Today's Current Affairs 13th August 2023

INTERNATIONAL

Canada to Starts Accepting PTE Scores For Student Direct Stream Applications

• In a significant development for international students aspiring to study in Canada, the country’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially sanctioned the use of Pearson’s PTE Academic test as an English language proficiency assessment.
• Earlier this year, the IRCC made a momentous decision by endorsing Pearson’s PTE Academic test as a valid measure of English language proficiency. This move acknowledges the rigorous standards and accuracy of the PTE Academic assessment, further enhancing the credibility and global recognition of this language proficiency test.
• Students who have taken the PTE Academic test before August 10 are eligible to benefit from this new directive. As long as these scores are submitted within the stipulated expiry period set by the IRCC, they can be used for Student Direct Stream (SDS) applications.

Chinese economy slips into deflation as recovery falters and demand slows

• Deflation, the inverse of inflation, signifies a persistent decline in the general price levels of goods and services within an economy. The recent occurrence of deflation in China, the world’s second-largest economy, has triggered concerns about its economic prospects and the need for robust policy responses from Beijing.
• Deflation can be succinctly described as a continuous reduction in overall price levels across an economy. This situation contrasts with inflation, where prices increase over time. In China’s case, both the consumer price index (CPI) and producer price index (PPI) reported declines in July.

1. Consumer Price Index (CPI) Decline: China’s CPI dipped by 0.3 percent year-on-year in July, marking its first decrease since February 2021.
2. Producer Price Index (PPI) Decline: The PPI experienced its tenth consecutive monthly decline, falling by 4.4 percent, surpassing the predicted 4.1 percent decrease.

 SPORTS

India defeats Malaysia 4-3 to win Asian Champions Trophy 2023 Final

• India beat Malaysia 4-3 and clinch a record fourth Asian Champions Trophy title at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai. Malaysia were aggressive in the first half as the Indians found it difficult to restrict their opponent. With four Asian Champions Trophy titles, India is the most successful team in the history of the tournament. Pakistan, with three titles, are at the second spot now. Akashdeep led the attack scoring the opening goal and overall, India had five different goal scorers in the semi-finals of which four of them scored field goals – Karthi Selvam, Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, and Sumit.
• Japan take 3rd spot after beating South Korea 5-3. Japan finished behind Malaysia in the Asian Champions Trophy tournament after the beat defending champion South Korea 5-3 in the third-place playoff tie in Chennai.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day 2023

• India observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to remember the victims of the 1947 violence that accompanied the country’s partition. The day was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021 to commemorate the sufferings of millions of people who were displaced and lost their loved ones during the partition. The day was observed with a number of events across India. In New Delhi, a candlelight vigil was held at the India Gate war memorial. In Punjab, a special exhibition was organized to showcase the stories of partition survivors. And in Kolkata, a blood donation camp was organized to mark the day.
• In a speech on Sunday, Modi said that the partition was a “dark chapter” in India’s history and that the country must never forget the “horrors” that were inflicted on its people. He urged Indians to “remove the poison of social divisions” and to “strengthen the spirit of oneness” in order to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
• Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is a reminder of the dark side of history. But it is also a day to remember the resilience and courage of the people who survived the violence. It is a day to reflect on the importance of peace and harmony, and to rededicate ourselves to building a better future for all.

Pakistan Independence Day 2023:14th August

• Pakistan’s Independence Day, observed annually on August 14th, marks a significant milestone in history. On this day in 1947, the British Indian Empire underwent a division, leading to the emergence of two independent states, India and Pakistan. Pakistan’s journey to sovereignty, under the astute leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, culminated after seven years of determined struggle. As the 14th of August aligns with a Monday this year, the celebrations take on added significance, offering an extended weekend for enthusiastic participation in various festive events and activities.
• The Indian subcontinent, once a single vast region encompassing present-day Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, witnessed conflicts and Hindu-Muslim tensions following the introduction of Islam. The aftermath of the War of Independence in 1857 gave rise to ideologies aimed at safeguarding the rights of the Muslim minority.
• In 1906, the All-India Muslim League was established, advocating for a separate state for Muslims. Notably, on October 1 of the same year, a committee of 36 Muslim leaders presented this demand to the viceroy of India in Simla. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a prominent lawyer and politician, later emerged as the driving force behind Pakistan’s creation. He led the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan’s eventual independence.

International Left-Handers Day 2023:13^th August

• International Left-Handers Day, observed annually on August 13th, is a global celebration that recognizes and appreciates the diverse skills, talents, and viewpoints of left-handed individuals. The day highlights the distinctive contributions left-handers make across various domains, from art and science to sports and daily life, emphasizing the value of diversity.
• International Left-Handers Day 2023 is dedicated to commemorating the uniqueness of left-handed people worldwide. It raises awareness about the achievements and challenges faced by left-handers, fostering inclusiveness and empathy in a predominantly right-handed world. With only around 10% of the global population being left-handed, this occasion serves as an opportunity to honor and celebrate our left-handed friends and family members.
• The theme for International Left-Handers Day 2023 revolves around “Left-Handers in Sports.” This theme acknowledges and pays tribute to the numerous left-handed sports icons who have excelled in their respective fields. Renowned figures like Diego Maradona, Pele, and Lionel Messi exemplify exceptional left-handed athletes in the realm of football.

 World Organ Donation Day 2023: 13^th August

• World Organ Donation Day 2023 is observed on August 13, 2023. It is a global event that is observed to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and to encourage people to become organ donors.
• Organ donation is the process of giving an organ or tissue to someone else who needs it to survive or improve their quality of life. Organs that can be donated include kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, pancreases, and intestines. Tissues that can be donated include corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, and tendons.
• There are currently over 100,000 people in the United States waiting for an organ transplant. Every day, 22 people die while waiting for a transplant. In India, there are over 5 lakh people waiting for an organ transplant.
• The theme for World Organ Donation Day 2023 is “Step up to volunteer; need more organ donors to fill the lacunae”.
• By becoming an organ donor, you can save the lives of others. Please consider becoming an organ donor today.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hails the team of NAFIS of NCRB for winning Gold Award

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the team of National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for securing the Gold Award in the Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering for Digital Transformation Category-1.
• The accolade, conferred by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), stands as a testament to the exceptional efforts of the NAFIS team in achieving a new standard of efficient governance. The Gold Award recognizes NAFIS for its commitment to crafting an impregnable fingerprint identification system, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a secure India.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs underscored NAFIS’s pivotal role in revolutionizing the landscape of fingerprint identification systems within crime control. The establishment of a central database containing fingerprints of criminals accessible to users across all States, Union Territories, and Central Agencies has significantly augmented the efficiency and effectiveness of criminal detection and investigation processes.