Current Affairs Weekly PDF – July 2024 – 3rd Week

(17–23)
NATIONAL AFFAIRS

NITI Aayog Launches GearShift Challenge to ✓ During the event, Atul Tiwari highlighted
Accelerate Zero-Emission Truck Adoption in that over 1.40 crore youth under
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
India
have been trained and over 33 lakh candidates
The NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming
have engaged as apprentices.
India) launched NITI GearShift Challenge as part of
the e-FAST India initiative. This aims to foster
innovative business models for the adoption of Zero- CBIC Notified GSTR-1A Form To Amend
Emission Trucks (ZETs) in India. Sales Return
✓ challenge was launched in collaboration with On July 10 2024, The Central Board of Indirect Taxes
Operations Management Club (OMC) of the and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance (MoF)
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) notified the Goods and Services Tax Return (GSTR)-1A
Bangalore (Bengaluru, Karnataka), Smart form, allowing taxpayers to amend their outward
Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, supply or sales return form.
and WRI India. ✓ In June 2024, The 53rd GST Council
recommended a new optional facility in the
MDoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia form of GSTR-1A, which would allow
taxpayers to make amendments to the details
Launches NERACE Portal, Mobile App for
in form GSTR-1 for a given tax period and/or
Farmers in NER submit additional details.
The Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ministry of
Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER),
launched the North East Region Agri Commodity E-
ICAR Launches ‘One Scientist One Product’,
Connect (NERACE) App and Web Portal to Enhance Target-Oriented Research in
(https://nerace.in/) to integrate farmers and sellers, Agriculture & Animal Husbandry
enhancing agricultural connectivity in the North The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Eastern Region (NER). launched a target-oriented research plan named ‘One
✓ The initiative aims to connect 50,000 farmers Scientist-One Product’, aimed at enhancing research
and 5,000 buyers over the next five years. in agriculture and animal husbandry. All the 5,521 ICAR
scientists have been registered under this plan.
MSDE Commemorates 10th Anniversary of ✓ The plan was inaugurated by Shivraj Singh
Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and
Skill India Mission
Farmers’ Welfare & Rural Development on the
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
occasion of 96th foundation day and
(MSDE), Government of India (GoI) commemorated
technology day of ICAR.
the 10th anniversary of the Skill India Mission on 15th
✓ This plan will run for the next 5 years and each
July, 2024.
scientist will focus on a unique product to
✓ World Youth Skills Day is observed
maximise productivity and avoid duplication.
annually across the world on 15th July. Theme
✓ ICAR is also working to develop 100 new seed
for WYSD 2024: “Youth Skills for Peace and
varieties and 100 farm technologies in 100
Development”.

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 days as part of the Centre's 100-day action challenges with innovative technological
plan. solutions.

MoD Notifies 5th Positive Indigenisation List NITI Aayog Reconstituted with 4 Full-Time
of 346 Items for DPSUs members & 15 Union Ministers Including
The Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry from NDA Allies
of Defence (MoD), has notified the 5th Positive Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the
Indigenisation List (PIL) comprising 346 items, to boost revised composition of the National Institution for
Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence Transforming India (NITI Aayog) with 4 full-time
manufacturing and reducing imports by the Defence members and 15 Union ministers, including from the
Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic
✓ These items, including Line Replacement Units Alliance (NDA) allies, as either ex-officio members or
(LRUs), Systems, Sub-systems, Assemblies, special invitees.
Spares, Components and raw material related ✓ The PM remains the Chairperson and
to the defence platforms, have an import Economist Suman K Bery will continue to be
substitution value of Rs 1,048 crore. the Vice-chairperson of NITI Aayog.

India sees 163% Growth in Electronic Waste

Generation from 2010-2022: UNCTAD
Report
The United Nations Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) released the ‘2024 Digital Economy Report:
Shaping an Environmentally Sustainable and Inclusive
Digital Future’. According to the report, A record 62
million tonnes(Mt) of e-waste was produced in 2022,
up 82% from 2010. Around 0.668 mt of e-waste
generated in India in 2022.
✓ It highlights India's 163% growth in electronic
waste from Screens, Computers, and Small IT
and Telecommunication Equipment (SCSIT)
from 2010 to 2022, doubling its global share
from 3.1% to 6.4%.
PSA Prof Ajay Kumar Sood Launches Report
Final Report of India’s G20 Task Force on on e-mobility R&D Roadmap for India
Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific
Digital Public Infrastructure Released
Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India (GoI),
The final "Report of India’s G20 Task Force on Digital
launched the ‘e-mobility R&D Roadmap for India’
Public Infrastructure” was released in New Delhi, New
report at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe in New Delhi, Delhi.
Delhi. The report aims to strengthen the foundations of
The document was prepared by the Automotive
the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) worldwide.
Research Association of India (ARAI) in Pune,
✓ This Report was prepared by “India's Group of
Maharashtra under the guidance of the Consultative
Twenty (G20) Task Force on DPI for
Group on eMobility (CGeM).
Economic Transformation, Financial
✓ The roadmap is expected to propel the country
Inclusion and Development.”
into a future of self-reliance in EV sector with
✓ The report introduces the DPI Approach as a
an investment of Rs 1,151 crore over the next
transformative paradigm. It addresses global
five years.

