Steel Import Monitoring System 2.0 Launched

• Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, launched SIMS 2.0, an upgraded version of the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), on July 26, 2024.
• The upgrade, based on industry feedback, aims to provide more detailed data on steel imports, aiding in policy-making and promoting domestic steel growth.
• SIMS 2.0 features API integration with various government portals for better quality control, efficiency, and data consistency, enhancing transparency and risk management.
• For instance, it helps identify unlicensed import sources.
• Developed collaboratively with DGFT, BIS, and MSTC Ltd., SIMS 2.0 is part of India's goal to become self-sufficient in steel production, aligning with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative'.

Moidams of Assam received a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tag

• Assam's Moidams received the prestigious 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in the cultural category on July 26, 2024.
• Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted that this recognition brings global focus to this unique cultural site.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride in the Moidams being added to the UNESCO list, emphasizing their reflection of the revered Ahom culture and hoping it will raise awareness about the Ahom era.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar celebrated this milestone as the first cultural site in the North East to gain UNESCO status, underscoring the government's commitment to the region's development.

India and US Signal Cultural Property Agreement

• India and the United States signed a historic Cultural Property Agreement to repatriate stolen Indian artifacts from the US on July 26, 2024.
• This agreement, India’s first with the US, aims to prevent and prohibit the illegal trade, import, export, and trafficking of archaeological and ethnological materials.
• Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called the agreement a significant step for strengthening ties between the two nations and promoting cultural growth.
• He also noted that a new cultural property agreement with the US will facilitate the return of historical artifacts from the US to India.
• It follows a year of discussions since last year's G-20 Summit in India. The agreement helps communities reclaim and protect their heritage.
• US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, highlighted this as an important move, marking India as the US's 30th bilateral Cultural Property Agreement partner, and reaffirmed the commitment to enhance cultural diplomacy.

First Sweeping Climate Change Law passed in South Africa

• President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa enacted a climate change on July 26, 2024.
• It aimed at reducing pollution from major polluters and requiring municipalities to develop climate action plans.
• This law aligns South Africa's climate efforts with the Paris Climate Agreement.
• The primary objective is to lower greenhouse gas emissions, which are notably high due to the country's reliance on coal energy.
• As one of the largest carbon dioxide emitters, South Africa has struggled to meet its pollution reduction targets.
• The law also sets emissions targets for key sectors like agriculture, transportation, and industry, with sector ministers responsible for implementing necessary measures.

Lithium Resources discovered in Karnatak

• The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) discovered 1600 tonnes of lithium in Mandya district, Karnataka, with further surveys ongoing in Yadgiri on July 26, 2024.
• The identified lithium, in the G3 stage, is located in the Marlagalla area of Mandya.
• In addition to Yadgiri, other regions in India show potential for lithium, including Korba District in Chhattisgarh, major mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, and pegmatite belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka.
• Preliminary surveys in Masanbal, Hamirpur District, have revealed surface uranium occurrences.

Bharat Serums and Vaccines Acquired by Mankind Pharma (Health)

• Mankind Pharma announced a definitive agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV) on July 26, 2024.
• From Advent International for an enterprise value of  ₹13630 crore, pending closing adjustments.
• Mankind Pharma, a leading Indian pharmaceutical company, focuses primarily on the domestic market, offering a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations and consumer healthcare products at affordable prices.
• This acquisition is expected to enhance Mankind's portfolio, particularly in areas with high entry barriers, and strengthen its position in women's health.
• Following the announcement, Mankind Pharma's shares are expected to draw attention during the trading session.

25 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas (Defence)

• India commemorated Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2024, to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1999 Kargil War.
• On this 25th anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh.
•  The Kargil War, fought between India and Pakistan from May 8 to July 26, 1999, was a pivotal moment in India's military history.
• Under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India successfully concluded Operation Vijay, reclaiming the Kargil district from Pakistani forces.
•  Since 1999, July 26 has been observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas to honor the bravery of the Indian armed forces.
• The conflict highlighted the need for improved military capabilities, especially in high-altitude warfare and surveillance.

Paris Olympics 2024 Started

• The Paris Olympics 2024 will officially begin with an Opening Ceremony along the River Seine on July 26, celebrating the centenary of the 1924 Olympics.
• India had a promising start, with the men's team finishing third and the women's team fourth in the ranking rounds, securing quarterfinal spots.
• The Indian women will compete against either France or the Netherlands, while the men will face Colombia or Turkey.
• India will also compete against Indonesia in the mixed team event in the Round of 16. Medal events for India start on July 27 with the 10m air rifle mixed team and 10m air pistol events.
• Historically, Paris has been a lucky venue for India, where Norman Prichard won silver medals in 1900, and Nora Polley became the first Indian woman to compete in 1924.

10th National Community Radio Awards

• Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards on July 26, 2024.
• The awards were established by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in 2011-12 to recognize excellence in community broadcasting across India.
• There are four categories of awards, with the following cash prizes: ₹100000 for the first prize,  ₹75000 for the second prize, and ₹50000 for the third prize.
• These awards aim to honour and encourage outstanding work in community radio, promoting diverse voices and local content in broadcasting.

500th 'Community Radio' Inaugurated in Aizwal

• Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated India’s 500th community radio station, ‘Apna Radio 90.0 FM’, in Aizawl on July 26, 2024.
• This milestone indicates the government's commitment to enhancing community engagement through media.
• Community radio provides a platform for local voices, fostering communication, political involvement, artistic expression, and social change.
• The establishment of Apna Radio aligns with the government’s Act East policy, which focuses on advancing community welfare and connectivity in India’s North East.
• This initiative demonstrates a commitment to addressing local issues and amplifying regional stories.

Ramanagara District of Karnataka to be Renamed

• The Karnataka government decided to rename Ramanagara district to "Bengaluru South, “on July 26, 2024.
•  The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The change will affect only the district's name, with all other aspects remaining unchanged.
• The renaming of Ramanagara district includes Ramanagara, Magadi, Kanakapura, Channapatna, and Harohalli taluka.