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By admin: July 8, 2024

Masoud Pezeshkian wins Iranian Presidential Election

Tags: International News

Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian wins Iran's presidential election with approximately 53.6% of the vote.

An Overview of the News

• Masoud defeated Saeed Jalili, an ultraconservative candidate advocating closer ties with Russia and China.

• The election had about 50% voter turnout, following a previous round with low participation.

India-Iran Relations:

• Strategic Partnerships: India and Iran have historically maintained important economic and strategic ties, including energy cooperation.

• Steady Relations Expected: Pezeshkian's presidency is likely to see continued engagement with India on bilateral and regional issues.

• Economic Cooperation: Both countries are likely to focus on enhancing trade and economic cooperation despite global geopolitical challenges.

About Iran

• Iran is a country located in the southwest section of Jambudweep (Asia). It was known as Persia (Persia) till 1935.

• Iran was declared an Islamic republic in 1979.

• Iran's economy is mainly dependent on oil and natural gas exports.

• Iran is the largest country in the world in terms of natural gas reserves.

• Capital- Tehran

• Currency - Iranian Rial

India Unveils Indigenous Light Tank Zorawar for High-Altitude Operations

Tags: Defence

On July 6, 2024, Indian Defence officials unveiled the prototype of the indigenous light tank Zorawar, marking a crucial advancement in India's defense capabilities.

An Overview of the News

• This tank, named Zorawar, is designed to excel in high-altitude environments like Ladakh, focusing on enhanced mobility and operational efficiency.

• Developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T), with L&T as the primary integrator.

Design and Features

• Layout: Driver compartment at the front, turret in the middle, powerpack at the rear for balanced weight distribution.

• Engine: Powered by a 1,000 hp Cummins engine for superior maneuverability in high-altitude regions.

• Armament: Features a COCKERILL-3105 105mm turret with modifications for Indian Army requirements.

• Weapon Systems: Includes a local 12.7mm NSV remote-controlled weapon station and twin anti-tank guided missile launcher.

• Protection: Advanced active protection system to counter anti-tank guided missiles and enhance survivability.

• Amphibious Capability: Designed to operate in water bodies like Pangong Tso Lake for tactical versatility.

Strategic Significance

• Deployment: Initial order for 59 tanks with plans for 355 to form seven light tank regiments.

• Strategic Purpose: Enhances defensive and offensive capabilities in border regions, particularly against armored threats.

Technological Integration

• AI and Drones: Integrated with AI-enabled systems for improved situational awareness and tactical drone deployment.

• Modern Warfare Edge: Capable of deploying loitering munitions, providing a strategic advantage.

Production and Trials

• Manufacturing: Part of 'Make in India' initiative to reduce reliance on foreign military imports.

• Testing: Currently undergoing internal trials, with user trials by the Indian Army expected by mid-2024.

Tamil writer Sivashankari has been selected to Receive the esteemed 'Viswambhara' National Award

Tags: Awards

Tamil writer Sivashankari selected for the 'Viswambhara' Dr. C Narayana Reddy National Literary Award-2024.

An Overview of the News

• The award recognizes her significant contributions to literature. The prize includes Rs. 5 lakh cash, a memento, and a shawl.

• To be presented during Dr. C. Narayana Reddy’s 93rd birth anniversary celebrations at Ravindra Bharati, Hyderabad on July 29.

Event Details:

• Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to preside as chief guest.

• Culture Minister Jupalli Krishna Rao and Government whip Adi Srinivas to attend as distinguished guests.

Writer's Achievements:

• Sivashankari, based in Chennai, authored 36 novels, 48 mini-novels, 150 stories, 15 travelogues, 7 volumes of essays, 4 research papers, and two biographies in Tamil.

Additional Celebrations:

• Dr. C. Narayana Reddy's new book 'Samanvitham', a collection of poems, to be launched on the same day as part of his birthday tradition.

About Dr. C. Narayana Reddy National Literary Award

• Named after Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, a renowned Telugu poet and Jnanpith awardee.

• Recognizes distinguished contributions to Indian literature.

• Award includes a certificate and ₹1 lakh cash prize.

• Presented annually by the Cultural and Literary Federation of India.

• Inaugural award given in 2017, honoring Dr. Reddy's multifaceted contributions to Telugu literature.

Yogi Adityanath announces launch of 'Mitra Van' initiative on UP-Nepal border

Tags: State News

The Yogi Adityanath government announced the launch of 'Mitra Van' under the Tree Plantation Jan Abhiyan-2024.

