Daily GK Update- 23rd Mar, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. SJE Dept signs MoU with Sant Nirankari Mandal: The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE) signed an MoU with the Sant Nirankari Mandal for spreading the message of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan among the youth, women, and students. Aim: To create awareness about the ill effects of substance abuse among the youth, with a focus on higher education institutes, and university campuses. It was signed in the presence of Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar and MoS, SJE Pratima Bhoumik.

 

2. Himanta Biswa Sarma launches Mission Lifestyle for Environment in Assam: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Mission Lifestyle for Environment' (LiFE) in the state. It is a global mass movement under the leadership of PM Modi. Aim: To promote an environmentally conscious lifestyle, focusing on utilization instead of wasteful consumption Under this initiative, week-long activities will be carried out across all districts, addressing seven identified categories including saving energy and water and reducing plastic and e-waste.

 

3. Ranveer Singh named India’s most valuable celebrity of 2022: According to a report by Kroll, a corporate investigation and risk consulting firm, actor Ranveer Singh has been named India’s most valuable celebrity of 2022 with a brand value of $181.7 million. He surpassed cricketer Virat Kohli, who occupied the top spot for five years. Kohli fell to second spot with a brand value of $176.9 million. Actor Akshay Kumar remained in third position with a brand value of $153.6 million. With a valuation of $102.9 million, actress Alia Bhatt also retained the fourth spot and the title of the most valued female celebrity. Deepika Padukone’s brand valuation of $82.9 million earned her the fifth spot. Amitabh Bachchan, Hritik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan were other big names from the film industry that made it to the top 10 list of most valued celebrities. Former cricketer MS Dhoni occupied sixth spot on the list with a brand value of over $80 million. Meanwhile, former Indian cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar entered the top-10 club in 2022, ranking eighth with a brand value of $73.6 million.

 

4. PM Modi inaugurated new ITU Area Office and Innovation Center in New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new International Telecommunication Union (ITU) field office and innovation center in India in New Delhi. Modi also unveiled Bharat 6G Vision Document and launched the 6G Research and Development Test Bed and Call Before U dig App.

India had signed an agreement with ITU in March 2022 for setting up the Area Office. It will serve India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and Iran. It will enhance coordination among nations and foster mutually beneficial economic cooperation in the region.

 

5. GRSE launched the ‘Most Silent Ship’ INS Androth: Indian Navy launched INS Androth, the second in a series of eight indigenous ships built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) at a Kidderpore yard, Kolkata. It is an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC). It is a 77.6-meter-long and 10.5-meter-wide vessel, propelled by three diesel-driven water jets that will pack a punch. The ship is capable of a maximum 25 knots speed and will carry lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and mines.

 

6. 23 March – Shaheed Diwas: Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas is observed on March 23 to commemorate the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Shivram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar who were hanged to death by the Britishers. Indian remembering the sacrifice of these three brave men today (i.e.) March 23, 2023 which is the 92nd death anniversary. In India, there are six days declared as Martyrs’ Day and the two most important are 30 January & 23 March. Other Martyrs’ Day celebrated in India include 19 May, 13 July, 17 November, and 19 November.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. QS World subject rankings 2023: 44 Indian programmes feature in top 100: According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, a total of 44 programs from various campuses have been featured in the global top 100 list. In 2022, only 35 Indian programs were featured in the list. Five broader areas of University ranking: Engineering and Technology, Arts and Humanities, Life Sciences and Medicine, Natural Science and Social Sciences and Management. IIT Delhi’s Electrical engineering ranked 49 and IIT Bombay's mathematics ranked 92.

 

2. Hurun Global Rich List 2023 released: According to the 2023 M3M Hurun Global Rich List, released by Hurun India and M3M India, the Chairman of Reliance, Mukesh Ambani is the only Indian in the world's top 10 billionaires list (rank 9). The list is topped by Elon Musk, followed by Jeff Bezos, Bernard Arnault, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Sergey Brin. Indian billionaires list: Gautam Adani and family (Rank 23) Cyrus S Poonawalla (Rank 46) Shiv Nadar and family (Rank 50) Lakshmi N Mittal (Rank 76)

 

3. World Meteorological Day 2023: 23rd March: World Meteorological Day is observed on March 23 every year to celebrate the formation of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950. This day was designated to raise awareness about various weather-related issues and to encourage people to take action to address them. 2023 theme: The future of weather, climate, and water across generations The theme highlights the changes in weather and climatic conditions and their effects on Earth.

