Daily GK Update- 7th Mar, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. SS Dubey takes charge as new Controller General Of Accounts: S.S. Dubey, a 1989-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer, has taken charge as the 28th Controller General of Accounts (CGA) effective from 6th March 2023. Prior to this role, he was an Additional Controller General of Accounts, Public Financial Management System (PFMS). CGA is ‘the Principal Advisor’ on Accounting matters to the Union Government. CGA is also responsible for exchequer control and internal audits for the Central Government.

 

2. 23rd Commonwealth Law Conference begins in Goa: Governor of Goa, P.S. Sreedharan Pillai has inaugurated the 23rd Commonwealth Law Conference in Goa, which is being held from March 5-9, 2023. The event was also attended by Union Minister for Law, Kiren Rijiju, and Goa CM Pramod Sawant. Minister also informed that the government had started eCourts phase III to make Indian Judiciary completely paperless. 500 delegates from 52 countries attended the Conference. It is a platform for open discussions on critical issues.

 

3. Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2023: 7th March: The 5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas is being organized on 7th March 2023 across India to enhance awareness about the scheme and promote generic medicines. Theme 2023: Jan Aushadhi – Sasti bhi Acchi bhi The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), and States/UTs. A week-long event is being organized in different cities all across the country from March 1-7, 2023. This day was first observed on March 7, 2019.

 

4. Conrad Sangma sworn-in as Meghalaya Chief Minister: National People's Party president, Conrad K Sangma, has taken oath as the chief minister of Meghalaya for the second consecutive term. Governor Phagu Chauhan has administered the oath of office to Sangma. The sworn-in ceremony was attended by PM Narendra Modi, BJP president JP Nadda and home minister Amit Shah. While Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP)'s Neiphiu Rio will take oath as Nagaland chief minister.

 

5. Mauganj became the 53rd District of Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that Mauganj, a tehsil of Rewa district, will be the 53rd district of state. It will be developed by joining four tehsils of Rewa district. Four tehsils: Mauganj, Hanumana, Nai Garhi, and Deotalab. Residents of Mauganj were raising the demand for a separate district for a long time. He has also released 605 crore in the bank accounts of 27,000 beneficiaries of the Sambal Yojana in financial distribution program.

 

6. Himachal govt hikes monetary award for Mahila Vikas Protsahan Puraskar: Presiding over a state-level event for International Women's Day (8th March), Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a nearly five-fold increase in the monetary award under the Himachal Pradesh Mahila Vikas Protsahan Puraskar. The monetary award for the Mahila Vikas Protsahan Puraskar has been hiked to Rs 1 lakh from the current Rs 21,000. The allowance for district-level awards has been raised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Red Bull's Max Verstappen wins 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix: Red Bull's driver, Max Verstappen has won the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix 2023, held at Bahrain International Circuit. He defeated Red Bull's Sergio Perez, who placed second in the race. It was the first time he had won in Bahrain and also the first time he had triumphed in a Formula One opener. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin's driver) placed third followed by C. Sainz Jr. (Ferrari's driver).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. All Pension portals to be integrated into Single Portal: MoS, personnel, public grievances, and pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare will integrate all the pension portals - Pension Disbursing Bank portals, ANUBHAV, CPENGRAMS, CGHS, etc into a single portal. These portals will be integrated into the form of the newly created “Integrated Pensioners’ Portal”. Aim: To ensure the ease of living for the elder citizens RBI’s home price index increases across India despite rate hikes: The All India Home Price Index (HPI), released by the RBI, has recorded a 2.79% growth (year-on-year) to 302 in the third quarter (ended December) of 2022-23 as compared with 293.8, despite the rise in interest rates. On a quarter-on-quarter sequential basis, the index rose from 298, an increase of 1.34%, from September 2022. The Y-o-Y movements in HPI varied widely across the cities, ranging from a growth of 7.1% (Kochi) to a contraction of 9% (Jaipur).