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 ✓ The roadmap document outlines critical Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Ministry of
research initiatives positioning India as a global Corporate Affairs(MoCA) was held on 22nd June 2024
leader in electric mobility (e-mobility), aligning in New Delhi, Delhi.
with India’s goals of energy independence by ✓ The GST council informed that a uniform rate
2047 and Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2070. of 5% Integrated Goods and Services Tax
(IGST) will be implemented for imports of all
CSIR-CRRI Celebrates its 73rd Foundation ‘Parts, components, testing equipment, tools
and toolkits of aircraft.
Day
list of Goods with Revised GST Rates:
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) -
New GST Rates (as
Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) celebrated its Goods
of June 2024)
73rd Foundation Day on 16th July 2024 at CSIR –
All milk cans (of steel, iron and
CRRI Auditorium in New Delhi, Delhi. 12%
aluminium)
✓ Dr.Nallathamby Kalaiselvi, Secretary,
Carton, boxes and cases of
Department of Scientific & Industrial
both corrugated and non- reduced from 18%
Research(DSIR), Ministry of Science and
corrugated paper or paperboard to 12%
Technology (MoST) and Director General (DG)
(HS 4819 10; 4819 20)
of CSIR along with other dignitaries were
All solar cookers 12%
present during the event.
Parts of Poultry Keeping
✓ The Appointments Committee of the 12%
Machinery
Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of
tenure of N. Kalaiselvi as DG of CSIR and All types of sprinklers (both fire
12%
Secretary of DSIR, for a period of two & water)
years beyond 7th August 2024, or until further
orders, whichever is earlier. NITI Aayog Released Report on 'Electronics:
Powering India’s Participation in GVC'
Ministry of Coal (MoC) Signed Agreements On July 18, 2024, the National Institution for
for 3 Coal Mines Transforming India (NITI) Aayog released its report
Ministry of Coal (MoC) has signed coal mining titled "Electronics: Powering India’s Participation in
development and production agreements for 3 coal Global Value Chains". This report provides an in-depth
mines located in Angul district, Odisha were auctioned analysis of India’s electronics sector, highlighting its
under the 2nd attempt of the 7th Round. potential and challenges, and outlines a roadmap for
Name of the Coal Mines Along with their Bidders: India to become a global manufacturing hub in
✓ Machhakata (revised) coal mine and the electronics.
bidder was NLC India Limited(formerly Neyveli ✓ Market Size: The global electronics market is
Lignite Corporation Limited). valued at USD 4.3 trillion, dominated by
✓ Kudanali Lubri coal mine and the bidder was China, Taiwan, the USA (United States of
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation America), South Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Limited. ✓ India’s Share: Despite a 4% share in global
✓ Sakhigopal-B Kakurhi coal mine and the demand, India's exports are approximately
bidder was Tamil Nadu Generation and USD 25 billion annually, representing less
Distribution Corporation Limited. than 1% of the global market share.
✓ Ambitious Target: India should aims for USD
500 billion in electronics manufacturing by
Highlights of the 53rd GST Council Meeting FY30, creating 5.5 to 6 million jobs, with
The 53rd Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council electronics exports expected to hit USD 240
meeting headed by Union Minister Nirmala

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 billion and domestic value addition exceeding ✓ Annual Report of PM SVANidhi and a
35%. compendium of DAY-NULM success stories
were released.
✓ The Union Minister felicitated PRAISE and
SPARK Award winners under the PM SVANidhi
and DAY-NULM schemes.
✓ He also launched new features of the PM
SVANidhi mobile application (app), including
voice-based grievance tools, chatbots, and e-
Parichay cards.
Award Category: ‘Best Performing States – ‘Loan
Performance’

State categories Rank State

1 Madhya Pradesh
Large States 2 Andhra Pradesh
3 Punjab

Union Minister Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Small States & Union 1 Ladakh
Asia’s 1st Health Research-Related "Pre- Territories (UTs)
2 Puducherry
clinical Network facility" under CEPI
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (MoS) Hilly and North East 1 Assam
Independent Charge (IC), Ministry of Science and (NE) States
2 Sikkim
Technology (MoS&T), inaugurated Asia’s 1st health
research-related "Pre-clinical Network Facility" Special award for
1 Maharashtra
under the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness outstanding
Innovations (CEPI) at the Regional Centre of performance
2 Uttar Pradesh
Biotechnology (RCB) under the aegis of the
Translational Health Science & Technology Institute
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Chairs 7th
(THSTI) in Faridabad, Haryana.
✓ The CEPI has selected THSTI as a pre-clinical
NCORD Meeting; Launches National
network laboratory for handling Biosafety Narcotics Helpline ‘MANAS’ & NCB's
level 3 (BSL-3) pathogens. Annual Report 2023
Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs
MoHUA Organises “Utkrishtata ki Ore (MHA) chaired the 7th Apex Level Narco-Coordination
Centre (NCORD) Meeting, in Vigyan Bhawan, New
Badhte Kadam” Event; Honours PRAISE &
Delhi (Delhi) and launched the National Narcotics
SPARK Award Winners Under PM Helpline
SVANidhi & DAY-NULM ‘MANAS(Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra)’.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) ✓ The National Narcotics Helpline MANAS or
organised “Utkrishtata ki Ore Badhte Kadam: Narcotics Prohibition Intelligence Centre will
Celebrating Achievements, Inspiring Excellence” have a toll-free number 1933.
event to honour best performers under the Prime ✓ He virtually inaugurated the Narcotics Control
Minister (PM) Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM Bureau (NCB) Zonal Office at Srinagar,
SVANidhi) Yojana, and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and also released
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM). the NCB's Annual Report 2023
and Compendium on ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’.

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Union Minister G Kishan Reddy inaugurates DoT’s NTIPRIT, NICF and WMTDC merged
NLFC and Launches Bhusanket Web Portal into NCA ; Headed by Dr. Neeraj Mittal
& Bhooskhalan Mobile App On July 19, 2024, Union Minister
Union Minister Gangapuram (G) Kishan Reddy, Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, Ministry of
Ministry of Coal, and Ministry of Mines inaugurated the Communications (MoC) has approved the merger of
National Landslide Forecasting Centre (NLFC) at Department of Telecommunications' (DoT’s) three
Geological Survey of India (GSI), Dharitri Campus, Salt training institutes viz. Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (UP)-
Lake City, Kolkata in West Bengal (WB). based National Telecommunications Institute for
✓ He also launched the Bhusanket Web Portal Policy Research, Innovation and
(https://www.bhusanket.gsi.gov.in) and Training (NTIPRIT); Ghitorni, New Delhi, Delhi-based
Bhooskhalan Mobile Application(App). National Institute of Communication Finance (NICF);
✓ It will operationalize the regional Landslide and and New Delhi-based Wireless Monitoring Training
Early Warning System (LEWS) nationwide by & Development Centre (WMTDC) into single
2030. administrative entity, ‘National Communications
Academy (NCA)’ with immediate effect.

BIS signs MoU with IISc, Bengaluru to

Promote Standardization Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy Launches
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) signed a Mineral Exploration Hackathon and National
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian DMF Portal in Hyderabad
Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, for the Union Minister Gangapuram (G) Kishan Reddy,
establishment of the ‘BIS Standardization Chair Ministry of Mines(MoM) launched Mineral Exploration
Professor’ at the IISc. Hackathon, and National District Mineral Foundation
✓ Aim: To integrate academic expertise into (DMF) Portal in Hyderabad, Telangana. The Hackathon
standards formulation and incorporate Indian focused on Innovative Mineral Hunt Techniques.
standards into academic curricula, ✓ The Union Minister released publication on
ultimately contributing to safer and more 'Glimpse of Geology and Mineral Resources,
reliable products and services in India. Telangana' and 'Minerals in Telengana-
Spotlights'.

