Table of Contents
National News
Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICoAS) Foundation Day Celebration
The Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICoAS) celebrated its Foundation Day in New Delhi with the theme ‘ICoAS @ Viksit Bharat’. The event highlighted the crucial role of ICoAS officers in shaping the economic future of India by 2047. Dr. T. V. Somanathan, Finance Secretary & Secretary (Expenditure), was the Chief Guest and emphasized the importance of ICoAS officers in realizing the vision of a developed India.
Govt. Approves Eight New Railway Line Projects
The Union Cabinet on August 9, approved eight new railway projects at an estimated cost of ₹24,657 crore to provide connectivity, facilitate ease of travelling, minimise logistics cost, reduce oil imports and lower carbon dioxide emissions.
International News
Bill Gates Foundation to set up FSTP at Sarovaram
The city of Kozhikode in Kerala, India, is set to receive a significant upgrade to its waste management infrastructure. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in collaboration with the Habitat Charitable Trust, has proposed the construc Thetion of a state-of-the-art faecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) at Sarovaram. This development marks a crucial step towards improving sanitation and water hygiene in the region.
States News
Chhattisgarh Approves Country’s Third Largest Tiger Reserve
With its tiger population plunging in recent years, Chhattisgarh on August 7, cleared a long-pending proposal to notify a new tiger reserve – the third largest in the country. The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, which integrates an existing national park with a wildlife sanctuary, is Chhattisgarh’s fourth reserve for the big cats. It spans 2,829 square kilometres across four northern districts of the state.
Odisha Launches India’s First ‘Rice ATM’
Odisha has introduced India’s first round-the-clock grain dispensing machine, known as the Annapurti Grain ATM, designed to transform the Public Distribution System (PDS) for ration cardholders. Officially launched by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, this innovative machine is located at a warehouse in Mancheswar and developed in collaboration with the World Food Programme.
Banking News
RBI Announces Continuous Clearing Of Cheques Under CTS
The Reserve Bank has revamped the cheque truncation system (CTS), which currently processes cheques with a clearing cycle of up to two working days, to improve the efficiency of cheque clearing and reduce settlement risk for participants, apart from enhancing customer experience.
Schemes and Committees News
Centre Forms Committee to Monitor Bangladesh Border Situation
In response to the volatile situation in Bangladesh, the Indian government has established a committee to monitor the Indo-Bangladesh border and ensure the safety of Indian nationals and minority communities in the neighboring country. The committee will maintain communication with Bangladeshi authorities and oversee security measures at the border.
Sports News
Sreejesh and Bhaker to Co-Flag Bear for India at Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced that hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and pistol shooter Manu Bhaker will be the co-flag bearers for India at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This decision highlights Sreejesh’s illustrious career and Bhaker’s recent achievements.
Important Days
World Steelpan Day 2024, Date, History and Significance
As August 11th approaches, the global community prepares to celebrate the inaugural World Steelpan Day in 2024. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in recognizing the cultural and historical importance of the steelpan, a unique musical instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. The United Nations’ endorsement of this day underscores the steelpan’s role not only in music but also in promoting cultural diversity and sustainable development.
World Lion Day 2024, Date, History and Significance
World Lion Day, celebrated annually on August 10th, marks a crucial moment in wildlife conservation efforts. As we approach the 2024 edition, the urgency to protect these majestic creatures has never been more pressing. Lions, scientifically known as Panthera leo, are not just symbols of strength and courage but play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. This article delves into the significance of World Lion Day 2024 and the ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of these magnificent big cats.
Obituaries News
Former Vice-Chairman of UGC H. Devaraj dies aged 71
The academic community mourns the loss of H. Devaraj, former Vice-Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), who passed away at the age of 71. His death marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on India’s higher education landscape.