21st August, 2024

1. Reliance Foundation Signs MoU with IMD to Provide Weather Information to Vulnerable Communities
2. Razorpay is the Only Indian Company on ‘Forbes Cloud 100 List’ 2024; OpenAI Ranks First
3. 2024 Barclays Hurun India List Highlights Most Valuable Family Businesses
4. RBL Bank Launches Special Edition ‘Vijay Fixed Deposits (FD)’
5. ICICI Lombard Forms Bancassurance Partnerships with 7 Institutions
6. Parvathaneni Harish Appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to the UN
7. Ashok Kumar Singh Takes Over as Director General of ESIC
8. Bayanat & Yahsat Launch UAE’s First LEO SAR Satellite for Earth Observation with ICEYE
9. Former Army Chief General S. Padmanabhan Passes Away in Chennai
10. Bihar Governor Unveils Book ‘Gandhian Statesman of Bihar: Nitish Kumar’
11. Sadbhavana Diwas (Harmony Day) 2024 – August 20
12. World Mosquito Day 2024 – August 20
13. Hemant Soren Launches Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana for Women in Jharkhand
14. National Geoscience Awards 2023 Announced
15. DRDO Hands Over ‘Nipun’ Munition AHSP to DGQA
16. SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn Mission to Include First Private Spacewalk
17. Amul Ranks as the Top Global Food Brand in 2024
18. Sinner and Sabalenka Win Cincinnati Open Titles
19. ICC Moves Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 to UAE Due to Bangladesh Unrest
20. India’s First Constitution Museum Celebrates 75 Years of the Indian Constitution
21. India-EU Regional Conference Held Over Two Days
22. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Ranked Top Central Banker for the 2nd Year
23. Satya Prakash Sangwan Appointed as Chef de Mission for Paris Paralympics 2024
24. International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism 2024
25. World’s Oldest Person, Maria Branyas Morera of Spain, Dies at 117
26. Complete Information on Summer Olympics 2024

National News

1. India’s First Constitution Museum to Launch in 2024
   • What
     • O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) will launch India’s first Constitution Museum, named “The Constitution Academy and The Rights & Freedoms Museum,” on November 26, 2024 (Constitution Day).
     • The museum will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India.
   • Tell me more
     • The museum is curated by Anjchita B. Nair, CEO of Culture and Head of the Centre for Museums.
     • The Constitution of India was adopted on January 26, 1950, and is considered one of the longest written constitutions in the world.
       Source: HT
2. India and EU to Host Conference on Online Radicalisation
   • What
     • The European Union, in collaboration with the Global Counter-Terrorism Council and India’s Ministry of External Affairs, has organised a two-day EU-India Track 1.5 Conference on combating terrorist content online in New Delhi on August 21-22.
   • Tell me more
     • The two-day EU-India Track 1.5 Conference will bring together experts, policymakers, academia, and law enforcement officials from South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka) and Europe.
     • The event is part of a series of ongoing counterterrorism engagements between the EU and India, building on recent activities in the country held under the EU project Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA).
     • The European Union’s Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, stressed that sharing knowledge, experience and expertise among friends and partners is vital to keep track and counter online radicalisation.
       Source: BS

State News

1. Jharkhand Launches Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana
   • What
     • Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched the Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana (JMMSY).
     • Under this scheme, eligible women aged 21 to 50 years from families living below the poverty line will receive ₹1,000 per month.
   • Why
     • The initiative aims to uplift women in the state and provide them with financial support, especially during the Rakshabandhan festival.
   • Tell me more
     • The scheme will provide a total of ₹12,000 annually to each eligible woman, with payments made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) by the 15th of each month.
     • The Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana is part of a broader effort by the Jharkhand government to support various demographics, including farmers and students.
     • The government has previously launched other initiatives, such as the Savitribai Phule Samridhi Yojana for girls in government schools.
       Source: TH

International News

1. UAE Launches First SAR Satellite for Earth Observation
   • What
     • Bayanat AI PLC and Yahsat, in partnership with ICEYE, have successfully launched the UAE’s first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite.
     • The Bayanat-owned SAR satellite was launched via Exolaunch aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 11 rideshare from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.
   • Why
     • The launch marks a significant milestone for the UAE’s Earth Observation capabilities and is part of the Earth Observation Space Program.
     • The SAR satellite will provide high-resolution, persistent monitoring solutions using advanced radar technology.
   • Tell me more
     • The Earth Observation Space Program aims to build national satellite remote sensing and Earth Observation capabilities within the UAE.
     • The program will develop a comprehensive SAR satellite constellation to deliver a consistent data stream for end-to-end solutions.
     • The orbiting satellites will revisit the Middle East frequently, enabling near real-time, high-definition imaging for applications in disaster management, maritime surveillance, and smart mobility.
       Source: ANI
2. SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn Mission: A Leap into Private Space Exploration
   • What
     • SpaceX is set to launch its Polaris Dawn, which will involve a four-person crew.
   • Why
     • The mission will aim to achieve an altitude of 1,400 kilometers, surpassing any human spaceflight since the Apollo missions.
     • The crew will perform the first commercial spacewalk, a feat previously exclusive to government astronauts.
     • The mission will test laser communication between the spacecraft and SpaceX’s Starlink satellites.
   • Tell me more
     • The mission will be led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, who previously led the Inspiration4 mission. The crew also includes a retired military fighter pilot and two SpaceX employees.
     • The launch is scheduled for August 26, 2024, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
       Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. RBL Bank Launches ‘Vijay Fixed Deposits’ for Warriors
   • What
     • RBL Bank has introduced a special fixed deposit scheme called ‘Vijay Fixed Deposits’ to honor the bravery and sacrifices of India’s military personnel.
   • Why
     • The scheme aims to provide significant financial rewards while paying tribute to the service members of the country.
   • Tell me more
     • The ‘Vijay Fixed Deposits’ offer interest rates of 8.85% per annum for super senior citizens, 8.60% for senior citizens, and 8.10% for regular fixed deposits.
     • The fixed deposit has a distinctive tenor of 500 days for deposits of less than ₹3 crore.
     • Customers can book this FD through the RBL Bank MoBank app or by visiting the nearest RBL Bank branch.

2. ICICI Lombard Expands Bancassurance Partnerships with Seven Institutions
   • What
     • ICICI Lombard General Insurance has teamed up with seven financial institutions for bancassurance partnerships.
     • The partner institutions include Bandhan Bank, Karnataka Bank, NSDL Payment Bank, AP State Cooperative Bank, Muthoot Mini, Aye Finance, and Nivara Home Finance.
   • Tell me more
     • The seven institutions collectively have over 4,000 branches, extending ICICI Lombard’s bancassurance partnerships to more than 200 financial institutions.
     • The company will adopt a ‘phygital’ approach, combining physical and digital touchpoints, to serve customers.
       Source: HBL

Defence News

1. DRDO Hands Over AHSP of Nipun Munition to DGQA
   • What
     • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over the Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) of ‘Nipun’ munition to the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) at the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pashan, Pune.
     • NIPUN is a Soft Target Munition designed and developed by ARDE in association with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.
   • Why
     • The handing over of AHSP marks a significant milestone as NIPUN munition has been inducted into the Indian Army after successful completion of General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR)-based evaluation.
   • Tell me more
     • NIPUN is highly user-friendly, deadly against the enemy, and completely safe during handling, transportation, and laying.
     • Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) is responsible for holding sealed particulars, patterns, and supply of certified copies of drawings or specifications for designated items.
       Source: PIB

Awards

1. Razorpay Ranks 70th on Forbes Cloud 100 List
   • What
     • Razorpay, a payments gateway platform, has been included in the 2024 Forbes Cloud 100 list for the third consecutive year.
     • The company ranks 70th on the list of top 100 cloud-computing private companies in the world.
   • Tell me more
     • The company features on the list alongside global AI giants like OpenAI, Canva, Databricks, and Stripe.
     • Razorpay estimates that India’s digital payments industry will continue to grow and reach $4 trillion by 2030.

Source: HT

2. India’s Top Family Businesses Revealed in 2024 Hurun List
   • What
     • The inaugural 2024 Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses list was released by Hurun India, featuring prominent Indian business families.
     • The Ambani family topped the list with a value of ₹25.75 lakh crore, followed by the Bajaj family (₹7.13 lakh crore) and the Birla family (₹5.39 lakh crore).
   • Why
     • The list highlights the crucial role that family businesses play in driving growth and stability in the Indian economy.
     • To qualify for inclusion, a next-generation member of the founding family must be actively involved in managing the business or serving on its board.
   • Tell me more
     • The Adani family, valued at ₹15.45 lakh crore, did not feature in the top 10 as it is a first-generation family business.
     • Among other first-generation families, the Poonawalla family ranked second with a value of ₹2.37 lakh crore.
     • The valuation methodology excludes private investments and liquid assets and adjusts for cross-holdings to prevent double counting.

3. President Confers National Geoscience Awards 2023
   • What
     • The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conferred the prestigious National Geoscience Awards (NGA) for the year 2023 at a grand ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi.
     • A total of 12 awards were presented to 21 geoscientists, including academicians and professionals from across the country, under three categories:
       • National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement
       • National Geoscience Award
       • National Young Geoscientist Award
   • Tell me more

4. Amul Ranked World’s Strongest Food and Dairy Brand
   • What
     • Amul has been recognized as the strongest food and dairy brand globally, according to the Brand Finance Food & Drink 2024 report.
     • The company’s brand strength was evaluated with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 91.0 out of 100, earning it the prestigious AAA+ rating.
   • Tell me more
     • Amul has an 85% share in the Indian butter market and a 66% market share in cheese.
     • Nestle retained its title as the world’s most valuable food brand, despite a 7% decline in brand value to USD 20.8 billion.
     • Lay’s saw a 9% increase in brand value, rising to USD 12 billion and securing the second spot globally.
       Source: ET
5. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das Rated A+ Again
   • What
     • Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das has been rated “A+” for the second consecutive year in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2024.
   • Why
     • This rating recognizes his performance in managing inflation, economic growth, currency stability, and interest rate management.
   • Tell me more
     • The Central Banker Report Cards, published annually by Global Finance since 1994, assess central bank governors from nearly 100 countries and regions.
     • An “A” grade signifies excellent performance, while an “F” indicates failure. The report highlighted the effectiveness of central bankers in combating inflation through higher interest rates.
     • Along with Das, Denmark’s Christian Kettel Thomsen and Switzerland’s Thomas Jordan also received an A+ rating.

Source: ET

Important Days

1. Sadbhavana Diwas – August 20
   • Sadbhavana Diwas, also known as Harmony Day, is observed annually on August 20 to promote peace, harmony, and goodwill among all citizens of India.
   • The day commemorates the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1944.
   • Rajiv Gandhi served as the sixth Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1991. He became the youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40.
     Source: IE
2. World Mosquito Day – August 20
   • This day commemorates the discovery of malaria parasite in the stomach of a female Anopheles mosquito by Sir Ronald Ross on August 20, 1897.
     Source: BS
3. International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism – August 21
   • To mark the seventh commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, a virtual high-level event titled “Voices for Peace: Victims of Terrorism as Peace Advocates and Educators” took place on 21 August 2024.
     Source: UN

Sports

1. Cincinnati Open Titles
   • Jannik Sinner (Italian) and Ayrna Sabalenka (Belarusian) both secured victories in the Cincinnati Open finals.
   • The Cincinnati Open is an annual professional tennis event held in Cincinnati, United States.
     Source: TOI
2. Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Moved to UAE
   • What
     • The International Cricket Council (headquartered in UAE) has confirmed that the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be moved from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
     • The tournament is scheduled to take place from October 3 to October 20, 2024, in Dubai and Sharjah.
   • Tell me more
     • This will be the ninth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
     • The previous edition of the tournament took place in South Africa in February 2023, where Australia claimed their sixth title.
       Source: BS
3. Satya Prakash Sangwan Appointed as Chef de Mission for Paris Paralympics 2024
   • What
     • Satya Prakash Sangwan, the vice president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), has been appointed as the Chef de Mission (CDM) for the Indian team at the upcoming Paris Paralympics.
     • Sangwan has over a decade of experience in the Paralympic movement.
   • Tell me more
     • The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is the governing body for para-sports in India.
     • The Paris Paralympics will be held from August 28 to September 8, 2024.
       Source: TH
4. Summer Olympics 2024
   Venue: Paris, France

    

   Jardins du Trocadéro and the Seine (opening ceremony) and Stade de France (closing ceremony)

   Motto: Games Wide Open

   Edition: 33rd

   Facts:

   Total Participants: 10,500

   Total Sports: 32 sports (including the 4 additional sports – Skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing and break dancing)

   Total: 35 venues

   • Medal Tally:

• India:
  • Contingent: A total of 117 Indian athletes
  • Manu Bhaker becomes first Indian woman to win shooting medal at Olympics. Also, Manu Bhaker becomes first athlete from independent India to win two medals at one Games.
  • Manu Bhaker-Sarabjot Singh win India’s first shooting team medal at Olympics.
• Other Facts:
  • France has hosted six Olympics, including 2024 Paris Olympics.
  • The International Olympic Committee’s executive board has recommended France and the USA to host the Winter Olympics in 2030 and 2034 respectively.
    Source: Paris Olympics BBC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Reliance Foundation Partners with IMD for Climate Resilience
   • What
     • The Reliance Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to enhance access to weather information and improve resilience for climate-vulnerable communities across India.
   • Why
     • The partnership aims to enhance the utilization of weather data, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience across India.

Source: ANI

Appointments

1. Parvathaneni Harish Appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to UN
   • Shri Parvathaneni Harish (IFS:1990), currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Germany, has been appointed as the next Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in New York.
     Source: MEA
2. Ashok Kumar Singh Takes Charge as ESIC Director General
   • Ashok Kumar Singh, an IAS officer of the 1999 Kerala cadre, has taken over as the Director General of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
   • ESIC was established under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 to provide social security benefits like medical care and cash benefits in the case of sickness, maternity, and employment injury.
   • The corporation is governed by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation headed by the Union Minister of Labour and Employment as Chairperson.
     Source: ANI

Miscellaneous

1. Former Army Chief General Sundararajan Padmanabhan Passes Away
   • General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, former Chief of Army Staff, passed away.
   • General Padmanabhan served as the Chief of Army Staff from September 30, 2000 to December 31, 2002.
     Source: ET
2. Bihar Governor Launches Book on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar
   • Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar launched a book titled ‘Gandhian Statesman of Bihar: Nitish Kumar’.
   • The book is co-authored by Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary and his daughter, MP Shambhavi Choudhary.
     Source: ANI
3. World’s Oldest Person, Maria Branyas Morera, Passed Away at 117 in Spain
   • She was of American-Spanish nationality.
     Source: BS

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