Daily Current Affairs August 21

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 21. 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 21 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs August 21

1. What was the primary aim of establishing the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism by the UN General Assembly?
A) To condemn acts of terrorism globally
B) To enhance international security measures
C) To honour and support victims and survivors of terrorism
D) To develop strategies for countering terrorism
E) To promote diplomatic relations between member states
Answer: C) To honour and support victims and survivors of terrorism

Event and Location:

  • Event: Establishment of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
  • Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The day was established to honour and support victims and survivors of terrorism, ensuring their human rights and fundamental freedoms are protected.
  • Date of Commemoration: Annually on 21 August.
  • United Nations Role: Provides capacity-building assistance, supports Member States, and promotes international cooperation to meet the long-term needs of victims of terrorism.
  • Member States’ Responsibility: Uphold the rights of victims and develop comprehensive assistance plans addressing their immediate, short-term, and long-term needs.

Important Terms Explained:

  • UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: A framework for preventing and combating terrorism, focusing on conditions that foster terrorism, capacity building, and ensuring human rights.
  • Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism: Formed in 2019 to promote the rights of terrorism victims and enhance international cooperation in assisting them.
  • Global Victims of Terrorism Support Programme: A UN initiative focused on raising awareness and providing support to Member States in aiding victims of terrorism.
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Tabulation Summary:

Detail Information
Event International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
Date 21 August (Annually)
Established by UN General Assembly (Resolution 72/165)
Year of Establishment 2017
UN Secretary-General (as of April 2020) António Guterres
Significance Honouring and supporting victims of terrorism, promoting their human rights and fundamental freedoms

Sports – Daily Current Affairs August 21

2. Who won the Men’s and Women’s titles at the Cincinnati Open 2024?
A) Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek
B) Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff
C) Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka
D) Daniil Medvedev and Jessica Pegula
E) Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep
Answer: C) Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka

Event and Location:

  • Event: Cincinnati Open 2024 (Men’s and Women’s Finals)
  • Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Winners:
    • Men’s Singles: Jannik Sinner defeated Frances Tiafoe with a score of 7-6 (4), 6-2 to win his first Cincinnati Open title. Sinner, who turned 23 just before the tournament, became the youngest champion since Andy Murray in 2008.
    • Women’s Singles: Aryna Sabalenka claimed her first Cincinnati Open title by defeating Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-5. Sabalenka’s win marked her 15th WTA title, adding to her success after her Australian Open victory earlier in the year.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Cincinnati Open: Also known as the Western & Southern Open, it’s one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world and a key event in the lead-up to the US Open.
  • WTA (Women’s Tennis Association): The principal organizing body of women’s professional tennis.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Jannik Sinner:

  • Nationality: Italian
  • Current Ranking: No. 6 (as of August 2024)
  • Age: 23 years
  • Cincinnati Open Title: First-time champion

Aryna Sabalenka:

  • Nationality: Belarusian
  • Current Ranking: No. 2 (as of August 2024)
  • Age: 26 years
  • Cincinnati Open Title: First-time champion
  • WTA Titles: 15 career titles

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Winners Significance
Cincinnati Open 2024 Cincinnati, Ohio, USA August 2024 Jannik Sinner (Men’s), Aryna Sabalenka (Women’s) Sinner and Sabalenka win their first Cincinnati Open titles

Ranking – Daily Current Affairs August 21

3. Which Indian brand was ranked as the world’s strongest food and dairy brand by UK’s Brand Finance in 2024?
A) Nestlé
B) Parle
C) Britannia
D) Amul
E) Mother Dairy
Answer: D) Amul

Event and Location:

  • Event: Amul ranked as the world’s strongest food and dairy brand
  • Location: Report published by Brand Finance, UK

