National News
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launches NATS Portal 2.0; disburses 100 crore rupees stipends to apprentices through DBT mode
Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme 2.0 Portal and disbursed 100 crore rupees stipends to apprentices through the DBT mode in New Delhi.
- These apprentices are undergoing training in various sectors like Information Technology, manufacturing, and automobile among others. This initiative aligns with the Government’s focus on skilling and the employability of youth.
- Addressing the event, Mr. Pradhan said, NATS Portal 2.0 is a significant effort to democratise apprenticeship, bridge the skills gap, fulfil youth aspirations and make them future-ready.
- The Minister highlighted that this year’s budget also lays great emphasis on boosting skilling and employment.
- The Minister appealed to all educational institutions and industries to join NATS 2.0 portal. On the occasion, UGC chairman Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar appreciated the government’s initiatives. He said that this portal is the need of the hour which will help youth to support the country’s growth.
Union Minister for Education: Dharmendra Pradhan Deogarh, Orissa
4th Anniversary of NEP 2020 Celebrated at Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam 2024
The Ministry of Education celebrated the 4th anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) 2024, held at the Manekshaw Centre Auditorium in New Delhi. The event, attended by key ministers, officials, academicians, and students, featured the release of books and lecture notes by the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division. The celebration also included the launch of several significant initiatives and a series of thematic sessions on various NEP 2020-related topics.
Key Attendees
- Ministers Present: Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar
- Officials Present: Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Shri Sanjay Kumar, academicians, Vice Chancellors, officials, and students
IKS Division Releases Lecture Notes Compilation
From Faculty Training Program for Master Trainers in IKS, covering topics like Tantrayukti, Chemistry, Agriculture, Ayurveda, and more.
Books Released
- “Kautilya’s Arthashastra: Timeless Strategies for Modern Governance” by Vinayak Rajat Bhat and Tejusvi Shukla
- “Marma Kannadi: Decoding the Human Body the Siddha Way” by Gurukkal Dr. S. Mahesh
- “Shodha Vijaya,” a collection of research articles on southern dynasties, focusing on the Vijayanagara Karnata Kingdom, edited by Dr. Manorama B. N.
Report Release: State of the Indian Knowledge Systems and Heritage (IKS & H) Industry by Prof. Mohan Raghavan
Major NEP 2020 Initiatives Launched
- Dedicated TV Channels for learning Indian languages
- Primers for early graders in 25 Indian languages
- 10 Bagless Days Guidelines for stress-free learning
- Career Guidance Guidelines with a library of over 500 job cards
- National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) and National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) in Braille and Audio Books
- School Innovation Marathon by AICTE, NITI Aayog, and AIM
- Book on Graduation Attributes and Professional Competencies
Department Of Atomic Energy Inaugurates ‘One DAE One Subscription’
The inaugural ceremony of ‘One DAE One Subscription’ (ODOS) took place on July 29, at Tata Memorial Hospital, in Mumbai. ODOS is a unique idea enabling Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) & all its units/subunits (about 60) together under one umbrella for read and publish access to national and international research papers as well as scientific journals.
- Merged with a bigger national initiative: The ODOS will later get merged with a bigger national initiative, called One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) which has been initiated by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. ONOS is currently under various stages of implementation.”
- Objective of the ODOS: Addressing the gathering, Shri. A.K. Nayak, Head, NCPW, DAE, stated that the objective of the ODOS initiative is to make knowledge accessible to as many people as possible. ODOS a small yet decisive step towards ONOS which will in turn make knowledge accessible to everyone and lead to the cherished dream of a developed India.
Department of atomic energy:
- Chairperson: K.N. Vyas
- Founded: 3 August 1954
- Founder: Homi J. Bhabha
BIS & GBPUAT Sign MoU to Develop Standardised Agriculture Demonstration Farm
the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) signed an MoU with Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) to establish India’s first ‘Standardised Agriculture Demonstration Farm’ (SADF).
- Objective: The MoU aims to develop SADF at GBPUAT, integrating Indian Standards to enhance agricultural practices, benefiting farmers and fostering agricultural innovation.
- Function of SADF: These farms will serve as experimental sites to test and implement various agricultural practices and technologies in compliance with Indian standards.
- Expected Outcomes: The partnership will promote standardized agricultural practices and the introduction of advanced technologies, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability in Indian agriculture.
BIS Overview: BIS is the National Standards Body of India, a statutory organization under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986, headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi.
Economy news
NCAER Projects India’s GDP Growth at 7% to 7.5% for FY25
The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in its July 2024 Monthly Economic Review (MER) report, released on 29th July 2024, projected India’s GDP growth at 7% to 7.5% for FY25 (2024-25).
- Basis of Projection: This projection is based on expectations of a normal monsoon and strong momentum in high-frequency indicators such as bank credit growth, amid signs of receding global shocks.
- Previous Growth: According to the Economic Survey 2023-24, India’s real GDP grew by 8.2% in FY24 (2023-24), driven by stable consumption demand and gradual improvement in investment demand.
- Comparison with Economic Survey: The NCAER’s projection for FY25 is higher than the 6.5% to 7% growth projected by the Economic Survey for FY24.
