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Current Affairs Daily Digest – August 28 2024

1. Centre Appoints B Srinivasan as New NSG Director General

The Central Government has appointed senior IPS officer B Srinivasan as the new head of the National Security Guard (NSG), according to an order from the Personnel Ministry on August 27. Srinivasan, who joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1992 and is from the Bihar cadre, will serve as the NSG Director General until August 31, 2027, when he is set to retire. He is currently the director of the Bihar Police Academy in Rajgir.

Background and Appointment Details

B Srinivasan is taking over the position after Nalin Prabhat, who has now been appointed as the Special Director General of Police in Jammu and Kashmir. Prabhat, also a 1992 batch IPS officer, was initially appointed as the NSG Chief in April, with a term set to end on August 31, 2028. However, his term was shortened, and he has been reassigned to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, where he will replace R.R. Swain on September 30.

2. Singapore Hosts 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR)

To strengthen their strategic partnership, Singapore hosted the 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) on August 26, 2024. This important meeting is part of an ongoing effort to improve relations between the two countries. It builds on the first ISMR, which was held in New Delhi on September 17, 2022, and set the foundation for a strong dialogue between India and Singapore.

Participants of the 2nd ISMR

The 2nd ISMR brought together key leaders from both countries. India’s delegation included Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. On Singapore’s side, the team was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, along with other important ministers such as Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, K. Shanmugam, Josephine Teo, Dr. Tan See Leng, and Chee Hong Tat.

3. India Develops Indigenous RT-PCR Testing Kit For Mpox

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has approved Siemens Healthineers to manufacture RT-PCR testing kits for detecting Mpox, according to a senior official from the Health Ministry. These kits will be produced at the company’s molecular diagnostics manufacturing unit in Vadodara, which can produce up to one million tests each year.

Benefits of RT-PCR Kits

The RT-PCR kits can deliver test results in just 40 minutes, much faster than traditional methods that take one to two hours. This quicker testing process will help speed up reporting and allow for faster responses, the company stated.

4. Indian Air Force’s Sarang Team to Showcase at Egypt International Airshow 2023

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has made an important move in international aviation diplomacy by sending its famous Sarang Helicopter Display Team to the first-ever Egypt International Airshow. This event, taking place from September 3 to 5, 2023, at Al-Alamein International Airport in Egypt’s El Dabaa, is a key opportunity for India to showcase its homegrown aviation expertise to the world.

The Sarang Team and Their Equipment

The Sarang team is well-known for its precise and stunning aerial displays, highlighting the IAF’s top-notch helicopter aviation skills. Their participation in this event highlights India’s growing influence and capabilities in the global aviation industry.

5. Bharat Biotech Unveils Oral Cholera Vaccine Amid Global Shortage

Bharat Biotech International Ltd has introduced Hillchol (BBV131), a new single-strain oral cholera vaccine (OCV) developed under license from Hilleman Laboratories. This launch is crucial because the global demand for cholera vaccines is over 100 million doses per year, and there has been a shortage of about 40 million doses due to limited supply.

Global Cholera Vaccine Shortage

With cholera cases and deaths increasing since 2021, the demand for OCVs has become even more critical. Currently, only one manufacturer produces these vaccines globally, leading to a significant shortage.

6. India to Ink Repeat Order for 73,000 SiG 716 Rifles from the US

The Indian Defence Ministry is finalizing a repeat order for 73,000 SiG 716 G2 patrol assault rifles from the US to equip its frontline troops. This follows a 2019 purchase of 72,400 SiG 716 rifles (7.62 x 51mm calibre) under the ‘Buy (Global)’ category through a fast-track process. These rifles were distributed among the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Purpose of the New Order

The new order is intended to meet the needs of the remaining frontline soldiers. This aligns with the Army’s updated operational strategy, which favors the 7.62 x 51mm calibre for its longer range, higher lethality, and ability to fire in automatic mode. The SiG 716 rifles have been integrated with ammunition produced by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and feature Picatinny rails, allowing for the attachment of accessories like optical sights and grenade launchers.

7. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to Develop ‘Shri Krishna Gaman Path’

In a major effort to boost religious tourism and cultural heritage, the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have announced plans to create a new religious circuit called the ‘Shri Krishna Gaman Path’. This project aims to link the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura with the holy city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, following the journey of one of Hinduism’s most revered deities.

Rajasthan’s Initiative

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma officially announced the state’s commitment to this ambitious project on Monday. The initiative reflects the government’s dedication to preserving and promoting important religious heritage sites.

8. Jana Small Finance Bank Sweeps 4 Awards At ICC Emerging Asia Banking Conclave

Jana Small Finance Bank has once again proven itself as a leader in the Indian banking sector by winning four prestigious awards at the 2nd ICC Emerging Asia Banking Conclave & Awards. The bank was recognized as the Best Small Finance Bank in India and also received awards for Best Performance on Profitability (Runners-up), Best Performance on Asset Quality, and Best Performance on Risk Management.

Award Ceremony Attendees

Gopal Tripathi, Head of Treasury and Capital Markets, attended the awards ceremony. The bank’s ongoing success reflects its strong commitment to providing outstanding customer service and making a positive impact on the financial industry.

9. Satish Kumar appointed as the new Chairman of Railway Board

Satish Kumar, an officer of the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), has been appointed as the new Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board. His appointment will begin on September 1, 2024, following the retirement of the current chairperson, Jaya Varma Sinha. The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).