15th-16th August, 2024

1. 28th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations held in New Delhi
2. India & USA Signed MoU to Promote Cooperation on Small & Medium Enterprises
3. MoPNG Approves ONGC to Invest Rs 10,501 Cr in OPaL
4. USA accounts for Highest FPI investment in India: SEBI Report
5. TIAL Receives Greentech Award For Zero Waste To Landfill
6. India to Begin Production of LCA Mark2 Jets by 2029 & 5th Generation Fighter AMCA by 2035
7. World Organ Donation Day 2024 – August 13
8. International Left-Handers Day 2024 – August 13
9. HP Launches HIM-UNNATI Scheme to Promote Natural Farming
10. India on behalf of G4 Nations asserted that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) needs reforms to tackle global challenges like extremism, cyber security threat, etc
11. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carries out successful maiden flight test of Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’ from Su-30 MK-I platform.
12. Recently, DRDO successfully test-fired indigenously built Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM).
13. Eminent revolutionary leader and freedom fighter Madame Bhikaji Cama was remembered on her death anniversary. (Aug 13)
14. Father of Agni Missiles, Dr. Ram Narain Agarwal Passes Away
15. Gallantry Awards 2024: 78th Independence Day
16. BHEL Wins 1,600 MW Thermal Power Project from DVC
17. NHA And MUHS Sign MoU To Drive Digital Health Education

National News

1. 28th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations Held
   • What
     • The Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) organized the 28th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations (CoCSSO) from August 12 to 13, 2024, in New Delhi.
   • Why
     • The conference aimed to enhance the use of data for decision-making and strengthen state statistical systems through collaborative efforts between central and state governments.
   • Tell me more
     • The event was attended by representatives from over 30 Central Ministries/Departments and around 29 State/UT Governments, along with various organizations and international bodies.
     • Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including agriculture, sustainable development goals, sample surveys, consumer price index, and economic census.
     • The conference emphasized the importance of quality data for tracking progress towards the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vikisit Bharat@2047’.
     • The valedictory session featured Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, who highlighted the need for reforms in the Indian statistical system.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Himachal Pradesh Launches HIM-UNNATI Scheme for Natural Farming
   • What
     • The Himachal Pradesh government has launched the HIM-UNNATI scheme to promote natural farming across the state with an allocation of ₹150 crore.
   • Why
     • The initiative aims to bolster the efforts of farmers practicing chemical-free farming and to enhance the economic viability of the agriculture sector.
   • Tell me more
     • The HIM-UNNATI scheme will support approximately 1.92 lakh farmers working on over 32,149 hectares of land.
     • The program focuses on a cluster-based development model, consolidating smallholding farmers for bulk production and ensuring a marketable surplus.
     • It will integrate various ongoing agricultural schemes and coordinate with departments such as animal husbandry, horticulture, and rural development.
     • The initiative aims to increase productivity by 15-20% in vegetables and cereals in the state.
       Source: HT

International News

1. G4 Calls for Permanent African Representation in UNSC
   • What
     • R. Ravindra, Charge d’Affaires of India’s UN mission, stated on behalf of the G4 nations (Japan, Brazil, Germany and India) that the lack of adequate geographic representation in the UN Security Council is responsible for its failures.
   • Why
     • The G4 believes that giving Africa permanent membership will be essential to make the highest decision-making body effective and more representative.
   • Tell me more
     • The UNSC comprises five permanent, veto-wielding members (China, France, Russia, UK, US) and 10 non-permanent members.
       Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. ONGC Receives Approval for ₹18,365 Crore Investment in OPaL
   • What
     • The Government of India has approved Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) to invest ₹18,365 crore in ONGC Petro-additions Limited (OPaL), increasing ONGC’s stake in OPaL to 95.69%.
   • Why
     • This investment aims to strengthen ONGC’s presence in the petrochemical sector and enhance OPaL’s operational capabilities.
   • Tell me more
     • OPaL operates a petrochemical complex in Dahej, Gujarat, and has a market share of 12% in India’s polymer segment.

2. SEBI Report: US Leads Foreign Portfolio Investment in India
   • What
     • The United States accounts for the highest share of Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in India, according to a report by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for the fiscal year 2023-24.
   • Why
     • The report highlights the growing confidence of foreign investors in the Indian market and the significant increase in registered FPIs, reflecting India’s economic resilience and stability.
   • Tell me more
     • As of March 31, 2024, the total number of registered FPIs in India reached 11,219, up from 11,081 the previous year.
     • The US led with 3,457 registered FPIs, followed by Luxembourg with 1,393 and Canada with 804.
     • The Assets Under Custody (AUC) of FPIs grew by 42.8% to ₹69.5 lakh crore, compared to ₹48.7 lakh crore at the end of March 2023.
     • Equity assets constituted 92.2% of the total AUC, with the US contributing 39.2% to these equity assets, followed by Singapore at 9.8%, and Luxembourg at 7.1%.

3. BHEL Secures 1,600 MW Thermal Power Project from DVC
   • What
     • State-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has secured a 1,600 MW thermal power project from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).
   • Tell me more
     • The coal-based power plant will be set up in the Koderma district of Jharkhand on an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) basis.
     • The project consists of two 800 MW supercritical thermal power units, totaling 1,600 MW.
     • It was awarded to BHEL through International Competitive Bidding (ICB).
       Source: ET

Defence News

1. India’s LCA Mark 2 Fighter Jets to Begin Flying by 2026
   • What
     • The 4.5 generation LCA Mark 2 fighter jets are scheduled to commence flights by March 2026, with mass production expected to begin by 2029.
   • Why
     • This initiative aims to enhance India’s indigenous fighter aircraft program and replace aging fleets, including the Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29.
   • Tell me more
     • The announcement was made during a high-level meeting chaired by DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat and Indian Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
     • The LCA Mark 2 program has experienced a delay of approximately one year due to postponed funding related to engine deals.
     • The LCA Mark 2 will utilize advanced GE-414 engines, produced in India, and will feature significant indigenization, including the Uttam radar as its primary sensor.
     • The Indian Air Force has ordered 180 LCA Mark 1A planes, with production expected to be completed by 2032.
     • The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter, is anticipated to begin mass production by 2035.

2. DRDO Successfully Tests Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’
   • What
     • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named GAURAV from an Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30 MK-I aircraft.
   • Why
     • This test marks a significant advancement in India’s efforts to develop indigenous defense technologies and enhance the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
   • Tell me more
     • The flight test took place off the coast of Odisha, where GAURAV hit a target on Long Wheeler Island with pinpoint accuracy.
     • GAURAV is a 1,000 kg class air-launched glide bomb capable of striking targets at long distances, utilizing a hybrid navigation system that combines INS and GPS data.
     • The bomb was developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad.
     • The complete flight data was captured using telemetry and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by the Integrated Test Range.

3. DRDO and Indian Army Test Man Portable Anti-Tank Missile
   • What
     • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army successfully conducted test firings of the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
   • Tell me more
     • The MPATGM is a shoulder-launched, portable missile system designed to counter enemy tanks and armored vehicles.
     • It weighs approximately 14.5 kg and has an operational range of 200 to 4,000 meters.
     • The MPATGM has undergone extensive field evaluations to validate its technology and capabilities against modern armor-protected tanks.
     • It is equipped with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shaped charge warhead.
       Source: TOI

Awards

1. Thiruvananthapuram Airport Wins Pollution Control Award
   • What
     • The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited (TIAL) has been awarded the Pollution Control and Waste Recycling Excellence Award by the Greentech Foundation.
   • Why
     • The award recognizes TIAL’s efforts in implementing zero-waste landfill practices and its commitment to environmental stewardship.
   • Tell me more
     • TIAL employs the 5R strategy: reduce, reuse, recycle, reprocess, and recover, to minimize waste generation.

