Current Affairs - July 22, 2024 Current Affairs

The PM Surya Ghar scheme mandates the 100% solarisation of all government buildings in India by 2025. Ministries have been instructed to utilize rooftop solar systems through CAPEX or RESCO models, with Public Sector Undertakings aiding in the deployment. Notably, NHPC and Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited have signed a pact for implementation, although no central financial assistance is provided.

India's National Flag was adopted on July 22, 1947, by the Constituent Assembly chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, a few days before the country attained Independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. This day is commemorated as National Flag Day, symbolizing national pride, unity, and the struggle for freedom, and paying tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters.

China has introduced the world’s first carbon fibre high-speed train, which is designed to reach speeds of up to 87 mph while using 7% less energy compared to traditional steel trains. This innovation highlights China’s leadership in high-speed rail technology, complementing its status as the country with the largest high-speed rail network globally, covering over 22,000 miles (35,000 km). This move reflects China's ongoing commitment to advancing transportation technology and sustainability in the rail sector.

Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj have made history by becoming the first Asian men to be inducted into the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame. This induction not only honours their remarkable individual careers and contributions to tennis but also signifies a significant milestone for the sport in the Asian continent. The ceremony in Newport, USA, highlighted their achievements, placing them among the greatest figures in tennis history.

Manolo Marquez was appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men’s football team by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on July 20. Marquez, a Spaniard with extensive coaching experience in India and abroad, has previously transformed Hyderabad FC into ISL champions and led FC Goa to significant achievements. His track record of developing young Indian players and his success in the Indian Super League (ISL) make him an ideal choice for the national team head coach position.

Nuno Borges, a Portuguese professional tennis player, won his first ATP Tour title by defeating Rafael Nadal at the Nordea Open in Bastad. Borges showcased a strong performance, breaking Nadal's serve five times and maintaining consistency throughout the match. He achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 42 on July 22, 2024.

The Shramik Basera Scheme 2024, launched by the Gujarat state government, aims to provide temporary housing facilities to financially unstable individuals, specifically targeting labourers and construction workers. The scheme will establish 17 housing structures across various cities, offering affordable accommodation for just INR 5 per day. This initiative is designed to improve the standard of living for these workers, ensuring they have secure and affordable housing while working in different locations.

Madhya Pradesh has mandated that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) must obtain written consent from the state government before initiating any inquiry against state officials. This move aligns with a broader trend where several states, including Meghalaya, Mizoram, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Punjab, have withdrawn general consent for CBI investigations. The decision aims to assert more state control over central investigative agencies and reflects the evolving dynamics of federal governance in India.

ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), a subsidiary of ONGC, recently acquired Norwegian firm Equinor’s stakes in Azerbaijan’s offshore Azeri Chirag Gunashli (ACG) oil field and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline for $60 million. This acquisition increases OVL’s stake in the ACG oil field to 2.95% and in the BTC pipeline to 3.097%, highlighting OVL's strategic investment in international energy assets.

IndusInd Bank has launched the 'Wrestle for Glory' program in collaboration with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) as part of its CSR initiative. This program is designed to empower 50 talented female wrestling athletes from across India by providing them with coaching at the IIS facility on fully-funded scholarships. The initiative is part of the 'IndusInd For Sports' vertical, which aims to promote inclusivity and excellence in sports, emphasizing the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including different genders, persons with disabilities, and underprivileged communities.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy introduced the "Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam" scheme to provide ₹1 lakh financial assistance to Civil Services aspirants who qualify for the Mains. Funded by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL), the scheme targets around 400 candidates annually, focusing on SC, ST, OBC, Women, and EWS categories with family incomes below ₹8 lakhs.

Airbus, in collaboration with Tata, is set to launch India's first H125 helicopter by 2026, with an initial production capacity of 10 units per year. This partnership supports India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities. Airbus is investing in the Indian aerospace market despite regulatory challenges and views India as a future leader in the commercial helicopter sector, comparable to the United States. This venture signifies a significant step in advancing India's aerospace industry and enhancing self-reliance in defence and aviation.

Captain Supreetha C.T. has made history as the first woman officer from the Corps of Army Air Defence to be operationally deployed at the Siachen Glacier. This significant achievement represents a major milestone in gender equality and women’s empowerment within the Indian Armed Forces, showcasing her personal valour and the progressive integration of women into frontline combat roles in the Indian Army. Her deployment at such a challenging and strategic location underscores her exceptional dedication and capabilities.

Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the first-ever Olympic eSports Games in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the integration of eSports with traditional Olympic events. The country has committed to hosting the event regularly for 12 years, underlining its dedication to advancing the eSports industry. Additionally, Riyadh will hold the "eSports World Cup" from July 3 to August 25, featuring over 500 teams and a substantial prize pool exceeding $60 million. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader effort to strengthen global ties and promote eSports, including recent collaborations such as the MoU with the Japan eSports Union.

The Assam Cabinet has approved the repeal of the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act of 1935 through the Assam Repealing Bill, 2024. This move, announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aims to address issues of child marriage and bring modern parity to the registration of marriages and divorces. The repeal follows the Cabinet's decision in February to update outdated laws and implement stricter safeguards against child marriage, ensuring contemporary societal norms and legal standards are met.

Kush Maini, an Indian driver, achieved his first-ever Formula 2 win at the Hungarian Grand Prix after Richard Verschoor was disqualified for a technical infringement. Maini's victory, which came as a result of Verschoor's car not meeting the minimum thickness requirement for the plank, marked his fifth podium of the season and positioned him eighth in the championship standings. This significant win not only highlights Maini’s competitive performance throughout the season but also brings pride to India in the international motorsport arena.

National Mango Day is celebrated every year on July 22 to honour the mango, a fruit known for its exquisite taste and numerous health benefits. The date was officially recognized by the National Horticulture Board of India in 1987 to celebrate the mango's cultural and culinary significance. This annual celebration highlights the historical and cultural importance of mangoes, which have been an integral part of Indian culture for over 5,000 years.

Uttarakhand has distinguished itself by becoming the first state to launch the Gross Environment Product (GEP) index, assigning monetary value to its natural resources such as air, water, forest, and soil. This initiative reflects a 0.9% increase in GEP from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating the state's dedication to environmental valuation. Additionally, Uttarakhand recently achieved the top rank in the country for Sustainable Development Goals, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.