- The field evaluation of Swachh Survekshan 2023 is being started by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs from 1st July 2023. As a part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Urban Cleanliness Survey is based on cleanliness of public places and toilets, residents’ feedback and performance of municipalities in waste collection, segregation and processing. Swachh Survekshan 2023 – My City, My Identity Housing and This is the 8th annual edition ranking released by the Ministry of Urban Assessment on the basis of cleanliness of cities.
- In a significant step towards adopting sustainable transport, India is set to launch its first hydrogen powered train. Hydrogen trains, which rely on fuel cells to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, provide a clean and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel trains. This groundbreaking initiative marks a promising progress in India’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat pollution. The first hydrogen fueled train in India is about to operate on the Jind-Sonipat route. This strategic choice for the opening route highlights the commitment of the Indian authorities to transform the regional transport network with sustainable alternatives. By launching a hydrogen train in this corridor, India aims to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of hydrogen technology in a real-world setting.
- On June 28, the stock market made its all-time high. The Sensex had reached a level of 64,050 during trading. However, after this there was a slight decline and it climbed 499 points to close at the level of 63,915. Earlier this month, on June 22, the stock market had made its all-time high. Then the Sensex touched the level of 63,601. Here, Nifty also made an all time high of 19,011. After this it also came down a bit and closed at the level of 18,972 with a gain of more than 154 points. Earlier, Nifty’s all-time high was 18,887.60 which it made on December 1, 2022. There was a boom in almost all the sectors on the NSE. Nifty metal and pharma climbed the most.
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh on 24 June 2023 launched mRNA based booster vaccine to combat Omicron variant of Covid. A few days ago this vaccine was approved for emergency use by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). GEMCOVAC-OM is the first booster vaccine against COVID-19, developed by Gennova using indigenous technology, according to a statement. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have given financial help for this.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a unique yoga session at the United Nations Headquarters on Wednesday to mark the 9th International Day of Yoga. The historic ceremony was attended by top UN officials, envoys and prominent personalities from around the world. The event showcased India’s commitment to nurture traditions that unite and embrace diversity with a call to eliminate contradictions and barriers through the practice of Yoga. In a video message, Prime Minister Modi emphasized on the importance of eliminating contradictions, barriers and resistance through Yoga. He highlighted that yoga strengthens the sense of oneness among individuals and expands their inner vision, connecting them to a consciousness that fosters love for all living beings.
- India’s spaceship is ready to land on the moon. ISRO can launch Chandrayaan-3 on July 13 at 2.30 pm. ISRO sources gave this information. However, PTI later quoted ISRO Chief S Somnath as saying that Chandrayaan is to be launched between July 12 and July 19. The vehicle is all set. The exact date of launching will be announced after all the tests are completed. If the lander of Chandrayaan-3 is successful in landing on the moon, then India will become the fourth country to do so. Earlier, America, Russia and China have landed their spacecraft on the moon. Chandrayaan-2 mission was launched on 22 July 2019. About 2 months later, on 7 September 2019, Vikram Lander, trying to land on the Moon’s South Pole, crashed. Since then, India is preparing for Chandrayaan-3 mission.
- In terms of gender equality, India has reached 127th position out of 146 countries. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual Gender Gap Report, 2023, India’s position has improved eight places compared to last year. The WEF in its report for 2022 ranked India at 135 out of 146 in the Global Gender Gap Index. India’s position has improved by 1.4 percentage points and eight places since the last time and is partially towards the 2020 parity level. The country has achieved equality in enrollment at all levels of education. India has bridged its 64.3 per cent gender gap. Pakistan ranks 142nd, Bangladesh 59th, China 107th, Nepal 116th, Sri Lanka 115th and Bhutan 103rd in this index. Iceland remains the most gender equal country for the 14th year in a row.
Read more: World View: Top 10 International News Of This Week
- According to news agency ANI, Manipur police and security forces have destroyed 12 bunkers of people who spread violence in these districts in the last 24 hours. The police have called them extremists. Security forces carried out joint operations in Tamenglong, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Kakching districts and destroyed these bunkers in both hill and valley. Home Minister Amit Shah met PM Narendra Modi today regarding the situation in Manipur. He also informed the PM about the discussions held in the all-party meeting on 24th June.
- Tomato prices are not expected to decrease for the next one month. At present, the price of tomato has crossed Rs 100 per kg in most of the markets of the country. According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, tomatoes are currently costliest in Kerala’s Ernakulam. Here the price has reached Rs 113 per kg. A month ago i.e. in May, tomatoes were being sold at Rs 2-5 per kg in many states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra. The reason for this rise in tomato prices is the heavy rains. The tomato crop has been damaged due to rain, due to which its supply has reduced. Earlier, due to excessive heat, the vegetables got spoiled.
- Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s company Reliance Industries has once again become the most valuable private sector company in India. At the same time, none of the Adani Group companies is included in the top ten. The ‘2022 Burgundy Private Hurun India 500’ list has been released on Tuesday. Reliance is at number one in the Hurun list with a value of Rs 16.3 lakh crore. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is at number two with a value of Rs 11.8 lakh crore. On the other hand, HDFC Bank is at number three in the list with a value of Rs 9.4 lakh crore. Burgundy Pvt, the private banking business of Axis Bank, and Hurun India have jointly prepared this list. The data from 30 October 2022 to 30 April 2023 has been analyzed in this list. Companies are ranked by market cap