NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Kishan Reddy launches Mineral Exploration Hackathon and National DMF Portal in Hyderabad: Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy has launched Mineral Exploration Hackathon focused on Innovative Mineral Hunt Techniques in Hyderabad. This Hackathon aims to promote use of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for geophysical data, integration of multiple mineral exploration data sets such as baseline data, available exploration data, etc., to identify new Mineral targets, particularly for deep seated/concealed ore bodies. Kishan Reddy also launched the National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Portal. This portal is a centralized platform to gather the information on the District Mineral Foundations across the country. The aim for launching this portal is to facilitate the access to the DMF data and track the developments and utilizations thereunder.
2. “Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam” launched by Telangana CM: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has launched a unique programme to provide financial assistance to the Civil Services aspirants from Telangana, under which the candidates who qualify for the Mains exams will be provided with ₹1 lakh for preparation. Named “Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam”, the scheme will be helpful to about 400 candidates from Telangana region who qualify for the Mains every year. Candidates from the SC, ST, OBC, Women and the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category are eligible for the scheme but their family annual income must be below ₹8 lakhs. The applicants must be permanent residents of Telangana.
3. BIS signs MoU with Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru to promote Standardization: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru for the establishment of the ‘BIS Standardization Chair Professor’ at the latter. This initiative formalized, marks a significant step towards institutionalizing BIS’s collaboration with leading academic and research establishments across India. The BIS Standardization Chair Professor aims to foster a robust partnership between BIS and IISc, promoting collaborative activities in Standardization and Conformity Assessment on the principles of equality and reciprocity.
4. MP tops in PM SVANidhi Scheme as Best Performing State: Madhya Pradesh has secured the first place under the ‘Best Performing State’ category in the Prime Minister SVANidhi scheme. The micro-credit scheme for urban street vendors, which provides collateral-free loans up to Rs 50,000, was launched by the Narendra Modi government in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Assam has been ranked second in the ‘Best Performing States- Innovation and Best Practices Award’ category. In the ‘Best Performing ULBs – Loan Performance with mega and million plus cities’ category, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has received the first place, followed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.
5. EESL to launch retail shops to distribute energy-efficient products: State-owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) will introduce retail franchisee shops called ‘Urja Dakshta Dukan’ which will offer affordable energy-efficient products like LED lights, ACs, and fans to consumers.
EESL, at present, distributes products through retail tie-ups with power distribution utilities to consumers. Buyers can also purchase the products online from its web portal EESLMART.in. The first batch of franchisee outlets is expected to open in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
The invitation for pan India franchise tie-ups will be available on the EESL website from August.
6. Sanjeev Krishan re-elected for second term as PwC India Chairperson: Sanjeev Krishan has been re-elected for a second term as Chairperson of PwC India for a four-year period beginning on April 1, 2025. As Chairperson, Krishan will continue to lead PwC in India, representing them externally and internally. He will also continue to serve on the PwC Global Strategy Council. Krishan, whose first term as Chairperson started on January 1, 2021, joined PwC in 1991 as an articled trainee. He became a partner in 2006 and has successfully led the firm’s deals, transactions and private equity business, getting the firm to a pre-eminent position amongst Private Equity firms and their investee companies, family businesses and MNC clients over the years.
7. National Flag Day on July 22: The Constituent Assembly of India officially accepted the National Flag on July 22, 1947. This was a big step in India’s journey to become free from colonial rule. This adoption was a sign of the hopes and togetherness of the country during hard times.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. New Delhi hosts the 46th World Heritage Committee session of UNESCO: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This is the first time India is hosting the World Heritage Committee Meeting. The event will run from 21st to 31st July at Bharat Mandapam. The Committee, which meets annually, manages all matters related to World Heritage sites and decides on new sites to be added to the World Heritage list. During this session, they will discuss nominations for new World Heritage sites, conservation reports for 124 existing sites, international assistance, and the use of World Heritage Funds. More than 2000 delegates from over 150 countries are expected to attend.
2. Vinay Mohan Kwatra appointed next Indian ambassador to US: Vinay Mohan Kwatra has been appointed India’s next Ambassador to the United States. Vinay Mohan Kwatra is a retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Indian diploma. He is known to have extensive expertise in dealing with India’s neighbourhood as well as the US, China and Europe. Kwatra served as the 34th Foreign Secretary of India, taking over from Harsh Vardhan Shringla from May 2022 till July 14, 2024. Previously, Kwatra served as the Ambassador of India to France and Nepal.
