Correct Answer :   ETS

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The Educational Testing Service (ETS), which conducts the English testing exam— Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) has launched an application for test takers to prepare for the new and shorter version of the exam.

The app— TOEFL Go, includes complete TOEFL iBT mock tests, additional practice sets for all four sections, artificial intelligence (AI) powered automated scoring, performance feedback for sections, personalised feedback and tops for speaking and writing responses.

The app will be available on both mobile and desktop devices. ETS, which conducts TOEFL and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), announced a series of changes in the English proficiency test last month to create an optimal experience for those taking it. The changes came into effect today i.e., July 26, 2023.

TOEFL scores are considered by more than 12,000 institutions in over 160 countries and are universally accepted in popular destinations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and by over 98 per cent of universities in the UK.

TOEFL will now take less than two hours to complete instead of three hours and the candidates will be able to see their official score release date upon completion of the test..

Source : Indian Express

Correct Answer :   Hun Sen

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Cambodia’s Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest-serving prime ministers, said on Wednesday (26th July 2023) he would resign and hand power to his eldest son, after almost four decades of hardline rule.

“I would like to ask for understanding from the people as I announce that I will not continue as prime minister,” he said in a special broadcast on state television.

“[My son] Hun Manet … will become the prime minister in the coming weeks,” he said, adding that the new leader will be appointed on August 10.

The former Khmer Rouge leader has run the kingdom since 1985, eliminating all opposition to his power, with opposition parties banned, challengers forced to flee and freedom of expression stifled.

His Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) swept a general election on Sunday with no meaningful opposition, taking 82 per cent of the vote, paving the way for a dynastic succession to his eldest son that some critics have compared to North Korea.

The government hailed the 84.6 per cent turnout as evidence of the country’s “democratic maturity” but Western powers including the United States and European Union condemned the poll as neither free nor fair.

Hun Sen has trailed the handover to his son for a year and a half, and the 45-year-old played a leading role in campaigning for Sunday’s vote.

But he has made it clear that he still intends to wield influence, even after he steps down, scotching the notion the country could change direction.

“I will continue as the head of the ruling party and member of the National Assembly,” he said on Wednesday.

Under Hun Sen, Cambodia has tacked close to Beijing, benefiting from huge Chinese investment and infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of a naval base that has alarmed Washington.

China welcomed Sunday’s election, with President Xi Jinping sending Hun Sen a personal message of congratulation..


Source : SCMP

Correct Answer :   Madhya Pradesh

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Madhya Pradesh had the highest crime rate against people belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) groups in 2021, the latest year for which National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) data is available.

The state also had the highest crime rate against SCs in 2020, and was ranked second (behind Rajasthan) in 2019, the data shows. These numbers suggest that anecdotal accounts of repeated atrocities against Dalits in Madhya Pradesh reflect a pattern rather than an aberration.

However, the rate at which charge sheets were filed was higher in Madhya Pradesh than in most Indian states, suggesting that while the state police may have been unable to prevent such crimes, it at least pursued them in court more effectively than most other states.

Crime rate (against SCs) is the number of crimes per 100,000 (SC) population. To be sure, NCRB reports still use the 2011 Census population numbers – the 2021 Census has been delayed indefinitely by the government -- to calculate the crime rate for later years, which means that the crime rate calculations might have changed.

Crime rates are a better way to make interstate comparisons because they adjust for an upward/downward bias in absolute number of crimes due to higher/lower population in a state.

The crimes includes all crimes/atrocities committed against SCs and not just those which was filed under the Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST Act. To be sure, the number does not vary a lot. For example, in 2021 there were 50,900 incidents of crime against SCs in the country.

This number was 7,214 for Madhya Pradesh. The number of cases where the Prevention of Atrocities against SC/ST act was invoked was 45,610 at the all-India level and 7,211 for Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh had a crime rate of 63.6 against SCs in 2021 against the national average of 25.3. These numbers were 60.8 and 46.7 for Madhya Pradesh in 2020 and 2019.

The all-India crime rate against SCs was 25 in 2020 and 22.8 in 2019.

Rajasthan was ranked second in terms of crime rate in 2021 and 2020 and it was ranked first in 2019.

Data on crime rate against Scheduled Tribes (STs) shows that Kerala topped the list in all three years between 2019 and 2021.

Rajasthan was ranked second in all three years and Madhya Pradesh was ranked fifth in 2019, fourth in 2020 and third in 2021.

NCRB reports also give information on police action or lack of it against such crimes. When it comes to charge-sheet rates – it is defined as the share of cases in which charge sheets have been filed in total cases disposed of by the police – related to crimes against SCs, Madhya Pradesh seems to be performing better as per 2021 data, when it was ranked second only after Sikkim. Rajasthan, whose crime rates against SCs is close to Madhya Pradesh’s levels, showed a poor charge-sheet rate in 2021. Assam had the lowest charge-sheet rate in crimes against SCs in 2021. Madhya Pradesh performed well even when it came to filing charge sheets in crimes against STs..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya

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The Centre on Monday (24th July 2023) issued a notification for appointment of Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya of Allahabad High Court as Chief Justice of Bombay High Court.

This comes nearly eighteen days after the Supreme Court Collegium comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices SK Kaul and Sanjiv Khanna on July 5 recommended the elevation of Justice Upadhyaya as head of Bombay HC.

CJ RD Dhanuka retired on May 30, 2023,  following which, Justice Nitin M Jamdar was appointed Acting CJ of Bombay HC.

“In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of Constitution of India, the President of India Droupadi Murmu is pleased to appoint Justice Upadhyaya, Judge of Allahabad High Court, to be Chief Justice of Bombay High Court, with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office,” the Centre’s notification reads. Justice Thakur is also appointed head of Andhra Pradesh HC from the date he assumes charge of the office.

The Centre also issued a notification for elevation of Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur of Bombay HC as Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh HC.

The SC Collegium had recommended Justice Thakur’s elevation on July 6. Justice Thakur was transferred from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh HC to Bombay HC in June, last year. The Centre cleared the elevation of Justice Thakur on Monday (24th July 2023).


About Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya :

Justice Upadhyaya was appointed as judge of Allahabad HC on November 21, 2011. Born on June 16, 1965, Justice Upadhyaya graduated in law from Lucknow University in 1991, and enrolled as an advocate on May 11, 1991. He practised in civil and constitutional sides at Allahabad High court, Lucknow Bench. He was elevated as its additional judge on November 21, 2011 and made permanent judge on August 6, 2013.

Correct Answer :   July 26

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 On July 26 every year, the nation joins together in celebration of Kargil Vijay Diwas. This significant day honours the triumph of the Indian armed forces in the Kargil War against Pakistan.

It is a poignant tribute to the brave soldiers who displayed extraordinary valour and made great sacrifices during the 1999 conflict.

The military operation conducted during the war is fondly remembered as Operation Vijay. As we approach this year's commemoration, we prepare to mark the 24th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.


Kargil Vijay Diwas History :

* In the Kargil district, the seeds of an armed conflict between Pakistan and India were sown when Pakistani troops intruded into Indian territory. This led to the Kargil War, from May to July 1999.

* In response to the first reported infiltration by local shepherds on May 3, 1999, the Indian Army launched 'Operation Vijay.'

* he primary objective of this operation was to retake the Indian territory along the Line of Control (LoC), which Pakistani infiltrators had occupied.

* To support the Indian Army's efforts, the Indian Air Force conducted an airstrike on May 26, as part of 'Operation Safed Sagar.'

* Following intense battles and strategic manoeuvres, the Indian Army declared Operation Vijay.

Kargil Vijay Diwas Significance :

* Kargil Vijay Diwas is a significant occasion dedicated to honouring and commemorating the extraordinary bravery and valour of the Indian armed forces.

* Throughout the country, numerous events are meticulously organised to pay heartfelt tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding the nation.

* Countless ceremonies, parades, and gatherings are held nationwide, serving as expressions of profound gratitude and respect for the heroes of the Kargil War.

* The focal point of these commemorations is the Kargil War Memorial, situated in Drass, Ladakh. This year, the Indian Army has planned a two-day celebration at the memorial on July 25 and 26.

* The esteemed presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the chief guest will grace the event on Wednesday.

* These celebrations are adorned with cultural performances, parades, and soul-stirring renditions by Army bands, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.

* Moreover, the Central government has outlined a year-long program to celebrate the forthcoming silver jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas, ensuring that the valour and sacrifice of those who served will be cherished and honoured for generations to come.

Correct Answer :   Ministry of Textiles

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Ministry of Textiles, under its flagship scheme National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), organized the 6th National Conclave on Standards & Regulations in association with FICCI and BIS, emphasizing on importance of Standards, Quality regulations & Rationalization of HSN codes for Technical Textiles in India here 25th July 2023.

The event encompassed 5 technical sessions focusing on Standards and Regulations under specialized areas of Technical Textiles like Protective textiles, Geotextiles, Build tech, Oekotech, Medical textiles and in other emerging areas of Technical Textiles. There was a Special Session also discussing rationalization of HSN codes & standards and implementation of QCOs.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released 4 new standards during the conclave :

* IS 18266 : 2023, Textiles — Medical Respirator — Specification
* IS 18309 : 2023 Geosynthetics — Prefabricated Vertical Drains for Quick Consolidation  of  Very  Soft Plastic Soil — Specification
* IS 18158 : 2023 Textile  — Floor Covering  - Artificial Grass Carpet made of Synthetic Yarn for Landscape — Specification
* IS 18161 : 2023, Textiles — Light Weight Jute Sacking Bags for Packing 50 kg Mustard Seed, Niger Seed and Ragi — Specification.

More than 150 participants attended the conclave including officials and representatives from Central Ministries, user Departments of Central and State Governments,

Institutes, industry leaders, scientific experts, researchers, and professionals related to technical textiles across various categories..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Thani Al Zeyoudi

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UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi has been elected as the chair of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference that will be held in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.

The announcement was made during the WTO General Council in Geneva, where Dr Al Zeyoudi met with the WTO director general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
 
The conference will be attended by representatives from the 164 countries and customs blocs that make up the WTO.

It will review the performance of the trading system, make decisions on future work and set up the road map for the next conference, an official statement said on 24th July 2023..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   25 July 2023

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BJP MLA from Dhupguri, Bishnu Pada Roy, who was suffering from lung infection for quite for some time, died at a state-run hospital here on morning of 25 July 2023, officials said. He was 61.

Mr. Roy, who had arrived in Kolkata to take part in the monsoon session of the state assembly, was admitted to SSKM Hospital on Sunday (23rd July 2023) after he complained of uneasiness, they said.

"On Monday (24th July 2023), he underwent surgery and his condition improved temporarily. But it again deteriorated at night and he passed away at 3 am on Tuesday (25th July 2023)," a senior doctor of the medical establishment told PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Roy's death, tweeting, "Pained by the untimely demise of West Bengal Assembly MLA Shri Bishnu Pada Ray Ji. He was a hardworking legislator who made many efforts to fulfil people's aspirations. He also worked hard to strengthen @BJP4Bengal. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed condolences over the MLA's death..

Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   Bharati Pravin Pawar

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Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar inaugurated a national conference on Moving Mental Health Beyond Institutions, here 26th July 2023.

Justice Arun Mishra, Hon’ble Chairperson, NHRC was also present on the occasion. The objective of the conference is to discuss the challenges in the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and deliberate on the way forward on resolution of mental health issues.

Dr. Pawar stated that “mental health is an integral part of our health as it affects all aspects of our lives.” Underlining the importance of mental health, she stated that “It is critically important to remove the stigma that prevents individuals from seeking the help that they need.” She added that under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, mental health has been given a lot of importance which is demonstrated by the passing of the landmark Mental Healthcare Act 2017.

Highlighting the importance of addressing the challenges of mental health and the Mental Healthcare Act 2017, Dr Pawar stated that “the Union govt is promoting the availability of and access to cost-effective treatment of common mental disorders”.

She informed that mental health has been included in the flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme of the Union Govt. She also stated that “since the launch of the National Tele-Mental Health service, 42 Tele-Manas cells have been established that has already recorded over 2 lakh calls”.

The Union Minister underlined the need for a new mental healthcare paradigm that transcends the limitations of institutions and focuses on community-based support. She urged the dignitaries to deliberate on the pressing issues of mental health challenges in India and work towards a future where mental healthcare is accessible, affordable, inclusive and compassionate.

During the event, a book titled, “Mental Health: Concern for All – In Context of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017’ and a report on “Status of Implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017” was also released by the dignitaries.

Shri Bharat Lal, Secretary General, NHRC; Shri Rajiv Jain, Member, NHRC; Dr D M Mulay, Member, NHRC; Justice M M Kumar, Former Member, NHRC; Shri D K Nim, Joint Secretary, NHRC; representatives from NGOs and senior officials from MoHFW and NHRC were present on the occasion.

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Wang Yi

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Wang Yi has been named as the new foreign minister of China, state media reported on Tuesday (25th July 2023). Qin Gang, the "missing" foreign minister was removed and "Wang Yi" replaced him.

“China’s top legislature voted to appoint Wang Yi as foreign minister... as it convened a session on Tuesday (25th July 2023),” Chinese media outlet Xinhua said.

Notably, Gang's whereabouts are still not known, even as Wang Yi has replaced him as Foreign Minister. His last public engagement was a meeting with visiting Russian, Sri Lankan and Vietnamese officials on June 25. Since then, he has not been seen in public.

His ministry later said he was off work for unspecified health reasons.

Qin Gang is considered Chinese President Xi Jinping's close aide. The last time the 57-year-old disappeared from public view was just for eight days over the Lunar New Year Holiday.

Almost a month on, he still remains missing and China has not spoken about this. The discussion about his absence was apparently censored on the Chinese social media site Weibo..

Source : India Today