Daily GK Update- 14th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre forms committee for making coastal shipping guidelines: The Ministry of Shipping has formed a committee to draft revised Guidelines for the operationalization of Roll-on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) and Roll-on-Passenger (Ro-Pax) ferry service. Headed by: Chairman of the Deendayal Port Authority Aim: To promote coastal shipping through the PPP route Other purposes: It would also draft the Model Concession Agreement for Ro-Ro or Ro-Pax Terminal Operator. Model License Agreement for the Operation of the ferry services in the country.

 

2. Govt launches 'Khanan Prahari' app to curb unauthorized mining: The government has launched a 'Khanan Prahari' mobile application and 'Coal Mine Surveillance and Management System (CMSMS)' a web app. Aim: To report the unauthorized coal mining activities CMSMS has been developed to curb illegal mining and take transparent action as an e-Governance initiative of the government on the use of Space Technology. Minister of Coal, Pralhad Joshi informed in Rajya Sabha, that 462 cases have been reported on the Apps till January 2023.

 

3. Aniket Sunil Talati takes over as ICAI President: Aniket Sunil Talati has been elected as the new President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for the 2023-24 tenure, with effect from February 12, 2023. While Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal has been elected as Vice President of the institute. Prior to this role, Aniket Sunil Talati worked as the Director of ICAI ARF, Indian Institute of Insolvency Professionals of India (IIIPI), and Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) India.

 

4. Government appoints Chief Justice of four High Courts: The Ministry of Law and Justice has cleared the appointment of four chief justices of high courts including - Justice Sonia G Gokani, Justice Sandeep Mehta, Justice Jaswant Singh, and Justice N Kotiswar Singh. Justice Gokani has been appointed as the acting chief justice of the Gujarat High Court. Chief justice of the Gauhati HC: Justice Sandeep Mehta Chief justice of Tripura HC: Justice Jaswant Singh Chief justice J&K and Ladakh HC: Justice N Kotiswar Singh

 

5. Ladakh to host India's first frozen-lake marathon at Pangong Tso: India's first "frozen-lake marathon" will be organized at the Pangong Tso, Ladakh on February 20, 2023. The Indian army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have been roped in to implement a "proper action plan" for the event. The 21-kilometer marathon will be started from Lukung and ended at Maan village.

The event will be participated by 75 selected athletes from India and abroad. The marathon is being called the "Last Run" to highlight the issue of climate change

 

6. PM Modi to inaugurate 'Aadi Mahotsav' in Delhi on February 16: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a 15-day 'Aadi Mahotsav' at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi on February 16, 2023. TRIFED, an organization of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, will organize the “Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival”. Aim: To provide direct market access to the tribal master craftsmen and women in large metros and State capitals.

 

7. President Murmu inaugurated 2nd Indian Rice Congress: President Droupadi Murmu has inaugurated the second Indian Rice Congress at National Rice Research Center Institute (NRRI) in Cuttack, Odisha. She underlined the importance of bio-fortified rice as rice is the only source of nutrition for a large number of poor people. The government has started a pilot project to distribute bio-fortified rice through the PDS and provision has been made in the budget for the same. Under the Aatmanirbhar package, the government has approved Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the development of the agriculture sector. It was focused on the global food crisis and the recent scientific developments that will help in increasing the production and yield of paddy crops.

 

8. India jumped to 55th place in ICAO Aviation Safety Oversight Ranking: According to the DGCA, India’s aviation safety oversight ranking has jumped to 55th position from 112th place in the country’s score under the ICAO’s coordinated validation mission. Under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) Continuous Monitoring Approach, an ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission was conducted in India in November 2022. The Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) is based on eight critical elements (CE) of a safety oversight system, which are measured by a set of protocol questions (PQs)

 

