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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

RBI launches centralised web portal UDGAM for searching unclaimed deposits across multiple banks

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a centralised web portal to help citizens search for their unclaimed deposits, known as UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to access information).
• The portal has been developed by the central bank for the public to help them search for their unclaimed deposits across multiple banks at one place.
• Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT), Indian Financial Technology & Allied Services (IFTAS), and participating banks have collaborated on developing the portal.
• Earlier, the RBI had announced the development of the centralised web portal on April 6, 2023.

Key Highlights :

Registration:

• Customers can register on the ‘Udgam’ platform using their mobile number.

Search Process:

• Once registered, they can search for unclaimed deposits under their name and provide additional inputs such as Permanent Account Number (PAN), voter ID, driving licence and passport number.
• Customers can then retrieve their deposits by completing a KYC process with their branch.

Deceased Depositors :

• In case the deposit-holder has passed away, their nominee will be required to submit documents.

Initial Availability & Banks Covered :

• To begin with, users would be able to access the details of their unclaimed deposits in respect of 7 banks (State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Central Bank of India, Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd, South Indian Bank Ltd, DBS Bank India Ltd and Citibank N.A) currently available on the portal.
• The search facility for remaining banks on the portal would be made available in a phased manner by October 15, 2023.

What are Unclaimed Deposits?

• “Unclaimed Deposits” refers to funds held in savings or current accounts that have remained inactive for the duration of 10 years, or in the case of fixed deposits (FDs), have not been withdrawn within 10 years from the maturity date.

Recent News :

• In June 2023, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das, launched a Financial Inclusion Dashboard – ANTARDRIHSTI, Hindi means Insight to provide the required insight to assess and monitor the progress of financial inclusion by capturing relevant parameters.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Shaktikanta Das
• Deputy governors : Mahesh Kumar Jain,M. Rajeshwar Rao, Michael Patra and T. Rabi Shankar

Axis Bank partners with RBI Innovation Hub to launch Kisan Credit cards & MSME loans

• Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India has launched 2 lending products Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and unsecured Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) loans powered by the Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit (PTPFC), introduced by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Key Highlights :

• Axis Bank will offer KCC & unsecured MSME loans to small business customers, powered by the platform.
• Both the products will be offered in a completely digital manner and require no submission of documents by customers.
• As a pilot, Kisan Credit Cards will be offered in Madhya Pradesh and will be available to customers for up to 1.6 lakh to start with.
• MSME loans will be available across the country and will offer loans up to 10 lakh to customers.
• As part of the pilot, Axis Bank will leverage the PTPFC for accessing data for customers in a consented and secure manner.
• These include PAN validation, Aadhaar electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC), Account Aggregator data, verification of land records and penny drop service to validate bank accounts.

About Axis Bank :

• Established : 1993
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
• Tagline : Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi (“Progress is the Name of Life”)

About RBIH :

• Founded : 2022
• Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka
• CEO : Rajesh Bansal

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

G20 Trade & Investment Ministerial Meeting to be held in Jaipur

• The G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Jaipur is a significant event focusing on global trade and investment discussions among representatives from G20 nations and beyond.
• It underscores the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system and supports India’s objectives of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
• The collaborative platform aims to address challenges and explore solutions for trade and investment matters.
• Understanding the priority issues discussed during previous Working Group meetings is essential for a well-rounded understanding of this impactful event.

Event Overview:

• The G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting is set to occur in Jaipur on the 24th and 25th of this month.

Purpose and Participants:

• Aims to foster discussions on global trade and investment matters, seeking consensus among representatives.
• Over 300 delegates, including trade ministers, heads of delegations, and representatives from G20 member nations, invitee countries, and international organizations, will participate.

Indian Presidency Impact:

• Under India’s G20 Presidency, it continues the series of Working Group meetings held in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kevadia.
• The meeting emphasizes the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system, particularly in the face of challenges to international trade growth.
• Aligns with India’s objectives of inclusive growth, job creation, innovation, and sustainable development through the WTO-centered trading system.

Collaborative Platform:

• Provides a vital platform for global economic leaders to engage in dialogue and work on collaborative solutions for trade and investment challenges.

