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 AFFAIRSCLOUD TODAY
Current Affairs 11 August 2023 : Headlines

❖ CBI Academy Joins Interpol Global Academy Network as its 10th Member
❖ MeitY Launched IWBDC to Create Indigenous Web Browser with Advanced Features
❖ NABARD supports Rajasthan to Get 5 GI Tag certification for Traditional Products
❖ IBA forms Sectoral Committee for 26 Banks in GIFT City
❖ Axis Bank to raise stake in Max Life to 16.22% via Rs 1,612 crore Investment
❖ Kotak Life partners with ESAF Bank to offer Life Insurance to customers
❖ L&T, partners to invest $4B in Green Hydrogen Projects ; To Acquire NPCIL stake in Arm
❖ GRSE launched Neerakshi, India’s first Indigenous AUV to Detect Mines
❖ TLMAL delivers 200th C-130J Super Hercules Empennage
❖ Indian Army secures patent for AI-driven Accident Prevention System
❖ 108th Foundation Day of ZSI: 3- days Programme held with Special Focus on ‘Mission Life’
❖ P Jayarama Bhat Former MD&CEO of Karnataka Bank Passes Away
❖ Poet-Diplomat Abhay K Launches his New Book ‘Monsoon’
❖ World Bio-Fuel Day 2023 – August 10
❖ World Lion Day 2023 – August 10
❖ Justice Subhasis Talapatra Sworn in as 33rd Chief Justice of Orissa High Court
❖ RGICL has been Awarded the Contract for Implementing MHIS & PMJAY in Meghalaya

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 NATIONAL AFFAIRS
CBI Academy Joins Interpol Global Academy Network as its 10th Member
On 8th August 2023, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Academy, based in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
joined the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Global Academy Network as its 10th
member through a virtual signing ceremony organized between CBI and Interpol at Global Complex for
Innovation, Singapore for development and delivery of joint training program and research projects.

• A letter of acceptance was signed by Deputy Inspector General(DIG) (Training) Mohit Gupta of the
CBI Academy with Glenn Martindale, Director, Capacity Building and Training Directorate, Interpol
in consultation with India’s Union Home Ministry, External Affairs Ministry and the Department of
Personnel and Training.
INTERPOL Global Academy Network:
i.Established in 2019, the INTERPOL Global Academy Network is under the leadership of INTERPOL’s
Capacity Building and Training Directorate. Its primary goal is to spearhead a worldwide strategy for law
enforcement training.
ii.The Network has members in all regions and supports academic collaboration amongst Law Enforcement
Training Institutions across the globe.
iii.The INTERPOL Global Academy currently has 10 members: Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Austria, Botswana,
Colombia, India, Korea, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia and Spain.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):
i.The CBI is a premier training institution in the fields of crime investigation, prosecution and vigilance
functioning.
ii.It is the National Central Bureau of Interpol for India as well as a Nodal Agency for Transnational Organised
Crimes, Anti-Corruption Crimes, Bank Fraud Cases and Cyber Crimes.
Director – Praveen Sood
Established in – 1963
Headquarters – New Delhi,Delhi

MeitY Launched IWBDC to Create Indigenous Web Browser with Advanced Features
On August 9, 2023, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Indian Web
Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC), Open Challenge Competition for Indian technology enthusiasts to
create an indigenous web browser with advanced security features.
• It was jointly launched by Sunita Verma, Scientist G & Group Coordinator (Research &
Development- R&D in Electronics & Information Technology); Arvind Kumar, Controller of
Certifying Authorities (CCA), MeitY; and Dr. S. D. Sudarshan, Executive Director C-DAC (Centre for
Development of Advanced Computing), Bengaluru, Karnataka during a Launch Programme
organized at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, Delhi.

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 • The dignitaries also unveiled the Challenge brochure during the event.
• This Challenge is spearheaded by MeitY, CCA and C-DAC Bengaluru.
About IWBDC:
Aim:
To motivate and empower technology enthusiasts, innovators, and developers from India to create web
browser with an inbuilt CCA India root certificate, advanced features and strong security & data privacy
measures.
Rounds:
The competition comprises three rounds: an ideation round selecting 18 entries, a second round narrowing
down to 8 participants, and a final round to determine the winner, first runner-up, and second runner-up.
Throughout the challenge, participants will receive technical mentorship.
Prize money:
• The total prize money of the challenge is Rs. 3.41 crore.
• The winner will receive a prize of Rs. 1 crore and ongoing support to further develop the browser.
Key Points:
The browser’s key focus will be on accessibility and user-friendliness, including support for individuals with
different abilities. It will also offer the capability to digitally sign documents using a crypto token, enhancing
secure transactions and digital interactions.
Participants:
The program was participated by more than 200 participants from government departments, industry, start-up
and academia through on-line and off-line mode.

