National News
India Registered Highest Growth In Value Of Defence Production In 2023-24
- India has registered the highest ever growth in the value of defence production in 2023-24. The value of production has reached to nearly one lakh, 26 thousand and eight hundred eighty-seven crore in 2023-24, which is 16.8 percent higher than the value of production of previous financial year.
- Sharing about the same in a social media post today, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said that the Make in India programme is crossing new milestones, year after year, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Mr. Singh also congratulated the industry including Defence Public Sector Undertakings, other Public Sector Undertakings manufacturing defence items and the Private industry. He said that the Government is committed to create more conducive regime for developing India as leading Global Defence Manufacturing Hub.
Minister of Defence of India/Officeholder: Rajnath Singh
Government To Soon Come Out With New Ship Building And Repair Policy
- New Policy Announcement: India to launch Ship Building and Ship Repair Policy to become a top 10 global player by 2030, and top 5 by 2047.
- Economic Opportunity: Potential market opportunity of over ₹20 lakh crore by 2047.
- Key Leadership: Statement made by T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
- Workshop Participation: Attended by over 100 participants from 50 organizations including government ministries, departments, shipping operators, and shipyards.
- Strategic Focus: Aligning shipbuilding and repair with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
- Integrated Approach: Development of Maritime Clusters to bring together shipbuilding stakeholders.
India Hosts 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee Session
In a landmark event for India’s cultural diplomacy, the nation is set to host the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee from July 21-31, 2024. This prestigious gathering will take place at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together delegates from around the world to discuss and decide on matters of global cultural significance.
Global Participation:
- Over 2,500 delegates from 195 countries.
- Participants include State Parties, advisory bodies, diplomats, heritage experts, scholars, and researchers.
Committee Role:
- Safeguards cultural and natural heritage.
- Comprises representatives from 21 States Parties.
- Decides on World Heritage List inscriptions and allocates financial assistance.
Historical Context:
- Established in 1972 by the UNESCO General Conference.
- Last updated Rules of Procedure in 2015 in Bonn, Germany.
India’s Contribution:
- Host nation with 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Santiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, is a recent addition.
The list of UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites in India is given below:
| Natural World Heritage Site | State | Year of Notification |
| Kaziranga National Park | Assam | 1985 |
| Keoladeo Ghana National Park | Rajasthan | 1985 |
| Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | Assam | 1985 |
| Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers | Uttarakhand | 1988, 2005 |
| Sundarbans National Park | West Bengal | 1987 |
| Western Ghats | Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala | 2012 |
| Great Himalayan National Park | Himachal Pradesh | 2014 |
The list of UNESCO Cultural World Heritage sites in India is given below:
| Cultural World Heritage Site | State | Year of Notification |
| Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas | Karnataka | 2023 |
| Santiniketan | West Bengal | 2023 |
| Dholavira | Gujarat | 2021 |
| Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple | Telangana | 2021 |
| The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement | Chandigarh | 2016 |
| Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai | Maharashtra | 2018 |
| Historic City of Ahmedabad | Gujarat | 2017 |
| Jaipur City | Rajasthan | 2020 |
| Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) | Bihar | 2016 |
| Rani-Ki-Van | Gujarat | 2014 |
| Hill Forts of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | 2013 |
| The Jantar Mantar | Rajasthan | 2010 |
| Red Fort Complex | Delhi | 2007 |
| Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park | Gujarat | 2004 |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | Maharashtra | 2004 |
| Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka | Madhya Pradesh | 2003 |
| Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya | Bihar | 2002 |
| Mountain Railways of India | Tamil Nadu | 1999 |
| Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi | Delhi | 1993 |
| Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi | Delhi | 1993 |
| Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi | Madhya Pradesh | 1989 |
| Elephanta Caves | Maharashtra | 1987 |
| Great Living Chola Temples | Tamil Nadu | 1987 |
| Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | Karnataka | 1987 |
| Churches and Convents of Goa | Goa | 1986 |
| Fatehpur Sikri | Uttar Pradesh | 1986 |
| Group of Monuments at Hampi | Karnataka | 1986 |
| Khajuraho Group of Monuments | Madhya Pradesh | 1986 |
| Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram | Tamil Nadu | 1984 |
| Sun Temple, Konarak | Orissa | 1984 |
| Agra Fort | Uttar Pradesh | 1983 |
| Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra | 1983 |
| Ellora Caves | Maharashtra | 1983 |
| Taj Mahal | Uttar Pradesh | 1983 |
UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Sites
A mixed site comprises components of both natural and cultural importance:
| Mixed World Heritage Site | State | Year of Notification |
| Khangchendzonga National Park | Sikkim | 2016 |
Agreement News
NIC And Spices Board Of India Signed MoU
- The National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Spices Board of India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Artificial intelligence (AI) tools for detecting and classifying large cardamom diseases in Sikkim.