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 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

UN World Population Prospects 2024: India Signs MoU with Marshall Islands for 4
India's Population to Peak at 1.7 Billion in Community Development Projects in
2062 Marshall Islands
According to the World Population Prospects India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
2024 published by the Population Division of the with the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) on the
United Nations Department of Economic and Social annual Grant-In-Aid (GIA) for the Implementation of 4
Affairs (UN DESA), India's population is expected to Community Development Projects (CDPs) in the RMI,
peak at about 1.701 billion in 2062 and then at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, Japan.
decline by 12% between January and July 2062. ✓ The MoU covers projects including a
✓ Currently, India is the most populous country community sports center in Ailuk Atoll, an
in the world with 1.45 billion people and is airport terminal on Mejit Island, and
likely to remain so until 2100. community centers at Arno and Wotje Atolls.
✓ India is followed by China at the 2nd place
with a population of 1.419 billion and the Climate change Disrupting Education
United States of America (USA) at the 3rd
Outcomes, Increasing Learning Loss: GEM
place with a population of 345 million.
✓ By 2054, India and China would retain their Report
positions, but Pakistan is projected to overtake The Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM) 2024
the USA as 3rd most populous by 2054 with a titled 'Education and Climate Change-Learning to
population of 389 million. Act For People And Planet' highlights how climate
Rankings of the world’s 5 most populous countries change is disrupting education outcomes and
and total population: increasing learning loss.
Population in 2024 ✓ The report was compiled by the United Nations
Rank Country Educational, Scientific and Cultural
(in millions)
1 India 1,451 Organization (UNESCO), Monitoring and
Evaluating Climate Communication and
2 China 1,419
Education (MECCE) project and University of
3 USA 345
Saskatchewan in Canada.
4 Indonesia 283
5 Pakistan 251
Overview of EAM, Dr. S. Jaishankar Visit to
16 lakh Indian Children Missed Vital the Republic of Mauritius from 16th to 17th
Vaccines in 2023: WHO-UNICEF report July 2024
World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar,
Children's Fund (UNICEF) released the 'WHO and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India
UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (GoI) was on a 2-day official visit to the Republic of
(WUENIC)', stating that India's national immunization Mauritius from 16th to 17th July 2024. This marked his
program missed 1.6 million (16 Lakh) children for DPT 1st bilateral visit to the Republic of Mauritius after
(Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) and measles shots being sworn-in as External Affairs Minister (EAM) of
in 2023. India for 2nd consecutive term.
✓ With this data, India had the second highest ✓ EAM Dr. S Jaishankar and Pravind Kumar
number of children who received no vaccines Jugnauth, PM of Mauritus virtually inaugurated
at all i.e. zero-dose children, following Nigeria 12 High Impact Community Development
with 2.1 million. Projects with financial assistance of India.

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 ✓ EAM Dr. S Jaishankar inaugurated the India- Ivory Coast became 53rd country to Join UN
Mauritius “Maitree Udyan” and planted a tree Water Convention
in Port Louis, Mauritius.
Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) become the 53rd Party to
✓ Leaders of both countries witnessed the the 1992 United Nations (UN) Water Convention
exchange of Memorandum of
which is also known as the Convention on the
Understandings (MoUs) on education, culture
Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses
, digitisation of Immigration Archives and
and International Lakes. With this, Ivory Coast became
collaboration in the field of space and
the 10th African country to do so.
innovation.
✓ This development came ahead of the 10th
✓ EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar along with Mauritius PM session of the Meeting of the Parties (MoP) to
Pravind Jugnauth inaugurated India’s 1st
the Water Convention which will held in
overseas Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Mauritius.
Ljubljana, Slovenia from 23rd October, 2024 to
25th October, 2024.
Azerbaijan launches Climate Finance Action
Fund India, Bhutan approves 61 Projects worth Rs
Azerbaijan, the host of COP29(Conference of the 4,958cr for Bhutan’s 13th FYP
Parties) climate summit, launched the 'Climate
India and Bhutan approved a total of 61 development
Finance Action Fund (CFAF)' to support green
projects valued at Rs 4,958 crore (Ngultrum/Nu.
projects in developing countries and help to maintain
49.58 billion) during the 3rd India Bhutan Development
the 1.5°C temperature target. Cooperation Talks held in Thimphu, Bhutan on 20th
✓ Aim: To raise USD 1 billion from fossil fuel-
July 2024.
producing countries and companies.
✓ The projects will be implemented as part of
Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan(FYP), for which
India is providing a substantial development
support of Rs 10,000 crore.

BANKING & FINANCE

SEBI Introduced New Rules for Passive Enterprises (Agri-SURE) to support start-ups and
Mutual Fund Schemes to Reduce Sponsor agripreneurs through investments in sector-specific,
sector-agnostic, and debt AIFs.
Bias
✓ Rs 750 crore Category-II Alternative
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has
Investment Fund (AIF) will be established
introduced new rules impacting investments by
under this initiative to promote innovation and
passively managed Mutual Fund(MF) schemes in the
sustainability in the agricultural sector of India.
group companies of their sponsors. A working group
✓ NABARD also launched a hackathon
which was constituted by SEBI proposed amendments
“AgriSURE Greenathon 2024” during the
to SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
event.
(hereinafter also referred to as “MF Regulations”).

Kotak Mahindra Bank Revamps Kotak811

NABARD Launches Rs 750-Crore Agri-SURE
Banking App with Enhanced User Interface
Fund to Boost Agri Startups
& New Features
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited(KMBL), a leading Indian
Development (NABARD), India’s apex development
private sector bank, has revamped its Kotak811
bank, unveiled an agri fund for Start-Ups & Rural
banking application with enhanced User Interface (UI)

