Current Affairs Quiz - August, 2023

Notes:
The Sports Ministry has decided to recognise the Handball Association of India (HAI) as the official body to run the game in the country.
Recently the IOA also gave HAI recognition after it agreed to merge with the Handball Federation of India (HFI). India has been preparing for the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games.

Notes:
The inaugural ceremony of the first Permanent Aadhaar Enrolment Centre (PAEC) for the Army took place at 1 Central Base Post Office (CBPO) in New Delhi.
The PAEC is set up to provide convenient Aadhaar services, including enrolment and updates, for both Defence and civilian personnel of the tri-services, as well as their dependents. These services will be accessible through their Field Post Offices (FPO) at 48 designated locations across the country. The establishment of PAEC services is planned at all Command HQs, Corps HQs, and selected FPOs.

Notes:
SpaceX is preparing to launch the world’s largest privately-owned satellite, called JUPITER-3. This impressive satellite will be sent into space aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A in Florida.
This launch will be the seventh for the robust triple-booster rocket.

Notes:
Recently, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based think tank, in collaboration with India’s Bharat Shakti defense platform, organized the UK-India Defence and Military Technology Cooperation workshop in London.
The workshop aimed to explore joint initiatives in defense research and industrial production, focusing on various themes such as the changing strategic context of UK-India defense relations, perspectives on India’s Atmanirbhar program, and the UK’s defense technology partnerships.

Notes:
The Global ESG Conclave 2.0, organised by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India was held in Dubai.
The sessions were aimed to shed light on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into strategic business decisions and quantifying their impact on financial infrastructure and sustainability.

Notes:
Micron reaffirmed its commitment to establish India’s first semiconductor plant in Gujarat, creating 5,000 direct jobs and addressing demand from domestic and international markets.
The project entails a total investment of USD 2.75 billion. The first Made in India’ chip should be ready by December 2024.

Notes:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the USA and the U.S. Military have collaborated for a project named Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO). The project aims to launch a nuclear-powered satellite to Earth’s orbit in late 2025 or early 2026.
The spacecraft for the project is developed by Lockheed Martin. The project involves an in-space test of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NPT) technology, marking a significant technical advancement.

Notes:
Ireland, a rising force in international cricket, has secured its spot in the prestigious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Ireland remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, having registered victories against Italy, Denmark, Austria, and Jersey before their clash against Germany resulted in a washout.

Notes:
Researchers from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology have conducted a recent study, indicating the potential formation of three glacial lakes near Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh due to rapid ice melting.
The increasing glacial melt is concerning as it raises the risk of glacial lake outbursts and may also cause water scarcity, given that glaciers serve as the main water source for the region.

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.