Ajeet Singh clinches gold medal in Para Athletics Championships in Paris

The Charlety Stadium in Paris hosted the Para Athletics World Championships from 8 to 17 July, attracting a diverse participation of more than 1200 athletes from 107 nations. Ajeet Singh displayed his exceptional prowess in the finals of the Men’s javelin throw F46 category, emerging as the champion and claiming the gold medal. With a remarkable throw measuring 65.41 meters, he secured the top spot in the competition. Ajeet Singh’s outstanding performance not only earned him the championship title but also resulted in the breaking of the previous record held by Chunliang Guo of China, whose throw measured 61.89 meters.

Indian Athletes at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris

India concluded its participation in the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships held in Paris with an exceptional achievement, breaking records and securing an impressive medal count. They garnered three gold medals, four silver medals, and three bronze medals, setting a new benchmark.

In the Men’s Javelin Throw F64 category, Sumit Antil clinched India’s first gold medal. Notably, he surpassed his own World Record with a remarkable throw of 70.83 meters, earning him a coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Adding to India’s triumph, Sachin Sarjerao Khilari secured the second gold medal in the Men’s Shot Put F46 category, also securing his place in the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Completing India’s gold medal haul, Ajeet Singh triumphed in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 Final. Sunder Singh Gurjar showcased an impressive performance as well, finishing fourth in the same event and securing qualification for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

This outstanding performance by the Indian contingent marks their best-ever achievement in the competition, surpassing their previous record of nine medals in the 2019 edition held in Dubai.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

  • Ajeet Singh hails from: Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Total medal won by India in the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships: 10

 

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Wimbledon 2023 Men's Final: Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic_110.1

Australia pull out as Commonwealth Games 2026 host

Why Australia withdraw as host?

Australia’s Victoria state has withdrawn as host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games because of a massive increase in the projected cost of staging the multi-sports event. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said his government last year agreed to host the next edition of the quadrennial event “but not at any cost.” He said his government had initially budgeted 2.6 billion Australian dollars ($2.39 billion) to stage the Games in five regional cities but recent estimates put the potential cost as high as 7 billion Australian dollars ($6.3 billion).

Important points

  • The Commonwealth Games Federation issued a statement saying the decision was “hugely disappointing” for the organization and the athletes and it was taking advice on its options for finding a solution for the event in 2026. The CGF said the estimated cost escalation was mainly due to the regional, multi-city host model and the Victoria government’s decision to change plans for venues and include more sports.
  • The Games had been scheduled for March 17-29 in the regional centres of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland and Shepparton in regional Victoria.

Victoria state hosted the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The last edition of the Games held in Australia was on the Gold Coast, Queensland state, in 2018. The Gold Coast is part of the southeast Queensland area that is scheduled to host events during the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

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Wimbledon 2023 Men's Final: Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic_120.1

India, US to work on MDBs, climate action, inclusion

India and the United States have recently agreed to enhance cooperation on various fronts, including strengthening multilateral development banks, promoting climate action, and facilitating energy transition. The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, met with US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, during a G20 event to discuss their bilateral interests and explore new investment opportunities in renewable energy. The collaboration between the two nations spans economic, commercial, and technological issues, with a focus on supply chain strengthening and catalyzing clean energy transition.

Key Collaborative Efforts

  • Promotion of Climate Action: India and the US have pledged to work together in promoting climate action and facilitating the clean energy transition. An investment platform is being considered to deliver a lower cost of capital and increase private investment to expedite India’s energy transition.
  • Strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs): India’s leadership in advancing the evolution of MDBs is appreciated by the US. The two countries are actively engaged in improving the multilateral debt restructuring process as part of the G20 efforts.
  • Global Tax Deal: India and the US are close to reaching an agreement on the two-pillar global tax deal. This mechanism involves increasing the authority of nations to tax multinational corporations and implementing a global minimum tax on these corporations.
  • World Trade Organization (WTO) Disputes: India and the US have settled six of their WTO disputes, fostering better trade relations between the two nations.
  • Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF): India and the US are in talks to de-risk their supply chains from China under the IPEF, enhancing economic ties and resilience.

Prosperous and Equitable Future

The collaboration between India and the US is seen as a catalyst for positive change worldwide. The partnership aims to create a prosperous and equitable future by leveraging each other’s expertise and resources. The focus on economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development underscores the commitment of both nations to drive positive transformation in various sectors.

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Tamil Nadu topped NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2022

Context:

Tamil Nadu topped the third edition of the NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2022 with an overall score of 80.89, piping Maharashtra (78.20) and Karnataka (76.36).

