Daily News Analysis : 21 July 2024

Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Bagh Nakh Returns to India

The historic bagh nakh, used by Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to kill Bijapur general Afzal Khan in the 1659 Battle of Pratapgarh, is now on display at the Satara Museum until January. Brought from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the weapon commemorates the 350th anniversary of Shivaji’s coronation. After Satara, it will be displayed in Nagpur and Kolhapur for nine months each before moving to a Mumbai museum. Despite claims of it being a replica, its historical significance remains celebrated. 

Key Points:A) Shivaji’s bagh nakh has been brought to India for three years as part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2023 by the Maharashtra government and the Victoria and Albert Museum.B) The bagh nakh was transported in a custom-designed container encased in bullet-resistant material.C) The bagh nakh, also known as bagh nakh, is a weapon designed in the shape of a tiger’s claws.

Telangana CM Launches Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched the “Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam” scheme, offering ?1 lakh financial aid to Civil Services aspirants from Telangana who qualify for the Mains exams. Targeting about 400 candidates annually, the scheme, funded by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd under its ‘Nirmaan’ programme, supports SC, ST, OBC, Women, and EWS candidates with family incomes below ?8 lakhs. This initiative addresses the issues faced by unemployed youth, with job notifications set to be issued annually by June 2. 

Key Points:A) The program, known as “Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam,” aims to support approximately 400 candidates from Telangana who successfully pass the Mains exam annually.B) Assistance will be offered by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) under its ‘Nirmaan’ initiative.C) Eligible candidates for the scheme include those from SC, ST, OBC, Women, and EWS categories, provided that their family’s annual income does not exceed ?8 lakhs.

IISR Secures Best Technology Award

The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) won the best technology award for developing the ‘Process for instant soluble turmeric enriched spice flavoured milk powder’. Presented by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at ICAR’s 96th Foundation Day, this technology was among the top five in ICAR’s Horticulture Sciences Division. Developed by IISR scientists K. Anees, Rajeev P., E. Radha, and C. K. Thankamani, it addresses turmeric’s water insolubility and has been commercialized by Malabar Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd, resulting in the products Golden Milk and Golden Milk Mix. 

Key Points:A) The innovative technology known as ‘Process for instant soluble turmeric enriched spice flavoured milk powder’ ranked among the top five technologies within the Horticulture Sciences Division of the ICAR.B) This technology had already undergone commercialization with the Malabar Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited.C) Two products — Golden Milk and Golden Milk Mix — had been produced and marketed. 

Vinay Kwatra Named as India’s New Ambassador to the US

Former Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has been appointed as India’s new Ambassador to the United States, succeeding Taranjit Sandhu. Kwatra, who served as Foreign Secretary from May 2022 to July 2024, has had a distinguished diplomatic career since joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1988. His previous roles include Ambassador to France and Nepal, and key positions at India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, in Beijing, and Washington. His extensive experience makes him well-suited for this high-profile assignment. 

Key Points:A) According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, Kwatra will “take up the assignment shortly”.B) Kwatra will have a significant responsibility in evaluating the forthcoming U.S.C) Additionally, he will be required to make arrangements for a potential visit from U.S. President Joseph Biden for the Quad Summit that India is scheduled to organize later this year. 

Ivory Coast Becomes 10th African Nation to Join UN Water Convention

Ivory Coast has joined the 1992 UN Water Convention as its 53rd Party and the 10th African nation to do so. This move highlights Africa’s increasing focus on cooperative water management amid rising water stress and climate change. Ivory Coast, sharing transboundary river basins with multiple countries, faces significant water challenges due to rapid growth and pollution. The Convention, which promotes sustainable management of shared water resources, is crucial for regional cooperation and climate adaptation. Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are also expected to join soon. 

Key Points:A) The 1992 UN Water Convention has welcomed its 53rd Party and the 10th African nation to become a member.B) Côte d’Ivoire, the 9th largest economy in Africa and the 5th fastest growing economy on the continent, has eight transboundary river basins shared with neighboring countries such as Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone

Classical and Quantum Communications for 6G in Chennai

The inauguration of the “Classical and Quantum Communications for 6G” center at IITM Research Park, Chennai, marks a pivotal step towards advancing 6G technology. Supported by the Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE)-India, it aims to foster collaboration among researchers and industry experts. This initiative aligns with India’s “Bharat 6G Vision,” focusing on affordability, sustainability, and ubiquity in telecom solutions. The IMT-2030 framework, adopted by the ITU, underscores sustainability and security as critical for global 6G development, reinforcing India’s role in shaping future telecom standards. 

