National News
India Sets Electronics Manufacturing Target Of 500 Billion US Dollars By 2030
India has set a target to achieve 500 billion US dollar in electronics manufacturing in value terms by 2030. This ambitious target comprises 350 billion dollar from finished goods manufacturing and 150 billion dollar from components manufacturing.
Target: $500 billion in electronics manufacturing by 2030.
- Finished Goods: $350 billion.
- Components: $150 billion.
Report Launch: NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery launched “Electronics: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains” in New Delhi.
Report Focus: Analysis of India’s electronics sector, potential, challenges, and necessary interventions.
Sector Growth: Electronics sector reached $155 billion in 2023.
Production Increase: From $48 billion in 2017 to $101 billion in 2023, driven by mobile phone manufacturing.
Girish Chandra Murmu Inaugurates ‘International Centre For Audit Of Local Governance’ In Rajkot
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India Girish Chandra Murmu inaugurated the International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL), at Rajkot in Gujarat
- Addressing the media on the occasion, CAG Girish Chandra Murmu stressed on the transparency and accountability in the local self-governance and capacity building of local government auditors. He expressed confidence that the centre will serve as a think tank for addressing governance issues at the grassroots level across the nations.
- He said the centre will serve as a platform for information sharing and play a key role in strengthening local self-institutions.
International news
Elon Musk Says X, SpaceX Headquarters Will Relocate To Texas From California
Elon Musk said on July, said that he would move the headquarters of two of his businesses, the social media platform X and the rocket manufacturer SpaceX, to Texas, escalating an increasingly contentious fight with California
Banking news
LIC Enters Into Tie-Up With IDFC First Bank Under Corporate Agency Arrangement
In its ongoing effort to boost bancassurance contributions and achieve universal life insurance coverage by 2047, the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India has partnered with IDFC First Bank Ltd, recognized as one of the country’s most technologically advanced and promising banks, under a Corporate Agency Arrangement.
- Partnership: LIC of India and IDFC First Bank Ltd under Corporate Agency Arrangement.
- Customer Reach: Over 1 crore IDFC First Bank customers can now buy LIC policies through the bank.
- Digital On-Boarding: In development; customers will soon be able to buy LIC policies online via the bank’s website.
- Network Expansion: LIC’s 3600+ branches and IDFC First Bank’s 1000+ branches to enhance life insurance penetration.
- LIC’s Goal: Provide life insurance coverage to all by 2047.
- LIC’s Product Range: Includes Annuity, ULIP, Savings, and Term Insurance.
LIC:
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Founded year: 1956
- Head: Siddhartha Mohanty
IDFC first bank:
CEO: V. Vaidyanathan (19 Dec 2018–)
Headquarters: Mumbai
Founded year: 1 October 2015
Appointment news
HSBC Appoints Insider Georges Elhedery As CEO
HSBC Holdings Plc has appointed its Chief Financial Officer Georges Elhedery as its next CEO, the bank said on July 17, opting for continuity as it tries to kickstart growth.
HSBC:
- CEO: Noel Quinn (17 Mar 2020–)
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Founder: Thomas Sutherland
- Founded: 3 March 1865, Hong Kong
Ranks and reports news
FIFA Rankings: India Retains 124th Spot, Argentina Consolidates Top Position
The Indian football team has retained its 124th spot while Lionel Messi’s Argentina consolidated the top position in the latest FIFA rankings issued. In Asia, India is placed in the 22nd spot.
- India’s Performance: Declining since December last year; previously ranked 99.
- Argentina: Consolidated top position; unbeaten run to continental title.
- France: Maintained second spot after Euro 2024 semifinals.
- Spain: Gained five places, now third.
- England: Moved up to fourth.
- Brazil: Dropped to fifth.
Two Of The World’s Five Largest Coal Mines Are Now In India: Coal Ministry
The Coal Ministry has said that two of the world’s five largest Coal Mines are now in India. These mines, operated by Chhattisgarh-based Coal India subsidiary South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), namely Gevra and Kusmunda,
- Mines: Gevra and Kusmunda in Chhattisgarh, operated by SECL.
- Ranking: Gevra (2nd) and Kusmunda (4th) among the world’s largest coal mines.
- Production: Over 100 million tons annually, 10% of India’s total coal production.
Gevra Mine:
- Operations since 1981.
- Annual capacity: 70 million tons.
- Output (2023-24): 59 million tons.
- Sufficient reserves for next decade.
Kusmunda Mine:
- Output (2023-24): Over 50 million tons.
Ministry of coal: Ministers responsible: G. Kishan Reddy, Cabinet Minister; Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State
Kantar: Google, Tata Motors Top ‘Most Inclusive’ Brands in India
KANTAR
A recent study by Kantar reveals that Google, Tata Motors, Amazon, Jio, and Apple are ranked as the ‘most inclusive’ brands in India. The Kantar Brand Inclusion Index 2024 highlights significant issues of discrimination and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for Indian consumers.
Award news
Natural Farming model of Andhra Pradesh wins Gulbenkian Prize 2024
The Andhra Pradesh government initiative, Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF), has won the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. The APCNF will share the one million euro prize money with the renowned soil scientist Rattan Lal and the SKEEM of Egypt.
They were awarded the prize for their substantial contribution to global food security, climate resilience and ecosystem protection.
Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity
- The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity was set up by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation of Portugal in 2020.
- The award is given to individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to tackling the challenge of climate action and providing sustainable solutions that inspire hope.
