NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. PM
Modi unveils Revamped Distribution Sector Program: Revamped
Distribution Sector Program that is based on reforms and results was adopted by
the Union Cabinet, which is presided over by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
By giving DISCOMs conditional financial assistance for the bolstering of supply
infrastructure, the Scheme aims to increase the operational efficacy and
financial viability of all DISCOMs/Power Departments, excluding those in the
private sector. The eligibility for the assistance will depend on the DISCOM
completing pre-qualifying requirements and achieving basic minimum benchmarks
that will be assessed using an agreed-upon evaluation system linked to
financial improvements. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, the
implementation of the Scheme would be dependent on the action plan developed
for each state. Key Points:
a)
With
an expected GBS from the Central Government of Rs. 97,631 crore, the Scheme
will have an outlay of Rs. 3,03,758 crore.
b)
The
current approved projects for the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh under
the Schemes of IPDS, DDUGJY, and PMDP-2015 are proposed to be incorporated into
this Scheme, and the savings from their GBS would be included in the total
expenditure of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme under the current terms
and conditions until their expiration on 31 March 2022.
c)
The
funds under these Schemes would be accessible for the approved ongoing projects
under the Prime Minister’s Development Program for the Union Territories of
J&K and Ladakh under IPDS and DDUGJY as well as the identified projects under
IPDS through the end of March 2023.
d)
In
accordance with predetermined and agreed-upon performance trajectories, such as
AT&C losses, ACS-ARR gaps, infrastructure upgrade performance, consumer
services, hours of supply, corporate governance, etc., the DISCOM‘s performance
is evaluated annually under the terms of the Scheme.
e)
For
DISCOMs to qualify for funding under the Scheme in that year, they must receive
at least 60 percent of the possible points and pass a minimum standard in
relation to specific criteria.
2.
Indian and Malaysian bodies signs deal to support palm oil business: The Malaysian
Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association
(IVPA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand their
cooperation in promoting the usage of palm oil. The MoU is anticipated to
increase collaboration in areas of shared interest and to advance the
production and consumption of palm oil from Malaysia and palm oil with the MSPO
certification. Through cooperative actions and assistance for product and
market development, it would advance the interests of producers, processors,
users, and consumers.
Key Points:
a)
In
order to increase the acceptance of Malaysian palm oil among Indian consumers,
food producers, and other end users, MPOC has partnered with IVPA.
b)
The
Malaysian Sustainability Palm Oil (MSPO) certification standards, whose goals
include demonstrating sustainability practises in the Malaysian palm oil
industry, are used as a benchmark in the MoU’s effort to raise public awareness
of Malaysian palm oil.
c)
The
MoU seeks to promote understanding of palm oil and its uses while highlighting
its advantages and strengths in order to inform Indian consumers about the
nutritional and health benefits of palm oil.
d)
By
locating, disseminating, and emphasising the most recent opportunities through
MSPO for Malaysian palm oil in India, it also intends to improve trading
opportunities in the market.
e)
The
purpose of the agreement is to introduce the Indian palm oil processing
industry to the most recent commercial and technological advancements in the
Malaysian palm oil industry and its research institutions. Along with
technical, policy, and administrative data, the MoU will promote data exchange
on palm and edible oil and fat-related enterprises.
3.
Amit Shah inaugurated conference on drug trafficking: Union Home Minister
Amit Shah inaugurated a symposium on drug trafficking and national security.
Along with Shah, other speakers at the national conference included Banwarilal
Purohit, the chief ministers of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, the
lieutenant governor of Jammu & Kashmir, and the Union Minister of Social
Justice and Empowerment. Key Points:
a)
An
official announcement states that Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) teams from
Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, and Kolkata will burn and dispose of more than 30,000
kg of drugs during the conference.
b)
The
NCB launched its drug disposal campaign on June 1 and has since disposed of
over 51,217 kg of drugs in 11 states.
c)
On
the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Independence, the NCB pledged to burn
75,000 kg of drugs as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
d)
The
Union Home Minister also attended a ceremony at Mauli Jagran to inaugurate
three government schools.
e)
Shah
attended the Har Ghar Tiranga and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations at
Sukhna Lake.
4.
Sanjay Arora to join as the new Delhi Police commissioner: Sanjay Arora, a
Tamil Nadu-cadre IPS officer who oversaw the paramilitary ITBP, will assume
control of the Delhi Police as Delhi Police commissioner. He is scheduled to
retire in 2025. Sanjay Arora was named commissioner of the Delhi Police,
replacing the previous Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana, an IPS officer
from the Gujarat Cadre who retired after nearly 38 years of service.
