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:
In a historic decline, Japan’s population decreased in all 47 prefectures for the first time, while the number of foreign residents reached a record high of nearly three million people.
The population of Japanese nationals decreased by around 800,000 individuals, or 0.65%, to 122.4 million in 2022 compared to the previous year, marking the 14th consecutive year of decline.

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 capital markets regulator – SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has released the guidelines for the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF).
The fund’s purpose is to serve as a backstop facility, facilitating the purchase of investment-grade corporate debt securities during times of market stress, thereby boosting confidence among participants in the corporate debt market.

Notes:
Finland’s Food Authority reported H5N1 on two more fur farms, both housing foxes, raising the number of outbreaks to 14.
Norway reported the virus in a red fox pup while Germany reported the virus on a seal. Similar detections in seals and sea lions have occurred in multiple parts of the world.

Notes:
The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) added two semiconductor design startups, Aheesa Digital Innovations, and Calligo Technologies, to the SemiconIndia futureDESIGN DLI scheme.
This was announced during the 2nd edition of the SemiconIndia 2023 conference in Gandhinagar. These startups/MSMEs will receive support under the scheme.

Notes:
During the G20 EMPOWER summit in Gandhinagar, India introduced TechEquity, a digital inclusion platform aimed at reducing the gender digital gap.
It is one of the key outcomes of India’s G20 presidency and it will be free for women to use. It will have courses on digital and financial literacy, tech skill development and core skill enhancement. The platform – to be funded by India for the next three years – will be maintained by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci).

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.

Notes:
UNESCO, the United Nations cultural agency, has suggested adding Venice to its list of world heritage in danger, urging Italian authorities to intensify efforts to safeguard the historic city and its lagoon. The recommendation highlights the concerns about potential “irreversible” harm caused by factors such as climate change and over-tourism.

Notes:
The Ministry of Steel has invited applications from Indian nationals belonging to the Industry and Research and Academia for the National Metallurgist Awards (NMA) 2023. Interested individuals may submit their applications through the online web portal.
The awards will be presented in four categories — Lifetime Achievement Award, National Metallurgist Award, Young Metallurgist Award and Environment and Metal Science Award for Research and Development in the Iron and Steel Sector.