current affairs 18 August 2021 (In English)

Delhi AIIMS becomes 1st indian hospital to have fire Station inside hospital premises.

• The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has become the 1st hospital in India to have a fire station inside the hospital premises to deal with any emergency.
• For this, AIIMS has tied up with Delhi Fire Service (DFS).
• AIIMS will provide the infrastructure for the fire station and manpower etc. will be managed by DFS.

The Union Agriculture Minister inaugurated the world's 2nd largest refurbished gene bank.

• Farmers will get the facility of germplasm from the gene bank of National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa.
• The National Gene Bank was established in 1996 to conserve Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) seeds for future generations.
• The bank has the capacity to preserve about one million germplasm in the form of seeds.
• Presently, the National Gene Bank is protecting 4.52 lakh accessions, of which 2.7 lakh are Indian germplasm while the rest are imported from other countries.

Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar flagged off "Operation Blue Freedom".

• The Operation Blue Freedom campaign involves a team of disabled people from across the country reaching the Siachen Glacier
• To set a new world record for the largest team of disabled people to reach the world's highest battlefield.
• The team of people with disabilities was coached by Team Claw, a team of veterans of the Armed Forces.
• The expedition was undertaken till Kumar Post (Siachen Glacier).

HCL Foundation launched "My e-Haat" portal to promote handicrafts sector.

• My e-Haat initiative will be a unique model (A2C) where artisans will directly connect with the customer in the years to come.
• This will enhance the value chain of the handicrafts sector of India.
• The portal will help in showcasing the talent of skilled craftsmen from across the country to the world.
• It will also increase their recognition, appreciation and remuneration.
• At present, over 30 partners with over 600 products from eight states are listed on the portal.

PM Modi announced Rs 100 trillion Gatishakti scheme for overall infrastructure development.

• Pradhan Mantri Gatishakti initiative which will create employment opportunities for the youth of the country and help in overall infrastructure development.
• The scheme aims to break down silos (underground chamber) within the transport network to reduce travel time and improve industrial productivity.
• PM Modi has set a target of energy independent India by 2047.