August 18, 2023 Daily Current Affairs: Highlights & PDF Download in Hindi

Catch up on the significant events of August 18, 2023, in this daily current affairs recap. Stay informed and access the downloadable PDF for comprehensive details.

📢 Current affairs : The Day in Review – August 18, 2023 📢

In the fast-paced world of today, staying informed about the latest events is essential. On August 18, 2023, several noteworthy occurrences took place that have the potential to shape our future. From global developments to local happenings, this article provides a concise overview of the day’s most important events.

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1. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav & Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat Food Festival

The Ministry of Tourism is set to host the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav & Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat Food Festival in New Delhi from 18th to 20th August 2023. This festival aims to celebrate India’s diverse cuisines and foster unity among states. With participation from 23 states and UTs, including handicraft exhibitions, the event supports the “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative, aligning with the promotion of domestic tourism. Join the festivities to explore India’s rich culture, heritage, and the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.

2. Launch of Project 17A Stealth Frigate – Vindhyagiri

The Ministry of Defence proudly launched the sixth Stealth Frigate of Project 17A, named Vindhyagiri, at GRSE shipyard. The launch witnessed the presence of dignitaries, including the Hon’ble President of India. Vindhyagiri stands as a testament to India’s indigenous engineering capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. These Project 17A Frigates showcase advanced technology, contributing to self-reliance in warship building. The launch was an occasion to commend the Warship Design Bureau and Naval Teams, highlighting Vindhyagiri’s significance in upholding national values and security commitment.

3. ESIC Enrolls 20.27 Lakh New Workers

June 2023 saw the enrollment of 20.27 lakh new workers by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). This includes 9.77 lakh young employees aged up to 25 years. The scheme also registered 24,298 new establishments, expanding social security coverage. Noteworthy inclusivity was showcased by enrolling 3.87 lakh female members and 71 transgender employees. This data is provisional, reflecting ongoing efforts in data generation for the scheme’s continued expansion.

4. Mobile User Protection Reforms by Ministry of Communications

The Ministry of Communications has introduced two critical reforms for Mobile User Protection to enhance the digital ecosystem’s safety. These reforms include fresh KYC for SIM swap/replacement, alongside the addition of facial-based biometric authentication. Complete KYC for business connections is now mandated, along with POS registration reforms requiring mandatory registration of franchisees, agents, and distributors. These efforts, along with the Sanchar Saathi initiative, underscore the commitment to customer protection and security in the digital landscape.

5. FloodWatch App Launched by Central Water Commission

The Chairman of the Central Water Commission, Shri Kushvinder Vohra, introduced the FloodWatch mobile app. This app offers real-time flood forecasts to the public, enhancing risk mitigation during floods. FloodWatch provides information and forecasts for up to 7 days in English and Hindi. Utilizing advanced technologies and real-time river flow data, the app employs interactive maps to depict flood situations across India. Available on Android devices, it will soon be accessible on Apple iOS, enabling accurate forecasts and promoting public awareness.

6. TRAI Extends Deadline for Consultation Paper

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the deadline for receiving comments and counter comments on the supplementary consultation paper regarding data communication services between aircraft and ground stations. The new deadline for written comments is 24.08.2023, and for counter comments, it is 31.08.2023. Stakeholders can send their views to Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor (Network, Spectrum & Licensing), TRAI, preferably in electronic form. For more information, reach out to Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi at +91-11-23210481.

7. Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

The first-ever World Health Organization Global Summit on Traditional Medicine took place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, alongside the G20 health ministerial meet. Over 75 nations participated in the event, emphasizing the relevance of traditional medicine in modern healthcare. The summit aimed to propose recommendations for a dedicated forum within future G20 presidencies, promoting the integration of traditional medicine. India’s achievements in traditional medicine education, research, and public health were showcased in the Ayush Exhibition Zone.

8. Y20 Summit Promotes Innovation and Collaboration

The Y20 Summit, hosted by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports, began with a visit to the Super Computing Centre and Precision Engineering Hub at Benaras Hindu University. The summit focused on research, innovation, and startup culture, engaging experts and delegates from G20 countries. Sessions delved into various themes, culminating in the Y20 Communiqué that reflects a shared vision. The summit’s inaugural session was attended by esteemed leaders, including Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, and Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

9. Barh Super Thermal Power Project’s Unit #2 Dedication

Union Power Minister Shri R. K. Singh will dedicate NTPC’s 660 MW Barh Super Thermal Power Project’s Unit #2 in Bihar on August 18, 2023. This commissioning marks a significant step toward providing reliable and affordable power. The Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the extension of POWERGRID’s Lakhisarai Sub-station, supporting industrial and commercial development while aligning with energy demand.

10. India MedTech Expo 2023: Promoting Medical Device Innovation

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the India MedTech Expo 2023. This expo highlights India’s potential to lead in the medical devices sector, fostering innovation and domestic manufacturing. The event resonates with Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s vision and initiatives promoting infrastructure development and reducing import dependency. The expo underscores the strength of India’s medical devices ecosystem and aims to promote an environment for innovation.

