9 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 9 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 9 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 – 9 August 2023
World Biofuel Day 2023 Observed Globally On 10 August
Every year on August 10th, World Biofuel Day is commemorated to raise awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels and to highlight the different efforts made by the government in the biofuel sector. This day also honors the research experiments by Sir Rudolf Diesel who ran an engine with peanut oil in the year 1893. His research experiment had predicted that vegetable oil is going to replace fossil fuels in the next century to fuel different mechanical engines. Since 2015, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has marked World Biofuel Day.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
What is Biofuels?
Biofuels are environment friendly fuels and their utilization would address global concerns about containment of carbon emissions. Biofuels are derived from renewable bio-mass resources and thus provide a strategic advantage in promoting sustainable development and supplementing conventional energy sources in meeting the rapidly increasing transport fuel requirements associated with high economic growth, as well as meeting the energy needs of India’s vast rural population.
Biofuels have the benefits of reducing import dependency on crude oil, cleaner environment, additional income to farmers and employment generation in rural areas. The biofuels programme is also in synergy with the Government of India initiatives for Make in India, Swachh Bharat and enhancing farmers’ income.
Important Biofuel categories in India
- Bioethanol : Ethanol produced from biomass such as sugar containing materials, like sugarcane, sugar beet, sweet sorghum etc.; starch containing materials such as corn, cassava, rotten potatoes, algae etc.; and, cellulosic materials such as bagasse, wood waste, agricultural and forestry residues or other renewable resources like industrial waste;
- Biodiesel : a methyl or ethyl ester of fatty acids produced from non-edible vegetable oils, acid oil, used cooking oil or animal fat and bio-oil;
- Advanced biofuels : Fuels derived from lignocellulosic feedstocks (e.g. rice and wheat straw/corn cobs & stover/bagasse, woody biomass), non-food crops (e.g. grasses, algae), or industrial waste and residue streams with low CO2 emissions or high GHG reduction and that do not compete with food crops for land use. Fuels such as Second Generation (2G) Ethanol, Drop-in fuels, algae based 3G biofuels, bio-CNG, bio-methanol, Di Methyl Ether (DME) derived from bio-methanol, bio-hydrogen, drop in fuels with MSW as the source / feedstock material will qualify as “Advanced Biofuels”.
- Drop-in fuels : Any liquid fuel produced from Biomass, agri-residues, wastes such as Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW), Plastic wastes, Industrial wastes etc . which meets the Indian standards for MS, HSD and Jet fuel, in pure or blended form, for its subsequent utilization in vehicles without any modifications in the engine systems and can utilize existing petroleum distribution system.
- Bio-CNG : Purified form of bio-Gas whose composition & energy potential is similar to that of fossil based natural gas and is produced from agricultural residues, animal dung, food waste, MSW and Sewage water.
World Lion Day 2023: Date, Significance and History
World Lion Day 2023: Date, Significance and History
Every year on August 10th, people all across the world observe World Lion Day. This global observance aims to raise awareness about lion conservation and protection. It provides an opportunity to educate people about the challenges these majestic animals face around the world and to support conservation efforts. Additionally, the day is a chance to honor these grandiose felines, recognizing their importance in ecosystems and various cultures globally.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
World Lion Day 2023 Significance
World Lion Day plays a vital role in rallying support and action to ensure a future for these remarkable animals in the wild by shining a spotlight on lions and their conservation needs. There is an urgent need for their conservation hence, the day aims to educate people about the importance of lions in ecosystems and their cultural significance.
World Lion Day 2023 Celebration
On World Lion Day, lions and their distinctive characteristics are celebrated through art, photography, and cultural events, while many organisations, wildlife conservation groups, zoos, and individuals participate in activities and campaigns or use the day to raise funds for lion conservation projects, anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and research initiatives. Workshops, seminars, webinars and public talks are often organised on this day to provide information about lions, their behaviour, threats and conservation strategies.
World Lion Day 2023 History
World Lion Day was first established in 2013 by Big Cat Rescue, the world’s largest accredited sanctuary dedicated to lions and it was co-founded by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, a husband-and-wife team who recognised the need to draw attention to the declining lion populations and the threats they were facing in the wild. In 2009, the Jouberts approached “National Geographic” and formed a partnership with them to come up with the Big Cat Initiative (B.C.I.).
