Current Affairs 15-31 July 2021
National
On July 27, the International Monetary Fund has lowered India’s GDP growth forecast to 9.5% for the financial year 2021-22. Earlier, the IMF had forecast GDP growth of 12.5%.
The United States of America has announced USD 25 million in aid to India to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts across the country.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Coconut Development Board (Amendment) Bill 2021 on July 30, 2021.
The ISRO-NASA joint mission Nisar satellite, which aims to measure changes in Earth’s surface globally using advanced radar images, is to be launched in 2023.
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill has been passed. The Bill seeks to enhance the role of Additional District Magistrates and District Magistrates in respect of matters relating to adoption and child care.
The Government of India has announced a plan to set up a National Farmer Database.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) on its 15th Foundation Day launched the Earth System Science Data Portal (ESSDP). World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Dr. Petteri Talas delivered a lecture during the event.
On July 27, 2021, Union Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD) Smriti Irani launched the National Commission for Women (NCW) 24/7 helpline number 7827170170.
On July 27, 2021, the Harappan city of Dholavira located in the Kutch district of Gujarat has been designated as the 40th Indian site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Ashwini Kumar Choubey announced that in the year 2020, India has generated a total of 10,14,961.2 tonnes of e-waste which is an increase of 31.6% over the previous year.
The Government of India has announced that it will set up a Center of Excellence for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics. The decision has been taken to create a globally acclaimed talent pool in the country to cater to the Indian as well as the global industry.
The National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2021 was passed in Lok Sabha on July 26, 2021.
On July 26, 2021, Lok Sabha passed the Factoring Amendment Bill to amend the Factoring Regulation Act 2011.
On July 26, 2021, the 22nd anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas is being celebrated across the country.
The Rudreshwar Temple which is located at Palampet in Mulugu district of Telangana state has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The decision was taken at the 44th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on July 25, 2021.
On July 22, 2021, a report titled Renewable Integration 2021 in India was jointly launched by NITI Aayog and IEA.
The government has decided that it cannot sell a 10% stake in Life Insurance Corporation of India through an initial public offering, but instead chooses to sell 5 or 6%, which will be followed by a second public offering.
The Essential Defense Services Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 22 July.
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the formation of a Central University in Ladakh. The cost of this project for the formation of this university will be Rs 750 crore.
The Inland Vessels Bill, 2021 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 22, 2021, amid the uproar in the House due to the Pegasus snooping scandal.
The cities of Orchha and Gwalior in the state of Madhya Pradesh have been selected by UNESCO under its ‘Historic Urban Landscape Project’. This project was started in the year 2011.
On July 21, 2021, Addressing the 11th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called for a “collective and collaborative” response to effectively tackle the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. National borders are not respected by this virus.
Gujrat has recently held its first-ever elections for Balika Panchayat that will take up issues pertaining to adolescent girls and women in the village.
The Common High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh has been renamed as the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
India participated in a virtual trilateral tabletop exercise “TTX-2021” with Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Bhutan becomes the 2nd country to adopt India’s BHIM-UPI.
Awards & Recognitions :-
Businessman Cyrus Poonawalla, the founder of the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune, has been named the winner of the prestigious National Lokmanya Tilak Award 2021.
11 cities across the country have been conferred with the coveted title of Top 11 Cycling Pioneers of India by the Government of India.
Assam’s Cachar district won the SKOCH award for a Nutri-garden project.
National Defence/ Security Current Affairs :-
Vice Admiral S.N. Ghormade on Saturday took over as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff from Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, who retired after 39 years of service.
The 12th edition of the military exercise Indra Navy was conducted in the Baltic Sea from 28 to 29 July 2021.
India and China on Saturday held another round of high-level military talks to take forward the process of clearing the remaining points to end the 14-month-old standoff in eastern Ladakh.
The Department of Defense Production under the Ministry of Defense has given its approval for a central sector scheme named ‘Innovation for Defense Excellence (iDEX)’ and Rs. 498.80 crore budgetary support has been provided for the next 5 years from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
India and Russia will conduct the 12th edition of the joint military exercise in Volgograd, Russia from August 1 to 13. The name of this exercise is INDRA 2021.
