Current Affairs - July 26, 2024 Current Affairs

The 500th Community Radio Station in India, named "Apna Radio 90.0 FM", was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Aizawl, Mizoram. This significant milestone in India’s community radio landscape was marked by the presence of Mizoram’s Chief Minister, Lalduhoma. The station is set to provide vital information in local languages, catering specifically to the needs of the local community, including daily weather updates, government schemes, and agriculture-related information, thus playing a crucial role in regional development.

HS Dhaliwal, a 1997-batch IPS officer, was appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands on July 25, 2024. Prior to this appointment, he served as the special commissioner of police in New Delhi, overseeing traffic zone II. Dhaliwal is known for solving several high-profile cases, including the Dhaula Kuan gangrape and the murder case of Punjabi singer-turned-politician Sidhu Moosewala.

India's installed nuclear power capacity is projected to increase from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. This growth is part of a broader strategy to enhance the country's nuclear power infrastructure to support its long-term energy needs and environmental goals. The expansion includes the construction and development of new reactors, with the ultimate aim of achieving a national nuclear capacity of 100,000 MW by 2047 to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2070.

The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) identified significant lithium resources in Karnataka, specifically in the Mandya and Yadgiri districts. This discovery includes 1,600 tonnes of lithium in the Marlagalla area of Mandya district, with ongoing surveys in Yadgiri. These findings highlight Karnataka's potential to contribute to India's lithium resource base, essential for various technological and industrial applications, including electric vehicle batteries.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was officially constituted on December 31, 2008, through the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, passed by the Indian Parliament. The establishment of the NIA followed the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, underscoring the need for a specialized agency to handle terrorism and related offences, thus playing a pivotal role in India's counter-terrorism efforts.

The 'Rajbhasha Gaurav Samman' for 2023-24 was awarded to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony, hosted by NTPC, recognized the top performers in various categories and was presided over by Atul Bhatt, Chairman of TOLIC and CMD of RINL. This event highlights the importance of promoting the official language in the operations of PSUs.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually on July 26 to honour the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the Kargil War against Pakistan in 1999. This day is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the conflict. The significance of July 26 is tied to the successful culmination of Operation Vijay, which marked India's strategic and military triumph in the high-altitude conflict.

The multinational military exercise KHAAN QUEST 2024 is set to be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 27th July to 9th August 2024. This event, co-sponsored by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces, brings together military forces from around the world to collaborate and improve their peacekeeping capabilities. Mongolia has been the host for this exercise since it evolved into a multinational event in 2006.

Mankind Pharma, a major player in the Indian pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare sectors, has acquired Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV) from Advent International for Rs 13,600 Crore. This acquisition allows Mankind Pharma to strengthen its portfolio in women's health and fertility drugs and gain access to high-entry barrier products in critical care. The strategic move is set to enhance Mankind Pharma's market position and showcase its commitment to providing quality healthcare products.

The Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024 was launched on July 25, 2024, at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Dhanbad by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy. This initiative is part of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign and was carried out simultaneously across 300 locations in 47 districts within 11 coal/lignite-bearing states. The campaign aims to enhance green cover and involves extensive tree-planting efforts, reflecting the government's commitment to environmental conservation.