Britain Signs Treaty to Join Trans-Pacific Trade Pact
The UK formally signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade bloc, a move which will help grow the country's economy and provide access for British businesses to a market of over 500 million people.
The UK will now seek to ratify the agreement, which will include parliamentary scrutiny as the CPTPP member countries complete their legislative processes to admit Britain into the trading bloc – of which India is not a member.
The signing came as a new UK government report reveals one in every 100 UK workers was employed by a business headquartered in a CPTPP member nation in 2019, equating to over 400,000 jobs across the country.
The UK will be the first European member and first new member since CPTPP was created, which the government stresses would have been impossible without leaving the European Union (EU) economic bloc.
Saudi Arabia Becomes 51st Country to Sign ASEAN's TAC
On the sidelines of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Jakarta, Saudi Arabia officially become the 51st country to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC). Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, on behalf of ASEAN, expressed her appreciation to Saudi Arabia for joining the treaty.
The signing of the TAC by Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in expanding the reach and influence of the treaty beyond ASEAN's member countries. Prior to Saudi Arabia, Ukraine was the last country to accede to the TAC in 2022. Notably, Papua New Guinea was the first country outside of ASEAN to accede to the TAC in 1989.
Saudi Arabia's commitment to the TAC is expected to foster stronger ties between the Kingdom and ASEAN nations, contributing to regional peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific area.
The Nagaland government banned single-use plastic (SUP) in the state to eradicate the serious environmental and ecological challenges posed by the rampant use of plastic.
This is in compliance with the directives from the Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate and subsequent directives from the Urban Development Department Nagaland (UDD) as per the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The UDD said that the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of carry bags made of mod, virgin, or recycled plastic, irrespective of the thickness in microns, are prohibited.
It also banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, and polystyrene (Thermocol) for decoration.
As per UDD, inspections would be conducted at regular intervals, and defaulters would be penalised heavily for the offence.
Assam Launches Project Gajah Kotha
In an effort to mitigate the escalating human-elephant conflict (HEC) issue, Assam launched the 'Gajah Kotha' campaign, involving more than 1,200 individuals and promoting coexistence. This campaign focuses on HEC-affected villages in eastern Assam, where it aims to educate residents about the behaviour, ecology, and cultural significance of elephants in the region, emphasising the importance of conservation. Spearheaded by Aaranyak, a prominent wildlife NGO based in Guwahati, in collaboration with the British Asian Trust and the Assam Forest Department, and with support from the Darwin Initiative, this initiative demonstrates their dedication to fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants.
With a flourishing elephant population of nearly 5,000 Asiatic elephants, Assam holds the second position in India in terms of elephant numbers, just behind Karnataka. Nonetheless, the region faces escalating conflicts as a result. The encroachment on natural habitats, fragmentation of forests, and insufficient management of elephant corridors have all played a role in exacerbating these conflicts, highlighting the vital importance of initiatives such as 'Gajah Kotha' in promoting a sustainable coexistence.
India and UAE Sign Historic Memorandum of Understanding on LCS System
In a significant move to strengthen economic ties, India and the United Arab Emirates signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding on the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system. This groundbreaking agreement, signed between the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of the UAE, aims to revolutionise cross-border transactions between the two nations.
The LCS system allows for the use of the Indian Rupee and UAE Dirham in bilateral trade, marking India's first-ever LCS arrangement. This innovative system is expected to have a transformative impact on transaction costs and processing time while also increasing reliance on local currencies. The agreement came as a significant milestone in the rapidly evolving India-UAE relationship, in line with the Vision Statement unveiled by the two leaders during their virtual summit in February 2022.
Under the LCS system, traders and businesses will have the flexibility to choose the payment currency based on mutual agreement, providing a seamless and efficient mechanism for cross-border transactions. This move is set to reduce dependence on international currencies and further strengthen economic cooperation between India and the UAE. Additionally, the LCS system enables the use of surplus balances in local currencies for investment in various local currency assets, such as corporate bonds, government securities, and equity markets, creating new avenues for growth and collaboration.
IRDAI Appoints Tata AIG as Lead Non-life Insurer for Maharashtra
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) selected Tata AIG General Insurance as the lead non-life insurer for the state of Maharashtra.
As lead insurer the company will collaborate with all non-life and health insurance companies in the state to increase insurance penetration.
The regulator developed the concept of a lead insurer to increase insurance penetration in the states in line with its vision of 'Insurance for all by 2047'.
Besides non-life and health insurance companies, Tata AIG will collaborate with IRDAI, and the state government of Maharashtra to create awareness, enhance insurance reach, and improve accessibility at the Gram Panchayat, district, and state levels.
The company will also promote the adoption of flagship government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) in Maharashtra.
NASA: Sixty Two of 111 Lunar Missions in Last Seven Decades were Successful
According to the US space agency NASA's database on Moon missions Of the 111 lunar missions, in the last seven decades, 62 were successful, 41 failed and eight achieved partial success.
