Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 10th July 2024

National News 

1. BSF organizes “Grow with the Trees” plantation drive in Srinagar 

• Border Security Forces (BSF) in association with SBI Bank has organized a “Grow with the Trees” plantation drive at BSF Headquarters in Srinagar. 
• The initiative is expected to not only help create a more sustainable environment but also foster a sense of community and teamwork among the participants. 
• The aim of the plantation is to make the campus here greener and to reduce the impact caused by global warming on the planet. 

2.India, Russia to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030 

• India and Russia agreed to increase bi lateral trade to $100 billion dollars by 2030, including the use of national currencies to circumvent Western sanctions, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin sat down for the 22nd Annual Summit here on Tuesday. 
• The leaders agreed to a cooperation statement on projects in Russia's Far East that Mr. Putin has been focused on developing. A joint vision statement on trade and eco- nomic cooperation by the end of the decade looked at nine issues including the elimination of non tariff barriers, the development of a "bilateral settlement system using national currencies", ironing out customs procedures and using new connectivity routes, including the divostok maritime route and Northern Sea Route and the International North-South Transport Corridor via Iran, investments in the energy sector including nuclear energy, 
• Chennai-Vla-cation and other issues. Earlier, addressing about 500 members of the Indian diaspora in Russia, Mr. Modi announced that Russia Russia had agreed to India's request to open consulates in Kazan and Yeka-infrastructure development and investment promotion as "priority areas", 
• In addition, India and Russia signed a number of MoUs between institutions on climate change, polar research, legal arbitration and pharmaceutical certifit erinburg to help facilitate services for the growing community. 
• The bilateral trade target set by the leaders should be reasonably easy to achieve, given that, already, trade stands at around $65 billion, mostly because of the surge in in- dia's imports of Russian sian crude at discount after the invasion of Ukraine led to the oil sanctions by the U.S. and Europe. In his preliminary comments, Mr. Putin said Russia-India trade grew by 66% last year and 20% just in the first quarter of 2024. Achieving the target 
• would catapult the business relationship to levels of trade India currently has only with bigger economies such as the U.S., China and the European Union. Asked about the target, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said it was "an ex- pression of the ambition by the two leaders for the larger economic relationship which includes the trade relationship", and said that Mr. Modi particularly stressed broad-basing the trade basket of goods between the two countries. The focus on economic issues was a shift from previous Annual Summits. where military supplies and the defense and strategic partnership between the two countries had been at the top of the agents. 
• Officials said that the two leaders discussed the delay in defense supplies, and have committed to exploring more areas of coproduction of defense equipment such as the India Russia joint venture for assault rifles that could fill the domestic gap as well as facilitate export to other countries. 
• The Prime Minister accepted Russia's highest civilian honor, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, an award that had been announced by President Putin in 2019, but could only be presented now. He also invited Mr. Modi to return in a few months to the Russian city of Kazan where he. 

3. New Delhi and Moscow call for 'zero tolerance' towards terrorism 

• India and Russia on Tuesday called for "zero tolerance" for terrorism and pressed for an "uncompromising fight" against the international menace as they stressed the importance of increasing global cooperation without hidden agendas and double standards, in a veiled jibe at Pakistan and its all-weather ally China. 
• In a joint statement issued after the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here, the two sides strongly condemned the dastardly terrorist attacks, including one on an Army convoy in Kathua area of Jammu & Kashmir on Monday, and stressed that these terrorist attacks are a grim reminder for further strengthening cooperation to combat terrorism. 
• "The leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism in all its forms. and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists, and terrorism financing networks and safe havens," the joint statement said. 
• 'Uncompromising fight The two sides called for "an uncompromising fight against international terrorism and extremism" in all their forms and manifesta- tions, noting the importance of increasing cooperation in this area, without hidden agendas and double standards on the solid basis of international law and the UN Charter, in an apparent reference to Pakistan and its all-weather ally China which has often put on hold on proposals in the United Nations to blacklist the Pakistan- based wanted terrorists. 
• Besides, they stressed the need for firm implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, as well as the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the joint statement said. 
• After the two-day visit to Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday departed for Austria.

