Daily GK Update- 30th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ISRO to launch Aditya-L1 by June-July 2023: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch the Aditya-L1 mission by June or July 2023. Aditya-L1 is the first Indian space mission to observe the Sun and the solar corona. The ISRO recently received the Visible Line Emission Coronagraph (VELC), which is the primary payload onboard Aditya-L1, from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). VELC is the first scientific mission of India for studying the sun.

 

2. Khadi Fest-23 inaugurated in Mumbai: Chairman of Khadi and Village Industries Commission Manoj Kumar has inaugurated the Khadi Fest- 23 at the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Headquarters in Khadi Fest- 23 will run from 27 January to 24 February 2023. The fest will showcase apparel made of Khadi, Pashmina, Kalamkari, Phulkari, Tussar silk, etc while Dry-fruits, Tea, Kahwa, Honey, Bamboo Products, Carpets, Aloe Vera Products and others will be up for sale. Events and exhibitions like Khadi Fest provide a platform to the Khadi Institutions, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme – PMEGP and the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries – SFURTI units to market the products of thousands of artisans directly to customers.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. G20 International Financial Architecture Working Group begins in Chandigarh: The first G20 International Financial Architecture Working Group meeting under the G20 Indian Presidency is being organized in Chandigarh from 30th to 31st January 2023. Union agriculture minister, Narendra Singh Tomar, and food processing industries minister, Pashupati Kumar Paras Focus, inaugurated the meeting: On strengthening the international financial architecture. It also aims to address multiple challenges faced by vulnerable countries.

 

2. World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2023: 30th January: World Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTD) Day is annually observed across the world on 30th January to create awareness about Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTD). 2023 theme: Act Now. Act Together. Invest in Neglected Tropical Diseases Focus: On strengthening the interventions to promote equitable health services for all The first World NTD Day was observed on 30 January 2020. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of 20 diseases caused by a variety of pathogens.

 

3. India & Egypt signed an MoU on Cultural Cooperation: India’s Ministry of Culture signed an MoU with the Government of Egypt to strengthen cultural ties. The Culture Minister of India, G. Kishan Reddy and the Foreign Minister of Egypt, Sameh Hassan Shoukry, signed the MoU. This MoU has been signed for a period of five years. Under the aegis of the MoU on Cultural Cooperation signed between India and Egypt, both countries will host cultural activities in the fields of music, dance, theatre, literature, libraries, organizing festivals in the respective countries, research and documentation etc.

 

4. Third Interpol Young Global Police Leaders Program begins: The third edition of the Interpol Young Global Police Leaders Program being held in New Delhi with the of theme ‘Trust’. The event which is being organized by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) began on the 25 January to 2 February 2023. As many as 59 participants from 44 countries are taking part in the programme. The event brings together young police leaders holding vital assignments in their respective countries and helps them develop an international perspective and understanding.

 

5. India & South Africa signed MoU to introduce 12 African Cheetahs: India and South Africa have signed an MoU to introduce 12 African Cheetahs annually over the next eight to ten years. In terms of the agreement, an initial batch of 12 cheetahs will be flown from South Africa to India in February 2023. The cats will join eight Cheetah brought in India from Namibia last year. The initiative to reintroduce cheetah to a former range state is being carried out following the local extinction of this iconic species due to overhunting and loss of habitat in the last century.

 

6. South Africa to host 15th BRICS summit in August 2023: The 15th BRICS summit will be held in Durban, South Africa in August 2023. It was announced by the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov in a joint conference with Foreign Minister of the State of Eritrea Osman Saleh in Massawa, Eritrea. The foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, and China met for the first time on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in 2006, kicking off BRIC cooperation. Later in April 2011, South Africa participated, for the first time, in the 3rd BRICS Summit held in Sanya, China. Earlier in 2013, the fifth annual BRICS summit was held in Durban, South Africa. The head of state or heads of government of the five member states Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa attended it. In June 2009, the BRIC leaders held their first meeting in Russia, upgrading BRIC cooperation to Summit level. The BRIC leaders met for the first time in Russia in June 2009, elevating BRIC cooperation to Summit status.

 

7. Petr Pavel elected as President of the Czech Republic: Retired army general, Petr Pavel was elected as President of the Czech Republic. He defeated billionaire businesswoman Andrej Babis. During the election, General Pavel got 58.2 percent of the votes while Andrzej Babis got 42.8 percent. General Powell has been Chairman of the Military Committee of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Pavel has repeatedly expressed his support for providing military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine during Russia–Ukraine conflict.

