Current Affairs - July 31, 2024 Current Affairs

Preeti Sudan, the former Union Health Secretary, is appointed as the Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), effective from August 1, 2024. This decision follows the resignation of the outgoing Chairperson, Manoj Soni. Ms. Sudan's tenure is expected to last until April 2025, aligning with the age limit for the UPSC leadership role as stipulated by the Constitution.

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has granted permission for the "First Approach to Criticality" of the 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This marks a significant milestone as it is India’s first indigenous PFBR. The approval was granted after a thorough safety review, inspections, and phased core loading activities, including the insertion of control and blanket sub-assemblies. This step is crucial in advancing India’s nuclear technology and energy capabilities.

Jia Rai, a 16-year-old para-swimmer with Autism Spectrum Disorder from Mumbai, set a world record by crossing the English Channel in 17 hours and 25 minutes. This remarkable feat was accomplished on July 28-29, 2024, making her the youngest and fastest para-swimmer to achieve this milestone. Jia Rai also holds the record for being the youngest and fastest swimmer to cross the Palk Strait. Her achievements highlight her exceptional swimming capabilities and determination despite her condition.

The Government of India is investing ₹2,516 Crore to computerize Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across 27 states and Union Territories. This initiative aims to integrate PACS with ERP-based national software, enhancing their operational efficiency and enabling them to diversify their business activities. The project will cover various modules such as financial services, procurement operations, and warehousing, thereby improving transparency, and accountability, and providing additional income sources for farmers.

Mohsin Naqvi, the current chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is expected to become the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) later this year. This leadership change adheres to the ACC’s rotation policy, ensuring diverse representation from member nations. Naqvi's candidacy was discussed and favourably considered at a recent ACC meeting, and his confirmation is anticipated during a meeting later this year. This transition follows Jay Shah’s tenure, who is the current ACC president and received a one-year extension in January 2024 for his third consecutive term.

The Indian Coast Guard launched the 'Suvidha Software Version 1.0' during its inaugural Annual Operational Sea Training Conference held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on July 30, 2024. The software aims to enhance training protocols and ensure consistency across ICG platforms. The event underscored the ICG’s commitment to innovation, excellence in operational training, and improving maritime security capabilities.

The Indian Army has launched the E-SeHAT module under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to provide veterans with online medical consultations from their homes. This initiative, introduced on July 30, 2024, aims to enhance healthcare delivery by offering video-based consultations, reducing the need for physical visits to ECHS Polyclinics. The pilot phase has been initiated at 12 polyclinics, with a full nationwide rollout planned for November 2024. The module adheres to telemedicine guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

SEBI launched 'SEVA,' an AI-powered chatbot, on July 29 to assist investors. SEVA provides crucial information on the securities market, the latest master circulars, and guidance on grievance redressal processes. It features speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities, enhancing accessibility for all users. Currently in its beta version, SEVA is available on SEBI’s investor website and the SAARTHI mobile app for both Android and iOS platforms. This initiative aims to improve investor experience and accessibility to important market information.

V. Vedachalam, a distinguished Tamil epigrapher and historian, was honoured with the V Venkayya Epigraphy Award in 2024. This award acknowledges his extensive contributions to the field of Indian epigraphy, including authorship of numerous books on diverse subjects such as numismatics, temple art, religion, and society. The award, instituted by Sunitha Madhavan and associated with the Tamil Heritage Trust, celebrates exceptional contributions to epigraphy, underscoring its significance in understanding India's historical heritage.

Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady is the first tiger reserve in India to install a wind turbine for power generation. This installation supports real-time monitoring cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity within the reserve. Previously reliant on solar power, which was less effective due to the region's foggy climate and heavy rainfall, the wind turbine provides a more reliable energy source for the reserve’s technological needs. This advancement enhances conservation efforts and communication capabilities within the extensive forest area of the reserve.

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly passed the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on July 30. This bill increases the punishment for forced conversions, including life imprisonment for marrying or converting a woman under deceitful circumstances. The amendment classifies such actions as serious offences with stringent penalties, reflecting the state's effort to curb unlawful religious conversions.