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and introduced various new features for secure Unified banking platform. This transition includes all credit
Payments Interface (UPI) payments, transaction card relationships and the existing Citibank credit
monitoring, among others. cards will be mapped to new Axis Bank products.
✓ Aim: To transform UPI transactions and other
important banking features and will offer RBI approved Brickwork Ratings for Bank
seamless, safe and convenient banking
Risk-Weighting Claims
services for millions of customers across the
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has authorized banks
country.
to utilize the ratings from Brickwork Ratings India
Private Limited (BWR) for determining risk weights in
BranchX Becomes India’s 1st Neobank to capital adequacy purposes.
Launch ONDC Loans For Financial Inclusion ✓ BWR can rate bank loans up to Rs. 250 crore.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) based BranchX India Private For existing ratings, BWR is allowed to conduct
Limited, a leading neobank innovator, has launched rating surveillance regardless of the loan
India’s first personal loan solution through the Open amount until the loan's residual tenure.
Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) which marks
the significant step towards financial inclusion for BoB, BoM and SBI Launch Deposit Schemes
India’s 1.4 billion people.
to Fund Credit Demand
Three Indian Public Sector Banks (PSBs), the State
BBVA and IFC Launch World's First Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda (BoB) and Bank of
Biodiversity Bond to Combat Biodiversity Maharashtra (BoM) has launched their respective
Loss deposit schemes to garner deposits to fund credit
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria(BBVA) Colombia and demand.
the International Finance Corporation (IFC) launched ✓ Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched its special
the world's first biodiversity bond which will amount scheme “the bob Monsoon Dhamaka Deposit
to USD70 million, aiming to combat biodiversity loss. Scheme” with two tenor buckets i.e. providing
In this regard, the initial tranche of USD15 million was interest rate of 7.25% per annum for 399 days
issued by BBVA Colombia. and 7.15% per annum for 333 days. It is
✓ BBVA Colombia is the issuing bank, while IFC applicable for retail deposits less than Rs 3
acts as the structurer and investor, also crore.
providing advisory support. ✓ Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) launched a special
scheme with 4 buckets for deposits up to 10
crore.
GoI Releases 1st Tranche of USD 2.5 Million
✓ The State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest
to UNRWA for Palestine Refugees PSB launched a scheme named
On 16 July 2024, the Government of India (GoI) “Amrit Vrishti”. The scheme offers an interest
released the 1st tranche of USD 2.5 million to the rate of 7.25% per annum on deposit of 444
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine days for general citizens and for senior citizens
Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), one of the largest it offers an interest rate of 7.75%.
United Nations (UN) programs. This payment is part of
India’s annual contribution of USD 5 million for 2024-
25.
ADB Approves USD 240.5 Million in Loans
for Rooftop Solar Systems in India
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved
Axis Bank Completed Migration of Citibank
USD 240.5 million in loans to finance rooftop solar
Customers to its Platform systems across India, assisting the government to
On 15 July 2024, Axis Bank officially completed expand energy access using renewable energy. This
Citibank's credit card portfolio migration to its

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financing is part of the Multitranche Financing Facility minimum net worth of Rs 200 crore, and
(MFF) Solar Rooftop Investment Program. nationwide terminals.
✓ State Bank of India (SBI) and the National Bank
for Agriculture and Rural Development Fintech Startup TechFini Receives NPCI
(NABARD) will distribute loans to developers
Certification To Operate as UPI Provider
and end-users nationwide to install rooftop
Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Fintech Startup
solar systems.
TechFini has received the certification from the
✓ The SBI will receive USD 90.5 million from
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to
ADB's Clean Technology Fund (CTF);
operate as a Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based
✓ The NABARD will receive USD 150 million,
payment infrastructure provider for banks and fintech
consisting of USD 80 million from ADB's
companies.
ordinary capital resources and USD 70 million
✓ It enables the startup to operate as an UPI
from CTF.
Issuer 2.0, UPI Acquirer 2.0, Issuer of Credit
Line on UPI, Acquirer of Credit Line on UPI, and
Ireland Replaced Mauritius to Secure the Enabler of RuPay Credit Card and Recurring
4th Spot on Preferred FPI Destinations List Mandate on UPI.
According to the National Securities Depository
Limited (NSDL) data, Ireland with Assets Under LIC Partners with IDFC First Bank To
Custody (AUC) of Rs 4.41 trillion registered on 30th
Enhance Bancassurance
June 2024, has replaced Mauritius to secure 4th spot
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has
on preferred Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) destination
partnered with IDFC First Bank Limited, under
list.
Corporate Agency Arrangement to enhance
✓ Top 3 Most Preferred FPI Countries: As per
bancassurance and to provide life insurance coverage
the data, the United States of America(USA)
to all by 2047.
which registered AUC of Rs 3,068,188 crore
emerged as the most preferred destination
country for FPI, followed by Singapore (AUC of RBI Sets up Committee to Review Fee
Rs 7.05 trillion) and Luxembourg ( AUC of Rs Structure for White-Label ATMs
5.57 trillion) ranked at 2nd and 3rd spot The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has established a
respectively. committee headed by Sunil Mehta, Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) to
SEBI recognizes BSE Ltd as RAASB and review the fee structure for White-Label ATMs (WLAs).
✓ Aim: To recommend a fair and sustainable
IAASB
model that balances all stakeholders' interests
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
and will evaluate current policies and
has recognized BSE Limited (formerly Bombay Stock
practices.
Exchange) as a supervisory body for Research Analyst
Administration and Supervisory Body (RAASB) and
Investment Adviser Administration and Supervisory Arka Fincap & Central Bank of India Entered
Body (IAASB) to oversee their management and Co-lending Partnership to Offer MSME
administration for a period of 5 years w.e.f. July 25, Loans
2024. Arka Fincap Limited, a Non-Banking Financial
✓ SEBI introduced a supervision framework for Company (NBFC) and a step-down subsidiary of
RAs and IAs. To qualify as a supervisory body, Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited (KOEL), and the Central
an entity must be a recognized stock exchange Bank of India (CBI), entered into a strategic co-lending
with at least 15 years of existence, a partnership to offer Micro, Small, and Medium

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Enterprises (MSME) loans at competitive rates,
expanding their reach across India.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

IMF Raised India’s GDP Growth Forecast for ✓ The median GDP growth is estimated at 6.8%
FY25 to 7%; Maintains 2024 Global Growth in first quarter (Q1) (April-June) FY25 and 7.2%
in second quarter (Q2) (July-September) of
Forecast at 3.2% warns of Inflation Risk
FY25.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) released ‘World
✓ The median forecast for Consumer Price Index
Economic Outlook (WEO) Update, July 2024: The
(CPI) based inflation has been put at 4.5 per
Global Economy in a Sticky Spot’. The report has
cent for 2023-24, with a minimum and
increased India’s GDP(Gross Domestic Product)
maximum range of 4.4 per cent and 5.0 per
growth by 20 basis points(bps), from 6.8% (in April
cent respectively.
2024 ) to 7% for FY25(2024-25).
✓ As per the report, the global growth is
projected to be in line with April 2024 WEO
forecast at 3.2% in 2024 but it has marginally
increased the global growth rate by 10 bps to
3.3% in 2025.
✓ However, the IMF retained its India’s GDP
projection for FY26 (2025-26) at 6.5%. India’s
GDP expanded at 8.2 percent in 2023-24.

