1. India handed over torch of Startup 20 to Brazil
Tags: International News
The Startup 20 Gurugram Summit, organized by the Startup 20 Engagement Group under the India G20 chairmanship, concluded in Gurugram on 4 July 2023.
Important Points:-
- During the closing ceremony, Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, President of Startup20, officially handed over the torch to Brazil as Brazil is to chair the G20 next year.
- The two-day summit served as a platform to foster innovations, collaborations, knowledge sharing and strategic alliances within the global startup ecosystem.
- Underlining the importance of Startup20, Saudi Arabia's Prince Fahd bin Mansour announced an ambitious allocation of $1 trillion per year to the startup ecosystem by 2030.
- Saudi Arabia became the first country to provide support for global startups to reach $1 trillion.
- This initiative of Saudi Arabia will be helpful in strengthening startups for global welfare.
- The Startup20 Gurugram Summit serves as an important platform for the startup ecosystem, ecosystem builders, industry experts, government, policy makers and thought leaders to collaborate and shape the way for startups globally.
Brazil:
- Capital: Brasilia
- President: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
- Currency: Brazilian Real
2. Vietnam's Justice Minister Le Thanh Long's visit to India
Tags: International Relations
On July 2, 2023, a bilateral meeting between Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal and Vietnam's Justice Minister Le Thanh Long was held in New Delhi.
An Overview of the news: -
- The meeting was also attended by a delegation from both sides, which included senior officials from the respective Ministries.
- Bilateral meeting between Minister of State for Law and Justice India and Vietnam
Opportunities for cooperation between the two countries:
- The Union Law Minister recalled the close friendly relations that the two countries have developed over the last more than 50 years.
- Appreciated Vietnam for being a key partner of India's 'Act East Policy'.
- Both sides used the occasion to discuss measures for cooperation in various fields of law and justice.
- This will take bilateral relations to new heights commensurate with the status of a Comprehensive Strategic Partner.
- The meeting proved fruitful in efforts towards the possibility of signing an MoU to promote cooperation between the two countries in the field of law and justice.
- The two sides have also agreed to hold consultations at the official level to take forward discussions on wide-ranging areas of cooperation in the field of law and justice, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Vietnam:
- It is located in the eastern part of the Indochina Peninsula of Southeast Asia.
- It is bordered by the South China Sea to the east, China to the north, Laos to the northwest and Cambodia to the southwest.
- Capital: Hanoi
- Prime Minister: Pham Minh Chinh
- Currency: Vietnamese dong
3. India-UK 'Electric Propulsion Technology Workshop' held in New Delhi
Tags: International Relations
India-UK 'Electric Propulsion Technology Workshop' was organized in New Delhi on 03 July 2023.
An Overview of the news:
- It aims to collaborate, exchange knowledge and explore exciting possibilities in the field of electric propulsion.
- The workshop was co-chaired by Rajiv Prakash, Joint Secretary (Naval Systems) from the Indian side and Commodore John Voyce, Naval Base Commander, Portsmouth, from the UK side.
- The workshop served as an important platform for experts, researchers and industry professionals from both the countries to come together, share their knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions on the development of electric propulsion in ships.
- The interactions and discussions that took place in this provided a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and paved the way for collaboration and exchange of ideas.
- During the workshop, both the countries expressed their commitment to establish stronger defense ties, conduct joint research, transfer technology and explore avenues for strategic partnership.
About United Kingdom:
- It is an island nation located in northwestern Europe. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Capital - London
- Prime Minister - Rishi Sunak
- Emperor - Charles III
4. New Zealand becomes the first country to ban plastic product bags
Tags: International News
New Zealand has become the first country to ban plastic produce bags in supermarkets.
An Overview of the News
New Zealand has banned the thin plastic bags commonly used in supermarkets for the collection of fruit and vegetables.
Plastic straws and silverware are also included in the ban as part of the government's campaign against single-use plastics.
The ban bans the manufacture, sale and distribution of single-use plastic product bags, plastic plates, bowls and cutlery.
Some establishments, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitality venues and health and disability services, are exempt and can still sell and provide plastic straws to people with disabilities.
Since the 2019 ban on take-home plastic bags, customers in New Zealand have been using reusable tote bags for their shopping.
