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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Mandates Banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies to Auction Bad Loan-Acquired Immovable Assets Within Seven Years

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued final prudential norms for Banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) regarding Specified Non-Financial Assets (SNFAs) acquired while resolving stressed loans or Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

Key Highlights :

• A Specified Non-Financial Asset (SNFA) is an immovable asset (such as property) acquired by a lender in full or partial settlement of its claims against a borrower, and can be acquired only when the lender's exposure is classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA).
• SNFAs may be acquired against full or partial extinguishment of a lender's exposure on a non-recourse basis.
• If an SNFA is acquired through partial settlement of a loan, the remaining outstanding loan will be treated as a restructured loan and will be subject to the prudential norms applicable to restructured accounts.
• Under the new framework, Banks, SFBs, and NBFCs cannot sell an SNFA back to the defaulting borrower or its related parties, and this restriction will continue even if the asset ceases to be classified as an SNFA.
• All Banks, SFBs, and NBFCs must formulate Board-approved policies governing the acquisition, valuation, management, and disposal of SNFAs.
• The Board-approved policy must specify limits on SNFAs as a share of total assets, eligibility criteria, delegation matrix, recovery efforts before acquisition, and a maximum disposal period of seven years.
• SNFAs must be disposed of as early as possible through public auctions, following the principles of the SARFAESI Act, 2002, to ensure transparent and competitive sale.
• An SNFA will be considered acquired only after legal ownership (title) is transferred to the lender, enabling independent management and disposal.
• The initial valuation of an SNFA must be recorded at the lower of the Net Book Value (NBV) of the extinguished loan or the Distress Sale Value, determined by at least two independent external valuers.
• The prudential framework applies to all SNFAs, including those acquired through bilateral transactions and under the SARFAESI Act, 2002.
• The new RBI norms will become effective from 1 October 2026.
• Legacy SNFAs held as on 30 September 2026 must comply with the new framework by 30 September 2027.
• SNFAs will not be included under Gross NPAs, Net NPAs, Stressed Exposures, or the Provisioning Coverage Ratio (PCR).
• Instead, SNFAs will be disclosed separately in the balance sheet under the accounting head "Non-Banking Assets Acquired in Satisfaction of Claims."

Financial Action Task Force Removes Algeria and Namibia from Grey List After Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Compliance Review

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released its updated High-Risk Jurisdictions and Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (Grey List) following the FATF Plenary Meeting held from 17–19 June 2026.
• Under the High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action (Black List), North Korea (DPRK), Iran, and Myanmar continue to remain on the list.
• Myanmar, which was added to the High-Risk Jurisdictions list in October 2022, continues to remain under enhanced due diligence requirements as per the latest FATF review.
• FATF has advised all member countries to apply enhanced due diligence for transactions involving North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar, while ensuring that humanitarian assistance, legitimate Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) activities, and remittances are not disrupted.
• Under the Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (Grey List), Algeria and Namibia have been removed, while Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iraq have been added after the June 2026 FATF Plenary review.
• Other countries currently under Increased Monitoring (Grey List) include Angola, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Monaco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (UK), and Yemen.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed banks and other regulated entities about the updated FATF lists and advised them to implement appropriate risk-based due diligence measures while dealing with these jurisdictions.
• The RBI clarified that the advisory does not prohibit legitimate trade and business transactions with the listed jurisdictions but requires institutions to follow Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT)

About FATF :

• FATF is an inter-governmental organisation established in 1989 to develop and promote global standards for combating Money Laundering (ML), Terrorist Financing (TF), and Proliferation Financing (PF).
• The FATF Plenary, the organisation's highest decision-making body, meets three times every year and updates the High-Risk Jurisdictions (Black List) and Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (Grey List) after each meeting.

Digital India BHASHINI Division and Punjab National Bank Partner to Introduce Multilingual Artificial Intelligence Solutions for Inclusive Digital Banking

• Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to develop multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for inclusive banking under the BHASHINI for Seva/Sanchalan
• The MoU was signed by Amitabh Nag, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DIBD, and Atish Kumar Rout, Chief General Manager (CGM-Digital), Digital Banking Transformation Division, PNB.
• The objective of the partnership is to integrate BHASHINI's language translation Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and reference applications into PNB's digital banking platform, enabling language-inclusive banking services.
• Under the MoU, PNB will integrate BHASHINI's multilingual AI tools and platforms, including Udyat, Mitra, AppMitra, Pravakta, and Bhashadaan, into its digital banking ecosystem.
• The collaboration will enable customers to access banking information, digital platforms, and financial services in their preferred Indian languages, thereby improving customer experience, financial inclusion, and AI-driven banking innovation.
• The partnership will also support the development of domain-specific language models, banking glossaries, AI-powered multilingual communication, documentation, and encourage linguistic data contribution for continuous improvement of language technologies.
• The initiative aims to reduce language barriers, strengthen customer engagement, expand banking services across diverse linguistic communities, and support the Government of India's vision of Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
• BHASHINI is the Government of India's AI-powered language translation platform, developed under the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM) to promote multilingual digital inclusion.
• Through the National Hub for Language Technology (NHLT), BHASHINI powers 800+ government websites, has enabled 8+ billion AI inferences, processes 20+ million AI inferences daily, and supports 36 Indian text languages, 23 Indian voice languages, and 35 international languages.
• Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) also promotes multilingual AI research, open innovation, datasets, startups, and academic collaboration, strengthening India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

