Current affairs 13 August 2024

Researchers discovered anti-diabetic herb on Gaya’s Brahmayoni hill.

• Researchers identified Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar) on Brahmayoni Hill, Gaya, a plant with potential in diabetes treatment due to its ability to lower blood sugar levels and reduce intestinal sugar absorption.
• Gurmar is a key component of the anti-diabetic drug BGR-34, developed by CSIR and validated by AIIMS for its effectiveness in managing blood sugar and obesity.

Miley Cyrus became Youngest Disney Legend at D23 Expo.

• Miley Cyrus was honored as the youngest Disney Legend at the D23 Expo on August 11, 2024, recognizing her impact on the Disney legacy.
• Harrison Ford accepted Disney Legends Award at D23.
• Angela Bassett, Kelly Ripa, James Cameron etc. were also honored as Disney Legends.
• Disney’s Legends awards program is a hall of fame for individuals who have had a significant impact on the Disney legacy.

Bharat Dalhan Seminar 2024 focused on Indigenous Pulses Production.

• India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) hosted the Bharat Dalhan Seminar 2024 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, with support from various government departments & global organizations.
• The Handbook for Pulse Millers was released which outlines regulatory requirements and quality standards to improve the pulses value chain.
• India is the world's largest producer, consumer & importer of Pulses.

Godrej Industries hosted First National Chemistry Day Summit.

• Godrej Industries Group held its inaugural National Chemistry Day Summit, focusing on innovative trends and technologies in chemical industry.
• The summit, supported by Godrej Chemicals and Astec LifeSciences, featured discussions on sustainability, green chemistry, and India's potential as a global CDMO hub.
• India's chemical industry contributes 7% to country's GDP & ranks 6th in the world.

Operational guidelines for "Model Solar Village" implementation issued.

• Objective: Establish one Model Solar Village per district to promote solar energy adoption.
• Funding: ₹1 crore awarded to each selected village, with an ₹800 crore budget for the scheme.
• Eligibility: Villages with populations over 5,000 (or 2,000 in special states) compete based on renewable energy capacity.
• This scheme is under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February, 2024.