Latest Current Affairs

Latest Current Affairs - August 2023

Month	Type

Aug 01 is observed as Muslim Women’s Rights Day in India, to mark enactment of law that made Triple Talaq a criminal offence. Triple Talaq Bill was passed by Both houses in July 2019. The day is observed since 2020.
Aug 01 is observed annually as World Wide Web Day, to mark ability of people to browse information freely using the Web.
1. WWW was created by English computer scientist Tim Berners Lee in 1989, while he was working for European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). He developed essentials of the web - HTTP, HTML, the WorldWideWeb browser, a server, and first website.
Misc. Economy / Financial News (Aug 2023) -
1. RBI Approved Amalgamation of Navanirman Co-operative Urban Bank with Rajadhani Co-op. Urban Bank. Both banks are based in Hyderabad (Telangana).
2. Food delivery platform Swiggy launched co-branded credit card with HDFC Bank.
3. Mahindra & Mahindra acquired 3.53% stake in RBL Bank for ₹417 crores.
4. Amazon announced its first floating store on Dal Lake in Srinagar (Kashmir), as part of its last-mile delivery programme I Have Space.
5. India's largest PSU Bank State Bank of India (SBI) reported its highest-ever quarterly profit of 16884 crores in Q1 FY24 (2023-24). It is also highest ever quartely profit achieved by an Indian Bank.
  1. Combined profit of Indian public sector banks (PSBs) more than doubled to 34774 crores in Q1 FY24 (2023-24).
6. Indian GDP Growth Forecasts (Aug 2023) -
  1. As per S&P Global’s report Look Forward: India’s Moment, India’s average annual GDP growth will be 6.7% between FY24 (2023-24) to FY31 (2030-31), remaining fastest-growing large economy.
    1. India’s GDP will reach $6.7 trillion by FY31, with per capita income rising to $4,500.
  2. National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) - 6% in FY 24 (2023-24).
  3. Credit Rating Agency CRISIL - 6% in FY 24 (2023-24).
7. RBI imposed late submission fees of 500 Crores on each of ONGC Videsh Ltd, Indian Oil Corp, GAIL (India) Ltd, and Oil India Ltd for delayed reporting of overseas investments.
8. Competition Commission of India approved merger of Tata Cleantech Capital Limited (TCCL) and Tata Capital Financial Services Limited (TCFSL) into Tata Capital Limited (TCL).
9. IndiaFirst Life Insurance launched non-linked & non-participating product Guarantee of Life Dreams (GOLD) Plan, that offers regular long-term income.
10. 8 Indian Firms have been added to latest MSCI Global Standard Index (MSCI), 2nd highest after China's 29 firms added to the list.
  1. It includes Maharatna PSUs Power Finance Corporation & REC Limited.
11. RBI partnered with global consultancy firms McKinsey and Accenture, to develop systems to improve RBI's regulatory supervision over banks and Non-Banking Financial Corporations (NBFCs), using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
12. National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved 10 Billion USD merger between Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Culver Max Entertainment (formerly known as Sony Pictures Networks India).
13. RBI approved Amalgamation of Hyderabad (Telangana) based banks Twin Cities Co-operative Urban Bank with Kranti Co-operative Urban Bank.
14. RBI approved Amalgamation of Akola Merchant Co-operative Bank (Akola, Maharashtra) with Jalgaon Peoples Co-operative Bank (Jalgaon, Maharashtra).
15. Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) acquired 6.7% stake in Jio Financial Services, through demerger action by Reliance Industries.
16. Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed Rs 1 Crore Penalty on Telecom firm Bharti Airtel, for its failure to adhere to several CCI Guidelines.
17. Reliance Retail launched fashion retail brand named Yousta, with opening of its 1st flagship store in Hyderabad.
18. SBI launched a new customer service point functionality that enables hassle-free enrolment for social security schemes through Aadhaar, to enhance coverage of social security schemes.
Misc. Sports News / Events (Aug 2023) -
1. Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard won 110th edition of Tour de France, the annual men’s multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in France. It is his 2nd year title in a row.
2. Tripura's Asmita Dey won gold medal (women’s 48 kg) in Junior Asian Cup Judo Championships 2023 in Macau (China).
3. England Cricketer Alex Hales announced retirement from international cricket.
4. England Cricketer Moeen Ali announced retirement from International Cricket.
  1. Notably, Moeen had come out of retirement to Play Ashes 2023 against Australia. He was also recently recognised in Queen's Platinum Jubilee Honours list and awarded Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to cricket.
5. Uruguay Footballer Diego Godin announced his retirement from Football.
6. India & South Asia's first street racing circuit which can also hold night races, has been launched in Tamil Nadu, in partnetrship with Racing Promotions Private Limited.
7. Sri Lankan Cricketer Wanindu Hasaranga announced retirement from Test cricket.
8. Pakistani Cricketer Wahab Riaz announced retirement from international cricket.
9. Indian sprinter Dutee Chand (holder of Female national 100m record), has been banned for 4 years due to doping charges.
10. Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated 33 Khelo India Centres in Rajasthan.
  1. Additionally, a National Center of Excellence with a dedicated Sports Science Centre will also be be set up, along with additional 18 Khelo India centres, taking number of Khelo India centres in State to 51.
11. World Football governing body FIFA lifted ban on Sri Lanka Football Federation, which was imposed in January 2023.
Misc. Science News / Events (Aug 2023) -
1. Researchers from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Niigata University (Japan) claimed discovery of droplets of water trapped in mineral deposits in High Himalayas, that were likely left behind from an ancient ocean which existed around 600 million (60 crore) years ago.
  1. Analysis of the deposits, which had both calcium and magnesium carbonates, allowed an explanation for events that might have led to a major oxygenation event in Earth’s history.
  2. Scientists believe that between 700 and 500 million years ago, thick sheets of ice covered the Earth for an extended period, called Snowball Earth glaciation. What followed this was an increase in amount of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere, called Second Great Oxygenation Event, which led to evolution of complex life forms.
2. Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched India’s first Indigenously developed, Affordable and High Field (1.5 Tesla) Next Generation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner in New Delhi.
  1. It has been developed under National Biopharma Mission, by Voxelgrids Innovations Pvt Ltd.
3. Researchers from Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) have developed a humanoid robot called Pibot, that can fly aircraft just like a human pilot, by manipulating all controls in the cockpit.
4. CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) launched an improved variety of national flower Lotus with 108 petals called Namoh 108. The new variety is more weather resilient and can flower from March to December. New variety of Aloe Vera called 'NBRI-Nihar' was also launched, which has 2.5 times more gel yield and is least affected by bacterial and fungal diseases.
5. IIT-Madras based space tech startup Agnikul Cosmos completed integration of its launch vehicle Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator), with its private launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh).
  1. Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle, driven by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet engine – an entirely 3D-printed, single piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic engine.
6. Union Minister Jitendra Singh Launched CSIR Prima ET11, as India's first indigenously developed e-Tractor, developed by Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI Durgapur).
7. NTPC launched trial run of a hydrogen bus in Leh (Ladakh), as India’s first deployment of hydrogen buses on public roads.
8. ISRO-Space Applications Centre (Ahmedabad) tested Nabhmitra device successfully, developed to boost safety of fishermen.
  1. The satellite-based communication system enables two-way messaging services from / to sea, enabling fishermen to receive weather warnings & also send distress messages to authorities.
9. Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari introduced India's first 100% ethanol-fueled variant of Toyota Innova car, as a BS-VI (Stage-II) electrified flex-fuel vehicle.
  1. This is first demonstration globally, of using Environment friendly Ethanol as a singular energy source for vehicles.
Misc. Appointments (Aug 2023) -
1. Shivendra Nath has been named as CMD of PSU Engineering Projects India Ltd (EPIL).
2. National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) named Ganesan Kannabiran as its new director.
3. Tech giant Microsoft named Puneet Chandok as new Corporate Vice President for India and South Asia.
4. Govt extended term of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba by 1 year.
5. Govt named S Paramesh as Additional Director General at Indian Coast Guard.
  1. Notablty, Govt had recently named Rakesh Pal as new Director General of Indian Coast Guard.
6. US Based Electric car Maker Tesla named Indian-origin person Vaibhav Taneja as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
7. IRDAI approved appointment of Amit Jhingran as MD & CEO of SBI Life Insurance Company.
8. RBI approved appointment of PR Seshadri as MD & CEO of the South Indian Bank.
9. New Indian Ambassadors -
  1. Mayank Joshi - Jamaica.
  2. Mridul Kumar - Principality of Liechtenstein.
10. Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC) named Umesh Revankar as its new Chairman.
  1. FIDC is a Representative Body of Asset and Loan Financing of NBFCs registered with RBI.
11. Emmerson Mnangagwa has been re-elected as president of Zimbabwe, for his 2nd term.
Obituaries (Aug 2023) -
1. Vakkom B. Purushothaman - Former Governor of Mizoram and Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly.
2. Nagarajan Vittal - Padma Bhushan Awardee civil servant. He had served as central vigilance commissioner.
3. Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor - Noted Padma Shri Awardee Marathi poet and lyricist.
4. Gummadi Vittal Rao (Known as Gaddar) - Noted folk singer and activist (Telangana).
5. Siddique Ismail - Noted Malayalam Film director and Actor.
6. William Friedkin - Noted Oscar-winning American Film director.
7. Bindeshwar Pathak - Noted Indian sociologist, and founder of Sulabh International. He was conferred the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award.
8. Kandlakunta Alaha Singaracharyulu - Noted Telugu, Sanskrit scholar.
9. Bikash Sinha - Noted nuclear physicist and Padma Bhushan awardee.
10. V S Arunachalam - Noted Scientist. He founded science and technology think tank CSTEP, and was Former DRDO Chairperson.
11. Mohammed Habib - Former Indian footballer.
12. John Warnock - US Based IT Giant Adobe's co-founder.
13. Terry Funk - Noted American professional wrestler.
14. Bray Wyatt - Noted American professional wrestler.
15. C Radhakrishna Rao - Noted Padma Vibhushan Awardee Indian-American mathematician and statistician. He had received several distinguished accolades, including International Prize in Statistics 2023, referred to as statistics equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
16. Seema Deo - Noted Hindi & Marathi Actress.
17. Jayanta Mahapatra - Noted Padma Shri Awardee English poet. He was first Indian poet to win a Sahitya Akademi award for English poetry.
Misc. Defence News (Aug 2023) -
1. Indian Army implemented common uniform for Brigadier and Above Ranks, irrespective of parent cadre and initial appointment, to reinforce common identity.
2. India's first long-range revolver Prabal has been launched, manufactured by Kanpur based defence PSU Advanced Weapons and Equipment India (AWEIL). It has firing range of 50 meters, more than twice the reach of other rivolvers in India.
3. Indigeneously developed HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) successfully carried out 1st test firing of ASTRA indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile.
Misc. MoUs (Aug 2023) -
1. Taiwan based Foxconn Group signed Letter of Intent with Tamil Nadu Govt, to set up a new mobile component manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram district, with investment of 1600 crores.
2. Between Railways Ministry and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to establish India 5G testbed at Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (IRISET) in Secunderabad (Telangana), dedicated to testing and development of 5G use cases for Indian Railways.
3. Between Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society and All India Football Federation (AIFF), to promote football at grass root level.
  1. Under it, Subroto XI team will be formed in Junior Boys (U-17) category, to participate in AIFF Youth Competition from 2023-24 season.
4. Between Bharti Institute of Public Policy of Indian School of Business (ISB) and Goa government, to commence a knowledge partnership, with focus on evidence-based policy formulation.
5. Between India and Carribean Nation Trinidad and Tobago, on sharing of INDIA STACK — a collection of open APIs and digital public goods that aim to facilitate identity, data, and payment services on a large scale.
6. PSU NLC India Limited (Ministry of Coal) signed Long Term (25 year) Power Usage Agreement with Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam for supply of 300 MW Solar Power under CPSU Scheme.
7. Between Indian and Philippine Coast Guards, for exchange of White Shipping Information (information on merchant shipping traffic), to contribute to enhanced maritime safety.
8. Letter of Intent signed between Telangana government and UNESCO, to implement UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
9. Between IIT Bombay & HSBC, to pursue technical advancements towards making green hydrogen production more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable.
10. Between Deendayal Port Authority (Gujarat) and Dubai based Logistics firm DP World for development and maintenance of a new mega container terminal at Tuna-Tekra (Gujarat), at cost 4244 crores through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
  1. Terminal will have annual capacity to handle 2.19 million container units (TEUs) with capability to handle next-generation vessels carrying more than 18000 TEUs.
11. Between Maharatna PSU REC Limited & Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), under which REC will provide loan of 4,528 crores to DVC for setting up a 1,320 MW thermal power project (2x660 MW) at Raghunathpur in West Bengal.
12. Between NITI Aayog (India) and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), to fast-track progress towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals.
13. Between Renewable energy firm ACME Group & Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Ltd, to establish a green hydrogen and green ammonia project at Gopalpur Industrial Park (Odisha), as largest single location green hydrogen and its derivatives manufacturing facility in India.
14. Between India's Goa Shipyard Limited & and Kenya Shipyards Limited, to strengthen maritime security cooperation between India and Kenya.
15. Between Maharashtra Govt & Germany's professional association football league Bundesliga, to build a football team for players under 14 years age, to help young footballers to develop their skills and compete at higher level.
GST revenue collected in July 2023 stood at Rs 165105 crores (CGST 29773 crore, SGST 37623 crore, IGST 85930 crore & cess 11779 crore).
Madhya Pradesh govt Launched India's First Esports Academy (Online Gaming) under state's sports department.
1. State govt also launched a talent search competition named MP State Junior Esports Championship, for participants aged 12 - 17 years, with 80% seats reserved for MP residents.
Misc. / Industrial Awards (Aug 2023) -
1. India's Subhash Runwal (Runwal real estate firm founder) has been honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at 1st RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) South Asia Awards, in New Delhi.
Russia introduced e-visa system (effective August 1, 2023), to simplify visa process for travellers from 52 eligible countries visiting Russia.
Jio Financial Services (demerged financial lending arm of Reliance Industries) and US Based global asset manager BlackRock partnered to create joint Asset Management firm Jio BlackRock (with 50:50 equity), with combined investment of $300 million.
As per SBI Ecowrap Research -
1. India will become world's third largest economy by FY28 (2027-28), surpassing both Japan and Germany in 2027 at current rate of growth. Indian GDP is expected to reach $20 Trillion by 2047. India's per capita income is also expected to increase 7.5 times, by 2047.
2. Also, India's GDP in Q1 FY24 is likely to be over 8%, pushing India's GDP growth to beyond 6.5% in FY24.
3. Notably, As per Standard Chartered Research, India's GDP will become $6 trillion by 2030, with per capita income increasing to $4000, up from $2450 currently.
Hun Manet has been named Cambodia's new Prime Minister.
1. He will succeed his father Hun Sen, who ruled for over 38 years.
Bengaluru (Karnataka) became 1st Indian city to join World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF,) a global network for cities to share research, intelligence and explore role of culture in future prosperity.
Bank of Israel joined World Bank group's International Committee on Credit Reporting (ICCR), the international standard setter in credit reporting.
1. About -
  1. In 2009, World Bank established an international task force to create international credit reporting standards, which was Subsequently transformed into a more permanent structure.
2023 WTA Poland Open Women's Tennis -
1. Singles - Iga Świątek (Poland)
2. Doubles - Heather Watson (UK) & Yanina Wickmayero (Belgium)
Book Kargil: Ek Yatri Ki Jubani authored by Rishi Raj has been released.
Indian-American Nisha Desai Biswal has been named Deputy Chief Executive Officer of US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
1. Formed in 2019, DFC invests in development projects primarily in lower and middle-income countries.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman launched Worldcoin cryptocurrency project, with World ID as a core offering.
1. World ID is intended to act as a digital passport to prove that its holder is a real human.
2. To get a World ID, a customer signs up to do an in-person iris scan using Worldcoin's orb, a silver ball approximately size of a bowling ball.
England-Australia Ashes Cricket Series 2023 finished with a tied 2-2 score, with Australia Retaining the Ashes.
1. Notably, England's Chris Woakes won Compton–Miller Medal, which is awarded for man of the series title winner in an Ashes series.
London-based Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo’s debut novel Western Lane has been featured in longlist for 2023 Booker Prize, having 13 books.
1. Winner of £50,000 Booker prize will be announced at Old Billingsgate (London), on November 26, 2023.
Indian origin Australian Author Shankari Chandran won 2023 Miles Franklin literary award for her novel Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens.
1. Miles Franklin Literary Award is an annual literary prize in Australia, set up according to will of Miles Franklin. It carries monetary grant of A$60,000.
Indian Golfer Shubhankar Sharma recorded best result by an Indian golfer at The Open Championship, by finishing in tied-eighth position at 2023 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club (England).
1. The Open Championship golf (also called British Open) is oldest and most prestigious golf tournament in the world. It is one of four majors (others being Masters Tournament, PGA Championship & US Open (All in US)).
Maharashtra government announced to confer its first Udyog Ratna award on Ratan Tata (noted industrialist and chairman emeritus of Tata Sons).
James Ferguson (UK) has been elected as new chairperson of UN Body Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
1. IPCC works to advance scientific knowledge about climate change caused by human activities, established by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1988, with secretariat in Geneva (Switzerland).
Notable Points from PM Narendra Modi's Visit to Pune (Maharashtra) -
1. Flagged off Metro services on completed sections of two corridors of Pune Metro Phase I, from Phugewadi station to Civil Court station and Garware College station to Ruby Hall Clinic station.
  1. Notably, Pune Metro's Civil Court metro station is deepest metro station in country, having deepest point at 33.1 meters.
2. Inaugurate Waste to Energy Plant under Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), which will use up about 2.5 lakh MT of waste annually to produce electricity.
3. 41st Lokmanya Tilak National Award has been conferred on PM Narendra Modi.
  1. The award was constituted by Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust in 1983, to honor people with extraordinary contribution to the nation. It is presented every year on 1st of August (Lokmanya Bal gangadhar Tilak’s death anniversary).
  2. PM Narendra Modi donated the cash prize (1 Lakh) to the Namami Gange Project.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Unmesha (International Literature Festival organized by Sahitya Akademi) and Utkarsh (Festival of Folk and Tribal Performing organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi) at Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh).
Indian Air Force (IAF) received Israeli Spike Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) anti-tank guided missiles, which are capable of hitting targets up to 30 kilometres.
1. NLOS missiles will be integrated with Russian-origin fleet of Mi-17V5 helicopters, which can take out enemy targets and assets hidden behind mountains or hills.
2. Notably, India’s indigenously developed Helicopter-launched NAG (HELINA) anti tank guided missile (also known as Dhruvastra) has also completed trials and is ready for induction into Indian Air Force.
  1. HELINA is one of 5 versions of indigenous NAG anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), with range 500 m - 20 km (depending on variant). Other variants are -
    1. Land version (for a mast-mounted system).
    2. Man-portable version (MPATGM)
    3. Air-launched version (to replace current imaging infra-red (IIR) to millimetric-wave (mmW) active radar homing seeker)
    4. Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) tank buster.
India's Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) partnered with World Bank to conduct joint study to prepare a roadmap for expeditious implementation of hydrogen blending in natural gas and their transmission through gas pipelines across country.
1. Regulatory frameworks will be amended accordingly, to help achieve national target of 5 million metric tonnes per annum of hydrogen consumption by 2030.
US Based Fitch Ratings downgraded United States' credit rating from AAA to AA+.
1. Fitch Ratings is one of Big Three credit rating agencies, others being Moody's and Standard & Poor's.
2. Notably, S&P Global Ratings had earlier downgraded US credit rating in 2011. Currently, Moody’s remains the only large rating agency maintaining the AAA rating on US Bonds.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launched Amrit Brikshya Andolan web portal/app and Wood-based Industry (WBI) registration portal.
1. Amrit Brikshya Andolan initiative aims at planting 1 crore commercially-viable saplings across state by individuals (on coming September 17). Target will be increased to 5 crore by 2025.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched Rajmargyatra mobile app, aimed at improving highway user experience.
1. It will empower travelers with comprehensive information on Indian National Highways while also offering an efficient complaint redressal system.
Kerala govt launched Shubhayatra scheme, to provide financial support to first-time overseas emigrants from Kerala, facilitating a productive migration ecosystem.
1. It comprises of assistance up to 2 lakh, tax holiday for six months and attractive interest subvention.
Govt upgraded Petroleum Ministry PSU OIL India Limited (OIL) to Maharatna category, making it 13th entrant in Maharatna List.
Home Affairs Ministry notified creation of a new category of Ayush (AY) visa for foreign nationals for treatment under Ayush systems/Indian systems of medicine, like therapeutic care, wellness and Yoga.
As per govt data, record 6.77 crore ITRs (Income Tax Returns) were filed for AY 2023-24 by 31st July 2023, which is 16.1% more than total ITRs for AY 2022-23.
Ministry of Finance launched scheme Vivad se Vishwas II – (Contractual Disputes), to effectively settle pending contractual disputes of govt and govt undertakings, as announced in Budget 2023-24 -
1. Under it, for Court Awards passed till Apr 30 2023, settlement amount offered to Contractor will be up to 85% of net amount awarded / upheld by court.
2. Last date for submission of claims is Oct 31, 2023.
Notable Points from 51st GST Council meet -
1. Recommended amendments in CGST Act 2017, IGST Act 2017, including amendment in Schedule III of CGST Act 2017, to provide clarity on taxation of supplies in casinos, horse racing and online gaming.
2. Notably -
  1. In its recently held 50th meet, GST Council had recommended Casino, Horse Racing and Online gaming to be taxed at uniform rate of 28%.
  2. Also, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has made it mandatory for firms with annual B2B transaction value of ₹5 crore or more, to produce an electronic invoice (earlier limit was 10 crore).
Elon Musk led SpaceX launched Jupiter-3 (Also known as EcoStar XXIV), as largest commercial communications satellite, Developed by Maxar Technologies.
Under Amrit Bharat Stations scheme, PM Narendra Modi laid foundation stone for redevelopment of 508 Railway Stations across country via video conferencing, at cost over 24470 crores.
1. Top 5 States with most stations under this initiative include Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan (55 each), Bihar (49), Maharashtra (44), West Bengal (37).

