NATIONAL:
1. Chandrayaan-3 Landing
Why in news - Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar south pole at 6.04 pm on August 23, 2023.
Key Points –
• India became the first country to land on the South Pole of the moon.
• India became the overall 4th nation to reach the Moon (after US, Russia and China,).
• Scientists believe the lunar South Pole could hold important reserves of frozen water and precious elements.
• Mission’s 3 Objectives –
(a) to demonstrate a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface.
(b) to demonstrate a Rover roving on the Moon
(c) to conduct in-situ scientific experiments.
• Main Experiments –
(a) RAMBHA (Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere) will study the electrons and ions near the surface of the moon.
(b) ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) will study the thermal properties of the lunar surface near the polar region.
(c) ILSA (Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity) will measure the lunar quakes near the landing site.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Fujiwhara Effect
Why in news – In the eastern Pacific Ocean (US West coast) Hurricane Irwin collided with Hurricane Hilary creating Fujiwhara effect.
Key Points –
• Fujiwhara effect - Two cyclones, spinning in the same direction, are brought close together, they begin ‘an intense dance around their common center.’
• Atmospheric river - Vast airborne currents carrying dense moisture and hanging low in the atmosphere.
• It was identified by Sakuhei Fujiwhara, a Japanese meteorologist in 1921.
2. Mohajer-10
Why in news – Iran unveiled its latest ‘Mohajer-10’ attack drone.
Key Points –
• It is said to be an upgraded version of the “Mohajer-6.
• It can fly up to a maximum duration of 24 hours at an altitude of 7,000 metres with an operational range of 2,000 km.
SCIENCE – TECH:
1. “Demon” Particle
Why in news – A “demon” particle has been found in an experiment by American researchers.
Key Points –
• Discovered by - University of Illinois.
• It was spotted in the metal strontium ruthenate (Sr2RuO4).
• It is a “composite” particle made up of a combination of electrons, in a solid.
• It was predicted by physicist David Pines in 1956.
• It is massless, has no charge, and does not interact with light.
• It could lead to superconductors that conduct electricity at room temperature.
• Meissner-Ochsenfeld effect - Superconductors expel magnetic fields from their interior when they enter the superconducting state leading to the phenomenon of magnetic levitation.
SECURITY:
1. INS Vagir
Why in news – INS Vagir carried out its longest deployment.
Key Points –
• It sailed continuously for 7,000 km (over 4,000 nautical miles) to Australia except for one port stop in Sri Lanka.
• It reached Fremantle, Australia on August 20, 2023. (journey started in June 2023).
• It is Indian Navy’s 5th Kalvari class submarine.
2. 27th Exercise MALABAR -23
Why in news – It concluded on the East Coast of Australia off Sydney on Aug 21, 2023.
Key Points –
• Participants – India, Australia, Japan and USA.
• From India - INS Kolkata, INS Sahyadri and P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
• Harbour phase - August 11-15.
• Sea phase - August 16-21.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. Rahul Dravid
Why in news – Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited announced Rahul Dravid as their brand ambassador.
Key Points –
• BPCL is 2nd largest Indian Oil Marketing Company.
• Rahul Dravid will endorse BPCL's iconic Pure for Sure initiative.
• BPCL is a Maharatna company.
2. Sachin Tendulkar
Why in news – Sachin Tendulkar is Election Commission’s national voter awareness ambassador.
Key Points –
• Apart from Tendulkar, the ECI has two other national icons - Pankaj Tripathi and and Dr. Niru Kumar.
BOOKS & AUTHORS:
1. Books Kuwi and Desia
Why in news – Dharmendra Pradhan and Nirmala Sitharaman launched Kuwi and Desia books at Bhubaneswar.
Key Points –
• NCERT and Central University of Odisha have prepared two books, the "Kuwi Primer" and "Desia Primer."
• It is meant for children who are speaking Kuwi and Desia tribal languages.
• It will help teach students with the help of pictures, stories and songs based on their local nature and culture.
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Srettha Thavisin
Why in news – Srettha Thavisin has been elected as Thailand’s new prime minister.
Key Points –
• He belongs to Pheu Thai Party.
• The Move Forward party led by Pita Limjaroenrat won a historical election in May, but was later blocked.
2. Hun Manet
Why in news – Cambodia's parliament elected Hun Manet as the new prime minister.
Key Points –
• He replaced his father Hun Sen as prime minister.
• He belongs to Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).
BIHAR:
1. Bapu Parkisha Parisar
Why in news – CM Nitish Kumar inaugurated ‘Bapu Parkisha Parisar’ (Bapu Examination Complex) in Patna on August 23, 2023.
Key Points –
• It is claimed to be the largest examination centre in the country.
• Over 16,600 candidates can write their papers at the complex at a time.
• The foundation stone of the Bapu Pariksha Parisar of the BSEB in August 2020 (cost - Rs 202 crore).
• He also launched the 2nd phase of the reforms roadmap for the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB).
2. RoPax Vessel
Why in news – State tourism department is all set to inaugurate a 300-seater RoPax vessel at Digha Ghat, Patna.
Key Points –
• The vessel is christened M V Swami Paramhans.
• The cruise will originate from Digha Ghat and reach all the way to Gai Ghat before returning to Digha Ghat.
• A similar vessel will operate in Bhagalpur where tourists will be able to visit the dolphin sanctuary while visiting the Ganga ghats.
POINTERS:
• Who has won the first Canadian Open title - Jannik Sinner.
• Recently, Wildfires ravage Maui island. It is located in which country - USA.
• Which bank has recently launched UPI inter operable Digital Rupee mobile application – Canara Bank.
• Which state government will soon make a new education policy by abolishing the National Education Policy 2020 – Karnataka.
• Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha has been appointed as the Chief Justice of which country – Nepal.
• In which city the Uttar Pradesh government will soon set up a temple museum – Ayodhya.
• Which medal has been won by Raja Anirudh Sriram of Tirupati in the recently held Singapore Math Olympiad – Silver Medal.
• Who has recently been honored with the CSR TIMES Lifetime Achievement Award – Shalu Jindal.
• Which state continues to lead the chart in the total share of approved projects by banking and financial institutions - Uttar Pradesh.
• Recently which country's Luna-25 spacecraft crashed on the Moon's surface – Russia.