Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2023

Notes:
The International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) – ‘Bharat Mandapam’ was inaugurated recently by Prime Minister Modi.  The IECC project is a national initiative aimed at modernizing and upgrading the obsolete facilities at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Anubhava Mantapa was an academy of saints and philosophers of the ‘Lingayath’s’ faith in the 12th century. It was founded by Basava, also called Basaveshwara. This is the inspiration behind the name ‘Bharat Mandapam’

Notes:
Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) approved the Guidelines for Institutional Development Plan (IDP) for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
These guidelines are intended to assist HEIs in attaining academic and research excellence while enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. Additionally, the IDP will offer direction to HEIs in exercising academic, administrative, financial, and business autonomy, while maintaining accountability.

Notes:
West Bengal, which is home to about 40% of mangrove forests in India, announced the setting up of a ‘Mangrove Cell’ in the State, on the occasion of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
This platform will bring continuity to the efforts of State government in mangrove management. The Cell has an annual action plan for the plantation of mangroves and it will look at maintenance and coordinate with NGOs.

Notes:
Recently, Moderna and its collaborator Merck announced the commencement of patient enrolment for an advanced-stage clinical trial.
This trial aims to test their customized mRNA-based vaccine for skin cancer, in combination with the immunotherapy drug Keytruda. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer.

Notes:
The Italian parliament has given its approval to a contentious bill that makes it a criminal offense for citizens to travel abroad to pursue surrogacy arrangements.
This law, which has faced significant opposition, is specifically aimed at discouraging Italians from participating in surrogacy arrangements, and it carries the possibility of substantial fines exceeding USD 1 million and potential prison sentences of up to two years for those found guilty.

Notes:
Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is one of the four bills introduced by the Centre in the Lok Sabha recently.
The bill grants authority to the Lieutenant Governor to appoint two members, with one being a woman, from the Kashmiri migrant community, and one member from the displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) to the legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir.

Notes:
OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic have teamed up to create the Frontier Model Forum, aiming to regulate the development of large machine learning models, particularly “frontier AI models” that surpass current advanced capabilities.
These foundation models pose potential risks to public safety, and the forum will focus on ensuring their safe and responsible development, collaborating with policymakers, academics, and companies to advance AI safety research and establish best practices for deploying such models.

Notes:
Recently, the Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have entered into an agreement, securing a USD 200 million loan as extra funding for the existing Rajasthan Secondary Towns Development Sector Project.
The loan aims to extend water supply and sanitation systems, boost urban resilience, and preserve the heritage in chosen towns.

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The National Health Authority has introduced the 100 Microsites Project, aiming to expedite the adoption of digital health services nationwide.
These microsites will consist of small and mid-sized health facilities that will be fully aligned with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission standards.

Notes:
Taiwanese firm Foxconn Technology Group, a key supplier to Apple Inc., signed a letter of Intent with the Tamil Nadu government to invest ₹1,600 crore to establish a manufacturing facility in Kancheepuram district.
The letter of intent was signed in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Foxconn Chairman Young Liu. The facility will potentially employ 6,000 people.