National News
ISLRTC and AWES Partner to Promote Indian Sign Language and Enhance Accessibility for Deaf Students

the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES) to promote Indian Sign Language (ISL) and enhance accessibility for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Key People Involved:
- N. Honnareddy: Director of ISLRTC, who signed the MoU.
- Major General P.R. Murali: Managing Director (MD) of AWES, who also signed the MoU.
- Rajesh Aggarwal: Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MOSJE), who chaired the signing ceremony.
Key Points of the MoU:
- Training and Promotion: The partnership aims to train school administrators, students, parents, and teachers to promote Indian Sign Language (ISL), with a special focus on enhancing sign language skills among the faculty of Army Public Schools (APS).
- Empowerment and Integration: The collaboration is intended to expand the reach and effectiveness of ISL initiatives, contributing to the empowerment and integration of the Deaf community.
- Educational Impact: This partnership is expected to significantly impact the educational ecosystem by empowering educators and fostering an inclusive environment for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
About the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC):
- Type: Autonomous body under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD).
- Director: N. Honnareddy
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
- Established: 28th September 2015
About the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES):
- Purpose: Provides quality education to the children of Indian Army soldiers.
- Managing Director (MD): Major General P.R. Murali (Retd.)
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
- Established: 1983
India-Nepal MoU for Launch of Munal Satellite

Ministry of External Affairs (India) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) signed an MoU for the launch of Nepal’s Munal satellite.
- Signatories: Shri Anurag Srivastava (MEA) and Shri Arunachalam A (NSIL) signed the MoU.
- Witnessed by EAM: External Affairs Minister of India witnessed the exchange of the Launch Service Agreement during his visit to Nepal.
- Munal Satellite: Developed by Nepal’s NAST, with assistance from Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal (APN), designed to build a vegetation density database.
- Launch Vehicle: The satellite will be launched on NSIL’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Ministry of external affairs: Officeholder: S. Jaishankar (Union Minister)
Chhattisgarh Approves Country’s Third Largest Tiger Reserve

Chhattisgarh clears the proposal for Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, the third largest in India, spanning 2,829 sq km across four northern districts.
- Declining Population: Chhattisgarh’s tiger population dropped from 46 in 2014 to 17 in 2022, according to a 2023 NTCA report.
- States with Small Populations: States like Mizoram, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Goa, Chhattisgarh, and Arunachal Pradesh report low tiger populations.
- Eco-tourism & Employment: The reserve aims to boost eco-tourism and create jobs for local villagers in the core and buffer zones.
- Legal Push: The decision follows a 2019 PIL and a high court order in July 2023 urging the state to act.
- Largest Reserves: Nagarjunasagar Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) is the largest, followed by Manas (Assam).
Chhattisgarh:
- Chief Minister (CM): Bhupesh Baghel (Vishnu Deo Sai is a former CM)
- Governor: Ramen Deka
- Wildlife Sanctuaries:
- Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary
- Udanti Wild Buffalo Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tiger Reserve: Indravati Tiger Reserve
Odisha Launches India’s First ‘Rice ATM’

Odisha has introduced India’s first round-the-clock grain dispensing machine, known as the Annapurti Grain ATM, designed to transform the Public Distribution System (PDS) for ration cardholders. Officially launched by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, this innovative machine is located at a warehouse in Mancheswar and developed in collaboration with the World Food Programme.
Operation: Dispenses up to 50 kg of rice in 5 minutes with a 0.01% error rate. Users enter their ration card number, complete biometric verification, and receive up to 25 kg of rice.
Benefits:
- Reduced Queues: Minimizes waiting times at traditional distribution points.
- Decreased Theft: Reduces fraud and black marketing.
- Accuracy: Ensures precise distribution and cuts waiting times by 70%.
- 24/7 Access: Provides continuous availability.
Expansion Plans:
- Initial Deployment: Launched in Bhubaneswar, with plans for statewide expansion.
- Energy Efficiency: Consumes 0.6 watts per hour, compatible with solar panels.
Additional Measures:
- Ghost Ration Cards: Identifying and removing 16 lakh ghost card holders.
- KYC Updates: Implementing Aadhar-based e-KYC verification for transparency.
- New Initiatives: Individual ration cards, home delivery for vulnerable groups, and a special biometric system for those with thumb impression issues.
odisha:
Capital: Bhubaneswar
Bill Gates Foundation to set up FSTP at Sarovaram

