Daily Current Affairs- 18 August 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 18th August 2024

INTERNATIONAL

UAE joins BRICS partners for launch of Centre for Industrial Competences

• The UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology joined its BRICS counterparts on the launch of a Centre for Industrial Competences in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to support the development of Industrial skills and capabilities.
• The declaration was made at the 8th BRICS Industry Ministers Meeting, bringing industry, trade and technology ministries together from the UAE, Russia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, and South Africa. The meeting, chaired by Russia, takes place under the theme of "strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security". 

NATIONAL

Centre launches new decision support system for agriculture sector

• The Union government launched a unique digital geospatial platform called Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS) that provides seamless access to comprehensive all-India data, including satellite images of farms, weather information, water reservoir storage, groundwater levels, and soil health information, from anywhere at any time. 

Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurates the 17th Divya Kala Mela in Raipur

• Dr Virendra Kumar, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, inaugurated the 17th Divya Kala Mela in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, on 17 August 2024. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai was also present on the occasion. 

UP announces Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Yojana

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana’ to boost employment opportunities for the state's youth. The yojana was announced on 15 August 2024, on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day celebration in the state capital, Lucknow. 

SPORTS

Sumit Antil & Bhagyashri Jadhav: 2024 Paris Paralympics Flag Bearer

• The Paralympic Committee of India has named Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist para-athletes Sumit Antil and Shot Putter Bhagyashri Jadhav as the Indian flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympics Games, which will be held on 28 August 2024. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

IAS Officer Rajesh Kumar appointed next Defence Secretary by ACC

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16 August 2024 has approved the appointment of a senior IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer, Rajesh Kumar, as the next Defence Secretary. 

SUMMITS & MOUS

MoU signed to study augmentation of water supply to Faridabad

• To address the anticipated water supply gap for Faridabad Smart City by 2031, an MoU was signed between the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA). It marks a significant step towards augmenting the city's water supply through the sustainable development of groundwater resources in the Yamuna flood plains. 

3rd Voice of Global South Summit on 17 August 2024

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on 17 August 2024. The Summit is being held in a virtual format, and many leaders of the Global South are participating in the meeting. The Voice of Global South is an Indian concept rooted in the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It provides a platform for the countries of the Global South to raise issues that are vital to them.