1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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
4. China's SSST Launches First 18 Satellites for Qianfan Constellation
Tags: International News
On 5th August 2024, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), a Chinese state-owned enterprise, successfully launched the first batch of 18 satellites for the "Qianfan" (Thousand Sails Constellation) megaconstellation, formerly known as the G60 Project.
An Overview of the News
The launch took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre (TSLC) in Shanxi Province, China.
G60 Project Details:
The G60 Project was initiated in 2023 with the ambitious goal of deploying 1,296 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites by 2030.
In 2024, the plan includes the launch of 108 satellites, with 648 satellites targeted for deployment by the end of 2025.
The project aims to achieve global network coverage by 2027.
Funding and Partnerships:
SSST secured 6.7 billion yuan (approximately USD 943 million) to finance the project.
SSST partnered with the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS) to establish Shanghai Gesi Aerospace Technology (Genesat) in 2022.
Genesat is responsible for building satellite manufacturing facilities.
The first satellite for the G60 constellation was produced in December 2023 in Shanghai's Songjiang District.
Advantages of LEO Satellites:
LEO satellites, orbiting at altitudes between 300 km and 2,000 km, are more cost-effective and offer more efficient transmission compared to higher orbit satellites.
5. Ax-4 Mission to Include Indian, Polish, and Hungarian Astronauts
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Axiom Space is collaborating with India’s ISRO, Poland, and Hungary, supported by ESA, to send three national astronauts on Ax-4.
An Overview of the News
The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański (ESA/Poland), and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
The crew is pending approval from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), which involves NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA, and the Canadian Space Agency.
Mission Goals:
Ax-4 aims to advance scientific research, technology demonstrations, and space commercialization.
The mission emphasizes international cooperation by sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities with global partners.
Significance of the Mission:
Ax-4 will be Axiom Space’s second mission including an ESA astronaut and will see a Polish astronaut in space for the first time in over 40 years.
The mission continues Axiom Space’s tradition of involving diverse nationalities, following previous missions with the first Saudi female astronaut, first Turkish astronaut, and first ESA astronaut on a commercial flight.
Launch Details:
The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from Florida.
The crew is expected to spend up to 14 days on the International Space Station.
Agreements:
Axiom Space signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary in July 2022 and a spaceflight framework agreement in September 2023 for Hungary’s astronaut program.
In July 2024, Axiom Space signed a spaceflight framework agreement with ISRO, marking a significant step towards a joint ISRO-NASA mission on the ISS.
6. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launches NATS 2.0 Portal
Tags: National News
Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education, launched the NATS 2.0 Portal in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
₹100 crore in stipends were disbursed to apprentices via the Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) mode.
Apprenticeship Sectors:
Training is offered in IT/ITes, manufacturing, automobile, and other sectors.
NATS 2.0 Portal Features:
Designed to enhance the Government’s focus on youth skilling and employability.
Aims to facilitate apprenticeship registration, application, and management for both candidates and establishments.
Industry Recognition:
Top three establishments recognized: Cognizant Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd., Infosys Ltd., and Tech Mahindra Pvt. Ltd.
Stipend Distribution:
Stipends are paid directly to apprentices’ bank accounts via DBT to ensure efficiency and transparency.
NATS 2.0 Portal Development:
Developed by the Ministry of Education with AICTE and BoATs/BoPT support.
Manages the apprenticeship lifecycle, including registration, vacancy advertisements, student applications, contract creation, certification, and stipend disbursal.
Alignment with NEP 2020:
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to integrate vocational and general education.
Draft guidelines for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) issued by UGC and AICTE.
7. India Becomes 2nd Largest Aluminium Producer Worldwide
Tags: National News
India is the 2nd largest aluminium producer globally.
An Overview of the News
In FY 2024-25 (April-June), primary aluminium production grew by 1.2%, reaching 10.43 lakh tons (LT) compared to 10.28 LT in the same period last year.
Mineral Production Growth:
Iron Ore Production: Increased by 9.7%, from 72 million metric tons (MMT) in FY 2023-24 (April-June) to 79 MMT in FY 2024-25 (April-June).
Limestone Production: Rose by 1.8%, from 114 MMT in FY 2023-24 (April-June) to 116 MMT in FY 2024-25 (April-June).
Manganese Ore Production: Increased by 11%, from 0.9 MMT in FY 2023-24 (April-June) to 1.0 MMT in FY 2024-25 (April-June).
Global Rankings:
India is the 3rd largest lime producer and the 4th largest iron ore producer in the world.
Economic Implications:
The continued growth in iron ore, limestone, and aluminium production reflects strong demand in sectors such as steel, cement, energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery.
8. Curaçao Becomes 6th Associate Member of CARICOM
Tags: National News
Curaçao has become the 6th Associate Member of Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
An Overview of the News
The agreement was signed by CARICOM Chairman Dickon Mitchell (Prime Minister of Grenada) and Gilmar Simon Pisas (Prime Minister of Curaçao) during the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in St. George's, Grenada.
CARICOM Membership Detail:
CARICOM now comprises 15 full member countries and 6 associate members.
The 5 other associate members are Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.
Curaçao's Commitments:
Curaçao is dedicated to supporting CARICOM's initiatives in renewable energy, new forms of agriculture, climate resilience, and other areas.
Background on CARICOM:
Established as The Caribbean Community and Common Market by the Treaty of Chaguaramas on July 4, 1973, with Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago as the founding members.
The Treaty was revised in 2002 to enable the creation of a single market and economy.
9. India and WHO Sign $85M Deal for Global Traditional Medicine Centre
Tags: National News
On July 31, 2024, the Ministry of Ayush (India) and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a donor agreement in Geneva, Switzerland.
An Overview of the News
Signatories:
H.E. Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative of India to the UN in Geneva, represented India.
Dr. Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage and Life Course, represented the WHO.
About the Donor Agreement:
Purpose: Part of a USD 250 million investment from India to support the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in 2022.
Donation: India will contribute USD 85 million over 10 years (2022-2032) for the GTMC's operations in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Objective: The agreement supports the GTMC as a key hub for evidence-based Traditional Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) to enhance human and environmental health.
About GTMC:
Establishment: Officially established on March 25, 2022, as the first global center for traditional medicine.
Operations: The interim office is operational, offering capacity-building and training programs, including campus-based, residential, and web-based training in collaboration with the WHO Academy and other partners.
Key Collaboration Points:
Documentation and Training: Development of benchmark documents and training for Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha systems, and establishment of WHO terminology.
ICD-11: Introduction of a second module to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11’s Traditional Medicine Chapter.
Apps and Pharmacopoeia: Development of the M-Yoga app and support for the International Pharmacopoeia of Herbal Medicine (IPHM).
Ministry of Ayush:
Minister of State (Independent Charge): Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao
Constituency: Buldhana, Maharashtra
World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director-General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Established: 1948
10. Kamala Harris Becomes First Black and South Asian Woman to Win Democratic Presidential Nomination
Tags: International News
Kamala Harris has won the Democratic presidential nomination. Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison announced her win.
An Overview of the News
Harris secured the support of 2,350 delegates. She ran unopposed after President Joe Biden endorsed her.
Voting Process
The nomination was decided through a five-day electronic vote.
Nearly 4,000 party convention delegates participated.
Harris was the sole candidate on the ballot.
Official Nomination
Harris will be officially nominated at a convention in Chicago later this month.
She expressed her honor in being the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Historical Significance
Harris is the first Black and first South Asian woman to be a major US political party's White House nominee.
If she wins against Republican nominee Donald Trump in November, she will be the first female president of the United States.