2023 World Archery Championships (Berlin, Germany) -

Rank	Nation	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1	India	3	0	1	4
2	South Korea	2	0	1	3
3	Germany	1	1	0	2
	Poland	1	1	0	2
	Turkey	1	1	0	2

India topped the table, with 4 medals (3 Gold, 1 Bronze). Indian Medalists -
1. Gold -
  1. Ojas Pravin Deotale (Men's individual Compound).
  2. Aditi Gopichand Swami (Women's individual Compound).
  3. Women's team Compound - Parneet Kaur, Aditi Gopichand Swami, Jyothi Surekha Vennam
2. Bronze -
  1. Jyothi Surekha Vennam (Women's individual Compound).

Tamil Nadu govt announced to launch its Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam (Kalaignar women’s entitlement scheme) on Sep 15, under which monthly cash assistance of Rs 1000 will be given to Female heads of families (with Annual family income under 2.5 lakh).
1. Other eligibility criteria includes owning less than five acres of wetland and 10 acres of dry land, and monthly domestic power consumption should be less than 300 units.
India won 42 medals at Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2023 held at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh).
Indian Telecom Firm Reliance Jio received USD 2.2 billion fund support from Swedish Export Credit agency to finance equipment for 5G roll-out across country.
1. It is also largest cover ever provided by Swedish Export Credit agency for a deal to a private corporate globally.
2. Notably, Jio has largely procured telecom gears from Swedish firm Ericsson and Finnish company Nokia to deploy its 5G network.
Aug 7 is observed as National Handloom Day, being observed since 2015.
1. It commemorates Swadeshi movement that was launched On Aug 7, 1905. The day focuses on contribution of handloom to socio economic development of country.
2. On this occasion -
  1. PM Narendra Modi launched e-portal Bhartiya Vastra evam Shilpa Kosh - A Repository of Textiles & Crafts developed by National Institute of Fashion Technology.
3. Notably, govt will open Ekta Mall in capital cities of all states, to promote handicrafts and products made from handlooms from every state and district under one roof.
Athletics Federation of India (AFI) observes National Javelin Day on Aug 07, as it was on this day in 2021 that Neeraj Chopra won Olympic gold medal with a throw of 87.58 metres. It was India’s first track and field medal in the Olympic Games.
1. Notably, WHO observes Aug 1-7 annually as World Breastfeeding Week.
As per UN food agency FAO, Global Rice price index rose to its 12 years high in July 2023, amid India's move to curb rice exports.
1. Notably, To ensure adequate availability of Non Basmati White Rice in Indian market and check rise in prices, Indian govt recently Prohibited Export of Non Basmati White Rice.
India's first Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for mine detection, named Neerakshi (meaning Eyes in the Water), has been launched for user trials by Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Army.
1. It has been jointly developed by Kolkata-based warshipmaker Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd and MSME entity AEPL.
Bihar govt announced to constitute a Rhino Task Force, for suggesting measures for reintroduction of Rhinos in Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district.
WHO marked IRAQ as 18th country to eliminate trachoma (bacterial infection that affects the eyes) as a public health problem.
1. Iraq is also 50th country to be acknowledged by WHO for eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD), amid the 100-country target set for 2030 by WHO.
Department of Space and Tata Play carried out commissioning of GSAT-24 communication satellite, enabling Tata Play to transmit 900 channels (compared to 600 earlier).
1. Earlier in June 2022, ISRO's commercial arm NSIL (NewSpace India Limited) undertook launch of GSAT-24 as its first Demand Driven communication satellite mission, with pan-India coverage for meeting DTH application needs.

2021 Summer World University Games (Chengdu, China) -

Medal Table -

Rank	Nation	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1	China	103	40	35	178
2	Japan	21	29	43	93
3	South Korea	17	18	23	58
4	Italy	17	18	21	56
5	Poland	15	16	12	43
6	Turkey	11	12	12	35
7	India	11	5	10	26

India ranked 7th with 26 Medals (11 Gold, 5 Silver & 10 Bronze).
Notable Indian Gold Medalists -
1. Manu Bhaker - Shooting (Women’s 10m air pistol)
2. Elavenil Valarivan - Shooting (Women’s 10m air rifle)
3. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar - Shooting (Men’s 50m air rifle 3-position)
4. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar - Shooting (Men’s 10m air rifle)
5. Avneet Kaur - Archery (Compound women's individual)
6. Sangampreet Singh Bisla - Archery (Compound men's individual)
7. Sift Kaur Samra - Shooting (Women’s 50m air rifle)
8. Notably -
  1. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar won total 3 Gold medals(2 Individuial and 1 Men’s 10m air rifle team).
  2. Manu Bhaker won Total 2 Gold Medals (1 Individuial and 1 Women’s 10m air pistol team).

Background -
1. The Games were originally scheduled to take place in August 2021, but got postponed twice to be finally held in Aug 2023. Notably, these games replaced 2023 Summer World University Games that were to be held in Yekaterinburg (Russia), but were cancelled due to Russia-Ukraine War.
2. Next, 2025 FISU Summer World University Games (Universiade) shall be hosted in Rhine-Ruhr region of Germany.
Notably -
1. India lodged strong protest with China over Arunachal Pradesh players in Indian wushu team being given stapled visas instead of regular ones, to participate in 2021 Summer World University Games.

Aug 8 is observed in India as Quit India Movement Day, which marks launching of Quit India Movement at Bombay session of All India Congress Committee by M K Gandhi, on 8 August 1942, demanding end to British rule in India.
Govt launched a special initiative Transforming Lives, Building Futures: Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in North-East, with allocation of 360 crores and aimed at benefitting 2.5 lakh youth.
1. Under this, 2 Lakh skill training will be given under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), 30000 under National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) & 20000 under Jan Shikshan Sansthans.
2. Skill India International Centre will also be set up, to promote overseas job opportunities.
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited will develop 80 MW Floating Solar capacity at Omkareshwar Reservoir, Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh).
1. Notably, biggest Floating Solar project in country is of 100 MW capacity, located at NTPC Ramagundam (Telangana).

2023 World Cadet Wrestling Championships (Istanbul, Turkey) -

Medal Table -

Rank	Nation	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1	Japan	9	3	0	12
2	United States	6	0	8	14
3	Iran	3	3	4	10
4	Azerbaijan	3	1	2	6
5	Georgia	2	1	2	5
6	India	1	7	3	11

India ranked 6th, with total 11 medals (1 Gold, 7 Silver & 3 Bronze).
1. India's only Gold medal was won by Savita (61 kg Women's freestyle).

Next, 2024 World Cadet Wrestling Championships shall be hosted in Buenos Aires (Argentina).

As per Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)'s report 75 Endemic Birds of India -
1. India has 1353 documented bird species, with 5% of them being Endemic to India (confined solely within Indian boundaries).
Supreme court formed an all-women panel to help bring healing and relief to violence-stricken region in Manipur, headed by Justice Gita Mittal.
Aug 9 is observed by UN as International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples (Also called World Tribal Day).
1. The day marks 1st meeting of UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of Sub-Commission on Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, on Aug 09, 1982.
2. August 9 also marks anniversary of atomic bombing in Nagasaki during World War II. The incident took place on August 9, 1945, when United States dropped an atomic bomb named Fat Man, on Nagasaki in Japan.
  1. Three Days Earlier, on Aug 6, An atomic bomb named Little Boy was dropped on Hiroshima (Japan). The two bombings killed between 129000 and 226000 people, most of whom were civilians. It still remains only use of nuclear weapons in an armed conflict.
3. Aug 9 is also observed as National Traders' Day in India, marking foundation day of Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal.
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) launched Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC), spearheaded by MEITY, Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) & C-DAC Bangalore.
1. IWBDC seeks to inspire developers from across country to create an indigenous web browser with its own trust store, inbuilt CCA India root certificate and enhanced security & data privacy protection features.
2. There will be three rounds in the whole challenge. Out of total prize pool of 3.41 crore, winner would be facilitate with 1 crore.
Subhasis Talapatra has been named as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court.
Govt named Sanjay Kumar Agarwal as new Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), succeeding Vivek Johri.
IoT-based automated soil testing and agronomy advisory platform Bhu-Vision (also known as KRISHI-RASTAA Soil Testing System) has been launched at Hyderabad based Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR).
1. Jointly developed by ICAR-IIRR and KrishiTantra, this system can conduct 12 key soil parameter tests in under 30 minutes, providing quick, accurate results directly to farmers through a soil health card on their mobile devices.
Defence Ministry announced to switch to Operating System Maya (built locally based on open-source Ubuntu) in all their computer systems (replacing Microsoft OS), amid increasing cyber and malware attacks.
21-days long Meri Mati Mera Desh Campaign has been launched nationwide, to pay tribute to freedom fighters & Martyrs.
1. Continuing till Aug 30th, It will include programmes at all levels (national/village/block/local urban bodies).
2. Notable activities -
  1. Shilaphalakams (memorial plaques) commemorating Martyrs will be installed across urban and rural areas.
  2. An Amrit Kalash Yatra will be conducted, carrying soil from all corners of country in 7500 kalash to create an Amrit Vatika in Delhi.
  3. Panch Pran Pledge will also be highlighted, which includes -
    1. Make India developed nation by 2047
    2. Eliminate mentality of slavery
    3. Take pride of India’s rich heritage
    4. Uphold unity and solidarity, fulfil duties as citizens
    5. Respect those who protect the nation.
3. This campaign is concluding event of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, which began on 12th March 2021.
Aug 10 is observed as World Biofuel Day, to create awareness about importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
1. This day honors research experiments by Sir Rudolf Diesel who ran an engine with peanut oil in 1893. His research experiment had predicted that vegetable oil is going to replace fossil fuels in the next century to fuel different mechanical engines.
2. Other Aug 10 is also observed as -
  1. World Lion Day.
    1. On this occasion, Gujarat CM launched mobile application named Sinh Suchna, that will enable people to assist state forest department in tracking movement of lions.
  2. Also marks birth anniversary of V V Giri, 4th president of India Between 1969 - 1974.
RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept Key rates unchanged.
1. Current Key MPC Rates -
  1. Repo Rate - 6.50 %
  2. Standing Deposit Facility Rate - 6.25%
  3. Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate - 6.75 %
  4. Bank Rate - 6.75 %
  5. Reverse Repo - 3.35 %
  6. CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) - 4.5 %
  7. SLR(Statutory Liquidity ratio) - 18.00 %
2. Other notable Predictions / Initiatives -
  1. Domestic -
    1. CPI inflation is projected at 5.4 % for FY24 (2023-24).
    2. GDP growth for FY24 (2023-24) is projected at 6.5 %, with Q1 at 8.0 %; Q2 at 6.5 %; Q3 at 6.0 % and Q4 at 5.7 %.
  2. Global -
    1. Global growth is projected to fall from 3.5 percent in 2022 to 3.0 % in both 2023 and 202 (IMF).
    2. World merchandise trade volume growth is projected to decelerate from 2.7 % in 2022 to 1.7 % in 2023 (WTO).
  3. Initiatives -
    1. Conversational Payments will be enabled on UPI, which will enable users to engage in conversation with AI-powered systems to make payments.
    2. Transaction limit will be enhanced for small value digital payments in off-line mode from ₹200 to ₹500, within overall limit of ₹2000 per payment instrument.
    3. A Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit delivery will be launched by RBIH (Reserve Bank Innovation Hub), as a pilot project.
      1. It will be launched as expansion of a pilot project Launched in Sep 2022 for frictionless credit delivery through digital processes.
      2. During the pilot, the platform shall focus on products such as Kisan Credit Card loans up to ₹1.6 lakh per borrower, Dairy Loans, MSME loans (without collateral), Personal loans and Home loans through participating banks.
Airtel Payments Bank launched India's first eco-friendly debit card for its savings account customers. The debit cards will come in r-PVC material, a certified eco-friendly material.
General News / Events (Aug 1-10, 2023) -
1. Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated Aviation Security Control Center (ASCC) of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Mahipalpur (New Delhi).
2. Odisha govt expanded coverage of State's Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board Welfare Scheme to cover 50 more categories of workers.
  1. Also, ex-gratia assistance in case of accidental death of workers registered under Scheme has been increased from 2 to 4 lakh. Assistance in case of death due to natural reasons has been increased from 1 to 2 lakh.
3. As another curb on women's rights and freedom in Afghanistan, Taliban banned girls over 10 years age from attending primary school classes (up to third grade).
4. Israel Parliament Passed controversial judicial reforms Bill, which aims to limit country’s Supreme Court’s ability to overturn decisions made by government ministers.
5. Tamil Cultural community observed Aadi Perukku (also known as Pathinettam Perukku) festival to honor monsoon season and fertility of the soil.
6. 2nd Russia–Africa Summit hosted in St. Petersburg (Russia).
7. President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Festival of Libraries 2023 at Pragati Maidan (New Delhi), organized by Ministry of Culture.
Notable Winners at Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne 2023 (Melbourne, Australia) -
1. Best Film - Sita Ramam
2. Best Actor (Male) - Mohit Agarwal (Agra)
3. Best Actor (Female) - Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway)
4. Best Director - Prithvi Konanur - Hadinelentu (Seventeeners)
5. Best Series - Jubilee
6. Best Documentary - To Kill A Tiger
7. Best Indie Film - Agra
8. Rising Global Superstar of Indian Cinema - Kartik Aaryan
Srinagar district (J&K UT) has been named highest-performing district under Jal Jeevan Survekshan 2023, topping the charts among 69 Har Ghar Jal certified districts across India.
1. About -
  1. Jal Jeevan Mission was announced by PM Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019. It aimed to provide pure drinking water to every rural household in India, by 2024.
  2. Under JJM, Goa was named first Har Ghar Jal State, after all its districts were marked as Har Ghar Jal Certified.
  3. As of now, Goa, Haryana and Punjab states have been Certified as Har Ghar Jal states. UTs of A & N Islands, Puducherry, D&NH and D&D have also been labelled as Har Ghar Jal Certified.
As per Internet Resilience Index (IRI) 2023 by Internet Society -
1. India's overall score stayed at 43 %.
2. Neighbors - China (45 %), Pakistan (35 %), Bangladesh (51 %), Sri Lanka (47 %).
3. Top 3 - Switzerland (73), Netherlands (72 %), Luxembourg (71 %).
Indian Army inducted lighter and compact version of indigenously developed Weapon Locating Radar (WLR-M) called Swathi Mountains.
1. Swathi Mountains WLR is an advanced electronically scanned phased array radar, specifically designed for operations in mountainous and high-altitude areas, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Indian-UAE Navies Held bilateral exercise Zayed Talwar at Dubai (UAE).
Aug 11, 2023 is observed by UN as first World Steelpan Day.
1. Steelpan is a musical instrument originating in Trinidad and Tobago.
2. The day has been proclaimed by UN, Acknowledging that steelpan promotes inclusive societies, sustainable communities and can have a positive impact.
2023 Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy (Chennai, India) -
1. India won the title (their 4th), defeating Malaysia in final.
Aug is observed by UN as International Youth Day, with 2023 theme Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.
1. Aug 12 is also Observed as -
  1. World Elephant Day.
    1. Notably -
      1. Indian Govt has merged Project Tiger with Project Elephant, forming Project Tiger and Elephant Division under Environment Ministry.
      2. As per report on Asian Elephant population and demography 2023, Top 3 Indian states in terms of elephant population - Karnataka, Assam, Kerala.
  2. Aug 12 is also Birth anniversary of ISRO Founder Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, knows as father of India's Space Proramme. It is observed as National Remote Sensing Day.
Anwarul Haq Kakar has been named caretaker prime minister of Pakistan, After Pakistan's parliament was dissolved by president, amid severe economc crisis.
1. Anwarul Haq Kakar will succeed outgoing PM Shehbaz Sharif, and will be in charge till General elections are held.
Monsson session of Parliament 2023 -
1. Notable info disseminated during the session -
  1. India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently launched Heat Index on experimental basis, to provide general guidance for regions where impact of Humidity causes discomfort for the people. Color Codes-
    1. Green - Experimental heat Index less than 35 deg C
    2. Yellow - Experimental heat Index in range 36-45 deg C
    3. Orange - Experimental heat Index in range 46-55 deg C
    4. Red - Experimental heat Index greater than 55 deg C
  2. Govt recently approved a last-mile broadband connectivity plan for 6.4 lakh villages across country under BharatNet project, with outlay of 1.39 lakh crores.
    1. The last-mile connectivity will be provided by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), in partnership with village level entrepreneur (VLE).
    2. 1.94 lakh villages have been connected under BharatNet project so far, with remaining to be connected in next 2.5 years.
  3. Govt recently approved project to set up Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory- India (LIGO-India) in Hingoli (Maharashtra), likely to be completed by 2030, at cost 2600 crores.
    1. LIGO-India will be third such advanced gravitational-wave observatory as part of worldwide network (2 already operational in US).
    2. Also, Govt had approved establishment of a new spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam (Tamil Nadu), for carrying out launches of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV) developed by ISRO.
      1. Indian Space Policy 2023 allows utilisation of a spaceport for carrying out launch activities by Non-Government Entities (NGEs), subject to technical feasibility and range safety constraints.
  4. Govt had launched Cott-Ally mobile app for farmers, to increase awareness about MSP rates, nearest procurement centers, payment tracking, best farm practices etc.
  5. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had launched application MASI (Monitoring App for Seamless Inspection) for real time monitoring of the Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and their inspection mechanism across country.
  6. Coal mining PSU NLC India Limited (NLCIL) is setting up 2 thermal power plants -
    1. Ghatampur (Near Kanpur, UP) - It will begin operations by end of 2023, with capacity 3X660 MW. Project cost is 19406 crores. It will supply 1478 MW to UP and 493 MW to Assam.
    2. Talabira (Odisha) - 3X800 MW thermal power plant with project cost 19422 crores. It will supply 1450 MW to Tamil Nadu, 100 MW to Pondicherry and 400 MW to Kerala. The plant is expected to achieve completion by 2028-29.
  7. To enhance wellness of passengers visiting railway stations, Indian Railways will establish Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) on Railways stations, to be operated by Licensees.
  8. Notable Schemes Discussed during session -
    1. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing an umbrella scheme namely PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India for OBCs and Others (PM - YASASVI), as Central Sector Scheme for providing Top Class School Education to OBCs/EBCs & DNTs.
    2. Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu KalyanYojana (PMVKY), which includes several schemes for development and welfare of tribal communities. Budget approved for implementation during 2021-22 to 2025-26 is 26135 crores.
      1. Schemes covered under PMVKY are -
        Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojna (PMAAGY)
        
        Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
        
        Support to Tribal Research Institutes
        
        Pre-Matric Scholarship
        
        Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme
    3. Govt notified Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan - Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana in 2019 to facilitate production of ethanol by providing financial support for setting up Second Generation (2G) ethanol projects using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock.
    4. Govt had approved continuation of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)'s umbrella scheme Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) along with its eight sub-schemes, for period 2021-2026 with cost 2135 crores.
    5. Over 49.50 crore bank accounts have been opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), with over 2 lakh crore deposits.
      1. PMJDY was launched in August 2014, to boost financial inclusion by opening zero balance bank account for every unbanked household.
      2. Features Include -
        One Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) account to every unbanked adult.
        
        OD limit of Rs.10,000 (upto 65 years age)
        
        Free Rupay debit card with inbuilt accident insurance cover of 2 lakh (1 lakh for accounts opened before 28-08-2018).
2. Bills -
  1. Bills Passed by the Parliament (Passed by both houses Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) -
    1. Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. The Bill amends Cinematograph Act 1952, which constitutes Board of Film Certification for certifying films for exhibition.
      2. Bill adds certain additional certificate categories based on age.
        Under the Act, film may be certified as UA (suitable for children below 12 years of age) or A (only for adults) or S (only to members of any profession or class of persons).
        
        Bill substitutes UA category three categories to also indicate age-appropriateness - UA 7+, UA 13+ or UA 16+. The age endorsement within UA category will not be enforceable by any other persons other than parents or guardians.
      3. Films with an ‘A’ or ‘S’ certificate will require a separate certificate for exhibition on television, or any other media prescribed by central government.
      4. Bill prohibits carrying out or abetting (i) the unauthorised recording and (ii) unauthorised exhibition of films. Attempting an unauthorised recording will also be an offence.
        Certain exemptions under Copyright Act 1957 will also apply to mentioned offences. Offences will be punishable with imprisonment upto 3 years and fine between 3 lakh rupees and 5% of audited production cost.
      5. Under the Act, the certificate issued by the Board is valid for 10 years. Bill provides that the certificates will be perpetually valid.
      6. Act empowers central government to examine and make orders in relation to films that have been certified or are pending certification. Board is required to dispose matters in conformance to the order. Bill removes this power of central government.
    2. Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act 2002.
      2. Election of board members -
        Under the Act, elections to board of a multi-state co-operative society are conducted by its existing board.
        
        Bill amends this to specify that the central government will establish Co-operative Election Authority to conduct such elections and perform other related prescribed functions.
        
        Authority will consist of a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and up to three members appointed by central government.
      3. Redressal of complaints -
        As per the Bill, govt will appoint one or more Co-operative Ombudsman with territorial jurisdiction, to inquire into complaints made by members of co-operative societies. Ombudsman shall complete the process of inquiry and adjudication within three months from receipt of complaint. Appeals against directions of Ombudsman may be filed with Central Registrar within a month.
      4. Amalgamation of co-operative societies -
        Act provides for amalgamation and division of multi-state co-operative societies, by passing a resolution at a general assembly.
        
        Bill allows co-operative societies to merge into an existing multi-state co-operative society.
      5. Fund for sick co-operative societies -
        Bill establishes Co-operative Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development Fund for revival of sick multi-state co-operative societies. Govt may also prepare a scheme for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the society.
        
        Fund shall be financed by multi-state co-operative societies that are in profit for preceding 3 financial years. They will deposit either one crore rupees or 1 % of net profit into the Fund, whichever is less.
      6. Specified co-operative societies -
        Under the Act, govt may give directions and supersede boards of specified multi-state co-operative societies, where central government has shareholding of at least 51%.
        
        Bill amends this definition to include any multi-state co-operative society where the government has any shareholding, or has extended any loan, financial assistance, or guarantee.
      7. Composition of board of directors -
        Under the Act, board of a multi-state co-operative society will have a maximum of 21 directors.
        
        Bill amends the composition of the board of directors to mandate inclusion of one Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe member, and two women members.
      8. Increasing penalties -
        Under the Act, certain offences by a multi-state co-operative society or its officer or member include making false returns, furnishing false information, or disobeying any summons are offences. Fine for such offences extends from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000.
        
        Bill adds that the failure to file any return or information will also be an offence. Fine for all these offences will extend from 5000 - 1 lakh.
    3. Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. Highlights -
        It amends Biological Diversity Act 2002, to simplify compliance requirements for domestic companies.
        
        Users of codified traditional knowledge and AYUSH practitioners will be exempted from sharing benefits with local communities.
        
        Bill removes research and bio-survey activities from the purview of benefit sharing requirements.
        
        Bill decriminalises all offences under the Act.
      2. Key Features -
        Access to biological resources and associated knowledge -
        Act requires prior approval or intimation to regulatory authority (National Biodiversity Authority / State Biodiversity Boards) based on origin of entity, for obtaining biological resources occurring in India or associated knowledge.
        
        Bill amends classification of entities, list of activities requiring intimation, and adds centrain exemptions.
        
        Approval for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) -
        Act specifies that approval of NBA is required before applying for IPR involving biological resources obtained from India or sealing of patent.
        
        Bill provides that approval will be required before grant of IPR, instead of before application itself. Bill specifies distinct approval processes based on origin of entity.
        
        Bill also extends approval requirement to IPR on associated knowledge.
        
        Benefit sharing -
        Under the Act, NBA is required to determine terms of benefit sharing while granting approvals for various activities.
        
        Act makes benefit sharing provisions applicable to research, commercial utilisation, as well as bio-survey and bio-utilisation for certain entities. Bill removes its applicability from research, and bio-survey and bio-utilisation.
        
        Bill adds that SBB will determine benefit sharing while granting approvals to domestic entities as per regulations by NBA.
        
        Act provides that terms for benefit sharing should be in accordance with agreed terms between applicant, local bodies, and benefit claimers. Bill instead provides that terms should be in accordance with agreed terms between applicant and NBA represented Biodiversity Management Committee.
        
        Offences and Penalties -
        Under Act, offences include failing to take approval or providing prior intimation for various activities, are punishable with imprisonment of up to five years, or a fine, or both. Bill decriminalises the offences and makes offences punishable with a penalty upto 50 Lakh.
    4. Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957, which regulates the mining sector.
      2. For regulation, the Act classifies mining-related activities into Reconnaissance, Prospecting & Mining.
      3. Act defines reconnaissance operations as operations undertaken for preliminary prospecting and includes aerial surveys, geophysical and geochemical surveys.
        Act prohibits pitting, trenching, drilling, and sub-surface excavation as part of reconnaissance. Bill allows these prohibited activities.
      4. Bill introduces an exploration licence, which will authorise either reconnaissance or prospecting, or both activities for specified minerals.
        Exploration licence will be issued for 29 minerals specified in the Seventh Schedule.
        
        These also include 6 minerals classified as atomic minerals under the Act - beryl and beryllium, lithium, niobium, titanium, tantallium, and zirconium. Bill declassifies them as atomic minerals.
        
        Exploration licence will be granted by state government through competitive bidding, for five years (extendable by 2 years).
      5. Under the Act, a prospecting licence allows activities in area up to 25 square kilometres, and a single reconnaissance permit allows activities in area up to 5000 square KMs. Bill allows activities under a single exploration licence in an area up to 1000 square KMs.
        After first three years, licencee will be allowed to retain up to 25% of originally authorised area.
      6. Within 3 months of completion of operations or expiry of exploration licence, the licencee must submit a geological report regarding findings. If resources are proven after exploration, state government must conduct an auction for mining lease within 6 months.
      7. Under the Act, auction of concessions is undertaken by state governments, except in certain specified cases. Bill adds that auction for composite licence and mining lease for specified critical and strategic minerals will be conducted by central government. These include lithium, cobalt, nickel, phosphate, potash, tin, phosphate, and potash.
    5. Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 -
      1. About -
        Bill amends Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 to make it applicable to certain types of land.
        
        Bill adds and exempts certain types of land from purview of the Act. It also expands list of activities permitted to be carried out on forest land.
      2. Key features -
        Bill provides that two types of land will be under purview of the Act - land declared/notified as a forest under Indian Forest Act 1927, or land not covered in first category but notified as a forest on or after October 25, 1980.
        Act will not apply to land changed from forest use to non-forest use on or before December 12, 1996 by any authority authorised by a state/UT.
        
        Bill exempts certain types of land from the provisions of the Act, such as -
        forest land along a rail line or a public road maintained for providing access to a habitation/ rail/ roadside amenities up 0.10 hectare.
        
        Forest land that will also be exempted includes -
        Land situated within 100 km from international borders.
        
        Land up to 10 hectares (for constructing security-related infrastructure)
        
        Land to be used for defence related projects or public utility projects up to 5 hectares in a left-wing extremism affected area.
        
        Act mandates a state govt to take prior approval of central govt to assign forest land to any non-govt entity. In the Bill, this condition is extended to all entities.
        
        Act restricts de-reservation of forests or use of forest land for non-forest purposes. Such restrictions may be lifted with prior approval of central govt.
        The Act specifies certain activities that will be excluded from non-forest purposes, include works related to conservation, management, and development of forest and wildlife such as establishing check posts, fire lines, fencing, and wireless communication.
        
        Bill adds more activities to the list such as zoos and safaris, ecotourism facilities, silvicultural operations (enhancing forest growth) and any other purpose specified by central govt. Central govt may also specify terms to exclude any survey from being classified as non-forest purpose.
        
        Bill adds that central govt may issue directions for implementation of the Act to any recognised authority.
    6. Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends 42 Acts to reduce compliance burden on individuals and businesses and ensure ease of doing business. Some notable Acts that are amended by the Bill include Indian Post Office Act 1898, Environment (Protection) Act 1986, Public Liability Insurance Act 1991, and Information Technology Act 2000.
      2. Under the Bill, several offences with an imprisonment term in certain Acts have been decriminalised by imposing only a monetary penalty. Such as -
        Under Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act 1937, counterfeiting grade designation marks is punishable with imprisonment of up to 3 years and fine of up to 5000. Bill replaces this with a penalty of eight lakh rupees.
        
        Under IT Act 2000, disclosing personal information in breach of a lawful contract is punishable with imprisonment of up to 3 years, or a fine of up to 500000. Bill replaces this with a penalty of up to 25 lakh rupees.
        
        Under Patents Act 1970, a person selling a falsely represented article as patented in India is subject to a fine of up to 1 lakh. Bill replaces the fine with a penalty, which may be up to ten lakh rupees.
      3. Bill increases fines and penalties for various offences in specified Acts. Further, these fines and penalties will be increased by 10% of the minimum amount every three years.
      4. As per the Bill, govt may appoint adjudicating officer(s) for determining penalties. These Acts include Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act 1937, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, Environment (Protection) Act 1986, and Public Liability Insurance Act 1991.
      5. Bill also specifies appellate mechanisms for any person aggrieved by order passed by an adjudicating officer. For instance, in Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, appeals may be filed with National Green Tribunal within 60 days from the order.
    7. Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act 2002, which regulates mining in maritime zones of India. The Act categorises offshore mining-related activities into reconnaissance(preliminary survey to locate mineral resources), exploration (locating mineral deposits) and production.
      2. Act provides for certain types of concessions. The Bill introduces a composite licence for granting rights for exploration as well as production.
        Under composite license, licensee will be required to complete exploration within 3 years (extendable by 2 years). If mineral resources have been established, licensee will be granted one or more production leases for explored area.
        
        Maximum area for undertaking exploration under a single composite license will be 30 minutes latitude by 30 minutes longitude. The maximum area for undertaking production under a single composite license will be 15 minutes latitude by 15 minutes longitude.
      3. Under the Act, a production lease is granted for up to 30 years, which may be further renewed for up to 20 years. Bill instead provides that a production lease, as well as a production lease under a composite licence, will be valid for 50 years.
      4. Act provides for grant of concessions through administrative allocation. Bill mandates competitive bidding for a production lease and a composite license to private entities.
      5. Act allows govt to reserve offshore areas that are not held under any operating right. Bill allows the administering authority to grant a composite licence or production lease to govt / govt entity. Joint ventures of govt companies will also be eligible, subject to the condition that govt entity owns at least 74% of paid-up share capital.
      6. Bill adds that in case of atomic minerals (as defined in Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957), exploration, production, and composite licenses will be granted only to govt / govt entities.
      7. Under the Act, the size of one block for offshore mining is five minutes latitude by five minutes longitude. Bill reduces this to one minute latitude by one minute longitude. Bill also limits maximum area one entity can acquire under all concessions to 45 minutes latitude by 45 minutes longitude.
      8. Bill sets up the Offshore Areas Mineral Trust. Concession holders will be required to pay an amount to the Trust in addition to any royalty. Funds will be used for specified purposes.
      9. Bill increases fines for various offences.
    8. Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. Bill repeals GNCTD (Amendment) Ordinance 2023, which was promulgated on May 19, 2023, After Supreme Court’s judgment on control over services in Delhi.
      2. Key Features -
        Bill establishes National Capital Civil Services Authority to make recommendations to Lieutenant Governor of Delhi (LG) on certain matters related to services.
        These include transfers and postings, matters related to vigilance, disciplinary proceedings, and prosecution sanctions of Group A of All India Services (except Indian Police Service), and DANICS.
        
