Indian Elected Vice-chair of the Supply Chain Council was elected to be India

• India on July 31, 2024 elected as the Vice Chair of the Supply Chain Council, marking a notable achievement for the nation.
• The Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted the establishment of 3 supply chain bodies by India and 13 other Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) partners under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Agreement.
• The USA serves as Chair of the Supply Chain Council, with Korea and Japan leading the Crisis Response Network as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.
• The USA also chairs the Labour Rights Advisory Board, with Fiji as Vice Chair.
• The 14 IPEF partners reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing supply chain resilience.
• IPEF, launched in May 2022, aims to strengthen economic ties and cooperation among partner nations.

Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 Introduced

• Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu introduced the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 in the Lok Sabha on July 31, 2024.
• The Minister highlighted that the Aircraft Act of 1934 has undergone numerous amendments over the years, which were incorporated piecemeal, leading to confusion.
• The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak empowers the Central Government to establish rules for various aspects related to aircraft, including design, manufacture, maintenance, possession, use, operation, sale, export, and import.
•  It also focuses on ensuring the safety of aircraft operations and grants the government authority to investigate any air accident or incident.

Women Entrepreneurship Programme to Empower Women Launched

• Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Atul Kumar Tiwari, announced significant advancements in women’s entrepreneurship on July 31, 2024.
• The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), in collaboration with Britannia Industries, launched the Women Entrepreneurship Programme.
• This initiative provides targeted skill training to Women’s Self-Help Groups to help them establish successful businesses.
• The programme addresses the specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and offers free self-learning courses in multiple languages through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).
•  The programme aims to empower 2.5 million women, showcasing the top 50 business ideas and awarding ₹10 lakh to 10 standout participants.
• It includes 2 phases: the first phase provides courses, while the second offers support for 10000 selected candidates with business model development and funding.

World’s First Stamp of Lord Rama Unveiled in Laos

• South Asian Country on July 31, 2024 Laos released a special set of commemorative stamps featuring Lord Rama and Lord Buddha, highlighting the cultural ties with India.
• The release was attended by India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith.
•  The stamp set includes the world's first depiction of 'Ram Lalla of Ayodhya,' symbolizing the deep historical and cultural bonds between the two countries.
• Several agreements, including Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), were signed to implement 10 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) under the Mekong Ganga Cooperation framework.

24 New Sites Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

• During the 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting held in New Delhi, 24 new sites were added to the World Heritage List as of July 31, 2024.
• This includes 19 cultural sites, 4 natural sites, and 1 mixed site. It is the first time India has hosted the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced $1 million in support for conservation projects and capacity-building efforts in developing countries.

India-WHO Signed Global Traditional Medicine Centre Agreement

• The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and WHO signed a vital Donor Agreement during a signing ceremony organised at WHO Headquarters in Geneva on July 31, 2024.
• This agreement specifies the financial terms for the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.
• The Government of India has pledged US$ 85 million over 10 years (2022-2032) to support the GTMC's activities.
• The collaboration acknowledges the GTMC as a crucial knowledge hub for evidence-based Traditional Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM).
•  The center aims to enhance global health and well-being through traditional medicine practices.
• This agreement highlights India's commitment to promoting traditional medicine on an international scale.

Innovative Wind Turbine Installation in Periyar Tiger Reserve (Environment and Ecology)

• The Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady installed a wind turbine to power real-time monitoring cameras and Wi-Fi within its extensive forest area on July 31, 2024.
• This initiative represents a significant upgrade in conservation technology and communication efforts.
• Previously, the PTR East Division, consisting of 17 forest sections, depended on solar power for wireless communication and operational requirements.
• However, frequent foggy weather and heavy rainfall often reduce the efficiency of solar panels.
• The new wind turbine is expected to offer a more reliable energy source, addressing these challenges. Located in Kerala, India, the Periyar Tiger Reserve spans over 925 square km.

Indian Scientist Developed Enhanced DNA Editing System (Health)

• Scientists at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi have developed a new genome-editing system as of July 31, 2024.
• The CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) system, originally a bacterial defense mechanism against viral DNA, has been adapted to modify genes in more complex organisms.
• CRISPR-Cas9 technology enables scientists to add, remove, or alter DNA sequences by using a guide RNA (gRNA) to direct the Cas9 enzyme to a specific DNA location for cutting.
• The cell then repairs the cut, which can correct or modify the DNA sequence.
•  However, the conventional CRISPR-Cas9 system can unintentionally affect other parts of the genome, causing “off-target” effects.
• Despite advancements to improve precision, these often reduce editing efficiency.

E-SeHAT Tele Consultancy Launched by the Indian Army (Defence)

• The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) launched the E-SeHAT module on July 31, 2024, enabling veterans to access online medical consultations from their homes.
• This initiative offers structured, video-based consultations, eliminating the need for beneficiaries to visit ECHS Polyclinics and providing timely, quality healthcare remotely.
•  The pilot phase started at 12 ECHS Polyclinics, including remote areas like Baramulla, Imphal, Churachandpur, Dimapur, and Aizawal. The nationwide rollout is scheduled for November 2024.
• The E-SeHAT module adheres to telemedicine guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, created with NITI AAYOG's input in March 2020.
•  IT hardware and equipment have been provided to 427 ECHS Polyclinics, and staff training for online consultations has been completed.
• Plans include pre-consultation vital checks, home delivery of medicines, and referrals to empaneled hospitals.

ICG Launched Suvidha Software Version 1.0 (Defence)

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) introduced the ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’ on July 30, 2024, at its inaugural Annual Operational Sea Training Conference in Visakhapatnam.
• This new software is designed to enhance training procedures and ensure uniformity across all ICG platforms.
•  The conference saw active involvement from senior officers from various ICG regions, focusing on a coordinated approach to complex operations.
• It served as a forum for sharing best practices and aligning strategies to tackle the evolving challenges of maritime security.
• The event highlighted the ICG's commitment to innovation and excellence in operational training, demonstrating its dedication to bolstering maritime security capabilities.

BFI Launched National Basketball Academy

• The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has launched the National Basketball Academy in collaboration with Corvuss American Academy in Mumbai as of July 31, 2024.
• The academy will initially enroll 30 boys and 30 girls, selected through a nationwide talent search.
• These players will benefit from expert coaching by a foreign coach and receive comprehensive support including academic programs, nutritional assistance, sports counseling, and access to top-notch facilities.
• They will also be allowed to represent their states in state and national championships.
•  Aadhav Arjuna, BFI’s president, emphasized that this initiative is a significant advancement in promoting basketball and providing young talents with opportunities to excel.
• Corvuss American Academy's mission aligns with BFI’s, focusing on nurturing grassroots talent.
• This academy becomes the second National Basketball Academy of BFI, following Manipal University, with the first batch expected to start in August 2024.

Ismail Haniyeh

• Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, was assassinated in Tehran on July 31, 2024. According to a statement by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed at his residence in the Iranian capital.
• Ismail Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.
•  The IRGC has not provided further details regarding the incident.  Ismail Haniyeh was a prominent figure in Hamas and played an active role in various peace negotiations.

Preeti Sudan

• Preeti Sudan, a former Union Health Secretary and a 1983-batch IAS officer, was appointed as the Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on July 31, 2024.
•  President Droupadi Murmu approved the appointment, and Preeti Sudan is set to assume her new role on August 1, 2024.
• She succeeds Dr. Manoj Soni, who resigned earlier in the month before completing his term.

Anshuman Gaekwad

• Legendary Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad, who also served as a coach and selector, passed away at the age of 71 in Vadodara on July 31, 2024, following a prolonged battle with cancer.
• He had recently returned to Vadodara from London, where he had been undergoing treatment.
• Anshuman Gaekwad played for India in 40 Test matches and 15 One Day Internationals from 1975 to 1987.

V. Venkayya Epigraphy Award

• V. Vedachalam, a distinguished Tamil epigrapher and historian, was honored with the prestigious V Venkayya Epigraphy Award on July 31, 2024.
• This award acknowledges Dr. Vedachalam's significant contributions to the field of epigraphy and highlights the importance of such studies in exploring India's rich historical heritage.
•  His impressive work includes the authorship and co-authorship of over 25 books, covering such issues as epigraphy, numismatics, temple art, religion, and society.
• This variety emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of epigraphic research and its relevance to cultural and historical studies.
• Dr. Vedachalam expressed his pride in receiving an award named after V. Venkayya, the first Indian Chief Epigraphist to the government of India, thus linking generations of Indian epigraphic scholars.

Lifetime Achievement Award in Diabetology

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" for his notable contributions to diabetology, diabetes care, and research on July 31, 2024.
• Dr.Jitendra  Singh was honored for his work as a diabetology professor, researcher, and practitioner, earning national and international recognition.
•  In addition to his medical achievements, Dr. Jitendra Singh has been elected to the Lok Sabha three times and is one of the first representatives from Jammu & Kashmir to serve in the Union Council of Ministers.
•  Known for his integrity and clean reputation, Dr. Jitendra Singh has also made significant contributions to journalism and education.
•  An accomplished author, he has published eight books, including the popular "Diabetes Made Easy," and has written chapters in key medical texts.

Uttar Pradesh ‘State Capital Region Development Authority Bill’ Passed

• The Uttar Pradesh Assembly passed the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region and Other Regions Development Authority Bill 2024 during the monsoon session on July 31, 2024.
• The bill aims to develop the State Capital Region (SCR) similar to the National Capital Region.
•  The SCR will encompass an area of 27826 sq. km, including the districts of Lucknow, Hardoi, Sitapur, Unnao, Raebareilly, and Barabanki.
• The headquarters of the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region Development Authority will be located in Lucknow.
• The Chief Minister will serve as the Chairman of the Authority, while the Chief Secretary of the state will be the Vice Chairman.

Young India Skill University Introduced in Telangana

• The Telangana State government introduced the Young India Skill University (Public-Private Partnership) Bill-2024 in the assembly on July 31, 2024.
• The proposed university aims to provide extensive skill training and job opportunities to the youth through partnerships with private organizations.
• The university will be established in Mucherla, Rangareddy district, with the foundation stone likely to be laid by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.
• 17 priority sectors, including Pharma, Construction, Banking, E-Commerce, Retail, and Animation Visual Effects Gaming, have been identified.
• Courses in 6 sectors will be linked to well-known companies in the respective fields, ensuring employment opportunities for students.

Crop Loans up to ₹1.5 Lakh Waived off in Telangana

• The Telangana state government announced the waiver of crop loans up to ₹1.5 lakh under the second phase of its loan waiver scheme on July 31, 2024.
• The government allocated ₹ 6198 crore for this purpose, benefiting 6.4 lakh farmers.
• Chief Minister Revanth Reddy formally announced the release of funds at an event in Hyderabad, distributing some cheques to farmers.
• The funds were credited directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. Earlier in the month, the government waived loans of up to ₹1 lakh, aiding approximately 11 lakh farmers.
• During the Assembly elections last year, the Congress party had promised to waive crop loans up to ₹2 lakh.