2. 1,037 Police Personnel Awarded Medals on Independence Day
   • What
     • The Indian government announced the awarding of 1,037 medals to police, fire, prison, home guard, and civil defense personnel on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.
   • Why
     • The awards recognize the bravery and dedication of personnel in maintaining law and order and contributing to national security.
   • Tell me more
     • The announcement includes 213 Police Medals for Gallantry, 94 President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service, and 729 Police Medals for Meritorious Service.
     • Among the gallantry awards, 52 were given to personnel deployed in Left-wing extremism areas, 31 in Jammu and Kashmir, and 17 each from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
     • The President’s Medal for Gallantry was awarded to Telangana Police Head Constable Chaduvu Yadaiah for apprehending two chain snatchers despite being stabbed in 2022.
     • The medals are awarded twice a year, with the other occasion being Republic Day.

Source: IE

Important Days

1. International Left-Handers Day – August 13
   • What
     • International Left-Handers Day is celebrated annually on August 13 to recognize the uniqueness of left-handed individuals and raise awareness about the challenges they face.
   • Why
     • The day aims to highlight the difficulties that left-handed people encounter in a predominantly right-handed world and to celebrate their contributions across various fields.
   • Tell me more
     • The day was first observed in 1976 by Dean R. Campbell, who founded the Left-Handers Club to promote awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed.
     • In 2023, the theme was “Left-Handers in Sports,” celebrating notable left-handed athletes like Diego Maradona, Pele, and Lionel Messi.
     • The 2024 observance does not have a specific theme, focusing instead on promoting inclusivity and appreciation for left-handed individuals.
       Source: N18

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India and US Sign MoU to Promote MSME Cooperation
   • What
     • The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small Business Administration (SBA) of the United States to promote cooperation on Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs).
   • Why
     • The MoU aims to provide a framework for both sides to discuss issues concerning MSMEs and explore possibilities of cooperation, including the exchange of expertise and joint programs for women entrepreneurs.
   • Tell me more
     • The Ministry of MSME is responsible for the promotion and development of MSMEs in India.
     • The Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that aids, counsels, assists and protects the interests of small businesses.
     • This MoU is expected to strengthen the economic ties between India and the United States, particularly in the MSME sector.
       Source: NOA
2. NHA and MUHS Collaborate to Enhance Digital Health Education
   • What
     • The National Health Authority (NHA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) to promote digital health education across India.
   • Why
     • This collaboration aims to support the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and enhance the skills of healthcare professionals in digital health.
   • Tell me more
     • MUHS will offer its Digital Health Foundation Course (DHFC) to NHA and co-develop additional digital health programs.
     • The DHFC aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of digital health fundamentals to medical students, in-service doctors, and healthcare professionals.
     • The course will be accessible through various platforms, including Mission Karmayogi’s iGOT platform, offering opportunities for certification and continuing medical education credits.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Madame Bhikaji Cama
   • Madame Bhikaji Cama, known as the ‘Mother of the Indian Revolution,’ was commemorated for her significant contributions to India’s freedom struggle on her death anniversary, August 13.
   • Born on September 24, 1861, in Bombay to a Parsi family, Cama received an exceptional education at the Alexandra Girls’ English Institution.
   • She co-founded the Paris Indian Society in 1905 and became the editor of the radical newspaper Bande Mataram, which circulated revolutionary literature.
   • On August 22, 1907, she became the first person to unfurl the Indian flag on foreign soil during the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany.
   • The flag was co-designed with Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and served as a precursor to the current Indian national flag.
     Source: MoneyControl

2. Dr. Ram Narain Agarwal: Father of Agni Missiles
   • Renowned Indian scientist Dr. Ram Narain Agarwal, known as the ‘Father of Agni Missiles,’ passed away at the age of 84 in Hyderabad.
   • Dr. Agarwal played a pivotal role in the development of India’s long-range ballistic missile program, particularly the Agni series, which began in 1983.
   • He served as the first Programme Director of the Agni missiles and led the program for over two decades, achieving a major milestone with the successful testing of the Technology Demonstrator missile in May 1989.
   • Dr. Agarwal was also the founder and director of the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in Hyderabad, where he contributed to cutting-edge research in missile technology until his retirement in 2005.
   • He received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1990 and the Padma Bhushan in 2000, for his outstanding contributions to aerospace and defense.
     Source: IT

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