Current Affairs 1 July 2024

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We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 1 July 2024, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2024 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches Advanced Geoportals Bhuvan Panchayat & NDEM Version 5.0Union Minister of State(MoS – Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology(MoST); Ministry of Earth Sciences(MoES) & Department of Space(DOS), launched two advanced Geoportals – ‘Bhuvan Panchayat (Version 4.0)‘ for rural land records and ‘National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Version 5.0)’ for disaster management.

• The Geoportals were developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• These geospatial tools, meant for visualisation and planning, will provide high-resolution satellite imagery at a 1:10,000 scale for different locations across India.

i.The Bhuvan Panchayat Portal will support “Space-based Information Support for Decentralised Planning (SISDP)” and empower citizens at the grassroots level in Panchayats.
ii.NDEM Ver. 5.0 will provide space-based inputs on natural disasters and support disaster risk reduction in India and its neighbouring countries.
About the Department of Space: 
The ‘Department of Space’ is an Indian government department responsible for the Indian space program.
Union Minister(Prime Minister)– Narendra Modi (Constituency- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
Minister of State(MoS)– Dr Jitendra Singh (Constituency- Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir)
>> Read Full News

Government Kept Interest Rate on Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for Q2FY25On 28th June 2024, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA-Budget Division), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India(GoI) has kept the interest rate on small savings scheme unchanged for its 2nd Quarter of 2024-25( Q2FY25) i.e. from 1st July 2024 to 30th September, 2024 from those notified for Q1FY25.
Note:
i.In December 2023, the Government of India (GoI)increased the interest rates of some of the small savings scheme such as: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and 3-year Time Deposit, were increased by 20 basis points (bps) for Q4FY24.
ii.The Public Provident Fund (PPF) rates has remain unchanged for last 3 years. It was last changed in April-June 2020, when it was declined from 7.9% to 7.1%.
Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes for Q2FY25:

About Small Savings Schemes (SSCs):
i.These are savings instruments managed by the GoI to encourage citizens to save regularly.
ii.These SSCs are broadly classified into 3 categories: savings deposits, social security schemes, and monthly income plan.
iii.Interest rates for SSCs are notified on a quarterly basis by the GoI.

• The methodology to determine the interest rates for SSCs was recommended by Shyamala Gopinath Committee in January 2023.
• The committee suggested that interest rates for these schemes should range from 25 to 100 bps above the yields on corresponding government bonds.

iv.Some of these SSCs has some tax benefits such as: NSC, SCSS, SSY and PPF, get tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961.

MoHUA Launches ‘Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao’ Initiative Under SBM-U 2.0The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), through Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0(SBM-U 2.0), introduces the ‘Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao’ (SABB) initiative for clean and healthy cities

• Campaign Period: 1st July to 31st August 2024.
• Preparatory phase: 14th June to 30th June 2024.

About the Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao:
i.The Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao initiative aims to enhance the preparedness of Urban Local Bodies, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and heightened health risks during the months of June to August.
ii.The initiative will be implemented in line with ‘Stop Diarrhoea Campaign’ to prevent water-borne and vector-borne diseases.
iii.The campaign requires action across the following three pillars:  Cleanliness Drives; Citizen-centric Advocacy and Inter-departmental convergence.
Key Points:
i.SABB initiative calls for all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to adopt comprehensive interventions that focus on swachhata, advocacy, and inter-departmental convergence.
ii.It also envisages rapid assessments to identify high-risk areas, adoption of Protect Prevent Treat Strategy (PPTS) and coordination & monitoring.
iii.The initiative aims to collaborate among various Ministries, Departments, and inter-sectoral convergence, to deal with the challenges of cleanliness and disease during the monsoon season.
Key elements of the campaign: Special cleanliness drives, collection and transportation of waste, regular cleaning of all community and public toilets, sanitation and hygiene facilities for children, adequate sampling of water quality, supply of safe drinking water, maintenance of water works and planning for Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and door-to-door mobilisation.
MoHUA Approves Rs. 860.35 Crore For WB To Boost Urban Swachhata Infrastructure
The MoHUA has approved the proposals worth Rs.860.35 Crore for West Bengal (WB) under SBM-U 2.0, to bolster waste management infrastructure across urban areas, with a targeted completion by 2026.

• In the first phase of SBM-U (2014-19) a total fund of Rs. 911.34 Cr was allocated to WB, which has been increased by 1.5 times to Rs.1449.30 Cr in SBM-U 2.0 (2021-26).

Key Points:
i.There are 118 legacy waste dumpsites in West Bengal, of which only 5% of waste has been addressed so far.
ii.The Dhapa landfill in Kolkata (WB), operational since 1987, is undergoing biomining and bioremediation processes mandated by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
iii.To manage around 4,046 tons of municipal solid waste generated daily by West Bengal cities, SBM-U 2.0 proposes about 4800 composting units, 4500 Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and 2216 Secured Landfill Facilities (SLFs).
iv.WB has also received approval for 460 Compressed BioGas(CBG) plants to advance Waste to Energy initiatives and the proposals worth Rs.217 Crore has been approved under SBM-U 2.0 for the remediation of legacy waste dumpsites in over 100 ULBs.
v.MoHUA has released an additional Rs.209 Crore, ensuring seamless funding flow for effective sanitation and waste management in WB.
About Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA):
Union Minister – Manohar Lal Khattar (Constituency – Karnal, Haryana)
Minister of State (MoS) – Tokhan Sahu (Constituency – Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh)

MoHFW, NITI Aayog, MoL&J, MoEFCC & DAHD Jointly Initiates Unified Legal & Policy Framework for One HealthThe Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), NITI Aayog, Ministry of Law and Justice ( MoL&J), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD) joined hands to initiate Unified Legal and Policy Framework for One Health.

• The Centre for One Health, National Centre for Disease Control, and Directorate General of Health Services organised a two-day National Consultation on Legal Environment Assessment for ‘One Health’ initiative held from 27-28th June 2024 at New Delhi, Delhi.
• The consultation is being organised to generate ideas on the legal and policy views on the core domains of One Health, i.e., IHR, Biosafety and Security, Zoonoses, Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), food-borne illness, and Climate Change and Health, among others.

Key Points:
i.The MoHFW is committed to preventing and controlling risks at the human-animal-plant interface using the One Health approach.
ii.Under Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), states are being strengthened in surveillance, prevention and management of zoonotic and other diseases.
iii.India has taken up framing of National Action Plan (NAP), 2.0 for addressing the issues raised due to Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), had conceptualised the One Health Mission, and worked on the broader issues of climate change.
iv.MoL&J assists the stakeholders in making needed amendments or changes in the existing laws and policy frameworks to align with the One Health principle and mandates of India for the protection of the health of all species including animals and the climate.
v.MoEFCC makes necessary provisions under the existing Acts of wildlife and environment to ensure the health of human beings and the conservation and preservation of wild animals.
About One Health:
i.‘One Health’ is a multi-sector and multi-stakeholder initiative, collective and coordinated activity required for its success on the ground level.
ii.It integrates the health of people, animals and the environment, is crucial for solving complex health challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety.
Objectives of the National Consultation for Legal Environment Assessment for One Health Activities:
1) Assess the current legal framework
2) Foster multi-sectoral dialogue
3) Develop actionable recommendations
4) Promote inter-sectoral collaboration
About Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC):
Union Minister – Bhupender Yadav (Lok Sabha Constituency – Alwar, Rajasthan)
Minister of State (MoS) – Kirti Vardhan Singh (Lok Sabha Constituency – Gonda, Uttar Pradesh – UP)
About Ministry of Law and Justice ( MoL&J):
Minister of State (MoS) – Arjun Ram Meghwal (Independent Charge)(Lok Sabha Constituency – Bikaner, Rajasthan)

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Bornean Elephants Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List The Bornean elephant(Elephas maximus borneensis), the smallest Asian elephant subspecies has been assessed as ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, due to threats from human activities.

• The Bornean elephants has been assessed on the IUCN Red List for the 1st time as a distinct subspecies of Asian elephants.
• The assessment confirms that there are approximately 1,000 Bornean elephants left in the wild, with about 400 being breeding adults.

Note: The Red List Assessment was undertaken by the Asian Elephant Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (AsESG), chaired by Professor Adrian Lister, Natural History Museum, in London, United Kingdom (UK)
About Bornean Elephant:
i.First named in 1950, the Bornean elephants are genetically distinct from all other elephant populations.
ii.The elephants are distinguished by their small size, with males growing to some 2.5 meters (m) in height compared to 3 m on the mainland.
iii.Their skulls differ in shape, giving them a wider face compared to other Asian elephants.
iv.They are mainly found in the Malaysian state of Sabah, with a small population in the Indonesian state of Kalimantan.
v.As a distinct subspecies, these elephants are unique to the island of Borneo, the world’s third-largest island and one of the largest islands in Southeast Asia.
Note: Borneo has the distinction of being the only island in the world that is shared by 3 countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Threats to Survival:
i.About 60% of the Bornean elephants’ forest habitat has been lost in the past 40 years, primarily due to logging and the planting of commercial oil palm.
ii.Poaching for ivory; accidental ingestion of agrochemicals, and vehicle collisions pose additional risks.
iii.As the human populations expand in Sabah, elephants increasingly enter human-dominated areas in search of food, leading to crop damage and retribution killings.
About the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):
Director General– Dr Grethel Aguilar
Headquarters– Gland, Switzerland
Established– 5th October 1948

BANKING & FINANCE

World Bank Approves USD 1.5 billion To Support India’s Low-Carbon Energy SectorOn June 29 2024, The World Bank (WB) approved USD 1.5 billion for ‘Second Low-Carbon Energy Programmatic Development Policy Operation’ to help India accelerate the development of low-carbon energy.

