Published on: July 26, 2024
Snippets : 26 JULY 2024
Snippets : 26 JULY 2024
- The Karnataka State government has proposed new names for four airports: Vijayapura, Hubballi, Belagavi, and Shivamogga. :Vijayapura airport: Jagajyothi Basaveshwara airport + Hubballi airport: Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna airport + Belagavi airport: Kittur Rani Chennamma airport + Shivamogga airport: Rashtrakavi Dr. K.V. Puttappa (Kuvempu) airport
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) has discovered 1,600 tonnes of lithium reserves in Mandya district, Karnataka, and is exploring potential reserves in Yadgir district and other regions including Korba (Chhattisgarh), Rajasthan, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka.
- Stone Age implements and livestock bones, estimated to be around 10,000 years old, have been discovered in Navaluti Cave in Sandur forest, Ballari district, at 850 meters above sea level. The finds suggest early human habitation at this high altitude, making the cave unique in South India. Further research, including radiometric dating, is needed to determine the exact age. The Deputy Commissioner plans to request funding from the Archaeological Survey of India for additional studies led by Dr. Ravi Korisettar.
- Bangalore University has launched a Language Lab and a Finishing School to enhance the employability of students from rural and Kannada medium backgrounds. The Language Lab focuses on English communication, offering both beginner and advanced courses with regular proficiency assessments. The Finishing School provides training in computer skills, problem-solving, creative thinking, competitive exams, interview techniques, and professional communication. This initiative aims to address the skills gap due to limited government jobs and increasing private sector demand for English proficiency and other skills. The programs are free and delivered by experienced faculty to improve job prospects in the private sector.
- The government has launched a revamped Skill Loan Scheme, increasing the loan limit from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh to support skill development. This updated scheme expands coverage to include non-NSQF aligned courses and introduces new lending institutions like NBFCs, NBFC-MFIs, and small finance banks. The previous scheme, which recorded low uptake due to limited loan amounts and high course fees, had extended Rs 115.75 crore to 10,077 borrowers by March 31. The revised scheme aims to enhance access and support through the Skill India Digital Hub.
- Goa Shipyard has launched the advanced Talwar-class frigate named ‘Triput’ as part of a 2016 deal with Russia for four Admiral Grigorovich class frigates. Two will be imported from Russia, and two are being built in India. The frigate ‘Triput’ is 124.8 meters long, has a draught of 4.2 meters, and a displacement of 3,500 to 4,000 tonnes. It features eight BrahMos or Klub missiles, Zorya gas-turbine engines, a max speed of 28 knots, and an Shtil-1 air-defence system. The frigate supports multiple functions including anti-ship, anti-submarine, land-attack, anti-piracy, and search and rescue. The Indian Navy currently operates six Talwar-class frigates.
- President Droupadi Murmu renamed the ‘Durbar Hall’ to ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ and ‘Ashok Hall’ to ‘Ashok Mandap’. The Durbar Hall, historically significant for ceremonies including the 1947 swearing-in, features a 42-foot high marble-cased walls, a 22-meter diameter dome, and a Belgian glass chandelier. Architect Edwin Lutyens designed it with Western and Indian elements. Ashok Hall, originally a ballroom and now used for formal events, showcases six Belgian chandeliers, Persian-themed ceiling decor, and paintings including one by Fath Ali Shah.
- Assam’s Charaideo Moidams, ancient burial sites of the Ahom dynasty, have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list. Located about 30 km from Sivasagar in eastern Assam, these sacred moidams, or earthen mounds over graves, were used for Ahom royalty and aristocracy. With over 150 moidams in the region, they include structures topped with grass and pavilions, and are often compared to the pyramids of Egypt. The Ahom dynasty, known for its long reign and resistance against the Mughals, established the first capital in Charaideo in 1253 AD.
