NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India-USA join hands to promote cooperation in MSMEs: India and the USA signed an MoU to enable Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from both countries to participate more effectively in global markets and foster trade. The MoU provides a framework for both sides to discuss issues concerning micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and explore possibilities for cooperation. The MoU also provides for the joint conduct of programmes for women entrepreneurs to empower them and facilitate trade partnerships between women-owned small businesses in the two countries.
2. BHEL gets 1,600 MW thermal power project from Damodar Valley Corporation: State-owned BHEL has secured a 1,600 MW project from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). The coal-based unit will be set up in the Koderma district of Jharkhand on an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) basis. The 2×800 MW Koderma Supercritical Thermal Power Project (STPP) has been awarded through International Competitive Bidding (ICB). This is the first such project in terms of capacity for DVC and will be set up adjacent to its existing 2×500 MW units set up by BHEL earlier. It has a long-standing partnership with DVC and has installed over 80 percent of the coal-based power stations of the utility in Jharkhand and West Bengal. The new project from DVC includes supply, erection and commissioning, along with civil works. The key equipment for the project will be supplied by BHEL’s manufacturing units.
3. Chhattisgarh govt. to develop fourth tiger reserve in State: Chhattisgarh government decided to declare a new tiger reserve covering areas of Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla wildlife sanctuary in the state. This will be the fourth tiger reserve in the state. Creation of the tiger reserve will lead to the development of eco-tourism and also generate employment opportunities for villagers living its the core and buffer areas. As per the recommendation of State Wildlife Board and the consent of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Union Ministry of Forest and Climate Change, the cabinet has decided to notify Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in an area of 2,829.387 sq km. Currently, the state has three tiger reserves – Indravati (in Bijapur district), Udanti-Sitanadi (Gariaband) and Achanakmar (Mungeli).
4. PR Sreejesh appoints India junior men’s team head coach: Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been appointed as the new head coach of the junior men’s hockey team. The Indian goalkeeper delivered a stellar performance as India bagged the bronze medal for the second consecutive time, edging out Spain 2-1. His crucial saves were instrumental in the win as he capped off a brilliant campaign with the medal. Notably, India won consecutive bronze hockey medals for the first time in 52 years since the 1972 Munich Games.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. New Zealand Proposes Legislation to Modernize Gene Technology Laws: The New Zealand government announced plans to create new laws on August 13, to make it easier to develop and use gene technologies, including gene editing. This effort is led by Judith Collins, the Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology. The goal is to bring New Zealand’s regulations up to date with the best practices used around the world.
2. What are Prokaryotes?: Climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise. As temperatures increase, prokaryotes might start to grow more quickly while larger marine organisms, like fish, could decrease in number. For every degree Celsius increase in temperature, prokaryote biomass could drop by 1.5%, while larger plankton and fish might decline by 3-5%. This change could lead to more carbon being produced by prokaryotes, reducing the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon emissions from human activities.
3. WHO Declares Mpox a Global Public Health Emergency: Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a viral disease mostly found in Central and West Africa. It was first discovered in monkeys in 1958 but mainly spreads through rodents. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and it looks similar to smallpox but with a shorter incubation period of about 7-14 days. The disease can spread between people through respiratory droplets and bodily fluids. The WHO declared it a public health emergency in 2022. A smallpox vaccine can provide some protection.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. DRDO successfully tested its first Long-Range Glide Bomb GAURAV: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested its Long-Range Glide Bomb, GAURAV, off the coast of Odisha. The smart bomb was dropped from the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MK-I fighter plane. The successful testing of the smart bomb is likely to enhance the Indian Air Force’s combat capability. After being dropped from the fighter plane, the bomb pops out its wings and is guided to its target by an onboard satellite navigation system. These bombs are very useful for the Air Force as they can be fired from a safe distance from the enemy air defence system.
SPORTS
1. PB-BCL sign landmark deal to promote cricket: The Big Cricket League (BCL), a franchise-based T20 event that will offer aspiring local players a chance to play alongside their cricketing heroes, has joined hands with the national broadcaster Prasar Bharati in a landmark long-term deal. The inaugural edition of BCL will be held in September this year in Lucknow. BCL will be broadcast live on DD Sports across the country, and Prasar Bharati will also be promoting the league across its network. The Big Cricket League’s first season will be televised internationally in more than 30 countries. It will feature six teams, namely Awadh Lions, Northern Challengers, Rajasthan Kings, Mumbai Marines, Southern Spartans, and Bengal Rhinos. A council of eminent former cricketers, led by the League Commissioner and former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, will oversee the league. Former Indian pacer Rudra Pratap Singh is President and legendary West Indian fast bowler Courtney Walsh is Vice-President of BCL.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. IIT Bhubaneswar inks pact with IG Drones on disaster management R&D: IIT Bhubaneswar has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IG Drones, a drone-tech and AI company, to establish an Advanced Drone Excellence Centre at the IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park. The centre will focus on disaster management research and development. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing drone technology research and development in the field of disaster management, especially as India is a disaster-prone country IG Drones has been active in disaster management since 2019, with experience from its work in Uttarakhand’s avalanche-affected regions, Sikkim’s landslides, and Odisha’s cyclone-prone areas. The partnership with IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park aims to further advance the development of drone technologies that can be deployed effectively
2. India Set to Launch Electric Microcar “Robin” in 2025: Electric microcars, like the Renault Twizy, are small vehicles that weigh under 1,000 pounds and are perfect for city driving. They usually go up to 45 mph and have a range of 50-100 miles on a single charge. Charging these cars takes 3-8 hours, depending on the model. They often come with innovative designs that balance safety and compact size. Many also qualify for tax breaks and incentives. Their small size makes parking easier and helps reduce traffic congestion, which is great for environmentally conscious city residents.
3. New Blood Test Detects Alzheimer’s with 90% Accuracy: Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have developed an exciting new blood test called PrecivityAD2, which can detect Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with around 90% accuracy. This breakthrough allows for earlier diagnosis and is especially useful for people with mild cognitive impairment. The results were published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. WPI inflation cools to 3-month low of 2.04% in July as food prices decline: India’s wholesale price index (WPI) inflation cooled to a three-month low of 2.04 per cent in July from a 16-month high of 3.36 per cent in June, primarily on the back of a sharp reduction in food prices. The food price inflation stood at 3.45 per cent during the month as compared to 10.87 per cent in the preceding month. The data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showed that the inflation of other major sub-indices like manufactured products and fuel and power witnessed a slightly higher year-on-year (Y -o-Y) print in July. The moderation in WPI inflation was primarily driven by a decline in the inflation of primary articles, even as inflation for manufactured products and fuel and power increased.
2. PFC secures JPY 25.5 billion loan from JBIC to finance wind project: State-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has secured a loan of 25.5 billion Japanese yen (around Rs 147 crore) from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for a wind energy project. This loan is part of JBIC’s Global Action for Reconciling Economic Growth and Environmental Preservation (GREEN) initiative. In addition to JBIC’s contribution, the loan is co-financed by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and other Japanese banks. JBIC will also provide a guarantee for the portion of the loan co-financed by these private financial institutions. The loan proceeds will be used to finance 300.3 MW Wind Energy Project of Ostro Kannada Power Private Ltd (OKPPL) in Karnataka, India.
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