Daily Current Affairs 18 August 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 18 August 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on India’s First Village Atlas, Athletics Federation of India, World Humanitarian Day 2023.

Top 16 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 18 August 2023

National News

1.Union Cabinet Approves PM-eBus Sewa Scheme: Boosting Electric Public Transportation

• In a significant move towards enhancing urban transportation and promoting electric mobility, the Union Cabinet has given its nod to the “PM-eBus Sewa” scheme. This initiative is aimed at expanding city bus operations by deploying 10,000 electric buses through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• The PM-eBus Sewa scheme is projected to incur a total cost of Rs 57,613 crore. To facilitate its implementation, the Central government will provide financial support of Rs 20,000 crore. The scheme’s scope extends over a period of 10 years.
• The scheme will encompass cities with a population of three lakh and above as per the 2011 census, including capital cities of Union Territories, the North Eastern Region, and Hill States. A notable emphasis will be placed on cities lacking organized bus services. Implementation of the scheme is projected to result in the creation of 45,000 to 55,000 direct job opportunities.

2.Cabinet approves seven rail projects worth ₹32,500 crore to boost connectivity

• The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for seven ambitious railway projects, signaling an investment of ₹32,500 crore.
• The cumulative span of the projects is projected to extend by 2,339 kilometers, effectively expanding the existing rail network. It will enable a smoother transportation across 35 districts in states including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• The projects, adopting the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, are expected to usher in a new era of connectivity and accessibility across various regions.

State News

3.’India’s First Village Atlas’ Is Of Mayem In Goa

• Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant unveiled the Biodiversity Atlas of Mayem Village. This unprecedented atlas offers a comprehensive socio-cultural history that traces back to the 12th century, making it a remarkable repository of historical and ecological knowledge.
• The Biodiversity Atlas of Mayem Village, heralded as India’s inaugural village atlas, provides an illuminating insight into the captivating journey of Mayem village through time.
• Delving deep into the annals of history, the atlas unravels the socio-cultural tapestry that has been meticulously woven over centuries. From the village’s humble origins to its transformational milestones, the atlas encapsulates the essence of Mayem’s evolution.

Defence News

4.President Murmu launches INS Vindhyagiri

• In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s maritime prowess, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the latest addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet, INS Vindhyagiri. The launch event was held at the Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
• Following the launch of INS Vindhyagiri, the vessel will join its sister ships, INS Himgiri and INS Dunagiri, at the Outfitting Jetty at GRSE. The vessel derives its name from the mighty Vindhya mountain range, symbolizing strength, determination, and unwavering resolve.
• INS Vindhyagiri was developed under Project 17A which serves as a demonstration of India’s impressive technological achievements and unwavering commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities.

Business News

5.OpenAI’s first acquisition is an AI design company

• OpenAI has successfully acquired Global Illumination, an ingenious startup based in New York, which harnesses the power of AI to craft innovative creative tools, digital experiences, and robust infrastructure.
• Founded in the year 2021 by the dynamic trio of Thomas Dimson, Taylor Gordon, and Joey Flynn, Global Illumination has swiftly carved a niche for itself in the tech realm. The startup’s illustrious portfolio boasts a dazzling array of products crafted for tech titans including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Google, Pixar, and Riot Games.
• OpenAI, an AI research laboratory based in the United States, is dedicated to the advancement of artificial intelligence. Established in 2015, OpenAI was founded with the mission of pushing the boundaries of AI research. One of its most prominent achievements is the creation of ChatGPT, a groundbreaking chatbot introduced in November 2022.

Schemes News

6.Amrit Brikshya Andolan 2023

• The Assam Government has embarked on a significant endeavor known as the Amrit Brikshya Andolan, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Hemanta Biswa Sarma.
• The initiative seeks to provide financial aid to participants through a Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, incentivizing their active involvement in tree planting.
• The primary goal of the Amrit Brikshya Andolan is to plant one crore seedlings across Assam, contributing to a significant increase in the state’s greenery. The objective is to surpass previous levels of green coverage, contributing to the overall environmental well-being of the state.

7.’Lakhpati Didi’ Scheme: Govt Planning Skill Training For 2 Crore Women

• In a significant move to empower women and foster economic growth, the Indian government has announced the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, aiming to provide skill training to two crore women across the nation. The scheme, previously implemented in select states, now seeks to expand its reach and impact on a national scale.
• The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme is designed to empower women by equipping them with essential skills that pave the way for the establishment of micro-enterprises. The scheme’s core objective is to train two crore women, thereby encouraging them to initiate and manage small-scale businesses effectively.
• Under the scheme, women will undergo training in a range of practical skills that align with emerging industry demands. These skills include plumbing, LED bulb manufacturing, and the operation and repair of drones, among others. This diversified training approach ensures that women can tap into various sectors and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

8.Cabinet Approves ₹14,903 Crore Extension of Digital India Project

• In a significant development, the cabinet has given its nod to the extension of the Digital India project, allocating a substantial budget of ₹14,903 crore. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this decision, highlighting that the extended initiative will build upon the achievements of its previous iteration.
• Under the ambit of this extended Digital India project, several crucial objectives have been outlined like upskilling, cybersecurity, and technology accessibility, each aimed at bolstering India’s technological capabilities.
• The extension of the Digital India project with a substantial budget demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing India’s digital landscape.

