Daily Current Affairs July 31, 2024

Daily Current Affairs July 31, 2024

1. National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Launch: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 portal. As part of this initiative, Rs. 100 crore has been disbursed to apprentices through Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT). NATS aims to enhance employability skills for young graduates and diploma holders across various sectors, including IT, manufacturing, and automobiles.
2. Shriram Capital’s Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) Approval: Shriram Capital has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to establish an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC). This approval, granted after Shriram Capital’s application in November 2023, represents a significant milestone for the company.
3. Wind Turbine Installation at Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR): Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady has installed a wind turbine to power real-time monitoring cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity within its expansive forest. This innovative step enhances conservation technology and communication within the reserve.
4. Penalties for Failing to Maintain Minimum Balance in Savings Banks: Eleven public sector banks (excluding State Bank of India) charged Rs. 2,331 crore from account holders due to their failure to maintain the minimum balance in savings accounts during FY2024.
5. Santosh Kumar Gangwar Sworn in as Jharkhand Governor: Former Union Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar was sworn in as the 12th Governor of Jharkhand on July 31.
6. Jiya Rai’s Para-Swimming World Record: 16-year-old Jiya Rai from Mumbai achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the youngest and fastest para-swimmer to cross the English Channel. Despite suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jiya completed her 34-kilometer swim from Abbot’s Cliff in England to Pointe de la Courte-Dune in France in 17 hours and 25 minutes on July 28-29, 2024.
7. Indian Students Shine in International Olympiads: Indian students excelled in international science Olympiads. At the 54th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2024 in Isfahan, Iran, they secured two gold and three silver medals. Additionally, in the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO2024) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Indian team won one gold, one bronze, and two silver medals.
8. Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS): The Government of India is implementing a ₹2,516 Crore project to computerize functional Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). This initiative integrates PACS with an ERP-based national software, connecting them to NABARD through State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) and District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs). As of July 21, 2024, 25,904 PACS across 27 states and UTs are onboarded on this ERP system.
9. UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024: The Uttar Pradesh Assembly passed the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The new legislation enhances punishment for forced conversions, including life imprisonment for marrying a woman by deceiving her or converting her religion.
10. E-SeHAT Module for ECHS Beneficiaries: The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) introduced the Electronic Services e-Health Assistance and Tele-consultation (E-SeHAT) module as of July 30, 2024. This module enables ECHS beneficiaries to receive online medical consultations from their homes, improving healthcare delivery for veterans.
11. Indian Coast Guard’s ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) unveiled its advanced ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’ during the inaugural Annual Operational Sea Training Conference in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on July 30, 2024. This software aims to enhance training protocols and maintain consistency across all ICG platforms.
12. National Basketball Academy Collaboration: The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) collaborated with Corvuss American Academy to establish the National Basketball Academy in Mumbai. The Academy will initially include 30 boys and 30 girls from schools, with a nationwide talent hunt to select additional participants.
13. SEBI’s AI-Powered Chatbot ‘SEVA’: On July 29, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced ‘SEVA,’ an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist investors with a range of functions. SEVA aims to enhance investor experience and accessibility to crucial market information¹.
14. ACC Leadership Change – Mohsin Naqvi as President: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is set to appoint Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi as its next President in 2025. Naqvi’s term will commence in January 2025 and last for two years. This leadership change follows the ACC’s rotational policy, ensuring diverse representation and continuity in governance.
15. V. Vedachalam Receives V Venkayya Epigraphy Award: In 2024, V. Vedachalam, an eminent Tamil epigrapher and historian, was conferred the V Venkayya Epigraphy Award. This prestigious award, instituted by Sunitha Madhavan in association with the Tamil Heritage Trust, celebrates exceptional contributions to epigraphy in any Indian language. Dr. Vedachalam’s extensive work in epigraphy, numismatics, temple art, religion, and society earned him this recognition.
16. Ashwini Ponnappa’s Emotional Farewell to Olympic Career: Indian badminton veteran Ashwini Ponnappa bid an emotional farewell to her Olympic career after the Paris 2024 Games. Ponnappa, partnering with Tanisha Crasto, competed in the women’s doubles competition. Despite their third consecutive defeat in the group stage, Ponnappa’s legacy includes numerous international medals and historic achievements in Indian badminton⁵⁶.