About Punjab National Bank (PNB):

• Founded: 1894
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Ashok Chandra
• Tagline: "The Name You Can Bank Upon"

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Uttar Pradesh Launches Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi Digital Platforms for Skill Development

• Uttar Pradesh Government launched two digital platforms, Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi, during the celebration of World Youth Skills Day 2026 to modernise vocational training and improve skill development services in the state.
• The platforms aim to bring vocational training online, enhance transparency in skill development programmes, and strengthen cooperation between industries, training institutions, and job seekers.
• The two portals have been introduced to improve the functioning of the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM).
• Kaushal Setu is the official digital portal of the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) that allows training centres and institutions to register and apply online.
• The platform replaces manual procedures with a paperless digital system, enabling training partners to submit applications and documents electronically.
• Kaushal Setu will improve efficiency through online registration, digital document submission, transparent empanelment of training partners, and faster administrative processing.
• Kaushal Sarathi is a digital platform designed for students and job seekers, providing information about training centres, available courses, and skill development partners across Uttar Pradesh.
• The platform will help youth identify suitable training opportunities and improve access to employment-related services.
• The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with KLK Private Limited and Winsome Textile Industries Limited to increase industry participation in vocational education.
• These partnerships aim to provide practical skills, industry exposure, placement support, and employment opportunities to trained youth.
• The collaborations will focus on emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Textile Manufacturing to align skill training with industry requirements.
• The launch event was organised at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow as part of World Youth Skills Day 2026 celebrations.
• The event was presided over by Kapil Dev Aggarwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Uttar Pradesh.
• During the event, the Uttar Pradesh Government released a coffee table book titled “Skilling the Future: Uttar Pradesh – Journey from Training to Transformation”, highlighting the state’s achievements in vocational education and workforce development.

About Uttar Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Parks: Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Karnataka Introduces Draft Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2025

• Karnataka Government has released the draft Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2025 (KAOMA) to modernise apartment management, strengthen the rights of apartment owners, and resolve long- standing disputes in the state’s growing real estate sector.
• The proposed Bill aims to introduce joint ownership of land and common facilities, create a legal framework for redevelopment of old apartment buildings, and align apartment regulations with the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), 2016.
• The Karnataka Government has invited public feedback until 6 August 2026 and plans to introduce the Bill during the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature.
• The need for a new apartment law has emerged due to rapid urbanisation, especially in Bengaluru, which has witnessed a significant increase in apartment-based housing.
• According to the Karnataka Government:
• Bengaluru has more than 25,000 apartment buildings.
• These apartments accommodate around 25 to 30 lakh residents.
• Around 60,000 to 75,000 apartments were registered with the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (KRERA) in the previous year.
• Existing apartment regulations are based on laws that are more than 50 years old and are considered inadequate for modern housing projects, creating difficulties for apartment owners and conflicts with RERA, 2016.
• The draft Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2025 proposes that apartment owners will have collective ownership of:
• Land of the apartment development
• Common areas
• Common facilities and utilities
• The Apartment Owners Councils will be responsible for managing and maintaining apartment properties but will not have ownership rights over common facilities.
• The Bill will apply to apartment buildings consisting of 8 or more residential units.
• The Department of Urban Development, Karnataka will be responsible for implementing and supervising the provisions of the proposed law.
• The Bill introduces standardised definitions for important real estate terms such as private area, super built-up area, and undivided share of land to reduce disputes between developers and apartment owners during property registration and transfer.
• The draft legislation provides Karnataka’s first legal framework for redevelopment of old apartment buildings.
• Under the proposed safety provisions, apartment buildings completing 30 years must obtain a Structural Stability Certificate, which has to be renewed every five years.
• Redevelopment of apartment buildings will require approval from at least 75% of apartment owners.
• Owners who do not agree to redevelopment cannot be forced to participate and must receive compensation.
• The compensation for non-consenting owners will be at least twice the market value of their apartment.
• Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar invited suggestions from flat owners, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), housing professionals, real estate representatives, and citizens before finalising the Bill.
• The suggestions received during the consultation process will be considered before introducing the final Bill in the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature.

