Correct Answer :   Nitin Gadkari

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Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari launched the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) 22nd August 2023 in New Delhi.

Aim : To enhance road safety by elevating vehicle safety standards for up to 3.5-tonne vehicles in India.

Live from the Launch of ‘Bharat New Car Assessment Program’ (Bharat NCAP), New Delhi. #BharatNCAP
https://t.co/NOhSXbUYP9

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) August 22, 2023

Shri Gadkari said BHARAT NCAP will also greatly push the safety and quality of the vehicles in India, while simultaneously promoting a healthy competition among OEMs to manufacture safer vehicles. He said the new safety regime under BHARAT NCAP and AIS-197 is a mutual win-win for manufacturers and consumers and an instrumental step towards safeguarding lives of our citizens and making our Automobile Industry the number one auto manufacturing hub in the world.

The Program is applicable to type approved motor vehicles of M1 category less than 3.5T GVW. This is a voluntary program in which the base variants of  a given model shall be tested.

This program will commence from 1st Oct 2023 and  will be based on Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197.

Program Aim : To create ecosystem of competitive safety enhancements leading to increased awareness among consumers. Consumers can take an informed decision by making a comparative assessment on vehicle performance under crash test conditions.

NCAP brings the opportunity to the OEMs to manufacture vehicles of global safety standards. Program will be anchored by Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT). This program has been evolved based on stakeholder consultations .

Driving Towards Safety: BHARAT NCAP Revolutionizes Vehicle Standards in India.#BharatNCAP pic.twitter.com/Y2zA9E3Hni

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) August 22, 2023

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   2

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With Four Gold and One Silver Medals, India has secured Second Rank at the 16th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) in Chorzów, Poland held from the 10 to the 20 of August 2023.

The United Kingdom clinched the lead with five Golds.

A total of 236 students from 50 nations participated at the Olympiad, collectively earning 27 gold, 41 silver, and 50 bronze medals across all categories.

Rajdeep Mishra from Kota, Rajasthan, Koduru Tejeswar from Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, Md. Sahil Akhtar from Kolkata, West Bengal, Akarsh Raj Sahay from Nagpur, Maharashtra were awarded Gold medals while Sainavaneet Mukund from Bangalore, Karnataka was awarded a silver medal.

The team was led by Prof. Surhud More from IUCAA, Pune, and Pritesh Ranadive from HBCSE-TIFR, Mumbai..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Tharman Shanmugaratnam

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Singapore, an island country and city-state in Southeast Asia will go to its first contested presidential elections in over a decade next month (September 2023).

Three people, including Indian-origin Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Ng Kok Songn and Tan Kin Lian, have met the criteria to contest the presidential polls. The official nominations, however, will take place on 22 August 2023.


Who is Tharman Shanmugaratnam?

Born in Singapore on February 25, 1957, Tharman graduated from the London School of Economics. He later went to Cambridge University for a Master of Philosophy in economics.  He also attended Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University for a Master of Public Administration degree.

Tharman’s father Kanagaratnam Shanmugaratnam was also a well-known figure in the city-state and considered Singapore’s “father of pathology”.

The 66-year-old presidential hopeful started his career as a chief economist at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). He then joined Singapore Administrative Service as a Senior Deputy Secretary for Policy in the Ministry of Education but returned to MAS as a managing editor.

He was associated with the People’s Action Party (PAP) for more than two decades and served as deputy premier and senior minister before resigning from his post to contest the presidential election. In his appeal to the voters, Tharman has said that if elected, he will be “impartial” and asked them to consider his track record and not his past affiliations.

Besides Tharman, chairman of Avanda Investment Management, Ng Kok Song is also contesting the September 1 polls to elect the head of the state. The 75-year-old former investment officer has been a long associate of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, but never joined his party PAP.

The third candidate Tan Kin Lian will once again run for the top job after finishing last of the four candidates in the 2011 Singapore presidential elections..

Source : Thestatesman

Correct Answer :   Ratan Tata

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The first-ever 'Udyog Ratna' award instituted by the Maharashtra government was conferred on veteran industrialist Ratan Tata (19th Aug 2023).

The award was presented to the 85-year-old chairman emeritus of Tata Sons by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar at the industrialist's home in Colaba, south Mumbai.

The honour comprised a shawl, a citation and a memento from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).
 

Talking to reporters afterwards, Mr Shinde said honouring Mr Tata as 'Udyog Ratna' has enhanced the prestige of the award.

"The contribution of the Tata group in all sectors is immense. Tata means trust," he said.

The steel-to-salt group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents. In 2021-22, the collective revenue of Tata companies stood at $128 billion..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   19th August 2023

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Photoshop maker Adobe's co-founder John Warnock died on Saturday (19th August 2023) aged 82, the company said in a statement early on Sunday (20th August 2023).

The cause of his death was not disclosed.

"It is a sad day for the Adobe community and the industry for which he has been an inspiration for decades," Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen said in an email sent to employees.

Warnock co-founded Adobe in 1982 with Charles Geschke. He retired as CEO in 2000 and was chairman of the board, a position he shared with Geschke, until 2017.

Source : Reuters

Correct Answer :   August 21

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The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed annually on August 21. This is the sixth commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, on 21 August 2023.


History of the Day :

* The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was established by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 72/165 of 20 December 2017. The resolution was adopted by consensus, reflecting the strong international commitment to combating terrorism and supporting its victims.

* The day was chosen to commemorate the bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, on August 21, 2003, which killed 22 people, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Significance of the Day :

* The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is a day to remember and honor the victims and survivors of terrorism. It is also a day to reaffirm the international community’s commitment to combating terrorism and to promoting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people.

* On this day, governments, organizations, and individuals around the world hold events to remember the victims of terrorism and to raise awareness about the need to combat this scourge. These events can take many forms, such as candlelight vigils, memorial services, and educational workshops.

* The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is an important opportunity to come together as a global community and to show our solidarity with the victims and survivors of terrorism. It is also a day to recommit ourselves to the fight against terrorism and to create a world where everyone can live in peace and security.

Correct Answer :   August 21

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World Senior Citizen Day is celebrated on August 21 every year to raise awareness of the contributions of older adults to society. In India, a senior citizen means any person who has attained the age of sixty years or above.

In a more general sense, senior citizens are elderly people, especially those who have retired. This day is celebrated to recognise the wisdom, knowledge, and accomplishments of older individuals while raising awareness about the issues they face and advocating for their well-being.

Here are some ways to celebrate World Senior Citizen Day :

* Visit a senior citizen center or nursing home and spend time with the residents.
* Volunteer your time to an organization that helps senior citizens.
* Donate to a charity that supports senior citizens.
* Learn more about the issues faced by senior citizens and advocate for policies that will improve their lives.

Here are some of the challenges faced by senior citizens :

* Healthcare: Senior citizens are more likely to have chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. They are also more likely to need long-term care, such as nursing home care.
* Financial security: Many senior citizens have limited financial resources. They may have retired on a fixed income that is not enough to cover their expenses.
* Loneliness and isolation: As people age, they may lose friends and family members. They may also become more isolated from society.
* Ageism: Ageism is discrimination against people based on their age. Senior citizens may experience ageism in employment, housing, and healthcare.

World Senior Citizen Day 2023 Significance :

The significance of World Senior Citizen Day is twofold. First, it is a day to honor the contributions of senior citizens to society. Senior citizens have made significant contributions in all areas of life, from raising families and building businesses to serving in the military and leading governments. They have also passed on their wisdom and knowledge to younger generations, helping to shape the world we live in today.

Second, World Senior Citizen Day is a day to raise awareness about the issues faced by senior citizens. As the population ages, the number of senior citizens is increasing. This is putting a strain on resources, such as healthcare and housing. Senior citizens are also more likely to be victims of crime and abuse. World Senior Citizen Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about these issues and to advocate for policies that will improve the lives of senior citizens.

World Senior Citizen Day History :

The origins of World Senior Citizen Day can be traced back to the efforts of the former President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. In 1988, President Reagan issued a proclamation declaring August 21st as National Senior Citizens Day in the United States. The day was intended to honour the senior citizens in the country for their achievements and contributions, while also highlighting the importance of programs and policies that support their well-being.

Over time, the observance of World Senior Citizen Day extended beyond the United States, evolving into a global celebration. People around the world recognize the invaluable role that senior citizens play in society, from preserving cultural heritage to offering guidance to younger generations. This recognition led to the establishment of World Senior Citizen Day as an international observance.

Correct Answer :   Rufflesia Arnoldii

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Flowers, with their captivating beauty and diverse forms, have always fascinated humanity. From the enchanting fragrance of a rose to the massive blossoms that seem to defy the laws of nature.

Our planet is a home to about 369,400 species of flowers, while most of the species of flowers are unknown to us. Flowers are symbols of beauty, fragrance and vibrant colors, often serving as gifts that bring happiness and convey emotions.

Flowers have different sizes and shapes, with the largest of them weighing as much as 20 pounds. In this article we will read about the top 10 largest flower in the world with their unique features.


Largest Flower of the World :

The largest flower of the world is Rufflesia Arnoldii. From its immense size to its pungent aroma, the Rafflesia arnoldii is like a symbol of diversity and ingenuity of the natural world.

Here is the list of Top-10 Biggest Flowers in the World with their scientific names :

2. World’s Second Largest Flower: Titan Arum

Scientific name: Amorphophallus titanium

Height: up to 20 feet

Weight: 110 kg

Scientific importance: The root of this flower is used to make medicine. Arum is used to treat colds and throat swelling despite major safety concerns. It also encourages perspiration and relieves chest congestion.

Other features: Titan Arum is the second largest flower in the world, comes from the flowering plant family Araceae. It takes 40 years to bloom and smells like the skin of a dead human body like Rufflesia. The rotting smell of Corpse flowers attracts scavengers and the plant feeds on them. Titan arum flower needs high temperature and humidity to grow, if they are kept in cool temperatures for long, they die.


3. World’s third largest flower: Talipoy Palm

Scientific name: Corypha Umbraculifera

Height:  up to 25 m

Diameter of stem: 1.3 m or 2.5 feet

Location: Andamans, Srilanka, Cambodia and China

Significance:  The leaves of this flower are used to thatch homes, protect walls, plait mats and serve as umbrellas during rains.

Other features: This is the third biggest flower on the earth which has a lifetime for about 60 years. The unique feature of this flower is that it is monocarpic, which means it flowers and gives fruits only once in its lifetime.

Correct Answer :   Droupadi Murmu

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President Droupadi Murmu has officially granted her assent to two crucial pieces of legislation, namely the Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Both of these bills, which had recently received approval from the Parliament, have now become law with the President’s endorsement.


Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Enhancing Definitions and Scope :

The Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023, is designed to introduce amendments to the existing Central Goods and Services Tax Act of 2017. This bill encompasses adjustments to key definitions and provisions to better align with evolving technological and economic landscapes.

* Defining Online Gaming and Virtual Digital Assets: The bill adds definitions for crucial terms such as “online gaming,” “online money gaming,” and “virtual digital assets.” It clarifies that online gaming refers to the offering of games over the internet or electronic networks, encompassing money gaming as well.

Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Refining Taxation in the Digital Age :

The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023, is centered around refining the provisions of the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act of 2017. This amendment focuses on a specific aspect related to online activities.

* Exclusion of Online Money Gaming from Online Information Services: A significant amendment introduced by this bill is the exclusion of online money gaming from the definition of “online information and data access or retrieval services.” This alteration recognizes the unique nature of online money gaming in contrast to other forms of online services.

These amendments collectively reflect the government’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities in the realm of taxation and regulation. By accommodating the nuances of online activities, these bills contribute to a more comprehensive and up-to-date legislative framework.

Correct Answer :   50 Crores

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The total number of Jan Dhan accounts in the country has crossed 50 crore-mark, with 56 per cent of the accounts belonging to women, the finance ministry said on Friday (18th Aug 2023).

About 67 per cent of these accounts have been opened in rural and semi-urban areas, it said in a statement.

The total deposits in these accounts are above ₹ 2.03 lakh crore while around 34 crore RuPay cards have been issued with these accounts free of cost.

The average balance in Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts is ₹ 4,076 and more than 5.5 crore of these are receiving Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), it said.

The National Mission on Financial Inclusion -- popularly known as PMJDY -- which was launched on August 28, 2014, has been successful in changing the financial landscape of the country, it added.

PMJDY offers multiple advantages to account holders such as a bank account without the requirement of a minimum balance, free of cost RuPay debit cards with in-built accident insurance of ₹ 2 lakh, and an overdraft facility of up to ₹ 10,000..

Source : NDTV