Current affairs 19 August 2024

Sumit Antil & Bhagyashree to Lead India at Paris Paralympics 2024.

• Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav will be India's flagbearers at the Paris Paralympics 2024 opening ceremony.
• With 84 athletes, India will field its largest-ever contingent at the Paralympics, surpassing the 54 athletes at Tokyo 2020.
• Sumit is the reigning Paralympic javelin champion, and Bhagyashree is a shot put silver medalist at the 2022 Asian Para Games and 2024 World Championships.

Indian Railways Introduces Advanced Water Level Monitoring System.

• Northeast Frontier Railway launched a Real-Time Water Monitoring System on the Brahmaputra Mail Express, marking a significant upgrade in water management for long-distance trains.
• The system, featuring a Hydrostatic Pressure Sensor, offers continuous, accurate water level monitoring, ensuring reliable water availability for passengers.

FSSAI Initiates Project to Tackle Microplastic Contamination.

• FSSAI launched a project in New Delhi to address microplastic contamination in food, focusing on detecting micro and nanoplastics.
• The project, initiated in March 2024, aims to develop standard protocols and generate data on microplastic exposure levels.
• This initiative underscores FSSAI's commitment to providing safe and healthy food to Indian consumers.

Kerala University Develops Advanced Cyanide Sensor for Safety.

• A research team at Kerala University, led by Dr. Ravi Kumar Kanaparthi, has developed an innovative cyanide sensor to enhance food and water safety.
• The sensor changes color upon detecting cyanide, providing a reliable method to monitor this toxin in cyanide-prone areas.
• This technology is crucial for preventing health risks, particularly in regions where cyanide-rich foods are consumed.

Nepal Academy and BHU Ink MoU for Nepali Language and Culture Research.

• Nepal Academy and BHU signed an MoU to enhance research and exchange in Nepali language, literature, culture, and philosophy.
• The agreement includes interaction and exchange programs between Nepali and Indian literary figures and institutions.
• Nepal Academy will offer scholarships and internships to BHU research students in the Department of Indian Languages.