Current Affairs Quiz 19th and 20th August 2024 Quiz

Exp. New AI platform will connect farmers and scientists over phone, aid in pest control

The Union Government has launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) that will help farmers to connect with agriculture scientists and experts on controlling pests using their phones.

NPSS aims to reduce the dependence of farmers on pesticide retailers, and inculcate a scientific approach among them towards pest management.

NPSS will analyse the latest data on pests using AI tools to help farmers and experts in pest control and management. NPSS will help about 14 crore farmers in the country. The Centre envisages connecting scientists with the fields using the platform.

Farmers can take photos of the infested crops or the insect using the NPSS platform and these will reach scientists and experts. This system cures the diseases at the proper time using technology. It will help in accurate diagnosis and accurate treatment. This will build confidence among farmers and production will also increase. It will save the soil too.

Exp. Jal Shakti Minister launched version 2.0 of ‘FloodWatch India’ app to enhance flood monitoring

Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Paatil unveiled version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile application, aimed at providing a more comprehensive and detailed overview of flood conditions across the country.

The upgraded app, developed by the Central Water Commission (CWC), builds on its first version launched last year. The initial version offered flood forecasts from 200 monitoring stations.

Version 2.0 significantly expands this scope, integrating real-time data from 592 flood monitoring stations across the country. This expansion aims to provide users with a more extensive and detailed flood condition overview.

Additionally, Version 2.0 introduces real-time information on the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs, offering insights into potential flood scenarios in downstream areas. Users can check flood conditions at the nearest monitoring station directly from the home page.

Exp. UP govt launched Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Yojana

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana’ to boost employment opportunities for the state’s youth.

The yojana was announced on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day celebration in the state capital, Lucknow.

About Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana

• Under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana, the state government will provide financial support to the state’s young entrepreneurs.
• Under the Yojana, the state government has set a target of establishing 10 lakh new MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in the state.
• The government hopes to create 50 lakh employment opportunities directly and indirectly through the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana.

About Uttar Pradesh

• Capital – Lucknow
• Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
• Governor – Anandiben Patel

Exp. PM Modi inaugurates 3rd Voice of Global South Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit.

The Summit is being held in a virtual format, and many leaders of the Global South are participating in the meeting.

Theme 2024 – An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future

The Voice of Global South is an Indian concept rooted in the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It provides a platform for the countries of the Global South to raise issues that are vital to them.

About Voice of Global South Summit

• India hosted the first Voice of Global South Summit in a virtual format from 2 to 13 January 2023. Following the summit’s success, India organised the second Voice of Global South Summit on 17 November 2023.
• Over 100 countries of the Global South participated in the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit.

PM Modi in News

• PM Modi unveils 1,500 crore Multiple Development Projects in J&K
• PM inaugurates 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav on occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti
• PM Modi has inaugurated 15 airport projects, including the revamped Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, worth over Rs.9,800 crore.
• PM Narendra Modi has launched the Mahtari Vandan Yojana in Chhattisgarh.
• PM Modi unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of ‘Ahom general’ Lachit Borphukan (Statue of Valour) in Assam’s Jorhat

Exp. RBL Bank launched Vijay Fixed Deposits to honor 78th Independence Day

RBL Bank has launched a special “Vijay Fixed Deposits” edition to commemorate India’s 78th year of independence.

For deposits below Rs 3 crore, the “Vijay Fixed Deposits” feature a special 500-day tenor.

This limited-period offer pays tribute to the courage and sacrifices of our brave soldiers while providing exceptional financial benefits.

The special fixed deposit plan offers competitive interest rates with 8.85% p.a. for super senior citizens, 8.60% p.a. for senior citizens, and 8.1% p.a. for regular customers, all tailored to guarantee your money grows safely.

With just two simple steps, you may book the Vijay Fixed Deposit and secure a deposit from the comfort of your home using the RBL Bank MoBank app, Or you can visit the nearest RBL Bank branch for personalised guidance.

Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector

• Axis Bank launches PRIMUS super-premium credit card with VISA
• PNB launches PNB ANTAH DRISHTI Braille Debit Card for visually impaired customers
• DBS Bank India launched “DBS Golden Circle,” a priority banking program for senior citizens.
• LIC launched LIC’s Yuva Term, LIC’s Digi Term, LIC’s Yuva Credit Life, LIC’s Digi Credit Life term life insurance plans for providing term insurance and safety net against loan repayments
• RBL Bank becomes first private sector lender to merge UPI and NCMC in RuPay credit cards

Exp. RBI imposes monetary penalties on Bank of Maharashtra

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1,27,20,000/- on Bank of Maharashtra for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Loan System for Delivery of Bank Credit’, ‘Cyber Security Framework in Banks’ and ‘Know Your Customer’.

The RBI has also imposed a monetary penalty of ₹4.90 lakh on Hinduja Leyland Finance Limited (the company) for non-compliance with certain provisions of the Reserve Bank of India (Know Your Customer (KYC)) Directions, 2016.

This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 58G read with clause (aa) of sub-section (5) of section 58B of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

RBI has also imposed a monetary penalty of ₹10.00 lakh On Poonawalla Fincorp Limited, Pune, Maharashtra (the company) for non-compliance with certain provisions of the ‘Non-Banking Financial Company – Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Company and Deposit taking Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016’ issued by RBI, relating to ‘Fair Practices Code for NBFCs’.

This penalty has been imposed in the exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 58 G read with clause (aa) of sub-section (5) of section 58 B of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

Recent Penalties imposed on Banks by RBI

• Muthoot Finance Limited (1.9 lakh) – for non-compliance with certain provision of KYC Directions, 2016’ issued by RBI.
• CSB Bank Limited (₹1.86 crore) – For violations, including paying commissions to employees for Non-Performing Assets’ recovery
• Union Bank of India (₹1.06 crore)- For non-compliance with RBI guidelines on creating a central repository for large exposures and KYC norms.
• Muthoot Housing Finance Company Limited (₹5 lakh) – For governance-related violations
• Nido Home Finance Limited (₹5 lakh) – For not ensuring that loan agreements under co-lending arrangements with banks

Exp. RBI appoints Sukumaran Nair as MD & CEO of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Salee Sukumaran Nair as the managing director and chief executive officer of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB), for a period of three years.

His last assignment was as deputy managing director and chief credit officer of State Bank of India, until May 2024, where he was responsible for managing the credit portfolio.

Nair, a postgraduate in applied electronics, started his banking career in 1987. He joined India’s largest public sector bank, State Bank of India, as a probationary officer.

In a career spanning more than 35 years, he has handled various assignments, mostly in the Corporate Accounts Group, managing large corporates.

Recent Appointment in Banking & Insurance Sector

• MD of SBI – Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh
• CEO of NPCI Bhim Services Ltd (NBSL) – Lalitha Nataraj
• MD & CEO of MCX – Praveena Rai’s
• Chairman of SBI – Challa Sreenivasulu Setty (replace Dinesh Khara)
• MD & CEO of Unity Small Finance Bank – Inderjit Camotra
• MD of National Housing Bank – Sanjay Shukla

Exp. Deutsche Bank appoints Manik Chhabra as head of global corp coverage for India, Sri Lanka

Deutsche Bank has appointed Manik Chhabra as its head of global corporate coverage for India and Sri Lanka.

Chhabra is moving to the German bank from US-based lender Citibank where he held many senior corporate banking roles over the last 22 years.

Within the role Chhabra will report to Chintan Shah, head of corporate coverage, and head of cash management sales APAC as well as Kaushik Shaparia, CEO of emerging Asia and chief country officer of India.

Chhabra will also become a member of the Deutsche Bank India Branch Management Board.

Exp. Maharashtra launched ’Ladki Bahin Yojana’ on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan

The Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government is set to officially launch the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

This initiative aims to provide ₹1500 every month to more than one crore women across the state.

The Maharashtra Chief minister will roll out the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme modelled on the lines of Madhya Pradesh’s ‘Ladli Behna Yojana.

About Maharashtra

• Capital – Mumbai
• Chief Minister – Eknath Sindhe
• Deputy Chief Minister – Devendra Fadnavis & Ajit Pawar
• Governor – Ramesh Bais

Exp. 70th National Film Awards winners announced

The winners of the 70th National Film Awards were declared August 16.

Honouring the best films and cinematic achievements of the year 2022, the awards were announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) at a presser in New Delhi.

Rahul Rawail was the Chairperson of the Feature Film Jury, Nila Madhab Panda was the Chairperson of the Non-Feature Film Jury and Gangadhar Mudalair was the Chairperson of the Best Writing on Cinema Jury.

Actor Rishab Shetty won the Best Actor award in a Feature Film for his scintillating performance in the Kannada folk action thriller, Kantara. The film, which was also directed by Rishab, was also named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

The Best Actress in a Feature Film award was a tie between Nithya Menen, for her performance in the Tamil comedy-drama Thiruchitrambalam, and Manasi Parekh for her Gujarati drama film, Kutch Express.

Feature Film Awards

Language-Specific Feature Film Awards

Non-Feature Film Awards

Exp. India & Israel join hands for new water technology centre at IIT Madras

India and Israel have joined hands for the establishment of a new water technology centre at IIT-Madras, which is expected to serve as a “key contributor” to India’s efforts to achieve sustainable water supply for all.

This tripartite agreement, signed by the Embassy of Israel, IIT Madras, and the AMRUT mission of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, reflects a shared commitment to address the critical challenges of water management in India.

The Center of Water Technology aims to become a hub for innovation, research, and capacity-building in water technologies, particularly focusing on sustainable solutions for urban water supply.

Recently India signed MoUs with others countries

• India and Maldives have renewed their MoU to bolster the training of Maldivian civil servants.
• India and New Zealand sign customs co-operation arrangement to ease trade between the two countries
• India and Vietnam team up to Preserve Maritime History with NMHC in Lothal
• India and Vietnam sign 9 agreements to deepen strategic partnership & enhance cooperation
• India, US Sign Cultural Property Agreement To Repatriate Stolen Indian Artifacts

Exp. India shines at the 17th International Earth Sciences Olympiad

The Indian student team has bagged multiple prestigious medals at the 17th edition of the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO) held in Beijing, China.

The four-member Indian team, comprising students from Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, achieved remarkable success by winning three gold medals, three bronze medals, and two silver medals across three competition categories: Theory and Practical, Earth System Project, and International Team Field Investigation.

This year’s 17th IESO saw participation from 35 countries, with 32 advancing to the finals. The competitions were held across four categories: Theory and Practical, Earth Science Project, International Team Field Investigation, and Data Mining.

About International Earth Science Olympiad

• The International Earth Science Olympiad stands out as one of the most successful student-centric initiatives under the REACHOUT (Research, Education, Training, and Outreach) scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Established in 2003 during the International Geoscience Education Organization Council Meeting in Calgary, Canada, the IESO is an annual competition for secondary school students worldwide. It aims to foster awareness of earth sciences through teamwork, collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and competition.
• India has been participating in the IESO since 2007 and had the honor of hosting the 10th edition in Mysore.

Exp. 19 July – World Photography Day

World Photography Day is observed every year on 19 August to raise awareness about the importance of photography.

Photography is an art form that allows us to freeze and keep moments forever. A single image can evoke a variety of emotions and feelings, which can be relived with a quick gaze.

The history of photography dates back to 1837 in France when two men named Joseph Nicephore Niepce and Louis Daguerre developed the first-ever photographic process or daguerreotype.

Following this, the invention was officially announced by the French Academy of Sciences on January 19, 1837. It is believed that the French government purchased the patent for the invention 10 days after the announcement was made. The government did not copyright the patent and gave it to the world as a gift.