Daily GK Update- 2nd Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. G20 Science 20 Inception Meeting held in Puducherry: The science 20 Inception Meeting was held on 30 January 2023 at Puducherry. Indian National Science Academy (INSA) President Dr. Ashutosh Sharma was the country’s chair of the deliberations. It was focused on scientific and technological aspects that would help the growth of nations. The theme of the meeting is “disruptive science for innovative and sustainable development”

 

2. Ministry of Defense becomes the largest buyer of MSME goods in 2022: Government e-Marketplace (GeM) informed that in 2022, the Ministry of Defense emerged as the largest buyer through MSME sellers. In 2022, the Defence Ministry procured Rs 16,747 crores worth of goods and services from the MSME sector. This was 250% higher than that of the procurement made in 2021. Among the states, Uttar Pradesh procured the maximum. Uttar Pradesh procured goods and services worth Rs 9,642 crore through GeM. In 2022, the turnover of GeM was Rs 106,647 crores. This is expected to double in 2023. As compared to 2016, when GeM was first launched, its turnover had increased by 17 times.

 

3. West Bengal CM inaugurated 46th International Kolkata Book Fair: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has inaugurated the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair at Salt Lake. The faith has been organized at Boimela Courtyard, Central Park Fair Ground, Karunamayee, Salt Lake Kolkata. Spain is the theme country at the fair. It is the world’s largest non-trade book fair.

It is also the world’s third-largest annual conglomeration of books after the Frankfurt Book Fair and the London Book Fair. The fair will be open for visitors from January 31 to February 12.

 

4. Madhya Pradesh government launched ‘Laadli Bahna’ scheme: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched the Ladli Bahna Yojana on the occasion of Narmada Jayanti. Through this scheme, ₹ 1000 per month will be given to the sisters of poor and middle-class families of Madhya Pradesh. 65% sisters of Madhya Pradesh will be able to get the benefit of this scheme. Women of all castes of the state – General, Backward, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes will be able to get the benefit of this scheme. Through the scheme, an amount of ₹ 60000 will be added to each sister’s account by the government in 5 years.

 

5. Yaya Tso to become Ladakh’s first biodiversity heritage site: Yaya Tso lake has been proposed as Ladakh's first biodiversity heritage site (BHS) under the Biological Diversity Act. The resolution was signed by the village stakeholders and the SECURE Himalaya project.

About Yaya Tso Lake:

·         It is known as a bird's paradise.

·         Location: at an altitude of 4,820m in Ladakh.

·         It is also one of India's highest breeding sites of the black-necked crane.

·         The Secure Himalaya project is funded by the Global Environment Facility.

 

6. Air Marshal AP Singh appointed as New Vice Chief Of Indian Air Force: Air Marshal A P Singh has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force. He has succeeded Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, who retired from service on 1st February 2023. He served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command. He was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on December 21, 1984. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College.

 

7. DRDO develops unfurlable antenna for space radar: Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) has developed a major subsystem for a space radar, which holds significant potential for ISRO and the military. LRDE is a Bengaluru lab of the Defence Research and Development Organisation. LRDE has been involved in the development of space-borne imaging radar for installation on satellites and has completed the development of an UnFurlable Reflector Antenna (UFRA). UFRA is one of the major subsystems of a radar.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian men’s hockey team chief coach Graham Reid resigns: Graham Reid has resigned as the chief coach of the India men’s hockey team following their forgettable performance in the just-concluded 2023 Hockey World Cup. He took over in 2019 and played a key role in the team winning a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics 2021. He submitted his resignation to Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey. He is a former Australian field hockey player who played as a defender and midfielder for the Australian national team.

