Daily Current Affairs 23rd August 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Health Ministry Constitutes the National Task Force on Healthcare Worker Safety

The Health Ministry has set up a 14-member National Task Force (NTF) to improve the safety and working conditions of medical professionals in India. This move comes in response to ongoing protests and a mandate from the Supreme Court. The NTF will create recommendations to prevent violence against healthcare workers and establish national protocols for safe and dignified working conditions.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches ‘Create In India Challenge-Season One’

On August 22, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the ‘Create in India Challenge-Season One’ in New Delhi. This event is part of the lead-up to the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit. Mr. Vaishnaw announced that 25 challenges have been introduced to reflect the evolution of the Indian economy and the impact of technological advancements.

India’s KAPS-4 Nuclear Plant Achieves Full Capacity

The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat has reached full operational capacity with its second 700 MW nuclear reactor, KAPS-4. This milestone was achieved on August 21, 2024. The reactor began commercial operations on March 31, 2024, and reached its first criticality on December 17, 2023. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) confirmed that Unit 4 at KAPS was previously operating at 90% capacity before reaching its full 700 MW output.

International News

India and Denmark Collaborate on Clean River Initiative

India and Denmark have teamed up to work on a Clean River Initiative. This collaboration aims to rejuvenate rivers using sustainable methods. The project will involve various stakeholders, including government bodies, academic institutions, and local communities.

States News

Strategic Alliance for Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi

A Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark has led to the creation of the Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi. This initiative involves the Government of India, IIT-BHU, and Denmark. The project aims to rejuvenate the Varuna River using sustainable approaches and features a hybrid lab model at IIT-BHU and an on-field living lab at the Varuna River.

South Indian Adivasi Knowledge Centre To Be Launched In B.R. Hills

The Kaanu South Indian Adivasi Knowledge Centre will be launched at the Tribal Health Resource Centre (THRC) in B.R. Hills, Karnataka, on August 25. Prashanth N. Srinivas, a medical doctor and public health researcher, stated that Kaanu, which means evergreen forest in both Kannada and Soliga languages, will be a significant addition to the region.

Agreements News

MSDE Exchanged An MoU With Flipkart’s SCOA

Flipkart’s Supply Chain Operations Academy (SCOA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). This agreement, made at the Samarth event, aims to upskill thousands of employable youth across India.

Appointments News

Deepti Gaur Mukherjee Assumes Charge as MCA Secretary

Deepti Gaur Mukherjee, a 1993 batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has taken over as the Secretary of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). She succeeds Manoj Govil, who recently became the Expenditure Secretary. Before this, Mukherjee served as the CEO of the National Health Authority.

Sports News

26th CEAT Cricket Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence in Cricket

Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, has been awarded the CEAT International Cricketer of the Year Award. This honor recognizes his outstanding performance during the 2023-24 season.

Neeraj Chopra Finishes Second in Lausanne Diamond League

India’s star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, secured a commendable second-place finish at the Lausanne Diamond League meet. Despite facing challenges, Chopra showcased his resilience and skill, marking another significant achievement in his career.

Diana Pundole: First Indian Woman Racer to Win National Championship

Diana Pundole, a teacher and mother from Pune, has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the national championship in the saloon category at the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 held in Chennai. Her achievement is notable in a sport traditionally dominated by men, highlighting her determination and skill.

Books and Authors News

Tarun Chugh’s Book, “Modi’s Governance Triumph” Released

A significant literary event took place in New Delhi with the release of BJP General Secretary Tarun Chugh’s book, “Modi’s Governance Triumph: Reshaping India’s Path to Prosperity.” The book launch was attended by prominent political figures, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, emphasizing the book’s importance in India’s political discourse.

Important Days

National Space Day 2024: A Celebration of India’s Space Achievements

India will celebrate its first National Space Day in 2024, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s space exploration journey. Led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this day will celebrate India’s growing prominence in the global space community. National Space Day aims to inspire future generations and highlight the crucial role of space science and technology in shaping our world.

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition 2024

On the night of August 22-23, 1791, a significant event occurred in Saint Domingue, now known as the Republic of Haiti. This night marked the beginning of an uprising that played a crucial role in abolishing the transatlantic slave trade. The rebellion evolved into the Haitian Revolution, becoming a symbol of resistance against slavery and oppression.