ADB kept India's GDP Growth Projection for

GRSE Signed Rs 840 Crore Deal with
2024 unchanged at 7%
NCPOR for Ocean Research Vessel
Asian Development Bank (ADB) released its ' Asian
Indian Defence Public Sector Unit (PSU), Garden
Development Outlook (ADO) - July 2024' maintaining
Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE)
the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecast for the
signed an agreement worth Rs. 839.55 Crores. with
Indian economy at 7% for the Fiscal Year 2024-
the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
2025(FY 25).
(NCPOR) for the construction of the Ocean Research
✓ For FY26, ADB projects Indian economy
Vessel (ORV) in 36 months.
growth at 7.2%.
✓ It will have maximum of 14 knots and operate
✓ Inflation is expected to decline to 4.6% in
depths of 6,000 m. The vessel will have all-
FY25 and 4.5% in FY26.
weather capability and capacity to carry 34
scientists at a time and is expected to serve
FICCI Forecasts India’s GDP Growth India for the next 30 years.
Forecast for FY25 at 7%; CPI Inflation
Projected at 4.5% India’s WPI Inflation Rate Rose to 3.36% in
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & June 2024
Industry (FICCI)’s Economic Outlook Survey released According to the data released by the Ministry of
in July 2024 has projected a 7% annual median Gross Commerce and Industry(MoCI), the annual inflation
Domestic Product (GDP) growth for India in the fiscal rate based on the all-India Wholesale Price Index
year 2024-25(FY25). This forecast presents a growth (WPI) stands at 3.36% (Provisional) for June 2024
estimate range from 6.6% to 7.5%. (over June 2023). This marks the 3rd consecutive

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month of significant sequential increases. The WPI for Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
June 2024 was compiled at a weighted response rate (MoU) with the Space Application Centre (SAC) of the
of 87.8%. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
✓ Aim: This strategic alliance aims to advance
AAI Signed MoU with Rajasthan Government research and innovation in chemical sciences,
and to align with UPL’s strategy to improve
for Development of Greenfield Airport at
academic excellence and achieve global
Kota recognition.
On 19th July 2024, a tripartite Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) was signed among Airports
IREDA to Invest Rs 290 Cr in 900 MW Hydro
Authority of India (AAI), Urban Development
Department and the Civil Aviation Department. Kota Projects in Nepal
Development Authority (KDA) has been entrusted with The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
responsibility of preparing a roadmap for planned Limited (IREDA), announced an investment of Rs. 290
development around the proposed land. Crore in a 900 MegaWatt (MW) Hydroelectric Power
Project (HPP) in Nepal.
✓ With this investment IREDA will secure up to a
UPL University & ISRO’s SAC signed MoU to
10% shareholding in GMR Upper Karnali Hydro
Advance Chemical Sciences Research Power Limited and Karnali Transmission
Vataria (Gujarat)-based UPL University of Company Pvt. Ltd., Nepal.
Sustainable Technology, a leading initiative by UPL

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Indian Sand Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik Wins Indian Scientists Prahlad Chandra Agrawal
Golden Sand Master Award At International & Anil Bhardwaj received COSPAR 2024
Championship In Russia Awards:45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
Sudarsan Pattnaik (Odisha), Indian Sand Artist has Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) announced
won the Golden Sand Master Award with a gold the winners of 2024 COSPAR Awards during the 45th
medal at the International Sand Sculpture COSPAR Scientific Assembly which is being held in
Championship/Festival 2024 held in St. Petersburg, Busan, South Korea from 13th to 21st July 2024.
Russia. The International Sand Sculpture Two Indian Scientists Prahlad Chandra Agrawal and
Championship, held between July 4th to 12th 2024, Anil Bhardwaj were among the winners of the 2024
had a theme of ‘History, Mythology, and Fairy Tales’. COSPAR Awards.
✓ Prahlad Chandra Agrawal was honoured with
the COSPAR Harrie Massey Award and Anil
Bhardwaj was honoured with the Vikram
Sarabhai Medal, a joint award of COSPAR and
the Indian Space Research
Organization(ISRO). Click here for the
complete list of 2024 winners

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 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Sumant Sinha Appointed as Co-chair of ESAF SFB Received Approval from the RBI
Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders for Re-appointment of K Paul Thomas as MD
Sumant Sinha, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and CEO
(CEO) of Renewable energy solutions provider ReNew ESAF Small Finance Bank(ESAF
Energy Global PLC (ReNew) has SFB) announced that it has received
been appointed as co-chair of the approval from the Reserve Bank
Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders. of India (RBI) for the re-appointment
Sinha has also been Co-Chair of the of Kadambelil Paul Thomas as
India part of the Alliance since Managing Director (MD) and Chief
2022. Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank for next 3 years.
✓ It is a flagship initiative of World Economic
Forum (WEF) which was launched in 2014. It
Eurosport India Appoints Shikhar Dhawan
is the largest CEO-led climate alliance in the
world. as India Brand Ambassador For MotoGP
Eurosport India, an Indian sports
channel of Discovery Asia-Pacific
Roberta Metsola Re-elected as President of
has appointed Indian cricketer
European Parliament; 1st Woman to win Shikhar Dhawan as Brand
2nd Term Ambassador for MotoGP in India.
Roberta Metsola (aged 45) of As an ambassador, Shikhar Dhawan
European People’s Party (EPP), will promote the MotoGP, Grand Prix motorcycle
was re-elected as President of the racing, to the audiences across India.
European Parliament for another
two and a half years, until 2027. HSBC Appoints Georges Elhedery as its
With this, she became the first
Next CEO
woman to win a second term as the President of the
HSBC Holdings Plc, Europe’s largest bank has
European Parliament, the directly elected legislative
appointed Georges Elhedery as its group Chief
body of the European Union(EU).
Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from September
2 2024. Currently he is serving as the Chief Financial
Paul Kagame Re-elected For Fourth Term as Officer (CFO) at HSBC.
President of Rwanda He is the third CEO for HSBC Holdings Plc in less than
Paul Kagame has been re-elected 8 years. Elhedery replaces Noel Quinn, who
as the President of the Republic of announced his exit in April 2024.
Rwanda for the fourth five-year
term from 2024 to 2029. He has ACC Grants Approval For Extension of RP
been serving as the President of
Goyal's Additional Charge as CMD of NHPC
Rwanda since April 2000.
The Appointments Committee of the
Cabinet (ACC)has granted approval for the extension
of the tenure of Rajendra Prasad Goyal’s additional
charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)
of the NHPC Limited by another three months, with
effect from June 1 2024.

