Current Affairs August 16th 2023| Current Affairs News

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CURRENT AFFAIRS ; BANKING & FINANCE

Bank of Maharashtra tops list of public sector lenders in loan and deposit growth of 25% in Q1 2023

• Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has emerged as the top performer among public sector lenders in loan and deposit growth of 25% in percentage terms during the first quarter of the current financial year.
• The deposit and advances of the Pune-based lender are the highest by any public sector bank (PSB) during the April-June quarter.

Key Highlights :

• With a growth rate of 24.98%, the gross domestic advances of the bank rose to Rs 1,75,676 crore at the end of June 2023
• It was followed by UCO Bank with 20.70% growth, while Bank of Baroda (BoB) with 16.80% and Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) with 16.21% growth were at 3rd and 4th spot respectively.
• State Bank of India (SBI) stood at the 5th spot with 15.08% rise in domestic advances growth.
• However, SBI’s total loans were about 16 times higher at Rs 28,20,433 crore, as compared to Rs 1,75,676 crore of BoM in absolute terms.
• In terms of Retail-Agriculture-MSME (RAM) loans, BoM has the highest growth of 25.44% followed by Punjab & Sind Bank with 19.64% and Punjab National Bank (PNB) at 19.41% on a Y-o-Y basis.
• With regard to deposit growth, BoM witnessed a 24.73% growth and mobilised Rs 2,44,365 crore at the end of June 2023.
• BoB was in 2nd place with a 15.50% growth in deposits (Rs 10,50,306 crore), while PNB recorded a 13.66% increase at Rs 12,67,002 crore.
• BoM retained a top position in terms of garnering low-cost Current Account and Savings Account (CASA) deposits at 50.97% followed by Central Bank of India at 49.56%.
• The bank’s total business also recorded the highest growth of 24.84% at Rs 420,041 crore, followed by BoB at 16.10% at Rs 18,62,932 crore at the end of June 2023.

Recent News :

• In May 2023, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) emerged as the best bank as far as management of bad loans is concerned with its net non-performing assets (NPAs) falling as low as 0.25% during the financial year ended March 2023.

About BoM :

• Established : 16 September 1935
• Headquarters : Pune, Maharashtra
• MD & CEO : A. S. Rajeev
• Tagline : One Family One Bank

5 banks offering Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, post office scheme earning 7.5% interest rate

• Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC), a small savings scheme for women and girls in August 2023.
• Currently 5 Banks offering Mahila Samman Savings Certificate include Bank of Baroda (BoB), Union Bank of India, Canara Bank and Bank of India (BoI), Punjab National Bank (PNB).

About Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) Scheme :

• The MSSC is a government-guaranteed limited-period small savings scheme aimed at empowering women and fostering their financial inclusion.
• MSSC is a 2-year deposit scheme, which offers an interest rate of 7.5% per annum.
• It is a one-time program that runs from April 2023 to March 2025.

Eligibility :

• Under the scheme, individual girls or women can open an account, or a guardian can open one on behalf of a minor girl.

Interest Rate :

• The scheme offers an interest rate of 5% per annum, compounded quarterly.
• While the minimum investment is Rs 1,000, any sum in multiples of Rs 100 can be deposited, up to a maximum limit of Rs 2 lakh.
• Individuals can open multiple accounts with a gap of 3 months between each account, subject to the overall investment cap of Rs 2 lakh.

Account Duration :

• The account will mature after 2 years from the date of opening.
• Account closure can be requested by the customer in case of emergencies or at their discretion, with a penalty of 2% after 6 months from the date of account opening, and the applicable interest rate will be 5.5%.

RBI Partners With McKinsey and Company & Accenture Solutions to Use Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning to enhance Regulatory Supervision

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has selected global consultancy firms McKinsey and Company India LLP and Accenture Solutions Private Limited India to develop systems using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for its supervisory functions.
• RBI is planning to use advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning for analyzing a huge database and improve regulatory supervision over banks and NBFCs.
• For this, the RBI is planning to hire external experts.

Background :

• In September 2022, RBI invited expressions of interest (EoI) for engaging consultants for using advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning for generating supervisory inputs.

Key Highlights :

• RBI had shortlisted 7 applicants to participate in the request for proposal process (RFP) for the selection of consultant(s).
• The 7 firms were Accenture Solutions Private Limited; Boston Consulting Group (India) Pvt Ltd; Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP; Ernst and Young LLP; KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP; McKinsey and Company; and PricewaterhouseCoopers Pvt Ltd.
• Out of the 7 applicants, McKinsey and Accenture have been awarded the contract & the value of the contract is about Rs 91 crore.
• While the RBI is already using AI and ML in supervisory processes, it now intends to upscale it to ensure that the benefits of advanced analytics can accrue to the Department of Supervision in the central bank.
• The Department of Supervision of RBI is using linear and a few machine-learnt models for supervisory examinations.
• RBI supervisory jurisdiction extends over urban cooperative banks, NBFCs, payment banks, small finance banks, local area banks, credit information companies and select all Indian financial institutions.
• RBI assesses their financial soundness, solvency, asset quality, governance framework, liquidity, and operational viability.
• AI and ML technologies are used for real-time data reporting, effective data management and dissemination.
• For data analytics, these are being used for monitoring supervised firm-specific risks, including liquidity risks, market risks, credit exposures and concentration risks; misconduct analysis; and mis-selling of products.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Shaktikanta Das
• Deputy governors : Mahesh Kumar Jain,M. Rajeshwar Rao, Michael Patra and T. Rabi Shankar

SBI leads debit cards market & HDFC continues to top Credit cards in June 2023

• India’s largest public sector lender, the State Bank of India (SBI), remained the front runner in the Debit cards market, holding a whopping 28% share in June 2023, revealed latest data by 1 Lattice (Previously PGA Labs).
• Top banks followed the list like Bank of Baroda (BoB) which held about 9% market share, followed by Bank of India (BoI), Canara Bank, Union Bank and HDFC Bank with approximately 5% market share each.
• In the Debit cards segment, Canara Bank recorded the highest y-o-y growth, of approximately 14%, while HDFC Bank and Bank of Baroda (BoB) recorded a 13% growth each.
• Even though the State Bank of India (SBI) retained its top position in the debit cards market, it registered a degrowth of about 2% in June, 2023.
• ICICI Bank registered the highest degrowth of 11%, followed by Punjab National Bank (PNB) with a 10% degrowth.
• In the past 4 years, debit and credit card transactions have grown at a CAGR of 20% and 19% respectively.
• According to the recent report by PWC India, 71 million active credit cards in FY22.
• India’s largest private bank, HDFC Bank continued to lead the race in credit cards market with a 21% share.
• SBI Cards, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank followed the list with 20%, 17% and 14% market share respectively in June, 2023.
• The 1 Lattice data further revealed that the global leaders performed below expectations in the credit cards segment, with American express registering a degrowth of 1%, holding a 2% market share.
• CitiBank’s market share went down to zero, after the Axis-Citi deal.

Bandhan Bank & Government of Odisha Partnered to facilitate OTDC payment solutions 

• India’s leading private lender Bandhan Bank has announced its strategic partnership with the Odisha Government to enhance payment solutions for Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) Limited.

Aim :

• To introduce improved convenience for tourists and streamline payment processes.
• As a part of this partnership, Bandhan Bank has introduced Point of Sale (PoS) machines at key tourist destinations including Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Konark, Chilka, and Gopalpur.
• The integration of these PoS machines is set to expedite payment collections from tourists, streamlining the process for both visitors and OTDC officials.
• The Electronic Data Capture (EDC) machines will also help prevent revenue loss for OTDC, which may be caused by the lack of cash carried by the tourists. This initiative aligns with the nation’s vision of becoming a cashless economy.
• In 2015 Bandhan Bank became the 1st ever microfinance institution to become a Universal Bank in India.

About Bandhan Bank :

• Founded : 2015
• Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal, India
• MD & CEO : Chandra Shekhar Ghosh

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

MeitY Secretary Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma launches the ‘Graphene-Aurora Program’

• Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma launched the ‘Graphene-Aurora program’ at a function in Maker Village Kochi, Kerala.
• The program shall be implemented by Digital University Kerala with joint funding from the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), the Government of India and the Government of Kerala and Industry partners, with a total budget outlay of Rs 94.85 Crore, wherein, Carborundum Pvt Limited joined as one of the main industry partners.
• Along with the startup products developed, the technologies and products also developed at research and development centres like India Innovation Centre Graphene (IICG), set up at Makers Village, Kochi shall be considered for commercialization.
• Dr Rathan Kelkar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics and IT, GoK; Shri. Suman Billa IAS, Principal Secretary Industries Department, GoK; Dr Saji Gopinath, Vice Chancellor, Digital University Kerala; Smt Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator, MeitY; Prof Alex James, CI, Graphene Aurora program, and Shri Kamesh Gupta, Co-CI, Graphene Aurora; Dr P S Jayan, Carborundum Private Limited were also present on the occasion.

‘A-HELP’ Programme and Infertility Camp for Livestock under Inclusive Development at Narmada, Gujarat launched by Shri Parshottam Rupala

• Union Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala has unveiled the ‘A-HELP’ (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme along with an Infertility Camp, in the State of Gujarat.
• The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, is spearheading these initiatives as part of the Pashudhan Jagrati Abhiyaan under Inclusive Development.
• Ms Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary (CDD), Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of India and Dr N. H. Kelawala, Vice Chancellor, Kamdhenu University were also present.
• Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala highlighted the pivotal role played by livestock and women in the comprehensive development of the livestock sector, particularly in Gujarat.
• The ‘A-HELP’ programme and the Infertility Camp can mark a significant stride towards empowering women, enhancing livestock productivity, and advancing the socio-economic landscape of the region.
• The ‘A-HELP’ programme aims to empower women by engaging them as trained agents who contribute significantly to disease control, artificial insemination under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), animal tagging, and livestock insurance.

Shri Amit Shah hoisted the Tiranga atop his residence in New Delhi, under the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and shared his selfie with the Tiranga

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah hoisted the Tiranga atop his residence in New Delhi, under the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and shared his selfie with the Tiranga.
• Through tweets, Shri Amit Shah said that millions of Tirangas billowing in Indian skies before Independence Day symbolize the nation’s collective will to make India the paragon of greatness again.
• Union Home Minister said that Har Ghar Tiranga campaign called for by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is underway, across the country.
• He appealed to all the citizens of India to hoist the National Flag at their homes and upload selfies on http://harghartiranga.com.
• He also appealed to everyone to encourage their fellow citizens to do the same. Shri Shah said that cherishing India’s spirit of unity and fraternity, he has hoisted the Tiranga at his residence in Delhi.
• Home Minister also shared a Certificate of Appreciation received for taking part in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.

Union Government to open 25000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras to make medicines available at affordable prices

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech at Red Fort said that the government has plans to increase the number of ‘Jan Aushadhi Kendras’ from 10,000 to 25,000.
• He said Jan Aushadhi Kendras gave a new power to the people special the middle class. If someone is diagnosed with diabetes then a monthly bill of Rs. 3000 gets accrued.
• Through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, the medicines that cost Rs 100, we are giving at Rs 10 to Rs 15.
• The Government will launch the Vishwakarma scheme with an allocation of ₹13,000 to 15,000 crore in the next month for those with traditional skills.
• The government is working to increase the number of ‘Jan Aushadhi Kendra’ (subsidised medicine shops) from 10,000 to 25,000.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Indian High Commission celebrates Independence Day in Bangladesh

• The 77th Independence Day of India was celebrated by the High Commission of India in Bangladesh on 15th August 2023.
• A large number of Indian community members took part in the celebrations at the Chancery building in
• This year, the Independence Day celebrations were held with great fervour as part of the ongoing celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• High Commissioner, Shri Pranay Verma unfurled the national flag and read out excerpts from the Hon’ble President’s Address to the Nation.
• Artists of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) performed patriotic songs on the occasion.
• The Assistant High Commissions (AHC) of India in Sylhet, Khulna, Chattogram and Rajshahi also celebrated Independence Day.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

West Bengal to receive an investment of ₹1 Trillion in the maritime sector; transforming it into a regional trade hub shortly

• The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal attended the roadshow organised by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK) for the ensuing Global Maritime India Summit, 2023 (GMIS) in Kolkata.
• The roadshow was attended by the captains of India Inc in the city as well as top officials, technocrats as well as social leaders with an intent to encourage their participation meaningfully to “Connect, Collaborate and Create” with global investors at the forthcoming summit in New Delhi.
• Private sector is an essential partner in propelling the growth of India’s maritime sector and Public Private Partnership (PPP) has immensely contributed to the development of new ports and augmentation of capacity in the existing ports.
• PPP terminals, which are currently handling about 50% of cargo at major ports, are striving to raise their share to 100% in the coming decades.
• West Bengal is poised to receive investment worth ₹1 trillion in the maritime sector and that will make the state a maritime hub shortly.

Telangana government announces farm loan waiver up to Rs 99999

• Telangana government has announced a farm loan waiver of up to 99 thousand 999 rupees. It will be cleared within the next 45 days.
• The Government has released over 5,800 crore rupees towards this end. The decision will benefit over 9 lakh farmers.
• It will fulfil the electoral commitment made by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to waive farm loans of up to one lakh rupees.
• The amount will be transferred directly into the loan accounts of farmers.
• With the latest decision, farm loans up to 99,999, amounting to 7753.43 crore rupees, of over 16 lakh 66 thousand farmers will be cleared.
• During its previous term between 2014 and 2018, the BR’s government waived crop loans up to Rs 1 lakh through the disbursement of 16,144 crore rupees benefiting over 35 lakh farmers in the State.
• During the 2018 Assembly elections, Chandrashekhar Rao had promised to implement a crop loan waiver scheme for loans up to one lakh rupees in a phased manner.
• An official release stated that the implementation was delayed by external factors like the COVId pandemic and subsequent lockdown among others.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

India’s overall exports in July 2023 are estimated at USD 59.43 Billion, despite global headwinds

• India’s overall exports (Merchandise and Services combined) in July 2023* are estimated to be USD 59.43 Billion, exhibiting a negative growth of (-) 5.06 per cent over July 2022.
• Overall imports in July 2023 are estimated to be USD 67.77 Billion, exhibiting a negative growth of (-) 12.92 per cent over July 2022.
• India’s overall exports (Merchandise and Services combined) in April-July 2023 are estimated to exhibit a negative growth of (-) 5.98 per cent over April-July 2022.
• Overall imports in April-July 2023 are estimated to exhibit a negative growth of (-) 11.09 per cent over April-July 2022.

MERCHANDISE TRADE

• Merchandise exports in July 2023 were USD 32.25 Billion, as compared to USD 38.34 Billion in July 2022.
• Merchandise imports in July 2023 were USD 52.92 Billion, as compared to USD 63.77 Billion in July 2022.
• Merchandise exports for the period April-July 2023 were USD 136.22 Billion as against USD 159.32 Billion during April-July 2022.
• Merchandise imports for the period April-July 2023 were USD 213.20 Billion as against USD 247.31 Billion during April-July 2022.
• The merchandise trade deficit for April-July 2023 was estimated at USD 76.98 Billion as against USD 87.99 Billion during April-July 2022.
• Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in July 2023 were USD 25.35 Billion, compared to USD 26.89 Billion in July 2022.
• Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery (gold, silver & precious metals) imports in July 2023 were USD 35.65 Billion, compared to USD 38.55 Billion in July 2022.
• Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports during April-July 2023 were USD 102.71 Billion, as compared to USD 110.72 Billion in April-July 2022.
• Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery (gold, silver & precious metals) imports were USD 136.49 Billion in April-July 2023 as compared to USD 148.77 Billion in April-July 2022.

SERVICES TRADE

• The estimated value of services exported for July 2023* is USD 27.17 Billion, as compared to USD 24.26 Billion in July 2022.
• The estimated value of services imports for July 2023* is USD 14.85 Billion as compared to USD 14.06 Billion in July 2022.
• The estimated value of services exported for April-July 2023* is USD 107.93 Billion as compared to USD 100.35 Billion in April-July 2022.
• The estimated value of services imports for April-July 2023* is USD 59.21 Billion as compared to USD 59.09 Billion in April-July 2022.
• The services trade surplus for April-July 2023* is estimated at USD 48.72 Billion as against USD 41.27 Billion in April-July 2022.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOUR

President approves one President’s Tatrakshak Medal & five Tatrakshak Medals to Indian Coast Guard personnel

• President Smt Droupadi Murmu has approved one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and five Tatrakshak Medals (TM) to the Indian Coast Guard personnel for their act of conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished/meritorious service on the occasion of Independence Day 2023.
• Following is the list of the personnel:

President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service)

1. IG Manoj Vasant Baadkar, TM

Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry)

1. Comdt (JG) Anurag Shukla
2. Sultan Singh

Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service)

1. DIG Manoj Bhatia
2. DIG KR Deepak Kumar

• Deobrat Kumar Mishra
• These awards are given to the personnel of the Indian Coast Guard on the occasion of Republic Day and Independence Day every year since January 26, 1990.

President approves 76 Gallantry awards, including nine posthumous, to Armed Forces & CAPF personnel

• President Smt Droupadi Murmu has approved 76 Gallantry awards to Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on Independence Day 2023.
• These include four Kirti Chakra (posthumous), 11 Shaurya Chakras, including five posthumous, two Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 52 Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and four Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
• The President has also approved 30 Mention-in-Despatches to the Army, including to Army dog Madhu (Posthumous), and one to Air Force personnel for their significant contributions to different military operations.
• The operations include Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Casualty Evacuation, Operation Mount Chomo, Operation Pangsau Pass, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Orchid, Operation Kalisham Valley, Rescue Operation and Operation Evacuation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Chandrayaan 3 mission by ISRO assumes near-circular orbit

• The Chandrayaan 3 mission by ISRO has assumed a near-circular orbit.
• The spacecraft that was moving around the moon in an elliptical orbit of 174 km into 1437 km was moved closer to the M moon by retrofitting onboard engines last night to take a nearly circular orbit of 151 km into 179 km.
• ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network in Bengaluru will take up the next orbit reduction manoeuvre on 16th August 2023 at around 08:30.
• Afterwards, the spacecraft will enter a lunar circular orbit of 100 km into 100 km.
• ISRO aims to land Chandrayaan 3 lander softly on the surface of the Moon on August 23rd at the south pole.
• India will become the fourth nation to land its payload on the Moon.
• Russia’s Luna 25 spacecraft launched on August 11 is also heading towards the Moon and is expected to land on the Lunar south pole on August 21st.
• The country whose spacecraft lands first on the Lunar south pole will become the first country to achieve this milestone.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Indian men’s hockey team jumps to third spot in FIH Men’s Hockey World Rankings

• Indian men’s hockey team has jumped to the third spot in FIH Men’s Hockey World Rankings following their Asian Champions Trophy title win in Chennai.
• India has reached the third spot with 2771.35 points.
• They gained 8.61 points following their win.
• The rankings are topped by three-time World Champions Netherlands with 3095.90 points. Belgium is in the second position with 2917.87 points.
• Meanwhile, the Indian Junior Men’s and Women’s Hockey Team departed for their European tour from Bengaluru.
• They will be flying to Germany for the 4 Nations Tournament- Dusseldorf 2023, where they will be seen in action against England, Spain, and hosts Germany.
• The tournament will be part of the preparations for the upcoming prestigious FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023, scheduled to be played in Malaysia from 5th December to 16th December 2023 and for the Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2023, scheduled to be played in Santiago, Chile from 29th November to 10th December 2023.
• Vishnukant Singh will Captain the Indian Junior Men’s Team
• The Indian Junior Women’s Team will be Captained by Preeti and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal is the Vice Captain.
• The Junior Men’s team will be in action from 18th August to 22nd August 2023, while the Indian Junior Women’s team will be in action from 19th August to 23rd August 2023.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARIES

Telugu, Sanskrit scholar Kandlakunta Alaha Singaracharyulu passes away

• Eminent writer, scholar and academician Kandlakunta Alaha Singaracharyulu passed away due to age-related ailments at his residence in Hyderabad.
• He was 93.
• The funeral was performed at the Autonagar crematorium near LB Nagar.
• He is survived by six children including four sons and two daughters.
• Senior journalist and Andhra Jyothi editor K Srinivas is his second son.

Daily CA One-Liner: August 16

• Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has emerged as the top performer among public sector lenders in loan and deposit growth of 25% in percentage terms during the first quarter of the current financial year.
• Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC), a small savings scheme for women and girls in August 2023 & currently 5 Banks offering the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate including Bank of Baroda (BoB), Union Bank of India, Canara Bank and Bank of India (BoI), Punjab National Bank (PNB).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has selected global consultancy firms McKinsey and Company India LLP and Accenture Solutions Private Limited India to develop systems using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for its supervisory functions.
• India’s largest public sector lender, the State Bank of India (SBI), remained the front runner in the Debit cards market, holding a whopping 28% share in June 2023, revealed latest data by 1 Lattice (Previously PGA Labs).
• India’s leading private lender Bandhan Bank has announced its strategic partnership with the Odisha Government to enhance payment solutions for Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) Limited.
• The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma launched the ‘Graphene-Aurora program’ at a function in Maker Village Kochi, Kerala.
• Union Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala has unveiled the ‘A-HELP’ (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme along with an Infertility Camp, in the State of Gujarat.
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah hoisted the Tiranga atop his residence in New Delhi, under the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and shared his selfie with the Tiranga.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech at Red Fort said that the government has plans to increase the number of ‘Jan Aushadhi Kendras’ from 10,000 to 25,000.
• The 77th Independence Day of India was celebrated by the High Commission of India in Bangladesh on 15th August 2023.
• The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal attended the roadshow organised by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK) for the ensuing Global Maritime India Summit, 2023 (GMIS) in Kolkata.
• Telangana government has announced a farm loan waiver of up to 99 thousand 999.
• India’s overall exports (Merchandise and Services combined) in July 2023* are estimated to be USD 59.43 Billion, exhibiting a negative growth of (-) 5.06 per cent over July 2022
• President Smt Droupadi Murmu has approved one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and five Tatrakshak Medals (TM) to the Indian Coast Guard personnel for their act of conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished/meritorious service on the occasion of Independence Day 2023.
• President Smt Droupadi Murmu has approved 76 Gallantry awards to Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on Independence Day 2023.
• The Chandrayaan 3 mission by ISRO has assumed a near-circular orbit.
• Indian men’s hockey team has jumped to the third spot in FIH Men’s Hockey World Rankings following their Asian Champions Trophy title win in Chennai.
• Eminent writer, scholar and academician Kandlakunta Alaha Singaracharyulu passed away due to age-related ailments at his residence in Hyderabad.