NABARD supports Rajasthan to Get 5 GI Tag certification for Traditional Products

The National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development(NABARD) supported Rajasthan to get a
Geographical Indications (GI) tag for five traditional products including Nathdwara Pichhwai Craft of
Rajsamand, Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft, Bikaner Kashidakari Craft, Jodhpur Bandhej Craft and Bikaner Usta
Kala Craft.

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Advantages of getting GI Tags:
i.GI tags are crucial in rural off-farm development because they act as product differentiators, boost brand
building, provide local employment, create a regional brand, generate spin-off benefits in tourism and cuisine,
and help to conserve biodiversity.
ii.It also improves market access, raises knowledge, and strengthens producers’ ability to assert their rights.
iii.It is supported to empower local communities by enhancing their income levels and preserving the
intactness of disappearing artworks.
Nathdwara Pichhwai Craft:
i.The Nathdwara Pichhwai Craft has a 400-year history and depicts the glorious life of Lord Shrinathji(Lord
Krishna).
• These paintings were used to decorate the walls of temples in Nathdwara, Rajasmand district,
Rajasthan.
ii.The word Pichhwai comes from the Sanskrit words, ‘pich’ meaning back and ‘wais’ meaning hanging.
iii.The colours used in Pichhwai painting are natural colours including vibrant blue, green, brilliant red, and
Oranges.
• The most beautiful ones are mainly filled with pure gold.
iv.Themes commonly used in Nathdwara Pichhwai Crafts are based on Ramayana, Krishna Lila,
Choura Panchasika, Ragamala series and Gita Govinda.
• Nathdwara Pichhwai Craft is a Handi Crafts goods.
Note:
The other four GI products Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft, Bikaner Kashidakari Craft, Jodhpur Bandhej Craft, and
Bikaner Usta Kala Craft explained in Rajasthan GI Tags
Renewal:
A registered GI shall be valid for 10 years and can be renewed on payment of renewal fee.
Additional info:
i.In Rajasthan, NABARD also promotes the farm and off-farm sectors through skill development programmes,
GI, promotion of farm and off-farm producer organisations, farmer exposure tours, and improvement of
watersheds and wadis for tribal people.
ii.NABARD spent Rs.31.04 crore on different developmental activities in Rajasthan during the financial year
2022-23.

BANKING & FINANCE

IBA forms Sectoral Committee for 26 Banks in GIFT City
The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) constituted a sectoral committee to frame the unique regulatory landscape
and address challenges faced by 26 member banks operating within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City
(GIFT City) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• The committee is intended to function as a bridge connecting the banking sector and regulatory
bodies, ensuring effective communication and resolution of concerns and perspectives.
Why the committee?
i.Due to the differential regulatory guidelines between banks operating within GIFT City and those outside,
there is a need for a dedicated committee to focus on resolving the challenges encountered by International

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Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Units (IBUs) .
ii.The committee will represent the collective interests of the banks operating within GIFT City.
iii. In the past, banks used to independently raise the issues they were experiencing with the International
Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA).
About Indian Banks’ Association (IBA):
Chief Executive – Sunil Mehta
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established in – 1946
About Gujarat International Finance Tec-city co. ltd. (GIFT-City)
Managing Director & Group Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Tapan Ray
Headquarters – Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Axis Bank to raise stake in Max Life to 16.22% via Rs 1,612 crore Investment
On August 9, 2023, Axis Bank Limited announce to raise its stake in Max Life Insurance Company Limited to
16.22% from 9.99% by infusing Rs 1,612 crore (USD 194.6 million) through a preferential allotment of shares.

• The proposal for the same was approved by the acquisitions, divestment and merger committee of
Bank’s board.
• This capital infusion will help Max Life to support its growth ambitions, augment capital position
and improve solvency margins.
Background:
Axis Bank, along with its entities (Axis Securities and Axis Capital), had acquired a 12.99% stake in Max Life in
2021, and through this new investment they will own 19.02% in the Max Life.
Key points:
i.The increase in the stake by the bank will be done through a share subscription agreement with Max Life
through subscription to the preferential issue of 14,25,79,161 fully paid-up equity shares of face value of Rs 10
each at a fair market value of Rs 113.06 per share.
ii.Currently, Max Financial holds an 87% in Max Life. On completion of the proposed capital infusion, Max
Financials’ shareholding will reduced to 80.98%.
iii.After the investment, Five nominee directors of Axis entities and three nominee directors of Max Financial

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will be there on the board of Max Life.
About Axis Bank:
MD & CEO– Amitabh Chaudhry
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Establishment– 1993
Tagline– Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi

Kotak Life partners with ESAF Bank to offer Life Insurance to customers
On 9th August 2023, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd (Kotak Life) announced its corporate
agency tie-up with ESAF Small Finance Bank (ESAF Bank) to offer life insurance to ESAF Bank customers.
• The tie-up plans to benefit 68 lakh customers of ESAF Bank through life insurance products
provided by Kotak Life, including protection, savings, investment and retirement through ESAF
Bank’s 700 banking outlets spread across 21 States and 2 Union Territories(UTs).

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

L&T, partners to invest $4B in Green Hydrogen Projects ; To Acquire NPCIL stake in Arm
Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) and its green hydrogen joint venture (JV) partners viz. Indian Oil Corporation
Limited (IOCL) and ReNew Power, will invest upto USD 4 billion (Rs 32,000 crore) in their green hydrogen
businesses over next three to five years.

• This is a part of the L&T’s plans to invest around USD 12 billion over the next five years.
Focus:
The focus of this collaboration is to harness the potential of
green hydrogen, a clean and sustainable alternative to
traditional fossil fuels.
Key Points:
i.L&T has approached some coastal states in India to
acquire 500-1,000 acres of land for hydrogen facilities.
ii.The venture into hydrogen production will commence
with the manufacturing of electrolyzers, scheduled to
begin operations in December 2023.
iii.These electrolyzers will utilize renewable energy from
ReNew Power Private Ltd. to produce green hydrogen at
the IOCL refinery in Panipat, Haryana.
iv.The project will subsequently be expanded to other
IOCL refineries and L&T customers.
Note:
The clean energy strategy will be led by L&T Energy Green Tech, a subsidiary of L&T.

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Additional info:
i.The key part of this investment involves allocating approximately Rs 500 crore towards the development of
electrolysers.
• Electrolysers are components in the production of green hydrogen, as they facilitate the separation
of hydrogen from water using renewable electricity sources, thus ensuring a more eco-friendly
energy creation process.
ii.L&T has set up a hydrogen plant in Hazira, Gujarat in 2022 and has partnered with IOCL to manufacture
electrolysers.
iii.In 2023, L&T signed an agreement with Norway-based H2Carrier to develop floating green ammonia
projects for industrial-scale applications.
• L&T also entered into a manufacturing agreement with France-based McPhy Energy for the
production of electrolysers using McPhy’s technology.
L&T to buy out NPCIL stake in L&T Special Steel and Heavy Forging
L&T is also looking to procure 26% stake that Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) currently holds in
L&T Special Steel and Heavy Forging. In pursuit of this acquisition, L&T is prepared to invest
approximately Rs 150 crore.
• L&T Special Steels and Heavy Forgings is a Joint Venture of L&T and Nuclear Power Corporation of
India Limited.
Reason behind this move:
L&T has a forge shop that plays a critical role in the production of nuclear and defense-oriented items.
However, the presence of NPCI’s stake has posed challenges, hindering L&T’s efforts to broaden its horizons.
The nuclear plant connected to the JV accumulated loss of nearly Rs 3,000 crore. Recognizing the need for a
shift, L&T has initiated discussions with NPCI regarding the potential sale of the shareholdings.
Recent Related News:
i.To strengthen defence ties with India, the government of the USA has signed a formal framework
agreement on naval ship repair with Larsen & Toubro, the Indian defense shipbuilder.
ii.L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS) has partnered with Bharat Sanchar Nigam
Limited (BSNL) to provide private 5G (Fifth-generation) network solutions for global enterprises providing
faster connection speed and lower latency.
About Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T):
Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director– Sekharipuram Narayanan Subrahmanyan
Headquarter– Mumbai, Maharashtra

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

GRSE launched Neerakshi, India’s first Indigenous AUV to Detect Mines
On 28th July 2023, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Public Sector Undertaking (PSU)
under the Ministry of Defence(MoD) launched “Neerakshi”(Eyes in the Water), India’s first of its
kind indigenous Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to detect mines in Kolkata, West Bengal(WB).
• It is developed through a collaboration between Kolkata-based warship maker GRSE Ltd and Micro,
Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) entity Aerospace Engineering Private Ltd (AEPL).
• AUV Neerakshi was unveiled by Samir V Kamat Secretary Department of Defence Research and
Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
About AUV Neerakshi:
i.The orange-colored prototype of the cylindrical unmanned vehicle is 2.1 meter long, about a foot (0.30 meter)
in diameter and weighs around 45 kilograms.
ii.It has a endurance of 4 hours and can go up to 300 meters deep.
iii.It can be deployed across the coastal waters for ensuring safety of the coast.

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iv.Currently, Neerakshi is equipped with mine detection capabilities, though the objective is to also facilitate
mine disposals in the future.
v.Neerakshi can perform various tasks, including mine detection, mine disposal, and underwater surveying.
Note:
The commercial launch is likely to be within 6 months to a year after trials by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and
Army.

TLMAL delivers 200th C-130J Super Hercules Empennage

Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems
Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, delivered its 200th Empennage (the tail structure located
at the rear of an aircraft for stabilisation) of C-130J (world’s workhorse) Super Hercules under Make in India
initiative .

• TLMAL is the sole worldwide provider of C-130J empennage assemblies, which are integrated into
all new Super Hercules aircraft manufactured in Marietta, Georgia, United States of America (USA).
About Empennage:
i.Every empennage manufactured by TLMAL significantly contributes to enabling the powerful Super Hercules
to embark on missions of paramount importance, influencing lives and creating historical significance.
ii.Constructing and assembling an empennage involves numerous intricate components.
iii.The empennages made by TLMAL are included in C-130Js operated by seven countries, including India.
iv.The empennages of C-130J Super Hercules were delivered from TLMAL’s manufacturing facility located in
Hyderabad, India.
Empennage Components:
• Aircraft’s horizontal and vertical stabilisers.
• Leading edges and tip assemblies.
About C-130J Super Hercules:
i.The C-130J-30 is a stretch version of the C-130J, a proven, highly reliable and affordable airlifter.
ii.It is the airlifter of choice for 22 nations and 26 operators around the world.
iii.The C-130Js support critical worldwide search and rescue, peacekeeping, combat delivery, maritime patrol,
special operations, aerial refuelling, commercial cargo transport, medevac and humanitarian response

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missions.
Additional info:
i.In March 2023, Lockheed Martin and Tata Group signed
a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) to begin the
implementation of fighter wing production.
ii.TLMAL empennages are also included in the LM-100J ─
the commercial variant of the Super Hercules.
About Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited
(TLMAL):
Headquarters – Hyderabad, Telangana
Established in – 2010
About Lockheed Martin Aeronautics:
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officers(CEO)
– James D. Taiclet
Headquarters – Maryland, United States of
America(USA)
Established in – 1912
About Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)
Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officers(CEO) – Sukaran Singh
Headquarters – Hyderabad, Telangana
Established in – 2007

Indian Army secures patent for AI-driven Accident Prevention System

The Indian Army (IA) has secured a patent for an ‘Accident Prevention System based on Artificial
Intelligence (AI)’ which is poised to enhance road safety and mitigate accidents.

• It is developed within the Army’s research and development (R&D) division, and Colonel Kuldeep
Yadav has been credited as the inventor of this prevention system.
• This system saves lives by alerting drivers from falling asleep & reduces accidents caused by
drowsiness.
Key Points:
i.The patent will remain valid for a duration of 20 years from 2nd February 2021(date of filing), in accordance
with the provisions of Patents Act 1970.
• The patent was officially granted on July 11.
ii.Before securing the patent, the AI-based accident prevention device was subjected to rigorous testing in the
buses of two state transport corporations – Andhra Pradesh(AP) and Telangana.
iii.The device proved suitable for use in trucks as well, signifying its potential to contribute significantly to road
safety beyond military applications.

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 ENVIRONMENT
108th Foundation Day of ZSI: 3- days Programme held with Special Focus on ‘Mission Life’
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) inaugurated
a 3-day celebration programme of the 108th Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Day with Special Focus on
‘Mission LiFE‘ (Lifestyle for Environment) at Nicco Park in Kolkata, West Bengal.

• Inauguration of Animal Taxonomy Summit (ATS) 2023, its a first of its kind in our country, was
organised by ZSI as part of the programme , where 400 delegates across India and abroad including
the Natural History Museum, London, the United Kingdom (UK) were participated.
Key People:
Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State (MoS), MoEFCC; Chandra Prakash Goyal, Director General of Forests
and Special Secretary; Dr Dhriti Banerjee, Director ZSI; Dr Ashiho Asosii Mao, Director, Botanical Survey of
India (BSI).
Mission LiFE:
i.It is an India-led global mass movement introduced by
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi at the 26th United
Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties
(COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, The United Kingdom (UK)
in November 2021.
ii.In 2022, the PM launched the Mission LiFE for a
sustainable and healthy lifestyle at the Statue of Unity in
Gujarat.
Three Phases of Mission LiFE:
Each phase requires a fundamental shift in the approach
towards sustainability.
• Phase I – Change in Demand
• Phase II- Change in Supply
• Phase III- Change in Policy
Book Release:
As a part of the event, 6 books were released:
• Animal Discoveries: New Species and New Records 2022; Plant Discoveries 2022; Faunal Diversity
of 75 Ramsar Wetlands of India; Records of Zoological Survey of India-Special Issue of ATS 2023; 75
Endemic Birds of India and Fauna of India-108 DNA Sequences.
Signing MoUs:
ZSI signed 3 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for research and academic collaboration as follows:
i.MoU was signed with the Royal Government of Bhutan to conduct a population assessment of the Red Panda,
through a non-invasive method.

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ii.MoUs were signed with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur in Rajasthan and the University of
Burdwan, West Bengal for research collaborations and student exchange programmes.
Key Highlights:
i.The efforts of ZSI for establishing globally well-known protected areas such as Silent Valley National Park
(Kerala), Namdapha Tiger Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh), Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu) and Great
Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and many others were appreciated.
ii.The Union Minister also mentioned ZSI’s significant role in providing technical inputs for amending the
Wildlife Protection Act.
iii.The MoS emphasised ZSI to focus on the research and conservation of important wetlands of Gangetic plains
of India as ‘Sarovar Mitra’, by initiating a programme for citizen scientists for better data dissemination and
conservation awareness.
‘75 Endemic Birds of India’, a Publication from ZSI: 78 species of birds are found only in India
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) on commemorating its 108th Foundation Day, released
a publication titled ‘75 Endemic Birds of India‘ during the 3 days programme held in Kolkata, West Bengal.
As per the publication, 78 (about 5%) of birds found in India are Endemic and are not reported in other parts
of the world.
• There is a rich diversity of 10,906 bird species in the world, and of them, India is home to 1,353,
which represents approximately 12.40% of global bird diversity.
Key Points:
i.According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorisation in its Red List of
Threatened Species, 25 of the 78 bird species, which are found only in India, are classified as
‘Threatened’; 3 species are listed as ‘Critically Endangered’; 5 are categorised as ‘Endangered’, and 17 as
‘Vulnerable’, while 11 are categorised as ‘Near Threatened’.
ii.Of the 78 species, 3 species have not been recorded in the last few decades. They are:
• Manipur Bush Quail (Perdicula manipurensis); Himalayan
Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa),and Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus).
iii.28 bird species, the highest number of endemic species have been recorded in the Western Ghats, 25 species
are endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 4 species to the Eastern Himalayas and one each to the Southern
Deccan plateau and Central Indian Forest.
iv.Some of the interesting species recorded in India’s bio-geographic hotspot are the Malabar Grey
Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus); Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columboides) from Western Ghats; Nicobar
Serpent Eagle (Spilornis klossi), Andaman Barn Owl (Tyto Deroepstorffi) from the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands.
Recent related news:
Researchers of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered 2 new species of jumping spiders from
southern India, namely, Phintella dhritiae from Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary in
Karnataka and Phintella platnicki from Salem district of Tamil Nadu (TN).
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI):
Director– Dhriti Banerjee
Headquarters– Kolkata, West Bengal
It was established on 1st July 1916 to promote survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement
in our knowledge of various aspects of an exceptionally rich life of the erstwhile ´British Indian Empire´.

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 OBITUARY
P Jayarama Bhat Former MD&CEO of Karnataka Bank Passes Away
On 09th August 2023, Polali Jayarama Bhat, the former Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive
Officers(CEO) of Karnataka Bank passed away. He was born on 14th November 1951, in Polali, a small town
near Mangalore, Karnataka.

• He served the Bank for over 48 years from April 1973 to November 2021.
Timeline:
i.Jayarama Bhat joined the services of Karnataka Bank as a Probationary Officer in January 1973.
ii.On July 14, 2009 he was appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Karnataka Bank.
iii.In April 2017, Jayarama Bhat chose to step down from his role as MD and CEO.
• Subsequently, he was appointed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the Part- time Non-
executive Chairman of Karnataka Bank in the same month. He held this position until his
retirement on November 13, 2021.
Awards and Recognition:
• Outstanding Manager Award from Mangalore Management Association.
• CEO with HR(Human Resource) Orientation by Asia Pacific Human Resource Management (HRM)
Congress.
• A. Shama Rao Memorial Outstanding Achievement Award by A. Shama Rao Foundation.
• New Year Award-2015 jointly by Manipal University, Academy of General Education, and Syndicate
Bank.
• T. A. Pai Memorial Shrestha Banker Award from Delhi Kannadiga.
Roles and Appointments:
i.He served on the board of Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Ltd, a joint venture involving
Karnataka Bank, where he held the position of Nominee Director.
ii.From August 2010 to August 2014, he served as a member of the Management Committee of the Indian
Banks’ Association (IBA).
• During this timeframe, he concurrently held the position of Chairman for the “IBA Committee on
Member Private Sector Banks.”
iii.He was also the chairman of the Governing Board of Southern India Banks‟ Staff Training College (SIBSTC),
Bengaluru.
Additional Info:
Following his successful completion of the Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB)
examination in 1986, he taught at Government Junior College, Mulki(Mangalore, Karnataka) for three months in
1972.

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 BOOKS & AUTHORS
Poet-Diplomat Abhay K Launches his New Book ‘Monsoon’
On 1st August 2023, Indian-poet-diplomat Abhay Kumar (Abhay K), Deputy Director General of Indian Council
of Cultural Relations (ICCR), launched his new book titled “Monsoon: A Poem of Love and Longing”, a book-
length poem running across 150 four-line stanzas, at Kathika Culture Centre in Old Delhi, Delhi.
• The book was published by Sahitya Akademi on the occasion of its 68th anniversary (13th March
2022).
• The book is a poem that follows the monsoon which originates from Madagascar and travels to the
Srinagar in the Himalayas and back to Madagascar.
Forthcoming works of Abhay K:
i.His upcoming book titled ‘Celestial’ (Mapin India) is a poem in 100 rhyming couplets, that details the journey
to all the 88-star constellations visible from Earth. It is illustrated with the drawings of star constellations of the
10th-century Persian astronomer Al Rahman Al Sufi.
ii.Penguin Random House is set to publish his translation of the first Magahi novel ‘Phool Bahadur’ by Jayanath
Pati in January 2024.

IMPORTANT DAYS
World Bio-Fuel Day 2023 – August 10
World Bio-Fuel Day is observed annually on 10th August to create awareness about the importance of non-
fossil fuels or bio-fuels as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels for the energy sector.

• The day also honours Rudolf Diesel, a French-German Inventor, who invented the Diesel Engine in
1892.
• The day also tries to highlight the various efforts taken by the Government to promote the use of
biofuel for the sustainable development of the planet.
Background:
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas(MoPNG) initiated the observance of World Biofuel Day in India in
2015.
Why August 10?
10th August marks the day on which German inventor and mechanical engineer Sir Rudolf Christian Karl
Diesel for the first time successfully ran the Diesel engine with peanut oil in 1893.
What are Biofuels?
i.Unlike other renewable energy sources, biomass can be converted directly into liquid fuels, called “biofuels”
ii.Bio-fuels are environment-friendly fuels that can be produced using biological materials like agricultural
waste, trees, crops, algae, or even grass.
iii.They are cost-effective and can be stored in either liquid or gaseous form.

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iv.Unlike fossil fuels, biofuels are sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable in nature.
v.These renewable fuels reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%, establishing them as an essential component
towards a journey of a greener world.
Types of Biofuels:
At present, 2 most common types of biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel.
1.Ethanol:
i.Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) is a renewable fuel that can be made from various plant materials, collectively known as
“biomass.”
ii.Most of the fuel ethanol produced around the world is made by fermenting the sugar in the starches of grains
such as corn, sorghum, and barley, and the sugar in sugar cane and sugar beets.
2.Bio-Diesel:
i.It is a liquid fuel produced from renewable sources, such as new and used vegetable oils and animal fats, or
recycled cooking grease.
ii.It is a cleaner-burning replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel and is nontoxic and biodegradable.
Bio-Fuel in India:
India is the third-largest primary energy consumer in the world after China and the United States of America
(USA).
• India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas published its “National Policy on Biofuels” in 2018,
and further amended it in June 2022. It replaced the previous “National Policy on
Biofuels” promulgated in 2009 through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
• An accelerated national E-20 (20% bioethanol blending) mandate from 2030 to 2025, aims to
increase the capacity of ethanol production in India from 7 billion liters (BL) in 2021 to 15 BL in
2025.
Supportive Programs:
i.In addition to natural gas, an initiative called “Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable
Transportation” (SATAT) has been taken up to extract economic value from bio-mass waste in the form of
Compressed BioGas (CBG) and bio-manure.
ii.Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana for providing Viability Gap Funding (VGF), financial support to Integrated
Second Generation (2G) Bioethanol Projects in 2 phases. Phase-I (2018-19 to 2022-23) and Phase-II (2020-21
to 2023-24).
Recent related News:
According to the data released by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), the MoPNG increased the
Administered Price Mechanism (APM) domestic natural gas price for May 2023 to more than 4% MoM (month-
over-month) to US$8.27 per mBtu (million British Thermal Units) on Gross Calorific Value (GCV) basis from
US$7.92 per mBtu in April 2023.

World Lion Day 2023 – August 10

World Lion Day is annually observed on 10th August across the globe to raise awareness about Lions, the
‘Majestic King of the Jungle‘ and highlight the threats faced by the lion population across the world.
• The day also aims to promote efforts for the conservation and protection of the Lion, the second-
largest Big Cat Species in the World.
• The Lions (Panthera Leo) roamed freely across the jungles of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle
East some 3 million years ago.
Background:
i.In 2013, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, the co-founders of Big Cat Initiative (BCI) and National Geographic began
a partnership to establish World Lion Day.
ii.The first World Lion Day was observed in 2013.
iii.In 2009, the National Geographic Society, in partnership with Dereck and Beverly Joubert, founded the BCI to
halt the decline of big cats in the wild.

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Types of Lion Species:
There are 2 formally recognised lion subspecies.
• The African lion (Panthera leo leo) is found in Africa, south of the Sahara desert.
• The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) exists in one small population around Gir Forest National
Park in western India.
Significance:
i.As per the ‘Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Lions
are categorised as “Vulnerable”.
ii.They are now found only in fragments of sub-Saharan Africa, along with a critically endangered
subpopulation in West Africa and a small population of Asiatic lions in India’s Gir National Park, in Gujarat.
• 3 of the 5 largest lion populations can be found in Tanzania.
iii.Lions live in groups called ‘Pride’.
Lion Population:
i.The IUCN estimates that between 23,000 to 39,000 lions remain in the wild. However, the number may be
closer to 20,000, as three-quarters of their population is in decline.
ii.Now, the population of lions in the wild is estimated to be around 20,000 individuals in Africa, with a
population of around 600 individuals remaining in Asia, all of them in Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
in Gujarat.
iii.The African lion has disappeared from 94% of its historic range and can only be found today in parts of sub-
Saharan Africa.
Note: The Barbary Lion, Cape Lion, Eurasian Cave Lion, and American Cave Lion are all extinct lions.
Threats faced by Lions:
• Targeted poaching of lions for body parts
• Habitat loss and fragmentation
• Human-Wildlife Conflict
• Prey Depletion
• Climate Change
• Lack of Legal Protection
Note: As a result, the lion population has declined by approximately 43% over the past two decades.
Lion Population in India:
i.Gujarat state in India is the only place apart from Africa where it is possible to witness lions in their natural
habitat.
ii.The Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat is not just a habitat; it’s a sanctuary for the Asiatic lions.
iii.The IUCN categorised Asiatic lions as ‘Endangered’, because of their limited population and constrained
habitat.
iv.According to a recent Guardian report, there are now about 400 lions living in the Gir National Park and
another 300 in other locations throughout Gujarat, which represents a considerable rise in the population of
these threatened species.

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Lion Census in India:
i.The first Lion Census was conducted by the Nawab of Junagadh in 1936; since 1965, the Forest Department
has been regularly conducting the Lion Census every five years.
ii.The Forest Department of Gujarat announced the population of Asiatic Lions in 2020, and it was 674, which
was up from 523 in the 2015 Lion Census.
Project Lion:
i.The Government of Gujarat proposed plans for a second home for Asiatic lions in Barda wildlife sanctuary,
Gujarat.
ii.As per the report by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) under the Union Ministry of Environment Forest and
Climate Change, the Government has planned to translocate 40 adult and sub-adult lions to the Barda Wildlife
Sanctuary.

STATE NEWS
Justice Subhasis Talapatra Sworn in as 33rd Chief Justice of Orissa High Court
On 8th August 2023, Justice Subhasis Talapatra, Judge of the Orissa High Court, took oath as the 33rd Chief
Justice (CJ) of the Orissa High Court. The oath ceremony was administered by Prof. Ganeshi Lal, the Governor
of Odisha.

• Justice Subhasis Talapatra succeeded Justice Dr. S Muralidhar following his superannuation on 7th
August 2023.
• Justice Subhasis Talapatra is set to retire on October 3, 2023.
Note: In July 2023, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended the name of Justice Talapatra, as the CJ.
About Justice Subhasis Talapatra:
i.Justice Subhasis Talapatra hails from Udaipur, Tripura.
ii.He was designated as Senior Advocate on December 21, 2004. On November 15, 2011, he was sworn in as an
Additional Judge of Gauhati High Court in Guwahati, Assam.
iii.On September 13, 2013, was appointed as a Permanent Judge of the Tripura High Court.
iv.He served as the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Tripura twice from November 2-13, 2018, and
November 11-15, 2019.
v.He was transferred as Judge, High Court of Orissa on June 1, 2022, and he took the oath of office on June 10,
2022.
vi.Since 2017, he held the position of Executive Chairman of Tripura State Legal Services Authority and
Chairman of the Juvenile Justice Committee; Computer Committee, and eCourts Project; Committee for
Establishment of National Law University.
Orissa High Court launches Warrant Management System and PIL portal
On 7th August 2023, S Muralidhar, Chief Justice of Orissa High Court, on the day of his superannuation,
dedicated 2 e- initiatives : Warrant Management System and Public Interest Litigation (PIL) portal, for the
benefit of all stakeholders, including the police.

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Warrant Management System:
i.It is a portal of the high court collaboratively developed with the State Crime Records Bureau to ensure
expeditious transmission and monitoring of warrants.
ii.The portal has the facility of issuing warrants to the police, tracking the status of execution, and
acknowledgment of execution. This facility was initially launched in the Cuttack district of Odisha and has been
now extended to 7 other districts.
PIL Portal:
i.It serves as a tool for the public to access important PILs, its relevant orders, and reports from the High Court
which will benefit both researchers and students.
ii.This platform will also ensure transparency and accessibility in the legal system.

RGICL has been Awarded the Contract for Implementing MHIS & PMJAY in Meghalaya
On 8th August 2023, Reliance General Insurance Company Ltd (RGICL) signed a contract with the Department
of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya for the implementation of the Megha Health
Insurance Scheme (MHIS) and the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)-Phase
6 in Meghalaya.
• RGICL emerged as the successful bidder to implement a revised MHIS 6 scheme in convergence with
PMJAY, providing an insurance cover of Rs 5.3 lakhs for all eligible beneficiaries on a family floater
basis.
• Meghalaya has decided to review the health benefit packages and other terms in insurance contract
of MHIS 6. This will cover more than 7 lakh families in Meghalaya and provide them health
insurance coverage that will meet secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, outpatient care,
diagnostic tests, and follow-up care.
• RGICL will also leverage its digital capabilities for smooth and hassle-free enrolment, claim
settlement, and grievance redressal for the beneficiaries.
• The scheme provides coverage to all residents of Meghalaya apart from those who are employed by
the GoM and central governments.

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Example: In 'Important Days' topics the International
Organisations publish their reports and Rankings in the evenings, to
make sure every data is covered, we delay the topics to the next day

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