Daily GK Update- 22nd July, 2024

 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.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 21st July, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Virat Kohli tops Celebrity Brand Valuation in 2023: Virat Kohli is India’s most valued celebrity with a brand value of USD 227.9 million marking a significant increase of nearly 29% from USD 176.9 million in 2022. Consultancy firm Kroll shared a list ranking India’s most influential celebrity brands in which Virat Kohli featured on the top followed by Ranveer Singh who slipped to the second spot with a brand value of USD 203.1 million. The report, titled Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2023, features Shah Rukh Khan at the third spot after the success of films like “Jawaan” and “Pathaan”- with a brand value of USD 120.7 million in 2023. Akshay Kumar is at the fourth place with a brand value of USD 111.7 million, down from third in 2022 while Alia Bhatt dropped to fifth from fourth with a valuation of USD 101.1 million. Deepika Padukone is at the sixth place with a brand value of USD 96 million.

 

2. AAI signs MoU with Rajasthan govt for developing greenfield airport at Kota: Airports Authority of India has signed an agreement with Urban Development Department, government of Rajasthan, and the Civil Aviation Department, for the development of Kota Greenfield Airport in Rajasthan. As per the MoU, the government of Rajasthan will provide land for the development of the greenfield airport and AAI will be responsible for the construction, development, and operation of the airport. The Greenfield airport at Kota will be constructed on 440.086 hectares of land for which a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared by the Airports Authority of India

 

3. IIT Guwahati Researchers Explore African Swine Fever Virus Protein: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have made great progress in understanding the biochemistry of the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). They have focused on the p30 protein, which is very important for the virus to enter animals. The goal of this work is to come up with successful ways to control the disease, such as vaccines.

 

4. Two Flower Fly Species Reported from Kerala for the First Time: The genus Mesembrius Rondani,1857 is an Old World genus comprising about 58 species across various regions such as the Oriental, Australasian, and Afrotropical regions, and the Mediterranean Basin of the Palaearctic Region. They belong to the subfamily Eristalinae within the tribe Eristalini.

 

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. The United States of America has the largest known coal reserves in the world.

 

2. Belarus introduces 90-Day Visa-Free Regime for 35 European Countries: Belarus has announced a new visa-free regime allowing citizens from 35 European countries to stay in the country for up to 90 days per year. Under the new policy, citizens of the 35 listed nations – which include Germany, Britain and France – will be able to enter Belarus without a visa and stay for up to 90 days per year. Currently, travellers from those countries can only remain in Belarus for 30 days and must fly in via Minsk airport The visa-free entry can be utilized multiple times within a year but does not apply to holders of special passports such as diplomatic or official passports. This visa-free regime extends the existing policy that already applies to neighboring countries Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Additionally, it will now include 35 other European nations, allowing for greater ease of travel and personnel exchanges.

 

3. Asia’s First Pre-Clinical Network Facility Inaugurated in Faridabad: Asia’s first Pre-clinical Network Facility for health study was opened in Faridabad, Haryana by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology. This building is part of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and its goal is to make studies better in case of an epidemic.

 

4. China Unveils World’s First Carbon Fiber High-Speed Train: High-speed rail (HSR) goes faster than 250 km/h (155 mph). Japan’s first high-speed rail line, the Shinkansen, opened in 1964. The world record is held by France’s TGV, which went 357 mph (574 km/h) in 2007. HSR systems use less energy per person than cars, so they are more environmentally friendly. A lot of them run on dedicated lines, which cuts down on delays. With more than 22,000 miles (35,000 km) of HSR tracks, China has the world’s biggest network. HSR can cut travel times by a lot, which can improve the economy and connectivity in the area.

 

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.

 

2. NASA Discovers Six New Exoplanets: NASA has made big strides in its study of exoplanets by confirming six new ones, bringing the total number of them to 5,502. This is an important step toward knowing the universe and the possibility of life beyond Earth. Poltergeist and Phobetor, the first exoplanets found orbiting the pulsar PSR B1257+12 in 1992, marked the start of the trip. By March 2022, the number of finds had sped past 5,000, showing how quickly the field was progressing.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. 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.

 

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.