Correct Answer :   Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

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Pakistan on their Independence day got their caretaker Prime Minister in little known  senator from Baluchistan- Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dissolved the parliament last week as its five-year term came to an end. Usually, such a step is a formality and a general election would typically have to be held within 90 days.

The 52 year old senator from Baluchistan takes charge of Pakistan which has been wracked by political and economic instability for months. The latest development being former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan's most popular politician, getting arrested and put in jail and disqualified from elections for five years.

Kakar was sworn in by President Arif Alvi on Pakistan's Independence Day in a ceremony carried live on TV, having resigned from his post as senator on Sunday (13th August 2023).

"I Anwaar-ul-Haq, do swear solemnly... that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Pakistan," he said.

Kakar, who is comparatively new to politics and known to be close to the powerful military, has been representing his Baluchistan province in the Senate since 2018.

Kakar on Sunday (13th August 2023) quit as the head of his small Baluchistan Awami Party and quit as a senator after being named by outgoing premier Shehbaz Sharif and opposition leader Raza Riaz to oversee the vote and run the day-to-day affairs of the government until the people elect a new government, reported AP.

For the new Prime Minister of Pakistan the first task in order will be to choose a cabinet to run the country as it heads into an election period that could last for months.

It is normal practice in Pakistan to appoint a caretaker administration for the election period. Under the constitution, the election should take place in the next 90 days.

The swearing-in took place as Pakistanis celebrate the country's 76th Independence Day. But the day comes amid a deepening political turmoil, which started after the removal of former premier Imran Khan from power last year..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   World Health Organization

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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, is set to take place on August 17-18, 2023, at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The summit will take into account the vast experience and expertise of the country and this highly anticipated event will serve as a platform for experts and practitioners to delve into the latest scientific advancements and evidence-based knowledge in the sector, with the ultimate goal of ensuring health and well-being for all.

The esteemed Director-General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will inaugurate the event in the presence of Minister of Health Shri Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.

G20 health Ministers, Regional Directors of WHO and eminent invitees from countries across WHO's six regions are expected to grace the event along with scientists, practitioners of traditional medicine, health workers and members of civil society organisations. Union Minister of State for Ayush, Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai gave this information in a press conference today at New Delhi.

Dr Munjpara stated that the summit's outcome will be a declaration, and this declaration will assist WHO in shaping the future of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine. He also stated, “It is very natural that after the foundation laying ceremony of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar last year, we are going to witness this first global event in India. It testifies to the multi-dimensional strides taken by various traditional medicine systems of our country in the recent past.”

“By blending traditional practices with contemporary practices aided by visionary policies and digital initiatives, India has demonstrated a path for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through traditional medicine systems.” He added.

Director, Department of Health Systems Development (WHO South East Asia Regional Centre) Shri Manoj Jhalani stated that the summit is expected to develop a roadmap toward creating a more holistic and healthier world for future generations by recognizing the interconnectedness between human health, planetary harmony, and technological advancement.

An array of distinguished speakers will be spearheading discussions on key focus areas, namely research, evidence and learning; policy, data and regulation; innovation and digital health; and biodiversity, equity and traditional (healthcare) knowledge..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   5

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August 15 is a day of celebration for many countries around the world. It is the day on which they gained their independence from colonial rule.

* India, South Korea, North Korea, Bahrain, and Liechtenstein all celebrate their independence on August 15.

* India gained its independence from British rule in 1947. This was a momentous occasion for the Indian people, who had long struggled for freedom. The day is celebrated with parades, flag hoisting ceremonies, and cultural events.


* Republic of Congo

Set on the western coast of Africa, this country is also known as Congo-Brazzaville. Originally a French colony, it gained independence from France in 1960. Don’t confuse this place with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is a neighbouring country!

* South Korea and North Korea

On this day in 1945, the Korean peninsula was freed from Japanese rule. It was then divided into the two countries we know today—the exciting and chaotic South Korea, and its secretive northern neighbour, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

South Koreans call this day ‘Gwangbokjeol’, meaning ‘the day the light returned’. Many countries also mark this date as ‘Victory over Japan Day’, to celebrate Japan’s surrender in World War II.


