Today's Current Affairs 22nd September 2023

INTERNATIONAL

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso establish Sahel security alliance

• Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have come together to address the pressing issue of jihadism in the Liptako-Gourma region by signing a mutual defense pact known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This landmark agreement aims to establish a framework for collective defense and mutual assistance among these nations to protect their populations from the growing threat of terrorism. Here, we delve into the key aspects of this development.
• The heart of this historic pact is the Liptako-Gourma Charter, which was officially signed by the military leaders of the three Sahel countries. The charter, posted on social media by Mali’s junta leader Assimi Goita, outlines the core objectives of the Alliance of Sahel States.
• The primary goal of the AES is to create a system of collective defense and mutual assistance among Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This collaboration is essential to tackle the escalating threat of terrorism that has plagued the Liptako-Gourma region for years.

Singapore is now the world’s freest economy, displacing Hong Kong after 53 years

• In a significant shift, Singapore has surpassed Hong Kong to claim the title of the world’s freest economy, marking the end of Hong Kong’s 53-year reign at the top. This shift is according to a report released by the Canadian think tank Fraser Institute. The Economic Freedom of the World Index, which has been tracking economic freedom since 1970, placed Hong Kong in second place for the first time.
• The index assesses economic freedom based on various factors, including the ease of international trade. Singapore’s strong position in global trade contributed to its rise.
• Another key metric is the freedom to enter and compete in markets. Singapore’s business-friendly policies have made it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors.

Incurable dog disease Brucella canis infects humans in UK

• Since the summer of 2020, the United Kingdom has witnessed a concerning surge in cases of Brucella canis infection among dogs, originating primarily from Eastern Europe. This incurable disease, which has been spreading among canines, has now made the alarming leap to infect humans, with three British citizens falling victim to its debilitating effects. This article explores the nature of Brucella canis, its transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures.
• Brucella canis, a bacterium causing canine brucellosis, is the culprit behind this growing health concern. This highly contagious pathogen primarily targets dogs but can transmit to humans through direct contact with infected dogs.

 NATIONAL

Assam government to launch scheme to give Rs 2 lakh each to two lakh youth

• The Assam government is set to usher in a new era of empowerment and self-reliance for its youth with the launch of the “Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbharshil Asom Abhiyan.” This ambitious scheme aims to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to two lakh deserving young individuals, paving the way for a brighter and more self-sufficient future for the state’s youth.
• The “Mukhyamantrir Atmanirbharshil Asom Abhiyan” stands as a testament to the Assam government’s commitment to empowering its youth. By offering financial support to two lakh young individuals, the scheme intends to enable them to pursue their dreams and aspirations, thereby reducing unemployment and boosting self-reliance among the state’s youth.
• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, known for his forward-thinking approach, spearheads this transformative initiative. In a bid to ensure the success of the scheme, he recently conducted a video conference with the Chief Secretary and senior officials from the conference hall of Assam House to discuss various crucial facets of the scheme, such as eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the disbursement of financial assistance.

 SPORTS

Harmanpreet, lovlina borgohain to be flag bearer at Asian Games 2023

• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided to have not one, but two flag-bearers to lead the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony of the upcoming Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. This decision comes as a significant departure from tradition and has generated considerable excitement among sports enthusiasts across the nation.
• The distinguished honor of flag-bearer at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2023 has been bestowed upon two exceptional athletes: Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain. Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian Hockey team, and Lovlina Borgohain, an Olympic medallist boxer, have been selected to jointly lead the Indian contingent at this grand sporting event, scheduled to commence on September 23 in Hangzhou.
• The Asian Games 2023 will see a record-breaking Indian contingent with a total of 655 athletes representing the nation. This marks the largest Indian contingent ever to participate in the Asian Games, reflecting the country’s growing prominence in the field of sports.

