Kiswahili Language Day 2023

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) celebrated the World Kiswahili Language Day on 7th July. In the 1950s the United Nations established the Kiswahili language unit of United Nations Radio, and today Kiswahili is the only African language within the Directorate of the Global Communications at the United Nations. Kiswahili is the first African Language to have this honour. Kiswahili is also known as Swahili language or kiSwahili. The day offers a platform to promote the potential of Kiswahili to achieve both the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063.

Why July 7?

On 7th July 1954, the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) under the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, First President of the United Republic of Tanzania, adopted Kiswahili as a unifying language for independence struggles.

Theme of Kiswahili Language Day

The Theme of 2023: “Unleashing Kiswahili’s potential in the digital era”

World Chocolate Day 2023

Every year, on the 7th of July, people around the world unite to celebrate World Chocolate Day. This special occasion pays tribute to one of life’s most delightful indulgences. On this day, chocolate enthusiasts of all ages come together to relish their favorite treats, be it a plain chocolate bar, a decadent truffle, or a delectable chocolate cake. Make a note on your calendars and get ready for a day brimming with delicious chocolate goodness. World Chocolate Day is a meaningful celebration that reminds us of the widespread adoration for one of the most cherished delicacies worldwide. This special day signifies the universal love for chocolate and serves as a joyous reminder of its significance.

RBI appoints P Vasudevan as new executive director

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed P. Vasudevan as executive director. His appointment is effective from July 03, 2023. The Reserve Bank in a statement said Vasudevan will look after Department of Currency Management, Corporate Strategy and Budget Department (Areas other than that of Budget & Funds) and Enforcement Department. Prior to being promoted as executive director, Vasudevan was the Chief General Manager-in-charge of the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems. The apex bank said Vasudevan has, over a span of nearly 30 years in the Reserve Bank, served in supervision of banks and non-banking financial companies, payment and settlement systems and other areas in the Reserve Bank, including a stint as Member of Faculty in Bankers’ Training College.

Chandrayaan-3 to be launched on July 14

India’s lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 is going to be launched on July 14, at 2:35 P.M. from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota announced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).The date was later confirmed by Secretary of Space department and ISRO Chairman S. Somnath at a press briefing on the sidelines of the G-20 Fourth Economy Leaders Meeting in Bengluru.

Elena Introduces India’s First NavIC

In a significant stride towards achieving self-reliance in navigation applications and services, Elena Geo Systems, a Bengaluru-based firm, has unveiled the country’s first hand-held navigation device based on the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NavIC). The device aims to provide precise directions for various infrastructure projects such as railway, land survey, telecoms, and hydrocarbon exploration. With a cost of Rs 6,000, it can be easily attached to smartphones using an on-the-go (OTG) connector, enabling users to leverage data from any mapping application or satellite source.

FPSB India appoints Krishan Mishra as CEO

The Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) of India has appointed Krishan Mishra as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 August 2023. FPSB India is the Indian subsidiary of FPSB, the global standards-setting body for the financial planning profession and owner of the international Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification program. In his new role, Mishra will lead the strategy and operations of FPSB India and champion the advancement of the financial planning profession in India. With over 20 years of experience, Mishra has held a variety of leadership positions including Country Head-International Business (India and South Asia) of Becker Professional Education, Head of North and East India of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and Regional Head (East) and Business Head-Channel Business at HCL Infosystems. The Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) is a global non-profit organization that sets and upholds standards for the financial planning profession. It serves as an international authority on professional standards, ethics, and competency for financial planners worldwide.

Netherlands men team wins second FIH Hockey Pro League title

Netherlands men team finish their season four campaign on 35 points, making them champions of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022/23 season. With this win, Netherlands become the first team in the men’s competition to win a second title, successfully defending their first title, won in the competition last year. The Indian men’s hockey team finished fourth in the FIH Pro League 2022-23 with 30 points from 16 matches. This was India’s second fourth-place finish in the FIH Pro League, having achieved the same position in their debut season in 2020-21. The Indian hockey team was third in the 2021-22 season. India captain Harmanpreet Singh finished as the top-scorer in FIH Pro League 2022-23 with 18 goals.

Dalai Lama’s 88th Birthday

Dalai Lama, the revered Tibetan spiritual leader, marked his 88th birthday with a joyous celebration at his headquarters in Dharamsala, India. The event saw hundreds of his supporters and exiled Tibetans coming together to honor the occasion. The courtyard of the Tsuglakhang Temple, adorned with Tibetan and Buddhist flags and portraits, served as the backdrop for the Dalai Lama’s birthday festivities. Traditional welcome tunes filled the air as the spiritual leader arrived in his open mobile van, greeted by enthusiastic supporters. The gathering reflected the deep respect and admiration that people have for the Dalai Lama, with attendees expressing gratitude for his teachings of peace and nonviolence.

Indian Navy and US Navy Conduct Seventh Edition of SALVEX Exercise in Kochi

The Indian Navy and the US Navy successfully concluded the seventh edition of the Indian Navy – US Navy (IN – USN) Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, SALVEX, held from June 26 to July 6, 2023, in Kochi. This joint exercise has been a regular feature since 2005, promoting collaboration and cooperation between the two navies in the fields of salvage and EOD operations.