Current Affairs Quiz - November, 2023

Notes:
Dictador, a spirit brand based in Colombia’s Cartagena, has appointed Mika, who is manifested as a robot.
Mika is a research project between Hanson Robotics and Dictador. It has been customised to represent company value. Hanson Robotics also created Sophia, the popular humanoid robot. With advanced AI and machine learning algorithms, Mika claims to swiftly and accurately make data-driven decisions.

Notes:
The RBI has issued a notification allowing NRIs to invest, without any restrictions, in the Government’s Sovereign Green Bonds issued for 2023-24.
The government plans to borrow Rs 20,000 crore through green bonds in the current financial year. Examples of green projects include renewable energy, clean transportation and green buildings.

Notes:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting approved the Comprehensive “Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023”. It aims to empower the CBC (Central Bureau of Communications) to conduct campaigns in the digital media realm.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also released the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023.

Notes:
‘Nayi Chetna – 2.0’ will be launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women-25 November.
Nine ministries will support Ministry of Rural Development’s National Campaign against Gender-based Violence. It will be observed across 34 Indian states and UTs till 23 December.

Notes:
The Ministry of Coal is initiating a project to establish Pump Storage Projects (PSP) in reclaimed coal mines, capitalizing on the economic benefits of extensive land holdings and financial feasibility.
The objective of this plan is to diversify into alternative energy sources, utilizing solar energy to generate hydroelectric power, thereby supporting sustainable development in the coal industry. This initiative seeks to harness solar energy during the day and generate hydroelectricity during the night.

Notes:
Carlo Rovells, an Italian theoretical physicist claims that ‘Universe may have resulted out of a Big Bounce’.
In the latest work of Dr. Rovelli, White Holes: Inside the Horizon, he explains the theoretical existence of white holes — the converse of black holes. While blackholes is believed to be the ultimate graveyard of all matter from which nothing, not even light, can escape. White holes on the other hand may create a new universe.

Notes:
The ambitious Mars Sample Return mission by NASA, considered one of the most intricate space endeavors, is at risk due to escalating expenses that could lead to a budgetary crisis for the space agency.
The objective of the Mars Sample Return mission is to gather rock samples from Mars utilizing unmanned probes and robotic rovers.

Notes:
China and Pakistan are conducting the third edition of the Sea Guardian-3 bilateral naval exercise in the northern Arabian Sea.
This is their largest-ever naval exercise in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to enhance interoperability between their navies. The two sides will also hold their maiden joint maritime patrol. The exercise is scheduled from November 11 to 17.

Notes:
Toxoplasma gondii, known for its transmission through cats, is being investigated for its potential involvement in heightened frailty in older individuals.
A recent study highlights previously overlooked health implications associated with T. gondii, considering that an estimated 11-15% of the US population has been exposed to this parasite.

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a roadmap to eliminate tuberculosis in children, with a novel emphasis on pregnant and postpartum women affected by the disease.
The roadmap asks countries to provide 90 per cent of people at high risk of developing TB with access to preventive treatment by 2027.