National news
Vice President flagged off Har Ghar Tiranga Bike Rally from Bharat Mandapam in Delhi
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar flagged off the Har Ghar Tiranga Bike Rally from Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi this morning.
- Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Parliamentary Affairs minister Kiren Rijiju were also present on the occasion.
- The rally will end at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign is part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, designed to bring the tricolor into homes across the nation.
MP govt gives cash to girl students to buy sanitary napkins
The Dr Mohan Yadav government in Madhya Pradesh has become the first state government in India to provide cash to adolescent girls to buy sanitary napkins. The cash is being provided under the state government’s Sanitation and Hygiene scheme.
Many state governments in India provide free sanitary napkins to adolescent girls, but none of them give cash to the beneficiaries.
Main features of the Cash for Sanitary Napkins scheme
- School girls from class seventh to twelfth are eligible for these cash benefits.
- They will get Rs three hundred for one year.
- The government has transferred more than 57 crore 18 lakh rupees to more than 19 lakh beneficiary girl students.
Udita Scheme of the Madhya Pradesh Government
- The state government launched the Udita Scheme on 1 November 2016 under its Women and Child Development Project to address the myths and taboos related to menstruation.
- The Scheme is being implemented through Anganwadi workers and assistants.
- The first phase of the scheme was implemented in Gwalior, Indore and Badwani and later in all the districts of Madhya Pradesh.
- Adolescents and women in the age group of 18 to 49 years are eligible under the Udita scheme.
Aim of the Scheme
The aims of the Udita scheme are as follows:
- To create awareness and educate adolescent girls about the importance of proper hygiene during menstruation and overall menstrual management.
- dispelling the doubts and myths related to this topic,
- encourage adolescent girls to use quality sanitary pads,
- increase the availability of sanitary pads in villages and increase its accessibility,
- proper disposal of used sanitary napkins
- create awareness among adolescents about anaemia,
- create awareness among adolescents about Nutrition,
- provide free sanitary napkins to adolescent girls and women.
Madhya Pradesh:
- Capital: Bhopal (Executive Branch)
- Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
One India-One Ticket’ to boost tourism
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) have collaborated to launch ‘One India-One Ticket’ initiative to enhance the travel experience for passengers on Indian Railways and Namo Bharat Trains. It will allow passengers to book Namo Bharat tickets through IRCTC platform with flexible cancellation and payment.
IRCTC in a statement said that passengers can generate Unique QR code for Namo Bharat train ticket. The code will be valid for 4 days around the journey date options. Namo Bharat tickets can be booked up to 120 days in advance, aligning with the current Railway reservation window.
Banking news
UPI merchant transactions in Nepal cross 100,000 milestone
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has exceeded 100,000 cross-border Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions in Nepal.
- Partnership: This success follows NIPL’s collaboration with Fonepay, Nepal’s largest payment network, which started in March 2024.
- Global Reach: UPI, supported by a mobile-based real-time payment system, is widely accepted across several countries, including Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the UAE, establishing it as a major real-time payment platform worldwide.
Agreement news
India-New Zealand Sign Bilateral Customs Cooperation Agreement
On August 2024, during President Droupadi Murmu’s official visit to New Zealand, India and New Zealand formalized a Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement to streamline trade between the two nations. This agreement aims to facilitate easier and more efficient trade processes.
Visit Highlights:
- Itinerary: President Murmu’s three-nation tour includes Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor Leste, with her visit to New Zealand on August 8 and 9, 2024.
- Previous Visits: The last visit by an Indian President to New Zealand was by Pranab Mukherjee in May 2016.
- Welcome Ceremony: President Murmu was greeted with a traditional Maori welcome in Wellington.
- Formal Meetings: She was welcomed by New Zealand’s Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro and met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. Discussions included collaboration on traditional medicine through the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
- Conference Address: President Murmu spoke at the New Zealand International Education Conference, where India was the Guest of Honour.
India-New Zealand Relations:
- Diplomatic History: India established a Trade Mission in New Zealand in 1950, upgraded to a High Commission.
- Trade Statistics: As of June 2023, India is New Zealand’s 15th largest trading partner with trade valued at US$1.56 billion.
