Current Context : Odisha government launched first grain ATM at Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar.

• The new Grain ATM, set up under the Annapurti initiative of the central government in collaboration with World Food Programme (WFP).
• It will offer 24/7 access to foodgrains under the National Food Security Act, aiming to enhance nutritional security across the state.

ABOUT GRAIN ATM

• Grain ATM, Annapurti is an automated multi-commodity dispensing solution that provides fast, clean and precise access to commodities (rice, wheat, grains) to beneficiaries, post biometric authentication.
• They are often used in areas with high agricultural production but where distribution networks are weak.

Current Context : The Supreme Court directed the National Green Tribunal to monitor and ensure compliance with minimal standards in industries prone to silicosis disease and to take necessary steps to prevent the spread of the disease.

• Researchers claim that present limits of daily exposure to silica dust can pose serious risks of developing silicosis.

ABOUT SILICOSIS

• Silicosis is a respiratory disease which causes a hardening of the lungs.
• It is caused by silica dust or silica crystals, which are found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite and artificial stone.
• The disease is often seen in people who work in industries such as mining, construction, and stone cutting, where exposure to silica dust is common.
• Symptoms : Shortness of Breath, Cough, Chest Pain, Fatigue.

Silicosis is a progressive disease and has no cure.

Current Context : Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah launches ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Ahmedabad on the ocassion of 78th Independence Day.

• Under the campaign of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra’ is organized every year to remind the resolve to make the country first in the ‘Amrit Kaal’.
• During Tiranga Yatra he also realise PM Modi’s mantras of Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion, and ‘Har Ghar Tiranga, Har Ghar Khadi’.

Current Context : The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu adress the nation on the eve of the 78th Independence Day.

On August 15, 2024, India will celebrate its 78th Independence Day.

• On this day India gained independence after 90 years of British rule on 15 August 1947.
• This day marks the culmination of a prolonged struggle led by freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi through peaceful protest.
• The annual celebration includes flag-hoisting ceremonies, speeches, cultural programs, and parades across the nation.
• On this ocassion Gallantry/Service Medals will be awarded to 1037 Personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services.
• On this ocassion 400 Elected Women Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions will be Special Guests to the 78th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, Delhi.
• Prime Minister Modi has started the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign from 9th to 15th August.

Current Context : Himachal Pradesh will soon get its first government-operated ropeway access to pilgrims to Baglamukhi Temple in Mandi district.

• Aim to facilitate the influx of devotees and tourists.
• It will give a boost to religious tourism and provide easier access.
• Constructed by an Austrian company.
• Distance Covered 750 m.
• It connects a point on the Chandigarh-Manali highway to the revered Baglamukhi temple located just 1 km ahead of the Pandoh Dam.
• Carrying capacity of 16 people per cabin.
• Travel time : 3 minutes

ABOUT BAGLAMUKHI TEMPLE

• Baglamukhi Temple is a notable Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Baglamukhi, who is one of the ten Mahavidyas, a group of ten Tantric goddesses in Hinduism.
• The goddess Baglamukhi is associated with knowledge, learning, and the ability to control or halt speech and actions.

Current Context : Haryana Cabinet approved an amendment in the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 by issuance of the Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024.

• It gives proportionate reservation to the persons belonging to Backward Classes ’B’ in the Panchayati Raj Institutions as per the recommendations of the Haryana Backward Classes Commission.
• This will enable reservation of seats for members of BC (B) for the elected posts of Panch, Sarpanch, Panchayat Samiti Members and Zila Parishad Members.

Current Context : Anant Darshan Shankar, Chairman of the Indian Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, has been conferred the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2024.

• The award was given by the Rotary Club of Madras East, in partnership with the Cavinkare Private Limited.

ABOUT AWARD

• It is given to honor individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to environmental conservation and protection.
• This award is named after M.S. Swaminathan, a renowned Indian agricultural scientist and environmentalist.
• It recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of environmental protection, including efforts to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, promote sustainable agriculture, and address other critical environmental challenges.

Current Context : Actor Shah Rukh Khan was honoured with the Pardo Alla Carriera award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival, Switzerland.

ABOUT AWARD

• The Pardo Alla Carriera Award is presented to individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the world of cinema.
• The award celebrates the lifetime achievements of filmmakers, actors, or other cinema professionals.
• It is usually given during the Locarno Film Festival, which is held annually in Locarno, Switzerland.

Current Context : Japan issues its first-ever ‘megaquake advisory of strong shaking and large tsunaml on the Nankai Trough.

• After a1-magnitude earthquake shook southern Japan on Thursday (August 8), the country’s meteorological agency issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory”.

ABOUT NANKAI TROUGH :

• It is an underwater subduction zone (nearly 900 km long) where the Eurasian Plate collides with the Philippine Sea Plate, pushing the latter under the former and into the Earth’s mantle.
• This accumulates tectonic stress which can cause a megaquake — an earthquake with a magnitude larger than 8.
• It is located off the southeastern coast of Japan, in the western Pacific Ocean.
• It extends from the Izu-Bonin Arc in the south to the Tokai region in the north, running parallel to Japan’s southern coast.
• This region is crucial in the study of tectonics, earthquakes, and tsunami generation.
• The trough has produced large earthquakes roughly every 100 to 150 years.

Current Context : Finance Secretary T V Somanathan is appointed as the new Cabinet Secretary by the government for a tenure of two years.

• He will succeed Rajiv Gauba, who completes his unprecedented five-year term .
• Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved Mr Somanathan’s appointment as the Cabinet Secretary with a tenure of two years from August 30,

ABOUT CABINET SECRETARY :

• The Cabinet Secretary is a high-ranking official in the Indian government who plays a crucial role in the administration and coordination of various government functions.
• Responsibility : is responsible for ensuring effective coordination between different ministries and departments of the government.
• Appointed by the Prime Minister, usually from among the senior-most IAS officers.
• Tenure : Two years, but it can be extended.