CURRENT AFFAIRS: AUG 2023
CURRENT AFFAIRS: AUG 2023
1. Pedro Sanchez was formally named caretaker Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Spain
[B] Ukraine
[C] Russia
[D] France
Correct Answer: A [Spain]
Pedro Sanchez was formally named Spain’s caretaker Prime Minister of an interim government.
The interim government that will remain in place until Spain resolves the political uncertainty that emerged from the inconclusive elections. If the political deadlock is not resolved in the coming months, Spain will likely have to hold a repeat election.
2. The First ever Aadhaar Centre in Indian Army has been inaugurated in which city/town?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Ladakh
[C] Guwahati
[D] Tawang
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
The inaugural ceremony of the first Permanent Aadhaar Enrolment Centre (PAEC) for the Army took place at 1 Central Base Post Office (CBPO) in New Delhi.
The PAEC is set up to provide convenient Aadhaar services, including enrolment and updates, for both Defence and civilian personnel of the tri-services, as well as their dependents. These services will be accessible through their Field Post Offices (FPO) at 48 designated locations across the country. The establishment of PAEC services is planned at all Command HQs, Corps HQs, and selected FPOs.
3. What is the theme of the ‘Summit on “Global Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturing Hubs in India”?
[A] Sustainability and Circularity
[B] Sustainability and Fertility
[C] Sustainability and Chemicals
[D] Sustainability and Manufacturing
Correct Answer: A [Sustainability and Circularity]
The 3rd edition of the Summit on “Global Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturing Hubs in India” was held recently.Themed “Sustainability and Circularity,” the summit was organized jointly by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
4. Which city hosted the ‘UK-India Defence and Military Technology Cooperation workshop’?
[A] New Delhi
[B] London
[C] Pune
[D] Liverpool
Correct Answer: B [London]
Recently, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based think tank, in collaboration with India’s Bharat Shakti defense platform, organized the UK-India Defence and Military Technology Cooperation workshop in London.
The workshop aimed to explore joint initiatives in defense research and industrial production, focusing on various themes such as the changing strategic context of UK-India defense relations, perspectives on India’s Atmanirbhar program, and the UK’s defense technology partnerships.
5. Which institution has released the guidelines on Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF)?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] Finance Ministry
[D] BSE
Correct Answer: B [SEBI]
The capital markets regulator – SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has released the guidelines for the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF).
The fund’s purpose is to serve as a backstop facility, facilitating the purchase of investment-grade corporate debt securities during times of market stress, thereby boosting confidence among participants in the corporate debt market.
6. Which European country has been qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024?
[A] Ireland
[B] Greece
[C] Spain
[D] Croatia
Correct Answer: A [Ireland]
Ireland, a rising force in international cricket, has secured its spot in the prestigious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Ireland remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, having registered victories against Italy, Denmark, Austria, and Jersey before their clash against Germany resulted in a washout.
7. India recently signed a MoU with which country to collaborate on the sharing of INDIA STACK?
[A] Papua New Guinea
[B] Malta
[C] Laos
[D] Thailand
Correct Answer: A [Papua New Guinea]
India and Papua New Guinea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the sharing of INDIA STACK.
It was signed between the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) of the Papua New Guinea and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India.
8. Which state is planning to launch Labour Bima Scheme?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Telangana
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
The Government of Telangana is planning to launch a scheme named Labour Bima on the lines of the existing scheme Rythu Bima.
It is an insurance scheme and the insurance coverage for the beneficiaries will be raised from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh. It is also proposed that the renewal period will be extended from five years to ten years.
9. Isle of Rum, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Scotland
[B] Australia
[C] Philippines
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: A [Scotland]
NASA is using rocks from Scotland’s Isle of Rum to practice testing methods for examining Martian rocks, as they share similarities in geological, mineral, and chemical content. The igneous rocks from the Isle of Rum exhibit comparable geological, mineral, and chemical characteristics to those discovered on Mars.
10. Which state/UT has approved ‘Water Tourism and Adventure Sports Policy, 2023’?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Goa
Correct Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh]
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Uttar Pradesh Water Tourism and Adventure Sports Policy, 2023.
The policy aims to transform the state into a water tourism and adventure sports hub, valid for 10 years from the date notified by the state government.
11. Which institution has developed a Point-Of-Care Testing (POCT) prototype to detect the UTI-causing bacteria?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Guwahati
[C] NIV
[D] AIIMS
Correct Answer: B [IIT Guwahati]
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is a health problem globally, including India, and is particularly common in females, especially during pregnancy.
