National news
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi Appointed Leader Of Opposition In Lok Sabha

- Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will be the Leader of Opposition, LoP in the Lok Sabha. Party General Secretary KC Venugopal informed this to media in New Delhi this evening. He said Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has written to Pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mehtab informing that Rahul Gandhi will be the Leader of Opposition in the House.
- Meanwhile, a meeting of the Floor leaders of INDIA alliance was also held in the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge today.
India’s Nuclear Power Generation Capacity To Increase By Around 70% In The Next Five Years: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh

- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh (Ministry of Science and Technology) today expressed confidence that India’s Nuclear Power generation capacity will increase by around 70 percent in the next five years.
- He said this while convening a high-level meeting to review the 100 days Action Plan of the Department of Atomic Energy in New Delhi.
- Dr Singh highlighted India’s progress in nuclear energy and renewable energy in the energy landscape. He also took stock of the already operational projects and gave directions for upcoming plans.
List of Nuclear Power Plants in India
Here is a comprehensive list of operational nuclear power plants in India, along with their locations and capacities:
- Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS) Location: Tarapur, Maharashtra
- Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) Location: Rawatbhata, Rajasthan
- Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) Location: Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
- Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS) Location: Narora, Uttar Pradesh
- Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS): Location: Kakrapar, Gujarat
- Kaiga Generating Station (KGS) Location: Kaiga, Karnataka
- Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) Location: Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu
Om Birla elected Lok Sabha speaker for second term

- Om Birla, three-time BJP MP, was elected the Lok Sabha Speaker for the second time on Tuesday after he defeated INDIA bloc’s candidate K Suresh via voice vote in a rare contest.
- Om Birla was all smiles as he occupied the Speaker’s chair. The moment also saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju come together as they escorted Om Birla to the chair.
NHAI Organises International Workshop On Global Navigation Satellite System Based

The Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), promoted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), held an international workshop in New Delhi on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based Electronic Toll Collection in India. This workshop aimed to discuss the implementation of a seamless, barrier-free tolling system using GNSS technology.
Key points from the workshop:
- Chief Guest and Attendees: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, was the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included Shri Ajay Tamta, Shri Harsh Malhotra, Shri Anurag Jain, Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav, Shri Vishal Chauhan, and Shri S.P. Singh, along with international industry experts and representatives from various institutions and technology companies.
- Panel Discussions: Multiple discussions focused on various aspects such as On-Board Units (OBU), commercial vehicles, NH fee rules, toll charger software, issuer entities’ roles, and necessary road infrastructure for a multi-lane free-flow GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection system.
- Key Speeches:
- Shri Nitin Gadkari: Highlighted GNSS technology’s role in modernizing toll collection, ensuring seamless travel, and reducing road congestion.
- Shri Anurag Jain: Emphasized the significance of global experts’ participation and GNSS implementation as a step towards India’s development vision by 2047.
- Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav: Stressed the importance of GNSS in economic growth and barrierless tolling.
- Shri Vishal Chauhan: Summarized the workshop’s key takeaways and outlined the future steps.
J.P Nadda Launches National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024

On June 24, 2024, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, launched the National STOP Diarrhoea Campaign. He was joined by Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel and Shri Jadhav Patraprao Ganpatrao. The event featured the release of IEC materials, including logos, posters, radio spots, and audiovisuals, and the distribution of oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc tablets to children.
Goal of the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024
The campaign aims to achieve zero child deaths due to childhood diarrhoea. Unlike the previous strategy, which involved a 2-week campaign with limited IEC and ORS distribution, the new approach includes a 2-month campaign. It involves:
- Pre-positioning 2 ORS packets and zinc tablets as a co-packaging for under-5 children.
- Extensive IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities across various platforms.
- Collaboration across multiple sectors, including health, water and sanitation, education, and rural development.
Relationship with Mission Indradhanush and Rotavirus Vaccine
Shri J P Nadda emphasized the connection between the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign, Mission Indradhanush, and the Rotavirus vaccine. These initiatives, launched during his earlier tenure as Health Minister, have collectively contributed to reducing childhood mortality due to diarrhoea. Key points include:
- India was the first country to introduce the Rotavirus vaccine in 2014.
- The National Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and the expansion of the Ayushman Arogya Mandir network have significantly reduced diarrhoea cases and mortality.
Economy news
S&P Retains India FY25 GDP Growth Estimate at 6.8%

GDP Growth Forecast
- FY25: S&P maintains India’s GDP growth forecast at 6.8%, citing high interest rates and reduced fiscal stimulus affecting demand in non-agricultural sectors.
- Future Projections:
- FY26: 6.9%
- FY27: 7%
Economic Growth Context
- FY24 Revision: GDP growth for fiscal 2024 revised upward to 8.2%.
- FY25 Expectations: Growth expected to moderate to 6.8% due to high interest rates and reduced fiscal stimulus.
- RBI Projection: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projects a more optimistic GDP growth of 7.2% for FY25, revised from an earlier estimate of 7%.
Key Takeaways
- S&P’s growth forecast reflects concerns about economic moderation due to high interest rates and less fiscal stimulus.
- Despite the moderation, India’s long-term growth prospects remain positive, with growth rates approaching 7% in subsequent years.
- The alignment between S&P and RBI on inflation forecasts suggests a stable inflationary outlook.
- Anticipated rate cuts by the RBI indicate a potential easing of monetary policy to support economic growth.
Banking news
SBI and BoM Present Dividends to Indian Government

State Bank of India (SBI) Dividend
- Amount Distributed: SBI distributed a dividend of Rs 6,959 crore to the Indian government for the financial year 2023-24.
- Dividend Increase: The dividend per share increased from Rs 11.30 in the previous year to Rs 13.70 per share.
- Presentation: SBI Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara presented the dividend cheque to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, with Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi in attendance.
- Financial Performance: SBI reported a record consolidated net profit of Rs 67,085 crore for the year, an increase from Rs 55,648 crore the previous year. This robust financial health is reflected in the higher dividend payout.
Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) Dividend
- Amount Distributed: The Bank of Maharashtra presented a dividend cheque of Rs 857 crore to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
- Presentation: BoM’s managing director Nidhu Saxena and executive director Asheesh Pandey, along with Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi, were present during the presentation.
Significance
- The increased dividends from both SBI and BoM highlight the strong financial performance and profitability of these banks.
- The financial gesture signifies the banks’ contribution to the government’s revenue, reflecting their robust operational health and strategic management.
ICICI Bank Launches ‘SmartLock’ Feature

ICICI Bank Limited has introduced ‘SmartLock’, a pioneering safety feature available on its iMobile Pay app. This feature allows customers to lock or unlock multiple banking services instantly and independently, without needing to contact customer care.
Key Features:
- Instant Lock/Unlock: Customers can lock or unlock various banking services through the iMobile Pay app.
- Comprehensive Control: Users can lock/unlock the entire iMobile Pay app or specific services, including:
- Internet Banking
- Unified Payments Interface (UPI), including payments from other UPI apps linked to the bank account.
- Credit and Debit Cards
- Fraud Prevention: Enables users to deactivate specific banking services temporarily to prevent possible fraudulent transactions.
RBI Partners with APIX to Host HaRBInger 2024 Hackathon: Innovation for Transformation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has partnered with APIX to host the third global hackathon, ‘HaRBInger 2024: Innovation for Transformation’. This event aims to bring together innovative minds to tackle challenges within the financial industry.
Key Details:
- Platform: Hosted on the Application Programming Interface Exchange (APIX) platform.
- Registration Period: June 7 to July 19, 2024.
Themes and Problem Statements:
- Themes:
- Zero Financial Frauds
- Being Divyang Friendly
- Problem Statements under “Zero Financial Frauds”:
- Real-time Fraud Detection: Developing solutions to detect fraud as it happens.
- Ensuring Transaction Anonymity: Creating methods to ensure privacy and anonymity in transactions.
- Identifying Mule Accounts: Techniques for identifying and mitigating the use of mule accounts in fraudulent activities.
About APIX: APIX is a leading global collaborative innovation platform used by financial institutions and fintech companies across over 90 countries. It facilitates the development and sharing of innovative solutions in the financial sector
Scheme news
Launch of “One Week One Theme” (OWOT) Campaign

