World UFO Day 2023

World UFO Day, celebrated annually on July 2, serves as a platform for individuals around the globe to delve into the intriguing realm of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). This day, initially observed on June 24, aims to raise awareness about UFOs, spark conversations, and foster an exchange of ideas regarding the existence of extraterrestrial life.

Origin of World UFO Day

World UFO Day traces its roots back to two significant events in the United States. The first event occurred on June 24, 1947, when pilot Kenneth Arnold reported observing several unidentified objects near Mount Rainier, Washington. Subsequently, on July 2, 1952, radar operators confirmed multiple UFO sightings over Washington. To avoid conflicts with other UFO-related events, the official date for World UFO Day was shifted to July 2, honoring this notable occurrence.

World Sports Journalist Day 2023

World Sports Journalist Day is celebrated worldwide on July 2nd each year. Sports holds great significance in the overall growth of individuals, serving as both a recreational pursuit and a potential career path. Certain individuals possess a deep passion for both sports and journalism, leading them to pursue professions as “Sports Journalists.” The day honours the accomplishments of sports media professionals and motivates them to put more effort into spreading knowledge about sports among the general public. Many news firms host special events to honour sports journalists on this special day.

World Sports Journalist Day 2023- Theme

There is no particular theme for the celebrations of World Sports Journalist Day this year. The purpose is to recognize the efforts of individuals involved in sports journalism.

Guru Purnima 2023

Guru Purnima is considered to be a religious Hindu festival which holds a significance place in Hindu religion. As per Drik Panchang, Guru Purnima is celebrated every year on Purnima day i.e. full moon day in the month of Ashadha i.e. from July to August and the Guru Purnima 2023 is being celebrated on 3rd July 2023. Guru Purnima expresses the Guru-Shishya relations across India, Nepal and Bhutan. Guru Purnima is not just only a Hindu festival it is also celebrated by Buddhists and even Jainis with the same zeal.

International Plastic Bag Free Day 2023

International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed every year on July 3rd to increase awareness about the detrimental effects of disposable plastic bags on the environment. This day acts as a reminder for individuals, communities, and businesses globally to minimize their usage of plastic bags and explore more sustainable alternatives. People, environmental groups, and organizations worldwide participate in diverse activities, workshops, and campaigns to educate the public about the consequences of plastic bags and encourage the adoption of reusable bag options.

Audi appointed Gernot Dollner as new CEO of the Board of Management

German luxury carmaker Audi AG has announced the appointment of Gernot Dollner as its new CEO. Dollner, currently heading Volkswagen Group’s Product and Group Strategy, will succeed Markus Duesmann as Chairman of the Board of Management. The move is aimed at further strengthening the company’s product strategy and market position. Dollner’s extensive experience and leadership qualities position him well to steer Audi into a successful future. Audi is struggling to keep up with rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz in terms of software advancements and e-mobility which has raised doubts about the company’s ability to uphold its famous slogan, “Vorsprung durch Technik” (progress through technology).

NCP Leader Ajit Pawar Sworn In As Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, who took oath as the Deputy chief minister of Maharashtra after joining the Eknath Shinde-led government, is the son of Sharad Pawar’s elder brother Anantrao. He made his first foray into politics by being elected to the board of a sugar cooperative in 1982.

Tushar Mehta reappointed as Solicitor General of India

Tushar Mehta, the incumbent Solicitor General of India, has been reappointed for a three-year term by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC). Mehta’s reappointment, along with six other law officers, was announced after their previous terms in the Supreme Court concluded. The ACC’s decision reflects the government’s trust in their capabilities to handle the extensive legal matters faced by the country.

IPS officer Ajay Bhatnagar appointed as Special Director in CBI

Ajay Bhatnagar has been appointed as the Special Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Bhatnagar is a senior IPS officer of the 1989 batch from Jharkhand cadre. Currently serving as Additional Director in the CBI, Bhatnagar will hold the position of Special Director until his superannuation on November 20, 2024. Anurag, who was previously Joint Director in the CBI, has been promoted to the role of Additional Director in the agency for a period until July 24, 2023, which completes his seven-year tenure. Manoj Sashidhar, a 1994 batch IPS officer from Gujarat cadre, has been appointed as Additional Director in the CBI for a three-year term. He is currently serving as Joint Director in the agency.