Later in 2013, they began the initiative to bring together both National Geographic and the Big Cat Initiative under a single banner to protect the remaining big cats living in the wild and since then, World Lion Day is observed annually on August 10 to raise awareness about the conservation issues faced by the lions and to celebrate the beauty and significance of these iconic big cats.
Indian wrestlers win 11 medals at World u17 championships
India won 11 medals, including a gold, at the 2023 World Cadet Wrestling Championships for under-17 wrestlers in Istanbul, Turkey. Savita, who entered the event as the defending champion, won the only gold medal for India at Istanbul in the women’s 61kg weight division.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
India finished sixth in the men’s freestyle and fourth in men’s Greco-Roman team rankings as well. However, it was the women’s freestyle where India shone best by finishing third, only behind Japan and USA, with 118 points in the team rankings.
Indian medallists U17 World Wrestling C’ships
| Name | Medal | Event | Weight |
| Savita | Gold | Women’s Freestyle | 66kg |
| Rohit | Silver | Men’s Greco-Roman | 51kg |
| Ankush | Silver | Men’s Greco-Roman | 55kg |
| Suraj | Silver | Men’s Freestyle | 55kg |
| Ronak | Silver | Men’s Freestyle | 110kg |
| Rachana | Silver | Women’s Freestyle | 40kg |
| Muskan | Silver | Women’s Freestyle | 46kg |
| Shrishti | Silver | Women’s Freestyle | 69kg |
| Neha | Bronze | Women’s Freestlye | 57kg |
| Manu Yadav | Bronze | Men’s Freestyle | 51kg |
| Sachin Kumar | Bronze | Men’s Freestyle | 65kg |
Cambodian King appoints Hun Sen’s son as new Prime Minister
Cambodia’s King appointed Hun Sen’s son the country’s new leader, beginning a handover of power that ends nearly four decades of rule, but the outgoing Premier promised this was “not the end” of his political career. King Norodom Sihamoni issued a royal decree appointing Hun Manet as Prime Minister, after Mr. Hun Sen had announced last month that he was stepping down and handing power to his eldest son.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Mr Hun Sen, one of the world’s longestserving leaders, made the declaration days after a landslide victory in July polls largely regarded as a fraud, when the major opponent, the Candlelight Party, was prevented from participating. To assume the post, 45yearold Mr. Hun Manet and his Cabinet must win an August 22 vote in Parliament, where his father’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) has all but five of 125 seats in the lower house. Mr. Hun Sen has for years pursued a ruthless campaign against any Opposition, banning parties and forcing adversaries to flee abroad. While insisting he would not interfere with his son’s rule, Mr. Hun Sen promised on Monday he would continue to play a prominent political role.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Cambodia Capital: Phnom Penh;
- Cambodia Currency: Cambodian riel;
- Cambodia Official language: Khmer.
Chhattisgarh CM transfers Rs 15 crore as part of Godhan Nyay Yojana
As part of the flagship Godhan Nyay Yojna (GNY) initiated by the Chhattisgarh government, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel conducted online transfers exceeding Rs 15 crore to support cattle rearers, women’s self-help groups (SHGs), and ‘gauthan’ committees.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
This initiative has empowered SHG women and surged farmer engagement in cattle rearing. The program has garnered national recognition, inspiring other states to adopt similar initiatives.
Distribution of Funds under the Godhan Nyay Yojna: Supporting Cattle Rearers, Gauthan Committees, and Women SHGs
Out of the total value of Rs 15.29 crore, Rs 5.60 crore was allocated to cattle rearers’ bank accounts as compensation for the cow manure they delivered to gauthans, which act as centres for caring for livestock in rural areas. Additionally, a sum of Rs 9.69 crore was distributed to gauthan committees and women-led self-help groups (SHGs) affiliated with gauthans, as a part of the program’s provisions.
Godhan Nyaya Yojana: Fostering Agricultural Innovation
Introduced in July 2020 by the Chhattisgarh government, the Godhan Nyaya Yojana involves the procurement of cow dung at a rate of Rs. 2 per kg within the state’s gauthans.
