Daily GK Update- 26th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India observed 74th Republic Day on 26th January 2023: India observed its 74th Republic Day on 26th January 2023.

Highlights:

 

·       Theme: Jan Bhagidari

·       Chief Guest: Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (Egyptian President))

 

For the first time, 21-gun salute was given with 105-mm Indian Field Guns, replacing the vintage 25-pounder gun. Female BSF camel riders participated in the parade showcasing women's empowerment. Women officer Lieutenant Commander Disha Amrith led the Naval contingent of 144 young sailors.

 

2. Centre launched U-WIN platform for children and pregnant women: The government of India has launched the U-WIN platform. Aim: To digitize India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). It has been launched in pilot mode across two districts of each state and union territory.

This platform will help in registering and vaccinating every pregnant woman, recording her delivery outcome, and administering birth vaccinations and all immunizations. It will also act as a single source of information for reminders of upcoming vaccine doses.

 

3. Nagaland observed 3rd edition of annual Orange festival 2023: Nagaland observed the third edition of the annual Orange festival 2023 at Rusoma village, Kohima district. The two-day festival was organized in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Agriculture, Rural Development, Land Resources, and Kohima Smart City. Aim: To recognize and celebrate the hard work of the orange growers. It also facilitates the market linkages to sell their produce at one hub. Nagaland capital: Kohima, Chief minister: Neiphiu Rio

 

4. Visakhapatnam Railway Station awarded ‘Green Railway Station Certificate’: the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for adopting green concepts has awarded the ‘Green Railway Station Certification with the highest rating of Platinum’ Visakhapatnam railway station of East Coast Railway.Visakhapatnam is one of the few railway stations to get this prestigious certificate. Visakhapatnam secured 82 out of 100 points in six environmental categories. The Environment Directorate of Indian Railways in collaboration with IGBC has developed the Green Railway Station Rating System. The system addresses national priorities such as water conservation, waste management, energy efficiency, limited use of fossil fuels, minimal reliance on the use of natural materials, and health and well-being of users.

 

5. Indian Railways launches ‘Ideal Train Profile’: Indian Railways has introduced ‘Ideal Train Profile’ for maximum capacity utilization and income generation by regularly analyzing the movement of demand in each train in reserved express trains. The pilot project was started on seven zonal railways – Eastern, Central, Northern, Southern, South Central, Western, and West Central Railway. The pilot project has so far been rolled out in over 200 trains in Indian Railways. It is expected that the utility will also help to enhance confirmed seat availability and increase the occupancy of a train by up to 5 percent. Ideal Train Profile — a seat capacity optimization decision support — is done due to the fact that the number of ticket-class combinations on a single train journey date can exceed 5,000. This module has been developed after two years of hard work by the Railway team under the leadership of R Gopalakrishnan.

 

6. North India’s largest floating Solar project inaugurated in Chandigarh: The Governor of Punjab, Banwari Lal Purohit has inaugurated North India’s largest floating Solar project of 2000kWp worth Rs 11.70 crore in Chandigarh. He has also inaugurated a 500kWp floating Solar Project with Fountains at Dhanas Lake in Chandigarh. It was constructed at a cost of Rs 3.34 crore. These projects were designed and executed by CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society). It will generate a minimum of 35 Lac Units (kWh) of Solar Energy per year with 20% module efficiency.

 

7. 25 January- National Tourism Day: National Tourism Day is celebrated every year on January 25. Objective – To raise awareness about the importance that the tourism industry plays in the country The day is also a way to recognize the contributions of the thousands working in the tourism industry. While many countries around the world have been celebrating World Tourism Day on September 27 since the 1980s. This contribution from the tourism sector is expected to grow rapidly. It is estimated that the number of people employed in the sector is expected to grow by around 35 percent to 53 million by 2028. During the same time period, the tourism industry is expected to grow to $125 billion, an increase of nearly 67 percent. By 2028, India is expected to see 30.5 million foreign tourists and earn $56 billion in foreign exchange.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India signs agreement with Egypt for content exchange: India and Egypt sign an MoU to facilitate content exchange, and Co-Productions between Prasar Bharati and the National Media Authority of Egypt. It was signed by Anurag Singh Thakur (I&B Minister) and Sameh Hassan Shoukry (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Egypt). Aim: To expand the reach of DD India Channel to showcase the country’s progress through programmes. It will be valid for three years and will also facilitate co-productions and training of the officials.

