Current Affairs Quiz 16th August 2023 Quiz

Exp. Goa to give free IVF treatment in govt hospital

Goa has become the first Indian state to offer free in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

The inauguration of this service, alongside assisted reproductive technology (ART) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), was done by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the Goa Medical College (GMC) in Bambolim.

Depending on the hospital and the kind of IVF treatment, the cost of IVF in India comes between Rs 70,000 to Rs 3 lakh per cycle.

The service is already receiving a good response, with approximately 100 parents registering with GMC to access the IVF facility located within its super-specialty block.

About Goa

• Formation – 30 May 1987
• Capital – Panaji
• Chief Minister – Pramod Sawant
• Governor – S. Sreedharan Pillai

Exp. Govt planning skill training for 2 crore women under ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme

The government is planning skill development training for two crore women under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme that aims to encourage them to start micro-enterprises.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, said “It is my dream to make two crore lakhpati didis in villages”.

The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme has been in place in some states and now the government is planning to train two crore women under it.

Women would be trained in skills like plumbing, LED bulb making and operating and repairing drones among others.

Prime Minister Modi also said it is now being seen that more than men, women are studying STEM. He further said that the G-20 has also acknowledged India’s approach of women-led development.

Exp. Infosys bags $1.6 billion deal with telecom firm Liberty Global

Indian IT services company, Infosys has bagged a €€1.5 billion ($1.64 billion) deal from Liberty Global to build and scale the entertainment and connectivity platforms of the digital communications firm.

The agreement has an initial tenure of five years which can be extended to eight years, which would take the deal value to €€2.3 billion ($2.5 billion).

This is the third big agreement, which Infosys has clinched this year and comes at a time when the company has cut its revenue guidance for the current fiscal amidst tough macroeconomic conditions.

Infosys’ deal follows, HCLTech, which last week a bagged a $2.1- billion contract from Verizon.

Three months back, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)-led consortium also received an order of Rs 15,000 crore ($1.8 billion) from BSNL, for the deployment of a 4G network across India.

Last month, even L&T Technology Services announced that it has won $50 million deal in the same vertical.

Exp. G20 Digital Economy Working Group meetings begin in Bengaluru

The 4th G20 Digital Economy Working Group and Digital Economy Ministerial meetings will be held in Bengaluru from August 16th to 19th.

During the deliberations under the G20 India Presidency, various issues relating to digital information, service delivery to citizens and growth of the digital economy will be discussed.

There would be the Digital Innovation Alliance summit on August 17 and 18th to recognize and support innovators from various G20 member countries and Guest countries.

G20 in News (Note – All Meetings are Under the Presidency of G20 by India)

• 3rd G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting – Kolkata, West Bengal (9 – 10 August 2023)
• Think20 Secretariat Summit – Mysuru, Karnataka (31 July – 2 August 2023)
• G20 Empower Summit – Gandhinagar, Gujarat (1 – 2 August 2023)
• G20 Green & Sustainable Growth Agenda for Global Economy Meeting – New Delhi (28 – 29 July 2023)

Exp. RBI imposes monetary penalty on four co-operative banks for violating rules

The Reserve Bank has imposed monetary penalties on four co-operative banks for deficiencies in regulatory compliance.

These banks are — Baroda Gujarat Gramin Bank, Vadodara, The Aska Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Bally Cooperative Bank Ltd., Howrah and The Nabapalli Co-operative Bank Ltd., West Bengal.

RBI imposed a penalty of Rs 2.50 lakh on Nabapalli Co-operative Bank, West Bengal and Rs 1 lakh on Bally Co-operative Bank, West Bengal.

The penalty on Aska Cooperative Bank, Aska (Odisha) was Rs 50,000 and on Baroda Gujarat Gramin Bank, Vadodara (Gujarat) was Rs 5 lakh.

The central bank said that the penalties were due to deficiencies in regulatory compliance by the banks.

