Current Affair One - Liner : 11th & 12th August 2024

On August 10, 2024, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed the creation of a National Geospatial Data Repository. This initiative aims to centralize and streamline geospatial data management in India, enhancing data accessibility and supporting various sectors like urban planning, agriculture, and disaster management.

Odisha has partnered with the World Food Programme (WFP) to launch India’s first 24/7 ‘Grain ATM’ called 'Annapurti’. The Odisha government launched India’s first rice ATM, the “Annapurna Rice ATM,” on August 7, 2023. This automated machine dispenses rice to beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS) when they swipe their ration card. The initiative aims to reduce pilferage and ensure the right quantity of rice reaches the right people efficiently and with dignity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently released 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified crop varieties on August 11, 2024. These include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops, aimed at reducing farmers’ costs and benefiting the environment. The initiative also focuses on the growing demand for organic and nutritious foods.

The Kerala Authority for Advance Ruling (KAAR) has indeed ruled that selling items like Chat, Lassi, and Vada-Pav through a separate counter without a brand name inside a shop will attract a GST rate of 5%. This ruling classifies these sales as 'restaurant services’.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in India’s manufacturing sector have indeed surged by 69% over the past decade, reaching a total of $165.1 billion from 2014 to 2024. This significant increase highlights India’s growing appeal as a destination for foreign investment in manufacturing.

World Elephant Day, celebrated on August 12th, aims to raise awareness about the threats elephants face, such as poaching and habitat loss. The 2024 theme, “Protecting Elephant Habitats,” emphasizes preserving and restoring natural environments for elephants.

T.V. Somanathan was appointed as the new Cabinet Secretary on August 10, 2024, and he will officially assume the role from August 30, 2024. His appointment marks a significant step in the Indian administrative framework, bringing his extensive experience and expertise to the highest bureaucratic position.

Shah Rukh Khan, known as “King Khan,” received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Locarno Film Festival on August 10, 2024. This prestigious honor recognizes his significant contributions to cinema over the years.

The book ‘75 Great Revolutionaries of India’, authored by Rajya Sabha MP Bhim Singh, was launched on August 9, 2024. The launch event was attended by notable figures including Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, who commended the book for shedding light on the contributions of lesser-known freedom fighters. The book aims to inspire a developed India by recognizing the sacrifices of these unsung heroes.

K. Natwar Singh, a former Indian Foreign Minister, passed away on August 11 at the age of 95. He had a distinguished career in diplomacy and politics, significantly shaping India’s foreign policy. His contributions and legacy will be remembered by many.
Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube, passed away on August 9, 2024, at the age of 56 after a two-year battle with lung cancer. She was a significant figure in the tech industry, having joined Google in its early days and later leading YouTube for nine years.

Questions:

1 Who is the author of the book 75 Great Revolutionaries of India?

2 Which state in India launched the Annapurna Rice ATM?