Miscellaneous Current Affairs

PM Modi is world’s most followed leader on X, with over 100 million followers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached over 100 million followers on his social media account X in July 2024. In the last three years, his followers increased by about 30 million.

Prime Minister Modi is now world’s most followed leader in office on X. US President Joe Biden has 38.1 million followers, significantly fewer than Modi.

Q: What distinction does Prime Minister Narendra Modi now hold on the social media platform X?

a) Most active leader
b) Most followed leader in office
c) Most retweeted leader
d) Most mentioned leader

Ans : b) Most followed leader in office
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached over 100 million followers on his social media account X in July 2024. He is now world’s most followed leader in office on X.

PM Modi awarded with Russia’s highest civilian honour, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Russia’s prestigious civilian honour, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle. The award was presented by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a ceremony in St Catherine’s Hall of the Moscow Kremlin on July 9, 2024.

The award recognizes Modi’s contribution to developing a strategic partnership and fostering friendly ties between Russia and India. PM Modi was awarded in 2019 but received it physically on July 9, 2024.

The Order of St Andrew the Apostle was established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great.

Q: What is the name of the highest civilian award of Russia received by PM Modi during his visit in July 2024?

a) Order of Saint George
b) Order of St Andrew the Apostle
c) Order of Alexander Nevsky
d) Order of Friendship

Ans : b) Order of St Andrew the Apostle
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Russia’s prestigious civilian honour, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle. The award was presented by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a ceremony in St Catherine’s Hall of the Moscow Kremlin on July 9, 2024.

Hajj, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, began in Saudi Arabia

The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, officially began in Saudi Arabia on Friday (14 June 2024). Two million Muslim pilgrims embarked on their spiritual journey. After circling the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, and converging on a vast tent camp in the nearby desert, the pilgrims engage in a day and night of prayer. 

Nearly 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India are participating in the Haj rituals. Out of the Indian pilgrims, 1,40,020 have traveled through the Haj Committee, and about 35,000 through private operators. Over 5,000 Indian women are participating in the pilgrimage without a Mehram (male guardian).

Q.: Where does the Hajj, an annual Muslim pilgrimage take place?

A) Jerusalem
B) Mecca
C) Medina
D) Cairo

Correct Answer: B

Around 40 Indians died, 50 Injured in a fire at a labour housing facility in Kuwait

Around 40 Indians died and over 50 were injured in a fire at a labour housing facility in Mangaf, Kuwait on June 12, 2024.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is working with Kuwaiti authorities and the involved company to gather full details. Injured individuals are receiving medical care in five government hospitals, with most in stable condition.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar discussed the incident with his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. Dr. Jaishankar was assured that the incident will be fully investigated and responsibilities will be assigned.

Q: Around 40 Indians died, and 50 were injured in a fire at a labour housing facility in which country on June 12, 2024?

A) United Arab Emirates
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Kuwait
D) Qatar

Ans : C) Kuwait

Indian mountaineer Satyadeep Gupta became the first person to scale Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse twice in one season

Indian mountaineer Satyadeep Gupta became the first person to scale Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse twice in one season. Gupta set a record by being the first Indian to traverse from Mt. Everest to Mt. Lhotse in 11 hours and 15 minutes.

  • He conquered the 8,516-meter-high Mt. Lhotse at noon and then ascended the 8,849-meter-high Mt. Everest at 12:45 am, midnight.
  • This achievement is the first Double Dual Ascent of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse in a single season.
  • Gupta was accompanied by climbing guides Pastemba Sherpa and Nima Ungdi Sherpa.
  • He previously summited Mt. Everest on May 21 and Mt. Lhotse on May 22.

Q: What historic feat did Indian mountaineer Satyadeep Gupta achieve?

A. First person to scale Mt. Everest three times in one season
B. First person to scale Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse twice in one season
C. First person to scale Mt. Everest and Mt. K2 in one season
D. First Indian to scale Mt. Everest in 11 hours and 15 minutes

Ans : B. First person to scale Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse twice in one season

Major Radhika Sen, awarded the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year for 2023

Major Radhika Sen, an Indian peacekeeper, awarded the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year for 2023 for her service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). She is recognized for empowering local communities, especially women and girls, during her deployment from March 2023 to April 2024.

