NEWS 26-07-2022. News for 29th-Jul (Friday) SUMMARY OF JUN: INTERNATIONAL 1. India is participating in the world’s biggest maritime exercise *Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC)*, hosted by the US. As many as 26 countries are showcasing their naval might, to keep China on check from June 29 to August 4, in Honolulu and San Diego in the 28th edition of the naval wargames. 2. US has surpassed China as India's biggest trading partner in FY22 at USD 119.42 bn. 3. India's Defence Minister handed over 12 high-speed Guard Boats to Vietnam, on his visit to the country. 4. India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Rupay cards will soon be accepted in France, possibly paving the way for these cashless transactions in the rest of European Union in future. 5. Russia has taken over Saudi Arabia to become India's second biggest supplier of oil. India's imports of crude from Russia has risen from 1,00,000 barrels per day in February to 8,70,000 barrels a day in May 2022. 6. A New grouping called "I2U2" is formed by 4 nations i.e India, Israel, UAE & US. 7. India has witnessed the sharpest rise among the Asian economies, with a six-position jump from 43rd to 37th rank on the annual World Competitiveness Index. 8. World Bank (WB) has approved a USD 245 million loan to extend support for Indian Railways Logistics Project. World Bank loan will support India’s efforts of modernising rail freight and logistics infrastructure. 9. Russian President Putin has anounced in the BRICS summit that they are set to launch Indian retail stores in Russia. 10. J&K is set to hold part of the G20 meeting next year, when India is going to host the G20 meet. NATIONAL 1. India's textiles exports were highest ever in FY22 at $44.4bn. Export of ready-made garments stood at USD 16 billion. 2. India's rank jumped to 7th position among top recipients of foreign direct investments (FDI) during 2021, despite lower inflows in 2021, which was only $45, as compared to $64 billion in its previous year. 3. The Niti Aayog has recently come up with a plan for the *Holistic Development* of the Great Nicobar Island, situated at the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The plan includes building a International Container Transshipment Terminal, airport, thermal power plant & a township. 4. Tyre exports from India has jumped 50% to Rs.21,178/- crore in FY22, which was only Rs.14,000 crore, in FY21. 5. Governor of Jharkhand Mrs Draupadi Murmu has been nominated as the Presidential candidate of the NDA, for the 2022 Indian Presidential Election. SPORTS 1. Indian men's hockey team defeated Japan 1-0 to win bronze in the Asia cup. South Korea won the tournament. DEFENCE 1. The DRDO is set to start the production of QR-SAM (Quick reaction Surface to Air Missile). The Mach 4.7 speed QR-SAM has a range of 30 kilometers and is ready for production. The QR-SAM system is currently 90% indigenous and will reach 99% incrementally. 2. The IAF has acquired two Mirage-2000 fighter aircrafts. This is the first batch of 24 2nd hand Mirage-2000's purchased by India from France. 3. Indigenously manufactured Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICV) have been inducted into the forward areas in Ladakh, boosting the capabilities of the troops deployed there. 4. ASTRA MK-I (Beyond Visual Range), Air-to-Air Missile, which has been designed & Developed by DRDO, has received a Rs. 2,971 crore contract to be supplied to IAF & Indian Navy. This is a great boost to Atma Nirbhar Bharat. < < Back