PREFACE
It gives us great pleasure to release the monthly edition of the PRAVAHINI – Monthly e-Compendium & Weekly e-Periodicals of Current Affairs. The magazine’s members have shown considerable cooperation as well as devotion. We at successmantra.in work tirelessly to create this magazine and bring it to you with a great sense of gratitude.
The PRAVAHINI July-2022 eBook covers the current events that happened in the month of July. Current Affairs is a crucial component of any competitive exams including CLAT, AILET, DU-LLB, HM, CAT, IAS, PCS, SSC, Banking, MBA and various other competitive examinations.
Current Affairs play the bigger role in many competitive and government exams. It holds the power of making or breaking your chance of success. Therefore, the candidates should cover the Current Affairs thoroughly and smartly.
The PRAVAHINI July-2022 eBook is divided into different sections keeping in mind the need of various exams. The sections covered namely International, National, Economy, Ecology and Environment, Science & Technology, Legal Affairs, Sports, States News Makers and few others.
We would also be pleased to receive any suggestion that could assist us with the upcoming editions.
Success Mantra (GTB Nagar, Delhi)
Website: www.successmantra.in
Mail Id: [email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- National Affairs
- International Affairs
- Economic Affairs
- Awards & Honor
- Important Dates & Sports
- Reports And Indexes
- Science & Technology
- Miscellaneous
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
6TH NATIONAL CONCLAVE ON MINES & MINERALS
The 6th National Conclave on Mines & Minerals was held as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav legendary week celebrations in New Delhi, according to the Ministry of Mines.
Shri Amit Shah, the Union Minister of Housing, was the chief guest at the colloquium that will be held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Center.
The launch of three modules of the Mining Tenement System (MTS), awards for 5-Star rated mines for the years 2020–21, and the National GeoScience Awards–2019 were some of the highlights of the conclave.
Other highlights included the presentation of the national level Rashtriya Khanij Vikas Puraskar to the best performing States in the field of mining. The conclave’s opening session included a technical presentation from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) and a discussion on mining automation.
DELHI TIES UP WITH UNICEF FOR STUDENTS EMPLOYMENT
Students of the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) will now have access to job opportunities thanks to a new pilot project the Delhi government announced with United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
DSEU and UNICEF have introduced ‘Career Awareness Sessions’ for students. Skill Varsity of Delhi joins hands with YuWaah (Generation Unlimited India) at UNICEF to enable access to employment opportunities, assist students in becoming job ready as well as listen to and amplify the voices of young people.
Another pillar of the partnership is the ‘YuWaah Step Up – Bano job ready’, a six-month pilot being conducted by Flywheel Digital Solutions Pvt with DSEU students and other job-seekers in Delhi to enhance the reach of young job-seekers on the new age job portals.
NEW DELHI LAUNCHED SCHEME 'SAH BHAGITA'
On July 11, 2022 “New Delhi SAH-BHAGITA” scheme was launched by the Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. New Delhi SAH-BHAGITA Scheme was launched to make Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) partners in the tax collection and waste management ecosystem in Delhi.
It is aimed at improving efficiency and compliance in tax collection by encouraging RWAs. As per scheme, if one RWA is able to achieve 90 percent tax collection, from the overall number of properties in societies or colonies, it would be able to recommend development work across their areas equal to 10 percent of the tax collection.
This tax collection is subject to a ceiling of Rs one lakh. Furthermore, if the colony is able to achieve 100 per cent waste segregation at source, compositing of wet waste as well as recycling of dry waste, then the government would provide an additional incentive of 5 percent of tax paid.
TARANGA HILL-AMBAJI-ABU ROAD RAIL LINE
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the construction of the 116.65-km long Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road rail line.
Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road Rail Line will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 2,798.16 crore. Project is expected to be completed by 2026-27.
It will help in strengthening the connectivity and boosting socio-economic progress.
This project was approved in line with long-standing demand by people, for improving access to Ambaji.
It will link two states and three religious places. It will pass through Sirohi district in Rajasthan and Sabarkantha, Mahesana & Banaskantha, districts in Gujarat.
The Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road Rail Line will be constructed by the Ministry of Railways.
GOVT. OF INDIA UNVEILED 'JUTE MARK INDIA' LOGO
The government of India introduced the certification of authenticity for jute products manufactured in India.
