Daily GK Update- 20th July, 2024

 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.

 

Daily GK Update- 19th July, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NFDC and Netflix Partner to Launch “The Voicebox” – an Upskilling Program for Voice-over Artists in India: National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), a public sector enterprise under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB), have joined hands with Netflix India to launch an upskilling program for voice-over artists in India called “The Voicebox”. The Voicebox” program will offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training for voice-over artists focusing on English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Gujarati languages. As part of the program, structured workshops, which would include training (featuring guest lectures and mentoring sessions), followed by an assessment, will be conducted in seven major cities of India – New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi.

 

2. Drone Destination and NSIC partner to launch advanced drone training programmes: Drone Destination and the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a cutting-edge drone training centre at NSIC in New Delhi. This collaborative effort aims to provide comprehensive training in drone technology, encompassing repairs and maintenance, data processing and analysis, remote pilot training, and the emerging sport of drone soccer. The centre will prioritise skill development, employment generation, and the empowerment of the drone ecosystem in India. By focusing on areas such as digital agriculture, survey and mapping, mining, asset inspection, surveillance and monitoring, and disaster management, the partnership is set to address the growing and diversified demands for skilled manpower in the drone sector.

 

3. 19 July – National Football Day: National Football Day is celebrated every year on July 19. Football is a popular sport in North America. The sport is recognized as ‘football’ in the United States and Canada, but it is also known as ‘gridiron’ or ‘American football’ in other parts of the world. In the late 1800s, rugby and soccer both paved the way for American football. Walter Camp, a Yale graduate, was credited for establishing the line of scrimmage, down-and-distance regulations (such as “first and 10”), and the authorization of blocking. Coaches like Knute Rockne and Amos Alonzo Stagg later used the new “ahead pass” play.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Jaishankar inaugurates India’s First Overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra in Mauritius: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has inaugurated India’s first overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra in Mauritius. He was joined by Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth during the inauguration. The India-Mauritius health partnership project will supply cost-effective, made-in-India medicines to augment public healthcare and enhance well-being. Earlier, Dr. Jaishankar inaugurated the Mediclinic project at Grand Bois in Mauritius with Indian grant assistance. The initiative will provide secondary health care for 16,000 people in the Grand Bois area.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India’s Paris Olympics Contingent Finalized: 117 Athletes, 140 Support Staff Ready: India’s final contingent for the upcoming Paris Olympics has been approved by the sports ministry. The contingent will have 117 athletes accompanied by 140 support staff and officials. The games will begin from 26th July to 11th August. Athletics will make for the biggest group in the contingent with 29 names followed by shooting 21 and hockey 19. Table tennis will be represented by eight players while Badminton will feature seven competitors, including two-time Olympic medallist P. V. Sindhu. Wrestling, Archery and Boxing will have six representatives each, followed by Golf four and Tennis three. Two each in Swimming and Sailing and one each for Equestrian, Judo, Rowing and Weightlifting is part of the contingent.

 

2. ICC honoured Six Nations in Associate Cricket with ICC Development Award for 2023: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has honoured six nations in associate cricket with the ICC Development Award for 2023. Mexico, the South American country known for its excellence in the world of football, has now been honoured for its excellence in Cricket. Oman, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, and Scotland are other emerging countries that got this honour from the ICC for their efforts in the sport during the last calendar year. The ICC Development Award was started in 2002 to recognise the efforts and achievements of ICC associate member nations.

 

3. CSK to establish Super Kings Academy in Sydney: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have always shared a special bond with Australia and had players like Michael Hussey, Matthew Hayden, Shane Watson and many more. The association is set to take a new dimension with the launch of Super Kings Academy in Sydney. This will be the Super Kings Academy’s third international destination following centres in USA (Dallas) and UK (Reading) apart from India. It will be a state-of-the-art centre with facilities to train outdoors and indoors throughout the year, adding that cricket coaching for boys and girls will begin in September.

 

4. Kavin Quintal becomes 1st Indian Rider at World Superbike Championships: Rider Kavin Quintal is all set to make a historic debut at the WorldSBK SSP300 competitions and become the first Indian rider to participate in a World Superbike Championship. The 19-year-old Chennai star, Kavin Quintal, will be filling in for the Irish team’s main rider, Spaniard Daniel Mogeda, who suffered an injury after leading the Supersport 300 class, in an unfortunate crash that paved the way for the Irish team to rope in Kavin Quintal. SBK, founded in 1988, is an event for heavily modified production sports motorcycles and consists of a series of rounds held on permanent racing facilities.

