23rd August, 2023 Current Affairs

23rd August, 2023 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
Nitin Gadkari launches Bharat NCAP(New Car Assessment Programme)

• The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) was launched by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari on August 22, 2023, in New Delhi. The program aims to enhance road safety by elevating vehicle safety standards for up to 3.5-tonne vehicles in India. Bharat NCAP will also greatly push the safety and quality of the vehicles in India, while simultaneously promoting a healthy competition among OEMs to manufacture safer vehicles.
• The program is applicable to type approved motor vehicles of M1 category less than 3.5T GVW.
• This is a voluntary program in which the base variants of a given model shall be tested.
• The program will commence from October 1, 2023, and will be based on Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197.
• The program aims to create an ecosystem of competitive safety enhancements leading to increased awareness among consumers.
• Consumers can take an informed decision by making a comparative assessment on vehicle performance under crash test conditions.

India to be growth engine of world in coming years, soon be five trillion dollar economy, says PM Modi at BRICS summit

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India will be the growth engine of the world in the coming years and will soon be a five trillion dollar economy.
• The reforms made in a mission mode by the government of India has resulted in enhancing the ease of doing business. He highlighted that the government is specially focused on public service delivery and good governance. 
• The DBT scheme has enhanced transparency in service delivery and reduced corruption. 
• Throwing light on Digital Transactions, Prime Minister Modi said, today in India Unified Payment Interface, UPI is used at all levels from street vendors to big shopping malls.
• Covid had highlighted the importance of resilient and inclusive supply chains, and emphasized the importance of mutual trust and transparency for this. He also stressed that together BRICS can contribute significantly to global welfare, particularly of the Global South. The Prime Minister also invited BRICS business leaders to participate in India’s developmental journey.
• The three-day BRICS Summit is being held in Johannesburg under the Chairmanship of South Africa. Mr. Modi is participating in BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue event that is being held as part of the BRICS Summit activities

4th G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) Meeting to begin in Varanasi

• The 4th G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) Meeting will begin today in Varanasi. It will culminate in the Culture Ministers’ Meeting (CMM) on 26th of this month. Delegates from G20 member nations, invitee countries, and various international organizations will attend it.  Building upon the success of the previous three CWG meetings in Khajuraho, Bhubaneswar, and Hampi, as well as the four Global Thematic Webinars, the 4th CWG meeting in Varanasi aims to arrive at actionable outcomes while positioning culture at the heart of policy-making.
• he delegates will have the opportunity to experience the world-renowned Ganga Aarti on the banks of the river Ganga and explore the beautiful history of the lion capital of Sarnath. The G20 Global Orchestra performance titled “Sur Vasudha'' celebrating the rich musical knowledge and heritage of G20 member nations and invitee countries will be presented in Varanasi.

Also Read: Weekly Current Affairs (Economy) 22-28 July 2023 Bitbank: To how many percent India's GDP Growth forecast cut by FICCI Survey?

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INTERNATIONAL
Indian Coast Guard signs MoU with Philippine Coast Guard to enhance maritime cooperation

• Indian Coast Guard has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine Coast Guard to enhance maritime cooperation. The implementation of this MoU will enhance bilateral maritime cooperation between the two nations for ensuring safe, secure, and clean seas in the region.
• The MoU was signed by the Director General of Indian Coast Guard Rakesh Pal and the Commandant of Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Artemio M Abu in New Delhi. Both sides held their first bilateral meeting on a range of maritime issues.
• The MoU seeks to enhance the professional linkage between the two Coast Guards in the domain of Maritime Law Enforcement, Maritime Search and Rescue, and Marine Pollution Response. A five-member delegation of the Philippine Coast Guard is on an official tour of India from 20 to 24th August.

ECONOMY
India, ASEAN agree to review FTA by 2025

• In a significant move, India and the ASEAN countries have come to an agreement to reevaluate their existing free trade pact for goods. The aim of this review is to address the existing trade imbalances and disparities between the two parties. The announcement was made by the Commerce Ministry, indicating the commitment to enhance bilateral trade relations.
• The Joint Committee of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), which was originally signed in 2009, convened to discuss the roadmap for revisiting the pact. The committee successfully finalized the terms of reference for commencing fresh negotiations, setting the stage for a comprehensive review of the trade agreement.
• The reviewed AITIGA will now move forward to the India-ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place in early September. At this summit, further guidance and direction will be provided, marking another crucial milestone in the journey towards a revitalized and balanced trade relationship between India and ASEAN.

ENVIRONMENT
Saudi Arabia Launches AI-Powered Program to Combat Desertification

• The Saudi Environment Ministry has launched a program to combat desertification using artificial intelligence (AI). The program, which is a collaboration between the ministry, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, aims to study the status of vegetative cover in the Kingdom and contribute to the goals of afforestation projects and the "Green Saudi" initiative.

• Desertification is a major challenge facing Saudi Arabia, an arid country that is already experiencing the effects of climate change. The program will use AI to analyze satellite imagery and other data to identify areas that are most vulnerable to desertification. Remote sensing technologies will be used to monitor vegetation cover, Rainfall, plant health and track its changes over time.
• The program will also develop strategies to mitigate the effects of desertification, such as planting trees and shrubs, improving water management, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The launch of the program is a significant step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to combat desertification and achieve its sustainability goals. The program will use cutting-edge technologies to help the Kingdom protect its natural resources and build a more sustainable future.
• In addition to the AI-powered program, Saudi Arabia is also implementing a number of other initiatives to combat desertification. These include the "Green Saudi" initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees across the country, and the "National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification", which is working to develop drought-resistant plants and improve water management practices.
• Saudi Arabia has activated 77 initiatives to help reach the three targets under the Saudi Green Initiative and achieve long-lasting positive change. The initiatives range from afforestation and biodiversity protection to emissions reduction and establishing new protected areas. Under SGI, Saudi Arabia is delivering against its aspirations to create a greener future for all, and is putting action and investment behind the country's commitment to sustainable development.
• The forthcoming Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum, to be held in Riyadh on 23-24 October, is set to be a milestone in the historic effort to transform the oil-based economy of Saudi Arabia into a cleaner and more sustainable one. In addition to planting 10 billion trees (covering 30 percent of total land area), the SGI aims to create vast protected zones, conserve marine life around the coasts and encourage alternative forms of agriculture. One key aspect of this sea change will be the contribution of technology to the greening of Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Arabia is around 2 million square kilometers in area, with multiple terrain types and a diverse mixture of vegetation, including forests, pastures, coastlines, and islands. Now, the government is deploying AI and remote sensing to make studying and monitoring these environments more efficient.

SPORTS
Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen ended in a draw after 35 moves, in Baku

• In Chess, the first game of the much-awaited final of the FIDE World Cup between Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen ended in a draw after 35 moves, in Baku, Azerbaijan last night.
• Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa to play with Carlsen in the second game tonight.
• Praggnanandhaa has faced Carlsen earlier also where he challenged the five-time world champion, defeating him thrice in the last 6 months. Each match is composed of two traditional games. If a tie occurs, a playoff occurs on the third day of the round. The tiebreak procedure involves two rapid games. If further resolution is required, two 'slow blitz' games are played.
• Meanwhile, Azerbaijan grandmaster Nijat Abasov defeated American grandmaster Fabiano Caruana. Fabiano must win tomorrow to take the match to tie-breaks. The player who prevails in this match wins the Bronze medal and secures a ticket to the FIDE Candidates World Cup.

Published date : 24 Aug 2023 10:31AM