Current Affairs - August 12, 2024 Current Affairs

On August 11, 2024, the Prime Minister introduced 109 new seed varieties designed to be high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified. Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, these seeds cover 61 different crops, including both field and horticultural varieties. The goal of this initiative is to boost farm productivity, enhance nutritional quality, and improve the income of farmers. This release represents a significant step towards advancing agricultural practices and adapting to climate challenges.

The Munal satellite, a collaborative project between Nepal and India, was developed by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). The satellite aims to build a vegetation density database and represents a significant milestone in space collaboration between the two nations. The launch is facilitated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). This initiative reflects the strengthening of Nepal-India space relations and advancements in space technology.

INS Arighat is the name of India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), which is nearing its commissioning. Expected to enter service soon, INS Arighat will join INS Arihant, which was the first SSBN inducted into the Indian Navy in 2016. The submarine will enhance India's maritime defence capabilities with its advanced features, including four launch tubes for K-4 and K-15 missiles. The Indian Navy's ongoing efforts to expand its nuclear submarine fleet are part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security and deterrence capabilities.

International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12th. It is a global celebration that recognizes the contributions of young people to society and addresses the challenges they face. The day also serves as a platform to raise awareness about socio-economic and socio-political issues affecting youth worldwide. The theme for International Youth Day 2024, "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," emphasizes the role of digital technologies in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

India and New Zealand formalized a Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement on 8 August 2024 during President Droupadi Murmu’s official visit to New Zealand. This agreement aims to simplify trade procedures between the two nations. President Murmu’s visit to New Zealand was part of a broader three-nation tour, which also included Fiji and Timor Leste, highlighting the strengthening of international ties and cooperation.

The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flowering shrub native to the montane grasslands of southwest India, has recently been added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Known for its rare mass blooming event that occurs once every 12 years, the Neelakurinji has been classified as Vulnerable under the IUCN criteria. This assessment was the first global evaluation of the species, conducted by researchers from the Centre for Ecology Taxonomy Conservation and Climate Change and reviewed by experts from the Western Ghats Plant Specialist Group.

The book titled ’75 Great Revolutionaries of India’ was authored by MP Bhim Singh. The book, launched on August 11, focuses on highlighting the contributions of lesser-known freedom fighters who played significant roles in India's struggle for independence. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh attended the launch event and commended Bhim Singh for his work. The book aims to inspire future generations by recognizing the sacrifices of unsung heroes and contributing to the vision of a developed India.

The "Udara Shakti 2024" bilateral air exercise was hosted by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in Kuantan, Malaysia. This exercise marked a significant milestone in strengthening military cooperation between India and Malaysia. The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated with a contingent of seven Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft, engaging in four days of intensive joint exercises and knowledge exchange. The exercise concluded successfully on August 9, 2024, and the IAF contingent returned to India on August 10, 2024.

The Right to Education (RTE) Act was enacted in 2009 by the Indian Parliament to operationalize the 86th Constitutional Amendment, which introduced Article 21 A. This article ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years. The RTE Act, which became effective on April 1, 2010, mandates that no fees be charged for education and sets out the duties of state governments and local authorities. It also establishes guidelines for teacher-student ratios and prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment in schools.

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of India's National Payments Corporation, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 100,000 cross-border Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions in Nepal. This accomplishment follows NIPL's collaboration with Fonepay, Nepal's largest payment network, which was launched in March 2024. Additionally, NIPL has partnered with Nepal SBI Bank Limited to operationalize RuPay cards in Nepal, further strengthening cross-border financial transactions between India and Nepal.

World Elephant Day is celebrated annually on August 12 to raise awareness about the status and conservation of Asian and African elephants. This day highlights the challenges faced by elephants, including habitat loss, human-elephant conflicts, and poaching. The 2024 theme focuses on the historical and environmental significance of elephants, underscoring their importance in ecosystems and cultures. India's significant role in elephant conservation is noted by its large population of Asian elephants and extensive elephant corridors.

World Biofuel Day is observed annually on August 10th. This day commemorates the pioneering achievement of Sir Rudolf Diesel, who successfully ran an engine using peanut oil on August 9, 1893. World Biofuel Day serves as a global platform to highlight the importance of biofuels as a sustainable energy source and their role in mitigating climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In 2024, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) hosted a special event to explore advancements in biofuels and their contribution to global Net Zero CO2 emission targets.