International Affairs
2. Singapore Overtakes Hong Kong as World’s Freest Economy
- Singapore has dethroned Hong Kong to become the world’s freest economy in 2023.
- For the first time since the Economic Freedom of the World Index started in 1970, Hong Kong slipped to second place from the number one spot.
- Some of the tenets used to gauge the economic freedom index are measured based on ease of international trade, freedom to enter and compete in markets, as well as business regulations, amongst other yardsticks.
National Affairs
3. PFC, SJVN tie up for ₹1.18 trillion investment in RE, thermal projects
- Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has inked a MoU with state-owned hydro power firm SJVN Ltd, committing to finance the latter's renewable energy and thermal power projects.
- The deal is valued at Rs 1.18 trillion and aims to set up 12 Gw of power generation capacity, from renewable sources such as solar, wind along with a 660 mw thermal power project.
- Aim: To meet the specific needs of the renewable projects, highlighting the flexibility of the partnership.
International Affairs
4. Meta launches UPI payments for WhatsApp Business messaging in India
- Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a significant expansion of WhatsApp’s payment feature in India during the Meta Conversations event.
- Users in India will now have the option to make payments to businesses via WhatsApp Business using various payment methods, including UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and more.
- Initially, Meta partnered with RazorPay and PayU for this payment service.
Banking & Finance
5. Axis Bank Launched ‘NEO For Business’ Banking Platform For MSMEs
- Axis Bank has launched a transaction banking platform for the Indian MSMEs called NEO for Business.
- Aim: To cater to the "real, current, and emerging" transaction needs of Indian MSMEs.
- The NEO for Business platform offers features like digital self on-boarding, bulk payments, GST compliance invoicing, payment gateway integration, end-to-end transaction tracking, auto reconciliation, cash flow reports, and recurring collections, among others.
Defense
6. Indian DAC Has Officially Approved The Indigenous Dhruvastra Missile
- The Defence Acquisition Council approved procurement including the indigenous Dhruvastra short-range air-to-surface missile.
About the Dhruvastra Missile:
- It is a helicopter-launched anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system.
- It is a short-range air-to-surface missile.
- It was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
- It is a third-generation, renowned for its versatility in engaging and neutralizing enemy tanks and armored vehicles.
Sports
7. India Becomes No 1 Ranked Team In All Formats Of Cricket
- India became the number 1 ranked team in all three formats i.e. Tests, ODIs and T20Is, after their 5-wicket won against Australia.
- India displaced Pakistan from the top of the ODI rankings while they lead England in the T20I rankings.
- In the longest format, they are in the first place while Australia are right behind them.
- The rankings reflect the hard work put in by this team as they chase excellence on the field.
National Affairs
8. Northeast’s mithun gets ‘food animal’ tag and its meat a leg-up
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently recognized the Mithun as a ‘food animal,’ opening doors for its commercial use found in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Aim: To promote its meat as a commercial product can indeed have significant economic and cultural implications for the region.
- It is a captivating and culturally significant bovine species found in Northeast India.
- Its role in the livelihoods of indigenous communities, ecological balance.
Obituaries
9. Malini Rajurkar, Hindustani vocalist passes away at 82
- Noted Hindustani classical vocalist Malini Rajurkar, who epitomised simplicity and depth, passed away in a Hyderabad at age the 82
- As one of the foremost exponents of Gwalior gharana, she forged a special connection with the audience in Pune at the annual Sawai Gandharva festival for nearly five decades.
- They were spellbound by her tappa recital, her khayal renditions and her natya sangeet and many recalled her unforgettable "Yaa Bhavanatil Geet Purane".
National Affairs
10. India has become the world's third-largest startup ecosystem
- India has become the world's third-largest startup ecosystem.
- Startup India initiative has witnessed remarkable growth from four fifty startups in 2016 to over one lakh currently 2023
- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the crucial role of the country's youth as the foundation for India's development in the Amrit Kaal.
- He expressed confidence that by 2047, India's economy would experience exponential growth.
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