This is the current affairs of 13 October 2023. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. FSSAI clarified that use of which of the following is not allowed in milk and its products, which causes harm to health?
a. Protein Binders
b. Sugar
c. Salt
d. None of these
Answer: a. Protein Binders
– The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) clarified in October 2023 that the use of protein binders in milk and milk products is not permitted.
– In dairy products, enzymes are often used as protein binders, which make yogurt thicker and alter its taste.
Why in the news?
– This clarification comes at a time when some companies are adding protein binders to dairy products like yogurt to provide a thicker consistency.
About Protein Binders:
– Binding agents are being used in the production of new food products, especially in the manufacturing of semi-solid or solid foods.
– These protein binders can affect digestibility and may impact the biological and nutritional value of milk proteins.
– Protein binders also affect the availability and distribution of active compounds in dairy products.
What is Milk Protein?
– It is a good source of essential amino acids.
– They are easily digestible and do not have any nutrition-blocking factors, much like plant-based proteins.
Yogurt is a Natural Source of Probiotics:
– Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics, which help enhance the health of the gut’s microbiome.
– Consuming yogurt daily promotes good digestion and reduces the likelihood of immune disorders.
– Yogurt contains enzymes that aid in the digestion of lactose, providing relief to individuals with lactose intolerance. It is also easy on the stomach and can alleviate issues like gas, indigestion, and acidity.
– However, the use of protein binders alters the true nature of yogurt. It becomes very thick and may taste good but could pose digestive challenges.
Key Facts About FSSAI:
– The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act).
– The FSS Act of 2006 consolidates various laws and orders that were previously managed by different ministries and departments related to food issues.
– Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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2. Name the campaign to repatriate Indians during the war between Hamas and Israel?
a. Operation Dost
b. Operation Maitri
c. Operation Kaveri
d. Operation Ajay
Answer: d. Operation Ajay
– Since the conflict erupted between Israel and Hamas, Indian residents there have faced increased difficulties.
– In response to this situation, the Indian government has initiated ‘Operation Ajay.’
– Through this operation, Indian citizens stranded in Israel are being repatriated.
– Approximately 18,000 Indians reside in Israel.
– Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has stated that those who wish to return can do so. India has characterized Hamas’ attacks on Israel as acts of terrorism.
Names of Previous Rescue Campaigns:
– Operation Ajay (Year 2023): During the Hamas-Israel conflict.
– Operation Kaveri (Year 2023): During the civil war in Sudan.
– Operation Ganga (Year 2022): After the Russian attack on Ukraine.
– Operation Rahat (Year 2015): During the conflict in Yemen.
Other Foreign Campaigns
– Operation Dost (Year 2023): Relief campaign in Turkey following an earthquake.
– Operation Maitri (Year 2015): Relief campaign in Nepal following an earthquake.
Indian Government Reiterates the Case for Palestine
– The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that Hamas’ attack on Israel is a terrorist act.
– However, it also mentioned that India’s policy towards Palestine has remained consistent over the years.
– India has always advocated for a free and sovereign Palestine through dialogue, and this remains India’s stance.
Israel – Hamas Conflict
– The war that began on October 7 has claimed the lives of around 2,700 people so far. Among them, approximately 1,300 are Israeli. About 1,400 Palestinians have also lost their lives.
– Israel claims that its military has launched attacks on 3,600 Hamas locations in 6 days. Approximately 6,000 bombs have been dropped on Gaza, with a total weight of around 4,000 tons.
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3. What name did Hamas give to the attack on Israel?
a. Swords of Iron
b. Al-Aqsa Flood
c. Al-Muqaddam Iron
d. Operation Exit
Answer: b. Al-Aqsa Flood
– Hamas has named its operation against Israel “Al-Aqsa Flood.”
– According to Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif, this attack is in retaliation for Israel’s desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
– In reality, Israeli police had thrown grenades into the Al-Aqsa Mosque in April 2023.
– Hamas spokesperson Ghazi Hamad had told Al Jazeera, “This action is our response to those Arab countries that are getting closer to Israel. This action is our response to those Arab countries that are getting closer to Israel.”
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4. Name Israel’s counter-operation after Hamas attack?
a. Swords of Iron
b. Al-Aqsa Flood
c. Al-Muqaddam Iron
d. Operation Exit
Answer: a. Swords of Iron
– Hamas named its operation against Israel ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’.
– Israel’s army started ‘Swords of Iron’ operation against Hamas.
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5. What kind of government was formed in Israel to take decisions related to the war against Hamas?
a. Communist Government
b. War Government
c. Unity Government
d. None of These
Answer: c. Unity Government
– On October 11, the Israeli Parliament decided to form a unity government and a war cabinet of three members to make decisions related to the conflict.
– The opposition party is also included in the new government.
– The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, remains in his position.
Thousands of Israelis Returning Home to Fight from Around the World
– Israel has deployed 100,000 troops on the Gaza border.
– An additional 300,000 troops have been put on standby.
– Israelis from around the world are returning to their homeland to join the fight.
– Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Galant, has stated that they have eliminated all rules of war, and their soldiers will not be held responsible for anything. No cases will be filed against them in military courts.
– Defense Minister Yoav Galant has ordered officials to cut off the supply of food, water, electricity, and fuel to the Gaza Strip.
American Secretary of State says – Hamas wants to destroy Israel
– American Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Prime Minister Netanyahu upon his arrival in Israel.
– After the meeting, he stated, “The sole aim of Hamas is to destroy Israel and commit violence against Jews.”
– He emphasized that the United States will always support Israel.
Israeli Defense Forces Admit – Failed to Stop Hamas Attacks
– The Israeli Defense Forces have acknowledged their failure in preventing the Hamas attacks that began on October 7.
– The Israeli Chief of Staff mentioned that defending the people is the responsibility of the military, but they have failed in this regard. He stated that this is a lesson for them, and now it’s time for war.
Israel Says – Gaza Will Be Provided Electricity and Water After the Release of Detainees
– International rights groups have warned that after Israel cut off electricity supplies in Gaza, the hospitals could become morgues.
– On October 9, following the capture of Gaza’s border, Israel had halted the electricity supply to Gaza.
– As a result, on October 11, the electricity supply across Gaza was completely cut off. Three out of five water treatment plants have also stopped working.
– Meanwhile, Israeli ministers have stated that Gaza will not receive electricity and water until Israeli detainees are released.
Why Is There Conflict Between Israel and Palestine?
– This conflict in the Middle East has been ongoing for at least 100 years.
– Disputes center around areas like the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and the Golan Heights.
– Palestine claims rights to these areas, including East Jerusalem. Israel is not willing to relinquish its claim on Jerusalem.
– The Gaza Strip is situated between Israel and Egypt. Currently, it is under the control of Hamas, an anti-Israel group.
– In September 2005, Israel withdrew its military from the Gaza Strip.
– In 2007, Israel imposed multiple restrictions on the area.
– Palestine claims that the West Bank and Gaza Strip should be established as an independent Palestinian state.
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6. Which autonomous body related to youth has been decided by the Union Cabinet?
a. Mera Yuva Bharat
b. Mera Yuva India
c. Hamara Pyara Bharat
d. Mera Yogya Bharat
Answer: a. Mera Yuva Bharat
– On October 12, 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ (My Bharat) for the youth.
– This will be an autonomous body.
– Through this, the focus will be on developing leadership abilities and skill development among the youth.
– It will be launched on 31st October on National Unity Day.
What will be the definition of youth?
– My Yuva Bharat will benefit youth in the age group of 15-29 years, in line with the definition of ‘youth’ in the National Youth Policy.
– There are approximately 40 crore youth in the country between 15 to 19 years.
The establishment of “My Bharat” will promote the following aspects:
– Leadership development among the youth:
– Improvement in leadership skills through experiential education and programmatic skill development instead of isolated personal contacts.
– Investment in the youth through social innovation and community leadership development.
– Focusing the government’s attention on youth leadership and transforming them from passive recipients of development to “active enablers” of development.
– Bridging the gap between the aspirations and community needs of the youth.
– Integration of existing programs to enhance youth capabilities.
– Working for youth and ministries as a one-stop shop.
– Building a centralized youth database.
– Improving two-way communication to connect the activities of youth government initiatives and other stakeholders.
– Ensuring the creation of a physical ecosystem.
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7. Cashew (kernel) of Goa was given GI tag by whom was it introduced in the 16th century, which has now become a big industry?
a. English
b. French
c. Portuguese
d. German
Answer: c. Portuguese
– Cashew from Goa got GI tag (Geographical Indication) in October 2023.
– This will help people to know whether the cashew they are buying is actually from Goa or not.
Where did cashew nuts come from in Goa?
– Cashew nuts originally spread across the world from northeastern Brazil in Latin America.
– Cashew was not even from Goa earlier. Its plants were brought to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century (1570).
– Initially, cashew trees were planted mainly for environmental reasons for afforestation and soil conservation, but with time, people discovered the edible qualities of cashews and they became an essential part of the economy of Goa.
– Cashew industry evolved from small factories to big factories.
– Today, it is an important part of Goa’s heritage and trade, known for its great taste and organic quality.
– Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant
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8. When is International Day of the Girl Child celebrated?
a. 11 October
b. 10 October
c. 09 October
d. 08 October
Answer: a. 11 October
Theme 2023
– Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being
– International Girl Child Day was announced by the United Nations in the year 2011.
– First celebrated on 11 October 2012.
On this day, those problems are brought to light which hinder young girls from getting a good life.
Note – National Girl Child Day – 24 January
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9. When is World Arthritis Day observed?
a. 10 October
b. 11 October
c. 12 October
d. 13 October
Answer: c. 12 October
Theme 2023
– Living with an RMD (Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases) at all stages of life.
– Pain and swelling in bones are symptoms of arthritis.
– This disease becomes more troublesome when the level of uric acid increases in the body.
history of this day
– World Arthritis Day was celebrated for the first time on October 12, 1996.
– This initiative was first organized by Arthritis and Arthritis International (ARI).
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10. What was the retail inflation rate in the country in September 2023?
a. 5.02%
b. 5.83%
c. 7.25%
d. 8.65%
Answer: a. 5.02%
– Prior to this, they had reached 6.83% in August.
– However, the inflation rate is within the RBI’s tolerance limit as of September. According to the RBI, the inflation rate should be within 2 to 6 percent.
How Retail Inflation Rate Is Determined
– It is determined through the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
– It calculates inflation in terms of food items, fruits, clothing, footwear, housing, fuel, electricity, and other commodities.
– As consumers, you and I purchase goods from retail markets. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures changes in the prices associated with those goods and services for which we pay an average price.
Who releases the retail inflation rate report?
– The National Statistical Office (NSO).
– It falls under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
How does RBI control inflation?
– To reduce inflation, the flow of money (liquidity) in the market is decreased.
– For this, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increases the repo rate.
– However, the RBI decided not to increase the repo rate in April, June, July, and September.
– Prior to this, the RBI had increased the repo rate six times consecutively. The RBI had also reduced its inflation forecast.