An Overview of the News

• The aim of the 'Mitra Van' initiative is to increase the green cover on the Uttar Pradesh-Nepal border.

• The 'Mitra Van' initiative will be on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.

Main Objective

• To increase the green cover by planting 35 crore saplings.

• To promote bilateral relations through environmental initiatives with neighboring states and Nepal.

Preparation and Implementation

• Scheduled to start on July 20, 2024.

• Massive tree plantation drives will be conducted in the border districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Location and Coordination

• 35 forest divisions will identify locations for setting up 'Mitra Van'.

• The specific districts include Sonauli in Maharajganj, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shravasti, Bahraich and Pilibhit.

• Coordination with representatives of Nepal for joint tree plantation activities.

Special Forest Initiative

• Establishment of special forests like 'Shakti Van', 'Yuva Van' and 'Bal Van' in each district participating in the tree plantation mass campaign.

• Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) have been directed to expedite the establishment and promotion of 'Mitra Van'.

About Uttar Pradesh

• On 24 January 1950 itself, United Provinces or United Provinces was renamed as Uttar Pradesh.

• In 2017, the state government announced to celebrate January 24 every year as Uttar Pradesh Day.

• It was celebrated for the first time in 2018.

• First in the state
  

  • The first Chief Minister of the state – Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant

  • First Deputy Chief Minister of the state - Chaudhary Narayan Singh

  • The first woman Chief Minister of the state and the country - Sucheta Kriplani

  • The first woman governor of the state and the country - Sarojini Naidu

• Current Chief Minister - Yogi Adityanath

• Current Governor – Anandiben Patel

Important Points:-

• Uttar Pradesh passes draft for Uttar Pradesh Nodal Investment Region for Manufacturing (NIRMAN)-2024.

• UP becomes first state in India to issue one crore tokens through Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID.

• 'Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre,' world's first for Asian king vultures, established in Maharajganj, UP.

• Kathiya Gehu, indigenous wheat variety from Bundelkhand, gets Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath names Ganges River dolphin as state aquatic animal.

About Nepal

• The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.

• It is a landlocked country in South Asia.

• Prime Minister - Pushpa Kamal Dahal

• President - Ram Chandra Paudel

• Capital - Kathmandu

• Currency - Nepalese Rupee

Avinash Sable Sets New National Record in 3000m Steeplechase At Paris Diamond League In France

Tags: Sports

Avinash Sable broke the Indian national record in the men’s 3000m steeplechase with a time of 8:09.91 at the Paris Diamond League 2024 on July 7, 2024.

An Overview of the News

• He secured sixth place in the highly competitive men’s 3000m steeplechase event at Charlety Stadium.

• India's former national record of 8:11.20 was set by Avinash Sable when he won silver at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham two years ago.

Results and Competitors

• Abrham Sime of Ethiopia finished first with a personal best time of 8:02.36.

• Amos Serem from Kenya also clocked 8:02.36 but finished second in a photo finish.

• Abraham Kibiwot, who won bronze at the 2023 World Championships, took third place with a time of 8:06.70.

• Mohamed Amin Jhinaoui of Tunisia, the national record holder, finished fourth with a time of 8:09.41.

• Geordie Beamish from New Zealand, the indoor world champion in the 1500m, finished fifth with a time of 8:09.64.

Season Highlights for Avinash Sable

• Earlier this year, Avinash Sable placed second at the Portland Track Festival with a time of 8:21.85 and first at India’s inter-state competition in Panchkula with a time of 8:31.75.

• He is gearing up to represent India in the 3000m steeplechase at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Kishore Jena's Performance in Javelin Throw

• Kishore Jena finished eighth in the javelin throw event at the Paris Diamond League 2024 with a best throw of 78.10m.

Diamond League Overview

• The Paris Diamond League is part of the annual series organized by World Athletics, serving as the eighth leg of the 2024 series.

• The finals of the Diamond League 2024 are scheduled to be held in Brussels, Belgium in September, where athletes accumulate points and compete for the Diamond League trophy.

President Murmu Awards 36 Peacetime Gallantry Awards in New Delhi Ceremony

Tags: Awards

On July 5, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu conferred 36 Peacetime Gallantry Awards at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.

An Overview of the News

• The awards included 10 Kirti Chakras, with 7 awarded posthumously, and 26 Shaurya Chakras, with 7 awarded posthumously.

• Recipients were personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State or Union Territory Police.

• The awards were for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage, and extreme devotion to duty.

