INTERNATIONAL:
1. India-Taiwan
Why in news: India and Taiwan implemented a Mutual Recognition Agreement for Organic Products on July 8, 2024.
Key points:
• This agreement facilitates trade by allowing certified organic products from both countries.
• The India-Taiwan Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for Organic Products, effective from July 8, 2024.
• It aims to enhance trade by allowing certified organic products from each country to enter the other’s market.
• India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Taiwan’s Agriculture and Food Agency are the respective implementing agencies for this landmark agreement.
• India ranks among the world’s largest producers of organic products, with significant organic farming areas in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and
Sikkim.
2. India-Russia
Why in news: India and Russia to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
Key points:
• India and Russia have announced an initiative to develop strategic areas of economic cooperation to achieve a bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030.
• The initiative was announced after the 22nd edition of the annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
• The iscussions included balancing trade, reducing non-tariff barriers, and exploring an India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Area.
• India will open two new consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg to help facilitate services for the growing community.
• Currently, India has an embassy in Moscow and consulates in St. Petersburg and Vladivostok.
STATES/UTs:
1. Grow With The Trees
Why in news: BSF organizes “Grow with the Trees” plantation drive in Srinagar.
Key points:
• Border Security Forces (BSF) in association with SBI Bank has organized a “Grow with the Trees” plantation drive at BSF Headquarters in Srinagar.
• The aim of the plantation is to make the campus here greener and to reduce the impact caused by global warming on the planet.
• The initiative is expected not only to create a more sustainable environment but also foster a sense of community and teamwork among the participants.
2. Al Readiness in Gujarat
Why in news: Gujarat govt signs agreement with Intel for Al readiness.
Key points:
• The Gujarat government signed a partnership agreement with US-based technology company Intel Corporation for artificial intelligence (AI) readiness.
• The objective is to make the state a hub for innovation and investment in the digital economy.
• The government aims to empower students, professionals, citizens and digital leaders by equipping them with the skills, mindsets and toolsets needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.
SCHEMES/PROJECTS:
1. GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme
Why in news: Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth launches GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024) in Kolkata on July 10, 2024.
Key points:
• It is an innovative scheme which seeks solution to the problems related to the shipyards and promotes technology development using the start-ups created and nurtured in the country.
• It encourages and enables MSMEs and Start-Ups to develop innovative solutions for further technological advancement.
• This initiative is in keeping with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ policies of the Government of India.
ECONOMY:
1. Paradip Port
Why in news: Paradip Port Authority Sets New Record with 41.12 Million Metric Tons of Cargo Handling in First 100 Days of FY 2024-25
Key points:
• This outstanding performance sets a new record for the port, reflecting a 4.78 per cent growth compared to the 39.25 MMT achieved during the same period in the previous FY.
• This underscores the port's critical role in bolstering India's maritime infrastructure and commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and capacity.
2. Moody's Economic Growth Forecast
Why in news: Moody's Keeps India's Economic Growth Forecast Unchanged at 6.8% for 2024.
Key points:
• Global Rating Agency, Moody has announced that it has kept India's economic growth forecast unchanged at 6.8% for 2024.
• It projected that Indian economy to grow at 6.5% for 2025.
• In March 2024, Moody's released a report "Global Macro Outlook 2024" and has revised India's GDP from 6.1% to 6.8%.
REPORTS & INDICES:
1. Personal Finance Index
Why in news: In Personal Finance Index category conducted by InterNations, Vietnam topped the list of most affordable countries.
Key points:
• According to the Expat Insider 2024 Survey, for the Personal Finance Index category conducted by InterNations, Vietnam is most affordable countries for expatriates or immigrants for 4th consecutive term.
• India was ranked at 6th spot among the top 10 most affordable countries for immigrants in the list.
• Top 6 Most Affordable Countries are Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, Panama, Philippines, India.
SUMMITS/ CONFERENCES:
1. BRICS Parliamentary Forum
Why in news: Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla to Lead Indian Delegation to BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
Key points:
• Om Birla, Lok Sabha Speaker, is heading an Indian delegation to the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
• The forum’s theme is ‘The Role of Parliaments in Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security’
• The forum aims to explore the role of parliaments in advancing global development and security through multilateral cooperation.
• The Indian delegation includes Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Rajya Sabha member Shambhu Sharan Patel, Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh, and Rajya Sabha Secretary General P C Mody.
2. Global Maritime Discourse
Why in news: India Leads Global Maritime Discourse At IMO Council Session In London.
Key points:
• Indian delegation, led by Shri T.K. Ramachandaran, is participated in the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
• India, an elected member of the IMO Council in the category of countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, emphasized the urgent issue of
seafarer abandonment.
• The delegation pointed out that despite efforts, there are currently 44 active cases involving 292 Indian seafarers.
SCIENCE & TECH:
1. Ariane 6 Rocket
Why in news: Europe's Ariane 6 rocket successfully launched after a four-year delay.