The Union Textile Secretary unveiled the logo “Jute Mark India”. This project is an initiative to protect and promote Indian jute products.
The Jute Mark India (JMI) will be a hallmark of the jute products manufactured in India.
This certification is expected to increase the domestic market and export of Jute products made in India to other countries. The Jute Mark India will contain a unique QR code and when the customers scan the code, they’ll get to know about the product.
Jute Mark India (JMI) was implemented during an ongoing scheme for the development and promotion of Jute between FY’22 and FY’26. The total investment of the central government in this project was Rs. 485.58 crore.
SECOND PROJECT 17A STEALTH FRIGATE 'DUNAGIRI'
On July 15, 2022 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the second Project 17A stealth frigate ‘Dunagiri’.
The Dunagiri frigate was launched into the Hooghly River in Kolkata. It will be a very big asset for India as it has the potential to conclude its work in any situation.
The ship has been named after a mountain range “Dunagiri” in Uttarakhand. This mountain range was brought to Sri Lanka by Lord Hanuman to bring ‘sanjeevani booti’ for Lord Laxman. It is the fourth ship of P17A Frigates.
It is the improved version of P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class), with some improvements in stealth features, platform management systems, advanced weapons and sensors.
'HAR GHAR TIRANGA' NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN
The Central Government is all set to launch a nationwide campaign “Har Ghar Tiranga”, marking the 75th Independence Day.
Under this campaign, citizens will be encouraged to raise the national flag at their residences. This initiative was launched as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, by the nodal Ministry of Culture.
About Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign
The Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign was launched to encourage Indians worldwide to fly the National flag.
This campaign will serve as a symbol of citizen’s dedication to nation-building and personal connection to the flag, in light of the 75th year of In Independence.
Its main goal is to inculcate a sense of patriotism in the hearts of citizens and raise awareness of the national flag.
VARANASI AS 1ST CULTURE & TOURISM CAPITAL OF SCO
The holy city of Varanasi showcasing India’s culture and traditions over the ages will be declared the first “Cultural and Tourism Capital” of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Varanasi will become the “Cultural and Tourism Capital” of the SCO for 2022-23 under a new rotating initiative by the eight-member organisation to promote people-to-people contacts and tourism among the member states.
Each year a city of the cultural heritage of a member country that will take over the rotating Presidency of the organisation will get the title to highlight its prominence.
The organisation’s new initiatives ahead of this year’s Heads of the State summit of the SCO scheduled to be held at Samarkand in Uzbekistan on September 15-16 this year.
About the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation:
The Beijing-headquartered Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is an eight-member economic and security alliance comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan.
The SCO is the successor to the Shanghai Five, a mutual security agreement formed in 1996 between China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
BUNDELKHAND EXPRESSWAY INAUGURATED IN UP
Bundelkhand Expressway was recently inaugurated in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Bundelkhand Expressway is a 296 km long expressway. It will pass through 7 districts and lastly connect with Agra- Lucknow expressway.
The expressway will provide a seamless connectivity and boost economic progress in this region, by bringing in an industrial boom.
Which places will be covered under expressway?
The Bundelkhand expressway starts at Bharatkoop in Chitrakoot district. It connects with the Agra-Lucknow expressway at Kudrail village in Etawah district.
FIRST STATE TO HAVE ITS OWN INTERNET SERVICES
Kerala is now the first and only state in the country to have its own internet service, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who made the announcement.
The announcement followed the Dept. of Telecommunications’ granting of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) licence to the IT infrastructure project of the Kerala Fiber Optic Network Ltd (K-Fon), which aims to provide everyone in the state access to the internet.
The principle behind the establishment of K-Fon is “non -discriminatory” treatment, which means that no service provider or business segment receives preferential treatment, as recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
What is K-FON?
K-Fon or Kerala Fiber Optic Network Ltd is a state government initiative that aims to eliminate the digital gap. As per the government, the infrastructure created by this project is expected to complement the state’s current telecom ecosystem.
SANJAY AGRAWAL COMMITTEE ON MSP
The Union Government has constituted “Sanjay Agarwal Committee on Minimum Support Price (MSP)”, to make it more effective and transparent.
Committee was created around eight months later and the three farm Acts were repealed.
