Daily GK Update- 5th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mahindra Finance appoints Raul Rebello as MD and CEO: Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd's Board of Directors appointed Raul Rebello as managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) designate. He will replace Ramesh Iyer, who will be retiring on April 29, 2023. Currently, he is serving as the chief operating officer (COO) of the company. Before to joining Mahindra Financial, he worked as the executive vice president and head of rural lending and financial inclusion at Axis Bank Ltd.

 

2. Centre clears appointment of five Supreme Court judges: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu approved the appointment of five new Supreme Court judges. The strength of judges in the Supreme Court will be increased to 32 (sanctioned strength:34). They will take oath on 6th February by CJI DY Chandrachud.

Five appointed judges are:

·       Pankaj Mithal (CJ of Rajasthan)

·       Sanjay Karol, (CJ of Patna)

·       PV Sanjay Kumar, (CJ of Manipur)

·       Ahsanuddin Amanullah (judge, Patna HC)

·       Manoj Misra (judge, Allahabad HC)

 

3. Amit Shah laid foundation of Nano Urea Plant in Jharkhand: Union HM, Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of a ₹ 450-crore nano urea plant and township of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) in Deoghar, Jharkhand. It will be the fifth nano urea plant in India.

In 2022, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's first nano urea plant in Gujarat. Nano urea improves crop productivity, soil health, and the nutritional quality of produce. Aim: To address the imbalanced and excessive use of conventional urea.

 

4. Indian Railways introduces Garvi Gujarat tour: Indian Railways has introduced Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train under the ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ Scheme. This “Garvi Gujarat” tour will depart on 28th February from Delhi Safdarjung Station. Aim: To showcase the heritage of vibrant Gujarat Major attractions: The Statue of Unity, Champaner, Somnath, Dwarka, Nageshwar, Beyt Dwarka, Ahmedabad, Modhera, and Patan IRCTC has also tied up with payment gateways for providing EMI payment options to customers

5. PM Modi to dedicate helicopter manufacturing plant of HAL to nation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate a helicopter manufacturing plant of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Tumakuru (Karnataka) to the nation. The 'Greenfield Helicopter factory' will manufacture the Light Utility Helicopters. It has Heli-runway, flight hangar, final assembly hangar, structure assembly hangar, air traffic control, and support services. It complies fully with Industry 4.0 standard tools and techniques for its operations. Area: 615 acres

 

6. Punjab cabinet approves new Industrial and Electric Vehicle policies: The Punjab Cabinet under the chairmanship of CM Bhagwant Mann approved new industrial and electric vehicle policies.

Electric Vehicles:

·       Incentives for those switching over to electric vehicles under the vehicle scrapping policy.

·       Charging stations will also be installed.

·       The new industrial policy pitches Punjab as a favorite investment destination.

·       Introduction of public mining sites to ensure that sand and gravel are available at reasonable rates to common people.

 

7. DA&FW, DIL sign MoU to improve food security & double farmer’s income: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) under the Ministry of Agriculture signed an MoU with the Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago. Reason: To explore the opportunities to harness innovation to improve food security, address climate change, and allow farmers to increase their incomes It will look into innovation opportunities related to agriculture and food security in the context of climate change.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sri Lanka celebrates 75th Independence Day: Sri Lanka celebrated its 75 years of Independence from British rule on 4th February 2023. Theme: Namo Namo Matha - A step towards a century. The main ceremony of the National Independence Day Celebrations was held at Galle Face Green in Colombo. A special cultural arts festival Lankaralanka was also organized at Independence Square in Colombo. Union Minister of State attended the event for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan.

President: Ranil Wickremesinghe

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian golf player, Aditi Ashok wins Kenya Ladies Open title 2023: Indian golf player, Aditi Ashok clinched her fourth Ladies European Tour (LET) title at the Kenya Ladies Open 2023 golf tournament held at Vipingo Ridge, Kenya. She last won a Ladies European Tour golf tournament in 2017. She carded a 12-under to win ahead of Alice Hewson (England) and April Angurasaranee (Thailand), who finished with identical final scores of 3-under. Meanwhile, India’s Avani Prashanth finished tied-ninth and Amandeep Drall came tied-52nd.

