Daily Current Affairs August 2, 2024

Daily Current Affairs August 2, 2024

1. UPI Transaction Values in July 2024: In July, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transaction values exceeded ₹20 lakh crore for the third consecutive month, according to data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on August 1. The total transaction value reached ₹20.64 lakh crore, up from ₹20.07 lakh crore in June. Although the average daily transaction value declined slightly to ₹66,590 crore from ₹66,903 crore in the previous month, the average daily transaction volume increased to 465 million.
2. State Museum Conclave for Yuga Yugeen Bharat Museum: The GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) Division of the Union Ministry of Culture organized a significant three-day event in New Delhi from August 1-3, 2024. The ‘State Museum Conclave on the upcoming Yuga Yugeen Bharat Museum’ brings together key stakeholders to discuss the ambitious project of creating the world’s largest museum in the heart of the nation’s capital.
3. India’s Agricultural Exports in 2023: India maintained its position as the world’s eighth-largest exporter of agricultural products in 2023, despite a decline in exports from $55 billion in 2022 to $51 billion. Among the top ten exporting nations, only three countries—Brazil, the European Union (EU), and Thailand—increased their agricultural exports. Brazil saw a 6% increase to $157 billion, while the EU’s exports rose by 5% to $836 billion. The United States retained its second position despite a decrease to $198 billion, and China held the fourth spot with a minor drop to $95 billion. Other countries in the top ten include Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, and Australia.
4. July 2024 GST Collections in India: In July 2024, India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose by 10.3% to ₹1,82,075 crore, a significant increase from ₹1,65,105 crore in July 2023. This uptick reflects domestic solid consumption and economic resilience.
5. Withdrawal of ₹2,000 Banknotes in India: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that nearly 98% of ₹2,000 banknotes have been withdrawn from circulation as of July 31, 2024. The remaining ₹2,000 notes amount to ₹7,409 crore. The RBI will cease exchanging ₹2,000 notes on April 1, 2024, due to Annual Closing of Accounts but will resume on April 2, 2024, at designated RBI offices.
6. Creation of Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT): Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the establishment of the Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT), a state-level think tank modeled after the NITI Aayog. This move, discussed during the NITI Aayog governing council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a new chapter in Gujarat’s approach to policy formulation and implementation.
7. India-Vietnam Collaboration on National Maritime Heritage Complex: India and Vietnam have partnered to develop the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Hyderabad House in New Delhi reflects their deep maritime connections and aims to preserve and celebrate the shared maritime heritage of both nations.
8. Honoring Sundar Pichai and Anjali Pichai by IIT Kharagpur: Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and his wife Anjali Pichai were honored by their alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur.
9. India’s Impressive Rankings in Mineral Production: India has solidified its position as a global leader in mineral production. The country ranks as the second-largest aluminum producer, the third-largest lime producer, and the fourth-largest iron ore producer globally. These rankings underscore India’s significant contribution to the global mineral industry and highlight its growing importance.
10. WHO Donor Agreement for GTMC in Jamnagar, Gujarat: On July 31, 2024, a significant event occurred at the World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters in Geneva. The Ministry of Ayush, the Government of India, and the WHO signed a crucial Donor Agreement. This agreement outlines the financial terms for implementing the activities of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. The agreement involves an amount of US$ 85 million and spans a duration of ten years (2022-2032), aiming to support the operations of the GTMC.
11. Anshuman Gaekwad’s Passing – A Cricket Legend: On July 31, 2024, the cricket world mourned the loss of Anshuman Gaekwad, a highly respected figure. Gaekwad, a former Indian cricketer and coach, succumbed to blood cancer after a prolonged battle with the disease. His legacy as a player, coach, and administrator spans decades, marking the end of an era in Indian cricket.
12. Kashmir City Awarded World Craft City Certificate: In a grand ceremony held in Srinagar, the capital of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmir City received the prestigious Certificate of World Craft City from the World Crafts Council International. Notable personalities graced the event, including Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Sa’ad Hani Al-Qaddumi (President of the World Crafts Council). This recognition followed the World Crafts Council’s decision in June 2024 to include Kashmir in its World Craft City list.