 

4. Asia’s largest 4-metre liquid mirror telescope inaugurated in Uttarakhand: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has inaugurated Asia’s largest 4-meter International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) at Devasthal in Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 2450 meters at the observatory, which lies at the campus of Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences. It is the first liquid mirror telescope designed exclusively for astronomical observations and this is the largest aperture telescope available in the country at present and is also the first optical survey telescope in India. The ILMT employs a 4-meter-diameter rotating mirror, which was made up of a thin layer of liquid mercury, to collect and focus light.

 

5. 22 March – World Water Day: World Water day is celebrated on March 22 every year. Objective – To spread awareness about the water crisis all over the world. Theme 2023 –Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis The history of World Water Day can be traced back to the year 1992. Officially, this day was first adopted as a resolution by the United General Assembly Conference on Environment and Development, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From 1993, the United Nations General Assembly decided to celebrate this day as “World Water Day” to increase awareness about the need and conservation of water. In 2015, the world was committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 as part of the 2030 agenda.A promise to provide safely managed water and sanitation by 2030.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India’s Sarabjot Singh wins gold in 10m air pistol at ISSF World Cup: India's pistol shooter, Sarabjot Singh has clinched the gold medal in the men's 10m Air Pistol event at the ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup 2023 held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. While Varun Tomar secured bronze in the same event. In the women’s 10m Air Pistol event, Li Xue from China won the gold and Germany’s Doreen Vennekamp settled for silver. China’s Qian Wei completed the podium with a bronze medal finish.

 

2. Stadium named after Indian hockey star Rani Rampal: Indian team’s star hockey player Rani Rampal has become the first woman in the sport to have a stadium named after her, in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh. The MCF Rae Bareli has renamed the hockey stadium as ‘Rani’s Girls Hockey Turf'. Earlier this year, She made a successful comeback to the Indian hockey team during the tour of South Africa, where she was selected as one of the 22 players in the squad.

 

3. Hima Das, Ancy Sojan win gold in 200m and long jump in IGP: Star sprinter Hima Das won the 200m race quite comfortably in 23.79 seconds while long jumper Ancy Sojan shared the limelight with a best effort of 6.49m in the Indian Grand Prix-1 athletics event. Assam’s Hima beat Aishwarya Kailash Mishra (24.81) of Maharashtra and VK Vismaya (24.82) of Kerala to take the women’s 200m gold. Sojan with a best effort of 6.49m, just past the 6.45m mark laid down as the Asian Games qualifying standard.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Income tax dept launches mobile app AIS for Taxpayers: The Income Tax Department has launched a free-of-cost Mobile app namely AIS for taxpayers. Aim: To facilitate the taxpayers to view their information as available in the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS) In the app, taxpayers can view various information related to TDS, interest, share transactions, tax payments, Income Tax refunds, and GST Data among others. It will also have the option and the facility to provide feedback.

 

2. Amazon Pay ties up with NPCI’s Bharat BillPay for loan repayments: Amazon Pay has collaborated with Bharat BillPay to strengthen its loan repayment facility. Bharat BillPay is a biller platform of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Loan repayment is one of the top categories in terms of bill payment, amongst other options such as electricity and municipal tax payments. The category facilitates loan repayment options for customers who avail of their loans through banks, microfinance institutions, and NBFCs.

 

3. RBI to set up Data Centre & Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has laid the foundation stone for the establishment of a “Greenfield Data Centre’ and ‘Enterprise Computing & Cybersecurity Training Institute’ in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The Governor also highlighted the need for augmenting the existing computing infrastructure of the RBI supported by cutting-edge facilities for research and capacity building. It will cater to the emerging requirements of the RBI and the financial sector.

