July - 2024 Current Affairs

Correct Answer :   July 25

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World Drowning Prevention Day is observed on July 25, 2024. This day focuses on raising awareness about drowning prevention and highlights the importance of immediate action to save lives.

The observance gains further significance due to the World Health Assembly Resolution WHA76.18, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to reduce drowning incidents.

The theme "Anyone can drown, no one should" and the slogan "Seconds can save a life" underscore the universal risk and the importance of quick, preventive measures.

Correct Answer :   Bihar

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On July 24, 2024, the Bihar Assembly passed the Anti-Paper Leak Bill, aiming to combat malpractices in government recruitment exams.

The bill, introduced by State Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, imposes severe penalties, including a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of at least ?1 crore for those involved.

The legislation also includes provisions for property attachment and stringent bail conditions.

The bill occurred amidst opposition protests, highlighting the ongoing political and social challenges within the state.

Correct Answer :   IIT Roorkee and IIT Mandi

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In a significant step towards developing Indigenous technology, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) signed an agreement with IIT Roorkee and IIT Mandi to develop 'Cell-Free' 6G Access Points.

This collaboration aims to advance the development of 6G technology by eliminating traditional cell boundaries and deploying multiple access points across vast regions.

The agreement, supported by the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme, aims to bridge the digital divide in India by enabling affordable broadband and mobile services.

Correct Answer :   China

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China is planning to gradually raise its statutory retirement age to address pension budget deficits.

The current retirement age in China is among the lowest globally, with men retiring at 60, women (white-collar) at 55, and women (factory workers) at 50.

The country is experiencing demographic changes, including an increase in life expectancy and a growing population of elderly citizens, which is projected to exacerbate the pension budget issues.

This move aims to balance the ratio of workers supporting each retiree and ensure the sustainability of the pension system.

Correct Answer :   Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)

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* The first indigenously built Talwar Class frigate named ‘Triput’ for the Indian Navy, constructed by the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), was launched into waters on 24 July 2024.

The ship is part of the two frigates India is building indigenously with the help of Russia. The ship was launched into the water in a ceremony in Goa attended by P S Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa and other high-ranking officials of the Indian Navy and Goa Shipyards Limited (GSL).

India- Russia agreement  for four frigates in 2016 :

* In 2016, India and Russia signed an agreement to buy four stealth frigates of the Admiral Grigorovich class (also known as Project 1135.6 class). Two of the ships were to be constructed in Russia and two were to be  constructed in India with technology transfer from Russia.

* The delivery of warships to be constructed in Russia was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian war with Ukraine.

* Russia is scheduled to deliver the first of the two ships, Tushil, in September 2024 and the other frigate, Tamal, by February 2025.

Goa Shipyard Limited's agreement with Rosoboronexport :

* The Goa Shipyard Limited signed a $ 500 million agreement with the Russian Rosoboronexport in November 2018 for the technology transfer, design, and specialist assistance for manufacturing the two ships in India.

* In January 2019, a contract was signed between Goa Shipyards Limited and the Union Ministry of Defence for the purchase of these two frigate-class ships for the Indian Navy. After that, the construction of the frigates started in India.

* Triput, which means arrow, is the first ship built by Goa Shipyard Limited under this agreement.

About the Triput Frigate :

* Triput is an advanced multi-purpose stealth frigate capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine, land-attack, anti-piracy, and search and rescue missions.

* The ship is armed with a Brahmos missile and Shtil-1 air-defence system, which can defend against any type of air threat, including anti-ship cruise missiles, fighter jets, and drones.

* The Triput frigate is 125-metre long and 15-metre wide and has a displacement of around 3,600 tons.

* The ship is powered by the Ukrainian-origin Zorya gas-turbine engines that help the ship attain a maximum speed of 28 knots in water. 

Correct Answer :   Nita Ambani

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Paris 2024 Olympic Games : With the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games scheduled to begin this weekend, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday (24th July 2024) announced that Nita Ambani, has been re-elected unanimously as the IOC from India at the 142nd session.

Nita Ambani is the founder of Reliance Foundation and won unanimously with 100 per cent of the vote.

On being reelected as a member of the International Olympic Committee, Nita expressed gratitude saying she was “deeply honoured”.

“I would like to thank President Bach and all my colleagues in the IOC for their faith and trust in me. This re-election is not just a personal milestone but also a recognition of India's growing influence in the global sporting arena,” she said.

"I share this moment of joy and pride with every Indian and look forward to continuing our efforts to strengthen the Olympic Movement in India and around the world," she added.

Nita Ambani was first appointed to join the prestigious body in 2016, at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

Since then, as India's first woman to join the IOC, Nita Ambani has made great strides for the association, whilst also championing India's sporting ambitions and Olympic vision.

This includes recently hosting the first IOC session in Mumbai for over 40 years, in October 2023, which was hailed as showcasing the new, ambitious India to the world..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Ministry of Panchayati Raj

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The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is set to launch the 'Gramoday Sankalp' magazine, aiming to highlight the theme “Viksit Bharat and Role of Panchayats.”

This initiative seeks to disseminate best practices and innovative grassroots approaches, with support from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Policy Planning Cell.

Correct Answer :   Taiwan

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Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence has assured its readiness for Typhoon Gaemi, which is set to make landfall.

Despite the impending storm, the nation will continue with its annual "Han Kuang" military exercises, including live-fire drills, while some air and sea exercises are cancelled.

Thousands of reservists have reported for duty for these large-scale military exercises.

Correct Answer :   Telangana

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Telangana launched Project Swasthya Nagaram in Hyderabad, targeting TB-free municipalities such as Peerzadiguda, Boduppal, and Pocharam.

The project aims to reduce TB incidence and mortality by one-third over three years through comprehensive surveillance, prevention, and quality TB care, with support from multi-stakeholders including WHO India and USAID.

Correct Answer :   Rs 900 crore

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has allocated Rs 3,442 crore to promote sports in the country in the Union Budget 2024-25.

Out of which Rs 900 crore has been kept for the 'Khelo India' initiative. Let us tell you that this was the first budget of the third term of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.