 

2. Manuela Roka Botey appointed as the first female PM of Equatorial Guinea: President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has appointed Manuela Roka Botey as the first female prime minister of the country. She replaced former premier Francisco Pascual Obama Asue, who has been in the position since 2016. Before this, she served as the education minister and joined the government in 2020. President Teodoro Obiang was re-elected for a sixth term in office in November 2022. Equatorial Guinea Capital: Malabo

 

3. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina inaugurates ‘Ekushey Boi Mela’: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the biggest book fair of Bangladesh 'Ekushey Boi Mela’ in Dhaka. Theme 2023: Poro Boi, Goro Desh: Bangbandhur Bangladesh" (Read books, build the country, a country of Bangabandhu’s dream) The month-long book fair is being organized on the grounds of the historic Suhrawardy Udyan and the Bangla Academy. She has also distributed the Bangla Academy Award 2022 in recognition of literary works in Bangla. Bangladesh Currency: Taka

 

4. World Wetlands Day 2023: 2nd February: World Wetlands Day is observed every year on February 2 to raise global awareness about the crucial role of wetlands for people and the planet. Theme 2023: It's Time for Wetlands Restoration This theme highlighted the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration. The UN General Assembly adopted resolution 75/317 for World Wetlands Day on 30 August 2021. This day marked the adoption of the convention on wetlands on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.

 

5. India to be the theme country at 2025 Madrid International Book Fair: The Ambassador of Spain to India, Jose Maria Ridao has announced that India will be invited as the focal country at the Madrid International Book Fair in 2025. Spain is the theme country at the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair, organized in Kolkata from 31st Jan 2023 to 12th Feb 2023. Aim: To have a direct relationship with Indian authors They will expand the horizon to Indian publishers, cinema, and music.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Usman Khawaja won Shane Warne Men’s Test Player of the Year award: Australia’s opening batsman Usman Khawaja has bagged the inaugural Shane Warne Award as the men’s Test player of the year. It is named in honour of the legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne, who passed away in March 2022. Khawaja polled 22 votes to win ahead of Marnus Labuschagne (20) and Steve Smith (16). Khawaja has been Australia’s top run-scorer in test cricket with 1020 runs at 78.46 during the voting period. Along with his Australian teammates Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, and Marnus Labuschagne, Khawaja was last week selected for the ICC Test Team of the Year.

 

2. 1-7 February – World Interfaith Harmony Week: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated the first seven days of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week in 2010. Since then, it has been celebrated globally every year. These celebrations focus on creating mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue to promote harmony between people regardless of their faith. Jordan’s King Abdullah II first proposed the idea of World Interfaith Harmony Week at the United Nations in 2010. The UNGA swiftly adopted the resolution, declaring that February 1-7 would be commemorated annually as World Interfaith Harmony Week.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. GST collection at Rs 1.55 Lakh Crore in January 2023: The Indian government collected Rs 1,55,922 crore GST in January 2023. The CGST is Rs 28,963 crore, SGST is Rs 36,730 crore, IGST is Rs 79,599 crore, and cess is Rs 10,630 crore. The GST collection for January 2023 has reached over the ₹1.50 lakh crore mark for the third time this financial year, and is only second to the highest collection of ₹1.68 lakh crore in April 2022. The revenues in the current financial year up to January 2023 are 24% higher than the GST revenues in January 2022. The Ministry attributes this success to the various efforts made in the last year to increase the tax base and improve compliance.

 

2. Australia removes British Monarchy from its banknotes: The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced that it will remove the portrait of the British monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II from its A$5 banknotes. The new currency notes of the $5 would feature an Indigenous design rather than an image of King Charles III. The other side of the note will continue to feature the Australian Parliament. King Charles III, who became British monarch, is the head of state in Australia, NZ, and 12 other Commonwealth realms outside the UK.