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 ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CCI approvals on 18 July 2024 ✓ Acquisition of ordinary shares of Berhyanda

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Limited and Berhyanda MidCo Limited by
the following proposals on 18 July 2024. Platinum Poppy C 2024 RSC Limited (Platinum
✓ Acquisition of up to 56% shareholding of Poppy).
Ismartu India Private Limited by Dixon ✓ Acquisition of Arjas Steel Private Limited and
Technologies (India) Limited Arjas Modern Steel Private Limited by The
Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited and
BAG Holdings Private Limited.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Europe's Ariane 6 Rocket Blasts off For the Dhruva Space Gets IN-SPACe Nod To
First Time Provide GSaaS
Ariane 6, European Space Agency(ESA)’s new heavy- Dhruva Space Private Limited, Hyderabad
lift rocket, has been launched into space for the first (Telangana) based Space-Engineering solutions
time from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French provider has received authorisation from the Indian
Guiana, an overseas department of France in South National Space Promotion and Authorisation
America. Centre (IN-SPACe) to provide Ground Stations as a
✓ The 63 metres tall rocket was developed at an Service (GSaaS).
estimated cost of 4 billion euros by
ArianeGroup, a joint venture of Airbus and ISRO Scientists Generated 1st Complete
Safran.
Undersea Map of Ram Setu
✓ Ariane-6 is a project of the 13 member states
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
of ESA, led by France 56% and Germany
Scientists have successfully generated the 1st
21%. The 13 partners have offered annual
undersea map of the submerged Ram Setu or Adam's
subsidy payments of up to 340 million euros to
Bridge with the help of National Aeronautics and
help the early stages of Ariane-6 exploitation.
Space Administration (NASA)’s ICESat-2 (short for
Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite).
Zen Tech Launches Four New Anti-Drone ✓ The map was revealed by the Scientists from
Products ISRO's Jodhpur(Rajasthan) and Hyderabad
Zen Technologies Limited (ZEN), an anti-drone (Telangana) National Remote Sensing
technology and Defence training solutions Centre(NRSC).
provider,along with its Pune (Maharashtra) - ✓ The bridge is located between Mannar Island,
based subsidiary AI Turing Technologies has launched off the northwest coast of Sri Lanka, and
four new anti-drone products, aimed at enhancing Rameswaram Island, in India. The bridge
defence forces' operational effectiveness and tactical connects Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu (TN) in
supremacy. India to Talaimannar islands in Sri Lanka.
✓ The four products are Hawkeye, Barbarik -
Ultralight Remote Control Weapon Station NASA Scientists discovered 6 New
(URCWS), Sthir Stab 640 and Artificial
Exoplanets
Intelligence (AI)-powered robot Prahasta.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) Scientists have discovered 6 new

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exoplanets namely- HD36384 b, TOI-198 b, TOI- ‘Gaofen-11 05’: China Launches its New
2095 b, TOI-2095 c, TOI-4860 b, and MWC 758 c. Earth Observation Satellite
With this the total number of confirmed
China launched ‘Gaofen-11 05’, a new high resolution
exoplanets discovered to 5502. optical Earth Observation Satellite (EOS), into space
onboard Long March-4B carrier rocket from the
Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TSLC) in North
China's Shanxi Province, China.
✓ This is the fifth Gaofen-11 high resolution
satellite launched to its China High-definition
Earth Observation System (CHEOS)
constellation.

ENVIRONMENT

‘Habrocestum swaminathan and Kerala. It was named after Suresh P.

Habrocestum benjamin’: New Jumping Benjamin, a Sri Lanka-based jumping spider
specialist.
Spider Species Found in Western Ghats
A team of researchers from Christ College, Irinjalakuda
(Thrissur, Kerala), have discovered 2 new species of ‘Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii’: New
litter-dwelling jumping spiders named, Habrocestum Plant Species Discovered in Arunachal
swaminathan and Habrocestum benjamin, from the Pradesh
evergreen forests of the southern Western Ghats in Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
Kerala. have discovered a new plant species named
✓ Habrocestum swaminathan was discovered ‘Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii’ in the Itanagar
from the banks of the river Kunthi, Silent Wildlife Sanctuary, in Papum Pare district, Arunachal
Valley National Park in Palakkad, Kerala. It Pradesh (AR). The new plant species has been named
was named after M.S. Swaminathan, Father after Dr Sudhansu Sekhar Dash, a Scientist at the
of the Green Revolution. BSI, in recognition of his significant contribution to
✓ Habrocestum benjamin was collected plant and ecological research in the Indian Himalayan
from Thusharagiri, one of the foothills of the region.
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (BR), in Kozhikode,

SPORTS

137th Edition of Wimbledon ✓ Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz won the 2024

Championships: Carlos Alcaraz Retains his Gentlemen’s Singles title defeating seven-
time champion Novak Djokovic (Serbia), this
Men’s Singles Title; Barbora Krejcikova won
marks his 2nd consecutive Wimbledon title.
the Women’s Singles title ✓ Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic
The 137th edition of the oldest tennis grand slam won the 2024 Ladies Singles title by
event “The Wimbledon Championships defeating Jasmine Paolini (Italy). This marks
(Wimbledon) 2024” was held from 1st July to 14th her second Grand Slam singles victory. She
July 2024 on the grass courts at the All-England Lawn won her first Grand Slam (singles) at the
Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, French Open 2021.
United Kingdom (UK).

