International News:

Srettha Thavisin's Election as Thailand's Prime Minister

In a historic move, Thai property magnate Srettha Thavisin has been elected as Thailand's Prime Minister following a resounding victory in a parliamentary vote. With an overwhelming two-thirds majority of the assembly's support, Thavisin's win concludes weeks of political uncertainty that followed an election held a hundred days ago. Aged 60, Thavisin's ascendancy to power marks a significant milestone in Thailand's political landscape.Thavisin's journey into the realm of governance began after he completed his studies in 1986, transitioning into the professional world as an assistant product manager at Procter & Gamble. This formative phase of his career spanned four years, enriching him with invaluable insights and expertise. Notably, Thavisin is a co-founder of Sansiri, a premier real estate development enterprise in Thailand, leaving an indelible mark on the country's real estate sector.

Banking News:

Launch of YES BANK's Innovative 'IRIS' Mobile App

YES BANK has taken a groundbreaking stride in India's digital banking sphere with the introduction of its revolutionary mobile banking app, IRIS by YES BANK. This innovative application is poised to redefine the way customers interact with their financial institutions, offering an unmatched blend of convenience, efficiency, and personalization. With an extensive array of over 100 features and services easily accessible, IRIS by YES BANK heralds a new era in digital banking.Crafted with a sleek and user-friendly interface, the app is designed to provide a streamlined banking experience tailored to users of all age groups and backgrounds. Beyond its intuitive design, the app is fortified with cutting-edge security features, including Biometric Authentication, Sim-Binding, and a 2-factor Verification system, ensuring robust protection for customers' financial data.

Business News:

LIC's Acquisition of Stake in Jio Financial Services

The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has announced a significant move with its acquisition of a 6.7% stake in Jio Financial Services (JFSL), a non-banking financial services unit that emerged from the conglomerate steered by Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries. Executed through a demerger action by Reliance Industries, this strategic acquisition is poised to have a considerable impact on both entities and the broader financial markets.Jio Financial Services made its debut on stock exchanges on August 21, unveiling a market capitalization of approximately Rs 1.60 lakh crore. However, subsequent sessions witnessed a decline in stock value, sparking discussions about the market's response to the demerger and its implications for the company's valuation.

Commemorating the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

August 23 marks the observance of the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This year, the theme is "Fighting slavery's legacy of racism through transformative education." This day pays homage to the uprising that began in Saint Domingue, now Haiti, on August 23, 1791, against the slave trade. The revolt in this French settlement catalyzed a revolution against the oppressive rulers.This day holds profound significance in honoring the victims of the slave trade and reaffirming the global commitment to combat racism and discrimination. It's also an occasion to celebrate the strides made in this ongoing endeavor and to renew dedication to building a more equitable world.

Appointments News:

Sachin Tendulkar's Role as EC's National Icon

Renowned former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is poised to take on the mantle of the Election Commission's (EC) "national icon," advocating for increased voter participation in the electoral process. The EC's Memorandum of Understanding with Tendulkar, to be signed in the national capital, marks a significant step towards enhancing voter engagement in India's democracy.Tendulkar's widespread popularity and influence, especially among the youth, position him as a potent force for encouraging civic participation. This appointment reflects the EC's commitment to leveraging influential figures to make a positive impact on the electoral landscape.

Sports News:

Khelo India Women's League Renamed as Asmita Women's League

Anurag Singh Thakur, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, has unveiled the renaming of the esteemed Khelo India Women's League to the "Asmita Women's League." This renaming carries a profound message, with ASMITA representing "Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action." This encapsulates the spirit of determination, resilience, and achievement defining women athletes across the nation.Thakur has commended the visionary concept of the Asmita Women's League, expressing appreciation for the development of the Asmita Portal and its new logo, which signal significant steps toward the digital transformation of Indian sports.

Science and Technology News:

Chandrayaan-3's Soft Landing Endeavor

India's lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-3, is on the cusp of a remarkable achievement – a gentle landing on the moon's surface. If successful, India will become the sole country to accomplish this feat, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. Chandrayaan-3's mission objectives encompass showcasing safe landing capabilities, rover mobility, and conducting scientific experiments.

Comparing Chandrayaan-3 and Lunar-25:

Two noteworthy missions, Chandrayaan-3 of India and Lunar-25 of Russia, epitomize humanity's unrelenting quest for knowledge beyond Earth's boundaries. Lunar-25 boasts a liftoff weight of approximately 3,860 lbs (1,750 kg), with a substantial portion allocated to propellant for landing and maneuvers on the lunar surface. In contrast, Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander weighs 3,862 lbs (1,752 kg) and includes the 57 lbs (26 kg) Pragyan rover.Lunar-25 distinguishes itself with eight science instruments, including the Lunar Manipulator Complex (LMK) for lunar regolith excavation. Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander, meanwhile, focuses on optimizing its operational window on the moon's surface. Equipped with four science payloads, one key objective involves inserting a thermal probe into lunar soil to a depth of approximately four inches (10 centimeters).

Miscellaneous News:

India’s First Hydrogen Bus Hits the Public Roads in Leh, Ladakh

NTPC Limited, a prominent Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) operating under the Ministry of Power (MoP), has embarked on a groundbreaking venture by launching a trial of India’s inaugural hydrogen bus in the picturesque region of Leh, situated in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh. This remarkable endeavor not only marks the country’s first utilization of hydrogen buses on public roads but also reflects NTPC’s commitment towards fostering sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The maiden hydrogen bus has arrived in Leh, symbolizing the commencement of a significant three-month-long process. This process encompasses rigorous field trials, comprehensive roadworthiness assessments, and essential regulatory clearances, all of which are vital steps towards integrating hydrogen-powered buses into Ladakh’s transport ecosystem.