The Hindu Review August 2024 PDF

Current Affairs | August 2024 1 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current...

Current Affairs | August 2024 1 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 Contents The Most Important Current Affairs August 2024............................................................................................. 3 Banking and Financial Current Affairs............................................................................................................. 12 Economy Current Affairs................................................................................................................................. 13 Business Current Affairs.................................................................................................................................. 14 International Current Affairs........................................................................................................................... 15 National Current Affairs.................................................................................................................................. 16 States Current Affairs...................................................................................................................................... 19 Schemes and Committees............................................................................................................................... 20 Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)...................................................................................... 20 New Appointments: International.................................................................................................................. 21 Sports Current Affairs..................................................................................................................................... 23 Schemes and Committees News..................................................................................................................... 24 Summits And Conferences.............................................................................................................................. 24 Ranks and Reports News................................................................................................................................. 25 Important Days............................................................................................................................................... 25 Defence Current Affairs.................................................................................................................................. 26 Awards Current Affairs.................................................................................................................................... 27 Science and Technology.................................................................................................................................. 27 Books & Authors............................................................................................................................................. 28 Obituaries Current Affairs............................................................................................................................... 28 Static Current Affairs....................................................................................................................................... 29 2 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 The Most Important Current Affairs August 2024 Neeraj Chopra Clinches Silver in Javelin at Paris 2024 Olympics Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, put on an In a significant move to recognize and honor outstanding impressive display at the Paris Olympics, winning the silver contributions to science, technology, and innovation, the Indian medal in the men's javelin throw event. Chopra's season-best government has announced the inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan throw of 89.45m earned him the runner-up position, but he was Puraskars. This new award system, replacing over 300 previous unable to defend his title, as Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem broke awards from various science departments, aims to celebrate the Olympic record with a stunning throw of 92.97m. the achievements of academics, technologists, and inventors Chopra, who was the defending champion coming into the across the country. competition, was unable to replicate his gold-medal-winning performance from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, his The Vigyan Ratna Puraskar: Honoring a Lifetime of silver-medal finish is still a remarkable achievement, as he Achievement continues to establish himself as one of the world's premier javelin throwers. Dr. Govindarajan Padmanabhan: The First Recipient The highest honor, the Vigyan Ratna Puraskar, has been Arshad Nadeem's Historic Gold Medal awarded to Dr. Govindarajan Padmanabhan, a celebrated The true star of the event was Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, who biochemist and former director of the Indian Institute of produced a remarkable performance to claim the gold medal. Science-Bengaluru. Dr. Padmanabhan, also a Padma Bhushan Nadeem's record-breaking throw of 92.97m not only secured laureate, receives this lifetime achievement award in him the top spot on the podium but also etched his name in the recognition of his significant contributions to the field of Olympic history books. biochemistry. Nadeem's triumph is a significant accomplishment for Pakistan, as it marks the country's first-ever gold medal in the javelin Categories and Recipients throw event. The 25-year-old athlete's victory is a testament to The government announced a total of 33 Rashtriya Vigyan his dedication, hard work, and the growing strength of Puraskars across various categories: Pakistan's sports program. Vigyan Shri Awards Anderson Peters Wins Bronze Thirteen scientists received the Vigyan Shri award for their Grenada's Anderson Peters rounded out the podium with a distinguished contributions across different scientific domains. bronze-medal-winning throw of 88.54m. Peters, a former world champion, demonstrated his consistency and skill, delivering a Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards strong performance to secure the third spot. Eighteen young scientists under the age of 45 were honored The men's javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics was a true with the Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awards, showcase of the sport's global talent and the fierce competition continuing the legacy of the prestigious Shanti Swarup at the highest level. Neeraj Chopra's silver medal, Arshad Bhatnagar prize. Nadeem's record-breaking gold, and Anderson Peters' bronze have all contributed to the excitement and drama of the Vigyan Team Award Games. The Team Chandrayaan-3 was recognized with the Vigyan Team award for their exceptional contribution to India's space Significance of the Performances program, particularly for the successful moon landing mission. Neeraj Chopra's silver medal is a significant achievement, as he continues to cement his status as one of the world's best javelin Award Ceremony and Significance throwers. His consistent performances at the highest level have earned him widespread acclaim and respect in the sporting National Space Day Celebration community. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to present these awards Arshad Nadeem's historic gold medal triumph is a remarkable on August 23, designated as National Space Day to accomplishment that will inspire and motivate aspiring athletes commemorate the landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the Moon's in Pakistan and around the world. His record-breaking throw South Pole. has set a new benchmark for the event and will undoubtedly Consolidation of Science Awards spur on the next generation of javelin throwers to pursue their dreams. This new award system represents a significant consolidation of The men's javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics has once India's science honors. It replaces the previous system, which again showcased the global reach and appeal of the sport. The included the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award, instituted in 1958 podium finishers hailing from different countries – India, and named after the renowned chemist who was the first Pakistan, and Grenada – is a testament to the diversity and chairman of the University Grants Commission and the Council inclusivity of the Olympic Games. for Scientific and Industrial Research. 