Beepedia Weekly Current Affairs (Beepedia) 23rd - 31st July 2024

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
INDEX
RBI, Banking and Economy ___________________________________________ 2
SEBI and Financial Awareness _________________________________________ 6
NABARD and Agriculture ___________________________________________ 9
National __________________________________________________________ 10
International _____________________________________________________ 14
States____________________________________________________________ 16
Reports and Indexes _______________________________________________ 19
Science and Technology ___________________________________________ 22
Defence __________________________________________________________ 25
Events ___________________________________________________________ 28
Awards & Rewards ___________________________________________________ 30
Appointments _____________________________________________________ 31
Important Days ___________________________________________________ 34
Obituaries_________________________________________________________ 35
Books ___________________________________________________________
Sports ___________________________________________________________ 35
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Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
RBI, Banking and Economy
RBI fines Visa ₹24.1 million for unauthorised payment method
 The RBI has imposed a penalty of ₹24.1 million on Visa for an unauthorised payment transfer method.
 Visa implemented a payment authentication solution without regulatory clearance.
 Visa remains committed to following RBI guidelines and regulations.
 Visa aims to continue providing safe and secure payment solutions in India.
Learn Along:
About RBI
Founded: 1 April 1935 Headquarters: Mumbai Governor: Shaktikanta Das
RBI releases PCA framework for UCBs
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework to improve
weak urban cooperative banks (UCBs), effective from April 1, 2025.
 The PCA framework will replace the Supervisory Action Framework (SAF) and apply to UCBs with
deposits above ₹100 crore.
 Invocation norms include a capital adequacy ratio (CAR) up to 250 bps below the required CAR, net
NPAs above 6% but below 9%, and losses during two consecutive years.
 UCBs are categorized into four tiers: Tier 1 (deposits up to ₹100 crore), Tier 2 (deposits ₹100 crore to
₹1,000 crore), Tier 3 (deposits ₹1,000 crore to ₹10,000 crore), and Tier 4 (deposits above ₹10,000 crore).
 Tier 1 UCBs are excluded from the PCA framework but will continue enhanced monitoring under the
existing supervisory framework.
 The revised framework provides flexibility for entity-specific supervisory action plans and removes
the hard-coded ₹25,000 limit on capital expenditure restrictions, allowing Supervisors to set limits based
on individual assessments.
India Accounts For Nearly Half Of The Global Digital Payments: RBI Report
 India holds a 48.5% share in the global real-time payments volume, positioning it as a leader in this sector,
as per a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report.
 The country also leads in global remittances, receiving USD 115.3 billion in 2023, with global
remittances through mobile and digital platforms totaling USD 857.3 billion.
 The digital economy contributes approximately 10% to India's GDP, with projections to reach 20% by
2026, driven by a CAGR of 50% in digital payment volumes over the past seven years.
 India's digital landscape includes FinTech innovations and the India Stack, which encompasses
biometric IDs, UPI, mobile connectivity, digital lockers, and consent-based data sharing, enhancing both
banking and public finance management.
 Cybersecurity emerges as a significant challenge, with incidents reported by the Indian Computer
Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) rising sharply, highlighting the need for robust security measures
against diverse cyber threats.
 The future focus includes advancing next-generation communication technologies like 6G, satellite
networks, and expanding 5G coverage, along with striving for self-sufficiency in chip manufacturing to
maximize the potential of the digital revolution.
Survey on defence exports
 Between 2015 and 2019, India was the world’s second-largest arms importer, but the Economic
Survey highlights a significant change in this narrative.
 Defence production in India grew substantially from ₹74,054 crore in FY 2016-17 to ₹1,08,684 crore in
2022-23, boosting defence exports.

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 India has transitioned from an arms importer to a place in the list of the top 25 arms exporter nations.
 The defence industry, including private sector and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs),
has achieved the highest-ever defence exports.
 Export authorisations increased from 1,414 in FY23 to 1,507 in FY24.
 Nearly 100 domestic companies are exporting a wide range of defence products such as Dornier-228
aircraft, artillery guns, BrahMos missiles, Pinaka rockets, radars, simulators, and armoured
vehicles.
 Export procedures have been simplified and made industry-friendly, with end-to-end online export
authorisation enhancing ease of doing business.
 The Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives have promoted indigenous design, development, and
manufacture of defence equipment, reducing dependency on imports in the long run.
SIDBI to build $1 b fund for green financing with $215 m from GCF
 SIDBI received $215.6 million from the Green Climate Fund to create a $1 billion corpus for
financing mitigation and adaptation projects (FMAP) for Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs).
 The funding includes a $200 million loan and $15.6 million grant for capacity building, with SIDBI
contributing an additional $800 million from its balance sheet and market sources.
 The FMAP facility will support MSME projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy
storage, and e-mobility, offering nearly 10,000 concessional loans.
 The programme aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35.3 million tonnes and provide
substantial water savings, benefiting over 10.8 million beneficiaries.
 This initiative follows the Asian Development Bank's approval of $240 million for rooftop solar
projects in India, routed through SBI and NABARD.
 The Green Climate Fund is the world's largest dedicated climate fund, with a portfolio of 270 projects
worth $14.9 billion for climate action in 130 developing countries.
Learn Along:
About SIDBI
Set up: 2nd April 1990 CMD: Sivasubramanian Ramann Headquarters: Lucknow
IndusInd Bank collaborates with Inspire Institute of Sport to launch 'Wrestle for Glory'
 IndusInd Bank launched the 'Wrestle for Glory' program, a CSR initiative in collaboration with the
Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) to empower 50 talented female wrestling athletes with fully-funded
scholarships for coaching at IIS.
 The program focuses on inclusivity and sporting excellence, providing athletes with access to top-tier
training facilities, expert coaching, sports science resources, cutting-edge equipment, nutritional
support, educational assistance, and a supportive ecosystem.
 'IndusInd For Sports', the Bank's non-banking sports vertical, was established in 2016 to promote
diversity, differentiation, and domination in Indian sports.
Learn Along:
About IndusInd Bank
 Established in 1994 by a platform conceived and promoted by Srichand P Hinduja along with members of Indian
diaspora, the name ‘IndusInd Bank' was inspired by the Indus Valley Civilization - one of the greatest cultural
example of a combination of innovation with sound business and trade practices.
 Chairman: Mr. Sunil Mehta
SUMMARY OF THE UNION BUDGET 2024-2025
 India's inflation remains low, stable, and is moving towards the 4% target.
 The PM's package includes 5 schemes and initiatives with an outlay of ₹2 lakh crore to facilitate
employment, skilling, and opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over 5 years.

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 The budget focuses on employment, skilling, MSMEs, and the middle class, with sustained efforts on
9 priorities for generating ample opportunities.
 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties will be released for cultivation; 1 crore farmers
will be initiated into natural farming in the next two years.
 ₹1.52 lakh crore is allocated for agriculture and allied sectors; 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes will
be upgraded.
 A plan, Purvodaya, will be formulated for the all-round development of the eastern region, including
Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
 An allocation of over ₹3 lakh crore for schemes benefiting women and girls, promoting women-led
development.
 ₹2.66 lakh crore is allocated for rural development, including rural infrastructure; Mudra loans limit
increased to ₹20 lakh.
 A comprehensive scheme will provide internship opportunities in 500 top companies to 1 crore youth
over 5 years.
 PM Awas Yojana Urban 2.0 aims to address the housing needs of 1 crore urban poor and middle-
class families with an investment of ₹10 lakh crore.
 Phase IV of PMGSY will provide all-weather connectivity to 25,000 rural habitations.
 A venture capital fund of ₹1,000 crore is set to expand the space economy by 5 times in the next 10
years.
 Major tax relief for 4 crore salaried individuals and pensioners; standard deduction increased to
₹75,000, and family pension deduction to ₹25,000.
 Angel tax abolished for all classes of investors; corporate tax on foreign companies reduced to 35%.
 Capital gain exemption limit increased to ₹1.25 lakh per year; custom duty on x-ray panels, mobile
phones, and PCBA reduced to 15%.
 Precious metals including gold and silver will become cheaper, with custom duty reduced to 6%.
Russian coking coal imports at 5-year high in Q1FY25
 India's Russian coking coal imports reached a five-year high at 2.02 million tonnes (mt) in Q1.
 Australia's share of total coking coal imports fell to a five-year low of 56%, totaling 8.54 mt.
 Despite the decline, Australia remains the highest supplier, followed by the USA at 2.08 mt (a 2.5%
year-on-year decline).
 Russian coking coal imports increased from 9% to 13% of total imports between Q1FY21 and
Q1FY25, showing a 15% CAGR.
 In Q1FY25, Russian shipments rose 45% year-on-year to 2.02 mt from 1.40 mt.
 India’s total coking coal imports in Q1FY25 were 15.49 mt, up 4% year-on-year from 14.98 mt in the
previous fiscal period.
SGBs set to power agri-solar, green H 2 ,metro rail projects
 Energy infra ministries have sought ₹32,000 crore for green energy, energy transition, and transit-
development projects through sovereign green bonds (SGBs).
 The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the largest claimant, seeking ₹10,000 crore for
solar projects, part of the PM Kusum scheme and National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
 Additional projects benefiting from SGB funds include public transport and green railway projects, such as
metro rail constructions near Kolkata airport and in Majerhat.
 India launched its maiden SGB in 2023 to access the global climate finance market, raising ₹16,000 crore
in FY23 and planning to raise ₹20,000 crore in FY24.
 For FY25, Budget Estimates include significant increases for various green projects, such as solar
energy (₹10,000 crore), wind energy (₹930 crore), and energy-efficient 3-phase electric locos
(₹12,000 crore).
Learn Along:
About Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs)

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 In the Union Budget 2022-23, the FM announced the government’s decision to issue SGrBs, a kind of government
debt that specifically funds projects attempting to accelerate India's transition to a low-carbon economy.
 Funds raised through SGrBs are earmarked exclusively for green projects, ensuring transparency and
accountability in fund utilization.
 SGrBs typically offer lower interest rates compared to Government-Securities (G-Secs), reflecting their
alignment with sustainable development objectives.
 Issuance of SGrBs requires adherence to internationally recognised green standards and certification
processes to ensure the credibility of funded projects.
India stands at the forefront of digital revolution
 India is leading the digital revolution by leveraging digital public infrastructure, a vibrant FinTech
ecosystem, and a conducive policy environment, making it the fastest-growing digital economy
globally, according to the RBI's Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for 2023-24.
 Digital technologies are creating opportunities in financial inclusion, fiscal transfers, and cross-
border trade and remittances.
 The regulatory framework has positively impacted consumer confidence in digital financial products,
enhancing the efficiency of financial institutions.
 Challenges posed by digital technologies include cybersecurity, data privacy, vendor and third-party
risks, customer protection, and the need for up-skilling and re-skilling of human resources.
 The report highlights both the opportunities and challenges of digital technologies in transforming the
financial sector.
Learn Along:
About RBI
Founded: 1 April 1935 Headquarters: Mumbai Governor: Shaktikanta Das
NCAER pegs FY25 GDP growth at 7-7.5%
 India’s GDP is projected to grow between 7%-7.5% according to the National Council for Applied
Economic Research (NCAER), supported by a normal monsoon and strong high-frequency
indicators like bank credit growth.
 This projection is higher than the 6.5%-7% growth estimated in the Economic Survey for 2023-24.
 The Budget's fiscal restraint guidance sets the fiscal deficit target at 4.9% of GDP compared to 5.1%
in the interim Budget for FY25, which will benefit the economy, as noted by NCAER director general
Poonam Gupta.
 Positive factors include momentum in high-frequency indicators, a normalized monsoon, a benign
global outlook, and receding electoral uncertainty both in India and globally.
 These factors contribute to a higher growth projection, potentially closer to 7.5%.
 NCAER’s outlook indicates that India’s economic growth will exceed 7%, bolstered by these favorable
conditions.
Karnataka Bank partners with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company
 Karnataka Bank announced a strategic partnership with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company.
 This partnership provides Karnataka Bank customers with access to a wide range of comprehensive
insurance products and services from ICICI Lombard.
 Offerings include health insurance, motor insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, and more.
 The collaboration aims to cater to the diverse insurance needs of individuals and businesses.
 This tie-up enhances the insurance solutions available to Karnataka Bank’s clientele.
Jia Rai: Youngest & fastest para-swimmer to cross the English channel

