Gktoday 1 - 28 February 2023

Current Affairs [PDF] - February 1-15, 2023
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Current Affairs [PDF] - February 1-15, 2023
Contents
......................... ....... _ _ ......... ......... .....................................................
News Headlines ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
February 1, 2023 ........................................................................................................................................... 3
February 2, 2023 ........................................................................................................................................... 3
February 3, 2023 .......................................................................................................................................... 4
February 4, 2023 .......................................................................................................................................... 5
February 5, 2023 .......................................................................................................................................... 6
February 6, 2023 .......................................................................................................................................... 7
February 7, 2023 .......................................................................................................................................... 8
February 8, 2023 .......................................................................................................................................... 8
February 9, 2023 .......................................................................................................................................... 9
February 10, 2023 ....................................................................................................................................... 10
February 11, 2023 ......................................................................................................................................... 11
February 12, 2023 ........................................................................................................................................ 11
February 13, 2023 ....................................................................................................................................... 12
February 14, 2023 ....................................................................................................................................... 13
February 15, 2023 ....................................................................................................................................... 14
February 1, 2023 .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Hibbertopterus lamsdelli: New species of Giant Sea Scorpion .......................................................... 15
Har Ghar Dhyan Campaign ...................................................................................................................... 15
Delhi ‘Real Time Source Apportionment Supersite’ ............................................................................ 16
Air Marshal A.P. Singh-New Vice Chief of Indian Air Force ............................................................ 16
Visit India Year 2023 Campaign .............................................................................................................. 17
GST Collection in January ......................................................................................................................... 17
US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies ............................................................... 18
Union Budget 2023-24 Highlights .......................................................................................................... 18
Agriculture Accelerator Fund .................................................................................................................. 20
PM-PRANAM Scheme ............................................................................................................................... 21
MISHTI Scheme for Mangrove plantations .......................................................................................... 22
Atmanirbhar Horticulture Clean Plant Programme ............................................................................ 22
Amrit Dharohar Scheme ........................................................................................................................... 23
National Data Governance Policy ............................................................................................................ 23
PM PVTG Development Mission ............................................................................................................ 24
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 ............................................................................................ 25
Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047 ............................................................................. 25
February 2, 2023 ................................................................................................................................................ 26
Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (Mahila Samman Bachat Patra) ............................................. 26
Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman: PM - VIKAS ....................................................... 27
HC: Foreigners can invoke Domestic Violence Act before Indian courts ...................................... 27
Punjab Policy on Groundwater Usage ................................................................................................... 28
Amendments in enhance business at GIFT City .................................................................................. 28
Advisory to air ‘National Interest Content’ ........................................................................................... 29
Income Tax Slab Revamp ......................................................................................................................... 29
E – Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2023 .......................................................................... 30
PAN to be used as common identifier ................................................................................................... 30
National Digital Library .............................................................................................................................. 31
© 2023 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in | For printed books & notes visit GKTBOOKS.COM 2
NAMASTE (National Action Plan for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme ..................... 31
Study on Veterinary Antimicrobial use ................................................................................................... 32
World Wetlands Day, 2023 ...................................................................................................................... 32
ISRO Report on SSLV Mission Failure ................................................................................................... 33
Liquid Windows ........................................................................................................................................... 33
February 3, 2023 ................................................................................................................................................ 34
Manmohan Singh conferred Lifetime Achievement Honour in UK ................................................ 34
Reserve Bank of India-Digital Payments Index ..................................................................................... 35
Jharkhand Domicile Bill-Update .............................................................................................................. 35
What is Angel Tax? .................................................................................................................................... 36
Assam G20 meeting .................................................................................................................................. 36
Doctrine of Necessity Principle ................................................................................................................ 37
US-Philippines Deal on Military access .................................................................................................. 37
Allocation Doubled under FAME-2 scheme ......................................................................................... 38
Delhi’s Child Rights Body’s WhatsApp chatbot ................................................................................... 38
PACS to function as CSC ......................................................................................................................... 39
Indian Military Joint Training Exercise Trishakti Prahar ................................................................... 40
Prasar Bharati Revamp .............................................................................................................................. 40
RBI,SEBI,and NSE Actions after Adani Row ......................................................................................... 41
UAE-Federal Personal Status Laws .......................................................................................................... 41
Australia removes British Monarchy from Bank notes ...................................................................... 42
February 4, 2023 ................................................................................................................................................ 42
India to be theme country at 2025 Madrid International Book Fair .............................................. 42
Parli-Vajnath-Vikarabad Electrification Project ..................................................................................... 43
VIHANGAM Drone Technology and Safety Equipment ................................................................... 43
Digital India Mobile Van ........................................................................................................................... 44
Enhancing Circularity and Sustainability Project .................................................................................. 45
NASA-ISRO Joint Satellite – NISAR ...................................................................................................... 45
1,200 year old idols found in Nalanda ................................................................................................... 46
FAO Food Price Index - January 2023 .................................................................................................. 46
Update in India Broadband Definition ................................................................................................... 47
Surajkund Mela 2023 ................................................................................................................................ 47
Global Leader Approval Ratings ............................................................................................................. 48
Deoghar Mart: Online Marketplace for Jharkhand Local Artisans ................................................. 49
Kerala Budget announces Green Hydrogen Hubs .............................................................................. 49
G20 Cyber Security Exercise and Drill .................................................................................................. 49
Supreme Court notice on BBC Documentary ban ............................................................................. 50
February 5, 2023 ................................................................................................................................................. 51
Bihar: MV Ganga Vihar Floating Restaurant ......................................................................................... 51
CITES Database on red sanders smuggling .......................................................................................... 51
Saudi Arabia to host 2027 Asian Cup Football Tournament ........................................................... 52
February 6, 2023 ................................................................................................................................................ 52
China Spy Balloon Update ........................................................................................................................ 52
Grammy Award Winners 2023 ............................................................................................................... 53
US, Brazil to join India led Biofuels Alliance ......................................................................................... 53
India’s largest chopper manufacturing unit in Karnataka .................................................................. 54
India Energy Week 2023 .......................................................................................................................... 54
Medium-Density Amorphous Ice-MDA Ice ......................................................................................... 55
EU bans Russian oil .................................................................................................................................... 56
What are E20 fuels? ................................................................................................................................... 56
What are voice deepfakes? ....................................................................................................................... 57
India-France-UAE Trilateral Cooperation Initiative ............................................................................ 57
Yaya Tso to be Ladakh’s First Biodiversity Heritage Site .................................................................. 58
Kerala Police Operation AAG .................................................................................................................. 58
Supreme Court Strength rises to 32 ...................................................................................................... 59
Indian Railways WhatsApp Food Delivery Facility .............................................................................. 59
February 7, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................... 60
IEA Report on India LiFE Initiative ......................................................................................................... 60
Mukhyamantri Tirth-Darshan Yojana ................................................................................................... 60
What is Hybrid Warfare? ........................................................................................................................... 61
Global Climate Resilience Fund-50 million USD for women ............................................................ 61
Jupiter becomes planet with most moons ............................................................................................. 62
NASA Webb Telescope bags Prestigious Space Foundation ............................................................ 62
UN Report on North Korea Crypto Theft ............................................................................................ 63
Major Earthquake struck Turkey and Syria ......................................................................................... 63
Committee to examine competition law for digital companies ........................................................ 64
India’s First Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) powered truck ........................... 64
SEBI releases Operational Guidelines on Green Bonds ...................................................................... 65
Telangana Budget 2023-Highlights ....................................................................................................... 66
National Level Digital Extension Platform ............................................................................................. 67
Yuva Sangam Registration Portal ............................................................................................................ 67
February 8, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................... 67
Where is ‘Gaziantep Castle’? .................................................................................................................... 68
Tumarkuru Industrial Township: South India’s First Industrial Corridor Project ....................... 68
Walking Pilgrimage through Buddhist Circuit ..................................................................................... 69
Framework to implement Vivad Se Vishwas-I ..................................................................................... 69
RBI Monetary Policy Updates .................................................................................................................. 69
Myanmar-Russia MoU on developing Nuclear Power ....................................................................... 70
Integrative Medicine Centres in Government Hospitals ..................................................................... 71
India MoU with Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Joint Business Council ............ 71
SEBI launches Mechanism to curb market abuse ............................................................................... 72
Google introduces Chat-GPT rival Bard ............................................................................................... 72
Agri Ministry plans new certification system for organic cotton, derivatives ................................ 73
Punjab New Industrial and EV Policy ..................................................................................................... 73
PhonePe launches cross-border transaction facility ............................................................................ 74
TN ‘Pudumai Penn’ Scholarship Scheme .............................................................................................. 74
February 9, 2023 ................................................................................................................................................ 75
What is CAR T-Cell Therapy? ................................................................................................................. 75
Joe Acaba selected as NASA’s Chief Astronaut ................................................................................... 75
Proposed Kalaignar Pen Monument ...................................................................................................... 76
Digital Payments Utsav .............................................................................................................................. 76
QR Code-based Coin Vending Machine ............................................................................................... 77
ASI Keeladi Report: Sangam Age pushed to 800 BCE ..................................................................... 77
Operation Dost ........................................................................................................................................... 78
Quad Nations launch Quad Cyber Challenge ...................................................................................... 78
SC to hear Adani-Hidenburg row .......................................................................................................... 79
World First Satellite based two way messaging system ..................................................................... 79
MMTC-PAMP launches Digital Silver ................................................................................................... 79
Report: WhatsApp is India’s most accessible app for PWDs ............................................................ 80
YouGov report on Disposable Income .................................................................................................. 80
Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO, Navy undertake trials ................................................................................ 81
February 10, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................... 81
RBI expands scope of TReDS platform .................................................................................................. 81
India’s first Drone Air Traffic Management System ........................................................................... 82
World Pulses Day, 2023 ............................................................................................................................ 82
Mission Antyodaya Survey 2022-23 ...................................................................................................... 83
IISc-Samsung partner for R&D in Electrostatic Discharge Protection ............................................ 83
Asia to use half of World’s electricity by 2025: IEA ........................................................................... 84
Lithium Reserves found in Jammu and Kashmir ................................................................................. 84
Journalist A.B.K. Prasad chosen for Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award ................................ 85
ISRO launches second developmental flight SSLV D2 ....................................................................... 85
Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2021 ............................................................................... 86
CMFRI identifies sites for sea cage farming ......................................................................................... 86
Govt data on Pending Court Cases ........................................................................................................ 87
US Fed: Wall Street Bank Stress Test scenarios .................................................................................. 87
Khelo India Winter Games 2023 ............................................................................................................ 88
RBI Guidelines on Climate risk, sustainable finance ........................................................................... 88
Ukaguru Spiny-throated reed frog: New Silent frog species ............................................................ 89
Kala Ghoda Art Festival ............................................................................................................................ 90
February 11, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................... 90
Digital Forensic Laboratories ................................................................................................................... 90
National Philatelic Exhibition – AMRITPEX 2023 ............................................................................... 91
MobiKwik launches UPI Payment with RuPay Credit Card .............................................................. 91
India-EU Trade and Technology Council .............................................................................................. 91
World Unani Day 2023 ............................................................................................................................. 92
India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2023 .................................................................................................. 92
Hyderabad Formula E-Championship .................................................................................................... 93
IMF calls for reforms of China’s Growth model ................................................................................. 93
Rajasthan Inflation Relief Package .......................................................................................................... 94
World Government Summit 2023 ......................................................................................................... 94
Wetland Ex-Situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE) .................................................................... 95
Border Gavaskar Trophy: India wins first test ..................................................................................... 95
Indian Rice Congress 2023 ...................................................................................................................... 96
Direct Tax Collections of FY 2022-23 .................................................................................................. 97
February 12, 2023 .............................................................................................................................................. 97
Project Cheetah: India gets 12 cheetahs from South Africa .............................................................. 97
HAL exports ALH Mk3 helicopters to Mauritius ................................................................................ 98
Starship Static Fire Test of SpaceX ........................................................................................................ 98
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: PM inaugurates first stretch .................................................................. 98
T20 World Cup 2023: India defeats Pakistan ..................................................................................... 99
Former SC Judge Abdul Nazeer appointed Andhra Pradesh Governor ........................................ 99
Cyclone Gabrielle hits New Zealand .................................................................................................... 100
February 13, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................ 100
Aero India 2023: 251 MoUs signed ...................................................................................................... 100
National Women’s Day 2023 .................................................................................................................. 101
International Epilepsy Day 2023 ............................................................................................................ 101
World Radio Day 2023 ............................................................................................................................ 102
Israel launches sniffing robots ................................................................................................................ 102
Italy discovers invisible Galaxy ............................................................................................................... 103
Global Investor Summit: UP received Rs 33.5 lakh crores of investment .................................... 103
US shoots four unidentified objects ...................................................................................................... 104
Six New Governors appointed ............................................................................................................... 104
Aksai Chin Railway Line .......................................................................................................................... 105
Wolf Prize Winners 2023 ........................................................................................................................ 105
Financial Literacy Week 2023 ................................................................................................................ 106
Australia: Anniversary of Stolen Generation Apology ...................................................................... 106
LTTE Chief Prabhakaran is alive ........................................................................................................... 107
Adani Row: SC to form panel ................................................................................................................ 107
Russia supplied 13 billion USD worth arms to India in last 5 years .............................................. 108
February 14, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................ 108
Demand for a Greater Tipraland .......................................................................................................... 108
What are micro LED displays? ............................................................................................................... 108
Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project - Update (February, 2023) .......................................................... 109
Smart Cities Mission – Update on Progress ....................................................................................... 109
CBRN terror response in TARKASH Exercise .................................................................................... 110
Marburg Disease Outbreak ..................................................................................................................... 110
TRIFED Aadi Mahotsav Festival .............................................................................................................. 111
Khanan Prahari Application ...................................................................................................................... 111
Saudi Arabia to send its first woman to space .................................................................................... 112
What is Pulwama Attack? ........................................................................................................................ 112
Income Tax Survey at BBC offices ........................................................................................................ 113
Who is Vivek Ramaswamy? ..................................................................................................................... 113
Bima Sugam Portal .................................................................................................................................... 114
State of Emergency in New Zealand after Cyclone Gabrielle .......................................................... 114
February 15, 2023 .............................................................................................................................................. 115
States’ allocation towards education – Data ........................................................................................ 115
CPI and WPI based inflation Data Updates .......................................................................................... 115
Fungal Attack in Neem Trees ................................................................................................................. 116
CBDT notifies 6 income tax return forms ........................................................................................... 116
Uttarakhand New Anti-Cheating Law .................................................................................................. 117
BIMARU States Acronym ........................................................................................................................ 117
Kerala Stipend Scheme for Junior Lawyers ......................................................................................... 118
Discovery of New Quasicrystal ............................................................................................................... 118
Hollow Hog to help Australia’s Endangered Wildlife ........................................................................ 119
Postpartum Depression ............................................................................................................................ 119
Study: Noise from Deep Sea Mining disrupts Whale Song ............................................................. 120
Marine Spatial Planning Framework .................................................................................................... 120
Millet International Initiative for Research and Awareness ............................................................... 121
Black Sea Grain Deal ................................................................................................................................ 122
Israel Judicial Reform Plans ..................................................................................................................... 122
Earthquake of 6.1 magnitude hits New Zealand ................................................................................ 123
West Bengal Budget 2023-24 ................................................................................................................ 123
Draft Geo-Heritage sites and Geo-Relics Bill ..................................................................................... 124
120 MCQs ........................................................................................................................................................... 125
News Headlines
February 1, 2023
Here are Today’s News Headlines by GK Today for February 1, 2023.
INDIA
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting issues advisory to all private television
channels in the country to air ‘national interest content’ on a daily basis.
Union Tourism minister launches Visit India Year 2023 initiative and its logo.
Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais returned the domicile Bill to the state government
to review its legality.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy says the State capital would
be shifted to Visakhapatnam.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud,
recommended two more new judges for Supreme Court.
Raising Day of Indian Coast Guard is observed today.
ECONOMY
Indian Economy to grow 6.5% in 2023-24, says Economic Survey; India to be 5 trillion
dollar economy by 2025-26.
GST collection in India at Rs 1.55 lakh crore in January 2023, second highest-ever
collection recorded.
Adani Enterprises’ ₹20,000-crore follow-on public offer (FPO) was fully subscribed.
The government’s fiscal deficit as of end-December touched 59.8% of full-year
Budget Estimate.
WORLD
NSA Ajit Doval launches US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board approved a total of USD 4.7
billion loan for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh: National Film Awards announced; Doly Jahur and Ilias Kanchan
honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
SPORTS
Wrestler Babita Phogat included in the Oversight Committee formed by the Union
Sports Ministry to probe allegations.
Women’s Cricket: India beat West Indies by 8 wickets in Tri-nation series in South
Africa.
February 2, 2023
INDIA
First G20 Employment Working Group meeting under India’s Presidency to
commence at Jodhpur in Rajasthan
India, US set to constitute task force to boost cooperation in semiconductor industry
First G20 Sustainable Financial Working Group meeting to begin in Guwahati
India’s first hydrogen train will come by December 2023 on heritage routes
Finance Minister announced an initiative called MISHTI ‘Mangrove Initiative for

Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes’.
Central assistance of ₹5,300 crores will be given to Upper Bhadra Project of
Karnataka, to provide micro irrigation and filling up of surface tanks for drinking
water.
ECONOMY
Budget 2023: 66 percent increase announced in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana outlay
to over Rs 79,000 crore.
Budget 2023: Highest-ever capital outlay of Rs 2.4 lakh crore allotted for Railways.
Reliance Consumer Products announces strategic partnership with Sri Lanka’s
Maliban Biscuit Manufactories.
Digital payments record 24% annual growth at end of Sept 2022: RBI data
WORLD
The biggest book fair of Bangladesh ‘Ekushey Boi Mela’ was inaugurated in Dhaka by
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Equatorial Guinea has appointed Manuela Roka Botey as first female Prime Minister.
Western Australia found tiny radioactive capsule that went missing in January.
The first seven days of February is observed as World Interfaith Harmony Week.
SPORTS
Shubman Gill scores 126 runs in 63balls; India records its largest T20I win as it
defeats New Zealand by 168 runs in third and final T20I to clinch series 2-1.
Khelo India receives more than 50 per cent of the increased allocation of ₹723.97
crore in the latest Union budget.
February 3, 2023
INDIA
First meeting of Sustainable Finance Working Group under G20 begins in Guwahati.
Food Corporation of India (FCI) sells 8.88 lakh tonne of wheat to bulk consumers on
first day of e-auction.
Indian military joint training exercise Trishakti Prahar commences in North Bengal.
Rs 600 crore has been set aside for Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network
Development (BIND) Scheme under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The government doubled its budgetary allocation for FAME-2 (faster adoption and
manufacturing of electric vehicles) scheme.
MoU signed to enable Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to provide services
offered by Common Service Centres (CSC).
ECONOMY
RBI Data: Digital Payments record 24% Annual Growth at end of September 2022
Permanent Account Number (PAN) to be used for common identifier for all digital
systems of specified government agencies.
SEBI asks stock exchanges to examine if there was any unusual activity in the stocks
belonging to Adani Group.
Samsung to manufacture its premium Galaxy S23 Smartphones in India
WORLD
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh conferred Lifetime Achievement Honour in
UK.
New family laws “Federal Personal Status Laws”, for non-Muslims residing in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) comes into force.
S. opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands to counter China’s push into the
Pacific.
Australia is removing the British monarchy from its bank notes, as per the nation’s
central bank.
United States and the Philippines announced a deal to give U.S. troops access to
another four bases in Philippines.
SPORTS
India set to host maiden E-Prix, the FIA Formula E World Championship in
Hyderabad.
India’s B. Sai Praneeth enters the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open Super 300
badminton tournament.
February 4, 2023
INDIA
Broadband definition of minimum download speed raised to 2 Mbps.
Assam begins action on child marriage; police have so far arrested over 1,800 people
from across the state.
MV Ganga Vihar floating restaurant inaugurated in Bihar; operated by the Bihar
State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC).
Deoghar Mart, an online marketplace for local artisans, has been made operational
in Jharkhand.
Supreme Court issues notice to Centre; seeks report over appeal against ban on BBC
documentary.
36th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was inaugurated by Vice-President Jagdeep
Dhankhar in Faridabad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi named as the world’s most popular leader with an
approval rating of 78 per cent.
ASI seeks possession of 1,200-year-old idols found in Nalanda.
ECONOMY
Centre agrees to convert Vi Interest on dues into Equity; to make government
biggest shareholder with 33% stake.
Adani Row: RBI says Banking sector is resilient and stable.
FAME Scheme: Maharashtra tops list of states buying Electric Vehicles.
WORLD
World Cancer Day is marked on 4 February to raise awareness of cancer.
WHO : 300 children lost lives due to India-made cough syrups.
World food prices decline for 10th month as recorded in January- FAO Food Price
Index (FFPI).
Google invests nearly USD 400 million in ChatGPT rival Anthropic.
US announces additional security assistance of USD 425 million for Ukraine.
SPORTS
India rises to No. 3 in International Boxing Association (IBA) world boxing rankings.
India beats Bhutan by 12-0 in opening match of South Asian Football Federation
(SAFF) Under 20 Women’s Championship.
February 5, 2023
INDIA
First G-20 Energy Transition Working Group meeting begins in Bengaluru.
Indian Railways introduces Garvi Gujarat tour under Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat
Scheme to showcase heritage of Gujarat.
National Award-winning legendary playback singer Vani Jairam passed away.
Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebrated today across the country,
Sri Lanka identifies sites linked to Ramayana to promote tourism targeting India
Congo joins the India-led International Solar Alliance.
Study: Deer may serve as a reservoir for old SARS-CoV-2 variants
ECONOMY
Reliance Retail becomes the first Indian retailer to introduce Central Bank Digital
Currency (CBDC).
India’s overall coal production increases by 12.94 per cent to 89.96 Million Tonnes in
January, 2023.
Government e-Marketplace achieves a Gross Merchandise Value of 1.5 lakh crore
rupees in the current fiscal.
US emerges as India’s top destination for goods exports during April-Dec 2022
WORLD
India, France, UAE agree for trilateral cooperation initiative, in fields including
energy, defence, economy
Pervez Musharraf, former President of Pakistan, passed away.
The US shoots down a suspected Chinese spy balloon that has flown across America
last week.
Sri Lanka is celebrating 75 years of Independence under the theme Namo Namo
Matha – A step towards a century.
SPORTS
Sports Minister unveils mascot, theme song, jersey for 3rd edition of Khelo India
Winter Games
S.D. Prajwal Dev and Nathan Seateun of France clinched the doubles final of the
$15,000 ITF men’s tennis in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
February 6, 2023
Here are Today’s News Headlines by GK Today for February 6, 2023
INDIA
India’s G20 presidency: First meeting of Youth -20 engagement group to begin in
Guwahati.
IIT Madras to receive Rs 242 crore over a period of five years to undertake research
on Lab Grown Diamonds (LGD).
India’s G20 presidency: Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch to host the first Tourism Working
Group meeting.
Singapore Chief Justice Sunadresh Menon is the chief guest of the 73rd foundation
day of Supreme Court of India.
Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a revised doctrine and laid out the role of air power in
the “no war, no peace scenario” (NWNP).
Dust particles in Jamshedpur and adjoining areas in Jharkhand have a heavy
concentration of toxic metals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate India Energy and dedicate Asia’s
largest Helicopter factory at Tumakaru, Karnataka.
ECONOMY
DIPAM says the government is targeting to launch the initial public offering (IPO) of
IREDA and WAPCOS in the next fiscal.
Bangladesh GDP growth recorded at 7.10%. The country’s per capita income rose to
USD 2793 in FY 2022
The Centre is likely to increase dearness allowance (DA) for government employees
and pensioners by 4 percentage points to 42 per cent.
WORLD
The foreign ministers of France, India and the UAE have agreed to establish a formal
trilateral cooperation initiative.
Indian music composer and producer Ricky Kej becomes the only living Indian to win
Grammy award thrice.
Chile extends state of emergency as the forest fires kill 23 people in the country.
Bangladesh will start receiving electricity from power plant in Jharkhand from March.
SPORTS
Indian high jumper Tejaswin Shankar wins the top position in the New Balance
Indoor Grand Prix in Boston.
Asian Championships bronze medallist Ashu clinched the 67kg bronze medal for
India in Greco Roman category at Zagreb Open Ranking Series.
February 7, 2023
INDIA
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will recycle 100 million discarded PET bottles annually to
make eco-friendly uniforms for staff.
Reliance Industries (RIL) and Ashok Leyland unveiled India’s first Hydrogen Internal
Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) powered truck at the India Energy Week in Bengaluru.
India’s Domestic Air Traffic Reaches 86% of Pre-Covid Level in 2022: International Air
Transport Association (IATA).
Telangana presents a tax-free budget of ₹2.9 lakh crore for 2023-24 fiscal.
First-time Haj package costs reduced by around Rs 50,000 under new Haj Policy.
ECONOMY
North Korea stole more cryptocurrency assets in 2022 than in any other year: UN
Security Council Report.
Tech microsavings platform Siply acquires digital chit-fund platform myPaisaa for
$7.5 million.
The government has set up a special committee to examine the need for a separate
competition law for digital companies.
IL&FS initiates its largest pay-out to date in IL&FS Financial Services (IFIN) amounting
to ₹3,200 cr to eligible Creditors.
SEBI releases Operational guidelines on green bonds.
WORLD
China confirms that a balloon identified by Washington and Bogota flying over Latin
America is Chinese, after a similar device was shot down by the United States.
A major earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, killing more than 2,600 people.
China and Australia Trade Ministers hold their first meeting since 2019.
U.K. faces biggest round of health service strikes after staff demand pay hike.
SPORTS
Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Aaron Finch announces retirement from
International Cricket.
Titas Sadhu, Indian Women cricket player, bagged the ‘Emerging Hero’ award at
Sportstar East Sports Conclave 2023.
February 8, 2023
INDIA
Government will open Integrative Medicine Centres in all government hospitals
across the country.
The first Tourism Working Group Meeting to officially be inaugurated at Dhordo in
Gujarat
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission achieves 20 crore milestone of digitally linked
health records.
India signs MoU with Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Joint Business

Council to promote adoption of energy efficiency
Delhi High Court: Virginity test on woman accused sexist, unconstitutional.
108 Buddhist pilgrims from South Korea to walk for 1167 km on a 43-day pilgrimage.
ECONOMY
Sovereign Green Bonds amounting Rs 16,000 crore will be issued in current FY for
green infrastructure
Centre: India ranks first, contributes 24 percent of global milk production
The Centre will consider reviewing the 28% Goods and Services Tax levied on cement:
Finance Ministry.
There is no proposal to exempt foreign tourists shopping in the country from the
Goods and Services Tax (GST): Union Ministry for Tourism and Culture.
WORLD
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a reshuffle of his Cabinet; creates new
government departments.
Death toll in massive earthquakes in Turkiye, Syria has soared to nearly 8,000.
WHO: Turkey, Syria quake could affect up to 23 million people.
Myanmar and Russia sign pact on developing nuclear power
SPORTS
International Hockey Federation, FIH announces the qualification criteria for the
Paris 2024 Olympic hockey tournaments.
5th Khelo India Youth Games: Maharashtra ranks first in medal table; Madhya
Pradesh and Haryana follow.
February 9, 2023
INDIA
Centre says all contact-tracing data collected via the Aarogya Setu mobile application
has been deleted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen wearing a jacket made from recycled plastic
bottles, which was presented to him by Indian Oil Corporation at India Energy Week
in Bengaluru.
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw will
launch the Digital Payments Utsav.
Under ODOP- Districts as Export Hubs initiative, products with export potential have
been identified from all 765 districts.
ICRA: Domestic air passenger traffic saw a growth of 96% to touch 1.25 crore in
January.
ECONOMY
RBI Monetary Policy Statement: RBI Increases Repo Rate by 25 bps to 6.5%
Lendingkart, a digital lending platform for MSMEs, acquires personal loan provider
Upwards.
Microsoft to Shut Teams Free (Classic) Version from April 12.
SEBI allows 39 Entities to use e-KYC Aadhaar Authentication.
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issues new guidelines to streamline digital
economy tax
WORLD
Death toll in earthquake in Turkiye and Syria crosses 15,000; Rescue workers warn
that the toll is likely to rise further.
India launched ‘Operation Dost’ to extend assistance to Turkey and Syria after
devastating earthquake.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in London and made a strong pitch
for British fighter jets.
SPORTS
ICC T-20 Women’s World Cup kick starts in South Africa; Opening match is between
the hosts team and Sri Lanka.
Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni beat Christopher Eubanks and Marcos Giron in the
ATP tennis first round in Dallas, USA.
February 10, 2023
INDIA
Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurates
Mission Antyodaya Survey 2022-23
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called on Russian President Vladimir Putin in
Moscow
India’s national accreditation system ranked 5th in the world in the Global Quality
Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2021.
14th Aero India event will be held in Bengaluru between 13th and 17th of February.
Around 60 lakh cases are pending in High Courts across the country: Over 69
thousand cases are pending in the Supreme Court: Government Data
External Affairs Ministry: Two lakh 25 thousand 620 people renounced Indian
citizenship in 2022.
25 Addiction Treatment Facilities launched under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
ECONOMY
Pakistan signs deal with International Monetary Fund (IMF) over stalled bailout
package.
US Fed introduces Wall Street bank stress-test scenarios
PM Modi to inaugurate three-day UP Global Investors Summit 2023
WORLD
Australia to remove Chinese-made cameras from its offices over spying concerns
Death toll surpasses 21,000 in massive earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
North Korea unveils ‘record’ number of nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missiles
(ICBMs).
SPORTS
The third edition of Khelo India Winter Games will begin at Gulmarg in Baramulla
district of Jammu and Kashmir.
ICC T-20 Women’s World Cup kick starts in South Africa.
February 11, 2023

INDIA
The Central government appoints two new Supreme Court judges, taking the top
court’s strength to full.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates National Philatelic Exhibition-
AMRITPEX in New Delhi.
Wildlife enthusiasts spot 145 different species during first Sundarban bird festival
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has withdrawn its appeal urging people to
celebrate February 14 as ‘Cow Hug Day’.
Prime Minister flags off two Vande Bharat trains in Maharashtra high-speed rail
connection.
ECONOMY
MobiKwik launches UPI payment with Rupay credit card; becomes first app to do so.
Union government signed loan agreements to borrow up to ₹13,879 crore to
strengthen health infrastructure from international agencies.
India’s industrial output growth moderated to 4.3% in December 2022 from 7.3% in
November,
IMF calls for comprehensive reforms of China’s growth model
WORLD
U.S. to resume ‘domestic visa revalidation’ for H-1B holders
11th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group Meeting was held in New Delhi
Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita stepped down from her position
SPORTS
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur flagged off the
Formula E Championship in Hyderabad.
Deaflympic champion Jerlin Anika Jayaratchagan qualifies in the general category at
the Olympics.
February 12, 2023

INDIA
President accepts resignation of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari,
appoints Ramesh Bais as new Governor.

The country’s first lithium reserve, found in Jammu and Kashmir is of the best
quality: Officials.
DRDO asks Indian industry players to join development of indigenous fifth
generation fighter jet, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Year-long celebrations commemorating 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi
Dayanand Saraswati commences in Delhi.
All India Radio announces to start broadcasting news in local dialect in tribal- Bastar
region of Chhattisgarh.
The 1st International Conference on Communication, Electronics and Digital
Technologies – NICE-DT 2023, lead event of G20 begins.
ECONOMY
Gross direct tax collections grew 24 per cent to Rs 15.67 trillion so far this fiscal:
Finance Ministry.
RBI directs financial institutions and NPCI to allow access to UPI to foreign nationals.
Reserve Bank of India revises market hours of government securities from 9:00 AM
to 3:30 PM to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
WORLD
Mozambique has been hit by floods: four dead, 14,000 persons evacuated
12th World Hindi Conference to be held in Fiji from February 15 to 17; to highlight
links with Pacific Ocean region.
Scientists find a third natural source of quasicrystals.
Study: The world lost about 20% of its natural wetlands between 1700 and 2020.
Jaffna Cultural Centre (JCC), which was built with the grant assistance of the
Government of India, was dedicated to the people.
SPORTS
Border Gavaskar trophy: India register victory over Australia by an innings and 132
runs in first Test.
February 13, 2023
INDIA
Justice S Abdul Nazeer, a retired Supreme Court Judge has been appointed Governor
of Andhra Pradesh.
Digital economy working group meeting of G20 to be held in Lucknow
In Tripura, around 14,000 voters belonging to migrant and newly settled Reang tribal
people will cast votes in the upcoming assembly election.
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari inaugurates Rashtriya Sanskriti
Mahotsav 2023 in Mumbai
President’s Secretariat: India’s first Law Minister Dr. Ambedkar’s resignation letter
missing from records
ECONOMY
‘Good Financial Behaviour – Your Saviour’ is the theme of RBI’s Financial Literacy
Week
National Land Monetisation Corporation initiates process to empanel consultancy
firms.
Kotak Mahindra Bank to acquire Sonata Finance for Rs 537 crore.
WORLD
World Radio Day is being celebrated across the Globe with the theme of ‘Radio and
Peace’.
Bangladesh govt announces names of 19 individuals, 2 institutions for ‘Ekushey
Padak’, second-highest civilian award of the country.
Cyprus: Former Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides to be country’s next
president
US shot down another unidentified object over its territory, in the fourth military
operation of its kind.
Cyclone Gabrielle: State of Emergency declared in New Zealand’s Northland.
SPORTS
Women’s Cricket T20 World Cup: India beat Pakistan by 7 wickets.
UP government signs MoUs to improve grassroots sports ecosystem
February 14, 2023
INDIA
‘Bharat Rang Mahotsav’, the Annual festival of National School of Drama to start in
New Delhi.
Supreme Court of India upholds formation of J&K delimitation panel.
West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose will continue to function as the Chancellor
of State universities.
Govt constitutes high-level committee for drafting revised guidelines for
operationalization of Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax ferry transportation service
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to host Defence Ministers’ Conclave in Bengaluru on
sidelines of Aero India 2023.
ECONOMY
India’s Retail inflation rises to 6.52% in January, after a two-month figure below the
6% mark.
Renault-Nissan set to invest ₹5,300 cr. in Tamil Nadu; plans to make six new car
models at its plant near Chennai.
State-run General insurance companies have total exposure of ₹348 crore in the
Adani Group of Industries.
WORLD
Turkey, Syria earthquake toll crosses 35,000.
Amazon’s self-driving vehicle unit, Zoox tests robotaxi with employees as
passengers on a public road.

World Health Organisation (WHO) confirms Marburg disease outbreak .
New Zealand declares National State of Emergency after being hit by Cyclone
Gabrielle.
SPORTS
The Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships 2023 starts in Dubai.
Women’s Cricket T20 World Cup: India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets.
February 15, 2023

INDIA
HAL has designed and developed a basic trainer aircraft HTT-40 to meet the primary
training requirements of Indian defence services.
Foodgrain production is estimated to be over 3,235 lakh tonnes in agricultural year
2022-23.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurates 2-day parliamentary workshop at Gujarat
assembly
Air India orders 250 Airbus, 220 Boeing planes in the biggest ever aviation deal of the
world.
The 22nd edition of Rang Bharat Mahotsav kicked off in New Delhi; presented by
National School of Drama.
Ministry of Mines releases draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics Bill.
ECONOMY
1st Digital Economy Working Group meeting concludes in Lucknow.
Corporate Affairs Ministry directs officials to form special team to address public
grievances on technical issues in MCA21 portal.
India’s wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation eased to 24-month low of 4.73 per
cent in January.
WORLD
Indian-American politician Nikki Haley announces US Presidential bid.
EAM Dr S Jaishankar along with Fijian president inaugurate World Hindi Conference
in Fiji.
Sri Lanka Cabinet approves proposal to provide immediate relief to downtrodden
Thousands of Israelis protest proposed judicial reforms introduced by Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government.
SPORTS
Royal Challengers Bangalore appoints Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza as the
mentor of its Women’s Premier League (WPL) team.
Racewalker Akshdeep Singh became the first Indian to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
February 1, 2023
Hibbertopterus lamsdelli: New species of Giant Sea Scorpion
Aquatic arthropods are invertebrates living in water with segmented bodies. They are
extinct. A new species of aquatic arthropod was found in New Mexico in unearthed fossils.
The new species is called Hibbertopterus lamsdelli. The species lives in an estuary. It lived
300 million years ago. The species found is a sea scorpion. It was giant and is extremely
rare.
About the new Sea Scorpion
They feed on large prey
They have anterior appendages. The scorpion uses these appendages to explore its
food and the substrate of its habitat.
Fossils of sea scorpions are rare. They are abundantly found in European and
American sedimentary rock deposits. However, they are hard to explore
Fossils
The sea scorpion was discovered from the fossils that were unearthed from the Atrasado
formation. The Astrosado formation is found in New Mexico. It consists of marine
limestone. Astrado formation occurred during the orogeny of the Rocky Mountains.
During this period, most of the New Mexican highlands were surrounded by marine
basins. These habitats were ideal for sea scorpions.
Sea Scorpions and their fossils belong to the Kasimovian age
The Kasimovian age is a chronostratigraphic stage. That is a rocky period. One of the
major extinctions of the earth happened during the Kasimovian age. And sea scorpions
were one of the species to become extinct during this age.
Har Ghar Dhyan Campaign
The National Mental Health Survey conducted in 2015-16 says that there are 150 million
Indians suffering from mental illness. The numbers are so high because of a lack of
awareness about mental illness symptoms. To increase awareness among the public, the
Ministry of Culture launched Har Ghar Dhyan Campaign. The campaign will spread the
importance of meditation to the public.
Who launched the campaign?
The Ministry of Culture is conducting the campaign along with the Art of Living
Foundation. The organization is a non–profit, humanitarian, and educational organization
spread across 180 countries.
About the Campaign
During the campaign, the teachers from the organization will conduct meditation classes.
The main objective is to empower the youth.
Campaign to follow Jan – Bhagidari model
Jan Bhagidari means the participation of the common public. The model means self-
governance. It aims to provide opportunities to every citizen. The campaign aims to
preach meditation practices to every youth in the country.
Why meditation for mental health?
Meditation gives peace and helps in balancing emotions. With the increase in nuclear
families and advancements in technology, people are living in isolation. Lifestyle changes
are increasing stress among the public. Modern generations are moving apart from the
roots and traditions inviting mental troubles. Meditation and yogic principles were part of
ancient India. And the campaign is trying to revive this ideology back into the social
system.
Delhi ‘Real Time Source Apportionment Supersite’
Every year, the National Capital suffers from intense air pollution from late October due to
stubble burning, seasonal factors, etc. The pollution is due to haze, Particulate Matter, and
smoke. The weather improves and the pollution levels decrease by March – April. To fight
against pollution the Chief Minister of Delhi Mr. Arvind Kejriwal launched the Real Time
Source Apportionment Supersite.
What is Real–Time Source Apportionment Supersite?
A mobile van will identify pollution hotspots in the National Capital. It will provide this
information on an hourly basis. Getting real-time information about the sources of air
pollution will help the Delhi Government tackle air pollution.
Sample of the data
The data collected by the van in a day are as follows:
At 8 AM, the pollution levels were as follows:
Pollution due to outside sources: 8%
Vehicular Pollution: 35%
Biomass burning: 29%
At 10 AM, the pollution levels were as follows:
Outside sources: 29%
Biomass burning: 0%
Vehicular Pollution: 35%
What is biomass burning pollution in Delhi?
The security personnel, drivers, and several other street workers burn the biomass during
winter to keep themselves warm. The carbon dioxide and smoke from the burning
biomass pollute the city. Though, the level of pollution caused by biomass burning looks
less, the impacts are big.
Air Marshal A.P. Singh-New Vice Chief of Indian Air Force
Air Officer AP Singh was recently appointed the Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force.
Currently, Vivek Chaudhari is the Chief of the Indian Air Force. His predecessor Mr.
Sandeep Singh demitted from his office (meaning resigned). Sandeep served for 39 years.
He received a ceremonial guard of honor while he handed over the office.
About AP Singh
AP Singh is a former student of the National Defence Academy. He worked as a test pilot
for more than 4,900 hours. He has fixed a number of rotary-wing aircraft during his
service. He also served as the Commanding Officer of the MiG 27 squadron.
Air Marshal of India
Air Marshal is the second highest rank in the Indian Air Force. The officer carries three
stars. The Air vice marshals carry two stars. The Air Marshals are superior to the Air Vice
Marshals.
Chief of Indian Air Force
The Chief of the Indian Air Force is also called the Air Marshal or Air Force Chief. Before
independence, the head of the Air Force was called by the name Air Marchal
Commanding, Royal Indian Air Force. In 1948, the title was changed to“Chief of Air Staff,
Royal Indian Air Force”. The term “Royal” was removed in 1950. Later the
Commanders–in–Chief Act, of 1955 was passed. Under the act, the title was again renamed
Chief of Air Staff. The Appointments Committee chaired by the PM of India appoints the
air marshal.
Visit India Year 2023 Campaign
The revenue from the tourism industry was 250 billion USD in 2018. Due to the COVID
pandemic, the tourism industry suffered huge losses. The revenue fell to 122 billion USD in
2020 due to the pandemic. India has huge tourism potential because of its varied
topography and beautiful landscapes. It is expected that Indian tourism will grow to 512
billion USD by 2028. To revive the tourism industry and increase inbound travel, the
tourism ministry launched the Visit India Year 2023 campaign.
About Visit India Year 2023 Campaign
The campaign will showcase the Indian Tourism potential to the foreign delegates who
will attend the G-20 meeting. In 2023, India is hosting the G-20 summit. The G-20 countries
contribute to 85% of the world’s GDP. Therefore, targeting them will help India boost its
revenue from tourism.
What is the plan?
The campaign will be launched for the G-20 officials, business delegates, and government
representatives and for other members attending the summit. During the campaign, the
tourism ministry will showcase the major travel destinations in the country. More than 200
meetings are to be held in 55 locations during the G-20 summit. And one lakh foreign
delegates are to participate. This is a good opportunity for India to showcase its tourism
potential.
Objective the campaign
The campaign will showcase the monuments, festivals, tourist destinations, culture, etc.
The aim is to make each foreign delegate a cultural ambassador of India when he returns
home after the G-20 summit.
GST Collection in January
The GST collection has been increasing in recent times. The three main reasons for the
hike in GST collection are decisions made by GST Council, changes made in tax collection,
and rising inflation. The highest GST Collection was achieved in the month of April 2022.
GoI collected Rs 1.68 lakh crores GST in that month. The January 2023 GST Collection is
now the second highest. In Jan 2023, the GST collected was Rs 1.55 lakh crores. This is the
third time GST collection crossed Rs 1.5 lakh crores.

January 2023 GST Collection
CGST of Jan 2023: Rs 28,963 crores
SGST: Rs. 36,730 crores
IGST: Rs 79,599 crores
The GST from imported goods is Rs 37,118 crores. This is included in the IGST figures given
above. GST Cess collected is Rs 10,630 crores.
Observations
The revenue collected is 24% higher than that collected in January 2022
Revenue collected on imports is 29% higher than in January 2022
Domestic transactions are 22% higher than in January 2022
Why the increase?
The GST Council increased the tax bases in 2022. Also, tax compliance was increased. The
number of GST filings increased in 2022. Also, the statement of invoices GSTR-1 and the
GST returns GSTR-3B increased. This happened because of policy changes.
US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies
The Government of India has been bringing tremendous changes in the defense sector in
the recent past. The changes made the defense ministry, the largest buyer of MSME goods
in 2022 amongst all other ministries. India is also pushing startups to participate in
defense modernization. Only 293 startups in India are registered in the defense sector. To
boost the numbers and to welcome more defense startups into the sector, an innovation
bridge was formed between India and USA. It was formed under the iCET initiative.
What is iCET initiative?
iCET is the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies.
The initiative will work to connect the defense startups in India and USA
It was jointly launched by India and USA
Launched in the Washington, USA
Launched by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his counter (US Security
Advisor Jake Sullivan)
Significance
The iCET signifies the strategic and scientific partnership between India and USA.
The initiative will pave way for the emerging technologies, co-production and will
further strengthen India-US relations.
Background
The US designated India as its Major Defence Partner opening doors for Indian
procurement. India-US signed DTTI, COMCASA, BECA, and LEMOA to boost their defence
ties. Now, the iCET initiative is to add to the strong bonding created by these agreements.
Union Budget 2023-24 Highlights
The Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman presented the Union Budget 2023-24. The
budget was presented based on seven priorities namely Inclusive development,
Infrastructure and Investment, youth power, unleashing the potential, green growth,
financial sector, and reaching the last mile. It focused on inclusive development
Agriculture
Agriculture Accelerator Fund to be set up
Horticulture Clean Plan Program to be launched
Informative solutions for farmers
Rs 20 lakh crores credit targeting Dairy, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries Sector
SREE ANNA: To make India a Global Hub for millets; Support to IIMR, Hyderabad to
promote research in the field
Increase storage capacity
Health
157 new nursing colleges to be built
Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Program to be launched
New Program to increase pharmaceutical research
ICMR labs: Increase PPP-based medical research
Education and Skills
National Digital Library will be launched
Teacher training program to be revamped
Physical libraries at ward levels and panchayat levels by state governments
Reaching the Last Mile
Pradhan Mantri PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) Development Mission
will be launched
Financial Assistance to Karnataka: For micro-irrigation in drought-prone region
Eklavya Model Residential Schools: New teachers will be recruited
Bharat SHRI will be set up. SHRI is the Shared Repository of Inscription
Infrastructure and Investment
Capital investments are to be increased to Rs 10 lakh crores.
To incentivize infrastructure investment, the fifty-year interest free loan scheme to
the state governments is to continue
Railways: Rs 2.5 lakh crores allocated
Urban infrastructure to be boosted in tier 2 and tier 3 cities through UIDF – Urban
Infrastructure Development Fund
Green Growth
PM – PRANAM to be launched: To be established under GOBAR Dhan scheme
Green Credit Programme to be launched
MISHTI: Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes to be
launched
The following will be promoted
Battery Energy Storage System
Coastal Shipping – Energy Efficient Transportation
Funds to replace old polluting government vehicles
Youth
PMKVY 4 to be launched
50 tourist spots will be developed
Unity malls to be set up (by states) to promote One District One Product
Finance
National Financial Information Registry to be established
A central Data processing center is to be created
Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSME: Rs 2 lakh crores
Mahila Samman Bachat Patra to be launched: One-time small savings scheme
Increase the maximum deposit limit of senior citizens’ savings scheme to Rs 30 lakhs.
Before it was Rs 15 lakhs
Initiatives to promote GIFT IISC
Funds allocated (in lakh crore rupees)
Defence Ministry: 5.94
Road and highways Ministry: 2.7
Railways: 2.41
Consumer Affairs and Food Public Distribution: 2.06
Home Affairs: 1.96
Chemicals and Fertilizers: 1.78
Agriculture and Farmer Welfare: 1.25
Communications: 1.23
Funds allocated for major schemes (in crore rupees)
Jal Jeevan Mission: 70,000
Pharmaceutical industry: 1,250
Eklavya Model Residential schools: 5,943
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: 79,590
FAME: 5,172
North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme: 2,491
Agriculture Accelerator Fund
There are more than two thousand agriculture startups in the country. The Government of
India is trying to increase this number to ten thousand. Agriculture is the Backbone of the
Indian Economy contributing 53.89% GVA of India. In Union Budget 2023-24, Finance
Minister allocated Rs 1.25 lakh crores for agriculture. Agriculture was one of the seven
major priorities of the budget. During the Budget presentation in the parliament, the
Finance Minister announced that GoI will set up Agriculture Accelerator Fund.
What is Agriculture Accelerator Fund?
This fund is to be setup to increase the number of agricultural startups in the rural
areas
The main aim of the fund is to provide innovative and affordable solutions
It will focus only on farmers and the challenges faced by them
More young entrepreneurs will be encouraged to begin agri startups using these
funds
Startups focusing on cost-effective solutions will be given priorities
Also, technology startups that aim to increase agricultural outputs will be given
preference
Other Agri based announcements during Budget
GoI is to launch Digital Public Infrastructure to provide farmer-centric solutions
The infrastructure will also be launched targeting crop health, crop planning, and
supporting agriculture growth in the country
As the minister announced the Agriculture Accelerator Funds in the budget, the stock
prices of fertilizers and agricultural stocks increased.
PM-PRANAM Scheme
The government has declared green growth as one of its major priorities for the 2023-24
financial year. In its effort to make India a cleaner and greener nation, the government
has allocated Rs 5,172 lakh crores for the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &)
Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme. The government has also launched the PM PRANAM
Scheme, which is aimed at reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and promoting
alternatives to fertilizers.
Introduction to the PM PRANAM Scheme
The PM PRANAM Scheme stands for PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness,
Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth. The main objective of the scheme is to
reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and promote the balanced use of chemicals. The
government is planning to promote alternatives to fertilizers to achieve green growth and
minimize the negative impact on the environment.
GOBAR DHAN Scheme: A Key Component of PM PRANAM
The PM PRANAM Scheme was launched under the GOBAR DHAN Scheme, which stands
for Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan. During the budget announcement, the
finance minister stated that 500 new “waste to wealth” plants will be established under
the GOBAR DHAN scheme. Of these 500, 200 will be Compressed Biogas plants (75 in
urban areas) and 300 will be cluster-based plants. The government has allocated Rs 10,000
crores for this initiative.
Benefits of the PM PRANAM Scheme
The PM PRANAM Scheme will benefit more than one crore farmers in India. The
government’s initiative to promote alternatives to fertilizers will provide farmers with cost-
effective and environmentally friendly options for maintaining soil fertility. The GOBAR
DHAN Scheme will also promote the use of Compressed Bio Gas, which will help reduce
waste and produce clean energy.
Promoting Compressed Bio Gas
The government has also stated that all natural and bio-mass marketers should include at
least 5% of Compressed Bio Gas in their products. This will help increase the demand for
Compressed Bio Gas, which will lead to the establishment of more waste to wealth plants.
The increased use of Compressed Bio Gas will help reduce waste and produce clean
energy, which will benefit both the environment and the people.
MISHTI Scheme for Mangrove plantations
The Mangroves cover 0.15% of the total Indian Geographical area. This is around 4,975
square kilometers. The state of West Bengal alone has 42.45% of India’s mangroves.
Indian mangroves are facing limitations such as an increase in salinity, lack of oxygen, and
diurnal tidal inundations. MISHTI will aim and protect the Mangrove forest along the
coastline. MISHTI in Bengal means Sweet.
What is the new MISHTI Scheme launched in Union Budget 2023?
The main aim of the scheme is to take up mangrove plantations along the coastline.
Meaning, mangrove saplings will be planted along the coastal regions of the country.
Mangrove forests are spread across AP, WB, Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar, Goa,
Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. As you can see Mangrove forests
are present in all the coastal states of India.
The main objective of the MISTHI Scheme is to “preserve Mangrove forests”
Scheme implementation
MISHTI is to be implemented by converging CAMPA Fund, MGNREGS, and other sources.
CAMPA Fund means Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning
Authority. The fund was established to increase the activities of afforestation in the
country. MGNREGS is Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. It
was launched under the MGNREGA Act of 2005.
Atmanirbhar Horticulture Clean Plant Programme
The Indian horticulture sector contributes 33% of the GVA of the country. The industry is
labor intensive and therefore, a small push will increase employment opportunities
exponentially. Today, only 10% of the Indian land is under horticultural use. But it
contributes 33% of agricultural revenue. To increase the value of horticultural crops and to
boost productivity, the GoI launched the “Atmanirbhat Horticulture Clean Plant
Programme”. The main objective of the program is to increase the availability of disease-
free plant material. This will help in improving the value of the horticultural crops. The GoI
allocated Rs 2,200 crores for this scheme.
Why is the scheme called Clean Plant?
The GoI is to use only clean horticultural plants in this program. Also, it will promote the
use of clean plants.
What are clean plants?
A clean plant means the plant has been tested for several things before planting. The
testing made before planting is as follows:
Plants are checked for viruses, bacteria, or fungi. And those plants infected with
these microorganisms are not planted
Plants that are economically important are put under the category of clean plants
Some of them shall even be maintained under controlled conditions for increased
productivity
How are clean plants made?
There is a long process involved. First, the plants are checked for pathogens. Second,
actively growing ones are identified. Then tissue samples are collected from these actively
growing plants. These tissues are fused with other plants to increase their productivity as
well.
Amrit Dharohar Scheme
India lost 30% of its wetlands in the past three decades. Of all Mumbai lost the maximum
wetlands. 71% of wetlands in Mumbai were lost between 1970 and 2014. 57% lost in
Ahmedabad, 56% in Bengaluru, 55% in Hyderabad, 38% in Delhi, and lots more in other
major cities. The loss of wetlands is mainly due to anthropogenic activities and illegal
constructions. To increase the optimal use of wetlands in the cities and to improve their
biodiversity the GoI launched the Amrit Dharohar Scheme. The scheme was announced by
the Finance Minister during her budget speech.
What is Amrit Dharohar Scheme?
The scheme will aim to conserver wetlands by promoting their optimal use
The scheme is to be implemented in the next three years
The scheme will increase eco-tourism, and carbon stock, and also will help the local
communities in their income generations
Need for the Scheme
To achieve 2030 sustainable development goals. These goals were adopted by India along
with other UN Members in 2015. The SDG aims to provide peace and prosperity. The Amrit
Dharohar scheme will help India achieve the SDG goals.
GoI towards wetland conservation
The GoI believes that wetlands are important to sustain bio-diversity. The total number of
Ramsar sites in India was only 26 in 2014. This was increased to 75. RAMSAR convention is
an international treaty to conserve wetlands. It aims to address wetland degradation,
ensure there is water supply in the wetlands in the right season (for migratory birds),
promote the wise use of wetlands, and increase the wetlands under the designation of
“Ramsar site”.
National Data Governance Policy
Data governance is managing data usage, data security, data availability, and data
integrity. During the Union Budget 2023 presentation, the finance minister Smt Nirmala
Sitaraman announced that GoI is to launch National Governance Policy. The policy will
create an Indian Data Management Office. The IDMO will operate under the IT Ministry.
The government of India is to launch a policy to increase access to anonymized data in a
safe and secure way.
What is National Data Governance Policy?
The policy will increase the availability of data that are of national importance
It will increase the awareness of citizens by increasing the availability of open safe
and authentic data
Increase the overall compliance
Enhance the participation of the public

