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Current Affairs Daily Digest – August 02 2024

1. Kashmir City Receives World Craft City Certificate from WCC

In a grand ceremony in Srinagar, the capital of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmir City received the prestigious Certificate of World Craft City from the World Crafts Council International. The event was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Sa’ad Hani Al-Qaddumi, President of the World Crafts Council, and other prominent figures. This recognition followed the World Crafts Council’s announcement in June 2024 that Kashmir had been added to its World Craft City list.

Kashmir: The Fourth Indian City to Earn World Craft City Status

Kashmir is now the fourth Indian city to be honored with the World Craft City certificate. It joins Jaipur in Rajasthan, Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu, and Mysore in Karnataka. Jaipur and Mamallapuram were recognized in 2015, with Mamallapuram noted for its stone carving. Mysore received the title in 2018. This acknowledgment underscores the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of these Indian cities on the global stage.

2. Former Indian Cricketer and Coach Anshuman Gaekwad Passes Away

On July 31, 2024, the cricket world lost one of its most esteemed figures, Anshuman Gaekwad, who passed away at the age of 71. Gaekwad, a former Indian cricketer and coach, died after a long battle with blood cancer. His death marks the end of an era in Indian cricket, as he leaves behind a rich legacy from his extensive career as a player, coach, and administrator.

Final Days and Support

In his final months, Gaekwad was known for his brave fight against blood cancer. He had been receiving treatment at King’s College London before returning to his hometown of Vadodara, Gujarat. During this time, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) showed their support by providing Rs 1 crore for his treatment in London, highlighting the deep respect he earned within the cricketing community.

3. Yuga Yugeen Bharat Museum Event

The GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) Division of the Union Ministry of Culture has organized a major three-day event in New Delhi from August 1-3, 2024. The ‘State Museum Conclave on the Upcoming Yuga Yugeen Bharat Museum’ is a key moment for India’s cultural scene, bringing together important stakeholders to discuss the ambitious plan to create the world’s largest museum in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Opening Ceremony and Key Attendees

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, officially opened the conclave on August 1, 2024. The event attracted a diverse and influential audience, including:

• Resident Commissioners of State governments in Delhi
• Directors of Museums
• Superintendents and Curators
• Professors and Researchers from across India

4. India Secured Eighth Position in Global Agriculture Exports

In 2023, India maintained its position as the world’s eighth-largest exporter of agricultural products, even though its exports fell from $55 billion in 2022 to $51 billion. This relative stability occurred amidst a broader decline in agricultural exports among seven of the top ten exporting countries.

Key Insights from WTO Trade Statistics 2023

The WTO Trade Statistics 2023 report reveals that only three of the top ten exporting countries—Brazil, the European Union (EU), and Thailand—increased their agricultural exports in 2023. Brazil’s exports grew by 6% to $157 billion, securing its third-place position. The EU saw a 5% increase, reaching $836 billion, and retained its top position. Thailand’s exports rose by 0.2%, though it remains outside the top three.

5. India International Hospitality Expo 2024

Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, is set to be a major event in the hospitality industry. With over 1,000 exhibitors and an expected attendance of more than 20,000 B2B buyers, this seventh edition will highlight a broad range of products and services from luxury hotels, resorts, restaurants, and more.

Key Features of IHE 2024

IHE 2024 will be held alongside four significant hospitality-related events: Catering Asia, Tent Décor Asia, and AYURYOG EXPO. This integration offers a comprehensive overview of industry trends and technologies, while providing valuable networking opportunities and solutions for diverse sector needs.

6. Gujarat Unveils GRIT

In a significant step to advance Gujarat’s development, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced the establishment of the Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT), a state-level think tank modeled after NITI Aayog. This announcement was made during the NITI Aayog governing council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a new era in Gujarat’s policy formulation and implementation.

GRIT: Gujarat’s Response to NITI Aayog

GRIT will function as a public policy think tank dedicated to addressing Gujarat’s developmental needs. Its key objectives are to:

• Provide strategic policy direction
• Foster innovation in governance
• Facilitate evidence-based decision-making

With the creation of GRIT, Gujarat is demonstrating its commitment to building a strong institutional framework to achieve its long-term development goals.

7. India and Vietnam Partner on Maritime Heritage Complex

India and Vietnam have teamed up to develop the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat, showcasing their strong maritime ties. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Hyderabad House in New Delhi marks an important milestone in this joint effort to preserve and celebrate the maritime heritage shared by both nations.

Collaborative Efforts and Objectives

The NMHC will highlight the historical and cultural connections between India and Vietnam through various features:

Artifact Exchange: Both countries will exchange artifacts, replicas, paintings, and historical documents related to their maritime histories.

Expertise Sharing: The partnership will involve sharing knowledge in design, technology, and maintenance to create an educational and recreational space using the latest technology.

8. Japan’s Sado Gold Mine Gains UNESCO Status

On July 27, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided to list Japan’s Sado gold mine as a cultural heritage site. Japan agreed to include information about the mine’s dark history of exploiting Korean laborers during World War II. This decision marks a positive step in improving relations between Tokyo and Seoul.

About Sado Gold Mines

The Sado gold mine, located on an island off the coast of Niigata in northern Japan, operated for nearly 400 years and was once the world’s largest gold producer before it closed in 1989. The mine is also associated with the abuse of Korean laborers during Japan’s wartime period.