Daily Current Affairs - August 19, 2024: Key updates for APSC CCE, UPSC CSE, and govt. job exam preparation
Daily Current Affairs - August 19, 2024: Key updates for APSC CCE, UPSC CSE, and govt. job exam preparation |
GS-1
Naga Musical Documentary "Headhunting to Beatboxing" Premieres at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
- The musical documentary "Headhunting to Beatboxing," produced by Grammy, Oscar, and BAFTA winner AR Rahman, premiered at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IIFM) in Australia.
- Film Details: Directed by Rohit Gupta, the documentary explores how the Naga people, once caught in violence, use music to heal and bring about a cultural renaissance
Source: The Assam Tribune
GS-2
EDITORIAL: Imminent Assembly Elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir
Context:- Jammu & Kashmir: The Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct elections before September 30. The elections will occur before the deadline, although the results will be announced after the deadline.
- Haryana: The Haryana Assembly's term ends on November 3, leading to slightly earlier elections to accommodate logistical demands.
Source: PTI, The Assam Tribune
Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Kolkata Doctor's Rape and Murder
- "Suo Motu Cognizance" means taking action on one's own initiative.
- A three-judge bench led by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud will review the case on Tuesday.
- The petition highlighted the need for enhanced protection for women in healthcare.
Source: IANS, The Assam Tribune
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's Visit to Kuwait
- Statement: Jaishankar emphasized the long-standing goodwill between India and Kuwait and expressed gratitude for the insights provided by the Kuwaiti leadership.
Source: PTI, The Assam Tribune
Case Filed Against Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina for 2013 Rally Mass Murder
- An application was filed in a Dhaka court accusing Sheikh Hasina and 33 others of mass murder during a 2013 rally by Hefazat-e-Islam.
- The case relates to the killing at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel on May 5, 2013.
- Hasina, who fled to India, now faces 11 cases, including charges of genocide.
- Over 600 people have died since the student protests against her government started in mid-July.
Source: PTI, The Assam Tribune
Famine Threatens Four Yemeni Districts Amid Rising Child Hunger
- Famine is looming in four Yemeni district due to worsening hunger.
- All 117 districts in government-controlled areas face "serious" acute malnutrition levels.
- Yemen’s civil war, ongoing since 2014, has led to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with over 150,000 deaths.
Source: AP, The Assam Tribune
GS-3
India to Require 1 Lakh Company Secretaries by 2030 Amid Economic Growth
- India will need around 1 lakh company secretaries by 2030 due to rising economic growth and focus on good governance, says ICSI.
- Currently, there are over 73,000 company secretaries, with 12,000 in practice.
- Company secretaries are crucial for ensuring corporate compliance and governance.
- India aims to become a USD 7 trillion economy by 2030, with an expected growth rate above 7%.
Source: PTI, The Assam Tribune
Indian Toy Industry Sees Significant Growth, Exports Surpass Imports
- The Indian toy industry has achieved remarkable growth, with toy exports reaching $523.24 million, surpassing imports at $517.71 million.
- In FY 2011-12, imports were $422.79 million, while exports were less than half that amount.
- The industry now exports to over 100 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, and China.
- Government initiatives like mandatory quality norms and increased customs duty have boosted manufacturing and reduced import dependence.
- The market size of the Indian toy industry is $1.7 billion, expected to reach $4 billion by 2032 with a 10.5% annual growth rate.
Source: IANS, The Assam Tribune
Foxconn Plans Battery Energy Storage System Unit in India
- Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant, plans to set up a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) unit in India, focusing on the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
Source: PTI, The Assam Tribune
India-Australia to Resume CECA Negotiations in Sydney
- The interim Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has been in place since December 2022, offering duty-free access to Indian exporters in over 6,000 sectors.
- New areas like space, mining, and sports have been identified for inclusion in the trade pact.
- Merchandise trade between the two countries reached approximately USD 24 billion in 2023-24.
Source: PTI, The Assam Tribune
FSSAI Launches Project to Assess Microplastic Contamination in Food
- The project, titled "Micro and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants," began in March 2024.
Source: PTI, The Assam Tribune
GS-5
APDCL Installs Check Meters to Address Smart Meter Billing Concerns
- APDCL installed over 2,500 check meters to verify the accuracy of smart meter billing, finding no anomalies.
- As of August 2024, 25 lakh smart prepaid meters have been installed, covering 37% of consumers in Assam.
- A study showed 50% of consumers reduced electricity usage post-smart meter installation, saving approximately Rs 400 per month.
Source: PTI, The Assam Tribune
Editorial: Smart Meter Rollout by APDCL
- Since 2021, the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) has installed over 25 lakh smart meters, covering 37% of its total consumer base.
- The initiative aims to end irregular billing by providing accurate, automated readings without manual intervention.
- Benefits:
- Accurate measurement
- Energy conservation by daily usage data, energy audits and forecasting power demand.
- Reduced Technical and Commercial Losses
- Challenges:
- Fears of increased bills, balance deduction confusion, and sudden disconnections.
- Murmors about Increased billing, particularly during high usage periods in summer.
- Way forward:
- Ensuring accurate information and support is crucial for improving consumer confidence and handling new types of complaints.
- In countries where smart meter installation is nearly complete, complaints have decreased or vanished, indicating that issues may resolve over time as the system stabilizes.
Source: APDCL, The Assam Tribune
SITs Formed to Investigate ULFA(I) Bomb Cases
- Special DGP Harmeet Singh led review meetings following the discovery of bomb-like substances in Assam.
- ULFA(I) claimed responsibility, citing technical failure for bombs not exploding.
Source: PTI, The Assam Tribune
Comments
Post a Comment