3. 22 July – Pi Approximation Day: Pi Approximation Day is celebrated every year on July 22nd because the date (22/7) is commonly used as an approximation for the mathematical constant Ï€ (pi). This fundamental constant represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Since Ï€ is irrational, it cannot be expressed as a simple fraction, and its decimal form is infinite and non-repeating. A casual and enjoyable approach to honouring mathematics and the intriguing characteristics of Ï€ is to observe Pi Approximation Day.
4. 22 July – World Brain Day: World Brain Day is celebrated every year on 22 July. Objective – To raise awareness about brain diseases and promotes research for new treatments. Theme 2024 – Brain Health and Prevention This day serves as a reminder of the critical importance of brain health and the need to take proactive steps to prevent and manage neurological conditions.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1. Yuki Bhambri, Albano Olivetti clinch Men’s Doubles Title at ATP Swiss Open: India’s Yuki Bhambri and his French partner Albano Olivett clinched the men’s doubles title at the Swiss Open ATP Tour tennis tournament defeating French pair of Ugo Humbert and Fabrice Martin in the final in Gstaad, Switzerland. This was the third ATP doubles title for the 32-year-old Bhambri. The pair of Bhambri and Olivett, beat their French opponents 3-6 6-3 10-6 to win the title. This is the year’s second ATP Tour title for the Indo-French pair. Bhambri and Olivetti also won the Bavarian International Tennis Championships in Munich in April.
2. Kush Maini Secures First Formula 2 Win in Hungary: Kush Maini is an emerging Indian racing driver known for his accomplishments in various motorsport categories. Born on September 22, 2000, he hails from a family with a strong racing background, including his older brother, Arjun Maini, who is also a professional racing driver. He has competed in several formula racing championships, including the FIA Formula 3 Championship and the Formula Renault Eurocup. Kush’s performances in these series have showcased his driving skills and potential for higher-level competitions. Over the years, Kush Maini has gained recognition for his consistent performances and determination.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Apollo 11 Anniversary: Apollo 11, which took off in 1969, was the first mission to land people on the moon. Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the Moon. Buzz Aldrin came after him. The command module was named Columbia, and the module that went to the moon was named Eagle. It was an 8-day, 3-hour, 18-minute mission. A rocket from the Kennedy Space Center called Saturn V was used to bring back more than 800 pounds of moon rock. People often say the popular phrase “That’s one small step for a man” in the wrong way.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. BJP govt renames Biju Patnaik Sports Award to Odisha Rajya Krida Samman: The newly elected BJP government has renamed Biju Patnaik Sports Award as Odisha Rajya Krida Samman’. Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department issued guidelines for the Rajya Krida Samman’ which will be awarded in eight categories annually, subject to availability of suitable candidates. The cash rewards remain unchanged. According to the guidelines, the lifetime achievement award for promoting sports will carry a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh, while Rs 2 lakh will be awarded for outstanding performance in sports, and Rs 1 lakh for excellence in coaching. Similarly, a cash award of Rs 1 lakh will be given in each of the following categories – best contribution to sports promotion, excellence in sports journalism, para-sports person of the year, upcoming athlete of the year (junior category), and sports technical official/support staff of the year.
2. Arpit Jagdish Kabra honoured with International Excellence Award: CA Arpit Jagdish Kabra from Ajmer Rajasthan has received the prestigious International Excellence Award. This accolade recognises his outstanding contribution to forensic investigation and his unwavering dedication to social impact initiatives. The award, presented at the House of Commons, underscores the international recognition and impact of his work. At a young age, Arpit Kabra assumed the role of Chairman of the Western India Regional Council (WIRC) of ICAI. His efforts towards the empowerment of women and youth, along with the initiatives undertaken under his leadership at WIRC, have made him deserving of this honour. Under his leadership, the WIRC team also set a world record for the Largest Human Mosaic in Mumbai.
3. Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame: Former doubles world number one Leander Paes and tennis broadcaster, actor and player Vijay Amritraj became the first Asian men inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The first inductees from India were joined by British tennis journalist and author Richard Evans in enshrinement ceremonies at the Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Paes recounted his youth playing football and hockey before turning to tennis and eventually following his hockey-captain father as an Olympic medalist. Leander Paes, aged 51, was inducted under the player category, a testament to his extraordinary career spanning three decades. Vijay Amritraj was inducted under the contributor category, acknowledging his significant impact on tennis both on and off the court.
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