INS Talwar is participating in Maritime Exercise Cutlass Express 2021. This naval exercise is being conducted off the east coast of Africa from 26 July 2021 to 6 August 2021.
On July 22, United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2021, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, has joined the Indian Navy for a maritime exercise in the Bay of Bengal for a period of three days.
New generation Akash missile (Akash-NG), the surface-to-air missile has been successfully flight tested by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on 21 July 2021 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the coast of Odisha.
A guided missile named “Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)” indigenously developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has been successfully flight-tested.
Indian Navy has received the first two MH-60 R multi-role helicopters (MRH) from the USA.
Business, Economy & Finance:-
The Reserve Bank of India has canceled the license of Madgam Urban Cooperative Bank Company Limited based in Margao, Goa, as they will not be able to make full payments to their existing depositors due to the current financial position of the bank.
Raja Mircha, also known as Naga Raja Chilli, was exported from Nagaland to London. This is the first time that Raja Chilli is being exported from the state of Nagaland, that too during the drought-like situation in Nagaland as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Finance has invited entries from citizens of the country for the tagline, name, and logo for the New Development Financial Institution (DFI). The Finance Minister announced the setting up of DFI in the budget for 2021-22.
RBI data showed that digital payments in India registered a growth of 30.19 percent during the financial year ended March 2021.
In the week ended July 16, India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $835 million to touch a record high margin of $612.73 billion. For the week ended July 9, reserves rose to $611.895 billion from $1.883 billion.
The government has amended the rules relating to the incorporation of companies covered under the Companies Act, 2013. These changes will come into effect from September 1.
India’s 1st green hydrogen plant is planned to be set up by the Indian oil corporation in Mathura.
Appointments And Resignations:-
BJP leader Basavaraj S Bommai has been elected as the 23rd Chief Minister of Karnataka and took oath on July 28, 2021.
On July 27, 2021, IPS officer Rakesh Asthana was appointed as the Commissioner of Delhi Police.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa announced his resignation. The announcement ends speculations about a section of the BJP in the state seeking his removal.
On Friday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Shantanu Sen was suspended from the Rajya Sabha for the rest of the monsoon session after he snatched papers from newly appointed Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnav while reading a statement. In relation to the Pegasus snooping scandal.
Rashmi Ranjan Das, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, has been appointed as a member of the United Nations Tax Committee for the period 2021 to 2025.
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has been appointed as the deputy leader of the house in the Rajya Sabha.
Kambhampati Hari Babu has sworn in as the 22nd governor of Mizoram at Raj Bhavan in Aizawl.
Deepak Kabra became the 1st Indian to be a judge of the Gymnastics event at the Tokyo Olympics.
Government Initiative And Schemes:-
A ‘Social Empowerment Camp’ for the distribution of assistive devices and aids to ‘Divyangjans’ was organized in Madhya Pradesh on 31st July 2021.
The Government of India announced that it has approved 780 new air traffic routes under the UDAN regional air connectivity scheme.
The Kerala government has announced a financial plan of over Rs 5,000 crore to revive the economy of the state, which has been unstable due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has announced that it is creating a database of resources so that colleges can offer more programs in the regional languages of the country.
The Central Government of India has launched Secured Logistics Document Exchange.
The central government of India has launched a calculator for greenhouse gas emissions.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has said that the government is taking various steps to mass-produce the COVID BEEP- Wireless Physiological Parameter Monitoring System for patients suffering from COVID-19.
On July 28, 2021, Lok Sabha passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill 2021. The Bill replaces the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 which was promulgated on April 4, 2021.
On July 28, 2021, the Union Cabinet approved changes to the deposit insurance laws of the country. As per these changes, funds up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided to the account holder within 90 days in case a bank is placed under a moratorium by RBI.
As part of the government’s energy security plans, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has commissioned seven lithium exploration projects in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Jammu, and Kashmir.
On July 26, 2021, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the Government of India is planning to set up a National Research Foundation (NRF) with the primary objective of strengthening the country’s research ecosystem.
On July 26, 2021, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the ‘MyGov-Meri Sarkar’ portal.
