India-UAE Trade Pact: GTRI Expresses Concerns over Precious Metal Imports
The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) raised serious concerns over the surge in the import of precious metals from the UAE under a free trade agreement with India. GTRI demanded an investigation, citing the negative impact on the domestic jewellery industry and potential annual revenue loss for India.
The key issue centre's around the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that permits unlimited imports of gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds from the UAE into India with zero tariffs in the coming years.
GTRI's report highlighted that addressing these issues is crucial to ensure the integrity of import practices, safeguard domestic industries, and prevent significant revenue losses. The report noted that the zero-tariff policy under CEPA could cause an annual revenue loss of Rs. 63,375 crore due to duty-free imports of gold and silver, based on FY2024 import levels. This policy is also likely to shift import business from banks to a few private traders and replace top suppliers with Dubai-based firms.
French President Accepts Prime Minister's Resignation
French President Emmanuel Macron accepted the Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's resignation but kept him on as head of a caretaker government.
As per reports, Attal and other government members are to handle current affairs until a new government is appointed.
There is no firm timeline for when Macron must name a new Prime Minister.
Paul Kagame Re-elected for Fourth Term as Rwandan President
President Paul Kagame secured a decisive victory in Rwanda's 2024 presidential election, capturing 99.15% of the votes, as reported by the National Electoral Commission. This marks his fourth consecutive term in office.
Two challengers, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, garnered 0.53% and 0.32% of the counted votes, respectively. Approximately 65% of Rwanda's population, predominantly under 35 years old, participated in the election.
Paul Kagame, who first took office in 2000 after ending the country's civil war, has been a central figure in Rwandan politics since the 1990s. His leadership is credited with steering Rwanda through significant socio-economic development but has also faced criticism for authoritarian tendencies and opposition suppression.
Cummins India Inaugurates Its First IT Global Competency Centre in Pune
Power solutions technology provider Cummins India launched its first IT Global Competency Centre (GCC) in Pune to drive innovation across global operations through specialised talent and technical capabilities.
Set up at the company's India office campus in Pune's Balewadi area, the facility will house software engineers, product owners, architects, technology leads and process experts to drive innovation impacting the automobile, engineering research and development (ER&D), manufacturing and energy sectors.
The facility aims to harness emerging digital technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and Robotic Process Automation (RPA).
Bank of Baroda Unveils BoB Monsoon Dhamaka Deposit Scheme
Bank of Baroda, one of India's leading public sector banks, announced the launch of BoB Monsoon Dhamaka Deposit Scheme, a special term deposit product offering higher interest rates. The BoB Monsoon Dhamaka Deposit Scheme is available in two tenor buckets – offering interest rates of 7.25% p.a. for 399 days and 7.15% p.a. for 333 days.
The scheme is applicable on retail deposits below Rs. 3 crore.
SBI Unveils Amrit Vrishti Term Deposit Scheme for 444 Days with 7.25% Interest Rate
State Bank of India (SBI) launched a 444-day term deposit scheme, 'Amrit Vrishti', with an interest rate of 7.25 per cent.
This scheme is available to domestic and non-resident Indian customers. India's largest bank will offer an additional 0.50 per cent to senior citizens on the scheme.
The 'Amrit Vrishti' scheme is available for investment until March 31, 2025, providing ample opportunity for retail investors to take advantage of the higher interest rates.
ICC Annual Conference 2024, a Landmark Event for Sri Lankan Cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to make history as it holds its Annual Conference in Sri Lanka from July 19 to 22, 2024. This marks the first time the prestigious event will be hosted in the Asian region, highlighting the growing importance of Asian cricket on the global stage.
The conference is slated to be a truly global affair, bringing together an impressive array of cricket administrators and stakeholders:
Over 220 delegates will be in attendance
Representing 108 ICC member countries
Spanning five major regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia, East Asia Pacific, and Europe
This diverse gathering underscores the truly international nature of cricket and its growing reach across continents.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body of cricket. It was founded as the Imperial Cricket Conference in 1909 by representatives from Australia, England, and South Africa. It was renamed as the International Cricket Conference in 1965 and adopted its current name in 1987. The ICC has its headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Five US Women Feature in Top 15 in the World for First Time in Two Decades
Five players from the United States ranked in the Women's Tennis Association's top 15 for the first time in two decades, as per United States Tennis Association (USTA). World number two Coco Gauff led the American charge followed by sixth-ranked Jessica Pegula and Danielle Collins, who climbed two spots to ninth on the list amid a remarkable farewell season.
Madison Keys was ranked 14th while Emma Navarro hopped two spots to a career-high 15th after reaching her first major quarter-final at Wimbledon. The last time five American women featured in the top 15 was May 24, 2004, when Lindsay Davenport was fourth in the world.
Thomas Muller Retires from International Football
Germany's Thomas Muller announced that he was officially retiring from international football.
