Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 20, 2024

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MUDA is being investigated for possible unfair practices in compensating for acquired private land. Allegations surfaced that Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, received 14 plots in a prime area, raising legal and fairness concerns.
MUDA, established in 1904, manages urban planning in Mysuru and has faced legal issues due to incomplete land acquisitions. Financial problems and lawsuits have made it difficult for MUDA to compensate landowners properly. In 2020, MUDA introduced a 50:50 ratio scheme, giving half the developed land back to original owners to address compensation challenges.

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Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde inaugurated the state’s first ‘Solar Village’ in Manyachiwadi, Satara district. The state government aims to promote renewable energy and reduce reliance on traditional power sources. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has helped reduce electricity bills, while a 90-95% subsidy is provided for solar pump sets under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that 12,000 MW of solar power will be generated in the next 1.5 years, ensuring free daytime electricity for farmers. MSEDCL plans to provide 100% solar power to two villages in each district, expanding to over 70 villages.

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The forest department fined 14 SUV owners Rs 1 lakh each for illegally entering Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) during an adventure rally. RTR is located at the junction of the Aravalis and Vindhyan ranges, 14 km from Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. It is one of northern India’s largest tiger reserves, covering 1,411 sq. km, and was once a royal hunting ground. The reserve features diverse landscapes, including the Ranthambore Fort, rivers Chambal and Banas, and lakes like Padam Talab. The ‘Great Boundary Fault’ marks where the Vindhyas plateau meets the Aravalis.

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The Atal Innovation Mission and CSIRO, Australia, are inviting Indian and Australian start-ups and MSMEs to apply for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of the India Australia RISE Accelerator. The RISE Accelerator, launched in 2023, supports innovative agritech solutions for shared environmental and climate challenges between India and Australia. The program helps businesses aiming for international expansion, particularly those focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience. Selected participants will engage in a nine-month program with online learning, in-person sessions, field trials, and technology pilots in both countries, emphasizing farmer needs and practices.

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Sudan is experiencing a cholera outbreak, killing nearly 22 people and sickening over 354 in recent weeks. The country is already facing a 16-month conflict and severe floods, worsening the situation. Cholera is a highly contagious infection causing diarrhea, severe dehydration, and potential death within hours if untreated. The disease spreads through contaminated food or water, according to the WHO.