Current affairs 26 August 2024

India became top buyer of Russian Oil, surpassing China.

• India imported a record 2.07 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil in July, surpassing China's 1.76 million bpd.
• Russian crude now constitutes 44% of India's total oil imports, driven by discounted prices amid Western sanctions on Russia.
• The rise in Indian imports has shifted Russian ESPO Blend crude from China to South Asia, with July seeing significant increases in shipments.

India Singapore Ministerial Roundtable to held in Singapore.

• The second round of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable will be held in Singapore, with key Indian ministers participating.
• Nirmala Sitharaman, Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will engage with Singaporean counterparts and leadership.
• The roundtable aims to review and expand the strategic partnership between India and Singapore.

Cabinet Approves Unified "Vigyan Dhara" Science Scheme.

• The Cabinet has approved the Vigyan Dhara scheme, merging 3 existing schemes to enhance capacity building, research, and innovation with a budget of Rs 10,579.84 cr for 2021-26.
• The scheme aims to strengthen infrastructure, support basic and translational research, and promote international collaboration.
• It will align with national goals and support innovation from schools to industries.

Indian Surfing Team Qualifies for Asian Games 2026 for the First Time.

• The Indian Surfing Team has secured its place in the 2026 Asian Games for the first time, with one quota each for Men and Women.
• The qualification was earned through ranking points accumulated in the 2024 Asian Surfing.
• Surfing Federation of India President, Arun Vasu, praised the dedication and effort of the surfers, coaches, and the federation in achieving this milestone.

Odisha CM launched "Subhadra" Scheme for women empowerment.

• Odisha's CM Mohan Majhi announced the Subhadra scheme with a ₹55,825 crore budget to benefit over 1 crore women.
• Eligible women will receive ₹10,000 annually in two installments, totaling ₹50,000 over five years.
• Payments will be made directly via Aadhaar-linked accounts; digital transaction incentives and exclusions for wealthier women apply.