The two-day Urban 20 Mayoral Summit held in Gandhinagar, chaired by Ahmedabad, concluded with a groundbreaking achievement as the Communiqué received endorsements from 105 cities worldwide, the highest ever recorded for any U20 Communiqué. The action agenda outlined in the Communiqué focuses on six priorities identified by U20 cities, including environmental responsibility, climate finance, local culture and economy, water security, digital urban futures, and urban planning and governance. The summit emphasized the crucial role of cities in achieving global sustainability goals, as reiterated by the Hon'ble Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri. With the support of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Govt. of India, the summit facilitated discussions and sessions on pertinent urban issues, marking this U20 cycle as a resounding success in various aspects.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister of State for Communication Devusinh Chauhan launched the 'Antyodaya Shramik Suraksha Scheme,' a pilot initiative aimed at providing financial security to laborers in the event of accidents at their workplace. The scheme, implemented through the Indian Postal Department, Indian Post Payment Banks, and the Ministry of Labor and Employment, aims to prioritize the welfare and safety of laborers, recognizing their significant contribution to India's development.

A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery, providing an explanation for the existence of a massive gravity hole that has puzzled researchers for years in the Indian Ocean. Through extensive research and cutting-edge technology, they have shed light on the origins and mechanisms behind this extraordinary phenomenon.

The disbursal of loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) in India has surged to ₹81,597 crore in the first quarter of FY24, marking a substantial 23% increase compared to the previous year. This growth, the highest-ever recorded in the first quarter since the scheme's inception, can be attributed to rising demand in the Tarun category and the willingness of borrowers to utilize credit. While the boost in economic activity and loan size are positive indicators, concerns have been raised regarding the potential rise in non-performing assets (NPAs).

The iconic Shravani Mela, a globally renowned religious festival, has been inaugurated in Deoghar, India. The festival draws millions of devotees who undertake a sacred pilgrimage to the Baba Baidyanath Temple, seeking blessings and offering prayers. The event holds immense cultural and religious significance, attracting visitors from across the country and abroad. The inauguration marks the commencement of a month-long celebration filled with spiritual fervor, rituals, and vibrant festivities.

The coalition government led by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has collapsed due to irreconcilable differences concerning migration policies. The breakdown comes after extensive crisis talks failed to reach a consensus among the four-party coalition. Rutte, the longest-serving leader in the Netherlands, has announced his resignation and plans to lead a caretaker government until the upcoming elections, while bitter recriminations and divisive debates loom over the political landscape.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a draft circular outlining guidelines for credit card network portability. This article explores the implications of the proposed measures, the potential benefits for credit cardholders, and the expected impact on the Indian credit card industry.

Indian pharmaceutical companies are facing increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities and international stakeholders. This article delves into the factors contributing to the heightened attention on Indian drugmakers and the potential implications for the country's pharmaceutical industry.

India's Election Commission (ECI) and Panama's Electoral Tribunal (ET) have taken a significant step towards enhancing their cooperation in election management and administration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership reflects the growing recognition of the importance of sharing best practices and fostering global partnerships in electoral processes, contributing to the advancement of democratic principles worldwide.

The Gutti Koya tribe residing on the Andhra Pradesh-Chhattisgarh border has erected stone memorials in Ramchandrapuram Village within the forest. These memorials serve as a tribute to their three esteemed service providers: the physician, priest, and village leader. Through this act, the Gutti Koya tribe expresses their gratitude for the invaluable services rendered by these individuals who dedicated themselves to serving the tribal community in Ramchandrapuram Village.

The Indian Navy and the US Navy have successfully conducted the seventh edition of the Salvex exercise in Kochi, marking another milestone in their maritime collaboration. The joint exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and cooperation in salvage operations, showcasing the commitment of both navies to maintaining regional security and promoting peace in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise included various scenarios to test the readiness and capabilities of naval forces in responding to maritime emergencies and reinforcing the bond between India and the United States.

