IMPORTANT DAYS

World Organ Donation Day observed on 13 August

• World Organ Donation Day is observed on August 13 to raise awareness about the need for organ donors.

• The slogan for this year’s World Organ Donation Day is “Be the Reason for Someone’s Smile Today!”

• Organ donation can save up to 8 lives and improve the health of over 75 people.

• The first successful kidney transplant was performed in 1954.

• In India, the inaugural successful heart transplant from a deceased donor took place in 1994.

• National Organ Donation Day, celebrated on August 3, commemorates India’s first successful deceased donor heart transplant.

• The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act of 1994 governs organ donation practices in India.

• This day emphasizes the significant impact of organ donation in saving lives and encouraging donor registration.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

World's oldest calendar has been discovered in Turkey

• Archaeologists have uncovered the world's oldest calendar etched into a 12,000-year-old stone pillar at the Gobekli Tepe site in Turkey.

• This discovery could reshape the timeline of human civilization.

• The calendar reveals that ancient humans had sophisticated methods for tracking time long before written records began in Ancient Greece around 150 BC.

• The calendar also illustrates a comet strike that triggered a 1,200-year mini ice age.

• Gobekli Tepe is recognized as the oldest man-made structure, built between 9,600 and 8,200 BC, predating Stonehenge by over 6,000 years.

• The site features numerous stone pillars, with one specifically carved to function as a calendar.

• The discovery at Gobekli Tepe challenges previous assumptions about early human capabilities and timekeeping.

• This ancient calendar provides valuable insights into the early development of astronomical and timekeeping practices.

Syed Refaat Ahmed took the oath of office as new chief justice of Bangladesh

• Syed Refaat Ahmed has been sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Bangladesh.

• President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office, with Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser, present.

• Professor Muhammad Yunus leads the interim government in Bangladesh.

• Syed Refaat Ahmed replaces Obaidul Hassan as Chief Justice.

• Obaidul Hassan resigned amid widespread protests demanding judicial reform and a deadline for judges to step down.

• Protesters viewed Hassan as an ally of Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister.

• The resignation came in response to intense calls for changes in the judiciary.

• The transition to Syed Refaat Ahmed is part of broader efforts to address the judicial system’s challenges.

DEFENCE

10th MITRA SHAKTI Exercise Kicks Off in Sri Lanka

• The 10th edition of Exercise MITRA SHAKTI has begun at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.

• This joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka will run from August 12 to 25, 2024.

• The Indian contingent consists of 106 personnel, including a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.

• The Sri Lankan side is represented by personnel from the Gajaba Regiment.

• Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is an annual event, alternating between India and Sri Lanka.

• The previous edition took place in Pune in November 2023.

• The exercise aims to improve joint military capabilities for counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban settings.

• This training event focuses on enhancing cooperation and operational effectiveness between the two nations.

NATIONAL NEWS

Railways and NCRTC collaborated to promote 'One India-One Ticket' initiative

• Railways and NCRTC have teamed up to launch the 'One India-One Ticket' initiative.

• The collaboration aims to streamline travel by integrating booking for Indian Railways and RRTS services.

• After booking an IRCTC train e-ticket, users can now add Namo Bharat Train tickets for up to eight passengers.

• RRTS booking options will be visible on the PNR confirmation page and in the user's booking history.

• Each RRTS ticket will feature a unique QR code, which can be printed on the Electronic Reservation Slip (ERS).

• The QR code will be valid for four days, including one day before, the day of, and two days after the RRTS travel date.

• This initiative aims to simplify the booking process and enhance travel convenience.

• Tickets can be booked up to 120 days in advance as per the Railway Reservation Window (ARP).

• The collaboration is designed to offer a more integrated and efficient travel experience.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 4.2% in June 2024

• India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 4.2% in June 2024.

• This is a decrease from May 2024’s growth rate of 6.2%, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

• The IIP growth rate for June 2023 was 4.0%.

• In October 2023, the IIP reached a peak of 11.9%.

• Sector-wise in June 2024, mining, manufacturing, and electricity saw growths of 10.3%, 2.6%, and 8.6%, respectively.

• The growth rate for capital goods in June 2024 compared to June 2023 was 2.4%.

• Consumer durables saw an increase of 8.6%, while consumer non-durables decreased by 1.4%.

• Building and infrastructure goods experienced a slight growth of 4.4% in June 2024.

• Output of primary goods grew by 6.3% in June 2024.

AWARDS

Shah Rukh Khan received lifetime achievement award at Locarno Film Festival/b>

• Shah Rukh Khan was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Locarno Film Festival.

• Khan became the first Indian to receive the Pardo alla Carriera (Career Leopard) award.

• The award was presented at the 77th Locarno Film Festival.

• As part of the tribute, the festival featured a screening of Khan's 2002 film Devdas.

• The 2024 Locarno International Film Festival is taking place from August 7 to August 17 in Locarno, Switzerland.

• This recognition highlights Khan's significant contributions to cinema.

• The festival is showcasing a range of films alongside this special tribute.

• The award underscores Khan's international impact and career achievements.

• The Locarno Film Festival is known for celebrating outstanding cinematic talent and innovation.