NATIONAL NEWS

Government of India releases commemorative stamps for the 33rd Paris Olympics

• The Department of Post, under the Union Ministry of Communication, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has issued four commemorative stamps for the 33rd Summer Olympics.

• The 33rd Summer Olympics will take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

• The stamps were unveiled at a ceremony in New Delhi on August 5, 2024.

• The release highlights India’s celebration of the upcoming Olympic Games.

• The commemorative stamps honor the international sporting event and its significance.

• The four stamps released by the ministers depict five Olympic sports - Javelin Throw, Field Hockey, Sailing and Table Tennis.

Amit Shah launch four new App for implementation of New Criminal laws

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced four new apps—e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti, and e-Summon—to facilitate the implementation of three new criminal laws.

• The app launch event took place in Chandigarh on August 4, 2024.

• Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria and Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla attended the event.

• Amit Shah emphasized that the new laws aim to enable Supreme Court judgments within three years.

• These apps are designed to streamline legal processes and enhance efficiency in the criminal justice system.

• The launch underscores the government's commitment to modernizing the legal framework and judicial procedures.

SPORTS

Novak Djokovic won his first Olympic gold medal in Olympics.

• Novak Djokovic secured his first Olympic gold medal in tennis.

• He triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz with scores of 7-6 (3) and 7-6 (2) in the men’s singles final.

• Djokovic, who holds a record 24 Grand Slam titles, also became the oldest Olympic medalist in tennis.

• He joins Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams as the only players to achieve both Grand Slam and Olympic singles gold.

• Lorenzo Musetti won the bronze medal by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime.

• Musetti's win marked the first tennis medal in the Olympics in the last century.

• Djokovic's victory adds to his illustrious career achievements.

• The men's singles final highlighted Djokovic's enduring excellence in tennis.

APPOINTMENTS

Daljit Singh takes additional charge of Director General BSF

• Daljit Singh Chawdhary has taken additional charge as Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF).

• He is a 1990-batch Indian Police Service officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre.

• Chawdhary has served in various roles in Uttar Pradesh and has been ADG in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and SDG in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

• He has received four Gallantry medals, the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.

• The BSF was established on December 1, 1965.

• It is tasked with securing India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

• The motto of the BSF is ‘Jeevan Paryant Kartavya’.

• The BSF's headquarters are located in New Delhi.

• Chawdhary's new role underscores his extensive experience and recognition in the field.

Grinson George has been appointed Director of CMFRI

• Grinson George has been appointed as the Director of CMFRI.

• Previously, he led the Marine Biodiversity and Environmental Management Division at CMFRI.

• George also served as Senior Programme Specialist with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in Dhaka.

• He brings over 20 years of expertise in fisheries research.

• His areas of knowledge include climate change, remote sensing, marine biodiversity, and resource management.

• The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute was founded on February 3, 1947, and joined ICAR in 1967.

• CMFRI is based in Kochi, Kerala, and operates under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

• Dr. George's appointment marks a significant leadership change at this key research institute.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

State-of-the-art web portal “Nivahika” launched by National Institute of Technology-Calicut

• The National Institute of Technology-Calicut (NIT-C) launched a cutting-edge web portal named “Nivahika.”

• The portal aims to transform how institutions manage and report their data.

• Nivahika was inaugurated by NIT-C Director Prasad Krishna on August 2.

• The tool promises improved accuracy and consistency in institutional data management.

• It assists with tasks ranging from center presentations to national rankings.

• Development of Nivahika was led by the Dean (Planning & Development) and supported by several IT and computer centers.

• The portal facilitates systematic and timely recording of departmental and multidisciplinary center activities.

• Nivahika will ensure data availability and secure access for authorized users.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

India is expected to host the third edition of the Voices of the Global South summit

• India will host the third edition of the Voices of the Global South summit on August 17.

• The summit, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, will be conducted virtually.

• Key topics include climate change, conflicts, and development challenges.

• The summit aims to provide a platform for Global South countries to share their views and priorities.

• Ministerial-level meetings will also be part of the summit.

• The first Global South Summit was held in January 2023 during India’s G20 presidency.

• The second edition took place in November 2023, following the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi.

• This summit will build on previous editions by focusing on shared challenges and perspectives.