Daily GK Update- 15th Aug, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NHA & MUHS Sign MoU to Offer Digital Health Education & Support Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: National Health Authority (NHA) and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) have signed an MoU to offer its Digital Health Foundation Course to NHA and co-develop additional Digital Health programs to support the roll-out of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The Digital Health Foundation Course provides a comprehensive understanding of Digital Health fundamentals to doctors and healthcare providers. The partnership between NHA and MUHS marks a significant milestone in integrating digital health education into the medical curriculum. The MoU laid the foundation for a more connected and effective healthcare ecosystem. This partnership will not only enhance the skills of medical students and professionals but also drive the broader implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, ultimately benefiting millions of people with better access to quality care.

 

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. Neelakurinji becomes a ‘threatened species’ officially: Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), the purplish flowering shrub, that blooms once in 12 years, has been included on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) official Red List of Threatened Species. This is the first-ever Global Red List assessment for this flagship species of the montane grasslands of southwest India. The latest global assessment confirms its threatened status in the Vulnerable (Criteria A2c) category of the IUCN. The mass blooming of the flower is a huge tourist attraction.

 

4. 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).

5. Sandeep Poundrik takes charge as Secretary of Ministry of Steel: Sandeep Poundrik has assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Steel. He is a 1993-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre. Poundrik was in charge of the Additional Chief Secretary position in the Industries Department and also held additional charge for several other positions in the Government of Bihar. He had previously served as Advisor in the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs and as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

 

6. India celebrated 78th Independence Day this year: India celebrates its Independence Day annually on August 15. This year, the nation marks its 78th Independence Day or Swatantrata Diwas. The government of India has announced the theme for this year is Viksit Bharat or Developed India. It symbolises the vision of a developed nation by 2047 and reflects the government’s commitment to transform India. The year 2047 will be the 100th year of India’s freedom from colonial rule. Independence Day commemorates India’s freedom from British colonial rule for more than 200 years on August 15, 1947. The country began its struggle for Independence with the Rovolt of 1857. Later, around 1920, the freedom struggle gained momentum under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership. Finally, on July 4, 1947, the British House of Commons introduced the Indian Independence Bill. On August 15, India became an independent nation.

 

7. 14 August – Partition Horrors Remembrance Day: India has observed the ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ every year on August 14 to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and were displaced during the country’s partition in 1947. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in 2021 that August 14 would be observed annually as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’. The observance aims to commemorate the sacrifices made by those who suffered during the Partition and to keep their memories alive. India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. While Independence Day is a joyous and proud occasion, the trauma of the partition that accompanied the birth of the newly independent nation left permanent scars on millions of Indians.

 

INTERNATIONAL 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.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy approves Mazagon Dock to build 6 submarines with German collaboration: Government-owned Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) has got the Indian Navy’s approval to build six submarines with the project worth Rs 60,000 crore. The MDL in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems will build the submarines that are being developed under ‘Project 75 India’. MDL and ThyssenKrupp were competing against Larsen & Toubro and Navantia. The approval came after the MDL was informed by a Commodore-rank officer of the Indian Navy (Brigadier equivalent in the Army) that they had qualified for the trial requirements. The deal is crucial for India to counter the increasing influence of China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region. Projet 75 India aims to acquire diesel-electric attack submarines with AIP technology, making them larger and more advanced than current models.

 

2. 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. 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.

 

2. 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 during emergencies, providing critical support in disaster response and recovery efforts.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Axis Bank launches PRIMUS super-premium credit card: Axis Bank, one of India’s largest private sector banks, has partnered with Visa to launch the ‘Primus’ credit card. This is a super-premium card, available by invitation only. This credit card targets select ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) in India. Primus is the first in India to provide access to globally acclaimed bespoke privileges under the Visa Infinite Privilege offering. The card offers exclusive benefits, including access to private jets, custom-made travel itineraries, and invitations to exclusive events such as private art exhibitions and product launches.

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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.

 

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.