26th July, 2024

1. India’s installed nuclear power capacity is set to increase from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
2. Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated India’s 500th Community Radio Station ‘Apna Radio 90.0 FM’ in Aizawl, Mizoram.
3. The ancient Sangameshwara temple located at the confluence of seven tributaries near Muchumarri in Kurnool district gets submerged in the floodwaters every year since 2003.
4. A unique model for TB-Free Municipalities under Project Swasthya Nagaram was launched in Hyderabad, Telangana, to achieve TB-free municipalities.
5. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to expand metro rail corridors and improve transport connectivity in Nagpur, India.
6. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Uravakonda Co-operative Town Bank, based in Andhra Pradesh.
7. AU Small Finance Bank is the only small finance bank that meets the eligibility criteria set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to apply for a universal banking licence.
8. The Indian government launched a new and improved system called Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) 2.0 to monitor steel imports.
9. Shah Rukh Khan has been honoured with a customized gold coin bearing his name and likeness by the Grévin wax museum in Paris.
10. The Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC) recognized several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Visakhapatnam for their outstanding performance in using Hindi.
11. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Vriksharopan Abhiyan (VA) 2024 at Bharat Coking Coal Limited in Dhanbad, where Coal/Lignite PSUs planted and distributed approximately 1 million saplings across various coalfields.
12. Rahaab Allana, Curator and Publisher at the Alkazi Foundation for the Arts, was conferred the insignia of Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government.
13. The first of two advanced frigates under construction by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) was launched into water.
14. India is participating in the Khaan Quest military exercise in Mongolia.
15. A new report by UNAIDS warns that the world is behind schedule in ending the AIDS epidemic by the target year of 2030.
16. World Embryologist Day, also known as World IVF Day, is observed annually on July 25 to recognize and honour the contributions of embryologists to the fields of infertility and reproductive treatment.
17. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal as the new Director General of Police of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
18. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has named Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) as its official principal sponsor for four years, starting with the Paris Olympics till the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
19. India opened its first-ever “India House” at the Paris Olympics
20. Ajinkya Naik Becomes Youngest Mumbai Cricket Association President at 37
21. France Wins Bid to Host 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps
22. Renowned Marathi Translator and Environmentalist Father Francis D’Britto Passes Away

National News

1. India’s Nuclear Power Capacity to Triple by 2031-32
   • What
     • India’s installed nuclear power capacity is set to increase from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32.
   • Why
     • The increase in nuclear power capacity aims to support India’s energy transition to Net Zero by 2070.
   • Tell me more
     • India’s nuclear power capacity has increased by more than 70% in the last 10 years, from 4,780 MW in 2013-14 to 8,180 MW at present.
     • The annual electricity generation from nuclear power plants has also increased from 34,228 million units in 2013-14 to 47,971 million units in 2023-24.
     • There are 24 nuclear power reactors currently operational in India, with 21 reactors at various stages of implementation by Nuclear Power Corporation India Limited (NPCIL).

2. India Launched 500th Community Radio Station
   • What
     • Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated India’s 500th Community Radio Station ‘Apna Radio 90.0 FM’ in Aizawl, Mizoram.
     • The station is run by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.
   • Why
     • The launch of the 500th community radio station aims to bring a substantive change in the lives of people in the coverage area and is a significant milestone in the Government’s policy of Act East.
   • Tell me more
     • The Minister also announced the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards in four categories.
     • Each category has First, Second and Third prize of Rs. 1.0 Lakhs, Rs.75,000 and Rs.50,000 respectively.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Sangameshwara Temple Submerged in Floodwaters for 19th Year
   • What
     • The ancient Sangameshwara temple located at the confluence of seven tributaries near Muchumarri in Kurnool district gets submerged in the floodwaters every year since 2003.
   • Why
     • Heavy rains in the upstream areas of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Kurnool district have caused several projects to brim to their full capacity, leading to the release of waters downstream.

   • Tell me more
     • The Sangameshwara temple is located at the confluence of seven tributaries near Muchumarri in Kurnool district.
     • The Srisailam dam was constructed in 1981 in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
     • Idol and pilgrim worship were revived at the Sangameshwara temple in 2003 after it resurfaced.
       Source: TOI
     
     
     
     
2. Telangana Launches TB-Free Municipalities Initiative
   • What
     • A unique model for TB-Free Municipalities under Project Swasthya Nagaram was launched in Hyderabad, Telangana, to achieve TB-free municipalities.
   • Why
     • The initiative aims to combat tuberculosis (TB) in urban settings, addressing social determinants that contribute to the TB burden.
   • Tell me more
     • The project is a collaborative effort involving the State Tuberculosis Cell, Municipal Corporations of Peerzadiguda, Boduppal, and Pocharam, Central TB Division, WHO India, USAID, and others.
     • The model will be implemented over three years, aiming to reduce TB incidence by one third and decrease TB-related mortality.
     • The project will provide free medical care to TB patients along with counselling for their families.
       Source: NOA

     
     
   
   
   
   

Banking and Economy

1. ADB Approves $200 Million Loan for Nagpur Metro Expansion
   • What
     • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to expand metro rail corridors and improve transport connectivity in Nagpur, India.
   • Why
     • The loan aims to improve transport connectivity within and to Nagpur’s new and growing urban areas, providing an efficient, safe, and environment-friendly public transport to ease commuters’ travel and improve productivity.

   • Tell me more
     • The project will help Maha Metro develop a 5-year institutional action plan, including a gender equality and social inclusion-responsive workplace strategy.

2. RBI Cancels Licence of Uravakonda Co-operative Town Bank
   • What
     • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Uravakonda Co-operative Town Bank, based in Andhra Pradesh.
     • The bank has ceased to carry on banking business from the close of business on July 20, 2024.
   • Why
     • The bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects.
     • The bank does not comply with various sections of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
   • Tell me more
     • 99.95% of the depositors are entitled to receive the full amount of their deposits from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
     • The Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Andhra Pradesh, has been requested to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator.
     • The bank is prohibited from conducting banking business, including acceptance and repayment of deposits.

3. AU Small Finance Bank Meets RBI Criteria for Universal Banking Licence
   • What
     • AU Small Finance Bank is the only small finance bank that meets the eligibility criteria set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to apply for a universal banking licence.
   • Tell me more
     • AU Small Finance Bank has a net worth of Rs 12,560 crore, has recorded profits for the previous two fiscal years, and maintained gross and net non-performing assets below 3 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively.
     • After the merger with Fincare Small Finance Bank, AU’s balance sheet has expanded to Rs 1.25 trillion, with a net worth of nearly Rs 15,000 crore.
     • AU serves approximately 10 million customers across 2,382 banking touchpoints.

4. India’s Steel Production to Cross 300 Million Tonnes by 2030
   • What
     • The Indian government launched a new and improved system called Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) 2.0 to monitor steel imports.
   • Why
     • This system will help the government keep track of how much steel is coming into the country and make better decisions about the steel industry.
   • Tell me more
     • The new system is faster and better than the old one.
     • It was developed quickly to meet a government deadline.
     • The government hopes this system will help the Indian steel industry grow.

Source: NOA

Awards

1. Shah Rukh Khan Honoured with Customised Gold Coin by Grévin Museum
   • What
     • Shah Rukh Khan has been honoured with a customized gold coin bearing his name and likeness by the Grévin wax museum in Paris.
   • Why
     • The museum has felicitated Khan for his contributions to cinema with a specialized gold coin.
   • Tell me more
     • The 58-year-old star is reportedly the first Indian actor to receive this honour.

3. PSUs Recognized for Hindi Language Proficiency
   • What
     • The Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC) recognized several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Visakhapatnam for their outstanding performance in using Hindi.
     • The award is ‘Rajbhasha Gaurav Samman’ for the year 2023-24’.
   • Tell me more
     • HPCL-Visakha Refinery, NTPC Simhadri, and Airport Authority of India won top awards.
     • Other PSUs like GAIL, SAIL, and FCI were also recognized for their efforts.
       Source: PIB
     
     
4. Coal Ministry Launches Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024 to Plant 1 Million Saplings
   • What
     • Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Vriksharopan Abhiyan (VA) 2024 at Bharat Coking Coal Limited in Dhanbad, where Coal/Lignite PSUs planted and distributed approximately 1 million saplings across various coalfields.

   • Why
     • The event is part of the visionary campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at environmental sustainability and ecological restoration.

4. Rahaab Allana Conferred Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France
   • What
     • Rahaab Allana, Curator and Publisher at the Alkazi Foundation for the Arts, was conferred the insignia of Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government.
   • Why
     • The honor recognizes Allana’s distinguished career as a curator of contemporary South Asian photography and his significant contributions to Indo-French artistic cooperation.

Source: TOI

Defence News

1. First Advanced Frigate Launched by Goa Shipyard Limited
   • What
     • The first of two advanced frigates under construction by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) was launched into water.
     • The frigates are being built with technology transfer from Russia for the Indian Navy.
   • Why
     • India contracted four frigates from Russia in October 2016 to strengthen its naval capabilities.
     • Two frigates are being built in Russia, and two are being constructed at GSL in India.
   • Tell me more
     • The ship has been named Triput, symbolizing the Indian Navy’s indomitable spirit and its ability to strike far and deep.
     • The first frigate, Tushil, built in Russia, is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy in September this year, and the second, Tamal, by February 2025.
     • GSL signed a $500-million deal with Rosoboronexport of Russia in November 2018 for materials, design, and specialist assistance.
     • The Triput class frigates are 125 meters long, 15 meters wide, with a displacement of approximately 3,600 tons and a maximum speed of 28 knots.

