Todays Top News Headlines: Let us know what has happened in our country today.
- IMD Forecasts Heavy Rainfall: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast for extremely heavy rainfall over Gujarat, Konkan, Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra for the next two days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue in these regions over the next few days.
- NITI Aayog Meeting: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the NITI Aayog meeting on July 27, just days after the Budget was presented in Parliament.
- Coal Mines Privatization: Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy announced that the government has no plans to privatize coal mines across the country, responding to questions during the Lok Sabha session.
- NEET (UG) Examination: The Union Government clarified there is no proposal to discontinue the NEET (UG) exam or restore state-wise entrance exams amid ongoing controversies. This statement was made by Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
- Assam Repealing Bill 2024: The Assam Cabinet has decided to repeal the Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules 1935 through the Assam Repealing Bill 2024, as announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
- Shiv Sena Election Plans: Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is keen to contest 126 out of the 288 seats in the upcoming assembly elections.
- Kerala’s External Cooperation Appointment: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has supported the Kerala government’s decision to appoint an IAS officer for ‘matters concerning external cooperation,’ calling it a routine focal point appointment. The BJP has opposed the move, deeming it unconstitutional.
- Telangana CM’s Protest: Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy has expressed his readiness to stage a fast unto death in New Delhi to protest against the Central Government’s alleged discriminatory attitude towards Telangana in the Union Budget 2024.
- Uttarakhand Rainfall: Heavy rainfall continues to affect various parts of Uttarakhand. Landslides have blocked about a hundred rural roads in the hilly regions of the state.
- ESI Scheme Enrollments: Over 23 lakh new workers were enrolled under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme in May this year. The Labour and Employment Ministry reported that over 11 lakh of these employees are aged up to 25 years. Female member enrolment in May stood at 4.47 lakh.
- Andhra Pradesh Legislative Decisions: The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has passed the Andhra Pradesh Land Titling Repeal Bill 2024 and the Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences (Amendment) Bill 2024, restoring the name of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao to the university.
Todays Top News: Legal Report
- Special Lok Adalat: The Supreme Court will organize a Special Lok Adalat from July 29 to August 3 to clear pending cases and promote amicable settlements, marking a milestone in the court’s 75th year of establishment.
- Bihar’s Anti-Cheating Bill: The Bihar Assembly has passed a bill to curb paper leak cases and irregularities in government competitive exams. The Bihar Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill 2024 proposes jail sentences from three to ten years and penalties up to one crore rupees for serious offenses.
- Supreme Court Working Hours: The Supreme Court has amended its rules, setting new working hours from 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Farmers’ Protest Committee: Observing a trust deficit between farmers and the government, the Supreme Court proposed the formation of an independent committee of eminent persons to address the protesters’ demands. The court also directed Haryana and Punjab to maintain the status quo at the Shambhu border.
- Bilkis Bano Case: The Supreme Court dismissed the plea of two convicts challenging its January verdict on canceling their remission in the Bilkis Bano case, stating the petition was “absolutely misconceived.”
- Bhopal Police Regulations: Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayan Chari Mishra invoked provisions of the Indian National Security Act, making it mandatory for organizers to seek police permission for rallies, public meetings, and demonstrations.
Todays Top News: Finance News
Minister: Nirmala Sitharaman
Commerce & Industry Minister: Piyush Goyal
RBI Governor: Shaktikanta Das
World Bank President: Ajay Banga
IMF MD: Kristalina Georgieva
Currency Exchange Rates:
- USD (United States Dollar): The current exchange rate stands at approximately ₹84 for one USD. This rate impacts international trade and investment flows between India and the United States, influencing import and export prices.
- GBP (British Pound Sterling): The GBP is trading at around ₹105 per unit. This exchange rate affects financial transactions and trade relations with the United Kingdom, including investments and remittances.
- Euro: The exchange rate for the Euro is approximately ₹90. This rate is crucial for trade, travel, and economic relations with Eurozone countries.
- Yuan (Chinese Renminbi): The Yuan is valued at about ₹12. This exchange rate is significant for the large volume of trade between India and China, impacting the cost of imports and exports.
