Daily Current Affairs- 8 August 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 8th August 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s new interim Prime Minister

• The Nobel Peace laureate tapped to lead an interim government in Bangladesh called for calm and boarded a flight on Wednesday ( August 7) to return home, a day before his new government is expected to be sworn in to replace ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Muhammad Yunus, 84, was picked by President Mohammed Shahabuddin to lead the new interim government. 

NATIONAL

Indian Army conducts 'Parvat Prahaar' exercise in Ladakh

• The Indian Army has conducted a strategic military exercise, 'Parvat Prahaar', in Ladakh, focusing on high-altitude warfare and operations, this exercise was aimed at maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of the Army in the region, which is close to the India-China border. 

SPORTS

Vinesh Phogat Announces Retirement from Wrestling

• Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling, a day after being disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024. The 29-year-old had become the first Indian female wrestler to advance to the finals of the Olympic Games and assure herself at least a silver medal in women's 50kg. However, she was found overweight in the mandatory weigh-in on the morning of her bout and was disqualified from the event. 

Avinash Sable finishes 11th in 3000m steeplechase final

• India's Avinash Sable failed to keep pace with the best in the business as he finished 11th in the Paris Olympics men's 3000m steeplechase final race. The 29-year-old Sable clocked 8 minutes 14.18 seconds while crossing the finish line after running in the lead briefly in the dramatic race. 

OBITUARY

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Passes Away

• Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, veteran Left leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister, died at his south Kolkata residence, He was 80. He had been unwell for a while and had been suffering from respiratory problems that led to frequent hospitalisations. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Amit Negi Made Additional Secretary

• The Centre has implemented a significant top-level reshuffle, appointing senior IAS officer Amit Singh Negi as additional secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Negi, a 1999-batch IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, is currently the joint secretary in the Department of Expenditure under the Union Ministry of Finance. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

Quit India Movement Day

• Quit India Movement Day, observed on August 8th, marks the historic Quit India Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942. This pivotal campaign demanded an end to British rule in India, mobilizing millions through non-violent resistance.
• In 2024, India commemorates the 82nd anniversary of the Quit India Movement, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s enduring commitment to freedom, democracy, and unity. 

SUMMITS & MOU’S

CIL & GAIL Sign a JV for Setting up a Coal to SNG Plant

• The Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with the Ministry of Power& Natural Gas, has facilitated a landmark joint venture agreement between two leading Maharatna CPSEs, Coal India Limited (CIL) and GAIL (India) Limited (GAIL) today (05.08.2024). This agreement marks a major step towards setting of a Coal to Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) plant using surface coal gasification (SCG) technology. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Former IISc director G Padmanabhan receives Vigyan Ratna Award

• Noted biochemist Govindrajan Padmanabhan, a former director of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru has been named as the first recipient of Vigyan Ratna – India’s top most science award instituted by the union government. 

BANKING & ECONOMY

India and World Bank sign $500 million agreement for Green Highway Corridor project

• Government of India and the World Bank have joined forces to construct the Green National Highway Corridor Project (GNHCP). This project aims to build 781 km of eco-friendly highways across four states (Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh) with a focus on safety and climate resilience.