 

3. FM Nirmala Sitharaman presented Budget 2023-24: Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman presented Union Budget for 2023-24 in Parliament on 1st Feb 2023. Seven priorities: Inclusive development, Reaching the last mile, Infrastructure and investment, Unleashing the potential, Green growth, Youth power, and financial sector

Funds allocated (in lakh crore rupees):

·         Defence Ministry: 5.94

·         Road and highways Ministry: 2.7

·         Railways: 2.41

·         Home Affairs: 1.96

·         Agriculture and Farmer Welfare: 1.25

·         Communications: 1.23

 

4. RBI’s Digital Payments Index jumps to 377.46 in September 2022: According to the Reserve Bank of India – Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI), released by RBI, the digitization of payments across the country has increased to 377.46 in September 2022 from 349.30 in March 2022. RBI introduced the composite Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) on January 1, 2021. Base year: March 2018 As per the Economic Survey 2022-23, India has the highest fintech adoption rate of 87% among the public compared to the global average of 64%.

Daily GK Update- 1st Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UPSC recommends Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi as new DCGI: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recommended Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi as the new Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). The recommendation will be approved by the Health Ministry, followed by approval of the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) led by PM Narendra Modi. He will replace Dr. V G Somani, whose extended tenure will be ended in February 2023. Dr. Somani was appointed DCGI for three years on August 14, 2019.

 

2. First G20 education working group meeting begins in Chennai: The first G20 Education working group meeting is being organized in Chennai on 1st Feb 2023 and will continue till 2nd Feb 2023.The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated the session. Discussion topic: K-12 education, tech-enabled learning, and skill development A seminar on the ‘Role of Digital Technology in Education’ – a unique initiative under India’s Presidency was organized at the IIT Madras Research Park.

 

3. Adani Group acquires Haifa port for $1.2 bn: The Adani Group has acquired the strategic Israeli port of Haifa for USD 1.2 billion. The deal was signed by Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani in presence of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. The Haifa Port is the second largest port in Israel in terms of shipping containers and the biggest in shipping tourist cruise ships. The Adani group will also develop real estate at the port to transform the Haifa skyline. Israel Capital: Jerusalem

 

4. Night Time Light radiance in India rose 43% in last 10 years: Report: According to the latest data from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the normalized Night Time Light (NTL) radiance in India has jumped to 43% in 2021 as compared to 2012. Economists to track the economic growth of regions across the globe use the night light. Bihar (474%), Manipur (441%), Ladakh (280%), and Kerala (119%) have shown significant growth. While a good increase was observed in Arunachal Pradesh, MP, UP, and Gujarat.

 

5. India's solar module manufacturing capacity to reach 95 GW by 2025: Report: According to the research firm, Mercom Capital, the solar module manufacturing capacity of India would reach approximately 95 GW by the end of 2025. The solar module manufacturing capacity as of September last year was 39 gigawatts (GW). Report title: State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India Indian PV manufacturers are strategically poised to expand their production capacities and adopt new technologies The US-based Mercom Capital Group is a clean energy research firm.

 

6. Tamil Nadu to host the first G20 Education Working Group meet: Tamil Nadu will host the first meeting of the Education Working Group on 1 & 2 February 2023 at IIT Madras. It will focus on four priorities and those are ensuring foundational literacy and numeracy, especially in the context of blended learning. As many as 75 delegates from G20 members and invited countries and three international organizations are attending. The seminar has generated a lot of interest among the G20 member countries with 15 of them having sent inputs highlighting their best practices in the field of digital technology for school, higher education, and skill development.

 

7. President Murmu addressed 31st Foundation Day of NCW: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 31st Foundation Day of the National Commission for Women (NCW) in New Delhi on 31 January 2023. The theme of the programme is ‘Sashakt Nari Sashakt Bharat.’

The theme is aimed at acknowledging the stories of women who have excelled their journey to leave a mark. NCW was founded in January 1992 as a statutory body under the National Commission for Women Act of 1990. It was established to review the constitutional and legal safeguards for women, recommend remedial legislative measures, facilitate the redressal, of grievances, and advise the Government on policy matters affecting women.