Secure data sharing on the internet
Streamline privacy standards
Objective
The main aim of the policy is to make the data secure and make it available to startups in
the country. In the 2023 budget, almost every new government program and scheme are
focusing on startups.
Significance
The National Data Governance Policy is the first step to towards Digital Government. With
the policy, the GoI can increase its decision-making authority. Data privacy standards can
be increased. Data protection standards shall be improved.
What is Anonymised data?
The data that is sensitive and needs extra protection are called anonymized data. The data
anonymization process removes personally identifiable information. Take AADHAR for
example. GoI holds the name of the citizen, his date of birth, and his address in AADHAR.
These data should be made available only to Infosys. Because GoI hired Infosys to create
software for Aadhar implementation. If this data is anonymized, the hackers cannot
identify the right information of the citizen. And the information will be made available
only to the concerned party.
PM PVTG Development Mission
Article 336 of the constitution allows GoI to make special arrangements for certain
communities. Using this provision, the Government created the category of ST. However,
some of the tribes in the country prefer to live isolated and remain secluded. Such tribes
do not receive social benefits from the schemes launched by GoI. They are referred to as
the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group. During the 2023 Budget, the GoI launched the PM
PVTG Development Mission.
About PM PVTG Development Mission
Rs 15,000 crores was allocated for the mission
The allocated fund will be used to provide the following facilities to the PVTG:
Sanitation
Safe Housing
Access to Health
Access to education
Connectivity
Socio-Economic conditions of PVTG will be improved
Also, the mission will provide the following facilities as well:
Clean drinking water
Spread awareness of nutritious food
Sustainable livelihood
Benefits
The scheme will bring in changes and will benefit more than 3.5 lakh tribes in the country.
The 2023 budget is the last full budget before the 2024 parliament elections. Most of the
schemes, welfare measures, and education initiatives focused on tribal development. Also,
most of the schemes targeted infrastructural development in the tribal areas.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0
The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana runs under Skill Development Ministry and is
implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation. The main objective of the
program is to train the youths in areas where there are requirements for Indian
industries. Also, the program certifies the youth who are already good at a skill by
evaluating them. The complete cost involved in learning the skills is borne by the Union
Government. After completing the training, the candidates are assigned jobs. During the
Union Budget 2023, the finance minister announced the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas
Yojana 4.0.
About PMKVY 4.0
The program will train lakhs of youths in the next three years
The fourth version of PMKVY is to be implemented with industrial partnerships
Job training will be offered after course completion. The training will also be provided
under PMKVY
New industry courses are to be introduced. This includes Artificial Intelligence, soft
skills, robotics, drone technology, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, Mechatronics,
etc.
During PMKVY 4.0, the GoI will open 30 Skill India International Centres.
Stipend support to be provided to 47 lakhs
Skill India Digital platform is to be launched
The objective of PMKVY 4.0
To boost the skills of the youths
Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047
Sickle Cell Anaemia affects the RBCs in the human body. When a person suffers from the
disease his RBCs (usually rod-shaped) deform. Their shapes are affected. The primary
function of RBC is to carry oxygen to different parts of the body. In a person with sickle cell
anemia, the oxygen-carrying capacity of RBCs is affected. The disease creates adverse
effects if left untreated. During the Union budget 2023, the Government of India launched
the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. Under the Mission, the GoI is planning to
eliminate the disease by 2047.
Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia
Objective: Eliminate completely by 2047
Create awareness about the disease
The mission will screen seven crore people
People in the age group 0 to 40 years are to be screened
Tribal areas to be targeted
Major Challenge of the mission: Consanguineous marriage
When both the boy and the girl in marriage have sickle cell traits, it is called
consanguineous marriage. In such marriages, there are 25% chance that their babies will
have sickle cell anemia. This is a challenge in India avoiding Consanguineous marriages is
very difficult.
Sickle cells are those cells that form a C – shape, just like the shape of a sickle. They
deform themselves.
February 2, 2023
Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (Mahila Samman Bachat Patra)
Mahila Samman Savings Certificate is a new small savings scheme introduced by the
Indian government in the budget 2023, aimed at empowering women and girls. The
scheme offers a deposit security of up to INR 2 lakhs for a tenure of 2 years, with an
interest rate of 7.5%.
Features of Mahila Samman Savings Certificate
Commemorating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the new savings scheme is available for a
two-year period up to March 2025.
The scheme is exclusively for women and girls and offers a deposit facility of up to
INR 2 lakhs.
The interest rate for the scheme is fixed at 7.5% for a tenure of 2 years.
The certificate may be obtained from the post office or a bank.
Benefits of Mahila Samman Savings Certificate
Fixed Returns: The interest rate for the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate is fixed
at 7.5%, offering higher returns compared to normal fixed deposits in banks.
Government Backed: The savings certificate is backed by the Indian government,
making it a secure investment option.
Tax Benefits: Some of the small savings schemes, including the Mahila Samman
Savings Certificate, offer tax-saving benefits under section 80C of the Income-tax Act,
1961.
Partial Withdrawal Option: The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate offers partial
withdrawal options, making it a flexible investment option.
Comparison with Other Savings Schemes
Interest Rates: The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate offers a 7.5% interest rate,
compared to 7% offered by the National Savings Certificate scheme and a maximum
of 7.25% offered by SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank.
Tenure: The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate has a tenure of 2 years, compared
to 15 years for PPF and 5 years for the National Savings Certificate.
Eligibility: The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate is exclusively for women and girls,
while other savings schemes are open to all residents.
With its fixed returns, government backing, tax benefits, and partial withdrawal options,
the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate scheme offers a secure and flexible investment
option for women and girls. It is important to note that the interest rates for small savings
schemes are announced once every quarter by the government, and it is advisable to
compare the interest rates offered by different schemes before deciding.
Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman: PM - VIKAS

The Artisans and Craftsmen in India have been disappearing since British times. The
Government of India is trying to boost its economic status and keep the age-old arts and
traditional crafts alive by different means. The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal
Samman is one such initiative. The scheme was announced by Finance Minister Smt
Nirmala Sitaraman during the Budget presentation.
About the PM-VIKAS
The main objective of the scheme is to improve the status of the craftsmen in the
country.
The scheme will achieve its objective:
by increasing the caliber of the artisans
by increasing the reach of their goods
The scheme is to be put into the MSME Value chain
The scheme will provide financial support to the artisans
Skills and training programs for traditional and age-old crafts will be conducted.
People will be encouraged to learn the art
The latest technology skills will be imparted during the training programs. Artisans
will be taught to use the latest technologies in their workmanship to increase
productivity and profit. This is to be done without disturbing the traditional practices
involved in the craft making
Artisans and craftsmen will be introduced to paperless payments
The entire program is to be integrated with the MSME sector
GoI will work hard to take the arts and crafts to international markets
Significance
The scheme aims to make India self-reliant. Also, it will gain India’s global reputation.
Several Indian arts and crafts have huge demand in the global market even today. For
instance, Kashmiri shawls and Rajai are famous in Turkey, Iran, etc.
According to Hinduism, Vishwakarma is the god of crafts. He makes chariots, weapons,
and palaces for gods. He built Lanka Palace for Ravan, Dwarka for Lord Krishna, and
Indraprastha for the Pandavas.
HC: Foreigners can invoke Domestic Violence Act before Indian courts
An estranged wife, a US citizen, filed a domestic violence case in the Madras High court.
She filed the complaint to a Mahila Court under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005. To
counter her case, the husband filed a petition to dismiss her case. To this, the Madras High
Court Judge pronounced that foreigners can invoke the Domestic Violence Act before the
Indian Courts and refused to strike down the wife’s case.
Pronouncement made
US citizens or any other foreign citizen have the right to invoke the Domestic
Violence Act, of 2005
The judge pronounced this judgment based on the provision under Article 21 of the
constitution. Article 21 provides the Right to Life and also the right to personal liberty
Section 27 of the Domestic Violence Act allows foreign citizens or NRIs or persons
whose families belong to the jurisdiction of the family court shall invoke the law
Domestic Violence Act
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides the following
security to Indian citizens:
Protection against Domestic Violence, dowry, etc
Judges shall pass custody orders, compensation orders, etc.
Judges shall order monetary relief, medical facility
A protection officer shall be appointed by the State Government
Estrange means someone who is no longer in friendly terms with the other.
Punjab Policy on Groundwater Usage
In June 2022, the Central Ground Water Board reported the groundwater (in the first 100m
reach) of Punjab will be exhausted by 2029. In 2039, the groundwater (in 300m reach) will
be exhausted. Following this Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority notified
directions. They were called the Groundwater Extraction and Conservation Directions,
2023. According to these directions, the Punjab Government is to charge people and firms
extracting groundwater. The charges do not apply to people using groundwater for
domestic purposes, agriculture, military, and other government bodies.
What are the charges?
The groundwater has replenishing capabilities. However, replenishing takes time. Based
on the extraction and replenishing time, Punjab has been divided into three zones. They
are Green Zone, Yellow Zone, and Orange Zone.
Green Zone: The charges here are between Rs 4 and Rs 14. This means the
groundwater replenishes a bit quickly. However, continuous extraction will hinder its
replenishment and lead to dryness
Yellow Zone: Here the charges are between Rs 6 and Rs 18
Orange Zone: Charges are between Rs 8 and Rs 22
Main Objective
To increase the water balance and conserve groundwater
To prevent industries from overusing groundwater
Amendments in enhance business at GIFT City
The GIFT city, Gujarat International Finance Tech City is under construction. It is the first
greenfield smart city in India. Today, the city is one of the major international IT and
finance hubs. To boost its development, Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman
announced several measures in the Budget 2023.
What measures were introduced?
Data Embassies to be established in GIFT city for countries that are seeking digital
continuity solutions
Establish an EXIM bank subsidiary in GIFT City. Through this, the foreign banks shall
provide acquisition financing. Also, can aid in trade re-financing
Finance Minister proposed to make an amendment to the IFSCA Act. Demanded to
avoid dual regulation under the SEZ act, asked for provisions for arbitration, and
ancillary services
Powers to IFSCA under SEZ Act to set up a single window system that will facilitate
registration and approval from SEZ authorities and GST authorities, SEBI, RBI, and
IRDAI
Tax benefits extended to funds involved in the relocation of IFSC and GIFT City
Significance
The amendments would turbocharge the GIFT city.
Acquisition Financing: Funds provided by banks to a company to acquire other companies.
Through acquisition financing, a smaller company will increase in size. Also, it shall aid in
the Disinvestment policies of GoI.
Advisory to air ‘National Interest Content’
The Government of India recently issued advisory guidelines to the private satellite TV
channels in the country. According to the guidelines, private TV channels shall broadcast
programs of social relevance and national importance for 30 minutes. This does not
include the ad breaks. The program should not be broadcasted between 12 AM (midnight)
and 6 AM.
What do the Guidelines say?
The private TV satellite channels should keep a record of the telecast. The telecast
record should be submitted in 90 days. The record shall be provided to the Electronic
Media Monitoring Centre that operates under the I&B ministry
A monthly report should be submitted on the Broadcast Seva Portal
Themes of the document shall be in education, health and family welfare, rural
development, science and technology, the welfare of weaker sections, environmental
protection, heritage, culture, literacy, national integration, and welfare of women
The advisory applies to all channels including wildlife and foreign channels. However,
these advisories are not applicable to the channels streaming live telecasts as that of the
sports channel. Also, it is not applicable to religious channels; provided the religious
channel is broadcasting devotional, yoga, or spiritual content for more than 12 hours.
Income Tax Slab Revamp
During the Union Budget presentation, Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman
announced that people earning up to Rs 7 lakhs need not pay taxes. Tax surcharges of the
taxpayers in the highest tax bracket were reduced from 37% to 25%. The bottom line, the
new income tax slab benefits taxpayers in the highest and lowest tax brackets.
Changes will be made to Income Tax Act
The older tax slabs supported the Multi Linked Debenture (MLD). It had 12 month
maturity period. It was a popular investment because of its minimal tax gains. To avoid
the new tax slabs from affecting this, a new section is added to the Income Tax Act.
Section 50AA is to be added. Under this, the income from the Multi Linked Debentures will
be treated as a short-term capital gain.
What is MLD?
They are debt instruments. Debentures are bonds or loans. The only difference is that it
needs no collateral. Take a gold loan for instance. Here you place your jewels in the bank
as collateral. The bank in return gives you money. You repay the money and get back your
jewels. Also, you pay interest. In debentures, you get money. However, there are no such
things as jewels or property placed as collateral. A debenture is backed by reputation or
credit worth. Governments and private financial companies issue debentures to raise
funds. Interests are applicable to debentures. In MLDs, the debentures are linked to
multiple markets such as gold funds, government securities, the Nifty index, etc.
E – Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2023
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change released the E-Waste
Management Rules in 2022. It is expected to come into effect in 2023. CPCB was appointed
as the regulatory body to implement the rules. The rules target companies in the
consumer goods field. Recently the ministry amended some of the rules.
Amendments made
Producers should provide information on equipment constituents of the waste
discarded
Also, the producer should provide a declaration of reductions made on the
hazardous substances
The equipment constituent details and the declaration should be in sync with the
CPCB rules and regulations updated now and then
Above details should be included in the product user information
Exemptions
The amendment exempts two substances from the E-Waste Management Rules. They are
cadmium and lead. The amendment specifically says that the exemption is for cadmium
and lead used in solar cells and lead in medical devices. Lead found in other devices does
not enjoy this exemption. So does the cadmium in devices other than solar cells or solar
panels.
PAN to be used as common identifier
PAN is a Permanent Account Number issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is
a ten-digit alphanumeric number. During the Union Budget 2023, Finance Minister Smt
Nirmala Sitaraman announced that GoI is to use PAN as a universal identifier for all digital
systems. This applies only to specific government entities as appointed. This will increase
the ease of doing business.
Objective
The initiative is being launched to increase the PAN user base and also to simplify access
to systems working under government entities. This new PAN as an identity for digital
systems will help in the following way:
To reduce duplicity in information
To reduce the compliance burden
Reduce the gestation periods of projects
Promote ease of doing business and also increase the ease of starting a business
With PAN becoming a common identifier, the multiple requirements of KYC will be
reduced
Why are the changes being made?
The income tax department uses the PAN card to track financial transactions in the
country. Tax liabilities of an individual and a company are assessed using PAN cards. PAN
helps GoI reduce tax evasions. PAN is compulsory for the sale or purchase of vehicles,
opening an account, cash payment and transactions of more than Rs 50,000, the purchase
of securities, the sale or purchase of properties, and lots more. By making PAN
compulsory, the tax norms are being made stricter.
National Digital Library
According to the National Statistical Commission, the literacy rate in India is 73%.
However, the financial literacy rate is very less, around 24%. Compared to the other
emerging economies of the world, the financial literacy rate of India is very low. To
inculcate reading habits and to increase the financial literacy of the country the GoI is to
launch National Digital Library. The announcement about the library was made by the
finance minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman during her budget presentation.
About the National Digital Library
The library will mainly focus on adolescents and children
Financial organizations will contribute age-appropriate financial materials to the
library
The main objective of the National Digital Library is to encourage the habit of
reading among children
Under this initiative, the state governments will be encouraged to create physical
libraries at ward levels and panchayats. Also, they shall provide infrastructure
facilities to access the resources of the National Digital Library
Materials will also be contributed in the regional language
Why is National Digital Library launched?
During the COVID pandemic, India faced extreme learning losses. The habit of learning
and the significance of knowledge vanished.
Significance
Experts from the education sector believe that the union budget 2023-24 mainly focuses
on making India a knowledge-driven economy. This is to be done by strengthening the
underprivileged sectors in the country.
NAMASTE (National Action Plan for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme
In the Union Budget 2023, the Government of India allocated Rs 100 crores for the
NAMASTE scheme. With this, the GoI aims to mechanize septic tank cleaning and sewer
cleaning in towns and cities. The scheme aims to provide an alternate livelihood to
sanitation workers. In addition, NAMASTE will strive to bring behavioral changes to them.
The objective of the scheme
To achieve zero fatalities in the sanitation sector
No sanitation worker will touch or come in direct contact with the fecal matter
The sanitation workers will be encouraged to form Self Help Groups
Ensure the workers have access to alternative livelihoods as mechanization may
bring loss of jobs to few in the industry
How will NAMSTE be implemented?
In phase 1, 500 cities are taken. GoI is planning on choosing AMRUT cities first. Also, the
first target will be cities whose population is more than one lakh. Ten cities from islands,
hilly regions, and tourist destinations will be picked. Bringing changes in tourist
destinations in the sewerage sector is very difficult. This is because the carrying capacity
of the tourist spots is high. For this reason, the numbers in the tourism sector are very
less.
Study on Veterinary Antimicrobial use
The Indian Journal of Medical Research that India is developing the highest resistance to
anti-microbial drugs in the rest of the world. In India, antimicrobial resistance is increasing
in food, animals, and humans as well. In 2020, the AMU of India was 43% more than the
global average. By 2030, this is to increase by 40%.
What is Anti Microbial Resistance?
The World Health Organization defines AMR as the drug resistance gained by bacteria,
fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. The microorganisms that become resistant to
the antimicrobial, are referred to as Superbugs.
About the AMR in India
The resistance level is increasing at the rate of 5% to 10% every year. Today 70,000
Indian citizens are gaining resistance to AMR per year. The number is expected to
increase to ten million by 2050.
The AMR will affect economic growth. GDP will fall by 2% to 3.5%
Livestock revenues will reduce by 3% to 8%
India is the largest producer of milk in the world and also has huge potential in
poultry and animal husbandry. The AMR will affect India’s growth in these areas.
Steps taken
National Action Plan for AMR was launched
ICMR’s Antibiotic Stewardship program
Strict ban on drugs increasing AMR by DGCI now and then as required
World Wetlands Day, 2023
Wetlands support a wide range of biodiversity and help to maintain natural cycles. They
replenish water resources and protect coastlines. They account for 4.7% of the Indian
Geographical area. Today 30% of the Indian wetlands have been lost. And 35% of wetlands
have been lost at the world level. To create awareness about the importance of wetlands
and protect them from degrading, the UN and other international organizations celebrate
World Wetlands Day.
The theme of 2023 World Wetlands Day
It is Time for Wetlands Restoration
Major causes of wetland degradation
Population growth is the primary cause of wetlands degradation. The natural factors that
cause wetland degradation are erosion and land subsidence.
History of World Wetlands Day
The proposal for marking World Wetlands Day was made in 1997. However, the resolution
was passed in 2021 and the first world wetlands day was celebrated in 2021.
Five Major Types of Wetlands
Estuarine: Area where the freshwater river meets the ocean
Marine: These wetlands are on the coastlines and are the most productive and most
threatened
Lacustrine: These wetlands are found near the lakes
Palustrine: Found in a marshy environment. They are common in the mouth of rivers
and delta regions
Riverine: Found near rivers or riverbanks
ISRO Report on SSLV Mission Failure
In August 2022, the Indian Space Research Organization launched the Small Satellite
Launch Vehicle (SSLV). It carried two satellites and both satellites were rendered unusable.
The mission was declared a failure. ISRO recently released a report detailing the reasons
for the failure of the mission. ISRO investigation concluded that vibration disturbances
were the major reason for the mission failure.
What happened?
The SSLV-D1 was programmed to place the satellite in a 356 km orbit. Instead, it
placed the satellite in a 76-km orbit. This happened because of sensor failure.
The wrong orbital placing happened because of a shortfall in velocity.
During the second stage of separation, vibrational disturbances occurred. These
vibrations caused the Inertial Navigation System to malfunction and net result the
sensors became faulty.
Background
The SSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle. On the other hand, PSLV is a four-stage launch
vehicle. Also, SSLV had a new inertia navigation system that ISRO was using for the first
time. It used enough gyros (6) to monitor the rotation rates. All sic gyros experienced
measurement saturation during the flight.
About SSLV
SSLV was designed for smaller satellites. These launch vehicles were designed to carry 500
kg of payload. The main objective was to reduce the burden of PSLV.
Way Forward
ISRO is now developing another SSLV rocket. The SSLV-D2 is expected to be launched
during the first quarter of 2023.
Liquid Windows
Squids like cuttlefish change colors. Inspired by these organisms and their color-changing
mechanism Toronto University developed a fluidic system called Liquid Windows. The
main objective of the system is to reduce energy costs. It targets decreasing the energy
consumed during certain processes like lighting the buildings, heating, and cooling.
What are liquid windows?
They have basically stacked sheets used as room windows. Each layer in the stack has a
specific optic function. Meaning they allow only a particular type of wavelength to pass
through them. By controlling these stacks individually or collectively the scientists control
the following parameters:
Intensity of light
Wavelengths of light entering the room
Light scattering
The stacks are made of plastic. Between the stacks, there are thick channels. Fluids are
passed through these channels. Fluids are added or removed using pumps. Light
transmission through the system is optimized through the amount of fluid in the stacks.
Principle of Liquid Windows
The main principle is to control the natural light entering the room. Buildings consume
lots of energy for cooling, heating, and illuminating a room space. By controlling the
direction of solar rays, the type of solar rays, and the amount of solar energy entering a
room, the temperature and illumination of the room can be controlled.
February 3, 2023
Manmohan Singh conferred Lifetime Achievement Honour in UK
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. Number 75 was chosen to
mark the 75th year of India’s independence.
Dr. Manmohan Singh
Dr. Manmohan Singh was born in Gah, today Pakistan. His family migrated to India during
the 1947 partition. He obtained his doctorate from Oxford in Economics. He worked for
the UN between 1966 and 1969. Between the 1970s and 1980s, Manmohan served as the
Chief Economic Advisor of the Government of India, Head of the Planning commission,
Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, etc. He faced the economic crisis of 1991 during
Mr. Narasimha Rao’s period. As a Prime Minister, Mr. Singh brought in several changes.
His ministry executed UIA, National Rural Health Mission, the Right to Information Act, etc.
Nuclear Agreement by Mr. Singh
Of all the achievements of Mr. Singh, the nuclear agreement signed with the US is seen as
historic. Under this agreement, India agreed to place its civil and military nuclear facilities
under the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). With this India received an
exemption from the Nuclear Suppliers Group. NSG had controlled the nuclear exports to
India following India’s first nuclear test in 1974. India faced difficulties in getting nuclear
fuels because of this. The Civil Nuclear Agreement with the US helped India remove all the
hurdles on its path to becoming a nuclear power.
Other professionals to be honored
Bollywood Actor Parineeti Chopra
Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla
Aditi Chauhan, the Indian Women’s Football Team goalkeeper
Significance
The awards signify and bolster the India – UK diaspora bridge.
Reserve Bank of India-Digital Payments Index
The RBI constructed the Digital Payments Index to learn about digital payments in the
country. The index is calculated based on five parameters namely Payment Enablers,
Consumer centricity, payment infrastructure on the demand side, and payment
infrastructure on the supply side. The index is calculated with 2018 as the base period. The
2023 DPI in India is 377.46. In 2022, it was 349.30 and in 2021 it was 304.06. With this, RBI
concluded that Digital Payments in the country increased by 24.13%.
What contributed to the increase?
UPI – the Unified Payments Interface increased by 1.3%. UPI is a multi-bank account
system. It allows money transfer 24/7, merchant payment, collections, donations,
utility bill payments, QR code-based payments, etc.
Transactions made through the National Payments Corporation of India increased by
2.6%. NPCI processed more than 6,752 crores of transactions in the fiscal year 2023.
In 2022, the platform made 7,404 crores of transactions.
The Fintech Adoption Rate in India increased to 87%. It was 64% at the global level.
India has the third largest digital transactions in the world after US and China
The transactions made through AEPS, that is, Aadhar Enabled Payments Service
increased to Rs 26,000 crores of rupees per month on an average
About DPI
The following parameters are used in calculating the DPI:
The payment enablers are the Internet, Merchants, Aashar, Mobile, Bank Accounts
The Payment Infrastructure on the Demand side are debit cards, FASTags,
Customers registered with mobile and internet banking, prepaid payment
instruments, credit cards, and debit cards
Payment Infrastructure on Supply-side are bank branches, ATMs, QR codes,
intermediaries, PoS terminals, business correspondents
Payment Performances are cash withdrawals, currency in circulation, paper clearing,
unique users
Consumer Centricity are complaints, awareness, education, declines, system
downtime
Jharkhand Domicile Bill-Update
The Jharkhand Government passed the Domicile Bill and the bill was sent to the governor
for his assent. The governor refused to sign the bill. According to the Governor, the bill
fails to provide equal employment opportunities to all the people in the state of
Jharkhand. The bill says that only local persons can be appointed in Class 3 and Class 4
state government positions.