About Karnataka:

• Chief Minister: K. Shivakumar
• Governor: Thawarchand Gehlot
• Capital: Bengaluru
• National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Anshi (Kali) National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranebennur Blackbuck Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka D.K. Shivakumar unveiled that, Karnataka will establish the country’s first government-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) University, he announced the ambitious initiative during Google I/O Connect India 2026 in Bengaluru.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Advanced Healthcare Facilities at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.
• Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 150-bed Modern Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).
• These healthcare projects aim to improve access to advanced medical facilities, strengthen emergency healthcare preparedness, and promote medical education and research in Northern India.
• The event was attended by the Governor of Punjab, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda, Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Chandigarh Member of Parliament Manish Tewari.
• The Advanced Mother and Child Centre has been established to provide comprehensive tertiary healthcare services for women and children.
• The centre is a 300-bed specialised healthcare facility equipped with:
• Advanced care for complicated pregnancies
• Neonatal care facilities
• Treatment for critically ill newborns
• Paediatric special care services
• Modern diagnostic facilities
• Complete maternal and child healthcare services
• The Advanced Neurosciences Centre has been developed to strengthen neurological healthcare services and provides facilities related to:
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Neuro-critical care
• Advanced neurological treatment
• Integrated healthcare services
• Medical research and teaching facilities
• The 150-bed Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) will help in:
• Strengthening emergency medical services
• Increasing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity
• Improving disaster response preparedness
• Enhancing healthcare infrastructure
• Better management of medical emergencies
• Prime Minister highlighted the transformation of India’s healthcare sector over the last 12 years and stated that several initiatives have strengthened medical infrastructure across the country.
• Since 2014, 15 new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have been sanctioned and several new medical colleges have been established.
• India has expanded cancer treatment facilities and has emerged as a major destination for medical tourism.
• More than 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across India to provide accessible primary healthcare services.
• More than 48 crore consultations have been conducted through the eSanjeevani telemedicine platform.
• More than 90% of deliveries in India are now conducted in healthcare institutions, contributing to a decline in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).
• Approval has been granted for establishing a new Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) college at PGIMER Chandigarh, with admissions expected to begin soon.

Maharashtra to Implement National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) for Digital Transformation of Legislature

• Maharashtra Government is set to implement the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) programme, a Mission Mode Project under the Digital India Programme initiated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India.
• The implementation of NeVA follows the vision of “One Nation One Application” and aims to digitise the functioning of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Maharashtra Legislative Council.
• The initiative will improve efficiency, transparency, accessibility, and public participation in legislative processes by reducing dependence on paper-based systems.
• A high-level meeting was held at Vidhan Bhawan, Mumbai to accelerate the implementation of National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in Maharashtra.
• The meeting was attended by officials from:
• Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India
• Department of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Maharashtra
• Secretariat of Maharashtra Legislature
• The departments agreed to complete the signing of the required Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementing the NeVA programme in the state.
• National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) is a digital platform designed to transform the functioning of all 37 State Legislatures and Union Territory Legislatures through a single integrated system.
• NeVA enables legislators to conduct legislative activities electronically, including access to documents, proceedings, and legislative information, thereby reducing paperwork.
• The total financial allocation for the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) programme is ₹673.94 crore.
• In Maharashtra, the NeVA project will cover:
• Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
• Maharashtra Legislative Council
• Mumbai Legislature Complex
• Nagpur Legislature Complex
• The estimated cost of implementing the NeVA project in Maharashtra is around ₹48 crore.
• The project will support the development of technical infrastructure, software deployment, capacity building, and digital services.
• The implementation of NeVA in Maharashtra is expected to provide benefits such as:
• Faster legislative processes
• Greater transparency
• Reduction in paper usage
• Improved administrative efficiency
• Enhanced public access to legislative information

RECENT NEWS

• The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the establishment of the High-Energy Medical Cyclotron Project (HEMCP) in the Nagpur, this will be implemented with the estimated investment around ₹300 crore. 

About Maharashtra:

• Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
• Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
• Capital: Mumbai
• National Parks: Tadoba National Park, Gugamal National Park, Chandoli National Park, Navegaon National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thane Creek Flamingo Wildlife Sanctuary

NITI Aayog Launches Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) to Assess Investment Readiness of States and Union Territories

