WINR - March, 2023

ii Monthly Current Events Diary

C O N T E N T S

01
1 Focus 1: POCSO
Act and issues with its
implementation

02
2 Focus 2 : The defence
export ecosystem of India:
Challenges & Steps to be
taken to boost India’s defence
export

03
3 SWOT Analysis

07
4 Graphs from PIB

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 11
5 Concept in News

14
6 Monthly Updates
Economy, Polity,
International Affairs, Defence
Science and Technology
Railways, Agriculture,
Banking, Environment, Space
Appointments/ Resignation
Ranks and Reports
Awards & Recognition
Days and Events, Obituaries
Sports, Policies and Schemes,
Healthcare, Important MCQ

WINR - March, 2023

 1 POCSO Act and issues with its
FOCUS

implementation

Assam decided to book men who marry girls below 14 years if a person commits penetrative sexual assault on a child below
of age under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences the age of 16 years, he will be punished with imprisonment
(POCSO) Act, 2012, entailing life punishment while Men between 20 years to life, with a fine. The Act defines child
marrying girls between the age of 14 and 18 will be booked pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct
under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006 with a involving a child, including photographs, video, digital, or
minimum sentence period of two years. computer-generated images indistinguishable from an actual
child.
Rationale
Obstacles in Implementation
Under POCSO, penetrative sexual assault against a minor is
punishable by imprisonment of not less than 10 years, which But there are various challenges in its implementation. It is
can extend to imprisonment for life. In addition, implementing common knowledge that most instances of child sexual abuse
provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, all 2,197 go unreported. Furthermore, for many family members as well
gram panchayat secretaries across the state will be made “Child as survivors, recognizing and disclosing child sexual abuse is
Marriage Prevention Officers” and will be “duty-bound” to a very difficult and highly personal choice. Both survivors and
register an FIR in case of any child marriage within the gram family members experience feelings of embarrassment and
panchayat’s jurisdiction. humiliation as a result of the act remorse, rage, frustration,
and emotional distress. They are kept mute and subjected to
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
prolonged torment out of fear of becoming victims again due
2012 has been drafted to strengthen the legal provisions for
to medical examinations, the criminal justice system, and
the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
uninformed society members.
According to POCSO Act 2012, a “child” is a person who has
Child sexual abuse is a multidimensional problem having legal,
not completed the age of 18 years. The act is gender-neutral,
social, medical, and psychological implications. The POCSO
providing protection to children of both sexes.
Act is silent in this situation and does not provide any specific
POCSO Provisions guidance if the child or teenager refuses to undertake a medical
examination but the family or the investigating officer insists.
Act prescribes these sexual offences against children: Penetrative In accordance with the POCSO Act, a female physician is required
sexual assault, Aggravated penetrative sexual assault, Sexual to conduct a medical evaluation of a female child or teenage
assault, and Aggravated sexual assault. A person is said to victim. The available medical officer must, nevertheless, offer
commit sexual harassment upon a child when such person is emergency medical care according to the law. In contrast, the
with a sexual intent comment or follow or gaze a child or shows Government medical officer on duty is required by the Criminal
any pornography to the child using a child for pornographic Law Amendment Act and Section 166A of the Indian Penal Code
purposes. to examine the rape victim without fail. This ambiguous legal
Adequate provisions are made to avoid re-victimization of the situation develops since there are no female doctors accessible.
Child at the hands of the judicial system. The Act assigns a
policeman to the role of child protector during the investigation Solutions
process. The Act stipulates that such steps must be taken whichUnder the POSCO Act interest of children must be kept first,
makes the investigation process as child-friendly as possible there should be training for all stakeholders involved in
and the case is disposed of within one year from the date of implementation of act, infrastructure for special courts must
reporting of the offense. be improved along with increased no. of courts for improved
for timely delivery of Justice. A child’s psyche is scarred by
Amendments sexual abuse, which causes depression, emotional anguish,
The act was amended in 2019 to increase the minimum and mental impairment, hence appointment and assistance of
punishment from seven years to ten years. It further adds that mental health professionals in such matters should be there.

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 2
2
The Defence Export Ecosystem of
FOCUS
India: Challenges & Steps to be taken
to boost India’s defence export
As a result of the government's shift from viewing India as a
net importer to a net exporter  over the past few years, the
defence sector has seen a quantum jump. India's defence
exports reached a record USD 1.6 billion in 2021-22 and by
2023, it will surpass USD 2.2 billion. A credible effort with a
suitable policy framework has helped explore fragmented
export opportunities, exception being BrahMos Missile export
to the Philippines.
India's defence export status has been improving in recent years,
with the country emerging as a leading exporter of defence
equipment to friendly countries. India’s defence exports for
2021-22 were  estimated at Rs 13,000 crore, the highest ever.
The private sector accounted for 70% of the exports, while public
sector firms accounted for the rest. India has been successful in
exporting products such as personal protective items, offshore
patrol vessels, and avionics to countries like Maldives, Sri Lanka,
Russia, France, Nepal, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Israel, Egypt, the
UAE, and Chile.
Challenges
The challenges faced by the industry include a high investment
barrier faced by newly incorporated companies. Projects in the
industry require high upfront costs in R&D and long gestation
periods. Uncertainty and irregularity of orders aggravates the
situation. The inability to produce critical subsystems and
components takes away a lot of options from the table.
India is not a reputed defence manufacturer producing a wide
variety of military platforms. The proven military platforms
that are made in India, such as the Su30 fighter or the T90
tank, are licensed productions with IPR held by foreign defence
firms.  India cannot export these platforms. Even in the case of
joint production platforms such as the Brahmos missile, built by
India and Russia, the approval of the Brahmos board is required
for export.
After successfully executing policy reforms like Indigenisation
list, DPP-2020 and strengthening the business ecosystem (FDI
policy and Offsetting requirements), it is time to improve the
export ecosystem. India’s private as well public sector requires
dedicated export infrastructure, trade support and R&D
infrastructure to scale from this level.
Defence products are not sold over-the-counter, but are the
outcome of capital investments planned for years with geo-
strategic interests.
WINR - December, 2022
Govt’s initiatives to boost defence export
The three essential elements to foster the export ecosystem are:
putting in place the required “Export Infrastructure”. This can
be for training, handholding and market intelligence systems.
Training of PSUs, especially one engaged in international
business is the need of hour, as the majority of the officers come
from engineering background with limited knowledge or skill-
sets to manage international business operations.
A dedicated Export Promotion Council, specific to the needs
of Defence Sector where export promotion officers have an
understanding of the policy framework of not only India but
also that of other countries involved in defence production and
exports.
Indian defence industry is in urgent need of vibrant market
information and intelligence system for tapping each business
opportunity coupled with prospecting for platform-based export
opportunities in international markets. Indian defence sector
needs dedicated ‘Trade Support’ from regulatory agencies for
speeding up approvals, both related to production and export
compliances.
For fragmented business opportunities, there is a need to
expose the Indian defence sector to trade fairs, buyer-seller
meet (BSM), reverse BSMs, incubation opportunities with
partner countries, and knowledge sharing.
India’s defence industry still needs to go a long way in augmenting
the R&D infrastructure for state-of-art defence platform(s).
Accordingly, the Department of Defence Production, based on
industry specific needs, can explore joint or co-development
opportunities with other countries.
Necessary steps like increasing transparency in procurement
procedures, attracting foreign OEMs by way of giving attractive
sops and tax holidays have to be taken.
More defence exports are going to be beneficial for India
economically – more forex and employment, geopolitically – to
increase its global influence and form global alliances, militarily
– independence in military systems and better indigenous
equipment for armed forces.
Monthly Current Events Diary 3

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 4
Analysis
3 SC upholding EWS Quota
SWOT
STRENGTH
¾¾ Will allow the continuance of reservations to EWS in
jobs and educational institutions and will help them in
overcoming economical backwardness.
¾¾ Will also prove beneficial in eradicating the stigma
associated with the caste reservation of SC/ST/OBC.
OPPORTUNITIES
¾¾ Provides an opportunity for the legislature, judiciary,
society and other stake holders to discuss and debate
together for larger question of relooking at various
aspects of reservations as a whole
WINR - March, 2023
WEAKNESS
¾¾ Its deviation from the special protections guaranteed to
socially disadvantaged groups as part of the Constitution. 
¾¾ Excluding SCs/STs and OBCs from EWS cannot be justified
and amounts to discrimination against them.
¾¾ Violates the Supreme Court’s ruling in Indra Sawhney &
Ors v Union (1992) of India, which capped reservations at
50 per cent.
THREATS
¾¾ The provision of upholding compensatory discrimination
in favour of the forward classes can open Pandora’s boxes
undermining the basis of affirmative action provided in
the constitution.
¾¾ Allowing breach of the cap set on the reservation through
EWS can lead to further infractions which can result in
compartmentalisation.
 Monthly Current Events Diary 5

The Uniform Civil Code in India

STRENGTH WEAKNESS
¾¾ Will enable them to feel as a single unit irrespective of ¾¾ It will be difficult to implement in a diverse country like
caste, creed, religion etc. and help in unity and integrity India where different set of rituals and religious laws are
of the nation. in practice for different religions
¾¾ Will also fulfil the provision of the Article 44 of the
Constitution which lays down, the State shall endeavour
to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout
the territory of India
¾¾ India being a secular nation needs a common law for all
citizens rather than differentiated rules based on religious
practices that are prevalent in countries with a particular
state religion

