Daily Current Affairs August 22

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 22. 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 22 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs August 22

1. Which international observance is held on August 22nd to honor victims of violence based on religion or belief?
A) International Day of Human Rights
B) International Day of Peace
C) International Day of Tolerance
D) International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
E) World Refugee Day
Answer: D) International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

Event and Location:

  • Event: International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
  • Location: Global observance

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • To honor and remember individuals who have suffered or lost their lives due to violence based on religion or belief.
    • To raise awareness about the increasing acts of intolerance and violence against individuals, particularly those belonging to religious minorities.
  • Objective:
    • To promote the protection of human rights related to freedom of religion or belief, as outlined in Articles 18, 19, and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
    • To encourage constructive and respectful debates, interreligious and intercultural dialogues to combat religious hatred, incitement, and violence.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Resolution A/RES/73/296:
    • United Nations General Assembly resolution that established August 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
    • Condemns violence and terrorism targeting individuals based on religion or belief, especially those belonging to religious minorities.
  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
    • A key international document outlining basic rights and freedoms, including those related to religion and belief (Articles 18, 19, and 20).

Static GK Information:

Titbits

United Nations General Assembly:

  • Founded Year: 1945
  • President (2024): Dennis Francis
  • Headquarters: New York, USA

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Significance
International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief Global observance 22 August Honors victims of violence based on religion or belief, raises awareness about increasing religious intolerance globally

Sports – Daily Current Affairs August 22

2. Which German footballer announced his retirement from international football after Euro 2024?
A) Thomas Müller
B) Ilkay Gundogan
C) Manuel Neuer
D) Toni Kroos
E) Joshua Kimmich
Answer: B) Ilkay Gundogan

Event and Location:

  • Event: Retirement of Ilkay Gundogan from international football
  • Location: Germany

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from the German national football team after leading Germany at Euro 2024.
    • Gundogan, who has had a significant international career, retires with 82 caps for his country.
  • Objectives:
    • Gundogan reflects on his career with pride, highlighting the honor of captaining Germany at Euro 2024, his final tournament.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Euro 2024:
    • The UEFA European Championship, held in 2024, where Germany reached the quarter-finals.
  • Ilkay Gundogan:
    • A professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Germany, he made his international debut in 2011 and earned 82 caps over his career.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Germany:

  • Capital: Berlin
  • Currency: Euro
  • President: Frank-Walter Steinmeier
  • Chancellor: Olaf Scholz

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Player Significance
Ilkay Gundogan’s retirement from international football Germany August 2024 Ilkay Gundogan Gundogan retires after Euro 2024, ending his career with 82 international caps for Germany.

Obituary – Daily Current Affairs August 22

3. Who was the former CSIR director-general who passed away on August 19, 2024?
A) Raghunath Mashelkar
B) M. O. Garg
C) Shekhar Mande
D) Girish Sahni
E) S. K. Brahmachari
Answer: D) Girish Sahni

Event and Location:

  • Event: Passing of Girish Sahni, former director-general of CSIR
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • Girish Sahni, former director-general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), passed away on August 19, 2024, at the age of 68.
    • Sahni was known for his significant contributions to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, particularly in developing clot-buster drugs.
  • Objectives:
    • Sahni’s tenure at CSIR was marked by financial challenges and efforts to align the organization’s work with national interests, emphasizing self-reliance and revenue generation.

Important Terms Explained:

  • CSIR:
    • Abbreviation: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    • A premier national R&D organization in India focused on various scientific and industrial research areas.
  • Clot-buster drugs:
    • Medications used to dissolve blood clots and improve blood flow, often used in the treatment of heart attacks and strokes.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):

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

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Person Significance
Passing of Girish Sahni, former CSIR chief India 19 August 2024 Girish Sahni Former CSIR director-general, known for biotechnology contributions, passed away at age 68.

Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs August 22

4. Which fintech company recently launched a feature to link credit lines to UPI for seamless merchant payments?
A) Paytm
B) Google Pay
C) PhonePe
D) Amazon Pay
E) BharatPe
Answer: C) PhonePe

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of Credit Line on UPI by PhonePe
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • PhonePe, a fintech firm backed by Walmart, has launched a new feature that allows consumers to link credit lines from their banks to UPI on the PhonePe platform for seamless merchant payments.
  • Objectives:
    • To enable consumers to make purchases across millions of merchants with the flexibility of short-term credit.
    • To reduce cart abandonment and boost sales by offering merchants an additional payment option at checkout.
    • To capitalize on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) initiative that expanded the scope of UPI to include pre-approved credit lines.

Important Terms Explained:

  • UPI (Unified Payments Interface):
    • A real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) that allows instant money transfers between bank accounts via mobile devices.
  • Credit Line:
    • A pre-approved amount of credit that a customer can draw upon as needed, with the option to repay and borrow again.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

PhonePe:

  • Founded: 2015
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • CEO: Sameer Nigam

Reserve Bank of India (RBI):

  • Founded: 1935
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Governor: Shaktikanta Das

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Company Significance
PhonePe launches Credit Line on UPI India 22 August 2024 PhonePe Allows consumers to link credit lines from banks to UPI for seamless merchant payments, enhancing payment flexibility.

Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs August 22

5. What is the projected capital expenditure by private companies in FY25 according to the RBI study?
A) Rs 1.59 trillion
B) Rs 2.45 trillion
C) Rs 3.90 trillion
D) Rs 2.00 trillion
E) Rs 1.75 trillion
Answer: B) Rs 2.45 trillion

Event and Location:

  • Event: RBI study on projected capital expenditure by private companies
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) study projected that private capital expenditure (capex) could rise to Rs 2.45 trillion in FY25, up from Rs 1.59 trillion in FY24.
    • The infrastructure sector continues to attract the major share of capital investment, particularly in the roads & bridges and power sectors.
  • Objectives:
    • To reflect the government’s ongoing push towards infrastructure development and to highlight the expected increase in private investments in the coming years.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Capital Expenditure (Capex):
    • Long-term investment by companies to acquire, maintain, or upgrade physical assets such as property, industrial buildings, or equipment.
  • RBI:
    • The central bank of India, responsible for regulating the issue of banknotes, maintaining reserves to secure monetary stability, and operating the currency and credit system.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Reserve Bank of India (RBI):

  • Founded Year: 1935
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Governor: Shaktikanta Das

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Projected Capex Significance
RBI study on projected private capex India August 2024 Rs 2.45 trillion in FY25 Significant rise in private investment, driven by infrastructure sectors like roads & bridges and power.

6. What is the projected GDP growth rate for India in Q1 of fiscal year 2024-25 according to ICRA?
A) 7.2%
B) 6.8%
C) 6.0%
D) 5.5%
E) 8.2%
Answer: C) 6.0%

Event and Location:

  • Event: ICRA’s projection of India’s GDP growth
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • ICRA has projected India’s GDP growth rate to moderate to 6.0% in the first quarter (Q1) of fiscal year 2024-25.
  • Objectives:
    • The moderation in growth is attributed to the contraction in government capital expenditure and a decline in urban consumer demand.

Important Terms Explained:

  • ICRA:
    • An independent and professional investment information and credit rating agency in India.
  • GDP Growth Rate:
    • The percentage increase in the gross domestic product (GDP) of a country over a specific period, indicating the health of the economy.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

ICRA:

  • Founded: 1991
  • Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana, India
  • CEO: Ramnath Krishnan

India’s GDP Growth Rate (2023-24):

  • Previous Growth Rate: 8.2%

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date GDP Growth Rate (Q1 FY25) Significance
ICRA’s GDP projection for Q1 FY25 India August 2024 6.0% GDP growth rate projected to moderate due to contraction in government capital expenditure and dip in urban demand.

