Current affairs 23 August 2024

Karnataka Leads with Most EV Charging Stations in India.

• Karnataka tops India with 5,765 public EV charging stations, 85% of which are located in the Bengaluru Urban district.
• Supported by the FAME scheme, Bescom investments, and PPP, Karnataka pioneer in EV infrastructure.
• The state aims to further EV adoption with 2,500 new stations and ₹35 crore investment for 100 stations with electricity companies.

Maharashtra’s First "Solar Village" Inaugurated.

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has launched the Solar Village Scheme.
• This program aims to power 100 villages with 100% solar energy.
• Manyachiwadi has become the first village in Maharashtra to be entirely powered by solar energy.
• The scheme will soon extend to Shivtirth Nagar in Kothrud and Sector 25 in Nigdi.

Scientists Find Liquid Water Deep in Mars' Crust.

• A new study reveals liquid water in Mars' mid-crust, discovered through data from NASA's Mars Insight Lander.
• The water is located 10-20 km deep, suggesting ancient infiltration when Mars had rivers and lakes.
• This discovery could provide insights into Mars' water cycle, climate evolution, and potential for life.

ADB Commits $500 Million Loan to Boost Healthcare in Maharashtra.

• The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $500 million loan package to enhance healthcare in Maharashtra.
• The loan will fund the establishment of four medical colleges with attached tertiary care hospitals, focusing on climate resilience, gender inclusivity, and underserved districts.
• The project will increase hospital bed capacity and recruit 500 new doctors.

Udaan partnered to transform Fair Price Shops into Jan Poshan Kendras.

• Udaan, a eB2B platform with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs & SIDBI launched an initiative to upgrade Fair Price Shops (FPS) to Jan Poshan Kendras.
• Goal: Enhance dealer incomes & improve nutrition by offering a broader range of products and upskilling FPS dealers.
• Pilot: 60 shops in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana & Gujarat will start the pilot, aiming to expand to 1.3 lakh shops.