5.
Muslim Women’s Rights Day: 1st August: Muslim Women’s Rights Day is observed
every year on the 01st of August to celebrate the enforcement of the law
against the ‘Triple Talaq’ rule among Muslims. According to the Shariat or
Muslim Personal Law, Muslim men were given the privilege to end their marriage
anytime by uttering the word Talaq three times in a row. But the law was
repealed by the Indian Government in 2019.
Muslim Women’s Rights Day History: The Central
Government of India on 01 August 2019, enacted a law against the Triple Talaq
according to which Instant or Triple Talaq was declared a criminal offence. The
new law was welcomed by all the women in India, especially the Muslim women and
since then 01 August is observed as Muslim Women’s Rights Day. This year marks
the second anniversary of Muslim Women’s Rights Day in India.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1.
Largest pink diamond in 300 years “Lulo Rose” found in Angola: A rare pure pink
diamond, believed to be the largest found in 300 years, has been unearthed in
Angola, a country in Central Africa. The Lulo Rose is a type 2a diamond,
meaning it has few or no impurities. It is the fifth largest diamond recovered
from the Lulo mine – a joint venture between Australia’s Lucapa Diamond Company
and the Angolan government.
Dimensions of Lulo Rose: It is a 170-carat
pink diamond & has been named ‘The Lulo Rose’. It weighs 34 grams. Similar
diamonds have been bought for tens of millions of dollars in the past, with one
– known as Pink Star – selling at a Hong Kong auction for $71.2m (£59m) in
2017.
2.
World Lung Cancer Day: 1st August: Every year, World Lung Cancer Day is
observed on 01st August to raise awareness about the causes and treatment of
lung cancer and highlight the issues of lack of sufficient research funding for
the ailment. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among
men and women.
World Lung Cancer Day History: The campaign was
first organised in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies
(FIRS), in collaboration with the International Association for the Study of
Lung Cancer (IASLC) and also the American College of Chest Physicians. The
IASLC is the largest organisation in the world of its kind that only deals with
lung cancer.
3.
World Breastfeeding Week: 1st to 7th August: World Breastfeeding Week is
observed every year to emphasize regular breastfeeding for babies. This year
breastfeeding week commences on August 1 while it concludes on August 7.
Breastfeeding is extremely crucial for the healthy growth and development of an
infant. It contains antibodies that aid in preventing several prevalent
paediatric ailments. This year’s World Breastfeeding Week, under its theme
‘Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support.’ is a time to revisit the
commitments made at the start of this year by prioritizing
breastfeeding-friendly environments for mothers and babies.
World Breastfeeding Week History: The World Health
Organization (WHO) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund
(UNICEF) created a memorandum in 1990. Following this, the World Alliance for
Breastfeeding Action (WABA) was established in 1991. The inaugural World
Breastfeeding Week was observed in 1992 to promote the campaign. Initially,
around 70 countries used to commemorate the week, while now, it is celebrated
by 170 countries.
Note: World Alliance for Breastfeeding
Action Headquarters location: Penang, Malaysia; World Alliance for
Breastfeeding Action Founder: Anwar Fazal; World Alliance for Breastfeeding
Action Chairperson: Felicity Savage; World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action
Founded: 14 February 1991.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1.
Commonwealth Games 2022: Weightlifter Sanket Sargar wins silver: India’s Sanket
Sargar has scripted history, by becoming the first athlete from India to win a
medal at Commonwealth Games 2022. He won a silver medal in the men’s 55kg event
with a total of 248kg (113kg in snatch, 135 in clean and jerk) to finish behind
Malaysia’s Aniq Mohamad, who took gold with a total of 249 kg (107kg in snatch,
142kg in clean and jerk).
Sanket Sagar, who set a new Commonwealth
and national record at the Asian qualifiers in Singapore in February 2022
(snatch – 113kg; clean and jerk 143kg – total of 256kg), was at his best as he
cleared all his 3 weights in his first attempt in snatch.
2.
England’s Leicester Cricket Ground named after Sunil Gavaskar: England’s
Leicester Cricket Ground has been named after India’s legendary cricketer,
Sunil Gavaskar. The Leicester Cricket Ground, the ownership of which lies with
Bharat Sports and Cricket Club, has decided to name the ground after Gavaskar
to acknowledge his immense contribution to uplifting Indian Cricket to a
certain height.
There has been a ground already named after
Sunil Gavaskar in the Kentucky area of the United States of America (USA) and
there is another ground going through its finishing touches in the Zanzibar
area of the African nation Tanzania which is also named after the former Indian
opener.
