Daily Current Affairs August 14

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August 14 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs August 14

1. When is ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ observed in India?
A) August 15
B) August 14
C) January 30
D) October 2
E) November 14
Answer: B) August 14

Event and Location:

  • Event: ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’
  • Location: India and various Indian missions worldwide

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • To pay tribute to the victims of the Partition of 1947, which led to one of the largest migrations in history.
    • To educate current and future generations about the deep scars left by the Partition.
  • Observance Details:
    • The day is observed annually on August 14, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021.
    • Exhibitions and events are organized to commemorate the sacrifices made by those affected by the Partition.
    • The Union Ministry of Culture has curated exhibitions in collaboration with the Indian Council of Historical Research and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
    • These exhibitions are held at various prominent locations to ensure widespread outreach while maintaining sensitivity.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Partition of India:
    • The division of British India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, in 1947. This event caused widespread displacement and violence, affecting millions of people.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

India:

  • Capital: New Delhi
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (₹)
  • President: Droupadi Murmu
  • Prime Minister: Narendra Modi

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day India and Indian missions globally August 14, 2024 Tribute to those who suffered during the 1947 Partition

Sports – Daily Current Affairs August 14

2. Who were crowned ICC Players of the Month for July 2024?
A) Washington Sundar and Shafali Verma
B) Charlie Cassell and Smriti Mandhana
C) Gus Atkinson and Chamari Athapaththu
D) Chris Woakes and Hayley Matthews
E) James Anderson and Ashleigh Gardner
Answer: C) Gus Atkinson and Chamari Athapaththu

Event and Location:

  • Event: ICC Players of the Month Awards for July 2024
  • Location: Global, organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Gus Atkinson:
    • Recognized for his outstanding debut Test series performance for England against West Indies in July 2024.
    • Took 22 wickets with an average of 16.22, including a seven-wicket haul on his debut.
    • Played a key role in England’s 3-0 series sweep in the ICC World Test Championship.
  • Chamari Athapaththu:
    • Honored for her exceptional batting during Sri Lanka’s historic Women’s Asia Cup win in July 2024.
    • Scored 304 runs at an average of 101.33 with a strike rate of 146.85.
    • Played decisive innings, including a match-winning 61 in the final against India, leading Sri Lanka to their first Women’s Asia Cup title.

Important Terms Explained:

  • ICC World Test Championship:
    • A premier Test cricket competition organized by the ICC, where the world’s top Test teams compete in a league format over two years, culminating in a final.
  • Women’s Asia Cup:
    • A major women’s cricket tournament in Asia, organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), featuring top Asian teams like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

International Cricket Council (ICC):

  • Founded Year: 1909
  • Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • CEO: Geoff Allardice

Sri Lanka:

  • Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative), Colombo (commercial)
  • Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
  • Prime Minister: Dinesh Gunawardena
  • President: Ranil Wickremesinghe

England:

  • Capital: London
  • Currency: Pound Sterling (£)
  • Prime Minister: Rishi Sunak

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
ICC Players of the Month Awards Global July 2024 Recognized standout performances in international cricket

Winners

Gus Atkinson (England) and Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)

3. Which two organizations signed a landmark deal to promote the Big Cricket League (BCL)?
A) BCCI and Star Sports
B) ICC and ESPN
C) PB-BCL and Prasar Bharati
D) IPL and Sony Sports
E) ECB and Sky Sports
Answer: C) PB-BCL and Prasar Bharati

Event and Location:

  • Event: Landmark deal between PB-BCL and Prasar Bharati to promote the Big Cricket League (BCL)
  • Location: India, with the inaugural edition of BCL set to take place in Lucknow

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • To promote cricket by broadcasting the Big Cricket League (BCL) live on DD Sports across India.
    • The deal aims to give aspiring local players an opportunity to play alongside cricketing legends.
  • League Details:
    • The inaugural BCL season will be held in September 2024 in Lucknow.
    • The league will feature six teams: Awadh Lions, Northern Challengers, Rajasthan Kings, Mumbai Marines, Southern Spartans, and Bengal Rhinos.
    • The league will be televised internationally in more than 30 countries.
    • A council of eminent former cricketers, including League Commissioner Dilip Vengsarkar, will oversee the league.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Prasar Bharati:
    • India’s largest public broadcasting agency, operating Doordarshan Television and All India Radio.
  • Big Cricket League (BCL):
    • A franchise-based T20 cricket league that aims to promote cricket at the grassroots level by providing local players the chance to play with top cricketers.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Prasar Bharati:

  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Founded: 1997
  • CEO: Gaurav Dwivedi
  • Tagline: ‘Mera Desh Mera Aakash’

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
Landmark deal between PB-BCL and Prasar Bharati India September 2024 Promotion of Big Cricket League (BCL) through live broadcasts on DD Sports and international coverage

4. Who has been announced as the new coach for the Indian Junior Hockey team after his retirement?
A) Harmanpreet Singh
B) Bhola Nath Singh
C) PR Sreejesh
D) Craig Fulton
E) Manpreet Singh
Answer: C) PR Sreejesh

Event and Location:

  • Event: PR Sreejesh’s jersey retirement and appointment as the new coach of the Indian Junior Hockey team
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • PR Sreejesh, a legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper, has been appointed as the new coach for the Indian Junior Hockey team after his retirement from international hockey.
    • Hockey India decided to retire Sreejesh’s jersey number 16 at the senior level as a tribute to his illustrious career.
  • Sreejesh’s Career Highlights:
    • Sreejesh, nicknamed “The Great Indian Wall,” won back-to-back Olympic bronze medals and had a career spanning 18 years.
    • He debuted for the junior national team in 2004 and for the senior team in 2006.
    • His notable achievements include participating in four Olympic Games, four World Cups, three Asian Games, and three Commonwealth Games.
    • He was part of the 2008 Junior Asia Cup-winning team and was awarded ‘Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament’.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Retirement of Jersey Number:
    • A practice in sports to honor a player’s contributions by retiring their jersey number, meaning no other player at the senior level will wear the number again.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Hockey India:

  • Founded: 2009
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • President: Dilip Tirkey
  • General Secretary: Bhola Nath Singh

Kerala:

  • Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
  • Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
  • Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
PR Sreejesh’s jersey retirement and appointment as coach India August 2024 PR Sreejesh’s jersey retired; becomes new coach of Indian Junior Hockey team

5. Why was para shuttler Pramod Bhagat suspended for 18 months, causing him to miss the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games?
A) Failed a drug test
B) Violated match-fixing rules
C) Breached anti-doping whereabouts clause
D) Unsportsmanlike conduct
E) Missed tournament registrations
Answer: C) Breached anti-doping whereabouts clause

Event and Location:

  • Event: Suspension of Pramod Bhagat and his disqualification from Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
  • Location: Global (Decision by Badminton World Federation and Court of Arbitration of Sport)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • Pramod Bhagat, a Tokyo 2020 gold medallist in para-badminton, has been suspended for 18 months by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
    • The suspension was due to Bhagat’s breach of the BWF’s anti-doping whereabouts clause, specifically for committing three whereabouts failures within 12 months.
  • Impact:
    • Bhagat will miss the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where he was expected to defend his title.
    • Bhagat appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) Appeals Division, but his appeal was rejected.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Whereabouts Clause:
    • A requirement under anti-doping regulations where athletes must provide detailed information about their location to allow for out-of-competition drug testing. Failure to do so on three occasions within 12 months can result in a suspension.
  • SL3 Category:
    • A classification in para-badminton for athletes with a lower limb impairment who compete in a standing position.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Badminton World Federation (BWF):

  • Founded: 1934
  • Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • President: Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA):

  • Founded: 1999
  • Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
  • President: Witold Bańka

Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS):

  • Founded: 1984
  • Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
  • President: John Coates

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
Suspension of Pramod Bhagat for 18 months Global (BWF decision) August 2024 Bhagat will miss Paris 2024 Paralympic Games due to breach of anti-doping whereabouts clause

Ranking – Daily Current Affairs August 14

6. What rank did Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) secure in the university category in the NIRF 2024 rankings?
A) First
B) Second
C) Third
D) Fourth
E) Fourteenth
Answer: D) Fourth

Event and Location:

  • Event: NIRF 2024 Rankings
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) secured the fourth place in the university category in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024.
  • Ranking Details:
    • MAHE has improved its position, moving up two ranks from its previous position.
    • In the overall rankings, MAHE secured the 14th position.

