Daily Current Affairs- 15 August 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 15th August 2024

INTERNATIONAL

India and USA join hands to promote cooperation in MSMEs

• India and the U.S. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enabling Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from both countries to participate more effectively in global markets and foster trade.
• It envisages the exchange of expertise between the two sides on issues related to improving MSME participation in the global marketplace through mutual visits as well as webinars and workshops on topics including access to trade and export finance, technology and digital trade; green economy, and trade facilitation. 

NATIONAL

India adds three new Ramsar sites to wetlands network, bringing the total to 85

• Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupendra Yadav, said India has added three more Ramsar sites to the network, taking the tally to 85. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Tawa Reservoir of Madhya Pradesh have been added to the list of India’s Ramsar sites 

Tank T-55 installed in Gurudaspur as a mark of victory

• In Punjab, Independence Day is being celebrated with great enthusiasm today. On the eve of Independence Day, Indian Army tank T-55 was installed at a memorial in Gurdaspur city to make the young generation aware of the valour of the Indian Army. 

Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to launch National Pest Surveillance System

• Union Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the National Pest Surveillance System on the occasion of Independence Day in New Delhi. This digital initiative by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to offer timely and precise pest management advisories. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumes charge as Indian Ambassador to US

• Former Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumed charge as the Ambassador of India to the United States. Kwatra succeeds India’s former envoy to the United States, BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
• Vinay Mohan Kwatra, (born 1962) is an Indian diplomat. He has served as the 34th Foreign Secretary of India, from May 2022 till 14 July 2024 and is the Ambassador of India to the United States starting from 13 August 2024. 

Sandeep Poundrik takes charge as Secretary of Ministry of Steel

• Shri Sandeep Poundrik has assumed the charge as Secretary of Ministry of Steel, at Udyog Bhawan. He is a 1993-batch IAS officer from Bihar cadre. Upon his assumption of charge, he was welcomed by senior officers of the Ministry. 

Morne Morkel appointed India men’s bowling coach

• Morne Morkel, the former South African fast bowler, has been appointed as the bowling coach for the Indian men’s cricket team. The appointment, which had been the subject of speculation for several weeks, was officially confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, Morkel takes over the role from Paras Mhambrey, a former India fast bowler. 

Senior IAS officer Govind Mohan appointed New Union Home Secretary

• Senior IAS officer Govind Mohan has been appointed as the new Union Home Secretary. He will succeed Ajay Kumar Bhalla whose tenure is going to end on 22nd of this month. A 1989 batch IAS Officer, Mr Mohan is currently Secretary in Culture Ministry. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his name. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

Independence Day: India

• Independence Day is celebrated annually on 15 August as a public holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947,
• The theme for the Independence Day 2024 celebration is "Viksit Bharat", which reflects the government's vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. 

SUMMITS & MOUs

6th India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue held in Canberra

• In an effort to strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, India and Australia hosted two important bilateral meetings.
• Australia hosted the 6th India-Australia Maritime Security Dialogue in its capital city of Canberra to strengthen cooperation in ensuring maritime security. India hosted the 14th meeting of the India-Australia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi, Cooperation in counter-terrorism is an important pillar of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.