Current Affairs 14 August 2024

MEA & NSIL Signed MoU To Assist Launch of Nepal’s Munal Satellite

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help launch Nepal’s Munal satellite. The MoU was signed by Anurag Srivastava, Joint Secretary (North) of the MEA, and Arunachalam A, Director of NSIL. Key figures present included Dr. Rabindra Prasad Dhakal, Secretary of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Dr. Surendra Thapa, Chargé d’affaires of the Nepali Embassy, and Dr. Abhas Maskey, Founder of Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal (APN).

The Munal satellite, developed under NAST, features AI-powered photography and aims to enhance Nepal’s space research capabilities. It will build a vegetation density database of the Earth’s surface and is expected to be launched soon on NSIL’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). APN, a Nepali space startup, assisted in the satellite’s design and fabrication.

PM Narendra Modi Released 109 High-Yielding, Climate Resilient & Biofortified Varieties of Crops

On August 11, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released 109 new varieties of 61 crops developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. These varieties include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops, which are nutritionally rich and adaptable to environmental changes. The launch aims to enhance food security, boost agricultural diversity, and address nutritional issues in India.

Key crop varieties include “Pooja 1801,” a millet variety rich in iron and zinc, “Pusa 2002,” a millet variety that matures in just 70 days, “Girnar 6,” a groundnut variety with high oil content, and “Nandyal 1267,” a chickpea variety suitable for mechanical harvesting.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches ‘Amrit Gyan Kosh’ and ‘Faculty Development’ Portals

On August 12, 2024, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology, launched the ‘Amrit Gyan Kosh’ and ‘Faculty Development’ portals under ‘Mission Karmayogi’ during the Civil Service Training Institutions (CSTI) Convention in New Delhi. The ‘Amrit Gyan Kosh’ portal is a comprehensive knowledge repository offering access to India-centric case studies, while the Faculty Development portal aims to improve the teaching skills of practitioners and faculty members.

The event saw participation from Adil Zainulbhai, Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission, and senior officials from various ministries and CSTIs across India. Dr. Jitendra Singh also introduced 13 Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) and granted accreditation to 20 ministries, recognizing several CSTIs for their contributions.

MNRE Issued Operational Guidelines for Model Solar Village Scheme under PM Surya Ghar Muft: Bijli Yojana

On August 9, 2024, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued operational guidelines for the ‘Model Solar Village’ scheme under the ‘Prime Minister (PM)-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’. The scheme aims to establish one Model Solar Village per district across India to promote solar energy adoption and enable village communities to become self-reliant in energy needs.

The MNRE has allocated Rs 800 crore for the scheme, providing central financial assistance of Rs 1 crore per village. Villages will be selected based on their overall distributed Renewable Energy (RE) capacity installed six months after being declared potential candidates by the District Level Committee (DLC). The scheme will be implemented by State or Union Territory Renewable Energy Development Agencies under DLC supervision.

MoHFW Launched 2nd Phase of Nationwide Bi-Annual MDA Campaign 2024 to Eliminate LF

Minister of State (Independent Charge) Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) virtually launched the 2nd phase of the bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign 2024 to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) by 2027. The campaign focuses on 63 endemic districts in Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.

The campaign aims to achieve 90% drug compliance among eligible populations by providing door-to-door administration of preventive medications. The 2nd phase involves 63 districts and 771 blocks across six states, focusing on both the distribution and consumption of medicines.

Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare Issues Guidelines for Nationwide DLC Campaign 3.0

The Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DoPPW) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions has notified guidelines for the Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) campaign 3.0, scheduled from November 1-30, 2024, in 800 cities/districts across India. This campaign aims to achieve higher digital empowerment of pensioners.

The campaign will be coordinated by the DoPPW in collaboration with various Ministries, Departments, Pension Disbursing Banks (PDBs), and Pensioners’ Welfare Associations (PWAs). Pensioners must submit their Life Certificate annually in November to continue receiving their pension. The campaign will be monitored in real-time through the DLC campaign portal.

IAF Successfully Concluded Participation Exercise Udara Shakti 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024, a bilateral air exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) from August 5 to 9, 2024, at RMAF Base Station in Kuantan, Malaysia. The exercise aimed to bolster operational efficiency, with technical experts from both Air Forces sharing maintenance practices.

The exercise included 7 Sukhoi-30 fighter jets from both the IAF and RMAF, engaging in air combat missions to enhance interoperability and effectiveness in Su-30 aircraft operations. The exercise also featured Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) discussions and a HOP Exercise, where pilots exchanged Sukhoi fighter jets to test readiness and share combat tactics.

Ex Mitra Shakti 2024: 10th Edition of India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise commenced in Sri Lanka

On August 12, 2024, the 10th edition of Exercise Mitra Shakti, a joint military exercise between the Indian and Sri Lankan armies, commenced at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka. The exercise, set to conclude on August 25, 2024, aims to strengthen military ties and enhance bilateral relations.

