Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of  the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing  Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly  current affairs pdf.

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July 22 | Daily Current Affairs 2021

IMPORTANT DAYS

1. National Refreshment Day is observed on which date?
A) First Thursday in July
B) Second Thursday in July
C) Third Thursday in July
D) Fourth Thursday in July
E) Fifth Thursday in July
Answer: D) Fourth Thursday in July

• National Refreshment Day falls on July 22 this year.
• Since 2015, it has been decided that the fourth Thursday in July, every year, would be chosen to mark the National Refreshment Day.
• The very thought of sipping some lip smacking, cooling beverages like chilled lemonade, iced tea, cold drinks, smoothies, mocktails, is a refreshing idea. Who wouldn’t relish such refreshing drinks!

National Refreshment Day: History:

• It so happened 6 years ago, in May 2015, an organization named Traveller Beer Company (well-known for making shandies by blending European and American flavours) declared their new line of craft beer in the market, which called for celebration.
• It was through their initiative that the first Refreshment Day was marked.
• The Registrar at the National Day Calendar officially announced the National Refreshment Day observance in 2015.
• In 2016, this American company’s other branches located in Burlington, Vermont observed the Refreshment Day on the 4th Thursday of July. For Americans, beer has been a favourite refreshment.
• That’s how the tradition of celebrating refreshments caught on with the rest of the world too.

BANKING AND FINANCE

2. ADB approves $165million loan for which country to purchase COVID-19 vaccines?
A) China
B) Australia
C) India
D) UK
E) Nepal
Answer: E) Nepal

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a loan of $165 million for the Government of Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
• The project will support the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan in Nepal by procuring an estimated 15.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which will benefit about 6.8 million Nepalese.
• The project is financed by ADB’s $9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility launched in December 2020 to offer rapid and equitable vaccine-related support to ADB developing member countries.
• Vaccines eligible for financing must meet at least one of the APVAX eligibility criteria: the vaccine has been selected for procurement through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) mechanism; the vaccine has been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) or WHO emergency use listing; or the vaccine has received regular or emergency licensure or authorization by a Stringent Regulatory Authority.

APPOINTMENTS

3. How many global tax experts appointed to UN tax committee?
A) 26
B) 25
C) 24
D) 53
E) 23
Answer: B) 25

• Rasmi Ranjan Das, a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, is among a distinguished group of 25 tax experts from around the world appointed as members of the UN tax committee for the 2021 to 2025 term.
• The committee, formally known as the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, guides countries’ efforts to advance stronger and more forward-looking tax policies adapted to the realities of globalized trade and investment, an increasingly digitalized economy, and worsening environmental degradation.
• It assists countries in their efforts to prevent double or multiple taxations as well as non-taxation, broaden their tax base, strengthen their tax administrations, and curb international tax evasion and avoidance.
• The new Committee membership brings together tax practitioners with expertise in a wide range of areas, such as double tax treaties, transfer pricing, avoiding and resolving tax disputes, taxation of the extractive industries, taxation of the digital economy, environmental taxation, and value-added taxes.
• While nominated by their governments, committee members serve in their personal capacity,
• The Committee gives special focus to developing countries and their policy environment and the majority of the newly appointed members come from developing countries.
• For the first time since its inception, the Committee has a majority of women experts.
• The UN Tax Committee fosters international cooperation on domestic and international tax matters and works closely with observers from government, civil society, business, and academia, to develop guidance and encourage an inclusive setting of norms and policies.
• The first meeting of the new members of the Committee will take place in October 2021, during which the experts will determine the work plan for their term.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

4. Which country successfully launched a long-delayed lab module for the International Space Station?
A) Australia
B) Syria
C) New Zealand
D) Zimbabwe
E) Russia
Answer: E) Russia

