Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated on 26th July
Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 since the year 1999, to mark India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict. This year nation is celebrating the 22 years of victory in the Kargil war. It was in 1999 that a high altitude mountain war broke out along the peaks of Kargil near the Line of Control, the de-facto border that divides Kashmir between the two nations.
History of Kargil War:
- The Kargil War was fought between May-July of 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC) in which India got the victory.
- The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days, ended on 26 July.
- On this date in 1999 Pakistan army taking advantage of the melting snow and betraying the bilateral understanding of both the nations (that the post would remain unattended during the winter season) took command of the high outposts of India.
- Pakistan army refused the claims that its soldiers were involved in the war and claimed that they were the rebels from Kashmir itself, but the ammunition, identity cards, rations stores and other evidence prove that the Pakistan army was behind this cowardly act.
Operation Vijay:
- The operation was launched by the Indian Army twice in Indian history. The first Operation Vijay was launched in 1961 that led to the capture of Goa, Anjediva islands and Daman and Diu.
- The second operation was launched in 1999. Both the operations were of huge success. However, the Kargil Vijay However, the Kargil Vijay Diwas is marked on the culmination of Kargil war.
- July 26 is celebrated as “Kargil Vijay Diwas” every year to mark the successful completion of “Operation Vijay” that ended the 3-month war along the Line of Control. Nearly 490 Indian army officers, soldiers and jawans were martyrs during the course of the battle.
Operation White Sea:
The operation White Sea was also launched during the Kargil war, 1999. During the operation, the Indian Air Force jointly acted with Indian Army to flush out regular and irregular troops of the Pakistani army.
Rudreswara Temple inscribed as India’s 39th UNESCO World Heritage List
The Kakatiya Rudreswara Temple, (also known as the Ramappa Temple) at Palampet, Mulugu district, near Warangal in Telangana has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, during the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO. With this latest induction, there are 39th World Heritage Sites located in India.
About the Rudreswara temple:
- The Rudreswara temple was constructed in 1213 AD during the reign of the Kakatiya Empire.
- The iconic 13th-century temple is also known as Ramappa temple, named after its architect, Ramappa
- The Rudreswara temple was the only nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage site tag for the year 2019 by the Indian government.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- UNESCO headquarters: Paris, France.
- UNESCO Head: Audrey Azoulay.
- UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945.
A book title ‘An Ordinary Life: Portrait of an Indian Generation’ by Ashok Lavasa
Former election commissioner Ashok Lavasa has come out with a book titled “An Ordinary Life: Portrait of an Indian Generation.” In this book, Ashok Lavasa narrates about his father, Udai Singh, and his own experience on how his father’s principles served as a moral compass in his life, and can in ours too. Ashok Lavasa resigned as election commissioner in 2020 to become vice-president of the Asian Development Bank.
Sweden joins International Solar Alliance
Sweden has ratified the framework agreement for the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and is now a member of the global platform, which is an initiative of India aimed at promoting renewable energy and sustainable development. Sweden hopes to bring its expertise and its experience in renewable energy and clean energy technologies to discussions in the ISA to contribute to meeting the challenges related to climate change.
In April 2018, Prime Minister Modi visited Stockholm during which both sides agreed to further deepen innovation partnership for a sustainable future. The ISA has been conceived as an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform to increase the availability of solar energy technologies to enhance energy security and sustainable development.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- ISA Headquarters: Gurugram;
- ISA Founded: 30 November 2015;
- ISA Founded: Paris, France;
- ISA Director-General: Ajay Mathur;
- Stockholm is the capital of Sweden;
- The krona is the official currency of Sweden;
- The current PM of Sweden is Stefan Lofven.
United Kingdom reports cases of ‘Norovirus’ infection
The United Kingdom is now reporting an outbreak of norovirus. Public Health England (PHE) recently issued a warning regarding Norovirus. England has recorded 154 cases of norovirus in the country. An increase in norovirus cases in educational settings has been reported. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is very contagious that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. People suffering from norovirus disease can shed billions of virus particles. And to make people sick only a few of them is required.