9. PM Modi inaugurated first phase of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the first phase of the 1,400 kilometres long Delhi-Mumbai expressway in Rajasthan’s Dausa. The 246-kilometre Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot stretch of the expressway will cut down the travel time from Delhi to Jaipur from five hours to around three and a half hours. It is also expected to boost economic opportunities in the entire region. The first leg of India’s longest expressway opened to the public right ahead of a hectic election year. The grand expressway promises to bring down travel time from the national capital to its financial hub, Mumbai, by half, to just 12 hours. Eight-lane-wide and nearly 1,400 kms long, it is being built at a staggering cost of over one lakh crore rupees. It is expandable to accommodate 12 lanes.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu elected as the 22nd President of Bangladesh: Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu has been elected as the 22nd President of Bangladesh. He was nominated for the post by the ruling Awami League. No other party or individual filed a nomination for the post. He will replace President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, whose tenure will be ended on April 23, 2023. Abdul Hamid served as President for two consecutive terms of five years. The Bangladesh constitution does not allow any person to hold the President's post beyond two terms.

2. ISB course ranked India's best in FT Global MBA Ranking 2023: According to the Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Ranking 2023, the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) of the Indian School of Business (ISB) ranked the best in India. It is the only Indian B-school in the top 50 worldwide and has been ranked 39th globally and sixth in Asia. ISB is also ranked best in India in the research category. While IIM Bangalore has been ranked at 52nd position in the rankings. Columbia Business School in the United States topped the global chart.

 

3. UN, Ocean Cleanup partner to reduce marine pollution: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ocean Cleanup to eliminate plastic pollution in oceans and rivers around the globe. Goal: To reduce leakages of plastics into marine ecosystems by boosting policies and behavior change, reducing overall plastic pollution. It also aims to accelerate the deployment of interception technologies in rivers to end marine plastic pollution. Ocean Cleanup founder and CEO: Boyan Slat

 

4. 13 February – World Radio Day: World Radio Day is celebrated every year on 13 February.

Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of radio. The day was decided by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 3 November 2011 during its 36th conference. Theme 2023 – Radio and Peace

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. 5th Khelo India Youth Games concluded in Bhopal: In the Fifth Khelo India Youth Games 2022, Maharashtra secured the top position in the medal tally with 161 medals including 56 gold, 55 silver, and 50 bronze medals. Haryana grabbed the second position by winning 128 medals including 41 gold, 32 silver and 55 bronze medals. Host Madhya Pradesh remained at third place with 96 medals including 39 gold, 30 silver and 27 bronze medals. Rajasthan and Delhi have been in the fourth and fifth position respectively. In the fifth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games in Madhya Pradesh, around 6 thousand athletes from 36 States and Union Territories competed in 27 different sports disciplines. The 5th KIYG -2023 was hosted in the eight towns of MP – Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Maheshwar, Balaghat, Mandla, Jabalpur, and Gwalior.

 

2. Jean-Eric Vergne won action-packed Formula E in Hyderabad: Jean-Eric Vergne of DS Penske has won an action-packed Formula E in Hyderabad, that marked a successful return of a high-profile motorsport event in India, defeating Nick Cassidy. This marked a successful return of a high-profile motorsport event in India. This is Eric Vergne’s first win of the season. Antonio Felix Da Costa of Porsche secured the final third spot on the podium. Hyderabad ePrix is the single-seater, electrically powered Formula E race, and will be the first Formula E race to be held in the country.

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI’s financial literacy week 2023: 13 to 17 February: The ‘Financial Literacy Week’ of the Reserve Bank of India started on 13 February and continues till February 17, 2023. The theme for the Financial Literacy Week 2023 is “Good Financial Behaviour – Your Saviour”. The theme aligned with the strategic objectives of the National Strategy for Financial Education: 2020-2025. The RBI has been conducting this week every year since 2016 to create financial education awareness.

 

2. HDFC Bank launches pilot for offline digital payments: HDFC Bank has launched a pilot project, 'OfflinePay', to test offline digital payments for merchants and customers enabling payment transactions even when there is no mobile network. HDFC bank claimed that it has launched the first-of-its-kind digital payment solution. This project was launched in partnership with Sweden-based Crunchfish Digital Cash AB. Vision: To boost the adoption of digital payments in smaller towns and rural areas with poor network connectivity

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Egyptian President presents Global Best M-GOV Awards on IIT Indore students: The 'Blockbill' app team, Niyati Totala and Neel Kalpeshkumar Parikh (IIT Indore's Students) were awarded the prestigious Global Best M-GOV Award 2023 at the World Government Summit in Dubai, UAE. Egyptian President Abel Fattah Al-Sisi has presented the award.