        Authority will consist of Chief Minister of Delhi as Chairperson, Principal Home Secretary of Delhi govt as Member Secretary, and Chief Secretary of Delhi govt as member.
        Central govt will appoint both Principal Home Secretary and Chief Secretary.
        
        Under Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Act 1991, matters where LG may act on his discretion are matters outside legislative competence of Delhi Legislative Assembly but which have been delegated to LG, or matters where he is required by a law to act in his discretion.
        Bill specifies that in these matters, the LG will act in his sole discretion.
        
        Bill expands discretionary role of LG by giving him powers to approve recommendations of the Authority, or return them for reconsideration.
        
        Bill empowers LG to exercise his sole discretion on several matters including those recommended by National Capital Civil Services Authority, summoning, prorogation and dissolution of Delhi Legislative Assembly.
        
        Bill authorises department secretaries to bring to notice of the LG, the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary any matter that may bring Delhi Govt into controversy with Central Govt.
        
        A Minister of Delhi govt may issue standing orders for disposal of matters brought to his attention. Certain matters must be submitted to the LG, through the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, for his opinion prior to the issue of any order.
    9. Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Registration of Births and Deaths Act 1969, which provides for regulation and registration of births and deaths.
        As of 2019, national level of registration of births was 93% and death registration was at 92%.
        
        Law Commission (2018) recommended inclusion of marriage registration in the Act.
      2. Key Features -
        Act provides for appointment of a Registrar-General, who may issue general directions for registration of births and deaths.
        Bill adds that Registrar General will maintain a national database of registered births and deaths.
        
        Chief Registrars and Registrars (at state level) will maintain and share data of registered births and deaths to national database.
        
        Act provides that any person may obtain an extract from register related to any birth or death.
        Bill amends this to provide for obtaining a birth or death certificate (electronically or otherwise) instead of extracts.
        
        Act requires certain persons to report births and deaths to Registrar.
        Bill adds that, in cases of births, the specified persons shall also provide Aadhaar number of the parents and the informant.
        
        It also expands list of specified persons to include adoptive parents for non-institutional adoption, biological parent for births through surrogacy, and parent in case of birth of a child to a single parent or unwed mother.
        
        Bill states that national database may be made available to other authorities preparing or maintaining other databases, such as population register, electoral rolls, ration card and any other national database.
        Use of national database must be approved by the central government, and use of state databases will be subject to state government approval.
        
        Bill requires use of birth and death certificates to prove date and place of birth for persons born on or after this Bill comes into effect. The information will be used for several purposes including admission to an educational institution, preparation of voter lists, appointment to a government post etc.
        
        Any person aggrieved by any action or order of Registrar / District Registrar may appeal to District Registrar / Chief Registrar, respectively.
        Such an appeal must be made within 30 days from receipt of such action or order.
        
        District Registrar or Chief Registrar must give their decision within 90 days from date of appeal.
    10. Mediation Bill 2023 -
      1. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), where parties attempt to settle their dispute with assistance of an independent mediator.
      2. Bill seeks to promote mediation, and provide for enforcement of settlement agreements resulting from mediation.
      3. Key features -
        Bill will apply to mediation proceedings conducted in India where all parties reside in, are incorporated in, or have their business in India. In case of international mediation, if central / state government is a party, the Bill will only apply to commercial / notified disputes.
        
        Disputes not fit for mediation include those relating to claims against minors or persons of unsound mind, involving prosecution for criminal offences, affecting rights of third parties and relating to levy or collection of taxes.
        
        Mediation proceedings will be confidential. A party may withdraw from mediation after the first two mediation sessions. Mediation process must be completed within 180 days, extendedable by 180 another days.
        
        Govt will establish Mediation Council of India, which will consist of a chairperson, two full-time members, three ex-officio members, and one part-time member. Functions of Council include registration of mediators and recognising mediation service providers and mediation institutes.
        
        Agreements resulting from mediation will be final, binding, and enforceable in same manner as court judgment. may be challenged only on grounds of fraud, corruption, impersonation or relating to disputes not fit for mediation.
        
        Community mediation may be attempted to resolve disputes likely to affect peace and harmony amongst residents of a locality.
        
        Bill will override other laws on mediation (except certain laws such as Legal Services Authorities Act 1987, and Industrial Relations Code 2020). Bill also makes consequential amendments in certain laws (such as the Indian Contract Act 1872, and Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996).
    11. Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill 2023 -
      1. It seeks to empower Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of Inter-services Organisations to exercise administrative control over service personnel under their command, irrespective of their service.
      2. Key features -
        Inter-services Organisation -
        Existing Inter-services Organisations will be deemed to have been constituted under the Bill, including Andaman and Nicobar Command, Defence Space Agency, and National Defence Academy.
        
        Govt may constitute an Inter-services Organisation which has personnel belonging to at least 2 of the 3 services, which may be placed under command of an Officer-in-Command.
        
        Control of Inter-services Organisations -
        Bill empowers Commander-in-Chief or the Officer-in-Command of an Inter-services Organisation to exercise command and control over personnel serving in or attached to it.
        
        Central govt may notify any force maintained in India to which the Bill will apply, in addition to army, navy, and air force personnel.
        
        Bill provides for a Commanding Officer who will be in command of a unit/ship/establishment. The officer will also perform duties assigned by Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of the Inter-services Organisation.
    12. Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Indian Institutes of Management Act 2017, which declares Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as institutes of national importance and regulates their functioning.
      2. Key Features -
        Bill designates President of India as Visitor of every Institute covered by the Act.
        
        Appointment and removal of IIM Directors -
        Under the Act, the Director of an IIM is appointed by Board of Governors, based on recommendations of a Search-cum-Selection Committee.
        Bill mandates Board to obtain prior approval of the Visitor before appointing an Institute Director.
        
        Procedure for selecting the Director will be prescribed by the central government.
        
        Under the Act, the Search Committee comprises of Chairperson of the Board, and 3 members from amongst eminent industrialists / educationists.
        Bill reduces 3 members to 2, and adds another member to be nominated by the Visitor.
        
        Under the Act, the Board may remove the Director from office on specific grounds.
        Bill adds that Board will require prior approval of the Visitor before removing a Director.
        
        Bill also grants the Visitor the authority to terminate services of the Director.
        
        Under the Act, the Chairperson of the Board of Governors of each Institute is appointed by the Board.
        Bill amends this to provide that the Chairperson of the Board will be nominated by the Visitor.
        
        Act empowers the Board to initiate an inquiry against an Institute if it has not been functioning in accordance with the Act. A retired High Court judge conducts such inquiries. Based on findings, the Board may take any action.
        Bill removes all these provisions, and proposes a new procedure for inquiries, by conferring the power of inquiry upon the Visitor.
        
        Bill provides that central govt may prescribe procedure for suspending an Institute’s Board, and may constitute an interim board for 6 months or until a new Board is constituted.
        
        Act provides for a Co-ordination Forum for all the Institutes, whose Chairperson will be selected by a Committee constituted by the Forum.
        Bill amends this to provide that the Chairperson will be nominated by the Visitor.
        
        Act provides that when an existing institution converts to an IIM under this Act, every employee of such institution will retain same tenure and pay. Bill excludes Director of such institutions from this provision.
        
        Bill classifies National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) Mumbai as IIM Mumbai.
    13. National Dental Commission Bill 2023 -
      1. The Bill repeals Dentists Act 1948 and constitutes National Dental Commission, Dental Advisory Council and 3 autonomous Boards for regulating dental education and standards of dentistry.
      2. Key features -
        Govt will constitute a National Dental Commission consisting of 33 members, to be chaired by an eminent dentist to be named by central govt.
        Commission will -
        Regulate Governance standards for dental education.
        
        Regulate Dental institutions and research.
        
        Assess infrastructure requirements in dental healthcare.
        
        Ensure that admissions to Bachelor of Dental Surgery happens through National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
        
        Central govt will constitute 3 autonomous Boards under supervision of the Commission.
        Boards are Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board, Dental Assessment and Rating Board and Ethics and Dental Registration Board.
        
        Establishing a new dental institution would require prior permission of the Assessment and Rating Board. Qualifications in dentistry recognised under Dentists Act 1948 will continue to be recognised.
        
        Central govt will form a Dental Advisory Council, to advice Commission on education, research standards, and enhance equitable access to dental education.
        Council will also be primary platform through which states/UTs can raise concerns before the Commission.
        
        Council will be chaired by Chairperson of the National Dental Commission.
        
        Within an year of enactment of the Act, state governments will form State Dental Councils, which will receive grievances related to professional/ethical misconduct against registered dentists, and will also maintain state registers of dentists/dental auxiliaries.
        State governments will appoint Chairperson of their respective Dental Councils.
        
        Admission to BDS course will be done through NEET.
        Commission will specify manner of conducting common counselling for UG and PG admissions.
        
        A National Exit Test (Dental) will be held in the final undergraduate year for granting licence to practice dentistry, enrolment in state/national registers, and for admission to PG dental education.
    14. National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill 2023 -
      1. The Bill repeals Indian Nursing Council Act 1947, and provides for regulation and maintenance of standards of education and services for nursing and midwifery professionals.
      2. Key features -
        Bill provides for constitution of National Nursing and Midwifery Commission, which will consist of 29 members.
        Chairperson of the commission shall have a postgraduate degree in nursing and midwifery and have at least 20 years of field experience.
        
        Commission will -
        Frame policies and regulate standards for nursing and midwifery education
        
        Provide a uniform process for admission into nursing and midwifery institutions
        
        Regulate nursing and midwifery institutions.
        
        Provide standards for faculty in teaching institutions.
        
        Bill provides for constitution of 3 autonomous boards under the supervision of the National Commission - Nursing and Midwifery Undergraduate and Postgraduate Education Board, Nursing and Midwifery Assessment and Rating Board & Nursing and Midwifery Ethics and Registration Board.
        
        Central govt will also establish Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Council, to be chaired by chairperson of National Commission.
        Council will provide advice and support to National Commission in matters concerning nursing and midwifery education, services, training, and research.
        
        Every state will constitute a State Nursing and Midwifery Commissionm, with 10 members.
        State Commissions will include -
        Enforce professional conduct, code of ethics and etiquette
        
        Maintain state registers for registered professionals
        
        Issue certificates of specialisation
        
        Provide for skill-based examination.
        
        Appeals against decisions taken by state commissions may be filed with the Ethics and Registration Board.
        
        Permission of Assessment and Rating Board would be needed to establish a new nursing and midwifery institution, increase number of seats, or start any new postgraduate course.
        Board must decide on the proposals within 6 months. In case of disapproval, an appeal can be made to National Commission and a second appeal can be filed with Central Govt.
        
        Ethics and Registration Board will maintain an online Indian Nurses and Midwives’ Register, containing details of professionals and associates.
        Individuals must be enrolled in the National or State Register to practice nursing or midwifery as qualified professional.
        
        Failure to comply may result in imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 5 lakh rupees, or both.
    15. Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill 2023 -
      1. The Bill repeals Science and Engineering Research Board Act 2008 and dissolves Science and Engineering Research Board set up under it. The Bill provides for establishing Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF).
      2. NRF will be the apex body in country, to provide strategic direction for research and innovation in fields of natural sciences, technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture, and scientific and technological interfaces of humanities and social sciences.
      3. Key functions of NRF will include preparing roadmaps and facilitating / financing growth for research and development, encouraging international collaboration and undertaking annual survey of scientific research, outcomes, and spending.
      4. NRF will be financed through grants and loans from central govt, donations, income from investments of amounts received by Foundation, and all amounts with Fund for Science and Engineering Research set up under 2008 Act.
        Funds to be constituted by the Foundation for allocation purposes -
        Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund (for salaries, allowances, and administrative purposes)
        
        Innovation Fund - for funding outstanding creativity in the areas supported by the Foundation
        
        Science and Engineering Research Fund - for continuation of projects initiated under the 2008 Act
        
        Special purpose fund - for any specific project or research.
      5. NRF Governing Board will headed by the Prime Minister of India. Members of the Board will include Ministers of Science and Technology, Education (as Vice Presidents), the Principal Scientific Advisor (as Member Secretary).
      6. Foundation will have an Executive Council to undertake implementation. Council will consider applications for grant of assistance, prescribe regulations regarding applications for financial assistance, and prepare budget of Foundation and maintaining its accounts. Council will authorise officers to visit applicants for grants and verify accuracy of submissions.
        Principal Scientific Advisor will be the chairperson of the Council.
    16. Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 -
      1. Background -
        Currently, India does not have a standalone law on data protection. Use of personal data is regulated under the Information Technology (IT) Act 2000.
        
        In 2017, govt constituted a Committee of Experts on Data Protection, chaired by Justice B N Srikrishna, to examine issues relating to data protection in country. Committee submitted its report in July 2018.
        
        Based on recommendations of Committee, Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha in December 2019, but was withdrawn in August 2022.
        
        Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 has now been introduced and passed by the Parliament.
      2. Key Features -
        Bill applies to the processing of digital personal data within India where such data is collected online / collected offline and is digitised. It will also apply to the processing of personal data outside India if it is for offering goods or services in India.
        
        Personal data may be processed only for a lawful purpose after obtaining the consent of the individual. A notice must be given before seeking consent.
        Consent will not be required for legitimate use including provision of benefit or service by govt, medical emergency and employment.
        
        An individual whose data is being processed (data principal), will have the right to obtain information about processing, seek correction and erasure of personal data, nominate another person to exercise rights in event of death / incapacity, and grievance redressal.
        Data principals duties will include, not registering a false / frivolous complaint, not furnish any false particulars or impersonate another person in specified cases. Violation will be punishable with penalty up to 10000.
        
        Entity determining the purpose and means of processing (data fiduciary), must ensure accuracy and completeness of data, prevent data breach, inform Data Protection Board of India and affected persons in the event of a breach, and erase personal data after purpose has been met.
        In case of government entities, storage limitation and the right of the data principal to erasure will not apply.
        
        Bill allows transfer of personal data outside India, except to countries restricted by central govt.
        
        Rights of the data principal and obligations of data fiduciaries (except data security) will not apply in specified cases.
        These include prevention and investigation of offences, and enforcement of legal rights or claims.
        
        Govt may exempt certain activities from application of the Bill.
        
        Govt will establish Data Protection Board of India, which will Monitor compliance and impose penalties, Direct data fiduciaries to take necessary measures in event of a data breach and Hear grievances made by affected persons.
        Board members will be appointed for 2 years and will be eligible for re-appointment.
        
        Appeals against decisions of the Board will lie with TDSAT.
        
        Schedule to the Bill specifies penalties for various offences such as up to 200 crore for non-fulfilment of obligations for children, and 250 crore for failure to take security measures to prevent data breaches.
        
        Notably, Bill does not provide for right to data portability and right to be forgotten, which 2019 Bill introduced in Parliament provided for.
        Right to data portability allowed data principals to obtain and transfer their data from data fiduciary for their own use, giving data principal greater control over their data.
        
        Right to be forgotten refered to the right of individuals to limit the disclosure of their personal data on the internet.
    17. Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act 2005, which established Coastal Aquaculture Authority for regulating coastal aquaculture, which refers to rearing and cultivation of fish under controlled conditions.
      2. Key features -
        Regulation of allied coastal aquaculture activities -
        Act regulates coastal aquaculture farms which carry out activities such as culturing of shrimp, prawns or any other aquatic life under controlled conditions in saline or brackish water.
        
        Bill adds that any facility that is engaged in coastal aquaculture or any allied activity will be regulated as a coastal aquaculture unit.
        
        Some allied activities to be allowed in certain protected areas -
        Act prohibits coastal aquaculture: (i) within 200 metres from high tide lines and (ii) in creeks, rivers, and backwaters within Coastal Regulation Zones under Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
        
        Bill replaces this to prohibit coastal aquaculture activities in: (i) ecologically sensitive areas or in geo-morphological features such as mountains, valleys, or volcanoes, (ii) no-development zones in seas and buffer zones in creeks, rivers, and backwaters, and (iii) creeks, rivers, and backwaters within Coastal Regulation Zones.
        
        Coastal Aquaculture Authority -
        Functions of Authority include: (i) regulating construction and operation of aquaculture farms in coastal areas, (ii) registering coastal aquaculture farms, and (iii) removing/demolishing farms that cause pollution.
        
        Bill adds that Authority shall:(i) prohibit coastal aquaculture inputs to prevent harm to coastal aquaculture, (ii) fix standards and regulate such units to prevent diseases, and (iii) fix standards for emission/discharge of effluents from coastal aquaculture units.
        
        Under the Act, Authority may authorise any person to enter any coastal aquaculture land and carry out inspections and remove any structures. Occupier of the land must be given a notice of at least 24 hours before entering such premises. Bill empowers Authority to waive the notice requirement.
        
        Composition of the Authority -
        Authority comprises 11 members. Bill adds a representative from Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying as a member.
        
