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National News
PM Marks 5 Years of Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A)
On the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A), Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the decision as a pivotal moment in Indian history, marking the beginning of a new era of progress and prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh. He emphasized that the abrogation ensured the full implementation of the Indian Constitution in these regions, aiming to enhance security, dignity, and development opportunities for marginalized communities while reducing corruption.
International News
Jakarta Hosts 5th AITIGA Joint Committee Meeting
The 5th AITIGA Joint Committee meeting, marking a significant milestone in ASEAN-India economic cooperation, took place in Jakarta from July 29 to August 1, 2024. The discussions aimed at reviewing and enhancing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) were co-chaired by Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, India, and Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Trade), Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry, Malaysia. Delegates from all 10 ASEAN countries and India participated in the meeting.
Business News
RIL Jumps Up 2 Places In Fortune’s Global 500 List For 2024
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has achieved a milestone by advancing two positions in the 2024 Fortune Global 500 list, securing the 86th spot. This marks the highest ranking ever attained by the conglomerate on the list, underscoring its growth and stability within the global business arena.
Tata Group Unveils ₹27,000 Crore Semiconductor Facility in Assam
The Tata Group has inaugurated a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor assembly and test facility in Assam, aiming to produce 15 billion chips annually. This landmark project, set to be operational by next year, aligns with the Indian government’s semiconductor mission and is poised to transform Assam into a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
Agreements News
State Govt, SBI General Insurance Sign MoU For DRTPS
In a significant move towards disaster preparedness, the State Government and SBI General Insurance signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS). This makes Nagaland the first state in the country to implement this disaster management insurance.
Bankings News
RBI Revises NPA Provisioning Norms for Cooperative Banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued revised instructions for the treatment of Bad and Doubtful Debt Reserve (BDDR) across cooperative banks, aiming for uniformity in the accounting and prudential treatment of non-performing assets (NPAs). These new norms will apply to Urban Co-operative Banks, State Cooperative Banks, and Central Co-operative Banks, effective immediately. A one-time transition measure has been introduced to facilitate a smoother shift to the new accounting standards.
Awards News
President Droupadi Murmu Conferred “Companion of the Order of Fiji” in the Capital Suva
Indian President Droupadi Murmu embarked on a significant two-day state visit to Fiji, marking a milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. The visit, characterized by ceremonial honors and high-level meetings, underscored the growing partnership between India and Fiji in various spheres of cooperation.
Schemes News
Update on Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and Related Schemes
As of July 19, 2024, the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has achieved significant milestones with 52.81 crore accounts having a total deposit balance of Rs. 2,30,792 crore. Launched in August 2014, PMJDY aims to provide universal banking services to unbanked households with the core principles of banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured, funding the unfunded, and serving underserved areas.
Defence News
ITBP To Get Russian KAMAZ Typhoon Vehicle For LAC
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has successfully conducted a demonstration and trial of the formidable Typhoon vehicle at its Transport Battalion in Chandigarh. The event, attended by officials from Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, marks an important step in upgrading the force’s vehicles.
Books and Authors News
Piyush Goyal Launches ‘India@100’: A Vision for India’s Economic Future
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, unveiled a significant publication that charts India’s economic trajectory towards 2047. The book, titled “India@100: Envisioning Tomorrow’s Economic Powerhouse”, authored by Prof. K V Subramanian, was launched at a high-profile event in New Delhi. This launch marks a pivotal moment in India’s discourse on economic development and its aspirations to become a developed nation by its centenary year of independence.
Summits and Conferences News
India To Host BIMSTEC Business Summit
The Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India in association with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) will host the 1st BIMSTEC Business Summit in New Delhi on August 6, 2024. The first edition of the Business Summit aims to foster greater regional collaboration through robust trade and investment relations among the member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
Important Days
Hiroshima Day 2024: Commemorating the 79th Anniversary of World War II Atomic Bombings
Hiroshima Day, observed annually on August 6th, stands as a solemn reminder of one of the most devastating events in human history. This year marks the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. The city of Hiroshima, once reduced to ashes, now stands as a powerful symbol of peace, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.
National Handloom Day 2024, A Tribute to India’s Rich Textile Heritage
On August 7, 2024, India will commemorate the 10th National Handloom Day, a celebration that has been observed annually since 2015. This day serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to its handloom industry, recognizing its vital role in India’s socio-economic fabric and cultural identity.
Obituaries News
Former England cricketer Graham Thorpe Passes Away at 55
The cricketing world mourns the loss of Graham Thorpe, a former England cricketer and coach, who passed away on Monday at the age of 55. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced his death, marking the end of an era for English cricket. Thorpe’s contributions to the sport, both as a player and coach, left an indelible mark on cricket history.