 

Overview of the Export Preparedness Index 2022:

The third edition of the NITI Aayog’s Preparedness Index 2022 has released on 17th July 2023.  According to the report, out of the 680 districts engaged in exports, the top 100 districts contribute about 87% of the total exports from India. To promote exports, 647 districts have formed a District Export Promotion Committee, while 557 have formulated a District Export Action Plan.

  • According to the Export Preparedness Index 2022, Tamil Nadu topped the ranking with an overall score of 80.89 while Maharashtra with a score of 78.20 was second and Karnataka was third with a score of 76.36.
  • Gujarat scored fourth position with a score of 73.22 followed by Andhra Pradesh, Odissa, West Bengal and Kerala in the ranking of coastal areas.
  • Among hilly/Himalayan states Uttarakhand topped the ranking with a score of 59.13 followed by Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram in that order.
  • Among the landlocked regions, Harayana topped the ranking with a score of 63.65 followed by Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
  • In the category of Union Territories/small states, Goa topped the ranking with a score of 51.58 followed by Jammu-Kashmir, Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar and Ladakh.
  • Among export districts, Jamnagar in Gujarat topped the chart which was followed by Surat, Mumbai Suburban, Mumbai, Pune, Bharuch, Kanchipuram, Ahmedabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Bengaluru Urban.
  • Gujarat has 8 districts, the highest number of districts in the top 25 export districts in the country.

About the Export Preparedness Index:

  • The Export Preparedness Index is a comprehensive assess the export preparedness of the States and UTs in the country.
  • The index conducts a comprehensive analysis of States and UTs across export-related parameters to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
  • The methodology of the index is an evolving process that constantly incorporates stakeholder feedback.

Objectives of Export Preparedness Index:

  • To provide a comprehensive and objective assessment of the export preparedness of the States and UTs.
  • To highlight the achievements and best practices adopted by the States and UTs to improve their ranking in the index.
  • To foster a competitive spirit among States and UTs.
  • To enhance cooperation between them and the Centre, to achieve sustainable growth and development for India.

 Pillars of Export Preparedness Index:

The index uses 4 pillars to assess the export preparedness and the performance:

  • Policy Pillar: This pillar evaluated how well the states and UTs adopted and implemented export related policies at state and district level.
  • Business Ecosystem: This pillar assesses the quality and availability of business supportive infrastructure such as power, water, land and logistics as well as the transport connectivity of the States and UTs to domestic and international market.
  • Export Ecosystem: This pillar focuses on the export supportive infrastructure and trade services provided by the States and the UTs.
  • Export Performance: This pillar measures the actual export outcomes of the states and UTs such as export growth, diversification and competitiveness.

                                              Find More Ranks and Reports Here

 

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DGFT implements the Advance Authorisation Scheme

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), oversees the Advance Authorisation Scheme, enabling duty-free import of inputs for export purposes. The scheme’s eligibility is determined by Sector-specific Norms Committees, evaluating input-output norms. To enhance efficiency and streamline the norms fixation process, the DGFT has made significant advancements to the Advance Authorisation and Norms Fixation Workflow.

Introducing the User-Friendly Database

To simplify norms fixation, the DGFT has developed a searchable database of Ad-hoc Norms established in previous years. These norms, outlined in the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, can now be accessed by any exporter without necessitating a review by the Norms Committee. This innovative database, available on the DGFT website, enables users to search using Export or Import Item Descriptions, Technical Characteristics, or Indian Tariff Classification ITC (HS) codes.

Obtaining Advance Authorisation with Ease

Exporters can now access the database on the DGFT website under Services –> Advance Authorisation/DFIA –> Ad-hoc norms. If an ad-hoc norm aligns with the item description and specified wastages, and complies with the provisions outlined in the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), applicants can opt for an Advance Authorisation under the “No-Norm Repeat” basis. This option allows users to obtain an advance authorisation without having to approach the Norms Committee again, thereby reducing workload and enabling faster processing, subject to FTP/HBP provisions.

Key Benefits of the Initiative

  • By simplifying the advance authorisation and norms fixation process, this trade facilitation measure significantly shortens turnaround times for exporters.
  • It enhances the ease of doing business and reduces the compliance burden, benefiting the export community as a whole.
  • This streamlined approach aligns with the government’s vision of promoting exports and fostering a conducive business environment.

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J&K: Operation Trinetra II to neutralise hiding terrorists continue

Context:

Jammu-Kashmir continues Operation Trinetra-II in Sindarah and Maidana of Surankote tehsil on 17th July to neutralize hiding terrorists.

What’s in News?

