PM Modi conferred with France's highest honour

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the highest honour of France, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron.
• Modi was accorded a red-carpet welcome as he arrived in Paris on a two-day visit.
• He also joined Macron for the French National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.

Sagar Sampark

• As part of the Digital India campaign aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of marine operations in India, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the 'Sagar Sampark' Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS).
• This indigenously developed system contributes to the country's digital transformation of the maritime sector, facilitating seamless communication and navigation.
• Its implementation serves to the advancement of the Indian maritime industry, fostering increased operational efficacy.

G.I Tag Issued for Authoor Betel Leaves

The Authoor betel leaves, cultivated in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, have been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) certificate by the Tamil Nadu State Agriculture Marketing Board and NABARD Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum.

The certificate has been awarded under the name of Authoor Vattara Vetrilai Vivasayigal Sangam, recognizing the unique and distinct characteristics of these betel leaves originating from the region.

Australia Picks First Female Central Bank Head

Australia has chosen its first female leader for the central bank, overlooking the current governor to promote his deputy to this important position.

This decision comes at a time when there is public criticism due to a significant increase in interest rates.

Export Preparedness Index

• On July 17, 2023, NITI Aayog will unveil the third edition of the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) for the States/Union Territories (UTs) of India in the year 2022.
• This report examines India's export achievements in the context of the global trade scenario during financial year 2022, along with a comprehensive analysis of the country's sector-specific export performance.
• It emphasizes the importance of establishing our districts as key export centers and conducts a detailed assessment of merchandise exports at the district level.

Climate Change in Kaas Plateau

• The Agharkar Research Institute in Pune, Maharashtra, has recently conducted a study shedding light on climate and environmental transformations taking place on the Kaas Plateau.
• This plateau, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012, is famous for its display of seasonal flowers that create a vibrant carpet during the months of August and September.
• Situated in the Satara district, the Kaas Plateau is home to a diverse range of flower species that bloom during specific seasons throughout the year.