Daily Current Affairs 7 August 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 7 August 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, FISU World University Games 2023, Sports Authority of India, Javelin Throw Day, National Handloom Day 2023.

Top 14 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 7 August 2023

National News

1.Prime Minister launches Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in 13 railway stations

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) via video link to initiate the rejuvenation of 13 railway stations across the country.
• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) aims to transform and revitalize 1,309 railway stations across the nation, enhancing the overall passenger experience and making them world-class travel hubs.
• As part of this initiative, work on 508 stations in various States commenced, with an investment of ₹25,000 crore. In the State, 13 railway stations will receive a modern makeover with an investment of ₹303 crore.

2.India imposes anti-dumping duty on optical fibre imports from China, Korea and Indonesia

• Based on the recommendations of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the revenue department has imposed an anti-dumping duty on Dispersion Unshifted Single-Mode Optical Fiber (SMOF) imports from China, South Korea and Indonesia.
• As reported by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the domestic optical fiber industry has experienced detrimental consequences due to the surge of inexpensive and substandard imports from these nations.
• In response to these challenges, the Finance Ministry has introduced anti-dumping duties on specific optical fiber imports originating from these countries, aiming to address the adverse impacts on the domestic industry resulting from the influx of such dumped imports.

International News

3.Iraq becomes 18th country recognised by WHO for eliminating Trachoma

• Iraq has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the 18th country to successfully eliminate trachoma as a public health concern. This achievement also marks Iraq as the fifth nation within the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region to accomplish this milestone.
• Additionally, the WHO has acknowledged Iraq as the 50th country to eliminate at least one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) on a global scale.The roadmap aims to address and combat 20 different diseases and disease groups through prevention, control, elimination, and eradication efforts.
• Trachoma is a contagious bacterial eye infection caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It primarily affects the surface of the eye and the inside of the eyelid.

State News

4.Bihar to Constitute ‘Rhino Task Force’ for Reintroduction of Rhino Conservation Scheme

• The Bihar government to constitute ‘Rhino Task Force’ for suggesting measures for the reintroduction of rhino conservation scheme in ‘Valmiki Tiger Reserve’ in West Champaran district.
• The state’s wildlife authorities have observed a substantial increase in the tiger population in VTR, prompting them to focus on reviving the rhino population in the region.
• Currently, there is only one rhino in VTR and 14 in Patna Zoo, but with the establishment of the ‘Rhino Task Force’, the authorities aim to bring back more rhino to the reserve.

Defence News

5.India launches ‘Neerakshi’ – Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for mine detection

• An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) designed to detect mines and a first of its kind in the country was launched. Named “Neerakshi” meaning “Eyes in the Water” is first of its kind in the country and is expected to undergo user trials by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Army before a commercial launch.
• The AUV named ‘Neerakshi’ is a collaboration of Kolkata-based warshipmaker Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd and MSME entity AEPL.
• The 2.15m long AUV will have an endurance of nearly 4 hours and is capable of operating up to a depth of 300m.

Banking News

6.HDFC Bank’s Jagdishan Highest Paid Bank CEO in FY23 with Rs 10.55cr Pay

• In the fiscal year 2023, Sashidhar Jagdidhan, the CEO of HDFC Bank has taken the top spot as the highest paid bank CEO.
• Sashidhar Jagdishan took over as CEO of the HDFC Bank in late 2020 and has shown exceptional leadership during his tenure. His contribution to the bank’s growth and profitability has been rewarded with a total remuneration of over Rs.10.55 crore in the FY23 which positions him as the highest-earning bank CEO in the country.
• Among other prominent bank CEOs, Amitabh Chaudhary of Axis Bank ranks high in terms of remuneration. With a payout of Rs.9.75 crore in FY23, he is among the highest-paid bank CEO in the country. Following closely is Sandeep Bakshi of ICICI Bank with the total earning of Rs.9.60 crore for FY23.

Sports News

7.FISU World University Games 2023, Complete Medal Tally

• The 31st installment of the World University Games, previously known as the Universiade, is currently taking place in Chengdu, People’s Republic of China, from July 28th to August 8th, 2023.
• This prestigious event brings together over 9,500 talented student-athletes from universities around the world, competing in 18 different sports, and vying for a total of 269 medals.
• Originally slated for 2021, the World University Games had to be rescheduled twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The previous edition, held in Naples in 2019, saw Japan emerge as the dominant nation, securing the highest position on the medal table. Japan clinched an impressive total of 82 medals, which included 33 gold, 21 silver, and 28 bronze.

