NATIONAL UPDATES:
1.
Amit Shah inaugurated National Security Strategies Conference in New Delhi: Home Minister Amit
Shah has inaugurated a two-day National Security Strategies (NSS) Conference in
New Delhi. Objective of this conference is to ensure a safe and secure nation
by strengthening all aspects of the national security mechanism. The Conference
is being attended by 600 officers from across the country, physically and
virtually. During the conference, he also inaugurated the National Automated
Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) which was developed by NCRB. NAFIS
will help in quick and easy disposal of cases with the help of centralized
fingerprint database.
2.
BRO to build First Steel Slag Road in Arunachal Pradesh: The Border Road
Organization (BRO) will build Steel Slag Road in Arunachal Pradesh based on the
Pilot project. The Steel Slag Road is the first of its kind Project which aims
to make durable roadways that can withstand heavy rain and adverse climatic
conditions. Arunachal Pradesh has some treacherous areas and locations which
suffer from heavy rain and adverse climatic conditions, the Steel Slag Road
project will help to resolve the connection between the help centres and the
affected areas.
India is the second largest producer of
steel, and using steel Slag will be a cost-effective option.
The Steel industry in India produces a huge
amount of steel and after the recovery of metal, a major portion of steel Slag
is discarded. The use of Steel Slag on roads will help in reducing the waste
and recycling the waste of the Steel industries in India. The carbon footprint
in the Steel Slag Roads is lower than usual roads built with other materials.
The cost of constructing roads using Steel Slag is relatively less than
constructing roads with concrete or cement.
3.
Odisha Cabinet approved Rs 2808.39 crore for Millets Mission: Odisha State
Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved Rs 2808.39 crore
for the promotion of millets in the tribal areas of the state. The Odisha
Millets Mission was launched by Government of Odisha in 2017 to revive millets
in farms and on plates. It emerged from consultation between Government,
Academia (NCDS) and Civil Society Organizations (RRA Network, ASHA Network and
local NGOs). It is the first of its kind of agriculture programme with a
priority on increasing consumption in Odisha. The programme aims comprehensive
revival of millets in farms and plates to promote climate resilient farming and
contribute to addressing micronutrient deficiency.
4.
Country first electric double-decker bus launched in Mumbai: Union Transport
Minister, Nitin Gadkari has launched India’s first electric double-decker bus
at YB Centre in south Mumbai. The name of the bus is “Switch EiV 22”, the
double-decker bus will be run by the Mumbai civic transport body from
September. Nitin Gadkari said 35 per cent of the pollution is because of diesel
and petrol, and the introduction of these buses will reduce pollution. Two new
electric buses, including the first air-conditioned double-decker bus in the
country, will join the fleet of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport
(BEST).
Key features of AC double-decker
buses:
a)
App-based
seat booking, live tracking and payment on the BEST Chalo App;
b)
A
dedicated USB charging port for every passenger;
c)
Adjustable
footrest;
d)
Express
service with fewer stops during peak hours;
e)
Monthly
passes for regular passengers.
Note: Maharashtra Capital: Mumbai;
Maharashtra Chief Minister: Eknath Sindhe; Maharashtra Governor: Bhagat Singh
Koshyari.
5.
Kerala launched lucky bill app to curb GST evasion: The Kerala
government has launched an app named ‘Lucky Bill App’ to curb Goods and Service
Tax (GST) evasion. The app was launched by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Aim
of this app is to encourage the citizen to ask for a bill every time they make
a purchase. The users need to upload original bills of their purchases to win
prizes, including a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh. The app will also offer rewards
such as gift packs from Kudumbashree and Vanashree as well as KTDC tour
packages.
Note: Kerala Capital: Thiruvananthapuram;
Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan; Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan
6.
Government extended tenure of DCGI chief VG Somani by three months: The Union
government has extended the tenure of Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)
Chief VG Somani by 3 months. In 2019, the government appointed Dr. Somani as
DCGI for a period of three years to head India’s apex drug regulatory agency
Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Somani played a key role
in the approval of Covid-19 vaccines.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1.
