NATIONAL:
1. India's Elderly Population Expected To Double By 2050
Why in news: According to UNFPA India chief Andrea Wojnar, India's elderly population is expected to double by 2050.
Key points:
• In the next 26 years, the population of elderly people in the country will increase to 34.60 crore.
• India is projected to be 50 per cent urban by 2050.
• By 2050, 60 years and above The number of elderly people is expected to double to about 34 crore 60 nine lakhs.
• Hence, there is a strong need to increase investment in health care, housing and pension schemes, Especially for older women who are more likely to live alone and face poverty.
2. IRCTC
Why in news: The Ministry of Railways announced the upgrade of IRCTC from ‘Schedule B’ to ‘Schedule A’ Category, Central Public Sector Enterprises.
Key points:
• This recognition reflects positively on IRCTC’s management, operations, and contribution to the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors under the Ministry of Railways.
• It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with IRCTC over its 25-year journey.
3. Greenfield Airport At Kota
Why in news: AAI signs MoU with Rajasthan govt for developing greenfield airport at Kota,Rajasthan.
Key points:
• AAI has signed an agreement with Urban Development Department, government of Rajasthan, and the Civil Aviation Department, for the development of Kota Greenfield Airport in Rajasthan.
• As per the MoU, the government of Rajasthan will provide land for the development of the greenfield airport and AAI will be responsible for the construction, development, and operation of the airport.
4. Mineral Exploration Hackathon
Why in news: Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy launches Mineral Exploration Hackathon and National DMF Portal in Hyderabad,Telangana.
Key points:
• Mineral Exploration Hackathon focused on Innovative Mineral Hunt Techniques in Hyderabad.
• This Hackathon aims to promote use of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for geophysical data to identify new Mineral targets, particularly for deep seated/concealed ore bodies.
• Kishan Reddy also launched the National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Portal.
• The aim for launching this portal is to facilitate the access to the DMF data and track the developments and utilizations thereunder.
• This portal provides details of 645 DMFs in the country with enhanced transparency, featuring centralized visibility of activities, project oversight, and dynamic analytics, as well as a repository of best practices for effective implementation.
5. H125 Helicopter
Why in news: Airbus and Tata are set to launch India's first H125 helicopter by 2026.
Key points:
• This partnership aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and reflects Airbus’s commitment to investing in the Indian aerospace market despite regulatory challenges.
• The initial production capacity will be 10 helicopters per year, with the potential to scale up to 50 helicopters annually in subsequent years.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. World’s First Carbon Fiber High-Speed Train
Why in news: China Unveils World’s First Carbon Fiber High-Speed Train.
Key points:
• The main goal is to move vehicles that are as light as possible without sacrificing performance.
• It is planned that the carbon fiber train will reach speeds of up to 87 mph and use 7% less energy than regular steel trains.
2. Climate Finance Action Fund
Why in news: Azerbaijan launches Climate Finance Action Fund.
Key points:
• Azerbaijan launched the 'Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF)' to support green projects in developing countries and help to maintain the 1.5°C temperature target.
• It aims to raise USD 1 billion from fossil fuel- producing countries and companies.
• The fund will be based in Baku, Azerbaijan with a secretariat and board including contributors and an independent audit committee.
• The COP29 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11-22, 2024.
3. India-Bhutan
Why in news: India and Bhutan approves 61 Projects worth Rs 4,958cr for Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan.
Key points:
• India and Bhutan approved it during the 3rd India Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks held in Thimphu, Bhutan on 20th July 2024.
• The projects will be implemented as part of Bhutan's 13th five-year plan , for which India is providing a substantial development support of Rs 10,000 crore.
• The Cooperation Talks was co-chaired by India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his Bhutanese counterpart Aum Pema Choden.
4. Hydro Projects in Nepal
Why in news: IREDA to Invest Rs 290 Cr in 900 MW Hydro Projects in Nepal.
Key points:
• IREDA announced an investment of Rs. 290 Crore in a 900 MegaWatt Hydroelectric Power Project in Nepal.
• IREDA will secure up to a 10% shareholding in GMR Upper Karnali Hydro Power Limited and Karnali Transmission Company Pvt. Ltd., Nepal.
STATES/UTs:
1. Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam
Why in news: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched “Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam”.
Key points:
• It aims to provide financial assistance to the Civil Services aspirants from Telangana.
• Under this scheme the candidates who qualify for the Mains exams will be provided with ₹1 lakh for preparation.
• The scheme will be helpful to about 400 candidates from Telangana region who qualify for the Mains every year.
• Candidates from the SC, ST, OBC, Women and the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category are eligible for the scheme but their family annual income must be below ₹8 lakhs.
• The applicants must be permanent residents of Telangana.
2. Shramik Basera Scheme
Why in news: The Gujarat State Government Launched the Shramik Basera Scheme 2024 .
Key points:
• The Gujarat state government introduced the Shramik Basera Scheme 2024 to provide temporary housing facilities to the financially unstable, especially the laborers.
• The government will set up 17 housing structures in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, and Rajot cities to provide housing facilities to the construction workers and laborers.
• The citizens just have to pay INR 5 to stay in the dwelling center for a day.
• For the implementation of this scheme, the Gujarat state government will spend a total of 1500 crores.
3. State’s First Bird Gallery
Why in news: Uttrakhand’s first bird gallery was recently opened in Dehradun.
