3 New Centers in Jawaharlal Nehru University

• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on July 15, 2024 announced the opening of new centers for Hindu Studies, Buddhist Studies, and Jain Studies under its School of Sanskrit and Indic Studies.
• This decision, which was approved by the university's Executive Council on May 29, 2024, follows the recommendations of a committee formed to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The committee's recommendations were approved, resulting in the creation of these new academic centers aimed at fostering and investigating traditional Indian knowledge systems.

Coal Mining Development and Production Agreement Executed

• The Coal Ministry signed Coal Mining Development and Production Agreements for 3 coal mines auctioned during the Second Attempt of the 7th Round on July 15, 2024.
•  This significant step in commercial coal mining includes agreements for the Machhakata, Kudanali Lubri, and Sakhigopal-B Kakurhi coal mines.
• The successful bidders for these projects were NLC India Limited, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited, and Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited.
•  The commercial auction of these mines is expected to generate an estimated annual revenue of around ₹3 thousand crore.
• Once operational, these mines are projected to create over 40 thousand direct and indirect jobs, significantly contributing to the economy and employment in the region.

SAUSHRUTAM 2024 Culminated in Delhi

• The All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi successfully held its Second National Seminar SAUSHRUTAM Shalya Sangoshti from July 13 - 15, 2024, celebrating Sushruta Jayanti.
• The event honored Sushruta, the father of surgery, with live surgical demonstrations and expert discussions.
• A highlight was the live demonstration of 25 complex surgical procedures, combining modern techniques like VAAFT, laparoscopy, and laser with traditional methods to treat conditions such as fistula-in-ano, hemorrhoids, and gallbladder stones.
• On the final day, they featured the Sushruta Poojan ceremony and a paper presentation competition, concluding with a valedictory ceremony where prizes were awarded.
• The event attracted over 160 participants, including scholars, doctors, surgeons, and faculty across India.

10 Most Valuable Real Estate Companies of India

• Mumbai remains the real estate capital of India, with 60% of the top 10 firms based in the city, according to the GROHE-Hurun Real Estate 100 list as of July 15, 2024.
•  India's most valuable real estate firms have a combined value of ₹14.2 lakh crore, with DLF leading as the top company valued at over ₹2 lakh crore.
• The 2024 GROHE-Hurun India Real Estate 100 also reports that 86% of the listed companies increased in value, collectively adding ₹6.2 lakh crore, highlighting the sector's growth and recovery.
• For the first time, India surpassed China in the number of billion-dollar real estate companies, boasting 36 such firms.
• This positions India as the emerging real estate capital of Asia, overtaking China in growth rate.

Huawei and ZTE in 5G Network to be phased out by Germany

• Germany announced plans to gradually remove 5G network equipment made by Chinese telecom companies Huawei and ZTE, citing national security concerns on July 15, 2024.
• This move aligns with the European Union's stance on the potential security risks of relying heavily on Chinese technology.
• German officials emphasized the importance of protecting critical information networks, labeling cyberattacks as existential threats.
• Germany is collaborating with its 5G network providers to replace the Chinese components with safer alternatives.
•  Huawei has denied the accusations, asserting that there is no evidence their technology poses a security threat.
• Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Berlin criticized the decision, arguing it is based on unfounded accusations.
• This initiative is part of Germany's broader strategy to reduce economic dependence on Beijing.

INS Towers Inaugurated in Mumbai (Defence)

•  Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the INS Towers at the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) Secretariat in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex on July 15, 2024.
•  This state-of-the-art facility aims to be a modern hub for the newspaper industry in Mumbai, catering to the evolving requirements of INS members.
•  The INS Towers represent a major enhancement for the Indian Newspaper Society, offering a contemporary and efficient office space.
• This new establishment will act as a central hub for the newspaper industry in the city, providing essential services and support to its members.
• The inauguration of the INS Towers marks a significant step forward in upgrading the infrastructure and capabilities of the Indian Newspaper Society in Mumbai.

Copa America Championship 2024 won by Argentina

•  Argentina clinched their second consecutive Copa America championship with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Colombia in an extended match that went into extra time on July 15, 2024.
•  The deadlock was broken in the 112th minute when substitute Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal, assisted by Giovani Lo Celso well-timed through pass.
• Lautaro Martínez demonstrated composure as he struck a right-footed shot past Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, securing his 29th international goal and fifth of the tournament.
• This win marks Argentina's third consecutive major title, following their successes in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
• The victory also earns Argentina a record 16th Copa title, solidifying their status as a dominant force in football.

Manvi Madhu Kashyap

• Manvi Madhu Kashyap and two other transgender individuals achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first trans women sub-inspectors in Bihar Police on July 15, 2024.
• Manvi Madhu Kashyap, despite facing societal prejudices, persevered and successfully cleared the Bihar Police Subordinate Selection Commission (BPSSC) exams.
• Her achievement marks a significant step forward for transgender rights and representation within law enforcement.
• Manvi Kashyap encountered challenges, including rejection from coaching centers in Patna, but her determination to succeed remained unwavering.
• She aims to inspire her community by returning to her village in uniform, proving that dedication and hard work can triumph over adversity.
•  Her success underscores the potential of transgender individuals to contribute meaningfully to society when provided with equal opportunities.

Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia

•  Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia was appointed as the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court on July 15, 2024.
• Previously, he served as the Acting Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court
•  Justice Gurmeeet Singh Sandhawalia obtained his LLB degree from Punjab University in 1989.
• His father held the position of Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court from 1978 to 1983 and later served as Chief Justice of Patna High Court from 1983 to 1987.

Rajeev Kumar

• The West Bengal government reinstated senior IPS officer Rajeev Kumar as the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal, replacing Sanjoy Mukherjee on July 15, 2024.
• Sanjoy Mukherjee was appointed DGP by the Election Commission of India during the recent Lok Sabha polls.
• Rajeev Kumar will continue his role as Additional Chief Secretary in the Department of Information Technology and Electronics.
• Sanjoy Mukherjee has now been appointed as the new Director General of the State’s Fire and Emergency Services.
•  Before the Lok Sabha elections on March 18, Vivek Sahay was briefly appointed DGP, replacing Rajeev Kumar. However, within a day, Sanjoy Mukherjee took over the role of DGP.

Palitana became World’s First Vegetarian City

•  Palitana, a city in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district, became the first city worldwide to ban the sale and consumption of non-vegetarian food on July 15, 2024.
• This historic decision signifies a major cultural and religious transformation in the area, driven by the principles of Jainism.
•  The ban prohibits the sale, consumption, and butchering of animals for meat, making these actions illegal.
• This move followed persistent protests by approximately 200 Jain monks, who called for the closure of around 250 butcher shops.
• Their protests highlighted the Jain community's commitment to non-violence (ahimsa).
• Palitana, known as "Jain Temple Town," is a significant pilgrimage site with over 800 temples, including the renowned Adinath Temple, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists each year, underscoring its spiritual importance.

State’s first Even Bird Gallery inaugurated at Dehradun

• The research wing of the Uttarakhand Forest Department inaugurated the state's first bird gallery at the Nature Education Centre, Jolly Grant, in Dehradun on July 15, 2024.
• The gallery displays high-resolution images of Uttarakhand’s birds, showcasing the state’s avian diversity and promoting appreciation for these unique species.
•  It aims to educate visitors about the various bird species and their roles in the ecosystem, facilitating conservation and raising awareness.
• Uttarakhand boasts the highest number of bird species in India, with over 710 species, more than 50% of the country's bird species.
• Notable birds include the Himalayan Monal (state bird), White-capped Redstart, Himalayan Griffon, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and Black-headed Jay.

World Youth Skills Day 2024

• World Youth Skills Day, observed on July 15, 2024, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.
•  This day globally highlights the importance of equipping young people with skills necessary for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
• The 2024 theme, "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," underscores the pivotal role of youth in promoting peace and advancing sustainable development.
•  Youth face significant challenge as follows:

1. Violent conflicts disrupt education and stability in various regions.
2. Online polarization contributes to negativity and division.
3. Persistent economic inequality restricts opportunities for many young individuals.