Godhan Nyaya Yojana: Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Production
In the gauthans, women’s organisations are using cow manure gathered through the programme to generate large quantities of vermicompost, super compost, and other products. These goods are subsequently made available to government departments and farmers at reduced prices through cooperative societies. In addition to these efforts, women’s groups are generating profits by crafting and selling cow-based products like cow cast, diyas, incense sticks, and idols, alongside utilizing cow dung for manure. These groups are also actively involved in diverse income-generating activities, including vegetable and mushroom cultivation, poultry, goat farming, fisheries, and animal husbandry within the gauthans.
Key Points for Competitive Exams
- Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries: Giriraj Singh
IndiaFirst Life Insurance launches new G.O.L.D. plan
In a move to provide enhanced financial security and stable income to its policyholders, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company has recently launched a groundbreaking insurance product – the Guarantee of Life Dreams (G.O.L.D.) Plan. This non-linked and non-participating insurance plan is intended to provide policyholders with consistent, long-term income to ensure a prosperous and worry-free future.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Flexible Premium Payment Terms for Diverse Needs
One of the standout features of the G.O.L.D. Plan is its flexibility in premium payment terms. Policyholders can choose from premium payment terms of 6, 8, or 10 years, depending on their financial preferences and goals. Individuals can use this personalised strategy to align their premium payments with their existing financial circumstances while still reaping the benefits of a comprehensive insurance plan.
Extended Policy Terms for Lifelong Security
Understanding the importance of long-term financial planning, IndiaFirst Life Insurance offers policy terms of 30 years and 40 years for the G.O.L.D. Plan. This prolonged coverage ensures that policyholders can enjoy the fruits of their financial decisions well into their retirement years, allowing them to live their aspirations without worry.
Starting Premiums as Low as ₹4,176 per Month
The G.O.L.D. Plan’s affordability makes it accessible to a wide range of individuals seeking reliable financial protection. With a starting premium as low as ₹4,176 per month, policyholders can embark on their journey towards financial security without straining their budgets. Furthermore, the plan allows you to pick between annual and installment-based premium payments, fitting a variety of financial preferences.
About IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company
- IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company was established in November 2009 and is headquartered in Mumbai. It is one of the fastest growing player in the private life insurance sector.
- The company follows the “Bancassurance” or Bank Insurance Model, leveraging the customer networks of its partner banks. Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, and Legal & General Middle East Limited are among its significant stakeholders.
- IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited has demonstrated rapid growth, ensuring its position as one of India’s swiftly expanding private life insurance providers.
Key Points for Competitive Exams
- MD & CEO of IndiaFirst: Ms R.M.Vishakha
Amazon and Gujarat Govt signed an MoU to boost e-commerce exports
On August 8th, 2023, Amazon India signed an MoU with the Department of Industries and Mines, Government of Gujarat, aimed at boosting e-commerce exports from the state of Gujarat. The deal will create and promote training, and capacity-building workshops for exporters from major MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) organizations such as Surat, Baruch, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Rajkot.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Under the agreement, Amazon India will focus on bringing weavers, artisans and other micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Gujarat on Amazon Global Selling, the e-commerce exports programme.
Amazon and EDII will conduct hybrid (in-person and online) training sessions and workshops on B2C e-commerce exports, educating the artisans on registering and listing their products to sell on more than 18 Amazon Global Marketplaces and tools for making exports easier.
Bhartiya Vastra evam Shilpa Kosh Portal
PM Modi launched the website (e-portal) called ‘Bhartiya Vastra Evam Shilpa Kosh – A Repository of Textiles and Handicrafts’, has been developed by the National Institute while presiding over the 9th National Handloom Day celebrations at the Bharat Mandap at the grand Pragati Maidan in the national capital, New Delhi. Bhartiya Vastra Evam Shilpa Kosh Portal aims to help entrepreneurs who need research papers, doctoral theses, case studies, and dissertations related to textiles and handicrafts.
National Handloom Day is a special day dedicated to handloom weavers, acknowledging their role in India’s economic growth and cultural richness.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
· The theme for 2023, “Handlooms for Sustainable Fashion,” emphasizes the importance of incorporating handloom textiles into the fashion industry in an environmentally conscious manner.
· Addressing the gathering of over 3000 weavers and artisans from across the country, the Prime Minister highlighted the contribution of the handloom industry of India and said that the confluence of old and new defines the new India of today. “The India of today is not just ‘Local for Vocal’ but also providing a global platform to take it to the world”, he said.
· Highlighting the Swadeshi Movement, the Prime Minister said that it was not only limited to boycotting foreign-made textiles but a source of inspiration for the independent economy of India. He said that it was a movement to connect the weavers of India with the people, and this was the inspiration behind the government choosing this day as National Handloom Day.
· The e-portal is developed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology.
· This online repository is dedicated to preserving and showcasing various traditional textiles and crafts.
· The portal serves as a valuable resource for artisans, designers, and enthusiasts, enabling them to explore and promote India’s rich textile heritage.
Gujarat is implementing the scheme “One District One Product (ODOP)”
On August 7th, 2023, The Gujarat Government launched the scheme named “One District One Product (ODOP)” with a grant estimate of Rs 58 crores to promote its domestic products internationally. The scheme is being implemented by Gujarat State Handicrafts and Its Development Corporation (GSHHDC).
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Under this scheme, more than 25 handicraft products and those from the handicrafts sector have been selected from 21 districts of the state, including traditional handicrafts like Gamthi Block Print and Mata-ni-Pachhedi. The ODOP initiative is aimed at fostering balanced regional development across all districts of the country, enabling holistic socio-economic growth across all regions. The objective is to focus on the District of the country as a unit for converting into a manufacturing and export hub by identifying products with export potential in the district.
Nagasaki Day
On August 9th, 1945, America dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese industrial city of Nagasaki during the final stages of World War II and 74,000 – 80,000 people were killed. Every year, Nagasaki Day is observed on 09 August in memory of the people killed in this tragedy. The atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki was assigned the code name ‘Fat Man’.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Devastation and Aftermath
Immediate Impact: The explosion demolished significant areas of Nagasaki, killing tens of thousands of people instantly. The intense heat and radiation unleashed by the bomb inflicted severe burns and injuries on survivors.
Long-Term Consequences: The survivors of the Nagasaki bombing, known as “hibakusha,” faced enduring health issues due to radiation exposure, including cancers, birth defects, and other ailments. The city itself was severely damaged, posing economic and social issues.
Global Response and Calls for Peace
Worldwide Outrage: The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki generated worldwide outrage and debate about the morality of using such devastating weapons. Many questioned the ethics of targeting civilian populations and the long-lasting environmental and human consequences.
The Path to Peace: The horrors of Nagasaki and Hiroshima played a significant role in shaping the post-war world order. Efforts to avert further nuclear devastation culminated in the formation of organisations such as the UN and initiatives to promote disarmament and non-proliferation.
Commemoration and Lessons for the Future
Remembering the Victims: Nagasaki Day serves as a solemn remembrance of the lives lost and the suffering endured by the people of Nagasaki. Memorial ceremonies, peace rallies, and artistic expressions pay tribute to the resilience and spirit of the survivors.
Advocating for Peace: In the face of global tensions and the persistent threat of nuclear conflict, Nagasaki Day underscores the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions, dialogue, and disarmament. It urges nations to prioritize cooperation, understanding, and the pursuit of a world free from the specter of nuclear warfare.
Conclusion
Nagasaki Day stands as a poignant reminder of the catastrophic impact of nuclear weapons and the urgent need to prevent their use in the future. As the world reflects on the tragic events of August 9, 1945, it is a time to recommit to the pursuit of peace, unity, and the preservation of human lives. By learning from the past and advocating for a world without nuclear weapons, we honor the memory of the victims and work towards a brighter, safer future for all.
Construction work of Indian Buddhist Culture and Heritage Centre begins
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) held the Bhumi Pujan ceremony for the construction of the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage (IICBCH) in Lumbini, Nepal.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
This upcoming centre, located within the hallowed Lumbini Monastic Zone, is poised to become a world-class facility, drawing pilgrims and enthusiasts from across the world. Its purpose is to provide an immersive experience into the essence of Buddhist spirituality.
Architectural Marvel: The Lotus-Shaped Heritage Building
The iconic heritage building is envisioned to take the form of a lotus, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. The construction timeline is estimated to be approximately one-and-a-half years, culminating in the completion of this architectural marvel.
A Holistic Space for Spiritual Exploration
The center’s modern construction will house a variety of facilities such as prayer halls, meditation centres, libraries, exhibition halls, cafeterias, and offices. In keeping with modern sustainability standards, the building will be Net-Zero compliant in terms of energy consumption, water usage, and waste disposal.
Lumbini: A Sacred Site of the Buddhist Circuit
Lumbini, where Lord Buddha was born, is one of the primary pilgrimage sites that make up the Buddhist Circuit. Others include Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India (where he attained enlightenment), Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, India (where he delivered his first sermon), and Kushinagar, also in Uttar Pradesh (his final resting place). These locations are intricately linked to the life and teachings of Lord Buddha.
International Buddhist Confederation
International Buddhist Confederation is the largest Buddhist religious confederation headquartered in Delhi. This organisation is committed to building a substantial presence for Buddhism on the global stage in order to protect our cultural legacy, impart wisdom, and maintain our beliefs.
Key Points for Competitive Examinations
Prime Minister of Nepal: Pushpa Kamal Dahal
China’s July Exports Experience Double-Digit Plunge, Adding Pressure to Bolster Ailing Economy
China, facing a significant economic challenge, saw its exports plummet by double digits in July, raising concerns for the Communist Party to steer the nation’s economy out of its current slump. The decline which includes a 14.5% drop in exports compared to the previous year, emphasises the need for governmental measures to stimulate economic growth.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Export Downturn Deepens
In a stark demonstration of the economic challenges, China’s exports witnessed a steep decline, totaling $281.8 billion for July. This drop was even more pronounced than the 12.4% contraction recorded in June, as per recent customs data. This trend is indicative of the weakening global demand for Chinese goods.
Weak Domestic Demand Reflected in Imports
Similarly, the import sector followed this downturn, with imports falling 12.4% year on year to $201.2 billion. This points to subdued domestic demand within China, and the contraction widened from the 6.8% reduction observed in the prior month.
Trade Surplus Narrows
The country’s trade surplus, which had reached record heights a year earlier, narrowed by 20.4% to $80.6 billion. This shift further underscores the strain on China’s export-oriented economy and highlights the need for remedial actions to restore balance.
Economic Contraction and Struggle for Growth
The economic repercussions of these declining exports are evident in China’s growth trajectory. In the second quarter, economic growth decelerated to a mere 0.8%, a significant drop from the 2.2% recorded in the previous quarter. This translates to an annual growth rate of approximately 3.2%, marking one of China’s weakest performances in decades.
Leaders’ Efforts to Revive the Economy
Chinese policymakers are actively looking for ways to rejuvenate both consumer and business activities. While the nation experienced a post-pandemic rebound after the easing of anti-virus measures, this recovery fizzled out sooner than anticipated.
Challenges in Policy Approach
Despite promises to support entrepreneurs, incentivize consumer spending, and bolster the housing market, the ruling Communist Party has yet to unveil substantial stimulus packages or tax cuts. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of China’s current policy measures in tackling the economic downturn.
Global Factors Influencing Demand
The cooling demand for Chinese exports can be partially attributed to actions taken by the Federal Reserve and other central banks across Europe and Asia. These institutions raised interest rates to combat surging inflation, impacting China’s export performance.
Magnitude of Export Contraction
The 14.5% decline in exports marks the most significant contraction since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. However, this decline is largely attributed to falling prices, as the volume of goods remains higher than the levels observed before the pandemic.
Future Outlook and Geopolitical Implications
Capital Economics analysts believe that exports will continue to fall in the following months, with a possible rebound towards the end of the year. Nonetheless, the short-term prospects for consumer spending in developed economies remain challenging.
Global Trade Dynamics
China’s exports to the United States registered a substantial 23% decrease, amounting to $42.3 billion. Simultaneously, imports of American goods receded by 11.1% to $12 billion, leading to a 27% reduction in China’s trade surplus with the US.
Russian Energy Trade and Geopolitical Nuances
Trade between China and Russia, primarily in oil and gas, witnessed a marginal decline of nearly 0.1%. China’s procurement of Russian energy has provided a buffer against the revenue loss incurred due to Western sanctions linked to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
European Union Trade
Exports to the European Union (EU) witnessed a dramatic downturn of 39.5%, amounting to $42.4 billion, while imports of European goods experienced a decline of 44.1%, reaching $23.3 billion. Consequently, China’s trade surplus with the EU contracted by 32.7% to $19.1 billion.
Year-to-Date Performance
In a broader year-to-date context, Chinese exports fell 5% in the first seven months of the year compared to the same period the previous year, reaching slightly more than $1.9 trillion. Imports followed suit with a reduction of 7.6% at $1.4 trillion.