  • Major Sen, born in 1993 in Himachal Pradesh, joined the army after graduating as a biotech engineer and pursuing a Master’s degree from IIT Bombay.
  • India is the eleventh largest contributor of women peacekeepers to the UN, with 124 currently deployed. Major Sen is the second Indian to receive the award after Major Suman Gawani in 2019.

Q: Who was named the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year for 2023?

A. Major Suman Gawani
B. Major Radhika Sen
C. Major Antonio Guterres
D. Major Ruchira Kamboj

Ans : B. Major Radhika Sen

Purnima Shrestha become first woman to climb Mount Everest three times in 13 days

Purnima Shrestha, a 32-year-old mountaineer from Gorkha, Nepal, and a photojournalist become first woman to climb Mount Everest three times in the same season.

  • Achieved the triple ascent in just 13 days.
  • Surpassed the previous record of any woman summiteer for climbing Everest thrice in a single season.
  • Has climbed Everest four times, with her first summit in 2018.
  • Her achievement symbolizes the empowerment of female climbers and serves as an inspiration for women to pursue their dreams.

Q: Who became the first woman to climb Mount Everest three times in the same season?

a) Junko Tabei
b) Purnima Shrestha
c) Pasang Lhamu Sherpa
d) Lhakpa Sherpa

Ans : b) Purnima Shrestha

Arti, Pink E-Rickshaw driver from Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, won the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award 2024

Arti, an 18-year-old Pink E-Rickshaw driver from Uttar Pradesh from Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, won the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award on 22 May 2024.

  • The award was presented at the Prince’s Trust Awards in London, where Arti met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
  • Arti’s work centers on the Pink E-rickshaw initiative in India, offering safe, eco-friendly transportation for women with battery-powered rickshaws that reduce pollution.
  • The award honors young women who have overcome adversity and made a significant impact on their community.
  • Arti’s work in a male-dominated field has improved women’s safety in her community, and she aims to secure a better future for her daughter.
  • Arti traveled to the Buckingham Palace reception in a pink rickshaw, symbolizing sustainable transport.
  • The Prince’s Trust International, founded by King Charles, supports young people in 20 countries.
  • Project Lehar, in collaboration with the Prince’s Trust International and the Aga Khan Foundation, introduced Arti to the Pink E-Rickshaw scheme.
  • Arti’s journey from a small village to Buckingham Palace highlights determination, innovation, and community impact.

Q: What prestigious award did Arti, Pink E-Rickshaw driver from Uttar Pradesh win on 22 May 2024?

A) Nobel Peace Prize
B) Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award
C) International Women of Courage Award
D) Global Humanitarian Award

Ans : B) Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award

India’s rank on Travel & Tourism Development Index improved to 39th place, the highest in South Asia

The Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI) is published by the World Economic Forum on May 21, 2024. India’s rank on the TTDI 2024 has improved to 39th place, the highest in South Asia and among lower-middle-income economies.

Key rankings for India:

  • Price Competitiveness: 18th
  • Air Transport Infrastructure: 26th
  • Ground and Port Infrastructure: 25th
  • Natural Resources: 6th
  • Cultural Resources: 9th
  • Non-Leisure Resources: 9th

Sustainability: India scores well for travel and tourism demand sustainability despite a decline compared to 2019.

Overall TTDI Score: India’s score is 2.1% below its 2019 level due to global inflationary supply-side trends, with declines in price competitiveness and air transport and tourist services infrastructure.

Reference : Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024

Q: What is India’s rank on the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, published by World Economic Forum (WEF)?

a) 29th
b) 39th
c) 49th
d) 59th

Ans : b) 39th

Kareena Kapoor Khan appointed as National Ambassador for UNICEF India

Kareena Kapoor Khan appointed as National Ambassador for UNICEF India in May 2024. She will support UNICEF India’s mission focusing on children’s rights, including early childhood development, health, education, and gender equality.

  • Kareena Kapoor Khan has been associated with UNICEF India since 2014 as a Celebrity Advocate, advocating for girls’ education, gender equality, foundational learning, immunization, and breastfeeding.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasized the importance of children’s learning and safe return to school.
  • She has participated in UNICEF’s global campaigns on #EveryChildRights.