Previous Working Group meetings focused on five priority issues:

• Trade for Growth and Prosperity: Exploring trade’s contribution to global economic growth.
• Resilient Trade and Global Value Chains: Addressing challenges in trade and value chains.
• Incorporating SMEs in World Trade: Strategies for involving small businesses in global trade.
• Logistics for Trade: Enhancing trade flow through improved logistical infrastructure.
• WTO Reforms: Discuss potential improvements within the World Trade Organization.

IEPFA and NCAER are jointly organizing a webinar on “Investor Protection Framework in India: Challenges and Road Ahead.”

• The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), in partnership with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), successfully conducted a significant webinar under the theme ‘Investor Protection Framework in India: Challenges and Road Ahead’.
• The webinar witnessed the convergence of diverse stakeholders ers including government entities, academic institutions, and industry experts.

Keynote Address – Financial Education:

• Ms Anita Shah Akella, CEO of IEPFA and Joint Secretary at MCA, stressed the importance of financial education and safeguarding investor interests in a rapidly changing financial landscape.

Panel Discussion Highlights:

• The event featured a stimulating panel discussion on the “Investor Protection Framework in India.”
• Experts shared insights on insurance, digital initiatives, cybercrime awareness, evolving banking systems, and regulatory roles in enhancing investor awareness.

IEPFA’s Role:

• IEPFA, established under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on September 7, 2016, administers the Investor Education and Protection Fund.
• Its tasks include refunding shares, unclaimed dividends, and matured deposits/debentures to investors.

NCAER’s Significance:

• NCAER, India’s oldest independent economic think tank since 1956, provides vital economic analysis for public and private sector policy decisions.
• Led by Dr Poonam Gupta, it combines economic analysis, data collection, and policy outreach, with Mr Nandan M. Nilekani as the current chair of its independent Governing Body.

Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma Launches Mega Conclave for Raising Awareness Among SC-ST Entrepreneurs at Gumla, Jharkhand

• The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, organized the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Conclave in Gumla, Jharkhand
• The purpose was to promote entrepreneurship culture and create awareness about the NSSH Scheme and other Ministry initiatives.

Dignitaries and Participants:

• Union Minister of State for MSME, Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, and Shri Jitendra Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Industries in the Government of Jharkhand, were present.
• The event had around 650 aspiring and established SC-ST entrepreneurs participating.

Technical Session and Presentations:

• A technical session was held, involving Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), banks, and lending institutions.
• CPSEs like ONGC, BSNL, and Damodar Valley Corporation Ltd. presented their vendor empanelment processes and showcased products/services available through SC-ST-owned MSEs.
• Financial institutions including SBI, SIDBI, IFCI Venture Capital Funds, and NABARD discussed various lending schemes for the MSME sector.

Participating Government Bodies:

• Government bodies like KVIC, MSME-DFO, TRIFED, and GeM also took part, sharing insights into their schemes for MSMEs.

Facilitation and Inclusive Growth:

• The event included facilitation desks for UDYAM Registration, streamlining registration for SC/ST MSEs on the spot.
• The broader aim was to ensure inclusive growth, encourage entrepreneurship within SC-ST communities, and promote their active participation in the public procurement process to fulfil the 4% mandate set by the public procurement policy.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

The United States has approved for the transfer of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine:

• US Approval: The United States has approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine.
• Significance: This is a significant milestone for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia.
• F-16 Reliability: The F-16 is widely considered one of the world’s most reliable fighter jets.
• Ukraine’s Defense Minister’s Response: Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Oleksii Reznikov, welcomed the decision and expressed confidence in Ukraine’s inevitable victory.
• Previous US Position: Initially, the US had refrained from providing F-16s to Ukraine due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia.

Russian President Putin’s Visit:

• Putin’s Visit: Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the commander of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
• Location: The meeting occurred at the headquarters of the specialized military operation group in Rostov-on-Don.
• Timing: The visit comes following Ukraine’s claim of victory in the village of Urozhaine in the Donetsk region.
• Russian Response: Russia characterized the meeting as part of a distinct military operation.

MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar conducted bilateral meetings with ministerial delegations from Bangladesh, South Korea, France, and Turkey.

• Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister, held meetings with Bangladesh, South Korea, France, and Turkey during the G20 Digital Economy Working Group. Discussions included India Stack, Cyber Security, and Skilling collaboration with Bangladesh.

Interaction with Bangladesh’s State Minister for ICT

• Minister Chandrasekhar discussed India-Bangladesh collaboration on India Stack, Cyber Security, and Skilling.
• He highlighted the transformative impact of the partnership on South Asia.

Meeting with French Ambassador for Digital Affairs

• The Minister engaged with France’s Ambassador, focusing on AI’s impact on citizens’ lives.
• He emphasized India’s AI investments and the potential for joint efforts to digitize governance and economy through initiatives like India Stack.

Bilateral Talks with South Korea’s Deputy Minister

• Minister Chandrasekhar met with South Korea’s Deputy Minister to discuss the strong tech ties, particularly in electronics.
• He underscored the global impact of the partnership and stressed the importance of a secure internet.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Shri Nitin Gadkari Unveils Rs. 800 Crore Nandura to Chikhli National Highway 53 Section in Buldhana District, Maharashtra

• The Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated the quadranglement of the Nandura to Chikhli section of 45 km length on National Highway 53 worth Rs.800 crore at Malkapur in Buldhana district, Maharashtra.

Project Details:

• The section spans 45 kilometres in length.
• The cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 800 crore.
• The inauguration ceremony took place at Malkapur in Buldhana district, Maharashtra.

Participants:

• Apart from Nitin Gadkari, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Member of Parliament (MP) of Buldhana, and Shri Rakshatai Khadse, MP, were present. Several MLAs and officials were also in attendance.

Bharatmala Yojana:

• The project falls under the Bharatmala Yojana initiative.
• Bharatmala is a flagship road and highways development program in India.
• It aims to improve road connectivity across the country and enhance economic growth.

Infrastructure Highlights:

• The project includes the construction of a four-lane road.
• Notable elements of the project are the 6 km Nandura Greenfield Bypass and the Malkapur Railway Overbridge (ROB).
• The project features 4 Major Bridges, 18 Minor Bridges, 11 Culverts, 3 Circular Underpasses, and 4 Pedestrian Underpasses.
• Additionally, there is an 11.53 km double-lane service road, 20 bus sheds, and 1 truck lay-by.

Economic Impact:

• The project’s completion is expected to have positive implications for trade and commerce.
• It will enhance trade connections among states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• The East-West Corridor will experience improved connectivity, benefiting cities like Raipur, Nagpur, and Surat.

Union Power Minister Inaugurates NTPC’s 660 MW Super Thermal Power Project in Barh, Bihar

• Union Power Minister Shri R. K. Singh inaugurated a 660 MW Unit of the Barh Super Thermal Power Project in Bihar.
• The Union Minister felicitated engineers and workers involved in completing Unit #2 (660MW) of the Barh project.

Project Details:

• The dedicated unit, Unit #2 of Stage I, is a part of the larger Ba rh Super Thermal Power Project.
• This commissioning is a significant step towards providing reliable and affordable power to the nation.

Achievements and Transformations in Power Sector:

• The government has transformed India from a power deficit to a power surplus nation in the past nine years.
• The nation is now connected through an integrated grid operating on a single frequency.
• Distribution systems have been extensively strengthened, with schemes costing more than Rs. 2 lakh crores implemented to enhance distribution infrastructure.
• The average availability of power has notably increased, with rural areas having about 20.5 hours and urban areas having 23.5 hours of average power availability.

Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020:

• The Ministry of Power has introduced the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, under the Electricity Act, 2003.
• These rules ensure the timely provision of new electricity connections, refunds, and other services to consumers.

Dignitaries and Officials Present:

• NTPC’s CMD Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD of PowerGrid Shri K Sreekant, and other officials from the Government of Bihar, NTPC, and related sectors were present at the event.

Key Points:

• Union Power Minister inaugurates 660 MW Unit of Barh Super Thermal Power Project in Bihar.
• The project contributes to providing reliable and affordable power.
• NTPC’s engineers and workers are commended for successful completion.
• Government’s achievements include transforming India into a power surplus nation, strengthening distribution systems, and enhancing power availability.
• Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, ensure timely services to consumers.
• Engineers and workers associated with the project felicitated during the event.
• Various dignitaries and officials attended the inauguration.

West Bengal, Punjab, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Bihar and Rajasthan wherein some of the districts are yet to achieve the target of 75 Amrit Sarovars per district

• States have taken efforts to achieve the District level target of 75 Amrit Sarovar in each of the districts of the State with an exception in the case of West Bengal, Punjab, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Bihar and Rajasthan wherein some of the districts are yet to achieve the target of 75 Amrit Sarovars per district.

Amrit Sarovar Initiative in Indian States:

• States Involved: West Bengal, Punjab, Telangana, Kerala, Ta mil Nadu, Haryana, Bihar, and Rajasthan.
• Objective: Establish 75 Amrit Sarovars (water bodies) per district for water conservation.
• Status: Some districts in the mentioned states have not reached the 75 Amrit Sarovar target yet.

Progress Update:

• Number of Amrit Sarovars: A total of 1,12,277 Amrit Sarovars identified.
• Work Initiated: 81,425 Amrit Sarovars have work commenced.
• Completed/Rejuvenated: 66,278 Amrit Sarovars have been constructed or rejuvenated.

Mission Background:

• Launch Date: Prime Minister launched Mission Amrit Sarovar on April 24, 2022.
• Objective: Create sustainable water sources with a minimum of 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district.
• National Target: Achieved the goal of 50,000 Amrit Sarovars following mission guidelines.

Implementation Approach:

• Government Collaboration: Involves 8 Central Ministries/Departments, such as Rural Development, Land Resources, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Water Resources, Panchayati Raj, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Railways, roads, Transport & Highways.
• Technical Partner: Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N).
• Schemes Utilized: Uses various schemes including Mahatma Gandhi NREGS, XV Finance Commission Grants, PMKSY sub-schemes (Watershed Development Component, Har Khet Ko Pani), and state-specific schemes.
• Community Involvement: Encourages citizen participation and non-governmental resource mobilization.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOUR

Veteran Entrepreneur Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata Receives Maharashtra Government’s Inaugural ‘Udyog Ratna’ Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Industry Sector, Presented by CM Eknath Shinde

• The Maharashtra Government’s inaugural ‘Udyog Ratna’ award was presented to veteran entrepreneur Padma Vibhushan R atan Tata by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
• The award ceremony took place at Ratan Tata’s residence in Colaba, Mumbai, with the presence of deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Industries Minister Uday Samant, and Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar.

Award Details:

• ‘Udyog Ratna Award recognizes outstanding contributions in the industry sector.
• The award signifies Ratan Tata’s remarkable impact on both national and global industrial sectors.
• The Tata Group’s diverse range of products, from salt to vehicles and aircraft, was highlighted as a symbol of trust and industrial excellence.
• The award included a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, a badge, and a certificate of honour.
• The presentation took place at Ratan Tata’s home due to his health condition preventing him from attending the official award ceremony.

Highlights:

• Discussions about state industry and development projects occurred during the event.
• Maharashtra Government introduced ‘Maharashtra Udyog Puraskar’ awards to honour contributors to the state’s industrial growth.
• Various categories of awards were announced, including Udyog Mitra Award, Udyogini Award, and Best Marathi Entrepreneur Award.
• The separate award ceremony was scheduled for the following day, with Governor Ramesh Bais set to present the awards.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

India Clinches Gold Medals in Men’s and Women’s Team Compound Archery at World Cup Stage 4 in Paris:

• India won gold medals in both men’s and women’s team compound events at Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Paris.
• The men’s team defeated the American team 236-232, while the women’s team beat Mexico with a score of 234-233.
• Jyothi Vennam won bronze in the women’s compound event, after losing to Ella Gibson in the semifinal.
• Vennam secured bronze by shooting closest to the centre in a tiebreaker against Sara Lopez.

Men’s Team Compound:

• Indian team: Abhishek Verma, Ojas Deotale, Prathamesh Jawkar.
• Defeated: American team of Kris Schaff, James Lutz, and Sawyer Sullivan.
• Score: India 236, USA 232.
• Result: India secured gold with precision and teamwork.

Women’s Team Compound:

• Indian team: Jyothi Vennam, Parneet Kaur, Aditi Swami.
• Defeated: Mexican team.
• Score: India 234, Mexico 233.
• Outcome: India won gold in a closely contested match.

Women’s Compound:

• Jyothi Vennam reached the semi-finals but lost to Ella Gibson (Great Britain).
• Score: Vennam 148, Gibson 150.
• Bronze match: Vennam vs.Sara Lopez.
• Result: Vennam won bronze by shooting closest to the centre.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced the mascots for the upcoming ODI World Cup during an event held in Gurugram.

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the mascots for the upcoming ODI World Cup at an event in Gurugram.
• The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently introduced mascots for the upcoming ODI World Cup, reflecting its commitment to gender equality and diversity.
• These mascots serve as symbols of inclusivity and unity in cricket and aim to engage and inspire the next generation of cricket fans.
• Here are some exam-point-of-view key takeaways from the unveiling of the ICC ODI World Cup mascots:

Purpose of Mascots:

• The ICC introduced male and female mascots for the ODI World Cup to promote gender equality and diversity in cricket. These mascots symbolize the inclusive nature of the sport and aim to connect with a wider audience, including children.

Representation of Values:

• The male and female mascots represent traits such as passion, strength, and determination, which are integral to the spirit of cricket. They break stereotypes and convey a message of unity and equality, aligning with the ICC’s efforts to make cricket accessible to all.

Role in Promotion:

• The mascots play a significant role in promoting the ODI World Cup. They will be featured in marketing campaigns, creating excitement and anticipation among cricket enthusiasts. Their engaging and relatable characters are likely to resonate with fans of all ages.
• The mascots aim to engage children and cultivate a lifelong love for cricket. By connecting with the younger generation, the ICC aims to secure the future of the sport and ensure its continued popularity.

Significance for Inclusivity:

• The unveiling of the mascots underscores the ICC’s commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting greater participation of women in cricket. The mascots challenge gender norms and encourage equal representation in the sport.
• Through the mascots, the ICC aims to raise awareness about the ODI World Cup and cricket in general. The characters are designed to capture attention and generate interest in the tournament, attracting both existing and new fans.
• The mascots are designed to create a lasting impact on children, fostering a lifelong love for cricket beyond the ICC events. This aligns with the ICC’s goal of ensuring the sustainability of the sport.

Symbolic Representation:

• The mascots represent more than just characters; they symbolize the values, diversity, and unity of cricket. Their presence at the ODI World Cup will serve as a reminder of the ICC’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equality.

India secured the gold medal in the mixed-team air pistol category at the ISSF World Championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

• Indian shooters Esha Singh and Shiva Narwal clinched the gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Key Points:

Esha Singh and Shiva Narwal’s Victory:

• The Indian duo represented the nation in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
• They secured their win by prevailing over the Turkish team, Ilayda Tarhan and Yusuf Dikec, with a final score of 16-10.
• This accomplishment underscores India’s prowess in the championship.

Medals Tally:

• This gold medal elevated India’s medal count in the championship to two.
• India’s current position is second on the medal leaderboard.
• Leading the medal standings is China, boasting an impressive tally of five gold medals and two bronze medals.

Conclusion:

• India’s success in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Championship serves as a testament to the exceptional abilities and unwavering commitment of the Indian shooters. This victory not only reinforces India’s reputation on the global shooting platform but also solidifies its ranking in the championship’s medal hierarchy.

Priya Malik secures the gold medal at the U20 World Wrestling Championships held in Jordan

• Indian wrestler Priya Malik has emerged victorious in the U20 World Wrestling Championships held in Jordan, attaining a significant milestone in her wrestling journey.
• Her accomplishment reflects the prowess of Indian athletes on the international stage.

Key Points:

Gold Medal Triumph:

• Priya Malik secured a gold medal at the ongoing U20 World Wrestling Championships in Jordan.
• Competing in the 76 kg category, she outperformed her opponent, Germany’s Laura Kuehn, with a resounding 5-0 victory in the gold medal bout.
• This achievement makes her only the second Indian woman ever to clinch gold in this prestigious competition.
• Notably, she joins Antim Panghal as the previous gold medalist from India in the same championship.

Representation of TOPS:

• Priya Malik is part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), an initiative aimed at nurturing and supporting elite athletes for international success.
• Her success underscores the effectiveness of programs like TOPS in elevating Indian athletes to a global standard.

Historic Dual Gold Win:

• Priya Malik’s victory contributes to India’s double gold triumph in the ongoing championships.
• This accomplishment marks only the second instance of India securing two gold medals in the U20 World Wrestling Championships, with the first occurrence dating back to 2001.
• This achievement highlights India’s improved performance and growing dominance in international wrestling.