• NITI Aayog has introduced the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) to assess the readiness of 36 States and Union Territories (UTs) in attracting and sustaining investments based on governance, economic, and infrastructure parameters.
• The index aims to provide policymakers with insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different States and Union Territories and support reforms to improve the investment climate and ease of doing business.
• The Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) is not intended as a competition among States but as a benchmarking mechanism to provide data-based feedback and encourage policy improvements.
• The first edition of the index evaluated States and Union Territories using 84 indicators grouped under eight key pillars.
• The eight pillars of the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) are:
• Infrastructure
• Business Climate
• Resources
• Government Policy
• Regulatory Ease
• Financial Health
• Institutional Environment
• Environmental Resilience
• The report highlighted that no State or Union Territory crossed the 60-point mark out of 100, indicating significant scope for further improvement in investment facilitation.
• Gujarat emerged as the best-performing large State, securing a score of 56.6 out of 100 among 17 large States.
• The top-performing large States in the Investment Friendliness Index are:
• Gujarat – 56.6
• Maharashtra – Around 53
• Tamil Nadu – Around 53
• Odisha – 52.4
• Gujarat’s strong performance was attributed to its infrastructure development, reliable power supply, and efficient port facilities, making it one of the most attractive investment destinations.
• Among Hilly and North Eastern States, the top performers included:
• Uttarakhand – 47.5
• Assam
• Himachal Pradesh
• Among City States and Union Territories, Goa emerged as the top performer with a score of 53.1, followed by Delhi and Chandigarh.
• The five jurisdictions classified as “Top Performers” with scores above 50 were:
• Goa
• Gujarat
• Maharashtra
• Odisha
• Tamil Nadu
• A total of 15 States and Union Territories were placed under the “Frontrunners” category with scores between 45 and 50, while 8 States and Union Territories were classified as “Aspiring States” with scores below 40.
• The report highlighted that no single State performed best across all parameters, with different States leading in different pillars.
• Infrastructure Performance:
• Chandigarh secured the highest score nationally with 15/25.
• Gujarat was the leading large State due to strong ports and reliable electricity supply.
• Himachal Pradesh performed well among hill States.
• Business Climate Performance:
• Maharashtra ranked highest among large States.
• Delhi topped among city States.
• Sikkim performed best among Hilly and North Eastern States.
• Resources Performance:
• Goa achieved the highest overall score.
• Odisha was the leading large State.
• Himachal Pradesh performed strongly among hill States.
• Government Policy Performance:
• Madhya Pradesh ranked highest among large States.
• Puducherry was the leading city State.
• Assam performed well among Hilly and North Eastern States.
• Regulatory Ease Performance:
• Chhattisgarh emerged as the leading State.
• Goa and Meghalaya secured the highest scores in their respective categories.
• During the launch of the report, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri stated that the index is not designed to create competition among States but to provide evidence-based feedback for reforms.
• He highlighted that while the Central Government frames broad policies, actual investment takes place at the State level, making State-level reforms essential for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.

About NITI Aayog

• Full Form: National Institution for Transforming India
• Established: 1 January 2015
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chairperson: Prime Minister of India
• The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Nidhi Chhibber

RECENT NEWS

• Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ha chaired the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog on 11th of June, 2026 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the National Capital. This meeting was themed around “nclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047” and brought together the Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators from 28 States and 5 Union Territories. Significantly it marks the first occasion when the Chief Ministers of all the 28 States have participated in the Governing Council meeting.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

72nd National Film Awards 2026 Winners Announced

• The 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi to honour the best Indian films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024.
• The awards were selected by a jury headed by Malayalam filmmaker Jayaraj.
• Major Winners:
• Best Feature Film: Article 370
• Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam)
• Best Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370)
• Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran)
• Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD
• Best Film Promoting National & Social Values: Captain Miller
• Other Feature Film Award Winners:
• Best Supporting Actor: Sanjay Mishra (Bhakshak)
• Best Supporting Actress: Ropashree Varkady (Mithya) and Sachana Namidass (Maharaja)
• Best Child Artist: Riddhiman Banerjee, Tapomoy Deb, Gitashree Chakraborty, Arundev Pothula, and Athish S. Shetty
• Best Cinematography: Shehnad Jalaal (Bramayugam)
• Best Screenplay: Sukumar (Pushpa 2)
• Best Dialogue Writer: Venky Atluri (Lucky Baskhar)
• Best Production Design: Kalki 2898 AD
• Best Action Direction: Anl Arasu (Maharaja)
• Best Make-Up Artist: Committee Kurrollu
• Best Costume Design: Deepali Noor & Sheetal Sharma (Pushpa 2)
• Best Music Direction (Songs): Shashwat Sachdev (Article 370)
• Best Background Music: G. V. Prakash Kumar (Amaran)
• Best Lyrics: Manoj Muntashir (Maidaan)
• Best Male Playback Singer: Abhay Jodhpurkar (Gharat Ganpati – "Navasachi Gauri Mazi")
• Best Female Playback Singer: Vaikom Vijayalakshmi (ARM – "Angu Vaana Konilu")
• Best Choreography: Vijay Ganguly (Stree 2)
• Best Sound Design: Manas Choudhury (Bhool Bhulaiya 3)
• Best Editing: R. Kalaivannan (Amaran)
• Best Feature Film by Language:
• Assamese: Juiphool
• Bengali: Chalchitra Ekhon
• Hindi: Srikanth
• Kannada: Mithya
• Malayalam: Feminichi Fathima
• Marathi: Mukkam Post Bombilwadi
• Odia: Lahari
• Tamil: Raayan
• Telugu: Committee Kurrollu
• Gujarati: Maaran
• Garhwali: Dholi
• Manipuri: Sunita
• Konkani: Mog Asum
• Tulu: IMBU
• Special Mention (Feature Films):
• Dhanush (Captain Miller)
• Suren G (Meiyazhagan)
• Major Non-Feature Film Award Winners:
• Best Non-Feature Film: Bhangaar (Obsolete) (Marathi & English)
• Best Documentary: Ram-Nami
• Best Animation Film: Touched as Water
• Best Short Film (Up to 30 Minutes): Hamsafar
• Best Debut Film of a Director: Angen (Invisible) – Ravi Raj Murmu
• Best Film Critic: Sanjeev Shrivastava (Hindi)
• Best Book on Cinema: Naaniruvude Nimagaagi Naadiruvude Nanagaagi by Kenchanuru Pradeep Kumar Shetty
• Best Direction: Aanand L. Rai (Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek)
• Best Cinematography: Edmond Ranson (Life in Loom)
• Best Sound Design: T. S. Hari Hara Sudhan (Blue)
• Best Editing: Manvir Jasrotia (NDA)
• Best Music Direction: Shivpal Singh Kang (Parat 41°chya Magavar)
• Best Narrator/Voice Over: Soundarya Jayachandran (Little Planet: A Tale of Frogs)
• Best Arts/Culture Film: Main Nida
• Best Biographical/Historical Reconstruction Film: Kakori
• Best Film Promoting Social & Environmental Values: Piplantri: A Tale of Eco Feminism
• Special Mention: Bhadra-Kali Natakam (Malayalam) and Chola Dora aur Sui (Hindi)

