Today's Current Affairs 14th September 2023

INTERNATIONAL

India becomes largest export partner of Bangladesh: Officials

• In a significant revelation, the Government of India has declared that it has surpassed Japan and China to become Bangladesh’s largest export partner. The growth in bilateral trade has been particularly noteworthy, with Bangladesh’s exports to India surging from $450 million to a remarkable $2 billion. This announcement was made during discussions centered on exploring new trade routes, specifically the Agartala-Akhaura rail link project, which promises to bolster connectivity and trade ties between the two nations.
• One of the standout points made by Ms. Smita Pant, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh and Myanmar) in the Ministry of External Affairs, is the exponential growth in bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh. The trade figures have soared, demonstrating the robust economic partnership between the two countries.

 NATIONAL

Punjab Launches ‘Mission IndraDhanush’ 5.0, A Healthcare Drive

• In a significant healthcare initiative, the State Health Minister of Punjab, Balbir Singh, inaugurated “Mission Intensified IndraDhanush” 5.0. The launch took place at Dr. BR Ambedkar Medical College in Mohali, Punjab. This mission, initially scheduled for August but delayed due to flooding in the state, aims to provide vaccination against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD).
• The mission intends to cover pregnant women who have received partial vaccination or remain unvaccinated.
• Additionally, it seeks to reach out to children aged 0-5 years who may have missed their vaccinations.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann lays foundation stone of Saragarhi memorial

• In a formal ceremony held in Ferozepur, Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann made a significant announcement that marks a profound tribute to the valiant Sikh warriors who gave their lives in the historic Battle of Saragarhi. A state-of-the-art monument, dedicated to commemorating the martyrdom of 21 brave Sikh soldiers, will grace the landscape of Ferozepur, with an ambitious timeline of completion within six months.
• The Battle of Saragarhi, which took place on September 12, 1897, near Samana Ridge (now in Pakistan), is a remarkable chapter in military history. 21 soldiers from the 36 Sikhs regiment valiantly defended their post against nearly 10,000 Afghan attackers, ultimately choosing death over surrender. This unparalleled act of bravery continues to hold a special place in India’s military history, showcasing the indomitable spirit of Punjabis when pushed to their limits.
• The Chief Minister also criticized previous governments for neglecting the importance of this historic site. Despite a promise to construct a memorial and an allocation of Rs 1 crore in 2019, no progress was made due to the lack of an additional Rs 25 lakh in funds.

 ‘Ayushman Bhava’ will help achieve universal health coverage

• President Droupadi Murmu, in a historic virtual ceremony, launched the Ayushman Bhav campaign and the Ayushman Bhava portal from the Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar, marking a significant stride towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India. This campaign aims to enhance the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services, especially for underserved communities.
• President Murmu praised the Ayushman Bhav campaign for its multi-ministerial approach, highlighting its potential to bring healthcare services to the remotest corners of India. This approach is instrumental in realizing the ambitious goal of providing healthcare to all.

 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Apple includes ISRO-made GPS for iPhone 15 series

• Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the company’s latest flagship smartphones, and they come with a number of notable upgrades, including a new brushed titanium frame, a powerful A16 Bionic chip, and a more advanced camera system. However, one of the most significant changes under the hood is the integration of precision dual-frequency G.P.S., including support for NavIC, the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.
• NavIC is a regional navigation satellite system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation. It consists of seven satellites in geostationary and inclined geosynchronous orbits, providing coverage over India and a region extending 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders. NavIC offers two services:

1. Standard Position Service for civilian users
2. Restricted Service for strategic users

Amazon's AWS ties up with ISRO to advance its AI capabilities with cloud technologies

• Amazon Web Services (AWS), a major player in the cloud computing industry, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). This collaboration aims to support space-tech innovations through cloud computing, opening up exciting possibilities in the space sector.
• Shalini Kapoor, Director and Chief Technologist, Public Sector, AWS India and South Asia, emphasized that cloud computing-led innovations can significantly enhance the space industry by enabling quicker decision-making and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. AWS is committed to assisting startups in identifying use cases, accelerating solution development, and nurturing a talent pool in India specialized in cloud and space technologies.

 APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Haryana Govt appoints renowned film actress Mita Vashisth as Chairperson of Haryana Film and Entertainment Policy

• In a significant development for the entertainment industry in Haryana, the state government has appointed renowned film actress Mita Vashisth as the chairperson of the governing council tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Haryana Film and Entertainment Policy. This appointment follows the untimely demise of the beloved actor, director, and producer Satish Kaushik, who previously held the position. Mita Vashisth’s extensive experience in the world of entertainment and her dedication to the craft make her a fitting choice for this prestigious role.
• Mita Vashisth’s journey in the world of entertainment has been nothing short of remarkable. With a career spanning decades, she has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, television, theater, and more. Born in Pune, Maharashtra, Mita ventured into acting and quickly rose to prominence with her exceptional talent. Her impressive resume includes roles in 43 films, numerous television serials, web series, and theater productions.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

Engineers Day 2023: 15th September

• Engineers’ Day, observed on September 15th each year in India, is a day dedicated to celebrating the remarkable contributions of engineers to society. It is also an opportunity to remember the visionary engineer, Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, whose birth anniversary coincides with this special day. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and the reason why Engineers’ Day is celebrated on September 15th.
• Born in 1861, Visvesvaraya initially pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at the University of Mysore. However, he later transitioned to engineering studies at the prestigious College of Science in Pune, one of Asia’s oldest engineering institutions. Beginning his career in the Public Works Department for the Government of Bombay, Visvesvaraya undertook complex projects, including the development of a patented irrigation system featuring water floodgates at the Khadakvasla reservoir near Pune and the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Mysore.
• In 1912, he assumed the role of the 19th Diwan of Mysore, a position he held until 1918.

 SUMMITS AND MOU’S

Nabard partners with UNDP India for data-driven innovations in agriculture

• In a significant development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) have solidified their commitment to revolutionize Indian agriculture through data-driven innovations. Their collaborative effort is aimed at bolstering the agricultural and food systems to uplift the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

1. Open-Source Data Sharing: Both organizations will actively share open-source data, laying the foundation for product development and the transfer of agricultural technology.
2. Policy Framing Support: The partnership will extend support to the formulation of agrarian policies, which can prove to be instrumental in shaping the future of Indian agriculture.
3. Digital Public Goods: One of the primary focuses is on enhancing and disseminating collaborative digital public goods like “DiCRA” (Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture).

 RANKING

60 new elephant corridors identified across country, count reaches 150

• A recent report by the Union Environment Ministry has shed light on the state of elephant corridors in India. According to this comprehensive report titled “Elephant Corridors of India,” the country boasts at least 150 elephant corridors, spread across 15 range-states, and encompassing four major elephant-bearing regions. This is a significant increase from the 88 corridors identified in the 2010 Elephant Task Force report, known as the “Gajah report.” This expanded understanding of elephant corridors signifies the evolving challenges and the growing awareness of the importance of conserving these vital pathways.
• Elephant Corridors are land strips that enable the movement of elephants between two or more viable habitat patches. However, it’s crucial to note that corridors leading elephants into human-dominated areas without connecting to suitable habitats are not considered true elephant corridors. Such misdirection can lead to increased human-elephant conflict, putting both human and elephant lives at risk.