The Hindu

Change and continuity: On the Wimbledon titles of Djokovic and Rybakina

Djokovic won his seventh title, while Rybakina was the fifth straight first-time winner

Novak Djokovic is unlike the archetypal (ठेठ, मूल प्ररूप संबंधी, मूल आदर्श-विषयक) Wimbledon champion. He is neither a big-server nor a net-rusher and does not slice and dice his way through points. Instead, he is peerless (अद्वितीय, बेजोड़, बेमिसाल, अतुल) in how he absorbs an opponent’s most devastating (उजाड़ना) play, seizes (पकड़ना, छीनना, रोक लगाना) crucial (महत्वपूर्ण) moments and flips the narrative within a blink of an eye. No one in living memory has anticipated (पूर्वानुमान करना, प्रत्याशा करना, पहले ही विचार कर लेना), moved and defended a grass court quite like the 35-year-old Serb. On Sunday, he brought to the fore all these facets to clinch his seventh Wimbledon crown — fourth on the trot — and a 21st Grand Slam title. Admittedly, the grass at SW19 is slower and the bounce truer than earlier times, helping consummate all-courters like Djokovic. But the run of Nick Kyrgios to the final — albeit (हालांकि, यद्यपि) after a walk-over against an in-form but injured Nadal in the semi-final — was enough evidence that the surface still offers purchase to those willing, and able, to play traditional grass-court tennis. Kyrgios did this for a set, bouncing off the audience’s energy like a showman would in a theatre. Wimbledon, in fact, has come to be his safe space, where he is still loved and not judged despite (इसके बावजूद) his boorish behaviour from time to time. Yet Djokovic, the ultimate diffuser, displayed patience and tactical (सामरिक, कार्यनीतिक, फुरतीला) endurance (सहनशीलता, सहन-शक्ति, टिकाव), the lack of which proved Kyrgios’ undoing yet again.

For Djokovic, the Australian Open may have brought the most success (record nine titles), but it is Wimbledon that has proved more momentous (सब से अहम, सब से महत्वपूर्ण, प्रभावशाली). Pete Sampras’s maiden triumph (एक महत्वपूर्ण सफलता) in 1993 sparked his interest in tennis and he has now equalled the legendary American’s tally at Wimbledon. Victory in 2018 resurrected (मरे हुए को जीवित करना) his career after a prolonged slump and the latest win is sure to galvanise (प्रेरित करना) him again, after the fiasco in Australia over his unvaccinated status and the stinging quarter-final loss to Nadal at Roland-Garros. He has now surpassed (पार करना) Roger Federer in the all-time Major race and is just one behind Nadal. That he has fallen to seventh in the ATP rankings because of the absence of ranking points at this year's competition will be a mere footnote. While Djokovic has been a near constant at Wimbledon, Elena Rybakina was the fifth straight first-time women’s singles winner. The 23-year-old was up against the sentimental favourite in Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, bidding to become the first Arab and African woman to win a Slam trophy. There was also the awkwardness surrounding her nationality, in light of the All England club’s ban on Russians and Belarusians. Rybakina was born and raised in Russia, but switched to Kazakhstan four years ago in return for funding. But she displayed remarkable mental fortitude (Courage in pain or adversity), and with a power-packed game felled two Major winners and the World No.2 to secure tennis’s most coveted (To desire what belongs to others) prize.

Courtesy: The Hindu

Important Word List With Meaning

1.Archetypal (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - ठेठ, मूल प्ररूप संबंधी, मूल आदर्श-विषयक

English Meaning - Typical of a certain kind or person.

2.Peerless (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - अद्वितीय, बेजोड़, बेमिसाल, अतुल

English Meaning - Having no comparison.

3.Devastate (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - उजाड़ना

English Meaning - To Destroy

4.Seize (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - पकड़ना, छीनना, रोक लगाना

English Meaning - To take possession of something.

5.Crucial (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - महत्वपूर्ण

English Meaning - Extremely important.

6.Anticipate (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - पूर्वानुमान करना, प्रत्याशा करना, पहले ही विचार कर लेना

English Meaning - To perform an action before another has acted.

7.Albeit (Conjunction)

Hindi Meaning - हालांकि, यद्यपि

English Meaning - Even though

8.Momentous (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - सब से अहम, सब से महत्वपूर्ण, प्रभावशाली

English Meaning - Having a great importance.

9.Tactical (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - सामरिक, कार्यनीतिक, फुरतीला

English Meaning - Of tactics, especially military or naval tactics.

10.Endurance (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - सहनशीलता, सहन-शक्ति, टिकाव

English Meaning - The strength to withstand a difficult situation.

11.Triumph (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - एक महत्वपूर्ण सफलता

English Meaning - A significant success.

12.Resurrect (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - मरे हुए को जीवित करना

English Meaning - To bring into life again.

13.Galvanise (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - प्रेरित करना

English Meaning - To startle into sudden activity.

14.Despite (Preposition)

Hindi Meaning - इसके बावजूद

English Meaning - In spite of

15.Surpass (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - पार करना

English Meaning - Outdo something or someone

16.Fortitude (Noun)

English Meaning - Courage in pain or adversity.

17.Covet (Verb)

English Meaning - To desire what belongs to others.

18.Continuity (Noun)

English Meaning - The quality of being continuous.

13 Jul 2022

The Hindu

Far apart: On Jaishankar-Wang Yi meeting on the sidelines of G20 summit

China seems to want to test India’s resolve (हल करना, संकल्प) to sustain (बनाए रखना, जारी रखना) its forward deployments (तैनाती)

The July 7 meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart (समकक्ष) Wang Yi, on the sidelines (it refers to a meeting/forum occurs at the same time as the scheduled meeting/forum, but is not itself an item on the agenda) of the G20 (The G20, formed in 1999, is a group of twenty of the world’s largest economies that meets regularly to coordinate global policy on trade, health, climate, and other issues. It brings together the world’s major advanced and emerging economies. The G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, UK and USA. The G20 Countries together represent around 90% of global GDP, 80% of global trade, and two thirds of the world’s population) Foreign Ministers’ meet in Bali, served (के रूप में कार्य करना, सेवा कर) as a reminder of the curious (जिज्ञासु, रहस्यमय) state of affairs (मामलों के राज्य, स्थिति) in India’s relations with China. That the two Ministers had their second meeting in four months — Mr. Wang was in New Delhi in March — indicates both sides see value in continued (निरंतर, चल रहे) engagement (participation, taking part, involvement) and remain dissatisfied (असंतुष्ट, निराश) with the current low level of relations. The problem, however, is that the commonalities appear to end there. Mr. Jaishankar reiterated (बार बार दुहराना, फिर से कहना) India’s stand (stance, point of view, viewpoint, opinion, standpoint, position, policy), conveyed to China on numerous (several, various, many, countless, scores of, innumerable) occasions since the start of the LAC tensions (तनाव, दबाव, बेचैनी) in 2020, that normalcy (सामान्य स्थिति, नियमितता) would not be possible without a resolution (solution, settlement) of the boundary crisis and full disengagement (withdrawal, departure, retreat (of military troops from an area of conflict)) from all friction (disagreement, disunity, conflict, dispute, argument) areas. The MEA said the External Affairs Minister called for (require, need, necessitate, make necessary, demand, publicly ask for) an early resolution of all outstanding (unfinished, incomplete, remaining, pending, ongoing) issues, and reiterated the need to sustain the momentum (energy, push, force, strength, impetus) to complete disengagement from all the remaining areas.

