Table of Contents
Stay updated with the most significant national and international news, developments, and events from August 12, 2024.Daily Current Affairs 12 August 2024
National News
Implementation of RTE and Budget Allocation for Education
As of August 7, 2024, Punjab, Telangana, Kerala, and West Bengal have not yet implemented the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. This information was disclosed by Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chowdhary, in the Rajya Sabha. Education is on the concurrent list, allowing states to create rules under the RTE Act, but these states have not yet done so.
SAMEER Transfers Microwave Sugar Measurement Technology to Private Firms
The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER), an R&D institute under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with Toshniwal Hyvac Pvt. Ltd. and Sir Automation Industries. This agreement will enable the large-scale production of a state-of-the-art Microwave-Based Brix Measurement System, designed to measure sugar concentration (Brix) in real-time during sugar production.
India Advances Nuclear Submarine Capabilities
India is set to commission its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat, and has received approval to construct six additional nuclear submarines to bolster its maritime defense. The Indian Navy is preparing to commission INS Arighat, which is nearing the completion of its trials and upgrades.
Government Restores Diamond Imprest Licence for Gems and Jewellery Sector
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has announced the restoration of the Diamond Imprest Licence, a move aimed at revitalizing India’s gems and jewellery sector. The decision was made during the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2024, organized by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). This policy change is expected to address issues related to diamond imports and enhance India’s export competitiveness.
International News
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 August 8, 2024, during President Droupadi Murmu’s official visit to New Zealand.
Business News
UPI Merchant Transactions in Nepal Cross 100,000 Milestone
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 100,000 cross-border Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions in Nepal. NIPL is the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Appointments News
T.V. Somanathan Appointed as New Cabinet Secretary
Senior IAS Officer T.V. Somanathan has been appointed as the new Cabinet Secretary of India, succeeding Rajiv Gauba, whose term ends this month. Somanathan will begin his two-year tenure on August 30, 2024. He will also serve as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Cabinet Secretariat until he formally assumes the role of Cabinet Secretary.
Awards News
“King Khan” Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at Locarno Film Festival
Bollywood’s charismatic ‘King Khan’ graced the 77th Locarno Film Festival with his presence on August 10, receiving a career achievement award that further highlights his storied career. Shah Rukh Khan delivered his acceptance speech to an audience of 8,000 at Locarno’s famed Piazza Grande.
Books and Authors News
Book Launch Spotlight: ‘75 Great Revolutionaries of India’
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh attended the launch of the book ‘75 Great Revolutionaries of India,’ authored by MP Bhim Singh. Singh commended the book for shedding light on lesser-known freedom fighters. The book aims to inspire a developed India by acknowledging historical sacrifices.
Agreements News
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 with Anurag Srivastava, Joint Secretary (North) from MEA, and Arunachalam A, Director from NSIL, representing their respective organizations.
Defence News
Exercise Udara Shakti 2024: Strengthening Indo-Malaysian Air Force Cooperation
The bilateral air exercise “Udara Shakti 2024” between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) concluded successfully on August 9, 2024. Hosted by the RMAF at its base in Kuantan, Malaysia, this exercise marked a significant milestone in military cooperation between the two nations.
Obituaries News
Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki Passes Away After Battle With Cancer
Susan Wojcicki, a pioneering figure in the tech industry and former CEO of YouTube, passed away at the age of 56 after a two-year battle with cancer. Her husband, Dennis Troper, confirmed the news on August 9. Susan Wojcicki was the CEO of YouTube from 2014 to 2023 and had an estimated net worth of $765 million in 2022.
Former Foreign Minister Natwar Singh Passes Away
Former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh passed away at the age of 95 on August 10, following a prolonged illness. He passed away at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he had been admitted for the past few weeks.
