19 August 2023 Current Affairs – The Day’s Top News | GKSERIES

Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 19 August 2023, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

So, here is the Top News of the Day for 19 August 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.

Current Affairs for Competitive Exam – 19 August 2023

World Photography Day 2023: Date, Celebration, Significance and History

Every year on August 19, World Photography Day commemorates photography’s rich history and its importance as both an art form and a scientific achievement.This day commemorates the invention of the daguerreotype, an early photographic process developed by Louis Daguerre in 1837, which paved the way for modern photography.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

Significance of World Photography Day:

World Photography Day highlights photography as a legitimate form of art, encouraging photographers to experiment with different techniques, compositions and styles. It encourages people to value photography’s ability to tell tales, capture emotions, and preserve memories.

It is a day to discuss the technical aspects of photography, advancements in equipment and the evolution of photographic techniques when photographers and enthusiasts often share their favourite photos, stories behind the images and insights into their creative process.

Celebration of World Photography Day:

Photographers and photography fans around the world mark the occasion by taking photographs, sharing their work on social media platforms, and attending photography-related events. Many photography exhibitions, workshops and contests are organised on World Photography Day to showcase the talents of photographers, reflect on the significance of their craft and the role that photography plays in documenting history, culture and personal experiences.

This day, people from all walks of life come together to appreciate the visual storytelling that photography offers and celebrate the photographers who capture moments that inspire, inform and provoke emotions while recognising the impact that their work has on the world.

History of World Photography Day:

World Photography Day commemorates the announcement of the daguerreotype process to the public on August 19, 1839, by the French Academy of Sciences. One of the earliest methods of capturing lasting images on a light-sensitive surface was the daguerreotype procedure.

The day traces its origins to 1837 when the first ever photographic process, the ‘Daguerreotype’ was developed by the Frenchmen Louis Daguerre and Joseph Nicephore Niepce. On January 9, 1839, the French Academy of Sciences announced this process, and later in the same year, the French government purchased the patent for the invention and gave it as a gift, “free to the world.”

However, the first durable colour photograph was taken in the year 1861 and there is even speculation about the first digital photograph being invented in 1957, 20 years before the invention of the first digital camera.

India’s First 3D-Printed Post Office Inaugurated In Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India’s IT centre, has welcomed the country’s first 3D-printed post office. This post office, located in Cambridge Layout in Ulsoor, has set a new standard for efficiency, sustainability, and design.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

Union Minister Unveils Bengaluru’s Remarkable 3D-Printed Post Office

Inaugurating the post office, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, commended Bengaluru’s innovative spirit. The 1,021-square-foot post office was finished in just 43 days, a remarkable turnaround from the typical construction time of roughly 10 months.

Pioneering Construction: Contour Crafting Unleashes Intricate Design with Robotic Precision

The detailed shape of the structure was built using contour crafting, a technique that uses quick-setting materials and a specially developed robotic arm extruder. This method allowed for precise layering, resulting in a unique and visually captivating structure.

Collaborative Triumph: Larsen and Toubro, IIT Madras Propel Architectural Marvel to Reality

This architectural marvel was brought to life through a collaboration between Larsen and Toubro, a prominent construction company, and technical guidance from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. The project, which was originally scheduled to be completed in September of the previous year, was completed in May 2023 at a cost of Rs 23 lakh.

Revolutionizing Construction Economics: 3D Printing’s 30% Cost Savings and Time Efficiency

The decision to employ 3D printing technology was underpinned by its potential to save costs by up to 30% and drastically reduce construction time. Unlike traditional methods, the layer-by-layer approach allowed for a more streamlined and efficient process, leading to substantial economic benefits. This technique significantly reduced construction time and costs, marking a departure from conventional construction techniques.