3 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 Impact on Scientific Community innovation and research among the next generation of The introduction of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskars is expected Indian scientists. to have a profound impact on the Indian scientific community: 3. Promoting Team Efforts: The inclusion of a team award highlights the importance of collaborative research in 1. Unified Recognition: By consolidating various awards, it modern scientific endeavors. provides a unified platform for recognizing scientific 4. National Prestige: These awards elevate the status of excellence across disciplines. scientific achievements to a national level, potentially 2. Encouraging Young Talent: The Vigyan Yuva awards inspiring more Indians to pursue careers in science and continue to focus on young scientists, encouraging technology. Table of Recipients Award Category Recipient(s) Field Vigyan Ratna Puraskar Dr. Govindarajan Padmanabhan Biochemistry Vigyan Shri Dr. Annapurini Subramanian Astrophysics Dr. Anandharamakrishnan C Agriculture Science Dr. Avesh Kumar Tyagi Atomic Energy Prof. Umesh Varshney, Prof. Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar Biological Sciences Prof. Syed Wajih Ahmad Naqvi Earth Sciences Prof. Bhim Singh Engineering Sciences Prof. Adimurthi Adi, Prof. Rahul Mukherjee Mathematics and Computer Science Prof. Dr. Sanjay Behari Medicine Prof. Lakshmanan Muthusamy, Prof. Naba Kumar Mondal Physics Prof. Rohit Srivastava Technology and Innovation Vigyan Yuva Krishna Murthy SL, Swarup Kumar Parida Agricultural Science Radhakrishnan Mahalakshmi, Prof. Aravind Penmatsa Biological Sciences Vivek Polshettiwar, Vishal Rai Chemistry Roxy Mathew Koll Earth Sciences Abhilash, Radha Krishna Ganti Engineering Sciences Purabi Saikia, Bappi Paul Environmental Science Mahesh Ramesh Kakde Mathematics and Computer Science Jitendra Kumar Sahu, Pragya Dhruv Yadav Medicine Urbasi Sinha Physics Digendranath Swain, Prashant Kumar Space Science and Technology Prabhu Rajagopal Technology and Innovation Vigyan Team Team Chandrayaan-3 Space Science Top 10 Richest Global Central Banks in 2024 The Significance of Central Bank Wealth Central banks are the backbone of a nation's financial system, Economic Indicators playing a pivotal role in maintaining economic stability and fostering growth. Their primary responsibilities include The total wealth of a central bank serves as a crucial indicator of implementing stable monetary policies and ensuring financial a country's economic health. This wealth is primarily assessed stability. As we delve into the rankings of the world's wealthiest through the central bank's assets, with the balance sheet acting central banks in 2024, we gain valuable insights into the global economic landscape and the financial prowess of various as a key metric. A robust central bank balance sheet often nations. correlates with a strong and stable economy. 4 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 Regulatory Role 1. Rising inflation Central banks globally maintain specialized departments 2. Fragile financial markets dedicated to regulation and supervision. These departments 3. Weak monetary policy transmission systems are staffed with experts who diligently monitor compliance with These factors highlight the economic disparities and established financial laws and regulations, ensuring the integrity developmental challenges that persist in certain regions. of the financial system. India's Position Regional Dominance and Disparities While not in the top 10, India's Reserve Bank of India (RBI) European Dominance holds a respectable 12th position globally. As of March 31, A striking observation in the 2024 rankings is the dominance of 2024, the RBI's balance sheet grew by 11.08% year-on-year, European central banks. Seven out of the top ten central banks reaching Rs 70.47 trillion. This growth is primarily attributed to are based in Europe, with a combined worth of an astounding the bank's liquidity management and foreign currency (forex) $11.09 trillion. This underscores the economic strength and activities, reflecting India's growing economic influence on the financial stability of the European region. global stage. African Absence Top 10 Richest Central Banks in the World Notably absent from the top 10 list are African central banks. Based on data compiled by the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute This absence can be attributed to several challenges facing the (SWFI), here are the top 10 wealthiest central banks in the region, including: world by total assets: Rank Name of the Central Bank Total Assets (USD) Country Region 1 Federal Reserve System $7,835,559,000,000 USA North America 2 People's Bank of China $6,004,919,369,845 China Asia 3 Bank of Japan $5,543,058,448,125 Japan Asia 4 Deutsche Bundesbank $2,776,759,343,640 Germany Europe 5 Bank of France $2,011,001,711,400 France Europe 6 Norges Bank $1,632,986,563,336 Norway Europe 7 Bank of Italy $1,383,293,987,542 Italy Europe 8 Bank of England $1,288,250,668,160 United Kingdom Europe 9 Bank of Spain $1,049,435,626,385 Spain Europe 10 Swiss National Bank $944,013,351,477 Switzerland Europe Analysis of the Top 10 Implications and Insights Global Distribution Economic Influence The list showcases a diverse geographical representation: The vast assets held by these central banks signify their 1 North American central bank 2 Asian central banks substantial influence on global economic policies and financial 7 European central banks markets. Their decisions can have far-reaching consequences on international trade, currency valuations, and economic stability. Economic Powerhouses The central banks featured in this list represent some of the Financial Stability world's largest and most significant economies. Their The robust asset bases of these central banks provide a strong substantial asset bases reflect their crucial role in the global financial system. foundation for managing economic crises and implementing effective monetary policies. This financial strength is crucial for Regional Observations 1. North America: The Federal Reserve System of the USA maintaining stability during economic turbulence. tops the list, highlighting the country's economic Global Economic Balance dominance. 2. Asia: China and Japan's central banks occupy the 2nd and The distribution of wealth among these central banks reflects 3rd positions, underscoring Asia's growing economic the current balance of economic power globally. It highlights influence. the continued economic strength of traditional powerhouses 3. Europe: The strong presence of European central banks while also showcasing the rising influence of emerging demonstrates the region's collective economic strength economies, particularly in Asia. and financial stability. 5 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 70th National Film Awards Bhatt and Kriti Sanon for Gangubai Kathiawadi and Mimi, respectively. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect won the award for The winners of the 70th National Film Awards are announced Best Feature Film. at the National Media Center in New Delhi on August 16, with the Malayalam film Aattam emerging as the Best Feature Film. About National Film Awards National Film Awards are the most prestigious awards, which 70th National Film Awards 2024 winners are announced annually to honour the best filmmaking talent Rishab Shetty won the Best Actor award for Kantara, the across the country. According to the Directorate of Film Best Actress honour was shared by Nithya Menen for Festivals of the Union Ministry of Information and Thiruchitrambalam and Manasi Parekh for The Kutch Express, respectively. Broadcasting. The National Film Awards “aim at encouraging The Best Director honour went to Sooraj Barjatya for his the production of films of aesthetic and technical excellence film, Uunchai. Ponniyin Selvan I, KGF 2, Brahmastra and and social relevance.” Aparajito were among the other films which won awards at History of this award the ceremony. First handed out in 1954, these awards were known as the The awards were announced by the chairperson of the State Awards. In those years, only best films in different Feature Film Jury, Rahul Rawail; Nila Madhab Panda, regional languages were recognised and awarded. The awards chairperson of the Non-Feature Film Jury; and Gangadhar for actors and technicians working on the films were first given Mudalair, chairperson of the Best Writing on Cinema Jury. in 1967. Nargis was the first actor to win Best Actress for her 2023 National Film Awards performance in Raat Aur Din. Uttam Kumar won the Best Actor In 2023, the Best Actor honour was won by Allu Arjun for award for Antony Firingee and Chiriyakhana in the same year. Pushpa: The Rise and the Best Actress award was won by Alia List of 70th National Film Awards 2024 winners Feature Film Categories Category Winner Film Best Feature Film Aattam Aattam Best Actor Rishab Shetty Kantara Tiruchitrabalam, Kutch Best Actress Nithya Menen, Manasi Parekh Express Best Director Sooraj Barjatya Uunchai Best Supporting Actress Neena Gupta Uunchai Best Supporting Actor Pawan Malhotra Fouja Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment Kantara Kantara Best Debut Film of a Director Pramod Kumar Fouja Best Telugu Film Karthikeya 2 Karthikeya 2 Best Tamil Film Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 Best Punjabi Film Baaghi Di Dhee Baaghi Di Dhee Best Odia Film Daman Daman Best Malayalam Film Saudi Velakka CC.225/2009 Saudi Velakka CC.225/2009 Best Marathi Film Vaalvi Vaalvi Best Kannada Film KGF: Chapter 2 KGF: Chapter 2 Best Hindi Film Gulmohar Gulmohar Best Tiwa Film Sikaisal Sikaisal Best Bengali Film Kaberi Antardhan Kaberi Antardhan Best Assamese Film Emuthi Puthi Emuthi Puthi Special Mention Manoj Bajpayee, Sanjoy Salil Chowdhury Gulmohar, Kadhikan Best Action Direction KGF: Chapter 2 KGF: Chapter 2 Best Choreography Tiruchitrabalam Tiruchitrabalam 6 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 Category Winner Film Best Lyrics Fouja Fouja Pritam (Songs), AR Rahman (Background Best Music Director Various Score) Best Makeup Aparajito Aparajito Best Costumes Kutch Express Kutch Express Best Production Design Aparajito Aparajito Best Editing Aattam Aattam Best Sound Design Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 Best Screenplay Aattam Aattam Best Dialogues Gulmohar Gulmohar Best Cinematography Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 Best Female Playback Singer Bombay Jayashri Saudi Velakka CC.225/2009 Best Male Playback Singer Arijit Singh Brahmastra Best Child Artist Sreepath Mallikappuram Best Film in AVGC Brahmastra Brahmastra Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Kutch Express Kutch Express Environmental Values Film Writing Category Winner Work Best Critic Deepak Dua – Best Book on Cinema Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography – Non-Feature Film Categories Category Winner Film Best Non-Feature Film Ayena Ayena Best Debut Film Madhyantara Madhyantara Best Biographical/Historical/Compilation Film Aanakhi Ek Mohenjo Daro Aanakhi Ek Mohenjo Daro Best Arts/Culture Film Ranga Vibhoga/Varsa Ranga Vibhoga/Varsa Best Script Mono No Aware Mono No Aware Best Narrator Murmurs of the Jungle Murmurs of the Jungle Best Music Direction Fursat Fursat Best Editing Madhyantara Madhyantara Best Sound Design Yaan Yaan Best Cinematography Mono No Aware Mono No Aware Best Direction From the Shadow From the Shadow Best Short Film Xunyota Xunyota Best Animated Film The Coconut Tree The Coconut Tree Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental On the Brink Season 2 – On the Brink Season 2 – Values Gharial Gharial Best Documentary Murmurs of the Jungle Murmurs of the Jungle 7 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 Paris Olympics 2024 45,000 volunteers +600,000 meals served at the Athletes’ Village every day The Paris Olympics 2024 marks a significant milestone in the history of the modern Olympic Games. This edition of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games key figures Summer Olympics is expected to bring together athletes from The XXXIII (33rd) Olympiad around the world in a celebration of sports, unity, and 26 July to 11 August 2024 international cooperation. Here’s a comprehensive look at the 19 days of competition (handball, football and rugby take details of the Paris Olympics 2024: place from 24 July) Theme and Mascot of Paris Olympics 2024 329 events The Phryges: official mascots of the Paris 2024 Games Athletes from over 200 NOCs and the IOC Refugee The theme of this year’s Olympic Day is ‘Let’s Move and Olympic Team Celebrate’ to inspire and encourage people to embrace the 32 sports (including the 4 additional sports) joy of movement this summer. 754 sessions (competitions and ceremonies) 10,500 athletes Olympic Games in a few figures Billions of television viewers worldwide Paris Olympics Edition 350,000 hours of TV broadcast Paris Olympics 2024: This edition marks the 33rd Summer Millions of spectators Olympic Games and the third time Paris will host the 35 venues Olympics, with previous editions in 1900 and 1924. The 10,500 athletes Paris 2024 Olympics is particularly significant as it 20,000 accredited journalists commemorates the centenary of the last Paris Olympics. Top 10 Country in Medal Tally Rank NOCs Gold Medals (G) Silver Medals (S) Bronze Medals (B) Total Medals 1 United States of America 40 44 42 126 2 People’s Republic of China 40 27 24 91 3 Japan 20 12 13 45 4 Australia 18 19 16 53 5 France 16 26 22 64 6 Netherlands 15 7 12 34 7 Great Britain 14 22 29 65 8 Republic of Korea 13 9 10 32 9 Italy 12 13 15 40 10 Germany 12 13 8 33 62 Pakistan 01 0 0 1 71 India 0 1 5 6 Indian Medal Tally Opening Ceremony: Badminton superstar PV Sindhu and table tennis ace Sharath Kamal; Closing Ceremony: Double bronze medal winning shooter Manu Bhaker and bronze winning Indian men’s hockey player PR Sreejesh; Abhinav Bindra selected as torchbearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics; Gagan Narang Appointed as India’s Chef-De-Mission for Paris Olympics 2024; A contingent of 117 Indian athletes has been competing for medals and sporting glory at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. 8 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 Athlete Medal Event Indian men’s cricket team. Known as “The Wall” for his impeccable defensive technique, Dravid’s recent coaching Women’s 10m air pistol Manu Bhaker Bronze success includes: shooting Leading India to victory in the 9th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Manu Bhaker-Sarabjot Mixed team 10m air pistol Bronze in Barbados. Singh shooting Guiding the team to a triumph over South Africa in the Men’s 50m rifle 3 positions Swapnil Kusale Bronze final. shooting This award recognizes Dravid’s immense contribution to Indian hockey team Bronze Men’s hockey Indian cricket, both as a player and a coach. Neeraj Chopra Silver Men’s javelin throw Other Notable Awards Aman Sehrawat Bronze Men’s 57kg wrestling Test Cricket CEAT Cricket Awards 2024 Test Batter of the Year: Yashashvi Jaiswal Test Bowler of the Year: Ravichandran Ashwin The CEAT Cricket Awards, one of the most prestigious accolades in the cricketing world, held its 26th edition on ODI Cricket August 21, 2024, in Mumbai. These awards, initiated in 1995-96 ODI Bowler of the Year: Mohammad Shami and sponsored by the RP Goenka Group company CEAT Tyres, T20 Cricket honor exceptional performances of cricketers globally. The T20 Batter of the Year: Phil Salt (England) 2024 ceremony recognized outstanding achievements during T20 Bowler of the Year: Tim Southee (New Zealand) the 2023-24 cricketing season, showcasing the best talents across various formats of the game. Domestic Cricket Domestic Cricketer of the Year: Sai Kishore (Left-arm Major Awards and Recipients spinner from Tamil Nadu) International Cricketer of the Year Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, Women’s Cricket was bestowed with the coveted CEAT International Cricketer of Women’s Batter of the Year: Smriti Mandhana the Year Award. This recognition came on the back of his Women’s Bowler of the Year: Deepti Sharma exemplary performance in the 2023-24 season, during which: Special Recognitions Sharma amassed approximately 1800 runs in international Several players and administrators received special mementos cricket. for their unique achievements: He scored 597 runs in the 13th ICC Men’s ODI Cricket Harmanpreet Kaur: For captaining the most matches in World Cup. Women’s T20I history. Under his leadership, India reached the World Cup final, Shreyas Iyer: For outstanding leadership in the TATA IPL. ultimately finishing as runners-up to Australia. Shafali Verma: For scoring the fastest double century in Sharma’s consistent performance and leadership skills Women’s Test Match cricket. were key factors in his selection for this prestigious award. Jay Shah: Awarded for excellence in sports administration ODI Batter of the Year as the BCCI Secretary. Virat Kohli received the award for the Best ODI Batter of the Year, following a phenomenal season in One Day Internationals. Key Takeaways From PM Modi Ukraine Visit His achievements include: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wrapped up his trip to Scoring 1377 runs in the 2023-24 season. Ukraine. Modi became the first Indian prime minister to make a Accumulating six centuries and eight fifties. state visit to Ukraine since the two countries established Leading the run charts in the 2023 ODI World Cup with 765 relations over three decades ago. runs at an astounding average of 95.62. P.M Modi’s Ukraine visit Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record by scoring his 50th ODI century. In his Ukraine visit some key outcomes to be noted, such as: Kohli’s exceptional form and milestone achievements made Homage to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue him the clear choice for this award. Modi and Volodymyr Zelenskyy held wide-ranging talks at Lifetime Achievement Award Mariinskyi Palace, the official residence of the Ukrainian The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Rahul President, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at ‘Oasis Dravid, former Indian cricket captain and current coach of the of Peace’ park in Kyiv. 9 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 Honored the memory of the children GoI Approves Unified Pension Scheme for Government P.M Modi honoured the memory of the children that have been Employees killed by the Russia-Ukraine war at the Martyrologist Exposition In a significant move to enhance retirement benefits for on children at the National Museum of History of Ukraine. government employees, the Union Cabinet on Saturday Focusing on the development of a strategic partnership approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). This new scheme “Following the visit, we also agreed on a joint statement is set to benefit approximately 23 lakh government employees focusing on the development of a strategic partnership, and will serve as an alternative to the existing National Pension bilateral trade, and continued military-technical cooperation,” System (NPS). said the Ukrainian President, whose country is at war with Background Russia. The decision comes after a thorough review of the current Joint India-Ukraine statement pension system. In 2023, the finance ministry established a PM Modi’s office in the joint India-Ukraine statement said both committee led by finance secretary TV Somanathan to evaluate leaders reiterated their readiness for further cooperation in the National Pension System for government employees. The upholding principles of international law, including the UN NPS, which has been in effect since April 1, 2004, will now Charter, such as respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty coexist with the newly introduced UPS. of states. “They agreed on the desirability of closer bilateral Key Features of the Unified Pension Scheme dialogue in this regard,” the joint statement said. Assured Pension India is not neutral One of the most notable features of the UPS is the assured “We (India) are not neutral. From the very beginning, we have pension. Employees who have completed a minimum qualifying taken sides. And we have chosen the side of peace. We have service of 25 years will be entitled to a pension that is 50% of come from the land of Buddha where there is no place for war,” the average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months prior to PM Modi said in his opening remarks during the talks. “We have superannuation. This provision ensures a stable and substantial come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi who had given a income for retirees. message of peace to the entire world,” he said. For those with shorter service periods, a proportionate plan has Expansion and deepen bilateral trade been put in place. Employees with a minimum of 10 years of Both sides agreed to ask the Indian-Ukrainian service will also be eligible for pension benefits, albeit at a Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) to explore all possible reduced rate commensurate with their years of service. ways to not only restore bilateral trade and economic relations Family Pension to pre-conflict levels, but expand and deepen them further. The UPS also introduces an assured family pension. In the There has been a significant reduction in the annual bilateral unfortunate event of an employee’s death, their family will trade in goods since 2022 due to the challenges related to the receive a pension at the rate of 60% of the employee’s ongoing conflict. pension. This provision offers crucial financial support to the Diplomatic balancing act families of deceased government employees. PM Modi’s visit to Kyiv is seen in many quarters as a diplomatic Minimum Pension Guarantee balancing act as his trip to Russia triggered anguish among To ensure a basic standard of living for all retirees, the UPS some Western countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar establishes a minimum pension of Rs. 10,000 per month. This said PM Modi reiterated the need for “practical engagement” benefit is available to employees who have completed a between all stakeholders to develop an innovative solution that minimum of 10 years of service and have reached will help build broad acceptability and contribute towards superannuation. peace and stability. Inflation Protection Comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council Recognizing the impact of rising costs on retirees, the UPS Both sides called for a comprehensive reform of the UN Security includes provisions for inflation indexation. This feature applies Council to reflect contemporary global realities and to make it to the assured pension, assured family pension, and the more representative, effective and efficient in dealing with minimum pension. Additionally, Dearness Relief will be issues of international peace and security. Ukraine reiterated provided based on the All India Consumer Price Index for its support for India’s permanent membership of a reformed Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW), similar to the benefit extended to and expanded UN Security Council. current service employees. 10 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 Lump Sum Payment archery, badminton, and table tennis. This year, there is a Upon superannuation, employees will receive a lump sum special focus on athletics and badminton, where Indian athletes payment in addition to their gratuity. This payment will be have shown considerable promise. calculated as 1/10th of the monthly emoluments (pay plus 84 athletes for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, from India Dearness Allowance) as on the date of superannuation for India has announced a contingent of 84 athletes for the Paris every completed six months of service. Importantly, this lump 2024 Paralympics, marking the largest delegation the country sum payment will not reduce the quantum of the assured has ever sent to the event. Scheduled to take place from pension. August 28 to September 8, this year’s team includes 32 Eligibility and Implementation women, a significant increase from the 14 women who The Unified Pension Scheme is set to take effect from April 1, participated in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where India sent a 2025. However, its benefits will extend retroactively to those total of 54 athletes. who have already retired or will retire up until March 31, 2025, Participation from India in three new sports with arrears being provided. For the first time, India will compete in three new sports: para- Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo, expanding its participation highlighted that the scheme will positively impact to a total of 12 sports. In total, the Paris 2024 Paralympics will approximately 23 lakh government employees. feature 22 sports. Transition from NPS to UPS Some of the top Indian athletes for Paralympics 2024 Current subscribers to the National Pension System will have the option to switch to the UPS from the next financial year. Avani Lekhara (Shooting): After her historic gold and This flexibility allows employees to choose the scheme that best bronze medal wins in Tokyo 2020, Avani is a strong contender in the 10m Air Rifle event. suits their retirement planning needs. Sumit Antil (Javelin Throw): The world record holder and Paralympic Games Begin gold medalist from Tokyo will be aiming to defend his title. Pramod Bhagat (Badminton): As one of the leading para- French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Paris 2024 shuttlers globally, Pramod is set to shine in the men’s Paralympic Games open on Wednesday evening at Place de la singles SL3 category. Concorde. This is the first time that France has hosted the Ekta Bhyan (Club Throw): Ekta, who has consistently Paralympic Summer Games, and is also the first time that a performed well at international events, will be looking to Paralympics opening ceremony has taken place outside a add a Paralympic medal to her accolades. stadium, in the heart of the host city. 2024 Paralympic Games Mascot: “Phryge” Aim of this ceremony The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games