Key points:
• The rocket lifted off from Kourou, French Guiana.
• This launch marked a significant milestone for European space efforts, which had suffered from delays and loss of independent launch capabilities.
2. TURKSAT-6A
Why in news: ASELSAN Successfully Launches Turkiye's First Home-Made TURKSAT-6A Communication Satellite.
Key points:
• SpaceX Launches Turkish-Built Communications Satellite Turksat 6A on July 8th.
• TURKSAT-6A satellite is equipped with Ku- Band and X-Band communication payloads developed by ASELSAN engineers.
• The TURKSAT 6A project goal is to develop a satellite platform suitable for geostationary orbit satellites within the country and establish the necessary
infrastructure.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Mars-like Rocks Found in Ladakh
Why in news: Mars-like rocks found in the hills of Ladakh.
Key points:
• This rock is similar in their colour, picture, texture and chemical elements.
• This research has been published by the International Journal of Planetary and Space Science.
• The brown shiny rocks of Mars were found to be similar to the rocks of Ladakh
• The same elements were also present in the samples sent by NASA's rover.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. Order Of St. Andrew The Apostle
Why in news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored with the 'Order of St. Andrew the Apostle' award, Russia's highest civilian honour.
Key points:
• The order was presented for his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties
between the two countries
• Till Now These Countries Have Honored PM Narendra Modi.
SPORTS:
1. First Country to Win 150 matches in T20
Why in news: India becomes the first country to win 150 matches in T20.
Key points:
• India has become the first country with 150 wins.
• The Indian team scripted this achievement after they defeated the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team in the third match of the ongoing five-match T20I series.
2. ICC Player Of The Month
Why in news: Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana named ICC Player of the Month for June.
Key points:
• Bumrah was crowned Player of the Tournament following India’s triumphant campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
• Mandhana also won her maiden ICC Women’s Player of the Month award after her scintillating batting performances lit up India’s ODI series victory over South Africa.
3. Principal Sponsor For Indian Team At 2024 Paris Olympics
Why in news: Adani Group Announced as Principal Sponsor for Indian Team at 2024 Paris Olympics.
Key points:
• Adani Group to sponsor Indian team for Paris Olympics 2024 .
• The Adani Group has launched a stirring social media campaign under the banner #DeshkaGeetAtOlympics.
• This initiative aims to Showcase the relentless dedication of Indian athletes Reignite patriotic fervor among the Indian populace.
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Rajat Sharma
Why in news: Rajat Sharma Elected as NBDA President.
Key points:
• Rajat Sharma,Editor-in-Chief of India TV, has been unanimously elected as the President of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA).
• This landmark decision was made during the NBDA’s board meeting held on July 9, 2024.
• The NBDA stands as the largest organization of news broadcasters in India.
2. Shaurya Doval
Why in news: Shaurya Doval nominated as Fellow of the prestigious World Academy of Art and Science.
Key points:
• This honor has been given to Doval in recognition of his significant contribution to global thought leadership and policy innovation.
• Shaurya has worked extensively in the areas of policy advocacy and economic development.
• Former members include Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India, who was elected as an Honorary Fellow, and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India.
ART & CULTURE:
1. Running Of The Bulls
Why in news: The Running of the Bulls occurs every July 7th-14th in Pamplona, Spain.
Key points:
• In the Running of the Bulls 6 Spanish fighting bulls, along with 6 steer, run from the Corrales de Santo Domingo to Pamplona’s Plaza de Toros (bullfight arena.)
• Over 1 million spectators watch thousands of runners over the 8 days of the San Fermín Festival.
IMPORTANT DAYS:
1. World Population Day
Why in news: Every year, World Population Day is observed on July 11.
Key points:
• The theme of this year's World Population Day is - Leave no one behind, count everyone.
• It aims to raise awareness about global population issues and their impact on society
BIHAR:
1. Metro Survey In Bihar
Why in news: RITES has been given the responsibility of metro survey in 4 cities of the state.
Key points:
• Bihar government has given principle consent to the proposal to operate metro rail in Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Darbhanga and Bhagalpur.
• Government has given the task of ascertaining the feasibility of metro operation in the four cities to Gurugram-based RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic
Services) Limited.
• RITES has been given the responsibility of conducting surveys in all four cities.
• Total Rs 7 crore 2 lakh 10 thousand will be estimated for this.
• RITES is a Navratna company of the Central Government, which is under the Railway Ministry.
2. Ankahe Alfaaz
Why in news: Poet Sunita Ranjan's book Ankhe Alfaaz was launched on 10th July.
Key points:
• The program organized at a private hotel near Patliputra Junction in the presence of Former Union Minister Dr. CP Thakur, Bihar Hindi Sahitya Sammelan President Dr. Anil Sulabh and others.
• Sunita Ranjan recited her poems on this occasion.
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