 

2. Share of female borrowers in retail loans rises to 26%: According to the CRIF High Mark, the total retail loan outstanding was Rs 100.28 lakh crore in Dec 2022, up from Rs 81.91 lakh crore a year ago. The share of female borrowers in the retail loans outstanding has gone up to 26% at Rs 26.07 lakh crore as of Dec 2022 from 25% (Rs 20.47 lakh crore) in Dec 2021. Major retail loan products availed by female borrowers in India: Gold loans (42% share), Education loans (35%), Home loans (32%), and Loans against property (29%)

 

3. RBI initiates 75 digital villages programme: The RBI Governor, Shaktikanta Das has launched the Mission ‘Har Payment Digital’ during the Digital Payments Awareness Week 2023, which is being observed from March 6 to 12, 2023. Campaign theme: Digital Payment Apnao, Auron ko bhi Sikhao (Adopt digital payments and Also teach others) RBI has launched a program to adopt 75 villages and convert them into digital payment-enabled villages. Payment system operators (PSOs) will adopt these villages across the country.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Delhi international airport among cleanest in Asia-Pacific: ACI: According to the Airport Council International (ACI), Delhi airport has been ranked among the cleanest airports in Asia-Pacific. ACI is a trade association of global airports. The airport service quality award is based on passenger surveys carried out to rate customer satisfaction on the day of travel. It covers over 30 performance indicators across key elements of a passenger’s airport experience such as ease of finding your way and dining offerings.

 

2. Mirabai Chanu wins BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2022: Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has won the 2022 BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award after a public vote. She becomes the first athlete to win the award twice in a row after winning for the year 2021. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she became the first Indian to win a silver medal in weightlifting.

Other BBC awards for 2022:

·       Para Sportswoman: Bhavina Patel (TT Player)

·       Lifetime Achievement Award: Pritam Siwach (Women Hockey Player)

·       Emerging Player: Nitu Ghanghas (Boxer)

Daily GK Update- 6th March, 2023

 

 

1. First edition of Naval Commanders' Conference of 2023 begins: The first edition of the 2023 Naval Commanders' Conference has been started on March 6, 2023. The first phase of the conference is held onboard India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in the Arabian Sea off Goa. Rajnath Singh addressed the Naval Commanders onboard INS Vikrant. This conference serves as a platform for Naval Commanders to discuss important security issues at the military-strategic level and interact with senior government functionaries

 

2. President Murmu launched ‘Catch the Rain-2023’ campaign: President Droupadi Murmu has launched the ‘Catch the Rain-2023’ as part of efforts to turn the conservation of water into a mass campaign in the run-up to the monsoon season. The theme of the 2023 campaign was ‘Source Sustainability for Drinking Water'. The president also conferred 18 awards under Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen, Jal Jeevan Mission, and National Water Mission. She has released a compendium of case stories titled ‘Swachh Sujal Shakti Ki Abhivyakti’.

 

3. SWAMIH Fund completed 20 557 homes since inception in 2019: The Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Investment Fund has completed 20,557 homes worth ₹12,000 crore since its inception in 2019. About SWAMIH Investment Fund: It was launched in November 2019. Aim: To complete stressed and brownfield properties registered under Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). SWAMIH investment fund is a government-funded initiative and it is managed by the State Bank Group's SBICAP Ventures Limited.

 

4. No sale of gold jewellery without HUID from April 1: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has prohibited sale of hallmarked gold jewellery or gold artefacts without the six-digit alphanumeric hallmark unique identification number (HUID) after March 31, 2023. Aim: To protect consumers and enhance their confidence in the purchase of hallmarked gold jewellery.

It would ensure traceability and assure quality in gold jewellery. The six-digit HUID number was introduced on July 1, 2021.

 

5. Anurag Thakur launched Yuva Utsav: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur has launched the Yuva Utsava -India@2047 from IIT Ropar in Punjab. He also launched the Dashboard of Yuva Utsava. In the first phase by 31st March 2023, Yuva Utsava will be held in 150 Districts across the country to celebrate youth power. Schools and colleges of the districts, with broad-based participants/footfall from neighboring educational institutions apart from the Youth Volunteers, are hosting the Yuva Utsav programs in the first phase and Members of Youth Club affiliated with NYKS.

 

6. SC formed five-member expert committee to look into Hindenburg report: The Supreme Court has formed an expert committee headed by a former judge to investigate if there was a regulatory failure leading to investor losses after the adverse report by American short-seller Hindenburg Research on the Adani group of companies came out. Former Supreme Court judge Abhay Manohar Sapre will head the committee. The committee will comprise former State Bank of India chairman O P Bhatt, retired judge J P Devadhar, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, banking veteran K V Kamath, and Mumbai-based advocate Somashekhar Sundaresan as other members The committee has been asked to submit its report in a sealed cover to the court within two months. The Committee will also suggest measures to strengthen the statutory and/or regulatory framework and secure compliance with the existing framework for the protection of investors.

 

7. Amit Shah inaugurated Phase I of Bengaluru Safe City project: The Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated the first phase of the Bangalore Safe City Project in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The project is envisaged under Nirbhaya Scheme at a cost of over Rs 496 crore to ensure the safety of women in Bengaluru city. Under the project, audio-visual systems, drones, CCTVs, and emergency call boxes are installed in various parts of the city. The Home Minister also inaugurated the Vijay Sankalpa Yatra of BJP in Bidar.

 

8. Mauganj became the 53rd district of Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced to make Tehsil Mauganj of Rewa district the 53rd district of the state It will have four tehsils – Mauganj, Hanumana, Naigarhi and Devtalab with a population of more than six lakhs. Apart from this, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of projects worth more than Rs 738 crore, many of which are in Mauganj. CM Chouhan also transferred an amount of Rs 605 crore as assistance to the bank accounts of 27,310 beneficiaries under the Sambal scheme.

 

9. Madhya Pradesh government launched Ladli Bahna scheme for women: Madhya Pradesh Government has launched the Ladli Bahna scheme under which each woman will be given one thousand rupees per month. The scheme aims to increase the economic independence of women in the state, improving their health and nutritional status. Under the scheme, Rs 1,000 per month will be deposited in the accounts of the native women of the state in the age group of 23 to 60 years. The benefit of this scheme will be given only to women whose annual family income is less than Rs 2.5 lakh or who have less than five acres of land.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UN inks ‘High Seas Treaty’ in a bid to protect ocean bodies of the world: The United Nations (UN) has inked the first ‘High Seas Treaty’ in a bid to protect the ocean bodies of the world that lie outside the national boundaries and form almost two-thirds of the world's oceans. This treaty now brings 30% of the world's oceans into the protected domain, puts more money into marine conservation, and sets new rules for mining at sea. The last agreement on ocean protection was signed 40 years ago in 1982 - the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

 

2. India ranks 108th on Electoral Democracy Index 2023: According to the V-dem Democracy report 2023, India ranks 108th in the Electoral Democracy Index. India's ranking dipped from the 100th position in 2022 to 108th this year in the report's Electoral Democracy Index (EDI) while 97th in the Liberal Democracy Index (LDI). Denmark ranked first with the highest comprehensive score of 0.89 in the LDI, followed by Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, and Estonia

Pakistan slipped two steps lower at 106th in the LDI and 110th in the EDI

 

3. 7th International Dharma Dhamma Conference in Bhopal: The President of India Droupadi Murmu has inaugurated the 7th International Dharma Dhamma Conference in Bhopal. The Conference is being organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies. The theme of the Conference – Eastern Humanism for the New Era

 

