Current Affairs - August 26, 2024 Current Affairs

The Supreme Court's National Task Force was established to enhance the safety and security of healthcare workers, including doctors and other medical professionals, particularly following an incident at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The task force, consisting of government officials and medical professionals, will focus on developing protocols to improve infrastructure and prevent violence, including gender-based and sexual violence, in healthcare settings. This initiative underscores the importance of safeguarding those who work in critical and often vulnerable positions within the healthcare system.

The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, approved the implementation of a revised National Pension Scheme (NPS) for state government employees, modelled after the Centre's Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). This revised NPS, set to be implemented on March 1, 2024, will cover 13.45 lakh state government employees. It includes provisions for a pension equal to 50% of the last salary plus dearness allowance and 60% of the family pension, as recommended by a high-level committee headed by retired IAS officer Suresh Kumar.

Hilsa fish, also known as ilish, is revered as the national fish of Bangladesh and is highly valued for its nutritional benefits. Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, Hilsa fish contributes to overall health by improving bone strength, blood circulation, and eye health. Despite its benefits, individuals with specific health conditions, such as allergies, asthma, or high cholesterol, may need to consume it in moderation.

The first semiconductor park in Uttar Pradesh was inaugurated at Noida International Airport. This significant development includes the approval of three companies to establish semiconductor units on 275 acres of land. The project is expected to create approximately 13,780 jobs and will contribute significantly to India's self-reliance in the technology sector, especially in chip manufacturing, which has faced global shortages recently.

On India's first National Space Day, the country celebrated an important educational achievement with the release of 'Sapno ki Udaan', an innovative e-magazine. This launch, led by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, aims to inspire the next generation of Indian students by merging science, creativity, and education. The e-magazine was unveiled in a virtual event, highlighting the modern, digital-first approach to education and ensuring widespread accessibility.

Sanjeev Raina, a 1987-batch officer of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), has been appointed as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the force, which is responsible for guarding the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC). This appointment is significant as it marks only the second time in ITBP history that a cadre officer has been elevated to the ADG rank, the second highest in the force. Raina, originally from Kashmir, has had a distinguished career serving in challenging regions like Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, and he is also credited with establishing the counter-insurgency and jungle warfare school in Uttarakhand.

Goldman Sachs revised India's GDP growth forecast down to 6.7% for 2024 and 6.4% for 2025. The downgrade was driven by a significant 35% reduction in central government expenditure and slower real consumption growth. Despite these challenges, the potential easing of monetary policy by the Reserve Bank of India in late 2024 could provide some relief to the growth outlook. This adjustment by Goldman Sachs highlights the impact of fiscal policy on economic projections.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) secured a significant contract worth over ₹11,000 crore from Adani Power Limited and its subsidiary Mahan Energen Limited. The contract involves the development of three Supercritical Thermal Power projects, each with a capacity of 2x800 MW, located in Kawai Phase-II and III in Rajasthan, and Mahan Phase-III in Madhya Pradesh. This project underlines BHEL's role in supporting India's energy infrastructure.

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in France, specifically in Paris, on accusations of failing to manage illegal content on the platform. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the arrest was part of an ongoing legal investigation and was not politically motivated. This incident has prompted discussions on the responsibilities of online platforms in regulating content and the broader implications for freedom of expression.

Susmita Debnath, a talented yoga practitioner from Howrah, won gold in the artistic solo category at the Asia Pacific Yoga championship held in Sri Lanka. Despite facing financial challenges, her determination and the support from her family and community led to this significant achievement, underscoring the increasing recognition of yoga as a competitive sport on the international stage.

The 100-metre steel bridge, a crucial part of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, was inaugurated in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. This bridge, constructed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRC) and manufactured in Japan, signifies a major milestone in India's high-speed rail infrastructure. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train is set to drastically reduce travel time between the two cities, marking a significant advancement in India's transportation sector.

The Philately Scholarship Scheme, launched by the Department of Posts under the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana, is specifically designed for students. It aims to foster an interest in stamp collection among students from Classes VI to IX who demonstrate good academic performance and are either involved in a school Philately Club or hold a Philately Deposit Account. The scheme also includes a regional Philately Quiz and a project submission, further engaging students in the hobby.

North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, recently showcased new "suicide drones," which function similarly to guided missiles and have a range of over 1,000 km. These developments come amid escalating military tensions in the region. North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, sharing borders with China and Russia to the north and South Korea to the south, with Pyongyang as its capital.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. This expansion aims to improve governance and development in the region, complementing the Prime Minister's development vision for Ladakh. Currently, Ladakh consists of two districts, Leh and Kargil, and this move is expected to enhance administrative efficiency and infrastructure in the Union Territory.