Blockbill:

·       It is a blockchain-based receipt generation app.

·       It generates digital receipts for all of its users' transactions.

·       Silver Award: ‘Don’t Waste’ team (Uzbekistan)

·       Bronze Award: ‘Farmit’ team (Serbia)

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Eminent Indian painter Lalitha Lajmi passes away: Acclaimed Indian painter and printmaker, Lalitha Lajmi passed away at the age of 90 due to age-related ailments. She was born to a poet father and a poly-linguist writer-mother in Kolkata on October 17 in 1932. She was the sister of legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt and mother to director Kalpana Lajmi. Her works are held in the collection of the National Gallery of Modern Art, the British Museum, and CSMVS Museum Bombay.

Daily GK Update- 13th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurates Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru: PM Narendra Modi in Bengaluru (Karnataka) inaugurated the 14th edition of the Aero India show on 13th February 2023. 2023 Theme: The Runway to a Billion Opportunities Purpose: To showcase indigenous defense equipment, technologies, and fighter aircraft It also aimed to promote indigenous production and export of air platforms to attract foreign investment. The event is participated by 98 foreign countries and MoUs worth Rs. 75,000 crore are expected to be signed

 

2. Uttar Pradesh government launches portal for 'One Family, One ID': The Uttar Pradesh government has finally launched the portal for the Family ID - 'One Family One Identity'. Aim: To identify families as a unit for implementing the 'one job per family' proposal. A unique identity will be issued to each family under the One Family One Identity scheme. It will establish a live comprehensive database of family units of the state. This database will be helpful in better management of beneficiary schemes and transparent operation.

 

3. Annual Meeting of Members of the River Cities Alliance held in Pune: The Annual Meeting of Members of the River Cities Alliance (RCA) "DHARA" is being organized in Pune from 13th - 14th February 2023. DHARA: the National Mission is organizing driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers The annual meeting of the members of RCA for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). The event has strong synergies with the Urban20 (U20) initiative under the ambit of India’s G20 Presidency.

 

4. PM Narendra Modi flagged off 2 Vande Bharat Express trains from Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off Mumbai-Solapur and Mumbai-Sainagar Vande Bharat Express from Mumbai. With the two trains becoming operational, the number of Vande Bharat Express trains running from Mumbai will increase to three and the count will go up to 10 for the country.

The first Vande Bharat train in Maharashtra connected Mumbai with Gujarat’s Gandhinagar. Last month, PM Modi virtually flagged off the 8th Vande Bharat Express operational between Telangana’s Secunderabad and Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam. On February 18, 2019, the first Vande Bharat Express train made its debut. The first route makes stops in Thyagraj and Kanpur on its way from the capital city of Delhi to the sacred city of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).

 

5. Ministry of Culture organized Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2023: Union Ministry of Culture has organized Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2023 at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, from 11th to 19th February 2023. This event is an opportunity to showcase the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India. It aims to promote National Unity and integrity through cultural exchange. More than 350 folk and tribal artists from all over India along with local folk artists, transgender and differently-abled artists has participated in the event.

 

6. Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated AMRPTEX 2023: Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw has inaugurated AMRPTEX 2023 – National Philatelic Exhibition at Pragati Maidan, Delhi. This five-day event, organised by the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications, will showcase India’s rich culture, heritage and history through stamps. For the first time in the country, new technology like virtual reality, augmented reality has been used to showcase the cultural heritage, history, nature, wildlife by narrating the stories of stamps. An Exhibition on the Transformative Journey of India Post will also be inaugurated on this occasion. People willing to participate in the event can book tickets through BookMyShow website.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Radio Day 2023: 13 February: World Radio Day is observed annually on 13 February to spread awareness of the importance of radio and how it has helped people to stay updated with the news. The 12th edition of World Radio Day (2023) theme is 'Radio and Peace'. The focus of the theme: On the rapid changes and advancements in the technology of radio February 13 was chosen as World Radio Day as it was the day of the establishment of the United Nations Radio in 1946.

