Daily Current Affairs MCQs : 23 August 2023 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The 'Ashmita' initiative, launched under the leadership of India's President Mrs. Murmu, primarily aims to share inspiring stories of army wives. This initiative seeks to shed light on the remarkable achievements and contributions of women who are married to members of the armed forces. These army wives have often faced unique challenges and have shown remarkable resilience and determination in various fields, from entrepreneurship to social service. By sharing these stories, 'Ashmita' aims to inspire others and bring recognition to the strength and courage of army wives.

In August 2023, Bishowambhar Shrestha was appointed as the new Chief Justice of Nepal. This appointment was made by President Ram Chandra Paudel. As the Chief Justice, Bishowambhar Shrestha is responsible for leading Nepal's judiciary for a period of 14 months. During his tenure, he has expressed his commitment to improving the judicial system by reducing the influence of middlemen in court proceedings, which is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in the delivery of justice in Nepal.

India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have decided to review their existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for goods with the primary objective of addressing trade imbalances between the two sides. Trade imbalances occur when one side exports significantly more than it imports from the other side, leading to economic disparities. By reviewing the FTA, both India and ASEAN aim to identify and rectify such imbalances, ultimately fostering more equitable trade relations and benefiting both parties.

Saudi Arabia's "Green Saudi" initiative, launched in August 2023, is primarily aimed at combating desertification using artificial intelligence (AI). Desertification is a process by which fertile land becomes desert due to various factors, including climate change and human activities. The "Green Saudi" initiative leverages AI to study the status of vegetation cover in the region and improve afforestation programs. By doing so, it seeks to reverse the trend of desertification, contribute to environmental sustainability, and promote the overall development of the country.

Madhya Pradesh's 'Mukhyamantri Sikho-Jano Yojana,' which translates to 'Chief Minister’s Learning-Earning' in English, is designed with the primary objective of empowering youth between the ages of 18 to 29 with skills and opportunities. The scheme aims to equip young individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their employability. In its initial phase, the government has set a target of enrolling one lakh youth in the program, with plans for further improvements in subsequent phases. This initiative is a significant step towards youth development and employment generation in the state.

The 'Mera Bill' mobile app, launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Punjab, serves the primary purpose of improving access to bill lists for purchases made within the state. This app facilitates transparency and accountability in transactions by allowing consumers to access detailed bills from vendors for their purchases. Moreover, it aims to enhance compliance with the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which ultimately contributes to the state's revenue generation. By promoting transparency and compliance, the app benefits both consumers and businesses operating within Punjab.

Karnataka's decision to withdraw the National Education Policy (NEP) is primarily due to the perceived lack of consultation with states during the policy formulation process. The NEP is a comprehensive framework for education reform in India, but Karnataka, like some other states, felt that its input and concerns were not adequately considered during its development. This decision reflects the state's belief that education policies should be crafted with the active participation and consent of individual states, as the diversity and unique needs of different regions in India make a one-size-fits-all approach impractical.

Among the industrial development projects approved by the Odisha State Government in August 2023, the Compressed Fertilizer Plant is one of the prominent schemes. This project holds significance as it not only contributes to the production of fertilizers but also has a biogas component. With an annual capacity of 33,065 MT, it promises to provide renewable energy and support chemical production, aligning with the state's goals of sustainable industrial development and environmental conservation.

Uttar Pradesh's new accident insurance scheme for small and micro entrepreneurs is designed to benefit entrepreneurs meeting specific criteria. To be eligible, an entrepreneur must have a turnover below Rs. 40 lakh and capital below Rs. 5 crore. The scheme targets small and micro businesses, aiming to provide them with insurance coverage and financial protection in the event of accidents. This initiative is expected to support over 90 lakh entrepreneurs in the state and encourage them to register on the central government's entrepreneurship portal for enrollment.

The G20 Cultural Working Group (CWG) summit scheduled in Varanasi has adopted the theme "Shaping the Global Story for Heritage Inclusive Development." This theme underscores the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage as a means of fostering sustainable and inclusive development globally. The conference aims to discuss strategies and initiatives that will help protect cultural heritage, promote diversity, and ensure that heritage plays a central role in driving development efforts. Varanasi, with its rich cultural heritage, serves as a fitting backdrop for discussions on this critical topic at the G20 summit.