Question : Who was appointed as the National Ambassador for UNICEF India in May 2024?

a) Priyanka Chopra
b) Kareena Kapoor Khan
c) Deepika Padukone
d) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Answer: b) Kareena Kapoor Khan

Mukesh Ambani: Asia’s Wealthiest and Elon Musk: World’s Richest Person

The Hurun Global Rich List 2024, released on 26 March 2024 reported 167 new billionaires worldwide, totaling 3,279 individuals.

  1. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, retained his position as Asia’s richest person, with a net worth of USD 115 billion, despite slipping one place to 10th globally.
  2. Gautam Adani, founder of the Adani Group, experienced a remarkable surge in wealth, reaching USD 86 billion and securing the 15th spot globally, attributed to a rally in his companies’ shares.
  3. The United States added 109 billionaires, maintaining its lead with 800 billionaires, while China retained its position as the world leader with 814 billionaires, despite a decline in numbers.
  4. Elon Musk reclaimed his title as the world’s richest person with a net worth of USD 231 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault.
  5. India saw a significant rise in its billionaire population, ranking third globally with 271 billionaires, marking an addition of 84 individuals, and Mumbai surpassed Beijing as Asia’s billionaire capital for the first time.

Q: Who reclaimed the title of the world’s richest person according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2024?

a) Bernard Arnault
b) Jeff Bezos
c) Elon Musk
d) Mukesh Ambani

Ans : c) Elon Musk

Q: Who retained the title of Asia’s richest person according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2024?

a) Elon Musk
b) Jeff Bezos
c) Mukesh Ambani
d) Gautam Adani

Ans : c) Mukesh Ambani

Q: Which city surpassed Beijing to become Asia’s billionaire capital for the first time, according to the information provided?

a) Shanghai
b) Mumbai
c) Tokyo
d) Seou

Ans : b) Mumbai

Dubai to have world’s first air taxi, agreements signed at World Government Summit 2024

Dubai has signed agreements at the World Government Summit 2024 to launch the world’s first air taxi service. Agreements pave the way for the deployment of a city-wide electric aerial taxi service and vertiport network in Dubai.

  1. Joby Aviation S4 Aircraft:
    • The initiative centers around the Joby Aviation S4, an innovative aircraft designed for four passengers and a pilot.
    • The S4 features six propellers and is powered by four battery packs.
    • It has a maximum range of 161 km and a top speed of 321 km per hour.
  2. Urban-Friendly Features:
    • Vertical take-off and landing capabilities make the S4 ideal for urban settings, minimizing space requirements and reducing noise pollution compared to helicopters.
  3. Benefits of the Air Taxi Project:
    • Promises reduced noise levels, zero operating emissions, and enhanced passenger convenience.
    • Aims for efficiency, safety, and sustainability in urban transportation.
  4. Integration into Urban Landscape:
    • Aerial vehicles aim to seamlessly integrate into Dubai’s urban landscape, providing swift and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
  5. Electric-Powered and Rechargeable:
    • The electric-powered aircraft can be swiftly recharged between flights, contributing to sustainability goals.
  6. Operational Commencement:
    • The air-taxi network is set to commence operations in 2026, marking a significant milestone in Dubai’s efforts to redefine urban mobility.

Q: What city is launching the world’s first air taxi service?

A) Singapore
B) Dubai
C) Tokyo
D) New York

Ans : B) Dubai

Discovery of Ancient Stone Wall in Baltic Sea, Potentially Over 10,000 Years Old

  1. Discovery of Ancient Stone Wall:
    • Researchers have found a stone wall off the German coast in the Baltic Sea.
    • The wall is approximately 1 kilometer long.
    • It is situated around 10 kilometers from the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in Germany.
    • Discovered at a depth of 21 meters in the Baltic Sea.
  2. Potential Age of the Structure:
    • The wall may be more than 10,000 years old.
    • If confirmed, it could be the oldest man-made structure in the Baltic Sea region.
  3. Characteristics of the Wall:
    • Comprises almost 1,700 stones, mostly tennis and football-sized.
    • Stones are generally under a meter in height.
  4. Geographical Change Over Time:
    • The area was flooded around 8,500 years ago, transforming it from dry land to underwater.
    • Before submersion, the location was likely dry land.
  5. Purpose of the Wall:
    • Researchers theorize that the wall was constructed for hunting purposes.
    • Specifically, it may have been built to trap Reindeer.
  6. Comparisons with Other Discoveries:
    • Similar constructions for Reindeer hunting have been found in Lake Michigan in the United States.
  7. Significance of Discovery:
    • The potential age and purpose of the stone wall make it a significant archaeological find in the Baltic Sea region.