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Winners & Runner-ups of Wimbledon 2024: Germany’s Toni Kroos announced their
Category Winners Runners retirement from International Football.
Carlos Novak Awards and honours:
Men’s Singles Alcaraz Djokovic ✓ Player of the Tournament: Rodrigo Hernández
(Spain) (Serbia) Cascante (Rodri) of Spain
✓ Young Player of the Tournament: Lamine
Barbora
Jasmine Yamal of Spain
Krejčíková
Women’s Singles Paolini ✓ Player of the Match (finals): Nico Williams of
(Czech
(Italy) Spain
Republic)
✓ Golden Boot: Six players share the Golden
Santiago
Boot (leading-scorer) award: England’s Harry
Hsieh Su-Wei Gonzalez
Kane, Spain’s Dani Olmo, Netherlands’ Cody
(Taiwan) and and
Mixed Doubles Gakpo, Germany’s Jamal Musiala, Slovakia’s
Jan Zielinski Giuliana
Ivan Schranz and Georgia’s Georges
(Poland) Olmos
Mikautadze.
(Mexico)
Taylor
Townsend Gabriela Copa America 2024: Argentina Beats
(United Dabrowski Colombia to Win the Title for the 16th Time
States of (Canada) Argentina won the title of the 48th edition of the Copa
Women’s Doubles America) & and Erin America (Copa America 2024) by defeating Colombia
Katerina Routliffe in the finals held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida,
Siniakova (New the United States of America (USA).
(Czech Zealand) Copa America 2024 hosted by the USA was held from
Republic) 20th June to 14th July 2024.
Henry Patten ✓ This marks Argentina’s 16th title of Copa
(Great Max Purcell America. with this, Argentina became the
Britain) and and Jordan tournament's most successful team, followed
Men’s Doubles
Harri Thompson by Uruguay (15) and Brazil (9).
Heliovaara (Australia) Awards and Honours:
(Finland) Award Winner
Angel Di Maria
UEFA Euro 2024: Spain wins 4th Euro Player of the Match (finals) (Argentina)
Championship title after beating England Golden Ball (Player of the James Rodríguez
Spain won the 17th edition of the Union of European Tournament) (Colombia)
Football Associations (UEFA) European Football Golden Boot Award Lautaro Martinez – 5
Championship, commonly referred to as ‘UEFA Euro (Tournament’s top scorer) goals (Argentina)
2024 or Euro Cup’ by defeating England (2-1) in the Golden Glove Award (best Emiliano Martinez
goalkeeper of the Tournament) (Argentina)
finals held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.
✓ UEFA Euro 2024 hosted by Germany was held Fair Play Award Colombia
from 14th June to 14th July 2024.
✓ Spain won the Euro Cup for the record 4th India Beat Pakistan to Win World
time. Spain previously won the title in 1964,
Championship of Legends 2024
2008 and 2012.
Indian Champions team led by Yuvraj Singh won the
✓ Germany's Thomas Müller; France’s Olivier
inaugural edition of the World Championship Of
Giroud; Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri; and
Legends (2024) by defeating the Younis Khan-led

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Pakistan Champions team by five wickets during the
finals held in Birmingham, England. APC Appoints Deepa Malik, India’s 1st
✓ Player of the Match(Finals)- Ambati Rayudu
Woman Paralympic Medallist, as Sub-
(India)
✓ Player of the Tournament- Yusuf Pathan regional Representative for South Asia
(India) The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) at its 34th
Executive Board meeting appointed Dr. Deepa Malik,
India’s 1st woman Paralympic medallist, as the sub-
England Fast Bowler James Michael
regional representative for South Asia. This
Anderson Retires from International Cricket appointment for the 1st time increases female
On 12 July 2024, James Michael Anderson (Jimmy representation on the APC Executive Board to 5, the
Anderson), England Fast Bowler, retired from highest in its history.
International Cricket after England's Test match ✓ Kazuhiro Yagi from Japan as the new Vice
against the West Indies at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in President of the APC.
London, England.
✓ He became the only seam bowler ever to take
AIFF Awards 2023-24: Lallianzuala
700 wickets in Test Cricket.
✓ He becomes the third-highest test wicket- Chhangte, Indumathi Kathiresan Clinch
taker in the world after Muttiah Muralithran of Footballer of the year 2023-24
Sri Lanka (800 wickets in 113 matches) and On 19th July 2024, the All India Football Federation
Shane Warne of Australia (708 wickets in 145 (AIFF) announced the winners of AIFF annual awards
matches). 2023-24 during the award ceremony held in New
Delhi, Delhi.
✓ Lallianzuala Chhangte, an Indian Men’s
Saudi Arabia To Host First Olympic Esports
Football Player from Mizoram, was named the
Games in 2025 AIFF Men’s Footballer of the year 2023-24 for
The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi
the second consecutive time.
Arabia and the International Olympic Committee
✓ Indumathi Kathiresan, Indian Women’s
(IOC) signed a 12-year deal to host the First Olympic
football player from Tamil Nadu (TN) named
Esports Games 2025 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
AIFF Women’s Footballer of the year 2023-24.
(KSA). This partnership is in line with Saudi Arabia’s
She became the first Football Player from TN
Vision 2030, which aims to transform the nation’s to receive the award.
social and economic landscape.

Fencer Shreya Gupta Secured Bronze Medal

2024 Paris Olympic Games: BTS Jin
in Sabre Category in Commonwealth Junior
Becomes 1st Ever K-Pop Idol to Carry the
& Cadet Championship 2024
Olympic Torch
Indian fencer Shreya Gupta, hailing from Jammu &
On 14th July 2024, BTS member Kim Seokjin(stage
Kashmir (J&K) won the bronze medal in the Sabre
name: Jin) participated in the torch relay of the 2024
category at the Commonwealth Junior and Cadet
Paris Olympic Games as South Korea’s torchbearer in
Fencing Championships (CJCFC) 2024 held in
Paris, France. He became the 1st ever Korean singer
Christchurch, New Zealand from 12th to 19hth July
or K-Pop idol to carry Olympic torch abroad.
2024.
Note: India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal winner
Abhinav Bindra will take part in the Paris 2024 Olympic
Torch Relay.

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 OBITUARY

Subhash Dandekar, Chairman Emeritus of ✓ The French Government honoured him with a
Camlin, Passed Away Chevalier in the order of
Palmes Académiques in 1999.
Subhash Dandekar, Chairman Emeritus of Kokuyo
Camlin Limited(formerly known as Camlin Limited), a
renowned Indian stationery and art supplies company, Nguyen Phu Trong, Former President of
passed away at the age of 86 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Vietnam & Chief of Communist Party,
✓ Subhash Dandekar has received many awards Passed Away
which includes Sahyadri Navratna Puraskar
Nguyen Phu Trong, The General Secretary of
(2005), Game Changers of Maharashtra award.
Ruling Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the
✓ He has been honoured the Lifetime
former President of Viet Nam (2018-2021), passed
Achievement Award (2018) by the Colours
away at the age 80 at a military hospital in Hanoi, Viet
Society for his contribution in the industrial Nam.. He was born on 14th April 1944 in Hanoi.
base of India.
✓ To Lam, President of Vietnam, was appointed
the caretaker chief of CPV on 18th July 2024.
Padma Awardee & Renowned Cardiac
Surgeon Dr MS Valiathan Passed Away Padma Shri Awardee & Renowned Organic
Professor Marthanda Varma Sankaran Valiathan (M.S Farmer Kamala Pujari Passed Away
Valiathan), a Padma Awardee, a renowned
Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari, the renowned
cardiologist, passed away at 90 in Manipal, Karnataka. organic farmer known for cultivating 100 varieties of
He was born in 1934 in Mavelikkara, Alappuzha
rice, passed away at the age of 74 in Cuttack, Odisha.
District, Kerala.
She was born in Koraput, Odisha and belongs to the
✓ The Government of India(GoI) honoured M.S Paroja tribe.
Valiathanwith the Padma Bhushan in 1990
✓ In 2019, she received the prestigious Padma
and Padma Vibhushan in 2005 for his
Shri award for her contribution to the
contributions in the medical field.
agriculture sector.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Four Books Present’ and ‘Kahani Rashtrapati Bhavan Ki’ which
Celebrating Rashtrapati Bhavan provide a detailed portrait of the heritage of
Rashtrapati Bhavan, the symbol of the Indian Republic.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Union Minister for
These books have been published by the Publications
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched four
books, ‘Wings to Our Hopes- Volume 1’ (English and Division under the aegis of the Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting(MIB).
Hindi); ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan: Heritage Meets the