The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency operations in a semi-urban environment and includes four phases: static display and weapon demonstrations, training and rehearsals, sports competitions, and a comprehensive joint exercise. Tactical drills include response to terrorist actions, establishing joint command posts, and using drones and counter-drone systems.

Neelakurinji, the Iconic Flowering Shrub of Kodagu & Western Ghats, Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN

The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a purplish flowering shrub found in the Western Ghats, has been added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species. The species is categorized as “Vulnerable” due to significant threats to its survival.

Neelakurinji blooms once every 12 years and thrives in high-altitude shola grasslands. It faces challenges due to habitat loss from human activities, with over 40% of its habitat already lost.

Axis Bank and Visa Launched the “PRIMUS” Credit Card for India’s Elite

Axis Bank, in partnership with Visa, has launched “PRIMUS,” an ultra-premium credit card designed for Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) individuals in India. The PRIMUS credit card, offered by invitation only, provides bespoke privileges and benefits customized for UHNW individuals.

The card offers access to global restaurants, curated events, exclusive travel itineraries, and luxury hotels at preferential rates. The joining fee for the PRIMUS credit card is Rs 1.8 lakh, and cardholders will get unlimited domestic airport lounge access and international lounge access through Priority Pass membership.

Axis Bank Launched “Sparsh Week 2024”; Reinforcing its Ethos of “Customer Delight”

Axis Bank launched the 2nd edition of its customer-centric initiative “Sparsh Week 2024” from August 5 to 9, 2024. The initiative aims to enhance customer experience by empowering employees to create memorable interactions throughout the customer journey.

During the week, the bank organized various customer-focused activities, including Masterclasses, Fireside Chats, Customer and Leadership Connects, and Panel Discussions. The bank also launched exclusive offers through its branches, including health insurance plans, free Axis Direct Accounts, and 100% loan financing for education.

India’s Merchandise Exports Expected to Grow by 4.2% in Q2 FY25: EXIM Bank Report

The Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) has projected India’s merchandise exports to grow by 4.2% to USD 111.7 billion in the 2nd Quarter (Q2) of Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25). The report noted that the positive growth rate in total merchandise exports and non-export sectors is likely to persist in Q2 FY25.

The report highlighted that India’s economy continues to show strong activity, driven by sustained momentum in both the manufacturing and services sectors. However, risks such as uncertain economic prospects in advanced economies, geopolitical tensions, and global supply chain disruptions remain.

RBI Notifies Approval for FPI Investments in Sovereign Green Bonds at IFSC

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the commencement of Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrB) trading at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat during the second half of Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25). This allows Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to invest in these bonds at the IFSC.

FPIs can pay for SGrBs using inward remittances or funds held in foreign currency accounts. The sale or maturity proceeds from SGrBs can be remitted outside India, net of applicable taxes. The government has raised Rs 36,000 crore through green bonds since 2022-23.

IN Approves MDL to Build 6 Submarines in Collaboration with Germany’s TKMS

The Indian Navy (IN) has authorized Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to construct six advanced submarines in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) under the ‘Project 75 India (P75I)’ initiative. The project, valued at approximately Rs 60,000 crore, aims to strengthen India’s naval capabilities.

MDL’s selection followed successful trials of submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, enabling them to remain submerged for up to two weeks without surfacing for battery recharging. The submarines will be diesel-electric with AIP technology, offering superior endurance and capabilities.

Padma Bhushan Awardee & Former External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh Passed Away

Padma Bhushan Awardee Kunwar Natwar Singh, a diplomat and former External Affairs Minister, passed away at the age of 93 in Gurugram, Haryana. Born in 1929 in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1984.

Kunwar Natwar Singh joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1953 and held various positions, including India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and High Commissioner to Zambia. He served as India’s Ambassador to Pakistan and Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. He also served as the Secretary-General of the 7th Non-aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in 1983.

In 1984, he resigned from the IFS and joined the Indian National Congress (INC) party. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from Bharatpur and served as the Union Minister of State for Steel, Mines, and Coal, and Agriculture. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2002 and served as the External Affairs Minister from 2004 to 2005.

International Youth Day 2024 – August 12

The United Nations (UN)’s International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12 to honor young people and their contributions to society. The day also brings youth issues to the attention of the international community and recognizes their potential as global partners. The theme for International Youth Day 2024 is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”.

World Elephant Day 2024 – August 12

World Elephant Day is observed annually on August 12 to raise awareness about the preservation and protection of elephants worldwide. The day highlights the threats faced by elephants, including poaching, habitat loss, and human-elephant conflict. The theme for World Elephant Day 2024 is “Personifying Prehistoric Beauty, Theological Relevance, and Environmental Importance”.

A biodiversity organization in Assam, Aaranyak, has launched a Mobile Application named ‘HaatiApp’ and a comprehensive Solar Fence Manual in Assamese to address the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Assam and Northeast India.