SPORTS
Swiss Open 2024 doubles title
• Yuki Bhambri and his French partner Albano Olivetti won the Swiss Open 2024 doubles title.
• They secured the title by defeating Fabrice Martin and Ugo Humbert of France in the final with scores of 3-6, 6-3, and 10-6.
• This victory marks the second ATP Tour title of the year for Bhambri and Olivetti.
• Earlier in the year, they won the Bavarian International doubles title by defeating the German duo Andreas Mies and Jan-Lennard Struff.
• Bhambri claimed his first ATP Tour title in 2023 alongside Lloyd Harris at the Mallorca Championships in Spain.
• The Swiss Open Tournament 2024 was held from July 16 to July 20, 2024.
• The 56th edition of the Swiss Open took place at the Roy Emerson Arena in Gstaad, Switzerland.
Leander Paes, and Vijay Amritraj inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame.
• On July 21, Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj, legendary Indian tennis players, were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• They are the first Asian players to receive this honor, marking a significant milestone for Asian athletes in tennis history.
• Leander Paes, aged 51, was inducted in the 'Player Category.'
• Paes' achievements include a men's singles bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, eight men's doubles, and 10 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.
• He also secured several notable Davis Cup triumphs and spent 37 weeks as the No. 1 player in the world doubles rankings.
• Paes has won 54 doubles titles on the ATP tour.
• Vijay Amritraj, aged 70, was inducted in the 'Contributor Category' alongside Richard Evans.
• Amritraj reached the men's singles quarterfinals twice each at Wimbledon and the US Open and led India to the Davis Cup finals in 1974 and 1987.
• At his peak, Amritraj was ranked world No. 18 in singles and No. 23 in doubles.
• With their induction, the Tennis Hall of Fame now includes 267 members from 28 countries.
AWARDS
The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) has got the best technology award.
• The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) has received the best technology award for its groundbreaking work in horticultural sciences.
• The award was presented by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during the 96th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• IISR was recognized for its technology called 'Process for instant soluble turmeric enriched spice flavoured milk powder.'
• This technology was one of the top five innovations under ICAR’s Horticulture Sciences Division.
• The technology has been commercialized in partnership with Malabar Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited.
• Two products, Golden Milk and Golden Milk Mix, have been developed and marketed using this technology.
• The Indian Institute of Spices Research is headquartered in Moozhikkal, Silver Hills, Kozhikode, Kerala.
• IISR was established in 1975 and continues to contribute significantly to horticultural science and technology.
NATIONAL NEWS
Department of School Education and Literacy is observing Shiksha Saptah.
• The Department of School Education and Literacy is observing Shiksha Saptah.
• Shiksha Saptah is scheduled to take place from July 22 to 28.
• The primary aim of Shiksha Saptah is to promote collaboration and the educational reforms introduced by National Education Policy 2020 among students, educators, and stakeholders.
• The event marks the completion of four years of the National Education Policy 2020.
• Shiksha Saptah will be celebrated in government schools across the country.
• The week-long celebration will feature theme-based days.
• Themes include Teaching-Learning Material Day, focusing on educational resources.
• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Day, emphasizing basic skills in reading and math.
• Other themes include Sports Day, promoting physical education, and Cultural Day, celebrating diverse cultural activities.
STATE NEWS
Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam scheme launched by the Chief Minister of Telangana.
• Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched the Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam scheme.
• This unique program aims to provide financial assistance to Civil Services aspirants from Telangana.
• Under the scheme, candidates who qualify for the Mains exams will receive ₹1 lakh for their preparation.
• The scheme is expected to benefit around 400 candidates from the Telangana region who qualify for the Mains exam each year.
• As part of its 'Nirman' program, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) will provide assistance for this initiative.
• Eligible candidates include those from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Other Backward Class, Women, and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) categories, provided their family annual income does not exceed ₹8 lakh.
• The government will also announce a job calendar in the upcoming state assembly budget session.
• The Chief Minister stated that the government will compile data on vacancies in every department before March each year.
• Notifications for vacancies will be issued by June 2, and the recruitment process will be completed by December 9.
• He highlighted that the Congress government provided 30,000 jobs within three months of coming to power.
Madhya Pradesh Leads in PM SVANidhi Scheme as Top Performing State
• Madhya Pradesh has been recognized as the 'Best Performing State' under the PM SVANidhi scheme.
• The award is for its effective support of urban street vendors through collateral-free loans.
• Launched in June 2020, the PM SVANidhi scheme provides urban street vendors with loans up to ₹50,000 without requiring collateral.
• The scheme aims to help vendors recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.
• Loans under PM SVANidhi are repayable within a year.
• The scheme is designed to enhance financial stability and support small businesses.
• Madhya Pradesh's recognition highlights its successful implementation and support for street vendors under this initiative.