India launched its third mission to the Moon, Chandrayaan-3, with an aim to soft land on the surface of Earth's only natural satellite. A successful landing would make India the fourth country to achieve the rare feat after the United States, China and the erstwhile USSR.
According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the technically challenging soft landing on the lunar surface, which Chandrayaan-2 could not achieve, has been planned for 5.47 pm on August 23.
From 1958 to 2023, India as well as the US, the USSR (now Russia), Japan, the European Union, China and Israel have launched different lunar missions – from orbiters, landers and flyby (orbiting the Moon, landing on the Moon and flying by the Moon).
Wimbledon 2023 Women's; Marketa Vondrousova Beats Ons Jabeur
Marketa Vondrousova won the Wimbledon 2023 Women's final beating favourite Ons Jabeur and became the first unseeded woman in the Open Era to win the famous tournament.
The world No. 42, played her second grand slam final, and beat the No. 6 seed 6-4 6-4 on Centre Court and made history.
Parul Chaudhary Bags Gold in Women's 3000 m Steeplechase Event
Long-distance runner Parul Chaudhary won the fifth gold for India in the ongoing Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok.
She obtained a huge lead at the fag end of the event to clinch the 3000 m Steeplechase event in the women's category. She leapfrogged her Chinese counterpart Xu Shuangshuang and finished the event in 9 minutes 38.76 seconds.
Shuangshuang finished her run in 9 minutes 44.54 seconds.
Representing India, both Chaudhary and Priti fought for the top spot, but the latter missed the bronze by a whisker as Japan's Yoshimura Reimi eclipsed her by 0.02 seconds, sealing the third place.
Wimbledon 2023: Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Novak Djokovic and Wins Men's Final
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic and won the Wimbledon men's final 2023, denying the Serbian a fifth consecutive title, in a five-set epic and one of the greatest matches ever played at the All England Club.
Alcaraz beat Djokovic 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 at centre court in the Wimbledon 2023 final.
At the age of 20, Alcaraz became the youngest player to win the US Open and Wimbledon. This victory marked his first Wimbledon championship and his second major overall.
The Championships, commonly known simply as Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is regarded by many as the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London, since 1877 and is played on outdoor grass courts, with retractable roofs over the two main courts since 2019.
Union Home Minister Inaugurates National Mega Conclave on FPO
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah inaugurated the 'National Mega Conclave on FPO' in the cooperative sector and released the action plan for the formation of 1,100 new Farmers Producers' Organisations by PACS in the national capital.
Amit Shah apprised the gathering that Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to set up a separate Ministry of Cooperation with a different vision.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation called upon all the FPOs of the country to continue working in the same manner and keep integrating PACS alongside.
Naveen Patnaik Announces Projects Eyeing Western Odisha Development Ahead of Polls
Mr. Patnaik declared to build 2,000 meeting halls as part of the Mukhyamantri Sabha Gruha Scheme in western Odisha which is known to be a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The Assembly halls, which are part of the state's 5T initiative would significantly enhance the social and cultural life of western Odisha region. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several projects Rd. 33.58 crore.
"The role of western Odisha is critical in the overall development of the State. The region is developing in agriculture, industry, mining, education, and art and culture. Efforts are underway to promote tourism in the region, including the ongoing transformation work of Maa Samaleswari, Harishankar, and Nrusingnath temples. Steps have been initiated for development other temples and infrastructure in the region," said Odisha CM.
OBC Leader Rajbhar Back in NDA
Former NDA ally Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party returned to the NDA fold ahead of the July 18 meeting of the National Democratic Alliance. O. P. Rajbhar, a senior OBC leader, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and announced the return to NDA.
Rajbhar, who contested the 2022 UP elections in alliance with the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party, had quit Yogi Adityanath-led Cabinet in the BJP's first term in UP.
The development came as a booster for the BJP which is working to expand NDA ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections especially in UP, Maharashtra and Bihar which account for 80, 48 and 40 parliamentary seats, respectively.
Indian Army Organises 'Vijay Diwas' Arms Exhibition in Kargil
Ahead of the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas, 'Vijay Diwas Shastra Pradarshan' was organised by the Indian Army at Kargil on July 15 and 16, 2023. The Indian army showcased a varied display of weapons and equipment operated by them, with special emphasis on indigenous 'Made in India' weapons and equipment which were inducted as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The event was inaugurated by General Officer Commanding, Forever in Operations Division.
World Day for International Justice or International Justice Day or Day of International Criminal Justice is celebrated every year on July 17. The day is observed to commemorate the significant role played by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other organisations in providing justice to victims of injustice, including people affected by war crimes, genocide, terrorism and more.
World Day for International Justice is recognised to highlight the severe cases of human rights abuses and the role of ICC in eradicating them. It is an opportunity to promote the rule of law, observance of human rights, and opposition to impunity. The day also recognises the issues faced by the victims of these atrocities, and the need to preserve their rights and make sure that their voices are heard.
