IMPORTANT DAYS

National Broadcasting Day is observed on July 23.

• National Broadcasting Day is observed annually in India on July 23.

• The first radio broadcast in India was made by a private Indian Broadcasting Company from Bombay on this day in 1927.

• Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi developed the radio in the 1890s.

• This day marks the evolution of India's broadcasting landscape since 1927.

• India's broadcasting history began with the Radio Club of Bombay's first transmission in June 1923.

• All India Radio (AIR) was established in 1936, originating from the Indian State Broadcasting Service.

• AIR was renamed AKASHVANI in 1956.

SPORTS

Abhinav Bindra has been awarded the Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

• Abhinav Bindra has been honored with the Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for his exceptional contributions to the Olympic movement.

• Bindra, the first Indian to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics, achieved this feat at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the men’s 10-meter air rifle event.

• He is a member of the IOC Athletes Commission and the first Indian to receive the prestigious Olympic Order.

• The Olympic Order is the highest honor awarded by the IOC for outstanding service to the Olympic Movement, established in 1975.

• The award can be given to IOC members, athletes, and other distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the Olympic Movement.

• The Olympic Order is awarded in three grades: gold, silver, and bronze, with the gold medal being the highest distinction.

• Bindra's recognition underscores his pivotal role in promoting and supporting the Olympic values and sportsmanship.

NATIONAL NEWS

Airbus plans to introduce the first Made in India H-125.

• By 2026, Airbus aims to introduce the first Made-in-India H-125 helicopter.

• Airbus and Tata will begin establishing the Final Assembly Line (FAL) for H-125 helicopters this winter.

• Airbus has shortlisted eight locations for the FAL and will soon finalize the site.

• The first Made-in-India helicopter is set for delivery in 2026.

• The initial production rate will be 10 helicopters annually, with potential future increases to 20, 30, or 50.

• Airbus is confident in the H-125's market success, inspired by the A-320 commercial aircraft's achievements.

• Airbus's partnership with India extends beyond manufacturing to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of helicopters.

• In December 2023, Airbus and Indamer partnered to support helicopter MRO operations in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Nagpur, and Airbus has also made significant contributions to the defense sector through the C-295 program.

AWARDS

The Gandhi Mandela Award 2020 has been given to Rigoberta Menchú Tum

• The Gandhi Mandela Award 2020 was awarded to Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú Tum.

• The award was presented on July 18, 2024, coinciding with Nelson Mandela's 106th birth anniversary.

• His Holiness Dalai Lama received the Gandhi Mandela Award in 2019.

• Rigoberta Menchú Tum, a Guatemalan human rights activist, is recognized for her dedication to Indigenous rights.

• Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 and the Princess of Asturias Award in 1998.

• The Gandhi Mandela Foundation established the award to honor individuals who embody the principles of Gandhi and Mandela.

• The award includes a gold medal crafted by the India Government Mint, a pine wood box, and a certificate.

• The certificate is signed by a distinguished jury of former Chief Justices from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

APPOINTMENTS

Manolo Marquez appointed head coach of Indian men's football team.

• Manolo Marquez has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian men's football team.

• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced Marquez's appointment on July 20.

• Marquez is currently the head coach of Indian Super League (ISL) team FC Goa.

• He will continue his role with FC Goa through the 2024-25 season, managing both club and national team responsibilities before fully transitioning to the national team.

• He previously coached ISL clubs Hyderabad FC (2020-23) and FC Goa (2023-present).

• Marquez led Hyderabad FC to win the ISL Cup in the 2021-22 season.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2023-24

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2023-24 to the parliament, forecasting continued economic expansion despite geopolitical challenges.

• The survey predicts GDP growth of 6.5-7% for FY25, aligning with the IMF's forecast but lower than the RBI's 7.2%.

• Retail inflation dropped to 5.4% in FY24, down from 6.7% in FY23, while FDI flow decreased from USD 47.6 billion in FY23 to USD 45.8 billion in FY24.

• The services sector grew by 7.6% in FY24, and the agriculture sector expanded by 4.18% over the past five years.

• The survey noted that global financial markets reached new heights, driven by investor optimism about global economic expansion.

• Employment in unincorporated non-agricultural enterprises fell to 10.96 crore from 11.1 crore in 2015-16, but public and private investment sustained capital formation growth.

• The trade deficit and current account deficit improved in FY24, with broad-based bank credit growth and significant capital formation facilitated by primary capital markets.

MISCELLANEOUS

Azerbaijan, the host of COP29 climate summit

• Azerbaijan, hosting the COP29 climate summit, has launched the "Climate Finance Action Fund" (CFAF).

• The CFAF will receive annual contributions from fossil fuel-producing nations and companies.

• The fund aims to assist developing and other countries in achieving the 1.5°C temperature goal.

• An initial $1 billion will be raised through member contributions, either as fixed amounts or based on production volume.

• COP29 will take place in Baku from November 11 to 22, 2024.

• Half of the fund will support climate projects in developing countries, focusing on clean energy, energy efficiency, climate resilience, and new technologies.

• The other half will help countries meet their NDC targets to achieve the 1.5°C goal.

• Twenty percent of the revenues will go to a Rapid Response Funding Facility for immediate, concessional, and grant-based disaster response support.