Current Affairs august-16th-2023


International News

Anwarul Haq Kakar Takes Oath as Pakistan's Caretaker Prime Minister

Anwarul Haq Kakar, a prominent Pushtun leader with close military ties, has been sworn in as Pakistan's 8th and youngest caretaker prime minister. Kakar's role includes overseeing impartial administration, managing upcoming general elections, and addressing economic challenges.

Dutch Economy Faces Recession

The Dutch economy has entered a recession, contracting 0.3% in Q2, following a 0.4% decline in Q1. Factors include reduced consumer spending and exports. Inflation remains relatively high at around 6% in Q2, impacting employment with a projected rise in the unemployment rate.

 

State News

Goa Offers Free IVF Treatment in Govt Hospital

Goa Medical College now provides free IVF treatment, a pioneering move in India's healthcare landscape. The initiative aims to meet the rising demand for fertility solutions. Fertility business in India has grown 15-20% annually, addressing affordability concerns for couples seeking IVF.

Defence News

India Unveils 'Prabal,' First Long-Range Revolver

Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) is launching 'Prabal,' India's inaugural long-range revolver. This innovative 32 bore weapon features a side swing cylinder design, enhancing reloading efficiency and user comfort. Prabal's ergonomic design makes it accessible to a wide range of users.

INS Kulish Celebrates Singapore's Independence Day

INS Kulish participated in Singapore's 77th Independence Day celebration as part of the SEACAT 2023 exercise. The event strengthens diplomatic ties and cooperation, fostering constructive dialogues between Indian and Singaporean officials.

 

Economy News

India's Per Capita Income Projected to Surge by 2047

SBI Research projects India's per capita income to increase 7.5 times by 2047, reaching Rs 14.9 lakh per annum. The number of tax filers has risen significantly, from 2.1 million in FY13 to 85 million in FY23, with projections of 482 million by FY47.

Govt Adjusts Windfall Tax on Crude Oil and Diesel

The Indian government raises the windfall profit tax on domestically produced crude oil and exported diesel, along with reinstating tax on overseas ATF shipments. These measures ensure fair wealth distribution and prevent excessive profits.

Wholesale Price Deflation Narrows, Driven by Food Prices

Wholesale Price Index (WPI) deflation reduces from -4.1% to -1.36% in July, influenced by a surge in food and primary article prices. Primary food article inflation reaches 14.3%, with significant price spikes in vegetables.

Retail Inflation Hits 15-Month High in July

Retail inflation in India rises to 7.44% in July, driven by increased vegetable, cereals, and pulses prices. Urban and rural consumers experience notable food inflation, reflecting swift inflationary pressures.

Business News

Viacom18 Completes Merger of JioCinema and Voot

Viacom18 successfully merges JioCinema and Voot OTT platforms, consolidating its digital presence. The merger simplifies access to content under the JioCinema brand.

Appointments News

R Doraiswamy Appointed as LIC Managing Director

Doraiswamy takes over as Managing Director of LIC, contributing to India's largest insurance company's administration and growth.

Sports News

Neymar Jr Joins Al-Hilal from PSG

Brazil's Neymar Jr signs with Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain, continuing his football journey.

Science and Technology News

Chandrayaan-3 Nears Moon After Orbit Reduction Maneuver

ISRO advances Chandrayaan-3 mission with successful orbit reduction maneuvers, positioning the spacecraft closer to the moon.

Obituaries News

Former India Football Captain Mohammed Habib Passes Away

Legendary footballer Mohammed Habib, a former India captain, passes away, leaving a legacy of excellence.

Miscellaneous News

CSIR-NBRI Introduces 'Namoh 108' Lotus Variety

CSIR-NBRI launches 'Namoh 108,' an extraordinary lotus variety with 108 petals, dedicated to the nation on Independence Day. This variety is a result of meticulous research and genome sequencing, ensuring its longevity.