Other members of the committee include:
Member of NITI Aayog, Ramesh Chand
Professor of IIM Ahmedabad, Sukhpal Singh
Chairman of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative, Dilip Sanghani
Secretary of Department of Agriculture
Secretary of Department of Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Representatives from state governments of Karnataka, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
Background
A Sanjay Agarwal Committee has been created, keeping the promise made to farmers when they were protesting against the controversial farm acts. Government had assured to form a committee to consider their demand for legalising MSP.
PRADHAN MANTRI GRAM SADAK YOJANA
The Union Government had launched the “Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-I (PMGSY-I)”, to provide rural connectivity. As of July 13, 2022, road length of 6,45,566 km has been sanctioned and 6,17,013 km has been completed.
PMGSY phase I
PMGSY phase I was launched as a one-time special intervention to impart rural connectivity, by providing a single all-weather road.
PMGSY Phase II
PMGSY Phase II was launched in 2013, in a bid to consolidate the existing Rural Road Network, for improving efficiency as transportation services providers as well as a vehicle of socio-economic development.
Under phase two, Selected Through Routes and Major Rural Links (MRLs) were upgraded. Target was set to upgrade 50,000 Km across the states and Union Territories.
PMGSY Phase III
PMGSY Phase III was approved by the central government in 2019. It mainly focuses on consolidating 125000 Km existing through routes and Major Rural Links which connect habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Hospitals and Higher Secondary Schools.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
10TH WORLD PEACE FORUM 2022
Tenth edition of the World Peace Forum 2022 is being organised by Tsinghua University, in Beijing.
As a part of the World Peace Forum, panel discussion on BRICS Cooperation: Opportunities and Challenges” was held. India’s Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat attended the panel discussion.
BRICS countries faces several challenges including,
Uneven economic and social development
Poverty
Lack of access to education.
Opportunities for BRICS Countries
India takes part in other international organizations like ASEAN. It is a founding member of ASEAN summit. It was a part of the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The country has also established mechanisms to slow down the process of global climate change. BRICS grouping is a unique international organization.
It accounts for 41% of the world’s population, 25% of world’s GDP and 16% of international trade.
If BRICS countries can work to boost their GDP and provide better health care & education in line with Sustainable Development Goals, then BRICS countries can make a huge contribution in global prosperity and health.
FIRST I2U2 LEADERS' SUMMIT IN VIRTUAL MODE
On July 14, 2022, the first India-Israel-UAE-USA (I2U2) Leader’s Summit was organised, in virtual mode.
The I2U2 grouping was first assembled in October 2021, through a foreign ministers’ meeting in virtual mode. This new Quad grouping is not gaining momentum.
It is not an alternative to the Indo-Pacific Quad comprising India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. I2U2 grouping emerged as a result of rapidly increasing cooperation among its member countries.
PRESIDENT OF SRI LANKA RAJAPAKSA SIGNS RESIGNATION
The Speaker of Parliament will officially announce the resignation of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after he has signed his letter of resignation.
The resignation was written and given to a senior government official, who will give it to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.
Following months of demonstrations against an economic crisis, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa travelled to the Maldives, prompting Sri Lanka to proclaim a state of emergency as large-scale riots swamped Colombo.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa has nominated Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to serve as the interim president while he is away, according to the announcement made by Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled his official residence in Colombo shortly before tens of thousands of protestors overran it, had pledged over the weekend to step down and pave the way for a peaceful transfer of power.
NEPAL'S FIRST EVER CITIZENSHIP AMENDMENT BILL
Parliament of Nepal passed the first ever “Citizenship Amendment Bill” on July 13, 2022.
The citizenship amendment bill was being discussed for over two years (from 2020), because it could not bring a consensus among political parties.
Political parties had different opinions on different provisions, including- seven-year waiting period to get “naturalised citizenship” for foreign women who are married to Nepali men.
Nepal’s first Citizenship Amendment Bill 2022
Nepal’s first Citizenship Amendment Bill 2022 will amend the Nepal Citizenship Act 2006. Bill will make provisions to provide citizenship in line with the Constitution.
There was a need to amend the citizenship act, because many people are deprived of citizenship certificates even though their parents are citizens of Nepal. It was further depriving them of education and other facilities provided by the government.
WHAT IS JERUSALEM JOINT DECLARATION?
US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Israel Yair Lapid inked a joint strategic declaration in Jerusalem, which is officially called as “Jerusalem US-Israel Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration”.