How is a virus contracted?
A person can contract this virus by coming in direct contact with an infected person. This virus can also be contracted by consuming contaminated water and food and also touching contaminated surfaces with one’s hands and then putting them in the mouth unwashed.
Symptoms of the virus
Symptoms of norovirus are vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and nausea. This virus can cause inflammation of the intestines or the stomach and it is termed acute gastroenteritis. Other symptoms of this virus are headache, fever and body aches. People generally develop the symptoms within 12 to 48 hours and they can last up to 1 to 3 days.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Prime minister of United Kingdom: Boris Johnson.
- Capital of the United Kingdom: London.
Shiv Nadar steps down as HCL Tech MD
Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies Ltd, and its chief strategy officer has tendered his resignation as managing director, as well as a director, on completing 76 years of age. Nadar will, however, continue to guide the company in the capacity of chairman emeritus and strategic adviser to the board for five years. Vijayakumar, president and chief executive officer, has been appointed as the managing director for five years.
The Noida-based IT services company posted a net profit of ₹3,214 crores for the June quarter, up nearly 10% annually. It is slightly below consensus Bloomberg estimates of ₹3,255.5 crores.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- HCL Technologies CEO: C Vijayakumar.
- HCL Technologies Founded: 11 August 1976.
- HCL Technologies Headquarters: Noida.
China’s Yang Qian Wins First Gold Medal of Tokyo Olympics
Yang Qian of China took gold in the women’s 10m air rifle final to secure the first gold medal of the 2020 Summer Games at the Asaka Shooting Range on 24th July. Anastasiia Galashina of Russia won silver, while Nina Christen of Switzerland won the bronze medal.
IPS officer Nasir Kamal appointed DG of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
Senior IPS officer Nasir Kamal has been appointed the Director-General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). He is a 1986-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Kamal’s appointment to the post of Director General in BCAS for a tenure up to his superannuation on July 31, 2022.
India Enters WTO’s Top 10 Agricultural Produce Exporters In 2019
India has entered the top ten list of agricultural produce exporters in 2019 with a significant share within the export of rice, soya beans, cotton and meat, according to a World Trade Organisation (WTO) report on trends in world agricultural trade in recent 25 years. In 2019, India ranked ninth with a share of 3.1% in global agricultural exports. Earlier this place was New Zealand.
Similarly, Mexico has ranked seventh with a share of 3.4% in global agricultural exports, which was previously followed by Malaysia. In the ‘meat and edible meat offal’ category, India was ranked eighth with a 4 per cent share in global trade.
While the US, which topped the list in 1995 (22.2%), was overtaken by the European Union in 2019 (16.1%). Brazil maintained its ranking as the third-largest exporter, increasing its share from 4.8% in 1995 to 7.8% in 2019. China climbed from the sixth spot in 1995 (4%) to fourth in 2019 (5.4%).
CRPF signs MoU with C-DAC to train manpower of force in advanced technologies
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has signed an MoU with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing C-DAC to train the manpower of the force in advanced technologies and undertake joint projects. The MoU aims at augmenting the technical capabilities of CRPF by training its manpower in advanced areas like the Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, AI, etc.
The agreement will also provide the expertise of C-DAC in the form of a Technology Partner and Knowledge Partner in developing various ICT solutions of CRPF. The MoU will go a long way in providing CRPF personnel with customised advanced courses aligned to the needs of the field and practical applications.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Central Reserve Police Force Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
- Central Reserve Police Force Formed: 27 July 1939.
- Central Reserve Police Force Motto: Service and Loyalty.
- CRPF director general: Kuldiep Singh.
Pramod Bhagat named Differently Abled Sportsman of the Year 2019
World No. 1 para shuttler Pramod Bhagat was named Differently Abled Sportsman of the Year at Indian Sports Honour for 2019. The delay in the announcement was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indian Sports Honours are awards given annually by the RPSG Group in association with the Virat Kohli Foundation to outstanding sports personalities of India. The awards were founded in 2017.