Exp. India to become 3rd largest economy by 2027: SBI chief economist

The Group Chief Economic Advisor at the State Bank of India (SBI), Soumya Kanti Ghoshon has reiterated that India is likely to become the third-largest economy by 2027.

Indian economy is currently ranked fifth and is behind the US, China, Japan, and Germany.

In 2014, India was the 10th largest economy. In 2022, India became the fifth-largest economy overtaking the UK. And most likely in the next couple of years, by 2027, India will become the third largest economy, just after US and China.

India to become a developed country by 2047. And that is actually a true reflection of unity in diversity. And that is possibly the best gift that India could get in its hundred years of independence.

Exp. Anwarul Haq Kakar sworn in as Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister

Anwarul Haq Kakar was sworn in as Pakistan’s caretaker prime minister to head a neutral political set-up to run the cash-strapped country and conduct the next general elections.

President Arif Alvi administered the oath to 52-year-old Kakar at a simple ceremony held at the President House, attended by outgoing prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and several top leaders.

He became the 8th interim prime minister of Pakistan.

Kakar formally resigned from the Senate and the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), solidifying his commitment to the neutrality demanded by his current position.

Newly Appointed Prime Minister & President

• PM of Greece – Kyriakos Mitsotakis (2nd term)
• PM of Finland – Petteri Orpo (replace Sanna Marin)
• President of Latvia – Edgars Rinkevics
• President of Turkey – Recep Tayyip Erdogan (re-elected)
• President of Nigeria -Bola Ahmed Tinubu
• President of Paraguay – Santiago Peña

Exp. 954 Police personnel awarded Police Medals on Independence Day

A total of 954 Police personnel has been awarded Police Medals on the occasion of Independence Day.

The President’s Police Medal for Gallantry has been awarded to CRPF personnel and the Police Medal for Gallantry has been awarded to 229 personnel.

President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service has been awarded to 82 and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service to 642 personnel.

125 personnel from Left Wing Extremism affected areas, 71 personnel from Jammu and Kashmir region and 11 personnel from North East region are being awarded for their gallant action.

Among the majority of the 230 Gallantry Awards, 125 personnel from Left Wing Extremism affected areas, 71 personnel from Jammu & Kashmir region and 11 personnel from North East region are being awarded for their gallant action.

Among the personnel receiving Gallantry Awards, 28 are from CRPF, 33 are from Maharashtra, 55 are from J&K Police, 24 are from Chhattisgarh, 22 are from Telangana and 18 are from Andhra Pradesh the remaining from the other States/UTs and CAPFs.  

Exp. 53 personnel awarded Fire Service Medals on Independence Day 2023

A total of 53 personnel has been awarded Fire Service Medals on the occasion of Independence Day 2023.

Out of these, President’s Fire Service Medal for Gallantry is awarded to 03 personnel and Fire Service Medal for Gallantry is awarded to 01 personnel for their respective acts of valour and gallantry.

President’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service is awarded to 8 personnel and Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service is awarded to 41 personnel for their respective distinguished and meritorious records of services.

In addition, 48 personnel/volunteers are also awarded Home Guards & Civil Defence Medals on the occasion of Independence Day, 2023.

Exp. England pacer Steven Finn announces retirement from all forms of Cricket

England fast bowler Steven Finn has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

He suffered a knee injury that kept him out of action for most of 2023 and led to him calling time on his 18-year career.

Finn played 36 Tests, 69 ODIs and 21 T20Is after making his international debut in 2010 against Bangladesh.

He showed his wares early in his career, returning 14 wickets in England’s win in the men’s Ashes of 2010-11.

He also picked up 12 wickets – the second-most for England – in the 2015 Ashes that they won. Overall, he finished with 125 wickets in Tests, 102 in ODIs and 27 in T20Is.