- Imports from New Zealand: Wool, edible fruits & nuts, forestry products.
- Exports to New Zealand: Precious metals and gems, textiles, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, non-knitted apparel.
About New Zealand:
- Location: An archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.
- Unique Species: Home to the flightless Kiwi bird.
- Historical Milestone: Edmund Hillary, a New Zealander, was the first to climb Mount Everest in 1953.
- Indigenous Population: Maoris.
- Independence: Gained from the UK in 1947, part of the Commonwealth.
- Head of State: Represented by UK Monarch, King Charles III.
- Capital: Wellington
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar
- Prime Minister: Christopher Luxon
Appointment News
T.V. Somanathan Appointed as New Cabinet Secretary
Senior IAS Officer T.V. Somanathan has been appointed as the new Cabinet Secretary of India, succeeding Rajiv Gauba, whose term ends this month. Somanathan will begin his two-year tenure on August 30, 2024. He will also serve as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Cabinet Secretariat until he formally assumes the role of Cabinet Secretary.
Rajiv Gauba’s Tenure
- Duration: Rajiv Gauba has served as Cabinet Secretary for five years, a record term. His tenure included three extensions, with the most recent one granted in August 2023.
- Achievements: Gauba is recognized for his role in the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which led to the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories.
Award news
Shah Rukh Khan Honored with Career Achievement Award at 77th Locarno Film Festival
Shah Rukh Khan received a career achievement award on August 10, 2024, at the Locarno Film Festival’s Piazza Grande, addressing an audience of 8,000.
- Views on Cinema: He described cinema as a profound artistic medium that transcends boundaries and emphasized that art’s purpose is to affirm life.
- Reflections on Creativity: Khan highlighted love as the foundation of creativity, connecting it to universal understanding and joy.
- Humorous Award Renaming: He humorously renamed his award the “Leopard award for being the most awesome in the world, in the history of humility and kindness and goodness.”
Agreement news
SAMEER Partners for Large-Scale Production of Advanced Brix Measurement System
The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) has signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with Toshniwal Hyvac Pvt. Ltd. and Sir Automation Industries to enable large-scale manufacturing of a Microwave-Based Brix Measurement System.
- Technology Overview: Developed by SAMEER, this system provides a rapid, non-destructive, and precise method for measuring sugar concentration (Brix) in real-time during sugar production. It eliminates manual sampling, reducing production time and increasing efficiency.
- Alignment with PM’s Vision: This technology supports the PM’s vision of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan” by fostering indigenous advancements in the sugar industry in India.
Ranking and report news
IIT-Madras retains Top Ranking in the 9th NIRF 2024 Overall Category
The Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Madras has retained its top spot in the recently released 9th India Rankings report which ranks the High Educational Institutions in India.
- IIT Madras retained its first position in the Overall Category for the sixth consecutive year, from 2019 to 2024.
- The 9th Indian Rankings report was released by the Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on 12 August 2024 in New Delhi.
About India Rankings
- The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development approved the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2015. The Ministry was later renamed as the Union Ministry of Education.
- The NIRF outlines a methodology for ranking the country’s higher educational Institutions (HEIs). The HEIs are ranked on five parameters: Teaching, Learning and Resources, Research and Professional Practices, Graduation Outcomes, Outreach and Inclusivity, and Perception.
- The ministry released the first Indian Ratings of the country’s HEIs in 2016 based on the NIRF.
Changes in the 9th India Ranking of HEIs
In the 9th India Ranking, two changes have been made as compared to the 8th edition.
- State Public Universities, Open Universities, and Skill Universities categories have been added.
- Innovation Institution category has been included in the India Ranking.
Top Three Institutions in the 9th India Ranking 2024
Here is the list of the top three institutions in the following categories.