Important Days
World Biofuel Day 2024: Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions
World Biofuel Day, observed annually on August 10th, commemorates the achievement of German engineer Sir Rudolf Diesel, who successfully operated an engine using peanut oil on August 9, 1893. This day highlights the importance of biofuels as a sustainable energy source and their potential in addressing climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
International Youth Day 2024: Date, Theme, and History
International Youth Day, celebrated annually on August 12th, recognizes the contributions of young people to society and addresses the challenges they face. The 2024 theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” emphasizes the role of digital technologies in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Miscellaneous News
Neelakurinji: The Endangered Purple Bloom of the Western Ghats
The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a unique flowering shrub native to the montane grasslands of southwest India, has been added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Known for its mass blooming once every 12 years, this iconic plant has been classified as Vulnerable according to the IUCN criteria.
Daily Current Affairs 12 August 2024:MCQ
National News
Implementation of RTE and Budget Allocation for Education
1. As of August 7, 2024, which states have not yet implemented the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009?
Answer: Punjab, Telangana, Kerala, and West Bengal
2. Who disclosed the information about the non-implementation of the RTE Act in certain states?
Answer: Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chowdhary
3. In which legislative body was the information about the RTE Act disclosed?
Answer: Rajya Sabha
4. Under which list is education categorized, allowing states to create rules under the RTE Act?
Answer: Concurrent list
SAMEER Transfers Microwave Sugar Measurement Technology to Private Firms
5. Which R&D institute signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement for Microwave-Based Brix Measurement System?
Answer: Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER)
6. Under which ministry does SAMEER operate?
Answer: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
7. Which private firms signed the ToT agreement with SAMEER?
Answer: Toshniwal Hyvac Pvt. Ltd. and Sir Automation Industries
8. What is the purpose of the Microwave-Based Brix Measurement System?
Answer: To measure sugar concentration (Brix) in real-time during sugar production
India Advances Nuclear Submarine Capabilities
9. What is the name of India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine?
Answer: INS Arighat
10. How many additional nuclear submarines has India received approval to construct?
Answer: Six
11. Which branch of the Indian military is preparing to commission INS Arighat?
Answer: Indian Navy
12. What stage is INS Arighat currently in?
Answer: Nearing the completion of its trials and upgrades
Government Restores Diamond Imprest Licence for Gems and Jewellery Sector
13. Who announced the restoration of the Diamond Imprest Licence?
Answer: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal
14. During which event was the restoration of the Diamond Imprest Licence announced?
Answer: India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2024
15. Which organization organized the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2024?
Answer: Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
16. What is the expected impact of restoring the Diamond Imprest Licence?
Answer: To address issues related to diamond imports and enhance India’s export competitiveness
International News
India-New Zealand Sign Bilateral Customs Cooperation Agreement
17. Which two countries signed a Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement?
Answer: India and New Zealand
18. Where was the Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement formalized?
Answer: Wellington
19. During whose official visit was the agreement signed?
Answer: President Droupadi Murmu’s official visit to New Zealand
20. On what date was the Bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement signed?
Answer: August 8, 2024
Business News
UPI Merchant Transactions in Nepal Cross 100,000 Milestone
21. Which organization achieved the milestone of surpassing 100,000 cross-border UPI Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions in Nepal?
Answer: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL)
22. What is the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)?
Answer: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL)
Appointments News
T.V. Somanathan Appointed as New Cabinet Secretary
23. Who has been appointed as the new Cabinet Secretary of India?
Answer: T.V. Somanathan
24. Who did T.V. Somanathan succeed as Cabinet Secretary?
Answer: Rajiv Gauba
25. When will T.V. Somanathan begin his tenure as Cabinet Secretary?
Answer: August 30, 2024
26. What additional role will T.V. Somanathan serve until he formally assumes the role of Cabinet Secretary?
Answer: Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Cabinet Secretariat
Awards News
“King Khan” Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at Locarno Film Festival
27. Which Bollywood actor received a lifetime achievement award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival?
