Current Affairs - July 20, 2024 Current Affairs

Vinay Kwatra, the former Foreign Secretary of India, has been appointed as India's new Ambassador to the United States, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. He will take over the role that has been vacant since January 2024 following Taranjit Sandhu's retirement. Kwatra brings extensive diplomatic experience to the position, having served in various key roles, including as a diplomat in Geneva, South Africa, Uzbekistan, Beijing, and at the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal. His career in the Indian Foreign Service began in 1988, and he has held numerous significant positions since then.

Bharti Airtel Ltd. was awarded the Taxnet 2.0 project by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). This project is intended to provide advanced network connectivity, facility management services, and video conferencing services to the Income Tax Department. Bharti Airtel was selected through an open tender process, and Taxnet 2.0 will enhance the IT department's digital infrastructure by ensuring secure, reliable, and seamless connectivity. The project's key features include enhanced security, higher reliability, and seamless connectivity, all aimed at improving tax services for citizens and businesses.

Madhya Pradesh was recognized as the 'Best Performing State' under the Prime Minister SVANidhi scheme, which aims to support urban street vendors with collateral-free loans up to ₹50,000. This accolade was announced by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, highlighting Madhya Pradesh's effective management and implementation of the scheme. Launched in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PM SVANidhi scheme helps street vendors recover from the economic impact by providing micro-credit, thereby enhancing their financial stability and supporting small businesses.

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom), inaugurated the centre of excellence on "Classical and Quantum Communications for 6G" at IITM Research Park, Chennai. This sub-centre of Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE)-India is set to lead the development and deployment of 6G technology, offering unprecedented speeds, ultra-low latency, and enhanced connectivity. The centre aims to bring together academic and industry experts to collaborate on innovative projects, helping to shape the standards and infrastructure for 6G networks globally. The initiative also includes a workshop to foster collaboration among selected proposals for 6G R&D.

The National Landslide Forecasting Centre (NLFC) was inaugurated in Kolkata by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy. This centre is designed to address and mitigate landslide hazards through live forecasting reports and early warning bulletins. Additionally, the Bhusanket Web Portal and Bhooskhalan Mobile App were launched alongside the NLFC to provide real-time data and enhance the accuracy of landslide forecasting. The establishment of the NLFC in Kolkata represents a significant step towards improving landslide management and response in vulnerable regions.

India and Taiwan have implemented the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for organic products, marking the first bilateral agreement for organic products between the two countries. The agreement, executed by APEDA from India and AFA from Taiwan, aims to streamline organic product exports by avoiding dual certifications, reducing compliance costs, and enhancing trade opportunities. This will facilitate the export of key Indian organic products such as rice, processed food, green/black and herbal tea, and medicinal plant products to Taiwan, boosting trade in the organic sector.

International Chess Day is celebrated annually on July 20th. This date is significant as it commemorates the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) on July 20, 1924, in Paris, France. Recognized by UNESCO since 1966, International Chess Day promotes the game of chess as a tool for education, the development of logical thinking, and cultural exchange. The day honours the profound impact of chess on global culture and intellectual development, making it a key date in the chess community's calendar.

The theme for India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, "The Future is Now," was unveiled by Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. This theme underscores India's leadership in advancing 6G technology and its role in shaping the future of telecommunications. The event will feature innovative solutions, facilitate over 500 meetings with more than 1,000 investors, and include MoUs for enhancing cybersecurity capacity. The theme reflects a forward-looking approach, emphasizing the immediate advancements and future potential in the technology sector.

LIC has entered into a partnership with IDFC First Bank to provide online life insurance policies. This collaboration enables over 1 crore customers of IDFC First Bank to purchase LIC policies directly through the bank's website. IDFC First Bank, led by CEO V. Vaidyanathan, is facilitating this offering, showcasing its role in expanding insurance access through digital channels. The partnership with LIC, chaired by Siddharth Mohanty, aims to enhance customer convenience and broaden the reach of life insurance products.

Lallianzuala Chhangte, a winger for Mumbai City FC, won the AIFF Men's Player of the Year award for the 2023-24 season. This marks his second consecutive win, making him one of only five players to receive the award multiple times. His outstanding performance included scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists in all competitions, being the highest-scoring Indian in the Indian Super League (ISL), and scoring against Qatar in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June 2024.

Sanjeev Krishan has been re-elected as the Chairperson of PwC India for a second term, beginning April 1, 2025. Krishan, who started his first term on January 1, 2021, joined PwC in 1991 as an articled trainee and has had a significant impact on the firm. In addition to his role as Chairperson, he will continue to serve on the PwC Global Strategy Council. His re-election underscores his leadership and contributions to the firm's strategic direction and global presence.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Mini-Ratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Railways, has been promoted to a 'Schedule A' category. This upgrade, announced on July 19, 2024, signifies recognition of IRCTC's strong financial performance and efficient management. Over the past three fiscal years, IRCTC has shown remarkable financial growth, with increasing total income, profit after tax, and dividends. The promotion is seen as a testament to IRCTC's effectiveness in managing operations in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.

International Moon Day is observed annually on July 20, commemorating humanity's achievements in lunar exploration. This date marks the anniversary of the first human landing on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the lunar surface. The United Nations designated this day to highlight the significance of lunar exploration and to promote peaceful space cooperation. The resolution to establish International Moon Day was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2021.