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Vivek Nishant Nath Appointed as Director (Commercial) of NMDC Limited

• Shri Vivek Nishant Nath has assumed charge as Director (Commercial) of NMDC Limited, India's largest iron ore producer, following his appointment by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India (GoI).
• He has been appointed as Director (Commercial) on the NMDC Board for a 5-year tenure from the date of assuming charge, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• The appointment order was issued by the Ministry of Steel on 14 July 2026, and NMDC officially informed the stock exchanges on 15 July 2026.
• Vivek Nishant Nath has over 30 years of experience in the metal and mining sector, with expertise in sales & marketing, international commercial operations, procurement, logistics, and supply chain management.
• He joined NMDC in 1992 and served the company for nearly 15 years in various commercial roles, gaining extensive experience in domestic iron ore sales and marketing.
• After leaving NMDC, he held senior positions at Essar Steel Limited and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India before joining Odisha Mining Corporation Limited (OMC) as General Manager (Sales & Marketing) in 2021.
• In 2024, he was promoted as Chief General Manager (Sales & Marketing) at OMC, where he headed the marketing of iron ore, chrome ore, manganese ore, bauxite, limestone, and ferrochrome.
• Under his leadership at OMC, iron ore sales increased significantly from 33 million tonnes in FY21 to 38.26 million tonnes in FY26, leading to substantial growth in the company's sales and revenue.
• He introduced several customer-centric initiatives, including transparent pricing mechanisms, digital systems, and logistics reforms, which enhanced the efficiency of commercial operations.
• Vivek Nishant Nath has authored more than 11 research papers on mining and metal industry topics and has served as a keynote speaker and guest lecturer at renowned national and international platforms such as SGX, Fastmarkets, Mysteel, SMM, IMARC, Metal Junction, Metalogic, and Steelmint.
• His experience across NMDC, leading private steel companies, and Odisha Mining Corporation is expected to strengthen NMDC's commercial operations, improve customer engagement, and support the company's vision of becoming a 100 million tonne iron ore mining company.

Mindaugas Sinkevičius Assumes Office as the 20th Prime Minister of Lithuania

• Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), was sworn in as the 20th Prime Minister (PM) of Lithuania.
• He assumed office after the Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas) approved the government manifesto presented by the LSDP-led coalition.
• Mindaugas Sinkevičius succeeded Inga Ruginienė, who stepped down on 14 July 2026.
• In the 141-member Seimas, the government manifesto was approved with 72 votes in favour, 29 votes against, and 4 abstentions.
• The Nemunas Dawn Party (NDP) was removed from the government following legal controversies.
• Mindaugas Sinkevičius formed a centre-left three-party coalition comprising the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), For Lithuania (DLV), and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LFGU).

About Lithuania :

• President : Gitanas Nausėda
• Capital : Vilnius
• Currency : Euro

Amitabh Bachchan Becomes Brand Ambassador for Policybazaar’s Insurance Awareness Campaign

• Policybazaar, India's leading online insurance marketplace, appointed Amitabh Bachchan as its Brand Ambassador to lead the nationwide awareness campaign "Parivaar Sabse Pehle" (Family Comes First).
• The "Parivaar Sabse Pehle" campaign has been developed by MagicCircle Communications to promote awareness about health insurance and term insurance across India.
• The campaign aims to encourage Indian families to purchase health and term insurance without delaying important financial protection decisions.
• The initiative supports the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) Vision 2047, which aims to expand insurance coverage across India and achieve the goal of "Insurance for All by 2047."
• The integrated campaign will be rolled out across Television (TV), Digital Platforms, Over-the-Top (OTT) services, Social Media, and other digital channels.
• The campaign targets audiences in urban, semi-urban, and rural India, ensuring wider awareness of insurance products.

