Current Affairs - August 13, 2024 Current Affairs

The 'One India-One Ticket' initiative, launched by Indian Railways and NCRTC, aims to simplify the travel experience for passengers using both mainline trains and RRTS services. Under this system, travellers who purchase an IRCTC train e-ticket can also book RRTS tickets in a unified process. The RRTS ticket will include a QR code valid for four days, allowing smooth transitions between different modes of transport. This initiative is designed to enhance convenience and streamline the booking and travel process for commuters.

The Maharashtra government has declared the ancient Mesolithic geoglyphs and petroglyphs in Ratnagiri as protected monuments. These rock artworks, dating back thousands of years, include over 1,500 depictions of animals and footprints across 70 sites. Some of these sites are also on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list, highlighting their cultural and historical significance. The protection is granted under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

The Mitra Shakti military exercise is an annual bilateral engagement between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and strengthening ties between the two nations. Initiated in 2012, the exercise alternates between India and Sri Lanka, allowing both armies to train together in different operational environments. The 2024 exercise, held at the Sri Lankan Army Training School, continues this tradition, highlighting the strategic partnership between India and Sri Lanka in maintaining regional security.

The RBI has mandated that Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) maintain a liquid asset ratio of 15% of public deposits, aligning with similar requirements for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). This change is designed to enhance the financial stability of HFCs by ensuring they have sufficient liquidity to meet their obligations. The requirement will be phased in, starting with 14% by January 1, 2025, and reaching 15% by July 2025.

Shri Raj Kumar Chaudhary has been appointed as the new Chairman & Managing Director of NHPC Limited. His career with NHPC started in 1989, and he has held various key positions, including Director (Technical), before ascending to this leadership role. With extensive experience in the hydroelectric power sector, Shri Chaudhary is expected to steer NHPC towards new heights in both domestic and international projects. His appointment marks a significant moment for the company, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in the energy sector.

The first-ever Global Women’s Kabaddi League, officially named the Global Pravasi Women’s Kabaddi League (GPKL), is set to commence in September in Haryana. This tournament is a significant initiative to promote women's kabaddi on an international level, featuring athletes from over 15 countries. Organized by the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) in collaboration with World Kabaddi, the event also supports broader efforts to include kabaddi in the Olympic Games and strengthens India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

Amazon India has partnered with Gentari Green Mobility India to expand its electric vehicle (EV) delivery fleet to 10,000 units by 2025. This collaboration will support Amazon’s last-mile delivery operations across more than 400 cities in India. Gentari will provide over 3,000 three-wheeler EVs along with fleet management services, aligning with Amazon's broader sustainability goals. This strategic move enhances Amazon’s commitment to increasing its EV adoption and reducing its carbon footprint in the delivery sector.

In June 2024, India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a growth rate of 4.2%, an increase from 4% in the same month the previous year. This growth reflects an overall positive trend in industrial production. The sector-wise contributions included significant increases in mining (10.3%) and electricity (8.6%), while the manufacturing sector grew by 2.6%. The IIP is an important indicator of industrial performance and economic health, highlighting robust activity across various sectors.

The Bihar government has mandated the registration of all temples, mutts, and trusts within the state and has directed District Magistrates to ensure compliance. This move is aimed at ensuring that the details of the immovable assets of these religious bodies are submitted to the Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts (BSBRT) and properly documented. The initiative is significant as it targets unregistered religious properties across Bihar, aiming to bring them under the legal framework established by the Bihar Hindu Religious Trusts Act, of 1950.

IIT Madras secured the top position in the 'overall' category in the NIRF 2024 rankings, continuing its consistent performance in India's higher education landscape. The NIRF, introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2015, ranks institutions based on various key parameters. IIT Madras's achievement highlights its excellence in areas such as research, teaching, and infrastructure. The rankings play a crucial role in helping students and parents make informed decisions about higher education institutions in India.

Bharti Global, through its subsidiary Bharti Televentures UK Ltd, is acquiring a 24.5% stake in the British telecom company BT Group for approximately $4 billion. This strategic acquisition not only marks a significant expansion of Bharti’s global telecom presence but also strengthens economic ties between India and the UK. The deal, involving an initial 9.99% stake followed by regulatory approval for the remaining 14.51%, highlights the deepening relationship between Bharti and BT, which has been evolving since 1997.

World Organ Donation Day is observed every year on August 13 to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and to encourage individuals to register as organ donors. The day serves as a reminder of the critical need for organ donors, highlighting the life-saving potential of organ donation. Educational initiatives and campaigns, especially in countries like India, aim to dispel myths and promote organ donation, emphasizing its significance in saving lives.