In the Jerusalem Declaration, the US pledged to use all elements under its national power, to ward off Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
However, the US President has affirmed his support of a two-state solution as well to progress toward a reality in which Israelis and Palestinians can get equal measures of security, prosperity and freedom.
The United States is set to work with Israel, Palestinian Authority, as well as regional stakeholders to achieve this objective.
The Jerusalem declaration also comprises US commitment to completely implement the terms of the USD 38 billion memorandum of understanding.
JEDDAH SUMMIT ON SECURITY & DEVELOPMENT
On July 16, 2022, the Jeddah Security and Development Summit was organised in Jeddah city of Saudi Arabia.
The summit marked the presence of leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and United States of America. During the summit, leaders highlighted the historic ties countries share.
It aimed at boosting the countries’ joint cooperation across all the areas.
During the summit, gulf leaders vindicated the important role played by United States in their strategic partnerships in Middle East region.
Leaders also recapped their joint vision for a prosperous and peaceful Middle East and stressed upon the importance of taking all necessary measures in protecting the security and stability in the region.
WHAT IS CAATSA SANCTION BY US GOVT.?
The US House of Representatives passed an amendment that approves waiver to India against CAATSA Sanctions.
Amendment was passed by voice vote. It provides a waiver to India, under CAATSA sanctions, to purchase the S-400 missile defence system from Russia. The US's waiver is directed towards countering China.
Amendment was passed during floor consideration of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA).
About CAATSA Amendment
The CAATSA amendment was prepared and introduced by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna. The amendment asks the Joe Biden administration to provide a waiver to India under CAATSA, in order to help deter aggressor countries like China.
What is CAATSA?
CAATSA stands for Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. The law authorises the US administration to put sanctions on countries which purchase major defence equipment from Russia. This act was passed in 2017, to respond against Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 as well as and Russia’s interference in the 2016 US presidential elections.
The US government is free to take punitive actions, under CAATSA, against countries involved in transactions with Russian defence & intelligence sectors.
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
ELON MUSK TERMINATES DEAL TO BUY TWITTER
Twitter has hired a top law firm to charge legal action against Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on his decision to terminate the $44 billion takeover deal. Musk decided to suspend the deal due to multiple breaches of the purchase agreement.
The two parties are likely set for a protracted court battle, according to lawyers. Musk could also be faced with paying a $1 billion breakup fee for walking away.
Twitter shares sank in premarket trade after Elon Musk said he is trying to terminate his $44 billion takeovers of the company. Shares of the social media platform closed down 11%.
Tesla, where Musk is CEO, fell about 6.5%. After the market closed and Musk’s letter was published, Twitter’s stock continued to decline while Tesla climbed higher.
AWARDS & HONOURS
WALL OF FORMER CHIEF ECONOMISTS
Gita Gopinath recently got featured on the “wall of former chief economists” of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She is the first woman and second Indian to get this honour.
The first Indian to get featured on “wall of former chief economists” was Raghuram Rajan. He served as the Chief Economist and Director of Research of IMF during 2003-2006.
Gita Gopinath was hired as IMF Chief Economist in October 2018. In December 2021, she was promoted to become IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director.
Miss Gopinath had served as first female chief economist of IMF for three years. Before her appointment as IMF Chief Economist, she was working as John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University’s economics department.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF). IMF is headquartered in Washington, D.C., as an international financial institution. It comprises 190 countries.
SPORTS
LOS ANGELES TO HOST 2028 SUMMER OLYMPICS
The 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will be hosted in Los Angeles, United States. The opening ceremony for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will take place on July 14, 2028, and continue till July 30.
However, Los Angeles has previously hosted the Olympics in 1984 and 1932. The LA28 Games will feature more than 3,000 hours of live sport across 800 events in more than 40 sports.
This will be the first time that Los Angeles will be hosting the Paralympic Games. It must be noted that the 2024 Summer Olympic Games will be held in Paris, France.
PV SINDHU WON THE 1ST SUPER 500 TITLE
PV Sindhu won the first Super 500 title of her career when she defeated reigning Asian champion Wang Zhi Yi of China 21-9, 11-21, 21-15 in the final of the Singapore Open.
This is her first 500 or better since the world championship win in 2019. This is her first 500 or better final in 2022. This is an important marker for the world No 7 while the rankings are still frozen.