        Penalties -
        Act penalises carrying out coastal aquaculture without registering with Authority with imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine up to 1 lakh rupees. Bill provides for different penalties for different contraventions.
        
        Adjudication and appeals -
        Under the Bill, govt may authorise an officer of at least Under Secretary level to adjudicate penalties. It may also authorise an officer of at least a Deputy Secretary level as an Appellate Authority for orders passed by adjudicating officer.
    18. Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Pharmacy Act 1948, which regulates practice and profession of pharmacy.
      2. Key features -
        Registration under the Pharmacy Act 1948 is mandatory to practice pharmacy in India.
        The Bill specifies that anyone who is registered as a pharmacist under Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Act 2011 or possesses qualifications prescribed under 2011 Act, will be deemed to be registered as a pharmacist under Pharmacy Act 1948.
        
        This will be contingent upon person submitting an application for registration within a year of the amendment coming into force.
    19. Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act 2017, which provides for levy and collection of CGST on intra-state supply of goods and services.
      2. Key Features -
        Under the Act, transactions involving actionable claims (except lottery, betting, and gambling), are not considered to be supply of goods or services. Thus, they are not liable to be taxed.
        An actionable claim refers to a claim to any debt which is not secured by mortgage of immovable property or by pledge of moveable property.
        
        Bill provides that suppliers of specified actionable claims will be liable to pay CGST. Bill defines specified actionable claims as actionable claims involved in betting, casinos, horse racing, lottery, gambling, or online money gaming.
        Online money gaming refers to online games where players pay or deposit money with expectation of winning money.
        
        Under the Bill, a person who arranges supply of specified actionable claims will be deemed to be their supplier. This includes persons who own, operate, or manage digital or electronic platforms for such supply.
        
        Act provides for mandatory registration of certain suppliers. Bill provides that persons supplying online money gaming from outside India to persons in India must also register under the Act.
    20. Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act 2017, which provides for levy and collection of IGST on inter-state supply of goods and services.
      2. Key Features -
        A supplier of online money gaming, not located in India, will be liable to pay IGST on supply of online money gaming to a person in India.
        Online money gaming refers to online games where players pay or deposit money with expectation of winning money.
        
        A supplier of online money gaming must obtain registration under the Simplified Registration Scheme notified under the Act.
        If a foreign supplier does not have a physical presence in India or does not have a representative, he must appoint a representative to pay IGST in India.
        
        The Act provides that IGST on goods imported into India will be levied and collected as per provisions of Customs Tariff Act 1975.
        Bill exempts levy of IGST in the above manner for goods notified by govt on recommendations of the GST Council.
        
        IGST on such goods will be levied in same manner as inter-state supply of goods.
        
        Bill provides that for supply of goods (that have not been imported or exported) to an unregistered person, the place of supply will be address of the person recorded in invoice. If invoice does not have an address, the place of supply will be the location of the supplier.
    21. Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order Amendment Bill, 2023
      1. It amends Constitution (Scheduled Caste) Order 1950, with respect to its application to Chhattisgarh. The Order lists the castes and tribes deemed to be Scheduled Castes in states / UTs.
      2. Bill includes Mahara and Mahra communities as synonyms of the Mehra, Mahar, and Mehar communities in Chhattisgarh.
    22. Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2023
      1. Bill amends Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, with respect to its application to Chhattisgarh. The Order lists the tribal communities deemed to be Scheduled Tribes in states and union territories.
      2. Bill includes the Dhanuhar, Dhanuwar, Kisan, Saunra, Saonra, and Binjhia communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Chhattisgarh.
    23. Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill, 2023
      1. Bill seeks to amend Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order 1950, with respect to its application to Himachal Pradesh. The Order lists the tribal communities deemed to be Scheduled Tribes in states and union territories.
      2. Bill includes the Hattee community of Trans Giri area of Sirmour district in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Himachal Pradesh.
  2. Introduced Bills (Currently in Pending State) -
    1. Post Office Bill 2023 -
      1. It repeals Indian Post Office Act 1898.
      2. Bill provides for matters related to the functioning of the Post Office, an undertaking of the central govt (also known as India Post).
      3. Key Features -
        Act provides that wherever central govt establishes posts, it will have exclusive privilege of conveying letters by post, as well as incidental services such as receiving, collecting, sending, and delivering letters. The Bill does not contain such privileges.
        
        Bill states that Post Office will have the exclusive privilege of issuing postage stamps, similar to the Act.
        
        Act specifies services provided by Post Office include delivery of postal articles and money orders. Bill provides that Post Office will provide services prescribed by central govt.
        
        Act allows for interception of a shipment being transmitted through post on certain grounds, in case of any public emergency.
        Bill provides that interception of a shipment may be carried out on grounds of security, friendly relations with foreign states, public order/ emergency and contravention of provisions of the Bill or any other law.
        
        The Act, as well as the Bill, provides for the appointment of the Director General of Postal Services.
        Under the Act, DG can decide time and manner of delivery of postal services, and Govt can notify charges for postal services.
        
        Bill enhances DG's rights by stating thet he/she may make regulations regarding any activity necessary to provide postal services, make regulations to specify charges & may also make regulations on supply and sale of postage stamps and postal stationery.
        
        Under the Act, a designated officer may examine a shipment if he suspects that it contains goods which are prohibited, or are liable to be paid duty upon.
        Officer must invite addressee to attend the examination. DG may direct the presence of two witnesses in the absence of the addressee.
        
        Bill removes the powers of examination. It instead provides that in such cases, govt may empower an officer to deliver the shipment to the customs / any other specified authority, who will then deal with the item in question.
        
        Act specifies various offences and penalties. Bill does not provide for any offences or consequences, except one. Amounts not paid or neglected by a user will be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.
        
        Act exempts govt from any liability related to loss, mis delivery, delay or damage to a postal article. Officers are also exempt from such liability unless they have acted fraudulently or wilfully.
        Bill retains these provisions. However, it provides that instead of central govt, the Post Office may prescribe the liability regarding its services.
    2. Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. Bill amends Advocates Act 1961, which consolidates law related to legal practitioners and constitutes Bar Councils and the All-India Bar. The bill also repeals certain sections related to touts under Legal Practitioners Act 1879.
      2. Key features -
        Bill provides that any HC/District/Sessions judge/district magistrate / revenue officer (not below rank of district collector) may frame and publish lists of touts.
        Tout refers to a person who Proposes to procure or procures employment of a legal practitioner in a legal business, in return of a payment.
        
        Court / judge may exclude from the premises of the Court any person whose name is included in the list of touts.
        
        Authorities empowered to publish list of touts may order subordinate courts to hold an inquiry into conduct of persons alleged or suspected to be touts.
        No person will be included in such lists without getting an opportunity of showing cause against his inclusion.
        
        Any person who acts as a tout while his name is included in the list of touts will be punished with imprisonment up to 3 months and / or a fine up to 500.
    3. Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order 1989, to create separate lists for Scheduled Tribes for UTs of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
      2. Bill also adds 4 communities to list of Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir - Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group.
    4. Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 -
      1. The Bill amends Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order 1956. The Order lists castes deemed to be Scheduled Castes in UTs of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
      2. The Bill adds Valmiki community as a synonym of Chura, Balmiki, Bhangi, and Mehtar communities. The synonym will apply only in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
    5. Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act 2004, which provides for reservation in jobs and admission in professional institutions to members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other socially and educationally backward classes.
      2. Key features -
        Under the Act, socially and educationally backward classes include people residing in villages declared as socially and educationally backward by UT of Jammu and Kashmir, people residing in areas adjoining Actual Line of Control and International Border, and weak and under-privileged classes (social castes).
        
        Bill substitutes weak and under-privileged classes with other backward classes as declared by UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
    6. Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2023 -
      1. It amends Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, which provides for reorganisation of state of Jammu and Kashmir into UTs of Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature).
      2. Key Features -
        2nd Schedule of Representation of the People Act 1950 provides for number of seats in legislative assemblies. 2019 Act amended 2nd Schedule of 1950 Act to specify total number of seats in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to be 83. It reserved six seats for Scheduled Castes. No seats were reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
        Bill increases total number of seats to 90. It also reserves 7 seats for Scheduled Castes and 9 seats for Scheduled Tribes.
        
        Bill adds that Lieutenant Governor may nominate up to 2 members from Kashmiri migrant community to Legislative Assembly, with 1 nominated member being a woman.
        Migrants are defined as persons who migrated from Kashmir Valley or any other part of state of Jammu and Kashmir after November 1, 1989, and are registered with Relief Commissioner.
        
        Migrants also include individuals who have not been registered due to being in government service in any moving office, having left for work, or possessing immovable property at place from where they migrated but are unable to reside there due to disturbed conditions.
        
        Bill adds that Lieutenant Governor may nominate to the Legislative Assembly 1 member representing displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
        Displaced persons refer to individuals who left or were displaced from their place of residence in Pakistani-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and continue to reside outside such place.
        
        Such displacement should have taken place in 1947-48, 1965, or 1971 due to civil disturbances.
    7. Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill 2023 -
      1. It repeals Press and Registration of Books Act 1867.
      2. Key Features -
        Act provides for registration of newspapers, periodicals, and books, along with cataloguing of books.
        Bill provides for registration of periodicals, which include any publication containing public news or comments on public news. Periodicals do not include books or scientific and academic journals.
        
        Act provides that a declaration specifying printer/ publisher be made to District Magistrate. DM sends it to Press Registrar, who then issues certificate of registration. Such declaration and authentication by DM is necessary for publication of newspaper.
        Bill allows publisher of a periodical to obtain a registration certificate by filing an online application with Press Registrar General and specified local authority.
        
        Any person convicted of a terrorist act or unlawful activity, will not be allowed to publish a periodical.
        
        An exact reproduction of a foreign periodical may be printed in India only with prior approval of govt.
        
        Act provides for govt to appoint a Press Registrar who maintains a register of newspapers.
        Bill provides for Press Registrar General of India who will issue registration certificates for all periodicals. Press Registrar General will also maintain a register of periodicals, make guidelines for admissibility of title of periodicals, verify circulation figures of prescribed periodicals, and revise/ cancel registration.
        
        Act requires a printing press to be declared before DM.
        Bill allows for information regarding printing presses to be submitted to Press Registrar General through an online portal.
        
        Bill allows Press Registrar General to suspend a periodical’s registration for minimum 30 days (extendable to 180 days).
        Registration may be suspended due to registration obtained by furnishing false information, failure to publish periodicals continuously and giving false particulars in annual statements.
        
        Bill empowers Press Registrar General to impose penalties for publishing periodicals without registration (up to 5 lakh), failing to furnish annual statement within specified time (up to 20000 on first default).
        
        Any person may appeal against refusal to issue a registration certificate, suspension/ cancellation of registration, or imposition of penalty. Such appeals may be filed before Press and Registration Appellate Board within 60 days.
    8. Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill 2023 -
      1. It repeals Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act 1991.
      2. Key F;eatures -
        As per Article 324 of the Constitution, the Election Commission consists of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other Election Commissioners (ECs), as the President may decide. CEC and other ECs are appointed by the President.
        Bill specifies same composition of Election Commission, and adds that CEC and other ECs will be appointed by President on recommendation of a Selection Committee.
        
        Selection Committee will consist of Prime Minister as Chairperson, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha as member, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by Prime Minister as member.
        
        A Search Committee will prepare a panel of 5 persons for consideration of Selection Committee.
        Search Committee will be headed by Cabinet Secretary. It will have two other members, not below the rank of Secretary to central government.
        
        Persons who are holding or have held posts equivalent to rank of Secretary to central government will be eligible to be appointed as CEC and ECs.
        
        Act provides that salary of ECs will be equal to that of a Supreme Court judge.
        Bill provides that salary, allowance, and service conditions of the CEC and other ECs will be the same as that of Cabinet Secretary.
        
        Act mandates that CEC and other ECs will hold office for a term of 6 years or until they reach age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. If an EC is appointed as the CEC, his total term cannot exceed six years.
        Bill retains the same tenure. Further, under the Bill, the CEC and other ECs will not be eligible for re-appointment.
        
        Under Article 324 of Constitution, the CEC can only be removed from his office in a manner similar to that of a Supreme Court judge.
        This is done through an order of the President, based on a motion passed by both Houses of Parliament in same session. The motion for removal must be adopted with majority support of total membership of each House, and at least two-thirds support from members present and voting.
        
        An EC can only be removed from office on recommendation of the CEC.
        
        The Bill retains this removal procedure.
        
        1991 Act provides that CEC and other ECs may submit their resignation to the President. The Bill has the same provision.
    9. Home Minister Amit Shah introduced Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023 in Lok Sabha.
      1. Indian Penal Code 1860 will be replaced by Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023, Criminal Procedure Code 1898 will be replaced by Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023 and Indian Evidence Act 1872 will be replaced by Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023.
      2. The three mentioned outgoing laws were made to strengthen and protect the British rule and their purpose was to punish, not to give justice (especially after great Indian Rebellion of 1857).
      3. More details on new bills (currently in pending state) shall be made available soon.
      4. Some notable highlights from new bills -
        Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023 (which will replace Indian Penal Code 1860), will have 356 sections instead of earlier 511 sections.
        
        Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill (which will replace CrPC 1898), will have 533 sections.
        
        Bharatiya Sakshya Bill (which will replace Evidence Act 1872), will have 170 sections instead of earlier 167.
        
        Provision has been made to digitize entire process. Videography has been made compulsory at time of search and seizure, without such recording by the police no charge sheet will be valid.
        
        Visit of forensic team is being made compulsory on crime scene of crimes having provision for punishment of 7 years or more.
        
        Provision of e-FIR is being added for the first time, every district and police station will designate a police officer who will officially inform family of arrested person.
        
        Statement of victim has been made compulsory in cases of sexual violence.
        
        It will be compulsory for Police to give status of complaint in 90 days and thereafter every 15 days, to the complainant.
        
        No government will be able to withdraw a case of imprisonment of 7 years or more without listening to victim.
        
        Scope of summary trial has been increased in petty cases, now crimes punishable up to 3 years will be included in summary trial. With this, over 40% of cases in sessions courts will end.
        
        Time limit of 90 days is fixed for filing charge sheet (Extendable by court for further 90 days). Investigation will have to be completed within 180 days and trial should begin.
        
        Courts will give notice of framing of charge to accused person within 60 days. Within 30 days after completion of arguments, the Judge will have to give verdict. Order will have to be made available online, within 7 days.
        
        Government will decide on permission within 120 days for trial against civil servant or police officer, else it will be treated as deemed permission and trial will start.
        
        Sex on pretext of false promise of marriage, employment, promotion and false identity has been made a crime for the first time.
        
        Provision of death penalty has also been made in case of crime with girls below 18 years of age & Mob Lynching. Provisions of 7 years in jail, life imprisonment and capital punishment have also been made for these crimes.
        
        For the first time, a provision has been made for snatching of mobile phone or chain from women.
        
        Provision for imprisonment for 10 years or life imprisonment in case of permanent disability or being brain dead.
        
        Now the death penalty can only be changed to life imprisonment, life imprisonment to a minimum 7 years and 7 years to minimum 3 years. This will ensure no culprit will be freed, including cases of using pardon for political gains.
        
        Earlier, there was no definition of terrorism, which has been included. Also, crimes like armed insurgency, subversive activities, separatism, challenging unity, sovereignty and integrity of India have been defined for the first time.
        
