Current Affairs: August 2023 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

International News

African swine fever: Highly contagious virus hit 49 countries since 2021  

• Since its resurgence in January 2021, the highly contagious African Swine Fever (ASF) virus has rampantly spread across the globe, infiltrating 49 countries by August 2023. 
• The virus, infamous for its nearly 100% fatality rate among domestic and wild pigs, has wrought havoc on pig populations, with over 1.5 million animals lost within this timeframe. 
• The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), a prominent intergovernmental organization dedicated to combatting animal diseases, released a report detailing this alarming spread on August 21, 2023.  Since January 2021, the highly contagious African Swine Fever (ASF) virus has spread to 49 countries by August 2023.  
• This virus affects both domestic and wild pigs, causing nearly 100% mortality.  Over 1.5 million animals have been lost due to ASF, with devastating consequences for pig populations.

India accounts for 35% of cargo handled by Russia’s Arctic Murmansk port this year  

• India’s collaboration with Russia’s Arctic region is on the rise, evidenced by its substantial contribution to cargo handled at Murmansk port. 
• This strategic port, positioned about 2,000 km northwest of Moscow, serves as a key northern gateway for Russia, and in the first seven months of 2023, it handled a total of eight million tonnes of cargo. 
• Notably, India’s share accounted for 35% of this cargo, primarily consisting of coal destined for the eastern coast of India.  India emerges as a significant player in the cargo operations of Murmansk port, responsible for 35% of the handled cargo. 
• This impressive figure underscores India’s economic and trade connections with the Arctic region. 
• India’s engagement extends to the Northern Sea Route (NSR), a crucial shipping pathway connecting the Asia-Pacific region and western Eurasia. The NSR offers a shorter route than traditional alternatives, enhancing the efficiency and safety of maritime transport

Pakistan: Anwarul Haq Kakar Sworn In As Caretaker Prime Minister  

• Anwarul Haq Kakar, a prominent ethnic Pushtun leader with close ties to the influential military, has taken the oath as the country’s caretaker prime minister. 
• With this appointment, Kakar is entrusted with the responsibility of heading an impartial administration, supervising the forthcoming general elections, and addressing the economic hurdles confronting the country. 
• Kakar is distinguished as the youngest interim Prime Minister in the history of Pakistan.  
• In a modest ceremony held at the President House, President Arif Alvi administered the oath to Anwarul Haq Kakar. The event was attended by outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and several prominent leaders. 
• This moment marked Kakar’s elevation to the role of the 8th interim prime minister of Pakistan.  
• Kakar formally resigned from the Senate and the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), solidifying his commitment to the neutrality demanded by his current position. 
• The Senate chairman acknowledged Kakar’s resignation in accordance with the provisions outlined in clause (1) of Article 64 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

New Covid variant Eris spreading rapidly in UK  

• A new COVID variant Eris or EG.5.1 is rapidly spreading across the country United Kingdom. Startlingly, one out of every seven COVID-19 cases in the UK is now linked to this variant.  
• The spread of Eris is not limited only to UK but also across Europe, Asia and North America, marking its impact globally.  
• The Eris variant is believed to have originated from the Omicron lineage of the COVID-19.

Cambodian king appoints Hun Manet as new PM  

• Cambodia’s King, Norodom Sihamoni issued a royal decree appointing Hun Manet as Prime Minister, after Mr. Hun Sen had announced last month that he was stepping down and handing power to his eldest son.  
• Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest¬serving leaders made the announcement days after a landslide victory in July polls that were widely decried as a sham, after main challenger the Candlelight Party was barred from participating.  
• Cambodia Capital: Phnom Penh, 
• Cambodia Currency: Cambodian riel, 
• Cambodia Official language: Khmer. 

India imposes anti-dumping duty on optical fibre imports from China, Korea and Indonesia  

• Based on the recommendations of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the revenue department has imposed an anti-dumping duty on Dispersion Unshifted Single-Mode Optical Fiber (SMOF) imports from China, South Korea and Indonesia.  
• As reported by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the domestic optical fiber industry has experienced detrimental consequences due to the surge of inexpensive and substandard imports from these nations. 

India receives Spike NLOS missiles from Israel, firing trials shortly  

• In a boost to its capabilities to destroy enemy targets hidden behind mountains, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the Israeli Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) antitank guided missiles which can hit targets from distances up to 30 km.  
• The Israeli Spike NLOS anti-tank guided missiles have been delivered and its trials are going to be held soon.
• The NLOS missiles are now going to be integrated with the Russian -origin fleet of Mi-17V5 helicopters which would be able take out targets from long ranges and can prove to be very effective against enemy targets and assets hidden behind mountains or hills, the sources added.

National News

Finance Minister Launched HSBC India’s Green Hydrogen Partnerships  

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in partnership with the IIT Bombay, and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation launched HSBC India’s strategic partnerships to enable innovation in green hydrogen.  
• Green hydrogen has a pivotal role to play as we counter climate change and work towards enabling a low-carbon and self-reliant economy

India, Asian Development Bank to set up climate change and health hub in Delhi

• India is now all set to open a climate change and health hub in the na tional capital Delhi in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).  
• Earlier, India had bagged the first WHO Centre for Global Traditional Medicine. WHO Centre for Global Traditional Medicine was set up in Jamnagar, Gujarat. 
• The new hub for climate change and health will facilitate knowledge sharing, promote partnerships and innovations, and also help countries beyond the G-20, especially developing countries.

Kolkata becomes the third Indian city to adopt an Air Quality Early Warning System 

• Kolkata became the third Indian city to adopt the Air Quality Early Warning System to combat rising air pollution.  
• The system, developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, aims to address rising air pollution levels in urban areas.  
• AQEWS in Kolkata uses an advanced sensor network to provide real-time monitoring of the Air Quality Index ).  
• AQI is a standardized measure of the level of air pollution, with a value ranging from 0 to 500.

India hand over B20 presidency to Brazil to host G20 in 2024  

• India has handed over the B20 presidency to Brazil to host G20 in 2024. 
• According to B20 India Chair N Chandrasekaran India's B20 Presidency under the its G20 Presidency worked under the theme of Vasaudeva Katumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future).  
• Worked on 9 themes which included the empowerment of women and youth, the transition towards an Artificial Intelligence world, building a global resi lient supply chain, and financing for the global economic recovery.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launches Tele-Law- 2.0  

• Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launched Tele-Law- 2.0 which Integrates Tele-Law and Nyaya Bandhu App to ensure access to Justice in New Delhi.  
• Aim: To enable the common citizen to access legal advice, legal assistance, and legal representation through a single registration and single gateway of Tele - Law.  
• The Minister called upon legal professionals to contribute pro bono services to ensure that no citizen is deprived of essential legal assistance.

Assam Issues Notification Banning Plastic Water Bottles Below 1000 ml  

• In a decisive move towards environmental conservation, the Assam Environment and Forest Department has taken a significant step by announcing the ban on the use and production of plastic water bottles below 1000 ml capacity within the state. 
• This transformative initiative, set to be enforced from October 2 this year, reflects Assam’s commitment to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices.  
• Recognizing the environmental hazards posed by such smaller plastic bottles, the Assam government’s decision aligns with its commitment to safeguard the state’s natural beauty and biodiversity.  
• The Assam government made headlines by declaring its intent to prohibit the production and use of drinking water bottles made from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a volume of less than 1 litre. 
• This commendable decision has now materialized into official action, with the Assam Environment and Forest Department issuing a resolute notification on August 23. 
• The notification effectively puts an end to the manufacturing, import, stocking, distribution, and sale of plastic water bottles below the specified capacity.

Nagaland shawl to Gond painting: PM Modi's special gifts for BRICS leaders  

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a three-day visit to South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS summit, presented special gifts to the organization’s leaders including South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, 
• First Lady of South Africa Tshepo Motsepe, and Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. PM Modi gifts Bidri Surahi, Nagaland Shawl, and Gond Painting to BRICS leaders.  PM Modi gifted Bidri a pair of ‘Surahi’ from Telangana to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Bidrivase is a purely Indian innovation of 500 -year-old Persian, exclusive to Bidar. 
• Bidrivase is cast with an alloy of Zinc, Copper, and other nonferrous metals with pretty patterns engraved on the casting and inlaid with pure Silver wire. The casting is then soaked in a solution mixed with the special soil of Bidar Fort which has special oxidizing properties. 
• This causes the Zinc alloy to turn into a lustrous black leaving the silver inlay intact to contrast stunningly with the black background.  
• The Prime Minister also gifted a Nagaland shawl to the First Lady of South Africa Tshepo Motsepe. 
• Naga shawls are an exquisite form of textile art that has been woven for centuries by the tribes in the state of Nagaland. 
• These shawls are known for their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and the use of traditional weaving techniques which have been passed down from generation to generation. 

TN CM Stalin Lays Foundation Stone For South-East Asia’s Largest Desalination Plant  

• In a significant stride towards resolving the water crisis gripping Chennai city, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M K Stalin, has laid the foundation stone for what is set to become South East Asia’s largest water desalination project. 
• Spearheaded by VA Tech Wabag, a renowned pure-play water technology Indian Multinational Group based in Chennai, this project is poised to revolutionize the region’s water supply. 
• With an ambitious investment of Rs 4,400 crore, this initiative holds the potential to alleviate 
• Chennai’s water scarcity concerns and elevate the city’s status as a water-sustainable urban center. 
• The goal of the project is to establish a Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination facility with the capacity to generate an impressive 400 million liters per day (MLD) of clean, drinkable water. 
• The financial backing for this project is being extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), exemplifying a collaborative endeavor aimed at tackling a critical regional concern. 

Tulip Garden of Srinagar Entered Record Books With 1.5mn Flowers  

• Nestled amidst the picturesque foothills of the Zabarwan range, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden has etched its name in the annals of the World Book of Records as Asia’s largest and most spectacular park of its kind. 
• The garden, adorned with a enchanting variety of 1.5 million blooming flowers, stands as a living testament to the beauty and diversity of nature.  The World Book President and CEO, Santosh Shukla, bestowed the esteemed certification upon Fayaz Sheikh, the Secretary of Floriculture, Gardens, and Parks.  
• With an enchanting collection of 68 distinctive tulip varieties, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is a captivating tapestry of colors and shapes. Each tulip variety presents a unique personality, painting the landscape with hues that range from the most delicate pastels to the most vibrant and striking shades. The garden’s meticulously curated collection showcases the tireless efforts of horticulturists and botanists in cultivating a breathtaking array of nature’s wonders.

Built in 43 days: India’s first 3D-printed post office inaugurated in Bengaluru

• Bengaluru, often hailed as nation’s tech capital, has welcomed the India’s first 3D-printed post office. Located in Cambridge Layout near Ulsoor, this post office has set a new benchmark for efficiency, sustainability, and design. 
• Inaugurating the post office, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, commended Bengaluru’s innovative spirit. 
• The post office, encompassing an area of 1,021 square feet, was swiftly completed in just 43 days – a remarkable departure from the conventional construction period of around 10 months.  
• Employing quick-setting materials and a specially engineered robotic arm extruder, the technique known as contour crafting was utilized to construct the building’s intricate design. 
• This method allowed for precise layering, resulting in a unique and visually captivating structure. 

Science and Technology

India becomes 4th country to successfully land spacecraft on moon 

• India successfully landed its Chandrayaan-3 mission on the lunar surface on August 23, 2023, making it the fourth country to do so after the United States, Russia, and China. 
• The lander Vikram touched down on the south pole of the moon, a region that has never been explored before. 
• The rover Pragyan is expected to roll out of the lander and begin its exploration of the lunar surface in the coming days.  
• The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 is a major achievement for India’s space program and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the scientists and engineers who made it possible. 
• It also puts India in a select group of spacefaring nations and furthers its ambition to become a leading player in the global space race.  
• The Chandrayaan-3 mission is expected to collect valuable data about the lunar south pole, which is thought to be rich in water ice. 
• This information could be used to support future human exploration of the moon. The mission is also expected to help scientists to better understand the formation and evolution of the moon.

ISRO plans to launch Aditya L1 satellite in August  

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is launching its first solar mission, Aditya-L1, to study the Sun. 
• The mission will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1), which is about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. 
• From this vantage point, Aditya-L1 will be able to study the Sun’s atmosphere, magnetic fields, and space weather impacts.  
• Halo Orbit Placement: Aditya-L1 is designed to be positioned in a halo orbit around the L1 Lagrange point, ensuring a stable vantage point for continuous solar observations.  
• Launch and Deployment: The mission will be launched using the ISRO PSLV rocket from the Sathish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR) in Sriharikota. 
• The spacecraft will initially be placed in a low Earth orbit, which wil l then be transformed into an elliptical orbit before reaching L1 using on-board propulsion.  
• Cruise Phase and Halo Orbit: As the spacecraft journeys towards L1, it will exit Earth’s gravitational sphere of influence, marking the commencement of the cruise phase. Once at L1, it will enter a vast halo orbit around the Lagrange point.

Centre launches ULLAS mobile application to promote basic literacy

• The Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2023 witnessed its inauguration at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi gracing the event.  
• The occasion also saw the Union Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, introducing the logo, slogan - "Jan Jan Sakshar", and mobile application of the ULLAS: Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram. 
• The occasion coincided with the third anniversary of NEP 2020.  The ULLAS initiative aims to revolutionise education and literacy across the nation by fostering a comprehensive learning ecosystem that caters to every individual, bridging gaps in basic literacy and critical life skills. 
• Its focus extends to promoting functional literacy, vocational skills and essential life skills such as financial literacy, legal literacy, digital literacy and empowerment of citizens to participate in nation-building.

Indian Air Force Inducts Heron Mark 2 Drones That Can Cover Borders With

• The Indian Air Force has inducted its latest Heron Mark 2 drones, which have strike capability and can carry out surveillance along the borders with both China and Pakistan in a single sortie itself. 
• The four new Heron Mark-2 drones, which can be equipped with long-range missiles and other weapons systems, have been deployed at a forward air base in the northern sector.  
• The induction of the Heron Mark-2 is a major boost for the IAF’s surveillance capabilities. 
• The drone will be used for a variety of missions, including intelligence gathering, border patrol, and counter-insurgency operations. It will also be used to support the IAF’s combat aircraft, providing them with real-time imagery and targeting data

India's first long-range revolver 'Prabal' to be launched this week on August 18 

• In a significant stride towards indigenous manufacturing and innovation, the state-owned company Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is all set to unveil ‘Prabal‘, India’s first longrange revolver. 
• The launch date is marked for August 18, ushering in a new era of personal defense firearms.  
• Designed and manufactured by AWEIL, this lightweight 32 bore revolver boasts an exceptional range, capable of accurately hitting targets up to 50 meters away. 
• This remarkable range is more than double that of other revolvers currently in production, establishing Prabal as a frontrunner in the field of long -range handguns.  
• A remarkable feature that sets Prabal apart from its counterparts is the incorporation of a side swing cylinder. 
• This innovative design element eliminates the need to fold the firearm for cartridge insertion, simplifying the reloading process and enhancing user convenience.  
• With a mere weight of 700 grams (excluding cartridges), a barrel length of 76 mm, and an overall length of 177.6 mm, Prabal is ergonomically designed for ease of use. Its trigger pull is designed to be effortless, enabling a wide range of individuals, including women, to handle it confidently.

Obituary

Legendary statistical scientist CR Rao die at the age of 103 

• C Radhakrishna Rao, one of India’s greatest mathematicians and statisticians of India, passes away at the age of 103. 
• He had recently received the prestigious “International Prize in Statistics-2023”, often referred to as the “statistics’ equivalent of the Nobel Prize”.  C R Rao was born into a Telugu family in Ballari, which was part of the Madras Presidency and is now in Karnataka. In 1941, he completed his MSc in Mathematics from Andhra University and joined Indian Statistical Institute in Calcutta in 1943 as research scholar.  
• In 1945, when Rao was just 25, his paper titled ‘Information and accuracy attainable in the estimation of statistical parameters’ was published in the Bulletin of the Calcutta Mathematical Society, a lesser-known journal in the statistics community.  
• His influential work has stretched beyond statistics, impacting diverse fields such as economics, genetics, anthropology, geology, national planning, demography, biometry, and medicine. Rao’s active contributions persist even today, leading him to be celebrated as a “living legend” whose influence extends, as recognised by the American Statistical Association. 

Dr John Warnock, Adobe Co-Founder, dies At 82  Adobe co-founder

• Dr. John Warnock passed away at the age of 82, Adobe announces. 
• He founded the revolutionary software company Adobe with his partner, the now-late Dr. Charles Geschke, in 1982. 
• Marva Warnock designed the company’s original logo, and Adobe released its first program, the desktop publishing software Adobe PostScript, two years later. 
• Warnock served mostly as the company’s CEO until 2000 and was co-chairman of the board along with Geschke until 2017. Warnock remained on the company board of directors afterward.  
• Adobe is widely-associated with Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Photoshop, but the company has maintained an impressively broad portfolio of well-regarded staple applications in multiple industries. 
• During Warnock’s tenure as its CEO, Adobe created industry-standard software for business, graphic design, photography, video editing, audio recording, and more. 
• Warnock co-founded Adobe in 1982. He retired as CEO in 2000 and was chairman of the board, a position he shared with Geschke, until 2017. 

Eminent scientist Padma Shri MRS Rao passes away in Bengaluru at 75  

• Padma Shri awardee and former President of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Prof. M.R. Satyanarayana Rao passed away at his residence in Tata Nagar in Bengaluru on August 13 night. He was 75. Born in Mysuru, Prof Rao obtained his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from Bangalore University. He got his PhD from the Indian Institute of Science and did his Postdoctoral Research at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. 

Renowned Malayalam director, screenwriter Siddique Ismail passes away 

• Renowned Malayalam director and screenwriter Siddique Ismail has passed away at 63. He was known for making movies like Friends (2001), Engal Anna (2004), Sadhu Miranda (2008), Kaalavan (2011), and Bhaskar Oru Rascal (2018). 
• His final directorial venture was the 2020 action thriller film Big Brother, which starred Mohanlal, Arbaaz Khan, Anoop Menon, and Honey Rose.  
• Starting their directorial journey as the ‘Siddique-Lal’ duo, they marked their debut with the timeless comedy Ramji Rao Speaking (1989), which was funded by Fazil. 
• This kickstarted a series of remarkable successes in Malayalam cinema history, including iconic films like In Harihar Nagar (1990), Godfather (1991), Vietnam Colony (1992), Kabooliwala (1993), and Hitler (1996). 

Noted Marathi poet Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor, Passes away at 81  

• Noted Marathi poet and lyricist Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor, popularly known as Na Dho Mahanor, died at a hospital in Maharashtra’s Pune on Thursday morning, He was 81.  
• Mahanor was undergoing treatment at Ruby Hospital in Pune and was on life support systems for the last few days, his grandson Shashikant Manohar said.Mahanor was best known for his poems and lyrics for Marathi movies.  Born in 1942, Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor was awarded Padma Shri in 1991.
• He had also been a member of the state legislative council.  Mahanor penned several popular poems and songs, including ‘Jagala Prem Arpave’, ‘Ganga Wahu De Nirmal’ and ‘Divelaganichi Vel’, and also wrote songs for Marathi movies like ‘Ek Hota Vidushak’, ‘Jait Re Jait’, ‘Sarja’ and others.He is survived by two sons and three daughters. 

Senior Congress leader and former Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman passes away

• Former two-time Kerala Assembly Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman, 96, passed away. Mr. Purushothaman commenced his political life as a Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) activist in 1952. 
• He won a seat in the Vakkom panchayat council on the party ticket. When practising as lawyer at the Thiruvananthapuram Bar, former Chief Minister R.Shankar spotted Mr. Purushothaman’s flair for politics and persuaded him to quit the RSP and join the Congress.  
• He served as Minister for Agriculture and Labour in the Achutha Menon government (1971-77) and drMr. Purushothaman retained Attingal for Congress in the 1977, 1980 and 1982 State elections. 
• After the ‘A’ group split from the Congress, he joined as Health and Tourism Minister in the 1980 E.K. Nayanar government. 
• He aligned himself with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.  In 1984, he bagged the Alappuzha Lok Sabha constituency for the Congress by defeating CPI(M) leader Susheela Gopalan.  
• Purushothaman bid farewell to electoral politics and assumed charge as Lieutenant Governor in Andaman Nicobar. He later served as Mizoram and Meghalaya Governor.afted laws ensuring the welfare of farm and headload workers.

Appointments and Resignations

Ex-CJI Ramana appointed member of Singapore’s International Mediator Panel 

• Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana has been appointed as member of the International Mediator Panel of Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC). 
• Chairman of SIMC George Lim presented Justice Ramana the letter of appointment on Tuesday in Singapore. 
• The former CJI is in Singapore to take part in the “Singapore Convention Week”, the annual convention organised by Singapore’s Ministry of Law, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and over 20 partner organisations.  
• Justice Ramana met representatives of SIMC and four top Indian corporate majors Tata, Reliance, Mahindra and Aditya Birla groups, who came forward to sign ‘Declaration of Intent’ to support mediation at the initiative of Justice Ramana. 

Infosys signs tennis legend Rafael Nadal as brand ambassador 

• Infosys announces a three-year partnership with global tennis icon Rafael Nadal, appointing him as the brand ambassador and the face of Infosys’ Digital Innovation.
• This partnership not only marks a milestone for Nadal but also signifies Infosys’ dedication to transforming the tennis landscape through cutting-edge technologies.  At the heart of this collaboration lies the creation of a match analysis tool infused with the power of artificial intelligence. 
• This personalized tool is set to offer real-time insights to Nadal’s coaching team, enabling them to simultaneously track data from his live matches during his return to the tour. 
• The tool will merge this live data with historical match information, facilitating a comprehensive analysis that will undoubtedly enhance Nadal’s performance strategy.

Google's Kiran Mani joins Viacom18 as CEO of Digital Business 

• In a strategic move to bolster its digital business operations, Viacom18 has welcomed Kiran Mani, a seasoned executive from Google, as the new CEO. Mani’s impressive track record and extensive experience position him well to lead Viacom18’s digital endeavors. 
• Currently serving as the General Manager and MD for Android and Google Play in the Asia Pacific region, Mani’s 13-year tenure at Google underscores his deep understanding of digital markets.  
• Kiran Mani’s longstanding association with Google speaks volumes about his ability to navigate the dynamic landscape of digital platforms. 
• His role as the head of Android and Google Play in the Asia Pacific region has equipped him with valuable insights into user behaviors, content consumption patterns, and mar ket trends. 
• This expertise will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in his new role as CEO of Viacom18’s digital business.  
• One of the significant responsibilities that Mani will shoulder is spearheading the expansion of JioCinema. 
• This task aligns with Viacom18’s strategic vision to enhance its digital offerings and tap into the burgeoning digital content market. JioCinema, under Mani’s guidance, is poised to reach new heights, benefiting from his strategic acumen and digital industry insights.

Rahul Dravid becomes new Bharat Petroleum brand ambassador 

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) has announced cricketer Rahul Dravid as its new brand ambassador. He will endorse BPCL’s Pure for Sure initiative and range of MAK lubricants. 
• This exciting partnership highlights Bharat Petroleum’s strong dedication to quality, authenticity, and excellence. Rahul Dravid embodies exceptional sportsmanship, serves as a role model, and possesses qualities such as integrity, dependability, and trustworthiness that ali gn perfectly with our values at BPCL.
• Rahul Dravid will endorse BPCL’s well-known Pure for Sure initiative and their range of MAK lubricants.  
• As an icon who elevated Indian cricket to new heights, Rahul truly represents our values of trust, ethics, service, and consistency. His association with BPCL will further emphasize our commitment to delivering quality products consumers can rely on throughout the country. 

Government appoints two whole time members to Sebi board 

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Kamlesh Varshney and Amarjeet Singh as SEBI Whole -Time Members. While Varshney, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service, is a joint secretary at the revenue department in the Finance Ministry, Singh is an executive director at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).  
• Both Varshney and Singh have been appointed for three years from the date of assumption of charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier, according to an order issued by the Secretariat of the ACC. At SEBI, Varshney and Singh will fill in the vacancies created by the retirement of S K Mohanty and Ananta Barua.  
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulator of the securities market in India. 
• It was established in 1992 by the Government of India to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate, the securities market and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. 

Musk's Tesla appoints India-origin Vaibhav Taneja as CFO  

• Indian-origin Vaibhav Taneja has been named Tesla’s new Chief Financial Officer as the previous finance chief Zachary Kirkhorn announced his decision to step down.  
• He was appointed Tesla CFO in addition to his current role as Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) of the US-based electric car major after Kirhorn, Tesla’s Master of Coin and finance chief for the last four years, stepped down from the post.  
• Taneja is a commerce graduate. 
• He did his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Delhi University between 1996 and 1999. His Tesla’s journey began in 2017 as he switched from a dynamic solar energy firm, SolarCity, which had b een acquired by Tesla.

Indian American Shohini Sinha becomes FBI special agent  

• Indian-American Shohini Sinha has assumed the role of special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office, as appointed by FBI Director Christopher Wray. 
• Her appointment marks a momentous milestone in her career, as she becomes the fortieth sovereign to undergo the prestigious coronation ceremony at the renowned Westminster Abbey.  
• Shohini Sinha's ascendancy to the position of special agent in charge underscores her exceptional capabilities and dedication to the United States’ national security.

Important Days

International Whale Shark Day  

• International Whale Shark Day is celebrated every year on August 30 to raise awareness about the plight of whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.  Whale sharks are filter feeders and do not pose a threat to humans. 
• However, they are vulnerable to overfishing, habitat loss, and boat strikes.

After Chandrayaan-3: India to celebrate August 23 as ‘National Space Day  

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 26 announced to celebrate August 23, when India’s Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon, as National Space Day. He also announced that the spot where the lander landed on the Moon will be known as ‘Shivashakti’ and where Chandrayaan-2 touched down will be called as ‘Tiranga Point’.  
• The Prime Minister was addressing the scientists at the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network Mission Control Complex in Bengaluru, Karnataka. PM Modi said that experts suggest that in a few years, India’s space industry will become $16 billion from $8 billion.  
• To congratulate ISRO team for the successful touchdown of Chandrayaan-3 lander on August 23, PM Modi visited to Bengaluru, immediately after returning from his two-nation visit to Greece and South Africa. 
• He was accorded a warm reception as he arrived at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru on Saturday morning.

World Water Week 2023: 20 to 24 August

• World Water Week is a global event which is organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute every year since 1991. The programme wil l be held from August 20 to 24 at the Waterfront Congress Center. It is a non -profit event which aims to develop solutions for the international water crisis (alongside several other problems). Water is one of the most essential gifts of nature that we require in our daily lives. From drinking to cleaning, water serves multiple purposes in our lives. Hence, it becomes equally important for us to conserve it.
• The theme, Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World, invites a rethink of how water is managed, and urges consideration of the ideas, innovations, and governance systems that are needed in an increasingly unstable and water scarce world.

Sadbhavana Diwas 2023: 20th August

• Sadbhavana Diwas, also known as Harmony Day, is an annual celebration observed on 20th August in India. 20th August 2023 marks the 79th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. 
• This day commemorates the birthday of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, a visionary leader who championed the cause of national integration, peace and public harmony among the diverse population of India.  
• The term “Sadbhavana” in English refers to “goodwill and bonafide”. Being the youngest Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi’s thought process was modern and different from others. 
• He had the vision of a developed nation via many national as well as international projects that he pioneered. 
• The main theme of Sadbhavana Diwas is to promote national integration and communal harmony among people of all religions and languages.  
• Rajiv Gandhi, born on 20th August 1944, is the former Prime Minister of Indi a. He held office from 1984-1989 and made significant contributions to the development of the country. He introduced several progressive policies aimed at modernizing India’s education system and economy.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Death Anniversary:16th August

• As the nation observed the solemn occasion of the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, leaders from various political backgrounds and affiliations converged at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial in Delhi. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Praful Patel, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister, Anupriya Patel and HAM’s Jitan Ram also paid tribute to the Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Former PM Atal Bihari’s foster daughter Namita Kaur Bhattacharya pays floral tribute at ‘Saidav Atal’ on his death anniversary.

World Organ Donation Day 2023: 13th August

• World Organ Donation Day 2023 is observed on August 13, 2023. It is a global event that is observed to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and to encourage people to become organ donors.  
• Organ donation is the process of giving an organ or tissue to someone else who needs it to survive or improve their quality of life. 
• Organs that can be donated include kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, pancreases, and intestines. 
• Tissues that can be donated include corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, and tendons.  There are currently over 100,000 people in the United States waiting for an organ transplant. 
• Every day, 22 people die while waiting for a transplant. In India, there are over 5 lakh people waiting for an organ transplant.  
• The theme for World Organ Donation Day 2023 is “Step up to volunteer; need more organ donors to fill the lacunae”.  By becoming an organ donor, you can save the lives of others. Please consider becoming an organ donor today.

Quit India Movement Day: 8th August

• The Quit India Movement was a historic event in India’s struggle for Independence from British colonial rule.  
• The year 2023 marks the 81st anniversary of this momentous movement that changed the course of India’s history. 
• As we commemorate this significant milestone, it is essential to reflect the ideals and sacrifices of the past, drawing inspiration for the present and the future.  
• The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Movement, was initiated by the Indian National Congress on 8th August, 1942, led by Mahatma Gandhi, who called for “Do or Die” in the struggle for India’s independence.

Hiroshima Day 

• On 6th August 1945, the world witnessed the most devastating events in human history when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. 
• This act resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent lives and forever altered the course of humanity. Since, then August 6th has been observed as Hiroshima Day, a solemn occasion to commemorate the victims and reflect on the horrors of nuclear warfare. 6th August 2023, 78th Hiroshima Day, holds a significant position in the history.  
• Hiroshima, a city of cultural significance, was instantly transformed into a haunting landscape of death and destruction in the blink of an eye. 
• The atomic bomb, named ‘Little Boy’, killed an estimated 140,000 people by the end of 1945, either directly or through the subsequent effects of radiation. Most of the people suffered severe injuries and the survivors endured lifelong health issues.  
• The tragedy of Hiroshima serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked aggression and the devastating potential of nuclear weapons. 

India Tamil monsoon festival 'Aadi Perukku'

• Aadi Perukku is celebrated on August 3rd, coinciding with the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi. Traditionally observed in late July or early August, this festivity centers around expressing gratitude to water bodies, as the entire month of Aadi is considered to herald the onset of the monsoon season.
• The Tamil Cultural community celebrates Aadi Perukku, also known as Pathinettam Perukku, as an auspicious festival to honor the monsoon season and the fertility of the soil.
• Aadi Perukku is a monsoon festival celebrated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, that occurs on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi. This joyous event revolves around promoting water sustainability and encompasses a variety of rituals and customs. Families unite to prepare special delicacies and partake in a lavish feast, expressing gratitude to the water deities for a prosperous year ahead. 
• An intriguing facet of the Aadi Perukku celebration is the veneration of Goddess Parvati, with women offering prayers to both her and the divine.The festivities also showcase an array of rice-based dishes, including traditional favorites such as tamarind rice and curd rice, complemented by the delightful sweetness of Pongal.

Summits and MOU’S

NITI Aayog and UNDP sign Memorandum of Understanding on fast tracking SDGs

• The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), the central think tank responsible for monitoring India’s progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expediting India’s journey towards achieving its SDGs.
• This collaboration underscores the commitment to drive sustainable and inclusive development in the country.

BRICS summit: China's Xi visits South Africa in second trip

• Leaders from the BRICS economic alliance, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are converging in the bustling financial district of Sandton, Johannesburg, for a highly anticipated three-day summit. This gathering marks a pivotal moment in international diplomacy as discussions unfold regarding the consolidation of political and economic influence within the developing world.
• The summit is set to witness extensive deliberations on strategies aimed at bolstering the collective political and economic clout of the BRICS alliance. Notably, China’s President Xi Jinping’s active participation reaffirms China’s deep-rooted commitment to the BRICS alliance as a crucial instrument for advancing its strategic ambitions on the global stage.

Om Birla inaugurates 9th C'wealth Parliamentary Conference in Udaipur 

• The eagerly awaited Ninth India Region Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) took place in the historic city of Udaipur, located in the state of Rajasthan. Stretched across a duration of two days, the event received its inauguration from the distinguished Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla. With the core objective of exploring the theme “Enhancing Democracy and Effective Governance in the Digital Era,” the conference aimed to facilitate insightful discussions and exchange of ideas among its participants. 
• The event witnessed the presence of esteemed personalities from the political and parliamentary spectrum. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi, and CPA Chairperson Ian Liddell-Grainger, among others, graced the occasion with their presence. 

The First WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit

• The first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit is set to unfold on August 17 and 18, 2023, in the city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
• This event will intertwine with the G20 health ministerial meeting, creating a dynamic platform aimed at galvanizing both political commitment and evidence - based actions in the realm of traditional medicine. This age-old practice serves as the initial recourse for millions across the globe, catering to their diverse health and well-being requisites.
• The Global Summit will be jointly orchestrated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India, which presently holds the esteemed presidency of the G20 for the year 2023.
• As an inclusive stage, the Summit will convene an array of stakeholders encompassing traditional medicine practitioners, users, communities, national policymakers, international organizations, academia, private sector representatives, and civil society entities.
• Together, they will share pearls of wisdom, groundbreaking evidence, transformative data, and pioneering innovations that underscore the indispensable role of traditional medicine in both health and sustainable development. 

UP government inks MoU with Mexican state for investment in tourism, infra sectors

• The Uttar Pradesh government signed an MoU with Mexican state of Nuevo Leon for investments in tourism, infrastructure and pharma and medical sectors in the state.
• The MoU was signed in the presence of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Nuevo Leon's Governor Samuel Garcia Cefalveda.
• As the delegation of Nuevo Leon is exploring possibilities of industrial investment in UP, the state has positioned itself as a key destination for various sectors including the logistics and tourism sectors, led by modern infrastructure, expressways, interstate connectivity, air connectivity, rail network, inland waterway and a dedicated freight corridor junction.
• As many as 25 sectoral policies are in place to attract industrial investment, and facilities for investment are being extended to investors, as stated by UP Chief Minister.

India, Nepal sign 4 MoUs on education, water supply and sanitation facilities

• The indian embassy in Kathmandu ant the Ministry of Federal Affairs and general administration in Nepal signed 4 MoUs to undertake the developmental projects, which will be built under the grant assistan of India 
• Among the 4 projects, three will be in the education sector and one project in water supply and sanitation , at a total estimated cost of INR 170 million

Indian Railways & IIT-Madras ink MoU for 5G testbed 

•  The Ministry of Railways and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) signed a memorandum of understanding ((MoU) to establish the India 5G testbed at the Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (IRISET) in Secunderabad; the facility would be dedicated to the testing and development of 5G use cases for Indian Railways.
• The MoU between IRISET and IIT-Madras aims to accelerate the indigenisation efforts of Indian Railways in the field of communications and create a testing facility for Indian Railways. The Indian Railways aims to leverage the potential of 5G technology to enhance its operational efficiency, passenger experience and overall safety. By simulating real-world scenarios, researchers and industry experts will explore innovative solutions to modernise various aspects of Railway communication and services.

• TRAI and C-DoT sign MoU for cooperation in telecommunications sector

• The Ministry of Communications informed in a press release that the Trai Centre of Studies and Research (Trai CSR) was established as an entity within Trai with a mandate to conceptualise, coordinate, and enable technological studies in the telecom and broadcasting sectors.
• Its task is to enable technology-driven growth in India by combining the energies of different industries and sectors. The MoU has brought the two parties, Trai CSR and C-DoT together to reach the common goal of establishing a mechanism of technical and institutional cooperation in the field of telecommunications. The partnership aims to promote cooperation for research on regulatory practices and bridge gaps in our understanding.

Awards and Recognition

Rajasthan’s Priyan Sain Clinches Miss Earth India 2023 Crown, Embarks on a Green Mission

• Priyan Sain clinched the title of Miss Earth India 2023 during the Miss Divine Beauty 2023 national final held on August 26 in New Delhi. The 20-year-old student, dancer, and taekwondo player from Jaipur, Rajasthan succeeds last year’s winner Vanshika Parmar, and will now prepare to represent India at the Miss Earth 2023 pageant in Vietnam this December.
• She received her crown from reigning Miss Earth from Korea Mina Sue Choi who was invited as a special guest along with Miss Earth Air from Australia Sheridan Mortlock.

Raj Chetty an Indian-American economist awarded top Harvard University prize 

•  Raj Chetty, an Indian-American economist, and Michael Springer, a biologist, have been awarded Harvard University’s George Ledlie Prize for their groundbreaking work in their respective fields.
• Chetty, a professor of economics at Harvard University, is known for his work on economic mobility. He has used big data to study the factors that influence a person’s ability to move up the economic ladder. His research has shown that the American Dream is not as attainable as many people believe, and that there are significant obstacles that prevent people from achieving upward mobility.
• Springer, a professor of systems biology at Harvard Medical School, is known for his work on developing new diagnostic tests. He was instrumental in developing a faster and more accurate COVID-19 test, which has helped to improve the fight against the pandemic. He also helped to design and operate the new Harvard University Clinical Laboratory (HUCL), which has managed testing and samples for the university community.

PM Narendra Modi to be conferred with Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a day-long visit to Pune in Maharashtra today. He will flag off Metro trains marking inauguration of services on completed sections of the two corridors of Pune Metro Phase I. Mr. Modi will also be conferred the Lokmanya Tilak National Award for his outstanding contributions towards the progress of the country. Prime Minister will begin his Pune visit by performing Darshan and Pooja at Dagdusheth Mandir.
•  Prime Minister will be honored with the Lokmanya Tilak award by Deepak Tilak, President of Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust. The Award was instituted in 1983 by the Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust and is given every year on 1st August , the death anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak, to persons who have made remarkable contributions, for development of the nation. Prime Minister will offer floral tributes at the statue of Lokmanya Tilak. Modi will also flag off Metro trains marking inauguration of services on completed sections of the two corridors of Pune Metro. The foundation of this project was laid by the Prime Minister himself in 2016.

Ranking

Srinagar Tops In Implementing JJM Among Har Ghar Jal Certified Districts In India 

• The Srinagar district has become the highest-performing district under the Jal Jeevan Survekshan (JJS-2023), outshining 114 Har Ghar Jal certified villages across India. 
• The district’s achievements include Har Ghar Jal certification, meticulous water quality testing through laboratories and Field Test Kits (FTKs), specialized training for women to effectively utilize FTKs, and comprehensive skill training for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) staff.
• The Jal Jeevan Mission was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019. Its goal is to provide adequate quantities of clean, safe, and pressurized drinking water on a consistent basis.

MP: Indore secures 1st position, Bhopal 5th in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan -2023 

• The city of Indore has clinched the top spot in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan - 2023 conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board, in the category of cities with a population exceeding 10 lakhs. The results of the survey reflect not only the city’s dedicated efforts but also highlight the overall progress made by several cities in Madhya Pradesh.
• The Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan -2023 witnessed a remarkable display of dominance by Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the category of cities with a population of more than 10 lakhs. Out of the top five positions, two were secured by cities from the state. While Indore claimed the prestigious first position, Bhopal secured a commendable fifth rank.

Banking and Economy

RBI appoints Bandhan Bank to disburse civil pension

• In a significant development, Bandhan Bank has been granted authorization by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to serve as an authorized pension disbursement bank.
• This authorization is in association with the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO), a part of the Ministry of Finance. The bank is set to collaborate closely with the CPAO to initiate and streamline the process of disbursing civil pensions. 

RBI approves merger of Akola Merchant Co-operative Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the merger of The Jalgaon Peoples Co - operative Bank and Akola Merchant Co-operative Bank.
• The Akola Merchant Co-operative Bank branches would operate as branches of The Jalgaon Peoples Co-operative Bank.
• The merger of Twin Cities Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd and Kranti Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd was also given the go-ahead by the central bank. 

Canara Bank introduces UPI interoperable digital rupee mobile app 

• Canara Bank, a leading player in the Indian banking sector, has taken a monumental step by introducing the UPI interoperable digital rupee mobile application. This move places Canara Bank at the forefront of innovation, becoming the first bank across both the public and commercial sectors to offer this pioneering feature. The app, named the Canara Digital Rupee app, marks a significant milestone as a part of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot project.
• This forward-thinking initiative empowers customers to seamlessly complete transactions through their smartphones. With the Canara Digital Rupee app, customers can effortlessly scan merchant UPI QR codes, facilitating payments using the digital currency. This streamlined process brings a new level of convenience to digital payments, enhancing the overall transaction experience for users.

Axis Bank partners with RBI innovation hub to launch KCCs

• In a significant partnership, Axis Bank has joined forces with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to introduce two groundbreaking lending products. These products are powered by the Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit (PTPFC), a pioneering initiative launched by RBIH.
• Digital Agricultural Financing: Axis Bank is set to revolutionize agricultural financing by launching the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) through the PTPFC platform.
• Initial Rollout: As a pilot project, the KCC will be initially offered in Madhya Pradesh, catering to the agricultural community in the region.
•  Limit and Accessibility: Eligible customers will be able to access KCCs with a credit limit of up to Rs 1.6 lakh, empowering them to invest in their agricultural endeavors.
• Streamlined Application Process: The entire application process for KCC will be conducted digitally, eliminating the need for customers to submit physical documents.

OpenAI acquires design company Global Illumination

• OpenAI has successfully acquired Global Illumination, an ingenious startup based in New York, which harnesses the power of AI to craft innovative creative tools, digital experiences, and robust infrastructure. The acquisition signals OpenAI’s commitment to amplify its capabilities and revolutionize the AI landscape
• Founded in the year 2021 by the dynamic trio of Thomas Dimson, Taylor Gordon, and Joey Flynn, Global Illumination has swiftly carved a niche for itself in the tech realm.
• The startup’s illustrious portfolio boasts a dazzling array of products crafted for tech titans including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Google, Pixar, and Riot Games.