National & International Appointments
1. T Raja Kumar becomes new President of Financial Action Task Force
- Indian- origin T Raja Kumar has been appointed as President of world's anti-terrorism financing agency, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for two years (July 2022 -June 2024).
- He succeeded Dr Marcus Pleyer, who served as the chief of the FATF.
- He will be responsible for enhancing the effectiveness of global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures.
- He has a working experience in home ministry of Singapore and police force.
- FATF HQ: Paris, France
Honours & Awards
2. Ashok Soota awarded CII Quality Ratna Award 2021
- Ashok Soota has been conferred with CII Quality Ratna Award 2021 for his contribution to building the competitiveness of the Indian industry through quality Initiatives.
- He is founder and Executive Chairman of Happiest Minds Technologies.
- The Annual CII Quality Ratna Award was constituted in the year 2019 for outstanding leadership, contribution, and distinguished service to the Quality Movement in India.
- CII President: Sanjiv Bajaj
Important Dates
3. International Day of Cooperatives: first Saturday of July
- The first Saturday of July has been observed as the International Day of Cooperatives with an aim to raise the awareness of cooperation, solidarity, and the International Cooperative Movement in the society.
- This year, the International Day of Cooperatives is being observed on July 2.
- Theme 2022: Cooperatives Build a Better World.
- The International Day of Cooperatives is commonly known as Coops Day.
- Cooperation Minister: Amit Shah
National & International Appointments
4. Yair Lapid takes over as 14th prime minister of Israel
- Leader of Yesh Atid Party, Yair Lapid has been officially became the 14th prime minister of Israel, after replacing Naftali Bennett.
- His term could be a fairly short one, as he takes over a caretaker government ahead of national elections on November 1.
- He is a former journalist who serving as PM of Israel since July 1, 2022.
- Naama Schultz has been appointed as a director-general of the Prime Minister's office.
- Israel Capital: Jerusalem; Currency: New Shekel
Agreement
5. ReNew Power, UNEP, SEWA collaborate to train women as solar technician
- ReNew Power has collaborated with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Self-Employed Women’s Association of India (SEWA) to launch ‘Project Surya’.
- Aim: To train low-income women salt pan workers to work as solar technicians.
- Women salt pan workers will be trained as solar panel and solar pump technicians at Dhokavada village in the Patan district of Gujarat.
- The programme will be supported by the government’s National Skill Development Corporation.
National & International Organizations
6. QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023 released
- The London has emerged as the best city for students, according to the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023.
- Focus area of study: Affordable, student facilities, and university standard among other factors.
- Top four (2nd to 5th): Seoul, Munich, Zurich and Melbourne
- India’s highest-ranked student city is Mumbai at 103 spot, followed by Bengaluru at 114 ranks.
- Chennai and Delhi have made their entries to the list this year at 125 and 129, respectively.
Banking & Finance
7. Bank deposit growth slows down in March 2022: RBI
- As per the Reserve Bank of India data, the growth of bank deposit has moderated to 10% in March 2022 as compared with 11.9% in 2021.
- Current, savings and term deposits have been increased by 10.9%, 13.3% and 7.9%, respectively, during 2021-22.
- The share of current account and savings account (CASA) deposits has been increasing over the years and stood at 44.8% in March 2022 as compared with 41.7% three years ago.
Banking & Finance
8. Axis Bank partners with EazyDiner to launch Dining Delights
- Axis Bank (third-largest private sector bank) has joined hands with EazyDiner to launch of Dining Delights for the bank customers.
- It offers choice of over 10,000 premium restaurants across India and Dubai.
- 40% discount on specific credit cards at hand-picked premium restaurants in India and Dubai
- Customised birthday celebration offers for premium cardholders
- Aim: to serve customers who want choice, variety and convenience while dining out.
National & International Appointments
9. PokerBaazi appoints Shahid Kapoor as its brand ambassador
- PokerBaazi has appointed actor Shahid Kapoor as its brand ambassador.
- Aims: to create a robust ecosystem for Poker in India.
- According to research firm Statista, the online gaming industry across India was valued at around ₹79 billion in 2021, marking a leap from about ₹65 billion in 2020.
- The sector is expected to be worth over ₹150 billion by 2024, indicating a compound annual growth of around 15%.
- PokerBaazi was owned by Navkiran Singh (founder of Baazi Game).
State Affairs
10. Himachal CM launches ‘Naari Ko Naman’ scheme
- Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur has launched the ‘Naari Ko Naman’ scheme.
- Aim: 50 % concession on fares in Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses to women commuters within the state boundaries.
- He has also announced a reduction in the minimum bus fare from Rs 7 to Rs 5 to all passengers across the state.
- The government will sanction 25 new posts of women drivers in the 'Ride With Pride' government taxi service.