 4. Centre holds review of NEP with States, to chart five-year action plan 

• The Union Education Ministry on Tuesday began a two-day meeting to review the progress of the National Education Policy's implementation in States and Union Territories. 
• The meeting Tuesday was attended by repre- sentatives of the National Council of Educational Research and Training, State Councils of Educational Research and Training, Central Board of Secondary Education, and Kendriya and Navodaya Vidya- laya representatives. 
• Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, School Education, said the main aim of the meeting was reviewing the NEP, 2020 and its implementation and alignment of the flagship schemes of the Ministry, such as Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, PM 
• Poshan and ULLAS. He said the meeting would help in developing an NEP road map for the coming five years. 
• Mr. Kumar said discussions would be held on the five-year action plan; 100-day action plan; status of the progress of infrastructure and civil works, ICT and smart classrooms under Samagra Shiksha; discussion on the status and setting up of Vidya Samiksha Kendras and 200 educational channels; finalization of data for the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) for 2023-24; best practices; District Insti- tutes of Education and Training: upgrade as Centres of Excellence; and need for tobacco control in schools. 
• Official sources told The Hindu that Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha might come on board PM-SHRI under the NEP by mid-July. However, States such as Delhi, West Bengal and Punjab were still at loggerheads with the Centre over various facets of NEP implementation. 
• "The implications of coming on board are to en- sure seamless transition of students migrating to different universities and ensuring transfer of credits smoothly, one of the long term visions of the National Credit Framework under NEP, 2020, a source said. 
• During the review, Union Education Minister 
• Dharmendra Pradhan said that in its four years of implementation, the NEP had made considerable pro- gress. 
• He stressed the importance of education in the mother tongue and in Indian languages, and urged the States to work as a unit with the Centre to replicate best practices. In a first, the Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur said it would start offering its B.Tech. programme in Hindi and English, and two sections would be identified based on preferences for lectures in respective languages. "The institute has further mentioned that the courses will be taught in both languages by the same instructor to ensure the same rigor," said Ravi Ginger, Assistant Registrar, Office of Academic Affairs, IIT-Jodhpur. 

5. India ranks fifth in GenAI innovations, China leads 

• India ranks fifth in Generative AI (GenAI) innovations, trailing behind China, the US, Republic of Korea, and Japan. 
• India has filed 1,350 patents related to Generative AI from 2014 to 2023. 
• The country ranks fifth globally in total number of GenAI patents, following China (38,210), the US (6,276), Republic of Korea (4,155), and Japan (3,409). 
• India has surpassed the UK (714 patents) and Germany (708 patents) in the number of GenAI patents published. 
• Chinese companies Tencent, Ping an Insurance Group, and Baidu have published the most GenAI patent families in the last decade. 
• No Indian entities are in the top 20 GenAI patent owners. 
• Notable Indian patents include a retail AI assistant solution by RN Chidakashi Technologies (Miko Robotics) and Tata Consultancy Services’ GenAI tool for contract lifecycle management. 
• India has the highest annual growth rate in GenAI patent publications at 56%, although it holds only a 3% share of total GenAI patents.

 International News 

6. Singapore approves use of 16 insects for human consumption

 

• Singapore's food regulator has approved about 16 species of insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms, superworms, crickets and silkworms for human consumption. The much-awaited announcement has come as a cheer for the industry, which has been promoting the supply and catering of insects grown in China, Thailand and Vietnam in Singapore. 
• The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said those intending to import or farm insects for human consumption or animal feed must meet the SFA's guidelines, including providing documentary evidence that the imported insects have been raised in regulated establishments with food safety controls and have not been harvested from the wild. 
• Insects that are not on the SFA's list of 16 must undergo assessment to ensure these species are safe to eat, the agency said. 
• Companies selling pre-packaged foods containing insects will also have to label their packaging, so consumers can make informed decisions about buying the product. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation has promoted insects as a more sustainable alternative to meat, as they have a higher protein content and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions when farmed. 
• Yip, who has already secured a licence to import these insects to Singapore, is working with farms in China, Thailand and Vietnam to supply these insects to the local market. Its products include pure silkworm powder - which can be used as a food ingredient - as well as matcha powder, protein powder and protein bars, which are high in protein and amino acids Ashwagandha banned in Denmark 
• The AYUSH ministry has expressed serious concern over a May 2020 report by the Danish University of Technology (DTU), based on which Denmark has banned ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. 
• Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is facing safety concerns, highlighting potential issues such as its potential abortifacient effects, stimulation of the thyroid gland and immune system, effects on sex hormones, and adverse liver reactions. 
• According to data from the Ministry of AYUSH, India is the world's largest producer of ashwagandha roots with an estimated annual production of 4,000 tonnes. India holds a dominant position, contributing 42% of the world supply, followed by the US with 498 shipments and the EU in third place with 401 shipments. 
• According to data from the American Botanical Council's (ABC) annual Herb Market Report, the herb jumped from 34th place in the list of top-selling herbs in 2018 to 7th place in 2021. 
• It contains active substances called withanolides and alkaloids. Withanolides are organic compounds known to have medicinal properties. Alkaloids are also organic compounds (carbon compounds), generally known for their soothing effects. Caffeine and nicotine are among the betterknown alkaloids. 

