Daily GK Update- 14th Aug, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PMJDY reaches 53 crore beneficiaries and ₹2.28 lakh crore in deposits: The flagship financial inclusion scheme of the Centre, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which will be completing a decade on August 15, has 52.99 crore total beneficiaries (account-holders) across the States with total balance in PMJDY accounts at ₹2,28,362 crore, as on 31 July 2024. The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2014, now has become the largest financial inclusion scheme in the world. It has largely been women-centric with 29.48 crore women beneficiaries while 35.27 crore of total accounts are from rural and semi-urban branches, as per the latest data. Nearly 36 crore RuPay Debit cards have been issued. PMJDY has accelerated account ownership in the country and its contribution in onboarding the financially excluded to the mainstream in creating an egalitarian society has been enormous as more than 56 per cent of the PMJDY account holders are women and 67 per cent of the total account holders are from rural and semi urban areas.

 

2. ‘One India-One Ticket’ initiative: Indian Railways, NCRTC collaborate to simplify ticket booking: Indian Railways and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) have joined forces to advance the ‘One India – One Ticket’ initiative, aimed at enhancing the passenger experience for those traveling on mainline railways and Namo Bharat trains. This partnership seeks to streamline travel by allowing passengers to book and travel seamlessly using both Indian Railways and RRTS services. After purchasing an IRCTC train e-ticket, users can now also book Namo Bharat train tickets for up to eight travellers in a single transaction. The option to book RRTS tickets will be available on the PNR confirmation page and through the user’s booking history.

 

3. Madhya Pradesh govt gives cash to girl students to buy sanitary napkins: Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to give money to girl students to buy sanitary napkins. In some states like Karnataka, Rajasthan and Delhi, free sanitary napkins are given to students but cash is being given only in Madhya Pradesh. Under the Sanitation and Hygiene Scheme, an amount of three hundred rupees has been transferred in each girl student’s account for one year.

This amount has been given to around 19 lakh students from class seventh to twelfth.

 

4. Bihar government mandates Registration of Temples, Mutts, And Trusts: The Bihar government mandated registration of temples, mutts and trusts, and directed all District Magistrates in the State to ensure that the bodies are registered and details of their immovable assets are submitted to the Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts (BSBRT) soon. The BSBRT operates under the State’s Law Department and its records say there are about 2,512 unregistered temples and mutts across the State owning 4,321.64 acres of land. According to the Bihar Hindu Religious Trusts Act, 1950 all public temples, mutts, Dharmashalas and trusts must be registered with the BSBRT”. According to BSBRT records, Bihar has 2,512 unregistered temples and mutts owning 4,321.64 acres of land and 2,499 registered temples with 18,456 acres of land.

5. Rana Ashutosh appointed as MD of SBI: Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh has taken over as Managing Director in charge of State Bank of India’s (SBI) risk compliance and stressed assets resolution group (SARG) departments. Gajendra Singh Rana, former chief general manager of the Mumbai circle has taken over from Singh as the deputy managing director (DMD) retail and real estate for the nation’s largest lender. For now he has taken over the departments which were handled by former MD Alok Choudhary.

 

6. GoI declared August 23rd as National Space Day: The Government of India has declared August 23rd as “National Space Day” to celebrate the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, which accomplished safe and soft landing of the Vikram Lander and deployed the Pragyaan rover on the lunar surface near the South Pole. This historic achievement places India among an elite group of space faring nations, making India the fourth country to land on the Moon and the first to do so near the south pole of the Moon. This achievement is being celebrated across the country during July and August 2024, with the goal of engaging and inspiring the younger generation in the field of Space Science and Technology. To commemorate the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, the Department of Fisheries is organizing a series of seminars and demonstrations on,“Application of Space Technologies in Fisheries Sector” in coastal States and UTs under the guidance of Dr. Abhilaskh Likhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amazon India partners with Gentari to increase EV delivery fleet to 10,000 by 2025: Gentari Green Mobility India (Gentari) has partnered with Amazon to boost the e-commerce major’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet for last mile deliveries as the US-headquartered company targets to increase its fleet strength to 10,000 units by 2025. The partnership comes at a time when the e-commerce firm aims to scale up its EV adoption across more than 400 cities in India. Amazon India has already deployed over 7,200 EVs last year and targets to have 10,000 EVs in its India delivery fleet by 2025. Gentari Green Mobility India offers electric mobility solutions including vehicle leasing and charging points (CPs). CEO of Gentari Green Mobility India – Nikhil Thomas

 

2. World’s Oldest Calendar Discovered: In addition to the calendar, the pillar features carvings of a bird-like figure, which may symbolize the summer solstice constellation. These carvings are believed to date back to around 10,850 B.C., a period marked by a major comet strike that possibly impacted the climate and culture of the region. This comet event is thought to have triggered an ice age, leading to changes in societal structures and potentially fostering new religious and agricultural practices.

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-Australia Hold Maritime Security Dialogue: On August 13, 2024, the 6th India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue was held in Canberra, focusing on strengthening maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. This meeting reflects the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia and addresses crucial maritime issues.

