQue-2 Y-2 China LandSpace, a Chinese private aerospace company became
the world’s first aerospace company to launch a two-stage

rocket ‘ZhuQue-2 Y-2’ using liquid methane as fuel and
liquid oxygen (LOx) as oxidizer. The rocket was launched
from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert,
China.
The launch was the second attempt for the Zhuque-2 Y-2
rocket, following a failed initial launch of Zhuque-2 Y-1 in
December, 2022.
22 Starlink v2 satellites SpaceX, US On 23rd July 2023, the Space Exploration Technologies
Corporation (SpaceX) launched 22 Starlink v2
satellites to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) onboard the Falcon 9
rocket from the Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at
Cape Canaveral Space Force Base in Florida, the United
States of America(USA).
Hughes JUPITER 3 mission SpaceX, US Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)’s
(EchoStar XXIV) Falcon Heavy Rocket launched the Hughes JUPITER 3
mission(EchoStar XXIV), the world’s largest commercial
communications satellite, to the Geosynchronous Transfer
Orbit(GTO) from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at
Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the United States of
America(USA).
This mark’s Falcon Heavy’s 7th launch since its debut in
2018 and the 3rd launch and SpaceX’s 51st mission in
2023
NATIONAL
2 components of NISAR Satellite jointly developed by NASA-ISRO combined to a single
Spacecraft at ISRO
In June 2023, the engineers at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility in Bengaluru,
Karnataka joined the two main components of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR),
namely the spacecraft bus and the radar instrument payload, to create a single spacecraft.
On 8th March 2023, the payload ( L-band radar and S-band Radar) arrived from the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, the
United States of America(USA) to Bengaluru and the bus was built at the ISRO facility.
Greater Chennai Police Launched India’s First ‘Police Drone Unit’ in Chennai
The Greater Chennai Police(GCP), a division of the Tamil Nadu(TN) Police, launched the ‘Police Drone
Unit’, the first in India, for aerial surveillance in Chennai, TN.Director General of Police (DGP) and Head
of Police Force C. Sylendra Babu inaugurated the Unit at Besant Avenue, Adyar, Chennai. The unit was
established at a cost of Rs 3.6 crore.
Home Minister Amit Shah Launched Make in India "Akshar River Cruise" in Gujarat
Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, virtually launched the 'Akshar River
Cruise' on Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This is the first passenger catamaran built in
India under the “Make in India” initiative. This Cruise is a floating restaurant developed under Public
Private Partnership by Akshar Travels Private Limited, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and
Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) at a cost of Rs.15 crore.

Elena Introduces India’s First NavIC – Based PNT Device
Elena Geo Systems,a Space Technology Company and Optimus Logics, two companies based in
Bengaluru in Karnataka, have successfully developed handheld devices called PNT (Positioning,
Navigation, and Timing) that are driven by satellite communications. This project was funded by the
Department of Telecommunications under the Digital Communication Innovation Square (DCIS)
scheme.It will become India’s first hand-held NavIC-based navigation device.
India Launches First 100% DME-Fueled Tractor for Sustainable On and Off-Road Usage
Researchers at Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Kanpur have developed the India’s first
tractor/vehicle that operates solely on 100% Dimethyl Ether (DME), an indigenous and renewable fuel.
This breakthrough positions DME as a viable alternative fuel and engine technology for conventional
diesel engines used in agriculture and transportation sectors.
The research was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and was aligned
with NITI Aayog’s ‘Methanol Economy’ program.
IN-SPACe Issues an Expression of Interest for SSLV Tech Transfer

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued an expression of interest
(EoI) for the first-of-its-kind Transfer of Technology (ToT) of the small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) to
Indian private Space firms.
✓ The aim of this initiative is to boost the Indian Private Space Industries.
✓ SSLV is a 3 stage Launch Vehicle configured with 3 Solid Propulsion Stages and liquid propulsion-
based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and ISRO’s Human Space Flight
Centre (HSFC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Voyager Space to explore
opportunities for the utilisation of the Gaganyaan crewed spacecraft to service Starlab space station.
Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates ‘Sagar Sampark’ to Boost the Digitalisation in the Maritime
Sector
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the
Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) “Sagar Sampark” in New Delhi, Delhi, to boost
the digitalisation in the maritime sector.The indigenously developed DGNSS is a terrestrial based
enhancement system that corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System
(GNSS) and provides more accurate positioning information in Indian waters and beyond.
14th CEM adopted CEM-Hubs initiative for Scaling Low-Carbon Fuel Production
The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) adopted first-of-its-kind ‘Clean Energy Marine Hubs Initiative
(CEM-Hubs)’ for scaling up low carbon fuel production during the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial
(CEM14) and 8th Mission Innovation meeting (CEM14/MI-8) held on July 19-22, 2023 in Goa, India.
✓ The CEM14/MI-8 meeting was organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the
Ministry of Power, and the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and
Technology.
Theme of CEM14/MI-8: Advancing Clean Energy Together
Aim of CEM14/MI-8: To Bring Together the Global Clean Energy Community.
Pixxel Wins the iDEX Prime (Space) Grant to Develop Miniaturized Multi-Payload Satellites for
IAF
Pixxel, a Bengaluru(Karnataka)-based private space data company, won a multi-crore grant from the
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under the Ministry of Defence(MoD) for the Mission

DefSpace Challenge under iDEX Prime (Space), to manufacture miniaturised multi-payload satellites
for the Indian Air Force (IAF).This was received as a part of the SPARK (Support for Prototype
and Research Kickstart (in Defence)) grants by iDEX.
‘AGRIBOT A6’ Drone of IoTechWorld Avigation Receives Type Certification from DGCA
IoTechWorld Avigation Private Limited, a Gurugram (Haryana)-based Agri-drone manufacturer,
obtained a Type Certificate (TC) for its new indigenous drone model ‘AGRIBOT A6‘from the Directorate
General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India, regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation. This the second
drone from IoTechWorld that has received TC.
✓ TC for drones is an official document issued by the DGCA certifying that a specific type of drone
meets all the technical parameters and safety standards for operation in India.
Skyroot successfully tested its Raman-II Engine at ISRO facility in TN

Hyderabad (Telangana) based space startup Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, has successfully tested
its Raman-II engine at the Liquid Thruster Test Facility (LTTF) of ISRO(Indian Space Research
Organisation) Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu(TN).The
testing was enabled by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
INTERNATIONAL
UN Unveiled 51 Robots at AI Summit to Advance SDG goals
International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN)
responsible for information and communication technologies, organised 2 days Global Summit ‘AI for
Good’ in Geneva, Switzerland.The summit highlighted the deployment of specialized robots to aid in
achieving the organization’s 17 Social Development Goals (SDGs).
With less than a decade remaining to fulfil the SDGs, this summit aims to identify practical applications
of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing these goals and scaling up the solutions for global impact.
Spacex Gets License from Mongolia to Offer High-Speed Internet Via Starlink Satellites
The government of Mongolia has granted 2 licenses to the SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, to function as
an internet service provider utilizing Starlink, satellite communications service operated by
SpaceX.Following this, SpaceX will provide high speed connectivity through Starlink to the internet
users in Mongolia. At present, Mongolia has an extensive network of fiber optic cables which provides
access to high-speed internet.
James Webb Space Telescope helps researchers unveil 6 new galaxies

In June 2023, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s James Webb Space Telescope
(JWST) has helped researchers identify the earliest galaxies ever seen - within the first 650 million
years after the Universe was born in the Big Bang, the project, is known as the JWST Advanced Deep
Extragalactic Survey (JADES).
NASA, DARPA enlist Lockheed to Build Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft

United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) penned an agreement with Littleton, Colorado based aerospace and
defence firm Lockheed Martin to construct Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) vehicle to use in NASA’s
Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations(DRACO) program for crewed missions to Mars.
This will help NASA & DARPA jointly to launch a nuclear-powered satellite as soon as 2027.

Galactic 01: Virgin Galactic Completed First Commercial Spaceflight
Virgin Galactic Holding Inc (SPCE.N), the space company founded by United Kingdom(UK) entrepreneur
Richard Branson, successfully completed its first commercial spaceflight mission called “Galactic 01”. 2
Italian air force officers(Colonel Walter Villadei and Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Landolfi) and an
aerospace engineer from the National Research Council of Italy made the brief suborbital ride with 3
Virgin Galactic crew members.
SPORTS
CRICKET
Bangladesh Cricketer Tamim Iqbal retires from International Cricket
Bangladesh One Day International (ODI) Captain Tamim Iqbal (aged 34) announced his retirement from
international cricket after 16 years of his journey in cricket.His last game was on 5th July 2023, against
Afghanistan in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Tamim Iqbal is the third-highest run-scorer as of July 2023,
after only Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with 8,313 runs in 241 games, including 14 hundreds.
Sri Lanka won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualifier defeating the Netherlands
Sri Lanka won the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2023 Qualifier
tournament by defeating the Netherlands by 128 runs in the finals held on 9th July 2023 in Harare and
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.The CWC 2023 Qualifier, the 12th edition of CWC, was held from June 18 to July 9
2023 in Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
This was SL’s 10th consecutive One Day International (ODI) win and Dilshan Madhushanka (SL) won
the player of the match award.
Cricket: South Zone Won The 2023 Duleep Trophy Title Defeating West Zone
South Zone defeated West Zone by 75 runs in the finals of the 2023 Duleep Trophy Championship at the
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, Karnataka. South Zone has won the Duleep Trophy after 9 years,
previously South zone was the joint winner (along with North Zone) in 2013-14 . This marks South
Zone’s 14th title.
2023 Duleep Trophy, 60th edition of the Duleep Trophy, was held from 28th June 2023 to 16th July
2023.
Pakistan A Wins ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023

On 23rd July 2023, Pakistan A cricket team won 5th Asian Cricket Council(ACC) Men’s Emerging Teams
Asia Cup 2023 by defeating India A in the finals at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
✓ This marks Pakistan’s second consecutive win in the tournament, previously it won the cup in the
2019 finals against Bangladesh in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The list of teams that won the cup includes India(2013), Sri Lanka(2017), Sri Lanka(2018),Pakistan(
2019) and Pakistan( 2023).
Sri Lankan Cricketer Lahiru Thirimanne retires from international cricket

On 23rd July 2023, Sri Lankan cricketer Lahiru Thirimanne announced his retirement from
international cricket. Thirimanne represented Sri Lanka in 44 Test matches, 127 One-Day
Internationals (ODI) and 26 Twenty20 (T20) Internationals after his debut in 2010.

BADMINTON & TENNIS
Badminton: Lakshya Sen Wins Men’s Singles Title in Canada Open 2023
Indian Badminton Player Lakshya Sen won the Men’s Singles finals at the Badminton World
Federation (BWF) Yonex Canada Open 2023 (Canada Open 2023) defeating China’s Li Shi Feng
(reigning All England champion 2023), held in Calgary, Canada from 4th July – 9th July 2023.India’s P.V.
Sindhu lost to Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in the Women’s Singles (semifinals) of Canada Open 2023.
✓ Women’s Singles: Akane Yamaguchi (Rank 1) of Japan won the Women’s Singles title by defeating
Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon at the Canada Open 2023.
✓ Men’s Doubles: Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen of Denmark won the Men’s Doubles
title by defeating Frederik Sogaard and Rasmus Kjær of Denmark.
✓ Women’s Doubles: Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida (Rank 3) of Japan won the Women’s
doubles title by defeating Wakana Nagahara and Mayu Matsumoto of Japan at the Canada Open
2023.
Mixed Doubles: Hiroki Midorikawa and Natsu Saito of Japan won the mixed Doubles by defeating
Mathias Thyrri and Amalie Magelund of Denmark.
Tennis – Overview of 136th Edition of “The Wimbledon Championships 2023

The 136th edition of The Wimbledon Championships (Wimbledon) 2023 took place from 26th June to
16th July 2023, the Gentlemen’s Singles was won by Carlos Alcaraz of Spain defeating Novak Djokovic of
Serbia at the centre court, All England lawn tennis and croquet club, Wimbledon, London, United
Kingdom. The 2023 Championships is the 129th staging of the Ladies’ Singles Championship event, the
55th in the Open Era and the 3rd Grand Slam tournament of the year.
Wimbledon 2023
Category Winners Runners
Gentlemen’s Singles Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) Novak Djokovic(Serbia)
Ladies Singles Marketa Vondrousova(Czech Republic) Ons Jabeur(Tunisia)

Gentlemen’s Neal Skupski(United Kingdom) and Marcel Granollers(Spain) and
Doubles Wesley Koolhof(Dutch) Horacio Zeballos (Argentina)
Hsieh Su-Wei of (Taiwan) and Elise Mertens(Belgium) and Storm
Ladies doubles Barbora Strycova (Czech Republic) Hunter (Australia)
Mate Pavic(Croatia) and Joran Vliegen(Belgium) and Xu
Mixed Doubles Lyudmyla Kichenok(Ukraine) Yifan(China).
US Open 2023 Badminton: China’s Li Shi Feng & Thailand’s Supanida Katethong Won
Singles Titles
China’s Li Shi Feng (Ranked 12) and Thailand’s Supanida Katethong (Ranked 22) won the men’s singles
finals and the women’s singles finals of the Yonex US Open 2023 at the the Mid-America Center in
Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States of America (USA).
✓ The US open 2023 is the part of HSBC Badminton World Federation (BWF) Super 300 series held
from 11th July to 16th July 2023.
Championship Winner Runner
Li Shi Feng Kunlavut Vitidsarn
Men’s Singles
(China) (Thailand)
Women’s Singles Supanida Katethong Gao Fang Jie

