Current Affairs Quiz 22nd August 2023 Quiz

Exp. NLC India inks pact to supply 300 MW solar power to Rajasthan

State-owned NLC India (NLCIL) has inked a pact to supply 300 MW of solar power for 25 years to Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam under the CPSU scheme.

NLCIL is presently having 1,421 MW of Renewable Energy Capacity.

As per its corporate plan, it contemplates establishing 6,031 MW capacity by 2030.

The company has secured 510 MW solar project capacity in the CPSU Scheme Phase-II Tranche-III, floated by Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) through competitive bidding.

The 300 MW solar project capacity is under execution at Barsingsar, Bikaner District, Rajasthan.

About Rajasthan

• Capital – Jaipur
• Chief Minister – Ashok Gehlot
• Governor – Kalraj Mishra

Exp. AICTE partnered with Jio Institute for faculty development programme

The All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has partnered with Jio Institute for a faculty development programme on artificial intelligence (AI) and data science.

The partnership aims to upskill and reskill faculty members from AICTE-approved institutions. It will also explore emerging opportunities within the technological landscape.

The collaborative initiative aims to empower academic leaders and senior faculty members with a deep understanding of AI and data science while also emphasizing the ethical considerations of utilizing AI tools for immersive learning.

Recent MoU

• BHEL signs MoU with Greenstat to explore opportunities in Hydrogen value chain
• Voyager Space signed MoU with New Space India Limited (NSIL) to foster collaboration in spacecraft launch
• Defense ministry signs with HAL to upgrade Dornier Aircraft for ICG
• GE Aerospace signs MoU with HAL to produce fighter jet engines
• ICAR signed MOU with Amazon Kisan to empower farmers

Exp. Odisha government approves 9 industrial Projects worth Rs 873 crore

The Odisha government has approved nine industrial projects worth Rs 873.57 crore which will create employment opportunities for 251,600 people in the state.

The projects include Petronet LNG Limited’s Compressed Bio Gas and Fermented Organic Manure plant.

With an annual capacity of 33,065 MT, this project promises a dual advantage of chemical production and renewable energy, Located in Deogarh, this initiative is set to transform the landscape.

Pearl Precision Products Pvt Ltd joins the ranks with their plan for a cutting-edge Plastic Faucet, Water Tank, Pipes, and Fittings manufacturing unit. This project will be coming up in Paradeep Plastic Park, Jagatsinghpur.

About Odisha

• Capital – Bhubaneswar
• Chief Minister – Naveen Patnaik
• Governor – Ganeshi Lal

Exp. Maha government to organize “Pro Govinda” League on Janmashtami

The Maharashtra government will host the first-ever Pro Govinda League in Mumbai.

The Pro Govinda League would be held on 31 August on the lines of the Pro Kabaddi League.

The Pro Govinda League would be held at the National Sports Club of India at Worli in Mumbai.

Around 50,000 Govindas, including 3,500 from Mumbai, would be participating in the event.

The first prize comprises a whopping Rs 11 lakh, second Rs 7 lakh, third Rs 5 lakh, and fourth Rs 3 lakh

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recognized Dahi-Handi as a sport in Maharashtra in 2022 on the occasion of Janmashtami.

About Maharashtra

• Capital – Mumbai
• Chief Minister – Eknath Sindhe
• Deputy Chief Minsiter – Devendra Fadnavis & Ajit Pawar
• Governor – Ramesh Bais

Exp. YES BANK launched ‘iris’ to offer digital banking solutions in India

Private lender YES Bank has launched its state-of-the-art mobile banking app ‘iris’ by YES Bank.

The iris app has a sleek and intuitive user interface that aims to offer a simplified banking experience for users of all age groups, and backgrounds.

Designed to cater to both existing and new customers, the app offers access over 100 features and services in just a few clicks on a single platform.

It also ensures utmost safety of the customers’ financial data by incorporating best-in-class safety features like – Biometric Authentication, Sim-Binding as well as a 2-factor Verification

About Yes Bank

• Founded – 2004
• Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
• MD & CEO – Prashant Kumar
• Chairman – Sunil Mehta
• Tagline – Experience our Expertise

Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector

• RBI launched UDGAM portal to track unclaimed deposits
• Canara Bank introduced Canara Jeevan Dhara savings bank account for pensioners.
• Tata AIA introduces Industry-First Premium Payment through WhatsApp
• Airtel Payments Bank launched India’s 1st Eco-Friendly Debit Card
• AU Small Finance Bank to provide 24×7 video banking service

Exp. Indian Bank opens specialised startup cells in 10 cities

Public sector Indian Bank has set up 10 startup cells across different centres in the country to serve its specialized banking requirements.

