‘NITI GearShift Challenge’ Launched

• NITI Aayog, in collaboration with various schools and organizations, launched the NITI GearShift Challenge as part of the broader e-FAST India initiative on July 14, 2024.
• This initiative aims to promote the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) across India.
• The challenge seeks innovative business solutions that address technical, operational, and financial barriers hindering widespread ZET usage.
• Participants, including students, academics, and business professionals, engage in 2 rounds:
• The first involves presenting initial business plans supported by research.
• The second requires refining these plans into comprehensive business models with implementation strategies, guided by industry experts.
• The transition to electric trucks in India’s freight sector, which heavily relies on diesel and contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions, aligns with global sustainability goals.
• The NITI GearShift Challenge aims to accelerate ZET adoption to reduce pollution and position India as a leader in eco-friendly freight transportation.

Philippines to Host ‘UN Climate Fund Board’

• The Philippines on July 14, 2024 selected to host the board of the "Loss and Damage" fund, marking a significant step in aiding those impacted by climate change.
•  This decision was made during United Nations discussions focused on funding for countries severely affected by global warming.
•  Earlier in the month, the World Bank agreed to temporarily manage the fund for 4 years. As one of seven candidates, the Philippines now plays a crucial role in shaping climate policy.
• President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted that this role underscores the country's commitment to global climate dialogues.
•  Given its vulnerability to typhoons and natural disasters, the Philippines aims to draw attention to climate issues in the Asia-Pacific.
• The nation will push for reparations and stronger commitments from developed countries, emphasizing global cooperation and support for climate-affected nations.

DD Robocon 2024 Competition Held in Delhi

• IIT Delhi and Prasar Bharati hosted the two-day 'DD-Robocon' India 2024 robot competition at Thyagaraj Stadium in Delhi from July 13-14, 2024.
• Over 750 students from more than 45 colleges, institutions, and universities participated, with robots competing to perform complex tasks within specific time frames.
• The winning team will represent India at the international Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Robocon 2024 in Quang Ninh, Vietnam.
• According to IIT Delhi, the event aims to foster technical skill development, innovation, and teamwork among engineering students, providing them with visibility and recognition in robotics.

Know Your Army Weapon Display Hosted in Ladakh (Defence)

• Ahead of the Rajat Jayanti of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Indian Army organized an impressive 'Know Your Army' Weapon and Equipment Display at Kargil Helipad in Ladakh on July 14, 2024.
• The event attracted a lively audience, including school children from various institutions like Degree College Kargil and Degree College Zanskar, along with NCC Cadets.
• Attendees were treated to demonstrations of advanced weaponry and equipment from the Indian Army and Air Force.
• Interactive exhibits, and thrilling activities such as military vehicle rides and hot air balloon adventures.
• The event aimed to educate, entertain, and inspire over 3000 locals, particularly youth, about national defense and military careers.

INS Delhi Won Best Ship of Eastern Fleet 2024 (Defence)

• The Fleet Awards Function in Visakhapatnam honored the Eastern Fleet’s tactical achievements over the past year on July 14, 2024.
• INS Delhi was awarded the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet for its outstanding performance and operational tasks.
• This annual event recognizes various ships for their excellence in different categories. INS Kavaratti was recognized as the Best Ship in the Corvettes, OPVs, and LSTs category.
• Additionally, INS Shivalik, INS Sumedha, and INS Sumitra were commended for their spirited performance and handling of challenging tasks throughout the year.
• Commissioned on November 15, 1997, INS Delhi, a guided-missile frigate, was designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design and built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.
• As the lead ship of the Delhi class, it carries 6,200 tons, is 163 meters long, and is equipped with various advanced weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare systems, enhancing its military capabilities.

India-ZimbabweT20 Series 2024

• India concluded its tour of Zimbabwe by winning the 5-match T20I series 4-1 on July 14, 2024.
• In the fifth and final match in Harare, India triumphed by 42 runs. Sanju Samson's half-century and Mukesh Kumar's 4-wicket haul were crucial to the victory.
•  Batting first, India recovered from losing their top 3 batters during the power play to post 167 for 6, with significant contributions from Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh.
•  In response, Zimbabwe lost 2 early wickets to Mukesh Kumar. Shivam Dube also excelled in bowling, taking 2 wickets.
• Zimbabwe collapsed and were all out in 18.3 overs, with Dion Myers being the top scorer with 34 runs.

Wimbledon 2024

• Wimbledon Championships 2024 concluded on July 14, 2024, with record prize money totaling £50000000.
• The winners of the Ladies' and Gentlemen's Singles each received £2700000. The winners are

Euro 2024 Title to Spain

•  Spain clinched their fourth European Championship title in a thrilling final against England at Berlin's Olympiastadion, securing a tense 2-1 victory on July 14, 2024.
•  This triumph solidifies Spain's position as the most successful nation in the tournament's history, marking their third title in the last five editions.
•  The first half saw both teams cautiously assessing each other, with Spain controlling possession but struggling to create clear scoring opportunities.
•  England had the first shot on target just before halftime, with Phil Foden's close-range attempt comfortably saved by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Owner of Motor Sports Kolkata Royal Tigers Team Sourav Ganguly

• Former India cricket captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly became an owner of the Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team ahead of the 2024 season on July 14, 2024.
•  This collaboration signifies a significant advancement for Indian Racing, aiming to enhance the motorsport landscape across the country.
• The Indian Racing Festival, conceived by Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd., is a curated motorsport extravaganza tailored to engage the burgeoning motorsport enthusiast community in India.
• The festival features two main championships: the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC).
• Scheduled from August - November, the season will include competition from eight city-based teams—Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad—with Kolkata making its debut.

Carlos Alcaraz

• Carlos Alcaraz of Spain clinched the Wimbledon Men’s Singles title by defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in straight sets on July 14, 2024.
•  Carlos Alcaraz dominated the first 2 sets with scores of 6-2, and 6-2, demonstrating his exceptional skill and control on the court.
• Novak Djokovic, a seasoned 7-time Wimbledon champion, fought back in the third set, pushing it to a tiebreaker.
• However, Carlos Alcaraz managed to maintain his composure and clinched the third set as well, winning 7-6.
• This victory marked a significant milestone in Alcaraz's career, as it was his second appearance in a Wimbledon final and his first Wimbledon title.

KP Sharma Oli

• Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed KP Sharma Oli, chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist, as the new Prime Minister on July 14, 2024.
• He replaces Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, who lost a confidence vote in the House of Representatives.
• President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office to KP Sharma Oli and his cabinet members on July 16, 2024.
• KP Sharma Oli claimed the prime ministership with support from Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, presenting the signatures of 165 House of Representatives members to form the new government.