 

2. International Customs Day 2023: 26th January 2023: International Customs Day (ICD) is observed every year on January 26 globally to commemorate the maiden session of the World Customs Organization (WCO) held in 1953. Theme 2023: Nurturing the next generation: Promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional pride in Customs The WCO was previously known as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC). It was formed in 1952 in Brussels. Aim of WCO: To boost the efficiency of customs authorities.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. England Test captain Ben Stokes named Men's Test Cricketer of the Year 2022: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has selected Ben Stokes (England Test captain) as the Men's Test Cricketer of the Year 2022. While England all-rounder, Nat Sciver won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year 2022.

 

·       Other winners (Cricketer of the Year 2022):

·       Women's ODI: Nat Sciver

·       Men's ODI: Babar Azam (Pakistan)

·       Women's T20: Tahlia McGrath (Australia)

·       Men's T20: Suryakumar Yadav (India)

·       Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy: Babar Azam

 

2. Padma Awards for year 2023 announced: The government of India announced the Padma Awards 2023 on the eve of the 74th Republic Day (26th January 2023). Of the 106 Padma awards, six are Padma Vibhushan, nine are Padma Bhushan and 91 are Padma Shri. Nineteen of the Padma awardees are women. ORS pioneer, Dilip Mahalanobis will be awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in the field of Medicine (Pediatrics). Mulayam Singh Yadav will be awarded Padma Vibhushan posthumously in the field of public affairs.

 

3. President approves 412 Gallantry Awards for Defence personnel: President of India, Droupadi Murmu has approved 412 Gallantry awards and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others. These awards include six Kirti Chakras and 15 Shaurya Chakras. It also includes one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 92 Sena Medals, one Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), seven Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), and 29 Param Vishisht Seva Medals. President has also awarded President’s Tatrakshak Medal and Tatrakshak Medal to ICG Personnel.

 

4. Aska police station of Odisha becomes country’s number 1 station: Aska police station in Ganjam district of Odisha was awarded the number one police station. The award was given during DGSP/IGSP conference held in New Delhi. Aska station got this title in the annual ranking of police stations for the year 2022. Gangapur police station in Odisha’s Ganjam district has been awarded the second-best police station award. Banbasa police station in Champawat district of Uttarakhand has been selected as the third-best station. Sadar Bazar police station was adjudged the best police station in the year 2021 while Gangapur police station was awarded the second-best police station award.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Renowned architect Dr. B.V. Doshi passed away: Noted architect and Padma Bhushan awardee Balkrishna Doshi passed away recently at the age of 95. Doshi was awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award in the year 1995 for the architecture of ‘Aranya Low-Cost Housing’ township. Doshi was also awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award in the year 2020 and Padma Shri in 1976. He was awarded the most prestigious award in the field of architecture “Pritzker” in the year 2018. He was the first Indian to receive this honour. He was credited with designing some of the most iconic structures in the country such as IIM Bangalore, NIFT Delhi, and CEPT University in Ahmedabad.

Daily GK Update- 25th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. First meeting of the Youth 20 Group will be held in Guwahati: The first meeting of the Youth-20 Group will be held in Guwahati from 6-8 February, 2023. The Youth 20 (Y20) Summit is being hosted by India for the first time on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. This is the first of several meetings to be held in India on five Youth20 themes in the run-up to the Youth-20 Summit. The meeting will focus on five themes of the Future of Work – climate change and disaster risk reduction, peacebuilding and reconciliation, democracy and youth in health, well-being and sport.

