National News
Ministry Of Steel Launches ‘Steel Import Monitoring System’ 2.0 Portal
Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, launched SIMS 2.0, the upgraded Steel Import Monitoring System. Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, and other senior officials from the Government of India were present at the moment.
Renaming of Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Halls to Reflect Indian Values
President Droupadi Murmu has renamed two important halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan, formerly known as ‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall’, to ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap’ respectively. This change is part of ongoing efforts to reflect Indian cultural values and ethos within the President’s official residence.
India’s Installed Nuclear Power Capacity to Triple by 2031-32
India’s installed nuclear power capacity is set to increase from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, according to Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. The announcement was made in a written reply to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha. Dr. Singh also highlighted India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and projected a need for a national nuclear capacity of approximately 100,000 MW by 2047.
Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates India’s 500th Community Radio Station in Aizawl
In a significant milestone for India’s community radio landscape, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the country’s 500th community radio station, Apna Radio 90.0 FM, at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Aizawl, Mizoram. This event underscores the government’s commitment to the Act East policy and marks a key development in enhancing local communication and information dissemination.
Banking News
AU Small Finance Bank Seeks Universal Banking License
AU Small Finance Bank’s board has approved a proposal to transition from a Small Finance Bank (SFB) to a universal bank. This decision aligns with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines issued on August 1, 2016, and the circular on voluntary transition of SFBs to universal banks dated April 26, 2024. A four-member Committee of Directors has been formed to oversee the application process, with HR Khan, the bank’s part-time Chairman and Independent Director, serving as Chairperson.
Schemes News
Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024 Launch in Dhanbad
On July 25, 2024, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, launched the Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024 at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Dhanbad. This initiative, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, was simultaneously conducted across 300 locations in 47 districts within 11 coal/lignite-bearing states.
Awards News
10th National Community Radio Awards announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw
On July 25, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in India’s community radio landscape. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards and inaugurated the country’s 500th Community Radio Station. The event was graced by the presence of Mizoram’s Chief Minister, Lalduhoma, marking the importance of this occasion for both national and regional development in communications.
Rajbhasha Gaurav Samman 2023-24 Award Ceremony
The Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC) honored Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Visakhapatnam with the ‘Rajbhasha Gaurav Samman’ for the year 2023-24. The event was hosted by NTPC and was presided over by Atul Bhatt, Chairman of TOLIC and CMD of RINL.
Defence News
Indian Army Departs for Multinational Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2024
The Indian Army contingent has embarked on its journey to participate in the multinational military exercise KHAAN QUEST 2024. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place from 27th July to 9th August 2024 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The exercise serves as a platform for military forces worldwide to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities.
Science and Technology News
Discovery of Lithium Resources in Mandya and Yadgiri Districts, Karnataka by AMD
The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has identified lithium resources in the Mandya and Yadgiri districts of Karnataka. Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the discovery of 1,600 tonnes (G3 stage) of lithium in the Marlagalla area of Mandya district. Preliminary surveys and limited subsurface exploration were also carried out in Yadgiri district.
Mankind Pharma Acquires Bharat Serums and Vaccines For Rs 13,600 Crore
Mankind Pharma has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 100 per cent stake in Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV) from Advent International. It is one of the world’s largest and most experienced private equity investors, for an enterprise value of Rs 13,630 crore, subject to closing related adjustments.
Important Days
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024, Remembering India’s Triumph in the Kargil War
Every year on July 26, India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the brave hearts of the Indian Army and celebrate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan during the 1999 Kargil Conflict. This day holds significant importance in India’s military history, marking the successful conclusion of Operation Vijay.
Obituaries News
Former Indonesia Vice President Hamzah Haz Dies at 84
Hamzah Haz, the vice-president of Indonesia from 2001 to 2004, has died. He was aged 84. Hamzah, who served under President Megawati Soekarnoputri, died at a hospital in Jakarta on July 24, a politician from the Development Planning Party, known as PPP, said in a locally televised interview.
Veteran Marathi Writer Father Francis D’Britto Dies At 81
Vasai-based Catholic priest Father Francis D’Britto, writer and environmentalist, who translated the Bible into Marathi, passed away on July 25, 2024, after prolonged illness. D’Britto (81) breathed his last at his home in Vasai in Palghar district.