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Novak Djokovic wins his 10th Australian Open title in 2023: Novak Djokovic (Serbian) defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greek tennis player) to win Men's singles 2023 Australian Open title in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is the 10th Australian Open championship and 22nd Grand Slam title (overall) of Novak Djokovic. While Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) won the Women's singles. Men's doubles: Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler (Australia) Women's doubles: Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková (Czech Republic)

 

2. Germany beat Belgium in the finals to lift the Hockey World Cup 2023 title: Germany lifted the title of FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India.

Germany defeated Belgium by 5-4 in the penalty shootout. With this win, Germany became the fourth team to have won three or more hockey World Cup titles, after Pakistan, Netherlands, and Australia.

List of the winners:

·       Best Player: Niklas Wellen (Germany)

·       Best Goalkeeper:Vincent Vanasch (Belgium)

·       Best Junior Player: Mustapha Cassiem

·       Fair Play Award: Belgium

 

3. Fifth Khelo India Youth Games 2022 begins in Madhya Pradesh: The fifth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2022 started at TT Nagar Stadium in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. XAnurag Singh Thakur (Union sports minister) and MP CM, Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the event.

The event will be continued till February 11 in eight cities of MP (Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Mandla, Balaghat, and Maheshwar) The Khelo India Youth Games was started in 2018 At that time the name of these games was Khelo India School Games

 

4. New Zealand to introduce Debbie H. Medal to honour women cricketers: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) introduced the Debbie Hockley Medal annual awards ceremony, to honour the outstanding female cricketer of the year. The medal will be the women's equivalent of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal. Debbie is the only woman to have won the supreme New Zealand Cricketer of the Year Award in 1998. She was the fourth woman to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. She was also the first woman to be elected President of NZC.

 

5. Australian Open 2023 title: Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open title for the 10th time by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 in the first Grand Slam Australia Open 2023. With this victory, Djokovic has equaled Spain’s Rafael Nadal’s record of winning 22 Grand Slam titles.

 

6. India defeated England to win Women’s U -19 T20 World Cup: In the first edition of the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, India defeated England by seven wickets to win the tournament.

England was bowled out for 68 in 17.1 overs. In response, the Indian squad easily chased down the total by the 16th over. For the first time the Indian women’s team has been successful in winning any ICC tournament. Indian player Shweta Sehrawat scored the most runs in the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. She scored 292 runs in 6 matches. Maggie Clarke was the top wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 wickets in 5 matches.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RenewBuy launches customized health insurance plan: RenewBuy has launched its first line of customized health insurance products 'RenewBuy Health Wellness plan'. Focus: On the large uninsured segment beyond the tier 1 markets. It is available in three variants: Gold Plan, Silver Plan, Wellness Plan. The product has new-age health insurance benefits, ranging from coverage of ₹2-5 lakhs. Up to 70% lower premiums are offered for senior citizens, and up to 50% lower premiums for people till 59 years.

 

2. NSE becomes world's largest derivatives exchange for 4th straight year: According to the Futures Industry Association (FIA), the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) emerged as the world's largest derivatives exchange in 2022, in terms of the number of contracts traded.

This is the fourth consecutive year when the exchange earned the top spot. In addition, the exchange was ranked third in the equity segment by the number of trades (electronic order book) in 2022. NSE HQ: Mumbai

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. MoE releases All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-2021: The Ministry of Education (MoE) released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-2021, covering all higher educational institutions located in Indian Territory and imparting higher education in the country. Highlights: The total enrollment of students in higher education has increased to nearly 4.14 crore in 2020-21 from 3.85 crores in 2019-20. Female enrolment has increased to 2.01 crore from 1.88 crores in 2019-20.

Daily GK Update- 29th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NMDC appoints boxer Nikhat Zareen as brand ambassador: National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with World Boxing Champion, Nikhat Zareen to represent NMDC as its brand ambassador. She won a gold medal at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2022 IBA Women's World Boxing Championships (52 kg category). She became the fifth Indian woman to win a gold medal at the IBA World Boxing Championships.

