Daily Current Affairs July 20 & 21
Table of Contents
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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 20 & 21 | Daily Current Affairs 2024
Important Days – Daily Current Affairs July 20 & 21
1. When is International Chess Day celebrated annually?
A) January 20
B) April 20
C) July 20
D) October 20
E) December 20
Answer: C) July 20
Event and Location:
- Event: International Chess Day
- Location: Global celebration
Mandates and Objectives:
- Celebrate the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924
- Promote chess as a competitive sport and educational tool
- Acknowledge the cultural and intellectual significance of chess
- Encourage international cooperation and understanding through chess
Important Terms Explained:
- FIDE (International Chess Federation):
- Founded: 1924
- Motto: “Gens Una Sumus” (We are one people)
- Role: Promotes and regulates chess, organizes world championships, and supports over 190 national chess federations
Static GK Information:
International Chess Federation (FIDE):
- Founded: 1924
- Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
- President: Arkady Dvorkovich
Tabular Summary:
Event | Location | Date | Significance |
International Chess Day | Global | July 20 | Commemorates the founding of FIDE; celebrates chess’s cultural and educational impact |
2. When is International Moon Day celebrated annually?
A) January 20
B) April 20
C) July 20
D) October 20
E) December 20
Answer: C) July 20
Event and Location:
- Event: Issuance of stamps to commemorate International Moon Day
- Location: United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA)
Mandates and Objectives:
- Commemorate International Moon Day annually on July 20
- Honour the anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission’s first lunar landing
- Raise awareness about sustainable lunar exploration
- Promote international cooperation in space exploration and utilization
Important Terms Explained:
- International Moon Day:
- Declared by the UN General Assembly to be observed annually on July 20
- Celebrates the anniversary of Apollo 11’s moon landing
- Aims to highlight the commitment to sustainable lunar exploration
- UNPA (United Nations Postal Administration):
- Issuing stamps and souvenir sheets to commemorate International Moon Day
- Features images from various lunar missions on the stamps
- UNOOSA (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs):
- Promotes international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space
- Advocates for the sustainable utilization of space science and technology
Static GK Information:
United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA):
- Founded: 1951
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Director: Rorie Katz
Tabular Summary:
Event | Location | Date | Significance |
International Moon Day Stamps | UNPA, New York, Geneva, Vienna | July 20 | Commemorates Apollo 11 landing; promotes sustainable lunar exploration and cooperation |
Ranking – Daily Current Affairs July 20 & 21
3. Which state secured the first place under the ‘Best Performing State’ category in the PM SVANidhi scheme?
A) Assam
B) Kerala
C) Delhi
D) Uttar Pradesh
E) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: E) Madhya Pradesh
Event and Location:
- Event: Recognition of the Best Performing State and ULBs under PM SVANidhi scheme
- Location: New Delhi, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- Provide micro-credit to urban street vendors
- Facilitate collateral-free loans up to Rs 50,000
- Objectives:
- Support urban street vendors during and post COVID-19
- Promote innovation and best practices among states and ULBs
Important Terms Explained:
- PM SVANidhi Scheme:
- Launched by the Narendra Modi government in 2020
- Aims to provide collateral-free loans up to Rs 50,000 to urban street vendors
- Best Performing State:
- Winner: Madhya Pradesh
- Runner-up: Assam
- Best Performing ULBs (Loan Performance):
- Winner: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
- Runner-up: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)
- Third Place: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation
- DAY-NULM SPARK Ranking:
- Winner: Kerala
- Runner-up: Uttar Pradesh
- Third Place: Rajasthan
Static GK Information:
PM SVANidhi Scheme:
- Launched: 2020
- Beneficiaries: Urban street vendors
- Loan Amount: Up to Rs 50,000
Madhya Pradesh:
- Capital: Bhopal
- CM: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
Tabular Summary:
Event | Location | Date | Chief Guest | Significance |
PM SVANidhi Awards | New Delhi, India | July 18, 2024 | Manohar Lal Khattar, Tokhan Sahu | Madhya Pradesh recognized as Best Performing State; Delhi led Best Performing ULBs |
Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs July 20 & 21
4. With which organization did IndianOil enter into a partnership to support motorsports in India?
A) Indian Racing Federation
B) Madras Motor Sports Club
C) Chennai Racing Association
D) National Motorsport Council
E) Indian Automotive Club
Answer: B) Madras Motor Sports Club
Event and Location:
- Event: Launch of Storm-X racing fuel
- Location: Madras International Circuit, Chennai, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Objective: To provide a specialized high-octane racing fuel for racing cars
- Partnership: IndianOil entered into a partnership agreement with the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) to support motorsports in India.
