21 August 2024 current affairs

21 August 2024 current affairs

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National news

India’s First Constitution Museum Marks 75 Years of the Indian Constitution

India’s First Constitution Museum Marks 75 Years of the Indian Constitution

India’s first Constitution Museum, named “The Constitution Academy and The Rights & Freedoms Museum,” is set to be inaugurated by OP Jindal Global University on November 26, 2024. This initiative celebrates the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution.

Indian Constitution Museum: Key Highlights

  1. Significance and Focus: The museum offers a comprehensive exploration of the Indian Constitution, showcasing its various sections and their importance. Visitors can delve into profiles of Constituent Assembly members, the debates that shaped the Constitution, and its evolution over time through diverse formats including textual, audio-visual, and experiential exhibits.
  2. Artistic and Educational Elements: The museum will display artwork from the original handcrafted Constitution and pieces inspired by its themes. It also features a Children’s Corner with interactive installations, quizzes, and graphic materials to educate young visitors about the Constitution.
  3. Curator’s Vision: Curator Anjchita B. Nair, CEO of Culture and Head at the Centre for Museums, aims to make the Constitution more accessible to the public. The museum seeks to deepen understanding of the creators’ intentions and foster appreciation for India’s constitutional journey over the past 75 years.

Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar Launches Portal for Online Monitoring Of Projects – Thermal (PROMPT)

Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar Launches Portal for Online Monitoring Of Projects – Thermal (PROMPT)

The Union Minister of Power and Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, today launched Portal for Online monitoring of Projects – Thermal (PROMPT) in New Delhi.

PROMPT Portal Launched for Enhanced Thermal Power Project Monitoring

  • Real-Time Tracking: Centralized platform for real-time tracking and analysis of thermal power projects.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Digitizes monitoring, ensuring transparency, timely issue resolution, and improved project efficiency.
  • Resource Optimization: Aids in resource predictability, helping meet electricity demand at reasonable costs.
  • Stakeholder Coordination: Facilitates informed decision-making by project managers and stakeholders to avoid delays.
  • Development: Portal developed with assistance from NTPC, under the guidance of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

The Union Minister of Power and Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal

Banking news

RBI Tightens Regulations for NBFC-P2P Lending Platforms

RBI Tightens Regulations for NBFC-P2P Lending Platforms

 The RBI has updated the 2017 Master Directions for NBFC-P2P platforms, effective immediately, with fund transfer timelines starting November 15, 2024.

  • Prohibition on Cross-Selling: P2P platforms are restricted from cross-selling non-loan-specific insurance products.
  • Investment Tool Restrictions: P2P platforms are barred from promoting P2P lending as an investment tool with assured returns.
  • Board-Approved Loan Disbursal: Loans can only be disbursed if lenders and borrowers are matched according to a board-approved policy.
  • Escrow Account Requirement: Fund transfers between participants must occur via escrow accounts managed by bank-promoted trustees, with separate accounts for lenders and borrowers.
  • Loan Exposure Cap: Lenders’ aggregate exposure to borrowers on P2P platforms is capped at Rs 50 lakh.

About RBI:

  • Governor: Shaktikanta Das (25th Governor)
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Established: April 1, 1935

RBL Bank Launches Special ‘Vijay Fixed Deposits’ for Independence Day

RBL Bank Launches Special 'Vijay Fixed Deposits' for Independence Day

RBL Bank Limited, formerly known as Ratnakar Bank Limited, has introduced a special edition of ‘Vijay Fixed Deposits (FD)’ to celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day. This limited-time offer honors the bravery of soldiers while offering attractive financial benefits.

  • Special Tenor: Vijay Fixed Deposit (FD) is a 500-day scheme for deposits below Rs 3 crore.
  • Interest Rates: Offers 8.85% p.a. for super senior citizens, 8.60% p.a. for senior citizens, and 8.1% p.a. for regular customers.
  • Availability: Accessible via the RBL Bank MoBank App or at the nearest branch.
  • UPI and NCMC Integration: On August 1, 2024, RBL Bank became the first private sector bank in India to integrate UPI and National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) features on RuPay Credit Cards.

About RBL Bank Limited:

  • MD & CEO: R Subramaniakumar
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Tagline: Apno ka Bank
  • Established: 1943

Appointment news

Parvathaneni Harish Appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to the UN

Parvathaneni Harish Appointed as India's Permanent Representative to the UN

Parvathaneni Harish has been appointed as the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in New York, USA.

  • Predecessor: He succeeds Ruchira Kamboj, the first woman to serve as India’s Ambassador to the UN, who retired in June 2024.
  • Current Role: Harish is currently India’s Ambassador to Germany, a position he has held since November 2021.

About Parvathaneni Harish:

  • Career: A 1990 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer.
  • Previous Roles: Served as Additional Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Satya Prakash Sangwan Appointed as Chef de Mission for Paris Paralympics 2024

Satya Prakash Sangwan Appointed as Chef de Mission for Paris Paralympics 2024

Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) made a significant announcement regarding the leadership of the Indian contingent for the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Satya Prakash Sangwan, the vice president of PCI, has been appointed as the Chef de Mission (CDM) for the Indian team.

The Paris Paralympics 2024

India’s Largest-Ever Contingent

The Paris Paralympics 2024 will see India sending its largest-ever contingent to the Games. A total of 84 para-athletes will represent the country, competing across 12 different sports disciplines. This impressive number reflects the growing strength and diversity of India’s para-sports program.

Role and Responsibilities of the Chef de Mission

Multifaceted LeadershipThe position of Chef de Mission is a complex and demanding role that requires a unique set of skills and attributes. As the CDM, Sangwan will be responsible for:

  • Leadership: Guiding and inspiring the entire Indian contingent throughout the Paralympic Games.
  • Mentorship: Providing support and advice to athletes, coaches, and support staff.
  • Strategic Planning: Overseeing the logistical and operational aspects of India’s participation in the Games.
  • Liaison: Acting as the primary point of contact between the Indian contingent and the Paralympic Games organizers.

M Suresh Appointed as Interim Chairman of Airports Authority of India

M Suresh Appointed as Interim Chairman of Airports Authority of India

In a significant development in India’s aviation sector, M Suresh has been appointed as the interim Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This appointment, effective Tuesday, marks a crucial transition in the leadership of one of India’s most important aviation bodies.

Background of the Appointment

Transition from Previous LeadershipThe appointment of M Suresh comes in the wake of the government’s decision to relieve Sanjeev Kumar from his duties as the Chairman of AAI. This change in leadership was formalized through an official Government Order, highlighting the importance of ensuring continuity in the management of India’s airport infrastructure.

Airports authority of india:

  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • Founded: 1 April 1995

Award news

PrezMurmu Confers National Geoscience Award to 21 Geoscientists

PrezMurmu Confers National Geoscience Award to 21 Geoscientists

President DroupadiMurmu conferred the prestigious 2023 National Geoscience Awards to the winners at a ceremony in the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 20 August 2024. Prof. Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee, Emeritus Scientist, INSA, was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award.

National Geoscience Award 
  • The Union Ministry of Mines instituted the National Geoscience Award 1966 as the National Minerals Award. Its name was changed to  National Geoscience Award in 2009. 
  • It is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in geosciences.

The annual National Award is given in three categories: 

  • National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement,
  • National Young Geoscientist Award and
  • National Geoscience Award.

The award honours individuals and teams for achievement in mineral discovery and exploration, Mining Technology and mineral Beneficiation, and fundamental/applied geosciences.

2023 National Geoscience Award winners 

Following is the list of the winners of the 2023 awards and the category in which they have won the award 

National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement 2023

  • Professor Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee, Emeritus Scientist, Indian National Science Academy (INSA).

National Young Geoscientist Award 2023

  • Dr. Ashutosh Pandey, Assistant Professor, Pondicherry University.
National Geoscience Award 

Category -Mineral Discovery and Exploration 

Team Award 

Geological Survey of India team comprising of 

(i) Abhishek Kumar Shukla, Senior Geologist (ii) Smt. Danira Stephen D’silva, Senior Geologist (iii) Parsuram Behera, Director (iv) Dr. M.N. Parveen, Director

Team Award 

Geological Survey of India team comprising of 

(i)  Sanjay Singh, Director (ii) Shailendra Kumar Prajapati, Senior Geologist (iii) Shashank Shekhar Singh, Geologist (iv) KevinguzoChasie, Geologist

Individual Award 

  • Dr Pawan Dewangan, Senior Principal Scientist, National Institute of Oceanography, Goa 

Category Mining, Mineral Beneficiation and Sustainable Mineral Development

  • Dr Harsh Kumar Verma, Senior Principal Scientist, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Bilaspur 
  • Prof. Mangadoddy Narasimha, Mineral Processing & Multi-Phase Flow lab, IIT Hyderabad 

Basic Geosciences

  • Dr Rahul Mohan, Scientist, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa 

Team Award

Geological Survey of India team of  (i) Krishna Kumar, Superintending Geologist (ii) Dr Pragya Pandey, Geologist (iii)Ms. Triparna Ghosh, Geologist (iv)Mr. Debasish Bhattacharya, Dy. Director General.

Applied Geoscience 

  • Dr. Vikram Vishal, Associate Professor, Department of Earth Sciences IIT Bombay 
  • Dr. Bantu Prasanta Kumar Patro, Chief Principal Scientist, CSIR, National Geophysical Research
  • Prof. Srimath Tirumala Gudemella Raghu Kanth, IIT Madras

Agreement news

Reliance Foundation and India Meteorological Department Team Up to Protect Vulnerable Communities from Climate Change

Reliance Foundation and India Meteorological Department Team Up to Protect Vulnerable Communities from Climate Change

The Reliance Foundation (RF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES) to improve access to weather information for climate-vulnerable communities across India.

Objective:

  • Improve access to weather information for climate-vulnerable communities in India
  • Enhance forecasts, early warnings, and agro-advisories using new technologies

Key Points:

  • Partnership focuses on research, stakeholder convenings, and improving weather forecasting and early warning communication strategies
  • Aims to improve weather data utilization, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience
  • Reliance Foundation will provide a platform to improve information availability and accessibility for vulnerable communities

Reliance Foundation (RF):

  • Chairperson: Nita M. Ambani
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Founded: 2010

India Meteorological Department (IMD):

  • Director General (DG): Dr.Mrutyunjay Mohapatra
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
  • Established: 1875

Sports news

ICC Moves Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 to UAE Due to Bangladesh Unrest

ICC Moves Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 to UAE Due to Bangladesh Unrest

The ICC has announced the relocation of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to significant safety concerns. The event, originally set to be hosted in Bangladesh, will now take place from October 3 to 20 in Dubai and Sharjah.

  • Original host: Bangladesh
  • New host: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • Dates: October 3-20, 2024
  • Venues: Dubai and Sharjah

Reasons for Relocation

  • Safety concerns due to political unrest in Bangladesh
  • Travel advisories from participating countries
  • Escalating unrest and instability

Impact

  • Minimal logistical disruption due to UAE’s established infrastructure
  • Ensures the tournament proceeds as scheduled
  • Highlights challenges of hosting international sports events amidst political instability

ICC’s Statement

  • Disappointment over venue change
  • Acknowledgement of Bangladesh Cricket Board’s efforts
  • Assurance that Bangladesh will retain hosting rights for future ICC events

ICC:

  • Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Subsidiary: Asian Cricket Council
  • Founded: 15 June 1909
  • CEO: Geoff Allardice

Important days

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2024

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 2024

The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing global challenge posed by terrorism. This day, observed annually on August 21st, aims to honour and support the victims and survivors of terrorist acts while promoting the protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Impact of Terrorism

Widespread Harm:Terrorism continues to be a global scourge, with acts of terror propagating a wide range of hateful ideologies.

These actions result in:

  • Injuries to thousands of innocent people
  • Psychological harm to survivors and communities
  • Loss of life on a significant scale

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