·       CMD, NMDC: Sumit Deb

·       Headquarters: Hyderabad

 

2. Mughal Gardens renamed as Amrit Udyan: The iconic Mughal Gardens in Rashtrapati Bhavan has been renamed as the Amrit Udyan. It would be open to the public from 31st January to 26 March 2023. This decision is said to be part of the government of India’s ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'. The cluster of about 15 gardens will collectively be known as Amrit Udyan. Individual gardens within the sprawling Presidential Estate - Herbal Garden, Musical Garden, and Spiritual Garden - will retain their names.

 

3. Suzuki to use cow dung for its CNG cars: India’s largest car manufacturer company, Suzuki Motor Corporation announced that it will use cow dung to power its CNG cars. Suzuki signed an MoU with Asia’s largest dairy manufacturer, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Suzuki has invested in Fujisan Asagiri Biomass which generates power from biogas derived from cow dung in Japan. The biogas could be used for Suzuki’s CNG models which account for approximately 70 percent of the CNG car market in India.

 

4. Luminous to build India’s first green solar panel factory in Uttarakhand: Luminous Power Technologies has announced its plan to build the country’s first green energy-based solar panel manufacturing factory in Uttarakhand. The new manufacturing plant located in Rudrapur is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2023. This state-of-the-art facility will be equipped with the latest technology to design and produce high-quality solar panels that will be used for both residential and commercial applications. Once operational, the facility, spread across 4.5 lakh square feet/10 acres will help enable a solar production capacity of 500 MW per annum, expandable up to 1 GW, producing a range of solar panels with a power output of 40W to 600W. This solar panel facility is fully robotic and will use 100 percent energy from solar power, he noted. CEO and Managing Director of Luminous Power Technologies – Preeti Bajaj

 

5. Woxsen University launched Project Aspiration in Telangana for girls: Woxsen University has launched Project Aspiration to empower adolescent girls of standards IX-XII of Model Schools and Junior Colleges of Telangana. Under the Project, the school principal selected a few deserving students to participate in the ‘Train the Trainer’ workshop, which commenced in Dec 2022. Over 3 weeks of training sessions, the girls were exposed to different aspects of future, developing SMART goals & learnt how to work towards achieving them. Professors from different schools at Woxsen briefed the students on various avenues of higher education and career opportunities. Anubha Jain, Counsellor at Woxsen University acquainted them with important concepts of mental health and counselling. The Project Aspiration team has organized various debates and discussed crucial social issues to open up young minds.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. MeitY, Meta announced list of 120 startups for XR Startup Programme: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Meta have jointly released the list of 120 startups and innovators for the XR Startup Programme. It includes an Accelerator and a Grand Challenge. Aim: To boost the emerging Tech ecosystem Out of the startups selected in the Accelerator Programme, over 30% are from tier II or tier III cities across India. It will discover, nurture, and accelerate Extended Reality (XR) Technology startups and innovators.

 

2. Former NATO general Petr Pavel becomes new President of Czech Republic: A former chairman of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) military committee, Petr Pavel has become the new president of the Czech Republic. He succeeded the former President of the Czech Republic, Milos Zeman. In a run-off vote, he defeated billionaire Andrej Babis. He has been a vocal supporter of the European Union and NATO, seeing the Czech Republic’s future as inextricably linked to their membership.

Czech Republic Capital: Prague

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India wins the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 World Cup title: India women's cricket team defeated England by 7 wickets in the final to win the first-ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, held in Potchefstroom, South Africa. BCCI secretary, Jay Shah announced a whopping cash reward of ₹5 crores for the entire India squad. England captain and stellar all-rounder, Grace Scrivens has been named Player of the Tournament.

·       Player of the Match: Titas Sadhu (India)

·       India's Captain for U-19 Women’s T20: Shafali Verma

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s forex reserves rise by $1.727 bn to $573.727 bn: As per the Reserve Bank of India release, India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $1.727 billion to $573.727 billion in the week ended January 20, 2023. As on January 13, 2023, the forex reserves of India stood at $561.583 billion. The Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) stood at $503.65 billion. FCA includes the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound, and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves.

 

2. Star Health and Allied Insurance, PNB enter into bancassurance tie-up: Star Health and Allied Insurance has renewed its strategic corporate agency tie-up for bancassurance with Punjab National Bank (PNB) for a long-term period. PNB will continue to distribute Star Health’s insurance products across all their branches pan India. It is a testament to Star Health’s customer service, and track record. Bancassurance: Contract between bank and insurance company to allow the insurance company to sell its products to the bank's client base.

 

3. NPST launched UPI API engine TimePay Evok for PAPG: Network People Services Technologies Ltd (NPST) has unveiled "Timepay Evok" as a UPI API engine to articulate its mission and relationship with digital merchants. With unique API services, UPI as a payment gateway can be integrated for both websites and App driven solutions for large-scale merchants. UPI has been identified as a revolutionary product in the payment ecosystem. It was launched in 2016. Co-founder, NPST: Deepak Chand Thakur

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran actress and former MP Jamuna passes away: Veteran film actress, Jamuna passed away in Hyderabad at the age of 86 due to health issues. She was born in 1936 in Hampi in Karnataka and started her career as a stage artist, debuting with Puttillu on Silver Screen. She acted in about 200 Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi films. She was identified with her role in ‘Satyabhama’ and became a household name for the mythological character. She was a former Lok Sabha MP from Rajahmundry in 1989 from the Congress.

Daily GK Update- 28th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 3rd INTERPOL Young Global Police Leaders Programme held in New Delhi: The 3rd INTERPOL Young Global Police Leaders Programme (YGPLP) is being organized from 25 January to 2 February 2023 in New Delhi, India. It was virtually addressed by INTERPOL Secretary General, Jurgen Stock. The event was organized by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). As many as 59 participants from 44 countries participate in the programme.

·       CBI Director: Subodh Kumar Jaiswal

·       INTERPOL Headquarters: Lyon, France

 

2. Amit Shah laid foundation stone for National Forensic Sciences University: HM Amit Shah has laid the foundation stone for a National Forensic Sciences University at the premises of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad in Karnataka. Aim: It will help to create expert manpower for the country to combat crime and result in the prosecution of criminals. He was also part of a road show in Dharwad and addressed a public rally in Belagavi district. He had a darshan of God Shambulingeshwara and visit Sri Basavanna Devara mutt in Dharwad.

 

3. Construction of "Bajrang Setu" to be completed by July 2023: Asia's second and country's first cable suspension bridge "Bajrang Setu" is being constructed at Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, and will be completed by July 2023. This bridge is coming up next to the famous 90-year-old Laxman Jhula. Laxman Jhula was closed in 2022 when it was found that it wasn't safe for pedestrians anymore. However, it will not be removed and will be preserved as a heritage. The construction of the new bridge would cost Rs 67 crores.

 

4. Government renamed Delhi’s Mughal Gardens as ‘Amrit Udyan’: The Central government has renamed the Mughal Gardens in New Delhi’s Rashtrapati Bhavan as ‘Amrit Udyan’. In keeping with the theme of ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence, the Union Government has renamed the Mughal Gardens as Amrit Udyan. On the occasion of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the President of India has given a common name to Rashtrapati Bhavan Gardens as Amrit Udyan. Designed in 1917, the gardens spread over 15 acres are also known as the “soul of the presidential palace. The Mughal Gardens were designed by Edwin Lutyens in 1917, and the first saplings were planted in 1928–1929. The Central Government had last year renamed Delhi’s iconic Rajpath as “Kartavya Path”.

 

5. PM Modi addressed 1111th Avataran Mahotsav of Bhagwan Devnarayan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the ceremony commemorating the 1111th ‘Avataran Mahotsav’ of Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan Ji in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan Ji was born in the family of a popular Mandalji Gurjar who established the famous Mandal Lake near Bhilwara district in Mewar. Devnarayan was a mighty warrior who fought many battles and wars against tyrannical rulers. He was also a ruler. Devnarayan is worshipped as an incarnation of Vishnu by the Gujjar community as a folk deity in Rajasthan and South-Western Madhya Pradesh.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian-American Raja J. Chari nominated as US Air Force brigadier general: US President Joe Biden has nominated Indian-American astronaut Raja J. Chari for the appointment to the grade of Air Force brigadier general. His appointment will have to be confirmed by the Senate, which approves all senior civilian and military appointments Currently, he is working as the Crew-3 commander and astronaut at Johnson Space Center, NASA He also served as an Expedition 66 flight engineer aboard the station NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

 

2. South Africa to host 15th BRICS summit in August 2023: The 15th BRICS summit will be held in Durban, South Africa in August 2023. It was announced by the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov in a joint conference with Foreign Minister of the State of Eritrea Osman Saleh in Massawa, Eritrea. The fifth annual BRICS summit was held in Durban, South Africa in 2013. BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. BRIC was founded in 2006 and later, in 2010, South Africa was included and it became BRICS.