 

2. International Trade Fair on Millets organized in Bengaluru: The 4th International Trade Fair of Millets and Organics Products has been organized in The 3-day fair was organized by the Department of Agriculture and Government of Karnataka. The trade fair is a platform for farmers, farmer groups, domestic and international companies, central and state institutions in the organic and millet sector to connect and explore opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, processing, machinery and agri-technology. The Government of Karnataka has been a leader in the promotion of millets – The first Organics and Millets Fair was held in 2017, the second and third editions in 2018 and 2019 in Bengaluru. India is leading among countries to celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

 

3. Lt Governor R K Mathur launched ULPIN in Ladakh: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur has launched the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) in Leh. The 14-digit ULPIN would help in the digitization of land records and also reach a conclusive land titling. The UPLIN scheme will prove beneficial in numerous ways, including settling and expediting land-related disputes in court and addressing legacy issues such as putting a check on any unwanted change in land revenue records.

 

4. AIF inaugurated India’s first STEM innovation centre in Chennai: The American India Foundation (AIF) has inaugurated India’s first STEM Innovation and Learning Center (SILC) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. STEM Innovation and Learning Center is inaugurated under the scheme of Vanavil Mandram at the Government Higher Secondary School, MMDA Colony, Chennai. The Centre will introduce students to a transdisciplinary learning approach through robotics, Al, Space Technology, and the STEM Incubation workstation. AIF’s award-winning flagship education program- Digital Equalizer has designed the Centre to be a one-stop solution for STEM among students and teachers.

 

5. Indian Air Force (IAF) to conduct ‘PRALAY’ exercise in Northeast: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will carry out Exercise Pralay involving all its major air bases in the northeast including the recently moved drone squadrons in the northeast amid the ongoing standoff with China. The exercise will include a variety of platforms, such as C-130J ‘Super Hercules’ aircraft, Chinook heavy-lift and Apache attack helicopters. The Indian Air Force has deployed and activated the S-400 air defence squadron in the area which can take on any enemy aircraft or missile from a distance of up to 400 km. The exercise will be conducted in preparation for another Air Force exercise named ‘Eastern Akash’, an annual command-level exercise, to be held in first week of February.

 

6. 25 January – National Voter’s Day: India celebrates National Voters Day every year on January 25. Objective -To encourage each and every vote in the country to participate in the electoral process. Theme 2023 – Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure The country marked its first-ever National Voters Day in 2011. The idea behind the celebration was to encourage more young voters to take part in the electoral process. The Union government back then, under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved a proposal of the law ministry to this end.

 

7. 24 January – Foundation Day of Uttar Pradesh: Foundation Day of Uttar Pradesh State is celebrated every year on 24 January. The initiative to celebrate ‘Uttar Pradesh Day’ was taken by the then Governor Ram Naik and this event is celebrated every year since 2018. The main theme of the ‘Uttar Pradesh Day’ 2023 is ‘Investment and Employment’ this year. The state-level event on ‘Uttar Pradesh Day’ has been organized in ‘Awadh Shilp Gram’, Lucknow, and ‘Noida Shilp Gram’, Earlier, Uttar Pradesh was known as United Provinces. However, on January 24, 1950, it was recognized as Uttar Pradesh.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 24 January – International Education Day: International Day of Education is celebrated every year on 24 January to spread awareness about education globally and to make education accessible to all. Theme 2023 – To Invest in People, Prioritise Education This year is the fourth edition of International Education Day. It was announced by the United Nations General Assembly on 3 December 2018 to celebrate International Education Day on 24 January every year. Recently, UNESCO has decided to dedicate the International Day of Education for the year 2023 to Afghan girls and women. While National Education Day in India is celebrated every year on 11 November.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. FIH signed an MoU with JSP Foundation for hockey development: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has partnered with JSP Foundation for Hockey Development and Men’s World Cup in Jan 2023. FIH will be working closely with JSP Foundation for some of its key initiatives for hockey development. The partnership will also see the JSP Foundation coming onboard the ongoing FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela as a global partner.

 

2. Sports Ministry holds its 1st Mission Olympic Cell meet outside Delhi: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has organized its first Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) meeting outside Delhi in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The MOC members met to discuss the major agenda of India’s Olympic program and proposals for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) athletes. Normally, MOC members visit Delhi every month to discuss agenda related to TOPS. The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams are the only teams that are funded under MYAS’s TOPS Scheme and get an annual expenditure of Rs 24 cr under Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) Annual Calendar for Training and Competitions (ACTC) scheme.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. ESAF Finance Bank won Inclusive Finance India Awards 2022: ESAF Small Finance Bank has won the prestigious Inclusive Finance India Awards 2022. It was awarded for its contributions to advancing the goal of financial inclusion and supporting inclusive growth. The bank received the award from Anantha Nageshwaran, Chief Economic Advisor at the 19th Inclusive Finance India Summit held in New Delhi. The Inclusive Finance India Awards is an initiative of ACCESS Development Services constituted in 2009 in partnership with HSBC India. This award is a recognition of ESAF’s unique spectrum of Financial Inclusion projects ESAF Dhansree, ESAF Udyog Jyothi, LSEDP (Local Sustainable Economic Development Project), ESAF Balajyothi, ESAF Vayojyothi, and ESAF Garshom.

 

2. Govt announced Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award 2023: Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and Lunglei Fire Station (LFS) Mizoram selected for Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2023 for excellence in disaster management for the year 2023. Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) was established in 1999 after the huge cyclone tragedy in Odisha. OSDMA had worked effectively during various cyclones like Hudhud (2014), Fani (2019), Amphan (2020) and Odisha flood (2020). Lunglei Fire Station efficiently and effectively controlled the massive fire that broke out in the uninhabited forest areas surrounding Lunglei town on 24 April 2021. The personnel deployed at Lunglei Fire Station worked tirelessly for more than 32 hours to douse the fire with the help of local citizens, during which they motivated and trained them to douse the fire on the spot.

 

3. President Murmu conferred Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar: President Droupadi Murmu conferred Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The awards have been conferred upon 11 children for their exceptional achievement in six categories, which include Art, Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Social Service, and Sports. Each awardee has received a medal, a cash prize of one lakh rupees, and a certificate from the President. Of the 11 children selected for the prestigious award, there are 6 boys and 5 girls belonging to 11 States and UTs. In 2021, as many as 32 kids were conferred with prestigious award for their excelling performance in creativity, athletics, arts, community service, scholarship and bravery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEFENCE UNICORN INSTITUTE – GANDHINAGAR | AHMEDABAD   BEST COACHING FOR: NDA | CDS | AFCAT | ACC | CAPF | CPO | COAST GUARD | DEFENCE EXAMS | COMPETITIVE EXAMS   Helpline Number # 6351299206 |Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

Daily GK Update- 24th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IIM Ahmedabad appoints Professor Bharat Bhasker as the new Director: Professor Bharat Bhasker has been appointed as the new director of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) for five years, effective from March 1, 2023. Presently, he is working as a professor of Information Technology and Systems at IIM Lucknow. The term of the incumbent director, Prof Errol D’Souza, will be ended on January 31. Meanwhile, the Board of Governors has appointed Prof Arindam Banerjee as the Director-In-Charge from 1st -28th February 2023.

 

2. North India’s largest floating Solar project inaugurated: The Governor of Punjab, Banwari Lal Purohit inaugurated North India’s largest floating Solar project of 2000kWp at Water Works in Chandigarh. He has also inaugurated a 500kWp floating Solar Project with Fountains at Dhanas Lake in Chandigarh. These projects were designed and executed by CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society). It will generate a minimum of 35 Lac Units(kWh) of Solar Energy per year with 20% module efficiency.

 

3. NTPC Group capacity crosses 71GW: NTPC (India's largest power generator) Group capacity has crossed 71 GW with the successful completion of the trial operation of the first unit of 660 MW North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Project, Jharkhand (3x660 MW). Impact: It will provide affordable power to Jharkhand, Bihar, WB, and Odisha. With this addition, the total installed capacity of NTPC has become 71544 MW The foundation for this NTPC project in Jharkhand was laid by the former PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee

 

4. Krishi-Mahotsav: Pradarshani evam Prashikshan organized in Rajasthan: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has organized a two-day event, ‘Krishi-Mahotsav: Pradarshani evam Prashikshan’ at Kota, Rajasthan. It was organized in association with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan. Aim: To make Kota Division advanced and leading in the field of agriculture and rural development. Through the exhibition, the government can also spread awareness about the schemes of governments.

