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Current Affairs Daily Digest – August 20 2024

1. World Humanitarian Day 2024

World Humanitarian Day, observed every year on August 19th, brings a serious reminder in 2024 as humanitarian workers are increasingly being targeted in conflict areas. The year 2023 was the deadliest on record for aid workers, and 2024 could be even worse. This troubling trend highlights a significant failure to protect those who risk their lives to help others in the world’s toughest situations.

The Growing Danger

The situation is getting more dangerous for humanitarian workers. In 2023, there was an alarming increase in attacks, including deliberate killings and harm caused by conflicts. These attacks not only take innocent lives but also make it much harder to deliver essential aid to people in need.

2. India Heightens Alert As Mpox Cases Rise Globally

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern, largely due to its rising cases in Africa. In response, the Indian government has taken steps to increase vigilance, even though WHO has not issued specific travel advisories. Authorities and key facilities across the country have been put on alert to handle and monitor possible Mpox cases.

Government Response

Vigilance at Entry Points: The central government has directed airport, port, and border officials to stay vigilant, with special attention on borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Hospital Preparedness: Three major hospitals—Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and Lady Hardinge—are ready to provide isolation facilities for any potential Mpox cases.

Expert Consultations: The Union Health Ministry has held meetings with experts and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to discuss this new virus variant, which is different from the earlier Monkeypox virus.

3. China Approves $31 Billion for 11 New Nuclear Reactors Across Five Sites

China has approved the construction of 11 new nuclear reactors at five different sites, with a total investment of about 220 billion yuan ($31 billion). This is the highest number of permits ever issued at one time, reflecting the government’s push to increase nuclear energy use as part of efforts to lower carbon emissions. The State Council has given the green light for reactors in Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Guangxi, with construction expected to take around five years.

Expansion of Nuclear Capacity

China is already a global leader in building nuclear reactors and plans to approve about 10 new reactors each year for the next three to five years. Currently, China has 56 reactors in operation, which provide around 5% of the country’s electricity. By 2030, China is expected to overtake France and the U.S. to become the world’s largest producer of nuclear energy.

4. India-Japan Ministerial Dialogue

India and Japan are set to hold a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi on August 20. Alongside this dialogue, there will be a separate bilateral meeting between India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart, Kihara Minoru.

Attendees at the Meeting

The meeting will involve key officials from both countries: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, along with Japan’s Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Yoko Kamikawa.

Focus of the Talks

During the bilateral talks and the 2+2 meeting, the Ministers will review the existing cooperation between India and Japan and look for new ways to strengthen their partnership. They will also discuss important regional and global issues that are of mutual interest to both countries.

5. Rajasthan Govt Secures Rs 5.21 Trillion in Investment Proposals Ahead of Summit

The Rajasthan government has received investment proposals worth over Rs 5.21 lakh crore (about USD 62 billion) ahead of the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Investment Summit 2024. These proposals, which came in just two weeks after the summit was announced, are expected to create around 1.55 lakh direct jobs. To put it in perspective, the investment amount represents more than one-third (33%) of the state’s current Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), which is estimated to be Rs 15.28 lakh crore for 2023-24.

Key Highlights

The ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Investment Summit 2024 is set to take place from December 9-11, 2024, in Jaipur. The event is organized by the state’s Industry and Commerce Department, with support from the Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP) and the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO).

Major Proposals Received

The Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP), acting as the main agency for the summit, has secured significant investment proposals from leading Indian and international companies. These projects are expected to create around 1.55 lakh direct jobs in the state, boosting employment opportunities and economic growth.

6. Ashok Kumar Singh Takes Over Director General, ESIC

Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, IAS, assumed the role of Director General of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, at its headquarters in New Delhi on August 19.

About Ashok Kumar Singh

Position: Director General of ESIC
Cadre: IAS Officer of the 1999 batch from Kerala
Previous Role: Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Government of Kerala
Experience: Extensive background in governance and management at both district and state levels

Education

M. Phil: National Defence College, New Delhi
Undergraduate: Mechanical Engineering from IIT, Kanpur

7. Nepal To Export 1000 MW of Electricity To India

On August 19, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that Nepal will export nearly 1,000 MW of electricity to India. This significant development was described by Jaishankar as a “new milestone” in their cooperation.

Participants: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Nepalese Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba
Topics Covered: Their discussions included various areas of cooperation such as energy, trade, connectivity, and infrastructure development.

Electricity Export

Milestone: Nepal’s plan to export close to 1,000 MW of electricity to India represents a major achievement.
Scope of Discussion: The talks addressed a broad range of issues related to the strong and diverse relationship between India and Nepal.