Daily GK Update- 23rd Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Aam Aadmi Party's Shelly Oberoi wins Delhi Mayor elections: Aam Aadmi Party's Shelly Oberoi has defeated BJP candidate Rekha Gupta to become the new Delhi Mayor. She received 150 votes while Rekha Gupta got 116 seats. She also becomes Delhi's first woman mayor in 10 years. The election was held after the Supreme Court ruled out the possibility of nominated members participating in the voting process. In Delhi MCD polls, the AAP had bagged 134 seats, BJP got 104 seats, and Congress bagged nine seats.

 

2. ICAR develops wheat variety to beat the heat: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed a new wheat variety called HD-3385. It can overcome the challenges arising out due to changes in weather patterns and rising heat levels. It is amenable to early sowing, escaping the impact of heat spikes, and can be harvested before March's end. Recently, the Centre announced to set up of a committee to monitor the situation arising from the increase in temperatures and its impact on the current wheat crop.

 

3. Kerala HC becomes first to publish judgements in regional language: The Kerala High Court has become the first high court in the country to publish judgments in the regional language. On February 21 (International Mother Language Day), Kerala published two of its recent judgments in Malayalam. The judgments in Malayalam were uploaded on the court's website just below the English version. The Kerala High Court made use of SUVAS (Supreme Court Vidhik Anuwad Software ) tool to translate the judgments. CJ of Kerala HC: S. Manikumar

 

4. Namami Gange Executive Committee approves 9 projects: The Namami Gange Executive Committee, headed by NMCG Director General G. Asok Kumar, has approved nine Projects, worth over 1,200 crore rupees for Pollution abatement in Ganga Basin and Ghat Development.

Out of these projects, seven pertain to the abatement of pollution in the Ganga Basin and two to ghat development. The decision was taken during the 47th meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

 

5. JP Nadda launches book 'Modi: Shaping a Global order in flux': BJP national president, JP Nadda has launched a book "Modi: Shaping a Global Order in Flux" in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

The book is forewarded by S. Jaishankar ( Union External Affairs Minister) and edited by Sujan Chinoy, Vijay Chauthaiwala, and Uttam Kumar Sinha. Over 23 chapters, the book features write-ups by the likes of Amitabh Kant (former CEO of NITI Aayog), Chauthaiwale, Chinoy, Anurag Saxena, Amish Tripathi, and D.B. Venkatesh Varma (former diplomat).

 

6. Nitin Gadkari lays foundation stone of the world’s largest and unique Divyang Park: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has laid the Foundation Stone of the world’s largest and unique Divyang Park – Anubhuti Inclusive Park in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This park is being developed keeping in mind the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build an inclusive society. Instead of sympathy, this park will show empathy, hence this park has been named Anubhuti Divyang Park. The park will have adapted facilities for all 21 types of disabilities like touch and smell garden, hydrotherapy unit, water therapy, independent room for mentally challenged children, and mother. In 2016, the central government passed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act for the rights of persons with disabilities.

 

7. Rajesh Rai appointed new CMD of Indian Telephone Industries (ITI): The Union government has appointed Rajesh Rai as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) for a period of five years. Prior to assuming charge as CMD in ITI, he served as general manager (admin) of Mahanagar Telphone Nigam Ltd (MTNL), Mumbai. ITI Limited is a government-owned company in the telecommunications technology segment established as a departmental factory in 1948. It has manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru, Naini, Rae Bareli, Mankapur, and Palakkad.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves Air Services agreement between India and Guyana: Union Cabinet has approved the signing Air Services Agreement between India and Guyana. This agreement will come into force after the exchange of diplomatic notes between parties. Aim: To enable a framework for the provision of air services between the two countries Indians have a sizeable presence in Guyana and are the largest ethnic group comprising about 40% of the population. It will provide an enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity.