 

2. International Epilepsy Day 2023: 13 February: International Epilepsy Day is celebrated on the second Monday of February every year, and this year (2023), this day falls on the 13th of February. Aim: to spread awareness of the Epilepsy disease The celebrations are to focus on “STIGMA” which means fear or feeling adverse reactions. Epilepsy is a nervous disorder that affects brain activity. This day is observed by the World Health Organization(WHO) and other countries.

 

3. 11 February – International Day of Women and Girls in Science: The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually on 11 February. Objective – To recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The United Nations General Assembly passed the resolution in Dec 2015 to celebrate the day. Theme 2023 – IDEAS (Innovate, Demonstrate, Elevate, Advance, Sustain)

 

4. 12 February – International Darwn Day: International Darwin Day is observed every year on 12 February to commemorate the birthday of Charles Darwin. He was born on 12 February 1809 in England. The day focuses on the contribution of Charles Darwin to science and also promotes science in general. Darwin was an English naturalist whose scientific theory of evolution by natural selection formed the foundation of modern evolutionary studies.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Wu Yibing becomes first Chinese man to win ATP Tour title: Wu Yibing (23) has become the first Chinese man to win an ATP Tour title at the Dallas Open 2023. He defeated John Isner (United States) by 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/3), and 7-6 (14/12). He also becomes the second man from China to break into the top 100 of the ATP rankings. While the duo of Jamie Murray (United Kingdom) and Michael Venus (New Zealand) won the doubles title at the same event Dallas Open: Men's ATP indoor hard-court tennis tournament, organized in Dallas, Texas

 

2. Real Madrid beat Al Hilal to win record fifth Club World Cup: Real Madrid has won the Club World Cup 2023 for a record-extending fifth time in the final held in the Abdellah stadium, Rabat, Morocco. Real Madrid has defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal by 5-3. Vinícius Júnior (Brazillian) scored twice and assisted Karim Benzema to lead Real Madrid. Real Madrid last won the tournament in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Madrid also won three Intercontinental Cups in 1960, 1998, and 2002.

 

3. Anurag Thakur flagged off Formula E-Championship: Union Minister Anurag Thakur has flagged off the Formula E Championship in Hyderabad. Hyderabad is hosting India’s first-ever Formula E-race. Hyderabad E-Prix is being held at the ‘Hyderabad Street Circuit’ on the banks of the picturesque Hussain Sagar Lake and NTR Marg. This is also the first motorsport event in the country in the last 10 years. Hyderabad is the 27th city in the world to host the race which is the first non-carbon emission event. The 2.83 km street circuit will have Gen3 race cars moving with a maximum speed with 22 drivers from 11 teams competing for the top honours.

 

4. Ashwin becomes the fastest Indian to pick up 450 Test wickets: Ravichandran Ashwin has become the fastest Indian bowler and second overall to reach the mark of 450 Test wickets. He picked up his 450th Test wicket during the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy game between India and Australia in Nagpur. Ashwin got to the landmark in 89 Tests while Sri Lanka legend Muthaiah Murlidaran had completed the task in 80 matches.

 

5. Rohit Sharma becomes first Indian captain to score a ton across all formats: Indian captain Rohit Sharma has become the first Indian captain to score a century in all three formats (Tests, ODIs & T20Is) of cricket. He also became only the fourth international captain-batsman after Babar Azam (Pakistan), Faf du Plessis (South Africa), and Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) to achieve the special feat. He achieved this feat against Australia in the 1st Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Nagpur.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. BoM launches its own private cloud platform to strengthen digital infra: Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has launched its own private cloud platform, 'MAHABANK NAKSHATRA', to strengthen its digital infrastructure at the 88th Business Commencement Day. Aim: To facilitate the High-Performance Cloud Capabilities for Digital Infrastructure and hosting applications of the Bank.

