1. What is the primary objective of the ‘New India Literacy Programme (NILP)’, recently in news? – To support the States and Union Territories in promoting literacy among non-literates aged 15 and above
The Ministry of Education defined ‘literacy’ and ‘full literacy’ under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP).
NILP aims to promote literacy among people aged 15 and above across India.
It is a centrally sponsored scheme with a budget of Rs. 1037.90 crore for 2022-2027.
The goal is to onboard one crore learners annually. NILP has five components: foundational literacy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skills, and continuing education.
Beneficiaries are identified through door-to-door surveys and mobile app registration.
The scheme relies on volunteers for teaching and uses online resources on the DIKSHA platform.
2. How many new Greenfield Industrial Smart Cities have been approved by the Union Cabinet? – 12
The Union Cabinet has approved twelve new Greenfield Industrial Smart Cities under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme to transform the industrial landscape of the country.
These projects are spread across ten states and are strategically planned along six major corridors.
Polity & Governance
3. Union Minister George Kurien has been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from which state? – Madhya Pradesh
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying George Kurien has been declared elected unopposed from the only Rajya Sabha seat of Madhya Pradesh.
The Union Minister met MP Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav reached the state assembly in the presence of BJP state president VD Sharma and received the certificate of being elected from Returning Officer Arvind Sharma.
Economic Affairs
4. Which organization has developed the digital platform – Unified Lending Interface? – RBI
Sports
5. Where was the ‘Under-17 World Wrestling Championship 2024’ held? – Amman, Jordan
Indian women’s wrestlers won the team title at the U17 World Wrestling Championships 2024, breaking Japan’s dominance.
They secured 8 out of the 10 medals won by India, including 5 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze.
The championship was held in Amman, Jordan, from August 19 to 25, 2024. Indian women’s team secured 185 points, while Japan came second with 146 points.
This is the first time the Indian women’s team won the title, having consistently been in the top five in the past five editions.
The Indian men’s contingent won only two medals.
6. Paralympics – 2024 is being organized in which country? – France
Short News
Appointments
7. Who has been appointed as the new Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG)? – B. srinivasan
Senior IPS officer B. Srinivasan was appointed as the Director General (DG) of the country’s counter-terrorism force, the National Security Guard (NSG).
Srinivasan is a 1992 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Bihar cadre.
The appointment has been approved from the date Srinivasan assumed charge of the post till the date of his retirement on August 31, 2027.
8. Who has become the new chairman of the International Cricket Council? – Jay Shah
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the new Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
At the age of 35, Shah has become the youngest person to hold the position.
He replaced Greg Barkley, who decided not to contest for the post for a third time.
9. Who has been appointed as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Railway Board? – Satish Kumar
Indian Railway Management Service officer Satish Kumar has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Board.
Presently, he is working as Member (Traction & Rolling Stock).
His appointment will be effective from September 01 next month till the date of his retirement and his re-appointment on contract basis will be from January 1 to August 31 next year.
State Current Affairs
10. Recently, which state has reported an outbreak of bird flu or avian influenza? – Odisha
Odisha reported a bird flu outbreak with the H5N1 strain, leading to the culling of over 11,700 chickens.
The outbreak occurred at a poultry farm in Pipili, Puri district, where mass chicken deaths were detected.
Infected chicken carcasses were tested at the National Institute of High-Security Animal Disease in Bhopal, confirming H5N1. Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, primarily affects birds but can spread to humans.
The first avian influenza A(H5N1) outbreak in India occurred in Maharashtra in 2006.
The first human case in India was reported in Haryana in June 2021.
11. Recently, which state government has launched the “Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana”? – Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved the “Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana” to support vulnerable women and parents of disabled children.
The scheme aims to aid in the education and well-being of these children.
Rs 53.21 crore has been allocated for the scheme for the financial year 2024-25.
Eligible beneficiaries include children of widows, destitute women, divorced women, and parents of disabled children with an income under Rs 1 lakh per year.
Eligible parents of children under 18 will receive Rs 1,000 per month for educational, nutritional, and health expenses.
Support is provided for higher education and vocational courses.
12. Which state has recently recorded the semi-wild bovine creature, mithun (Bos frontalis), for the first time? – Assam
Bharti Airtel has partnered with Apple to bring exclusive offers for Apple Music and Apple TV+ for customers in India later this year.
Bharti Airtel has partnered with Apple to bring exclusive offers for Apple Music and Apple TV+ for customers in India later this year, the telecom company recently said.