 Antim panghal wins world bronze and quota for Paris Olympics

• Antim Panghal has become the first Indian wrestler to bag a quota place for the Paris Olympics. On her senior World Championships debut, Indian wrestler Antim Panghal clinched a bronze medal and confirmed a 2024 Paris Olympic quota, registering a dominant win over European champion Jonna Malmgren of Sweden in 53 kg category bout, on Thursday.
• The two-time U20 world champion was at her absolute best as she secured a 16-6 win via technical superiority (TSU) to pocket her maiden senior World Championships medal.
• Enroute to her bronze medal victory, Panghal beat reigning world champion Olivia Dominique Parrish of US in her opening match , followed by her TSU win over Roksana Marta Zasina of Poland.
• The 19-year-old girl from Haryana, who is competing as a neutral athlete after WFI got suspended by the World body, then defeated Natalia Malysheva of Russia in the quarterfinal before suffering a heartbreaking loss to Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Vanesa Kaladzinskaya of Belarus in semifinal on Wednesday.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

World Rose Day 2023: 22nd September

• World Rose Day, also known as The Welfare of Cancer Patients Day, is an annual observance held on September 22nd. It is a day dedicated to honoring and supporting individuals worldwide who are courageously battling cancer. This poignant day serves as a reminder of the resilience of cancer patients and aims to spread awareness about the challenges they face while inspiring them to maintain a positive outlook on their journey toward recovery.
• World Rose Day finds its roots in the touching story of Melinda Rose, a 12-year-old Canadian cancer patient.
• Melinda was diagnosed with Askin’s Tumor, one of the rarest blood cancers, in 1994. Her prognosis was bleak, with doctors predicting just a few weeks of life.
• Despite the grim prognosis, Melinda defied expectations and lived for six more months, spreading joy and hope among fellow cancer patients.

 SUMMITS AND MOU’S

China, U.S. and India absent at U.N.’s Climate Ambition Summit

• The Climate Ambition Summit (CAS) at the United Nations General Assembly on September 21 highlighted the absence of major economies crucial in shaping global emissions reduction efforts. China, the United States, and India, collectively responsible for 42% of global greenhouse gas emissions, were notably missing from this critical event. The CAS aimed to showcase leaders with credible actions and policies to uphold the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C degree goal and promote climate justice.
• Leading up to the summit, around 100 heads of state responded to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for increased climate action. However, only representatives from 34 states and 7 institutions were given speaking slots at the summit. Surprisingly, India’s neighbors, such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan, were among the speakers, along with emerging economies like South Africa and Brazil. Meanwhile, the European Union, Germany, France, and Canada also had a presence.

 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

National Medical Commission Achieves Prestigious WFME

• The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India has achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving a prestigious 10-year Recognition Status from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). This recognition signifies a significant achievement for NMC and India’s medical education sector, highlighting their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical education and accreditation.
• The WFME recognition is a testament to the fact that Indian medical colleges have successfully met international standards in medical education. This recognition not only reflects positively on the quality of medical education in India but also aligns it with global benchmarks. This alignment has the potential to enhance the credibility and reputation of Indian medical institutions on the world stage.
• One of the most notable benefits of this recognition is the increased access it provides to Indian medical graduates seeking postgraduate training and medical practice abroad. Many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, require WFME recognition for foreign medical qualifications. As a result, Indian medical professionals can now explore international opportunities more readily, furthering their careers and experiences.

Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo's debut novel shortlisted for Booker Prize 2023

• The Booker Prize 2023 judging panel has unveiled the final list of six novels, carefully curated from the “Booker dozen” longlist of 13 titles. These novels were selected from a pool of 163 books, published between October of the previous year and September of the current year. The announcement of the prize is scheduled for November 26th.
• London-based Indian-origin author Chetna Maroo‘s debut novel, ‘Western Lane,’ has earned a well-deserved place on the prestigious Booker Prize shortlist. The novel tells the poignant story of an 11-year-old British Gujarati girl named Gopi and her profound bonds with her family. At its core, ‘Western Lane’ explores the challenges faced by an immigrant father who endeavors to raise his family as a single parent. What sets this novel apart is its unique use of the sport of squash as a metaphor for complex human emotions, a choice celebrated by the Booker judges.