About New Zealand
Capital - Wellington
Emperor - Charles III
Governor General - Cindy Kiro
Prime Minister - Chris Hipkins
Currency - New Zealand Dollar
5. Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated International Hostel - Madhumaas at IARI
Tags: National News
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated an International Hostel named “Madhumaas” at ICAR-IARI.
An Overview of the News
The inauguration ceremony was held on 3rd July on Guru Purnima and was attended by Union Minister of State Kailash Choudhary and Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General and Secretary, DARE.
The government is supporting the creation of student-centric hostels with high-quality facilities and international standards due to the Institute's international education and growing student enrollment.
About "Madhumaas" International Hostel
It can accommodate 504 students and offers facilities like single bedded rooms, rooms with attached bathroom and kitchen and family apartments.
The hostel complex has a food court, gymnasium, restaurant, solar power system, rain water harvesting system, generator-based power backup, Wi-Fi network and R.O facilities.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
It is also known as Pusa Institute, is India's national institute for agricultural research, education and extension.
The institute was initially located in Pusa, Bihar as the Imperial Institute of Agricultural Research in 1911 and in 1936 the institute was shifted to Delhi.
The present institute in Delhi is funded and administered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
IARI has been recognized for its excellence and has secured the first position among agricultural and allied universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2023.
Formation - 1 April 1905
Director - Ashok Kumar Singh
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
It is an autonomous body responsible for the coordination of agricultural education and research in India.
ICAR reports to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture.
ICAR is headed by the Union Agriculture Minister.
ICAR is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes globally.
Establishment - 16 July 1929
Director - Himanshu Pathak
6. NADA India signs MoU with SARADO in New Delhi
Tags: International News
National Anti-Doping Agency, India (NADA India) signed a MoU with South Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization (SARADO) on 3rd July 2023 in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
Ritu Sain, Director General and CEO, NADA India and Mohammad Mahid Sharif, Director General, SARADO signed the MoU on behalf of their organisations.
It includes the anti-doping organisations of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Objectives of MoU
It aimsto enhance regional cooperation in the field of anti-doping in sports.
It focuses on a variety of areas including anti-doping education and prevention programs.
To train and skill sample collection personnel and anti-doping education officers.
To organise courses, seminars, workshops, research and exchange tours on anti-doping education.
To facilitate exchange of experts and education officials in anti-doping education.
The MoU supports anti-doping education activities and the production of literature.
About NADA
It was established on 24 November 2005 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act 1860 in India.
Its headquarteris inNew Delhi, India.
Its main objective is to ensure dope-free sports in India by operating in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
NADA enforces anti-doping rules and regulations in India by following the WADA Code, which sets international standards for anti-doping in sports.
NADA regulates and administers the dope control program in India. The program involves random and targeted drug testing of athletes to detect and prevent the use of banned substances in sports.
7. Prime Minister launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in Madhya Pradesh
Tags: National News
On July 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.
An Overview of the News
The mission aims to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047.
This mission will be implemented in 278 districts of 17 states of India.
The targeted states include Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Uttarakhand.
The mission focuses on creating awareness and universal testing among about seven crore people in the age group of 0-40 years in the affected tribal areas.
Collaborative efforts of Central Ministries and State Governments will be employed for consultation and implementation.
About Sickle Cell Anaemia
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), sickle cell anaemia is a collection of inherited red blood cell conditions that affect haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the body.
In individuals with sickle cell anaemia, the haemoglobin is denatured, causing the red blood cells to become rigid and sticky, forming a C-shaped form called a 'sickle'.
As per the Forbes report, the global prevalence of sickle cell disease ranks second highest in India.
According to a report by the National Health Mission, Madhya Pradesh (MP) has the highest prevalence of sickle cell anaemia in India.
Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anaemia
Red blood cell abnormality: In sickle cell anaemia, the red blood cells become sickle-shaped instead of their normal shape.
Anaemia: The shortening of the life span of sickle cells reduces the number of healthy red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
Swelling: Sickle cells damage the spleen, causing swelling in the hands and feet.
Increased susceptibility to infection: Sickle cell anaemia makes individuals more susceptible to infection due to spleen damage.
