Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 21st August 2024

1. Michael Debabrata Patra committee 

• TheReserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted an Expert Committee under the chairmanship of deputy governor Michael Debabrata Patra. 
• Purpose of the committees are benchmark the statistics regularly disseminated by it against global standards/best practices; 
• Studythe quality of other regular data, where such benchmarks do not exist (e.g., sectors of national priority); and 
• Provide guidance on the scope for any further data refinement. 

2. Diamond Imprest License 

• The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the introduction of the Diamond Imprest Licence for Gems and Jewellery Sector. 
• It allows import duty exemption on cut and polished diamonds up to a specified limit. 
• The gems and jewellery exporters were demanding for this licence. 
• Thelicence allows eligible exporters to import cut and polished diamonds, including semi-processed, half-cut, and broken diamonds. 
• Exporters can import diamonds up to 5 per cent of their average turnover from the past three years, with a requirement to add 10 per cent value.benchmark the statistics regularly disseminated by it against global standards/best practices; 
• Studythe quality of other regular data, where such benchmarks do not exist (e.g., sectors of national priority); and 
• Provide guidance on the scope for any further data refinement. Diamond Imprest License 
• The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the introduction of the Diamond Imprest Licence for Gems and Jewellery Sector. 
• It allows import duty exemption on cut and polished diamonds up to a specified limit. 
• Thegemsandjewellery exporters were demanding for this licence. 
• Thelicence allows eligible exporters to import cut and polished diamonds, including semi-processed, half-cut, and broken diamonds. 
• Exporters can import diamonds up to 5 per cent of their average turnover from the past three years, with a requirement to add 10 per cent value. 

3. Plastic-Eating Fungi 

• Scientists in Germany have identified plastic-eating fung 
• Of the18selected fungal strains, four efficiently utilise the plastics, especially the polyurethane which is used to make construction foam. 
• Polyethylene, used in plastic bags and packaging, was much slower to degrade. 
• Plastic is made from fossil carbon and if the mushrooms break it down, it’s no different to us burning oil or gas and releasing CO2 into the atmosphere. 
• Some390million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide in 2021, up from 1.7 million tonnes in 1950. 
• But, less than 10% of plastic wastes only recycled worldwide. 

4. Ancient Solar Calendar- Turkey 

• Archaeologists have discovered the world’s oldest, 12,000 years old calendar. 
• The ancient carving of the sun, moon, and various constellations sits on a pillar in Göbekli Tepe in southern Turkey. 
• Researchers believe that ancient people used this so-called lunisolar calendar to mark the changing of the seasons. 
• Apparently, it even recorded a falling comet. 
• The Göbekli Tepe site is home to the world’s oldest known manmade structures. 
• They predate Stonehenge of England by over 6,000 years 

5. Amul ranked as world’s strongest food brand 

• Indian brand “Amul” has been ranked as the “strongest food brand in the world” as per the latest Food & Drink 2024 report. 
• Amul has already been ranked number one dairy brand in the world. However, being ranked as the number one strongest food brand is a big recognition. Last year, Amul held the second position in this category. 
• The annual report on the most valuable and strongest food, dairy & non-alcoholic drinks brands has been published by Brand Finance, world’s leading brand consultancy. 
• Asperthe report, the brand value of Amul rose 11 percent to $3.3 billion, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 91.0 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating. Amul’s brand strength is attributed to its strong performance in familiarity, consideration, and recommendation metric. 
• Asperthe report, Amul retains its status as the strongest dairy brand ranked, with an improved Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 91 out of 100. 

6. MSuresh becomes interim AAI Chairman 

• MSuresh, Member, Air Navigation Services, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been entrusted with additional charge as Chairman of AAI. 
• This is subsequent to relieving Sanjeev Kumar of his duties as AAI Chairman, says a Government Order. 
• Hailing from Tenkasi district in Tamil Nadu, Suresh will hold the post for three months or until a regular incumbent joins or until further orders. 

Recent Appointment 

• Head coach of junior men’s hockey team-PR Sreejesh 
• Secretary of Ministry of Steel– Sandeep Poundrik 
• CMDofNHPCLtd–RajKumarChaudhary 
• Additional secretary in PMO– Amit Singh Negi 
• Director in Serious Fraud •Investigation Office (SFIO) under Ministry of Corporate Affairs– Samir Ashwin Vakil 

7. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das ranked top central banker globally for the second consecutive year 

• Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das has been rated “A+” for the second consecutive year in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2024. 
• TheCentral Banker Report Cards, published annually by Global Finance since 1994, grade the central bank governors of nearly 100 key countries, territories, and districts, as well as the European Union, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Central African States and the Central Bank of West African States. 
• Gradesare based on an “A+” to “F” scale for success in areas such as inflation control, economic growth goals, currency stability and interest rate management. 
• “A”represents an excellent performance, down through “F” for outright failure. 
• TheCentral Bankers earning an A+ grade in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2024, along with Shaktikanta Das, are Denmark’s Christian Kettel Thomsen and Switzerland’s Thomas Jordan. 

