Daily Current Affairs 17 August 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 17 August 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on IIT Delhi, General Motors’ Talegaon Plant, ICC Players of the Month for July 2023.

Top 18 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 17 August 2023

International News

1.Bubonic Plague Cases Detected in China’s Inner Mongolia: Authorities Respond Swiftly

• China’s Inner Mongolia region has reported two cases of bubonic plague, causing concerns amid previous infections and highlighting the need for vigilant containment efforts.
• The new cases involve close relatives of a previously infected individual. Bubonic plague is a highly infectious disease, primarily transmitted through rodents, and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
• The region’s health authorities are taking proactive measures to prevent the further spread of the disease. To curb the potential spread of the disease, authorities have taken swift action by quarantining all close contacts of the newly infected individuals.

2.Typhoon Lan Hits Japan, Causing Flooding and Power Outages

• Typhoon Lan made landfall in Japan, August 15, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The typhoon has caused flooding and power outages in several areas, and authorities have issued evacuation warnings for some residents.
• The typhoon made landfall near Shionomisaki in Wakayama prefecture, about 400 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. It had maximum sustained winds of 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour), equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.
• Typhoon Lan has caused widespread damage in Japan. The typhoon has caused flooding and landslides, and has knocked down trees and power lines. More than 237,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, and more than 100,000 households are without power.

State News

3.ADB Approves USD 40.5 Million Loan to Enhance Childhood Development and Maternal Mental Health in Meghalaya

• In a significant move towards improving early childhood development and maternal mental health, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a USD 40.5 million loan for the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya.
• This strategic initiative, supported by the Meghalaya government’s contribution of USD 15.27 million, aims to fortify both home-based and center-based childcare services through the establishment and enhancement of daycare centers known as Anganwadi centers.
• The ADB-backed project encompasses the upgrading of 1,800 existing Anganwadi centers, coupled with the construction of approximately 600 new centers. These centers will be strategically located in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that even marginalized communities can benefit from the initiative.

4.India’s First Drone Common Testing Centre To Be Established In Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), the nodal agency overseeing the implementation of the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC), is set to establish India’s first Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drone) Common Testing Centre at an outlay of Rs 45 crore.
• With a steadfast commitment to innovation, quality, and progress, Tamil Nadu is poised to revolutionize the industry and secure its position as a beacon of growth in the realm of Aerospace and Defence.
• This visionary initiative, undertaken under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), is slated to redefine the nation’s capabilities in unmanned aerial technology. Spanning an expansive area of approximately 2.3 acres, the testing centre is strategically situated within the SIPCOT Industrial Park, Vallam Vadagal near Sriperumbudur.

Defence News

5.IAF To Hold Multi-National Exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’ Next Year

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to host a colossal multilateral military exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti‘, which was originally slated for October but has been rescheduled to the middle of 2024.
• ‘Tarang Shakti’ is set to draw the involvement of some prominent air forces, including those of France, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and Japan. Additionally, six other countries have been invited to participate as observers, further emphasizing the exercise’s significance on the global stage.
• The main goal of ‘Tarang Shakti’ is to reinforce military coordination and amplify the seamless interaction between the participating countries. Remarkably, this exercise is on track to become India’s most extensive aerial drill to date, highlighting the nation’s escalating role in the sphere of global military collaboration.

6.Government clears Rs 20000 cr deal to build five warships

• The Central Government has granted its final approval for a pivotal project to construct five fleet support ships. These vessels, designed to serve as vital logistical lifelines, will play a crucial role in replenishing warships with essential supplies including fuel, food, and ammunition during missions.
• The responsibility for constructing these crucial fleet support ships has been entrusted to the Visakhapatnam-based Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a flagship enterprise under the defense ministry.
• Hindustan Shipyard Limited is slated to deliver all five ships within an estimated timeframe of eight years. Each ship will boast an impressive weight of around 45,000 tonnes, highlighting their robust construction and capacity.