7. Mount Etna and Stromboli volcanoes in Italy erupted 

• Recent volcanic eruptions at Mount Etna and Stromboli in Italy have spewed hot ash and lava. Mount Etna is located on the island of Sicily in the southern part of Italy and Stromboli is on the Aeolian Island. 
• One of the world's most active volcanoes, Etna has seen a lot of activity in recent days, lighting up the sky near the city of Catania, while Stromboli, off the northern Sicilian coast, has spewed lava into the sea. 
• Europe's most active volcano is also one of the world's largest volcanoes. It is also the highest mountain on a Mediterranean island and the most active stratovolcano worldwide. 
• Stratovolcanoes are tall, conical volcanoes built up from layers of hardened lava, ash, and rock fragments. 
• They are usually found above subduction zones and they are often part of larger volcanically active regions, such as the Ring of Fire that encircles much of the Pacific Ocean. 
• Mount Stromboli is an active volcano and it emits so many gas clouds that it is called the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean." 

8. UNESCO Designates 11 New Biosphere Reserves During 36th Session in Morocco 

• UNESCO has approved the designation of 11 new biosphere reserves in 11 countries, including for the first time in Belgium and Gambia, and two transboundary biosphere reserves. The other new biosphere reserves are located in Colombia, Dominican Republic, Italy, Mongolia, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Slovenia and Spain. 
• These additions were decided during the 36th session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and Biosphere Programme, the governing body of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme, composed of 34 representatives from UNESCO Member States. The Council held its session in Agadir, Morocco, from 2 to 5 July 2024, following the UNESCO Conference on Soils. 
• With a total area of 37400 sq km of these new Biosphere Reserves, equivalent to the size of the Netherlands, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves has now reached a total of 759 sites in 136 countries. 
• Biosphere reserves help achieve the goals set by States when they adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in December 2022, including to designate 30% of the Earth’s land and sea surface as protected areas and restore 30% of the planet’s degraded ecosystems by 2030. 
• A total of 12 Biosphere Reserves in India are internationally recognised under the MAB Reserve Programme. 
• The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) initiative was launched by UNESCO in 1971. It is an intergovernmental scientific programme aimed at establishing a scientific basis for improving the relationship between people and their environment. 

11 Biosphere Reserves 

1.  Kempen-Broek Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Belgium, Kingdom of the Netherlands) 
2. Darien Norte Chocono Biosphere Reserve (Colombia) 
3. Madre de las Aguas Biosphere Reserve (Dominican Republic) 
4. Niumi Biosphere Reserve (Gambia) 
5. Colli Euganei Biosphere Reserve (Italy) 
6. Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Italy, Slovenia) 
7. Khar Us Lake Biosphere Reserve (Mongolia) 
8. Apayaos Biosphere Reserve (Philippines) 
9. Changnyeong Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Korea) 
10. Val d'Aran Biosphere Reserve (Spain) 11. Irati Biosphere Reserve (Spain) 

State News 

9. Karnataka becomes second state in the country to introduce gig workers bill 

• The Karnataka government published the draft Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, making it the second Indian state to take such a step, the first being Rajasthan. 
• The bill seeks to regulate the social security and welfare of platformbased gig workers in the state and is expected to be tabled in the monsoon session of the assembly. 
• The draft defines a gig worker as “a person who performs work or participates in a work arrangement that results in a fixed rate of payment, based on the terms and conditions set out in such contract and includes all piece-rate work, and whose work is procured through a platform in the services specified in Schedule-1.” 
• The 2022 report by Niti Aayog estimates that there will be 23.5 million gig workers in India by 2029-30. In Bengaluru alone, around 2 lakh gig workers work with platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, Ola, Urban Company, Porter, Dunzo, Amazon, Flipkart, etc. The last two decades have seen the emergence of several platforms that have shaped the gig economy in India and impacted the labour market at large. 