• Russia successfully launched a long-delayed lab module for the International Space Station that is intended to provide more room for scientific experiments and space for the crew.
• A Proton-M booster rocket carrying the Nauka module lifted off as scheduled at 7:58 pm local time (14:58 GMT) from the Russian space launch facility in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.
• The navigational antennas and solar arrays deployed properly after a flawless launch that set the module on an eight-day journey to the orbiting outpost.
• After a series of maneuvers, the 20-metric-ton (22-ton) module is set to dock at the International Space Station in automatic mode on July 29.
• The launch of Nauka, also called the Multipurpose Laboratory Module, had been repeatedly delayed because of technical problems. It was initially scheduled to go up in 2007.
• In 2013, experts found contamination in its fuel system, resulting in a long and costly replacement. Other Nauka systems also underwent modernisation or repairs.
• A launch previously set for July 15 was postponed until Wednesday due to the need to fix unspecified flaws.
• The International Space Station is currently operated by NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei, Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur; Oleg Novitsky and Pyotr Dubrov of Russia’s Roscosmos space corporation; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet.
• In 1998, Russia launched the station’s first module, Zarya, which was followed in 2000 by another big module, Zvezda, and three smaller modules in the following years.
  The last of them, Rassvet, arrived at the station in 2010.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

5. A seventh batch of three more Rafale fighter jets arrived in India from which country?
A) Australia
B) France
C) New Zealand
D) Zimbabwe
E) Russia
Answer: B) France

• A seventh batch of three more Rafale fighter jets arrived in India after flying non-stop for a distance of almost 8,000 km from France, in a further boost to the strike capability of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The new batch of the aircraft will be part of the IAF’s second squadron of the Rafale jets.
• The aircraft were provided mid-air refuelling by the air force of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• The new squadron of Rafale jets will be based in Hasimara airbase in West Bengal.
• The first Rafale squadron is based in the Ambala air force station.
• A squadron comprises around 18 aircraft.
• India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore.
• The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29 last year.
• India is expected to get more Rafale jets from France in the next few months.
• The Rafale jets, manufactured by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, are India’s first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 years after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia.
• The Rafale jets are capable of carrying a range of potent weapons.
• European missile maker MBDA’s Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Scalp cruise missile and MICA weapons system will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets.

6. India and which country conduct Konkan exercise in Bay of Bengal?
A) UK
B) France
C) New Zealand
D) Zimbabwe
E) Russia
Answer: A) UK

• The aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s largest warship, and its strike task group is conducting complex maritime exercises with the Indian Navy in the Bay of Bengal as part of efforts to enhance interoperability and naval cooperation.
• Britain has sent the 65,000-tonne carrier and its task group to the Indian Ocean as part of the country’s moves to enhance its profile in the Indo-Pacific and to foster defence ties with nations across the region.
• The task group is set to sail to the disputed South China Sea on the next leg of its deployment.
• The three-day annual Konkan exercise between the Indian and British navies, will see warships from both sides conducting a range of multi-ship, air, sea and sub-surface maritime drills, as well as close quarter manoeuvring.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

7. Government includes Retail and Wholesale Trades as which department?
A) Defence
B) External Affairs
C) Education
D) Finance
E) MSMEs
Answer: E) MSMEs

• From 2nd July 2021, the Government has included Retail and Wholesale Trades as MSMEs.
• The Government, vide notification no. S.O. 2119(E) dated 26.06.2020, had notified composite criteria of classification of MSMEs based on investment in plant and machinery or equipment and turnover of the enterprise.
• With the introduction of a new classification of MSMEs w.e.f. 01.07.2020, a new cost-free system of online Udyam Registration which is based on self–declaration, has replaced the erstwhile filing of the Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum.
• Filing of Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (UAM)/ Udyam Registration is required for availing benefits of the schemes and programmes of the Ministry of MSME.
• The Government has launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) to strengthen the credit delivery system and facilitate the flow of credit to the MSE sector without the hassles of collateral and third party guarantee.
• Under the scheme, Credit Guarantee is given to the Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) for loans upto Rs. 200 lakh.
• As per the data received from Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), Mumbai, there are 53,86,739 Nos. of guarantee and
  Rs. 2,72,007.42 crore amount of guarantee approved under Credit Guarantee Scheme since inception.
• To strengthen the Indian economy and to provide help to upcoming entrepreneurs, recently the Government has taken a number of initiatives under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to support the MSME sector in the country, especially in the Covid-19 pandemic.
  Some of them are:
• Rs. 20,000 crores Subordinate Debt for MSMEs.
• Rs.3 lakh crores Collateral free Automatic Loans for business, including MSMEs.
• Rs. 50,000 crore equity infusion through MSME Self-Reliant India Fund
• New Revised criteria of classification of MSMEs.
• New Registration of MSMEs through ‘Udyam Registration’ for Ease of Doing Business.
• No global tenders for procurement up to Rs. 200 crores.
• An Online Portal “Champions” has been launched on 01.06.2020 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
• This covers many aspects of e-governance including redressal of grievances and handholding of MSMEs.
• RBI has also announced several measures to Reduce the Financial Stress of MSMEs.
• This information was given by Minister for Micro. Small and Medium Enterprises Shri Narayan Rane in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

8. The Honey Mission programme was launched by Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in which year?
A) 2017-18
B) 2011-12
C) 2013-14
D) 2016-17
E) 2012-13
Answer: A) 2017-18

• The Honey Mission programme was launched by Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of MSME, during 2017-18 and is being implemented to promote Bee Keeping activities and provide self-sustaining employment opportunities among farmers, Adivasies and unemployed youth in rural India, especially in economically backward and remote areas.
• Under the programme, beneficiaries are provided with Bee Boxes, live bee colonies, tool kits and training.
• Till date, a total number of 15445 beneficiaries have been assisted under the programme.
• Besides, under ‘A Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries’ (SFURTI) implemented by the Ministry of MSME, traditional beekeepers are provided with sustainable employment by organizing them into clusters and supporting them with new machinery and training.
• 29 Honey clusters have been approved under the scheme which will benefit 13388 beekeepers with the Government of India financial assistance of Rs.68.65 crore.
• Under the National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture, scientific beekeeping is promoted for holistic growth of the sector, leading to income and employment generation, livelihood support to farm and non-farm households.
• KVIC has assigned the work of evaluation/assessment study of Honey Mission to M/s CRISIL (formerly Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited), Mumbai.
• The key suggestions of the report, inter alia, include i) ensuring need-based training & up-skilling, ii) training on financial services, credit facilities, iii) strengthening of handholding support on seasonal management and migration, iv) need on awareness on quality standards, v) formalising market linkages and branding and vi) convergence with the existing schemes for FPO building and cluster-based approach.
• Under the Honey Mission programme of KVIC, it is proposed to form 08 Self Help Groups benefitting 80 beekeepers in the Bundelkhand Region in the financial year 2021-22.

9. Cabinet approves how much amount PLI scheme for specialty steel?
A) Rs 6,322-cr
B) Rs 6,522-cr
C) Rs 6,422-cr
D) Rs 6,122-cr
E) Rs 6,222-cr
Answer: A) Rs 6,322-cr

• The Union Cabinet approved Rs 6,322-crore production linked incentive scheme for specialty steel, a move aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and exports from the sector.
• Incentives worth Rs 6,322 crore will be provided over five years and it would create over 5.25 lakh jobs.
• The scheme will cover coated/plated steel products, high strength/wear resistant steel, specialty rails, alloy steel goods, steel wires and electrical steel.

10. ‘WINGS INDIA 2022’ – the flagship biennial exhibition on civil aviation – will be organised from March 24 – 27, 2022 in which state?
A) Telangana
B) Gujarat
C) Goa
D) Madhya Pradesh
E) Tripura
Answer: A) Telangana

• ‘WINGS INDIA 2022’ – the flagship biennial exhibition on civil aviation – will be organised from March 24 – 27, 2022 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) announced.
• Ministry of Civil Aviation and FICCI jointly organises this event which provides a platform to the aviation fraternity to showcase the challenges of the aviation sector and understand how the technology driven innovations will change the air travel in future.
• The event is expected to witness participation from more than 150 Exhibitors from India & globe and around 25 aircraft will be showcased at the Static Display area.
• Concurrent events such as the Inaugural Ceremony, International Conference, Global CEOs’ Forum, B2B / B2G Meetings, Thematic Pavilion and Awards Ceremony, Cultural Night & Business Networking Dinner are some of the highlights of the Show.
• India is one of the fastest growing aviation markets and is expected to be the 3rd largest aviation market in the world by 2024.
• In 2010, number of air passengers was 79 million. By 2017 that doubled to 158 million and this number is expected to treble to 520 million by 2037.
• The nation’s aeroplane fleet is projected to quadruple in size to approximately 2,500 aircraft by 2038.

11. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy disbursed how much amount under ‘YSR Kapu Nestham’ scheme?
A) Rs.390.86 crore
B) Rs.490.86 crore
C) Rs.790.86 crore
D) Rs.290.86 crore
E) Rs.590.86 crore
Answer: B) Rs.490.86 crore

• For the second consecutive year, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy disbursed Rs.490.86 crore under ‘YSR Kapu Nestham’ scheme benefiting 3,27,244 women belonging to Kapu, Balija, Ontari, Telaga castes across the state.
• The Chief Minister said that the state government had spent Rs.12,126 crore for Kapu community through various welfare schemes during the last two years, where Rs.982 crore was spent alone on ‘YSR Kapu Nestam’.
• He said that the scheme aims to provide financial assistance of Rs.15,000 per annum, similar to YSR Cheyutha to empower women by providing business opportunities through various companies that the government has a tie-up with.
• Although it was not mentioned in the YSRCP manifesto, the scheme was initiated to support women belonging to Kapu, Balija, Ontari, Telaga castes, the Chief Minister said, adding that a total of Rs. 75,000 would be given to the women beneficiaries under this scheme in a span of five years.
• Also, through Non-DBT schemes like Pedalandariki Illu, Sampoorna Poshana, Aarogyasri, the government had spent Rs 2767 crore in the last two years.
• Ministers Muthamsetti Srinivasa Rao, Perni Venkatramaiah (Nani), Kurasala Kannababu, Adimulapu Suresh, Ch Srinivasa Venugopalakrishna, Chief Minister Program Coordinator Thalashila Raghuram and AP State Kapu Welfare Corporation Chairman Adapa Seshagiri among those who were present.

12. APEDA collaborates with which state/UT for boosting unique agricultural produce which would boost farmers’ income in the region?
A) Rajasthan
B) Ladakh
C) Goa
D) Andhra Pradesh
E) Tripura
Answer: B) Ladakh

• For giving boost to exports of agricultural produce from Ladakh, which would enhance farmers’ as well as entrepreneurs’ income, APEDA in association with officials of the horticulture, agriculture, commerce and industry departments of Union Territory and Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR) are working out comprehensive plan of actions.
• Following a series of interactions held recently at Ladakh, identified areas of work include enhancement of production of fruits with medicinal values including sea buckthorn, apricot and organic produce and introduction of the traceability system, capacity-building of farmers and value addition of products.
• APEDA would provide technical assistance for building the capacity of stakeholder including entrepreneurs, officials, farmers, branding and marketing of Ladakhi products and making Ladakh an ‘organic’ region.
• APEDA would provide special assistance for branding and promotion of Ladakhi products, especially sea buckthorn which is rich in Vitamin C, omega and other essential nutrients.
• Emphasizing the need for minimal or zero use of chemicals in the farming, during the interactions with Ladakh officials, APEDA has urged non-use of chemicals and fertilizers at the earliest and introduction of traceability systems to help in branding Ladakhi products.
• The focus of this collaborations is to ensure that Ladakh achieves the goal of becoming an organic region by 2025.
• Officials of Ladakh under the Mission Organic Development Initiativehave formed an organic study group, drafting of ‘organic’ certification documents and implementation of certification process in phases.
• The technological interventions introduced by DIHAR to Ladakh administration is helping farmers grow leafy vegetables at -25 degrees.
• APEDA would be continuously working with officials from agriculture and horticulture departments of Lek & Ladakh districts, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, DIHAR, and entrepreneurs for comprehensive development of agriculture in Ladakh.

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