It is, however, clear that Beijing does not appear to share that view. On the contrary (opposite, reverse, inverse, antithesis), recent actions suggest Beijing has no desire to resolve (settle, sort out, solve, find a solution to, set right) the row (dispute, quarrel, squabble, fight, disagreement, difference of opinion) immediately, which India reasonably (justifiably, legitimately, rightly, somewhat, relatively, comparatively) sees as a prerequisite (necessary condition, precondition, condition, requirement, necessity, imperative, obligation) for restoring normalcy in relations. Indeed (in fact, actually, undeniably), the official Chinese readout (an official statement summing up the main points of a meeting/phone call between two leaders) of the Bali talks failed to make a single mention (reference, comment, remark) of the LAC crisis, suggesting it is not a priority for Beijing. Instead, it emphasised (call/draw attention to, put stress on, underscore, highlight) Beijing’s current interest (common concerns (in politics/business)) in engaging with India on multilateral (involving many different countries/parties/organizations) groupings such as BRICS and the SCO, which China and Russia see as valuable platforms to counter (combat, confront, stand up to, oppose, resist, rebuff, rebut, repel) the West (The Western world/civilization consisting of the majority of Europe & the North America), and to promote, as Mr. Wang put (express, convey) it, “a fairer international order”. The Chinese military, meanwhile, has dragged its feet in responding with dates for the 16th round of military talks, marking (indicate, flag, show, identify, denote) the longest pause (break, interruption, discontinuation, interval) since the talks (discussions, negotiations, deliberation) began. At the last round, that was held as long as four months ago on March 11, both sides failed to achieve a breakthrough (very important/significant development or progress) to disengage (withdraw, pull out, leave, move out, retreat) at Patrolling Point (PPs are patrolling points identified and marked on the LAC, which are patrolled with a stipulated frequency by the security forces) 15 in Hot Springs (Hot Springs (Kyam) is the location of an Indian border checkpost operated by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in the Chang Chenmo River valley in Ladakh near the disputed border with China. It is so named because there is a hot spring at this location. (hot spring is generally a spring (well head) with water at temperatures substantially higher than the air temperature of the surrounding region)). Depsang and Demchok (a village and military encampment in the Indian-administered Demchok sector that is disputed between India and China. It is administered as part of the Nyoma tehsil in the Leh district of Ladakh by India. and claimed by China as part of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) with Tibet runs on the southeast side of the village along the Charding Nullah and continues along the Indus River) also remain unresolved. There is little expectation in New Delhi for an imminent (close/near, about to happen, approaching/impending) breakthrough, particularly with domestic politics in China on edge (tense, nervous, edgy, anxious, uneasy, unsettled) before the Party Congress (conference, convention, forum, meeting, gathering) this fall (one of the four temperate seasons spring, summer, autumn (or fall), and winter) when Xi Jinping will begin a third term and the military leadership will also see sweeping (comprehensive, all-inclusive, all-embracing, far-reaching) changes. The Chinese Foreign Minister, in Bali, said both countries “should push for the early return of bilateral (involving two groups or countries) relations to the right track”. That aspiration (ambition, hope, goal), however, contrasts (differ from, be at variance with, be contrary to, conflict with, go against) sharply with Beijing’s continued unwillingness (hesitation, disinclination, reluctance) to restore the status quo (the present situation, the current state, the existing state of affairs) of April 2020. The apparent (evident, obvious, clear, visible, discernible, perceivable, noticeable, recognizable) goal appears to be aimed at testing India’s resolve to sustain its forward deployments and to force New Delhi to accept a new normal at the LAC. Until that changes, the stalemate (deadlock, impasse, standstill/stand-off) along the borders, and in the relationship, is likely to endure (continue, sustain, last, persist, remain, stay, go on).

Courtesy: The Hindu

Important Word List With Meaning

1.summit (noun)

Hindi Meaning - सम्मेलन, बैठक

English Meaning - meeting, talk, discussion (between heads of government).

2.resolve (noun)

Hindi Meaning - हल करना, संकल्प

English Meaning - determination, willpower, firmness, resolution, courage.

3.sustain (verb)

Hindi Meaning - बनाए रखना, जारी रखना

English Meaning - continue, carry on, keep up, maintain.

4.deployment (noun)

Hindi Meaning - तैनाती

English Meaning - the act of employing forces/troops into effective action.

5.counterpart (noun)

Hindi Meaning - समकक्ष

English Meaning - someone or something that has the same job or purpose as another; equivalent, equal, fellow.

6.serve (verb)

Hindi Meaning - के रूप में कार्य करना, सेवा कर

English Meaning - act as, function as.

7.curious (adjective)

Hindi Meaning - जिज्ञासु, रहस्यमय

English Meaning - mystifying, mysterious, perplexing, baffling; perplexed, puzzled, baffled, mystified

8.state of affairs (phrase)

Hindi Meaning - मामलों के राज्य, स्थिति

English Meaning - condition, situation, circumstances, position.

9.continued (adjective)

Hindi Meaning - निरंतर, चल रहे

English Meaning - ongoing.

10.dissatisfied (adjective)

Hindi Meaning - असंतुष्ट, निराश

English Meaning - discontented, unsatisfied, disappointed, disaffected, disquieted, unhappy, disgruntled, upset, annoyed, aggrieved.

11.commonality (noun)

Hindi Meaning - समानता

English Meaning - common quality/attribute/feature.

12.reiterate (verb)

Hindi Meaning - बार बार दुहराना, फिर से कहना

English Meaning - repeat, say again, restate.

13.Line of Actual Control (LAC) (noun)

Hindi Meaning - वास्तविक नियंत्रण रेखा

English Meaning - the de-facto (effective) border between India and China. The LAC is a 4,057-km border running through three areas-Western (Ladakh, Ladakh (Kashmir)), middle (Uttarakhand, Himachal) and eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal).

14.tension (noun)

Hindi Meaning - तनाव, दबाव, बेचैनी

English Meaning - strained relations; strain, stress, pressure, unease.

15.normalcy (noun)

Hindi Meaning - सामान्य स्थिति, नियमितता

English Meaning - a normal condition; normality, regularity.

16.on the sidelines (phrase)

English Meaning - it refers to a meeting/forum occurs at the same time as the scheduled meeting/forum, but is not itself an item on the agenda.

17.G-20 (noun)

English Meaning - The G20, formed in 1999, is a group of twenty of the world’s largest economies that meets regularly to coordinate global policy on trade, health, climate, and other issues. It brings together the world’s major advanced and emerging economies. The G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, UK and USA. The G20 Countries together represent around 90% of global GDP, 80% of global trade, and two thirds of the world’s population.

18.forward deployment (noun)

English Meaning - the act of employing armed forces, and persistent military facilities in a foreign country during peacetime.

19.engagement (noun)

English Meaning - participation, taking part, involvement.

20.stand (noun)

English Meaning - stance, point of view, viewpoint, opinion, standpoint, position, policy.

21.numerous (adjective)

English Meaning - several, various, many, countless, scores of, innumerable.

22.resolution (noun)

English Meaning - solution, settlement.

23.disengagement (noun)

English Meaning - withdrawal, departure, retreat (of military troops from an area of conflict).

24.friction (noun)

English Meaning - disagreement, disunity, conflict, dispute, argument.

25.friction points/friction areas (noun)

English Meaning - areas in conflict; points of Chinese ingress into hitherto India-controlled territory in Ladakh. These ‘friction points’ are Depsang, Galwan, Hot Springs, Gogra, North bank of Pangong Tso, Kailash Range and Demchok.

26.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) (noun)

English Meaning - The Ministry of External Affairs (abbreviated as MEA) of India, also known as the Foreign Ministry, is the government agency responsible for the conduct of foreign relations of India.

27.call for (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - require, need, necessitate, make necessary, demand, publicly ask for.

28.outstanding (adjective)

English Meaning - unfinished, incomplete, remaining, pending, ongoing.

29.momentum (noun)

English Meaning - energy, push, force, strength, impetus.

30.contrary (noun)

English Meaning - opposite, reverse, inverse, antithesis.

31.on the contrary (phrase)

English Meaning - conversely, in contrast, just the opposite.

32.resolve (verb)

English Meaning - settle, sort out, solve, find a solution to, set right.

33.row (noun)

English Meaning - dispute, quarrel, squabble, fight, disagreement, difference of opinion.

34.reasonably (adverb)

English Meaning - justifiably, legitimately, rightly, somewhat, relatively, comparatively.

35.prerequisite (noun)

English Meaning - necessary condition, precondition, condition, requirement, necessity, imperative, obligation.

36.indeed (adverb)

English Meaning - in fact, actually, undeniably.

37.readout (noun)

English Meaning - an official statement summing up the main points of a meeting/phone call between two leaders.

38.mention (noun)

English Meaning - reference, comment, remark.

39.emphasise (verb)

English Meaning - call/draw attention to, put stress on, underscore, highlight.

40.interest (noun)

English Meaning - common concerns (in politics/business).

41.multilateral (adjective)

English Meaning - involving many different countries/parties/organizations.

42.BRICS countries (plural noun)

English Meaning - the acronym coined to associate five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The BRICS members are known for their significant influence on regional affairs.

43.Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) (noun)

English Meaning - The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation, the creation of which was announced on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai (China). The SCO currently comprises eight Member States (China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) and is seen as a counterweight to NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization). It was established as a multilateral association to ensure security and maintain stability across the vast Eurasian region, join forces to counteract emerging challenges and threats, and enhance trade, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

44.counter (verb)

English Meaning - combat, confront, stand up to, oppose, resist, rebuff, rebut, repel.

45.the West (noun)

English Meaning - The Western world/civilization consisting of the majority of Europe & the North America.

46.put (verb)

English Meaning - express, convey.

47.world/international/global order (noun)

English Meaning - the arrangement of power and authority that provides the system for the conduct of diplomacy and world politics in relation to the entire world.

48.drag one’s feet (phrase)

English Meaning - delay, procrastinate, postpone action, put off doing something, use delaying tactics, take one’s time.

49.mark (verb)

English Meaning - indicate, flag, show, identify, denote.

50.pause (noun)

English Meaning - break, interruption, discontinuation, interval.

51.talks (noun)

English Meaning - discussions, negotiations, deliberation.

52.hold (verb)

English Meaning - conduct, organize.

53.breakthrough (noun)

English Meaning - very important/significant development or progress.

54.disengage (verb)

English Meaning - withdraw, pull out, leave, move out, retreat.

55.patrolling points (PPs) (noun)

English Meaning - PPs are patrolling points identified and marked on the LAC, which are patrolled with a stipulated frequency by the security forces.

56.base (noun)

English Meaning - camp, post, headquarters (of the armed forces).

57.hot springs (noun)

English Meaning - Hot Springs (Kyam) is the location of an Indian border checkpost operated by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in the Chang Chenmo River valley in Ladakh near the disputed border with China. It is so named because there is a hot spring at this location. (hot spring is generally a spring (well head) with water at temperatures substantially higher than the air temperature of the surrounding region).

58.Depsang plains (noun)

English Meaning - The Depsang plains lie south of DBO (Daulat Beg Oldie post) in a strategic area that the military calls Sub-Sector North (SSN). DBO is the country’s northernmost outpost where India operates an advanced landing ground to support its forward military deployments. The Depsang Plains are large plains that are suitable for driving armoured carriers, artillery and mechanised units, which is unusual at the height of about 17,000 feet above sea level. The Depsang plains are strategically important as it provides a flat surface amid the mountainous terrain which can be used by either of the two countries to launch a military offensive, similar to the Spanggur Gap in the Chushul sub-sector.

59.Demchok (plains) (noun)

English Meaning - a village and military encampment in the Indian-administered Demchok sector that is disputed between India and China. It is administered as part of the Nyoma tehsil in the Leh district of Ladakh by India. and claimed by China as part of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) with Tibet runs on the southeast side of the village along the Charding Nullah and continues along the Indus River.

60.imminent (adjective)

English Meaning - close/near, about to happen, approaching/impending.

61.on edge (phrase)

English Meaning - tense, nervous, edgy, anxious, uneasy, unsettled.

62.Chinese Communist Party (CCP) (noun)

English Meaning - also known as the Communist Party of China (CPC); it is the founding and ruling political party of modern China, officially known as the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

63.congress (noun)

English Meaning - conference, convention, forum, meeting, gathering.

64.fall (noun)

English Meaning - one of the four temperate seasons spring, summer, autumn (or fall), and winter.

65.sweeping (adjective)

English Meaning - comprehensive, all-inclusive, all-embracing, far-reaching.

66.bilateral (adjective)

English Meaning - involving two groups or countries.

67.aspiration (noun)

English Meaning - ambition, hope, goal.

68.contrast (verb)

English Meaning - differ from, be at variance with, be contrary to, conflict with, go against.

69.unwillingness (noun)

English Meaning - hesitation, disinclination, reluctance.

70.status quo (noun)

English Meaning - the present situation, the current state, the existing state of affairs.

71.apparent (adjective)

English Meaning - evident, obvious, clear, visible, discernible, perceivable, noticeable, recognizable.

72.the new normal (phrase)

English Meaning - an earlier unusual situation that becomes a standard now.

73.stalemate (noun)

English Meaning - deadlock, impasse, standstill/stand-off.

74.endure (verb)

English Meaning - continue, sustain, last, persist, remain, stay, go on.

The uprising: on ongoing protests in Sri Lanka

A formal process should bring in (लाना, आरंभ करना) change in Sri Lanka, and not a public uprising (विद्रोह, बगावत)

Public wrath (क्रोध, नाराज़गी) is paving the way for (के लिए मार्ग प्रशस्त करना) momentous (महत्वपूर्ण, सब से अहम) changes in Sri Lanka. The ongoing (चलता हुआ, जारी) protests against the precipitous fall (गिरना, कमी) in the island nation’s economic fortunes (भाग्य, किस्मत) have reached a crescendo (चरम सीमा, शिखर). President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose secretariat was overrun (invade, storm, march into, occupy, swamp, overwhelm, run riot over) by thousands of people and his official residence occupied by boisterous (active, vibrant, energetic, noisy, overexcited, high-spirited, disorderly, unrestrained, undisciplined, uproarious) protesters, and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose private residence was set ablaze (cause to burn, ignite, set on fire), have both expressed readiness (तत्परता, इच्छा) to resign. Mr. Rajapaksa, the main target of the people’s unbridled (निरंकुश, अनियंत्रित) anger, has conveyed (express, articulate, communicate, voice) his willingness (इच्छा, तत्परता, तैयारी) to resign on July 13, while Mr. Wickremesinghe is awaiting (इंतजार करना, प्रतीक्षा करना) an alternative all-party government to be ready to take over (कब्ज़ा कर लेना, कार्यभार संभालना) before he steps down (त्यागपत्र देना, इस्तीफा देना). It is now fairly (actually, really, practically) clear that the people have not been pacified (appease, calm down, soothe, assuage, conciliate) by the formation of a new regime (government; system) under Mr. Wickremesinghe. The boiling over of public anger on July 9 indicates their utter (complete, total, entire) dissatisfaction (discontent, disappointment, unhappiness, disgruntlement, frustration, vexation, annoyance, irritation, anger, resentment, displeasure, disapproval) with his government’s efforts to address (tackle, deal with, attend to, try to sort out) their day-to-day (regular, routine, everyday, daily) problems. There were questions about Mr. Wickremesinghe’s political legitimacy (justification, validity, soundness) to hold (occupy, have, be in (a position)) the office, given (considering, taking into account, bearing in mind) that he belongs to (be associated with, be connected to, be linked to) a party with no elected representative (parliamentarian, legislator, lawmaker; Member of Parliament) in the legislature (law-making body or governing body; parliament, congress, assembly) and he himself being a nominee based on its vote percentage. However, despite the arrival of some overseas aid (funding, contributions, financial help/assistance) and commencement of a process for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) (an international organization of 189 countries, headquartered in Washington, D.C., working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world) bailout, there has been no significant relief for the people, especially the poor and the vulnerable (a weak/neglected person who is in need of special care/support).

The next few days are crucial for the country, as it will show whether the political class can rise above (go beyond, transcend, cut across; , overstep, surpass, outdo) its differences (disagreement, difference of opinion, misunderstanding, dispute, argument, quarrel) and put in place an alternative regime that can steer (guide, direct, lead, usher, take) the country towards economic recovery. Under the country’s Constitution, the Prime Minister and then the Speaker of Parliament are in line (in agreement, in accord, in accordance, in conformity, in compliance) to act as President if the highest office falls (become, come to be, get to be) vacant. The way out (a method of dealing with a problem; solution) seems to be that the current Speaker, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, takes over as President so that, within 30 days, Parliament can elect a new President by a secret ballot (a ballot in which vote is cast by a voter secretly). However, these moves (step, action, act, measure) will be contingent on (dependent, conditional) the resignations actually materialising (happen, occur, take place). Any delay in creating conditions for the emergence of an alternative may not go down (be remembered) well with the public, and may lead to (result in, cause, bring about, call forth, give rise to, create, produce) more unsavoury (disreputable, unpleasant, disagreeable, nasty, rough, unwholesome, objectionable, offensive, obnoxious) incidents. The occupants of the two main offices will have to make their decisions early so that the country’s transition (change, transformation) to a stable regime can be easy. It is possible to argue that mere regime change may redound (contribute to, result in, lead to, effect, have an effect on, affect) to nobody’s benefit, will achieve nothing more than mollifying (calm down, pacify, appease/mitigate) the masses for now, and will not ease (decrease, lessen, diminish, reduce, lower) the economic travails (ordeal, labour/struggle/hard work; painful effort) of the people. However, it is always better that a formal process is set in motion to effectuate (achieve, accomplish, carry out, realize, attain, complete, perform) change than it being left to the exigencies ((urgent) need, demand, urgency, emergency, extremity, crisis, difficulty, pressure) of a public uprising. It will also impart some much-needed political legitimacy to whoever will emerge as President and Prime Minister and steer the country through troubled times. The country cannot afford a fresh election now; nor can it be without a leadership.

Courtesy: The Hindu

Important Word List With Meaning

1.uprising (noun)

Hindi Meaning - विद्रोह, बगावत

English Meaning - revolt, insurgency, revolution, rebellion.

2.ongoing (adjective)

Hindi Meaning - चलता हुआ, जारी

English Meaning - continuing, happening, occurring, current.

3.bring in (phrasal verb)

Hindi Meaning - लाना, आरंभ करना

English Meaning - initiate, put in place, institute, usher in.

4.wrath (noun)

Hindi Meaning - क्रोध, नाराज़गी

English Meaning - anger, wrath, indignation, rage, disapproval, resentment.

5.pave the way for (phrase)

Hindi Meaning - के लिए मार्ग प्रशस्त करना

English Meaning - prepare the way for, clear the way for, make preparations for, lay the foundations for.

6.momentous (adjective)

Hindi Meaning - महत्वपूर्ण, सब से अहम

English Meaning - significant, important, big, serious, crucial/critical.

7.fall (noun)

Hindi Meaning - गिरना, कमी

English Meaning - decline, drop, decrease, reduction, plunge, slump, deterioration.

8.fortunes (noun)

Hindi Meaning - भाग्य, किस्मत

English Meaning - circumstances, state of affairs, condition, financial position, financial situation, financial status.

9.crescendo (noun)

Hindi Meaning - चरम सीमा, शिखर

English Meaning - peak, pinnacle, height, highest point, top.

10.readiness (noun)

Hindi Meaning - तत्परता, इच्छा

English Meaning - preparedness, willingness, inclination.

11.unbridled (adjective)

Hindi Meaning - निरंकुश, अनियंत्रित

English Meaning - unrestrained, unconstrained, uncontrolled.

12.willingness (noun)

Hindi Meaning - इच्छा, तत्परता, तैयारी

English Meaning - readiness, preparedness, disposition, inclination, wish/desire.

13.await (verb)

Hindi Meaning - इंतजार करना, प्रतीक्षा करना

English Meaning - wait for, expect, look for.

14.take over (phrasal verb)

Hindi Meaning - कब्ज़ा कर लेना, कार्यभार संभालना

English Meaning - take control of, take charge of, assume responsibility for.

15.step down (phrasal verb)

Hindi Meaning - त्यागपत्र देना, इस्तीफा देना

English Meaning - resign, leave, quit, stand down.

16.precipitous (adjective)

English Meaning - sudden, unexpected, swift, abrupt.

17.overrun (verb)

English Meaning - invade, storm, march into, occupy, swamp, overwhelm, run riot over.

18.boisterous (adjective)

English Meaning - active, vibrant, energetic, noisy, overexcited, high-spirited, disorderly, unrestrained, undisciplined, uproarious.

19.set ablaze (phrase)

English Meaning - cause to burn, ignite, set on fire.

20.convey (verb)

English Meaning - express, articulate, communicate, voice.

21.fairly (adverb)

English Meaning - actually, really, practically.

22.pacify (verb)

English Meaning - appease, calm down, soothe, assuage, conciliate.

23.regime (noun)

English Meaning - government; system.

24.boil over (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - (of a situation/emotion) to reach an uncontrolled state/condition.

25.utter (adjective)

English Meaning - complete, total, entire.

26.dissatisfaction (noun)

English Meaning - discontent, disappointment, unhappiness, disgruntlement, frustration, vexation, annoyance, irritation, anger, resentment, displeasure, disapproval.

27.address (verb)

English Meaning - tackle, deal with, attend to, try to sort out.

28.day-to-day (adjective)

English Meaning - regular, routine, everyday, daily.

29.legitimacy (noun)

English Meaning - justification, validity, soundness.

30.hold (verb)

English Meaning - occupy, have, be in (a position).

31.given (preposition)

English Meaning - considering, taking into account, bearing in mind.

32.belong to (verb)

English Meaning - be associated with, be connected to, be linked to.

33.representative (noun)

English Meaning - parliamentarian, legislator, lawmaker; Member of Parliament.

34.legislature (noun)

English Meaning - law-making body or governing body; parliament, congress, assembly.

35.aid (noun)

English Meaning - funding, contributions, financial help/assistance.

36.commencement (noun)

English Meaning - beginning, start, launch, initiation.

37.International Monetary Fund (IMF) (noun)

English Meaning - an international organization of 189 countries, headquartered in Washington, D.C., working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.

38.bailout (noun)

English Meaning - an act of providing financial help/support by the outside investors to a bank/institution/organisation which faces serious financial difficulty.

39.bail-in (noun)

English Meaning - a way of helping a bank or other institution in financial difficulty, in which people/creditors of the bank to bear some of the burden by cancelling a part of the debt they are owed .

40.vulnerable (adjective)

English Meaning - relating to a weak/neglected person who is in need of special care/support.

41.the vulnerable (noun)

English Meaning - a weak/neglected person who is in need of special care/support.

42.rise above (phrase)

English Meaning - go beyond, transcend, cut across; , overstep, surpass, outdo.

43.difference (noun)

English Meaning - disagreement, difference of opinion, misunderstanding, dispute, argument, quarrel.

44.put something in place (phrase)

English Meaning - establish, set up, start, begin, initiate, institute, form, organize, create.

45.steer (verb)

English Meaning - guide, direct, lead, usher, take.

46.in line (phrase)

English Meaning - in agreement, in accord, in accordance, in conformity, in compliance.

47.fall (verb)

English Meaning - become, come to be, get to be.

48.the way out (noun)

English Meaning - a method of dealing with a problem; solution.

49.secret ballot (noun)

English Meaning - a ballot in which vote is cast by a voter secretly.

50.ballot (noun)

English Meaning - the piece of paper used to record a vote.

51.ballot (noun)

English Meaning - vote, poll.

52.open ballot (noun)

English Meaning - it is a voting method in which voters vote openly indicating the candidate of their choice. This is as opposed to a secret ballot, where a voter’s choices are confidential.

53.move (noun)

English Meaning - step, action, act, measure.

54.contingent on (adjective)

English Meaning - dependent, conditional.

55.materialise (verb)

English Meaning - happen, occur, take place.

56.go down (phrasal verb)

English Meaning - be remembered.

57.go down well (phrase)

English Meaning - to be well-received.

58.lead to (verb)

English Meaning - result in, cause, bring about, call forth, give rise to, create, produce.

59.unsavoury (adjective)

English Meaning - disreputable, unpleasant, disagreeable, nasty, rough, unwholesome, objectionable, offensive, obnoxious.

60.transition (noun)

English Meaning - change, transformation.

61.redound (verb)

English Meaning - contribute to, result in, lead to, effect, have an effect on, affect.

62.mollify (verb)

English Meaning - calm down, pacify, appease/mitigate.

63.ease (verb)

English Meaning - decrease, lessen, diminish, reduce, lower.

64.travails (noun)

English Meaning - ordeal, labour/struggle/hard work; painful effort.

65.set something in motion (phrase)

English Meaning - start, begin, activate, institute, initiate, launch, get under way.

66.effectuate (verb)

English Meaning - achieve, accomplish, carry out, realize, attain, complete, perform.

67.exigency (noun)

English Meaning - (urgent) need, demand, urgency, emergency, extremity, crisis, difficulty, pressure.

68.cannot afford/can ill afford (phrase)

English Meaning - if you cannot afford to do something, you must prevent it from happening because it would be embarrassing and cause problems (if it happens).

Fair play: On bridging the gender pay gap in sports

Courtesy: The Hindu

Equal pay in sports will bring in more women as players and fans

♦️New Zealand Cricket striking a deal to remunerate (भुगतान किया है) its women cricketers the same as their male counterparts (समकक्ष) is a major landmark (सीमाचिह्न, निशान, भूमि-चिह्न, विभेदक चिह्न) in the fight to close the gender pay gap in sports. From August, New Zealand’s men and women players will be entitled to the same match fees, both at the international and domestic levels. This comes four months after the United States’ women’s national footballers won the six-year-long battle with their federation (महासंघ) to secure equal compensation (क्षतिपूर्ति). The agreements (समझौता, शर्त, सुलह) are expected to be game changers, encouraging more girls to take up the sports. As New Zealand captain Sophie Devine said, “It’s great to be recognised in the same agreement, alongside the men. It’s a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls.” But victories in equal pay struggles have not come easy. Tennis moved first because of the untiring efforts of Billie Jean King, who pressured US Open to shell out the same for men and women back in 1973. That it took another 34 years for the other three Grand Slam tournaments to come around, with Wimbledon the last in 2007, shows the road is still uphill (ऊपर की ओर). Football, basketball and golf remain holdouts. Seen in this context (The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed), the decisions in New Zealand and the U.S. appear seismic.

♦️Barriers to bridging (फर्श, छत या रास्ते के बीच उन्हें रखने के लिए एक ब्रेस या व्यवस्था) the pay gap have come from various quarters. In tennis, the sporting argument (बहस) that men play best-of-five-set matches at the Majors while the women best-of-three is often made. In cricket, any move to narrow the monetary gap between men and women, especially in India, is dithered (घबराहट) over by citing lower market ratings for the ladies’ game. But it would be prudent (विवेकी) to focus on the factors that are holding women back — unequal opportunities, curtailed playing time and lack of investment. Historically, men taking to sport and following sport have been organic exercises, largely because of social conditioning. Women, on the other hand, have been forced to internalise that sporting participation and fandom (प्रशंसक) are not for them. The need of the hour is to eliminate such barriers (रुकावट) and improve access. The prime example in India is the success of Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu, who benefited from a reasonably well-structured system, found success and rose to become highly paid stars in their own right. It will also help if the terms of the debate are widened. Reducing the pay gap is also about being fair and respectful, and recognising the effort and excellence women bring to sport. It is time the vicious cycle of fewer women accessing sports, fewer women becoming professionals and hence fewer women having commercial opportunities is broken and the glacial (बहुत ठंडा) pace of the journey towards pay parity hastened (जल्दी करना).

Courtesy: The Hindu

Important Word List With Meaning

1.Bridging (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - फर्श, छत या रास्ते के बीच उन्हें रखने के लिए एक ब्रेस या व्यवस्था।

English Meaning - A brace or an arrangement fixed between floors, roofs or pathway to keep them in place.

2.Remunerate (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - भुगतान किया है

English Meaning - To pay an equivalent for a service, loss, or expense.

3.Counterpart (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - समकक्ष

English Meaning - A person resembling another person in function.

4.Landmark (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - सीमाचिह्न, निशान, भूमि-चिह्न, विभेदक चिह्न

English Meaning - An object such as a stone that marks the boundary of the land.

5.Compensation (Noun) 

Hindi Meaning - क्षतिपूर्ति

English Meaning - An act of rewarding someone or making up for someone’s loss or damage.

6.Federation (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - महासंघ

English Meaning - The political entity formed by uniting smaller entities.

7.Agreement (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - समझौता, शर्त, सुलह

English Meaning - The act of agreeing to a mutual decision.

8.Uphill (Adverb)

Hindi Meaning - ऊपर की ओर

English Meaning - Upward on a hill.

9.Fandom (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - प्रशंसक

English Meaning - The state or condition of being a fan of someone or something.

10.Hasten (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - जल्दी करना

English Meaning - Be quick to do something.

11.Glacial (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - बहुत ठंडा

English Meaning - Relating to, resulting from, or denoting the presence or agency of ice, especially in the form of glaciers.

12.Prudent (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - विवेकी

English Meaning - Sensible in action and thought

13.Dither (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - घबराहट

English Meaning - Indecisive behavior

14.Argument (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - बहस

English Meaning - An exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one.

15.Barrier (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - रुकावट

English Meaning - Obstruction

16.Context (Noun)

English Meaning - The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.

 Weekly Current Affairs - 1st-7th July 2022 Part 2

Banking & Financial Awareness

1. Which bank has approved two complementary loans of $500 million each to enhance and support India’s health sector _______ World Bank.

Note:

➢ This $1 Billion financing will support India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

➢ This scheme was launched in October 2021.

2. What is the name of a learning app, that has been launched by the ICICI Securities_______ICICIdirect iLearn.

Note:

➢ An aim to provide customers with easy access to learning financial products and market topics.

➢ This will help customers with this app to better assist them in their investment journey.

3. Which insurance company Ltd has launched a smart solution, ‘Insta confirmation of insurance (Insta-COI)’+ ________ Max Life.

Note:

➢ Aim: To customers buying the ‘Max Life Smart Fixed-return Digital Plan’.

➢ This is a non-linked, non-participating, individual life insurance savings plan on Max Life website or Policybazaar platform.

4. By how much percent the growth of bank deposit has been recorded in March 2022 as compared with 11.9% in 2021, as per the Reserve Bank of India data _____ 10%.

Note:

➢ Current, savings and term deposits have been increased by 10.9%, 13.3% and 7.9%, respectively, during 2021-22.

➢ The share of current account and savings account (CASA) deposits has been increasing over the years and stood at 44.8% in March 2022 as compared with 41.7% three years ago.

5. Which bank has joined hands with EazyDiner to launch of Dining Delights for the bank customers _______ Axis Bank.

Note:

➢ It offers choice of over 10,000 premium restaurants across India and Dubai.

➢ 40% discount on specific credit cards at hand-picked premium restaurants in India and Dubai

6. Which platform will be used by ‘Aditya Birla SBI Card' credit card _______ Visa.

Note:

➢ SBI Card has entered into a partnership with Aditya Birla Finance Ltd to launch credit card named Aditya Birla SBI Card..

➢ This is a rewards-centric credit card, launched in two variants - ‘Aditya Birla SBI Card SELECT’ and ‘Aditya Birla SBI Card’.

7. According to the CRISIL, what would be the real GDP growth for India in FY23 _______ 7.3%.

Note:

➢ The downward revision to higher oil prices, slowing of export demand and high inflation.

➢ The RBI has also estimated 7.2% real GDP growth for this fiscal year.

8. Which General Insurance has joined hands with Avanse Financial Services to provide travel insurance to Indian students _______ Edelweiss General Insurance.

Note:

➢ It offers complete coverage against medical, stay, travel inconvenience-related covers, emergencies and losses.

➢ The students can also customize their plan per their needs and requirements from universities.

9. What amount of GST has been collected by the government in June 2022 _________Rs 1,44,616 crore.

Note:

➢ The mop-up in June 2021 had stood at Rs 92,800 crore.

➢ This is the second-highest collection ever, after the April 2022 mop-up of Rs 1,67,540 crore.

10. In which two cases Non-bank payment system operators (PSOs) shall require approval from the RBI ______ Takeover or acquisition of control and Sale or transfer of payment activity.

Note:

➢ The RBI shall respond within 45 calendar days after receipt of complete details.

➢ The authorised non-bank PSO should inform DPSS, CO, RBI within 15 calendar days.

11. The RBI has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1.05 crores on which bank for deficiencies in regulatory compliance _______ Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Note:

➢ RBI imposed Rs 1 crore penalty on IndusInd Bank.

➢ Kotak Mahindra Bank has failed to maintain margin on advances to stock brokers, credit the amount involved in the unauthorised electronic transactions to the customers’ account.

12. Which gramin bank has signed a bancassurance pact with SBI Life Insurance to offer wide product range of SBI Life _______ Paschim Banga Gramin Bank.

Note:

➢ Products include: Wealth creation, credit life, annuity and savings products.

13. Which NBFC has received an approval from the RBI to open 150 new branches across the nation ______Muthoot Finance.

Note:

➢ This approval will help the company to expand its customer base.

➢ Muthoot Finance had also expanded its doorstep service of gold loan@home across South India with an aim to make credit more accessible and easy to avail.

14. Which General Insurance company has launched a comprehensive motor insurance product named SWITCH ______ Edelweiss.

Note:

➢ This product was launched under Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority's (IRDAI) Sandbox initiative.

➢ SWITCH is a digital mobile telematics-based motor policy.

15. The Central government has decided to set up which single entity for appointments of Wholetime Directors and NonExecutive Directors in public sector banks (PSBs), public sector insurers (PSIs) and financial institutions (FIs) _________ Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB).

Note:

➢ This new entity will be headed by former Chairman of Banks Board Bureau, Bhanu Pratap Sharma for two years.

➢ The Cabinet committee, headed by the Prime Minister has approved the establishment of FSIB.

16. Which general insurance company has launched the Cyber VaultEdge insurance plan for individuals _______ SBI General Insurance.

Note:

➢ This comprehensive cyber insurance cover provides protection against financial losses arising from cyber risks and attacks.

➢ This covers unauthorised e-transactions, loss of wages resulting from identity theft and instances impacting online reputation.

17. Which bank has signed an agreement with Forest and Wildlife Department of Kerala to enable digital collection of payments at eco-tourism centres, Vanasree shops, mobile Vanasree units and eco-shops across the State ______ South Indian Bank.

Note:

➢ With the help of this partnership, the digital collection system of South Indian Bank will now be available at all 124 tourist spots that comes under the Forest Department.

18. IRDAI has permitted the general insurance provider to introduce technology-enabled add-ons to which type of general insurance ________ motor insurance.

Note:

➢ Add-ons are: Pay-as-you-drive, pay-how-you-drive and floater policy for vehicles belonging to the same individual owner for two wheelers and private cars.

➢ Objective: It will make motor insurance more affordable, especially for customers who primarily opt for only third-party (TP) insurance and overlook the benefits of OD covers.

Obituaries

1. Peter Brook, who passed away, was an eminent personality in which field _______ Theatre and cinema director.

Note:

➢ He was born in London and transferred from Britain to Paris in 1970.

➢ He was received the Tony Award for Best Direction in 1966 for his interpretation of Peter Weiss’ “Marat/Sade,” and in 1970 for the production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

2. Tarun Majumdar, who passed away, he was a veteran _______Filmmaker.

Note:

➢ He has won National Award four-times and received Padma Shri.

➢ His first directed film was Chawa Pawa (1959), starring Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen.

3. Gopinathan Nair passed away, was a famous ________ Freedom fighter.

Note:

➢ He had participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942 and imbibed the Gandhian principles of peace and nonviolence in everyday life.

➢ He was served as chairman of the Kerala Mahatma Gandhi National Memorial Trust, which is managed by the Union Government.

Important Days

1. The Chartered Accountants’ Day or CA Day is observed on which date annually in India _____ 1st July.

Note:

➢ It is also known as ICAI Foundation Day.

➢ The day is marked to commemorate the foundation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on July 1, 1949.

2. National Doctors’ Day has observed annually on which dare in India by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) _______ 1st July.

Note:

➢ Theme 2022: “Family Doctors on the Front Line."

➢ First time, this day celebrated in 1991 on July 1 to honour Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, whose birth and death anniversary, both fall on July 1.

3. The first Saturday of July has been observed as which day _______ International Day of Cooperatives.

Note:

➢ This year, the International Day of Cooperatives is being observed on July 2.

➢ Theme 2022: Cooperatives Build a Better World.

4. The World UFO Day (WUD) is observed on which date annually _________ 2nd July.

Note:

➢ It is a day dedicated to the undoubted existence of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) by World UFO Day Organization (WUFODO).

➢ To raise awareness about the existence of UFOs.

5. World Sports Journalists Day is observed on which date every year ________ 2nd July.

Note:

➢ To celebrate the services of sports journalists for the promotion of sports.

➢ The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) established the World Sports Journalist Day in 1994.

6. On which date International Plastic Bag Free Day annually ______ 3rd July.

Note:

➢ To raise the awareness about the issue of plastic pollution on the planet.

➢ This day was first observed on July 3, 2008, by a member of Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) Rezero in Catalonia.

7. World Zoonoses Day is marked annually on which date to commemorate the first vaccination administered against a zoonotic disease ________ 6th July.

Note:

➢ To educate and raise awareness about zoonotic diseases that can transmit from animals to humans.

➢ It commemorates French biologist Louis Pasteur, who administered the first dose of the first vaccine against rabies.

8. World Kiswahili Language Day is observed on which date annually________ 7th July.

Note:

➢ Kiswahili is one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa and the most widely spoken in sub-Saharan Africa.

➢ This is also the only African language that is an official language of the African Union.

New Appointments

1. Who has become the 20th Chief Minister of Maharashtra _______ Eknath Shinde.

Note:

➢ BJP leader, Devendra Fadnavis was sworn-in as Deputy Chief Minister of the state.

➢ Devendra Fadnavis had served as the CM of Maharashtra from 2014-19.

2. Who has been officially became the 14th prime minister of Israel, after replacing Naftali Bennett ______ Yair Lapid.

Note:

➢ His term could be a fairly short one, as he takes over a caretaker government ahead of national elections on November 1.

➢ He is a former journalist who serving as PM of Israel since July 1, 2022.

3. Who has been appointed as a brand ambassador of PokerBaazi ________ Shahid Kapoor.

Note:

➢ To create a robust ecosystem for Poker in India.

➢ According to research firm Statista, the online gaming industry across India was valued at around ₹79 billion in 2021, marking a leap from about ₹65 billion in 2020.

4. Who has been appointed as President of world's anti-terrorism financing agency, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for two years (July 2022 -June 2024) _______ T Raja Kumar.

Note:

➢ He succeeded Dr Marcus Pleyer, who served as the chief of the FATF.

➢ He will be responsible for enhancing the effectiveness of global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures.

5. Who was elected as the 16th Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly after defeating Rajan Salvi (Shiv Sena candidate) _______ Rahul Narwekar.

Note:

➢ The post of the Maharashtra Speaker was vacant after Nana Patole (Congress) resigned from the office in February 2021.

6. Who has been appointed as the new chief executive officer and managing director of Aviva India, with effect from July 11, 2022 ______ Asit Rath.

Note:

➢ He will replace Amit Malik, who is leaving the business after 10 years.

➢ Currently, He is working as the CEO of Prudential Myanmar Life Insurance.

7. Who has been appointed as the new brand ambassador for FanCode ________ Ravi Shastri

Note:

➢ FanCode is set to host some of the best cricketing action with exclusive rights to India’s tour of the West Indies and ECB’s The Hundred.

➢ Shastri will bring out FanCode’s ‘fan-first’ proposition by leading the upcoming campaigns for these properties.

8. Who has been appointed as the president of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) _______ Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University, Suranjan Das.

Note:

➢ His one year tenure has come into effect from July 1.

➢ Earlier, he was a Professor of History at the University of Calcutta and served the Vice Chancellor at University of Calcutta for the period between 2008 and 2015.

9. Who has been reappointed as MD & CEO of Manappuram Finance with effect from 27 July 2022 upto 31 March 2024 ________ VP Nandakumar.

Note:

➢ He is post graduate in science with additional qualifications in Banking & Foreign Trade.

➢ He started his banking career with Nedungadi Bank. In 1992, he promoted Manappuram Finance and has been a director of the company since then.

10. Who has been assigned the charge of Ministry of Minority Affairs after the resignation of Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi ______ Smriti Irani.

Note:

➢ Jyotiraditya Scindia has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Steel after the resignation of Ram Chandra Prasad Singh.

11. Who has been appointed as Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) _______Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian.

Note:

➢ He succeeds Lt Gen Shailesh Tinaikar (India).

➢ Presently, he is serving as the Commandant of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

Important News – India

1. The government of India has banned the single-use plastic from ________July 1, 2022.

Note:

➢ As per the notification on August 12, 2021, the government has prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of all identified single-use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential with effect from July 1, 2022.

2. Which state has topped the 'Top Achievers' list as per the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP)- 2020, was released by FM Nirmala Sitharaman _______ Andhra Pradesh.

Note:

➢ Top Achievers: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.

➢ Achievers category: Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh

➢ Aspirers category: Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Kerala, Rajasthan and West Bengal.

3. PM Narendra Modi has participated in which programme to launch various key initiatives to ramp up the MSME sector ________ Udyami Bharat.

Note:

➢ Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance: Aims to scale up the implementation capacity and coverage of MSMEs

➢ Capacity Building of First-Time MSME Exporters: To encourage MSMEs to offer goods and services of international standards for the global market.

➢ Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme

4. Which state-owned organisation has planted 75 sapling under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to create Namami Gange Amrit Vatika at Kalindi Kunj Ghat on River Yamuna in New Delhi ________ National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

Note:

➢ This activity was carried out under the initiative Yamuna Ghat par Vriksharopan.

➢ NMCG has also conducted the Cleanliness drive on River Yamuna in Delhi is a regular activity organized on the 4th Saturday of every month.

5. PM Narendra Modi has virtually inaugurated Bosch India's first smart campus in which city, was built at a cost of Rs 800 crore ________ Bengaluru.

Note:

➢ The 76-acre, Spark.NXT campus facilitates multiple smart solutions based on security, sustainability, and user experience for associates, visitors, and facility management.

➢ At present, Bosch has 16 manufacturing sites and seven development and application centres in India.

6. What is the theme of Digital India Week 2022, that was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi at Gandhinagar in Gujarat on July 4, 2022 ________Catalyzing New India’s Techade.

Note:

➢ He will also launch ‘Digital India GENESIS’ - a National Deep-tech Startup Platform, to discover, support, grow and make successful startups in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India.

7. Which train holds the title of the longest train route in the country (both in terms of distance and time), runs from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu _______ Vivek Express.

Note:

➢ The train covers total of nine states: Assam, Nagaland, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

➢ The announcement of the Vivek Express was made in presentation of the railway budget for 2011-12 by Mamata Banerjee (then Railway Minister of India).

8. India’s largest floating solar plant is now fully operational in which state ________Ramagundam, Peddapalli district of Telangana.

Note:

➢ Capacity : 100MW

➢ This floating solar power photovoltaic project was commissioned by the NTPC.

➢ As of July 1, the total commercial operation of floating solar capacity in the southern region has risen to 217 MW.

9. Which organisation has develop a National Health Claims Exchange as a digital platform to settle health claims in association with IRDAI _______ National Health Authority (NHA).

Note:

➢ Debasish Panda (Chairman of IRDAI) has proposed for creation of a working group with representation from industry.

➢ This group will decide how to make the largest segment of general insurance in India attract more people to buy health insurance.

10. Which state has been selected as the 'Best Performer State' for the third time in the States' Startup Ranking 2021 _______ Gujarat.

Note:

➢ The ranking has categorized the states under two categories - category A and category B - based on their size.

➢ Top performers:

➢ A category: Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana

➢ B category: J&K

➢ Startup leaders:

➢ Category A: Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Assam

➢ Category B: Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

11. Which state has come before Uttar Pradesh as the top state in the State Ranking Index for National Food Security Act (NFSA) ________ Odisha.

Note:

➢ The first edition of State Ranking Index for NFSA has been released by Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal.

➢ Special Category: Tripura, followed by Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

➢ Last: Ladakh (34), Meghalaya (33), Manipur(32)

12. Who has launched the TiHAN, a Testbed for Autonomous Navigation for both ground and aerial vehicle testing at IIT Hyderabad _______ MoS, Jitendra Singh.

Note:

➢ Aim: to promote collaborative research between academia, industry and R&D labs.

➢ TiHAN refers to Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation.

13. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved which organisation to acquire minority and non-controlling stake of 1.28% of equity capital of Bharti Airtel Limited _______ Google International LLC.

Note:

➢ Along with this investment agreement, both companies have also entered into certain commercial deals through their affiliates.

➢ Google International LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Google LLC, latter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.

14. Which energy company has collaborated with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and SelfEmployed Women’s Association of India (SEWA) to launch ‘Project Surya’ _______ ReNew Power.

Note:

➢ Aim: To train low-income women salt pan workers to work as solar technicians.

➢ Women salt pan workers will be trained as solar panel and solar pump technicians at Dhokavada village in the Patan district of Gujarat.

15. Greenko has signed MoU with which IIT to launch nation's first dedicated school for sustainable science and technology _______ IIT Hyderabad.

Note:

➢ Aims: Fill the gap in research, education and skills in the sustainable development space.

➢ The school will also promote studies in climate change mitigation; artificial intelligence and space technology; energy transition and industrial transformation.

16. India has signed MoU with which country on High Impact Community Development Projects, with financial and technical assistance from India _______ Armenia.

Note:

➢ The MoU was signed at the 8th India-Armenia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological, Cultural and Educational Cooperation (IGC) held in Yerevan.

➢ Later, Mahatma Gandhi Auditorium was inaugurated at the Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU).

17. The centrally sponsored scheme, Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) was launched in which year ________29th June 2020.

Note:

➢ By the Ministry of Food Processing Industries under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

➢ Aim: formalising the food processing sector and celebrating their tremendous support towards the economy.

18. Which ministry organize “Hariyali Mahotsav” on 8th July, 2022 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi ______Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

Note:

➢ Aim: To create awareness about the importance of trees in the life.

➢ This is being organized by Ministry of Environment in association with the State Governments, Police Institutions and Schools of Delhi for undertaking plantation drives..

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➢Weekly Current Affairs - 1st-7th July 2022 Part 1

Important News – State

1. Which state Chief Minister has launched the ‘Naari Ko Naman’ scheme to provide 50 % concession on fares in state buses to women commuters within the state boundaries _________Jai Ram Thakur (CM of Himachal Pradesh).

Note:

➢ He has also announced a reduction in the minimum bus fare from Rs 7 to Rs 5 to all passengers across the state.

2. NTPC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with which state government for the development of 10 GW Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park _________ Rajasthan.

Note:

➢ The MoU was signed in the presence of Rajasthan Energy Minister Bhanwar Singh Bhati.

➢ In addition to this, the NTPC REL is developing one UMREPP of 4.75 GW capacity in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.

3. Tata Power has signed an MoU with which state government to invest Rs 3,000 crore for setting up a greenfield 4GW solar cell and 4 GW solar module manufacturing _______ Tamil Nadu.

Note:

➢ The plant will be set up in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.

➢ Tata Power has also built a manufacturing unit in Bangalore, which has a production capacity of 635 megawatts of modules and 500 megawatts of cells.

4. Which electricity company has developed 'EV Mitra' mobile app with an aim to provide information about EV charging stations ________ BESCOM, Bengaluru.

Note:

➢ Earlier, the BESCOM had introduced the EV Jagruthi Web portal, in a joint initiative of NITI Ayog and the United Kingdom.

➢ This web portal gives state specific information on the availability of electric vehicles, incentives, support mechanisms and initiatives of the state government regarding electric mobility.

5. Which state government is planning to introduce in the Assembly the Right to Health Bill, the first of its kind in India _______ Rajasthan.

Note:

➢ To provide quality and affordable health care services through government and private health care providers.

➢ Earlier, the government had prepared a draft bill that defines the rights of patients, attendants and health care providers.

Important News – World

1. Which group has now become an official promoter of Eveready Industries _______ Burman family.

Note:

➢ The investment firms of the Burman family entities had acquired a 14.55% share of Eveready Industries from the open market and now collectively own a majority stake.

➢ Prior to this, the family had acquired a 23.83% stake in Eveready Industries.

➢ Besides Dabur, the Burman family owns other businesses which include Aviva Life Insurance Co, Lite Bite Foods, HealthCare atHOME (HCAH).

2. Which country of Africa has recently announced the discovery of a deposit of 31 million tonnes of gold ore, with extractable pure gold estimated to gross 320,000 tonnes ________ Uganda.

Note:

➢ It will attract big investors to develop the Sector hitherto dominated by small wildcat miners.

➢ To boost the country’s economy, the Ugandan Government has licensed Wagagai Gold Mining Company, a Chinese firm to start producing gold products in the Busia district.

3. Jayshree V Ullal has been named on the eighth edition of Forbes’ list of America’s richest self-made women among Indians. She is a president of _______Arista Networks.

Note:

➢ Other Indian American: Neerja Sethi, Neha Narkhede, Indra Nooyi, Reshma Shetty

➢ Diane Hendricks, co-founder and chairman of ABC Supply has topped the list.

4. Which city has emerged as the best city for students, according to the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023 ________London.

Note:

➢ Focus area of study: Affordable, student facilities, and university standard among other factors.

➢ Top four (2nd to 5th): Seoul, Munich, Zurich and Melbourne

➢ India’s highest-ranked student city is Mumbai at 103 spot, followed by Bengaluru at 114 ranks.

➢ Chennai and Delhi have made their entries to the list this year at 125 and 129, respectively.

Honor & Awards

1. Who has been conferred with CII Quality Ratna Award 2021 for his contribution to building the competitiveness of the Indian industry through quality Initiatives ________ Ashok Soota.

Note:

➢ He is founder and Executive Chairman of Happiest Minds Technologies.

➢ The Annual CII Quality Ratna Award was constituted in the year 2019 for outstanding leadership, contribution, and distinguished service to the Quality Movement in India.

2. Who was awarded the Ayurveda Ratna Award by the UK Parliament ________Director of AIIA, Tanuja Nesari.

Note:

➢ She received the award for her contribution to furthering the growth of Ayurveda in India and abroad.

➢ The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences was formed to promote the knowledge of Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Vastu, Unani and Sangeetam in the United Kingdom and abroad.

3. Who has been crowned as the Femina Miss India World 2022 title at the grand finale of VLCC Femina Miss India ________ Sini Shetty (Karnataka).

Note:

➢ Rubal Shekhawat from Rajasthan has emerged as Femina Miss India 2022 first runner-up and Shinata Chauhan from Uttar Pradesh was named Femina Miss India 2022 second runner-up.

➢ She will represent India at the prestigious 71st Miss World pageant.

4. Which organisation has been honoured with the Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for Healthcare and Life Sciences (global winner) and the 2022 UK Microsoft Partner of the Year Award (country winner) __________ HCL Tech.

Note:

➢ These awards have recognized the Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services, and devices during the past year.

5. Which state owned organisation has been recognized as the “Most Preferred Workplaces of 2022" in the premier edition of “Most Preferred Workplaces 2022" ________NTPC.

Note:

➢ It was organized by the Team Marksmen in association with India Today.

➢ It highlights that how the organizations manage the wellbeing of employee, engagement and productivity alongside organizational performance.

6. Who becomes the second woman to win the Fields Medal for Mathematics after Maryam Mirzakhani (Iranian), who received the prize in 2014 ________Maryna Viazovska (Ukrainian mathematician).

Note:

➢ Other winners: Frenchman Hugo Duminil-Copin, Korean-American June Huh, Britisher James Maynard

➢ The Fields Medal is awarded by the International Mathematical Union (IMU).

7. Who has received the prestigious Shiromani Award from G. P. Hinduja, co-chairman of Hinduja Group at NRI World Summit 2022, United Kingdom for her contribution to the field of Art _______ Michelle Poonawalla.

Note:

➢ She was a speaker at the House of Lords, UK.

➢ Oher winners: Sadhu Bhramvihari, Lord Rami Ranger, Rita Hinduja Chhabria, Dr. Kamel Hothi OBE and Falguni Shane Peacock.

8. Dr. Jitendra Singh, has announced to set up Memorial Award in public administration in the field of academic excellence in the memory of the which President of India _______Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Note:

➢ Dr. Rajendra Prasad has laid the foundation stone of the IIPA building complex in New Delhi.

➢ The 320th meeting of Executive Council of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) was chaired by Dr. Jitendra Singh.

Sports News

1. Which Indian Javelin thrower has clinched silver medal with a massive throw of 89.94 meter, at the prestigious Diamond League meet in Stockholm _____ Neeraj Chopra.

Note:

➢ He broke his own national record (89.30m) for the second time in a month.

➢ Anderson Peters (Grenadian athlete) won gold medal with a best throw of 90.31 meter.

➢ Earlier, he clinched silver at Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku (Finland).

2. Which sports brand has become the principal sponsor with the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) for the upcoming games, Birmingham Commonwealth 2022, Hangzhou Asian Games 2022, and Paris Olympic 2024________Adani Sportsline.

Note:

➢ This is the second time that the Adani Group has collaborated with IOA after the Tokyo Olympics.

3. Eoin Morgan has announced his retirement from international cricket, belongs to which cricket _______ England.

Note:

➢ Under his captaincy, England Men has clinched their first-ever ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy at Lord’s in 2019.

➢ He has also competed for England in the 2010 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, which was held in the Caribbean.

4. Who has won his maiden Formula One British Grand Prix 2022 at Silverstone _______ Carlos Sainz (Ferrari driver).

Note:

➢ He beat Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes.

➢ World champion, Max Verstappen has finished at the seventh spot for Red Bull.

➢ Charles Leclerc has finished at fourth ahead of Fernando Alonso of Alpine and Lando Norris of McLaren.

5. Who has defeated Stuart Broad for 29 runs to create a world record for maximum runs off a single over in Test cricket ________ Jasprit Bumrah (India captain).

Note:

➢ He also breaks the legendary Brian Lara’s feat by one run.

➢ The world record stayed with Lara for 18 years, he had hit South African left-arm spinner, Robin Peterson for 28 runs in a Test match in 2003-04.

6. Who has clinched 2022 Malaysia Open title after defeating Japan's Kento Momota ________Viktor Axelsen (Danish).

Note:

➢ Women's singles: Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand)

➢ Men's doubles: Takuro Hoki (Japan), Yugo Kobayashi (Japan)

➢ Women's doubles: Apriyani Rahayu (Indonesia); Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti (Indonesia)

➢ Mixed doubles: Zheng Siwei (China), Huang Yaqiong (China)

7. Two Indian female boxers, Alfiya Pathan (81 kg) and Gitika have won gold medals at the Elorda Cup held in _________ Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

Note:

➢ Kalaivani Srinivasan and Jamuna Boro have signed off with silver medals.

➢ Alfiya has defeated 2016 world champion, Lazzat Kungeibayeva by a 5-0 margin.

➢ While Gitika has beat Kalaivani in all-Indian women's 48 kg final.

8. Which country has signed a five-year deal to pay women’s players at both international and domestic level receive the same match fees as men across all formats and competitions ______ New Zealand.

Note:

➢ The deal will come into effect from August 1.

➢ As per the deal, professional women’s players will receive equity in matters such as travel, accommodation, and the wider playing and training environment.

Books and Authors

1. Name the author-journalist who has written the memoir Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion’s Life _______Susan Ninan.

Note:

➢ Hachette India has announced the paperback edition of five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand’s widely acclaimed memoir “Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion’s Life”.

➢ It is written by Anand with author-journalist Susan Ninan.

Science and Defence

1. Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh has inaugurated a new manufacturing facilities at the Bhanur Unit of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in which state _______Telangana.

Note:

➢ Includes: Warhead facility at the Bhanur Unit; a Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker facility at Kanchanbagh Unit.

➢ The RF Seeker Facility is an integrated Centre for the production and testing of RF seekers.

2. Which organisation has conducted successfully maiden flight of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator from the Aeronautical Test Range, Karnataka ______ DRDO.

Note:

➢ It is powered by a small turbofan engine.

➢ The unmanned aerial vehicle is designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment.

➢ The aircraft system such as airframe, undercarriage and entire flight control and avionics systems had been developed indigenously.

3. Indian Navy has commissioned Indian Naval Air Squadron in the presence of Vice Admiral, Biswajit Dasgupta at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam _______ Indian Naval Air Squadron 324.

Note:

➢ This is the first Naval Squadron on the Eastern Seaboard operating indigenously designed and built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK III (MR) helicopters.

➢ This has been named as ‘Kestrels’, after a bird species, that has good sensory capabilities, symbolising the role envisaged of the aircraft and the air squadron.

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