Let’s dive into the key news headlines from 26th June 2023, covering PM Modi’s Visit to Al-Hakim Mosque, mRNA booster vaccine, Assam’s First Underwater Tunnel, and the World Bank.
National News:
- PM Modi’s Visit to Al-Hakim Mosque in Egypt: Significance for Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Community Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo, Egypt holds great significance, particularly for the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community in India. This mosque, dating back to the 11th century, is named after Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, the 16th Fatimid caliph. PM Modi’s association with the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community, known for their contributions in Gujarat, adds importance to this visit. This article delves into the historical background of the Al-Hakim Mosque and sheds light on the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim population in India, highlighting the significance of this visit.
- India’s First Omicron-specific mRNA Booster Vaccine: GEMCOVAC-OM The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in India has granted emergency use authorization to Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals for its mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine, GEMCOVAC-OM, specifically designed to target the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV2. Phase 3 clinical trials have shown promising results, indicating the vaccine’s potential in preventing future waves of the pandemic.
State News:
- Assam’s First Underwater Tunnel to Connect Numaligarh and Gohpur Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the construction of Assam’s first-ever underwater tunnel, connecting Numaligarh and Gohpur. This groundbreaking project, estimated to cost Rs 6,000 crores, will be the first rail-road tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in northeast India. The opening of tenders for the project next month marks a significant milestone in the region’s transportation infrastructure.
Business News:
- World Bank Grants USD 255.5 Million Loan to Enhance Technical Education in India The World Bank has approved a USD 255.5 million loan to support the enhancement of technical education in government-run institutions across India. The project aims to improve the quality of education and provide more career opportunities to students. Over the next five years, approximately 275 selected government-run technical institutions will benefit from this funding, benefiting more than 350,000 students annually.
Important Days News:
- United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: Date and History On June 26th, the UN observes the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture to commemorate the day in 1987 when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into force. This convention is a crucial instrument in the global fight against torture. The prohibition of torture is considered a part of customary international law, making it legally binding on all countries, regardless of their ratification of specific treaties explicitly prohibiting torture. The official website highlights that the systematic or widespread practice of torture is recognized as a crime against humanity.
- World Drug Day 2023: Date, Theme, Significance, and History Every year on June 26th, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed to promote global efforts to eliminate drug abuse. This year’s campaign focuses on increasing awareness regarding the significance of treating individuals who engage in drug use with empathy and respect. The theme for this year’s World Drug Day is “People first: Stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.”
Ranks & Reports News:
- Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023: Bengaluru Startup Ecosystem Ranks 20th The recently released Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023 (GSER 2023) by Startup Genome provides a comprehensive analysis of startup ecosystems worldwide. The report offers valuable insights into the global startup landscape, utilizing data from millions of startups across various ecosystems. Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s Silicon Valley, has secured the 20th position on the list, climbing two spots from the previous year.
- Global Competitiveness Index 2023: Denmark, Ireland, and Switzerland Lead the Way The 2023 Global Competitiveness Index, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), has identified Denmark, Ireland, and Switzerland as the top three most competitive economies among the 64 nations surveyed. The report highlights the unique approaches taken by these countries to achieve competitiveness and emphasizes the importance of long-term value creation. This article explores the rankings, key findings, and notable advancements and challenges faced by various countries.
Agreements News:
- Infosys Signs $454 Million Deal with Danske Bank for Digital Transformation Infosys and Danske Bank have entered into a long-term collaboration aimed at accelerating the bank’s digital transformation goals. The collaboration, valued at $454 million for an initial 5-year period, with the potential for three one-year extensions, aims to support Danske Bank in achieving its strategic objectives of improving client experiences, operational efficiency, and implementing advanced technologies for a modernized technological environment. This collaboration is expected to bring speed and scalability to Danske Bank’s digital transformation journey.
Awards News:
- Singer-Composer Shankar Mahadevan Receives Honorary Doctorate in the UK Renowned singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Birmingham City University (BCU) in England. This prestigious recognition pays tribute to his significant contributions to the field of music and the arts. Shankar Mahadevan, a prominent member of the highly accomplished music composing trio known as Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, received the honorary doctorate during a ceremony held in Birmingham, presented by Professor Philip Plowden, the Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University.
- PM Narendra Modi Receives Egypt’s Highest Honour ‘Order of the Nile’ During his official visit to Egypt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with Egypt’s highest state award, the ‘Order of the Nile.’ This recognition marks the 13th international award received by Prime Minister Modi. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi presented the prestigious award to him, making it a significant moment as Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Egypt since 1997.
Sports News:
- Gautam Adani Launches ‘Jeetenge Hum’ Campaign with 1983 Heroes ahead of Cricket World Cup 2023 The Adani Group celebrated its Foundation Day by honoring the Indian cricket team that won the 1983 World Cup. On the 61st birthday of Gautam Adani, the group’s founder, they launched the ‘Jeetenge Hum’ campaign. The aim of this campaign is to rally support for Team India and boost morale ahead of the upcoming ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023.
Miscellaneous News:
- 1,000-Year-Old Jaina Sculptures Discovered near Hyderabad, Telangana: Largest ‘Dwarapala’ Sculpture Found in Siddipet Archaeologists in Siddipet district, Telangana, have made a significant discovery of 1,000-year-old Jaina sculptures. Among the findings is a remarkable ‘dwarapala’ sculpture representing Vijaya, the doorkeeper of Lord Vishnu. This sculpture, measuring six feet above the ground and three feet below, with a thickness of 9 inches, is carved out of granite stone in relief. It surpasses any previously reported findings in Telangana in terms of size and significance.
