1. JP Nadda Inaugurates First Policy Makers' Forum in New Delhi
Tags: National News
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda inaugurated the 'First Policy Makers Forum' in New Delhi. The forum runs till 22 August 2024.
An Overview of the News
Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, the Drugs Controller General of India and Secretary-cum-Scientific Director of IPC, along with Rajiv Wadhawan, Joint Secretary of the Union Health Ministry; Rohith Rathish, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs; and other senior officers of the Union government, were present at the event.
Policy makers and drug regulators from 15 countries, including Burkina Faso, Ghana, Lebanon and Uganda, participated.
The forum is hosted by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Key Initiatives Discussed
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP): Emphasis on the Janaushadhi Scheme, which provides high-quality, affordable generic medicines across India.
Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Highlighted as the world's largest government-funded healthcare program, providing insurance coverage to over 500 million people.
Launch of Digital Platforms
IP Online Portal: A digital platform for making drug standards more accessible globally, aligning with India’s 'Digital India' campaign.
Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System (ADRMS): India’s first indigenous software for monitoring adverse drug reactions, enhancing pharmacovigilance.
2. Sembcorp to Invest Rs 36,238 Crore in Green Hydrogen Facility in Tamil Nadu
Tags: State News National News
Sembcorp Industries, based in Singapore, will invest Rs 36,238 crore to set up a green hydrogen/green ammonia manufacturing unit in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
An Overview of the News
Tamil Nadu will be the first state in India to commence large-scale commercial production of green hydrogen.
Facility Overview:
The foundation stone for the unit was laid by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on August 21, 2024, during the Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2024 in Chennai.
The facility will cover 160 acres and initially produce 200,000 metric tonnes of green ammonia annually for export to Japan.
At the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024, Sembcorp signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the facility.
Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2024 Highlights:
The Chief Minister inaugurated 28 industrial projects with a total investment of Rs 51,157 crore and 19 additional projects with an investment of Rs 17,616 crore, bringing the total to 47 projects.
The Tamil Nadu government, in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO) and TATA Technologies, will set up the Tamil Nadu Engineering and Innovations Centre (TN ENGINE) in Coimbatore with an investment of Rs 400 crore.
Tamil Nadu
It was formerly known as Madras State.
Capital: Chennai
Bird: Emerald Dove
Chief Minister: M.K. Stalin
Governor: R.N. Ravi
3. Information and Broadcasting Minister Launches ‘Create in India Challenge’
Tags: National News
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the ‘Create in India Challenge-Season One’ in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
This initiative is part of the lead-up to the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES).
Focus on 25 Challenges
A total of 25 challenges were introduced, reflecting the evolution of India's economy and the impact of technological advancements.
These challenges aim to further boost the Media and Entertainment industry and support the growing creator economy.
Recognition of the Creator Economy
The creator economy, recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has significantly evolved, leading to the institution of the National Creator Awards.
The Government of India sees the creator economy as a key driver for employment generation.
Vision for WAVES Summit
The WAVES Summit, set to take place for the first time, has received positive feedback, prompting plans to organize it on a larger scale in the future.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju highlighted the initiative's alignment with the Prime Minister’s ‘Design in India, Design for the World’ vision, marking a significant milestone in nurturing India's creative ecosystem.
4. Manohar Lal Khattar Launches Three Innovative Online Platforms
Tags: National News
Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar launched three online platforms in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
New Platforms Introduced: Portal for Online Monitoring of Projects – Thermal (PROMPT), Disaster Resilient Infrastructure for Power Sector (DRIPS) and JAL VIDYUT DPR
Minister's Remarks:
Transparency and Efficiency: The platforms aim to improve transparency, coordination, and effectiveness in the power sector.
Goal of Viksit Bharat 2047: Emphasized the power sector’s role in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.
Economic Driver: Highlighted electricity as a crucial driver of economic activities.
Growing Demand: Noted the increasing demand for power and the critical need for timely completion of ongoing thermal projects and schemes.
About Portal for Online Monitoring of Projects – Thermal (PROMPT)
The portal aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of thermal power project management.
