19th and 18th August 2024 current affairs

19th and 18th August 2024 current affairs

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National news

“Maharashtra Declares Ratnagiri’s Petroglyphs and Geoglyphs as Protected Monuments”

The Maharashtra Government has officially designated the Petroglyphs and Geoglyphs in Ratnagiri as ‘Protected Monuments’ under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960. This move aims to preserve these ancient artworks, which are significant for their historical and cultural value.

Key Details:

Petroglyphs:

  • Location: Found in Deud, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
  • Dating: Mesolithic age (approximately 20,000-10,000 years ago).
  • Features: Includes footprints, images of a donkey, a rhino, a deer, and a monkey.
  • Significance: Showcases the artistic endeavors of Mesolithic humans.
  • Protected Area: 210 square meters (sq.m) surrounding the petroglyphs.
  • Discoveries: Seven significant petroglyphs found in Umbarle village of Dapoli taluka, including a 17-foot long petroglyph. An additional petroglyph was discovered in Borkhat village of Mandangad.

Geoglyphs:

  • Location: Spanning the 900 km Konkan coast in Maharashtra and Goa.
  • Characteristics: Unique clusters of pictorial representations depicting marine and riverine species, animals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds that are no longer present in the region.
  • Concerns: Conservationists have expressed concerns about a proposed oil refinery in Barsu (Maharashtra), which could potentially damage these geoglyphs.

Additional Notes:

  • Rock Art Significance: Rock art in India represents some of the oldest material evidence of early human creativity. Common forms include rock paintings, rock engravings, and various marks like bowl-shaped and ring-shaped impressions.

About Maharashtra:

  • Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde
  • Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
  • Wildlife Sanctuary: Malvan (marine) Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Tiger Reserves: Bor Tiger Reserve, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Union Cabinet Approves Major Airport Projects in West Bengal and Bihar

The Union Cabinet has greenlit significant airport infrastructure projects in West Bengal and Bihar, with a total investment of approximately ₹2,962 crore. These developments are set to enhance air travel facilities and address growing passenger demand in these regions.

Patna’s Second Airport

  • The Cabinet has approved the construction of a second airport at the Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Bihta, Patna, with an estimated cost of ₹1,413 crore. 
  • This new civil enclave will help alleviate capacity constraints at the existing Patna airport. The new terminal, covering 66,000 square meters, will have a peak capacity to handle 3,000 passengers per hour and will include an apron with two link taxiways and 10 parking bays.
  • The Bihta project is designed to accommodate up to 1 crore passengers annually if needed.

Bagdogra Airport Expansion

  • In West Bengal, a new terminal building will be constructed at Bagdogra airport at a cost of ₹1,549 crore. This expansion addresses the airport’s near-full capacity due to its proximity to popular tourist destinations in Sikkim. 
  • The new terminal, spanning 70,390 square meters, will also handle 3,000 passengers per hour and support up to 10 million passengers annually. The project will include an apron for 10 A-321 type aircraft, two taxiways, and multi-level parking facilities.

West Bengal

  • Chief minister: Mamata Banerjee
  • Capital: Kolkata

Bihar:

  • Capital: Patna
  • Chief minister: Nitish Kumar

“Launch of Krishi-DSS: A Cutting-Edge Geospatial Platform for Advancing Indian Agriculture”

On August, 2024, Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, launched the Krishi-Decision Support System (DSS) at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This event was part of the nationwide Space-Driven Solutions for Agricultural Transformation conference and coincided with the Department of Space’s celebrations of Chandrayaan-3’s success and the establishment of National Space Day on August 23.

Krishi-DSS Overview:

  • Purpose: A digital geo-spatial platform designed to enhance agricultural practices in India.
  • Features:
    • Data Access: Provides satellite images, weather data, reservoir storage levels, groundwater information, and soil health insights.
    • Modules: Includes advanced tools for crop mapping, drought monitoring, and weather impact analysis.
    • Sustainability: Supports sustainable agriculture through crop rotation analysis and real-time updates on crop conditions, soil moisture, and weather effects.
  • Integration: Combines various data sources to deliver farmer-centric solutions for improved agricultural management.

Agreement news

“India and Uzbekistan Strengthen Audit Cooperation with New MoU”

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and the Chamber of Accounts of Uzbekistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, aimed at enhancing collaboration and expertise in auditing between the two countries.

Signatories:

  • Girish Chandra Murmu: CAG of India
  • Adiz Muzaffarovich Boboyev: Chairman of the Chamber of Accounts of Uzbekistan

Benefits of the MoU:

  1. Knowledge Sharing:
    • Facilitates the exchange of best practices and innovative auditing solutions, creating a global network of auditing expertise.
  2. Capacity Building:
    • Enhances skills and capabilities of auditing professionals to effectively handle complex government audits.
  3. Promoting Best Practices:
    • Contributes to the development of resilient and sustainable governance frameworks.

About Uzbekistan:

  • President: Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev
  • Capital: Tashkent
  • Currency: Uzbekistani Som

Economy news

“DSP MF Launches India’s First Nifty Top 10 Equal Weight Index Fund and ETF”

DSP Mutual Fund (DSP MF) has introduced India’s inaugural Nifty Top 10 Equal Weight Index Fund and its corresponding Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). This initiative aims to offer investors balanced exposure to the top 10 companies on the Nifty Index by allocating equal weight to each stock in the portfolio.

Key Details:

  • New Fund Offer (NFO):
  • Open for Subscription: August 16, 2024
  • Closes on: August 30, 2024
  • Fund Characteristics:
  • DSP Nifty Top 10 Equal Weight Index Fund: Tracks the Nifty Top 10 Equal Weight Index.
  • DSP Nifty Top 10 Equal Weight ETF: Mirrors the returns of the Nifty Top 10 Equal Weight Index.
  • Investment Objective:
  • To provide returns consistent with the performance of the Nifty Top 10 Equal Weight Index, subject to tracking error.

