Today's Current Affairs 18th August 2023

INTERNATIONAL

India accounts for 35% of cargo handled by Russia’s Arctic Murmansk port this year

• India’s collaboration with Russia’s Arctic region is on the rise, evidenced by its substantial contribution to cargo handled at Murmansk port. This strategic port, positioned about 2,000 km northwest of Moscow, serves as a key northern gateway for Russia, and in the first seven months of 2023, it handled a total of eight million tonnes of cargo. Notably, India’s share accounted for 35% of this cargo, primarily consisting of coal destined for the eastern coast of India.
• India emerges as a significant player in the cargo operations of Murmansk port, responsible for 35% of the handled cargo. This impressive figure underscores India’s economic and trade connections with the Arctic region.
• India’s engagement extends to the Northern Sea Route (NSR), a crucial shipping pathway connecting the Asia-Pacific region and western Eurasia. The NSR offers a shorter route than traditional alternatives, enhancing the efficiency and safety of maritime transport.

 NATIONAL

PM-eBus Sewa scheme will significantly boost landscape of cleaner public transport: SMEV

• In a significant move towards enhancing urban transportation and promoting electric mobility, the Union Cabinet has given its nod to the “PM-eBus Sewa” scheme. This initiative is aimed at expanding city bus operations by deploying 10,000 electric buses through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

1. Scheme Cost and Support: The PM-eBus Sewa scheme is projected to incur a total cost of Rs 57,613 crore. To facilitate its implementation, the Central government will provide financial support of Rs 20,000 crore.
2. Coverage Criteria: The scheme will encompass cities with a population of three lakh and above as per the 2011 census, including capital cities of Union Territories, the North Eastern Region, and Hill States.
3. Direct Job Creation: Implementation of the scheme is projected to result in the creation of 45,000 to 55,000 direct job opportunities.
4. Segment A: Augmenting City Bus Services: One segment of the scheme, labeled Segment A, is dedicated to enhancing city bus services across 169 cities.
5. Segment B: Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (GUMI): The second segment, Segment B, targets 181 cities and revolves around green mobility initiatives.
6. Operational Framework: The responsibility of operating the bus services and making payments to bus operators will rest with the respective states and cities.
7. Promoting E-Mobility: The scheme places a strong emphasis on promoting electric mobility.
8. Environmental Benefits: The transition to electric mobility will yield positive environmental outcomes.

 SPORTS

Wahab Riaz announces international retirement to focus on franchise cricket

• Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a 15-year career. The 38-year-old made his international debut in 2008 and went on to play 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is, taking 237 wickets in total.
• Riaz was a key member of the Pakistan team that reached the semi-finals of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, where he took five wickets against India. He was also a regular in the ODI and T20I teams, and was known for his fiery bowling and aggressive approach. However, Riaz’s Test career was less successful. He struggled to find consistency with his line and length, and was often guilty of bowling too many loose deliveries. He retired from Test cricket in 2019.

Dutee Chand Receives Four-Year Ban From NADA For Failing Out-Of-Competition Doping Test

• Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, renowned as India’s fastest female athlete and holder of the national 100m record, has been handed a significant blow with a four-year ban following her failure in an out-of-competition dope test. The test revealed the presence of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), leading to the decision to suspend her from competitive sports. Chand’s remarkable athletic career has now been marred by this doping incident.
• Chand’s ban, which commences from January 3, 2023, stems from her failed out-of-competition dope test for SARMs, which occurred on December 5, 2022. As a consequence of her violation, all competitive outcomes she achieved from the date of sample collection will be annulled. This includes the forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes she earned during this period. The verdict, delivered by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA), found Chand in breach of “article 2.1 and 2.2 of the NADA,” resulting in a four-year ineligibility period under “article 10.2.1.1 of the NADA ADR 2021.”

SCIENCE & TEHNOLOGY

President Murmu launches INS Vindhyagiri, 6th stealth frigate in Navy's arsenal

• In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s maritime prowess, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the latest addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet, INS Vindhyagiri. The launch event was held at the Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
• Following the launch of INS Vindhyagiri, the vessel will join its sister ships, INS Himgiri and INS Dunagiri, at the Outfitting Jetty at GRSE.
• The vessel derives its name from the mighty Vindhya mountain range, symbolizing strength, determination, and unwavering resolve. As INS Vindhyagiri touches the waters of the River Hooghly for the first time, it embarks on a journey that mirrors the resilience of the mountains after which it is named, upholding the cherished values that define our nation.
• One of the cornerstones of the launch of INS Vindhyagiri is the profound impact it has on bolstering India’s defense industrial base.

 OBITURY

Britain's 'Chat Show King' Michael Parkinson Dies At 88

• Michael Parkinson, the seasoned British chat show host renowned for his conversations with notable personalities, has passed away at the age of 88. His family said that he peacefully departed at his residence after a brief period of illness.
• Hailing from the coalmining village of Cudworth in northern England, Michael Parkinson took his initial steps into the professional world after leaving school at the age of 16.
• He ventured into the realm of journalism, starting his journey at local newspapers and eventually establishing himself at esteemed publications such as the Manchester Guardian and the Daily Express.
• Beginning in June 1971, television presenter Michael Parkinson hosted his talk show named ‘Parkinson‘ captivating viewers with his distinctive interview approach, characterized by his amiable charm. The show enjoyed a prosperous run until 1982, later making a comeback in 1998, further solidifying Parkinson’s status as a true chat show maestro.

 APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Government appoints two whole time members to Sebi board

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Kamlesh Varshney and Amarjeet Singh as SEBI Whole-Time Members. While Varshney, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service, is a joint secretary at the revenue department in the Finance Ministry, Singh is an executive director at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• Both Varshney and Singh have been appointed for three years from the date of assumption of charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier, according to an order issued by the Secretariat of the ACC. At SEBI, Varshney and Singh will fill in the vacancies created by the retirement of S K Mohanty and Ananta Barua.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulator of the securities market in India. It was established in 1992 by the Government of India to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate, the securities market and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.

 SUMMIT'S & MOU's

Lakhpati Didi Scheme: Centre Plans To Train Over Two Crore Women With Skill Development Courses

• In a significant move to empower women and foster economic growth, the Indian government has announced the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, aiming to provide skill training to two crore women across the nation. The scheme, previously implemented in select states, now seeks to expand its reach and impact on a national scale.
• During his recent Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined his ambitious vision of cultivating two crore ‘lakhpati didis’ (women millionaires) in rural areas. Drawing attention to the vital roles played by women such as ‘bank-wali didi’ (banking sisters), ‘Anganwadi didi’ (childcare sisters), and ‘dawai-wali didi’ (medical sisters), he underscored the need to elevate women’s economic standing.
• The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme is designed to empower women by equipping them with essential skills that pave the way for the establishment of micro-enterprises. A senior official shared that the scheme’s core objective is to train two crore women, thereby encouraging them to initiate and manage small-scale businesses effectively.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

Digital India expansion gets ₹14903 crore outlay

• In a significant development, the cabinet has given its nod to the extension of the Digital India project, allocating a substantial budget of ₹14,903 crore. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this decision, highlighting that the extended initiative will build upon the achievements of its previous iteration.
• Under the ambit of this extended Digital India project, several crucial objectives have been outlined, each aimed at bolstering India’s technological capabilities:

1. IT Professional Upskilling: A substantial portion of the allocated funds will be directed towards the reskilling and upskilling of approximately 5.25 lakh IT professionals. This effort is intended to enhance the digital proficiency of the workforce.
2. IT Training: An equally important focus area is the training of around 2.65 lakh individuals in the field of information technology, equipping them with valuable skills for the digital age.
3. Expansion of Supercomputing Infrastructure: As a part of the National Supercomputing Mission, the extension plan includes the addition of nine more supercomputers. This move is set to amplify India’s computational capabilities, contributing to scientific research and innovation.
4. Digital Empowerment for Enterprises: The Digital India project aims to extend the benefits of the Digilocker app to micro, small, and medium enterprises. By leveraging this app, these enterprises can conveniently access credit and other services, with their documents securely stored and verified.
5. Information Security Training: Around 2.65 lakh individuals will receive training in information security through the Information Security and Education Awareness Phase (ISEA) Programme. This initiative is crucial in the age of increasing cyber threats.
6. Cyber Awareness for Students: A significant stride in the project involves conducting cyber awareness courses for a staggering 12 crore college students. This educational effort aims to equip the younger generation with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely.
7. Enhancement of Cyber Forensics: The expansion of CertIn, which specializes in cyber forensics, emergency response, and cyber diagnosis, is also on the cards. This expansion will bolster India’s capabilities in handling cyber threats effectively.
8. Strengthening National Knowledge Network: The National Knowledge Network, currently connecting 1,787 universities and research institutes, will be elevated to the status of Digital India Infoways. This move will foster collaboration and information exchange among academia and research.
9. AI Center of Excellence: Acknowledging the significance of artificial intelligence, a center of excellence in this field will be established. This center will explore AI applications in critical sectors such as agriculture, health, and sustainability.
10. Cyber Security Advancements: The extended project includes initiatives to enhance cyber security, including tool development and integration of over 200 sites with the National Cyber Coordination Centre.
11. Startup Support in Tier 2 and 3 Cities: Encouraging entrepreneurship, the project has provisions for funding assistance to 1,200 startups based in tier 2 and 3 cities. This move aims to foster innovation in regions beyond major urban centers.

OpenAI acquires design company Global Illumination

• OpenAI has successfully acquired Global Illumination, an ingenious startup based in New York, which harnesses the power of AI to craft innovative creative tools, digital experiences, and robust infrastructure. The acquisition signals OpenAI’s commitment to amplify its capabilities and revolutionize the AI landscape.
• Founded in the year 2021 by the dynamic trio of Thomas Dimson, Taylor Gordon, and Joey Flynn, Global Illumination has swiftly carved a niche for itself in the tech realm.
• The startup’s illustrious portfolio boasts a dazzling array of products crafted for tech titans including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Google, Pixar, and Riot Games.
• The endorsement of venture capital heavyweights such as Paradigm, Benchmark, and Slow further underscores the startup’s profound potential.