India Has Joined the Champions Group of the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) 

• India has accepted an invitation from the UN Secretary-General to become a member of the Champions Group within the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG).  
• In March 2022, the GCRG was created with the aim of tackling pressing global challenges related to food security, energy, and finance while fostering international collaboration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Unveiled 29 Development Projects in Varanasi 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a comprehensive package of development projects valued at Rs 12,100 crores in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi.  
• These initiatives encompass a wide range of sectors and illustrate the government's commitment to revitalizing the city and driving progress in crucial areas like infrastructure, education, and more.  
• Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of implementing schemes that directly address the on-ground realities and expressed his satisfaction in actively engaging with the beneficiaries to gather feedback and ensure the efficacy of the initiatives.

Gujarat Government Doubled the Insurance Cover to 10 Lakh Rupees Under PMJAY 

• The government of Gujarat has taken a significant step by increasing the insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).  
• Effective from July 11th, beneficiaries of PMJAY in Gujarat will now receive an insurance cover of Rs 10 lakhs, marking a doubling of the previous coverage of Rs 5 lakhs.  
• This decision is expected to positively impact around 1.78 crore Ayushman Bharat card holders in Gujarat, enabling them to access high-quality medical treatment with greater financial security.

India, Panama Sign MoU on Electoral Cooperation 

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) and Panama's Electoral Tribunal (ET) have taken a noteworthy stride towards strengthening their cooperation in the field of election management and administration.  
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two institutions in Panama City, establishing a formal framework for ongoing collaboration. 
• Led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, the ECI delegation held discussions with Alfredo Junca Wendehake, the Presiding Magistrate of Panama's Electoral Tribunal, focusing on various aspects of enhancing collaboration and exchanging knowledge between the two Election Management Bodies.

China Has Released its First Homegrown Open-Source Desktop Operating System 

• With the aim of reducing dependence on US technology and establishing an autonomous software system, China has introduced its inaugural open-source desktop operating system called OpenKylin 1.0.  
• This marks a significant milestone as China endeavors to create an independent OS and decrease reliance on foreign technologies. 

Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge and Fisheries Startup Conclave

• In collaboration with the Startup India hub and DPIIT, the Department of Fisheries has launched the Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge to identify, reward, and acknowledge startups that are making a significant impact in the fisheries ecosystem.  
• The fisheries sector in India has experienced substantial growth, with fisheries startups currently operating in 21 states and union territories. 

• The Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge invited applications across four problem statements and received submissions from 121 startups addressing these challenges. After a thorough evaluation process, 12 startups have been chosen as winners of the challenge.
• The felicitation ceremony will take place on the occasion of National Fish Farmer's Day on July 10th, 2023, in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.