Current Affairs One - Liner : 10th August 2024

Three underwater features in the Indian Ocean have been named Ashoka Seamount, Chandragupta Ridge, and Kalpataru Ridge. These names, proposed by India, were recognized by the International Hydrographic Organization and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. The names honor historical figures and cultural symbols from India.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) established the Ayush Standardisation Department on August 11, 2024. This department aims to standardize traditional Indian medicine systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Homoeopathy. It has formed seven sectional committees and published 91 standards to ensure the quality and safety of Ayush products and practices.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCL Technologies, was recognized as India’s most influential woman leading a family-owned business on August 9, 2024. She has been instrumental in driving HCL’s growth and innovation, making significant contributions to the tech industry.

India and Zambia held their 4th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Lusaka on August 8, 2024. The discussions covered bilateral cooperation in sectors like defence, health, agriculture, and digital platforms. Both sides also explored ways to strengthen ties and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The RBI has announced the implementation of Continuous Clearing of Cheques under the Cheque Truncation System (CTS). This new measure will allow cheques to be processed throughout the business day, significantly reducing clearance time from up to two days to just a few hours. This change aims to enhance customer experience by providing faster access to funds and reducing settlement risks.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has surpassed the 10-crore mark for unique registered investors as of August 8, 2024. The median age of these investors is around 32 years, with 40% under 30. Female investors now make up over 20% of the total. Maharashtra leads in the number of unique registered investors, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
The Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has secured a JPY 25.5 billion (around ₹147 crore) loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to fund a 300.3 MW wind energy project in Karnataka. This project, led by Ostro Kannada Power Private Ltd (OKPPL), aims to enhance renewable energy capacity in the region.

India retained its position as the world’s eighth-largest exporter of agricultural products in 2023, despite a decline in exports from $55 billion in 2022 to $51 billion in 2023. This was due to geopolitical factors and export bans on key products like wheat and non-basmati rice.

The committee chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba aims to monitor and manage the India-Bangladesh border situation. Their objectives include assessing security measures, ensuring coordination between agencies, addressing issues like illegal immigration and smuggling, and overseeing border infrastructure development. This comprehensive approach is designed to enhance security and facilitate legal cross-border movement.
A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has been formed to review the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This committee consists of 31 members, with 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. The Bill, introduced on August 8, 2024, aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, which regulates waqf properties in India.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Asoni scheme to combat child marriage and promote girls’ education. The scheme provides monthly financial assistance to girl students from higher secondary to postgraduate levels, with a budget of ₹1,500 crore targeting 10 lakh girls over four years. Financial aid is linked to attendance and marital status to encourage education and delay marriage.

World Biofuel Day is celebrated on August 10th to promote the use of biofuels as a sustainable energy source. It commemorates Sir Rudolf Diesel’s successful use of peanut oil in a diesel engine in 1893. This year’s theme is “Sustainable Biofuels: Reducing Waste, Feeding Energy”, highlighting the role of biofuels in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting energy security.
World Lion Day, celebrated on August 10th, raises awareness about lion conservation. The 2024 theme, “Protecting the King of the Jungle,” emphasizes safeguarding lion populations and their habitats. It highlights threats like habitat loss and poaching, focusing on conservation efforts to ensure their survival. India is home to the Asiatic lion, found only in the Gir Forest of Gujarat.

Rekha Sharma stepped down as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) on August 6, 2024. During her tenure, she focused on women’s safety, empowerment, and legal rights. Her leadership saw significant initiatives aimed at addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.

On August 10, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu was honored with Timor-Leste’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste. This prestigious recognition highlights the strong diplomatic relations between India and Timor-Leste.

The handbook on solar-powered fences was authored by Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, CEO of Aaranyak. He is a renowned conservationist focused on biodiversity and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. The handbook provides practical guidance on installing and maintaining solar-powered fences to reduce Human-Elephant Conflict in Northeast India.

H. Devaraj, the former Vice-Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), passed away on August 9, 2024, at the age of 71. He was known for his significant contributions to higher education in India.
C. G. Rajagopal, a distinguished scholar and writer, passed away on August 2, 2024, at the age of 93. He was known for his contributions to literature and education, including his award-winning translation of “Sreeramacharitamanasam” from Hindi to Malayalam. His legacy in the academic and literary fields will be fondly remembered.

Questions:

1 Who stepped down from the position of Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) on August 6, 2024?

2 When is World Biofuel Day celebrated?