- Occasion: Unveiled during the Indian National Car Racing Championship
Important Terms Explained:
- High-Octane Racing Fuel: A type of fuel designed to enhance the performance of racing cars by providing better engine efficiency and power.
- Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC): An organization that promotes motorsports in India and manages the Madras International Circuit.
Static GK Information:
IndianOil Corporation Ltd (IndianOil):
- Founded Year: 1959
- Chairman: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC):
- Founded Year: 1952
- President: Ajit Thomas
- Headquarters: Chennai, India
Tabular Summary:
Detail | Description |
Event | Launch of Storm-X racing fuel |
Location | Madras International Circuit, Chennai, India |
Fuel Name | Storm-X |
Purpose | High-octane fuel for racing cars |
Partnership | IndianOil and Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) |
Occasion | Indian National Car Racing Championship |
Unveiled By | V Satish Kumar (Director, Marketing) and Alok Sharma (Director, R&D) of IndianOil |
Appointments – Daily Current Affairs July 20 & 21
5. Who is leading the RBI’s review committee for the fee structure of white-label ATMs?
A) T Rabi Sankar
B) Shaktikanta Das
C) Sunil Mehta
D) Urjit Patel
E) Raghuram Rajan
Answer: C) Sunil Mehta
Event and Location:
- Event: Formation of a committee to review the fee structure for white-label ATMs
- Location: New Delhi, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- Review and revise the fee structure for white-label ATMs (WLAs)
- Propose a fair and sustainable model balancing stakeholder interests
- Assess current policies, ATM infrastructure, and global best practices
- Objectives:
- Ensure the ATM market’s growth is sustained and fair
- Adapt to changes in the financial environment and technological advancements
Important Terms Explained:
- White-Label ATMs (WLAs):
- ATMs set up, owned, and operated by non-bank entities
- Provide basic ATM services to customers of all banks
- Current interchange fees: ₹17 for financial transactions, ₹6 for non-financial transactions
- Indian Banks’ Association (IBA):
- CEO: Sunil Mehta
- An association of Indian banks and financial institutions
Static GK Information:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
- Founded: 1935
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Governor: Shaktikanta Das
Indian Banks’ Association (IBA):
- Founded: 1946
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- CEO: Sunil Mehta
Tabular Summary:
Event | Location | Date | Chief Guest | Significance |
RBI’s review committee for WLAs | New Delhi | 2024 | Sunil Mehta (Chairperson) | Propose fair and sustainable fee model for white-label ATMs; improve ATM infrastructure |
6. Who has been named as the new Indian Ambassador to the U.S.?
A) Eric Garcetti
B) Joseph Biden
C) Narendra Modi
D) Vinay Kwatra
E) Vladimir Putin
Answer: D) Vinay Kwatra
Event and Location:
- Event: Appointment of the new Indian Ambassador to the U.S.
- Location: Washington, D.C.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- Strengthen India-U.S. relations
- Address and smooth over recent differences between the two countries
- Engage with the new U.S. administration post-presidential elections
- Prepare for a potential visit by U.S. President Joseph Biden for the Quad Summit in India
- Objectives:
- Enhance diplomatic ties and cooperation with the U.S.
- Navigate complex geopolitical issues, including India’s ties with Russia and human rights concerns
Important Terms Explained:
- Quad Summit:
- A strategic dialogue between the United States, India, Japan, and Australia focused on security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region
- Strategic Autonomy:
- The ability of a state to pursue its national interests and adopt its preferred foreign policy without being influenced by external pressures
Static GK Information:
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA):
- Founded: 1948
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Current Minister: Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Vinay Kwatra:
- Previous Position: Former Foreign Secretary of India
- New Position: Indian Ambassador to the U.S.
Tabular Summary:
Event | Location | Date | Significance |
Appointment of new Indian Ambassador | Washington, D.C. | July 2024 | Vinay Kwatra named Indian Ambassador to the U.S.; tasked with addressing key diplomatic issues |
7. Who will head the newly formed National Communications Academy?
A) Additional Telecom Secretary
B) Member (Finance)
C) DoT Secretary
D) Wireless Advisor
E) Member (Technology)
Answer: C) DoT Secretary
Event and Location:
- Event: Merger of DoT’s training institutes into National Communications Academy
- Location: New Delhi, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- Merge NTIPRIT, NICF, and WMTDC into a single entity
- Improve integration and efficiency in the telecommunications sector
- Streamline training and optimize resources
- Objectives:
- Create a more holistic approach to skill-building
- Address various aspects of the communications sector
- Manage budget and transfers as a single unit
Important Terms Explained:
- National Communications Academy (NCA):
- Newly formed entity from the merger of NTIPRIT, NICF, and WMTDC
- Functions with three campuses: Ghaziabad, Ghitorni
- DoT Secretary:
- Heads the NCA as its ex-officio Chairperson
- Responsible for overall control, budget allocations, training plans, and operational decisions
- Governing Council Members:
- Additional Telecom Secretary (Vice-Chairperson)
- Member (Finance)
- Member (Services)
- Member (Technology)
- Wireless Advisor
Static GK Information:
Department of Telecommunications (DoT):
- Founded: 1985
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Secretary: K. Rajaraman
Tabular Summary:
Event | Location | Chief Guest | Significance |
Merger of DoT training institutes into NCA | New Delhi, India | DoT Secretary | Enhance efficiency, integration, and holistic skill-building in telecom sector |
Awards – Daily Current Affairs July 20 & 21
8. Who was recognized as the Best Men’s Coach at the AIFF annual awards?
A) Khalid Jamil
B) Sukla Dutta
C) David Lalhlansanga
D) Ramachandran Venkatesh
E) Ujjal Halder
Answer: A) Khalid Jamil
Event and Location:
- Event: All India Football Federation (AIFF) annual awards
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- Recognize and celebrate excellence in Indian football
- Honor top players, coaches, and referees for their contributions and achievements
- Objectives:
- Highlight individual and team accomplishments in Indian football
- Promote the growth and development of football in India
Important Terms Explained:
- AIFF (All India Football Federation):
- Governing body for football in India
- Organizes annual awards to honor outstanding contributions to the sport
- Top Honours:
- Indumathi Kathiresan: Recognized for her achievements in women’s football
- Lallianzuala Chhangte: Recognized for his achievements in men’s football
- Award Winners:
- Best Men’s Coach: Khalid Jamil
- Best Women’s Coach: Sukla Dutta
- Promising Men’s Player: David Lalhlansanga
- Promising Women’s Player: Neha
- Best Referee: Ramachandran Venkatesh
- Best Assistant Referee: Ujjal Halder
Static GK Information:
All India Football Federation (AIFF):
- Founded: 1937
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- President: Kalyan Chaubey
Tabular Summary:
Event | Significance |
AIFF Annual Awards | Recognizes excellence in Indian football after a 7-year gap |
9. Which organization received the best technology award for its work in horticultural sciences?
A) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
B) Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR)
C) Malabar Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited
D) National Horticulture Board
E) Ministry of Agriculture
Answer: B) Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR)
Event and Location:
- Event: IISR receives best technology award
- Location: New Delhi, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- Recognize excellence in horticultural sciences
- Promote innovative technologies in agriculture
- Objectives:
- Highlight significant contributions to horticultural research and development
- Encourage commercialization of agricultural technologies
Important Terms Explained:
- Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR):
- An institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Focuses on research and development in spice cultivation and related technologies
- Award-winning Technology:
- Title: ‘Process for instant soluble turmeric enriched spice flavoured milk powder’
- Recognized under the Horticulture Sciences Division of ICAR
- Commercialized with Malabar Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited
- Products Developed:
- Golden Milk: A turmeric-enriched milk product
- Golden Milk Mix: A spice-flavored milk powder mix
Static GK Information:
Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR):
- Established: 1976
- Headquarters: Kozhikode, Kerala, India
- Affiliation: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
- Founded: 1929
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- President: Dr. Himanshu Pathak
Tabular Summary:
Event | Location | Date | Chief Guest | Significance |
IISR wins best technology award | New Delhi, India | 96th ICAR Foundation Day | Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Recognized for ‘Process for instant soluble turmeric enriched spice flavoured milk powder’ |
International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs July 20 & 21
10. Which African country recently joined the UN Water Convention as the 10th African nation?
A) Sierra Leone
B) Zambia
C) Zimbabwe
D) Ivory Coast
E) Namibia
Answer: D) Ivory Coast
Event and Location:
- Event: Ivory Coast joins the UN Water Convention
- Location: Global significance with focus on Ivory Coast and Africa
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- Enhance cooperative water management across borders
- Address water stress and climate change impacts on water resources
- Facilitate cooperation among countries sharing transboundary watercourses
- Objectives:
- Support sustainable management of transboundary waters
- Improve water security for Ivory Coast and its neighboring countries
- Promote peace and sustainable development through water cooperation
Important Terms Explained:
- UN Water Convention (Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes):
- Established in 1992 as a regional framework for pan-European countries
- Expanded globally in 2016 to include all UN Member States
- Requires parties to cooperate on the sustainable management of transboundary waters
- Transboundary Watercourses:
- Rivers, lakes, and aquifers shared by multiple countries
- Require cooperative management to prevent conflicts and ensure sustainable use
- Key River Basins Shared by Ivory Coast:
- Black Volta, Bia, Tanoe, Comoe, Niger, Sassandra, Cavally, and Nuon
- Shared with countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone
Static GK Information:
Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire):
- Capital: Yamoussoukro (official), Abidjan (de facto)
- Currency: West African CFA franc
- President: Alassane Ouattara
- Prime Minister: Robert Beugré Mambé
Tabular Summary:
Event | Location | Date | Significance |
Ivory Coast joins UN Water Convention | Global | 2024 | Enhances cooperative water management, 10th African nation to join, supports sustainable development |
National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs July 20 & 21
11. What significant reduction in average release time was noted for Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) in the NTRS 2024?
A) 10%
B) 20%
C) 30%
D) 50%
E) 70%
Answer: D) 50%
Event and Location:
- Event: Release of the National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2024
- Location: New Delhi, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- Evaluate cargo clearance times for imports and exports
- Measure progress towards targets set under the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan (NTFAP)
- Assess the impact of initiatives like the CBIC Pre-payment Customs Compliance Verification (PCCV) and automated Machine Release process
- Objectives:
- Provide quantitative national-level assessment of cargo clearance processes
- Compare current performance with previous years
- Expand the scope to include transit cargo to and from Nepal and courier cargo handled by ACC Bengaluru
Important Terms Explained:
- National Time Release Study (NTRS):
- An annual study by the CBIC measuring cargo release times at major customs formations
- Focuses on reducing release times for more efficient trade facilitation
- CBIC Pre-payment Customs Compliance Verification (PCCV):
- Initiative to streamline customs formalities by allowing final clearance pending only duty payment
- Achieves automated clearance within 3 minutes of duty payment
- Integrated Check Posts (ICPs):
- Border crossing points for the transit of goods and people between countries
- Noted a 50% reduction in average release time in 2024 compared to 2023
Static GK Information:
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC):
- Founded: 1964
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Chairman: Sanjay Kumar Agarwal
Tabular Summary:
Event | Location | Date | Chief Guest | Significance |
Release of NTRS 2024 | New Delhi, India | July 19, 2024 | Sanjay Kumar Agarwal | Measures cargo clearance times; significant reduction in release times for ICPs and ACCs |
12. Who launched the Mineral Exploration Hackathon in Hyderabad?
A) Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha
B) Shri G. Kishan Reddy
C) Shri Narendra Modi
D) Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
E) Shri K. Chandrashekar Rao
Answer: B) Shri G. Kishan Reddy
Event and Location:
- Event: Launch of Mineral Exploration Hackathon and National DMF Portal
- Location: Hyderabad, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- Promote innovative mineral hunt techniques using AI and ML
- Integrate multiple mineral exploration data sets for new mineral targets
- Centralize information on District Mineral Foundations (DMF) across India
- Objectives:
- Enhance mineral exploration and management efficiency
- Facilitate access to DMF data and track its utilization
- Increase industry engagement through e-auction roadshows
Important Terms Explained:
- Mineral Exploration Hackathon:
- Focuses on innovative techniques for mineral exploration
- Utilizes emerging technologies like AI and ML for geophysical data integration
- National DMF Portal:
- A centralized platform for information on District Mineral Foundations
- Provides transparency and oversight of DMF activities and projects
- E-auction of Mineral Blocks:
- An online auction process to allocate critical and strategic mineral blocks
- Involves multiple tranches with specific blocks up for bidding
Static GK Information:
Ministry of Coal and Mines:
- Minister: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
- Functions: Oversees coal and mineral resources management in India
Tabular Summary:
Event | Location | Date | Chief Guest | Significance |
Mineral Exploration Hackathon and DMF Portal Launch | Hyderabad | July 20, 2024 | Shri G. Kishan Reddy | Promotes innovative mineral exploration techniques and centralizes DMF data for better management |
13. Who directed FSSAI to waive off the registration fee for street food vendors?
A) Shri G. Kishan Reddy
B) Shri Narendra Modi
C) Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda
D) Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
E) Shri K. Chandrashekar Rao
Answer: C) Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda
Event and Location:
- Event: Directive to waive off registration fee for street food vendors
- Location: New Delhi, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- Waive off registration fee for street food vendors under FSSAI
- Provide ‘Street Safe’ Rapid Testing Kit to ensure food safety
- Empower street food vendors by enrolling them on food delivery platforms
- Objectives:
- Promote safe food practices among street food vendors
- Ensure accessibility and affordability of registration for street food vendors
- Enhance economic opportunities for street food vendors through digital platforms
Important Terms Explained:
- FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India):
- Regulatory body responsible for ensuring food safety in India
- Oversees standards and guidelines for food products and businesses
- ‘Street Safe’ Rapid Testing Kit:
- A kit provided to street food vendors for testing the safety of their food
- Ensures that the food being sold meets safety standards
Static GK Information:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:
- Union Health Minister: Jagat Prakash Nadda
- Founded: 1947
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Tabular Summary:
Event | Location | Date | Chief Guest | Significance |
Waiver of registration fee for street food vendors | New Delhi, India | July 20, 2024 | Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda | Promotes food safety and economic empowerment for street food vendors |
14. What is the name of the scheme launched by the Telangana Government and Singareni Collieries Company to support civil services aspirants?
A) Telangana Civils Support Scheme
B) Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhaya Hastham
C) Singareni Aspirants Scheme
D) Telangana Civil Services Fund
E) Telangana Aspirants Initiative
Answer: B) Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhaya Hastham
Event and Location:
- Event: Launch of financial support scheme for civil services aspirants
- Location: Telangana, India
Mandates and Objectives:
- Scheme Name: Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhaya Hastham
- Objective: To provide financial assistance to civil services aspirants from Telangana who clear the preliminary examination.
- Assistance Provided: ₹1 lakh for each eligible candidate
- Beneficiaries: Candidates from SC, ST, OBC, women, and economically weaker sections in the general category with an annual family income cap of ₹8 lakh.
Important Terms Explained:
- Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL):
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): SCCL’s initiative to contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
- Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhaya Hastham:
- A scheme aimed at supporting civil services aspirants financially to help them prepare for the mains examination after clearing the prelims.
Static GK Information:
Telangana:
- Capital: Hyderabad
- Chief Minister: K. Chandrashekar Rao
- Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL):
- Founded Year: 1920
- CEO/Chairman: N. Sridhar
- Headquarters: Kothagudem, Telangana
Tabular Summary:
Detail | Description |
Event | Launch of support scheme for civil services aspirants |
Location | Telangana, India |
Scheme Name | Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhaya Hastham |
Assistance Amount | ₹1 lakh per candidate |
Beneficiaries | SC, ST, OBC, women, and economically weaker sections with family income cap of ₹8 lakh |
Eligibility | Candidates from Telangana clearing civil services prelims |
Expected Beneficiaries Annually | 400-500 candidates |
Total Civil Services Aspirants in Telangana | Approximately 50,000 |
Scheme Objective | To encourage and financially support aspirants for mains preparation |
Over All Review
Important Days
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Ranking
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Business And Economy
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Appointments
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Awards
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International Affairs
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National Affairs
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