Q: Where was the recently discovered ancient stone wall located?

  • A. Pacific Ocean
  • B. Baltic Sea
  • C. Mediterranean Sea
  • D. North Sea

Ans : B. Baltic Sea

India International Jewellery Trade Show -IIJS 2024 in Mumbai

  1. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the India International Jewellery Trade Show – IIJS 2024 in Mumbai on January 4, 2024.
  2. Mr. Goyal emphasized that the combination of fashion and jewelry can position India as a sought-after wedding destination worldwide.
  3. Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Mr. Vipul Shah, predicted the growth of India’s domestic gem and jewelry market from $44 billion to $134 billion by 2030.
  4. Nirav Bhansali, Convener-National Exhibitions, GJEPC, highlighted the integration of IIJS Signature 2024 Exhibition into the MSME Ministry’s ‘Procurement and Marketing Support’ initiative, providing a significant boost to micro and small enterprises in the industry.
  5. The 16th edition of the India International Jewellery Trade Show features 1,500 exhibitors, 3,000 stalls, and covers a vast 1.25 lakh square meters of exhibition area.
  6. The exhibition is held at JIO World Convention Centre, BKC from January 4th to 7th and at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon from January 5th to 8th.
  7. Over 32 thousand visitors are expected from 800 Indian cities and 60 countries during the event.

Q: Where is the 16th edition of the India International Jewellery Trade Show taking place?
a. Chennai
b. Pune
c. Mumbai
d. New Delhi

Ans : c. Mumbai

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Lakshmipat Singhania – IIM Lucknow National Leadership Awards

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, presented the Lakshmipat Singhania – IIM Lucknow National Leadership Awards in New Delhi on December 7.

The Lakshmipat Singhania – IIM Lucknow National Leadership Awards is an annual event that celebrates renowned leaders around 45 years of age. The awards honor the legacy and vision of Late Lakshmipat Singhania, a pioneering Indian industrialist, by annually acknowledging outstanding transformational leaders who have taken concrete steps to make our nation stronger.

Q: What is the main purpose of the Lakshmipat Singhania – IIM Lucknow National Leadership Awards?

a. To celebrate young leaders under 30 years old
b. To acknowledge leaders around 45 years of age
c. To honor leaders from various industries
d. To recognize leaders with international acclaim

Ans : b. To acknowledge leaders around 45 years of age

Paul Lynch won the 2023 Booker Prize for his novel ‘Prophet Song.’

Irish writer Paul Lynch won the 2023 Booker Prize for his novel ‘Prophet Song.’ at a ceremony took place in London on November 26, 2023.

  • ‘Prophet Song’ presents a dystopian vision of Ireland under totalitarian rule.
  • Lynch aims to evoke radical empathy through his portrayal of a dystopian society.
  • The author, a 46-year-old who was previously the chief film critic of Ireland’s Sunday Tribune newspaper, emphasizes intense realism in his writing to help readers understand totalitarianism.

Q: Who won the 2023 Booker Prize for the novel ‘Prophet Song’?

a) Chetna Maroo
b) Paul Lynch
c) Chetan Bhagat
d) Arunditi Roy

Ans : b) Paul Lynch

Dr. S.S. Badrinath, the founder of Sankara Nethralaya, passed away

Dr. S.S. Badrinath, the founder of Sankara Nethralaya, passed away in Chennai on November 21, 2023, at the age of 83 due to illness.

  1. Born on February 24, 1940, Dr. Badrinath graduated from Madras Medical College in 1962 and pursued post-graduation in the United States.
  2. After returning to India in 1970, he worked with the Voluntary Health Services in Adyar and performed a cataract surgery on his spiritual guru Chandrasekara Saraswathi Swamigal, who was closely associated with the Sankara Mutt.
  3. Dr. Badrinath founded Sankara Nethralaya as a unit of the Medical Research Foundation in 1978.
  4. He received the Padma Shri in 1983 and the Padma Bhushan in 1999 for his contributions to the field of medicine.
  5. The institution he founded, Sankara Nethralaya, has become an iconic symbol of the progress of modern medicine.

Q.: Who is the founder of Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai?

