NATIONAL:
1. National Research Foundation (NRF)
Why in news – Union Cabinet approved the formation of a ‘National Research Foundation’ (NRF).
Key Points –
• Aim – to foster a culture of research and innovation in India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and laboratories.
• Outlay - Rs. 50,000 crores for the next 5 years (2023-28).
• To be "an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research" in India.
• It would follow the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).
• Functioning –
(a) Administered by - a board consisting of eminent researchers headed by PM Narendra Modi.
(b) Ex-officio vice-president - Union Ministers of Science & Technology and Education.
(c) Governed by - an executive council chaired by the principal scientific advisor.
Value Addition –
• India’s expenditure on R&D - 0.64% of GDP. (Target – at least 2% of GDP).
• Other countries on R&D - USA - 2.83%, China - 2.14% and Israel - 4.9%.
• Women comprise only 18% of total scientific researchers in India.
2. Quaint Hill Station
Why in news – Quaint hill station in Uttarakhand to be renamed as Jaswantgarh after Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat.
Key Points –
• Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat is one of the heroes of the 1962 war with China.
• He is Maha Vir Chakra awardee, second highest gallantry award.
• Played a vital role in the Battle of Nuranang against China in Arunachal Pradesh on November 17, 1962.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Qu Dongyu
Why in news - China's Qu Dongyu re-elected to a 2nd term as Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Key Points –
• To serve a new 4-year term from August 1.
• FAO directors can hold the role for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
• Re-elected Unopposed.
• FAO (hq - Rome) - specialised agency of the UN founded in 1945.
Value Addition –
Hand-in-Hand (HIH) initiative (2019) –
• Flagship of FAO.
• One of its core priority program areas.
• Supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programs to accelerate agrifood systems transformations.
• Aim - eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10).
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES:
1. Report on Panchayat Development Index (PDI)
Why in news – The report on PDI was released at National Workshop on Panchayat Development Index (PDI) in New Delhi.
Key Points –
• Aim - to evaluate different indicators responsible for ensuring targeted development in villages.
• Broader objective - Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) in PRIs.
• Pilot project - 4 districts in Maharashtra (Pune, Sangli, Satara and Solapur).
• PDI ranks panchayats into 4 grades on the basis of scores –
(a) Category A – 75-90%
(b) Category B - 60-75%
(c) Category C - 40-60%
(d) Category D - under 40%.
• 9 themes are taken into account.
• Coverage - 144 local targets, 577 local indicators and 688 data points on 9 themes.
SCIENCE – TECH:
1. Carbon Market
Why in news – Union government has notified a draft of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023.
Key Points –
• 'National Steering Committee' under the Ministry of Power (Secretary – exofficio chairperson) to govern and oversee the functions of the carbon market.
• Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to formulate and finalize procedures for institutionalizing the Indian carbon market and setting specific greenhouse gas emission targets for the obligated entities.
• Carbon market regulator for all trading activities - Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).
• Carbon market registry – Grid India.
• Under - Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• 1 Carbon Credit - 1 ton of carbon dioxide equivalent.
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES:
1. SCO Summit 2023
Why in news – PM Narendra Modi welcomed Iran as the newest member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Key Points –
• The virtual summit was held on July 4.
• Now, it has 9 members.
• Belarus is in line to full membership.
• Observer status - Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia.
• Dialogue Partners - Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka.
Value Addition –
• Changing geopolitical landscape favouring Iran –
(a) Chaotic exit of the US from Afghanistan (More Chinese influence and investments in the Central Asian region).
(b) Ukraine war - West’s relations with Russia have plummeted to their worst-ever levels.
(c) Beijing’s “no-limits” friendship with Moscow and more tighten strategic embrace of Pakistan.
(d) China-brokered deal to re-establish diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
(e) Iran’s border market with Pakistan in 2023.
(f) China and Iran signed a 25-year deal for energy supplies.
IMPORTANT DAYS:
1. 247th US Independence Day 2023
Why in news – July 4 is celebrated as America’s Independence Day.
Key Points –
• 2nd Continental Congress unanimously adopted of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, from Great Britain.
• Originally, there were 13 states.
SPORTS:
1. SAFF Championship 2023
Why in news – India beat Kuwait 5-4 in the shootout and clinch the SAFF Championships in Bengaluru.
Key Points –
• It is India’s 9th title.
• SAFF - South Asian Football Federation.
STATES/UTs:
1. Jagananna Amma Vodi Scheme
Why in news – Andhra Pradesh launched the 'Jagananna Amma Vodi' scheme for the 4th year.
Key Points –
• Benefit - eligible mothers who send their children to schools will receive Rs 15,000 financial aid to meet the educational expenses.
• It has eliminated the discrimination existing between public schools and private schools.
BIHAR:
1. Biofuel Production
Why in news – Bihar cabinet approved the Bihar Biofuel Production Promotion Policy 2023.
Key Points –
• Purpose - for establishment of compressed biogas from wastes and other foodgrains.
• Benefit –
(a) Common people - capital subsidy of 15% or the maximum of Rs 5 crore.
(b) SC/ST/EBCs - 15.75% or the maximum of Rs 5.25 crore.
Other Decisions –
• Validity of the state ethanol policy 2022 has been extended till June 30, 2024.
• It approved the policy for appointment of public prosecutors on various posts, including at district courts, the high court and the Supreme Court. The recommendation committee is headed by the advocate general.
POINTERS:
• Who has been reappointed as Solicitor General of India for a three-year term - Tushar Mehta.
• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Sai Hira Global Convention Centre in which city – Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh).
• Which state has become the top exporter of electronic goods in India, with exports nearly tripling in the 2022-2023 financial year to $5.37 billion - Tamil Nadu.
• Who won the Austrian Grand Prix 2023 - Max Verstappen.
• Scientists from Bangladesh and Mauritius embarked onboard India’s which research vessel to participate in the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) - Sagar Nidhi.
• Who has become first country in the world to extend its ban on plastic bags in supermarkets to include thin bags typically used for holding fruits and vegetables - New Zealand.
• Who and South Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization has signed an MoU - National Anti-Doping Agency.
• Where was the final match of SAFF Football Championship played – Bangalore.
• Which ministry has decided to provide “critical care and support for accessing justice to rape/gang rape survivors and minor girls who get pregnant” - Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Which country's net debt has crossed 100% of GDP for the first time since 1961 - United Kingdom.