(Thailand) (China)
Men’s Doubles Goh Sze Fei and Fang-chih Lee and Fang-jen Lee

Nur Izzuddin (Chinese Taipei)
(Malaysia)
Liu Shengshu and Maiken Fruergaard and Sara Thygesen
Women’s Doubles Tan Ning (Denmark)
(China)
Ye Hongwei and Mathias Thyrri and Amalie Magelund
Mixed Doubles Lee Chia-hsin (Denmark)
(Taiwan)
Korea Open 2023: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty Wins Men’s Doubles Title
The Indian Badminton Players Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the Men’s Doubles
title by defeating Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto at the finals of the Korea Open
2023. The Korea Open 2023 marks Chirag and Satwik’s fourth victory following the Swiss Open, Asian
Championships and Indonesia Open in 2023 and pair became the first Indian pair to win the Korea
Open.
Winners of Korea Open 2023:
Championship Winner Runner
Men’s Singles Anders Antonsen(Denmark) Loh Kean Yew(Singapore)
Women’s Singles An Se young(South Korea) Tai Tzu-ying(Chinese Taipei)
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & Chirag Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian
Men’s Doubles Shetty(India) Ardianto(Indonesia)
Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong(South
Women’s Doubles Chen Qing chen and Jia Yi fan(China) Korea)
Feng Yan zhe and Huang Dong ping
Mixed Doubles (China) Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin(China)
Satwik set two Guinness World Records with fastest badminton hits in controlled environments
and on-field
i.India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy has set the Guinness world record for the fastest hit by a male player
in badminton with a 565 kilometre/hour(351 milesperhour) smash.
ii.He broke the previous record of 493 km/h (306.34 mph) by Malaysian Tan Boon Heong in 2013.
Tennis: India’s Sumit Nagal wins Men’s Singles Tampere Open 2023
Indian Tennis Player Sumit Nagal won Men’s Singles title of the Tampere Open 2023 by defeating
Dalibor Svrcina of Czech Republic in Tampere, Finland.
Category Winner Runner
Sumit Nagal (India) Dalibor Svrcina (Czech Republic)
Men’s Singles
Piotr Matuszewski and Szymon Kielan Vladyslav Orlov (Ukraine) and Adam
Men’s Doubles (Poland) Taylor (Australia)
ATHLETIC & FOOTBALL

Indian Men’s Football team defeat Kuwait to lift 2023 SAFF Championships for 9th Time
Indian Football Team (also known as ‘Blue Tigers’) won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF)
Bangabandhu Championship 2023 defeating Kuwait national football team at the finals, in Sree
Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, Karnataka.The 2023 SAFF Championships marks India’s 9th SAFF

Championship title and second consecutive title after it won in 2021 SAFF Championships in Maldives
(defeated Nepal).
14th edition SAFF Championship 2023 held from 21th June to 4th July 2023, saw participation of eight
teams including India, Kuwait, Nepal, Pakistan, Lebanon, Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh.
Football: England Won the Men’s 2023 UEFA European U21 Championship
England Football team won the Men’s 2023 UEFA(Union of European Football Associations) European
Under 21 (U21) Championship title(1-0) defeating Spain in the finals held at Batumi Arena, Georgia.It is
the 24th edition of the UEFA European U21 Championship. Slovakia has been selected as host nation of
the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
BOXING, WRESTLING & WEIGHTLIFTING

Commonwealth Sr. Jr. & Youth Weightlifting Championship 2023: India won 20 Medals in
Senior Category
Indian Senior weightlifting contingent won 20 medals (9 Golds, 9 Silvers and 2 Bronze) at the
Commonwealth Senior, Junior, and Youth Weightlifting Championships 2023 in Gautam Buddha
University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Indian team overall won 61 medals (38 Gold, 21
Silver and 2 Bronze) across senior (9 Golds, 9 Silvers and 2 Bronze), junior (13 Golds, 8 Silvers) and
youth (16 Golds, 4 Silvers) categories.
Gold medallists of India:The nine gold medallists are Komal Kohar (women’s 45kg), Gyaneshwari Yadav
(women’s 49kg), Popy Hazarika (women’s 59kg), S Nirupama Devi(women’s 64kg), Vanshita Verma
(women’s 81kg), Mukund Aher (men’s 55kg), Shubham Todkar (men’s 61kg), Ajith N (men’s 73kg) and
Ajay Singh (men’s 81kg).
ARCHERY & SHOOTING

World Archery Youth Championships 2023: India won 11 medals
Indian Archery team won 11 medals (6 Golds, 1 Silver, 4 Bronze) and secured 2nd position in the medal
tally of the Limerick 2023 World Archery Youth Championships held in Limerick, Ireland from 3rd July-
9th July 2023.South Korea topped the medal tally with 10 medals (6 Gold and 4 Silver)
The 19-year old Parth Salunkhe from Maharashtra becomes the 1st Indian male archer to win a gold
medal in Recurve men’s individual by defeating South Korea’s Song Injun.…Click her for more detail…
ISSF Junior World Championships 2023: India Finished 2nd with 17 medals
India won 17 Medals(6 gold, 6 silver and 5 bronze)and secured the 2nd spot in the overall medal tally of
the 3rd edition International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Championships 2023
Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun. The event held from 14th July to 25th July 2023 at Changwon Shooting Range,
Changwon, South Korea.China topped the medal tally with 28 medals(12 Golds, 9 Silver and 7
Bronze).
OTHER SPORTS NEWS

2023 Lausanne Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra Wins in Javelin Throw with 87.66m Throw
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold medallist Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw at
the Lausanne Diamond League 2023 (officially known as Lausanne Diamond League Athletissima
2023), held from June 29 to 30 at Stade Olympique de la Pontaise in Lausanne, Switzerland.Neeraj
Chopra recorded a throw of 87.66 meters(m), Germany’s Julian Weber finished second with the throw
of 87.03m and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic finished third with the
throw of 86.13m.

F1: Red Bull Driver Max Verstappen Wins 2023 Austrian Grand Prix
Dutch-Belgium racing Driver Max Verstappen won the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix(GP) - Officially known
as Formula 1 Rolex Groser Preis Von Österreich 2023, at the circuit Red Bull Ring, Spielberg,
Austria.Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (Monacan Driver) finished 2nd and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez (Mexican
Driver) finished 3rd.
Verstappen won both the main F1 race and the shorter sprint race from pole position at the Austrian GP
2023.
64th IMO at Chiba Japan: India Finished 9th with 2 Gold, 2 Silver & 2 Bronze
India finished at the 9th position securing two gold, silver and bronze medals in the competition out of
112 countries at the 64th International Math Olympiad (IMO) 2023 held at Chiba, Japan from July 2-13,
2023. China is ranked 1st followed by the United States of America (USA) at 2nd and South Korea at
3rd.Winners are
✓ Gold medalists: Atul Shatavart Nadig(Bengaluru,Karnataka) and Arjun Gupta(New Delhi, Delhi)
✓ Silver medalists: Ananda Bhaduri(Guwahati, Assam) and Siddharth Choppara(Pune, Maharastra)
Bronze medalists: Adhitya Mangudy Venkata Ganesh(Pune, Maharastra) and Archit Manas(Hyderabad).
FIH Hockey Pro League 2022-23: Netherlands Men’s Team won the Title for 2nd Time
Netherlands men’s hockey team won the 4th edition of Fédération Internationale de Hockey(FIH)
Hockey Pro League 2022-23 by defeating Belgium in the finals held in Antwerp, Belgium.The
Netherlands Men’s become the first team in the men’s competition to win the title twice. They won their
1st title in the 2021-2022 season.
✓ With the win, the Netherlands also become the first nation to win both the men’s and women’s FIH
Hockey Pro League titles in the same season (2022-2023).
Netherlands Won The 4th Edition of Women’s FIH Hockey Pro League 2022-2023:
On 27th June 2023, Netherlands Women’s Hockey team won the 4th edition of the FIH Hockey Pro
League 2022-23 title by defeating New Zealand in Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, The
Netherlands.This marks Netherlands women’s 3rd title in FIH Hockey Pro League. So far, they have won
3 of the 4 women’s FIH Hockey Pro League titles.
F1 British GP 2023: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Won His First Ever British GP Title
Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver (Dutch-Belgian) won the title at Formula 1 (FI) Aramco British
Grand Prix (GP) 2023 held at Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, England (the United Kingdom,
UK).This marks his first ever British GP title and 6th consecutive F1 win of the 2023 season.This also
marks Max’s 8th win of this season and Red Bull’s 10th consecutive win of 2023 season (the other 2
titles were won by Sergio Perez in Saudi Arabia GP and Azerbaijan GP).
Lando Norris, the McLaren driver (Belgian-British) finished second and Lewis Hamilton, the Mercedes
driver (British) finished third.
Grand Chess Tour: Gukesh finished 5th, Viswanathan Anand tied at 7th in SuperUnited Rapid
and Blitz Croatia 2023
Indian Grand Master (GM) Dommaraju(D) Gukesh (17 years old) finished 5th (with score 19.5/36) while
Fomer World Champion GM Viswanathan Anand (with score 16.5/36) tied at 7th place with Jan-
Krzysztof Duda of Poland in the Super United Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2023, the 3rd led of the Grand
Chess Tour (GST) 2023, held from 3rd to 10th July 2023 in Westin Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
✓ World No. 1 & Former World Champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the Super United Rapid
and Blitz Croatia 2023 with a score of 26.0/36.