A joint search and cordon operation of the army and the police named Operation Trinetra II to track down the terrorists hiding in Jammu-Kashmir’s border of district Poonch.

Operation Trinetra-II has been launched on 17th July afternoon in Sindarah and Maidana of Surankote tehsil which led to an immense gunfight with hiding terrorists.

According to the officials, intermittent firing was reported from the besieged area at regular intervals. Reinforcements were immediately after the broke out of gunfight.

 In a major success four terrorists were killed in the gun fight by the security forces and a major infiltration bid along the Line of Control in the Krishna Ghati Sector of the Poonch district on the intervening night of 16th and 17th July.

Steps taken to track the terrorists:

Security forces have plugged all the escape routes and a strict vigil was maintained throughout the night as the Operation Trinetra II continued.

Every vehicle is also been checked by the security forces to track out the terrorists.

Random searches and surprise checking of vehicles have been intensifies across Poonch in view of attempts to push armed terrorists, weapons and narcotics from across the border.

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India to host global summit of food safety regulators

India will inaugurate the Global Food Regulators Summit in New Delhi on July 20th and 21st. The summit is expected to include participation from a wide range of stakeholders representing various countries, international organizations, and national entities. Additionally, an integrated digital dashboard will be introduced at the Global Food Regulators Summit, 2023, acting as a centralized platform for food-related regulations and standards.

Global Food Regulators Summit: Addressing current and emerging challenges

The summit will be held on 20 and 21 July in New Delhi where food regulators from 40 countries including G20 member countries will brainstorm on global food safety standards. Over the course of two days, the summit will feature a diverse range of activities, including keynote addresses by international organizations and scientists, technical and plenary sessions with food regulators, interactive sessions with national and international stakeholders, and bilateral and multilateral meetings to address current and emerging challenges.

India’s Global Food Regulators Summit: Promoting Food Safety

The event will serve as an important platform for participants to engage in discussions regarding food safety and regulatory matters. It aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of compliance requirements and facilitate the exchange of best practices, experiences, and success stories pertaining to food safety regulations. The summit will explore opportunities for collaboration among global regulators and agencies, aiming to establish synergies and develop tools and techniques for sharing information.

Global Food Regulators Summit: Collaborative Participation of G-20 Member Countries, International Organizations, and Prominent Food Research Institute

The summit will witness the participation of food regulators from G-20 member countries, along with international organizations and renowned food research institutes including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) of Germany, the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (USA), Health Canada, the Australian Institute of Food Safety and Technology, and more.
These esteemed organizations will bring their expertise and diverse perspectives to enrich the discussions. Furthermore, India currently holds the second position in milk production, vegetable cultivation, and horticulture crops within the food processing sector.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

  • CEO of Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI): G. Kamala Vardhana Rao
  • Current chairperson of FSSAI : Rajesh Bhusan

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13.5 crore Indians escape Multidimensional Poverty in 5 years

According to the latest NITI Aayog report, India has achieved a remarkable feat in its efforts to reduce multidimensional poverty. Between 2015-16 and 2019-21, a staggering 13.5 crore people moved out of multidimensional poverty, showcasing the country’s commitment to sustainable and equitable development.

Comprehensive Methodology and Progress

The report, ‘National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Review 2023,’ draws its data from the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021. It builds upon the baseline report launched in 2021 and follows a methodology aligned with global standards. The National MPI measures deprivations in health, education, and standard of living through 12 SDG-aligned indicators.

135 million Indians escape poverty since 2015, NITI Aayog report finds

Striking Improvements Across Indicators

India has witnessed marked improvements in all 12 indicators, including nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal health, education, sanitation, and access to basic amenities like drinking water and electricity. The results indicate a decline of 9.89 percentage points in the number of multidimensionally poor, reducing from 24.85% in 2015-16 to 14.96% in 2019-2021.

Rural Areas Leading the Way

The report highlights that the decline in multidimensional poverty was most prominent in rural areas, decreasing from 32.59% to 19.28%. Urban areas also witnessed a reduction, going from 8.65% to 5.27%. Uttar Pradesh showed significant progress, with 3.43 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty, marking the largest decline among all states.

Path Towards SDG 2030

India’s progress is commendable as the MPI value has nearly halved from 0.117 to 0.066, and the intensity of poverty has reduced from 47% to 44%. This puts India well on track to achieve SDG Target 1.2 of reducing multidimensional poverty by at least half much ahead of the 2030 timeline. The government’s strategic focus on inclusive development and poverty eradication has played a pivotal role in this achievement.