What is Domicile Bill?
The bill defines the “Local People” in the state of Jharkhand. The definition was framed
based on 1932 land records. Also, the bill states that only the local people can be
appointed to the positions of Class 3 and Class 4 state government posts.
What is the Governor saying?
Ramesh Bais is the current governor of Jharkhand state. Bais says that Article 16
guarantees equal employment opportunities to all Indian citizens. Appointing only the
“local people” in state government posts violates the article.
Judicial citings
The Government cited apex court orders in support of his argument. The Narasimha Rao
Vs Andhra Pradesh Government case was about employment opportunities for non-
domicile persons in the state. The Andhra Pradesh Government relieved the non-domicile
persons and replaced them with locals. The SC court condemned the actions of the AP
government invoking Article 16.
In the Satyajit Kumar vs the State of Jharkhand state, the SC declared 100% reservation to
the STs as unconstitutional.
What is Angel Tax?
The Section 56 (2) (vii b) in the Income Tax Act is referred to as Angel tax. These taxes are
imposed on startups. Say a startup SSS sells one lakh shares to a person X. Selling price of
one share is Rs 5000. Now SSS gains 50 crores. Say the actual market value of the share is
Rs 2000 per share. So 20 crore rupees is the actual market value. SSS made 30 crores of
rupees profit. So SSS has to pay angel tax on the 30 crores rupees!
Why is Angel Tax in News?
During Union Budget 2023, Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sita Raman proposed to amend
the Angel tax. Now, the equity amount received by the startups will be subjected to
income taxes and not angel taxes. Meaning, the entire 50 crores of rupees, that is, the
total amount the startup received by selling the shares is subjected to income tax! Earlier,
only 30 cores were subjected to taxes.
What are startups saying about the change?
Startups are disappointed. Most of the investors of the startups, that is, the share buyers
are from foreign countries. Already startup investments have been decreasing. In 2022, it
fell by 33%. The new change in Angel Tax is to further affect the startup investment.
Assam G20 meeting
The meeting first Sustainable Finance Working Group of G20 was recently held in
Guwahati, Assam. A hundred delegates from 95 different foreign countries attended the
meeting. The G20 meeting was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. A
traditional musical performance was presented by the Assamese at the Guwahati airport
to welcome the foreign delegates.
About the meeting
Four sessions were held
Delegates were taken on the Brahmaputra cruise

The Y20 meeting will also be held in Assam. Five different Y20 meets are to be
conducted for the Youths. The first one is being held in Assam. The themes of the
Y20 meetings are health, sports, disaster risk reduction, climate change, the future of
the work industry, peacebuilding, and reconciliation.
Arrangements made by the Assam Government
In the process of beautifying Guwahati city, the State Government created thematic gates,
digital wall paintings, flags of G20 countries, hoarding, LED cutouts, etc. The delegates
were also taken for a visit to the Sandbar of Brahmaputra, Kaziranga National Park,
Gorbhanga Reserve Forest, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
Why Assam?
The Government of India chose Assam to establish the message that communities from
different cultures can lead sustainable life. The land of Assam is diverse in ethnicity. Still
the Assamese coexist in harmony with mother earth. This has become possible only
because of sustainable practices adopted by the state.
Doctrine of Necessity Principle
The post of Chairman of the Competition Commission of India has been vacant since the
retirement of Mr.Ashok Kumar Gupta in October 2022. Also, currently, there are only 2
members in the CCI. There are many mergers and acquisitions pending before the
commission waiting for its approval. To attend to the pending matter, the Commission is
to create a Quorum of three members using the Doctrine of Necessity Principle.
What is the Doctrine of Necessity Principle?
The extra-constitutional actions are generally referred to Doctrine of Necessity. Under
this, an administrative authority can get power to bring back stability. Take the case of CCI
for example. Though certain decisions and approvals need the consideration of the
Chairman, the CCI is using the principle to clear the pending files. Keeping the mergers
and acquisitions waiting for approval slows down the economic growth of the country.
Therefore, quick action is required here. And so, the CCI is invoking the Doctrine of
Necessity Principle.
Legal justifications for CCI actions
Section 15 of the Competition Act says that no act of CCI shall be invalid due to vacancies.
The CCI is using this legal provision to adopt the Doctrine of Necessity Principle.
US-Philippines Deal on Military access
The United States Government has built more than 750 military bases all over the world.
And more than 120 military bases in Asia alone. However, the military presence between
Australia and South Korea is very little. To counter the Chinese moves in the South China
sea and to increase its presence in the region, the US has now signed a deal with the
Philippines to gain access to four of the Philippines’ bases.
About the Deal
According to the deal sealed between the USA and the Philippines Government, the US will
now gain access to four of the military bases in the Philippines. The deal reversed the US
departure 30 years ago.

Significance of the Philippines to the US
The strategic location of the country is highly beneficial for the US and its intentions in the
region. The Philippines borders Taiwan and South China sea, the major flashpoints.
What is China saying about US-Philippines military deal?
According to China, the US actions are to increase the tensions in the region. It will disturb
the peace and stability in the South China region. China has disputes with almost every
country in the South China Sea! With the Philippines, China’s dispute is in the West
Philippine Sea. In 2016, the Philippines won the dispute at the Arbitral Tribunal and now
the West Philippine Sea is under the jurisdiction of the Philippines.
Allocation Doubled under FAME-2 scheme
FAME is the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. It was
launched in 2015 to increase the sale of electric vehicles in the country. The scheme was
launched under the National Electric Mobility Mission. During the Union Budget 2023, the
GoI allocated Rs 5,172 crores for the fiscal year 2024. This is 78% higher as compared to
the 2022 budget.
History of Allocations
In 2019, Rs 10000 crores were allocated to take the scheme step by step
In the fiscal year 2020, the allocations were increased to Rs 500 crores
In 2021, 318 crores were allocated
In 2022, it was further increased to 500 crores
In 2023, GoI allocated Rs 2,897 crores
Concerns
Despite increasing funds, FAME has not been successful as compared to other flagship
programs of the government receiving the same proportion of the budget. For the
proportion of the budget being allocated, FAME should have increased the electric vehicle
numbers in the country. However, it is not so. This is mainly because subsidies of FAME
are left unpaid. Around 12 manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles, that is, 90% of
the electric vehicle market holders did not receive the subsidy in 2022-23. This includes
Okinawa and Hero Electric.
Climate-related measures
Union budget allocated Rs 88,198 crores for climate-related measures. This is 2% of the
total expenditure of the budget. In 2024, it was 0.9%.
Delhi’s Child Rights Body’s WhatsApp chatbot
The Government of Delhi constituted the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(DCPCR) under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. Since its
constitution, the DCPCR launched several technological interventions to establish a good
communication link between the government and the people. Recently, the DCPCR
launched the WhatsApp chatbot called “BAL MITRA”
What is BAL MITRA Chatbot?
The chatbot will help the citizens communicate with DCPCR
Parents can discuss education-related issues like admission issues with the
commission
The chatbot tries to remove the communication gap between the public and the
government
Features of the Chatbot
Complaint registration
Tracking the status of the complaint
Acquiring information about admissions
Providing information on children’s rights
It allows people to report confidential matters
Benefits of the Chatbot
There is wide public hesitation when it comes to making a complaint against social
offenses. The chatbot helps people to register complaints without hesitation. It is highly
beneficial to citizens who are unable to contact the commission physically.
Other similar initiatives
The DCPCR recently launched the Early Warning System. The Education Department of
Delhi brought back 50,000 students to schools using the system. The main objective of the
system is to reduce dropout rates in Delhi.
PACS to function as CSC
The Government of India is to increase the number of PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit
Societies) to two lakhs in the next five years. Also, GoI will create multi-purpose PACS in
panchayats. Many storage houses are to be created along with these measures. With big
plans on PACS, an MoU was recently signed among the ministries. This includes the
Cooperation ministry, MeIT, CSC, and NABARD. Under this MoU, the services of CSC
(Common Service Centres) will be offered by the PACS as well.
What is the plan?
According to the agreement, PACS will operate as CSC providing 300 services. More than
13 crores of farmers will be directly benefitted from this. With this PACS will provide the
following services:
Services listed on the Digital Seva Portal
Banking
Insurance
Legal services
Aadhar Enrolment
Agricultural inputs like harvesters, and other farm equipment
IRCTC, PAN Card, Bus, and Air Tickets
PACS
It is the smallest cooperative credit society in India. It is regulated by the Cooperatives
Societies Act. RBI also has the power to regulate these societies. It works at village levels.
It provides loans to farmers.
Significance
The PACS are the soul of cooperatives
PACS play a huge role in the rural sector
50% of the Indian population is associated with cooperative societies.
Indian Military Joint Training Exercise Trishakti Prahar
The Indian Defense Forces conducted firepower exercises called the “TRISHAKTI PRAHAR”
to synergize the firepower assets and to orchestrate a battle. The exercise is important to
keep the forces ready for battle. The exercise was conducted by the Indian Air Force,
CAPF, and the Indian Army. It was a firepower exercise.
About Trishakti Prahar
The main objective of Trishakti Prahar was to refresh battling skills
All the latest defense equipment was used during the exercise. This includes
helicopters, infantry combat vehicles, new-generation equipment, mortars, artillery
guns, etc.
Equipment made as a part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan was also used in the
exercise
Forces moved and rehearsed across the regions of North Bengal
The Indian Army checks if the troops are in battle preparedness through these
exercises
Reviewed by Eastern Command
The eastern command officer Lt Gen RP Kaltia reviewed the exercise. The eastern
command is based in Kolkata and is one of the six commands of the Indian Army.
Where was the exercise held?
Teesta Field Firing Ranges. It is near Siliguri. The Siliguri is strategically important to India.
This narrow 20 to 30-km-wide passage touches Bangladesh in the south and Bhutan in the
north. If this passage is closed, the Indian mainland will lose its contact with the
northeastern states. For this reason, the Siliguri corridor is important to India.
Prasar Bharati Revamp
The Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development scheme was recently
launched to provide financial support to Prasar Bharati, the public broadcaster of India. It
aims to boost the infrastructure of public sector broadcasters in the country such as
Doordarshan, All India Radio, etc. A Revamp to Prasar Bharati!
About the Scheme
The scheme will increase the channels in AIR. It will ensure that AIR reaches 80% of
the Indian population
80 lakh free set-top boxes of Doordarshan will be distributed. Here the focus is on
border areas, LWE areas, and tribal areas
The scheme’s outlay is Rs 2,500 crores
Focus on developing high-quality content
Increase the capacity of DTH; as in increase the number of channels being
broadcasted
Purchase of OB vans. OB means Outside Broadcasting. This van has every facility you
will find in a broadcasting station such as vision control, cameras, antennas, etc.
Significance
The Government of India is trying to reach the public. Spread society-related awareness
among the citizens. Recently, the I&B ministry issued an advisory on public service
broadcasting. The advisory said that every private satellite channel should broadcast
programs of social relevance and national importance for at least 30 minutes a day.
RBI,SEBI,and NSE Actions after Adani Row
After the Hindenburg report, Gautham Adani who was the second richest person in the
world slipped to the 21st position according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. In the last
ten days, he lost 108 billion USD. Hindenburg alleged Adani of stock manipulation. With
global scrutiny, the stock prices of the company are to fall down further.
Current Scenario
Adani withdrew his FPO recently. FPO is Follow-On Public Offering. It is the stock a
company gives its investors after the IPO, Initial Public Offers. FPO are additional stocks
and are called secondary offerings.
RBI actions
RBI has asked for details from the banks associated with the Adani group. This includes
collateral details Mr. Adani and his cousins used to get a loan.
Actions of NSE
NSE put the Adani group under “Additional Surveillance Mechanism”. It means the stock
has seen unusual activity and is not safe to purchase the share. This was introduced in
2018. The stocks put under the ASM category are determined by SEBI. The stocks are put
under ASM based on the following factors:
High – Low Variation
Delivery PERcentage
Close-to-close price variation
Client concentration
PE
Number of Unique PANs
Market Capitalisation
Volume Variation
The main objective of the ASM mechanism is to protect investors.
SEBI actions
SEBI is now examining the issue and is preparing a report. It is also looking into the
fraudulent dealings made by the Adani Group as mentioned in the Hindenburg report.
UAE-Federal Personal Status Laws
UAE is a Muslim country conservative about its religion. The laws of the UAE are in sync
with its religion. In recent times, due to harsh punishments businessmen are turning away
from the country. The country is losing its international trade markets. For instance,
foreigners have been jailed in UAE for kissing in public. Tourists were imprisoned for years
together for using CBD products. With the decline in tourism and trade, the country is
bringing in changes in its laws. The new laws are expected to invite skilled and highly
qualified people from all over the world. The Dirham (currency of UAE) is one of the most
stable currencies in the world. The legal measures are expected to boost UAE’s economic
growth and appreciate Dirham in the world market.
What legal changes were introduced recently?
Article 4: Both men and women can file a divorce. Earlier women did not have the power
to file a divorce
Article 5: Speaks about civil marriages. Both men and women should have attained the
age of 21 years. The condition of being related to each other has been removed. Also, the
condition of getting assent from the bride’s father has been removed. Marriage should be
registered in the court. The mandatory requirement of witness has been removed
Articles 6, 7, 8: Joint or Unilateral divorce. When one of the partners wishes to end the
marriage, he or she can do it at will. The person calling for divorce need not prove the
blame. Earlier, either of the parties had to assign the blame before getting a divorce.
Article 9: The wife shall apply for alimony. If the husband fails to pay, the court shall use
its discretionary powers to provide justice
Article 10: Concept of joint custody of children introduced the first time in UAE
Australia removes British Monarchy from Bank notes
Former British colonies are deciding on their constitutional ties with Britain. For instance,
India renamed the Rajpath to Kartavya Path. Similarly, Australia is to remove the face of
the British Monarch from its currency bills. The changes are being made to the five dollar
bills of Australia. The five dollar bills are the last notes to bear the face of the British
Monarch. The coins will still hold the face of the monarch.
What is the plan?
The Central Bank of Australia recently announced that it is removing the face of the British
monarch from its five-dollar bills. Till the demise of Queen Elizabeth, the five-dollar
Australian notes had her face on them. After her death in 2022, the Australian
Government should have reprinted the notes with King Charles III. Instead, it has decided
to remove the British Monarch’s face completely from the bills.
Why British Monarch on Australian currency?
Australia is an independent country. But to date, the head of the Australian state is the
British Monarch. Currently, King Charles III is the head of Australia. However, his role is
symbolic.
Alternate plans
Instead of the face of the British Monarch, the Australian Reserve Bank is suggesting,
including the theme of culture and history of first Australians. On the other side, the bank
is planning on featuring a picture of the Australian parliament.
February 4, 2023
India to be theme country at 2025 Madrid International Book Fair
The Madrid Book Fair is being organized in Spain since 1993. More than 350 stalls are set
up by publishers from all over the world. Book signing events are also held during the fair.
The theme of the 2025 Madrid International Book Fair will be India. Spain was the theme
of the International Book Fair held in Kolkata in January 2023.
About Madrid Book Fair
It is an annual event. No e-books are sold in the fair. Amazon and other e-commerce big
giants do not have scope at the fair. However, Amazon is planning to put a stall at the fair.
Significance of theme “India”
The fair mostly sells books of Spanish speaking people. However, it promotes books of the
guest country. In 2025, Indian books will be promoted at the fair.
World Famous Book Fairs
The world’s biggest and most expected book fair is the “London Book Fair”. Next to this,
the Franfurt Book Fair held in Germany is also quite big.
Frankfurt Book Fair is held for five days. It is more of a trade fair. More wholesale dealers
participate in the fair rather than common public. On the other hand, the London Book
Fair is more of people’s fair. Participation of whole sale dealers is very less.
Parli-Vajnath-Vikarabad Electrification Project
India is to achieve 100% electrification of Railways by 2024. The target has been achieved
in five different Railway zones. The fifth zone to achieve this was the North Central
Railways. Recently, the Vikarabad – Parli – Vaijnath line was electrified. This is a 268 km
stretch. It is to benefit people in the states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
About the project
The Vikarabad – Vajnath – Parli line runs through the states of Maharashtra (116 km),
Karnataka (62 km), and Telangana (90km). The electrification of this line is important
because the line connects the southern parts of India and places such as Shirdi, Pune, and
Aurangabad.
Significance
The electrification of Railways helps to reduce the dependence on oil. This increases the
revenue growth of the country. Simply by cutting down oil imports, India can save 77% of
its energy expenses. India being the second most populous country, connectivity becomes
expensive. In 2020, the Indian Railways carried more than 8 billion passengers and 1400
million tonnes of freight. It is the fourth largest railway system in the world after US,
China, and Russia. Therefore, it is essential India cuts down its fuel cost spent on Railways.
VIHANGAM Drone Technology and Safety Equipment
In 2021, the Aviation Ministry permitted the CMPDI (Central Mine Planning and Design
Institute) to use drone technology in the coal fields of India. Following the order, the
Mahanadi coal fields in Odisha operating under the coal ministry recently introduced
drones in their fields. The drone system and its portal have been named VIHANGAM.
Under this, authorized persons can access drones at an internet speed of 40 Mbps.
MCL introduced Robotic Nozzle Water Sprayer
Apart from drone technology, the MCL also introduced a Robotic Nozzle Water Sprayer.
The robot is used in dust suppression and fire fighting. The robot can reach heights of 70
meters and spray water in the form of mist. It also has a rotating nozzle. Its tank capacity
of 28 kilolitres. The dust from mining activities disperses in the air and increases Particle
pollution. Long-term exposure to these particles and inhaling them continuously leads to
lung-related problems. A human can only inhale particles that are less than 10 microns in
size. The dust particles from coal fields are huge compared to the permissible size and are
visible to the naked eye. Therefore, it is essential to spray water to push the dust to the
ground. As the dust particles become wet, they become heavy and settle down to the
ground by gravity.
Role of Drones in coal fields
Drones provide information about mining conditions and information about quarry.
They aid in data collection
Aerial photography
Mine mapping
Real-time updates about mining operations
Stockpile management
Inspection, monitoring
Tailing dam management: Dams used to store by-products from the mining process
are called tailing dam
Digital India Mobile Van
The Digital India Mobile Van was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology. The main objective of the mobile van is to spread awareness of Digital India
initiatives and also to spread the word about the G20 Digital Economy Working Group.
Lucknow was the first destination of the mobile van where the G20 DEWG’s first meet is
held.
About India Mobile Van
The van will provide insight into Digital India initiatives such as Aarogya Setu, India
Stack Global, e-Rupi, PMJDY, Aadhar, Digi locker, e-way bill, UMANG, e-aushadhi, Co-
WIN, etc.
It will feature all the digital infrastructure and digital goods India has brought on so
far
During its journey, the mobile van initiative will also teach people about using
technologies and digital products
The main purpose is “Jan Andolan”
Purpose
To inform people about digital services in the country.
To give them a chance to try on the latest technologies in the country
To communicate about G20
Significance
Rather than learning through a training session, people get a better insight by learning
through hands-on experiences. Today AI applications are highly expensive. Rural
communities are unaware of the world’s technologies and their exploding developments.
GoI aims to include remote and rural residents in its technological development path and
also in its leadership of the 2023 G20 meeting.
Enhancing Circularity and Sustainability Project
The textile industries of India account for 4% of world trade and 5% of world GDP.
However, textile waste from India accounts for 8.5% of global textile waste. Over 7800-kilo
tonnes of textiles wastes are accumulated in India annually. The numbers are big and to
reduce them India launched the enhancing circularity and sustainability project. It is a
“Waste to Wealth” scheme. It was launched in collaboration with the United Nations
Environment Programme.
About the project
The main objective of the project is to reduce the negative impacts of the textile
sector on the environment. This includes reducing the use of synthetic materials like
polyester. Polyester will not decompose.
The scheme was also launched to promote the recycling and reusing of textiles. The
project will boost circular production. The Government of India recently approved
twenty research projects. Of these 20 projects, three are in the area of textile
recycling.
Significance
After agriculture, the textile industry is the second largest employment provider in the
country. India is self-sufficient in raw materials. It is the third-largest producer of cotton in
the world. However pure cotton products are expensive. Most of the 100% pure cotton
products are exported. And the majority of the Indians cannot afford to buy expensive
pure cotton clothes. So they prefer synthetic textiles like poly cotton. This is why it is
essential that India recycles its products. This will reduce the number of non-
biodegradable materials getting added to the environment.
NASA-ISRO Joint Satellite – NISAR
NISAR is an earth-observing satellite planned to be launched in 2024. It stands for NASA-
ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. SAR creates two-dimensional and three-dimensional
reconstructions of landscapes. NISAR is jointly developed by NASA and ISRO. Recently,
NISAR left the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of NASA located in California to India.
Objectives of the NISAR
To map the earth
Monitor water, agriculture, and forest
Observe land and ice covers
Why is NISAR in news?
NISAR is a three-year mission. A part of the NISAR satellite is developed on US soil. This
part payload is now being transported to India’s U R Rao Satellite center in Bengaluru
from JPL in California.
Radar systems in NISAR
L – Band SAR: Designed and Created by JPL of NASA; Wavelength: 23 cm; Greater
penetration to forests
S-Band SAR: Designed and created by ISRO; Wavelength: 12 cm; Used for heavy
weather and bird detection
Studies
The NISAR will study the following:
Antarctic cryosphere: Cryosphere is the part of the earth where water is in a solid
state
Ice masses will be monitored at a frequency of four to six times a month
Measure ecosystem disturbances
Natural hazards such as volcanoes, tsunamis, landslides, earthquakes, etc.
Ice sheet collapses
1,200 year old idols found in Nalanda
Nalanda Mahavira is a World Heritage Site. It has stupas and viharas. Also, there are
remains of monastic and scholastic institutions belonging to the third century BCE. The
Archaeology Survey of India recently reported that two 1,200-year-old idols were found in
a pond near Nalanda Mahavira. The idols were found when the Jal Jeevan Hariyali project
was being implemented.
About the idols
The idols are to be kept in the Nalanda Museum. And will then be protected as per
provisions of the Treasure Trove Act of 1878. According to the act, the statues discovered
beneath the earth are usually brought to a nearby temple. However, if the worth of the
antique found is more than ten rupees (the act was legislated in the 19th century and so
‘10’ rupees!) they are handed over to a government treasury in that area. This treasurer
has the power to collect the antique on behalf of the government.
Nalanda Mahavira
It is one of the ancient sites in the Indian subcontinent. The site is in the state of Bihar. The
Nalanda Mahavira was built by Kumaragupta I, son of Chandragupta II. It was destroyed
by Bakhtiyar Khilji.
Jal Jeevan Hariyali
It works under Bihar Government. The main objective of the mission is to conserve water,
make sure there is adequate water in the state, maintain the levels of groundwater,
control water pollution, energy conservation, etc.
FAO Food Price Index - January 2023
The Food Price Index tells the “monthly” price changes in world food prices. In January
2023, the World Food Price Index was 131.2. This is 0.8% less as compared to that of the
food prices in December 2022. The major price decrease was in sugar and meat. The
prices of vegetable oil fell by 2.9%. Prices of cereals remained unchanged.
Key Findings
Wheat prices decreased for the 3rd time. They have been declining since December
2022. This is because the production of wheat in Australia, Russia, Argentina, and
Brazil has been good.
Prices of cheese increased
Why did the sugar and meat prices decrease?
Due to favorable weather conditions in Brazil and good harvest in Thailand, the sugar
prices decreased. There were concerns in sugar productivity such as decreased crop yields
in India and increasing gasoline prices in Brazil. However, the former conditions
outweighed the latter.
Why did the vegetable oil prices decrease?
Increased production of rapeseed oil and sunflower seeds.
What did the report say about India?
The report has forecasted “record planting” for India. Meaning, India is to increase its
plantings in coming days. Food prices are increasing in India.
Report about other countries
Brazil: Record Plantings – Maize
Pakistan: High planting projected
South Africa: Maize yields
Russia: May cut back in wheat production
Update in India Broadband Definition
Indian consumers have been constantly complaining about service providers giving false
promises on internet speed. Constant tussles existed among consumers, regulators, and
service providers regarding this issue. To solve the issue, the Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India has been changing regulations. Recently, the definition of broadband
was changed.
New Definition of Broadband
According to the new definition, the download speed of the internet has to be at least 2
Mbps. This is far behind the developed countries. For instance, in the US it is 25 Mbps. In
Canada, it is 50 Mbps.
Where is India lagging?
The TRAI uses several parameters to watch the service providers. This includes the
activation time of the connection or SIM card, packet loss, uptime, consumer satisfaction,
latency, etc. However, nine of these parameters are used in defining broadband.
What should TRAI do?
The TRAI should include factors that define the broadband condition with better clarity.
For instance, it should include the nature of the broadband, and the plans offered. And the
customers should be able to find out easily what and why they are making the payment.
History
In 2004, the defined download speed for a connection to become broadband was 256
Mbps. In 2013, it was 512 Kbps.
Surajkund Mela 2023
The Surajkund Mela Authority recently conducted the “Surajkund Mela” along with the
Tourism Department of Haryana and the Union tourism ministry. It was held at Surajkund,
Haryana. The mela or fair attracts millions of people from different parts of India and also
from different parts of the world. In 2023, more than 20 countries participated in the mela.
The 2023 mela was inaugurated by the Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar.
About the Mela
It is one of the largest international arts and crafts fairs in the world
The Surajkund Mela is popular for its diverse and rich showcase of handicrafts,
cultural fabric, handlooms, etc.
Till 2012, the fair was conducted at the national level. It was upgraded to an
international level in 2014.
Folk dances and the rhythm of drums from different parts of India and from around
the world add to the celebrations
Attractions in 2023 Mela
Unity Mall, One District One Product sales at the fair
Theme states and theme nations
Every year there is a theme nation and a theme state that participate in the fair. The
products of the theme participant are promoted. This year, the theme nations were: SCO
member countries. The theme states were: all eight northeastern states
Special features of the Mela
The mela is seldom referred to as the Custodian of heritage crafts. The meal gives
importance to the crafts that involve traditional skills, especially those that are fading
away in recent times.
Global Leader Approval Ratings
Morning Consult is a US-based tracker. According to the recent reports of the tracker on
the popular leaders of the world, our prime minister Shri Narendra Modi topped the list of
popular leaders in the world. He received 78% of the approval. In the second position was
the Mexican President with 69% of approval and the Swiss president was in the third
position.
What does the 2023 rating on global leaders say?
This is the second consecutive time PM Modi has been at the top of the list.
22 leaders were surveyed in total
18% of Indians disagree with the fact that Modi is the most popular leader in the
world
US President Joe Biden received 40% in the rating and was in the seventh position
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau received 40%. Though his rating was the same as that of
the American president, he was in the ninth position
UK Prime Minister: 30%: 13th position
Ratings of PM Modi
PM Modi’s ratings were the highest in 2020. He received 84%. In 2021, his ratings declined
to 63% while India was fighting against COVID
How are approval ratings calculated?
A seven-day average is taken. This average is calculated based on daily interviews. More
than 20,000 interviews are done on a daily bases
Deoghar Mart: Online Marketplace for Jharkhand Local Artisans