7.Govt of India launched ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh Compaign’

• To commemorate 75 years of Independence, various Air Force Stations in and around Delhi celebrated the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) from 09 to 15 August 2023. The events were organized under the aegis of the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh Compaign’, launched by the Government of India.
• One of the key activities of the campaign was the development of an Amrit Vatika (Amrit Garden) in each station by planting 75 saplings of indigenous species. This was done to replenish mother earth as ‘Vasudha Vandhan’ (reforestation). The saplings were planted by the personnel of the stations, school children, residents of the localities, and panchayat members.
• The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. It is also a reminder of the responsibility that we all have to build a strong and prosperous India.

Banking News

8.Introducing Canara Jeevan Dhara: Tailored Savings Account for Pensioners

• Canara Bank has unveiled a specialized savings account aimed at pensioners and those nearing retirement, designed to provide an array of benefits catering to their unique financial needs.
• This new offering, known as Canara Jeevan Dhara, extends its advantages to retirees who’ve opted for voluntary or regular retirement. Through this account, Canara Bank seeks to provide financial security and flexibility to individuals in their post-employment phase.
• Canara Jeevan Dhara presents a comprehensive solution for pensioners and those entering retirement, ensuring financial stability and value-added benefits. With tailored interest rates, loan facilities, healthcare concessions, and enticing FD rates, this account empowers individuals to confidently embark on their post-career journey.

Business News

9.Wipro Launches Center Of Excellence On Generative AI at IIT Delhi

• Wipro Limited has announced the establishment of a groundbreaking Center of Excellence (CoE) on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in partnership with the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.
• The Wipro CoE on Generative AI is strategically nested within the Yardi School of Artificial Intelligence (ScAI) at IIT Delhi. With its roots embedded within the vibrant academic ecosystem of IIT Delhi, this CoE will serve as a vessel for foundational and applied research.
• This harmonious union will not merely address real-world challenges on an unprecedented scale; it will fuel the creation of innovative solutions underpinned by the prowess of AI, machine learning (ML), and a spectrum of other groundbreaking technologies.

10.Hyundai Motor To Acquire General Motors’ Talegaon Plant

• Hyundai Motor Co’s Indian subsidiary has announced its intention to acquire General Motors‘ Talegaon plant located in Maharashtra.
• Hyundai envisions an extensive upgrade of the Talegaon plant’s existing infrastructure as part of its strategic investment. The company plans to commence manufacturing activities at the upgraded facility by 2025
• The acquisition of the Talegaon plant by Hyundai marks an important milestone in General Motors’ exit from the Indian market. Following a period of declining sales, General Motors ceased selling cars in India back in 2017.

Schemes News

11.PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Benefits and Eligibility

• The Vishwakarma Yojana is a visionary initiative by the Indian government designed to extend financial assistance to individuals engaged in traditional crafts and skills. This scheme seeks to provide a strong support system to artisans, enabling them to flourish in their crafts while also contributing to the preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage
• Under the umbrella of the Vishwakarma Yojana, a dedicated allocation of Rs 13,000 crore has been earmarked to empower artisans across the country. The scheme offers subsidized loans of up to Rs 2 lakh to craftsmen, aiming to alleviate financial constraints that might impede their artistic pursuits.
• Artisans will receive a stipend of Rs 500, enabling them to pursue skill enhancement without financial worries. Additionally, a sum of Rs 1500 will be provided to facilitate the purchase of modern tools, empowering artisans to work with greater efficiency and precision.

12.DGCA forms panel to suggest ways to ensure gender equality

• On August 10, 2023, the DGCA established a four-member committee composed of senior officers to devise strategies and recommendations aimed at achieving gender parity in the industry. The committee’s objective is to propose actionable measures that the DGCA can implement to foster gender equality in the aviation sector.
• The committee is tasked with formulating norms and guidelines that will facilitate gender equality within the aviation sector. These norms will subsequently be shared with aviation stakeholders, encouraging them to adopt and integrate these practices into their operations.
• The intention is to create a more inclusive and balanced work environment. The committee’s mandate includes submitting a comprehensive report containing recommendations within six months from the date of its formation.