The Point-Of-Care Testing (POCT) prototype developed at IIT Guwahati, is a photodetector that detects and quantifies a UTI-causing bacteria called ‘Klebsiella pneumoniae’ within five minutes from a patient’s urine sample.
12.Starlab station is a joint venture of Voyager Space and which institution?
[A] Boeing
[B] Airbus
[C] SpaceX
[D] Dhruv
Correct Answer: B [Airbus]
The International Space Station has entered its final phase of operation, with international agreements running until 2028-2030.
With a view to replace orbital complex as part of a public-private partnership, NASA has launched various programs. Voyager Space and Airbus announced the creation of a joint venture to build and operate the Starlab station. The joint venture will have a European JV entity to serve the European Space Agency and the space agencies of its member states.
13. Which city has deployed ‘AI-powered smart pedestrian crossing system’?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Dubai
[C] Paris
[D] Rome
Correct Answer: B [Dubai]
In collaboration with Derq, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) has successfully deployed 14 AI-based intelligent pedestrian crossing systems.
The newly implemented system utilizes AI algorithms specially designed to identify and monitor vehicles and other road users as they approach the pedestrian crosswalk.
14. As per recent data, what is the number of hours of housework per day done by women in India?
[A] Three hours
[B] Five hours
[C] Seven hours
[D] Nine hours
Correct Answer: C [Seven hours]
As per a recent survey, women do seven hours of housework per day and men under three hours in India.
The Tamil Nadu government launched camps to facilitate the registration of applicants for the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam, or women’s basic income scheme. The scheme will provide Rs. 1,000 per month to women in eligible households.
15. HSN code 8471, which was seen in the news, includes which category of products in trade?
[A] Medical Devices
[B] Electronic Gadgets
[C] Vaccines
[D] Food products
Correct Answer: B [Electronic Gadgets]
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has restricted imports of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers and ultra-small computers and servers under seven categories of HSN code 8471 to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce China’s majority share in imports.
16. Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Bill, 2023 aims to replace which act?
[A] Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRB) Act, 1867
[B] Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867
[C] Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRB) Act, 1992
[D] Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1992
Correct Answer: B [Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867]
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur introduced the Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha.
The bill aims to replace the current Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867, which regulates the registration of the print and publishing industry in India.
17. Which Union Ministry is associated with ‘Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023’?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Electronics and IT
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of External Affairs
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Electronics and IT]
After five years of negotiations, the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, was introduced in the Indian Parliament by the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
It recognizes both the rights of the individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process such personal data for lawful purposes.
18. Spectroscopic Investigations of Nebular Gas (SING) device, developed in India, is to be exported to which country?
[A] USA
[B] Germany
[C] Israel
[D] China
Correct Answer: D [China]
The export of the Spectroscopic Investigations of Nebular Gas (SING) device, which was meant for Tiangong space station, is being delayed because of export challenges between India and China.
It is designed to be among the nine global experiments conducted aboard Tiangong. SING is a small spectrograph payload designed to observe extended sources over a wide field of view (FOV) in the NUV range from 1400 to 2700.
19. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘Indian Web Browser Development Challenge’?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Science and Technology
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]
Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launches Indian Web Browser Development Challenge.
Challenge is spearheaded by MeitY, Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Bangalore. It aims to empower technology enthusiasts across the country to create an indigenous web browser with its own trust store, with an inbuilt CCA India root certificate and enhanced security & data privacy protection features.
20. Which country is set to launch ‘BRICS Startup Forum’ in 2023?
[A] Russia
[B] Brazil
[C] India
[D] China
Correct Answer: C [India]
India is gearing up to launch the BRICS Startup Forum in 2023. The forum seeks to foster cooperation and exchange of knowledge among startups, investors, incubators, and budding entrepreneurs.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal made the announcement during the seventh virtual BRICS Industry Ministers’ meeting held in South Africa.
21. Which city’s Metro Rail Corporation has launched ‘CarbonLite Metro Travel’ program?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Kolkata
[C] Chennai
[D] New Delhi
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
In a move to address climate change and advocate for eco-friendly transport, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has launched an innovative program, CarbonLite Metro Travel, to inform riders about their role in decreasing carbon footprints.
It educates riders on how their choice of metro trains contributes to reducing carbon emissions.
