PM Launches Revamp of 508 Amrit Bharat Stations

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations across the country.
• The design of the station building will be inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture.

National Handloom Day 2023

• August 7 marks the celebration of National Handloom Day, to honour the skilled artisans who operate handlooms and their significant contributions to both the economy and culture of the nation.
• The handloom sector of India boasts a profound cultural legacy that is deeply intertwined with its heritage.

Valid License Required for Import of Laptops, Tablets, Personal Computers

• The announcement from the Government states that starting from November 1st of this year, a valid import license will be necessary for bringing in laptops, tablets, and personal computers.
• According to a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), import shipments can be processed until October 31^st of this year without requiring a license for restricted imports.
• The authorities emphasize that there is no outright prohibition on importing IT Hardware such as laptops and tablets.
• These items can still be imported, provided that companies or traders acquire a valid license.
• To facilitate this process, the DGFT has established an online portal where companies and traders can apply for the necessary license.

Iraq Becomes 18^th Country Recognised by WHO for Eliminating Trachoma

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted official recognition to Iraq as the 18^th nation to effectively eradicate trachoma as a public health issue.
• Moreover, the WHO has bestowed recognition upon Iraq as the 50^th country worldwide to eliminate at least one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD).

Cabinet Approves ₹1.39 Lakh Crore for BharatNet Project

• In August 2023, the Cabinet has granted its endorsement to a budget allocation of ₹1.39 lakh crore for BharatNet, the government's initiative aimed at establishing final-stage connectivity to 6.4 lakh villages across the nation.
• This endeavor ranks among the most extensive rural telecommunications projects globally and is being executed through a phased approach, encompassing all 2.5 lakh gram panchayats throughout the country to ensure broadband connectivity at the grassroots level.

Rabindranath Tagore Death Anniversary

• On August 7^th, the world observes the commemoration of the passing of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
• A prominent figure, Tagore, hailing from Bengal, excelled as a poet, novelist, musician, painter, and playwright, leaving an indelible impact on Bengali literature and music.
• After battling acute uraemia and a urinary bladder obstruction, he departed at the age of 80 on August 7, 1941.