1. 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)
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. Tunisian President Saied Replaces Prime Minister Hachani with Kamel Madouri
Tags: International News
Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani on Wednesday without providing an explanation.
An Overview of the News
Hachani was replaced by Kamel Madouri, who was serving as the social affairs minister since May.
Ahmed Hachani had replaced Najila Bouden as Prime Minister in August 2023, who was also removed without a specific reason.
Political Context
President Kais Saied, elected in 2019, carried out a power grab in 2021.
He amended the Tunisian constitution, significantly increasing the powers of the presidency while reducing the authority of the parliament.
Saied is seeking re-election, with the next elections scheduled for October 6.
He submitted his official candidacy and stated that his campaign aims to "establish a new republic."
About Tunisia
Capital - Tunis
Official languages - Arabic
Currency - Tunisian dinar (TND)
President - Kais Saied
Prime Minister - Kamel Madouri
7. Lok Sabha Passes Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024
Tags: National News
On August 9, the Lok Sabha approved the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 to replace the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, with the objective of simplifying business transactions in the aviation sector.
An Overview of the News
The Bill aims to replace the outdated Aircraft Act, 1934, which has seen 21 amendments.
It seeks to modernize regulations and eliminate redundancies to support India's rapidly growing aviation sector.
The new legislation is designed to provide a coherent regulatory framework with clearly defined chapters and clauses.
Regulatory and Industry Goals
The Bill intends to streamline regulatory inconsistencies and attract foreign direct investment.
It aims to enhance travel efficiency, adhere to international standards, and align with industry best practices.
New regulations for aircraft design and manufacturing support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance and technological advancement in aviation.
Online Grievance Redressal System
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu announced the creation of an online grievance redressal system.
This system is designed to address passenger complaints and ensure timely resolutions.
The goal is to balance passenger interests with airline financial viability, preventing excessive ticket prices.
Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) and Infrastructure
The Bill includes measures to support the RCS, which has established over 500 connections across India.
Challenges include airlines withdrawing from specific routes, with potential for re-bidding these routes to maintain connectivity.
Emphasis is placed on the development and resolution of airport infrastructure issues through joint federal and state efforts.
8. Cabinet Approves ₹24,657 Crore for 8 New Railway Projects
Tags: National News
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved eight railway projects with a total estimated cost of ₹24,657 crore.
An Overview of the News
The primary aim of these projects is to enhance connectivity, mobility, efficiency, and service reliability within Indian Railways.
These projects are in line with the Prime Minister’s Vision of a New India and the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for integrated multi-modal connectivity.
Coverage and Network Expansion
Districts Covered: 14 districts across seven states—Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, and West Bengal.
Network Expansion: The projects will extend the Indian Railways network by 900 kilometers.
New Stations: 64 new stations will be constructed.
Regional Impact
Aspirational Districts: Enhanced connectivity to six aspirational districts (East Singhbhum, Bhadrachalam, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Rayagada), approximately 510 villages, and about 40 lakh people.
Tourism: Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be connected to the railway network.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Freight Traffic: Capacity augmentation will add 143 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum) of freight traffic.
Environmental Impact: Reduction in oil imports (32.20 crore liters) and CO2 emissions (0.87 million tonnes), equivalent to planting 3.5 crore trees.
New Railway Lines
Gunupur-Therubali (New Line): 73.62 km, covers Rayagada, Odisha.
Junagarh-Nabrangpur: 116.21 km, covers Kalahandi and Nabrangpur, Odisha.
Badampahar-Kandujhargarh: 82.06 km, covers Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj, Odisha.
Bangriposi-Gorumahisani: 85.60 km, covers Mayurbhanj, Odisha.
Malkangiri-Pandurangapuram (via Bhadrachalam): 173.61 km, covers Malkangiri, East Godavari, and Bhadradri Kothagudem, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Buramara-Chakulia: 59.96 km, covers East Singhbhum, Jhargram, and Mayurbhanj, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Jalna-Jalgaon: 174 km, covers Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Bikramshila-Katareah: 26.23 km, covers Bhagalpur, Bihar.
9. Chief Minister Hemant Soren Launches 'Upasthiti Portal' for Health Department Employees
Tags: National News
The ‘Upasthiti Portal’ was launched by CM Hemant Soren to ensure the daily attendance of all Health Department employees, including doctors, para-medical workers, and contract workers.
An Overview of the News
The portal will enable cross-verification of biometric attendance records of the Health Department employees.
The government is focused on enhancing healthcare facilities across Jharkhand, ensuring better accessibility and quality.
24×7 District Hospitals: District hospitals are to be fully operational 24/7, with all types of surgeries and specialist doctors available to reduce patient referrals.
Specialist Consultations in OPDs: Efforts will be made to provide specialist consultations in district hospital Outpatient Departments (OPDs).
Resource Utilization: There will be a focus on maximizing the use of human resources in health centers, with flexible allocation of medical staff as needed.
Monitoring and Accountability: A robust system will be implemented to monitor the presence of doctors and staff in hospitals, including the introduction of hospital management systems, CCTV, and Wi-Fi.
Key Officials Present:
Health Minister Banna Gupta
Chief Secretary L. Khiangte
Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Avinash Kumar
Principal Secretary of Health Department Ajay Kumar Singh
About Jharkhand
Founded - 15 November 2000
Before was - Part of Bihar
Capital - Ranchi
Chief minister - Hemant Soren
Governor - Santosh Gangwar
Symbols of Jharkhand
Bird - Koel
Flower - Palash
Mammal - Indian elephant
Tree - Sal
10. CJI Chandrachud Launches e-DHCR Portal
Tags: National News
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud inaugurated the e-DHCR portal.
An Overview of the News
The platform is dedicated to reportable judgments from the Delhi High Court.
It houses over 2,000 decisions from 2007 to May 2024.
Free Access to Judgments
Acting Chief Justice (ACJ) of the Delhi High Court, Manmohan, emphasized that the portal offers free access.
It serves as a resource for lawyers, litigants, law students, legal enthusiasts, and the general public.
AI-Powered Search and User-Friendly Features
The portal features an AI-powered advanced search algorithm to improve accuracy and provide personalized recommendations.
Includes multiple search options, filters, highlighting of searched words, voice search, and graphs.
Enhances accessibility with screen readers, high-contrast options, and keyboard navigation.
Chairman of e-DHCR Committee - Justice Yashwant Verma
About Delhi
Chief Minister: Arvind Kejriwal
Governor: Vinai Kumar Saxena
Wildlife Sanctuary: Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
Zoological Park: National Zoological Park