✓ Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia finished 2nd with 22.5 points and Alireza Firouzja of Iran finished
3rd with 22 points.
Indian GM Praggnanandhaa Becomes Champion at Super GM Chess Tournament in Hungary

Young Indian Grandmaster (GM) R Praggnanandhaa (17) became champion at the V Geza Hetenyi
Memorial Super Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2023 in Budapest, Hungary.In the final round, he
secured a draw against Polish GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek with the white pieces.Praggnanandhaa scored
wins over Sanan Sjugirov(Russia), Parham Maghsoodloo (Iran), Adam Kozak (Hungary) and Peter
Prohaszka (Hungary).
Asian Athletics Championships, Bangkok, Thailand: India finish 3rd with 27 medals
Indian contingents won 27 medals(6 Gold, 12 Silver and 9 Bronze) and finished 3rd in the overall medal
tally of the 25th edition of the Asian Athletics Championships (AAC), the flagship event of the Asian
Athletics Association(AAA), held in the Supachalasai National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand from July
12th to July 16th 2023. It is a biennial event happening once in every two years.
✓ Japan topped the medal tally with 37 medals (16 gold, 11 Silver, 10 bronze ) followed by China
with 22 medals (8 Gold, 8 Silver, 6 Bronze).
✓ Thailand has chosen Hindu god “Hanuman” as the official mascot of 25th Asian Athletics
Championships.
✓ Hanuman is one of the key characters of the Indian epic “Ramayana”.
Hungarian GP 2023:Max Verstappen gave Red Bull 12th Successive Win

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen(Belgian-Dutch racing driver) won Formula1(F1) Qatar Airways Hungarian
Grand Prix 2023, held in Budapest, Hungary. This victory made the Red Bull team to win twelve
consecutive Formula One races in 2023 and broke the record of McLaren’s 11 wins in 1988.
✓ This also marks Verstappen’s seventh consecutive win and becomes the fifth driver in history to
win seven consecutive races (after Alberto Ascari, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Nico
Rosberg).
Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard has won 110th edition of the Tour de France
Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard of the Jumbo-Visma, Dutch professional bicycle racing team, has
won 110th edition of the Tour de France for a second straight year on the Champs-Elysees in Paris,
France.
Aditya Samant Becomes India’s 83rd Chess Grandmaster

Aditya S Samant (17) an International Master, became India’s 83rd chess Grandmaster (GM) by earning
his 3rd GM norm against Aryan Chopra in the 9th round of Biel Chess Festival Master Tournament
(MTO) 2023 in Switzerland. To become a GM, a player has to secure 3 GM norms and cross the live
rating of 2,500 Elo points. Aditya became an International Master in 2022 at the 1st Maharashtra GM
Open 2022

BOOKS & AUTHORS
BOOK NAME AUTHOR KEY NOTES
Krishnan Oru Released by Arif Arif Mohammed Khan, Governor of Kerala, released
Ezhamindriyam Mohammed Khan the book “Krishnan Oru Ezhamindriyam”, the
Malayalam translation of ‘Krishna – the 7th Sense’
authored by Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of
Institutes of Management (IIM)-Kozhikode(Kerala),
during the event held at IIM, Kozhikode, Kerala.The
book was translated from English to Malayalam by V
Madhusoodan.
‘Krishna – the 7th Sense is Debashis Chatterjee’s
debut novel in fiction and a spiritual work on love
and living published in 2022.
Biodiversity and Scientists from the M S Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment,
Importance of Mangrove Swaminathan Research Forest and Climate Change, released the pictorial
Ecosystem Foundation (MSSRF), in book titled ‘Biodiversity and Importance of
Chennai, Tamil Nadu Mangrove Ecosystem’ authored by scientists from
the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF),
in Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).
It provides a comprehensive overview of the
mangrove ecosystem in India and is available in
English, Tamil and Telugu.
Through The Broken T.N. Seshan ‘Through The Broken Glass: An Autobiography
Glass authored by T.N. Seshan, the former Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC) of India, who made a significant
difference to Indian elections. It was published by
Rupa Publications India. This autobiography also
covers his term as the CEC from 1990 to 1995 with a
page count of 368. It has been published 4 years
after he passed away in 2019.
T.N. Seshan is also the author of An Undocumented
Wonder: The Making of the Great Indian Election
As the wheel turns Ranjit Pratap On 20th July 2023, Former vice president Venkaiah
Naidu released the book titled “As the wheel turns”
to mark the Rayala Corporation’s Diamond Jubilee
(75th year celebration) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
The book is authored by Ranjit Pratap, Managing
Director of Rayala Corporation.

OBITUARY
NATIONAL
PERSON NAME FIELD BORN PLACE KEY NOTES
Oommen Chandy Former Chief Kerala Passed away at the age of 79 in
Minister of Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was born
Kerala and on October 31, 1943 in Kottayam,
veteran Indian Kerala. As of 2nd August 2022,
National Oommen Chandy was the longest
Congress(INC) serving Member of Legislative
leader Assembly (MLA) of Kerala’s State
Legislative Assembly representing
Puthuppally constituency of Kerala
for 18,728 days.
During his tenure as Labour
Minister, Chandy introduced
unemployment wages for the first
time in the country.
Karuvattu Mana (K M ) India’s fine line Ponnani, Passed away at the age of 98 in
Vasudevan Namboothiri artists and a Madras Kottakkal, Malappuram district,
literary Presidency, Kerala. He was born in 1925 in
illustrator British Ponnani, Madras Presidency, British
India(now in India(now in Kerala).He is well
Kerala) known for his illustrations for short
stories and novels of Malayalam, like
Randamoozham (M.T. Vasudevan
Nair), Enippadikal (Thakazhi
Sivasankara Pillai), Pithamahan
(VKN) and Smarakasilakal (Punathil
Kunhabdulla).
Nirmala Buch First and only Uttar Pradesh Passed away in Bhopal, MP. She was
woman chief born in Khurja district of Uttar
secretary of Pradesh on October 11, 1925. She
Madhya Pradesh served as financial and education
(1991 to 1993) secretary from 1975-1977 to the
Government of MP.She established
‘Mahila Chetna Manch’ (MCM) in
1984 to work for women’s
empowerment.
Mangala Narlikar Indian Bombay Passed away at the age of 80 in Pune,
mathematician Province, Maharashtra. She was born on 17th
and British India May 1943 in Bombay Province,
educationalist (now in Pune, British India (now in Pune,
Maharashtra) Maharashtra). She is the spouse of
Prof Jayant V. Narlikar, Indian
cosmologist & astrophysicist, the
founder director of the Inter-

University Centre for Astronomy and
Astrophysics (IUCAA),
Pune(Maharashtra).
Shirish Kanekar Veteran Marathi Maharashtra Passed away in Mumbai,
writer and Maharashtra at the age of 80. He was
columnist born on June 6, 1943 in Pune,
Maharashtra.He worked at Marathi
and English language publications
like Loksatta, Indian Express,
Samana, and Free Press Journal. He
was popular for his newspaper
columns on Cinema, Cricket and
Politics
INTERNATIONAL
PERSON NAME FIELD BORN PLACE KEY NOTES
Luis Suarez Former Spanish Spanish The Ballon d’Or winner passed away at
Miramontes footballer the age of 88 in Milan, Italy.He was the
only spanish-born men’s footballer to
receive the Ballon d’Or award (1960) as
of July 2023.Luis Suárez Miramontes is
often referred to as the “Golden Galician”
and nicknamed as “The Architect”. Luis
Suarez was born in La Coruna, Spain in
1935.
Tony Bennett (Anthony Legendary American United States of Passed away at the age of 96. He was
Dominick Benedetto or pop & jazz singer and America (USA) born on 3rd August 1926 in Queens, New
Joe Bari) recipient of 19 York, United States of America (USA). He
Grammy awards received a Recording Academy
(Grammy)’s Lifetime Achievement
Award in 2001.
Alan Arkin Actor United States of Veteran United States (US) actor Alan
America Arkin, who received four Academy
Award nominations and won an Oscar
passed away in Carlsbad, California,
United States of America (USA)at the age
of 89. He was born on 26th March 1934
in Brooklyn, New York, United States of
America. Arkin earned two Screen
Actors Guild Awards, a Golden Globe
Award, and British Academy Film
Award.
Nikki McCray-Penson Former basketball Passed away at age 51. She hails from
star and current Tennessee, United States of America
Rutgers assistant (USA). McCray-Penson won two Olympic
coach - gold medals for the USA – first in Atlanta
in 1996 and then in Sydney in
2000.McCray-Penson was inducted into

the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in
2012
Milan Kundera Czech Republic-born Czech Republic Passed away in Paris, France at the age
French writer of 94. He was born on April 1, 1929 in
Brno city, Czech Republic (erstwhile
Czechoslovakia). He was best-known for
his 1984 novel 'The Unbearable
Lightness of Being'
IMPORTANT DAYS
OBSERVED DATE / WEEK DAYS KEY NOTES
June 24, 2023 First ever International Day of The United Nations (UN)’s first ever
Women in Diplomacy International Day of Women in Diplomacy
(IDWID) was observed on 24th June 2023
to recognize the role of Women in
Diplomacy as in furthering the Socio-
Economic Equitable and Inclusive
Sustainable Development.The theme of
IDWID 2023 is “Breaking Barriers,
Shaping the Future: Women in
Diplomacy for Sustainable
Development”.
June 30, 2023 International Asteroid Day United Nations (UN)’s International
Asteroid Day is annually observed across
the world on 30th June to raise public
awareness about the asteroid impact hazard
and to inform the public about the crisis
communication actions to be taken at the
global level in case of a credible Near-Earth
Object (NEO) threat. The observance of the
day was based on a proposal by the
Association of Space Explorers, which was
endorsed by the Committee on the Peaceful
Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
June 30, 2023 International Day of The United Nations(UN)’s International Day
Parliamentarism of Parliamentarism is annually celebrated
across the globe on 30 June to celebrate
Parliaments and the ways in which
parliamentary systems of government
improve the day-to-day lives of people
across the world.The day also marks the
anniversary of the foundation of the Inter-
Parliamentary Union (IPU), the global
organization of national parliaments,
founded on 30th June 1889.

30th June 2023 marks the 134th
anniversary of IPU.
✓ The theme of International Day of
Parliamentarism 2023 is
“Parliaments for the Planet”.
The 2023 theme focus on climate action and
emphasis that ‘climate action starts at
home’.
July 1, 2023 National Doctor’s Day National Doctor’s Day is annually observed
across India on 1st July to appreciate and
honour the valuable contributions of
doctors and healthcare professionals in
India. This day also gives an opportunity to
thank doctors for their selfless service and
efforts for the well-being of the people in
India.
✓ The day also commemorates the
birth as well as the death
Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr.
Bidhan Chandra Roy (BC Roy), a
physician and one of the most
influential designers of India’s
contemporary healthcare system.
The theme for National Doctor’s Day 2023
in India is – “Celebrating Resilience and
Healing Hands”.
July 1, 2023 75th National Chartered National Chartered Accountants (CA) Day is
Accountants Day annually observed across India on 1st July
to commemorate the establishment of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
(ICAI) on 1st July 1949. It is also known as
ICAI Foundation Day which honors the work
of all Chartered Accountants.1st July 2023
marks the 75th anniversary of the ICAI.
✓ The theme for the year 2023 is
‘Empowering Financial Excellence’.
The logo features a modern interpretation
of the Garuda, the mythical bird-like
creature that is a symbol of strength, power,
and wisdom in Indian mythology.
July 1, 2023 6th Goods and Services Tax Day Goods and Services Tax (GST) Day is
annually observed on 1st July to
commemorate the implementation of the
GST system, a comprehensive indirect tax
levied on the supply of goods and services in
India.1st July 2023 marks the observance of
the 6th GST Day which commemorates the
6th anniversary of GST coming into force
(1st July 2017).

Two taxpayers, namely, Ji Shoji India Pvt.
Ltd. and Rajan Agro Green Foods Pvt ltd also
received commendation from the MSME
category.
July 1, 2023 International Day of The United Nations (UN)’s International Day
Cooperatives of Cooperatives (CoopsDay) is annually
observed across the globe on the first
Saturday of July to raise awareness about
the importance of cooperatives and their
contributions to the development of
society.The day also commemorates the
establishment of the International
Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
✓ 1st July 2023 marked the
observance of the 101st
International Day of Cooperatives.
The theme for the International Day of
Cooperatives 2023 is “Cooperatives:
partners for accelerated sustainable
development”…Click here for more detail…
July 2, 2023 World Sports Journalists Day World Sports Journalist Day is annually
observed all over the world on 2nd July to
acknowledge and honour the hard work of
sports journalists across the world. The day
also commemorates the foundation of the
International Sports Press Association (AIPS
Association Internationale de la Presse
Sportive) in 1924 in Paris, France.2nd July
2023 marked the 99th Anniversary of the
International Sports Press Association
(AIPS).
July 3, 2023 International Plastic Bag Free International Plastic Bag Free Day is
Day annually observed across the globe on 3rd
July to create awareness about the
hazardous effects of single-use plastic bags
on the environment. The day is a reminder
for individuals and communities globally to
decrease their reliance on plastic bags and
look for sustainable solutions as an
alternative.
In 2002, Bangladesh became the 1st country
in the world to implement a ban on thin
plastic bags as it clogged the drainage
systems during the floods.
July 6, 2023 World Zoonoses Day World Zoonoses Day is annually observed
across the globe on 6th July to raise
awareness about Zoonosis or zoonotic
disease, an infectious disease that can

spread between species, from animals to
humans or vice versa.The day
commemorates the anniversary of the day
that Louis Pasteur, a French biologist,
successfully administered the first vaccine
against rabies, a zoonotic disease on 6th July
1885.
July 7, 2023 World Kiswahili Language Day United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World
Kiswahili Language Day is annually
celebrated across the globe on 7th July to
recognise the role of Kiswahili language as a
language of unity.
✓ The day highlights the role of
Kiswahili in promoting cultural
diversity, creating awareness and
encouraging dialogue among
civilizations.
The 2023 theme of World Kiswahili
Language Day is “Unleashing Kiswahili’s
potential in the digital era”.
July 10, 2023 National Fish Farmer’s Day National Fish Farmer’s Day (NFFD) is
annually observed across India on 10th July
to recognise the contributions of the fish
farmers, aquaculture industry professionals
and other stakeholders towards sustainable
development of the fisheries sector.
✓ 10th July 2023 marks the
observance of 23rd National Fish
Farmers Day (NFFD).
10th July also marks the observance of the
National Fisheries Development Board
(NFDB) Foundation Day. 10th July 2023
marks the observance of the 17th NFDB
Foundation Day.
July 11, 2023 World Population Day The United Nations (UN)’s World
Population Day is annually observed across
the globe on 11th July to focus attention on
the urgency and importance of population
issues and to enhance awareness of
population issues, including their relations
to the environment and development.
The 2023 theme of World Population Day is
“Unleashing the power of gender
equality: Uplifting the voices of women
and girls to unlock our world’s infinite
possibilities“.

July 12, 2023 International Malala Day Malala Day is an international observance
annually celebrated on 12th July to honour
the birthday of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani
education activist and Nobel Prize
laureate.The day is also marked to honour
Malala, who is known for her advocacy of
girls’ education. It also signifies the free,
quality and compulsory education for every
child across the world.
✓ In October 2014, Malala was named
a Nobel Peace Prize winner at the
age of 17, she became the youngest
person to receive this prize.
Malala has written several books, including
“I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up
Education and was shot by the Taliban”, an
autobiography of Malala Yousafzai, co-
authored with Christina Lamb, published in
2013; Malala Speaks Out (2023).
July 15, 2023 World Youth Skills Day The United Nations (UN)’s World Youth
Skills Day is annually observed across the
globe on 15th July to celebrate the strategic
importance of equipping young people with
skills for employment, decent work and
entrepreneurship.
✓ The theme of World Youth Skills Day
2023 observed on 15th July 2023 is
“Skilling teachers, trainers and
youth for a transformative future”.
✓ The 2023 theme highlights the
importance of teachers, trainers and
other educators’ role in providing
skills for youth to transition to the
labour market and to actively
engage in their communities and
societies.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) -UNEVOC
and WorldSkills International jointly
organised a hybrid event to showcase the
positive impact of youth skills development
on societies and economies. The acronym
UNEVOC is a combination of ‘UNESCO’ and
‘vocational education’
July 16, 2023 World Snake Day World Snake Day is celebrated annually
across the world on 16th July to raise
awareness of the snakes in the world and
also to recognise the importance of snakes
and snakes disbelieves in our ecosystem. On

16th July 2023, World Snake Day was
celebrated at the National Zoological Park
(Zoo) in New Delhi, Delhi for the
conservation of snakes by creating
awareness about different types of snakes in
India.
July 17, 2023 Day of International Criminal Day of International Criminal Justice is
Justice annually observed across the globe by
International Criminal Court (ICC) on 17th
July to commemorate the anniversary of the
adoption of the Rome Statute(1998), the
founding treaty of the ICC.
✓ The day also recognise the efforts
taken by the organisations working
towards bringing justice to
international criminal acts like
crimes against humanity, genocide,
war crimes and crimes of
aggression.
✓ The observance is also known as
World Day for International Justice
or International Justice Day.
17th July 2023 marked the 25th anniversary
of the adoption of the Rome Statue.
July 18, 2023 Nelson Mandela International United Nations (UN)’s Nelson Mandela
Day International Day is annually celebrated
across the world on 18th July to recognise
Nelson Mandela’s values, including his
commitment towards social justice, peace,
reconciliation, and promotion and
protection of human rights.
✓ This day also marks the birth
anniversary (July 18, 1918) of
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who
played an eminent role in creating
non-racial constitution, non-sexist
and democratic of South Africa.
✓ The day is also called as Mandela
Day.
The 2023 Mandela Day marks the 105th
birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela.
July 20, 2023 International Chess Day The United Nations (UN)’s International
Chess Day or World Chess Day is annually
observed on 20th July across the globe to
mark the significant role of Chess as an
affordable and inclusive activity and also to
improve overall Intelligence quotient (IQ)
across the world.

✓ 20th July 2023 also marks the
observance of the 99th Anniversary
of the International Chess
Federation, or Fédération
Internationale des Échecs (FIDE),
established in 1924.
✓ The first-ever UN recognised World
Chess Day was observed on 20th
July 2020.
Chess became part of the Olympic Esports
Series in 2023.
July 20, 2023 International Moon Day United Nations(UN) designated
International Moon Day (IMD) which is
annually celebrated across the globe on July
20th to mark the anniversary of the first
landing by humans on the Moon as part of
the Apollo 11 lunar mission. The day aims to
raise public awareness about sustainable
Moon exploration and utilisation.
✓ The first IMD was celebrated on
20th July 2022.
The day will be celebrated with the theme
“Lunar Exploration Coordination &
Sustainability.”
July 22, 2023 National Flag Adoption Day National Flag Adoption Day is annually
observed across India on 22nd July to
commemorate the day on which the
Constituent Assembly adopted the tricolour
flag, in its present form, as the national flag
of India in 1947. The National flag of India is
a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron
(kesari) at the top, white in the middle and
dark green at the bottom in equal
proportion.
The National Flag was first designed in 1923
by Pingali Venkayya. The initial flag design
by Venkayya had only two colours – red and
green. He later added a running wheel to
symbolise the progress of the Nation.
July 22, 2023 Pi Approximation Day The Pi Approximation Day is annually
observed on 22nd July across the globe to
honour the importance of the concept of Pi
in calculations, which is represented using
the Greek letter ‘π’. When the date 22nd July
is written in the day/month format (22/7),
it looks like the fraction 22/7.The value of
22/7 approximation to 2 decimal place is
3.14.