 

4. Indian economy to grow at 7%; inflation set to moderate: FM: According to the Finance Ministry report, Indian economy is expected to grow at 7 percent in FY23 despite global headwinds while retail inflation would moderate in line with wholesale inflation which fell to a 25-month low in January. It will be supported by the gains from high services exports, the moderation in oil prices, and the recent fall in import-intensive consumption demand. The current account deficit (CAD) of India is estimated to fall in FY23 and FY24.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Changi Airport named the World’s Best Airport 2023: Singapore Changi Airport has been voted the World’s Best Airport at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. This is the 12th time Changi Airport has been awarded this prestigious accolade, a record number since the award was first given out in 1999. In addition to the World’s Best Airport award, Singapore Changi Airport also garnered awards for the World’s Best Airport Dining, Best Airport for Leisure Amenities, and Best Airport in Asia. Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, and Haneda Airt in Tokyo, Japan, ranked second and third, respectively. While no Indian airport made it to the top 20 rankings globally, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport received the award as the Best Airport in India and South Asia.

 

2. Indian-American Mindy Kaling awarded the National Humanities Medals: US President Joe Biden has presented the prestigious 2021 National Humanities Medal to Indian-American actress and producer Mindy Kaling in recognition of her giving voice to a new generation of storytellers, at a White House ceremony. The National Medal of Arts is the highest award, given to artists, arts patrons, and groups by the US government. It honours exemplary individuals and organizations that have advanced the arts in America and inspired others through their distinguished achievement, support, or patronage. Other notable recipients: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bruce Springsteen, Vera Wang, Gladys Knight, Judith Francisca Baca.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Shravanabelagola Jain mutt seer passes away: Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamy of Jain mutt at Shravanabelgola, a popular Jain pilgrimage centre in Karnataka, passed away at 73 due to health-related issues. The seer was a scholar in Sanskrit and Prakrit. During his tenure as head of the mutt, he conducted mahamastakabhisheka, the grand anointment of the 57-foot tall Gomateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola four times (1981, 1993, 2006, and 2018). The ceremony is organized once in 12 years.

 

2. Air Force veteran Wing Commander Jag Mohan Nath passes away: The Indian Air Force veteran, Wing Commander Jag Mohan Nath (retd), who flew numerous reconnaissance sorties over Tibet and Pakistan in his Canberra aircraft in the 1962 and 1965 wars, passed away. He was honoured with the Maha Vir Chakra, for gathering information during his missions which proved vital to Indian air efforts during the wars. Wing Commander Nath retired in 1970 and later joined Air India as a commercial pilot.

Daily GK Update- 22nd Mar, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Manmeet K Nanda gets an additional charge of MD & CEO of Invest India: The board members of Invest India appointed Manmeet K Nanda, an IAS, West Bengal Cadre (2000 Batch), as the Managing Director & CEO (Additional charge) of Invest India. She is joint secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). She has replaced Deepak Bagla, who resigned from the post. Deepak Bagla has served the organization for nearly 8 years and contributed to Invest India’s development.

2. NTPC, Indian Army sign MoU for implementation of Green Hydrogen Projects: NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd has signed an MoU with Indian Army for setting up Green Hydrogen Projects in its establishments on Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) model. Aim: To reduce complex logistics and dependence on fossil fuels and to accelerate decarbonization. NTPC REL CEO, Mohit Bhargava and Lt. General Rajinder Dewan signed MoU. NTPC REL will also design, develop, and install renewable energy projects for the Indian Army. NTPC REL is a wholly subsidiary of NTPC.

 

3. Bihar celebrates 111th foundation day: Bihar observed its 111th foundation day on March 22, 2023. On this day, the state of Bihar was carved out from the Bengal presidency in 1912. The theme of the 2023 event is "Yuva Shakti Bihar ki Pragati". This year, a number of events are being organized in Gandhi Maidan, Patna from March 22 to 24, 2023. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have congratulated people on the occasion of Bihar Divas.