The Bill 

• The new draft aims to introduce safeguards against unfair dismissal, bring in a two-tier grievance redressal mechanism for workers, and bring in more transparency with regard to the automated monitoring and decision-making systems deployed by the platforms. 
• According to the draft bill, the contract between the aggregator and the worker should contain a detailed list of grounds on which the contract will be terminated by the aggregator. It also stipulates that the aggregator shall not terminate a worker without giving valid reasons in writing and without giving 14 days' prior notice. 
• Taking inspiration from the Rajasthan bill, the new draft also proposes setting up a welfare board and social security and welfare fund for gig workers. Welfare charges will be levied on every transaction between the worker and the aggregator or on the total turnover of the company. 

10. Tata Power launches ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’ scheme in Uttar Pradesh 

• Tata Power has launched the ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’ initiative in Uttar Pradesh, starting with Varanasi, to provide residents with substantial subsidies and state-of-the-art rooftop solar solutions. 
• Residents can avail a maximum subsidy of up to Rs 1,08,000 on rooftop solar installations combining central and state government subsidies. Tata Power Solar offers state-of-the-art technology with bifacial modules for high efficiency and durability. 
• Installing a 3 kW solar rooftop can help residents save up to Rs 27,000 annually on electricity bills, generating 12 units of electricity per day. Net metering allows additional savings by sending excess power back to the grid. 
• Interested residents can apply through the Uttar Pradesh government’s renewable energy website, fill the RTS application form, submit required documents, wait for approval and site inspection, and schedule installation with Tata Power Solar. 
• Tata Power, a leading integrated power company in India, has a diverse portfolio spanning renewable and conventional energy generation, transmission and distribution, and solar cell manufacturing. 
• Their comprehensive offerings include a 25-year warranty on modules, quality assurance, and comprehensive after-sales support. Committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, Tata Power continues to be a leader in the clean energy transition in India. 

11. National Commission for Women and CyberPeace Foundation's Digital Shakti 5.0 Campaign 

• The National Commission for Women (NCW) and CyberPeace Foundation have launched the fifth phase of the Digital Shakti Abhiyan, a nationwide initiative aimed at digitally empowering and upskilling women and girls in cyberspace, thereby creating a safer online environment for them. 
• Digital Shakti was launched in 2018 with the aim of introducing women to the digital age and enhancing their skills. So far, 6 lakh women have been trained to stay safe in the digital world. In this phase, the target is to increase that number to 10 lakh. 
• He said the campaign aims to skill women across the country, enhance digital awareness, build resilience and tackle cybercrime. 

12.CM Stalin releases books on folk deities, forts of T.N. 

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday released two coffee-table books titled Folk Deities of Tamil Nadu: Worship, Tradition and Custom and Forts of TamilNadu: A Walk-Through, brought out by The Hindu Group of Publications in collaboration with the TamilNadu government's Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department and Tourism Department. 
• K. Ramachandran, Minister for Tourism, received the first copy of the book Forts of Tamil Nadu: A Walk-Through and P.K. Sekarbabu, Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, received the first copy of Folk Deities of Tamil Nadu: Worship, Tradition and Custom in the presence of Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson, The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited.The book on folk deities, curated by B. Kolap pan, The Hindu's Senior Deputy Editor, focuses on the innumerable folk deities of Tamil Nadu. Some of these have a pan-regional appeal, while others are worshiped in a particular area or by certain communities and families. Tamil society worshiped heroes who laid down their lives for a common cause. 'Nadu Kal (hero stones) were erected to honor those heroes. Madurai Veeran, Kaathavarayan, and Muthu Pattan were raised to the status of deities for questioning existing norms of society and achieved martyrdom. Muneeswaran and Karuppasamy were worshiped as guardian deities, as per the book. 
• The book also documents the history, worship, tradition and customs of folk deities. Scholars and folklorists who wrote extensively about these deities have contributed to the book, which includes colorful photographs of folk deities from across Tamil Nadu. The book also has chapters on Sudalai Madan, Ayyanar, Ponnar-Sankar, Maasani Amman, Bannari Amman, and Angalamman. With many of these deities and their worship methods fast disappearing, the book is also very timely. 
• Another book Forts of Tamil Nadu: A Walk Through curated by Sanjana Ganesh, Senior Sub Editor, The Hindu, documents the past glory of several forts in Tamil Nadu through essays that delve into their history. Writers from The Hindu and several freelance contributors attempted to chart the high points of history at various forts across the State. Many such structures have existed in the State for centuries. The sprawling grounds of these structures have been the site of political discourse, military prowess, foreign diplomacy and global trade. 
• The book attempts to deepen one's understanding of Tamil Nadu's contribution to the history of India, and features Fort St. George in Chennai as well as forts at Gingee, Sadras, Thirumayam, Alamparai, Vandavasi, Vellore, Sankagiri, Tharangambadi, Ranjankudi, Krishnagiri, Dindigul, Cuddalore, Trichy Rockfort, Rayakottai, Namakkal and Vattakottai. The book has photographs of these forts from today and some archival images showing the structures in their heyday. 
• Shiv Das Meena, Chief Secretary; B. Chandra Mohan, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism Culture and Religious Endowments; C. Samayamoorthy, Commissioner of Tourism and Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and K.V. Muralidharan, Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department were among others present during the launch. 
• The books will soon be available for purchase. 

