30th August, 2024

1. Mansukh Mandaviya Introduces RESET Programme for Retired Athletes
2. NASA Engineers Develop Underwater Robots to Address Climate Change
3. New Zealand’s Māori King Passes Away After 18 Years of Leadership
4. Singapore Airlines Granted Approval for Vistara-Air India Merger
5. Infosys and NVIDIA Transform Telecom Industry with GenAI Solutions
6. Union Minister Launches SHe-Box Portal to Improve Women’s Workplace Safety
7. INDUS-X Summit 2024 Held
8. Bangladesh Wins SAFF U-20 Championship 2024
9. Hurun India Rich List 2024: Mumbai Named Asia’s Billionaire Capital
10. International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2024 Observed
11. Paralympic Games Kick Off on August 28, 2024
12. Reliance AGM 2024: Mukesh Ambani Introduces ‘Jio Brain’ AI Suite
13. Senior IPS Officers Appointed to Key Roles in Central Armed Police Forces
14. TCS Opens Pace Studio in the Philippines to Accelerate Digital Innovation
15. Typhoon Shanshan Strikes Southern Japan
16. Karthik Venkataraman Secures Second Indian National Title
17. Subhasri Appointed as MD & CEO of Shriram Capital
18. Uttar Pradesh Unveils Digital Media Policy: Incentives for Influencers and Scheme Promotion
19. Rajnath Singh Commissions India’s Second Nuclear Missile Submarine
20. PM Leads 44th PRAGATI Interaction
21. ESAF Small Finance Bank Introduces Inori RuPay Platinum Credit Card
22. Iran Appoints Fatemeh Mohajerani as First Female Government Spokesperson
23. Vice Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar Assumes Role as Director General Project Seabird
24. India and Russia Hold Second Meeting of Joint Commission
25. England’s Dawid Malan Announces Retirement from International Cricket
26. B Srinivasan Appointed as New Director General of NSG
27. ICAR-CIFE and VAMNICOM Partner to Strengthen Cooperative Management in Fisheries

National News

1. Empowering Retired Athletes: RESET Programme Launched
   • What
     • The RESET Programme was launched by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on National Sports Day in New Delhi.
   • Why
     • The purpose of the RESET Programme is to support retired athletes in their career development by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to enhance their employability.
     • It seeks to bridge the generational gap, allowing retired athletes to share their unique skills and experiences with aspiring athletes.
   • Tell me more
     • The programme is open to retired athletes aged 20-50 who have won international medals or participated in recognized competitions.
     • It will be implemented in two levels based on educational qualifications: Class 12th and above, and Class 11th and below.
     • The training will be offered in a hybrid format, combining self-paced online learning with on-ground training and internships in sports organizations.
     • Placement assistance and guidance for entrepreneurial ventures will be provided upon course completion.
     • Registration for the RESET Programme started on the dedicated portal.

2. New SHe-Box Portal Launched for Workplace Safety
   • What
     • The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched the SHe-Box portal to register and monitor complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace.
     • The launch event took place in New Delhi, led by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi.
   • Why
     • The SHe-Box portal aims to create a safe and secure environment for women in the workplace by providing a centralized platform for filing complaints.
     • This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to women-led development and ensuring safe workplaces as part of the “Viksit Bharat” vision by 2047.
   • Tell me more
     • The portal serves as a repository of information related to Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) across the country.
     • It allows users to file complaints, track their status, and ensures timely processing by the respective committees.
     • The portal will enable real-time monitoring of complaints through a designated nodal officer.

