11th JULY CURRENT AFFAIRS IN ENGLISH

1. World Population Day: 11 July

World Population day is an annual event, observed on July 11 every year, which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues.

• The event was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989.
• World Population Day 2018 observes the theme, "Family planning is a human right."

2. India climbs 3 spots to 57th in global innovation rankings

The Global Innovation Index (GII) has ranked India as the 57thmost innovative nation in the world.

• The country has improved its ranking from 60th position last year.
• India has been improving steadily since it was ranked 81st in 2015.
• Switzerland ranked for 8th straight year.

3. Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu becomes first Chairman of Rajya Sabha to sign an MOU

Rajya Sabha has, for the first time in 76 years since it came into being, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a foreign counterpart for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue.

• Shri Venkaiah Naidu, has, in the process, become the first Chairman of Rajya Sabha to sign such an agreement when he inked an MOU with the visiting President of the Senate of the Republic of Rwanda, Mr. Bernard Makuza.
• The MOU with 6 articles of cooperation seeks to promote Inter-Parliamentary dialogue, Capacity building of parliamentary staff, Organisation of conferences, forums, seminars, staff attachment programmes, workshops and exchanges, Collaboration in mutual interest in regional and international multilateral parliamentary bodies in furtherance of bilateral relations and friendship between the two countries.

4. 4th National Conclave on Mines and Minerals

The 4th National Conclave on Mines & Minerals will be held on 13th July, 2018 at Indorefor showcasing blocks which will be auctioned by the states in FY 2018-19 to the potential investors.

• Union Minister for Mines Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said that it will carry forward the efforts of the Government for strengthening the mineral auction regime as well as help in expediting auctions and bring in greater participation from the stakeholders.

5. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Haryana Top Rankers in Ease of Doing Business

Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, released the final rankings of States in Ease of Doing Business in New Delhi.

• The top rankers are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Haryana. Jharkhand and Gujarat stood fourth and fifth respectively.
• DIPP, Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the World Bank conducted an annual reform exercise for all States and UTs under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP).
• The aim of this exercise is to improve delivery of various Central Government regulatory functions and services in an efficient, effective and transparent manner.
• Rajasthan has slipped by one spot in the ease of doing business rankings to 9th position.

6. Shri Ananthkumar inaugurates CIPET: Centre for Skilling & Technical Support (CSTS)

Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar inaugurated the CIPET:  Centre for Skilling & Technical Support (CSTS) at ITI Building and laid the foundation stone of new Central Institute of Plastics Engineering &Technology (CIPET) Building at Doiwala, Dehradun.

• Other dignitaries who graced the event as guests of honour included Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, and Member of Parliament, Haridwar, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.
• CIPET: CSTS, Dehradun is the 32nd CIPET centre in the country.

7. India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre Inaugurated

The India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre was Inaugurated by the Minister of State (I/C) MSME Giriraj Singh and Minister of SMEs and Start-ups of Republic of Korea, Hong Jong- hak in New Delhi.

• Speaking on this occasion,Giriraj Singh said that the purpose of the Technology Exchange Centre is to create a platform for micro, small and medium enterprises of India and Korea where they can be assisted to identify and exchange latest technologies, share management expertise, product development and technology applications for product development.
• The MSME Minister further said that the Technology Centre will also work towards building reliable alliances in Space, Solar Energy, Nano technologies and some other upcoming technologies.
• He said that a number of Korean organizations have showed keen interest to initiate technology transfers in MSME sectors between the two countries and this Centre will provide them reliable partners for effecting   business alliances.

8. Microsoft signs MoU with Raj govt for digital training to 9,500 students

Microsoft has signed an MoU with the Rajasthan government to provide free digital training to 9,500 college students in one year.

• The initiative was taken for the enhancement of digital learning and capacity building of college students in the state.
• The state few months back had signed MoU with IGNOU for nearly two dozen courses on skill development.

9. T Latha appointed new MD & CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank

Dhanlaxmi Bank Limited has appointed T Latha as the Managing Director & CEO.

• She has taken over from G Sreeram, who has retired from the office on July 1, 2018, on completion of his tenure.
• Her appointment will be for a period of three years w.e.f July 2, 2018.

10. Vice President Releases the book ‘Two Classical Plays from India’

 

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that there is a need to revive Theatre and make it a prominent form of education and entertainment.

• He was addressing the gathering after releasing the book ‘Two Classical Plays from India’, an English translation of Hindi plays written by well-known playwright Shri D.P. Sinha.

4th JULY CURRENT AFFAIRS IN ENGLISH

1. MOD approves construction of 17 New Baffle Firing Ranges

 

Ministry of Defence has given a go ahead sanction for construction of 17 new baffle firing ranges in Military Stations/Cantonments/Training Establishments at an approximate cost of Rs. 238 crores. 

• This will add seven ranges to the Southern Command, Three to the Eastern Command, Two to the Northern Command, one each to the South Western and Central Commands. The one at Central Command is proposed for the Officers Training Academy, Gaya.
• These 17 will be in addition to the 60 similar firing ranges existing all over the country. The proposed baffle shooting ranges can facilitate firing from 300 to 500 meters.  
• Baffle firing ranges are covered shooting practice areas which prevent possible accidents due to stray bullet injuries.

2. Indian Army Motorcycle Expedition to Commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas

A motorcycle expedition comprising of ‘SHWET ASHW’ the elite Motorcycle Display Team of the Corps of Military Police, was flagged off’ on 02 July 2018 to commemorate the victory of Indian Army in Operation Vijay 1999.

• The expedition will traverse a distance of more than 3250 Kms from Bangalore to Dras, Jammu and Kashmir over a period of 24 days across eight states of the country, reaching Kargil War Memorial, Dras on 26 July 2018. 
• The ‘SHWET ASHW’ was raised in the year 1952 at CMP Centre & School, Faizabad. Since its raising the team has performed at various National and International events and holds Three Guinness Book World Records in its name. 

3. Election Commission of India launches Mobile App “cVIGIL”

The Chief Election Commissioner Shri. O.P. Rawat, along with the Election Commissioners Shri Sunil Arora and Shri Ashok  Lavasa launched a mobile app, called ‘Cvigil,’ on July 3, 2018, for citizens to report any violation of the model code of conduct during elections.

• “cVIGIL" is a user-friendly and easy to operate Android application. It will be operational only where elections are announced.
• However, the beta version of the app will be made available for the public and election staff to download so that they can acquaint themselves with its features and also try sending dummy data.
• Upon successful completion of the trial that is underway, the application will be made available for general use by all, right from the forthcoming Assembly elections in the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Rajasthan.
• The practical use of the app during the four-state Assembly polls will also serve as a pilot initiative before it is put to extensive use during the next Lok Sabha General Elections.

4. Jharkhand to set up country's first Khadi mall

The first 'Khadi Mall' of the country will be opened in Ranchi soon, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das announced.

• Land in the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) campus will be made available to the Khadi Board to develop the country's first Khadi mall.

5. DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh attends "Behdienkhlam" festival at Jowai, Meghalaya

The Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh​ attended the famous 4-day Meghalaya Annual Cultural Festival, "Behdienkhlam", held every year at the small peripheral town of Jowai, Meghalaya.

• On the concluding day of the festival, Dr Jitendra Singh spent time with the visitors from across the region who had come to attend the festival. He also showed interest in the religious rituals associated with the event.

6. NITI Aayog to organise India’s First Global Mobility Summit

Steeply falling technology costs and business – model innovation are driving the world’s transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles. 

• Against this background, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with various ministries and industry partners, is organising ‘MOVE: Global Mobility Summit’ in New Delhi on 7th and 8th September, 2018.
• This Summit will help drive Government’s goals for vehicle electrification,  renewable energy integration and job growth and also speed up India’s transition to a clean energy economy.
• MOVE Summit aims to bring together and engage with key stakeholders within the rapidly transforming global mobility landscape and to evolve a public interest framework for a shared, connected, zero emission and inclusive mobility agenda for the future.
• The Summit will constitute three designated components – The Conclave, the Expo and the Featured Events.

7. Rajat Sharma elected as DDCA president

Senior journalist Rajat Sharma beat the World Cup winning Indian cricketer Madan Lal by 517 votes to become the new president of the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association.

• Sharma’s group swept the elections, winning all 12 seats.
• Sharma got a total of 1,531 votes while former Test cricketer Lal could only poll 1,004 votes.

8. Saraswati Prasad assumes charge as SAIL CMD

Senior bureaucrat Saraswati Prasad has taken over the additional charge as chairman and managing director of steel PSU SAIL.