The 88th birthday of the Dalai Lama, the revered spiritual leader and symbol of peace, is being celebrated worldwide. Known for his teachings on compassion, non-violence, and global harmony, the Dalai Lama has dedicated his life to promoting peace and understanding among individuals and nations. His birthday serves as a reminder of his invaluable contributions and the profound impact he has made on people's lives around the world.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has introduced PNB Metaverse, a virtual branch that revolutionizes the way customers interact with their banking services. PNB Metaverse offers a unique and immersive banking experience, allowing customers to explore a wide range of products and services from the convenience of their mobile phones and laptops. This new virtual environment opens doors to exclusive features and seamless engagement, bringing the future of banking right to customers' fingertips.

Elena, a leading technology company, has unveiled India's first navigation device powered by the indigenous Navigation with Indian Constellation (NAVIC) system. The device aims to provide accurate and reliable navigation services tailored to Indian users, showcasing the country's technological advancements in satellite-based navigation.

SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, has achieved a significant milestone in its mission to provide global internet connectivity through Starlink. The Mongolian government has granted SpaceX licenses to operate as an internet service provider, opening up opportunities for widespread access to high-speed internet across the country. This collaboration between SpaceX and Mongolia has the potential to bridge the digital divide and bring enhanced connectivity to remote regions.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made remarkable strides in its ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission, focusing on achieving a successful soft landing on the Moon. Learning from the setbacks of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, ISRO has diligently rectified the issues and is now preparing for the launch of Chandrayaan-3 on July 14. This mission aims to demonstrate India's capability to softly land on the lunar surface and contribute valuable scientific data to the field of lunar research, further solidifying India's position in the global space community.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced the "Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States" with a substantial allocation of Rs. 5,000 Crore. This scheme, announced by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, aims to enhance fire services and disaster preparedness across the country. The scheme focuses on expanding and modernizing fire services by strengthening the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and promoting capacity-building initiatives. State governments will be required to contribute a portion of the total cost, with exceptions for North-Eastern and Himalayan states. The scheme aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of achieving 'zero death' and minimal property loss during disasters, emphasizing the importance of making India disaster-resilient.

Piramal Finance, a prominent housing finance company, has taken a significant stride towards empowering women by inaugurating its first all-women branch named "Maitreyi" in Tripunithura, a suburban area in Kochi. This strategic expansion initiative aims to cater to the unique financial needs of female customers and tap into the growing market potential. With plans to establish branches in Jaipur, Mumbai, Mohali, and New Delhi, Piramal Finance reaffirms its commitment to providing financial services to women across India.

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has unveiled Threads, a new social media platform aimed at leveraging the uncertainty surrounding Twitter under Elon Musk's ownership. Available in over 100 countries through app stores, Threads allows users to share brief text messages, links, photos, and videos. Integrated with Instagram, the platform prioritizes privacy features, allowing users to customize settings separately for each app. Despite Meta's past struggles with standalone app launches, Threads has attracted popular brands, celebrities, and social media influencers, indicating an early positive response to the platform's offerings.

The Startup20 Shikhar Summit, organized by the Startup20 Engagement Group under the India G20 Presidency, concluded triumphantly in Gurugram. This two-day summit served as a dynamic platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic alliances within the global startup ecosystem. The event's closing ceremony marked the official torch handover to Brazil, the next G20 presidency country, committing to continue the Startup20 initiative in 2024. The summit witnessed the release of a Policy Communiqué, outlining specific action points aimed at defining startups, establishing supportive institutions, facilitating access to capital, easing market regulations, and promoting inclusion of underrepresented communities. HRH Prince Fahad Bin Mansoor of Saudi Arabia endorsed the call to invest $1 trillion per annum into the startup ecosystem by 2030, recognizing the transformative power of startups in driving economic growth and innovation. The summit also featured showcases of outstanding national and international startups, highlighting the significance of global collaboration and cross-border synergies.

In a momentous ceremony held at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, King Charles III of the United Kingdom was presented with the Scottish Crown Jewels, symbolizing his authority in Scotland. This event, which took place two months after his official coronation, not only solidified his position but also paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth. The grand procession and national thanksgiving service showcased the enduring connection between the British monarchy and Scotland, while marking the transition to a new era under King Charles III.

