Daily GK Update- 10th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government appoints two new judges of the Supreme Court of India: The Government has cleared the appointment of two new judges of the Supreme Court - Justices Rajesh Bindal and Aravind Kumar. With this, the Supreme Court has regained its full strength of 34 judges. Rajesh Bindal: He was the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court. Aravind Kumar: He was Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court. Earlier, the government also appointed five judges - Justices Pankaj Mithal, Sanjay Karol, PV Sanjay Kumar, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, and Manoj Misra

 

2. Geological Survey of India finds Lithium and Gold Deposits: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found Lithium inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes in the Salal-Haimana area of the Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry has handed over the 51 mineral blocks, including Lithium and Gold to the state governments. Out of these 51 mineral blocks, 5 blocks pertain to gold, and other blocks pertain to commodities like potash, molybdenum, base metals, etc. Lithium is a Non-ferrous metal.

 

3. PM Modi inaugurate Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the three-day-long Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023 in Lucknow on 10th February 2023. He has also inaugurated Global Trade Show and launched Invest UP 2.0. It is the flagship investment summit of the Uttar Pradesh Government. Aim: To bring together policymakers, industry leaders, academia, think tanks, and leaders from across the world to collectively explore business opportunities and forge partnerships

 

4. J&K Govt launches project to promote sustainable agriculture: The Jammu and Kashmir government initiated a program to support their farmers and promote sustainable agriculture in the Union Territory. Reason: Growing concern for health and increasing demand for organic food The 'alternate agriculture system for sustainability' project is a part of the government's efforts to create a sustainable environment for agriculture. Aim: To create six to seven organic clusters per district, covering a total of 2000 hectares of land.

 

5. India Health Link signs MoU with UP govt to set up health ATMs: India Health Link has signed an MoU with the Uttar Pradesh government under their InvestUP program to set up a health ATM. It provides screening of various health parameters at more than 4,600 community and primary health care centers. It is a self-service, walk-in Health ATM. Individuals can get their screening done for 20+ vital health parameters including BP, weight, pulse, temperature, and ECG within 10 minutes followed by an instant report.

 

6. UP Government launched ‘Family ID’ portal: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched an online portal “Family ID – One Family One Identity” to make access to government schemes easier for the families of the state. Objective – To provide free or subsidized ration to those families who do not have ration cards and are not eligible for the National Food Security Scheme. Through the portal, families can create their ID and can avail the benefits of the schemes. For those who already have an ID, the family ID will be the same as the ration card ID.

At present, about 3.59 crore families and 14.92 crore people living in Uttar Pradesh are getting the benefit of the National Food Security Scheme. The ration card number of these families will serve as ‘family ID’.

 

7. PM Modi inaugurated Arabic Academy in Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Arabic Academy in Mumbai. The academy belongs to the Dawoodi Bohra community. The Bohras account for 10 percent of the total Muslim population in India. The community, which hails from South Asia, has ancestral ties to Gujarat. PM Modi also shared the stage with His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the present leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community.

 

8. Defence ministry partnered with Larsen & Toubro for modular bridges: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the procurement of 41 sets of Modular Bridges at an estimated cost of Rs 2,585 crore for the Corps of Engineers, Indian Army.

Each set of Modular Bridge shall consist of seven carrier vehicles based on 8×8 Heavy Mobility Vehicles and two launcher vehicles based on 10×10 Heavy Mobility Vehicles. Each set shall be capable of mechanically launching a single-span fully decked 46-meter assault bridge. The bridge can be employed over various types of obstacles like canals & ditches with quick launching and retrieval capabilities. These modular bridges will replace the manually-­launched Medium Girder Bridges (MGB) that are currently being used in the Indian Army. The new modular bridges will have additional advantages like increased span, less time for construction, and mechanical launching with retrieval capability.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gender Balance Forum and Women in Govt Forum to be held in Dubai: The Gender Balance Forum and the Women in Government Forum will be organized at the World Government Summit in Dubai from 13-15 February 2023. Theme: Women in Government Forum: Ready for Leadership: Shaping the Agenda for the Future World Government Summit 2023: Shaping Future Governments Aim: To bring together thoughts of leaders from around the region and the world. The leaders will also discuss new ways to advance gender equality and women's participation.

 

2. India's accreditation system ranked 5th globally: According to the recent Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2021, the national accreditation system of India under the Quality Council of India (QCI) has been ranked 5th in the world. The GQII ranks the 184 economies in the world on the basis of quality infrastructure (QI). India’s overall QI system ranking continues to be in the Top 10 at the 10th position (the standardization system (under BIS) at 9th and the metrology system (under NPL-CSIR) at 21st).

 

3. World Pulses Day 2023: 10th February: World Pulses Day is observed every year on February 10 to spread awareness about the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production.

Theme 2023: Pulses for a Sustainable Future

·       The UN General Assembly recognized the value of pulses in 2013.

·       The UN has also adopted the year 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP).

·       The UNGA dedicated February 10 as World Pulses Day in 2019.

 

4. 68th India International Garment Fair inaugurated in Greater Noida: Minister of State for Textiles, Darshana Jardosh has inaugurated the 68th India International Garment Fair at India Export Mart of Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh. India’s annual textile and apparel export stood at 44.4 billion US dollars in the financial year 2022 with an increase of 41% compared to 2021.

India is the second largest textile and clothing exporter in the world.

 

5. Google introduced AI chatbot ‘Bard’: Google has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered chatbot named “Google Bard” to compete with ChatGPT. Bard is built on Google’s existing language model LaMDA, the language model for the firm’s Dialog Application System.

Bard has been developed to compete with the currently fastest growing user application, ChatGPT, which has overtaken platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram. Through Bard, users can access complex information in simple language as before, not only that, but also get fresh, high-quality and accurate information from Google’s chatbot.

 

6. Indian-American student named as ‘World’s Brightest’ student: An Indian-American girl, Natasha Perianayagam has been named in the world’s brightest students list by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. Perianayagam has been named in the world’s brightest students list for the second consecutive year. She is 13 years old and is studying at Florence M Gaudineer Middle School, in New Jersey, the United States. The list was curated on the basis of the results of the above-grade-level tests of over 15,000 students across 76 countries. Natasha Perianayagam has also taken the Johns Hopkins Center For Talented Youth (CTY) test in Spring 2021, when she was a Grade 5 student.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

             

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bajaj Finance launches Insurance Mall: Bajaj Finance has launched an 'Insurance Mall' portal for its customers to ensure an Easy-buy experience. This new portal offers a plethora of policies, plans in the core insurance segment, and Pocket Insurance and Subscription.

Benefits:

·       100% digital process

·       An extensive product list

·       Budget-friendly premiums

·       Exclusively designed plans

·       Bajaj Finance also partnered with some of India's leading insurers to provide the best products to customers.

 

2. RBI expands scope of TReDS platform: The RBI decided to expand the scope of the Trade Receivable Discounting System (TReDS) platform allowing the use of insurance facilities. The RBI has permitted the eligible entities to undertake factoring businesses to participate as financiers on TReDS and allow secondary market operations on the platform. Aim: To boost trade of receivables increasing cash flows to MSMEs TReDS is an electronic platform to facilitate the financing of trade receivables of MSMEs.

 

3. Ujjivan SFB launched app for digitally challenged: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has launched Hello Ujjivan, a mobile banking application with 3 Vs — voice, visual, and vernacular-enabled features — to provide banking access to individuals with limited reading and writing skills. It aims to instill banking habits in its micro-banking and rural customers through the app.

The app is accessible by voice in eight regional languages: Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Gujarati, Kannada, Oriya, and Assamese Users can speak to the app to perform banking transactions and access services such as paying loan EMIs, opening FD and RD accounts, transferring funds and more. The app was co-created with Navana AI.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Dr. ABK Prasad selected for PCI’s excellence in journalism award 2020: Veteran journalist Dr. Anne Bhavani Koteswara Prasad has been selected for the prestigious PCI's Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award 2020. Reason: For his outstanding contribution to the field of journalism. The Chairperson of the Press Council of India (PCI), Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai conferred the award. ABK Prasad worked as the editor of mainstream journals in the State He was the Chairman of the Official Language Commission (2004 - 2009) in Andhra Pradesh.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 

1. ISRO successfully launches second developmental flight of SSLV-D2: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the second developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2) with three satellites on February 10, 2023, from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Three satellites: EOS-07, Janus-1, and AzaadiSAT-2 The first developmental flight of the SSLV was launched from SDSC on August 7, 2022, but it failed. Reason: Due to vibration disturbance for a short duration on the equipment bay deck

 

2. IISc and Samsung Semiconductor India Research join hands: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) have joined hands to promote research and development in the field of on-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. This partnership seeks to build cutting-edge ESD device solutions to protect ultra-high-speed serial interfaces in advanced integrated circuits and system-on-chip products. Solutions arising from this research will be used in Samsung’s advanced process nodes.

 

3. Skye Air launched India’s first traffic management system for drones: A Gurugram-based drone solutions provider, Skye Airon has launched the first traffic management system for drones in India. The software will allow drone operators to plan routes, make flight plans and assess risks before running drone-based operations in the country. The solution, called Skye UTM, is a first-of-its-kind for India. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari unveiled it. Unmanned traffic management systems will play a key role in how airspace will be managed, allowing multiple beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations to be run by different firms at the same time. Globally, several companies, such as US-based AirMap and Netherlands-based Airbus, offer such solutions.

Daily GK Update- 9th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Defence ministry, Larsen & Toubro sign contract for modular bridges: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the procurement of 41 sets of Modular Bridges at an estimated cost of ₹2,585 crore for the Corps of Engineers, Indian Army.

Designed and developed: DRDO It shall be produced by L&T as a DRDO-nominated production agency. Each set of bridges shall consist of seven carrier vehicles based on 8x8 heavy mobility vehicles and two launcher vehicles based on 10x10 heavy mobility vehicles.

 

2. Skye Air launches India’s first traffic management system for drones: Skye Air launched a drone-based traffic management system named 'Skye UTM' in India. It was unveiled by the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari. Skye UTM is a Cloud-based aerial traffic management system. It integrated unmanned air traffic with manned aviation airspace. The software will allow drone operators to plan routes, make flight plans and assess risks before running drone-based operations in the country. 

 

3. Jio-bp introduces E20 blended petrol: Jio-bp has launched E20 petrol and became one of the first fuel retailers in India to make E20 blended petrol available. E20 petrol: 20% blend of ethanol and 80% of fossil-based fuel E20 blending in petrol is being introduced in the country by the government of India. Aim: To reduce the country's oil import cost, energy security, lower carbon emission, and better air quality, among others. The government had advanced the target of E20 fuel from 2030 to 2025.

 

4. NCAER Report on Farm Machinery Industry in India: The National Council of Applied Economic Research’s (NCAER) report on “Making India a Global Power House on Farm Machinery Industry” was released. It was released by the Union MoS for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Shobha Karandlaje This study was sponsored by Mahendra & Mahendra. Purpose: To analyze the non-tractor farm machinery industry from both demand and supply side perspectives.

India’s farm power availability is at 2.49 Kw/ha in 2018-19.

 

5. Karnataka CM launched 108 Namma Clinics in Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has launched 108 Namma Clinics within the municipal limits of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Objective – To integrate promotive, preventive and curative healthcare services under one roof and provide quality primary care to people in their neighbourhood. Along with the treatments for common ailments like cough and fever, there will also be examination and testing of blood pressure and diabetes at the clinics. Even the medicines will be provided free of cost. Around 438 clinics are being set up in the urban areas across the state

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Visva-Bharati to be world’s first Living Heritage University: Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal is set to become the world’s first “Living Heritage University”. The university is expected to receive the heritage tag from UNESCO in April or May 2023. Visva-Bharati 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 President of India appoints the Vice-chancellor of the University.

 

2. India ranks first with 24 percent contribution to global milk production: According to production data from the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistics Database (FAOSTAT), India is the world’s largest milk producer, contributing 24 percent to global milk production in the year 2021-22 India’s milk production has registered a growth of 51 percent during the last eight years – 2014-15 and 2021-22 and has increased to 220 million tonnes in the year 2021-22. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying runs various schemes to benefit the economically weaker farmers in the dairy sector. Further, the National Programme for Dairy Development aims at enhancing the quality of milk, milk products and increasing the share of organized procurement, processing, value addition and marketing

 

3. World’s first ‘Super’ magnets for testing in nuclear plant developed: World’s first ‘Super’ magnets for testing in nuclear fusion plant developed by UK’s Tokamak Energy. Tokamak Energy announced that the Demo4 magnet has a magnetic field strength that is nearly a million times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field, making it capable of confining and controlling the extremely hot plasma created during the nuclear fusion process. Nuclear fusion has been hailed as the “holy grail” of clean energy, with scientists working on the technology since the 1950s. Tokamak Energy is aiming to be the first private company to produce commercial fusion energy, with the goal of demonstrating grid-ready fusion in the early 2030s.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. LeBron James becomes NBA's all-time leading scorer: LeBron James becomes the all-time leading scorer in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has surpassed a record held by the great Kareem Abdul Jabbar since 1984. He pushed his career total to 38,388 points. He has won four NBA titles and competed in 10 NBA finals. He has a career average of 27.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. Abdul-Jabbar took 1,560 games to record his total, and James set his record in just over 1,400 appearances.

 

2. Women’s Premier League to be held in Mumbai: The inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 will be held in Mumbai (Maharashtra) from 4 to 26 March 2023 in Mumbai. The Brabourne Stadium and the DY Patil Stadium will host all the matches with the tournament opener expected to be played between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians-owned franchise. The auction of WPL players will take place on February 13 in Mumbai. With the five teams fetching Rs 4669.99 crore and the BCCI selling the media rights for Rs 951 crore, the WPL is the second biggest T20 League in the world behind the Indian Premier League. Apart from three IPL team owners — Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals — Capri Global Holdings (Lucknow) and the Adani Sportsline have bought the five franchises. Around 1500 players have registered for the league. IPL chairman: Arun Dhumal

 

3. Aditi Ashok won Kenya Ladies Open title 2023: Indian golf player, Aditi Ashok has clinched her fourth Ladies European Tour (LET) title at the Kenya Ladies Open 2023 golf tournament held at Vipingo Ridge, Kenya. Aditi 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.

 

4. Kamran Akmal announced retirement from all forms of cricket: Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal has announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket. He is currently serving as a batting consultant for Peshawar Zalmi. He made his Test match debut against Zimbabwe in November 2002 and he also made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in November 2002. He featured in 53 Tests, 157 ODIs, and 58 T20 Internationals for Pakistan.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. MobiKwik becomes India's first app to support credit cards on UPI: India’s leading fintech, MobiKwik has become the first fintech application to support RuPay Credit Cards on UPI. The RuPay Credit Cards are now linked directly to UPI IDs. MobiKwik’s customers can easily make payments to merchants by scanning the UPI QR code and using UPI PIN for payment authentication. Aim: To make financial services accessible and lead the way to financial inclusion The integration of RuPay Credit Cards with UPI is in line with the NPCI.

 

2. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launches app for 'digitally challenged': Ujjivan SFB launched a mobile banking application named 'Hello Ujjivan' with three Vs (voice, visual, and vernacular). Aim: To provide banking access to individuals who have limited reading and writing skills This application was co-created with Navana.AI. It is accessible by voice in eight languages (Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Gujarati, Kannada, Odia, and Assamese). Customers can perform banking transactions, and access services in their native language.

 

3. RBI to launch QR code-based coin vending machines: The Reserve Bank of India will launch QR Code-based Coin Vending Machine (QCVM) in collaboration with a few leading banks. Aim: To improve the distribution of coins This pilot project will be launched in 19 locations in 12 cities across the country. QCVM is a cashless coin dispensation machine. It will dispense coins against debit to the customer’s bank account using UPI. It would eliminate the need for physical tendering of banknotes and their authentication.

 

4. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launches ‘Digital Payments Utsav’: Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology and Communications, Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the ‘Digital Payments Utsav’ in New Delhi on February 9, 2023. Aim: To promote Digital Payments across the nation This campaign particularly focuses on G-20 Digital Economy Working Group event cities - Lucknow, Hyderabad, Pune, and Bengaluru. It also witnesses the flagging off of the Digital Payment Sandesh Yatra.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. MRF Chairman K.M. Mammen receives the ATMA Lifetime Achievement Award: Chairman and MD of MRF, K.M. Mammen was honoured with the ATMA Lifetime Achievement Award at the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) Annual Conclave 2023 in New Delhi. Reason: For his leadership qualities, an invaluable contribution to the Indian tyre industry Maruti Suzuki India MD & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi presented the award. He also leads the industry from the front for over 20 years. ATMA Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

2. Rakhi Kapoor awarded Golden Book Awards 2023 for ‘NowYou Breathe’: Author Rakhi Kapoor has been awarded the Golden Book Awards 2023 for her book ‘Now You Breathe – Overcoming Toxic Relationships and Abuse in the category Powerful Relationship Guide’. The Golden Book Awards is one of Asia’s prestigious award programs which celebrates the best works on literature. Now You Breathe is author Rakhi Kapoor’s twenty-fifth book. Rakhi was awarded the author of the year at the National Achievers Award in December 2022 at the Constitution Club of India. She has also won the prestigious Writeinfluence award and Author of the year nonfiction in the Ukiyoto Literary Awards.

 

3. VP Nandakumar, Manappuram Finance gets Hurun India award 2023: MD & CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd, VP Nandakumar has bagged the Hurun India’s award for his remarkable achievements in the world of business. He received The Hurun Industry Achievement Award 2022 from top Hurun India officials at a function held in Mumbai. While V.K. Mathews, founder, and executive chairman, of IBS Software, has been conferred the Hurun Industry Achievement Award 2022. K. Mathews was nominated on the basis of the research made by the Hurun global team.

 

OBITUARIES

 

Popular artist B.K.S. Verma passed away: Veteran Indian painter, BKS Varma passed away at the age of 74. The subject of his paintings was mainly environmental and social issues presented in a surreal form. He was honoured with the Karnataka Rajya Puruskar (2001), Rajyothsava award (2001), and Honorary Doctorate by Bangalore University (2011). The legendary art teacher A.N. Subbarao at the art and culture institution trained Verma in art.

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).