Portal Features
Real-Time Tracking: Provides centralized tracking and analysis of thermal power projects.
Transparency and Accountability: Digitizes monitoring for greater transparency and timely issue resolution.
Resource Optimization: Assists in managing resource availability to meet electricity demand effectively.
5. India Sends 1,400 kg of Anti-Cancer Drugs to Syria
Tags: International News
India has sent a consignment of approximately 1,400 kgs of anti-cancer drugs to Syria as part of its humanitarian assistance.
An Overview of the News
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the dispatch, emphasizing India's commitment to supporting Syria.
Cordial Relations Between India and Syria
India and Syria have historically shared strong and cordial relations, supported by deep-rooted people-to-people ties.
The Indian Embassy in Syria has remained operational throughout the Syrian conflict, facilitating various exchanges.
Support Through Education and Capacity Building
India has contributed to the development of Syrian youth through scholarship schemes and training courses under the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) program.
This support has played a significant role in building capacity among the Syrian population.
Health Challenges Facing the Syrian First Lady
In May this year, Syria's First Lady Asma Assad was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, as reported by the state news agency SANA.
The First Lady, who was born and raised in London to Syrian parents, had previously recovered from breast cancer in 2019.
About Syria
Capital - Damascus
Official language - Arabic
Currency - Syrian pound (SYP)
President - Bashar al-Assad
Vice President - Najah al-Attar
Prime Minister - Hussein Arnous
6. Prasar Bharati, Sansad TV Sign MoU
Tags: National News
An MoU was signed between Prasar Bharati and Sansad Television in Parliament.
An Overview of the News
The MoU was exchanged in the presence of key officials, including CEO Sansad TV Rajit Punhani and CEO Prasar Bharati Gaurav Dwivedi.
Objectives of the MoU
The MoU aims to facilitate content and program sharing between Prasar Bharati and Sansad TV.
It includes provisions for telecasting Sansad TV content on Prasar Bharati’s OTT platforms.
The agreement also covers the use of training facilities to enhance personnel skills.
Areas of Collaboration
The MoU allows for resource sharing, including human resources, technology, and equipment.
It includes the broadcast of special coverage, interviews, documentaries, live feeds, and archives produced by both networks.
Cross-Channel Promotion
Both networks agreed to promote and advertise each other’s programs.
Prasar Bharati will provide the facilities of PB-SHABD to Sansad TV for content sharing.
7. Germany Becomes 18th Member of UNC
Tags: International News
Germany become the 18th member state of the United Nations Command (UNC), following the trend of expanding participation, such as Italy's reinstatement in 2013.
An Overview of the News
Representatives from Germany, the United States, the Republic of Korea, and other UNC Member States gathered at Barker Field to recognize Germany's accession to the UNC on August 2.
Germany wasn't a UN member in 1953, it offered to deploy a field hospital two months before the Armistice signing.
The West German Red Cross Hospital in Busan, operated by 117 German doctors, nurses, and technicians from 1954 to 1959, treated nearly 300,000 patients and assisted with over 6,000 births.
South Korea recognized Germany as a "Medical Support Nation" in 2018, acknowledging their contributions during the Korean War.
About the UNC
Established in 1950: Created during the Korean War to support South Korea.
Coalition: Composed of member states, not a standing army.
Headquarters: Located in Seoul, guided by UN Security Council resolutions.
Ceasefire: Upholds a ceasefire since 1953, without a formal peace treaty.
Current Commander: Major General Paul J. LaCamera.
Humanitarian Work: Involved in humanitarian missions and disaster relief in the region.
About Germany
Berlin Zoo: Founded in 1844, it’s the oldest zoo globally, with over 19,000 animals.
Beer Varieties: Germany boasts around 1,500 types of beer, regulated by the Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot).
Berlin Wall: A Cold War symbol, the wall was dismantled in 1989.
Oktoberfest: Munich hosts the world’s largest beer festival annually.
Car Production: Germany produces around 1 million cars each year, with brands like Volkswagen dominating the industry.