* Liechtenstein

One of Europe’s smallest but richest countries, Liechtenstein doesn’t actually have an independence day…because it has never been captured! Instead, August 15 is the country’s National Day—a public holiday since 1940 that sees fireworks, street fairs and processions in the capital city of Vaduz.

Bahrain

* On August 15, 1971, Bahrain’s local population chose to free themselves from British and Iranian control using a United Nations survey. This small group of islands in the Persian Gulf then grew to be a jet set country with a glittering skyline. However, Bahrain’s actual National Day is celebrated on December 16, when the country’s first emir (ruler) took the throne.

Correct Answer :   RBI

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The Reserve Bank has selected global consultancy firms McKinsey and Company India LLP and Accenture Solutions Pvt Ltd India to develop systems using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for its supervisory functions.

The RBI is looking to extensively use advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to analyse its huge database and improve regulatory supervision over banks and NBFCs. For this purpose, the central bank plans to hire external experts.

In September last year, the RBI invited expressions of interest (EoI) for engaging consultants for the use of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning for generating supervisory inputs.

Based on the scrutiny/evaluation set out in the EOI document, the central bank had shortlisted seven applicants to participate in the request for proposal process (RFP) for the selection of consultant(s).

The seven firms were Accenture Solutions Private Limited; Boston Consulting Group (India) Pvt Ltd; Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP; Ernst and Young LLP; KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP; McKinsey and Company; and Pricewaterhouse Coopers Pvt Ltd.

Of these, McKinsey and Company India LLP and Accenture Solutions Private Limited India have been awarded the contract, as per a Reserve Bank document.

The value of the contract is about Rs 91 crore.

While the RBI is already using AI and ML in supervisory processes, it now intends to upscale it to ensure that the benefits of advanced analytics can accrue to the Department of Supervision in the central bank.

The Department of Supervision has been developing and using linear and a few machine-learnt models for supervisory examinations. The interest now is to explore the data to identify its attributes that can be leveraged to generate new and improved supervisory inputs, said the EoI issued in September.

The supervisory jurisdiction of the RBI extends over banks, urban cooperative banks, NBFCs, payment banks, small finance banks, local area banks, credit information companies and select all Indian financial institutions..

Source : Business Today

Correct Answer :   Shri Charanjit Singh

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One District One Product (ODOP) and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) joined hands to launch ‘ODOP wall’ here 11th August 2023.

* Launching the ‘ODOP Wall’, Shri Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, Ministry of Rural Development, GoI said that such convergence is one more step forward towards realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of showcasing the uniqueness of Indian Craft before the world.

* The One District One Product (ODOP) program, an initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, aims at manifesting the vision of the Prime Minister to make the country and its people self-reliant by fostering balanced regional development across all districts of the country.

* The program selects, brands, and promotes one unique product from each district, showcasing the diverse range of products across the country which encompasses various sectors, including handlooms and handicrafts.

* The launch was joined by Ms. Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, Ms. Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, Shri Raghvendra Pratap Singh, Director, Rural Livelihoods, Ms. Nivedita Prasad, Deputy Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, Shri Raman Wadhwa, Deputy Director, Rural Livelihoods along with other officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and Ms Supriya Devasthali, Director, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry along with other officials from the Ministry.


Under this Collaboration :

Products are being identified from all districts to be promoted for their unique qualities and cultural significance which include various handicrafts, handloom, and agricultural products that have been associated with the identity of their place of origin.

Collaboration Aim : To drive consumers towards emporia, boosting sales and increasing the visibility SARAS products even further to promote indigenous crafts and artisans of rural SHGs women..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   14th August

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared the August 14, will be remembered as 'Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas' or Partition Horrors Remembrance Day in memory of those who lost their lives during Partition.

India is observing Partition Horrors Remembrance Day today (14th August) in the memory of the struggles and sacrifices during the partition in 1947.