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Global Ranking: Amul has been ranked as the world’s strongest food brand and has retained the title of the strongest dairy brand for the fourth consecutive year.
  • Brand Strength Index (BSI): Amul achieved a BSI score of 91.0 out of 100 with an AAA+ rating.
  • Performance Metrics: Amul’s brand strength is attributed to its strong performance in familiarity, consideration, and recommendation metrics.
  • Global Recognition: Among the top 50 global brands, Amul is the only Indian brand to be featured and recognized for its achievements.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Brand Finance: A leading brand valuation consultancy firm based in the UK that assesses the value and strength of brands worldwide.
  • BSI (Brand Strength Index): A score that reflects the relative strength of a brand based on various performance metrics like familiarity, consideration, and recommendation.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Amul (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation):

  • Founded: 1946
  • Headquarters: Anand, Gujarat, India
  • MD: Jayen Mehta
  • Annual Milk Procurement: 11 billion litres
  • Market Value: ₹80,000 crore ($10 Billion)
  • Products Picked Up Annually: 22 billion times

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Achievement Significance
Amul ranked as the world’s strongest food and dairy brand United Kingdom 2024 Ranked by Brand Finance, UK First Indian brand to achieve this rank, retaining the strongest dairy brand title for 4 years

Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs August 21

4. Which bank introduced AI-powered facial recognition to enhance account security?
A) HDFC Bank
B) ICICI Bank
C) Airtel Payments Bank
D) Paytm Payments Bank
E) State Bank of India
Answer: C) Airtel Payments Bank

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of AI-powered facial recognition security feature by Airtel Payments Bank
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Feature Introduced: Face Match, an AI-powered facial recognition technology.
  • Purpose: To enhance the security of customer accounts at Airtel Payments Bank.
  • Technology: The feature uses artificial intelligence to match the customer’s face during transactions, adding an extra layer of security and protecting against unauthorized access.

Important Terms Explained:

  • AI-powered Facial Recognition: A technology that uses artificial intelligence to verify a person’s identity by comparing facial features with stored data.
  • Airtel Payments Bank: A payments bank in India offering a range of banking and financial services, including mobile payments and savings accounts.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Airtel Payments Bank:

  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • MD & CEO: Anubrata Biswas
  • Founded: 2017
  • Tagline: “Banking is now at your fingertips”

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Feature Introduced Significance
Launch of AI-powered facial recognition by Airtel Payments Bank India 2024 Face Match Enhances account security using AI

5. Which two companies formed a bancassurance partnership to provide tailored financial solutions in India?
A) ICICI Bank and LIC
B) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and HSBC India
C) SBI Life Insurance and HDFC Bank
D) Max Life Insurance and Axis Bank
E) Kotak Mahindra Bank and New India Assurance
Answer: B) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and HSBC India

Event and Location:

  • Event: Formation of a bancassurance partnership
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Partnership: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Ltd (BAGIC) has entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership with HSBC India.
  • Objective: The partnership aims to leverage HSBC’s extensive network and BAGIC’s insurance expertise to offer a comprehensive suite of insurance products to HSBC’s customers across India.
  • Significance: This collaboration will help enhance insurance penetration and promote financial inclusion by providing customers with innovative and tailored financial solutions, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to empowering individuals and businesses with financial security.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Bancassurance: A distribution model in which an insurance company partners with a bank to sell insurance policies through the bank’s distribution channels.
  • IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India): The regulatory body responsible for overseeing and promoting the insurance industry in India. In 2022, IRDAI allowed bancassurance channels to expand, enabling banks to partner with multiple insurers.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Ltd (BAGIC):

  • Founded: 2001
  • Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra, India
  • MD & CEO: Tapan Singhel
  • Parent Companies: Bajaj Finserv Ltd. and Allianz SE

HSBC India:

  • Founded: 1853
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Head, Wealth and Personal Banking: Sandeep Batra
  • Parent Company: HSBC Holdings plc

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Parties Involved Significance
Formation of a bancassurance partnership India August 21, 2024 Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and HSBC India Leverage network and expertise to offer tailored financial solutions

6. Which regulatory body approved the delisting scheme of ICICI Securities in August 2024?
A) SEBI
B) RBI
C) NCLT
D) BSE
E) NSE
Answer: C) NCLT

Event and Location:

  • Event: Approval of ICICI Securities’ delisting scheme
  • Location: Mumbai, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Regulatory Approval: The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai bench, approved the delisting scheme of ICICI Securities (ISec).
  • Court Decision: The NCLT dismissed a petition filed by minority investors opposing the delisting scheme, allowing the process to proceed.
  • Market Impact: Following the court’s decision, shares of ICICI Securities fell by 7.4%, while ICICI Bank’s shares saw a slight decline of 0.4%.

