National News

India’s First Indigenous 700 MW Nuclear Reactor Starts Commercial Operation in Gujarat:            
 A momentous achievement in India's nuclear energy sector, the indigenously developed 700 MW nuclear power reactor, KAPP-3, at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) in Gujarat, has commenced commercial operations. This marks a significant milestone for the country's energy ambitions as the reactor began operating at 90 percent of its total power capacity on June 30, 2023.

International News

New Zealand becomes first country to ban plastic produce bags:
New Zealand has taken a commendable step towards tackling plastic waste by becoming the world's first country to impose a complete ban on thin plastic bags used in supermarkets for fruit and vegetable purchases. Moreover, the ban extends to plastic straws and silverware, in alignment with the government's campaign against single-use plastics, which began in 2019 with the prohibition of thicker plastic shopping bags.

State News

Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy launched the ‘Jagananna Amma Vodi’ scheme:
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh has taken an important step towards empowering mothers and promoting education through the launch of the 'Jagananna Amma Vodi' scheme. With a substantial allocation of ₹6,392 crore, the initiative aims to provide financial assistance to approximately 42 lakh mothers, offering them an annual gift of ₹15,000 for sending their children to school.

Defence News

Lt Gen M U Nair appointed as new National Cybersecurity Coordinator:
A notable appointment in the field of cybersecurity, Lt Gen M U Nair has been named as the new National Cybersecurity Coordinator (NCSC). His extensive experience in cyber warfare, signal intelligence, and communication technology earned him the role, following his previous position as the 28th Signal Officer-in-Chief and commandant at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering.

Banking News

State Bank of India Launches 34 Transaction Banking Hubs Nationwide:
Celebrating its 68th foundation day, the State Bank of India (SBI) has inaugurated 34 Transaction Banking Hubs across 21 district centers in the country. These hubs are aimed at providing efficient and swift Transaction Banking solutions to customers.

State Bank of India Appoints Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti as CFO:
State Bank of India, the country’s largest lender, has announced the appointment of Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With an extensive background at the bank since 1991, Kodavanti assumed the position on July 1, 2023.

IDFC First Bank to Merge with IDFC Ltd in 155:100 Share Exchange Ratio:
IDFC First Bank and IDFC Ltd have announced their merger plans, with a share exchange ratio of 155 equity shares of IDFC First Bank for every 100 equity shares of IDFC. The merger aims to simplify the corporate structure, increase the book value per share, and streamline regulatory compliances. Completion is expected in the current financial year, subject to unforeseen circumstances.

Business News

Government Releases Draft Framework for India’s First Carbon Market:
A significant step towards India's sustainable future, the government has released a draft framework for the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023. This move is aligned with India's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and aims to facilitate decarbonization in the commercial and industrial sector.

Important Days News

International Day of Cooperatives 2023: Date, Theme, Significance and History:
The International Day of Cooperatives, commemorated on the first Saturday of July, unites people, communities, and organizations worldwide to celebrate the influence of cooperative businesses. This year's theme, "Cooperatives for Sustainable Development," emphasizes the power of collaboration in positively impacting lives and shaping communities globally.

USA Independence Day 2023: Date, Background, Significance and Celebration:
The United States celebrated its 247th Independence Day on July 4th, a federal holiday commemorating the declaration of Independence. The day is marked with parades, fireworks, carnivals, fairs, picnics, political speeches, games, and ceremonies, signifying its significance as a National Day.

Appointment News

China’s Qu-Dongyu re-elected unopposed as head of FAO:
At the 43rd session of the conference of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Qu-Dongyu was re-elected as the Director-General of FAO, showcasing his continued leadership in the organization.

Ranks & Reports News

Union Minister Kapil Moreshwar Patil Releases Report on Panchayat Development Index:
Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil, released the Report on Panchayat Development Index (PDI) at a National Workshop on PDI. The event witnessed the participation of over 250 stakeholders, including senior government officials, ministry representatives, and key stakeholders in the field.

Awards News

British children’s writer Michael Rosen awarded the PEN Pinter Prize 2023:
Renowned children’s writer and performance poet, Michael Rosen, aged 77, has been honored with the esteemed PEN Pinter Prize 2023. This prestigious award celebrates writers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, or the Commonwealth whose works fearlessly uncover truths about modern-day existence.

Rajindar Singh Dhatt Receives Points of Light Award: Rajindar Singh Dhatt, the driving force behind the “Undivided Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Association,” has been honored with the prestigious Points of Light award for his exceptional service and relentless efforts in bringing together British Indian war veterans. His dedication to serving the country was demonstrated through his service in the British Indian Army during the Second World War.

Sports News

Shreyanka Patil becomes first Indian cricketer to be part of Caribbean Premier League:
In a historic moment, young spin bowler Shreyanka Patil became the first Indian cricketer to be signed for the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL). Notably, she also holds the distinction of being the first Indian player to receive a contract in an overseas league before making her international debut. Patil's exceptional talent was evident during her selection for Royal Challenger’s Bangalore (RCB) in the inaugural edition of the WPL, where she took 6 wickets and scored 62 runs in 7 matches.