Today's Current Affairs 7th July 2023

INTERNATIONAL

India-UK Electric Propulsion Technical Workshop held in New Delhi

• An India-UK Electric Propulsion Technical Workshop to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and explore the exciting possibilities in the field of electric propulsion was organized in New Delhi on 3 July 2023. The day-long workshop was co-chaired by Shri Rajeev Prakash, Joint Secretary (Naval Systems) from the Indian side, and Commodore John Voyce, Naval Base Commander Portsmouth from the UK side.
• The workshop served as a crucial platform for experts, researchers, and industry professionals from both countries to come together, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions on the development of electric propulsion for ships.
• The interaction and discussions provided a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, paving the way for collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
• During the workshop, both sides expressed their commitment to forging strong defense ties and exploring avenues for joint research, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships.

Indian Navy and US Navy Conduct SALVEX Exercise in Kochi

• The Seventh edition of Indian Navy – US Navy (IN – USN) Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, SALVEX was conducted from 26 Jun – 06 Jul 23 at Kochi. IN and USN have been participating in joint Salvage and EOD exercises since 2005. The exercise saw participation from both the navies which included the ships – INS Nireekshak and USNS Salvor in addition to Specialist Diving and EOD teams.
• Spanning over 10 days, the Diving teams of both the countries shared experiences on Maritime Salvage and trained together in various facets of EOD Operations on land as well at sea. SALVEX also saw conduct of joint training exercises towards enhancing interoperability, cohesiveness and gaining from best practices mutually in Maritime Salvage and EOD operations.
• The constructive engagements on operational terms enhanced the skill-sets of the Diving teams in a number of diverse disciplines such as mine detection and neutralisation, wreck location and salvage.

NATIONAL

Amit Shah lays foundation stone of first co-operative-run Sainik School in Gujarat

• Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah organized a virtual ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the country's first cooperative-run Sainik School. This event took place near Mehsana in Gujarat. Sainik Schools are being established in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to start 100 new Sainik Schools on PPP basis across India. This Sainik School, run by a cooperative, is a symbol of the government's commitment to include various sectors in the development of the country.
• The Sainik School will be set up in Boriyavi village, located about 11 km from Mehsana city in Gujarat. Leading cooperative organisation Dudhsagar Dairy is starting this project at a cost of Rs 75 crore. The virtual foundation stone laying ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and several senior cabinet ministers.

 SPORTS

Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal shocking retirement

• Bangladesh one-day captain Tamim Iqbal announced his shock retirement from international cricket on Thursday, three months before the team begins its 50-overs World Cup campaign in India.
• The 34-year-old was in tears as he announced his decision to end his 16-year international career in a news conference.
• angladesh, whose World Cup campaign begins on October 7 against Afghanistan in Dharamsala, is yet to reveal who will lead the side after Tamim's exit.
• A leading contender is Shakib Al Hasan, who captains the T20 side. Left-handed opener Tamim has scored 15,000-plus runs in international cricket, including 25 centuries.
• His ODI tally of 8,313 runs is the highest by a Bangladesh batsman and his 14 centuries in this format is also higher than any of his compatriots.
• Tamim skipped the one-off Test against Afghanistan last month with a stiff back and scored 13 in Wednesday's one-day international against Afghanistan in Chattogram, in what turned out his last international outing.

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Sirisha Voruganti appointed MD & CEO of Lloyds Banking Group's Technology Center in India

• Lloyds Banking Group, one of the leading UK-based financial services groups, has appointed Sirisha Voruganti as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of its new Lloyds Technology Centre.
• Voruganti is a globally renowned technology and innovation leader. She previously served as the Managing Director and Board Member of JCPenney in India. Voruganti has held senior technology positions at leading global firms, including serving as JPMorgan Chase's first female managing director in technology in India and as executive vice president of architecture, data and shared services for Mastercard.
• About: Lloyds Banking Group - Lloyds Banking Group is a British financial institution formed in 2009 through the acquisition of HBOS by Lloyds TSB. It is one of the UK's largest financial services organisations, serving 30 million customers and employing 65,000 people. Lloyds Bank was founded in 1765, and the legacy of the wider group stretches back 320 years.
• The group is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. It has a market capitalization of approximately £30.65 billion as of August 1, 2022. The headquarters of Lloyds Banking Group is located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Robin Budenberg is the chairman of Lloyds Banking Group.

Justice Sheo Kumar Singh becomes NGT acting chairman

• The Central Government has authorized Justice Sheo Kumar Singh-I, Judicial Member of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), to act as the Chairperson of the Tribunal till a new Chairperson is appointed.
• Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel who was appointed as the Chairman in July 2018; Retired on 6 July 2023. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a notification on 6 July 2023 authorizing Justice Sheo Kumar Singh-I to act as the Chairperson.
• He was appointed as a judicial member of NGT in 2020. He is currently working as Judicial Member in the Central Zone Bench of Bhopal.
• Shri Singh-I graduated from Allahabad University in 1975. Passed out as a Law graduate from Allahabad University in the year 1978. Joined judicial service in 1984 and worked as District Judge, Registrar (Judicial) in various districts of Uttar Pradesh. He was appointed Supervisor of Ram Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya, Faizabad. He was elevated as a judge in Allahabad and served there till January 2018.