Recent Award 

• Hilal-e-Imtiaz Award (Pakistan 2ndhighest civilian award)– Arshad Nadeem 
• Grand Collar of Order of Timor Leste (Highest Civilian Award of Timor Leste) President Droupadi Murmu 
• Companion of the Order of Fiji (highest honour of Fiji)– President Droupadi Murmu 
• VVenkayya Epigraphy Award 2024– V. Vedachalam 
• Global Water Tech Award for environmental initiatives– Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
• Customised Gold Coins by Paris’ Grevin Museum– Shah Rukh Khan 

8. South Korea, US kick off annual drills over North’s military, cyber threats 

• SouthKorea and the United States kicked off annual summertime military exercises on Monday, seeking to boost their joint readiness to fend off North Korea’s weapons and cyber threats. 
• The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, set to end on August 29, come as North Korea races to advance its nuclear and missile programmes and tries to launch reconnaissance satellites. 
• Thedrills will reflect “realistic threats” across all domains, including the North’s missile threats but also GPS jamming, cyberattacks and other lessons learned from recent incidents. 
• About19,000 South Korean troops will take part, similar to last year, with 48 rounds of combined field training, including field manoeuvre, live fire and amphibious exercises to be held. 

Recent Exercise 

• Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 between Indian Air Force and Malaysia Air Force Kuantan, Malaysia 
• ExPitch Black 2024 between India and Australia– Darwin, Australia 
• 28thedition of Malabar Exercise between India, USA, Japan, Australia– Bay of Bengal (October 2024) 
• 16thedition of Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant between India and Mongolia– Umroi, Meghalaya 
• 13thedition of Joint military Exercise MAITREE between India and Thailand– Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province of Thailand. 
• 29thedition of RIMPAC Naval Exercise– Hawaii, Pearl Harbour USA (INS Shivalik Participated) 

9. 19 August– World Humanitarian Day 

• World Humanitarian Day is observed every year on August 19 to honour humanitarian workers who risk their lives to provide aid and assistance to people in need. 
• The day also aims to encourage global action to support those affected by crises, such as natural disasters, conflicts and other emergencies. 
• Theme 2024–Act For Humanity 
• World Humanitarian Day traces its origins to a tragic event. On August 19, 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, resulted in the deaths of 22 humanitarian aid workers. 
• Among the victims was Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq. 

10. 21 August– International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 

• The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed every year on 21 August. 
• Objective– To honour and support the victims and survivors of terrorist acts while promoting the protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. 
• TheInternational Day was established through UN General Assembly Resolution 72/165 in 2017. This resolution set August 21st as the annual date for commemoration. 
• InApril 2020, UN Secretary-General António Guterres published a report titled “Progress of the UN system to support Member States in assisting victims of terrorism” (A/74/790). This report emphasized the need for enhanced international cooperation in assisting terrorism victims. 

11. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched online portal DRIPS (Disaster Resilient Infrastructure for Power Sector).

• Quick resource deployment and identification would be possible with the help of the DRIPS portal. In the event of a disaster, the DRIPS portal would ensure that disturbances in the power sector are handled quickly and effectively. 
• According to the Minister, the implementation of the DRIPS will facilitate the efficient, well-coordinated, and transparent operation of the nation's power sector in any unfavourable circumstance. For all of the authorised nodal offices of the power sector departments and other agencies in the impacted area, DRIPS will act as a single point of contact. 

12. VicePresident Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed inaugural session of 19th CII India Africa Business Conclave. 

• Creating One Future is the theme of the three-day conclave, which started on 20 August 2024 in New Delhi. It will continue till 22 August 2024. The focus areas of the conclave are trade, investment, infrastructure, healthcare, and technology. 
•  Over 11 hundred international delegates from 65 countries are taking part in the conclave. Out of these, 47 are African nations. 18th CII India Africa Business Conclave was held in June 2023. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India started the Africa Conclave on India-Africa Partnership in 2005. 

13. At 117 years old, Maria Branyas Morera, the oldest person in world, passed away. 

• On March 4, 1907, Branyas was born in San Francisco. In 1915, her family returned to Spain. In Olot, Catalonia, Spain, Branyas was living in the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home. She passed away while sleeping. 
• In January 2023, Guinness World Records formally recognised her as the oldest person in the world after the passing of French nun Lucile Randon. Tomiko Itooka of Japan is now the oldest living person in the world after Branyas's demise. Itooka was born on May 23, 1908. With 122 years and 164 days of life, Frenchwoman Jeanne Louise Calment holds the record of the longest-lived person. 

