Home > Practice > Current Affairs > August - 2024 > August 16, 2024
1. Which country is set to receive a UN fact-finding team to investigate human rights abuses during political turmoil?
A UN fact-finding team, led by Volker Turk, is set to be deployed to Bangladesh to investigate alleged human rights abuses during the political turmoil that led to former Prime Minister Hasina’s ousting. This move follows discussions with the interim government, which agreed to cooperate. The probe aims to scrutinize atrocities reported during the student-led protests, including the detention and alleged torture of hundreds in police custody. The UN's involvement underscores the international community's concern over human rights violations in Bangladesh during this period of political instability.
2. Which country recently reported its first confirmed case of a dangerous mpox virus variant outside Africa?
Sweden reported its first case outside Africa of a more dangerous variant of mpox, known as the Clade 1b subclade, which has been causing a severe global outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo since September 2023. The Swedish public health agency confirmed the case in Stockholm, which was contracted during a visit to Africa where the outbreak is concentrated. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) currently considers the risk of transmission in Sweden to be very low due to the country’s high vaccination rate against mpox.
3. Which state approved the approval of two metro rail projects worth Rs 15,611 crore?
The Union Cabinet approved three metro rail projects worth Rs 30,765 crore on Friday, including two corridors of Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-3 (BMRP) worth Rs 15,611 crore, set to be operational by 2029, and the Swargate-to-Katraj Underground Line Extension of the existing PCMC-Swargate Metro Line of the Pune Metro Phase-I project worth Rs 12,200 crore operational by 2029. Additionally, the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project Corridor was approved with an estimated cost of Rs 12,200 crore to be funded by various sources, including the Government of India, Maharashtra, and private investments. This development aims to enhance urban connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and promote economic growth in Karnataka and Maharashtra, addressing the need for efficient and reliable public transportation systems in these regions.
4. Which country is set to host the 2040 or 2044 Summer Olympic Games?
Poland's conservative leader, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, declared on Friday an intention to host the 2040 or 2044 Summer Olympic Games. Following President Andrzej Duda's earlier announcement, this marks Poland's bid to host the Olympics for the first time in its history. This bid could mark an important milestone for the nation in the world of international sports, especially considering Poland's lack of experience in hosting the Games. However, the bid faces challenges, including the need to build new stadiums and infrastructure, which could pose significant financial implications.
5. Who has been appointed as the new Health Secretary of India?
The Centre has appointed Punya Salila Srivastava as the new Health Secretary, replacing Apurva Chandra upon his superannuation. In a reshuffle, Rajesh Kumar Singh is set to be the new Defence Secretary, while Katikithala Srinivas takes over as Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary. Deepti Umashankar has been appointed as Secretary to the President, and Vivek Joshi transitions to the Department of Personnel and Training. This appointment comes amidst ongoing discussions on the National Health Mission, including the implementation of a national electronic medical records system.
6. From which Indian state were thirty-eight farmers invited to participate in the flag hoisting ceremony at Delhi’s Red Fort?
Thirty-eight farmers from Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur, known for their expertise in producing value-added coarse grain products, were invited to join the Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony at Delhi’s Red Fort. This initiative reflects recognition of their contributions and the government’s support for coarse grain-based food items, aiming to promote local products and celebrate national pride through their participation in the event.
7. What is the name of the third major typhoon this year that is threatening Japan?
Typhoon Ampil, the third major typhoon this year, is threatening Japan, causing widespread cancellations of flights and train services during the major holiday week, as it heads towards the archipelago after Tropical Storm Maria. The typhoon, expected to hit Tokyo and the Pacific coast on Friday and Saturday, has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and train services, significantly impacting travel plans. With gusts up to 180km/h and warnings of floods, officials urge safety measures as the weather agency predicts violent gusts, floods, and landslides in eastern regions. This typhoon season is particularly intense, with climate change influencing storm behaviour, intensifying, and lasting longer over land, posing significant challenges to Japan's preparedness and response efforts.
8. In which Indian state did ULFA(Independent) allegedly place 24 bombs?
ULFA (Independent), an outlawed group, has claimed responsibility for placing 24 bombs across Assam. These bombings occurred in various districts, including Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Darrang, Golaghat, and Tinsukia. As of now, no bombs have been recovered by the security forces. Bomb disposal squads are actively searching for explosives in the affected areas, and security forces, including police and military, are on alert. The group's email asserts that the lack of explosions was due to "technical failure," but this claim has not been officially confirmed by the government or other authorities.
9. In which Indian state will the Lok Sabha seat be affected by the upcoming by-polls?
The Election Commission plans to hold 47 by-polls in one go due to logistical reasons, as stated by Chief Election Rajiv Kumar. The decision to hold the elections in one phase was influenced by recent landslides and floods, particularly in Kerala’s Wayanad, where the Lok Sabha seat is affected. The bypolls are scheduled to take place within six months, following a period during which vacancies arose from resignations and disqualifications, such as those in Uttar Pradesh. The Commission is waiting for improved weather conditions to proceed with the elections across the affected areas.
10. Which country has recalled its ambassadors from multiple countries?
Bangladesh has called back ambassadors to the US, Russia, Japan, Maldives, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, and ordered them to return to Dhaka. This action follows an announcement by the country's Foreign Ministry on August 14. The ambassadors are to leave their current posts immediately. This comes amidst the ongoing investigation by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the 1971 war with Pakistan.
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