About Policybazaar :

• Founded : 2008 and is a PB Fintech Limited
• Headquarters : Gurugram, Haryana.
• Joint Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director (ED) : Sarbvir Singh

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Fairfax Emerges as Preferred Bidder to Acquire 60.72% Stake in IDBI Bank

• Canada-based Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (Fairfax) emerged as the preferred bidder to acquire a 72% stake in IDBI Bank Limited from the Government of India (GoI) and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
• The proposed acquisition is valued at 52,932 crore (approximately USD 5.5 billion), making it one of the largest banking acquisition deals in India.
• If approved, the transaction will become the largest foreign investment in an Indian bank, subject to regulatory approvals.
• The acquisition requires approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), and a SEBI-mandated open offer to public shareholders.
• Under the stake divestment plan, the Government of India will sell 30.48%, while LIC will divest 30.24%, resulting in a combined stake sale of 60.72% in IDBI Bank.
• Before the transaction, the GoI held 45.48% and LIC held 49.24% equity in IDBI Bank.
• Fairfax became the preferred bidder after revising its offer price to Rs. 81 per share.
• The proposed acquisition is expected to boost foreign investor confidence in India's banking and financial sector, while supporting the Government's asset monetisation and banking sector reform initiatives.

About IDBI Bank Limited :

• Established : 1964
• Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• MD & CEO : Rakesh Sharma
• Tagline : "Bank Aisa Dost Jaisa."

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

VELS Institute of Science, Technology, & Advanced Studies Launches India’s First Artificial Intelligence-Integrated Vertical University Campus in Chennai

• Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu, Chief Scientist and Co-founder of Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd., inaugurated the Thiruvanmiyur campus of VELS Institute of Science, Technology, & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• The newly inaugurated VISTAS Thiruvanmiyur campus is regarded as India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-integrated vertical university campus.
• The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder and Chancellor of VISTAS, along with Dr. Preetha Ganesh, Vice-President (VP), VELS Group of Institutions.
• The campus houses Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence (CoEs) established in collaboration with Intel Unnati, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) iON, Microsoft, and Oracle Academy.
• These Centres of Excellence (CoEs) will provide students with practical exposure to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, and other emerging technologies, enhancing industry-ready skills.
• During the event, VISTAS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aspin Holding LLC Group and MH Cockpit.
• The MoU aims to establish a Flying School in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen aviation education and pilot training.
• The partnership will promote faculty exchange, student internships, skill development, research collaboration, and international career opportunities in the aviation sector.

pi-labs and Google Cloud Join Hands to Develop Secure Artificial Intelligence Solutions for India

• pi-labs, an Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfake detection company, entered into a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to develop secure, scalable, and mission-ready AI solutions for India.
• The collaboration aims to strengthen regional security operations, digital governance, public sector organisations, and critical enterprise infrastructure through AI-powered technologies.
• Under the partnership, pi-labs will combine its indigenous AI capabilities with the Google Distributed Cloud Tactical Appliance to meet the evolving requirements of government institutions and critical infrastructure.
• Google Cloud will provide the secure, scalable, and resilient cloud infrastructure required to host advanced AI workloads, ensuring reliable and mission-critical AI deployment.
• pi-labs will contribute localised AI models and sovereign AI capabilities specifically designed to align with India’s governance ecosystem and security requirements.
• The partnership is expected to strengthen secure threat detection, regional language processing, assistive security analytics, and other AI-driven digital governance applications.

About pi-labs:

• pi-labs is an Indian cyber forensics, cybersecurity, and intelligence company that develops Sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for security, digital governance, and critical infrastructure protection.
• pi-labs is recognised under the NASSCOM DeepTech League and is supported by the NVIDIA Inception Programme, which promotes AI and deep technology startups.
• Founder & CEO : Ankush Tiwari

Bharat Tex 2026 Showcases India's Textile Excellence and Global Business Opportunities

• Bharat Tex 2026 showcases India's textile ecosystem by bringing together manufacturers, handloom cooperatives, traditional artisans, technology startups, and global buyers under one platform.
• The event is guided by the 5F Vision – Farm → Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Foreign, highlighting India's complete textile value chain from raw material production to global exports.
• Indian enterprises are exploring international markets, while overseas companies are assessing investment and business opportunities in India's textile sector.
• Bharat Tex 2026 places traditional Indian art forms at the centre of global attention, including Tikuli Art of Bihar, renowned for its vibrant colours and intricate enamel work.
• Running alongside Bharat Tex, Indie Haat 2026 is being organised at the National Crafts Museum, New Delhi, showcasing India's rich handloom and handicraft heritage.
• Indie Haat 2026 features 48 artisans and weavers along with 12 design-led brands, providing a contemporary platform for promoting regional craftsmanship.
• The exhibition showcases a wide range of traditional crafts, including Gulabi Minakari, Dokra, Usta Kala, Pichwai Painting, Sozni Embroidery, Blue Pottery, Silver Filigree, Cheriyal Painting, Mata Ni Pachedi, Papier-mâché, Bagru Block Printing, Jamdani Sarees, Muga Silk, Eri Silk, and Odisha Ikat.
• Johargram, representing Jharkhand, is promoting tribal textiles by transforming traditional woven shawls into modern apparel such as shirts, jackets, and trench coats.
• The designs showcased by Johargram are inspired by the traditional textile patterns of the Uraon and Munda tribal communities of Jharkhand.
• Johargram, participating in Bharat Tex for the third time, aims to showcase Jharkhand's textile heritage beyond silk and promote its relevance in contemporary fashion.
• Niryaatak Handloom Cooperative Society Limited, based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is showcasing rugs, carpets, and home décor products made from cotton, wool, and recycled PET yarn.
• The cooperative comprises around 120 weavers, with production carried out both at the cooperative premises and through home-based weaving, promoting decentralized handloom production.
• The cooperative has attracted international buyer interest, including business discussions with buyers from Iraq and Algeria, as well as a company supplying to European markets.
• A subsidised stall provided by the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) enabled the cooperative to participate in Bharat Tex 2026, facilitating global market access and export opportunities.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Serum Institute of India Partners with Gates Medical Research Institute for Tuberculosis Vaccine Manufacturing