 

2. DRDO Successfully Tests Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’: On August 13, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India successfully carried out the first flight test of a long-range glide bomb named Gaurav. This test, conducted using a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet from the Indian Air Force, is a significant step forward in India’s efforts to develop its own advanced defence technologies.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India’s Pramod Bhagat suspended from Paris Paralympics Over Breach of Anti-Doping Regulations: India’s Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medal winner Pramod Bhagat, Badminton, has been suspended for a period of 18 months for breaching the anti-doping regulations. As a result of the suspension, Pramod will miss the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. On 1 March 2024, the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division found Bhagat in breach of the BWF anti-doping regulations for committing three whereabouts failures within 12 months.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Dhruva Space join hands with Zero-Error Systems to enhance satellite OBC subsystems: An Indian space engineering solutions provider, Dhruva Space has collaborated with Singaporean space semiconductor maker Zero-Error Systems (ZES) to improve its onboard computer (OBC) subsystem. The collaboration will deploy ZES’ highly efficient LDAP-IC-ZES100 in Dhruva Space’s OBC for future flights to safeguard commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) electronics from radiation, induced micro-SEL/SEL. This strategic partnership entails the incorporation of semiconductor technology advancement into the OBC subsystem of Dhruva Space that oversees the running of satellites as well as controls the payload.

 

2. India and Israel Launch New Water Technology Centre at IIT-Madras: The Centre of Water Technology is expected to be a hub for innovation and research, focusing on developing sustainable solutions for urban water supply and advancing water technology capabilities. As part of the initiative, a capacity-building course titled ’24/7 Water Supply in Urban Areas’ was held at IIT Madras from August 5 to August 8. This training is crucial for providing stakeholders with essential skills in managing urban water systems. Overall, this collaboration aims to offer innovative solutions that can significantly impact water management across India, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to work together on addressing water scarcity and improving water management practices.

 

3. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) – Recent Updates: To address these temperature issues, NASA is making adjustments to the radar antenna reflector in California. They are applying a special coating to prevent the antenna from overheating, ensuring it will work reliably when it is deployed in space. Once this work is finished, the reflector will be sent back to India to be reattached to the spacecraft. NASA and ISRO are working closely together to determine a new date for the launch. This project highlights the strong collaboration between the two space agencies, with each bringing cutting-edge radar technology to the table.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Consumer price inflation eases to five-year low of 3.54% in July: Retail inflation fell to the lowest in nearly five years in July, according to data released by the India Consumer Price Index (CPI). This was the first time in nearly five years that overall retail inflation fell below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% inflation target. Urban inflation declined to 2.98% in July 2024, compared to 7.20% in July 2023. Rural inflation declined to 4.10%, compared to 7.63% in July 2023. Food inflation in July 2024 was the lowest since June 2023. The combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), which shows food inflation also saw a sharp decline. It was 5.42% in July 2024, compared to 11.51% in July 2023.

 

2. PNB launches PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card for visually impaired customers: Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched the PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card,a new debit card specifically designed for visually impaired customers. This contactless NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) Debit Card is available on the RuPay network. Visually impaired individuals with savings or current accounts in PNB are eligible to obtain this debit card from PNB branch. The ATM limit (cash withdrawal) per day is Rs 25,000, and the PoS and eCom limits (combined) per day are Rs 60,000. Contactless transactions are accessible for individual transactions up to Rs. 5000/- without a PIN at NFC capable POS Terminals, with a daily overall limit of Rs. 5000. This initiative also aims to enhance financial independence and convenience for visually impaired individuals, empowering them to manage their finances with greater ease and confidence.

 

3. Jakson Engineers Limited signs MoU with SBI to promote solar projects: Jakson Engineering Limited has signed an MoU with the State Bank of India (SBI) to set up solar projects to a wide range of consumers across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. This partnership comes under the Surya Shakti Solar Finance initiative. It will combine SBI’s banking experience and Jakson’s solar technology expertise. This initiative will promote energy sustainability and lower power costs. The Surya Shakti Solar Finance initiative aims to provide financial assistance to consumers and help them adopt solar energy. SBI is offering loans worth Rs 100 million to commercial and industrial users for the same.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. National Institute for MSME (NI-MSME), Hyderabad awarded Accreditation Certification as “UTKRISHT”: The National Institute for MSME (NI-MSME), an Organisation of the Ministry of MSME GoI, has been awarded with Accreditation Certificate on the successful completion of the National Standards for Civil Services Training Institutions (NSCSTI) process in recognition of excellent services in the field of promotion and development of MSMEs. The assessment was made based on the inspection of all Standard Operating Procedures and Methodologies followed by the Institute at different levels. The team from Capacity Building Commission (CBC) & ICARE conducted On-site assessment and awarded the Certificate of Accreditation with the grading of UTKRISHT, a 3 Star Rating. For providing a pro-business environment to foster the progress of MSMEs towards success and prosperity. The Institute is associated with prestigious world bodies such as UNIDO, UNDP, DCAC, UNESCO, ILO, CFTC, UNICEF, AARDO, and GIZ.

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PMJDY reaches 53 crore beneficiaries and ₹2.28 lakh crore in deposits: The flagship financial inclusion scheme of the Centre, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which will be completing a decade on August 15, has 52.99 crore total beneficiaries (account-holders) across the States with total balance in PMJDY accounts at ₹2,28,362 crore, as on 31 July 2024. The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2014, now has become the largest financial inclusion scheme in the world. It has largely been women-centric with 29.48 crore women beneficiaries while 35.27 crore of total accounts are from rural and semi-urban branches, as per the latest data. Nearly 36 crore RuPay Debit cards have been issued. PMJDY has accelerated account ownership in the country and its contribution in onboarding the financially excluded to the mainstream in creating an egalitarian society has been enormous as more than 56 per cent of the PMJDY account holders are women and 67 per cent of the total account holders are from rural and semi urban areas.

 

2. ‘One India-One Ticket’ initiative: Indian Railways, NCRTC collaborate to simplify ticket booking: Indian Railways and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) have joined forces to advance the ‘One India – One Ticket’ initiative, aimed at enhancing the passenger experience for those traveling on mainline railways and Namo Bharat trains. This partnership seeks to streamline travel by allowing passengers to book and travel seamlessly using both Indian Railways and RRTS services. After purchasing an IRCTC train e-ticket, users can now also book Namo Bharat train tickets for up to eight travellers in a single transaction. The option to book RRTS tickets will be available on the PNR confirmation page and through the user’s booking history.

