Daily Current Affairs 08th August 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Pilgrimage to Shri Baba Buddha Amarnath Commences in J&K

In Jammu and Kashmir, the 10-day pilgrimage to Shri Baba Buddha Amarnath in the Loran Valley of Poonch district began today and will conclude on the 19th of this month, coinciding with Sawan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. The journey is marked by tight security and significant arrangements to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Soars by 165% in a Decade

India’s renewable energy capacity has surged by 165% over the past decade, increasing from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 203.1 GW in 2024, according to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. This growth positions India as the fourth largest globally in renewable energy capacity, with significant advancements in solar and wind power.

Why Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 In News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led goverment is all set to table the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on August 8. The new bill that proposes to amend the Waqf Act, 1995 will be introduced in the Lok Sabha by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. With over 40 amendments, the bill has proposed to revoke several clauses in the existing Waqf Act – the law governing Waqf boards. It has proposed far-reaching changes in the present Act, including ensuring the representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in such bodies.

 Pilgrimage to Shri Baba Buddha Amarnath Commences in J&K

In Jammu and Kashmir, the 10-day pilgrimage to Shri Baba Buddha Amarnath in the Loran Valley of Poonch district began today and will conclude on the 19th of this month, coinciding with Sawan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. The journey is marked by tight security and significant arrangements to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.

What is Broadcast Services Bill 2024?

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has prepared the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024 which will replace the Television Network Act of 1995. According to reports the act will classify influencers or social media pages who make content or write about current affairs or any other news online as ‘digital news broadcaster’.

International News

China to Launch Satellite Constellation to Rival Musk’s Starlink

China is close to launching its first batch of satellites for a mega constellation aimed at rivaling US company SpaceX’s Starlink Internet network. As reported by Xinhua, state-run Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) launched the first components on the network. SSST’s constellation has been named “Thousand Sails.”

States News

Andhra Scraps 2-Child Policy For Individuals To Contest Local Body Polls

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to scrap the two-child norm for contesting local body elections in view of the declining fertility rate in the state. The decision was taken at the meeting of the state Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on August 7.

Appointments News

Centre Reshuffles Senior Bureaucrats, Amit Negi Made Additional Secretary

The Centre has implemented a significant top-level reshuffle, appointing senior IAS officer Amit Singh Negi as additional secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Mr. Negi, a 1999-batch IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, is currently the joint secretary in the Department of Expenditure under the Union Ministry of Finance.

Defence News

Indian Army Conducts ‘Parvat Prahaar’ Exercise in Ladakh

The Indian Army has conducted a strategic military exercise, ‘Parvat Prahaar’, in Ladakh, focusing on high-altitude warfare and operations. This exercise is crucial for maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of the Army in the region, which is close to the India-China border.

Banking News

RBI August 2024 MPC Meeting: Repo Rate Unchanged at 6.5%

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) concluded its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Thursday, maintaining the benchmark interest rates at 6.5% by a 4:2 majority. This decision marks the ninth consecutive instance of unchanged rates, reflecting the central bank’s cautious approach to monetary policy in the face of economic challenges.

Economy News

Deloitte India Predicts Economic Growth Between 7% and 7.2% in FY25

Deloitte’s India Economic Outlook for August 2024 predicts strong economic growth between 7.0% and 7.2% in FY25, driven by robust economic fundamentals. This surpasses the Economic Survey’s prediction but aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s outlook. However, Deloitte also pegs FY25 GDP growth at 6.6%, raising its FY24 prediction.

RBI Hikes UPI Limit for Tax Payments to Rs 5 Lakh per Transaction

In a move aimed at boosting digital payments and facilitating larger transactions, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the upper limit for tax payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to Rs 5 lakh per transaction from the previous limit of Rs 1 lakh. This decision is expected to provide convenience to taxpayers, especially for high-value transactions, and is part of the RBI’s ongoing efforts to promote digital payments and reduce reliance on cash transactions.

Awards News

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 Announced: Check the Complete list

In a significant move to recognize and honor outstanding contributions to science, technology, and innovation, the Indian government has announced the inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskars. This new award system, replacing over 300 previous awards from various science departments, aims to celebrate the achievements of academics, technologists, and inventors across the country.

Sports News

Paris Olympics 2024: Vinesh Phogat Announces Retirement From Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most promising wrestlers, has announced her retirement from the sport following a devastating turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024. The announcement came after a series of unfortunate incidents that unfolded during the final stages of the Olympic wrestling competition.

Important Days

Quit India Movement Day, Know the History of India’s Freedom Struggle

Quit India Movement Day, also known as August Kranti Day, is a significant date in India’s history that commemorates the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942. This pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule called for the immediate withdrawal of British forces from India. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, the movement mobilized millions of Indians in a non-violent civil disobedience campaign against British colonialism.

Obituaries News

Gandhian Shobhana Ranade Passes Away at 99

The passing of Shobhana Ranade at the age of 99 in Pune marks the end of an era in India’s social reform movement. A renowned Gandhian and Padma Bhushan recipient, Ranade dedicated her life to uplifting the underprivileged, especially women and children, leaving an indelible mark on India’s social landscape.

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Former W.B Chief Minister, Passes Away

Former chief minister of West Bengal and veteran CPIM leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee passed away on August 8, at his residence in Kolkata’s Palm Avenue. Buddhadeb, who had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for some years, was 80. He is survived by his wife Mira and daughter Suchetana.