Overall Categories
| Ranking | Institution | Year of Establishment | City | State/Union Territory |
| 1 | IIT-Madras | 1959 | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Science | 1909 | Bengaluru | Karnataka |
| 3 | IIT Bombay | 1958 | Mumbai | Maharashtra |
Universities
| Ranking | Institution | Year of Establishment | City | State /Union Territory |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Science | 1909 | Bengaluru | Karnataka |
| 2 | Jawaharlal Nehru University | 1969 | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 3 | Jamia Millia Islamia | 1920 | New Delhi | Delhi |
State Public Universities
| Ranking | Institution | Year of Establishment | City | State /Union Territory |
| 1 | Anna University | 1978 | Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
| 2 | Jadavpur University, | 1955 | Kolkata | West Bengal |
| 3 | Savitribai Phule University | 1949 | Pune | Maharashtra |
Open University
| Ranking | Institution | Year of Establishment | City | State /Union Territory |
| 1 | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | 1985 | New Delhi | Delhi |
Skill Universities
| Ranking | Institution | Year of Establishment | City | State /Union Territory |
| 1 | Symbiosis Skills and Professional University | 2107 | Pune | Maharashtra |
Colleges
| Ranking | Institution | Year of Establishment | City | State /Union Territory |
| 1 | Hindu College | 1899 | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 2 | Miranda House, | 1948 | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 3 | Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira | 1941 | Howrah | West Bengal |
Research Institutions
| Ranking | Institution | Year of Establishment | City | State /Union Territory |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Science | 1909 | Bengaluru | Karnataka |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras, | 1959 | Chennai | West Bengal |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | 1961 | New Delhi | Delhi |
Innovation Institutions
| Ranking | Institution | Year of Establishment | City | State /Union Territory |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | 1958 | Mumbai | Maharashtra |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras, | 1959 | Chennai | West Bengal |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru | 1909 | Bengaluru | Karnataka |
Engineering
| Ranking | Institution | Year of Establishment | City | State /Union Territory |
| 1 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras, | 1959 | Chennai | West Bengal |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | 1961 | New Delhi | Delhi |
| 3 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | 1958 | Mumbai | Maharashtra |
Books and author news
‘75 Great Revolutionaries of India’ Book Launch Celebrates Unsung Heroes
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh attended the book launch of ’75 Great Revolutionaries of India’ by MP Bhim Singh on August 11, 2024.
- Focus on Lesser-Known Heroes: Singh praised the book for its spotlight on lesser-known freedom fighters and its meticulous research.
- Inspirational Goal: The book is intended to inspire efforts towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by drawing strength from the stories of these revolutionaries.
Defence news
10th bilateral Mitra Shakti Military Exercise Commences in Sri Lanka
The 10th annual Mitra Shakti military exercise between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army began on August 12, 2024, at the Sri Lankan Army Training School in Maduru Oya. The exercise will run until August 25.
- Objective: The exercise aims to strengthen military-to-military ties and bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka, focusing on anti-terrorist operations in urban areas.
- Historical Context: Initiated in 2012, the Mitra Shakti exercise alternates between India and Sri Lanka. The 2024 edition marks the 10th iteration, following the 9th edition held in Pune, India, in 2023.
- Participants: This year, the Rajputana Rifles from India and the Gajaba Regiment from Sri Lanka are participating. The exercise involves each side deploying one Infantry Battalion, three Armoured Tanks, four BMP tanks, five to ten Artillery observers, and fifty Engineers personnel.
Phases of the Exercise:
- Phase One: Static display and demonstration of weapons and equipment by both sides.
- Phase Two: Training and rehearsals, including night training.
- Phase Three: Sports competition to foster friendship and camaraderie.
- Phase Four: Comprehensive exercise involving both armed forces.
Sri lanka:
- Capitals: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
- President: Ranil Wickremesinghe
- Prime minister: Dinesh Gunawardena
Important days
International Youth Day 2024, Date, Theme and History
International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12th, is a global celebration that recognizes the contributions of young people to society and addresses the challenges they face. The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about socio-economic and socio-political issues affecting youth worldwide.
The 2024 theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” highlights the crucial role of digital technologies in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
History of International Youth Day
- Establishment and First Celebration:
- 1999: The United Nations officially declared August 12 as International Youth Day.
- August 12, 2000: The first official celebration of International Youth Day took place.
- Origins and Development:
- 1965: The United Nations General Assembly began its efforts to educate and inspire youth.
- December 17, 1999: The World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon proposed the establishment of International Youth Day.