Rajasthan CM: Ashok Gehlot

 

5. National Girl Child Day 2023: 24 January: India celebrates National Girl Child Day on 24 January every year to highlight the prejudice and injustice that girl children face. The Ministry of Women and Child Development established this day in 2008. Aim: To encourage awareness about women's rights in our country. The government has not officially announced a theme for National Girl Child Day 2023.

 

6. Government initiatives to raise the status of girl children: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and BBBP.Indian Navy conducts ‘Exercise AMPHEX’ 2023 In Andhra Pradesh: The Indian Navy has organized a six-day-long mega biennial tri-services amphibious ‘exercise AMPHEX 2023‘ near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The military exercise has organized between the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Navy. The joint operations conducted during the exercise saw the participation of a large number of troops from the Indian Army, amphibious warships from the Indian Navy, and aircraft from the IAF. The aim of this war exercise was to showcase India’s capabilities to protect the territorial integrity of its areas including better coordination between the three services and enhance joint warfighting capabilities.

 

7. Fifth Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir inducted into Indian Navy: The fifth Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir has been inducted into Indian Navy. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar was the Chief Guest at a ceremony held at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, has built France the submarine. Four of the Kalvari class of submarines have already been commissioned into the Indian Navy. Vagir is expected to boost the Indian Navy’s capability to further India’s maritime interests. It is capable of undertaking diverse missions including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and surveillance missions. Launched and named ‘Vagir’ on 12th November 2020 Kalvari has the distinction of having the lowest build time among all indigenously manufactured submarines till date.

 

8. 24 January – National Girl Child Day: National Girl Child Day is celebrated in India every year on January 24. The Ministry of Women and Child Development and the government of India initiated it in 2008. Objective – To raise awareness against pre-natal sex determination and gender-selective abortion, The first National Girl Child was celebrated on January 24, 2008.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. JUICE Space Mission of Europe to be launched in April 2023: The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) will be launched from the agency’s spaceport in French Guiana in April 2023. Aim: To explore the large, frigid worlds that orbit Jupiter, Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa Ariane 5 will carry the satellite. JUICE will be the first satellite from the earth to enter the orbit of Ganymede. If launched in April 2023, the satellite is expected to enter Jupiter orbit by 2034 and will be deorbited in 2035.

 

2. Indian Embassy organizes Intl seminar on knowledge sharing in Kathmandu: The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Indian Embassy jointly have organized an International seminar on knowledge sharing on the conservation of natural and cultural heritage in The guest of honour of the event was Nepal’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati. The government of India extended support worth USD 50 million for the reconstruction of two UNESCO heritage sites Pashupatinath Temple and Bhandarkhal of Patan Durbar Square post-2015 earthquake in Nepal. The Ambassador of India to Nepal is Naveen Shrivastav.

 

3. ‘Moidams’ nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site: Charaideo Moidams is India’s nomination for UNESCO’s world heritage site status in the cultural category. The Ahom-era ‘Moidams’ (cemetery of the royal family) in Assam’s Charaideo district will be India’s only nomination for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ‘Moidams’ of the Ahom dynasty at Charaideo was first included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site in April 2014. Moidams represents the late medieval (13th-19th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahoms in Assam, which lasted almost 600 years. India currently has 40 World Heritage Sites – 32 of them cultural sites, seven natural sites and one mixed site.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC revealed Men's & Women's T20I team of year: The ICC has revealed the Men's and Women's T20I Team of the Year 2022. The ICC has recognized the 11 outstanding players. In Women: Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh, Beth Mooney, Ash Gardner, Tahila McGrath, Nida Dar, Sophie Ecclestone,  Inoka Ranaweera, Sophie Devine In Men: Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Jos Buttler, Glenn Phillips, Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Josh Little

 

2. An Seyoung won women’s singles final at India Open Badminton: In the India Open Badminton Championship, Korea’s An Seyoung won the Women’s Singles final at K D Jadhav Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. In the finals, An Seyoung beat World No.1 Japanese Akane Yamaguchi 15-21, 21-16, 21-12. While Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn won Men’s Singles final defeating Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen.