The Central Government has initiated a new relief scheme under the 'Mission Vatsalya' program to address the abandonment of minor girls who become pregnant after being victims of rape. Launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Mission Vatsalya focuses on the protection and welfare of children. It aims to provide comprehensive support to these vulnerable girls by offering shelter, food, transportation for court hearings, and legal aid. The scheme also emphasizes access to education, healthcare facilities, psychological assistance, and police support. By establishing shelters and integrating multiple services, Mission Vatsalya aims to ensure that no child is left behind in the aftermath of such heinous crimes.

The Swarnima Scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs from backward classes. Implemented by the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and executed by State Channelising Agencies (SCAs), the scheme offers term loans of up to ₹2,00,000/- at a subsidized interest rate of 5% per annum. With the objective of empowering women and ensuring social and financial security, the Swarnima Scheme is a significant initiative that supports women's entrepreneurial endeavors.

The Startup20 Shikhar Summit, organized by the Startup20 Engagement Group under the India G20 Presidency, has commenced in Gurugram, marking a significant milestone for the global startup ecosystem. The two-day event serves as a platform to celebrate the successful completion of Startup20's inaugural year and unveils the final Policy Communiqué, laying the foundation for an advanced and transformative future for startup ecosystems worldwide. Dignitaries, including government officials and industry leaders, grace the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the summit's role in fostering a thriving startup ecosystem and reinforcing India's global leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship.

State Bank of India (SBI), the largest bank in India and one of the largest in the world, celebrated its 68th Bank Day on July 1, 2023. The day was marked with various programs across the country, including a Circle Level Staff Cultural program and a gathering of dignitaries, customers, staff, and their families in Chandigarh. The Chief General Manager, Sh. Vinod Jaiswal, emphasized the importance of preserving SBI's rich banking heritage and its leading role in financial inclusion and banking services.

The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme aims to improve the lives of individuals living below the poverty line who face significant challenges due to disabilities. It provides social benefits to eligible persons with disabilities, offering a monthly pension and additional financial support.

Neeraj Chopra, the renowned Javelin Throw athlete, has risen to prominence through his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. Hailing from a farming family in Khandra village near Panipat, Haryana, Neeraj's journey to greatness began when he discovered his passion for Javelin at a young age. With the guidance of his first coach, Jaiveer, Neeraj honed his skills and embarked on a remarkable sporting career. From setting national records to clinching international titles, Neeraj's achievements have solidified his status as one of India's most celebrated athletes. With multiple accolades and the historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2021, Neeraj Chopra's journey is a testament to perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.

Guru Purnima, a revered Hindu festival, holds immense significance in the Hindu religion and is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Ashadha (July to August). This year, Guru Purnima 2023 will be observed on July 3rd. While it symbolizes the Guru-Shishya relationship, this festival transcends religious boundaries and is celebrated with equal enthusiasm by Buddhists and Jains.

Witness the awe-inspiring Buck Supermoon, a remarkable celestial event that will grace the night sky in July 2023. This supermoon, also known as the Buck Moon, will captivate observers with its magnificence and unique characteristics.

Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri, in partnership with South African player Lloyd Harris, achieved a remarkable breakthrough in his career by capturing his first-ever ATP World Tour title. The Indo-South African duo displayed exceptional skill and resilience in the thrilling final against Robine Hasse and Philipp Oswald, securing victory and marking a significant milestone for Bhambri, whose singles career has been plagued by injuries. Transitioning to doubles, Bhambri aims to prolong his tennis career and establish a prominent presence in the highly competitive world of doubles tennis.

The government has recently announced an upward revision in interest rates for select savings schemes during the July-September quarter. This decision aligns with the high-interest rates prevailing in the banking system and aims to provide investors with higher returns and encourage savings.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to host its first-ever multi-national air exercise, 'Tarang Shakti,' in October-November this year. With the participation of prominent nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Australia, the exercise aims to bolster military cooperation, foster strategic alliances, and demonstrate India's commitment to global engagement.

Visa, the world's largest payments processor, has made a significant move by acquiring Brazilian fintech platform Pismo for a staggering $1 billion in cash. This acquisition serves as a strategic step for Visa to expand its presence in Latin America, demonstrating its confidence in the region despite a slowdown in funding. With Pismo's robust cloud-based platform, which caters to over 70 million accounts and facilitates more than $200 billion in transactions annually, Visa aims to strengthen its offerings in the market and enable clients to issue Visa and Mastercard cards.