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
¾¾ Will provide the government and also the religious ¾¾ Religious communities who are following their particular
communities the opportunity to overcome and rectify religious laws may feel alienated and threatened by
various discriminatory practices, prejudices and enforcing of Uniform Civil Code.
stereotypes within a particular religion that undermines ¾¾ Even within a religion there are different customary
the Constitutional right of citizens practices based on region/sect etc. and it will not go well
with these communities and their opposition may pose a
threat to law and order of the country

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 Monthly Current Events Diary 7

Committees

4
Schemes

Graphs from PIB

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 8 Monthly Current Events Diary

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Monthly Current Events Diary 9

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 10 Monthly Current Events Diary

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 Concept in
5
News
The state of Indian dams: Issues with Indian dams
& steps taken by the govt regarding dam safety
Report According to a new study by the United Nations,
around 3,700 dams in India will lose 26% of their total storage
by 2050 due to accumulation of sediments which can undermine
water security, irrigation and power generation in future. The
study was conducted by the United Nations University Institute
on Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), also known
as the UN's think tank on water.
Issues  India is ranked third in the world in terms of building
large dams. Of the over 5,200 large dams built so far, about 1,100
large dams have already reached 50 years of age and some are
older than 120 years. 80% of the nation’s large dams face the
prospect of becoming obsolete as they will be 50 years to over
150 years old.
Indian dams are very old and built according to the rainfall
pattern of the past decades. Erratic rainfall in recent years has
left them vulnerable. As dams age, soil replaces the water in the
reservoirs. Therefore, the storage capacity cannot be claimed to
be the same as it was in the 1900s and 1950s. Climate change
has led to  increased variability in the water availability and
uncertainty in future water availability.
Steps taken Under the  7th  Schedule  of the Constitution of
India,  water and water storage is a state subject. Therefore,
legislating dam safety is the responsibility of state governments.
However, the Central Government can enact legislation
governing dams in certain scenarios.
Dam Safety Act 2021 aims at surveillance, inspection, operation
and maintenance of all specified dams across the country. The
Act applies to all specified dams in the country i.e., those dams
having a height of over 15m and between 10m and 15m with
certain design and structural conditions.
  With support from the World Bank, the Indian government
started the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)
in 2012 to enhance the performance and safety of a number
of the nation’s dams. Then 2nd and 3rd phases of project were
launchedDRIP 2 and DRIP 3.
To promote long term asset management, web-based tool
called Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application
(DHARMA) has been developed to capture important data for
all dams and use it for appropriate monitoring and development
of rehabilitation protocols.
CONCEPTS IN NEWS
Making informed judgments on dam safety requires a risk-
based strategy. An essential component of a risk-based strategy
for dam safety is dam failure analysis.
Blue Economy: Significance; Challenges related to
India’s Blue Economy, Government initiatives to
promote the Blue Economy
In the 2019 document of the Government of India’s Vision of
New India by 2030, Blue Economy was identified as one of the
ten core dimensions of growth. Time and again it has been
highlighted by the PM Narendra Modi.
Significance The concept was introduced by Gunter Pauli in
his 2010 book- “The Blue Economy: 10 years, 100 innovations,
100 million jobs”. Blue economy refers to the sustainable use of
marine resources for exploration, economic growth, improved
livelihoods, and transport while preserving the health of marine
and coastal ecosystems.
Transport: With an over 7,500-km-long coastline spread across
nine coastal states, 12 major, and 200 minor ports, India's blue
economy supports  95% of the country's business through
transportation and contributes an estimated 4% to its GDP.
Expansion of Shipping Industry: India is looking to expand
its presence in the shipping industry and increase its capacity
as a hub for ship repair and maintenance, which can come with
various economic and geopolitical benefits.
Offshore Energy Production:  There are also opportunities to
develop  offshore wind and solar energy, ocean thermal and
wave energy in India, which could help to meet the country's
growing energy needs.
Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology: The blue economy can
support the growth of these sectors, which have the potential
to contribute to the country's food security  and improve the
health of the ocean ecosystem.
Synergy with SDG:  It supports all of the  United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG14 ‘life below
water’.
Challenges 
Lack of Infrastructure:  There is a lack of  ports, airports, and
other infrastructure in many coastal areas of India
Overfishing: Overfishing is a major challenge in India's coastal
waters, as it can lead to the depletion of fish stocks and harm
the marine ecosystem.
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 12 Monthly Current Events Diary
Marine Pollution: Pollution from sources such as oil spills, plastic
waste, and industrial effluent can harm marine ecosystems  development through the extensive use of IT enabled services
Climate Change: Rising sea levels,  negative Indian Ocean
dipole  and other impacts of climate change can pose risks
to coastal communities and also have negative impacts on the
blue economy.
The boundary between  Indian and Sri Lankan waters in
the Palk Bay is not clearly defined.
Government initiatives 
Deep Ocean mission:  It was launched with an  intention to
develop technologies  to harness the living and non-living
resources from the deep-oceans.
India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable
development: It was inaugurated jointly by both the countries
in 2020 to develop and follow up joint initiatives between the
two countries.
Sagarmala Project:  This is the strategic initiative for port-led
for modernization of ports.
O-SMART:  India has an umbrella scheme by the name of
O-SMART which aims at regulated use of oceans, marine
resources for sustainable development.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management: It focuses on
conservation of coastal and marine resources, and improving
livelihood opportunities for coastal communities etc.
National Fisheries Policy: India has a National Fisheries policy
for promoting  'Blue Growth Initiative'  which focuses on
sustainable utilization of fisheries wealth from marine and
other aquatic resources.
Pradhan Mantri Matsaya Sampada Yojana: an initiative
launched by the Government of India to establish a
comprehensive framework and reduce infrastructural gaps in
the fisheries sector.

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 14
Updates
6
Monthly
Union Budget 2023-24
The Finance Minister of India called it the first Budget in Amrit
Kaal. The vision for the Amrit Kaal is an empowered and inclusive
economy that is technology-driven and knowledge-based with
a robust financial sector.
Key Highlights:
• A key theme of Union Budget 2023-24 is the focus on
inclusive development -  Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas  which
specifically covers Farmers, Women, Youth, Scheduled
Castes, Scheduled Tribes,  Other Backward Classes  (OBCs),
Divyangjan (PwDs) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
• Key Takeaways of the Budget Changes in the new income tax
regime (in rebate limit and in tax slabs).
• A  33% increase in capital investment outlay  has been
proposed, raising it to Rs 10 lakh crore (the biggest in the
past decade).
• Changes in customs duty; reduced on  import of certain
inputs for mobile phone manufacturing, shrimp feed etc.
and  increased on  cigarettes, gold articles, compounded
rubber etc.
• Capital outlay for the railways increased to the highest
ever – Rs 2.40 lakh crore.
WINR - March, 2023
Economy
• 157 new nursing colleges will be established in co-location
with the existing 157 medical colleges established since
2014.
• A Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047 will be
launched.
Pakistan’s inflation rises to 48 year high
Inflation has risen to a 48-year high in crisis-hit Pakistan, where
the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is visiting for urgent
talks, according to data released on February 1 by the country’s
statistics bureau.
Key Highlights:
• Year-on-year inflation in January 2023 was recorded at
27.55 percent, the highest since May 1975, with thousands
of containers of imports held up at Karachi port.
• Pakistan’s economy is in dire straits, stricken by a balance-
of-payments crisis while it attempts to service high amounts
of external debt.
• Food prices rose by a staggering 43 percent in January year-
on-year.
• Inflation rate in Pakistan averaged 8.05 per cent from 1957
until 2023, reaching an all-time high of 37.8 per cent in
December 1973 and a record low of minus 10.32 per cent
in February 1959.
 Updates
Polity
Monthly

New Governors appointed • Governor of Bihar Phagu Chauhan was appointed the
Governor of Meghalaya
• Governor of HP Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar was appointed
the Governor of Bihar
• Governor of Jharkhand Ramesh Bais was appointed the
Governor of Maharashtra
• Governor of Arunachal Pradesh was appointed the LG of
Ladakh.

‘President’s Colour’ honour

President Murmu recently appointed six new governors and

reshuffled seven others.
Key Points:
About the new appointments
• Lt General Kaiwalya Trivikram was appointed the Governor
of Arunachal Pradesh
• Lakshman Prasad Acharya was appointed as the Governor
of Sikkim
• CP Radhakrishnan was appointed the Governor of Jharkhand Home minister Amit Shah presented
• Shiv Pratap Singh was appointed the Governor of HP ‘President’s Colour honour to Haryana Police.
• Chand Kataria was appointed the Governor of Assam
• Retired SC Judge Abdul Nazeer was appointed the Governor Key Point:
of Andhra Pradesh • The President Colour is the highest award presented to
About the reshuffles military units, federal forces, and state police forces.
• Governor of AP Biswa Bhusan was appointed the Governor • The award is presented by the President of India, the
of Chhattisgarh Supreme Commander of the Indian military.
• Governor of Chhattisgarh Sushri Anusuiya was appointed as • In the absence or unavailability of President, the award shall
the Governor of Manipur be presented by the Home minister or the Prime Minister or
• Governor of Manipur La Ganesh was appointed as the Vice President.
Governor of Nagaland

