Latest Current Affairs July 2014
Current Affairs 1'st July 2014
National Doctors Day Observed Across India on 1 July 2014
National Doctors Day was observed across India on 1 July 2014 to honour legendary physician Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.The celebrations highlight the contributions and value of medical fraternity in society. Bidhan Chandra Roy was born on 1 July 1882 in Patna and died on 1 July 1962. He was a legendary physician who also served West Bengal as its second Chief Minister from 1948 to 1962. The B.C. Roy National Award was instituted in 1976 for work in the area of medicine, politics, science, philosophy, literature and arts.
Malala Yousafzai Won Liberty Medal 2014
Pakistani child activist Malala Yousafzai has been conferred on the 2014 Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia. She is the youngest recipient in the medals 25-year history. Polish Solidarity founder Lech Walesa was the inaugural recipient of the annual honour in 1989. Since then, recipients of this award included Muhammad Ali, former President Jimmy Carter, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
SBI launches digital touch banking branches
State Bank of India has launched six digital branches across the nation, as part of its programme to offer next generation banking solutions to the mobile and internet-savvy customer base.These branches are located in Mumbai, Bangalore,Chennai and Ahmedabad, besides Delhi. One of such branches in Delhi was inaugurated this morning by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
Former Haitian President Leslie Manigat died at 83
Former Haitian president Leslie François Manigat died at the age of 83.
US named a mountain in Antarctica after an Indian-American scientist, Akhouri Sinha
A mountain in Antarctica named as Mt. Sinha after an eminent Indian-American scientist, Akhouri Sinha by the US.
India announced new liberal visa policy for Afghanistan nationals.
Third edition of Ladakh International Film Festival held in Leh.
Current Affairs 2'nd July 2014
Meghalaya Governor Takes Additional Charge of Nagaland
Meghalaya Governor Krishan Kant Paul on 2 July took over the additional charge as the 18th governor of Nagaland following the resignation of Ashwani Kumar from the post on 25 June 2014.
Ram Naresh Yadav Sworn In As Chhattisgarh Governor
Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav was sworn in as Chhattisgarh Governor on 2 July. Ram Naresh Yadav has taken over the additional charge of the Chhattisgarh state following the resignation of former Governor Shekhar Dutt.
Shah Rukh Khan Conferred with Knight of the Legion of Honor
Shah Rukh Khan was conferred with top French civilian award Knight of the Legion of Honor.
Sujit Choudhry became the first Indian-American dean of Berkeley Law School
Sujit Choudhry became the first Indian-American dean of the University of California, Berkeley
Bor Wildlife Sanctuary of Maharashtra to be the country's 47th Tiger Reserve
MoEF has approved proposal of Maharashtra Government to notify Bor Wildlife Sanctuary as 47th Tiger Reserve of India and sixth of the state.
Rajasthan Government declared Camel as the State animal
Rajasthan Government declared Camel as the State animal to check the declining number of camels in the state.
Current Affairs 3'rd July 2014
Union Government Introduced Four New Vaccines
Union Government introduced four new vaccines as part of Indias Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). These include vaccines against rotavirus, rubella and polio (injectable),along with an adult vaccine against Japanese encephalitis. The adult vaccine against Japanese encephalitis will be introduced in districts with high levels of the disease (in 179 endemic districts in 9 states).The aim of introduction of these lifesaving vaccines is to ensure that the benefits of vaccination reach to all sections of the society, regardless of social and economic status.
DY Patil Appointed WBs Acting Governor
President Pranab Mukherjee on 3 July appointed Bihar Governor Dr. D.Y. Patil as the acting Governor of West Bengal, following M.K. Narayanans resignation. The President has accepted the resignation of Shri M K Narayanan as Governor of West Bengal and has appointed Dr. D.Y. Patil, Governor of Bihar to discharge the functions of the Governor of West Bengal, in addition to his own duties.Narayanan resigned on June 30 after being prodded by the new NDA government to quit.
Michelle Howard became first female four-star admiral in US Navy
Michelle Howard became the first female four-star admiral in US Navy. She is the first women admiral in 236 year old history of US Navy.