13.Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) In News

• The Ministry of Education has introduced the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) in June 2023 aimed at enhancing access, equity, and excellence in higher education across States and Union Territories.
• However, the requirement for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and adopting certain academic criteria to avail funds has sparked controversy, making the scheme seem exclusivist.
• Out of the total States and Union Territories, only 22 have joined the PM-USHA, with notable exceptions like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, which have declined participation.

Sports News

14.Ashleigh Gardner and Chris Woakes Named ICC Players of the Month for July 2023

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the latest set of international stars to be named ICC Players of the Month for July 2023.
• Australia’s spin bowling all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner and England’s seamer Chris Woakes have been honored as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Players of the Month for July 2023.
• Australia’s prolific all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner becomes the first player to win back-to-back awards, claiming her fourth ICC Women’s Player of the Month prize following another scintillating set of performances against England and Ireland in July.
• England seamer Chris Woakes wins the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for his fruitful contributions with the ball, helping his side claw back a two-nil deficit to close out their Ashes series on level terms.

15.India gets first-ever night street racing circuit in Chennai

• The Tamil Nadu government and Racing Promotions Private Limited (RRPL) have launched a new street circuit in Chennai. The 3.5km track will be located around the Island Grounds and will be the first-ever street circuit in India and South Asia to host a night race.
• The track will have elevation changes and 19 corners, including multiple chicanes. It will also offer stunning views of the Marina Beach Road and the Bay of Bengal.
• The event is scheduled to be held on December 9-10 and will feature the F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League. The SDAT will be investing Rs 42 crore to host the event.
• The launch of the new street circuit is a major boost for motorsport in India. It will help to raise the profile of the sport and attract more fans and sponsors. It is also expected to boost tourism in Chennai.

16.Sri Lanka all-rounder retires from Test cricket

• Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 26-year-old made the decision to focus on his limited-overs career, where he is a key figure for Sri Lanka.
• Hasaranga is a leg-spinner who is known for his variations and his ability to take wickets in the middle overs. He is also a handy lower-order batsman, and has scored 832 runs in ODIs and 533 runs in T20Is.
• Hasaranga made his Test debut against South Africa in 2020, and took four wickets in four matches. However, he has been more successful in white-ball cricket, where he has taken 67 wickets in 48 ODIs and 91 wickets in 58 T20Is.

Science and Technology News

17.’Pibot,’ the humanoid robot that can safely pilot an airplane

• The Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) is making groundbreaking advancements in aviation with the development of “Pibot,” a humanoid robot designed to fly aircraft using its own dexterity and advanced AI capabilities.
• Pibot harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to comprehend and retain intricate flight manuals presented in everyday language. It surpasses human pilots by effortlessly memorizing extensive sets of Jeppesen aeronautical navigation charts, an accomplishment beyond human capabilities.
• Pibot’s remarkable memory and adaptability empower it to navigate diverse aircraft models without the need for emulating human pilot behaviors. Its impressive flexibility allows it to seamlessly transition between various aircraft configurations.
• Pibot’s ability to manipulate flight instruments, understand complex manuals, and react quickly to emergency situations showcases its potential to transform aviation and other industries.

Obituaries News

18.Former defence research body chief VS Arunachalam passes away

• V S Arunachalam, a prominent scientist and instrumental figure in India’s nuclear program, has died at the age of 87. He was Known for his leadership roles at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), he played a crucial role in shaping India’s defense capabilities.
• Arunachalam was born in 1934 in the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu). In 1982,  he was appointed as the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister. During his time as Scientific Advisor, Arunachalam oversaw the development of several important defense technologies, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV).
• Arunachalam was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, the Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Vibhushan. He was also the first Indian Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK).In 2015, Arunachalam was awarded DRDO’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the field of scientific research and technology.

Important Current Affairs of 17th August 2023

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