Health Ministry constitutes the National Task Force on Healthcare Worker Safety... The Health Ministry has formed a 14-member National Task Force (NTF) to address the safety and working conditions of medical professionals in India. In response to ongoing protests and as mandated by the Supreme Court, the NTF will develop recommendations focused on preventing violence against healthcare workers and establishing national protocols for dignified and safe working conditions across the medical profession.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches ‘Create In India Challenge-Season One’... Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched ‘Create in India Challenge-Season One’ in New Delhi on August 22 in the run-up to the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vaishnaw said that reflecting the evolution of Indian economy and the impact of technological advancements, 25 challenges have been launched.

India’s KAPS-4 Nuclear Plant Achieves Full Capacity... The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat, India, has reached full operational capacity with its second 700 MW nuclear reactor, KAPS-4, which started operating at full power on August 21, 2024. This achievement follows the reactor’s commercial operation start on March 31, 2024, and its first criticality on December 17, 2023. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) confirmed that Unit 4 at KAPS was previously operating at 90% capacity before reaching its full 700 MW output.

Strategic Alliance for Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi... The Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark has led to the creation of the Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi. This tripartite initiative, involving the Government of India, IIT-BHU, and Denmark, aims to rejuvenate the Varuna River using sustainable approaches. The project features a hybrid lab model at IIT-BHU and an on-field living lab at the Varuna River, fostering collaboration among government bodies, academic institutions, and local communities.

South Indian Adivasi Knowledge Centre To Be Launched In B.R. Hills... Kaanu, a South Indian Adivasi Knowledge Centre, will be launched at the Tribal Health Resource Centre (THRC) at BR Hills, Karnataka on August 25. Prashanth N. Srinivas, a medical doctor and public health researcher working at the Institute of Public Health, Bangalore’s field station in B.R. Hills, says that Kaanu, which means evergreen forest in both Kannada and Soliga language.

Amul Tops Global Food Brand Rankings in 2024... A significant literary event took place in New Delhi with the release of BJP General Secretary Tarun Chugh’s book, “Modi’s Governance Triumph: Reshaping India’s Path to Prosperity“. The book launch was graced by the presence of prominent political figures, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, underscoring the importance of this literary work in India’s political discourse.

Tarun Chugh’s book, “Modi’s Governance Triumph Released... The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad has once again been recognized as the Best Airport at the prestigious India Travel Awards, marking its third consecutive win in this category.

Diana Pundole: First Indian Woman Racer to Win National Championship... Diana Pundole, a teacher and mother from Pune, has made history as the first Indian woman to win the national championship in the saloon category at the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 held in Chennai. Her achievement is especially notable as it comes in a sport traditionally dominated by men, highlighting her determination and skill despite numerous challenges.

National Space Day 2024: A Celebration of India’s Space Achievements... India is set to commemorate its first National Space Day in 2024, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s journey of space exploration. Spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this day represents a momentous occasion to celebrate India’s growing prominence in the global space community. National Space Day is not merely a reflection on past triumphs but a forward-looking event aimed at inspiring future generations and underscoring the pivotal role of space science and technology in shaping our world.

PM Modi Presents BHISHM Cubes to Ukraine...In a historic visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged extensive humanitarian support and handed over four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes to the Ukrainian government. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since its independence in 1991, emphasizing India’s stance for peace amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Odisha CM Majhi Launches Subhadra Scheme... Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has unveiled the Subhadra scheme, a significant initiative under the BJP government. The scheme promises ₹50,000 to one crore women aged 21 to 60 over the next five years, with a total budget allocation of ₹55,825 crore. The funds will be disbursed in annual installments of ₹10,000, divided into two payments of ₹5,000 each on Rakhi Purnima and International Women’s Day.

GAIL and Petron to Establish 500 KTA Bio-Ethylene Plant in India... On August 21, 2024, GAIL (India) Limited and US-based Petron Scientech Inc signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of a 500 Kilo Tonne per Annum (KTA) bio-ethylene plant in India. This initiative will involve a 50:50 joint venture, where both companies will conduct feasibility studies to evaluate the technical and financial viability of the project before seeking investment approval.

Postal Dept launches Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to Encourage Philately... The Department of Post under the Union Ministry of Communication has launched the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to promote research and scholarship in philately among students across India. Announced by the Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region, Ahmedabad, Krishna Kumar Yadav, during the closing ceremony of the ‘The Ideal and Great Stamps’ Paintings exhibition, the scheme aims to foster the hobby of stamp collection among children.

Mumbai Ranks 2nd, New Delhi 3rd in Global Property Price Index...Mumbai and Delhi are at the second and third positions, respectively, among 44 cities globally in annual price rise of prime residential properties during the June quarter, Knight Frank said in a report. The annual price growth across the 44 cities globally slowed to 2.6 per cent in the second quarter of the 2024 calendar year, from 4.1 per cent in the preceding quarter, real estate consultant Knight Frank report said.

Shikhar Dhawan Announces Retirement from International Cricket... Indian cricket’s prolific white-ball opener, Shikhar Dhawan, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 38. While stepping away from representing India, Dhawan hinted at his intention to continue participating in league cricket, most notably the Indian Premier League (IPL).

11th Puthiya Thalaimurai Tamilan Awards... The 11th edition of the Puthiya Thalaimurai Tamilan Awards recently honored outstanding individuals across various fields, recognizing both seasoned professionals and emerging talents. This prestigious event showcased the rich diversity of accomplishments in Tamil Nadu and beyond.

Soumya Swaminathan Releases Autobiography of Activist Kalpana Sankar... In a significant event celebrating women’s empowerment and social entrepreneurship, Dr. Kalpana Sankar’s autobiography, “The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women”, was unveiled at Cathedral Road. The book launch brought together notable figures from various fields, highlighting the impact of grassroots initiatives on women’s economic empowerment and community development.