- National:
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare launched the AI-powered National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) on August 15, 2024. This system uses advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to provide farmers with timely and accurate pest management advisories. It aims to enhance crop protection and boost agricultural productivity.
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- Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot approved the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on August 17, 2024. This decision is related to allegations of corruption. The approval allows legal proceedings to move forward. This development has significant political implications in the state.
- Maharashtra launched its first ‘Solar Village’ initiative in Manyachiwadi, Satara district, on August 18, 2024. This project aims to provide 100% solar-powered electricity to the village, setting a model for sustainable rural development.
- On August 18, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Chennai. This facility aims to enhance maritime rescue operations, ensuring the safety of mariners and fishermen. Additionally, he inaugurated the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre (RMPRC) in Chennai and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched an innovative project to tackle the growing concern of microplastic contamination in Indian food items. This project, initiated in March 2024, aims to develop and validate analytical methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics in various food products, as well as assess their prevalence and exposure levels in India.
- Raksha Bandhan, celebrated on August 19th this year, is a Hindu festival that honors the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing love and protection, while brothers pledge to protect their sisters. The day is marked by rituals like applying tilak, performing aarti, and exchanging gifts.
- The government is launching a new radio programme called ‘Kisan Ki Baat’ next month. It will be a monthly broadcast aimed at modernizing agricultural practices by providing farmers with the latest scientific information. The programme will feature contributions from agricultural scientists, officials, and the Union Agriculture Minister, focusing on best practices, pest management, and modern technology in farming.
- International:
- The Indian government initiated an anti-dumping investigation into steel imports from Vietnam on August 17, 2024. This move aims to determine if these imports are being sold at below fair market value, potentially harming the domestic steel industry.
- Economy:
- The Indian government has reduced the windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil to ₹2,100 per metric tonne from ₹4,600 per tonne, effective August 17, 2024. Additionally, the windfall tax on the export of diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) has been scrapped. This move aims to align domestic energy prices with international market rates and support the local oil industry.
- Important Days:
- World Photography Day is celebrated on August 19th to honor the art and history of photography. It marks the invention of the Daguerreotype in 1839. This year’s theme, “An Entire Day,” encourages photographers to capture and share photos taken on August 19th.
- Sanskrit Diwas, celebrated on 19th August 2024, promotes the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit. This year’s theme, “Sanskrit for Global Harmony,” emphasizes the language’s role in fostering unity and understanding across cultures. The day includes activities like workshops, competitions, and special classes to encourage learning and preserve Sanskrit’s rich heritage.
- Appointments:
- Morne Morkel was appointed as the bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team on August 14, 2024. His extensive experience as a former South African fast bowler is expected to bring valuable insights and improvements to the team’s bowling performance.
- Obituaries:
- Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal passed away on August 18, 2024, in Chennai at the age of 59. His untimely demise was a significant loss for the Indian Coast Guard and the nation.
- The latest PLFS Quarterly Bulletin for Q1 FY25 shows a decline in the urban unemployment rate to 6.6%. This improvement is mainly due to a decrease in the male unemployment rate to 5.8%, while the female unemployment rate slightly increased to 9%. The youth unemployment rate also dropped to 16.8%.
Questions:
1 When is Sanskrit Diwas celebrated in 2024?
- A) 15th August
- B) 19th August
- C) 25th August
- D) 30th August
2 Which former South African fast bowler was appointed as the bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team in 2024?
- A) Dale Steyn
- B) Shaun Pollock
- C) Morne Morkel
- D) Allan Donald
