Table of Contents
National News
President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Governors’ Conference
On August 2, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a significant two-day Conference of Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The conference focuses on various issues crucial for shaping center-state relations and advancing welfare schemes.
Appointments News
Dr. Grinson George Appointed Director of ICAR-CMFRI
Dr. Grinson George has assumed the role of Director at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Previously, he led the Marine Biodiversity and Environment Management Division at CMFRI and served as Senior Programme Specialist at SAARC in Dhaka.
Economy News
IRDAI Fines HDFC Life Rs 2 Crore for Violations
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has fined HDFC Life Insurance Rs 2 crore for breaching regulatory norms. The penalty, detailed in an order dated August 1, 2024, follows an inspection covering the financial years 2017-18 to 2019-20. The penalty must be paid within 45 days, and additional directives have been issued to address the violations.
Ranks and Reports News
India Ranked 39th in the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024
The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently released its Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) for 2024, offering a comprehensive evaluation of India’s standing in the global tourism landscape. This index is a crucial benchmark for assessing the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism sectors worldwide. India has secured the 39th position among 119 countries in the 2024 TTDI. This ranking reflects India’s overall performance across various indicators that contribute to a robust and sustainable tourism sector.
Banking News
RBL Bank Launches RuPay Credit Cards With UPI And NCMC Functionalities
RBL Bank has announced integration of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) services on RuPay Credit Cards it sells. The offering combines multiple payment capabilities into a single card. RBL Bank said the new RuPay Credit Cards will allow users to make “seamless and secure” UPI payments, while facilitating hassle-free travel through the NCMC feature.
RBI Re-approves MDs and CEOs for Small Finance Banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has re-approved the appointments of Inderjit Camotra and Govind Singh as MDs and CEOs of Unity Small Finance Bank and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, respectively, reflecting their effective leadership in expanding their banks’ operations and reach.
Science and Technology News
India Selects Crew for Axiom-4 Mission to ISS
India has announced the selection of two astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission represents a significant step in strengthening human spaceflight cooperation between ISRO and NASA, as well as advancing India’s own human space program.
Summits and Conferences News
14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue Held in New Delhi
The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue took place in New Delhi, focusing on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. Key discussions included new cooperation areas such as cyber security and military medicine, culminating in the signing of a Letter of Intent to enhance training exchanges.
Defence News
INS Tabar Completes MPX with Russian Ship Soobrazitelny
Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar, arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 25, 2024, to participate in the 328th Russian Navy Day Parade celebrations. This visit aimed to strengthen the longstanding maritime cooperation and friendship between India and Russia.
Business News
Rapido Becomes Unicorn With Fresh $120 Million Funding
In a display of growth, India’s space technology sector has reached new frontiers, securing a record-breaking $126 million in funding for 2023. This represents a 7% increase from 2022 and an impressive 235% jump from 2021, according to the latest Tracxn Space Tech Geo Report 2024.
Sports News
Lt Col Kabilan Sai Ashok, India’s Youngest Boxing Referee At Olympics
In a remarkable achievement, Lieutenant Colonel Kabilan Sai Ashok, a serving Indian Army Officer, has become the youngest Olympic referee in boxing from India at the Paris Olympics 2024. This milestone reflects his exceptional dedication, professionalism, and integrity, embodying the high standards of the Indian Army.
Important Days
National Friendship Day 2024: Celebrating the Bonds of Friendship
In India, Friendship Day 2024 will be celebrated on August 4th, adhering to the tradition of observing it on the first Sunday of August. This date allows friends to come together over the weekend, making it convenient for many to participate in the festivities. Friendship Day, a celebration of one of life’s most cherished relationships, is observed annually across the globe. While the date may vary from country to country, the sentiment remains universal. In India, this special day is marked on the first Sunday of August, bringing friends together in a joyous commemoration of their bonds.