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Arka Fincap signs co-lending partnership with Central Bank of India for MSME loans: Non-bank financial company Arka Fincap, a part of Kirloskar Group, has partnered with Central Bank of India to offer MSME loans. Under the co-lending arrangement, Arka will offer loans to MSMEs at competitive rates and further expand its reach across India. As part of the collaboration, Arka will originate and process loan proposals for the MSME sector as per jointly formulated credit parameters and eligibility criteria. The co-lending partnership with Central Bank of India is a step towards our goal to fill the credit gap of MSMEs, grow our portfolio and be the first-choice NBFC in the business loan segment for the MSME sector.

 

2. IRDAI imposes penalty of Rs 2 crore on Bajaj Finance, Aegon Life Insurance: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 2 crore on Bajaj Finance and Rs 1 crore on Aegon Life Insurance (now known as Bandhan Life), citing violations of norms. The insurance regulator has fined Bajaj Finance Rs 1 crore concerning the reconciliation of commission and professional fees received and reported to the authority. An additional penalty of Rs 1 crore was imposed concerning the maintenance of records of customer documentation. IRDAI has also issued additional directions to the company and advised it to comply with these directions in a time-bound manner.

 

3. FICCI projects 7% GDP growth for India in 2024-25: The latest round of FICCI’s Economic Outlook Survey projects an annual median GDP growth for 2024–25 at 7.0%, with estimates ranging from 6.6% to 7.5%. Despite ongoing challenges, India’s economic growth remains strong, positioning it among the fastest-growing economies globally. The median growth forecast for agriculture and allied activities is set at 3.7 percent for 2024-25, marking an improvement from the 1.4 percent growth seen in the previous fiscal year. With the withdrawal of the El Niño effect and the IMD’s prediction of a normal southwest monsoon, economists contributing to the FICCI survey expect stable kharif production.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Prahlad Chandra Agrawal honoured with COSPAR Harrie Massey Award 2024: Indian astrophysicist Prahlad Chandra Agrawal has received the prestigious COSPAR Harrie Massey Award 2024 at the 45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly opening ceremony in Busan, South Korea. He is the first Indian recipient of the award for space research. The award recognises outstanding contributions to the development of space research, in which a leadership role is of particular importance. Along with a medal and citation, the awardee is honoured by the naming of a Minor Planet (20064 Prahladagrawal). Agrawal, 83, was the guiding force and Principal Investigator for the ambitious AstroSat project, India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space telescope, launched on September 28, 2015.

 

2. Madhu Khanna’s ‘Tantra on the Edge’ wins Oxford Bookstore Art Book Prize 2024: Art historian Madhu Khanna has won the second edition of the Oxford Bookstore Art Book Prize for her book, “Tantra on the Edge”. The award ceremony, hosted by Ambassador of Norway to India and Sri Lanka May-Elin Stener, saw Khanna and book’s publisher DAG being felicitated with the trophy, certificate and one lakh rupees cash prize.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 18th July, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Jyotiraditya Scindia launches NE-RACE portal, mobile app for farmers in northeast: Union Minister for the Development of the North East Region Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the North East Region Agri Commodity E-Connect (NERACE) designed to benefit the farmers of the region and help position it as a hub of high-value horticultural products in the international market. The NERACE app is intended to support agricultural and horticultural products such as spices, fruits, vegetables, pulses, cereals, and minor forest products. Furthermore, the NE-RACE App is designed to promote Northeast as a reliable partner in the international agricultural value chain.

The Department of Posts will be organizing 5,000 Dak Chaupals across the country in 100 days. “This initiative aims to bring essential government and citizen-centric services directly to rural areas, improving accessibility and convenience. Dak Chaupals will serve as vital links between rural residents and government functions.

 

2. Maharashtra govt launched scheme to boost youth employability: The Government of Maharashtra has unveiled the Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana (Chief Minister Youth Work Training Scheme) aiming to provide valuable internship opportunities, equipping young individuals with essential skills and enhancing their employability in a competitive job market. The government has made provision of ₹5,500 crore for the scheme. Candidates aged between 18 to 35 years and residing in Maharashtra are eligible to apply under the scheme. Minimum educational qualifications range from 12th pass to post-graduation, ensuring a broad spectrum of youth can benefit from practical training opportunities. Industries and establishments operating within Maharashtra, registered with the Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, are also encouraged to participate.

 

3. South Indian Bank names Dolphy Jose as Whole-time Director: The South Indian Bank Limited has named Dolphy Jose as the Whole-time Director (Executive Director) of the Bank. Jose has previously held key positions, most notably as Executive Vice President of Institutional Business (Retail Liabilities) at Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. for nearly two decades. He also worked for The Karur Vysya Bank as CGM, Group head.

 

4. ESAF SFB gets RBI nod for re-appointment of K Paul Thomas as MD & CEO: ESAF Small Finance Bank has received Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) nod for re-appointment of K Paul Thomas as its Managing Director & CEO for another three years. This approval was communicated via the RBI’s letter dated May 16, 2024, granted under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Additionally, Paul Thomas is the Chairman of the Board of Sa-Dhan, the association of microfinance and impact finance institutions.

 

5. PM signs copy of Dr R Balasubramaniam’s book ‘Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi’: The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi met Dr R Balasubramaniam and signed a copy of his book ‘Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi’. The book captures Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership journey and interprets it through Western and Indic lenses, amalgamating them to provide a roadmap for those who aspire to a life of public service.

“Power Within” is not just another political biography. It presents a unique analytical framework, examining Prime Minister Modi’s leadership through a dual lens.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sumant Sinha named Co-Chair of Global CEO Climate Leaders Alliance: Chairman and CEO of ReNew Energy Global PLC, Sumant Sinha has been appointed as co-chair of the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders worldwide. He has been serving as Co-Chair of the India chapter of the Alliance since 2022. Founded by World Economic Forum (WEF): Launched in 2014, the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders is the largest CEO-led climate alliance globally. Purpose: To create a powerful network of business leaders committed to climate action. Comprises 130 CEOs from 12 industries across 26 countries.

 

2. Asian Paralympic Committee appoints Deepa Malik as representative for South Asia: India’s first woman Paralympic medallist Deepa Malik has been named sub-regional representative for South Asia by the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC). This appointment, which was confirmed during the 34th Executive Board meeting of the APC, signifies a significant step forward for gender diversity and athlete-centric leadership in para-sports. The former Paralympic Committee of India chief’s appointment brings the number of female representatives on the APC Executive Board to five, making it the highest female representation on the board in the history of the organization.

 

3. 18 July – Nelson Mandela International Day: Nelson Mandela International Day is observed on July 18 every year to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa. Mandela was elected South Africa’s first democratically elected President on May 10, 1994. He is referred to as the ‘Father of the Nation’ in South Africa. Theme 2024 – Combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands. Nelson Mandela International Day was officially declared by the United Nations in 2009. The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/64/13, which marked July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day to recognise his contribution to peace and culture. The first Mandela Day was held on July 18, 2010.

 

4. 18 July – World Listening Day: World Listening Day is observed on every year on 18 July. The purpose of celebrating World Hearing Day is to feel connected to the environment around us, society and culture through listening. Theme 2024 – Listening to the Weave of Sound This day also marks the birthday of Canadian composer and environmentalist Raymond Murray Schafer, who was also the founder of acoustic ecology. Raymond Murray Schafer was born on 18 July 1933. He developed his World Soundscape Project, which laid out the fundamental ideas and practices of acoustic ecology in the 1970s.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Shaurya Bawa won bronze at World Junior squash: India’s Shaurya Bawa signed off with a bronze medal after going down 0-3 to Egyptian top seed Mohamed Zakaria in the boys’ singles semifinal of the World Junior Squash Championships in Houston. Bawa lost 5-11 5-11 9-11 to last year’s runner-up Zakaria in a thrilling 41-minute semifinal contest. Bawa is only the second Indian male after Kush Kumar (in 2014) to reach the World Junior semifinals.

 

2. India Shines at 35th International Biology Olympiad 2024 in Kazakhstan: The Indian team, which participated at the 35th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2024 achieved remarkable success, with one student winning a GOLD medal and three students securing SILVER medals. Vedant Sakre from Mumbai, Maharashtra won a gold medal. While Ishan Pednekar from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, Shrijith Sivakumar from Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Yashashwi Kumar from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh bagged a silver medal each. The 35th IBO was held at Astana, Kazakhstan. The team was led by two distinguished leaders, Prof. Sasikumar Menon from TDM Lab, Mumbai, and Dr. Mayuri Rege from Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), TIFR and two Scientific Observers, Dr. Rajesh Patkar from IIT Bombay, and Dr. Devesh Suthar from M. S. University, Baroda.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NABARD announces ‘Agri SURE’ fund of Rs 750 Cr under NABVENTURES: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced an Agri fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises (Agri-SURE), with initial corpus of ₹750 crore to be managed by its wholly owned subsidiary Nabventures. While NABARD and the Ministry of Agriculture are contributing ₹250 crore each, the rest ₹250 crore is from other institutions. The fund is structured to support about 85 agri start-ups with investment sizes of up to ₹25 crore each by the end of its term. The fund will provide support through investments in sector-specific, sector-agnostic, and debt alternative investment funds (AIFs), as well as direct equity support to start-ups.

 

2. SBI launches Amrit Vrishti 444-Days Term Deposit With 7.25% Interest Rate: State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a 444-day term deposit scheme, “Amrit Vrishti”, with an interest rate of 7.25 per cent. This scheme is available to domestic and non-resident Indian customers and will be effective July 15, 2024. India’s largest bank will offer an additional 0.50 per cent to senior citizens on the scheme. “The “Amrit Vrishti” scheme is available for investment until March 31, 2025, providing ample opportunity for retail investors to take advantage of the higher interest rates. New variant of of term deposit scheme is designed to meet the requirements of a diverse range of customers.

 

3. Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector: Bajaj Finserv AMC launched Savings+ product for retail investors SBI introduces online loan facility against MF units via internet banking and YONO Ap PNB launches ‘Safety Ring’ to enhance security for internet, mobile banking Shriram Life Insurance Company launched a Deferred Annuity Plan aimed at providing a steady retirement income for customers. LIC launched ‘Jeevan Samarth’, an initiative aimed at transforming the agency ecosystem. Paytm launches ‘Health Saathi’ plan for its merchant partners

 

4. ADB maintains India’s GDP growth forecast at 7% for FY25: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has retained India’s GDP forecast at 7 per cent for fiscal year 2024-25. This is at par with International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) projection of 7 per cent, but lowers than the Reserve Bank of India’s estimate of 7.2 per cent. ADB has also maintained its growth forecast at 7.2 per cent for fiscal year 2025-26.India’s industrial sector is projected to grow robustly, driven by manufacturing and strong demand in construction. Agriculture is expected to rebound amid forecasts for an above-normal monsoon, while investment demand remains strong, led by public investment.

Daily GK Update- 17th July, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Uttarakhand govt portal eSwasthya Dham integrates with Ayushman Bharat Digital: The Uttarakhand Government’s Department of Health and Family Welfare has launched a portal called eSwasthya Dham. eSwasthya Dham portal helps in monitoring the Char Dham Yatra pilgrim’s health parameters. It ensures the smooth journey of pilgrims visiting Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath together called as the Char Dham Yatra. The eSwasthya Dham portal provides a range of benefits to the pilgrims and one of them is the generation of ABHA. Pilgrims can easily create their ABHA 14-digit number at the eSwasthya Dham portal in a couple of minutes. Till date, over 65 crore ABHA have already been created. ABHA comes with several benefits for citizens including storing and managing their health records safely. It also allows them to share their health records securely with a doctor anytime and anywhere with their consent.

 

2. Coca-Cola India and Gram Unnati collaborate to revolutionize mango cultivation in Karnataka: Coca-Cola India, in collaboration with agri solutions provider Gram Unnati has announced the launch of “Project Mango Unnati.” The initiative aims to revolutionise sustainable mango cultivation in Karnataka, focusing on the Alphonso and Totapuri varieties. Project Unnati will collaborate closely with state horticulture agencies such as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the Mango Board, the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), and various horticulture departments across different districts. With Project Mango Unnati, we aim to elevate the livelihoods of farmers with adv. horticulture solutions, empowering them to significantly increase their incomes.

 

3. Jayant Chaudhary launches Skill India Digital Hub for Transparent Scheme Access: Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) at the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), launched the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) Portal. The portal’s primary objective is to ensure beneficiaries have access to complete information about all schemes. It aims to enhance transparency and facilitate easier access to skill development opportunities across India.

 

4. Manoj Saunik Chairman of as MahaRERA: Former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Manoj Saunik has been appointed as the Chairman of the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA). He will succeed Ajoy Mehta, whose term ends in September 2024. Saunik, an IAS officer of the 1987 batch, retired as Chief Secretary in December 2023 and currently serves as the Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister.

 

5. CSIR DG N Kalaiselvi gets two-year extension: Nallathamby Kalaiselvi, the first woman Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), was granted a two-year extension in service. She was appointed to the post in August 2022 following the superannuation of Shekhar Mande in April that year. She will also hold the charge of Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Kalaiselvi’s research work of more than 25 years is primarily focused on electrochemical power systems and in particular, development of electrode materials, and electrochemical evaluation of in-house prepared electrode materials for their suitability in energy storage device assembly.

 

6. President Murmu appoints Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, R. Mahadevan as Judges of SC: President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and R. Mahadevan as Judges of the Supreme Court. Justice N. Kotiswar Singh is currently Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, while Justice R. Mahadevan as Judge of Madras High Court. A five-member Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud had recommended their names in a resolution on July 11. The Centre notified the two appointments which would return the top court to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges. The two judges would replace Justices Aniruddha Bose and A.S. Bopanna, who had retired in April and May, respectively, this year.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Asia’s First Pre-Clinical Network Facility inaugurated in Faridabad: Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh has inaugurated Asia’s first health research-related “Pre-clinical Network facility” at the Translational Health Science & Technology Institute” (THSTI), Faridabad. The facility will be the 9th such network laboratory across the globe and the first such laboratory in the whole of Asia. The facility includes a large experimental Animal Facility accommodating 75,000 mice and other species. About THSTI THSTI, part of BRIC under the Department of Biotechnology, fosters collaborations for vaccine development and research in diseases like Nipah and Influenza. It supports fundamental and translational research, biomarker identification, and research collaborations across sectors.

 

2. Paul Kagame re-elected for 4th term as Rwandan President: President Paul Kagame has secured a decisive victory in Rwanda’s 2024 presidential election, capturing 99.15% of the votes. This marks his fourth consecutive term in office. Two challengers, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, garnered 0.53% and 0.32% of the counted votes, respectively. Approximately 65% of Rwanda’s population, predominantly under 35 years old, participated in the election.

 

3. Malta’s Metsola to head EU Parliament for 2nd term: Roberta Metsola secured broad backing for a new term as president of the European Parliament, becoming the first woman to win a second term as head of the EU assembly. Metsola, a Maltese lawmaker who in 2022 became the first woman in 20 years to head the European Union assembly, is only the second president, after Germany’s Martin Schulz, to win another term since the EU Parliament became a directly elected institution in 1979. Metsola was approved by a large majority of EU lawmakers to lead the EU assembly for a further two and a half years, with 562 backing her reappointment, out of the 623 that voted. She was the first leader of an EU institution to visit Kyiv following Russia’s February 2022 invasion, and has consistently backed Ukraine’s bid to join the EU.

 

4. 17 July – World Day for International Justice: World Day for International Justice is observed every year on 17 July. It is a day dedicated to promoting international criminal justice and honouring the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes that affect the international community. The origin of the World Day for International Justice dates back to July 17, 1998, when the Rome Statute was adopted, establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is the first permanent international court capable of prosecuting individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression when national courts are unable or unwilling to do so.

 

5. 17 July – World Emoji Day: World Emoji Day is observed every year on 17 July. The main objective of World Emoji Day is to promote and celebrate the widespread use of emojis, which have become an integral part of modern communication. The evolution of emojis has transformed simple text-based messages into expressive exchanges. The journey began in the 1980s with basic text-based emoticons like “:-)” and “:-(.” In 1999, a Japanese designer created the first set of emojis for a mobile company, leading to their global adoption.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. IAF contingent arrives at Royal Australian Air Force base, to participate in Ex Pitch Black 2024: An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent landed at the Royal Australian Air Force RAAF) base Darwin, Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from July 12 to August 2, 2024, and is a biennial, multi-national exercise hosted by the RAAF. The name ‘Pitch Black’ was derived from the emphasis on night time flying over large un-populated areas. This edition is slated to be the largest in the 43-year long history of Ex Pitch Black, which includes participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4,400 military personnel of various air forces. The exercise will be focusing on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation and shall facilitate experience with the IAF Su-30 MKI operating alongside the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen, and Typhoon fighter aircraft. The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank integrates physical and digital branches in new distribution structure: Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) has unveiled a new distribution structure, integrating the physical branch network, digital branch channel (encompassing mobile banking and net banking platforms), and voice channel. As part of the new distribution structure, the private sector lender appointed Pranav Mishra as the Head of Distribution. The new distribution structure is aimed at delivering an omn-channel seamless experience for customers across all group products and services. The new structure will ensure a seamless experience for customers across all interaction channels by building synergy and improving service delivery.

 

2. Bajaj Finserv AMC launched Savings+ product for retail investors: Bajaj Finserv Asset Management has launched a new financial product for retail investors looking to get returns on their idle savings. Finserv Savings+ offering seeks to bridge the gap between traditional savings accounts and more lucrative investment options. Savings+ allows investors to identify surplus cash in their savings accounts and seamlessly invest it in Bajaj Finserv AMC Liquid Fund and Overnight Fund. These funds promise competitive returns while maintaining the liquidity that consumers expect from savings accounts.

 

3. IMF Raises India’s Growth Forecast to 7 % for 2024-25: The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its World Economic Report, has raised its forecast for India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate in 2024-25 by 20 basis points (bps) to 7 per cent. In the earlier April report, it had projected a growth rate of 6.8 per cent for the financial year 2024-25. The growth forecast for 2025-26 has remained unchanged at 6.5 per cent. The Reserve Bank of India expects the GDP to grow by 7.2 per cent in 2024-25.

 

Daily GK Update- 16th July, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IIT Delhi and Prasar Bharati host Robot Competition ‘DD-Robocon’ India 2024 in Delhi: IIT Delhi and Prasar Bharati host the two-day Robot Competition ‘DD-Robocon’ India 2024 at Thyagaraj Stadium in Delhi. More than 750 students from over 45 colleges, institutions, and universities participated in the competition. The winning team from DD-Robocon will represent India at the international Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Robocon 2024, which will take place in QuangNinh, Vietnam. DD-Robocon India aims to promote technical skill development, innovation, and teamwork among engineering students by providing visibility and recognition in the field of robotics. The competition is an esteemed platform for showcasing and advancing the students’ engineering and robotics capabilities.

 

2. Sudarsan Pattnaik wins gold at International Sand Sculpture Championship: Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has won Golden sand master award with a gold medal at international sand sculpture championship held at St. Petersburg, Russia. Patnaik only participant from India has created 12 feet high sand Ratha (chariot) of Mahaprabhu Jagannath with his devotee and poet Balaram Das. Balaram Das who was the author of Dandi Ramayan was a great devotee of Lord Jagannath in fourteenth century A.D.

 

3. Eastern India’s 1st University for students with disabilities to be opened in Ranchi: The Jharkhand government is working on a plan to open eastern India’s first university for physically challenged students in the state. The proposed university will offer education according to the needs of students with disabilities. There will be arrangements for special courses and educational equipment for students with disabilities. They will be provided education according to their needs. The department also proposed a ‘Navothan Scholarship Scheme’, under which the government will reimburse the full course fee (up to a maximum of Rs 10 lakh per year) of meritorious orphan and physically challenged students of the state. Besides, these students will be given assistance of Rs 48,000 per year for lodging and food arrangements.

 

4. Vikram Misri takes over as foreign secretary: Vikram Misri took charge as the 35th Foreign Secretary after Vinay Kwatra completed his tenure. Misri, an officer of the 1989 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) who has the rare distinction of serving as private secretary to three prime ministers, last held the post of deputy national security advise Misri who served as a Deputy National Security Adviser before the current assignment, served in China during the 2020 Galwan conflict and is also known to have extensive contacts in conflict-torn Myanmar where he served as India’s Ambassador during 2016-18.

 

5. 16 July – National Cherry Day: National Cherry Day is celebrated every year on 16 July. This day not only honors the fruit itself but also highlights its significance in culinary traditions and its numerous health benefits. The origins of National Cherry Day can be traced back to the cherry-growing regions where farmers and communities would come together to harvest and enjoy the fresh cherries of the season. Over time, it has grown into a popular observance that promotes cherries both for their taste and their health benefits.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and Marshall Islands sign MoU on development projects: India has signed an agreement with the Marshall Islands to provide an annual grant for four community development projects as part of New Delhi’s outreach to Pacific Island states. The MoU was signed at the Indian embassy in Tokyo by India’s ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, and foreign minister Kalani Kaneko of Marshall Islands. The embassy in Tokyo is also responsible for overseeing relations with Marshall Islands. The MoU will enable the implementation of a community sports centre in Ailuk Atoll, an airport terminal on Mejit Island, and community centres at Arno and Wotje Atolls.