• It is the second in a series of two similar-sized operations, which mainly focuses on enhancing market capabilities for green hydrogen, scaling up renewable energy capacity, and stimulating investments in low-carbon energy sectors.

Key Points:
i.It will support reforms aimed at increasing green hydrogen production, including the development of electrolyzers which are essential for hydrogen production.
ii.It also intends to incentivize battery energy storage systems and enhance the integration of renewable energy into India’s electricity grid through amendments to the Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC).
iii.According to the WB, the reforms are expected to result in the generation of at least 450,000 Metric Tonnes (MT) of green hydrogen and 1,500 MegaWatt (MW) of electrolysers per year from FY 25-26.
iv.Additionally, it will help to increase renewable energy capacity and support reductions in emissions by 50 million tonnes per year.
Points to note:
i.These operations are in line with the government’s energy security and with the WB’s Hydrogen for Development (H4D) Partnership.
ii.The financing for the operation includes a USD 1.46 billion loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and a USD 31.5 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA).
Background:
i.On June 29 2023, the WB’s Board of Executive Directors approved USD 1.5 billion for First Low-Carbon Energy Programmatic Development Policy Operation.
ii.It aims to help India promote low-carbon energy by scaling up renewable energy, developing green hydrogen, and stimulating climate finance for low-carbon energy investments.
iii.It helps India reach its committed 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
About World Bank (WB):
President – Ajay Banga
Headquarters – Washington, D.C., United States of America (USA).
Established – 1944
Member states – 189

SEBI Raised Basic Service Demat Account (BSDA) Limit to Rs 10 Lakh to Boost Retail Investor Participation in Stock MarketOn 28th June 2028, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has raised the threshold of Basic Service Demat Account (BSDA) from existing limit of Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. It aims to encourage small investors to participate in the stock market and promote their financial access.

• As per the SEBI circular, the updated regulations will come into effect from 1st September, 2024.
• A BSDA is simple form of a standard demat account. It was introduced for the 1st time by the SEBI in 2012 to reduce the demat charges for investors holding small portfolios and to promote wider financial inclusion.

Key Points:
i.As per new regulations, in order to be eligible for BSDA, an individual is required to have only one demat account where the person is the sole or 1st holder across all depositories and the value of securities in the account should not exceed Rs 10 lakh for both debt and non-debt securities at any time.

• Earlier, an individual was allowed to hold debt securities worth up to Rs 2 lakh and other than debt securities worth up to Rs 2 lakh in a single demat account was eligible for BSDA.

ii.As per SEBI circular, the annual maintenance charges for a BSDA will be nil for portfolio up to Rs 4 lakh and for portfolio up to Rs 10 lakh, the annual charges will be Rs 100.

• But, if portfolio value is more than Rs 10 lakh then BSDA will be automatically converted into a regular demat account.

iii.According to the new regulations, no service charges will be levied on electronic statements for BSDA accounts but, physical statements can be charged at Rs 25 per statement.
iv.The Depository Participants (DPs) will be able to open only BSDA for eligible accounts unless the account holder chooses for a regular demat account through email.

• DPs are required to review and convert existing demat accounts to BSDA within 2 months unless the account holder choose to keep their regular demat account through email. This review will continue at the end of each billing cycle.

SEBI Revised Eligibility Criteria for Entry, Exit of Stocks in derivatives MarketOn 28th June 2024, the board of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has revised the eligibility criteria for entry and exit of stocks in the derivatives segment of exchanges.

• As per new rules, the eligibility criteria for exit will be applicable to only those stocks that have been in the derivative segment for minimum 6 months.
• Whereas, the exit criteria for existing stocks in the derivatives segment will be based on their performance and will be applicable 3 months after the date of issuance of circular.