- The project, spearheaded by NIC’s Centre of Excellence in AI in Kolkata, aims to analyze images of cardamom leaves to identify diseases early. This initiative follows three months of discussions and marks a significant step in leveraging AI for agricultural advancements in Sikkim.
Spice board of India: The Spices Board is the Indian government regulatory and export promotion agency for Indian spices headed by a Chairman, a rank equivalent to Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
- Headquarters: Kochi, kerala, India
- Founded: 1987
- Chairman: Shri. A G Thankappan
MoU for Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal River Linking Project
- Madhya Pradesh (MP) Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav and Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the Rs 72,000 crore Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) inter-state river linking project in Bhopal, MP.
- Background: The project was prepared in 2004 but due to failure to reach consent between the two states for the water distribution of the three rivers (Parbati, Kalisindh and Chambal), was pending for around two decades.
Key Points:
Benefits: This river link project proposes to provide drinking and industrial water in 13 districts of eastern Rajasthan, Malwa and Chambal regions of MP.
- It would provides irrigation to a minimum 2.8 lakh hectare area each in both the states including supplementation of route tanks.
- It would also provide drinking and industrial water to the 13 districts of MP including Morena, Gwalior, Sheopur, and Rajgarh.
- It will help utilise the available water resources of the Chambal basin optimally and economically.
About Madhya Pradesh (MP):
- Chief Minister (CM) – Mohan Yadav
- Governor – Mangubhai C. Patel
- Capital – Bhopal
- National Parks – Sanjay National Park, Kanha national park
- Wildlife Sanctuaries – Karera Wildlife Sanctuary, Ken Gharial wildlife sanctuary
About Rajasthan:
- Chief Minister (CM) – Bhajan Lal Sharma
- Governor – Kalraj Mishra
- Capital – Jaipur
- National Parks – Ranthambore National Park, Mukundara Hills National Park
- Wildlife Sanctuaries – Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary, Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
MoRD and MoMSME Collaborate to Support SHG Women-Led Rural Enterprises
On 3rd July 2024, The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) to support and formalise the Self Help Group (SHG) women-led rural enterprises through the flagship schemes of MoMSME.
Signatories: The Sol was signed by Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, MoRD; Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, MOMSME, at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi. Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoRD; Subhas Chandra Lal Das, Secretary, MOMSME, and Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, MoRD were present during the Sol signing.
Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
- Union Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Constituency: Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh)
- Ministers of State (MoS):
- Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani (Constituency: Guntur, Andhra Pradesh)
- Kamlesh Paswan (Constituency: Bansgaon, Uttar Pradesh)
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME)
- Union Minister: Jitan Ram Manjhi (Constituency: Gaya, Bihar)
- Minister of State (MoS): Shobha Karandlaje (Constituency: Bangalore North, Karnataka)
Scheme news
MoHUA Extends Smart Cities Mission Deadline
On 3rd July 2024, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), Government of India (GOI) announced that it has extended the deadline for the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) till 31st March 2025, allowing cities to complete ongoing projects, which account for around 10% of the total projects.
- This for the 2nd time that the deadline for the SCM has been extended, which was earlier 30th June, 2024.
- According to the official data of MOHUA, as on 3rd July 2024, 100 cities had completed 7,188 projects (90% of total projects) worth Rs 1.44 lakh crore.
- GoI has allocated Rs 48,000 crore for the 100 cities under SCM in Union Budget.
About Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA):
- Union Minister- Manohar Lal Khattar (Constituency- Karnal, Haryana)
- Minister of State (MOS)- Tokhan Sahu (Constituency- Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh)
Banking news
Paytm Launches ‘Health Saathi’ Plan at ₹35 per Month for Merchant Partners
One 97 Communications Limited, the parent company of Paytm, introduces ‘Paytm Health Saathi’, a healthcare and income protection plan for merchant partners.
- Affordable Subscription:
- Starting at ₹35 per month.
- Includes unlimited doctor teleconsultations and in-person OPD visits within the Paytm partner network.
- Income Protection: Coverage against business interruptions due to accidents or natural calamities (e.g., floods, fires, strikes).
- Additional Benefits: Discounts on pharmacy purchases and diagnostic tests through teleconsultation services.