14. Satya Prakash Sangwan appointed chef de mission at the Paris Paralympics. 

• On August 20, Vice President Satya Prakash Sangwan of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) was appointed as the chef de mission of the Indian contingent at the upcoming Paris Paralympics. 
• Sangwan has over a decade of dedicated service and experience in the Paralympic movement. As CDM, he will lead India's largest-ever contingent of 84 para-athletes competing across 12 sporting disciplines. 
• Shri Satya Prakash Sangwan has been an integral part of the Indian Paralympic Committee for over a decade. The Paris Paralympics 2024 will be held from 28 August to 8 September. 

15. On August 20, Portal for Online Monitoring Of Projects Thermal (PROMPT) launched by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi. 

• The launch of the PROMPT portal will enable transparent, coordinated and effective functioning in the power sector in the country. The newly launched PROMPT portal is designed to facilitate real - time tracking and analysis of thermal projects. 
• This online platform enables project managers and stake holders to make informed decisions, ensuring that potential delays and issues are identified early and resolved promptly. Key Features and Advantages of PROMPT: Key Feature Advantages Real-Time Tracking and Analysis Centralized platform for monitoring project execution. 
• Swift identification and resolution of potential issues. Transparency and Accountability Digitized monitoring ensures greater transparency. Timely resolution of issues. Reduction intime and costoverruns. Enhanced efficiency in project execution. Resource Optimization Predict abler source availability. Supports meeting electricity demand at a reasonable price. Benefits consumers through optimized resource management. 

16. International Cricket Council has decided to move the ninth women's T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to the UAE. 

• This will be the ninth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup. The event will continue to be officially hosted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). From October 3 to October 20, the Women's T20 World Cup will be held in Dubai and Sharjah, two locations in the United Arab Emirates. The event's dates are still unchanged. 
• The event could not be held in Bangladesh as originally scheduled. Because of Bangladesh's political unrest, the event has been moved from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates. Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka also put forward bids to take over as hosts, but the UAE was chosen as the new location. 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup was the 8th edition of ICC Women's T20 World Cup tournament. It was held in South Africa. 

17. National Geoscience Awards have been presented to 21 geoscientists. 

• President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Geoscience Awards (NGA) for 2023 on 21 geoscientists. 12 awards were presented in geosciences, mineral exploration, and natural hazard investigations. 
• The awards have been presented in three categories: National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement, National Geoscience Award, and National Young Geoscientist Award. Prof. Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the fields of phosphorites, isotope geology, and organic geochemistry. Dr. Ashutosh Pandey received the National Young Geoscientist Award for his groundbreaking research on the geodynamic evolution of the Eastern Dharwar Craton. 
• The amendments in the MMDRAct have empowered the central government to auction 24 critical and strategic minerals. The Ministry of Mines has recently introduced an exploration license for 29 deep-seated minerals. 

18. India and Malaysia decided to elevate their Enhanced Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

• An agreements have been signed by India and Malaysia in the field of cooperation in labor and employment, Ayurveda and traditional medicine, digital technology, culture, tourism and youth and sports. The two countries also signed agreements on governance reform and mutual cooperation in the field of public administration. 
• The agreements were signed after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim in New Delhi. The Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the two countries is about to complete 10 years and the last two years have brought new momentum and energy to their partnership. 
• Prime Minister Modi also emphasized on enhancing cooperation in new technology areas such as Fintech, semiconductors, defence industry, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum. 

19. On August 19, Vice President of Mauritius Marie Cyril Eddy Boissezon arrived in New Delhi to attend the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave. 

• This visit marks another important milestone in the time-tested and enduring India-Mauritius relations. From August 20-22, the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave will be held in New Delhi. 
• It is noteworthy that the objective of the 19th edition of CII India-Africa Business Conclave will be to serve as a vehicle for Africa's development and to highlight the role of India-Africa partnership in regional and global value chain integration.
• Besides, Liberia's Vice President Jeremiah Kappan Kong also arrived in Delhi to attend the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave. 

20. Sadbhavna Diwas 2024: August 20. The birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi is celebrated every year as Sadbhavana Diwas. 

• It reminds the vision of a prosperous, united, and peaceful India. Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest prime minister of India. He was known for his innovative and open-minded approach to governance. Sadbhavana Diwas was first observed on August 20, 1992.
• Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister of India after Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984. Sadbhavana Diwas is observed with a range of activities aimed for fostering peace and harmony. 