The bank has also launched a portal named Suvidha. Suvidha is an automated Decease Claim Settlement System (DCSS). Aim: To simplify the deceased claim settlement process

 

2. Kotak Buys Sonata Fin For ₹537cr: The Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced that it will acquire 100% equity shares of Sonata Finance (SFPL) for Rs 537 crore. Sonata Finance is a non-banking finance company, which is engaged in microfinance. Impact: This acquisition will provide Kotak Mahindra Bank access to 502 branches across the ten states. The SFPL will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the bank after receiving regulatory and other approvals. MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank: Uday Kotak

 

3. SBI opens 3rd specialized Startup branch in Gurugram: State Bank of India (SBI) has inaugurated its third specialized branch for startups at Gurugram to provide all banking services required by them under one roof. Gurugram houses the third highest number of unicorns in the nation after Bengaluru and Mumbai. The primary aim of this branch is to provide end-to-end support to startups at every stage of their journey, starting from the formation of the entity till their IPOs and FPOs. The office would serve as a one-stop shop for startups, offering ordinary banking services as well as investment banking, treasury/forex, advising, and other ancillary financial services through the bank’s subsidiaries. The bank also plans to meet the needs of private equity (PE), venture capital (VC), and alternative investment funds in addition to startups (AIFs).

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Haryana Police to receive Prestigious President's Colour Award: Union HM Amit Shah will present the President’s Colour Award to Haryana Police on February 14 for their outstanding service to the nation. The state police will be bestowed with the prestigious President’s Colour Award during a ceremonial function at the Haryana Police Academy, Madhuban in Karnal. The “President’s Colour” is bestowed on any armed forces or a police unit, in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the Nation, both in peace and in war. 

 

2. Journalist A.B.K. Prasad selected for Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award: Veteran Journalist A.B.K. Prasad has been selected for the prestigious “Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award” for excellence in Journalism. He has worked as an editor in major journals in Andhra Pradesh. Also, he worked as the Chairman of the Official Language Commission between 2004 and 2009. The award will be given by the Press Council of India on 28 Feb 23.

Daily GK Update- 12th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. President appoints Ramesh Bais as the new Governor of Maharashtra: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu has appointed Ramesh Bais as the new governor of Maharashtra. He has replaced Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who resigned from his post.

Other appointments (Governor):

·       Arunachal Pradesh: Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik (Retired)

·       Sikkim: Lakshman Prasad Acharya

·       Jharkhand: C.P. Radhakrishnan

·       HP: Shiv Pratap Shukla

·       Assam: Gulab Chand Kataria

·       Andhra Pradesh: Justice (Retd.) S. Abdul Nazeer

·       Ladakh: Brigadier (Dr.) B.D. Mishra

 

2. Telangana Govt to enact Clinical Establishment Act: Telangana Finance Minister, Harish Rao has informed, that the state government is planning to enact the Clinical Establishment Act.

Reason: To regulate the private hospitals in state Concern: Related to the private hospitals over irregularities and imposing hefty charges for treatment Aim: To improve facilities and provide corporate healthcare for the poor through government hospitals The State government was establishing a government medical college in each district.

 

3. G20 EMPOWER group meeting held in Agra: The G20 EMPOWER meeting is being organized in Agra, Uttar Pradesh from 11th to 12th February 2023. Theme: Empowering Women to Lead across Sectors: Role of Digital Skilling and Future Skills Focus: To shift from women’s development to women-led development It was attended by Smriti Zubin Irani (Minister for Women and Child Welfare). She also highlighted the government's steps on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and efforts for Women's empowerment.

 

4. Indian Navy launched Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge: The Indian Navy’s Captain, Prashant Saxena AWPS (Mbi) has launched the Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, Yard 125 (LSAM 15). It was launched at M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd in Thane. It is equipped with auxiliary systems developed by indigenous manufacturers. The Barge has been constructed with a service life of 30 years. This Barge will help Indian Navy to fulfill its operational commitments by easing transportation and embarkation.