·       Men’s doubles – Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang (China)

·       Women’s doubles – Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida (Japan)

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Sebi launches information database on municipal bonds: SEBI has launched an information database on municipal bonds in a programme on municipal bonds and municipal finance, organized in New Delhi. The event was participated by representatives from various stakeholders, including MoHUA. Municipal Bonds: It is also known as 'muni bonds'. Municipal corporations and other associated bodies in India issue a debt instrument them. Whenever the local government body wants to raise funds, they issue these bonds.

 

2. Indi Grid to buy Khargone Transmission for ₹1497cr: India Grid Trust (IndiGrid) will acquire a 100% equity stake in Khargone Transmission at an enterprise value of around ₹1,497.5 crores.

IndiGrid signed a share purchase agreement on January 21, 2023. Khargone Transmission was incorporated on November 28, 2015. The transmission project was awarded by the ministry of power for a 35-year period from the scheduled commercial operation date on a build, own, operate, and maintain (BOOM) basis.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Dr. Prabha Atre awarded Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia Lifetime Achievement Award: Hindustani vocalist & Padma Vibhushan awardee, Prabha Atre has been awarded the Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was conferred by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde to her, at a function at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan in Mumbai. She was also presented with a citation and Rs 1 lakh. She is an Indian classical vocalist from the Kirana Gharana. She has been awarded Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2022) by the Government of India.

 

2. President Murmu conferred PM's national award for children: President, Droupadi Murmu has conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2023 to 11 exceptional children in an award ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan. The awards are conferred upon children in the age group 5 – 18 years. This award is given in six categories - Art & Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Scholastic, Social Service, and Sports. Each awardee of PMRBP is given a medal, a cash prize of Rs.1 Lakh and a Certificate.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Padma Shri awardee Prabhaben Sobhagchand Shah passed away: Padma Shri awardee Prabhaben Sobhagchand Shah passed away recently at the age of 92. She was a social worker from the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman, and Diu. Prabhaben Sobhagchand Shah was also known as “Daman ki Divya”. In 1969, Prabhaben started sewing classes for women in Daman. She also started the Women Cooperative Society, and Women Credit Society. In 2022, she was awarded the Padma Shri.

Daily GK Update- 23rd Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Vikram Dev Dutt appointed as director general of DGCA: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Vikram Dev Dutt as the next director general in the Directorate of General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) with effect from February 28, 2023. He is a 1993-batch IAS officer of AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territory) cadre. He will be succeeding the incumbent DGCA chief, Arun Kumar. He was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Air India Ltd in 2022.

 

2. 23rd January: Parakram Diwas 2023: India observed Parakram Diwas on January 23 to mark the birth of Indian freedom fighter, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. In 2022, the nation celebrates the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji SC Bose. He was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha. He acquired a degree in philosophy and was later selected for the Indian Civil Services.

Netaji joined the Indian National Congress in 1921. He passed away on August 18, 1945, in a plane crash near Tohuku, Japanese Taiwan.

 

3. HCHF and Ladakh Tourism Dept organized annual Ethnic Mamani Festival: the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) and Ladakh Tourism Department organized The annual Ethnic Mamani Festival at Historical Styangkung Village and Chiktan Shagaran. This village is being developed as one of the well-maintained heritage villages in Ladakh. During Mamani, people would exchange food with their relatives and neighbours and worship a variety of spirits. These festivals have helped in the revival of more than 35 cuisines of Kargil Ladakh

 

4. J&K government to host its maiden SARAS Fair 2023: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir is going to host its maiden SARAS Fair 2023 from 4 to 14 Feb 23. In this fair, artisans and women self-help groups from across the country will showcase their crafts, handcrafts, handloom, and foods. he fair would be organized at Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu. The fair is expected to witness the participation of women Self Help Groups from around 15 States and UTs across the country to sell their self-made products.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ECI hosted 2nd International Conference in New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has hosted the 2nd International Conference in New Delhi, India from 23-24 January 2023.

2023 theme: Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, inaugurated Use of Technology and Elections Integrity The two-day international conference. Around 43 Participants from 17 Countries including Angola, Argentina, Australia, Croatia, Indonesia, Mauritius, Nepal, Philippines, and Suriname have joined the conference.

