NATIONAL NEWS

‘Kisano Ki Baat’ radio programme will be launched by the government.

• The Government of India will launch a monthly radio program called ‘Kisano Ki Baat’ to quickly deliver scientific knowledge to farmers.

• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the program will begin next month.

• The program will be broadcast on radio, with participation from scientists, agriculture department officials, and the Union Agriculture Minister.

• The initiative aims to fully integrate Krishi Vigyan Kendras with farmers.

• Efforts will be made to ensure farmers promptly receive the benefits of scientific advancements.

• The program will provide essential information to farmers directly from experts.

• Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that the agricultural budget has been significantly increased from Rs 27 thousand crore to Rs 1.52 lakh crore.

• The radio program will serve as a direct channel of communication between the government and farmers.

• The goal is to ensure that farmers are well-informed and can immediately apply new agricultural practices.

AWARDS

70th National Film Awards

• The National Film Awards, founded in 1954, are one of the most prestigious recognitions in the Indian film industry.

• These awards are managed by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

• The National Film Awards are presented annually to celebrate excellence in Indian cinema.

• The awards were established to recognize and honor the best contributions to Indian cinema each year.

• Rishab Shetty won the Best Actor award at the 70th National Film Awards for his role in 'Kantara.'

• 'Kantara' also received the award for 'Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.'

• The Malayalam film 'Aattam,' directed by Anand Ekarshi, won the Best Feature Film award.

• Manoj Bajpayee's film 'Gulmohar' was honored as the Best Hindi Film.

• The 70th National Film Awards recognized a diverse range of films and performances.

• Rishab Shetty's performance in 'Kantara' was highly acclaimed, earning him the top acting honor.

• The awards celebrated excellence in Indian cinema, highlighting standout films across different languages.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

Unemployment rate in April-June (Q1) declined to 6.6 percent from 6.7 percent

• The unemployment rate in April-June (Q1) FY25 decreased to 6.6 percent, slightly down from 6.7 percent in January-March FY24.

• The female unemployment rate rose to 9 percent in Q1FY25, up from 8.5 percent in the previous quarter.

• The jobless rate for young males has shown a decline, while that for young females has increased.

• The labor force participation rate in urban areas fell to 50.1 percent in Q1FY25 from 50.2 percent in Q4FY24.

• The survey indicated a reduction in self-employment, with the percentage dropping to 40 percent from 40.5 percent in the prior quarter.

• Overall unemployment showed a slight improvement in Q1FY25.

• Female unemployment has risen, reflecting challenges in job creation for women.

• The decrease in the urban labor force participation rate suggests fewer people are working or seeking jobs.

• A decline in self-employment indicates fewer people are engaged in their own businesses or freelance work.

STATE NEWS

First 'Solar Village' launched by Maharashtra with Manyachiwadi

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated the state's first 'solar village' in Manyachiwadi on August 18.

• Manyachiwadi village, located in Patan taluka of Satara district, is now recognized as Maharashtra's first 'solar village.'

• The state government, under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana, offers farmers a 90 to 95% subsidy to install solar pump sets.

• Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the government's commitment to promoting renewable energy and reducing reliance on conventional sources.

• Maharashtra aims to generate 12,000 MW of electricity from solar energy within the next one and a half years.

• Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) has launched a plan to provide 100% solar-powered electricity to two villages in each district.

• The burden of electricity bills in the state has decreased due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

• Over 70 additional villages across Maharashtra are set to become solar-powered following the success of Manyachiwadi.

• The initiative marks a significant step in Maharashtra's efforts to expand the use of renewable energy sources.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

India will host the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit

• India hosted the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on August 17.

• The theme of the summit was "A Strong Global South for a Sustainable Future."

• The summit aimed to address complex global challenges discussed in previous meetings.

• Topics included global issues such as food and energy security crises, conflicts, and climate change.

• The summit sought to build on prior discussions about these pressing challenges.

• Addressing climate change was a key focus of the summit's agenda.

• The event highlighted the ongoing impact of various global crises on the Global South.

DEFENCE

The Coast Guard's new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Chennai.

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Coast Guard's new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Chennai on August 18.

• The MRCC will enhance coordination for rescuing mariners and fishermen in distress along the East Coast of India and beyond.

• The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art communication systems and advanced equipment for distress monitoring via terrestrial and satellite systems.

• During the event, Rajnath Singh also virtually inaugurated two new Coast Guard units: the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre (RMPRC) in Chennai and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry.

• The RMPRC, located at Chennai Port, is the first facility of its kind to coordinate responses to marine pollution in the Indian Ocean Region.

• The Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry will host Chetak and Advanced Light Helicopter Squadrons, capable of conducting maritime patrol, search and rescue, and other missions.

• The new MRCC will act as a nodal centre for coordinating all maritime rescue operations, ensuring the safety of mariners and fishermen.

• The helicopters stationed at the Puducherry Air Enclave are built using indigenous technology and can operate from both land and Coast Guard ships.

• These new facilities will significantly strengthen India's maritime safety and pollution response capabilities.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

A strong typhoon named ‘Ampil’ struck Japan

• Typhoon Ampil, categorized as "very strong" by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), struck the eastern region of Japan.

• The powerful typhoon prompted Japan to ground hundreds of flights and issue evacuation warnings.

• Typhoon Ampil's wind speeds reached 45 metres per second, with maximum gusts of 60 metres per second (216 kph/134 mph).

• The Japan Meteorological Agency uses "very strong" and "violent" as its highest categories for typhoons.

• A cyclone is characterized by a very low-pressure system with extremely high-speed winds revolving around it.

• The impact of Typhoon Ampil caused significant disruption to air travel and led to emergency preparations.

• Japan's authorities urged people in the affected regions to evacuate as a precaution.

• Typhoon Ampil's intensity and wind speeds posed a serious threat to the safety of those in its path.

APPOINTMENTS

Morne Morkel appointed bowling coach of Indian men's team.

• Morne Morkel, the former South African fast bowler, has been appointed as the bowling coach for the Indian men's cricket team.

• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, confirmed Morkel's role for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh starting on September 19.

• Morkel previously served as the bowling coach for Lucknow Super Giants, where Gautam Gambhir was the team's mentor.

• Before his appointment as head coach, Gambhir advocated for Morkel’s inclusion in the Indian coaching staff.

• Morkel also has experience as a bowling coach with various franchise teams globally.

• In addition to his franchise coaching roles, Morkel was the bowling coach for the Pakistan men's team during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

• Morkel’s appointment adds significant international experience to the Indian coaching setup.

MISCELLANEOUS

India’s CAG and Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Accounts signed a MoU

• India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Accounts.

• The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange in auditing between the two countries.

• This agreement represents an important step toward fostering closer ties between the Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) of India and Uzbekistan.

• The MoU will provide a platform for sharing expertise and best practices among auditing professionals.

• The collaboration will focus on building capacity for conducting effective audits in both nations.

• The agreement highlights the need for institutions to adopt a new phase of cooperative engagement.

• This MoU will promote the exchange of knowledge and experience in the auditing field.

• The partnership seeks to enhance the professional development of auditors in India and Uzbekistan.

• The MoU underscores the importance of international cooperation in strengthening auditing practices.