3.
Formula-one champion Sebastian Vettel announces retirement: Four-time Formula
One champion, Sebastian Vettel who is currently a part of Aston Martin
announced his retirement. The 35-year-old German driver declared that he will
retire at the end of the season. He is one of the most successful drivers in
the F1 race is currently third on the list of all-time Grand Prix winners with
53 victories, trailing only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.
The career of Sebastian Vettel: Sebastian
Vettel won his first three F1 titles consecutively from the year 2010 to 2013
with Team Red Bull. His previous race win was in the year 2019 with Ferrari. In
his career, Vettel has driven for BMW Sauber, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari,
and Aston Martin. He is the youngest World Champion in Formula One and has 122
podium finishes, and 57 pole positions.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
1.
Coca-Cola signed on Neeraj Chopra for Limca Sportz promotion: Coca-Cola has
signed Olympic gold medalist, Neeraj Chopra for Limca Sportz promotion.
Recently, Neeraj Chopra has become the first-ever Indian to win a silver medal
at World Athletics Championships with his best throw of 88.13 m. Also, Neeraj
Chopra has been ruled out of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 in England
due to an injury he picked up at World Athletics Championships. Coca-Cola India
and its bottling partners are investing around $1 billion (around Rs 7,990
crore) to expand the production capacity by up to 40 per cent. Besides, the
beverage major is also launching Limca Sportz, which comes with glucose and
electrolytes.
2.
Parle Still the leading FMCG Company in India: According to
Kantar India’s annual Brand Footprint study, locally produced biscuit brand
Parle continued to be the most popular brand among fast-moving consumer goods
in India in 2021, topping the rankings for the eleventh year in a row. Based on Consumer Reach Points (CRPs), the
report assessed the FMCG brands that consumers will choose in 2021. CRP are
evaluated based on the actual purchases made by customers and the regularity
with which they occur throughout a given year. In other words, CRP gauges a
brand’s mass appeal based on its penetration and how consumers feel about it
based on how frequently they purchase it. Key Points:
a)
After
Parle, the other top brands on the list are Amul, Britannia, Clinic Plus, and
Tata Consumer Products. For a record-breaking tenth year in a row, Parle is in
first place with a CRP score of 6531 (million).
b)
According
to Parle, CRP increased by 14% from the prior year’s ranks. Comparing the
present ranks to the same time last year, Amul‘s CRP improved by 9%, while
Britannia’s increased by 14%.
c)
Haldiram‘s,
a brand of packaged goods, reached the top 25 ranking at number 24 and joined
the billion CRP club in the meantime. Anmol (a brand of cakes and biscuits)
also joined the CRP club.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1.
DSF institutes “Dinesh Shahra Lifetime Award for Excellence” in Music: Dinesh Shahra
Foundation (DSF) has taken a major stride in its efforts to promote soulful
Indian music among the masses. The Foundation has instituted a
first-of-its-kind ‘Dinesh Shahra Lifetime Award’ for Excellence in Music. The
initiative is supported by the Indian Arts & Cultural Society. The
Announcement of this novel recognition was made by Mr Dinesh Shahra, Trustee
–DSF during a cultural event titled “Mausiqui’ in Mumbai recently.
OBITUARIES
1.
Veteran bengali singer Nirmala Mishra passes away: Renowned Bengali
singer Nirmala Mishra has passed away. She was 81. She was born in 1938 in West
Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district. She sang various songs in Bengali, Odia,
and Assamese films. Her melodies in the Bengali language include ‘Eamon Ekta Jhinuk’,
‘Bolo to Arshi’ and ‘Eai Banglar Mati Te’. The West Bengal government has also
awarded her ‘Sangeet Samman’, ‘Sangeet Mahasamman’ and ‘Bangabhibhushan’
awards. She has been conferred with the Sangeet Sudhakar Balakrushna Das Award
for her lifetime contribution to Odia music.
2. Former Philippine Prez Fidel Valdez Ramos passes away: Former Philippine President Fidel Valdez Ramos, has passed away due to the complications of COVID-19. He was 94. Ramos served as the 12th president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. He was a military officer by profession. During his tenure, the Philippines was recognized as a budding “tiger economy”. Ramos became a hero to many for defecting from Marcos’s government, in which he led the national police force, spurring the dictator’s downfall during the 1986 popular uprising against his rule. He was from a military background, and become the chief of the Philippine Constabulary and then Vice Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the time of President Ferdinand E Marcos Sr.
No comments:
Post a Comment