Current Affairs - 20 August 2024

National Affairs

Cabinet Approvals on 16th August 2024

On 16th August 2024, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved several significant metro rail and infrastructure projects:

1. Extension of Pune Metro Phase-1 from Swargate to Katraj, covering 5.46 kilometers.
2. Development of the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project in Maharashtra.
3. Two corridors of Bengaluru Metro Rail Phase-3, spanning 44.65 kilometers with 31 stations.
4. Development of new civil enclaves at Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal and Bihta Airport in Bihar.
5. Critical road connectivity for Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra to National Highway-48.

India Lost 33.9 Million Hectares of Crops Due to Excess Rains during 2015-21: WEF Report

According to the World Economic Forum’s report titled “Income Protection and Early Warning Systems: How India is Building Climate Resilience,” India lost 33.9 million hectares of crops due to excessive rains and an additional 35 million hectares due to drought between 2015 and 2021. The report highlights that extreme climate events have significantly impacted India’s economy and society, particularly in agriculture, which contributes 15% to the GDP and employs 40% of the population. The economic losses in 2021 due to extreme climate impacts were nearly USD 160 billion.

Economic Affairs

PLFS Quarterly Bulletin: Urban Unemployment Rate Declines to 6.6% in Q1 FY25

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Quarterly Bulletin for April – June 2024, released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), shows that the unemployment rate in urban areas for individuals aged 15 and above decreased to 6.6% in the first quarter of FY25, down from 6.7% in the previous quarter. The unemployment rate among males decreased to 5.8%, while it increased to 9% among females.

Commemorative Events

Union Minister Rajnath Singh Releases Commemorative Coin for Former TN CM Kalaignar M Karunanidhi

On 18th August 2024, Union Minister Rajnath Singh released a commemorative Rs. 100 coin to mark the birth centenary of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi. The event was held in Chennai, with key figures like TN CM MK Stalin and Union Minister Loganathan Murugan in attendance. The coin features a portrait of Karunanidhi and the Tamil slogan ‘Tamil Vellum’ (Tamil wins).

Banking & Finance

PNB Launches ‘PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card’ for Visually Impaired Customers

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has introduced the ‘PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card’ for visually impaired customers. This contactless National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) debit card is accessible on the RuPay network and aims to enhance financial independence for visually impaired individuals. The card features raised Braille dots, a rounded notch for easy orientation, and contrasting colors for better readability.

RBI Approves Tata Capital’s Conversion into NBFC-ICC from NBFC-CIC

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the conversion of Tata Capital Limited from a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC)-Core Investment Company (CIC) to an NBFC-Investment Credit Company (ICC). This follows Tata Capital’s merger with Tata Cleantech Capital Limited and Tata Capital Financial Services Limited.

Awards & Recognitions

Delhi’s IGIA Becomes 1st Airport in India to Achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission Status

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become the first airport in India to achieve “Net Zero Carbon Emission” status under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program of the Airport Council International (ACI).

Appointments & Resignations

RBI Approves Salee Sukumaran Nair as MD & CEO of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Salee Sukumaran Nair as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Limited for three years. He succeeds Krishnan Sankarasubramaniam, who resigned in September 2023.

Science & Technology

NAL Launches ‘Swadeshi’ Kamikaze Drones with 1,000 Km Range

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has launched indigenous Kamikaze Drones, capable of flying up to 1,000 kilometers. These drones, also known as loitering munitions, are equipped with a 25 kg explosive charge and powered by a 30-horsepower Wankel Engine.

Sports

Overview of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics

The 2024 Summer Olympics were held in Paris, France, from 26th July to 11th August 2024. India ranked 71st with 6 medals (1 Silver & 5 Bronze). The USA topped the medal tally with 126 medals, followed by China and Japan. Notable Indian achievements include Neeraj Chopra’s silver in Javelin throw and the Indian men’s hockey team winning bronze.

Obituary

25th Director General of Coast Guard Rakesh Pal Passed Away

Rakesh Pal, the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, passed away at the age of 58. He had a distinguished career in the Coast Guard, serving in various capacities and receiving several awards, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Books & Authors

Union Minister Amit Shah Releases a Book ‘Modi’s Governance Triumph: Reshaping India’s Path to Prosperity’ by Tarun Chugh

Union Minister Amit Shah released the book ‘Modi’s Governance Triumph: Reshaping India’s Path to Prosperity,’ written by Tarun Chugh. The book explores the transformative initiatives and policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

Important Days

World Humanitarian Day 2024 – August 19

World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on 19th August to honor humanitarian workers who have been killed or injured while helping the most vulnerable. The theme for 2024 is “#ActForHumanity.”

World Photography Day – August 19 2024

World Photography Day is celebrated on August 19 to appreciate the art and science of photography. The theme for 2024 is ‘An Entire Day,’ encouraging people to share their photos on social media using the hashtag #WorldPhotographyWeek.