Current Affairs Weekly PDF – August 2024 – 1st Week (1-8) PDF

Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 1  Current Affairs Weekly PDF – August 2024 – 1st Week (1–8) NATIONAL AFFAIRS DAC Approved Capital Acquisition...

Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 1  Current Affairs Weekly PDF – August 2024 – 1st Week (1–8) NATIONAL AFFAIRS DAC Approved Capital Acquisition MoES Launched 4 Important Publications: Proposals to Enhance the Capabilities of ✓ The India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the administrative control of MoES, Indian Army and Indian Coast Guard released the “Standard Operation Procedure Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the on “Cyclone Warning in India” and chairmanship of Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry ‘Competency Framework for Monitoring and of Defence (MoD), Government of India (GoI) has Forecasting High-impact Weather Events’. approved various capital acquisition proposals to ✓ Panaji (Goa)-based National Centre for Polar enhance the capabilities of the Indian Army(IA) and the and Ocean Research (NCPOR), an Indian Coast Guard (ICG). autonomous institute of MoES, has released a ✓ The DAC has accorded Acceptance of consolidated report on the 14th Indian Arctic Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of the Expedition (2023-24) Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS) for ✓ Kochi (Kerala)-based Centre for Marine Living Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) for Indian Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), an attached Army and 22 Interceptor Boats for Indian office of MoES, has released a catalogue Coast Guard (ICG). entitled “Taxonomy and Systematics of ✓ Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under the Anomuran Crabs. chairmanship of Rajnath Singh has reviewed and approved the amendments to the deal for 31 MQ-9B, High Altitude Long iDEX & AFMS Signed MoU For Medical Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Innovations and Research Advancement Vehicles (UAVs) from General Atomics The Innovations for Defence Excellence-Defence Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) of the Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), the flagship United States of America (USA). initiative of Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed ✓ Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Armed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for the launch of National Stock Exchange (NSE) to Medical Innovations and Research Advancement facilitate capital market access to Micro, (MIRA). Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). ✓ It will promote cutting-edge developments in operationalised for a period of 5 years. medical technologies by utilising the unique strengths and expertise of both organisations. MoES Celebrated 18th Foundation Day: Released Important Publications for Public Union Minister Manohar Lal Inaugurates Utility and Benefit NFMS Control Centre at REC Limited Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) celebrated its On July 25 2024, Union Minister Manohar Lal, Ministry 18th Foundation Day on 27th July, 2024 at its of Power (MOP) and Ministry of Housing and Urban headquarters in Prithvi Bhavan, New Delhi, marking Affairs (MoHUA) inaugurated the National Feeder nearly 20 years of significant contributions made by Monitoring System (NFMS) Control Centre on REC MoES across all earth system sciences. Limited’s 55th Foundation Day at Gurugram, Haryana. ✓ NFMS is a flagship initiative of the MoP, provides real-time access to complete Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 4  information on power supply hours, outages, Communications under the Uttar Pradesh and overall health of about 2.5 lakh feeders Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC). (11 Kilovolts (KV) outgoing) across India. ✓ Hyderabad (Telangana)-based Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) is the lead Special MSDE Expands Model Skill Loan Scheme; Purpose Vehicle (SPV) member for the M&M facility. Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Raises Loan Limit To Rs 7.5 lakh Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Union Minister of State(MoS) Jayant Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Bharat Chaudhary(Independent Charge/IC), Ministry of State Electronics Limited (BEL) are the lead for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship(MSDE) members in the UAS and Communications has launched an enhanced ‘Model Skill Loan facilities respectively. Scheme’ for skill development courses with an increased maximum loan limit to Rs 7.5 lakh from Rs 1.5 lakh. 1st STI Conclave on ‘Traditional Knowledge ✓ It was announced in the Union Budget 2024- for Sustainable Livelihoods’ organized 2025, the revised scheme aims to benefit jointly by ISTIC-UNESCO and CSIR 25,000 students annually. The first STI (Science Technology & Innovation) Conclave on ‘Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Livelihoods’ was held in New Delhi, Delhi from July 29- Launches NATS 2.0 Portal; Disburses Rs 31, 2024. The event was inaugurated by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General (DG) of Council of 100 crore Stipend Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). On July 30 2024, the Union Minister Dharmendra ✓ It was organized by the International Science, Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE) launched the Technology, and Innovation Centre for South- National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme South Cooperation (ISTIC) under the United (NATS) 2.0 Portal in New Delhi, Delhi. As part of the Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural initiative, stipends of Rs 100 crore has been disbursed Organization (UNESCO); and CSIR to young graduates and diploma holders through the constituents, including the Traditional Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. Knowledge Digital Library Unit (CSIR-TKDL), ✓ NATS 2.0 Portal has been developed in-house New Delhi(Delhi) and CSIR-Indian Institute of by the MoE with the support of All India Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) in Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Hyderabad, Telangana. Board of Apprenticeship Training / Practical Training (BOAT/BOPT). India Elected as Vice-Chair of Supply Chain MoD Signed MoU with UPEIDA to Establish Council in IPEF Initiative India has been elected as vice-chair of the Supply 3 Testing Facilities in UP Chain Council(SCC), one of the three supply chain Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India bodies set up by the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (GoI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Prosperity (IPEF) partners pursuant to the Supply (MoU) with Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Chain Resilience Agreement. The United States of Development Authority (UPEIDA) under the Defence America (USA) was elected as the Chair of SCC. Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) in New Delhi, ✓ Crisis Response Network (CRN): Republic of Delhi, to establish 3 state-of-the-art testing facilities in Korea (Chair) and Japan (Vice Chair). Uttar Pradesh (UP). ✓ Labor Rights Advisory Board (LRAB): The USA ✓ These facilities will be established in the (Chair) and Fiji (Vice Chair). domains of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Mechanical & Material (M&M) and Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 5 46th World Heritage Committee meeting Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches held in New Delhi, India; Inscribes 26 New Version 4.0 PMS Mobile App; DCA Expands Heritage Sites Price Monitoring to 38 Commodities The 46th session of the United Nations Educational, Union Minister Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, Ministry of Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Heritage Committee (WHC), hosted by India for the (MoCAF&PD) launched the Version 4.0 Price first time, was held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Monitoring System (PMS) Mobile Application (App) in Delhi, Delhi (India) from 21st to 31st July 2024. New Delhi, Delhi. From August 1, 2024, the ✓ The Committee inscribed 26 new heritage sites Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), MoCAF&PD, on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. has expanded its PMS to include 16 additional ✓ Chairperson: H.E. Mr Vishal V. Sharma (India) commodities. ✓ Vice-Chairpersons: Bulgaria, Greece, Kenya, ✓ The newly added 16 items include Bajra, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Jowar, Ragi, Suji (wheat), Maida (wheat), ✓ Bulgaria will host the 47th session of the Besan, Ghee, Butter, Brinjal, Egg, Black UNESCO World Heritage Committee Pepper, Coriander, Cumin, Red Chillies, in Sofia in 2025. The proposal was voted on Turmeric Powder, and Banana. during the 46th session of the committee. ✓ The monitoring now covers a total of 38 ✓ Nauru (island country in Micronesia) ratified commodities, up from the previous 22 the World Heritage Convention and became its commodities. 196th State Party. Click here to read full News Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia and MoS Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar Highlights of Visit of David Lammy MP, UK Inaugurates NOC at C-DOT Foreign Secretary, to India Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Ministry of David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Communications (MoC) and Ministry of Development Commonwealth and Development Affairs, the United of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) along with the Kingdom (UK) paid an official visit to India from 24th to Union Minister of State(MoS)Dr Pemmasani Chandra 25th July 2024 at the invitation of Union Minister Dr. S. Sekhar, MoC and Ministry of Rural Development Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), (MoRD) has inaugurated the Network Operations Government of India (GoI). Centre (NOC) at the Centre for Development of ✓ External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. Jaishankar Telematics (C-DOT), New Delhi, Delhi. held a bilateral meeting with David Lammy MP ✓ M Scindia also made a pilot 5G(the fifth- and reviewed the Roadmap 2030 which was generation technology) call on the Bharat agreed between the Prime Ministers (PMs) of Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) live network, India and UK during the India-UK Virtual where this 5G call was made using the Summit held in 2021. indigenously designed 5G radio and 5G core ✓ India and the UK launched a new Technology Non-Stand Alone(NSA). Security Initiative (TSI) which aims to boost economic growth and strengthen the TRAI Released Revised Standards of Quality collaboration between two countries. of Service for Access and Broadband Services Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released revised regulations namely, ‘The Standards of Quality of Service of Access (Wirelines and Wireless) Service Regulations, 2024 (06 of 2024)’. These Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 6 revised regulations are applicable for access (fixed and next five years (2024-2028) to strengthening mobile) and broadband services. These regulations bilateral trade and economic cooperation. will come into effect on 1st October 2024. ✓ In a sign of their growing strategic partnership, ✓ The new regulations were framed after India has extended two Lines of following a detailed consultative process Credit (LoC) amounting to USD 300 million to through a Consultation Paper on ‘Review of Vietnam to bolster the country’s maritime Quality-of-Service Standards for Access security. Services (Wireless and Wireline) and Broadband (Wireless and Wireline) CCEA Approves 8 High-Speed Road Services’ issued on 18th August 2023, which Corridors across India at Rs 50,655 Cr invited suggestions from various stakeholders. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has State Visit of H.E.Pham Minh Chinh, PM of approved 8 National High-Speed Road Corridor Viet Nam to India from 30 July- 01 August, projects with a length of 936 kilometers (km) for Rs. 2024 50,655 crore across India. The Prime Minister(PM) of Vietnam H.E. Pham Minh ✓ The Union Cabinet has approved a series of Chinh paid a State Visit to India from 30 July to 1 significant amendments to banking laws, August 2024, at the invitation of Narendra Modi PM of including the increase in the number of India to deepen comprehensive strategic partnership nominees per deposit account up to 4, and and enhance cooperation between the two countries. the introduction of "successive and ✓ PM Pham Minh Chinh attended the Vietnam- simultaneous" nominations to allow joint India Business Forum held in New Delhi. The account holders and the heirs to access funds forum, jointly organised by the Federation of after an account holder's death. Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Vietnamese Embassy in India. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated 32nd ICAE in ✓ Vietnamese airline Vietjet Air announced a New Delhi new direct flight route between Da Nang, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister(PM) of India Vietnam, and Ahmedabad, India at the inaugurated the 32nd International Conference of Vietnam-India Business Forum. Agricultural Economists (ICAE 2024) at the National ✓ MoU involved Vietnam Airlines and Innovations Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex in New India, who will collaborate on the film “Love in Delhi, Delhi. Vietnam” and the 3rd edition of the India – ✓ The theme of ICAE 2024 is “Transformation Vietnam Festival of Friendship, also known Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems”. as Namaste Vietnam Festival 2024. ✓ ICAE 2024 is organised by the International ✓ MoU between Central Agricultural Association of Agricultural Economists(IAAE), University(CAU),Imphal, Manipur and Vietnam Toronto(Ontario). Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hanoi, Viet ✓ The Co-organisers of the conference are the Nam for cooperation in Agricultural Agricultural Economics Research Association Research and Education. (AERA) (India), the Indian Society of ✓ MoU between Prasar Bharati, New Delhi, Agricultural Economics (ISAE), the Indira India and the Voice of Viet Nam (VoV), Hanoi, Gandhi Institute of Development Research Viet Nam for cooperation on Radio and (IGIDR), the Indian Council of Agricultural Television. Research (ICAR), and the International Food ✓ India and Vietnam agreed on a new plan of Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). action, which will be implemented over the Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 7 Union Home Minister Amit Shah Launched 4 India and Saint Kitts & Nevis Signed MoU on Apps for 3 New Criminal Laws in Cooperation in the Field of Sports Chandigarh Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Youth Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs Affairs and Sports (MYAS) of the Government of (MoHA) and Ministry of Cooperation (MoC) has India(GoI) has signed a Memorandum of launched 4 Applications(Apps) namely, e-Sakshya, Understanding (MoU) with the Denzil Llewellyn Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti and e-Summon for the 3 Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saint Kitts and new criminal laws in Chandigarh. These apps were Nevis(SKN) in New Delhi(Delhi) to enhance developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), New cooperation in various sport matters. Delhi(Delhi). ✓ e-Sakshya app is a mobile based application MoHFW issues SOPs for Transporting which will enable the police to save all Human Organs through Various Modes of videography, photography and testimonies in a Travel criminal case on a cloud-based e-evidence The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) server, which will also be available in the has introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) courts immediately. for the seamless transportation of human organs via ✓ Nyaya Shruti app will facilitate judicial air, road, rail, and waterways. hearings through electronic medium like: video ✓ This initiative, developed in collaboration with conferencing and onboarding of documents, National Institution for Transforming India has also been shared with all states or Union (NITI) Aayog and consultation with the Territories (UTs) and e-committee of the Ministries of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Ministry of Supreme Court(SC) for implementation by the Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Ministry courts. of Railways, Ministry of Road Transport & ✓ Nyaya Setu will provide a unified legal Highways (MoRTH), Ministry of Ports, Shipping interface for legal information, legal advice and and Waterways (MoPSW), Ministry of Home legal assistance and thus enable a more Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Defence(MoD). inclusive and just society. ✓ e-summon app will facilitate delivery of court summons electronically i.e. from the court to Govt Declares Adichunchanagiri in police station and also to the person to whom Karnataka & Choolannuar in Kerala as summons is to be sent. Peacock Sanctuary Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Govt Extends Deadline for Meeting MSP Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Norms for CPSES Until August 2026 announced that the central government has declared The Government has extended the deadline for the the Choolannuar in Kerala and Adichunchanagiri in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), Public Karnataka as Peacock Sanctuaries. Sector Banks (PSBs), and Financial Institutions (FIs) to adhere to the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) India's 1st Multinational Air Exercise 'Tarang norms until August 2026. This extension allows Shakti' commenced at Sulur, TN CPSEs, PSBs, and FIs to increase their public On August 6, 2024, 'Tarang Shakti (Wave of Power) shareholding to at least 25% by 1 August 2026. 2024', largest multilateral air exercise began at the ✓ The Ministry of Finance (MoF) issued a Sulur Air Base in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (TN). It is memorandum granting this exemption in the the first multinational air exercise to be conducted on public interest. As per the earlier order, the India soil after 61 years. two-year exemption was to end on August 1, ✓ The Tarang Shakti 2024 exercise is being 2024. conducted in two phases. The first phase being Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 8  held in Sular, Tamil Nadu(TN) from August 6 to (MoC&I), is introducing the QCI Surajya Recognition & 14, 2024 and the second phase to be held in Ranking Framework, designed to drive excellence Jodhpur, Rajasthan from August 29 to among states to improve citizens' quality of life for September 14. Viksit Bharat. ✓ This framework is categorised under 4 pillars Govt Reconstitutes EC & GB of NIPCCD namely, Shiksha (Education), Swasthya (Health), Samriddhi (Prosperity), and after Over 5 Decades Sushasan (Governance). The Ministry of Women and Child Development ✓ The August 2024 (MWCD), Government of India (GoI) has reconstituted rankings cover Shiksha, Swasthya, the Executive Council (EC) and General Body (GB) of and Samriddhi, with Sushasan to be included the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child in future editions. Development (NIPCCD) after more than 50 years. Click here to read QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking ✓ The reconstitution was approved during a Framework’s August 2024 Rankings meeting of the EC and a special meeting of the GB of NIPCCD held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi, under the chairpersonship of DAY-NRLM Launches Million Designers, Union Minister Annpurna Devi, MWCD. Billion Dreams with LEAP ✓ The GB now has 22 members, down from 94, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural and the EC has 13 members, down from 21. Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) launched the Union Minister Annpurna Devi is the President 'Million Designers, Billion Dreams' initiative in of the GB and Chairperson of EC. collaboration with Leap Designs. This initiative aims to empower individuals across India with systems design QCI Introduces QCI Surajya Recognition & know-how to tackle complex societal challenges. ✓ The launch event was chaired by Charanjit Ranking Framework to Drive Excellence in Singh, Additional Secretary, Rural Livelihoods Key Sectors (RL), Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD). The Quality Council of India (QCI), an autonomous body set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS G20 Agrees on Brazil's Billionaire Tax Governors Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Proposal to Tackle Taxation of Ultra-Rich Brazil. The Group of Twenty (G20) finance ministers and central bankers issued the first-ever joint ministerial Ministry of Ayush & WHO signed USD 85 declaration on taxation, The Rio de Janeiro G20 milliion Donor Agreement for GTMC in Ministerial Declaration on International Tax Gujarat Cooperation, committing to effective taxation of The Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga and “ultra-high-net-worth individuals.” Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and ✓ Brazil, holding the G20 Presidency proposed Homoeopathy), Government of India (GoI) and the a 2% minimum tax on the worlds richest World Health Organization (WHO) have signed a billionaires, making it a top priority for the donor agreement during an event in Geneva, upcoming G20 summit from November 18 to Switzerland. 19, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was ✓ This donor agreement is part of a USD250 adopted during the Communiqué of the 3rd million investment from India in support of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 9  the establishment of the WHO Global state-owned electric utility, State Grid Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in 2022. Corporation of China have secured the 2nd ✓ Under this agreement, India will donate USD and 3rd positions respectively. 85 million over a period of 10 years (2022- Top 5 Indian Companies in the Fortune Global 2032) to support the operations of the WHO 500 List for 2024: GTMC at Jamnagar, Gujarat. Revenue Company Rank Location (in USD Name Curaçao Joins as 6th Associate Member of billion) Mumbai, CARICOM 86 RIL 108.8 Maharashtra Curaçao has become the 6th Associate Member of Life Insurance the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the oldest 95 Corporation of Mumbai 103.5 surviving integration movement in the developing India (LIC) world. With this, CARICOM now consists of 15 full Indian Oil member countries and 6 associate members. Corporation New Delhi, 126 942.7 Limited Germany Joined UN Command in South (IOCL) Delhi Korea as 18th Member State State Bank of Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) officially joined the 178 India Mumbai 718.4 United States of America (USA) led-United Nations (SBI) Command (UNC) at Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul in Oil and Natural South Korea. Germany became the 18th member state Gas of UNC, a group that helps police the heavily fortified 180 New Delhi 714.6 Corporation border with North Korea and has committed to defend (ONGC) the South in the event of war. Nehru Group & Global Education Outreach RIL Climbs to 86th in Fortune Global 500 Mauritius signed MoU for Education List for 2024; Walmart topped the list for Collaboration 11th consecutive year Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)-based Nehru Group of According to the 70th edition of Fortune Global 500 Institutions and Global Education Outreach list for 2024, India’s Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Mauritius signed a Memorandum of Understanding led by Mukesh Ambani, has improved its ranking to (MoU) for educational collaboration during the India- 86th (2024) from 88th (2023) while retaining its Mauritius Trade Conference 2024 held in Port Louis, position as the highest-ranked Indian firm for the 21st Mauritius. consecutive year. ✓ The India-Mauritius Trade Conference 2024 ✓ The United States of America (USA)-based was organised by the Indian Economic Trade retail and wholesale company, Walmart Inc. Organization in association with the India has topped the list as the largest company by Africa Trade Council (IATC). revenue for the 11th consecutive year. ✓ The motto of the 2024 conference was Walmart's consolidated revenue stood at USD “Promoting Investment and Growth in 648.1 billion. partnership with the Mauritius business ✓ USA based e-commerce houses”. company, Amazon.com, Inc and Chinese Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 10  BANKING & FINANCE GoI & ADB Signed Loan Agreement worth (TPSSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power USD 200 million for Enhanced Urban Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), announced that it has collaborated with Bank of India (BOI), Indian Public Sanitation Sector Bank (PSB) to facilitate easy financing for The Government of India (GoI) has signed a USD 200 rooftop solar installations and establishment of million loan agreement with Asian Development Bank Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. (ADB) to enhance solid waste management and sanitation in 100 cities across 8 states in India. ✓ This loan arrangement will support the objectives of Swacch Bharat (Clean India) Mission- Urban 2.0, is an initiative led by GoI which aims to make all Indian cities to be garbage free by 2026, by enhancing sanitation and solid waste management infrastructure including waste segregation, collection, and disposal. RBI’s Digital Payments Index increases 12.6% Y-o-Y in March 2024 The Reserve Bank of India's Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) increased to 445.5 at the end of March 2024, marking a 12.6% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) increase compared to March 2023 across all parameters. It was RBI’s Report on Currency and Finance 2023- 418.77 in September 2023 and 395.57 in March 2023. 