Khelo India Athlete’s Contribution:

• Khelo India athlete Arju showcased her mettle in the 68 kg category.
• Arju’s commendable performance culminated in her victory over Turkey’s Elif Kurt, securing a bronze medal for India.
• This further emphasizes India’s all-around proficiency in various weight categories.

Medal Tally:

• India’s current medal count stands at seven, including two gold, one silver, and four bronze medals.
• This showcases India’s growing presence and competitiveness on the global wrestling stage.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Sadbhavana Diwas 2023 – August 20

• Sadbhavana Diwas is celebrated on 20 August every year.
• The birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi is observed as “Sadbhavana Diwas” on August 20.
• On Sadbhavana Diwas in India, numerous cultural events and contests are held across the states.
• The main goal of Sadbhavana Diwas is to promote consciousness among citizens about these critical environmental challenges.
• Planting saplings is also proposed on this day.
• Rajiv Gandhi’s modern perspective is reflected in his contributions to the nation’s progress.
• In 1986, he suggested a National Education Policy to upgrade and expand higher education in India.
• In the same year, Rajiv Gandhi launched a federal government-based institution, the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), to enhance rural society by offering free residential education from Class 6th to Class 12th.
• Rajiv Gandhi’s initiatives resulted in the establishment of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) in 1986.
• In addition, he constructed Public Call Offices (PCOs) to provide telephone service to outlying regions.
• The first Sadbhavana Diwas was observed in 1992, a year after Rajiv Gandhi died in a suicide bomb attack in Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur.

World Mosquito Day 2023: August 20

• World Mosquito Day is observed annually on 20 August.
• World Mosquito Day was first established in 1897 by Sir Ronald Ross who discovered that female mosquitoes transmit malaria to humans.
• World Mosquito Day is dedicated to the memory of Sir Ronald Ross.
• As per one World Health Organisation(WHO) report, mosquitoes kill nearly 7-10 lakh people annually by transmitting diseases.
• A mosquito can make you sick, disable and cause death. Elephantiasis is one of the biggest causes of disability caused by mosquitoes.
• Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide that you keep breathing out from as far as 75 feet.
• Sir Ronald Ross was first observed on 20 August 1897.
• On World Mosquito Day many seminars and exhibitions are organized to raise awareness about saluting scientists and many other people who have contributed to fighting malaria.

Daily CA One-liner: August 20 & 21

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a centralised web portal to help citizens search for their unclaimed deposits, known as UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to access information).
• Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India has launched 2 lending products Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and unsecured Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) loans powered by the Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit (PTPFC), introduced by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Jaipur is a significant event focusing on global trade and investment discussions among representatives from G20 nations and beyond.
• The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), in partnership with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), successfully conducted a significant webinar under the theme ‘Investor Protection Framework in India: Challenges and Road Ahead’.
• The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, organized the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Conclave in Gumla, Jharkhand.
• US Approval: The United States has approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine.
• Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister, held meetings with Bangladesh, South Korea, France, and Turkey during the G20 Digital Economy Working Group.
• The Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated the quadranglement of the Nandura to Chikhli section of 45 km length on National Highway 53 worth Rs.800 crore at Malkapur in Buldhana district, Maharashtra.
• Union Power Minister Shri R. K. Singh inaugurated a 660 MW Unit of the Barh Super Thermal Power Project in Bihar.
• States have taken efforts to achieve the District level target of 75 Amrit Sarovar in each of the districts of the State with an exception in the case of West Bengal, Punjab, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Bihar and Rajasthan wherein some of the districts are yet to achieve the target of 75 Amrit Sarovars per district.
• The Maharashtra Government’s inaugural ‘Udyog Ratna’ award was presented to veteran entrepreneur Padma Vibhushan R atan Tata by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
• India won gold medals in both men’s and women’s team compound events at Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Paris.
• The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the mascots for the upcoming ODI World Cup at an event in Gurugram.
• Indian shooters Esha Singh and Shiva Narwal clinched the gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
• Indian wrestler Priya Malik has emerged victorious in the U20 World Wrestling Championships held in Jordan, attaining a significant milestone in her wrestling journey.
• Sadbhavana Diwas is celebrated on 20 August every year.
• World Mosquito Day is observed annually on 20 August.