Current Affairs One - Liner : 9th August 2024

Nag Panchami is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravana (July/August). This year, it fell on August 9th. The festival is dedicated to the worship of snakes, which are considered sacred in Hindu mythology.

The Indian government has waived the requirement for local clinical trials for several drugs already approved by major international regulatory authorities. This aims to expedite the availability of life-saving medications, making them more accessible and affordable for Indian patients.
The Andhra Pradesh government has abolished the two-child policy for individuals contesting local body elections. This policy, in place since 1994, barred candidates with more than two children from participating. The change aims to address the state’s low fertility rate and evolving socio-economic needs.
The Chhattisgarh government has approved the creation of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, which will be India’s third-largest tiger reserve. This new reserve spans 2,829 square kilometers and integrates the existing Guru Ghasidas National Park with the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary.

L&T Finance Ltd. received the certificate of registration as a Non-Banking Financial Company - Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on August 2, 2024. This change follows the company’s merger with its wholly owned subsidiaries, including L&T Infra Credit Ltd. and L&T Mutual Fund Trustee Ltd.
Capital Small Finance Bank (CSFB) and Edelweiss Life Insurance have entered into a bancassurance partnership. This collaboration allows CSFB’s customers to access a range of life insurance products from Edelweiss Life Insurance. The partnership aims to enhance financial security for customers and strengthen CSFB’s offerings by leveraging Edelweiss Life’s digital platform and services.
DBS Bank India has launched the ‘DBS Golden Circle’ program for senior citizens aged 60 and above. This initiative offers up to 7% interest on savings accounts and an additional 0.50% on fixed deposits. It includes cyber insurance coverage up to INR 1,00,000 and flexible interest payout options. There are no penalties for premature withdrawals on fixed deposits over one year.

A new flowering plant species, Ceropegia shivrayiana, was discovered at Vishalgad Fort in Maharashtra on August 5, 2024. Named in honor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this plant highlights the region’s rich biodiversity.

The World Development Report 2024 by the World Bank, released on August 8, 2024, projects that India may take up to 75 years to reach one-quarter of the US per capita GDP. The report highlights challenges like aging populations, increasing debt, and geopolitical tensions that middle-income countries face in achieving high-income status.

On 7th August 2024, IIT Indore and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) collaborated to develop innovative shoes that harness energy from human motion and provide real-time GPS tracking. These shoes use Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology to generate electricity with every step, storing it in the soles to power small electronic devices.

The Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942, was a crucial step in India’s fight for independence from British rule. Marked by the slogan “Do or Die,” it inspired widespread protests and civil disobedience across the country. This movement is celebrated annually as Quit India Movement Day to honor the bravery and unity of the Indian people in their quest for freedom.
Nagasaki Day is observed annually on August 9th to commemorate the atomic bombing of Nagasaki by the United States during World War II. This tragic event occurred in 1945, just three days after the bombing of Hiroshima. The bombing of Nagasaki resulted in the deaths of over 70,000 people and contributed to Japan’s decision to surrender, effectively ending World War II.
August 9th is celebrated as National Book Lovers Day, a special day for bibliophiles to indulge in their love for reading. It’s a perfect time to set aside distractions and dive into a favorite book or explore a new one. Whether you enjoy fiction, non-fiction, or any other genre, this day is all about celebrating the joy of reading.

SEBI on August 8, 2024, approved the appointment of Praveena Rai as the new MD & CEO of MCX. Rai, previously the COO of NPCI, brings extensive banking and payments experience to her new role. Her appointment is subject to offer acceptance and shareholder approval.
Tan Su Shan has been appointed as the first female CEO of DBS Group. She will take over from Piyush Gupta, who has led the bank for 15 years, when he retires in March 2025. Tan Su Shan is currently the head of DBS’ institutional banking group and has been with the bank since 2010.
Harish Dudani has been appointed as a Member of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) as of August 6, 2024. The CERC, established under the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998 and governed by the Electricity Act, 2003, plays a crucial role in regulating India’s electricity industry.
On 7th August 2024, Tunisian President Kais Saied appointed Kamel Madouri as the new Prime Minister, replacing Ahmed Hachani. This change comes as part of a series of political shifts in Tunisia, with Madouri previously serving as the Minister of Social Affairs.

Questions:

1 Who has been approved by SEBI as the new MD & CEO of MCX on August 8, 2024?

2 When was the Quit India Movement launched?