Note: The last review of the eligibility criteria for stocks in the derivatives segment was conducted in 2018.
Eligibility Criteria for Entry, Exit of Stocks:
As per SEBI’s new norms, the eligibility criteria for the entry or exit of stocks should be based on their performance in the underlying cash market such as:
i.The new norms mandates that stocks should be chosen from the top 500 stocks in terms of average daily market capitalization and Average Daily Traded Value(ADTV) on a rolling basis.
ii.SEBI has increased the stock’s Median Quarter Sigma Order Size (MQSOS) over the last 6 months, on a rolling basis, from minimum Rs 25 lakh to at least Rs 75 lakh.
iii.The stock’s Market Wide Position Limit (MWPL) on a rolling basis should be minimum Rs 15, 00 crore.
iv.The new norms has also increased the minimum amount required for the stock’s Average Daily Delivery Value (ADDV) in the cash market in the previous 6 months on a rolling basis, from Rs 10 crore to Rs 35 crore.
SEBI Introduced Product Success Framework:
The SEBI has also introduced Product Success Framework (PSF) in single stock Futures & Options(F&O) segment. The new framework will become applicable after 6 months from the date of issuance of the circular.

• The new framework, PSF has prescribed certain conditions to evaluate the exit of a stock form derivative segment such as:

i.Minimum 15% of trading members active in all stock derivatives (trading member who has traded during the month) or 200 trading whichever is lower, is required to have participated in trading the stock being reviewed on an average on monthly basis during the review period.
ii.SEBI mandates that the stocks must trade on minimum 75% of trading days during the review period to remain in the derivatives segment. It aims to maintain active trading and liquidity.
iii.The new norms specified that the average daily turnover (futures+ options premium) should be at least Rs 75 crore during the review period.
iv.It also specified that average daily notional open interest (futures+ optional notional) should be minimum Rs 500 crore of that particular stock during the review period.
Note: During the board meeting of the SEBI, it has announced to set up an expert group to look into F&O category.

• The expert group has been tasked to look into 3 main domains: market development, investor protection and risk parameters.

About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
Chairman- Madhabi Puri Buch
Headquarter- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established- 1992

MMRDA Inks Rs 850 Crore Urban Infra Financing Pact with German Development Bank KfWThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has signed an agreement with Frankfurt-based-German state-owned development bank KfW(formerly known as KfW Bankengruppe) to provide financial support of over Rs 850 crore for urban infrastructure projects in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• As per the agreement, MMRDA will also raise around Rs 365 crore through its own resources as its equity contribution for these sustainable projects.

Key Points:
i.The funds provided by KfW and MMRDA through their resources will mainly be allocated towards various sustainable development projects within and around the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in Maharashtra.
ii.These sustainable development projects include: the development of green corridors, solid waste management systems, recycling and reuse facilities, and the promotion of renewable energy solutions to address environmental concerns and help to enhance the quality of life for residents living in the metropolitan area.
iii.These projects will be undertaken through the state government’s MMR Urban Infrastructure Amenities Project  and the estimated budget for this project is around Rs 1,215 crore, and MMRDA will contribute Rs 365 crore from its corpus.
iv.Among the key ongoing projects led by MMRDA is: Public Transportation System under which 14 different metro line projects will be build in Mumbai and MMR. These metro line have a total length of 337 km.
Note: 
In November 2020, KfW extended two loans worth 545 million Euros (approximately Rs 4,767 crore) to MMRDA, to support 2 key mass transit projects in Mumbai, Maharshtra.

• These projects include: Metro line 4 from Wadala in Central Mumbai to Kasarvadavli in Thane and Metro line 4A that extends connectivity from Kasarvadavli to Gaimukh in Thane.
• These fully elevated transit projects will be of 34.82 km in length with 32 stations easing the distress of lakhs of daily commuters.

About KfW Bank:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Stefan Wintels
Headquarters- Frankfurt, Germany
About Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA):
Metropolitan Commisioner– Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra

Bandhan Bank Launches New Service for Online Collection of Direct Taxes
On 28th June 2024, Bandhan Bank launched a facility for online collection of direct taxes, enabling its customers and others to pay taxes seamlessly across India.

• The service is available through internet banking, payment gateway, cash, cheque, or demand draft.
• It also accepts offline payments of direct taxes through its 1,700 branches.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Adani Defence & Thales Group inks pact to Manufacture 70mm Rockets in India
Adani Defence & Aerospace, the defence arm of the Adani Group, has signed an agreement with the Thales Group, a French multinational company, to manufacture 70 millimetre(mm) rockets in India.

• This will support the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision for India’s defence industry.

About 70mm rockets: 
i.The 70mm rockets are a crucial component of India’s indigenous attack helicopters, Rudra and Prachand developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
ii.These lightweight, compact-size rockets, known for their manoeuvrability, are ideal for deployment from helicopters for both day and night operations. They offer precision strike capabilities at ranges varying from 1.5 meters to 7 kilometres.
Note: Previously (in June 2024), Adani Defence signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates(UAE) based EDGE Group to establish a global platform leveraging the defence and aerospace capabilities of both companies to cater to the requirements of global and local customers.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Bank of India Won Atal Pension Yojana Annual Award for FY2023–24 by PFRDA
Bank of India(BOI) has won the Atal Pension Yojana Annual Award for FY2023-24 by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA )Awards for the second consecutive year.

• BOI was also awarded the ‘APY Ultimate Champions Cup’ while three of its branches have been recognized among the top five branches across India.
• Three BOI-sponsored regional rural banks(RRB) were also recognised for their accomplishments in APY enrollment: Nagpur(Maharashtra)-headquartered Vidharbha Konkan Gramin Bank (VKGB), Indore(Madhya Pradesh)-headquartered Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank (MPGB), and Lucknow(Uttar Pradesh)-headquartered Aryavart Bank (AB).
• The awards were presented by Dr. Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), in the presence of Dr. Deepak Mohanty, Chairman of PFRDA.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Portugal’s Antonio Costa Elected as the New President of the European CouncilAntónio Costa, the Portuguese politician who served as the Prime Minister(PM) of Portugal from 2015 to 2024, was elected as the New President of the European Council.

• He will take office in December 2024 succeeding Charles Michel of Belgium, who has been holding the post since 2019.

Note: European Council is the informal forum for discussion between heads of state or government of the European Union (EU) member states.
EU Leaders Meeting: 
EU leaders met in Brussels, Belgium on 27th & 28th June 2024 for the European Council and discussed the high-level EU-level roles in the upcoming institutional cycle.
i.Ursula von der Leyen of Germany was nominated for a second 5-year term as President of the European Commission, the executive body of EU.
ii.Kaja Kallas, the first woman PM of Estonia, has been chosen as the candidate for High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
About European Council:
The European Council defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union.
It was established in 1974 as an informal forum, gained formal status in 1992 under the Treaty of Maastricht and became one of the seven EU institutions in 2009.
President– Charles Michel
Location– Brussels, Belgium.
Members– Heads of state or government of EU countries, European Council President, European Commission President
>> Read Full News

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Navy De-inducted UH-3H Helicopter After 17 Years of Service at INS Dega, VisakhapatnamOn 28th June 2024, The Indian Navy bid farewell to the UH-3H helicopter after 17 years of service. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Chief of Staff (COS), Eastern Naval Command (ENC) presided the de-induction ceremony held at INS Dega, the naval air station, in  Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh(AP)

• The UH-3H helicopter will be replaced by the Sea King 42C helicopter in the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 350, to continue and deliver operational power and capability.

Points to Note:
i.One UH-3H will be permanently displayed at prominent location in ‘City of Destiny’, Visakhapatnam, AP.
ii.Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena handed over the commemorative plaque to the AP government. K. Mayur Ashok, Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Joint Collector, Visakhapatnam received the plaque to mark the transfer of aircraft.
About UH-3H:
i.The UH-3H was brought to India in 2007 along with the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Jalashwa and inducted into INAS 350 christened “Saaras” on 24 March 2009.
ii.The mighty ‘Saaras’ enhances the squadron crest embodying the motto “Strength, Valour and Perseverance.”
Service Highlights:
i.UH-3H helicopter is a versatile platform that has played a crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, security of offshore installations, and special operations.
ii.It introduced innovative capabilities in Special Operations and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.
iii.Its advanced SAR capabilities and logistical support saved countless lives during natural disasters.
About the Indian Navy:
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS)- Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Founded in 26 January 1950

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Journalist Piyush Pandey’s Book ‘Manoj Bajpayee: The Definitive Biography’
“Manoj Bajpayee: The Definitive Biography” the biography of the National award-winning Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee, which was originally written in Hindi by journalist Piyush Pandey has been translated into English by journalist Rachit Vats.

• The book, published by Penguin Ebury Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House, is the story of Manoj Bajpayee’s commitment and passion for acting.
• The book in Hindi titled ‘Manoj Bajpayee: Kuch Paane Ki Zid’, was published in 2022.

About Manoj Bajpayee: 
i.He has won three National Film Awards – Best Supporting Actor for Satya in 1999, Special Jury Award (Feature Film) for Pinjar in 2004, and Best Actor for Bhonsle (2018) in 2021.
ii.The government of India honoured him with Padma Shri for arts in 2019. 
iii.His noted works include Shool (1999), Aligarh (2015), Sonchiriya (2019), and The Family Man (2019).

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