In men’s Single: Anthony Sinisuka Ginting won the men’s singles title at badminton’s Singapore Open 2022. Olympic bronze medallist Ginting from Indonesia beat unseeded Japanese player Naraoka Kodai in a closely fought final.
CHARLES LECLERC WINS AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc held off world champion Max Verstappen to win the Austrian Grand Prix 2022.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had to settle for second and Mercedes’ seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was a distant third, after starting eighth, to complete the podium for the third race in a row.
Leclerc, whose victory is his first in Formula 1 had not started on pole position, has now closed the gap to Verstappen in the drivers’ championship standings to 38 points.
The 2022 Austrian Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race held on 10 July 2022 at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria.
It was the second Grand Prix weekend of the 2022 season to utilize the Formula One sprint format.
IMPORTANT DAYS AND DATES
INTERNATIONAL MALALA DAY OBSERVED ON 12TH JULY
International Malala Day is celebrated every year on July 12 on the occasion of young activist Malala Yousafzai’s birthday.
The United Nations (UN) designated this date to be marked as Malala Day to honour the young woman who has been advocating for female education. The day is used as an opportunity to appeal to world leaders to ensure compulsory and free education for every child.
About Malala Yousafzai:
Malala Yousufzai was born in Mingora, Pakistan in 1997. She began advocating for women’s education in 2008. In 2012, she was attacked by the Taliban.
Malala has been felicitated with several awards and honours: In 2012, she was awarded the first-ever National Youth Peace Prize by the Pakistan government.
In 2014, at age 17, she became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her efforts for children’s rights which had begun even before she was shot.
The UN declared her as “the most famous teenager in the world” in its Decade in Review report in late 2019.
WORLD POPULATION DAY OBSERVED ON 11TH JULY
World Population Day is celebrated on July 11 annually, across the world. The day seeks to raise awareness on global population issues.
The World Population Day 2022 was celebrated under the theme “A world of 8 billion: Towards a resilient future for all – Harnessing opportunities and ensuring rights and choices for all”.
United Nations development Programme started observing the “World Population Day” in 1989. This decision was taken after the global population reached the 5 billion-mark on July 11, 1987.
It has been celebrated for more than three decades. Now this day seeks to spread awareness on population control measures.
The United Nations General Assembly recognized this day in December 1990, under its resolution 45/26. This resolution aims to raise awareness about increasing population along with population issues like fundamental rights, equality, development, poverty, and environment.
WORLD PAPER BAG DAY OBSERVED ON 12TH JULY
Every year, World Paper Bag Day is observed on July 12 to raise awareness of the importance of using paper bags instead of plastic bags.
This day is dedicated to spreading awareness of the ill effects of plastic and how detrimental they are to our environment.
Paper bags can easily be used to replace one-time-use plastic bags which are non-biodegradable or, in other words, take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills.
World Paper Bag Day 2022: Theme
The theme for Paper Bag Day this year is, “If you’re ‘fantastic’, Do Something ‘dramatic’ To Cut The ‘Plastic’, Use ‘Paper Bags’.”
WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY 2022
World Youth Skills Day 2022 is observed annually on July 15. It focuses on the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.
This day is to equip young people around the world with essential skills for employment, work, and entrepreneurship.
This day is meant to commemorate, acknowledge and celebrate the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Every year, World Youth Skills Day is marked with a certain theme set by the United Nations. The theme for 2022 is ‘Transforming youth skills for the future’.
World Youth Skills Day: History
In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day, to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.
Since then, World Youth Skills Day has provided a unique opportunity for dialogue between young people, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policy-makers and development partners.
NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY: 18TH JULY
The Nelson Mandela International Day is observed on July 18, annually in the remembrance of Nelson Mandela, who was the first democratically elected President of South Africa.
The day also remembers long years of struggle of Nelson Mandela, to get justice against apartheid.
Theme of the day
The Nelson Mandela International Day 2022 was observed under the theme “do what you can with what you have and where you are”.
The theme is significant considering the geopolitical landscape in eastern Europe, conflicts in Horn of Africa, crisis in Sri Lanka & Afghanistan, etc. In year 2021, the theme was “One Hand Can Feed Another.”
History of the day
The Nelson Mandela International Day was set up in November 2009, following the recognition of contributions made by Mandela in bringing peace and fight for freedom, by UN General Assembly (UNGA).
