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 8 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 8 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 – 8 August 2023
Quit India Movement: Date, History and Significance
Quit India Movement: Introduction
The Quit India Movement was a watershed moment in India’s independence movement from British colonial domination. The 81st anniversary of this historic event that transformed the course of Indian history will be celebrated in 2023. As we commemorate this significant milestone, it is essential to reflect the ideals and sacrifices of the past, drawing inspiration for the present and the future.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Launch and leadership
The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Movement, was launched on August 8, 1942, by the Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, who called for “Do or Die” in the war for India’s independence.
Objective of Quit India Movement
The main goal of the Quit India Movement was to obtain complete independence from British colonial control. It demanded to end the control of British over India and establish a sovereign and self-governing nation.
Civil Disobedience and Non-violence
The Quit India Movement adapted the principles of civil disobedience and non-violence, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha. The hallmarks of this movement were peaceful protests, non-cooperation and non-violent resistance.
Mass Participation in Quit India Movement
The Quit India Movement witnessed the participation from people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. This movement got the support from students, farmers, laborers and women which unite the diverse population of India under a common goal.
Regression and Arrests
The British colonial authorities responded to the movement with brutal repression. Many leaders of the Indian National Congress, including Mahatma Gandhi, were arrested, and the British administration resorted to violence to suppress the protests.
Acts of Resistance
Indians organized strikes, boycotted British goods and launched acts of civil disobedience across the country. Public servants resigned from their posts and students boycotted educational institutional run by the British government.
Unity and National Pride
The Quit India Movement fostered a sense of unity and national pride among Indians, who were determined to stand together in their fight for independence.
Significance of Quit India Movement
The Quit India Movement had a significant impact on India’s struggle for independence. It represented the power of non-violent resistance and united people from all backgrounds stood together for independence. Despite harsh repression, the movement fuelled the demand for self-rule and forced the British government to negotiate with Indian leaders.
Legacy of Quit India Movement
The Quit India Movement left a lasting legacy which showed how non-violent protests and unity can lead to big changes. This movement was critical in achieving independence on August 15, 1947.
International Day Of The World’s Indigenous Peoples 2023: Date, theme, Significance and History
Every year on August 9, the United Nations (UN) observes International Day of the World’s Indigenous People to promote and safeguard the rights of the world’s Indigenous population. Also known as World Tribal Day, this event also recognises the achievements and contributions that Indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Theme of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
This year’s theme is: Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination.
- Climate Action and the Green Transition
- Mobilizing for Justice
- Intergenerational connections
Significance of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous and tribal cultures, and communities, allow us to look back at our roots. Taking cognisance of the knowledge acquired by indigenous people is vital culturally and also scientifically. Ancient cultures had perfected their survival strategies over centuries and discovered remedies to ailments which have helped modern scientists tremendously. Aside from science, understanding and preserving indigenous languages, spiritual practises, and philosophies is vital.
History of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
In December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples should be observed on August 9th each year. The date was chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights held in Geneva in 1982. The day is necessary since indigenous peoples are frequently among the poorest ethnic groups in society around the world. According to the United Nations, indigenous people make up less than 5% of the world’s population yet account for 15% of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures.
Rajasthan Govt. announces 19 New Districts, 3 New Divisions in State
What’s in News?
Rajasthan Government recently approved a proposal to form 19 new districts and three new divisions with the purpose of improving governance and decentralizing administrative functions. Rajasthan now has 50 districts and 10 divisions, up from 33 districts and 7 divisions previously.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Background
A high-level committee chaired by retired IAS officer Ram Lubhaya formed in March 2022 to give recommendations about the formation of new districts in Rajasthan. The committee delivered its findings, and on the basis of the interim report, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the establishment of 19 new districts in the state on March 17.
After the announcement of the formation of the new states, representations were received from people, public representatives and various organizations regarding the demarcation of the new district boundaries. The representations were forwarded to the committee for re-examining the boundaries of the proposed districts. After reviewing the submissions, the committee submitted its report to the state administration on August 2nd, which was accepted at the Cabinet meeting on Friday.
Reorganization of Existing States
As part of the reorganization part, the existing Jaipur will be divided into Jaipur and Jaipur Rural and the existing Jodhpur into Jodhpur and Jodhpur Rural.The move aims to streamline governance and enhance service delivery at the local level.