3. Third INDUS-X Summit Scheduled for September 2024
   • What
     • The third edition of the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Summit will take place on September 9-10, 2024.
     • The summit is organized in collaboration with Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation and the Hoover Institution.
   • Why
     • The summit aims to explore investment opportunities to enhance cross-border defense innovation ecosystems.
     • It focuses on the critical role of private capital in advancing the defense innovation sector between India and the U.S.
   • Tell me more
     • INDUS-X was launched on June 21, 2023, during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the U.S.
     • The initiative aims to build a defense innovation bridge under the Critical and Emerging Technology Initiative (iCET).
       Source: ANI
4. PM Modi Chairs 44th PRAGATI Meeting to Review Projects
   • What
     • Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 44th edition of PRAGATI, an ICT-based platform for proactive governance and timely implementation.
     • The meeting reviewed seven key projects with a total cost of over ₹76,500 crore.
   • Why
     • The purpose of the meeting was to ensure timely execution and address delays in important government projects.
     • It aims to enhance the effectiveness of project implementation and ensure benefits reach the public.
   • Tell me more
     • The projects span across 11 states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, Goa, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Delhi.
     • PM Modi emphasized the importance of the “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” campaign for environmental protection during project development.
     • The Prime Minister also reviewed the AMRUT 2.0 initiative and public grievances related to the Jal Jeevan Mission, highlighting the need for effective water management.
       Source: NOA
5. India and Russia Sign Working Plan for Emergency Management
   • What
     • The Second Meeting of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management was held in Moscow, Russia.
     • India and Russia signed a working plan for 2025-2026 to enhance cooperation in disaster management.
   • Why
     • The working plan aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Russia in the field of emergency management.
     • It provides a framework for exchanging best practices and lessons learned in disaster response and mitigation.
   • Tell me more
     • Both countries agreed to continue the exchange of best practices and lessons learned in disaster management during the implementation of the plan from 2025 to 2026.
     • The meeting builds upon the Inter-Governmental Agreement for cooperation in the field of emergency management signed in December 2010 between India and Russia.
     • The Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation in prevention and elimination of consequences of emergency situations was established in 2013.
     • The first meeting of the Indo-Russian Joint Commission on Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management was held in New Delhi in 2016.
       Source: NOA

State News

1. UP Government Launches Social Media Policy for Influencers
   • What
     • The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the Uttar Pradesh Digital Media Policy, 2024, targeting social media influencers and creators.
     • The policy aims to provide advertisements to agencies and individuals who create and share content about government schemes and achievements on platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
   • Why
     • The policy is designed to promote the government’s work and achievements through social media influencers.
     • It aims to create opportunities for people residing outside UP to earn money through social media.
   • Tell me more
     • Influencers can earn up to ₹8 lakh per month for promoting government schemes based on their follower base.
     • Influencers will be categorized into four groups based on their number of followers and subscribers.
     • The government has authorized the information director to take legal action against ‘anti-national, anti-social, derogatory’ posts, which may include lodging an FIR, deleting the post, revoking empanelment, and discontinuing the advertisement.
       Source: ET

International News

1. NASA Develops Autonomous Robots to Measure Antarctic Ice Melt
   • What
     • NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a project called IceNode, which envisions a fleet of autonomous robots to measure the melt rate of Antarctic ice shelves.
     • The robots will venture beneath the ice shelves to gather data on the melting process.
   • Why
     • If Antarctica’s ice sheet melts completely, it would raise global sea levels by an estimated 200 feet.
     • Scientists need more accurate melt rates, particularly beneath ice shelves, to improve computer models predicting sea level rise.
   • Tell me more
     • The robots are designed to solve the problem of accessing these inaccessible areas to measure ice melt.
       Source: NASA

Banking and Economy

1. Indian Government Approves FDI for Air India-Vistara Merger
   • What
     • The Indian government has approved foreign direct investment (FDI) for the proposed merger between Air India and Vistara.
     • Singapore Airlines (SIA) will invest S$360 million ($276 million) into the new combined carrier.
   • Why
     • The merger will create one of the world’s largest airline groups, combining the strengths of Air India and Vistara.
     • It will enable SIA to gain greater exposure to India’s promising travel industry market.
   • Tell me more
     • The merger is expected to be finalized by the end of 2024, subject to compliance with applicable Indian laws.
     • Tata Group owns Air India and runs Vistara as a 51:39 joint venture with SIA.
     • Upon completion, SIA will hold a 25.1% stake in the enlarged Air India Group.
     • The merger plan was finalized in November 2022.
       Source: LM
2. Infosys and Nvidia Partner for Generative AI Solutions
   • What
     • Infosys has expanded its partnership with Nvidia to develop generative AI solutions for telecom operators.
   • Why
     • The collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of telecom businesses.
   • Tell me more
     • Infosys has developed three generative AI solutions using its AI platform, Topaz, which incorporates Nvidia’s NIM inference microservices and NeMo models.
     • These solutions enable real-time transcription and translation for call center agents using Nvidia Riva.
     • The generative AI solutions have shown to reduce latency by up to 61% and improve accuracy by 22%.
       Source: ET
3. 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Reliance Industries
   • What
     • Mukesh Ambani announced significant growth plans for Reliance Industries during the 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
     • The plans include targeting a valuation of over $100 billion for both the retail and telecom divisions and doubling revenues and pre-tax profits in the next 3-4 years.
   • Why
     • The announcements aim to position Reliance as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable energy solutions.
     • The goal is to enhance shareholder value and ensure robust performance in a competitive market.
   • Tell me more
     • Reliance plans to invest Rs 75,000 crore in the new energy sector, with solar photovoltaic module production set to begin by the end of the year.
     • The company is constructing a battery manufacturing facility with a 30 GWh capacity and an electrolyser manufacturing facility expected to be ready by 2026.
     • Ambani introduced the Jio AI Cloud Welcome offer, providing Jio users with 100 GB of free cloud storage.
     • Reliance aims to democratize AI, making it accessible and affordable across India.
     • The company is transforming into a deep tech entity, focusing on advanced manufacturing and in-house technology development.
     • Reliance’s five growth engines include oil-to-chemical (O2C), retail, digital services, media, and new energy sectors.
       Source: TOI
4. TCS Launches New Pace Studio in Manila for Innovation
   • What
     • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has launched TCS Pace Studio in Manila, Philippines, aimed at co-innovating with customers to develop tailored solutions.
     • This facility is the fifth TCS Pace Studio globally, part of a broader innovation ecosystem.
   • Why
     • The establishment of the Pace Studio aims to boost digital innovation in the Asia-Pacific region and enhance TCS’s commitment to its clients.
     • It provides a collaborative space for clients to engage with TCS experts and explore innovative solutions.
   • Tell me more
     • TCS Pace Studio in Manila will showcase innovative platforms such as TCS AI WisdomNext, TCS TwinX, and TCS Zero Carbon Platform.
     • The studio leverages emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
     • The TCS Pace network includes studios in Riyadh, Sydney, Letterkenny, and Stockholm, as well as Pace Ports in cities like Tokyo, Amsterdam, and New York.
       Source: BS
5. ESAF Bank Launches INORI RuPay Platinum Credit Card
   • What
     • ESAF Small Finance Bank has launched the INORI RuPay Platinum Credit Card in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
     • The card is designed to offer exclusive benefits and privileges to cardholders.
   • Why
     • The launch aims to enhance the banking experience for customers and provide them with tailored financial products.
     • It is part of ESAF’s strategy to meet the evolving needs of its customers in a competitive market.
   • Tell me more
     • The name “INORI” is derived from the Japanese word for “wish,” symbolizing the bank’s aspiration to fulfill customer desires.
     • Cardholders can enjoy rewards such as cashback offers on monthly transactions and insurance coverage of up to ₹2 lakh.
     • The card also provides access to exclusive merchant offers and global acceptance, allowing use at millions of locations worldwide.
     • The INORI card includes personalized concierge services for travel, dining, and lifestyle needs.
       Source: ET

Defence News

1. India’s Second Nuclear Submarine INS Arighaat Commissioned
   • What
     • India has commissioned its second nuclear missile-armed submarine, INS Arighaat.
     • The submarine is designed for deterrence patrols and is ready for operational deployment.
   • Tell me more
     • INS Arighaat can carry K15 missiles with a range of over 750 km and is equipped with nuclear propulsion, allowing it to remain submerged for extended periods.
     • The submarine is part of India’s credible nuclear triad, which includes land, sea, and air capabilities for nuclear retaliation.
     • The construction of two more nuclear-armed submarines is underway, along with the development of a submarine-launched ballistic missile with a range of 5,000 km.

2. Vice Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar Takes Charge of Project ‘Seabird’
   • What
     • Vice Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar has assumed the role of Director General of Project ‘Seabird’, overseeing the expansion of the Karwar Naval Base.
   • Tell me more
     • Project ‘Seabird’ involves significant upgrades and expansions at the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka.
     • The Karwar Naval Base is strategically located and plays a vital role in India’s naval operations.
       Source: ET

Awards

1. Hurun India Rich List 2024: Mumbai Overtakes Beijing as Asia’s Billionaire Capital
   • What
     • Mumbai has surpassed Beijing as the billionaire capital of Asia, according to the Hurun India Rich List 2024.
     • Mumbai now has more billionaire individuals than China’s capital city.
   • Tell me more
     • Mumbai added 58 new billionaires, while New Delhi added 18, contributing to India’s overall growth.
     • India recorded a 29% increase in billionaires, reaching a record 334, while China saw a 25% decline.
     • In March 2024, Mumbai first surpassed Beijing, with 92 billionaires, only behind New York (119) and London (97).
     • Mumbai’s total billionaire wealth stands at $445 billion, while Beijing’s declined by 28% to $265 billion.
     • Mumbai is home to 25% of the Hurun India Rich List, followed by New Delhi and Hyderabad.
       Source: ET

Important Days

1. International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances – August 30
   Source: UN

Sports

1. Bangladesh U-20 Team Wins SAFF Championship 2024
   • The Bangladesh U-20 football team won the SAFF U-20 Championship 2024 by defeating Nepal 4-1 in the final in Kathmandu, Nepal.
   • This victory marks Bangladesh’s first title in the SAFF U-20 Championship, showcasing their growth in youth football.
     Source: FE
2. Karthik Venkatraman Wins National Chess Championship
   • Karthik Venkatraman of Andhra Pradesh won the National Chess Championship in Gurugram, Haryana.
   • The National Chess Championship is the premier chess event in India.
   • The top three prizes were Rs 6 lakh, Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 4 lakh, respectively.
     Source: TOI
3. David Malan Announces Retirement from International Cricket
   • England star and former World No. 1 T20I batter Dawid Malan has announced his retirement from international cricket.
     Source: ICC
4. Paralympic 2024 in Paris
   • Mascot for Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2024: The Phryge
   • Motto: Games Wide Open
   • Sports: 22 games
   • Venue: Place de la Concorde (opening ceremony) and Stade de France (closing ceremony)
   • Summer Olympics: Los Angeles 2028
   • Winter Olympics: Milano Cortina 2026 (Italy)
     Source: OC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India and VAMNICOM Sign MoU for Fisheries Management
   • What
     • The Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) and the Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in cooperative management within the fisheries sector.
   • Why
     • The partnership is intended to support the establishment of 200,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), dairy, and fishery cooperatives in every Panchayat.
     • It aims to improve the integration of advanced technology and promote value addition in fishery cooperatives.
   • Tell me more
     • The MoU was signed during a ceremony at the ICAR-CIFE campus in Mumbai, attended by Dr. Ravishankar CN, Director and Vice Chancellor of ICAR-CIFE, and Dr. Hema Yadav, Director of VAMNICOM.
     • The collaboration will focus on education, research, capacity building, and consultancy in the fisheries ecosystem.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Senior IPS Officers Appointed as CISF and BSF Chiefs
   • What
     • The Centre has appointed senior IPS officers Rajwinder Singh Bhatti and Daljit Singh Chaudhary as the new Directors General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BSF), respectively.
     • Bhatti will serve as CISF DG until September 30, 2025, while Chaudhary will lead the BSF until November 30, 2025.
   • Tell me more
     • The CISF was established in 1969 with only three battalions and has since grown into a premier multi-skilled organization with a strength of 1,71,635 personnel.
     • The CISF also has a specialized VIP Security vertical and a Fire Wing.
     • After the Mumbai terror attack in 2008, the CISF’s mandate was expanded to provide security cover to private corporate establishments as well.
       Source: BS

2. Shriram Capital Appoints Subhasri as MD & CEO
   • Shriram Capital Private Ltd. announced the appointment of Subhasri as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1.
     Source: TH

3. Iran Appoints Fatemeh Mohajerani as First Female Government Spokesperson
   • Iran has appointed Fatemeh Mohajerani as the first female government spokesperson.
     Source: NOA

Miscellaneous

1. Māori King Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII Dies
   • Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the Māori King of New Zealand, passed away at the age of 69.
   • Kiingi Tuheitia was the seventh monarch in the Kiingitanga movement, which was established in 1858 to unite Māori tribes against British colonization.
     Source: TH
2. Typhoon Shanshan Hits Southern Japan
   Source: ALJ

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