National News
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Asia’s 1st Health Research-Related “Pre-Clinical Network Facility” In Faridabad

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, inaugurated Asia’s first health research-related “Pre-clinical Network facility” at the Translational Health Science & Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad. This facility marks the 9th such network laboratory globally and the first in Asia, emphasizing its significance in advancing health research.
- Additionally, Dr. Singh inaugurated the Genetically Defined Human Associated Microbial Culture Collection (Ge-HuMic) facility. This facility will serve as a repository for microbial cultures, supporting research institutes, universities, and industries in their Research and Development endeavors.
- During the event, Dr. Singh also facilitated agreements and MoUs with the private sector, particularly for vaccine development under the Department of Biotechnology. These collaborations aim to enhance research capabilities and accelerate the development of vaccines, emphasizing India’s commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation and partnerships.
Indian Navy Launches Its Flagship National Level Quiz Competition, THINQ2024

The Indian Navy launched its flagship national level quiz competition, THINQ2024. The theme of THINQ2024 this year is ‘Viksit Bharat’ which is aligned with the Union Government’s vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047 on the 100th year of independence.
- Theme: ‘Viksit Bharat’ aligns with India’s goal to become a developed nation by 2047.
- Participants: Open to students from Class 9 to 12 nationwide.
- Format: Conducted in hybrid mode across four stages.
- Registration: Schools can register via the THINQ2024 website.
- Objective: Promotes intellectual growth, inspires youth, and fosters pride in India’s cultural heritage.
Indian navy:
- Head: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
- Founded: 26 January 1950
India Launches First National Toll-Free Anti-Narcotics Helpline

India is set to launch its first national toll-free anti-narcotics helpline, ‘1933’, alongside an email service under the name MANAS (Madak Padarth Nisedh Asuchna Kendra). Scheduled for launch by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the seventh Narco-Coordination Centre meeting on July 18, the helpline aims to provide a user-friendly platform for citizens to report drug-related crimes and seek assistance 24×7.
- Purpose: MANAS aims to tackle drug-related crimes such as trafficking, sale, storage, manufacturing, and cultivation, ensuring confidentiality and prompt action under the NDPS Act.
- Operational Details: Citizens can report incidents via toll-free phone (1933), email (info.ncbmanas@gov.in), or the website ncbmanas.gov.in, enhancing accessibility and efficiency compared to previous systems.
- Government’s Anti-Drug Strategy: Under PM Modi’s leadership, a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ against drug trafficking is emphasized, aiming for a drug-free India by 2047 through strengthened institutions, coordinated agency efforts, and extensive public awareness campaigns.
International news
India provides $2.5 million to the UNRWA to help Palestinian Refugees

The government of India has released $2.5 million of the promised $5 million for the year 2024-25 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The fund will be used to provide education, health care, and other services to Palestinian refugees.
Indian Assistance to the Palestinian People
- According to the government of India, it has provided $35 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) until 2023-24. The money is being used to provide education, health care, and other services to Palestinian refugees.
- The government of India has also pledged to provide medicines to the UNRWA at the recent UNRWA Pledging Conference held in New York, the United States of America.
Origins and History of Palestinian Refugees
- Definition: Palestinian refugees are individuals and their descendants who lost their homes and were displaced from Palestine during the 1948 conflict.
- Background:
- UN Resolution: On November 29, 1947, the United Nations resolved to divide Palestine into two sovereign states, Israel and Palestine.
- Demographics: Palestine, under British control, was predominantly inhabited by Muslim Arabs.
- Creation of Israel: The new state of Israel was established as a homeland for the Jewish people.
- Conflict and Displacement:
- Opposition and War: Arab residents opposed the creation of Israel. War broke out following Israel’s declaration of independence on May 14, 1948.
- Result of War: Israel, withstood attacks by neighbouring Arab countries, captured about 77% of the territory designated for a Palestinian state. Over half of the Arab Palestinian population was expelled or fled.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA):
- Founded: 8 December 1949
- Head: Philippe Lazzarini
Economy news
IMF Raises India’s GDP Forecast To 7% For Current Financial Year

