“IMPORTANT DAYS”

Celebrating India’s 78th Independence Day

As the calendar turns to August 15, 2024, India marks a momentous milestone – its 78th Independence Day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s hard-fought freedom from British colonial rule, achieved on August 15, 1947. The annual celebration is not merely a nod to the past; it’s a vibrant affirmation of India’s progress, diversity, and aspirations for the future.

Theme of 78th Independence Day

As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, the government of India has announced the theme for this year is Viksit Bharat or Developed India.

 “APPOINTMENTS”

Sandeep Poundrik Assumes Role as Secretary of the Ministry of Steel

Shri Sandeep Poundrik has officially taken over as the Secretary of the Ministry of Steel, succeeding in his role at Udyog Bhawan. A 1993-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, Poundrik was welcomed by senior officials of the Ministry upon his appointment. Poundrik’s extensive background includes serving as Additional Chief Secretary in the Industries Department of the Bihar government, with additional responsibilities in various other governmental roles.

Vijay Mohan Kwatra Takes Charge An Indian Ambassador To US

Former Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumed charge as the Ambassador of India to the United States on August 13. Kwatra succeeds India’s former envoy to the United States, BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Kwatra has held various positions in many of India’s missions abroad and in India, bringing with him nearly 32 years of experience across a range of assignments. Kwatra has previously served at the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office as Joint Secretary.

“AWARDS”

Shah Rukh Khan Honored at 77th  Locarno Film Festival

Shah Rukh Khan, famous as Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’, received a career achievement award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival on August 10. This award recognizes his major impact on cinema. In his speech to an audience of 8,000, Khan shared his thoughts on cinema, calling it a strong artistic form that goes beyond cultural and geographical limits. Khan explained that art should celebrate life rather than just serve political or intellectual goals. He said that Art is the act of affirming life above all, showing that creativity is universal.

70th National Film Awards 2024

The winners of the 70th National Film Awards are announced at the National Media Center in New Delhi on August 16, with the Malayalam film Aattam emerging as the Best Feature Film.

70th National Film Awards 2024 winners

• Rishab Shetty won the Best Actor award for Kantara, the Best Actress honour was shared by Nithya Menen for Thiruchitrambalam and Manasi Parekh for The Kutch Express, respectively.
• The Best Director honour went to Sooraj Barjatya for his film, Uunchai. Ponniyin Selvan I, KGF 2, Brahmastra and Aparajito were among the other films which won awards at the ceremony.
• The awards were announced by the chairperson of the Feature Film Jury, Rahul Rawail; Nila Madhab Panda, chairperson of the Non-Feature Film Jury; and Gangadhar Mudalair, chairperson of the Best Writing on Cinema Jury.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Bihar government mandates Registration of Temples, Mutts, And Trusts

The Bihar government mandated registration of temples, mutts and trusts, and directed all District Magistrates in the State to ensure that the bodies are registered and details of their immovable assets are submitted to the Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts (BSBRT) soon. The BSBRT operates under the State’s Law Department and its records say there are about 2,512 unregistered temples and mutts across the State owning 4,321.64 acres of land.

WHO Declares Mpox a Global Public Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC), on August 14, 2024. This decision was made after experts noticed a rise in mpox cases, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries. A PHEIC is a serious health event that can affect multiple countries and needs a coordinated global response. It refers to an unusual event that could spread internationally, requiring countries to work together.