National News
53rd GST Council Meeting Overview
The 53rd GST Council met under the Chairpersonship of Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, Chief Ministers of Goa and Meghalaya, Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, Finance Ministers of States & UTs (with legislature), and senior officers of the Ministry of Finance & States/ UTs.
India to Launch E-Medical Visa Facility for Bangladesh Nationals
A meeting between the two delegations in the national capital on June 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will start an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi nationals. For those who are coming to India for medical treatment, India will open a new consulate in Rangpur, Bangladesh, to facilitate services for people in the northwest region of the country.
Centre Notifies Anti-Paper Leak Law Amid NEET, NET Row
The Centre has introduced a stringent anti-paper leak law amid controversies surrounding the NEET and UGC-NET exams. The law, which came into force on June 21, 2024, imposes severe penalties, including up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 crore, to curb malpractices in competitive examinations.
States News
Kozhikode, India’s First UNESCO City of Literature
On June 23, 2024, Kozhikode made history by becoming the first UNESCO City of Literature in India. This prestigious recognition highlights the city’s rich literary heritage and cultural significance.
MLA C. Ayyanna Patrudu Elected Speaker of Andhra Assembly
Telugu Desam Party’s Narsipatnam MLA C. Ayyanna Patrudu was elected unanimously as the Speaker of the 16th Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on June 22, 2024. Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu’s election was a mere formality as no other MLA filed a nomination for the Speaker’s post to challenge him.
Appointments News
Pradeep Singh Kharola Has Been Assigned The Additional Charge of NTA DG
The Director General of the National Testing Agency, Subodh Kumar Singh, was removed from the post on June 22, amid controversy over irregularities in exams. Subodh Kumar Singh’s services were put on a “compulsory wait” in the Department of Personnel and Training, the government said in a letter. India Trade Promotion Organisation Chairman and MD Pradeep Singh Kharola was assigned additional charge of NTA DG till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders.
Economy News
FDI to India Drops by 43% in 2023, Ranked 15th Globally: UNCTAD
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), foreign direct investment (FDI) to India in 2023 decreased by 43% compared to 2022, dropping India’s rank to 15th among global FDI recipients. This decline mirrors a global trend where overall FDI fell by 2%.
Sports News
Verstappen Triumphs at Spanish Grand Prix 2024
In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Max Verstappen secured victory at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, further solidifying his position atop the Formula 1 drivers championship.
Important Days
World Rainforest Day 2024, Date, History, theme and Significance
World Rainforest Day is celebrated annually on June 22nd. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of rainforests and encourage their protection and conservation. The day was first observed in 2017 by the Rainforest Partnership. The theme for World Rainforest Day 2024 is “Empowering the World in Defense of Our Rainforests.”
International Olympic Day 2024, Date, Theme and History
International Olympic Day is celebrated on June 23rd every year. It marks the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894. This day celebrates the Olympic spirit and encourages people to get involved in sports. The theme for International Olympic Day 2024 is “Let’s Move and Celebrate.” This theme encourages everyone to be active and enjoy the joy of movement.
International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2024 Observed on 24th June
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy, observed annually on June 24th, recognizes the crucial role of women in shaping international relations and promoting peace.