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) upgraded India’s economic growth forecast by 20 basis points (bps) to 7 per cent year-on-year basis for the current financial year 2024-25. Earlier also in April, IMF has raised GDP forecast of the country by 30 bps to 6.8 percent in its World Economic Outlook.
- Forecast Upgrade: IMF raises India’s GDP growth forecast by 20 basis points to 7% for FY 2024-25.
- Previous Adjustment: In April, IMF had increased India’s GDP forecast by 30 bps to 6.8%.
- Reasons: Improved prospects in rural areas boost private consumption.
- Global Context: IMF maintains global growth projections at 3.2% for 2024, slightly higher at 3.3% for 2025.
- China’s Outlook: China’s GDP growth forecasted to be 5% for 2024, slowing to 4.5% in 2025 and further to 3.3% by 2029 due to aging and productivity challenges.
IMF:
- Founded: July 1944, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States
- Managing Director: Kristalina Georgieva
- Abbreviation: IMF
- Founders: John Maynard Keynes, Harry Dexter White
- Parent organization: United Nations
Summit news
All-India Institute of Ayurveda Successfully Hosts ‘Saushrutam 2024’

The All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi successfully concluded its Second National Seminar SAUSHRUTAM Shalya Sangoshti on July 15, 2024, celebrating Sushruta Jayanti. The three-day event, beginning on July 13, honored Sushruta, the father of surgery, with a series of live surgical demonstrations and expert discussions.
Inauguration and Dignitaries:
- Chief Guest: Prof. Sandeep Kumar, Founder Director of AIIMS Bhopal.
- Notable Guests: Padamshri Prof. Manoranjan Sahu (Founder Director of AIIA Delhi), Prof. Anurag Srivastav (former HoD of Surgical Disciplines at AIIMS New Delhi), and Dr. MC Misra (former Director of AIIMS).
- AIIA Representatives: Prof. (Dr) Tanuja Nesari (Director) and Prof. Dr. Yogesh Badwe (HoD Shalya Tantra).
Live Surgical Demonstrations:
- Highlights: 25 complex surgical procedures were demonstrated, showcasing modern techniques such as VAAFT, laparoscopy, laser, alongside traditional Shalya methods.
- Conditions Addressed: Procedures included treatments for fistula-in-ano, hemorrhoids, and gallbladder stones.
Impact: Approximately 1,500 patients benefited from AIIA’s surgical expertise over the past year.
The All-India Institute of Ayurveda:
- Director: Prof. Dr Tanuja Manoj Nesari
- Founded: 17 October 2017
BRIC-THSTI Hosts SYNCHN 2024 Industry Meet

Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), hosted SYNCHN 2024 on July 14th, 2024. This event aimed to strengthen academia-industry collaborations in the NCR Biotech Cluster, focusing on advancing bio manufacturing and bio-innovation.
Key Highlights:
- Chief Guest Address: Prof. Vinod K. Paul from NITI Aayog emphasized government support for partnerships driving bioinnovation and India’s global leadership in biotech.
- Guest of Honor: Prof. Nirmal K. Ganguly highlighted the critical role of academic-industrial collaborations in medical biotechnology.
- Visionary Insights:
- Prof. Ganesan Karthikeyan, Executive Director of THSTI, emphasized leveraging research expertise to empower industry and advance translational research.
- Government Perspective: Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Director General of BRIC, praised THSTI’s efforts in fostering collaboration and outlined the cluster’s readiness to meet industry demands.
- Industry Perspectives and Breakout Sessions:
- Representatives from leading biotech firms discussed collaboration benefits and THSTI’s role in bridging academia with industry.
- Breakout sessions facilitated direct interactions between industry leaders and THSTI researchers, enhancing mutual understanding and partnership prospects.
India to Host Second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation

The second Asia Pacific ministerial conference on civil aviation will be held in the national capital on September 11 and 12, which is expected to see the participation of representatives from around 40 countries, including China and Pakistan.
- The Asia Pacific region is a significant contributor to global air traffic, and India is the world’s fastest-growing aviation market. The conference, jointly organised by the Indian government and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) APAC, will be held on September 11 and 12.
- Speaking at the curtain raiser event for the conference in the national capital, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Monday said India has made significant strides in the aviation sector and the annual passenger traffic is projected to touch 250 million.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India: Officeholder: Murlidhar Mohol
State news
Uttarakhand Opens Its First-Ever Bird Gallery In Dehradun