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 16

Updates
International Affairs
Monthly

New Air India-Airbus Partnership
Under the partnership, Air India will buy 250 aircraft from
Airbus. It is a reflection of the strength of the India-France • Turkey hadn’t experienced an earthquake of this size since
Strategic Partnership.
Key Points:
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in a video
call with President of France H.E. Emmanuel Macron on the
occasion of the launch of a partnership between Air India
and Airbus.
• Air India and Airbus have signed a contract for the supply
of 250 aircraft, 210 single-aisle A320neos and 40 widebody
A350s to Air India.
• This commercial partnership between these two players
of the aviation sector also displays the strength of the
India-France Strategic Partnership, which marks its 25th
anniversary this year.
• In his address, Prime Minister highlighted the rapid
expansion and growth of the civil aviation market in India
which will give impetus to greater connectivity between
India and the rest of the world, and will in turn encourage A 13-year-old girl, Natasha Perianayagam won the title of
tourism and business in India.
Operation Dost
As part of "Operation Dost", India is deploying a field hospital,
supplies, and rescue personnel to the earthquake-stricken
countries of Turkey and Syria.
Key Highlights:
• 7.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred on February 6th,
2023 while people were asleep destroyed thousands of
buildings, trapped an unspecified number of people, and
may have affected millions of people.
• 9,500 people have died as a result of the earthquake so far.
• Search teams and rescue supplies have started to arrive by
plane, and dozens of countries, including the United States,
China, and the Gulf States, have promised their support.
33,000 people died in the eastern region of Erzincan in 1939.
“World’s Brightest Student”
“world’s brightest student”.
Key Highlights:
• Natasha Perianayagam, an Indian American, was named to
the list compiled by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented
Youth in the United States.
• Natasha Perianayagam is a student at Florence M. Gaudineer
Middle School in New Jersey, US.
• Natasha was awarded for her exceptional performance in
the SAT, ACT, School, and College Ability Test, or other similar
tests, which were taken as part of the CTY Talent Search by
the organization.
• According to the university, CTY used testing methods above
grade level to pick out the advanced students in the crowd
of 15,000 to prove their above-grade-level academic talent.

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 Monthly Current Events Diary 17

• Natasha was among the students who appeared for the CTY • China will lay a railway line between Xiagtse and Pakhutso
test across 76 countries in the 2021–22 Talent Search Year. which will run till Pangong Lake and will run very close to the
Line of Actual control expected to be completed on 2035.
India, EU to establish Trade, Technology Council
• China recently proposed a medium-term railway plan and
a long-term railway plan for the Tibet area and Aksai chin
railway line is a part of this plan.
• According to the plan, China is to increase the Railway
connections of Tibet to 4000 km.

US resolution on Arunachal Pradesh LAC

In a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, the EU and

India have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity
and sustainable development based on shared values. The TTC
will provide the political steer and the necessary structure to
coordinate approaches and advance technical work.

Key Points: The US senate recently passed a resolution condemning China’s

• The working group of strategic technologies, digital
governance and digital connectivity will work jointly on
areas such as digital connectivity, artificial intelligence,
5G/6G, high performance and quantum computing,
semiconductors, cloud systems, cybersecurity, digital skills
and digital platforms.
• As far as green and clean energy technologies are concerned,
the focus will be on investment and standards in green
technologies. Areas to be explored could be clean energy,
circular economy, waste management, plastic and litter in
the ocean.
• The trade, investment and resilient value chains group will
work on the resilience of supply chains and access to critical
components, energy, and raw materials.
aggression on Arunachal Pradesh and stating A.P as integral part
of India.
Key Points:
• Resolution says China is changing the status of LAC using its
military force.
• And lauded India’s actions to defend her against Chinese
aggression at the borders.
• The resolution has been supported by both the Republican
and conservative party support.
Germany to ease Visa applications to Indians

Aksai Chin Railway Line

Date: 27th February, 2023

The Chinese Government is planning to build a new railway line The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited India recently. During
in the Aksai Chin region. his visit, the chancellor announced that Germany will ease the
visa for Indians.
Key Points:

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 18 Monthly Current Events Diary

Key Points: Date: 24th February 2023

• This is being done to make Germany an attractive spot for IT The Indian submarine INS Sindhukesari docked in Indonesia
investors and software developers.  makes history in India-Indonesia relations.
• Applying German visa for work is very difficult. One needs to
Key Points:
gain the right to be employed in German.
• You would get a visa only if you knew German. However, • INS Sindhukesari is a diesel-electric submarine. It belongs
Germany is now relaxing its rules. to Sindhughosh class designed as a part of Project 877. The
• Indians shall get Schengen Visa or a tourist visa to visit Sindhughosh class is basically the replica of the KILO class of
Germany. Schengen visa means a short-stay visa. the Soviet Union.
• With this visa, you may stay in Germany for 90 days. 27 • The docking shows India’s increasing military outreach in
European countries are offering this visa. the region and India’s nature of being a diplomatic role
player in ASEAN.
First G20 Culture Working Group meeting • India ships visit Indonesia and other ASEAN countries.
However, this is the first time, a submarine is visiting
Indonesia.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Date: 22nd February 2023

The UNESCO World Heritage site KHAJURAHO is hosting the first
Culture Working Group Meeting.
Key Points:
• More than 125 delegates from foreign countries will be
attending the meet along with PdamShri Nek Ram the
“Millet man”.
• It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples built in 1000 CE
during the Chandela dynasty.
• The KandariyaMahadeva Temple is one of the 12 temples • He established a company to ban environmental governance
that survived. This temple has various symbols and exhibits
the richness of Indian art.
• Indian Submarine docks in Indonesia for the first time
Date: 22nd February 2023
Why in News: Vivek Ramaswamy is an Indian American;
announced his presidential bid in United States Of America.
Key Points:
• He is a republican (Joe Biden and Barack Obama are all from
the Democratic Political party) and an anti-environment
activist.
initiatives and is a biotech investor.
• 2024 US President Elections are to be held in November.
• For contesting in the US election, the person should have
been born in the US, should be a US citizen, and attained
the age of 35 years.
• The Republican of 37 years is planning to contest in the 2024
US elections; his worth is 500 million USD.
• He has been propagating socially responsible investments
and “Wokeism”.
• He is into anti-ESG investments, that is, Environmental,
Social and Governance investing.
• Wokeism is the attitude of people being sensitive towards
political and social injustices.

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 24 DŽŶƚŚůLJƵƌƌĞŶƚǀĞŶƚƐŝĂƌLJ Monthly Current Events Diary 19

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 20
Updates
Monthly
New HAL Helicopter Factory in Tumakuru
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the HAL Helicopter
Factory to the nation in Tumakuru, Karnataka.
Key Highlights:
• The factory is India’s largest helicopter manufacturing
facility and will initially produce LUHs.
• The LUH is an indigenously designed and developed three-
ton class, single engine multipurpose utility helicopter with
unique features of high manoeuvrability.
• Initially, this factory will produce around 30 helicopters per
year and can be enhanced to 60 and then 90 per year in a
phased manner.
WINR - March, 2023
Defence
• The HAL plans to produce more than 1,000 helicopters in
the range of 3-15 tonnes, with a total business of over Rs
four lakh crores over a period of 20 years.
Dharma Guardian 2023 Exercise
India and Japan recently conducted the Dharma Guardian
Exercise at Camp Imazu of Shiga province in Japan.
Key Points:
• The exercise held in 2023 was the fourth edition.
• Middle Army’s Infantry Regiment and the Garhwal Rifle
regiment of the Indian Army participated in the exercise.
• During the exercise, the armies conducted joint tactical
drills, employed aerial assets and surveillance
Monthly Current Events Diary 21

WINR - March, 2023

 22

Updates
Monthly

Science & Technology

Khanan Prahari Application • QUAD will provide the resources for the participating
professionals and will provide training to selected
professionals from educational institutions and corporations
before they participate in the challenge.

World’s First Satellite based two-way

messaging system

To curb illegal mining in the country, the GoI launched a mobile

application and a surveillance system. The mobile app launched
is called KHANAN PRAHARI.
Key Points:
• The surveillance system is CMSMS, that is, Coal Mine
Surveillance and Management System.
• Anyone can report activities of illegal mining through the
app
• The main objective of launching these is to encourage citizen
participation in acting against illegal mining.
QUAD Cyber Challenge
Snapdragon Satellite by Qualcomm is the first satellite-based
two-way messaging by Snapdragon Satellite.
Key Points:
• Snapdragon® Satellite offers truly global coverage from pole
to pole and can support two-way messaging for emergency
use, SMS texting, and other messaging applications – for a
variety of purposes such as emergencies or recreation in
remote, rural and offshore locations.   
• This means we can use SMS just like WhatsApp in two-way
messaging like Whatsapp.
• Qualcomm and Iridium entered into an agreement to bring
satellite-based connectivity to next-generation premium
Android smartphones.

Israel launches sniffing robots

The QUAD Countries India, Australia, the US, and Japan recently
launched the Quad Cyber Challenge with an objective of
improving cyber security in the four countries.
Key Points:
• It is a competition in which internet user from the Indo-
Pacific region can participate. Israeli researchers have used the antennae of the locusts to
• National Security Council will be the Indian representative create sniffing robots.
at the QUAD in implementing the challenge.

WINR - March, 2023

 Monthly Current Events Diary 23

Key Points: The smartphone giant APPLE is shifting towards micro LED.
• The robot has four wheels. It was created by placing the Key Points:
antenna of locusts between the electrodes.
• The micro LEDs are self-illuminating diodes.
• The electrodes send signals when the antenna grabs a
•  Their colour production and illumination are brighter than
nearby scent.
organic LEDs. 
• The robot can detect even the tiniest particle or an organism
• Their energy consumption is less compared to normal LEDs.
in its surrounding. 

