NATIONAL NEWS

MoU Signed by Ministry and NSKFDC

• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25.

• The collaboration aims to uplift sanitation workers, manual scavengers, waste pickers and their dependents across India.

• The MoU focuses on inclusive growth and effective fund allocation for targeted welfare programmes.

• The partnership emphasizes initiatives on protection, education, skill development, entrepreneurship and sustainable employment opportunities for these marginalized communities.

• NSKFDC, a premier organization dedicated to this purpose, will work closely with the Ministry to ensure transparent and effective utilization of the allocated funds.
• The goal is to combine expertise and resources for effective implementation of programs that empower these marginalized groups.

GI Tag in Jammu and Kashmir

• Bhaderwah Rajma and Ramban Sulai honey of Jammu and Kashmir were granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Jammu started the GI tagging process for these products.
• GI tag provides exclusive use rights to authorized users while preventing unauthorized exploitation.
• This recognition is expected to increase exports, increase brand presence internationally and prevent misuse.
• The GI tag is set to benefit local economies and promote socioeconomic development for producers.
• A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign given to products coming from a specific geographical location.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India and New Zealand Signed MoU

• India and New Zealand recently formalized a cooperative agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation in the field of civil aviation.

• The MoU covers a wide scope of cooperation, focusing on key aspects such as the facilitation of new flight routes, the establishment of codeshare services, the allocation of traffic rights, and the determination of capacity entitlements.

• Eminent officials present: The signing ceremony took place in the capital of India, New Delhi with the presence of eminent officials from both countries.

• Civil Aviation Secretary Rajeev Bansal and New Zealand High Commissioner David Paine were the signatories to the MoU.

• The MoU outlines specific provisions to benefit New Zealand's airlines. New Zealand's designated airlines are permitted to operate an unrestricted number of services using any type of aircraft.
• New Zealand airlines have also been granted third and fourth freedom traffic rights for connectivity to six major Indian cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
• Indian airlines designated by the agreement are similarly provided with enhanced operational freedom.
• They have the authority to operate unlimited services with any type of aircraft.

BANKING

1st Indian Private Life Insurer to Launch 24X7 Inbound Contact Centre

• SBI Life Insurance, one of the most trusted private life insurance companies in the country, launched its dedicated 24X7 inbound contact centre through toll-free number 18002679090 to address before and after purchase queries related to comprehensive insurance solutions provided by the company.
• SBI Life, becomes the first private life insurance company in the country to have such extensive customer care support, which aligns with the company’s commitment in enriching customer experience and addressing their insurance needs/queries at their convenience.
• This number is set to see a positive rise going forwards, given the goal of ‘Insurance for all by 2047’ set by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI).
• The contact centre is made available to both existing and prospective consumers, 365 days a year.
• Through 24X7 customer care support, the insurance company aims to redefine seamless accessibility and interaction with trained professionals.
• The current capacity of customer care support allows the handling of around 13 lakh calls annually.
• The company also has an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS), which has 13 self-service options.

Advisory Board on Bank Frauds

• The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has reconstituted the New Delhi headquartered Advisory Board on Banking and Financial Frauds (ABBFF) to address fraudulent activities in the banking and financial sectors.

• ABBFF carries out the first level examination of bank frauds before recommendations or references are made to investigation by agencies like Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

• All PSBs, public sector insurance companies, and public sector financial institutions are now required to refer all matters of frauds involving ₹3 crore and above to the ABBFF for advice.

• Suresh N Patel, former Central Vigilance Commissioner, will be the Chairman of the reconstituted ABBFF.

• In addition to the Chairman, the ABBFF will also have 4 members, including Ravikant, Rajnikant Mishra, David Rasquinha, and Partha Pratim Sengupta.
• The term of the Chairman and Members of ABBFF will be for 2 years, effective from August 2023.

SPORTS

Arunachal Pradesh League launched in New Delhi

• Arunachal Pradesh League has been launched in New Delhi.
• A new ball game aims to replicate the cheers of the fans in the North East, from the football fields to the cricket pitch.
• It has the support of BCCI, Arunachal Cricket Association, and various State bodies, aiming to give cricket a much-needed boost in the hills.
• Set to start from the 08 September it will feature five teams playing 13 matches with the summit clash on the 16th of next month.
• The league has high hopes, wanting to nurture talents from Arunachal Pradesh and the North East.

World Wrestling Body Suspends Wrestling Federation of India

• The United World Wrestling (UWW) has suspended the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) with immediate effect for failing to conduct elections on time.

• The move will not allow Indian grapplers to compete at the upcoming World Championships under the Indian flag.

• The Indian wrestlers will have to compete as ‘neutral athletes’ at the Olympic-qualifying World Championships starting September 16.

• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had appointed the ad-hoc panel on April 27 and the committee was supposed to hold elections within 45 days.

• But ad-hoc panel failed to honour the 45-day deadline for conducting the elections.

Khelo India Women’s League will be Known as Asmita Women’s League

• The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur has announced that the Khelo India Women’s League will officially be known as the Asmita Women’s League.

• ASMITA refers to Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action.

• In a Social Media Post, Mr Thakur appreciated the entire team of Khelo India for conceptualizing the idea and developing Asmita Portal and new logo saying that it a significant stride towards the digitalization of Indian Sports.

• The Asmita Portal serves as a comprehensive resource, offering valuable insights into upcoming leagues among other features.

• It will enable any school, college, government, or private organization to host the ‘Asmita Women’s League’ and be part of Khelo India’s march towards sporting excellence.
• Mr Thakur added that the Government’s resolute commitment to bolstering women’s sports has paved the way for enhanced opportunities, facilities, and world-class infrastructure at elite and grassroots levels.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Chairman of FIDC

• Umesh Revankar, the current Executive Vice-Chairman of Shriram Finance Limited, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), the leading Indian NBFC financing body.
• FIDC is the representative body of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) engaged in asset and debt financing in India.
• The appointment was made by a unanimous decision of the Managing Committee during its meeting held in Mumbai.
• FIDC is a Self-regulatory organization (SRO) and representative body for Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) in India, established in 2004.

30th Prime Minister of Thailand

• Former real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin of Pheu Thai Party (PTP) has been elected as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand, succeeding Prayuth Chan-Ocha who retired from politics in July 2022.

• The final vote tally for Srettha Thavisin was 482 in favour, 165 against, and 81 abstentions, with a combined participation of 705 MPs and senators.

• Out of the 482 votes in favour, 330 were from Members of Parliament (MPs) and 152 from senators.

• Of the 164 votes against him, 152 were from MPs and 12 from senators.

• The 81 abstentions included 13 MPs and 68 senators.

• He began his career as an assistant product manager at consumer goods giant P&G Thailand, before moving into the real estate sector.
• Srettha is a former president and chief executive of real estate developer Sansiri Plc, the second largest real estate company in Thailand.

MISCELLANEOUS

Postage Stamp in Memory of Dadi Prakashmani

• The President of India Draupadi Murmu unveiled a postage stamp honoring the legacy of Dadi Prakashmani.
• The release of the postage stamp was part of the 'My Stamp' initiative of the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.
• The initiative was a tribute to Dadi Prakashmani on her 16th death anniversary.
• Dadi Prakashmani contributed significantly to spreading Indian values and culture globally through spirituality.
• Under her leadership, the Brahma Kumaris grew into the world's largest women-led spiritual organization.
• ‘My Stamp’ is a personalized postage stamp service of India Post.
• This involves printing a small customer's photo, logo, artwork or images of various subjects onto a template sheet of postage stamps.