 

8. Visakhapatnam will be the new Andhra Pradesh capital: Visakhapatnam will be declared the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said at the International Diplomatic Alliance meeting in New Delhi. When Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, the new state got Hyderabad as its capital. The Andhra government in 2015 led by TDP’s N Chandrababu Naidu, operating out of Hyderabad in the interim, had declared that Amaravati, in the Vijayawada-Guntu region on the banks of the river Krishna, would come up as the new capital. Then in 2020, the state planned to have three capital cities — Visakhapatnam for the executive, Amaravati for the legislature, and Kurnool for the judiciary. The chief minister further announced that the state government is organizing the ‘Global Investors Summit’ in Visakhapatnam on March 3 and 4. He invited the states to Andhra Pradesh’s capital city and summit.

 

9. 1 February – Indian Coast Guard Day: The Indian Coast Guard Day is celebrated on February 1 every year to honour organizations that look after maritime security. This year, India will be celebrating the 47th Coast Guard Day. The interim Indian Coast Guard was originally established on February 1, 1977, to prevent the sea-borne smuggling of goods that hampered India’s domestic economy. On August 18, 1978, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Day was officially established by the Parliament to be celebrated on February 1. Currently, the Indian Coast Guard is ranked as the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world.

 

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies launched: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan launched the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) and Innovation Bridge. WE President Joe Biden and PM Narendra Modi announced the iCET in May 2022. Aim: To elevate and expand strategic technology partnerships and defense industrial cooperation between governments and businesses Innovation Bridge will connect both countries' defense startups.

 

2. UK to be the country partner for BioAsia 2023: The global business firm, BioAsia has selected the United Kingdom (UK) as its country partner for the 20th edition of the largest event in the biotechnological industry of Asia. Theme 2023: Advancing for ONE: Shaping the next generation of humanized healthcare. ‘O’ in ONE stands for One Health ‘N’ in ONE stands for Next Generation Health ‘E’ in ONE stands for Equity BioAsia 2023 will be organized from February 24 to 26 in Hyderabad, Telangana.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Murali Vijay announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket: Former India opener Murali Vijay has announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. He represented India in 87 international matches across all formats, playing 61 Tests, 17 ODIs, and 9 T201s. He scored 3982 runs in Tests with 12 centuries and 15 fifties, 339 runs in ODIs with a solitary half-century, and 169 runs in T20Is. He last played first-class and List-A cricket for Tamil Nadu in late 2019. The right-handed batter has also scored 2619 runs in 106 IPL matches, winning back-to-back titles with the Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2014, with two tons and 13 fifties, his last appearing in September 2020. In September 2020, he made his last professional cricket appearance in the IPL.

 

2. Chahal becomes highest wicket-taker for team India in T201 history: Yuzvendra Chahal has become the highest wicket-taker for Team India in T201 Cricket history. He achieved the landmark during the second T201 against New Zealand in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Chahal has taken 91 wickets in 75 matches, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar is second on the list with 90 wickets in 87 T201s. The third bowler in this list is Ravichandran Ashwin with 72 wickets.

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. GST collection at Rs 1.55 Lakh Crore in January 2023: The Indian government collected Rs 1,55,922 crore GST in January 2023. The CGST is Rs 28,963 crore, SGST is Rs 36,730 crore, IGST is Rs 79,599 crore, and cess is Rs 10,630 crore. The GST collection in January 2023 is the second highest, after the Rs 1.68 lakh crore gross mop-up reported in April 2022. The revenues in the current financial year up to January 2023 are 24% higher than the GST revenues in January 2022. GST Day: 1st July 

 

2. New India Assurance launches ‘Pay As You Drive’ vehicle insurance policy: The New India Assurance has launched “Pay as You Drive” policy for vehicles. Charges premiums based on the usage of the vehicle a comprehensive motor insurance policy. The policy has two components - third-party cover and own-damage cover. This policy offered features like discounts on renewals, coverage beyond the distance limit, and enhanced protections. The discount will be applied to the basic own damage premium. NIA Chairman: Neerja Kapur

 

