Current Affairs For 2nd September 2023

“Rise and shine, for the world is yours to conquer today!”

Q1.Which nation initiated its yearly military exercise, ‘Zolfaghar-1401,’ in the coastal region of the Gulf of Oman?

1. Iran
2. UAE
3. Afghanistan
4. Israel

Ans:-1)Iran

Iran has launched its annual exercise, ‘Zolfaghar-1401,’ in the Gulf of Oman coastal area and near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The war games involve commandos, airborne infantry, drones, fighter jets, helicopters, military transport aircraft, and submarines. The Strait of Hormuz, at the entrance of the Persian Gulf, holds immense significance for global energy supplies.

Q2. Which nation’s capital city is Pyongyang?

1. South Korea
2. North Korea
3. Singapore
4. Malaysia

Ans:-2)North Korea

Recently, North Korea launched three ballistic missiles towards the eastern sea of the Korean Peninsula, according to the South Korean military. These short-range ballistic missiles originated from North Hwanghae Province, located south of Pyongyang, the capital. Notably, these launches occurred following South Korea’s successful test flight of a solid-propellant space launch vehicle. This year alone, North Korea has conducted approximately 70 ballistic missile launches, including eight intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Q3.Which multinational corporation is behind the ‘Future Engineer Program’ initiative?

1. Meta
2. Amazon
3. Samsung
4. IBM

Ans:-2)Amazon

The ‘Amazon Future Engineer’ program, introduced in 2021 in India, strives to enhance computer science education accessibility for children and young adults. In a collaboration with the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Amazon aims to empower both teachers and students in the realm of digital education.

Q4. Scientists from which country have devised a novel technology for filtering micro-plastics from water?

1. India
2. US
3. South Korea
4. Australia

Ans:-3)South Korea

South Korean scientists have created an innovative water purification system capable of effectively removing microplastics. This system employs an affordable polymer characterized by outstanding adsorption capabilities and photo-thermal properties. Remarkably, in a recent test, it successfully eliminated over 99.9 percent of contaminants from water in just 10 seconds.

Q5. The recently highlighted individual, Sam Bankman-Fried, is the founder of which company?

1.Tesla

2. TikTok

3. Coin Base

4. FTX

Ans:-4)FTX

Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the cryptocurrency firm FTX, has been charged with eight criminal counts, including wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, among others. He recently entered a plea of not guilty in Manhattan federal court, regarding allegations of defrauding investors in connection with the crypto exchange’s collapse. Accusations involve the unauthorized redirection of FTX customers’ deposits to his Alameda Research hedge fund.

Q6. Which branch of the military is linked to the ‘SPRINT Challenges,’ which aim to promote the utilization of domestic technology?

1. Indian Army
2. Indian Air Force
3. Indian Navy
4. Indian Coast Guard

Ans:- 3) Indian Navy

The ‘SPRINT Challenges’ initiative was introduced to enhance the adoption of indigenous technology within the Indian Navy. In a recent development, the Indian Navy has entered into an agreement with Sagar Defence Engineering to procure armed autonomous boat swarms. This marks the 50th contract signed as part of the ‘SPRINT’ challenge.

Q7. Which organization has recently created a macro/microporous ionic organic material designed for eliminating contaminants from water?

1. IIT Madras
2. IIIT Hyderabad
3. IISc Bengaluru
4. IISER Pune

Ans:-4)IISER Pune

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, have developed a distinctive molecular sponge-like material capable of rapidly purifying contaminated water by absorbing harmful pollutants. This macro/microporous ionic organic framework can effectively eliminate pollutants that pose a direct threat to both humanity and the environment.

Q8. According to the Henley Passport Index 2023, which nation possesses the most potent passport globally?

1. Japan
2. USA
3. India
4. US

Ans:-1)Japan

In the Henley Passport Index report for 2023, Japan maintains its position as the world’s most influential passport. Japanese citizens enjoy the privilege of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a remarkable 193 countries worldwide. Singapore and South Korea jointly occupy the second spot on the list. The Indian passport, on the other hand, is ranked 85th in the 2023 World’s Most Powerful Passport Index and grants visa-free entry to 59 destinations.

Q9.Which nation has declared its intention to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by the year 2030?

1. Canada
2. Japan
3. France
4. Sri Lanka

Ans:-3)France

The Prime Minister of France, Elisabeth Borne, has disclosed plans to elevate the retirement age from 62 to 64 by the year 2030. This reform has been justified by the government as a means to ensure fiscal stability within the country’s pension system. The adjustment will involve a gradual increase of three months in the full French pension age each year, commencing in 2023.

Q10.Which corporation has entered into a 3 billion euro contract to provide and maintain freight trains in India?

1. Robert Bosch
2. Schneider Electric
3. Siemens
4. General Electric

Ans:-3)Siemens

Siemens, the German engineering company, has secured a monumental 3 billion euro (USD 3.25 billion) contract for the supply and maintenance of freight trains in India. This deal represents the largest locomotive agreement in the company’s history and encompasses the delivery of 1,200 electric locomotives, along with 35 years of servicing, marking Siemens’ most significant endeavor in India to date.