Daily Current Affairs Quiz 15th August 2024

T.V. Somanathan, a senior IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Cabinet Secretary of India. He will start his tenure on August 30, 2024, succeeding Rajiv Gauba. This position is one of the most significant in the Indian administrative structure, overseeing the functioning of the government at the highest level. Somanathan will also serve as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Cabinet Secretariat until he formally assumes his role. His extensive experience in public administration is expected to bring valuable insights into his new role, ensuring the smooth operation of government affairs.

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing 100,000 Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions in Nepal. This accomplishment highlights the growing adoption of UPI in Nepal, reflecting its efficiency and convenience as a digital payment method. This milestone is a testament to the success of India’s digital payment infrastructure extending beyond its borders. The achievement also underscores the strong bilateral relations between India and Nepal in the fintech sector.

India and New Zealand signed a Bilateral Customs Cooperation Agreement in August 2024. The agreement was formalized during President Droupadi Murmu’s official visit to New Zealand. This agreement is aimed at enhancing trade relations between the two countries by facilitating easier customs procedures. This cooperation is expected to boost bilateral trade, ensuring smoother transactions and fostering economic ties. The agreement also signifies the strengthening of diplomatic relations between India and New Zealand, particularly in trade and commerce.

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival in August 2024. His acceptance speech was delivered to an audience of 8,000 at the famed Piazza Grande, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career. This award further cements Shah Rukh Khan’s status as one of the most influential actors in global cinema. His contribution to the film industry, both in India and internationally, has been widely recognized and celebrated.

Adani Enterprises was listed in the 2024 edition of the Fortune Global 500 for the first time. This inclusion highlights the company’s rapid growth and its increasing influence on the global stage, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The Fortune Global 500 list is an annual ranking of the top 500 corporations worldwide by revenue. Adani’s entry into this prestigious list reflects its growing presence in international markets and its contribution to the global economy.

India Post Payments Bank, in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), launched the ‘DakPay UPI’ services. This initiative aims to provide seamless digital payment solutions to customers, particularly in rural areas where traditional banking services are limited. The launch of DakPay UPI is part of a broader effort to enhance financial inclusion by leveraging the extensive reach of India Post and the innovative digital payment infrastructure developed by NPCI.

India has been selected to host the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. This event marks a significant moment for women’s cricket in India, providing a platform to showcase the talent and potential of women cricketers on a global stage. Hosting the World Cup is expected to boost the popularity of women’s cricket in India and inspire a new generation of female athletes. The tournament will also contribute to the growth of women’s sports in the country.

World Organ Donation Day is observed on 13 August each year to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. The day emphasizes the need to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding organ donation and encourages people to consider donating their organs to save lives. The theme for World Organ Donation Day 2024 is “Be the Reason for Someone’s Smile Today.” It aims to inspire people to register as organ donors and contribute to this noble cause.

The 2024 BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa gathered to discuss key issues related to economic cooperation, global governance, and sustainable development. This summit played a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of BRICS, focusing on strengthening collaboration among member nations and addressing challenges in the global economy.

Mizoram celebrated its 58th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, marking a significant moment in its history. The state has made remarkable progress in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, since gaining independence. The celebrations were marked by cultural performances, parades, and speeches highlighting the achievements of the state and its people. The day serves as a reminder of Mizoram’s journey towards growth and development.

Ranjitsinh Disale was awarded the National Teachers’ Award 2024 for his innovative teaching methods. His work has revolutionized the way education is delivered in rural areas, particularly through the use of technology to enhance learning outcomes. Disale’s contributions to education have been widely recognized, earning him both national and international acclaim. His approach has set a new standard for teaching excellence, inspiring educators across the country.

Hima Das won gold in the 100m sprint at the Asian Athletics Championships 2024, adding another prestigious title to her impressive career. Her victory was a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent as a sprinter. ThisIt seems that the content was cut off. Here is the continuation:

Indore was ranked as the cleanest city in India in the Swachh Survekshan 2024. This marks the city’s remarkable achievement of maintaining its top position in cleanliness for the eighth consecutive year. The consistent efforts by the citizens, municipal authorities, and various stakeholders have been key to Indore’s success in the cleanliness drive. The city serves as a model for urban cleanliness and waste management practices.

Justice D.Y. Chandrachud was appointed as the new Chief Justice of India in 2024. His tenure is expected to bring significant reforms to the judiciary, focusing on enhancing transparency, efficiency, and access to justice. Justice Chandrachud’s leadership will likely steer the Indian judiciary through complex legal challenges, ensuring that it upholds the values of the Constitution and the rule of law.

Rajasthan won the Best Tourism State Award at the National Tourism Awards 2024. The state’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant traditions have made it a top destination for both domestic and international tourists. Rajasthan’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving its historical sites has been instrumental in securing this prestigious award. The recognition is expected to further boost the state’s tourism industry.