Important Terms Explained:

  • NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal): A quasi-judicial body in India that adjudicates issues relating to Indian companies, including matters of corporate law and insolvency.
  • Delisting: The process by which a company removes its shares from a stock exchange, usually meaning that the company will no longer be publicly traded.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

ICICI Securities (ISec):

  • Founded: 1995
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Parent Company: ICICI Bank
  • Industry: Financial Services

National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT):

  • Established: 2016
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Role: Adjudicates issues related to Indian companies, including corporate law and insolvency cases

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Regulatory Body Significance
NCLT approves ICICI Securities delisting scheme Mumbai, India August 21, 2024 NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) Dismisses minority investors’ plea, allows ICICI Securities delisting

 

Acquisitions and Mergers – Daily Current Affairs August 21

7. Which company is set to acquire Paytm’s entertainment ticketing business for ₹2,048.4 crore?
A) Swiggy
B) Amazon India
C) Flipkart
D) Zomato
E) BookMyShow
Answer: D) Zomato

Event and Location:

  • Event: Zomato’s acquisition of Paytm’s entertainment ticketing business
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Acquisition: Zomato announced its acquisition of Paytm’s movie and events ticketing business for ₹2,048.4 crore.
  • Purpose: This acquisition will allow Zomato to strengthen its “going out” business, which complements its core food delivery service.
  • Paytm’s Focus: The deal will enable Paytm to focus on its core businesses, such as payments and financial services distribution.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement: A legal document that outlines the terms and conditions under which shares are bought and sold between parties.
  • Going Out Business: A category that includes services related to dining out, entertainment, and events, which Zomato aims to expand with this acquisition.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Zomato:

  • Founded: 2008
  • Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana, India
  • CEO: Deepinder Goyal
  • Industry: Online food delivery and restaurant discovery

Paytm:

  • Founded: 2010
  • Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • CEO: Vijay Shekhar Sharma
  • Industry: Digital payments and financial services

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Acquirer Target Value
Zomato to acquire Paytm’s entertainment ticketing business New Delhi, India August 21, 2024 Zomato Paytm’s movie and events ticketing business ₹2,048.4 crore

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs August 21

8. Who was appointed as the Chef de Mission for India’s contingent at the Paris Paralympics 2024?
A) Devendra Jhajharia
B) Deepa Malik
C) Satya Prakash Sangwan
D) Mariyappan Thangavelu
E) Avani Lekhara
Answer: C) Satya Prakash Sangwan

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Chef de Mission for India’s contingent at the Paris Paralympics 2024
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Chef de Mission: Satya Prakash Sangwan was appointed as the Chef de Mission for India’s largest-ever contingent of 84 para-athletes competing across 12 sports disciplines at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
  • Experience: Sangwan, the Vice President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), has over a decade of experience in the Paralympic movement.
  • Objective: As the Chef de Mission, Sangwan is committed to providing all necessary support to ensure that Indian para-athletes succeed and make the nation proud at the Paralympics.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Chef de Mission (CDM): A title given to the individual leading a national team at an international multi-sport event like the Olympics or Paralympics. The CDM is responsible for overseeing the team’s administration and ensuring athletes have the resources they need.
  • Paralympic Committee of India (PCI): The national governing body responsible for selecting athletes for the Paralympic Games, promoting Paralympic sports in India, and ensuring athletes’ rights and needs are met.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Paralympic Committee of India (PCI):

  • Founded: 1992
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • PCI President: Devendra Jhajharia
  • Chef de Mission: Satya Prakash Sangwan
  • Event: Paris Paralympics 2024
  • Contingent Size: 84 para-athletes

