Correct Answer :   Sachin Tendulkar

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Bharat Ratna Awardee, Legendary Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has been declared as the "National Icon" of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to create awareness among voters and encourage their participation in the electoral process.

Addressing an event in Akawani Bhawan in New Delhi 23rd Aug 2023, Mr. Tendulkar said this is a new inning for him after retiring from cricket. He said, every vote is important in the development of the nation. He encouraged the voters especially the young citizen to cast their votes.

During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Sachin Tendulkar for three years in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

Aim : Through this partnership, ECI aims to address the challenges of urban and youth apathy toward voting. Earlier in a statement, the ECI said, this collaboration would mark a significant step towards leveraging Sachin Tendulkar's unparalleled impact with the youth for increasing voters’ participation in the forthcoming elections, especially in general elections scheduled to be held in the next year.

The Election Commission has continuously associated itself with renowned Indians from various fields and designates them as its national icons to motivate voters. Last year, the Commission recognized famous actor Pankaj Tripathi as the National Icon. Earlier, during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Cricketer MS Dhoni, Actor Aamir Khan, and Boxing Champion Mary Kom were the ECI national icons..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Varanasi

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The 4th G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) Meeting will begin 23rd August 2023 in Varanasi. It will culminate in the Culture Ministers’ Meeting (CMM) on 26th August 2023.

Delegates from G20 member nations, invitee countries, and various international organizations will attend it.  Building upon the success of the previous three CWG meetings in Khajuraho, Bhubaneswar, and Hampi, as well as the four Global Thematic Webinars,

Aim : The 4th CWG meeting in Varanasi aims to arrive at actionable outcomes while positioning culture at the heart of policy-making.

The delegates will have the opportunity to experience the world-renowned Ganga Aarti on the banks of the river Ganga and explore the beautiful history of the lion capital of Sarnath.

The G20 Global Orchestra performance titled “Sur Vasudha'' celebrating the rich musical knowledge and heritage of G20 member nations and invitee countries will be presented in Varanasi.

The delegates will also witness cultural performances including Indian classical music and dance forms during their time in Varanasi. A report titled "G20 Culture: Shaping the Global Narrative for Inclusive Growth”.

Will be launched in Varanasi as a part of the Culture Ministers’ Meeting. The CWG will also release a special stamp to commemorate the Culture Unites All’ campaign to highlight India’s unwavering belief in multilateralism..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   USA

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21st August 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) approved Abrysvo (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine), the first vaccine approved for use in pregnant individuals to prevent lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) and severe LRTD caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants from birth through 6 months of age.

Abrysvo is approved for use at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age of pregnancy. Abrysvo is administered as a single dose injection into the muscle. The FDA approved Abrysvo in May for the prevention of LRTD caused by RSV in individuals 60 years of age and older.

“RSV is a common cause of illness in children, and infants are among those at highest risk for severe disease, which can lead to hospitalization,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “This approval provides an option for healthcare providers and pregnant individuals to protect infants from this potentially life-threatening disease.”

RSV is a highly contagious virus that causes respiratory infections in individuals of all age groups. It is the most frequent cause of lower respiratory tract illness in infants worldwide. In most parts of the U.S., RSV circulation is seasonal, typically starting during the fall and peaking in the winter. The virus is especially common in children, and most individuals can be expected to be infected with RSV by the time they reach two years of age.

While RSV most often causes cold-like symptoms in infants and young children, it can also lead to serious LRTD such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis (swelling of the small airway passages in the lungs). In infants and children, the risk of RSV-associated LRTD is highest during the first year of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S.

The safety and effectiveness of Abrysvo for immunization of pregnant individuals to prevent LRTD and severe LRTD caused by RSV in infants from birth through 6 months of age was evaluated in ongoing, randomized, placebo-controlled international clinical studies.

A clinical study evaluated the effectiveness of Abrysvo to prevent LRTD and severe LRTD caused by RSV in infants born to individuals who were vaccinated during pregnancy. Among approximately 3,500 pregnant individuals who received Abrysvo, compared to approximately 3,500 pregnant individuals who received placebo, Abrysvo reduced the risk of severe LRTD by 81.8% within 90 days after birth, and 69.4% within 180 days after birth.

In a subgroup of pregnant individuals who were 32 through 36 weeks gestational age, of whom approximately 1,500 received Abrysvo and 1,500 received placebo, Abrysvo reduced the risk of LRTD by 34.7%, and reduced the risk of severe LRTD by 91.1% within 90 days after birth when compared to placebo. Within 180 days after birth, Abrysvo reduced the risk of LRTD by 57.3% and by 76.5% for severe LRTD, when compared to placebo.