List of Recipients of the Kirti Chakra (Posthumous):

1. Dilip Kumar, COBRA, CRPF

2. Raj Kumar Yadava, COBRA, CRPF

3. Bablu Rabha, COBRA, CRPF

4. Sambhu Roy, COBRA, CRPF

5. Sepoy Pawan Kumar, The Grenadiers, 55th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles

6. Captain Anshuman Singh, The Army Medical Corps, 26th Battalion The Punjab Regiment

7. Havildar Abdul Majid, 9th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)

List of Recipients of the Kirti Chakra (Non-Posthumous):

1. Major Digvijay Singh Rawat serves in the 21st Battalion of The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).

2. Major Deependra Vikram Basnet is with the 4th Battalion of The Sikh Regiment.

3. Naib Subedar Pawan Kumar Yadav serves in the 21st Battalion of The Mahar Regiment.

About Kirti Chakra

• It is India's second highest peacetime gallantry award, after the Ashoka Chakra.

• It is awarded by the President of India, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

• It is awarded to civilians and military personnel (including posthumously), recognising valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.

• Originally established in 1952 as the "Ashoka Chakra, Category II", it was renamed and amended in 1967.

• The medal is made of standard silver and is circular in shape. Its green ribbon is divided into three equal parts by two vertical orange lines.

List of Recipients of the Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)

1. Constable Safiullah Qadri, J&K Police

2. Major Vikas Bhambhu, Sena Medal, 252 Army Aviation Squadron

3. Major Mustafa Bohara, 252 Army Aviation Squadron

4. Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta, J&K Rifles, 52nd Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles

5. Havildar Vivek Singh Tomar, 5th Battalion The Rajputana Rifles

6. Rifleman Alok Rao, 18 Assam Rifles

7. Captain MV Pranjal, Corps of Signals, 63rd Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles

About Shaurya Chakra

• It is the 3rd highest Peacetime Gallantry Award in India, after Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra.

• Awarded for valour, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from battle; for civilians and military personnel, including posthumous awards.

• Initially called "Ashok Chakra, Class III" since 4th January 1952; renamed on 27th January 1967.

• Made of bronze, circular, with a green ribbon divided into 4 parts by 3 vertical lines.

International Day of Cooperatives - 1st Saturday of July

Tags: Important Days

The International Day of Cooperatives is observed annually on the first Saturday of July.

An Overview of the News

• In 2024, it falls on 6 July. This marks the 102nd InternationalCooperative Day and the 30th UN International Day of Cooperatives.

• The theme for the International Day of Cooperatives 2024 is "Cooperatives Building a Better Future for All."

Significance and History:

• The International Cooperative Day has been celebrated since 1923, initially observed on 7 July.

• In December 1992, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/47/90, proclaiming the first Saturday of July each year as the International Day of Cooperatives.

• This resolution commemorated the centenary of the establishment of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), one of the oldest and largest NGOs representing cooperative movements globally.

Objectives:

• The day aims to increase awareness of cooperatives and their contributions to international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace.

• It emphasizes the role of cooperatives in social and economic development, promoting sustainable practices and community empowerment.

International Cooperative Alliance (ICA):

• The ICA, founded in 1895, plays a pivotal role in advancing cooperative principles worldwide.

• It represents millions of cooperative enterprises and members across various sectors, advocating for cooperative values and principles.

Keir Starmer Takes Helm as UK's 58th Prime Minister, Succeeding Rishi Sunak

Tags: International News

Keir Starmer of the Labour Party became the 58th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 5, 2024, succeeding Rishi Sunak.

An Overview of the News

• Labour secured 412 seats, an increase of 211, while the Conservative Party received 121 seats, a decrease of 250, in the 650-seat House of Commons.

• Labour garnered 35% of the votes, compared to the Conservative Party's 24%.

Historical Significance:

• Keir Starmer's election marks the return of the Labour Party to power after 14 years, since Gordon Brown's tenure from 2007 to 2010.

• He is the first Labour Party leader to win a general election since Tony Blair's leadership from 1997 to 2007.

Career Background:

• Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Keir Starmer served as Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union from 2016 to 2020 and as Shadow Immigration Minister from 2015 to 2016.

• He was knighted as Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2014 New Year Honours for his contributions to law and criminal justice.

• Historical Note: Keir Starmer is the first Knight of the realm to become Prime Minister since Sir Alec Douglas-Home in 1963.

NOTE - Rishi Sunak makes history as the first British Asian and Hindu as Prime Minister of the UK, holding the post from October 2022 to July 5, 2024.

About UK

• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, often referred to as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is situated in Northwestern Europe.

• It includes four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

• Geographically, it is located off the coast of the continental mainland of Europe.

• Capital - London

• Prime Minister - Keir Starmer