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 28 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 28 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 – 28 August 2023
Assam Govt Issues Notification Banning Plastic Water Bottles Below 1 Litre
In a decisive move towards environmental conservation, the Assam Environment and Forest Department has taken a significant step by announcing the ban on the use and production of plastic water bottles below 1000 ml capacity within the state.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
The ban on plastic water bottles below 1000 ml capacity falls under the purview of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The notification invokes the powers vested in the State by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, under Section 23 of the Act. As per the notification, the ban will become effective on October 2.
Last month, the Assam government made headlines by declaring its intent to prohibit the production and use of drinking water bottles made from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a volume of less than 1 litre. This commendable decision has now materialized into official action, with the Assam Environment and Forest Department issuing a resolute notification on August 23.
UP cabinet approves 18 ‘Atal Residential’ schools, to cost Rs 1,250 crore
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has allocated a significant budget of Rs 1,250 crore for the establishment of 18 ‘Atal Residential Schools’ across all 18 divisions of Uttar Pradesh.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
These schools are modeled after the Navodaya Vidyalayas and aim to provide high-quality education. The schools will have a capacity of 1,000 students each, including 500 girls and 500 boys.
The curriculum will span from classes six to twelve. Importantly, these schools will also cater to students whose education was disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The vision is for these schools to become centers of excellence in education.
Six more countries will become members of BRICS.
The 15th BRICS summit concluded on August 24, 2023, in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was the first hosted in-person summit since the COVID-19 pandemic. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Argentina and Ethiopia will become new members of BRICS from 1 January 2024. The last BRICS expansion was held in 2010 with the inclusion of South Africa.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
BRICS members reached an agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the expansion process.
Other outcomes of the summit are given below:
- During the summit, it was agreed that the BRICS Finance Ministers and/or Central Bank Governors will consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms.
- BRICS members appreciated the progress made in the fields of media, culture, education, sports, arts, youth, civil society and academic exchanges.
- The 10th anniversary of the establishment of the BRICS Business Council was celebrated.
- Members reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people exchanges in enhancing mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation.
- Foreign Ministers have been given the task of further developing the BRICS partner country model and creating a list of prospective partner countries.
Meta launched a multilingual AI translation and transcription model named ‘SeamlessM4T’.
Meta, earlier known as Facebook, has launched an advanced multilingual multimodal AI translation and transcription model named ‘SeamlessM4T.’
It can perform various tasks including speech-to-text, speech-to-speech, text-to-speech, and text-to-text translations. It supports around 100 languages and facilitates speech recognition, translation, and synthesis for diverse linguistic needs. It can perform speech-to-speech translation in around 100 input languages and around 35 output languages.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
In 2022, Meta launched a text-to-text translation model, No Language Left Behind (NLLB). It supports 200 languages and is integrated with Wikipedia as a translation provider. Additionally, Meta also launched ‘Hokkien’, the first speech-to-speech translation system for languages without widely used writing systems. In 2023, Meta also launched its Massively Multilingual Speech model that offers the facility of speech recognition, speech synthesis, and language identification of more than 1,100 languages.
20% export duty imposed by the Government on parboiled rice.
With an aim to maintain sufficient local stocks and keep domestic prices under check, the government has imposed a 20% duty on exports of parboiled rice. On August 25, the export duty has been imposed and will remain effective till October 16, 2023.
Duty exemption will be given on parboiled rice lying in ports, i.e. export duty order will not be applicable on rice stocks that have not been given LEO (Late Export Order) and are supported by a valid LC (Letter of Credit) before 25 August 2023.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
With these restrictions, India has now banned all varieties of non-basmati rice. Non-basmati white rice accounts for about 25% of the total rice exported from the country. In July, the government banned exports of non-basmati white rice to boost domestic supplies and keep retail prices under control during the upcoming festive season. The export of broken rice was banned in September 2022.
About 15.54 lakh tonnes of non-basmati white rice was exported in the April-June period of the current financial year, as against only 11.55 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period. Annual retail or consumer price inflation rose to a 15-month high of 7.44% in July from 4.87% in June amid a sharp rise in food prices.
India’s total basmati rice exports in 2022-23 stood at $4.8 billion in value terms, while it stood at 4.56 million tonnes in volume terms. Non-basmati exports stood at $6.36 billion in the last financial year and in terms of quantity, it was 177.9 lakh tonnes.
Veteran lyricist Dev Kohli passes away
Veteran lyricist and poet Dev Kohli passed away in Mumbai.
He had penned over a hundred songs for Bollywood films such as Baazigar, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Maine Pyaar Kiya, Shoot Out At Lokhandwala, among many others.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
He last wrote songs for the Kangana Ranaut-starrer Rajjo, which had music by Uttam Singh.
From Shankar-Jaikishan to Vishal-Shekhar, Dev Kohli worked with different generations of composers in a career that spanned from 1969 to 2013.
DBS partners with Maptrasco to complete the first eBL transaction
DBS, in partnership with commodities trader Maptrasco, announced the completion of the first “live” transaction of electronic Bills of Lading (eBL) for shipments between Singapore and India.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
With this first shipment, businesses across Singapore and India can participate in the TradeTrust network via their respective choice of TradeTrust-enabled platforms to enable the digital trade finance of live shipments of goods between the two countries. The transaction was implemented under the TradeTrust framework, an initiative by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and supported by Enterprise Singapore.
This landmark first shipment marks a pivotal moment for businesses operating in both Singapore and India. It grants them the opportunity to engage with the TradeTrust network through their preferred TradeTrust-enabled platforms.
SBI launches Aadhaar-based enrolment for social security schemes.
The country’s largest lender State Bank of India introduced a facility to allow customers to enrol in social security schemes by just furnishing an Aadhaar card. Chairman Dinesh Khara, unveiled an innovative Customer Service Points (CSP) functionality that enables hassle-free enrolment for social security schemes through Aadhaar.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Aim: To make the process of enrolling in various social security schemes simpler.
Customers visiting CSPs will need only their Aadhaar cards to enrol in schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, and the Atal Pension Yojana, the bank said in a statement.
Chandrayaan 3 landing site on Moon to be known as Shiva Shakti point
The landing site of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon will be known as ‘Shiv Shakti’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru on Saturday. Another site on the Moon where the Chandrayaan 2 lander crash landed will be known as Tiranga Point.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
He said that Shiva Shakti point will remind the world about Shiv which is devoting oneself to the welfare of mankind and Shakti that gives inherent strength to accomplish that will incline towards the good of mankind.
Describing the photographs of the moon lander, he said, “These are pictures of the never seen parts of the moon and this has been done by India. The entire world recognises India’s scientific spirit, technology and temperament.”
Narendra Modi awarded ‘The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour’ in Greece
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded with ‘The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour’ award by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
This is the second-highest civilian honour in Greece. The Greek State Honours the Prime Minister of India, a statesman who has tirelessly promoted the global reach of his country and who works systematically for India’s economic progress and prosperity, bringing about bold reforms.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
About the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour
The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour is conferred by the president of Greece to prime ministers and “eminent personalities who by reason of their distinguished position, have contributed to enhancing the stature of Greece”. The Order of Honour was established in 1975. The badge of the Grand Cross is a gold-plated cross with a red enamelled medallion in the centre. The medallion bears the image of the Greek goddess Athena, and the words “Only the Righteous Should be Honoured”. The badge is worn around the neck on a blue and white ribbon.
Kolkata Becomes 3rd Indian City To Get Air Quality Early Warning System
Kolkata, India, has taken an important step forward by implementing an Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) designed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune. This system offers both real-time air pollution data and forecasts, with the objective of enhancing readiness and facilitating measures to tackle the escalating air pollution levels within the city.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Real-time Monitoring and Predictions
The AQEWS in Kolkata comes equipped with an intricate network of sensors that monitor the air quality index (AQI) in real-time. This AQI is a standardised metric that ranges from 0 to 500 and is used to quantify the degree of air pollution in a specific area. A higher AQI signifies more polluted air and a greater risk to one’s health. The AQEWS provides this data by analyzing the concentration of pollutants like PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller), which has been identified as a major contributor to health problems due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs.
Critical Air Pollution Levels in Kolkata
The city of Kolkata has been grappling with critical levels of air pollution, mainly driven by pollutants such as PM2.5. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), the city just registered an AQI of 74, and it is expected to exceed 170 by August 30.Such forecasts underscore the urgency of addressing air pollution in Kolkata and highlight the role of early warning systems in driving effective interventions.
Data Integration and Prediction Accuracy
The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) leverages data from the national air quality network as well as satellite sources to generate accurate predictions. The system’s accuracy was demonstrated during its experimental phase, which began in September 2022. The integration of data from 420 air quality monitoring stations across India in the early warning system ensures a complete and holistic approach to air quality assessment.