Key takeaways for competitive examination

• Chief Post Master General of Bengaluru: S Rajendra Kumar

Eminent educationist & social activist Prof Deven Dutta passes away

Deven Dutta, a consumer rights campaigner and former vice-principal at Cotton University, died at the age of 81. Deven Dutta was born on April 5, 1944 in Nazira, Sivasagar, and was living in Guwahati’s Sundarpur neighbourhood. He completed his post-graduation in English in the year 1965 and started his career as a professor of English at Cotton College. He was also a renowned litterateur and columnist.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

Prof Dutta was a prolific writer and had published several books and articles on a variety of topics, including literature, education, and social issues. He also wrote a regular column for various magazines and newspapers.

In addition to his academic and literary achievements, Prof Dutta was also a social activist. He was involved in several social organizations and campaigns, including the fight for consumer rights and the protection of the environment.

Legacy of Wisdom: Remembering Prof. Deven Dutta

A prolific writer, Dutta’s bibliography boasts a myriad of books and articles spanning diverse subjects, ranging from literature and education to pressing social issues. His perceptive viewpoints found a home in different newspapers and journals, where he was a regular columnist, engaging readers with his thought-provoking views.

Beyond his academic and literary pursuits, Prof. Dutta held a mantle of social activism, demonstrating a fervent commitment to various social causes. His resolute dedication to consumer rights advocacy and environmental protection earned him widespread respect. He played a pivotal role in multiple social organizations and campaigns, channeling his energy towards creating a more just and sustainable society.

Colleagues, friends, and students remember Prof. Dutta as a source of inspiration, a mentor whose wisdom and compassion left an indelible mark on their lives. His legacy serves as a guiding light for future generations, encouraging them to pursue knowledge, justice, and social change.

AFI chief Adille Sumariwalla elected to World Athletics Executive Board

Adille Sumariwalla has been elected as one of the four vice presidents of World Athletics, the highest post ever held by an Indian in the global track and field governing body. Sumariwalla, the 65-year-old president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), won the third-most votes polled during the WA elections held on Thursday in Budapest, Hungary. He will serve a four-year term.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

In his new role as vice president, Sumariwalla will be responsible for helping to shape the future of athletics at the global level. He will also be involved in decision-making on a range of issues, including the development of the sport, anti-doping, and the World Championships. Ximena Restrepo (Colombia), Raul Chapado (Spain), and Jackson Tuwei (Kenya) were the other three vice presidents elected.

About the Adille Sumariwalla

Sumariwalla is a former Olympian who competed in the 100 meters at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. He has been president of the AFI since 2012 and has been a member of the WA Council since 2015.

Sumariwalla’s election is a major coup for Indian athletics and is a recognition of his work in the sport over many years. He is a passionate advocate for athletics and is committed to helping the sport grow and prosper in India.

Sumariwalla’s election is a significant step forward for Indian athletics and is a sign that the sport is on the rise in the country. He is a well-respected figure in the sport and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable in his new role.

Here are some additional details about Sumariwalla’s election:

He was the only Indian candidate in the running for the vice presidency. He received 42 votes, which was the third-highest number of votes cast.

The other candidates who were elected were Ximena Restrepo (Colombia), who received 49 votes, Raul Chapado (Spain), who received 45 votes, and Jackson Tuwei (Kenya), who received 44 votes. The election took place two days before the World Championships, which are being hosted in Budapest from August 15 to August 24.

Sumariwalla’s election is a significant achievement for Indian athletics and is a sign that the sport is on the rise in the country. He is a well-respected figure in the sport and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable in his new role. I am sure he will do a great job representing India on the World Athletics Executive Board.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

• Athletics Federation of India Founded: 1946
• Athletics Federation of India Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Dutch Economy Enters Recession

The Dutch economy has entered a recession, contracting 0.3% year on year in the second quarter. This is the first recession since the pandemic, and it comes on the heels of a 0.4% drop in the first three months of the year. The eurozone’s fifth largest economy was driven by a drop in consumer spending and exports. Consumer spending fell 1.6%, while exports were 0.7% lower than in the first three months of the year. Inflation in the Netherlands has declined since peaking at 14.5% in September 2022, but remained rather high in the second quarter of 2023, at around 6%.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

The Dutch economy is facing a number of challenges, including high inflation, rising interest rates, and the war in Ukraine. These challenges are likely to continue to weigh on the economy in the coming months, and it is possible that the recession could deepen.

Here are some additional details:

The recession is expected to have a negative impact on employment, with the unemployment rate rising from 3.5% to 4% in the coming months. The government is anticipated to pursue economic stimulus measures, such as expanding infrastructure investment and granting tax breaks to businesses.

The outlook for the Dutch economy is uncertain, and it will depend on how the global economy evolves in the coming months.

Countries who came under Euro zone:

• For the unversed, the ‘Eurozone’ is a currency union of 20 member nations of the European Union that have adopted the Euro as their primary currency and legal tender.
• Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain are all members of the Eurozone.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

• Netherland Capital: Amsterdam;
• Netherland  Currency: The euro.;
• Netherland Prime Minister: Mark Rutte.

FIBA World Cup 2023 Schedule: Groups, Medal Tally and Results

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup 2023 is the nineteenth edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, a quadrennial international basketball world championship contested by the men’s national teams of FIBA’s member federations. From August 25 to September 10, 2023, the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia will co-host the tournament.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

The 32 teams competing in the tournament will be divided into eight groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the second round, where they will be divided into four groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group in the second round will advance to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals will be played in a single-elimination format.

The full schedule of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 can be found on the FIBA website. The tournament is expected to be a major sporting event, with millions of fans around the world tuning in to watch.

Here are some of the key dates for the tournament:

• August 25: Opening ceremony, Manila, Philippines
• August 25-31: First round
• September 1-4: Second round
• September 5-8: Quarterfinals
• September 9: Semifinals
• September 10: Final, Jakarta, Indonesia

FIBA World Cup 2023 groups

FIBA World Cup 2023 full schedule: Group stages

FIBA World Cup 2023 schedule: Matchday One

FIBA World Cup 2023 schedule: Matchday Two

FIBA World Cup 2023 schedule: Matchday Three

FIBA World Cup 2023 schedule: Second round

FIBA World Cup 2023 schedule: Quarter-finals

FIBA World Cup 2023 schedule: Semi-finals

Amrit Brikshya Andolan 2023: Registration, Objectives and Benefits

Introduction

The Assam Government has embarked on a significant endeavor known as the Amrit Brikshya Andolan, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Hemanta Biswa Sarma. By planting one crore seedlings, this programme intends to promote a greener and more sustainable environment in the state. The Andolan, which will be officially inaugurated on June 8, 2023, promises to increase the state’s green cover and promote a tree-based economy.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

Objectives of Assam Amrit Brikshya Andolan 

• Planting 1 Crore Seedlings: The primary goal of the Amrit Brikshya Andolan is to plant one crore seedlings across Assam, contributing to a significant increase in the state’s greenery.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The initiative seeks to provide financial aid to participants through a Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, incentivizing their active involvement in tree planting.
• Promoting Tree Economy: By stimulating tree growth, the Andolan aims to stimulate the state’s tree-based economy, producing sustainable livelihoods and economic prospects.
• Enhancing Green Coverage: A key objective is to surpass previous levels of green coverage, contributing to the overall environmental well-being of the state.

Benefits of Assam Amrit Brikshya Andolan

• Improved Green Landscape: The state will witness a marked improvement in its green landscape, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant environment.
• Free Seedlings: All participating individuals and groups will receive seedlings free of cost, eliminating financial barriers and ensuring widespread participation.
• Boost to Tree Economy: The Andolan will actively promote and stimulate the tree-based economy, unlocking various economic opportunities for the people of Assam.
• Financial Grant: Upon planting a seedling and uploading a geotagged photo onto the dedicated portal/app, participants will receive a financial grant of Rs. 100 from the State Government. Additionally, an extra Rs. 200 will be awarded by the government in the third year to support plant survival.
• Community Engagement: Amrit Brikshya Andolan will engage a diverse range of participants, including Self Help Groups, ASHA workers, educational institutions, and various community bodies.

Eligibility and Participation

• Residency: To be eligible for participation, applicants must be Assamese permanent residents.
• Geotagged Photos: Participants must upload geotagged photos to access the financial grant.
• Eligible Groups: The Andolan invites participation from various groups, including Self Help Groups, ASHA workers, educational institutions, Village Defence Party members, Anganwadi Workers, Tea Garden Workers, and individuals.

Registration Process

• Visit the Portal or App: To initiate the registration process, access the Amrit Brikshya Andolan Portal or ABA App.
• Category Selection: Choose the appropriate category that corresponds to your affiliation.
• Provide Basic Information: Fill in essential details such as name, age, father’s name, and mobile number.
• Address Details: Enter your complete address for accurate seedling distribution.
• Seedling Collection and Bank Details: Specify your preferred seedling collection point and furnish your bank details.
• Identity Verification: Upload the necessary identity documents for verification.
• Mobile Number Verification: Confirm your mobile number and finalize your submission.

Conclusion

The Assam Amrit Brikshya Andolan exemplifies the state’s dedication to environmental protection and long-term growth. With its innovative approach to tree planting and nurturing, coupled with generous financial incentives, the Andolan has the potential to create a profound impact on Assam’s green ecosystem while uplifting local communities and promoting a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Dutee Chand gets four-year ban for failing dope test

Introduction

Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, renowned as India’s fastest female athlete and holder of the national 100m record, has been handed a significant blow with a four-year ban following her failure in an out-of-competition dope test. The presence of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) was discovered during the test, prompting the decision to ban her from competitive sports. Chand’s outstanding athletic career has now been ruined by this doping incident.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

Doping Violation and Ban Details

Chand’s ban, which commences from January 3, 2023, stems from her failed out-of-competition dope test for SARMs, which occurred on December 5, 2022. As a consequence of her violation, all competitive outcomes she achieved from the date of sample collection will be annulled. This includes the forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes she earned during this period. The National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) ruled that Chand violated “articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the NADA,” resulting in a four-year ineligibility penalty under “article 10.2.1.1 of the NADA ADR 2021.”

Challenges and Appeal

Chand is faced with a difficult situation, given the ban’s far-reaching implications on her athletic career. However, she does have the opportunity to challenge this decision. The verdict provides Chand with a 21-day window to submit an appeal to the anti-doping appeal panel (ADAP). The appeal must be lodged within 21 days of receiving the decision, providing Chand with a limited opportunity to contest the ban and present her case.

Chand’s Remarkable Career and National Record

Prior to this setback, Dutee Chand had established herself as a prominent figure in Indian athletics, capturing attention with her outstanding achievements. She owns the prestigious national record for the 100m sprint, clocking it at 11.71 seconds during the 2021 Indian Grand Prix. Her performances were a source of pride for the nation, but this doping violation has cast a shadow over her remarkable accomplishments.

Conclusion

The news of Dutee Chand’s four-year ban due to a doping violation has sent shockwaves through the world of Indian sports. Her remarkable career achievements are now overshadowed by this unfortunate incident, which underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of sports through stringent anti-doping measures. Chand’s decision regarding a potential appeal will determine the course of her athletic journey, as she faces the challenge of navigating the aftermath of this ban and its impact on her future in competitive sports.

Wahab Riaz announces retirement from international cricket

Pakistan left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz announced retirement from international cricket in August 2023.

In his career of 15 years, he played 27 Tests, 91 ODIs and 36 T20Is, taking 237 wickets from 154 internationals. The Pakistani paceman is fondly remembered for his fiery spell in the 2015 World Cup against Shane Watson. He will be remembered as one of the most popular and respected players in Pakistan’s recent history.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

Career of Wahab Riaz

Riaz was a key member of the Pakistan team that reached the semi-finals of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, where he took five wickets against India. He was also a regular in the ODI and T20I teams, and was known for his fiery bowling and aggressive approach. However, Riaz’s Test career was less successful. He struggled to find consistency with his line and length, and was often guilty of bowling too many loose deliveries. He retired from Test cricket in 2019.

Despite his inconsistent Test record, Riaz was a popular figure among fans and teammates alike. He was known for his passion for the game and his willingness to give his all for Pakistan. Riaz will now focus on playing franchise cricket around the world. He is expected to be a sought-after player in the T20 leagues, where his experience and skills will be valuable assets. Riaz’s retirement is a blow to Pakistan cricket, but he leaves behind a legacy of a fiery bowler who was always willing to give his all for his country. He will be remembered as one of the most popular and respected players in Pakistan’s recent history.

‘India’s first village atlas’ is of Mayem in Goa

Mayem has become the first village in Goa to have a biodiversity atlas, a 250-page document with maps detailing the floral and faunal biodiversity of the village.

The atlas was prepared based on the People’s biodiversity register (PBR) prepared by the village Biodiversity management committee. There are huge funds to be tapped for villages that have registered biodiversity atlases. For every lake, the government of India is ready to give Rs 10 crore to maintain it.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

The Looming Threat to Biodiversity

The community of Mayem in Goa is confronted with a severe dilemma of biodiversity degradation, with the steady destabilisation of its sensitive environmental equilibrium raising substantial concern. The intricate interdependence of life that has prospered in Mayem village for generations now stands threatened due to a convergence of factors. Human interventions, urban expansion, and altering land utilization patterns are imposing undue strain upon ecosystems that once coexisted harmoniously, resulting in their vulnerable state.

Key takeaways for competitive examination

• Minister of Environment & Climate Change in Goa: Nilesh Cabra

Priya Malik bagged Gold medal at Under20 World Wrestling Championships 2

Indian wrestler Priya Malik clinched a Gold medal at the 2023 U20 World Wrestling Championships (women’s 76kg freestyle) in Jordan by defeating Laura Celine Kuehn of Germany. She became just the second woman wrestler from India to be crowned U20 world championship.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

Antim Panghal had been the first woman from India to win a junior world title in wrestling at last year’s edition. She has now won both the U17 2021 and 2022  and U20 world titles.

In the women’s 76 kg final in Amman, Priya Malik defeated Laura Celine Kuehn of Germany 6-0 on points in another dominant display by the 18-year-old from Nidani village of Jind district of Haryana.

Priya, the two-time U17 world champion, was clearly a better version of her 2022 self with solid defense and diverse attacks. Unlike her final against Ayano Moro of Japan last year, Malik had more attacking options and scored early as Kuehn failed to get to Malik’s legs most of the time.

Parminder Chopra appointed as CMD of Power Finance Corporation (PFC)

Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has appointed Parminder Chopra as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD); she becomes the first woman to lead India’s largest NBFC. Chopra took over as CEO of the power sector lender on August 14, 2023. She previously served as CMD with effect from June 1, and as Director (Finance) with effect from July 1, 2020. She also played a key role in the successful implementation of a Rs 1.12 lakh crore Liquidity Infusion Scheme (LIS) for the power distribution sector, which was rolled out as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023

Career and experience of Parminder Chopra 

Chopra has worked in the power and financial sectors for over 35 years. At PFC, she has headed key finance functions, including resource mobilisation (domestic and international markets), banking, treasury, asset liability management and stressed asset resolution.

Her prior experience includes stints in power sector majors such as NHPC and Power Grid Corporation of India.

Under her leadership, PFC has increased funding to clean energy projects, including funding of electric vehicles, bio-fuels, hybrid renewables like Round The Clock, renewable equipment manufacturing, and recently signed MoUs with clean energy developers worth Rs 2.40 lakh crore, to emerge a principal financier of clean energy projects.

Educational and Professional Background

Parminder Chopra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Delhi University, a testament to her solid academic foundation. Her credentials also include being a certified Cost and Management Accountant, demonstrating her skill in financial management. To enhance her managerial skills, she also possesses a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management.

About the Power Finance Corporation (PFC)

Power Finance Corporation (PFC) is a financial institution based in India that specializes in providing funding and financial assistance for various power and energy-related projects. Established in 1986, PFC plays a crucial role in supporting the development of the power sector in the country.

PFC’s primary objective is to ensure the availability of funds for the expansion, modernization, and development of power generation, transmission, and distribution projects. It offers financial solutions to both public and private sector entities involved in the power industry.