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Daily G.K. - Top Stories

13 Aug 2024

DAILY G.K. TEST

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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Iran: Javad Zarif Resigns as Vice President

  • Iran's former Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who played a pivotal role in negotiating the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, announced that he has resigned as the nation's Vice President for strategic affairs.
  • His resignation came less than two weeks after his appointment by Iran's newly elected reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Two Deputy Governors of Bangladesh Bank Resign after Hasina's Exit

  • Days after the resignation of the Bangladesh Bank Governor, two Deputy Governors and the head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (BFUI) resigned following the directives from the interim government.
  • Additionally, an adviser to the central bank also submitted his resignation to the Governor.
  • Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder tendered his resignation, citing personal reasons.
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ENVIRONMENT

Assam Launches Mobile App 'Haati' to Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict

  • In the Indian state of Assam, where human-elephant encounters have become increasingly dangerous, a new mobile app called Haati was launched to help reduce the number of fatalities arising out of incidents involving wild elephants.
  • Assam, which is known for its large elephant population, as per reports, has been grappling with rising incidents where both humans and elephants have been killed. The reason behind this is the shrinking habitat and encroachment on the animals' natural corridors.
  • As per report, the Haati app serves as an early warning system, alerting people when wild elephants are nearby, so they can take necessary precautions and get out of the way.
  • The app does more than just warn people. It also includes a feature where victims or their families can fill out a form to apply for compensation from the government in cases of injury or death due to elephant attacks.
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BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Government Restores Diamond Imprest Licence for Gems and Jewellery Sector

  • Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the restoration of the Diamond Imprest Licence, a move aimed at revitalising India's gems and jewellery sector. The decision was made during the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2024, organised by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). This policy shift is expected to address issues related to diamond imports and enhance India's export competitiveness.
  • The licence allows eligible exporters to import cut and polished diamonds, including semi-processed, half-cut, and broken diamonds, duty-free up to 5% of their average turnover from the past three years. Exporters are required to add 10% value to these imports, which must be used by the importer and cannot be transferred even after export.

Maruti Suzuki Commences Export of Made in India SUV Fronx to Japan

  • Maruti Suzuki India commenced export of its sports utility vehicle Fronx to Japan.
  • The first consignment of over 1,600 vehicles left for Japan from Gujarat's Pipavav Port, the country's largest carmaker said. Fronx will be the first SUV from Maruti Suzuki stable launched in Japan.

RBI Sets Up 10-Member Expert Committee on Benchmarking of Its Statistics

  • The RBI announced setting up a committee under Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra on benchmarking the statistics regularly disseminated by it against global standards. The 10-member 'Expert Committee on Benchmarking of its Statistics' has been asked to submit report by the end of November 2024.
  • The panel, chaired by Patra, will also study the quality of other regular data, where such benchmarks do not exist (like sectors of national priority) and provide guidance on the scope for any further data refinement. The other members of the committee are R. B. Barman (former chairman, National Statistical Commission), Sonalde Desai (National Council of Applied Economic Research, New Delhi and University of Maryland, USA), Partha Ray (Director, National Institute of Bank Management, Pune), and Bimal Roy (former chairman, National Statistical Commission; and former director, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata).
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

US Scientists Find Reservoir of Liquid Water on Mars

  • An immense reservoir of liquid water may reside deep under the surface of Mars within fractured igneous rocks, holding enough to fill an ocean that would cover the entire surface of Earth's planetary neighbor.
  • That is the conclusion of scientists based on seismic data obtained by NASA's robotic InSight lander during a mission that helped decipher the interior of Mars. The water, located about 7.2 to 12.4 miles (11.5 to 20 km) below the Martian surface, potentially offers conditions favorable to sustain microbial life, either in the past or now, the researchers said.

Wipro Expands Partnership with Google Cloud to Adopt AI Tech Gemini

  • Wipro announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Google Cloud to scale its adoption of Google Cloud AI.
  • Wipro will train its workforce with generative AI-powered tools using Vertex AI and Gemini models for developer productivity and better cloud migration.
  • "Using Vertex AI and Gemini models, Wipro, in its project execution for clients, is equipping its workforce with generative AI-powered tools to enhance developer productivity, accelerate cloud migrations, and deliver innovative GenAI solutions," the company said.
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SPORTS

Badminton: Smt. Krishna Khaitan Memorial Tournament from September 12

  • The 31st edition of the Smt Krishna Khaitan Memorial All India Junior Ranking Badminton Prize Money tournament will be held at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex, Sector 3, Panchkula, Haryana from September 12-19.
  • The tournament, being organised by Express Shuttle Club Trust under the aegis of Haryana Badminton Association, will be one of the junior ranking tournaments in the Badminton Association of India (BAI) calendar this year.
  • The Smt Krishna Khaitan Memorial All India Junior Ranking Badminton Prize Money tournament this year (2024) will offer important ranking points to U-19 players.
  • Last year, more than 1,150 entries were received for the tournament. This year's (2024) tournament will see players competing in U-19 categories in boys' and girls' singles' as well as boys', girls' and mixed doubles. The tournament will carry a total prize money of Rs. 4 lakh with quarter-finalists in boys' singles and girls' singles also getting a share.

Haryana to Commence First-Ever Global Women's Kabaddi League

  • The first-ever Global Women's Kabaddi League will commence next month (September) in Haryana. Officially named the Global Pravasi Women's Kabaddi League (GPKL), this groundbreaking tournament will feature female athletes from over 15 countries. The event represents a significant advancement in promoting Kabaddi internationally, supporting efforts to include the sport in the Olympic Games, and bolstering India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
  • The League aims to advance the global development of women's kabaddi. The GPKL will showcase teams from a diverse range of countries, including England, Poland, Argentina, Canada, and Italy, with athletes from these nations expressing keen interest in participating.
  • Former Indian Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has supported the push for kabaddi's inclusion in the Olympics. As India pursues its goal of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, the inclusion of kabaddi would be a significant achievement.
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Vinay Mohan Kwatra Assumes Charge as India's New Ambassador to the US

  • Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumed charge as Indian ambassador to the US.
  • He succeeded Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who retired from the Foreign Service early this year (2024) and served as India's top diplomat in the US from 2020 to 2024.
  • Mr. Kwatra, previously served as Minister of Commerce in the Indian Embassy in the US.
  • He was also India's Ambassador to France and Nepal, after which he was appointed as the foreign secretary.

Bihar Government Mandates Registration of Temples, Mutts, and Trusts

  • The Bihar government mandated registration of temples, mutts and trusts, and directed all District Magistrates in the State to ensure that the bodies are registered and details of their immovable assets are submitted to the Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts (BSBRT) soon. The BSBRT operates under the State's Law Department and its records say there are about 2,512 unregistered temples and mutts across the State owning 4,321.64 acres of land.
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DEFENCE

Mitra Shakti: India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise

  • A joint exercise between the militaries of India and Sri Lanka began in the island nation to facilitate interoperability and sharing of best practices.
  • The 10th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise 'Mitra Shakti' at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, is being conducted from August 12-25. It will enhance the joint military capability so as to undertake counter-insurgency operations in a sub-conventional scenario under the UN mandate.
  • Joint exercise 'Mitra Shakti' is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Sri Lanka. Its last edition was conducted in Pune in November 2023.
  • The aim of the joint exercise is to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-insurgency operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban environment.
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PERSONS IN NEWS

Pakistan Singer Haniya Aslam, One-half of Music Duo Zeb-Haniya, Dies

  • Pakistani musician Haniya Aslam, of the band Zeb-Haniya, died. Her cousin and former band member, Zeb Bangash, confirmed the news.
  • Haniya was considered one of the finest Pakistani musicians. She worked with Zeb on many successful compositions as part of the 'Zeb and Haniya' band. However, she moved to Canada in 2014 to pursue a solo career and learn more about music. The duo performed in 'Coke Studio' Pakistan, and rendered a popular number, 'Chal Diye'.
  • She also worked as a sound designer for the 2016 Pakistani drama short film 'Lala Begum'. Haniya created music for the 2016 romantic Pakistani film 'Dobara Phir Se'. She represented Pakistan's youth music in the world, and also co-authored one of the few books written about contemporary youth music in her country.
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DAYS AND EVENTS

International Left-Handers Day

  • International Left-Handers Day is celebrated on August 13. The day recognises the uniqueness of left-handed individuals. It also raises awareness about the challenges they face in a world designed primarily by right-handed people.
  • This day was first observed in 1976 by Dean R. Campbell, who founded the Left-Handers Club in the United States. Campbell, himself a left-hander, wanted to promote awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed in a predominantly right-handed world.

World Organ Donation Day

  • World Organ Donation Day is observed every year on August 13 to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and encourage people to register as organ donors. Donations of organs such as kidneys, heart, pancreas, eyes, and lungs can save the lives of people suffering from chronic diseases globally.
  • The history of organ transplantation dates back to the early 20th century, with significant milestones marking its evolution. The first successful kidney transplant occurred in 1954, when Ronald Lee Herrick donated a kidney to his identical twin brother, a groundbreaking procedure performed by Dr. Joseph Murray.
  • World Organ Donation Day 2024 is observed under the slogan, 'Be the Reason for Someone's Smile Today!'
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AWARDS AND HONOURS

Science and Technology Ministry Withdraws Support from Kalinga Prize

  • The Science and Technology Ministry withdrew its contribution to the prestigious UNESCO Kalinga Prize for Popularisation of Science, UNESCO's oldest award, instituted through a donation by Odisha's former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik way back in 1951. The decision to withdraw the Department of Science and Technology's annual contribution to the award was part of the decision to 'rationalise' all science awards. The government has instituted a new set of science awards, called Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, to replace all the earlier awards, including the coveted Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards. The inaugural set of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskars were announced in the first week of August.
  • Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, however, has protested the government's decision and written to Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh to ensure that the support is restored.
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GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES

The Indian Government Withdraws the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill

  • The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is learnt to have withdrawn the new draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, which triggered a controversy and criticism over fears that the government was trying to exert greater control over online content. The draft Bill had raised several questions on the freedom of speech and expression, and the government's powers to regulate it.
  • As per reports, the ministry is expected to go back to the drawing board and work on a new proposal.
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GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION

NIRF Ranking 2024: IIT Madras Tops for the Sixth Time

  • The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2024 were released and can be accessed on the official website of NIRF at nirfindia.org.
  • A total of 10,885 institutes participated in the ninth edition of the NIRF Ranking Framework, a 200% increase since the first edition in 2016.
  • This is the sixth year that IIT Madras maintained its top position in both the 'Overall' and 'Engineering' categories in the NIRF Rankings. It has been ranked first in the engineering category every year since the inception of the rankings in 2016, i.e. for nine years.
  • Similarly, AIIMS Delhi clinched the top position in the Medical category for seven years straight and IIM Ahmedabad has consistently held the top rank in the Management category for five years consecutively.
  • Also, maintaining the order of the previous year, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru once again secured the top position among universities in the NIRF rankings 2024, while JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia followed in the second and third spots.
  • IISc Bangalore was also recognised as the second-best institution in the 'overall' category.

IIT Kharagpur Collaborates with Sathya Sai Hospital for AI Powered Anemia Screening

  • Anemia, a widespread health concern characterised by a deficiency in red blood cells or haemoglobin, affects millions globally, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other severe health complications. Recent research spearheaded by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in collaboration with Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital has brought new insights into this condition, particularly in its diagnosis and treatment.
  • This joint effort focuses on developing innovative solutions to address the challenges of anaemia in underprivileged populations. IIT Kharagpur's expertise in biomedical engineering and cutting-edge technology, combined with the clinical insights and extensive healthcare network of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospitals, has paved the way for advancements in non-invasive diagnostic tools and cost-effective treatment methods.
  • Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospitals, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, is set to revolutionise maternal and child health with the launch of an AI-based anaemia screening initiative. This groundbreaking technology will be deployed across Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Mother & Child Hospitals (Mamatva centres) in several states of India.

IIM Kozhikode to Host 'Coop Pitch 2024' for Youth Entrepreneurship

  • The Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K) is all set to host 'Coop Pitch 2024' from October 16-18, 2024, a competition designed to foster cooperative entrepreneurship among young individuals.
  • According to an official statement, the competition will focus on five key areas: agri-tech and safe food, the care economy and social sector, platform cooperatives, sustainability and the green economy, and education and skills.
  • Participants will take part in hands-on activities under the guidance of experts in cooperative business models. The top three teams will be awarded cash prizes totalling Rs. 1,00,000, with Rs. 50,000 for the first prize, Rs. 30,000 for the second, and Rs. 20,000 for the third. This event, organised by ICA Domus Trust (IDT) and Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) Limited, is part of ULCCS' centenary celebrations.
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ART AND CULTURE

Ancient Maharashtra Rock Art Declared Protected Monument

  • The Maharashtra government declared the geoglyphs and petroglyphs in Ratnagiri as 'protected monuments' under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.
  • The group of petroglyphs at Deud, Ratnagiri, dates back to the Mesolithic era (roughly 20,000-10,000 years ago), according to a notification by the culture department.
  • Geoglyphs and petroglyphs are different types of ancient art forms. They involve the creation of images or designs on the earth's surface or rock surfaces.
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TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS

Indian Railways and NCRTC Launch 'One India-One Ticket' Initiative

  • Indian Railways and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) partnered to promote the 'One India-One Ticket' initiative, aiming to streamline travel for passengers using both mainline railway services and Namo Bharat trains. This collaboration will enable a unified booking system, allowing commuters to seamlessly travel between Indian Railways and RRTS services.
  • After purchasing an IRCTC train e-ticket, passengers can book Namo Bharat train tickets for up to eight travelers in a single transaction. RRTS ticket booking options will appear on the PNR confirmation page and within the user's booking history. Each RRTS ticket will feature a unique QR code valid for four days, including the day before the journey, the journey date, and two subsequent days. The Namo Bharat ticket will also come with a separate QR code for a smooth travel experience.
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LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Two Advocates Appointed Chhattisgarh High Court Judges

  • Two advocates were appointed as additional judges of the Chhattisgarh High Court.
  • The names of Bibhu Datta Guru and Amitendra Kishore Prasad were recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium in July.
  • A notification issued by the law ministry said Guru and Prasad were appointed as additional judges of the Chhattisgarh High Court for a period of two years.
  • Additional judges are usually appointed for a period of two years before being elevated as judges or what is commonly called 'permanent' judges.
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