Appointment 

13.Soumya Swaminathan appointed NTEP adviser

• Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research and Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization, has been appointed Principal Adviser at the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). She will be serving in the Ministry on a pro bono basis. 
• Dr. Swaminathan will be based out of Chennai, she told The Hindu, where she heads the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation that works on issues of agriculture and climate change. 
• As the Principal Adviser, Dr. Swaminathan will provide technical advice on the overall strategy to achieve goals and advise on research strategy. 

14. Gautam Gambhir appointed as new head coach of Indian men's cricket team 

• Former MP Gautam Gambhir has been named the new head coach of India's men's cricket team. He will take over from Rahul Dravid after the successful ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. 
• During his playing days, Gambhir was a star at the top of the order for India. The left-handed batsman made his international debut in 2003 in an ODI against Bangladesh. 
• In 2011, his brilliant innings in the final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup led India to win the Cricket World Cup after 28 years. He also led India to a title win in the first men's T20 World Cup in 2007. 
• He won two major awards in 2009 - the Arjuna Award and the ICC Test Player of the Year. 
• Gambhir retired from all forms of cricket in March 2019, having played 58 Tests, 147 ODIs and 37 T20Is. Gambhir has over 15,000 runs in first-class cricket and over 10,000 runs in the ODI format. 
• He scored 4154 runs in Test cricket at an average of 41.95 with the help of nine centuries and 22 halfcenturies. In ODIs, the left-handed batsman scored 5238 runs at an average of 39.68 with the help of 11 centuries and 34 half-centuries while in T20s, Gambhir scored 932 runs in 37 matches at a strike rate of 119.02 with the help of five halfcenturies. 
• Gambhir is also one of the most iconic figures in the Indian Premier League, achieving the biggest achievements of his career as both captain and mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders. He led KKR to IPL titles in 2012, 2014 and 2024. 

15.IEX board reappoints SN Goel as CMD, promotes Rohit Bajaj as joint MD 

• Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) board approved the proposal to reappoint Satyanarayan Goel as its Chairman and Managing Director and to appoint Rohit Bajaj as its Joint Managing Director. 
• The board also approved the appointment of Rajeev Gupta as the Non-Executive Independent Director of the company. 
• The board unanimously agreed to reappoint Goel as the Chairman & Managing Director for three years from August 10. 

Recent Appointment 

• CMD of India Trade Promotion Organization – Pradeep Singh Kharola 
• DG of Press Information Bureau – Dhirendra Ojha (replace Sheyphali Sharan) 
• Chairperson of the National Medical Commission – Dr BN Gangadhar 
• President of Medical Assessment and Rating Board – Dr Sanjay Behari 
• Maharashtra’s first Woman Chief Secretary – Sujata Saunik (replace Nitin Kareer) 

Defence 

16. Central Asian countries conduct first war games without Russia or China 

• The exercises, named Birlestik-2024, which means “alliance” in Kazakh, are hosted by Kazakhstan and include four other ex-Soviet states. 
• The drills, taking place in the Caspian Sea, will run until July 17, involving around 4,000 troops along with warships, aviation, artillery, and tanks. 
• The participating countries are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, with Turkmenistan notably absent. Additionally, Azerbaijan, a Caucasus country, is participating in these exercises. 
• The absence of Russia, which is currently engaged in the conflict in Ukraine, marks a notable shift in the regional military dynamics. 
• The exercises will focus on “liberating an island captured by terrorists” and conducting operations to ensure maritime security and protect critical infrastructure. 
• Traditionally, these Central Asian countries have participated in military drills alongside Russia through the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and with China under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). 
• The most recent joint drills with these major powers occurred in 2023, involving 1,500 troops. 