Government Initiatives Driving Change

Flagship programs like Poshan Abhiyan, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, PMAY, PMJDY, and Samagra Shiksha have significantly contributed to improving access to healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, cooking fuel, financial inclusion, housing, and education. The efforts have resulted in reduced deprivations across various indicators, showcasing the impact of consistent implementation of well-linked initiatives.

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PM MITRA Park launched in Amravati, Maharashtra

The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), the Maharashtra government, and the Indian Ministry of Textiles joined hands by signing a memorandum of understanding to establish the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel Park (PM MITRA Park) in Amravati,Maharashtra. The inauguration of the PM MITRA mega textile park took place with the aim of attracting an investment of ₹10,000 crore and creating 300,000 job opportunities.

Location and Infrastructure of the PM MITRA Park in Amravati

Occupying a contiguous land area of 1,020 acres in Nandgaon Peth, adjacent to the Additional Amravati Industrial Area (MIDC), the Park is conveniently located just 30 kilometers away from the Mumbai Nagpur Samruddhi Highway and 147 kilometers from the nearest port, the Wardha Dry Port. Being a brownfield park, it already possesses essential infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and electricity.

Government’s Initiative for PM MITRA Parks: Boosting Textile Industry in India

  • Earlier this year, the Government of India unveiled plans to establish 7 PM MITRA Parks across the country as designated sites for the textile industry. These parks aim to create top-notch industrial infrastructure that can attract substantial investments, including foreign direct investment (FDI), while fostering innovation and job creation within the sector.
  • Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary 5F concept (Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign), the PM MITRA Parks represent a significant stride towards realizing the government’s ambition of positioning India as a global hub for textile manufacturing and exports.
  • The establishment of these parks in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the textile industry, enabling economies of scale and enticing international players to manufacture in India.

These parks will provide exceptional infrastructure, plug-and-play facilities, as well as training and research resources tailored to the industry’s needs. The PM MITRA Parks introduce a unique model where the central and state governments collaborate to attract investments, drive innovation, create job opportunities, and ultimately establish India as a global leader in textile manufacturing and exports. It is estimated that these parks will attract investments of approximately Rs. 70,000 crores and generate employment for around 2 million people.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

  • Union Minister of Textiles: Piyush Goyal
  • India’s first PM MITRA Park in: Virudhunagar,Tamil Nadu

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PM Modi inaugurates new integrated terminal building of Port Blair airport

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the new integrated terminal building of Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair on July 18 at 10:30 am via video conferencing. The event will witness the presence of Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of State for Road, Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation, General (Retd.) V K Singh, and other senior officials attending the ceremony in person.

PM to inaugurate New Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair on 18th

Key Facts About the New Integrated Terminal Building

  • The terminal was built at a cost of approximately Rs 710 crore and is a crucial step in enhancing connectivity for the island union territory.
  • Covering a total built-up area of around 40,800 sqm., the terminal has the capacity to handle about 50 lakh passengers annually.
  • An Apron capable of accommodating two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 types of aircraft has also been constructed at Port Blair airport, costing Rs 80 crore.
  • The architectural design of the terminal building features a shell-shaped structure, symbolizing the region’s deep connection with the sea and islands.

Sustainability Features for a Greener Future

The new airport terminal building boasts several sustainability features, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility:

  • Double Insulated Roofing System: This technology reduces heat gain, promoting energy efficiency and comfort within the terminal.
  • Skylights: Strategically placed skylights maximize the use of natural sunlight during the day, minimizing the need for artificial lighting inside the building.
  • LED Lighting: Energy-efficient LED lighting has been adopted to reduce overall energy consumption.
  • Low Heat Gain Glazing: The use of low heat gain glazing helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Eco-friendly Practices

The terminal’s environmental focus extends beyond energy efficiency:

  • Rainwater Catchment: The terminal incorporates an underground water tank for rainwater catchment, contributing to water conservation efforts.
  • On-site Sewage Treatment Plant: With 100 percent of treated wastewater being reused for landscaping, the terminal promotes responsible water management.
  • Solar Power Plant: The installation of a 500 KW capacity solar power plant harnesses renewable energy sources.

Enhancing Tourism and Employment Opportunities

As the primary gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar islands, Port Blair attracts a significant number of tourists. The new integrated terminal building’s spacious design is expected to boost air traffic and enhance tourism in the region. Additionally, the improved infrastructure is likely to create enhanced employment opportunities for the local community, contributing to the region’s economic growth.

The inauguration of the new integrated terminal building is a momentous occasion for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, signifying progress, development, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The government’s investment in connectivity and infrastructure underscores its dedication to promoting the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty while fostering economic prosperity for its people.

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