Daily Current Affairs - August 26, 2024: Key updates for APSC CCE, UPSC CSE, and govt. job exam preparation

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GS-1, 2

PM Modi Condemns Crimes Against Women

  • PM Modi termed crimes against women as an unpardonable sin, urging that the guilty must not be spared.

  • Emphasised the need for accountability across all levels to ensure women's safety.

  • Highlighted government efforts to empower women through various initiatives.


Source: Agencies

GS-2

Union Cabinet Approves Unified Pension Scheme for Central Govt Employees

  • The Union Cabinet approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), offering an assured pension of 50% of the average basic pay for the last 12 months for employees under the National Pension System (NPS).

  • The scheme benefits 23 lakh Central government employees, with the possibility of expansion to 90 lakh if states join.

  • The UPS includes a guaranteed minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month, assured family pension, and inflation indexing.


Source: PTI

GS-2

India Strengthens Ties with the US Amidst Global Tensions

  • PM Modi's July visit to Russia sparked criticism from the US-led West, coinciding with a NATO summit.

  • In response, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the US, enhancing defence cooperation.

  • India secured a $52.8 million military sale to bolster anti-submarine warfare capabilities.


Source: The Assam Tribune Editorial

GS-2, 3

India-Singapore Ministerial Meet to Boost Trade Ties

  • Four Indian Union Ministers, including Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal, will attend the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable in Singapore on August 26.

  • The meeting aims to strengthen bilateral trade, with Singapore being India's largest FDI source in 2023-24, contributing USD 11.77 billion.


Source: PTI

GS-2

Israel-Hezbollah Tensions Flare with Airstrikes and Rocket Fire

  • Israel launched preemptive airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, which responded with over 320 rockets and drones.

  • Three people were killed in Lebanon, while no casualties were reported in Israel.

  • The exchange ended without escalating into a broader conflict.


Source: AP

GS-3

NASA Delays Astronauts' Return from Space Until February

  • NASA decided to extend astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams' stay at the International Space Station until February due to safety concerns with Boeing's Starliner capsule.

  • They have been in space since June, originally scheduled for a weeklong test flight.

  • The empty Starliner will undock in September for an autonomous return.


Source: AP

GS-3

Amit Shah Urges Strong Action Against Illegal Narcotics Trade

  • Amit Shah emphasised that the illegal narcotics trade is a global issue, urging India to adopt a four-pronged approach: detection, network destruction, detention, and rehabilitation.

  • He highlighted concerns over Chhattisgarh's drug use, with figures surpassing the national average.

  • Shah reinforced India's commitment to becoming drug-free by 2047.


Source: PTI

GS-5

Inauguration of Assam's First Sewage Treatment Plant in Nagaon

  • Urban Development Minister Ashok Singhal inaugurated Assam's first sewage treatment plant (STP) in Nagaon, with a capacity of 2.0 MLD.

  • The STP will serve approximately 11,000 residents and address the state's liquid waste issue, generating 809 MLD.

  • Plans for landscaping and beautification of the STP area were also announced.


Source: The Assam Tribune

GS-5

PM Modi Praises Assam Villagers for Protecting Hoolock Gibbons

  • PM Modi lauded the villagers of Barekuri, Tinsukia, for their strong bond with hoolock gibbons, treating them like family.

  • Villagers grow bananas and perform rituals for the gibbons.

  • Modi also highlighted Arunachal Pradesh's use of 3-D printing to protect wildlife.


Source: The Assam Tribune

GS-5

Assam Police Faces Significant Vacancies and Vehicle Shortages

  • Assam Police has 12,485 vacancies, including senior positions like ADGP, IG, and DIG.

  • The force operates with only 71.06% of its required vehicles, falling short by 2,257.

  • Since 2016, Rs 412.79 crore has been spent on renting vehicles, with Rs 53.8 crore paid in 2024 alone.


Source: PTI

GS-5

IIT Guwahati Recommends Detailed Study for Kamakhya Corridor Project

  • IIT Guwahati advises a finer resolution study to protect Nilachal hill's recharge zones and ensure uninterrupted downstream flow.

  • L&T is coordinating with IITG and PWD for timely scientific investigations.

  • The High Court seeks ASI's response on protecting sacred springs during construction.


Source: The Assam Tribune

GS-5

Jorhat Scientist Enhances Accessibility for Paris 2024 Paralympics

  • Abhinav Bhattacharyya from Jorhat led a team at Google to develop new accessibility features for Google Maps, aiding para-athletes at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.


Source: The Assam Tribune

GS-5

NEHARI and NIH-NERC Conduct Workshop on Geospatial Technologies for Flood Management

  • Geospatial Technologies: Tools for analysing and visualising geographic data.


Source: The Assam Tribune

GS-5

Crisis of Tea Garden Workers in Asia

  • Tea workers in Assam, Sri Lanka, and China face severe health risks and low wages despite the industry’s profitability.

  • Global warming exacerbates their conditions, with inadequate sanitation and healthcare access.

  • Children are often forced into labour, perpetuating poverty. Urgent action is needed for better living standards and education.


Source: The Assam Tribune

GS-5

DB Stock Broking Scandal: A Wake-Up Call for Investors

  • DB Stock Broking defrauded investors of nearly Rs 7,000 crore through unrealistic returns.

  • Regulatory bodies, including SEBI, failed to prevent the fraud, raising concerns over investor safety.

  • The case highlights systemic failures and the need for enhanced scrutiny and investor education.


Source: The Assam Tribune Editorial

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