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 16-year-old Jiya Rai from Mumbai set a new world record as the youngest and fastest para swimmer
to cross the English Channel, covering the 34-kilometer distance in 17 hours and 25 minutes.
 Jiya, who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the daughter of an Indian Navy personnel,
started her swim from Abbot's Cliff in England on 28 July 2024 and finished at Pointe de la Courte-
Dune in France on 29 July.
 She also holds the world record for being the youngest and fastest to cross the Palk Strait between
India and Sri Lanka, completing the 29 kilometers in 13 hours and 10 minutes.
 The English Channel, part of the Atlantic Ocean, is historically significant for swimming records, with the
first Indian, Mihir Sen, crossing in 1958, and the first Indian woman, Aarti Saha, in 1959.
 Anita Sood holds the record for the fastest swim across the English Channel by an Indian, with a time of
8.15 minutes in 1987.
 Australian swimmer Chloe McCardel holds the record for the most crossings, having swum the English
Channel 44 times.
United States overtakes UAE as India’s second largest LNG supplier
 In 2023, the U.S. surpassed the UAE to become India's second largest supplier of liquefied natural
gas (LNG), delivering 3.09 million tonnes (mt).
 The U.S. emerged as the world's largest LNG exporter in 2023, with exports increasing by 15% year-
on-year to 89 mt.
 LNG is gaining prominence as a substitute fuel in the transition towards green energy.
 According to the World LNG Report 2024 by the International Gas Union (IG), the U.S. had increased its
LNG supply to India from 1.8 mt in 2019 to 3.86 mt in 2021.
 Qatar maintained its position as India's largest LNG supplier since 2019, with shipments reaching 10.92
mt in 2023.
 African nations like Nigeria and Angola saw a significant decline in their shares of India's LNG imports,
with shipments reducing to 0.73 mt each in 2023 from around 2.7 mt in 2019.
Learn Along:
About USA
Capital: Washington, D.C. Currency: U.S. dollar
SEBI AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS

SEBI Launches Virtual Assistant For Investors 'SEVA'
 Markets regulator Sebi introduced an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based chatbot named 'SEVA' for
investors to facilitate easy access to information.
 SEVA is designed to provide answers related to general information on the securities market, latest
master circulars, and the grievance redressal process.
 The chatbot includes advanced features such as citations for generated responses, speech-to-text
and text-to-speech functionalities to enhance accessibility and interactive engagement.
 The beta version of SEVA is currently available on SEBI’s investor website and the SAARTHI mobile
app for both Android and iOS platforms.
 Sebi plans to expand the chatbot's capabilities based on user feedback, ensuring it meets the evolving
needs of investors.
 A chatbot, such as SEVA, uses Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning, and Pattern
Recognition to simulate human-like conversations and improve over time through interactions.
Learn Along:
About SEBI
 The Securities and Exchange Board of India was established as a statutory body in the year 1992 and the
provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992) came into force on January 30,
1992.
 Chairperson: Ms. Madhabi Puri Buch Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
Over 70% intraday traders booked losses in FY23: SEBI
 Over 70% of intraday traders in the equity cash segment incurred losses in FY23, according to a SEBI
study.
 The number of individuals participating in intraday trades surged 300% in the four years ending FY23.
 An earlier SEBI study found that 90% of individual traders lost money in equity Futures & Options.
 Higher intraday trades are attributed to leverage and over-confidence in predicting daily price
movements, leading to increased probability of losses, especially in volatile times.
 The share of young intraday traders under 30 years increased to 48% in FY23 from 18% in FY19, with
76% of these younger traders incurring losses.
 Profit-makers were more prevalent in Tier-I cities and among women and married traders, while loss-
makers spent an additional 57% of their trading losses as trading costs in FY23.
Remittances to touch $160 bn in 2029
 Remittances to India are projected to increase to $160 billion in 2029 from $115 billion in 2023, based
on trends from the past decade, according to the RBI's latest Report on Currency and Finance (RCF).
 India is the No. 1 receiver of remittances globally, accounting for 13.5% of the total, with this share
increasing over time.
 The remittances-GDP ratio for India has risen from 2.8% in 2000 to 3.2% in 2023, surpassing the ratio
of gross FDI inflows to GDP (1.9% in 2023), strengthening India's external sector.
 India is poised to be the world's leading supplier of labour, with its working-age population expected
to rise until 2048, while this number is declining in major advanced economies (AEs).
 High global demand for Indian workers, along with continuing skill upgradation, is expected to sustain
the boost to inward remittances.
 The cost of sending remittances globally has decreased over time due to digitalisation, according to
the RCF.
Bank of India and Tata Power Solar join hands to provide easier loans
 Bank of India (BoI) and Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL) have partnered to provide easier
loans and financing for rooftop solar panel installation and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
 Tata Power Solar is the first solar company to partner with BoI for such financing, aiming to increase
rooftop solar capacity among houses, societies, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME).
 This initiative aligns with the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana objectives, making rooftop solar systems
more accessible through streamlined loans.
 TPSSL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), with a solar
capacity of 2 GW.
 In March 2024, TPSSL commissioned a solar and battery energy storage systems project in
Chhattisgarh, and in June 2024, they launched their national campaign ‘Ghar Ghar Solar, Tata Power ke
Sangh’ from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, further rolled out in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh in July 2024.
Learn Along:
About Bank of India
Founded: 7th September, 1906 Chairman: M.R.Kumar Headquarters: Mumbai
BHEL rises over 3% on bagging Rs 10,000 cr-order from Damodar Valley Corp
 Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) shares surged 3.05% to an intraday high of Rs 327 per share
on NSE on July 29, 2024, after securing a Rs 10,000 crore order for a 1600MW Damodar Valley Corp
project.
 BHEL received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) to set up the 2x800
MW Koderma Phase-II Thermal Power Station in Jharkhand on an EPC basis.

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 The project involves the supply of equipment, including Boiler, Turbine, Generator, and other
auxiliaries, along with erection, commissioning, and civil works, expected to be completed in 52 months.
 In Q4FY24, BHEL reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 489.6 crore, a 25.6% decrease from
Q4FY23, due to higher expenses, but a sevenfold increase sequentially from Rs 60.3 crore.
 Consolidated revenue from operations saw a 0.4% year-on-year increase to Rs 8,260.3 crore, and a
50% sequential surge from Rs 5,503.8 crore.
Learn Along:
About BHEL
 BHEL, a leading power plant equipment manufacturer owned by the Government of India, caters to sectors such
as power, transmission, industry, transportation, renewable energy, oil & gas, and defence, with a market
capitalisation of Rs 1,12,766.62 crore.
Established: 1964 CMD: Shri Koppu Sad
Mudra loans limit doubled to Rs 20 lakh in huge boost to MSMEs
 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the increase of MUDRA loan limits from Rs 10 lakh
to Rs 20 lakh for those who have successfully repaid previous loans under the Tarun category.
 This initiative benefits individuals facing financial constraints in starting their businesses, allowing access
to up to Rs 20 lakh directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account.
 The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana offers three products: ‘Shishu,’ ‘Kishore,’ and ‘Tarun’, catering to
different stages of growth.
 A new credit assessment model for MSMEs has been introduced, where public sector banks will use
digital footprints to evaluate creditworthiness, moving away from traditional asset or turnover-based
criteria.
 This model aims to provide more effective assessments for MSMEs without formal accounting systems,
ensuring a broader and fairer distribution of credit.
 The increased financial support is expected to significantly boost self-employment and
entrepreneurship across the country.
Skill Development Minister Jayant Chaudhary launches revamped Model Skill Loan Scheme
 Skill Development Minister Jayant Chaudhary launched the revamped Model Skill Loan Scheme on
Thursday, following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement of increasing the loan size
for high-end skilling courses to ₹7.5 lakh from ₹1.5 lakh.
 The previous Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Skill Development, notified in November 2015, faced
challenges, extending loans worth ₹115.75 crore to just 10,077 borrowers by March 31.
 Low fund utilisation under the previous scheme was attributed to the low ticket size of loans (up to
₹1.5 lakh) and rising course costs due to inflation, leaving many high-cost courses excluded.
 Only member lending institutes of the Indian Banking Association (IBA) were allowed to lend earlier,
leading to low uptake by both private and public sector banks due to their limited reach.
 The new scheme expands the lending network to include Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
and small finance banks, offering access to more skill courses and higher loan limits.
NEW PENSION SCHEME ‘VATSALYA’ ANNOUNCED FOR MINORS; CONTRIBUTION BY PARENTS

AND GUARDIANS
 The Union Budget 2024-25 introduced the National Pension Scheme (NPS) Vatsalya, a pension
scheme aimed at minors.
 Parents or guardians can initiate an NPS account for their children, promoting responsible financial
management from an early age.
 NPS Vatsalya is a contributory pension scheme with contributions made by parents or guardians.
 Upon reaching 18 years of age, NPS Vatsalya accounts convert into regular NPS accounts, encouraging
consistent saving habits.

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 The NPS is a voluntary pension system for all citizens, including residents and Non-Resident Indians
(NRIs) aged 18 to 70 years.
 It is a market-linked contribution scheme that allows Indian citizens to save systematically for retirement
and enjoy tax benefits.
NABARD and AGRICULTURE

China, Australia and India made the most gains in forest area: FAO report
 India gained 2,66,000 hectares of forest area annually from 2010 to 2020, ranking third globally in
forest area gains, as per a report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
 China led the world with a gain of 19,37,000 hectares, followed by Australia with 4,46,000 hectares.
 The report praised India's efforts in restoring degraded lands and expanding agroforestry through
innovative approaches, including a new national policy.
 The report also highlighted a significant reduction in deforestation in countries like Indonesia (8.4%
decline) and Brazil's Amazon (50% reduction).
 The FAO noted a 23% decrease in global mangrove loss from 2000-2010 to 2010-2020 but stressed
that climate change is increasing the vulnerability of forests to stressors like wildfires and pests.
 Wildfire emissions in 2023 reached an estimated 6,687 megatonnes of carbon dioxide, exceeding the
carbon dioxide emissions from the European Union due to fossil fuel burning that year.
Learn Along:
About FAO
 The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international
efforts to defeat hunger.
 The goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality
food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members - 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over
130 countries worldwide.
 Director-General: QU Dongyu Headquarters: Rome, Italy Founded: 16 October 1945
Long term fertilizer experiment conducted by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) reveals
that integrated nutrient management practices maintained the soil fertility status
 A long-term fertilizer experiment by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) at Ludhiana showed
that integrated nutrient management maintains soil fertility, whereas imbalanced chemical fertilizers
decrease soil fertility.
 A 30-year study on the rice-wheat system in Punjab indicated that integrated nutrient management had
no negative effects on soil organic carbon, nitrogen, or phosphorus.
 Imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers and low use of organic manures lead to soil fertility loss, but
balanced and judicious fertilizer application is not harmful.
 Nitrogen use efficiency of nitrogenous fertilizers varies between 30-50%, with the remaining nitrogen
often lost through nitrate leaching, contaminating groundwater.
 ICAR recommends soil test-based balanced nutrient management, using both inorganic and organic
sources, split application, slow-releasing N-fertilizers, and neem-coated urea to improve efficiency and
reduce environmental impact.
 The government promotes organic farming through schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
(PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region (MOVCDNER), offering
subsidies and training for organic cultivation, and has approved Market Development Assistance (MDA)
and PM-PRANAM initiative to support sustainable farming practices.
ICAR in Brief:
 Established on 16 July 1929, headquartered in New Delhi.
 Led by Director Himanshu Pathak, committed to agricultural research and innovation.
India's First Integrated Agri-Export Facility to come up at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Mumbai

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has approved the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)'s
project worth Rs. 284.19 Crore to develop an Export-Import cum Domestic Agricultural Commodity-
Based Processing & Storage Facility on PPP Mode.
 The facility, spanning 67,422 square meters, aims to reduce logistics inefficiencies, extend product
shelf life, and boost agricultural export capabilities while supporting farmers and rural communities.
 The facility will cater to exports of items like non-basmati rice, maize, spices, onion, and wheat, and
support frozen meat and marine product exporters, enhancing logistics, container booking, and cold
chain logistics.
 Expected benefits include better prices for agricultural goods, job creation, and overall agricultural
sector growth, empowering small exporters and farmers.
 This initiative aligns with the government's vision of empowering farmers and fostering rural
development, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects.
 JNPA is Maharashtra’s first major 100% Landlord port and one of the top global container ports.
Additionally, the Vadhavan Port project, with an investment of Rs. 76,220 crore, aims to handle 23 million
TEUs annually, enhancing India's port infrastructure.
Bureau of Indian Standards and Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology signs
Memorandum of Understanding for Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farm (SADF)
 The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and
Technology (GBPUAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop India's first
'Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farm' (SADF).
 The MoU was signed on July 24, 2024, with key officials including Dr. M. S. Chauhan, Vice-Chancellor
of GBPUAT, and Shri Rajeev P, Deputy Director General (North) of BIS, present at the event.
 This is the first collaboration between BIS and an agricultural university to develop SADFs, aiming to
integrate Indian Standards into agricultural practices.
 This partnership will enhance agricultural practices, benefit farmers, and advance agricultural innovation.
 The primary objective is to create SADFs at GBPUAT as experimental sites for testing and implementing
various agricultural practices and new technologies in line with Indian Standards.
 This partnership promotes standardised agricultural practices and ensures the implementation of
cutting-edge technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
NATIONAL
India and United States of America sign the first ever 'Cultural Property Agreement'
 The Government of India and the Government of the United States signed the first Cultural
Property Agreement (CPA) to prevent the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA on July
26, 2024.
 The agreement, aligned with the 1970 UNESCO Convention, was signed by Shri Govind Mohan and
H.E. Eric Garcetti in the presence of Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
 This CPA aims to secure India’s cultural heritage and prevent illegal trafficking, reflecting India's foreign
policy focus on cultural preservation, with 358 antiquities repatriated since 1976, 345 of them since
2014.
 Under India's G20 Presidency, cultural property protection emerged as a key priority, promoting global
action against illicit trafficking, supported by the New Delhi’s Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD) in 2023.
 The agreement facilitates quick seizure and repatriation of Indian antiquities by US Customs and
includes categories of archaeological and ethnological materials dating from 1.7 million years ago to
1947 CE.
 An exhibition titled Re(ad)dress: Return of Treasures was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, highlighting the journey of 25 repatriated Indian objects and global efforts in cultural property
repatriation.
National Maritime Domain Awareness centre to be ready in three years

