National news
New Delhi host 14th Indo-Vietnamese Defence Policy Dialogue
India hosted the 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue in New Delhi on 1 August 2024. The meeting was part of the wider military-to-military dialogue between the two countries to strengthen the bilateral defence relationship.
The dialogue coincided with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official three-day visit to India from 30 July to 1 August 2024.
Who chaired the 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue?
The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue was co-chaired by the Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016):
- Bilateral relations between India and Vietnam were upgraded to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam in 2016.
- This elevated relationship signifies a deepening of ties across various sectors, including defence and security.
Agenda of the Meeting (2024):
- Both sides discussed and reviewed bilateral defence cooperation issues.
- Vietnam proposed cooperation in delegation exchanges, staff talks, Service-to-Service cooperation, education and training, and Defence Industry cooperation.
- India welcomed these proposals and suggested cooperation in emerging areas such as Submarine Search and Rescue, Cyber Security, Information Security, and Military Medicine.
- A Letter of Intent was signed to enhance cooperation in training, including the exchange of instructors and experts.
About Vietnam country:
- Capital: Hanoi
- Official language: Vietnamese
- Currency: Vietnamese dong
- Prime minister: Pham Minh Chinh
- President: To Lam
Supreme Court permits sub-quota in the reservation of SC/ST Category
In a significant judgement, the seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud in the Davinder Singh Vs the State of Punjab case ruled by a 6:1 majority that the State Government can create sub-classifications within the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) for reservation purposes.
- The seven-judge bench verdict delivered on 1st August 2024 overturned the earlier five-judge bench judgement in the E V Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh case of 2004.
- In E V Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh, the Supreme Court held that the SC/ST list is a homogenous group and that there can be no sub-quota within it.
- The constitution provides 15 per cent reservation to the Scheduled Castes and 7.5 per cent to the Scheduled Tribes in government jobs and educational institutions.
Supreme Court Review of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Reservation
- Legal Basis: Articles 341 and 342 define Scheduled Castes and Tribes; Parliament’s exclusive power to modify lists.
- Judicial Background: E V Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh affirmed Parliament’s sole authority; barred sub-quotas within SC/ST.
- Punjab Act Challenge: 2006 Act preferred Balmiki and Mazhabi Sikh communities; struck down by Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- Current Review: Seven-judge bench reviewing SC’s homogeneity, equality within SC/ST, and socially backward classes based on recent developments.
President Murmu Presides over the 52nd Conference of Governors
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the 52nd Conference of Governors at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 2 August 2024. In 2021, the 51st Conference of Governors was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The conference was presided over by the then President Ram Nath Kovind.
- This was the first time that President Murmu was presiding over the Conference of Governors.
- In 1949, the first Conference of Governors was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was then known as the Government House. The then Governor General of India, C. Rajagopalachari, presided over the conference,
- In India, the President of India has the power to appoint and dismiss the State Governors, the Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of the Union Territories.
- The Union Territory of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the National Capital Territory of Delhi have Lieutenant Governors.
- The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Chandigarh and Lakshadweep have Administrators.
Agenda of the Conference
The Conference will discuss various national issues like reforms in higher education and accreditation of universities; implementation of three criminal laws; development of focus areas like tribal areas, aspirational districts and blocks and border areas; role of Governors in campaigns like Ek Vriksha Maa ke Naam’,‘MYBharat’ and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. It will also discuss the role of Governors in promoting better coordination between various central agencies in the state and in furthering natural farming and enhancing public connections.
Kashmir City Receives World Craft City Certificate from World Crafts Council
In a grand ceremony held in Srinagar, the capital of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmir City was awarded the prestigious Certificate of World Craft City by the World Crafts Council International. This significant event was graced by the presence of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Sa’ad Hani Al-Qaddumi, President of the World Crafts Council, and other notable personalities from the council. This recognition came after the World Crafts Council announced its decision in June 2024 to include Kashmir in its World Craft City list.
- World Craft City Status: Kashmir has been honored as the fourth Indian city to receive the World Craft City certificate from the World Crafts Council, joining Jaipur, Mamallapuram, and Mysore.
