NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. JP
Nadda releases Outlook Group's Coffee Table Book 'Sikhs and Modi: BJP President J P Nadda released the Outlook Group's Coffee
Table Book 'Sikhs and Modi (A Journey of Nine Years) in New
Delhi authored by Prabhleen Singh. The teachings of Sikh Gurus contributed
towards the unity of the society, patriotism, and dedication towards religion. It
was the first time after Independence that the country has started observing ‘Veer
Bal Diwas’ on the day of sacrifice by young sahibzade of Guru Gobind Singh for
unity and integrity of the country.
2. NITI
Aayog and UNDP sign Memorandum of Understanding on fast tracking SDGs: NITI Aayog and the United Nations Development Programme signed an MoU
to formalize a cooperative framework to fast-track India's pursuit to achieve
its sustainable development goals (SDGs) Objective: To focus on the two
organizations' cooperation in a range of areas, including SDG localization, and
data-driven monitoring, among others. NITI Aayog is the nodal Institution for
coordinating the adoption and monitoring of SDGs at the national and
sub-national levels.
3. Govt
to launch a new scheme for in Pharma-Med Sector:
Government to launch a new scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation in
Pharma- Med Sector with a total outlay of five thousand crore rupees. Objective:
To transform the Indian Pharma Med Tech sector from cost-based competitiveness
to innovation-based growth by strengthening the research infrastructure in the
country. Aim: To promote the growth of pharma industry in the country ,
enhance manufacturing of drugs and promote research and innovation in the
sector.
4. Gujarat
announced 27% reservation for OBCs in local bodies like panchayat: The Gujarat government announced a 27 percent
reservation for Other Backward Classes in local bodies like panchayats,
municipalities, and civic corporations. In the Panchayats Extension to
Scheduled Areas notified areas, the reservation for OBCs will continue to be 10
percent to protect the interest of tribals. The existing quota for
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will remain unchanged and there has been
no breach of the 50 percent reservation ceiling.
5. Umesh
Revankar is appointed as new chairman of FIDC:
The Finance Industry Development Council has appointed Umesh
Revankar as its new chairman. He currently holds the position
of executive vice chairman for Shriram Finance and have decades of experience
and expertise in the financial services industry. He has risen through the
ranks, assuming responsibilities and leadership roles in business operations. He
played a pivotal role in making Shriram Transport Finance company the largest
commercial vehicle financer in India.
6. ISRO-developed
device for fishers’ safety successfully tested at Neendakara: ‘Nabhmitra’, a device developed by ISRO-Space Applications Centre
(Ahmedabad) for the safety of fishermen, was tested at Neendakara. Satellite-based
communication system enables two-way messaging services from and to the
sea. Weather and cyclone warnings will be communicated in the local
language, the boats can also send distress messages to the authorities. In
capsizing and fire, fishers can press a button on the device and get in touch
with the control centre.
7. Karnataka
CM Siddaramaiah launched 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme:
The Karnataka government launched the 'Gruha
Lakshmi' women's financial aid scheme in Mysuru. Under this scheme,
about 1.1 crore women heads of family will get ₹2,000 each at a function in
Mysuru. 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme is one of the five pre-poll 'guarantees' of the
Congress, which ousted the BJP from power in the Karnataka Assembly election
held in May. The government has earmarked ₹17,500 crore for 'Gruha Lakshmi'
programme in the current financial year.
8. BHEL
manufactures first set of indigenous SCR Catalysts:
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) manufactured India’s first set of
Catalysts for Selective Catalyst Reactors (SCR) for limiting NOx emissions from
thermal power plants The first set of indigenously manufactured SCR catalysts
for the 5x800 MW Yadadri Thermal Power Station in Telangana, were flagged, from
the company’s Solar Business Division (SBD) unit in Bengaluru BHEL is India’s
largest engineering and manufacturing company of its kind.
9. Chandrayaan-3's
Pragyan rover confirms presence of sulphur in lunar surface: The Indian Space Research Organisation has announced that
the Pragyan rover's Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope confirmed
the presence of sulphur in the lunar surface near the south
pole, through the first-ever in-situ measurements. The rover's
spectroscope also detected Aluminium, Calcium, Ferrous (Iron), Chromium,
Titanium, Manganese, Silicon, and Oxygen as expected and the search for hydrogen
is underway.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Nitin
Gadkari unveils world's first hundred percent Ethanol fuelled Car: Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari launched
the world's first 100 percent Ethanol-fueled car in New Delhi. Aim: To
reduce carbon footprint, improve sustainable mobility, and decrease the
country's dependency on traditional fuel sources. According to Petroleum
and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri with the implementation of 20
percent ethanol blending in petrol, the country will save 35 thousand crore
rupees annually as import bill.
2. India
and New Zealand signs a MoU to boost cooperation in civil aviation: India and New Zealand have signed a MoU to boost cooperation
in civil aviation in New Delhi. Aim: To cover the scheduling of new
routes, codeshare services, traffic rights, and capacity entitlement. The
designated airlines of New Zealand may operate any number of services with any
type of aircraft, with third and fourth freedom traffic rights to and from six
points in India, namely New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and
Kolkata.
