Correct Answer :   18th Rank

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According to the World Trade Statistical Review 2023, the annual flagship publication of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India is ranked 18th among the Leading exporters in world merchandise trade (2022).

It gives data on merchandise and services trade broken down by geographical origin, main product groups and sectors, along with related data on key economic developments such as gross domestic product (GDP) growth, commodity prices, and exchange rate fluctuations, mostly for 2022.

On a global scale, India holds the 9th spot in merchandise importing and ranks 7th in merchandise exporting (2022).

The leading exporters in world merchandise trade for the year 2022 are China, the USA, and Germany, occupying the top three positions..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   8 Indian Institute of Technology (IITs)

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The Central government has approved the setting up of research parks at 8 Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore to augment the research ecosystem in the country, according to the Union Education Ministry.

To strengthen the country’s research ecosystem, the government will build research parks at IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Kanpur as well as IISc Bangalore.

The move is intended to reinforce academic-industry ties while also expanding the research environment, Minister of State for Education Subhas Sarkar informed the Lok Sabha on 7 August 2023 in a written reply to a question. He further mentioned that the research parks at IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras are already operational, and others are nearing completion.

“The main objectives of these Research Park are to have research collaboration with top-rated industries, to enable entrepreneurship and incubation of students and building strong academic linkages for the same, to increase outreach of academic content to industry and enabling industry to add value to academic programme through close collaborations etc.” the minister said.

On the other hand, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, which established a national organisation to finance research at all of the nation’s universities, was approved by the Lok Sabha on August 7, 2023. On August 4, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh introduced the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill 2023 in Lok Sabha..

Source : News18

Correct Answer :   700,000 USD

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According to a statement from India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, the country will contribute 700,000 USD from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund to the Tuvalu project to store and provide clean water in schools.

Notably, the only public school in Tuvalu is called “Motufoua Secondary School.”

With a 760 metric cube capacity, the proposed concrete water cistern will store and supply clean water to students, teachers, and school staff, fostering good hygiene and lowering the incidence of water-borne illnesses.

“India will provide funding support of 700,000 USD from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund for the project, “Motufoua concrete water cistern” as requested by the Government of Tuvalu,” the statement read.

In May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the “Sagar Amrut Scholarship” scheme for the Pacific Island countries, at the Summit of the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation.

He had also announced a 12-point action plan focusing on health, wellness and community development sectors as per priorities of the Pacific island countries.

The water cistern project in Tuvalu is in pursuance of these initiatives focused on the importance of high-impact community development projects in areas of choice by the Pacific countries.

According to Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, the Permanent Representative of India, India’s philosophy sees the entire world as one big family and this project is another step in the direction of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals..

Source : The Daily Guardian

Correct Answer :   8th August 2023

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Prominent filmmaker Siddique passed away at a private hospital in Kochi last night (8th August 2023). He was 63. Siddique's journey in the world of Malayalam cinema began with his directorial debut, "Ramji Rao Speaking" along with his friend Lal.

The duo created some of the Malayalam film industry's biggest comedy blockbusters, including "In Harihar Nagar," "Godfather," "Vietnam Colony," "Ramji Rao Speaking," and "Friends," among others. He also directed films in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.

Siddique carved a niche for himself in the hearts of film lovers with his innovative storytelling and versatile filmmaking style. He wove intricate narratives around relatable characters, skillfully blending humor and emotions.

The mortal remains of Siddique will be placed at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium for the public to pay homage this morning. The burial will take place at the Ernakulam Central Juma Masjid this evening..


Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Meri Mati Mera Desh

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Nation -wide “Meri Mati Mera Desh” Campaign will be launched on 9th August 2023, to pay tribute to the ‘Veers’ who laid down their lives for the country.

From 9th to 30th August , 2023, the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign will include programs at the village, and block levels , by local urban bodies, as well as state and national level.

The campaign will include various programs across the country to remember the bravehearts (Veers). Shilaphalakams (memorial plaques) commemorating them will be installed in village panchayats. This campaign is the concluding event of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,' which began on 12th March , 2021, and has witnessed widespread public participation(Jan Bhagidari) with over 2 lakh programs organized across India.

Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, recently announced this campaign during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast. The campaign aims to honour the brave freedom fighters and bravehearts who sacrificed their lives for the country .

The campaign will feature programs like the establishment of Shilaphalakams dedicated to freedom fighters and security forces, as well as initiatives like Panch Pran Pledge, Vasudha Vandan, Veeron ka Vandan which venerates the gallant sacrifices of our bravehearts. Shilaphalakam or Memorial plaques saluting the spirit of sacrifice of local bravehearts from the village, panchayat, block, town, city, municipality etc. are to be erected across urban and rural areas.

It will have Prime Minister’s message with the names of those who have laid down their lives for the nation belonging to that region.

An 'Amrit Kalash Yatra' will be conducted, carrying soil from all corners of the country in 7500 kalash to create an 'Amrit Vatika' in Delhi. This 'Amrit Vatika' will symbolize the commitment to 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.'

To encourage mass participation (Jan-Bhagidari), a website, https://merimaatimeradesh.gov.in, has also been launched where people can upload selfies holding soil or an earthen lamp. By doing so, they take the pledge of Panch Pran, with focus to make India a developed country, eliminate the mentality of slavery, be proud of our rich heritage, uphold unity and solidarity, fulfil duties as citizens, and respect those who protect the nation. Once the pledge is taken, a digital certificate of participation can be downloaded from the website.

The nationwide campaign will start on 9th August, with scheduled programs until Independence Day on 15th August 2023. Subsequent events will take place from 16th August , 2023 onwards at block, municipality/corporation, and state levels. The closing ceremony is scheduled for 30th August , 2023, on the Kartavya Path, New Delhi in the presence of dignitaries. The portal https:// yuva.gov.in can be accessed for information on various activities under Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign.

Last year, “Har Ghar Tiranga” programme, became a grand success owing to participation of one and all. This year too, Har Ghar Tiranga will be celebrated between 13th -15th August, 2023. Indians everywhere can hoist the national flag, click selfie with the Tiranga and upload on Har Ghar Tiranga website.

Meri Mati Mera Desh website https://merimaatimeradesh.gov.in.

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Amit Jhingran

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SBI Life Insurance Co. hit a fresh record high on Wednesday (9th Aug 2023) after the insurance regulator approved the appointment of its chief executive officer.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India approved the appointment of Amit Jhingran as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), according to an exchange filing.

Jhingran joined the State Bank of India as a probationary officer in August 1991. In a career spanning over 30 years with SBI, he has held various assignments across international banking, retail banking, and branch management.

Shares of SBI Life Insurance Co. rose 1.30% to 1,366.95 apiece as of 9:42 a.m., compared to a 0.31% decline in the NSE Nifty 50.

The stock rose 1.83% to hit a record high at Rs 1,374 apiece. It has risen 11.14% year-to-date.

Total traded volume stood at 5.7 times its 30-day average. The relative strength index at 70, implying that the stock maybe overbought.

Out of the 32 analysts tracking the company, 30 maintain a 'buy' rating, and two recommend a 'hold' on the stock, according to Bloomberg data. The average 12-month price target given by analysts implies a potential upside of 15.7%..

Source : BQ Prime

Correct Answer :   Neeraj Chopra

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Neeraj Chopra, will lead the country’s challenge at the World Athletics Championships from August 19 to 27, 2023 in Budapest.

* India will send a 28-member contingent to the prestigious event.

* Chopra, the Tokyo Olympics javelin gold medallisst, wwon silver at the last World Championships in Eugene, US, last year. Now, the Diamond League champion is aiming at a gold.

* Some leading Indian names will not be on the plane to Budapest. Asian record holder shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor has pulled out due to a groin injury he suffered during the Asian Championships in July.

* Some others want to concentrate on the Asian Games (September 23 to October 8) in Hangzhou. These include National record holder high jumper Tejaswin Shankar, 800m runner K M Chanda and 20km race walker and national record holder Priyanka Goswami.

The Indian Team :

Women : Jyothi Yarraji (100m Hurdles), Parul Chaudhary (3000m Steeplechase), Shaili Singh (Long Jump), Annu Rani (Javelin Throw), Bhawna Jat (20km Race Walk).

Men : Krishan Kumar (800m), Ajay Kumar Saroj (1500m), Santhosh Kumar Tamilarnsan (400m Hurdles), Avinash Mukund Sable (3000m Steeplechase), Sarvesh Anil Kushare (High Jump), Jeswin Aldrin (Long Jump), M Sreeshankar (Long Jump), Praveen Chithravel (Triple Jump), Abdulla Aboobacker (Triple Jump), Eldhose Paul (Triple Jump), Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw), DP Manu (Javelin Throw), Kishore Kumar Jena (Javelin Throw), Akashdeep Singh (20km Race Walk), Vikash Singh (20km Race Walk), Paramjeet Singh (20km Race Walk), Ram Baboo (35km Race Walk), Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal, Muhammed Anas, Rajesh Ramesh, Anil Rajalingam, Mijo Chacko Kurian (Men's 4x400m Relay)..

Source : Outlookindia

Correct Answer :   Halla Bol

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Sports Authority of India (SAI) under the Umbrella Campaign ‘Cheer4India’ has launched a short movie series ‘Halla Bol’ on the journey of Asian Games bound athletes to motivate them for Hangzhou Asian Games and spread awareness about the upcoming Asian Games.


SAI to launch 12 short films :

In the upcoming weeks, SAI has ambitious plans to release a total of 12 short films. This initiative aims to not only motivate athletes participating in the Asian Games 2023 but also to encourage the youth of the nation to embrace sports and pursue a career in the field. The first episode in the series was also unveiled which gave a glimpse onto the life of star Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra. The first video featuring Neeraj Chopra instantly became a hit on social media and has amassed massive views. The series is expected to rake in huge popularity as it focusses on the successful journey of athletes.

About the SAI :

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is the Apex National Sports Body of India, established in 1984 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India for the development of sports in India. SAI has twoSports Academic Institutions, 11 “SAI Regional Centres” (SRC), 14 “Centre of Excellence” (COE/COX), 56 “Sports Training Centres” (STC) and 20 Special Area Games (SAG). In addition, SAI also manages Netaji Subhash High Altitude Training Centre (Shilaroo, Himachal Pradesh) as well as 5 stadiums in the National Capital of Delhi, such as Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (also serves as national head office of SAI), Indira Gandhi Arena, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, SPM Swimming Pool Complex and Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range.

Correct Answer :   Rs 14.56 lakh crore

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Banks have written off bad loans worth Rs 14.56 lakh crore in the last nine financial years starting 2014-15, Parliament was informed on Monday (7th August 2023).

Out of the total Rs 14,56,226 crore, written off loans of large industries and services stood at Rs 7,40,968 crore.

Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) have recovered an aggregate amount of Rs 2,04,668 crore in written-off loans, including corporate loans, since April, 2014 and up to March, 2023, Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Karad said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

Loans written-off during the financial year, net of recovery in written-off loans during the financial year (net write-off) in public sector banks (PSBs) was Rs 1.18 lakh crore in the financial year (FY) 2017-18, which has declined to 0.91 lakh crore in FY 2021-22 and to Rs 0.84 lakh crore (RBI provisional data) in FY 2022-23, he said in another reply.

Net write-off loans by private sector banks stood at Rs 73,803 crore (RBI provisional data) in FY 2022-23, he said..

Source : Economic Times

Correct Answer :   7th August 2023

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William Friedkin, the groundbreaking US director of "The Exorcist" and "The French Connection," died on Monday (7th August 2023), a family friend told AFP. He was 87.

Friedkin passed away in Los Angeles after suffering unspecified health issues in recent years, said Stephen Galloway, a former Hollywood Reporter executive editor.

"He died this morning," confirmed Galloway, after speaking with Friedkin's wife.

The director had "been working until a few weeks ago," but "had been in declining health," he added.

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro led the tributes on Monday, calling Friedkin "one of the Gods of Cinema."

"Cinema has lost a true Scholar and I have lost a dear, loyal and true friend," he wrote on social media.

Fellow horror director Eli Roth posted a tribute on Instagram to "one of the most impactful directors of all time" who "set the course of my life in a different direction."

Actor Elijah Wood described Friedkin as "a true cinematic master whose influence will continue to extend forever."

Friedkin was among a crop of influential young "New Hollywood" directors in the 1970s who fundamentally reshaped the US film industry, upsetting a long-established system in which powerful studio producers had reigned supreme.

Alongside fellow auteurs such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, Friedkin exploded onto the Hollywood scene in 1971 with the gritty cop drama "The French Connection."

It won five Oscars, including for best director and best picture.

Friedkin followed that up with "The Exorcist," in 1973. It was a huge commercial and critical hit, as well as being deeply controversial.

The shocking film about a 12-year-old girl possessed by the devil was nominated for 10 Oscars, winning two, and grossed an eventual $440 million.

The movie has spawned multiple sequels, including an upcoming trilogy from horror producer Jason Blum in which Ellen Burstyn returns as the original film's heroine.

In a statement Monday, Blum said he was "personally indebted" to Friedkin..

Source : NDTV