 

2. University of Auckland, Tata Memorial Hospital sign MoU for cancer care: Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) and Waipapa Taumata Rau (Auckland University) signed an MoU to engage in long-term cooperation in cancer care. TMH is the most renowned cancer care hospital and research center in India. Initial projects envisaged for the partnership include a digital platform:

For clinical trials to track study-related activities for patients, investigators, and regulators To make outpatient clinics more efficient To enhance prescription medicine safety

 

3. Asia Economic Dialogue 2023 begins in Pune: An annual flagship event of the External Affairs Ministry on Geo-economics, Asia Economic Dialogue is being conducted in Pune, Maharashtra from 23 -25 February 2023. This event is being co-hosted in collaboration with Pune International Centre. Theme 2023: Asia and the Emerging World Order The Dialogue also discusses themes such as Global Growth Prospects, How the Global South Will Shape the G20 Agenda and the Metaverse. 

 

4. 18th UIC World Security Congress organized by Railway Protection Force: The 18th World Security Congress 2023 commenced in Jaipur, the pink city of India. The International Union of Railways, Paris and Railway Protection Force are jointly organizing the 3-day Conference. Theme 2023- Railway Security Strategy: Responses and Vision for Future The World Security Congress is a globally recognized security platform. The Union International Des Chemins (UIC) or International Union of Railways was established in 1922.

 

5. 22 February – World Scout Day: World Scout Day is observed every year on 22 February. It is the birth anniversary of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of scouting and is also his wife Olave Baden-Powell’s birth anniversary. Boy Scouts and Girl Guides/Girl Scouts and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) also celebrate the day as World Thinking Day across the world. The Scouting movement began in the United Kingdom in 1907, more than a century ago.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Aishwary Pratap wins gold in men's 50m rifle 3 positions competition, ISSF: Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar has secured the gold medal in the men's individual 50m rifle 3 positions competition at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo, Egypt. In the event, he defeated Alexander Schmirl from Austria by 16-6. With this gold, India topped the medal tally with four gold and Hungary at second. 10m air rifle mixed team: Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil and R Narmada Nithin 10m air pistol mixed team: Varun Tomar and Rhythm Sangwan Men's 10m air rifle: Rudrankksh Patil

 

2. Dmitry Dmitruk appointed as new coach of Indian boxing team: Veteran boxing coach Dmitry Dmitruk was roped in by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) as India’s foreign coach on a two-year contract. Renowned coach Dmitruk was known for his work with the Irish national team and its youth teams in the past. He served as the high-performance coach in Ireland for the last 12 years. He will work with both men and women boxers alongside the Indian coaches, including men’s chief coach C.A. Kuttappa and women’s head coach Bhaskar Bhatt.

 

3. Rudrankksh Patil won gold in 10m Air Rifle at ISSF World Cup 2023: Rudrankksh Patil has won the gold medal in the men’s 10m air rifle competition of the ISSF Shooting World Cup in Cairo, Egypt. He defeated Germany’s Maximilian Ulbrich in the gold medal match by 16-8. Varun Tomar also won the bronze medal in the men’s 10m air pistol event. Rhythm Sangwan won the 10m Air Pistol mixed team competition at the event.

 

4. Carlos Alcaraz won Argentina Open title 2023: The World No. 2 tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Cameron Norrie in the final to win the Argentina Open title 2023. He became the first Spaniard to win the Argentina Open tennis title since Rafael Nadal in 2015. He also became the highest-ranked winner in tournament history. Casper Ruud, who won the competition in 2020 at the age of 21, was the youngest winner prior to Alcaraz.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HDFC Bank, Lulu Exchange sign to enhance cross-border payments: HDFC Bank has signed an MoU with the UAE-based Lulu Exchange to strengthen the cross-border payments between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. In the beginning, the expertise and regulatory framework of Lulu Exchange would be utilized to launch a digital inward remittance service - 'RemitNow2India'. It will allow UAE individuals resident to send money to any bank account in India via IMPS and NEFT through HDFC digital banking channels.

 

2. SBI allows Bhim-based real-time payment with Singapore: The State Bank of India has partnered with PayNow (Singapore Payment System) for cross-border payments. The facility is offered through SBI's Bhim SBIPay mobile application. This partnership will allow fund transfers from India to Singapore through registered mobile numbers, and from Singapore to India using the UPI ID. This initiative will boost the digitization initiatives, providing an easy, seamless cross-border payment facility to users. SBI chairman: Dinesh Khara

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. INS Nireekshak awarded on-the-spot Navy chief Unit Citation for salvage ops: In a first for the Indian Navy, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Harikumar awarded an ‘on the spot’ Unit Citation to INS Nireekshak in Kochi. Reason: For deep sea diving and undertaking salvage operations under the most challenging circumstances He also awarded commendations to the crew involved in the salvage operation. INS Nireekshak: It is a Dive Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of the Indian Navy. It was built in 1985 by Mazgaon Shipbuilders.