 

2. Tourism Ministry participates in world’s largest Travel Exhibition: The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is participating in FITUR, the world’s largest international travel exhibition in Madrid, Spain. India’s participation at FITUR is significant to step up the recovery of inbound tourism to pre-pandemic levels The Ministry of Tourism has taken up 253 square metres of space, with over 30 participants exhibiting along with the India Pavilion, to participate in the exhibition. Dinesh K Patnaik, Indian Ambassador to Spain, inaugurated the India Pavilion. The first Global Tourism Investors Summit will be organized in New Delhi from 10-12 April 2023. The Ministry of Tourism in New Delhi will organize the first Global Tourism Investors Summit from 10 to 12 April.

 

3. Jio is India’s strongest brand, ranked 9th globally: Brand Finance Report: Reliance Jio has been ranked as the strongest brand in India and placed 9th among the world’s strongest brands, according to the report ‘Global 500 – 2023’ published by Brand Finance. Jio was placed ninth among the world’s strongest brands ahead of brands like EY, Coca-Cola, Accenture and Porsche, and behind the likes of Google, YouTube, Deloitte, and Instagram. With a Brand Strength Index of 90.2, Jio is the only brand among the world’s strongest 25 brands, according to the Brand Finance listing. The report titled ‘Global 500 – 2023’ is published annually and ranks the world’s most valuable and strongest brands.

 

4. UNESCO to dedicate International Day of Education to Afghan Girls: UNESCO has decided to dedicate the International Day of Education on the 24th of January 2023 to Afghan girls and women. It said that no country in the world should bar women and girls from receiving an education and it is a universal human right that must be respected. The international community has the responsibility to ensure that the rights of Afghan girls and women are restored without delay. According to UNESCO, currently, around 80 percent of school-aged Afghan girls and young women are out of school under Taliban rule, as they denied them access to secondary schools and universities.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. EXIM Data: Trade Deficit narrows by 10 billion USD: According to the revised data, the nation's foreign trade between April 2022 and November 2022 differs from the estimates made by the Ministry of Commerce. The total merchandise exports made by India during these eight months amount to 298 billion USD (earlier it was 276 billion USD). The import bill is now estimated to be $493.5 billion, about $1.7 billion higher than initial numbers. The trade deficit was 10 billion USD lower than the estimates made previously.

 

2. India to become $26 trillion economy by 2047: EY report: According to an EY report, the Indian Economy is very likely to hit the $26 trillion mark by the year 2047, which will also be the 100th year of India’s independence. The report also showed that the country’s per capita income would exceed $15,000, placing it among the top developed economies. It also noted that despite maintaining a stable yet modest growth rate of 6% per annum, India would still be able to become a $26 trillion economy (in nominal terms) by 2047-48, with the per capita income at six times the current levels. According to EY’s report, few factor have contributed in positioning India for higher and sustainable growth. These include the recent accelerated pace of economic reforms in important areas like social inclusion, financial inclusion, improving and transforming fiscal, physical, and digital infrastructure, etc. A decade ago Indian GDP was the eleventh largest globally. And recently India’s economy had overtaken that of the United Kingdom to become the fifth biggest in the world (in terms of size), according to figures from the International Monetary Fund.

 

3. SBI General Insurance partnered with HP Police and Doers NGO: SBI General Insurance has partnered with Doers NGO to assist Himachal Pradesh police in reducing the number of traffic accidents under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. SBI General has donated a well-equipped ambulance which would provide timely medical care to the road accident victims in the Mandi district within the ‘Golden hour’. Objective – To provide timely treatment and facilitate lifesaving medical resources for road accident victims. According to a report by the Ministry of Road Transports and Highways Transport (MoRTH) Research Wing, road accidents in India kills almost 1.5 lakh people annually. India accounts for almost 11 percent of the accident-related deaths in the World. MD & CEO of SBI General Insurance – Kishore Kumar Poludasu

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. ESAF Bank bags Inclusive Finance India Awards 2022: ESAF Small Finance Bank has bagged the prestigious Inclusive Finance India Awards 2022 for its contributions to advancing the goal of financial inclusion and supporting inclusive growth. K. Paul Thomas (MD and CEO, ESAF Bank) received the award from Anantha Nageshwaran (Chief Economic Advisor) at the 19th Inclusive Finance India Summit in New Delhi. This award recognized ESAF’s unique spectrum of Financial Inclusion projects ESAF Dhansree, and ESAF Udyog Jyothi.

