Current Affairs 02 July 2024

Current Affairs 02 July 2024

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1. Lt Gen Devendra Sharma takes over as new GoC-in –C,ARTRAC
Lt Gen Devendra Sharma took over as the 25th general officer commanding in chief (GOC-in-C) of the Shimla-based Army Training Command. Lt Gen Sharma is an alumnus of Mayo College, Ajmer, National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy. A recipient of the sword of honour, he was commissioned into The Scinde Horse on December 19, 1987.
Foot Note:
  • Career spans nearly four decades with extensive command experience in sensitive operational sectors.
  • Commanded The Scinde Horse, an armoured brigade within a strike corps, an infantry division, and a corps on the western front.
  • Specializes in counter-terrorism operations and high-altitude terrain.
  • Previously served as Chief of Staff at HQ Western Command, Chandimandir.
About Army Training Command:
Headquarters: Shimla
Fonunded:1991
2.MoSPI launched eSankhyiki Portal for Enhanced Data Access
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has introduced the eSankhyiki portal to revolutionize data accessibility and user experience. This initiative aims to centralize and streamline access to key national statistical data, supporting planners, policymakers, researchers, and the public.
Foot Note:
  • The portal's Data Catalogue Module integrates more than 2291 datasets, encompassing National Accounts Statistics, Consumer Price Index, and other data categories.
  • Provides comprehensive metadata and visualization tools aimed at improving the accessibility and applicability of the data.
  • Enhances the usability and reusability of the datasets through detailed metadata and advanced visualization capabilities.
3.Uttar Pradesh to Establish Rs 2000 Crore Bioplastic Park
Uttar Pradesh’s government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has made it official that a bioplastic park will be built in the Lakhimpur Kheri area. The idea comes about because more and more people are worried about how plastics made from petroleum hurt the environment.
Foot Note:
  • The bioplastic park is strategically located to leverage the area’s agricultural strengths.
  • Balrampur Chini Mill will oversee the project, highlighting a strong public-private partnership.
  • The Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) is responsible for ensuring seamless execution of the project from planning to completion.
About Uttar Pradesh:
Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
Governor: Anandiben Patel
Capital: Lucknow
4. World Bank Approves USD 1.5 billion To Support India’s Low-Carbon Energy Sector
 The World Bank (WB) approved USD 1.5 billion for ‘Second Low-Carbon Energy Programmatic Development Policy Operation’ to help India accelerate the development of low-carbon energy. It is the second in a series of two similar-sized operations, which mainly focuses on enhancing market capabilities for green hydrogen, scaling up renewable energy capacity, and stimulating investments in low-carbon energy sectors.
Foot Note:
  • The initiative aims to boost green hydrogen production by promoting electrolyzer development.
  • It plans to incentivize battery energy storage systems and integrate more renewable energy into India's electricity grid via amendments to the Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC).
  • Projected outcomes include generating 450,000 MT of green hydrogen and installing 1,500 MW of electrolyzers annually starting from FY 25-26, according to the World Bank.
About World Bank:
President: Ajay Banga
Headquarters: Washington
Founded: July 1944
5.New ‘Snowblind’ Banking Malware Targets Android Users With Linux Kernel Exploit
As more people use mobile banking, they are enjoying never-before-seen levels of convenience when handling their money. But this change has also caught the attention of hackers who want to steal private user data. Promon, a cybersecurity company, recently found a new danger called “Snowblind” malware.
Foot Note:
  • Snowblind utilizes the Linux kernel feature "seccomp" to evade built-in security safeguards.
  • It exploits accessibility features to remotely view victims' screens.
  • The malware can intercept banking login details and initiate unauthorized transactions.
  • It has the capability to disable two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric verification methods.
  • Snowblind aims to operate covertly, potentially remaining unnoticed by victims on their devices.
6.Air India to Set Up South Asia’s Largest Flight Training School in Amravati
  • Air India is establishing South Asia’s largest flight training school in Maharashtra’s Amravati district with an investment of over ₹200 crore. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of the next financial year, this initiative aims to secure a steady pipeline of pilots for the airline, which will require 500-700 pilots annually to support its expansion plans following a mega order of 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft in 2023.
  • In partnership with Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), Air India has leased a 10-acre plot in Amravati for thirty years. The facility will feature 31 single-engine Piper aircraft and three twin-engine Diamond aircraft, training 180 commercial pilots annually. The infrastructure includes a newly extended runway of 1,850 metres, modern navigation aids, and night landing facilities. Amravati offers over 300 days of clean visibility, optimizing conditions for pilot training.
7.P.Geetha wins first ever K.Saraswathi Amma-Award
Writer, critic and feminist activist P. Geetha was presented with the firstK. Saraswathi Amma Award, instituted by WINGS (Women’s Integration and Growth Through Sports) Kerala, for feminist studies. Her work Aan Thachukal (male creations) about M.T. Vasudevan Nair’s scripts won the award.
Foot Note:
  • Joseph pointed out that it was fitting for Ms. Geetha to receive an award named after Saraswathi Amma, which symbolizes justice.
  • Ms. Geetha, known for her advocacy on gender justice issues, has faced criticism but is recognized for her strong stance.
  • The event honored Ms. Geetha for her achievements despite facing difficulties and resistance.
8.IAS officer Sujata Saunik becomes Maharashtra’s first female Chief Secretary
Sujata Saunik, a 1987 batch IAS officer, became the first female Chief Secretary of Maharashtra when she took over from retiring Chief Secretary Nitin Kareer. Incidentally, Kareer had taken the charge of this post from Saunik’s husband Manoj Saunik.
Foot Note:
  • Sujata Saunik previously served as additional chief secretary in the Home Department and General Administration Department of the Maharashtra government.
  • She is set to become the 45th Chief Secretary of Maharashtra since the state's establishment in 1960.
  • The outgoing Chief Secretary received a three-month extension from the central government in March 2024.
  • This extension was granted in light of the Lok Sabha election period, which concluded on June 4 with the announcement of results.
About IAS:
Founder: Parliament of India
Founded: 1858
CEO: Naresh Chandra
9.PM Modi Released Three Books On Life And Journey of Former Vice President M.Venkaiah Naidu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released three books on the life and journey of former Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu via video conferencing on June 30. The book release event was organised at Anvaya Convention Centre in Gachibowli in Telangana’s Hyderabad, on the eve of the 75th birthday of the former Vice President Naidu.
The Prime Minister released three books:
  • A biography titled "Venkaiah Naidu – Life in Service" about the former Vice President, written by S. Nagesh Kumar.
  • "Celebrating Bharat – The Mission and Message of Shri M Venkaiah Naidu as 13th Vice–President of India," a photo chronicle compiled by Dr. I.V. Subba Rao.
  • A pictorial biography in Telugu called "Mahaneta – Life and Journey of Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu," authored by Sanjay Kishore.
10.World Sports Journalists day observed on 2nd ofJuly
Sports play a vital role in our lives. For some, it’s a fun activity, while for others, it’s a career. World Sports Journalists Day is celebrated every year on July 2 to honour those who bring sports stories to life – the sports journalists.
Sports journalism is a special type of reporting that focuses on sports-related news and events. Sports journalists work in different areas:
  • Print media (newspapers and magazines)
  • Digital platforms (websites and social media)
  • Television and radio
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