- Streamlined Claims: Claims can be processed conveniently within the Paytm for Business app.
- Deployment and Impact:
- Pilot phase began in May with over 3000 merchants.
- Expanded availability to all Paytm merchants following positive feedback.
- Corporate Update: One 97 Communications Limited trading at ₹418.15 per share.
NABARD and OPL Sign MoU for Financial Inclusion
National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Online PSB Loans Limited (OPL) to promote financial inclusion through Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) It aims to smoothen and digitalize the enrolment and claim settlement processes under the Jan Suraksha Schemes (JSS) for all 43 RRBs.
Key Points:
- Under this initiative, NABARD will integrate all 43 RRBs onto the Jan Suraksha portal to democratise access to financial protection schemes across remote areas of the country.
- Jan Suraksha portal: It is an initiative undertaken by Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India (GoI).
- It offers digital enrolment and claim settlements for the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
- The initiative aims to ensure hassle-free experience for both banks and their customers by leveraging technology to connect the Jan Suraksha portal with the Core Banking Solutions (CBS) of RRBs through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
About National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD):
NABARD was established under NABARD Act, 1981 and works under the jurisdiction of Department of Financial Services (DFS), MoF.
- Chairman- Shaji K.V.
- Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Established- 1982(on the recommendations of B.Sivaramman Committee)
Appointment news
Dr. B.N. Gangadhar named as Chairperson of the National Medical Commission
- High-Profile Appointments: The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet announced new appointments to the NMC.
- New Leadership: Dr. BN Gangadhar officially appointed as Chairperson of the NMC.
Previous Roles:
- Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).
- Previous President of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board.
- Expertise: Extensive experience in mental health and medical administration expected to enhance NMC governance and medical education.
About that comission:
- National Medical Commission Formation: 25 September 2020;
- National Medical Commission Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Ex-R&AW Chief Rajinder Khanna Appointed New Additional NSA
The government has recently strengthened the National Security Council (NSC) by making several high-profile appointments. Former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Rajinder Khanna has been promoted to Additional National Security Adviser (NSA). T V Ravichandran and Pavan Kapoor have also been appointed as Deputy NSAs.
Background of Rajinder Khanna
Rajinder Khanna is a 1978-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre. He served as the R&AW Chief from December 2014 to December 2016. Khanna was appointed deputy NSA in January 2018, where he headed the Technology and Intelligence (T&I) section. Known for his expertise on Pakistan and terrorism, Khanna also led the operations desk in R&AW.
Leadership of the National Security Council: The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with NSA Ajit Doval serving as its secretary. Doval, a 1968-batch IPS officer, has been India’s NSA since 2014 and is a key aide to the Prime Minister, especially on policy matters. Doval has advocated for jointness and interoperability among central armed police forces, similar to the ongoing plans for the defense forces.
SBI General Insurance Names Naveen Chandra Jha as New MD & CEO
SBI General Insurance Company Ltd. has appointed Shri Naveen Chandra Jha as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Shri Kishore Kumar Poludasu, nominated by parent company State Bank of India.
SBI general insurance company:
- CEO: Kishore Kumar Poludasu (4 Oct 2022–)
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
- Founded: 24 February 2009
Award news
P. Geetha Receives Inaugural K. Saraswathi Amma Award
In a significant recognition of feminist literature and studies, writer, critic, and feminist activist P. Geetha has been awarded the first K. Saraswathi Amma Award. This prestigious accolade, instituted by WINGS (Women’s Integration and Growth Through Sports) Kerala, marks a pivotal moment in the acknowledgment of feminist contributions to literature and social discourse.
The Award-Winning Work
P. Geetha’s groundbreaking work “Aan Thachukal” (male creations), an analysis of M.T. Vasudevan Nair’s scripts, earned her this distinguished award. The book exemplifies the critical examination of gender representations in literature, a theme that resonates deeply with the award’s namesake, K. Saraswathi Amma.
L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Wins Golden Peacock Award for Safety Excellence
L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Bags Golden Peacock Award for Safety Excellence L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd. (L&TMRHL) has received the Golden Peacock Award (GPA) in the Transportation (Railways) category for Excellence in Occupational Health & Safety (GPOHSA) at the “Institute of Directors’ (IOD) 25th International Conference on Environment Management and Climate Change-2024″ in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- The award was presented to KVB Reddy, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), L&TMRHL, by Uday U. Lalit, Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) and Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Former CJ of Karnataka High Court.
- This award highlights L&TMRHL’s dedication to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment and underscores L&TMRHL’s adherence to stringent Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) standards.