The safety of Abrysvo was evaluated in two studies. In one study, approximately 3,600 pregnant individuals received a single dose of Abrysvo and approximately 3,600 pregnant individuals received a placebo. In the second study, approximately 100 pregnant individuals received Abrysvo and approximately 100 pregnant individuals received placebo..

Source : FDA

Correct Answer :   Philippines

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Indian Coast Guard has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine Coast Guard to enhance maritime cooperation.

The implementation of this MoU will enhance bilateral maritime cooperation between the two nations for ensuring safe, secure, and clean seas in the region.

The MoU was signed by the Director General of Indian Coast Guard Rakesh Pal and the Commandant of Philippine Coast Guard Admiral Artemio M Abu in New Delhi.

Both sides held their first bilateral meeting on a range of maritime issues.
 

Defence Ministry said, the MoU seeks to enhance the professional linkage between the two Coast Guards in the domain of Maritime Law Enforcement, Maritime Search and Rescue, and Marine Pollution Response.

A five-member delegation of the Philippine Coast Guard is on an official tour of India from 20 to 24th August 2023..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha

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Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel on Monday (21st Aug 2023) appointed Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha as the Chief Justice of Nepal.

Issuing a statement, the Office of the President announced President Paudel has appointed Shrestha as the next Chief Justice of the Himalayan nation who will remain the head of the judicial body for 14 months.

Earlier on Monday (21st Aug 2023) afternoon, the Parliamentary Hearing Committee had endorsed Shrestha for the post unanimously.

Three complaints had been filed at the committee secretariat against Shrestha, which were all discussed during Monday’s meeting.

Shrestha, presenting his visions and plans of efficiently leading the top court, pledged to work towards eradicating the influence of middlemen in court procedures..

-- ANI

Correct Answer :   South Africa

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The Republic of South Africa from 22-24 August 2023 at the invitation of H.E Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, to attend the 15th BRICS Summit being held in Johannesburg under the South African Chairmanship.

BRICS has been pursuing a strong cooperation agenda across various sectors. We value that BRICS has become a platform for discussing and deliberating on issues of concern for the entire Global South, including development imperatives and reform of the multilateral system. This Summit will provide a useful opportunity for BRICS to identify future areas of cooperation and review institutional development.

During my stay in Johannesburg, I will also participate in BRICS–Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue event that will be held as part of the BRICS Summit activities. I look forward to interacting with a number of guest countries that have been invited to participate in this event.

I also look forward to holding bilateral meetings with some of the Leaders present in Johannesburg.

From South Africa, I will travel to Athens, Greece on 25 August 2023 at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece. This will be my first visit to this ancient land. I have the honour to be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Greece after 40 years.

Contacts between our two civilizations stretch back over two millennia. In modern times, our ties have been strengthened by shared values of democracy, rule of law and pluralism. Cooperation in diverse sectors such as trade and investment, defence, and cultural and people-to-people contacts have been bringing our two countries closer.

I look forward to my visit to Greece opening a new chapter in our multifacted relationship..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Saudi Arabia

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The Saudi Environment Ministry has launched a program to combat desertification using artificial intelligence (AI).

The program, which is a collaboration between the ministry, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

Aim : To study the status of vegetative cover in the Kingdom and contribute to the goals of afforestation projects and the "Green Saudi" initiative.

Desertification is a major challenge facing Saudi Arabia, an arid country that is already experiencing the effects of climate change. The program will use AI to analyze satellite imagery and other data to identify areas that are most vulnerable to desertification. Remote sensing technologies will be used to monitor vegetation cover, Rainfall, plant health and track its changes over time.

The program will also develop strategies to mitigate the effects of desertification, such as planting trees and shrubs, improving water management, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The launch of the program is a significant step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to combat desertification and achieve its sustainability goals. The program will use cutting-edge technologies to help the Kingdom protect its natural resources and build a more sustainable future.

In addition to the AI-powered program, Saudi Arabia is also implementing a number of other initiatives to combat desertification. These include the "Green Saudi" initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees across the country, and the "National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification", which is working to develop drought-resistant plants and improve water management practices.

Saudi Arabia has activated 77 initiatives to help reach the three targets under the Saudi Green Initiative and achieve long-lasting positive change. The initiatives range from afforestation and biodiversity protection to emissions reduction and establishing new protected areas. Under SGI, Saudi Arabia is delivering against its aspirations to create a greener future for all, and is putting action and investment behind the country's commitment to sustainable development.

The forthcoming Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum, to be held in Riyadh on 23-24 October 2023, is set to be a milestone in the historic effort to transform the oil-based economy of Saudi Arabia into a cleaner and more sustainable one.

In addition to planting 10 billion trees (covering 30 percent of total land area), the SGI aims to create vast protected zones, conserve marine life around the coasts and encourage alternative forms of agriculture. One key aspect of this sea change will be the contribution of technology to the greening of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is around 2 million square kilometers in area, with multiple terrain types and a diverse mixture of vegetation, including forests, pastures, coastlines, and islands. Now, the government is deploying AI and remote sensing to make studying and monitoring these environments more efficient...

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Shivraj Singh Chouhan

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In Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated, on the Mukhyamantri Seekho-Kamao yojna means 'Chief Minister's Learn-Earn' scheme is starting 22nd August 2023.

The scheme has facilitated on-the-job training on the lines of 'learn and earn along with skill development,

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate the scheme 22nd Aug 2023 by distributing contract letters to the youth.

The state government is targeted to include one lakh youth in the first phase of the 'Mukhyamantri Seekho-Kamao' scheme.

However, more than 8 lakh 69 thousand youths have already registered themselves so far. A total of 16 thousand 450 establishments have also been registered.

These establishments have published around 69 thousand posts for the registered youth. Out of them, contracts have also been signed for more than 14 thousand posts.

The 'Mukhyamantri Sikho-Kamao' scheme has been started for the youth in the age group of 18 to 29 years. Under the scheme, the selected youth will be given training according to the requirements of the industries and also get an 8 to 10 thousand rupees stipend..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport

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Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport became the first airport in the northeast to get ‘Digi Yatra’ facility.

The Digi Yatra service will be available in three major areas of the airport, namely - first entrance, check-in and boarding areas.

Assam Industries & Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary while speaking on the occasion said (as quoted by PTI), "Earlier, people needed to wait in long queues at Guwahati airport. This will be a thing of the past from now,"

Meanwhile, Union Civil Aviation Secretary Rajeev Bansal while noting that Digi Yatra is a new initiative and more progress will be made in the future said, “Passengers will be able to register their documents on the ‘Digi Yatra’ app and enter the airport by scanning their faces. The gate will open as soon as the face will be recognised on the camera,"

Utpal Baruah, Chief Airport Officer, LBBI, noted that the facility will make air travel hassle-free and hoped that a majority of passengers in the North East will use this facility in future.

He added that the Digi Yatra facility is currently available only for Indigo and Akasa passengers at Guwahati airport, but added that it will soon be offered by other airlines as well.

What is Digi Yatra initiative?

According to a release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Digi Yatra uses facial recognition technology to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience to passengers at airports. The aim of Digi Yatra facility is to eliminate the need for verification of tickets and IDs at various touch points.

The ministry noted that no personally identifiable information (PII) of passengers is stored during the Digi Yatra process and all passenger data is encrypted and stored in their smartphone wallet..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Kiran Mani

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In a strategic move to bolster its digital business operations, Viacom18 has welcomed Kiran Mani, a seasoned executive from Google, as the new CEO.

Mani’s impressive track record and extensive experience position him well to lead Viacom18’s digital endeavors.

Currently serving as the General Manager and MD for Android and Google Play in the Asia Pacific region, Mani’s 13-year tenure at Google underscores his deep understanding of digital markets.


A Proven Leader with Digital Expertise :

Kiran Mani’s longstanding association with Google speaks volumes about his ability to navigate the dynamic landscape of digital platforms. His role as the head of Android and Google Play in the Asia Pacific region has equipped him with valuable insights into user behaviors, content consumption patterns, and market trends. This expertise will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in his new role as CEO of Viacom18’s digital business.

Pioneering Expansion of JioCinema :

One of the significant responsibilities that Mani will shoulder is spearheading the expansion of JioCinema. This task aligns with Viacom18’s strategic vision to enhance its digital offerings and tap into the burgeoning digital content market. JioCinema, under Mani’s guidance, is poised to reach new heights, benefiting from his strategic acumen and digital industry insights.


Building on a Legacy of Industry Experts :

Viacom18’s recruitment of Kiran Mani follows a trend of industry experts joining the company’s ranks. Previously, Viacom18 welcomed Kevin Vaz, an accomplished professional from Disney Star, as CEO of TV and digital (regional entertainment). Alok Jain, another former Disney Star executive, has also become a part of Viacom18 as President and Head of Colors Hindi and Regional. These strategic hires underline Viacom18’s commitment to assembling a leadership team that brings diverse expertise and a deep understanding of the media and entertainment landscape.