Correct Answer :   17th August 2023

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* Chingam 1 is the first day of the new year of the traditional Malayalam calendar used in Kerala.

* In 2023, it's being celebrated on August 17.

* Chingam 1 is also known as Chingam Month or Chingam Masam and it's followed by the Onam festival.

* The Malayam Calendar is based on the solar calendar system and every year, the date of Chingam 1 varies.

* Chingam 1 marks the beginning of the harvest season in Kerala and is considered an auspicious day.

Correct Answer :   Gandhi Nagar

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The Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO), will organize a first-of-its-kind global summit on Traditional Medicine from the 17th August 2023 in Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat.

Two days summit will take into account the vast experience and expertise of the country.

Union Minister of State for Ayush, Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai said that Director-General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will inaugurate the event in the presence of Minister of Health Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal.

The Ayush Ministry said that the summit 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.

In 2022, WHO, with the support of the Government of India, established the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Indian Institute of Astrophysics

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Scientists in Bengaluru have stumbled upon an astronomical revelation that has sent ripples of excitement through the world of astrophysics.

This discovery has upended established notions about star formation processes, casting new light on how stars come into being. This groundbreaking finding emerged from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, and promises to reshape our understanding of the universe.

The Enigmatic Star - HE 1005-1439

At the heart of this scientific intrigue lies a celestial entity known as "HE 1005-1439," a star that defies conventional classification. This star stands out in the cosmos as a carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) star, a rare and intriguing type. It's more than just its classification that has scientists buzzing; it's the discovery that this star might have formed through an unexpected combination of two distinct neutron-capture processes: the slow (s-) and intermediate (i-) processes.

Decoding Neutron-Capture Processes

But what are these processes, and why are they causing such a stir among astronomers? The journey to comprehend these phenomena takes us into the realm of nuclear astrophysics. Beyond the element iron, the universe's elements are formed through reactions called neutron capture processes. The "slow" (s-) process is believed to occur within low-mass stars during a phase known as asymptotic giant branch (AGB), while the "rapid" (r-) process is thought to transpire during explosive events like Supernovae and Neutron Star mergers. In this intricate dance of cosmic forces, a new player emerges: the "intermediate" (i-) process, linked to low-metallicity low-mass AGB stars.

Implications for Galactic Evolution

This discovery's implications are far-reaching, extending beyond the immediate excitement of the scientific community. By unraveling the intricate balance of these processes, researchers gain vital insights into the elemental composition of stars. This understanding provides a unique lens through which to study the chemical evolution of galaxies, shedding light on the origins of elements that make up our universe.

As the world grapples with this paradigm-shifting discovery, the boundaries of human knowledge continue to expand. The emergence of the HE 1005-1439 star has reminded us once again that the universe holds uncharted territories waiting to be explored. With every new insight gained, we inch closer to unraveling the mysteries that have captivated humankind for generations..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   Gujarat

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Union Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala has unveiled the 'A-HELP' (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme along with an Infertility Camp, 14th August 2023 in the State of Gujarat.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, is spearheading these initiatives as part of the Pashudhan Jagrati Abhiyaan under Inclusive Development. Ms Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary (CDD), Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of India and Dr. N. H. Kelawala, Vice Chancellor, Kamdhenu University were also present.

Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala highlighted the pivotal role played by livestock and women in the comprehensive development of the livestock sector, particularly in Gujarat.

'A-HELP' programme and the Infertility Camp can mark a significant stride towards empowering women, enhancing livestock productivity, and advancing the socio-economic landscape of the region.

'A-HELP' programme Aim : To empower women by engaging them as trained agents who contribute significantly to disease control, artificial insemination under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), animal tagging, and livestock insurance. Shri Rupala emphasized that this endeavour serves as an exemplary integration of women’s power, fostering socio-economic progress in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Ministry of Electronics and IT

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Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma launched the ‘Graphene-Aurora program’ at a function in Maker Village Kochi, Kerala 14th Aug 2023.

The program shall be implemented by Digital University Kerala with joint funding from Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India and Government of Kerala and Industry partners, with the total budget outlay of Rs 94.85 Crore, wherein, Carborundum Pvt Limited joined as one of the main industry partners. Along with the startup products developed, the technologies and products also developed at research and development centers like India Innovation Centre Graphene (IICG), setup at Makers village, Kochi shall be considered for commercialization.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma said that a section 8 company (not for profit) called ‘India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (I-GEIC)’ shall be set up and the initial operations will start from the recently opened facility of Government of Kerala at Digital Science Park in Trivandrum. It shall fill the gap between R&D and commercialization by providing a complete facility to startup and industry.