        Sedition law will be completely repealed.
        Sedition law was added to Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 1870 as Section 124A. It means - Whoever attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added.
Aug 13 - World organ donation day.
1. Aug 13 is also observed as International Left-Handers Day.
2. 13 August is also commemorated as Patriots Day in Manipur, to honour Kangeilpak soldiers that lost their lives during Anglo-Manipur War.
Memorandums of Agreement signed by Arunachal Pradesh state govt, to allot 12 stalled hydro-electric projects in state (11517 MW capacity) to Hydro PSUs under Union Ministry of Power.
1. 5 projects of 2620 MW have been allocated by to North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO), 5 projects of 5097 MW to Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) and remaining 2 projects of capacity 3800 MW to National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
2. These projects will result in an investment inflow of ₹1,26,500 Crores to Arunachal Pradesh.
Indian Air Force inducted Israeli Heron Mark 2 drones, as updated model of Heron Drones.
1. Heron MK II can reach an altitude of 35,000 feet, a maximum speed of 150 knots and can remain in the air for 36 consecutive hours.
Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma launched Chief Minister’s Solar Mission, aimed at utilizing solar potential to minimize power deficit in state, with budget 500 crores (over 5 years).
Kerala Assembly passed a resolution to request Central government to change official name of state from Kerala to Keralam.
1. The term Keralam traces its roots to the fusion of two Malayalam words – Kera, symbolizing coconut, and Alam denoting land.
2. The proposal involves a modification of current nomenclature for the state, through provisions of Article 3 of the Constitution.
NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) launched National Space Innovation Challenge 2023 (NSIC 2023) for school students across country, in collaboration with ISRO and Navars Edutech.
1. NSIC 2023 is a National-level campaign designed to ignite next generation space enthusiasts to contribute towards growing Indian space economy and future space workforce.
2. Under it, Students of Classes 5 to 12 can submit their proposals to solve modern-day space technology problems, upto Sep 20, 2023.
August 14 is observed as Naga Independence Day, celebrated in states of Nagaland and Manipur.
1. When India became independent from British rule, Nagas under Naga National Council wished to remain free. On 14 August 1947, Nagas declared independence of Naga region. Nagas did not take part in first and second general elections held in 1952 and 1957 respectively.
2. Also, Govt observes 14th August every year as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (since 2021), to commemorate sacrifice of people who faced pain during violence during India-Pakistan partition in 1947.
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) launched Graphene-Aurora program in Maker Village Kochi (Kerala), to be implemented by Digital University Kerala, with outlay 95 Crores.
1. Under it, India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (I-GEIC) shall be set up as a section 8 company (not for profit), aimed at fillig gap between R&D and commercialization by providing a complete facility to startup and industry.
2. About -
  1. Graphene is an allotrope of carbon consisting of a single layer of atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice nanostructure. Graphene is 200 times more resistant than steel and 5 times lighter than aluminum. With these properties, graphene has applications in energy, construction, health, and electronics sectors.
Govt renamed Standing Committee on Economic Statistics (Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation) as Standing Committee on Statistics, with enhanced Terms of Reference (ToR) to deliberate and deliver various issues related to all surveys, as and when required by MoSPI. It will be chaired by Pronab Sen (former Program Director, International Growth Centre New Delhi).
Monthly Trade and Inflation Data (July 2023) -
1. Inflation and Trade Data for July 2023 -
  1. Wholesale price Index Based (WPI) -
    1. WPI based inflation fell to (-) 1.36 % (Negative) in July 2023.
    2. WPI Inflation in last 12 months -
      1. June 2023 - (-) 4.12 % (Negative) (lowest in 8 years)
      2. May 2023 - (-) 3.48 % (Negative)
      3. April 2023 - (-) 0.92 % (Negative)
      4. March 2023 - 1.34 %
      5. February 2023 - 3.85 %
      6. January 2023 - 4.73 %
      7. December 2022 - 4.95 %
      8. November 2022 - 5.85 %
      9. October 2022 - 8.39 %
      10. September 2022 - 10.07 %
      11. August 2022 - 12.41 %
      12. July 2022 - 13.93 %
  2. Consumer Price Index (CPI) Based (retail inflation) -
    1. CPI-based inflation rate for July 2023 rose to 7.44 % (15 Month High).
    2. CPI Inflation in Last 12 Months -
      1. June 2023 - 4.81 %
      2. May 2023 - 4.25 % (25 Month Low)
      3. April 2023 - 4.7 %
      4. March 2023 - 5.66 %
      5. February 2023 - 6.44 %
      6. January 2023 - 6.52 %
      7. December 2022 - 5.72 %
      8. November 2022 - 5.88 %
      9. October 2022 - 6.77 %
      10. September 2022 - 7.41 %
      11. August 2022 - 7.01 %
      12. July 2022 - 6.71 %
  3. Trade -
AU Small Finance Bank launched 24×7 video banking platform, as first such Initiatve in India, enabling customers to engage in round-the-clock video interactions with expert bankers.
Aug 15, 2023 - 77th Independence Day of India.
1. On this occasion -
  1. PM Narendra Modi addressed the nation from Red fort in Delhi -
    1. Announced upcoming launch of Vishwakarma Yojana on occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti (Sep 17, 2023), which aims to benefit individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship, particularly from OBC community. It will have budget betwen 13000-15000 Crores.
    2. Announced to increase number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras across country from 10000 to 25000, to provide generic medicines at upto 80 % lesser prices.
  2. Other Nations that Observe their Independence Day on Aug 15 - Republic of the Congo, Liechtenstein, North Korea & South Korea, Bahrain.
2. Gallantary Awards 2023 -
  1. President Draupadi Murmu approved 76 Gallantry awards to Armed Forces, police and paramilitary personnel on eve of Independence Day.
  2. These include 4 Kirti Chakra, 11 Shaurya Chakras, 2 Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 52 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 3 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 4 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
    1. No Ashok Charka Awarded this year, known as highest peacetime Gallantry Award.
    2. Notably -
      1. India's Wartime gallantry awards -
        Param Vir Chakra
        
        Maha Vir Chakra
        
        Vir Chakra
      2. India's Peacetime gallantry awards -
        Ashok Chakra
        
        Kirti Chakra
        
        Shaurya Chakra
  3. Kirti Charka -
    1. Dilip Kumar Das (CRPF)
    2. Raj Kumar Yadava (CRPF)
    3. Bablu Rabha (CRPF)
    4. Sambhu Roy (CRPF)
  4. Shaurya Chakra -
    1. Vijay Verma (Army)
    2. Vikas Bhambhu (Army)
    3. Mustafa Bohara (Army)
    4. Sachin Negi (Army)
    5. Rajendra Prasad Jat (Army)
    6. Ravinder Singh Rawat (Army)
    7. Vivek Singh Tomar (Army)
    8. Bhim Singh (Army)
    9. Kulbushan Manta (Army)
    10. Saifullah Qadri (J&K Police)
    11. Gamit Mukesh Kumar (CRPF)
  5. Nao Sena Medal -
    1. Panneerselvam Vishnu Prasanna (Lieutenant )
    2. Kaustab Banerjee (Commander)
    3. Hanish Singh Karki (Commander)
  6. Vayu Sena Medal -
    1. Shiv Kumar Chauhan (WC)
    2. Shrey Tomar (WC)
    3. Gl Vineeth (SL)
    4. Pradeep Murugan (FL)
3. Other Awards Announced on the occasion -
  1. Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation (conferred since 2018) for year 2023 were awarded to 140 Police personnel.
  2. 954 Police personnel were awarded Police Medals on occasion of Independence Day 2023.
  3. 1 President's Tatrakshak Medal and 5 Tatrakshak Medals were conferred upon Indian Coast Guard personnel.
    1. President's Tatrakshak Medal was conferred upon Manoj Vasant Baadkar.
The Netherlands' (Dutch) economy entered technical recession, shrinking 0.3% in 2nd quarter of the year (Apr - June 2023), after 0.4% contraction in earlier quarter (Jan-Mar 2023).
1. Notably, 2 consecutive quarters of contraction constitute a technical recession for any country's economy.
2. Earlier, Germany (Europe’s largest Economy) had also entered into recession, after German economy fell by 0.3 % in Jan-Mar 2023 quarter, and earlier by 0.5 % in Oct-Dec 2022 Quarter.
Indian Navy's INS Kulish participated in multinational exercise SEACAT (Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training) 2023 , aimed at enhancing maritime security collaboration among participating nations.
1. It also attended 77th Independence Day celebrations of Singapore (Falls on Aug 9).
Govt named R. Doraiswamy as a Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), to succeed Mini Ape.
1. LIC Board has 1 chairperson (Siddhartha Mohanty currently), and 4 Managing Directors (MD).
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated India's first 3D-printed post office building at Cambridge Layout (Bengaluru).
1. The construction was completed in 45 days, carried out by Larsen & Toubro Limited, with technical guidance from IIT Madras.
Cabinet Approvals (Aug 16, 2023) -
1. MOUs -
  1. Australia - Cooperation in Sports.
  2. Australia - Mutual Recognition Arrangement of Authorised Economic Operators.
  3. Suriname - Cooperation in field of regulation of medicines & Medical Products.
2. CCEA -
  1. Approved 7 Multi-tracking Projects totalling 2339 Kms over Indian Railways, with estimated cost 32500 Crores (100% funding from Central Govt).
    1. The projects covering 35 Districts in 9 States (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal) will increase existing network of Indian Railways by 2339 Kms. It will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing infrastructural development on busiest sections across Indian Railways.
    2. The capacity augmentation will result in additional freight traffic of 200 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).
    3. The projects are under PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multi-model connectivity, aimed at providing seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services.
  2. Approved new Central Sector Scheme PM Vishwakarma, with outlay 13000 crore for 5 years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28).
    1. The scheme was announced by PM Narendra Modi during his 2023 Independence Day Speech, and will be launched on Vishwakarma Jayanti (Sep 17, 2023).
    2. It aims to strengthen Guru-Shishya parampara or family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools. It also aims at improving quality and reach of products / services of artisans and craftspeople.
    3. Under this, artisans / craftspeople will be provided recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, Credit Support upto 1 lakh (1st Tranche) and 2 lakh (2nd Tranche) with concessional interest rate of 5%. The Scheme will also provide Skill Upgradation, Toolkit Incentive, Incentive for Digital Transactions and Marketing Support.
    4. 18 traditional trades will be covered in first instance under PM Vishwakarma, Including Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith, Hammer and Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Stone breaker, Cobbler(Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/Footwear artisan, Mason, Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker, Barber, Garland maker, Washerman, Tailor & Fishing Net Maker.
3. General -
  1. Approved expansion of Digital India programme, with outlay of 14903 crores.
    1. It will include -
      1. 6.25 lakh IT professionals will be re-skilled and up-skilled under FutureSkills Prime Programme.
      2. 2.65 lakh persons will be trained in information security under Information Security & Education Awareness Phase (ISEA) Programme.
      3. 540 additional services will be available under Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG) app/ platform (up from 1700 available currently).
      4. 9 more supercomputers will be added under National Super Computer Mission.
      5. Bhashini, the AI-enabled multi-language translation tool (currently available in 10 languages) will be rolled out in all 22 schedule 8 languages.
      6. Modernisation of National Knowledge Network (NKN) which connects 1,787 educational institutions.
      7. Digital document verification facility under DigiLocker will now be available to MSMEs and other organisations.
      8. 1,200 startups will be supported in Tier 2/3 cities.
      9. 3 Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence on health, agriculture and sustainable cities will be set up.
      10. Cyber-awareness courses for 12 crores college students.
      11. New initiatives in area of cyber security including development of tools and integration of more than 200 sites with National Cyber Coordination Centre.
  2. Approved bus scheme PM-eBus Sewa, for augmenting city bus operation by 10000 e-buses on PPP model.
    1. Features -
      1. It will have estimated cost 57613 crores, out of which support of 20000 crore will be provided by Central govt. The Scheme will support bus operations for 10 years.
      2. It will cover cities of 3 lakh and above population as per census 2011, including all Capital cities of UTs, North Eastern Region and Hill States.
      3. It will generate 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs through deployment of around 10,000 buses in city bus operation.
      4. Segments -
        Segment A – Augmenting City bus services:(169 cities)
        The scheme will augment city bus operations with 10000 e-buses on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
        
        Associated Infrastructure will provide support for Development/up-gradation of depot infrastructure; Creation of behind-the-meter power infrastructure for e-buses.
        
