Daily GK Update- 8th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. DGGI, NFSU sign MoU for setting up digital forensic laboratories:  The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) signed an MoU with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to set up digital forensic laboratories, collaborate in research and training programs, and provide technical assistance. DGGI is an apex intelligence organization under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). DGGI collects and disseminates information and takes necessary steps to check evasion of GST.

 

2. IEEE C-DOT Certified Telecom Expert Program launched: Secretary (Telecom) and Chairman of the Digital Communications Commission, K. Rajaraman launched the ‘IEEE C-DOT Certified Telecom Expert Program (ICCTEP)’. Aim: To bring learning in the areas of Telecom, including 5G, Cyber Security, and Quantum Communication It was collaborated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT). C-DOT is the R&D center of the Department of Telecommunications.

 

3. PPAC signs Statement of Intent (SOI) with IEA: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas signed a Statement of Intent with the International Energy Agency (IEA). Reason: To strengthen cooperation in data and research in the energy sector to enhance global energy security. It will initiate cooperation in the energy sector between Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell PPAC and IEA The govt is also planning to provide training and internships by IEA experts to develop the skills. Minister of Petroleum: Hardeep S Puri

 

4. Centre sets up a panel to draft Digital Competition Act: The government has formed a 16-member committee to draft the Digital Competition Act within three months, after studying anti-competitive practices. Manoj Govil (secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs) chairs the panel. The panel will study the existing provisions of the Competition Act 2002, and related regulations to deal with the challenges in the digital economy. CCI will provide secretarial and research assistance and logistic support to the panel.

 

5. Reliance Jio, GSMA will train rural women in digital skills: Reliance Jio and GSMA launched a digital skills programme initiative to train rural women in India. Aim: To provide need-based training to rural women and individuals from marginalized/low-income groups to help them make meaningful use of digital access. According to the GSMA's 'Mobile Gender Gap Report 2022', women in India are 41% less likely than men to use mobile internet While 330 million women in India still do not use mobile internet, compared to 248 million men

 

6. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival begins in Mumbai: The 23rd edition of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has begun in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The nine-day festival, organized by the Kala Ghoda Association, will host a wide array of programmes in over 14 domains such as dance, music, literature, theatre, food, cinema, stand-up comedy, street art, urban design, architecture. It is an annual festival, commencing always on the first Saturday of February and closing is always on the second Sunday in February, in the Kala Ghoda area of South Mumbai, India. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival will be organised from February 4 to 12, 10 am to 10 pm every day. It was first started in 1999.

 

7. 7 February – Safer Internet Day: Safer Internet Day is observed every year on February 7. Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of using the Internet in a safe way. This year is the 20th edition of Safer Internet Day. The Internet can be used to exploit, blackmail, threaten, stalk, steal and more from unsuspecting individuals. It is important for your children to know what malicious individuals can try to do on the internet. Teach your children the risks associated with improper use of the Internet.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, EU set up three working groups under Trade and Tech Council: India and the European Union (EU) formed three working groups under the Trade and Technology Council (TTC). Reason: To deepen strategic ties with the trade bloc The working group will cover critical issues, such as: Strategic technologies, digital governance, and connectivity Green and clean energy technologies Trade, investment, and resilient value chains The TTC was jointly launched by PM Modi and EC Chief, Ursula von der Leyen in April 2022 in New Delhi.

 

2. Bangladesh will receive electricity from power plant in Jharkhand: Bangladesh minister, Nasrul Hamid has informed that Bangladesh will start receiving electricity from the Godda power plant in Jharkhand from the first week of March 2023. Nasrul Hamid said 750-megawatt power will come from the first unit of Adani power plant in Godda in March 2023. Another 750 megawatt of power will come from the second unit of the Godda power plant in April 2023. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) signed an agreement with Adani group for importing electricity from its plant at Godda in Jharkhand. Consequently, the Adani power company to supply electricity exclusively to Bangladesh is building two units of 800 MW each. It has also constructed a dedicated transmission line to supply power from India to Bangladesh.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. ITBP won the title of National Ice Hockey Championship 2023: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), one of the seven central arm forces, have won the National Ice Hockey Championship 2023 for the third consecutive time. The ITBP team won the title for the third consecutive time by defeating Ladakh Scouts in the final with a score of 1-0. They won the 12th edition of the tournament organized by the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI). The Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI) in Ladakh, Leh, organized the championship.

 

2. Australia’s Aaron Finch announced retirement from International Cricket: Australian men’s T20 captain Aaron Finch has announced his retirement from international cricket. Finch, who retired as the One Day International (ODI) captain of the Australian team last year, has confirmed his retirement from T20Is. Finch guided Australia to its maiden ICC World T20 title in 2021. Finch made his international debut in 2011 in a T20 International match against England. He made his ODI debut in 2013 against Sri Lanka. He made his Test debut against Pakistan in 2018. Finch played 146 ODIs at an average of around 39 and 103 T20 Internationals at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 142.53.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Canara bank appoints K Satyanarayana Raju as the new MD and CEO: The Union government appointed K Satyanarayana Raju as the new managing director and CEO of Canara bank, with effect from February 7, 2023. He has replaced L V Prabhakar, who resigned on 31 December 2022. He has 33 years of experience in all banking segments, like branch banking, corporate credit, etc. He also served as the executive director of Canara bank. He joined the Vijaya Bank in 1988 and has risen to the level of chief GM at the Bank of Baroda.

 

2. RBI hikes repo rate by 25 bps to 6.5%: The Reserve Bank of India increased its repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.5%. Reason: Core inflation remained high The repo rate has now been increased by 250 (225 + 25) bps since May 2022 by the panel. RBI predicted the real GDP growth for FY24 at 6.4%, while growth for FY23 has been pegged at 7%. RBI projected retail inflation at 6.5% (FY23) from 6.7% and 5.3% for the next fiscal year. Other rates:- SDF: 6.25%; MSF: 6.75%; Bank Rate: 6.75%

 

3. South Indian Bank launches wealth management platform: The South Indian Bank has launched a wealth management platform in partnership with Geojit Financial Services Ltd. SIB Wealth is an exclusive value-added service. It will help the bank's high net worth (HNI) customers to invest their money in the best financial instruments available in the market. Under this platform, SIB will be offering: Portfolio management services Alternative investment fund Systematic investment plan Mutual funds, Bonds, and Real estate funds

 

4. PhonePe becomes first Indian fintech to allow UPI payments abroad: PhonePe has launched a service that will allow the fintech firm’s Indian users traveling abroad to pay foreign merchants using Unified Payments Interface (UPI). UPI international' support merchant outlets in UAE, Singapore, Mauritius, Nepal, and Bhutan that have a local QR (quick response) code. Users will be able to make direct payments in a foreign currency from their Indian bank. Walmart-backed PhonePe claimed it is the first Indian fintech app to launch the service.

 

5. Airtel Payments Bank launched BizKhata for Small Businesses & Merchant: Airtel Payments Bank launched its current account "BizKhata" which offers unlimited transactions and instant activation for account holders across the country. This account was designed specifically for small merchants and business owners. It brings all business transactions to one platform and allows them to maintain clear records while enjoying multiple banking benefits, like Zero Minimum Balance, Secure, hassle-free payments, Auto Sweep Out etc.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Peggy Mohan won ‘Mathrubhumi Book of The Year’ award 2023: Author Peggy Mohan has bagged the ‘Mathrubhumi Book of The Year’ award at the fourth edition of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL 2023). Her book ‘Wanderers, Kings and Merchants,’ portraying evolution of language as the outcome of migrations, won the award that carries Rs two lakh as cash prize and a sculpture. Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah presented the award to Mohan at the valedictory ceremony of the four-day MBIFL 2023. MBIFL 2023, also known as ‘Ka’ in Malayalam, featured Nobel and Booker Prize winners and Jnanpith awardees and others among over 400 names in creative fields.