Deoghar Mart is an e-commerce website selling local arts and crafts. It was launched by
Mr Manjunath Bhanjantri. He is basically from a bamboo artisan community. His village
has more than 34 different artisan families. Manjunath has taken his community skills to
the reach of the people through DEOGHAR MART.
Deoghar Mart
The main objective of the launch of Deoghar Mart is to take the works of artisans and
craftsmen to the reach of the global market. The platform primarily targets local arts and
crafts. It sells sweets, peda, clothing, apparel, handicrafts, fine arts, organic products,
forest produce, Agarbattis, etc. The local population in the region produces all these.
About Deoghar
It is a significant city in Jharkhand. Baidyanath Temple, one of the 12 jyotirlingas is located
here. The town is usually referred to as the cultural capital of Jharkhand for its diversity.
Background of Deoghar Mart
The initiative comes up mainly to support the arts and crafts of the tribal in the region.
Khortha and Santhali are the major tribes in Deoghar. More than 65% population in
Deoghar are Khortha and 7% were Santhali. The platform is to help these tribes in a big
way.
Kerala Budget announces Green Hydrogen Hubs
During the State Budget Presentation, the Kerala Finance Minister announced that his
government is to establish “Green Hydrogen Hubs”. The State Government is allocating
Rs 200 crores for this. The hubs are to be set up in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. The
project is to be implemented along with the private partner India Hydrogen Alliance.
About the Green Hydrogen Hubs
The plan is to build green hydrogen plants that can produce 60 tonnes of hydrogen
per day.
The plant will be established with a 150 MW Electrolyser and storage infrastructure
The Kerala Hydrogen hub project is considered a blueprint for India. This is the first
time such a project is initiated in India. It has already begun in other countries.
International hydrogen hubs set up in different parts of the world are referred to as
“Hydrogen Valley Projects”
Hydrogen Valley Projects
The Hydrogen Hub plan is based on the Hydrogen Valley Projects coming up in different
parts of the country. Hydrogen Valley is a basically geographical area where the
companies working on hydrogen production come together to build hydrogen plants. It
has all the facilities for hydrogen production, storage, distribution, etc. Hydrogen Valley
projects have already begun in the USA, Europe, China, Japan, and Australia.
Hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water is called green hydrogen.
G20 Cyber Security Exercise and Drill
With the world becoming digital, ransomware, malware, phishing, and other cyber threats
are increasing. There is a need for world governments to take quick actions to control the
threats and strengthen the cyber security system. To bring the world governments
together and to provide a platform to work collectively, the CERT–In conducted the G20
Cyber Security Exercise and Drill. The event was held physically and virtually. More than 12
countries participated in the event.
About the Drill
Minister of MeitY Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma inaugurated the event
An operational Drill was conducted during the event
A Strategic Tabletop exercise was conducted using the CERT-In Exercise platform
The theme of the first exercise: Countering the Global Cyber crisis
The theme of the second exercise: To build cyber resilience together
Events were also conducted on Data breaches, cyber extortion, disruptions, supply
chain attacks
Significance
Cyber crimes are increasing and bringing transnational disturbance. Every hour 97 new
cybercrime victims are entering the digital world. China has the highest cyber crimes in
the world followed by Russia, India, and Brazil in the second, third and fourth places
respectively. Developed countries like the UK, France and European countries are fighting
rigidly. The US is in position ten when it comes to cyber crimes. However, for the number
of cyber threats faced by the US, the numbers are low. The US faces the largest number of
cyber threats in the world compared to any other country in the world.
Supreme Court notice on BBC Documentary ban
The issue is related to the 2002 riots that happened in Gujarat. It is also called 2002
violence. A train was burnt in Godhra and more than 58 Hindu pilgrims died. The pilgrims
were all returning from Ayodhya. This incident instigated the three-day intense riots in
Gujarat. More than 1044 people were dead and several injured. PM Modi was the then CM
of Gujarat. Mr Modi was accused of condoning the violence. A Congress party member
filed a case against him in the SC. The case was investigated by SIT and SC relieved him
from the case. in 2022. Later a documentary was released by the BBC network on the riots.
The Government of India banned the release of the documentary. A Public Interest
Litigation was filed by Mr Prashanth Bhushan and others against the ban. To this, the
Supreme Court has now issued a notice.
What is the SC notice saying?
The notice is asking for reasons for the ban. Why did GoI ban the documentary? It is
demanding for explanations to make the right decision
What is Bhushan’s and others’ point of view?
According to them, the ban is against Article 19(1). It is the Right to freedom of speech and
expression.
Judicial arguments for GoI
The GoI used Rule 16 of the IT Act to ban the documentary. What is rule 16 saying? It gives
powers t the GoI to take actions on the basis of security.
February 5, 2023
Bihar: MV Ganga Vihar Floating Restaurant
Floating restaurants are built on large steel barges. The first floating restaurant of India
was built in Sirhind of Punjab. It was built in a small canal near a village. The Bihar State
Tourism Development Corporation recently built MV Ganga Vihar, a floating restaurant at
the NI Ghat. The restaurant is on the Ganges.
Background
The State Government of Bihar has been taking initiatives to increase tourism in the state.
There are beautiful and historic heritage sites in the state with huge tourism potential.
This includes the Rajgir, Sasaram, and Bodh Gaya. Also, the state government is planning
on launching a water sports event in the state. Today most of the Biharis visit Andaman
and Nicobar and Goa to enjoy the thrill of water sports. The plan is to keep these tourists
within the state.
Significance of Floating restaurants in India
The Indian restaurant industry has more than 1.5 million outlets. The industry is
constantly increasing. Nightlife lovers, business travellers, and family travellers are
potential customers. Disposable income is increasing in India and also educated middle
class is increasing. The India Food Service Report says that the value of the Indian food
industry is Rs 5,99,782 crores. The report was prepared by NRAI National Restaurant
Authority of India.
Biggest Floating Restaurant in the world
Iconic Jumbo of Hong Kong is the biggest floating restaurant in the world. It is the south
China sea. It belongs to the Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises. It suffered more than 12.4
million USD in losses during the pandemic.
CITES Database on red sanders smuggling
The Red Sanders are endemic to Eastern Ghats of India. Today they have become
threatened and are found in very few spots of Andhra Pradesh. Red Sanders grow in red
soil and rocky fallow lands. They prefer hot and dry climate. The IUCN has categorized Red
Sanders as “ENDANGERED”. Export of Red Sanders is restricted in India. The recently
released CITES report states that 28 illegal exports of red sanders were reported in India
in 2022. The smuggling is common in Kadapa, Chittor, Kurnool, and Nellore districts of AP.
What is CITES saying?
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
states that the red sanders or the red sandalwood is illegally exported from AP, India. This
red sander growing zone is monitored by the United Nations Environment Programme.
About Red Sanders
The tree is very slow growing. It takes 40 years to attain maturity. The tree has high
demand in the international market for its handicraft values. Red sanders is found only in
South India and in very few places in Australia. The wood of the tree is highly expensive. 1
kg of Red Sandalwood costs Rs 5000. In 10 years, the tree gives 500 kg of wood!
Wildlife Protection Act
The act puts the tree in Schedule IV.
Saudi Arabia to host 2027 Asian Cup Football Tournament
The Asian Football Cup is held once in four years. It is organized by the Asian Football
Confederation. Around 23 teams participate in the tournament. Teams are carefully
chosen based on their skills and several other selection criteria. Teams are chosen by AFC.
The host of the tournament is selected through a bidding process. The 2023 host is Qatar.
This was decided long back. Recently, the 2027 host was selected and it is Saudi Arabia.
India too placed its bids
In 2019, when the AFC announced the bidding process for the 2027 cup, India too placed
its bids. FIFA’s issue in 2022 affected India’s win. What is the FIFA issue? FIFA banned the
All India Football Federation for its influence from third parties. FIFA also took away the
rights of India to hold the U-17 women’s world football cup in 2022. However, the ban was
lifted later. Besides bidding, voting is also held. Out of 45 countries that participated in the
voting, 23 countries voted for Saudi Arabia.
Other countries that placed bids
India, Iran, Qatar, and Uzbekistan
Asian Cup Football Tournament 2027
Slogan: Forward for Asia
Host cities: Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah
The 2023 Asian Football Cup
Around 24 teams are to participate in the tournament. So far, AFC has selected 13 teams.
The hosting country, that is, Qatar qualifies directly. The other countries selected so far
are Japan, Syria, South Korea, Australia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, Iraq, Oman,
Vietnam, Lebanon, Palestine, Uzbekistan, Thailand, India, Hong Kong, Tajikistan,
Kyrgyzstan, Bahrain, Malaysia, Jordan, and Indonesia.
February 6, 2023
China Spy Balloon Update
The US military spotted a Chinese spy balloon near Alaska by the end of January 2023. The
balloon was flying at an altitude of 60,000 feet and posed no threat to the US public. The
balloon stopped in Montana. In the opinion of International relations expert, the stop is
significant as the Malmstrom Air Force of the US military is here. It holds one of the three
nuclear silos. The US began diplomatic talks with the Chinese officials as soon as the
balloon was spotted. However, the talks failed to bring to a conclusion. Following this, the
US military shot the balloon with its F-22 fighter jets. More than 1000 shots were fired.
About Spy Balloons
Spy balloons were used during world war II. They gave a bird’s eye view of the battlefield.
It was first used during the French wars in 18th century. Unlike satellites that watch from
higher altitudes, spy balloons can watch from lower altitudes. Also, the views of spy
balloons are more clear and longer. Satellites, on the other hand, pass on quickly and
cannot provide the visual for a longer time.
Current Scenario of the Chinese Spy balloon
The US military is now looking for the balloon in the Atlantic Ocean after shooting it down.
US-China tensions have been escalating in recent times because of the restrictions
imposed on the democratic activists in Hong Kong, and Taiwan, issues of the South China
Sea, and human rights issues in the Xinjiang region.
Grammy Award Winners 2023
The Grammy Awards are presented by the Recording Academy of the US. The awards are
presented to recognize the works of the music industry.
Grammy Award Winners 2023
Best Song of the Year: “Just Like That”, won by Bonnie Raitt Performed by Raiit
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Renaissance” won by Beyonce
Best AMusica Urban Album: “Un Verano Sin Ti” won by Bad bunny
Best Pop, group performance: “Unholy” won by Kim Petras and Sam Smith
Best R&B Song: “Cuff it”, “Blu June”, won by Andrews Performed by Beuonce
Best Pop Vocal Album: “Harrys House”, won by Harry Styles
Best Country Album: “A Beautiful Time” won by Willie Nelson
Best Country Song: “Till you cant” won by ben Stennis and Matt Rogers; performed
by Cody Johnson
Best country solo Performance: “Live Forever”, won by Willie Nelson
Best country group Performance: “Never Wanted to be That Girl”, won by Ashley Mc
Bryde and Carly Pearce
Best Latin Pop album: “Pasieros” won by Boca Livre and Ruben Blades
Best Global Music Album: “Sakura” won by Masa Takumi
Best Rap: “The Heart Part 5” won by Kendrick Lamar
The Four Popular and important categories of Grammy
Album of the Year: “Just Like That” won by the songwriter Bonnie Raitt
Record of the Year: About Damn time, by Lizzo
Song of the Year: Just like that, Bonnie Raitt
Best New Artist: Easy on Me by Adele
US, Brazil to join India led Biofuels Alliance
During the G20 meeting, India is to launch the International Biofuel Alliance just like the
International Solar Alliance. To this, the USA and Brazil have agreed to back India. India
has been taking lead in several such emission reduction initiatives. The country allocated
4.3 billion USD during the 2023-24 Budget to accomplish its net-zero targets.
The objective of the Bio-fuel alliance
To boost the production of Biofuels
Significance of Brazil and the US
The two countries are the largest biofuel markets in the world. The US ranks number one
and Brazil is in second position in Biofuels. They lead in biodiesel and ethanol production.
Together they accounted for 84% of the world’s ethanol production and 26% of the
world’s biodiesel production.
India’s Biofuel Goals
India has set a target of achieving 20% ethanol blend in gasoline by 2025. In 2018, India
launched the National Biofuel Policy. Since then India has been increasing its ethanol
blend. In 2013, ethanol blending was 0.67% in the country. In 2022, it increased to 10%.
Brazil has achieved 100% ethanol fuels. Apart from biofuels, India is also focusing on
bringing the Hydrogen hubs. The State of Kerala has allocated a major share in the
2023-24 budget to establish a hydrogen hub in Thiruvananthapuram. The state is to lead
the country in establishing such hubs.
India’s largest chopper manufacturing unit in Karnataka
PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the largest helicopter manufacturing unit in
Tumakuru, Karnataka in 2016. The unit is now ready to start its operation. The unit will
produce more than a thousand helicopters and make India self-reliant on helicopters.
Recently 15 LCH (Light combat Helicopters) were provided to the Indian Air Force and the
Indian Army. But the requirement is 160.
About the New Manufacturing Unit
The unit will be administrated by HAL. It is spread across 615 acres. The unit built in
Tumakuru of Karnataka will manufacture a thousand helicopters in 20 years. The
helicopters will weigh around three to fifteen tonnes.
The facility is to increase direct and indirect employment in the area. Also, it will
contribute to the Corporate Social Responsibilities in the area.
The main objective is to make the facility a one-stop solution for all the helicopter
requirements of India.
What is the plan?
The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force will together place an order for 187 light
helicopters. The cheetah and Chetak helicopters of the Indian military are ageing. These
helicopters are to be replaced by Light Utility Helicopters.
Initially, the facility will produce LCH and LUH. In later stages, it will produce Indian
Multirole Helicopters. Every year, the unit will manufacture 30 helicopters in the initial
stages. Later, the numbers will be increased to 60 per year and then 90 per year.
Need for the facility
The current HAL complex functioning in Bengaluru is overloaded. The requirement for
helicopters in Indian Army, Indian Navy, Air Force and paramilitary forces is huge. For
these reasons, the new facility is launched.
India Energy Week 2023
The India Energy Week was inaugurated by PM Modi in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The event is
to focus on energy security and India’s energy transition goals. This includes net-zero
emission target achievement by 2070. The major attraction of the event is the launch of
E20 fuel in more than 84 outlets in 11 states and UTs.
The focus of India energy week
PM Modi will launch solar and conventional energy hybrid cooking systems. It was
designed and created by Indian Oil. It is called the Indoor Solar Cooking System.
Launch of 20% ethanol blend petrol, E20

Launch of “UNBOTTLED” initiative by PM Modi: Aim of the initiative is to phase out
single-use plastics
Indian companies like GAIL, Adnani, HPCL, IOCL, BPCL, ONGC, and Total gas will
demonstrate new products and services
Participation of more than 650 business associates from 50 countries
GoI plans on achieving 20% ethanol blend biofuels
Discussions about the oil companies setting up 2G ethanol plants and 3G ethanol
plants
Green Mobility Rally: Focusing on green energy sources; Create public awareness on
green fuels
Significance
India Energy Week is gaining popularity all over the world because it is being launched
during a global energy crisis period. The crisis has come up due to the Ukraine-Russian
war. EU took several measures to counter Russia’s actions in Ukraine. For instance,
Russian oil imports to the EU countries were stopped.
Also, the event is covering the “need of the moment” topics such as biofuels, energy
supply chains, upstream and downstream investments, etc.
Medium-Density Amorphous Ice-MDA Ice
The fact “Water is an abundant element on the earth” is becoming history. The scarcity of
water is bringing in new research and leading to new discoveries. One such is the
“Amorphous Ice”. Researchers from the University of Cambridge recently created a new
form of water. It is called Amorphous ice. Though named ice, its molecular structure is
close to water. As it has mixed states of both water and ice, it is called Amorphous ice.
Amorphous means no clear state. It is neither water nor ice and hence amorphous ice.
What is amorphous ice?
The molecules in amorphous ice are in chaos. They are not arranged as the molecules in
ice. Rather, their molecular structure is very much similar to that of water.
How was Amorphous ice made?
BALL MILLING METHOD. Scientists used this method to create amorphous ice. Ball milling
is grinding two more substances together. The collision during the process makes the
particles finer and blends them together. The process gives a new form and gives a new
shape to the materials.
Scientists grounded crystalline ice and steel bar bearing together. The grinding jar was
cooled to -200 degrees Celsius using liquid nitrogen.
Outcomes of the Ball Milling method
After grinding the ice and steel balls together, the scientists expected to get ordinary ice.
But they got a white powdery ice form completely new to humans. They named it
Amorphous ice.
Properties of Amorphous ice
While warmed and then recrystallized, amorphous ice releases an extraordinary amount
of heat. The heat energy released is very high that it may cause ice quakes. Ice quakes are
common in planets like Saturn and Jupiter.
EU bans Russian oil
The Russia-Ukraine crisis intensified as Ukrainians wanted their government to join
European Union. Though the issue revolved around the Crimean peninsula and its
annexation by Russia, the issue exploded with Ukraine’s plan to join the EU. When Russia
invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine asked for EU candidacy. And EU approved
immediately. Since then, the tiff between the western world and Russia increased. The
tensions have been escalating since this issue. Recently, the EU banned the import of
Russian oil to into its member countries.
About the oil ban
European Union has banned Russian oil as a punishment for invading Ukraine. The G7
countries have agreed to increase the prices of oil from Russia. This includes the US, Italy,
Germany, France, Britain, Japan, and Canada. This is being done to cut down Russia’s
profits that are funding its war with Ukraine.
Will the ban affect EU members?
Russia supplied 10% of the oil needs of the EU members. Now, the EU members should
find new supplies to replace Russia. They are expected to turn to the US and the middle
east.
Other EU Candidates
Apart from Ukraine, other countries like Montenegro (applied in 2010), Serbia (2012),
Albania (2014), North Macedonia (2005), ad Turkey (1999) applied for EU candidacy.
However, they are still put on hold. However, Ukraine was immediately made a member.
What are E20 fuels?
During the India Energy Week 2023 event, PM Modi launched the E20 fuel. The fuel is
being launched in 83 locations in India spread across 11 states and UTs. E20 means the
fuel has 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.
What is E20 fuel?
The number in E20 represents the proportion of ethanol mixed with petrol. Today, the
mixing percentage of Ethanol in India is 10. Meaning, India is using E10 fuel. The world’s
largest producers of biofuels like Brazil and the United States have already achieved E100
fuels.
Why is E20 a biofuel?
Ethanol is made by fermenting sugar, a natural source. It leaves very minimal residue
while burning and therefore, keeps the air clean. India produces a lot of sugarcane and
therefore, E20 has good potential to meet the fuel demands of the country.
How will E20 benefit India?
The sale of electric vehicles in India is very low. Numbers are not increasing as planned.
Also, the production of electric vehicles is less as compared to other countries. The E20 is a
good alternative to the situation. GoI is trying to achieve net zero emissions. Both E20 and
electric vehicles are measures to become an emission-free country. Therefore,
environmentalists are welcoming the step.