The UNGA approved a resolution highlighting the values and dedication to service of humanity in the midst of conflict resolution, protection of human rights, race relations, promotion, and fight against poverty. The day is observed on the birthday of Mandela.
WORLD DAY OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE: JULY 17TH
World Day for International Justice is observed on July 17 to commemorate the organisations that work to bring justice to the victims of international criminal acts. It also commemorates the establishment of modern court systems in the world.
The day focuses on the advocacy of fundamental human rights and the promotion of international criminal justice.
World Day for International Justice aims at lauding the efforts of the ICC and uniting everyone in promoting justice for the victims of international crimes.
The ICC mainly focused on crimes against humanity (extermination, murder, etc.), genocide (deliberately harming one community), war crimes (willfully causing suffering, torture, etc.), and crimes of aggression (military occupation, annexation, etc.).
World Day for International Justice: History
On July 17, 1998, 120 countries came together to sign a treaty titled the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The establishment came to be known as the International Criminal Court (ICC), which came into force on July 1, 2002.
To celebrate the signing of the Rome Statute, World Day for International Justice has been celebrated every year ever since.
INTERNATIONAL MOON DAY OBSERVED ON 20TH JULY
The General Assembly declared International Moon Day, a United Nations-designated international day to be observed annually on 20 July.
International Moon Day 2022 is chosen as the day to educate and promote awareness on the status and prospects for humanity.
In cooperation with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the International Moon Day 2022 will be observed as an annual event and general public celebrations will be held all over the world.
International Moon Day: History
An application submitted by the Moon Village Association at the 64th UN-COPUOS Session stating to observe July 20 as International Moon Day.
The day was selected to commemorate the first human landing on the moon done on July 20, 1969, with the United States’ Apollo 11 mission.
On December 9 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution stating that July 20 will be observed every year as International Moon Day.
REPORTS AND INDEXES
'GLOBAL GENDER GAP REPORT 2022' BY WEF
The World Economic Forum recently released its “Gender Gap Report 2022”.
In the report, India was ranked at 135th position, out of 146 countries. It has scored 0.629, on a scale of 0 to 1.
Ranking of other countries
Iceland has been ranked at first position, followed by Finland and Norway. 6 among the 10 positions have been reserved by European nations like Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden at 5th place, Ireland at 9th and Germany at 10th.
New Zealand has been ranked at 4th position, Rwanda at 6th, Nicaragua at 7th and Namibia at 8th.
WORLD'S 50 GREATEST PLACES OF 2022
List of World’s 50 Greatest Places of 2022 was recently released ‘Time Magazine”. Ahmedabad and Kerala have been listed among 50 extraordinary places to explore.
Ahmedabad and Kerala are big attractions for a huge number of tourists from India as well as abroad.
Kerala is famous for its beaches and backwaters, on the other hand Ahmedabad is famous for Sabarmati riverfront and Gandhi Ashram. Time Magazine has prepared profile pages for both the destinations, highlighting the reasons why they are part of its prestigious list.
Magazine has tagged Kerala as “Ecotourism hot spot” and Ahmedabad as a “city of higher learning”.
NIRF RANKINGS 2022 RELEASED BY EDUCATION MINISTER
NIRF Rankings 2022 were released on July 15, 2022 by the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In year 2022, rankings were announced in 11 categories viz., Engineering, Colleges, Universities, Management, Overall, Medical, Law, Architecture, Research, Dental, and Pharmacy.
Number of colleges or universities or institutions taking part in NIRF ranking has been increasing over the year.
In 2021 rankings, 6,000 colleges took part for eleven categories. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad was ranked first that year, in management category. It was followed by IIM Bangalore, and IIM Kolkata.
NIRF Rankings 2022-highlights
In engineering institutes category, IIT Madras has been ranked at first position.
In Medical college category, AIIMS New Delhi has been ranked as best. Savitha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai was ranked best in dental college category.
What is NIRF Ranking?
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is provided by Ministry of Human resource development. Ministry has launched the NIRF on September 29, 2025.
It provides a methodology for providing rank to institutions across India in different categories. This methodology is prepared from overall recommendations and broad understanding, which was arrived at by a Core Committee.
This committee was formed by MHRD, in a bid to identify broad parameters of providing ranks to universities and institutions.