introduced a vibrant and “The aim of this ceremony is to change the way we look at meaningful mascot named “Phryge.” The mascot represents people with disabilities, and to oppose all preconceived the spirit of revolution and freedom, embodying the values of opinions on these issues, but not in a vain and sterile the Paralympic movement—determination, inclusivity, and the opposition,” said Thomas Jolly, artistic director of the Paris 2024 triumph of the human spirit. ceremonies. Phryge: The Symbol of the 2024 Games Participatory athletes Inspiration: The mascot is inspired by the Phrygian cap, a Around 4,400 athletes from a record 168 delegations will symbol of liberty and freedom that has deep historical participate in the 11-day competition across 22 sports starting roots in France. This symbol has been reimagined in a from August 30, with Eritrea, Kiribati and Kosovo making their modern, dynamic form, reflecting the innovative and Paralympic debuts. inclusive spirit of the Paris 2024 Paralympics. China’s delegation Design: Phryge is characterized by its bold colors, China’s delegation entered with wheelchair fencer Gu Haiyan predominantly red, with an approachable and energetic and weightlifter Qi Yongkai carrying the flag together. China has appearance. Its design is intended to resonate with both sent a delegation of 284 athletes – 126 males and 158 females children and adults, promoting the message that sports can – to compete across 302 events in 19 sports. Among them, 95 unite people and break down barriers. are first-time Paralympians. Message: The mascot’s mission is to encourage everyone to get involved in sports, regardless of their abilities, and to India’s Participation in the 2024 Paralympics celebrate diversity and the strength of the human spirit. India has been steadily increasing its presence in the Paralympic Phryge stands as a reminder that the Paralympic Games are Games, and the 2024 edition is no exception. The Indian not just about competition but about inclusion, resilience, contingent comprises over 60 athletes competing in a diverse and the power of sport to change lives. range of sports, including athletics, powerlifting, shooting, 11 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 Phryge’s Role During the Games and equality. Through these initiatives, the mascot will help Throughout the 2024 Paralympic Games, Phryge will be a spread the message that everyone, regardless of their prominent figure, appearing in various promotional materials, physical abilities, has the potential to achieve greatness. events, and fan interactions. The mascot will engage with Adds a unique and culturally significant element: The audiences worldwide, bringing the excitement of the introduction of Phryge as the mascot for the 2024 Paris Paralympics to life and fostering a sense of community and Paralympics adds a unique and culturally significant shared values. Involved in educational programs: Phryge will also be element to the games, further emphasizing the event’s involved in educational programs aimed at promoting the commitment to inclusivity and celebration of human Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration, potential. Banking and Financial Current Affairs The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced stricter The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued revised regulations for Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) to bring instructions for the treatment of Bad and Doubtful Debt their public deposit norms in line with those for Non- Reserve (BDDR) across cooperative banks, aiming for Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). (Click here to read uniformity in the accounting and prudential treatment of complete details) non-performing assets (NPAs). (Click here to read The RBI on August 12, announced setting up a committee complete details) under deputy governor Michael Debabrata Patra on Capital Small Finance Bank (CSFB) and Edelweiss Life benchmarking the statistics regularly disseminated by it Insurance have joined forces in a bancassurance tie-up. against global standards. The 10-member ‘Expert (Click here to read complete details) Committee on Benchmarking of its Statistics’ has been Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the upper limit asked to submit report by the end of November 2024. for tax payments through the Unified Payments Interface (Click here to read complete details) (UPI) to Rs 5 lakh per transaction from the previous limit Punjab National Bank (PNB) has introduced the PNB of Rs 1 lakh. (Click here to read complete details) ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card, a new initiative aimed The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a significant at enhancing financial accessibility for visually impaired change in the reporting frequency for credit information individuals. (Click here to read complete details) from monthly to every 15 days. (Click here to read Axis Bank, in partnership with Visa, has unveiled the complete details) ‘Primus’ credit card, an ultra-premium offering tailored Setu, a Pine Labs-owned API infrastructure provider, has exclusively for India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals launched UPISetu in collaboration with Axis Bank. (Click (UHNWIs). (Click here to read complete details) here to read complete details) RBL Bank has introduced a special “Vijay Fixed Deposits” The Reserve Bank has revamped the cheque truncation scheme to commemorate India’s 78th Independence Day. system (CTS), which currently processes cheques with a (Click here to read complete details) clearing cycle of up to two working days, to improve the L&T Finance Ltd. has transitioned from an NBFC-Core efficiency of cheque clearing and reduce settlement risk Investment Company (NBFC-CIC) to a Non-Banking for participants, apart from enhancing customer Financial Company (Investment and Credit Company) experience. (Click here to read complete details) (NBFC-ICC) following the merger of its wholly-owned China has approved the construction of 11 new nuclear subsidiaries, including L&T Finance, L&T Infra Credit Ltd., reactors across five sites, with a total investment of and L&T Mutual Fund Trustee Ltd. (Click here to read approximately 220 billion yuan ($31 billion). (Click here to complete details) read complete details) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has canceled the licenses of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has 78 Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) since 2014. been recognized as the top central banker globally for the Maharashtra has seen the highest number of cancellations, second straight year by the US-based Global Finance with 36 UCBs losing their licenses, followed by Uttar magazine. (Click here to read complete details) Pradesh (14) and Karnataka (8). (Click here to read Airtel Payments Bank has introduced a new security complete details) feature called Face Match, leveraging AI to enhance Pakistan has paid over USD 3.6 billion in interest on IMF account protection. (Click here to read complete details) loans over the past 40 years, as revealed by the finance The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) study forecasts a ministry. This disclosure was made during a recent meeting substantial increase in private capital expenditure, of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. projecting it to reach ₹2.45 trillion in FY25, up from ₹1.59 (Click here to read complete details) trillion in FY24. (Click here to read complete details) 12 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has Banking Conclave & Awards, where it clinched four unveiled a new feature called ‘UPI Circle’ on the Unified coveted awards. (Click here to read complete details) Payments Interface (UPI) platform, allowing primary UPI ESAF Small Finance Bank, in collaboration with the National account holders to securely delegate payment Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has introduced the responsibilities to trusted secondary users. (Click here to Inori RuPay Platinum Credit Card. (Click here to read read complete details) complete details) The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) presented a the merger of Slice, a leading fintech company in India, dividend cheque of ₹3,662.17 crore to Union Finance and with North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB). (Click here to Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This follows read complete details) the shareholder approval of a final dividend of ₹6 per share The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has updated its e-mandate for 2023-24, up from ₹3 per share in the previous fiscal framework to include the auto-replenishment of