Recently Retired Players

• Alex Hales – International Cricket – England
• Manoj Tiwary – All forms of cricket – India
• Diego Godin – Professional Football – Uruguay
• Stuart Broad – International Cricket – England
• Lahiru Thirimanne- International Cricket – Sri Lanka
• Nahida Khan – International Cricket – Pakistan
• Shabnim Ismail – International Cricket – South Africa
• Gary Ballance – All forms of cricket – England
• Shaun Marsh – First-class cricket – Australia
• Sergio Ramos – International football – Spain

Exp. Woakes named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July 2023

England all-rounder Chris Woakes was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July 2023.

The Englishman beat compatriot Zak Crawley and Netherlands’ Bas de Leede to claim the honour.

He bagged the Player-of-the-Match at the Oval and was also named the Player-of-the-Series for his 19 wickets in three matches at an average of 18.15.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month

• January 2023 – Shubman Gill (India)
• February 2023 – Harry Brook (England)
• March 2023 – Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
• April 2023 – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
• May 2023 – Harry Tector (Ireland)
• June 2023 – Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

Exp. Ashleigh Gardner becomes 1st Australian to win consecutive ICC awards

Ashleigh Gardner of Australia has achieved a historic feat by becoming the first Australian cricketer to secure the ICC Player of the Month Award in back-to-back months.

Ashleigh Gardner has become the first-ever Australian cricketer to win the ICC Player of the Month award in consecutive months.

For her outstanding performances in the month of July, Gardner emerged victorious in the ICC POTM award.

This victory marks the fourth occasion that she has clinched this prestigious monthly accolade, surpassing fellow all-rounders Ellyse Perry and Nat Sciver-Brunt in the race for the title.

Gardner played a pivotal role in both batting and bowling during the T20I leg of the Ashes series. Although she went without any wickets in the first and last matches, she contributed with the bat, scoring 31 and 32 runs. In the second T20I, she showcased her bowling prowess by capturing two wickets.

This marked the fourth time Gardner has won the coveted monthly award.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month

• November 2022 – Sidra Ameen (Pakistan)
• December 2022 – Ashleigh Gardner (Australia)
• January 2023 – Grace Scrivens (England)
• February 2023 – Ashleigh Gardner (Australia)
• March 2023 – Henriette Ishimwe (Rawanda)
• April 2023 – Naruemol Chaiwai (Thailand)
• May 2023 – Thipatcha Putthawong (Thiland)
• June 2023 – Ashleigh Gardner (Australia)

Exp. 16 August- Bennington Battle Day

Bennington Battle Day is observed annually on August 16, and stands as a revered state holiday in Vermont.

This commemorative day honors the valor and determination displayed by American and Vermont forces during the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Bennington in 1777.

The Battle of Bennington held substantial significance, marking a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

This pivotal encounter proved instrumental in securing Vermont for the American cause and lifting spirits dampened by a series of British successes. Furthermore, the battle’s outcome resulted in the capture of vital supplies crucially needed by the British.

The origins of Bennington Battle Day can be traced back to 1778 when the Vermont General Assembly passed a resolution to memorialize the valorous events of the battle. The inaugural formal celebration of Bennington Battle Day took place in 1780.

Exp. 16 August 2023 – Parsi New Year or Navroz

The Parsi New Year, also known as the festival of Navroz or Nowruz, falls between July and August in India.

In 2023, It has observed in India on 16 Aug. This day marks the beginning of the Zoroastrian calendar.

Navroz is a festival that marks the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature.

Derived from the Persian words ‘Nav’ and ‘Roz’ which literally translates to ‘new day’, the tradition of celebrating Parsi New Year is believed to have been observed by Iranians and Zoroastrians for the past 3,000 years.

Exp. Renowned author Hari Narke passes away in Mumbai

Renowned author and vice-president of Samata Parishad, Hari Narke passed away at the age of 70 in Mumbai.

Narke was the professor of Mahatma Phule chair at Savitribai Phule Pune University and a former member of the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission.

He was also a member of the Rangnath Pathare committee which was formed to collect evidence to prove Marathi as a classical language.