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Chief Guest/Speaker Significance
Appointment of Satya Prakash Sangwan as Chef de Mission New Delhi, India August 20, 2024 PCI President Devendra Jhajharia Leads India’s largest contingent at Paris Paralympics 2024

9. Who has been appointed as the interim Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI)?
A) Devendra Kumar
B) Sanjeev Kumar
C) M Suresh
D) Rakesh Singh
E) Pawan Kumar
Answer: C) M Suresh

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Interim Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI)
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Interim Appointment: M Suresh has been appointed as the interim Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
  • Current Role: M Suresh is currently serving as the Member, Air Navigation Services at AAI.
  • Duration: Suresh will hold the position for three months or until a regular incumbent is appointed or until further orders.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Airports Authority of India (AAI): A statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Airports Authority of India (AAI):

  • Founded: 1995
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Interim Chairman: M Suresh
  • Current Role of M Suresh: Member, Air Navigation Services

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
Appointment of M Suresh as Interim Chairman of AAI New Delhi, India August 2024 M Suresh to lead AAI for three months or until further orders

10. Who is set to replace Greg Barclay as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC)?
A) Sourav Ganguly
B) Jagmohan Dalmiya
C) N Srinivasan
D) Jay Shah
E) Shashank Manohar
Answer: D) Jay Shah

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Jay Shah as the new chairman of the ICC
  • Location: International Cricket Council (ICC)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • New Chairman: Jay Shah, the current Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is set to replace Greg Barclay as the chairman of the ICC when Barclay’s tenure ends in November 2024.
  • Historical Context: Jay Shah will become the third Indian to chair the ICC after N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar.
  • Support: Shah has strong backing from major cricket boards, including those from England and Australia, ensuring his election.
  • Significance: At the age of 35, Jay Shah will become the youngest chairman in the history of the ICC.

Important Terms Explained:

  • International Cricket Council (ICC): The global governing body for cricket, responsible for the organization and governance of major international tournaments and ensuring the sport’s integrity worldwide.
  • BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India): The governing body for cricket in India, responsible for organizing domestic and international cricket matches.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

International Cricket Council (ICC):

  • Founded: 1909
  • Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Outgoing Chairman: Greg Barclay
  • Incoming Chairman: Jay Shah

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date New Appointment Significance
Jay Shah to be named ICC Chairman ICC Headquarters, Dubai December 2024 Jay Shah Will be the youngest chairman in ICC history

11. Who has been appointed as the Global Head of Operations and CMD, India, at Cognizant Technology Solutions?
A) Salil Parekh
B) Rajesh Nambiar
C) Rajesh Varrier
D) Nandan Nilekani
E) T. K. Kurien
Answer: C) Rajesh Varrier

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Rajesh Varrier as Global Head of Operations and CMD, India at Cognizant Technology Solutions
  • Location: Chennai, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • New Role: Rajesh Varrier has been appointed as the Global Head of Operations, effective September 2, 2024, and will also take on the role of Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), India, starting October 1, 2024.
  • Predecessor: Rajesh Varrier succeeds Rajesh Nambiar, who is leaving Cognizant to become the President of NASSCOM.
  • Previous Experience: Prior to joining Cognizant, Rajesh Varrier served as EVP, Head of Global Services at Infosys Americas, bringing with him extensive experience in managing global operations.

Important Terms Explained:

  • CMD (Chairman & Managing Director): The senior-most executive officer in a company responsible for managing the operations and representing the company at a higher level.
  • NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies): A trade association of the Indian Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Cognizant Technology Solutions:

  • Founded: 1994
  • Headquarters: Teaneck, New Jersey, USA
  • CEO: Ravi Kumar S
  • Industry: Information Technology and Consulting

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date New Appointment Significance
Rajesh Varrier appointed Global Head of Operations and CMD, India at Cognizant Chennai, India August 21, 2024 Rajesh Varrier Succeeds Rajesh Nambiar, who becomes NASSCOM President