The parameters cover- Teaching, Learning & Resources; Graduation outcomes; Research & Professional Practices; Perception and Outreach & Inclusivity.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
LAUNCH OF IS4OM FOR SAFE SPACE ENVIRONMENT
With the help of the ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operation and Management (IS4OM), India has increased its ability to protect its space assets on its own.
Mr. S Somanath, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, are slated to officially launch the IS4OM in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences.
The IS40M system was developed with a comprehensive viewpoint, according to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), to assure the safety and sustainability of the space environment while enjoying the benefits of sustainable use of space for national development.
Additionally, as part of IS4OM, specialised labs for space debris reduction and cleanup, compliance verification of UN/Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) recommendations, and diverse R&D activities have been set up.
A dedicated control centre for operations aimed at monitoring, tracking, and safeguarding India’s space assets was opened by ISRO in December 2020.
PIVOT: AI BASED TOOL TO DETECT CANCER
An Artificial Intelligence-based tool called ‘PIVOT’ has been developed by researchers at the Indian institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
About PIVOT
PIVOT is capable of predicting cancer-causing genes in patients. This AI-based tool will help in formulating strategies for personalized cancer treatment.
PIVOT has been designed to predict genes which are responsible for causing cancer.
On which model was PIVOT developed?
The PIVOT tool was developed on the basis of a machine learning model, which divides genes as tumour oncogenes, suppressor genes, or neutral genes.
It successfully predicted the oncogenes as well as tumour-suppressor genes such as TP53, and PIK3CA. This tool is also capable of foreseeing new cancer-related genes such as PRKCA, SOX9 and PSMD4.
1ST INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED LITHIUM ION CELL
Ola Electric has unveiled the country’s first indigenously developed lithium-ion cell. The Bengaluru-based two-wheeler maker will begin the mass production of the cell- NMC 2170, from its Chennai-based Gigafactory by 2023.
The use of specific chemicals and materials enables the cell to pack more energy in a given space and also improves the overall life cycle of the cell.
About the Ola Electric: Ola is building the world’s most advanced cell research centre that will enable us to scale and innovate faster, and build the most advanced and affordable EV products in the world with speed.
The company was recently allocated 20GWh capacity under the ACC PLI scheme by the govt for developing advanced cells in India.
Ola Electric launched its first electric vehicle in August 2021 and has also set up the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturing facility in India.
MISCELLANEOUS
INDIA TO SURPASS CHINA'S POPULATION BY NEXT YEAR?
According to a report released by the UN on World Population Day, India is expected to overtake China as the world’s most populous nation next year.
The world’s population is anticipated to exceed eight billion people on November 15, 2022, according to research by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division.
According to the United Nations’ most recent estimates, the world’s population may reach 8.5 billion people in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.4 billion in 2100.
Key Highlights Of The UN Report:
By 2037, Central and Southern Asia is anticipated to overtake Eastern and South-Eastern Asia as the world’s most populous region, since the populations of those two continents may begin to decline.
The two most populated regions in 2022, Eastern and South-Eastern Asia with 2.3 billion people (or 29% of the world’s population), and Central and Southern Asia with 2.1 billion people, were both in Asia (26 per cent of the global population).
With populations of about 1.4 billion apiece, China and India made up the majority of the people in these two areas.
According to the research, India would have a population of 1.412 billion in 2022, compared to 1.426 billion for China.
By the middle of the century, India is expected to have a population of 1.668 billion, much exceeding China’s 1.317 billion.
THE HINDU DAILY ARTICLES' ANALYSIS BY SUCCESS MANTRA SMART COACHING
In this competitive world, the demand for "authentic Current Affairs updates" from a reliable source has been increasing for the past few years, with the growth of awareness and aspirants' educational goals.
Keeping this in mind, Success Mantra Smart Coaching, via its YouTube Channel ‘Success Mantra Digital’, aims to make ‘The Hindu Daily Articles Analysis’ accessible to everyone and everywhere across the platform. It offers the latest important news with a minute update, especially for aspirants who are preparing for their dream entrance exams like CLAT, AILET, CUET, DU-LLB, MH-CET, IPU-CET, NCHM and many more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHzTJwt8JFo&list=PLDrM_6OHOo1lcuxmRN-icOWj7UIhevkfl
