Today's Current Affairs 14th August 2023

NATIONAL

Skill ministry launches DBT in NAPS to strengthen apprenticeship ecosystem

• Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, inaugurated the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) to strengthen apprenticeship training and encouraging the involvement of both industries and young individuals.
• During the launch event, an approximate sum of Rs. 15 crores was disbursed to one lakh apprentices, signifying the official commencement of DBT in NAPS.
• Since its inception in 2016 until July 31, 2023, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme has engaged a total of 25 lakh youths as apprentices. The scheme has witnessed remarkable progress, with around 2.6 lakh apprentices successfully completing their training in the fiscal year 2023-24.
• A notable achievement attributed to the Government of India’s proactive efforts is the exponential growth in the number of active establishments participating in apprenticeship training. The count has surged from 6,755 in 2018-19 to an impressive 40,655 in 2023-24.

Railway Ministry to establish Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at railway stations across India

• The Railways Ministry is embarking on a significant endeavor aimed at establishing Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) at railway stations throughout the country. This initiative holds the primary objective of ensuring the availability of top-notch medicines to the public, all while maintaining an affordable price point.
• As part of this progressive initiative, the Ministry has meticulously curated a list of fifty railway stations that will serve as the launching grounds for the pilot project. This strategic selection aims to lay the groundwork for greater accessibility to Janaushadhi products for both passengers and visitors frequenting these bustling stations.
• The establishment of PMBJKs addresses the pressing healthcare requirements of passengers while fostering an improved overall experience.
• In summary, the Railways Ministry’s groundbreaking move to establish Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at railway stations heralds a new era of accessible and affordable healthcare solutions. Beyond its core mission of dispensing quality medicines, this initiative envisions a holistic transformation that encompasses enhanced accessibility, economic empowerment, and entrepreneurial growth.

DPIIT, Ministry of Rural Development jointly launch ‘One District One Product’ Wall at SARAS Ajeevika Store

• In a significant stride towards showcasing the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship and fostering self-reliance, the One District One Product (ODOP) program has joined hands with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to launch the captivating and innovative ‘ODOP Wall‘.
• This initiative not only celebrates India’s artistic diversity but also amplifies the voices of rural artisans and women entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to showcase their exceptional skills and craftsmanship to the world.
• The ‘ODOP Wall’ launch event marked a significant step towards the realization of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to exhibit the unparalleled uniqueness of Indian crafts to the world. This collaboration between the ODOP program and DAY-NRLM aims to highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and cultural significance embedded within the products that originate from various districts across India.

NCERT Constitutes 19-Member Panel for Textbook Revision in India

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has formed a 19-member committee responsible for aligning school syllabi, textbooks, teaching materials, and learning resources with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
• The committee’s mandate covers Classes 3 to 12, and it also aims to ensure a seamless transition from Classes 1 and 2 to subsequent grades.
• With a diverse range of expertise spanning mathematics, arts, economics, sports, policy, and administration, this committee aims to create an educational framework that aligns with contemporary needs while embracing cultural and regional diversity. Each member contributes their valuable insights, driving the transformation of India’s school education system.

 SCIENCE & TEHNOLOGY

Indian Air Force Inducts Heron Mark 2 Drones That Can Cover Borders With

• The Indian Air Force has inducted its latest Heron Mark 2 drones, which have strike capability and can carry out surveillance along the borders with both China and Pakistan in a single sortie itself. The four new Heron Mark-2 drones, which can be equipped with long-range missiles and other weapons systems, have been deployed at a forward air base in the northern sector.
• The induction of the Heron Mark-2 is a major boost for the IAF’s surveillance capabilities. The drone will be used for a variety of missions, including intelligence gathering, border patrol, and counter-insurgency operations. It will also be used to support the IAF’s combat aircraft, providing them with real-time imagery and targeting data.
• The Heron Mark-2 is an upgraded version of the Heron Mark-1, which has been in service with the IAF since 2009. The new drone has a longer range and endurance, and is equipped with more advanced sensors.

 SUMMIT'S & MOU's

The First WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit

• The first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit is set to unfold on August 17 and 18, 2023, in the city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
• This event will intertwine with the G20 health ministerial meeting, creating a dynamic platform aimed at galvanizing both political commitment and evidence-based actions in the realm of traditional medicine. This age-old practice serves as the initial recourse for millions across the globe, catering to their diverse health and well-being requisites.
• The Global Summit will be jointly orchestrated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India, which presently holds the esteemed presidency of the G20 for the year 2023.
• As an inclusive stage, the Summit will convene an array of stakeholders encompassing traditional medicine practitioners, users, communities, national policymakers, international organizations, academia, private sector representatives, and civil society entities.
• Together, they will share pearls of wisdom, groundbreaking evidence, transformative data, and pioneering innovations that underscore the indispensable role of traditional medicine in both health and sustainable development.

 India, Vietnam holds 5th joint Trade Sub-Commission meeting

• The 5th meeting of India-Vietnam Joint Trade Sub-Commission JTSC was held in New Delhi today. The meeting was co-chaired by the Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce Rajesh Agrawal from the Indian side, and Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ms. Phan Thi Thang from the Vietnam side. This meeting was held after a gap of more than four years since 4th JTSC meeting held in January 2019, on account of COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.
• Vietnam is the 23rd largest global trade partner of India and the 5th largest among ASEAN countries with bilateral trade of 14.70 Billion dollars during 2022-23. Vietnam accounts for 11.2 percent of India’s total trade with ASEAN. Vietnam is an important destination for India’s iron and steel and agricultural and animal products mainly meat products, animal fodder, cereals, and marine products.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

RBI Partners With McKinsey and Accenture On Using AI/ML

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is taking a significant step towards bolstering its regulatory supervision over banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. To achieve this, the RBI has partnered with two prominent global consultancy firms, McKinsey and Company India LLP, and Accenture Solutions Pvt Ltd India. This move aligns with the RBI’s aim to harness the potential of advanced analytics to strengthen its supervisory functions.
• In a strategic move, the RBI initiated a process to identify consultants proficient in advanced analytics, AI, and ML. The central bank, following a meticulous evaluation, chose McKinsey and Company India LLP and Accenture Solutions Private Limited India for the pivotal task. These firms will be instrumental in designing and developing systems that leverage AI and ML capabilities for regulatory supervision.
• While the RBI is already employing AI and ML in its supervisory processes, the institution is now poised to take this implementation to a higher level. By embracing advanced analytics, the RBI intends to unlock the full spectrum of benefits these technologies offer.

RBI to bring framework to make reset of floating rate loan EMIs transparent

• In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and consumer protection in the home loan sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a comprehensive set of reforms pertaining to floating rate home loans. These reforms are designed to bring more clarity to the process of resetting interest rates, offer borrowers the option to switch to fixed interest rates, and prevent banks from unilaterally changing the loan tenure without proper consent.
• The RBI’s reforms emphasize the need for banks to establish a transparent framework for resetting interest rates on floating rate home loans. Regulated Entities, including banks, are now required-

1. Clearly communicate with borrowers about potential changes in tenor and Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs).
2. Provide borrowers the flexibility to switch from floating to fixed interest rate loans or foreclose their loans.
3. Disclose all charges associated with exercising these options.
4. Ensure effective communication of essential information to borrowers.

NPCI Launches UPI Chalega 3.0 Campaign to Drive UPI Adoption and Safety Awareness

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced the third edition of its UPI Safety Awareness Campaign named “UPI Chalega.” Collaborating with key stakeholders in the payments ecosystem, the campaign aims to emphasize the ease, safety, and swiftness of using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for transactions.
• With the launch of UPI Chalega 3.0, the campaign continues its mission to encourage the adoption of UPI while prioritizing user safety. Through captivating initiatives, the campaign aims to achieve its objectives.
• The overarching objective of the campaign is to enhance overall brand awareness of UPI, enhance understanding of its distinctive features, and drive increased adoption among new users. By using relatable and heartwarming scenarios, the campaign provides an engaging platform to enlighten the audience about the innovative aspects of UPI and its role in transforming digital transactions.