Micro LED displays

WINR - March, 2023

 24
Updates
Monthly
India's First Hydrogen Train
The Indian Railways is introducing a green revolution and will
be introducing hydrogen and electric trains to the eight heritage
routes in the country by December 2023.
Key Points:
• New Trains will run on the Routes of Kalka-Shimla Railways,
Nilgiri Mountain Railways, Darjeeling Hills, Kangra Railways,
Bilimora Waghai, Mhow-Patalpani, Marwar-devgarh-
Madriya and Matheran Hill Railways.
• The coaches of new trains will be retro-fitted, induced
with hydrogen-propulsion engines that will be used for
commercial purposes by the end of the year.
• Hydrogen engines have been developed by a few countries
like Germany, France and China, and now India will also be
a part of this.
Visakhapatnam railway station receives ‘Green
Railway Station Certification’
• Aiming to empower India’s youth by offering relevant skills
• According to the Ministry of Railways, as many as 15,665
• Under this scheme, the training is imparted in fourteen
East Coast Railways Visakhapatnam railway station has received
the prestigious ‘Green Railway Station Certification’ with the
highest Platinum rating.
WINR - March, 2023
Railways
Key Points:
• The certificate has been awarded by the Indian Green
Building Council (IGBC) for adopting green concepts.
• It secured 82 out of 100 points in six environmental
categories.
• The railway station has performed well in various categories
such as – sustainable facilities, health, hygiene, energy and
water efficiency, smart green initiatives, innovation, and
development.
• The Environment Directorate of Indian Railways (IR) with the
support of IGBC has developed the Green Railway Stations
Rating System to reduce the adverse environmental impacts
due to station operation, and maintenance and enhance the
overall experience of the passengers.
Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana
According to the Ministry of Railways, as many as 23,181
candidates have been enrolled under the Rail Kaushal Vikas
Yojana.
Key Points:
for entry level training in industry, as part of 75 years of Azadi
Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Indian Railways has imparted technical
training in various trades to enhance their employability and
entrepreneurship under Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
candidates have completed their training successfully.
(14) industry relevant technical trades such as electrician,
welder, machinist, fitter etc. at 94 training locations which
are generally spread across more than one state/ Union
Territory including remote locations spread over Indian
Railways.
 Updates
Monthly
India’s Fifth Nano Urea Plant
Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of
a Rs. 450 crore nano urea plant and township of the Indian
Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) in Deoghar, Jharkhand.
Key Highlights:
• The nano urea plant will be the fifth such plant in India.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s first
nano urea plant in Gujarat in 2021.
• According to Union Minister Amit Shah Nano Urea will
benefit farmers and it is already being exported to five
countries.
• Nano Urea helps in improving the crop productivity, soil
health, and nutritional quality of products and aims to
address the imbalance and excessive use of conventional
urea.
• Nano Urea helps in improving the crop productivity, soil
health, and nutritional quality of products and aims to
address the imbalance and excessive use of conventional
urea.
• The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, also
known as IFFCO is a multi-state cooperative society engaged
in manufacturing and marketing fertilizers in New Delhi.
Telangana’sTeja chilli
Agriculture
The Teja Chilli of Telangana is the most popular chilli in many
countries.
Key Points:
• The farmers of Teja Chilli are facing heavy losses. They are
struggling to recover their investment.
• The Teja Chilli is the major ingredient of Oleoresin (chilli
extract used in food processing units in Asia)
• Teja Chilli is the chilli is a sub-variety of Guntur Chillies. Of all
the Guntur Chilli varieties, the Teja Chilli is the finest. Other
Guntur Chilli varieties are Madhubala, Bedki, Roshni, Ankur,
etc.
• Export destinations of Teja Chilli -Sri Lanka, Latin America,
USA, UK, South Korea, Middle East, Bangladesh.
Indian Rice Congress 2023
The second edition of the Indian Rice Congress was recently
inaugurated by President Murmu at National Rice Research
Institute at Cuttack, Odisha.
Key Point:
• The 2023 congress was held on the theme “Transforming
Rice Research”.
• The congress focused on the global food crisis and the
recent scientific developments that will help in increasing
the production and yield of paddy crops.
• The ARRW located at ICAR-NRRI organized the congress
founded in 1961.
• The congress will serve as a common platform for
international scientists to learn about the new advancements
in the field of agriculture.
WINR - March, 2023
 26 Monthly Current Events Diary

WINR - March, 2023

 Updates
Monthly
UPI Payment with RuPay Credit Card
Now RuPay credit cards issued by MobiKwik can be used on UPI.
Key Point:
• The company recently added a feature to its app where
customers can use their RuPay credit cards on UPI. This is
the first time this is being done in India.
• UPI Payment with RuPay Credit Card.
Financial Literacy Week 2023
Banking
Financial Literacy Week is celebrated between February 13 and
February 17 by the Reserve Bank of India.
Key Points:
• RBI will conduct a mass media campaign to spread financial
awareness during the week and celebrated by the central
bank since 2016.
• Theme of Financial Literacy Week 2023 “Good Financial
Behaviour – Your Saviour”
• The theme of this year’s Financial Literacy Week aligns with
the goals of the National Strategy for Financial Education.
• The plan aims to build a financially resilient India.
WINR - March, 2023
 28

Updates

Environment
Monthly

Hillary Clinton declares Global Climate Key Highlights:

Resilience Fund for women • The US Geological Survey said quake was centred about 33
kilometres (20 miles) from Gaziantep about 26 kilometres
(16 miles) from the town of Nurdagi.
• It was centred 18 kilometres (11 miles) deep, according to
the US Geological Survey.
• Turkey sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently
shaken by earthquakes. 
• Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management agency was
centred in the town of Pazarcik, in Kahramanmaras province. 
• Tremors were also felt in Cyprus, Türkiye, Greece, Jordan,
Lebanon, Syria, United Kingdom, Iraq and Georgia.
• At least 7700 people have died in Turkey and Syria; WHO
officials warn the total could be as high as 20000.
Mrs Clinton announced 50 million USD for women in the region
of Ahemdabad to be used to fight against climate change.
Earthquake damage in Turkey to exceed $34
billion
Key Points:
• Hillary Clinton was in Ahmedabad, Gujarat attending the
50th-anniversary celebration of SEWA.
• SEWA is Self Employed Women Association. It was founded
by the late activist Ela Bhatt.
• The fund will be mainly used to fight heat waves in the
region because sometimes, the temperature in the region
crosses sixty degrees Celsius due to heat waves.
• The IMD declares heat waves when the temperature in
the plain increases above 40 degrees Celsius and when
the temperature in the hilly region increase by 30 degrees
Celsius.

Earthquake in Turkey
Date: 28th February, 2023
After surviving one its worst natural disaster in 8 decades,
Turkey is standing in front of a whopping $34.2 billion of physical
damage due to a series of massive earthquakes and aftershocks,
according to a World Bank report.
Key Points:
• The amount is equivalent of 4% of the country's 2021 GDP. 
• Two massive earthquakes of 7.8 and 7.5 magnitudes hit
Turkey and Syria.
• They were followed by more than 7,500 aftershocks.

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Turkey followed by

another strong quake which was felt in several provinces
in the region, knocking down a number of buildings.

WINR - March, 2023

 Monthly Current Events Diary 29

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WINR - March, 2023

 30

Updates
Space
Monthly

Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO, Navy undertake The Chandrayaan 3 is the third lunar mission of India. Indian
Space Research Organization recently announced that the EMI-
trials EMC test of the lander part was successful.
Key Point:
• During the test, spacecraft is checked if its operation is
creating EM interference in the nearby environment.
• EMI is the Electro Magnetic Interference test and EMC is
the Electro Magnetic Compatibility test. For the successful
landing and operation, it is essential that the lander part
clears the EMI and EMC tests.
• It is essential for any electronic component to block
electromagnetic waves. Also, the component should not
emit any electromagnetic waves.
• If it emits or doesn’t block the EM waves, the energy and
ISRO recently conducted recovery trials along with Indian Navy the signals received, sent, or produced in the component
as a part of ambitious Gaganyaan Mission 2024. are disrupted.

Key Point: Italy discovers invisible Galaxy

• The trials were conducted at the Water Survival Test Facility,
Kochi.
• For trials, the test facility created a crew recovery model
which will simulate the centre of gravity, mass, outer
dimensions, etc.
• The Water Survival Test Facility, Kochiprovided training to
the astronauts to escape from a ditched aircraft. It simulated
varied conditions under which the astronauts escaped
safely. It provided simulations of different sea states, day
and night conditions, and environmental conditions. Italian researchers have discovered a Black Galaxy or Invisible
Galaxy using ALMA. ALMA is Atacama Large Millimetre Array
Chandrayaan-3 lander clears key test (Atacama Desert is in South America).
Key Points:
• The galaxy discovered is compact, young has interstellar
dust and forming new stars at the rate of 1000 times the
Milky Way.
• The galaxy is termed invisible because the light emitted
couldn’t be seen from the earth.
• The presence of the galaxy has been discovered using the
gravitational lensing technique.

WINR - March, 2023

 Start your
Preparation with
Monthly Current Events Diary 31

Jupiter becomes planet with most moons The latest discovery revealed Jupiter has 12 more moons which
Quality Book of lead the count of Jupiter’s moons increased to 92.

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Key Points:
• Scientists believed that Saturn had the maximum number of
moons. 82 moons have been discovered around Saturn so
far. On the other hand, it was believed that Jupiter had 80

Assistant moons. About the new discovery

• The 12 new moons around Jupiter were discovered by the

Commandant Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory of the 12 moons

discovered, nine are distant and take 550 days to orbit

Exam
Jupiter.
• The nine moons discovered are relatively small and have
retrograde orbits. Meaning their orbiting direction is

Book include opposite to that of Jupiter’s rotation.