New Districts and Divisions
Apoongarh, Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman, Dudu, Gangapur City, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Neem Ka Thana, Phalodi, Slumber, Sanchore, and Shahpura are among the new districts.The state will now have 10 divisions with the addition of Banswara, Pali and Sikar.
Significance
The formation of new districts is expected to decentralize power and governance, making it more accessible to the people at the grassroots level. Smaller administrative units can lead to better service delivery, improved law and order and enhanced governance. The move is also expected to provide relief to citizens who previously had to travel long distances to access government offices and services.
Digital registry on organ transplants to streamline donations on cards
The National Health Authority (NHA) and the Ministry of Health are working together to create an Organ Donation Registry in order to make structural changes to the National Organ Tissue Transplantation Organisation (NOTTO).
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
The NOTTO is responsible for arranging organ transplantation operations throughout the nation. The establishment of this digital registry is anticipated to eradicate intermediaries within the system.
At the moment, the entire organ transplantation procedure is carried out by hand. In order to improve service delivery efficiency, the registry strives to give immediate and up-to-date information about both live and deceased donors, as well as recipients, all within a unified platform. The National Health Authority will transform these policies into a digital framework. This transformation will encompass the complete digitization and transparency of all organ transplantation processes. The availability of recipient and donor details will speed up the process of allocating organs to patients in desperate need. Through the Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) programme, the registration would be linked to the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)
Established within the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) operates at a national level. It serves as the central entity responsible for overseeing the procurement, allocation, and distribution of organs across the nation. The Government of India passed the Transplantation of Human Organs Act in 1994 to combat organ trafficking and encourage the donation of deceased organs.
Key takeaways for competitive examinations
- Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare of India: Bharati Pawar
India imposes anti-dumping duty on optical fibre imports from China, Korea and Indonesia
Based on the recommendations of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the revenue department has imposed an anti-dumping duty on Dispersion Unshifted Single-Mode Optical Fiber (SMOF) imports from China, South Korea and Indonesia.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
As reported by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the domestic optical fiber industry has experienced detrimental consequences due to the surge of inexpensive and substandard imports from these nations. In response to these issues, the Finance Ministry imposed anti-dumping taxes on particular optical fibre imports from these nations, with the goal of mitigating the negative effects on domestic industry caused by the surge of such dumped imports.
Significant SMOF Consumption Driven by Telecom Rollout, Connectivity, and Defense Applications
Single-Mode Optical Fibre (SMOF) is widely used in the implementation of 3G/4G/5G networks by telecommunications firms, as well as in connecting gramme panchayats and improving defence infrastructure. Its applications span the production of various optical fiber cables, encompassing unit-tube and multi-tube stranded variants, tight buffer cables, both armored and unarmored cables, ribbon cables, as well as dry core cables.
SMOF’s primary use lies in high-capacity data transmission, long-distance communication, and facilitating access networks. As a result, it is widely used in long-distance communications, metropolitan area networks (MANs), cable television (CATV) systems, optical access networks, and can be adapted for shorter-distance network configurations.
Ensuring Fair Trade through Anti-Dumping Measures
- Anti-dumping actions are implemented to uphold equitable trade practices and establish a balanced competitive environment for the domestic industry. Their purpose is not to hinder imports or unjustly inflate product costs.
- Nations launch anti-dumping investigations to determine whether their domestic businesses have been harmed by a sudden inflow of imports priced below their production costs. In response, they impose duties in accordance with the global framework set by the World Trade Organization (WTO).
About Optical fibers
- Optical fibers are employed for the transmission of data through light pulses.
- These fibers are grouped together to create optical fiber cables, which facilitate the transfer of digital data signals as light over distances spanning hundreds of miles.
- When compared to electrical communication cables, this approach achieves higher throughput rates.
Key takeaways for competitive examinations
- Director General of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies: Sh. Anant Swarup
ISRO transfers satellite bus technology to private firm
The Indian Space Research Organisation announced the transfer of IMS-1 Satellite Bus technology to Alpha Design Technologies, a Bengaluru-based private company.
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, facilitated the technology transfer through an agreement signed during an event held at the NSIL headquarters on August 2, the space agency said on its website. The IMS-1 satellite bus was developed by the UR Rao Satellite Centre and is a small satellite platform designed to enable low-cost access to space. This weighs about 100 kilograms and can carry a 30-kg payload.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
The technology transfer documents were formally handed over by D Radhakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL to Col. H S Shankar (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of ADTL.
ADTL is one of the two private players identified to receive the transfer of this technology through Interest Exploratory Note (IEN) published by NSIL, it said. This transfer marks the beginning of satellite bus technologies developed by ISRO being transferred to private industries. Further, the PSLV is under productionisation by a consortium of industries.
Cyrus Poonawalla Group appoints Keki Mistry as strategic advisor
Cyrus Poonawalla Group appointed Keki Mistry as the strategic advisor to all the financial services ventures spearheaded by Adar Poonawalla in Aug 2023. After the merger of HDFC and HDFC Bank, Mistry joined the bank as an additional and non- executive director (non-independent). Other than this, Mistry is also the non-executive chairman of HDFC Ergo General.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
He has over 4 decades of experience and is one of the most respected professionals in the Indian Financial Services industry. He served as the chief executive officer and vice chairman of the company after it merged with HDFC Bank Ltd. He is also the Non-Executive Chairman of HDFC Ergo General Insurance Company Limited.
India hands over 450 million for Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project
India has handed over INR 450 million in advance to Sri Lanka to fund its unique digital identity project in Aug 2023.
It is the most crucial step in the island nation’s digitalization program being implemented through the Indian grant assistance.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Aims: To collect biographic and biometric information which will be stored in a centralised system to issue identification cards as per the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, key stakeholders, including Presidential Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath, Indian High Commissioner, Gopal Bagley, and First Secretary of the Indian High Commission, Eldos Mathew and others engaged in extensive discussions on the project’s execution.
Mrunal Thakur honored Diversity Cinema award at Indian Film Festival 2023
Mrunal Thakur was honoured with the Diversity in Cinema Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
The recognition comes as she completes a year of having made her debut in South Indian Cinema with Telugu film Sita Ramam (2022)
The award is a recognition of her versatile performances across films of different languages. The actor, who made her film with “Love Sonia”, and then featured in movies such “Super 30”, “Toofan”, “Jersey”.
Iraq becomes 18th country recognised by WHO for eliminating Trachoma
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially recognised Iraq as the 18th country to successfully eradicate trachoma as a public health concern. This achievement also marks Iraq as the fifth nation within the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region to accomplish this milestone. Furthermore, the WHO has designated Iraq as the 50th country to have eradicated at least one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) on a global scale. This accomplishment signifies a significant step towards the goal of having 100 countries achieve similar milestones by 2030, as outlined in the 2021-2030 NTD roadmap. This roadmap aims to address and combat 20 different diseases and disease groups through prevention, control, elimination, and eradication efforts.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Efforts by Iraq in eliminating trachoma:
Iraq initiated its nationwide trachoma eradication programme in 2012. In partnership with the Ministry of Education, they created a surveillance system to detect and manage instances in eye care facilities, schools, and other settings. Thousands of healthcare staff, including refractionists, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and eye surgeons, contributed to these efforts. Post-elimination, Iraq and WHO will continue to closely monitor previously endemic areas to detect and if necessary, combat any resurgence of disease.
About Trachoma:
It is a contagious bacterial eye infection caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It primarily affects the surface of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. It is spread through direct contact with infected individuals’ eye or nasal secretions, as well as fomites and insects, or indirectly through contaminated objects such as towels or clothing.
With time, it causes the eyelashes to be pushed inward into the eye. So with every blink, they brush against the eyeball. This form of trachoma is called trichiasis. If it’s not treated, trichiasis can lead to blindness. The SAFE strategy: It includes Surgery to treat the blinding stage (trachomatous trichiasis); Antibiotics to clear the infection, particularly the antibiotic azithromycin; Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement, particularly improving access to water and sanitation.
Key Points
- Trachoma remains endemic in six countries in WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, great success has been made in reducing the number of persons requiring antibiotic therapy for trachoma elimination purposes, which has decreased from 39 million in 2013 to 6.9 million by April 2023.
- 17 other countries that have eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are Benin, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Ghana, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malawi, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Togo and Vanuatu.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- WHO Director-General: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus;
- WHO Founded: 7 April 1948;
- WHO Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
5% of birds in India are endemic: Zoological Survey of India publication
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) unveiled a recent publication titled “75 Endemic Birds of India” on the occasion of its 108th foundation day. This publication emphasises an astonishing fact: 5% of India’s bird species are limited completely within the country’s borders, making them unique avian gems that have not been reported anywhere else on the planet.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
India’s Avian Abundance
With an impressive collection of 1,353 documented bird species, India boasts a significant share of the global avian diversity, accounting for approximately 12.40%. Among these feathered inhabitants, a total of 78 species, or 5% of the avian population, are exclusively endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
Avian Distribution: Patterns Across the Nation
The publication unveils intriguing insights into the distribution patterns of these 75 endemic bird species. Hailing from 11 distinct orders, 31 families, and 55 genera, these birds are a testament to India’s diverse landscapes.
Remarkably, the Western Ghats emerge as a hotspot for endemism, sheltering 28 of these exclusive species. Among the inhabitants of this biodiversity-rich region are the captivating Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, Ashambu Laughing Thrush, and White-bellied Sholakili.
Avian Distribution: The Andaman and Nicobar
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands harbor a distinctive collection of 25 bird species found nowhere else. Because of the region’s physical isolation, unusual species such as the Nicobar Megapode, Nicobar Serpent Eagle, Andaman Crake, and Andaman Barn Owl have emerged.
Conservation Status of Endemic Species
Out of the 78, a staggering 25 are deemed ‘Threatened‘ by the IUCN. Three species – Bugun Liocichla, Himalayan Quail, and Jerdon’s Courser – face the dire designation of ‘Critically Endangered’.
India’s endemic avifauna further comprises five ‘Endangered‘ species and 17 ‘Vulnerable’ species, with an additional 11 species labeled ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List.
Preserving Endemic Species
The publication also highlights the crucial necessity for collaborative endeavors in protecting endemic species. Given their limited distribution, it becomes imperative to conserve their habitats to prevent their decline.
Furthermore, there is considerable importance in promoting awareness among the general populace, particularly students, regarding these species that inhabit distinct regions.
Key Points for Competitive Exams
- Zoological Survey of India Director: Dhriti Banerjee
Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill 2023
Lok Sabha passed The Anusandhan National Research Foundation bill 2023 on 07 August 2023, aimed at providing the means to amend the mechanisms for providing research, innovation, and development to small and micro-entrepreneurs in the fields of natural sciences including mathematics and economics.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
The bill replaces the Engineering and Scientific Research Board Act, of 2008, and the process of dissolving the Engineering and Scientific Research Board established under it is seen as important.
Indradhanush (IMI) 5.0 Immunization was launched in Coimbatore district
An initiative called Indradhanush (IMI) 5.0 Immunization has been launched in Coimbatore district, aimed at protecting under-five children. The first phase of the campaign will be conducted from August 7 to August 12th, 2023.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
IMI 5.0 will focus on reaching zero-dose children aged between 0 – 5 years, ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines. The initiative is also intended to be the big leap for achieving Measles & Rubella elimination in the country by ensuring that every child under 5 years of age has completed the two-dose schedule of Measles and Rubella Containing Vaccine (MRCV).
Over 50 journalists from various states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur, actively participated in the workshop.
The initiative aims to provide medical assistance to pregnant women who have not received the adult tetanus-diphtheria (DT) vaccine and to children under five years of age who have missed vaccinations in the National Immunization Reference Schedule.
Renowned singer Gaddar, known as Battleship, passed away at 77
On August 6th, 2023, Famous Telugu singer Gaddar popularly called Battleship passed away at the age of 77 in Hyderabad due to severe heart disease. His birth name was G Vithal Rao. Gaddar, who was shot by assailants in the 1990s, had a bullet stuck in his spinal cord till the end.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Born as Gummadi Vittal Rao in Toopran, Medak district, the renowned folk singer and poet went on to become popular as ‘Gaddar’. A former naxalite, Gaddar had led an underground life, including in the forests. Subsequently, he joined the mainstream and voted for the first time in his life in the Telangana Legislative Assembly polls in 2018.