Important Terms Explained:

  • NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework):
    • An initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to rank higher educational institutions across the country based on various parameters such as teaching, learning, research, and outreach.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE):

  • Location: Manipal, Karnataka, India
  • Founded: 1953
  • Chancellor: Ramdas Pai
  • Type: Deemed to be University

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
NIRF 2024 Rankings India August 2024 MAHE secured 4th rank in university category, 14th overall

Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs August 14

7. What is the special interest rate offered by RBL Bank on its limited-period 500-day Fixed Deposits (FDs)?
A) 6% plus
B) 7% plus
C) 8% plus
D) 5.5% plus
E) 7.5% plus
Answer: C) 8% plus

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of limited-period 500-day Fixed Deposits (FDs) by RBL Bank
  • Location: Mumbai, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • RBL Bank has launched a special edition of ‘Vijay Fixed Deposits’, offering an interest rate of 8% plus on fixed deposits (FDs) for a tenure of 500 days.
  • Details:
    • The special edition FDs are available for a limited period.
    • The offer applies to FDs of less than ₹3 crore.
    • Customers can book these FDs through the RBL Bank MoBank app or by visiting the nearest RBL Bank branch.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Fixed Deposit (FD):
    • A financial instrument provided by banks which offers a higher rate of interest than a regular savings account, until the given maturity date.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

RBL Bank:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • MD & CEO: R Subramaniakumar
  • Founded: 1943
  • Tagline: “Apno Ka Bank”

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
Launch of 500-day Fixed Deposits by RBL Bank Mumbai August 14, 2024 RBL Bank offers 8% plus interest on limited-period 500-day Fixed Deposits

8. Which of the following banks is not included in ICICI Lombard’s seven new bancassurance partnerships?
A) Aye Finance
B) Bandhan Bank
C) Karnataka Bank
D) HDFC Bank
E) NSDL Payment Bank
Answer: D) HDFC Bank

Event and Location:

  • Event: ICICI Lombard General Insurance enters into seven new bancassurance partnerships
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • ICICI Lombard General Insurance has formed bancassurance partnerships with seven financial institutions to expand its insurance products’ reach across over 4,000 branches of these institutions.
    • These partnerships are part of ICICI Lombard’s strategy to increase insurance penetration across the country.
  • Partner Institutions:
    • The seven institutions involved in these partnerships are Aye Finance, Bandhan Bank, Karnataka Bank, Muthoot Mini, Nivara Home Finance Pvt Ltd, NSDL Payment Bank, and The Andhra Pradesh State Co-operative Bank.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Bancassurance:
    • A model where insurance companies partner with banks or other financial institutions to sell insurance policies through the bank’s distribution network. This allows banks to earn commissions, and insurers to expand their customer base.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

ICICI Lombard General Insurance:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Founded: 2001
  • CEO: Bhargav Dasgupta
  • Tagline: “Nibhaye Vaade”

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):

  • Founded: 1999
  • Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  • Chairman: Debasish Panda

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
ICICI Lombard’s new bancassurance partnerships New Delhi August 14, 2024 Partners with seven financial institutions to expand insurance reach

9. Which financial services company has Karnataka Bank partnered with to launch the ‘Credit Line on UPI’?
A) Navi
B) Paytm
C) PhonePe
D) Razorpay
E) BharatPe
Answer: A) Navi

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of ‘Credit Line on UPI’ by Karnataka Bank
  • Location: Mangaluru, Karnataka, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • Karnataka Bank, in partnership with Navi (a financial services company), has launched the ‘Credit Line on UPI’ to offer a short-term monthly loan product.
    • This product is designed to enhance the digital experience for users and align with Karnataka Bank’s focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions.
  • Details of the Product:
    • The ‘Credit Line on UPI’ is initially available to a select group of pre-qualified users and will be expanded to more users over time.
    • The bank plans to add other variants such as EMI facilities and Working Capital Credit Line in the future.
    • The product integrates credit access directly into the UPI ecosystem, allowing users to access credit without needing a physical card.

Important Terms Explained:

  • UPI (Unified Payments Interface):
    • A real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) that enables instant money transfers between bank accounts through a mobile device.
  • Credit Line:
    • A pre-approved amount of money that a customer can borrow as needed, up to a certain limit, and pay back over time.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Karnataka Bank:

  • Headquarters: Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
  • MD & CEO: Srikrishnan H
  • Founded: 1924
  • Tagline: “Your Family Bank Across India”

Navi Technologies Ltd:

  • Founded: 2018
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Chairman & CEO: Sachin Bansal

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
Launch of ‘Credit Line on UPI’ by Karnataka Bank Mangaluru August 14, 2024 Karnataka Bank partners with Navi to offer credit line directly through UPI

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs August 14

10. Who has been appointed as the CEO of the new BHIM spin-off subsidiary under NPCI?
A) Shikha Sharma
B) Aditya Puri
C) Lalitha Nataraj
D) Sandeep Bakhshi
E) V. Vaidyanathan
Answer: C) Lalitha Nataraj

Event and Location:

  • Event: NPCI spins off BHIM into a separate subsidiary and appoints a new CEO
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • NPCI aims to expand the presence and functionality of the BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) app by creating it as a separate entity.
    • The focus will be on growing BHIM as a leading payments application in India.
  • Leadership:
    • Lalitha Nataraj has been appointed as the CEO of the new BHIM subsidiary.
    • Nataraj brings experience from her previous roles at IDFC FIRST Bank and ICICI Bank.

Important Terms Explained:

  • NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India):
    • A retail payments regulator in India responsible for operating payment and settlement systems, including UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and BHIM.
  • BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money):
    • A home-grown digital payments application developed by NPCI to facilitate secure, easy, and instant payments using UPI.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India):

  • Founded: 2008
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • CEO: Dilip Asbe
  • Tagline: ‘Enabling the Future of Payments’

IDFC FIRST Bank:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • MD & CEO: V. Vaidyanathan
  • Tagline: ‘Always You First’

ICICI Bank:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • MD & CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi
  • Tagline: ‘Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka’

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
NPCI spins off BHIM into subsidiary India August 2024 Focuses on expanding BHIM app; Lalitha Nataraj appointed as CEO

11. Who has taken over as the Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI)?
A) Gajendra Singh Rana
B) CS Setty
C) Dinesh Khara
D) Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh
E) Amara Ramamohan Rao
Answer: D) Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh

Event and Location:

  • Event: Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh takes over as Managing Director (MD) of State Bank of India (SBI)
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh has been appointed as the MD of SBI, overseeing the bank’s Risk Compliance and Stressed Assets Resolution Group (SARG) departments.
  • Leadership Changes:
    • Gajendra Singh Rana succeeds Singh as the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Retail and Real Estate.
    • CS Setty has been appointed as the next SBI Chairman, taking over after Dinesh Khara’s retirement on August 28, 2024.
    • Singh’s tenure as MD is set until his retirement on June 30, 2027.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Risk Compliance:
    • A critical function within banks, focused on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to ensure the institution’s stability and regulatory compliance.
  • Stressed Assets Resolution Group (SARG):
    • A department within SBI responsible for managing and resolving non-performing assets (NPAs) and stressed loans.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

State Bank of India (SBI):

  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Founded: 1 July 1955
  • MD (Risk Compliance and SARG): Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh
  • Chairman: CS Setty (effective August 28, 2024)
  • Tagline: “The Banker to Every Indian”

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh appointed as MD of SBI India August 2024 Overseeing Risk Compliance and Stressed Assets Resolution Group at SBI

12. Who recently assumed the position of Indian Ambassador to the United States?
A) Taranjit Singh Sandhu
B) Sripriya Ranganathan
C) Harsh Vardhan Shringla
D) Vinay Mohan Kwatra
E) S. Jaishankar
Answer: D) Vinay Mohan Kwatra

Event and Location:

  • Event: Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumes charge as the Indian Ambassador to the United States
  • Location: Washington, D.C., United States

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • Vinay Mohan Kwatra, former Foreign Secretary of India, has been appointed as the new Ambassador of India to the United States.
    • Kwatra succeeds Taranjit Singh Sandhu as the Indian envoy to the US.
  • Kwatra’s Background:
    • He has previously served as Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office.
    • Kwatra has significant experience in managing India’s relations with the United States and Canada, having served in key positions in India’s missions abroad and within the Ministry of External Affairs.
    • He served as Minister (Commerce) at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., from May 2010 to July 2013.

Important Terms Explained:

  • QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue):
    • An informal strategic dialogue between the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, focusing on security and defense issues in the Indo-Pacific region.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

India:

  • Capital: New Delhi
  • Currency: Indian Rupee (₹)
  • Prime Minister: Narendra Modi
  • External Affairs Minister: S. Jaishankar

United States:

  • Capital: Washington, D.C.
  • Currency: US Dollar ($)
  • President: Joe Biden

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumes charge as Ambassador of India to the US Washington, D.C. August 2024 Kwatra succeeds Taranjit Singh Sandhu; strengthens India-US relations

Awards – Daily Current Affairs August 14

13. Who received the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service on Independence Day 2024?
A) Shri Amaresh Kumar
B) Shri Ujjal Das
C) Shri G.M. Eswara Rao
D) Shri Santosh Kumar Sharma
E) Shri Ajay Kumar
Answer: C) Shri G.M. Eswara Rao

Event and Location:

  • Event: Awarding of President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service
  • Location: India, on the occasion of Independence Day 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • The President of India awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to officers and staff of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF).
  • Recipients:
    • Shri G.M. Eswara Rao, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Southern Railway, received the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
    • Fifteen other officers/officials were awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service for their dedication and contributions in various Railway Zones.

Important Terms Explained:

  • President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM):
    • A prestigious award given to police personnel in India for their long and distinguished service to the nation.
  • Police Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM):
    • An award given to police personnel in recognition of their outstanding service and dedication to duty.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

President of India:

  • Current President: Droupadi Murmu
  • Residence: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, India

Railway Protection Force (RPF):

  • Founded: 1957
  • Function: Provides security to Indian Railways and its passengers

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
President’s Police Medal and Police Medal for Meritorious Service Awards India August 15, 2024 Shri G.M. Eswara Rao received President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service

14. How many Honorary Captain ranks were awarded after retirement on the occasion of Independence Day 2024?
A) 450
B) 1352
C) 1800
D) 569
E) 5013
Answer: B) 1352

Event and Location:

  • Event: Awarding of Honorary Ranks on the occasion of Independence Day 2024
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • To honor and recognize the contributions of military personnel, both active and retired, by awarding them Honorary Ranks on Independence Day 2024.
  • Details:
    • Honorary Captain ranks were awarded to 450 active personnel and 1352 retired personnel.
    • Various other honorary ranks were also awarded, including Honorary Lieutenant, Honorary Subedar Major, and Honorary Naib Subedar.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Honorary Commission:
    • A recognition given to personnel in the armed forces to acknowledge their service and contributions, often accompanied by a symbolic rank promotion.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Indian Army:

  • Founded: 1 April 1895
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Commander-in-Chief: President of India Droupadi Murmu
  • Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): General Anil Chauhan
  • Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): General Manoj Pande

Tabular Summary:

Honorary Rank Active List After Retirement
Honorary Captain 450 1352
Honorary Lieutenant 1800 569
Honorary Subedar Major 5013
Honorary Subedar 820
Honorary Naib Subedar 3819

15. For what reason was Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane awarded the Shaurya Chakra?
A) Successfully completed a high-risk rescue mission
B) Led a strategic bombing operation
C) Displayed exceptional courage during an aircraft emergency
D) Demonstrated outstanding leadership in a combat situation
E) Developed a new aerial combat technique
Answer: C) Displayed exceptional courage during an aircraft emergency

Event and Location:

  • Event: Awarding of Shaurya Chakra to Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane
  • Location: India, in recognition of his actions during an aircraft emergency

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for displaying exceptional courage and composure during a life-threatening situation while flying a Jaguar fighter aircraft on July 24, 2023.
  • Incident Details:
    • During a sortie, Keane encountered an unprecedented failure of both Oil systems, leading to the shutdown of one engine.
    • While attempting to land the aircraft, the remaining engine also failed, putting the aircraft in a powerless glide over a densely populated area.
    • Keane chose not to eject to avoid potential civilian casualties and instead managed to restart the left engine, ultimately recovering the aircraft safely.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Shaurya Chakra:
    • An Indian military decoration awarded for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy.
  • Vayu Sena Medal (VM):
    • An Indian military decoration awarded to personnel of the Indian Air Force for acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Indian Air Force:

  • Founded: 8 October 1932
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari

Tabular Summary:

Award Recipient Date of Incident Aircraft Involved Reason for Award
Shaurya Chakra Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane VM 24 July 2023 Jaguar fighter Displayed exceptional courage during a life-threatening aircraft emergency

16. Which Indian Naval officer was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for displaying exceptional leadership during multiple high-risk operations in the Gulf of Aden?
A) Lt Cdr Kapil Yadav
B) Capt Sharad Sinsunwal
C) Cdr Rahul Sharma
D) Lt Cdr Hardeep Singh
E) Capt Brijesh Nambiar
Answer: B) Capt Sharad Sinsunwal

Event and Location:

  • Event: Conferring of Gallantry Awards to Indian Naval personnel on the eve of Independence Day 2024
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • Capt Sharad Sinsunwal was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his exceptional leadership and bravery during multiple high-risk operations in the Gulf of Aden, including rescuing crew members from missile-hit merchant vessels and liberating hostages from pirates.
    • His decisive actions during these operations, despite the imminent threat of missile attacks and pirate aggression, saved numerous lives and safeguarded valuable assets.
  • Additional Shaurya Chakra Award:
    • Lt Cdr Kapil Yadav was also awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery and technical expertise in extinguishing a major fire on the merchant vessel MV Marlin Luanda, which was carrying highly inflammable Naphtha, following a missile attack.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Shaurya Chakra:
    • A military decoration awarded for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Indian Navy:

  • Founded: 26 January 1950
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral R. Hari Kumar

Tabular Summary:

Award Recipient Reason
Shaurya Chakra Capt Sharad Sinsunwal Displayed exceptional leadership during multiple high-risk operations in the Gulf of Aden.
Shaurya Chakra Lt Cdr Kapil Yadav Gallantry in extinguishing a major fire on MV Marlin Luanda following a missile attack.

Defence – Daily Current Affairs August 14

17. Which organization successfully tested the Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’ from the Su-30 MK-I?
A) HAL
B) DRDO
C) ISRO
D) BHEL
E) BEL
Answer: B) DRDO

Event and Location:

  • Event: Successful maiden flight test of Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘GAURAV’
  • Location: Off the coast of Odisha, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named GAURAV from the Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force.
    • GAURAV is a 1,000-kilogram class glide bomb designed to hit targets at long distances.
    • The bomb was designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.
    • The test successfully demonstrated the bomb’s accuracy, hitting the target at Long Wheeler’s Island with pinpoint precision.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB):
    • A precision-guided munition designed to glide towards its target from a high altitude after being released from an aircraft, capable of hitting targets at extended ranges.
  • Su-30 MK-I:
    • A twin-engine, multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and built under license by India’s HAL for the Indian Air Force.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation):

  • Founded: 1958
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Chairman: Samir V. Kamat

Research Centre Imarat (RCI):

  • Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  • Affiliation: DRDO
  • Specialization: Avionics and missile systems development

Odisha:

  • Capital: Bhubaneswar
  • Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik
  • Governor: Ganeshi Lal

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
Successful test of GAURAV Long Range Glide Bomb Coast of Odisha August 2024 Major milestone in India’s indigenous defense technology development

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs August 14

18. What was the primary purpose of the MoU signed between India and the US on August 13, 2024?
A) Strengthening military cooperation
B) Enhancing MSME growth and cooperation
C) Expanding trade in agricultural products
D) Collaborating on space exploration
E) Promoting tourism between the two countries
Answer: B) Enhancing MSME growth and cooperation

Event and Location:

  • Event: Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for promoting cooperation on MSMEs between India and the United States
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • The MoU aims to foster cooperation between India and the United States in the area of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
    • It provides a framework for discussing issues related to MSMEs and exploring opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.
  • Areas of Cooperation:
    • Exchange of expertise on topics like access to trade and export finance, technology and digital trade, green economy, and trade facilitation.
    • Joint conduct of programs for women entrepreneurs to empower them and facilitate trade partnerships between women-owned small businesses.
    • Development of a “Business Matching Digital Platform” to boost business opportunities between MSMEs in both countries.

Important Terms Explained:

  • MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises):
    • Businesses that play a crucial role in economic development, especially in developing economies, by contributing to GDP, exports, and employment.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), India:

  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Minister: Narayan Rane
  • Secretary: S. C. L Das

Small Business Administration (SBA), USA:

  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
  • Administrator: Isabel Casillas Guzman
  • Founded: 1953

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
India-US MoU on MSME cooperation New Delhi August 13, 2024 Framework for enhancing MSME growth and cooperation between India and the US

19. Which two organizations collaborated to establish the Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE) inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri in August 2024?
A) NIELIT and CyberPeace Foundation
B) USI and CyberPeace
C) NIELIT and USI
D) CyberPeace and IIT Delhi
E) USI and DRDO
Answer: B) USI and CyberPeace

Event and Location:

  • Event: Inauguration of the second phase of the Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE)
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • The Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE) is a collaborative effort between the United Services Institution (USI) and CyberPeace Foundation to advance cyber security innovation, research, and capacity-building.
    • The second phase aims to enhance the Centre’s role in advancing Tech Policy Research, conducting Cyber Exercises, and building capacity for national and global security in the digital age.
  • Additional Initiatives:
    • Research Chairs of Excellence and Distinguished Fellows were unveiled to strengthen the Centre’s research capabilities.
    • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NIELIT and USI to recognize Cyber Security Qualifications and launch new courses, focusing on training veterans, family members, and Agniveers to enhance their employability in the cyber security domain.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE):
    • A dedicated institution focused on pioneering research, technological advancements, and capacity-building in cyber security.
  • CyberPeace Foundation:
    • A global NGO working on cyber security, promoting cyber peace, and enhancing cyber resilience.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

United Services Institution (USI):

  • Founded: 1870
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Purpose: Conducts research on national security and strategic issues

National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT):

  • Founded: 1990
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Parent Organization: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Chief Guest Significance
Inauguration of the second phase of CCoE New Delhi August 14, 2024 Shri Sanjay Seth Collaboration between USI and CyberPeace Foundation to enhance cyber security innovation and research

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs August 14

20. Which two organizations signed a pact to drive digital health education in India?
A) NHA and AIIMS
B) NITI Aayog and ICMR
C) NHA and MUHS
D) WHO and MCI
E) NHA and IIT Bombay
Answer: C) NHA and MUHS

Event and Location:

  • Event: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between National Health Authority (NHA) and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS)
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • To drive digital health education across India by integrating digital health courses into medical curricula.
    • The collaboration aims to support the roll-out of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) through specialized courses.
  • Partnership Details:
    • MUHS will offer its Digital Health Foundation Course to NHA and co-develop additional digital health programs.
    • NHA will steer the government policy on developing an interoperable digital health ecosystem.
    • The MoU proposes to develop more such courses in the future for capacity building of health workers.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM):
    • An initiative by the Government of India aimed at creating a digital health ecosystem that supports universal health coverage in an accessible, affordable, and comprehensive manner.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):
    • A government health insurance scheme aimed at providing health cover to economically vulnerable families in India.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

National Health Authority (NHA):

  • Founded: 2019
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • CEO: Deepti Gaur Mukerjee

Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS):

  • Headquarters: Nashik, Maharashtra, India
  • Founded: 1998
  • Vice-Chancellor: Dr. Mohan Khamgaonkar

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Chief Guest Significance
MoU signing between NHA and MUHS New Delhi August 2024 Union Health Minister J P Nadda Partnership to drive digital health education and support ABDM rollout

21. What is the main purpose of the newly launched ASEAN-India Fellowship for Higher Education in Agriculture and Allied Sciences?
A) To promote tourism between ASEAN countries and India
B) To support postgraduate studies in agriculture and allied sciences for ASEAN students
C) To develop new agricultural technologies
D) To strengthen military cooperation between ASEAN and India
E) To improve trade relations between ASEAN countries and India
Answer: B) To support postgraduate studies in agriculture and allied sciences for ASEAN students

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of the ASEAN-India Fellowship for Higher Education in Agriculture and Allied Sciences
  • Location: ICAR, PUSA, New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective:
    • The ASEAN-India Fellowship aims to support postgraduate studies in agriculture and allied sciences for students from ASEAN member countries.
    • The fellowship is part of a broader effort to strengthen the ASEAN-India partnership, a cornerstone of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and Indo-Pacific Vision.
  • Details of the Fellowship:
    • Starting from the academic year 2024-25, 50 fellowships (10 per year) will be awarded to students from ASEAN member countries.
    • The fellowship includes coverage of admission fees, living expenses, and incidental expenses for students pursuing a master’s degree in agriculture and allied sciences at Indian agricultural universities.
    • The initiative also aims to facilitate introductory visits for Indian faculty to ASEAN member countries to aid in capacity-building and promote a pool of expert human resources in the ASEAN region.

Important Terms Explained:

  • ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations):
    • A regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten Southeast Asian countries, which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, educational, and sociocultural integration.
  • Act East Policy:
    • An Indian foreign policy initiative aimed at strengthening economic and strategic relations with the nations of Southeast Asia to bolster India’s influence in the region.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research):

  • Founded: 16 July 1929
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • President: Narendra Singh Tomar (Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare)

ASEAN:

  • Founded: 8 August 1967
  • Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Member Countries: 10 (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam)

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Chief Guest Significance
Launch of ASEAN-India Fellowship New Delhi August 14, 2024 Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Supports postgraduate studies in agriculture for ASEAN students


Over All Review

Important Days

  • India observes ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ on August 14 to remember Partition victims.

Sports 

  • Gus Atkinson and Chamari Athapaththu won ICC Players of the Month for July 2024.
  • PB-BCL and Prasar Bharati sign a landmark deal to promote and broadcast the Big Cricket League (BCL) in India.
  • PR Sreejesh appointed as the new coach of the Indian Junior Hockey team; his jersey number 16 retired.
  • Pramod Bhagat suspended for 18 months for breaching BWF’s anti-doping whereabouts clause, will miss Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Ranking 

  • MAHE ranks fourth in the university category and 14th overall in the NIRF 2024 rankings.

Banking and Finance 

  • RBL Bank launches special edition 500-day FDs with 8% plus interest rate for a limited period.
  • ICICI Lombard enters into seven new bancassurance partnerships, excluding HDFC Bank.
  • Karnataka Bank partners with Navi to launch ‘Credit Line on UPI’, offering short-term monthly loans.

Appointments

  • Lalitha Nataraj appointed as CEO of NPCI’s new BHIM subsidiary, aimed at expanding UPI services.
  • Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh appointed as Managing Director of SBI, focusing on Risk Compliance and Stressed Assets Resolution Group.
  • Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumes charge as the new Indian Ambassador to the United States, succeeding Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

Awards 

  • Shri G.M. Eswara Rao awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service on Independence Day 2024.
  • 1352 retired personnel were awarded the Honorary Captain rank on Independence Day 2024.
  • Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane awarded Shaurya Chakra for exceptional courage in handling a critical aircraft emergency.
  • Capt Sharad Sinsunwal awarded Shaurya Chakra for exceptional leadership during high-risk rescue operations in the Gulf of Aden.

Defence

  • DRDO successfully tests Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’ from Su-30 MK-I, hitting target with precision.

International Affairs

  • India and US sign MoU to enhance MSME cooperation, focusing on trade, technology, and women entrepreneurs.
  • The second phase of Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE), a collaboration between USI and CyberPeace Foundation, was inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth.

National Affairs

  • NHA and MUHS signed an MoU to promote digital health education and support the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
  • India launches ASEAN-India Fellowship to support ASEAN students in postgraduate agriculture studies.

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