 

3. India, South Africa sign MoU to introduce 12 African Cheetahs: India and South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce 12 African Cheetahs annually over the next eight to ten year. An initial batch of 12 cheetahs will be flown from South Africa to India in February 2023. The cats will join eight Cheetah brought to India from Namibia in 2022. Aim: To reintroduce cheetah to a former range state is being carried out following the local extinction of this iconic species due to overhunting and loss of habitat

4. Data Privacy Day 2023: 28th January: Data Privacy Day (DPD) is observed across the world on January 28 annually to sensitize individuals and disseminate privacy practices and principles. It encourages everyone to own their privacy responsibilities to create a culture of privacy. The theme for this year (2023) is ‘Think Privacy First’. On April 26, 2006, the Council of Europe decided to coin a Data Protection Day and announced that it will be observed each year on January 28.

 

5. Canada to commercialize world’s first photonic-based Quantum Computer: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced to commercialize the world’s first photonic-based, fault-tolerant quantum computer. The investment of 40 million Canadian dollars will enable Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc. to develop the quantum computer which will help solve complex data problems and could be used in finance, transportation, and health. This project of 177.8 million Canadian dollars ($142 million) is expected to create 530 new highly skilled positions in the high-tech and quantum computing fields. Founded in 2016, Xanadu, with the mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere, leads the development of PennyLane, an open-source software library for quantum computing and application development.

 

6. 27 January – International Holocaust Remembrance Day: International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed every year on 27 January. This day is observed to reflect on the atrocities inflicted by Adolf Hitler, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated six million Jews.

Theme 2023 – Home and Belonging The day commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in January 1945 from Nazi control. The Holocaust was Nazi Germany’s “Final Solution” for eliminating all Jewish people.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Aasif become the 1st Nepali cricketer to win the ICC Spirit of Cricket: Nepal wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh has been awarded the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award for 2022 after his selfless decision to refuse the run-out of Ireland’s Andy McBrine in their T20I match in the Oman Quadrangular Series back in February. Sheikh’s incredible gesture in the cricketing field saw Balbirnie safely reach the striker’s end after that batter had taken a tumble while running. Aasif thus becomes the first player from Nepal to win the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award. The award is annually awarded by the ICC to recognize the player or team upholding the spirit of the game.

 

2. England’s Ben Stokes and Nat Sciver won ICC annual awards: England Test captain Ben Stokes and England all-rounder Nat Sciver have won ICC cricketer of the year 2022 awards. All-rounder Stokes has been named Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year while Sciver won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year. Sciver, 30, is also named Women’s one-day international (ODI) Cricketer of the Year. The 31-year-old Stokes took over the Test captaincy from Joe Root in April 2022 and has won nine of his 10 Tests in charge. ICC awards winners for 2022-

 

3. Arina Sabalenka won the Australian Open title: Arina Sabalenka of Belarus has won the women’s singles title by defeating Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in the Australian Open 2023. Sabalenka has won the Grand Slam title for the first time, while Rybakina missed out on winning the Grand Slam for the second time. Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 4–6, 6–3, 6–4 in the final match played at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. While the Brazilian duo of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos won the Mixed Doubles title. The Brazilian pair defeated the Indian pair of Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza 7-6, 6-2 at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Mirza was the first Indian to win a WTA singles title in her hometown Hyderabad in 2005.

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UN cuts India’s Economic Growth Forecast by 20 bps to 5.8% for 2023: The United Nations (UN) has cut its GDP growth forecast for India for the calendar year 2023 to 5.8 percent, citing the effect of tighter monetary policy and weak global demand. Growth in India is expected to remain strong at 5.8%, albeit slightly lower than the estimated 6.4% in 2022, as higher interest rates and a global slowdown weigh on investment and exports. The government’s first advance estimate for growth in this financial year is 7 percent. The report projected India’s retail inflation to decelerate to 5.5 percent in 2023 from 7.1 percent in 2022 as global commodity prices moderate and slower currency depreciation eases imported inflation.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. New Zealand to introduce Debbie H. Medal to honour women cricketers: New Zealand Cricket has announced the introduction of the Debbie Hockley Medal to honor the outstanding female cricketer. Cricketer Debbie Hockley played 19 Tests and 118 ODIs for New Zealand from 1979 to 2000. Hockley was the fourth woman to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, in 2013.

