APPOINTMENTS

M. Suresh has assumed the additional charge of Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI)

• M. Suresh has taken on the additional role of Chairman of AAI, while continuing as Member (Air Navigation Services).

• His tenure as Chairman will last for three months or until further notice.

• He has been with the Airports Authority of India since September 2021.

• Suresh has extensive experience, having served as Regional Executive Director for the North East Region.

• He has also held positions as Airport Director at Goa, Jammu, and Madurai Airports.

• Suresh is a technical expert in Air Navigation Services with vast knowledge in planning, provision, and maintenance of CNS facilities.

• His appointment brings his technical expertise to the forefront of AAI's leadership.

• The appointment underscores his significant contributions to the aviation sector.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

India launched its 1st reusable hybrid rocket, 'RHUMI-1'.

• India’s first reusable hybrid rocket, 'RHUMI-1,' was launched by Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India in collaboration with Martin Group.

• The rocket, launched from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai, carried 3 cube satellites and 50 PICO satellites.

• These satellites will be used to gather data for research on global warming and climate change.

• The RHUMI-1 rocket features a hybrid motor using a generic fuel system and an electrically triggered parachute deployer, making it 100% pyrotechnic-free.

• The mission was spearheaded by Anand Megalingam, founder of Space Zone.

• The rocket's suborbital launch was executed using a mobile launcher.

• RHUMI-1’s design utilizes both liquid and solid fuel propellant systems for improved efficiency and reduced costs.

• Space Zone India aims to provide cost-effective and sustainable solutions for the space industry.

SPORTS

Indian women secured their first team title at the Under-17 Wrestling World Championships.

• Indian women claimed their first-ever team title at the Under-17 World Wrestling Championship in Jordan, amassing 185 points.

• Japan secured the second spot with 146 points, while Kazakhstan came in third with 79 points.

• Kajal clinched gold in the 69kg category, defeating Ukraine’s Oleksandr Rybak 9-2.

• Shrutika Patil earned a silver medal in the 46kg category, losing to Japan's Yuu Katsume.

• Raj Bala won a bronze medal in the 40kg category with an 11-5 victory over Japan's Monaka Umekawa.

• Muskan added another bronze for India by defeating Isabella Gonzales of the USA in the 53kg category through technical superiority.

• Indian women dominated the championship, winning a total of eight medals.

• The medal tally for India included five golds, one silver, and two bronze medals.

• The victory marked a historic moment for Indian women's wrestling on the global stage.

Diana Pundole became the first female national racing champion from India

• Diana Pundole has become India’s first female national racing champion.

• She secured the national championship title in the saloon category at the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 in Chennai.

• Pundole is a Pune-based teacher and mother of two.

• She was among 200 women selected for intensive trials in a national talent hunt.

• Her success is attributed to her data analysis and refined driving techniques.

• Pundole is the sole female competitor in the prestigious Indian Touring Cars mixed category.

• Her victory marks a significant milestone for women in Indian motorsport.

STATE NEWS

Kaanu will be launched on August 25 at the Tribal Health Resource Centre in BR Hills, Karnataka.

• Kaanu, an Adivasi Knowledge Centre, will be launched at the Tribal Health Resource Centre in BR Hills, Karnataka, on August 25.

• "Kaanu" means evergreen forest in Kannada and Soliga languages.

• The centre will serve as a hub for South Indian Adivasi history, culture, and customs.

• It will house a library with literature by and about indigenous communities from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

• Kaanu will feature an annotated bibliography of over 1,200 works related to the South Indian Adivasi world.

• A book co-authored by Adivasi and non-Adivasi researchers from South India will also be part of the centre's offerings.

• The initiative is spearheaded by academics and leaders from various Adivasi communities in South India, alongside non-Adivasi researchers.

• Kaanu is envisioned as the first knowledge hub dedicated to the South Indian Adivasi community.

• The centre aims to preserve and promote the rich heritage and knowledge of South India's indigenous people.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India and Ukraine have finalized agreements covering agriculture, medicine, and cultural cooperation

• India and Ukraine signed agreements to enhance cooperation in agriculture, medicine, and cultural ties.

• The agreements were finalized under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

• A framework for collaboration in the food and agriculture sectors was established.

• The State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control and India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation signed a MoU on medical product regulation.

• An MoU was signed for Indian humanitarian grant support in high-impact community development projects in Ukraine.

• A Program of Cultural Cooperation for the years 2024–2028 was also agreed upon.

• The cultural program aims to strengthen cultural connections between India and Ukraine.

• Four key documents were signed to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors.

• The agreements mark a significant step in boosting cooperation between the two nations.

• These agreements will pave the way for closer ties between India and Ukraine.

From January to June this year, the US became India's leading trading partner

• The US became India’s top trading partner from January to June 2024, with exports rising 10.5% to $41.6 billion.

• India’s merchandise exports grew by 5.41% to $230.51 billion in the first half of 2024.

• India’s trade deficit with China hit a record $41.6 billion during this period.

• Imports from Russia increased by 11.65%, reaching $34.4 billion.

• China remained India’s largest import source, with imports climbing from $46.2 billion to $50.1 billion.

• Exports to Italy, Belgium, Nepal, and Hong Kong declined.

• India exports goods to 239 countries, with 126 showing positive export growth.

• Imports from Russia rose from $30.8 billion, reflecting significant growth.

• India’s exports to the US grew significantly, contributing to its top trading partner status.

• Despite overall export growth, certain markets like Italy and Hong Kong saw reductions in trade.

India and Poland have elevated their relations to “strategic partnership

• India and Poland have upgraded their relationship to a "Strategic Partnership."

• The elevation to a strategic partnership was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Poland from August 21–22, 2024.

• An action plan for 2024–2028 was finalized alongside the joint statement.

• Both nations aim to fully realize the potential of their enhanced relationship.

• Leaders from both countries committed to deepening cooperation in defense and security.

• The Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation will be used to explore new collaborative areas.

• The strategic partnership emphasizes mutual goals of stability, prosperity, and sustainability.

• India and Poland reaffirmed their opposition to nuclear weapon use.

• The importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity was highlighted.

• Bilateral, regional, and international cooperation will be expanded under the new partnership.