The research wing of the Uttarakhand Forest Department established Uttarakhand’s first bird gallery at the Nature Education Centre, Jolly Grant, in Dehradun on July. This gallery showcases high-resolution images of Uttarakhand’s birds, giving visitors an eye-catching display of the state’s feathery inhabitants.
- Avian Diversity Showcase: The bird gallery aims to highlight Uttarakhand’s diverse bird species through high-resolution images, promoting awareness and conservation efforts among visitors.
- Significance of Uttarakhand’s Avian Richness: Uttarakhand boasts over 710 bird species, representing more than 50% of India’s avian diversity, including iconic species like the Himalayan Monal and White-capped Redstart.
- Conservation and Awareness: By educating the public about bird species and their ecological roles, the gallery seeks to enhance conservation efforts and foster appreciation for Uttarakhand’s unique avifauna.
Uttarakhand:
- Capital: Dehradun (Winter)
- Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
- Governor: Gurmit Singh
Ranks and report news
India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and Inflation Update (June 2024)

In June 2024, India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) showed a provisional annual inflation rate of 3.36% compared to June 2023, driven by increased prices in food articles, manufactured food products, crude petroleum & natural gas, mineral oils, and other manufacturing sectors. The overall WPI for all commodities rose to 153.9 (base year 2011-12=100), marking a month-on-month increase of 0.39% from May 2024.
- WPI Overview: India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for all commodities rose to 153.9 (base year 2011-12=100), with a month-on-month increase of 0.39% from May 2024.
- Annual Inflation Rate: The provisional annual inflation rate stood at 3.36% in June 2024 compared to the same month last year, driven by increases in food articles, manufactured food products, crude petroleum & natural gas, mineral oils, and other manufacturing sectors.
- Primary Articles: The index for primary articles reached 191.6, primarily due to higher prices in food articles and minerals.
- Fuel & Power Group: This group saw a decline of 1.93%, attributed to lower prices in electricity and mineral oils.
Manufactured Products: The index for manufactured products rose slightly to 141.9, driven by increases in food products, chemicals, textiles, rubber & plastics products, and motor vehicles
Sports news
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.
- Achievements: Vedant Sakre from Mumbai, Maharashtra, secured a GOLD medal. Ishan Pednekar (Ratnagiri, Maharashtra), Shrijith Sivakumar (Chennai, Tamil Nadu), and Yashashwi Kumar (Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh) won SILVER medals.
- Event Details: The 35th IBO took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from July 7 to July 13, 2024.
- Leadership: The Indian team was led by Prof. Sasikumar Menon (TDM Lab, Mumbai) and Dr. Mayuri Rege (Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, TIFR). Scientific Observers included Dr. Rajesh Patkar (IIT Bombay) and Dr. Devesh Suthar (M. S. University, Baroda).
Kazakhstan:
- Capital: Astana
- Official language: Kazakh
- Continent: Europe, Asia
- Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge
- President: incumbent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
Science and tech news
‘World’s First’ 3D-Printed Electric Abra Begins Trial Voyage In Dubai

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the trial operation of the world’s first electric abra manufactured using 3D printing technology, in collaboration with the private sector. The abra, which can carry 20 passengers, was designed, and built to retain the traditional abra identity.
Manufacturing: Produced by Al Seer Marine Company in Abu Dhabi with global collaboration.
- Mitsubishi (Japan): Provided materials.
- Siemens (Germany): Supervised programming and calibration.
- Torqeedo (Germany): Supplied electric motors.
- TASNEEF Company: Ensured compliance with safety standards.
- Design: Retains traditional abra identity.
- Features:
- Capacity: 20 passengers.
- Dimensions: 11 meters in length, 3.1 meters in width.
- Monocoque Structure: Longest created using 3D printing.
- Efficiency: 90% reduction in manufacturing time, 30% reduction in production, operation, and maintenance costs.
Dubai:
- Capital: Abu Dhabi
- Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham
- Prime minister: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- President: Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan