Daily GK Update- 15th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kerala launched Monthly Stipend Scheme for Junior Lawyers: Kerala CM, Pinarayi Vijayan has launched the monthly stipend scheme for junior lawyers in Kerala. Under this scheme, a monthly stipend of Rs. 3,000 will be provided to junior lawyers in the State. Eligibility for stipend: Lawyers below 30 years of age with less than three years of practice. Annual income less than Rs. 1 lakh.

The Bar Council of the state will implement the scheme. Junior lawyers are law graduates who work under attorneys or legal associates.

 

2. Bihar among states that allocated more towards education: According to the government data, the States/UTs - Delhi, Assam, and Himachal Pradesh - allocated a higher portion of their budget expenditure on education. Delhi spent 22% of its budget, while Assam spent 20% and  HP spent 19%. Among the big States, such as Chhattisgarh and Bihar allocate 18.82% and 18.3% respectively, of the State’s estimated net budget expenditure to education.

Other allocations:

·       Maharashtra: Rs 80,437

·       UP: Rs 75,165 crores

·       WB: Rs 43,466 crores

 

3. Namami Gange Mission-II approved with a budgetary outlay of ₹22,500 cr: The government has approved Namami Gange Mission-II with a budgetary outlay of Rs.22,500 crore till 2026. It also includes the projects for existing liabilities of Rs.11,225 crore and new projects/interventions of ₹11,275 crore. The Government has released a total of Rs.14,084.72 crore to the NMCG, from 2014-15 till 31st January 2023. Out of which, NMCG has released Rs.13,607.18 crore to State Governments to implement Ganga-related projects.

 

4. India’s 1st National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre to be built in Delhi: A leading infrastructure company in India, GA Infra Pvt Ltd has been awarded the contract for designing and constructing the country’s first National Metro Rail Knowledge Centre. Near a projected cost of Rs 460 million, the centre will be built under a public-private partnership (PPP) model and would be located at the Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station in Delhi. The building is intended to serve as a hub for information and innovation for the Indian Metro train networks. It will give all parties involved a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

 

5. PM Modi inaugurated Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru: PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 14th edition of the Aero India show in Bengaluru (Karnataka). Aero India 2023 is being organized by the Indian Department of Defense Production from February 13 to 17 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Theme 2023 – The Runway to a Billion Opportunities The main objective of the event is to promote indigenous production and exports of aerial platforms and attract foreign investment. 98 countries are participating in the event and MoUs worth Rs 75,000 crore are expected to be signed during the event. LCA Tejas Mark 1 is the main attraction of these products.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Childhood Cancer Day 2023: 15th February: International Childhood Cancer Day is observed annually on February 15 to raise awareness and show support for children who are suffering from cancer. In 2021, the three-year campaign for International Childhood Cancer Day was started. The theme for the three-year campaign is ‘Better Survival’. The campaign is an attempt to meet the WHO Global Childhood Cancer Initiative's goal of at least 60% of children diagnosed with cancer worldwide surviving by 2030.

 

2. Saudi Arabia to send its first woman astronaut into space: A Saudi Arabian woman, Rayyana Barnawi will become the first woman astronaut from Saudi Arabia to go on a space mission. She will join fellow Saudi astronaut, Ali Al-Qarni on a 10-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Barnawi and Al-Qarni will fly to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of a mission by Axiom Space. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will launch the Ax-2 mission.

 

3. Mohammad Shahabuddin elected as new President of Bangladesh: Awami League party nominee, Mohammad Shahabuddin has been elected as the 22nd president of Bangladesh. He will replace incumbent President Mohammad Abdul Hamid, the longest-serving president of the country. Hamid was elected Bangladesh President in the last two elections. He was sworn in for his second term on April 24, 2018. According to Bangladesh’s constitution, an individual cannot hold a third term as president. He was the only candidate to file his nomination after the time for nomination and withdrawal was over.

 

4. 13 February 2023 – International Epilepsy Day: International Epilepsy Day is observed every year on the second Monday of February and this year day falls on the 13 February. Objective – To raise awareness of Epilepsy and its impact on individuals & communities around the world. International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) to raise awareness about epilepsy. Epilepsy is a nervous disorder that affects brain activity.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Smriti Mandhana becomes the Most Expensive Player in WPL with ₹3.4 crore: Indian Women's cricket player, Smriti Mandhana became the most expensive women’s pick in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction. She has been bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for 3.40 Cr. A total of 87 players were bought by the five franchises for a sum total of Rs. 59.50 Cr. The second costliest Indian player is all-rounder Deepti Sharma who was bought by UP Warriorz for Rs 2.6 crore. Indian skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur was bought by Mumbai Indians.

 

2. Real Madrid defeated Al Hilal to win record fifth Club World Cup title: 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. It won the tournament in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Madrid also won three Intercontinental Cups in 1960, 1998 and 2002; a match between European and South American champions, which merged with the Club World Cup in 2005.

 

3. Eoin Morgan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket: Former England captain Eoin Morgan has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Morgan captained the ODI World Cup played in England in the year 2019 and won his team the title. He also became the first captain to win the ODI World Cup for England. He is England’s leading run-scorer with 6957 runs in 225 ODIs with 13 hundred and the most successful captain in ODIs, with 76 wins from 126 matches. Previously, he retired from international cricket in July 2022. Born in Dublin, Morgan made his ODI debut for England in 2009 at the age of 16 against Ireland.

 

4. Shubman Gill named ICC Players of the Month for January 2023: India batter Shubman Gill has been named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for January 2023. Gill was the top contender in the shortlist With 567 runs during January, which included three century-plus scores, and the 23-year-old batter expectedly won the award. While England’s U-19 skipper Grace Scrivens was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month and became the youngest player to be named for the women’s honor. She was named for her performance in the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. South Indian Bank ties up with Maruti for car financing: South Indian Bank has signed an MoU with Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) to help dealer partners streamline vehicle inventory funding. Under this partnership, they will also offer convenient and comprehensive retail financing solutions to their customers. It will cater to the business requirements of both companies and produce a significant synergistic effect. South Indian Bank MD and CEO: Murali Ramakrishnan; Headquarters: Thrissur

 

2. HDFC Bank to sell entire 9.95% stake in Softcell Technologies: HDFC Bank has proposed to sell its entire stake of 9.95% (1,65,731 shares) in Softcell Technologies Global Pvt Ltd for ₹9.94 crore at ₹600.36 per share. In 2020, HDFC Bank sold a 2.05% stake (34,150 shares) in Softcell for Rs 1.47 crore. Softcell was founded on 6h September 2018 to sell Information Technology products and offers software and related services.

 

HDFC Bank CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan; 

Headquarters: Mumbai

 

3. ICICI Bank signs MoU with European bank BNP Paribas: ICICI Bank and European bank's BNP Paribas signed a Memorandum of Understanding to fulfill the banking needs of European corporates operating in India and Indian companies in the European Union. This MoU will set up a framework between the two banks for providing financial services to corporate customers operating in the India–Europe corridor.

·       BNP Paribas Group has been in India since 1860.

·       BNP Paribas provides a wide range of financial services.

 

4. RBI announces 2nd global hackathon HARBINGER 2023: The Reserve Bank announced its second global hackathon -- 'HARBINGER 2023 - Innovation for Transformation'. Theme: Inclusive Digital Services Aim: To develop solutions that have the potential to make digital financial services accessible The RBI has invited innovative ideas in four segments.

Differently-abled

·       Facilitate efficient compliance

·       Extend the reach of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC)

·       Enhance the scalability of blockchains

·       RBI governor: Shaktikanta Das

 

5. CBDT notifies 6 income tax return forms for AY 2023-24: The Income Tax Department has notified the New Income Tax Return (ITR) filing forms for individuals and businesses for Assessment Year 2023-24 (FY 2022-23). The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified six ITR forms - ITR-1 SAHAJ, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4 SUGAM, ITR-5, ITR-6 The CBDT has also notified ITR-V (verification form), and ITR acknowledgment form. The forms will come into effect from April 1, 2023. CBDT Chairman: Nitin Gupta

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Dr. Mahendra Mishra to receive International Mother Language Award 2023: An eminent linguist, Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra will be honored with UNESCO’s International Mother Language Award 2023. Reason: For the promotion of the mother language in India Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina will present this award to Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra at the International Mother Language Institute, Dhaka. He is the first Indian to receive this prestigious award for the promotion of a language. He is also the recipient of Odisha Sahitya Akademi. 

 

2. Angela Merkel awarded UNESCO Peace Prize in Ivory Coast: Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has been awarded the Felix Houphouet-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. Merkel is a German former politician and scientist who served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. Her selfless choice in 2015 to accept more than 1.2 million refugees, particularly those from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eritrea, moved every jury member. She implemented a “open-door” refugee policy in Germany by allowing more than 1.2 million migrants to enter in Germany between 2015-2016.

 

3. Haryana Police received Prestigious President’s Colour Award: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has presented the President’s Colour award to Haryana Police in recognition of its exceptional service. Shah presents the President’s Colour on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu. The President’s Colour is a special flag given to a military, paramilitary or police unit as a mark of recognition for its services. All officers and ranks of the force on their uniform can wear a replica of the flag presented to the unit as an insignia. Uttar Pradesh Police was the first state police force to receive the award from then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952.

 

4. Subhash Chandran won Kerala’s Akbar Kakkattil award for ‘Samudrasila’: Writer Subhash Chandran’s novel Samudrashila has been chosen for the Akbar Kakkattil Award instituted by a trust in the memory of the short story writer and novelist from Kozhikode. A three-member jury from among the literary works published in the last five years selected the novel. Writer M. Mukundan at an event on 17 February will present the award consisting of Rs 50,000 and a sculpture to Subhash Chandran. Akbar Kakkattil was an Indian short-story writer and novelist from Kerala state and has received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award twice.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran actor Javed Khan Amrohi passes away: Noted actor, Javed Khan Amrohi passed away at the age of 73 due to lung failure. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2001 for the film 'Lagaan'. He worked in about 150 movies including Andaz Apna Apna (1994), and Chak De! India (2007). He also worked in TV series such as Mirza Ghalib (directed by Gulzar) and Karim (the barber) in Nukkad (directed by Saeed Akhtar Mirza). He was also a member of the acting faculty at the Zee Institute of Media Arts.

 

2. Noted painter Lalitha Lajmi passed away: Noted painter Lalitha Lajmi passed away at the age of 90. She was sister of late actor-filmmaker Guru Dutt She has held several exhibitions in international art galleries in Paris, London and the Netherlands. Lalita made a small appearance in the 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, starring Aamir Khan, in which she played an art teacher.

She was also fond of classical dance.

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'.