19th July, 2024

1. Centre Expands Mining Area for Critical Minerals
2. Operation Nanhe Farishte
3. NFDC & Netflix Launch Voice-Over Artist Upskilling Program
4. Lok Sabha Speaker Constituted Business Advisory Committee For Monsoon Session
5. Chandipura Virus Outbreak in Gujarat
6. James Webb Telescope Captures “Weather Maps” of Fiery Brown Dwarfs
7. Cassini Data Reveals New Secrets of Titan’s Seas
8. Bank of Baroda Launches Monsoon Dhamaka Scheme
9. Mauritius Slips in FPI Preferred Destinations List
10. ICRA Upgrades Adani Ports Rating to AAA/Stable
11. FICCI Predicts 7% GDP Growth for India in 2024-25
12. Zen Technologies Launches New Defence Products
13. Dhruva Space Gets IN-SPACe Nod for Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS)
14. INS Tabar Visits Hamburg, Germany to Strengthen Ties
15. Virat Kohli Regains Top Spot in Celebrity Brand Value
16. Sobha Group’s CSR Wins Child & Women Development Award
17. CSIR-CRRI Celebrates 73rd Foundation Day
18. Nelson Mandela International Day 2024 – July 18
19. World Snake Day – July 16
20. BTS’ Jin Carries Olympic Torch in Paris
21. India’s FIFA Ranking Stagnant at 124th
22. Ursula von der Leyen Re-elected as European Commission President
23. Glacial Geoengineering Proposed to Combat Sea Level Rise

National News

1. Centre Expands Mining Area for Critical Minerals
   • What
     • The government increased the area granted for mining critical minerals in India.
   • Why
     • To boost domestic production and address challenges faced in the first auction of critical mineral blocks.
   • Tell me more
     • The area limit for mining leases has been increased from 10 sq km to 50 sq km.
     • The prospecting licence limit has been raised from 25 sq km to 100 sq km.
     • This policy shift aims to make critical mineral exploration and extraction commercially viable.
       Source: BS
2. Operation Nanhe Farishte
   • What
     • The Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued a 12-year-old boy under Operation Nanhe Farishte in Hyderabad.
   • Why
     • Operation Nanhe Farishte is an ongoing mission by the RPF to ensure child safety at railway stations.
     • This mission aims to reunite missing or runaway children with their families and protect them from trafficking.
       Source: DC

3. NFDC & Netflix Launch Voice-Over Artist Upskilling Program
   • What
     • National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and Netflix India partnered to launch “The Voicebox,” a program to upskill voice-over artists in India.
   • Why
     • The program aims to promote Indian cinema and nurture talent in the Media and Entertainment industry, aligning with the combined vision of NFDC and Netflix.
   • Tell me more
     • The program offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training in eight languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Gujarati.
     • Structured workshops with guest lectures, mentoring sessions, and assessments will be conducted in seven Indian cities.
     • Pearl Academy is the training partner for the program.
     • Top participants will contribute to Netflix’s “Azaadi ki Amrit Kahaniya” project.

4. Lok Sabha Speaker Constituted Business Advisory Committee For Monsoon Session
   • What
     • The Lok Sabha Speaker constituted the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
   • Who Heads It
     • The BAC is chaired by the Lok Sabha Speaker, currently Om Birla.
   • What’s Its Role
     • The BAC plays a crucial role in determining the Parliament’s agenda during a session.
     • Its responsibilities include:
       • Deciding the allocation of time for debates on various bills and issues.
       • Recommending the order in which business will be conducted.
       • Coordinating between the government and the opposition to ensure smooth functioning of the session.

     
     

Source: BT

State News

1. Chandipura Virus Outbreak in Gujarat
   • What
     • An outbreak of Chandipura Viral Encephalitis (CHPV) is reported in Gujarat, India.
   • Tell me more
     • CHPV is a mosquito and sandfly-borne virus causing brain inflammation.
     • CHPV primarily affects children under 15 in rural areas.
     • There is no specific treatment or vaccine available, but early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial.
     • Preventive measures include vector control, using repellents, and proper sanitation.
     • This is not the first outbreak; a 2003-04 outbreak caused over 300 deaths in central India.
       Source: IE

International News

1. James Webb Telescope Captures “Weather Maps” of Fiery Brown Dwarfs
   • What
     • Researchers used James Webb telescope to study atmosphere of two nearby brown dwarfs.
   • Why
     • To understand weather patterns and atmospheric composition of these celestial objects.

2. Cassini Data Reveals New Secrets of Titan’s Seas
   • What
     • Titan, Saturn’s moon, has liquid seas of hydrocarbons like methane and ethane, unlike Earth’s water-based seas.
     • Titan’s environment is considered potentially suitable for life due to the presence of prebiotic molecules and a possible subsurface ocean.
   • Tell me more
     • Launched in 1997, Cassini was a NASA spacecraft that explored Saturn and its moons.
       Source: TH

Banking and Economy

1. Bank of Baroda Launches Monsoon Dhamaka Scheme
   • What
     • Bank of Baroda increased fixed deposit (FD) rates and introduced the ‘BoB Monsoon Dhamaka Deposit Scheme.’
   • Tell me more
     • The Monsoon Dhamaka scheme offers 7.25% interest p.a. for 399 days and 7.15% p.a. for 333 days on deposits below Rs 3 crore.
     • Senior citizens earn an additional 0.50% p.a. on these deposits.
     • General FD rates for deposits maturing in 1 year to 400 days are revised to 6.85% p.a. for general citizens and 7.35% p.a. for senior citizens.
     • Rates for deposits maturing in more than 400 days and up to 2 years remain unchanged at 6.85% p.a. and 7.35% p.a. for general and senior citizens, respectively.
       Source: BS

2. Mauritius Slips in FPI Preferred Destinations List
   • What
     • Mauritius dropped from 4th to 5th place in terms of Assets Under Custody (AUC) for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) routing funds to India.
   • Tell me more
     • Ireland has overtaken Mauritius with an AUC of Rs 4.41 trillion compared to Mauritius’ Rs 4.39 trillion (as of June 30, 2024).
     • Ireland’s FPI AUC surged 26% in the first half of 2024, while Mauritius saw an 11% rise.
     • Mauritius-India Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) amendments are pending final approval in Mauritius due to industry pushback.

3. ICRA Upgrades Adani Ports Rating to AAA/Stable
   • What
     • ICRA upgraded Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone’s (APSEZ) long-term ratings to AAA/Stable.
   • Why
     • The upgrade reflects APSEZ’s strong financial performance and planned investments in expanding its southern India trans-shipment container port.
   • Tell me more
     • The upgrade covers APSEZ’s long-term fund-based/non-fund-based facilities, non-convertible debentures (NCDs), and commercial papers.
     • APSEZ plans to invest Rs 100 billion ($1.2 billion) to boost its Vizhinjam port in Kerala, aiming to attract large ships.

Source: ET

GDP Forecasts

1. FICCI Predicts 7% GDP Growth for India in 2024-25
   • What
     • FICCI’s Economic Outlook Survey forecasts a median GDP growth of 7.0% for India in 2024-25.
   • Why
     • The survey highlights India’s strong economic position compared to other economies globally.
   • Tell me more
     • Growth is expected across sectors, with agriculture at 3.7%, industry at 6.7%, and services at 7.4%.
     • Inflation is projected at 4.5% for the year, aligning with the RBI’s expectations.
     • A potential repo rate cut by the RBI is anticipated later in the fiscal year.

Source: LM

Defence News

1. Zen Technologies Launches New Defence Products
   • What
     • Zen Technologies, a defence solutions provider, launched four new products to enhance Indian defence capabilities.
   • Tell me more
     • The new products include:
       • Hawkeye: Anti-drone system camera for all-weather drone tracking up to 15 km.
       • Barbarik-URCWS: Ultralight Remote Control Weapon Station for precise targeting on land and sea vehicles.
       • Prahasta: Automated quadruped robot using LIDAR for 3D terrain mapping and mission planning, ideal for close-quarter combat.
       • Sthir Stab 640: Stabilized sight for improved targeting on armored vehicles, boats, and ICVs.
     • Developed in collaboration with AI Turing Technologies, a subsidiary based in Pune.