Award 

17. PM Modi to be conferred with Russia's highest civilian honour 'Order of St. Andrew the Apostle First-Called" 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the 'Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the FirstCalled' announced in the year 2019 at the St. Catherine Hall of the Moscow Kremlin in Russia on 9 July 2024. 
• The order was conferred on the Prime Minister of India for his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly relations between the two countries. 
• The award was established in the year 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great in honor of St. Andrew, the first apostle of Jesus and the patron saint of Russia. It is given only for the most outstanding civil or military service. 
• The order is named after St. Andrew, who is revered as the first apostle of Jesus and is considered the patron saint of Russia. Modi last visited Russia in 2019, when he attended a forum in the Far Eastern port of Vladivostok and met Putin. 
• PM Modi laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during his two-day visit to Russia for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. 
• Modi and Putin last met in September 2022 at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan. HCL Tech Chairperson Roshni Nadar receives France's highest civilian honour 
• HCL Tech Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra has been conferred the country's highest civilian award "Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur" (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by France. 
• The fourth-largest company in India's $250 billion IT export industry, HCLTech serves French companies in industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, financial services and pharmaceuticals. It is also involved in imparting software coding skills in middle schools to boost France's local technology ecosystem. 
• Instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur is the highest civilian award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France. The President of the French Republic is the Grand Master of the Order of the Legion of Honour. 

18. Tamil writer Sivasankari selected for Dr. C. Narayana Reddy National Literary Award 

• Tamil writer Sivasankari has been selected for the Dr. C. Narayana Reddy National Literary Award. This prestigious honour celebrates her immense contribution to the rich fabric of Tamil literary culture. The Dr. C. Narayana Reddy National Literary Award, presented by the Susheela Narayana Reddy Trust, is one of the most revered honours in the Indian literary community. 
• Sivasankari will receive a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a commemorative memento and a traditional shawl at the prestigious Ravindra Bharati in Hyderabad on July 29, 2024. 
• The date holds special significance as it coincides with the 93rd birth anniversary celebrations of renowned Telugu poet and educationist Dr C Narayana Reddy, after whom the award is named. 
• The Chennai-based writer has written 36 novels, 48 short novels (Navlikas), 150 stories, 15 travelogues, seven volumes of essays, four research papers and two autobiographies in Tamil. 

Important day 

19.10 July – Global Energy Independence Day

 

• Global Energy Independence Day is observed every year on July 10. 
• Objective – To promote awareness for alternative forms of energy.
•  The day also offers opportunities to learn more about renewable forms of energy, such as solar, wind, and geothermal. 
• In 2006, Michael D. Antonovich proclaimed July 10th as Global Energy Independence Day. At the time, Antonovich served as a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. 
• The date of July 10th coincides with the birthday of Nikola Tesla, who was born in 1856. Tesla is a Serbian-American inventor born in Croatia. 

20. 10 July – Chronic Disease Awareness Day 

• Chronic Disease Awareness Day is observed every year on 10 July. 
• Chronic Disease Awareness Day is dedicated to increasing awareness about chronic diseases, their impact, causes, symptoms, and prevention. 

Science and Technology News 

21. NASA to train two ISRO Gaganyaan astronauts under 'Axiom-4’ 

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has selected two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with the United States. 
• According to information available on NASA's website, the mission is scheduled to take place "not before October 2024". The astronauts will have to go to the United States for training on the nuances of the ISS before the mission. 
• "They have general training for space-travel, most of their training in India is focused on the Gaganyaan module. They will have to get familiar with the ISS modules and protocols," the official said.
•  The Axiom-4 mission, which will carry Indian astronauts to the ISS, is the fourth private astronaut mission of NASA and a private US company Axiom Space. The mission is expected to dock with the ISS for fourteen days. 
• When the Axiom-4 mission was announced last year, NASA said in a release: "Axiom-4 crew members will train with NASA, international partners and SpaceX for their flight. 
• Axiom Space has contracted with SpaceX as the launch provider for transportation to and from the space station, and has familiarised private astronauts with systems, procedures and emergency preparedness for the Dragon spacecraft. 
• Last year, a joint statement by India and the US during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US said that NASA would provide advanced training to Indian astronauts. 
• Later the same year, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said during his Delhi visit that the space agency would train an Indian astronaut for a mission to the International Space Station by the end of 2024. 

