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29th July 2022

 

 

NATIONAL

Uddhav's nephew meets Maha CM Shinde, extends support to ruling alliance

Nihar Thackeray, nephew of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday and extended his support to the ruling alliance. "On this occasion, I heartily welcomed him and gave my best wishes for his future social and political endeavours," Shinde tweeted, after the meeting. Nihar Thackeray is the grandson of party Founder late Bal Thackeray.

Congress' Adhir apologises to Prez for 'Rashtrapatni' remark, calls it 'slip of tongue'

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Friday tendered a written apology to President Droupadi Murmu for referring to her as "Rashtrapatni", amid a row over the remark in the Parliament. Chowdhury said he "mistakenly used an incorrect word to describe" the President's position, adding, "I assure you it was a slip of the tongue." He had earlier refused to apologise.

Price rise debate to be held on Monday in Lok Sabha: Reports

A discussion on price rise will be held in Lok Sabha under Rule 193 on Monday and in Rajya Sabha under Rule 176 on Tuesday, reports said. This comes after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recovered from COVID-19 and returned to Parliament on Thursday. Opposition MPs have been demanding a debate on inflation and GST rates since the Monsoon Session began.

Abbott FreeStyle Libre aims to make glucose monitoring prick-free

Abbott announced the launch of FreeStyle Libre, a sensor-based monitoring device, aiming to help people with diabetes to track their glucose levels. The wearable product monitors glucose levels without fingerpricks & time spent in desired glucose range. It enables users to make informed decisions on lifestyle modification & dietary control while sharing real-time data with experts, said the brand.

 

 

 

Tamil Nadu govt rolls out 'Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme' 

Tamil Nadu government has issued an order to implement the first phase of the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme at 1,545 government primary schools for the benefit of over 1.14 lakh children in Classes I-V during 2022-23.  The cost would be Rs. 33.56 crores. Breakfast consisting of a meal with sambar and vegetables will be provided to children in all working schools.  Every student is to be provided a 150-500 gram breakfast with sambar with vegetables. On two days, the breakfast will be made of millets.

Kerala govt to launch "Kerala Savari" online cab service 

The Kerala government is all set to come up with an alternative to the popular corporate online cab service by launching its own e-taxi service next month, considered to be the first such initiative by any state government in the country.  The service named 'Kerala Savari', the online taxi hiring service is being rolled out by the state. This is for the first time that a state government is launching an online taxi service in the country.  "Kerala Savari", considered to be the first such initiative by any state government in the country, is being rolled out by the state Labour Department linking the existing auto-taxi networks in the state with an aim to ensure safe and dispute-free travel for the public at affordable rates prevailing in the state.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL

We support 'one China' policy on Taiwan: Russia's Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday said that Moscow supports Beijing's "one China" policy on Taiwan. "We have no problem with upholding the principle of China's sovereignty," Lavrov told media. This comes a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Joe Biden against a potential visit to Taiwan by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

No date set for leaving International Space Station: Russia

Russian space agency chief Yuri Borisov has said his country hasn't set a date to leave the International Space Station and that it won't happen till its own outpost is operational. Borisov earlier said Russia will leave the station after 2024 and build its own platform. ISS was launched in 1998 by Russian, American, Japanese, Canadian and European space agencies.

26-year-old Manisha becomes Pakistan's first Hindu woman DSP

Manisha Ropeta, who belongs to Pakistan's minority Hindu community, has become the country's first Hindu female Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). "I joined the police because I feel we need 'protector' women in our society," said Ropeta, adding, "I want to...encourage gender equality in the police force." The 26-year-old will take charge as the DSP in the Sindh Police force.

Agreements News

Talgo and Bharat Forge inks a contract for the production of trains 

A joint venture to produce high-speed passenger trains has been established by BF Infrastructure Ltd., a fully owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd., and Talgo India Pvt Ltd., a fully owned subsidiary of Spanish manufacturer Patentes Talgo S.L.  The cooperation will take advantage of forthcoming local requirements in the field as well as new economic prospects in the railways sector.  The Atmanirbhar Bharat programme of the Union government is anticipated to benefit from this collaboration. It will assist in bringing cutting-edge, high-speed rail technology and solutions.

Egypt signs $8 billion agreement with India for Suez Canal Economic Zone 

Egypt and an Indian company have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to construct a green hydrogen factory in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, according to a cabinet announcement.  The MoU states that Indian ReNew Power Private Limited (RENE.BO) will invest $8 billion to construct a facility that will create 20,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually.  According to the Chairman of the renewable energy company, ReNew Power and the Egyptian government signed a preliminary deal to invest up to $8 billion to create green hydrogen there.

