This is the current affairs of 21 & 22 September 2023. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. India invited the President of which country to be the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations 2024?
a. America
b. France
c. Israel
d. Canada
Answer: a. America
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President Joe Biden of the United States for the Republic Day celebration scheduled for 2024.
– Modi extended this invitation during the G-20 Summit held in Delhi.
– Confirmation of this was made by the American Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, on September 20, 2023.
India to Host Quad Summit
– India is set to host the Quad Summit in 2024.
– The Quad consists of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.
– It is also being discussed that India is considering inviting the leaders of Quad countries to participate in the Republic Day celebration.
Chief Guests on Republic Day
– In 2023, the Chief Guest was President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt.
– Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022, there were no chief guests.
– In the year 2020, it was the immediate past President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro.
– In 2019, it was President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
– In 2018, it was the leaders of all 10 ASEAN countries.
– In 2017, it was Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi.
– In 2016, it was the then-French President François Hollande.
– In 2015, it was the then-US President Barack Obama.
– In 2014, it was the then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
– In 2013, it was King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan.
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2. India suspended visa service for citizens of which country in September 2023?
a. USA
b. Canada
c. Japan
d. Pakistan
Answer: b. Canada
– Tensions are escalating between India and Canada over the issue of the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
– The Indian Visa Application Center in Canada suspended visa services for Canadian citizens on September 21, 2023.
– Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, held a press conference on Thursday, stating that our diplomatic unit in Canada is receiving threats. They are unable to perform their duties, which is why visa services have been suspended.
– The Indian government has requested Canada to reduce the number of employees in its high commission to match the staffing levels at the Indian High Commission.
What the Ministry of External Affairs Said:
– Canada’s allegations are politically motivated. Canada has not provided any substantial evidence in this matter. We have asked them to provide proof.
– India has consistently informed Canada about anti-India activities taking place in their country. – However, they have not taken any action on this.
– We have clearly conveyed to Canada that the number of diplomats in both countries should be equal. This is essential under the Vienna Convention.
– It is true that during the G-20, Prime Minister Trudeau raised the issue of Nijjar’s assassination in front of Prime Minister Modi, and our Prime Minister promptly dismissed it.
– We have currently completely suspended the e-visa process as well.
– We have informed Canada that fugitive criminals will be brought to India through legal procedures, which is mandatory under international law.
– Some people have raised questions about student visas and security. I want to clarify that they are our citizens, and their security is Canada’s responsibility.
– There are about 20 individuals about whom we have provided evidence to Canada and have asked them to hand over to India. This number could be as high as 25.
India-Canada Trade
– In the previous fiscal year (2022-23), India’s total trade with Canada was $8 billion, which accounts for 0.7% of India’s total trade with the world ($1.1 trillion).
– Bilateral trade has remained relatively stable over the past five years, even though the export and import figures have fluctuated.
– Bilateral trade has also remained fairly balanced; for example, in 2022-23, imports of around $4 billion were almost equal to exports of around $4 billion.
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3. Rajya Sabha passed the Women’s Reservation Bill, how many votes were cast against it?
a. 27
b. 22
c. 14
d. 0
Answer: d. 0
– On the fourth day of the special session of Parliament, the Women’s Reservation Bill (Women’s Empowerment and Worship Amendment Bill, 2023) was unanimously passed in the Rajya Sabha.
– No one voted against the bill.
– All 214 members present in the Rajya Sabha supported the bill.
– This bill had passed in the Lok Sabha on September 21, 2023, with only 2 members voting against it at that time.
– Now, after the completion of the process, women will have a 33% reservation in both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
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4. When is World Alzheimer’s Day celebrated?
a. 20 September
b. 21 September
c. 22 September
d. 19 September
Answer: b. 21 September
Theme 2023
– Never too early, never too late
– This day is a global effort to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.
– Alzheimer’s International and the WHO initiated World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, 1994.
– Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.
– Over 55 million (5.5 crore) people worldwide suffer from this serious condition.
What is Alzheimer’s?
– Most patients with Alzheimer’s are over the age of 65.
– It is a neurological disorder that damages brain cells.
– It impairs a person’s ability to make decisions.
– There are changes in personality, and memory declines.
– As age advances, the disease progresses.
– Patients have difficulties in performing everyday tasks.
– Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that worsens with age.
Is there a cure for it?
– There is currently no definitive cure.
– Diagnosis is based on the symptoms.
– Doctors perform tests like mental assessments, CT scans, and MRI scans to examine changes in the brain and the symptoms associated with them.
– Some medications and interventions may help improve its effects.
How did it get the name Alzheimer’s?
– The first case of this disease was presented by the German psychiatrist Dr. Alois Alzheimer on November 3, 1906.
– That’s why this day is named Alzheimer’s Day in his honor.
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5. The Central Government has started a new series of National Awards in Science, Technology and Innovation, what is its name?
a. Rashtriya Vigyan and Navachar Puraskar
b. Rashtriya Technology Puraskar
c. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
d. Rashtriya Navachar Puraskar
Answer: c. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
– On September 21, 2023, the Central Government unveiled a new set of national awards in Science, Science, Technology, and Innovation.
– These awards will be one of the highest honors in the fields of science, science, technology, and innovation.
– People of Indian origin living abroad will also be eligible for these awards.
– They are divided into four categories:
1. Vigyan Ratna (VR) Award: This award will be given for lifelong achievements and contributions in science and technology.
2. Vigyan Shree (VS) Award: It will be awarded for exceptional contributions in science and technology. It highlights the extraordinary efforts of individuals who have made a lasting impact in their respective domains.
3. Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) Award: This award is for young scientists under the age of 45 who have made exceptional contributions to science and technology. Its aim is to inspire emerging talents in India.
4. Vigyan Team (VT) Award: The ST Award is given to teams consisting of three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators who have collectively made outstanding contributions in the field of science and technology.
Included Subjects:
– Physics
– Chemistry
– Biological Science
– Mathematics
– Computer Science
– Earth Science
– Medical Science
– Engineering Science
– Agriculture Science
– Environmental Science
– Technology and Innovation
– Nuclear Energy
– Space Science and Technology
Nomination Dates:
– Nominations will be accepted every year from January 14th to February 28th.
– The announcement of the awards will be made on May 11th, National Technology Day, and August 23rd, National Space Day.
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6. When is International Day of Peace celebrated?
a. 19 September
b. 17 September
c. 21 September
d. 23 September
Answer: c. 21 September
Theme 2023
– Actions for peace: Our ambition for the #GlobalGoals
– This day was declared by the United Nations in 1981.
– International Day of Peace promotes inclusion, trust and cooperation to bring peace and harmony among the society.
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7. Who was made the flag bearer of the Indian contingent during the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games?
a. Rohit Sharma and Lovlina Borgohain
b. Neeraj Chopra and PV Sindhu
c. Pankaj Advani and Hima Das
d. Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain
Answer: d. Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain
– The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appointed two flag bearers to lead the Indian contingent in the opening ceremony of the Asian Games.
– The Asian Games 2022 are scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 8, 2023, in the city of Hangzhou, China.
– Harmanpreet Singh is the captain of the Indian hockey team, and Lovlina Borgohain is an Olympic medal-winning boxer.
– The Indian contingent will comprise 655 athletes.
– This is the largest Indian contingent ever to participate in the Asian Games.
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8. When is World Rhino Day celebrated?
a. 21 August
b. 05 October
c. 20 September
d. 22 September
Answer: d. 22 September
– On this day, people are made aware of the conservation of five species of rhinoceros.
– This is done to protect these five species from danger.
The five existing species of rhinoceros are:
– African rhinoceros species – Black and White rhinoceros.
– Asian rhinoceros species – Greater one-horned, Sumatran, and Javan rhinoceros.
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9. When was the International Week of the Deaf (IWD) celebrated in the year 2023?
a. 4 September to 10 September
b. 11 September to 17 September
c. 18 September to 24 September
d. 18 August to 24 August
Answer: c. 18 September to 24 September
– Every year, the entire week ending on the last Sunday of September is celebrated as the International Week of the Deaf (IWD).
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10. When was International Sign Language Day celebrated in the year 2023?
a. 22 September 2023
b. 23 August 2023
c. 23 September 2023
d. 25 September 2023
Answer: c. 23 September 2023
Theme 2023
– A world where deaf people everywhere can sing anywhere
– The earliest evidence of sign language can be traced back to the 5th century BC in Plato’s Cratylus.
– Here, Socrates suggests, “If we had no voice or tongue and wanted to express things to one another, wouldn’t we try to make signs with our hands, head, and the rest of our body?”
– The purpose is to raise awareness about sign language.
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11. When is ‘International Daughters Day’ celebrated?
a. Last Sunday of September
b. Last Sunday in August
c. Third Sunday of September
d. Second Sunday of September
Answer: a. Last Sunday of September
– In the year 2023, this day has been celebrated on 24 September.
– Understanding the importance of girls, the United Nations celebrated this day for the first time on 11 October 2012 to honor them.
– The purpose of this day is to give equal importance and respect to daughters all over the world as sons.
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12. SIMBEX 2023 bilateral exercise took place between the navies of India and which country?
a. Japan
b. Indonesia
c. USA
d. Singapore
Answer: d. Singapore
– The naval war exercise for 2023 took place in Singapore from September 21 to September 24.
– It included INS Ranvijay, Kavarti, and Sindhu Kesari, along with long-range maritime patrol aircraft P-8I.
About Simbex (‘Simbex’):
– The Simbex series of exercises started in the year 1994.
– Initially, it was known as ‘Exercise Lion King.’
– Over the past two decades, the scope and scale of this naval exercise have significantly expanded.
– It includes advanced naval exercises covering a wide spectrum of naval operations.
– This exercise serves as an example of high-level cooperation between India and Singapore in enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
Dhnyvad sir