- Other Projections: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased India’s GDP projection to 7%, while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) retained its projection at 7% for FY25 as of July 2024.
About National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER):
- Director General (DG)- Poonam Gupta
- Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
- Established- 1956
Banking news
SEBI launches SEVA Chatbot for Investors
The capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has introduced SEBI’s Virtual Assistant (SEVA) chatbot to help investors of the securities market.
- AI Capabilities: SEVA is AI-enabled and can handle investor queries with features like citations, follow-up question handling, and speech-to-text/text-to-speech conversion.
- SCORES Integration: Users can inquire about SEBI’s complaint redressal platform (SCORES), which allows lodging complaints against listed companies and SEBI-registered intermediaries.
- SCORES 2.0: SEBI launched an advanced version, SCORES 2.0, on April 1, 2024.
- Query Topics: The chatbot can address questions on general securities market information, latest master circulars, and the grievance redressal process.
- Chatbot Technology: SEVA uses AI, NLU, ML, and NLP for human-like conversational interactions.
SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)
- Establishment: SEBI was established in 1988 by a resolution of the Government of India.
- Statutory Status: SEBI became a statutory body in 1992 under the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
- Regulatory Role: SEBI regulates the capital market and the commodities market in India.
- Investor Protection: It aims to protect investors in the securities market and develop the securities market in India.
- Ministry Oversight: SEBI operates under the Union Ministry of Finance.
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Current Chairperson: Madhabi Puri Buch
RBI’s 5th Cohort Regulatory Sandbox
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has selected five entities for the test phase of its theme-neutral fifth cohort of the regulatory sandbox, following the receipt of 22 applications. Announced in October of the previous year, this initiative allows firms to test new financial innovations in a controlled environment.
Selected Entities
- Connectingdot Consultancy
- Epifi Technologies
- Finagg Technologies
- Indian Banks’ Digital Infrastructure Company (IBDIC)
- Signzy Technologies
Service Offerings
- Connectingdot Consultancy: Risk categorisation in loan portfolios
- Epifi Technologies: Digital account opening for NRIs via video KYC
- Finagg Technologies: MSME financing solutions
- IBDIC: Support for digital infrastructure
- Signzy Technologies: Unassisted video KYC
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Overview:
- Governor: Shaktikanta Das (25th Governor of RBI)
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Established: April 1, 1935
Shriram Group Gets RBI Nod to Enter Asset Reconstruction Sector in FY25
Chennai, Tamil Nadu-based Shriram Group has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to enter the Asset Reconstruction (ARC) sector in the financial year 2024-2025 (FY25).
- Subsidiary & Management: Shriram Credit, a subsidiary of Shriram Capital Limited (SCL), will handle wealth management in collaboration with multiple partners, while SCL will directly manage ARC operations.
- Shriram Finance Limited (SFL): SFL, India’s largest retail non-banking financial company (NBFC), projects a 15% growth in Assets Under Management (AUM) for FY25.
- AUM Growth: By the end of Q1FY25, SFL’s total AUM increased by 21%, reaching Rs 2,33,443.63 crore, up from Rs 1,93,214.67 crore in FY24.
About Shriram Capital Limited (SCL):
- Shriram Capital Private Limited, formerly Shriram Financial Ventures (Chennai) Private
- Limited is the tholding company for the Financial Services and Insurance entities of the Shriram Group.
- Headquarters-Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Establishment– 1974
Appointment news
Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro Becomes President For Third Time
Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) announced on July 29, that Nicolas Maduro has won the presidential election once again and will govern the country from 2025 to 2031. Notably, it will be Nicolas Maduro’s third time as Venezuela’s President.
Venezuela country:
- Capital: Caracas
- President: Nicolás Maduro
- Currency: Venezuelan bolívarc
Award news
Indian Destinations on TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2024’
TIME magazine has highlighted three Indian destinations in its prestigious list of ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2024.’ The selection celebrates places that provide fresh and unique experiences. Here’s a look at the Indian establishments that have made the cut:
- Museum of Solutions (MuSo), Mumbai: MuSo is a unique children’s museum in Lower Parel, Mumbai, known for its theme-based exhibits and immersive learning experiences. Spanning 100,000 square feet, it features interactive STEAM labs, a 220-seat amphitheater, a library, and a recycling center, all aimed at inspiring creativity and community impact among children.
- Manam Chocolate, Hyderabad: Founded by Chaitanya Muppala, Manam Chocolate in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, specializes in Indian craft chocolates. The factory produces a variety of chocolates, including flavors like chai biscuit and pistachio fudge, using Indian-grown cacao. The brand has gained international recognition for its quality and innovation.
- NAAR, Himachal Pradesh: NAAR is a fine dining restaurant located at the Amaya boutique hotel in Himachal Pradesh, led by chef Prateek Sadhu. The restaurant offers a unique culinary experience focused on Himalayan cuisine, featuring regional ingredients such as Himachali yak cheese and Naga bamboo shoot pickles. It’s celebrated for its distinctive location and menu.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Receives Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Diabetology
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES), was conferred with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the 2024 International Meet in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Contributions to Diabetology: The award honors Dr. Singh’s exemplary dedication to the advancement of diabetology, diabetes care, and diabetes research, which has earned him both national and international acclaim.