The startup cells have been set up in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai, New Delhi, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kanpur and Mumbai.

It includes offering payment gateways, corporate credit cards and credit facilities apart from the existing products of the bank.

The launch of the startup cells is a major milestone in Indian Bank’s journey to support the growth of the startup ecosystem in India.

The startup cell branches would have dedicated relationship managers, who would partner with them and build lifecycle engagement with the start-ups.

Indian Bank has also launched ‘IND SPRINGBOARD’ — a customised loan product for startups to address their unique financial challenges.

About Indian Bank

• Founded – 1907
• Headquarters – Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• MD & CEO – Shanti Lal Jain
• Tagline – Your Own Bank

Exp. Axis Bank partners with RBI innovation hub to launch KCCs and MSME loans

Private lender Axis Bank has launched two lending products powered by the Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit (PTPFC), introduced by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH).

RBIH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Axis Bank will offer Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and unsecured micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) loans to customers powered by the platform.

Both products will be offered in a completely digital manner and require no submission of documents by customers.

As a pilot, Kisan Credit Cards will be offered in Madhya Pradesh and will be available to customers for up to Rs 1,60,000 to start with.

MSME loans will be available across the country and will offer loans up to Rs 10 lakh to customers.

As part of the pilot, Axis Bank will leverage the PTPFC to access customer data. These include PAN validation, Aadhaar eKYC, account aggregator data, verification of land records and penny drop service to validate bank accounts.

Recent MoU in Banking Sector

• NHA and IRDAI collaborate to boost digital health integration in insurance
• IIITD-IC partners with YES Bank to scale up Indian startups
• Bajaj Finance partnered with ICICI Lombard to offer insurance plan
• Bandhan Bank ties up with Odisha govt to strengthen Odisha Tourism Development Corporation
• Union Bank partners with IBM to co-create Digital Business platform
• HDFC Bank partners with Dvara KGFS for microloans

Exp. BPCL announced Rahul Dravid as brand ambassador

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), the second-largest Indian oil marketing company (OMC), has announced Rahul Dravid as its latest brand ambassador.

Rahul Dravid’s remarkable sportsmanship, role model status, integrity, dependability, and trustworthiness perfectly reflect the values we stand for and make him the perfect fit for brand BPCL.

Rahul Dravid will represent BPCL’s Pure for Sure initiative and its range of MAK lubricants.

CMD of BPCL – G. Krishnakumar

Recent Brand Ambassador

• Shraddha Kapoor – Asics India Private Limited (a sports gear company)
• Rashmika Mandanna – Printer company Epson India
• Smriti Mandhana – Wrangler brand
• Hrithik Roshan – Zebronics TV
• Sachin Tendulkar – Smile Ambassador by Maharashtra government
• Sourav Ganguly – Tripura Tourism
• Virat Kohli – Duroflex (mattress and sleep products maker)
• Alia Bhatt – Gucci’s First Indian Global Ambassador
• Ayushmann Khurrana – Wakefit (Manufacturer of mattresses)
• Rishabh Pant – Star Sports Believe Ambassadors

Exp. Kamlesh Varshney, Amarjeet Singh appointed SEBI whole-time members

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Kamlesh Varshney and Amarjeet Singh as SEBI Whole-Time Members.

While Varshney, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service, is a joint secretary at the revenue department in the Finance Ministry.

While Singh is an executive director at the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Both Varshney and Singh have been appointed for three years from the date of assumption of charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

At SEBI, Varshney and Singh will fill in the vacancies created by the retirement of S K Mohanty and Ananta Barua.

About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

• Founded – 12 April 1988
• Act – 1992
• Headquarters – Mumbai
• Chairman – Madhabi Puri Buch
• SEBI Set up – Uday Kotak committee

Recent Appointment in Banking & Insurance Sector

• MD and CEO of South Indian Bank – PR Seshadri
• CEO of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) – Parminder Chopra
• MD of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) – R Doraiswamy (replace Mini Ipe)
• MD & CEO of SBI Life Insurance Company– Amit Jhingran
• Non-executive chairman of Axis Bank – NS Vishwanathan

Exp. Sandeep Navlakhe resigns as Tata Projects executive VP

Tata Projects Executive Vice President Sandeep Navlakhe, who played a crucial role in the construction of the new Parliament, has resigned from the key post in the company.

He has been responsible for buildings, factories, and airports business unit at the company.

A BITS Pilani alumina, Navlakhe has 32 years of experience in the construction industry, having previously worked at Larsen and Toubro (L&T) for more than two decades.

