Today's Current Affairs 25th August 2023

NATIONAL

FM Nirmala Sitharaman launched HSBC India’s Green Hydrogen partnerships

• In a significant step towards fostering innovation in the field of green hydrogen, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched strategic partnerships between HSBC India and prominent institutions, namely the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF).
• The collaboration, which comes with a substantial grant support totaling ₹15 crore ($2 million), marks a pivotal moment in advancing projects that prioritize green hydrogen as a strategic alternative fuel. These initiatives are poised to play a crucial role in building a resilient green-hydrogen economy.
• The partnerships forged by HSBC India underline the nation’s commitment to accelerating innovation in the realm of green hydrogen. As India strives to reduce its carbon footprint and make significant strides in the fight against climate change, green hydrogen has emerged as a game-changing solution that aligns perfectly with these goals. The strategic partnerships aim to channel resources and expertise into projects that will drive the adoption of green hydrogen across various sectors.

First ABDM Microsite Under NHA '100 Microsites Project' Launched in Mizoram

• Under the “100 Microsites” initiative, the National Health Authority (NHA) of India has unveiled the first Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) Microsite in the capital city of Mizoram. This achievement is poised to transform the healthcare sector by propelling the advantages of digitalization to the forefront.
• The ABDM Microsite project represents a pivotal shift in healthcare digitization efforts across India. The concept revolves around establishing defined geographical regions where targeted outreach efforts are concentrated to onboard small and medium-scale private healthcare providers into the digital healthcare ecosystem.
• With a robust support framework in place, these providers will play a vital role in offering digital health services to patients. The project’s origin can be traced to the vision of providing a significant push to healthcare digitization, reaching even the smallest healthcare facilities across the country.

Nagaland shawl to Gond painting: PM Modi's special gifts for BRICS leaders

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a three-day visit to South Africa to attend the 15th BRICS summit, presented special gifts to the organization’s leaders including South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, First Lady of South Africa Tshepo Motsepe, and Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. PM Modi gifts Bidri Surahi, Nagaland Shawl, and Gond Painting to BRICS leaders.
• PM Modi gifted Bidri a pair of ‘Surahi’ from Telangana to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Bidrivase is a purely Indian innovation of 500-year-old Persian, exclusive to Bidar. Bidrivase is cast with an alloy of Zinc, Copper, and other non-ferrous metals with pretty patterns engraved on the casting and inlaid with pure Silver wire. The casting is then soaked in a solution mixed with the special soil of Bidar Fort which has special oxidizing properties. This causes the Zinc alloy to turn into a lustrous black leaving the silver inlay intact to contrast stunningly with the black background.
• The Prime Minister also gifted a Nagaland shawl to the First Lady of South Africa Tshepo Motsepe. Naga shawls are an exquisite form of textile art that has been woven for centuries by the tribes in the state of Nagaland. These shawls are known for their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and the use of traditional weaving techniques which have been passed down from generation to generation.

SCIENCE & TEHNOLOGY

Telangana, Unesco join hands to implement UN recommendation on ethics of AI

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (ITE&C) Department of the Government of Telangana have forged a pioneering partnership to infuse the Ethics of AI into the very essence of artificial intelligence systems.
• This partnership is designed to cultivate a profound impact on how AI is developed and utilized, ensuring that the benefits are shared across all segments of society. The collaboration encompasses multiple dimensions.
• Ethical Development and Use of AI: The alliance is focused on advocating for the ethical development and deployment of AI systems. This encompasses establishing guidelines and principles that prioritize the well-being of humanity, privacy, accountability, and fairness in AI technologies.
• Awareness Raising: UNESCO and the Telangana Government recognize the importance of raising awareness about the ethical implications of AI. They aim to educate individuals, organizations, and governments about the ethical challenges and opportunities presented by AI, fostering a deeper understanding of its potential impacts.
• Capacity Building: To ensure that AI ethics are integrated into every level of society, the collaboration will work towards building the necessary capacity among professionals, policymakers, and educators. By providing training and resources, they aspire to empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding AI.

 OBITURY

'RIP superstar,' tributes pour in after WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt dies of heart attack

• Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away at age 36. Rotunda was an American professional wrestler. He was best known for his tenure in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Bray Wyatt.
• Windham Lawrence Rotunda was born in Brooksville, Florida, on May 23, 1987. He attended Hernando High School, where he won a state wrestling championship at 275 pounds (125 kg) in 2005. He graduated in 2005. He also played football as a defensive tackle and guard. Rotunda played at the College of the Sequoias for two seasons, earning second-team All-American honors as a sophomore offensive guard. He earned a football scholarship to Troy University, where he played collegiate football for two years. He left Troy 27 credit hours short of earning a bachelor’s degree after deciding to become a professional wrestler.

 RANKING

MP: Indore secures 1st position, Bhopal 5th in Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan-2023

• The city of Indore has clinched the top spot in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan -2023 conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board, in the category of cities with a population exceeding 10 lakhs. The results of the survey reflect not only the city’s dedicated efforts but also highlight the overall progress made by several cities in Madhya Pradesh.
• The Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan -2023 witnessed a remarkable display of dominance by Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the category of cities with a population of more than 10 lakhs. Out of the top five positions, two were secured by cities from the state. While Indore claimed the prestigious first position, Bhopal secured a commendable fifth rank. This achievement reinforces Madhya Pradesh’s proactive approach to tackling pollution and promoting cleaner air quality.

 BOOKS & AUTHOR

Goa governor Sreedharan Pillai releases three books on trees, nature, geopolitics

• Goa governor PS Sreedharan Pillai released three books at a function held at the Raj Bhavan. His recently authored three new books namely ‘Heritage Trees of Goa’, ‘When Parallel Lines Meet’, and ‘Ente Priya Kavithakal‘ (‘My Dear Poems’ a collection of poems). Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the event in Panaji, Goa. West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose unveiled the book ‘Heritage Trees of Goa’, while Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the event. Goa state minister for tourism Rohan Khaunte and Jnanpith winner Damodar Mauzo released two other books: ‘When Parallel Lines Meet’ and ‘Ente Priya Kavitakal’.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

BHEL manufactures first set of indigenous SCR Catalysts to limit NOx emission

• In a significant stride towards environmental responsibility, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), a prominent state-owned engineering company, has successfully developed the first set of indigenous Selective Catalyst Reactors (SCR) Catalysts. These catalysts play a crucial role in mitigating nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from thermal power plants. Previously reliant on imports, this achievement underscores the ‘Make in India’ initiative championed by the government.
• Underlining their commitment to self-reliance and national innovation, BHEL has crafted a monumental milestone by producing homegrown SCR Catalysts. The catalysts are integral to tackling NOx emissions, a prevalent pollutant resulting from coal combustion in thermal power plants. This development aligns perfectly with the ‘Make in India’ campaign, boosting indigenous manufacturing and self-sufficiency.

First time in 4 years, MFIs overtake banks in microlending with 40% share

• After a four-year interval, standalone Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) have reclaimed their dominant position in microlending, surpassing banks. This resurgence is attributed to their recovery from pandemic-induced setbacks and strategic efforts, with standalone MFIs now holding a 40% share of microfinance loans in the country.
• The pandemic had severely impacted MFIs, causing a significant drop in collections and disbursals.
• Standalone MFIs have shown remarkable growth, rebounding from a 32% share in FY20 to 40% in FY23.
• Banks, on the other hand, saw a decline in their microlending share from 44% in FY21 to 34% in FY23.
• The microfinance industry witnessed a robust 37% growth in FY23, driven by a favorable macroeconomic climate and renewed demand.
• This growth translated into higher disbursements and expansion of the microfinancing landscape.