01st August, 2024

1. Union Minister Manohar Lal Opens NFMS Control Centre at REC Limited
2. SIDBI Partners with C2treds & UGRO Capital to Provide Loans to MSME Sector
3. TPSSL Teams Up with BOI to Offer Financing for Solar Systems
4. Rapido Achieves Unicorn Status with New USD 120 Million Investment from West Bridge
5. KIIT Granted Special Consultative Status by UN ECOSOC
6. CSIR-IICT Scientist Dr. S. Sridhar Elected Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry, London
7. IRS Officers Prabodh Seth & Ramesh Narain Parbat Appointed Members of CBDT
8. World Ranger Day 2024 – Observed on July 31
9. AP Government Renames Six Student Welfare Schemes after Prominent Educational Pioneers
10. FAO Updates Integrated Fire Management (IFM) Voluntary Guidelines
11. China Completes 400-Meter Bridge Near Pangong Lake: Report
12. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) Approves First Approach to Criticality of 500 MWe PFBR
13. World-Wide Fund for Nature Report Identifies Four Species of Sturgeon as Among the Most Endangered Globally
14. Martyrdom Day of Shaheed Udham Singh Observed on July 31
15. New UNESCO World Heritage Sites Announced at New Delhi Meeting
16. National Mountain Climbing Day 2024: Honoring Adventure and Achievement
17. P.M Receives Parimal Nathwani’s Book on Gir and Asiatic Lions
18. World Lung Cancer Day 2024: Promoting Awareness and Closing the Care Gap
19. World Wide Web Day 2024: Celebrating the Digital Revolution
20. World Breastfeeding Week 2024: August 1-7
21. Periyar Tiger Reserve Installs Innovative Wind Turbine
22. BFI Establishes National Basketball Academy in Collaboration with CAA
23. ICG Launches ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’ to Enhance Training Protocols
24. India Scores Big at International Physics and Chemistry Olympiads
25. Jia Rai Becomes Youngest & Fastest Para-Swimmer to Cross the English Channel
26. Indian Tennis Star Rohan Bopanna Retires Following Paris 2024 Olympics Exit

National News

1. National Feeder Monitoring System Control Centre Launched
   • What
     • Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal inaugurated the National Feeder Monitoring System (NFMS) Control Centre on REC Limited’s 55th Foundation Day at REC Headquarters in Gurugram.
   • Why
     • The NFMS aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in power distribution utilities (DISCOMS).
   • Tell me more
     • The NFMS provides real-time information on power supply hours, power outages, and the overall health of approximately 2.5 lakh feeders (11 KV outgoing) across India.
     • A dedicated control centre has been established at REC Corporate Office in Gurugram for daily monitoring and dissemination of findings to DISCOMS.
     • The NFMS integrates master and transactional data with 87 DISCOMS, ensuring accurate and efficient data display on the NFMS portal.
     • The system uses advanced technologies to collect, process, and display information relevant to power operations.

2. KIIT University Granted UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status
   • What
     • KIIT, a Deemed to be University, has been awarded Special Consultative Status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC).

   • Why
     • This status recognizes KIIT’s significant contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports its commitment to the UN’s Agenda 2030.
   • Tell me more
     • KIIT was selected from a pool of 476 applications, with only 19 organizations receiving this honor during the UN ECOSOC management segment meeting on July 23, 2024.
     • Additionally, KIIT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN Volunteers (UNV) to allow students to engage with various UN agencies as National University UN Volunteers.
       • This partnership provides students with opportunities for internships and professional experience in international development.

3. AERB Approves Criticality for Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor
   • What
     • The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has granted permission for the “First Approach to Criticality” of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
   • Why
     • AERB has approved the loading of nuclear fuel into the PFBR, allowing the reactor to move towards a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction, which is essential for its operation.
     • This approval is a crucial step towards operationalizing India’s first indigenous PFBR, enhancing the country’s nuclear power capabilities.
   • Tell me more
     • The PFBR, commissioned by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), is a sodium-cooled reactor designed to produce more nuclear fuel than it consumes.
     • AERB conducted a thorough safety review and regular inspections before granting this permission.
       Source: PIB

State News

1. Six Welfare Schemes Renamed by Andhra Pradesh Education Department
   • What
     • The state education department has renamed six welfare schemes for students, previously named after former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
   • Tell me more

2. Periyar Tiger Reserve Installs Wind Turbine for Monitoring and Wi-Fi
   • What
     • Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady has installed a wind turbine to generate power for real-time monitoring cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity within its forests.
   • Why
     • The wind turbine aims to provide reliable power and internet connectivity in areas where mobile network coverage is currently unavailable and solar power is inefficient due to the local climate.