Muller, whose international career spanned 14 years, had taken part in Euro 2024 but could not go all the way as hosts Germany was knocked out by eventual champions Spain in the quarter-final.
Muller helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup and has the third most appearances for the national team with 131 caps and 45 goals. He also won the Golden Boot and Young Player Award during the 2010 World Cup, when Germany finished third.
Himachal Cabinet Approves Plan to Rationalise Provisions of Zero Electricity Bill for Domestic Users
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet gave its approval to rationalise the provisions for zero electricity bills for domestic consumers by restricting subsidy to 'one family, one meter' and interlinking power connections with ration cards.
The state Cabinet decided to abolish the entire subsidy on electricity bills of the Chief Minister, former CMs, Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Ministers, MPs, MLAs, former Ministers, Chairman of boards and advisors, OSDs, all Class-I and Class-2 employees of the government, corporations, and boards, including IAS, IPS, and other officers, and all income taxpayers.
The Cabinet has also approved the declaration of land acquisition and compensation to the families affected by the expansion of Kangra airport. Furthermore, it was decided to provide the state share of capital costs for the construction of Bulk Drug Park in the Haroli Assembly constituency of Una district and approved the calling of its tender.
BRIC-THSTI Hosts SYNCHN 2024 Industry Meet
Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), hosted SYNCHN 2024. This event aimed to strengthen academia-industry collaborations in the NCR Biotech Cluster, focusing on advancing biomanufacturing and bio-innovation.
Prof. Vinod K. Paul from NITI Aayog emphasised the government's support for partnerships driving bioinnovation and India's global leadership in biotech.
Representatives from leading biotech firms discussed collaboration benefits and THSTI's role in bridging academia with industry. Breakout sessions facilitated direct interactions between industry leaders and THSTI researchers, enhancing mutual understanding and partnership prospects.
THSTI's state-of-the-art facilities, including a Small Animal Facility and Bioassay Laboratory, support its mission to accelerate biomedical discoveries and facilitate their clinical application within the NCR Biotech Science Cluster.
Government Reconstitutes NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog was reconstituted with some new ministers in the Modi 3.0 government from the BJP and its allies in the National Democratic Alliance made as ex-officio members or Special Invitees.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to be the chairperson of the NITI Aayog and there are no changes in the post of Vice Chairman and full-time members.
Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the new ex officio member, while Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda and Minister of Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy are Special Invitees.
Navy Announces Latest Edition of THINQ, Theme for 2024 Contest 'Viksit Bharat'
The Indian Navy announced the latest edition of its national level quiz competition, THINQ, with the theme for the contest this year (2024) being 'Viksit Bharat'. The event provides a unique opportunity of nurturing intellectual growth and inspiring young minds while instilling a sense of pride and patriotism in our rich cultural heritage.
The resounding success of the first two editions, i.e., THINQ-22 and G20 THINQ (which saw participation of G20 countries last year), has encouraged Indian Navy to continue with the initiative.
This competition goes beyond the concept of just testing general awareness of students. It is a forum to ignite young minds and spread awareness among students on their role in nation-building and reaching greater heights.
The contest is open to all students from class 9 to 12 across the country.
Mamata Banerjee Reinstates Senior IPS Officer Rajeev Kumar as West Bengal DGP
The West Bengal government reinstated senior IPS officer Rajeev Kumar as the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal. Kumar replaced Sanjoy Mukherjee, who was appointed the State's DGP at the directions of the Election Commission of India during the concluded Lok Sabha polls.
Mr. Kumar will continue to hold his current post of Additional Chief Secretary in the Department of Information Technology and Electronics. Mr. Mukherjee was appointed as the new Director General of the State's Fire and Emergency Services.
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 Day for International Justice
The World Day for International Justice is observed on July 17 every year to recognise the strengthening system of international justice and also to promote the rights of the victims. Also known as the Day of International Criminal Justice, it marks the importance of fighting against impunity and bringing justice for the victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
July 17 is the date of the adoption of the treaty that created the International Criminal Court. On 1 June 2010, at the Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala (Uganda), the Assembly of State Parties decided to celebrate July 17 as the Day of International Criminal Justice.
Each year, people around the world use this day to host events to promote international criminal justice, especially support for the International Criminal Court.
INS Delhi was adjudged the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet at the annual 'Fleet Awards Function-2024' held in Visakhapatnam.
The event was held to acknowledge and celebrate the operational achievements of the Eastern Fleet during the pase year.
INS Kavaratti was given the award for the Best Ship in Corvettes/ OPVs/ LSTs while INS Shivalik, INS Sumedha and INS Sumitra were adjudged the most spirited ships of the Sunrise Fleet while carrying out a wide variety of challenging missions over the last one year.
Vice-Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command was the Chief Guest for the event which was hosted by Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
Shakti Scheme Has Not Affected KSRTC's Financial Losses: Minister
Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy said that the Shakti scheme, which has increased Karnataka State Transport Corporation's (KSRTC) ridership by 2 million annually, is not responsible for the corporation's financial losses.