Answer: Shah Rukh Khan
28. On what date did Shah Rukh Khan receive the lifetime achievement award at the Locarno Film Festival?
Answer: August 10
29. How many people attended Shah Rukh Khan’s acceptance speech at Locarno’s Piazza Grande?
Answer: 8,000
Books and Authors News
Book Launch Spotlight: ‘75 Great Revolutionaries of India’
1. Who attended the launch of the book ‘75 Great Revolutionaries of India’?
Answer: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh
2. Who is the author of the book ‘75 Great Revolutionaries of India’?
Answer: MP Bhim Singh
3. What did Harivansh Narayan Singh commend the book for?
Answer: Shedding light on lesser-known freedom fighters
4. What is the aim of the book ‘75 Great Revolutionaries of India’?
Answer: To inspire a developed India by acknowledging historical sacrifices
Agreements News
MEA and NSIL Sign MoU for Launch of Nepalese Munal Satellite
5. Which two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the launch of Nepal’s Munal satellite?
Answer: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
6. What is the commercial arm of ISRO?
Answer: NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
7. Who represented the MEA in signing the MoU for the Munal satellite?
Answer: Anurag Srivastava, Joint Secretary (North)
8. Who represented NSIL in signing the MoU for the Munal satellite?
Answer: Arunachalam A, Director
Defence News
Exercise Udara Shakti 2024: Strengthening Indo-Malaysian Air Force Cooperation
9. What is the name of the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF)?
Answer: Udara Shakti 2024
10. When did the exercise Udara Shakti 2024 conclude?
Answer: August 9, 2024
11. Where was the exercise Udara Shakti 2024 hosted?
Answer: Kuantan, Malaysia
12. Which two air forces participated in the exercise Udara Shakti 2024?
Answer: Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF)
Obituaries News
Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki Passes Away After Battle With Cancer
13. Who was Susan Wojcicki?
Answer: Former CEO of YouTube
14. At what age did Susan Wojcicki pass away?
Answer: 56
15. How long did Susan Wojcicki battle cancer?
Answer: Two years
16. Who confirmed the news of Susan Wojcicki’s passing?
Answer: Her husband, Dennis Troper
17. When did Susan Wojcicki serve as the CEO of YouTube?
Answer: From 2014 to 2023
18. What was Susan Wojcicki’s estimated net worth in 2022?
Answer: $765 million
Former Foreign Minister Natwar Singh Passes Away
19. Who was Natwar Singh?
Answer: Former External Affairs Minister
20. At what age did Natwar Singh pass away?
Answer: 95
21. When did Natwar Singh pass away?
Answer: August 10
22. Where did Natwar Singh pass away?
Answer: Medanta Hospital in Gurugram
Important Days
World Biofuel Day 2024: Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions
23. When is World Biofuel Day observed annually?
Answer: August 10th
24. What achievement does World Biofuel Day commemorate?
Answer: German engineer Sir Rudolf Diesel successfully operated an engine using peanut oil on August 9, 1893
25. What is the significance of World Biofuel Day?
Answer: Highlights the importance of biofuels as a sustainable energy source
26. What potential do biofuels have according to World Biofuel Day?
Answer: Addressing climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels
International Youth Day 2024: Date, Theme, and History
27. When is International Youth Day celebrated annually?
Answer: August 12th
28. What is the theme for International Youth Day 2024?
Answer: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”
29. What does International Youth Day recognize?
Answer: Contributions of young people to society
30. What issues does International Youth Day address?
Answer: Challenges faced by young people
31. What role do digital technologies play according to the theme of International Youth Day 2024?
Answer: Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Miscellaneous News
Neelakurinji: The Endangered Purple Bloom of the Western Ghats
32. What is the scientific name of the Neelakurinji plant?
Answer: Strobilanthes kunthiana
33. Where is the Neelakurinji plant native to?
Answer: Montane grasslands of southwest India
34. How often does the Neelakurinji plant bloom?
Answer: Once every 12 years
35. What list has the Neelakurinji plant been added to?
Answer: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species
36. What classification has the Neelakurinji plant received according to the IUCN criteria?
Answer: Vulnerable