The Secretary, MeitY mentioned that it shall nurture the deep/emerging Graphene technology & innovation ecosystem that can guide, develop, implement, and support SMEs and startups to commercialize developed graphene technologies for scale adoption.

He also mentioned that creation of a commercialization eco-system for graphene as an emerging technology would help India take a pole position in the world’s new material market.

Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma also announced the progress and contributions of Maker Village, to the development of hardware startups in the country, and assured MeitY’s support for the creation of a complete ecosystem for Electronics Product Testing.

He also appreciated the outcomes of other MeitY funded Centre of Excellence on IIOT Sensors and India Innovation Centre for Graphene that complements the solutions from materials, sensors to system integration that electronic product development.

Dr Rathan Kelkar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics and IT, GoK; Shri. Suman Billa IAS, Principal Secretary Industries Department, GoK; Dr. Saji Gopinath, Vice Chancellor, Digital University Kerala; Smt Sunita Verma, Group Coordinator, MeitY; Prof Alex James, CI, Graphene Aurora program, and Shri Kamesh Gupta, Co-CI, Graphene Aurora; Dr. P S Jayan, Carborundum Private limited were also present on the occasion..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Prime Ministers' Museum and Library

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The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) has officially been renamed as the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) Society.

In a tweet on X, formerly known as Twitter, PMML vice-chairman A Surya Prakash wrote, “Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) is now Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) Society w.e.f August 14, 2023 – in tune with the democratisation and diversification of the remit of the society.

Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) is now Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) Society w.e.f August 14, 2023- in tune with the democratisation and diversification of the remit of the society. Happy Independence Day ! @narendramodi, @rajnathsingh @MinOfCultureGoI pic.twitter.com/V7vJ4OVEIN

— A. Surya Prakash (@mediasurya) August 15, 2023

Hitting out at the Centre, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi can never take away the gigantic contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru in the country's freedom struggle.

He further added the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru will continue to inspire future generations.

Taking to his official handle on X, formerly Twitter, Ramesh posted on Wednesday (16th Aug 2023), “From today, an iconic institution gets a new name. The world-renowned Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) becomes PMML—Prime Ministers’ Memorial Museum and Library. Mr Modi possesses a huge bundle of fears, complexes and insecurities, especially when it comes to our first and longest-serving Prime Minister. He has had a single-point agenda of denying, distorting, defaming and destroying Nehru and the Nehruvian legacy."

From today, an iconic institution gets a new name. The world renowned Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) becomes PMML—Prime Ministers’ Memorial Museum and Library.

Mr. Modi possesses a huge bundle of fears, complexes and insecurities, especially when it comes to our first…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) August 16, 2023

Correct Answer :   CSIR

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To celebrate the 77th Independence Day, the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) unveiled an enhanced version of the national flower Lotus.

This new variety, named ‘Namoh 108,’ boasts 108 petals and is designed to be more resilient to various weather conditions.

The technology intervention by NBRI allows this lotus variety to bloom for an extended period of 10 months, spanning from March to December.

During the launch, CSIR director general N Kalaiselvi presented ‘Namoh 108’ at the week-long festival named ‘One Week One Lab Programme,’ which commenced on Monday (14th August 2023).

The number ‘108’ was chosen due to its religious significance, coupled with the reverence of the lotus in Indian culture.

Notably, the inception of this improved lotus variety has its roots in Manipur. Scientists from NBRI brought the variety from the northeastern state for research purposes.

Importantly, ‘Namoh 108’ is distinctive for being the first lotus variety with a completely sequenced genome. This feature ensures the plant’s survival and safeguards it from the risk of extinction that many other flowers and plants face.

According to Dr. KJ Singh, the project’s head researcher, the enhanced ‘Namoh 108’ variety displays superior weather resilience compared to other lotus varieties.

It boasts an exceptional flowering duration, spanning from March to December, setting it apart from the typical 4-5 month flowering cycle of other varieties.

The ‘Namoh 108’ lotus features large light pink petals, with flowers reaching up to 10 inches in diameter.

In addition to the flower variety, CSIR-NBRI also introduced products made from lotus fiber, including apparel, and a perfume named ‘Frotus,’ crafted from Lotus plants.

This innovative endeavor by the CSIR-NBRI contributes to preserving the cultural and botanical heritage of India while pushing the boundaries of scientific advancement.

Correct Answer :   15th August 2023

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Former India men’s football team captain Mohammed Habib passed away on Tuesday (15th August 2023) in Hyderabad, aged 74.

Habib, who had been suffering from dementia and Parkinson’s syndrome, according to PTI, is survived by his wife and three daughters.

He represented the national team 35 times, scoring 11 goals.

He made his debut against Thailand in the Merdeka Cup at Kuala Lumpur in 1967 and was an integral part of the bronze-medal winning team at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

He was also part of the team that jointly won the Pesta Sukan Cup with South Vietnam in 1971, and continued to play internationally until his retirement in 1975.

For his exploits in Indian football, Habib was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1980.

In club football, Habib represented the big three of Kolkata Maidan – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting – in his playing days from the 1960s through to the 70s.

Expressing his condolences, All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey said, “The ‘Bade Miya’ of Kolkata football was my coach and mentor in [Tata Football Academy] and Mohun Bagan. His contribution to India’s bronze medal-winning team in the 1970 Asian Games will be remembered forever. May his soul rest in peace.”

On the domestic front, Habib switched over from Hyderabad to Kolkata in 1966 when he joined East Bengal.

Always considered a big-match player, Habib shone when it was needed most. In the 1969 Santosh Trophy final, he scored five goals in Bengal’s 6-1 win over Services, which is still a record.

Fans of Indian football will remember him for his exploits during the exhibition match between Brazil legend Pele’s New York Cosmos team and Mohun Bagan.

Habib not only scored a goal in the 2-2 draw but also earned the praise of Pele for his impressive display at the Eden Gardens that evening.

Habib had the rare distinction of scoring the winning goals in three Durand Cup finals in the span of seven seasons for East Bengal.

The prolific playmaker was also one of the few players to win the Triple Crown (IFA Shield, Durand Cup and Rovers Cup) in the same season for both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in 1972 and 1977, respectively.

After his retirement from club football in 1982, Habib decided to turn to coaching. Having joined as the coach at Tata Football Academy in Jamshedpur, he was instrumental in producing a number of footballers who went on to don the national team colours.

Later, he coached Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting in the late 1990s and early 2000s..

Source : Scroll

Correct Answer :   Leila Seth

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Leila Seth (20 October 1930 – 5 May 2017) was an Indian judge who served as the first woman judge on the Delhi High Court and became the first woman to become Chief Justice of a state High Court, Himachal Pradesh High Court, on 5 August 1991.

* She was also the first woman to be designated as a senior counsel by the Supreme Court of India.

* She sat on a number of enquiry commissions, including one into the death of 'Biscuit Baron' Rajan Pillai, and was also a part of the three-member bench of the Justice Verma Committee that was established to overhaul India's rape laws in the aftermath of the infamous 2012 Delhi gang-rape case.

* She was a member of the 15th Law Commission of India from 1997 to 2000, and was responsible for the amendments to the Hindu Succession Act that gave equal rights to daughters in joint family property.

Marriage Life and Education :

* In Kolkata, Leila Seth met her future husband, Prem Seth, leading to what to she termed a ‘semi-arranged’ marriage. The couple’s move to London provided her with an opportunity to pursue her interest in law.

* Her motivation was driven by the flexibility the field offered, essential for her as a young mother. Remarkably in 1958, at the age of 27, Seth secured the top spot in the London Bar exam, a ground-breaking achievement for a woman.


Legal Career of Leila Seth :

* Upon returning to India, Leila Seth started her legal journey in Patna. Despite facing gender bias and scepticism, she fearlessly tackled a range of cases, spanning taxation, constitutional matters and public interest litigations.

* Her tenacity led her to the Delhi High Court, where she shattered the glass ceiling and became the first woman judge in 1978. This achievement marked a pivotal step towards her trailblazing role in the Indian judiciary.

Correct Answer :   Meira Kumar

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Meira Kumar, an Indian politician, and former diplomat was born on March 31, 1945. She served as the 15th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 4 June 2009 to 18 May 2014 and served as the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment from 2004 to 2009.

She is a member of the Indian National Congress. When she received the United Progressive Alliance’s nomination for president of India in 2017, Kumar became the second woman to do so.

Key Points :

* She was an Indian Foreign Service Officer from the 1973 batch.

* She served as a diplomat in the high commission of India in the UK.

* She entered politics in 1989 as a member of the Indian National Congress.

* Meira Kumar was elected to the 8th, 11th, 12th, and 14th Lok Sabha.

* Meira served as the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2004 (Under Manmohan Singh’s Prime Ministership).

* In 2009, she became the first woman speaker of Lok Sabha (15th Lok Sabha).

* She was the presidential candidate for Indian National Congress in 2017; But failed to win against Ram Nath Kovind.