Current Affairs One - Liner : 17th August 2024

National:

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has approved a 20% premium on the regulated price for natural gas from new wells by ONGC and OIL. This aims to boost production and make new gas projects viable, aligning with India’s goal to increase natural gas’s share in its energy mix to 15% by 2030.

Current Affairs One - Liner : 17th August 2024

Odisha has introduced a one-day menstrual leave policy for working women in both public and private sectors, becoming the third state in India to do so after Kerala and Bihar. This policy allows women to take leave on the first or second day of their menstrual cycle, aiming to support their health and well-being.
Including Ayush in Ayushman Bharat expands healthcare options, recognizes traditional medicine's value, improves accessibility and affordability, and aligns with a holistic approach to well-being.

Banking:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties totaling ₹1.73 crore on five financial entities for regulatory violations. CSB Bank and Union Bank of India were each fined ₹1 crore, while Muthoot Housing Finance was fined ₹10 lakh. The penalties were due to deficiencies in risk management and non-compliance with KYC norms.
ICICI Lombard has indeed entered into seven new bancassurance partnerships. These partnerships are with Aye Finance, Bandhan Bank, Karnataka Bank, Muthoot Mini, Nivara Home Finance Pvt Ltd, NSDL Payment Bank, and The Andhra Pradesh State Co-operative Bank. This move is expected to expand ICICI Lombard’s distribution network, making insurance more accessible to customers across the country.

Economy:

India’s wholesale price inflation, measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), declined to 2.04% in July 2024, down from 3.36% in June 2024. This marks a significant drop and is part of a broader trend of easing inflationary pressures in the country.
The National Coal Index (NCI) declined by 3.48% in June 2024, as reported on August 16, 2024. This decline reflects changes in the pricing of coal, which can impact various sectors dependent on coal for energy and production.

MoUs:

The MoU between the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) and the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA), signed on August 13, 2024, in New Delhi, aims to boost Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) exports of steel products. It focuses on enhancing export competitiveness, facilitating market access, building capacity, and promoting innovation and technology adoption among MSMEs in the steel sector.
The MoU signed between the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA)on August 14, 2024, in Faridabad aims to augment the city’s water supply through sustainable groundwater development in the Yamuna floodplains. The project focuses on increasing water availability, ensuring environmentally sustainable extraction, utilizing the floodplains’ natural recharge potential, and creating a long-term water management framework.
India's CAG and Uzbekistan's Chamber of Accounts signed an MoU on August 14, 2024, in Tashkent. This collaboration aims to enhance auditing practices in Uzbekistan, promote accountability, and exchange expertise between the two countries.

Apps & Portals:

The Government of India launched the Geospatial Decision Support System for Agriculture (Krishi-DSS) on August 16, 2024. This platform aims to provide farmers with real-time data on weather patterns, soil conditions, crop health, and more, helping to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Defence:

On August 13, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the indigenous Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM) in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This test marks a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities, showcasing the country’s advancements in indigenous missile technology.
On August 13, 2024, Boeing and AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) announced their partnership to support the Indian Navy’s P-8I fleet. This collaboration aims to enhance the operational readiness and maintenance of the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, which are crucial for India’s maritime security.

Important Days:

August 17th is Indonesian Independence Day, commemorating Indonesia’s declaration of independence from Dutch rule in 1945. The day features flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, and community events, celebrating national pride and unity.
Gabon celebrates its Independence Day on August 17th each year. This day marks Gabon’s independence from France in 1960. It’s a significant national holiday in Gabon, celebrated with various events, including parades, cultural performances, and public speeches.
Afghanistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 19th each year. This day marks the signing of the Anglo-Afghan Treaty in 1919, which granted Afghanistan full independence from British influence. The day is observed with various celebrations, including speeches, poems, and sports events.

Appointments:

Govind Mohan has been appointed as the new Union Home Secretary, taking over from Ajay Kumar Bhalla. His appointment is effective from August 22, 2024. This change marks a significant shift in the leadership of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Reserve Bank of India approved Salee Sukumaran Nair as the MD & CEO of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank on August 16, 2024. This appointment marks a significant leadership change for the bank.

Questions:

1 On August 16, 2024, who was approved by the Reserve Bank of India as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank?

A) Salee Sukumaran Nair
B) Ravi Agrawal
C) Arun Bansal
D) K P Sharma Oli

2 What is the primary goal of the MoU between the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) and the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA)?