Daily Current Affairs 31st July 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

3.5 lakh A.P. Farmers Benefited From PM Fasal Bima Yojana In 2022-23

As many as 3,49,633 farmers benefited to the tune of ₹563 crore for the financial year 2022-23 under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The number of farmers who had enrolled themselves under the scheme from Andhra Pradesh stood at 1.23 crore and 1.31 crore respectively for the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24, said Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur.

Periyar Tiger Reserve’s Innovative Wind Turbine Installation

In a groundbreaking initiative, 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 move marks a significant advancement in the reserve’s efforts to enhance conservation technology and communication.

International News

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh killed in Iran

Hamas’s political chief Ismail Haniyeh has been assassinated in Iran’s capital, Tehran. Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed after the building where they were staying was struck, the statement said, adding that Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 30.

SEBI Launches AI Chatbot ‘SEVA’ for Investors

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. This initiative aims to enhance investor experience and accessibility to crucial market information.

State News

UP Assembly Passes Amended Anti-Conversion Bill

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly on July 30, passed the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024 that enhances punishment for forced conversions. The punishment for marrying a woman by deceiving her or converting her religion was 10 years with a fine of ₹50,000. The new Bill now enhances punishment to life imprisonment.

Appointments News

Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan to Head UPSC from August 1

Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan is set to assume the role of Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on August 1, 2024. This appointment is made under Article 316 A of the Constitution, as confirmed by a government official.

Mohsin Naqvi Set to Become President of the Asian Cricket Council

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is poised for a significant leadership change as Mohsin Naqvi, the current chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is expected to assume the role of ACC president later this year.

Defence News

Indian Army Launches E-SeHAT Tele-Consultancy for Veterans

The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has introduced the Electronic Services e-Health Assistance and Tele-consultation (E-SeHAT) module as of July 30, 2024. This initiative allows ECHS beneficiaries to receive online medical consultations from their homes, eliminating the need to visit ECHS Polyclinics. The E-SeHAT module offers structured, video-based consultations, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery for veterans by providing timely and quality medical care remotely.

Schemes News

ICG Launches ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’ to Enhance Training Protocols

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) unveiled its new ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’ during the inaugural ‘Annual Operational Sea Training Conference’ held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on July 30, 2024. This advanced software aims to improve training protocols and maintain consistency across all ICG platforms.

Education Minister Launches NATS 2.0 and Disburses Rs. 100 Crore Stipends

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 portal and disbursed Rs. 100 crore in stipends to apprentices via Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT). The initiative aims to enhance employability skills for young graduates and diploma holders across various sectors, including IT, manufacturing, and automobiles.

Awards News

India Wins Big At International Physics and Chemistry Olympiads

Indian students have secured two gold and three silver medals at the 54th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2024 held between July 21 and July 29 in Isfahan, Iran. In the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO2024), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 21 to 30, the Indian team bagged one gold and bronze each and two silver medals.

Tamil Epigrapher V. Vedachalam Honoured with Prestigious V Venkayya Epigraphy Award

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in the field of Indian epigraphy as V. Vedachalam, a renowned Tamil epigrapher and historian, receives the prestigious V Venkayya Epigraphy Award. This accolade not only recognizes Dr. Vedachalam’s extensive contributions to the field but also highlights the continuing importance of epigraphic studies in understanding India’s rich historical tapestry.

Business News

Single National Software Network for PACS Computerization

The Government of India is implementing a ₹2,516 Crore project for the computerization of functional Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). This initiative aims to integrate PACS with an ERP-based national software, linking them with 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.

Shriram Capital Receives RBI Approval to Launch ARC

Shriram Capital has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to establish an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC). The approval, granted after Shriram Capital’s application in November 2023, marks a significant step for the company.

Sports News

Indian Badminton Star Ashwini Ponnappa Announces Retirement

Indian badminton veteran Ashwini Ponnappa bid an emotional farewell to her Olympic career on July 30, 2024, at the Paris Games. The announcement came after she and her partner Tanisha Crasto faced their third consecutive defeat in the women’s doubles competition.

Jia Rai: Youngest & Fastest Para-Swimmer to Cross the English Channel

16-year-old Jiya Rai from Mumbai has set a new world record as the youngest and fastest para-swimmer to cross the English Channel. 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.

BFI Sets Up The National Basketball Academy In Collaboration With CAA

The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has set up the National basketball academy in collaboration with Corvuss American Academy in Mumbai. For a start, the Academy will run with 30 boys and 30 girls from the school. There will be a nationwide hunt for talent to select 30 boys and 30 girls for the academy.