Current Affairs One - Liner : 29th & 30th October 2023

• National:
• The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has launched India’s first indigenously developed gasoline and diesel reference fuels. This significant achievement was marked by the Petroleum Minister Hardeep S Puri.

• The Ministry of Coal and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) have decided to collaborate to promote green energy.
• Escrowpay, a leading innovator in the Escrow Banking – Fintech industry, has secured India’s first digital escrow regulatory fintech authorization from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
• Three eminent technology experts from India have been named to the United Nations’ High-Level Multistakeholder Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence.
• The Karnataka Forest Department has launched a cloud-based information management system called Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK).
• Reliance Jio has tested its satellite internet service, JioSpaceFiber, in four of the remotest districts in India. The tests have happened in Nabarangpur district in Odisha, Gir in Gujarat, Korba in Chhattisgarh, and Jorhat in Assam.
• Mizoram, despite being India’s second least populated state, has the highest incidence of cancer cases in the country. An 18-year trend study has noted a consistent increase in cancer incidence and mortality in the state.
• The 15th Tribal Youth Exchange Program was inaugurated in Mumbai. This program is organized by the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• The Indian government’s decision to impose a minimum export price of $800 per tonne on onions until December 31 is likely a measure to control domestic prices and ensure sufficient supply within the country.
• International:
• Scientists in Brazil have developed a vaccine named Calixcoca that could potentially treat addiction to cocaine and its powerful derivative, crack.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has indeed become a member of the steering group of the International Competition Network (ICN). This prestigious group is composed of 140 competition agencies and is guided by its apex body – the Steering Group of 18 members.
• Banking:
• AU Small Finance Bank has launched a new product called ‘Planet First - AU Green Fixed Deposit’. This innovative financial product not only secures your finances but also ensures that your deposits are deployed towards making a positive impact on the environment.
• RBL Bank has recently launched a new product called the GO Savings Account, which is a zero-balance digital banking option that offers various benefits to the customers.
• Appointments:
• The World Steel Association (worldsteel) has elected new officers for its executive board of directors for the 2023/2024 period. Leon Topalian, the president and CEO of Nucor Corporation, will be the chairman, succeeding Sajjan Jindal from JSW Steel Limited.
• Sports:
• The Indian para contingent made history at the Para Asian Games 2023 by winning a record-breaking 111 medals. This is the first time India has hit the 100-medal mark. The medal tally includes 29 golds, 31 silvers, and 51 bronze medals. This is a significant improvement from the 2018 Para Asian Games, where India won 72 medals.
• Obituaries:
• Matthew Perry, renowned for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the beloved series “Friends,” tragically passed away at age of 54.
• Professor Saleemul Huq, a renowned climate change expert and director of the Dhaka-based International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD), passed away at his residence in Dhaka at the age of 71.
• Former Union Minister Babanrao Dhakne passed away at the age of 86. He was suffering from pneumonia and other illnesses, and was admitted to a local hospital three weeks ago.

Questions:

Q.1 Who has been elected as the chairman of the World Steel Association (worldsteel) for the 2023/2024 period?
a. Sajjan Jindal
b. Leon Topalian
c. Lakshmi Mittal
d. Andrew Carnegie
Q.2 Which state in India has the highest incidence of cancer cases?
a. Maharashtra
b. Mizoram
c. Kerala
d. Punjab