Today's Current Affairs 3rd August 2023

NATIONAL

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates International Literature Festival & Festival of Folk & Tribal Performing Arts in Madhya Pradesh

President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the national festival of India's folk and tribal expressions "Utkarsh" and the international literature festival "Unmesh" in Bhopal today 3 August. Culture Department of Madhya Pradesh along with Sangeet Natak Akademi and Sahitya Akademi of the Union Ministry of Culture is organizing this event from 3rd to 5th August. Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan were present at the inaugural ceremony.

On this occasion, the President said that literature shows the mirror to humanity and takes it forward. It connects as well as connecting. He said that it is to be seen from the Amrit Kaal Mein Unmesh program that what is being created in literature today, which is being read by a large number of people. The President said that Utkarsh means progress and the progress of the tribal group will lead to the progress of the country. It is the responsibility of all of us to preserve the tribal tradition, language and culture.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launches ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan’ app

The Assam government has taken a significant step towards enhancing its forest cover and combating climate change by announcing a massive initiative called ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan‘. This ambitious project aims to plant 1 crore saplings in a single day in September, marking a crucial milestone in the state’s efforts to boost its green economy and contribute to the fight against global warming.

The primary objective of this large-scale initiative is to significantly increase Assam’s forest cover and encourage collective action in the face of climate change.

While the immediate target of ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan’ is to plant 1 crore saplings in a single day, the state government has set its sights on even more ambitious goals. By the year 2025, Assam aims to plant a staggering 5 crore saplings, further fortifying its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable growth.

President lays foundation stone of 'Divine Light House' in Odisha

President Draupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone of 'Divine Light House' at Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya at Dasabatia, Tamando near the Odisha capital.

The occasion marked the launch of the theme for the year "Year of Positive Change", reflecting the emphasis on driving positive change

Recognizing the role of technology as a catalyst of change, President Murmu stressed the importance of both material and spiritual development for the betterment of humanity.

Acknowledging the important role of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya in promoting spirituality through meditation and disciplined lifestyle, leading to inner peace.

The Divine Light House project and focus on positive change exemplify the commitment to promote holistic development and well-being within society.

Prajapita Brahmakumaris Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya stands out not only as an organisation but also as a powerful social and spiritual movement led by women.

 APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Indian American Shohini Sinha becomes FBI special agent

Indian-American Shohini Sinha has assumed the role of special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office, as appointed by FBI Director Christopher Wray. Her appointment marks a momentous milestone in her career, as she becomes the fortieth sovereign to undergo the prestigious coronation ceremony at the renowned Westminster Abbey.

Shohini Sinha's ascendancy to the position of special agent in charge underscores her exceptional capabilities and dedication to the United States’ national security. Here are five things to know:

IMPORTANT DAYS

India Tamil monsoon festival 'Aadi Perukku'

Aadi Perukku is celebrated on August 3rd, coinciding with the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi. Traditionally observed in late July or early August, this festivity centers around expressing gratitude to water bodies, as the entire month of Aadi is considered to herald the onset of the monsoon season.

The Tamil Cultural community celebrates Aadi Perukku, also known as Pathinettam Perukku, as an auspicious festival to honor the monsoon season and the fertility of the soil.

Aadi Perukku is a monsoon festival celebrated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, that occurs on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi. This joyous event revolves around promoting water sustainability and encompasses a variety of rituals and customs. Families unite to prepare special delicacies and partake in a lavish feast, expressing gratitude to the water deities for a prosperous year ahead.

An intriguing facet of the Aadi Perukku celebration is the veneration of Goddess Parvati, with women offering prayers to both her and the divine.The festivities also showcase an array of rice-based dishes, including traditional favorites such as tamarind rice and curd rice, complemented by the delightful sweetness of Pongal.

SUMMIT'S & MOU's

Indian Railways & IIT-Madras ink MoU for 5G testbed

The Ministry of Railways and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) signed a memorandum of understanding ((MoU) to establish the India 5G testbed at the Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (IRISET) in Secunderabad; the facility would be dedicated to the testing and development of 5G use cases for Indian Railways.

The MoU between IRISET and IIT-Madras aims to accelerate the indigenisation efforts of Indian Railways in the field of communications and create a testing facility for Indian Railways. The Indian Railways aims to leverage the potential of 5G technology to enhance its operational efficiency, passenger experience and overall safety. By simulating real-world scenarios, researchers and industry experts will explore innovative solutions to modernise various aspects of Railway communication and services.

Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society sign MoU with AIFF to promote football

For the first time ever, Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society (SMSES) today signed MoU with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to promote football at the grassroots level.

SMSES, which has been conducting the Subroto Cup International Football Tournament since 1960, will form a Subroto XI (eleven) team under Junior Boys (Under-17) from this edition onwards. Addressing media in New Delhi, 

Air Vice Marshal and SMSES member Alok Sharma announced that the team will also participate in AIFF Youth Competition from the 2023-24 season. He said that an education workshop will also be undertaken by AIFF for coaches of final-round teams to update and educate them. Clubs from the Indian Super League, Indian Women's League, and I-League will also pick up players from the Subroto Cup.

BOOKS & AUTHOR

A new book “How Prime Ministers Decide”, by veteran journalist Neerja Chowdhury released

A new book, titled How Prime Ministers Decide, by veteran journalist Neerja Chowdhury recalls the drama that led to Sonia’s announcement, prompted by Rahul’s “fear for his mother’s life”. A new book also claimed that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had good relations with several RSS leaders but carefully kept a distance between the organisation and herself.

The author analyses the operating styles of the country’s prime ministers through the prism of six decisions of historic significance. These are as follows: the strategy that Indira Gandhi devised to return to power in 1980, after her humiliating defeat post the Emergency in 1977; the errors of judgment that led Rajiv Gandhi to undo the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Shah Bano case; V. P. Singh’s implementation of the Mandal Commission Report to save his government which forever changed the face of contemporary politics;

How Prime Ministers Decide is an unparalleled book about modern Indian politics which will change the way we view how prime ministers govern the country.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

CRED launches RuPay credit card-based UPI payments

Fintech firm CRED introduced RuPay credit card-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments for its members, in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

The company now supports RuPay credit cards issued by banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, BOB Financial Solutions, Canara Bank, Indian Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Union Bank.

The launch of credit-on-UPI will empower CRED’s members to utilise their RuPay credit cards for making payments via UPI. Accordingly, users can pay businesses or merchants by scanning any UPI QR code, using their RuPay credit card linked to their UPI.