Science and tech news

“Union Minister Launches National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) to Revolutionize Pest Management for Indian Farmers”

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has introduced the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), a digital platform designed to enhance pest management for Indian farmers. Here’s a summary of the initiative:

Overview:

  • Launch Event: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi.
  • Objective: To reduce farmers’ reliance on pesticide retailers and foster a scientific approach to pest management.
  • Target Beneficiaries: Approximately 14 crore (140 million) farmers in India.

Key Features:

  1. Technology Integration:
  1. Utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to provide real-time pest management advice.
  2. Analyzes current pest data to assist in effective pest control and management strategies.
  3. Platform Accessibility:
  1. Available as both a mobile application and a web portal, making it easily accessible to farmers.
  2. Farmers can upload photos of pest-infested crops or insects, which are then reviewed by experts.
  3. Benefits:
  1. Real-Time Advisories: Provides timely and accurate pest management recommendations.
  2. Enhanced Pest Identification: Improves the accuracy of pest identification and management.
  3. Optimal Pesticide Use: Helps ensure that pesticides are used correctly, both in terms of quantity and timing, to minimize waste and environmental impact.

Objective of NPSS:

  • To connect farmers directly with agricultural scientists and experts.
  • To promote a more scientific, data-driven approach to pest management, reducing dependence on traditional pesticide retailers.

The NPSS represents a significant step forward in integrating technology with agriculture, aiming to boost productivity and sustainability in pest management across India.

Appointment news

RBI Approves Salee Sukumaran Nair as MD & CEO of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank

Salee Sukumaran Nair has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) for a three-year term, pending shareholder approval.

Previous Role: Nair previously served as Deputy Managing Director and Chief Credit Officer at the State Bank of India (SBI).

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank:

  • Headquarters: Thoothukudi
  • CEO: K V Rama Moorthy (Sept 2017–)
  • Founded: 11 May 1921

“Paetongtarn Shinawatra Elected as Thailand’s Youngest and Second Female Prime Minister”

On August , 2024, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, aged 37, was elected as Thailand’s youngest-ever and second female Prime Minister by the Parliament. She succeeds Phumtham Wechayachai, who served as Acting PM for two days following the removal of Srettha Thavisin.

Election Details: Votes Secured: 319 in favor, 145 against, and 27 abstentions.

Key Points:

  1. Political Role:
  1. Serving as the leader of the Pheu Thai Party since 2023.
  2. Started her political career in 2021 as Chief of the Pheu Thai Party’s Inclusion and Innovation Advisory Committee.

Thailand:

  • Capital: Bangkok
  • Official language: Thai
  • King: Maha Vajiralongkorn
  • Currency: Thai Baht

Sports news

“Hockey India Retires No. 16 Jersey in Honor of Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh”

Hockey India has officially retired the No. 16 jersey from the national senior men’s team in tribute to Parattu Raveendran (PR) Sreejesh, the celebrated goalkeeper who is set to retire after the Paris Olympics 2024. This honor reflects his significant contributions to Indian hockey and his esteemed legacy.

Key Details:

  • Farewell Ceremony: Announced during a special event organized by Hockey India.
  • New Role: Appointed as the coach for the Junior Men’s Hockey Team.

Career Highlights:

  1. Olympic Participation:
  1. Competed in four Olympic Games since 2012.
  2. Captained the team at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
  3. Secured two Olympic bronze medals (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024).
  4. Other Accolades:
  1. Asian Games: Gold medals in 2014 and 2023; Bronze in 2018.
  2. Commonwealth Games: Silver medals in 2014 and 2022.
  3. Asian Champions Trophy: Victories in 2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023.

About PR Sreejesh:

  • Early Career:
    • Debuted with the junior national team in 2004 at age 16, and with the senior team in 2006 at age 18.
  • Awards and Honors:
    • Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: Received in 2021.
    • World Games Athlete of the Year: Named in 2021, becoming the second Indian athlete to receive this honor, following Rani Rampal in 2020.
    • International Hockey Federation (FIH) Goalkeeper of the Year: Earned the title, recognizing his exceptional skills.

PR Sreejesh, known as “The Wall of India,” is celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the sport and his leadership on the field. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of hockey players.

Scheme news

“Uttar Pradesh Launches Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA) to Empower Youth Entrepreneurs”

On August, 2024, the 78th Independence Day of India, Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP), unveiled the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA) scheme. This initiative is designed to empower the youth of Uttar Pradesh by fostering entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities.

Key Features of the MYUVA Scheme:

  1. Objective:
  1. To prepare one lakh young entrepreneurs annually.
  2. Provides interest-free loans for projects up to Rs 5 lakh.
  3. Additional Benefits:
  1. Offers interest subsidies and coverage under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
  2. Supports the formation of one million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) over the next decade.
  3. Financial Allocation:
  4. Budget for 2024-25: Rs 1,000 crore.
  5. Support Structure:
  1. Annual provision of industrial training and finance to about 100,000 youths for the next 10 years.
  2. Aims to benefit one million units by financing 1,000,000 units each year.
  3. Second-Stage Financing:
  4. Successful repayment of the initial loan qualifies units for additional financing up to Rs 7.50 lakh, double the original loan amount.

About Uttar Pradesh:

  • Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
  • Governor: Anandiben Mafatbhai Patel
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandi Bird Sanctuary
  • Zoological Parks: Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, Kanpur Zoological Park

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