NATIONAL:
1. Prerna Sthal
Why in news: Chairperson and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the 'Prerna Sthal' (Inspiration Site) within the Parliament House Complex.
Key points:
• This newly constructed site houses statues of national icons and freedom fighters that were previously scattered across different locations on the premises.
2. Malabar River Festival 2024
Why in news: Kerala’s Kozhikode is all set to host the Malabar River Festival 2024, featuring the International White Water Kayaking Championship from July 25 to 28.
Key points:
• The Malabar River Festival 2024 is organised by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the District Tourism Promotion Council, and the Kozhikode District Panchayat.
• This exciting event aims to promote white-water kayaking in the region and will be held in Thusaharagiri, Chalipuzha, and Iruvazhinjipuzha.
• The high-octane events and pre-events will host over 100 national-level kayakers from India and kayaking professionals from over 20 countries.
3. India-IORA Cruise Tourism Conference
Why in news: The two day India-IORA Cruise Tourism Conference concluded in New Delhi on June 14.
Key points:
• Officials and experts from the Indian Ocean Rim Association, IORA Member States including Bangladesh, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Seychelles and Tanzania participated in the Conference.
IORA:
• The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a dynamic inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 22-member states and 10 dialogue partners.
4. Kheer Bhawani Temple Festival
Why in news: Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits taking part in Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir Valley’s Ganderbal district to attend the annual festival of Zyestha Ashtami.
Key points:
• The temple of Kheer Bhawani is located amid chinar trees and has a natural spring, which is considered auspicious by Pandits.
• According to the community, water in the pond ominously turned black in the 1990s and the community had to face a mass migration in the wake of militancy.
• The Kheer Bhawani temple is believed to be an icon of the Hindu-Muslim brotherhood of Kashmir.
5. National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage
Why in news: The WHO has designated the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH) in Hyderabad as a Collaborating Centre for traditional medicine research.
Key points:
• CCRAS-NIIMH joins the ranks as the third WHO-CC in the domain of traditional medicine, following the Institute for Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi.
• It has been granted for a period of four years, marking NIIMH as the third Indian institute to receive such an honor.
6. IGNCA Signs MoU With Sansad TV
Why in news: IGNCA Signs MoU With Sansad TV to Promote Indian Art and Culture.
Key points:
• In a significant move to enhance public accessibility to Indian art and culture, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sansad TV.
• This collaboration allows Sansad TV to broadcast IGNCA’s cultural programs and utilize its extensive archival content.
• It emphasizing the opportunity for joint programming initiatives that will amplify the reach of India’s rich cultural heritage.
• IGNCA, established in 1987 under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is dedicated to promoting and preserving Indian art and culture.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Environmental Performance Index 2024
Why in news: In Environmental Performance Index 2024 India was ranked 176th out of 180 nations.
Key points:
• Environmental performance index released by the World Economic Forum in partnership with the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy and the Columbia University Center for International Earth Science Information Network.
• Compared to 2022, when it was at the bottom of the index, this shows a small gain.
• India got better grades on things like pollution from solid fuels used in homes, cleanliness, the quality of drinking water, acid rain precursors, and climate change.
• Even so, India is still having trouble with “air quality,” “ecosystem vitality,” “biodiversity and habitat,” and “species protection index.”
2. Group of 7 Summit
Why in news: The G7 Leaders Summit take place in Italy’s Apulia region from June 13th to 15th.
Key points:
• Focus Areas of the 2024 G7 Summit includes calming down the world economy, tackling climate change, improving health systems around the world after COVID-19, and handling political tensions, especially between China and Russia.
• Group of Seven (G7) wealthy democracies have agreed to provide a $50 billion loan to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
• This funding, known as the “Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine,” aims to support Ukraine’s military, budget, and reconstruction needs. The funds are expected to be available by the end of the year.
3. About G-7
Why in news: The G7 countries are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Key points:
• The G7 started with a very important meeting in Paris in 1973.
• The purpose of that meeting was to deal with the oil crisis, inflation, and the end of the Bretton Woods system, which set the value of the US dollar against gold.
4. International Tourism Fair
Why in news: Kathmandu,Nepal host International Tourism Fair 2024.
Key points:
• Aim: To promote global tourism, sustainable development, and cultural exchange.
• The event begin om 15 June will feature tourism entrepreneurs from 16 countries.
• Countries participating in the fair include Nepal, India, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, the Maldives, the USA, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, Dubai, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Bhutan.
• The fair will showcase over 150 stalls from various countries, fostering international cooperation and sustainable tourism initiatives.
