Daily Current Affairs July 26, 2024
- The passing of Father Francis D’Britto, Translator of the ‘Subodh Bible’:
- Father Francis D’Britto, a Catholic priest based in Vasai, passed away on July 25, 2024, after a prolonged illness. Known for translating the Bible into Marathi, he breathed his last at his home in Vasai, Palghar district. The ‘Subodh Bible,’ which he translated, has been reprinted multiple times and includes an 80-page section introducing readers to the Bible, along with two chapters on new theology movements in the church.
- Inauguration of India’s 500th Community Radio Station:
- Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated Apna Radio 90.0 FM, the country’s 500th community radio station, at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in Aizawl, Mizoram. This milestone underscores the government’s commitment to the Act East policy and represents a significant development in enhancing local communication and information dissemination.
- AU Small Finance Bank’s Plan for Universal Banking License:
- AU Small Finance Bank’s board has approved a plan to apply for a universal banking license from the RBI. This decision is supported by the bank’s recent strong financial performance.
- Mankind Pharma’s Acquisition of Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV):
- Mankind Pharma has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV) from Advent International. The deal, valued at Rs 13,630 crore (subject to closing adjustments), marks a significant move for one of the world’s largest and most experienced private equity investors.
- Appointment of Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal as DGP of Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) appointed senior IPS officer Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal as the new Director General of Police (DGP) for Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Launch of SIMS 2.0 for Steel Import Monitoring:
- Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, launched SIMS 2.0, the upgraded Steel Import Monitoring System. The revamped system, based on industry feedback, plays a crucial role in providing detailed steel import data to the domestic industry. It not only informs policy-making but also signals areas for production and growth within the domestic steel industry.
- Renaming of Halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan:
- President Droupadi Murmu renamed two important halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Formerly known as ‘Durbar Hall’ and ‘Ashok Hall,’ they are now called ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Mandap,’ respectively. This change reflects ongoing efforts to align with Indian cultural values and ethos within the President’s official residence.
- Discovery of Lithium Resources in Karnataka:
- The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), identified lithium resources in the Mandya and Yadgiri districts of Karnataka. Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the discovery of 1,600 tonnes (G3 stage) of lithium in the Marlagalla area of Mandya district. Preliminary surveys and limited subsurface exploration were also conducted in Yadgiri district.
- India’s Ambitious Nuclear Power Capacity Goals:
- India’s nuclear power capacity is set to triple from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. The country aims for a national capacity of 100,000 MW by 2047, aligning with its net-zero emissions goal by 2070.
- Passing of Hamzah Haz, Former Vice-President of Indonesia:
- Hamzah Haz, who served as the vice-president of Indonesia from 2001 to 2004 under President Megawati Soekarnoputri, has passed away at the age of 84. He died at a hospital in Jakarta on July 24, as reported by a politician from the Development Planning Party (PPP) in a locally televised interview.
- Launch of Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024 by Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy:
On July 25, 2024, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024 at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Dhanbad. This initiative, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, was simultaneously conducted across 300 locations in 47 districts within 11 coal/lignite-bearing states.
- Indian Army’s Participation in KHAAN QUEST 2024:
The Indian Army contingent has commenced its journey to participate in the multinational military exercise KHAAN QUEST 2024. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 9, 2024, in Ulaanbaatar. KHAAN QUEST has a rich history dating back to 2003 when it initially began as a bilateral event between the United States and the Mongolian Armed Forces. The exercise serves as a platform for military forces worldwide to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities.
- Observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas in India:
Every year on July 26, India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the bravery of the Indian Army and celebrate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