 

2. India to host 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial conference on civil aviation: India will host the second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on civil aviation on September 11 and 12, 2024. The first conference was organized in February 2018 in Beijing. As many as 39 Member States of U.N. aviation safety body International Civil Aviation Organization fall in the Asia Pacific region and are expected to participate. This region recorded the 33.41% of the global departures, which is the highest among all the regions in the world and it is indeed opportune that the second ministerial conference to consolidate Asia Pacific regional collaboration and co-operation to craft a futuristic vision in the region including a culture of innovation and a culture of safety is being held here.

 

3. Global Conference on Space Research Kicked off in South Korea’s Busan: A global conference on space research kicked off in South Korea’s Busan city to foster international scientific research in space. According to the Korea Aero Space Administration (KASA), about 3,000 space scientists and industry officials from 60 nations attended the 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research. It marks the first time that South Korea is hosting the biennial global conference.

 

4. Sri Lanka to host the ICC Annual Conference from July 19 to 22: Sri Lanka Cricket will host the Annual Conference of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Sri Lanka from July 19th to 22nd, 2024. The mega cricket conference will bring together over 220 delegates from 108 ICC member countries from across the world, covering regions such as Africa, the Americas, Asia, East Asia Pacific, and Europe. This year’s conference, themed “Capitalizing on the Olympic Opportunity,’ will discuss topics such as ‘Diversity and Inclusion,’ ‘environmental sustainability and the sport,’ and ‘Cricket’s triumphant return at LA28. The annual conference will consist of a series of key meetings, workshops, and networking sessions, and key decisions will be taken for the benefit of the future of the game.

 

5. 16 July – World Snake Day: World Snake Day is celebrated every year on 16 July. It is dedicated to raising awareness about the diverse and often misunderstood reptiles. The day aims to educate the public about the role snakes play in ecosystems, dispel myths, and promote conservation efforts. India is home to around 300 snake species, and World Snake Day is a great time to promote the importance of snake conservation and dispels misconceptions.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. World Championship of Legends 2024: India Champions Clinch Title with over Pakistan Champions: In a pulsating finale of the World Championship of Legends 2024, India Champions emerged victorious by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan Champions by five wickets here at Edgbaston. Pakistan Champions, after winning the toss, elected to bat first. The Pakistani innings got off to a solid start with Kamran Akmal (24 off 19) and Maqsood (21 off 12) providing an early burst of runs. However, the Indian bowlers managed to keep the scoring in check with regular wickets.

 

2. Spain defeats England 2-1 to clinch record 4th European Soccer Championship Title: In Football, Spain won its record fourth European soccer championship after defeating England 2-1 in the finals of Euro 2024 in Berlin. Nico Williams provided the first goal for Spain, scoring less than two minutes into the second half after a scoreless opening. This is England’s second consecutive runner-up finish, having lost to Italy in the final of Euro 2020. The country has never won a European championship and its last major international tournament win was the 1966 World Cup.

 

3. Thomas Muller Retires from International Football: Thomas Müller, the German football icon, has announced his retirement from international football following the conclusion of Euro 2024.

The 34-year-old featured in his eighth and last tournament on July 5, in Germany’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat by Spain, where he was brought on as a substitute in the 80th minute. Muller helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup and has the third most appearances for the national team with 131 caps and 45 goals. He also won the Golden Boot and Young Player Award during the 2010 World Cup, when Germany finished third.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI hikes benchmark MCLR rate: State Bank of India, the country’s largest state-run lender, has hiked its marginal cost of funds-based lending rate (MCLR) across buckets by 5 to 10 basis points with effect from 15 July. Most loans to corporates, including SMEs, are priced using MCLR as a benchmark. The revision in MCLR reflects the changes in cost of funds. The lender hiked the rate for one-month MCLR by five basis points to 8.35 per cent. For one year, MCLR has been hiked by 10 basis points to 8.85 per cent. For the three-year period, it has been raised by five basis points to 9.0 per cent, according to data uploaded on SBI website.

 

2. Wholesale Inflation in country rises for 4th consecutive month in June at 3.36 %: Wholesale inflation in the country rose for the fourth consecutive month in June at 3.36 per cent because of the rise in prices of food articles, especially vegetables and manufactured items. The wholesale price index (WPI) based inflation was 2.61 per cent in May. It was (-) 4.18 per cent in June 2023.

Data released last week showed that retail inflation rose to a four-month high of 5.1 per cent in June.