Daily Current Affairs, 31st August 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)
Stay informed about the most significant developments, key events, and national and international news of August 31, 2024, by reading the most significant current affairs.
National News
The Indian Army has initiated Project NAMAN, which will establish SPARSH-enabled service centers throughout the country.
The initial phase of Project NAMAN has been initiated by the Indian Army with the objective of offering dedicated support and services to veterans, pensioners, and their families. The initiative, which was inaugurated by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and the President of the Army Wives Welfare Association, Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, is a substantial stride toward the improvement of the care and support provided to the Defence community.
NHPC, SECI, Railtel, and SJVN Achieve Navratna Status
Four Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) were accorded ‘Navratna’ status by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: NHPC, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), Railtel Corporation of India (RCIL), and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN). This increases the total number of Navratna CPSEs in India to 25. These entities enjoy enhanced financial and operational autonomy as a result of their Navratna status.
Today, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate three Vande Bharat trains.
On August 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate three new Vande Bharat trains at approximately 12:30 p.m. In a press release, the government stated that the new Vande Bharat trains will offer the people of the region a world-class mode of transportation that is both fast and comfortable. The trains will be available in three states: Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
International News INS Tabar Participates in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with the Spanish Navy Ship Atalaya
On August 25, 2024, the Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar, conducted a two-day engagement in Malaga, Spain. It engaged in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Spanish Navy Ship Atalaya in the Mediterranean Sea after departing on 27 August. This exercise is a significant milestone in the expanding maritime cooperation between India and Spain, which is indicative of the bolstering of bilateral relations in the maritime sector.
States News
Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, inaugurates the Sports University in Rajgir on National Sports Day.
Bihar made a substantial stride in its dedication to the advancement of sports during National Sports Day. A new chapter in the state’s sporting history was marked by the inauguration of a triumvirate of state-of-the-art facilities in Rajgir by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. These facilities, which include a sports academy, a sports complex, and a sports university, are poised to transform the athletic landscape of Bihar and potentially impact the development of sports throughout India.
Appointments News Dr. T.V. Somanathan Assumes the Role of Cabinet Secretary
Following Rajiv Gauba’s retirement, Dr. T.V. Somanathan, a senior IAS officer from the 1987 Tamil Nadu cadre, has been appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for the Government of India. Dr. Somanathan has a wealth of experience from both central and state government positions, as well as international duties, most notably at the World Bank. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Company Secretary, and he holds a Ph.D. in Economics.
Banking News
RBI Imposes Penalties on Cent Bank Home Finance Ltd. and UCO Bank
Two financial entities have been penalized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for regulatory noncompliance. UCO Bank has been fined Rs 2.68 crore for violating provisions regarding the classification of fraud, deposit interest rates, and the opening of current accounts. In the interim, Cent Bank Home Finance Ltd is subject to a penalty of Rs 2.1 lakh for failing to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clarified that these penalties are imposed to address regulatory compliance issues and do not affect the validity of transactions or agreements between banks and their customers.
News Regarding Awards
FICCI honors Neeraj Chopra and Ayushmann Khurrana as Youth Icons of India
A diverse array of talented individuals from various disciplines was recently assembled in New Delhi for the prestigious Young Leaders Awards, which were organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
Two exceptional individuals were honored with the esteemed FICCI Young Leaders Youth Icon award at the ceremony:
Ayushmann Khurrana: Bollywood sensation and versatile actor
Neeraj Chopra: Olympic gold medalist in the javelin throw
Kerala Tourism Secures the PATA Gold Award for 2024 for its Innovative “Holiday Heist” Campaign
Kerala Tourism has once again established India as a global tourism destination by winning the esteemed Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award 2024, a significant accomplishment for Indian tourism. The state of Kerala has been further solidified as a leader in the inventive promotion of tourism with the recognition of its innovative online contest, ‘Holiday Heist’, in the Digital Marketing Campaign category.
Defense News
The Indian Air Force has initiated its inaugural comic book series, which honors its heroes.
The first comic book in a series dedicated to IAF heroes has been launched by Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari in a groundbreaking initiative to inspire and educate the youth about the rich history and heroic exploits of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF’s endeavors to establish a connection with younger generations and cultivate a sense of pride and responsibility toward the nation are significantly advanced by this innovative storytelling approach.
Sports News
Mona Agrawal Secured Her First Paralympic Bronze Medal
On August 30, 2024, Mona Agarwal earned a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at the 2024 Paralympics, cementing her place in history. Her ascent to the podium was not solely a demonstration of her athletic prowess; it was also a testament to her fortitude as a mother of two. Prior to the competition, she encountered numerous obstacles, including the challenge of reconciling her obligations as a mother with her aspirations as an athlete.
Significant Dates International Day of People of African Descent 2024
The International Day of People of African Descent The global recognition of the contributions and challenges encountered by individuals of African descent worldwide is marked by the observation of a significant milestone on August 31st. As we observe this day, we also approach the conclusion of the International Decade for People of African Descent, an initiative initiated by the United Nations General Assembly to protect the human rights of individuals of African descent, particularly in the Americas.
Daily Current Affairs, 31st August 2024-MCQ
1. What is the objective of Project NAMAN initiated by the Indian Army?
Dedicated support and services to veterans, pensioners, and their families.
2. How many Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in India have been accorded ‘Navratna’ status after the latest announcement?
25.
3. Which three states will have new Vande Bharat trains inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi?
Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
4. With which country did INS Tabar conduct a Maritime Partnership Exercise on August 25, 2024?
Spain.
5. What facilities were inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Bihar on National Sports Day?
A sports academy, a sports complex, and a sports university.
6. Who was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for the Government of India following Rajiv Gauba’s retirement?
Dr. T.V. Somanathan.
7. What penalties did the Reserve Bank of India impose on UCO Bank?
Rs 2.68 crore for regulatory noncompliance.
8. Who were honored as Youth Icons of India by FICCI?
Neeraj Chopra and Ayushmann Khurrana.
9. What award did Kerala Tourism win for its “Holiday Heist” campaign?
PATA Gold Award 2024.
10. What initiative did the Indian Air Force launch to honor its heroes?
Inauguration of its first comic book series.
11. Which athlete won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics on August 30, 2024?
Mona Agrawal.
12. What significant date is observed on August 31st related to the contributions of people of African descent?
International Day of People of African Descent.