 

3. Madhya Pradesh govt gives cash to girl students to buy sanitary napkins: Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to give money to girl students to buy sanitary napkins. In some states like Karnataka, Rajasthan and Delhi, free sanitary napkins are given to students but cash is being given only in Madhya Pradesh. Under the Sanitation and Hygiene Scheme, an amount of three hundred rupees has been transferred in each girl student’s account for one year.

This amount has been given to around 19 lakh students from class seventh to twelfth.

 

4. Bihar government mandates Registration of Temples, Mutts, And Trusts: The Bihar government mandated registration of temples, mutts and trusts, and directed all District Magistrates in the State to ensure that the bodies are registered and details of their immovable assets are submitted to the Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts (BSBRT) soon. The BSBRT operates under the State’s Law Department and its records say there are about 2,512 unregistered temples and mutts across the State owning 4,321.64 acres of land. According to the Bihar Hindu Religious Trusts Act, 1950 all public temples, mutts, Dharmashalas and trusts must be registered with the BSBRT”. According to BSBRT records, Bihar has 2,512 unregistered temples and mutts owning 4,321.64 acres of land and 2,499 registered temples with 18,456 acres of land.

5. Rana Ashutosh appointed as MD of SBI: Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh has taken over as Managing Director in charge of State Bank of India’s (SBI) risk compliance and stressed assets resolution group (SARG) departments. Gajendra Singh Rana, former chief general manager of the Mumbai circle has taken over from Singh as the deputy managing director (DMD) retail and real estate for the nation’s largest lender. For now he has taken over the departments which were handled by former MD Alok Choudhary.

 

6. GoI declared August 23rd as National Space Day: The Government of India has declared August 23rd as “National Space Day” to celebrate the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, which accomplished safe and soft landing of the Vikram Lander and deployed the Pragyaan rover on the lunar surface near the South Pole. This historic achievement places India among an elite group of space faring nations, making India the fourth country to land on the Moon and the first to do so near the south pole of the Moon. This achievement is being celebrated across the country during July and August 2024, with the goal of engaging and inspiring the younger generation in the field of Space Science and Technology. To commemorate the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, the Department of Fisheries is organizing a series of seminars and demonstrations on,“Application of Space Technologies in Fisheries Sector” in coastal States and UTs under the guidance of Dr. Abhilaskh Likhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amazon India partners with Gentari to increase EV delivery fleet to 10,000 by 2025: Gentari Green Mobility India (Gentari) has partnered with Amazon to boost the e-commerce major’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet for last mile deliveries as the US-headquartered company targets to increase its fleet strength to 10,000 units by 2025. The partnership comes at a time when the e-commerce firm aims to scale up its EV adoption across more than 400 cities in India. Amazon India has already deployed over 7,200 EVs last year and targets to have 10,000 EVs in its India delivery fleet by 2025. Gentari Green Mobility India offers electric mobility solutions including vehicle leasing and charging points (CPs). CEO of Gentari Green Mobility India – Nikhil Thomas

 

2. World’s Oldest Calendar Discovered: In addition to the calendar, the pillar features carvings of a bird-like figure, which may symbolize the summer solstice constellation. These carvings are believed to date back to around 10,850 B.C., a period marked by a major comet strike that possibly impacted the climate and culture of the region. This comet event is thought to have triggered an ice age, leading to changes in societal structures and potentially fostering new religious and agricultural practices.

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-Australia Hold Maritime Security Dialogue: On August 13, 2024, the 6th India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue was held in Canberra, focusing on strengthening maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. This meeting reflects the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia and addresses crucial maritime issues.

 

2. DRDO Successfully Tests Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’: On August 13, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India successfully carried out the first flight test of a long-range glide bomb named Gaurav. This test, conducted using a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet from the Indian Air Force, is a significant step forward in India’s efforts to develop its own advanced defence technologies.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India’s Pramod Bhagat suspended from Paris Paralympics Over Breach of Anti-Doping Regulations: India’s Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medal winner Pramod Bhagat, Badminton, has been suspended for a period of 18 months for breaching the anti-doping regulations. As a result of the suspension, Pramod will miss the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. On 1 March 2024, the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division found Bhagat in breach of the BWF anti-doping regulations for committing three whereabouts failures within 12 months.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Dhruva Space join hands with Zero-Error Systems to enhance satellite OBC subsystems: An Indian space engineering solutions provider, Dhruva Space has collaborated with Singaporean space semiconductor maker Zero-Error Systems (ZES) to improve its onboard computer (OBC) subsystem. The collaboration will deploy ZES’ highly efficient LDAP-IC-ZES100 in Dhruva Space’s OBC for future flights to safeguard commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) electronics from radiation, induced micro-SEL/SEL. This strategic partnership entails the incorporation of semiconductor technology advancement into the OBC subsystem of Dhruva Space that oversees the running of satellites as well as controls the payload.

 

2. India and Israel Launch New Water Technology Centre at IIT-Madras: The Centre of Water Technology is expected to be a hub for innovation and research, focusing on developing sustainable solutions for urban water supply and advancing water technology capabilities. As part of the initiative, a capacity-building course titled ’24/7 Water Supply in Urban Areas’ was held at IIT Madras from August 5 to August 8. This training is crucial for providing stakeholders with essential skills in managing urban water systems. Overall, this collaboration aims to offer innovative solutions that can significantly impact water management across India, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to work together on addressing water scarcity and improving water management practices.

