Daily Current Affairs - August 18, 2024: Key updates for APSC CCE, UPSC CSE, and govt. job exam preparation

Daily Current Affairs - August 18, 2024: Key updates for APSC CCE, UPSC CSE, and govt. job exam preparation


Eri Silk from Assam Earns Oeko-Tex Certification

  • NEHHDC obtained Oeko-Tex certification for Eri silk, enhancing its global recognition.
  • Eri silk, the world's only vegan silk, is known for its ethical and eco-friendly production.
  • The certification strengthens Eri silk's status as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Assam.
  • This milestone is expected to boost Eri silk's presence in the global export market.
Source: The Assam Tribune

Assam Governor Pays Tribute to Patharughat Martyrs

  • Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya honored the peasants killed by the British on January 28, 1894, at Patharughat.

Source: The Assam Tribune

Editorial of The Assam Tribune: Embracing Mayong's Mystique: A Boost to Assam's Tourism

  • Kamrup, historically known for sorcery, especially in places like Mayong, earned a reputation for black magic and witchcraft, contributing to its mystique.
  • The Morigaon administration is capitalizing on this mystique by launching the Mayong Indrajal Magic Festival, featuring 101 magicians showcasing traditional and modern magic.
  • The festival, set to become an annual event, aims to boost tourism and economic development in the region.
  • This initiative not only preserves the cultural heritage of Mayong but also enhances its significance on the global tourism map.

Source: The Assam Tribune

Assam to Establish Independent Veterinary and Fishery Science University

  • Assam’s cabinet has approved the creation of the Assam Veterinary and Fishery Science University by bifurcating the existing Assam Agricultural University (AAU).
  • The new university will encompass the Faculty of Veterinary Science in Khanapara, the Faculty of Fishery Science in Raha, Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science in Joyhing, a proposed Dairy Science College in Sorbhog, and several Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
  • The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary sector contributes 4-5% of India’s GDP and 25-28% of agricultural GDP. India is a major exporter of meat and ranks second in fish production globally.
  • Success of Other States: Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal have seen significant gains in egg and meat production after establishing independent veterinary universities.
  • Assam’s meat production and egg production have room for growth, with the state ranked 12th in fish production. The new university aims to enhance research and technical guidance for local farmers.
  • The university’s headquarters will be at the Khanapara campus, which already has the necessary infrastructure and minimal additional financial requirements.

Source: The Assam Tribune

Govt Panel for Doctors' Safety After Kolkata Incident

  • The Union health ministry to form a committee for healthcare professionals' safety.
  • Doctors urged to resume duties amid dengue, malaria cases.
  • 26 States have laws protecting healthcare workers.
  • IMA to respond after reviewing the ministry's statement.

Source: The Assam Tribune, PTI

Healthcare Services Disrupted in Assam as Doctors Strike Over Kolkata Incident

  • Doctors in Assam joined the IMA's 24-hour strike, protesting the rape and murder of a medical student in Kolkata.
  • OPDs in government and private hospitals remained closed; emergency services were unaffected.
  • Protests and demands for enhanced security for medics were held across the State.
  • IMA called for a Central Act and improved hospital security.
Source: The Assam Tribune

Gaza Conflict Continues Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

  • An Israeli airstrike killed at least 18 people from the same family in Gaza.
  • The death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 40,000.
  • U.S., Egypt, and Qatar mediators express hope for a ceasefire deal, with further talks in Cairo next week.
  • Israeli military continues operations; mass evacuations ordered in central Gaza.
Source: The Assam Tribune, AP


Editorial of The Assam Tribune: Market Euphoria: India's Stock Market Shines

  • Stock Market Surge: The Indian stock market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the Sensex recently hitting 80,436.84 points and the Nifty 50 reaching 24,541.15 points.
  • Global Optimism: Despite global challenges like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Israel-Hamas war, economic slowdowns, and COVID-19, India’s economy is accelerating rapidly.
  • Foreign Investment and Growth: The Indian stock market has surged from 28,000 points to over 80,000 points in a decade, reflecting strong investor confidence.
  • Demat Accounts Boom: Over 42 lakhs new Demat accounts were added in June 2024, bringing the total to 16.2 crore, with Assam contributing 39,93,319 accounts.
  • Future Projections: World Bank President Ajay Banga and IMF Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath are optimistic about India's economic growth, with expectations of becoming the third-largest economy by 2027.
Source: The Assam Tribune, The Times of India

Urgent Need to Address $4 Trillion SDG Financing Gap: Finance Minister

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the $4 trillion annual financing gap hindering Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing economies.
  • She stressed that inadequate developmental finance is causing stagnation or regression in SDG implementation.
  • The Global South faces increased poverty and insufficient growth post-pandemic.
  • Sitharaman called for adopting social impact instruments and blended finance to accelerate SDG progress.

Source: The Assam Tribune, PTI

Assam to Launch AI-Powered Teacher Rationalization Module

  • Assam's Education Minister announced the launch of an AI-powered module for optimizing teacher distribution.
  • The system addresses pupil-teacher ratio imbalances by redistributing teachers within districts.
  • AI-generated suggestions will be reviewed by District and State Level Committees for approval.
  • The initiative aims to improve educational outcomes by ensuring fair teacher allocation across schools.
Source: The Assam Tribune

Govt Seeks AI Infrastructure Providers for India AI Mission

  • The government invited bids to empanel AI service providers under the Rs 10,372-crore India AI Mission.
  • Empanelled entities will provide high-speed computing infrastructure like GPUs to academia, startups, and researchers at competitive rates.
  • The India AI Mission aims to build supercomputing capacity with over 10,000 GPUs.
  • This initiative supports the development of indigenous AI models and applications.

Source: The Assam Tribune, PTI

Sabarmati Express Derails Near Kanpur; Possible Sabotage Suspected

  • Sabarmati Express derailed near Kanpur after hitting an object on the track.
  • No injuries or fatalities reported.
  • Involvement of miscreants suspected; investigation ongoing.
  • Rescue operations underway; seven trains canceled, three diverted.

Source: The Assam Tribune, PTI



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