- Previous Recognitions: Jaipur and Mamallapuram were recognized in 2015, with Mamallapuram specifically noted for stone carving. Mysore received the title in 2018.
- Cultural Heritage: Kashmir boasts a rich cultural heritage spanning over 4000 years, influenced by Iranian and Central Asian art.
Crafts: The region is renowned for several crafts:
- Carpet Weaving: Known for intricate designs.
- Kani Shawl: Fine wool with detailed patterns.
- Paper Machie: Artistic creations from paper pulp.
- Khatamband: Unique wooden ceiling designs.
- Wood Carving: Detailed craftsmanship.
- Kandikari Copperware: Exquisite copper utensils.
- Tilla Work: Embroidery using gold and silver threads.
Word crafts council:
- The current headquarters of WCC: State of Kuwait
- The WCC was founded in 1964
Introduction of Electronic Human Resource Management System
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced in the Rajya Sabha that the Union Government has introduced a new Electronic Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS). This system aims to streamline and enhance the management of government employees’ service matters through digital means.
Overview of e-HRMS
- Purpose:
- Designed to streamline and enhance the management of government employees’ service matters through digital means.
- Facilitates data-driven decisions related to training and personnel management.
- Features:
- Digitization: Enables digital management of service records, reducing transaction time and costs.
- Accessibility: Provides 24/7 access to service details for all government employees (central and state).
- Lifecycle Management: Digitizes the entire employee service lifecycle from entry to exit.
- Process Automation: Facilitates digitized processing of reimbursements, claims, advances, leaves, etc.
- Transparency: Enhances transparency and accountability with e-sign functionality and alerts/notifications.
Key Benefits of e-HRMS
- Enhanced Productivity: Reduces manual intervention and enhances productivity in cadre management.
- Cost Efficiency: Lowers transaction costs associated with traditional paper-based processes.
- Accurate Data: Ensures a single source of authentic data for improved decision-making.
- Improved Service Delivery: Enables quicker and more efficient handling of employee-related matters.
- Compliance: Helps in maintaining compliance with regulations through automated processes.
This initiative aims to leverage technology to modernize HR management within government departments, promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability across various employee-related processes.
India and Vietnam Partner on Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal
India and Vietnam have partnered to develop the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat, reflecting their deep maritime connections. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Hyderabad House in New Delhi marks a significant step in this collaborative effort, which aims to preserve and celebrate the shared maritime heritage of both nations.
Key Points:
- Collaborative Partnership: India and Vietnam signed an MoU to develop the NMHC in Lothal, Gujarat, reflecting shared maritime heritage.
- Artifact Exchange: Both nations will exchange maritime artifacts, replicas, paintings, and archival data.
- Expertise Sharing: Collaboration includes sharing design, technology, and maintenance expertise to create an educational and recreational space.
- Project Development:
- Location: 400 acres in Saragwala village, Gujarat.
- Progress: Phase 1A is over 55% complete; opening expected next year.
- Innovative Features:
- World’s tallest lighthouse museum
- World’s largest open aquatic gallery
- Grandest naval museum in India
- Recreation of Harappan architecture and lifestyle
- Four theme parks and fourteen galleries showcasing maritime heritage.
Economy news
GST Collection Surges 10.3% in July 2024 to ₹1.82 Lakh Crore
In July 2024, India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose by 10.3% to ₹1,82,075 crore, marking a significant increase from ₹1,65,105 crore in July 2023. This uptick highlights strong domestic consumption and economic resilience.
Key Figures and Trends
- July 2024 Collection: ₹1,82,075 crore, a 10.3% year-on-year increase.
- Year-to-Date 2024: Total GST collections stand at ₹7,38,894 crore, up 10.2% from ₹6,70,766 crore in the same period of 2023.
- Monthly Records: April 2024 recorded ₹2,10,000 crore, May and June saw ₹1,73,000 crore and ₹1,74,000 crore, respectively.
- 2023-24 Fiscal Year: Gross GST collections amounted to ₹20,18,000 crore, an 11.7% increase from the previous fiscal year. The average monthly collection was ₹1,68,000 crore, surpassing the previous year’s average of ₹1,50,000 crore.
