Current Affairs One - Liner : 31st August 2024

• National:
• India has handed over the first payment for hybrid power projects on three Sri Lankan islands near Jaffna. This initiative, part of an $11 million grant, aims to install renewable energy systems on Delft, Nainativu, and Analaitivu islands. The project is expected to be completed by early March 2025.

• The Uttar Pradesh government plans to develop a new industrial city between Jhansi and Kanpur, spanning about 36,000 acres. This project aims to boost industrial growth, create jobs, and include infrastructure like an airport to attract investors.
• For the 2024-25 academic year, the Central government has reserved four MBBS seats for families affected by terrorism. These seats are allocated to the spouses and children of civilian victims of terrorist activities. The seats are distributed across three medical institutions: AN Magadh Medical College in Gaya, Grant Medical College in Mumbai, and Pt. JNM Medical College in Raipur (which has two seats).
• On August 30, 2024, the Ministry of Labour and Employment announced the inclusion of marginalised workers under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing scheme. This initiative aims to provide housing benefits to economically vulnerable groups such as migrant workers, building workers, and other unorganised workers.
• Under the National One Health Mission, a mock drill called “Virus Yudh Abhyas” was conducted in Ajmer, Rajasthan, from August 27 to 31, 2024. This exercise aimed to test the preparedness of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) for zoonotic disease outbreaks.
• MoUs:
• The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) aims to enhance regional security cooperation among India, Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka. Its primary objectives include ensuring maritime security, countering terrorism, addressing human and drug trafficking, improving cybersecurity, and coordinating disaster management efforts. The Charter and MoU for the CSC Secretariat were signed on August 30, 2024, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• On August 30, 2024, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed an MoU with Visa in New Delhi. The aim is to upskill 20,000 Indian youths in tourism-related skills over the next three years. This initiative seeks to enhance employability, improve service quality in the tourism sector, and support economic growth.
• On August 30, 2024, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and Survey of India (SoI) signed an MoU in New Delhi to use drones for monitoring land encroachments in Delhi. This initiative aims to enhance accuracy in identifying encroachments, improve efficiency in land management, facilitate better urban planning, and ensure transparency in land records.
• The Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United World Wrestling (UWW) on August 27, 2024, at the IIS campus in Bellary, Karnataka. This partnership aims to boost wrestling in India by enhancing training programs, developing coaching skills, identifying young talent, and providing international exposure for Indian wrestlers.
• Committees:
• The Pacific Islands Forum’s annual meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni of Tonga, was held in Nuku’alofa starting on August 26, 2024. Attended by over 1,500 delegates from around 40 countries, the meeting focused on climate change, sustainable economic development, regional stability, and improving health and education services. These discussions aim to shape future policies and collaborative efforts in the Pacific region.
• The 2nd Meeting of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on Emergency Management took place on August 28, 2024, in Moscow. Led by India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, the meeting resulted in a working plan for 2025-2026. Key areas of focus include space monitoring technologies, disaster response experience exchange, and training of fire and rescue specialists.
• SEBI has set up a 22-member advisory committee, chaired by former RBI deputy governor R Gandhi, to streamline listing obligations and disclosures. The committee includes representatives from various sectors and aims to enhance corporate governance and transparency in the market.
• Sports:
• Bangladesh achieved a historic victory in the SAFF U-20 Championship on August 28, 2024, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India. They won their first-ever title by defeating Nepal 4-1 in the final. This victory marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh in youth football.
• Important Days:
• The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2024 is observed on August 30 with the theme “Voices for Justice: Ending Enforced Disappearances”. This day raises awareness about enforced disappearances, amplifies the voices of victims and their families, and calls for urgent action to prevent such incidents.
• Hari Merdeka, celebrated on 31 August, marks Malaysia’s independence from British rule in 1957. The theme for 2024 is “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan” (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hopes). This year’s celebrations in Putrajaya featured parades, cultural performances, and traditional attire, emphasizing national pride and unity.
• Appointments:
• IAS Officer Amrit Lal Meena was appointed as the Chief Secretary of Bihar on August 31, 2024. His appointment marks a significant administrative change in the state. Meena brings extensive experience to the role. This move is expected to impact Bihar’s governance positively.
• Dr. T.V. Somanathan took charge as India’s Cabinet Secretary on August 30, 2024, succeeding Rajiv Gauba. An IAS officer from the 1987 batch, Tamil Nadu cadre, he has a Ph.D. in Economics and has held key positions in both central and state governments, as well as at the World Bank.
• The Government of India appointed Satish Kumar Vaduguri as the interim Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and Rajneesh Narang as the interim Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) on August 28, 2024. They will both start their roles on September 1, 2024.
• On August 29, 2024, SEBI approved the re-appointment of Nehal Vora as the MD & CEO of CDSL. This decision ensures continuity in leadership at CDSL, which plays a crucial role in India’s securities market infrastructure.
• Awards & Honours:
• On August 30, 2024, Ayushmann Khurrana and Neeraj Chopra were honored as Youth Icons of India by FICCI. This recognition celebrates their significant contributions and influence in their respective fields. Ayushmann is renowned for his impactful roles in cinema, while Neeraj is celebrated for his achievements in athletics, particularly his Olympic gold medal in javelin throw.
• Kerala Tourism received the PATA Gold Award 2024 for its innovative ‘Holiday Heist’ campaign on August 28, 2024. This campaign was recognized for its creativity and effectiveness in promoting tourism in Kerala. The award highlights Kerala’s commitment to innovative marketing strategies in the tourism sector.
• Books:
• Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari launched the first comic book in the “Heroes of the Indian Air Force” series on August 28, 2024, at Vayu Bhawan in New Delhi. The comic book, developed by the National Film Development Corporation and Rogue Communications, aims to inspire young readers by showcasing the bravery and heroism of IAF personnel.
• "Mountain Mammals of the World" by M.K. Ranjitsinh is a comprehensive guide to the larger mammals inhabiting global mountain ranges. Published on August 30, 2024, the book features 62 species and 78 subspecies, along with photographs and maps.
• Obituaries:
• Kiingi Tuheitia, New Zealand’s Māori King, passed away on August 30, 2024, at the age of 69. He had recently marked the 18th anniversary of his coronation. His passing marks a significant moment for the Māori community and the broader New Zealand society.

1 Which tourism organization received the PATA Gold Award 2024 for the 'Holiday Heist' campaign?

• A) Rajasthan Tourism
• B) Kerala Tourism
• C) Goa Tourism
• D) Maharashtra Tourism

Answer: B) Kerala Tourism received the PATA Gold Award 2024 for its innovative 'Holiday Heist' campaign, recognizing its creative and effective approach to promoting tourism.

2 Who succeeded Rajiv Gauba as India's Cabinet Secretary on August 30, 2024?

• A) Dr. T.V. Somanathan
• B) Ajay Kumar Bhalla
• C) Subhash Chandra Garg
• D) Rajiv Kumar

Answer: A) Dr. T.V. Somanathan, an IAS officer of the 1987 batch (Tamil Nadu cadre), took charge as India's Cabinet Secretary on August 30, 2024, succeeding Rajiv Gauba.