1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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%)
5. 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.
6. Three New Indian Ocean Structures Named Ashoka, Chandragupt, and Kalpataru
Tags: National News
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO have named three underwater geographical structures in the Indian Ocean: Ashoka Seamount, Chandragupt Ridge and Kalpataru Ridge
An Overview of the News
These names were proposed by India to IHO and IOC.
Ashoka Seamount and Chandragupt Ridge are named after the Mauryan dynasty rulers Ashoka and Chandragupta Maurya, respectively.
The structures were discovered by oceanographers from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa.
They were found along the Southwest Indian Ridge area of the Indian Ocean during the Indian Southern Ocean Research Programme.
About IHO:
Established in 1921 as an intergovernmental organization.
Secretary-General: Dr. Mathias Jonas (Germany)
Secretariat: Monaco
Member states: 100 (including India)
7. PM Modi Unveils 109 New Crop Varieties
Tags: National News
On 11th August 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released 109 new varieties of 61 crops developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
An Overview of the News
The event took place at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi.
The 109 new crop varieties include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops.
These varieties are high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified.
Significance of the Launch
The new crop varieties are nutritionally rich and adaptable to environmental changes.
This initiative aims to enhance food security, boost agricultural diversity, and address nutritional challenges in India.
Highlighted Crop Varieties
Pooja 1801: A millet variety rich in iron and zinc, developed to combat child malnutrition.
Pusa 2002: A millet variety that matures in 70 days, promoting climate resilience.
Girnar 6: A groundnut variety with high oil content.
Nandyal 1267: A chickpea variety suitable for mechanical harvesting.
8. US Approves $20 Billion Arms Sale to Israel
Tags: International News
The US State Department has approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel.
An Overview of the News
The sale includes over 50 F-15 fighter jets, advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles, 120 mm tank ammunition, high explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles.
The delivery of the F-15 jets is scheduled by 2029.
Context and Justification:
The Pentagon emphasizes the importance of assisting Israel in developing a strong self-defense capability.
The arms deal occurs amid heightened tensions in West Asia, following the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon.
Both incidents have led to threats of retaliation against Israel.
About Israel
Israel is a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea.
It is considered the Holy Land of the Bible by Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Tel Aviv is the financial centre of the country and is known for its beaches and Bauhaus architecture.
Capital - Jerusalem
Official language - Hebrew
Recognized Language - Arabic
President - Isaac Herzog
Prime Minister - Benjamin Netanyahu
9. Paul Kagame Takes Oath for Fourth Term as Rwanda's President
Tags: International News
On August 11, 2024, Paul Kagame began his fourth term as President of Rwanda. Kagame won the election with more than 99% of the vote.
An Overview of the News
The inauguration ceremony took place in a crowded stadium in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Many prominent African leaders attended the ceremony.
Kagame’s Political Background
Kagame has been in power since shortly after the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
He officially became President in 2000.
Kagame first took on a leadership role after the genocide.
Kagame’s Leadership and Contributions
Kagame is credited with improving Rwanda’s economy and infrastructure.
Kagame is a strong supporter of gender equality.
Rwanda has the highest percentage of women in its parliament of any country in the world.
The Rwandan Genocide (1994)
Historical Background:
The Rwandan Genocide occurred from April to July 1994.
Approximately 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis, were killed by Hutu extremists.
The genocide lasted about 100 days.
International Response:
The international community, including the United Nations, failed to take strong action to stop the violence.
Post-Genocide Recovery:
Rwanda has made a remarkable recovery since the genocide.
The country is often seen as a model for reconciliation.
About Rwanda
Capital - Kigali
Official Languages - Kinyarwanda, French, English, Swahili
Currency - Rwandan Franc
Prime Minister - Édouard Ngirente
10. India and New Zealand Sign Customs Cooperation Agreement
Tags: International Relations International News
India and New Zealand signed a Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement to strengthen trade between the two countries.
An Overview of the News
The agreement was formalized in Wellington on August 8, 2024, during President Droupadi Murmu's official visit to New Zealand.
President Murmu’s Three-Nation Tour:
President Draupadi Murmu was on an official visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor Leste.
Her visit to New Zealand occurred on August 8 and 9, 2024.
Diplomatic Engagements:
President Murmu received a traditional Maori greeting in Wellington.
She was welcomed by New Zealand's Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro, and met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
Discussions focused on exchanging best practices in traditional medicine through the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
India-New Zealand Relations:
India established a Trade Mission in New Zealand in 1950, later becoming a High Commission.
As of June 2023, India is New Zealand's 15th largest trading partner, with trade valued at US$1.56 billion.
New Zealand exports wool, edible fruits and nuts, and forest products to India, while India exports precious metals and gems, textiles, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and non-knitted apparel to New Zealand.
About New Zealand
Independence: From the UK in 1947
Head of State: UK Monarch, King Charles III
Capital: Wellington
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Unique Species: Flightless bird Kiwi
Prime Minister: Christopher Luxon