5. Collective Security Treaty Organization
Why in news: Armenia Withdrawal from Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
Key points:
• Armenia, with Yerevan as its capital and the Armenian Dram as its currency, recently announced its decision to leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
• Due to the alliance’s perceived favoritism towards Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a primary reason for Armenia’s withdrawal.
• The CSTO, dominated by Russia and comprising former Soviet states, including Belarus and Central Asian nations, aims to provide mutual defense among member states.
ECONOMY:
1. Global Equity Market
Why in news: India Surpasses Hong Kong to Reclaim Fourth Spot in Global Equity Market.
Key points:
• India’s equity market has once again surpass Hong Kong, securing the position as the world’s fourth-largest by market capitalization.
• With India’s market value soaring to $5.2 trillion, bolstered by a 10% surge following a post-election market rebound, it now leads Hong Kong, which stands at $5.17 trillion after a 5.4% decline from its peak this year.
• This marks a significant shift in global market rankings, reflecting India’s robust economic fundamentals and investor confidence.
SCIENCE & TECH:
1. New Solar Atmospheric Rotation Pattern
Why in news: Chinese scientists using the Chinese H-alpha Solar Explorer (CHASE) telescope have found a new pattern of how the sun’s atmosphere rotates.
Key points:
• According to magazine Nature Astronomy, this new discovery is the first accurate three-dimensional picture of how the sun’s atmosphere rotates.
• China’s H-alpha Solar Explorer (CHASE) is a satellite project that was made to look at the sun.
• Its main goal is to help us learn more about how the sun works by focusing on its magnetic activity and how its atmosphere behaves.
2. Divya Drishti
Why in news: Woman Entrepreneur Successfully Develops AI Tool ‘Divya Drishti’ .
Key points:
• The AI-based tool can creates a “robust and multi-faceted authentication system” by combining facial recognition with gait analysis.
• This innovative solution marks a “significant advancement” in biometric authentication technology, offering “enhanced accuracy and reliability”.
• This dual approach enhances the accuracy of identification, minimising the risk of false positives or identity fraud, and has versatile applications across diverse sectors including defence, law enforcement, corporate and public infrastructure.
3. Chang’e-7 Mission
Why in news: Egypt and Bahrain have joined China as international partners to develop and deliver scientific instruments for the Chang’e-7 mission.
Key points:
• The Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency, and the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics, and Physics signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop a hyperspectral camera as part of the goal of developing and delivering scientific instruments for the Chang’e-7 mission.
• The Chinese lunar mission aimed at searching for water ice at the moon’s South Pole in 2026.
4. Nagastra-1
Why in news: The Indian Army got its first batch of Nagastra-1, an advanced type of suicide drone that can be carried by a person and can carry out precise hits.
Key points:
• The Solar Industries in Nagpur worked on Nagastra-1 through their company, Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL).
• Out of an order for 480 drones, only 120 have been released so far, due to strict checks before they were sent.
• Nagastra-1 is carefully designed to neutralize threats successfully.
• Its kamikaze mode, which ensures GPS-guided accuracy with an accuracy margin of up to 2 meters, makes it stand out.
• It has a 1 kg high-explosive charge, enough to hit threats with soft skin without needing a big payload.
SPORTS:
1. Shruti Vora
Why in news: Shruti Vora becomes first Indian Rider to Win 3-Star Grand Prix event.
Key points:
• Shruti along with her astride Magnanimous, scored 67.761 points in the CDI-3 event in FEI Dressage World Cup held in Lipica, Slovenia.
• She finished ahead of Moldova’s Tatiana Antonenco, who scored 66.552 points.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. Risk Manager Of The Year Award 2024
Why in news: RBI bags ‘risk manager of the year award 2024’ by London’s Central Banking publication.
Key points:
• In a remarkable achievement, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been awarded the prestigious “Risk Manager of the Year Award 2024” by Central Banking, a renowned publication headquartered in London.
• This accolade recognizes the RBI’s significant strides in cultivating a robust risk culture and heightened awareness, solidifying its essential role in maintaining the stability of India’s financial system.
2. Land Hero
Why in news: Farmer From Maharashtra Siddhesh Sakore, Named Land Hero by UNCCD.
Key points:
• Siddhesh Sakore, a Maharashtra farmer and AGRO RANGERS founder, was named a Land Hero by the UNCCD on World Desertification and Drought Day for his innovations in natural farming and waste management.
• The announcement was made during a programme in Bonn, Germany, honoring 10 Land Heroes from around the globe, Recognition on World Desertification and Drought Day.
