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Current Affairs Daily Digest – August 13 2024

1. IIT-Hyderabad Ranked 12th in NIRF 2024

The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) has gained notable recognition in the 2024 National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings. It has moved up to 12th place in the top 100 overall category, improving from 14th place in 2022 and 2023. Other institutions from Telangana that made it to the overall rankings include the University of Hyderabad at 25th and Osmania University at 70th. IITH is now the highest-ranked institution from Telangana in the overall standings.

Specialised Rankings for IITH

IITH has excelled in several specialized categories in the 2024 rankings:
3rd among the top 10 innovation institutions
15th among the top 50 research institutions
8th among the top 100 engineering colleges

2. Who is Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Indian Ambassador to the US?

Vinay Mohan Kwatra has been appointed as the Indian Ambassador to the United States, starting his new role on August 12, 2024. He takes over from Taranjit Singh Sandhu. This appointment is part of India’s plan to strengthen its relationship with the US further.

Background on Vinay Mohan Kwatra

Before this role, Kwatra was India’s Foreign Secretary, where he gained a lot of experience in international diplomacy. He also served as the Minister of Commerce at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, where he established important diplomatic connections. Kwatra’s appointment as Ambassador is important for enhancing the strategic partnership between India and the US.

3. Neelakurinji Added to IUCN Red List as Vulnerable Species

The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a unique flowering shrub found only in southwest India, has been classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This marks the first time the Neelakurinji has been globally assessed, underscoring its ecological importance and the urgent need to protect it. The plant is famous for its rare and spectacular blooming cycle and plays a crucial role in the biodiversity of its habitat.

Characteristics of the Neelakurinji

• Height: The Neelakurinji can grow up to three meters tall.
• Habitat: It is found only in the high-altitude shola grasslands, particularly in the Western Ghats of India.
• Distribution: The plant is found in five specific mountain areas within the Western Ghats.
• Elevation: It grows best at heights between 1,340 and 2,600 meters above sea level.

4. Indian Railways and NCRTC Launch ‘One India-One Ticket’ Initiative

Indian Railways and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) have teamed up to promote the “One India-One Ticket” initiative. This program is designed to make travel easier for passengers using both mainline railway services and Namo Bharat trains. With this partnership, a unified booking system will allow commuters to smoothly travel between Indian Railways and RRTS (Rapid Rail Transit System) services.

Booking Process for RRTS Tickets on IRCTC

After buying an IRCTC train e-ticket, passengers can also book Namo Bharat train tickets for up to eight people in a single transaction. The option to book RRTS tickets will show up on the PNR confirmation page and in the user’s booking history. Each RRTS ticket will have a unique QR code that is valid for four days: the day before the journey, the journey day, and the two days after. The Namo Bharat ticket will also have its own QR code for a smooth travel experience.

5. India-New Zealand Sign Bilateral Customs Cooperation Agreement

India and New Zealand have signed a Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement to make trade between the two countries easier. The agreement was signed in Wellington on 8 August 2024 during President Droupadi Murmu’s official visit to New Zealand.

President Murmu’s Visit Highlights

• Itinerary: President Droupadi Murmu is on a tour of three nations: Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor Leste. Her visit to New Zealand took place on 8 and 9 August.
• Previous Visits: The last Indian President to visit New Zealand was Pranab Mukherjee in May 2016.
• Welcome Ceremony: President Murmu was greeted with a traditional Maori welcome in Wellington.
• Formal Meetings: She was officially welcomed by New Zealand’s Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro, and met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. They discussed sharing best practices in traditional medicine, focusing on the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
• Conference Address: President Murmu spoke at the New Zealand International Education Conference, where India was the Guest of Honour.

6. Raj Kumar Chaudhary Appointed as Chairman & Managing Director of NHPC Ltd

In a key development for India’s hydroelectric power sector, NHPC Limited has appointed Shri Raj Kumar Chaudhary as its new Chairman & Managing Director. This appointment is a significant step for the company, as it brings in a leader with deep experience and a strong track record in hydroelectric power development.

A Career Built on Hydroelectric Expertise

Early Beginnings and Career Growth: Shri Chaudhary began his career with NHPC in 1989 as a Probationary Executive (Civil) at the Koel Karo Hydro-Electric Project in Jharkhand. Over more than three decades, he has steadily advanced within the company, demonstrating his expertise and leadership across various departments and projects.

7. Haryana To Commence First-Ever Global Women’s Kabaddi League

The first-ever Global Women’s Kabaddi League will start next month (September) in Haryana. Officially called the Global Pravasi Women’s Kabaddi League (GPKL), this historic event will feature female athletes from over 15 countries. The tournament is a major step forward in promoting Kabaddi on a global scale, supporting efforts to include the sport in the Olympic Games, and strengthening India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

Organized by HIPSA and World Kabaddi

The League is being organized by the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) in partnership with World Kabaddi. The launch will take place in Haryana, following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HIPSA and the Government of Haryana to make this initiative possible.

8. World Organ Donation Day 2024

World Organ Donation Day is observed every year on August 13 to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and to encourage people to become organ donors. This day serves as an important reminder of how organ donation can save lives. In India, the government has launched several campaigns and educational programs to promote organ donation. These initiatives aim to clear up misconceptions, increase awareness about the urgent need for organs, and educate people about the donation process.

9. Rana AK Singh took charge as Managing Director at SBI

Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh has taken on the role of Managing Director in charge of Risk Compliance and the Stressed Assets Resolution Group at State Bank of India (SBI). Gajendra Singh Rana has been appointed as the Deputy Managing Director for retail and real estate.

CS Setty is set to become the new SBI Chairman, taking over from Dinesh Khara, starting on August 28. Additional Managing Director appointments are expected to follow.