He has expertise in tendering, planning and execution, and commercial acumen.

Navlakhe has also delivered various other key infrastructure projects like greenfield Prayagraj Airport, India’s first maritime museum, the country’s first smog tower, several tall residential towers, and Puri Parikrama Project, among others.

Tata Projects is a leading technology-led engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company in India.

Exp. Spain beat England to become Women’s World Cup champions

Spain’s women’s football team won the World Cup 2023 for the first time after beating England 1-0 in Sydney, Australia.

With this win, Spain also became only the second nation to clinch both the men’s and the women’s World Cups after Germany.

Spain’s first major international trophy made it the first European team to win the Women’s World Cup since Germany in 2007.

The other nation is Germany, who won the men’s World Cup in 1974 and 1990, and the women’s World Cup in 2003 and 2007.

Spain’s Olga Carmona scored the winning goal against England.

Others FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Winners –

• Young Player of the Tournament- Salma Paralluelo (Spain)
• Golden Glove- Mary Earps (England)
• Golden Boot- Hinata Miyazawa (Japan) (highest 5 goals)
• Silver Boot- Kadidiatou Diani (France)
• Bronze Boot- Alexandra Popp (Germany)
• Golden Ball- Aitana Bonmati (Spain)
• Silver Ball- Jennifer Hermoso (Spain)
• Bronze Ball- Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden)

Exp. India’s Anahat Singh clinches gold in Asian Junior

India’s Anahat Singh clinched the gold medal in the U-17 category of the Asian Junior Squash Individual Championships held in Dalian, China.

The 15-year-old Anahat defeated Hong Kong’s Ena Kwong 3-1 in the final on 20th August 2023 to win the gold medal.

She had beaten Malaysian players Doyce Lee and Whitney Isabelle Wilson in the quarterfinal and semifinal, respectively.

Last year in Thailand, the Delhi-based Anahat had won her first gold medal of this event.

Earlier this year, Anahat emerged winner in the U-15 category of the British Junior Open Squash, beating Sohaila Hazem of Egypt in the final.

Exp. 20 August – Akshay Urja Day

Akshay Urja Day is observed annually on August 20.

Objective – To raise awareness regarding the importance of renewable energy.

The main goal of celebrating the day is to create awareness about the energy generated by using natural resources like hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind energy, and biogas.

The Akshay Urja Day was initially established by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in 2004.

The first observation was organised in Delhi when a commemorative stamp was released by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

To promote the goal of the day, a human chain having nearly 12,000 students from different schools was formed in Delhi.

Exp. 20 August – World Mosquito Day

World Mosquito Day is observed every year on August 20.

The day is set aside to mark the importance of protecting ourselves and our communities from the potentially deadly diseases transmitted by the insects that are commonly seen in homes across the world.

Theme 2023 – Fighting the World’s Deadliest killer-the Mosquito

The mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. These diseases impact and claim millions of lives worldwide each year.

August 20 was particularly chosen to mark World Mosquito Day in a bid to commemorate the discovery that female anopheline mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.

The discovery was made by legendary British doctor Sir Ronald Ross in 1897., marks the British physician Sir Ronald Ross’s identification in 1897 that female anopheline mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting malaria among humans.

Exp. 20 August – Sadbhavana Diwas

The birth anniversary of India’s sixth Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi is observed as Sadbhavana Diwas on August 20.

“Sadbhavana” in English means goodwill. Also known as Harmony Day, this day aims at encouraging peace, national integration and communal harmony among all religions.

To mark the occasion, several cultural events and tournaments are held across the country. People also work together and take a pledge to establish peace and harmony around them.

Sadbhavana Diwas was first marked in 1992, almost a year after Rajiv Gandhi was killed in a suicide bomb attack in Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur.

The primary aim is to foster a sense of national unity and promote positive interactions among various faiths and cultures.

This day is important as it promotes peaceful coexistence among individuals and urges them to steer clear of violence. The objective of Sadbhavana Diwas is to instil social peace, solidarity, fraternity, and love in society as a whole.

Exp. 22 August – International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is observed annually on August 23.

This day raises awareness about the horrifying nature of the slave trade and reminds people about the transatlantic slave trade and its implications

It commemorates the day when an uprising began in Saint Domingue, now called Haiti, on 23 August 1791, against the slave trade.

Haiti was a French settlement and a centre of the slave trade across Europe. The uprising led to a revolution against the rulers of the country.

Did you know that the transatlantic slave trade affected over 15 million people, including children, for more than 400 years?

This day is observed in memory of all victims of the slave trade and also aspires to promote critical examinations of such behaviors that could lead to modern forms of exploitation and slavery.