2. Veteran CPI-M Leader TK Rangarajan receives Lifetime Achievement Award: A veteran CPI-M leader, T K Rangarajan has been honored with the Sansad Ratna Lifetime Achievement Award 2023. Thirteen MPs were nominated for the Sansad Ratna Awards 2023. The 13th edition of the award ceremony will be held on March 25 in New Delhi. Sansad Ratna Awards: It was instituted in 2010 and inspired by the teachings of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. It recognizes and felicitates the top-performing MPs based on their work in the apex legislative body

Daily GK Update- 22nd Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. BEL inks MoU with ADA for advanced medium combat aircraft programme: Navratna PSU, Bharat Electronics (BEL) has signed an MoU with Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), DRDO and Cisco. BEL & ADA agreement: For the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme BEL & Cisco: For long-term strategic cooperation in the areas of networking, collaboration, and security among other associated services Aim: To leverage the complementary strengths and capabilities These MoUs were signed during the Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru.

 

2. Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi released two books: Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi released two books — Pt. Deendayal Udadhyaya: Dispersions of Thought and Pt. Deendayal Udpadhyaya: Integral Humanism in Chennai. The book was authored by Professor B. Dharmalingam. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was an Indian politician and a proponent of integral humanism ideology.

He also started the monthly publication Rashtra Dharma (National Duty). He also served as the 10th President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1967 – 1968).

 

3. IIT Roorkee, IAF join hands to develop indigenous defence technologies: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) has signed an MoU with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to promote the development of indigenous technologies. They also aim to develop equipment through Research and Development in areas of mutual interest. The MoU was signed at Bengaluru during Aero India 2023. The IIT Roorkee will provide its expertise and cooperation in research for feasibility studies and prototype development.

 

4. Minister of Power, RK Singh inaugurates 15th edition of ELECRAMA 2023: The Union Minister of Power, RK Singh has officially inaugurated the Power Pavilion, ELECRAMA 2023 at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida. Vivek Kumar Dewangan (Chairman & Managing Director, REC Limited) and other officials attended the event from REC. Theme 2023: Re-imagining the Future: Metamorphosis of the Power Sector in India. Vision: To showcase innovation in the power sector such as Smart Meters, Smart Feeder Management Systems, Methanol production etc

 

5. Ola, Uber and Rapido bike taxi services banned in Delhi: The Delhi government has announced a ban on bike taxis of Ola, Uber, and Rapido with immediate effect. The government notice indicates that using personal vehicles as commercial taxis violates Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. In violation of the order a fine of Rs 5000 will be charged and if the offense is committed the second time then a fine of Rs 10000 will be charged as well as imprisonment. The move by the Delhi government comes after the Supreme Court banned Rapido services in Maharashtra. Another big problem with two-wheeler cab services is that there are no proper arrangements for an emergency button. This poses a threat to women passengers’ safety.

 

6. Gulab Chand Kataria takes oath as Assam Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria was sworn in as the 31st governor of Assam. Kataria was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Gauhati High Court’s Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta at a brief ceremony at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra here. Kataria, who was a senior BJP leader, succeeded Jagadish Mukhi after completing his term. He is an 8-time MLA from Udaipur, Rajasthan is also a member of central working committee of the BJP. He was the Home minister in Government of Rajasthan from 2014 till 2018.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Thinking Day 2023: 22nd February: The World Organization of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) has observed World Thinking Day every year on 22nd February. Theme 2023: Our Planet, Our Peaceful Future Aim: To create awareness about issues that affect girls and young women This day also aims to celebrate sisterhood, solidarity, and women’s empowerment. In 1999, at the World Conference in Dublin, the name of the day was changed from Thinking Day to World Thinking Day.

 

2. 18th UIC World Security Congress organized by Railway Protection Force: The 18th UIC World Security Congress has been started commenced in Jaipur, India on 21st February 2023. The International Union of Railways, Paris and Railway Protection Force are jointly organizing the 3-day Conference. Theme 2023: Railway Security Strategy: Responses and Vision for Future The World Security Congress is a globally recognized security platform. The Union International Des Chemins (UIC) or International Union of Railways was established in 1922.

 

3. India and Singapore launched a joint digital payment mechanism: India and Singapore have launched a joint digital payment mechanism to enable residents of both countries to make easier and faster cross-border transactions. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of India and PayNow of Singapore have made a tie-up to facilitate these transactions. The facility was jointly launched by Shaktikanta Das, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and Ravi Menon, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong participated in the virtual launch of Real-Time Payment Linkage. This real-time payment system will help the Indian diaspora in Singapore, especially migrant workers and students.

 

4. Pashupati Kumar Paras inaugurated India Pavillion in Dubai: India Pavilion’ at Gulfood, Dubai was inaugurated by Pashupati Kumar Paras, Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India in the presence of Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE. India Pavilion’ is the largest pavilion at the Gulfood 2023. 306 companies, comprising of leading players, SMEs, and Startups are participating under one umbrella at ‘India Pavilion’. The Indian companies are exhibiting in all segments of the Gulfood viz. Beverages, Pulses, Grains, Cereals, World Food, Meat and Poultry, Dairy, Fats & Oils, etc. The leading Indian companies participating include Amul, MDH, Parle, Rasna, Bikanerwala, Bikaji, Everest Foods, Markfed, Safal and Lal Quilla. In the ‘India Pavilion’, special promotion and branding of millets superfoods will be done as the United Nations celebrates the International Year of Millets 2023.

 

5. India-Uzbekistan biennial military Ex-DUSTLIK 2023 begins in Uttarakhand: The 4th edition of the biennial training ‘Ex DUSTLE 2023’, between the Indian Army and Uzbekistan Army is being conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 20th February to 5th March 2023. This joint exercise is aimed at enhancing military capability to undertake multi-domain operations in a Sub Conventional scenario under United Nations Mandate. The 14th Battalion, the GARHWAL RIFLES, part of Western Command represented the Indian contingent. The troops of the North Western Military District represented the Uzbekistan Army.

 

6. 21 February – International Mother Language Day: International Mother Language Day is celebrated every year on 21 February. Objective – To spread awareness of linguistic, and cultural diversity, and to promote multilingualism. Theme 2023 – Multilingual Education – a necessity to transform education Language is not only a means of communication but it also represents a diverse cultural and intellectual heritage. UNESCO announced this day on November 17, 1999, and since 2000, this day has been celebrated all over the world. The day also marks the long struggle put up by Bangladesh to protect its mother tongue, Bangla.

 

7. 20 February – World Day of Social Justice: World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20. Objective – To encourage people to see how social justice affects poverty eradication. Theme 2023 – Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice

At its 62nd session, the UN General Assembly, in November 2007 proclaimed 20 February as World Day of Social Justice. The General Assembly determined that on November 26, 2007, February 20 will be observed annually as World Day of Social Justice. On June 10, 2008, the International Labour Organisation endorsed the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for Equitable Globalization.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rudrankksh Patil wins gold in men’s 10m air rifle in ISSF World Cup 2023: Indian shooter, Rudrankksh Patil clinched his first World Cup individual gold in the men’s 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo, Egypt. He defeated Maximilian Ulbrich of Germany, who was settled for silver. While Miran Maricic of Croatia won the bronze medal. In women’s 10m air rifle, Tilottama Sen (14) won the second bronze for India. Seonaid Mcintosh (Great Britain) won gold and Nina Christen (Switzerland) settled for silver.