 

2. RV Prassad awarded the most distinguished scientist of the year 2022: R Vishnu Prassad has been awarded “the most distinguished scientist of the year 2022” at the Indian Achievers Award at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi. The award recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions in various fields, including culture, science, sports, and innovation. Anurag Thakur has honored R Vishnu Prassad, a scientist with 69 patents with the Indian Achievers Award as the most distinguished scientist of the year.

 

3. Nepalese ophthalmologist Dr. Sanduk Ruit won Bahrain’s ISA Award: Himalayan Cataract Project Co-Founder and noted Nepali ophthalmologist Sanduk Ruit has won the ISA Award 2021-22 for Service to Humanity, a top civilian award of Bahrain. He is fondly called as “God of Sight” to have saved 1,20,000 eyesight who would have otherwise gone blind in absence of treatment. The award carries a cash prize of US$1 million, a certificate of merit, and a gold medallion. He is a recipient of the Padma Shri award, the National Order of Merit of Bhutan, and the Ramon Magsaysay Award. In 2016, he was awarded the ‘Asian Game Changer Award.’

 

4. 21 islands of Andaman & Nicobar renamed after Param Vir Chakra Awardees: Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed the 21 largest unnamed islands of Andaman & Nicobar after Param Vir Chakra awardees on  January 23, 2023, via video conferencing. He has also unveiled the model of the National Memorial dedicated to Netaji, to be constructed on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep (earlier known as Ross Islands). The event was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief of Defence Staff General, Anil Chauhan.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India & Egypt Joint Training Exercise Cyclone – I begin in Rajasthan: Indian Army and Egyptian Army have commenced Exercise Cyclone-I, the first-ever joint exercise between their special forces.The 14-day-long joint exercise is in progress at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The first of its kind joint Exercise Cyclone-I, being held in the deserts of Rajasthan, is seeing the Special Forces contingents of India and Egypt engage in various activities to enhance their skills. The activities include Sniping, Combat Free Fall, Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Designation, and sharing of information on weapons, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques & procedures.

The goal of Exercise Cyclone-I is to improve defence cooperation between the two countries.

The Exercise will concentrate on professional skill sharing and Special Forces interoperability in desert terrain while conducting counterterrorism, reconnaissance, raids, and other special operations

 

2. Fifth Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir inducted into Indian Navy: The fifth Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir has been inducted into Indian Navy on January 23, 2023. Mumbai’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in collaboration with the France-based Naval Group built it.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, commissioned it. It will boost the capabilities of the Indian Navy as it is capable of undertaking diverse missions including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, etc.

 

3. Indian Navy conducts “AMPHEX 2023” mega exercise in Andhra Pradesh: The Indian Navy has organized a six-day-long mega biennial tri-services amphibious exercise 'AMPHEX 2023' near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh from January 17 to 22, 2023. The military exercise was organized between the Indian Navy, Army, and IAF. It included complex activities in all domains that demonstrated and validated the high level of preparedness and excellent coordination It took place amid growing concerns over China’s increasing military forays into the Indian Ocean

 

4. BSF conducts 'Ops Alert' exercise: The Border Security Force (BSF) has started an "Ops Alert'' exercise with an aim to enhance security along the India-Pakistan border in the Kutch district of Gujarat and Barmer in Rajasthan. As per the release, this exercise commenced on January 21 and will continue till January 28 along the International Border from Sir Creek (marshy area). It is being carried out to “thwart any ill-designs of anti-national elements” during the Republic Day celebrations.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Co-founder of Netflix, Reed Hastings steps down as CEO: Netflix Inc co-founder Reed Hastings is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), handing the reins of the streaming service to longtime partner and co-CEO Ted Sarandos and the company’s chief operating officer, Greg Peters. Netflix has been under pressure after losing customers in the first half of 2022. He had co-founded Netflix as a DVD-by-mail business in 1997, saying the idea came from his frustration at having returned a rental of Apollo 13 to the local Blockbuster, a chain of physical stores in the US from where movies could be rented.