According to the International Criminal Court (ICC), July 17 is the Day of International Criminal Justice. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute on July 17, 1998, the founding treaty of the ICC, which seeks to protect people from genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. 17 July unites all those who wish to support justice, promote victims' rights, and help prevent crimes that threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world.
The theme for World Day for International Justice 2023 was 'Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice'.
World Emoji Day
Emojis have become an essential part of our day-to-day communication. Whether we're using platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, or others, emojis have gained widespread popularity for conveying emotions, enhancing expressions, and adding a touch of playfulness to our messages.
To highlight their importance and celebrate their usage, World Emoji Day is celebrated globally on July 17. This unique observance was established in 2014 by Jeremy Burge, the founder of Emojipedia, a widely-used online resource for emoji-related information.
Burge, who is an emoji enthusiast, recognised the growing influence and significance of emojis in modern communication. As such, he decided to create a dedicated day to honour these digital icons. July 17 was chosen as the date for World Emoji Day because it is the date that appears on the 'calendar' emoji.
World Emoji Day has gained significant traction and recognition over the years. Its popularity reflects the universal appeal and cultural impact of emojis, as well as its ability to bridge gaps and bring people together in the digital age.
Golden Peacock' Environment Management Award 2023 to Adani Transmission Limited
Adani Transmission Limited (ATL) won the 'Golden Peacock Environment Management Award 2023' in the Power Transmission Sector from Institute of Directors.
In 2023, an assessment group comprising environment, health and safety, energy and climate change experts assessed over 520 applications.
These applications were approved by Justice M. N. The review was done by an eminent jury committee headed by Venkatachaliah.
The award is given for reducing its ecological footprint through programs such as zero waste in landfills, single-use plastic free, water-positive operations, promoting renewable energy integration and implementation of best-in-class environmental management strategies.
Steel Authority of India (SAIL) was awarded with the Golden Peacock Environment Management Award in 2021 in the steel sector by the Institute of Directors. SAIL was the winner of this award for three consecutive years.
Adani Tranmission Limitied (ATL) was declared winner by its B2C arms, i.e. Adani Electric Mumbai Limited for its unique strategic initiative of increasing renewable energy in bulk power purchase for distribution in Mumbai region.
The Indian Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, is set to open a campus in Abu Dhabi with an MoU signed between the Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This will be the second international campus for an IIT. Earlier, IIT-Madras had signed an MoU to set up a campus in Zanzibar.
Dharmendra Pradhan Launches AI for India 2.0
Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan launched AI for India 2.0, a free online training programme on Artificial Intelligence, on World Youth Skills' Day. A joint initiative of Skill India and GUVI, this NCVET and IIT Madras accredited online programme will equip youth with frontier skills.
GUVI, an IIT Madras incubated start-up is a tech platform that enables tech learning in vernacular languages. This program has been curated in 9 Indian languages.
Meghalaya Govt. Forms Education Commission to Revamp Education Sector
The Meghalaya government took a significant step towards improving the education sector by appointing a four-member state education commission.
Led by Sherwin May Sungoh, the head of the education department at North Eastern Hill University, the commission aims to recommend reforms and policy changes to promote quality education across schools, colleges, and higher and technical education institutions in the state.
The commission will also receive support from 12 co-opted members, ensuring a comprehensive and diverse perspective in its recommendations. The term of the commission will be two years, providing ample time to assess the education landscape and propose impactful reforms.
Skill India Project Successfully Revives J&K's Namda Art
Skill India's Pilot Project, under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), successfully breathed new life into the traditional Namda craft of Kashmir. Through a collaborative effort with local industry partners, this initiative revitalised the dying art form, empowering artisans and preserving the rich cultural heritage.
The Namda craft, a rug made of sheep wool using the felting technique instead of the traditional weaving process, had witnessed a sharp decline in exports between 1998 and 2008 due to various challenges such as the scarcity of raw materials, lack of skilled manpower, and limited marketing techniques.
Recognising the need to preserve this endangered craft, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) designed a short-term training curriculum as part of a special project under PMKVY.
Nearly 2,200 candidates from six districts of Jammu and Kashmir received training in the art of Namda craft, marking a significant milestone in its preservation and revival. The success of this project can be attributed to the fruitful collaboration between Skill India and local industry partners.
Three days after the SC Collegium, led by CJI D. Y. Chandrachud, recommended their shifting for better administration of justice, the Centre notified the transfer of three High Court judges, one each from the High Courts of Punjab and Haryana, Delhi and Allahabad.
Those transferred were Justice Manoj Bajaj of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Allahabad High Court; Justice Gaurang Kanth of the Delhi High Court to the Calcutta High Court; and Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh of the Allahabad High Court to the Kerala High Court.
Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Appointment of 3 Persons as Judges of the Telangana High Court
The Supreme Court Collegium recommended appointment of one judicial officer along with two advocates as judges of the Telangana High Court.
The name of the judicial officer who was recommended is Sujana Kalasikam while the advocates are Laxminarayana Alishetty and Anil Kumar Jukanti.
As per the resolution of the Collegium, the judicial officer belongs to a backward category and the name was recommended for elevation in October 2022.
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