 

2. Tata Group becomes the title sponsor for WPL: BCCI secretary, Jay Shah has informed that the TATA Group has bagged the title rights for the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023. The first match of WPL 2023 will begin between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians on March 4 at the DY Patil Stadium. In its first season, the WPL will stage a total of 20 league matches and two Playoff games that will be played. Five teams: Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore & UP Warriorz 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Central Bank of India, Moneywise Financial Services tie up for MSME loans: Central Bank of India and Moneywise Financial Services Pvt Ltd (MFSPL) signed a co-lending agreement for lending to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This partnership will help to expand the portfolio for both entities. The said loans would be subject to compliance with the applicable laws and guidelines issued by RBI. MFSPL is an RBI-regulated non-banking financial company (NBFC) focused on MSME Lending. Central Bank of India CEO: M. V. Rao

 

2. SEBI proposes more power to shareholders with changes to governance norms: The SEBI has proposed that the listed entities should take approval from shareholders at least once in 5 years for the appointment of directors to serve on their boards. Reason: To curb the practice of occupying permanent directorship in a company SEBI also proposed norms, related to special rights granted to certain shareholders; sale, disposal, or lease of assets of a listed entity outside the ‘scheme of arrangement’ framework and on agreements binding listed entities

 

3. Ind-Ra projects India's FY24 growth at 5.9%: Credit rating and research agency, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) projected the growth of the Indian economy to 5.9% year on year during 2023-24. The GDP growth estimate of the agency is lower than the 6.4% real GDP growth projected by the RBI for FY24. According to the agency, there are fault lines in the economic recovery that is happening in the Private final consumption expenditure, Government Final Consumption Expenditure, and net exports

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Pt Prem Kumar Mallick bags for the Sangeet natak Akademi Award 2019: Noted classical singer, Pt Prem Kumar Mallick has been selected for the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for 2019. Reason: Contributions in the field of music (Hindustani Vocal). He is a professor in the department of music and performing arts at Allahabad University. He will receive this award along with other artists from across the country for the award for years 2019, 2020, and 2021. President Droupadi Murmu will present the award on February 23.

 

2. Karthik Subramaniam wins National Geographic 'Pictures Of The Year': An Indian-origin, Karthik Subramaniam has won the prestigious National Geographic ‘Pictures of The Year’ award with his photograph titled “Dance of the Eagles”. The award-winning photograph captured a bald eagle intimidating its peers to claim a prime log while salmon hunting in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Alaska. He titled the picture 'Dance of the Eagles' as a homage to the fictional dragon war in George R.R. Martin’s novel ‘A Dance with Dragons’.

 

3. The Kashmir Files won best film at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards: SS Rajamouli’s RRR and Vivek Agnihotri’s The Kashmir Files bagged top honours at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2023. Alia Bhatt also won the Best Actress award for Gangubai Kathiawadi and husband Ranbir Kapoor won the Best Actor award for Brahmastra. Anupam Kher received the Most Versatile Actor of the Year award for The Kashmir Files. Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty won the Most Promising Actor award for his Kannada film Kantara. Varun Dhawan also won the Critics Best Actor Award for his film Bhediya. In the television category, Rupali Ganguly-starrer Anupama won the Television Series of the Year award.

Daily GK Update- 21st Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government appoints BVR Subrahmanyam as the new CEO of Niti Aayog: The government has approved the appointment of an IAS officer of the 1987 batch of the Chhattisgarh cadre, BVR Subrahmanyam as the CEO of NITI Aayog. He would succeed Parameswaran Iyer, who has been appointed as executive director of the World Bank for a period of two years. Earlier, he served as the chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) in Chhattisgarh. He also served as private secretary to then PM Manmohan Singh from 2004 to 2008

 

2. India to host Permanent Mission Roundtables at UN as G- 20 chair: India will host the Permanent Mission Roundtables at United Nations Head Quarter as Chair of G- 20 and ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Summit 2023 to be held in New York. A roundtable titled 'Gandhian Trusteeship: A panel discussion on Sustainable Lifestyles and Enduring Pace' will be held on the 23rd of February 2023. Focus: India’s growth story and achievements and how these might be scaled for the potential benefit of the global South

 

3. INS Sumedha reaches Abu Dhabi to participate in IDEX and NAVDEX: Indian Naval Ship Sumedha has reached Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2023 and International Defence Exhibition(IDEX) 2023. Agenda: To showcase the strengths of India's indigenous shipbuilding and underscore the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. INS Sumedha: It is the third ship of the indigenously built Saryu class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2014.