Key Points:A) This workshop will bring all the proposers together at a single location, enabling them to synergize their research and development activities, share insights, and work towards common goals.B) The initiative aims to create a cohesive and coordinated effort in advancing 6G technology, ensuring that all projects benefit from collective expertise and resources.C) The centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together academic and industry experts to collaborate on cutting-edge projects

RBI Forms Panel to Evaluate White-Label ATM Fees

The RBI has formed a committee to review the fee structure of white-label ATMs (WLAs), aiming to address sustainability issues amid digital banking growth. Key objectives include analyzing current policies, interchange fees, and international practices. Chaired by Indian Banks’ Association CEO Sunil Mehta, the committee includes stakeholders from banks, ATM manufacturers, and NPCI. Proposed changes include raising transaction fees. WLAs provide basic services but lack features like cash deposits. RBI’s initiatives seek to enhance retail payment systems and expand ATM access, particularly in rural areas. 

Key Points:A) The committee, led by Indian Banks’ Association CEO Sunil Mehta, will assess current policies, ATM infrastructure, and global best practices, reporting to RBI deputy governor T Rabi Sankar.B) India’s ATM market is forecasted to grow at a 9.2% CAGR from 2024 to 2032, with four authorized non-bank entities currently operating WLAs.C) The interchange fee remains at Rs17 for financial and Rs 6 for non-financial transactions.

International Moon Day Observed on July 20

International Moon Day, observed annually on July 20th, commemorates humanity’s lunar exploration achievements, notably the Apollo 11 mission’s first Moon landing in 1969. Established by UN resolution 76/76 in 2021, it promotes sustainable Moon exploration, international cooperation in space activities, and public awareness. The day underscores the Moon’s historical fascination, from ancient cultures to modern telescopic studies and space missions. The UN’s role in space governance, including the Outer Space Treaty and COPUOS, highlights its commitment to peaceful and beneficial space exploration. 

Key Points:A) Humans had always contemplated different theories about the moon, which remained shrouded in mystery until the invention of the first telescope.B) The telescope gave a sneak peek of the lunar surface and opened up a new avenue in space exploration.C) United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is the official body of the UN that encourages international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space.

Latest FIFA Rankings Announced

India remains in 124th place in the latest FIFA rankings, a slight relief after recent declines due to failures in World Cup qualifiers. Historically, India reached its highest ranking of 99 last year but has since dropped. In Asia, India is 22nd, behind teams like Lebanon and Vietnam. Meanwhile, Argentina leads the global rankings, with France, Spain, England, and Brazil rounding out the top five. Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, Colombia, and Italy complete the top ten. Key facts: FIFA President is Giovanni Infantino, based in Zürich, established in 1904. 

Key Points:A) India’s decline began in December of the previous year. Despite reaching a peak ranking of 99 and entering the top 100, the country has been on a continuous downward trend ever since.B) Argentina (1st) further solidified its position at the top of the standings after securing another Copa América title.C) Belgium (6th, dropping 3 spots) has slipped out of the top five, with the Netherlands (7th) and Portugal (8th, falling 2 places) closely trailing behind.

New Plant Species Discovered by Scientists in Arunachal Pradesh

Researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new plant species, Phlogacanthus sudhansusekharii, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary. This species, part of the Acanthaceae family and Phlogacanthus genus, is named to honour Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Dash for his contributions to plant research in the Indian Himalayas. Published in the Indian Journal of Forestry by Samrat Goswami and Rohan Maity, the new species is related to Phlogacanthus guttatus but differs in calyx shape, staminodes, and corona color. 

Key Points:A) The newly described species is closely allied to Phlogacanthus Guttatus (Wall) Nees, but differ in various morphological characters, mainly in its shape and size of calyx, staminodes and strikingly different corona colour.B) This discovery reminds us of our rich natural heritage & our responsibility to preserve it for future generations.
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