NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Dehradun opens state’s first Bird Gallery near Jolly Grant Airport: The state’s first bird gallery was recently opened in Dehradun near Jolly Grant airport by the research wing of the forest department. The gallery aims to enlighten visitors about the region’s rich avian biodiversity and the critical role birds play in the delicate Himalayan ecosystem. The gallery is a part of the Nature Education Centre, an important component of the forest department’s research efforts. Visitors can view over 250 photographs of the state’s bird species. The gallery also features recorded chirping sounds from Uttarakhand’s forests.
2. IRCTC upgraded as Schedule “A” CPSE: Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Mini-Ratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, announced that the status of the company has been upgraded from Schedule B to Schedule A. The Ministry of Railways announced the upgrade of IRCTC from ‘Schedule B’ to ‘Schedule A’ Category, Central Public Sector Enterprises. This recognition reflects positively on IRCTC’s management, operations, and contribution to the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors under the Ministry of Railways. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with IRCTC over its 25-year journey.
3. Central Board of Direct Taxes ropes in Bharti-Airtel for network project: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has awarded a network project to Bharti-Airtel Ltd., which will go a long way in enhancing the digital infrastructure of the income tax department. Under the project, called Taxnet 2.0, the company will provide network connectivity, facility management services and video conferencing services. The project seeks to revamp the department’s network system, provide enhanced security, reliability, and a “seamless user experience. The project will also use technology to protect sensitive data and ensure privacy while delivering higher reliability. The project will also enhance the tax services for citizens and businesses alike.
4. UPSC Chairperson Manoj Soni resigns five years before term ends: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chairperson Manoj Soni has resigned due to “personal reasons,” almost five years before his tenure ends in 2029. Soni, who joined the Commission as a Member in 2017, was sworn-in as the Chairperson on May 16, 2023. Prior to his appointment to the UPSC in June 2017, Mr. Soni had served three terms as Vice-Chancellor in two universities, in his home State Gujarat.
5. China Unveils World’s First Carbon Fiber High-Speed Train: Since the new train is so much lighter than old steel trains, smog levels will drop by a large amount. The main goal is to move vehicles that are as light as possible without sacrificing performance. It is planned that the carbon fiber train will reach speeds of up to 87 mph and use 7% less energy than regular steel trains. This new idea is very important for a healthy, low-carbon future in transportation.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Gevra & Kusmunda coal mine included in World’s 10 largest coal mines: Two coal mines in Chhattisgarh, Gevra and Kusmunda, have been included in WorldAtlas.com’s top ten coal mines of the world. Gevra mine has an annual production capacity of 70 MT. The mine produced 59 MT of coal in FY24. While Kusmunda produced over 50 MT of coal. Both are open-cast mine projects.
Gevra and Kusmunda coal mines have secured the 2nd and 4th spot in the list of the world’s 10 largest coal mines released by WorldAtlas.com. Indonesia dominates the top ten coal mines list, with four mines, and the United States Black Thunder Mine has been ranked the world’s largest coal mine. China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal, and India is the second largest producer.
2. 20 July – International Moon Day: International Moon Day is observed annually on 20 July. This day is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of the first human landing on the surface of the Moon. Neil Armstrong was the first man to step on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission. Theme 2024 – Illuminating the Shadows On December 9, 2021, the United Nations General Assembly recognized a resolution submitted by the Moon Village Association and other groups. The moon day of 2022 was the first lunar day celebrated by the global community. The application was submitted to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to celebrate International Moon Day.
3. Who Is Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s Next Ambassador to the US?: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) chose Vinay Mohan Kwatra to be India’s new ambassador to the United States on July 19, 2024. He took over for Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who retired in January 2024. This news comes at a time when Kwatra is getting ready to start his new job. A well-known Indian Foreign Services officer from the 1988 group is Vinay Mohan Kwatra. He was India’s Foreign Secretary until July 2023. He had planned to leave in April but got an extra year to do so.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1. AIFF awards 2024: Chhangte, Indumathi win top male and female awards: India and Mumbai City FC winger Lallianzuala Chhangte and national women’s team midfielder Indumathi Kathiresan won the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) male and female Player of the Award respectively. The awards were given at a function organised by the national football federation.
The 27-year-old Chhangte recently extended his contract with Mumbai City FC until the end of the 2026/27 season. Indumathi, 30, represents Odisha FC in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) besides marshalling the midfield for the national team.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. China launches new Earth observation satellite: China sent a new Earth observation satellite into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province. The Gaofen-11 05 satellite was launched by a Long March-4B carrier rocket and entered the planned orbit successfully. The satellite will be used in a variety of fields including land surveys, urban planning, road network design, and crop yield estimation. It will also help in land ownership verification and even aid in disaster prevention and mitigation. The launch marked the 528th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI imposes monetary penalty on Muthoot Finance Limited: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1,90,000 on Muthoot Finance Limited for non-compliance with certain provision of ‘Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions, 2016’ issued by RBI. This penalty has been imposed in the exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 58G read with clause (aa) of sub-section (5) of section 58B of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The statutory inspection of the company was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2022. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the company advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions.
2. RBI forms panel to review fee structure for white-label ATMs: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up a committee to review the fee structure for white-label ATMs (WLAs). The committee, headed by Indian Banks’ Association chief executive Sunil Mehta. This committee will evaluate current policies and practices, aiming to recommend a fair and sustainable model that balances the interests of all stakeholders. An assessment will be done on fee structure, existing ATM infrastructure and international best practices The committee will submit its report to deputy governor T Rabi Sankar. As per industry estimates, India’s ATM market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2024 to 2032.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Sri Kurumba Trust wins Global CSR ESG Award 2024: Sobha Group’s CSR wing, Sri Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust has been honoured with the “Best Child and Women Development Initiatives of the Year 2024″. This esteemed accolade was presented at the Global CSR, Sustainability, and ESG Awards 2024, at the Hyatt Regency, Gurgaon. The event was organised by Marketing and Brand Honchos and brought together industry leaders and champions of social responsibility.
2. IISR Wins Best Technology Award: The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) won the best technology award at the 96th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for its cutting-edge work in horticultural studies. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan gave this award to him in New Delhi.
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