Current Affairs One - Liner : 6th August 2024

The government has extended the deadline for central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) to meet the minimum public shareholding (MPS) norms until August 2, 2026. This extension gives CPSEs more time to comply with SEBI regulations by increasing their public shareholding to at least 25%.

The Karnataka government formed the “Western Ghat Forest Encroachment Clearing Task Force” on August 4, 2024. This task force aims to remove illegal structures and encroachments in the Western Ghats and other forested regions.
On August 5, 2024, a Moon crater was named after Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest. This honor celebrates her remarkable achievements and lasting legacy in mountaineering.
On August 4, 2024, the Ministry of Textiles empowered ginners to produce the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand. This initiative aims to enhance the traceability, certification, and branding of Indian cotton using QR-based certification and blockchain technology. It is promoted both nationally and internationally to position Indian cotton on the global map.

Thomas Cook India launched the RuPay Forex Card for the UAE on August 1, 2024. This card, in partnership with NPCI, offers benefits like free ATM withdrawals, complimentary insurance, and lounge access at Indian international airports. It aims to enhance the travel experience for Indian tourists heading to the UAE.

On August 4, 2024, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy presented a tax-free budget of ₹12,700 crore for FY 2024-25. The budget focuses on committed expenditures like salaries and pensions, welfare schemes including scholarships and LPG subsidies, and infrastructure development in villages. It aims to balance fiscal responsibility with social welfare and development initiatives.

ISRO has selected Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. Scheduled for November 2024, Shukla will serve as the mission pilot, with Nair as the backup pilot. They will join an international team, including NASA’s Peggy Whitson as the commander. This mission aims to advance scientific research and technology demonstration in space.

The Indian Air Force has given clearance to Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the production of 200 Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missiles. These missiles have been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be integrated with the Su-30 and LCA Tejas fighter jets.
On August 5, 2024, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge, received a perpetual licence from the DPIIT to manufacture various defence products at its Jejuri unit in Maharashtra. This licence is part of Bharat Forge’s strategy to consolidate its defence vertical under KSSL and expand its capabilities in the defence sector.
The 14th Defence Policy Dialogue between Vietnam and India was held in New Delhi on August 1, 2024. Co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, the dialogue focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, including cyber security and military medicine. They also signed a Letter of Intent to boost training exchanges, strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Hiroshima Day is observed on August 6th each year to commemorate the tragic atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945. On this day, an American B-29 bomber dropped the world’s first deployed atomic bomb over Hiroshima, resulting in the immediate deaths of approximately 80,000 people, with tens of thousands more succumbing to radiation exposure later.
National Bone and Joint Day 2024, observed on August 4th, focuses on the theme “Healthy Joints, Active Life”. It aims to raise awareness about preventing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal conditions. Key points include understanding causes like arthritis and injuries, recognizing symptoms such as pain and stiffness, and exploring treatments like medications and physical therapy.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country amid escalating protests and violence. She has been in power for 15 years, and her resignation followed weeks of deadly protests that resulted in significant unrest. Sheikh Hasina and her sister have taken refuge in India.

On 6th August 2024, President Droupadi Murmu was recently conferred with the Companion of the Order of Fiji, which is the highest civilian award in Fiji. This honor was bestowed upon her by Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, during her visit to the country

On August 5, 2024, Piyush Goyal launched the book “India@100: Envisioning Tomorrow’s Economic Powerhouse” by Prof. K V Subramanian. The book envisions India becoming a $55 trillion economy by 2047, focusing on sustained 8% annual growth through macroeconomic stability, social inclusion, ethical wealth creation, and strategic investments.

Questions:

1 Who is the author of “India@100: Envisioning Tomorrow’s Economic Powerhouse”?

2 Which organization partnered with Thomas Cook India to launch the RuPay Forex Card?