8. Union Minister C.R. Paatil Launches Enhanced 'FloodWatch India' App Version 2.0
Tags: National News
Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil, launched Version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile application.
An Overview of the News
The app was developed by the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the launch took place in New Delhi.
Enhancements from Version 1.0
The original version, launched on 17th August 2023, provided flood forecasts at 200 level forecast stations.
Version 2.0 has expanded coverage, now providing information at 592 flood monitoring stations across the country.
New Features in Version 2.0
The updated app includes information on the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs in India.
This helps users better understand potential flood situations in downstream areas.
Technological Advancements
FloodWatch India uses advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring.
These technologies ensure accurate and timely flood forecasts.
User-Friendly Interface
The app is available in both English and Hindi, in readable and audio broadcast formats.
Users can access flood forecasts for the nearest location directly from the home page of the app.
9. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Launches Online Portal for Jiyo Parsi Scheme
Tags: National News
Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Minority Affairs, launched the Jiyo Parsi scheme Portal on August 13, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Dignitaries present included George Kurian (Minister of State for Ministry of Minority Affairs), Iqbal Singh Lalpura (Chairman NVM), and Kersi Kaikhushroo Deboo (Vice-Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities).
Portal Features
The portal allows Parsi couples to apply online, track their application status, and receive financial assistance via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Aims to facilitate greater accessibility and ease for Parsi couples to benefit from the scheme.
Scheme Objectives and Impact
The Jiyo Parsi scheme aims to reverse the decline in Parsi population through structured interventions and scientific protocols.
It provides financial support for medical treatments, childcare, and assistance for elderly dependents.
Over 400 Parsi children have benefited from the scheme since its inception.
Demographic Overview of India
1951: 361 million
1961: 439 million (+21.6%)
1971: 548 million (+24.8%)
1981: 683 million (+24.7%)
1991: 846 million (+23.9%)
2001: 1.03 billion (+21.5%)
2011: 1.21 billion (+17.7%)
Census Facts:
First complete census: 1881
Post-independence responsibility: Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
2021 census postponed due to COVID-19
2011 Census: 68.84% rural, 31.16% urban; Literacy: 74.04% (male: 82.14%, female: 65.46%)
10. US Navy Unveils AIM-174B Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Tags: International News
The U.S. Navy has introduced the AIM-174B, an advanced long-range air-to-air missile, to bolster its aerial capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions with China.
An Overview of the News
This missile aims to replace the retired AIM-54 Phoenix and provide carrier-based fighters like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets with enhanced long-range engagement capabilities.
Key Features:
Development: The AIM-174B was unveiled and flew for the first time in 2024.
Performance: It can achieve speeds of Mach 3.5 and has a maximum range of about 300 kilometers, surpassing the AIM-120 AMRAAM in range.
Technology:
Utilizes an active radar homing seeker, based on the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Expected to be integrated with the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) system, collaborating with platforms such as the E-2D Hawkeye, F-35 fighters, and AEGIS combat systems.
India's Air-to-Air Missile
Astra: India's first BVR missile with a range of 80-110 km and Mach 4.5+ speed, using active radar for guidance.
MICA: Versatile short to medium range missile (500 m-80 km) with Mach 4 speed, employing both infrared and radar guidance.
R-73: Short-range missile with a 30 km range and Mach 2.5 speed, featuring high maneuverability and infrared guidance.
R-77 (RVV-AE): Medium-range missile with an 80 km range and Mach 4.5 speed, using active radar for high-speed aerial combat.
Python-5: Advanced short-range missile (20 km) with Mach 4 speed and infrared guidance, known for its agility.
Novator K-100: Ultra-long range missile (300-400 km) with Mach 3.3 speed and passive radar guidance, aimed at high-value targets.
Derby: BVR missile with a 50 km range, Mach 4 speed, and active radar guidance, used for interception and air superiority.
- Meteor: Future BVR missile with over 100 km range, Mach 4+ speed, and active radar guidance, featuring advanced ramjet propulsion.