Todays Top News: Economic Indicators
- GDP (Purchasing Power Parity – PPP): India’s GDP at PPP stands at $13.119 trillion. PPP is a measure that compares different countries’ currencies through a “basket of goods” approach, providing a more accurate comparison of economic productivity and standards of living.
- GDP (Nominal): The nominal GDP is $3.73 trillion. Nominal GDP refers to the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period, unadjusted for inflation.
- GDP Growth: The GDP growth rate for the third quarter of 2023-24 is 8.4%. This indicates a robust expansion of economic activities, reflecting higher production, increased investments, and consumption.
- Inflation Rate: The retail inflation rate for December 2023 is 5.69%. Inflation measures the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, eroding purchasing power.
- Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate as of October 2023 is 10.09%. This metric reflects the percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment.
- GDP Per Capital: The GDP per capita is $2,845 on a nominal basis for 2024, and $9,983 on a PPP basis. This measure divides the country’s GDP by its total population, providing an average economic output per person.
Todays Top News: Stock Market
- BSE SENSEX: The Bombay Stock Exchange SENSEX index is at 80,148.88 points, a decrease of 280.16 points (-0.35%). The SENSEX is a benchmark index that tracks the performance of 30 well-established and financially sound companies listed on the BSE.
- NIFTY: The National Stock Exchange NIFTY index stands at 24,413.50 points, down by 65.55 points (-0.27%). The NIFTY 50 index represents the weighted average of 50 of the largest Indian companies listed on the NSE.
Commodity Prices (Mumbai):
- Gold: The price of gold in Mumbai is ₹70,900 per 10 grams for 24-karat purity. Gold prices are influenced by various factors including global economic stability, currency fluctuations, and demand from the jewelry sector.
- Silver: Silver is priced at ₹87,500 per kilogram. Silver prices can be affected by industrial demand, market speculation, and movements in gold prices.
Todays Top News: Fuel Prices
Delhi:
- Petrol: Petrol is available at ₹95 per liter. Petrol prices are influenced by international crude oil prices, exchange rates, and government taxes.
- Diesel: Diesel costs ₹88 per liter. Diesel prices also depend on global oil markets, domestic demand, and taxation policies.
- CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): CNG is priced at ₹74 per kilogram. CNG is used as an alternative fuel for vehicles, offering a cleaner and more cost-effective option compared to petrol and diesel.
- LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas): LPG is available at ₹803 for a 14.2 kg cylinder. LPG is commonly used for cooking and heating purposes in households.
Mumbai:
- Petrol: Petrol in Mumbai is priced at ₹104 per liter, slightly higher than in Delhi due to state taxes and transportation costs.
- Diesel: Diesel costs ₹93 per liter in Mumbai. Similar to petrol, diesel prices in Mumbai include additional state levies.
- Auto Gas: Auto Gas is available at ₹60 per liter. Auto Gas is used as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel for vehicles.
- CNG: CNG is priced at ₹74 per kilogram, providing an economical and eco-friendly fuel option for vehicles.
- LPG: The price of LPG in Mumbai is ₹803 for a 14.2 kg cylinder, consistent with the price in Delhi.
Todays Top News: Finance Updates
- Railway Budget: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that out of the ₹2.62 lakh crore Railway budget, more than ₹1 lakh crore is allocated for rail safety.
- Union Budget Discussion: The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has refuted the Opposition’s allegations of discrimination against some states in the Union Budget.
- Budget Discussions: The Lok Sabha is discussing the Union Budget 2024-2025, along with the Budget for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir for 2024-2025.
- RBI Framework: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened the framework for domestic money transfers to monitor cash pay-in and pay-out services.
- ICMAI President: CMA Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, a veteran Cost Accountant, has been elected as the 67th President of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) for 2024-25.
- Federal Bank Appointment: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Krishnan Venkat Subramanian as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Federal Bank.
Todays Top News: Entertainment News
Information and Broadcasting Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw
FTII Chairman: R. Madhavan
CBFC Chairman: Prasoon Joshi
- Commemorative Stamp: Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has unveiled a commemorative stamp to honor legendary singer Mukesh on his 100th birth anniversary in New Delhi.