Key takeaways for competitive examinations
- Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Bhupender Yadav
National Sports Day 2023: Date, Theme, Significance and History
The National Sports Day in India is celebrated on 29 August 2023. This annual observance, held on August 29 in India, is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Major Dhyan Chand. The day also serves as a reminder for all of us to remember the athletes’ dedication, determination, and extraordinary achievements, as well as their impact on society.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
What is the theme of National Sports Day 2023?
The theme of National Sports Day 2023 is not known yet. However, people can celebrate the day using #NationalSportsDay on social media posts.
Significance of National Sports Day 2023
National Sports Day also serves as an opportunity to increase awareness about the value of sports and physical activity in our daily lives. Sports can assist us in staying fit and healthy, reducing stress, and developing character. They can also teach us teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Here are some key aspects of its significance:
Promoting Physical Fitness
National Sports Day encourages people of all ages to embrace physical fitness. It emphasises the importance of regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, addressing the growing concerns of sedentary living and lifestyle-related diseases.
Honouring Sporting Heroes
It’s a day to pay tribute to sporting legends like Major Dhyan Chand and numerous other athletes who have brought glory to the nation on the international stage. Their dedication, hard work, and sacrifices inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence in sports.
Fostering Sports Culture
This day serves as a stimulus for the development of a robust sports culture in India. It encourages the youth to participate actively in various sports and games, not just for competition but also for holistic personal growth.
Government Initiatives
On National Sports Day, the government often launches new sports-related initiatives, programs, and policies to support and nurture budding talent. These initiatives aim to provide better training facilities, financial support, and recognition to deserving athletes.
Unity in Diversity
Sports have the unique power to bring people together regardless of their background, language, or beliefs. National Sports Day showcases this unity, reminding us that in the world of sports, the only thing that matters is talent and determination.
National Sports Day 2023: History
The origins of National Sports Day in India may be traced back to the birth of one of the country’s most renowned athletic giants, Major Dhyan Chand, who went on to become one of the most well-known figures in the game of hockey. Born on August 29, 1905, he started off his career with the British Indian Army regimental squad. His skills mesmerized the world, guiding India to three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936.
In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to the realm of sports, the Government of India declared his birthday as National Sports Day in 2012, with the aim to inspire generations to come. This decision also focused on promoting sports and physical fitness among the masses.
SVAMITVA Scheme Of Ministry Of Panchayati Raj Won National Award For E-Governance 2023
The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, has been honored with the prestigious National Award for e-Governance 2023 (Gold) in recognition of its groundbreaking application of emerging technologies to deliver citizen-centric services.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
The award was presented at the 26th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, which was organised by the Government of India’s Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
The Significance of the National Conference on e-Governance
The two-day National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) was organised in conjunction with the Government of Madhya Pradesh by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The event, themed “Viksit Bharat, Empowering Citizens,” aimed to encourage talks among diverse stakeholders on cutting-edge technologies, effective e-Governance methods, and knowledge sharing. The conference, held at the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, served as a vital platform for brainstorming and exchanging insights on the latest technologies driving e-Governance initiatives.
Celebrating Innovative E-Governance Initiatives
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, alongside prominent dignitaries and senior officials from both the Government of India and State Governments, actively participated in the 26th National Conference on e-Governance. The event featured the presentation of the National e-Governance Awards across five distinct categories:
- Government process re-engineering for digital transformation
- Application of emerging technology for providing citizen-centric services
- District-level initiative for e-Governance
- Research on citizen-centric services by academic and research institutions
- Application of emerging technology in e-Governance by start-ups
The conference effectively fostered discussions on the latest technological advancements in e-Governance, providing a platform for learning and collaboration.
Empowering Citizens through SVAMITVA Scheme
The SVAMITVA Scheme, a brainchild of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, represents a revolutionary initiative aimed at granting property ownership rights to individuals residing in village-inhabited areas. Leveraging state-of-the-art drone and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies, the scheme facilitates the creation of Property Cards, allowing rural property owners to unlock the potential of their residential assets. These Property Cards are pivotal in obtaining bank loans and other financial benefits, while also contributing to the resolution of land-related disputes through the production of highly accurate, 5cm resolution maps.
The scheme is executed through collaborative efforts involving Survey of India as the technology implementation partner, State Revenue and Panchayati Raj Departments, and NIC-GIS.
Key takeaways for competitive examinations
- Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department: Shri Giriraj Singh