• Prasad succeeds P K Singh who retired on June 30.
• The government headhunter PESB had earlier recommended the name of Anil Kumar Chaudhary for the top post of SAIL.

9. Former Navy chief J.G. Nadkarni passes away

Former Indian Navy chief, Admiral Jayant Ganpat Nadkarni passed away. He was 86.

• Nadkarni, the 14th Chief of Naval Staff (December 1987 – November 1990), breathed his last at the naval hospital INHS Asvini.
• He was an avid maritime historian and was a founding member of the Maritime History Society.

2nd JULY CURRENT AFFAIRS IN HINDI

1. किरण रिजीजू में एएमसीडीआरआर 2018 में भाग लेने के लिए एक उच्च स्तरीय शिष्टमंडलका नेतृत्व करेंगे

केंद्रीय गृह राज्य मंत्री श्री किरण रिजीजू 03 से 06 जुलाई, 2018 तक मंगोलिया के उल्लानबतार में आयोजित होने वाले आपदा जोखिम में कमी पर एक एशियाई मंत्रीस्तरीय सम्मेलन 2018 (एएमसीडीआरआर, 2018) में भाग लेने के लिए एक उच्च स्तरीय मंत्रीस्तरीय शिष्टमंडल का नेतृत्व करेंगे।

• एएमसीडीआरआर, 2018 में एशियाई एवं प्रशांत देशों के 3,000 से अधिक शिष्टमंडलों एवं  प्रतिभागियों, सरकारी एवं अंतःसरकारी संगठनों, संयुक्त राष्ट्रसंघ एवं अंतरराष्ट्रीय संगठनों के भाग लेने की उम्मीद है।
• एएमसीडीआरआर, 2018 की थीम: ‘आपदा जोखिम की रोकथाम: सतत विकास की सुरक्षा‘ सेंडई संरचना के सार तत्व को प्रदर्शित करती है।

2. भारत-नेपाल संबंधों पर ईपीजी की 9वीं बैठक काठमांडू में संपन्न  

भारत-नेपाल संबंधों पर प्रतिष्ठित व्यक्ति समूह (ईपीजी) की नौवीं और अंतिम बैठक काठमांडू में संपन्न हुई।

• नेपाल और भारत के प्रतिनिधियों ने दो दिवसीय बैठक के दौरान 1950 शांति और मैत्री संधि, व्यापार, पारगमन और सीमा सहित विभिन्न द्विपक्षीय मुद्दों पर विचार-विमर्श किया।
• भारतीय पक्ष का प्रतिनिधित्व भगत सिंह कोष्यारी, जयंत प्रसाद, भुवन चंद्र उप्रेती और महेंद्र पी लामा ने किया था।

3. राष्ट्रीय डॉक्टर दिवस: 1 जुलाई

1 जुलाई 2018 को पूरे भारत में राष्ट्रीय डॉक्टर दिवस मनाया गया था।

• इस दिन भारत के सबसे प्रसिद्ध चिकित्सक डॉ बिधान चंद्र रॉय की जन्म और मृत्यु की सालगिरह है।
• इंडियन मेडिकल एसोसिएशन (आईएमए) ने डॉक्टर दिवस 2018 के लिए थीम घोषित की है: 'डॉक्टरों और नैदानिक प्रतिष्ठानों के खिलाफ हिंसा के लिए शून्य सहनशीलता'।
• आईएमए ने 1 से 8 जुलाई को 'सुरक्षित बंधुता सप्ताह' के रूप में मनाए जाने का भी फैसला किया है।

4. आधार पर आधारित तत्काल ई-पैन लॉन्च हुआ

नए पैन कार्ड में आधार कार्ड के समान नाम, जन्मतिथि, लिंग, मोबाइल नंबर और पता होगा।

• ई-पैन सुविधा केवल निवासी व्यक्तियों के लिए है, न कि हिंदू अविभाजित परिवार, फर्मों, ट्रस्ट और कंपनियों के लिए।
• सेंट्रल बोर्ड ऑफ डायरेक्ट टैक्स (सीबीडीटी), जो आयकर विभाग के लिए नीतियां बनाता है, ने पैन-आधार जोड़ने के लिए समयसीमा बढ़ाकर अगले वर्ष 31 मार्च कर दी है।