BANKING , BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Govt receives bids worth ₹1,49,855 crore in 5G spectrum auction

The auction for the 5G spectrum concluded for the fourth day on Friday and will continue till Saturday, Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed. Vaishnaw added that the auction on Friday witnessed 23 rounds of bidding, which fetched bids worth ₹1,49,855 crore. Mukesh Ambani's Jio, Sunil Bharti Mittal's Bharti Airtel, Vodafone-Idea and Gautam Adani are vying to buy the 5G airwaves.

Patnas Deedargunj, Bandhan Bank unveils its first currency vault 

Bandhan Bank opened its first currency chest in Deedargunj, Patna. As per the bank, this currency chest will assist individuals, MSMEs, and small business owners by supplying currency notes to bank branches and ATMs as needed.  The currency chest would provide storage for the bank branches, which will also benefit from Patna's frequent cash transactions.  In this fiscal year, the bank intends to establish more than 530 additional bank locations throughout the nation.  The distribution of the new branches will mostly be in North, West, and South India.

Union Bank sets ‘RACE’ goal as its strategy of getting among top 3 PSBs 

A. Manimekhalai, MD & CEO of Union Bank of India (UBI), wants Union Bank of India to surpass other Public Sector Banks and take the third-largest Public Sector Bank position in a time of few years.  Union Bank of India may even take into consideration buying a bank along the route. Manimekhalai, who became UBI’s first female leader on June 7th, emphasised that the bank has set “RACE” as its aim for the year.  “RACE” — grow RAM (retail, agriculture and MSME) loans, improve Asset quality, increase CASA (current account, savings account deposits) and increase Earnings — as its goal for the year.

India Received the Highest Annual FDI Inflows Of USD 84.8 billion In FY 21-22 

India received the highest annual Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of almost $85 billion in FY 21-22. India is rapidly emerging as a preferred country for FDI in the manufacturing sector.  FDI Equity inflow in Manufacturing Sectors have increased by 76% in FY 2021-22 ($ 21.34 billion) compared to previous FY 2020-21.  Foreign direct investment (FDI) is an investment made by a company or an individual in one country into business interests located in another country. FDI is an important driver of economic growth.

Defence News

INS Vikrant: Navy receives India's first indigenous aircraft carrier 

The indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant, which was created by the Navy's own Directorate of Naval Design and will likely be commissioned on Independence Day, was delivered to the Navy by the Cochin Shipyard.  It bears the name of the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant, India's first aircraft carrier, which was an important participant in the war of 1971. The 262-meter-long carrier is significantly larger and more modern than her predecessor, with a full displacement of around 45,000 tonnes. The aircraft carrier has a top speed of 28 knots and is propelled by four gas turbines with a combined 88 MW of power.

Two MH-60 Romeo helicopters delivered to the Indian Navy 

At Cochin International Airport, the American Navy delivered two MH-60 R multipurpose helicopters to the Indian Navy. All 24 MH 60R helicopters will be delivered by the end of 2025, with the third helicopter due to arrive in August of this year. Under its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, the US Department of State has authorised the sale of 24 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters to India. The potential is about USD 2.6 billion.

Awards News

Boris Johnson gives Churchill Leadership Award to Ukraine's Zelenskyy 

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the Sir Winston Churchill Leadership Award, drawing comparisons between the two leaders in times of crisis.  Zelenskyy accepted the award by video link during a ceremony at Johnson's London office that was attended by members of the Churchill family, Ukrainian Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko and Ukrainians who have received training from British soldiers.  The Churchill leadership award was first presented in 2006. Past recipients include Prince Charles, former British Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major, and former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Summits and Conferences News

UAE, France, and India conduct discussions for maritime security 

The focal points for India, France, and the United Arab Emirates met in trilateral fashion.  The next measures for enhancing trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific area were also discussed.  Maritime Security, Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief, Blue Economy, Regional Connectivity, Cooperation in Multilateral Fora, Energy and Food Security, Innovation and Startups, Supply Chain Resilience, and Cultural and People-to-People Cooperation were some of the potential areas of trilateral cooperation that the three sides discussed.

Science and Technology News

ISRO generated $279 million in foreign currency through satellite launches

Dr. Jitendra Singh, India’s Minister of State for Science and Technology, said in front of the parliament that the launch of foreign satellites by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) brought in $279 million in foreign currency.  Antrix, the commercial arm of ISRO, made this money by launching 345 foreign satellites from 34 different nations. 56 million of these gains were paid out in dollars, while 223 million were paid out in euros (220 million Euros). There are 2,226 crore rupees in the total.

