Daily Current Affairs - August 20, 2024: Key updates for APSC CCE, UPSC CSE, and govt. job exam preparation

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Paper	Headlines	Details
GS-1	Central Government Allocates ₹18 Crore for Manipuri Language Promotion	Classical Language Status: Currently, recognized classical languages in India include Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia.  The push for Manipuri's classical status is part of ongoing efforts to elevate its recognition. Historical Context: Manipuri (Meiteilon) was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution on August 20, 1992, becoming one of India's official languages.
GS-2	BSF ADG Reviews Situation Along India-Bangladesh Border	Assessed security measures, including the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS).
GS-2	The Union Health Ministry approved a 25% increase in security at central hospitals.	Doctors nationwide protested the alleged rape and murder of a medic in Kolkata.
GS-2	Japanese Foreign Minister in India for the 3rd 2+2 Meeting	India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers’ meeting.
GS-2	Centre Defends Triple Talaq Law in Supreme Court	The Centre told the Supreme Court that triple talaq legitimised abandonment of wives while defending the 2019 law criminalising the practice. The government argued that the law protects the rights of married Muslim women and promotes gender justice and equality. Despite the Supreme Court declaring triple talaq unconstitutional in 2017, the practice reportedly continues in some areas. The Centre stated that state action was necessary to address grievances related to illegal divorces. The affidavit emphasised that the court should not interfere with legislative decisions and that the law aligns with previous court rulings against triple talaq.
GS-3	India Steps Up Surveillance for Mpox Amid Global Concerns	The Union Health Ministry has alerted airports and land ports at borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan to monitor incoming passengers for Mpox symptoms. Despite no reported cases in India, the WHO has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
GS-3	PM Surya Ghar Rooftop Solar Scheme	Net-Metering: Consumers with up to 10 kW panels can export solar energy to offset grid usage. Approval Waived: Technical feasibility approval for installations up to 10 kW is waived. Financial Support: Central government subsidies: ₹33,000 for 1 kW, ₹66,000 for 2 kW, and ₹85,800 for 3 kW and above. State government additional subsidies: ₹15,000 for 1 kW, ₹30,000 for 2 kW, and ₹45,000 for 3 kW and above. Loan Facility: Beneficiaries can access easy loans from banks at a 7% interest rate for installing residential rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW.
GS-3	First Record of Green Cat Snake (Boiga cyanea) in Manipur	Discovery: Researchers from Manipur University have recorded the Green Cat snake (Boiga cyanea) for the first time in Manipur. Conservation Status: Listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List (2022), this species is found across southern and southeastern Asia, including India, Bhutan, Nepal, and several other countries.
GS-3	Nepal to Export 1,000 MW Electricity to India	Geopolitical Context: Nepal is a key neighbor for India, sharing an 1,850 km border with five Indian states (Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand). The landlocked nation relies on India for transportation of goods and services, reflecting their intertwined economies and historical ties.
GS-5	A Bomb Hoax Email Led To The Evacuation Of City Center Mall In Guwahati.	The email is linked to a sender who previously threatened malls, airports, and schools across India. Over two dozen malls nationwide have received similar hoax emails in recent days.
GS-5	Excise Department Rolls Back Liquor Price Hike	Prices will decrease by 10-20%, effective September 1, due to declining sales and increased smuggling. The decision follows concerns over potential health risks from lower-category brands and industry criticism of the excise department's planning.
GS-5	Aai Kanaklata University Classes to Begin in 2025-26	Establishment: Aai Kanaklata University, initiated by Sadou Asom Satra Mahasabha, is set to start classes in the 2025-26 academic year. Location: Mornoi, Goalpara