National news
India-SriLanka ferry service resumes between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai near Jaffna

The passenger ferry service between India and Sri Lanka resumed operations yesterday, marking a significant step in enhancing maritime connectivity between the two nations. This service was initially launched in October 2023, connecting Nagapattinam in India with Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
- Route: The service connects Nagapattinam in India with Kankesanthurai (KKS) near Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
- Launch: Initially launched in October 2023.
- Ferry Details: The ferry Sivagangai, operated by IndSri Ferry Services, completed its maiden journey in approximately four hours, carrying around 50 passengers.
- Welcome Ceremony: Passengers were welcomed at KKS port by the Indian Consul General in Jaffna.
- Indian Government Support: India is providing financial assistance of over 25 million Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) per month for one year to cover operational costs at Nagapattinam port.
- Sri Lankan Government Support: Sri Lanka has reduced the deviation tax for passengers departing via passenger vessels and ships.
Sri lanka:
- Capitals: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
- Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil
- President: Ranil Wickremesinghe
- Prime minister: Dinesh Gunawardena
Launch of ‘Jiyo Parsi Scheme Portal’ and ‘Haj Applications (App) – 2025’

On August 2024, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) along with the Minister of State (MOS) George Kurian, MOMA launched the ‘Jiyo Parsi Scheme Portal’ and ‘Haj Applications (app) – 2025′ at Manthan Hall in New Delhi, Delhi.
Key Figures:
- Union Minister: Kiren Rijiju, Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA)
- Minister of State (MOS): George Kurian, MoMA
- National Commission for Minorities (NCM):
- Chairman: Iqbal Singh Lalpura
- Vice-Chairperson: Kersi Kaikhushroo Deboo
Jiyo Parsi Scheme Portal:
- Purpose: Enables Parsis to apply, check application status, and receive financial aid through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Scheme Overview:
- Launched: 2013-14
- Objective: Stabilize and reverse the decline in the Parsi population through scientific protocols and structured interventions.
- Components: Medical Assistance, Advocacy, and Health of Community.
- Assistance: Provides support for medical treatment, childcare, and elderly dependents. Over 400 Parsi youths have benefited.
Haj Applications (App) – 2025:
- Introduction: For the first time, applications can be submitted via the Haj Suvidha App as well as the Haj Committee of India (HCI) website.
- Application Deadline: September 9, 2024
- App Features:
- Access to training content, accommodation, flight details, baggage information, emergency helpline (SOS), grievance redressal, feedback, language translation, and other pilgrimage-related services.
- Improved coordination and control for Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
- Quota: Over 1.75 lakh slots allocated by Saudi Arabia for Haj 2025.
- Passport Requirement: Must be machine-readable, valid through at least January 15, 2026, and issued before the application deadline.
India-Israel Partnership: Establishment of ‘Center of Water Technology’

India and Israel have partnered to set up a ‘Center of Water Technology (CoWT)’ at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This center focuses on Water Resources Management (WRM) and Water Technologies.
- Initiative Launch: A capacity-building course titled ’24/7 Water Supply in Urban Areas’ was held at IIT Madras from August 5 to 8, 2024, to equip stakeholders with skills for managing urban water systems.
- Background:
- A tripartite agreement for the CoWT was signed in 2023 among the Embassy of Israel, IIT Madras, and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) mission of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA).
- This partnership underscores the commitment of both nations to tackle water scarcity and improve water management.
About IIT Madras:
- Director: Professor Kamakoti Veezhinathan
- Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Established: 1959
About Israel:
- President: Isaac Herzog
- Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu
- Capital: Jerusalem
- Currency: New Israeli Shekel (NIS)
Agreement news
EEPC India and ISSDA Sign MoU to Boost MSME Exports in Engineering and Stainless Steel Sectors

The Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) and the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the export of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) members in the engineering and stainless steel sectors.
Signatories:
- EEPC India: Adhip Mitra, Executive Director
- ISSDA: Rohit Kumar, Executive Director
- Other Attendees: Rajamani Krishnamurti, President of ISSDA, and senior officials from EEPC India.
Objectives of the MoU:
- Export Enhancement: Identify potential export products and boost trade activities through trade exhibits, buyer-seller meetings, and economic summits. The agreement facilitates the transfer and exchange of trade and business information to member exporters.
- International Investment: Enhance trade information exchange and promote international investments through Joint Ventures (JVs) and technological collaboration.
- Capacity Building: Conduct regional capacity-building sessions to support the growth of the engineering goods and stainless steel sectors.
- Market Opportunities: Leverage the expertise and networks of EEPC India and ISSDA to create new global market opportunities for Indian businesses.
About the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA)
- Nature: Non-profit organization
- Registration: Under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013
- Purpose: Dedicated to the growth and development of the stainless steel industry in India
- President: Rajamani Krishnamurti
- Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana
- Founded: 1989
IRCTC and NCRTC Launch ‘One India – One Ticket’ Initiative

IRCTC & NCRTC Collaborates To Launch ‘One India – One Ticket’ Initiative The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) have collaborated to launch the ‘One India – One Ticket’ initiative designed to enhance the travel experience for passengers on Indian Railways(IR) and Namo Bharat Trains.
Features:
- Booking: Passengers can book Namo Bharat tickets for up to 8 travelers in a single transaction on the IRCTC platform, with flexible cancellation and payment options.
- QR Code: Each RRTS ticket will feature a Unique Quick-Response (QR) code on the Electronic Reservation Slip (ERS), valid for 4 days around the journey date.
- Advance Reservation: Namo Bharat tickets can be reserved up to 120 days in advance.
IRCTC: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation is an Indian public sector undertaking that provides ticketing, catering, and tourism services for the state-owned Indian Railways.
- Founded: 27 September 1999
- Headquarters: New Delhi
Note: Namo Bharat Trains are Indian Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains designed for Regional Rapid Transit services (RRTS).
Awards news
Government announces 70th National Film Awards 2022 winner’s List

The 70th National Film Awards for the year 2022 were announced on 16 August 2024. The head of the jury for the various segments of the National Film Awards presented the list of winners of the 70th National Film Awards to the Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi
- Rahul Rawail was the Chairperson of the Feature Film Jury, Nila Madhab Panda was the Chairperson of the Non-Feature Film Jury and Gangadhar Mudalair was theChairperson of the Best Writing on Cinema Jury.
- The films which were made in 2022 were considered for the awards. The winners will be conferred the award in a ceremony to be hosted by the ministry later on.
List of Important Award winner (Feature Film Category)
- Best Feature Film – Aattam (Malayalam), Director: Anand Ekarshi
- Best Debut Film of a Director– Fouja (Hrryanvi), Director Parmod Kumar
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment– Kantara (Kannada), Director Rishab Shetty
- Best Feature Film Promoting Social, National, and Environmental Values– Kutch Express (Gujarati) – Director: Viral Shah
- Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects Gaming & Comic)– Brahamstra Part -1 Shiva, Director: Ayan Mukerji
- Best Direction -Uunchai (Hindi), Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
- Best Actor in a Leading Role– Rishab Shetty for the film Kantara
- Best Actress in a Leading Role– Nithya Menen for film Thiruchitrambalam (Tamil), Manasi Parekh – Kutch Express (Gujarati),
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role -Pavan Raj Malhotra for the film Fouja
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Neena Gupta for the film Uunchai
- Best Child Artist – Sreepath for film Malikappuram (Malayalam)
- Best Male Playback Singer –Arijit Singh for the film Brahmastra
- Best Female Playback Singer -Bombay Jayashri for film Chaayum Veyil (Malayalam)
- Best Music Direction – Pritam for the film Brahmastra
Other Category
- Best Hindi Film– Gulmohar Directed by Rahul V. Chittella
- Best Tiwa film -Sikaisal (If Only Trees Could Talk), Directed by Dr. Bobby Sarma Baruah
- Special Mention – Gulmohar (Hindi) and Kadhikan (Malayalam)
- Best Non-Feature Film- Ayena (Hindi/Urdu), Directed by Siddhant Sarin
- Award for Best Book on Cinema– Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography(English) Author-Anirudha Bhattacharjee & Parthiv Dhar
- Award for Best Film Critic-Deepak Dua (Hindi)
Appointment News
IRS Officer Rahul Navin new Director of Enforcement Directorate (ED)

The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14 August 2024, has approved the appointment of Rahul Navin as the Director of the Directorate of Enforcement(ED). Rahul Navin was appointed as the acting director of the Enforcement Directorate by the government of India on 15 September 2023 after Sanjay Kumar Mishra’s retirement. Sanjay Mishra had to retire after the Supreme Court held the frequent extension given to him by the government of India as illegal.
About the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
The appointment committee of the Cabinet is the highest body of the government of India, which approves the appointment to various top administrative posts of the government of India. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet consists of two cabinet ministers of the government of India. They are :
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
- Amit Shah– Union Minister for Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation.
Award news
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited (TIAL) Receives Greentech Award

TIAL won the ‘Pollution Control Waste Management & Recycling (PCWR) Award 2024’ from the Greentech Foundation.
Event: The award was presented at the Greentech PCWR 2024 Summit, Awards, and Expo in Guwahati, Assam.
Recognition: The award acknowledges TIAL’s success in implementing a ‘zero waste to landfill’ policy.
Waste Management Practices:
- Cradle-to-Cradle Concept: Waste generation and management are based on this sustainable approach.
- Landfill Diversion Rate: Achieved 99.50% through practices like reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery.
- Processing: 100% of plastic and solid waste is processed.
- ISO Certification: TIAL has an ISO 14001:2015 certified waste management system with efficient waste collection and recycling mechanisms.
- Management: TIAL is managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, and is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Books and author news
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Releases a Book Titled ‘Bharat ke 75 mahan krantikari’

Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, launched the book ‘Bharat ke 75 Mahan Krantikari’ in New Delhi.
- Author: The book is authored by Bhim Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar.
- Content: The book highlights the lives of 75 lesser-known revolutionary freedom fighters, including Tantia Bhil, Surya Sen, Pritilata Waddedar, and Permanand Jhansi, who played significant roles in India’s struggle for independence.
Scheme news
Himachal Pradesh Launches ‘HIM-UNNATI’ Initiative

The Himachal Pradesh (HP) Government has launched ‘HIM-UNNATI’, the third phase of the Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Yojana, to promote natural farming across the state.
Funding: Rs 150 crore has been allocated for the scheme.
Focus: The scheme aims to support approximately 1.92 lakh farmers practicing chemical-free farming on over 32,149 hectares of land. It will use a cluster-based development model to make agriculture commercially viable.
Key Components:
- Cluster-Based Model: Combining smallholding farmers for bulk production and marketable surplus.
- Integration: Coordination with departments like Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Fisheries, and Rural Development to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness.
- Benefits:
- Target Groups: Small and marginal farmers, including women, SC, ST, and BPL families.
- Employment: Expected to generate self-employment for about 50,000 farmers through 2,600 agricultural clusters.
- Productivity: Anticipated to increase productivity by 15% to 20% in vegetables and cereals.
Himachal Pradesh Overview:
- Chief Minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
- Governor: Shiv Pratap Shukla
- National Parks: Khirganga National Park, Inderkilla National Park
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: ChandraTal Wildlife Sanctuary, Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary
Science and tech news
ISRO Successfully Completes SSLV Development Project with SSLV-D3 Launch

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its 3rd and final developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Payload:
- Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-08): Developed by U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru.
- SR-0 DEMOSAT: The first satellite from Chennai-based startup, Space Rickshaw.
- Mission Outcome: Both satellites were successfully placed into a 450 km circular orbit around Earth.
Objectives:
- Enhance commercial satellite launch operations for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO.
- Design and develop microsatellite technologies, create payload instruments for microsatellite buses, and incorporate new technologies for future operational satellites.
About ISRO:
- Chairman: Sreedhara Panicker Somanath
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Established: 1969
DRDO Conducts Successful Tests of MP-ATGM and ‘GAURAV’

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Research and Development (R&D) wing of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and the Indian Army successfully conducted the test-firing of the indigenously developed Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM).
The test was conducted at Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR) in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Maiden Flight Test of ‘GAURAV’:
- Event: DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named ‘GAURAV’.
- Platform: Launched from an Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30 MK-I aircraft.
- Location: Off the coast of Odisha.
- Development: Designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, Telangana.
About DRDO:
- Founded: 1958
- Chairman: Dr. Samir V. Kamat
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi