Daily GK Update- 3rd Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India's first hydrogen train will come by Dec 2023 on heritage routes: Union Railway minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw has informed that India will receive its first hydrogen train by December 2023. It will run on heritage circuits like Kalka-Shimla and later it will be expanded to other places. The Vande Metro (mini version of Vande Bharat Express) is also being developed Vande Metro Aim: To help people living around big cities to travel to and fro in comfort between their place of work and hometowns. Railway Budget (2023-24:) Rs 2.4 lakh crore

 

2. Cooperation ministry inks MoU to help PACs provide: The Ministry of Cooperation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, NABARD, and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited. Aim: To enable Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to provide services offered by Common Service Centers Now, PACS will be able to work as Common Service Centres. This will help increase PACS's business activities and help them become self-sustaining economic entities.

 

3. Govt extends PM-KUSUM scheme till March 2026: The government has extended Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme till March 2026. Reason: It could not bear the desired result till now due to the COVID uncertainty. PM-KUSUM was launched in 2019. Aim: To add a solar capacity of 30,800 MW by 2022 with a total central financial support of Rs 34,422 crore. PM-KUSUM consists of three main components. Minister of New and Renewable Energy: R K Singh

 

4. India’s unemployment rate declines to four-month low at 7.14% in January: The unemployment rate of India declined to 7.14% in January 2023 (the lowest in four months) from 8.30% in December 2022. This data was released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). The urban unemployment rate declined to 8.55% in January from 10.09% (December 2022). While the rural unemployment rate slipped to 6.48% from 7.44%. Unemployment was the highest in J&K at 21.8% followed by Haryana (21.7%) and Rajasthan (21.1%).

 

5. DCPCR launches WhatsApp chatbot 'Bal Mitra' for children: The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) launched its WhatsApp chatbot named 'Bal Mitra’. It is an initiative to enable two-way communication between people and the child rights panel. It will help citizens and the commission to interact more effectively. Features of the chatbot: Complaint registration, searching information and tracking complaint status, and seeking information on admissions DCPCR chairperson: Anurag Kundu

 

6. Indian military concluded joint training exercise Trishakti Prahar: The Indian military has concluded the joint training exercise Trishakti Prahar, which was started in North Bengal on January 21, 2023. Aim: To practice battle preparedness of the security forces, using the latest weapons and equipment in a networked, integrated environment. This exercise was participated by the Army, the Indian Air Force, and CAPFs. The exercise concluded with an Integrated Fire Power Exercise at the Teesta Field Firing Ranges.

 

7. Madhvendra Singh appointed as first CEO of Gujarat Maritime Cluster: Gujarat Ports Infrastructure Company Limited has appointed Madhvendra Singh as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Gujarat Maritime Cluster (GMC). GMC is the first of its kind Commercial Maritime Cluster in the country aimed at creating a hub for maritime services of international standards. Gujarat Maritime Board established GMC through its subsidiary, Gujarat Ports Infrastructure Company Limited.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM participated in Krishnaguru EknaamAkhanda Kirtan for World Peace: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has participated in the Krishnaguru Eknaam Akhanda Kirtan for World Peace at Barpeta in Assam via video conferencing. Prime Minister also addressed the devotees of Krishnaguru Sevashram. Paramguru Krishnaguru Ishwar established the Krishnaguru Sevashram in 1974, at Nasatra village in Barpeta, Assam. He is the ninth descendant of Mahavaishnab Manohardeva, who was a follower of the great Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva. Krishnaguru Eknaam Akhanda Kirtan for World Peace is a month-long kirtan being held from 6th January at Krishnaguru Sevashram.

 

2. Reliance announced partnership with Sri Lanka’s Maliban Biscuits: Reliance Consumer Products Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited announced a strategic partnership with Sri Lanka-based Maliban Biscuit Limited. It was signed to bring Indian consumers a bouquet of domestic and globally recognized consumer brands and product choices that offer superior value propositions with exceptional quality. Maliban, a heritage brand and a household name in Sri Lanka, is a pioneering biscuit manufacturer well-known for the last 70 years for its range of quality products. The company has expanded its products to reach global markets and now exports to over 35 countries across 5 continents. With this partnership, Reliance and Maliban will develop unique value propositions that RPCL will utilize to strengthen their portfolio in the biscuit segment.