- The total prize money is one million euros, which is distributed amongst the prize winners.
What is Natural Farming?
- Natural farming systems are based on the traditional methods of biomass mulching, round-the-year green cover, and Indigenous cow-based dung and urine formulations.
- It differs from organic farming, which allows the use of vermicompost,bio-fertilisers, and need-based soil correction through naturally mined minerals. Chemical fertilisers and pesticides are not used in both farming methods.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
The government of India launched the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in 2015-16.
- It is being implemented all over India except the North Eastern States.
- PKVY Scheme is being implemented in a cluster mode (with a minimum farm size of 20 hectares.
- The scheme helps the farmers with production, processing, certification, marketing, and post-harvest management support, including processing.
- The government provides farmers with financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare for three years.
Andhra Pradesh:
- Capital: Amaravati
- Chief minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu
- Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
Scheme news
Govt To Launch Second Phase Of KIRTI Initiative In New Delhi
Inauguration of KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification) Phase II in New Delhi by Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
- Objective: Develop integrated talent identification using modern ICT tools and global best practices.
- Goal: Achieve 20 lakh assessments in 2024-25 by onboarding all states.
- Phase I: Launched on 12th March in Chandigarh; 3,62,683 registrations across 70 centers.
- Disciplines Evaluated: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Football, Hockey, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling.
RPF rescued 84,119 Children under Op. Nanhe Farishtey in last 7 years
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has rescued 84,119 Children at risk in stations and trains, preventing them from falling into harm’s way from the various zones of the Indian railways in the past seven years.
Operation Nanhe Farishtey
Operation Nanhe Farishtey was launched by the RPF in 2018 to take care of the children who were perceived as at risk within the railway station premises.
- It focusses on saving children who were runaway, abandoned by their families, impoverished, disabled or victims of kidnapping.
- These children are vulnerable as they can be pushed into crime, prostitution or begging by organised crime syndicates.
- The RPF mandate was to rescue these children and hand them over to the District Child Welfare Committee.
- The District Child Welfare Committee finds the parents of the children and hand over the child to them.
Function of RPF
- RPF is responsible for the security of the railway property, security of passengers and passenger areas. It also has the power to inquire and prosecute under the relevant Railways Act.
- It also assists the state police in the maintenance of law and order.
Foundation Day of RPF: 20 September. On this day in 1985, the RPF was made an Armed Force under the Central Police Organisation.
Director General of RPF: Manoj Yadava ,IPS.
Sports news
Shaurya Bawa wins bronze at 2024 World Junior Squash Championship
- Shaurya Bawa had to settle for a bronze medal after his defeat in the semifinals of the WSF World Junior Squash Championships 2024, which were played in Houston, Texas, the United States of America, on July 17, 2024.
- Two-time Asian Games medallist, young Indian Female Squash player Anahat Singh missed a medal by losing her quarter-final match against Nadien Elhammamy of Egypt.
- This is the second medal won by an Indian male player in the World Junior Squash Championships.
About World Squash Federation
- The World Squash Federation is the governing body of Squash in the world.
- It was established as the International Squash Rackets Federation in 1967 and renamed the World Squash Federation in 1992.
- Headquarters: England
- President: Zena Wooldridge
Science and tech news
Missy Elliott’s “The Rain” Sent to Venus by NASA
In a groundbreaking achievement, NASA has beamed Missy Elliott’s 1997 hit song “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” to Venus, making it the first hip-hop song transmitted into deep space. This feat was accomplished using NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) from their Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.
- Song: Missy Elliott’s 1997 hit “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”.
- Transmission: Via NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) from Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Southern California.
- Distance: 158 million miles to Venus, approximately 14 minutes at light speed.
- Missy Elliott’s Reaction: Described the event as “crazy” and beyond earthly boundaries.
- Symbolism: Venus represents strength, beauty, and empowerment, aligning with the song’s themes.
- Cultural Milestone: Demonstrates the convergence of art and science in space exploration.
NASA:
- Founded: 29 July 1958, United States
- Founder: Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
Defence news
INS Delhi Wins Best Ship of Eastern Fleet 2024
On July , 2024, Visakhapatnam hosted the prestigious Fleet Awards Function to celebrate the Eastern Fleet’s exceptional operational achievements over the past year. INS Delhi was honored as the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet for its outstanding performance and operational excellence.
Operational Excellence and Awards
INS Delhi, a guided-missile frigate of the Delhi class, was recognized for its strategic capabilities and mission success. Additionally, INS Kavaratti was awarded Best Ship among Corvettes, OPVs, and LSTs. INS Shivalik, INS Sumedha, and INS Sumitra were also commended for their spirited contributions to the Sunrise Fleet.
Important Days
Nelson Mandela International Day 2024: Date, Theme, Significance & History
Every year on July 18th, the world unites to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day, honouring the life and enduring legacy of one of history’s most inspiring figures. This day serves not only as a commemoration but as a global call to action, encouraging individuals and communities worldwide to embody Mandela’s spirit of service and dedication to social justice.
Nelson Mandela International Day 2024 Theme
For 2024, the theme “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality” resonates deeply with Mandela’s lifelong commitment. This powerful message acknowledges the progress made since Mandela’s time while highlighting the persistent challenges that continue to plague societies globally.
Ongoing Struggles
Despite significant advancements, the world still grapples with:
- Widening wealth gaps
- Persistent poverty
- Lack of access to basic necessities for millions