National News 

21. Amul ranked  as world’s strongest food brand 

• Indian brand “Amul” has been ranked as the “strongest food brand in the world” as per the latest Food & Drink 2024 report. 
• Amul has already been ranked number one dairy brand in the world. However, being ranked as the number one strongest food brand is a big recognition. Last year, Amul held the second position in this category. 
• The annual report on the most valuable and strongest food, dairy & non-alcoholic drinks brands has been published by Brand Finance, world’s leading brand consultancy. 
• Asper the report, the brand value of Amul rose 11 percent to $3.3 billion, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 91.0 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating. Amul’s brand strength is attributed to its strong performance in familiarity, consideration, and recommendation metric. 
• Asper the report, Amul retains its status as the strongest dairy brand ranked, with an improved Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 91 out of 100. 

Appointment News

22. M Suresh becomes interim AAI Chairman 

• M Suresh, Member, Air Navigation Services, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been entrusted with additional charge as Chairman of AAI. 
• This is subsequent to relieving Sanjeev Kumar of his duties as AAI Chairman, says a Government Order. 
• Hailing from Tenkasi district in Tamil Nadu, Suresh will hold the post for three months or until a regular incumbent joins or until further orders. 

Recent Appointment 

• Headcoach of junior men’s hockey team-PR Sreejesh 
• Secretary of Ministry of Steel– Sandeep Poundrik 
• CMD of NHPC Ltd– Raj Kumar Chaudhary 
• Additional secretary in PMO– Amit Singh Negi 
• Director in Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) under Ministry of Corporate Affairs– Samir Ashwin Vakil

Awards News

23. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das ranked top central banker globally for the second consecutive year 

• Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das has been rated “A+” for the second consecutive year in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2024. 
• The Central Banker Report Cards, published annually by Global Finance since 1994, grade the central bank governors of nearly 100 key countries, territories, and districts, as well as the European Union, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Central African States and the Central Bank of West African States.
• Grades are based on an “A+” to “F” scale for success in areas such as inflation control, economic growth goals, currency stability and interest rate management. 
• “A” represents an excellent performance, down through “F” for outright failure. 
• The Central Bankers earning an A+ grade in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2024, along with Shaktikanta Das, are Denmark’s Christian Kettel Thomsen and Switzerland’s Thomas Jordan. 

Recent Award 

• Hilal-e-Imtiaz Award (Pakistan 2nd highest civilian award) Arshad Nadeem 
• Grand Collar of Order of Timor Leste (Highest Civilian Award of Timor Leste)– President Droupadi Murmu 
• Companion of the Order of Fiji (highest honour of Fiji) President Droupadi Murmu 
• V. Venkayya Epigraphy Award 2024– V. Vedachalam 
• Global Water Tech Award for environmental initiatives– Delhi Metro Rail Corporation 
• Customised Gold Coins by Paris’ Grevin Museum– Shah Rukh Khan 

Defence News

24. South Korea, US kick off annual drills over North’s military, cyber threats 

• South Korea and the United States kicked off annual summertime military exercises on Monday, seeking to boost their joint readiness to fend off North Korea’s weapons and cyber threats. 
• The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, set to end on August 29, come as North Korea races to advance its nuclear and missile programmes and tries to launch reconnaissance satellites. 
• The drills will reflect “realistic threats” across all domains, including the North’s missile threats but also GPS jamming, cyberattacks and other lessons learned from recent incidents. 
• About 19,000 South Korean troops will take part, similar to last year, with 48 rounds of combined field training, including field manoeuvre, live fire and amphibious exercises to be held. 

Recent Exercise 

• Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 between Indian Air Force and Malaysia Air Force– Kuantan, Malaysia 
• ExPitch Black 2024 between India and Australia– Darwin, Australia 
• 28th edition of Malabar Exercise between India, USA, Japan, Australia– Bay of Bengal (October 2024) 
• 16th edition of Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant between India and Mongolia– Umroi, Meghalaya 
• 13th edition of Joint military Exercise MAITREE between India and Thailand– Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province of Thailand. 
• 29th edition of RIMPAC Naval Exercise– Hawaii, Pearl Harbour USA (INS Shivalik Participated) 

Important day 

25. 19 August–World Humanitarian Day 

• World Humanitarian Day is observed every year on August 19 to honour humanitarian workers who risk their lives to provide aid and assistance to people in need. 
• The day also aims to encourage global action to support those affected by crises, such as natural disasters, conflicts and other emergencies. 
• Theme 2024– Act For Humanity
• World Humanitarian Day traces its origins to a tragic event. On August 19, 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, resulted in the deaths of 22 humanitarian aid workers. 
• Among the victims was Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq. 

26. 21August–International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 

• The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed every year on 21 August. 
• Objective– To honour and support the victims and survivors of terrorist acts while promoting the protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. 
• The International Day was established through UN General Assembly Resolution 72/165 in 2017. This resolution set August 21st as the annual date for commemoration. 
• In April 2020, UN Secretary-General António Guterres published a report titled “Progress of the UN system to support Member States in assisting victims of terrorism” (A/74/790). This report emphasized the need for enhanced international cooperation in assisting terrorism victims.