Current Affairs august-28th-2023


National News

 

Khanan Prahari App: Curbing Illegal Coal Mining Through Public Participation

Illegal coal mining is a grave concern that poses a significant threat to both India's environment and economy. To combat this issue, the government has introduced the Khanan Prahari App. This innovative mobile application empowers citizens to report any suspicious activities related to coal mining in their vicinity, thereby contributing to the fight against this illicit practice.The Khanan Prahari mobile app is an initiative led by the Ministry of Coal, with the objective of curbing illegal coal mining through increased public participation. This app operates in synergy with the Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) web portal, developed in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Application & Geoinformatics and CMPDI, Ranchi.By harnessing the potential of space technology and e-governance, the government aims to effectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by illegal coal mining.

 

Awards News

 

SVAMITVA Scheme Wins National Award For E-Governance 2023

The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, has been recognized with the prestigious National Award for e-Governance 2023 (Gold). This recognition highlights the groundbreaking application of emerging technologies to deliver citizen-centric services.The accolade was presented during the 26th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, the event showcased the SVAMITVA Scheme's revolutionary initiative.Leveraging state-of-the-art drone and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies, the SVAMITVA Scheme facilitates property ownership rights for individuals in village-inhabited areas. Property Cards are created, allowing rural property owners to unlock the potential of their residential assets.

 

National Sports Day 2023: Honoring Major Dhyan Chand

National Sports Day in India, celebrated on August 29, pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Major Dhyan Chand. The day serves as a reminder to recognize the contributions, determination, and extraordinary achievements of athletes that shape societies.The roots of National Sports Day can be traced back to Major Dhyan Chand, a revered sporting legend and hockey icon. His legacy continues to inspire the nation and remind us of the pivotal role that sports play in our lives.

 

State News

 

Kolkata Adopts Air Quality Early Warning System

Kolkata has taken a significant stride by implementing an Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). This system provides real-time air pollution data and forecasts, enhancing preparedness and facilitating measures to combat escalating air pollution levels in the city.The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) leverages data from the national air quality network and satellite sources to generate accurate predictions. Integrating data from 420 air quality monitoring stations across India ensures a comprehensive approach to air quality assessment.

 

Tamil Nadu: A Smart City Success

Tamil Nadu has secured the second position in the state award list for successfully implementing the Smart City project in Bolivuru. Madhya Pradesh shares the first position, while Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh claim the third. Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Surat (Gujarat), and Agra (Uttar Pradesh) lead the list of best cities. Chandigarh tops the list of best Union Territories.

 

Sports News

 

HS Prannoy Claims Bronze at BWF World Badminton Championships 2023

Indian badminton player HS Prannoy clinched the bronze medal in the men’s singles category at the BWF World Badminton Championships 2023 held in Denmark. His exceptional performance showcased skill and determination on the international stage. Despite a valiant effort, Prannoy was eliminated in the semi-finals by Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn.

 

Important Days News

 

Onam 2023: Celebrating Kerala’s Harvest Festival

The festivities of Onam, a significant cultural celebration in Kerala, span from August 20 to August 31 this year. Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam celebrations honor the return of King Mahabali, also known as Maveli. This vibrant festival is a testament to Kerala's rich heritage and cultural splendor, commemorating the revered King Mahabali.Each day of Onam holds unique rituals and traditions that contribute to the grand tapestry of this festive period. The sequence of days, from Atham to Thiruvonam, is woven into the cultural fabric of the event. The festival signifies the enduring legacy of King Mahabali and his impact on Kerala's culture.

Banking News

 

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Approves Merger

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for the merger of Akola Merchant Co-operative Bank with The Jalgaon Peoples Co-operative Bank. This strategic move, effective from August 28, reflects the trend of consolidations in the co-operative banking sector. The groundwork for such amalgamations was laid in March 2021 when the RBI issued guidelines for the amalgamation of urban cooperative banks (UCBs).

 

Airtel Payments Bank Supports Women-Owned Businesses

Airtel Payments Bank, in partnership with Mastercard Center and Frontier Markets, introduces She Leads Bharat:Udyam. This transformative initiative uplifts 100,000 women-owned small businesses by providing opportunities to learn and earn. The initiative's first phase impacts women-owned small businesses in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, empowering them through the Meri-Saheli platform.