Defense
1. DRDO conducts successful maiden flight of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted successfully maiden flight of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator from the Aeronautical Test Range, Karnataka.
- It is powered by a small turbofan engine.
- The unmanned aerial vehicle is designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment.
- The aircraft system such as airframe, undercarriage and entire flight control and avionics systems had been developed indigenously.
National Affairs
2. NMCG creates Namami Gange Amrit Vatika at Kalindi Kunj Ghat
- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has planted 75 sapling under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to create Namami Gange Amrit Vatika at Kalindi Kunj Ghat on River Yamuna in New Delhi.
- This activity was carried out under the initiative Yamuna Ghat par Vriksharopan.
- NMCG has also conducted the Cleanliness drive on River Yamuna in Delhi is a regular activity organized on the 4th Saturday of every month.
- Director General of NMCG: G. Asok Kumar
Important Dates
3. international Plastic Bag Free Day: 3rd July
- July 3 is observed as the International Plastic Bag Free Day annually to raise the awareness about the issue of plastic pollution on the planet.
- This day was first observed on July 3, 2008, by a member of Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) Rezero in Catalonia.
- Later, the day was launched in the European Union by ZWE.
- Plastic is a serious threat to the natural environment including land and marine life.
- India bans single Use of plastic from 1st July 2022.
State Affairs
4. NTPC signs MoU with Rajasthan govt for 10 GW renewable energy park
- NTPC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan government for the development of 10 GW Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park in Rajasthan.
- The MoU was signed in the presence of Rajasthan Energy Minister Bhanwar Singh Bhati.
- In addition to this, the NTPC REL is developing one UMREPP of 4.75 GW capacity in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
- NTPC REL has entered into a JV agreement with DVC for developing RE Parks and projects.
- NTPC CMD: Gurdeep Singh
Defense
5. Rajnath Singh inaugurates new manufacturing Bhanur Unit of BDL in Telangana
- Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh has inaugurated a new manufacturing facilities at the Bhanur Unit of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Telangana.
- Includes: Warhead facility at the Bhanur Unit; a Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker facility at Kanchanbagh Unit.
- The RF Seeker Facility is an integrated Centre for the production and testing of RF seekers.
- A Central Storage facility at Visakhapatnam Unit of BDL was also inaugurated by Defence minister, virtually.
National Affairs
6. PM Modi inaugurates first smart campus of Bosch India in Bengaluru
- Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has virtually inaugurated Bosch India's first smart campus in Bengaluru, it was built at a cost of Rs 800 crore.
- The 76-acre, Spark.NXT campus facilitates multiple smart solutions based on security, sustainability, and user experience for associates, visitors, and facility management.
- At present, Bosch has 16 manufacturing sites and seven development and application centres in India.
- MD, Bosch Limited India: Soumitra Bhattacharya
Honours & Awards
7. AIIA Director, Tanuja Nesari honoured with Ayurveda Ratna award by UK
- The Director of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Tanuja Nesari, was awarded the Ayurveda Ratna Award by the UK Parliament.
- She received the award for her contribution to furthering the growth of Ayurveda in India and abroad.
- The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences was formed to promote the knowledge of Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Vastu, Unani and Sangeetam in the United Kingdom and abroad.
Banking & Finance
8. CRISIL reduces India's FY23 GDP growth estimate to 7.3% from 7.8%
- Crisil has cut the real GDP growth forecast for India to 7.3% in FY23 from 7.8%.
- Reason: The downward revision to higher oil prices, slowing of export demand and high inflation.
- The RBI has also estimated 7.2% real GDP growth for this fiscal year.
- Inflation has been pegged to average at 6.8% in FY23 as against 5.5%t in FY22, it reduces the purchasing power of consumers.
World Bank GDP forecast for FY23: 7.5% - CRISIL CEO: Amish Mehta
Schemes
9. PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises completes two years
- The centrally sponsored scheme, Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) has completed two years.
- This scheme was launched on 29th June 2020 by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
- Aim: formalising the food processing sector and celebrating their tremendous support towards the economy.
- Minister of Food Processing Industries: Pashupati Kumar Paras
Banking & Finance
10. SBI Card partners with Aditya Birla Finance to launch credit card
- SBI Card has entered into a partnership with Aditya Birla Finance Ltd to launch credit card named ‘Aditya Birla SBI Card'.
- This card offers benefits on both premium and mass brands that belong to the Aditya Birla Group.
- This is a rewards-centric credit card, launched in two variants - ‘Aditya Birla SBI Card SELECT’ and ‘Aditya Birla SBI Card’ on the Visa platform.