Mr Modi had said  that millions of people were displaced and many lost their lives due to mindless hate and violence caused by the partition.

Prime Minister said this day will keep reminding us the need to remove the poison of social divisions, disharmony and further strengthen the spirit of oneness, social harmony and human empowerment..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial that will be constructed in more than ₹100 crors at Badtuma village of Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday (12th Aug 2023).

The Prime Minister said, “Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial will have grandeur as well as divinity which will flow from the teaching of Sant Ravidas ji.”

He said, “The memorial is steeped in the spirit of ‘Samrasta’ as the soil of more than 20,000 villages and 300 rivers have been used in it. Families from Madhya Pradesh have sent grain for ‘Samrast Bhoj’ and five yatras also concluded here at Sagar. These yatras mark a new era of social harmony.”

PM Modi said the temple will be completed in one and a half years and he knows that with the blessing of Sant Ravidas, he will come to inaugurate it as well. “With blessings of Sant Ravidasji, will come to inaugurate the temple as well,” he said..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   MakeMyTrip

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Online travel company MakeMyTrip, along with the Ministry of Tourism has launched a unique Travellers’ Map of India that showcases 600 plus destinations beyond the popular travel spots in the country.

Curated in line with the Government of India’s 'DekhoApnaDesh' programme and uncovering hidden gems and less explored destinations, the Traveller’s Map of India has been developed as a microsite to provide an interactive platform for traveller.

Making use of its ingenious data, MakeMyTrip used India’s travel search history  to arrive at the curated shortlist. Based on this, the company selected destinations that are lesser known, or are only familiar to people in certain pockets of the country.

The selections were further categorised with tags such as adventure, wildlife, heritage, mountains, beaches etc, to help travellers sift through to their preferred travel genres, the company said.

“We welcome MakeMyTrip’s initiative to present India’s diverse destinations and to promote domestic tourism. We invite more such initiatives to realise our collective dream of showcasing our country to the world,” said G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and DoNER.

“The Traveller’s Map of India reflects the voice of almost every Indian traveller which makes it aptly commemorative of August 15th.” said Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip.

“We have always championed the diversity of India’s tourism offerings, and wanted to push the envelope of discovery further. What better way to do this than to empower every Indian to be a spokesperson for the country’s cultural, historic, natural and geographical marvels. We are grateful to the Ministry of Tourism for supporting our initiative. It reaffirms our faith in our mission to exteriorise India as the most sought-after Tourism destination in the world”, he added.

The Traveller’s Map of India also supports the potential of domestic tourism as a powerful instrument for socio-economic development, thus contributing directly and significantly to the multifactoral growth of India’s economy, the company shared..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   954

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A total of 954 Police personnel have been awarded Police Medals on the occasion of the Independence Day, 2023. President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) has been awarded to 01 CRPF personnel, Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) has been awarded to 229, President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPM) awarded to 82 and Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PM) has been awarded to 642.

* 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.

* President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) and Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) is awarded on the ground of Conspicuous Gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals.

* President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPM) is awarded for special distinguished record in Police Service and Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PM) is awarded for valuable service characterized by resource and devotion to duty..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   August 13

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World Organ Donation Day is observed on August 13 every year. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and transplantation.

* It encourages people to pledge to donate their organs and tissues after death to save lives and improve the quality of life for those in need.

* Various organizations and health institutions across the world participate in activities and campaigns to promote organ donation awareness on this day.


World Organ Donation Day 2023 Theme :

The theme for World Organ Donation Day 2023 is “Step up to volunteer; we need more organ donors to fill the lacunae”. The theme focuses on a global call to the local public to emphasize the importance of pledging for organ donation, thereby decreasing the volumes raised for the need for an organ.

World Organ Donation Day History :

World Organ Donation Day was first observed in 2005. The first organ donation was performed in 1954, when Ronald Lee Herrick donated his kidney to his twin brother. The surgery was a success and the brother lived for 8 years with the donated kidney.