A. Dr Rupesh Shah
B. Dr Naresh Trehan
C. Dr. S.S. Badrinath
D. Dr Prathap C. Reddy

Ans : C. Dr. S.S. Badrinath

Sheetal Mahajan becomes the first woman to skydive from 21,500 feet near Mount Everest

Shital Mahajan, a renowned Indian skydiver, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first woman in the world to jump off a helicopter from the height of 21,500 ft in front of Mt Everest on November 13, 2023. She landed at Kalapatthar peak, the highest altitude at 17,444 ft, marking the highest altitude skydiving landing accomplished by a woman.

Shital Mahajan, aged 41, holds several skydiving records and is a recipient of the Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award in 2001.

Q.: Who recently became the first woman in the world to jump off a helicopter from the height of 21,500 ft in front of Mt Everest?

a. Sonam Kapoor
b. Shital Mahajan
c. Swati Singh
d. Ankita Sharma

Ans : b. Shital Mahajan

33rd Conference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for Asia and Pacific from November 13, 2023, in New Delhi

The 33rd Conference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific will commence on November 13, 2023, in New Delhi.

  1. Delegates from 36 member countries, including India, along with senior officers from regional and international organizations, and representatives from the private sector and private veterinary organizations, will be present at the conference.
  2. The conference will address the challenges posed by the pandemic and emphasize the crucial role of Veterinary Services in building resilience and capacity for future challenges.
  3. Parshottam Rupala, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, will inaugurate the four-day conference.
  4. The decision to host the event in New Delhi was made during the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the WOAH in Paris in May of the same year.

Q.: Where will the 33rd Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific take place?

  • A) Paris
  • B) New Delhi
  • C) Tokyo
  • D) Beijing

Ans : B) New Delhi

Global Hunger Index (GHI) : India is ranked 111th out of 125 countries

In the 2023 GHI report, India is ranked 111th out of 125 countries with sufficient data. India’s GHI score is 28.7, indicating a serious level of hunger. The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is an annual publication that measures and tracks hunger on a global, regional, and country level. The 2023 Global Hunger Index report was jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe in October 2023. Check full report

The Indian government has rejected the 2023 GHI report, labeling it as “flawed” and “erroneous.” The report highlights that India has the highest child wasting rate in the world, at 18.7%, reflecting acute undernutrition.

MCQ on Global Hunger Index (GHI)

Q.: What is the primary purpose of the Global Hunger Index (GHI)?

a) To track global economic growth
b) To measure and track hunger on a global scale
c) To promote agricultural development
d) To calculate global poverty rates

Ans : b) To measure and track hunger on a global scale

Q.: In the 2023 GHI report, what is India’s ranking among the countries with sufficient data?

a) 28th
b) 111th
c) 125th
) 202th

Ans : b) 111th

World Food India 2023 : 3-5 November at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

World Food India, is scheduled to take place at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from November 3 to November 5, 2023. The event is organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India.

  1. Event Objectives: World Food India aims to showcase, connect, and collaborate in various aspects of the global food value chain, including retail, processing, technology transfer, manufacturing, and cold chain logistics.
  2. Participants: The event is expected to bring together manufacturers, producers, food processors, investors, policymakers, and organizations from across the global food ecosystem.
  3. Investment Opportunities: It provides a platform for Indian and foreign investors to establish partnerships and strengthen industry and farmer linkages.
  4. India’s Potential: India’s strategic geographic location, large workforce, and favorable business environment position it as a promising hub for the global food economy. India is the largest producer of various agricultural commodities and has a vast consumer base of over 1.4 billion people.
  5. Event Highlights: The event will feature exhibitions, sector-specific seminars, country and state sessions, and offer opportunities to network and collaborate with Indian and international businesses.
  6. Culinary Experience: Visitors can also enjoy a diverse gastronomic experience at the ‘Food Street’ within the event, showcasing the best of the domestic and global food industry.

Q.: Who is organizing the event “World Food India 2023 “?

A. United Nations
B. Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India
C. World Food Organization
D. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Answer: B. Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India

Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2023

Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2023. She is recognized for her dedicated efforts in fighting against the oppression of women in Iran.