New Zealand awards the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for the outstanding male cricketer of the year.

 

2. M Yeoh becomes first Asian to bag Oscar nomination for Best Actress: Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian to bag an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her movie “The ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once”. Malaysian descent, Michelle Yeoh has also won the Golden Globe Award in the Best Actress category for her performance in the movie ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ She was also nominated for the Gotham Independent Film Awards 2022.

Daily GK Update- 27th Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled world’s first intranasal COVID-19 vaccine: Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has unveiled the world’s first intranasal COVID-19 vaccine "iNNCOVACC" in New Delhi.It is developed by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance. According to the statement of the ministry, the intranasal COVID-19 vaccine is to receive approval for the primary 2-dose schedule and as a heterologous booster dose.

 

2. National Child Science Congress begins in Ahmedabad, Gujarat: The 30th National Child Science Congress started at Ahmedabad in Gujarat on 27th January 2023. It is being organized at Science City and will conclude on 31st January 2023. Focal theme: the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology, the Gujarat Council of Science City, and SAL Education is hosting Understanding Ecosystem for Mental and Wellbeing The program. More than 1400 delegates including child scientists and government officials will attend the congress.

 

3. Central Govt sanctions Rs 2,600 crore to Uttarakhand under RDS Scheme: The Central Government has sanctioned 2,600 crore rupees to Uttarakhand under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Reason: For the construction of new power lines, sub-stations, and underground power lines Aim: To strengthen the power supply system, the capacity of sub-stations will be increased in several districts including Dehradun All power lines in Haldwani will be underground The State's project has been approved in the Regional Power Committee meeting

 

4. Visakhapatnam railway station gets ‘Green Railway Station Certification’: Visakhapatnam railway station of East Coast Railway has been awarded the ‘Green Railway Station Certification with the highest rating of Platinum'. The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) presented the award. Reason: For adopting green concepts and reducing the adverse environmental impact. Visakhapatnam is one of the few railway stations to get this prestigious certificate. It has secured 82 out of 100 points in six environmental categories.

 

5. Delhi host first-ever India Stack Developer Conference: The first-ever India Stack Developer Conference was organized in New Delhi. Delegates from G20 countries and G20 Secretariat have also been invited to the conference. India Stack is a multi-layer cluster of digital solutions such as Aadhaar, UPI, Digi Locker, Co-Win, GeM, and GSTN, and has played a key role in India’s digital transformation. The conference will provide a platform for the Industry and developer community to explore ways to develop a robust start-up and innovation ecosystem within the country and also take India stack products to other countries. India Stack will be one of the focus areas at the World Government Summit 2023 which will be held at Abu Dhabi next month.

 

6. Annual Orange festival 2023 celebrated in Nagaland: Nagaland has celebrated the 3rd edition of the annual Orange festival 2023 at Rusoma village, under Kohima district. The department of Horticulture, Agriculture, Rural Development, Land Resources and Kohima Smart City is organizing the Festival. The Festival is conceptualized to recognize the hard work of orange growers while facilitating them the market linkages to sell their produce.

 

7. Andhra Pradesh CM launched 165 veterinary ambulances: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched Phase 2 of India’s first government-run veterinary ambulance network by flagging off an additional 165 veterinary ambulance units from Tadepalli. With this, the government will be providing quality medical services with a total of 340 veterinary ambulances. CM Jagan flagged off 175 ambulance units as part of the first batch of ‘Dr YSR Sanchara Pasu Aarogya Seva’ (Veterinary Ambulances) with state-of-the-art facilities, in May 2021. Each ambulance will have one doctor, a qualified Assistant and a driver-cum assistant. A small lab equipped with a microscope to perform 20 types of manure tests and 15 types of blood tests. The ambulances are also designed to perform minor surgery on bovine animals, sheep, goats, and pets.

