Today in History (June 30th, 1960)
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), formerly known as Zaire, declared its independence from Belgium on 30th June 1960. It is the second-largest country in Africa after Algeria. Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Summary of Today’s News
Giant Metre Wave Radio Telescope
India’s Giant Metre Wave Radio Telescope (GMRT) was among the world’s six large telescopes that played a vital role in providing evidence confirming the presence of gravitational waves using pulsar observations. An international team of astronomers from India, Japan, and Europe has published the results from monitoring pulsars, called ‘nature’s best clocks,’ by using six of the world’s most sensitive radio telescopes, including India’s largest telescope, the Pune-based MRT.
Banking on World Heritage: G20
“Banking on World Heritage” is a unique exhibition aimed to showcase the banknotes of G-20 countries, such as a $100 note that features the Independence Hall of Philadelphia, a five-pound note from the U.K. with a part of Westminster Abbey, and currency notes from Brazil and Argentina, both featuring the Iguazo National Park that lies on the border between the two countries. The exhibition will feature five Indian currency notes such as Rs. 20, which carries the image of the Sun Temple at Konark, Rs. 10 with Ellora caves, Rs. 500 with Red Fort, and two separate notes of 000, with Kanchanjunga mountains and Gujarat’s “Rani Ki Vav” stepwell.
Digital Payments in all panchayats by 15th August 2023.
The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj has issued a letter directing all panchayats nationwide to mandatorily use digital payments for developmental work and revenue collection from 15th August 2023. All panchayats must choose appropriate service providers and finalize vendors by 30th July 2023. Panchayats have been asked to select a single vendor which covers the whole area. Shri Giriraj Singh is the incumbent Union Minister of Panchayati Raj.
Arkadag Smart City
Turkmenistan has inaugurated a $5-billion smart city ‘Arkadag’ in honour of Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the former President of Turkmenistan, an ex-Soviet country. Ashgabat is the capital of Turkmenistan. It is one of the most secretive countries in the world, where the presence of foreign media is restricted.