Pi Day is annually observed across the globe
on 14th March to celebrate the never ending
number, which denotes the Pi value when
written in the month.date (American
calendar system) format (3.14).
July 22, 2023 World Brain Day World Brain Day, is celebrated annually
across the globe on July 22, to raise
awareness about brain health and
neurological disorders.2023 marks the 10th
Anniversary of World Brain Day, hosted
annually on July 22 by the World Federation
of Neurology (WFN).
✓ The theme for World Brain Day
2023 is “Brain Health and Disability:
Leave No One Behind.”
WFN has collaborated with the World
Federation for Neurorehabilitation (WFNR)
to enhance the impact of the 2023 World
Brain Day initiative
July 22, 2023 National Mango Day National Mango Day is celebrated annually
on July 22 which is dedicated to the
nutritious tropical fruit, mango to celebrate
its cultural importance, popularity, and
versatility in culinary delights.
It was started by the National Horticulture
Board of India in 1987 as the International
Mango Festival to pay tribute to mango. The
name “mango” originates from the Malay
word “manna”
July 23, 2023 National Broadcasting Day National Broadcasting Day is annually
celebrated on 23rd July in India to
commemorate the establishment of the
Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC), a
Bombay (now Mumbai, Maharashtra) based
private radio station, which came into
existence on 23rd July 1927.
✓ The year 2023 marks the 96th
Anniversary of
the establishment of the All India
Radio (AIR), which was formerly
known as IBC.
In June 1923, the Radio Club of Bombay
made the first-ever broadcast in India.
July 24, 2023 Income Tax Day Income Tax Day or ‘Aaykar Diwas’ is
observed annually in India on 24th July to
commemorate the introduction of the
provision of Income Tax (IT) in India in the
year 1860.

24th July 2023, marks 164th anniversary of
the introduction income tax system in India.
July 25, 2023 World In Vitro Fertilization World In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Day is
(IVF) Day annually observed across the globe on 25th
July to commemorate the achievements and
progress made in the field of infertility and
reproductive endocrinology.
The day 25th July marks the birth
date of world’s first ‘Test-tube baby’,
Louise Brown, the first baby conceived via
in vitro fertilization (IVF). Louise Brown
was born on 25th July 1978 in in
Manchester, England, the United Kingdom
(UK).
July 25, 2023 World Drowning Prevention The United Nations (UN)’s World Drowning
Prevention Day is annually observed across
the globe on 25th July to highlight the
impacts of death by drowning on families
and communities and to provide solutions
to prevent death by drowning.
25th July 2023 marks the observance of
the 3rd World Drowning Prevention Day
with a theme “Anyone can drown, no one
should”
July 26, 2023 Kargil Vijay Diwas Kargil Vijay Diwas or Kargil Victory Day is
observed annually across India on 26th July
to observe India’s victory over Pakistan in
the Kargil war 1999 and pays tribute to the
bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers
during the Kargil war.
26th July 2023, mark the 24th anniversary
of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The operation that
took place during the war is known
as Operation Vijay.
July 26, 2023 International Day for the The United Nations Educational, Scientific
Conservation of the Mangrove and Cultural Organization
Ecosystems (UNESCO)’s International Day for the
Conservation of the Mangrove
Ecosystems is annually celebrated across
the globe on 26th July to raise awareness of
the significance of mangrove ecosystems as
“a unique, special and vulnerable
ecosystem” and to promote solutions for
their sustainable management, conservation
and uses.
✓ 26th July 2023 marks the
observance of the 8th International
Day for the Conservation of the

Mangrove Ecosystems. The day is
also known as “The World
Mangrove Day“.
The first-ever International Day for the
Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem
was observed on 26th July 2016. The date
26th July also marks the death anniversary
of Greenpeace activist Hayhow Daniel
Nanoto, who passed away in 1998 during a
massive protest to re-establish the
mangrove wetlands in Muisne, Ecuador.
July 27, 2023 85th CRPF Raising Day The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
Raising Day, also known as CRPF
Foundation Day, is annually celebrated on
27th July to commemorate the establishment
of CRPF, the largest of India’s Central Armed
Police Forces, functions under the aegis of
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the
Government of India (GoI).
✓ The day recognises the valour
courage and sacrifices of the soldiers
of CRPF in the past 84 years, which
plays a key role in India’s growth by
maintaining peace and preserving
internal security and national
integrity of India.
About CRPF: Director-General– Sujoy Lal
Thaosen , Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi.
July 28, 2023 World Hepatitis Day World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) World
Hepatitis Day (WHD) is annually observed
across the globe on the 28th July to create
awareness and educate people about the
effect of viral hepatitis. Hepatitis is an
inflammation of the liver, often caused by
viral infections.
• The theme for WHD 2023- “One
Life, One Liver” which creates
awareness in the public by
emphasizing the need for
prevention, early detection, and
adherence to prescribed
treatment.
‘We’re Not Waiting’ is the campaign theme
for WHD 2023.
July 28, 2023 World Nature Conservation Day World Nature Conservation Day is annually
observed across the globe on July 28 to
create awareness about the importance of
protecting the natural resources and
wildlives.The day also aims to educate the

people about the necessity of conservation
of natural resources, bio-diversity and
ecology across the world and the challenges
of climate change…Click here for more
detail…
July 29, 2023 International Tiger Day International Tiger Day, also known as
Global Tiger Day, is annually observed
across the globe on 29th July to raise
awareness about the need for tiger
conservation and the threats faced by the
endangered species.The scientific name is
Panthera tigris, belongs to genus
Panthera.29th July 2023, marks the 13th
International Tiger Day.
The day is supported and observed by major
charities including the World Wide Fund for
Nature (WWF) and International Fund for
Animal Welfare (IFAW), and the
Smithsonian Institution
APPS & WEB PORTAL

APP & WEB NAME LAUNCHED BY PURPOSE
eSARAS Ministry of Rural Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna- National Rural
Development Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the flagship
(MoRD) initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development
(MoRD), launched the eSARAS, an e-commerce
mobile application to support the marketing of
products made by women of Self-help Groups
(SHGs).
✓ The app was launched by Shailesh
Kumar Singh, Secretary of MoRD in New
Delhi, Delhi.
He also inaugurated the eSaras Fulfilment
Centre at the MoRD office at Janakpuri, New
Delhi, Delhi.
Integrated Election Expenditure Election The Election Commission of India (ECI)
Monitoring System Commission of launched a new web-portal Integrated Election
India (ECI) Expenditure Monitoring System to facilitate the
online filing of Contribution Reports, Audited
Annual Accounts and Election Expenditure
Statements by the Political Parties according to
the provisions in the Representation of the
People (RP) Act, 1951. The online availability of
the data is expected to enhance the level of
compliance and transparency.

NeSDA 2023 portal (nesda.gov.in) V. Srinivas V. Srinivas, Secretary, Department of
Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
(DARPG) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public
Grievances and Pensions, launched the 3rd
edition of the National e-Governance Service
Delivery Assessment (NeSDA 2023) portal
(nesda.gov.in).With the launch of the NeSDA
2023 portal, DARPG has begun its work towards
the preparation of the 3rd edition of the NeSDA
(NeSDA 2023) study.
Threads Meta Threads, an app launched as a new text-based
microblogging platform, developed by Facebook
parent Meta for sharing text updates and joining
public conversations.It is built by the Instagram
team,photo and video sharing social networking
service owned by American company Meta
Platforms.
Threads app has similarities to Twitter. Both
platforms focus on text-based updates and
public conversations. Threads aims to provide a
microblogging experience similar to Twitter,
allowing users to share their thoughts, engage
with others, and participate in public
discussions.
Standards Coordination Portal K Rajaraman K Rajaraman, the Secretary to the Department of
Telecommunication (DoT), Ministry of
Communications, launched the ‘Standards
Coordination Portal’, developed by
Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC)
under the DoT, during the “National Workshop
on Enhancing Indian Participation in Telecom
Global Standards Bodies” held at Centre For
Development Of Telematics (C-DoT) Campus in
New Delhi, Delhi.
K.Rajaraman, Secretary (DoT), also released the
“Fairness Assessment and Rating of Artificial
Intelligence Systems” TEC standard, which
specifies detailed protocols for analysing and
rating the fairness of artificial intelligence
systems, assuring ethical and responsible AI
deployment.
Mobile Dost App Dr Arun Kumar Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary of Jammu
Mehta and Kashmir (J&K) launched the ‘Mobile Dost
App’ in line with Apka Mobile Hamara Daftar, an
initiative for mobile-based delivery of citizen-
centric services in J&K.This app, developed by
the IT (Information Technology) department of
J&K with support from the Government of

Haryana, brings digital transformation and
improved accessibility to J&K residents.
The launch also saw virtual participation from
Uma Shankar, Principal Secretary to Chief
Minister Haryana, among others.
Central Registrar of Cooperative Amit Shah Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah
Societies (CRCS) – Sahara Refund launched the ‘Central Registrar of Cooperative
Portal Societies (CRCS) – Sahara Refund Portal’ aimed
at aiding over 10 crore depositors of the Sahara
Group in reclaiming their money within 45 days
of registration in the portal. The refund portal
has been developed by a subsidiary of Industrial
Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) Ltd, a
Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Non-
Banking Finance Company (NBFC-ND-SI).
Between March 2010 and January 2014, four
cooperative societies linked to the Sahara group
of companies registered under the Multi-State
Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, they are Sahara
Credit Cooperative Society Limited
(Lucknow),Saharayan Universal Multipurpose
Society Limited (Bhopal),Humara India Credit
Cooperative Society Limited (Kolkata) and Stars
Multipurpose Cooperative Society (Hyderabad).
Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023 Sukhvinder Singh Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder
Sukhu Singh Sukhu, launched the Aapda Rahat Kosh-
2023 website, a digital platform initiative aimed
at helping the disaster-affected people in the
Himachal Pradesh. By using this website, people
can donate money in Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023
from anywhere using multiple payment methods
such as debit card, credit card, net banking,
Quick Response (QR) code and Unified Payments
Interface (UPI).
Electric Vehicle (E-vehicle or EV) Government of Government of Uttar Pradesh(UP) launched an
subsidy portal Uttar Pradesh Electric Vehicle (E-vehicle or EV) subsidy portal
(https://upevsubsidy.in/) (https://upevsubsidy.in/) to enable citizens to
apply online for subsidy available on the
purchase of EVs in UP. As per the UP-
government policy, buyers can apply online for
EV subsidies for vehicles bought after October
14, 2022.
✓ The development and maintenance of
the portal have been assigned to
UPDESCO (Uttar Pradesh Development
Systems Corporation Ltd).
Under the Uttar Pradesh Electric Vehicle
Manufacturing and Mobility Policy, 2022,
permission has been granted for the

implementation of the Purchase Subsidy
Promotion Scheme with conditions. The scheme
is effective from October 14, 2022 to October 13,
2023.
HeliSewa app Jyotiraditya M HeliSewa app: It is a single window service
Scindia platform to create an ecosystem between the
helicopter operators and the district authorities.
virtual portal of Mera Gaon Meri Arjun Ram Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (MoS)
Dharohar (MGMD) Meghwal Ministry of Culture launched the virtual portal of
Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD), a virtual
museum that culturally maps over 6.5 lakh
villages of India, at Qutub Minar premises in
New Delhi, Delhi.The objective of the launch is to
integrate the information regarding villages by
using technologies, in order to identify and
document the cultural heritage and village life of
India.
www.violation-reporting.in Union The Union Ministry of Health and Family
Ministry of Health Welfare has launched a portal www.violation-
and Family reporting.in for all states and Union Territories
Welfare to report the violations under the Prohibition of
Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture,
Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution,
Storage and Advertisement) Act (PECA) 2019.
GA Questions Asked in Exams
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Cabinet Approves Changes to Jan Vishwas (Amendment Of Provisions) Bill 2023

Union Cabinet Approves Mumbai based NITIE as 21st IIM of India

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Rajya Sabha Chairman reconstituted panel of vice-chairpersons with 50% women

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STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS

Jammu and Kashmir

J&K Govt Created Department of Public Grievances in Union Territory

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Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Campaign to Transform 75 Lighthouses into

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Launches Bharat Internet Utsav

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NHA launches 100 Microsites Project to Promote Digital Health Adoption

MoA & FW Launched 3 Technological Initiatives Under PMFBY & RWBCIS

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BSE Launched New Logo on its 149th Foundation Day

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Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurated 7th Edition of IMC 2023 in Delhi

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Kerala Gets India’s 1st Construction Innovation Hub in Kochi

India's 1st AI News Anchor Introduced by OTV in Odisha

Kishan Reddy releases postal cover on “9 Years of Telangana Statehood”

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DoT Launches Bharat 6G Alliance for Next-Generation Wireless Technology

Assam’s Numaligarh Refinery Limited Upgraded to ‘Schedule A’ CPSE

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SCES Replaced by SCoS to Review Surveys for NSO

DPIIT Joined Hands with Gujarat for the ODOP Program

Rajasthan Introduces India’s First Gig Workers Bill 2023

HCLTech joins XR Startup Programme with MeitY, Meta

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CDoT to be the Nodal Agency for Handling IPRs & Patents

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Odisha Government launches Mo Jungle Jami Yojana for Forest Dwellers

Pilot Project of Antyoday Shramik Suraksha Yojana Launched in Gujarat

Karnataka Launches Scheme for Women Supporting Households

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel Launches Gramin Awas Nyay Yojana

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MEA: India joins Champions Group of Global Crisis Response Group

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UK Signed Treaty to Join Trans-Pacific Trading Bloc

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Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Rajasthan and Gujarat

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Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to UAE

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BANKING & FINANCE

Education financing startup Propelld gets NBFC licence from RBI

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RBI Allows Card Network Portability from Oct 1, 2023

RBI Cancels Licence of United India Co-operative Bank Limited

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RBI Sets Restrictions on Bengaluru based National Co-operative Bank