- Box Office Success: ‘KALKI 2898 AD’ has crossed ₹620 crore in India on day 27, while Vicky Kaushal-Tripti Dimri’s ‘Bad Newz’ eyes ₹40 crore.
- Legal Controversy: ‘KALKI 2898 AD,’ directed by Nag Ashwin, is facing legal issues for allegedly distorting religious texts and disrespecting Hindu deities. Former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam has issued a legal notice to the filmmakers and actors.
Todays Top News: Defense News
Supreme Commander of Armed Forces: The President
Defense Minister: Rajnath Singh
Union Home Minister: Amit Shah
National Security Advisor: Ajit Doval
Chief of Defence Staff: Gen Anil Chauhan, PVSM UYSM AVSM SM VSM
- Naval Tragedy: The body of leading seaman Sitendra Singh, who went missing after Indian warship INS Brahmaputra tipped over at the naval dockyard in Mumbai, has been recovered.
- Rescue Operation: The Indian Navy rescued an injured Chinese mariner from bulk carrier ZHONG SHAN MEN off Mumbai after receiving a distress call.
- Para Forces Deployment: The Indian Army has deployed 500 Para Forces commandos to neutralize over 50 Pakistani terrorists in Jammu, readjusting its forces based on recent intelligence.
- Missile Defense Test: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the second phase of its Ballistic Missile Defence System capable of defending against hostile missiles with a range of 5,000 km.
- CAPF Reservation: The government has decided to reserve 10% of vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles for ex-Agniveers, as informed in the Rajya Sabha.
Todays Top News: International News
External Affairs Minister: Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
- Bangladesh Protest: The Bangladesh government has officially registered its protest with New Delhi against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent statement offering ‘shelter to helpless people’ fleeing violence in the neighboring country.
- Bangladesh Unrest: Amid escalating unrest in Bangladesh, over 300 Indian students have crossed the northeastern borders. Protests have led to over 100 deaths as students clashed with security forces over the reintroduction of reservation in government jobs.
- UK Visit: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has arrived in India on his first official visit since assuming office.
Todays Top News: WORLD NEWS
UNO Secretary-General: António Guterres
- Nepal Plane Crash: A tragic incident occurred in Kathmandu, Nepal, where a small plane belonging to Saurya Airlines caught fire during takeoff. The aircraft, carrying 19 passengers, was on a domestic flight when the accident happened. Despite the efforts of emergency services, 18 of the 19 passengers aboard lost their lives. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities are working to ensure the safety of future flights.
- Myanmar Leadership Change: In a significant political development, Myanmar’s acting President has taken medical leave. During his absence, the duties of the President have been transferred to Military Chief Min Aung Hlaing. This move comes amid ongoing political instability in the country, following a military coup in February 2021. The transfer of power is being closely monitored by international observers and human rights organizations.
- Climate Finance Action Fund: Azerbaijan’s COP29 has announced the creation of the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF). This fund, supported by contributions from fossil fuel producers, aims to finance green projects worldwide. The CFAF is designed to help nations meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement. Activities funded by the CFAF will take place from November 11 to 22 this year, focusing on sustainable development and renewable energy projects.
Todays Top News: SPORTS NEWS
Minister: Mansukh Mandaviya
BCCI President: Roger Binny
Hockey India President: Dilip Tirkey
Indian Olympic Association President: P. T. Usha
- Women’s Asia Cup T20, 2024: The Women’s Asia Cup T20 tournament is underway, running from July 19 to July 28, 2024. Here are the highlights of recent matches:
- 11th Match, Group B: Bangladesh Women (BANW) scored an impressive 191-2 in their 20 overs. In response, Malaysia Women (MLYW) managed only 77-8 in their 20 overs. Bangladesh Women secured a commanding victory by 114 runs, showcasing their dominance in the tournament.
- 12th Match, Group B: Thailand Women (THAIW) scored 93-7 in their 20 overs. Sri Lanka Women (SLW) chased down the target comfortably, scoring 94-0 in just 11.3 overs. Sri Lanka Women won by 10 wickets, demonstrating their strong batting performance.