Sports News

 

New Zealand record their highest-ever total in T20I cricket

New Zealand on Friday recorded their highest-ever total in T20I cricket by registering 254/5 against Scotland in the second T20I in Edinburgh. New Zealand's previous highest T20I total had come on January 3, 2018, when they recorded 243/5 against West Indies. New Zealand had also scored 243/6 against Australia on February 16, 2018.

India defeat West Indies in 1st T20I as Rohit Sharma breaks 2 world records

India defeated West Indies by 68 runs in the first T20I on Friday. Batting first, India put up a total of 190/6 before restricting West Indies to 122/8 in 20 overs. India captain Rohit Sharma broke two world records. He became the highest run-scorer in T20Is (3,443 runs). He recorded his 31st 50-plus T20I score, the most by any batter.

 

 

Asia Cup 2022 shifted from Sri Lanka to the UAE 

As informed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the Asia Cup 2022 will now be held in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Earlier this event was scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka.  However, due to the economic crisis in the island nation, the tournament has been shifted to UAE. But the hosting rights of the game will still remain with Sri Lanka.  The tournament will be held from August 27 to September 11, 2022, in the T20 format. This is the second consecutive time that the tournament will be played in the UAE.

 

 

England's Leicester Cricket Ground named after Sunil Gavaskar 

England's Leicester Cricket Ground has been named after India's legendary cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar.  The Leicester Cricket Ground, the ownership of which lies with Bharat Sports and Cricket Club, has decided to name the ground after Gavaskar to acknowledge his immense contribution to uplifting Indian Cricket to a certain height.  There has been a ground already named after Sunil Gavaskar in the Kentucky area of the United States of America (USA) and there is another ground going through its finishing touches in the Zanzibar area of the African nation Tanzania which is also named after the former Indian opener.

Formula-one champion Sebastian Vettel announces retirement

Four-time Formula One champion, Sebastian Vettel who is currently a part of Aston Martin announced his retirement. The 35-year-old German driver declared that he will retire at the end of the season.  He is one of the most successful drivers in the F1 race is currently third on the list of all-time Grand Prix winners with 53 victories, trailing only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

22nd Commonwealth Games kicks off at Birmingham, UK 

The 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games kicked off with a glitzy opening ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The Prince of Wales, reading out from the Queen's letter, declares the Games open.  A total of 72 teams took part in the parade into Birmingham's Alexander Stadium. PV Sindhu and Manpreet Singh were India’s flag-bearers at the parade of the CWG opening ceremony.

Important Days

International Tiger Day 2022 observed globally on 29 July

International Tiger Day is observed globally on 29th July every year. The day is celebrated to raise awareness among individuals, organisations, and governments about the importance of the conservation of tigers. This day aims to encourage all to take appropriate action to save the wild cats. As per World Wildlife Fund, approximately 95 per cent of the population of tigers has declined in the last 150 years.  This year's theme for International Tiger Day 2022 is “India launches Project Tiger to revive the tiger population”. They support initiatives that collaborate with regional people to safeguard tigers and also take strong action against poaching and illegal trade.

World Nature Conservation Day 2022 celebrates globally 

World Nature Conservation Day is observed on July 28 every year. The objective is to spread awareness regarding the preservation of nature and biodiversity for a healthy environment which is required for stable and prospering humankind.  It is also marked as the day to create positive opinions about climate change. World Nature Conservation Day acknowledges that a healthy environment is a foundation for a stable and healthy society.  This year World Nature Conservation Day will be celebrated under the theme “Cut Down on Plastic.”

Obituaries News

Famous UK-based Punjabi singer Balwinder Safri passes away

Veteran Punjabi singer Balwinder Safri has passed away. He was 63. Punjab-born Safri, who was based in Birmingham, was part of the UK bhangra scene since 1980 and formed the Safri Boyz Band in 1990.  Safri, known for hit Punjabi tracks such as “Rahaye Rahaye” and “Chan Mere Makhna”, slipped into coma in April after suffering brain damage following a heart surgery. He was discharged from New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton on July 15 after recovering from coma and was moved to a specialist rehabilitation centre.

Padma Shri awardee Sushovan Banerjee passes away

Padma Shri Sushovan Banerjee famous as Bengal’s ‘one rupee doctor’ has passed away. Based in Bolpur, Birbhum district, Banerjee was known for treating patients for nearly 60 years at Re 1 per visit.  In 2020, he was conferred with the Padma Shri for his contribution in the field of medicine. In the same year, his name found a place in the Guinness World Records for treating the aximum number of patients.

 

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