Bhagat, who won two gold medals and a bronze at the Dubai Para-Badminton Tournament this year, will be participating in singles and mixed doubles events at the Paralympics which opens in Tokyo from August 24.
IFC lends $250 million to HDFC Ltd to boost green housing finance
HDFC Ltd has got a loan of $250 million from International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank Group, to be used by India’s largest housing finance company for green housing. Green housing is regarded as a luxury market in the country but has climate benefits. Its partnership with HDFC would help change perceptions about the market. At least 25 per cent of the funding is for green affordable housing.
Benefits of the loan:
- IFC’s $250 million loans to HDFC Ltd will support its moves to grow its affordable housing and emerging green affordable housing portfolio by improving access to such housing for people on lower incomes.
- Aligned with the government of India’s goal to provide ‘Housing for All,’ the funding will also help generate jobs,”. Green affordable housing can help India on its path to deliver on its commitments under the Paris Agreement, to reduce a third of its carbon emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels.
- Green and energy-efficient housing can help cut emissions, as residential housing accounts for about 24 per cent of the nation’s electricity consumption.
- This partnership with HDFC offers multiple benefits for India, as it can play a leading role in developing the country’s nascent green affordable housing market while delivering jobs and a climate dividend.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Headquarters of HDFC Bank: Mumbai, Maharashtra;
- MD and CEO of HDFC Bank: Sashidhar Jagdishan;
- The tagline of HDFC Bank: We understand your world;
- International Finance Corporation Founded: 20 July 1956;
- International Finance Corporation Executive Vice President & CEO: Makhtar Diop;
- International Finance Corporation Headquarters: Washington, D.C., U.S.
Yusuffali to be Abu Dhabi CCI’s vice-chairman
Lulu Group chairman, M A Yusuff Ali has been appointed as the Vice-Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI). Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi & Dy. Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces issued a resolution to form a new Board of Directors for Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI).
HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan recently had honoured Yusuffali with the ‘Abu Dhabi Award 2021’, the highest civilian honour for his almost 5-decade long contributions in the fields of economic development & philanthropy.
About the ADCCI:
ADCCI is the apex govt. body of all business established in Abu Dhabi and functions as an effective bridge between the Govt and business sector. Each of the business establishments in Abu Dhabi, one of the wealthiest and most influential economic hubs in the region, has to be licensed by ADCCI. Yusuffali is the only Indian in the 29-member board, which is primarily constituted of Emirati business owners and CEOs.
Bangladesh’s legendary folk singer Fakir Alamgir passes away
Bangladesh’s legendary folk singer, Fakir Alamgir has passed away due to complications from COVID-19. He was born on February 21, 1950, in Faridpur, Alamgir began his music career in 1966. The singer was a key member of cultural organisations ‘Kranti Shilpi Gosthi’ and ‘Gana Shilpi Gosthi’ and played an important role during Bangladesh’s 1969 uprising. During Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, Alamgir joined the ‘Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra’ and performed frequently to inspire freedom fighters.
Some of his popular songs include “O Sokhina Gesos Kina”, “Shantahar”, “Nelson Mandela”, “Naam Tar Chhilo John Henry”, “Banglar Comrade Bondhu”, among others. He also founded the cultural organization ‘Wrishiz Shilpi Gosthi’ in 1976, and also served as the president of Gono Sangeet Shamanya Parishad (GSSP). Alamgir was conferred with the Ekushey Padak, the country’s second-highest civilian award, in 1999.
BS Yediyurappa Resigns as Chief Minister of Karnataka
Karnataka Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa has announced his resignation from the top post on July 26, 2021, when his government completed two years in the state, after being elected to power in 2019. The 78-year-old Yediyurappa, often called by his initials BSY, served as the 19th Chief Minister of Karnataka. He had served as the chief minister of Karnataka for four terms and was the only chief minister to do so in Karnataka history.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Karnataka Capital: Bengaluru;
- Karnataka Governor: Thawarchand Gehlot.