Source: TH

2. India Participates in Khaan Quest Exercise
   • What
     • India is participating in the Khaan Quest military exercise in Mongolia.
   • Why
     • The exercise aims to improve the Indian Army’s peacekeeping capabilities and cooperation with other countries.
   • Tell me more
     • The exercise involves soldiers from 23 countries practicing peacekeeping skills.
     • This is India’s participation in the 21st edition of the Khaan Quest exercise.

Source: TH

Report and Indices

1. World Off Track to End AIDS by 2030: UNAIDS Report
   • What
     • A new report by UNAIDS warns that the world is behind schedule in ending the AIDS epidemic by the target year of 2030.
   • Why
     • Despite progress in some areas, challenges like lack of resources, inequality, and stigma are hindering efforts to eliminate AIDS.
   • Tell me more
     • Globally, 9.3 million out of 39.9 million people living with HIV are not receiving life-saving treatment, and a person dies from AIDS-related causes every minute.
     • New HIV infections are still more than three times higher than the 2025 target of 370,000, at 1.3 million in 2023.
     • If leaders take bold actions, the number of people living with HIV requiring life-long treatment will settle at around 29 million by 2050, but if they take the wrong path, it will rise to 46 million.
     • Although tremendous progress has been made in preventing new HIV infections, which have fallen by 39% since 2010 globally, new infections are rising in three regions: the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe and central Asia, and Latin America.
     • Gender inequality and stigma and discrimination against marginalized communities create barriers to vital prevention and treatment services.
     • Funding is shrinking, with total resources available for HIV dropping by 5% from 2022 to 2023, and domestic funding in low- and middle-income countries falling for the fourth consecutive year

Source: UN

Important Days

1. World Embryologist Day – July 25
   • What
     • World Embryologist Day, also known as World IVF Day, is observed annually on July 25 to recognize and honour the contributions of embryologists to the fields of infertility and reproductive treatment.
   • Why
     • The day celebrates the birth of Louise Brown, the first test tube baby ever, in 1978, as an outcome of the hard work and commitment of Dr. Robert Geoffer Edwards, Dr. Patrick Christopher Steptoe, and Nurse Jean Marian Purdy.
   • Tell me more
     • Dr. Robert Geoffer Edwards won the Nobel Prize in 2010 for his invention of IVF.
       Source: BS

Appointments

1. MHA Appoints Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal as New Police Chief of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
   • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal as the new Director General of Police of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
     Source: IE
2. Ronald L. Rowe, Jr. Appointed Acting Director of Secret Service
   • What
     • Ronald L. Rowe, Jr. has been appointed as the Acting Director of the Secret Service effective July 23, 2024.
   • Tell me more
     • The Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security.
       Source: US

Sports

1. BPCL Becomes Official Principal Sponsor of Indian Olympic Association
   • What
     • The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has named Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) as its official principal sponsor for four years, starting with the Paris Olympics till the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
   • Why
     • The collaboration between BPCL and IOA aims to support the Indian contingent heading to Paris through various campaigns and initiatives.
   • Tell me more
     • The partnership will also encompass the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Summer Youth Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Winter Youth Olympics.

Source: ET

2. India House Opens at Paris Olympics
   • What
     • India opened its first-ever “India House” at the Paris Olympics.
   • Why
     • India House aims to showcase Indian culture, support Indian athletes, and promote India’s bid to host future Olympics.
   • Tell me more
     • Nita Ambani and PT Usha inaugurated the India House.
     • The venue will showcase Indian art, culture, food, and music.
     • India expressed its interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics.

3. Ajinkya Naik Becomes Youngest Mumbai Cricket Association President at 37
   • What
     • Ajinkya Naik, at the age of 37, has become the youngest president of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
   • Tell me more
     • The Mumbai Cricket Association is the governing body for cricket in Mumbai.
       Source: IE
4. France Wins Bid to Host 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps
   • What
     • The International Olympic Committee named the French Alps as the host for the 2030 Winter Games, subject to certain conditions.
     • The IOC has selected Salt Lake City-Utah, US to host the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Source: EU

Miscellaneous

1. Renowned Marathi Translator and Environmentalist Father Francis D’Britto Passes Away
   • What
     • Father Francis D’Britto, a Vasai-based Catholic priest, writer, and environmentalist who translated the Bible into Marathi, passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness.
   • Tell me more
     • Born to Marathi-speaking parents, D’Britto’s translation of the Bible, named ‘Subodh Bible’, was re-printed many times.
       Source: TH

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