- MD and CEO Aditya Birla Finance Ltd: Rakesh Singh
- MD and CEO SBI Card: Rama Mohan Rao Amara
Honours & Awards
1. Karnataka's Sini Shetty crowned Femina Miss India World
- Sini Shetty from Karnataka has been crowned as the Femina Miss India World 2022 title at the grand finale of VLCC Femina Miss India.
- Rubal Shekhawat from Rajasthan has emerged as Femina Miss India 2022 first runner-up and Shinata Chauhan from Uttar Pradesh was named Femina Miss India 2022 second runner-up.
- She will represent India at the prestigious 71st Miss World pageant.
- She is a Bharatanatyam dancer represented Karnataka, though she was born in Mumbai.
National Affairs
2. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Digital India Week 2022 at Gandhinagar
- PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Digital India Week 2022 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat on July 4, 2022.
- Theme 2022 is Catalyzing New India’s Techade.
- He will also launch ‘Digital India GENESIS’ - a National Deep-tech Startup Platform, to discover, support, grow and make successful startups in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India.
- He will launch ‘Indiastack.global’; ‘MyScheme’ - a service discovery platform facilitating access to Government Schemes.
Sports
3. Carlos Sainz wins maiden F1 British Grand Prix 2022
- Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz has won his maiden Formula One British Grand Prix 2022 at Silverstone.
- He beat Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes.
- World champion, Max Verstappen has finished at the seventh spot for Red Bull.
- Charles Leclerc has finished at fourth ahead of Fernando Alonso of Alpine and Lando Norris of McLaren.
- Canadian Grand Prix 2022: Max Verstappen
- Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2022: Max Verstappen
- Monaco Grand Prix 2022: Sergio Pérez
National Affairs
4. Vivek Express, longest train journey covers 4,247 Km and 9 States
- The Vivek Express, which runs from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, holds the title of the longest train route in the country (both in terms of distance and time).
- The train covers total of nine states: Assam, Nagaland, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- The announcement of the Vivek Express was made in presentation of the railway budget for 2011-12 by Mamata Banerjee (then Railway Minister of India).
Sports
5. Jasprit Bumrah breaks Brian Lara’s world record, smashes Broad for 29 runs
- India captain, Jasprit Bumrah defeated Stuart Broad for 29 runs to create a world record for maximum runs off a single over in Test cricket.
- He also breaks the legendary Brian Lara’s feat by one run.
- The world record stayed with Lara for 18 years, he had hit South African left-arm spinner, Robin Peterson for 28 runs in a Test match in 2003-04.
- Broad had also been hit for six sixes in an over by Yuvraj Singh in the inaugural World T20 in 2007.
Banking & Finance
6. Edelweiss partners with Avanse Financial for student travel insurance
- Edelweiss General Insurance has joined hands with NBFC, Avanse Financial Services to provide travel insurance to Indian students.
- It offers complete coverage against medical, stay, travel inconvenience-related covers, emergencies and losses.
- The students can also customize their plan per their needs and requirements from universities.
- According to the Industry reports, the number of Indian students going abroad for higher studies is expected to touch 18 lakh by 2024.
National Affairs
7. NTPC commissions India's largest floating solar project in Telangana
- India’s largest floating solar plant is now fully operational at Ramagundam, Peddapalli district of Telangana.
- Capacity : 100MW
- This floating solar power photovoltaic project was commissioned by the NTPC.
- As of July 1, the total commercial operation of floating solar capacity in the southern region has risen to 217 MW.
- At Ramagundam, the solar modules are placed across 500 acres on floaters.
- It will reduce the evaporation rate and thereby help water conservation.
National Affairs
8. NHA join hands with IRDAI to develop National Health Claims Exchange
- National Health Authority (NHA) and IRDAI will jointly develop a National Health Claims Exchange as a digital platform to settle health claims.
- Debasish Panda (Chairman of IRDAI) has proposed for creation of a working group with representation from industry.
- This group will decide how to make the largest segment of general insurance in India attract more people to buy health insurance.
- CEO of NHA: R S Sharma
National Affairs
9. Government set up FSIB, a sole entity for bank board appointments
- The Central government has decided to set up Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) as a single entity for appointments of Wholetime Directors and Non-Executive Directors in public sector banks (PSBs), public sector insurers (PSIs) and financial institutions (FIs).
- This new entity will be headed by former Chairman of Banks Board Bureau, Bhanu Pratap Sharma for two years.
- The Cabinet committee, headed by the Prime Minister has approved the establishment of FSIB.
Obituaries
10. Visionary British theatre director, Peter Brook passes away
- A British theatre and cinema director, Peter Brook has passed away at the age of 97.
- He was born in London and transferred from Britain to Paris in 1970.
- He was received the Tony Award for Best Direction in 1966 for his interpretation of Peter Weiss’ “Marat/Sade,” and in 1970 for the production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
- He was also the recipient of an Emmy, an Olivier Award and an International Emmy during his whole career.
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