 

3. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) – Recent Updates: To address these temperature issues, NASA is making adjustments to the radar antenna reflector in California. They are applying a special coating to prevent the antenna from overheating, ensuring it will work reliably when it is deployed in space. Once this work is finished, the reflector will be sent back to India to be reattached to the spacecraft. NASA and ISRO are working closely together to determine a new date for the launch. This project highlights the strong collaboration between the two space agencies, with each bringing cutting-edge radar technology to the table.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Consumer price inflation eases to five-year low of 3.54% in July: Retail inflation fell to the lowest in nearly five years in July, according to data released by the India Consumer Price Index (CPI). This was the first time in nearly five years that overall retail inflation fell below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% inflation target. Urban inflation declined to 2.98% in July 2024, compared to 7.20% in July 2023. Rural inflation declined to 4.10%, compared to 7.63% in July 2023. Food inflation in July 2024 was the lowest since June 2023. The combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), which shows food inflation also saw a sharp decline. It was 5.42% in July 2024, compared to 11.51% in July 2023.

 

2. PNB launches PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card for visually impaired customers: Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched the PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card,a new debit card specifically designed for visually impaired customers. This contactless NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) Debit Card is available on the RuPay network. Visually impaired individuals with savings or current accounts in PNB are eligible to obtain this debit card from PNB branch. The ATM limit (cash withdrawal) per day is Rs 25,000, and the PoS and eCom limits (combined) per day are Rs 60,000. Contactless transactions are accessible for individual transactions up to Rs. 5000/- without a PIN at NFC capable POS Terminals, with a daily overall limit of Rs. 5000. This initiative also aims to enhance financial independence and convenience for visually impaired individuals, empowering them to manage their finances with greater ease and confidence.

 

3. Jakson Engineers Limited signs MoU with SBI to promote solar projects: Jakson Engineering Limited has signed an MoU with the State Bank of India (SBI) to set up solar projects to a wide range of consumers across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. This partnership comes under the Surya Shakti Solar Finance initiative. It will combine SBI’s banking experience and Jakson’s solar technology expertise. This initiative will promote energy sustainability and lower power costs. The Surya Shakti Solar Finance initiative aims to provide financial assistance to consumers and help them adopt solar energy. SBI is offering loans worth Rs 100 million to commercial and industrial users for the same.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. National Institute for MSME (NI-MSME), Hyderabad awarded Accreditation Certification as “UTKRISHT”: The National Institute for MSME (NI-MSME), an Organisation of the Ministry of MSME GoI, has been awarded with Accreditation Certificate on the successful completion of the National Standards for Civil Services Training Institutions (NSCSTI) process in recognition of excellent services in the field of promotion and development of MSMEs. The assessment was made based on the inspection of all Standard Operating Procedures and Methodologies followed by the Institute at different levels. The team from Capacity Building Commission (CBC) & ICARE conducted On-site assessment and awarded the Certificate of Accreditation with the grading of UTKRISHT, a 3 Star Rating. For providing a pro-business environment to foster the progress of MSMEs towards success and prosperity. The Institute is associated with prestigious world bodies such as UNIDO, UNDP, DCAC, UNESCO, ILO, CFTC, UNICEF, AARDO, and GIZ.

 

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PMJDY reaches 53 crore beneficiaries and ₹2.28 lakh crore in deposits: The flagship financial inclusion scheme of the Centre, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which will be completing a decade on August 15, has 52.99 crore total beneficiaries (account-holders) across the States with total balance in PMJDY accounts at ₹2,28,362 crore, as on 31 July 2024. The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2014, now has become the largest financial inclusion scheme in the world. It has largely been women-centric with 29.48 crore women beneficiaries while 35.27 crore of total accounts are from rural and semi-urban branches, as per the latest data. Nearly 36 crore RuPay Debit cards have been issued. PMJDY has accelerated account ownership in the country and its contribution in onboarding the financially excluded to the mainstream in creating an egalitarian society has been enormous as more than 56 per cent of the PMJDY account holders are women and 67 per cent of the total account holders are from rural and semi urban areas.

 

2. ‘One India-One Ticket’ initiative: Indian Railways, NCRTC collaborate to simplify ticket booking: Indian Railways and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) have joined forces to advance the ‘One India – One Ticket’ initiative, aimed at enhancing the passenger experience for those traveling on mainline railways and Namo Bharat trains. This partnership seeks to streamline travel by allowing passengers to book and travel seamlessly using both Indian Railways and RRTS services. After purchasing an IRCTC train e-ticket, users can now also book Namo Bharat train tickets for up to eight travellers in a single transaction. The option to book RRTS tickets will be available on the PNR confirmation page and through the user’s booking history.

 

3. Madhya Pradesh govt gives cash to girl students to buy sanitary napkins: Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to give money to girl students to buy sanitary napkins. In some states like Karnataka, Rajasthan and Delhi, free sanitary napkins are given to students but cash is being given only in Madhya Pradesh. Under the Sanitation and Hygiene Scheme, an amount of three hundred rupees has been transferred in each girl student’s account for one year.

This amount has been given to around 19 lakh students from class seventh to twelfth.

 

4. Bihar government mandates Registration of Temples, Mutts, And Trusts: The Bihar government mandated registration of temples, mutts and trusts, and directed all District Magistrates in the State to ensure that the bodies are registered and details of their immovable assets are submitted to the Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts (BSBRT) soon. The BSBRT operates under the State’s Law Department and its records say there are about 2,512 unregistered temples and mutts across the State owning 4,321.64 acres of land. According to the Bihar Hindu Religious Trusts Act, 1950 all public temples, mutts, Dharmashalas and trusts must be registered with the BSBRT”. According to BSBRT records, Bihar has 2,512 unregistered temples and mutts owning 4,321.64 acres of land and 2,499 registered temples with 18,456 acres of land.