 

8. 25 January – Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day: Himachal Pradesh celebrated its 53rd Statehood Day on January 25. It was on this day in 1971 that Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state of India. After India’s independence, Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15 April 1948, by uniting 30 hill princely states of the region. It was granted the status of a Union Territory on November 1, 1956. After this, in the year 1966, the hilly areas of Punjab were included in Himachal Pradesh. On 18 December 1970, the Parliament passed the Himachal Pradesh Act, and on 25 January 1971, Himachal Pradesh came into existence as a full-fledged state and became the 18th state of India.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2023: 27 January: The United Nations designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Reason: In honour of six million Jews killed in the Holocaust and millions of other Nazism victims under the Hitler regime between 1933 and 1945. Theme 2023: Home and Belonging The day commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in January 1945 from Nazi control The UN in its 42nd plenary session declared January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day on November 1, 2005.

 

2. UNESCO designates Ukraine's Odesa a World Heritage in Danger site: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) had designated the historic center of Odesa, a strategic port city on Ukraine’s Black Sea coast as a World Heritage in Danger site.

A UNESCO panel meeting in Paris awarded the status. This status will help to protect Odesa’s cultural heritage, which has been under threat since Russia’s invasion and enable access to financial and technical international aid.

 

3. 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. Objective – To explore the large, frigid worlds that orbit Jupiter, Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa Out of the 80 moons of the planet, these three were selected for their large oceans. The satellite is to be launched from French Guiana. Ariane 5 will carry the satellite. JUICE is 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.

 

4. 26 January – International Customs Day: International Customs Day is celebrated every year on 26 January globally. Objective – To bring light to the challenges and working conditions of customs administrators. Theme 2023 – Nurturing the next generation: promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional pride in Customs The Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) currently known as the World Customs Organization (WCO) was established on January 26, 1953. They formally announced the observance of ICD in an inaugural session that was conducted in Brussels, Belgium. The event was attended by renowned representatives from 17 European countries. To mark the establishment of WCO, International Customs Day is observed on the day of its conception. The World Customs Organization works on matters related to custom reinforcement, security of supply chain, and facilitation of international trade among others. Currently, the WCO comprises 182 member states from all parts of the world.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Women's IPL garners bids worth Rs 4,670 cr: BCCI secretary, Jay Shah has confirmed that the total bids received from the winners were worth Rs 4,669.99 crore (USD 572.78 million).

Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Adani Group, and Capri Global won the bid for the inaugural edition. The teams will be based in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow respectively. The Ahmedabad team was sold for the highest price INR 1289 crore, followed by Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Lucknow.

             

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UN slashes India's economic growth forecast to 5.8% for 2023: The United Nations has slashed India’s growth forecast by 20 basis points to 5.8 percent for the 2023 calendar year.

Reason: Higher interest rates and recession risks in the developed world weighing on investment and exports. The report has projected that global trade will contract 0.4 percent and the world economy will grow at 1.9 percent in 2023. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the agency kept its growth forecast unchanged for India at 6 percent.

 

2. Stressed Assets Securitisation Framework for Quicker Resolution: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a discussion paper on the securitization of stressed assets. Stressed Assets: NPA, written-off assets, and restructured loans Aim: To provide an alternative mechanism for the sale of bad loans, in addition to the existing asset reconstruction route. In September 2022, RBI announced that it will introduce a framework for the securitization of stressed assets The discussion paper broadly covers nine relevant areas of the framework

 

3. AU Bank launched credit card offering platform SwipeUp: India’s largest Small Finance Bank, AU Small Finance Bank has launched the SwipeUp platform. The platform will provide an opportunity to other bank credit cardholders to upgrade their card to one of AU credit cards. The bank has provided a platform to compare existing credit cards of customers within seconds. Thereafter, within minutes they can upgrade credit limit, cashback, reward point etc. The cards issued in SwipeUp platform are different from current credit cards offered by AU Small Finance Bank. While the new range of cards offer high value proposition to customers, the card plastic is biodegradable which is another step towards a better environment.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. President Murmu approved 412 Gallantry Awards to Armed Forces personnel: President Droupadi Murmu has approved 412 Gallantry awards and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others. These include six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumous, and 15 Shaurya Chakras including two posthumous. These include one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 92 Sena Medals, including four posthumous, 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 Indian Coast Guard Personnel for their act of conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty, and distinguished service.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Popular Mexican comedian Polo Polo passes away: Mexican comedian Leopoldo Roberto Garcia Pelaez Benitez passed away He is also known as “Polo Polo”. He was born in 1944 in Leon, Guanajuato, and is regarded as the “father” of the Stand-Up comedy genre. He hosted a program called Con Ganas in the 1990s. His most recent film role was in Cronicas Chilangas, which was released in 2009.