Current Affairs 20 October 2023

Ruby Thakur
October 20, 2023
234

In Current Affairs for 20 October 2023, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.

Current Affairs 20 October 2023

Online Import Management System

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade launched an online import management system for the issuance of authorization for the import of Information Technology hardware.
The portal developed in collaboration with the Department of Revenue is an end-to-end online system introduced to make import authorization seamless, faceless, paperless, and contactless.
Laptops, tablets, personal computers, and servers will be covered under the import management system.
The import authorizations shall be valid till 30th November 2024.
Highlighting the importance of the electronics sector in the economy, Mr. Krishnan said, that electronics will become the largest manufacturing industry in the world in the coming years.
He said, the online import management system aims to create a trusted digital system that will enable India to have a significant presence in the industry. He added that the portal will enable a trusted supply chain, promote domestic manufacturing, and secure cyberspace from any threats.

Know Your Candidate Mobile App

The Election Commission of India has a dedicated mobile application called Know your Candidate (KYC) to inform the status of Criminal history or record of candidates.
It contains information published by candidates.
This app allows citizens to browse candidates with or without Criminal history and empowers the citizens to know the criminal record of the candidates, if any.
The mobile application ‘KYC-ECI’ is available on both Android and iOS platforms and a link to download the app is available on the commission’s website under ICT APPS section.

‘Hope Initiative’

In Punjab, efforts to make the state completely drug-free are going at different levels currently.
The state government also started the mission ‘Hope Initiative’ in this regard from Amritsar.
The Ardas for the success of this mission was performed in the premises of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Thousands of youth from across the state yesterday participated in Ardaas at Sri Harmandir Sahib to make the state completely drug-free
This anti-drug ‘Hope Initiative’ has been embarked with a three fold strategy of Pray, Pledge, and Play which is first of its kind mass movement against drugs to break the backbone of this menace.

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Arunachal Pradesh Approves STPF For 3 Tiger Reserves

The Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet approved constitution of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in State for three Tiger Reserves of the State namely- Namdapha, Pakke and Kamlang.
This decision will result in the creation of 336 regular posts in the state.
The cabinet observed that this will lead to protection of Tigers and their habitats, protection of wildlife habitats and prevention of other illegal activities in these tiger reserves.

Global Pension Index 2023

Recently, the 15th edition of the Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index (MCGPI) unveiled the worldwide rankings of retirement income systems.
The leading position was secured by the Netherlands, closely followed by Iceland and Denmark.
Notably, India made progress, ascending to the 45th spot among the 47 analyzed systems.
Netherlands Takes the Lead: With an impressive overall index value of 85.0, the Netherlands stood out as the global leader.
Iceland and Denmark Follow: Iceland (83.5) and Denmark (81.3) secured the second and third positions in the rankings, respectively.
Argentina at the Bottom: Conversely, Argentina demonstrated the lowest index value at 42.3.
India’s Position: India held the 45th spot among 47 countries.
Enhanced Performance: India’s overall index value rose to 45.9 from 44.5 in 2022, mainly driven by improvements in adequacy and sustainability sub-indices.
Global Pension Index: This comprehensive index evaluates retirement income systems in 47 countries, encompassing 64% of the world’s population.
Additions to Analysis: The 2023 Global Pension Index incorporated Botswana, Croatia, and Kazakhstan for a more extensive analysis.

Tamil Nadu’s AI Powered Elephant Protection System

Tamil Nadu is close to finishing its groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) driven early warning system, aimed at protecting wild elephants from train accidents.
This pioneering initiative is being deployed along the Ettimadai–Walayar railway stretch, providing an extra layer of defense for these majestic creatures.
Tamil Nadu’s AI-based early warning mechanism represents an exceptional effort to safeguard the lives of wild elephants and mitigate the dangers linked with train collisions.
With the final stages of implementation in progress, there is a hopeful anticipation that this system will play a critical role in shielding the invaluable wildlife in the Ettimadai–Walayar area, showcasing the seamless integration of technology and conservation efforts.
The Forest Department has effectively set up 12 e-surveillance towers for this pioneering initiative, distributed across the ‘A’ and ‘B’ lines of the parallel single-track railway.
Thermal Imaging Cameras: All towers along the ‘A’ line have been fitted with thermal imaging cameras, while the ‘B’ line is currently undergoing the process of camera installation and networking.
Coverage Area: Strategically positioned along the vulnerable stretch of 7.05 km in the Ettimadai–Walayar segment, these towers, equipped with thermal imaging cameras, cover the Solakkarai reserve forest of the Madukkarai range. The ‘A’ line spans 2.9 km, while the ‘B’ line covers 4.15 km within this region.

ISA’s Sixth Assembly

The upcoming Sixth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is scheduled to convene in New Delhi.
The distinguished event will be chaired by Shri R.K. Singh, the President of the ISA Assembly and the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India.

Notably, the ISA, a significant global initiative, was jointly established by India and France subsequent to the COP21 summit in Paris.
Anticipated to witness the participation of ministers, envoys, and representatives from an impressive count of 116 Member and Signatory Countries of the ISA, the Sixth Assembly is expected to attract delegates from potential nations, collaborative organizations, private sector entities, and other stakeholders dedicated to advancing solar energy on a global scale.
The International Solar Alliance, consisting of 109 member countries, operates as a worldwide body collaborating with governments to enhance energy accessibility and security, promote solar power adoption, and facilitate the shift toward a carbon-neutral future.
ISA’s Objective: Unlocking $1 Trillion in Solar Investments by 2030.

Google & Qualcomm Partner To Make RISC-V Chip

The partnership between Qualcomm and Google to produce wearable devices based on RISC-V technology marks a significant step in the development of open-source hardware and its application in consumer electronics.