The Green Sohra Afforestation Campaign was launched in Sohra (Cherrapunji) by Home Minister Amit Shah on July 25, 2021. The slogan given for this campaign was “Evergreen Northeast”
42 virology research and diagnostic laboratories will be set up by the central government. It will be set up under a central scheme during the period 2021-22 to 2025-26. 324 crores will be spent on this project.
The details of any child orphaned due to COVID-19 can be shared with the government through a web portal and the child will have a claim for benefits under the PM CARES scheme. “www.pmcaresforchildren.in” is the website through which the details can be uploaded.
The Kerala state authorities have removed the upper age limit for transgender college students in the state who are seeking admission to several educational programs available at state universities and their affiliated schools.
The cabinet of Meghalaya state has approved the Meghalaya Youth Policy 2021. The objective of this policy is to create a sector for the youth of the state to achieve their full potential and become efficient, engaged, responsible, creative, and empowered members of the state. the country as well.
The Union Cabinet has approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme of Rs 6,322 crore for special steel. The move is aimed at boosting domestic exports and manufacturing in the region.
Under the Adarsh Smarak Yojana, three monuments have been identified in the state of Andhra Pradesh. These monuments will be provided with additional facilities and made more tourist-friendly sites.
Indian Institute of Heritage will be set up in Noida by the government. This will be the first institute of its kind in the country.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, has set up Dairy Investment Accelerator under its Investment Facilitation Cell.
Haryana state government has announced the “one block, one product” scheme.
India’s first national dolphin research center to come up in Patna.
Agreements And MoU’s:-
Intel has collaborated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Ministry of Education to announce the launch of the ‘AI for All’ initiative.
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF) has launched Project BOLD, a first of its kind project with the primary objective of developing green cover in the Indian desert of Rajasthan.
The ministry of education has jointly launched the school innovation ambassador training program with the Ministry of tribal affairs.
Nepal has signed a 1.3 billion USD $ with India to develop a 679 megawatt lower Arun hydropower project.
The cabinet has approved an MOU between India and Denmark for cooperation in health and medicine.
Science & Technology:-
On July 30, 2021, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) developed “Biotech-Pragya” announced by Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology. The guideline is for the exchange of information and promotion of research and innovation across multiple research groups across the country.
A study conducted by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) between 1998 and 2018 found that in 18 out of 22 areas the groundwater level fell by more than 1 meter per year.
The mini playhouse which is a type of greenhouse will be built under the “Krishikarna” project launched in Kerala, a joint initiative of the National Society for Agricultural Horticulture (SAHS), Sustainability Foundation, and Qore3 Innovation.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) plans to launch a satellite that will be used to monitor natural disasters.
Researchers working in collaboration with IIT Kharagpur at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata have developed self-repairing piezoelectric molecular crystals. These crystals are called bipyrazole organic crystals.
The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) business program, which will be customized according to the space-themed, has started in partnership with several companies.
On July 23, 2021, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) launched the Center for Technology Innovation to find cybersecurity solutions for intrusion detection systems, anti-drone technologies, cyber-physical systems, and blockchain.
“AMLEX” is an oxygen rationing device, the first of its kind in India, developed by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar (IITR). This device can reduce the wastage of oxygen by a patient by controlling the flow of oxygen from the cylinder.
Sports:-
India will host the badminton championship in 2026.
Delhi’s young player Vantika Agarwal has won the National Women’s Online Chess title. She scored 9.5 points from 11 rounds.
India’s Priya Malik has won the gold medal in wrestling at the World Cadet Wrestling Championship held in Hungary.
Sumit Nagal became the third Indian tennis player to win a men’s singles match at the Olympic Games. He became the first player to win for India in 25 years.
On July 24, 2021, India’s Mirabai Chanu won a silver medal in weightlifting in the 49kg category at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
Tannu became the world champion in the Cadet World Championship in the 43kg category.
Viswanathan Anand has won the Sparkassen trophy at Dortmund, Germany.
Karnataka state will host the 2nd edition of the Khelo India university games.
Authors:-
Bimal Jalan wrote a new book titled “The India story”.
Kanti Bajpai authored a new book “India versus China”-why they are not friends.
Ashok Chakravarti wrote the book titled ,“The struggle within: A Memoir of the emergency”.
Important Days:-
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is being observed on 30 July.