22. ‘Kalyanamasthu and Shaadi Tohfa’ schemes are implemented by which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy provided financial aid to qualified individuals under the ‘YSR Kalyanamasthu and YSR Shaadi Tohfa’ programs.
The financial assistance is provided to parents from poor financial backgrounds to help them perform their children’s marriage after their education. The YSR Kalyanamasthu is meant for the girls belonging to SC, ST, BC and Minorities, disabled, construction worker families, while the YSR Shaadi Tohfa is for the Muslim girls.
23. Which institution launched ‘SuSwagatam’ online system?
[A] Reserve Bank of India
[B] Chief Justice of India
[C] Union External Affairs
[D] NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: B [Chief Justice of India]
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud announced the launch of ‘SuSwagatam’, an online system for generating entry passes to the Supreme Court.
The new initiative eliminates the need for physical passes and long queues, ensuring easier access to the court premises.
24. RATIONS Trail, which was seen in the news, is associated with which disease?
[A] Cancer
[B] Tuberculosis
[C] COVID-19
[D] Diabetes
Correct Answer: B [Tuberculosis]
The RATIONS (Reducing Activation of Tuberculosis by Improvement of Nutritional Status) trial, published in the Lancet, discovered that nutritional support could reduce tuberculosis incidence by 39%-48% among close contacts of confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients.
This study involved 10,345 household contacts across four Jharkhand districts and was integrated into the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme.
25. Which institution released the ‘Guidelines on Doctor’s Refusal to Treat Patients’?
[A] AIIMS
[B] NMC
[C] IMA
[D] NIV
Correct Answer: B [NMC]
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued guidelines for registered modern medicine doctors, stating that they can reject treatment for aggressive patients, must prescribe generic drugs, and should use social media solely for educational purposes, not patient solicitation.
The comprehensive guidelines, spanning over 60 pages, cover aspects like prescription mentions, permissible advertisements, record-keeping, teleconsultation practices, and caution against receiving commissions or pharmaceutical-sponsored conference participation.
26. Lake Ohrid, which was seen in the news, is located in which continent?
[A] Asia
[B] Europe
[C] North America
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: B [Europe]
Lake Ohrid is a lake which spans the border between the southwestern part of North Macedonia and eastern Albania. It is one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes.
Scientists have uncovered what may be one of Europe’s earliest sedentary communities. Dating back 8,000 years, the homes built on stilts could be the oldest lakeside settlement ever found in Europe.
27. Parul Chaudhary, who was seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
[A] Steeplechase
[B] Javelin Throw
[C] Archery
[D] Shooting
Hide Answer
Correct Answer: A [Steeplechase]
Notes:
India’s Parul Chaudhary finished 11th in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
She set a new National Record and also went past the entry standard for Paris Olympics. Parul clocked 9:15.31s and broke the record set during Rio Olympics in 2016 while also finishing under 9:23.00s, the qualification mark for Paris Olympics
28. Which state/UT is the host of ‘Global Summit on Traditional Medicine’?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] West Bengal
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
A first-of-its-kind global summit on Traditional Medicine, organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and co-hosted by the Ministry of Ayush, took place at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
This exhibition serves as a comprehensive display of Traditional Medicine worldwide and will showcase the interconnectedness of Traditional Medicine with the natural environment in the form of ‘Kalpavriksha’.
29. ‘Full-time children’ is a popular concept of which country?
[A] USA
[B] Japan
[C] China
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: C [China]
A new trend in China is becoming popular recently. It is being employed as full-time children to one’s own parents. Youth employment has been a national concern in China, parents hire their own kids full-time on a specific payment. In June 2023, the rate of employment among 16 to 24-year-old people was 21.3%.
As per reports these full time kids are paid closer to 8,000 Yuan a month which is the average salary in China.
30. What is Earendel, which was seen in the news?
[A] Exoplanet
[B] Star
[C] Vaccine
[D] Dinosaur species
Correct Answer: B [Star]
In March 2022, astronomers announced the discovery of the farthest known star via an image taken by the Hubble Space Telescope.
They named it Earendel, after the old English name for “morning star”. Recently, James Webb Space Telescope’s Near-infrared Camera (NIRCam) and its NIRSpec spectrometer have taken a look at the same star and revealed that it is a hydrogen-burning star. Compared to the Sun, it’s twice as hot and a million times more luminous.
