Current affairs 18 August 2024

India-Israel launched Water Tech Centre at IIT Madras.

• India and Israel have established a new Center of Water Technology at IIT Madras to advance sustainable water supply solutions.
• The initiative, supported by the Israeli Embassy and AMRUT mission, focuses on innovation, research, and urban water management.
• A recent course on 24/7 Water Supply in Urban Areas marks the beginning of this collaborative effort to tackle water scarcity in India.

Urban unemployment falls to 6.6% in Q1 FY25; female rate rises.

• Urban unemployment decreased to 6.6% in Q1 FY25 from 6.7% in Q4 FY24, driven by a drop in male unemployment.
• The female unemployment rate increased to 9% from 8.5%, highlighting a gender disparity.
• Youth unemployment improved slightly to 16.8% but remains high, with a notable rise for young females.

India initiates anti-dumping probe on steel from Vietnam.

• India launched an anti-dumping investigation into hot rolled flat steel from Vietnam after complaints of unfair pricing.
• The probe is based on a request from domestic steel producers citing negative impacts on market performance.
• Applicants seek retrospective duties amid rising imports and deteriorating domestic steel industry performance.

Prasar Bharati and Sansad TV Sign MoU for Collaboration.

• Prasar Bharati and Sansad TV signed an MoU to enhance content sharing, resource utilization, and personnel training.
• The agreement includes telecasting Sansad TV content on Prasar Bharati’s OTT platforms and sharing exclusive content, live feeds, and archives.
• The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Sansad TV CEO Rajit Punhani and Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi.

NSSHO Ranchi hosted E-Tendering and Credit Support Program.

• NSSHO Ranchi organized an E Tendering Program and Facilitation on Credit Support for SC-ST units in Tupudana Industrial Area.
• The event, held in collaboration with GEM and HDFC Bank, included sessions on credit facilitation, GEM registration & vendor opportunities.
• About 39 participants attended, with presentations from key figures including Kiran Maria Tiru & HDFC Bank representatives.