 

4. Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launches Learning-Teaching Material: Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan launched a Learning-Teaching Material named Jaadui Pitara. It was launched for the Foundational Stages of children. It is a unique initiative of the government that will help students of foundational stages to learn in a play-way method with ease. The Jaadui Pitara consists of playbooks, activity books, flashcards, posters depicting various stories, games, puzzles, puppets, and many more items.

 

5. Politician Upendra Kushwaha launches new political party: Senior Janata Dal (United) leader, Upendra Kushwaha has resigned from all party positions and launched a new political party 'Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal (RLJD)'.

·       He has also resigned from the post of MLC.

·       He was a key political aide of Nitish Kumar.

·       He quit the JD(U) in 2013 to float Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP).

·       He allied with the NDA and won the Lok Sabha polls a year later.

·       In 2021, Kushwaha merged his RLSP with the JD(U).

 

6. Ladakh sets Guinness world record for 21-km long frozen lake marathon: Ladakh has created history by successfully conducting its maiden 21-km trail running event in sub-zero temperature at 13,862 feet high Pangong Tso. It was registered in the Guinness world record as the world’s highest frozen lake half marathon. The four-hour-long marathon started from Lukung and ended at Maan village. Five energy stations, consisting of energy drinks, medical teams, oxygen support, and mobile ambulances were set up along the route.

 

7. LG Manoj Sinha inaugurated 33rd Police-Public Mela in Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has inaugurated the 33rd Police-Public Mela at Jammu. The Police-Public Mela has emerged as a powerful platform for police officers and public to interact and celebrate the shared heritage. The fair is being organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police Wives Welfare Association (JKPWWA). The LG also paid tributes to the martyrs of J&K Police who devoted their lives to serving and protecting the nation.

 

8. North India’s first nuclear power plant to be set up in Gorakhpur, Haryana: Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh has announced that North India’s first nuclear power plant would be set up in Gorakhpur in Fatehabad district, Haryana. The first phase will be completed by 2025 and the second by 2028. As the second phase completes, the plant will be fully operational to generate 2800 MW. The project will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 20,594 crores.

 

9. First PMGati Shakti Workshop for Western & Central Zone held in Goa: The first PM Gati Shakti regional workshop for the Western and Central Zone was held in Goa. The workshop featured discussions on use cases of National Master Plan (NMP) adoption by Central Ministries & State Departments for planning and acted as a platform for mutual learning among the States and Central Ministries/Departments. The scheme incorporates the infrastructure schemes of various Ministries and State Governments and was launched on 13 October 2021 by PM Modi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Mother Language Day 2023: 21st February: International Mother Language Day is observed on every year February 21 to highlight the cultural and linguistic diversity in the country. Theme 2023: Multilingual education - a necessity to transform education This day was first initiated by Bangladesh and it was accepted at the UNESCO General Conference held in 1999. UNESCO decided to observe this day to understand the value of the mother tongue.

 

2. India & Japan’s joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ begins: India – Japan joint training exercise “Dharma Guardian” will be conducted at Camp Imazu in the Shiga province of Japan from 17 February – 2 March. It is the 4th edition of the joint military exercise “Dharma Guardian” between India and Japan. Soldiers from the Garhwal Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and an infantry regiment from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) are participating in the exercise.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India win two Gold Medals in Shooting at ISSF World Cup, Egypt: India has won two gold medals in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed team and 10m Air Pistol Mixed team at the ongoing ISSF Shooting World Cup, Cairo in Egypt. Indian 10m Air Rifle Mixed team of Narmada Nithin Raju and Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil defeated Hungary’s Eszter Denes and Istvan Peni by 16-6 to bag the top spot on the podium. While the 10m Air Pistol Mixed team of Rhythm Sangwan and Varun Tomar won gold.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PM Modi, Singapore counterpart launch real-time payment systems linkage: Indian PM Narendra Modi and Singapore's PM Lee Hsien Loong witnessed the launch of the cross-border linkage between UPI and PayNow. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and MD of the Monetary Authority of Singapore Ravi Menon did the launch. It enables residents of both countries to transfer cross-border remittances faster and more cost-efficient. It will also help the Indian diaspora in Singapore to transfer money from Singapore to India and vice-versa.

