Current affairs 16 August 2024

World's Oldest Sun-and-Moon Calendar Discovered in Turkey.

• Archaeologists at Göbekli Tepe, Turkey, have uncovered the world's oldest known Sun-and-Moon calendar, carved into a 13,000-year-old stone pillar.
• The pillar features 365 V-shaped symbols, indicating a sophisticated understanding of solar and lunar cycles, including 12 lunar months and an extra 11 days.
• Göbekli Tepe, in Turkey, is the oldest known temple complex, built around 9600 BCE.

India and Israel Collaborate to Establish Water Technology Centre.

• India and Israel have signed a Joint Statement of Intent to create a Center of Water Technology at IIT Madras.
• This collaboration, involving the Embassy of Israel, IIT Madras, and India’s AMRUT mission, aims to address urban water management challenges.
• The Centre will focus on research, innovation, and capacity-building, contributing to India’s sustainable water supply goals.

India to Host 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on August 17.

• India will host the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit virtually on August 17, with the theme An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future.
• The summit will focus on global challenges like conflicts, food and energy security, and climate change.
• The inaugural session will be hosted by PM Modi, featuring Leaders’ and Ministerial sessions to discuss priorities for the Global South.

Govind Mohan Appointed as New Union Home Secretary.

• Senior IAS officer Govind Mohan was appointed as the new Union Home Secretary, succeeding Ajay Kumar Bhalla on August 22, 2024.
• A 1989 batch IAS officer, Mohan is currently serving as Secretary in the Culture Ministry.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment.

Shivraj Singh Chauhan Inaugurates NPSS in New Delhi.

• Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan inaugurated the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS).
• NPSS aims to help farmers identify harmful insecticides and pesticides, ensuring crop protection.
• Chauhan also engaged with 500 farmers, discussing the benefits of various government schemes.
• Recently, the Government released 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient, and bio-fortified crop varieties.