Appointments – Daily Current Affairs August 22

7. Who has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)?
A) Rajesh Kumar Singh
B) Amardeep Singh Bhatia
C) Debasish Panda
D) Rajiv Kumar
E) Samir V Kamat
Answer: B) Amardeep Singh Bhatia

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Amardeep Singh Bhatia as Secretary of DPIIT
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • Amardeep Singh Bhatia has taken over as the new Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), replacing Rajesh Kumar Singh.
    • Bhatia will oversee key areas such as foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, startups, ease of doing business, and the growing e-commerce sector.
  • Objectives:
    • The department under Bhatia’s leadership will focus on boosting FDI inflows and further easing procedures to attract overseas investments.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT):
    • A department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for formulating and implementing promotional and developmental measures for growth of the industrial sector in India.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
    • Investments made by a firm or individual in one country into business interests located in another country.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

DPIIT:

  • Abbreviation: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
  • Founded: 1995 (originally as Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion)
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Appointee Significance
Appointment of Amardeep Singh Bhatia as DPIIT Secretary India August 2024 Amardeep Singh Bhatia Overseeing FDI policy, startups, ease of doing business, and e-commerce sector under DPIIT during FDI decline.

8. Who has been appointed as the president-designate of Nasscom, succeeding Debjani Ghosh?
A) Rajesh Nambiar
B) Keshav R. Murugesh
C) Harish Mehta
D) Som Mittal
E) Krishnakumar Natarajan
Answer: A) Rajesh Nambiar

Event and Location:

  • Event: Appointment of Rajesh Nambiar as president-designate of Nasscom
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • Rajesh Nambiar has been appointed as the president-designate of Nasscom (National Association of Software and Service Companies), succeeding Debjani Ghosh who will complete her tenure in November 2024.
    • Nambiar resigned from his position as Chairman and Managing Director of Cognizant India to take on this new role.
  • Objectives:
    • Nambiar aims to lead the Indian tech sector through the transition to AI-first companies, enhancing India’s competitive advantage in global markets.
    • His focus will include driving growth, increasing investments in IP creation, and strengthening R&D.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Nasscom:
    • Abbreviation: National Association of Software and Service Companies
    • A non-profit organization that serves as the apex body for the Indian IT and business process management (BPM) industry.
  • Cognizant India:
    • The Indian arm of Cognizant, a leading IT services and consulting company.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Nasscom:

  • Founded: 1988
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Current President: Debjani Ghosh (until November 2024)
  • President-designate: Rajesh Nambiar

Cognizant:

  • Headquarters: Teaneck, New Jersey, USA
  • CEO: Ravi Kumar S.

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Appointee Significance
Appointment of Rajesh Nambiar as president-designate of Nasscom India August 2024 Rajesh Nambiar Nambiar to lead Nasscom, focusing on AI transition and strengthening India’s tech leadership globally.

9. Whose six-year term as the first female independent director of the ICC recently ended?
A) Sheryl Sandberg
B) Mary Barra
C) Indra Nooyi
D) Ginni Rometty
E) Meg Lanning
Answer: C) Indra Nooyi

Event and Location:

  • Event: End of Indra Nooyi’s six-year term as the first female independent director of the ICC
  • Location: International Cricket Council (ICC)

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • Indra Nooyi, the former head of PepsiCo, served as the first independent woman director of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2018 to 2024.
    • Nooyi completed her full six-year term last month.
  • Objectives:
    • The ICC is now in the process of selecting a new female independent director to continue promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the sport of cricket.
    • The board is seeking a high-profile candidate with significant contributions in either the corporate world or sports.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Independent Director:
    • A director on a company’s board who does not have a material or pecuniary relationship with the company or its related entities.
  • ICC:
    • Abbreviation: International Cricket Council
    • The global governing body for cricket.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

International Cricket Council (ICC):

  • Founded: 1909
  • Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
  • Chairman: Greg Barclay (until his term ends)

Indra Nooyi:

  • Previous Role: CEO of PepsiCo (2006-2018)
  • Notable Achievement: First female independent director of the ICC

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Director Significance
End of Indra Nooyi’s term as ICC’s first female independent director ICC August 2024 Indra Nooyi Nooyi completed her six-year term; ICC now seeks a new female independent director.

Awards – Daily Current Affairs August 22

10. Who presented the Handicrafts Exports Awards during the 24th Handicrafts Exports Awards ceremony in New Delhi?
A) Rajnath Singh
B) Piyush Goyal
C) Giriraj Singh
D) Smriti Irani
E) Nirmala Sitharaman
Answer: C) Giriraj Singh

Event and Location:

  • Event: 24th Handicrafts Exports Awards Ceremony
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, presented the Handicrafts Exports Awards to honor top exporters in the handicrafts sector.
    • The event was organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
  • Objectives:
    • To recognize the outstanding contributions of exporters to the handicrafts industry.
    • To encourage growth in the handicrafts sector, which plays a significant role in the Indian economy.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH):
    • A non-profit organization responsible for promoting, supporting, and enhancing exports of handicrafts from India.
  • Handicrafts Sector:
    • A significant segment of the Indian economy known for its high growth rate of 9-10%, contributing to both employment and export earnings.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH):

  • Founded Year: 1986
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Chairman: Rakesh Kumar

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Chief Guest Significance
24th Handicrafts Exports Awards Ceremony New Delhi August 2024 Giriraj Singh Recognized top exporters in the handicrafts industry and highlighted the sector’s role in the Indian economy.

11. Who was awarded the Vigyan Ratna Award at the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 ceremony?
A) Dr. Avesh Kumar Tyagi
B) Prof. Umesh Varshney
C) Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan
D) Prof. Bhim Singh
E) Prof. Adimurthi Adi
Answer: C) Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan

Event and Location:

  • Event: Presentation of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024
  • Location: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • The Vigyan Ratna Award was presented to Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan for his lifetime contributions in the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.
  • Objectives:
    • To recognize and honor distinguished scientists who have made significant contributions to science and technology in India.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Vigyan Ratna Award:
    • This award is the highest honor given under the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar for lifetime contributions in any field of science and technology.
  • Molecular Biology and Biotechnology:
    • Fields of science focused on the molecular mechanisms of biological processes and the application of biological systems and organisms to develop products and technologies.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Rashtrapati Bhavan:

  • Location: New Delhi, India
  • Current President: Smt. Droupadi Murmu
  • Year Established: 1950 (as the official residence of the President of India)

Indian Institute of Science (IISc):

  • Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Founded: 1909
  • Director: Govindan Rangarajan (as of 2024)

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Awardee Significance
Presentation of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi 22 August 2024 Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan Awarded the Vigyan Ratna for lifetime contributions in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs August 22

12. Which institute partnered with Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) to scale up indigenous Zn-ion battery technologies?
A) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
B) Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru
C) Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR)
D) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
E) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Answer: C) Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR)

Event and Location:

  • Event: Partnership between JNCASR and Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) to scale up Zn-ion battery technologies
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) to develop and commercialize zinc-ion (Zn-ion) battery technologies.
  • Objectives:
    • To create low-cost and high-performance zinc-ion batteries as a sustainable alternative to expensive lithium-ion batteries.
    • To address the challenges of material stability in Zn-ion batteries, particularly the instability of zinc with water-based solutions, by modifying the electrode, electrolyte, and interfaces.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Zn-ion Batteries:
    • A type of rechargeable battery that uses zinc ions for energy storage, known for being cost-effective and safe compared to lithium-ion batteries.
  • Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL):
    • A leading Indian company in the zinc sector, focusing on mining and smelting.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR):

  • Founded: 1989
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Director: Prof. Gautam R. Desiraju

Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL):

  • Headquarters: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
  • CEO: Arun Misra
  • Founded: 1966

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Participants Significance
JNCASR partners with Hindustan Zinc to scale up Zn-ion battery technologies India 21 August 2024 JNCASR and Hindustan Zinc Partnership aims to develop and commercialize cost-effective zinc-ion batteries, contributing to the global energy transition.