FPSB India appoints Krishna Mishra as CEO

• The Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) of India appointed Krishna Mishra as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from 1 August 2023. FPSB India is the Indian subsidiary of FPSB, a global standard-setting organization for the financial planning profession.
• Krishna Mishra will lead the strategy and operations of FPSB India as CEO. His primary focus will be on advancing the financial planning profession in India. Krishna Mishra brings over 20 years of experience to his new role.
• His previous leadership positions include Country Head-International Business (India and South Asia) at Becker Professional Education, Head of North and East India at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and Regional Head (East) and Business Head-Channel Business at HCL Infosystem
• About: Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) - It is a global non-profit organisation that sets and supports standards for the financial planning profession. Its primary mission is to benefit the global public by establishing, promoting and implementing professional standards for financial planning.
• The FPSB develops and maintains the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification program, which is recognized as the global standard for financial planning excellence. The FPSB aims to increase consumer confidence in the financial planning profession by establishing and maintaining global standards.
• It aims to protect the public interest and promote professionalism, integrity and competence among financial planners globally. Please Rate this article, so that we can improve the quality for you -

IMPORTANT DAYS

Kiswahili Language Day

• In the 1950s the United Nations established the Kiswahili language unit of United Nations Radio, and today Kiswahili is the only African language within the Directorate of the Global Communications at the United Nations. The United Nations General Assembly, through its resolution 71/328 of 11 September 2017, on multilingualism, welcomed implementation of a day dedicated to each of its official languages in order to inform and raise awareness of their history, culture and use, and encouraged the Secretary-General and institutions such as UNESCO to consider extending this important initiative to other non-official languages spoken throughout the world.
• In that regard, the 41st session of the General Conference of UNESCO adopted resolution 41 C/61 that recognized the role the Kiswahili language plays in promoting cultural diversity, creating awareness and fostering dialogue among civilizations and noted the need to promote multilingualism as a core value of the United Nations and an essential factor in harmonious communication between peoples, which promotes unity in diversity and international understanding, tolerance and dialogue. The resolution proclaimed 7 July of each year as World Kiswahili Language Day. Kiswahili is the first African language to the recognized in such a manner by the UN.
• World Kiswahili Language Day 2023: Unleashing Kiswahili's potential in the digital era. The second commemoration of the World Kiswahili Language Day will highlight the important role played by Kiswahili in the digital landscape

SUMMIT'S & MOU's

Urban-20 Mayoral Summit begins in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat today, July7

• The Urban 20 (U20) Mayoral Summit will begin today in the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Delegates and participants from 57 cities across the world and 35 cities from India will participate in the two-day summit. U20 is an Engagement Group under India’s G20 presidency. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore will inaugurate the summit.
• Akashvani correspondent reports that thematic sessions on the six U20 priority areas including environmental responsibility, climate finance, and water security will be organized during the summit. Mayors from across the world and Indian cities will share experiences of their respective city-level actions and initiatives. Over 500 participants, including Mayors, Deputy Mayors, city officials, and knowledge partners will attend the summit.
• The event will also host an exhibition showcasing India’s urban story, especially city-level success, notable projects, and innovative initiatives. The key outcome of the U20 Mayoral Summit is the handover of the U20 Communiqué by the attending Mayors to the G20 leaders. The U20 Communiqué is an action-oriented collaboratively prepared document that brings to the fore the role that cities can play in taking forward the G20 agenda.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

British National Award for director Shekhar Kapur

• Noted film director Shekhar Kapur has been presented with the British National Award for Best Director for 'What's Love Got To Do With It'.
• At the award ceremony, the film 'What's Love Got To Do With It' was nominated in nine categories, out of which the film won four. Apart from Best Director, the film was also awarded Best British Film, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor. Shekhar Kapur is best known for directing films ranging from Bandit Queen, Mr. India to Elizabeth.
• Shekhar's international career His film Elizabeth, which came in 1998, was given the Oscar Award in the Best Make-up category. Its sequel Elizabeth - The Golden Age, which came in the year 2007, won the Oscar Award in the Best Costume Design category. Currently Shekhar is in news for the sequel of his classic Hindi film Masoom. What's Love Got To Do With It is a British romantic comedy, released in the UK as well as the US and India. The film stars Lily James, Shazad Latif, Shabana Azmi, Emma Thompson, Sajal Ali, Oliver Chris and Asim Chowdhary in lead roles.