Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 27, 2024

Notes:
India won a silver medal at the Maruhaba Cup in the Asian Surfing Championships 2024 in the Maldives. The Indian team included Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani. Japan won gold with 58.40 points; India secured silver with 24.13 points. Taipei won bronze with 23.93 points, and China came fourth with 22.10 points. India won the Heat 2 semi-final, scoring 32.16 points. This win follows India’s first-ever surfing quota for the Asian Games. Indian surfer Harish Muthu reached the quarter-finals, making history for India.

Notes:
The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, made news after the collapse of a temple pavilion during heavy rains in 2024.
Concerns have been raised about the conservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva. It is located in Hampi, Vijayanagara district, Karnataka. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. The temple has been in continuous use since the 7th century AD, making it one of India’s oldest functioning temples. It was expanded during the Vijayanagara, Chalukyan, and Hoysala periods.

Notes:
The US approved a $52.8 million deal to sell Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonobuoys to India. These Sonobuoys will be used with the Indian Navy’s Romeo helicopters. Sonobuoys are small devices that detect underwater sounds, mainly to track submarines. They are crucial for anti-submarine warfare, helping track submarines in oceans and coastal areas. They assist in precision attacks using air-launched torpedoes. Sonobuoys were first used in World War II to detect German U-boats. They are deployed from aircraft, ships, or submarines, sinking to a set depth to listen for signals.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy to boost biotechnology for the economy, environment, and employment. It is managed by the Department of Biotechnology, it focuses on high-performance biomanufacturing. It aims to produce a wide range of bio-based products, from medicines to materials. It addresses challenges in farming and food through advanced biotechnological processes. It encourages innovation by supporting research, development, and entrepreneurship. Plans to establish biomanufacturing and bio-AI hubs and biofoundries for faster tech development and commercialization. It promotes sustainable growth through regenerative bioeconomy models. It aims to expand India’s skilled workforce and create more job opportunities.

Notes:
The Union Cabinet approved the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme, unifying three Department of Science and Technology schemes. Vigyan Dhara is a central sector scheme aimed at boosting science and technology in India. It combines three key areas: S&T Institutional and Human Capacity Building, Research and Development, and Innovation and Technology Development. Managed by the Department of Science and Technology, it streamlines S&T initiatives to enhance India’s capabilities. The scheme has a budget of Rs.10,579.84 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26. It aims to improve fund utilization and align sub-schemes. The goal is to strengthen India’s S&T and innovation ecosystem.