Daily Current Affairs 02nd July 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

India Becomes First Nation To Prepare Full List of Fauna

The Fauna of India Checklist Portal is the first comprehensive document on the faunal species reported from India. India has become the first country in the world to prepare a checklist of its entire fauna, covering 104,561 species. The ‘Fauna of India Checklist Portal’ was launched on the occasion of the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata on Sunday by Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav.

International News

Japan Introduces Holographic Technology in New Banknotes

On July 3, Japan will introduce new banknotes featuring what it claims to be the world’s pioneering use of advanced holography. This technology creates the illusion of historic figures’ portraits rotating in 3D on the bills, serving as a key anti-counterfeit measure. This marks the first redesign of the banknotes in 20 years.

State in News

Jharkhand Celebrates Hul Diwas

Hul Kranti Diwas is celebrated on June 30 every year to mark the independence movement of 1855 led by tribal heroes Sidho, Kanho, Chand, Bhairav, among others. More than 50,000 tribals from 400 villages of Jharkhand had revolted against British Rule.

Appointments News

New CGM and CMD Take Charge at PGCIL

Akhilesh Pathak has assumed office as the new Chief General Manager (CGM) of the Southern Region Transmission System-I (SRTS-I) of the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) on Monday, July 1, 2024. Pathak will oversee the transmission system, including sub-stations and projects in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and part of Karnataka. With over 31 years of experience in the transmission sector, he has expertise in operations and maintenance, asset management, and commercial operations.

Agreements News

SERA and Blue Origin Announce India as Partner Nation for Human Spaceflight Program

Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) and Blue Origin have designated India as a partner nation in their human spaceflight initiative, inviting Indian citizens to participate in a historic opportunity. The program offers six seats aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, taking participants on an 11-minute journey beyond the Kármán line, the boundary of space.

Banking News

RBI, ASEAN to Create Platform for Fast Cross-Border Retail Payments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), along with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and central banks of four ASEAN countries, is collaborating on Project Nexus, a multilateral initiative aimed at enabling efficient, faster, and cost-effective retail cross-border payments. The platform is expected to go live by 2026 and will interlink domestic fast payment systems (FPS) of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and India.

Economy News

GST Collection in June 2024: Growth Slows to 7.7%

In June 2024, India’s gross goods and services tax (GST) collection reached Rs 1.74 trillion, marking a 7.7% year-on-year growth, lower than previous months’ increases of 12.4% in April and 10% in May. Despite this slowdown, cumulative collections for the fiscal year stood at Rs 5.57 trillion. The finance ministry anticipates continued robust collections above Rs 1.6 trillion in the coming months, despite withholding detailed tax figures citing GST regime stability.

Economy News

Core Sector Growth Slows to 6.3% in May 2024

In May 2024, growth in India’s core sector industries decelerated to 6.3% from 6.7% in April, driven by varied performance across sectors. Coal and electricity saw accelerated growth due to increased demand during a heat wave, while sectors like cement and fertilizers contracted. Factors such as reduced capex, adequate fertiliser stocks, and lower diesel demand influenced sectoral output. The overall impact of these dynamics reflects on the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), expected to print between 4-5% for May 2024.

Ranks and Reports News

Longevity Revolution 2024: Pioneering Advances in Regenerative Medicine

The International Association of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (IASRM) and the Anti-Ageing Foundation (India) hosted the 9th Annual World Congress – Longevity Revolution 2024 in New Delhi. The event featured advances in regenerative medicine, workshops, keynotes from renowned scientists, and discussions on aging, aesthetics, and health.

Sports News

Viswanathan Anand Wins 10th Leon Masters Chess Championship

Viswanathan Anand, the former world chess champion from India, achieved a remarkable feat. He won the Leon Masters chess championship for the 10th time, defeating Jaime Santos Latasa of Spain in the final with a score of 3-1. This victory adds another jewel to Anand’s crown of achievements in the world of chess.

Important Days

World Sports Journalists Day 2024, Date, History and Significance

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.

World UFO Day 2024, Date, Significance and History

Every year on July 2, people around the world celebrate World UFO Day. This special day is all about learning more about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and thinking about the possibility of life beyond Earth. In 2024, World UFO Day falls on a Tuesday, giving us another chance to look up at the sky and wonder about what might be out there.

Bhupinder Singh Rawat, Former Indian Midfielder passes away at 85: AIFF

Former India midfielder Bhupinder Singh Rawat, who played in the 1969 Merdeka Cup in Malaysia died after a brief illness, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) stated. A speedy winger of the 1960s and 1970s, Rawat played for India in the 1969 Merdeka tournament in Malaysia. Domestically, he played for Delhi Garrison, Gorkha Brigade and Mafatlal.

Miscellaneous news

Swamy Saswathikanandan 20th Samadhi Day observed

On Monday, the Sivagiri Matha Atheetha Athmiya Sangham in Varkala marked an important day in their calendar. They observed the 20th death anniversary, also known as the Samadhi Day, of Swamy Saswathikananda. This event brings together followers and admirers of the Swamy to remember his life and teachings.

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.