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 The Indian Navy's Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) in Gurugram, established
post-26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, will be upgraded to the National Maritime Domain Awareness
(NMDA) centre in about three years.
 The NMDA Centre will facilitate real-time exchange of maritime information across 15 agencies under
seven Ministries, enhancing maritime monitoring and information sharing.
 Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is the lead integrator for the NMDA’s software and hardware, with the
project expected to be completed within three years from the contract conclusion.
 The IMAC, operational since 2014 and costing ₹450 crore, is part of the National Command Control
Communication and Intelligence System (NC3I), linking Navy and Coast Guard operational centres
across India's coastline.
 IMAC's responsibilities include tracking vessels on the high seas and integrating data from coastal
radars, white shipping agreements, AIS transponders on merchant ships, air traffic management systems,
and global shipping databases.
 The contract for setting up the NMDA Centre is expected to be finalized shortly, with confidence that the
timeline for completion could be shortened.
Five new schemes to aid job creation
 The Union Budget proposes five schemes with an outlay of ₹2 lakh crore to generate jobs and improve
skilling amid increasing unemployment and wage losses.
 Three schemes for employment-linked incentives will be implemented, based on enrolment in the
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), focusing on first-time employees and support to
employees and employers.
 First Scheme: Newly employed workers in all formal sectors will receive one-month wage as a direct
benefit transfer in three instalments, benefiting 210 lakh youth.
 The second scheme will incentivize additional employment in the manufacturing sector, linked to
EPFO contributions for first-time employees, expected to benefit 30 lakh youth.
 The third scheme will cover additional employment in all sectors, with the government reimbursing
employers up to ₹3,000 per month for two years towards EPFO contributions for each additional employee.
 The fourth and fifth schemes focus on skilling 20 lakh youth over five years by upgrading Industrial
Training Institutes and providing internship opportunities for one crore youth in top companies,
respectively.
New scheme to focus on uplift of tribal villages
 PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyaan will aim to achieve full saturation of basic facilities among five
crore Scheduled Tribe families across 63,000 villages in tribal-majority areas and aspirational districts.
 The scheme, designed after PM-JANMAN, targets Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups for
comprehensive development, though specific funding details were not provided.
 The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been allocated ₹13,000 crore in the Budget Estimate 24-25, a 4.31%
increase compared to BE 23-24, with ₹6,399 crore dedicated to the Eklavya Model Residential
Schools scheme for tribal students.
 The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment received an allocation of ₹14,225.47 crore for BE
24-25, a slight increase of 1.08% over BE 23-24.
 The National Fellowship for OBC students saw a reduction in allocation to ₹55 crore in BE 24-25 from
₹57 crore in BE 23-24, despite a Revised Estimate of ₹90 crore for 23-24.
 The allocation for the Interest Subsidy on Overseas Studies for OBC and EBC students decreased to
₹25 crore in BE 24-25 from ₹29 crore in BE 23-24, significantly lower than the RE 23-24.
CITES eases norms for agarwood export; move to benefit lakhs of farmers from the Northeast
 CITES has notified a new export quota for the valuable and aromatic agarwood and its oil from India
starting April 2024.

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 This development benefits lakhs of farmers in northeastern States, especially in Assam, Manipur,
Nagaland, and Tripura.
 Aquilaria malaccensis was listed in Appendix II of CITES in 1995 based on India's proposal to control
trade.
 India's removal from the RST for Aquilaria malaccensis was based on a non-detriment findings (NDFs)
study by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate
Change (MoEFCC).
 The NDF suggested harvesting from plantations but prohibited it from wild populations and protected
areas.
 The recommended export quota for 2024–2027 is 1,51,080 kg of agarwood chips and
powder/sawdust and 7,050 kg of agarwood oil annually.
 The absence of an export quota led to informal trade and increased global costs; illegal trade continued,
with significant seizures reported between 2017 and 2021.
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About CITES
 CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international
agreement between governments.
 Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the
survival of the species.
 CITES was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of IUCN (The World
Conservation Union).
 The text of the Convention was finally agreed at a meeting of representatives of 80 countries in Washington, D.C.,
United States of America, on 3 March 1973, and on 1 July 1975 CITES entered in force.
EAM S Jaishankar invokes Mahatma Gandhi unveils Mahatma Gandhi’s bust in Tokyo
 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the timeless message of Mahatma Gandhi that
solutions should not come from a battlefield and that no era should be an era of war, during a ceremony
in Tokyo.
 S. Jaishankar unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Freedom Plaza in Edogawa, Tokyo, highlighting
Gandhi's messages of peace, sustainability, and inclusiveness.
 The ceremony aimed to strengthen ties between India and Japan, with Edogawa Ward building a
relationship with India through the statue of Gandhi, regarded as a global icon.
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About Japan
Capital: Tokyo Currency: Japanese yen
Laos, India sign MoUs on Quick Impact Projects, digital solutions sharing during Jaishankar’s visit
 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Laotian counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith and
witnessed the exchange of MoUs on 10 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) for Laos and cooperation in digital
solutions.
 The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) involves India and five ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR,
Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam) focusing on tourism, culture, education, transport, and communication.
 MGC cooperation has expanded to include health, traditional medicine, agriculture, SMEs, water
resources management, science and technology, skill development, and capacity building.
 The leaders also launched a special stamp set celebrating the shared cultural heritage of Ramayana
and Buddhism.
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About Laos
Capital: Vientiane Currency: Laotian Kip
India's First Offshore Mineral Auctions

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 India is set to launch its first offshore mineral auctions under the proposed National Critical
Minerals Mission (NCCM), aiming to enhance the supply chain for critical minerals.
 Union Minister of Mines announced the identification of 10 blocks for auction, including 7 blocks of
poly-metallic nodules and crusts in the Andaman Sea and 3 blocks of lime-mud off the Gujarat
coast.
 The auctions will be conducted under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act
(OAMDR), 2002, with composite licenses for mineral resource determination, exploration, and
commercial production.
 The NCCM seeks to ensure a sufficient supply of critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt,
and rare earth elements, vital for electronics, clean energy technologies, and high-priority sectors
such as nuclear energy, defense, and telecommunications.
 Legislative and budgetary measures supporting NCCM include the Mines and Minerals (Development
& Regulation) Amendment Bill 2023, increased budget allocations for Geological Survey of India
(GSI), Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), and National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), and the
waiver of customs duties on 25 critical minerals.
 The offshore mineral auctions and NCCM align to expand capabilities in clean energy and steel
manufacturing, oversee the entire supply chain, focus on R&D, and encourage recycling initiatives to
reduce reliance on primary sources.
Moidams – the Mound-Burial system of the Ahom Dynasty
 India is hosting the World Heritage Committee Meeting for the first time from 21 to 31 July 2024 at
Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
 The 46th session will examine 27 nominations from around the world, including 19 Cultural, 4 Natural,
2 Mixed sites, and 2 Significant modifications to the boundaries.
 Among the nominations, India’s Moidams – The Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty will be
examined under the category of Cultural Property.
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 The Tai-Ahom clan established their capital in the Brahmaputra River Valley from the 12th to the 18th century,
with Choraideo being a significant burial site for their royals.
 The Moidams are vaulted chambers where royal burials took place, reflecting the Tai-Ahom belief in the divinity of
their kings, with meticulous construction methods and grand burial rituals.
 Despite challenges like vandalism, conservation efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India and Assam State
Department of Archaeology have preserved Choraideo, which is compared to royal tombs in ancient China and
the pyramids of Egyptian pharaohs.
‘States have unlimited right to tax mineral-rich lands’
 A nine-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, ruled by an 8:1
majority that Parliament cannot limit the power of State legislatures to tax mineral-bearing lands
and quarries.
 The judgment emphasized that restricting States' taxing powers impacts their revenue-raising ability, which
in turn affects their capacity to deliver welfare schemes and services, crucial for fiscal federalism.
 The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 cannot prevent States from
legislating on the taxation of mining lands and quarries.
 Royalty paid by mining leaseholders to States is not considered a tax but a contractual consideration
for mineral rights.
 The States' power to tax mines and quarries is derived from Article 246 read with Entry 49 (tax on
lands and buildings) in the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
 The sole dissenting opinion by Justice B.V. Nagarathna agreed that royalty is not a tax but held that
States' power to tax under Entry 49 did not include mineral-bearing lands.
Two halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan get names reflecting republican ethos

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 President Droupadi Murmu has renamed two important halls at the Rashtrapati Bhavan: Durbar Hall
is now Ganatantra Mandap (Republic Hall), and Ashok Hall is now Ashok Mandap.
 Durbar Hall, used for key ceremonies and national award presentations, was renamed to reflect India's
status as a Republic, replacing the outdated term 'Durbar' associated with courts of Indian rulers and the
British.
 The name 'Ganatantra Mandap' emphasizes the deep-rooted concept of the Republic in Indian society
since ancient times.
 Ashok Hall was originally a ballroom, and its renaming to 'Ashok Mandap' aligns with the values of unity
and peaceful co-existence, symbolized by Emperor Ashok and the National Emblem.
 The renaming aims to bring uniformity in language and remove traces of anglicisation while upholding
the values associated with the term 'Ashok'.
Jia Rai: Youngest & fastest para-swimmer to cross the English channel
 16-year-old Jiya Rai from Mumbai set a new world record as the youngest and fastest para swimmer
to cross the English Channel, covering the 34-kilometer distance in 17 hours and 25 minutes.
 Jiya, who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the daughter of an Indian Navy personnel,
started her swim from Abbot's Cliff in England on 28 July 2024 and finished at Pointe de la Courte-
Dune in France on 29 July.
 She also holds the world record for being the youngest and fastest to cross the Palk Strait between
India and Sri Lanka, completing the 29 kilometers in 13 hours and 10 minutes.
 The English Channel, part of the Atlantic Ocean, is historically significant for swimming records, with the
first Indian, Mihir Sen, crossing in 1958, and the first Indian woman, Aarti Saha, in 1959.
 Anita Sood holds the record for the fastest swim across the English Channel by an Indian, with a time of
8.15 minutes in 1987.
 Australian swimmer Chloe McCardel holds the record for the most crossings, having swum the English
Channel 44 times.
United States overtakes UAE as India’s second largest LNG supplier
 In 2023, the U.S. surpassed the UAE to become India's second largest supplier of liquefied natural
gas (LNG), delivering 3.09 million tonnes (mt).
 The U.S. emerged as the world's largest LNG exporter in 2023, with exports increasing by 15% year-
on-year to 89 mt.
 LNG is gaining prominence as a substitute fuel in the transition towards green energy.
 According to the World LNG Report 2024 by the International Gas Union (IG), the U.S. had increased its
LNG supply to India from 1.8 mt in 2019 to 3.86 mt in 2021.
 Qatar maintained its position as India's largest LNG supplier since 2019, with shipments reaching 10.92
mt in 2023.
 African nations like Nigeria and Angola saw a significant decline in their shares of India's LNG imports,
with shipments reducing to 0.73 mt each in 2023 from around 2.7 mt in 2019.
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About USA
Capital: Washington, D.C. Currency: U.S. dollar
INTERNATIONAL
India sends humanitarian assistance to Haiti containing nine tons of medical supplies
 India dispatched humanitarian assistance to Haiti, consisting of 9 tonnes of medical supplies, which
included blood transfusion essentials and immunohematology reagents.
 The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced this aid through social media, highlighting India's
solidarity with the people of Haiti amidst their ongoing crises.

