Daily Current Affairs 31st August 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Indian Army Launches Project NAMAN: SPARSH-Enabled Service Centres Nationwide

The Indian Army has launched the first phase of Project NAMAN, aimed at providing dedicated support and services to Defence pensioners, veterans, and their families. The project, inaugurated by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and the President of the Army Wives Welfare Association, Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, is a significant step toward enhancing the care and support for the Defence community.

NHPC, SECI, Railtel, and SJVN Gain Navratna Status

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman granted ‘Navratna’ status to four Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs): NHPC, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), Railtel Corporation of India (RCIL), and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN). This brings the total number of Navratna CPSEs in India to 25. The Navratna status provides these entities with increased financial and operational autonomy.

Prime Minister Modi To Flag Off Three Vande Bharat Trains Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off three new Vande Bharat trains around 12:30 pm on August 31. “These new Vande Bharat trains shall provide the people of the region the world-class means to travel with speed and comfort and will cater to three states – Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka,” the government said in a press release.

International News

INS Tabar Conducts Maritime Partnership Exercise with Spanish Navy Ship Atalaya

INS Tabar, a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy, visited Malaga, Spain, on 25 August 2024, for a two-day engagement. Upon departure on 27 August, it participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Spanish Navy Ship Atalaya in the Mediterranean Sea. This exercise is a significant milestone in the growing maritime cooperation between India and Spain, reflecting the strengthening of bilateral relations in the maritime domain.

States News

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Inaugurates Sports University in Rajgir on National Sports Day

On the occasion of National Sports Day, Bihar took a significant leap forward in its commitment to sports development. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated a trio of state-of-the-art facilities in Rajgir, marking a new chapter in the state’s sporting history. These facilities, comprising a sports academy, a sports complex, and a sports university, are set to revolutionize the athletic landscape of Bihar and potentially influence sports development across India.

Appointments News

Dr. T.V. Somanathan Takes Over as Cabinet Secretary

Dr. T.V. Somanathan, a senior IAS officer of the 1987 Tamil Nadu cadre, has assumed the role of Cabinet Secretary for the Government of India, succeeding Rajiv Gauba after his superannuation. Dr. Somanathan brings extensive experience from both central and state government positions, as well as international roles, notably at the World Bank. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Economics, and he is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Company Secretary.

Banking News

RBI Imposes Penalties on UCO Bank and Cent Bank Home Finance Ltd

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied penalties on two financial entities for regulatory non-compliance. UCO Bank has been fined Rs 2.68 crore for violating provisions related to current account openings, deposit interest rates, and fraud classification. Meanwhile, Cent Bank Home Finance Ltd faces a Rs 2.1 lakh penalty for failing to adhere to Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. The RBI clarified that these penalties are imposed for regulatory compliance issues and do not impact the validity of transactions or agreements between the banks and their customers.

Awards News

FICCI Honours Ayushmann Khurrana and Neeraj Chopra as Youth Icons of India

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) recently organized its prestigious Young Leaders Awards in New Delhi, bringing together a diverse array of talented individuals from various fields.

The ceremony was graced by two outstanding personalities who received the coveted FICCI Young Leaders Youth Icon award:

1. Ayushmann Khurrana: Bollywood superstar and versatile actor
2. Neeraj Chopra: Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw

Kerala Tourism Clinches PATA Gold Award 2024 for Innovative ‘Holiday Heist’ Campaign

In a significant achievement for Indian tourism, Kerala Tourism has once again put India on the global tourism map by winning the prestigious Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award 2024. This accolade recognizes the state’s innovative online contest, ‘Holiday Heist’, in the Digital Marketing Campaign category, further cementing Kerala’s position as a leader in creative tourism promotion.

Defence News

Indian Air Force Launches First Comic Book Series Celebrating Its Heroes

In a groundbreaking initiative to inspire and educate the youth about the rich history and heroic deeds of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari has launched the first comic book in a series dedicated to IAF heroes. This innovative approach to storytelling marks a significant step in the IAF’s efforts to connect with younger generations and foster a sense of pride and duty towards the nation.

Sports News

Mona Agrawal Won Her First Paralympic Bronze Medal

Mona Agarwal made history at the 2024 Paralympics by securing a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event on August 30. Her journey to the podium was not just about athletic excellence but also a testament to her resilience as a mother of two.  Challenges, she faced leading up to the competition, particularly the struggle of balancing her responsibilities as a mother with her ambitions as an athlete.

Important Days

International Day for People of African Descent 2024

The International Day for People of African Descent Observed on 31st August to marks a significant milestone in the global recognition of the contributions and challenges faced by individuals of African descent worldwide. As we commemorate this day, we also approach the conclusion of the International Decade for People of African Descent, an initiative launched by the United Nations General Assembly to safeguard the human rights of people of African descent, particularly in the Americas.