 

5. ADB approved $130 million loan to promote horticulture in Himachal Pradesh: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $130 million (over Rs 1,072 crore) loan to enhance agricultural productivity and farmers’ income in Himachal Pradesh and promote horticulture agribusiness. More than half of Himachal Pradesh’s land area is on the mountains and 90 percent of the population lives in rural areas who are dependent on agriculture. Supporting horticulture value chains will also enhance the contribution of this sub-sector to the development and food security of the country. Through this, improving subtropical horticulture in the state will create a lot of economic opportunities for the farming families.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nikos Christodoulides elected as next President of Cyprus: The former Foreign Minister of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides has been elected as the country's new president. He defeated his rival Andreas Mavroyiannis. He won nearly 52 percent of the votes, and his rival Mavroyiannis won only 48 percent. He was expelled from the ruling DISY party after announcing his candidacy and ran as an independent. He was appointed as the government's spokesman in 2014 and foreign minister in 2018. Cyprus Capital: Nicosia; Currency: Euro

 

2. ASEAN Digital Ministers meeting approves India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2023: The third edition of the ASEAN Digital Ministers meeting approved the India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2023 in New Delhi. The theme of the meeting: Synergy Towards a Sustainable Digital Future Aim: To strengthen India-ASEAN relations in the field of Information and Communication Technologies. The work plan includes capacity building and knowledge sharing in emerging areas in the field of Information and Communication Technologies such as AI in Cyber Security. 

 

3. Air India signs agreement with Airbus, Boeing: Air India has signed agreements with Airbus SE and Boeing Co. for the largest purchase of jetliners in commercial aviation history. Aim: To reinvent itself with a fuel-efficient fleet that can take on local low-cost rivals and powerful Gulf airlines like Emirates. The airline and the two plane makers have agreed on the broad strokes of the agreement. Airbus is in line to receive 250 orders (approx) and is made up of 210 aircraft from the A320 single-aisle.

 

4. India Jumps to 55th place in ICAO Aviation Safety Oversight Ranking: According to the DGCA, India's aviation safety oversight ranking has jumped to 55th position from 112th place in the country's score under the ICAO's coordinated validation mission. Under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) Continuous Monitoring Approach, an ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission was conducted in India in November 2022. USOAP is based on eight critical elements of a safety oversight system and is measured by a set of protocol questions.

 

5. World Government Summit 2023 Set to Begin in Dubai: The World Government Summit 2023 is set to begin on 13th February 2023 in Dubai. The World Government Summit will be held under the theme of “Shaping Future Governments”. It will bring together global thought leaders, global experts, and decision-makers to share and contribute to the development of tools, policies, and models that will be critical in shaping future governments. The World Government Summit will feature 20 presidents, including Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi; President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan; President of Senegal and Chairperson of the African Union, Macky Sall, among others.

 

6. 11 February – World Unani Day: World Unani Day is observed every year on 11 February.

Objective – To spreading public awareness about health care through Unani medicines. The day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan, a social reformer and great Indian Unani physician. The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, celebrated Theme 2023 – Unani Medicine for Public Health The first World Unani Day in 2017 at the Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CRIUM), Hyderabad

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. 5th Khelo India Youth Games concluded in Bhopal: The fifth Khelo India Youth Games was concluded at the Upper Lake in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra has topped the medals tally by winning 154 medals (53 gold, 54 silver, and 47 bronze). While Haryana placed second with a total of 116 medals, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The 5th KIYG -2023 was hosted in the eight towns of MP - Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Maheshwar, Balaghat, Mandla, Jabalpur, and Gwalior. Union Sports Minister: Anurag Singh Thakur

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari honoured with Maharashtra Bhushan award: Social worker and reformer ‘Nirupankar’ Dattatreya Narayan Dharmadhikari, popularly known as Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, has honoured with the Maharashtra Bhushan Award for the year 2022. His father Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari has also conferred the same award in 2008 by then-chief minister Ashok Chavan. Appasaheb was honored with Padma Shri in 2017. The award comprising a medal, citation and Rs 25 lakh will be conferred on Appasaheb Dharmadhikari.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Legendary American pop composer Burt Bacharach passes away: Legendary American pop composer, songwriter, and pianist, Burt Bacharach passed away at the age of 94 in Los Angeles, California, the United States. He has won various awards including eight Grammys and three Oscars, two Golden Globes, and a lifetime achievement prize. He wrote more than 500 songs from the late 1950s to the 1980s. His greatest creations include melodies like 'I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,' 'I Say a Little Prayer' and 'Walk on By,' 'Alfie'.

