Daily GK Update- 8th Mar, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Manik Saha sworn in as chief minister of Tripura for second time: Dr. Manik Saha has been sworn in as the new chief minister of Tripura for the second consecutive term. Tripura governor Satyadeo Narain Arya administered the oath to him at Vivekananda Maidan in the capital city of Tripura, Agartala. The oath ceremony was attended by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

In 2022, he was made the chief minister after replacing Biplab Deb. He joined the BJP in 2016 after quitting Congress. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in March 2022.

 

2. Indian Navy successfully tests MRSAM from INS Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy successfully fired a medium-range surface-to-surface missile (MRSAM) from INS Visakhapatnam. Reason: To validate the capability of the anti-tank missiles MRSAM was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and produced at Bharat Dynamics Ltd. The DRDO has already handed over two other versions to Indian Army and Indian Air Force to augment the country’s air defense power.

 

3. Odisha CM unveils Dakota aircraft for public viewing in Bhubaneswar: Odisha's CM, Naveen Patnaik has unveiled the iconic Dakota aircraft of legendary leader Biju Patnaik for public viewing at the Bhubaneswar Airport. It was unveiled on the 107th birth anniversary of the former CM of Odisha. It was brought from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata to Bhubaneswar on January 18, 2023. A 10-member team of Aerospace Research Development required has dismantled the aircraft and packed it in proper shape for public viewing

 

4. India installs ‘World’s first’ bamboo crash barrier on Maharashtra Highway: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has installed a 200-meter-long Bamboo Crash Barrier on the Vani-Warora Highway in Maharashtra. The highway connects the Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts of the state. This Bamboo Crash Barrier has been christened as ‘Bahu Balli’. Bahu Bali: The bamboo species used in the making of this barrier is Bambusa Balcoa. It is treated with creosote oil and coated with recycled High-Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE).

 

5. Ashwini Vaishnaw released special ‘Go Green, Go Organic’ cover for Sikkim: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and four Sikkim ministers released a unique cover of the Department of Posts, 'Go Green, Go Organic' for Sikkim. The special cover is a testament to the state's achievements in organic farming and progress and a reminder of the importance of sustainable development for the entire country. Sikkim is the first state in the world to get recognized as an Organic state by the World Book of Records (London).

 

6. Yaoshang festival begins in Manipur: The Yaoshang festival has begun in Manipur on March 7, 2023, and will continue for five days. The festival is celebrated by the Meetei who are predominantly Hindu and it is celebrated at the same time as Holi. However, during the Yaoshang festival, apart from playing with colour, the festival also witnessed a number of cultural and religious activities for five days. The Manipur Governor and CM conveyed warm greetings to the people of Manipur.

 

7. Dharmendra Pradhan launched new BS course at IIT Madras: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched the four-year Bachelor Science Degree in Electronic Systems at IIT Madras. The new BS in Electronic Systems course will be delivered online. The key objective of the programme is to meet the significant and growing demand for skilled graduates in the electronics and embedded manufacturing sector in India Unlike other undergraduate courses offered by the institute, candidates can take admission to this one without appearing in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE).

 

8. 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. Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar took oath as deputy chief ministers. 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.

 

9. Savlon India names Sachin Tendulkar as world’s first ‘Hand Ambassador’: Savlon Swasth India has announced Sachin Tendulkar as the World’s First ‘Hand Ambassador’ to inspire billions to wash their hands. The campaign features a series of films featuring Sachin Tendulkar’s Hand as their chief protagonist – bringing the importance of hand hygiene to everyone’s notice. ITC’s Savlon Swasth India Mission has been at the forefront, seeding behavioural change towards hand hygiene through innovative experiences and initiatives. Started in 2016, the Savlon Swasth India Mission program is run by ITC Limited.

 

10. 7 March – Jan Aushadhi Diwas: India has celebrated the Jan Aushadhi Diwas on March 7 every year since 2019. The day is the culmination of a week-long event that begins on March 1. The day is marked in order to promote awareness about generic medicines and how they can be helpful for millions across the country. Theme 2023 – Jan Aushadhi – Sasti bhi Acchi bhi The Jan Aushadi Diwas was launched on 7 March 2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Arun Subramanian becomes first Indian-American judge in NY District court: Indian-American Arun Subramaniam has been confirmed as the first South Asian District Judge for the Southern District of New York. His nomination was confirmed by Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer by a vote of 58-37. He received his Juris Doctor (J.D) from Columbia Law School in 2004 and his BA from Case Western Reserve University in 2001. South District New York notably has one of the largest South Asian-American populations in the country.

 

2. International Women's Day 2023: 8th March: International Women's Day is observed every year on March 8 to raise awareness about gender equality and create a better society free of gender bias. The day celebrates women and addresses issues such as women's equal rights, violence and abuse against women, and reproductive rights. 2023 Theme:  DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality This theme emphasizes the importance of technology in bringing gender issues to light.

 

3. Delhi international airport among cleanest in Asia-Pacific: ACI: According to the Airport Council International (ACI), Delhi International Airport has been ranked among the cleanest airports in Asia-Pacific. The airport service quality award is based on passenger surveys carried out to rate customer satisfaction on the day of travel. The surveys cover over 30 performance indicators across key elements of a passenger’s airport experience such as ease of finding your way, check-in, shopping, and dining offerings. According to ACI, 144 awards have been won by 75 airports globally based on over 465,000 surveys collected in 2022.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won 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. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin’s driver) placed third followed by C. Sainz Jr. (Ferrari’s driver). It was the first time he had won in Bahrain and also the first time he had triumphed in a Formula One opener.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. BSE & UN Women India launches a new programme 'FinEMPOWER': Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and UN Women India launched a new program named 'FinEMPOWER' on 8th March 2023. It is a year-long joint capacity-building program between BSE and UN Women to empower women toward financial security. BSE and UN Women India collaboratively organized the 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality' ceremony to accelerate investment in women leaders and entrepreneurs at BSE. MD and CEO of BSE: Sundararaman Ramamurthy

 

2. Max Life partners with Ujjivan SFB to offer life insurance solutions: Max Life Insurance and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank have partnered to offer life insurance offerings to Ujjivan SFB’s customers. Through this partnership, both will offer a range of savings, protection, retirement, and group life insurance plans to Ujjivan SFB customers. Max Life Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture between Max Financial Services Limited and Axis Bank Limited. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited began its operations in February 2017.

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