Today's Current Affairs 17th August 2023

INTERNATIONAL

China's Inner Mongolia reports two cases of bubonic plague

• China’s Inner Mongolia region has reported two cases of bubonic plague, causing concerns amid previous infections and highlighting the need for vigilant containment efforts. The new cases involve close relatives of a previously infected individual. Bubonic plague is a highly infectious disease, primarily transmitted through rodents, and can be fatal if not treated promptly. The region’s health authorities are taking proactive measures to prevent the further spread of the disease.
• Following a prior bubonic plague infection detected on August 7, China’s northern region of Inner Mongolia has once again encountered two cases of the disease. These new cases involve the husband and daughter of the previous infected person, as confirmed by the local government’s official statement.
• To curb the potential spread of the disease, authorities have taken swift action by quarantining all close contacts of the newly infected individuals. It is reassuring to note that as of now, none of the quarantined contacts have exhibited any abnormal symptoms related to bubonic plague. This proactive approach emphasizes the region’s commitment to preventing a wider outbreak.

Typhoon Lan: mass power cuts hit western Japan as storm makes landfall

• Typhoon Lan made landfall in Japan, August 15, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The typhoon has caused flooding and power outages in several areas, and authorities have issued evacuation warnings for some residents. The typhoon made landfall near Shionomisaki in Wakayama prefecture, about 400 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. It had maximum sustained winds of 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour), equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.
• The typhoon has since weakened slightly, but it is still bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that the typhoon could cause flooding and landslides in some areas. Evacuation warnings have been issued for residents in several areas, including Wakayama, Osaka, and Kyoto prefectures. More than 237,000 people have been advised to evacuate their homes. The typhoon has also caused power outages in some areas. More than 100,000 households are without power in Wakayama prefecture. Authorities are urging residents to stay safe and follow the instructions of local officials.
• Typhoon Lan has caused widespread damage in Japan. The typhoon has caused flooding and landslides, and has knocked down trees and power lines. More than 237,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, and more than 100,000 households are without power.

 NATIONAL

Crafting a Better Future: PM Vishwakarma Yojana's Impact on Artisans - INVC

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement of the Vishwakarma Yojana in his Independence Day address has paved the way for a new scheme aimed at bolstering the livelihood prospects of traditional artisans and craftspeople. Following this announcement, the Union Cabinet swiftly approved the scheme, demonstrating its commitment to promoting and preserving traditional skills and crafts.
• The Vishwakarma Yojana is a visionary initiative by the Indian government designed to extend financial assistance to individuals engaged in traditional crafts and skills. This scheme seeks to provide a strong support system to artisans, enabling them to flourish in their crafts while also contributing to the preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage.
• Under the umbrella of the Vishwakarma Yojana, a dedicated allocation of Rs 13,000 crore has been earmarked to empower artisans across the country. The scheme offers subsidized loans of up to Rs 2 lakh to craftsmen, aiming to alleviate financial constraints that might impede their artistic pursuits.

 SPORTS

Australia's Ashleigh Gardner and England’s Chris Woakes Named ICC Players of the Month for July 2023

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the latest set of international stars to be named ICC Players of the Month for July 2023. Australia’s spin bowling all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner and England’s seamer Chris Woakes have been honored as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Players of the Month for July 2023.
• Australia’s prolific all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner becomes the first player to win back-to-back awards, claiming her fourth ICC Women’s Player of the Month prize following another scintillating set of performances against England and Ireland in July.
• Gardner scored 232 runs and took 15 wickets in eight ODI and T20I matches during the month, including a Player of the Match performance in the second ODI against England, where she scored 65 runs and took three wickets. She was also named Player of the Series in the ODI series against Ireland.
• England seamer Chris Woakes wins the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for his fruitful contributions with the ball, helping his side claw back a two-nil deficit to close out their Ashes series on level terms.
• Woakes took 19 wickets in three Tests against Australia, including a Player of the Match performance in the final Test at The Oval, where he took seven wickets and scored a vital 36 runs in the first innings. He was also named Player of the Series.

 SCIENCE & TEHNOLOGY

Government clears Rs 20,000 cr deal to build five warships for Indian Navy

• In a significant development aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy, the Central Government has granted its final approval for a pivotal project to construct five fleet support ships. These vessels, designed to serve as vital logistical lifelines, will play a crucial role in replenishing warships with essential supplies including fuel, food, and ammunition during missions.
• The responsibility for constructing these crucial fleet support ships has been entrusted to the Visakhapatnam-based Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a flagship enterprise under the defense ministry.
• By opting for indigenous construction, the Indian Navy is not only reinforcing its operational capabilities but also contributing significantly to the government’s vision of self-reliance. This decision aligns with the broader goal of reducing dependence on foreign imports and bolstering domestic industries.
• Beyond its military significance, the project is set to deliver substantial economic benefits. The creation of thousands of new jobs over an extended period will inject fresh energy into the workforce, fostering growth and prosperity. The ripple effect of this venture will extend to industries aligned with the project, further solidifying India’s position as a strategic maritime player.

 OBITURY

Eminent scientist Padma Shri MRS Rao passes away in Bengaluru at 75

• Padma Shri awardee and former President of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Prof. M.R. Satyanarayana Rao passed away at his residence in Tata Nagar in Bengaluru on August 13 night. He was 75. Born in Mysuru, Prof Rao obtained his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from Bangalore University. He got his PhD from the Indian Institute of Science and did his Postdoctoral Research at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Raj Chetty an Indian-American economist awarded top Harvard University prize

• Raj Chetty, an Indian-American economist, and Michael Springer, a biologist, have been awarded Harvard University’s George Ledlie Prize for their groundbreaking work in their respective fields.
• Chetty, a professor of economics at Harvard University, is known for his work on economic mobility. He has used big data to study the factors that influence a person’s ability to move up the economic ladder. His research has shown that the American Dream is not as attainable as many people believe, and that there are significant obstacles that prevent people from achieving upward mobility.
• Springer, a professor of systems biology at Harvard Medical School, is known for his work on developing new diagnostic tests. He was instrumental in developing a faster and more accurate COVID-19 test, which has helped to improve the fight against the pandemic. He also helped to design and operate the new Harvard University Clinical Laboratory (HUCL), which has managed testing and samples for the university community.

 RANKING

Maharashtra tops fiscal heath report

• In a recent development, Maharashtra has emerged as the front-runner in the Fiscal Health Report, showcasing commendable financial stability. Surprisingly, Chhattisgarh, a state often associated with economic challenges, secured an unexpected second position in the rankings.

The Fiscal Health Report’s assessment is based on four crucial fiscal parameters:

1. Fiscal Deficit: This indicator evaluates the gap between a state’s total expenditures and its total revenue. A lower fiscal deficit indicates better financial management.
2. Own Tax Revenue: The proportion of revenue generated by a state through its internal taxation system reflects its self-sufficiency in funding its operations.
3. State Debt Levels: The extent of a state’s indebtedness relative to its economic output, as measured by the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), gauges its ability to manage financial obligations.
4. Interest Payment to Revenue Receipts: This parameter underscores the ratio of interest payments on debts to the overall revenue earned by the state, revealing its debt servicing capability.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

Wipro Launched Center Of Excellence On Generative AI at IIT Delhi

• Wipro Limited has announced the establishment of a groundbreaking Center of Excellence (CoE) on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in partnership with the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. This collaboration manifests Wipro’s commitment to drive continuous innovation in emerging technologies, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the tech industry.
• The CoE’s launch resonates as a significant milestone within Wipro’s larger strategic vision, the Wipro ai360 ecosystem, which earmarks a staggering $1 billion investment toward catalyzing AI-led innovation.
• The Wipro CoE on Generative AI is strategically nested within the Yardi School of Artificial Intelligence (ScAI) at IIT Delhi.
• With its roots embedded within the vibrant academic ecosystem of IIT Delhi, this CoE will serve as a vessel for foundational and applied research.
• Its overarching objectives encompass the nurturing of exceptional talent, forging new horizons of innovation, and propelling the state of the art in this pivotal field of Generative AI.