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 The medical consignment was shipped from New Delhi to Port-au-Prince to support Haiti's deteriorating
health system.
 This aid initiative follows a tragic incident reported by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM),
where a boat carrying over 80 Haitian migrants caught fire, resulting in at least 40 deaths.
 The overall situation in Haiti has been exacerbated by gang violence and a collapsing health system,
prompting many Haitians to undertake dangerous migration attempts.
 Recent developments, including the appointment of Prime Minister Garry Conille and the deployment of
a Multinational Security Support mission led by Kenya, offer some hope in stabilizing Haiti's security
landscape.
Laos Unveils World’s First Stamp of Lord Rama
 In July 2024, Laos released a special set of commemorative stamps featuring Lord Rama and Lord
Buddha, attended by India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, and his Lao counterpart,
Saleumxay Kommasith, emphasizing the cultural connections between Laos and India.
 The stamp set is notable for including the world’s first depiction of ‘Ram Lalla of Ayodhya’, symbolizing
the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
 The cultural linkages are further underscored by Buddhism and the Ramayana (Ramakien in Laos),
which have been integral to the relationship between India and Laos for thousands of years.
 During the visit, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed under the Mekong Ganga
Cooperation framework, focusing on 10 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) aimed at enhancing bilateral
cooperation.
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About Laos
Capital: Vientiane Currency: Kip
Italy and China sign a 3-year action plan during Meloni’s visit
 Italy and China signed a three-year action plan to implement past agreements and explore new forms
of cooperation.
 Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced this during her official visit to Beijing.
 Italy aims to reset relations with China amidst fears of a trade war with the EU and continued interest in
Chinese investment in sectors like auto manufacturing.
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About Laos
Capital: Rome Currency: Euro
Historic sites in South Africa linked to liberation struggle, Nelson Mandela get UNESCO World
Heritage tag
 A set of historic sites in South Africa related to Nelson Mandela and the country's liberation struggle
was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on Saturday.
 The sites were nominated under the title 'Human Rights, Liberation Struggle and Reconciliation:
Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites'.
 Delegates from various countries, including Italy, South Korea, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines,
Japan, and Italy, supported the nomination.
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About UNESCO
Founded: 16 November 1945 Headquarters: Paris, France Director-General: Audrey Azoulay
Japan’s Sado gold mine gains UNESCO status

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 The UNESCO World Heritage committee decided to register Japan’s controversial Sado gold mine as
a cultural heritage site after Japan agreed to include exhibits on the abuse of Korean laborers during
World War II.
 This decision is seen as a step towards improving ties between Tokyo and Seoul.
 The Sado mine operated for nearly 400 years, was once the world’s largest gold producer, and was linked
to Japan’s wartime abuse of Korean laborers.
 Japan provided additional information, made necessary amendments, and consulted with South Korea
regarding the mine’s wartime history, leading to unanimous support at the committee’s annual meeting in
New Delhi.
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About UNESCO
Founded: 16 November 1945 Headquarters: Paris, France Director-General:Audrey Azoulay
STATES
Telangana: Unique model for TB-Free Municipalities under Project Swasthya Nagaram launched
 In Telangana, the Project Swasthya Nagaram for TB-Free Municipalities was launched in Hyderabad.
 This collaborative initiative involves the State Tuberculosis Cell, Municipal Corporations of
Peerzadiguda, Boduppal, and Pocharam, the Central TB Division, WHO India, USAID, and others.
 The project aims to demonstrate ending TB in urban settings, focusing on surveillance, prevention,
and providing a complete cascade of quality TB care.
 Implemented over 3 years in Peerzadiguda, Boduppal, and Pocharam Municipal Corporations, it aims to
reduce TB incidence by one third and TB-related mortality.
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About Telangana
Capital: Hyderabad Chief minister: Revanth Reddy Founded: 2 June 2014
Telangana CM Revanth unveils Jaipal Reddy’s statue, announces ₹309 crore funds for Kalwakurthy
development
 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced a ₹309 crore development plan for the
Kalwakurthy Assembly constituency during a public meeting.
 The announcement commemorated the death anniversary of former Union Minister S. Jaipal Reddy,
highlighting his contributions to Indian politics and his representation of Kalwakurthy.
 Key development projects include a 50-bed mother and child hospital (₹22 crore), a skill development
centre (₹10 crore), a four-lane road (₹163 crore), a guest house (₹5 crore), Panchayat Raj roads (₹78
crore), high-level bridges (₹15 crore), and infrastructure for government schools in Madgul Mandal.
 An additional ₹7.75 crore has been allocated for underground drainage in Madgul.
 The Chief Minister unveiled a life-size statue of Jaipal Reddy at Kotra Circle on the Srisailam Highway.
Discovery of Lithium Resources in Mandya and Yadgiri districts Karnataka by Atomic Minerals
Directorate for Exploration and Research
 Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the discovery of Lithium resources in the Mandya and
Yadgiri districts of Karnataka by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research
(AMD).
 AMD has identified 1,600 tonnes of Lithium resources in the Marlagalla area, Mandya district, and is
conducting further exploration in Korba District, Chhattisgarh, and other potential geological domains in
India.
 A recent preliminary survey by AMD in Himachal Pradesh found surface uranium occurrences in
Masanbal, Hamirpur district, but no atomic energy plant study has been conducted there.
 Department of Atomic Energy is studying small modular reactors technologies from different countries,
but no collaboration with foreign vendors or countries is currently under consideration.

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 No private players have shown interest in producing small modular reactors, though some have shown
interest in deploying them at their captive sites.
 India and Russia have expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy,
including cooperation in the field of Small Modular Reactors.
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About Karnataka
Chief minister: Siddaramaiah Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot Capital: Bengaluru
4th century Gaza monastery put on endangered site list
 The Saint Hilarion complex, one of the oldest monasteries in West Asia, has been placed on the
UNESCO list of World Heritage sites in danger due to the war in Gaza.
 The site, dating back to the fourth century, was added to the endangered list at the request of Palestinian
authorities due to “imminent threats” it faces.
 Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, emphasized the urgency to
protect the site from destruction amid the ongoing conflict.
 In December, UNESCO granted the site “provisional enhanced protection”, the highest level of
immunity under the 1954 Hague Convention.
 Before the conflict, UNESCO was already concerned about the site's conservation due to the lack of
adequate heritage protection policies in Gaza.
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About UNESCO
Founded: 16 November 1945 Headquarters: Paris, France Director-General: Audrey Azoulay
Uttarakhand hikes aid for kin of slain defence personnel; plans job quota for Agniveers
 Ex gratia for families of slain defence personnel in Uttarakhand increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
 Reservation for Agniveers in government jobs being prepared, ensuring job security post-service.
 Family members of martyrs can now apply for government jobs for five years instead of two, with
vacancies available in Group C and D posts across various departments.
 Contract workers of the Sainik Welfare Department will receive leave equivalent to permanent
employees.
 A new Act is being introduced to provide reservation for Agniveers in government jobs.
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About Uttarakhand
Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami Governor: Gurmit Singh Capital: Dehradun
Royal burial mounds of Assam now on UNESCO World Heritage List
 Charaideo Moidams, a 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty from Assam, has
been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it the 43rd property from India.
 The announcement was made at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Delhi.
 The Moidams, similar to the pyramids of Egypt, are earthen burial mounds of Ahom royalty, with the
Ahoms adopting Hindu cremation methods and entombing cremated remains in Moidams from the 18th
century.
 This is the first site from the northeastern States to be recognized as a World Heritage Site in the
cultural category; Assam also has Kaziranga and Manas National Parks in the natural category.
 Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighted the recognition of the
Ahom kings' burial system at Charaideo as a significant cultural heritage of Assam.
 Of the 386 Moidams explored, 90 at Charaideo are the best-preserved and most representative
examples of this tradition, nominated as India’s official entry in 2023.
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About Assam
Chief minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma Capital: Dispur Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
Rajasthan announces quota for Agniveers in State police force
 The BJP government in Rajasthan announced reservation for Agniveers in the recruitment to the State
police and forces such as prison and forest guards.
 This decision follows similar actions by other States to recruit retired Agniveers into their police forces.
 Chief Minister Bhajan Lala Sharma announced the decision to mark the 25th anniversary of India’s
victory in the Kargil war.
 The reservation aims to honor the dedication and patriotism of Agniveers who protect the country’s
borders.
 The State government’s decision will provide Agniveers with opportunities to work in the State after their
service to the country.
 The percentage of reservations for Agniveers is yet to be decided.
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About Rajasthan
Founded: 30 March 1949 Governor: Kalraj Mishra Capital: Jaipur
Gujarat to set up GRIT think-tank on lines of Niti Aayog
 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel proposed the establishment of a Gujarat State Institution for
Transformation (GRIT), similar to the NITI Aayog, during the governing council meeting chaired by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
 Bhupendra Patel introduced the ‘Gujarat@2047 Dynamic Document-Roadmap’, aiming to realize the
goal of ‘Viksit Gujarat’ for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by focusing on ‘Earning Well’ and ‘Living Well’ to enhance
quality of life and economic prosperity.
 Despite representing only five percent of India's population, Gujarat contributed 8.3 percent to the
country’s GDP in 2022-23, aiming to become a USD 3.5 trillion economy by 2047.
 Key achievements and future goals were highlighted in areas such as PM Gati Shakti, health, Nari
Gaurav Niti, millets (Shri Anna), natural farming, digital agriculture mission, MSME, and Amrit
Sarovar.
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About Gujarat
Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel Governor: Acharya Devvrat Capital: Gandhinagar
Scheme to provide ₹1 lakh assistance to Civil Services aspirants who clear prelims launched by
Telangana CM
 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched the “Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam”
programme to provide ₹1 lakh financial assistance to Civil Services aspirants from Telangana who
qualify for the Mains exams.
 The scheme, part of Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL)'s ‘Nirmaan’ programme, will benefit
about 400 candidates from Telangana each year.
 Eligibility: Candidates from SC, ST, OBC, Women, and EWS categories with a family annual income
below ₹8 lakhs and who are permanent residents of Telangana.
 The government emphasizes addressing the issues of unemployed youth, with reforms in the
Telangana State Public Service Commission (TGPSC) and plans to streamline the recruitment process.
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About Telangana
Capital: Hyderabad Chief minister: Revanth Reddy Founded: 2 June 2014
Andhra Pradesh gets ₹15,000 cr. to build Amaravati, aid for Polavaram
 Special financial support of ₹15,000 crore will be provided in the current financial year, with additional
amounts in future years, to facilitate the development of a capital for Andhra Pradesh.

Weekly BeePedia
23rd – 31st July 2024
 The government is committed to fulfilling the AP Reorganisation Act commitments.

 A plan named ‘Purvodaya’ will be introduced for the development of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal,
Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
 Polavaram irrigation project will receive full financial support for its early completion, along with
promotion of industrial development and essential infrastructure.
 Kopparthy Industrial Node and the corridor between Visakhapatnam and Chennai will be prioritized, and
grants will be provided for backward regions such as Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and north coastal Andhra
Pradesh.
 The funding plan will also cover 53,000 tribal villages across the country.
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About Andhra Pradesh
Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer Capital: Amaravati
National anthem to be made mandatory in all H.P. schools
 Himachal Pradesh government has mandated the national anthem during morning assemblies in all
state schools.
 The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aims to instill a national spirit and
patriotism among students.
 The decision also includes daily unfurling of the national flag in all high and senior secondary schools.
 This policy seeks to promote unity and integrity, shaping students into responsible citizens.
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About Himachal Pradesh
Chief minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Capitals: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter)
Governor: Shiv Pratap Shukla
U.P. Assembly passes stringent Bill on anti-conversion law
 The Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha passed the Uttar Pradesh Unlawful Conversion of Religion
(Amendment) Bill, 2024, intensifying the existing law by introducing a maximum punishment of life
imprisonment for deceiving a woman into marriage for the purpose of illegal religious conversion.
 The Bill classifies crimes such as threatening, attacking, marrying under false pretenses, trafficking, or
conspiring to marry with the intent of conversion as severe, with penalties up to 20 years or life
imprisonment.
 Under the new amendments, any person can file a First Information Report (FIR) in cases of unlawful
conversion, whereas previously only the victim or her immediate family members could lodge complaints.
 Legal proceedings for unlawful conversions will now only be handled by the Sessions Court, and bail
applications must allow an opportunity for the public prosecutor to be heard, making all crimes under this
act non-bailable.
Learn Along:
About Uttar Pradesh
Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath Governor: Anandiben Patel Capital: Lucknow
REPORTS AND INDEXES

TIME Magazine 2024
 TIME magazine released its 2024 'World's Greatest Places' list, featuring 100 global locations that offer
unique and transformative experiences to visitors.
 Three Indian destinations were featured: Museum of Solutions (MuSo) in Mumbai, Manam Chocolate
factory in Hyderabad, and NAAR restaurant in Himachal Pradesh.
 MuSo is designed to foster creativity among children through interactive exhibits and educational
programs in STEAM subjects, featuring a 220-seat amphitheater, a library, and various workshops.