24 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its SIDBI Partners C2treds & UGRO Capital to ‘Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for 2023- Facilitate Loans to MSME Sector 24’ on 29th July 2024. The report highlights the The Small Industries Development Bank of India challenges that an economy faces by the rapid (SIDBI) has entered into a co-lending partnership adoption of digital technologies in the financial sector. with C2treds, a strategic initiative by C2FO, the ✓ The theme for the RCF 2023-24 report is world’s on-demand working capital platform, and “India’s Digital Revolution”. UGRO Capital, a data technology Non-Banking ✓ According to the RCF 2023-24, India's digital Financial Company (NBFC), to facilitate loans to the economy currently at 10% of the Gross Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector. domestic product (GDP) and is expected to ✓ SIDBI has onboarded C2treds, an RBI- double to 20% by 2026. approved Trade Receivables Discounting ✓ Digital payments have seen a Compound System (TReDS) platform by C2FO. This Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 50% in volume collaboration aims to improve liquidity for and 10% in value terms in the last seven MSMEs at competitive interest rates. years (between 2017-18 and 2023-24). ✓ India is expected to be the world’s leading TPSSL Collaborated with BOI to Facilitate supplier of labour, which will increase the Financing for Solar Systems remittances to around USD 160 billion in On 26th July 2024, Tata Power Solar Systems Limited 2029 from USD 115 billion in 2023. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 11 SEBI Launched India’s 1st Web Portal for ✓ With this, RBL becomes the 1st private sector Passive Funds at NSE; Unveiled Report on bank to offer these comprehensive features of payment capabilities in a single card. Capital Markets Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched India’s SWIFT Partners with Axis Bank to Launch AI first website for passive funds at the National Stock Pilot to Tackle Payment Fraud Exchange (NSE), to facilitate a comprehensive The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial platform for retail investors and enable them to easily Telecommunications (SWIFT) has partnered with Axis access information and understand the Indian passive Bank, leading Indian Private Sector Bank (PSB) to industry. launch an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven pilot, to ✓ Apart from launch of website for passive funds, prevent the payments frauds occurring in cross-border she also unveiled report on the capital payments. markets titled “Indian Capital Markets: Transformative shifts achieved through technology and reforms”. The report is developed by NSE Data Analytics. InsuranceDekho enters India’s Reinsurance Broking Sector with Composite Licence InsuranceDekho, Gurugram(Haryana) based insurance marketplace, has received the composite insurance broking licence from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). InsuranceDekho’s vision includes increasing insurance penetration by reaching 6 lakh villages across India. Kotak Mahindra Bank and GOQii Launches Smartwatch for Contactless Payments Paytm Launches India’s First NFC Card Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL), a leading Indian Soundbox private sector bank in partnership with smart-tech- Noida based (Uttar Pradesh, UP) One 97 enabled preventive healthcare platform GOQii has Communications Limited (OCL), Paytm's parent announced the launch of ” Kotak-GOQii Smart Vital company launched India's first Near Field Plus smartwatch” , a wearable and contactless RuPay Communication (NFC) Card Sound Box, a two-in-one On-The-Go payment solution, powered by National mobile Quick Response(QR) payment device which Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). combines NFC card payment technology with mobile QR payments. RBL Launched RuPay Credit with UPI and NCMC Features RBI issues revised Master Directions on RBL Bank (formerly known as Ratnakar Bank Limited), Fraud Risk Management for Regulated a leading Indian private sector bank has launched a Entities new RuPay Credit card, integrating it with Unified Reserve Bank of India(RBI) issued 3 Master Payments Interface (UPI) and National Common Directions(MD) on Fraud Risk Management for the Mobility Card (NCMC) features. Regulated Entities(RE) such as commercial banks including regional rural banks and All India Financial Institutions; urban, state and central cooperative Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 12 banks; and non-banking finance firms and housing HDFC Securities Partners with Vested finance companies to replace the previous guidelines Finance to Offer Access to Global Investing and consolidating 36 existing circulars. for Indians and NRIs The RBI released MD on Fraud Risk Management in HDFC Securities Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary ✓ Non-Banking Finance Companies(NBFCs) of HDFC Bank Limited has partnered with Vested (including Housing Finance Companies(HFCs)) Finance Inc., a United States of America (USA)-based ✓ Cooperative Banks (Urban Cooperative investment platform, to democratize global investing Banks(UCBs) / State Cooperative for Indians and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) through Banks(StCBs) / Central Cooperative Global Investing 2.0. Banks(CCBs)) ✓ Commercial Banks(CBs)[including Regional Rural Banks(RRBs) and All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs)] Click here to read full News GoI and World Bank Signed USD 500 Million Agreement for Construction of GNHCP Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced that the Government of India (GoI) and the World Bank (WB) Amazon Pay, Adyen & BillDesk Secure PA- have signed a USD 500 million agreement to CB Licence from RBI construct the Green National Highway Corridors Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted Payment- Project (GNHCP). Aggregator- Cross Border (PA-CB) license to 3 ✓ MoRTH also informed that the scheduled date merchant payment companies namely for the final completion of the GNHCP project IndiaIdeas.com Limited (BillDesk), Amazon Pay is May 2026. (India) Private Limited, and global payments major ✓ GNHCP project will cover 4 states such as: Adyen India Technology Services Private Limited Himachal Pradesh (HP), Rajasthan, Uttar (Adyen). Pradesh (UP) and Andhra Pradesh (AP) in an ✓ BillDesk received the licence for both exports aggregate length of 781 kilometer (km). and imports (PA-CB-E&I) and Amazon Pay and Adyen received the licence for only RBI Issued ‘Fit & Proper’ Certificates to 3 import(PA-CB-I). Potential Suitors for IDBI Bank Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued ‘Fit & Proper’ RBI Revised Instructions on BDDR for Co- certificates to 3 potential suitors for Industrial operative Banks to Ensure Uniformity Development Bank of India (IDBI) Limited, thus paving Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised instructions the way for possible acquisition of the bank. on Bad and Doubtful Debt Reserve (BDDR) for co- ✓ The potential suitors are Fairfax Financial operative banks to ensure uniformity in the treatment of Holdings Limited, Toronto(Canada); Emirates this reserve for prudential purposes. NBD Bank, Dubai(the United Arab ✓ These revised instructions will be applicable to Emirates(UAE)) and Kotak Mahindra Bank Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs), State Limited (KMBL), Mumbai(Maharashtra). Cooperative Banks (StCBs) and Central Cooperative Banks (CCBs), come into force with immediate effect. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 13  ✓ Banks have been mandated to identify and Yuva Credit Life/Digi Credit Life, which are available quantify the BDDR balances as of 31st offline and online for sale from August 6, 2024. March, 2024 which were created by ✓ LIC’s Yuva Term plan is available offline. This appropriating net profits instead of recognizing Plan can be purchased offline through licensed them as expenses. agents, corporate agents, brokers and insurance marketing firms. while the LIC’s Digi Government of Nagaland Signed MoU with Term plan is available online through LIC’s website. The benefits payable on death are SBI General Insurance on DRTPS guaranteed. Government of Nagaland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with State Bank of India (SBI) General Insurance Company Limited for Disaster SEBI Directs MFs to Value AT-1 Bonds Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS) Based on Yield-to-Call in Kohima, Nagaland. With this, Nagaland becomes the On 5th August 2024, the Securities and Exchange 1st state in India to implement a Disaster Risk Transfer Board of India (SEBI) has directed Mutual Funds (MFs) Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS). to value their investment in the Additional Tier-1 (AT- ✓ The DRTPS will be implemented by the 1) bonds issued by banks on Yield-to-Call (YTC) basis. NSDMA with support from the InsuResilience ✓ This direction came after National Financial Solution Fund for a period of 3 years (2024 to Reporting Authority (NFRA) submitted 2027) with immediate effect. the 'Report On valuation methodology of AT-1 bonds’ to Department of Economic Affairs Thomas Cook India Partners with NPCI To (DEA), Ministry of Finance (MoF), which recommended that AT-1 bonds should be Launch RuPay Forex Card For UAE valued based on YTC in order to align with Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Thomas Cook (India) market practices and Ind AS( Indian Limited (TCIL) has partnered with the National Accounting Standard) 113 principles. Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch RuPay AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) Forex Card, first RuPay Prepaid Forex Card for Indian travellers visiting SBI Approved Rs 25,000 Crore Fundraising the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The card, powered by Plan via Issue of Tier-1 and Tier-2 Bonds NPCI’s technology partner CARD91. On 3rd August 2024, the Central Board of India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), State Bank of India IIT-M Partners with IDBI To Launch (SBI)- Mumbai(Maharashtra) has approved a proposal for fundraising of up to Rs 25,000 crore through the Cybersecurity Lab issue of Tier-1 and Tier-2 bonds in the current fiscal The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IITM), year 2024-25( FY25). Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has partnered with the Industrial ✓ The funds will be raised in Indian Rupee (INR) Development Bank of India Limited (IDBI) to establish or United States Dollar (USD) and the bonds the ‘IDBI – IITM Secure Systems Lab’ (I2SSL) at IITM will be Basel-III compliant, which is subject to campus to develop and deploy security solutions in approval of Government of India (GoI), healthcare, fintech and aerospace. wherever is required. LIC launched 4 Term Insurance Products for J&K Bank Launched “Kisan Ka Samman” to Youth Empower the Farmers of J&K On August 5, 2024, the Life Insurance Corporation of On 1st August 2024, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Bank India (LIC) launched four new products for the youth of launched a program titled ”Kisan Ka Samman” to India, including LIC’s Yuva Term/Digi Term, and LIC’s empower the farmers of J&K who exhibited exceptional Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 14 financial discipline and promptness in their dealings with bank. The program will run till 30th September, SEBI Amended Mutual Fund Rules to Curb 2024. Front-Running, Insider Trading ✓ The program will identify those farmers who Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) have consistently renewed their Kisan Credit announced that it has amended mutual fund norms Cards (KCC) and showed financial discipline. through a circular issued in exercise of its powers given under Section 11 (1) of the SEBI Act, 1992, read with FPEL received USD 275mn Funding from Regulation 25(27) and Regulation 77 of SEBI (Mutual IFC, ADB, DEG Consortium Funds) Regulations, 1996. Hyderabad, Telangana-based renewable energy ✓ As per new norms, the Asset Management company Fourth Partner Energy Limited Private Companies (AMCs) are now required to adopt Limited(FPEL) has received an investment of USD 275 an institutional mechanism to identify and million (approx. Rs 2280 crore) from a consortium of prevent front-running and insider trading in three Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) securities. comprising International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and DEG (Deutsche SBI General Insurance & HSBC India Enters Investitions und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH). into Bancassurance Partnership ✓ The World Bank (WB) Group’s IFC, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based SBI General Insurance Washington, D.C., the United States of Company Limited (SBI General Insurance) and America(USA) is investing USD 125 million, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Philippines based ADB providing USD 100 Limited, India (HSBC India) have entered into a million, and Germany's Investment bancassurance partnership for the distribution of Corporation,DEG investing USD 50 million. non-life insurance products. ✓ ADB's contribution consists of two parts: USD 70 million from its ordinary capital resources and USD 30 million from its Leading Asia's Muthoot Capital Services Partners with UK Private sector Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2). Financial Institution To Boost Electric Vehicle Portfolio RBI Issued Master Directions on Treatment Muthoot Capital Services Limited (MCSL) has of Wilful Defaulters and Large Defaulters announced its partnership with the United Kingdom Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a Master (UK) based Development Financial Institution (DFI) for Directions on the Treatment of Wilful Defaulters and raising long term debt funds to promote its Electric Large Defaulters, under which banks and Non- Vehicle (EV) portfolio. Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are required to ✓ The partnership is facilitated by scrutinize all Non-Performing Asset (NPA) accounts Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Axis Bank which have outstanding amounts of Rs 25 lakh and Limited, is worth Rs100 crore. above for wilful default. These directions will come into effect after 90 days from the date of publication. ECONOMY & BUSINESS Rapido Becomes Unicorn with Fresh USD a capital funding of USD 120 million (Rs 1,000 crore) 120 million Funding from West Bridge in its latest Series E funding round led by its major investor WestBridge Capital (26% stake), which has Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Ride-haling startup, Rapido, has achieved the unicorn status after it raised Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 15 invested money through 3 different investment developed for military use at its Jejuri unit in vehicles. Maharashtra. ✓ This makes Rapido the fourth startup in India to ✓ The licence was granted by the Department for reach unicorn status in 2024 after Krutrim, Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Perfois and Porter. (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), under the Industries (Development Ind-Ra raises India’s FY25 GDP Growth and Regulation) Act, 1951. Forecast to 7.5% India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) upgraded India's BHEL Receives First Ever Order of Methanol Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for Firing Demonstration in Gas Turbine at FY25 to 7.5% from the earlier estimate of 7.1%, citing Kayamkulam CCPP improved consumption demand. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Power ✓ The Gross Fixed Capital Formation is expected generation equipment manufacturer has received the to increase by 8.9% year-on-year in FY25, , first ever order to demonstrate methanol firing in a slightly down from 9% in FY24. Government Gas Turbine at the 350 MegaWatt (MW) Kayamkulam Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE) is Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) of NTPC expected to grow 4.4% Y-o-Y in FY25, Limited(Formerly known as National Thermal Power compared to 2.5% in FY24. Corporation) in Kerala. ✓ This first-of-its-kind project in India would Thales & Garuda Aerospace Signed MoU to pave the way for reviving unutilized gas turbine sets in India which are inoperative due to Secure Drone Operations in India unavailability of natural gas and naphtha. Thales, a global aerospace leader headquartered in Paris, France, and Garuda Aerospace Private Limited, India’s leading Drone technology start-up, signed a CIL & GAIL Signed a JV for Setting up Coal to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the SNG Plant in West Bengal growth and innovation in India's drone ecosystem. The Ministry of Coal (MOC) in collaboration with the ✓ This collaboration aims to foster innovation Ministry of Power and Natural Gas (MOP & NG) has and advance technological solutions for safe, facilitated a Joint Venture (JV) agreement between two secure drone operations and applications. Maharatna CPSEs, Coal India Limited (CIL),Kolkata (West Bengal, WB) and GAIL (India) Limited PwC India Partners with Microsoft India To (GAIL),New Delhi, (Delhi) to set up a Coal-to-Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) project in West Bengal utilising Strengthen Cybersecurity Surface Coal Gasification (SCG) technology. Kolkata (West Bengal, WB) based ✓ The SNG plant which is set to be located in the PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwC) Raniganj area of Eastern Coalfields India has partnered with Microsoft India to strengthen Limited(ECL), WB will have a production cybersecurity through advanced incident response capacity of 80,000 Normal Meter Cubed(Nm3) and recovery capabilities. per hour of SNG, translating to an annual output of 633.6 million Nm3. Bharat Forge’s Kalyani Strategic Systems ✓ As per the agreement, CIL will hold 51%, while Gets Licence To Make Defence Products GAIL will own the remaining 49%. The JV will Pune (Maharashtra) based - Kalyani Strategic Systems be incorporated as a private limited company Limited (KSSL), a defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge with the initial paid-up share capital of Rs 1 Limited(BFL), received a defence licence to lakh and an authorized share capital of Rs 11 manufacture various defence products specifically crore. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 16  AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS KIIT Awarded UN ECOSOC Special CSIR-IICT Scientist Dr. S. Sridhar Inducted Consultative Status as Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-based Kalinga Institute of London Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University Hyderabad (Telangana)-based Council of Scientific and (DU) has been granted Special Consultative Status Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of by the United Nations Economic and Social Council Chemical Technology (IICT) chief scientist and (UN ECOSOC). This acknowledgment highlights KIIT's engineer Dr. Sundergopal Sridhar has been inducted dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) in (SDGs), and UN’s Agenda 2030. London, the United Kingdom (UK). ✓ With this, KIIT has become the first private university in South Asia to secure this UNV CWC Won GEEF Global WaterTech Award status for student internships. 2024 For Water Management The Central Water Commission (CWC) has been awarded the GEEF Global WaterTech Award under the category ‘Water Department of the Year’ at the Global Water Tech Summit 2024, organised by the Global Energy and Environment Foundation (GEEF) at New Delhi, Delhi. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS IRS Officers Prabodh Seth & Ramesh Narain Commission (UPSC). She will hold the post till 29th Parbat Appointed as Members of CBDT April 2025 or until further orders. ✓ She became the 2nd woman to head the The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Prabodh Seth and UPSC after RM Bathew who served as UPSC Chair from 1992 to 1996. Ramesh Narain Parbat, Indian Revenue Service (IRS) ✓ She succeeds Manoj Soni, who resigned from Income Tax (IT) officers (1989 batch), as the new the post in July 2024 almost 5 years before his members of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). tenure ends in 2029. ✓ CBDT functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance (MoF). Consists of the Chairman and six members that deal Robert Keith Rae, Canada’s Ambassador to with income tax and revenue, audit and the UN, elected President of UN’s ECOSOC judicial, and others. Robert Keith Rae (Bob Rae), Canada's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan (UN), has been elected as the President of the UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for one year Took Charge as Chairperson of UPSC (2024-2025). Preeti Sudan, the former ✓ He is currently serving as the Chair of Secretary of the Ministry of Health ECOSOC’s Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti. He & Family Welfare (MoHFW), took succeeds Paula Narváez Ojeda of Chile, who oath as the New Chairperson of held the post since July 2023. the Union Public Service Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 17 RBI Approves Re-appointment of ✓ He will hold the additional charge until the Inderjit Camotra as MD & CEO of Unity appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Small Finance Bank The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera Assumed Charge as Inderjit Camotra as Managing DG of Assam Rifles Director(MD) and Chief Executive On 1st August 2024, Lieutenant (Lt.) Officer(CEO) of Unity Small Finance General (Gen) Vikas Lakhera Bank Limited (Unity Bank) for officially assumed charge as the another 2 years. He has been serving as the MD & CEO 22nd Director General(DG) of the of Unity Small Finance Bank since 2022. Assam Rifles, India's oldest paramilitary force often known as the "Sentinels of the Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak Elected as President North-East”. ✓ He succeeded Lt. Gen. Pradeep Chandran of ICMAI Nair, Who retired from the service on 31st July Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, a Certified Management 2024. He served as 21st DG of Assam Rifles Accountant (CMA) has been elected as the 67th since 2021. President of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) for the 2024-2025 period. He succeeds Ashwin Dalwadi, who was the president for the 2023- Former India Wicket Keeper Dinesh Karthik 24 period. Appointed as SA20 League Ambassador ✓ TCA Srinivasa Prasad has been elected as the Krishnakumar Dinesh Karthik, an Indian Vice President (VP) of the ICMAI for 2024- commentator and former India wicket keeper has been 25. He will succeed Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak. appointed as the league ambassador of South Africa's premier T20 cricket League (SA20 League) ahead of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Becomes Next the 2025 edition of the tournament. He became the first Indian player to be associated with the South ACC President African tournament. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is set to become the next President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) later this year (2024). His two- Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Named year term will commence in January 2025. Jay Shah, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s Interim the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Government Secretary is the current ACC president, who got a On 6th August 2024, Nobel Peace one-year extension in January 2024 for a third Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, a consecutive term. Bangladeshi Banker, has been appointed as the chief adviser of SSB DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary Takes Over Bangladesh's interim the Additional Charge as DG of BSF government by the Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Daljit Singh Chawdhary, the Muhammad Yunus and his Grameen Bank won the Director General (DG) of Nobel Peace Prize for 2006 for their work to “create Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) took economic and social development from below” over the additional charge as the ✓ The appointment comes a day after DG of Border Security Force (BSF) Bangladesh Prime Minister(PM) Sheikh following the repatriation of Nitin Hasina resigned and fled Bangladesh Agrawal, the incumbent DG of BSF. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 18  following a violent crackdown on a student-led ✓ He was honoured with the Ramon Magsaysay uprising. Award in the Field of "Community Leadership" in 1984. ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS CCI Approves Merger of MCFL with PPL & Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), Acquisition of Shares in MCFL by ZMPPL and the British Columbia Investment The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has Management Corporation (BCI). approved the proposed amalgamation of Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers (MCFL) with Paradeep Carlyle Group Sells 12.8% Stake in PNB Phosphates Limited (PPL) and the acquisition of Housing Finance for Rs 2,578 Crore MCFL's equity shares by Zuari Maroc Phosphates The United States of America (USA)-based global Private Limited (ZMPPL). investment firm Carlyle Group Inc. through its affiliate ✓ The amalgamation of MCFL with and into Quality Investment Holdings PCC, sold a PPL on a going concern basis. The acquisition 3,32,60,000 shares, amounting to 12.8% stake in the of 3,92,06,000 equity shares of MCFL from PNB Housing Finance Limited, a subsidiary of Punjab ZACL by ZMPPL. National Bank (PNB), for Rs 2,578.09 crore through ✓ The CCI approves the acquisition of 100% open market transactions. share capital of Viterra Limited (Viterra) ✓ Following the stake sale, Carlyle group's (Target) by Bunge Global SA (Bunge) stakeholding in PNB Housing Finance has (Acquirer). Viterra's 3 main shareholders are declined to 19.88% from 32.68%. Glencore PLC (Glencore), Canada Pension SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY China to Build World’s 1st Thorium Molten its preset orbit successfully. This is the second Salt NPP in Gobi Desert High orbit internet satellite launched by China. China plans to build the world's 1st Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) that will be fuelled by liquid fuel based on ISRO Selected 2 New Crew Members for molten thorium salt in the Gobi Desert, China. The Axiom-4 Mission to International Space construction of the plant will begin in 2025 with the aim Station of developing safer and more environmentally friendly Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) nuclear energy. announced that National Mission Assignment Board has selected Indian astronauts Group Captain WHG-02: China Successfully Launches Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth New High-Orbit Internet-Services Satellite Balakrishnan Nair, as crew members for the Axiom-4 China launched a new high-orbit internet-services (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS). satellite - Weixing Hulianwan Gaogui-02 (WHG-02) ✓ Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla has into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center been assigned as Prime mission pilot while (XSLC), also known as "Xichang Satellite City" in Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will southwest China's Sichuan Province. be his back-up. ✓ The satellite was launched aboard a Long March-3B (LM-3B) carrier rocket and entered Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 19 IAF Granted Clearance to DRDO, BDL for Production of Astra Mark-1 Missiles China’s SSST Launches First 18 Satellites Indian Air Force (IAF) has granted clearance to the for its Megaconstellation from TSLC Defence Research and Development Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), a Organisation (DRDO) and Hyderabad (Telangana)- Chinese state-owned enterprise, launched the first based Indian Public Sector Unit (PSU) Bharat batch of 18 Satellites for the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the production of communications megaconstellation named “Qianfan 200 Astra Mark-1(Mk-1) Air-to-Air Missiles(AAM). (“Thousand Sails Constellation”), formerly known as ✓ This production clearance was given during a G60 Project. visit by the IAF Deputy Air Chief Marshal ✓ This launch is a part of SSST's ‘G60 Project’ Ashutosh Dixit to DRDO’s Defence Research which was initiated in 2023 with the goal of and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in deploying 1296 LEO satellites by 2030. Hyderabad, Telangana. ✓ The plan includes launching 108 satellites in ✓ It has strike range from 80 to 110 kilometer 2024 and 648 satellites by the end of 2025, (km)and 20 km altitude. It has maximum speed aiming for global network coverage by 2027. of Mach 4.5. It was developed by the DRDO and manufactured by BDL. ENVIRONMENT Six New Species of Bent-Toed Gecko Pradesh (AR) and Nagaland and one each from Discovered from Northeast India Manipur and Mizoram. ✓ The 6 new species are: Namdapha bent-toed Researchers have discovered 6 new species of bent- gecko; Siang-valley bent-toed gecko; Kiphire toed gecko, a type of small lizard, in Northeastern bent-toed gecko; Barail Hill bent-toed gecko; India. Out of this 6 new species, 2 each from Arunachal Ngengpui bent-toed gecko; and Manipur bent- toed gecko. SPORTS Indo-French Tennis Partners Yuki Bhambri & ACC Announced India as Host of T20 Men’s Albano Olivetti Won the 2024 Swiss Open Asia Cup in 2025 & Bangladesh as host of Gstaad Men’s Doubles ODI Men’s Asia Cup in 2027 Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri and his French The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially declared partner Albano Olivetti won the Men’s Doubles title at India as the host of the 2025 Men's Asia Cup cricket the56th Swiss Open Gstaad, an Association of Tennis tournament in the Twenty20 (T20) format and Professionals (ATP) 250 tennis tournament held at the Bangladesh as the host of the 2027 Asia Cup Roy Emerson Arena in Gstaad, Switzerland from 15–21 tournament in the One Day International (ODI) format. July 2024. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 20  OBITUARY Padma Awardee & Renowned Indian Padma Bhushan Awardee & Renowned Classical Dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy Social Worker Shobhana Ranade Passed Passed Away Away Padma Awardee Mungara Yamini Krishnamurthy, a Padma Bhushan Awardee Shobhana Sitaram Ranade, renowned Indian Classical Dancer, has passed away a renowned Gandhian activist and social worker at the age of 83 in New Delhi, Delhi. She was born on passed away at the age of 99 in Pune, Maharashtra. December 20, 1940 in Madanapalle in Chittoor district, She was born on 26th October 1924 in Pune. Andhra Pradesh (AP). ✓ In 2011, The Government of India (GoI) ✓ Government of India (GoI) honoured Yamini honoured Shobhana with the Padma with Padma Shri (1968), Padma Bhushan Bhushan award for her contributions in the (2001) and Padma Vibhushan (2016) for her field of social work. contributions in the field of arts. ✓ Yamini Krishnamurthy received the Nobel Prize Winning Physicist Tsung-Dao Sangeet Natak Akademi Award Lee Passed Away (Akademi Puraskar) in 1977 for her Nobel Prize winning Chinese-American physicist contributions in Bharatanatyam. Tsung-Dao Lee passed away at the age of 97 in San ✓ She published an autobiography titled ‘A Francisco, California, the United States of America Passion for Dance’ with Renuka Khandekar in (USA). He was born on 24th November 1926 in 1995. Shanghai, China. ✓ In 1957, Lee (31) became the second youngest scientist to receive the Nobel Prize for Physics. He shared the prize with Chen Ning Yang (C N Yang), Chinese theoretical physicist “for their penetrating investigation of the so-called parity laws which has led to important discoveries regarding the elementary particles”. BOOKS & AUTHORS Breaking Rocks and Barriers: Memoirs of a Piyush Goyal Launches ‘India@100: Geologist and Mountaineer, a Book by Envisioning Tomorrow’s Economic Sudipta Sengupta Powerhouse’ By Prof K V Subramanian Sudipta Sengupta, a geologist and trained Union Minister Piyush Vedprakash Goyal, Ministry of mountaineer, has penned a memoir titled “Breaking Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has launched the book Rocks and Barriers: Memoirs of a Geologist and titled ‘India@100: Envisioning Tomorrow’s Economic Mountaineer” narrating her adventures as a geologist Powerhouse’, authored by Professor K V conducting fieldwork in remote areas worldwide. The Subramanian, the Executive Director (ED), book is published by HarperCollins Publishers India International Monetary Fund (IMF). Pvt. Ltd. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 21 PM Narendra Modi Receives Gir National Park (Gujarat) and Asiatic lions, written Parimal Nathwani’s Book On Gir And Asiatic by Parimal Dhirajlal Nathwani, the Member of Parliament (MP), Rajya Sabha (Andhra Pradesh). Lions ✓ He dedicated the book to PM for being the The Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has received visionary behind ‘Project Lion and the first copy of 'Call of the Gir', a coffee table book on Lion@2047: Vision for Amrit Kaal’. IMPORTANT DAYS International Day of Friendship 2024 - July ✓ Theme: The 2024 theme of WLC Day is, 30 ‘Stronger Together: United for Lung Cancer Awareness.’ The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Friendship or World Friendship Day is annually observed across the globe on July 30 to honour the Muslim Women’s Rights Day 2024 - August friendship. 2024 marks the 13th anniversary of 1 International Friendship Day. The Muslim Women's Rights Day also known as In India, Friendship Day is celebrated on First ‘Muslim Mahila Adhikar Divas’ is annually observed Sunday in the month of August. In 2024, Friendship across India on August 1 to commemorate the Day in India will be celebrated on 4th August 2024. enactment of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 which prohibits the practice of World Ranger Day 2024 - July 31 Triple Talaq in India. World Ranger Day (WRD) is annually observed across the globe on 31 July to commemorate Rangers killed or World FinTech Day 2024 - August 1 injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the critical World FinTech Day is annually observed across the work of Rangers in protecting the world’s natural and globe on 1 August to raise awareness about the cultural treasures. growing importance of FinTech (Financial ✓ The 2024 theme of World Ranger Day is, "30 Technology) in modernising financial services and by 30." The 2024 theme aligns with the global improving access to financial products. goal of the 2022 United Nations (UN) ✓ The GFF was started in 2020, and the 5th Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) edition of GFF 2024 is scheduled to be held 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) held from 28-30 August 2024 at the Jio World in Montreal, Canada. Convention Centre in Mumbai, Maharashtra. ✓ The Thin Green Line Foundation’s 2024 World ✓ The theme of GFF 2024 is, “Blueprint for the Ranger Day Roll of Honour recognises Ranger Next Decade of Finance: Responsible Deaths in the line of duty from June AI/Inclusive/Resilient.” 2023 to May 2024. Earth Overshoot Day 2024 - August 1 World Lung Cancer Day 2024 - August 1 Earth Overshoot Day (EOD) is an annual observance World Lung Cancer (WLC) Day is annually observed that marks the date when humanity’s demand for across the globe on 1st August to raise awareness ecological resources and services (Ecological about lung cancer, the most common and deadliest Footprint) in a given year exceeds Earth’s capacity to cancer globally, its risk factors, and the importance of regenerate for the year (Bio-capacity). early detection and treatment. ✓ Earth Overshoot Day 2024 falls on 1 August, ✓ Symbol: Pearl or White-coloured signifying that humanity uses nature 1.7 times ribbons promote Lung Cancer awareness. faster than ecosystems can regenerate. Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 22  ✓ This day is hosted and calculated by the ages and to prevent early detection of Global Footprint Network, an international musculoskeletal disorders and conditions. sustainability research organization that ✓ Aim: To help in promoting cost-effective pioneered the Ecological Footprint. prevention and treatment of bone and joint conditions. World Breast Feeding Week 2024 - 1st to ✓ The annual celebration of this nationwide health campaign is led by the Indian 7th August Orthopaedic Association (IOA), New World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is a global Delhi(Delhi). campaign annually celebrated across the globe in the first week of August, from 1st to 7th, to generate public awareness about the importance of Hiroshima Day 2024 - August 6 breastfeeding, support for breastfeeding, and its Hiroshima Day is annually observed across the globe benefits. on 6th August to commemorate the atomic bombing ✓ The 2024 theme of WBW is, "Closing the gap: of Hiroshima in Japan by the United States of America Breastfeeding support for all". The 1st WBW in 1945. 6th August 2024 marks the 79th anniversary was observed in 1992. of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. ✓ During the World War II (WWII - 1939-1945), the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) World Wide Web Day 2024 - August 1 Boeing-29 (B29) Superfortress 'Enola Gay' World Wide Web (WWW) Day is annually observed dropped the first atomic bomb, nicknamed across the globe on August 1 to celebrate the creation 'Little Boy', over the Japanese city of Hiroshima and impact of the World Wide Web, and recognize its on 6th August 1945. role in connecting the world. ✓ Aim : To recognize and appreciate Tim Berners-Lee’s groundbreaking work and 10th National Handloom Day – 7 August vision. 2024 It celebrates the individuals who have National Handloom Day is annually observed across contributed to the web’s evolution into its India on 7 August to honour the handloom weaving current advanced and organised structure. community engaged in the handloom sector and highlight the handloom industry's contribution to 14th Indian Organ Donation Day - 3 August India's socioeconomic development. ✓ Aim: To generate awareness about handloom 2024 products and their importance in India’s The Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD) is annually cultural heritage. celebrated across India on 3rd August to ✓ 7 August 2024 marks the 10th National commemorate the 1st successful deceased donor Handloom Day. organ transplant, which was also the 1st Heart ✓ The Day is also celebrated to commemorate transplant in India. 3rd August 2024 marks the the Swadeshi Movement, which was observance of the 14th IODD. launched on 7 August 1905. ✓ IODD is annually celebrated by the National ✓ Sant Kabir Awards and National Handloom Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization Awards were conferred to handloom weavers (NOTTO). for their outstanding contribution to the handloom sector. National Bone & Joint Day 2024 - August 4 ✓ The Vice President released the Award National Bone and Joint Day is annually observed Catalogue and Coffee Table Book– across India on 4 August to raise awareness about the “Parampara– Sustainability in Handloom importance of strong bones and joints in people of all Traditions of India.” Report Errors in the PDF - [email protected] Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 23 National Javelin Day 2024 - August 7 ✓ The day aims to promote the sport of javelin National Javelin Day is annually observed across India throw and to acknowledge its significance in on August 7 to commemorate the remarkable athletics. achievement of Neeraj Chopra during the Tokyo ✓ On August 11, 2021, the Athletics Federation Olympics 2020, where he secured the gold medal for of India (AFI) declared 7th August of every year India in javelin throw event. as the National Javelin Day. The first ever ✓ 7th August 2024 marks the observance of 3rd National Javelin Day was observed on 7th National Javelin Day. August 2022. STATE NEWS UP Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna ✓ Dokka Seethamma Madhyahana Badi Bojana presented Rs 12,909.93cr Supplementary m: The scheme formerly known as ‘Jagananna Gorumudda’ , is a mid-day meal Budget for FY25 scheme for public school students. On July 30, 2024, the Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh ✓ Mana Badi-Mana Bhavishyaktu: The scheme (UP) Suresh Kumar Khanna presented a formerly known as ‘Mana Badi Nadu Nedu’ supplementary budget of Rs 12,909.93 crore for the focuses on school renovation. Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), which is 1.66% of the ✓ Balika Raksha: The scheme formerly known original Budget (of Rs 7.36 lakh crore) presented in as ‘Sweccha’, provides free sanitary napkins February 2024. for female students. ✓ Aim: To bolster key sectors such as industrial ✓ Abdul Kalam Prathiba Puraskaram: The development, energy, and education. scheme formerly known as ‘Jagananna ✓ The supplementary budget includes an Animutyalu’ provide financial rewards to expenditure of Rs 4,227.94 crore on the government school students who topped revenue account and Rs 7,981.99 crore on the examination. capital account. Karnataka Approves To Rename AP Govt Renames 6 Student Welfare Ramanagara District as Bengaluru South Schemes after Prominent Educational District Pioneers On 26th July 2024, The Karnataka government has The Education Department of the Andhra Pradesh(AP) approved the proposal of renaming the Ramanagara Government has renamed 6 student welfare district as ‘Bengaluru South district’. The renaming schemes, previously named after former Chief was proposed in response to the local demand for Minister (CM) of AP, Yeduguri Sandinti (YS) Jagan association with 'Brand Bengaluru’. Mohan Reddy, with the names of eminent personalities in the field of education, reflecting significant contributions to education. Puducherry CM N Rangasamy presented Rs ✓ Talliki Vandanam: The scheme formerly 12,700cr Budget for FY25 known as ‘Jagananna Amma Vodi’, offers Puducherry Chief Minister financial aid to mothers for their children’s Natesan Krishnasamy Rangasamy (N Rangasamy), education. who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented a tax- ✓ SarvepalliRadhakrishnan Vidya Mitra: The free budget of Rs 12,700 crore for the fiscal year 2024- scheme formerly known as 2025 (FY25) at the 15th Legislative Assembly in White ‘Jagananna Vidya Kanuka’, provides education Town, Puducherry. This marked his fo