Current affairs 15 July 2023

China launches world’s first methane-fuelled space rocket.

A private Chinese company has launched the world’s first methane-liquid oxygen space rocket into orbit.
The Zhuque-2 carrier rocket was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
The rocket successfully delivered a test payload into sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), the first in the world to make such an achievement.
Methane-powered engines, with their high performance and low operational costs, are particularly suited for the developing trend of reusable rockets.

During the visit to France, PM Modi was honoured with France's highest civilian and military honour, Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron.
With this honour, he also becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this honour.
He also joined the French National Day (July 14) celebrations as the Guest of Honour.
Other awardees: Nelson Mandela, King Charles, Angela Merkel, Boutros Boutros-Ghali

The Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) has bagged the SKOCH Award 2023 under the theme State of Governance India 2047 in the Gold category.
Reason: For its outstanding efforts in creating marketing avenues for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the Union Territory
The SKOCH award marks a significant milestone for JKRLM, being the first award received since the inception of the scheme.
It represents a remarkable accomplishment for the organization

Fintech unicorn Razorpay has launched its first international payment gateway for the Malaysian market with Curlec.
In February 2022, Razorpay acquired a majority stake in the Malaysia-based startup which is now known as Curlec by Razorpay
Aim: To widen its reach in the international markets and make its capabilities available in emerging markets
As per the report, digital trade in Malaysia contributes 22.6% to the country's GDP and is expected to rise to 25.5% by 2025

The Ministry of Defense and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) signed an MoU to promote the use of millet & healthy eating practices among the Armed Forces and ensure safe & nutritious food.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Rajnath Singh (Defense Minister) and Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (Minister of Health).
During the event, both ministers also unveiled a book titled Healthy Recipes for Defence.
FSSAI CEO: G Kamala Vardhana Rao