5. Rana Ashutosh appointed as MD of SBI: Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh has taken over as Managing Director in charge of State Bank of India’s (SBI) risk compliance and stressed assets resolution group (SARG) departments. Gajendra Singh Rana, former chief general manager of the Mumbai circle has taken over from Singh as the deputy managing director (DMD) retail and real estate for the nation’s largest lender. For now he has taken over the departments which were handled by former MD Alok Choudhary.

 

6. GoI declared August 23rd as National Space Day: The Government of India has declared August 23rd as “National Space Day” to celebrate the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, which accomplished safe and soft landing of the Vikram Lander and deployed the Pragyaan rover on the lunar surface near the South Pole. This historic achievement places India among an elite group of space faring nations, making India the fourth country to land on the Moon and the first to do so near the south pole of the Moon. This achievement is being celebrated across the country during July and August 2024, with the goal of engaging and inspiring the younger generation in the field of Space Science and Technology. To commemorate the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, the Department of Fisheries is organizing a series of seminars and demonstrations on,“Application of Space Technologies in Fisheries Sector” in coastal States and UTs under the guidance of Dr. Abhilaskh Likhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amazon India partners with Gentari to increase EV delivery fleet to 10,000 by 2025: Gentari Green Mobility India (Gentari) has partnered with Amazon to boost the e-commerce major’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet for last mile deliveries as the US-headquartered company targets to increase its fleet strength to 10,000 units by 2025. The partnership comes at a time when the e-commerce firm aims to scale up its EV adoption across more than 400 cities in India. Amazon India has already deployed over 7,200 EVs last year and targets to have 10,000 EVs in its India delivery fleet by 2025. Gentari Green Mobility India offers electric mobility solutions including vehicle leasing and charging points (CPs). CEO of Gentari Green Mobility India – Nikhil Thomas

 

2. World’s Oldest Calendar Discovered: In addition to the calendar, the pillar features carvings of a bird-like figure, which may symbolize the summer solstice constellation. These carvings are believed to date back to around 10,850 B.C., a period marked by a major comet strike that possibly impacted the climate and culture of the region. This comet event is thought to have triggered an ice age, leading to changes in societal structures and potentially fostering new religious and agricultural practices.

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-Australia Hold Maritime Security Dialogue: On August 13, 2024, the 6th India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue was held in Canberra, focusing on strengthening maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. This meeting reflects the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia and addresses crucial maritime issues.

 

2. DRDO Successfully Tests Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’: On August 13, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India successfully carried out the first flight test of a long-range glide bomb named Gaurav. This test, conducted using a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet from the Indian Air Force, is a significant step forward in India’s efforts to develop its own advanced defence technologies.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India’s Pramod Bhagat suspended from Paris Paralympics Over Breach of Anti-Doping Regulations: India’s Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medal winner Pramod Bhagat, Badminton, has been suspended for a period of 18 months for breaching the anti-doping regulations. As a result of the suspension, Pramod will miss the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. On 1 March 2024, the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division found Bhagat in breach of the BWF anti-doping regulations for committing three whereabouts failures within 12 months.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Dhruva Space join hands with Zero-Error Systems to enhance satellite OBC subsystems: An Indian space engineering solutions provider, Dhruva Space has collaborated with Singaporean space semiconductor maker Zero-Error Systems (ZES) to improve its onboard computer (OBC) subsystem. The collaboration will deploy ZES’ highly efficient LDAP-IC-ZES100 in Dhruva Space’s OBC for future flights to safeguard commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) electronics from radiation, induced micro-SEL/SEL. This strategic partnership entails the incorporation of semiconductor technology advancement into the OBC subsystem of Dhruva Space that oversees the running of satellites as well as controls the payload.

 

2. India and Israel Launch New Water Technology Centre at IIT-Madras: The Centre of Water Technology is expected to be a hub for innovation and research, focusing on developing sustainable solutions for urban water supply and advancing water technology capabilities. As part of the initiative, a capacity-building course titled ’24/7 Water Supply in Urban Areas’ was held at IIT Madras from August 5 to August 8. This training is crucial for providing stakeholders with essential skills in managing urban water systems. Overall, this collaboration aims to offer innovative solutions that can significantly impact water management across India, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to work together on addressing water scarcity and improving water management practices.

 

3. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) – Recent Updates: To address these temperature issues, NASA is making adjustments to the radar antenna reflector in California. They are applying a special coating to prevent the antenna from overheating, ensuring it will work reliably when it is deployed in space. Once this work is finished, the reflector will be sent back to India to be reattached to the spacecraft. NASA and ISRO are working closely together to determine a new date for the launch. This project highlights the strong collaboration between the two space agencies, with each bringing cutting-edge radar technology to the table.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Consumer price inflation eases to five-year low of 3.54% in July: Retail inflation fell to the lowest in nearly five years in July, according to data released by the India Consumer Price Index (CPI). This was the first time in nearly five years that overall retail inflation fell below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% inflation target. Urban inflation declined to 2.98% in July 2024, compared to 7.20% in July 2023. Rural inflation declined to 4.10%, compared to 7.63% in July 2023. Food inflation in July 2024 was the lowest since June 2023. The combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), which shows food inflation also saw a sharp decline. It was 5.42% in July 2024, compared to 11.51% in July 2023.

