Current Affairs 31 July 2024

National Affairs

MoE Celebrates 4th Anniversary of NEP 2020 with “Shiksha Saptah” Campaign

On July 29, 2024, the Ministry of Education (MoE) of India celebrated the 4th anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with a week-long campaign called “Shiksha Saptah” from July 22-28, 2024. The event took place at the Manekshaw Centre Auditorium in New Delhi. The campaign featured seven different themes for each day to mark the anniversary. Schools participated in various activities and enrolled in the Vidyanjali program. The Akhil Bharitya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) 2024 was also held to celebrate the adoption of NEP 2020 and to encourage stakeholders to support its effective implementation.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Launches ‘Ideas4LiFE’ Initiative at IIT Delhi

On July 29, 2024, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) launched the ‘Ideas4LiFE’ initiative at IIT Delhi. This initiative, hosted on the portal Ideas4Life.nic.in, allows participants to submit ideas and innovations that promote environmentally friendly lifestyles. The portal was developed in collaboration with UNICEF YuWaah. The initiative aims to inspire students, faculty, and research scholars to contribute innovative ideas to the global Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). The initiative covers themes like Save Water, Save Energy, Reduce Waste, and more. During the event, Minister Yadav also planted a sapling as part of the ‘EkPedMaaKeNaam’ movement.

DoP Releases Commemorative Postage Stamp on 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti

The Department of Posts (DoP) under the Ministry of Communications released a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 5 to mark the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Dras, Kargil in Ladakh. The stamp honors the military’s historic victory and ensures that future generations remember the soldiers’ courage and sacrifices. The Rajat Jayanti of Kargil Vijay Diwas was observed to pay tribute to the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Vijay in 1999.

BIS & GBPUAT Sign MoU to Develop Standardised Agriculture Demonstration Farm

On July 24, 2024, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) to develop the first ‘Standardised Agriculture Demonstration Farm’ (SADF) in India. This collaboration aims to enhance agricultural practices by integrating Indian Standards, benefiting farmers, and advancing agricultural innovation. The farms will serve as experimental sites to test and implement various agricultural practices and new technologies.

Banking & Finance

SEBI Launches AI Chatbot ‘SEVA’ for Investors

On July 29, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched an AI-based chatbot named SEVA (Sebi’s Virtual Assistant) to assist investors in accessing information and responses on various processes. SEVA provides answers regarding the securities market, master circulars, and grievance redressal procedures. The chatbot features citation support, speech-to-text, text-to-speech functionalities, and can handle follow-up questions. It is accessible on SEBI’s investor website and the SAARTHI mobile app.

Shriram Group Gets RBI Approval to Enter Asset Reconstruction Sector

Chennai-based Shriram Group received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to enter the Asset Reconstruction (ARC) sector in the financial year 2024-2025. Shriram Credit, a subsidiary of Shriram Capital Limited (SCL), will oversee the wealth management aspect, while SCL will manage ARC operations. Shriram Finance Limited (SFL) projects a 15% growth in Assets Under Management (AUM) for FY25.

ICICI Lombard & Karnataka Bank Announce Strategic Bancassurance Partnership

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited announced a strategic bancassurance partnership with Karnataka Bank Limited to offer ICICI Lombard’s insurance products to Karnataka Bank customers. The insurance products will be available across Karnataka Bank’s 915 branches, reaching over 13 million customers nationwide. This partnership aims to provide long-term financial security and increase insurance penetration in India.

NIIT IFBI & HDFC Bank Launch ‘ACE Banker Program’

NIIT Institute of Finance, Banking and Insurance (NIIT IFBI) launched the ‘ACE Banker Program’ in collaboration with HDFC Bank Limited. This program aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in customer service roles at HDFC Bank. The program includes 45 days of residential training at the NIIT University campus. Successful candidates will earn a joint certificate from HDFC Bank and NIIT and receive job offers.

Economy & Business

Indian Economy Expected to Grow from 7% to 7.5% in FY25: NCAER

The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) projected that India’s GDP is likely to grow between 7% and 7.5% in FY25, based on a normal monsoon and momentum in high-frequency indicators like bank credit growth. The Economic Survey 2023-24 reported an 8.2% GDP growth in FY24. The Union Budget for FY25 emphasized fiscal prudence and capital expenditure, projecting nominal GDP growth at 10.5%.

Awards & Recognitions

Union Minister Jitendra Singh Conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ during the 2024 International Meet of medical professionals in Chennai. The award recognizes his dedication to the advancement of diabetology, diabetes care, and research. Dr. Singh is a renowned teacher, professor, researcher, and practitioner of Diabetology and has authored several books on diabetes.

DMRC Wins Global Water Tech Award 2024 for Environmental Initiatives

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) won the ‘Global Water Tech Award 2024’ by the Global Energy & Environment Foundation (GEEF) for its initiatives in water conservation and efficient utilization of water resources. DMRC’s efforts include rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment plants, and the use of treated effluent for construction and horticulture. These initiatives have promoted environmental sustainability in urban infrastructure development.

Appointments & Resignations

President Droupadi Murmu Appoints 6 New Governors; Reshuffles 3 Governors; Appoints LG for Puducherry

President Droupadi Murmu appointed new Governors in nine states and a new Lieutenant Governor for Puducherry. The appointments will be effective from the dates the Governors assume charge of their respective offices.

Acquisitions & Mergers

UltraTech Signs Agreement with India Cements Limited to Buy Additional 32.72% Stake for Rs 3,954 crore

UltraTech Cement Limited signed a Share Purchase Agreement with the promoters of India Cements Limited to purchase an additional 32.72% stake for Rs 3,954 crore. This acquisition will increase UltraTech’s stake in India Cements to 55.49%, making it a subsidiary of UltraTech. The acquisition will help UltraTech increase its cement capacity and market share.

Sports

Sri Lanka Beats India to Win the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 Title for the First Time

The Sri Lankan Women’s cricket team, captained by Chamari Athapaththu, won their first Women’s T20 Asia Cup title by defeating the Indian women’s cricket team, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, by 8 wickets in the finals held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka. This marks Sri Lanka’s first title in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup.

Important Days

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2024 – July 30

The United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30 to raise awareness about human trafficking victims and promote their rights. The 2024 theme is ‘Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking’. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the observance.

sathee Recommends Oliveboard Mock Test

Candidates preparing for competitive exams can benefit from Oliveboard Mock Tests for various exams like IBPS RRB Officer, SBI Clerk, and more. Download the Current Affairs APP for daily updates and quizzes.