  • Despite her Nobel recognition, she remains incarcerated, making her the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize while in jail.
  • Narges Mohammadi is one of the prominent human rights activists in Iran.
  • She has a history of 13 arrests, five convictions, and a cumulative prison sentence of 31 years along with 154 lashes.
  • The Norwegian Nobel Committee decided to honor Narges Mohammadi for her advocacy of women’s rights and her commitment to promoting human rights and freedom for all.
  • The Nobel Peace Prize for 2023 is valued at approximately 1 million US dollars.
  • The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Oslo on December 10th, which coincides with the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the Nobel Prizes.

MCQs

Q.: Why was Narges Mohammadi awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2023?

a) For her contributions to literature
b) For her fight against the oppression of women in Iran
c) For her achievements in science and technology
d) For her work in the field of environmental conservation

Ans : b) For her fight against the oppression of women in Iran

Norwegian author Jon Fosse awarded Nobel Prize 2023 in Literature

Norwegian author Jon Fosse has been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature for his innovative plays and prose.

  1. The Swedish Academy recognized Fosse as one of the most widely performed playwrights globally and noted his increasing recognition for his prose.
  2. Fosse’s work revolves around the human condition, regardless of genre.
  3. The Nobel Prize committee praised Fosse for presenting everyday situations that resonate with people’s lives.
  4. Fosse’s unique style involves a radical reduction of language and dramatic action to express powerful human emotions, such as anxiety and powerlessness, in simple terms.
  5. Jon Fosse joins a prestigious list of past Nobel Prize in Literature winners, including Toni Morrison and Ernest Hemingway.

Q.: Who was awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature for his innovative plays and prose?

a) Toni Morrison
b) Ernest Hemingway
c) Jon Fosse
d) William Shakespeare

Ans : c) Jon Fosse

Dr. R Ravi Kannan, a surgical oncologist from Assam, wins Ramon Magsaysay Award 2023

Dr. R Ravi Kannan, a surgical oncologist from Assam, has been honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2023.

  1. He received the award for his significant contributions in transforming cancer treatment in Assam, particularly through his people-centered and pro-poor initiatives.
  2. Dr. Kannan previously worked at the Cancer Institute in Chennai and later moved to Silchar in 2007 to become a part of the Cachar Cancer Hospital.
  3. The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation made the announcement of this prestigious award recently.

Ramon Magsaysay Award

The Ramon Magsaysay Award, established in 1957, is renowned for recognizing individuals who display integrity in governance, provide courageous service to the people, and demonstrate pragmatic idealism in democratic societies. It is often likened to the Nobel Prize of Asia.

Q.: Dr. R Ravi Kannan has been honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2023. In which field does he specialize ?

a) Cardiology
b) Surgical Oncology
c) Pediatrics
d) Orthopedics

Ans : b) Surgical Oncology

Shweta Sharda Wins Miss Diva Universe 2023, to Represent India at Miss Universe

Shweta Sharda won the Miss Diva Universe 2023 finale in Mumbai on August 27, 2023. She received the crown from the former Miss Diva Universe 2023, Divita Rai. She will represent India in the 72nd Miss Universe pageant this year.

  • Trisha Shetty from Karnataka was the runner-up of Miss Diva Universe 2023.
  • Sonal Kukreja was crowned Miss Diva Supranational 2023 at the same event, representing India at Miss Supranational.

Who is Shweta Sharda ?

  • Shweta Sharda is a 22-year-old model and dancer from Chandigarh who moved to Mumbai at 16.
  • She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University.
  • Shweta has appeared on popular TV reality shows such as Dance India Dance, Dance Deewane, and Dance Plus.
  • She has also worked as a choreographer on Jhalak Dikhlaja.

LIVA Miss Diva Universe

  • LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2023 is the 11th edition of the pageant.
  • The winner of the pageant represents India in the Miss Universe competition.
  • This year’s pageant allowed participation from married, divorced, pregnant, engaged, widowed, and transgender individuals for the first time.

Q.: Which contestant won the Miss Diva Universe 2023 title?

a) Divita Rai
b) Trisha Shetty
c) Shweta Sharda
d) Sonal Kukreja

Answer: c) Shweta Sharda

Sulabh International’ founder and social activist Bindeshwar Pathak passed away

Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International, a social service organization, passed away on 15 August 2023 at the age of 80 due to cardiac arrest at AIIMS New Delhi.