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 Manam Chocolate differentiates itself by collaborating with local farmers in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on
promoting Indian craft chocolates, and has gained recognition from international chocolate and cacao
institutes.
 NAAR offers a distinctive dining experience in the Amaya boutique hotel, showcasing authentic Himalayan
cuisine with unique ingredients like Himachali yak cheese and Naga bamboo shoot pickles.
 The selection for the 'World's Greatest Places' list by TIME involves a combination of user nominations
and a proprietary, open-source selection process, emphasizing unique and exotic experiences in
destinations such as hotels, restaurants, and sights.
World's most powerful passports 2024: India's ranking drops to 82, Singapore tops the list
 The Henley Passport Index 2024 ranks India's passport at 82nd globally, allowing travel to 58
countries without a visa, down from 80th last year.
 Over the years, India's ranking has fluctuated, with positions such as 76th in 2014 and a sharp drop to
88th in 2015, showing variability in visa-free access.
 Singapore holds the title of the world's most powerful passport in 2024, providing visa-free or visa-on-
arrival access to 195 countries.
 France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Japan are tied for second place, with access to 192 countries,
while other top-ranked passports include Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands,
South Korea, and Sweden.
 The United Kingdom, New Zealand, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland share the fourth
spot, with Australia and Portugal in fifth, and the United States in eighth, allowing access to 186
countries.
 The index underscores global mobility disparities, with Pakistan ranked 100th (access to 33 countries)
and Afghanistan last (access to 26 countries), reflecting international diplomatic relations and travel
agreements.
Highlights of the Economic Survey 2023-24
Economic Performance and Growth Projections:

o India's real GDP grew by 8.2% in FY 2023-24, with projections of 6.5-7% for FY 2024-25.
o Real GDP in 2024 was 20% higher than in 2020, showing significant post-pandemic recovery.
o Positive outlook despite geopolitical and financial risks.
Investment and Inflation:

o Gross Fixed Capital Formation increased by 9% in FY 2023-24.
o Retail inflation declined to 5.4% due to policy measures, though food inflation rose to 7.5%.
External Sector:
o Trade openness indicator increased, with 1.8% share in global goods exports and 4% in services
exports.
o The Current Account Deficit (CAD) narrowed to 0.7% of GDP.
Employment and Income:

o Per capita income projected to reach ₹14.9 lakh by 2047.
o Significant job creation with 131.5 lakh new EPFO enrollments and 8.5 lakh jobs from PLI Schemes.
o Rural wages grew by over 5% annually.
Monetary Management:
o Bank credit growth robust at 20.2%.
o GNPA ratio declined to a 12-year low of 2.8%.

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Climate and Energy:

o Installed solar capacity increased to 82.64 GW, achieving targets ahead of the 2030 goal.
o Significant growth in non-fossil fuel energy sources.
Social Sector and Education:

o CSR spending exceeded ₹25 thousand crore.
o Higher education enrollment rose to 4.33 crore.
o One lakh patents granted in FY 2023-24.
Agriculture and Industry:

o Agriculture sector grew at 4.18% over five years, supporting 42.3% of the population.
o MSMEs contributed 35.4% to manufacturing output, with 4.69 crore registered on the Udyam portal.
Service and Infrastructure:

o Service sector accounted for 55% of the economy, with significant export contributions.
o Infrastructure investments split between Central (49%), State (29%), and Private (22%) sectors,
focusing on connectivity and digital infrastructure.
Forest Cover in the Country
 The Forest Survey of India (FSI) conducts a biennial assessment of forest cover.
 According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the total forest cover in India is 7,13,789
square kilometers, which is 21.71% of the geographical area.
 The tree cover increased by 721 square kilometers between 2019 and 2021, with no loss of tree cover
during this period.
 Consequently, there is no increase in carbon dioxide emissions due to tree cover loss.
 Contradictions between ISFR 2021 and Global Forest Watch data arise from differences in the
definitions of forest cover and tree cover used in the two reports.
7 -10% growth rate needed to avoid middle income trap
 India needs to grow at a sustained pace of 7-10% for 20-30 years to become a developed nation with
a per capita income of $18,000 and a $30 trillion economy by 2047, according to NITI Aayog's vision
for Viksit Bharat.
 The GDP must grow nine times from the current $3.36 trillion and the per capita income needs to rise
eight times from today’s $2,392 per annum.
 Viksit Bharat is defined by NITI Aayog as having attributes of a developed country with a high per capita
income comparable to today's high-income countries.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of making India’s youth skilled and
employable, leveraging India's status as a talent hub with the largest number of STEM graduates and
the 3rd biggest startup ecosystem in the world.
 India’s demographic advantage includes nearly 50% of the population below 25 years and 20% of the
world’s young population, presenting a significant opportunity until 2047.
 Challenges identified include upgrading manufacturing, logistics, and R&D, balancing energy security
and sustainability, improving industry competitiveness, and bridging the rural-urban income gap for
balanced regional development.
 Targets for 2047 include achieving a 100% literacy rate, >70% female labor force participation, a top
10 position in the Global Gender Equality Index, a 100% skilled labor force, and increasing industry
contribution to 34% of GDP.
New UNAIDS report shows AIDS pandemic can be ended by 2030

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 A new UNAIDS report, titled The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads, highlights the critical moment
for world leaders to meet their commitment to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
 Currently, of the 39.9 million people living with HIV, 9.3 million are not receiving life-saving treatment,
leading to a death every minute from AIDS-related causes.
 New HIV infections are significantly higher than the target, with 1.3 million new infections in 2023,
compared to the pledged reduction to below 370,000 by 2025.
 The report emphasizes the need for sufficient and sustainable resourcing and protection of human
rights to reduce the number of people needing lifelong treatment and prevent a rise in infections.
 Despite progress, new HIV infections are rising in regions like the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern
Europe, Central Asia, and Latin America, with key populations facing increased risks due to stigma
and discrimination.
 The report calls for increased resource mobilization, particularly in Asia, the Pacific, Eastern Europe,
Central Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, to meet the funding shortfall and support a
sustainable HIV response.
Project Tiger will displace 5.5 lakh tribals: report
 Project Tiger will displace at least 5.5 lakh Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers, as reported
by a New Delhi-based rights group on Global Tiger Day.
 Before 2021, 2,54,794 people were displaced from 50 tiger reserves, averaging 5,000 per protected
area.
 Since 2021, the average number of people to be displaced from six tiger reserves is 48,333, a 967%
increase over the pre-2021 period.
 The Rights and Risks Analysis Group report indicates 1,60,000 people will be displaced from
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, 72,772 from Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya
Pradesh, and 45,000 from Ranipur Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
 The report also highlights forced evictions and massive human rights violations associated with these
displacements.
State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report
 In 2023, around 733 million people faced hunger globally, with one in five in Africa, according to the State
of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report by five UN agencies.
 The report indicates the world is significantly behind in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
2, Zero Hunger, by 2030, with hunger levels similar to those in 2008-2009.
 Hunger is rising in Africa (20.4%), stable but significant in Asia (8.1%), and showing progress in Latin
America (6.2%), with an estimated 582 million people projected to be chronically undernourished by
2030.
 Food insecurity affects around 2.33 billion people, with over 864 million experiencing severe food
insecurity, and over 2.8 billion people unable to afford a healthy diet in 2022.
 Malnutrition remains a complex issue, with progress in some areas like exclusive breastfeeding rates
(48%), but challenges in low birthweight prevalence (15%), stunting (22.3%), and increasing adult
obesity (from 12.1% in 2012 to 15.8% in 2022).
 The report emphasizes the need for innovative and increased financing to end hunger, improve agrifood
systems, and ensure affordable and accessible healthy diets, highlighting the gap in financing
particularly for low- and middle-income countries.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Atomic Energy inaugurates ‘One DAE One Subscription’
 The inaugural ceremony of 'One DAE One Subscription' (ODOS) took place at Tata Memorial
Hospital in Mumbai, aiming to unify the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and its units under one
umbrella for read and publish access to research papers and scientific journals.

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 DAE signed consortium agreements with Wiley India Private Limited and Springer Nature Group to
facilitate this initiative.
 ODOS will eventually merge with a larger national initiative, One Nation One Subscription (ONOS),
which is currently being implemented by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of
India.
 The first ODOS agreement with Wiley provides access to 1,353 journals and archives from 1997, while
the second agreement with Springer Nature offers access to 2,686 titles, including 553 fully open
access journals.
 These transformative agreements are expected to boost scientific morale, foster innovation, promote
research, and enhance academic publications within the DAE scientific community.
Bhupender Yadav launches Ideas4LiFE portal for inviting ideas related to products and services for
inducing behavioral changes related to environment-friendly lifestyles
 Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, launched
Ideas4LiFE to invite ideas for products and services that promote environment-friendly lifestyles, with
Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh at IIT Delhi.
 The initiative encourages students, research scholars, faculty, and innovators to contribute innovative
ideas to the global Mission LiFE for environmental sustainability.
 The Ideas4Life.nic.in portal allows participants to submit ideas online, and winning ideas under the seven
themes of Mission LiFE will be awarded attractive prizes.
 Themes of Mission LiFE include Save Water, Save Energy, Reduce Waste, Reduce E-Waste, Say No
to Single-Use Plastics, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems, and Adopt Healthy Lifestyles.
India's Installed Nuclear Power Capacity to Triple by 2031-32: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
 India's installed nuclear power capacity is projected to increase from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-
32, as stated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.
 India's energy transition aims for Net Zero by 2070, with studies recommending a national nuclear capacity
of 1 lakh MW by 2047.
 Over the last decade, India's nuclear power capacity has surged by over 70%, from 4,780 MW in 2013-14
to 8,180 MW at present.
 The annual electricity generation from nuclear power plants increased from 34,228 million units in 2013-
14 to 47,971 million units in 2023-24.
 Currently, 21 reactors with a total capacity of 15,300 MW are under implementation by Nuclear Power
Corporation India Limited (NPCIL), while 9 reactors with 7,300 MW capacity, including the Prototype
Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), are under construction.
 Additionally, 12 reactors with a capacity of 8,000 MW, including Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR), are in
pre-project stages, contributing to the future capacity growth.
Supreme Court delivers split verdict on nod for GM mustard
 The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the validity of the Centre’s 2022 decision granting
conditional approval for the environmental release of genetically modified (GM) mustard crops.
 The Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Sanjay Karol directed the Centre to formulate a national
policy on GM crops for research, cultivation, trade, and commerce in the country.
 The case will be referred to a three-judge Bench to be constituted by the Chief Justice of India.
 On October 18, 2022, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) recommended the
environmental release of GM mustard, and on October 25, 2022, the release of transgenic mustard hybrid
DMH-11 was approved.
 The court emphasized that the national policy should be formulated in consultation with stakeholders
including experts in agriculture, biotechnology, State governments, and representatives of farmers.

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 The government is urged to conduct a national consultation within the next four months to formulate
the policy on GM crops.
Gaganyaan astronaut to travel to ISS in mission with NASA
 One astronaut from the four undergoing training for the Gaganyaan mission will travel to the
International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with NASA.
 Axiom Space, a private entity identified by NASA, and ISRO have signed a space flight agreement for
this joint mission.
 During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. last year, President Joe Biden announced the
collaboration to send an Indian astronaut to the ISS in 2024.
 The Indian Air Force test pilots were selected for the Gaganyaan mission, with training completed in
Russia and ongoing at ISRO’s Astronauts Training Facility (ATF) in Bengaluru.
 Ground testing of propulsion system stages and design of crew escape system solid motors has been
completed; the first Test Vehicle mission (TV-D1) for crew escape system performance validation was
successfully accomplished.
 The Thermal Protection System characterisation has been completed as part of the mission
preparations.
Learn Along:
About NASA
Founded: 29 July 1958 Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
ISRO in talks with European Space Agency on Ramses mission to track asteroid
 ISRO and the European Space Agency (ESA) will collaborate on the Ramses project, focusing on the
asteroid Apophis, which will pass close to Earth in 2029.
 The Ramses mission aims to monitor Apophis during its close approach, providing a unique opportunity
to study potential threats to Earth from near-Earth objects.
 ISRO Chairman Somanath mentioned plans to interact with Apophis during its flyby, with ongoing
discussions with ESA to leverage both agencies' expertise.
 As part of the IS4OM project, ISRO has initiated preliminary campaigns to study asteroids and plans to
collaborate with international groups like IAWN and SMPAG to enhance asteroid risk assessment and
planetary protection.
 ISRO's historical milestones include the launch of Aryabhata in 1975 and the successful Mars Orbiter
Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2014, marking significant achievements in space exploration.
 ISRO is known for its cost-effective Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which launched 104
satellites in a single mission in 2017, and its discovery of water ice on the Moon with the
Chandrayaan-2 mission.
Learn Along:
About ISRO
Headquarters: Bengaluru Chairman: Sreedhara Somanath Founded: 15 August 1969
Coal India bags first critical mineral asset
 Coal India Ltd. (CIL) has acquired its first critical mineral asset, a graphite block, in Madhya Pradesh.
 This acquisition positions CIL to contribute to the green energy transition by utilizing graphite in lithium-
ion battery manufacturing.
 CIL emerged as the preferred bidder for the Khattali Chotti graphite block during a forward auction held
by the Ministry of Mines on July 9th.
 CIL accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output and has now diversified into critical minerals.
 The company won the bid with a mining premium of 150.05% of the value of mineral despatch, and a
composite licence will be issued within a year.