What are voice deepfakes?
Deepfakes is the process of mimicking the voice of a person. Talking in their tone and
style; like a mimicry. However, here the mimicry is done using the software. Therefore, the
deep fake is the process of mimicking a person’s voice using an online tool.
What is the issue? Why is deep fakes in news?
By the end of January 2023, netizens used the features of “voice cloning” and “speech
synthesis” of Eleven Labs. Eleven Labs is an online site providing AI speech software.
Using the features in the software, the netizens created voices of popular stars Emma
Watson, Ben Shapiro, and Joe Rogan. But the messages were abusive and spread racism.
Celebrities are now raising their voices against this. And thus, the voice of deep fakes in
news.
What is Voice Deepfake?
The voice created is artificial. However, it sounds human-like. The major challenge of a
voice-deep fake is cloning a voice. It takes weeks or even months to clone a voice. Artificial
Intelligence can create copies of voices after listening to the speaker for just 3 seconds! To
create an audio file using an online tool, you just have to upload the voice of the person.
The file should be at least 3 seconds long. The person should be continuously speaking in
the audio file. After you upload this file, the software clones the voice of the speaker. You
should then give the text. The software gives you the net output where Emma Watson or
other stars (whose voice you uploaded) speak the text!
India-France-UAE Trilateral Cooperation Initiative
In recent times, India has been increasing its bilateral trade with UAE. With CEPA and the
Golden Visa program (extension) of UAE, business relations have increased exponentially.
On the other hand, India has strong defence relations with France. From fighter jets to
drones, the Indian military is using French-made goods. Extending the ties further, India is
launching Trilateral Cooperation Initiative with the countries.
What is Trilateral Cooperation Initiative?
Under the initiative, the countries will work together to design and implement “ENERGY
PROJECTS”. The projects will be around energy conservation, climate change and the
conservation of biodiversity. The main area of focus is the Indian Ocean Region.
Significance
With India hosting G20 and UAE hosting COP-28, the initiative is a great platform to work
together on global issues. The initiative will bring together agencies and stakeholders
working on sustainable projects. Also, the countries get an opportunity to line up their
technological, social, and economic policies.
Role of India’s Mission LiFE
The countries agreed to work under the aegis of this mission. The Mission LiFe project was
launched to mobilize Indians to protect the environment. It is implemented between 2022
and 2027. They will work on circular economy as well.
Way Forward
The countries will also take help from the Indian Ocean Rim Association. And invite other
countries to join the initiative.
Yaya Tso to be Ladakh’s First Biodiversity Heritage Site
Yaya Tso is a lake in Ladakh and is known as the Bird’s Paradise. The lake is at an altitude
of 4,820 kilometres. The lake is a popular breeding site for black-necked cranes. The lake
was recently announced as the “Biodiversity Heritage Site”. It is the first biodiversity
heritage site of Ladakh.
Who declared?
Biodiversity Management Committee
Panchayat of Chumathang Village
SECURE Himalaya
Together declared the lake a Biodiversity Heritage site.
Biodiversity Heritage Sites
A site shall be notified as BHS by any State Government under the Biological Diversity Act,
2002. The site should be under its jurisdiction. The BHS are sites with high endemism,
domesticated species, and rare and threatened species.
What is SECURE Himalaya?
The project mainly aims to conserve Snow leopards in the region. Also, it addresses
threatened livelihood, habitat degradation, and illegal wildlife trade. Funds for the project
comes from Global Environment Facility.
Section 37 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The Biodiversity Heritage sites are declared based on the provisions of Section 37 in
the act. The act says that these areas a fragile and unique. Any landform can be
tagged as a biodiversity heritage site. It can be coastal, hilly regions, marine
ecosystems, inland waters, etc.
The State Governments shall create regulations under the act
Section 3 of the act gives powers to the state government to rehabilitate
communities in the areas to be notified as Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
Kerala Police Operation AAG
The Kerala Police recently arrested 2,507 gangsters under OPERATION AAG. It was
launched throughout the state. The operation aimed on arresting the fugitives listed
under the Kerala anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA). The primary targets in the
list were those who returned to the state after being deported.
About the Operation
The operation was started at 11 PM on February 4, 2023. The Police forces raided more
than 3,501 places and registered 1,673 cases. According to the Police, they achieved
catching more than 50% of the fugitives on their list.
Why was the operation launched?
Foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Oman, Nepal, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia visit Kerala in
search of livelihood and jobs. Most of these foreign nationals enter the state through
illegal means mainly in search of jobs to support their families back home. As the state has
a high literacy rate, the cost of labour is expensive. And so Keralites hire cheap foreign
labourers to hide their original identity. The main issue is terrorists enter the country in
this way. For this reason, the Police Force of Kerala state often launches such operations
and deports illegal entries. For instance, the Love Jihad terrorist group, ISIS, etc are
popular terrorist groups in the state. Money laundering and illegal drug and weapon
activities are also high in the state as compared to other coastal states in the country.
Supreme Court Strength rises to 32
The Constitution of India says Supreme Court shall have a maximum of 34 judges
including the Chief Justice. Recently, five new judges were appointed by the President of
India. With this, the strength of judges in the apex court increased to 32. The newly
appointed judges were Panjaj Mithal (Chief Justice of Rajasthan HC), Manoj Misra (Judge of
Allahabad HC), Ahasanudin Amanullah (Judge of Bihar HC), PV Sanjay Kumar (Chief Justice
of Manipur HC) and Sanjay Karol (Chief Justice of Bihar HC). All the newly appointed judges
were serving as the High Court judges.
Appointment of SC Judges
Article 124: Judges of SC are appointed by the President of India
Article 125: Salaries of Judges
Article 126: Chief Justice of SC appointment
Article 127: speaks about the appointment of Ad Hoc judges
Article 128: Speaks about the attendance of retired judges. The Chief Justice of India
shall appoint any retired Supreme Court judge to act as a judge of the SC.
Article 129: SC shall punish for contempt of itself
Article 130: SC shall sit in the place as approved by CJI
Article 131: Jurisdiction of SC
Article 132: Appellate Jurisdiction of SC
Indian Railways WhatsApp Food Delivery Facility
The IRCTC is serving at least fifty thousand meals a day to the passengers on board.
Lately, there have been issues rising around unauthorized food delivery. To enhance its
services and to provide authorized safe food to its customers, IRCTC launched WhatsApp
Food Delivery Facility. The WHATSAPP NUMBER is +91 – 8750001323.
How does the service operate?
The service is available only to passengers reserving tickets online. Also, it is not applicable
for customers using passenger trains, metro or local trains. It involves two stages. In the
first stage, the IRCTC Whats App number sends a message to the customer booking the
ticket. The message will ask if the customer would like to avail of the e – catering services
of IRCTC. A message will further say, if he is interested, he shall visit the link
www.ecatering.irctc.co.in. The site has a list of menus. The customers shall choose the
meals and also the choice of restaurant. The link will list the restaurants available on his
route.
In the nest stage, two-way communication is established through Whats APP between the
passenger and IRCTC. An AI Chatbot will attend to the queries of the passenger.
Why is the app being launched?
To stop unauthorized food distributors in the chain of IRCTC catering services. Recently
IRCTC found 11 unauthorized catering services. They posed to be representatives from
IRCTC services. But they weren’t. IRCTC announced the names of these unauthorised food
services. They were Food in Train, Train Food, Food on Wheel, E – rail, Travel Zaika,
Railyatri, Khanna online, Khana Gadi, Travel Food, etc.
February 7, 2023
IEA Report on India LiFE Initiative
In 2021, India proposed the LiFE Initiative at COP26 held in Glasgow. The initiative was
proposed during the 50th celebrations of World Environment Day. The mission aims to
involve the common public in the conservation of the Environment. The International
Energy Agency recently launched a report on the LiFE Initiative. According to the report,
the mission can save more than 440 billion USD by 2030.
Key Findings of the report
The mission will help save 5% of fuel spending
It will help in reducing energy consumption
Increase cost savings
Mitigate air pollution
Reduce inequalities
Current Energy Consumption scenario
Today, the maximum energy is consumed by North America. Followed by this region,
Russia and Central Asia are the second largest consumers of energy. Middles East is the
third largest consumer of energy. Africa consumes one-third of the world’s energy. India
consumes 35% of world energy.
Issues identified by the report
The report says that in developed economies, the emissions made by rich people are
seven times the emissions created by the poor. The rich are very few in number. Only 10%
of the population is rich. However, their emissions are too high to handle
The per-capita emissions of advanced economies are four times that of the developing
economies
What did the report say about India?
The efficiency of the Indian Economy is 10% more than the global. As compared to the
major economies in India, the time taken by India to achieve half to full electrification
access was less. Today India is the third largest market for renewable energy. Electric
vehicle sales in the country increased by 5% in 2022 as compared to 2021.
Mukhyamantri Tirth-Darshan Yojana
The Scheme was launched by the Madhya Pradesh Government. Under the scheme, the
senior citizens will be taken on a spiritual tour free of cost. They will be taken to
pilgrimage sites that are located outside the state. One or two pilgrimage sites will be
visited by them. The scheme is funded by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
Features of the scheme
The scheme is applicable only to senior citizens, that is, persons of age 60 years
For women, two years of age concession is provided
The scheme is to be implemented with the help of IRCTC
During the travel, the tourists will be provided with food, accommodation, bus travel
cost, drinking water, etc. Meaning all the expenses will be borne by the State
Government.
Beneficiaries
Only the MP state people shall apply for the scheme. He or she applying to the scheme
should not be an income taxpayer. Physical and mental fitness certificates are essential to
apply for the scheme. The applicants should not be suffering from diseases like TB,
obstructive respiratory diseases, mental illness, etc.
What is Hybrid Warfare?
Hybrid Warfare is a strategy used in the military. It includes the techniques of
conventional warfare, cyber warfare, and irregular warfare. Today hybrid warfare
techniques are increasing. Countries are using political influences to disrupt the
governance of their enemy state, causing cyber troubles to the enemy state, and using
other indirect measures to counter their enemies.
What is Hybrid Warfare?
It uses the following three warfare techniques
Conventional Warfare: Here conventional weapons and normal war field tactics are
used. The forces primarily target the opponent and the fight is direct, face-to-face.
Irregular Warfare: Here the war is fought for legitimacy. It has a goal. It can be
fought even within a state. Mostly, this warfare includes non-military actors
Cyber Warfare: Here the country makes cyber-attacks on enemy states. It can be on
its military system or it can be on the civilian cyber hubs of the enemy country.
Why is the term coming up now?
BALTIC SEA PIPELINE EXPLOSIONS. In October 2022, the Nord Stream Pipeline exploded
and leaked gases into the sea. The western world is blaming Russia and Russia suspects
UK’s hands in the explosion. Suspicions began when the investigating officers found burnt
explosives near the pipeline. Countries believe that the explosion might have been caused
by their enemies to disrupt the normal functioning of their state. This is one of the
techniques of hybrid warfare.
Global Climate Resilience Fund-50 million USD for women
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. During the function, Mrs Clinton announced 50 million USD for women in the
region. The fund is to be used to fight against climate change.
Global Climate Resilience Fund
The fund will be mainly used to fight heat waves in the region. Sometimes, the
temperature in the region crosses sixty degrees Celsius due to heat waves. It usually
occurs during May-June. The number of heat waves and the intensity of heat waves has
been increasing in the country lately. In 1981-90, the number of heat wave days was 413.
Between 2011 and 2020, the heat waves days in the country were 600. The number of heat
wave days is increasing due to climate change.
When is a heat wave declared?
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.
SEWA
Self-Employed Women Association. It is a trade union promoting self-employed female
entrepreneurs and low-income female labourers. It was founded in 1972.
Jupiter becomes planet with most moons
Jupiter is the biggest planet in the sun’s family. 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 moons. However, the latest discovery
revealed Jupiter has 12 more moons. With this, the count of Jupiter’s moons increased to
92. Today Jupiter has the maximum number of moons.
About the new discovery
The 12 new moons around Jupiter were discovered by the Smithsonian Astrophysical
Observatory
Of the 12 moons discovered, nine are distant
These nine moons take 550 days to orbit Jupiter
Also, the nine moons discovered are relatively small
These nine moons have retrograde orbits. Meaning their orbiting direction is
opposite to that of Jupiter’s rotation
The inner moons of Jupiter have prograde orbits. Meaning, they rotate in the same
direction as that of Jupiter.
Prograde and Retrograde moons
The prograde moons are closer to the planet and the retrograde moon is away. Prograde
moons are always difficult to spot as compared to retrograde moons. This is because the
tremendous light scattered from the planet obscures the moons. The newly discovered
prograde moons are good targets for future planetary missions. The JUICE mission of the
European Space Agency is to be launched in 2024.
NASA Webb Telescope bags Prestigious Space Foundation
The James Webb Telescope is an infrared space telescope orbiting the sun. The telescope
was jointly developed by European Space Agency, NASA, and Canadian Space Agency. It is
the successor of the Hubble telescope. The James Webb Telescope has been discovering
many new facts and making extraordinary explorations since its launch. Recently, the
James Webb Telescope won the space Space Foundation Award.
About the Space Foundation Award
It is a prestigious award and it recognizes individuals and organizations that make
breakthroughs in the space field.

James Webb Telescope Greatest Inventions
The first image of the James Webb telescope was of a cluster of galaxies called
SMACS 0723
It then captured the performances of a dying star. The star was from Stephan’s
Quintet galaxy. So far no telescope has seen an image of the galaxy
It captured the “Great Red Spot” of Jupiter. The spot is in Jupiter and extremely
massive and violent storms occur here. Also, the telescope captured pictures of
Jupiter and its moons. It is always difficult to take a picture or observe the prograde
moons of Jupiter. Because they are very close to the planet and the scattering of light
from the planet obscures them. But James Webb Telescope captured clear pictures
of prograde moons using its IR cameras.
UN Report on North Korea Crypto Theft
The United Nations released a confidential report on North Korea. Confidential means it is
not for public viewing and will not be put on the UN website. According to the report,
North Korea is stealing cryptocurrencies. The country is using the stolen currency to fund
its defence companies. With tremendous technological developments, North Korea
created sophisticated cyber techniques. Using these techniques, the country is hacking
digital networks that are in the cyber finance industry.
About the Report
The report was created by United Nations Security Council
The funds stolen are used in nuclear and missile programs
The report was submitted to the North Korea Sanctions Committee. There are 15
members on the committee
The report says that in 2022, North Korean official hackers have stolen 630 million
USD. But it is believed that the stolen money is even more. A private cyber crime
agency states that North Korea stole more than 1 billion USD worth of crypto assets!
Day by day the techniques used by North Korean official hackers are becoming
sophisticated
Why is North Korea stealing?
The strict UN sanctions are forcing the country to steal crypto and fund its nuclear
program. North Korea cannot acquire nuclear fuel from foreign countries. Following UN
sanctions, the EU, China, Japan, Russia, USA, Australia, and several other countries banned
several imports and exports from North Korea. Therefore, the country is lacking funds for
its nuclear program and is implementing sanctions.
Major Earthquake struck Turkey and Syria
A 7.8 Ritcher earthquake hit Turkey – Syria. More than thousands died. The earthquake is
the biggest of the earthquakes recorded so far in the region. Five tremors were felt and
more than 60 aftershocks were recorded. The epicentre was 23 km east of Nurdagi. It is
located in the Gaziantep province. The depth of the epicentre was 24.1 km. The data was
provided by the US Geological Survey.
What are aftershocks?
Aftershocks are readjustment processes. They occur after the earthquake. Sometimes, the
aftershocks continue for days or even years. Aftershocks are small earthquakes and have
devastating and disastrous effects just like earthquakes.
Why do aftershocks occur?
Earthquakes are the result of tectonic plate movements. During earthquakes, rocks push
and pull and may even split. Such events release enormous amounts of energy. The other
nearby rocks cannot withstand this energy and break or even shatter into pieces. They
break only when they are not able to withstand the energy released during the quake. The
aftershocks occur when the nearby rocks shatter. So it can happen immediately after the
earthquake or even a year later.
What are Foreshocks?
They are similar to aftershocks. However, they occur before the earthquakes.
Committee to examine competition law for digital companies
With digital technologies blooming exponentially, the need for regulating e-commerce
and other digital competitions becomes vital. Today, the competition in the commercial
market is governed by Competition Act, of 2002. The act does not give in enough for the
digital market. The Competition Commission of India is to examine the rules and
regulations required for digital competitions in the country. It will decide upon legislating
Digital Competition Law.
Committee on Digital competition
The CCI has constituted a ten-member committee to study the requirement of the digital
competition law and give suggestions regarding competition norms.
Functions of the committee
To look into the challenges emerging from the digital economy
Study international practices regarding the digital competition regulation
Review practices being followed by the significant digital market stakeholders
To create a draft of the Digital Competition Act
List the potential harm caused to the digital markets
Committee Members
CCI Chairperson, Khaitan and Co CEO, NASSCOM co-founders, and others
CCI
It works under Corporate Affairs Ministry. The members of the CCI are appointed by the
GoI. The main objective of the committee is to remove practices that are causing harm to
healthy competition. Also, it protects the consumers.
India’s First Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) powered truck
The ICE in H2-ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine. It was developed by Reliance in
partnership with Ashok Leyland. The H2-ICE truck is the first of its kind in India to be
powered by hydrogen. The cost of the production of the truck was high. However, the
truck emits zero carbon. It is completely clean.
Principle of Combustion
The combustion principle in H2-ICE is as follows:
2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
Two hydrogen atoms combine with one oxygen atom to form water. The heat energy
released during this reaction is used to ignite the spark plug.
Is H2-ICE completely emission-free?
Yes and No. It does not produce carbon emissions. However, it produces nitrogen oxides.
Some countries ignore nitrogen oxides as pollutants if they are released in meagre
amounts. The H2-ICE produces nitrogen oxides only if atmospheric hydrogen is used.
India includes nitrogen oxides in its pollutant list. There are no sulphur oxides, carbon
monoxide, particulate matter, or Hydro carbons emissions in H2-ICE.
Can you convert conventional engines into H2-ICE?
YES. You only need to make very few changes to convert your conventional ICE into H2-
ICE. This includes changes in valves, spark plugs, fuel injectors, etc.
History
The first H2-ICE was created by Francois Isaac de Rivaz in 1806. It ran on a hydrogen and
oxygen mixture.
SEBI releases Operational Guidelines on Green Bonds
Greenwashing is a strategy used by marketing companies to make fraudulent, misleading,
and false claims that their products are environmentally friendly. To protect consumers
from Greenwashing, the Securities and Exchange Board of India released operational
guidelines for green bonds. The guidelines include dos and don’ts related to green debt
securities.
Guidelines
No misleading labels shall be used
Tradeoffs shall not be hidden. Tradeoff means giving up one to gain another.
Pick random data to highlight research practices
Major step
From now on SEBI will check if the green debt security issuing company is making the
transition towards a greener path. The regulator will watch over the investment made by
the company or the measures taken by the company to promote a green environment.
Also, the regulator will check if the measures adopted by the company are bringing
environmental impacts. It will keep a constant eye on the contributions made by the
company is making India a sustainable economy.
Donts
The issuer cannot use the funds raised from green bonds for other purposes. Other
purposes mean investments or actions that are not related to the environment.
Challenges for SEBI in green bonds
Most of the green bond issuers are listed in offshore exchanges. This is an attractive
method as the foreign exchanges do not come under the jurisdiction of SEBI.
There is no clear definition of “what is green”
Telangana Budget 2023-Highlights

The Finance Minister of Telangana Mr Harish Rao recently presented the budget for the
state. The highlights of the budget are as follows:
The Government of Telangana allocated Rs 200 crores for the KCR Nutrition kit
Rs 3001 crores for the higher education department
Rs 1644 crores for transport
Rs 1500 crores for Telangana State Road Transport Corporation
Rs 11,372 crores for the municipal department
Rs 500 crores for Hyderabad airport
Rs 500 crores for metro connectivity
Rs 1000 crores for Information and Public Relations Department
Rs 9,500 crores for the home department
Rs 1,644 crores for the transport department
Rs 2,00 crores for village roads
3,965 crores for tribal welfare
Rs 2,200 crores for minority welfare
Rs 15,233 crores for STs in the state
Rs 12,727 crores for the power sector
Raithu Bandhu Scheme: Rs 1575 crores
Rythu Bima Scheme: Rs 1,589 crores
Urban and Rural Pragathi scheme: Rs 4834 crores
Cultivation of oil seeds: Rs 1000 crores
Funds to develop universities: Rs 500 crores
Production incentives for industries: Rs 2937 crores
Subsidies to industries for electricity: Rs 2937 crores
Loans to Food Processing plants: Rs 266 crores
Arogya Sree scheme: Rs 1463 crores
Overall fund allocations
Irrigation sector: 26,885 crores of rupees
Power sector: 12,727 crores of rupees
PDS: 3,117 crores of rupees
Pensions: 12,000 crores of rupees
Dalit Bandhu: 17,700 crores of rupees
SC: 36,750 crores of rupees
BC: 6,229 crores of rupees
Shaadi Mubaarak scheme: 3,210 crores of rupees
Journalist welfare: 100 crores of rupees
Forest department: 1471 crores of rupees
Education: 19093 crores of rupees
Medical and Health sector: 12161 crores of rupees
National Level Digital Extension Platform

The Extension workers are those people who are involved in the education programmes in
a field. In the agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, or poultry sector, the extension
workers teach farmers on new farming techniques, and strategies to increase their
income. They can be from NGOs or government appointees. To make education materials
easily available to them, the Agriculture Ministry is launching a digital library.
About the Digital Library
It is being launched under the MoU signed between the Agriculture Ministry and a private
firm called Digital Green. The library is to be created in the PPP model. It will be multi-
lingual.
Significance
The digital library will aid the Government in making the extension programmes highly
successful. GoI is taking extensive measures to develop the food processing sector and to
integrate technology into the agriculture sector. To achieve this the role of extension
services are very important. Drip irrigation has been highly successful in the country
because of these extension services. Today, India has more than two lakh extension
service workers in the country. Their livelihood are highly dependent on agriculture and
allied sectors. The National Digital Platform is expected to create innovative connections
with the farmers. Also, it will lay a strong foundation to build a Digital Agricultural
Ecosystem in the future.
Yuva Sangam Registration Portal
The development in the northeastern states has always been slow as compared to the
Indian mainland. This is mainly because the states are covered with forests and the
percentage of the tribal population is high. Also, natural factors hinder the development
of the region. For instance, Brahmaputra is called Sorrow of Assam. Frequent earthquakes
occur in the region. There are anti-socialistic groups, Naga insurgencies, etc; Chinese
interference in the border; the Inrush of Rohingyas and many more reasons that hinder
the development of North Eastern India. To fasten the development process in the region
and to link the region with the rest of the mainland, the Government of India has
launched the Yuva Sangam Registration portal
About the portal
The main objective of the portal is to connect with the youth in the northeast region. The
portal was launched under the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”. Through the Yuva
Sangam initiative, youths in the region will travel across different parts of the country and
learn about different cultures in India.
Significance
It is important to educate the youths and provide them with skills to develop the North
Eastern Region. Chinese infiltrations are increasing in the region. GoI has to earn the trust
of the locals in the region. Therefore, there is a necessity of inclusive development.
February 8, 2023
Where is ‘Gaziantep Castle’?