Awards – Daily Current Affairs August 21

12. Which airport won the Best Airport award at the India Travel Awards for the third consecutive year?
A) Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
B) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
C) Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
D) Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
E) Chennai International Airport, Chennai
Answer: D) Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad

Event and Location:

  • Event: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) wins Best Airport award
  • Location: Hyderabad, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Achievement: RGIA won the Best Airport title at the India Travel Awards for the third consecutive year.
  • Recognition: The award highlights RGIA’s dedication to creative social media engagement, exceptional airline support, and overall excellence in airport services.
  • Social Media Celebration: The airport authorities celebrated the achievement on social media, expressing gratitude to industry partners, travelers, and supporters.
  • Previous Honors: Last year, RGIA also received Skytrax’s ‘Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia 2024’ award in Frankfurt, Germany.

Important Terms Explained:

  • India Travel Awards: An annual event recognizing excellence in the travel and hospitality industry across India, including categories for best airports, hotels, and travel companies.
  • Skytrax: A UK-based consultancy that ranks airlines and airports based on customer reviews and performance, known for its annual World Airport Awards.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA):

  • Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  • Owned by: GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL)
  • Opened: 2008
  • Awards: Best Airport at India Travel Awards (3 consecutive years)

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Award Significance
RGIA wins Best Airport award Hyderabad, India 2024 Best Airport at India Travel Awards Third consecutive win, recognition of excellence

Defence – Daily Current Affairs August 21

13. Which company signed an MoU with the Indian Navy to drive the indigenisation of marine equipment and systems?
A) HAL Ltd.
B) DRDO
C) BEML Ltd.
D) BEL
E) L&T
Answer: C) BEML Ltd.

Event and Location:

  • Event: Signing of MoU between Indian Navy and BEML Ltd.
  • Location: Naval Headquarters, New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The MoU aims to foster indigenous design, development, manufacture, testing, and product support of critical Marine Engineering equipment and systems for the Indian Navy.
  • Significance: This partnership aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance in defense production and reducing dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Important Terms Explained:

  • BEML Ltd.: A ‘Schedule A’ company under the Ministry of Defence, BEML Ltd. is a leading manufacturer in defense and heavy engineering sectors in India.
  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: A government initiative aimed at making India self-reliant by encouraging indigenous production across various sectors, including defense.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

BEML Ltd. (Bharat Earth Movers Limited):

  • Founded: 1964
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Chairman & MD: Shri Amit Banerjee
  • Parent Organization: Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Indian Navy:

  • Founded: 1612 (as East India Company’s Marine)
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Chief of Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral R. Hari Kumar

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Parties Involved Significance
MoU signing for indigenisation of marine equipment Naval Headquarters, New Delhi August 20, 2024 Indian Navy and BEML Ltd. Enhances self-reliance in defense through indigenous marine engineering equipment

14. Which mountain peak are the NCC Cadets attempting to scale in their 88th Mountaineering Expedition?
A) Mt Kanchenjunga
B) Mt Nanda Devi
C) Mt Abi Gamin
D) Mt Trishul
E) Mt Kamet
Answer: C) Mt Abi Gamin

Event and Location:

  • Event: Flag-off of the 88th NCC Cadets’ Mountaineering Expedition
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Expedition Objective: The NCC Cadets are undertaking a mountaineering expedition to Mt Abi Gamin in Uttarakhand, located in the Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of 7,355 meters.
  • Significance: This expedition is a preparatory phase for the NCC’s upcoming mission to conquer Mount Everest in 2025. The DG NCC emphasized that this journey is more than just an adventure; it’s crucial for cadets aspiring to scale Mount Everest.
  • Participants: The team consists of 34 cadets, 6 officers, and 20 Permanent Instructors Staff from various NCC Directorates across India.

Important Terms Explained:

  • NCC (National Cadet Corps): A youth development movement in India that trains young cadets in various activities, including adventure sports and discipline, preparing them for leadership roles and national defense.
  • Mt Abi Gamin: A peak in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, which serves as a training ground for mountaineering expeditions.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

National Cadet Corps (NCC):

  • Founded: 1948
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Director General: Lt General Gurbirpal Singh
  • Primary Activity: Youth development and training through military and adventure activities.