 

4. GRSE launched the 'Most Silent Ship' INS Androth: Indian Navy launched INS Androth, the second in a series of eight indigenous ships built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) at a Kidderpore yard, Kolkata. It is an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC). It is a 77.6-meter-long and 10.5-meter-wide vessel, propelled by three diesel-driven water jets that will pack a punch. The ship is capable of a maximum 25 knots speed and will carry lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and mines.

 

5. Ranveer Singh named India's most valuable celebrity of 2022: According to a Kroll report 'Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2022: Beyond the Mainstream', with a brand value of $181.7 million,  actor Ranveer Singh is India's most valued celebrity of 2022. He surpassed cricketer Virat Kohli, who occupied the top spot for five years. Kohli ranked second, followed by actors Akshay Kumar, and Alia Bhatt. Notably, the aggregate brand value of the top 25 celebrities is $1.6 billion in 2022 (estimated), a 29.1% rise from 2021.

 

6. Tamil Nadu’s 18th wildlife sanctuary to come up in Erode: The Tamil Nadu Government has notified Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary as the 18th wildlife sanctuary in the state. It is spread over 80,567 hectares in the forest areas of Anthiyur and Gobichettipalayam taluks in Erode district. It is close to Malai Mahadeshwara wildlife sanctuary, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, and Cauvery wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. It also acts as a connecting point between Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

7. Groundwater: A Valuable but Diminishing Resource Report: According to a Parliamentary Standing Committee report, the groundwater levels in Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and 20 other cities dipped by more than 20 meters from 2017 to 2020. While Faridabad (Haryana) becomes 100% dependent on groundwater use and cities like Ghaziabad (UP) are on the verge of becoming totally dependent on it. The total annual extractable groundwater resource of 398 billion cubic meters (BCM) in the country till 2020, 245 BCM was being extracted.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Asia’s largest 4-metre liquid mirror telescope inaugurated in Uttarakhand: Union MoS (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh has inaugurated Asia’s largest 4-meter International Liquid Mirror Telescope (ILMT) at Devasthal in Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 2450 meters at the observatory, which lies at the campus of Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences. The ILMT employs a 4-meter-diameter rotating mirror, which was made up of a thin layer of liquid mercury, to collect and focus light.

 

2. World Water Day 2023: 22nd March: World Water day is celebrated on March 22 every year to spread awareness about the water crisis all over the world. UNGA adopted World Water Day in 1992. The theme for 2023 is "Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis."

In 2015, the world was committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 as part of the 2030 agenda. A promise to provide safely managed water and sanitation by 2030. The report is published on World Water Day every year.

 

3. TIME list of World’s Greatest Places of 2023 released: The TIME magazine has released its annual list of the ‘World’s Greatest Places’ for the year 2023 and two Indian destinations have made it to the list. Among the chosen destinations are two locations from India –Ladakh and Mayurbhanj. Ladakh is a high-altitude region, which is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains. Mayurbhanj is a lesser-known destination located in the eastern state of Odisha. The full list of ‘extraordinary destinations to explore’ in 2023 are:

 

4. Ratan Tata appointed to ‘Order of Australia’ for bolstering bilateral ties: Indian industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata has been appointed as an Honorary Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO), for distinguished service to Australia-India bilateral relations, particularly trade, investment and philanthropy. Ratan Tata is the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, former Chairman of the Tata Group and one of the world’s richest entrepreneurs.

Ratan Tata has been a strong and influential supporter of deeper ties between Australia and India, including advocating for an India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, set to be finalized in 2022.

 

5. 21 March – World Down Syndrome Day: World Down Syndrome Day is observed annually on 21 March. Objective – To raise awareness about Down syndrome and support those who are living with this condition. Theme 2023 – With Us, Not For Us World Down Syndrome Day was first observed in 2006 after Down Syndrome International (DSI) established the day at their World Congress in 2005.

 

6. 21 March – International Day of Forests: International Day of Forests is observed every year on 21 March. Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of forests, woodlands, and trees in our lives. Theme 2023 – Forests and health The day highlights the value, importance and contribution of forests to balance the life cycle on earth and addresses issues such as deforestation. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests during its 61st session on 20 December 2006.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sergio Perez won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023: Red Bull driver Sergio Perez won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023. Max Verstappen came in second position. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso finished third in his Aston Martin. He was closely followed by the Mercedes pair George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

 

2. India to host 2023 SAFF Championships in Bengaluru: The 2023 edition of the SAFF Championship, South Asia’s marquee international tournament, will be held in Bengaluru from 21 June to 3 July 2023. This was announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). India will be hosting the tournament for the fourth time and first since the 2015 edition when it was held in Thiruvananthapuram. All the member associations of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) are expected to participate in the 13th edition of the tournament.

 

3. ISSF Shooting World Cup begins in Bhopal: International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World Cup Shooting Championship is organized in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh from 21 to 27 March. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has formally inaugurated this event. Around 325 shooters from 33 countries and more than 75 technical officials will participate in the World Cup Shooting Championship. The Championship is being organized in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh and the Rifle Federation of India. It is the 8th World Cup organized in India and the first international shooting tournament to be held outside New Delhi.

 

4. China & South Korea bag titles at All England Open: Li Shi Feng defeated fellow Chinese shuttler Shi Yu Qi to win the men’s singles title at the All England Open badminton championships. The all-Chinese men’s final ended 26-24 21-5, beginning neck-and-neck in the first game and ending in a decisive victory for 23-year-old Li in the second. In the women’s singles, to the thunderous roar of her name, South Korea’s An Se Young beat Tokyo 2020 Olympics gold medallist Chen Yu Fei of China 21-17 10-21 21-19. China has dominated Olympic badminton since the sport made its debut at the Games in Barcelona in 1992, with 47 medals including 20 golds.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. More than 40% hike in enrolments under APY in FY 2021-22 from FY 2019-20: According to the data shared by the Union MoS for Finance, Dr. Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad in Rajya Sabha, the enrolments under Atal Pension Yojana have shown a hike of more than 40% hike in FY 2021-22 from FY 2019-20. The total fund allocated under APY for Government Co-contribution, Payment of Incentives to Banks, Promotional Campaigns, and Gap fund is Rs. 2078.94 crore (2015 to Feb 2023). Out of the total amount, Rs. 1529.41 crores has been released till February 2023.

 

2. Indian economy to grow at 7%; inflation set to moderate: Finance Ministry: According to the Finance Ministry report, the Indian economy is expected to grow at 7% in FY23 despite global headwinds. Retail inflation would moderate in line with wholesale inflation which fell to a 25-month low in January 2023. It will be supported by the gains from high services exports, the moderation in oil prices, and the recent fall in import-intensive consumption demand. The current account deficit (CAD) of India is estimated to fall in FY23 and FY24.

 

3. Axis Bank signed co-lending pact with Autotrac Finance through Yubi: Axis Bank has entered into a co-lending pact with Autotrac Finance (AFL) through YubiCo.Lend platform to offer new tractor loans for agricultural and allied activities in rural segments of the country. This partnership will leverage the wide customer experience of Autotrac Finance and the deep financial expertise of Axis Bank to enable easy credit availability for farmers. They would be able to reach out to potential customers. Axis Bank CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian-American Mindy Kaling awarded the National Humanities Medals: US President Joe Biden has awarded the prestigious 2021 National Humanities Medal to Indian-American actress and producer Mindy Kaling. Reason: For empowering the new generation to tell their stories with irreverence and sincerity The National Medal of Arts is the highest award, given to artists, arts patrons, and groups by the US government. Other notable recipients: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bruce Springsteen, Vera Wang, Gladys Knight, Judith Francisca Baca

 

2. Bombay Jayashri chosen for Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2023: Renowned Carnatic vocalist Bombay Jayashri has been selected for the Sangita Kalanidhi award for 2023 by the Music Academy. She is one of the foremost Carnatic musicians of today, trained initially by his parents and later by TR Balamani and violinist Lalgudi G. Jayaraman. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021. The Nritya Kalanidhi Award for dance has been given to Vasanthalaxmi Narasimhachari. She has specialized in Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi.

Daily GK Update- 21st Mar, 2023

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Women employees constitute over 25% in nationalized banks in the country: Women employees constitute over 25% of the total workforce on average in the nationalized banks in the country. The largest Public Sector Bank-- the State Bank of India (SBI), has 26.7% women employees in their total staff strength. While Indian Overseas Bank has a maximum of 36% women staff and the Punjab National Bank has the least 24% women staff strength. This data was provided by the Ministry of Finance in the Lok Sabha.

 

2. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya attended Global Conference on Digital Health attended: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has virtually addressed the Global Conference on Digital Health  – Taking Universal Health Coverage to the Last Citizen. his conference is a co-branded event under India’s G20 Presidency organized by WHO – South-East Asia Region in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The Indian government aims to launch a global initiative on digital health as an institutional framework.

 

3. NGEL, IOCL ink pact for setting up renewable energy projects: NGEL (a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited) has signed a Joint Venture Agreement with IOCL for setting up renewable energy projects to meet Round the Clock power requirement of IOCL Refineries. NGEL has set a target of building a renewable generation portfolio of 60 GW over the next decade to aggressively pursue its green energy business. Chairman, IOCL: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya CMD, NTPC: Gurdeep Singh

 

4. Cotton Corporation of India appoints Lalit Kumar Gupta as CMD: The government has approved the appointment of Lalit Kumar Gupta as CMD of the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), with effect from the date of his assumption of charge of the post for a period of five years. He was recommended for the post of CMD of CCI by the PESB panel. Presently, he is serving as Director (Finance) in the same organization. He joined CCI in August 1994 and has a very long association with Cotton Corporation of about 25 years.

 

5. Water stress to hit India’s food production by 2050: According to the report, published GCEW, revealed that India will face a reduction of over 16% in food supply due to water and heat stress in 2050. However, the report placed China at the top, where food supply would be reduced by 22.4%, followed by South America by 19.4%. The water supply availability in India is between 1100-1197 billion cubic meters (bcm). In contrast, the demand is expected to grow from 550-710 bcm in 2010 to 900-1,400 bcm in 2050.

 

6. Aerator cum Dancing Fountains inaugurated in Srinagar: In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has inaugurated Aerator cum Dancing Fountains in the world-famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. The Aerator cum Dancing Fountains is installed in six clusters along the periphery of the Dal Lake. The project has been completed by J&K Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LC&MA) at an estimated cost of 10 crore rupees, with an aim to attract tourists that will add beauty and grandeur to the Lake.

 

7. GAIL signed MoU with Shell Energy India on ethane sourcing: GAIL (India) has signed MoU with Shell Energy India Private Ltd to explore prospects of importing and handling of ethane and other hydrocarbons. It is primarily used as petrochemical feedstock and is separated from the other components of natural gas in most well-developed gas fields. It will be transported further through 14,830 km of natural gas pipelines to different demand centres. Ethane is expected to be produced in large volumes in North America due to the shale gas revolution, which has generated an abundance of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Ethane is mainly used to produce ethylene, which is then used by the petrochemical industry to produce a range of intermediate products, most of which, are converted into plastics, packaging films, wire coatings, squeeze bottles and synthetic rubber, among others.

 

8. 5th Poshan Pakhwada celebrations begins: The Ministry of Women and Child Development celebrates the fifth Poshan Pakhwada with various activities nationwide. The 15-day celebration started on 20 March and will continue till 3 April 2023. The Pakhwada aims to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and promote healthy eating habits through “Jan Andolan and Jan Bhagidari”. Theme 2023 – Nutrition for All: Together Towards a Healthy India Poshan Abhiyaan, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 8, 2018, has been instrumental in ensuring people’s participation and bringing the discourse on nutrition to the forefront. Poshan Abhiyan was launched with the aim to improve nutritional outcomes in a holistic manner.

 

9. ISRO to conduct young scientist programme in Bengaluru: ISRO is set to organize its annual special programme for school children called Young Scientist Programme — ‘Yuva Vigyani Karyakram’ (YUVIKA). Objective – To impart basic knowledge on space technology, space science, and space applications to young students in emerging trends in space science and technology. The Indian space agency has chalked out this programme for students to “catch them young” and encourage more students to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-based research or careers. Minimum participation will be ensured from each state or UT. Registration for the student programme, which will be from May 15 to 26, will start from March 20 and students eligible for the programme can apply for it through the Isro portal (isro.gov.in/YUVIKA.html). The YUVIKA programme was first announced on January 18, 2019, by the then Isro chief K Sivan and was inaugurated four months later on May 17, 2019.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Happiness Report 2023 released: According to the World Happiness Report 2023, published by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, India ranked 125 based on the various parameters of happiness. India’s neighboring countries such as Nepal, China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have a higher ranking than India. Finland tops the ranking for the sixth consecutive year with a score of 7.8 followed by Denmark and Iceland. Out of the 137 countries, Afghanistan has ranked last.

 

2. India, Japan sign two agreements: India and Japan signed two documents on the sidelines of the bilateral talks between PM Modi and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida. Agreements: Renewal of Memorandum of Cooperation in the Japanese language Exchange of notes on JICA loan for 300 billion Yen on Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway project. PM Kishida formally invited PM Modi to G7 Hiroshima Summit. PM Modi also urged the Japanese PM to declare 2024 as the year of Youth Exchanges between the two countries.

 

3. International Day of Forests 2023: 21st March: The International Day of Forests is celebrated each year on March 21 to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees for the survival of humanity. 2023 theme: Forests and health This day can be traced back to 1971 when the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) established World Forestry Day. In 2011, the United Nations declared the years 2011 to 2020 as the International Decade of Forests. In 2012, the International Day of Forests was established.

 

4. World Happiness Index 2023: India ranked 125; topped by Finland: India was placed at 125th position out of 137 countries in the World Happiness Report released by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Finland tops the ranking for the sixth year in a row with a score of 7.8 and other Norwegian countries like Denmark, Iceland are ranked second and third. In the list of top 10, other countries are Israel, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and New Zealand. Out of the 137 countries, Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has ranked last and is most unhappy according to the report. Other regions at the bottom of the list include Lebanon, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, etc. For more than a year now, Russia and Ukraine are fighting each other but when it comes to happiness, the countries are ranked above India, i.e. 70th Russia and 92nd Ukraine. The countries are ranked on the basis of healthy life expectancy, GDP per capita, social support, low corruption, generosity in a community where people look after each other, and freedom to make key life decisions.

 

5. Africa-India field training exercise AFINDEX-23 to be held in Pune: The 10-day Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX 2023) will be organized in Pune from 21-30 March 2023. The focus of the event will be on joint training and strengthening of existing defence ties among various nations and to evolve an institutionalised framework for better and efficient military-to-military cooperation to address emerging global challenges. The exercise will promote the idea of Africa-India Militaries for Regional Unity (AMRUT).

 

6. 20 March – World Oral Health Day: World Oral Health Day is celebrated every year on March 20. The day is celebrated to give people knowledge about ways to have good oral health. The theme of this year’s World Oral Health Day is “Be Proud of Your Mouth. World Oral Health Day was celebrated first on September 12, 2007, by the World Dental Federation (FDI). It is the birth date of Dr. Charles Godon (founder of FDI).

 

7. 20 March- International Day of Happiness: International Day of Happiness is celebrated as an annual festival on 20 March. Objective – To emphasize the importance of happiness and the overall well-being of individuals. Theme 2023 – Be Mindful, Be Grateful, Be Kind The United Nations started the event in 2013 as one way to mark the occasion is by sharing heartfelt greetings and quotes with loved ones, to inspire them to embrace happiness.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Carlos Alcaraz wins Indian Wells 2023 to reclaim his World No.1 spot: Spanish tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz (19) has won his maiden 2023 Indian Wells title after defeating Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-2 in the final. With this feat, he has also dethroned Novak Djokovic to reclaim World No.1 spot. He also become the youngest world number one ever after his triumph and claimed his third Masters 1000 title. He joined Rafael Nadal as the only player to win at least three as a teenager. Nadal won six before turning 20.

 

2. Asian Kho Kho Championship for Men and Women begins in Assam: The 4th edition of the Asian Kho Kho Championship for Men and Women has begun at Baksa district in Assam on 20 March. The event will conclude on the 23rd of this month. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and officials of the Kho Kho Federation have inaugurated the program. The event is being organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India in association with the Assam Kho Kho Association and Bodoland Territorial Region government. Altogether 9 countries – India, Bangladesh, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan, Iran, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia are participating in the competition. Over 700 players and officials will participate in the four-day event.

 

3. Rohan Bopanna becomes oldest tennis player to win ATP Masters: Rohan Bopanna became the oldest ATP Masters 1000 champion after winning the Indian Wells men’s doubles title at the age of 43 years. Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden defeated Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands and Neil Skupski of Britain 6-3, 2-6, 10-8 in the final in California, United States. Before Bopanna, Canadian Daniel Nestor was the oldest player to win an ATP Masters 1000 title after he clinched the 2015 Cincinnati Masters at the age of 42. Bopanna has so far won 24 ATP titles, including five ATP Masters 1000 titles.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IMF approves nearly $3 billion bailout for Sri Lanka: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board has approved a $3-billion four-year extended financing arrangement for Sri Lanka. It paves the way for an immediate disbursement of about $333 million to the cash-strapped country. The new Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement program aims to restore Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, mitigate the economic impact on the poor and vulnerable, and safeguard financial sector stability.

 

2. RBI fines RBL Bank for non-compliance with rules on loan recovery agents: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of 22.7 million rupees ($274,915) on private lender RBL Bank Ltd. Reason: For not complying with certain directives on loan recovery agents

The RBI has found deficiencies in regulatory compliance after it examined complaints received against RBL's recovery agents during the financial years 2018-19 to 2021-22. RBL Headquarters: Mumbai; MD & CEO: R. Subramaniakumar

 

3. India state-run banks' gross NPA eases to 5.53%: The gross NPA ratio was declining from 14.6% in March 2018 to 5.53% in December 2022. All PSBs are in profit with aggregate profit being Rs 66,543 crore in 2021-22 and that further increased to Rs 70,167 crore in the first nine months of the current financial year. At the same time, resilience has increased with the provision coverage ratio of PSBs rising from 46% to 89.9% in December 2022. The capital adequacy ratio improved from 11.5% to 14.5% in December 2022.

 

4. ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launched ‘ICICI Pru Gold’: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched ICICI Pru Gold. It is an innovative long-term savings product designed to enable customers to create an additional income stream to meet their diverse income requirements.

Besides receiving guaranteed lifelong income, the life cover component in the product provides financial security to the family. This product is available in three variants i.e. Immediate Income, Immediate Income with Booster, and Deferred Income.

 

5. Recent Facilities Launched in Banks & Insurance Sector: Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd launched Kotak Silver Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) Fund of Fund Suryodaya Small Finance Bank launched Blossom Women’s Savings Account Bank of Maharashtra launched its own private cloud platform ‘MAHABANK NAKSHATRA’ HDFC Bank launched a pilot project for offline digital payments ‘OfflinePay’ The New India Assurance has launched a “Pay As You Drive” (PAYD) policy for vehicles. AU Small Finance Bank has launched the SwipeUp platform.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Nepalese batsman Aasif Sheikh won 2022 CMJ Spirit of Cricket Award: Nepalese batsman Aasif Sheikh was declared the winner of the 2022 Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award. Reason: For his sporting conduct shown in a Men’s T20I between Nepal and Ireland in Feb 2022. The Award is presented every year by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), UK in conjunction with the BBC. This award was created in 2013 by MCC and the BBC in memory of former MCC President and BBC Test Match Special commentator Christopher Martin-Jenkins (CMJ).