- About Dr. Jitendra Singh:
- Profession: An Indian politician and a renowned teacher, professor, researcher, and practitioner of diabetology.
- Publications: He has authored eight books and three monographs on various aspects of diabetes. He also contributed a chapter on diabetes in twelve successive editions of the API Textbook of Medicine published by the Association of Physicians of India (API).
- Notable Work: His book ‘Diabetes Made Easy’ was featured in the World Book Fair’s Best-seller section at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES),
DMRC Wins ‘Global Water Tech Award 2024’ for Environmental Conservation Initiatives
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) won the ‘Global Water Tech Award 2024’ in the ‘Organisation’ category, presented by the Global Energy & Environment Foundation (GEEF).
- Event: The award was presented at the Global WaterTech Summit held in New Delhi, Delhi.
- Recognition: DMRC was recognized for its significant efforts in water conservation and the efficient utilization of water resources in Delhi.
GEEF Global Water Tech Awards
About the Awards:
- Presentation Venue: The GEEF Global WaterTech Awards are presented at the Global WaterTech Summit, a key business conference for the water industry.
- Purpose: These awards recognize significant achievements in the water industry across various categories, honoring initiatives in water, wastewater, and desalination sectors, with a focus on innovation, technology, conservation, and sustainable development.
- Recognition: Winners are honored with a trophy and a citation for their contributions.
Global Energy & Environment Foundation (GEEF):
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
- Incorporated: 2022
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC):
- Chairman: Anurag Jain
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
- Established: 1995
Sports News
Indian Team Wins one Gold, Two Silver, and a Bronze at 56th International Chemistry Olympiad
In the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad, the Indian team won one Gold, two Silver and one Bronze medal.
- The Competition was held in Riyadh city of Saudi Arabia from the 21st to the 30th of this month.
- Devesh Bhaiyya from the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra won gold while Mumbai’s Avanish Bansal and Hyderabad’s Harshin Posina grabbed silver medals. Kashyap Khandelwal from Mumbai brought a bronze medal.
- Prof. Gulshanara Shaikh and Dr. Shraddha Tiwari were the guides of the Indian team. 327 students from 94 countries participated in the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad.
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh Win Historic Bronze in 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Event at Paris Olympics 2024
In Paris Olympics, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh clinched a historic bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team shooting event after defeating South Korea on Day 4 of the Paris Olympics 2024.
- Bhaker became the first athlete in the history of independent India to win two medals in a single Olympics edition.
- On the other hand, Prithviraj Tondaiman finished 21st and failed to qualify men’s trap qualification round. Shreyasi Singh and Rajeshwari Kumari also failed to advance in the women’s trap qualification round.
Men’s Cricket Asia Cup: India To Host 2025 And Bangladesh 2027 Edition
The Asian Cricket Council has announced the host of the forthcoming biennial Men’s Cricket Asia Cup to be held in 2025 and 2027.
- India will host the 2025 edition in T20 format, and Bangladesh will host the 2027 edition in One-Day International (ODI) format.
- The format of the Asia Cup follows the format of the forthcoming World Cup and is scheduled accordingly.
- The last 2023 Asia Cup hosted by Pakistan was held in a hybrid model as India refused to play in Pakistan. Indian matches were held in Sri Lanka and the final involving India was also held in Sri Lanka. India won the final, defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to lift its 8th Asia Cup title.
2025 and 2027 Asia Cup Details
- 2025 Asia Cup: India will host the Asia Cup in T20 format.
- Reason: The 10th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. India is the current T20 world champion.
- 2027 Asia Cup: The tournament will be held in ODI format in Bangladesh.
- Reason: The 14th ICC Men’s ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027.
- Participating Teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and one non-Test playing member of the Asian Cricket Council (selected through a qualification tournament).
- Men’s Cricket Asia Cup:
- Organizer: Asian Cricket Council (ACC)
- First Edition: 1984 in Sharjah, UAE
- Format: Played in T20 and ODI formats alternatively, every two years
- Most Successful Teams:
- India: Eight titles
- Sri Lanka: Six titles
- Pakistan: Two titles
- Asian Cricket Council
- President: Jay Shah
- Headquarters: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Founded: 19 September 1983, New Delhi
Books and author news
Breaking Rocks and Barriers: The Adventurous Life of Sudipta Sengupta
“Breaking Rocks and Barriers” will be released on July 24 by HarperCollins India, highlighting the life of Sudipta Sengupta.
Antarctic Expedition: In 1983, Sengupta became one of the first Indian women to set foot in Antarctica, contributing to the Third Indian Expedition to Antarctica.
Mountaineering Milestones:
- Mentored by Tenzing Norgay: Trained by the legendary mountaineer.
- First Women’s Expedition to Ronti Peak (1967): Participated in a pioneering all-women mountaineering team.
- Unexplored Himalayan Peak: Climbed a previously unconquered peak in the Himalayas.