  • Born on April 2, 1943, in Bihar, Pathak held a PhD in sociology from Patna University and began his career as a lecturer.
  • He founded Sulabh International in 1970, which has constructed over 1.5 million household toilets and 8,500 public toilets across India.
  • Pathak developed the Sulabh Shauchalaya System, an eco-friendly toilet technology converting waste into biogas and fertilizer.
  • He introduced pay-and-use public toilets, offering clean and affordable sanitation facilities, and rehabilitated manual scavengers.
  • Pathak worked for the upliftment of widows by providing them education, vocational skills, and social security.
  • He received numerous awards, including Padma Shri (1991), Padma Bhushan (1999), Stockholm Water Prize (2009), and Gandhi Peace Prize (2016).
  • Pathak’s contributions were praised by prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Q.: Who established Sulabh International, a renowned social service organization?

a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Bindeshwar Pathak
c) Mother Teresa
d) Azza Hazare

Ans : b) Bindeshwar Pathak

Tesla appoints Indian-origin Vaibhav Taneja as CFO

Tesla, the American electric automobile maker, has appointed Indian-origin Vaibhav Taneja as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Taneja, previously the Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) of Tesla, will take on the CFO role alongside his existing responsibilities.

  • He will succeed Zachary Kirkhorn, who announced his decision to step down.
  • Taneja holds a degree from Delhi University and has over 20 years of finance and accounting experience.
  • He joined Tesla in 2017 and has been leading the company’s accounting, financial reporting, and internal audit functions.
  • This appointment aligns with Tesla’s plans to establish India as a significant source of a new supplier ecosystem.
  • Tesla is reportedly discussing with Indian government officials to bring its auto parts and electronics chain to India.
  • Tesla aims to launch its first electric car in India by early 2024.

Who has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Tesla?
a) Zachary Kirkhorn
b) Elon Musk
c) Vaibhav Taneja
d) Rajeev Jain

Ans : c) Vaibhav Taneja

Indian-American Shohini Sinha Appointed Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office for Counter-Terrorism Expertise

Shohini Sinha, an Indian-American, has been appointed as the special agent in charge of the FBI’s field office in Salt Lake City in the US state of Utah.

  1. Sinha has a notable background in counter-terrorism investigations and has been recognized for her exceptional track record in this field.
  2. She previously served as the executive special assistant to the Director at FBI Headquarters in Washington DC before her current appointment.
  3. Sinha joined the FBI as a special agent in 2001 and was promoted to supervisory special agent in 2009, working in the Counterterrorism Division in Washington, DC.
  4. In 2021, she was selected to serve as the executive special assistant to the FBI Director, further highlighting her leadership qualities and outstanding performance.

Question: In which area has Indian-American Shohini Sinha been appointed as the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI?

A) Washington DC
B) New York City
C) Salt Lake City, Utah
D) Los Angeles, California

Answer: C) Salt Lake City, Utah

PM Narendra Modi conferred with Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award on 01 August 2023 in Pune, Maharashtra. The award was conferred on him by Deepak Tilak, President of Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust. The Lokmanya Tilak National Award is given every year on 1st August, the death anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak, to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the development of the nation.

Q.: Who has been honored with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2023?

a) Amit Shah
b) Narendra Modi
c) Nitin Gadkari
d) Medha Patkar

Ans : b) Narendra Modi

Book ‘Memories Never Die,’ tribute to former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

The book titled ‘Memories Never Die’ was unveiled by Union Minister Amit Shah’s on 29 July 2023, during visit to the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.

  • It serves as a tribute to the life and legacy of the late former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
  • The book was co-authored by Dr. APJM Nasima Maraikayar and scientist Dr. Y. S. Rajan.
  • The unveiling ceremony was a significant event during the visit and received attention from the public and political figures.
  • The event was graced by the presence of Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri. L Murugan, and Tamil Nadu BJP President, Shri. Annamalai.

Question: Who co-authored the book ‘Memories Never Die,’ a tribute to the life and legacy of the late former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam?

a) Dr. APJM Nasima Maraikayar and Amit Saha
b) Dr. APJM Nasima Maraikayar and scientist Dr. Y. S. Rajan
c) Arundhati Roy and Mulk Raj Anand
d) Vikram Seth and scientist Dr. Y. S. Rajan

Ans : b) Dr. APJM Nasima Maraikayar and scientist Dr. Y. S. Rajan

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