14th August, 2024 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
NHA And MUHS Sign MoU To Drive Digital Health Education

• In a significant step towards driving Digital Health education across India, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Health Authority (NHA) and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) in the presence of Union Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda.
• Digital Health is at the forefront of healthcare today, and understanding Digital Health and its use in patient care is imperative in this era. It is a proud moment for MUHS to make Maharashtra the first state in India to introduce Digital Health for all medical students.

 Coal Ministry unveils plan to boost coal production through global mining operators

• The Ministry of Coal has unveiled an ambitious plan to boost coal production through global mining operators. The Ministry said, the primary goal of engaging Mining Developers cum Operators (MDOs) is to significantly increase coal production by streamlining operations, enhancing productivity, and reducing mining costs. These MDOs are tasked with excavating, extracting, and delivering coal to Coal India Limited (CIL).
• These operators were selected through open global tenders. They will oversee the entire mining process, from excavation and extraction to the delivery of coal, in line with the agreement. The MDOs will also manage crucial aspects, such as rehabilitation and resettlement issues, land acquisitions, and environmental clearances. They will also coordinate with State and Central Pollution Control Boards to guarantee rigorous adherence to environmental standards.

INTERNATIONAL
Japanese PM Fumio Kishida announces decision to step down in September

• Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he would step down in September. Announcing his decision not to seek re-election at a press conference today Mr. Kishida said the ruling Liberal Democratic Party(LDP) needs a new start.
• The 67-year-old LDP veteran is expected to step down as Prime Minister after the party elects a new leader in September.
• Support for Mr. Kishida, who has been Prime Minister since 2021, has fallen in the wake of a corruption scandal involving his party. The party has been in power almost continuously since 1955 even as LDP leaders were shocked by Mr Kishida’s announcement.

US approves 20 billion dollars arms sales to Israel

• The US has approved a 20 billion dollar arms sale to Israel, including Fighter jets and advanced Air-to-Air Missiles.
• It said, the possible sale will include more than 50 F-15 fighter jets, advanced medium-range Air-to-Air Missiles, 120 mm tank ammunition and high explosive mortars and tactical vehicles. It is a long-term deal in which F-15 jets are scheduled to be delivered by 2029.
• The US is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to assist Israel in developing a strong and ready self-defence capability.
• The multi-billion dollar arms deal comes amid fears of a broader war in West Asia, following recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Lebanon. Both incidents drew threats of retaliation against Israel.

India-New Zealand Sign Bilateral Customs Cooperation Agreement

• India and New Zealand have signed a Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement to facilitate easier trade between the two nations. The agreement was formalized in Wellington on 8 August 2024 during President Droupadi Murmu’s official visit to New Zealand.
• India is New Zealand’s 15th largest trading partner with a trade value of US$1.56 billion as of June 2023.

MEA and NSIL Sign MoU for Launch of Nepalese Munal Satellite

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the launch of Nepal’s Munal satellite. The MoU was formalized on Saturday, with Anurag Srivastava, Joint Secretary (North) from MEA, and Arunachalam A, Director from NSIL, representing their respective organizations.
• The Munal satellite, an indigenous project developed by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), aims to create a vegetation density database of Earth’s surface. This initiative marks a significant milestone in space collaboration between Nepal and India.

ECONOMY
India Advances Nuclear Submarine Capabilities

• India is on the brink of commissioning its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat, and has received approval to construct six additional nuclear submarines to enhance its maritime defense.
• The Indian Navy is preparing to commission INS Arighat, its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), which is nearing the completion of its trials and upgrades. Expected to enter service within the next two months, INS Arighat will join INS Arihant, the first SSBN inducted in 2016.
•  INS Arighat features a top surface speed of 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) and can reach up to 24 knots (44 km/h) underwater. It is equipped with four launch tubes capable of carrying either four K-4 missiles with a range of over 3,500 kilometers or twelve K-15 missiles with a range of approximately 750 kilometers.
• India’s nuclear triad will be further reinforced with the forthcoming commissioning of INS Aridaman, the third SSBN, early next year. This expansion underscores India’s commitment to maintaining a robust deterrent capability and securing its strategic interests amid evolving maritime challenges.

 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DRDO Successfully Test Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’ From Su-30 MK-1

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on August 13, 2024 successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the long-range glide bomb (LRGB) Gaurav from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force.
• Gaurav is an air-launched 1,000 kg class glide bomb capable of hitting targets at long distances. After being launched, the glide bomb steer towards the target using a highly accurate hybrid navigation scheme.
• The LRGB has been designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.

SPORTS
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.

Published date : 19 Aug 2024 05:17PM