Today's Current Affairs 22nd July 2023

NATIONAL

Himachal Chief Minister Launches Collateral-Free Loan Scheme For Women

• Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, launched a collateral-free loan scheme for women. The 'Sashakt Mahila Rin Yojna' is an initiative of Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (HPSCB), which will provide loans to women for pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, engage in livelihood activities, fulfil their day to day needs and uplift their families, a statement issued.
• Sukhu said that the scheme aims to empower women as the applicants need not to provide any assets or collateral as security against the loan amount.
• "The absence of collateral removes a significant barrier for women, especially those who may not have valuable assets to offer as security for taking loans," he added.
• By providing financial assistance to women for self-employment and livelihood activities, the scheme will contribute to the economic empowerment of women, make them financially independent and improve their socio-economic status, the chief minister said.
• Under the scheme, the bank offers credit of Rs 21,000, Rs 51,000 and Rs 1,01,000 at a relatively low-interest rate of 8.51 per cent.

SPORTS

Virat Kohli becomes first batter to score century in his 500th international match

• Former India captain Virat Kohli scripted history on Friday, July 21 by becoming the first batter in the history of the sport to score a century in his 500th international match. Kohli got to his 29th Test century on Day 2 of the 2nd Test between India and the West Indies in Port of Spain.
• It was also Virat Kohli's 15th Test century in overseas conditions, his first away from home since December 2018 in Perth. Kohli got to the landmark in 180 balls as he played a crucial knock after India lost 4 wickets in a session on Day 1 of the 2nd Test in Port of Spain, which also marked the 100th Test match between the two teams.

OBITURY

Once 'most wanted hacker', Kevin Mitnick passes away at the age of 59

• Kevin Mitnick, who was once the FBI's most wanted cybercriminal passed away on July 16 at the age of 59. He took his last breath at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center on Sunday after fighting a 14-month-long battle with pancreatic cancer.
• Mitnick was a renowned hacker, and his introduction to the digital world began in 1979 when he was nearly 12 years old. In 1988, he faced legal consequences for his acts and was sentenced to a 12-month prison for software copying.
• But he didn't stop with the conviction, thereafter, he broke various systems, which include Pacific Bell's voicemail computers, during the 90s as a fugitive.
• Kevin Mitnick was the only child with a penchant for mischief, a defiant attitude towards authority and a love for magic, who grew up brilliant and relentless in the San Fernando Valley in California.

 APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Sat Pal Bhanoo has been appointed LIC MD

• The government has announced the appointment of Sat Pal Bhanoo as one of the managing directors of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). He will take over as the LIC MD in place of Siddhartha Mohanty, who was appointed as the chairman of LIC in April.
• In the exchange filing, LIC said, "Shri Sat pal Bhanoo, Additional Zonal Manager (In-Charge) Zonal Office, LIC of India, Bhopal, has been appointed as Managing Director, LIC of India vice Shri Siddhartha Mohanty (presently serving as Chairperson) with effect from the date of assumption of charge of Office and upto the date of his superannuation (i.e.31.12.2025), or until further orders, whichever is earlier."

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Brain Day

• World Brain Day is celebrated globally on July 22nd every year. The day promotes education, research, and support for individuals affected by brain-related conditions.
• History - The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) was founded on July 22, 1957. The Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee put up a suggestion that led to the creation of "World Brain Day" on July 22. This suggestion was presented during the World Congress of Neurology (WCN) Council of participants meeting on September 22, 2013, and the participants heartily welcomed it. Following this enthusiastic response, the Board of Trustees gave the idea its blessing at their meeting in February 2014, making it an annual celebration that would take place on the same day every year.
• Theme - World Brain Day's 2023 theme is "Brain Health and Disability: Leave No One Behind." This international movement strives to close the information gap and increase public awareness of impairments to brain health. In addition to promoting better healthcare, education, and research about neurological illnesses, it emphasises the significance of delivering high-quality healthcare to those with disabilities. The major objective is to make sure that no one is forgotten or left out and that everyone gets the help and consideration they require to keep their brains functioning at their best.

Pi Approximation Day

• Pi approximation Day is observed every year on 22 July. The day is observed to value and showcase the importance of mathematical constant π (pi).
• Pi is defined as the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter and in mathematics its value is approximately equal to 3.14159. Pi is used for calculations in both mathematics and physics.
• On the occasion of Pi approximation Day, people frequently participate in a variety of pi-related activities such as reciting the pi digits, participating in competitions or quizzes with a pi theme, baking pies (both real pies and math-themed pies), discussing interesting pi tidbits, and many more.
• History - The symbol of Pi was designed back in 1706 by mathematician Leonhard Euler. Pi Approximation Day, besides being celebrated on July 22, is also celebrated on November 10, as it is the 314th day of the year. Pi Day is also observed on March 14, as it looks like 3/14 when placed in the month/date format.

National Mango Day

• National Mango Day is annually observed on July 22, National Mango Day is a time for celebration and appreciation of mangoes, a tasty and wholesome tropical fruit. This special day allows us to enjoy the delicious flavour, plethora of benefits, and astounding health advantages that mangoes provide. Mango is recognised as one of the most beloved fruits globally and has a special place in Indian history. Ice cream, mousse, smoothies, and a variety of other delicacies are just a few of the mouthwatering ways you may enjoy this unique flavour. People all throughout the world love the fruit, which is quite popular. Don't forget to mark your calendar for National Mango Day if you're a lover of this delicious fruit and savour
• History - The roots of the International Mango Festival can be traced back to 1987 when the National Horticulture Board of India had a bright idea—to celebrate mango. Since then, it has become an annual tradition, eagerly awaited by mango lovers across the nation. Bustling mango markets, vibrant mango exhibitions, and an abundance of fruity delights await visitors during this mango-filled extravaganza.

SUMMIT'S & MOU's

Ministry of Culture and Indian Navy signed a MoU to revive the Tankai method

• The Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy have collaborated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revive and preserve the ancient 2000-year-old shipbuilding technique known as the ‘stitched shipbuilding method‘ or ‘Tankai method’.
• About: Tankai Method - The Tankai method is an ancient shipbuilding technique which entails stitching wooden planks together to build ships, eschewing the use of nails. By adopting this method, ships gain enhanced flexibility and durability, reducing their vulnerability to damage from shoals and sandbars.
• The stitched ship carries immense cultural significance in India, owing to its historical importance and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. India has a rich maritime heritage throughout history, and the utilization of stitched ships played a pivotal role in facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and exploration. With the advent of European ships, shipbuilding techniques underwent a transformation; however, the art of stitching ships endured in certain coastal regions of India, predominantly for crafting small local fishing boats.

FSSAI and AOAC INTERNATIONAL signed a Memorandum of Understanding

• The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and AOAC INTERNATIONAL (AOAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate and enhance the food safety analytical ecosystem in India. The MoU signing ceremony took place at the FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI, Mr. Satyen Kumar Panda, Advisor (Quality Assurance) FSSAI, Mr. Shrinvas Joshi, President, AOAC-India Section, Dr. Ganesh Ramamurthi - President-Elect, AOAC-India Section, and Dr. Saurabh Arora - Director, AOAC-India Section.
• The MoU, signifies the commitment of both FSSAI and AOAC to jointly work towards achieving common objectives for the advancement of food safety standards and analytical practices in the country

REC inks MoU with Avaada Group; to invest ₹20,000 crore over five years

• Avaada Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with REC under which the State-run company will invest ₹20,000 crore in the renewable energy solutions company over the next five years.
• The partnership between Avaada and the government-controlled non-banking financial company (NBFC) for the power sector was announced on the sidelines of the 4th meeting of the G20 Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) in Goa.
• This agreement ushers in a massive surge of support for Avaada’s diverse energy transition ventures with the total investment reaching an impressive ₹20,000 crore,
• In the upcoming five years, Avaada is primed to harness this considerable investment to spearhead a plethora of innovative renewable energy projects across India,

BOOKS & AUTHOR

Former VP Naidu Releases Book Titled “As the Wheel Turns”

• India’s former Vice President, released a book titled “As the Wheel Turns” on Thursday.
• Following the release of the book, Naidu stated, “The book is very useful for the young generation to know about the great people of India. I feel it’s an honour to participate in the event and release the book.” He also mentioned how vital humour and grammar are for everyone.
• Humour and grammar are more important for everyone. India is now moving forward and creating importance across the world and making us all proud, – He said.