5. आईएनएस सह्याद्री नवाचार प्रतियोगिता में रनर-अप रहा

स्वदेश निर्मित स्टील्थ फ्रिगेट, आईएनएस सह्याद्री, जो दुनिया के सबसे बड़े अंतरराष्ट्रीय समुद्री अभ्यास, आरआईएमपीएसी (प्रशांत रिम अभ्यास) में भाग ले रही है, को अभ्यास के बंदरगाह चरण के दौरान एक नवाचार प्रतियोगिता में रनर अप घोषित किया गया है।

• यू.एस. इंडो-पैसिफिक कमांड (इंडोपाकॉम) द्वारा आयोजित आरआईएमपीएसी के 26 वें संस्करण को 25 देशों के लगभग 25,000 कर्मियों और 45 से अधिक सतह जहाजों और पनडुब्बियों की भागीदारी के साथ हवाई तट से शुरू किया गया था।

6. राज्य बिजली मंत्रियों का सम्मेलन शिमला में आयोजित किया जाएगा

राज्यों एवं संघ शासित प्रदेशों के बिजली, नवीन तथा नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा मंत्रियों का सम्मेलन 3 जुलाई को शिमला, हिमाचल प्रदेश में आयोजित किया जाएगा।

• सम्मेलन का उद्घाटन केंद्रीय बिजली, नवीन तथा नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा राज्य मंत्री (स्वतंत्र प्रभार) श्री आर के सिंह द्वारा किया जाएगा।
• इस एक दिवसीय सम्मेलन का उद्वेश्य वर्तमान में जारी विभिन्न योजनाओं/कार्यक्रमों के कार्यान्वयन की समीक्षा करना एवं बिजली तथा नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा क्षेत्रों से संबंधित कई सारे मुद्वों पर विचार विमर्श करना है।
• राज्यों एवं संघ शासित प्रदेशों के मंत्री एवं सचिव तथा बिजली तथा नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा क्षेत्रों और सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र उपक्रमों के वरिष्ठ अधिकारी दिसंबर, 2018 तक 100 प्रतिशत घर विद्युतीकरण (सौभाग्य के तहत), उदय प्रदर्शन मूल्यांकन, तीन वर्षों में प्रीपेड प्रणाली की तरफ परिवर्तन एवं 1 अप्रैल, 2019 से सभी के लिए 24 घंअे बिजली-जैसे मुद्वों पर चर्चा करने के लिए बैठक करेंगे।

7. विजय श्रीनिवास यूनाइटेड इंडिया इंश्योरेंस के निदेशक और जीएम नियुक्त

यूनाइटेड इंडिया इंश्योरेंस कंपनी ने 1 जुलाई से इसके निदेशक और महाप्रबंधक के रूप में के बी विजय श्रीनिवास की नियुक्ति की घोषणा की है।

• नई भूमिका निभाने से पहले, वह मुख्य विपणन अधिकारी और महाप्रबंधक के रूप में राष्ट्रीय बीमा कंपनी लिमिटेड की सेवा कर रहे थे।

8. ऑस्ट्रेलिया ने चैंपियंस ट्रॉफी हॉकी जीती

विश्व चैंपियंस ऑस्ट्रेलिया ने लगातार दूसरे चैंपियंस ट्रॉफी हॉकी खिताब जीतने के लिए शूट-ऑफ के माध्यम से भारत को 3-1 से पराजित किया।

• यह पिछले संस्करण के दो फाइनलिस्टस के बीच एक उत्सुकता वाली लड़ाई थी लेकिन एक बार फिर ऑस्ट्रेलिया अपने 15वें चैंपियंस ट्रॉफी खिताब जीतने के लिए शूट आउट में जीत गया।
• मेजबान नीदरलैंड ने ओलंपिक चैंपियन अर्जेंटीना को 2-0 से हराकर कांस्य पदक जीता।

9. ली चोंग वेई ने ऐतिहासिक 12वीं बार मलेशिया ओपन खिताब जीता

मलेशियाई शटलर ली चोंग वी ने जापान के केंटो मोमोटा को 21-17, 23-21 से हराकर ऐतिहासिक 12वां मलेशिया ओपन खिताब अपने नाम किया।

• ली, जो शुरुआत से प्रभावी थे, ने 71 मिनट में खिताबी मैच पूरा किया।
• इस जीत के साथ, मोमोता का लगातार 21-मैच जीतने का सफर समाप्त हो गया।
• महिला एकल फाइनल में, ताइवान की शीर्ष वरीय ताई त्ज़ू यिंग ने चीन की ही बिंगजियाओ को 22-20, 21-11 से हराया। 

2nd JULY CURRENT AFFAIRS IN ENGLISH

1. Kiren Rijiju to lead a High Level delegation to participate in AMCDRR 2018

A high level Ministerial delegation from India headed by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs will be participating in the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2018 (AMCDRR 2018) to be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 03-06 July, 2018.  

• The AMCDRR 2018 is expected to host over 3,000 delegates and participants from Asian and Pacific countries, governmental and inter-governmental organisations, United Nations and international organisations.
• The theme of the AMCDRR 2018: ‘Preventing Disaster Risk: Protecting Sustainable Development’ reflects the essence of the Sendai Framework.

2. 9th meeting of EPG on Indo-Nepal relations concludes in Kathmandu

The ninth and final meeting of Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on India-Nepal relations concluded in Kathmandu.

• The Representatives from Nepal and India deliberated up on various bilateral issues including 1950 Peace and Friendship treaty, trade, transit and border during the two day meeting. 
• Indian side was represented by Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Jayant Prasad, Bhuvan Chandra Upreti and Mahendra P. Lama. 

3. National Doctors’ Day: 1 July

National Doctors’ Day was celebrated throughout India On 1st July 2018.

• This day marks the birth and death anniversary of the most famous physician of India Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy.
• The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared the theme for Doctors’ Day 2018 as: ‘zero tolerance to violence against doctors and clinical establishment’.
• IMA has also decided to observed July 1 to 8 as ‘Safe Fraternity Week’.

4. Instant e-PAN based on Aadhaar launched

The new PAN will have the same name, date of birth, gender, mobile number and address as in the Aadhaar.

• The e-PAN facility is only for resident individuals and not for Hindu Undivided Family, firms, trusts and companies.
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which makes policies for the Income Tax Department, has extended the deadline for the PAN-Aadhaar linking to March 31 next.

5. INS Sahyadri adjudged runner-up in an innovation competition

Indigenously built stealth frigate, INS Sahyadri, which is participating in RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise), the world’s largest international maritime exercise, has been adjudged runner-up in an innovation competition during the harbour phase of the exercise.

• The 26th edition of RIMPAC, hosted by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), commenced off the Hawaii coast with the participation of about 25,000 personnel and more than 45 surface ships and submarines from 25 countries.

6. Conference of States Power Ministers to be held at Shimla

A conference of Ministers for Power, New & Renewable Energy of States & Union Territories will be held on 3rd July at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

• The Conference will be inaugurated by Shri R K Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy.
• The aim of this one-day conference is to review the implementation of various ongoing Schemes/ Programmes & deliberate on a host of issues pertaining to Power and Renewable Energy sectors.
• Ministers and Secretaries of the States and Union territories and senior officials of the power & renewable energy sectors and Public Sector Undertakings under them will meet up to discuss issues like- 100 per cent Household Electrification (under Saubhagya) by December, 2018, UDAY performance assessment, shifting to prepaid system in three years and 24X7 Power for All – From 1st April 2019.

7. Vijay Srinivas appointed Director & GM of United India Insurance

United India Insurance Company has announced the appointment of K B Vijay Srinivas as its Director and General Manager with effect from July 1.

• Prior to taking up the new role, he was serving National Insurance Company Ltd as its Chief Marketing Officer and General Manager.

8. Australia wins Champions Trophy Hockey

World Champions Australia defeated India 3-1 via shoot-off to clinch its second consecutive Champions Trophy hockey title.

• It was a keenly-contested battle between the two finalists of last edition but once again Australia came out on top in the shoot-out to clinch its 15th Champions Trophy title.
• Host Netherlands clinched the bronze medal defeating Olympic champions Argentina 2-0.

9. Lee Chong Wei wins historic 12th Malaysia Open title

Malaysian shuttler Lee Chong Wei defeated Japan’s Kento Momota 21-17 23-21 to secure a historic 12th Malaysia Open title.

• Lee, who was dominant from the start, completed the rout in 71 minutes.
• With this victory, Momota’s 21-match winning streak has also come to an end.
• In the women’s singles final, top seed Tai Tzu Ying from Taiwan beat China’s He Bingjiao 22-20, 21-11.