Daily Current Affairs and GK | 21 and 22 July 2024

Topic: Personality in News

1. Renowned agriculturalist Padma Shri Kamla Pujari passed away in Cuttack at the age of 74.

• Kamala Pujari was born in Patraput village in Koraput district of Odisha.
• In 2019, The government had presented Kamala Pujari with the prestigious Padma Shri award for her significant contributions to the field of agriculture.
• She received worldwide appreciation for his contribution to organic farming and conservation of indigenous rice varieties.
• Apart from more than 100 varieties of paddy, she also preserved several types of turmeric and cumin.
• Kamala Pujari traveled to many villages barefoot, teaching farmers, especially women, about organic farming and the use of organic fertilizers.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: Agriculture and Allied Sector

2. The 13^th edition of the India Chem with the theme "Advantage Bharat: Indian Chemicals and Petrochemicals Paving the Future" launched.

• On 20 July, it was launched by The Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Minister of state Ms. Anupriya Patel.
• The brochure for the 13th edition of India Chem was also launched by Shri Nadda.
• Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Shri J.P. Nadda appreciated that the event has come a long way and is now set for its 13th edition to be held on October 17–19, 2024, in Mumbai.
• India is the second-largest exporter of chemical dyes, dyeing materials, and agricultural chemicals in the world, contributing about 3% to global chemical sales.
• The department's flagship event, India Chem 2024, is one of the largest comprehensive industry events in the Asia-Pacific region, comprising an international exhibition and conference.
• The aim of the India Chem exhibition is to showcase the potential of the Indian chemical industry and its segments, providing a platform for discussions, ideas, and strategic collaborations among industry representatives.
• Currently, the chemical industry in India is valued at USD 220 billion, and is expected to grow USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1 trillion by 2040.

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: State News/ Telangana

3. Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam scheme launched by the Chief Minister of Telangana.

• A unique program to provide financial assistance launched by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to Civil Services aspirants from Telangana.
• Under this program, candidates who qualify for the Mains exams will receive ₹1 lakh for their preparation.
• The scheme called “Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastham” will be helpful for around 400 candidates from Telangana region who qualify for the main exam every year.
• As a part of its ‘Nirman’ program, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) will provide assistance.
• Eligible candidates for this scheme include people from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Other Backward Class, Women and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category, but their family annual income should not exceed Rs 8 lakh.
• The government will also announce the job calendar in the upcoming state assembly budget session.
• The Chief Minister said that the government will compile the data of vacancies in every department before March every year.
• The notification will be issued by June 2 and the recruitment process will be completed by December 9.
• He said the Congress government provided 30,000 jobs within three months of coming to power.

Topic: Important Days

4. Pi Approximation Day 2024: 22 July

• Every year on July 22, Pi Approximation Day is observed around the globe.
• It is dedicated to the Mathematical Constant Pi.
• This day is celebrated on 22 July because the approximation value of pi (22/7) is equal to 22/7 date.
• Mathematician Leonhard Euler designed the symbol of Pi in 1706.
• Pi Day is also observed every year on 14 March (3.14).
• Pi:
  • This is a mathematical constant. It is represented by a Greek letter π.
  • In 1706, pi use was introduced by William Jones.
  • It is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.
  • Its value is 22/7 or 3.14. A pi is an irrational number and cannot be expressed as a ratio of whole numbers.
  • The value of pi is a never-ending and never-repeating number.