Daily Current Affairs 22 August 2024

Stay updated with the most crucial national and international news, significant developments, and key events from August 22, 2024.

National News

Three New Online Platforms Launched to Enhance Power Sector Efficiency

On August 20, 2024, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar introduced three new online platforms—PROMPT, DRIPS, and JAL VIDYUT DPR—in New Delhi. Developed by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) under the Ministry of Power, with assistance from NTPC for the PROMPT platform, these platforms aim to improve efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness in the power sector.

Banking News

RBI Projects Private Capital Expenditure to Reach ₹2.45 Trillion in FY25

A study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) predicts a significant rise in private capital expenditure, estimating it will reach ₹2.45 trillion in FY25, up from ₹1.59 trillion in FY24. This increase is driven by strong investment intentions and a continued focus on infrastructure development.

NPCI Introduces ‘UPI Circle’ for Secure Payments Among Trusted Users

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a new feature called ‘UPI Circle’ on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform. This feature allows primary UPI account holders to securely delegate payment responsibilities to trusted secondary users, enhancing convenience and security in digital transactions.

Appointments News

Amardeep Singh Bhatia Appointed as DPIIT Secretary

Amardeep Singh Bhatia, a 1993-batch IAS officer from the Nagaland cadre, has taken on the role of Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). He replaces Rajesh Kumar Singh, who has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Defence. Bhatia brings extensive experience from key roles in both central and state governments, particularly in the Ministries of Corporate Affairs and Health & Family Welfare.

Rajesh Nambiar Named NASSCOM President-Designate, Succeeds Ghosh

Rajesh Nambiar has been appointed as the president-designate of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), succeeding Debjani Ghosh, whose term ends in November 2024. Nambiar has resigned from his position as Chairman and Managing Director of Cognizant India. His extensive industry experience, including leadership roles at TCS, IBM, Ciena, and Cognizant, will be instrumental in guiding India’s tech sector through its next phase of growth.

Agreements News

Indian Navy Signs MoU with BEML Ltd.

On August 20, 2024, the Indian Navy signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BEML Ltd., a leading defence and heavy engineering manufacturer. This strategic partnership, concluded at the Naval Headquarters in New Delhi, aims to strengthen indigenous marine engineering capabilities in line with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

KVIC & DoP Sign MoU for Physical Verification of PMEGP

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), signed an important MoU with the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, at KVIC’s Rajghat New Delhi office on August 20, 2024.

Business News

NCLT Approves Merger of Slice and North East Small Finance Bank

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has sanctioned the merger between Slice, a prominent fintech firm in India, and North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB). This merger, approved by the NCLT’s Guwahati bench, represents a major advancement in promoting financial inclusion in India by integrating Slice’s digital capabilities with NESFB’s local banking services. The merger received the green light after obtaining approvals from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and other key regulatory authorities.

Zomato Acquires Paytm’s Entertainment and Ticketing Business

Zomato has recently finalized the acquisition of Paytm’s entertainment and ticketing division for ₹2,048 crore in a cash transaction. This acquisition signifies Zomato’s expansion into the broader lifestyle services market, encompassing dining, movies, sports ticketing, live performances, shopping, and staycations. Concurrently, Paytm plans to concentrate on its core financial services.

Awards News

National Geoscience Awards 2023: Celebrating Excellence in Earth Sciences

President Droupadi Murmu led a prestigious ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi to present the 2023 National Geoscience Awards to distinguished individuals and teams in the field of geosciences. The event’s highlight was the Lifetime Achievement Award given to Prof. Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee, Emeritus Scientist at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA).

Union Minister Giriraj Singh Presents Handicrafts Export Awards

The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) hosted its 24th Handicrafts Export Awards Function on August 21 at the Convention Hall, The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi. Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh emphasized the crucial role of the handicrafts sector in the growth of the Indian economy.

President Murmu Presents First-Ever Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the inaugural ceremony for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (National Science Awards). These awards, established last year to replace all previous science accolades, signify a new era in recognizing scientific excellence in India.

Important Days

International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief 2024

The General Assembly, through resolution A/RES/73/296, designated August 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. This day underscores the importance of providing appropriate support and assistance to victims and their families in accordance with applicable laws. Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right that intersects with several other essential freedoms, contributing to a just and tolerant society.

Sports News

Germany Captain Ilkay Gundogan Announces Retirement from International Football

Ilkay Gundogan, the 33-year-old captain of the German national football team, has officially announced his retirement from international football. This decision follows Germany’s performance at Euro 2024, where Gundogan led the team to the quarterfinals before losing to the eventual champions, Spain, in extra time.

Obituaries News

Former CSIR Director-General Girish Sahni Passes Away at 68

Dr. Girish Sahni, the former director-general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), passed away on August 19, 2024, at the age of 68. According to sources, the cause of death was a heart attack. CSIR expressed its condolences through a post on X (formerly Twitter) at 5:40 pm on the same day.