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Current Affairs Daily Digest – August 08 & 09 2024

1. Launch of “Million Designers, Billion Dreams” Initiative To Empower Rural India

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) announced the “Million Designers, Billion Dreams” program on August 6. This initiative aims to teach systems design to people across India, helping them solve complex societal problems. It is led by LEAP, an organization formed through work done by the Design Laboratory at Harvard T.H.

Event Highlights

The launch event was chaired by Shri Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary of Rural Livelihoods.

Key speakers included Mr. Andre Nogueira, CEO of LEAP, and Shri Anish Kumar, Managing Director of TRIF.

What the Program Offers

This initiative trains rural leaders, change agents, and village entrepreneurs in systems design, enabling them to create impactful solutions.

2. Harish Dudani Appointed As Member CERC

On August 6, 2024, the Power Ministry of India announced the appointment of Harish Dudani as a Member of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). Dudani took the Oath of Office and Secrecy in a ceremony led by the Minister for Power.

CERC was established by the Government of India under the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act of 1998 and plays a crucial role in regulating electricity tariffs and ensuring fair practices in the electricity industry. Dudani’s appointment strengthens the regulatory body that oversees the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across multiple states.

About CERC

CERC, established by the Indian government under the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998, is responsible for regulating tariffs, issuing licenses for interstate electricity transmission, and promoting competition in the electricity industry.

3. DBS Appoints Tan Su Shan As First Female CEO

Piyush Gupta, a top Singaporean banker of Indian origin, will step down as the CEO of DBS Group in March 2025. He will be succeeded by Tan Su Shan, who was recently appointed as the Deputy CEO.

Tan Su Shan is set to become the first female CEO of DBS Group. Her previous roles include positions at Morgan Stanley and Citigroup. She also served as a nominated Member of Parliament in Singapore from 2012 to 2014. This leadership transition marks a significant moment in the history of DBS, with a focus on continuity and growth.

4. Third Edition of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign

The third edition of the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign will take place from August 9 to August 15, 2024. This initiative, which encourages citizens to display the Indian national flag at their homes, aims to foster patriotism and national pride.

The campaign is part of the broader “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” program celebrating India’s independence. Last year, the campaign saw massive public participation, with millions of selfies shared online, showcasing the Tiranga. This year’s campaign aims to build on that success, with the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasizing its importance.

5. Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist Tsung-Dao Lee Passed Away

Chinese-American physicist Tsung-Dao Lee, who won the Nobel Prize in 1957 at the age of 31, passed away on August 4, 2024, at his home in San Francisco. Lee was one of the youngest scientists to ever receive a Nobel Prize, recognized for his work in particle physics.

Born in Shanghai in 1926, Lee pursued his studies in the United States, working under renowned physicist Enrico Fermi at the University of Chicago. Lee’s groundbreaking research in elementary particles, statistical mechanics, and astrophysics has left a lasting legacy in the scientific community.

6. China to Launch Satellite Constellation to Rival Musk’s Starlink

China is preparing to launch its first batch of satellites for a mega constellation that will compete with SpaceX’s Starlink Internet network. The project, known as the G60 Constellation or “Thousand Sails,” was initiated last year to establish a global low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.

The state-run Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) launched the first components of this network, with 18 communications satellites entering their orbits. SSST plans to deploy 108 satellites this year and 648 by the end of next year, to achieve global coverage by 2027.

7. Indian Railways To Roll Out Kavach 4.0

The Union Ministry of Railways has announced plans to fast-track the deployment of Kavach 4.0, the latest version of its indigenous anti-collision system. The Ministry intends to issue tenders for installing Kavach 4.0 in 20,000 locomotives this year, with the first tender expected to be finalized by October 2024.

Kavach 4.0 was recently approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), and the Ministry aims to create a seamless coverage system across the railway network. The upgrade will enhance safety and efficiency, with the new system set to cover all geographical territories and locomotives.

8. Neeraj Chopra Clinches Silver in Javelin at Paris 2024 Olympics

Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics, with a season-best throw of 89.45 meters. Although Chopra was unable to defend his title from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, his silver-medal finish is a remarkable achievement.

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters, making history as the first Pakistani athlete to win an Olympic gold in javelin throw. Chopra’s performance solidifies his position as one of the world’s top javelin throwers.

9. India Men’s Hockey Team Secures Bronze at Paris 2024 Olympics

The Indian men’s hockey team secured the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics by defeating Spain 2-1 in a thrilling match. This victory marks a significant achievement for Indian hockey, as it is the first time the team has won back-to-back Olympic medals since the 1972 Munich Games.

The match saw Spain take an early lead, but India quickly responded with a goal from Harmanpreet Singh. Singh scored again in the second half, securing the victory for India. The team’s resilience and determination were key to their success in this hard-fought match.

10. SEBI Approves Praveena Rai as New MD & CEO of MCX

Praveena Rai has been appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), India’s largest commodity exchange. Rai brings over 20 years of experience in payments and banking to her new role.

Before this appointment, she served as the Chief Operating Officer of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), where she was responsible for marketing, business development, and product management. Rai’s leadership at MCX is expected to drive innovation and growth in the commodity exchange market.

11. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples will be observed on August 9, 2024. This globally recognized event highlights the unique cultures, challenges, and contributions of indigenous communities.

The theme for 2024 is “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.” This focus aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of indigenous groups with limited or no contact with the outside world. The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of preserving indigenous cultures and promoting their rights.

12. Gandhian Shobhana Ranade passed away at 99

Shobhana Ranade, a renowned Gandhian and social worker, passed away in Pune at the age of 99. Ranade dedicated her life to uplifting underprivileged women and children.

She met Mahatma Gandhi at the age of 18, and her work was deeply influenced by his teachings. In 2011, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for her contributions to social work. Ranade’s legacy continues to inspire many, including historian Pandurang Balkawde, whom she mentred during his youth.