Correct Answer :   Irshad Ahmad

---

Indian Embassy in Muscat Counsellor "Irshad Ahmad" has been appointed as India ’s next Ambassador to Syria.

Ahmad will shortly take up the assignment, according to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Meanwhile, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan recently discussed India - Syria bilateral cooperation including development partnership, trade and capacity building with Syrian Prime Minister Hussein Arnous.

Glad to have had a fruitful meeting with the Prime Minister of Syria, Hussein Arnous in Damascus, Syria. Discussed the wide-ranging bilateral cooperation between India and Syria including development partnership, trade and capacity building,” MoS Muraleedharan tweeted.

The developments came during the MoS' two-day official visit to the country.

Muraleedharan also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi in Damascus. "Started off the day in Damascus, Syria by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi ji at the premises of @eoidamascus," MoS Muraleedharan tweeted.

Earlier, the MoS met the Syriac Patriarch of Antioch & all the East in Damascus, Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.

"Blessed to meet His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Syriac Patriarch of Antioch and all the East in Damascus, Syria," the MoS tweeted..

Souce : ANI

Correct Answer :   IFSCA

---

Kerala Startup Mission has tied up with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) for stronger support to nascent fintech and techfin firms through increased capital and a wider global network in the next 3 years.

KSUM and IFSCA signed a memorandum of understanding, subsequently interacting with select fintech startups and holding a session on the international authority’s services as well as schemes.

The pact was inked between KSUM Chief Executive Officer Anoop Ambika and IFSCA Chief Technology Officer Joseph Joshy.

The MoU permits seeking inputs from each other on developmental matters relating to the fintech industry, while also collaborating on events that include global hackathons and education programs.

The parties can jointly hold symposia, webinars, and conferences for the growth of fintech at IFSC in GIFT (Gujarat International Financial Tec-City) of Gandhinagar, pointed out Ambika, noting that the agreement will enable KSUM startups to know more about the global trends in the domain.

Fintechs are businesses that use technology to modify, enhance, or automate financial services for businesses or consumers, while techfins provide software solutions that are not primarily finance-related.

As per the MoU, KSUM-registered fintechs can find listed on international exchanges within IFSC to raise capital. The signatories can create a Joint Working Group or similar mechanisms to discuss mutual interests and remove difficulties..

Source : The Hindu Businessline

Correct Answer :   Bengaluru

---

Bengaluru has become the first Indian city to become part of the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF) a global network of cities that share research and intelligence, and explore the role of culture in future prosperity.

* The network currently has 40 cities spanning six continents.

* Bengaluru being the latest addition is set to join the league of cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai among others.

* The global consortium was founded in 2012 by Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture & the Creative Industries.

* “We have been keen to have an Indian city and a lot of other cities that are part of the network have also been keen about it. Bengaluru is a fast-growing city. It’s very diverse and has got a big commitment to culture”.

* It feels like there is real ambition and drive in Bengaluru around the culture story. It is known as a tech city in the rest of the world. This is a fantastic opportunity for Bengaluru to bring the cultural story alongside the tech story, and to really grow its economy and its status as a global city..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   17th

---

The Ministry of Earth Sciences 27th July 2023 celebrated its 17th Foundation Day 2023 at its Prithvi Bhavan headquarters in New Delhi.

* Union Minister Kiren Rijiju launched several citizen-centric initiatives to mark this occasion.

* He lauded the Ministry’s efforts and highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions the country becoming a developed nation by 2047.

* He added that in order to fulfill this vision, every citizen and institution will have to contribute substantially in a focused and targeted manner.
 
* Earth Sciences Ministry is mandated to provide services for weather and climate, ocean and coastal state, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards.


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Droupadi Murmu

---

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu laid foundation stone for “Divine Light House” of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya (PBKIVV) at Dasabatia, Tamando (July 27, 2023) and launched its theme of the year “The Year of Positive Change” for conducting seminars and conferences.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya is not just an organization, but also a social and spiritual campaign run by women.

The President said that both material and spiritual development are necessary for humanity. She added that technology is the driver of change and that change is unavoidable and necessary for development.

She stated that materialistic changes can give us happiness but one can attain mental peace by following the spiritual path. She was happy to note that Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya is paving the way for spirituality through meditation and a disciplined lifestyle.

The President said that from time to time some negative thoughts disturb our minds. She added that by due to lack of introspection, we start falling prey to negative thinking.

She said that feelings of envy and hatred start increasing within us. She added that the biggest challenge before us today is to get rid of negative thoughts and move towards positivity. She appreciated Brahma Kumaris organization’s efforts for making humanity aware and helping people move forward in a positive direction..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Chennai

---

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that protecting and caring for mother earth has taken the shape of climate action in the country 28th July 2023.

He emphasised upon ensuring the development of the last person in society. He said, countries of the global south are particularly affected by climate change and environmental issues.

The Prime Minister recalled the need for enhanced actions and commitments under the UN Climate Convention at the Paris Agreement.

In a video message at the concluding session of 4th Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting (ECSWG) in Chennai 28th July 2023, the Prime Minister stressed upon the importance of environmental protection and reiterated the country's unwavering commitment to combating climate change issues.

He said that India led the way to cleaner energy through its ambitious nationally determined contributions. He mentioned about India’s achievement on installed electric capacity on non- fossil fuel sources 9 years ahead of the target of 2030, and setting the bar even higher through updated targets.

PM addressed the gathering by quoting Tirukural saying, even the wealth of the wide sea will be diminished, if the cloud that has drawn its waters up, does not gives them back again.

