Current Affairs One - Liner : 24th August 2024

India’s first abrasive waterjet machine was unveiled by IIT-Madras Director V Kamakoti on August 10, 2024. This advanced technology is expected to significantly benefit industries such as semiconductors, aviation, and defense by providing precise cutting capabilities.

The FSSAI has directed food businesses to remove claims related to A1 and A2 types of milk, stating these claims are misleading and not recognized under current standards. Businesses have six months to use existing labels, with no further extensions. This move aims to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Kaanu, a South Indian Adivasi Knowledge Centre, was launched on August 25 at the Tribal Health Resource Centre in BR Hills, Karnataka. The centre aims to preserve and promote the culture and knowledge of South Indian Adivasi communities. It features a library with publications, an annotated bibliography, and a collaborative book by Adivasi and non-Adivasi scholars.
The Innovative Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) Project was unveiled in Varanasi on August 22, 2024. This project is a strategic alliance between the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), IIT (BHU), and Denmark. It aims to leverage advanced technology and research to monitor and improve the health of rivers, contributing to cleaner and more sustainable water resources.

India and Poland elevated their relations to a “strategic partnership” on August 22, 2024. This move aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, and technology. The partnership reflects a mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and addressing global challenges together.

The RBI has announced the premature redemption calendar for Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) from October 2024 to March 2025. The first redemption window is for bonds issued on May 12, 2017, from October 11, 2024, to November 2, 2024, with proceeds deposited by November 12, 2024. A total of 30 series of SGBs will be processed during this period. SGB holders can request premature redemption after a five-year holding period from the date of issue.
SEBI has banned Anil Ambani from the capital markets for five years due to allegations of fund misdirection involving Reliance Home Finance Ltd (RHFL). Along with the ban, SEBI imposed a ₹25 crore fine on Ambani. This action includes 24 other entities and aims to address governance concerns in the financial sector.
Axis Bank launched the Neo for Merchants app on August 20, 2024. Developed in partnership with VISA and Mintoak, this app provides merchants with a comprehensive solution to accept payments, view transaction reports, and raise service requests directly from their mobile devices. It aims to streamline and enhance the payment experience for merchants.
BharatPe has partnered with OTO Capital and Volt Money to offer secured loans to its merchant partners. This includes two-wheeler loans up to ₹2.5 lakhs with OTO Capital and loans against mutual funds up to ₹1 crore with Volt Money. This initiative aims to provide merchants with more financial flexibility and support.

During January-June 2024, the United States became India’s top trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $62.5 billion, a 5.3% increase from the previous year. Key exports included iron ore, pharmaceuticals, and smartphones. Meanwhile, India recorded its highest trade deficit with China at $41.6 billion.

India launched its first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI-1, on August 24, 2024. Developed by Space Zone India and the Martin Group, it carried three Cube Satellites and fifty PICO Satellites into a suborbital trajectory. This innovation marks a significant step in economical and eco-friendly satellite launches.
SpaceX’s Fram2 mission, set for late 2024, will be the first human spaceflight over Earth’s polar regions. The crew of four will study phenomena like auroras and STEVE from an altitude of 425-450 km. This mission marks a significant step in space exploration, showcasing the potential of technology to expand human knowledge.

The Union Cabinet has approved the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme, merging three existing science and technology initiatives into one. With an outlay of ₹10,579.84 crore for 2021-26, it aims to enhance India’s Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem. The scheme focuses on research, innovation, technology development, and increasing women’s participation in S&T.

Diana Pundole became the first female national racing champion from India on August 18, 2024, by winning the National Racing Champion in the Saloon Category at the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 held in Chennai.
Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket on August 24, 2024. His decision marks the end of a remarkable career, during which he became one of India’s most prolific openers.

The 11th Puthiya Thalaimurai Tamilan Awards took place on August 10, 2024, celebrating outstanding Tamils in various fields. Notable awardees include Perumal Murugan for literature, K.S. Ravikumar for arts, and P. Veeramuthuvel from ISRO for science and technology. The event was broadcast on August 24, 2024.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and former WHO Chief Scientist, recently released the autobiography of activist Dr. Kalpana Sankar. The book, titled “The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women,” chronicles Dr. Sankar’s journey from a nuclear scientist to a pioneering entrepreneur.

Peter Lundgren, the former Swedish tennis player and coach of Roger Federer, passed away on August 23, 2024, at the age of 59. He was known for his significant contributions to tennis, including coaching Federer to his first Grand Slam title. Lundgren’s legacy in the sport is fondly remembered by many.
National Award-winning filmmaker Utpalendu Chakraborty passed away on August 20, 2024. He was renowned for his impactful films like “Chokh” and “Debshishu,” which significantly influenced Indian cinema.

Questions:

1 What is the name of India's first reusable hybrid rocket launched on August 24, 2024?

2 Where is the Kaanu South Indian Adivasi Knowledge Centre located?