International Tiger Day is observed on 29 July.
National Broadcasting day is celebrated on 23 July.
World Brain Day is celebrated on 22 July.
World Fragile X Awareness Day is celebrated on 22 July.
International chess day is celebrated on 20th July.
World’s international justice day is celebrated on 17th July.
Nelson Mandela’s international day is celebrated on 18th July.
India’s national plastic surgery day is celebrated on 15th July.
International Affairs :-
Four new sports have been included in the Tokyo Olympics. They are karate, skateboarding, surfing, and climbing sports.
The United States has imposed sanctions on the Cuban police force and two of its leaders following recent protests in Cuba against the country’s communist government.
On 29 and 30 July 2021, the first G20 Culture Ministers’ meeting was held in Rome, Italy. It was a two-day major event that took place during the Italian G20 Presidency.
In the sixth meeting of BRICS, the Anti-Terrorism Working Group was held from 28 to 29 July 2021. BRICS Anti-Terrorism Action Plan has been finalized to strengthen BRICS counter-terrorism cooperation.
From August, India will be the President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month and then India will host various events in the three core areas of the fight against terrorism, maritime security, and peacekeeping.
The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) recently announced that they will be returning 14 pieces of artwork to India. These artworks include Chola sculptures and are from the Asian Art Collection section of the museum.
Kenya and the United Kingdom are hosting a global education summit in the city of London with the aim of raising USD 5 billion for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
The world’s first cheap and effective new drug for hepatitis C has been registered by Malaysia. This new drug offers hope of accessible treatment for the millions of people worldwide who suffer from hepatitis C disease.
The Bueno Retiro Park and Paseo del Prado in Madrid, Spain have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Google’s parent company Alphabet has announced the launch of a new company that will focus entirely on developing software for robots. The company has been named Intrinsic.
On July 26, 2021, Kandla SEZ (KASZ) became the first Green SEZ to get IGBC Green Cities Platinum rating for existing cities after being awarded IGBC Platinum rating.
The first-ever resolution on the vision has been approved by the United Nations General Assembly. The United Nations called on its 193 member states to ensure eye care for each of its citizens.
Veterinarian-turned-inventor John Abraham has received a patent for inventing biodiesel from slaughtered chicken waste. This biodiesel gives a mileage of around 38 km/l. The cost of this biodiesel is about 40% of the current price of diesel and cuts pollution in half.
13-year-old Japanese skateboarder Momiji Nishiya won a gold medal in the women’s street competition on July 26, 2021.
China announced new rules that ban for-profit teaching in core school subjects to ease financial pressure on families.
Bangladesh is going to launch its own social media platform ‘Jogajog’ which is an alternative to the globally popular Facebook and ‘Alapone’ which will be an alternative to WhatsApp.
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has authorized USD 100 million from an emergency fund to meet refugee needs stemming from the geopolitical situation in Afghanistan, including special immigration Afghan visa applicants.
The United Kingdom is now reporting an outbreak of norovirus. Public Health England (PHE) recently issued a warning regarding norovirus.
The WHO on 23 July launched its first regional status report on the prevention of drowning in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. The report states that nearly two-thirds of all global deaths due to drowning occur in the Asia Pacific region.
Amsterdam has unveiled the world’s first 3D-printed steel pedestrian bridge. The project is opened on the Oudezijds Achterbergwal canal in the city of Amsterdam.
On July 21, 2021, the International Monetary Fund said that it is forecasting that global growth for 2021 will be around 6%, which was projected in April, but some countries are growing faster and others more slowly.
On July 21, 2021, Liverpool was removed from the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites after being awarded the title in 2004.
Australia’s Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics after receiving approval from the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Executive Board.
Amidst the turmoil in Haiti, Ariel Henry has been appointed as the country’s new prime minister.
On 20 July 2021, “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” the Olympic motto was updated to “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.” This update was done to show solidarity across the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 20 July 2021, China operated a 600 km/h high-speed maglev train in Qingdao, located in eastern China’s Shandong province.
Russia has successfully tested fired S-500 air defense missile.
The UAE became the first Gulf country to open an embassy in Israel.
Samir Banarjee of Indian origin has won the Wimbledon Junior men’s title.
