Today's Current Affairs 21st September 2023

INTERNATIONAL

UK PM Rishi Sunak delays petrol, diesel car ban in net zero reset

• In a recent announcement, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a shift in the UK’s strategy for achieving its Net Zero climate action targets. This strategy includes a significant delay of five years in implementing the proposed ban on petrol and diesel cars, pushing the deadline to 2035.
• Despite this delay, Sunak emphasized that the UK remains steadfast in its commitment to reduce carbon emissions and achieve its Net Zero target by 2050. The core objective is unchanged, but the approach is evolving to be more practical, proportionate, and realistic, particularly in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
• Net Zero, in the context of climate action, refers to the global imperative that the reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emissions must be balanced by carbon dioxide removals within a specified timeframe.

Azerbaijan launched operation against Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh

• Azerbaijan’s military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh has ignited concerns of a renewed conflict in the region. This long-standing dispute revolves around an ethnic Armenian region within Azerbaijani territory. The recent attacks have escalated tensions and raised international alarm.
• Azerbaijan has initiated a military operation backed by artillery strikes in Nagorno-Karabakh.
• They have declared their intent to continue until Armenian forces surrender.
• The operation was triggered by landmine incidents, attributed to Armenian saboteurs, resulting in casualties.
• Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnically Armenian region, is internationally recognized as Azerbaijani territory.
• Separatist Armenian authorities control part of the region, considering it their ancestral homeland.
• The conflict has been a persistent flashpoint since the Soviet Union’s dissolution.

 NATIONAL

Government approves Rs 480 crore three-year education scheme for medical devices sector

• The Indian government has taken a significant step towards strengthening the country’s medical devices industry by approving a ₹480 crore scheme aimed at developing a skilled talent pool. This three-year initiative is poised to provide essential financial support to government institutions for the implementation of various courses related to medical devices, with the goal of upgrading these institutions to global standards.
• The scheme’s approval follows the recent introduction of the National Medical Device Policy, 2023, which envisions the growth of India’s medical devices sector from its current $11 billion to an impressive $50 billion by the year 2030.
• One of the primary objectives of this scheme is to ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals across the medical device sector. To achieve this, the Department of Pharmaceuticals is poised to leverage the available resources within the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. This strategic move aims to facilitate skilling, reskilling, and upskilling of individuals within the medical sector, catering to the evolving needs of the industry.

After ICMR nod, Kerala to conduct tests to detect Nipah virus

• The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has granted approval for the use of the Truenat test to diagnose Nipah virus (NiV) in Kerala. This development is significant as hospitals equipped with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL 2) laboratories can now conduct the test. The Health Minister, Veena George, has announced that a standard operating procedure (SOP) will be formulated for conducting the Truenat test.
• With the ICMR’s approval, more laboratories in the state of Kerala will have the capacity to perform NiV diagnostics using the Truenat test. Samples testing positive for NiV through the Truenat method can be further analyzed at designated facilities such as Kozhikode or Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospitals or the Institute of Advanced Virology in the capital.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

World Alzheimer’s Day 2023: 21^st September

• World Alzheimer’s Day, observed on September 21 every year, is a global initiative aimed at increasing awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and reducing the stigma associated with it and other forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent type of dementia, accounts for 60-70% of dementia cases. It is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, cognitive function, and behavior, gradually impacting an individual’s daily life. This article delves into the significance of World Alzheimer’s Day 2023, its theme, and essential information about Alzheimer’s disease.
• In 2023, the theme for Alzheimer’s Day is ‘Never Too Early, Never Too Late.’ This theme emphasises the crucial importance of identifying risk factors and taking proactive steps to reduce those risks.

 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

'Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar': Government Comes Out With New Set Of National Awards

• The Government of India has recently introduced a prestigious set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation, known as the “Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar” (RVP). These awards serve a vital role in recognizing and honoring the exceptional contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators who have significantly impacted various domains of science, technology, and technology-led innovation.
• The primary objective of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable work accomplished by individuals or teams in the realm of science, technology, and innovation. This initiative aims to inspire and motivate scientists, technologists, and innovators to continue their pursuit of excellence, driving progress and innovation in India.
• The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar stands as one of the highest honors within the scientific and technological community in India. It encompasses individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those working in government, private sector organizations, or as independent contributors to the scientific and technological landscape. The awards recognize path-breaking research, innovative discoveries, and technological advancements that have made a significant impact on society.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

Volvo To End Production Of Diesel Cars and SUVs By Early 2024

• Volvo Cars, a prominent name in the automotive industry, has recently made a groundbreaking announcement. The Swedish car manufacturer has declared its intention to cease the production of diesel-powered vehicles by early 2024, marking a significant step toward its goal of becoming an all-electric carmaker. This decision aligns with Volvo’s commitment to transitioning fully to electric vehicles by 2030.
• Volvo’s bold move to discontinue diesel vehicle production is a proactive response to the evolving landscape of the automotive industry. According to the company’s official statement, the last diesel-powered Volvo car will roll off the assembly line in just a few months. This decisive action places Volvo among the pioneers in the automotive world, as one of the first legacy car manufacturers to completely eliminate diesel from its lineup.
• Volvo’s decision to phase out diesel is part of a broader vision aimed at transforming the company into a fully electric carmaker. This vision entails an ambitious goal to have all Volvo cars be electric by the end of this decade, specifically by 2030. By taking this bold step, Volvo is sending a clear message about its commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and staying at the forefront of automotive innovation.

Ind-Ra raises GDP growth forecast for FY24 to 6.2%

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and India Ratings and Research have released contrasting forecasts for India’s economic growth in the fiscal year 2024 (FY24). While ADB has lowered its projection to 6.3%, India Ratings has raised it to 6.2%. Here’s a breakdown of their assessments and key factors influencing these predictions:
• Monsoon Patterns Impact: ADB cites erratic monsoon patterns as a primary reason for revising India’s growth forecast down by 10 basis points to 6.3% for FY24. These patterns are expected to affect agricultural output.
• Inflation Concerns: ADB also revised its inflation projection for India in FY24 to 5.5%, up from the previous 5%. Adverse weather conditions have led to food inflation, contributing to South Asia’s overall inflation rate. The continuation of the rice export ban could further escalate food price inflation.

Regular jobs increased, but unemployment still a concern

• In a recent report titled “State of Working India 2023: Social Identities and Labour Market Outcomes,” a group of economists and researchers from Azim Premji University shed light on the employment landscape in India. This report highlights the dynamics of job creation, the prevalence of regular wage jobs, caste-based segregation, gender-based earnings disparities, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on unemployment rates. Let’s delve into the key findings of the report.

1. Growth in Regular Jobs
2. Diminished Pace Since 2019
3. Limited Social Security
4. Gender Disparities
5. Reduction in Caste-based Segregation
6. Earnings Disparities
7. Post-COVID Unemployment