Current Affairs One - Liner : 21st August 2024

On August 8, 2024, the Ambani family topped the 2024 Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses list. Additionally, Roshni Nadar of HCL Tech was recognized as the top woman leader. This highlights the significant influence and leadership of these prominent figures in India’s business landscape.

The UPSC cancelled advertisements for lateral entry into the bureaucracy following a directive from the Central government. This decision was influenced by concerns about fair representation for marginalized communities like SC, ST, and OBC. Lateral entry aims to bring in specialized knowledge from outside the traditional civil services.

On August 20, 2024, India and Malaysia elevated their Enhanced Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This move aims to deepen cooperation in various sectors, including trade, defense, and technology. The partnership reflects the growing importance of bilateral relations and mutual interests in regional stability and economic growth.
Croatia will reintroduce compulsory military service starting January 1, 2025, due to rising regional tensions. The service will last for two months, shifting from the volunteer-based system in place since 2008. This move aims to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.

On August 21, 2024, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) signed an MoU with the Department of Posts in New Delhi. This agreement enables postal employees to conduct physical verifications of PMEGP units across India, leveraging the extensive postal network. The initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities, especially in rural areas.
On August 16, 2024, Reliance Foundation signed an MoU with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in New Delhi. The collaboration aims to provide timely and accurate weather information to vulnerable communities, enhancing weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.

On August 16, 2024, Bayanat and Yahsat launched the UAE’s first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite in partnership with ICEYE. This satellite enhances Earth Observation capabilities with high-resolution imaging, regardless of weather or time. The launch aligns with the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030.

On August 20, 2024, Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched three online platforms to enhance India’s power sector efficiency. These include PROMPT for monitoring thermal power projects, DRIPS for disaster resource management, and JAL VIDYUT DPR for tracking hydroelectric projects. These platforms aim to improve project management, disaster response, and overall sector transparency.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana on August 20, 2024. This scheme provides a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 to women aged 25-50 years, benefiting around 48 lakh women. The first installment was transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts as a Raksha Bandhan gift.

Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka won the Cincinnati Open titles on August 19, 2024. The event, also known as the Western & Southern Open, is a prestigious tennis tournament held annually in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sinner and Sabalenka’s victories were significant highlights of the tournament.

Satya Prakash Sangwan has been appointed as the Chef de Mission for the Indian contingent at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. He will lead India’s largest-ever contingent of 84 para-athletes competing across 12 sports disciplines.
M Suresh was appointed as the Interim Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on August 21, 2024. This appointment comes as part of the ongoing leadership changes within the organization.
Parvathaneni Harish was appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations on August 14, 2024. He brings extensive diplomatic experience to this role, having previously served as India’s Ambassador to several countries. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen India’s presence and influence at the UN.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad won the Best Airport Award for the third consecutive year on August 20, 2024. This recognition highlights RGIA’s consistent excellence in service quality and passenger satisfaction.

Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar recently unveiled a book titled "Gandhian Statesman of Bihar: Nitish Kumar". The book, co-authored by Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary and his daughter, MP Shambhavi Choudhary, highlights the contributions of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to the state’s development. The event took place on August 18, 2024, in Patna.

General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of India, passed away in Chennai on August 19, 2024. He served as the COAS from 2000 to 2002 and was known for his strategic acumen and leadership during the Kargil conflict. His contributions to the Indian Army were highly regarded, and he was a respected figure in military circles.

Questions:

1 Which airport won the Best Airport Award for the third consecutive year on August 20, 2024?

2 Who are the co-authors of the book "Gandhian Statesman of Bihar: Nitish Kumar"?