4th India-Philippines Strategic Dialogue held in Manila: The 4th
India-Philippines Strategic Dialogue was held in Manila. In this both the
countries discussed Defence and Security Cooperation & also exchanged views
on Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related matters. In February
2022, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited the Philippines with the
aim to strengthen bilateral ties.
Note: Philippines Capital: Manila;
Philippines Currency: Peso; Philippines President: Bongbong Marcos
2.
World Senior Citizen Day: 21st August: World Senior Citizens’ Day is celebrated
on August 21 every year. It is also known as National Senior Citizens’ Day in
the United States (US). The day is observed with the intent to highlight the
contributions of elderly people in human society and honour them. The day is
also celebrated to bring attention to various issues that affect the elderly,
such as health issues and abuse by younger people, whether family or outsiders.
World Senior Citizen’s Day History: World Senior
Citizens’ Day has its roots back in the August 19, 1988 proclamation by the
then President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan. Named
proclamation 5847, Reagan highlighted the achievements of older people in
American families, communities and the nation. The United States Congress
passed a House Joint Resolution numbered 138, which allowed Reagan to declare
the third Sunday of August annually, as “National Senior Citizen’s Day.”
3.
International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism: 21st
August:
International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is
observed on August 21 each year in memory of the victims of terrorism. The day
is observed to show the victims of terrorism that they are not forgotten and
they are respected and recognised across the world. The theme for 2022’s
International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is
“memories,” as mentioned in a United Nations (UN). The theme was selected after
consulting with victims of terrorism and victims’ associations.
International Day of Remembrance of
and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism History: August 21 was
officially designated as International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the
Victims of Terrorism by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December
19, 2017 in its resolution 72/165. Prior to this, resolution, 17/8 was passed
by the Human rights Council on June 16, 2011. It called for August 19 to be
proclaimed as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the
Victims of Terrorism.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1.
“Dahi-Handi” Recognised as an Official Sport of Maharashtra: Chief Minister
Eknath Shinde announces that ‘Dahi-Handi’ will be recognized as an official
sport in Maharashtra. The state is set to organize a ‘Pro- Dahi Handi’
completion. The Maharashtra Government also announces that the Govindas will
get a job under the sports category and if any Govinda loses his life, insurance
of Rs 10 lakh will be given, also if they end up being partially handicapped
insurance of Rs 5 lakh will be given by the Government of Maharashtra.
The decision was taken as many cities of
Maharashtra celebrate and enjoy ‘Dahi-Handi’ as an adventurous sport.
‘Dahi-Handi’ is a ritual in which devotees of Lord Krishna recreate the
‘Maakhan Chori’ or butter stealing act. It is one of the mischievous stories of
Krishna’s childhood. It is also known as ‘Gopalakala’ and it is observed on the
next day of Janmashtami.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1.
HDFC Bank opened the first all-women branch in north Kerala: HDFC Bank
inaugurated an all-women branch in Kozhikode, north Kerala. Mayor of the city
Corporation Beena Philip opened the branch of HDFC Bank. As of March 31, 2022,
women made up 21.7% (21,486) of the workforce, according to the bank. By 2025,
the private lender wants to raise it to 25%. Deals beyond a certain threshold
require regulator approval, which keeps an eye on unethical business practises
in the marketplace.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI),
a fair trade watchdog, granted approval for the merger of HDFC Bank and its
parent company HDFC ltd last week. In the proposed merger, HDFC Investments and
HDFC Holdings will first combine with HDFC Ltd, and then HDFC Ltd would merge
with HDFC Bank. HDFC Bank fixed deposit:
a)
HDFC
Bank increased interest rates on fixed deposits under Rs. 2 crore.
b)
HDFC
Bank raised the interest rate on fixed deposits with a maturity date of one
year by 15 basis points, from 5.35% to 5.50%, and it also raised the interest
rate on fixed deposits with a maturity date of one year, one day, to two years
by 15 basis points, to 5.50%.
c)
HDFC
Bank is offering the highest interest rate of 6.10% for the general public and
6.60% for the senior citizens on fixed deposit that are maturity in 3 years 1
day- 5 years
d)
For
maturities between 5 years and 10 years, HDFC Bank‘s fixed deposit interest
rate will stay at 5.75%.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
1.