Defence – Daily Current Affairs August 22

13. Which organization did BEML sign an MoU with to advance indigenous marine technology?
A) DRDO
B) Indian Navy
C) ISRO
D) HAL
E) Bharat Dynamics Limited
Answer: B) Indian Navy

Event and Location:

  • Event: BEML signs MoU with Indian Navy to boost indigenous marine technology
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Navy to collaborate on the design, development, and manufacturing of critical marine equipment.
    • The partnership is aimed at strengthening India’s maritime defence capabilities and enhancing self-reliance in defence production.
  • Objectives:
    • To reduce dependence on foreign imports by boosting local production of advanced marine systems.
    • To align with national initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Naval Indigenization Plan 2015-2030, Swavalamban 2.0, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Important Terms Explained:

  • BEML:
    • A public sector unit specializing in heavy engineering, structural fabrication, hydraulics, and research & development, particularly for defence purposes.
  • Indian Navy:
    • The naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces, focused on maritime security and defence.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

BEML:

  • Full Form: Bharat Earth Movers Limited
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
  • Chairman & MD: Shantanu Roy
  • Founded: May 1964

Indian Navy:

  • Founded: 1612
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral R. Hari Kumar

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Organizations Significance
BEML signs MoU with Indian Navy India 21 August 2024 BEML, Indian Navy Collaboration to advance indigenous marine technology, boosting self-reliance in defence production.

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs August 22

14. Which two countries recently elevated their bilateral relations to the level of a “Strategic Partnership”?
A) India and Germany
B) India and France
C) India and Poland
D) India and Japan
E) India and Russia
Answer: C) India and Poland

Event and Location:

  • Event: Elevation of India-Poland bilateral relations to a “Strategic Partnership”
  • Location: Poland

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • India and Poland have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to the level of a “Strategic Partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Poland on August 21-22, 2024.
    • The partnership is aimed at deepening cooperation in various sectors, including technology, agriculture, connectivity, mining, energy, and environment.
  • Objectives:
    • To enhance economic relations, stimulate trade and investment, and explore new areas of cooperation.
    • To strengthen collaboration in defense, security, and counter-terrorism efforts.
    • To expand people-to-people ties through cooperation in culture, education, science, research, and health.
    • To work together on global issues such as climate change, food and energy security, and maintaining a rules-based international order.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Strategic Partnership:
    • A formal alliance between two countries aimed at addressing shared interests and challenges, often involving cooperation in defense, economics, and diplomacy.
  • Indo-Pacific:
    • A geopolitical region that spans the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including key maritime trade routes.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

India:

  • Capital: New Delhi
  • Currency: Indian Rupee
  • Prime Minister: Narendra Modi

Poland:

  • Capital: Warsaw
  • Currency: Polish Złoty
  • Prime Minister: Donald Tusk

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Participants Significance
Establishment of Strategic Partnership between India and Poland Poland 21-22 August 2024 India and Poland Elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, enhancing cooperation in various sectors and global issues.

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs August 22

15. Which organization signed an MoU with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to upskill youth across India?
A) Amazon India
B) TCS
C) Flipkart
D) Infosys
E) Wipro
Answer: C) Flipkart

Event and Location:

  • Event: MoU between Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Flipkart’s Supply Chain Operations Academy (SCOA)
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • Flipkart’s Supply Chain Operations Academy (SCOA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to upskill thousands of employable youth across India under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0.
  • Objectives:
    • To enhance the employability of youth in the e-commerce and supply chain sectors by providing specialized training and certification programs.
    • To support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by integrating traditional crafts into the digital space, thereby promoting India’s cultural heritage and boosting the MSME sector.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0:
    • A flagship program under MSDE aimed at skill development and improving the employability of Indian youth.
  • Flipkart’s Supply Chain Operations Academy (SCOA):
    • An initiative by Flipkart to provide training in logistics, warehousing, and allied sectors, contributing to the broader e-commerce ecosystem in India.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE):

  • Founded: 2014
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • Minister of State (Independent Charge): Shri Jayant Chaudhary

Flipkart:

  • Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Founded: 2007
  • CEO: Kalyan Krishnamurthy

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Participants Significance
MoU signed between MSDE and Flipkart’s SCOA India 22 August 2024 MSDE and Flipkart’s SCOA To upskill thousands of youth across India, enhancing employability in e-commerce and supply chain sectors.

16. Which Union Minister unveiled major sustainable initiatives at Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JN Port) in Mumbai, including the inauguration of three freshwater lakes?
A) Nitin Gadkari
B) Piyush Goyal
C) Hardeep Singh Puri
D) Sarbananda Sonowal
E) Rajnath Singh
Answer: D) Sarbananda Sonowal

Event and Location:

  • Event: Unveiling of major sustainable initiatives at Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JN Port)
  • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, inaugurated several key sustainability projects, including the rejuvenation of three freshwater lakes at Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JN Port).
    • The lakes were named after revered saints of Maharashtra: Saint Dyaneshwar Maharaj, Saint Eknath Maharaj, and Saint Namdeo Maharaj.
  • Objectives:
    • The initiatives aim to enhance the ecological balance in the region by utilizing these lakes for rainwater harvesting and habitat restoration.
    • The MoUs signed between JNPA, Vadhavan Port, REC, and Gateway Terminal India (GTI) are intended to bolster infrastructure development and sustainability efforts at the port.

Important Terms Explained:

  • JNPA:
    • Abbreviation: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority
    • The governing body responsible for managing the operations of Jawaharlal Nehru Port, India’s largest container port.
  • Sustainability Projects:
    • Initiatives aimed at promoting ecological balance, resource conservation, and long-term environmental health in infrastructure development.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA):

  • Founded: 1989
  • Headquarters: Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Chairman: Unmesh Sharad Wagh

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways:

  • Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal
  • Founded: 1949
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Union Minister Significance
Unveiling of sustainable initiatives at JN Port Mumbai, Maharashtra 22 August 2024 Sarbananda Sonowal Inauguration of sustainability projects, including the rejuvenation of three freshwater lakes at JN Port.

17. Which Union Minister launched the guidelines for seaplane operations in India and the 5.4 version of UDAN?
A) Jyotiraditya Scindia
B) Nitin Gadkari
C) Hardeep Singh Puri
D) Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu
E) Piyush Goyal
Answer: D) Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of guidelines for seaplane operations and the 5.4 version of UDAN
  • Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, launched the guidelines for seaplane operations in India as well as the 5.4 version of the UDAN scheme.
    • The guidelines aim to integrate seaplane operations into India’s aviation sector, enhancing regional connectivity, boosting tourism, and fostering economic growth.
  • Objectives:
    • To promote seaplane operations under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) using a Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) framework, similar to the operations of helicopters and small aircraft.
    • To address initial challenges in developing water aerodromes and ensure the safety and security of seaplane operations.
    • To encourage research into technologies like electric seaplanes to align with India’s climate commitments and reduce carbon emissions.

Important Terms Explained:

  • UDAN:
    • Abbreviation: Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik
    • A regional connectivity scheme aimed at making air travel affordable and widespread by providing connectivity to underserved and unserved airports.
  • Seaplane Operations:
    • The use of seaplanes, which are aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water, for transportation and tourism.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Ministry of Civil Aviation:

  • Minister: Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu
  • Founded: 1947
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Union Minister Significance
Launch of Seaplane Operations Guidelines and UDAN 5.4 New Delhi 22 August 2024 Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu Integration of seaplane operations in India’s aviation landscape to enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and foster economic growth.

18. What is the name of the new scheme launched by the Spices Board of India to enhance spice exports and improve cardamom productivity?
A) SPICE INDIA
B) SPICEUP
C) SPICED
D) SPICEBOOST
E) SPICERISE
Answer: C) SPICED

Event and Location:

  • Event: Launch of the new scheme by the Spices Board of India
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • The Spices Board of India has launched a new scheme named SPICED aimed at enhancing the export of spices and value-added spice products.
    • The scheme also focuses on improving the productivity of cardamom and upgrading the post-harvest quality of spices for exports.
  • Objectives:
    • To significantly boost the export volume and value of Indian spices.
    • To increase the productivity of cardamom, a key spice crop in India.
    • To upgrade post-harvest processes to improve the quality of spices intended for export.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Spices Board of India:
    • A government body responsible for the development and worldwide promotion of Indian spices.
  • Cardamom Productivity:
    • Refers to the yield and quality improvement of cardamom, which is one of the major spices produced and exported by India.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

Spices Board of India:

  • Founded: 1987
  • Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala, India
  • Chairman: D. Sathiyan (as of 2024)

15th Finance Commission:

  • Period: 2020-2025
  • Provides recommendations on the distribution of taxes between the central and state governments in India.

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Scheme Name Significance
Launch of a scheme by Spices Board of India India 22 August 2024 SPICED Aimed at boosting spice exports, improving cardamom productivity, and upgrading post-harvest quality for exports.

19. Which organization has partnered with the Indian government to optimize the Community Investment Support Fund (CIF) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)?
A) NABARD
B) MicroSave
C) SEBI
D) SIDBI
E) World Bank
Answer: B) MicroSave

Event and Location:

  • Event: Partnership to optimize the Community Investment Support Fund (CIF)
  • Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

  • Mandate:
    • The Indian government, through the Ministry of Rural Development, has partnered with MicroSave Consulting to optimize the utilization of the Community Investment Support Fund (CIF) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
    • An MoU was signed on July 29 between Manoj Kumar Sharma, Managing Director of MicroSave Consulting, and Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development.
  • Objectives:
    • To conduct a detailed analysis and provide strategic interventions to improve CIF disbursement and utilization by Cluster Level Federations (CLFs).
    • To transform selected CLFs into microcredit institutions capable of delivering effective financial services to members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
    • To identify challenges faced by SHG members in accessing timely credit and suggest measures for improving products and processes at the CLF level.

Important Terms Explained:

  • Community Investment Support Fund (CIF):
    • A fund disbursed under the DAY-NRLM to provide financial support to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations to promote livelihood activities.
  • Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM):
    • A poverty alleviation project implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development to promote self-employment and organization of rural poor.

Static GK Information:

Titbits

MicroSave Consulting:

  • Founded: 1998
  • Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Managing Director: Manoj Kumar Sharma

Ministry of Rural Development:

  • Minister: Giriraj Singh
  • Founded: 1966
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Tabular Summary:

Event Location Date Partners Significance
Partnership to optimize CIF under DAY-NRLM India 29 July 2024 MicroSave Consulting, Ministry of Rural Development Enhance CIF disbursement and utilization by CLFs, strengthen SHGs, and improve financial services under DAY-NRLM.


Over All Review

Important Days

  • August 22 is observed to honor victims of violence based on religion or belief.

Sports 

  • Ilkay Gundogan retires from international football after captaining Germany at Euro 2024.

Obituary

  • Former CSIR chief Girish Sahni, noted for his contributions to biotechnology, passed away at 68.

Banking and Finance 

  • PhonePe launches Credit Line on UPI, enabling seamless merchant payments with linked credit lines.

Business And Economy

  • RBI study projects private capex to rise to Rs 2.45 trillion in FY25, driven by infrastructure.
  • ICRA projects India’s GDP growth to moderate to 6.0% in Q1 FY25 due to reduced government spending and urban demand.

Appointments

  • Amardeep Singh Bhatia takes charge as DPIIT Secretary, succeeding Rajesh Kumar Singh.
  • Rajesh Nambiar appointed Nasscom president-designate, succeeds Debjani Ghosh, effective November 2024.
  • Indra Nooyi’s six-year term as ICC’s first female independent director ends; ICC seeks a new candidate.

Awards 

  • Giriraj Singh presented the 24th Handicrafts Exports Awards, emphasizing the sector’s economic importance.
  • Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan awarded Vigyan Ratna for lifetime contributions to Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

Science and Technology

  • JNCASR partners with Hindustan Zinc to advance and commercialize zinc-ion battery technologies in India.

Defence

  • BEML signs MoU with Indian Navy to advance indigenous marine technology and bolster maritime defence.

International Affairs

  • India and Poland elevate bilateral relations to a “Strategic Partnership” during PM Modi’s visit to Poland.

National Affairs

  • Flipkart’s SCOA signed an MoU with MSDE to upskill youth under PMKVY 4.0, boosting employability.
  • Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated sustainable projects at JN Port, including three freshwater lakes.
  • Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu launched guidelines for seaplane operations and UDAN 5.4 to enhance regional connectivity.
  • Spices Board of India launches the SPICED scheme to boost spice exports and improve cardamom productivity.
  • MicroSave partners with the Indian government to optimize CIF disbursement and utilization under DAY-NRLM.

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