 

2. PNB launches PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card for visually impaired customers: Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched the PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card,a new debit card specifically designed for visually impaired customers. This contactless NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) Debit Card is available on the RuPay network. Visually impaired individuals with savings or current accounts in PNB are eligible to obtain this debit card from PNB branch. The ATM limit (cash withdrawal) per day is Rs 25,000, and the PoS and eCom limits (combined) per day are Rs 60,000. Contactless transactions are accessible for individual transactions up to Rs. 5000/- without a PIN at NFC capable POS Terminals, with a daily overall limit of Rs. 5000. This initiative also aims to enhance financial independence and convenience for visually impaired individuals, empowering them to manage their finances with greater ease and confidence.

 

3. Jakson Engineers Limited signs MoU with SBI to promote solar projects: Jakson Engineering Limited has signed an MoU with the State Bank of India (SBI) to set up solar projects to a wide range of consumers across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. This partnership comes under the Surya Shakti Solar Finance initiative. It will combine SBI’s banking experience and Jakson’s solar technology expertise. This initiative will promote energy sustainability and lower power costs. The Surya Shakti Solar Finance initiative aims to provide financial assistance to consumers and help them adopt solar energy. SBI is offering loans worth Rs 100 million to commercial and industrial users for the same.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. National Institute for MSME (NI-MSME), Hyderabad awarded Accreditation Certification as “UTKRISHT”: The National Institute for MSME (NI-MSME), an Organisation of the Ministry of MSME GoI, has been awarded with Accreditation Certificate on the successful completion of the National Standards for Civil Services Training Institutions (NSCSTI) process in recognition of excellent services in the field of promotion and development of MSMEs. The assessment was made based on the inspection of all Standard Operating Procedures and Methodologies followed by the Institute at different levels. The team from Capacity Building Commission (CBC) & ICARE conducted On-site assessment and awarded the Certificate of Accreditation with the grading of UTKRISHT, a 3 Star Rating. For providing a pro-business environment to foster the progress of MSMEs towards success and prosperity. The Institute is associated with prestigious world bodies such as UNIDO, UNDP, DCAC, UNESCO, ILO, CFTC, UNICEF, AARDO, and GIZ.

 

Daily GK Update- 13th Aug, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Jitendra Singh launches ‘Amrit Gyan Kosh’ and ‘Faculty Development’ Portals under Mission Karmayogi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has launched the ‘Amrit Gyan Kosh’ Portal and ‘Faculty Development portal’ at the Civil Service Training Institutions Convention at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. It marks a paradigm shift in how we approach civil service training and it also envisions a future ready civil service rooted in Indian ethos, with a global perspective. Jitendra Singh also launched 13 Quality Improvement Plans (QIP), a roadmap for continuous enhancement of our training institutions. He also granted accreditation to 20 ministries. Singh highlighted that the core of the mission is continuous learning and competency-driven capacity building.

 

2. Assam launches ‘Nijut Moina Scheme’ to boost girls’ education and combat child marriage: Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the ‘Nijut Moina Scheme’, an initiative aimed at eradicating child marriages by empowering female students and promoting education over early marriage. The scheme is designed to provide monthly financial assistance to female students from higher secondary to post-graduate levels. The initiative comes a year after Assam Police arrested over 4,000 people in crackdowns against child marriage. The ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme is universal, allowing students to voluntarily opt out if they do not want to avail of it. The Rs.1500 crore scheme will benefit 10 lakh girls in four years.

 

3. NIRF Ranking 2024: IIT Madras tops in overall category: Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan has released the India Rankings 2024, which implements the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) drafted for this purpose by the Ministry of Education in 2015. This is the 9th consecutive edition of India Rankings of HEIs in India. Four distinct additions to 2024 edition of India Rankings are as follows: i) Introduction of three new categories namely State Public Universities, Open Universities, and Skill Universities; and ii) Integration of “Innovation” ranking into the India Rankings using NIRF framework. Indian Institute of Technology Madras retains its 1st position in Overall Category for the sixth consecutive year, i.e. 2019 to 2024 and in Engineering for 9th consecutive year, i.e. from 2016 to 2024. Top 100 in Overall category consists of 23 state public universities, 22 private deemed universities, 16 IITs, 9 NITs, 7 each central universities 7 private universities, 4 each AIIMS, IISERs and Govt. deemed universities, 3 Other CFTIs and 1 college.

 

4. Raj Kumar Chaudhary appointed as CMD of NHPC Ltd: Raj Kumar Chaudhary has been appointed as the new Chairman & Managing Director of NHPC Limited. Prior to his current appointment, Chaudhary held the critical position of Director (Technical) at NHPC. At 59 years old, Shri Chaudhary brings a wealth of expertise to the role, having joined NHPC in 1989 as a Probationary Executive (Civil) at the Koel Karo Hydro-Electric Project in Jharkhand.

 

5. Om Prakash Mathur Sworn in as 18th Governor of Sikkim: Om Prakash Mathur was sworn in as the 18th Governor of Sikkim at Raj Bhavan, Gangtok. Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, Justice Biswanath Somadder, administered the oath of office and secrecy. The Governor and Chief Minister also participated in a plantation drive at the Raj Bhavan premises under the campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.”

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and Maldives renew MoU to enhance civil service training: India and Maldives have renewed their MoU to bolster the training of Maldivian civil servants. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer finalized the renewed agreement in Malé. The renewed MoU, spanning from 2024 to 2029, will facilitate the training of an additional 1,000 civil service officers from the Maldives. This initiative builds on a previous agreement established on June 8, 2019, under which the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) of India trained 1,000 Maldivian civil servants, including high-level officials, across 32 capacity-building programs. The NCGG, guided by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, has a track record of successful capacity-building initiatives in various countries, including Bangladesh, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka, as well as regional programs for Latin American and FIPIC/IOR countries.