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23rd – 31st July 2024
 India currently imports 69% of its graphite needs, and with the growing electric vehicle market and
energy storage systems, the demand for graphite is projected to increase by 25-27% by FY35.
New Plant Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh Sanctuary
 Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) discovered a new plant species, Phlogacanthus
sudhansusekharii, in the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh.
 The species belongs to the family Acanthaceae and the genus Phlogacanthus, named to honor Dr.
Sudhansu Sekhar Dash for his contributions to plant and ecological research in the Indian Himalayan
region.
 The discovery, detailed by Samrat Goswami and Rohan Maity in the Indian Journal of Forestry,
highlights distinct morphological features that differentiate it from Phlogacanthus guttatus.
 Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii is endemic to Northeast India, with bright purple flowers and unique
leaves, growing in damp, shady woods, making conservation efforts crucial.
 Its potential health benefits have not been fully studied, indicating possible important uses in traditional
medicine.
Learn Along:
About Arunachal Pradesh
Capital: Itanagar Chief minister: Pema Khandu Governor: Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
Grasslands in Kutch likely to host cheetahs from Africa
 Some cheetahs from the next batch of Project Cheetah may be sent to a cheetah-breeding and
conservation centre in Banni, Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
 Gandhi Sagar sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is the preferred location for the next batch, but Banni has
been considered a potential habitat for over a decade.
 Gujarat government is setting up enclosures in Banni to breed cheetahs, with preparations expected to
be ready in the next six months.
 Banni covers nearly 3,500 square kilometres but lacks sufficient prey for cheetahs, requiring the
introduction of species like chital to sustain the population.
 Kuno reserve in Madhya Pradesh currently has 26 cheetahs (13 adults, 13 cubs) but can sustain only 21
adult animals due to prey limitations.
 The government plans to import 10-12 adult cheetahs annually for the next five years to establish a
sustainable breeding population in India.
DEFENCE
DRDO tests Phase-II ballistic missile defence system
 DRDO successfully flight-tested the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.
 Demonstrated indigenous capability to defend against ballistic missiles of 5,000-km class.
 Phase 1 BMD, intercepting missiles with a range of 2,000 km, is already deployed.
 Maiden test of Phase-II BMD was conducted in November 2022.
 The test involved a Target Missile launched from LC-IV Dhamra at 1620 hrs, mimicking an adversary
missile.
 The missile was detected by weapon system radars on land and sea, activating the Air Defence (AD)
interceptor system.
Learn Along:
About DRDO
Formed: 1958 Chairman: Dr Samir V Kamat Headquarters: New Delhi
GSL-Made Advanced Warship ‘Triput’ For Indian Navy Launched

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 The first of two Advanced Frigates under construction by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the Indian
Navy was launched on 23 July at GSL shipyard in Vasco and named 'Triput'.
 The Triput-class frigates were contracted on January 25, 2019, and are designed for combat
operations against enemy surface ships, submarines, and aircraft.
 These frigates measure 124.8 meters in length, 15.2 meters in width, have a draught of 4.5 meters,
and a displacement of approximately 3,600 tons, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 28 knots.
 Constructed indigenously by GSL, the Triput-class ships are follow-on vessels to the Teg and Talwar
class ships from Russia, marking a significant milestone in GSL’s history.
 This project highlights India's commitment to self-reliance in defence production, with a substantial
portion of equipment being of indigenous origin, contributing to employment and capability
enhancement.
 Dignitaries present at the launch included Vice Chief of the Navy Vice Admiral Krishna
Swaminathan, Vice Admiral Sanjay Singh, and Vice Admiral B Sivakumar.
HANDING OVER OF HYDROGEN BUS BY INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LIMITED TO INDIAN NAVY
 Under the GOI's green initiative and the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Indian Navy and
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) collaborated to test a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus.
 This initiative is a significant step towards the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and
environmental stewardship.
 By utilizing hydrogen as a clean fuel, the Indian Navy is leading the adoption of sustainable
transportation within the Armed Forces.
 An MOU between IOCL and the Indian Navy includes the provision of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus for
trials and performance testing.
 The MOU was signed by VAdm Deepak Kapoor and Dr. Kannan Chandrasekaran, witnessed by Adm
Dinesh K Tripathi and Mr. Shrikant Madhav Vaidya.
 The operation of this bus will facilitate a comprehensive study on the performance, durability, and
reliability of hydrogen fuel cell technology in public transit, symbolizing a commitment to innovative
solutions for climate change and energy security.
MoD to undertake plantation of 15 lakh trees on Independence Day, 2024 as part of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke
Naam' Campaign
 The Ministry of Defence will undertake a massive 15 lakh trees plantation drive across the country on
78th Independence Day, 15th August 2024.
 The drive is part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in the Name of Mother) campaign, involving the
three Services and organizations like DRDO, Defence PSUs, CGDA, NCC, Sainik Schools, and
Ordnance factories.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign on World Environment
Day, 5 June 2024, urging everyone to plant a tree as a tribute to mothers.
 Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has participated in the campaign, planting a tree in memory of his mother.
 Rajnath Singh called on people to join the campaign to protect nature and make the movement for
environment protection more effective and dynamic.
INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR MULTINATIONAL MILITARY EXERCISE KHAAN QUEST
 The Indian Army contingent has departed for the Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST.
 The exercise will be held from 27th July to 9th August 2024 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
 40 personnel from the Indian Army, mainly from the MADRAS REGIMENT, including one woman officer
and two women soldiers, will participate.
 The exercise, now in its 21st iteration, started as a bilateral event between the USA and Mongolian
Armed Forces in 2003 and became a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise in 2006.

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23rd – 31st July 2024
 KHAAN QUEST aims to enhance the peacekeeping capabilities and interoperability of the Indian
Armed Forces in a multinational environment, focusing on joint tactical drills and physical fitness.
 The exercise includes tactical drills such as Static and Mobile Check Points, Cordon and Search
Operations, Patrolling, Evacuation of Civilians, Counter IED drills, and Combat First Aid.
Defence Acquisition Council approves amendment to MQ-9B UAV deal with U.S.
 The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved
amendments for procuring 31 MQ-9B HALE UAVs from General Atomics of the U.S.
 Approved amendments include indigenous content and other related aspects within the Acceptance of
Necessity (AoN) for the MQ-9B deal.
 The U.S. has completed its part, and India needs to finish the procedure before signing the deal, which
requires Cabinet Committee on Security approval.
 India aims to procure 31 MQ-9B UAVs for $3.99 billion, with General Atomics setting up a Global
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
 DAC also granted AoN for Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS) for Armoured Fighting
Vehicles (AFVs) and 22 Interceptor Boats for the Coast Guard.
 The ALNS Mk-II, from Bharat Electronics Limited, offers high accuracy for AFVs, and the new
Interceptor Boats will enhance coastal surveillance, patrolling, and rescue operations.
MoD & NSE ink MoU to facilitate capital market access to MSMEs
 The Ministry of Defence and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) on July 29, 2024, to provide capital market access to MSMEs in the defence
sector.
 The MoU, signed by the Additional Secretary, Department of Defence Production (DDP) and the
Managing Director, NSE, aims to help MSMEs raise capital efficiently and transparently through the NSE
Emerge platform.
 The NSE Emerge platform offers MSMEs new options for raising equity capital from a diverse set of
investors.
 Over the five-year duration of the MoU, the DDP and NSE will conduct awareness drives through
seminars, MSME camps, knowledge sessions, roadshows, and workshops to educate corporates on fund
raising.
 NSE will also assist MSMEs in connecting with intermediaries like merchant bankers, registrars, transfer
agents, and depositories, guiding them on capital markets, raising mechanisms, and regulatory
compliance.
 This initiative will help MSMEs in the defence sector scale-up business operations, explore new
markets, and fund R&D activities.
iDEX & AFMS sign MoU for developing cutting-edge technologies to deal with medical challenges
faced by the Armed Forces
 The Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), under the
Ministry of Defence, signed an MoU with Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) to launch the
Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) initiative on July 30, 2024.
 The signing took place in New Delhi between Shri Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary (Defence
Production) & CEO, DIO, and Lt Gen Daljit Singh, Director General of AFMS.
 MIRA aims to enhance innovation and research in developing new medical technologies specifically for
their induction into the Armed Forces.
 This initiative includes the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) edition MIRA, targeting critical
medical challenges in the Armed Forces, leveraging the combined expertise of both organizations.
 The partnership is described as a testament to the Ministry's commitment to fostering innovation across
all aspects of defence and security, aiming to create a robust healthcare ecosystem for the Armed Forces.

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 The collaboration is marked as a significant milestone by the DG of AFMS, emphasizing the goal to induct
new cutting-edge medical technologies and advance medical science through innovative efforts by
iDEX.
Learn Along:
About iDEX
 iDEX, the recipient of the esteemed Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in
Innovation Category in 2021, has emerged as a game-changer in the defence ecosystem. Established by the DIO
under Department of Defence Production, iDEX has launched 11 editions of DISC, and recently unveiled the Acing
Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic
defence technologies.
 In a brief period, iDEX has successfully gained momentum, fostering a burgeoning community of start-ups within
the defence sector. It is currently engaged with over 400 start-ups and MSMEs. Till now, procurement of 37 items,
worth over Rs 2,000 crore, has been cleared. iDEX has facilitated the creation of numerous job opportunities and
played a pivotal role in the development of the defence ecosystem.
EVENTS
World Leaders Summit 2024 Took Place at the House of Lords in the UK Parliament
 The World Leaders Summit 2024 took place at the historic House of Lords in the UK Parliament,
symbolizing hope and collaboration in addressing urgent global issues.
 This summit underscores a commitment to global diplomacy and collaboration among world leaders to
tackle challenges such as climate change, economic disparity, and healthcare access.
 Key topics discussed included economic growth, sustainable development, renewable energy
initiatives, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the impact of digital transformation on governance and
public engagement.
 Future plans for the summit involve expanding participation, diversifying topics, and potentially hosting
regional forums to foster localized dialogue, ensuring ongoing collaboration and innovative solutions to
global challenges.
Tech Leaders Forum of India launched at World Education Conference 2024 in Dubai
 The Tech Leaders Forum of India (TELFI) was inaugurated at the World Education Conference 2024,
organized by the Federation of Economic Development Association (FEDA) at Hamdan Bin
Mohammed Smart University in Dubai.
 TELFI is a new initiative focused on empowering engineers through webinars, workshops, and training
sessions, aiming to equip them with necessary resources and networks for professional excellence and
technological contributions globally.
 The event featured over 150 attendees from various academic sectors, emphasizing academic excellence
and idea exchange.
 Notable figures such as Laila Rahhal El Atfani and Bhupesh Nagarajan were present, with the latter
representing the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
 The conference also included the FEDA Appreciation Awards 2024, recognition of outstanding
educators, and discussions on educational challenges and opportunities in Dubai, enriching the
educational dialogue at the event.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Inaugurates Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site
Museum
 Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated the Humayun’s
Tomb World Heritage Site Museum in New Delhi, a 100,000 square feet facility designed in
collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).

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 The Museum is inspired by the ancient ‘Baolis’ or stepped wells of Delhi and houses over 500 artefacts
from the National Museum, Archaeological Survey of India, and AKTC, including miniatures,
manuscripts, coins, and architectural elements.
 The Museum’s design maintains the visual integrity of the monuments and follows UNESCO
recommendations for site museums to enhance visitor experience and provide cultural context.
 Exhibits include a 40-foot wide 3D illustration, models of World Heritage monuments, and galleries
focusing on Humayun’s Mausoleum and prominent cultural personalities like Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya
and Rahim.
 The Museum, costing Rs 250 Crore, was supported by funds from the Ministry of Tourism and various
donors, and it is expected to increase the time spent by visitors at the Humayun’s Tomb – Sunder
Nursery World Heritage precinct.
India assumes the Chair of Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC)
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has positioned India as a global and regional leader in Disaster Risk
Reduction (DRR), with initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
 Shri Rajendra Singh, Member & HoD of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA),
assumed the Chair of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) from China for 2024-25 in
Bangkok, Thailand on 25th July 2024.
 The ADPC is an autonomous international organization focused on disaster risk reduction and building
climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific region.
 Founding members of ADPC include India and eight neighboring countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia,
China, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
 India chaired the 5th Board of Trustee (BoT) meeting of ADPC on 25th July 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.
 These actions highlight India's commitment to international cooperation in disaster management and
climate resilience.
India- Saudi Arabia hold first meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Investments
 The first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia High Level Task Force on Investments was co-chaired by
Dr. P.K. Mishra and Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in a virtual mode.
 Discussions reviewed bilateral investment opportunities in areas like refining and petrochemical plants,
renewable energy, power, telecom, and innovation.
 The Government of India reaffirmed its support for Saudi investments worth US$ 100 billion committed
during the Crown Prince’s visit.
 Both sides agreed on regular consultations and follow-up discussions, with an empowered delegation
led by the Secretary of Petroleum visiting Saudi Arabia.
 Saudi Arabia was invited to establish an office of its Sovereign Wealth Fund PIF in India.
 The Task Force, formed after Prime Minister Modi and Prince Mohammed bin Salman's meeting in
September 2023, includes senior officials from Niti Aayog, Economic Affairs, Commerce, MEA, DPIIT,
Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Power.
Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024
 Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy launched the Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024 at Bharat Coking
Coal Limited (BCCL) in Dhanbad on July 25, 2024.
 This project is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” program and took place
at 300 locations in 47 districts across 11 coal- and lignite-rich states.
 Key participants included Shri Dulu Mahato, MP for Dhanbad, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal Shri
Amrit Lal Meena, Chairman of Coal India Limited, and other top officials.
 On the launch day, about a million saplings were planted by Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings
(PSUs), with 24 million saplings planted over the last five years across 10,942 hectares.