Appointments News

9.Kamlesh Varshney, Amarjeet Singh appointed SEBI whole-time members

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Kamlesh Varshney and Amarjeet Singh as SEBI Whole-Time Members.
• While Varshney, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service, is a joint secretary at the revenue department in the Finance Ministry, Singh is an executive director at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• Both Varshney and Singh have been appointed for three years from the date of assumption of charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier, according to an order issued by the Secretariat of the ACC. At SEBI, Varshney and Singh will fill in the vacancies created by the retirement of S K Mohanty and Ananta Barua.

10.AFI chief Adille Sumariwalla elected to World Athletics Executive Board

• Adille Sumariwalla has been elected as one of the four vice presidents of World Athletics, the highest post ever held by an Indian in the global track and field governing body.
• The 65-year-old Sumariwalla, who is the president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), received the third-highest number of votes cast during the WA elections held on Thursday in Budapest, Hungary. He will serve a four-year term.
• Sumariwalla is a former Olympian who competed in the 100 meters at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. He has been president of the AFI since 2012 and has been a member of the WA Council since 2015.

Important Days News

11.World Humanitarian Day 2023: Date, Theme, Significance and History

• Every year on August 19, the world comes together to honor the remarkable efforts of humanitarians who tirelessly work to improve the lives of crisis-affected populations.
• World Humanitarian Day stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of individuals who, despite the challenges and risks, extend their unwavering support to those in need.
• The theme for World Humanitarian Day 2023, “No Matter What,” encapsulates the steadfast dedication of humanitarians worldwide.

Sports News

12.Dutee Chand gets four-year ban for failing dope test

• Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, renowned as India’s fastest female athlete and holder of the national 100m record, has been handed a significant blow with a four-year ban following her failure in an out-of-competition dope test.
• The test revealed the presence of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), leading to the decision to suspend her from competitive sports.
• Chand’s ban, which commences from January 3, 2023, stems from her failed out-of-competition dope test for SARMs, which occurred on December 5, 2022. As a consequence of her violation, all competitive outcomes she achieved from the date of sample collection will be annulled.

13.Wahab Riaz Announces Retirement From International Cricket

• Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a 15-year career.
• The 38-year-old made his international debut in 2008 and went on to play 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is, taking 237 wickets in total.
• Riaz was a key member of the Pakistan team that reached the semi-finals of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, where he took five wickets against India. He was also a regular in the ODI and T20I teams, and was known for his fiery bowling and aggressive approach.

Science and Technology News

14.Agnikul Cosmos begins integration of its first satellite rocket

• Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos has commenced the integration process of its groundbreaking launch vehicle, Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technological Demonstrator), with its private launchpad situated at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• The Agnilet engine, a marvel of innovation, is an entirely 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic engine. This innovative propulsion system marks a departure from conventional rocket engines and showcases Agnikul Cosmos’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space technology.
• Unlike traditional sounding rockets that follow guide rails during launch, the Agnibaan SOrTeD will ascend vertically and meticulously follow a predetermined trajectory.
• Throughout its flight, the launch vehicle will execute a precisely choreographed sequence of maneuvers, a series of events meticulously configured to validate key technologies pivotal to the success of the company’s upcoming orbital flights.

Obituaries News

15.British ‘chat show king’ Michael Parkinson passes away at 88

• Michael Parkinson, the seasoned British chat show host renowned for his conversations with notable personalities, has passed away at the age of 88. His family said that he peacefully departed at his residence after a brief period of illness
• Hailing from the coalmining village of Cudworth in northern England, Michael Parkinson hosted his talk show named ‘Parkinson‘ in June 1971, captivating viewers with his distinctive interview approach, characterized by his amiable charm. The show enjoyed a prosperous run until 1982, later making a comeback in 1998, further solidifying Parkinson’s status as a true chat show maestro.
• Parkinson’s contributions to the world of media and entertainment were duly recognized when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 2008. The honor bestowed upon him was a testament to his enduring influence on British culture. In 2005, he assumed the role of president for the Sports Journalists’ Association of Great Britain.

Miscellaneous News

16.10-day Long Budha Amarnath Yatra Begins In Jammu

• The Jammu and Kashmir administration inaugurated the yearly Budha Amarnath Yatra across the rolling terrains of Poonch district. The pilgrimage, spanning over a period of 10 days, is a journey of profound significance for devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shiva.
• The Budha Amarnath Yatra acts as a gathering point for devotees originating from various corners of India, serving as a representation of the country’s diverse and harmoniously intertwined spiritual tapestry. The program extends a warm reception to pilgrims from diverse walks of life, fostering a collective sense of purpose and unity.
• The centerpiece of the Budha Amarnath Yatra is the revered Budha Amarnath Temple, nestled in the Rajpura village of Mandi tehsil in Poonch. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds deep historical and spiritual significance. It is among the oldest shrines in the Jammu region, drawing throngs of devotees each year during the yatra.

Important Current Affairs of 18th August 2023

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