 

2. Paul Kagame became Rwanda’s President consecutively for the fourth term: Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame was sworn in for his fourth term after securing over 99 per cent of the vote. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, during which Kagame pledged to uphold peace, national sovereignty, and national unity. Only two out of eight candidates were allowed to run in the presidential race, and those who criticised Kagame were barred from participating.

 

3. 13 August – World Organ Donation Day: World Organ Donation Day is observed every year on August 13. Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and encourage people to register as organ donors. The history of organ transplantation dates back to the early 20th century, with significant milestones marking its evolution. The first successful kidney transplant occurred in 1954, when Ronald Lee Herrick donated a kidney to his identical twin brother, a groundbreaking procedure performed by Dr. Joseph Murray. This landmark event paved the way for advancements in organ transplantation, leading to the successful transplantation of hearts, livers, lungs, and other organs.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. SLRTC and Army Welfare Association sign MoU to Promote Indian Sign Language: The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) signed an MoU with the Army Welfare Association Society (AWES), in New Delhi. This collaboration is expected to bring benefits to the educational ecosystem, empowering educators and fostering an inclusive environment for students. By enhancing the capabilities of Army Public School faculty in Indian Sign Language, the partnership aims to create a more accessible and supportive learning environment for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

 

2. India and Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI Commences in Sri Lanka: The 10th edition of India- Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI commenced at Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 12th to 25th August 2024. Indian contingent comprising of 106 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of Rajputana Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services. The Sri Lankan contingent is being represented by personnel from the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army. Joint Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Sri Lanka. The last edition was conducted in Pune in Nov 2023. The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban environment. It will facilitate development of inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India wins CAVA Women’s Volleyball Nations League for the second time: Indians beat the host Nepal 23-25, 25-14, 22-25, 25-21, 15-5 in the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Nations League final. Nepal lost to India 3-2 in the finals at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu. This was the second time Nepal was facing off India in the title match at home and first since the 13th South Asian Games. India clinched Gold, Nepal secured the silver medal and Iran settled with bronze in the tournament.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI projects GDP growth of 7 pc in FY25: The State Bank of India in a report project that India’s real GDP will grow by 7.0 per cent year-on-year in FY25, which is slightly lower than the RBI’s forecast of 7.2 per cent. The report noted that the slight downgrade by 20 basis points is based on the global headwinds that are beginning to materialize. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India maintained its overall growth projection at 7.2 per cent for FY25. However, the MPC has revised its Q1FY25 growth estimate downward to 7.1 per cent, a 20-basis points reduction from its previous forecast.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Pakistan athlete Arshad Nadeem to be honoured with Hilal-e-Imtiaz Award: The Javelin Throw gold medallist in the Paris Olympics 2024, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem is set to be honoured with Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the country’s government. Hilal-e-Imtiaz is the second-highest civilian award given by the Government of Pakistan and Nadeem will get this award following his brilliant performance in the final of the competition. Pakistan’s athlete won gold with a throw of 92.97 meters, setting a new Olympic record and surpassing Denmark’s Andreas Thorkildsen’s mark from Beijing 2008. Grenada’s Anderson Peters secured bronze with a throw of 88.54 meters. India’s Neeraj Chopra fell short of retaining his gold medal, finishing with a best throw of 89.45 meters. Chopra became the second male athlete from post-independence India to win two Olympic medals in an individual event.

 

Daily GK Update- 12th Aug, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Roshni Nadar Malhotra is India’s most influential woman leader: Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCL Technologies is India’s most influential woman leading a family-owned business, according to the 2024 Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses report. As the chairperson, she has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success. The Nadar family’s business is valued at a staggering Rs 430,600 crore. Other notable women leaders include Manju D. Gupta of Lupin, Sushila Devi Singhania of JK Cement, Meher Pudumjee of Thermax, Amita Birla of Birlasoft, Leena Gandhi Tewari of USV, Mahima Datla of Biological E, Bina Modi of Godfrey Phillips India, and Jyothy Ramachandran of Jyothy Laboratories.

 

2. PMAY- U 2.0 approved by Union Cabinet with 10 lakh crore investment: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0, which envisages an investment of Rs 10 lakh crores. The PMAY-U 2.0 will replace the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), which was launched on 25 June 2015 and ended on 31 December 2024. The duration of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 is five years (2028-29). It aims to facilitate the construction of one crore houses in urban areas for the urban poor and middle-class families. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will be the nodal body for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 scheme. The total investment required under the PMAY-U 2.0 scheme to build one core house is Rs 10 lakh crore over five years.

 

3. Government approves 8 New Railway Line Projects: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved eight projects of the ministry of railways with a total estimated cost of around Rs.24,657 crore. The projects will cover 14 districts in seven states, including Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal. The eight major new railway line route projects approved by the union cabinet include Gunupur-Therubali (New Line), Junagarh-Nabrangpur, Badampahar-Kandujhargarh, Bangriposi-Gorumahisani, Malkangiri-Pandurangapuram (via Bhadrachalam), Buramara-Chakulia, Jalna-Jalgaon, and Bikramshila-Katareah. With these projects, 64 new stations will be constructed, providing enhanced connectivity to six aspirational districts—East Singhbum, Bhadadri Kothagudem, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada—approximately 510 villages and about four million population.

 

4. All India Institute of Ayurveda signed MoU with Amity University to promote Ayurveda Research and Education: All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) New Delhi has signed an MoU with Amity University Noida to collaborate on education, research, and technology. This MoU extends the ongoing five-year agreement with Amity University. The MoU was signed under the leadership of Amity University Chancellor, Dr. Atul Chauhan, and under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. The objective of the MoU is to promote collaborative education programs, publications, capacity-building, and joint capacity-building projects. This includes fostering academic excellence, technological advancement, and state-of-the-art programs through capacity building and lifelong learning.