The recent Turkey Earthquake damaged the Gaziantep Castle. The magnitude of the
earthquake was 7.8 Ritcher and is one of the most disastrous earthquakes in the history of
Turkey. The castle is in the province of Gaziantep in western Turkey. The castle was built
during the era of the Hittite Empire. Later the Byzantine emperor expanded the castle.
About the castle
The Romans used the castle as a watch tower. Justinian I, the emperor of Byzantine
expanded the castle during his reign between the second and third centuries.
Major changes in the castle were brought by the Ayyubids and the Ottoman Empire
Castle played a huge role in the Turkish War of Independence. The Turkish
independence movement was a national wide military campaign launched after the
defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the first world war. The military campaigns were
launched against France in the southern parts, Greece in the western parts, Armenia
in the east, and British and Ottoman troops in Constantinople.
The castle has been renovated into a museum. The museum runs a documentary on
the independence movement against the French forces after the Ottoman empire
was defeated in the first world war.
Two consecutive earthquakes destroyed the castle. The railings and walls in the castle
were seriously damaged.
Tumarkuru Industrial Township: South India’s First Industrial Corridor Project
In 2021, PM Modi launched the Gati Shakti Scheme. The main objective of the scheme is to
implement an infrastructure pipeline in the country. Under this, the GoI planned on
developing 11 industrial corridors and two defence corridors. Accordingly, PM Modi
recently launched the first industrial corridor of the scheme called Tumarkuru Industrial
Township.
About the Tumarkuru Industrial Township
First industrial corridor in South India
It will generate employment for more than 88,000 people
Attract investment of Rs 7,000 crores within five to six years
Contribute inclusive growth of the country
Trigger economic growth and prosperity in the region
Spread over 8,500 acres of land
Launched in Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor
In line with the objectives of Atma Nirbhar Bharat
It will address the issues of multi-modal connectivity
Significance
It is located at a distance of 300 km from the Mangaluru port. From the Bengaluru
International Airport, it is at a distance of 115 km. It will increase the manufacturing
sector’s presence in the country. It adopts the green field industrial smart city concept.
The project aims to contribute towards Make in India initiative of the country. It is in line
with the GoI mantra “Reform, Perform, and Transform”
Target sectors
The project is to focus on food products, apparel, electronics, pharmaceuticals,
engineering, and chemicals.
Walking Pilgrimage through Buddhist Circuit
The Sangwol Society of South Korea is organizing a walking pilgrimage in India. Under
this, 108 Buddhists will walk and cover 1,100 km in India. The pilgrimage will visit places in
the states of UP and Bihar and will span for 43 days. Buddhism is the official religion of
South Korea. It reached South Korea from India. The walking pilgrimage will increase the
cultural ties between India and South Korea.
Sites visited during the Pilgrimage
During the pilgrimage, the Buddhists will visit the following sites:
Nalanda University: Nalanda University is one of the ancient universities. It was
established during the Gupta rule. It was destroyed by Khilji in 1193
Bodh Gaya: Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under a Peepal tree here
Mahaparinirvana Temple: It is in Kushin Nagar; believed to be the the death place of
Lord Buddha
Ramabhar Stupa: Built over the ashes of Lord Buddha; constructed by Malla kings
Lumbini: Birth Place of Lord Buddha
Framework to implement Vivad Se Vishwas-I
During COVID, the GoI had collected a forfeited amount. Forfeited means the loss of
something. When someone fails to pay the money he owes, forfeiture occurs. GoI
collected forfeited amounts (something like a fine) from companies that failed to oblige
their contract and also for other reasons. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman recently
(while presenting the budget) announced that these forfeited amounts are to be returned;
as they hit the MSME sector.
What is the issue?
The MSME sector runs on a small investment. The rotation of money in the hands of
MSMEs is also less. During COVID, the MSME sector faced several challenges. Their day-to-
day activities, transport, raw materials, and other activities were all affected due to the
COVID lockdown. For this reason, they couldn’t stand by their contract. The government
had collected forfeits for their failed actions. This happened because the government
couldn’t take immediate steps and address the issue quickly. With COVID pressure easing
on the government, GoI is returning the forfeited money collected.
All these actions are to be done under VIVAD SE VISHWAS – Scheme.
Significance
95% of the forfeits were related to bids placed by MSMEs. MSME has a huge role in the
economic growth of the country. They contribute 36% of the total manufacturing sector of
India.
RBI Monetary Policy Updates
The Monetary Policy Committee of RBI meets four times a year. The committee recently
held its meeting on February 8, 2023. This is the first meeting since Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitaraman presented her budget. The committee has four members. During the
meeting, the members decide on various aspects such as repo rate, interest rate, reverse
repo rate, Liquidity Adjustment Facility, Marginal Standing Facility, Bank Rate, Cash
Reserve Ratio, Statutory Liquidity Ratio, etc.
Key decisions were taken during the meet
The repo rate increased by 25 bps, that is, to 6.5%. In the last MPC Meet held in
December 2022, RBI increased the repo rate by 35 bps. Since May 2022, RBI has
increased the repo rate by 250 bps. This is being done to control the increasing
inflation in the country
Bond market timings were restored to 9 AM to 5 PM
Permits to lend and borrow Government Securities
MSF increased by 25 bps, that is, to 6.75%
SDF (Standing Deposit Facility) increased to 6.25%
Policy rates before the meet
Standing Facility Deposit Facility Rate: 6%
Marginal Standing Facility rate: 6.5%
Statutory Liquidity Ratio: 18%
Cash Reserve Ratio: 4.5%
Reverse Repo Rate: 3.35%
Bank Rate: 6.5%
Repo rate: 6.25%
What is the RBI saying?
After holding the MPC meeting, the RBI made the following announcements:
Inflation in the country is to stay above 4%
GDP Forecast: In 2024, it is to reach 6.4%. In the first quarter, the GDP is to touch
7.8% In Q2 it is to reach 6.2%. In Q3, the GDP will reach 6% and in Q4, the GDP will
reach 5.8%.
Myanmar-Russia MoU on developing Nuclear Power
Myanmar was an independent republic operating under the 2008 constitution. In 2021, the
military of the country came to power in a coup. Recently, the military-led Myanmar
government and the Russian Government signed a nuclear agreement. According to the
MoU, the countries will work together on nuclear energy.
About the MoU
It is a civil nuclear agreement, meaning the nuclear energy produced will be used for
peaceful purposes and not for producing weapons or missiles
Under the agreement, the countries will create a nuclear technology hub
Background
The talks on the nuclear agreement have been running for a long time. The proposal was
placed by Myanmar in 2015. However, the Russians were not showing big interest.
However, the sudden acknowledgement of signing the agreement makes international
relations experts doubt if the decision was made due to recent US relations with the
Philippines. In November 2022, the Vice President of the US Kamala Harris visited the
Philippines. Several key decisions were made during her visit. The recent nuclear deal and
other military agreements signed between US and the Philippines were decided during
her visit.
US-Russia relation influences
The Russian Government signing the nuclear agreement with the Myanmar military
comes within days of the US Government signing a nuclear agreement with the
Philippines. The US recently signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the
Philippines. Also, the Philippines agreed to allow the US to utilize its military bases in the
western part of the country.
Integrative Medicine Centres in Government Hospitals
The Government of India is to inaugurate Integrative Medicine Centres. These centres will
operate at Government hospitals. The centres will mainly focus on Ayurvedic medicines
and will use modern technologies. The first Integrative Medicine Centre was inaugurated
at the Safdarjang Hospital in Delhi. The main objective of the initiative is to use the
traditional knowledge of Indians in the medicinal field.
Significance
The Government of India has been trying to push traditional medicines and yoga in the
country. AYUSH is the key player in the field. Right now Indian medicines need to
complement each other and not compete. The initiative has been launched on this basis.
Also, through the Integrative Medicine Centres, the GoI tries to reach the grass root levels.
GoI has been launching several schemes to provide inclusive health care. More than 1.5
lakh Health and Wellness Centres have been opened under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
With advancements in technology, India is losing its knowledge of traditional medicines.
The initiatives like Integrative Medicine Centre will help India protect its precious
knowledge in the medicinal field.
India MoU with Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Joint Business Council
The Growth Triangle Joint Business Council was created by Indonesia, Thailand, and
Malaysia in 1993. The main objective of the council is to boost private investments in
MSMEs. During the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group meeting held in Bengaluru,
India signed an MoU with the Growth Triangle Joint Business Council. According to the
MoU, the countries will work together to adopt energy-efficient practices.
About the MoU
The agreement was signed during the celebrations of India Energy Week
EESL signed the agreement on behalf of India
Significance
Coal is the main source of energy in Malaysia. However, just like other developing
countries Malaysia is adopting clean energy. The potential for wind and solar energy is big
in Malaysia. Using the opportunity of Malaysia being less developed in solar energy, India
can increase its trade with Malaysia in this field. In Thailand, the contribution of renewable
energy is just 8% of the total energy. Clearly, India has good business potential in the field
of green energy with these countries.

SEBI launches Mechanism to curb market abuse
The Reserve Bank of India defines Market Abuse as misuse of information, benchmark
manipulation, and market manipulation. Today there are no regulations to monitor and
control market abuse in the country. Therefore, SEBI has stepped in and launched a
mechanism to put an end to market abuse.
About the Mechanism
The mechanism will monitor and control unauthorized trading
It will stop firms from facilitating mule accounts
The mechanism will focus on ending spoofing, pump and dump, and
disproportionate trading
The mechanism says that the brokers and trading firms should compulsorily report
to SEBI
SEBI has given a list of instances where there are increased possibilities of price
manipulation, mis-selling, front running, etc.
Terms used
Front Running: Illegal practice of buying securities
Price manipulation: Affecting the supply and demand of a company product
artificially; Purpose: To increase or decrease the price of the stock of the company
Mule: Receiving and transferring illegal money. Sometimes, persons receiving the
money are unaware that the money is illegal. Accounts used to mislead the
innocents into getting illegal money are mule accounts
Spoofing: A trader places huge orders on a share; publicly visible to the world. But
his intentions are not to keep them for long
Pump and Dump: Boosting stock prices through fraudulent misleading ways
In short, the mechanism aims to put an end to the above practices.
Google introduces Chat-GPT rival Bard
Microsoft launched Chat-GPT in November 2022. Technologists believe that Chat GPT is
well advanced and might kill Google’s business. In just five days, the number of ChatGPT
users increased to one million. To counter the chat GPT, Google recently launched
“BARD”. Working of the BARD is very much similar to Chat GPT, the conversational style.
The Chinese search engine company BAIDU is also developing products very much similar
to Chat GPT.
Google counters Microsoft with BARD
The popularity of Chat GPT is increasing tremendously. The AI tool is bringing in a new
evolution in how netizens search for information.
About BARD
It is a conversational search engine. Its working is similar to that of Chat GPT. It was
designed and created by Google two years ago. However, Google is launching now as a
countermeasure to Microsoft.
What is the controversy around BARD?
BARD was built based on LaMDA. LaMDA stands for Language Models for dialogue
applications. LaMDA could mimic voices and converse with humans. Mimicking features in
the software may cause trouble to public figures and artists. For this reason, Google
Engineer Blake Lemoine urged Google that the software may bring in trouble. He also
released documents where he mentions the potential problems caused by LaMDA.
Unfortunately, he was put on paid leave and then fired. A few days after this controversy,
comes up Chat GPT worked on the same principle as that of LaMDA. Now BARD which was
recently released also works on LaMDA.
Agri Ministry plans new certification system for organic cotton, derivatives
Several organizations in the country have been demanding an “Indian Standard for
Organic Textiles”. Without a proper standard, the textiles made of organic cotton stay
unprotected. Meaning, the exporter or the seller is unable to prove that the textile is made
from organic cotton. To solve this problem, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare
is planning on launching a certification system that will provide an organic tag to cotton
produced without using chemicals and fertilizers.
What is the plan?
The Ministry is to form a committee that will look after the concerns in certified organic
cotton. The committee will provide suggestions about the certification system. How the
system should be constituted? What issues will it address? The Ministry has requested the
committee to provide information on the coverage of organic cotton in the country. Also,
the committee will collect details of private firms and individuals involved in the organic
textiles business.
What is the status of Organic textiles in India?
Today there are no standards to organic textiles in the country. However, business circles
are using the standards like Global Organic Textiles Standards and Textiles Exchange
standards. The reach is not wide and is only used by very few in the country.
Punjab New Industrial and EV Policy
As the old Industrial Policy has come to an end, the Punjab Government is launching a
new Industrial Policy. This is the first industrial policy the ruling government is launching
since it came to power. The new Industrial policy will focus on MSME, infrastructure, and
power. Along with the Industrial Policy, the Punjab Government also launched the EV
Policy.
Industrial Policy of Punjab
To increase the ease of doing business for MSMEs
Focus areas of the policy will be skill development, innovation, startups, export
promotion logistics, grievance redressal, fiscal incentive, etc.
The Punjab Government is to build 15 industrial parks under the policy. These parks
are to be built in 20 rural areas
The policy will provide more incentives to industries manufacturing EV components,
circular economy-related activities, hand tool manufacturing, fitness equipment,
sports goods, power tools, agriculture machinery manufacturing, etc.

Punjab Electric Vehicle Policy
The EV Policy of Punjab aims at checking pollution levels in the state. It will mainly focus
on pollution caused by vehicles.
The policy will also suggest measures to create infrastructure, creation of employment
opportunities in the EV sector, research and development, create a sustainable
environment, and control carbon emissions.
PhonePe launches cross-border transaction facility
The Phone Pe app was developed based on Unified Payments Interface. It is now owned
by Flipkart (A subsidiary of a US Company called Walmart). The headquarters of Phone Pe
is in Bengaluru. The app is available in eleven Indian languages. Recently, Phone Pe
launched cross border facility. It is being launched in countries such as Mauritius, Bhutan,
Nepal, UAE, and Singapore.
What does this mean?
Indian citizens can now pay to their foreign merchants using Phone Pe. This means can
you pay in dollars using Phone Pe? Yes. You can pay in Singapore Dollars or UAE Dirhams
using Phone Pe. The main advantage is that you can pay from your bank account directly.
You hold money in rupees in your bank accounts. But when you pay foreign merchants, it
has to be in their currency. Phone Pe takes care of currency exchanges and charges. You
just have to log in and say pay! More countries will be added to the service in the future.
Challenges in cross-border transactions
The Phone Pe cross-border transactions will help consumers beat the following
challenges:
Payment fraud, high transfer cost, low transaction speed, compliance, etc. Sometimes,
cross-border transactions fail and the amount does not reach the payee on time. Such
limitations shall be overcome using Phone Pe.
TN ‘Pudumai Penn’ Scholarship Scheme
The Scheme was launched by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin in 2022. The scheme
will pay thousands of rupees to government school students. Beneficiaries of the scheme
are students studying in Class V to Class XII. Only girl students are included in the scheme.
Tamil Nadu Government allotted 698 crores of rupees for the scheme. More than six lakh
girls are to benefit from the scheme.
Background
Earlier, the Tamil Nadu Government was implementing a Marriage assistance
scheme. This marriage assistance scheme has now been converted into higher
education scheme
The marriage assistance scheme is called Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar
Marriage Scheme. The newly launched higher education scheme is Moovalur
Ramamitham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme. This scheme is being
implemented under the name “Pudhumai Penn Scheme”.
Political Aspects
The scheme was launched in the presence of Delhi CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal. The DMK
(Stalin’s party) is now ruling the state. They campaigned against BJP to come to power.
Who is Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar?
She lived between 1883 and 1962. She was a social activist and an active participant in the
Dravidian Movement (the movement of which Stalin’s father Karunanidhi was a part). She
fought against the Devadasi system in the state of Tamil Nadu.
February 9, 2023
What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?
Researchers recently found that CAR T-Cell therapy is a good cure for Ovarian cancer. The
therapy was tested on mice and found to be effective. Immuno suppressive nature of
cancer cells in the ovary was a major hurdle for scientists. The recently discovered CAR T-
Cell therapy has won this challenge. The therapy works by mutating the CD3 chain. The
therapy has already been proven to be effective in curing blood cancer in humans. It is yet
to be tested for ovarian cancer. However, it is effective in treating ovarian cancer in mice.
CAR T Cell Therapy
T cells reside in WBC (White Blood Cells). WBC is the major component of the immune
system. The body fights against diseases with WBC.
CAR stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptors. CARs are artificial T Cell receptors. They are
chimeric; meaning two genes (or proteins in the genes) are fused together. The antigen is
the disease-causing component in a virus. Here antigen is the disease-causing component
in cancer cells. CARs are capable of attracting disease-causing cancer cells.
CAR T Cell Therapy is integrating CARs with T-cells. That is, injecting CAR into T-cells. In this
process, the T-cells are modified to identify cancer cells. After injecting CAR, the T-cells
start attracting cancer cells. Once the cancer cells are identified, they can easily be
destroyed.
Destroying after identification is done in several ways like drugs or cell proliferation, etc.
Joe Acaba selected as NASA’s Chief Astronaut
In December 2022, the deputy chief of NASA Drew Feustel became the chief. However, his
services recently ended and he was succeeded by the new chief Joe Acaba. The chief of
NASA manages the resources of the organization, creates assignments, fixes deadlines,
designs crew operation concepts, etc.
About Acaba
Joe Acaba has spent more than 306 days in space. He served as a mission specialist and
flight engineer. He has also participated in spacewalks. Also, he supported the first
resupply spacecraft launched in 2012, the Dragon of SpaceX.
How is the Chief Astronaut of NASA selected?
He is appointed by the President of the United States. The US Senate advises the President
on making the appointment. The president has to get the consent of the senate before
making the appointment.
Chief of NASA Astronaut Corps
NASA’s Chief acts as the Chief of the NASA Astronaut Corps as well. The NASA Astronaut
Corps selects and trains the astronauts. As of December 2022, there were 41 active
astronauts. OF these 16 are women and 25 are men. In the history of NASA, the year 2000
had the highest number of astronauts. There were 149 NASA astronauts in 2000.
Proposed Kalaignar Pen Monument
The Tamil Nadu Government is planning to build a memorial for the late DMK leader and
former CM of TN M Karunanidhi. People of TN call him Kailaignar for his love towards
knowledge and his Tamil literature skills. The planned monument is opposed by
environmental activists. According to them, the monument will affect flora and fauna in
the region, coral reefs, Olive Ridley turtles and seagrass. However, the Tamil Nadu
Pollution Control Board performed the Environmental Impact Assessment. The clearance
has been issued based on the assessment.
What is the issue?
The monument is to be built on Mariana beach. It falls under Coastal Regulation Zone.
Therefore, it requires environmental clearance under SECTION 4 of Coastal Regulation
Zone Notification, 2011.
About the monument
The price of the monument is 81 crores. It will be built at a distance of 360 metres from
the coast. The monument will represent Tamil culture.
M Karunanidhi
He is the father of the current CM of Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin. Karunanidhi was one of the
most influential Dravidian leaders. He was the President of the DMK party between 1969
and 2018. Also, he served as the CM of Tamil Nadu for five terms between 1969 and 2011.
Digital Payments Utsav
The Digital Payments Utsav is to be launched by the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology. The main objective of the event is to create awareness of digital
payments. It is being conducted on the sidelines of the G20 meeting. For this reason, it will
try and promote the objectives of the Digital Economy Working Group of G20.
Key Highlights of Digital Payments Utsav
It is to be held in Lucknow, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru
The above cities were chosen because the Digital Economy Working Group Events
are to be held in these cities
The Utsav will focus mainly on G20 and its working
During the Utsav, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will launch
a QR code and a Coffee Table Book.
The ministry will also launch the “Digital Payment Sandesh Yatra” during the Utsav.
The main objective of the yatra is to create awareness of digital payments in the
country
Also, the ministry will present the “Digi Dhan Awards” for the top-performing banks
in the country
Significance
The intention of the ministry is to increase access to digital payment methods as India is
celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and the G20 presidency. The Utsav will highlight how
digital payments empower street vendors and small merchants.
QR Code-based Coin Vending Machine
The machine was launched by the Reserve Bank of India. The apex bank finalized its
decision of launching the machine during its recently held MPC meeting. The QR code is
being introduced as fake currency notes are increasing in coin vending machines.
About the new vending machine
The machine is to be launched in 12 cities in the first phase.
These machines will use UPI-based code systems to provide coins. Earlier the
machines tendered the bank notes physically.
What is a QR code-based coin vending machine?
Here the consumer need not use currency notes. Rather he shall use his bank account
password or a pin to get coins. As he enters the pin or password, the vending machine
verifies with his bank account and issues coins from his bank account directly. Earlier, the
consumer had to drop in currency notes to get coins.
Need for the machine
To increase the accessibility of coins in the country and also to increase the
distribution of coins in the country
To address the issue: The supply of coins in the country is very high, but distribution
is not even
Where will the new vending machines be available?
These new coin vending machines are to be placed in 19 locations across 12 cities. They
are to be placed in shopping malls, railway stations, and in other public places where
people can access them easily.
ASI Keeladi Report: Sangam Age pushed to 800 BCE
Keeladi is a hamlet located near Madurai city in Tamil Nadu. It is along the banks of River
Vaigai. The ASI started its excavations in Keeladi in 2014. Evidence was found that the
civilization at Keeladi, that is, the Sangam Age civilization is older than thought before.
Earlier it was believed that Sangam Era was 300 BCE. But the excavations at Keeladi
revealed that Sangam Era was older and dated 800 BCE. Controversies arose with the new
findings. Today, the ASI has put an end to the controversies finalizing that Sangam Age
dates from 800 BCE.
What is the issue?
ASI conducts excavations in four to five phases. During the Keeladi excavations,
consecutive phases did not receive funds on time. Also, the Tamil archaeologists working
with ASI performing the excavations were transferred to Assam and other states. This
created controversies. The issue was politicized. Criticisms were made that the BJP
government is doing Hindutva politics. If the excavations proved that the Sangam era
dated 800 BCE, there is an established fact that the civilization in the south was secular
and modern. And the modernization occurred earlier than in other parts of India. The
Sangam era had excellent trade connections with the world. The women’s literacy rate of
the era was high and equal to men.
The criticism made: Hindutva politicians associated with the central government are not
liking the fact that Tamil culture was older than thought before.
Operation Dost
Turkey was hit by a 7.8 Ritcher earthquake recently. The earthquake caused severe
damage to the people and was catastrophic. To help the people of Turkey, India launched
Operation Dost. Dost in Hindi means friend. Turkey welcomed India’s moves. The C17
Globemaster aircraft of the Indian Air Force has been deployed in the operation.
Significance
During tough times, India remembers Turkey’s help. In 2021, when India was highly
affected by COVID, Turkey sent two aircraft full of COVID medicines. It is India’s turn to
help its friend and therefore Operation Dost.
What did India send?
The aircraft is carrying medicines, relief materials, NDRF teams, etc. The aircraft started its
journey from the Hindon Air Base in India. It operates under the Western Command and is
located in Ghaziabad, UP. It is the largest air base in Asia.
The Turkey Earthquake
Turkey is located in a seismically active zone. The earthquake occurred as the Arabian
plate and the African plate moved against the Eurasian plate. Turkey is located at the tri-
junction point where all these three plates meet. Therefore, seismic activities are high.
After the earthquake, the country faced more than 60 shocks. This is strange. Usually, the
aftershocks are less in magnitude. However, during this earthquake, the aftershocks were
of the magnitude of mini earthquakes!
Quad Nations launch Quad Cyber Challenge
The QUAD Countries India, Australia, the US, and Japan recently launched the Quad Cyber
Challenge. The main objective is to improve cyber security in the four countries. It is
basically a competition. Any internet user from the Indo-Pacific region can participate in
the challenge. National Security Council will be the Indian representative at the QUAD in
implementing the challenge.
Focus of the challenge
Multi-factor authentication, routine security updates, identity checks, changing
passphrases regularly, identifying phishing, online scams, etc.
Role of QUAD in the challenge
QUAD will provide the resources for the participating professionals. Also, QUAD will
provide training to selected professionals from educational institutions and corporations
before they participate in the challenge.
Resilient Cyberspace
The main objective of the challenge is to create a resilient cyberspace. Cyberspace is the
internet platform where people share information, and engage in conversations, and
other social media activities. Ransomware attacks, malware, software vulnerabilities, AI

