1 President Smt. Draupadi Murmu participates in the program ‘Asmita’, an initiative of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA)
President Smt. Draupadi Murmu on ‘ Inspirational Stories of Wives of Army Personnel ‘ organized by Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) in New Delhi Smt . ‘ participated in the program. Army Wives Welfare Association (AWA) organized the second season of ‘Inspirational Stories of Army Wives Asmita’ at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. It was organized to share inspiring stories of wives of army personnel who have carved a niche for themselves in various fields by their tenacity and adaptability after overcoming many challenges. Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) is an organization that works for the wives, children and dependents of military personnel. It is rightly called an invisible hand which shapes the character of the Indian Army. This institution was officially registered as a Welfare Society on 23 August 1966 with the Delhi Administration Registrar.
2 Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launched India New Car Assessment Program Bharat NCAP in New Delhi
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has stressed on the importance of saving lives in road accidents . Launching Bharat NCAP, India New Car Assessment Program in New Delhi, he said that there is a great need for dialogue and cooperation among all the stakeholders to deal with the mistakes being made in the country in the field of road and automobile engineering . In his address, he also spoke about the government’s aspiration to increase the size of the automobile industry in the country to Rs 15 lakh crore. Talking about the Bharat NCAP initiative, Shri Gadkari said that it will boost the safety and quality of vehicles in the country and also initiate healthy competition among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to manufacture safer vehicles.
3 Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar to be national icon for Election Commission’s voter awareness and education program
Renowned cricketer and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar will start a new innings. The Election Commission of India has designated Sachin Tendulkar as a National Icon for voter awareness and education programmes . Tendulkar will sign an MoU for three years at a function in New Delhi in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. Considering the influence of Sachin Tendulkar among the youth of the country, this agreement is considered important. This will help in increasing the participation of youth in the upcoming elections, especially in the Lok Sabha elections next year. The Election Commission is making national icons of eminent Indians belonging to various fields to increase voter’s participation in democracy.
4 Om Birla inaugurated the 9th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Udaipur
The eagerly awaited 9th India Region Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) took place in the historic city of Udaipur , located in the state of Rajasthan . The two-day program was inaugurated by eminent Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla . With the main objective of exploring the theme “ Enhancing Democracy and Effective Governance in the Digital Era ,” the conference aims to facilitate insightful discussions and exchange of ideas among its participants.
5 Tamil Nadu CM Stalin lays foundation stone for South-East Asia’s largest desalination plant
Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday laid the foundation stone of a new desalination plant with a capacity to treat 400 million liters of seawater per day at Perur on the East Coast Road near here at a cost of ₹4,276.44 crore through video conferencing. According to an official release, once set up, the plant will be the largest of its kind in South East Asia . Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) The project to be executed by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) with funding support of Rs. This plant will provide services to 22.67 lakh people in the areas covered by it.
6 Guwahati airport becomes first airport in Northeast to get ‘Digi Yatra’ facility
In a significant progress towards enhancing the air travel experience in India’s North East region , the popular Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LBBI) in Guwahati has become the first airport in the region to launch the innovative ‘ Digi Yatra ‘ facility. This state-of-the-art service is set to revolutionize the way passengers navigate through airports and provide a seamless and hassle-free journey.
7 Neelkanth Mishra became part-time chairman of UIDAI
The Center has announced the appointment of Neelkanth Mishra as the part-time chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) . Known for his expertise in economics and research, Mr. Mishra currently serves as the Chief Economist of Axis Bank and also holds the position of Head of Global Research at Axis Capital.
8 BMC enforces stricter restrictions to make Mumbai plastic-free
The Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation – BMC in Maharashtra has again enforced a strict ban on the manufacture, use, sale, transportation and storage of single-use plastic in a bid to make Mumbai plastic-free . 87 kg of single use plastic was seized and a fine of Rs. The campaign was launched by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in collaboration with the Maharashtra Control Board and the Police on the instructions of the Environment Department. On the first day, one thousand 159 establishments were inspected and 59 cases were registered for violation of notification issued against single use plastic.
9 G-20 Culture Working Group’s 4th meeting to begin in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The fourth meeting of the G-20 Culture Working Group will begin in Varanasi , Uttar Pradesh . The meeting will be attended by representatives of G-20 member states, invitees and various international organizations. The purpose of this meeting is to arrive at concrete measures keeping culture at the center of policy making. During the meeting, the delegates will get an opportunity to attend the world famous Ganga Aarti on the banks of river Ganga and learn about the beautiful history of Sarnath, the Lion Capital.
10 Indian Coast Guard signs MoU with Philippine Coast Guard to enhance maritime cooperation
The Indian Coast Guard has signed an MoU with the Philippine Coast Guard to enhance maritime cooperation . Its implementation will enhance maritime cooperation between the two countries to ensure security in the region. The MoU was signed by Rakesh Pal, Director General, Indian Coast Guard and Admiral Artemio M. Abu, Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard in New Delhi. The two sides held the first bilateral meeting on maritime issues. A five-member delegation of the Philippine Coast Guard is on an official visit to India from 20 to 24 August.
11 A special program – The Moon Show – will be organized in the capital’s Nehru Planetarium regarding the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3.
A special program on the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 in the capital’s Nehru Planetarium – The Moon Show– will be organized. Three big 2-D screens have been installed in this show, through which people will be able to see Chandrayaan-3 landing on the moon. An exhibition has also been organized in Nehru Planetarium to explain the journey of Mission Chandrayaan-3 in simple language, in which Chandrayaan-3’s journey from its launch to its journey in space has been explained in detail. Nehru Planetarium’s program director Prerna Chandra said that common people can participate free of cost in the exhibition based on The Moon Show and Chandrayaan-3. However, for this they will have to register themselves by visiting the website of Nehru Planetarium. Chandrayaan-3’s lander Vikram will land near the Moon’s south pole at 6.04 am. Live images of Chandrayaan-3 landing on the Moon can also be viewed through the weblinks issued by ISRO.
12 Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched the Ministry’s Annual Capacity Building Plan
Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh launched the Annual Capacity Building Scheme of the Ministry at a function held in New Delhi . The plan is a comprehensive strategic document and has been prepared to assist in skill development and improvement of people. On this occasion, Mr. Singh said that the capacity building scheme will increase the working efficiency of the officers.
13 India poised to become $150 billion bio-economy by 2025: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has said that India is set to become a $150 billion bio-economy by 2025. Mr Singh was speaking after the signing of an ‘implementation arrangement’ between the Department of Biotechnology and the US National Science Foundation. Dr. Singh said that the ever-growing bio-economy of India will contribute significantly to the overall economy of India. He said that India’s market share in the global biotechnology industry is 3 to 5 percent and it is ranked 12th in the world in biotechnology. Shri Singh informed that the Department of Biotechnology has laid a strong foundation for biotechnology innovation, research and manufacturing in areas such as bio-pharma, bio-services, agricultural biotech, industrial biotech and bioinformatics.
14 Malabar-23 exercise ends
The 27th edition of the Malabar exercise concluded on August 21, 2023 off the east coast of Australia near Sydney . The exercise saw the participation of ships, submarines and aircraft from the Indian Navy (IN), Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and the US Navy (USN). The Malabar 23 exercise was conducted in two phases, comprising the harbor phase from 11-15 August 2023 and the sea phase from 16-21 August 2023. The Indian Navy was represented by indigenously built destroyer INS Kolkata , frigate INS Sahyadri and P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft was done by Other participating units included the RAN ships HMAS Chaules and HMAS Brisbane, USS Rafael Peralta, JS Shiranui along with submarines, fighter aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft and shipborne helicopters.
15 National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), Ministry of Railways for construction of railway siding for Dibang Multipurpose Project, Arunachal Pradesh
India’s leading hydropower company NHPC Limited has entered into an MoU with RITES , a Mini Ratna Schedule ‘A’ Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways , for the construction of railway siding at Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh for the 2,880 MW Dibang Multi-Purpose Project. Signed. The strategic partnership between NHPC and RITES complements the expertise of both the organisations. RITES will leverage its strengths and strengths as a Project Management Consultant, to provide comprehensive and efficient solutions for development of rail infrastructure and facilities for NHPC Dibang and other upcoming projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
16 Dr Jitendra Singh launched CSIR Prima ET11, the first indigenous e-tractor developed by Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur
Union Minister of State for Science & Technology (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh while launching the first indigenous e-tractor CSIR Prima ET11 developed by Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute – Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute – (CMERI), Durgapur said that today India’s Agri startups have an important role to play in the economy. He called for adoption of new and artificial intelligence based technologies in agriculture.
17 INS Sunayna enters Durban, South Africa
INS Sunayna entered the port of Durban , South Africa on 21 Aug 2023 . The ship conducted passage exercises off Durban with South African Navy ship SAS King Sekhukhune I. The ship was received by Commodore Kenneth Singh, Acting Flag Officer Commanding, Durban Naval Base, and officers from HCI Pretoria. Apart from celebrating 30 years of diplomatic partnership between India and South Africa, the visit aims to enhance interoperability, connectivity and mutual cooperation between both the Indian Navy and the South African Navy.
18 MoU signed between Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and UNDP
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and UNDP , Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region and Minister of State for Cooperation Shri B.L. Verma and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA), in the presence of Ms. Ulrika Moder , signed an MoU in which UNDP will provide technical assistance to MDONER to accelerate progress on SDGs including monitoring, evaluation and efficiency upgradation; support of aspirational districts and blocks; Administration, and deployment of emerging technologies in enhancing healthy practices.
19 RBI study on investment trends in India for the financial year 2022-23
A recent study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) highlights the state-wise distribution of capital investment in India during the financial year 2022-23. The study examines the geographic and regional trends that shape the project financing landscape across the country. Credit to July 2023 grew by 19.7% amid a 250 basis point increase in the repo rate by the RBI from April 2022, indicating strength in the investment sector. The total capital outlay reached an impressive level of over Rs 3.5 lakh crore, showing a significant increase over the previous years. Uttar Pradesh emerged as the leader with the highest share of 16.2% in the total cost of projects sanctioned by banks and financial institutions. after this Gujarat (14%), Odisha (11.8%), Maharashtra (7.9%) and Karnataka (7.3%) are showing a dynamic distribution of investments. Kerala, Goa and Assam received the least shares, with Kerala receiving only 0.9% of the total investment plans. Haryana and West Bengal also come under 1% of total investment projects.
20 Ecuador opposes oil mining in Amazon
Ecuadorians have expressed opposition to oil mining in the protected Amazon region, home to remarkable biodiversity . More than 90% of votes have rejected exploration for oil in the area, located within the famous Yasuní National Park , a global biodiversity hotspot . The area is home to the distinct Tageri and Taromenani tribes, given its importance it was designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1989 .
21 student-led Water Parliament initiatives promote water conservation
In just one year, Shyam Sadan School in Rajasthan ‘s Jodhpur district has seen a transformational change in water practices. The school’s ” Jal Sansad” (Water Parliament) was set up in the middle of the year 2022 , involving students in a series of water conservation activities. Students conduct audits to track water usage, conduct awareness campaigns and maintain digital records. Rainwater harvesting irrigates the school’s nutrition garden, demonstrating the innovative integration of water-saving practices.