        Segment B – Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (GUMI): (181 cities)
        The scheme envisages green initiatives like bus priority, infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, NCMC-based Automated Fare Collection Systems, Charging infrastructure, etc.
IT Firm Wipro established a Center of Excellence (CoE) on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), in partnership with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, under AI360 ecosystem, which earmarks $1 billion investment toward catalyzing AI-led innovation.
India's first Common Testing Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones) will be established in Tamil Nadu, with Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) as nodal agency.
1. It will address the issue of lack of a Common Testing Centre, as it acts an entry barrier for organisations engaged in aerospace and defence industry.
2. The test centre under Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) of Central Govt, will come up at SIPCOT industrial park in Vallam Vadagal in Kanchipuram district.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved USD 40.5 million loan for India, for project aimed at integrated early childhood development and maternal mental health in Meghalaya.
1. The project will strengthen home-based childcare (children 0-1.5 years) and center-based childcare (1.5-6 years) through daycare (Anganwadi) centers in Meghalaya.
RBI launched Centralised Web Portal UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access inforMation), to make it easier for people to search their unclaimed deposits across multiple banks at one place. It can be accessed at udgam.rbi.org.in
President Draupadi Murmu Launched Vindhyagiri Frigate under Project 17A of Indian Navy, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (Kolkata).
1. P17A Frigates (or Nilgiri class frigates) are follow-on class of P17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates, with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and platform management systems. Seven P17A Frigates are under various stages of construction at Mazagaon Dock Limited (4) and GRSE (3).
2. 4 frigates to be built at MDL -
  1. Nilgiri, Udaygiri & Taragiri (Launched)
  2. Mahendragiri (Under construction)
3. 3 frigates to be built at GRSE -
  1. Himgiri, Dunagiri and now Vindhyagiri (Launched).
4. Notably, President Draupadi Murmu also launched Brahma Kumaris' My Bengal, Addiction Free Bengal Campaign under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, at (Kolkata).
Central Water Commission launched FloodWatch mobile application, to disseminate information related to flood situation and forecasts up to 7 days on a real-time basis to the public.
1. The app utilizes near real-time river flow data from various sources, enabling real-time flood monitoring where users can check up-to-date flood situation throughout country.
Govt approved procurement of 5 fleet support ships (FSS) worth 19000 crores for Indian Navy, to help in replenishment of naval warships at sea by supplying them essential items like fuel, food, and ammunition.
1. These ships will be manufactured and delivered by Visakhapatnam-based Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), within 8 years. These Fleet Support Ships of 44000 Tons will be first-of-its kind to be built in India by an Indian Shipyard.
Canara Bank introduced Jeevan Dhara savings bank account for pensioners / prospective pensioners / Retired employees.
1. It will offer special benefits such as loans against deposits, concessions on medical expenses, top-up on pension loans etc.
Adille Sumariwalla (President of Athletics Federation of India) has been elected as one of 4 vice presidents of World Athletics, as highest post ever held by an Indian in global track and field governing body.
Govt named Kamlesh Varshney and Amarjeet Singh as SEBI's Whole-Time Members (3 year term).
1. SEBI Board has Chairperson (Madhabi Puri Buch currently), 2 members (from Finance Ministry), 1 member from RBI & 5 members nominated by Central Govt (out of which atleast 3 must be whole time members).
Goa CM Pramod Sawant released a biodiversity atlas of Mayem village (Goa), termed as India's first village atlas.
1. This atlas gives a socio-cultural history of the village, that dates back to 12th century.
Power Minister R K Singh launched 660 MW Unit (Unit #2 of Stage I) of NTPC's Barh Super Thermal Power Project at Barh (Bihar).
1. The mega project has 3300 MW capacity and 2 stages (with 5 units of 660 MW Each).
First-of-its-kind Global summit on Traditional Medicine co-organised by World Health Organization (WHO) and India's Ministry of Ayush, at Gandhinagar (Gujarat).
1. Notably, establishment of WHO's Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar (Gujarat) was announced in November 2020, as first of its kind global traditional medicine hub.
Aug 19 is observed by UN as World Humanitarian Day, to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.
1. Aug 19 is also observed as World Photography Day.
World Under-20 Wrestling Championships 2023 (Amman, Jordan) -
1. Indian wrestlers won 14 medals (4 gold, 3 silver and 7 bronze).
2. Gold Medalists -
  1. Mohit Kumar - Men's freestyle 61kg
  2. Priya Malik - Women's 76kg
  3. Antim Panghal - Women's 53kg
  4. Savita - Women's 62kg Gold
3. Notably -
  1. Indian Women won Wrestling team title at 2023 U-20 World Championships.
  2. Antim Panghal became first Indian feamle wrestler to win consecutive U20 world titles, as she defended her 53kg Gold.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) notified Green Hydrogen Standard for India, under National Green Hydrogen Mission.
1. It outlines emission thresholds that must be met in order for hydrogen produced to be classified as Green (from renewable sources). Scope of the definition encompasses both electrolysis-based and biomass-based hydrogen production methods.
2. Ministry has defined Green Hydrogen as having a well-to-gate emission (i.e., including water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying and compression of hydrogen) of under 2 kg CO2 equivalent / kg H2.
3. Detailed methodology for measurement, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification, and certification of green hydrogen and its derivatives shall be specified by Ministry. Also, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Ministry of Power) shall be Nodal Authority for accreditation of agencies for monitoring, verification and certification for Green Hydrogen production projects.
Parminder Chopra has been named 1st female CMD of Maharatna PSU Power Finance Corporation (PFC).
Maharashtra cabinet approved Bhagwan Birsa Munda Jodaraste Scheme, to connect all tribal villages in 17 districts of state with Highways, with cost 5000 crores.
2023 FIFA Women's Football World Cup (9th Edition, Hosted by Australia, New Zealand) -
1. Spain won the Title (their 1st), defeating England in Final.
2. Sweden & Australia remained at 3rd & 4th places respectively. It was contested by 32 teams.
3. Notable Players -
  1. Top scorer - Japan's Hinata Miyazawa (5 goals)
  2. Best player - Spain 's Aitana Bonmatí
General News / Events (Aug 11-20, 2023) -
1. Travel Aggregator MakeMyTrip tied up with ministry of tourism to launch a Travellers' Map of India microsite, showcasing over 600 destinations beyond India’s popular travel destinations.
2. Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud launched SuSwagatam portal, to enable litigants and visitors to avail convenience of a QR code-enabled ePass, to facilitate smooth entry experience. It will also serve as an exit credential, enhancing overall efficiency of access management.
3. India International MSME Expo and Summit 2023 organized in New Delhi, by MSME Development Forum.
4. PM Narendra Modi laid foundation stone of Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial to be constructed in Sagar (Madhya Pradesh).
5. Ministry of Tourism organized Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat Food Festival in New Delhi.
6. Conference on Global Economy: Challenges, Opportunities and Way Forward, organised by Ministry of Finance and RBI, in Mumbai.
7. Govt launched retail sale of chana dal under brand name Bharat Dal, at subsidized rates of Rs 60 per kg for 1 kg pack and Rs 55 per kg for 30 kg pack, to make pulses available to consumers at affordable prices.
8. Govt will soon set up Bureau of Port Security, aimed at upgrading security on ports across India.
9. Digital India RISC-V (Reduced Instruction Set Computer-5th generation) Symposium organised by Pravartak Technologies Foundation at IIT Madras (Chennai).
10. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid foundation stone for Iconic Site Museum at Adichanallur, an ancient Iron-age burial site in Thoothukudi District (Tamil Nadu). It was one of five sites declared to be developed as Iconic Sites in Union Budget 2020-21.
11. Green Hydrogen Convention 2023 organized by Odisha Govt and CII, in Bhubaneshwar (Odisha).
12. Home Minister Amit Shah laid foundation stone of Regional Hub of National Security Guard (NSG) at Gandhinagar (Gujarat). It will be 5th regional centre of NSG, after those in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
Aug 20 is observed as Sadbhavana Diwas, commemorating birth anniversary of former PM Rajiv Gandhi.
1. Indian National Congress instituted Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award in 1992, an year after his death. It was last conferred upon Gopalkrishna Gandhi (2018).
2. Aug 20 is also observed as -
  1. Akshay Urja diwas in India, observed since 2004, to raise awareness about the developments and adoption of renewable energy in India.
  2. World Mosquito Day, to raise awareness about causes of malaria and how it can be prevented.
    1. It commemorates discovery by British doctor Sir Ronald Ross in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. In 1902, Ross won Nobel Prize for Medicine becoming first British person to receive the award.
Indian Navy participated in Exercise MALABAR 2023 hosted by Australian Navy at/off Sydney coast. It is also attended by navies from US & Japan.
1. MALABAR series of maritime exercise commenced in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between Indian Navy and US Navy, and has now grown to also include navies from Australia & Japan.
FIDE Women's Chess World Cup 2023 (2nd edition, hosted in Baku (Azerbaijan)) -
1. Top 3 -
  1. Aleksandra Goryachkina (Russia)
  2. Nurgyul Salimova (Bulgaria)
  3. Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine)
2. Notably, top 3 finishers in the tournament qualifed for Women's Candidates Tournament 2024 (Toronto, Canada).
Aug 21 is observed by UN as International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism.
1. Aug 21 is also observed as World Senior Citizens' Day. Note that similar named International Day for Older Persons (UN) is observed on October 1.
As per RBI's revised guidelines for Infrastructure Debt Fund-NBFCs (IDF-NBFCs) -
1. IDF-NBFCs will now be required to have a net owned fund (NOF) of at least 300 crore, along with having capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) of min 15 % (with min Tier 1 capital of 10 %).
2. About -
  1. An IDF-NBFC is a company registered as NBFC to facilitate flow of long- term debt into infrastructure projects.
  2. It raises resources through issue of rupee or dollar-denominated bonds of minimum 5-year maturity. Only Infrastructure Finance Companies (IFC) can sponsor IDF-NBFCs.
Asian Junior Squash Championships 2023 (China, Dalian) -
1. Notably, India's Anahat Singh won Gold in Girls Under 17 category.
G20 Pandemic Fund approved $25 million proposal submitted by India's Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), for Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.
1. The fund was established under Indonesia’s G20 Presidency (in 2022), to finance critical investments to strengthen pandemic prevention and preparedness, with focus on low-and middle-income countries.
Govt appointed Neelkanth Mishra (Chief Economist at Axis Bank) as part-time Chairperson of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
Aug 22 is observed by UN as International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
Canara Bank launched UPI Interoperable Digital Rupee mobile application, as part of RBI's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) project.
1. Canara Bank is first to introduce this feature in Bank’s CBDC mobile app called Canara Digital Rupee app.
2. It will enable customers to make payments through digital currency by using merchant UPI QR codes.
Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin laid foundation stone for Southeast Asia's biggest desalination plant at Perur, to be developed at cost 4276 crores.
1. It will have capacity to treat 400 million litres of seawater per day.
2. With funding support from Japan International Cooper1ation Agency (JICA), it will be completed by December 2026.
Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari launched Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) in New Delhi, aiming to enhance road safety by elevating vehicle safety standards for up to 3.5-tonne vehicles in India.
1. Under this, car manufacturers can voluntarily offer their cars tested as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. Based on performance, car will be awarded star ratings for Adult Occupants (AOP) and Child Occupant (COP).
2. It will enable car buyers to make a comparative assessment of crash safety of motor vehicles available in market.
ISRO's 3rd Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 successfully achieved soft landing of its Vikram Lander on Moon Surface.
1. This makes India 4th Nation (After US, Russia & China) to successfully conduct soft landing of a Mission on Moon surface. Notably, India is 1st nation to successfully conduct soft landing near Moon's South Pole (Between Manzinus C and Simpelius N craters).
2. Objectives -
  1. The mission will undertake multiple measurements to support research into composition of lunar surface, presence of water ice in lunar soil, history of lunar impacts, and evolution of Moon's atmosphere.
  2. Notably -
    1. Moon's South Pole region holds particular interest for scientific exploration due to studies that show large amounts of ice there. Mountainous terrain and unpredictable lighting conditions can protect ice from melting, which could be used as source of drinking water and hydrogen for fuel and oxygen for future manned missions.
3. Payloads -
  1. Propulsion module -
    - Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) - It will study spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from lunar orbit in near-infrared (NIR) wavelength range.
  2. Lander -
    - Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) - Will measure thermal conductivity and temperature of the lunar surface.
    - Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) - Will measure seismicity around the landing site.
    - Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA) - It will study electrons and ions near the surface of the moon and how they change over time.
  3. Rover
    - Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) - Will derive chemical composition and infer the mineralogical composition of the lunar surface.
    - Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) - will determine the elemental composition of lunar soil and rocks around the lunar landing site.
4. Mission Life -
  1. Propulsion Module - Carries lander and rover to 100 by 100 km orbit, with operation of experimental payload for up to 6 months.
  2. Lander & Rover Modules - 1 Lunar Day (14 Earth Days).
5. Earlier -
  1. Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July 14 2023, onboard LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3) Launcher (earlier known as GSLV Mk III), from Satish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh).
  2. The mission has a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan (similar to Chandrayaan-2), but does not have an orbiter.
  3. Chandrayaan-3 mission, which costs approx 615 Crores, is a Follow-up of Chandrayaan-2, where a last-minute glitch in landing guidance software led to lander crashing after entering lunar orbit, in Sep 2019.
6. Russian Lunar Mission Luna 25 -
  1. Russia's Luna 25 Lunar Mission was declared failed, after its lander crashed on Moon's surface, due to a failed orbital maneuver. Russian space agency Roscosmos planned to land near lunar south pole near crater Boguslawsky. The Mission costed approx 1600 Crores (over 2.5 times costlier than India's Chandrayaan-3).
  2. Luna 25 mission had lifted off on 10 August 2023. It reached Lunar orbit quicker than India's Chandrayaan-3 due to following reasons -
    1. Despite being launched much later than Chandrayaan-3, Luna 25 reached the moon earlier due to its more direct trajectory.
    2. Luna 25's lift-off mass of 1750 kg was much lighter than Chandrayaan-3's 3900 kg, facilitating a quicker journey.
    3. Chandrayaan-3 took a longer route to compensate for its lower fuel reserve, involving maneuvers to gain velocity and slingshotting towards the moon.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) initiated construction of world's new highest motorable road in Ladakh’s Demchok sector named Likaru-Mig La-Fukche.
1. The 64-km-long road will pass through an altitude of 19400 feet, providing connectivity to military’s farthest outposts in the sensitive sector Fukche.
Aug 23 is observed by UN as International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, to memorialize transatlantic slave trade.
Aug 23 is observed as Internaut Day, to mark invention of World Wide Web.
1. An internaut is a person who possesses a thorough knowledge of how to use the Internet and its history.
2. August 23 marks the day when the World Wide Web was opened to the public, back in 1991 for the first time by WWW inventor Tim Berners Lee as he allowed its access.
Srettha Thavisin has been elected as new Prime Minister of Thailand (Southeast Asia).
Prakash Shrivastava has been appointed as Chairperson of National Green Tribunal (NGT), succeeding Acting Chairperson Sheo Kumar Singh.
Yes Bank introduced IRIS mobile app, aimed at enhancing experience for its customers, by offering over 100 banking services.
Former Cricketer and Bharat Ratna Awardee Sachin Tendulkar has been named National Icon for voter awareness and education (3 years), by Election Commission of India.
RBI enhanced upper limit of an offline payment transaction to Rs 500 (from existing 200), to promote use of UPI-Lite wallet in areas with no or weak internet connectivity.
1. Notably, total limit for offline transactions on a payment instrument remains Rs 2000 at any point in time.
44th RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meet kept key rates unchanged at -
1. Repo Rate - 6.50 %
2. Reverse Repo - 3.35 %
3. Bank Rate - 6.75 %
4. CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) - 4.5 %
5. SLR(Statutory Liquidity ratio) - 18.00 %
6. Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate - 6.75 %
Indian & Australian Navies participated in Joint exercise Ausindex 23 (5th edition), hosted by Australia.
1. Alongside, Indian Navy’s submarine INS Vagir also has set up record for longest deployment of a scorpene-class sub, covering 7000 km to reach Australia for joint military exercises.
Mizoram became first state to operationalize an Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) Microsite (in its capital city Aizawl), under National Health Authority's project of setting up 100 Microsites, for accelerated adoption of ABDM across country.
1. Under this, all healthcare facilities including private clinics, small hospitals and labs in the region shall be made ABDM-enabled and will offer digital health services to the patients.
Chess World Cup 2023 (Baku, Azerbaijan) -
1. Top 3 -
  1. Magnus Carlsen (Norway).
  2. R Praggnanandhaa (India).
  3. Fabiano Caruana (US).
2. Notably -
  1. After Runner-up finish at Chess world cup 2023, India's R Praggnanandhaa achieved career-high of India No 3 & World No 20.
  2. Top three finishers (Including India's R Praggnanandhaa) qualified for 2024 Candidates Tournament (Toronto, Canada).
  3. During the tournament, India's D Gukesh surpassed Viswanathan Anand as India’s top-ranked chess player in FIDE live world Chess rankings.
  4. Viswanathan Anand remains only Indian chess player to win Chess World Cup (winner in 2000 & 2002).
Aug 24 is observed as Gujarati Language Day, Marking Poet Narmad's birth anniversary.

Govt announced Winners for 69th National Film Awards (for year 2021) -

Jury Heads -
1. Ketan Mehta (Feature Films)
2. Vasanth S Sai (Non-feature Films).

Notable Winners -

Feature Films -

Category	Film	Awardee / Artists	Prize
Best Feature Film	Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (Hindi)	Director: R Madhavan	2.5 Lakh
Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director	Meppadiyan (Malayalam)	Director: Vishnu Mohan	1.25 Lakh
Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment	RRR (Telugu)		2 Lakh
Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration	The Kashmir Files (Hindi)		1.5 Lakh
Best Film on Social Issues	Anunaad-The Resonance (Assamese)		1.5 Lakh
Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation	Aavasavyuham (Malayalam)		1.5 Lakh
Best Children's Film	Gandhi&Co. (Gujarati)		1.5 Lakh
Best Direction	Godavari (The Holy Water) (Marathi)	Director: Nikhil Mahajan	2.5 Lakh
Best Actor	Pushpa (The Rise Part I) (Telugu)	Lead Actor : Allu Arjun	50000
Best Actress	1. Gangubai Kathiawadi (Hindi) 2. Mimi (Hindi)	1. Lead Actress : Alia Bhatt (Gangubai Kathiawadi ) 2. Lead Actress : Kriti Sanon (Mimi)	50000
Best Supporting Actor	Mimi (Hindi)	Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi	50000
Best Supporting Actress	The Kashmir Files (Hindi)	Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi	50000
Best Child Artist	Last Film Show (Chhello Show) (Gujarati)	Child Artist : Bhavin Rabari	50000
Best Male Playback Singer	RRR (Telugu)	Singer : Kaala Bhairava (Song : Komuram Bheemudo)	50000
Best Female Playback Singer	Iravin Nizhal (Shadow of the Night) (Tamil)	Singer : Shreya Ghoshal (Song : Maayava Chaayavaa)	50000
Best Music Direction	1. Pushpa (The Rise Part I) (Telugu) 2. RRR (Telugu)	Devi Sri Prasad (Pushpa (The Rise Part I) M.M. Keeravaani (RRR)	50000 (each)
Best Lyrics	Konda Polam (Telugu)	Lyricist: Chandrabose, (Song : Dham Dham Dham)	50000
Special Jury Award	Shershaah	Director : Vishnu Varadhan	2 Lakh
Best Feature Film in each of the language specified in the Schedule VIII of the Constitution (Prize - 1 Lakh)
Assamese	Anur (Eyes on the Sunshine)
Bengali	Kalkokkho – House of Time
Hindi	Sardar Udham (Hindi)
Gujarati	Last Film Show (Chhello Show)
Kannada	777 Charlie
Maithili	Samanantar (The Parallel)
Marathi	Ekda Kay Zala
Malayalam	Home
Meiteilon	Eikhoigi Yum (Our Home)
Odia	Pratikshya (The Wait)
Tamil	Kadaisi Vivasayi (The Last Farmer)
Telugu	Uppena (Wave)
Best Feature Film in each of the languages other than those specified in Schedule VIII of the Constitution (Prize - 1 Lakh)
Best Mishing Film	Boomba Ride

Best Writing on Cinema -
1. Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal : the Incredibly Melodious Journey by Rajiv Vijayakar
2. Best Film Critic - Purushothama Charyulu (Telugu)
Non-Feature Films -
1. Best Non-feature Film - Ek Tha Gaon (Directed by Srishti Lakhera). Prize - 1.5 Lakh
2. Best Director - Bakul Matiyani for Smile Please
3. Best Debut Non-feature Film - Paanchika (Directed by Ankit Kothari).
4. Best Arts Film - T N Krishnan Bow Strings to Divine
5. Best Science & Technolgy Film - Ethos of Darkness
6. Best Environment Film - Munnam Valavu
7. Best Educational Film - Sirpigalin Sirpangal
8. Best Exploration / Adventure Film - Ayushman
9. Best Animation Film - Kandittundu
10. Best Music Direction - Succelent (Ishaan Divecha)

Book Drunk on Love: The Life, Vision and Songs of Kabir, authored by Vipul Rikhi has been released.
World wrestling governing body United World Wrestling suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for not conducting its elections on time.
1. This will keep Indian wrestlers from competing under the Indian flag at upcoming 2023 World Wrestling Championships to be held in Belgrade (Serbia).
A committee headed by K Vijay Raghavan (former Principal Scientific Advisor) has been set up by Ministry of Defence, to review functioning of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and suggest restructuring and redefining of its role to improve output.
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region released new Guidelines for implementing updated North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) with outlay 8139 crores for period 2022-23 to 2025-26 (15th Finance Commission's balance period).
1. Govt had earlier merged North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) into NESIDS-Road component, triggering need for new guidelines to administer and implement restructured NESIDS during balance period of 15th Finance Commission. NESIDS aims to support infrastructure development in identified sectors in North Eastern States.
2. Notably, Govt also issued revised guidelines for Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE), which was announced in 2022-23 Union Budget, and aims at creation of infrastructure, support industries, social development projects and create livelihood activities for youth and women, thus leading to employment generation. It was approved with outlay 6600 crores for four year period from 2022-23 to 2025-26 (remaining years of 15th Finance Commission period).
Sports Ministry renamed Khelo India Women’s League as Asmita Women’s League, aimed at advancing gender equality and nurturing vibrant engagement of women in sports.
1. ASMITA Stands for Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action.
2. Asmita Portal was also launched, as comprehensive Resource to provide valuable insights into upcoming events.
Notable points from PM Narendra Modi's Visit to South Africa & Greece -
1. South Africa -
  1. Attended 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit in Johannesburg, under South African BRICS Presidency, with theme BRICS and Africa.
    1. This was first in-person BRICS Summit since 2019.
    2. During the summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE have been invited to join BRICS. Full membership will take effect on 1 January 2024.
    3. Notably -
      1. The Chinese move to include Pakistan as a BRICS member country was turned down due to strong opposition from India.
      2. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend the summit, amid Russia-Ukraine War. Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
      3. Russia will assume BRICS chair in 2024 and will host BRICS Summit 2024 in Kazan.
        This came after Brazil announced skipping hosting BRICS Summit in 2024, as it finds organising G20 and BRICS Summits in same year (2024) logistically challenging.
  2. PM Narendra Modi also attended BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue held as part of BRICS Summit activities.
2. Greece (Southeastern Europe) -
  1. PM Narendra Modi Became first Indian Prime Minister to visit Greece in 40 years, after Indira Gandhi's visit in 1983.
  2. PM Narendra Modi Became first first foreign Head of Government to be conferred with Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by Greece. It is 2nd highest honor in Greece, after Order of the Redeemer.
  3. Visited symbolic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens.
Aug 26 - Observed by US as Women's Equality Day. It commemorates 1920 adoption of 19th Amendment to US Constitution, which prohibits states / federal government from denying right to vote to citizens of US on basis of Gender.
1. Aug 26 is also observed as -
  1. Noted nobel peace naureate social worker Mother Teresa's Birth Anniversary.
  2. International Dog Day.
Govt announced to observe August 23, when India’s Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon, as National Space Day.
1. Also, Spot where lander landed on the Moon will be known as Shivashakti, and where Chandrayaan-2 touched down will be called as Tiranga Point.
2. Notably, ISRO's next mission under Chandrayaan Programme will be Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) or Chandrayaan-4, as a joint lunar mission by India's ISRO and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
  1. The mission wil send an uncrewed lunar lander and rover to explore south pole region of the Moon, no earlier than 2026.
  2. JAXA is likely to provide under-development H3 launch vehicle and the rover, while ISRO would be providing the lander.
Book Pitchside: My Life in Indian Cricket, by cricket administrator Amrit Mathur has been released.
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved some notable proposals -
1. Allotted 1250 crores for establishment of 18 Atal Residential Schools across state, modeled after Centre's Navodaya Vidyalayas, to provide high-quality education.
  1. The schools will have a capacity of 1,000 students each.
2. Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme - Under it, govt will distribute 25 lakh smartphones to students.
3. Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme - Participants will receive stipend of Rs 9000 during training period.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan released new National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE), under new National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
1. Under chairmanship of K Kasturirangan, a Steering Committee was formed to create a curriculum aligned with National Education Policy 2020, emphasizing 5+3+3+4 design of schooling.
2. The curriculum framework covers all four stages of school education - Foundational, Preparatory, Middle and Secondary.
3. NCF-SE is organised into 5 parts -
  1. Part A articulates broad aims of school education, and desirable values and dispositions, capacities and skills, and knowledge.
  2. Part B focuses on some of important cross-cutting themes of NCF-SE, such as rootedness in India, education for values, caring about environment, inclusive education, guidance and counselling, and use of technology.
  3. Part C has separate chapters for each school subject. The part also has a chapter on Foundational Stage and one on design and range of subjects in Grades 11 and 12.
  4. Part D handles school culture and processes that enable a positive learning environment and inculcate desirable values and dispositions.
  5. Part E outlines requirements for an overall ecosystem of schooling that would enable achievement of aims of NCF-SE.
Indian IT Firm Infosys named Spanish Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal and noted female tennis player Iga Swiatek (Poland) as brand ambassadors for Infosys’ Digital Innovation.
HDFC Bank launched Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card, as first-of-its-kind co-branded hotel credit card in India, in partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, the acclaimed travel program by Marriott International.
Notable winners Under India Smart Cities Awards Contest (ISAC) 2022 (4th edition) -
1. National Smart City Award (Top 3) - Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Surat (Gujarat), Agra (Uttar Pradesh).
2. UT - Chandigarh
3. State Award (Top 4) - Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.

2023 World Athletics Championships (Budapest, Hungary) -

Medal Tally -

Rank	Nation	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1	United States	12	8	9	29
2	Canada	4	2	0	6
3	Spain	4	1	0	5
4	Jamaica	3	5	4	12
5	Kenya	3	3	4	10

India's Performance -
1. India was ranked 18th (Jointly with Bahrain, Burkina Faso, Dominican Republic, Serbia & Venezuela).
2. India's only Medal was a Gold, won by Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra, with a throw of 88.17 m.
3. This was India's first-ever Gold medal at World Athletics Championships.
  1. India has so far won 3 medals at World Athletics Championships. Other 2 medals are a Silver (Won by Neeraj Chopra in 2022) & Bronze (won by Anju Bobby George in 2003 in Women's long jump).
4. Notably -
  1. India’s men’s 4x400m relay team finished fifth (with timing of 2:59:92 mins), becoming first Indian 4x400m relay team to reach final of World Athletics Championships.
    1. Team consisted of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi and Rajesh Ramesh.
    2. To qualify for the final, the team had broken Asian record of 2:59.51 mins held by Japan, with timing of 2:59.05 mins in heat.
  2. Pakistan also won its first ever medal at World Athletics Championships, as a Silver won by Javelin Thrower Arshad Nadeem (87.82m).
  3. Next Edition of the event, The 2025 World Athletics Championships shall be hosted by Tokyo (Japan).

2023 BWF World Championships (Copenhagen, Denmark ) -

Medal Tally -

Rank	Nation	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1	South Korea	3	0	1	4
2	China	1	1	4	6
3	Thailand	1	0	0	1
4	Japan	0	1	2	3
5	Denmark	0	1	1	2
6	Indonesia	0	1	0	1
6	Spain	0	1	0	1
8	India	0	0	1	1
8	Malaysia	0	0	1	1

India's only medal was a Bronze, won by Prannoy H S (Men's singles).

Winners -

Events	Gold
Men's singles	Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand)
Men's singles	Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand)
Women's singles	An Se-young (South Korea)
Women's singles	An Se-young (South Korea)
Men's doubles	South Korea's Kang Min-hyuk & Seo Seung-jae
Men's doubles	South Korea's Kang Min-hyuk & Seo Seung-jae
Women's doubles	China's Chen Qingchen & Jia Yifan
Women's doubles	China's Chen Qingchen & Jia Yifan
Mixed doubles	South Korea's Seo Seung-jae & Chae Yoo-jung
Mixed doubles	South Korea's Seo Seung-jae & Chae Yoo-jung

Red Bull's Dutch-Belgian F1 Racer Max Verstappen won Dutch Grand Prix 2023.

F1 Season 2023 -

Grand Prix	Winner	Race date
Bahrain Grand Prix	Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian)	5 March
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix	Sergio Pérez (Mexico)	19 March
Australian Grand Prix	Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian)	2 April
Azerbaijan Grand Prix	Sergio Pérez (Mexico)	30 April
Miami Grand Prix	Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian)	7 May
Monaco Grand Prix	Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian)	28 May
Spanish Grand Prix	Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian)	4 June
Canadian Grand Prix	Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian)	18 June
Austrian Grand Prix	Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian)	2 July
British Grand Prix	Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian)	9 July
Hungarian Grand Prix	Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian)	23 July
Belgian Grand Prix	Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian)	30 July
Dutch Grand Prix	Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian)	27 August
Italian Grand Prix		3 September
Singapore Grand Prix		17 September
Japanese Grand Prix		24 September
Qatar Grand Prix		8 October
United States Grand Prix		22 October
Mexico City Grand Prix		29 October
São Paulo Grand Prix		5 November
Las Vegas Grand Prix		18 November
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix		26 November

Indian Armed Forces participated in biennial multilateral tri-service exercise BRIGHT STAR-23, being hosted by Egypt.
1. This is India's first participation in Ex BRIGHT STAR, which will see participation of contingents from 34 Nations, as largest ever joint military exercise in Middle East & North Africa region.
Committee headed by G. Padmanabhan (Former RBI Executive Director) on Onshoring the Indian Innovation to GIFT IFSC, submitted its report to Chairperson (International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
1. The committee aimed at understanding reasons for shifting of Indian startups outside India and framing suggestions to avoid externalization of startups, and also to persuade startups that are presently externalized to return to India.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Launched Tele-Law 2.0 initiative, under Tele-Law program of Ministry of Law & Justice.
1. Tele-law programme was launched in 2017 via Common Service Centres, to connect people requiring legal advice from panel lawyers through an e-interface platform.
2023 IBSA World Games (Birmingham, England) -
1. Tournament featured sports of archery, chess, cricket, football, goalball, judo, powerlifting, showdown, tenpin bowling and tennis.
2. India's Notable Performances -
  1. India women's blind cricket team won Gold, by defeating Australia in Final.
    1. In Men's Blind cricket final, Pakistan won by defeating India.
  2. India won Bronze in each of Tennis and Jud0 events at IBSA 2023 World Games.
As per 6th Census Report On Minor Irrigation (MI) Schemes released by Ministry of Jal Shakti -
1. Uttar Pradesh possesses largest number of Minor Irrigation schemes, followed by Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
2. 94.8% are Ground Water and 5.2% are Surface Water Schemes.
All India Council of Technical Education (under Ministry of Education) launched Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2023 (6th edition) & Junior Hackathon 2023 (2nd edition), with problem statements from various vital sectors.
Govt announced reducing prices of cooking gas (LPG) by Rs 200 per cylinder.
1. Besides, Cabinet approved additional Rs 200 subsidy under Ujjwala scheme, effecting price reduction of Rs 400 per cylinder for Ujjawala Yojana beneficiaries.
2. This subsidy will cost Rs 7680 Crores to central govt during Current Fiscal (FY24).
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) – the National Mission for Financial Inclusion - completed 9 years of successful implementation.
1. PMJDY was announced by PM Narendra Modi on 15th August 2014, and was launched on 28th August 2014. It aimed at boosting financial inclusion by opening zero balance bank account for every unbanked household.
2. Stats -
  1. More than 50 crore bank accounts opened under PMJDY so far, with over 2 Lakh crore deposits.
  2. 56% Jan-Dhan account holders are women and 67% Jan Dhan accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas.
3. Features -
  1. One Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) account to every unbanked adult.
  2. OD limit of Rs 10000 (upto 65 years age)
  3. Free Rupay debit card with inbuilt accident insurance cover of 2 lakh (1 lakh for accounts opened before 28-08-2018).
Madhya Pradesh govt raised financial aid given to women under state's Ladli Behna Scheme from ₹1000 to ₹1250 per month.
1. State govt also announced 35 % reservation for women in government jobs.
Aug 29 is observed as National Sports Day in India. It marks birth anniversary of India’s hockey legend, Major Dhyan Chand.
1. Notably -
  1. In 2021, Govt had renamed India's Highest Sports Honour Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
2. Aug 29 is also observed as -
  1. UN International Day Against Nuclear Tests.
  2. Telugu Language Day, to mark birthday of Telugu poet Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy. Govt of Andhra Pradesh provides funds and presents awards, to promote Telugu language.
Ministry of Textiles approved Startup Guidelines for Technical Textiles named Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT), which envisages providing upto 50 Lakhs for upto 18 months.
1. To incentivize incubators, Ministry will additionally provide 10% of total grant-in-aid to incubators.
2. To strengthen commitment towards project, minimum investment of 10% of funding from the incubatee in 2 equal installments is mandated.
Hockey5s Asia Cup 2023 (1st edition, Hosted in Salalah (Oman)) -
1. Women's -
  1. India won the title, with Thailand & Malaysia at 2nd & 3rd place Respectively.
2. Men's -
  1. India won the title, with Pakistan and Oman at 2nd & 3rd place Respectively.
3. Top 3 finishers will participate at inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup 2024 (Muscat, Oman). In Men's competition, as Oman have already qualified for the World Cup as hosts, Malaysia take the third available spot from Asia.
Notable Winners are recent Beauty Pageants at National Level -
1. Priyan Sain - Miss Earth India 2023
  1. She will represent India at Miss Earth 2023 global pageant to be held in Vietnam in Dec 2023.
2. Praveena Aanjna - Miss International India 2023
  1. She will represent India at Miss International 2023 global pageant to be held in Japan in Oct 2023.
3. Shweta Sharda - Miss Diva 2023
  1. She will represent India at Miss Universe 2023 pageant to be held in El Salvador in Nov 2023.
4. Sonal Kukreja - Miss Diva Supranational 2024
  1. She will represent India at Miss Supranational 2024 pageant to be held in Poland in July 2024.
5. Nandini Gupta - Miss India World 2023
  1. She will represent India at Miss World 2024 Pageant.
  2. Notably, Miss World 2023 pageant shall be held in Srinagar (India) in Dec 2023. India will be represented by Sini Shetty (Winner of Miss India World 2022).
Axis Bank launched Infinity Savings Account, aimed at digitally savvy customers who are frequent adopters of subscription-based models.
1. It offers waiving off Average Monthly Balance (AMB) requirement, complimentary debit cards, and waiver of all domestic charges, against monthly fee of Rs 150 or annual fee of 1650.
Aug 30 is observed as National Small Industry Day In India, to support and promote small Industries for their overall growth.
1. Aug 30 is also observed as -
  1. UN International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
  2. International Whale Shark Day.
N V Ramana (Former Chief Justice of India) has been named as a member of International Mediator Panel of Singapore International Mediation Centre.
Govt named Geetika Srivastava as first women to be appointed as chargé d’affaires at Indian high commission in Islamabad (Pakistan). She will succeed Suresh Kumar.
1. A chargé d'affaires is a diplomat who serves as an embassy's chief of mission in the absence of the ambassador. The term is French for charged with business.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into India declined by 34% to $10.94 billion during Q1 FY24 (April-June 2024), compared to $16.59 billion during same period last year.
1. Gujarat and Karnataka saw huge declines in FDI by 76 % and 44 % respectively. Maharashtra attracted highest FDI during the period.
IDFC First Bank acquired title sponsorship rights of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) international and domestic home matches, with bid of ₹369.6 crore for 56 matches (2023-26).
India's new climate change and health hub will be opened in New Delhi, in partnership with Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Assam govt approved creating 4 new districts which were abolished earlier, taking number of districts in state to 34. State cabinet also named 81 new sub-districts.
1. It came after Election Commission issued final delimitation order for 126 assembly and 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam, which saw large-scale redrawing of many constituencies.
  1. Earlier On Dec 31, a day ahead of the EC deadline for starting the delimitation exercise, state government had abolished four districts namely– Biswanath, Hojai, Bajali and Tamulpur and merged them with existing ones.
2. 81 new sub-districts will become operational from January 1, 2024. From now, there will be no sub-divisions in Assam. Instead, it will have circles and sub-districts in each district.
3. State cabinet also approved Swaccha Zila Puraskar under Most Outstanding District Initiative (MODI), which will be given annually to cleanest district in state, with cash prize of 100 crores.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation's National Statistical Office released Estimates of GDP growth for Quarter Apr-June 2023-24 (Q1 FY24) -
1. Real GDP or GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices -
  1. GDP estimated at ₹40.37 lakh crores in Q1 FY24 (2023-24), as against ₹37.44 lakh crore in Q1FY 23 (2022-23), showing growth of 7.8 %.
    1. GDP Growth for last 4 Quarters -
      1. Q4 FY 23 (2022-23) - 6.1 %
      2. Q3 FY 23 (2022-23) - 4.4 %
      3. Q2 FY 23 (2022-23) - 6.3 %
      4. Q1 FY 23 (2022-23) - 13.5 %
2. Nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices -
  1. GDP Growth in Q1 FY24 (2023-24) came to be 8.0 %.
Visits to India (Aug 2023) -
1. Bujar Osmani, Foreign Minister of North Macedonia (Southeast Europe) visited India.
2. Vladimir Bolea (Deputy PM and Agriculture Minister of Moldova) visited India.
3. Mark Butler (Australian Minister for Health and Aged Care) visited India.
4. Damien O’ Connor (New Zealand's Minister for Trade, Agriculture) visited India.
  1. During the visit, India and New Zealand signed MoU to boost cooperation in Civil Aviation.
Visits from India (Aug 2023) -
1. Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Parshottam Rupala visited Norway, to attend Aqua Nor 2023, an acclaimed trade show for aquaculture technology.
2. V Muraleedharan (Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs) visited Kuwait.
3. Indian Army Chief Manoj Pande visited UK, to attend Sovereign’s Parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
  1. Notably, It is first time for any Indian Army Chief to be Sovereign’s Representative for the parade.
4. Notable points from PM Narendra Modi's Visit to South Africa & Greece -
  1. South Africa -
    1. Attended 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit in Johannesburg, under South African BRICS Presidency, with theme BRICS and Africa.
      1. This was first in-person BRICS Summit since 2019.
      2. During the summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE have been invited to join BRICS. Full membership will take effect on 1 January 2024.
      3. Notably -
        
        The Chinese move to include Pakistan as a BRICS member country was turned down due to strong opposition from India.
        
        Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend the summit, amid Russia-Ukraine War. Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
        
        Russia will assume BRICS chair in 2024 and will host BRICS Summit 2024 in Kazan.
        
        This came after Brazil announced skipping hosting BRICS Summit in 2024, as it finds organising G20 and BRICS Summits in same year (2024) logistically challenging.
    2. PM Narendra Modi also attended BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue held as part of BRICS Summit activities.
  2. Greece (Southeastern Europe) -
    1. PM Narendra Modi Became first Indian Prime Minister to visit Greece in 40 years, after Indira Gandhi's visit in 1983.
    2. PM Narendra Modi Became first first foreign Head of Government to be conferred with Grand Cross of the Order of Honour by Greece. It is 2nd highest honor in Greece, after Order of the Redeemer.
    3. Visited symbolic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens.
General News / Events (Aug 21-31, 2023) -
1. Saudi Arabia hosted special summit to discuss peace negotiations amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
  1. India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval attended on India's behalf.
2. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia laid foundation stone of Datia Airport (Madhya Pradesh), to be completed by February 2024, with capacity to accommodate 100 passengers during peak hours.
3. Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference 2023 held in Udaipur (Rajasthan).
4. President Droupadi Murmu released a postage stamp in memory of Dadi Prakashmani (former chief of Brahma Kumaris), under My Stamp initiative of Department of Posts.
5. National Security Strategies Conference 2023 held in New Delhi.
6. India and Kenya co-hosted India-Africa International Millet Conference at Nairobi (Kenya), to mark UN International Year of Millets being observed in 2023.
7. 10-day long Harvest / Cultural festival Onam observed across state of Kerala.
8. Annual World Water Week 2023 event hosted at Waterfront Congress Center in Stockholm (Sweden).
9. Assam govt banned plastic water bottles below 1000 ml capacity within state, to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices.
10. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden (Srinagar) has been named in World Book of Records as Asia’s largest Tulip Garden, with collection of 68 distinctive tulip varieties.
11. Digi Yatra facility has been launched at 6 more airports namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Lucknow, Jaipur & Guwahati (1st in North east), taking number of Digi Yatra-enabled airports to 13.
  1. Launched in Dec 2022 from New Delhi, Varanasi, and Bengaluru airports, Digi Yatra was later implemented at Vijayawada, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kolkata airports too.
12. Kerala's first AI school has been opened at Santhigiri Vidyabhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, designed by USA based iLearning Engines and Vedhik eSchool.
13. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will organize 1st edition of Global IndiaAI 2023 in October 2023, with participation from AI researchers, startups, and investors.
14. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia inaugurated Utkela Airport (Odisha's 5th airport), under UDAN scheme of Civil Aviation Ministry.
Aug 31 is observed by UN as International Day for People of African Descent (observed since 2021).
1. Aug 31, 2023 is also observed as World Sanskrit Day, observed every year on Shraavana poornima.
Airtel Payments Bank, Mastercard and Frontier Markets jointly launched She Leads Bharat:Udyam initiative, aimed at elevating 100000 women-owned small businesses.
1. In 1st phase, it will enable 1 lakh women-owned small businesses in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to learn and earn via Frontier Markets’ proprietary, flexible Meri-Saheli platform.
2. 10,000 of these women small business owners will be further enabled to grow their business by becoming Airtel Payments Bank Business Correspondents (BCs).

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Latest Current Affairs - August 2023

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