2. Anurag Singh Thakur launched mascot, theme song for 3rd edition of Khelo India Winter Games: Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha launched the Mascot, Theme Song, and Jersey for the 3rd edition of Khelo India Winter Games at Raj Bhawan, Jammu. The third edition of Khelo India Winter Games is scheduled to be held from February 10 to 14 and is supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council as well as the Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir are organizing it. About one thousand 500 athletes from all over the country will participate in these games. The Khelo India Winter Games is a part of the Khelo India campaign, a vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to encourage youth towards sports and make India an emerging soft sports power on the global stage. The first edition of the Khelo India Winter Games took place in 2020 and hosts Jammu and Kashmir have topped both editions of the Games so far.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Cooperation Ministry signs MoU to enable Primary Agricultural Credit Societies: The Ministry of Cooperation has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, NABARD, and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited to enable Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to provide services offered by Common Service Centers. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah described this agreement as a win-win situation for all.

He mentioned that this will not only help fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of ‘Sahkar Se Samridhi’ but also strengthen both cooperatives and farmers. This will help in advancing the concept of Common Service Centres to the smallest unit of the country very easily. This agreement will enhance the business activities of PACS and help them to become a self-sustaining economic entity.

 

2. V Ramachandra appointed by RBI as member of Advisory Committee of SIFL, SEFL: The Reserve Bank of India has appointed V Ramachandra (former chief general manager of Canara Bank) as a member of the Advisory Committee of Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited (SIFL) and Srei Equipment Finance Limited (SEFL). Consequent upon the resignation of Farokh N Subedar from the Advisory Committee with effect from January 31, 2023, it has been decided to appoint V Ramachandra as a member of the Advisory Committee with immediate effect. After superseding the boards of SIFL and SEFL in October 2021, the RBI had appointed a three-member advisory committee to assist the administrator of the two crisis-ridden firms. The other two members of the committee are — Venkat Nageshwar Chalasani, former deputy managing director, State Bank of India; and T T Srinivasaraghavan, former managing director, Sundaram Finance Limited. The Advisory Committee shall advise the Administrator in the operations of SIFL and SEFL during the corporate insolvency resolution process.

 

 

 

Science & Technology

 

1. NASA-ISRO joint satellite 'NISAR' to be launched in 2024: NISAR, a joint satellite of NASA and ISRO, is planned to be launched in 2024. NISAR refers to NASA-ISRO SAR, is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory. It will also provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in Earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, landslides, etc.

·       Radar systems in NISAR: L – Band SAR and S-Band SAR

·       L-Band SAR: Designed and Created by JPL of NASA

·       S-Band SAR: Designed and created by ISRO

Daily GK Update- 4th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. The 36th edition of the Surajkund Crafts Mela commences in Faridabad: The 36th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela commenced in Faridabad, Haryana on February 3, 2023, and will continue till February 19, 2023. It was organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in association with the Ministry of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs. It was inaugurated by the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar. Theme state 2023: North-East region Partner nation: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

 

2. Bhupender Yadav launches ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’ for conservation: Union Minister for Environment, Bhupender Yadav launched the ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’ in Goa. It is structured on a “whole of society” approach to wetlands conservation. It enables affirmative actions for wetlands conservation at all levels of society and involves all strata of society. He also released two publications - ‘India’s 75 Amrit Dharohar- India’s Ramsar Sites Factbook’ and ‘Managing Climate Risks in Wetlands – A Practitioner’s Guide.

 

3. NTPC to host seminar on ‘Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage': NTPC will host G20 international seminar on Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) on 5 February 2023 in Bengaluru. This seminar will be attended by industries, policymakers, scientists, and academicians from different countries. Focus: Achieving clean energy transition and subsequently moving towards net zero CCUS is a technology that can capture and make effective use of the high concentrations of carbon dioxide emitted by industrial activities.

 

4. J&K LG Manoj Sinha inaugurates SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2023: J&K LG, Manoj Sinha inaugurated the SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2023 at Aquaplex Crown at Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu.

The fair was participated by the women's Self Help Groups from around 25 States and UTs across the country. Aim: To provide a platform for the rural SHG women to sell and promote their self-made products On this platform, the SHG will display handicrafts, handloom, and natural food items from different rural areas across the country.

 

5. Coal India arm MCL introduces drone technology in coal mines: Coal India arm, MCL has introduced drone technology through a web-based portal 'VIHANGAM' along with a drone and ground control system in coal mines. Aim: For environmental monitoring, volume measurement, and photogrammetric mapping of mines for digitalization of the mining process.

It allows an authorized person to access real-time drone video from the mine. This pilot project is at present operational at Bhubaneswari and Lingraj opencast mines, Talcher Coalfields.

 

6. First tourism working group meeting to be held in Gujarat: The first Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting will be held at Dhordo in Rann of Kutch in Gujarat from 7 to 9 February 2023 as part of the G-20. Union Minister of Tourism G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will attend the inaugural session of the meeting on the 8th of February. It will focus on Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination Management. The meeting will be attended by officials from G-20 Countries, invited countries, and representatives of various international organizations.

 

7. Madhya Pradesh renames Bhopal’s Islam Nagar as Jagdishpur: Madhya Pradesh government has announced that Islam Nagar village located in the Bhopal district has been renamed as Jagdishpur. Islam Nagar village is located at a distance of around 12 km from Bhopal and is famous for forts. According to certain accounts, the name of Islam Nagar used to be Jagdishpur 308 years ago. The iconic Mughal Gardens at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was renamed Amrit Udyan recently. According to the Madhya Pradesh Raj Bhavan website, Bhopal was founded in 1724 by Dost Mohammad Khan, an Afghan soldier. Dost Mohammad Khan established his capital at Jagdishpur, 10 km from modern Bhopal and named it Islam Nagar (City of Islam).

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Cancer Day 2023: 4th February: World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 each year to create awareness about cancer and to encourage its identification, prevention, and treatment. It is being observed with the slogan "close the care gap" -- a call for equitable access to cancer care. Blue and Orange are the official colors for world cancer day 2023. This day originated on 4th February 2000 at the first World Summit Against Cancer, which was held in Paris.

 

2. India welcomes Congo into International Solar Alliance: India has welcomed Congo into the International Solar Alliance. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Raymond Serge Bell, Ambassador of the Republic of Congo in the presence of the Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy), signed the International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement. About International Solar Alliance It is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization whose primary function is to promote solar development by reducing the cost of financing and technology. It is the nodal agency to implement ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’. It aims to transfer the solar energy generated in a specific region to meet the electricity demand of another region. Headquarters – Gurugram, India

 

3. PM Modi emerged as world’s most popular leader, with approval rating of 78%: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the world’s most popular leader with an approval rating of 78 percent. This was revealed in a Global Leader Approval Ratings released by a US-based consulting firm Morning Consult. Prime Minister Modi has left behind world leaders in terms of popularity as per the latest rating. These leaders include US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

 

4. 4 February – International Day of Human Fraternity: International Day of Human Fraternity is observed every year on 4 February. The International Day of Human Fraternity recognizes the importance of compassion, religious tolerance, and respect for one another. These values promote peace and bring the human community together. International Day of Human Fraternity was instituted to celebrate the historic document titled “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”, being signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, and Pope Francis on February 4, 2019. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 21, 2020. Motto: Harmony in difference

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sports Minister launches mascot for 3rd Khelo India Winter Game: The Sports Minister, Anurag Singh Thakur, and LG of J&K, Manoj Sinha launched the Mascot, Theme Song, and Jersey for the 3rd edition of Khelo India Winter Games in Jammu & Kashmir. The Winter Games are scheduled to be held from 10-14 February 2023 at Gulmarg, J&K. It is supported by the Ministry of Sports and organized by the J&K Sports Council and Winter Games Association, J&K.

Mascot: Snow Leopard (depicts the vibrant heritage of the Himalayas)

 

2. Sai Sanjay won Indian National Car Racing Championship 2023: Sai Sanjay has won the National champion in the MRF Formula 2000 class, in the MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship. He made his motorsports debut in 2015 and became the Rotax Senior Max UAE vice-champion in 2018. In the other championship classes, Viswas Vijayraj won the LGB F1300 National title while veteran Arjun Balu bagged the ITC crown, his 11th National title.

 

3. Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat won bronze medal at Zagreb Open 2023: Under-23 world champion Aman Sehrawat of India won a bronze medal in the men’s 57kg at the Zagreb Open 2023 Ranking Series in Croatia. He defeated USA’s Zane Raye Rhodes Richards 10-4 to win India’s first medal at wrestling competition in 2023. Sehrawat had earlier lost in the semi-finals to Japan’s Yuto Nishiuchi 15-5 after overcoming China’s Minghu Liu 8-2 and Georgia’s Roberti Dingashvili 11-8 in the qualification round and quarter-finals, respectively.

 

4. Kerala won first National Beach Soccer Championship 2023: Kerala has won the inaugural National Beach Soccer Championships held at Dumas Beach, Surat. Kerala’s goalkeeper Santhosh Kasmeer was awarded the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Rajasthan’s Amit Godara was the highest goalscorer, with 27 goals. The best player of the tournament was awarded to Kerala’s Siju S.

 

5. Joginder Sharma announced his retirement from all forms of cricket: Former Indian fast bowler, Joginder Sharma has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The cricketer is known for his exceptional bowling in the T20 World Cup 2007 Final, where India defeated Pakistan to grab the prestigious trophy. Joginder Sharma played his first international match in an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2004. He played eight matches for India, including four ODIs and four T20Is. He also played for Chennai Super Kings from 2008 to 2012 He currently serves as a Deputy superintendent of police in the Haryana Police.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank partnered with NIIT for building pipeline of High-Quality: HDFC Bank has partnered with NIIT Limited for the training of skilled Virtual Relationship Management professionals for the banking industry. The program is designed to build in-demand and advanced sales skills among the learners which will enable them to acquire new customers for multiple services and products. The immersive program is designed to develop a ready-to-deploy pool of skilled Virtual Relationship Managers. The extensive practice on real-life scenarios will equip the new professionals with the advanced sales skills and the confidence required for their job roles in the banking sector. Any Graduate/Postgraduate with 0-2 years of experience will be eligible for the program. The training will take place virtually using various online collaborative platforms. The Post Graduate Program in Virtual Relationship Management will empower learners to start an assured banking career with HDFC Bank and have an opportunity for consistent career growth.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Jupiter beats Saturn to become the planet with most moons: Scott Sheppard, Astronomer of Washington's Carnegie Institution for Science has discovered 12 new moons around Jupiter planet. Now, Jupiter has 92 moons. Jupiter planet has overtaken Saturn planet, which has 83 moons at present. The Minor Planet Center (MPC) has published the orbits of the 12 hitherto undiscovered moons of Jupiter. Of the 12 new moons, nine are particularly distant. The MPC estimates that these nine moons have orbits longer than 550 days.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran playback singer, Vani Jayaram passes away: Popular South Indian playback singer, Vani Jayaram passes away at 78 in Chennai. The Government announced the Padma Bhushan award for the late singer this year. She did playback for over one thousand Indian movies and recorded over 10 thousand songs. She sang in Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, Haryanvi, Assamese, Tulu, and Bengali languages. She had won National Film Awards three times and also was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by Filmfare (2013).

 

2. Former Law Minister Shanti Bhushan passed away: Former law minister and veteran lawyer Shanti Bhushan passed away recently at the age of 97. He served as the law minister in the Morarji Desai-led Janata Party government from 1977 to 1979, which came to power after the Emergency. He was also a founding member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which was formed in 2012. He was known for his activism and strong stance against corruption.

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.