balances year. (Click here to read complete details) in FASTag and the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). (Click here to read complete details) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied penalties on two Bandhan Bank, celebrating its Foundation Day, introduced financial entities for regulatory non-compliance. UCO Bank Avni, a savings account tailored specifically for women. has been fined Rs 2.68 crore for violating provisions (Click here to read complete details) related to current account openings, deposit interest rates, Jana Small Finance Bank has once again cemented its and fraud classification. Meanwhile, Cent Bank Home status as a frontrunner in the Indian banking industry. The Finance Ltd faces a Rs 2.1 lakh penalty for failing to adhere bank’s commitment to excellence and innovation was to Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. (Click here to recognized at the prestigious 2nd ICC Emerging Asia read complete details) Economy Current Affairs India’s retail inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) has increased its forecast Price Index (CPI), fell to 3.54% in July, reaching a nearly 5- for India’s GDP growth in FY25 to 7.5%, up from the year low. (Click here to read complete details) previous estimate of 7.1%. This revised projection India’s net direct tax collection surged by 22.5% to Rs 6.93 surpasses the RBI’s forecast of 7.2% and the Finance trillion from April 1 to August 11, FY25, compared to Rs Ministry’s Economic Survey estimate of 6.5-7%. (Click here 5.65 trillion in the same period last year. (Click here to read to read complete details) complete details) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) concluded its Monetary India’s industrial production, as measured by the Index of Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Thursday, maintaining Industrial Production (IIP), grew by 4.2% in June 2024, the benchmark interest rates at 6.5% by a 4:2 majority. marking the slowest growth in five months. (Click here to read complete details) (Click here to read complete details) India’s urban unemployment rate slightly decreased to Deloitte’s India Economic Outlook for August 2024 predicts 6.6% in Q1 FY25 from 6.7% in Q4 FY24, as per the Periodic strong economic growth between 7.0% and 7.2% in FY25, Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data released by the National driven by robust economic fundamentals. (Click here to Statistical Office (NSO). (Click here to read complete read complete details) details) Goldman Sachs has revised India’s GDP growth forecasts The latest “Men and Women” report by the National for 2024 and 2025, anticipating slower expansion due to Statistical Office (NSO) reveals a stark financial disparity reduced government expenditure and other economic between men and women in India. While women own a factors. (Click here to read complete details) significant portion of bank accounts. (Click here to read India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow complete details) by 7.0 per cent to 7.1 per cent in the first quarter of the Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India’s food processing fiscal year 2024-25 (Q1FY25), according to the latest SBI sector experienced a significant decline of 30% in the fiscal Ecowrap report released on August 26. (Click here to read year 2023-24, totaling Rs 5,037.06 crore, down from Rs complete details) 7,194.13 crore in 2022-23. (Click here to read complete details) Moody’s Ratings has revised its real GDP growth forecast The Ministry of Finance reported that India’s fiscal deficit for India, raising it to 7.2% for the financial year 2024, up for the first quarter of FY25 stood at 8.1% of the full-year from a previous estimate of 6.8%, and to 6.6% for 2025, estimate, a significant improvement from 25.3% in the from an earlier projection of 6.4%. (Click here to read same period last year. (Click here to read complete details) complete details) 13 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 Business Current Affairs NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has achieved a PhonePe on August 22, announced the launch of Credit major milestone by surpassing 100,000 cross-border Line on UPI on its platform. Consumers who avail credit Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Person-to-Merchant lines from their banks can now link these credit lines to UPI (P2M) transactions in Nepal. (Click here to read complete on PhonePe and seamlessly make merchant payments. details) (Click here to read complete details) Bharti Global, the international investment arm of Bharti Flipkart’s Supply Chain Operations Academy (SCOA) Enterprises, is set to acquire a 24.5% stake in the British exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with telecom giant BT Group plc for approximately $4 billion. the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Click here to read complete details) (MSDE) at the Samarth event with the mission to upskill Amazon India and Gentari Green Mobility India have thousands of employable youth across India. (Click here to announced a strategic partnership aimed at significantly read complete details) boosting Amazon’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet for last-mile Tata AIA Life Insurance has recently unveiled its latest deliveries. (Click here to read complete details) offering in the term insurance segment – Sampoorna State-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has been Raksha Promise. This innovative product is designed to awarded a significant contract by Damodar Valley provide enhanced financial security to policyholders and Corporation (DVC) to set up a 1,600 MW thermal power their families, addressing various aspects of life insurance project. (Click here to read complete details) needs. (Click here to read complete details) India and Israel, two nations with rich cultural histories, Piramal Finance, a subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises have cultivated diplomatic ties that extend beyond politics Limited, has partnered with the Central Bank of India to to encompass trade, investments, and collaborations expand co-lending operations aimed at supporting across diverse industries. (Click here to read complete underserved markets. (Click here to read complete details) details) Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, has announced the From luxurious Persian rugs to high-quality saffron, Iran’s beta launch of Rufus, a cutting-edge generative AI- offerings are treasured worldwide, including in India. powered conversational shopping assistant, in India. (Click Recently, interest in Iranian goods has surged in India, here to read complete details) driven by their superior quality, distinctiveness, and cultural charm. Let’s explore the variety of Iranian Bharti Airtel has unveiled a new content partnership with products that are increasingly making their presence felt in Apple, set to offer exclusive Apple Music and Apple TV+ the Indian market. (Click here to read complete details) deals to customers in India later this year. As part of this Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has achieved a milestone collaboration, Apple TV+ will be integrated into Airtel’s by advancing two positions in the 2024 Fortune Global 500 Xstream video-streaming service available through list, securing the 86th spot. (Click here to read complete premium Wi-Fi and postpaid plans. (Click here to read details) complete details) Boeing announced Robert “Kelly” Ortberg as its new CEO, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has unveiled its fifth TCS effective August 8, replacing David Calhoun. This Pace Studio in Manila, Philippines, aiming to drive digital leadership change comes as the company reports a innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. (Click here to substantial loss of over $1.4 billion in the second quarter, read complete details) with significant declines in revenue and ongoing issues with safety, production, and legal matters. (Click here to read complete details) Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in collaboration with the Habitat Charitable Trust, has proposed the construc Thetion of a state-of-the-art faecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) at Sarovaram. (Click here to read complete details) Fintech company Slice has received approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for its merger with North East Small Finance Bank. (Click here to read complete details) Amul has been named the world’s strongest food brand in Brand Finance’s Global Food & Drinks Report 2024. (Click here to read complete details) 14 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 During Reliance Industries’ 47th Annual General Meeting NHPC, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), Railtel (AGM), Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced a Corporation of India (RCIL), and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam groundbreaking development in the field of artificial (SJVN). This brings the total number of Navratna CPSEs in intelligence. The company’s telecom arm, Reliance Jio, is India to 25. (Click here to read complete details) set to launch a comprehensive suite of AI tools and Mastercard has globally debuted its Payment Passkey applications called ‘Jio Brain’. (Click here to read complete Service in India, aiming to enhance online shopping details) security and convenience. Unveiled at the Global Fintech Infosys has expanded its partnership with NVIDIA to Fest in Mumbai, this service, initially piloted with Indian develop generative AI solutions tailored for telecom payment leaders like Juspay, Razorpay, and PayU, along operators. Utilizing NVIDIA’s NIM inference microservices, with banks such as Axis Bank, leverages biometric NeMo Retriever models, NeMo Guardrails, and Riva. authentication—replacing traditional passwords and OTPs Infosys aims to enhance telecommunication operations and with more secure fingerprint or facial recognition methods. customer service. Early results show significant (Click here to read complete details) improvements in latency and accuracy. (Click here to read In a recent development, Zomato has approved the complete details) acquisition of Paytm’s entertainment and ticketing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman granted ‘Navratna’ business for ₹2,048 crore in a cash deal. (Click here to read status to four Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs): complete details) International Current Affairs The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a remarkable The Environmental Strategic Partnership between India flowering shrub native to the montane grasslands of and Denmark has launched a Smart Laboratory on Clean southwest India, has recently been added to the Rivers (SLCR) with initial funding of Rs 16.8 crore from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Jal Shakti Ministry and an additional Rs 5 crore from Red List of Threatened Species. (Click here to read Denmark. (Click here to read complete details) complete details) Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged extensive In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists may have humanitarian support and handed over four BHISHM uncovered the world’s oldest solar calendar at the (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes renowned archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe in southern to the Ukrainian government. (Click here to read complete Turkey. (Click here to read complete details) details) India and Australia recently held two significant bilateral Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland marked a meetings to enhance their Comprehensive Strategic historic moment as it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Partnership. Australia hosted the 6th India-Australia Minister to the country in 45 years. (Click here to read Maritime Security Dialogue in Canberra, while India complete details) hosted the 14th India-Australia Joint Working Group on Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wrapped up his trip to Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi. (Click here to read Ukraine. Modi became the first Indian prime minister to complete details) make a state visit to Ukraine since the two countries Germany’s recent inclusion in the U.S.-led United Nations established relations over three decades ago. (Click here to Command (UNC) in South Korea marks a significant read complete details) expansion of the command’s member states, now totaling North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently unveiled a new 18 nations. (Click here to read complete details) type of “suicide drone,” with state media reporting that he Sweden has confirmed its first case of the mpox Clade I personally oversaw a performance test of the weaponry. variant, marking the first occurrence of this more dangerous strain outside Africa. (Click here to read (Click here to read complete details) complete details) India and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to A human rights team from the United Nations will visit combating terrorism, including addressing the misuse of Dhaka next week to discuss with the Bangladesh interim new and emerging technologies by terrorists. During the government, investigations into the human rights sixth meeting of the India-Indonesia Joint Working Group violations during the recent unrest in Bangladesh. (Click on Counter-Terrorism held in Jakarta. (Click here to read here to read complete details) complete details) The ICC has announced the relocation of the Women’s T20 The 24th International Mother Teresa Awards Ceremony World Cup 2024 from Bangladesh to the United Arab took place on August 26, 2024, at Millennium Plaza Dubai, Emirates (UAE) due to significant safety concerns. (Click marking the 114th birth anniversary of the esteemed here to read complete details) humanitarian. (Click here to read complete details) 15 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 Typhoon Shanshan made landfall on Japan’s southwestern second healthiest city in Asia. Since 2014, Dhulikhel main island of Kyushu on August 29. (Click here to read Municipality has implemented various programmes to complete details) achieve the status. (Click here to read complete details) Singapore Airlines on August 30, said it has received The United Nations has allocated $100 million from the approval from the Indian government for the foreign Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to address direct investment as part of the proposed merger of critical humanitarian needs in 10 countries across Africa, Vistara with Air India. This deal will create one of the the Middle East, Asia, and the Caribbean. Acting UN world’s largest airline groups. (Click here to read complete humanitarian chief Joyce Msuya emphasized the dire need details) for this funding, noting that a lack of resources is hindering WHO has declared Dhulikhel Municipality of aid agencies from providing essential life-saving assistance. Kavrepalanchok district as Nepal’s first ‘healthy city’ and (Click here to read complete details) National Current Affairs “VIRAASAT”, a fortnight long exhibition dedicated to The National Commission for Women (NCW) has celebrating 10th National Handloom Day began at inaugurated the Digital Shakti Center in New Delhi to Handloom Haat in Janpath on 3rd August, 2024. (Click here address the rising cybercrimes against women. (Click here to read complete details) to read complete details) President Droupadi Murmu embarked on a six-day visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led goverment is all set to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste, marking significant table the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha diplomatic engagements. (Click here to read complete on August 8. The new bill that proposes to amend the details) Waqf Act, 1995 will be introduced in the Lok Sabha by The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. (Click here to read (MoSPI) has launched the e-Sankhyiki portal on June 29, complete details) marking a significant advancement in data management India’s renewable energy capacity has surged by 165% over and dissemination in India. (Click here to read complete the past decade, increasing from 76.38 GW in 2014 to details) 203.1 GW in 2024, according to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. (Click here to read complete details) Indian President Droupadi Murmu embarked on a The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has significant two-day state visit to Fiji, marking a milestone in prepared the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, the diplomatic relations between the two nations. (Click 2024 which will replace the Television Network Act of here to read complete details) 1995. (Click here to read complete details) On the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 The nation prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence and 35(A), Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the Day. This day marks the historic moment in 1947 when decision as a pivotal moment in Indian history, marking the India achieved freedom from British colonial rule after a beginning of a new era of progress and prosperity for prolonged struggle. (Click here to read complete details) Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh. (Click here to read The West Bengal government and UNICEF have teamed up complete details) to encourage fathers to play an active role in promoting The Government of India has successfully completed and breastfeeding among new mothers. (Click here to read operationalized four major projects under the Namami complete details) Gange Mission 2.0 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024- The third edition of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, 25. (Click here to read complete details) aimed at fostering patriotism and national pride by The government has reversed its controversial decision to encouraging citizens to display the national flag at their remove indexation benefits for long-term capital gains homes, will run from August 9 to August 15. (Click here to (LTCG) tax on property sales. (Click here to read complete read complete details) details) The Union Ministry of Railways is set to fast-track the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) has started its first deployment of the latest version of its indigenous anti- executive training program for the aviation sector at the collision system, Kavach 4.0, with plans to issue tenders for Asian Institute of Transport Development (AITD) at installation in 20,000 locomotives this year. (Click here to Dwaraka, New Delhi. (Click here to read complete details) read complete details) The Government of India and the World Bank have joined The Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICoAS) celebrated its forces to construct the Green National Highway Corridor Foundation Day in New Delhi with the theme ‘ICoAS @ Project (GNHCP). (Click here to read complete details) Viksit Bharat’. (Click here to read complete details) 16 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 The Union Cabinet on August 9, approved eight new Prime Minister Narendra Modi will serve as the chief guest railway projects at an estimated cost of ₹24,657 crore to at the inaugural ET World Leaders Forum, scheduled for provide connectivity, facilitate ease of travelling, minimise August 31 in New Delhi. (Click here to read complete logistics cost, reduce oil imports and lower carbon dioxide details) emissions. (Click here to read complete details) The Union Government on August 15, launched the AI- In response to the volatile situation in Bangladesh, the based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) that will Indian government has established a committee to monitor help farmers to connect with agriculture scientists and experts on controlling pests using their phone. (Click here the Indo-Bangladesh border and ensure the safety of to read complete details) Indian nationals and minority communities in the India has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into the neighboring country. (Click here to read complete details) import of hot rolled flat products from Vietnam following Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme of Ministry of Textiles is complaints that these products are being sold at a pioneering effort in traceability, certification and significantly low prices, negatively impacting the domestic branding of Indian cotton. The details of Kasturi Cotton steel industry. (Click here to read complete details) Bharat program and implementation of block chain The Lok Sabha speaker on August 17, named the technology for traceability. (Click here to read complete constituents of the six new Parliamentary Committees details) including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which BIMSTEC members should re-examine the priorities of examines government expenditure. (Click here to read member nations with regards to trade negotiations so that complete details) the delayed Free Trade Agreement can be finalized. (Click India has reduced the windfall tax on petroleum crude oil here to read complete details) to Rs 2,100 per metric tonne, effective August 17, down Punjab, Telangana, Kerala, and West Bengal have yet to from Rs 4,600 per tonne. (Click here to read complete implement the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Union details) Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chowdhary, The Union Cabinet has greenlit significant airport disclosed this in the Rajya Sabha. (Click here to read infrastructure projects in West Bengal and Bihar, with a complete details) total investment of approximately ₹2,962 crore. (Click here to read complete details) The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering Nepal will export nearly 1,000 MW of electricity to India, & Research (SAMEER), an R&D institute under the Ministry External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said after meeting his of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has Nepalese counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba in New Delhi on signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with August 19. (Click here to read complete details) Toshniwal Hyvac Pvt. Ltd. and Sir Automation Industries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated (Click here to read complete details) Mpox as a public health emergency of international Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has concern, primarily due to its increasing prevalence in announced the restoration of the Diamond Imprest Africa. (Click here to read complete details) Licence, a move aimed at revitalizing India’s gems and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 18, released the jewellery sector. (Click here to read complete details) centenary commemorative coin of Dr. Kalaignar M. Indian Railways and the National Capital Region Transport Karunanidhi in Chennai. (Click here to read complete Corporation (NCRTC) have partnered to promote the ‘One details) India-One Ticket’ initiative, aiming to streamline travel for To provide end to end support for promotion of handloom passengers using both mainline railway services and Namo sector and welfare of handloom workers, Ministry of Bharat trains. (Click here to read complete details) Textiles is implementing the National Handloom Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15th August, stressed Development Programme and Raw Material Supply Scheme across the country. (Click here to read complete on the need to bring a ‘Secular Civil Code’ instead of using details) the term ‘Universal Civil Code’, hinting at the government’s India’s first Constitution Museum, named “The intention to broad-base the policy and avoid friction on the Constitution Academy and The Rights & Freedoms contentious issue, both within the ruling NDA and outside. Museum,” is set to be inaugurated by OP Jindal Global (Click here to read complete details) University on November 26, 2024. (Click here to read The government is set to launch ‘Kisan Ki Baat’, a monthly complete details) radio programme aimed at bringing scientific knowledge to The Union Minister of Power and Minister for Housing and farmers, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, on August 20, launched announced on August 15. (Click here to read complete Portal for Online monitoring of Projects Thermal (PROMPT) details) in New Delhi. (Click here to read complete details) 17 www.bankersadda.com | www.sscadda.com | www.careerpower.in | Adda247 App  Current Affairs | August 2024 The Union Ministry of Power launched three new online and Timely Implementation, involving Centre and State platforms—PROMPT, DRIPS, and JAL VIDYUT DPR—to governments. (Click here to read complete details) enhance efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness in the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to commission power sector. (Click here to read complete details) India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile India overtook China as the world’s biggest importer of submarine (SSBN), INS Arighat (S-3), at a quiet event in Russian oil in July as Chinese refiners bought less because Visakhapatnam, marking a significant boost to India’s of lower profit margins from producing fuels, a comparison nuclear deterrence and second-strike capability. This of import data showed. (Click here to read complete submarine, armed with 750-km range K-15 nuclear ballistic details) missiles, will patrol the Indo-Pacific under India’s strategic The Health Ministry has formed a 14-member National command. (Click here to read complete details) Task Force (NTF) to address the safety and working Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant awarded Indian conditions of medical professionals in India. (Click here to citizenship to Joseph Francis Pereira, a 78-year-old read complete details) Pakistani Christian, under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). This marks the first instance of a Goan receiving Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw