GK & Current Affairs Quiz: July 19, 2019

Notes:
Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar has been inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s Hall of Fame alongside South African pace legend Allan Donald and Australian woman cricketer Cathryn Fitzpatrick. Tendulkar is regarded the greatest to have played the game along with Sir Donald Bradman and remains the top run-accumulator in both Tests and ODIs. He has 34,357 runs across formats and is the only batsman to have 100 internationals hundreds under his belt. Donald is one of the finest bowlers to have played the game and had 330 Test and 272 ODI wickets to his credit before calling it quits in 2003. Fitzpatrick is the second highest wicket-taker of all time in women’s cricket with 180 ODI scalps and 60 in Tests. As a coach, she guided the Australian women’s team to three World Cup titles.

Notes:
The Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) has been granted the status of a Full Member of the BCCI by the Committee of Administrators (CoA). CAP will now become a voting member of the BCCI. It was given Associate Member status in October 2018 and went on to take part in the Ranji Trophy and other age-group tournaments of the Board.

Notes:
The Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD), Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal “Nishank” launched ‘Paramarsh’ – a University Grants Commission (UGC) scheme. The scheme is aimed at mentoring National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) Accreditation Aspirant Institutions to promote Quality Assurance in Higher Education in New Delhi. Initially, 71 universities and 391 colleges with NAAC score of 3.26 and above will mentor five colleges each. Under the Paramarsh scheme, the leading institutions will provide regular mentoring to help colleges achieve high quality standards. The scheme also proposes to provide financial assistance to the mentoring institutions and the option of appointing an expert, who can be paid a fellowship amount of Rs 31,000 per month. The scheme is expected to have a major impact in addressing a national challenge of improving the quality of Higher Education in India.

Notes:
The Union HRD Minister, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank released UGC Guide to Student Induction Programme (SIP) – “Deeksharambh” in New Delhi on 18th July 2019. The guide will help new students to build bonds with fellow students and faculty members in the new environment. The programme is intended to empower the aspirant learners to face the Competitive world with confidence, open new horizons of life leading to character building based on Universal Human Values such as Truth, Righteous conduct, Love, Non-violence, Peace and assist in developing self awareness , compassion and oneness. To spread awareness about Deeksharambh – SIP in Higher Education Institutions and its stakeholders, UGC has decided to conduct Awareness Programmes and training programme for teachers in different regions of the country.

Notes:
The Nelson Mandela International Day (NMID) is celebrated every year on July 18 to pay tribute to South Africa’s former president for his values, legacy and contribution to society. The day recognizes Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity in: conflict resolution; race relations; promotion and protection of human rights; reconciliation; gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups; the fight against poverty; the promotion of social justice. The day also acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.