   • Tell me more
     • The wind turbine also enables internet access for forest staff at three stations through a dedicated BSNL line in Thekkady, Kerala.
       Source: TH

International News

1. FAO Releases Guidelines for Managing Wildfire Risks
   • What
     • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has published new guidelines to help countries manage the risks of wildfires.

   • Why
     • These guidelines aim to encourage countries to focus on preventing wildfires rather than just reacting to them, especially as climate change increases the threat of wildfires.

   • Tell me more
     • The new guidelines update earlier FAO fire management rules from 20 years ago.
     • Wildfires are expected to happen about 50% more often by the end of this century due to climate change.
     • The guidelines promote an integrated approach to fire management, which means taking action before, during, and after a fire.

2. UNESCO World Heritage Committee Meets in New Delhi
   • What
     • UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee is holding its 46th session from July 21 to 31, 2024 in New Delhi, India.
   • Why
     • The Committee examined proposals for inscription on the World Heritage List, assessed the state of conservation of existing sites, and made changes to the List of World Heritage in Danger.

   • Tell me more
     • During the session, the Committee removed Niokolo-Koba National Park (Senegal) from the List of World Heritage in Danger and added the Monastery of Saint Hilarion/Tell Umm Amer (Palestine) to the list and India’s Moidams along with others.
     • The Committee inscribed 24 new sites (19 cultural, 4 natural, and 1 mixed) on the UNESCO World Heritage List, bringing the total to 1,223 properties.

Source: UNESCO

Banking and Economy

1. SIDBI Partners to Boost MSME Loans
   • What
     • The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has partnered with C2treds and UGRO Capital to facilitate loans for the MSME sector.

   • Tell me more
     • C2treds offers liquidity to MSMEs within 24 hours and operates under the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS), which is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
     • The collaboration will allow SIDBI to increase the flow of credit to MSMEs, which are crucial for India’s economy.
     • UGRO Capital has also established a co-lending partnership with SIDBI to support MSME growth under the RBI’s co-lending framework.
       Source: ET

2. Tata Power Solar Partners with Bank of India for MSMEs
   • What
     • Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd (TPSSL) has partnered with Bank of India (BOI) to provide financing for rooftop solar installations and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
   • Tell me more
     • The collaboration allows for loans to be offered to various customers, including residential users under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, housing societies, and MSMEs.
     • Residential customers can avail loans up to Rs 2 lakh for solar systems up to 3 KW with a 5% margin requirement at an interest rate of 7.10% per annum.
     • For installations above 3 KW, loans can be obtained up to Rs 6 lakh with interest rates ranging from 8.3% to 10.25%.
     • Registered housing societies can access loans up to Rs 1 crore, while UDYAM-registered MSMEs can avail loans up to Rs 30 crore.

3. Rapido Becomes a Unicorn
   • What
     • Rapido has achieved unicorn status after raising approximately $120 million in its Series E funding round led by WestBridge Capital.
   • Tell me more
     • The startup, founded in 2015, is the third to become a unicorn this year after Perfios and Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal’s Krutrim AI turned unicorns earlier.
     • A unicorn is defined as a privately owned startup valued at over $1 billion.
       Source: HT

Defence News

1. China Completes 400-Meter Bridge Near LAC
   • What
     • China has finished building a 400-meter bridge close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
   • Why
     • The bridge is intended to enhance the movement of Chinese troops in the region, especially between the North and South banks of Pangong Lake.
   • Tell me more
     • The bridge is located in territory held by China since 1958 and is strategically important for military logistics.
     • The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the de facto border between India and China.
       Source: FE
2. Indian Coast Guard Launches Suvidha Software Version 1.0
   • What
     • The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’ during its first Annual Operational Sea Training Conference in Visakhapatnam on July 30, 2024.
   • Why
     • The software is designed to enhance training protocols and ensure consistency across all ICG platforms.
   • Tell me more
     • The Annual Operational Sea Training Conference serves as an important forum for enhancing the capabilities of ICG personnel.
       Source: PIB

Awards

1. CSIR-IICT Scientist Admitted as Fellow of Royal Society
   • What
     • Sundergopal Sridhar, chief scientist at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT-Hyderabad), has been admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) in London.
   • Why
     • This recognition honors Sridhar’s significant contributions to chemical engineering and societal welfare over his 26-year career.
   • Tell me more
     • The Royal Society of Chemistry is a leading organization in advancing the chemical sciences, and being elected as a Fellow is a prestigious honor.
       Source: TH
2. Indian Students Shine at International Olympiads
   • What
     • Indian students achieved remarkable success at the 54th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) and the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) in July 2024.
   • Tell me more

   54th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)

   • Location: Isfahan, Iran
   • India won two gold and three silver medals, ranking fourth overall.
     • Gold medalists: Rhythm Kedia and Ved Lahoti
     • Silver medalists: Akarsh Raj Sahay, Bhavya Tiwari, and Jaiveer Singh