He mentioned that in India, nature and its ways have been regular sources of learning. These are found in several scriptures as well as oral traditions. Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadhav and Troika countries Ministers from Indonesia and Brazil also addressed the meeting. Two technical sessions are planned 28th July 2023 on the themes of climate change, Blue Economy, Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy, Land and Biodiversity and Water Resource Management.

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Sanjay Kumar Mishra

---

The Supreme Court on Thursday (27th July 2023) extended the term of the Director of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) Sanjay Kumar Mishra till September 15, 2023 in "larger public interest".

Mishra's term was to end on July 31 as per the July 11 judgment which held the previous extensions given to the officer to be illegal.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, and Sanjay Karol partly allowed Centre's plea to extend Mishra's term till October 15, 2023. The bench however added that no further extensions will be allowed to him.

In ordinary circumstances, we would not have accepted such an application having held that the extension granted to him was illegal. We allowed him to continue till July 31 to allow smooth transition. Taking into consideration larger public interest, we permit ED director to continue for some more period.

We add that no further application would be entertained for grant of extension. We also direct that the respondent will cease to be the director of ED with effect of midnight of 15th/16th September 2023", the bench ordered. The Centre cited the involvement of the  outgoing ED director in the review of India’s anti-money laundering mechanisms  by the Financial Action Task Force(FATF), a global peer review body..

Source : Livelaw

Correct Answer :   Gujarat

---

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India has emerged as a powerful energy conductor for the semiconductor industry of the world 28th July 2023.

Inaugurating the Semicon India 2023 conclave in Gandhinagar, Gujarat (28th July 2023), he urged global private players to grab the right opportunity to invest in the Indian semiconductor industry.

Saying that the foundation of the fourth industrial revolution is related to the Indian aspirations, the Prime Minister said, a stable, responsible, reform-oriented-government, expanding infrastructure and technology development, and massive talent pool make India a trusted partner in the global supply chain post pandemic.

Reiterating the government's commitment to create a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem, the Prime Minister said, the government is giving 50%  financial assistance to the technology players who wish to set up semiconductor manufacturing in the country.

Govt provides :

The government has identified more than 300 educational institutes that will provide academic courses dedicated to the semiconductor sector to create skilled engineers.

The Prime Minister said, the electronic industry in India is growing by leaps and bounds. Electronic manufacturing and exports have also expanded in the country substantially over the past 9 years.

Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel Says : The industry-friendly policies and infrastructure development make Gujarat the best destination for the semiconductor sector.

* Union Minister of IT Ashwini Vaishnav said, considering the vast potential of the semiconductor industry globally, the Government of India has taken steps to promote semiconductor manufacturing in the country.

* He said the three recent MOUs with the semiconductor giants, will help India to emerge as the semiconductor hub in the days ahead.

* The three-day conclave is being organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to showcase India's semiconductor strategy and development in the field of Semiconductors.

* Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar, was also present at the inaugural ceremony..


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Anurag Thakur

---

Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur 27th July 2023 inaugurated the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2023 in Greater Noida. The event is being held in India for the first time.

The international event will see the participation of more than 30 Indian weightlifters, including many Khelo India Athletes who in the past month alone gave India its best-ever performance at the Weightlifting Commonwealth Championships by winning 61 medals in total.
 
In his address, Mr Thakur expressed happiness that India is hosting this prestigious event where more than 15 nations from the Asian region, 200 athletes, and more than 50 technical staff and coaches are participating.

He said, events like these are the bedrock for future sporting successes. He conveyed best wishes to all the athletes participating in this event.

The Minister also spoke about the achievements of various iconic Indian weightlifters such as Karnam Malleshwari, and Mirabai Chanu who inspire younger athletes to compete with more power.

He also congratulated the new crop of athletes like Martina Devi, Harshada Garud, and Dhanush Loganathan who in the past have won multiple Khelo India Games medals and other medals at the highest level.
 
The Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships will begin 28th July 2023and will conclude on the 5th of August 2023..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Niger

---

Niger President Mohamed Bazoum has been removed from power, according to a group of soldiers who appeared on the West African nation's national television late on Wednesday (26th July 2023), hours after the president was held in the presidential palace.

Reading from a statement, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, seated and flanked by nine other officers, said defence and security forces had decided: "Put an end to the regime that you know due to the deteriorating security situation and bad governance."

Abdramane said Niger's borders are closed, a nationwide curfew declared, and all institutions of the republic are suspended.

The soldiers warned against any foreign intervention, adding that they will respect Bazoum's wellbeing.

The military takeover, which marks the seventh coup in the West and Central Africa region since 2020, could further complicate Western efforts to help countries in the Sahel region fight a jihadist insurgency that has spread from Mali over the past decade.

Land-locked Niger, a former French colony, has become a pivotal ally for Western powers seeking to help fight the insurgencies, but they are facing growing acrimony from the new juntas in charge in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Niger is also a key ally of the European Union in the fight against irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa.

France moved troops to Niger from Mali last year after its relations with interim authorities there soured. It has also withdrawn special forces from Burkina Faso amid similar tensions.

Bazoum's election was the first democratic transition of power in a state that has witnessed four military coups since independence from France in 1960.

The United States says it has spent around $500 million since 2012 to help Niger boost its security. Germany announced in April that it would take part in a three-year European military mission aimed at improving the country's military.

"Bazoum has been the West's only hope in the Sahel region. France, the U.S. and the EU have spent much of their resources in the region to bolster Niger and its security forces," said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel programme for Germany's Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung think-tank.

He said a coup would create an opportunity for Russia and other actors to spread their influence in Niger..

Source : Reuters