On June 24, 2024, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, launched the “One Week One Theme” (OWOT) campaign to highlight India’s recent achievements in various streams of Science and Technology.
Key Points:
- Objective: To integrate efforts across all Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs, reduce redundancy, optimize resources, and make innovation inclusive for all.
- Background:
- Origin: The OWOT campaign is inspired by the success of the “One Week One Lab” (OWOL) initiative launched in 2023.
- Goal: To raise public awareness about scientific progress and developments in labs, and to generate new employment opportunities and collaborations.
- Focus Areas:
- The campaign emphasizes empowering various stakeholders such as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), scientists, and researchers through industry collaborations.
- MoUs and Technology Transfers:
- During the event, 24 technology transfers and product launches were facilitated through the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh.
- Eight Themes: The OWOT campaign focuses on eight key themes aimed at improving the lives of farmers and common citizens by extending scientific advancements beyond labs:
- Energy and Energy Devices
- Chemicals and Petrochemicals
- Aerospace
- Electronics and Strategic Sectors
- Civil Infrastructure and Engineering
- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Biotech
- Healthcare
- Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Materials
Benefits:
- The campaign aims to create awareness about scientific advancements, generate employment opportunities, and empower stakeholders by promoting collaboration with the industry.
- It seeks to extend the benefits of scientific research and innovation to the broader public, thereby promoting ease of living.
The OWOT campaign demonstrates the Government of India’s commitment to leveraging science and technology for societal benefit, ensuring that innovations are accessible and beneficial to all citizens.
About Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):
- It is an autonomous body established in 1942. It is the largest publically funded multi- disciplinary Research & Development (R&D) organisation under the administrative control of Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), GoI.
- President– Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi
- Director General (DG)- N. Kalaiselvi
- Headquarters- New Delhi
State news
Srinagar Recognised as ‘World Craft City’

- Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has been officially recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International).
- This honour celebrates the rich history and exceptional skills of Srinagar’s artisans, whose work has gained international acclaim.
- Global Context:
- Since 2014, more than 60 cities worldwide have been recognised as World Craft Cities.
- Indian cities previously recognized include Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu), Jaipur (Rajasthan), and Mysore (Karnataka).
- Impact on Handloom and Handicraft Sectors:
- Boost to Sectors: The recognition will significantly enhance the visibility and market opportunities for Srinagar’s handloom and handicraft sectors.
- New Markets: Increased global visibility will open new markets and opportunities for local artisans.
- WCC AISBL:
- The World Crafts Council AISBL is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024.
- It has been affiliated with UNESCO under Consultative Status since its inception in June 1964.
About World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International):
It changed its name to World Crafts Council International in 2020. The Presidency of this organisation changes, every 4 years of the term, according to the Bylaws. The current headquarters for the term (2021-2024) is located in the State of Kuwait.
President- Saad Al-Qaddumi
Appointment news
Govt Appoints Girija Subramanian as CMD of New India Assurance Company

- Girija Subramanian has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of New India Assurance, India’s largest general insurer. She assumed the position on June 19, 2024, and will serve until her superannuation or until further orders.
- Before this role, Subramanian was the CMD of AIC of India from September 2022, where she significantly contributed to the company’s growth and operations. She succeeds Neerja Kapur, who retired in April, leaving the CMD position at New India Assurance vacant.
Anuj Tyagi Appointed MD and CEO of HDFC ERGO General Insurance

- Private sector general insurer HDFC ERGO General Insurance announced the appointment of Anuj Tyagi as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 1, 2024.
- Tyagi, who has been with the company since 2008 and currently serves as Deputy MD, will succeed Ritesh Kumar, the MD & CEO since 2008. This leadership transition has received all necessary regulatory approvals.
Books And Author
Maharashtra Governor Unveils Maritime History Book: ‘Gateways to the Sea’

On June, 2024, a literary event at Raj Bhavan Mumbai celebrated the maritime heritage of the Mumbai region. The Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ramesh Bais, released the book titled “Gateways to the Sea: Historic Ports and Docks of Mumbai Region,” which explores the area’s ancient and modern maritime history.
Book Launch and Felicitation Ceremony
Key highlights of the event include:
- Release: Governor Ramesh Bais officially unveiled the book.
- Felicitation: The Governor honored the Maritime Mumbai Museum Society (MMMS), 17 authors, and two editors who contributed to the book.
- Presentation: A detailed presentation of the book took place at Durbar Hall in Raj Bhawan.
- Collaboration: The event was organized by the Publications Division in partnership with the Asiatic Society.
About the Book
“Gateways to the Sea” is a comprehensive work on the maritime history of the Mumbai region:
- Publisher: Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
- Compiler: Maritime Mumbai Museum Society (MMMS).
- Content: Contains 18 articles by renowned authors.
- Focus: Highlights historic ports and docks of the Mumbai region.