   56th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)

   • Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
   • India secured one gold, one bronze, and two silver medals.
     • Gold: Devesh
     • Silver: Avaneesh and Harshin
     • Bronze: Kashyap

3. Jiya Rai, A 16-Year-Old Girl, Swims English Channel Solo
   • What
     • Jiya Rai, a 16-year-old girl with autism spectrum disorder, successfully swam across the English Channel solo in 17 hours and 25 minutes.
   • Why
     • Jiya’s swim aimed to raise awareness for autism and highlight the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

   • Tell me more
     • Jiya began her swim on July 28 from Abbotts Cliff in England and completed it on July 29 at Pte De La Courte-Dune in France.
     • She is the first girl with autism spectrum disorder to swim across the English Channel in its 150-year history.
       Source: ET

Important Days

1. World Ranger Day – July 31
   • What
     • The 2024 World Ranger Day theme is ’30 by 30‘ based on the 2022 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), where a Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed upon by world leaders and decision-makers.
     • It outlined a requirement that at least 30% of the planet is effectively conserved and managed by 2030 (’30 by 30’).

2. Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day – July 31
   • Shaheed Udham Singh is widely recognized in popular culture as the individual who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy.
   • He is often referred to as the ‘lone assassin’ or ‘patient assassin’ for shooting and killing Michael O’Dwyer, the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, who endorsed the orders leading to the Amritsar massacre.
     Source: IT
3. National Mountain Climbing Day in US – August 1
   • What
     • National Mountain Climbing Day is celebrated on August 1 to honor Bobby Matthews and Josh Madigan for climbing all 46 peaks of the Adirondack Mountains.

   • Tell me more
     • The Adirondack 46ers Club, established in 1925, recognizes individuals who climb all 46 peaks in the region.
     • The peaks in the Adirondack Mountains range from 3,500 to 5,344 feet, with Mount Marcy being the tallest.
     • Adirondack Mountains, mountains in northeastern New York state, U.S.
       Source: News18
4. World Lung Cancer Day – August 1
   • Theme: Close the care gap: Everyone deserves access to cancer care
   • In 2012, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) decided that every year, August 1 will be observed as World Lung Cancer Day to raise awareness about the disease.
     Source: HT
5. World Wide Web Day – August 1
   • This year’s theme focuses on the transformative role of the web in revolutionizing communication, collaboration, and access to knowledge, effectively bringing the world closer together.
   • The concept of the World Wide Web was proposed by British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 while working at CERN.
   • The first website, launched on August 6, 1991, provided information about the World Wide Web project.
     Source: IE
6. World Breastfeeding Week: 1-7 August
   • The theme for 2024 is “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.”
   • World Breastfeeding Week has been observed since 1992 to promote breastfeeding as a vital part of infant health.
     Source: WHO

Sports

1. National Basketball Academy Established in Mumbai
   • The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has launched the National Basketball Academy in collaboration with Corvuss American Academy in Mumbai.
   • President of BFI: Aadhav Arjuna
     Source: TH
2. Rohan Bopanna Announces Retirement from National Tennis
   • What
     • Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna has announced his retirement from the national team following his participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
   • Tell me more
     • Bopanna, ranked world No. 4, completed his last match with partner N Sriram Balaji at the Olympics.
     • He previously won a gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in mixed doubles with Rutuja Bhosale.
     • Bopanna has represented India in three Olympic Games, starting with London 2012.
     • He has won two Grand Slam titles, including the mixed doubles at the French Open in 2017 and the Australian Open in 2024.

Source: OC

Appointments

1. Appointments to Central Board of Direct Taxes
   • What
     • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Prabodh Seth and Ramesh Narain Parbat as members of the Central Board of Direct Taxes.

   • Tell me more
     • Prabodh Seth, a 1989 batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), is currently the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (International Taxation).
     • Ramesh Narain Parbat, also a 1989 batch IRS officer (Income Tax), is the Director General of Income Tax, Investigation, Lucknow zone.
       Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Sturgeon Poaching Threatens Danube River Basin
   • What
     • According to the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), poaching and trafficking are endangering four sturgeon species in the lower section of the Danube river in southeastern Europe.
   • Tell me more
     • The Lower Danube Basin is among the last European regions with self-reproducing sturgeon populations, although two of the six species formerly native to the Danube river are now considered locally extinct.
     • The remaining four species are listed as Threatened by the IUCN Red List, with the stellate sturgeon, Russian sturgeon, and beluga being Critically Endangered.

2. PM Modi Receives Book on Gir Lions by Parimal Nathwani
   • What
     • Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a coffee table book titled “Call of the Gir” on Gir and Asiatic lions from Rajya Sabha Member Parimal Nathwani.

Source: PM

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