31. India’s first-ever night street racing circuit has been launched in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Odisha
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
A new street circuit, which will also hold night races, was launched by the Tamil Nadu government and RRPL in Chennai.
The state government has partnered with Racing Promotions Private Limited (RRPL) for the project. RRPL is also the promoter of the Indian Racing League and F4 Indian Championship.
32. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) is set to install intrusion detection systems (IDS) in which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Telangana
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
To prevent death of elephants due to train hits, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has decided to install intrusion detection systems (IDS) at sensitive locations of elephant passing zones and elephant corridors in Odisha.
IDS is based on artificial intelligence (AI) and existing optical fibres will be used as sensors to identify movements of elephants at locations and alert control offices, station masters, gatemen and loco pilots.
33. ‘Luna-25’ is the Lunar Mission of which country?
[A] Israel
[B] UAE
[C] Japan
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: D [Russia]
Russia’s first lunar mission in nearly five decades, Luna-25, crashed into Moon a day after it had spun into uncontrolled orbit.
The lunar mission was Russia’s first since 1976, when it was part of the Soviet Union. Only three governments have managed successful moon landings: the Soviet Union, the United States and China.
34. Akhil Sheoran, who was seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
[A] Shooting
[B] Archery
[C] Cricket
[D] Tennis
Correct Answer: A [Shooting]
Akhil Sheoran clinched the bronze and the Olympic quota in the 50-metre rifle 3-position event in the World Championship, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Akhil Sheoran along with Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Niraj Kumar won the team gold, one point ahead of Austria.
35. Which country has unveiled its latest domestically built drone named “Mohajer-10”?
[A] Israel
[B] UAE
[C] Iran
[D] Malaysia
Correct Answer: C [Iran]
Iran unveiled its latest domestically built drone named “Mohajer-10” with enhanced capabilities like flying at a higher altitude, for a longer duration and the ability to carry a greater payload.
The new drone can fly up to a maximum duration of 24 hours at an altitude of 7,000 metres with an operational range of 2,000 kilometres. The payload capacity can reach 300 kilograms, double the capacity of the “Mohajer-6” drone.
36. Who is the head of the steering Committee formed to draft the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE)?
[A] K Kasturirangan
[B] Justice Chandru
[C] Dharmendra Pradhan
[D] Amartya Sen
Correct Answer: A [K Kasturirangan]
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) released National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE).
It was drafted by the Union Government-appointed national steering committee headed by K Kasturirangan.
37. Which country emerged as the champions of the inaugural Women’s Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier?
[A] India
[B] Malaysia
[C] China
[D] South Korea
Correct Answer: A [India]
In the finals held in Salalah (Oman), India’s women’s hockey team secured a 7-2 victory against Thailand, emerging as the champions of the inaugural Women’s Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier.
With this win, India has also earned their spot in the World Cup set to take place in Muscat from January 24-27 next year.
38. Which institution issued draft regulations for commitment, settlement provisions?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Competition Commission of India
[C] DPIIT
[D] CBIC
Correct Answer: B [Competition Commission of India]
Fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) issued the draft regulations for commitment and settlement provisions under the competition law.
The provisions, introduced in the Competition Act through the amendments made earlier this year, are aimed at ensuring quicker market correction.
39. Which institution has recommended a 5-year license for food business operators?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] FSSAI
[C] FCI
[D] NABARD
Correct Answer: B [FSSAI]
Food regulator FSSAI said a central advisory committee has recommended that licenses to food business operators (FBOs) can be issued for up to five years instead of one year.
FSSAI will train the food handlers in hygiene protocols such as Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP).
40. Which state launched the ‘Manav Sampada Portal’ to instill transparency in administrative procedures?
[A] Bihar
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh]
The Uttar Pradesh Government launched the ‘Manav Sampada Portal’ aiming to instil transparency in administrative procedures.
This initiative, according to an official statement, intends to bring the “activities of officers and employees from various departments into the public domain through the portal”. Pertinent details concerning their appointments, leave management, transfers, and retirements will be accessible on the platform.
41. ‘NAMASTE’ is a scheme launched by which Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and?
[A] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[D] Ministry of Rural Development
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment]
To eliminate hazardous cleaning, stop deaths of sewer and septic tank workers and ensure their safety and dignity, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) have jointly formulated a scheme namely National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE).
The scheme is to be implemented in all 4800+ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of the country, during the three years up to 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs. 349.70 crore.
