NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Odisha to bring five Royal Bengal tigers from Maharashtra, MP by September: To bolster big cat population in Odisha, forest officials have begun the process of relocating five Royal Bengal Tigers from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, with the transfer scheduled to be completed in September. According to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)-Wildlife, Susanta Nanda, three of these tigers will be released into the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Sambalpur, while the remaining two will be introduced into the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj. In its latest tiger estimation conducted for the first time during 2023-24 in 47 forest divisions of Odisha, 30 tigers and eight cubs were found.Out of the 30 Royal Bengal Tigers, 27 were found in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), while Keonjhar territorial and Keonjhar wildlife, Paralakhemundi territorial, and Hirakud wildlife had one tiger each. The PCCF also said that the Nandankanan Zoological Park is all set to welcome two giraffes by the end of this month.
2. Delhi Airport 1st In Country To Get ‘Net Zero Carbon Emission’ Status: Delhi’s IGI Airport has become the first Indian airport to achieve the status of ‘Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport’ (Level 5 certification) under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme of Airport Council International (ACI). Initially the airport had set a target of achieving a net zero carbon emission by 2030. But through various measures including use of renewable energy, promotion of electric vehicles and development of infrastructure for a green airport, DIAL achieved its target ahead of schedule. Achieving carbon-neutral status in 2016 and level 4+ transition accreditation in 2020 were only the beginning. Achieving the level five net-zero emission accreditation in 2024, we have once again demonstrated our commitment to continuous improvement and green initiatives.
3. Acting ED Chief Rahul Navin appointed Full-Time Head: Acting Enforcement Directorate (ED) chief Rahul Navin has been appointed full-time director of the anti-money laundering agency. The appointment of Navin, a 1993-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the Income Tax cadre, has been made “for a period of two years.” The ED director is an Additional Secretary (AS) rank post in the Union government and Navin was empanelled as an AS in December last year. Mr Navin, 57, joined the ED in November, 2019 as a Special Director (OSD) to spearhead the agency’s work on India’s mutual evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global body that leads action against money laundering. The ED investigates financial crimes under two criminal laws — the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA) apart from the civil provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. P Harish appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to United Nations: The Ministry of External Affairs has appointed seasoned diplomat Parvathaneni Harish as India’s next Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. Harish, a 1990-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, is presently serving as India’s ambassador to Germany. The position of India’s ambassador or permanent representative to the UN has been lying vacant after Ruchira Kamboj retired in June.
2. Paetongtarn Shinawatra becomes new PM of Thailand: The Thai Parliament voted to make Paetongtarn Shinawatra the next as well as the youngest-ever prime minister of Thailand. Paetongtarn succeeds Srettha Thavisin, who was removed from his post by a constitutional court ruling. The parliament confirmed the nomination of Paetongtarn, 37, by the ruling coalition of her Pheu Thai party. Thai and its partners hold 314 seats in parliament, and Paetongtarn needed the approval of more than half of the current 493 lawmakers to become prime minister.
3. Germany Joins 18th Member State of United Nations Command in South Korea: Germany’s inclusion in the UNC has faced criticism from China and North Korea, who have historically opposed the command. North Korea views the UNC as a tool for U.S. confrontation, while China is concerned about NATO’s growing influence in Asia. Germany plans to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang, which was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is considering its role within the UNC. The exact duties of German troops in Korea are still being discussed. South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik has welcomed Germany’s involvement as a significant contribution to peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. India, Sri Lanka Deploy K9s in Exercise Mitra Shakti: Exercise Mitra Shakti is a joint military training exercise between India and Sri Lanka that began in 2012. It focuses on improving the ability of both armies to work together, especially in counter-terrorism operations and providing humanitarian aid. The exercise usually lasts about two weeks and includes tactical drills, cultural exchanges, and opportunities to learn about each country’s military equipment. It strengthens the relationship between the two nations and enhances their ability to respond to challenges in the Indian Ocean region, symbolizing their commitment to peace and stability.