Max Verstappen wins Austrian GP 2023

Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula One champion, continued his impressive performance by securing a commanding victory at the Austrian Grand Prix 2023. This win further solidified his pursuit of a third consecutive world title. Starting from the pole position for the fourth consecutive race, Verstappen demonstrated his dominance by achieving his fifth consecutive win and seventh win out of nine races in the current season. With this remarkable performance, Verstappen extended his lead in the championship standings to 81 points over his teammate Sergio Perez, who also drives for the Red Bull team. Charles Leclerc, the previous year’s winner at this circuit, finished in second place, crossing the finish line 5.2 seconds after Verstappen. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez secured the third position, finishing 17.2 seconds behind the leader.

Brajendra Navnit to be India’s ambassador to WTO for 9 months

Indian government announced the extension of Brajendra Navnit’s tenure as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by nine months. This decision comes ahead of the crucial 13th ministerial conference of the WTO in 2024. Navnit’s extended term demonstrates India’s commitment to promoting its key priorities on the global trade stage.

Chandrayaan-3: ISRO Completes Rocket Assembly, Final Tests Awaited for Launch

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed the assembly of the Chandrayaan-3 rocket and is now preparing for the final round of tests before the anticipated launch. The spacecraft, including the indigenous lander module, propulsion module, and rover, is fully integrated, and the payload faring has also been completed. The launch is expected to take place between July 12 and July 19.

Dream11 now principal jersey sponsor of Indian cricket team

According to reports, the popular fantasy gaming platform Dream11 has reportedly taken over as the main jersey sponsor for the Indian cricket team from July 2023 to March 2026, replacing Byju’s. The deal was reportedly secured at a base price of Rs 358 crore. Byju’s had become the principal sponsor in 2019 after the smartphone brand Oppo decided to transfer the remaining period of its sponsorship term, having been associated with Team India for two and a half years. In March 2022, Byju’s extended its jersey sponsorship deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) until the end of 2023 for a sum of $55 million. It quit after the end of the last financial cycle and reports say that BCCI invited closed bids for new sponsors on June 14. Dream11 was one of the major bidders.

Ashes 2023 Schedule: Date, Timing, Team & Score

Ashes 2023: Here is all you need to know about the Schedule, squads, fixtures and venue info of the England vs Australia five-match Test series. The current score of the series is Australia leading England 2-0. The Ashes is a five-match Test cricket series between England and Australia. It is considered to be the most prestigious cricket series in the world. The series is currently tied at 2-2, with the final match to be played at The Oval in London.

Virgin Galactic launches first commercial spaceflight

Space tourism company Virgin Galactic, founded by Sir Richard Branson in 2004, completed its long-awaited first commercial spaceflight, called Galactic 01. Taking off from Spaceport America in New Mexico, the company’s spacecraft was flown by a pair of pilots and carried four passengers: a Virgin Galactic trainer, to oversee the mission from inside the cabin, and its first trio of paying customers. The three paying passengers are members of the Italian Air Force. The flight also carried 13 research payloads onboard.

New Zealand becomes 1st country in the world to ban thin plastic bag

New Zealand became the first country in the world to ban thin plastic bags at supermarkets on July 1, 2023. The ban applies to single-use plastic bags that are less than 70 microns thick. This includes bags used to carry fruit and vegetables, as well as bags used for bread and other items. The new ban will also extend to plastic straws and silverware, as the government expands a campaign against single-use plastics it started in 2019 when it banned the thicker plastic shopping bags that customers used to carry home their grocery items.

About New Zealand

Capital – Wellington, Currency – Dollar

Prime Minister – Chris Hipkins, Deputy Prime Minister – Carmel Sepuloni

Rajindar Singh Dhatt honoured with the Points of Light Award 2023

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak honoured Rajindar Singh Dhatt with a Points of Light award at a UK-India Week reception at 10 Downing Street.

He was recognized for his service and work running the ‘Undivided Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Association’. The Points of Light award recognize outstanding people whose service is making a difference in their communities and whose stories can inspire others towards innovative solutions to social challenges in their own communities and beyond. Dhatt was one of the last surviving Sikh soldiers who fought in World War II.

India beat Iran to win Asian Kabaddi Championship in Busan

India beat Iran 42-32 in the final of the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 in Busan, Korea. This is India’s eighth title in nine editions. Indian captain Pawan Sehrawat led from the front with a super 10. Earlier in the day, India had beaten Hong Kong 64-20 to end the league stage of the tournament undefeated.