Explore the significant events of August 31, 2023, covering international news, national growth initiatives, sports victories, business happenings, cultural festivities, and pageant achievements. Stay informed and engaged with this comprehensive summary.
Current Affairs Highlights – August 31, 2023
In this edition of our daily highlights, we bring you a curated selection of news and events that shaped August 31, 2023. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to cultural celebrations, join us in exploring the diverse and dynamic happenings from around the world.
🌐 International News:
- Canada Identifies New Omicron Variant: Canada has identified its first case of the highly mutated BA.2.86 variant of the Omicron coronavirus. Although the variant has over 35 mutations compared to previous variants, experts believe existing immune defenses from vaccinations and prior infections will mitigate severe surges.
🇮🇳 National News:
- NITI Aayog’s Growth Hub Program for Economic Development: The Growth Hub Program by NITI Aayog focuses on urbanization for economic development, collaborating with state governments and experts to create growth strategies for city-regions. Initial pilot cities include Mumbai, Surat, and Vishakhapatnam, with a goal to achieve a $35-$45 trillion economy by 2047.
- Aadhaar Payments Bridge System (APBS) Extended: The APBS has been extended for wage payments under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS until December 31, 2023. This system ensures timely payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) using Aadhaar, benefiting beneficiaries and curbing corruption.
- National Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day: Celebrating the sector’s contribution to India’s economy, MSMEs comprise 40% of industrial production, provide diverse products, and generate employment. They are supported by government policies like tax exemptions and Udyam Registration.
- Price Reduction for LPG Cylinders: The Union Cabinet has reduced the price of a 14.2 kg LPG cooking gas cylinder by ₹200 as a gift before Raksha Bandhan and Onam. This move aims to provide relief to consumers amid rising inflation and upcoming elections.
- India’s First Sun Mission “Aditya L-1”: India’s first Sun mission, “Aditya L-1,” is scheduled for launch in September. The spacecraft will provide continuous observations of the Sun from Lagrange point-1 (L1), 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.
- ISRO Confirms Sulphur Presence on Moon: ISRO’s Pragyan rover on Chandrayaan-3 confirmed the presence of sulphur and various other elements near the southern pole of the Moon. This discovery is groundbreaking and could indicate potential for water ice.
- Chandrayaan-3 Mission Praised: The Union Cabinet passed a resolution praising ISRO’s success with the Chandrayaan-3 mission and declared August 23rd as “National Space Day.” The achievement strengthens India’s space sector and inspires youth interest in science.
- CSIR Introduces Electric Tractor for Farmers: CSIR introduced the CSIR PRIMA ET11, a compact 100% Pure Electric Tractor aimed at small Indian farmers. It addresses sustainability concerns with indigenous design and Lithium-ion battery technology.
- Tractor Testing Rules Streamlined: The Government streamlines tractor testing rules to enhance ease of doing business and efficient governance, promoting trust-based governance and supporting the agricultural sector.
- U.S.-India Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform: The U.S. Department of Energy and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy launched RETAP to advance renewable technologies and accelerate the clean energy transition.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana Success: The ABRY scheme has surpassed its initial target for employment generation, reflecting its significant contribution to job market revival during the pandemic.
- Global IndiaAI 2023 Conference: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will host the Global IndiaAI 2023 conference in October to shape the future impact of AI on multiple sectors.
- Partnership for Empowerment of Marginalized Workers: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment partners with NSKFDC to uplift marginalized communities through safety, education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable employment.
- Kolkata Metro’s Sustainability Initiative: Kolkata Metro Railway plans to replace its steel third rail with a composite aluminum third rail, improving traction efficiency, reducing energy costs, and enhancing overall system performance.
- Project 17A Frigate Launch: The last Project 17A Frigate, Mahendragiri, will be launched on September 1, 2023, contributing to India’s self-reliant defense capabilities.
🏆 Sports News:
- US Open Tennis Updates: Iga Swiatek advances in US Open Tennis, while Novak Djokovic wins in men’s singles. Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina also progress. Notably, Tsitsipas was eliminated by Dominic Stephan Stricker.
📰 Business News:
- ISRO Chairman Praises PM Modi’s Support for Space Missions: Former ISRO Chairman Shri G. Madhavan Nair praises PM Narendra Modi’s support for the Chandrayaan mission and space technology.
- Union Minister Celebrates National Small Industries Day: Union Minister Shri Narayan Rane celebrates ‘National Small Industries Day,’ highlighting training initiatives and contributions of technology centers to self-reliance and high-quality product manufacturing.
🎉 Cultural & Lifestyle News:
- Onam Celebrations in the UAE: The Malayali community in the UAE celebrates Thiruvonam, the highlight of Onam festivities, showcasing tradition, heritage, and unity through activities like Onasadhya and a floral art piece.
👑 Pageant News:
- Miss Earth India 2023 Crowned: Priyan Sain from Jaipur, Rajasthan, is crowned Miss Earth India 2023 and will represent India at the Miss Earth 2023 pageant in Vietnam.
Also Read Education News Update – August 31, 2023
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