Former French President Sarkozy charged with corruption and influence peddling
Former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy has been charged with corruption and influence peddling after being questioned in Paris suburb.
Swamy Goud elected as Chairman of Telangana Legislative Council
Swamy Goud, TRS party, was elected as chairman of the Telangana Legislative Council.
NASA launched Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 to track Carbon Dioxide
NASA on 2 July 2014 launched Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2),a satellite designed to track carbon dioxid
Current Affairs 4'th July 2014
Japan Issued Multiple Entry Visas To Indians
Japan issued multiple entry visas for short term stay to Indians. The visas will allow Indian visitors to spend up to 15 days on a visit and the visas are likely to be valid for three years. The decision will increase the number of Indian tourists to Japan and improve convenience in business activities and further development of bilateral exchanges between the two countries.
Goa Governor B V Wanchoo Resigned
Goa Governor BV Wanchoo resigned from his post hours after he was quizzed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as a witness in the AgustaWestland chopper deal scam. Earlier, the CBI had quizzed former West Bengal governor M K Narayanan in connection with the AugustaWestland chopper deal.
President Pranab Mukherjee joined on Twitter with @RashtrapatiBhvn
He is the first serving president of India to join Twitter.
ADB to provide equity investment of 50 million US dollars to ReNew Power
ADB announced to provide 50 million US dollars of equity investment into Indian company, ReNew Power.
Current Affairs 5'th July 2014
Narendra Modi Inaugurated 240MW Uri-II Hydroelectric Project In J&K
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 240 megawatt Uri-II hydropower project in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir.This Uri-II project will be able to generate an estimated 1124 million units of hydel-energy annually from its four units of 60 MW each. The Uri-II project is the second power project on the Jhelum River in Uri area and is close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Baramullah district of the state.
NABARD and SFAC signed a MoU for development of Small Farm Producers
NABARD and SFAC signed a MoU for development of Small Farm Producers.
Senegal President Macky Sall sacked Prime Minister Aminata Toure
Senegal President Macky Sall sacked Prime Minister Aminata Toure.
Current Affairs 6'th July 2014
India To Become Third Largest Economy In World By 2030
India is set to become the third largest economy in the world by 2030, according to latest estimates by a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report. The London-head quartered accountancy giant said the rapid rise of the Indian economy with its young workforce would push it up from being the 10th largest economy in 2013 to the third largest by 2030, pushing the UK back into sixth place.
Novak Djokovic Won Wimbledon Mens Singles Title
Novak Djokovic of Serbia on 6 July won the Mens Wimbledon Tennis Open defeating Roger Federer of Switzerland. This is the second Wimbledon title for 27-year- old, Djokovic and seventh career Grand Slam. Djokovic won his first Wimbledon title in 2011.
Petra Kvitova Won Wimbledon womens Singles Title
In the womens single Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic won the Wimbledon Tennis Open defeating Canadas Eugenie Bouchard
6th BRICS Summit to be held in Fortaleza, Brazil from 15-17 July 2014
The 6th BRICS summit will be the sixth annual diplomatic meeting of the BRICS, a grouping of major emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.It will be hosted by Brazil, as the first host country of the current five-year summit cycle, the host city will be Fortaleza.
Current Affairs 7th July 2014
Granville Austin (87),a distinguished scholar of Indias Constitution and a Padma Shri awardee, passed away in Washington.
Austin wrote two critically acclaimed political histories of the Indian Constitution The Indian Constitution: A Cornerstone of A Nation and Working A Democratic Republic: The Indian Experience.
President Appointed Governor For Mizoram and Nagaland
President Pranab Mukherjee appointed Governor for Mizoram and Nagaland and Gujarat.Governor of Gujarat, Kamla Beniwal was transferred and appointed as Governor of Mizoram. Vakkom Purushothaman, the Mizoram Governor, transferred and appointed as Governor of Nagaland. Vakkom will continue to hold the additional charge of the office of the Governor of Tripura. Margaret Alva, the Governor of Rajasthan, was given the additional responsibility of discharging the functions as Governor of Gujarat, until regular arrangements for the office is made.
Supreme Court of India Ruled Shariat Courts Are illegal
The Supreme Court of India on 7 July ruled that Shariat courts are illegal and objected to Shariat court from passing orders against innocent person. It said that no religion allows punishment of innocent and hence no Darul Qaza should give verdict on rights of a person, unless it is asked for by the person.
C Rangarajan Committee on Poverty presented its report to Union Government
Rangarajan committee submitted a report titled to Review the Methodology for Measurement of Poverty.
Current Affairs 8'th July 2014
Indias External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her British counterpart Foreign Secretary of State William Hague, both sides decided to soon start negotiations for civil nuclear cooperation.
During a meeting between the Indias External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her British counterpart Foreign Secretary of State William Hague, both sides decided to soon start negotiations for civil nuclear cooperation. Hague pushed for sale of its Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) despite its Eurofighter Typhoon losing out to Frances Rafale.
Union Railway Budget 2014-15
Union Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda on 8 July 2014 presented his first Railway Budget in Parliament. This is the first rail budget presented by any Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister and it is also Sadanand Gowdas first rail budget.
Highlights :-
India Successfully Tested BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
India on 8 July successfully test-fired the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a defence base in Odisha. It has a range of 290 km and can carry a conventional warhead of up to 300 kg. The test was successful. It was a land version of BrahMos.
Eduard Shevardnadze, the ex-President of Georgia died at 86
Ex-President of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze died after a long illness. He was toppled in 2005 after as a consequence of the bloodless Rose Revolution.
Alfredo Di Stefano, the Real Madrid FC legend died
Real Madrid legend, Alfredo Di Stefano died at the age of 88. He died after suffering from a heart attack that struck him on 5 July 2014.
Current Affairs 9'th July 2014
Researchers used NASAs twin GRACE satellites to examine a regions flood potential.
Scientists at the University of California studied satellite data and examined past river floods, such as the ones that occurred in Missouri in 2011.As the satellites revolved around the Earth, minute changes in gravity alter the satellites orbit. These changes are proportional to changes in mass, such as a buildup of water and snow. The team took into account all potential water sources, including snow, surface water, soil moisture and groundwater. They found that with their method they could predict dangerous flooding 5 months in advance and could potentially extend that window to 11 months
Nigeria Suspended From International Football By FIFA
Nigeria have been suspended from all international football by FIFA amid allegations of government interference in its football federation. The Statement released by FIFA includes that during the period of suspension, the NFF may not be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, or in friendly matches.
Economic Survey 2013-14
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely on 9 July presented Economic Survey of India 2013-14 in the Lok Sabha. Indias economy in financial year 2014-15 is expected to grow in the range of 5.4 5.9 percent overcoming sub-5 percent growth.
Following are the Highlights of the Economic Survey :-
Noted environmentalist and, Director General of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) R K Pachauri termed shopping malls as energy guzzlers and said they are not suited to the Indian environment.
Pachauri, who is also chairperson of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),said that buildings contribute to green house gas emissions and they should be made more efficient. The largest growth of buildings is taking place in the emerging economies. Most of the buildings projected to be standing in 2030 in India are yet to be constructed.
According to RBI notification, the Clean Credit i.e credit given by a foreign supplier to its Indian customer/buyer, without any letter of credit/letter of undertaking/fixed deposits from any Indian financial institution for import of rough, cut and polished diamond, may be permitted for a period not exceeding 180 days from the date of shipment
Telecom Consumers Complaint Redressal (Third Amendment) regulations, 2014
TRAI raised the minimum broadband speed to 512 kbps from the earlier 256 kbps.
Emma Watson appointed as UN Goodwill Ambassador
UN Women appointed Emma Watson, the British actress of Harry Potter movie series as Goodwill Ambassador.
Current Affairs 10'th July 2014
In terms of GDP, India's economy is 10th biggest: World Bank
After growing at an average annual rate of just over 6 per cent from 1980 to 2010, Indias economy is now the 10th biggest in the world in terms of gross domestic product, according to the World Bank.
India inks Audiovisual Coproduction Treaty with Canada
Canada and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have signed an Audiovisual Coproduction Treaty. The treaty will strengthen ties between both the nations, as it will allow producers to combine creative, technical and financial resources to create audiovisual oproductions.
Union Budget 2014-15
On 10th July 2014, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented Union Budget 2014-15 in Parliament, Following are the highlights of Union Budget 2014-15 : Individuals :
Union Health Ministry constituted a core group to eradicate Kala Azar by 2015
A core group formed to work a detailed action plan to eradicate the dreaded vector-borne disease, Kala Azar by 2015.
India and Canada has signed an India-Canada Audiovisual Co-production Treaty
India and Canada has signed an India-Canada Audiovisual Co-production Treaty with an aim to create jobs in both countries and boost tourism. This audiovisual treaty is the first of its kind for India and was signed in Delhi.
Current Affairs 11'th July 2014
Veteran actress Zohra Sehgal died at 102
Zohra Sehgal died at the age of 102. She was called as the grand old lady of Bollywood due to her association with it for several decades. She died due to cardiac arrest. In 2010, Zohra was awarded with the Padma Vibhshan, She was also a recipient of Padma Shri in 1998 and Padma Bhushan in 2002.
UN released World Urbanization Prospects Report 2014
The United Nation (UN) launched the 2014 revision of the World Urbanisation Prospects report. The report said that at present, 54 percent of the world's population lives in urban areas, which will have an additional 2.5 billion people in urban areas by 2050. The World Urbanisation report said that between 2014 and 2050, the largest urban growth will take place in India, China and Nigeria. These three countries will account for 37 percent of the projected growth of the world's urban population.As per the report, by 2050 India will add 404 million urban dwellers, which will be much more than Chinas projection of 292 million. Nigeria will add 212 million to its urban population.
Important to Note :Global Population Facts are
Delhi becomes world's second most populous city
Germany meets Argentina in WC final in Rio
Germany and Argentina will slug it out for the prestigious Football World Cup at Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night. While three-time champions Germany advanced to the World Cup final after 2002, Argentina booked a final-2 berth for the first time after 1990, when they lost to West Germany, 1-0 in the final. Since then, Germany have never been the World Champions.
The Netherlands will take on Brazil in the third place match at Brasília tomorrow.
US diplomat William Burns meets Prime Minister
US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday and delivered US President Barack Obama's invitation for him to visit Washington.Modi is scheduled to visit US in September for the UN General Assembly. The Prime Minister will also hold summit meeting with Obama to take the India-US relationship forward.
Burns had met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, yesterday, and discussed the bilateral ties between the two countries. "As the world two largest democracies and two largest economies, the US and India shares an interest in each other's success. The success in our partnership can contribute enormously to a safer and prosperous world," said Burns after the meeting.
Bhullar becomes first Indian-origin player to join NBA
Sim Bhullar has become the first player of Indian origin to be a part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) after he signed a summer contract with the Sacramento Kings, a professional basketball team in the US.21-year-old Bhullar, who is 7.5 feet tall and weighs 360 pounds, is a centre from New Mexico State University.
Mizoram Governor Vakkom Purushothaman resigns
Resenting his transfer from Mizoram "without consulting him", Nagaland Governor Vakkom B Purushothaman on Friday resigned from the post.The 86-year-old Congress veteran said that he sent his resignation to President Pranab Mukherjee this morning.
Amul to sponsor Indian contingent for Commonwealth, Asian Games
Amul has inked an agreement with the Indian Olympic Association to sponsor the Indian contingent for the upcoming Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games to be held later this year in South Korea.
R S Sodhi, Managing Director, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul),said that the company is leveraging on the synergies of milk and sports through this partnership. Amul, which has recently started its 'Eat Milk with Every Meal' campaign, had also sponsored the Indian contingent for the London Olympics in 2012 and has been investing in football, cricket and Formula 1 in the past.
World Bank to give $153 mn loan for Odisha project
India has inked a loan agreement with World Bank for an assistance of $153 million (about Rs 920 crore) for the Odisha Disaster Recovery Project. The Loan Agreements for World Bank (International Development Association (IDA) assistance of $153 million for Odisha Disaster Recovery Project were signed here on Friday between the Government of India and the World Bank, an official statement said.
The objective of the project is to restore and improve housing and public services in targeted communities of Odisha, and increase the capacity of the state entities to respond promptly and effectively to an eligible crisis of emergency, the statement said.
Current Affairs 12'th July 2014
Union Ministry of Railways launched Social Media Platform for Indian Railways
On 7th July 2014, The Minister of Railways, Shri D.V.Sadananda Gowda launched Social Media Platform for the Indian Railways. It includes launching of twitter, facebook etc. The launch of Social Media Platform is the endeavour of Indian railways to use social media as a platform to tell its stories and constantly hear from fellow travelers.
Earthquakes in Oklahoma due to wastewater disposal wells: Cornell University
Earthquakes in Oklahoma increased due to massive injections of wastewater from the oil and gas industry
Mars orbiter spacecraft to reach target in 75 days
Exactly 75 days from 12th July 2014, India's Mars spacecraft is scheduled for a rendezvous with the red planet Mars. Indian Space Research Organisation said, Mars Orbiter Spacecraft has travelled 525 million km on its heliocentric arc. Radio signals from earth now take 15 minutes to reach MOM and return.
Important to Note :
The ambitious Mars mission under a Rs 450 crore project was launched from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh onboard the Pollar Satellite Launch Vehicle on 5th November 2014 with an aim to reach the Mars atmosphere by September 24.
PM Narendra Modi set to leave for Brazil to participate in VIth BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to participate in VIth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza and Brasilia, Brazil from 14 to 16th of July. He will embark upon his important journey on 13th of July. This will be his first multi-lateral meeting with the heads of BRICS countries, the growing world economies such as Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa.PM is also scheduled to have important bilateral meetings with President of China, Mr Xi Jinping on 14th July. On the same day, Shri Narendra Modi will have bilateral dialogues with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Air India is now part of Star Alliance
Air India on Friday formally became a member of Star Alliance, a conglomeration of 26 overseas airlines.This is an important day for us. We have said for many years that we needed a strong home carrier in the Indian market and by welcoming Air India to our Star Alliance family, we have achieved this goal, said Star Alliance Chief Executive Mark Schwab.
World Cup champions to get $35 mn from FIFA
The World Cup title not only carries immense prestige, but a massive paycheck as well on Sunday.The winning federation, either Germany or Argentina, will receive $35 million from the ruling body FIFA, and the losers $25 million, FIFA said on Friday.There is also a financial incentive in the match for third place between hosts Brazil and the Netherlands on Saturday, with $22 million for third place and $20 million for the fourth.Overall FIFA is dishing out $358 million to the 32 teams who competed at the June 12-July 13 tournament.
North East can become world's largest organic producer: VK Singh
The Northeast has the potential to become the largest producer of organic foods in the world, Union minister Vijay Kumar Singh said on Saturday.VK Singh, the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region said, "Potential in North East is very high as it is already an organic hub by default."
"However, farmers here do not know what organic is. If we work on it, NE can become the largest producer of organic foods in the world," Singh told the National Cold Chain Summit by ICC in Guwahati.
Satish Upadhyay formally takes charge as Delhi BJP chief
Newly -appointed Delhi BJP President Satish Upadhyay, who formally took charge of the post on Saturday said the people of Delhi have shown faith in BJP and party workers should make all efforts to serve them.Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who was appointed as the state party chief just before the Lok Sabha elections, handed over the charge of Delhi unit to Upadhyay at a function organised at Delhi BJP office in New Delhi. Addressing BJP leaders and workers, Upadhyay said, "The people of Delhi have rejected both Aam Aadmi Party and Congress and shown faith in BJP. We should continue to make efforts to serve Delhiites."
IIP grows to 19-month high of 4.7%