2. U.S. Navy Deploys Long-Range Missiles to Counter China: The AIM-174B is a new missile based on the Raytheon SM-6, and it has the longest range of any U.S. air-to-air missile. Publicly recognized in July, it can hit targets up to 400 km (250 miles) away, significantly surpassing the AIM-120 AMRAAM’s maximum range of 150 km (93 miles). With its extended range, the AIM-174B allows U.S. aircraft to stay further away from threats. This enhances protection for aircraft carriers and enables strikes on key Chinese targets, such as command centers. Historically, the U.S. relied on stealth fighters and shorter-range missiles. However, China’s development of the PL-15 missile, which can reach over 250 km (155 miles), challenged U.S. aerial dominance.
SPORTS
1. Gus Atkinson and Chamari Athapaththu crowned as Player of the month award for July 2024: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the recipients of the ICC Players of the Month awards for July 2024. England’s Gus Atkinson and Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu have been crowned as the standout performers in men’s and women’s cricket, respectively, for their exceptional contributions to the sport during the month. Gus Atkinson made an unforgettable entrance into Test cricket during England’s ICC World Test Championship series against the West Indies. His remarkable performance played a pivotal role in England’s comprehensive 3-0 series victory on home soil. Chamari Athapaththu, the influential captain of the Sri Lankan women’s cricket team, continued to demonstrate her exceptional leadership and batting prowess in July. Her
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Scientists Sequence Largest Animal Genome in Lungfish Study: As the closest living relative of the first land vertebrates, lungfish provide valuable insights into vertebrate evolution. Their genetic structure can help decipher how limbs evolved from fins, marking a critical transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. Recent genomic research shows that the lungfish’s genome is approximately 30 times larger than that of humans, with 18 of its 19 chromosomes larger than the entire human genome. This extraordinary size results largely from repetitive DNA elements, constituting about 90% of its genetic material.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Fintech co Navi collabs with Karnataka Bank to introduce credit line on UPI: Fintech firm Navi has partnered with Karnataka Bank to roll out a credit line on UPI product for customers on the platform. At present, the Sachin Bansal-founded fintech company has introduced the offering to a closed group of select users. It plans to launch it to a wider user base based on feedback. Navi’s expertise in digital lending and innovative financial solutions complements our goal of delivering innovative banking services. Currently, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), and State Bank of India (SBI) are some of the lenders live with this facility.
Among the apps, BHIM, Google Pay, Paytm, PayZapp, Navi, and Tata Neu are live on this product offering.
2. Rural fintech startup Jai Kisan gets RBI nod for NBFC acquisition: Rural fintech startup Jai Kisan has received regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India for the acquisition of a majority stake in NBFC Kushal Finnovation Capital. With the NBFC subsidiary, Jai Kisan will be able create and deliver customized, innovative, and relevant products directly to its farmer and rural business customers in a more accessible and seamless manner making its products cheaper, faster, and more impactful.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. President Droupadi Murmu approves 103 Gallantry Awards for Armed Forces and CAPFs: President Droupadi Murmu has approved 103 Gallantry awards to Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on Independence Day. These are four Kirti Chakras including three posthumous, 18 Shaurya Chakras including four posthumous and one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry). Among the Gallantry awards are 63 Sena Medals (Gallantry) including two posthumous, 11 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and six Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). The President has also approved 39 Mention-in-Despatches, including posthumously to Army Dog Kent, for their significant contributions to different military operations. She has approved one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service), one Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) and two Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service) to the Indian Coast Guard personnel. She also approved the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
2. Who is Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Youngest Prime Minister of Thailand?: In the parliamentary vote, Paetongtarn won 319 votes, which is about two-thirds of the House. This strong support shows significant backing within the legislature, even though her party and family have faced political challenges. As a newcomer to government, Paetongtarn faces several hurdles, including a struggling economy and competition from other political groups. Her party, Pheu Thai, also faces risks, particularly with its major cash handout program worth $14.25 billion still pending.
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