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 The PSUs aim to cover 15,350 hectares in the next five years, with a goal of 2,600 hectares for the
current fiscal year.
 The initiative employs reforestation techniques like the Miyawaki method, seed balls, and drone
technology to improve planting efficiency, focusing on local species and involving communities, schools,
and NGOs to raise environmental awareness and create green jobs.
NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd, Haryana Govt Sign MoU To Set Up Green Charcoal Plants
 NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited signed an MoU with Gurugram and Faridabad Municipal
Corporations to set up plants for producing green charcoal from waste.
 The green charcoal plants will be established under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in Bandhwari
(Gurugram) and Mothuka (Faridabad).
 Each plant will cost approximately ₹500 crore and will convert 1,500 tonnes of daily waste into
charcoal.
 This initiative aims to provide a permanent solution to the garbage problem and increase energy
production.
Learn Along:
About Haryana
Chief minister: Manohar Lal Khattar Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya Capital: Chandigarh
AWARDS AND REWARDS

Abhinav Bindra: 1st Indian to be Honoured with Olympic Order by IOC
 Abhinav Bindra will receive the prestigious Olympic Order from the International Olympic Committee
(IOC) for his outstanding service to the Olympic movement, on 10 August 2024 during the 142nd IOC
Session in Paris, France.
 Paris will host the 33rd Summer Olympics from 26 July to 11 August 2024.
 Abhishek Bindra was the first Indian athlete to win an individual gold medal in the Olympics, achieving
this in the men's 10-metre air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
 Abhishek Bindra also made history as the first Indian to donate his gold medal-winning sports equipment
to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland; Neeraj Chopra followed suit after his gold in the 2020
Tokyo Olympics.
 Charlie Cassell set a world record by taking seven wickets in his ODI debut match for Scotland against
Oman in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, breaking Kagiso Rabada's previous record.
 Sri Lankan fast bowler Chaminda Vaas holds the best bowling figure in an ODI match, with 8 wickets
for 19 runs against Zimbabwe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in December 2001.
Indian Astrophysicist Prahlad Agrawal Wins COSPAR Award 2024
 Prahlad Chandra Agrawal, an eminent Indian astrophysicist, received the COSPAR Harrie Massey
Award 2024 at the 45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Busan, South Korea, on July 15, 2024.
 The award recognizes his significant contributions to space science, leading to a minor planet being named
20064 Prahladagrawal.
 AstroSat, India's first multi-wavelength space telescope, was launched under Agrawal's leadership on
September 28, 2015 by ISRO with a budget of Rs 400 crore, and continues to provide valuable data
beyond its expected five-year mission.
 AstroSat was developed by TIFR, IIA, and the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre of ISRO, and has contributed
to over 500 scientific papers and 30 doctoral theses, with its data being open source for global research
collaboration.
 Agrawal, a senior professor at TIFR, has an impressive academic background, having studied at Caltech
and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and played key roles in notable projects like NASA’s HEAO-1
A4 device and the Indian X-Ray Astronomy Experiment on the IRS P-3 satellite.

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 The COSPAR Harrie Massey Award honors significant contributions to space science, promoting
international collaboration and recognizing exceptional achievements in fields such as planetary science
and space physics.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh conferred the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award”
 Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was conferred the prestigious "Lifetime Achievement Award" for
his dedication to the advancement of diabetology, diabetes care, and research.
 The citation, read by Dr. V. Mohan, highlighted Dr. Singh’s journey from grassroots to a renowned
teacher, professor, researcher, and practitioner of Diabetology, drawing comparisons to Dr. B C Roy.
 Dr. Singh's achievements include being the Lifetime Patron of RSSDI, receiving numerous awards like
the "Gold Medal for Oration" from JIPMER and the “Jamna Devi Gian Devi Award” for journalism.
 As an author, Dr. Singh has written eight books and three monographs on diabetes, with his book
"Diabetes Made Easy" being a bestseller at the World Book Fair.
 His pioneering work on “Stress Diabetes in Kashmiri Migrants” was acclaimed by the World Health
Organization (WHO), and he contributed to the “Guidelines for Management of Diabetes in
Pregnancy”.
‘Rajbhasha Gaurav Samman’ for the year 2023-24 was awarded to the PSUs located in Visakhapatnam
by Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC)
 TOLIC (PSU), Visakhapatnam meeting hosted by NTPC awarded ‘Rajbhasha Gaurav Samman’ 2023-
24 to local PSUs for Official Language implementation.
 Atul Bhatt, Chairman of TOLIC (PSU) and CMD of RINL, awarded ‘Nagar Rajbhasha Samman’ to Hindi
Officers & Coordinators for their performance.
 Category-I winners: HPCL-Visakha Refinery (1st), NTPC Simhadri (2nd), and Airport Authority of India
(3rd).
 Category-II winners: GAIL (1st), HPCL-Visakha Regional Office (2nd), SAIL – Branch Transport &
Shipping Office and FCI-Regional Office.
 Category-III winners: MSTC (1st), HPCL LPG (2nd), and ECGC (3rd).
 Sri Anirban Kumar Biswas and Dr. Rita Trivedi reviewed and praised the progress in Official Language
implementation and discussed the available Hindi training facilities.
 The 8th issue of ‘Visakha Dhara’ TOLIC Hindi Magazine was released by various dignitaries, and the
meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by V Suguna.
Curator Rahaab Allana bestowed French decoration
 The French government has conferred the insignia of Officier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
on Rahaab Allana.
 Rahaab Allana is recognized for his outstanding career as a curator of contemporary South Asian
photography.
 He has made decisive contributions to Indo-French artistic cooperation over the years.
 The announcement was made by the French Embassy on Wednesday.
 The insignia was conferred by Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, at a ceremony at the
Embassy of France in India.
 Rahaab Allana is associated with the Alkazi Foundation for the Arts as a Curator and Publisher.
Shahrukh Khan first Bollywood actor to be honoured with Gold Coins by Grevin Museum
 Shah Rukh Khan has been honored by the Grevin Museum in Paris with customised gold coins in his
name, making him the first actor to receive such a tribute.

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 The Grevin Museum first recognized his global influence in 2018 with a gold coin bearing his likeness
and name.
 Shah Rukh Khan will receive the Career Achievement Award from the Locarno Film Festival on August
10, where his film ‘Devdas’ will be screened, followed by a conversation with him on August 11.
 The 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival will take place from August 7 to August 17.
 Shah Rukh Khan's wax statues are displayed in 14 locations worldwide, including the Grevin Museum,
highlighting his immense fan following and iconic status in the entertainment world.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates India’s 500th Community Radio Station- Apna Radio
90.0 FM at IIMC Aizawl
 Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the winners of
the 10th National Community Radio Awards and inaugurated India’s 500th Community Radio
Station, ‘Apna Radio 90.0 FM’, run by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Aizawl.
 The launch of ‘Apna Radio 90.0 FM’ in Mizoram aims to significantly impact the lives of people in its
coverage area and supports the Government's Act East policy.
 The National Community Radio Awards were announced in four categories: Thematic Award, Most
Innovative Community Engagement Award, Promoting Local Culture Award, and Sustainability
Model Award, each with first, second, and third prizes of Rs. 1.0 Lakhs, Rs. 75,000, and Rs. 50,000
respectively.
CWC wins GEEF Global WaterTech Award, under the category ‘Water Department of the Year’, at
Global Water Tech Summit – 2024
 The Central Water Commission (CWC) received the GEEF Global WaterTech Award for ‘Water
Department of the Year’ at the Global Water Tech Summit 2024 organized by the Global Energy and
Environment Foundation (GEEF) in New Delhi.
 The award recognizes significant achievements in the water, wastewater, and desalination sectors,
focusing on innovation, technology, conservation, and sustainable development.
 CWC was acknowledged for its pivotal role in hydro-meteorological data collection, flood forecasting,
reservoir storage monitoring, water quality monitoring, coastal area management, and resolving
inter-state water issues.
 New initiatives by CWC include enhancing synergy with Water Resources/Irrigation/Jal Shakti
Departments across States/UTs, capacity building in Urban Hydrology, and developing the
‘Floodwatch India’ mobile app for flood information dissemination.
 This recognition emphasizes CWC’s commitment to excellence and continuous efforts to advance water
technology and resource management.
Indian students win big at International Physics, Chemistry Olympiads
 Indian contingents excelled in international olympiads in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and

biology, securing multiple medals and honorable mentions.
 This performance is highlighted as a significant accomplishment, showcasing the prowess of Indian
students in these scientific disciplines.
 The achievements were primarily attributed to the rigorous training and support provided by institutions
like the Mumbai-based Homi Bhabha Centre.
 The success at these olympiads not only reflects the high academic standards and preparation of the
students but also enhances India's reputation in international educational arenas.
 Such achievements inspire other students in India and highlight the importance of robust educational
foundations and support in achieving global recognition.
V. Vedachalam wins V Venkayya Epigraphy Award 2024

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 V. Vedachalam, a distinguished Tamil epigrapher and historian, received the V Venkayya Epigraphy
Award for 2024.
 Dr. Vedachalam has authored over 25 books on diverse topics including epigraphy, numismatics, temple
art, religion, and society, and expressed honor in receiving an award named after India's first Chief
Epigraphist, V. Venkayya.
 The award, created by Sunitha Madhavan in collaboration with the Tamil Heritage Trust, recognizes
outstanding contributions to the field of epigraphy across any Indian language.
 Throughout his 33-year tenure in Tamil Nadu's archaeology department, Vedachalam was involved in
significant archaeological excavations in places like Madurai, Tondi, and Keeladi.
APPOINTMENTS
Organization Name News Learn Along
Small Industries Manoj Mittal has taken charge as Chairman and Managing Director Founded:
Development Bank (CMD) of Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi), 2 April 1990
of India following his appointment by the Government of India.
Prior to this, he was the managing director (MD) of Industrial Finance
Corporation of India (IFCI).
NBFC's board The NBFC's board has approved the appointment of Ravindra Kumar ---
Kundu, as the manging director (MD) of the company for a period of
five years with effect from 7 October 2024.
Lok Sabha Trinamoool Congress’s Shatrughan Sinha took oath as a Lok Sabha ---
member, the last winning candidate to be sworn in from the Asansol seat
in West Bengal.
Federal Bank The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Krishnan Founded:
Venkat Subramanian as the Managing Director & Chief Executive 23 April 1931
Officer of the Federal Bank.
IOC Nita Ambani was re-elected as the IOC member from India, winning Formation
unanimously with 100% vote, at the ongoing 142nd IOC session in Paris. 23 June 1894
Institute of Cost Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak has been elected unanimously as the new
Accountants of India President of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) for the
2024-25 period. He will succeed Ashwin Dalwadi, who was the
president for the 2023-24 period.
International Film Veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, known for films such as Mr. India, Founded:
Festival of India Bandit Queen and Elizabeth, has been appointed festival director for 24 January
the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). 1952
Shekhar Kapur will head the festival, held annually in Goa, for the 55th
and 56th editions.
Andaman and The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on July 25, appointed senior IPS --
Nicobar Islands officer Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal as the new Director General of
Police of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Prior to his new role,
Dhaliwal, a 1997-batch IPS officer, served as the special commissioner
of police in New Delhi, overseeing traffic zone-II.
Asian Cricket Pakistan Cricket Board’s incumbent chairman Mohsin Naqvi is set to Founded:
Council become the next president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) later 19 September
this year as per its rotation policy. 1983
Union Public Service  Preeti Sudan, the former Union Health Secretary, will ---
Commission assume the role of Chairperson of the Union Public
Service Commission (UPSC) starting August 1, under
Article 316 A of the Constitution.

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23rd – 31st July 2024
 She is currently serving as a member of the UPSC and will

succeed Manoj Soni, who resigned recently due to "personal
reasons."
 Preeti Sudan's tenure as Chairperson is set to last until April
2025, the time when she reaches the age of 65.
IMPORTANT DAYS
23rd July National Broadcasting National Broadcasting Day is celebrated in India every year on July
Day 23. This day marks the beginning of radio broadcasting in the
country. It is a day to remember and appreciate the impact of radio as
a medium of communication, entertainment, and education.
24th July Income Tax Day Income Tax Day, celebrated on 24th July, marks a significant
milestone in India's fiscal history. This day commemorates the
introduction of income tax in India by Sir James Wilson in 1860.
While this initial implementation laid the groundwork, it was the
comprehensive Income-tax Act of 1922 that truly established a
structured tax system in the country.
27 July Central Reserve Police The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) stands as a premier
Force day central police force of the Union of India, entrusted with the critical
task of maintaining internal security. Initially established as the
Crown Representatives Police on July 27, 1939, in response to
escalating political turmoil and unrest within the princely states, the
CRPF has evolved into one of the oldest and most distinguished
central paramilitary forces in the country. The force's creation was
notably influenced by the Madras Resolution of the All-India
Congress Committee in 1936, which underscored the need for a
robust internal security apparatus.
30 July World Day Against The 30th of July marks the World Day Against Trafficking in
Trafficking in Persons Persons.
This year’s theme, "Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against
Human Trafficking", highlights the critical need for inclusive and
focused efforts to protect children.

