Culture Min inaugurates architectural illumination of Safdarjung Tomb

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Culture Minister, Prahlad Singh Patel has inaugurated the architectural illumination of the historic Safdarjung Tomb in New Delhi.

Architectural illumination of historic Safdarjung Tomby. Source:newsonair.com

Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank to close operations

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Nearly 17 months after it began operations, Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Limited announced winding up of its business on account of "unanticipated developments" that made its economic model "unviable".

Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank. Source:outlookindia.com

Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Mary Pierce and Li Na were welcomed into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this weekend

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Chinese tennis great Li Na, France’s Mary Pierce and Yevgeny Kafelnikov of Russia were inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame. They all are two-time Grand Slam singles champions.

Li Na, Mary Pierce and Yevgeny Kafelnikov inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame. Source:wixstatic.com

8 Air Routes Made Functional Under UDAN Scheme: Centre

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The Civil Aviation ministry added 8 more routes under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN(Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik), thus making the total operational routes to 194.

UDAN scheme added 8 more air routes. Source:ndtv.com

The 8 routes are :Mysore-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Mysore, Goa-Mysore, Mysore-Goa , Cochin-Mysore , Mysore-Cochin , Kolkata-Shillong and Shillong-Kolkata.

The flights connecting Kolkata and Shillong will be operated By Indigo whereas the other connectivity will be provided by Alliance air.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates two bridges in J&K

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The Ujh and Basantar bridges were inaugurated by the defence minister in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates Ujh and Basantarbridges in Jammu and Kashmir. Source:thenorthernherald.com

Shiva Thapa becomes India's first gold-medallist in Kazakhstan President's Cup

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India boxer Shiva Thapa, a four-time Asian medallist, became India’s first gold medallist at the Kazakhstan President’s Cup Boxing Tournament 2019 by defeating Kazakhstan’s Zakir Safiullin in the finals held in Astana, Kazakhstan in the 63kg category.

Shiva Thapa wins first gold for India in Kazakhstan President’s Cup 2019. Source:indiatoday.in

HRD Ministry releases UGC guide to Student Induction Programme Deeksharambh

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Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Union Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) has released a UGC(University Grants Commission) Guide to Student Induction Programme called “Deeksharambh” in New Delhi.

Deeksharambh. Source:indianexpress.com

Indian Railways` global projects: IRCON to upgrade rail line in Sri Lanka; DPR finalised for Indo-Nepal venture

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Government of Sri Lanka and IRCON (Indian Railway Construction Company) International Limited, under the Ministry of Railways, signed $91.26 million agreement for the up-gradation of 130 km rail track located between Colombo and Jaffna in Tamil -majority northern province of Sri Lanka.

Indian Railway Construction Company. Source:indianexpress.com

Amita Prasad to lead Inland Waterways Authority, A K Jha, the new NPC chief

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As per the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT),Government of India, Amita Prasad(IAS,1985 batch Karnataka) has been appointed as chairperson of Inland Waterways Authority of India(IWAI), Ministry of Shipping, in the rank and pay of secretary. She replaces Shri Jalaj Shrivastava.

'Indu Sarkar' now part of National Film Archives of India

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National Award-winning Indian filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar’s political thriller film ‘Indu Sarkar’ has been included into NFAI(National Film Archives of India).

'Indu Sarkar'. Source:oakshow.in

Prithu Gupta is the country's 64th GM

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Prithu Gupta of Delhi, aged 15 years, became India’s 64th Grandmaster (GM). He achieved the rating stipulation of 2500 points by beating Germany’s Lev Yankelevich in the fifth round of the Portuguese League 2019.

Prithu Gupta is the country's 64th GM. Source:indianexpress.com

CRPF unveils country's first body protector for women personnel in combat

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Prithu Gupta of Delhi, aged 15 years, became India’s 64th Grandmaster (GM). He achieved the rating stipulation of 2500 points by beating Germany’s Lev Yankelevich in the fifth round of the Portuguese League 2019.

CRPF unveils country’s first body protector jointly developed by DRDO for women personnel in combat. Source:tribuneindia.com

Govt pushes for E-tolling! FASTags to be made mandatory from December 1

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To encourage digital payments at toll plazas and decongest national highways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has decided to declare all lanes at toll fee plaza on National Highways as ‘FASTag lanes’ from 1st December 2019.

All toll lanes on National Highways to be ‘FASTag lanes’ from December 1, 2019. Source:factly.in

Nelson Mandela International Day 2019

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It marks the 101st birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela International Day 2019. Source:unicnairobi.org

TN CM announces formation of two new districts

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Two new districts Tenkasi and Chengalpattu will be created for administrative convenience by bifurcating Tirunelveli and Kancheepuram districts respectively. With this, the total number of districts in the state will go up to 35.

Tamil Nadu Govt announces the creation of two new Districts. Source:thenewsminute.com

The state government bifurcated Villupuram district to form Kallakurichi district, 33rd in the state in January 2019.

INS Sagardhwani embarks on mission Sagar Maitri

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The Marine Acoustic Research Ship (MARS), INS Sagardhwan started its two-month long second mission Sagar Maitri from Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala.

Tamil Nadu Govt announces the creation of two new Districts. Source:DefPost

The aim of the mission is to collect data from the entire North Indian ocean with the focus on the Andaman Sea and adjoining seas and establish long term collaboration with Indian Ocean Ring countries in the field of ‘Ocean Research and Development’.

The first Sagar Maitri mission was held in April 2019 when INS Sagardhwani visited Myanmar.

India's current account balance deficit grew to $68bn in 2018-19: IMF

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India's current account (CA) balance deficit grew to $68 billion in 2018-19 from $49 billion the previous year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Govt approves Rs 206.8 cr for Implementation of Agriculture Export Policy scheme

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The central government has approved a sum of Rs 206.8 crore for a Central Sector Scheme called ‘Implementation of Agriculture Export Policy’, which aims at double farmers’ income by the year 2022.

HRD Minister launches UGC scheme of 'Paramarsh' to promote quality assurance in higher education

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Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) launched a Scheme called “Paramarsh” of University Grants Commission (UGC) in New Delhi.

HRD Minister launching UGC scheme of 'Paramarsh'. Source:indiatoday

Bengaluru most digitised city: Report

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According to the 2nd edition of payments solution company Razorpay Software Pvt Ltd’s digital transactions quarterly report, ‘The Era of Rising Fintech’, Bengaluru got the top position in the list of “most digitised cities” in the April-June 2019 quarter accounting for highest card payments.

Bengaluru is followed by Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi.

Standard Chartered becomes first foreign bank to launch operations at IFSC in GIFT City; key things to know

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UK- based Standard Chartered will be the first foreign bank to launch operations at International Financial Service Centre (IFSC).

Standard Chartered. Source:financialexpress.com

The bank has received in-principle regulatory approvals to set up its IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-city (GIFT city).

International Justice Day/International Criminal Justice Day/World Day for International Justice 2019

DoT and ICRIER to develop Broadband Readiness Index, recommended by DoT in National Digital Communications Policy 2018

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The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) signed an MoU on July 16 to develop a Broadband Readiness Index (BRI) for all states and UTs.

Broadband Readiness Index (BRI). Source:zeebiz.com

Israel Aerospace Signs $50 Million Follow-Up Deal With Indian Navy

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Israel Aerospace Industries signed a $50 million follow-up contract to provide complementary missile systems to the Indian Navy & Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Shipyard.

Israel Aerospace Industries signed $50 million follow-up deal with Indian Navy & India’s MDL Shipyard. Source:businessworld.in

Demand for digitally skilled manpower to rise to 2.7 mn in FY23: NASSCOM

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As per the Indian Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing industry, NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Services Companies), the demand for digitally skilled talent projected to grow significantly at 35% Compounded Annual Growth Rate(CAGR) till 2023. In 2023, the demand for digitally skilled professionals will rise to 2.3-2.7 million.

Demand for digitally skilled manpower will increase at 35% CAGR: NASSCOM. Source:theglobeandmail.com

ICICI Bank rolls out digital platform InstaBIZ for MSMEs

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India’s largest private sector bank, ICICI(Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India) launched a new digital platform called ‘InstaBIZ’ targeting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and self-employed customers.

InstaBIZ. Source:instabiz.co

Incredible India 'Find the Incredible You' campaign wins global award for 2019

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The Incredible India's "Find the Incredible You" campaign released globally by the Ministry of Tourism during 2018-19 has won the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award 2019 in the “Marketing - Primary Government Destination” category, said a government statement, adding that this year’s awards attracted 198 entries from 78 organisations and individuals worldwide.

Find the Incredible You. Source:CNA

Ebola Outbreak in Congo Is Declared a Global Health Emergency

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The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)” in the emergency committee meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland. This is for the 5th time WHO has invoked an emergency provision.

Congo Ebola outbreak. Source:wionews.com

Singapore's GIIS to launch India's first smart school campus in Pune

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The Singapore based Global Indian International School (GIIS) will launch the concept of SMART Campus at Hadapsar and Balewadi campuses in Pune, Maharashtra. It will be India’s first Smart campus which is a part of Singapore’s Rs 420 crore investments in education in India over the coming years.

SIDBI introduces web-based application system for contribution from Fund of Funds

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Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), has introduced a web-based application system for contribution from Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) with the objective of improving the turnaround time and increase transparency.

Small Industries Development Bank of India. Source:wikipedia.org

Interest rate on GPF lowered to 7.9 per cent

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In line with the cut in the interest rate on small savings, the government on Tuesday lowered the interest rate on the General Provident Fund (GPF) by 10 basis points for the period starting July 1 and ending on September 30.

General Provident Fund rates reduced by 10 bps to 7.9% from 8%. Source:WBXPress

All government employees who joined service on or before December 31, 2003, contribute to GPF. An officer/employee contributes 6% of his/her basic salary with an equal contribution from the Government.

HDFC Bank terminates, de-lists its GDRs from Luxembourg Stock Exchange

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India’s leading private sector bank, HDFC Bank (Housing Development Finance Corporation) has terminated and de-listed its 22 outstanding global depository receipts (GDRs) from the Luxembourg Stock Exchange citing low trading volume of GDRs.

HDFC Bank terminates, de-lists its GDRs from Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Source:The Asian Age

HDFC Bank, CSC launch credit card for village entrepreneurs and small traders

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HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corporation)and CSC(Common Service Centres) launched a co-branded ‘Small Business MoneyBack Credit Card’ for small traders and village level entrepreneurs (VLEs).

CSC(Common Service Centres). Source:Cashhunt

Muthoottu Mini Financiers Ltd. Announces Corporate Agency Tie up with HDFC ERGO

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HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company entered into a corporate agency partnership with Kerala based Muthoottu Mini Financiers Limited, a non-deposit taking systemically important NBFC (Non Banking Financial Company) to provide comprehensive general insurance for the customers of the NBFC through its network branches.

Muthoottu Mini Financiers Ltd. Source:muthoottumini.com

Rajya Sabha passes Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill

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The Rajya Sabha on July 16 passed a Bill allowing the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) to bid out any new airport at a pre-determined tariff structure.

Google, Tata Trusts’ Internet Saathi programme now live in 2.6 lakh villages

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Internet Saathi initiative, a collaborative programme of Google India and Tata Trusts, will be expanded to villages in Punjab and Odisha. Launched in July 2015, the initiative aims to facilitate digital literacy among women in rural India.

Internet Saathi. Source:firstpost.com

Christine Lagarde resigns as IMF chief

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Managing Director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde, aged 63, has resigned from her post. She will formally step down on September 12, 2019.

The Economic Times. Source:The Economic Times

Indian entries bag six awards at SAARC Film Festival

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Managing Director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde, aged 63, has resigned from her post. She will formally step down on September 12, 2019.

The Economic Times. Source:The Economic Times

India to be first recipient of AIIB local currency funding

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India will be the first recipient of local currency financing by the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB). The objective of local currency financing is to provide more options to borrowers.

India will be the first recipient of AIIB local currency funding. Source:madguy.co

Coca-Cola India rejigs top deck, appoints Sarvita Sethi as VP M&A

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Coca-Cola India appointed Sarvita Sethi as the Vice-President (VP) for Merger and Acquisitions (M&A) and new ventures for Coke’s India and Southwest Asia region with effect from August 1, 2019. She will be responsible for any new acquisition.

Sarvita Sethi as VP M&A. Source:etb2bimg.com

World Youth Skills Day 2019

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Theme:"Learning to learn for life and work"

World Youth Skills Day 2019. Source:awarenessdays.com

Shah Rukh Khan to Receive Honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University, Melbourne

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Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is set to be honoured with an honorary doctorate degree from Melbourne-based La Trobe University at the 10th edition of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) at Bundoora, Australia(on August 9, 2019) for his contributions and efforts towards underprivileged children, women's empowerment through Meer Foundation and his achievements in the Indian entertainment industry.

Shah Rukh Khan to Receive Honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University, Melbourne. Source:Hindustan Times

Kalraj Mishra appointed Himachal Governor

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Senior BJP leader Kalraj Mishra was on Monday appointed as Governor of Himachal Pradesh after transferring Acharya Devvrat to Gujarat.

Kalraj Mishra. Source:hwnews.in

ISRO calls off Chandrayaan 2 launch due to technical glitch

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India’s ambitious second lunar mission, Chandrayaan 2, suffered a temporary setback in the early hours of Monday, with the launch of the rocket being aborted 56 minutes and 24 seconds before the scheduled lift-off.

Chandrayaan 2. Source:hindustantimes.com

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that the launch had been canceled after a technical snag was detected in one of the launch systems of the GSLVMkIII-M1 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III).

Over 820 million people suffering from hunger; new UN report reveals stubborn realities of ‘immense’ global challenge

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The report named State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2019 produced by the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) was released.

Over 820 million people suffering from hunger. Source:un.org

It stated that in the year 2018, more than 820 million people suffered from hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition worldwide. It is the for the third year in a row the number has risen,ie;1 in every 9 people suffer from hunger.

World Bank arbitration court fines Pakistan over five billion dollars for unlawful denial of mining lease to company

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World Bank Arbitration Court imposed a penalty of $5.8 billion on Pakistan for unlawful denial of a mining lease to Tethyan Copper Company for the Reko Diq project in 2011.

Alan Turing is the face of UK's new £50 note

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Alan Turing, whose work laid the groundwork for the invention of the modern computer, will be the face of the UK’s new £50 note when it goes into circulation by the end of 2021. Turing will replace Matthew Boulton and James Watt, the pioneers of the steam engine who share the current £50 note, and will join former prime minister Winston Churchill, writer Jane Austen, and artist JMW Turner who are the faces of the new £5, £10, and £20 notes.

Alan Turing is the face of UK's new £50 note. Source:The Verge

Justice Sikri Appointed As Judge Of Singapore International Commercial Court

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Former Supreme Court judge Justice A K Sikri has been appointed as an International Judge of the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) with effect from August 1, 2019..

Justice AK Sikri appointed as the Judge of SICC. Source:newindianexpress.com

His term will expire on January 4, 2021. At present, SICC has 16 international judges.

India to host ISSF World Cup from March 15-26 2020

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International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) approved India’s application to host the ISSF World Cup stages. ISSF World Cup in rifle/pistol/shotgun events to be held at the Dr. Karni Singh Range, Tughlakabad, New Delhi from March 15 to 26, 2020.

International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup. Source:NewsClick

Govt to open 4200 Ayush wellness centres in FY19-20

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The government has plans to set up 4,200 Ayush wellness centres in the country in FY 2019-20 in several states, Said the Ayush Minister Shripad Yesso Naik.

Novak Djokovic, Ashleigh Barty on top in latest tennis rankings post Wimbledon

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In the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 2019 and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings 2019, Ashleigh Barty of Australia got the top position in women’s ranking while Novak Djokovic of Serbia remained at world number one in men’s ranking.

Ashleigh Barty, Novak Djokovic got top spot at World Tennis Ranking 2019. Source:F3News

12 Indian beaches in the race to crest the ‘Blue Flag’ challenge

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The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has selected 12 beaches in India to compete for the ‘Blue Flag’ certification.

The 12 Beaches are:Kappad (Kerala),Bhogave (Maharashtra), Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Miramar (Goa), Eden (Puducherry), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu), Golden (Odisha), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh) and Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Andhra Bank unveils Al chatbot ABHi

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Andhra Bank on Monday, launched its Artificial Intelligence interactive assistant — ABHi. Packirisamy, MD & CE0 unveiled the chatbot at a function held at Bank's Head office auditorium.

Al chatbot ABHi. Source:bankingfrontiers.com

Repco MFI wins award from Nabard for SHG linkage in TN

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Repco Micro Finance, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)-Micro Finance Institution (MFI) promoted by Repco Bank, was awarded for outstanding performance in terms of Self-Help Group (SHG) linkage in Tamil Nadu for 2018-19 from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

International Shark Awareness Day 2019

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Theme:The sharks in crisis: a call to action for the Mediterranean.

International Shark Awareness Day 2019 observed on July 14. Source:Medium

Indian Sprinter Hima Das Wins 3rd International Gold Within Two Weeks

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India's ace sprinter Hima Das, continuing her brilliance, yet again made the country proud and claimed her third international gold after she won the top spot in women's 200m event at the Kladno Memorial Athletics Meet in at Kladno on Saturday.

Hima Das bagged her 3rd international gold. Source:Sentinel Assam

Lewis Hamilton wins a record sixth British Grand Prix - video

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Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes won record sixth British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Circuit in Silverstone, United Kingdom.

Lewis Hamilton won record sixth British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Circuit in Silverstone, United Kingdom. Source:talksport.com