Daily GK Update- 11th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates AMRPTEX 2023: Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw has inaugurated AMRPTEX 2023 - National Philatelic Exhibition at Pragati Maidan, Delhi. It is a 5-day Mahakumbh of Stamps, which is to be held from 11th to 15th February, 2023. It displays more than 20,000 exhibits under 13 competitive categories and invitees and is the national platform to highlight and display the 5000 years old rich history and culture of this great nation.

 

2. President of India inaugurates the 2nd Indian Rice Congress at Cuttack: President of India, Droupadi Murmu has inaugurated the 2nd Indian Rice Congress at ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack on February 11, 2023. ICAR-NRRI has developed India’s first high protein rice, called CR Dhan 310 and NRRI has also released a high-zinc rice variety, called CR Dhan 315. Rice is the basic food crop, is mainly grown in rain-fed areas that receive heavy annual rainfall, and is a kharif crop in India.

 

3. GSI to take up 111 Public-health & Public Good Geoscience Activities: Geological Survey of India (GSI) will be taking up 111 public health and public good geoscience activities during 2023-24. A total of 966 standard programmes have been finalized by GSI across 5 Missions for 2023-24. This session’s focus is on baseline data generation and mineral exploration programmes with special emphasis on strategic-critical and fertilizer minerals exploration. Besides this, GSI will be taking up 115 courses for training and capacity building.

 

4. Bhagat Singh Koshyari inaugurates Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 2023: Maharashtra Governor, Bhagat Singh Koshyari has inaugurated the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav- 2023 (RSM) at Azad Maidan, Churchgate in Mumbai. ashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav conveys the enduring message of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, which signifies that despite numerous diversities in language and cultural expressions, India is united and one. This 9-day event is organized by the Ministry every year in different states of India and will go on till 19th February.

 

5. First National Lok Adalat of 2023 held in J&K: Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority has organized first National Lok Adalat of 2023 throughout the Union Territory. During the day-long National Lok Adalat, out of a total 88,723 cases taken up by 142 Benches at various courts across the UT, 75,250 Cases were disposed off and an amount of Rs. 45,05,14,697/- was awarded as compensation/settlement amount in Motor Accident Claims, civil, criminal, labour disputes, Electricity and Water Bills cases, etc.

 

6. ‘Operation Dost’ launched by India to help Turkey and Syria: Operation Dost is a rescue operation initiated by the Government of India to aid Syria and Turkey, after an earthquake hit both countries. Under the operation, India has deployed a field hospital, supplies, and rescue personnel to the earthquake-stricken countries of Turkey and Syria. Operation Dost is a symbol of the fact that India is a friend of Turkey, that is, both should strengthen their relations more. The C17 Globemaster aircraft of the Indian Air Force has also been deployed in the operation. On February 6, 2023, an earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale affected Turkey and Syria, causing massive devastation along with loss of life and damage to infrastructure in both countries.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. First International Conference on Digital Skilling: Secretary of MeitY, Alkesh Kumar Sharma has inaugurated 1st International Conference on Communication, Electronics and Digital Technologies – NICE-DT 2023 and Digital Skilling, which is the lead event of G20. National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) NIELIT organized it: It is an autonomous Scientific Society of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and is engaged in Capacity Building and Skill Development

 

2. 12th World Hindi Conference to be held in Fiji from 15th February: The 12th World Hindi Conference will be held in Fiji from the 15th of February 2023. It is a 3-day long event and is being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in association with the Government of Fiji. Main theme of the conference: "Hindi - Traditional Knowledge to Artificial Intelligence". Representatives will attend the conference from 50 countries. The 11th World Hindi Conference was held in Mauritius.