2. Dhruva Space Gets IN-SPACe Nod for Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS)
   • What
     • Dhruva Space, a space engineering firm, received authorization from IN-SPACe to offer Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS).
   • Why
     • To provide critical ground support for satellite communication, control, and data transmission at a reduced cost.
     • To foster innovation in the space sector by offering advanced ground station facilities to startups.
   • Tell me more
     • GSaaS enables real-time satellite communication and control, enhancing mission flexibility.
     • It reduces operational costs by providing shared ground station infrastructure.
     • Dhruva Space has already designed and developed eight ground stations across various bands.
     • The company is also expanding its network to a global scale for wider satellite operation access.

3. INS Tabar Visits Hamburg, Germany to Strengthen Ties
   • What
     • Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar, arrived in Hamburg, Germany for a three-day visit.
   • Why
     • The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in the maritime domain, and strengthen ties between the Indian and German navies.
   • Tell me more
     • INS Tabar is a stealth frigate built in Russia and part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet.
     • Captain MR Harish commands the ship.
       Source: PIB

Awards

1. Virat Kohli Regains Top Spot in Celebrity Brand Value
   • What
     • Virat Kohli reclaimed the position of India’s most valuable celebrity with a brand value of $227.9 million in 2023.
   • Tell me more
     • Actor Ranveer Singh holds the second spot with a brand value of $203.1 million.
     • Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Alia Bhatt are at the 3rd, 4th, and 5th rankings respectively.

Source: ET

2. Sobha Group’s CSR Wins Child & Women Development Award
   • What
     • Sobha Group’s CSR wing, Sri Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust, won the “Best Child and Women Development Initiatives of the Year 2024” award.
   • Why
     • The Trust’s programs focus on providing educational scholarships and vocational training for underprivileged children and women.
     • The award recognizes the Trust’s impactful initiatives in empowering children and women.
   • Tell me more
     • The award was presented at the Global CSR, Sustainability, and ESG Awards 2024 at the Hyatt Regency, Gurgaon.
       Source: Print

Important Days

1. CSIR-CRRI Celebrates 73rd Foundation Day
   • What
     • The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) celebrated its 73rd Foundation Day on 16th July 2024.
   • Tell me more
     • ‘AcSIR PhD Scholar Lab’ was inaugurated.
     • Over 200 school children participated in an open day program under the CSIR Jigyasa Scheme.
     • MoUs were signed with industries, and a student research poster competition (Vivdus 2024) was organized.

2. Nelson Mandela International Day 2024 – July 18
   • What
     • The theme for Nelson Mandela International Day 2024 is “Combating poverty and inequality is in our hands.”

3. World Snake Day – July 16
   • World Snake Day, celebrated on July 16th, aims to raise awareness about snakes and their importance.
     Source: ET

   
   

Sports

1. BTS’ Jin Carries Olympic Torch in Paris
   • What
     • BTS member Jin became the first torchbearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics, carrying the flame through the Louvre Museum.
   • Tell me more
     • The event coincided with France’s Bastille Day.
     • Jin is the first South Korean torchbearer for the Paris Olympics.

2. India’s FIFA Ranking Stagnant at 124th
   • What
     • India’s FIFA men’s football ranking remained unchanged at 124th in the latest rankings.
   • Tell me more
     • Argentina (Copa America winners) maintained the top spot, while Spain (European champions) climbed to 3rd.
     • In Asian rankings, India remains 22nd, behind countries like Lebanon and Vietnam.

Source: TOI

Appointments

1. Ursula von der Leyen Re-elected as European Commission President
   • What:
     • Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as President of the European Commission.
     • This will be Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as Commission President.
   • Tell me more:
     • She was first elected by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in July 2019.
     • Article 14 of the Treaty of the European Union states that the European Parliament “shall elect the President of the Commission.”
     • Ursula von der Leyen was the European People’s Party (EPP) lead candidate in the 6 – 9 June European elections.

Source: EU

Miscellaneous

1. Glacial Geoengineering Proposed to Combat Sea Level Rise
   • What
     • Scientists are exploring glacial geoengineering techniques to slow sea level rise caused by climate change.
   • Why
     • The goal is to buy time for mitigating climate change through emissions reduction.
   • Tell me more
     • Glacial geoengineering refers to proposed technological interventions designed to slow down the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, specifically to address sea level rise caused by climate change
     • Techniques include underwater curtains to shield glaciers and drilling to manage meltwater flow.

Source: DTE

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