4. INS Trikand participated in International Maritime Exercise 2023: INS Trikand is participating in the International Maritime Exercise/ Cutlass Express 2023 (IMX/CE-23) being held in the Gulf region. Participants from over 50 nations and international maritime agencies are participating in the exercise with the common aim of enhancing maritime security and keeping sea lanes in the region safe for maritime commerce. IMX/CE-23 is one of the largest multinational maritime exercises in the world. Earlier, in November 2022, INS Trikand had participated in the CMF-led Operation Sea Sword 2. Participation in exercises like Sea Sword 2 and IMX/CE-23 enables the Indian Navy in strengthening relationships and enhancing interoperability and collective maritime capability with maritime partners in the IOR.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Karnataka beats Meghalaya to clinch Santosh Trophy football after 54 years: Karnataka won its 5th Santosh Trophy National Football Championship title after defeating Meghalaya by 3-2 in the final at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Karnataka last won the title 54 years ago. Earlier, Services won third place beating Punjab 2-0 in the play-off match held before the final. Most successful team: West Bengal (32 titles) Santosh Trophy was founded in 1941 and organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

2. HDFC Bank recommends re-appointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan MD for 3 yrs: The board of directors of HDFC Bank has recommended the reappointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan as managing director and CEO for three years, with effect from 27 October 2023. The Bank also informed that it is subject to the approval of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the shareholders. Sashidhar Jagdishan joined the Bank in 1996 and was appointed as a chief financial officer in 2008, after which he was appointed as the MD and CEO.

 

3. India's per capita income doubled since 2014-15: According to National Statistical Office (NSO), the estimated annual per capita (net national income) at current prices for 2022-23 is Rs 1,72,000, showing a growth of around 99% from Rs 86,647 in 2014-15. However, after adjusting for inflation (constant prices), the per capita income has risen by approximately 35% from Rs 72,805 in 2014-15 to Rs 98,118 in 2022-23. The average growth of India’s per-capita income in real terms from 2014 to 2019 was 5.6 percent per annum.

 

4. World Bank to lend $1 billion to support India’s health sector: The World Bank will lend up to $1 billion to India to strengthen its health infrastructure. The lending will be divided into two complementary loans of $500 million each. The bank will support India’s flagship Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) which was launched in October 2021. The loans will prioritize health service delivery in seven States - Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Mirabai Chanu won BBC Indian Sportswoman of The Year for 2022: Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has won the 2022 BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award. She becomes the first athlete to win the award twice in a row after winning for the year 2021. BBC Para Sportswoman of the Year went to Bhavina Patel while Pritam Siwach was conferred with the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award. Boxer Nitu Ghanghas was chosen as the BBC Emerging Player of the Year.

Daily GK Update- 5th March, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Govt to launch Seed Traceability System: During the Indian Seed Congress event, organized by the National Seed Association of India, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that the government would soon launch a seed traceability system. Reason: To ensure the availability of good quality seeds to the farmers This system will help to curb the pilferage in the seed trade sector. India is in the leading position in agriculture but needs to be self-sufficient in oilseeds and cotton areas.

 

2. Mansukh Mandaviya released book 'India’s Vaccine Growth Story': Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya released the book 'India’s Vaccine Growth Story- From Cowpox to Vaccine Maitri' at World Book Fair in New Delhi Additional Secretary of Finance Ministry Sajjan Singh Yadav has authored the book. Dr. Mandaviya also urged the writers to inculcate research-based documentation. The research-based documentation reflects knowledge and science that have proven exemplary in times of crisis.

 

3. President Murmu to launch ‘Catch the Rain-2023’ campaign: President Droupadi Murmu will launch the ‘Catch the Rain-2023’ on March 4, 2023 as part of efforts to turn conservation of water into a mass campaign in the run-up to the monsoon season. The theme of this year’s campaign will be ‘Source Sustainability for Drinking Water’.“During Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2023. The significant role that water plays in the empowerment of women has been acknowledged with the theme ‘Jal Shakti se Nari Shakti’ The President will also confer 18 Awards under Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen, Jal Jeevan Mission and National Water Mission under various categories and release a compendium of case stories titled ‘Swachh Sujal Shakti Ki Abhivyakti’.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Sabah re-appointed as Prime Minister of Kuwait: Crown prince, Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Sabah has been re-appointed as the Prime Minister of Kuwait. This decision came more than a month after the government resigned due to increased tensions with the parliament. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who also oversees the duties of the ruling emir has nominated Sheikh Ahmed. Although political parties are prohibited in Kuwait, the legislature has more power than similar bodies in other Gulf monarchies.

 

2. India, Italy elevate ties to strategic partnership: After having comprehensive talks between Indian PM Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, both countries are ready to elevate their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Both countries signed an MoU on defense cooperation and announced the establishment of a ‘Startup Bridge’ between India and Italy. Both nations also decided to hold joint exercises and training courses between the armed forces. Italian PM also attended the 8th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.

 

3. Deakin University becomes first foreign university to set up at GIFT City: Deakin University (Australia) has become the first foreign university to receive the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)'s approval to set up an International Branch Campus in GIFT City. During Budget 2023-24, Finance Minister announced that the World Class Foreign Universities and Institutions would be allowed in GIFT City. The in-principle approval was based on the recommendation of the Committee of Experts set up by GIFT City Company Ltd.

 

4. Indo-France joint exercise 'FRINJEX-23' held in Thiruvananthapuram: The maiden joint military exercise 'FRINJEX-23' between India and France, will be scheduled to conduct at the Pangode military station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from March 7 and 8, 2023. It is for the first time that both countries are engaging in this format with each contingent comprising a Company Group. The theme for the exercise is based on “Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations in a Contested Environment”.

5. INS Trikand participates in International Maritime Exercise/Cutlass Express: INS Trikand has participated in the International Maritime Exercise/ Cutlass Express 2023 (IMX/CE-23), which is being held in the Gulf region from 26 Feb to 16 Mar 23. INS will exercise with participants from over 50 nations and international maritime agencies. Common aim: To enhance maritime security and keep sea lanes in the region safe for maritime commerce. IMX/CE-23 is one of the largest multinational maritime exercises in the world. 

 

6. IAF transport aircraft Exercise Shinyuu Maitri with Japan’s Air Self Defense Force: The Indian Air Force (IAF) along with the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) participated in Exercise Shinyuu Maitri. The Exercise Shinyuu Maitri is being organized on the sidelines of the Indo-Japan Joint Army Exercise, Dharma Guardian, which was conducted from 13 February 2023 to 02 March 2023 at Komatsu, Japan.

Note: Exercise Between India and Japan

·       ‘Sahyog Kaijin’: India and Japan

·       Dharma Guardian: India and Japan

·       Shinyuu Maitri’: India and Japan (Airforce)

·       Exercise JIMEX: Indian and Japanese (navies)

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Daniil Medvedev wins Dubai Tennis Championships title 2023: Russian tennis player, Daniil Medvedev defeated his Russian compatriot Andrey Rublev by 6-2, 6-2 to win the 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships title. With this performance, he moved to sixth in the ATP rankings, while Rublev dropped to number seven. After winning the trophies in Rotterdam and Doha in February 2023, he is the third player to win three titles in as many weeks since 2021, joining Casper Ruud (July 2021) and Felix Auger-Aliassime (October 2022).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. New India Assurance becomes second company to offer surety bonds: New India Assurance has become the second domestic insurance company to launch surety insurance bonds. Surety bond insurance acts as a security arrangement for infrastructure projects and will insulate the contractor as well as the principal. These bonds are legally enforceable tripartite contracts that guarantee compliance, payment, and performance. The issuing insurer provides a guarantee, for a premium, in case of a default in the execution of a project.

 

2. RBI puts restrictions on Musiri Urban Co-operative Bank: The Reserve Bank of India on 3 March imposed a Rs 5,000 cap on withdrawals by individual customers from Tamil Nadu-based Musiri Urban Co-operative Bank as part of several restrictions slapped on the lender due to its deteriorating financial condition. The restrictions on the lender will remain in force for six months from the close of business on March 3 and are subject to review. With curbs in place, the cooperative bank, without approval of the RBI, cannot grant loans, make any investment, and disburse any payment. The lender cannot also dispose of any of its properties, among others.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Asian Chess Federation confers D Gukesh with Player of the Year award: 60th Indian GM D Gukesh was honored with the Player-of-the-Year award 2023 by the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) for winning the gold medal with a record-breaking score of 9/11 in the 44th Chess Olympiad at Mahabalipuram.

Other awardees:

·       Most Active Federation: All India Chess Federation

·       Man-of-the-Year: Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin

·       Best Women’s team of the Year: Indian women’s team

·       Men’s Coach-of-the-Year: GM R B Ramesh

·       Women’s Coach-of-the-Year: GM Abhijit Kunte

Daily GK Update- 4th March, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Craig Fulton appointed as new Chief Coach of Indian men's hockey team: Hockey India has appointed South African Craig Fulton as the new chief coach of the Indian men's hockey team. He will succeed Australian Graham Reid who resigned in January 2023. He has nearly 25 years of coaching experience and earned 195 caps over a span of 10 years for South Africa. He also played Atlanta and Athens Olympic Games. He was named the Belgium Coach of the Year after he guided his club KHC Dragons to the Belgium Hockey League title in the 2020-21 season.

 

2. Minister Anurag Thakur launched Yuva Utsava - India@2047 in Punjab: Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Singh Thakur has launched Yuva Utsava - India@2047 from Ropar in Punjab. He has also launched the Dashboard of Yuva Utsav. Aim: To promote youth power In the first phase, Yuva Utsav is being organized in 150 districts across the country till the 31st of March, 2023. Youth Affairs Ministry is conducting ‘Yuva Utsav India @2047’ under its flagship youth organization Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan.

 

3. Union Home Minister, Amit Shah launched Safe City Projects in Karnataka: Union Home Minister, Amit Shah has launched the first phase of the Safe City project in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The project is an initiative to ensure the safety and security of residents in Bengaluru, especially women. Phase-1 of the project features high-resolution cameras, forensic vans, safety islands, and much more. The city police must maintain maximum reach and speed in addressing emergency situations while using the right technological intervention.

 

4. President Murmu to launch ‘Catch the Rain-2023’ campaign: President Droupadi Murmu will launch the ‘Catch the Rain-2023’ on March 4, 2023 as part of efforts to turn conservation of water into a mass campaign in the run-up to the monsoon season. The theme of this year’s campaign will be ‘Source Sustainability for Drinking Water’. “During Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2023. The significant role that water plays in the empowerment of women has been acknowledged with the theme ‘Jal Shakti se Nari Shakti’ The President will also confer 18 Awards under Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen, Jal Jeevan Mission and National Water Mission under various categories and release a compendium of case stories titled ‘Swachh Sujal Shakti Ki Abhivyakti’.

 

5. 4th March: National Security Day: Every year on March 4, India observes National Safety Day. The main goal of the day is to highlight safety measures, ensure that people are aware of them, and follow them in order to avoid workplace accidents. In India, the 4th of March also marks the start of National Safety Week. Theme 2023: ‘Nurture young minds – Develop safety culture’

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Mexico sign MoU on research and technology: India has signed an MoU with Mexico on research, technology, and innovation collaborations in New Delhi. Focus: Key technology areas including Aerospace, Electronics, Earth and Ocean Sciences and Water, Minerals, Clean Energy, Biotech, and Healthcare Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh has assured Mexican Foreign Minister, Marcelo Ebrard that India with CSIR and sister Organizations will provide tangible results in the three priority areas of Water, Lithium and Vaccines

 

2. World Wildlife Day 2023: 3rd March: World Wildlife Day 2023 is marked annually on March 3 to celebrate the unique wild species and create awareness to help conserve them. Theme 2023: Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation The 68th session of the UNGA has designated March 3 as World Wildlife Day on December 20, 2013. Reason: To raise awareness about the conservation of the world's wild flora and fauna The formal text of CITES was adopted at a meeting of 80 members of the IUCN on March 3, 1973.

 

3. World’s first’ bamboo crash barrier installed on Maharashtra highway: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on 4 March said a 200-meter-long bamboo crash barrier has been installed on a highway connecting Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts in Maharashtra, which he termed as the “world’s first” such exercise. Calling it a “remarkable achievement” for the country and its bamboo sector, he said this crash barrier offers a perfect alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns.

 

4. IAF transport aircraft Exercise Shinyuu Maitri with Japan’s Air Self Defense Force: The Indian Air Force (IAF) along with the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) participated in Exercise Shinyuu Maitri. The Exercise Shinyuu Maitri is being organized on the sidelines of the Indo-Japan Joint Army Exercise, Dharma Guardian, which was conducted from 13 February 2023 to 02 March 2023 at Komatsu, Japan.

 

5. Mumbai jumps to 37th place globally in price growth in luxury housing: Mumbai’s rank has improved to 37th from 92nd in a global list of movement in prices of luxury homes as the city saw an appreciation of 6.4 per cent during 2022 calendar year, according to Knight Frank India.

In Bengaluru, the prices of prime property rose 3 per cent, helping the city improve its rank to 63rd in 2022 from 91st in 2021. “Delhi’s prime property market saw value appreciating by 1.2 per cent which moved up the ranking to 77th from 93rd in 2021 As per the report, the prime residential prices in Dubai accelerated 44.2 per cent in 2022. Aspen ranks 2nd with 27.6 per cent growth in prices, followed by Riyadh (25 per cent), Tokyo (22.8 per cent), Miami (21.6 per cent), Prague (16.3 per cent), Algarve (15.3 per cent), Bahamas (15 per cent), Athens 13 per cent and Porto (12.7 per cent).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes Rs 3.06 Crore penalty on Amazon Pay (India): Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of three crore six lakh sixty-six thousand rupees on Amazon Pay (India) Private Limited. Reason: For non-compliance with certain directions related to Prepaid Payment Instruments and Know Your Customer. The action was based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the entity with its customers.

 

2. RBI imposes restrictions on Musiri Urban Co-operative Bank: RBI has imposed a Rs 5,000 cap on withdrawals by individual customers from Tamil Nadu-based Musiri Urban Co-operative Bank. Reason: It is a part of several restrictions imposed on the lender due to its deteriorating financial condition. The restrictions on the lender will remain in force for six months from the close of business on March 3, 2023. Without the approval of the RBI, the cooperative bank cannot grant loans, make any investments, or disburse any payments.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Punjab discom gets ‘top performer' award for energy conservation measures: Under the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) program of the Union Ministry for Power, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) was awarded as the top performer among all Discoms across the country for energy conservation measures. The award ceremony was held in New Delhi on March 1. During PAT cycle II, a total number of 80,686 ‘Energy saving certificates’ (ESCerts) were issued to PSPCL. PAT is a flagship scheme under the National Mission on Enhanced efficiency.

 

2. NTPC conferred with the CBIP Award 2022: NTPC Limited has been honored with the CBIP Award 2022 for Outstanding Contribution in Power Generation, attributed to its Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station (VSTPS). VSTPS is the largest power station in the country for its efficiency and high level of generation. Union Minister of Power, R.K. Singh presented the award. It is conferred to institutions/individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of water, power, and Renewable Energy Sectors.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Former CJI, A M Ahmadi passes away: Former Chief Justice of India, A M Ahmadi passed away at 90 due to a brief illness. He was the 26th Chief Justice of India from October 1994 to March 1997. In 1964, he was appointed a civil and sessions judge in Ahmedabad and become the state’s law secretary. In 1976, he was appointed a judge of the Gujarat High Court and was elevated to the Supreme Court in 1988. In his tenure in the Supreme Court, he was part of seminal verdicts that changed the course of a polity.