8. PM inaugurates 17th Indian Cooperative Congress in New Delhi
Tags: National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 17th Indian Cooperative Congress at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on 1 July.
An Overview of the News
The National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) is organizing the two-day event.
The theme of the Indian Cooperative Congress is 'Amrit Kaal: Prosperity through Cooperation for a Vibrant India'.
The program was presided over by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.
The objective of the Ministry of Cooperatives is to discuss various trends in the cooperative movement.
The Government has set up a separate Ministry of Cooperatives to strengthen the cooperative movement in the country.
The Prime Minister's participation in the Congress reflects the government's commitment to promote the cooperative sector.
The objective of the 17th Indian Cooperative Congress is to discuss the trends, best practices, challenges and future policy direction of India's cooperative movement.
More than 3600 stakeholders including Cooperative Societies, International Cooperative Organizations, International Cooperative Alliance, Ministries, Universities and reputed institutions participated in the event.
9. Virgin Galactic completes first manned mission to space
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Virgin Galactic, founded by Richard Branson, successfully completed its first manned mission to the edge of space on June 29, marking a significant milestone for the company after two decades of dedicated efforts.
An overview of the news
The mission had a research-oriented focus and featured two Italian Air Force personnel, Colonel Walter Villadei and Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Landolfi, who were funded by Virgin Galactic.
Pantaleone Carlucci, an engineer affiliated with Italy's National Research Council, and Colin Bennett, a Virgin Galactic astronaut instructor, were also part of the group.
The mission aimed to assess the flight's comfort and functionality, providing valuable feedback to enhance Virgin Galactic's rocket-powered spaceplane, VSS Unity.
The journey began at Virgin Galactic's spaceport in New Mexico, where the passengers boarded VSS Unity attached beneath the wing of the twin-fuselage mothership, VMS Eve.
VMS Eve accelerated down the runway and ascended to an altitude exceeding 40,000 feet before releasing VSS Unity.
VSS Unity ignited its rocket engine and ascended directly upward, reaching an altitude of more than 80 kilometers, which is recognized as the edge of outer space by the United States government.
During its ascent, VSS Unity achieved supersonic speeds and experienced moments of weightlessness at the peak of its flight.
After reaching the designated altitude, VSS Unity glided back to the spaceport, entering freefall and landing on a runway.
About Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic is a space venture established by British entrepreneur Richard Branson.
The company aims to provide commercial space travel experiences to customers.
Virgin Galactic has been in operation for over two decades, with the goal of making space accessible for non-astronauts.
The company's spacecraft, VSS Unity, is a rocket-powered spaceplane designed to carry passengers to the edge of space.
Unlike traditional space missions, Virgin Galactic's focus is on providing a unique and thrilling experience rather than conducting scientific research.
10. World Bank approves $700 million for crisis-hit Sri Lanka
Tags: International News
The World Bank has approved a substantial funding package of 700 million dollars for Sri Lanka, providing a significant boost to the country's financial situation.
An overview of the news
Out of the approved funds, approximately 500 million dollars will be allocated for budgetary support, aimed at stabilizing the country's economy.
The remaining 200 million dollars will be dedicated to welfare support, with the objective of assisting those most affected by the ongoing crisis.
Sri Lanka's financial crisis
Sri Lanka has been facing its most severe financial crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948.
The country experienced record lows in Foreign Exchange reserves last year, prompting India to provide humanitarian assistance totaling approximately 4 billion dollars through grants and lines of credit.
The World Bank's assistance represents the largest amount of financial support received by the crisis-stricken nation since the approval of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement in March.
The IMF agreement provided Sri Lanka with an extended fund facility of close to 3 billion dollars, which will be available over a 48-month period.
About the World Bank
It was established in 1944 and is headquartered in Washington, DC.
Its primary goal is to reduce poverty in developing countries by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and other resources to support development projects.
The World Bank operates through two main institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).
The IBRD provides loans to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, while the IDA provides grants and loans to the poorest countries.
The World Bank also works closely with other international organisations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and regional development banks to coordinate development efforts and promote economic growth.
Founders -John Maynard Keynes, Harry Dexter White
President - Ajay Banga
