Daily Current Affairs 31st Aug, 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 31st Aug, 2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 31st Aug, 2024. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 31st Aug, 2024 Current affairs test.
National News
Indian Army Initiates Project NAMAN: SPARSH-Enabled Service Centres Nationwide
- The Indian Army has embarked on the first phase of Project NAMAN, which aims to offer dedicated services and support to Defence pensioners, veterans, and their families.
- The initiative, launched by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi alongside the President of the Army Wives Welfare Association, Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, represents a significant advancement in the care and support system for the Defence community.
NHPC, SECI, Railtel, and SJVN Awarded Navratna Status
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has granted ‘Navratna’ status to four Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs): NHPC, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), Railtel Corporation of India (RCIL), and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN).
- This elevation brings the total number of Navratna CPSEs in India to 25.
- The Navratna status provides these entities with enhanced financial and operational autonomy.
Prime Minister Modi to Inaugurate Three Vande Bharat Trains Today
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off three new Vande Bharat trains at around 12:30 pm on August 31.
- These trains will offer the regions of Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka a world-class travel experience with enhanced speed and comfort, as per a government press release.
International News
INS Tabar Conducts Maritime Partnership Exercise with Spanish Navy Ship Atalaya
- The Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar, visited Malaga, Spain, on August 25, 2024, for a two-day engagement.
- Upon its departure on August 27, it participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Spanish Navy Ship Atalaya in the Mediterranean Sea.
- This exercise is a crucial step in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Spain, reflecting the growing bilateral relations in the maritime domain.
States News
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Inaugurates Sports University in Rajgir on National Sports Day
- On National Sports Day, Bihar made a significant stride in sports development with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurating a trio of advanced sports facilities in Rajgir.
- These include a sports academy, a sports complex, and a sports university, which are expected to revolutionize the athletic landscape in Bihar and potentially influence sports development across the country.
Appointments News
Dr. T.V. Somanathan Takes Over as Cabinet Secretary
- Dr. T.V. Somanathan, a senior IAS officer from the 1987 Tamil Nadu cadre, has assumed the position of Cabinet Secretary for the Government of India, succeeding Rajiv Gauba after his retirement.
- Dr. Somanathan brings extensive experience from his roles in both central and state governments, as well as from his international experience at the World Bank.
- He holds a Ph.D. in Economics and is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Company Secretary.
Banking News
RBI Imposes Penalties on UCO Bank and Cent Bank Home Finance Ltd
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties on two financial institutions for regulatory non-compliance.
- UCO Bank has been fined Rs 2.68 crore for violations related to the opening of current accounts, deposit interest rates, and fraud classification.
- Meanwhile, Cent Bank Home Finance Ltd has been penalized Rs 2.1 lakh for non-compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations.
- The RBI clarified that these penalties are related to regulatory issues and do not affect the validity of transactions or agreements between the banks and their customers.
Awards News
FICCI Honors Ayushmann Khurrana and Neeraj Chopra as Youth Icons of India
- At the recent FICCI Young Leaders Awards held in New Delhi, Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana and Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra were honored as Youth Icons of India.
- The awards recognize their exceptional contributions in their respective fields and their roles as inspiring figures for the youth.
Kerala Tourism Wins PATA Gold Award 2024 for ‘Holiday Heist’ Campaign
- Kerala Tourism has been recognized on the global stage by winning the prestigious Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award 2024.
- The award was given for the state’s innovative ‘Holiday Heist’ online contest, under the Digital Marketing Campaign category, further solidifying Kerala’s reputation as a leader in creative tourism promotion.
Defence News
Indian Air Force Launches Comic Book Series Celebrating Its Heroes
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched its first comic book series dedicated to celebrating the lives and heroic deeds of its personnel.
- This initiative, unveiled by Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, aims to inspire and educate the youth about the rich history of the IAF, fostering a sense of pride and patriotism.
Sports News
Mona Agarwal Wins First Paralympic Bronze Medal
- Mona Agarwal made history by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at the 2024 Paralympics on August 30.
- Her achievement is a testament to her resilience and determination, especially as she balanced her athletic aspirations with her responsibilities as a mother of two.
Important Days
International Day for People of African Descent 2024
- The International Day for People of African Descent, observed on August 31, marks an important milestone in recognizing the contributions and challenges faced by individuals of African descent worldwide.
- This day also comes as the International Decade for People of African Descent, an initiative by the United Nations General Assembly, approaches its conclusion, emphasizing the protection of the human rights of people of African descent, particularly in the Americas.