Paytm tie-up with Samsung stores to deploy smart PoS devices: Paytm partnered
with Samsung stores across India to facilitate smart payments as well as its
loan service Paytm Postpaid through the deployment of point-of-sale devices.
The partnership will enable consumers purchasing Samsung devices like laptops,
smartphones, television, smart watches etc, from any authorised store in the
country to pay through Paytm payment instruments, including UPI, wallet, buy
now pay later scheme, debit cards and credit cards.
About the Partnership:
a)
The
partnership with Samsung stores will enable us to further extend the
convenience of smart payments to a larger customer base.
b)
Paytm
through its postpaid or buy-now-pay-later service will provide a credit limit
of up to Rs 60,000 per month. It will also give customers an option to avail of
personal loans of up to Rs 2 lakh through financial institution partners of
Paytm, according to the company statement.
c)
Paytm
claims to be the leader in offline payments, having deployed 4.1 million
devices across the country as of July 2022.
Note: MD and CEO of Paytm: Vijay Shekhar
Sharma; Paytm Founded: August 2010; Paytm Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh,
India.
2.
MasterCard tie-up with badminton players to promote digital payments in India: Mastercard
announced that Badminton players Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, Satwiksairaj
Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will come on board as brand ambassadors of the
company in India. As winners of the prestigious Thomas Cup 2022 and Birmingham
2022 Commonwealth Games, the new ambassadors will partner with Mastercard to
spread awareness about the safety, security, and convenience of digital
payments in India.
This partnership is in line with the
efforts of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Prime Minister Modi’s vision of
Digital India. Earlier this year, Mastercard signed on Shiv Kapur to enhance
its leading panel of golfers, which also includes Anirban Lahiri as a brand
ambassador. Globally, Mastercard is deeply invested in sports from tennis to cricket
to soccer to e-sports, with badminton now added to the list.
Note: Mastercard Founded: 16 December 1966,
United States; Mastercard Headquarters: New York, United States; Mastercard
CEO: Michael Miebach; Mastercard Executive Chairman: Ajay Banga.
DEFENCE
1.
HAL to establish its first marketing office abroad in Malaysia: The Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to
establish its first international marketing and sales office in Kuala Lumpur in
anticipation of a potential agreement for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
in Malaysia. The change has taken place because Tejas is being considered by
Malaysia as a Fighter Lead-in Trainer (FLIT) aircraft for the Royal Malaysian
Air Force. HAL marketing office: About the MOU:
a)
As
Tejas is being considered by Malaysia as a Fighter Lead-in Trainer (FLIT)
aircraft for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the move has occurred.
b)
Following
a global tender released by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence in October 2021,
HAL has made a proposal for the supply of 18 FLIT LCAs.
c)
The
serviceability of the RMAF’s Su-30 fleet has been challenging due to the
current Russia-Ukraine war. According to the statement, HAL can simply expand
its maintenance capabilities to Malaysia because it is one of the biggest
makers of Su-30s.
d)
HAL
is also considering offering the RMAF Su-30 spare parts.
e)
The
Kuala Lumpur headquarters will serve as a hub for HAL to grow its services
throughout all of South-East Asia, not only in Malaysia.
f)
The
office in Malaysia will be the first one to be entirely focused on marketing
and commercial development.
OBITUARIES
1. Author of Kocharethi, Narayan passes away: Kerala’s first tribal novelist and short story writer Narayan has passed away at the age of 82 in Kochi. He was born in the Malayaraya community in Kadayathur hills in Thodupuzha taluk in 1940. His debut novel, ‘Kocharethi’ published in 1998, was selected for the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award in 1999. The novel has been translated to English, Hindi and south Indian languages. Kocharethi portrays the struggles of the Malayaraya community through the life of protagonist Kunjipennu. The novel has been translated to English, Hindi and south Indian languages.
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