Daily Current Affairs August 03 & 04

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs August 03 & 04. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing  Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly  current affairs pdf.

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August 03 & 04 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs August 03 & 04

1. On which date will Friendship Day 2024 be observed in India?
A) July 20
B) July 30
C) August 4
D) August 10
E) August 1
Answer: C) August 4

Event and Location:

  • Event: Friendship Day 2024
  • Location: Celebrated globally, with specific mentions of India, the United States, and South American countries.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: Friendship Day is dedicated to celebrating and appreciating valuable friendships, reflecting on the joy and support that friends bring into our lives.
  • Observance in India: In India, Friendship Day 2024 will be celebrated on August 4, the first Sunday of August.
  • International Observance: The United Nations recognizes International Friendship Day on July 30 each year. This day aims to highlight the importance of friendship in promoting peace and understanding across different cultures.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Friendship Day: An annual celebration observed in various countries on different dates to honor the bond of friendship.
  • International Friendship Day: Recognized by the United Nations on July 30, this day emphasizes friendship’s role in fostering peace and understanding globally.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

United Nations:

  • Founded Year: 1945
  • Headquarters: New York City, United States
  • Secretary-General: António Guterres

Tabular Summary:

Event Friendship Day 2024
Date in India August 4, 2024
International Date July 30, 2024
Celebration Type Annual observance of friendship
United Nations’ Role Established International Friendship Day in 1998
Significance Celebrates and appreciates the value of friendships, promotes global peace and understanding.

Obituary – Daily Current Affairs August 03 & 04

2. Which renowned Indian classical dancer, a celebrated exponent of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, passed away at the age of 84 in August 2024?
A) Sonal Mansingh
B) Mallika Sarabhai
C) Yamini Krishnamurti
D) Padma Subrahmanyam
E) Shobana
Answer: C) Yamini Krishnamurti

Event and Location:

  • Event: Passing of legendary Indian classical dancer Yamini Krishnamurti
  • Location: New Delhi, India
  • Date: August 03, 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Yamini Krishnamurti:
    • Birth: December 20, 1940, in Madanapalli, Andhra Pradesh
    • Dance Forms: She was a celebrated exponent of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Additionally, she expanded her repertoire by learning Odissi from notable gurus such as Pankaj Charan Das and Kelucharan Mohapatra.
    • Accolades: She received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career, including the Padma Shri in 1968, Padma Bhushan in 2001, Padma Vibhushan in 2016, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1977.
    • Legacy: Her dedication and contribution to Indian classical dance were widely recognized, and she was known for bringing “power, beauty, and glamour” to Bharatanatyam.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Bharatanatyam: A major form of Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu, known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and intricate footwork combined with expressive hand gestures and facial expressions.
  • Kuchipudi: A classical Indian dance form from Andhra Pradesh, characterized by its graceful movements and dramatic storytelling through dance.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Padma Vibhushan Award:

  • Established: 1954
  • Awarded For: Exceptional and distinguished service in any field including service rendered by government servants.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award:

  • Established: 1952
  • Awarded For: Recognizing excellence in the field of performing arts including music, dance, and drama.

Tabular Summary:

Event Passing of Legendary Dancer Yamini Krishnamurti
Date August 03, 2024
Age at Passing 84
Notable Dance Forms Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi
Notable Awards Padma Shri (1968), Padma Bhushan (2001), Padma Vibhushan (2016), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1977)
Place of Birth Madanapalli, Andhra Pradesh
Place of Passing New Delhi, India

Ranking – Daily Current Affairs August 03 & 04

3. What rank did India achieve in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024?
A) 54th
B) 39th
C) 45th
D) 49th
E) 41st
Answer: B) 39th

Event and Location:

  • Event: India’s Ranking in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024
  • Location: Global ranking among 119 countries

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) measures the development of travel and tourism across different countries, focusing on factors like safety, security, and prioritization of tourism.
  • India’s Performance: India improved its ranking to 39th place in the TTDI 2024, a significant rise from its adjusted rank of 39th in 2021 (previously reported as 54th before methodology revision).
  • Key Areas of Improvement: India’s scores improved in Prioritization of Travel & Tourism, Safety & Security, and Health & Hygiene.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI): An index published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) that ranks countries based on the development and competitiveness of their travel and tourism sector.
  • Champion Service Sector Scheme (CSSS): A scheme by the Ministry of Tourism to support tourism-related services, including reimbursement of expenses under the UDAN (RCS) scheme to enhance connectivity to key tourist destinations.
  • UDAN (RCS) Scheme: A regional connectivity scheme aimed at making air travel affordable and widespread, especially for smaller towns and regions.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

World Economic Forum (WEF):

  • Founded Year: 1971
  • Headquarters: Cologny, Switzerland
  • Executive Chairman: Klaus Schwab

United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):

  • Founded Year: 1975
  • Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
  • Secretary-General: Zurab Pololikashvili

Tabular Summary:

Event India’s TTDI Ranking Improvement
TTDI Rank (2024) 39th
TTDI Rank (2021) Initially 54th, revised to 39th
Total Countries in TTDI 119
Areas of Improvement Prioritization of Travel & Tourism, Safety & Security, Health & Hygiene
International Tourist Arrivals (2022) 14.3 million, representing 1.47% of the global market share
Asia & Pacific Market Share (2022) 15.66%
Government Initiative Champion Service Sector Scheme (CSSS), RCS UDAN Tourism

4. Which state had the highest number of Urban Cooperative Bank (UCB) license cancellations since 2014?
A) Karnataka
B) Gujarat
C) Maharashtra
D) Uttar Pradesh
E) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: C) Maharashtra

Event and Location:

  • Event: Cancellation of licenses of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
  • Location: Across multiple states in India, with a significant number in Maharashtra

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The RBI has cancelled the licenses of 78 Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) since 2014 due to inadequate capital, poor earning prospects, and deteriorating financial conditions, which were deemed prejudicial to the interests of depositors and the public.
  • State-wise Data:
    • Maharashtra leads with the highest number of cancellations, accounting for 36 UCBs (46% of total cancellations).
    • Other states with significant cancellations include Uttar Pradesh (14 UCBs) and Karnataka (8 UCBs).
  • RBI Measures: The RBI has implemented measures to strengthen the financial health of cooperative banks, such as mandating a phased approach to meet Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets and enforcing prudential exposure limits.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs): Financial institutions in India that provide banking services primarily to urban and semi-urban areas, governed by both state governments and RBI regulations.
  • Priority Sector Lending (PSL): A mandate by RBI requiring banks to allocate a certain percentage of their credit to specified sectors that are deemed important for the development of the economy.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Reserve Bank of India (RBI):

  • Founded Year: 1935
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Governor: Shaktikanta Das
  • Functions: Central bank of India, regulates and supervises the financial system, issues currency, and formulates monetary policy.

Tabular Summary:

Event Cancellation of Urban Cooperative Bank (UCB) Licenses by RBI
Total UCB Licenses Cancelled 78 (since 2014)
State with Most Cancellations Maharashtra (36 UCBs)
Reasons for Cancellation Inadequate capital, poor earning prospects, deteriorating financial position
RBI Measures PSL targets, prudential exposure limits, housing loan limits for UCBs
Other Affected States Uttar Pradesh (14 UCBs), Karnataka (8 UCBs), Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, etc.

Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs August 03 & 04

5. Which bank recently launched RuPay credit cards with UPI and NCMC functionalities?
A) HDFC Bank
B) ICICI Bank
C) RBL Bank
D) Axis Bank
E) SBI Bank
Answer: C) RBL Bank

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of RuPay Credit Cards with UPI and NCMC functionalities
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: RBL Bank has integrated Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) services into its RuPay Credit Cards, enabling users to manage transactions seamlessly.
  • Key Features:
    • UPI Integration: Allows users to make secure, instant payments via UPI.
    • NCMC Feature: Facilitates hassle-free travel, making the card versatile for daily expenses and travel needs.
  • Significance: The bank is the first private sector bank in India to offer such a comprehensive suite of payment capabilities in a single card, likely setting a precedent for other banks to follow.

Important Terms Explained:

  • RuPay: An Indian domestic card scheme launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), aimed at fulfilling the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) vision to have a domestic, open, and multilateral system of payments.
  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI): A real-time payment system developed by NPCI that facilitates inter-bank transactions through mobile platforms.
  • National Common Mobility Card (NCMC): A contactless payment card designed to offer a seamless travel experience across various public transportation systems and retail shopping in India.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

RBL Bank:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • MD & CEO: R. Subramaniakumar
  • Tagline: Apno Ka Bank

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI):

  • Founded Year: 2008
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • CEO: Dilip Asbe

Tabular Summary:

Event RBL Bank launches RuPay credit cards with UPI and NCMC functionalities
Bank Involved RBL Bank
Features of the Card UPI Integration, NCMC Feature
Primary Functions Seamless UPI payments, hassle-free travel through NCMC
Significance First private sector bank to offer comprehensive payment solutions on one card
Network Extensive RuPay network for wide usability

 

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs August 03 & 04

6. Who has recently assumed the charge of Director at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)?
A) Dr. M. Rajeevan
B) Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan
C) Dr. Grinson George
D) Dr. K. Ravichandran
E) Dr. Shailesh Nayak
Answer: C) Dr. Grinson George

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Dr. Grinson George as Director of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
  • Location: Kochi, Kerala, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: Dr. Grinson George has taken charge as the Director of ICAR-CMFRI, succeeding his previous role as the head of the Marine Biodiversity and Environment Management Division at the same institute.
  • Expertise and Contributions:
    • Dr. George has over two decades of experience in fishery research with a specialization in areas like fishery resource management, marine biodiversity, environment management, fisheries oceanography, remote sensing, and climate change.
    • He has led multiple high-impact research projects funded by prominent agencies, including the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, ISRO, and others.

Important Terms Explained:

  • ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI): A premier research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), dedicated to marine fisheries research and development in India.
  • National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA): An initiative by ICAR aimed at enhancing the resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change and variability through strategic research and technology demonstrations.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI):

  • Founded Year: 1947
  • Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala
  • Parent Organization: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

Tabular Summary:

Event Dr. Grinson George Assumes Charge as Director of ICAR-CMFRI
Position Director, ICAR-CMFRI
Preceding Role Head of Marine Biodiversity and Environment Management Division
Expertise Fishery resource management, marine biodiversity, environment management, remote sensing, climate change
Notable Contributions Led national and international research projects, guided PhD scholars
Hometown Chalakkudi, Thrissur district, Kerala
Previous International Role Senior Programme Specialist at SAARC, Dhaka

Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs August 03 & 04

7. Who has been selected as the primary mission pilot for India’s participation in the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS)?
A) Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
B) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
C) Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma
D) Group Captain Rajiv Sharma
E) Commander Anil Menon
Answer: B) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

Event and Location:

  • Event: Selection of Indian astronauts for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS)
  • Location: Training and mission to be conducted in the United States

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: India has selected Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the primary mission pilot and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the backup pilot for the Axiom-4 mission. The mission is part of India’s collaboration with NASA and Axiom Space, aimed at enhancing India’s human spaceflight capabilities.
  • Training: Both astronauts will undergo training in the United States starting in the first week of August 2024.
  • Role: During the mission, the astronauts will conduct scientific research, technology demonstrations, and space outreach activities aboard the ISS.
  • Significance: This mission is expected to provide valuable experience for India’s Gaganyaan Mission, which aims to demonstrate the country’s human spaceflight capability.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Axiom-4 Mission: A commercial spaceflight mission managed by Axiom Space, aimed at transporting astronauts, including private and international participants, to the International Space Station.
  • Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first human spaceflight mission planned by ISRO, aiming to send a three-member crew into a 400 km orbit for three days.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):

  • Founded Year: 1969
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Chairman: S. Somanath

International Space Station (ISS):

  • Launch Date: 20 November 1998
  • Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (approximately 400 km altitude)
  • Primary Agencies Involved: NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada)

Tabular Summary:

Event India’s Participation in Axiom-4 Mission to ISS
Primary Mission Pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Backup Mission Pilot Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
Mission Crew Composition Peggy Whitson (Commander, USA), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Pilot, India), Sławosz Uznanski (Mission Specialist, Poland), Tibor Kapu (Mission Specialist, Hungary)
Training Location United States
Mission Significance Enhances India’s human spaceflight capabilities, supports the Gaganyaan Mission

Defence – Daily Current Affairs August 03 & 04

8. Which Indian Naval Ship conducted the Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Russian Naval Ship Soobrazitelny in 2024?
A) INS Vikramaditya
B) INS Shivalik
C) INS Tabar
D) INS Kolkata
E) INS Arihant
Answer: C) INS Tabar

Event and Location:

  • Event: Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) between India and Russia
  • Location: Conducted off the coast of St. Petersburg, Russia, following the 328th Russian Navy Day Parade celebrations.

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The MPX aimed to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability between the Indian and Russian navies. The exercise involved complex naval maneuvers, including communication drills, Search & Rescue tactics, and Replenishment at Sea serials.
  • Significance: The participation of INS Tabar in the 328th Russian Navy Day Parade and the subsequent MPX marked a significant milestone in reinforcing the strong naval ties between India and Russia. This exercise underscores the commitment of both nations to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region.

Important Terms Explained:

  • INS Tabar: A frontline frigate of the Indian Navy involved in international naval exercises to bolster maritime cooperation.
  • Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX): A naval exercise aimed at enhancing operational coordination and strengthening partnerships between participating navies.
  • Russian Navy Day: An annual celebration commemorating the establishment and achievements of the Russian Navy, traditionally marked with naval parades and exercises.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Indian Navy:

  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • Founded: 1612
  • Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral R. Hari Kumar

Russian Navy:

  • Headquarters: Moscow, Russia
  • Founded: 1696
  • Commander-in-Chief: Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov

Tabular Summary:

Event Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) between India and Russia
Indian Naval Ship Involved INS Tabar
Russian Naval Ship Involved Soobrazitelny
Location Off the coast of St. Petersburg, Russia
Date 30 July 2024
Occasion 328th Russian Navy Day Parade
Key Exercises Communication drills, Search & Rescue tactics, Replenishment at Sea

9. Where was the 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue held on August 01, 2024?
A) Hanoi
B) Ho Chi Minh City
C) New Delhi
D) Mumbai
E) Da Nang
Answer: C) New Delhi

Event and Location:

  • Event: 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue
  • Location: New Delhi, India
  • Date: August 01, 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The dialogue aimed to review and enhance bilateral defence cooperation between India and Vietnam, building on the progress made under the ‘Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030’.
  • Key Proposals:
    • Vietnam’s Proposals: Focus on five key areas: delegation exchanges and dialogue, staff-talks, Service-to-Service cooperation, Education and training, and Defence Industry cooperation.
    • India’s Proposals: Cooperation in emerging areas such as Cyber Security, Information Security, Military Medicine, and Submarine Search & Rescue.
  • Significance: The dialogue emphasizes the growing defence ties between the two nations and aims to strengthen cooperation, particularly in training and capacity building.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030: A strategic document signed in June 2022, outlining the roadmap for defence cooperation between India and Vietnam until 2030.
  • Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: A high-level bilateral relationship framework that covers a broad range of cooperation areas, including defence, between India and Vietnam.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Vietnam:

  • Capital: Hanoi
  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong
  • President: Vo Van Thuong
  • Prime Minister: Pham Minh Chinh

Ministry of Defence, India:

  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Defence Secretary: Giridhar Aramane
  • Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister): Rajnath Singh

Tabular Summary:

Event 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue
Location New Delhi, India
Date August 01, 2024
Co-Chairs Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane (India), Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien (Vietnam)
Key Proposals by India Cooperation in Cyber Security, Information Security, Military Medicine, Submarine Search & Rescue
Key Proposals by Vietnam Delegation exchanges, Staff-talks, Service-to-Service cooperation, Education and training, Defence Industry cooperation
Significance Strengthening of bilateral defence cooperation and training collaboration

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs August 03 & 04

10. When will India host the next round of negotiations for the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) review?
A) September 2024
B) October 2024
C) November 2024
D) December 2024
E) January 2025
Answer: C) November 2024

Event and Location:

  • Event: India hosting the next round of negotiations for the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) review
  • Location: India
  • Date: November 19-22, 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The upcoming round of negotiations in India aims to further review and potentially revise the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), signed in 2009, to create more opportunities for enhancing trade between India and the ASEAN nations.
  • Current Status:
    • The third round of the AITIGA review took place in Indonesia, with discussions aimed at improving market access, lowering tariff barriers, and addressing the trade deficit between India and the ASEAN bloc.
    • India has been pushing for greater market access to reduce its trade deficit, which has widened to $38.46 billion in 2023-24.

Important Terms Explained:

  • ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA): A trade agreement between India and the ASEAN nations, aimed at facilitating trade by reducing tariffs and other barriers. Signed in 2009, the agreement is currently under review to better align with current economic needs.
  • Trade Deficit: The amount by which the cost of a country’s imports exceeds the value of its exports. India is looking to reduce its trade deficit with the ASEAN bloc through these negotiations.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations):

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

India:

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

Tabular Summary:

Event ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Review Talks
Next Meeting Location India
Next Meeting Date November 19-22, 2024
Previous Meeting Location Jakarta, Indonesia
Focus Areas Market access, tariff reduction, trade deficit reduction
India’s Trade Deficit with ASEAN $38.46 billion in 2023-24
ASEAN’s Share in India’s Global Trade Approximately 11%

11. Where was the 5th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee meeting held?
A) New Delhi
B) Jakarta
C) Kuala Lumpur
D) Bangkok
E) Singapore
Answer: B) Jakarta

Event and Location:

  • Event: 5th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee Meeting
  • Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Date: July 29 to August 1, 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The meeting aimed to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), enhancing economic cooperation between ASEAN countries and India.
  • Discussions and Progress:
    • The 5th AITIGA Joint Committee meeting involved discussions across eight sub-committees on topics such as National Treatment and Market Access, Rules of Origin, Standards, Technical Regulations, and more.
    • Significant progress was reported in the ongoing negotiations, which began in February 2024.
  • Bilateral Meetings: Indian delegates held bilateral meetings with representatives from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam to develop a common understanding of the issues under discussion.

Important Terms Explained:

  • ASEAN: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 10 countries in Southeast Asia, promoting intergovernmental cooperation and facilitating economic integration.
  • AITIGA: An agreement signed in 2009 aimed at enhancing trade and economic cooperation between India and ASEAN countries.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):

  • Founded Year: 1967
  • Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Secretary-General (2024): Dr. Kao Kim Hourn
  • Member Countries: 10 (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam)

India:

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

Tabular Summary:

Event 5th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee Meeting
Location Jakarta, Indonesia
Date July 29 to August 1, 2024
Co-Chairs Shri Rajesh Agrawal (India) and Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa (Malaysia)
Key Focus Areas National Treatment and Market Access, Rules of Origin, Standards, Customs Procedures, Trade Remedies
Next Meeting Scheduled for November 19-22, 2024, in India

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs August 03 & 04

12. Which Indian government body recently approved ₹50,655 crore for the development of eight high-speed corridor projects across India?
A) Planning Commission
B) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
C) NITI Aayog
D) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
E) Finance Commission
Answer: D) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs

Event and Location:

  • Event: Approval of ₹50,655 crore for high-speed corridor projects
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • CCEA Approval:
    • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the development of eight critical national high-speed corridor projects with a total length of 936 km at a cost of ₹50,655 crore.
  • Key Projects:
    • Notable projects include:
      • 88-km 6-Lane Agra-Gwalior High-Speed Corridor developed in Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) mode at a cost of ₹4,613 crore.
      • 231-km 4-Lane Kharagpur-Moregram High-Speed Corridor in Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a cost of ₹10,247 crore.
      • 68-km 4-Lane Ayodhya Ring Road in HAM mode at ₹3,935 crore to reduce congestion and improve access to the Rama Mandir.
      • 47-km 6-Lane Kanpur Ring Road developed in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode at ₹3,298 crore.
      • 121-km Guwahati Ring Road in BOT mode at ₹5,729 crore, providing seamless connectivity in the Northeast.
      • 214-km 6-Lane Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad National High-Speed Corridor in BOT mode at ₹10,534 crore.
  • Employment Generation:
    • These projects are expected to generate an estimated 4.42 crore man-days of direct and indirect employment.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT): A model where a private entity receives a concession to finance, build, and operate a project for a period, after which it transfers ownership to the government.
  • Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM): A PPP model where the government and private sector share the project cost. The government provides a portion of the project cost as a grant, and the balance is arranged by the developer.
  • Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC): A contract model where the contractor is responsible for all activities from design, procurement, and construction to commissioning.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA):

  • Headed By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  • Functions: Responsible for economic policy decisions, including those related to infrastructure development.

Tabular Summary:

Detail Information
Event Approval of ₹50,655 crore for high-speed corridor projects
Approving Body Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
Total Project Cost ₹50,655 crore
Key Projects Agra-Gwalior Corridor, Ayodhya and Kanpur Ring Roads, Guwahati Ring Road, etc.
Total Length 936 km
Employment Generation 4.42 crore man-days

13. What is the name of the newly launched web portal by NIT-Calicut for data management?
A) Nivesh
B) Nivahika
C) Nidhi
D) Nirvaha
E) Navodaya
Answer: B) Nivahika

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of the ‘Nivahika’ web portal
  • Location: National Institute of Technology-Calicut (NIT-C), Kozhikode, Kerala
  • Date: August 02, 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The Nivahika web portal has been introduced to streamline and improve data management and reporting at NIT-Calicut. It is designed to ensure accuracy and consistency in data handling, particularly for submissions related to national rankings.
  • Significance: NIT-C Director Prasad Krishna described Nivahika as a milestone for the institute and anticipated that it would set a benchmark for other NITs across India once fully operational.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Web Portal: An online platform used for collecting, managing, and reporting data, which enhances institutional processes and transparency.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

National Institute of Technology-Calicut (NIT-C):

  • Founded Year: 1961
  • Location: Kozhikode, Kerala, India
  • Director: Prasad Krishna
  • Type: Public technical university, one of the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) in India

Tabular Summary:

Event Launch of ‘Nivahika’ Web Portal by NIT-Calicut
Portal Name Nivahika
Institution National Institute of Technology-Calicut (NIT-C)
Purpose Data management and reporting
Significance Expected to set a benchmark for other NITs
Inaugurated by NIT-C Director Prasad Krishna
Location Kozhikode, Kerala
Date August 02, 2024

 



Over All Review

Important Days

  • Friendship Day 2024 in India will be observed on August 4.

Obituary

  • Renowned Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer Yamini Krishnamurti passed away at 84.

Ranking 

  • India’s TTDI 2024 ranking improved to 39th among 119 countries.
  • RBI has cancelled 78 UCB licenses since 2014, with Maharashtra leading with 36 cancellations.

Banking and Finance 

  • RBL Bank launches RuPay credit cards with integrated UPI and NCMC functionalities.

Appointments

  • Dr. Grinson George is the new Director of ICAR-CMFRI.

Science and Technology

  • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla selected as the primary mission pilot for Axiom-4 mission.

Defence

  • INS Tabar conducted MPX with Russian Ship Soobrazitelny on July 30, 2024.
  • The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue held in New Delhi on August 1, 2024.

International Affairs

  • India will host the next AITIGA review negotiations from November 19-22, 2024.
  • The 5th AITIGA Joint Committee meeting was held in Jakarta from July 29 to August 1, 2024.

National Affairs

  • The CCEA approved ₹50,655 crore for eight high-speed corridor projects, generating 4.42 crore man-days of employment.
  • NIT-Calicut launches ‘Nivahika’ web portal for efficient data management.

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