Mt Abi Gamin:

  • Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India
  • Elevation: 7,355 meters

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Peak Attempted Significance
88th NCC Cadets’ Mountaineering Expedition New Delhi, India August 21, 2024 Mt Abi Gamin, Garhwal Himalayas Preparatory phase for NCC’s 2025 Everest mission

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs August 21

15. Which city hosted the two-day India-EU regional conference focused on combating terrorist content online?
A) Paris
B) Brussels
C) New Delhi
D) London
E) Berlin
Answer: C) New Delhi

Event and Location:

  • Event: Two-day India-EU Regional Conference on Combating Terrorist Content Online
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The conference aimed to address the challenges posed by violent extremism in the digital sphere, focusing on terrorist content online.
  • Key Participants: Organized by the European Union, in collaboration with the Global Counter-Terrorism Council and the Ministry of External Affairs, the conference involved experts, policymakers, academia, and law enforcement officials from South Asia and Europe.
  • Key Discussions: The conference delved into topics such as radicalisation in online spaces, especially on smaller and decentralised platforms, and emphasized the need for international collaboration to address these issues.

Important Terms Explained:

  • EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: A strategic framework that aims to deepen the European Union’s engagement with partners in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on shared goals such as counter-terrorism, security, and economic cooperation.
  • Global Counter-Terrorism Council: An international body dedicated to enhancing global efforts in counter-terrorism through dialogue, partnerships, and policy initiatives.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

European Union (EU):

  • Founded: 1993
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
  • Ambassador to India: Hervé Delphin
  • Event: India-EU Regional Conference
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Chief Guest/Speaker Significance
India-EU Regional Conference on Combating Terrorist Content Online New Delhi, India August 2024 Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the EU to India Enhances cooperation on tackling online extremism

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs August 21

16. Which university is set to launch India’s first Constitution Museum, marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of India?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru University
B) O.P. Jindal Global University
C) Delhi University
D) Banaras Hindu University
E) Aligarh Muslim University
Answer: B) O.P. Jindal Global University

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of India’s first Constitution Museum
  • Location: O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) Campus

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Constitution Museum: Named “The Constitution Academy and The Rights & Freedoms Museum,” this museum will be inaugurated on November 26, 2024, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India.
  • Purpose: The museum aims to serve as a platform to showcase the Constitution of India as a dynamic and evolving document, and to highlight the journey of the nation under the Constitution’s principles, particularly “Unity in Diversity.”
  • Exhibits: The museum will feature sections dedicated to different parts of the Constitution, profiles of Constituent Assembly members, and historical debates and deliberations that shaped the Constitution. It will also include innovative formats like textual, audio-visual, and experiential methods to engage visitors, including a Children’s Corner.
  • Curator: Anjchita B. Nair, CEO of Culture and Head of the Centre for Museums, is curating the museum to make the Constitution more accessible to the public.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Constitution of India: Adopted on November 26, 1949, and enforced on January 26, 1950, it is the supreme law of India, laying down the framework that defines the political principles, procedures, and powers of government institutions, and the fundamental rights and duties of citizens.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU):

  • Founded: 2009
  • Location: Sonipat, Haryana, India
  • Chancellor: Naveen Jindal
  • Founding Vice-Chancellor: C. Raj Kumar
  • Event: Inauguration of The Constitution Academy and The Rights & Freedoms Museum

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Chief Guest/Speaker Significance
Inauguration of The Constitution Academy and The Rights & Freedoms Museum Sonipat, Haryana, India November 26, 2024 Naveen Jindal, Chancellor of JGU Marks the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution

17. Which Union Minister launched three online platforms to enhance the power sector’s efficiency and transparency in India?
A) Raj Kumar Singh
B) Piyush Goyal
C) Manohar Lal Khattar
D) Amit Shah
E) Hardeep Singh Puri
Answer: C) Manohar Lal Khattar

