Current affairs 15 August 2024

India added 3 new Ramsar sites, totaling 85 wetlands.

• India designated Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh as new Ramsar sites, increasing the total to 85.
• This expansion adds to India's significant conservation efforts, with 59 new Ramsar sites added from 2014 to 2024.
• The total area of Ramsar sites in India now covers 1,358,068 hectares.

India begun phase 3 trials for indigenous dengue vaccine "DengiAll".

• ICMR and Panacea Biotec started Phase 3 trials for India's first indigenous dengue vaccine, DengiAll, developed by Panacea Biotec.
• The vaccine aims to address all four dengue virus serotypes and is being tested across 19 sites with over 10,000 participants.
• Dengue is a major public health concern in India, ranking among the top 30 countries.
• Dengue is spreaded through Aedes mosquitoes.

PR Sreejesh named Head Coach of India Junior Men's Hockey Team.

• PR Sreejesh, India’s retiring goalkeeper, is appointed head coach of the junior men's hockey team after their bronze medal win at the 2024 Olympics.
• Hockey India confirmed the decision post-match on August 8, celebrating Sreejesh’s transition from player to coach.
• His key saves were crucial in India’s 2-1 victory over Spain, securing their second consecutive Olympic bronze.

Indian investors lead Dubai business expansion with 7,860 new firms.

• Indian investors topped Dubai’s foreign business expansion, establishing 7,860 new companies in the first half of 2024.
• Dubai’s strong appeal is evident, with trade, real estate, and construction sectors seeing notable growth.
• The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and the UAE likely boosts this trend.

India and US signed MoU to boost MSME cooperation.

• India and U.S. signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between their MSMEs, aiming to improve participation in global markets and foster trade.
• The MoU includes exchange of expertise, mutual visits, webinars & workshops on trade finance, technology, and green economy.
• It also focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs and developing a "Business Matching Digital Platform" to boost opportunities.