Current Affairs One - Liner : 30th August 2024

Indian Railways has integrated DigiLocker with its recruitment portal to streamline the hiring process, reducing recruitment time from 18-24 months to under six months. This integration simplifies document verification and minimizes fake document submissions, making the process more efficient and transparent.

ReNew and Microsoft signed a 437.6 MW clean power sale agreement on August 27, 2024. This partnership aims to support Microsoft’s sustainability goals by providing renewable energy from ReNew’s wind and solar projects. The agreement is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy initiatives.
The Indian government launched the Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme to empower retired athletes by enhancing their employability. Targeting athletes aged 20-50, the programme offers hybrid learning with online courses and on-ground training. The Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) leads this initiative.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the state’s first Sports Academy and Sports University in Rajgir on August 29, 2024, aligning with National Sports Day. This initiative aims to promote sports education and training in the region.

The finance ministry has reduced the minimum public float requirement from 25% to 10% for companies listing on international exchanges within the IFSC at GIFT City. This change aims to help Indian startups and tech companies access global capital markets more easily. It aligns Indian regulations with global standards and encourages more companies to list internationally.
Fitch Ratings has maintained India’s sovereign rating at BBB- with a stable outlook. This reflects India’s strong medium-term growth prospects, improved fiscal credibility, and solid external finances. Despite high deficits and debt levels, India is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with GDP growth forecasted at 7.2% for FY 2024-25.
Capitalmind Financial Services received SEBI’s in-principle approval to launch a new mutual fund on August 26, 2024. This approval marks a significant milestone for Capitalmind as it expands its financial product offerings. The new mutual fund aims to provide investors with more diversified investment options.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.25 lakh on Valsad Mahila Nagrik Sahakari Bank Ltd. on August 14, 2024. The penalty was due to non-compliance with certain regulatory requirements.

On August 29, 2024, Moody’s Ratings raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY24 to 7.2%. This upward revision reflects stronger-than-expected economic activity and resilience in the face of global challenges. The improved outlook is driven by robust domestic demand and favorable government policies.

ESAF Small Finance Bank launched the INORI RuPay Platinum Credit Card on August 29, 2024. This card, developed with NPCI, offers benefits like cashback on transactions and insurance coverage up to ₹2 lakh. It also provides global acceptance, making it usable at millions of locations worldwide.

The Ministry of Science & Technology has developed a new composite membrane called the Mixed Matrix Membrane (MMM). This membrane detects ammonia and aliphatic amine leaks by changing color upon exposure, enhancing safety in laboratories and industries. The research was led by Dr. Monika Singh at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) in Mohali.

The ASSOCHAM Environment and Carbon Conference 2024, inaugurated by Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh on August 30, 2024, in New Delhi, focuses on the theme “Sustainable Development and Carbon Management: Pathways to a Greener Future.” The conference aims to address environmental challenges, promote sustainable practices, and explore innovative strategies for carbon management.

India has placed a new order for 73,000 SIG Sauer SIG-716 assault rifles from the US, valued at around ₹837 crore. This procurement aims to enhance the capabilities of troops along the borders with China and Pakistan. The SIG-716 rifles have an effective range of 500 meters and are part of India’s ongoing military modernization efforts.
Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenously built pollution control vessel, was launched by Goa Shipyard Limited on August 29, 2024. This vessel is designed to combat marine pollution and enhance India’s maritime environmental protection capabilities. It features advanced pollution response equipment and is a significant step towards safeguarding India’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

National Small Industry Day is celebrated in India on August 30 to recognize the significant contributions of small-scale industries to the economy. This day, established in 2001, highlights their role in employment generation and innovation. It aims to promote and support small industries through various initiatives and policies.
The International Day Against Nuclear Tests 2024 was observed on August 29 with the theme “Promoting Peace and Security through Nuclear Disarmament”. This day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear testing and promote global efforts towards a nuclear-weapon-free world. Various events, including symposia and media broadcasts, were held to emphasize the importance of ending nuclear tests.

On August 28, 2024, V. Srinivas, Secretary of the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), conferred the Anubhav Awards and Jury Certificates. The ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where 5 Anubhav Awards and 10 Jury Certificates were presented to personnel from nine different ministries.

Questions:

1 What was Moody’s revised GDP growth forecast for India in FY24, as of August 29, 2024?

2 When is the International Day Against Nuclear Tests observed?