• The inner moons of Jupiter have prograde orbits. Meaning,
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 32

Updates
Appointments/
Monthly

Resignations
NATIONAL

Ajay Kumar Srivastava Key Points:

• The Air Marshal is a graduate of National Defence Academy,
Pune and was commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot
in Jun 1985.  
• The Air Officer is a recipient of ‘VishistSeva Medal’ and
‘AtiVishistSeva Medal.
• Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha succeeds Air Marshal S
Prabhakaran

Ganji Kamala V Rao 

WHY IN NEWS: Ajay Kumar Srivastava has been promoted to

managing director and CEO of the public sector Indian Overseas
Bank.
Key Highlights:
• Srivastava was the bank's executive director before assuming
the new position.
• Srivastava commenced his banking career as a probationary
officer in Allahabad Bank in 1991.  Key Points:
• He joined Indian Overseas Bank in October 2017. 
Pankaj Mohan Sinha
WHY IN NEWS: IAS officer Ganji Kamala V Rao  has been
appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• He was posted as managing director of India Tourism
Development Corporation Ltd.
• Ganji Kamala V Rao IAS is a Kerala cadre officer batch of the
1990 batch.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is
a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare.

Praveen Kumar Srivastava

WHY IN NEWS: Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha assumed

command of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command
(Delhi) on 01 January 2023.

WINR - March, 2023


WHY IN NEWS: Vigilance Commissioner Praveen Kumar WHY IN NEWS: RBI has approved the appointment of veteran
Srivastava has been appointed as the acting Central Vigilance banker Surinder Chawla as the new Managing Director (MD)
Commissioner (CVC).
Key Points:
• His appointment comes after Suresh N. Patel completed his
term as the chief of the anti-corruption watchdog Central
Vigilance Commission in December.
• A CVC and vigilance commissioner's term is four years or
until the incumbent reaches the age of 65.
• The commission is headed by a CVC and can have a maximum
of two Vigilance Commissioners.
• The commission was set up on the recommendation of K.
Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption.
Justice (retd) Rajeev Shrivastava
WHY IN NEWS: Rajeev Shrivastava, a retired High Court judge,
has been appointed as the new head of the Delhi Electricity
Regulatory Commission (DERC).
Key Highlights:
• Delhi government approves appointment of Justice (retd)
Rajeev Shrivastava as next Chairman of DERC.
• Justice (retd) ShabihulHasnain, who just retired from the
position of DERC chairman, is succeeded by Justice (retd)
Shrivastava.
Surinder Chawla
Monthly Current Events Diary 33
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paytm Payments Bank.
Key Highlights:
• Chawla will take charge of Paytm Payment Bank for tenure
of 3 years.
• Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Chairman of Paytm Payments Bank
Board.
• The merit-listed Chartered Accountant Chawla previously
worked at RBL Bank as the Head of Accounting.
• Chawla spent about 12 years in key senior management
positions at HDFC Bank.
• Paytm Payments Bank has the largest scale in India, in terms
of mobile transactions.
• The bank is the largest UPI beneficiary bank.
Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh
WHY IN NEWS: Retired director general of the Border Security
Force (BSF), Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, was recently appointed
as the Deputy National Security Adviser in National Security
Council Secretariat for a period of two years.
Key Points:
• Pankaj Kumar Singh, an IPS officer from the Rajasthan cadre
of 1988 batch, has an MBA from the Indian Institute of
Management (IIM) Ahmedabad in addition to his LLB and
MPhil degrees.
• Singh had served with the Union government as Inspector
General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in
Chhattisgarh and IG (Operations) at CRPF headquarters in
Delhi. 
• Singh retired as the BSF chief on December 31, 2022.
WINR - March, 2023
 34

Updates

Ranks and Reports

Monthly

OECD Services Trade Restrictiveness Index-STRI Key Points:

• The index measures the capacity of the economy to
withstand employment fluctuations and the ability to fight
back.
• White Shield ranked 136 countries based on parameters
such as technological disruptions, pandemics, green
economy transition, etc.
• India ranked 65th leading in South Asia region.
• Denmark was ranked first in the index followed by
Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, and Sweden
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth places respectively.
recently released the Services Trade Restrictiveness Index and Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2021
ranked India at 47th.
Key Points:
• India remains among the bottom five countries in the
ranking.
• STRI speaks about the restrictions on the development
of strategic services in the world. This includes freight
transport, accounting, legal services, etc.
• STRI covered around 50 countries in which Japan was ranked
topmost followed by UK, Netherlands, Czech, and Chile in
second, third, fourth, and fifth places respectively.
• The countries in the bottommost spots were Indonesia (at
the 50th spot), Thailand (49), Russia (48), and India (47). The Global Quality Index Infrastructure was released for 184
Global Labour Resilience Index 2023 world economies based on the quality of their infrastructure
ranked India fifth.
Key Points:
• Germany topped the list was followed by China, the US, the
UK, Japan, and France in the second, third, fourth, fifth, and
sixth positions respectively.
• The overall good infrastructure quality of India is being
maintained by the Quality Council of India and therefore,
the council takes pride in bringing India to the top of the
ranking.
• The standardization ranking was at the 9th  spot and the
credit goes to BIS.
The White Shield a policy advisory firm releases the Global
Labour Resilience Index during World Government Summit.

WINR - March, 2023

 42 DŽŶƚŚůLJƵƌƌĞŶƚǀĞŶƚƐŝĂƌLJ Monthly Current Events Diary 35

t/EZͳ:EhZz͕ϮϬϮϯ WINR - March, 2023

 36

Updates
AWARDS & HONOURS
Monthly

Lifetime Achievement Award 2022
• The FIH President informed that they have witnessed a truly
exceptional phase of Odisha. Not only the state-of-the-art
facilities but also the passion showcased by the Odisha
people for hockey as much for the Indian team as for the
others has been an absolute delight to experience.
• FIH, founded in 1924, is responsible for field hockey’s major
international tournaments, notably the World Cup.
• The  FIH is recognised by the International Olympic
Committee as the sole ultimate governing body for the sport
of Hockey throughout the world.

Grammy Awards 2023

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was recently

conferred a Lifetime Achievement Honour by the India-UK
Achievers Honours in London for his contribution to economic
and political life.
Key Highlights:
• Every year the National Indian Students and Alumni Union
presents the Lifetime Achievement Honour.
• The NISAU is a UK organization.
• It represents Indian students in the UK.
• This is the first time the NISAU is introducing the India UK
achievers Honours.
• Over 75 highly qualified professionals will be honored with
the award.
FIH President's Award 2022

The 65th Grammy Awards were presented in Los Angeles on 5th

In the Finals of FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023
Bhubaneswar-Rourkela, FIH President Tayyab Ikram presented
the FIH President’s Award to VK Pandian, Secretary to the Chief
Minister of Odisha, for his commendable contribution to hockey.
Key Highlights:
• The FIH President’s Award recognizes individuals National
Associations or other organizations for valuable services to
hockey, whether direct or indirect or initiatives which have
had a significant effect on hockey at the international level.
WINR - March, 2023
February 2023.
Key Highlights:
• The biggest night in music made a comeback to Los Angeles
on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena, with Trevor Noah serving
as host once more.
• The ceremony honoured three “lost icons”: Takeoff, the
Migos rapper who was shot and killed in November, one of
the glories of country music, who passed away in November,
and Christine McVie, the Fleetwood Mac vocalist who
passed away in October.
• With nine total nominations, Beyoncé is in first place,
followed by Kendrick Lamar with eight, Adele with seven,
and Brandi Carlile with six.
• Ricky Kej, an Indian music composer and environmentalist
who was born on August 5, 1981, is a two-time Grammy
Award winner and three-time nominee.
 Monthly Current Events Diary 37

• Ricky Kej received the prize for “Divine Tides” after being • The DPIFF (Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival
nominated in the category of Best Immersive Audio Album. Awards) was started in 2012.
Category Winner • DPIFF is completely a private ceremony organized by the
family members of Dadasaheb Phalke.
Record of the Year Lizzo
• It is not the same “DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARD”
Album of the Year Harry Styles – Harry’s House presented at the National Film Awards.
Song of the Year Lizzo – About Damn Time • The DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARD is presented in a
Best New Artist Samara Joy ceremony organized by the Government of India (Directorate
of Film Festivals). But the DPIFF is completely a private
Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar ceremony organized by the family members of Dadasaheb
Phalke.

The award is presented by SangeetNatakAkademi to artists in
the field of dance, music, and drama
Key Points:
• It is presented annually to artists below the age of 40.
• The winners receive 25,000 rupees of the cash price.
• The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is being
presented since 2006.
• The awards were presented by the Union Minister of
Culture and Tourism.
• The awards were presented for the years 2019, 2020,
and 2021. 102 awardees were selected.
• The lists were finalised in 2022. However, are being
presented now.
• Categories include Sitar, Flute, Mridangam, etc.
DPIFF 2023
• Film of the year: RRR
• Best Film: The Kashmir Files
• Best Actress: Alia Bhatt
• Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor
• Critics-Best Actor: Varun Dhawan
• Critics-Best Actress: Vidya Balan
• Best Director: R Balki
• Best Cinematographer: PS Vinod
• Most Promising Actor: Rishab Shetty (for KANTARA)
• Best Playback singer-Male: Sachet Tandon
• Best Playback Singer-Female: Neeti Mohan
• Best Web Series: RUDRA
• Most versatile Actor: Anupam Kher
• Television Series of the Year: Anupama
• Best Actor in Television series: Zain Imam for Fanaa
• Best Actress in Television Series: Tejasswi Prakash
Sansad Ratna award 2023

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival

Awards 2023

The Sansad Ratna Awards were instituted in 2010, inspired

by the teachings of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, who
launched the first edition of the Award function in Chennai.
Key Points:
• They seek to recognise and felicitate the top-performing
MPs on the basis of their work in the apex legislative body.
• The awardees are Bidyut Baran Mahato (BJP, Jharkhand),
Sukanta Majumdar (BJP, West Bengal), Kuldeep Rai Sharma
With a mission to celebrate the work of aspiring, young, (INC, Andaman Nicobar Islands), Heena Vijayakumar Gavit
independent & professional filmmakers Dada Saheb Phalke (BJP, Maharashtra), Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (INC, West
International Film Festival Awards were awarded Bengal), Gopal Chinayya Shetty (BJP, Maharashtra), Sudhir
Gupta (BJP, Madhya Pradesh), and Amol Ramsing Kolhe
Key Points:
(NCP, Maharashtra) from the Lok Sabha.

WINR - March, 2023

 38 Monthly Current Events Diary
• From the Rajya Sabha, John Brittas (CPI-M, Kerala), Manoj Key Points:
Kumar Jha (RJD, Bihar), Fauzia Tahseen Ahmed Khan (NCP, • The Wolf Prizes are presented to scientists and artists,
Maharashtra), Vishambhar Prasad Nishad (Samajwadi Party, founded by a German Ricardo Wolf an ambassador to Israel.
UP) and Chhaya Verma (INC, Chhattisgarh) will be given the • The awards are presented in six fields namely arts, physics,
Sansad Ratna award. agriculture, mathematics, chemistry, and medicine and Arts
Wolf Prize Winners 2023 Wolf Prize rotates between music, painting, architecture,
and sculpture.
• The winners get 100,000 USD and presented ceremony in
Knesset, the Parliament of Israel annually.

Wolf Prize Winners 2023

• Medicine: Professor Daniel Drucker of Toronto University,
Canada; for his research on intestinal hormones
• Agriculture: Martinus Th Rien from the Federal University
of Rio De Janeiro; for his research on water flow and
contaminant transport in soils
• Physics: Professor Can Genuchten; for his work in soil
physics and Vadose zone; the Vadose zone lies above the
groundwater table
• Chemistry: three scientists for their work on pathological
The Wolf prize is presented by the Wolf Foundation of Israel and dysfunctions of RNA; John T Wilson, Hiroaki Suga, Jeffery W
being awarded since 1978. Kelly
• Mathematics: Ingrid Daubechies of Duke University for her
work in wavelet theory
• Arts: Fujiko Nakaya of Japan and Richard Long of England

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Exam
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Mental Ability Test
Paper II : Essay,
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Comprehensions, Grammar

WINR - March, 2023

+ MCQs
 Updates
IMPORTANT DAYS
Monthly

NATIONAL

National Women’s Day India celebrates National Women’s Day on February 13 to

celebrations commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarojini
Naidu, the Nightingale of India.
Key Points:
• India celebrates National women’s day to honour the
achievements of women in the country, especially in the
field of politics, culture, and economy.
• Sarojini Naidu was a contributor to the Indian Constitution.
• She served as the President of the Indian National Congress
in 1925.
• She was imprisoned for 21 months for participating in the
Quit India Movement.
• She did her higher studies in London.
Date: 13th February, 2023 • She was born in Hyderabad and died in Lucknow.
INTERNATIONAL
World Wetlands Day International Day of Human Fraternity

DATE: 4th February, 2023

The International Day of Human Fraternity was established by
the United Nations General Assembly on December 21, 2020.
DATE: 2nd February, 2023 The International Day of Human Fraternity has been observed
World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2nd February. every year on February 4.

Key Highlights: Key Highlights:

• The day is observed to create awareness among people
about the importance of wetlands and different ways to
restore their rapid loss and degradation.
• The day is aimed at highlighting the vital role wetlands play
in maintaining biodiversity and supporting human well-
being.
• The theme for this year’s World Wetlands Day is ‘It’s Time
for Wetlands Restoration’. The theme highlights the urgency
to prioritize wetland restoration.
• The International Day of Human Fraternity recognises the
importance of compassion, religious tolerance, and respect
for one another.
• The International Day of Human Fraternity has been
observed every year on February 4.
• The motto is “harmony in difference.”
• The day is significant as it highlights the importance
of promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue
and cooperation as a way to build a more peaceful and
harmonious world.

WINR - March, 2023

 40 Monthly Current Events Diary
World Cancer Day
DATE: 4th February, 2023
February 4th is World Cancer Day 2023, which is being observed
to create a cancer-free world.
Key Highlights:
• Every year on February 4th, we observe World Cancer Day to
increase public awareness of cancer prevention, detection,
and treatment.
• World Cancer Day seeks to save millions of lives by educating
the public, promoting awareness, and pressuring individuals
and governments around the world to take action every
year.
• Cancer is any of a wide range of illnesses characterized by
the growth of abnormal cells with the capacity to invade and
damage healthy bodily tissue while dividing uncontrollably.
• Cancer is the second leading cause of  death in the world.
But because to advancements in cancer screening, therapy,
and prevention, survival rates for many cancer types are
rising.
• “Close the Care Gap” has been the theme for World Cancer
Day for the past three years (2022, 2023, and 2024).
Safer Internet Day
DATE: 7th February, 2023
This year’s Safer Internet Day took place on Tuesday, 7 February
2023.
Key Highlights:
• Safer Internet Day is marked to help the younger generation
understand safe practices on the Internet.
• The Internet provides a broad social platform to utilize ideas,
WINR - March, 2023
use and research them.
• According to UK Safer Internet Center, the theme for Safer
Internet Day 2023 is ‘Want to talk about it? Making space
for conversations about life online.’ This year, the day will be
commemorated on February 7.
• Safer Internet Day began as an initiative of the EU Safe
Borders project in 2004.
• In 2009, the concept of Safer Internet Day Committees
was introduced. The aim was to strengthen the bonds with
countries outside the network.
World Pulses Day, 2023
Date: 10th February, 2023
The United Nations and several other international organizations
and countries celebrate World Pulses Day on February 10.
Key Points:
• The main objective of the celebration is to increase
awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses.
• The day aims to promote the environmental benefits of
pulses and how pulses can help countries in achieving their
sustainable food delivery goals.
• The Theme of World Pulses Day 2023: Pulses for a
Sustainable future.
• The UN passed theFood and Agriculture Organization led
resolution of celebrating World Pulses Day in 2013.
International Epilepsy Day
Date: 13th February, 2023
International Epilepsy Day,  the 2nd Monday in Feb, helps to raise
epilepsy awareness. 
Key Points:
• The theme of International Epilepsy Day 2023: The
celebrations are to focus on “STIGMA”. Stigma means fear

or feeling negative reactions.
• Significance of the 2023 theme: People with epilepsy suffer
from stigma and discrimination. For this reason, it is essential
to spread awareness about the disease and its cure.
• Epilepsy is a nervous disorder. It affects brain activity.
• The disease is identified late among children.
• Early symptoms of the disease are left unnoticed.
• If identified at early stages, it can be cured easily.
• Around 50 million people in the world suffer from epilepsy.
80% of them are living in low and middle-income countries.
World Radio Day
Date: 13th February, 2023
In 2023, the United Nations and other countries are celebrating
the 12th edition of World Radio Day. It is celebrated on February
13.
Key Points:
• The theme of World Radio Day: Radio and Peace
• The celebrations of World Radio Day are launched by
UNESCO on behalf of the UN.
• The day aims to highlight the fact that radios are the pillars
of conflict prevention and play a major role in maintaining
peace in the world.
• Significance of the theme: The war between countries may
translate into media conflicts. This increases tensions. Radio
can fuel conflicts.
• The day is celebrated to highlight the role played by radio
and other broadcasting media.
• The day emphasizes the impact of news broadcasted by the
radio on the public.
• Also, radio is one of the least expensive mediums of
communication. It can easily reach remote areas.
World Pangolin Day
Monthly Current Events Diary 41
Date: 18th February 2023
Every year the day is celebrated on the third Saturday of
February month in 2023, World Pangolin Day is celebrated on
February 18.
Key Points:
• The objective of the celebration is to create awareness
about the Pangolin population decline.
• Indian Pangolins are hunted and exported to markets in
South Asia and China.
• Of all the states, Odisha had the highest seizures,
Maharashtra has the second-highest seizure incidents.
Status:
• IUCN: Critically Endangered
• CITES: APPENDIX I: This appendix prohibits international
trade
• Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Nepal celebrates Democracy Day
Date: 19th February 2023
Nepal recently celebrated its Democracy Day. Every year,
Democracy day is celebrated on Falgun 7.
Key Points:
• Nepal celebrates Democracy Day to commemorate the end
of autocratic rule in the country.
• The country was under the rule of the Rana dynasty for
more than 104 years.
• In 1949, a communist party was set up and the goal of the
Nepal Communist Party was to establish democracy.
• Treaty of Sugauli defines the border between India and
Nepal to date.
• DELHI ACCORD. According to the agreement, three parties
agreed to create a democratic constitution in Nepal.
WINR - March, 2023
 42

Updates

Obituaries
Monthly

Shanti Bhushan WHY IN NEWS: Legendary film director K. Vishwanath passed

away in Hyderabad on February 2, at the age of 92 while
undergoing treatment for age-related illnesses at a hospital.
Key Highlights:
• Viswanath began his career as an audiographer for Vauhini
Studios in Madras.
• He began his filmmaking career under filmmaker Adurthi
Subba Rao and eventually went on to work as an assistant
director on 1951 Telugu film Pathala Bhairavi.
• His films won five National Film Awards and seven state
Nandi Awards.
• For his work, he was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke
Award, the highest award in Indian cinema, in 2017.
• K. Vishwanath was also a recipient of the Padma Shri.

Vani Jayaram
DATE: 2nd February 2023
WHY IN NEWS: Former Union law minister and eminent jurist
Shanti Bhushan, passed away at the age of 97. He served as the
law minister in the Morarji Desai-led Janata Party government
from 1977 to 1979.
Key Highlights:
• Shanti Bhushan, served as the law minister in the Morarji
Desai-led Janata Party government from 1977 to 1979,
which came to power after Emergency.
• In political career, Shanti Bhushan was a member of the
Congress (O) and later of the Janata Party.
• A vocal activist and jurist, Bhushan was also part of the
anti-corruption movement that led to the formation of Aam
Aadmi Party.
• Shanti Bhushan later quit the party. DATE: 7th February 2023
K. Viswanath WHY IN NEWS: Vani Jayaram, 78, a legendary playback singer
from the South film industry passed away.
Key Highlights:
• Vani Jayaram was an Indian playback singer in South Indian
cinema.
• Vani has often been the choice for several composers across
India from the 1970s until the late 1990s.
• Vani Jayaram has sung in several Indian languages, such as
Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia,
Gujarati, Haryanvi, Assamese, Tulu, and Bengali languages.
• Vani won the National Film Awards for Best Female Playback
Singer three times and also has won State Government
awards from the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
DATE: 2nd February 2023 Nadu, and Gujarat.

WINR - March, 2023

 Must read for Every UPSC Aspirant Monthly Current Events Diary 43

Updates
Based on the
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 52
44 DŽŶƚŚůLJƵƌƌĞŶƚǀĞŶƚƐŝĂƌLJ
Monthly Current Events Diary

t/EZͳ:EhZz͕ϮϬϮϯ
WINR - March, 2023
 Updates
Sports
Monthly

INTERNATIONAL
Dipa Karmakar banned for failing dope test The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced that the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) won the hosting of the 2027
Asian Nations Cup.
Key Highlights:
• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) won the hosting of the
2027 Asian Nations Cup, for the first time in its history, since
its inception in 1956.
• This came during the work of the 33rd Congress of the Asian
Football Confederation (AFC), February 1, in the Bahraini
DATE: 6th February, 2022 capital, Manama.
Gymnast Dipa Karmakar has been handed a 21-month ban • Saudi Arabia was the only bid presented at the Congress in
for failing a dope test conducted by the International Testing Manama after India’s withdrawal in December 2022.
Agency.
Ladakh sets Guinness record PangongTso
Key Highlights: Marathon
• The  ITA  confirms that Dipa Karmakar has been suspended
for  21 months, effective until 10th July 2023 after testing
positive for higenamine, which is a prohibited substance
under World Anti-doping Agency Code.
• The International Testing Agency is the Switzerland-based
non-profit organization works under the supervision
of  WADA  and the International Olympics Committee to
implement Anti-doping programs for various international
federations.
• Dipa Karmakar is an Indian Gymnast from Tripura State.
• Dipa Karmakar is the first gymnast from India who competed
in the Olympics.
• In her debut 2016 Summer Olympics in the final, she reached
4th position.

2027 Asian Nations Cup Date: 21st February 2023

The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council launched
PangongTso Marathon held on the frozen PangongTsolake.
Key Points:
• The marathon was conducted at an altitude of 4,350 metres.
• With this, it makes the Guinness record for World’s Highest
Frozen Lake Marathon and first frozen lake marathon in
India.
• The marathon was organized by the Council of Ladakh along
with the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh.

 
• The Government of India is now trying to increase the
activities in remote border areas and it is in line of increasing
the population in these areas.
DATE: 6 February, 2023
th

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 46 Monthly Current Events Diary
ISSF Shooting World Cup
Date: 22nd February 2023
India’s RudrankkshPatil and R Narmada Nithin won gold at 2023
ISSF Shooting World Cup held in Cairo.
Key Points:
• Rudrankksh won gold in 10 metre Air Rifle by
defeatingUlbrichof Germany with a score of 16-8 it is the
first timeany Indian won gold in the competition.
• The pair of VarunTomar and Rhythm Sangwan won gold in
the 10m Air Pistol.
• ISSF is a homogenous system to qualify for the Olympics.
The first world cup of 2023 was held in Jakarta. The second,
that is, the current happening world cup of 2023 is held in
Cairo. The third will be held in Bhopal, India. Fourth at Lima;
Fifth at Baku, and Sixth at Rio de Janeiro.
2023 Women T20 World Cup
WINR - March, 2023
Date: 27th February, 2023
The 2023 T20 Women’s world cup was held in South Africa.
The final battle was between South Africa and Australia. The
Australian team won the battle.
Key Points:
• The Australian woman’s team is winning the T20 world cup
for the sixth time. 
• India quit losing to the Australian team during the semi-
finals.
• Beth Mooney scored 74 runs and topped the match. The
name of the women’s T20 cricket team is Southern stars.
The team captain is Meg Lanning.
Carabao Cup 2023
Date: 27th February, 2023
The Carabao cup is also called the EFL cup. It is a major football
trophy played in England. More than 92 clubs participate in
the knockout competition. In 2023, the trophy was won by
Manchester United. 
Key Points:
• (Carabao is an energy drink in Thailand). Winning the
Carabao cup is essential to enter the UEFA Champions
League.
• Liverpool is the most successful club in the competition. The
team has won more than nine championships.
• The final battle was fought between Manchester United and
Newcastle.
Updates
Healthcare
Monthly

Vertiplane X3 Drone delivers TB medicines Marburg Disease Outbreak

The World Health Organization recently confirmed the Marburg

The Ministry of Health recently conducted a trial of delivering disease outbreak in Equatorial Guinea.
TB medicines in a drone.
Key Points:
Key points:
• The virus comes from bats spreads through close skin
• The trials were conducted in Rishikesh. contact, bodily fluids, and also through infected surfaces.
• The trials of TB medicine delivery using drones were • Causes hemorrhagic fever. Fever affects the organs and they
conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences start bleeding.
under the supervision of the Health ministry. • Both Marburg and Ebola viruses belong to the Filoviridae
• The trial was successful. The drone delivered 2 family, that is, the Filovirus.
kilograms of anti-tubercular drugs to a hospital in • The disease is fatal. 88% of the people infected with the
TehriGarhwal from AIIMS. disease died and have no approved vaccines.
• Before the outbreak of Equatorial Guinea, the Marburg
outbreak occurred in Ghana in 2022.

WINR - March, 2023

 Updates
POLICIES & SCHEMES
Monthly

“Vibrant Villages Programme” Key Points:

• This will help in encouraging people to stay in their native
locations in border areas and reversing the outmigration
from these villages adding to improved security of the
border.
• The scheme will provide funds for development of essential
infrastructure and creation of livelihood opportunities in 19
Districts and 46 Border blocks 4 states and 1 UT along the
northern land border of the country.
• It will help in achieving inclusive growth and retaining the
population in the border areas. In the first phase 663 Villages
will be taken up in the programme.
• Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district
DATE: 15th February 2023 administration with the help of Gram Panchayats.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, • Key outcomes that have been attempted are, connectivity
has approved Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages with all weather road, drinking water, 24x7 electricty – Solar
Programme” (VVP) for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26 and wind energy to be given focused attention, mobile and
with financial allocation of Rs. 4800 Crore. internet connectivity.

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 50

Updates
CURRENT AFFAIRS MCQs
Monthly

1. After Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Punjab, which state (a) World Bank
recently restored the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for (b) World Economic Forum
government employees?
(c) International Monetary Fund
(a) New Delhi (b) Telangana
(d) Asian Development Bank
(c) Kerala (d) Himachal Pradesh
11. A 1000-Year-Old Viking Hall has been recently unearthed
2. What is the Retail inflation based on CPI in December in which country?
2022 in India?
(a) China (b) Denmark
(a) 5.72 % (b) 6.72 %
(c) USA (d) UAE
(c) 7.72 % (d) 8.72 %
12. Which Ministry organised the ‘Sur Sarita – Symphony of
3. Which state announced the ‘Chief Minister’s Village Ganga’ program?
Roads Improvement Scheme’?
(a) Ministry of Tourism
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) West Bengal
(b) Ministry of Culture
(c) Odisha (d) Bihar
(c) Ministry of External Affairs
4. Which institution has launched the ‘Giving to Amplify
Earth Action (GAEA)’ initiative? (d) Ministry of Jal Shakti
(a) World Bank 13. Which country hosted the ‘Voice of Global South
Summit’?
(b) International Monetary Fund
(a) Sri Lanka (b) India
(c) World Economic Forum
(c) Bangladesh (d) Singapore
(d) G-20
14. Which organisation forecasted the global growth in 2023
5. Thiruvalluvar is a famous poet of which language?
to be 2.7%?
(a) Tamil (b) Telugu
(a) World Bank (b) IMF
(c) Urdu (d) Malayalam
(c) WEF (d) ADB
6. ‘Padho Pardesh scheme’ was being implemented by
15. Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign is associated with which
which Union Ministry?
Union Ministry?
(a) Ministry of Education
(a) Ministry of Railways
(b) Ministry of Minority Affairs
(b) Ministry of Tourism
(c) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
(c) Ministry of Culture
(d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
(d) Ministry of Home Affairs
7. India has been urging which country to implement ‘13th
Amendment’ to its Constitution? 16. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘Soul of Steel’
challenge?
(a) USA (b) UK
(a) Ministry of Defence
(c) Sri Lanka (d) Bangladesh
(b) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
8. Which Indian child actor won the International Press
Academy (IPA) award? (c) Ministry of Home Affairs
(a) Bhavin Rabari (b) Sunny Pawar (d) Ministry of Education
(c) Raj Bhanushali (d) Naga Vishal 17. Recently which Indian corporate group announced plans
to deploy Asia’s first planned hydrogen powered mining
9. Which institution recently released the ‘Survey on dietary truck?
supplements’?
(a) Tata Group (b) Reliance Industries
(a) FCI (b) FSSAI
(c) Adani Group (d) Aditya Birla Group
(c) NITI Aayog (d) Union Health Ministry
18. Which author has been awarded the ‘Federal Bank
10. Which organisation released the ‘Global Risks Report
Literary Award 2022’?
2023’?

WINR - March, 2023


(a) K Venu (b) Sreekumaran Thampi
(c) Anwar Ali (d) M Mukundan
19. Which city hosted the ‘All India Presiding Officers
(Assembly Speakers) Conference’?
(a) Pune (b) Jaipur
(c) Chennai (d) Varanasi
20. Vaidehi Chaudhari, who won her maiden singles title
recently, plays which sports?
(a) Table Tennis (b) Tennis
(c) Badminton (d) Squash
21. Who is the first woman officer to be operationally
deployed at Kumar Post, Siachen?
(a) Captain Shiva Chouhan
(b) Captain Bhawana Kanth
(c) Captain Avani Chaturvedi
(d) Captain Mohana Singh Jitarwal
22. Which country has announced financial support to
households to move away from the capital city?
(a) China (b) Japan
(c) USA (d) Indonesia
23. Which institution implements the ‘Bikaner Solar Power
Project’?
(a) SJVN Limited (b) NHPC Limited
(c) REC Limited (d) JSW Energy
Monthly Current Events Diary 51
24. Which article of Indian Constitution deals with the right
to freedom of speech and expression?
(a) Article 14 (b) Article 16
(c) Article 19 (d) Article 22
25. What is the initial outlay of the National Green Hydrogen
Mission?
(a) Rs 9744 crore (b) Rs 19744 crore
(c) Rs 39744 crore (d) Rs 79444 Crore
26. Which state/UT recently joined the free rice scheme of
the Centre under the National Food Security Act (NFSA)?
(a) West Bengal (b) Telangana
(c) Tamil Nadu (d) Goa
27. The ‘Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS)’ has been
inaugurated in which state’s airport?
(a) Maharashtra (b) Goa
(c) Tamil Nadu (d) New Delhi
28. Silent Valley National Park is located in which state/UT?
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Kerala
(c) Uttarakhand (d) Jammu and Kashmir
29. Nidhi Apke Nikat’ is the outreach program conducted by
which institution?
(a) IRDAI (b) PFRDA
(c) EPFO (d) RBI
WINR - March, 2023
 52 Monthly Current Events Diary
Hints and Solutions
1. (d) The Himachal Pradesh government decided to restore
the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government
employees, who were covered under National
Pension System (NPS).
Prior to this, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Punjab have
also rolled out the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
2. (a) Retail inflation based on the consumer price index
(CPI), eased to a one-year low of 5.72 percent in
December 2022.
3. (a) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced
that the government will launch the Chief Minister’s
Village Roads Improvement Scheme.
4. (c) The World Economic Forum (WEF) has launched
‘Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA)’ global
initiative. It aims to fund and grow public, private,
and philanthropic partnerships (PPPPs) aimed at
reaching net-zero, reversing nature loss, and restoring
biodiversity by 2050.
5. (a) Thiruvalluvar is a celebrated Tamil poet and
philosopher, best known as the author of the
Tirukkuraḷ, a collection of couplets on ethics, political
and economics, and love.
6. (b) The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MOMA) has
discontinued the Padho Pardesh scheme. Under
the scheme, students who belong to minority
communities including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs,
Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis are eligible to obtain
interest subsidies on their loans for pursuing higher
studies abroad.
7. (c) India has been urging Sri Lanka to implement the 13th
Amendment which was brought in after the Indo-Sri
Lankan agreement of 1987.
8. (a) Bhavin Rabari, the lead child actor of Gujarati film
Chhello Show bagged International Press Academy
(IPA) award in the ‘Best Breakthrough Performance’
category at the 27th Satellite Awards held in the
United States.
9. (b) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) recently released a survey on dietary
supplements.
10. (b) The Global Risks Report 2023 was recently released
by the World Economic Forum (WEF). As per the
report, failure to mitigate climate change’ as well as
‘failure of climate change adaptation’ are the two
most severe risks facing the world in the next decade.
11. (b) A 1000-Year-Old Viking Hall has been recently
unearthed in Denmark. The Viking hall was up to 131
feet long and 26-33 feet wide.
WINR - March, 2023
12. (b) Ministry of Culture organised a grand curtain raiser
cultural program ‘Sur Sarita – Symphony of Ganga’
on the eve of the launch of the world’s longest river
cruise in Varanasi. The concert was organsied at the
Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
13. (b) India is hosting the ‘Voice of Global South Summit’.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the
Foreign Ministers’ Session at the Voice of Global
South Summit.
14. (b) International Monetary Fund (IMF) did not downgrade
its forecast for 2.7 % growth in 2023. IMF Managing
Director Kristalina Georgieva said 2023 would be
another ‘tough year’ for the global economy.
15. (b) ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign was launched by Union
Tourism Minister at Konark, Odisha, in accordance
with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to
travel to at least 15 destinations by the year 2022, to
promote domestic tourism.
16. (a) Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh kick-started
the ‘Soul of Steel’ alpine challenge, an initiative to
promote tourism in border areas. He launched a
website for volunteers to sign up for various adventure
activities under the joint initiative of Indian Army and
CLAW Global, a veterans’ organisation.
17. (c) The Indian corporate group that announced plans to
deploy Asia’s first planned hydrogen powered mining
truck is Gautam Adani’s group.
18. (a) K Venu, a noted writer, was awarded the Federal
Bank Literary Award 2022 for his autobiography
‘Oranweshananthinte Katha’. The award was
presented by Balagopal Chandrasekhar, Chairman
and Independent Director of Federal Bank, as a part
of the Kerala Literature Festival.
19. (b) Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep
Dhankhar has inaugurated the 83rd All India Presiding
Officers in Jaipur.
20. (b) 22-year-old Vaidehi Chaudhari has clinched the USD
15,000 ITF women’s tournament singles in Gwalior
after beating top seed Ksenia Laskutova.
21. (a) Captain Shiva Chouhan, an officer from the Corps
of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, became
the first woman officer to be operationally deployed
at Kumar Post in the Siachen Glacier. The post is
located at an altitude of 15,632 feet. Kumar Post is
named after late Colonel Narinder Kumar, who was
instrumental in the Indian Army launching ‘Operation
Meghdoot’ and securing the Siachen Glacier in 1984.

22. (b) Japan has planned to boost financial support to
households to move away from the capital city Tokyo.
This move aims to combat depopulation in other
areas of the country.
23. (a) President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone
of state-owned energy firm SJVN’s 1,000 MW Bikaner
Solar Power Project in Jaipur, Rajasthan. sThis project
is being implemented by SJVN Limited through its
wholly owned subsidiary SJVN Green Energy Limited
(SGEL). Bikaner is one of the highest solar yield areas
of the country.
24. (c) Article 19(2) lists down eight grounds on which
the right to freedom of speech and expression can
be reasonably restricted. The Supreme Court has
ruled with a 4:1 majority that statements made by a
minister, even if these statements are traceable to any
affairs of the State or for protecting the government,
cannot be attributed to the government.
25. (b) The Union Cabinet approved the National Green
Hydrogen Mission with a total initial outlay of
Rs 19,744 crore. Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi launched the ‘National Hydrogen Mission’ on
Independence Day in 2021.
Monthly Current Events Diary 53
26. (b) The Telangana government has decided to join the
free rice scheme of the Centre under the National
Food Security Act (NFSA). The Central scheme aims to
supply five kgs of rice per head per month in a family
to 54.44 lakh NFSA cardholders in the State.
27. (b) Union Minister for MSME, Narayan Rane, inaugurated
Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS) at MOPA
(GOA) International airport. ITRS is an Artificial
Intelligence-based fully automatic machine that
helps in providing enhanced passenger security with
advanced screening technology.
28. (b) A bird survey was conducted at the Silent Valley
National Park, located in the Nilgiri hills in Kerala, in
the last week of December. The survey identified 141
species, of which 17 were new. So far, 175 species of
birds have been spotted in Silent Valley.
29. (c) The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
conducts ‘Nidhi Apke Nikat’ outreach program on 10th
of every month in all field offices. It aims to expand its
reach and attract more participation. Bhavishya Nidhi
Adalat, which was a grievance redressal mechanism
of EPFO has been renamed as Nidhi Aapke Nikat.
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 54 Monthly Current Events Diary

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