 

2. RBI cancels licence of MP-based Garha Co-operative Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has canceled the license of Garha Co-operative Bank, Guna in Madhya Pradesh. Reason: The lender does not have adequate capital and earning prospects About 98.4% of the depositors of the bank are entitled to receive the full amount of their deposits from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). The bank is prohibited from conducting various activities, such as acceptance, and repayment of deposits with immediate effect.

 

3. Aviva India launches Aviva Signature Guaranteed Income Plan: Aviva Life Insurance has launched Aviva Signature Guaranteed Income Plan. It is a non-linked, non-participating savings life insurance plan, that helps build long-term wealth. It also helps customers save tax and guarantees a steady income stream in the long run. It aims to meet the diverse financial needs of policyholders at different phases of their lives. The options include Signature Moneymaker, Signature Investor, Signature Builder, and Signature Saver.

 

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ranbir Kapoor wins Best Actor at the DPIFF awards 2023: Ranbir Kapoor was awarded the Best Actor award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) Awards 2023 in Mumbai. He was awarded for his role in Brahmastra Part One-Shiva.

Alia Bhatt won the Best Actress award for Gangubai Kathiawadi.

·       Best Film: The Kashmir Files

·       Film Of The Year: RRR

·       Most Promising Actor: Rishab Shetty (Kantara)

·       Critics Best Actor: Varun Dhawan (Bhediya)

·       Critics Best Actress: Vidya Balan (Jalsa)

·       Best Director: R Balki (Chup)

 

2. Karthik Subramaniam won National Geographic’s ‘pictures of the year’: Indian-origin photographer Karthik Subramaniam has topped National Geographic’s ‘Photo of the Year’ contest 2023 beating over 5000 entries. His photograph, titled “Dance of the Eagles”, was taken at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Alaska and will be the cover page of the May edition of National Geographic. The award was presented to him for a striking picture of an eagle struggling to settle on a tree branch. The title of the picture is inspired by RRR Martin’s popular novel ‘A Dance with Dragons’.

 

3. Poet V Madhusoodanan Nair received Jnanappana Award 2023: A noted writer V Madhusoodanan Nair has been received for Jnanappana Puraskaram 2023 for his contribution to the field of literature. The award consists of a Rs 50,001 cash prize, 10-gram gold locket with an image of Sree Guruvayoorappan, a citation, and a memento. The award will be presented on February 24, when the devaswom celebrates the birthday of Poonthanam. This award was instituted by Guruvayur Devaswom in memory of ‘Poonthanam Namboothiri’, the ardent devotee of Guruvayoorappan, who wrote Jnanappana.

 

4. Austin Butler won the Best Actor award at the 76th BAFTA Awards: The 76th British Academy Film Awards, BAFTA Awards, were announced at an event held in London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Austin Butler won the 76th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) Awards 2023 in the Best Leading Actor category for Elvis. Cate Blanchett won the Best Leading Actress Award for her performance in TAR. A German anti-war drama, ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ won a maximum of seven awards including Best Film and Director. This movie is a screen adaptation of the 1928 novel by Erich Maria Remarque. The Banshees of Inisherin’ and ‘Elvis’ both movies won four BAFTA awards.

 

 

 

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former Gujarat governor O P Kohli passes away: Former Gujarat Governor and Rajya Sabha MP, Om Prakash Kohli passed away at 87 in Noida. He joined the political arena in January 1991. He was the 19th Governor of Gujarat between 2014 and 2019 during the term of chief ministers Anandiben Patel and Vijay Rupani. He also held the additional charge as Governor of Madhya Pradesh from 2016 to 2018 and Goa governor for three weeks in 2014. He was a lecturer at Hansraj College and Deshbandhu College in Delhi.

Daily GK Update- 20th Feb, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 achieves new milestone: India’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3 has successfully underwent Electro-Magnetic Interference/ Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMI-EMC). EMI-EMC test: It is conducted for satellite missions to ensure the functionality of the satellite subsystems in the space environment.It also ensures compatibility with the expected electromagnetic levels.The test was conducted by the ISRO at U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru. The performance of the systems was satisfactory.