3. 30 August – Small Industry Day: Small Industry Day is celebrated every year on August 30 in
India. This day honours the invaluable contributions of small industries, often
overlooked yet pivotal drivers of global economies. These industries, driven by
unwavering resolve, are the backbone of innovation, job creation, and economic
dynamism. At present, small industries make up approximately 40% of India’s
overall economy. The roots of Small Industry Day can be traced back to the year
2000. In August of that year, the Indian government created a comprehensive
policy package for small-scale industries (SSI). To mark this occasion, the
Ministry of Small-Scale Industries announced that August 30, would be observed
as the Small Industries Day, annually. It was celebrated for the first time on
August 30, 2001. On this day, the Ministry of Small-Scale Industries organized
a convention for small entrepreneurs in the national capital. These small-scale
industries can range from blacksmiths to tailors, contributing their unique
skills and products to their communities.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1. Parul breaks national record at World Athletics
Championships: Indian athlete Parul Chaudhary finished
in the eleventh position in the 3000 meters steeplechase final of
the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest Hungary. She broke the
national record in the World Athletics Championships and qualified for the
Paris Olympics 2024. Parul clocked 9:15.31s to break Lalita Babar’s mark of
9:19.76s set during Rio Olympics in 2016 while also finishing comfortably under
9:23.00s, the automatic qualification mark for next year’s Summer Games in the
French capital. Earlier in the preliminary round, Parul ran five seconds faster
than her previous personal best (9.29.51) and it helped her finish in fifth
place and earn a spot in the final. Brunei athlete Winfred Mutile Yavi clinched
the gold medal, Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech won silver and another Kenya athlete
Faith Cherotich achieved winning bronze.
2. Max Verstappen w Dutch Grand Prix 2023: Max Verstappen has won the Dutch Grand
Prix for the third consecutive year, once again prevailing at his home
race. With the dominant win, Verstappen has now matched Sebastian Vettel’s
all-time record of nine F1 victories in a row. Fernando Alonso secured a
podium position by coming in Sergio Pérez, driving for Red Bull, initially
finished third, but a five-second penalty resulted in Pierre Gasly taking third
place on the podium.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. ADB
and Fourth Partner Energy Collaborate for Solar Power Plant in TN: The Asian Development Bank and Fourth Partner Energy
Private Limited signed a long-term loan of up to 1.2 billion Rs to
construct and operate a 25-megawatt solar photovoltaic-based power plant Aim:
To increase clean and low-cost energy supply to commercial and industrial
customers. The power plant, located in Tamil Nadu in India, is expected to
generate about 50.7 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually and will directly
sell power to commercial and industrial users.
2. Axis
Bank launched 'Infinity Savings A/c' with no domestic transaction fees: Axis Bank launched a new savings account variant – ‘Infinity
Savings Account’ to cater to digitally savvy customers who are frequent
adopters of subscription-based models. Objective: To offer Axis Bank’s
customers exclusive privileges, such as waived Average Monthly Balance (AMB)
requirement, complimentary debit cards, and waiver of all the domestic charges
against a small monthly recurring fee of Rs 150 or annual fee of Rs 1,650.
3. Yes bank partnered with fintech Zaggle for next-gen
corporate credit card: Yes Bank has launched co-branded
Corporate Credit Card in collaboration with spend management
platform Zaggle, to empower businesses to reimagine their payment
processes, streamline reconciliation, and efficiently manage company
expenditures. The new card ‘YES BANK Zaggle Corporate Credit Card’,
provides businesses direct control over company expenditures. This includes the
ability to set individual spending limits, apply merchant category
restrictions, and implement diverse controls. Additionally, cardholders gain
access to an array of exclusive benefits, spanning rewards, golf privileges, lounge
access, and travel insurance. The partnership with Zaggle enables businesses to
bring in operational efficiencies by allowing them to undertake banking
transactions, manage company expenditures as well as keep track of all
business-related overheads on a single platform. Executive Director of Yes Bank
– Rajan Pental
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Parmeet Singh Sood felicitated at “ET Leadership
Excellence Awards: The Economic Times honored the
achievements of leaders and change-makers who have made significant
contributions in their respective fields. Parmeet Singh Sood, Managing Director
of Climax Overseas Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the “Excellence in Manufacturing Of
Automobile Parts” and felicitated by the well-known Bollywood actress Rakul
Preet Singh along with Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva. Parmeet Singh
Sood’s journey began in 1999 as a 21-year-old. Fresh from the University of
Bradford, UK, with a degree in Business and Management Studies, Parmeet
embraced the challenge of transformation and growth. He started his career at
the grassroots selling door-to-door in the spare parts market of Kenya and then
quickly went on to target large aftermarket customers in Europe within the
first couple of years of his joining the business.
2. Priyan Sain Crowned Miss Earth India 2023: Rajasthan’s Priyan Sain clinched
the title of Miss Earth India 2023 during the Miss Divine Beauty 2023
national final held in New Delhi. The 20-year-old student, dancer, and
taekwondo player from Jaipur, succeeds last year’s winner Vanshika Parmar, and
will now prepare to represent India at the Miss Earth 2023 pageant in Vietnam
this December. She received her crown from reigning Miss Earth from Korea Mina
Sue Choi who was invited as a special guest along with Miss Earth Air from
Australia Sheridan Mortlock. At the same event, Praveena Aanjna was named
Miss International India 2023 while Pema Choden Bhutia and Tejaswini
Shrivastava were both announced as runners-up. Prior to becoming a finalist for
Miss Divine Beauty and eventually winning her national title, Priyan
participated in Miss Rajasthan 2022 where she finished as first runner-up. As a
result of winning the Miss India pageant, she will participate in the Miss
World pageant to be held in Vietnam. The Miss India 2023 pageant was held at
the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