3. RBI: Number of micro ATMs increases in 2022: According to data, released by the RBI, as of December 2022, the total number of micro ATMs across the country has reached 14.19 lakh. But, there has been no significant surge in the value of money withdrawn through these devices since June 2022 There were just about 3.56 lakh micro ATMs in India in 2020 The cash withdrawal in Dec 2021 was ₹25.2-lakh crore.
It grew to only about ₹25.5-lakh crore by November 2022 The data for cash withdrawal for December was not released

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Former PM Manmohan Singh conferred Lifetime Achievement Honour in UK: Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh (India) was conferred a Lifetime Achievement Honour by the India-UK Achievers Honours in London. He was awarded for his contribution to economic and political life. The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK handed it over to him in New Delhi. Living Legend Honour: Lord Karan Bilimoria and Opposition Labour Party MP Virendra Sharma Outstanding Achievers: Parineeti Chopra, Raghav Chadha, Adar Poonawalla, and Aditi Chauhan

 

2. Odisha’s VK Pandian honoured with FIH President’s Award 2023: An IAS officer, and private secretary to Odisha CM, V Karthikeyan Pandian has been conferred with FIH’s President’s award. Pandian was awarded for successfully hosting the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 in Bhubaneswar and Sundargarh. Previously, He successfully organized other hockey tournaments like the Champions Trophy, Hockey World League, and FIH Pro-League.

 

3. Best marching contingents & tableaux of Republic Day Parade 2023 announced: The government has announced the list of the best marching contingents and tableaux for the Republic Day Parade 2023. Results have been announced on the basis of the assessment of the panels and online poll for the popular choice. Three panels of judges were appointed for assessing the performance of Marching Contingents from three Services, Marching Contingents from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)/other auxiliary forces and tableaux from various States/Union Territories and Ministries/Departments. On the basis of the assessment of the panels, the results are as under –

·         Best Marching Contingent among the three services – Punjab Regiment Centre Contingent

·         Best Marching Contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary forces – CRPF Marching Contingent

·         Best three Tableaux (States/UTs)-

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Law Minister, Shanti Bhushan passes away: Former Union Law Minister and veteran lawyer, Shanti Bhushan passed away at the age of 97 in New Delhi. He served as the law minister of India under the Morarji Desai government from 1977 to 1979. He was best known for successfully arguing for setting aside the election of Indira Gandhi in 1975. In his political career, he was a member of Congress and later joined the Janata Party. He also served as a Rajya Sabha member from 14 July 1977 to 2 April 1980.

Daily GK Update- 31st Jan, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Puma India ropes Harmanpreet Singh as brand ambassador: Puma India (Sports brand) has appointed women’s cricket team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur as a brand ambassador. She will endorse the footwear, apparel, and accessories throughout the year. With this, Harmanpreet joins PUMA’s roster of brand ambassadors which includes Virat Kohli, Neymar Jr, Sunil Chhetri, MC Mary Kom, Harleen Deol, K L Rahul, and Avani Lekhara. Harmanpreet Kaur has the record of the fourth fastest women’s T20I hundred in the world to her name.

 

2. IIM Ahmedabad ranked top MBA colleges in India: According to the latest ranking, released by the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF), the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad is the best college to pursue the Master of Business Administration (MBA) course in India. IIM Ahmedabad is followed by IIM Bengaluru and IIM Kolkata at second and third spots, respectively. Among private colleges, the Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur has topped the rankings.

 

3. First Employment Working Group Meeting will be held in Jodhpur: The first Employment Working Group Meeting under the Sherpa track of the G20 will be held from February 2 to 4 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Sherpas and delegates from 20 countries including Australia, Italy, Japan, and China are expected to attend the meeting. The Focus areas of The Employment Working Group Meeting will target issues including addressing Global Skill Gaps, Gig and Platform Economy and Social Protection, and Sustainable Financing of Social Security. The city has been decorated with Rajasthani culture and a special theme. Dishes specially prepared with millets will be served to the Sherpas and delegates.

 

4. PM Modi released special Rs 75 coin to mark 75 successful years of NCC: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released a special day cover and a commemorative specially minted coin of Rs 75 denomination on the occasion of 75 successful years of the National Cadet Corps (NCC).

The NCC rally was held on the occasion of the commemoration of 75 years at the Cariappa Ground in Delhi. 196 officers and cadets from 19 foreign countries also participated in the rally.

The NCC was formed in 1948 on the recommendation of H N Kunzru Committee-1946 under National Cadet Corps Act, 1948. NCC is the largest uniformed youth organization in the world. Director General of NCC – Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh

 

5. National Child Science Congress organized in Ahmedabad: The 30th National Child Science Congress has organized at Science City in Ahmedabad. It was inaugurated by Vijay Nahera, Secretary, Gujarat Science and Technology Department. More than 1400 delegates including child scientists, escort teachers, evaluators and government officials participated in it. More than 850 students from across the country showcased their unique projects at the Congress.

 

6. Air Marshal AP Singh appointed as new Vice Chief of Air Force: Air Marshal Amanpreet Singh has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He replaced Air Marshal Sandeep Singh. Air Marshal AP Singh is currently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command, Prayagraj. Air Marshal AP Singh was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 21 December 1984. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot with more than 4,900 hours of service flying on a variety of fixed wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

 

7. ISRO to launch Aditya-L1 by June-July 2023: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is planning to launch the Aditya-L1 mission by June or July 2023. Aditya L1 is the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun from a halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system. This mission with seven payloads on board to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) will provide greater advantage of observing the solar activities and its effect on space weather. 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.

 

8. 30 January – Martyr’s Day (Shaheed Diwas): On 30 January 2023, India observed Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas to pay tribute to all the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country. The day is also marked as the death anniversary of the nation’s ‘Bapu’, Mahatma Gandhi. Nathuram Godse killed Mahatma Gandhi on the evening of January 30, 1948. Every year 23 March is also celebrated as Martyr’s Day to pay homage to the three revolutionaries of India Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Morgan Stanley appoints Arun Kohli as new country head for India: Arun Kohli has been appointed as the new head of Morgan Stanley (India). He has replaced Sanjay Shah, who is set to retire. He has been associated with Morgan Stanley for the past 15 years. Currently, he is serving as the chief operating officer (COO) for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. Earlier, he was the MD for firm strategy and execution for five years, stretching from 2007 to 2012. Morgan Stanley, CEO: James P. Gorman; Headquarters: New York. USA

 

2. GRSE, Rolls Royce sign MoU for manufacturing marine engines in India: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has signed an MoU with Rolls Royce Solutions of Germany for the manufacture of high-quality marine diesel engines at the former's plant in Ranchi. The MoU deals with the transfer of technology related to engine assembly, painting, parts sourcing, and after-sales service for these engines Both will co-operate in the license production and localization of the technologically advanced MTU S4000 governmental marine engines

 

3. UNESCO designated Ukraine’s Odesa a World Heritage in Danger site: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Odesa as it faced danger from Russian air strikes. Odesa is a historic centre and strategic port city located on the Black Sea. In July 2022, part of the large glass roof and windows of Odesa’s Museum of Fine Arts, inaugurated in 1899, were destroyed. Empress Catherine founded ODESA.

 

4. 30 January – World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day: World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day is annually observed across the world on 30 January. Objective – To create awareness about Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). Theme 2023 – Act Now. Act Together. Invest in Neglected Tropical Diseases 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.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Murali Vijay announces retirement from all forms of international cricket: Veteran India opener, Murali Vijay (38) announced his retirement from international cricket. He last represented India in 2018 against Australia in the Perth Test. He had played 61 Tests, 17 ODIs, and 9 T20Is for India since making his debut in November 2008 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.He scored 3,982 runs for India in the longest format that including 12 centuries and 15 fifties. In the one-day, he had 339 runs that included a half-century.

 

2. 5th Khelo India Youth Games begins in Madhya Pradesh: The fifth edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2022 began in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Singh Thakur and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan have inaugurated this sports event at TT Nagar Stadium in Bhopal. Singer Shaan performed at the opening ceremony. Shaan sang the theme song of Khelo India Youth Games. Singer Neeti Mohan performed on Narmada Ashtak.

A group of 100 folk artistes along with drummer Shivamani performed on Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The Games will be hosted in Madhya Pradesh from 31 January 2023 to 11 February 2023.For the first time water sports namely Kayaking Canoeing, Canoe Salaam and Fencing will be part of this edition of Khelo India Games. It will be organized in eight different cities of the state. The eight host cities designated are Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Ujjain, Maheshwar, Mandla and Balaghat. More than 8500 athletes and sportspersons are expected to participate in this sporting event. The 4th Khelo India Youth Games was held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula (Haryana) from 4 to 13 June 2022 while some matches were also played in Chandigarh.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IMF expects Indian economy growth to slow down to 6.1% in 2023: According to IMF’s World Economic Outlook, the economic growth of India would decline from 6.8% in 2022 to 6.1% in 2023, before picking up to 6.8% in 2024. The report has also stated that the growth in emerging and developing Asia is expected to rise in 2023 and 2024 to 5.3% and 5.2%, respectively. Reason: China’s uncertain economic conditions The IMF also expected that global growth would fall from around 3.4% in 2022 to 2.9% in 2023 and rise to 3.1% in 2024.

 

2. Infibeam Avenues brand CCAvenue to process Digital Rupee: Infibeam Avenues Ltd’s brand 'CCAvenue' has become India’s FIRST payment gateway player to process Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) or Digital Rupee transactions for online retail merchants. The RBI launched the first pilot of the digital rupee for the retail segment on December 1, 2022. The retail CBDC pilot has identified 8 banks:

·       1st Phase: SBI, ICICI Bank, Yes Bank, and IDFC First Bank

·       2nd Phase: BoB, Union Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank

 

3. Edelweiss MF launches India’s first passive short-term index fund: Edelweiss Mutual Fund launched India's first passive short-duration fund named Edelweiss CRISIL IBX 50:50 Gilt Plus SDL Short Duration Index Fund. It will invest in a diversified portfolio of Indian government bonds and state development loans (SDL). The scheme will invest 50% in Indian government bonds and 50% in SDLs. The index will be rebalanced every quarter with an effective date as the first business day of the month. Edelweiss AMC CEO: Radhika Gupta

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Usman Khawaja wins Shane Warne Men’s Test Player of the Year award 2023: Australia's opening batter, Usman Khawaja has claimed the inaugural Shane Warne Award as the men’s Test player of the year in 2023. He has been Australia’s top run-scorer in the five-day format since rejoining the Test team, with 1020 runs at 78.46 during the voting period.

Other winners:

 

·       Belinda Clark Award (Women's): Beth Mooney

·       Allan Border Medal (Men's): Steve Smith

·       Men's ODI Player of the Year: David Warner

·       Women’s ODI Player of the Year: Beth Mooney

 

2. Best marching contingents & tableaux of Republic Day Parade 2023: The government has announced the list of the best marching contingents and tableaux for the Republic Day Parade 2023. Results have been announced on the basis of the assessment of the panels and online poll for the popular choice.

 

·       Best three Tableaux (States/UTs): 

·       Panel-based: Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and UP

·       online poll-based: Gujarat, UP, Maharashtra

·       Best Tableau (Central Ministries/Departments):

·       Panel-based: Ministry of Tribal Affairs

·       online poll-based: CAPF

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Noted writer K.V. Tirumalesh passes away: Well-known poet and writer, KV Tirumalesh passed away at the age of 82 in Hyderabad (Telangana) due to an age-related illness. In 2016, he was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi award for his collection of poems - Akshaya Kavya - along with several other literary awards. His critical works include an essay on Da Ra Bendre's poems and existentialism in Kannada. He was also a retired professor, who taught at the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad.

 

2. Veteran actress and former MP Jamuna passed away: Veteran film actress, Jamuna passed away recently at the age of 86. 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.