 

3. World Government Summit 2023 Set to Begin in Dubai: The World Government Summit 2023 is set to begin on 13th February 2023 in Dubai. The World Government Summit will be held under the theme of “Shaping Future Governments”. It will bring together global thought leaders, global experts, and decision-makers to share and contribute to the development of tools, policies, and models that will be critical in shaping future governments. The World Government Summit will feature 20 presidents, including Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi; President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan; President of Senegal and Chairperson of the African Union, Macky Sall, among others.

 

4. 11th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group Meeting Held in New Delhi: The 11th meeting of the India-Mongolia Joint Working Group was held in New Delhi. Both sides reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and identified means to further enhance the existing areas of cooperation and articulated steps in this direction. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries despite the limitations imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. India established diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955. The Indian Resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar was opened in 1971. This relationship was upgraded to “strategic partnership” in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mongolia and declared it as an essential component of ‘Act East Policy’.

 

5. Quad countries launch ‘Quad Cyber Challenge’: Quad countries India, Australia, America, and Japan have launched Quad Cyber Challenge to strengthen cyber security. Objective – To strengthen the cyber security system in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad has invited internet users across the Indo-Pacific and beyond to become part of the challenge and practice safe and responsible cyber habits.

 

6. 10 February – World Pulses Day: World Pulses Day is marked on February 10 every year around the world. The United Nations General Assembly designated this as a yearly global event in 2019. Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of pulses as a crop. It also highlights the nutritional value, food security, and environmental benefits of pulses. Theme 2023- Pulses for a sustainable future

 

7. 11 February – World Unani Day: World Unani Day is observed every year on 11 February. Objective – To spreading public awareness about health care through Unani medicines. The day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan, a social reformer and great Indian Unani physician. The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, celebrated Theme 2023 – Unani Medicine for Public Health The first World Unani Day in 2017 at the Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CRIUM), Hyderabad.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jean-Eric Vergne wins action-packed Formula E in Hyderabad: Jean Eric Vergne of DS Penske has won an action-packed Formula E in Hyderabad, that marked a successful return of a high-profile motorsport event in India, defeating Nick Cassidy. This is Eric Vergne’s first win of the season. Antonio Felix Da Costa of Porsche secured the final third spot on the podium. Hyderabad ePrix is the single-seater, electrically powered Formula E race, and will be the first Formula E race to be held in the country.

 

2. Third edition of Khelo India Winter Games begins in Kashmir: Third edition of the Khelo India National Winter Games has begun at famous tourist destination Gulmarg in Kashmir Gulmarg is a Centre of Excellence for Winter Sports and sports budget of Jammu and Kashmir is enormous as compared to other states and union territories of the country. This edition will continue for next four days wherein more than 1500 athletes from across the country are taking part in eleven different sports categories.

 

3. Kamran Akmal announced his retirement from all forms of cricket: Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal has announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket. He made his Test match debut against Zimbabwe in November 2002 and he also made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in November 2002. Akmal made his debut for Pakistan back in 2002 and went on to play until 2017. In 53 Tests, 157 ODIs and 58 T20Is, the right-handed batter scored 2648, 3236 and 987 runs respectively, with the help of 11 hundreds and 27 fifties. Akmal also remains second in the list of leading run-scorers in the history of the PSL.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Direct Tax Collections for F.Y. 2022-23 stood at ₹15.67 lakh crore: The provisional figures of Direct Tax collections up to 10th February 2023 continue to register steady growth with gross collections are at Rs. 15.67 lakh crore which is 24.09% higher than the gross collections for the corresponding period of last year. Direct Tax collection, net of refunds, stands at Rs. 12.98 lakh crore which is 18.40% higher than the net collections for 2022. It is 91.39% of the total Budget Estimates of Direct Taxes for F.Y. 2022-23.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari honoured with Maharashtra Bhushan award: Social worker and reformer ‘Nirupankar’ Dattatreya Narayan Dharmadhikari, popularly known as Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, has honoured with the Maharashtra Bhushan Award for the year 2022. His father Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari has also conferred the same award in 2008 by then-chief minister Ashok Chavan. Appasaheb was honored with Padma Shri in 2017. The award comprising a medal, citation and Rs 25 lakh will be conferred on Appasaheb Dharmadhikari.