Current Affairs August 13th & 14th 2023| Current Affairs News

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

RBI proposes to raise UPI-Lite payments limit to Rs 500 per transaction

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced to increase the transaction payment limit from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 for UPI Lite in offline mode to promote digital transactions.
• However, the overall limit of small-value digital transactions is kept unchanged at 2,000 rupees.
• Earlier, a limit of Rs 200 per transaction and an overall limit of Rs 2,000 per payment instrument had been prescribed by the RBI for small value digital payments in offline mode, including for National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) and UPI Lite.

Key highlights :

Conversational payments on UPI:

• Additionally, RBI also proposed to enable “Conversational Payments” on UPI by using Artificial Intelligence-powered systems.
• It is an innovative payment mode that will enable users to engage in a conversation with an AI-powered system to launch and complete transactions.

For both smartphones and feature phones:

• According to the RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, this will be available in both smartphones and feature phones-based UPI channels.
• The feature will initially be available in Hindi and English and will be made available in more Indian languages soon.

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for UPI Lite:

• The RBI also announced plans to introduce offline payments on UPI using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology through the ‘UPI-Lite’ on-device wallet.
• This will help users to make payments via UPI in an internet-restricted area or low network area.
• NFC technology allows communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 cm or less.

About  UPI-Lite : 

• UPI-Lite is an on-device wallet introduced in September 2022 to increase the speed of small-value transactions on UPI.
• UPI Lite, is a collaborative initiative between the RBI and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Many UPI platforms such as BHIM, Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay have since adopted UPI Lite.

Recent News :

• In July 2023, Google Pay integrated UPI Lite, a simplified version of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, to enhance user experience.

National Company Law Tribunal approved National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd’s resolution plan for 2 Srei group firms

• The National Company Law Tribunal’s (NCLT) Kolkata bench has approved National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited’s (NARCL) resolution plan for 2 Srei group companies.
• NARCL emerged as the winning bidder for the 2 Srei group firms — Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd (SIFL) and Srei Equipment Finance Ltd (SEFL) through an insolvency resolution process in February, 2023.
• The NCLT has orally pronounced an order on August 11, 2023 approving the resolution plan submitted by NARCL with respect to the corporate insolvency resolution process of the companies.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) superseded the boards of SIFL and SEFL in October 2021 due to governance concerns and repayment defaults.
• Later, the RBI had approached the NCLT to initiate the insolvency proceedings against the twins for a consolidated resolution.

About NARCL :

• MD & CEO : Natarajan Sundar
• The National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) was incorporated in July 2021 as a ‘bad bank’ to help dispose of the stressed assets of the commercial banks.
• NARCL is the name of the asset reconstruction company (ARC) incorporated to take over and dispose of the stressed assets of commercial banks.
• Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have a 51% ownership of NARCL.

About NCLT :

• Established: June 2016
• Formed Under: Justice V. Balakrishna Eradi Committee
• President: MM Kumar
• NCLT is a quasi-judicial body in India that adjudicates issues relating to Indian companies.

Airtel Payments Bank Launched India’s 1st  Eco-Friendly Debit Cardz

• India’s only profitable multi-segment fintech operating at scale with a banking license, Airtel Payments Bank, becomes the 1st Indian Bank to launch eco-friendly debit cards for its new and existing customers with a savings bank account.
• The launch comes in alignment with the Bank’s commitment to sustainability and promoting eco-friendly practices within the financial sector.
• The debit cards will come in recycle-Poly Vinyl Chloride (r-PVC) material, a certified eco-friendly material.
• Airtel Payments Bank is coming up with 2 cards under Classic variant – Personalised Classic Card and Insta Classic Card.
• Customers can order the Personalised Card from the Airtel Thanks app, while the Insta Card will be available at select neighbourhood banking points by close of the current quarter.
• The cards come with rewards including e-commerce benefits of up to INR 10,000, and free One Dines across major cities of India.

Key Highlights :

• Every batch of 50,000 cards produced, will lead to a substantial reduction of 350 kgs of carbon emissions compared to the conventional PVC cards commonly used in the market.
• Moreover, the r-PVC cards’ production will result in a 43% decrease of hydrocarbon usage, effectively reducing petroleum consumption during manufacturing.
• The Bank’s forward-thinking approach will also contribute to water conservation, saving an impressive 6.6 million litres of water per batch of r-PVC cards.

About Airtel Payments Bank :

• Founded : January 2017.
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
• MD & CEO : Anubrata Biswas.

Kotak Life tie Up With ESAF Small Finance Bank For Customer Life Insurance

• Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company (Kotak Life) stated that its corporate agency ties–up with ESAF Small Finance Bank (ESAF Bank) to offer life insurance to customers.
• The tie-up plans to benefit 68 lakh customers of ESAF Bank that will offer a wide range of tailor-made life insurance products and solutions provided by Kotak Life, including protection, savings, investment and retirement through ESAF Bank’s 700 banking outlets spread across 21 States and 2 Union Territories (UTs).

About Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company :

• Established : 2001
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Managing Director : Mahesh Balasubramanian

About ESAF Small Finance Bank :

• Established : 10 March 2017
• Headquarters : Thrissur, Kerala
• MD & CEO : Kadambelil Paul Thomas

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

The government disbursed 2,900 crore rupees till March 2023 under the Production Linked Incentive scheme

• The government has disbursed 2,900 crore rupees till March 2023 under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
• Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade(DPIIT) Rajesh Kumar Singh said that the government is expected to disburse about 13 thousand crore rupees to eligible firms seeking benefits under the scheme and this regard an exercise is going on to tweak the scheme for those sectors which have not yet picked up well.
• Mr Singh said that the disbursal number will be significantly increased from the current year onwards.
• The scheme was announced in 2021 for 14 sectors including telecommunication, white goods, textiles, manufacturing of medical devices, automobiles, drones and Pharma with an outlay of 1.97 lakh crore rupees.

PM lays foundation stone and dedicates to nation development projects in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation, development projects in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
• The projects include laying the foundation stone of Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial to be constructed at a cost of more than Rs 100 crores, two road projects to be developed at a cost of more than Rs 1580 crores and dedicating to the nation doubling of Kota-Bina rail route to the nation developed at a cost of more than Rs 2475 crores.
• The Prime Minister observed that the foundation stone of Saint Ravidas Ji Memorial and Museum is taking place at a time when the nation has completed 75 years of independence and the next 25 years of Amrit Kaal lie ahead of us.
• He emphasized forwarding the heritage of the land while also taking lessons from our past.
• The nation has completed a journey of a thousand years, the Prime Minister said that the emergence of evils in society is a natural occurrence.

DPIIT and Ministry of Rural Development jointly launch ‘One District One Product’ Wall at SARAS Ajeevika Store

• One District One Product (ODOP) program, an initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, launched its collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development in New Delhi.
• This strategic collaboration was unveiled with the inauguration of the ODOP Wall at SARAS Aajeevika Store by the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Charanjit Singh and Director, DPIIT, Smt. Supriya Devasthali yesterday.
• The ODOP Wall at SARAS Aajeevika Store stands as a symbol of the harmonious partnership between these two vital ministries.
• SARAS Aajeevika is an initiative by Deendayal Antyodaya (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
• SARAS Aajeevika is a strong supporter of women’s empowerment, with a special focus on uplifting women artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• By creating a special marketplace for their well-crafted products, SARAS Aajeevika boosts the skills and talents of these women, helping them become independent entrepreneurs.
• In a significant collaboration, the ODOP program has joined hands with the Ministry of Rural Development to implement innovative features such as product tagging and story cards.
• These additions aim to guide consumers and enthusiasts towards emporiums, thereby boosting sales and magnifying the visibility of India’s exceptional products.

Shri Amit Shah performed the Bhumi Pujan and laid the foundation stone of IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) Plant at Gandhidham, Gujarat

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah performed the Bhumi Pujan and laid the foundation stone of the IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) Plant at Gandhidham, Gujarat.
• On this occasion, several dignitaries including the Chairman, of IFFCO, Shri Dileep Sanghani, were also present.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set a target of making 15 crore farmers of the country prosperous with the vision of ‘Sahkar se Samridhi’ by forming the Ministry of Cooperation.
• The upcoming plant at Gandhidham would produce more than IFFCO’s existing plant producing 3 million tonnes of DAP.
• Union Minister of Cooperation said that liquid fertilizer is going to give multi-dimensional benefits to the country’s economy and agriculture sector.
• Spraying of Nano DAP (liquid) will not pollute the land, which will further ease the natural farming, increase soil fertility along with agricultural production and will promote land conservation.
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in order to realize Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samridhi”, the Ministry of Cooperation has formed three multi-state cooperative societies and these three societies will fulfil these three goals.

Smt MeenakashiLekhi inaugurates the Women In Focus: Visualizing Feminine Constructs in an Indian Art exhibition at National Museum

• The exhibition titled Women In Focus: Visualizing Feminine Constructs in Indian Art was inaugurated by Smt MeenakashiLekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, at the National Museum.
• The exhibition will remain open for public viewing from August 12, 2023, onwards at Ajanta Hall, First Floor, National Museum, Delhi.
• This exhibition focuses on examining the multifaceted traditional notions of Power, Patronage, and Piety through the lens of femininity.
• These three constructs have been traditionally associated with masculinity in the well-worn grooves of religious and historic discourses.
• This exhibition presents transcultural notions of Indian art and history representing ‘the female voice’.
• The inauguration ceremony of the exhibition titled ‘Women in Focus’ also coincided with the book release of two additional publications brought out by the National Museum.
• The first is the Hindi translation of the book: Buddha, Bauddha Dharma and Bauddha Kala by Dr.BuddhRashmi Mani and Shri Sanib Kumar Singh and the second is the third edition of the book titled An Introduction to the Indus Valley Civilisation by Sanjib Kumar Singh and Gunjan Kumar Srivastava.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launches DBT in NAPS to strengthen the apprenticeship ecosystem in India

• Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship launched Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
• An amount of approx Rs. 15 crores was disbursed to one lakh apprentices by the Minister marking the launch of DBT in NAPS.
• A total of 25 lakh youth have been engaged as apprentices since the inception of National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme in 2016, till 31st July 2023. Around 2.6 lakh Apprentices have completed training in FY 23-24.
• The Government of India’s proactive efforts to promote quality training across sectors, led to the number of active establishments subsequently increase from 6,755 in 2018-19 to 40,655 in 2023-24.
• The launch of DBT in National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme is a big step towards fulfilling our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making skilling an apprenticeship aspirational as well as encouraging earning while learning as envisioned in NEP.
• He congratulated all the 1 lakh apprentices who have received stipend through DBT

Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and Common Service Centre (CSC) launches “Niveshak Sarathi” Vans for Delhi-NCR

• Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) CEO Ms. Anita Shah Akella launched two Investor Awareness Vans titled “Niveshak Sarathi”, from IEPFA’s headquarters as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, aligning with the theme “From Unawareness to Financial Independence.”
• This strategic initiative aims to disseminate crucial financial education and raise awareness against fraudulent schemes across the Delhi NCR region.
• These specially equipped vans are equipped with a TV screen running “Hisab Ki Kitab,” a series of investor awareness movies meticulously developed by IEPFA.
• Moreover, they are equipped with a public address system to ensure effective communication.
• Complementing these tools, a thoughtfully designed brochure compiles all the essential elements of financial awareness.
• The journey of “Niveshak Sarathi” culminated at the CSC office on Lodhi Road, marking the end of a successful and impactful campaign to bolster financial awareness and education with an aim to conduct more sessions ahead.

About IEPFA

• The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) was set up on September 7, 2016, under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, for administering the Investor Education and Protection Fund for making refunds of shares, unclaimed dividends, and matured deposits/debentures, among other things, to investors.

About CSC

• Based on the assessment of the erstwhile Common Services Centre (CSC) Scheme, the Government of India has initiated CSC 2.0 Project in August 2015, under the Digital India.
• The objective of the CSC 2.0 project is to set up at least one CSC in 2.50 lakh Gram Panchayats (GP) across the Country to deliver various citizen-centric services The project is being implemented by CSC- Governance Services India Limited (CSC Special Purpose Vehicle, CSCSP).
• It is a self-sustainable entrepreneurship model which is run by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLES).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Bilateral trade between India and Angola grows from 2.14 billion dollars in 2020-21 to 4.22 billion dollars during 2022-23

• The bilateral trade between India and Angola has grown from 2.14 billion dollars in 2020-21 to 4.22 billion dollars during 2022-23.
• India is also the third largest trading partner of Angola sharing about 10 percent of Angola’s external trade.
• During the first India-Angloa Inaugural Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Luanda two sides carried out a comprehensive review of the existing bilateral relations.
• They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Detailed talks were held on available opportunities for enhanced cooperation in the fields of rough diamonds trade, agriculture, food processing and defence cooperation.
• It also includes India’s offer of a Line of Credit of 100 million dollars to Angola for defence procurement.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

State Tourism Department organises Awareness-cum-Cleanliness Drive in Ladakh

• In Ladakh, the State Tourism Department is organising an Awareness-cum-Cleanliness Drive under Mission Travel for Life and Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign at Holiyal Drass in collaboration with Roots Ladakh, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department (RD&PRD), Wild Life Department, Education Department and local women Self Help Groups.
• The awareness programme focuses on the importance of wildlife, forests and promotion of eco-friendly tourism.
• Villagers, school students, teachers, villagers, tourism stakeholders and officials of different government Departments took part enthusiastically in the Awareness programme.
• It is noteworthy to mention that the Mushkow valley in Drass is becoming a popular destination for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.
• However, the region is also facing an acute issue of Human-Wildlife conflict.
• Villagers are also being encouraged to hoist the National Flag at their houses from the 13th to the 15th of August under the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign organised by the Department.
• Similar programmes will be conducted at other locations as well till the 15th of August.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

Gross Direct tax collections rise 16 % to Rs 6.53 lakh crore this fiscal so far

• The gross direct tax collection has registered a growth of around 16 per cent to 6 lakh 53 thousand crore rupees compared to the corresponding period last year.
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes, CBDT said the provisional figures of Direct Tax collections continue to register a steady growth.
• Net direct tax collection, after adjusting refunds, stands at 5 lakh 84 thousand crore rupees, which is over 17 per cent higher than the net collections for the corresponding period last year.
• This collection is over 32 per cent of the total Budget estimates of Direct Taxes for 2023-24.
• CBDT said, the refunds amounting to 69 thousand crore rupees have been issued between 1st April to 10th August this year, which is 3.73 per cent higher than the refunds issued during the same period in the last year.

IREDA reports All-Time High Quarterly PAT of Rs. 295 Crores; Net NPAs down to 1.61%

• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), a Mini Ratna (Category – I) Government of India enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has achieved a remarkable milestone with an all-time high Quarterly Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 295 crores and Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 440 crores in the 1st Quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24.
• This achievement marks a notable growth of 30% and 29% respectively, compared to the corresponding period of the previous financial year 2022-23.
• IREDA has also demonstrated a significant reduction in Net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), bringing them down to 1.61% in Q1, FY 2023-24 from 2.92% in Q1, FY 2022-23, representing a remarkable 45% reduction (in percentage terms) on a year-on-year basis.
• Commending the company’s exceptional performance and consistent growth trajectory, the Board of Directors of IREDA, in a meeting held, August 12, 2023, approved the Audited Financial Results for the 1st Quarter of the Financial Year 2023-24.
• Noteworthy financial highlights for the first quarter of FY 2023-24, compared to the same period in FY 2022-23, include:
• Total Income from Operations: Rs. 1,143 crores as against Rs. 786 crores (up by 45%)
• Profit Before Tax: Rs. 440 crores as against Rs. 340 crores (up by 29%)
• Profit After Tax: Rs. 295 crores as against Rs. 226 crores (up by 30%)
• Loan Disbursement: Rs. 3,173 crores as against 852 crores (up by 272%)
• Loan Book: Rs. 47,207 crores as against Rs. 32,679 crores (up by 44%)
• Net-worth: Rs. 6,290 crores as against Rs. 5,514 crores (up by 14%)
• Net NPAs: 1.61% as against 2.92% (reduction by 45% in percentage terms)
• Gross NPAs: 3.08% as against 5.33% (reduction by 42% in percentage terms)

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOUR

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hails the team of NAFIS of NCRB for winning Gold Award

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the team of National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) of NCRB for winning the Gold Award under the Excellence in Government Process Reengineering for Digital Transformation Category-1 of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) makes its mark as the shining example of efficient governance as it wins DAPRG’s gold award in Category-1.
• The award for its excellence in delivering e-governance is a recognition of the dedication the entire NAFIS team has put into creating a fool-proof fingerprint identification system, in pursuit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of a secure India.
• Ministry of Home Affairs communiqué said that NAFIS has created a central database of fingerprints of criminals, which can be accessed by users from all States, Union Territories, and Central Agencies.
• This has resulted in a qualitative improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal detection and investigation process.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Shakib Al Hasan replaces Tamim Iqbal as ODI Captain of Bangladesh Cricket team

• After much anticipation, Shakib Al Hasan has been appointed as the captain of the Bangladesh One-Day International cricket team, replacing Tamim Iqbal.
• Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan Papon announced the board’s decision to reporters in Dhaka.
• Shakib is currently the team’s Test and T20I captain and has the experience of leading Bangladesh in the 50-over format too.

India defeats Malaysia 4-3 to win Asian Champions Trophy 2023 Final:

• The Indian hockey team on 12 August defeated Malaysia 4-3 to win for the fourth time at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 final, at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai.
• With four Asian Champions Trophy titles, India is the most successful team in the history of the tournament.
• Pakistan, with three titles, is at the second spot now.
• Earlier, India’s Gurjant equalised the score, which resulted in 3-3 in thriller against Malaysia.
• For India, Jugraj Singh scored in the first quarter to give India an early lead, but Malaysia’s Kamal Abu Arzai equalised to make it 1-1.
• Following this, India’s Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty stroke to make it 2-3 in the third quarter, after which Gurjant came up with the equaliser.
• As the scores were levelled, Akashdeep came up with a late winner to help India clinch their record-fourth Asian Champions Trophy title.
• Earlier, Japan clinched Bronze Medal, defeating South Korea by 5 goals to 3.
• The teams were playing for the third and the fourth place in the Championship.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Lefthanders Day 2023: August 13

• International Lefthanders Day 2023 is the 31st annual lefthanders day celebrated on the 13th of August every year worldwide.
• The theme for International Lefthanders Day 2023 is “Left Handers in Sports.”
• In the year 1990, the Left-Handers Club was established to promote research in lefthand usage and the evolution of new left-handed items.
• This club also keeps members from all over the world in touch with new developments.
• The Left-Handers Club launched International Lefthanders Day as an annual event on the 13th of August, 1992.
• That day, lefthanders around the world can celebrate their uniqueness and create awareness in the public about the strength and weakness of being left-handed.

World Organ Donation Day 2023: August 13

• Every year World Organ Donation Day is celebrated on the 13th of August to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and encourage people to donate their organs after death.
• World Organ Donation Day 2023 theme is “Step up to volunteer; need more organ donors to fill the lacunae”.
• World Organ Donation Day was first observed in 2005.
• The first organ donation was performed in 1954, when Ronald Lee Herrick donated his kidney to his twin brother.
• The surgery was a success and the brother lived for 8 years with the donated kidney.
• Dr Joseph Murray was the doctor who carried out this successful kidney transplantation.
• The doctor was honoured with Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for bringing advances in organ transplantation in the year 1990.
• The world overcomes unawareness and improves organ donation initiatives based on their conditions and capacity.
• Since 2010, India celebrates National Organ Day on 27th November to promote organ donation under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO).

Daily CA One-Liner: August 13 & 14

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced to increase the transaction payment limit from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 for UPI Lite in offline mode to promote digital transactions.
• The National Company Law Tribunal’s (NCLT) Kolkata bench has approved National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited’s (NARCL) resolution plan for 2 Srei group companies.
• India’s only profitable multi-segment fintech operating at scale with a banking license, Airtel Payments Bank, becomes the 1st Indian Bank to launch eco-friendly debit cards for its new and existing customers with a savings bank account.
• Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company (Kotak Life) stated that its corporate agency ties–up with ESAF Small Finance Bank (ESAF Bank) to offer life insurance to customers.
• The government has disbursed 2,900 crore rupees till March 2023 under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation, development projects in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
• One District One Product (ODOP) program, an initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, launched its collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development in New Delhi.
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah performed the Bhumi Pujan and laid the foundation stone of the IFFCO Nano DAP (Liquid) Plant at Gandhidham, Gujarat.
• The exhibition titled Women In Focus: Visualizing Feminine Constructs in Indian Art was inaugurated by Smt MeenakashiLekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, at the National Museum.
• Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship launched Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme.
• Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) CEO Ms. Anita Shah Akella launched two Investor Awareness Vans titled “Niveshak Sarathi”, from IEPFA’s headquarters as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, aligning with the theme “From Unawareness to Financial Independence”.
• The bilateral trade between India and Angola has grown from 2.14 billion dollars in 2020-21 to 4.22 billion dollars during 2022-23.
• In Ladakh, the State Tourism Department is organising an Awareness-cum-Cleanliness Drive under Mission Travel for Life and Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign at Holiyal Drass in collaboration with Roots Ladakh, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department (RD&PRD), Wild Life Department, Education Department and local women Self Help Groups.
• The gross direct tax collection has registered a growth of around 16 per cent to 6 lakh 53 thousand crore rupees compared to the corresponding period last year.
• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), a Mini Ratna (Category – I) Government of India enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has achieved a remarkable milestone with an all-time high Quarterly Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 295 crores and Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 440 crores in the 1st Quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the team of National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) of NCRB for winning the Gold Award under the Excellence in Government Process Reengineering for Digital Transformation Category-1 of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.
• After much anticipation, Shakib Al Hasan has been appointed as the captain of the Bangladesh One-Day International cricket team, replacing Tamim Iqbal.
• The Indian hockey team on 12 August defeated Malaysia 4-3 to win for the fourth time at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 final, at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai.
• International Lefthanders Day 2023 is the 31st annual lefthanders day celebrated on the 13th of August every year
• Every year World Organ Donation Day is celebrated on the 13th of August to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and encourage people to donate their organs after death.