22. SpaceX announces launch of 'Polaris Dawn' mission for firstever commercial spacewalk 

• Elon Musk's SpaceX will launch the "Polaris Dawn" mission, which will take four people 870 miles from Earth, the farthest distance in more than 50 years. In addition to testing in-orbit communications, the crew will conduct high-altitude exercises, the first-ever commercial spacewalk, and health-related research. 
• The crew of the mission, which will take off on a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida on July 31, 2024, can spend up to five days in space. This initial orbital altitude distance of 870 miles is more than any crewed space travel since the Gemini 11 mission of the year 1966 and the Apollo 17 mission of the year 1972. 
• The team under this mission includes specialist and medical officer Anna Menon, mission specialist and specialist Sarah Gillis, mission pilot Scott Poteat and mission commander Jared Isaacman. 
• The crew's main goals while in orbit are to perform high-altitude activities, perform the first commercial spacewalk, test communications in orbit, and investigate health effects. 
• To investigate the effect of space travel and space radiation on human health, 38 scientific experiments will be conducted. For the remainder of their orbital stay, the altitude will be reduced to 430 miles after these experiments. 
• The crew will test Starlink laserbased communications in orbit after spacewalking, which will provide critical information for the next space communications systems needed for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. 
• At the end of the mission, a scientific study will be conducted to improve human health both on Earth and on upcoming extended space missions. 
• After upgrading from the current Intravehicular (IVA) suit to the SpaceX-designed Extravehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuit, the crew will attempt the first private spacewalk. 

Schemes and Committees News 

23. ICICI Lombard launches AIpowered health insurance product ‘Elevate’ 

• ICICI Lombard, a leading private general insurer in India, has launched a pioneering health insurance product ‘Elevate’ that integrates AI technology. 
• Powered by AI, the first-of-its-kind healthcare product is packed with cutting-edge features and add-ons, offering personalised solutions to meet the needs of dynamic lifestyles, unexpected medical emergencies and medical inflation. 
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24. Committee proposes opening of Ratna Bhandar on July 14

 

• A high-level committee, under the chairmanship of Orissa High Court judge Justice Biswanath Rath for making an inventory of jewelry and other valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar, treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, has recommended its opening on July 14, making way for access to the treasury after 46 years. 
• As per records, the Ratna Bhandar has 454 gold articles with a net weight of 12,838 Bharis (128.38 kg) and 293 silver articles weighing 22,153 Bharis (221.53 kg). 
• The last inventory was done in 1978. The temple regulations stipulate inventorisation every three years. 
• "A consensus was reached during the meeting to recommend that the State government unlock the inner Ratna Bhandar on July 14. We have prepared the proceedings accordingly," said Justice Rath after the committee's second meeting in Puri on Tuesday. 
• "Another decision has been taken that the locks will be opened, regardless of whether the keys are available. Various activities are linked to the opening of the Ratna Bhandar, and we have prepared separate Standard Operating Procedures for this," he said. "We have great responsibility to ensure the safety of jewelry items. Two major assignments: inventorisation and repair of Ratna Bhandar will be taken up. 
• The temple managing committee and the government have been informed," said Justice Rath. Ratna Bhandar, measuring 60 sq m, is situated on the northern side of the Jagamohana (assembly hall) within the Shri Jagannath temple complex. It has two chambers the Bahara Bhandar (outer chamber) and the Bhitara Bhandar (inner chamber). The northern wall of the Ratna Bhandar connects it to the main temple. 
• During its 24-year-long regime, the Naveen Patnaik government had never attempted to open Ratna Bhandar, although concerns were raised about the safety of valuables and the chamber. The mat- ter had reached Orissa High Court, which sought explanations from the State government. In 2023, the State government had announced reopening of Ratna Bhandar in 2024 Rath Yatra, during which idols of deities would be in Mausi Maa Temple and there would not be any daily rituals inside the main temple. 
• The previous government had constituted a committee under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court Judge Arijit Pasayat. The committee had, however, failed to take any quick decision with regard to opening of Ratna Bhandar despite meeting twice