CURRENT AFFAIRS 13 August, 2024
- GERMAN SCIENTISTS DISCOVER PLASTIC-EATING FUNGI FOR WASTE REDUCTION –
- Scientists in Germany have found fungi that can eat plastic, which could help tackle the global problem of plastic pollution. Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste end up in the oceans.
- While these plastic-eating fungi offer a promising solution, experts warn that relying on fungi alone won’t solve the problem. It’s still essential to focus on reducing plastic waste at its source to effectively address this widespread issue.
- Research at Lake Stechlin found that certain microfungi can break down synthetic plastics even without extra carbon sources. These fungi can turn some plastics into biomass.
- U.S. DEPLOYS SUBMARINE AMID ESCALATING TENSIONS IN MIDDLE EAST –
- On August 11, 2024, U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East due to increasing tensions after the deaths of top members of Hamas and Hezbollah. This move comes as a response to fears that Iran and its allies might retaliate.
- The USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered guided missile submarine, is part of this strategic military response. Its deployment is significant because it’s a strong show of military strength in a time of rising regional threats.
- The Abraham Lincoln strike group, which includes fighter jets and Navy warships, has also been told to speed up its arrival in the region. This additional military presence will help support Israeli defensive operations.
- NET DIRECT TAX COLLECTION RISES BY 22.5% TO RS 6.93 TRILLION –
- India’s net direct tax collection increased by 22.5% to Rs 6.93 trillion between April 1 and August 11, FY25, compared to Rs 5.65 trillion in the same period last year.
- Gross tax collection before refunds rose by 23.99% to Rs 8.13 trillion, while direct tax refunds issued reached Rs 1.20 trillion, marking a 33.49% increase.
- Govt. aims for gross tax revenue target of Rs 38.40 trillion in FY25
- DRDO SUCCESSFULLY TESTS LONG RANGE GLIDE BOMB ‘GAURAV’ –
- DRDO successfully conducted the first test of the GAURAV Long Range Glide Bomb from an Su-30 MK-I off Odisha’s coast.
- GAURAV, a 1,000 kg air-launched bomb, hit its target with pinpoint accuracy, showcasing India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
- It has been designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.
- INS ARIGHAT –
- India is now all set to commission its second nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighat, armed with nuclear missiles for strategic deterrence.
- It is India’s second indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), following India’s first nuclear submarine, INS Arihant, commissioned in 2018.
- It was constructed at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam.
- It represents a critical component of India’s nuclear triad, enabling the nation to launch nuclear missiles from land, air, and sea.