 

5. Finance Secretary T V Somanathan named Cabinet Secretary for 2 years: Union Finance Secretary T V Somanathan has been appointed Cabinet Secretary for two years starting August 30. He will be taking over from Rajiv Gauba. A 1987-batch Tamil Nadu cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Somanathan was designated Finance Secretary in April 2021. He was appointed Secretary, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, back in December 2019. Somanathan, who served as a joint secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA) from 2015 to 2017, was also involved in overseeing the implementation of economic policies in the Prime Minister’s Office during that period.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mann dedicates Punjab Help Centre for NRIs at IGI Airport: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann unveiled a pioneering initiative for the Punjabi diaspora with the inauguration of the ‘Punjab Help Centre’ at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. This makes Punjab the first state in India to establish such a dedicated NRI Facilitation Centre, showcasing a robust commitment to supporting its overseas community. ‘Punjab Help Centre will operate 24X7, offering a range of services to assist NRIs and other passengers. The centre will provide help with arrival and connecting flights, taxi services, lost luggage, and other airport-related needs. It is equipped with two Innova cars for local transportation to Punjab Bhawan and nearby locations. For emergency situations, rooms at Punjab Bhawan will be available based on availability. A dedicated helpline, 011-61232182, has also been set up for immediate assistance.

 

2. 12 July – International Youth Day: International Youth Day is celebrated every year on August 12. This special occasion celebrates the potential, accomplishments, and contributions of young people around the world.Theme 2024 – From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development. In 1999, the United Nations (UN) declared August 12 to be International Youth Day. The suggestion was recommended to the UN General Assembly by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon on December 17, 1999. The day was first celebrated on August 12, 2000, and from that point forward, the day has been utilized to teach the overall population.

 

3. 12 August – World Elephant Day: World Elephant Day is an annual international event held on August 12 to promote the conservation and protection of elephants worldwide. Thee 2024 – Personifying prehistoric beauty, theological relevance, and environmental importance The origins of World Elephant Day trace back to 2012, when Canadian filmmakers Patricia Sims and Michael Clark, along with the support of various conservation organisations, launched this global initiative. They aimed to address the severe threats faced by elephants due to poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India’s defence exports soar by 78 percent in first quarter of 2024-25: India’s defence exports soared by 78 percent in the first quarter of 2024-25 as compared to the same period last fiscal year. According to the Defence Ministry, defence exports increased to rupees 6,915 crores in the first quarter of 2024-25, compared to ₹3,865 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.

 

2. IAF Su-30 MKI return after participating in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024: The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent returned to India after successfully participating in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 in Malaysia’s Kuantan The joint air exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Air Force from the 5th to the 9th of August. During the exercise, the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighter jets engaged in air combat missions alongside the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Su-30MKM fighters. The primary focus of the exercise was to bolster operational efficiency and enhance the technical expertise of both air forces.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Paris Olympics: India finishes 71st in medal tally: USA and China both won 40 gold medals each at Paris Olympics 2024 but the United States of America topped the medals table finishing above the Asian giant only under their 44 silvers. China, the last nation apart from the U.S. to top the standings when they did it on home soil at the 2008 Beijing Games, managed only 27 silvers. India finished 71st at the Paris Olympics with one silver and five bronze.

 

2. Overall, Medal Tally at the 2024 Paris Olympics: It is the third time Paris is hosting the Summer Olympics, having hosted in 1900,1924 and now in 2024. The Olympic flag was handed over to the city of Los Angeles, USA, which will host the next 34th Summer Olympics in 2028. Total number of sports 32 and 48 disciplines, 329 medal events For the first time in the Summer Olympics’ history, the traditional opening ceremony was not held in a stadium but the parade was held on boats floating on the River Seine, along which Paris city lies. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, athletes from the territories of 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team participated.

 

3. Mascot and Motto of the 2024 Paris Olympics: The 2024 Paris Olympics Mascot is Olympic Phryge. It is designed on the traditional French Phyrigian hat that represents the symbols of freedom and the French Republic. It is coloured in blue, white and red, representing the flag of France with the golden Paris 2024 logo emblazoned across its chest. Alone we go faster, but together we go further,” is the motto of the Paris Olympics and the Paralympic Games.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. MEA, NSIL sign MoU to assist launch of Nepalese Munal satellite: The Ministry of External Affairs and ISRO’s commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) signed an agreement to grant assistance for launching the Nepal-built Munal satellite. Munal is an indigenous satellite developed in Nepal under the aegis of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal (APN), a Nepalese space startup, has assisted Nepalese students in the design and fabrication of this satellite. It aims to build a vegetation density database of the earth’s surface.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. President Murmu receives the Highest Civilian Award of Timor Leste: President Droupadi Murmu was honoured with the highest civilian award of Timor Leste – Grand Collar of Order of Timor Leste, by Timor Leste President Jose Ramos Horta. The award was conferred to President Murmu at a function in the Timor-Leste capital, Dili. India and Timor Leste at present have no diplomatic missions in each other countries.

 

2. Abhinav Bindra receives the Olympic Order Award by International Olympic Committee in Paris: India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, Abhinav Bindra was awarded the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 142nd IOC Session in Paris. The Olympic Order is the highest honour bestowed by the IOC, recognizing exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement. Bindra won India’s first individual Olympic gold in the Men’s 10-meter Air Rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Games. With a distinguished career that includes over 150 individual medals, Bindra has become a prominent figure in Indian sports.