Key points:
• The bird gallery was opened in Dehradun near Jolly Grant airport by the research wing of the forest department.
• The gallery aims to enlighten visitors about the region’s rich avian biodiversity and the critical role birds play in the delicate Himalayan ecosystem.
• The gallery is a part of the Nature Education Centre, an important component of the forest department’s research efforts.
• Visitors can view over 250 photographs of the state’s bird species.
• The gallery also features recorded chirping sounds from Uttarakhand’s forests.
4. Garbage Bags In Tourist Vehicles
Why in news: Sikkim government mandate garbage bags in tourist vehicles .
Key points:
• The order issued by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation to ensure community participation towards achieving the goal of environmental sustainability.
• Cleanliness awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate tourists about waste management and environmental sustainability.
• The beautiful Himalayan destinations of the state are visited by more than 20 lakh tourists every year.
ECONOMY:
1. Private Investment In Tourism Sector
Why in news: 100% Foreign Direct Investment allowed under the automatic route in the Tourism & Hospitality industry in India.
Key points:
• The aim is to attract foreign investment in the tourism sector.
• 100% FDI is allowed in tourism construction projects, including the development of hotels, resorts and recreational facilities.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. GEP Index For Environment
Why in news: Uttarakhand becomes first state to launch Gross Environmental Product Index.
Key points:
• Uttarakhand launch Gross Environmental Product index to assess the overall development of the ecosystem.
• The index was launched by Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister(CM) of Uttarakhand, during a event held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
• The GEP index will assign monetary value to 4 main constituents of the environment: water, air, forests and soil which are directly affected by development activities.
• Uttarakhand, along with Kerala, topped the NITI Aayog's Sustainable Development Goals India Index for 2023-24 as the best-performing states by scoring 79 points.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. International Excellence Award
Why in news: CA Arpit Jagdish Kabra from Ajmer Rajasthan received the prestigious International Excellence Award.
Key points:
• This accolade recognises his outstanding contribution to forensic investigation and his unwavering dedication to social impact initiatives.
• The award, presented at the House of Commons, underscores the international recognition and impact of his work.
2. Best Technology Award
Why in news: The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) won the best technology award at the 96th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Key points:
• IISR won the award for its cutting-edge work in horticultural studies.
• Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan gave this award to him in New Delhi.
3. First Oommen Chandy Award
Why in news: Rahul Gandhi will be awarded the first Oommen Chandy Award.
Key points:
• Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be presented with the first Oommen Chandy Public Servant Award.
• Under the award given in the memory of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, an amount of Rs 1 lakh and a statue of famous artist and film producer Nemam Pushparaj will be given.
• Rahul is being given this honor for his Bharat Jodo Yatra.
• An expert jury headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor selected the award winner.
SPORTS:
1. Hungarian Grand Prix
Why in news: Kush Maini won his first-ever Formula 2 win at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Key points:
• Richard Verschoor, the original sprint race winner, was disqualified due to a technical infringement.
• This victory marks Maini’s fifth podium of the season, placing him eighth in the championship standings.
2. International Tennis Hall of Fame
Why in news: Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Key points:
• Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj became the first Asian men inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• Leander Paes was inducted under the player category, a testament to his extraordinary career spanning three decades.
• Vijay Amritraj was inducted under the contributor category, acknowledging his significant impact on tennis both on and off the court.
3. Paris Olympics
Why in news: BCCI To Provide Rs 8.5 Crore To IOA For Paris Olympics .
Key points:
• The Board of Control for Cricket in India will provide Rs 8.5 crore to the Indian Olympic Association as a support for the Indian contingent.
• This will be representing the country at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
• 117 athletes represent India this yea in Paris Olympics 2024
ORBITUARIES:
1. Kamala Pujari
Why in news: Organic Farming Pioneer and Padma Awardee Kamala Pujari Passed Away.
Key points:
• Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari known for cultivating 100 varieties of rice, passed away at the age of 74 in Cuttack, Odisha.
• She was born in Koraput, Odisha and belongs to the Paroja tribe.
• Kamala Pujari learned the basic techniques from MS Swaminathan Research Foundation at Jeypore, Odisha and contributed to the field of organic farming.
IMPORTANT DAY:
1. World Brain Day
Why in news: World Brain Day is celebrated every year on 22 July.
Key points:
• Objective – To raise awareness about brain diseases and promotes research for new treatments.
• Theme – Brain Health and Prevention
BIHAR:
1. MGNREGA Fund
Why in news: Bihar & Uttar Pradesh received only 17 percent (six percent and 11 percent, respectively) of the MNREGA funds.
Key points:
• Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have about 45 percent of the poor population (20 percent and 25 percent, respectively).
• Despite states having less than one percent of the country's poor population, Tamil Nadu receives almost 15 percent of the total MNREGA funds.
• The poor population in Kerala is only 0.1 percent but it used almost four percent of the MNREGA funds.
2. Bihar State Pollution Control Board
Why in news: Air pollution within buildings will be studied by Bihar State Pollution Control Board
Key points:
• Bihar State Pollution Control Board decided to conduct a study to identify the types of air pollutants inside houses and buildings, their effects and suggest corrective measures to reduce the same.
• This study will be started from in Patna and then in Gaya, Muzaffarpur and some other cities of the state.
• Bihar is probably the first state in India which has decided to conduct air pollution study inside homes and buildings and it will start from Patna first.
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