Daily Current Affairs 05th Aug 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

India Approves Eight New National High-Speed Road Corridors

On August 2, 2024, the Indian government made a big move to improve the country’s transportation system. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of eight new national high-speed road corridors. This decision is a major step in India’s efforts to modernize and expand its road network to meet current and future needs.

“VIRAASAT”, 10th National Handloom Day Begins At Handloom Haat, New Delhi

“VIRAASAT”, a two-week-long exhibition celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day, started at Handloom Haat in Janpath on August 3, 2024. The National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) is organizing this event under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The exhibition will run until August 16, 2024.

International News

President Murmu’s Six-Day Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste

President Droupadi Murmu began a six-day visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste, marking important diplomatic engagements. This trip is notable as it is the first time an Indian Head of State has visited Fiji and Timor-Leste.

Janet Yang Re-Elected Film Academy’s President

Film producer Janet Yang has been re-elected for a third term as the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Along with her re-election, several new board officers have been appointed to key positions within the Academy.

States News

Jharkhand Launches Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana

The government of Jharkhand, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has introduced a significant welfare program aimed at empowering women in the state. The Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana, which will officially launch on August 16, 2024, aims to provide financial assistance to eligible women across Jharkhand.

Banking News

RBI Cancels Licenses of 78 UCBs Since 2014

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has canceled the licenses of 78 Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) since 2014. Maharashtra has seen the highest number of cancellations, with 36 UCBs losing their licenses, followed by Uttar Pradesh (14) and Karnataka (8). In 2024 alone, 10 UCB licenses were canceled, affecting banks in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh.

Economy News

India’s Fiscal Deficit Declines to 8.1% of Full-Year Estimate in Q1 FY25

The Ministry of Finance reported that India’s fiscal deficit for the first quarter of FY25 was 8.1% of the full-year estimate, a significant improvement from 25.3% in the same period last year. This sharp decline is due to increased tax collections and a higher surplus payment from the RBI. By the end of June 2024, the fiscal deficit amounted to Rs. 1.36 lakh crore.

Ind-Ra Raises FY25 GDP Growth Forecast to 7.5%

India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) has increased its forecast for India’s GDP growth in FY25 to 7.5%, up from the previous estimate of 7.1%. This new projection is higher than the RBI’s forecast of 7.2% and the Finance Ministry’s Economic Survey estimate of 6.5-7%. The upward revision is due to expected improvements in consumption demand driven by government policies and increased capital expenditure.

Appointments News

DG SSB Daljit Singh Chawdhary Takes Over Additional Charge of Director General, BSF

Daljit Singh Chawdhary, the Director General of Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB), took over the additional charge of Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) on August 3, 2024. The BSF is the largest border guarding force in the world.

Summits and Conferences News

PM Inaugurates The 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) at the National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex in New Delhi on August 3, 2024. Around 1,000 delegates from about 75 countries participated in the conference.

Important Days

Commemorating the 14th Indian Organ Donation Day

On August 3, 2024, India observed its 14th Indian Organ Donation Day. This annual event is important for raising awareness about organ donation, honoring the selfless contributions of deceased donors and their families, and dispelling myths about this life-saving practice.

Sports News

Novak Djokovic Clinches First Olympic Gold Medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics

Novak Djokovic of Serbia won his first Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 37-year-old tennis legend defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling men’s singles final at Roland Garros on Sunday, solidifying his place in tennis history.

Star Shooter Manu Bhaker Set To Be India’s Flagbearer In Closing Ceremony

Manu Bhaker, India’s two-time Olympic bronze medallist, has been chosen to be India’s flagbearer for the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics. According to sources from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Bhaker will represent India as the women’s flagbearer during the event.

Celebration of Paris Olympics 2024: India Releases Commemorative Postage Stamps

To celebrate the Paris Olympics, the Department of Posts will release a special set of postage stamps. This event is scheduled for Monday, August 5, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Rang Bhawan, All India Radio, in New Delhi. The occasion celebrates sportsmanship, international unity, and India’s support for the Olympic movement.

Noah Lyles Wins U.S. Men’s 100-Meter Olympic Gold in 20 Years

American sprinter Noah Lyles won gold in the men’s 100-meter sprint at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The race was one of the closest in Olympic history, with Lyles finishing just 0.005 seconds ahead of Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson. Lyles’ time of 9.784 seconds narrowly beat Thompson’s 9.789 seconds. Team USA’s Fred Kerley secured bronze with a time of 9.81 seconds.

Obituaries News

Iconic Classical Dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy Passes Away

On August 3, 2024, India lost one of its most revered classical dancers, Yamini Krishnamurthy, who passed away at the age of 83 at Apollo Hospital in New Delhi. Known for her mastery of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi, Krishnamurthy was a luminary who helped elevate Indian classical dance to the global stage.