Current Affairs One - Liner : 25th & 26th August 2024

On August 21, 2024, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, launched the Bharat Zero Emission Trucking (ZET) Policy Advisory document. This policy aims to promote sustainable and eco-friendly trucking practices across India, focusing on reducing emissions and enhancing the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

The Union Cabinet approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy on August 24, 2024. This policy aims to boost biomanufacturing, promote a circular bioeconomy, and support green growth and job creation. It is expected to have significant positive impacts on the economy and environment.

Australia’s ‘right to disconnect’ law took effect on August 26, 2024 for businesses with 15 or more employees. For smaller businesses, it will be effective from August 26, 2025. This law allows employees to refuse out-of-hours contact from their employers unless it is deemed unreasonable.

On August 21, 2024, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released the “My Stamp” to commemorate the 165th Income Tax Day. This special stamp celebrates the long history and contributions of the Income Tax Department in India. The event highlighted the department’s role in nation-building and its ongoing efforts to improve tax administration.
The RBI study projects private capital expenditure (capex) to reach ₹2.45 trillion in FY25. This growth signals a positive economic outlook, potentially boosting job creation and productivity. Increased private investment can drive significant economic development across various sectors.
In July 2024, India’s engineering exports rose by 3.66% year-on-year, reaching $9.04 billion. This marks the third consecutive month of growth, driven by increased shipments of electrical machinery, automobile components, and construction machinery.

ICRA has projected India’s GDP growth to slow to 6% in Q1 FY25, marking a six-quarter low. This slowdown is due to reduced government capital expenditure and a decline in urban consumer demand. For the full fiscal year 2024-25, GDP growth is expected to be around 6.8%, down from 8.2% in the previous year.
Goldman Sachs has lowered India’s growth forecast for 2024 by 20 basis points, bringing it down to 6.7%. This revision is due to concerns over fiscal tightening and other economic factors. The adjustment reflects a cautious outlook on India’s economic growth.

Bandhan Bank’s new savings account, “Avni”, is tailored for women, offering benefits like free airport lounge access, personal accident insurance up to ₹10 lakh, and flexible balance requirements. It also includes free transactions, discounts on locker rentals and gold loan processing fees, and exclusive offers on various brands and health services.
Tata AIA Life launched the ‘Sampoorna Raksha Promise’ term insurance product on August 22, 2024. This new product offers comprehensive coverage options, ensuring financial security for policyholders and their families. It includes features like flexible premium payment terms and enhanced protection benefits.

Astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have developed a new method to study the sun’s magnetic fields using data from the Kodaikanal Tower Tunnel Telescope. This technique helps understand the magnetic field’s stratification at different solar atmosphere layers, shedding light on processes like coronal heating and solar wind.

The 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Round Table (ISMR) was held in Singapore on August 26, 2024. The theme of the conference was “Strengthening Strategic Partnership for a Resilient Future,”. Key ministers from both countries, including India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, discussed bilateral cooperation and new areas for collaboration. The conference aimed to review progress since the first ISMR in 2022 and identify new growth opportunities.

The Telangana government will establish the Young India Sports University next academic year. This university aims to prepare students for global sporting events like the Olympics and will feature modern sports infrastructure and collaborations with international coaches. It is part of the proposed ‘Fourth City’ development project.
India secured a silver medal at the Maruhaba Cup, part of the Asian Surfing Championships 2024, held in Thulusdhoo, Maldives, on August 25, 2024. This achievement highlights the growing talent and presence of Indian surfers on the international stage.
Neeraj Chopra delivered an impressive performance at the Lausanne Diamond League 2024, held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on August 21-22. He secured second place with a season-best throw of 89.49 meters, which is also his second-best career throw.
Lando Norris won the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25, 2024, at the Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands. The event is officially called the Dutch Grand Prix. This victory marks a significant achievement in Norris’s racing career.

Women’s Equality Day, celebrated on August 26 in the U.S., marks the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, granting women the right to vote. First observed in 1971, it highlights progress and ongoing efforts for gender equality. The 2024 theme, “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity,” underscores the importance of women’s empowerment in all life spheres to uplift society.
August 26 is the birth anniversary of Mother Teresa, born in 1910. She dedicated her life to serving the poor and founded the Missionaries of Charity. Her humanitarian work earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Mother Teresa’s legacy of compassion continues to inspire people worldwide.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan was on August 25 re-elected as the national president of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) for the next five years. The decision was taken unanimously during the LJP(RV) national executive meeting held in Ranchi.
Sanjeev Raina was appointed as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on August 22, 2024. This appointment is part of a series of high-level changes within the ITBP aimed at strengthening its leadership and operational capabilities.

Obituaries:

Daniela Larreal Chirinos, the renowned Venezuelan Olympic cyclist, passed away on August 15, 2024. She was discovered in her Las Vegas apartment following a welfare check requested by a friend. Her passing marks a significant loss in the world of cycling.

Questions:

1 What medal did India secure at the Maruhaba Cup in 2024?

2 When is Women’s Equality Day celebrated in the United States?