Today's Current Affairs 8th October 2023

INTERNATIONAL

“Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” Unleashed by Hamas Sparks Widespread Violence

• The Israel-Palestine conflict has escalated dramatically as Hamas, the armed Palestinian group, initiated “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” firing over 5,000 rockets into Israel. The situation quickly escalated into a full-scale war, resulting in significant casualties and widespread fear among civilians.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He asserted that this was not a mere operation but a full-blown war. Netanyahu vowed that Hamas would face an unparalleled retaliation.
• Hamas launched a massive rocket barrage with more than 5,000 rockets targeting Israel. The attacks were swift and intense, causing panic among Israeli citizens. Reports indicated the use of unconventional methods, such as paragliders, and attacks on civilians on roads.

 US deploying ships closer to Israel, sends munitions

• Amidst a recent attack by the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, President Joe Biden has promptly demonstrated solidarity with Israel. Given its role as a key arms provider to Israel, the United States is dispatching military reinforcements and aid to strengthen Israel’s defense capabilities.
• The Pentagon’s move to send the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and accompanying warships to the eastern Mediterranean.
• Strengthening fighter aircraft squadrons in the region to bolster Israel’s defense.
• The United States’ historical role as a major supplier of arms to Israel.
• A swift and unwavering commitment to providing “rock solid” support.

 NATIONAL

Rajasthan cm announces three new districts

• Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday announced the formation of three new districts – Malpura, Sujangarh and Kuchaman – ahead of the Assembly election, taking the total number of districts in the State to 53.
• The Congress government had created 19 new districts and three new divisions in the State in August this year

E-Cabinet System implemented in Tripura

• In a significant leap towards a more technologically advanced and environmentally responsible governance system, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha recently introduced the state’s e-cabinet system. This move positions Tripura as the fourth Indian state, and the second in the Northeast region, to adopt an e-cabinet system after Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh. The introduction of this system signifies a commitment to paperless cabinet meetings, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability through the use of digital tablets by ministers and bureaucrats.
• The launch of the e-cabinet system marks a substantial shift towards digital governance in Tripura. All future cabinet meetings in the state will be conducted in a paperless manner, aligning with global efforts to reduce environmental degradation. This transition not only demonstrates the state’s commitment to eco-friendliness but also reflects its readiness to embrace modern technology for more efficient governance.

India to begin ferry service to Sri Lanka from Nagapattinam Tamil Nadu

• The much-awaited resumption of high-speed passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka will begin on October 10 after a gap of nearly four decades.
• According to official sources, the High-Speed Craft (HSC) Cheriyapani, owned by the Shipping Corporation of India, and a 14-member crew arrived at Nagapattinam on Saturday evening. The vessel commenced its trial run from Nagapattinam port on Sunday around 09.40 a.m. and took roughly three hours to reach Kankesanthurai, which is roughly 60 nautical miles away, sources said.

 SPORTS

Pranav sign off with bronze in men's singles badminton

• HS Prannoy's terrific campaign at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou came to a heartbreaking end on Friday after he went down in straight games against China’s Li Shi Feng in badminton men’s singles semifinal. After trailing by only a point going into the opening game interval, the world no. 1 roared through the contest, winning 21-16. 21-9 in just over 45 minutes, crushing all hopes for a gold-medal bid for the Indian.
• The loss implied that Prannoy had to be content with a bronze, but it was a historic feat for the star shuttler as he ended India's 41-year-long wait for a second medal at the Games in men's singles badminton. Syed Modi previously finished third in 1982 edition of the Asian Games.

Aman sehrawat won bronze medal in men's 57kg category

• Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat on Friday displayed a power-packed performance to defeat China’s Minghu Liu to claim a bronze medal in the men’s freestyle 57Kg category bout in the ongoing 19th Asian Games on Friday.
• The Indian defeated Minghu to clinch an 11-0 victory by technical superiority.
• It is India’s fifth wrestling medal, all bronze, in Hangzhou, following Sunil Kumar, Antim Panghal, Kiran and Sonam Malik.
• Aman was quick to get off the mark in fashion, executing a takedown first up. Liu was completely flabbergasted as Aman scored his second takedown.
• A passivity warning was given to the Chinese wrestler, who failed to get a point on a defensive Aman.

 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

The survivor wins best action film at Cannes world film festival

• Each year, over 100 films grace the screens, but it’s only a handful among them that truly engraves an enduring and unforgettable impact on people. One such cinematic gem that has the global audience in sheer astonishment is multi-talented Rajath Rajanikath’s ‘The Survivor.’ It has set new standards of excellence, leaving an indomitable legacy in its wake by garnering praise at numerous film festivals.
• Having the outmost passion & desire of being an actor Rajath learnt aspects of filmmaking to put himself on screen, playing the Lead Actor, writer, director & editor of the film.
• This Indian action featurette hooks the viewers to the edge of their seats with its hair-raising plot and amazing action sequences. Helmed on a meager budget by a group of film graduates from Bengaluru, The Survivor proves that some movies don’t need extravagant margins to make a mark.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

GST council announces significant reduction in tax rates for millets

• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has taken a significant step towards promoting healthy eating by announcing a substantial reduction in GST rates for millet flour food preparations.
• The sources told the tax rate has been reduced from the current 18 percent to a more affordable 5 percent.
• Millet flour, known for its nutritional value and health benefits, has gained popularity among health-conscious consumers in India.
• By reducing the GST rate on millet flour food preparations, the government aims to make these nutritious food items more accessible to the public.