The city of Kozhikode in Kerala, India, is set to receive a significant upgrade to its waste management infrastructure. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in collaboration with the Habitat Charitable Trust, has proposed the construct of a state-of-the-art faecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) at Sarovaram. This development marks a crucial step towards improving sanitation and water hygiene in the region.
New Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) in Kozhikode:
- Location & Capacity: The FSTP will be located at Sarovaram, within the premises of the proposed sewage treatment plant (STP) of the Kozhikode Corporation. It has a capacity of 200 KLD (0.2 MLD).
- Financial Investment: The project, costing ₹36 crore, is fully funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Habitat Charitable Trust, ensuring no financial burden on the Kozhikode Corporation
- Kerala:
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan
Chief minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
Centre Forms Committee to Monitor Bangladesh Border Situation

In response to the volatile situation in Bangladesh, India has set up a committee to monitor the Indo-Bangladesh border and ensure the safety of Indian nationals and minority communities.
- Committee Details:
- Chair: ADG, Border Security Force (BSF), Eastern Command.
- Members:
- IG, Frontier HQ, South Bengal, BSF.
- IG, BSF Frontier HQ, Tripura.
- Member (Planning & Development), Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI).
- Secretary, LPAI.
- Recent Developments:
- Incident Reports: On August 7, Bangladeshi nationals gathered near the International Boundary (IB) fearing violence. BSF intervened, ensuring safety and security.
- Actions Taken: BSF coordinated with local authorities and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), escorting 35 civilians back home and deploying additional forces.
- Background: Unrest in Bangladesh escalated after the resignation of former PM Sheikh Hasina, with anti-government protests and attacks on Awami League supporters and minority communities, prompting India’s precautionary measures at the border.
Indian Gold Sector Establishes First Self-Regulatory Body to Boost Consumer Trust

- The Indian Gold sector, with support from the World Gold Council (WGC), has established its first self-regulatory body, the Indian Association for Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES).
- This initiative aims to promote fair, transparent, and sustainable practices within the bullion industry, covering the entire value chain—from bullion trade and refinery to manufacturing, retailing, and digital platforms.
Economy news
Government of India Relaxes Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Rules for Real Estate

- The Government of India (GOI) announced that it has relaxed Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Rules on real estate which will provide relief to property owners in India.
- Now property owners will have the option to choose between two tax rates either a 20% rate with indexation benefits, or a 12.5% rate without indexation for properties purchased before July 23, 2024 to ensure lower tax ability.
Key Changes:
- Option for Tax Rates: Property owners can now choose between two LTCG tax rates:
- 20% with indexation benefits
- 12.5% without indexation
- Eligibility: This option is available for properties purchased before 23rd July 2024.
Indexation:
- Indexation is a method to adjust capital gains for inflation during the ownership period, calculated using the Cost Price Index (CPI).
Background:
- In July 2024, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed reducing the LTCG tax rate on real estate from 20% to 12.5%, removing the benefit of indexation in the Union Budget for FY25 (2024-25).
- Holding Period: Real estate assets are considered long-term if held for a minimum of 24 months (2 years).
Eligibility Specifics:
- The new rules apply to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who acquired property before 23rd July 2024.
- Exclusions: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), companies, and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) are not eligible for this benefit.
- The change applies to both residential and commercial properties.
Banking news
Power Finance Corporation Secures ¥25.5 Billion Loan from Japan Bank for International Cooperation for Karnataka Wind Energy Project

The Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC), under the Ministry of Power, has secured a long-term loan of 25.5 billion Japanese Yen (approximately ₹1,454 crore) from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). This loan will finance the 300.3 MW Wind Energy Project of Ostro Kannada Power Private Ltd (OKPPL) in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
Key Points:
- The loan is co-financed by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), the Bank of Yokohama Limited (BOY), the Shiga Bank Ltd, and the Bank of Fukuoka Ltd (BoF).
- This loan is part of a credit line signed between JBIC and PFC in July 2022, specifically for renewable energy projects and energy-efficient power generation and heat supply projects.
- The loan falls under JBIC’s “Global Action for Reconciling Economic Growth and Environmental Preservation (GREEN)” initiative, which aims to promote sustainable development and reduce carbon emissions.
About Power Finance Corporation (PFC):
- Chairman and Managing Director (CMD): Parminder Chopra
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
- Established: 1986
Appointment news
Praveena Rai Appointed as New MD & CEO of Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX)

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved the appointment of Praveena Rai as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MCX, India’s largest commodity exchange.
- Vacancy: The MD & CEO position at MCX has been vacant since 9th May 2024, after the previous MD, Padala Subbi Reddy (P.S. Reddy), completed his 5-year term.
- Conditions: Praveena Rai’s appointment is subject to her acceptance of the offer and approval from MCX shareholders.
About Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX):
- Operations: MCX is a leading commodity derivatives exchange in India, offering online trading of commodity derivatives transactions.
- Regulatory Framework: It began operations in November 2003 under the regulatory framework of SEBI.
- Chairman: Dr. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
State news
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Inaugurates IACC-MSME Centre of Excellence in Ahmedabad

On August 8, 2024, Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, inaugurated Indo- American Chamber of Commerce (IACC)’s first ever “IACC-MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) Centre of Excellence (CoE)” for at the KCG auditorium, i-HUB campus in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Centre of Excellence (CoE) Overview:
- Purpose: The IACC-MSME Centre of Excellence (CoE) aims to upgrade and strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Gujarat, preparing them to compete in global export markets.
- Key Objectives:
- Enhance the industrial relationship between India and the United States of America (USA).
- Equip MSMEs with the skills and knowledge necessary for global market navigation and export enhancement.
- Address challenges faced by Indian MSMEs and facilitate their access to the American market.
Additional Information:
- Gujarat’s MSME Sector:
- Operational MSMEs: 19.80 lakh registered MSMEs are operational in Gujarat.
- Employment: These MSMEs employ nearly 1.07 crore people.
- Economic Contribution: Gujarat contributes 8.63% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Obituary News
Sahitya Akademi Awardee & Renowned Scholar C. G. Rajagopal Passes Away at 93

A renowned scholar and translator C. G. Rajagopal, who won the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award in 2019 passed away at the age of 93. He was born in 1932 in Kerala.
- He received the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award for translating ‘Sreeramacharitamanasam (Thulasidasaramayanam)’ from Hindi to Malayalam.
- The original book ‘Sree Ramacharithamanasa (Poetry), Hindi, was authored by Thulasidas.
- He was the founder president of Drishyvedi, a kathakali connoisseur’s association and he is the former Chancellor of Amrit Bharati Vidyapeeth.
- He also received the Kamala Goenka Foundation’s Satyanarayana Goenka Anudith Sahitya Award for translation.
Sports news
2024 Paris Olympics Ends, Los Angeles to Host 34th Summer Olympics

Closing Ceremony:
- The 33rd Summer Olympics ended on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France.
- International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and French swimmer Leon Marchand extinguished the Olympic flame.
- The Olympic flag was handed over to Los Angeles, USA, which will host the 34th Summer Olympics in 2028.
Paris and Los Angeles Olympic Hosting:
- Paris hosted the Olympics for the third time (previously in 1900 and 1924).
- Los Angeles will also host for the third time (previously in 1932 and 1984).
Indian Flag Bearers:
- Opening Ceremony: PV Sindhu (Badminton) and Sharath Kamal (Table Tennis).
- Closing Ceremony: Manu Bhaker (Shooting) and PR Sreejesh (Hockey).
India’s Performance:
- India finished with 6 medals: 1 silver and 5 bronze.
- Notable Medalists:
- Silver: Neeraj Chopra (Javelin).
- Bronze: Manu Bhaker (Women’s 10m Air Pistol), Manu Bhaker & Sarabjot Singh (10m Air Pistol Mixed Team), Swapnil Kusale (Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions), Men’s Hockey Team, Aman Sehrawat (Wrestling 57kg Freestyle).
- India ranked 71st in the overall medal tally.
- Aman Sehrawat made history by becoming the youngest Indian to win an Olympic medal. He secured a bronze medal in the men’s freestyle 57 kg wrestling event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, breaking the previous record held by PV Sindhu. Sindhu had won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics at the age of 21 years, 1 month, and 14 days.
Overall Medal Tally:
- Top Countries:
- 1st: USA with 126 medals (40 Gold, 44 Silver, 42 Bronze).
- 2nd: China with 91 medals.
- 3rd: Japan with 45 medals.
Unique Features of the 2024 Paris Olympics:
- Opening Ceremony: Held on the River Seine, a first for the Olympics.
- Participation: Athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team.
- Events: 329 medal events across 32 sports and 48 disciplines.
- Debut Sports: Breaking (breakdancing) introduced for the first time.
First-Time Medal Winners:
- Countries Winning Their First Olympic Medal:
- Albania, Cape Verde, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Refugee Olympic Team.
- Countries Winning Their First Gold Medal:
- Botswana, Dominica, Guatemala, Saint Lucia.
Mascot and Motto:
- Mascot: Olympic Phryge, based on the traditional French Phrygian Hat in blue, white, and red.
- Motto: “Alone, we go faster, but together, we go further.”
Defence news
IAF Su-30 MKI return after participating in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent, consisting of seven Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, returned to India on August , 2024, after participating in the bilateral Exercise Udara Shakti 2024.
- The exercise was hosted by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) at its Kuantan base in Malaysia from August 2024.
Opening Ceremony:
- The opening ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Group Captain Ajay Rathi, the IAF team leader, Ms. Subhashini Narayanan, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, and senior officers from the RMAF.
Deployment and Collaboration:
- Both the IAF and RMAF deployed seven Sukhoi-30 fighter planes during the exercise.
- The Sukhoi-30 fighter planes are procured from Russia, with the majority of the IAF’s fleet being produced domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a licensing agreement.
Significance of Sukhoi-30 MKI:
- The Indian variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, known as the Su-30MKI, is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the IAF’s arsenal, tailored specifically for India’s needs.
- India is one of the largest operators of the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, alongside Russia.
Exercise Features:
- Training Exercises: Focused on air combat scenarios involving the Sukhoi-30 fighter planes from both air forces.
- Subject Matter Expert Exchange: Aimed at sharing knowledge, expertise, and skills in aviation and engineering related to the Sukhoi-30 aircraft.
- HOP Exercise: Pilots from both nations flew each other’s Sukhoi fighter planes to test the aircraft, exchange ideas on combat tactics, and explore differences in equipment functionality.
Objectives of Exercise Udara Shakti 2024:
- To enhance interoperability between the IAF and RMAF.
- To exchange tactical knowledge and experience in operating the Sukhoi-30 fighter jets.
- To strengthen defense ties between India and Malaysia through mutual learning and cooperation.
Scheme news
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 Overview

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 on August, 2024.
The scheme envisages an investment of Rs 10 lakh crores.
Background:
- PMAY-U 2.0 replaces the original PMAY-U, which was launched on June 25, 2015, and ended on December 31, 2024.
- The initiative is part of the central government’s Housing for All policy, aimed at providing all-weather pucca houses to eligible beneficiaries in urban areas.
Duration and Goals:
- PMAY-U 2.0 has a duration of five years.
- It aims to facilitate the construction of one crore houses in urban areas for the urban poor and middle-class families.
Nodal Ministry: The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is the nodal body responsible for implementing the PMAY-U 2.0 scheme.
Coverage: The scheme will cover all areas declared as towns by law and mentioned in the 2011 census across the country.
Beneficiaries:
- Eligible beneficiaries include the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), and Middle Income Group (MIG) in urban areas who do not have any pucca houses.
- Income criteria for eligibility:
- EWS: Annual income not exceeding Rs 3 lakh.
- LIG: Annual income not exceeding Rs 6 lakh.
- MIG: Annual income not exceeding Rs 9 lakh.
Assam Launches Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Asoni (MMNMA) Scheme to Combat Child Marriage

Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Asoni (MMNMA), a monthly financial assistance scheme, aimed at combating child marriage in Assam by 2026, during a program at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati, Assam. The scheme is expected to cost the exchequer around Rs.300 crore in the first year and Rs.1500 crore over 5 years. Under this scheme, 10 lakh girls (one million) will be supported with financial grants as admission incentives to pursue higher education.
Note: In the Dhubri and South Salmara districts of Assam, 50% of girls married before 18 years old.
Scheme Overview:
- Objective: To combat child marriage in Assam and increase girls’ enrollment in higher education institutions.
- Target: Support 10 lakh girls with financial grants to pursue higher education.
- Cost: Rs. 300 crore in the first year and Rs. 1500 crore over 5 years.
Scheme Features:
- Target Group: Girls enrolled in Government and Venture Educational Institutions (VEIS) in Higher Secondary (HS) 1st year, Graduation (1st year), and Post Graduation (PG) 1st year. Private Education Institutions (PEIS) are excluded.
- Complementary: The scheme will work alongside the existing “Free Admission” scheme.
Financial Incentives:
- Class 11: Rs 1000 per month until the completion of Class 12 board exams.
- Graduation (1st year): Rs 1,250 per month for up to 3-4 years.
- PG (1st year) / B.Ed.: Rs 2,500 per month until course completion.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open To: All girls who are legal residents of Assam.
- Not Eligible: Married girls (except PG and B.Ed. categories), in-service B.Ed. candidates, daughters of Ministers, MPs, and MLAs, and girls receiving scooters under the Banikanta Kakati Award.
Context:
- In Dhubri and South Salmara districts of Assam, 50% of girls are married before the age of 18.
- The scheme aims to address this issue by encouraging higher education among girls.
About Assam:
- Chief Minister: Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma
- Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
- Capital: Dispur
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary, Nambor – Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary
- Zoological Park: Assam State Zoo (Green Lung)