RISC-V is an open-source instruction set architecture used to develop custom processors for a variety of applications, from embedded designs to supercomputers.

RISC-V, pronounced as “risk five,” is an open-source technology that competes with costly proprietary technology from British chip designer Arm Holdings (O9Ty.F).
RISC-V can be used as a key ingredient for anything from a smartphone chip to advanced processors for artificial intelligence.

Sanjay Kulshreshtha Chairman & MD of HUDCO

Sanjay Kulshrestha has joined as the Chairman & Managing Director of the HUDCO.
He is an electrical engineer with over 32 years of expertise in Infrastructure Financing, Hedging, Risk Management, ALM, thermal power plant management, Power Sector Project Financing etc.
The Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited, abbreviated as HUDCO, is an Indian public sector undertaking engaged in housing finance and infrastructure project finance.
The institution came into existence on 25 April 1970 as a private limited company under the complete ownership of the Government of India

The Reverse Swing: Colonialism To Cooperation

Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, recently introduced a book titled ‘The Reverse Swing: Colonialism to Cooperation,’ authored by Ashok Tandon.
The book provides a window into the journey of New India towards prosperity, leaving behind the painful memories of centuries of foreign domination.
The author recounts historical events and the evolution of Indo-UK relations since India’s independence.
The intent is not to revisit the wounds of colonial rule, but rather to enlighten present generations, especially the extensive Indian Diaspora, about the challenges India faced before gaining independence in 1947.
It highlights how India has made significant strides to become the world’s fifth-largest economy and earned a prestigious position among nations.

Global Remote Work Index

In a notable transformation within the worldwide remote work scenario, India has secured the 64th position among 108 countries in the Global Remote Work Index (GRWI).
This reflects a significant drop of 15 places from the preceding year, prompting apprehensions regarding the nation’s preparedness for remote work.
The GRWI, crafted and released by the cybersecurity company NordLayer.
Assesses countries on the basis of 4 fundamental criteria deemed vital for the successful implementation of remote work- Cybersecurity, Economic Stability, Digital Infrastructure, Social Safety.

Current Affairs 20 October 2023 Questions

What Is The Objective Of Online Import Management System
A. To Increase Import Tariffs
B. To Streamline Import Authorization Processes
C. To Restrict The Import Of IT Hardware
D. To Promote Face-to-face Interactions In Imports
ANSWER: B
What Is The Key Aim Of The ‘Hope Initiative’ Launched In Punjab
A. Promoting Cultural Awareness
B. Ensuring Public Safety
C. Eradicating Drug Abuse
D. Encouraging Entrepreneurship
ANSWER: C
Which State Recently Approved The Special Tiger Protection Force For Three Tiger Reserves
A. Rajasthan
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Assam
D. Madhya Pradesh
ANSWER: B
Which Country Secured The Top Position In The Global Pension Index 2023
A. India
B. Netherlands
C. Iceland
D. Argentina
ANSWER: B
Who Is The Chairman & Managing Director Of HUDCO
A. Sanjay Kulshrestha
B. Bhuvaneshwar Prasad
C. Rajesh Agarwal
D. Ramesh Gupta
ANSWER: A
Book ‘The Reverse Swing: Colonialism To Cooperation’ Authored By
A. R.K. Singh
B. Hardeep Singh Puri
C. Ashok Tandon
D. Krishnan
ANSWER: C
What Is India’s Rank In The Global Remote Work Index
A. 54th
B. 64th
C. 74th
D. 84th
ANSWER: B
Primary Feature Of KYC App By The Election Commission Of India
A. Tracking Candidates’ Campaign Spending
B. Identifying Candidates With A Criminal Record
C. Allowing Candidates To Interact With Voters
D. Providing A Platform For Political Debates
ANSWER: B
Which Monument Considered To Be The Most Visited Monument In India
A. Red Fort
B. Qutub Minar
C. Taj Mahal
D. Sun Temple Konark
ANSWER: C
Which Country Is Connected To India By The ‘Cheriyapani’ Ferry Service
A. Sri Lanka
B. Bangladesh
C. Maldives
D. Myanmar
ANSWER: A
Which Union Ministry Has Introduced ‘Tradeable Green Credit Special Programme
A. Ministry of Power
B. Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
C. Ministry of Finance
D. Ministry of External Affairs
ANSWER: B
‘Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islanders’ Are The Indigenous Citizens Of Which Country
A. USA
B. Australia
C. Russia
D. China
ANSWER:B
Vahagn Khachaturyan Is The President Of Which Country
A. Israel
B. Armenia
C. Azerbaijan
D. Afghanistan
ANSWER: B
The UK Government Has Collaborated With Which Indian State For Its ‘Smart District’ Project
A. Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Gujarat
D. Odisha
ANSWER: B
When Is The ‘World Hydrogen And Fuel Cell Day’ Celebrated
A. August 8
B. September 8
C. October 8
D. October 18
ANSWER: C
Which Union Ministry Organised The ‘Technology And Bharatiya Bhasha Summit’
A. Ministry of Science and Technology
B. Ministry of Education
C. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
D. Ministry of Culture
ANSWER: B
Sko Valley Is Located In Which State/UT
A. Ladakh
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Uttarakhand
D. Sikkim
ANSWER: A
Which Indian State/UT Has Recently Banned The Conocarpus Plant
A. Gujarat
B. Goa
C. Kerala
D. Uttarakhand
ANSWER: A
Which Country Is Undertaking A Project To Create The World’s Most Powerful
Laser, Called “Vulcan 20-20”
A. China
B. UK
C. Israel
D. USA
ANSWER: B
Sampurnanand Telescope Is Located In Which State/ UT
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Uttarakhand
C. Sikkim
D. Jammu and Kashmir
ANSWER: B