8.SAI launched short movie series ‘Halla Bol’ Under ‘Cheer4India’ Campaign

• Sports Authority of India (SAI) under the Umbrella Campaign ‘Cheer4India’ has launched a short movie series ‘Halla Bol’ on the journey of Asian Games bound athletes to motivate them for Hangzhou Asian Games and spread awareness about the upcoming Asian Games.
• In the upcoming weeks, SAI has ambitious plans to release a total of 12 short films. This initiative aims to not only motivate athletes participating in the Asian Games 2023 but also to encourage the youth of the nation to embrace sports and pursue a career in the field.
• The first episode in the series was also unveiled which gave a glimpse onto the life of star Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra. The first video featuring Neeraj Chopra instantly became a hit on social media and has amassed massive views. The series is expected to rake in huge popularity as it focusses on the successful journey of athletes.

Important Days

9.India observes 3rd ‘Javelin Throw Day’ on August 07, 2023

• On August 7th, a remarkable chapter in Indian athletics history was etched into the annals of time. The Athletics Federation of India, the apex governing body for athletics in the nation, made a resounding decision to mark this day as National Javelin Day.
• This auspicious occasion is dedicated to celebrating the awe-inspiring achievement of Neeraj Chopra, a true champion who made an indelible mark on the global stage. This year nations observed 3rd Javelin Throw Day.

10.National Handloom Day 2023: Date, Significance and History

• The Indian government has chosen August 7 as the annual National Handloom Day, with the key objective of fostering the handloom industry and acknowledging the dedication and expertise of the weaving community.
• This sector’s artisans, weavers, and producers have been instrumental in safeguarding the rich cultural and traditional legacy of the nation. Additionally, the occasion aims to enhance the visibility and economic well-being of craftsmen and weavers by encouraging their active participation and support.
• This year nation celebrates 9th National Handloom Day.

11.Rabindranath Tagore death anniversary

• August 7 marks the death anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. He was a Bengali poet, novelist, musician, painter, and playwright who significantly transformed Bengali literature and music. Suffering from acute uraemia and a blockage in his urinary bladder, he passed away at the age of 80 on August 7, 1941.
• Tagore composed over 2,000 songs which created a separate genre, known as “Tagore songs”. His collection of poems, Gitanjali, created a paradigm shift in Bengali literature, while his songs did the same to Bengali music.
• He also wrote eight novels, 84 short stories and numerous poems in his prolific literary career spanned over almost seven decades. His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems: Bangladesh’s “Amar Shonar Bangla” and India’s “Jana Gana Mana“.

Ranks & Reports News

12.World rice price index jumps to near 12-year high in July: FAO report

• As reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the FAO All Rice Price Index witnessed a 2.8 percent escalation in July compared to the preceding month, with an average value of 129.7 points. This reflects an approximate 20 percent surge from the same period in the previous year and marks the most elevated level observed since September 2011.
• In the fiscal year 2022-23, India’s exports of non-basmati white rice amounted to USD 4.2 million, a notable increase from the previous year’s USD 2.62 million. Noteworthy destinations for India’s non-basmati white rice exports encompass the US, Thailand, Italy, Spain, and Sri Lanka.
• The Food and Agriculture Organization serves as a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to spearheading global initiatives aimed at eradicating hunger and enhancing both nutrition and food security.

Science and Technology News

13.Digital registry on organ transplants to streamline donations on cards

• The National Health Authority (NHA) and the Ministry of Health are actively engaged in the development of an Organ Donation Registry, aimed at introducing structural improvements to the National Organ Tissue Transplantation Organisation (NOTTO).
• The National Health Authority will transform these policies into a digital framework. This transformation will encompass the complete digitization and transparency of all organ transplantation processes. The availability of recipient and donor records will streamline the process of organ allocation for patients in critical need.
• The NOTTO is responsible for arranging organ transplantation operations throughout the nation. The establishment of this digital registry is anticipated to eradicate intermediaries within the system.

Obituaries News

14.Telangana folk singer Gaddar passes away

• Renowned folk singer and activist Gaddar, who had been battling severe heart disease, passed away at the age of 74.
• Gaddar, also known as Gummadi Vittal Rao, gained popularity primarily through his stage name. He earned the title of the people’s singer due to his songs that brought attention to various issues faced by the common people.

List of Awards won by Gaddar:

Important Current Affairs of 7th August 2023

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