"The Shakti scheme has generated significant goodwill and brought in more travellers. It has not caused any losses," Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy said amid a proposal by the transport department to increase bus fares by 15 to 20%.
The state government's Shakti scheme provides free bus travel for women within the state. The scheme is one of the five guarantees that were made by the ruling Congress in Karnataka ahead of polls earlier this year. Under the scheme, women from the state are eligible to travel for free on non-luxury public transport buses in the state.
Karnataka Cabinet Approves Bill Mandating 100% Reservation for Kannadigas in Private Sector
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to a bill that mandates 100 per cent reservation for Kannadigas in private sector jobs, specifically for Group C and Group D posts. The bill is seen as a significant move towards prioritising the employment of Kannadigas, reinforcing the state's commitment to supporting its local workforce. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the decision was taken in the Cabinet meeting.
According to the bill, it mandates that industries, factories, and other establishments must appoint fifty per cent of local candidates in management categories and seventy per cent in non-management categories. This legislation aims to ensure that Kannadigas have a substantial representation in the workforce across different job categories, furthering the state's objective of supporting and prioritising its local population in employment.
IIT Guwahati Launches Innovative Projects for Educational Excellence in Meghalaya
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, as part of its strong commitment to elevate the educational landscape of the region, has been setting a benchmark for integrating technology and hands-on learning into school curriculums.
As the only IIT in Northeast India, the Institute has undertaken several innovative projects aimed at enhancing education in Meghalaya, focusing on advanced STEM learning and teacher development. These initiatives are designed to foster a hands-on, experiential learning environment, benefiting both students and teachers.
Under the aegis of the Ministry of Education's Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan Projects, IIT Guwahati, in collaboration with Samagra Shiksha Meghalaya, has undertaken multiple state-level initiatives to enhance STEM education, foster innovation, and build capacity among students and teachers in Meghalaya.
Himachal Government to Launch Prestigious Awards for Teachers
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state government plans to introduce awards for teachers and school heads to recognise their outstanding contributions to the education sector. The initiative aims to encourage more individuals to pursue teaching careers, promote effective teaching and learning methods in schools, and elevate the status of educators within the community.
As per reports, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that 24 teachers will receive awards across two categories: general areas and tribal/hard-to-reach areas. Out of these, 15 awards will be granted to teachers in general areas, while nine will be given to those serving in tribal and hard-to-reach regions.
Teachers eligible for these special awards will include those serving in District Institutes of Education and Training, State Council of Educational Research and Training, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, according to the Chief Minister.
IIT-Kharagpur, University of Leeds Collaborate for Joint Supervision of PhD Programmes
The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IITKGP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Leeds (UoL) to recognise the growing importance of India and a long-term partnership with the university.
This collaboration aims to enhance academic and research cooperation through the joint supervision of PhD programmes in the fields of civil engineering, transport studies and biological sciences.
Sawan Begins With Harela Festival in Uttarakhand 2024
July 16, 2024 marked the official beginning of Sawan accompanied by the vibrant Harela festival celebrated across Uttarakhand. This traditional festival holds deep significance for the region's agriculture and culture, symbolising prosperity and overall well-being.
Harela is a significant Hindu festival observed in Uttarakhand and parts of Himachal Pradesh, particularly popular in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand.
Celebrated with immense enthusiasm, Harela signifies peace, prosperity, and the celebration of nature.
This traditional festival holds deep cultural and environmental importance, symbolising prayers and hopes for abundant harvests and prosperity through divine blessings.
It also commemorates the ceremonial union of Shiva and Parvati.
Supreme Court Gets 2 New Judges, First From Manipur
The Supreme Court got two more judges after President Droupadi Murmu cleared the appointments of Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and Justice R. Mahadevan. The appointments were announced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
The Supreme Court Collegium had earlier recommended the elevation of these two judges. With these two appointments, the Supreme Court has its sanctioned strength of 34 judges, including Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud.
Justice N. Kotiswar Singh was the Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu and Kashmir.
He is the first from Manipur to be appointed as a Judge of the apex court. An alumnus of Kirori Mal College and Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, he started his career as an advocate in 1986.
Justice R. Mahadevan is an alumnus of Madras Law College.
Justice Tashi Rabstan Appointed Acting Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court
The President of India appointed Justice Tashi Rabstan, senior-most Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as Acting Chief Justice of the High Court.
Justice Tashi Rabstan was appointed as Acting Chief Justice of the High Court upon elevation of Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court as Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Justice Rabstan graduated and also did an LLB from the University of Jammu (JU).
He was enrolled as an Advocate on March 6, 1990, in the Bar Council of Jammu and Kashmir and started practising in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and various other High Courts on arbitrations, constitution, service, election, civil, and criminal matters.
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