11. Clarification on AB PM-JAY Beneficiaries’ Treatments

Media reports suggesting dead AB PM-JAY beneficiaries receiving treatment are misleading. Hospitals can request pre-authorization up to 3 days post admission, causing cases where patients pass away before approval. CAG highlighted treatments for declared dead beneficiaries, but hospitals reported deaths. The report included public hospitals, which lack incentive for fraud. Deaths during treatment necessitate mandatory mortality reports. Patient eligibility can change from private to scheme-covered, and instances of a patient treated at 2 hospitals due to the scheme’s child-parent usage were noted. Efforts are underway to enhance system integrity based on CAG recommendations.

12. India Shares INDIA STACK with Trinidad and Tobago

India signed a MoU with Trinidad and Tobago to share INDIA STACK, encompassing open APIs and digital public goods for identity, data, and payment services. Collaboration emphasizes digital transformation through capacity building, training, best practice exchange, and pilot solutions. India Stack’s global expansion aids countries in their digitalization efforts. Prime Minister Modi’s vision to offer India Stack globally is taking shape, with Trinidad and Tobago being the first to collaborate. This initiative facilitates startups, developers, and innovation, extending India’s digital expertise.

13. 5G Network Security Enhancement with Indigenous Software

Indigenous software designed at IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, IIT Madras, is capable of detecting and preventing zero-day attacks on 5G networks. The software relies on automated testing and monitoring, vital due to the expanded attack surface in 5G. Leveraging advanced techniques like fuzzing and test oracles, the solution identifies vulnerabilities and has been tested in a 5G security lab for interoperability and multi-vendor issues. This pre-emotion mechanism reduces zero-day attacks, thus bolstering network security and credibility.

14. WHO South-East Asia’s Commitment to End TB

Member countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region have committed to accelerating efforts to end tuberculosis (TB) by 2030. The region adopted the Gandhinagar Declaration, aiming to establish high-level multisectoral commissions to monitor progress in ending TB and other priority diseases. The commitment follows up on progress towards ending TB, ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on TB in September, emphasizing the urgency of action.

15. Supreme Court’s Handbook to Combat Gender Stereotypes

The Supreme Court released a handbook to combat gender stereotypes in court language, promoting gender equality in judicial decisions. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stressed the role of language in reflecting societal perceptions. The handbook offers alternatives to gender-unjust terms and encourages judges to use inclusive language. The book acknowledges the impact of stereotypes on all genders and calls for vigilance against biases. The handbook underscores the influence of language on perceptions and advocates for fairness in legal communication.

16. Remembering Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Legacy

On his fifth death anniversary, India remembers Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s legacy. Known for his oratory skills and statesmanship, Vajpayee’s contributions to Indian politics remain significant. Leaders including PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu paid respects at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial. Vajpayee’s leadership embodied resilience, innovation, and diplomacy. His retirement marked by the Bharat Ratna award, he served as India’s Prime Minister twice and played a pivotal role in shaping India’s nuclear policies and diplomatic relations.

17. Russia and Iran’s Talks on BRICS Membership

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi engaged in discussions about Iran’s potential membership in the BRICS group. Bilateral relations and collaboration on trade, transport, logistics, environmental protection, and energy were also explored. This dialogue highlights the growing interest in BRICS expansion, as numerous countries, including Argentina and Iran, express their desire to join. The upcoming BRICS summit in South Africa will delve into these expansion discussions.

18. China’s Defense Minister’s Visit to Belarus

China’s Defense Minister, Li Shangfu, embarked on a three-day visit to Belarus to strengthen military ties. Amid concerns about security along NATO countries’ borders due to Russian mercenaries in Belarus and migrant flows, Li’s visit underscores China and Russia’s close relationship. Belarus, a staunch ally of Russia, plays a significant role in this diplomatic interaction, attracting international attention given the current geopolitical context.

19. ECOWAS Military Chiefs Address Crisis in Niger

Military leaders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened in Accra to discuss the ongoing crisis in Niger. The meeting aimed to prepare for potential military intervention if junta leaders fail to negotiate a peaceful return to constitutional order. ECOWAS remains committed to addressing the aftermath of the coup in Niger, engaging with the junta and international partners to restore stability to the region.

20. Heartwarming Independence Day Celebration in UAE

A heartwarming Independence Day celebration took place at the HK Rehab Centre in Sharjah, UAE. 45 children with disabilities from the Neurodevelopmental Therapeutic Centre and World Malayalee Council joined, symbolizing unity and strength. The children sang the national anthem, raised the flag, and showcased their achievements. This event highlighted the strong bond between India and the UAE and underscored the significance of inclusion and accessibility.

21. INS Visakhapatnam and INS Deepak Strengthen Bilateral Ties

The port call of INS Visakhapatnam and INS Deepak in Bahrain, coinciding with India’s 77th Independence Day, is set to bolster bilateral ties. Rear Admiral Vineet S McCarty led an Indian Navy delegation that engaged with Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Discussions focused on the importance of mutual cooperation, strengthening diplomatic relations, and promoting collaboration across various domains.

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