Table of Contents
Stay updated with the most crucial national and international news, significant developments, and key events from August 16, 2024. Daily Current Affairs 16 August 2024
National News
Union Jal Shakti Ministry Unveils FloodWatch India 2.0 App
Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, has introduced the 2.0 version of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile app, created by the Central Water Commission (CWC). This updated app offers a more comprehensive and detailed view of flood conditions across the nation.
Prime Minister Advocates for Secular Civil Code in Independence Day Speech
On August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for a ‘Secular Civil Code’ instead of the term ‘Universal Civil Code’. This shift aims to broaden the policy’s appeal and reduce friction on this contentious issue within the ruling NDA and beyond. This marks the first instance of Modi referring to the UCC as a ‘Secular Civil Code’, a move seen by many in the BJP as leaving the Opposition with limited options.
‘Kisan Ki Baat’: Government’s New Radio Program to Bridge Farm-Science Gap
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on August 15 the launch of ‘Kisan Ki Baat’, a monthly radio program designed to bring scientific knowledge to farmers. This initiative aims to modernize agricultural practices and empower farmers with the latest scientific information.
PM Modi to Headline ET World Leaders Forum
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest at the inaugural ET World Leaders Forum, set for August 31 in New Delhi. The forum will focus on India’s role in global economic growth, innovation, and policy-making amidst global economic challenges.
Government Introduces AI-Based Pest Surveillance System
On August 15, the Union Government launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS). This system will enable farmers to connect with agricultural scientists and experts via their phones to manage pest control effectively.
International News
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Announces Resignation
On August 14, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his resignation, effective next month. He will not participate in the upcoming election for the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Kishida’s tenure has been marred by scandals and a significant drop in public approval, now at 20%.
Germany Joins United Nations Command in South Korea
Germany has become the 18th member of the U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea. This addition highlights Germany’s commitment to global security and links European stability to the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Banking News
RBL Bank Introduces ‘Vijay Fixed Deposits’ for Independence Day
To celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day, RBL Bank has launched the “Vijay Fixed Deposits” scheme. This special scheme offers a 500-day fixed deposit tenor with competitive interest rates, providing customers an opportunity to grow their savings while honoring the nation’s brave soldiers.
Axis Bank and Visa Introduce Exclusive ‘PRIMUS’ Credit Card for India’s Elite
Axis Bank, in collaboration with Visa, has launched the ‘Primus’ credit card, a high-end offering specifically designed for India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). This exclusive, invitation-only card caters to the sophisticated needs of the wealthy elite, providing unmatched luxury, exclusivity, and personalized services. With a joining fee of Rs 5 lakh and an annual fee of Rs 3 lakh, the Primus card stands as a symbol of ultimate prestige.
Business News
L&T Finance Receives NBFC-ICC Status from RBI
L&T Finance Ltd. has transitioned from an NBFC-Core Investment Company (NBFC-CIC) to a Non-Banking Financial Company (Investment and Credit Company) (NBFC-ICC) following the merger of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including L&T Finance, L&T Infra Credit Ltd., and L&T Mutual Fund Trustee Ltd. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the certificate of registration on August 2. This change in registration is not expected to affect the company’s compliance with NBFC-ICC guidelines.
Summits and Conferences News
India to Host Third Voice of Global South Summit
India is set to host the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on August 17, 2024. This initiative is an extension of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’, and is rooted in India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Obituaries News
Dr. Ram Narain Agarwal, Father of Agni Missiles, Passes Away
Dr. Ram Narain Agarwal, a prominent Indian scientist and the key figure behind India’s missile program, passed away on Thursday in Hyderabad at the age of 84. Affectionately known as the ‘Father of Agni Missiles’, Dr. Agarwal’s contributions to India’s defense capabilities have been revolutionary.
Death Anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Observed on August 16th
On August 16, India commemorates the death anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a revered statesman, poet, and visionary leader who significantly influenced the country’s political landscape. Vajpayee, the 10th Prime Minister of India, is celebrated for his leadership and his ability to unite diverse ideologies while championing democratic principles.
Daily Current Affairs 16 August 2024 MCQ
- Who launched the 2.0 version of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile app?
- Answer: Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil.
- Which organization developed the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile app?
- Answer: Central Water Commission (CWC).
- What is the purpose of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile app?
- Answer: To provide a comprehensive and detailed view of flood conditions across the nation.
- What term did Prime Minister Narendra Modi use instead of ‘Universal Civil Code’ in his Independence Day speech?
- Answer: Secular Civil Code.
- When did Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasize the need for a ‘Secular Civil Code’?
- Answer: August 15.
- What is the aim of the ‘Secular Civil Code’ as mentioned by Prime Minister Modi?
- Answer: To broaden the policy’s appeal and reduce friction on the contentious issue.
- Who announced the launch of the ‘Kisan Ki Baat’ radio program?
- Answer: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
- What is the objective of the ‘Kisan Ki Baat’ radio program?
- Answer: To bring scientific knowledge to farmers and modernize agricultural practices.
- Who will be the chief guest at the inaugural ET World Leaders Forum?
- Answer: Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- When is the ET World Leaders Forum scheduled to take place?
- Answer: August 31.
- What will the ET World Leaders Forum focus on?
- Answer: India’s role in global economic growth, innovation, and policy-making.
- What system did the Union Government launch on August 15 to help farmers manage pest control?
- Answer: AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS).
- Who announced his resignation as Japan’s Prime Minister on August 14?
- Answer: Fumio Kishida.
- When will Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida step down?
- Answer: Next month.
- Which country recently joined the U.S.-led United Nations Command in South Korea?
- Answer: Germany.
- How many member states are now part of the United Nations Command in South Korea with Germany’s inclusion?
- Answer: 18.
- What special scheme did RBL Bank introduce for India’s 78th Independence Day?
- Answer: Vijay Fixed Deposits.
- What is the tenor of the Vijay Fixed Deposits scheme offered by RBL Bank?
- Answer: 500 days.
- Which bank launched the ‘Primus’ credit card in collaboration with Visa?
- Answer: Axis Bank.
- Who is the ‘Primus’ credit card designed for?
- Answer: India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).
- What are the joining and annual fees for the ‘Primus’ credit card?
- Answer: Joining fee of Rs 5 lakh and an annual fee of Rs 3 lakh.
- What status did L&T Finance Ltd. receive from the RBI?
- Answer: NBFC-ICC (Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company).
- What was L&T Finance Ltd.’s previous status before becoming an NBFC-ICC?
- Answer: NBFC-Core Investment Company (NBFC-CIC).
- Which subsidiaries were merged to transition L&T Finance Ltd. to an NBFC-ICC?
- Answer: L&T Finance, L&T Infra Credit Ltd., and L&T Mutual Fund Trustee Ltd.
- When did the RBI issue the certificate of registration for L&T Finance Ltd.’s new status?
- Answer: August 2.
- What is the expected impact of the new NBFC-ICC status on L&T Finance Ltd.’s compliance?
- Answer: It is not expected to affect the company’s compliance with NBFC-ICC guidelines.
- When is the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit scheduled to take place?
- Answer: August 17, 2024.
- Whose vision is the Voice of Global South Summit an extension of?
- Answer: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
- What philosophy underpins the Voice of Global South Summit?
- Answer: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
- Who was Dr. Ram Narain Agarwal?
- Answer: A prominent Indian scientist and the key figure behind India’s missile program.
- What was Dr. Ram Narain Agarwal affectionately known as?
- Answer: The ‘Father of Agni Missiles’.
- When did Dr. Ram Narain Agarwal pass away?
- Answer: On Thursday in Hyderabad at the age of 84.
- What significant contributions did Dr. Ram Narain Agarwal make?
- Answer: Revolutionary contributions to India’s defense capabilities.
- Whose death anniversary is observed on August 16th in India?
- Answer: Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- What roles did Atal Bihari Vajpayee play in India?
- Answer: A revered statesman, poet, and visionary leader.
- What position did Atal Bihari Vajpayee hold in India?
- Answer: The 10th Prime Minister of India.
- What is Atal Bihari Vajpayee celebrated for?
- Answer: His leadership and ability to unite diverse ideologies while championing democratic principles.
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