- Play Sports Brand Ambassadors: Renowned sports personalities have joined ‘Play Sports’ as brand ambassadors. Six-time Grand Slam winner and former World No. 1 in women’s doubles, Sania Mirza, along with six-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist MC Mary Kom, and popular actor Rannvijay Singha, have been announced as the faces of the brand. Their involvement aims to promote sports and fitness among the youth.
- 2024 Summer Olympics: The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad and branded as Paris 2024, is an ongoing international multi-sport event. The games are scheduled from July 24 to August 11, 2024, with the Opening Ceremony on July 26. Paris is the main host city, with events spread across 16 other cities in Metropolitan France and one subsite in Tahiti, French Polynesia. The Olympics are expected to feature over 10,000 athletes from around the world, competing in various sports.
Todays Top News: FACTS ABOUT INDIA
- States and Union Territories: India comprises 28 states and 8 Union territories.
- Population: The population of India is approximately 143.86 crore, which constitutes about 17.7% of the world’s total population.
- President: Smt Droupadi Murmu
- Vice President: Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar
- Prime Minister: Shri Narendra Modi
- Speaker of Lok Sabha: Sri Om Birla
- Minister of Parliamentary Affairs: Kiren Rijiju
- Rajya Sabha Seats: The Rajya Sabha has 245 seats, with 233 elected members and 12 nominated members.
- Lok Sabha Seats: The Lok Sabha consists of 550 members, with 530 representing states and 20 representing Union territories.
- Chief Election Commissioner: Shri Rajiv Kumar
Interesting Fact: Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, got its name from the Lord Visakheswara Temple. Over time, British pronunciation altered the original name Vizagapatam to Vizag. The city is also referred to as Waltair, derived from the Telugu words “Vala” (Net) and “Theddu” (Oar).
Todays Top News: THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Behavior is always better than knowledge in life; there are many situations where knowledge fails, but behavior can still handle them.
JOKE OF THE DAY
Reporter to Pappu: What are your thoughts on CORONA? What should we do about China? Pappu: Once this “corona virus” ends, I’ll go to China and teach them how to cook dal and rice. They eat anything!
Todays Top News: WHY
Why are diamonds so expensive and valuable?
Diamonds are highly valued due to their rarity, and their formation involves pressure, heat, and time. They were formed between 1 and 3 billion years ago, making them a significant part of Earth’s history. The value also comes from the various colors caused by mineral contamination or lattice deformation. Carat, derived from the carob seed, measures diamond weight, while karat measures gold purity.
LEARN SANSKRIT
Trishna (तृष्णा): ‘Thirst’, ‘Aspiration’, ‘Lusty’
Trishnaj: Meaning covetous, greedy
HOW IT WORKS
Coal Formation: Coal was formed millions of years ago in swampy forests where plants like giant ferns, reeds, and mosses grew. As these plants died, they accumulated in the swamp waters, forming thick layers. Over time, dirt and water stopped the decay, leading to the formation of rich carbon deposits due to heat and pressure. This process created three main types of coal: lignite, bituminous coal, and anthracite.
GK TODAY
India holds the fifth-largest coal reserves in the world, with Jharkhand topping the list at more than 26% of the country’s coal reserves and production.
BORN TODAY
Somnath Chatterjee (July 25, 1929 – August 13, 2018): An Indian politician associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for most of his life, he served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009.
IDIOMS & PHRASES
Doing the rounds: To be passed from one person to another.
ANTONYMS
Beautiful: Disgusting, horrible, ugly
SYNONYMS
Beautiful: Lovely, gorgeous, handsome
VEDIC GYAN
Krishna’s Butter Stealing Act:
Krishna is known as Makhan Chor (butter thief) for stealing butter from neighbors. This act symbolizes stealing hearts that are pure and soft like butter. Krishna is also called Chittachora (one who steals hearts), emphasizing the need for our hearts to be free of negative emotions. Additionally, just as butter floats on the surface, our minds should be light and detached from materialism to attain enlightenment.
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