Daily Current Affairs 22nd August 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

3 Online Platforms Launched to Boost Country’s Power Sector Efficiency

The Union Ministry of Power has introduced three new online platforms—PROMPT, DRIPS, and JAL VIDYUT DPR—to improve the efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of the power sector. These platforms were launched by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on August 20, 2024, in New Delhi. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) developed these platforms with assistance from NTPC for the PROMPT platform.

Banking News

RBI Forecasts Private Capex to Rise to ₹2.45 Trillion in FY25

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has predicted a significant increase in private capital expenditure, expecting it to reach ₹2.45 trillion in FY25, up from ₹1.59 trillion in FY24. This growth is due to strong investment intentions and a continued focus on infrastructure development.

NPCI Launches ‘UPI Circle’ for Secure Payments Among Trusted Users

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced a new feature called ‘UPI Circle’ on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform. This feature allows primary UPI account holders to securely delegate payment responsibilities to trusted secondary users. It aims to enhance convenience and security in digital transactions by enabling primary users to link their UPI accounts with secondary users, who can then make payments on their behalf within pre-defined limits.

Appointments News

Amardeep Singh Bhatia Appointed as DPIIT Secretary

Amardeep Singh Bhatia, a 1993-batch IAS officer from the Nagaland cadre, has taken over as Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). He replaces Rajesh Kumar Singh, who has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Defence. Bhatia has held key roles in both central and state governments, particularly in the Ministries of Corporate Affairs and Health & Family Welfare.

Rajesh Nambiar Named NASSCOM President-Designate, Succeeds Ghosh

Rajesh Nambiar has been appointed as the president-designate of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), succeeding Debjani Ghosh, whose term ends in November 2024. Nambiar has resigned from his role as Chairman and Managing Director of Cognizant India. He has extensive industry experience, including leadership roles at TCS, IBM, Ciena, and Cognizant, making him a key figure in guiding India’s tech sector through its next phase of growth.

Agreements News

Indian Navy Signs MoU with BEML Ltd.

The Indian Navy has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BEML Ltd., a leading defence and heavy engineering manufacturer, on August 20, 2024. This partnership, concluded at the Naval Headquarters in New Delhi, aims to strengthen indigenous marine engineering capabilities in line with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

KVIC & DoP Sign MoU For Physical Verification of PMEGP

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), has signed an important MoU with the Department of Posts, which operates under the Ministry of Communications. This agreement was signed at the KVIC office in Rajghat, New Delhi, on August 20.

Business News

NCLT Approves Slice-North East Small Finance Bank Merger

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the merger of Slice, a leading fintech company in India, with North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB). This merger, sanctioned by the NCLT’s Guwahati bench, aims to enhance financial inclusion in India by combining Slice’s digital expertise with NESFB’s grassroots banking capabilities. The merger received approvals from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and other key regulatory bodies.

Zomato Acquires Paytm’s Entertainment Ticketing Business

Zomato has acquired Paytm’s entertainment and ticketing business for ₹2,048 crore in a cash deal. This acquisition marks Zomato’s expansion into the broader lifestyle services sector, including dining, movies, sports ticketing, live performances, shopping, and staycations. Meanwhile, Paytm plans to refocus on its core financial services.

Awards News

National Geoscience Awards 2023: Honoring Excellence in Earth Sciences

President Droupadi Murmu presided over a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi to present the prestigious 2023 National Geoscience Awards to outstanding individuals and teams in the field of geosciences. The highlight of the event was the Lifetime Achievement Award given to Prof. Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee, Emeritus Scientist at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA).

Union Minister Giriraj Singh Presents Handicrafts Exports Awards

The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) held its 24th Handicrafts Export Awards Function on August 21 at the Convention Hall, The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi. Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh highlighted the handicrafts sector’s crucial role in the growth of the Indian economy.

President Murmu Gives Away First-Ever Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the first-ever investiture ceremony for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (National Science Awards). These awards, established last year to replace all existing science accolades, mark a new chapter in recognizing scientific excellence in the country.

Important Days

International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief 2024

The General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/73/296, designated August 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. This day recognizes the importance of providing victims and their families with appropriate support and assistance in accordance with applicable law. Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right that intersects with several other crucial freedoms, creating a framework for a just and tolerant society.

Sports News

Germany Captain Ilkay Gundogan Announces International Retirement from Football

Ilkay Gundogan, the 33-year-old captain of the German national football team, has announced his retirement from international football. This decision follows Germany’s performance at Euro 2024, where Gundogan led his team to the quarterfinals before losing to the eventual champions, Spain, in extra time.

Obituaries News

Former CSIR Director-General Girish Sahni Passes Away at 68

Dr. Girish Sahni, the former director-general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), passed away on August 19, 2024, at the age of 68. Sources reported that the cause of death was a heart attack. CSIR expressed its mourning through a post on X (formerly Twitter) at 5:40 pm on the same day.