1. Recently the modal kaushal rn yojana has been revised, up to how many lakhs of loan will be given under the revised model skill loan scheme? – 7.5 lakh
Polity & Governance
2. Which ministry recently launched SIMS 2.0, the upgraded Steel Import Monitoring System? – Ministry of Steel
The Ministry of Steel launched the ‘Steel Import Monitoring System’ (SIMS) 2.0 Portal, featuring a robust data entry system for consistent and authentic data, promoting transparency and accountability.
Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries released the second volume of “Safety Guidelines for Iron and Steel Sector,” aiming to enhance safety standards and reduce accidents.
SIMS, introduced in 2019, provides detailed steel import data, aiding policy-making and industry growth.
SIMS 2.0, with API integration and database connections, improves quality control, risk management, and Customs’ analysis of steel imports, benefiting the domestic steel industry.
International Affairs
3. Recently, where was the 14th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EASFMM) held? – Vientiane, Lao PDR
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on July 26, 2024.
His three-day visit from July 25-27 included participation in ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings.
The Lao PDR, as ASEAN chairman, hosted these events.
Saleumxay Kommasith, Lao PDR’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, also attended.
The conference saw foreign ministers from the 10 ASEAN member states and reaffirmed commitments to enhancing the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) over the next five years.
4. With which country has the India signed an agreement on Cultural Property Agreement during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee? – America
Economic Affairs
5. What is ‘Greenium’, recently mentioned in news? – The savings an issuer of a green bond realises on the associated coupon payment
The Chief Economic Advisor emphasized the need for private investors to prioritize sustainable investments, noting the low “greenium” from India’s sovereign green bond offerings.
Greenium, or green-premium, refers to the savings issuers gain on coupon payments for green bonds, which have lower yields than conventional bonds due to their sustainable appeal.
Green bonds finance green projects like renewable energy, electric buses, and energy efficiency.
These bonds attract investors willing to accept lower returns for sustainability benefits, reducing both physical and financial risks.
This makes green projects financially attractive for issuers.
Sports
6. Which edition of the Olympic Games is being organized in Paris in the year 2024? – 33
Short News
Places in News
7. Recently, researchers have spotted ‘Magnetofossils’ in which region of India? – Ladakh
Researchers have discovered magnetofossils, fossil remains of magnetic particles produced by magnetotactic bacteria, in rock varnish layers in Ladakh, India.
These prokaryotic organisms align with the earth’s magnetic field and are found in freshwater and marine habitats.
They use the magnetic field to locate optimal oxygen levels.
The bacteria contain iron-rich particles in small sacs acting as compasses, forming tiny crystals of magnetite or greigite.
These crystals help them navigate changing oxygen levels in water.
These microbes are believed to be among Earth’s earliest inhabitants.
Appointments
8. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal has been appointed as the Director General of Police of which Union Territory? – Andaman & Nicobar
Awards & Honours
9. Who is the first Bollywood actor to be awarded a customized gold coin by Grévin Museum Paris? – Shah Rukh Khan
Organisations & Institutes
10. Which organization recently received approval of funding of $ 215.6 m from the Green Climate Fund for Financing Mitigation and Adaptation Projects? – SIDBI
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) received $215.6 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for financing mitigation and adaptation projects (FMAP).
The GCF, the world’s largest dedicated climate fund, was established at COP 16 in 2010 and operates under the UNFCCC.
It supports transformative climate action in developing countries using flexible financing solutions.
The FMAP will provide nearly 10,000 concessional loans to MSMEs for low-emission, climate-resilient technologies, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35.3 million tonnes.
This is SIDBI’s second GCF-approved project, following the Avaana Sustainability Fund.
State Current Affairs
11. In which state is the 43rd World Heritage Site of India “Charaideo Moidam” located? – Assam
12. In which state was the Shri Machail Mata Yatra religious festival started recently? – Jammu and Kashmir
Miscellaneous
13. India’s first integrated agri-export service was launched from which port? – Jawaharlal Nehru Port
14. In which ocean did Typhoon Gaemi come recently? – Pacific Ocean