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of three online platforms to boost power sector efficiency and transparency
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Launched by: Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Power.
  • Portals Launched:
    • PROMPT (Portal for Online Monitoring of Projects – Thermal): A platform to monitor thermal power projects.
    • DRIPS (Disaster Resilient Infrastructure for Power Sector): Aims to strengthen disaster resilience within the power sector.
    • JAL VIDYUT DPR: A platform for managing power-related projects.
  • Objective: The launch of these platforms aims to enhance the transparency, coordination, and effectiveness of the power sector, which is essential for achieving the goal of a developed India (“Viksit Bharat”) by 2047.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Viksit Bharat by 2047: A goal set by the Indian government to transform India into a developed nation by the 100th year of its independence.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Manohar Lal Khattar:

  • Position: Union Minister of Power
  • Event: Launch of PROMPT, DRIPS, and JAL VIDYUT DPR
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Chief Guest/Speaker Significance
Launch of PROMPT, DRIPS, and JAL VIDYUT DPR New Delhi, India August 2024 Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Power Boosts transparency and efficiency in the power sector

18. Which two organizations signed an MoU for the transfer of CSIR technologies to Micro and Small Entrepreneurs in India?
A) NITI Aayog and MSME Ministry
B) DRDO and CII
C) ISRO and FICCI
D) CSIR and Laghu Udyog Bharati
E) BARC and ASSOCHAM
Answer: D) CSIR and Laghu Udyog Bharati

Event and Location:

  • Event: Signing of MoU between CSIR and Laghu Udyog Bharati
  • Location: CSIR Headquarters, Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Objective: The MoU aims to facilitate the transfer of 100 technologies from CSIR to identified Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) within 100 days.
  • Technology Transfer: During the MoU signing, 15 technologies were transferred to various companies, including innovations like Pesticide Detection Kits, Multi-copter Drones, and Gluten-free biscuits.
  • Benefits:
    • For CSIR: Expands market reach, aids in export promotion, and import substitution while meeting regulatory norms.
    • For LUB: Helps MSMEs deploy low-cost CSIR technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

Important Terms Explained:

  • CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research): An autonomous research and development organization in India, known for its contributions to various scientific fields and technology innovations.
  • Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB): A registered organization representing Micro and Small Industries in India, with a presence in 27 states and more than 51,000 members.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research):

  • Founded: 1942
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Director General: Dr. N Kalaiselvi

Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB):

  • Founded: 1994
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • President: Ghanshyam Ojha
  • Presence: Over 575 districts across 27 states in India

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Parties Involved Significance
MoU signing for CSIR technology transfer to MSMEs CSIR Headquarters, Delhi August 21, 2024 CSIR and Laghu Udyog Bharati Facilitates transfer of 100 CSIR technologies to MSMEs in 100 days

19. Which Union Minister held the 2nd SAC meeting with telecom sector OEMs to discuss the future of India’s telecommunication ecosystem?
A) Piyush Goyal
B) Ashwini Vaishnaw
C) Rajeev Chandrasekhar
D) Jyotiraditya Scindia
E) Ravi Shankar Prasad
Answer: D) Jyotiraditya Scindia

Event and Location:

  • Event: 2nd Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting with telecom sector OEMs
  • Location: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The meeting, led by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, focused on engaging industry leaders in expanding and shaping the future of India’s telecom ecosystem. It aimed to spur indigenous telecom manufacturing, enhance ease of doing business, and review previous issues to foster a more industry-friendly process.
  • SAC’s Role: The Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC) is critical in facilitating two-way dialogue between the government and industry leaders, ensuring that policies are inclusive, collaborative, and aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
  • Job Creation: The initiative is expected to provide more job opportunities at entry levels and build skilled manpower resources within the telecom sector.

Important Terms Explained:

  • SAC (Stakeholders Advisory Committee): A committee formed to provide insights and feedback to the government on various sectors, ensuring collaborative policy-making.
  • OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Companies that produce parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Jyotiraditya Scindia:

  • Position: Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region
  • Constituency: Madhya Pradesh
  • Previous Roles: Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Member of Parliament

Department of Telecommunications (DoT):

  • Founded: 1985
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Role: Responsible for the regulation, licensing, and overall development of the telecommunications sector in India

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Leader Significance
2nd SAC meeting with telecom OEMs New Delhi, India August 21, 2024 Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Discusses the future of India’s telecom ecosystem and resolves industry issues

20. Which two government departments signed an MoU to accelerate the verification of PMEGP units?
A) KVIC and Ministry of MSME
B) Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Finance
C) KVIC and Department of Posts
D) Department of Posts and NITI Aayog
E) Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Labour
Answer: C) KVIC and Department of Posts

Event and Location:

  • Event: Signing of an MoU between KVIC and the Department of Posts
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Purpose: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) partnered with the Department of Posts to accelerate the verification process of PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme) units.
  • Role of Department of Posts: Postal department employees will be responsible for physically verifying new PMEGP units, ensuring prompt settlement of the margin money subsidy for these units.
  • KVIC’s Role: KVIC will provide necessary training to the postal employees to carry out the verification tasks effectively.

Important Terms Explained:

  • KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission): A statutory body under the Ministry of MSME, responsible for promoting and developing khadi and village industries in rural areas.
  • PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme): A credit-linked subsidy program aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through the establishment of micro-enterprises in rural and urban areas.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC):

  • Founded: 1957
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Chairman: Manoj Kumar
  • Role: Promotes khadi and village industries for rural development

Department of Posts:

  • Founded: 1854
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Ministry: Ministry of Communications
  • Role: Handles postal services and is involved in various government schemes, including verification of PMEGP units

Tabulation Summary:

Event Location Date Parties Involved Significance
MoU signing for PMEGP unit verification India August 21, 2024 KVIC and Department of Posts Accelerates verification and settlement of subsidies for PMEGP units


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Over All Review

Important Days

  • UN established International Day to honour and support terrorism victims annually on 21 August.

Sports 

  • Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka win their first Cincinnati Open titles in 2024.

Ranking 

  • Amul ranked as the world’s strongest food and dairy brand by Brand Finance, UK, in 2024.

Banking and Finance 

  • Airtel Payments Bank launches AI-powered Face Match for enhanced account security.
  • Bajaj Allianz General Insurance partners with HSBC India in a bancassurance tie-up to enhance financial inclusion and insurance penetration.
  • NCLT Mumbai approves ICICI Securities delisting scheme, dismissing minority investors’ objections.

Acquisitions and Mergers

  • Zomato to acquire Paytm’s entertainment ticketing business for ₹2,048.4 crore, enhancing its “going out” segment.

Appointments

  • Satya Prakash Sangwan appointed Chef de Mission for India’s largest-ever contingent at Paris Paralympics 2024.
  • M Suresh appointed as interim Chairman of Airports Authority of India for three months.
  • Jay Shah to replace Greg Barclay as ICC Chairman, becoming the youngest in the role at age 35.
  • Cognizant appoints Rajesh Varrier as Global Head of Operations and CMD, India, effective September and October 2024, respectively.

Awards 

  • RGIA Hyderabad wins Best Airport at India Travel Awards for the third consecutive year.

Defence

  • Indian Navy and BEML Ltd. sign MoU to boost indigenisation of marine engineering equipment under Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  • NCC flags-off 88th Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Abi Gamin as preparation for 2025 Everest mission.

International Affairs

  • Two-day India-EU regional conference on combating terrorist content online held in New Delhi.

National Affairs

  • O.P. Jindal Global University to launch India’s first Constitution Museum on November 26, 2024.
  • CSIR and Laghu Udyog Bharati sign MoU to transfer 100 technologies to MSMEs within 100 days.
  • Manohar Lal Khattar launched three platforms to enhance power sector efficiency in India.
  • Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia held the 2nd SAC meeting with telecom sector OEMs to shape the future of India’s telecom ecosystem.
  • KVIC partners with Department of Posts to expedite verification and settlement of PMEGP unit subsidies.

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