 

3. Adani Group acquired Haifa port for $1.2 billion: 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.

In July last year, the group announced the acquisition of Haifa Port with a local partner, Gadot, for $1.15 billion. India-Israel friendship dates back to September 23, 1918, when soldiers from the Indian cities of Mysore, Hyderabad and Jodhpur battled here for the freedom of Haifa.

 

4. 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. The iCET was announced by US President Joe Biden and PM Narendra Modi in May 2022. Objective – To elevate and expand strategic technology partnerships and defense industrial cooperation between governments and businesses Both countries affirm that the ways in which technology is designed, developed, governed, and used should be shaped by our shared democratic values and respect for universal human rights.

 

5. 2 February – World Wetlands Day: World Wetlands Day is celebrated globally every year on 2 February. World Wetlands Day was established in 1971 by the Ramsar Convention (officially the Convention on Wetlands) to underscore the importance of wetlands and their preservation. February 2 was chosen as the date to observe this day since it marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on that date in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The day is aimed at highlighting the vital role wetlands play in maintaining biodiversity and supporting human well-being. Theme 2023- It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Saudi Arabia to host 2027 Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia won the hosting rights of the 2027 Asian Nations Cup. It was announced during the 33rd Congress of the Asian Football Confederation, which was held on 1st February in Bahraini, Manama. Saudi Arabia has obtained votes from 43 countries to organize the 2027 Asian Cup out of 45 votes. 2023 AFC Asian Cup: Qatar (from June 26 to July 16, 2023) Saudi Arabia Capital: Riyadh; Currency: Riyal

 

2. Raphael Varane announces retirement from international football: Footballer, Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from international duty with France to focus on his career with Manchester United. He was a key starter for Les Bleus as they won the World Cup in 2018 and helped Didier Deschamps guide his team to the 2022 showpiece in Qatar. He began his international career almost ten years ago, on March 22, 2013. He became only the fourth player in history to win both the World Cup and the Champions League in the same year.

 

3. Dutch player Anish Giri won Tata Steel Masters 2023: Dutch player Anish Giri, five times the runner-up in Wijk aan Zee, has won Tata Steel Masters 2023. Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023 is the 85th edition of the annual chess tournament held in Wijk aan Zee.a The field of 14 players in the Masters section included the numbers 1 and 2 of FIDE World ranking, Magnus Carlsen and Ding Liren.

 

4. Prajnesh won ITF men’s tournament in Kuwait: Prajnesh Gunneswaran has won the final of the $25,000 ITF men’s tennis tournament in Al Zahra, Kuwait. He won by beating Khumoyun Sultanov of Uzbekistan in finals. It was the first title in 5 years for Prajnesh, who had won two $150,000 Challengers in 2018 in Bengaluru and Anning. It was the 11th title in the professional circuit for Prajnesh, who was ranked a career-high 75th in 2019.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NIA launched ‘Pay As You Drive’ vehicle insurance policy: The New India Assurance has launched a “Pay As You Drive” (PAYD) 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. Chairman of NIA – Neerja Kapur

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Odisha’s VK Pandian honored with FIH President’s Award 2023: Secretary to the CM of Odisha, VK Pandian was honoured with the FIH President’s Award 2023 for his outstanding contribution to hockey. He was awarded by FIH President Tayyab Ikram at the Bhubaneswar-Rourkela final of the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023. FIH President’s Award: It is a recognition to individuals National Associations or other organizations for valuable services to hockey Hockey India President: Dilip Tirkey

 

2. Former PM Manmohan Singh conferred Lifetime Achievement Honour in UK: Former India PM Dr. Manmohan Singh 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. Among the Outstanding Achievers honoured included Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Raghav Chadha, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla, and Indian women’s football team goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Legendary filmmaker-actor K Viswanath passes away: Legendary filmmaker, K. Viswanath, fondly known as Kalatapasvi, passed away at 92 in Hyderabad, Telangana. He was was born in 1930 in Andhra Pradesh and gained popularity in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films. He has made 50 movies since 1965 and was a celebrated filmmaker. He was awarded the highest recognition in Indian Cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke award in 2016 and Padma Shri in 1992. He also received five National Awards and 10 Filmfare trophies.

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.