• Serum Institute of India (SII) has entered into an agreement with the Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) to establish manufacturing capacity for the M72/AS01E Tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate.
• Under the partnership, Serum Institute of India will manufacture and supply the M72/AS01E Tuberculosis vaccine candidate on a large scale, subject to the successful completion of Phase III clinical trials and necessary regulatory approvals.
• The agreement aims to strengthen global efforts against Tuberculosis (TB), one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, and enhance India’s position as a leading global centre for vaccine manufacturing.
• The partnership focuses on:
• Establishing large-scale vaccine manufacturing capacity
• Making the vaccine affordable and accessible
• Supplying vaccines to Tuberculosis high-burden countries
• Supporting global efforts towards Tuberculosis elimination
• Improving vaccine access for Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)
• The M72/AS01E vaccine candidate is one of the most advanced vaccine candidates for preventing pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) among adults and adolescents.
• The vaccine was initially developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and is now being developed by the Gates Medical Research Institute using technology licensed from GlaxoSmithKline.
• If successful, the M72/AS01E vaccine could become the first novel vaccine against pulmonary Tuberculosis in adults in nearly 100 years.
• The vaccine is expected to complement the existing Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which has been in use for more than a century and mainly protects infants and young children from severe forms of Tuberculosis.
• Unlike the BCG vaccine, the M72/AS01E vaccine targets protection against pulmonary Tuberculosis among older age groups.
• Serum Institute of India (SII) is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume and supplies vaccines to more than 170 countries.
• SII supports global immunisation programmes and manufactures vaccines against diseases including Polio, Measles, Meningitis, Influenza, and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The partnership with Gates Medical Research Institute highlights SII’s expansion towards developing next-generation vaccines for major global health challenges.
• SII has also initiated the world’s first Phase I clinical trial for a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute and the Oxford Vaccine Group.
• SII has announced a multinational clinical trial for a Dengue treatment candidate developed by the company, with trials being conducted in Brazil, Malaysia, and Thailand.
• These initiatives strengthen the global presence of Serum Institute of India in infectious disease research, vaccine development, and public health innovation.

About Serum Institute of India (SII)

• Established: 1966
• Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
• Founder: Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Padma Shri Recipient and Renowned Nokkuvidya Pavakkali Artist Moozhikkal Pankajakshi Passed away at 90

• Padma Shri awardee Moozhikkal Pankajakshi, the renowned Nokkuvidya Pavakkali exponent, passed away at the age of 90 in Koothattukulam (Monippally), Kottayam district, Kerala.
• Born on 14 March 1936 at Urulikunnath, Pala, Kottayam district, Kerala, she was one of the foremost practitioners of Kerala’s traditional Nokkuvidya Pavakkali (puppetry) art form.
• She was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2020 for her outstanding contribution to the field of Arts.
• Moozhikkal Pankajakshi began learning Nokkuvidya Pavakkali from her mother, Paappiyamma, at the age of 11 and practised the rare folk art for over eight decades.
• Nokkuvidya Pavakkali is a unique traditional puppetry art of Kerala, in which the artist balances a nearly three-foot-long wooden rod carrying puppet figures on the philtrum (area between the nose and upper lip) while performing.
• Through her performances, she narrated stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, preserving and promoting India's traditional folk heritage.
• She played a pivotal role in reviving and popularising Nokkuvidya Pavakkali, taking the traditional art form from rural Kerala to international cultural festivals, including performances in Paris, France.
• Her husband, late Sivarama Panicker, composed songs and provided musical background support for many of her performances.
• She was honoured with the Kerala Folklore Academy Fellowship in 2012 and also received the Kerala Folklore Academy Award for her significant contribution to preserving Kerala's folk traditions.
• Her granddaughter, S. Ranjini, trained by her, is reported to be the only active practitioner of Nokkuvidya Pavakkali, carrying forward this endangered traditional art form.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Chess Day 2026 Celebrated on 20 July

• World Chess Day is observed every year on 20 July to commemorate the establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924 at Paris, France.