• The UNCCD celebrated its 30th anniversary by recognizing 10 individuals from various countries, including Brazil, Costa Rica, Germany, Mali, Moldova, Morocco, the Philippines, the US, and Zimbabwe, along with Siddhesh Sakore from India.
BOOKS & AUTHOR:
1. A Fly on the RBI Wall
Why in news: A Book titled “A Fly on the RBI Wall” Authored by Alpana Killawala.
Key points:
• The book, A Fly on the RBI Wall: An Insider’s View of the Central Bank, offers an insightful glimpse into her journey and the institution’s transformation over 25 years.
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Peter Pellegrini
Why in news: Peter Pellegrini Sworn in as Slovakia’s President.
Key points:
• The ceremony marked by heightened security following an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico, Peter Pellegrini has been inaugurated as Slovakia’s sixth president.
• Pellegrini, known for his advocacy of a strong state role, previously served as Parliament’s speaker.
STATES:
1. Mission Nishchay
Why in news: Punjab Police Launch ‘Mission Nishchay’.
Key points:
• Punjab Police in association with the Border Security Force (BSF) and Village Defence Committees (VDCs) will carry out a one-week drive against drugs in Fazilka district.
• They will reach out to residents of as many as 42 villages along the India-Pakistan border to gather actionable intelligence about the demand and supply of drugs.
2. PM Shri Tourism Air Service
Why in news: Madhya Pradesh CM Inaugurates PM Shri Tourism Air Service From Bhopal Madhya Pradesh.
Key points:
• Chief Minister Mohan Yadav launched an intra-State air service to promote tourism on June 13 from Raja Bhoj International Airport in the state capital Bhopal.
• It is called ‘PM Shri Paryatan Vayu Seva’ and the first flight was flagged off from the capital Bhopal to Jabalpur.
• The service operated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) with two aircraft will connect eight cities across the State- Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Ujjain, Rewa, and Singrauli.
3. Generative Artificial Intelligence Conclave
Why in news: An international conference on Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) will be held in Kochi on July 11 and 12.
Key points:
• With global tech company IBM , Kerala government has taken a big step toward new technologies and economic growth.
• The goal of the conclave is to make Kerala a major center for Gen AI creation, using AI technologies to change things.
• Industry 4.0 is a current trend in manufacturing technologies that focuses on automation and data sharing. The goal is to boost economic growth and get the state ready for it.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Ranipur Tiger Reserve
Why in news: UP govt to turn Ranipur Tiger Reserve into eco-tourism hub.
Key points:
• The government in Uttar Pradesh will transform the Ranipur Tiger Reserve in Chitrakoot into a premier eco-tourism destination.
• The plan includes allocating an estimated Rs 38 lakh for upgrading tourist facilities within the reserve and enhancing infrastructure in the surrounding buffer zone.
• Ranipur Tiger Reserve is the fourth tiger reserve in Uttar Pradesh and the 53rd nationwide.
2. Artificial Islands
Why in news: Artificial Islands Forming at Pudukottai’s Kavinadu Kanmoi.
Key points:
• The project has started at Kavinadu Kanmoi is one of the biggest irrigation tanks in Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu.
• It is being run by the Pudukottai district government and the Kadamadai Area Integrated Farmers Association (KAIFA). The main goal of this project is to make artificial islands inside the tank.
• By planting fruit-bearing and native trees on these new buildings, the main goal of these islands is to protect local biodiversity, especially bird species. Initial Steps and Environmental Cleanup.
BIHAR:
1. Dragon Fruit
Why in news: Dragon fruit will be cultivated in 21 districts of Bihar
Key points:
• Exotic fruit dragon fruit has been included in the fourth agricultural road map made with the intention of doubling the income of farmers.
• Finding the soil of 21 districts of the state suitable for growing dragon fruit, it has been decided to expand its area.
• The 21 districts which have been selected for the Dragon Fruit Scheme include Muzaffarpur, Patna, Bhojpur, Gopalganj, Jehanabad, Saran, Siwan, Supaul, Aurangabad, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Katihar, Kishanganj,
• The government has decided to provide 40 percent subsidy to farmers on dragon fruit cultivation and has also released the amount.
• A unit built for its cultivation costs the farmers approximately Rs 7.5 lakh.
• Farmers will be given grant in three installments on dragon fruit cultivation. The first installment of grant will be 60 percent amount i.e. Rs 1.80 lakh per farmer per hectare. The second installment next year will be 20 percent of the total grant i.e. Rs 60 thousand. Hectare will be available if 75 percent of the plants survive.
• The last installment i.e. the remaining 20 percent amount will be given if 90 percent of the plants survive.
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