Daily GK Update- 7th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Yuva Sangam registration portal launched: Union Minister of Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan has launched the Yuva Sangam registration portal in New Delhi. Aim: To build close ties between the youth of the North East Region (NER) and the rest of India under the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. It aims to provide an immersive, multidimensional experience of various facets-under four broad areas - Paryatan, Parampara, Pragati, and Paraspar Sampark.

2. Agri ministry signs MoU with Digital Green: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare signed an MoU with Digital Green under public-private partnership framework. Reason: To build a national-level digital extension platform It will host a digital library of curated multi-format multi-lingual content, deliver curated content to farmers, and help extension workers to access it. It also upskills the vast network of extension workers for agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and rural livelihood missions.

 

3. CM Yogi inaugurates VFS Global’s visa centre in Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh CM, Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Lucknow. Aim: To enable citizens of the state to complete the formalities related to the visa application process for 10 countries with ease. 10 Countries: Austria, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Estonia, Hungary, Portugal, Germany, Italy, and Saudi Arabia VFS Global (Visa Facilitation Services Global) was launched in Mumbai in 2001. VFS Global HQ: Dubai, UAE

 

4. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired CEO Conclave at PLASTINDIA 2023: Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya has chaired the CEO Conclave at PLASTINDIA 2023 in New Delhi. The conference was attended by more than 90 CEOs from the plastics industry both from India and abroad. The conclave will create opportunities to showcase India’s capabilities and help facilitate the growth of the Indian plastics industry. Exhibitors from more than 45 countries of the world as well as more than 2,00,000 trade visitors from around the world participated in it.

 

5. PM Modi inaugurated helicopter manufacturing plant of HAL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a helicopter manufacturing plant of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Tumakuru (Karnataka). The Greenfield Helicopter factory, spread across 615 acres, 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. This plant is to become India’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility offering one-stop solutions for helicopter repair and maintenance in the days to come. The Light Utility helicopter designed in India is a three-ton class, single-engine, multipurpose utility helicopter with unique features. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for this plant in 2016.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IEA Report: India’s ‘LiFE’ initiative can save $440 bn globally in 2030: According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the 'LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative of India for the adoption of energy-efficient behavior can save the world $440 billion in 2030. About 1/5th of the emission cut is required by 2030 to put the world on a pathway to net zero emissions. PM Modi introduced the LiFE initiative at COP26 in Glasgow in Nov 2021. Aim: To tackle the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change.

 

2. Hillary Clinton announced USD 50-million Climate Resilience Fund: Former US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton announced a Global Climate Resilience Fund of 50 million dollars for women to fight climate change. This fund will also help to provide new livelihood resources and education. She addressed the salt pan workers near Kuda village in Gujarat's Surendranagar district. She also attended a programme in Ahmedabad to mark 50 years of SEWA (Self Employed Women's Association) as a trade union. SEWA was founded in 1972.

 

3. CAG to host 6th Shanghai Cooperation Organization SAI Leaders’ Meet: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is hosting the 6th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) Leaders’ Meeting in Lucknow. Out of the eight SCO Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) member country delegations participating in the event, the heads of SAIs from four countries – Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, alongside the CAG of India. CAG Girish Chandra Murmu has led the discussions on the theme “Integrating Emerging Technologies in Audit”. Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben Patel has inaugurates the meeting. The participating delegates are expected to hold discussions and share experiences on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security as well as concerns of digital technology.

 

4. 6 February – International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed every year on February 6. Objective – To spread awareness and educate people about the consequences and problems that females faced due to genital mutilation. Theme 2023 – Partnership with Men and Boys to transform Social and gender Norms to End FGM. The UN General Assembly designated February 6 as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in 2012.

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Women's Premier League to be held in Mumbai from 4th to 26th March: The inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 will be held in Mumbai (Maharashtra) from 4 - 26 March. All the tournament matches will be held in the Brabourne Stadium and the DY Patil Stadium. The auction of WPL players will take place on February 13 in Mumbai. IPL team owners: Mumbai Indians, RCB, Delhi Capitals, Capri Global Holdings (Lucknow), and Adani Sportsline

·         IPL chairman: Arun Dhumal

·         BCCI Secretary: Jay Shah 

 

2. Australia's Aaron Finch announces retirement from International Cricket: Australia's T20 captain, Aaron Finch has announced his retirement from international cricket. Earlier, the opening batsman had announced retirement from the 50-over format in September 2022. He made his international cricket debut in a T20I against England in 2011. He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2013 and his Test debut against Pakistan in 2018. He retires as Australia's leading run-getter in the format, having scored 3120 runs at an average of 34.28.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Sebi notifies stronger framework for green bonds: SEBI strengthened the framework for green bonds by introducing the concept of 'blue' and 'yellow' bonds as new modes of sustainable finance. Blue bonds: related to water management, and marine sector Yellow bonds: pertaining to solar energy For this, SEBI amended norms governing the issue and listing of non-convertible securities. Green Debt Securities: Debt securities are issued for raising funds that are to be utilized for projects falling under certain categories.

 

2. Raul Rebello appointed as MD and CEO of Mahindra Finance: 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 lyer, 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.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Manappuram Finance MD, VP Nandakumar receives Hurun India award 2022: VP Nandakumar (MD & CEO, Manappuram Finance Ltd) has received the Hurun India’s award 2022 for his remarkable achievements in the world of business. He was honored with the Hurun Industry Achievement Award 2022 in Mumbai. Adi Godrej (Chairman, Godrej Group), Cyrus S. Poonawalla (MD, Serum Institute of India Ltd), Kris Gopalakrishnan (co-founder, Infosys), and Sanjiv Goenka (RPG Group) were the earlier recipients of this award.

 

2. UNESCO soon declare Visva-Bharati world’s first living heritage university: Visva-Bharati University will soon receive the ‘heritage’ tag from UNESCO to take the distinction of world’s first living heritage university. This university was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921. It is one of India's major Central Government funded autonomous universities. The institution was given the status of a Central University in 1951 through a central Act. The Vice-chancellor of the University is appointed by the President of India.

 

3. 65th Grammy Awards Announced: The most prestigious 65th Grammy Awards in the music world have been organized on 5 February 2023 in Los Angeles. The 65th Grammy Awards were hosted by Trevor Noah. India’s music composer Ricky Kej along with rock legend Stewart Copeland has won the Grammy Award for Best Immersive Audio Album for the album Divine Tides. Kej has become the only Indian to win three Grammy Awards.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Google introduces AI chatbot 'Bard': Google launched its conversational artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot named ‘Bard’. It will be directly competing with Microsoft-backed firm OpenAI's ChatGPT. It will combine the world's knowledge with the power, intelligence, and creativity of language models. Bard is based on LaMDA, the firm's Language Model for the Dialogue Applications system. It helps to draw information from the web to provide high-quality responses. Google CEO: Sundar Pichai

 

2. ISRO plans to develop astronaut training module with IIT Madras: Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras. Reason: To build training modules for Indian Spaceflight Program, using augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies. The modules will be built at IIT Madras’ Experiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC). It will also be used to train engineers at Isro’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC).

 

3. Jupiter beats Saturn to become the planet with most moons: Jupiter is not just the largest planet in our solar system, it also has the most moons. This revelation was made after scientists found another 12 moons orbiting it. So, in total, 92 moons are revolving around the massive planet. The new discovery means there is a 15% rise in the gas giant’s known moons. The Minor Planet Center (MPC) operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory has published the orbits of the newly found 12 moons of Jupiter, as per a new report from Sky and Telescope. 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. Popular artist B.K.S. Verma passes away: Veteran Indian painter, BKS Varma passed away at the age of 74 in Bangalore, Karnataka. The subject of his paintings was mainly environmental and social issues presented in a surreal form. The legendary art teacher A.N. Subbarao at the art and culture institution trained him in art. He was honoured with the Karnataka Rajya Puruskar (2001), Rajyothsava award (2001), and Honorary Doctorate by Bangalore University (2011).

Daily GK Update- 6th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CAG's 6th SCO SAI Leaders’ Meeting to begin in Lucknow: The 6th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) Leaders’ Meeting is being hosted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in Lucknow on 6th February 2023. The meeting was inaugurated by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel. Theme: 'Integrating Emerging Technologies in Audit' Discussions topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, and concerns of digital technology. CAG: Girish Chandra Murmu

 

2. Youth -20 meeting begins in Guwahati: The first meeting of the Youth -20 engagement group under India's G20 presidency is being organized in the IIT-Guwahati campus, Assam on 6th February 2023. Aim: Provide an opportunity for the students to voice their opinions to the audience worldwide. More than 150 Youth delegates from G20 countries are set to participate in the meetings. Over 12000 college and university students also participated in these events.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister: Anurag Singh Thakur

 

3. PM inaugurates India Energy Week 2023 in Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 'India Energy Week 2023' in Bengaluru, which is being held from 6th to 8th February 2023. Aim: To showcase India's rising prowess as an energy transition powerhouse It will bring together leaders from the energy industry, governments, and academia to discuss the challenges and opportunities that a responsible energy transition presents. During the program, he has also launched multiple initiatives in the field of green energy.

 

4. Govt sets up task force to promote SSP fertilizer: In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Bhagwant Khuba informed that the government has set up a task force under the aegis of the Fertiliser Association of India to improve the quality of Single Super Phosphate (SSP) fertilizer. Aim: To promote its use as an alternative to Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) The government is promoting the combination of SSP and urea in a ratio of 3:1 in order to encourage its use among farmers

 

5. 96th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan begins in Maharashtra: The 96th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, the prestigious literary summit began in the Wardha district of Maharashtra. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and School Education, and Marathi language minister Deepak Kesarkar inaugurated it. The first Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was held in Pune in 1878 under the chairmanship of Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade. While speaking at the inauguration ceremony Deepak Kesarkar expressed concern that Marathi schools are closing down gradually and came out with a suggestion to discuss this issue in the ongoing literary summit. The government is focussing on imparting the education in mother tongue and one should consider the fact that those who studied in their mother tongue became successful in their lives.

 

6. Azad Engineering is India’s 1st supplier of parts for nuclear turbine: A Hyderabad-based market leader in precision engineering, Azad Engineering Private Limited has been approved as the first Indian company to supply critical rotating parts for nuclear turbines. The company has delivered its first set of critical parts. These will now be assembled on nuclear  turbines manufactured in Belfort, France. Azad Engineering has signed a long-term supply agreement with General Electric (GE) Steam Power for the supply of nuclear turbine parts.

 

7. Vice-President inaugurated 36th Surajkund handicrafts mela: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has inaugurated the 36th International Surajkund Mela at Faridabad, Haryana. It is an annual event that is organized on a large scale by the Haryana government from the 4 to 25 February 2023. This year’s theme state is the north-east region, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is participating as the partner nation, which includes India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It is a platform for artists across the globe to showcase their culture and talent.  It is the world’s biggest crafts fair. In 2013, the mela was elevated to the international level. Gradually, more and more countries participated in this fair. Today, this event occupies a prominent place in the international tourist calendar.

 

8. India’s unemployment rate declined to four-month low at 7.14% in January: The unemployment rate of India declined to 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% in the previous month. While the rural unemployment rate slipped to 6.48% from 7.44%. Among the states, unemployment was the highest in Jammu and Kashmir at 21.8% closely followed by Haryana at 21.7% and Rajasthan at 21.1%. Joblessness in Delhi in January was at 16.7%, Goa at 16.2%, Assam at 16.1% and Tripura at 16%. On the other hand, as per the data unemployment was the lowest in states such as Chhattisgarh at 0.5% followed by Odisha at 1.5%, Tamil Nadu at 1.8% and Madhya Pradesh at 1.9%. Budget 2023 has also focused on job creation in agritech, education, tourism, infrastructure, healthcare, financial services, health care and MSME sectors, indicating that the unemployment rate may continue to fall in the following months.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bangladesh will receive electricity from power plant in Jharkhand: Bangladesh minister, Nasrul Hamid has informed that Bangladesh would receive electricity from the Godda power plant in Jharkhand from March 2023. 750MW of power will come from the first unit of the Adani power plant in Godda in March 2023. Another 750 MW of power will come from the second unit of the Godda power plant in April 2023. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) signed an agreement with the Adani group for importing electricity from its plant at Godda.

2. India, France, UAE join hands to boost ties in defence, energy: India, France, and the UAE announced a formal trilateral cooperation initiative in the areas of defense, nuclear energy, and technology. The Foreign Ministers of the three countries held a telephonic meeting to adopt a roadmap for the implementation of this initiative. Aim: To promote the design and execution of cooperation projects in the fields of energy The countries will discuss further collaboration and training between their defense forces.

 

3. Australia announced removal of British monarchy from its banknotes: Australia announced that it will erase the British monarch from its banknotes, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s image on its $5 note with a design honoring Indigenous culture. The central bank’s decision to leave her successor Charles III off the $5 note means no Britain-based monarch will remain on Australia’s paper currency. The $5 bill was Australia’s only remaining banknote to still feature an image of the monarch. The existing $5 note will remain legal tender.

 

4. 4 February – World Cancer Day: World Cancer Day is observed every year on 4 February. This day is marked to raise awareness, provide education, and take action toward a world where millions of lives can be saved by providing life-saving cancer treatment for everyone. Theme 2023- Close The Care Gap The day was first observed in the year 2000 at the first World Summit Against Cancer in Paris.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Saudi Arabia to Host Football Asian Cup 2027: Asian Football Confederation announced that Saudi Arabia won the hosting of the Asian Nations Cup 2027, for the first time in its history, since its inception in 1956. This came during the work of the 33rd Congress of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in the Bahraini capital, Manama. Saudi Arabia was the only bid presented at the Congress in Manama after India’s withdrawal in December 2022. While Qatar will host the next edition of the Asian Football Cup from 26 June 26 to 16 July 2023.

 

2. Raphael Varane announced his retirement from international football: France defender Raphael Varane has announced his retirement from international football. The 29-year-old, who has 93 caps after making his debut in 2013, also helped Didier Deschamps’s side win the UEFA Nations League in the 2020-21 season. 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.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Reliance retail becomes first to accept digital rupee at stores: Reliance Retail has become the first Indian retailer to introduce Central Bank Digital Currency, also known as the digital rupee. The company has piloted the use of the Digital Rupee in one store in Mumbai. The launch of this facility was in collaboration with Innoviti Technologies, ICICI Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank. The RBI first introduced the Digital Rupees on December 1, 2022. Initially, It is limited to Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Bhubaneswar

 

2. RailTel bags ₹253.35 crore project from SBI for 4G connectivity to ATMs: RailTel Corporation has received Rs. 253.35 crore project from the State Bank of India (SBI) for providing 4G LTE connectivity to 15,000 offsite ATMs across the country. It will also take care of the operation and maintenance of the entire network for a period of five years. The project includes the set-up of a Network Operations Centre (NOC), backhaul connectivity to the Data centre & Disaster Recovery centre of SBI, a live dashboard for SLA monitoring, etc.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian music composer, Ricky Kej wins third Grammy for 'Divine Tides': Indian music composer, Ricky Kej won his third Grammy Award in the best new age album category for 'Divine Tides' at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. He has shared this award with Stewart Copeland, who collaborated with Kej on the album. Stewart Copeland is a Drummer of the iconic British rock band The Police. Record of the Year: About Damn Time by Lizzo Album of the Year: Harry's House by Harry Styles Song of the Year: Just Like That

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf passes away: Former President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf passed away at the age of 79 in Dubai. He ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008.

He has been declared a fugitive in the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto murder case and Red Mosque cleric killing case. In March 2014, he was indicted for suspending the Constitution on November 3, 2007. In December 2019, a special court handed Musharraf a death sentence in the high treason case against him.