• World Chess Day 2026 aims to promote chess as a universal game that develops strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and intellectual growth.
• Chess is one of the world’s oldest strategic games, combining elements of sport, science, and art.
• Chess is believed to have originated in India during the 5th century and was known as “Chaturanga”, an ancient board game that later evolved into modern chess.
• As chess spread across different continents, its pieces, rules, and playing styles evolved, leading to the modern international form of the game.
• The concept of celebrating World Chess Day was proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1966, recognising chess as a tool for promoting intellectual development and cultural diversity.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially recognised 20 July as World Chess Day in 2019.
• The International Chess Federation (FIDE) was established on 20 July 1924 in Paris, France by chess organisations from Argentina, Czechoslovakia, France, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia.
• FIDE standardised international chess rules and played a major role in organising global chess competitions.
• World Chess Day celebrations encourage people to participate in chess activities such as learning the game, teaching others, improving skills, joining competitions, and promoting chess awareness through social media using #InternationalChessDay.

International Moon Day 2026 Observed on 20 July

• International Moon Day is observed every year on 20 July to commemorate the anniversary of the first human landing on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission and to promote international cooperation in space exploration.
• International Moon Day 2026 marks the 57th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, which took place on 20 July 1969.
• On 20 July 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon, while Michael Collins orbited the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission.
• Neil Armstrong’s historic statement, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”, became one of the most iconic moments in the history of space exploration.
• International Moon Day was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 9 December 2021 through Resolution A/RES/76/76, based on the recommendation of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
• The observance is conducted globally in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to create awareness about sustainable lunar exploration and peaceful use of outer space.
• The first global celebration of International Moon Day was held on 20 July 2022.
• The recognition of International Moon Day was supported by the Moon Village Association (MVA), a Vienna-based non-governmental organisation working towards cooperation among scientists, engineers, investors, and space stakeholders for sustainable lunar development.
• The Apollo 11 mission was launched on 16 July 1969 from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States, carrying astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.
• The spacecraft entered lunar orbit on 19 July 1969, and the lunar module Eagle successfully landed on the Moon’s surface on 20 July 1969.
• The main objective of International Moon Day 2026 is to promote awareness about the importance of international collaboration, scientific research, and sustainable exploration of the Moon.

Daily CA One- Liner: July 19^th & 20^th

• Uttar Pradesh Government launched two digital platforms, Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi, during the celebration of World Youth Skills Day 2026 to modernise vocational training and improve skill development services in the state
• Karnataka Government has released the draft Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2025 (KAOMA) to modernise apartment management, strengthen the rights of apartment owners, and resolve long- standing disputes in the state’s growing real estate sector.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
• Maharashtra Government is set to implement the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) programme, a Mission Mode Project under the Digital India Programme initiated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India
• NITI Aayog has introduced the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) to assess the readiness of 36 States and Union Territories (UTs) in attracting and sustaining investments based on governance, economic, and infrastructure parameters
• The 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi to honour the best Indian films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
• Serum Institute of India (SII) has entered into an agreement with the Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) to establish manufacturing capacity for the M72/AS01E Tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate
• World Chess Day is observed every year on 20 July to commemorate the establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924 at Paris, France
• International Moon Day is observed every year on 20 July to commemorate the anniversary of the first human landing on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission and to promote international cooperation in space exploration

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued final prudential norms for Banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) regarding Specified Non-Financial Assets (SNFAs) acquired while resolving stressed loans or Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).
• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released its updated High-Risk Jurisdictions and Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (Grey List) following the FATF Plenary Meeting held from 17–19 June 2026.
• Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to develop multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for inclusive banking under the BHASHINI for Seva/Sanchalan initiative.
• Shri Vivek Nishant Nath has assumed charge as Director (Commercial) of NMDC Limited, India's largest iron ore producer, following his appointment by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India (GoI).
• Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), was sworn in as the 20th Prime Minister (PM) of Lithuania.
• Policybazaar, India's leading online insurance marketplace, appointed Amitabh Bachchan as its Brand Ambassador to lead the nationwide awareness campaign "Parivaar Sabse Pehle" (Family Comes First).
• Canada-based Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (Fairfax) emerged as the preferred bidder to acquire a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank Limited from the Government of India (GoI) and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
• Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu, Chief Scientist and Co-founder of Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd., inaugurated the Thiruvanmiyur campus of VELS Institute of Science, Technology, & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• pi-labs, an Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfake detection company, entered into a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to develop secure, scalable, and mission-ready AI solutions for India.
• Bharat Tex 2026 showcases India's textile ecosystem by bringing together manufacturers, handloom cooperatives, traditional artisans, technology startups, and global buyers under one platform.
• Padma Shri awardee Moozhikkal Pankajakshi, the renowned Nokkuvidya Pavakkali exponent, passed away at the age of 90 in Koothattukulam (Monippally), Kottayam district, Kerala.