GST Implementation and Impact
- Introduction: Implemented on July 1, 2017, GST replaced a fragmented indirect tax system, simplifying tax compliance and reducing cascading tax effects.
- Key Items: Significant GST rate reductions or zero rates have been applied to mobile phones, refrigerators, and TVs up to 32 inches.
International news
India Announces $300 Million Loan to Vietnam During Vietnam PM Visit
The government of India has announced two loans totalling $300 million to Vietnam during the visit of the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh. The loan is for strengthening Vietnam’s maritime security.
- The Vietnamese Prime Minister was on an official three-day, from 30 July to -1 August 2024 visit to India.
- Nine agreements were signed between India and Vietnam during the visit of the Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. During the visit, it was announced that Vietnam will join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Significance of the Vietnamese Prime Visit to India
This is the first visit of a Vietnamese leader to India after India and Vietnam established their comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2016. India became the third country in 2016 after China (2008) and Russia (2012), with which Vietnam has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership. India has a close relationship with Vietnam and shares strong defence ties.
About Vietnam
- Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country which is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
- It is a communist country which is ruled by the Communist Party of Vietnam.
- Capital: Hanoi
- Currency: Dong
- President: To Lam
- Prime Minister :Pham Minh Chinh
Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage
- In a momentous decision that celebrates the life and legacy of one of the world’s most revered leaders, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has inscribed several iconic South African sites associated with Nelson Mandela as World Heritage Sites.
- This recognition, announced during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, marks a significant milestone in preserving the memory of South Africa’s journey from apartheid to democracy.
UNESCO:
- Founded: 16 November 1945, London, United Kingdom
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Director-General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Audrey Azoulay
Summit news
4th Rashtriya Hindi Vigyan Sammelan 2024 held in Bhopal
The 4th edition of the Rashtriya Hindi Vigyan Sammelan 2024 was held in the Madhya Pradesh capital, Bhopal, on 30 and 31 July 2024. The Rashtriya Hindi Vigyan Sammelan’s main purpose is to provide a platform for researchers to present and discuss their work in Hindi, enrich science and technology-based research in Hindi and popularise science and technology through Hindi medium.
The conference featured six sessions on diverse topics of Science, Technology, Ayurveda, Engineering, and Science Communication.
Organizer: The 4th Rashtriya Hindi Vigyan Sammelan 2024 was organized by CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, in collaboration with several institutions including CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), Vijnana Bharati Madhya Bharat Province, Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi University, Bhopal.
- Inauguration: The event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, on 30 July 2024.
- Valedictory Session: The valedictory session was presided over by the Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Rajendra Shukla, on 31 July 2024.
- Theme: The theme of the 4th Rashtriya Hindi Vigyan Sammelan 2024 was “Upgradation of National Scientific Consciousness in Amrit Kaal,” focusing on enhancing India’s scientific consciousness in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Amrit Kaal, aimed at making India a developed country by 2047.
India International Hospitality Expo 2024: Poised for Great Success
The India International Hospitality Expo (IHE) 2024, set to take place from August 3rd to 6th at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, is on track to become a landmark event in the hospitality sector. With over 1000 exhibitors and an anticipated attendance of more than 20,000 B2B buyers, this seventh edition promises to be a significant event, showcasing a wide range of products and services from luxury hotels, resorts, restaurants, and more.
Banking news
ADB Provides $200 Million Loan for Solid Waste Management in India
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed a $200 million (approximately Rs 1,700 crore) loan to improve solid waste management and sanitation in 100 cities across eight states in India. This funding is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 – Comprehensive Municipal Waste Management in Indian Cities Program.
Loan Agreement Details
The loan agreement was signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of the Finance Ministry, and Mio Oka, Country Director for ADB – India Resident Mission. The program aims to support the goals of the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission – Urban 2.0 by enhancing infrastructure for waste segregation, collection, and disposal.
Asian development bank:
- Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines
- Founded: 19 December 1966
- President: Masatsugu Asakawa
IRDAI Fines HDFC Life Rs 2 Crore for Violations
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has fined HDFC Life Insurance Rs 2 crore for breaching regulatory norms. The penalty, detailed in an order dated August 1, 2024, follows an inspection covering the financial years 2017-18 to 2019-20. The penalty must be paid within 45 days, and additional directives have been issued to address the violations.
Key Points of the Penalty
Amount and Breakdown
- Rs 1 crore for violations related to policyholders’ interests.
- Rs 1 crore for issues concerning outsourcing irregularities.
HDFC life insurance:
- CEO: Vibha Padalkar (12 Sept 2018–)
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Founded: 2000
Ranks and reports news
India Ranked 39th in the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024
The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently released its Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) for 2024, offering a comprehensive evaluation of India’s standing in the global tourism landscape. This index is a crucial benchmark for assessing the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism sectors worldwide.
| Rank | Country | Score |
| 1 | United States | 5.24 |
| 2 | Spain | 5.18 |
| 3 | Japan | 5.09 |
| 4 | France | 5.07 |
| 5 | Australia | 5 |
| 6 | Germany | 5 |
| 7 | United Kingdom | 4.96 |
| 8 | China | 4.94 |
| 9 | Italy | 4.9 |
| 10 | Switzerland | 4.81 |
| 39 | India | 4.25 |
India Retains Eighth Position in Global Agriculture Exports in 2023
India held onto its position as the world’s eighth-largest exporter of agricultural products in 2023, despite a decline in exports from $55 billion in 2022 to $51 billion. This stability comes amid a general decrease in agricultural exports among seven of the top ten exporting nations.
Here are the key insights from the WTO Trade Statistics 2023 report based on the provided information:
- Top Exporting Countries:
- European Union (EU): Maintained its top position with agricultural exports increasing by 5% to $836 billion.
- Brazil: Ranked third with a 6% increase in agricultural exports to $157 billion.
- Thailand: Experienced a modest 0.2% growth in exports, although it remains outside the top three.
- India’s Export Challenges:
- Geopolitical Factors: India’s agricultural export decline was influenced by geopolitical issues like the Red Sea crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war, which disrupted global trade dynamics.
- Export Bans: India imposed bans on wheat (May 2022), non-basmati rice (July 2023), and sugar (October 2023), contributing to the overall decrease in agricultural exports.
India Ranked 2nd Largest Aluminium Producer in the World
India has solidified its position as a global leader in mineral production, with impressive rankings across several key minerals. The country stands as the 2nd largest Aluminium producer, the 3rd largest lime producer, and the 4th largest iron ore producer in the world. These rankings underscore India’s significant contribution to the global mineral industry and highlight its growing importance in the sector.
Record-Breaking Production in FY 2023-24
The fiscal year 2023-24 witnessed unprecedented levels of mineral production in India, setting a strong foundation for continued growth. Two key minerals, iron ore and limestone, emerged as the backbone of India’s mineral sector, collectively accounting for an impressive 80% of the total MCDR mineral production by value. The production figures for these crucial minerals in FY 2023-24 were as follows:
- Iron Ore: 275 million metric tons (MMT)
- Limestone: 450 million metric tons (MMT)
These figures not only represent a significant achievement for India’s mineral sector but also indicate the robust demand from various industries that rely on these raw materials.
Award news
Google CEO Sundar Pichai Honored with Honorary Doctorate from IIT-Kharagpur
In a momentous occasion that bridged Silicon Valley and the prestigious halls of Indian academia, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and his wife Anjali Pichai were honored by their alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. The ceremony, held in San Francisco, marked a significant milestone in the couple’s already illustrious careers and underscored the global impact of India’s premier technological institutes.
Appointment news
Sanjay Shukla Assumes Charge As M.D Of National Housing Bank
The National Housing Bank announced that Sanjay Shukla has officially taken on the role of managing director (MD) as of July 30, 2024. A seasoned chartered accountant with over three decades of experience in housing and retail asset finance, Shukla has a distinguished history of leading and transforming financial institutions.
National housing bank:
- Founded: 9 July 1988
- Headquarters: New Delhi
Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair: First woman DG of Medical Services (Army)
In a boost to women empowerment in the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair assumed the office of the Director General of Medical Services (Army) on 1 August 2024. She is the first woman to hold this prestigious post in the Indian Army’s Medical Services. Lt General Sadhna Saxena Nair is a third-generation member of a family which has served in the Indian Armed Forces in various capacities for the last seventy years.
About Director General Armed Forces Medical Services
- Every wing of the Indian Armed Forces -Army, Navy, and Air Force—has a medical wing that caters to the needs of the personnel employed in the respective forces.
- All three Medical services were integrated, and the government of India set up an Armed Forces Medical Service in 1948.
- The Armed Forces Medical Service was set up by the government of India under the Ministry of Defence on the recommendation of the Dr B C Roy Committee on ‘Armed Forces Medical Services and Research Integration.’
- The head of the Armed Forces Medical Services is called the Director-General. It can be an officer of the Indian Army ( rank of Lt General), Indian Navy (rank of Vice Admiral), or Indian Air Force ( rank of Air Marshal).
- Current Director General Armed Forces Medical Services: Lt Gen Daljit Singh
Dr. Grinson George Appointed Director of ICAR-CMFRI
Dr. Grinson George has assumed the role of Director at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Previously, he led the Marine Biodiversity and Environment Management Division at CMFRI and served as Senior Programme Specialist at SAARC in Dhaka.
Professional Background
Dr. George brings over two decades of experience as a seasoned fishery researcher. His expertise spans fishery resource management, marine biodiversity, environment management, fisheries oceanography, remote sensing, and climate change.
RBI Re-approves MDs and CEOs for Small Finance Banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has re-approved the appointments of Inderjit Camotra and Govind Singh as MDs and CEOs of Unity Small Finance Bank and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, respectively, reflecting their effective leadership in expanding their banks’ operations and reach.
- Re-appointment of Inderjit Camotra
- Position: Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unity Small Finance Bank (Unity SFB)
- Term: Two years
Science and tech news
India Selects Crew for Axiom-4 Mission to ISS
India has announced the selection of two astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission represents a significant step in strengthening human spaceflight cooperation between ISRO and NASA, as well as advancing India’s own human space program.
- Primary and Backup Pilots: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is the primary pilot, with Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as backup for the Axiom-4 mission.
- Training: Both pilots will commence training in the United States from the first week of August.
- Role: They will conduct scientific research, technology experiments, and engage in outreach activities during the Axiom-4 mission.
- Crew Composition: Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Mission Specialists SÅ‚awosz Uznanski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
- Impact on Indian Space Program: Enhances India’s human spaceflight capabilities through collaboration with NASA.
- Gaganyaan Mission: A precursor to Gaganyaan, aiming to demonstrate India’s three-day human spaceflight capability.
- Training for Gaganyaan: Four Indian Air Force test pilots selected; training ongoing at ISRO’s Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru.
Scheme news
Jharkhand launches Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana for women
The Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand has launched the Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana to provide financial assistance to eligible women in the state. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren will officially launch the scheme on 16 August 2024.
- The 81-member Jharkhand legislative Assembly will go to poll in November /December 2024, as the tenure of the present assembly will end on 5 January 2025.
- The scheme is seen as a pre-election sop announced by the Hemant Soren government in the state before the next legislative assembly election.
About the Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana
- The Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana was earlier called Jharkhand Behan Beti Swavalamban Protsahan Yojana.
- The Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana aims to empower the women of the state by making them financially strong. It also aims to improve the level of education, health and nutrition of women by providing them with financial assistance.
- The state government, in order to ensure the enrollment of the eligible women, will set up special camps in all the panchayats and wards of all the districts from 3-10 August 2024.
Women to get Rs 1000 per month
- The Mukhyamantri Maiyaan Samman Yojana is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme in which eligible women beneficiaries receive Rs 1000 per month from the state government directly in their bank accounts.
- Chief Minister Hemant Soren and State Women and Child Development Minister Baby Devi will transfer the first instalment to the beneficiary’s account on 16 August 2024.
- Women in the age group of 21-50 years are eligible for the scheme.
- The beneficiary’s annual income shall be less than Rs 8 lakhs.
- An estimated 48 lakh women are estimated to be eligible for the scheme.
- The scheme is expected to cost the state government around Rs 4000 crore per month.
Jharkhand:
- Chief minister: Hemant Soren
- Capital: Ranchi
Important days
Indian Organ Donation Day
The 14th Indian Organ Donation Day is being observed across the country on 3 August 2024. The Indian Organ Donation Day is observed to increase awareness about organ donation amongst the people. It also commemorates the contributions made to society by deceased donors and their families.
The Indian Organ Donation Day also aims to clear myths and misconceptions regarding organ donation and motivate and encourage people to donate their organs and tissues after death.
Background to the Indian Donation Day
- The Indian Organ Donation Day has been observed since 2010 in the country. Earlier, the Indian Organ Donation Day used to be observed every year on 27 November.
- In 2022, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation decided to observe the Indian Organ Donation Day on 3 August every year.
- Thus, from 2023 onwards, the Indian Organ Donation Day is observed on 3rd August.
- This day has been chosen because on 3 August 1994 the first successful deceased donor heart transplant was conducted in India. A brain stem dead person’s heart was donated by a family member, which saved the life of another person.
- Thus, the day encourages people to pledge to donate their organs after death.
World Organ Donation Day
Many countries have their own Organ Donation Day. In general, World Organ Donation Day is observed on 13 August in many parts of the world to raise awareness of Organ Donation.
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare-Jagat Prakash Nadda
National Friendship Day 2024
Friendship Day, a celebration of one of life’s most cherished relationships, is observed annually across the globe. While the date may vary from country to country, the sentiment remains universal. In India, this special day is marked on the first Sunday of August, bringing friends together in a joyous commemoration of their bonds.
Date and Global Observance
Indian Celebration: In India, Friendship Day 2024 will be celebrated on August 4th, adhering to the tradition of observing it on the first Sunday of August. This date allows friends to come together over the weekend, making it convenient for many to participate in the festivities.
International Recognition: The United Nations has designated July 30th as the official International Day of Friendship. This global recognition underscores the importance of friendship in promoting peace, understanding, and unity across diverse cultures and nations.
Sports news
Swapnil Kusale Secures Bronze Medal in 50m Rifle 3 Positions at Paris Olympics
In a thrilling display of marksmanship, 28-year-old Swapnil Kusale has secured India’s third medal at the Paris Olympics. Kusale clinched the bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions final on Thursday, adding to India’s growing tally in the shooting events.
Medal Standings
- Gold: Y.K. Liu
- Silver: Serhiy Kulish
- Bronze: Swapnil Kusale
Kusale’s impressive performance saw him accumulate a total of 451.4 points, narrowly missing out on the silver medal. The gold medalist, Y.K. Liu, amassed 463.6 points, while Ukrainian Serhiy Kulish secured the silver with 461.3 points.
India’s Shooting Success
This bronze medal marks India’s third medal in shooting at the current Olympic Games. Notably, all three medals in this discipline have been bronze:
- Manu Bhaker: Women’s 10m air pistol
- Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh: Mixed team event
- Swapnil Kusale: 50m rifle 3 positions
Lt Col Kabilan Sai Ashok, India’s Youngest Boxing Referee At Olympics
In a remarkable achievement, Lieutenant Colonel Kabilan Sai Ashok, a serving Indian Army Officer, has become the youngest Olympic referee in boxing from India at the Paris Olympics 2024. This milestone reflects his exceptional dedication, professionalism, and integrity, embodying the high standards of the Indian Army.
About Lt Kabilan Sai Ashok: Currently serving in Indian Army as Joint Secretary at Services Sports Control Board, Lieutenant Colonel Ashok’s participation as an Olympic referee demonstrates his unwavering commitment to moral ethics, fair play, and excellence in sportsmanship. As a referee, he ensures the games are conducted with utmost integrity and impartiality, upholding the true spirit of the Olympics.