 

2. North India's first nuclear power plant to be set up in Gorakhpur, Haryana: Union MoS, Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh announced that North India's first nuclear power plant would be set up in Gorakhpur in Fatehabad district, Haryana. The plant will be built on 560 hectares of land. Aim: To generate 2800 MW The first phase will be completed by  2025 and the second by 2028. As the second phase completes, the plant will be fully operational to generate 2800 MW. The project will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 20,594 crores.

 

3. MEA launches 'mPassport Police App': The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched the 'mPassport Police App' to streamline and expedite the police verification process for passport issuance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the App during the 76th Raising Day Parade of Delhi Police. The mPassport Police App will cut the verification time period to 5 days. He also dedicated 350 mobile Tablets to personnel of the Delhi Police Special Branch, on the occasion of the force's Raising Day.

 

4. Govt approves Rs 30.40 cr ‘Sensor-based Smart Agriculture’ project: Jammu and Kashmir's government has approved Rs 30.40 crore for the Sensor-based Smart Agriculture project. It aims to integrate agriculture with technology driven by Artificial Insemination and IoT to automate practices, enhance resource use efficiency, and improve profitability. The project would enable the use of Hi-tech poly houses to cultivate cash crops around the year. In J&K, over 70% of the economy is based on agriculture.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India-Uzbekistan biennial military Ex-DUSTLIK 2023 begins in Uttarakhand: The 4th edition of the biennial training Ex DUSTLIK 2023, between the Indian Army and Uzbekistan Army is being conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 20th February to 5th March 2023 Aim: To enhance the military capability to undertake multi-domain operations in a Sub Conventional scenario The 14th Battalion, the GARHWAL RIFLES, part of Western Command represented the Indian contingent The troops of the North Western Military District represented the Uzbekistan Army

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI issues final guidelines on interest rate risk in banking book: The RBI issued the final guidelines on Interest Rate Risk (IRR) in the Banking Book. Banks use this to measure, monitor, and disclose their exposure to IRRBB, which may impact the capital base and future earnings of lenders. IRRBB: The current or prospective risk to banks' capital and earnings arising from adverse movements in interest rates that affect their banking book positions. Excessive IRRBB: Risk to banks' current capital base and/or future earnings

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Austin Butler wins the Best Actor award at the 76th BAFTA Awards: Austin Butler won the 76th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) Awards 2023 in the Best Leading Actor category for Elvis. Cate Blanchett won the Best Leading Actress Award for her performance in TÁR. A German anti-war drama, ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ won a maximum of seven awards including Best Film and Director. This movie is a screen adaptation of the 1928 novel by Erich Maria Remarque. ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ and ‘Elvis’ both movies won four BAFTA awards.

 

1. Poet V Madhusoodanan Nair receives Jnanappana award 2023: A noted writer, V Madhusoodanan Nair has been selected for Jnanappana Puraskaram 2023 for his contribution to the field of literature. The award consists of a Rs 50,001 cash prize, a 10-gram gold locket with an image of Sree Guruvayoorappan, a citation, and a memento. Guruvayur Devaswom in memory of ‘Poonthanam Namboothiri’, the ardent devotee of Guruvayoorappan, who wrote Jnanappana, instituted this award. The award will be presented on February 24, 2023.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Actor Nandamuri Taraka Ratna passes away: Noted Actor and Politician, Nandamuri Taraka Ratna passed away at the age of 39 due to cardiac arrest in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was the grandson of the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and founder of the TDP, N.T. Rama Rao. He made his debut with Okato Number Kurraadu (2002) followed by Yuva Rathna (2003), Taarak (2003), and Bhadradri Ramudu. He was also awarded the Nandi Award 2009 for Best Villain in Amaravathi.

1. Legendary manga artist Leiji Matsumoto passes away: Legendary manga artist, Leiji Matsumoto passed away at age 85 due to acute heart failure in Tokyo, Japan. His manga works Galaxy Express 999 and Space Pirate Captain Herlock were adapted into television anime series in the 1970s and became huge hits in and outside Japan. Many of his manga was in the "battlefield comics" genre with more than 150 stories depicting the tragedy of war. Mangas are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan.