National News
53rd GST Council Meeting Overview

The 53rd GST Council met under the Chairpersonship of Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, Chief Ministers of Goa and Meghalaya, Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, Finance Ministers of States & UTs (with legislature), and senior officers of the Ministry of Finance & States/ UTs.
Key Recommendations and Decisions
The GST Council made several recommendations concerning changes in GST tax rates, trade facilitation measures, and compliance streamlining in GST
GST Rates on Goods
- Uniform IGST Rate on Aircraft Parts: A uniform rate of 5% IGST will apply to imports of parts, components, testing equipment, tools, and tool-kits of aircrafts to boost MRO activities.
- Milk Cans GST Rate: All milk cans (steel, iron, aluminum) will attract a 12% GST rate.
- Paper Products GST Rate Reduction: The GST rate on carton, boxes, and cases of both corrugated and non-corrugated paper or paper-board has been reduced from 18% to 12%.
- Solar Cookers GST Rate: All solar cookers, whether single or dual energy source, will attract 12% GST.
- Poultry Keeping Machinery: The GST entry covering poultry keeping machinery attracting 12% GST has been amended to specifically incorporate “parts of poultry keeping machinery” and regularize past practice.
- Sprinklers GST Rate: All types of sprinklers, including fire water sprinklers, will attract 12% GST.
- Defence Forces IGST Exemption: The IGST exemption on imports of specified items for defence forces has been extended for five years till 30th June 2029.
- RAMA Programme IGST Exemption: IGST exemption on imports of research equipment/buoys under the RAMA programme has been extended subject to conditions.
- Compensation Cess on SEZ Imports: Compensation Cess on imports in SEZ by SEZ Unit/developers for authorized operations is exempted w.e.f. 01.07.2017.
- Miscellaneous Exemptions: Compensation Cess on supply of aerated beverages and energy drinks to authorized customers by Unit Run Canteens under Ministry of Defence and Adhoc IGST exemption on imports of technical documentation for AK-203 rifle kits for Indian Defence forces are also recommended.
Kozhikode, India’s First UNESCO City of Literature

On June 23, 2024, Kozhikode made history by becoming the first UNESCO City of Literature in India. This prestigious recognition highlights the city’s rich literary heritage and cultural significance.
A City of Talent and Freedom: Minister for Local Self-Government M.B. Rajesh announced the achievement, comparing Kozhikode to London in its ability to attract and nurture talent.
He described the city as:
- Unpretentious
- Hospitable
- Possessing an undying spirit of freedom
- Cultural Contributions
Kozhikode’s literary legacy includes:
- Two Jnanpith Award winners
- Notable contributions in cinema, music, and media
UNESCO:
- UNESCO DG: Audrey Azoulay;
- UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945;
- UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France.
Ladakh: Indian Army Opened Khalubar War Memorial To Tourists

The Indian Army has inaugurated the Khalubar War Memorial in Ladakh to honor the heroes of the Kargil War. The opening coincides with the Pre-Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, marking the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July.
- Location: The memorial is situated in the renowned Aryan Valley, a site of historical significance from the Kargil War.
- Historical Significance: Khalubar, a serene valley near the border, was a critical battleground during the Kargil War, recaptured by Indian soldiers.
- Heroic Actions: The memorial immortalizes the bravery of soldiers, including Captain Manoj Pandey, who played a key role in reclaiming the valley.
- Local Contribution: The local men and women also contributed significantly to the battle, enhancing the valley’s cultural and historical importance.
High-Level Committee for Examination Reforms and Data Security Protocols

- The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MOE) has constituted a seven-member high-level committee to make recommendations on reform in the examination process, improvement in data security protocols and functioning of the National Testing Agency(NTA).
- The committee is headed by Dr K. Radhakrishnan, the former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Chairman Board of Governors (BOG), Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
Note: The committee shall submit its report to the MOE within two months from the date of issue of this order.
About the committee:
- The objective of the committee is to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through NTA.
- The terms of reference of the committee includes analysing the end-to-end examination process and suggest measures to improve efficiency of the system, conduct review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) of the NTA.
- The committee examines existing security protocols related to the paper-setting and other processes for different examinations and makes recommendations to enhance the robustness of the system.
About Ministry of Education (MoE):
- Union Minister – Dharmendra Pradhan (Lok Sabha Constituency – Sambalpur, Odisha)
- Minister of State (MOS) – Sukanta Majumdar (Lok Sabha Constituency – Balurghat, West Bengal, WB); Jayant Chaudhary (Independent Charge) (Rajya Sabha, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
State news
Establishment of Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre for Asian King Vultures in Uttar Pradesh

UP To Set Up World’s 1st Conservation & Breeding Centre For Asian King Vultures Uttar Pradesh(UP) is set to establish the ‘Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre’, world’s first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vultures or red-headed vultures or Pondicherry vultures in Maharajganj, UP.
- This initiative improves the population of the Asian king vultures, which has been listed as critically endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s red list since 2007.
- Asian king vultures are endangered due to habitat degradation and the overuse of
- diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in domestic animals, which becomes poisonous for vultures.
Uttarpradesh:
- Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath
- Governor: Anandiben Patel
- Capital: Lucknow
Agreement newsMoU Between SAMEER and MCTE for Next Generation Wireless Technologies

On June 2024, the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), an autonomous Research & Development (R&D) institute under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Indian Army, to promote collaboration in “Next Generation Wireless Technologies for Indian Army”.
- This strategic partnership aims to bolster the Indian Army’s technological capabilities which are aligned towards vision for 2024 as “Year of Technological Absorption for Indian Army” declared by Chief of Army Staff.
- Also, it aims to improve national security and technological infrastructure with significant benefits and will not just limited to military but will go much beyond.
- The MoU was signed by Lt. General KH Gawas, Commandant Corps of Signals and Dr. P Hanumantha Rao, Director General(DG), SAMEER.
About Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER):
- Director General (DG)- Dr. P Hanumantha Rao
- Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Established 1984
About Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE):
- Headquarters- Indore, Madhya Pradesh (MP)
- Established- 1911
International news
India to Launch E-Medical Visa Facility for Bangladesh Nationals

A meeting between the two delegations in the national capital on June 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will start an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi nationals. Those who are coming to India for medical treatment, India will open a new consulate in Rangpur, Bangladesh, to facilitate services for people in the northwest region of the country.
Sheikh Hasina special meeting with P.M Modi
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is on a two-day state visit to India. The two Prime Ministers addressed the media after their meeting at Hyderabad House on June 22. PM Modi emphasized that the two leaders have met several times in the last year, adding that this visit is special because PM Sheikh Hasina is India’s first state guest during the third tenure of the NDA government. In the last one year, we have met 10 times, but today’s meeting is special because PM Hasina is the first state guest of our third government.
Bangladesh:
- Capital: Dhaka
- Currency: Bangladeshi Taka
- Official language: Bengali
Appointment news
Pradeep Singh Kharola Appointed as Interim DG of National Testing Agency

- Subodh Kumar Singh Removal: Subodh Kumar Singh was removed as DG of NTA on June 22 due to exam irregularities.
- Pradeep Singh Kharola’s New Role: Pradeep Singh Kharola, Chairman and MD of India Trade Promotion Organisation, was given additional charge as NTA DG.
- Background: Kharola is a 1985 batch IAS officer.
- NTA Overview: Established in November 2017, the NTA is an autonomous agency under the Ministry of Education, responsible for conducting national-level entrance exams for higher education institutions in fields like engineering, medicine, management, and pharmacy.
Sports news
Verstappen Triumphs at Spanish Grand Prix 2024

In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Belgian and Dutch racing driver Max Verstappen secured victory at the Spanish Grand Prix , further solidifying his position atop the Formula 1 drivers championship.
A Lightning Start
Despite starting from second on the grid, Verstappen showcased his exceptional racing prowess:
- Overtook pole-sitter Lando Norris by the first turn
- Passed George Russell on lap three
- Maintained lead for all 66 laps
India wins record 32 medals at the 43rd World Medical and Health Games

According to the Armed Forces Medical Service, four of its officers have won a record 32 medals at the 43rd World Medical and Health Games held in Saint-Tropez, France, from 16 to 23rd June 2024. The annual World Medical and Health Games also popularly known as the Medgames is the world’s largest sporting event for the medical and health professions around the world. The first Medgames was held in 1978 in Cannes, France.
Record Medal Wins by Armed Forces Medical Services Officers at Saint-Tropez Medgames
· Total Medals: The team won 32 medals: 19 gold, 9 silver, and 4 bronze.
Individual Achievements:
· Lieutenant Colonel Sanjeev Malik:
o Category: Above 35 years male
o Medals: 5 gold
o Events: 800 meters, 1500 meters, 3000 meters, 5000 meters, cross country, 4×100 meters relay
· Major Anish George:
o Category: Under 35 years male
o Medals: 4 gold, 6 silver, 2 bronze
o Events: 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters, 5000 meters, Javelin, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Hammer Throw, Powerlifting
· Captain Stephen Sebastian:
o Category: Under 35 years male
o Medals: 6 gold
o Events: 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, Long Jump, Hammer Throw, 4×100 meters relay
· Captain Dania James:
o Category: Under 35 years female
o Medals: 4 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze
o Events: 100 meters, 200 meters, 4×100 meters relay, Javelin, Discus Throw, Shot Put, Badminton Singles, Badminton Doubles, Powerlifting
About Director General Armed Forces Medical Services
The government of India, on the recommendation of the Dr B C Roy committee on’ Armed Forces Medical Services and Research Integration’ integrated the medical services of the three wings of the defence forces- Army, Navy and the Air Force and created the Armed Forces Medical Service in 1948.
The Armed Forces Medical Services is under the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services.
- Union Defence Minister: Raj Nath Singh
- Director General Armed Forces Medical Services: Lt Gen Daljit Singh
Dhiraj Bommadevara wins bronze at Archery World Cup 2024 in Antalya

- 22 year old Dhiraj Bommadevara won two bronze medals for India at the Archery World Cup 2024 stage 3 in Antalya, Turkiye on 23 June 2024. The Indian team finished their campaign at Antalaya with four medals- one gold,one silver and two bronze.
- The Archery World Cup 2024 stage 3 was organised by the World Archery at Antalya, Turkiyee from 18 to 23 June 2024.
World Archery
- Founded in 1931 to develop and govern the sport of Archery in the world.
- Members: 168 countries
- Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
Sreeja Akula creates history by winning WTT Contender singles title

Sreeja Akula of Hyderabad became the first Indian table tennis player to win a WTT (World Table Tennis) Contender single title. Sreeja Akula won both the women’s singles and doubles titles at the WTT Contender Lagos 2024 event.
- The USD 80,000 prize money WTT Contender Lagos 2024 was held at the Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall in Lagos, Nigeria, from 19 June to 23 June 2024.
· First Singles WTT Contender title for Sreeja Akula
- India’s number one ranked women’s singles table tennis player, Sreeja Akula, defeated the 16-year-old Yijie Ding of China 4-1 (10-12,11-9,11-6,11-8,11-6) in the final of the WTT Contender Lagos 2024 held on 23 June 2024 to win her first WTT Contender title.
- Sreeja Akula defeated fellow Indian Sutirtha Mukherjee in the semifinal to reach the finals of the WTT Contender Lagos 2024.
Award news
Golden Thread bags the prestigious Golden Conch award at MIFF 2024

- The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2024 came to an end on June 2024 with the conferring of the awards to the various winners in different categories. Nistha Jain’s ‘Golden Thread’ film won the prestigious Golden Conch award for the best documentary at the 18th MIFF 2024.
- Earlier noted wildlife filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu was conferred with the 18th V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award at the inauguration of the 18th MIFF 2024.
- The 18th biennial MIFF 2024 was organised by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and executed by the National Film Development Corporation at Mumbai from 15 to 21 June 2024.
Awards at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2024
International Competition Award Section
- Golden Conch Award for Best Documentary:
- Film: Golden Thread
- Director: Nistha Jain (India)
- Prize: Rs 10 lakhs, citation, Golden Conch trophy
- Best International Short Fiction Film:
- Film: Sour Milk
- Director: Vera Pirogova (Estonia)
- Prize: Rs 5 lakhs, Silver Conch trophy
- Best International Animation Film:
- Film: Zima’
- Directors: Tomek Popakul, Kasumi Ozeki (Poland)
- Prize: Rs 5 lakhs, Silver Conch trophy
- Pramod Pati Award For Most Innovative/Experimental Film:
- Film: The Old Young Crow
- Director: Liam Lopinto (Japan)
- Prize: Rs 1 lakh, trophy
- Special Jury Mention:
- Film: Lovely Jackson
- Director: Matt Waldeck (USA)
- Prize: Rs 1 lakh, trophy
National Competition Awards Section
- Best Indian Documentary Film (above 60 minutes):
- Film: ‘6-A Akash Ganga’
- Director: Nirmal Chander Dandriyal (India)
- Prize: Rs 5 lakhs, Silver Conch trophy
- Best Indian Short Fiction Film (up to 30 minutes):
- Film: Salt
- Director: Barkha Prashant Naik (India)
- Prize: Rs 3 lakhs, Silver Conch trophy
- Best Indian Animation Film:
- Film: Nirjara
- Director: Gaurav Pati (India)
- Prize: Rs 3 lakhs, Silver Conch trophy
- Special Jury Mention:
- Film: A Coconut Tree
- Director: Joshy Benedict (India)
- Prize: Trophy
Important days
International Olympic Day 2024, Date, Theme and History

International Olympic Day is celebrated on June 23rd every year. It marks the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894. This day celebrates the Olympic spirit and encourages people to get involved in sports.
Theme for 2024: The theme for International Olympic Day 2024 is “Let’s Move and Celebrate.” This theme encourages everyone to be active and enjoy the joy of movement.
History of the Day
- First celebrated on June 23, 1948
- Honors Pierre de Coubertin, who revived the modern Olympic Games
- Aims to promote Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship
Why is International Olympic Day Important?
International Olympic Day matters because it:
- Promotes physical activity and healthy living
- Brings people together through sports
- Teaches Olympic values
- Inspires young athletes
- Celebrates the power of sports to create peace and understanding