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 IMPORTANT DAYS

Day of International Criminal Justice 2024 - Chess, one of the most ancient, intellectual and
July 17 cultural games, which promotes fairness, inclusion and
mutual respect.
Day of International Criminal Justice is annually
✓ The day marks the foundation day of FIDE
observed across the globe on 17 July by
(Fédération Internationale des Échecs /
the International Criminal Court (ICC), to mark the
International Chess Federation), which was
anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute in
established on 20th July 1924 in Paris, France.
1998, the founding treaty of the ICC. 17th July 2024
✓ 20th July 2024 marks the centenary (100th)
marks the 26th anniversary of the adoption of the
anniversary of the establishment of FIDE
Rome Statute.
(FIDE100).

Nelson Mandela International Day 2024 -

International Moon Day 2024 - July 20
July 18
The United Nations (UN) designated International
The United Nations (UN)’s Nelson Mandela
Moon Day (IMD) is annually observed across the globe
International Day (also known as Mandela Day) is
on July 20 to commemorate the anniversary of the first
annually observed across the globe on 18 July to
human landing on the Moon with the Apollo 11
recognise Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication
mission.
to the service of humanity in conflict resolution, race
✓ The 2024 theme for International Moon Day is
relations, promotion and protection of human rights,
‘Illuminating the Shadows’, which
reconciliation, gender equality, etc.
encourages people to explore the hidden
✓ The day commemorates the birth
wonders of the moon.
anniversary of Nobel peace prize winner
✓ To commemorate International Moon Day the
(1993) Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the
United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA)
former President of South Africa.
is issuing six postage stamps and three
✓ 18th July 2024 marks the 106th birth
souvenir sheets featuring various pictures
anniversary of Nelson Mandela. He was born
from lunar missions.
on 18th July 1918.
✓ 20th July 2024 marks the 55th anniversary of
✓ The 2024 theme of Nelson Mandela
the Apollo 11 mission.
International Day is “It’s still in our hands to
combat poverty and inequity”.
Pi Approximation Day 2024 - July 22
The Pi Approximation Day is annually observed across
World Snake Day 2024 - July 16
the globe on 22 July to honour and highlight the
World Snake Day is annually celebrated across the
importance of the mathematical constant Pi,
globe on July 16th to raise awareness about the
represented using the Greek letter π. The Pi
snakes around the world and recognise their critical
Approximation Day was first celebrated at the
role in maintaining ecological balance and
Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg,
biodiversity. It also aims to eliminate negative
Sweden.
stereotypes and myths about snakes, promoting
positive view of these reptiles.
National Flag Adoption Day 2024 - July 22
National Flag Adoption Day is annually observed
World Chess Day 2024 – July 20
across India on July 22 to commemorate the adoption
The United Nations (UN)’s World Chess Day, also
of the Tricolour (India’s National Flag) by the
known as International Chess Day, is annually
Constituent Assembly of India on July 22, 1947. 22nd
observed across the globe on July 20 to celebrate

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July 2024 marks the 77th anniversary of National Flag that affect individuals and prevent brain diseases
Adoption Day. worldwide.
✓ This day honours the tricolour, which ✓ The theme/tagline of World Brain Day 2024 is
represents India's struggle for freedom and its “Brain Health and Prevention: Protecting Our
devotion to justice, liberty, and equality. Future”.
✓ The annual observance of WBD is led by the
World Brain Day 2024 - July 22 World Federation of Neurology (WFN) in
partnership with its 6 WFN Regional
World Brain Day (WBD) is annually observed across
Neurological Societies.
the globe on 22 July, to raise awareness and promote
education for brain health and neurological disorders ✓ 22nd July 2024 marks the observance of the
11th annual World Brain Day. The first-ever
WBD was observed on 22 July 2014.

STATE NEWS

Haryana Cabinet Approves IT Saksham Yuva Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Launches

Scheme To Provide 5,000 Jobs in First Phase 'Shramik Basera' Scheme
The Haryana Cabinet approved the launch of the ‘IT Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Chief Minister (CM) of
Saksham Yuva Scheme’ to provide job opportunities Gujarat has launched ‘Shramik Basera’ scheme,
to 5000 youth in the first phase. It is also named which aims to provide temporary accommodation to
as ‘Saksham Yuva 5000 Job Scheme’. about 15,000 construction workers for a daily rent of
✓ Objective: This scheme has been designed in Rs 5 per day.
accordance with the 'Mission 60000' which ✓ In addition to accommodation, food will be
was announced during the 2024-25 budget provided as part of the ‘Shramik Annapurna
speech, aiming to give employment to at least Yojana’, and other services including free
60,000 young individuals from poor families. health checks-ups will also be provided.
✓ This project with cost Rs 1,500 crore intends
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Announces to benefit about 3 lakh construction workers
over the next three years.
‘Ladka Bhau’ Job Training & Stipend Scheme
For Youth
UP Launched Upvan Yojna & Heritage Tree
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde
announced a new job training and stipend scheme for Adoption Scheme to Enhance Green Cover
Maharashtra's youth named ‘Ladka Bhau Yojana’, a The Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) launched two
part of the 'Mukhya Mantri Yuva Karya- new schemes Upvan Yojna to improve the
Prashikshan Yojana' at Pandharpur in Solapur district, environment, groundwater levels, and reduce climate
Maharashtra during the Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations. impact and the Heritage Tree Adoption Scheme to
The monthly stipend structure of this scheme is based preserve the 948 heritage trees that are more than 100
on the educational qualifications: years old.
✓ Class 12 pass: Rs 6,000 per month
✓ Diploma holders/ITI: Rs 8,000 per month ‘Hello Meghalaya’: Meghalaya become 2nd
✓ Bachelor's degree holders/PG: Rs 10,000 per state to Launch its Own OTT Platform
month On July 12 2024, Meghalaya Government launched its
own Over-The-Top (OTT) platform ‘Hello Meghalaya’
at the Lariti International Center for Performing Arts

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