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OBITUARIES
Name of Person Field Points to Remember
M Master Mathan Politician BJP leader and former Nilgiris MP, M Master Mathan passed
away and the party hailed his contributions for the betterment of
the society and upliftment of the marginalised people.
He was 91 years old and passed away.
He was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1998 from the Nilgiris
constituency and reelected in 1999 from the same segment.
A former Tamil Nadu BJP vice-president, he has served as a
member of Parliamentary committees including one on
agriculture.
C.T. Kurien Economist C.T. Kurien, distinguished economist and former professor of
Madras Christian College, is no more.
SPORTS
Manu Bhaker wins Bronze at Paris 2024
 Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman shooter to claim an Olympic medal by snaring a bronze
in the 10m air pistol event on July 28.
 Manu Bhaker is now the 8th female athlete from India to clinch a medal at the Olympics.
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh Win Historic Bronze in 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Event at Paris
Olympics 2024
 In the Paris Olympics 2024, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh secured a bronze medal in the 10m air
pistol mixed team shooting event, defeating South Korea. Bhaker notably became the first Indian athlete
to win two medals in a single Olympics.
 In badminton, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty triumphed over Indonesia's pair in straight
sets, securing their spot in the quarter-finals after topping Group C. Meanwhile, Tanisha Crasto and
Ashwini Ponnappa were defeated in the women's doubles.
 The Indian men's hockey team won their second match of the group stage, defeating Ireland 2-0, with
Harmanpreet Singh scoring twice. This victory places them at the top of Pool B.

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 In individual sports, Bhajan Kaur advanced to the Round of 16 in women's archery, while Balraj Panwar
was eliminated from medal contention after finishing 5th in the men's single sculls quarterfinal.
 In men’s boxing, Amit Panghal was defeated by Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba in the 51kg Round of 16
bout.
Lewis Hamilton wins Belgian Grand Prix after George Russell disqualified for error
 Lewis Hamilton has been confirmed as the winner of the Belgian Grand Prix after George Russell was
disqualified.
 George Russell initially crossed the line first, but his car was found to be underweight at 796.5 kg,
violating Article 4.1 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations.
 This win marks Hamilton's second race victory of the season, having previously won the British Grand
Prix earlier in the year.
Abhinav Bindra Becomes The First Indian To Get Olympic Order Award
 Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian to win an individual Olympic medal, has been awarded the Olympic
Order for his outstanding services to the Olympic movement.
 The Olympic Order is the highest award given by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for
meritorious services.
 Abhinav Bindra, a member of the IOC Athletes Commission, is the first Indian to receive this prestigious
award.
 The decision to confer the award on Bindra was taken at the IOC Executive Board meeting in Paris,
with the award ceremony scheduled during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on August 10.
Goalkeeper Sreejesh to retire after Paris Olympics
 P.R. Sreejesh, after 18 years and 328 international games, announced that the Paris Olympics would be
his last appearance for India.
 The 36-year-old goalkeeper shared his retirement news on social media, reminiscing his journey and
signing off with “One last ride.”
 Hockey India (HI) confirmed his retirement and declared the tagline “Win it for Sreejesh” for the Indian
team's Olympic campaign.
 Sreejesh is one of the highest-capped Indian players and the highest-capped current goalkeeper
globally, known for ending Indian hockey’s medal drought with a bronze at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
 His achievements include medals in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Champions
Trophy, and a bronze in the 2021 Olympics, though he regrets missing a World Cup medal.
 Off the field, Sreejesh received the Padma Shri in 2017, the Khel Ratna in 2021, and was named FIH
Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021 and 2022.
 HI President Dilip Tirkey praised Sreejesh’s evolution from a young goalkeeper to a global hockey icon,
hinting at his future role as a coach to guide upcoming players.
IOA ropes in BPCL as principal sponsor
 The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) named Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) as its
official principal sponsor for four years, covering the Paris Olympics through to the 2028 Los Angeles
Games.
 The collaboration will also include support for the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Summer
Youth Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Winter Youth Olympics.
 BPCL will launch a series of campaigns to support the Indian contingent heading to the Paris Olympics.
 BPCL employs top athletes like M.M. Somaya (hockey gold medallist, 1980 Moscow Olympics), P.V.
Sindhu (silver and bronze medallist, 2016 and 2020 Olympics), and Saina Nehwal (bronze medallist,
2012 London Olympics).

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23rd – 31st July 2024
 Additionally, five players from the Tokyo Olympics bronze medal-winning men's hockey team are also
BPCL employees.
Harmanpreet Kaur Surpasses Smriti Mandhana to Become India’s Highest T20I Run-Getter
 Harmanpreet Kaur has surpassed Smriti Mandhana to become India's leading run-scorer in women's
T20I during the Women's Asia Cup T20 match against the UAE in Dambulla on July 21.
 Harmanpreet achieved this milestone by scoring 66 runs off 47 balls, surpassing Smriti's record of 3,378
runs, bringing her total to 3,415 runs in T20Is.
Yuki Bhambri bags the 2024 Swiss Open Gstaad Tennis Doubles Title
 Yuki Bhambri and Albano Olivetti won the 2024 Swiss Open Gstaad Men’s Doubles title, held in
Gstaad, Switzerland, from 15 to 21 July 2024. This event is an ATP 250 tournament played on clay courts.
 This victory marks Yuki Bhambri's third ATP title. He previously won the 2023 Mallorca Open doubles
title with Lloyd Harris and the 2024 BMW Open doubles title with Albano Olivetti.
 At the 2024 Swiss Open Gstaad, Bhambri and Olivetti defeated the French pair Fabrice Martin and Ugo
Humbert in the final on July 20, 2024.
 Matteo Berrettini won the Swiss Open Gstaad Singles Title, defeating Quentin Halys of France. This
was Berrettini's ninth ATP tour title and his second Swiss Open Gstaad singles title, having won previously
in 2018.
 The Swiss Open Gstaad 2024 was the 56th edition of the tournament, which began in 1915.
 The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) organizes various tournaments worldwide, with the
highest-ranked being Masters 1000, followed by ATP 500 and ATP 250.
Salt Lake City-Utah Named Host of Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games 2034
 Salt Lake City-Utah was named the host of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2034 at the
142nd International Olympic Committee Session in Paris.
 The Games will return to Utah 32 years after the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, marking
the fifth time the Winter Games are hosted in America.
 Gene Sykes, USOPC Chair, emphasized the collaborative and forward-looking vision of the Salt Lake
team, appreciating the support from the IOC and the Future Host Commission.
 The bid highlighted the legacy of the 2002 Games, utilizing existing venues with a sustainable plan that
avoids new permanent constructions.
 The 2034 Games vision focuses on athletes, with world-class venues near the Athletes’ Village and
strong community support for winter sports in Utah.
Oscar Piastri win his first Formula one title at the Hungarian GP
 Oscar Piastri of McLaren won his first Formula One title at the Hungarian Grand Prix on 21 July
2024 at the Hungaroring racing track, with teammate Lando Norris finishing second and Lewis
Hamilton of Mercedes third.
 The 2024 Formula One season includes 24 Grand Prix races, with the Hungarian Grand Prix being the
13th race. Max Verstappen leads the points table with seven wins and 265 points.
 Tadej Pogacar won the 2024 Tour de France, his third title, with Jonas Vingegaard finishing second.
The race, considered the most prestigious bicycle race, covers 3600 kilometres and awards the winner a
yellow jersey.
France gets conditional approval to host 2030 winter Olympics
 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the 2030 Winter Games to the French Alps,
conditional on financial commitments from France.

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23rd – 31st July 2024
 President Emmanuel Macron assured the IOC he would ask France's next prime minister for a financial
guarantee for hosting the Games.
 France is the only candidate to host the Games, but funding is uncertain due to the lack of a government
following inconclusive snap elections.
 Macron committed to asking the new prime minister to make a financial commitment and to create an
Olympic law.
 Macron expressed his full commitment and that of the French nation to hosting the Games, highlighting
the Winter Games as part of France's future.
 This statement was made two days before the opening ceremony of the Paris Summer Olympics.
Hockey India launched Athlete Management System to nurture talent
 Hockey India launched an advanced Athlete Management System (AMS) to revolutionize the
management and development of hockey talent nationwide, focusing on Elite Athlete Tracking and
Grassroots Talent Identification.
 The AMS will monitor top-tier players from the four national teams, providing personalized and data-driven
support to enhance performance and maintain a competitive edge.
 It will also track players from their earliest involvement in hockey through all levels of competition, ensuring
a strong pipeline of emerging talent for the future.
 Key features include comprehensive assessment tools, training load measurement, integration with
wearable devices, customized workout plans, detailed health and injury tracking, wellness
measurement, and secure data management.
India to host T20 Asia Cup 2025, 2027 edition in ODI format in Bangladesh
 India will host the men's Asia Cup cricket tournament in the T20 format in 2025, as announced by the
Asian Cricket Council in their Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI).
 This event will serve as a precursor to the T20 World Cup scheduled in India in 2026, following the
tradition of the Asia Cup as a preparatory event.
 In 2023, the Asia Cup was hosted by Pakistan but conducted in a 'Hybrid Model', with India's matches
held in Sri Lanka due to India's refusal to travel to Pakistan.
 The 2027 Asia Cup will be in the ODI format and is set to take place in Bangladesh, aligning with the
50-over World Cup in South Africa the same year.
 Both the T20 Asia Cup in 2025 and the 50-over Asia Cup in 2027 will feature 13 games each, totaling 26
matches.
 India, the defending champions, won the Asia Cup T20 last year, beating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets, with
Mohammed Siraj named Player of the Match for his figures of 7-1-21-6. India has won the Asia Cup title
eight times, the most in the tournament's history.
Sri Lanka clinch maiden Women's Asia Cup title with comprehensive win over India
 Sri Lanka won their first Women's Asia Cup title by defeating India with a clinical run-chase, marking the
second time in nine finals that India failed to win the Women's Asia Cup.
 Samarawickrama was named Player of the Match, while Chamari Athapaththu was awarded Player
of the Tournament for her 304 runs and three wickets.
 Historical winners of the Women's Asia Cup include India (2004, 2005-06, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2016,
2022), Bangladesh (2018), and now Sri Lanka (2024).
Sources of the News:
The Hindu,The Indian Express,Business Standard, The Financial Express ,PIB, etc.


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Beepedia Weekly Current Affairs (Beepedia) 23rd - 31st July 2024

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Weekly BeePedia

23rd – 31st July 2024

RBI, Banking and Economy ___________________________________________ 2

SEBI and Financial Awareness _________________________________________ 6

NABARD and Agriculture ___________________________________________ 9

Reports and Indexes _______________________________________________ 19

Science and Technology ___________________________________________ 22

Awards & Rewards ___________________________________________________ 30

Important Days ___________________________________________________ 34

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RBI, Banking and Economy

RBI fines Visa ₹24.1 million for unauthorised payment method

RBI releases PCA framework for UCBs

Survey on defence exports

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SUMMARY OF THE UNION BUDGET 2024-2025

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Russian coking coal imports at 5-year high in Q1FY25

SGBs set to power agri-solar, green H 2 ,metro rail projects

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India stands at the forefront of digital revolution

NCAER pegs FY25 GDP growth at 7-7.5%

Karnataka Bank partners with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company

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United States overtakes UAE as India’s second largest LNG supplier

SEBI AND FINANCIAL AWARENESS

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Over 70% intraday traders booked losses in FY23: SEBI

Remittances to touch $160 bn in 2029

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Mudra loans limit doubled to Rs 20 lakh in huge boost to MSMEs

NEW PENSION SCHEME ‘VATSALYA’ ANNOUNCED FOR MINORS; CONTRIBUTION BY PARENTS

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NABARD and AGRICULTURE

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National Maritime Domain Awareness centre to be ready in three years

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Five new schemes to aid job creation

New scheme to focus on uplift of tribal villages

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India's First Offshore Mineral Auctions

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Moidams – the Mound-Burial system of the Ahom Dynasty

‘States have unlimited right to tax mineral-rich lands’

Two halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan get names reflecting republican ethos

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United States overtakes UAE as India’s second largest LNG supplier

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Laos Unveils World’s First Stamp of Lord Rama

Japan’s Sado gold mine gains UNESCO status

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4th century Gaza monastery put on endangered site list

Royal burial mounds of Assam now on UNESCO World Heritage List

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Rajasthan announces quota for Agniveers in State police force

Gujarat to set up GRIT think-tank on lines of Niti Aayog