attacks, etc are the major challenges faced by cyberspace today. Other challenges are
clickjacking, denial of service attacks, spyware, a man-in-the-middle attack, etc.
SC to hear Adani-Hidenburg row
Advocate Vishal Tiwari recently filed a Public Interest Litigation to the Supreme court to
take up the case of the Adani-Hidenburg row. The apex court has agreed and will hear the
case on Feb 10, 2023. Vishal is a practising lawyer in the SC. The PIL requests the Chief
Justice of India to handle the case. CJI Chandrachud along with other judges of SC PS
Narasimha and JB Pardiwala will take up the case.
Hindenburg-Adani row
The Hindenburg Finance research company based in the US released an investigative
report on the Adani group. According to the report, the Adani group is manipulating
stocks holding fraudulent shell company operations. Following the report, the stock prices
of the company fell. The company lost more than 127 crores of rupees.
Why is the SC Stepping in?
The Hidenburg-Adani row which has been in the news for quite some time now is putting
India’s reputation at stake. Before the row, Gautham Adani was the second richest person
in the world.
World First Satellite based two way messaging system
Qualcomm launched the first satellite-based two-way messaging. It is called Snapdragon
Satellite. This means this you can use SMS just like WhatsApp. In two-way messaging like
Whatsapp, both participants can send or receive messages simultaneously. But in one-way
messaging apps offering SMS services, only one operation is possible.
About Snap Dragon Satellite
It was launched at the CES 2023
It is powered by a 5G Modem RF system
It can support 5G non-terrestrial networks. NTN is used in flying objects
In simple terms
X and Y are conversing. X sends “Hi”. Y receives and replies “Hello”. Now before receiving
Y’s Hello, X sends another message “How are you”. Now “Hello” from Y and “How are
you” from X have a clash. Either one has to wait. This waiting is not there in two-way
communication. Conversations occur just because you speak on phone.
Supported by the Iridium Satellite constellation
The two-way messaging system is supported by the Iridium satellite constellation. The
Iridium constellation was launched by the Iridium communication-based in the US. The
main purpose of the satellites is to provide L-band data, mostly voice data. And is being
widely used in satellite phones.
MMTC-PAMP launches Digital Silver
Digital Gold is a virtual method of buying gold. You will have gold on the paper. Just like
digital gold, now digital silver has been launched. It was launched by MMTC-PAMP. MMTC
is a Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation. It is a PSU. PAMP is Products Artistiques
Metaux Precieux. It is a company based in Switzerland. The products of the company are
gold bars and refined precious metals.
Digital Silver
Digital gold or digital silver is one of the safest ways to buy expensive metals. Storage is
easy and safe. The buyer does not possess the metal in his locker and therefore he need
not worry about its safety. He need not pay locker charges.
Benefits
When you buy physical gold, the money gets locked. No further investments can be made.
Digital gold is like shares. You put in your money on the company launching the product.
He or she uses the money to expand his business. Therefore, there are employment
opportunities and economic growth. On the other hand, buying physical gold benefits the
individual alone and adds to his savings.
Report: WhatsApp is India’s most accessible app for PWDs
The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy is a think tank that does legal research. The organization
recently released a report on the popularity of software applications in India. The title of
the report is “Making the Digital Ecosystem Disabled Friendly”. The organization has
found that WhatsApp is the most accessible app for disabled persons.
About the report
The organization evaluated applications in different categories such as e-commerce,
online payments, transport, food delivery, etc. The report was generated based on the
web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
What is WCAG?
The WCAG was created by Web Accessibility Initiative. It was launched by W3C, World Wide
Web Consortium. The W3C is the main key to WWW (World Wide Web). The headquarters
of the org is in the USA. The main objective of W3C is to create web standards.
Other apps audited
The think tank also audited other apps such as OLA, UBER, TELEGRAM, FLIPKART,
AMAZON, ZOMATO, SWIGGY, PAYTM, PHONE PE, etc.
After auditing, the apps were categorized as “highly accessible”, “moderately accessible”,
and “less accessible”. WhatsApp was highly accessible.
YouGov report on Disposable Income
YouGov is an international data analytics firm. It is based in the UK. The org recently
released a report on disposable income. The income that remains with the citizens after
deducting taxes is called disposable income. The YouGov report says that more than one-
third of urban Indian citizens claim that their disposable income has decreased.
Disposable Income in India
In the next 12 months, urban Indians are to increase their savings. Their major
expenses are around buying health insurance (26% of income), savings (33%) and
investments for the future (21%). Most of them are making investments in pension-
related stocks and schemes.
Two out of five urban Indians need help managing their money
One-third need help in using investments

Out of the 18 markets researched, the UK has the largest decline. After the UK, it was
Italy and Poland in second and third places respectively. The org works around Asia,
Europe and Australia.
Reasons for the decrease in disposable income
The effects of COVID related economic crisis and the Ukraine-Russia war-related economic
crisis are the two major reasons for the decrease in disposable income. Job loss is another
major factor contributing to the decline. During the recession, the government revenue
decreases and a deficit is created. To handle the situation Government increase taxes.
Consequently, disposable income decreases.
Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO, Navy undertake trials
The Gaganyaan is a crewed space mission of ISRO. It is expected to be launched in 2024.
Indian astronauts received their training from Russia’s ROSCOSMOS to fly to space in the
mission. HAL designed and built the crew module. DRDO is to provide food for the
astronauts, parachutes, and a fire suppression system and will monitor the health of the
crew while they are in space. The Indian Navy and ISRO recently conducted recovery trials
along with Indian Navy. The simulation was provided by the Water Survival Test Facility of
ISRO.
About the Recovery trials
The trials were conducted at the Water Survival Test Facility, Kochi.
To conduct the trials, the test facility created a crew recovery model. The model will
simulate the centre of gravity, mass, outer dimensions, etc.
The recovery trial was conducted in a closed pool
Role of Water Survival Test Facility
The facility provided 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.
Significance
Safe recovery is the final step in a human space flight program. The recovery has to be
done at the lapse of time. Therefore, it is essential that the recovery trials be conducted in
different scenarios. Also, extensive practice is required.
February 10, 2023
RBI expands scope of TReDS platform
The TReDS is Trade Receivables Discounting System. It facilitates finances for MSMEs. The
major drawback of the MSME platform is that they are unable to convert the trade
receivables into liquid funds. The TReDS mainly addresses this issue. Trade receivable is
the amount that the buyer or the customer owes to a company or organization or
business while buying a product.
What is RBI saying?
The Reserve Bank of India recently announced that it will expand the TReDS platform. This
is being done to increase insurance facilities in the country. Also, RBI aims to add the
factoring businesses as financiers to the TReDs. Under the TReDs businesses, financial
companies or government organizations can provide financial support to the MSMEs. Now
the factoring businesses are being added.
What are factoring businesses?
Say company A is manufacturing XXX smartphone. It sells the smartphone to 10
customers. Say, the cost of each phone is Rs 10,000. And therefore, the total sale is one
lakh rupees. The customers are paying through EMI. So it takes a while (assume the EMI
period to be 10 months) to get the entire one lakh. Meanwhile the suppliers of A, for
instance, battery suppliers, wire suppliers, etc are demanding money. Now to pay the
money to these suppliers A will go in search of factoring businesses.
A will show the invoice of its sale to 10 customers. And gets one lakh rupees; assuring to
return when the customers pay their EMIs completely. The company that gives this one
lakh to A is called the factoring company.
India’s first Drone Air Traffic Management System
Skye Air is a startup delivering drones in different parts of India. The startup recently
launched a Traffic Management System for drones. It is software and will allow drone
operators to choose their routes. Just like flight traffic management, the need for drone
traffic management is increasing. With e-commerce businesses looking for options for
drone deliveries, drone usage is to increase in the future exponentially.
Skye UTM: Drone Traffic Management System
The air traffic management system designed by Skye air is called Skye UTM. This is the
first of its kind in India. UTM stands for Unmanned Traffic Management. It will provide
BVLOS drone operations. BVLOS is Beyond Visual Line of Sight, meaning you can operate
your drones safely to far away places without even seeing them physically.
How does Skye UTM work?
It gets information from the Digital Sky Platform. It is run by GoI and has information
about all drone operators and drone flights in the country. The platform is run by DGCA,
Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Highly competitive
So far very few countries in the world have such drone traffic management systems. For
instance, the AirMap company in the US has this kind of traffic management system. And
also, the Airbus of Netherlands has designed such a system.
World Pulses Day, 2023
The United Nations and several other international organizations and countries celebrate
World Pulses Day on February 10. The main objective of the celebration is to increase
awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses. Also, 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
About World Pulses Day
The UN passed the resolution of celebrating World Pulses Day in 2013. It is led by the Food
and Agriculture Organization. The fact that cultivating pulses provide employment to rural
women is also propagated on this day.
Significance
Pulses are a good source of proteins. They are rich in fibre and very low in fats. Therefore,
they are easily digested and keep you energetic. Pulses help to control sugar and also
lower cholesterol.
India
The Food Security Mission aims to increase the production of three crops in the country.
They are rice, wheat, and pulses. India gives importance to pulses as they increase the
nitrogen content in the soil. Pulses fix more than 20-40 kg of nitrogen in the soil. Major
pulses-producing states are AP, MP, UP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar,
Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.
Mission Antyodaya Survey 2022-23
The Antyodaya mission was launched to aid people in rural areas. It aims to eliminate
poverty. The Ministry of rural development recently launched Mission Antyodaya Survey
2022-23. The survey is to be conducted in two lakh sixty-nine thousand gram panchayats
in the country. It is to be conducted using questionnaires. Around 21 areas will be
covered. 183 indicators have been chosen to cover 21 areas. The areas covered in the
survey include fisheries, agriculture, fuel and fodder, good governance, roads,
communication, etc. The questionnaires are to be prepared in 13 languages.
Mission Antyodaya
It was launched during the budget 2017-18. The main objective of the mission is to bring
optimum use of natural resources in rural areas. The purpose is to aid the panchayats in
creating their development plan. Apart from these objectives, the mission also has to fulfil
the objective of conducting the annual survey. This is done to monitor the development
processes. With the report from the survey, the mission will plan and improve its service
delivery.
The mission also encourages the gram panchayats to develop partnerships with
institutions and organizations to help them in their development. Of all the industries, the
food processing sector has a good chance to build partnerships with the gram
panchayats.
IISc-Samsung partner for R&D in Electrostatic Discharge Protection
Electrostatic Discharge Protection is protecting the equipment from electromagnetic
waves. It is the most essential part of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). Every
electronic piece of equipment has to pass the EMC test to get certified as
electromagnetically safe. It means it is neither affected by EM waves nor emits EM waves
(that may affect other devices). Samsung has partnered with IISc to research Electrostatic
Discharge Protection.
Electrostatic Discharge
It is the sudden flow of electrons between objects. When the electrostatic discharge is
high an electrical short occurs and heavy current flows between the object. This current
damages the object. Where does this electron come from? While the circuit in the chip is
closed and the wires are insulated, the question obviously comes where the electrons
come from. These electrons are from the electromagnetic waves generated in the circuit.
The transceiver circuits and high current circuits generate electromagnetic waves. The
wave generates electrons.
What will the companies research upon?
IISc and Samsun will find out ways to protect the equipment from electrostatic discharge.
The discharge is quite high in PCBs used in electronic devices like laptops, and cell phones.
Now with nanotechnology advancing rapidly, the size of electronic components is
reducing. Therefore, there is a need to place the components close to each other. This
increases the challenges of Electrostatic discharge protection. The companies will work to
find out solutions to protect the PCBs against electrostatic discharge.
Asia to use half of World’s electricity by 2025: IEA
The International Energy Agency recently released its annual report. The other two major
reports released by the organization are the World Energy Outlook and the Net Zero by
2050 report. According to the annual report released by the Agency, the Asian continent is
to consume half the electricity produced in the world by 2025. On the other hand, Africa
will only use 3% of the world’s electricity by 2025. Africa has one-fifth of the world’s
population.
Nuclear power and wind power are to increase. World temperature rise has reached 1.1
degrees Celsius as compared to the preindustrial levels.
Electricity Consumption of China
Most of Asia’s electricity consumption is to come from China. China is to consume more
electricity compared to the combined consumption of the US, India, and the EU.
Least Consumer
Africa is to consume the least because it is not as developed as the rest of the world.
Influence of Weather on Electricity consumption
Electricity demand in the world is becoming weather dependent. Heat waves in India will
significantly increase the power consumption of the country. Also, drought in Europe will
increase its electricity consumption. Severe storms in the US are to increase and will
damage the power distribution systems causing severe damage.
Lithium Reserves found in Jammu and Kashmir
The Geological Survey of India has found lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir. They
have been found in the Reasi district. Today India is importing Lithium from countries
from Argentina and Australia. In 2021 alone, the price of lithium increased by 400% for
several reasons. One of them was an increase in digital growth and electric batteries
during COVID.
World Lithium reserves
Most of the lithium reserves are concentrated in South America; especially in countries
such as Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. These 3 countries are called the Lithium Triangle.
However, they are not the top producers of lithium in the world! China produces 75% of
the world’s lithium. Rather than production, China is doing the refining business.
Lithium-Essential for the digital world
Lithium is highly important to produce rechargeable batteries. The requirement of Lithium
is essential in electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, digital cameras and every other
electronic component we use today. They are the major storage blocks of electricity.
Way Forward
India is to e-auction the Lithium blocks soon. Lithium is used in heart pacemakers. It is a
low-density metal with a high energy-to-weight ratio. Meaning a very little quantity of
lithium can store large amounts of energy. This property of Lithium makes the metal ideal
for electricity storage.
Journalist A.B.K. Prasad chosen for Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award
Raja Ram Mohan Roy lived in the 19th century. The reformer founded Brahmo Samaj in
1828 and played a major role in abolishing Sati. The Press Council of India presents
awards in the name of the legend every year. In 2023, the Raja Ram Mohan Roy National
Award is presented to Journalist A.B.K. Prasad for his contributions towards journalism.
About ABK Prasad
He has devoted his 75 years of life to journalism. He has worked as an editor in major
journals in AP. Also, he worked as the Chairman of the Official Language Commission
between 2004 and 2009.
Official Language Commission
It was constituted under the constitutional provisions provided in Article 344. It looks after
the progressive use of the official language in the country.
Who will present the award?
Press Council of India. It is a statutory body formed in 1966. It watches the press and their
actions in the country. It was established under the Press Council Act of 1978. Usually, a
retired Supreme court Judge is appointed as the chairman of the Press Council of India.
Anybody can file complaints against any press with the Press Council of India.
ISRO launches second developmental flight SSLV D2
The Indian Space Research Organization successfully launched the Small Satellite Launch
Vehicle (SSLV). It was launched from Sriharikota. The SSLV-D2 dropped EOS-07, Azzzadi
SAT-2, and Janus-1 satellites. The satellites were dropped at an altitude of 450 km from the
earth within 15 minutes of the launch.
About SSLV-D2 launch
SSLV can carry a payload of up to 500 kg. It is one of the low-cost space crafts of ISRO, can
carry more than one satellite, requires very less launch infrastructure, and provides very
less turnaround time.
ES-07
It was developed by ISRO. It weighs 156 kg. It carries a spectrum monitoring payload and
humidity sounder. It is an earth observation satellite.
Janus-1
The satellite was developed by the USA. The weight of the satellite was 10.2 kg. It is a
demonstration satellite developed by ANTARIS.
Azaadi SAT-2
It was developed by SpaceKidz India. Around 750 girl students participated in developing
the satellite. The satellite has voice and data transmission equipment, a selfie camera, and
also UHF and VHF transponders.
SSLV-D1
It was a failure as the rocket did not put the satellites in the right orbit. Recently ISRO
released the reasons for the failure of the mission in its analysis report.
Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2021
The Global Quality Index Infrastructure was released for 184 world economies based on
the quality of their infrastructure. India was ranked fifth. The standardization ranking was
at the 9th spot and the credit goes to BIS. The metrology system was ranked 21st and NPL-
CSIR takes the credit. 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.
Rankings of the other countries
Germany topped the list. It was followed by China, the US, the UK, Japan, and France in the
second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth positions respectively. The rankings are calculated
based on the standards, metrology and accreditation.
Significance
The QCI is the backbone of India’s international trade. The council receiving a good
ranking at the international level is proof that India is gaining the trust of its international
partners. QCI operates other national bodies such as NPL-CSIR, BIS, etc. They are all the
custodians of the National Accreditation System.
QCI
It was established in 1997 by DPIIT. The major boards of QCI are NABCB and NABL. NABCB
is National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies. NABL is National Accreditation
Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
CMFRI identifies sites for sea cage farming
Sea cage farming is growing fish in the sea using an enclosed net. Even if we use just 1%
of inshore water in this, we can produce 3.2 million tonnes of fish. However, India is
lagging in the method. To increase sea cage farming in the country, CMFRI identified 146
spots.
What is the plan?
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute recently identified 146 spots for sea cage
farming. With this, India is planning to produce 2.13 million tonnes of fish per year. Of
146, four sites are from Kerala.

About the cages
Each cage to be placed in the sites can grow 3 tonnes of fish within eight months. The
expected revenue from each site is 1.5 lakhs to 2.5 lakhs per cage.
Why promote sea cage farming?
The production in sea cage farming is 50 times more than conventional shore fishing.
Expenditure and investment are very minimal. Monitoring the fish is easy. Also, feeding,
observation, and growth are simple. No special skills are required. Harvesting is also easy.
Overall labour, investment and techniques, skills and technologies required are very less.
Choosing the right site
The key to successful sea cage farming is choosing the site. Experts from CMFRI are to do
this job for the fish farmers. It is difficult because certain spots should be avoided like
sewage pipe discharge spots, harbours, navigation channels, mangroves, marine
protected areas, industrial effluent points, etc.
Govt data on Pending Court Cases
The Government of India recently shared its data on the pending court cases in the
country. Data was shared in Rajya Sabha. According to the data, the numbers have
reached 4.32 crores. Around 69,000 cases are pending in Supreme Court. 59 lakh cases are
pending in 25 High Courts in the country. The data is based on the information available at
the National Judicial Data Grid.
Pending cases in HC
More than 10 lakh cases are pending in Allahabad HC alone. The least number of pending
cases was in the Sikkim High court which is around 171.
National Judicial Data Grid
It holds information about case details, and judgements pronounced in HC, district courts,
and subordinate courts.
Reasons for the increase in pending cases
The inadequate number of judges is the main reason. The practice of seeking
adjournment is another main reason for the increase in pending cases in Indian courts.
Why do some courts perform better than others?
Availability of quality judges. Top judges in a state are reluctant to join the bench. This is
because they are of the opinion that their financial earning reduce if they join the
benches.
Way Forward
Pending vacancies should be filled in at the earliest; Remuneration of the judges should
be increased for the quality judges to join the bench; alternate dispute resolution
mechanisms shall be introduced.
US Fed: Wall Street Bank Stress Test scenarios
The Federal Reserve of the United States is to create a hypothetical scenario of economic
crisis. This is being done to check if the top-performing banks in the country shall survive
the economic crisis. There are 23 big banks in the USA. And all the banks are to be put into
a severe global recession. However, care will be taken so that they do not lose their capital
to unsafe thresholds.
What is the plan?
The Federal Reserve is to introduce economic crisis scenarios. This includes “Market
shocks” as well. The scenarios are being created based on the 2008 crisis. Corporate debt
markets will also be created during the plan. During the test scenario, unemployment in
the US is to increase by 10%.
What are the stress test scenarios for US Banks?
Interest rates, exchange rates, stock prices, and real estate prices, are some of the test
scenarios of economic crisis to the banks. Also, the US Fed introduced a stress test that
will focus on credit risk as well. The major focus is to be on the “Exploratory Market Shock”
What is Exploratory Market Shock?
Market shock is the disruption in the smooth functioning of the market. In other words, it
is the disturbance caused to the market equilibrium. It usually occurs due to changes in
supply and demand. In exploratory market shock, there are no changes in supply and
demand. Supply and Demand are smooth and functioning normally. Disruption is caused
artificially. For instance, increasing interest rates to create sudden market disruptions.
While in reality, there is no need for such as economic move.
Khelo India Winter Games 2023
The Khelo India scheme was launched to increase the sports skills of the youth in the
country and also to increase the sports infrastructure. Since the scheme’s launch, the
Khelo India committee working under the sports ministry has been organizing several
games like Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India Winter Games, etc. The Khelo India
Winter Games 2023 were recently launched in the Gulmarg of Jammu and Kashmir.
About Khelo India Winter Games 2023
This is the third edition, meaning the games have been conducted twice and this is the
third time. More than 1500 participants are to participate this year across nine different
games.
Organizers
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organizing the Khelo India Winter Games along
with; the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and the Winter Games Association of J&K.
Previous Khelo India Winter Games
The 2021 edition was held in Leh. And the 2020 edition was held in Gulmarg. Games held
are skiing, figure skating, snowshoe running, ice stock sports, Nordic skiing, ice hockey,
speed skating, mountaineering, snow rugby, etc.
Gulmarg
It is a hill station and one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. It is located at
the Pir Panjal Range.
RBI Guidelines on Climate risk, sustainable finance
In July 2022, the Reserve Bank of India released a discussion paper called Climate Risk and
Sustainable Finance. The discussion paper of RBI analyses an issue from different angles
and provides solutions and guidelines to solve the problem. Based on the Climate Risk and
Sustainable Finance discussion paper, the bank is to release guidelines on accepting green
deposits; a framework to deal with climate-related financial risks.
About the Guidelines
RBI says that climate change has the full potential to transform into climate-related
financial risks. The guidelines are not yet released. RBI will release it in a phased manner.
The guidelines will have all instructions related to climate risks.
What is climate-related financial risk?
The RBI discussion paper defines the term as “Potential risk arising from climate change”.
The climate-related financial risks occur in two main forms. They are physical risks and
transition risks.
According to the discussion paper, physical climate-related risks are those risks that come
directly from climatic events. This includes risks from storms, floods, wildfires, etc. The
transition risks are those risks coming from climate change-related policies, technologies,
etc.
What are Green Deposits?
The Green Deposits are Fixed Deposits. The only difference between an ordinary fixed
deposit and the green deposit is that, in green deposits, the amount deposited in the bank
will be used to implement renewable energy projects.
Ukaguru Spiny-throated reed frog: New Silent frog species
A voiceless frog was recently discovered in Tanzania. It does not croak or sing like other
frogs. It was found in the Ukaguru mountains of Tanzania and hence the name Ukaguru
spiny throated reed frog. They have spines in their throat and hence phrase spiny throat
has been added to their name.
About the Ukaguru Spiny throated reed frog
These frogs are nearing extinction. The scientists have been conducting wide and
long amphibian research in the Ukaguru mountains since 2019. They were hoping to
find Churamiti maridadi. This amphibian is rare and is nearing extinction. It has been
found only twice so far.
The Ukaguru spiny-throated reed frog had smaller eyes and unique body
proportions.
The Ukaguru lies in the Eastern Arc List and is rich in biodiversity.
A tough research
The new species was discovered during tough research being conducted in the wild.
Scientists are using satellite receivers, distributing photos of rare toads to the nearby
tribal and villagers, and a lot more techniques to document the toad species in the
mountain.
Spines in the throat
Male frogs generally croak to call upon the female during the breeding season. They
identify their species with the croaking sound. The Ukaguru spiny-throated reed frogs do
not croak. Probably they use Braille-like sign language. Scientists believe that they may
use their spines to call upon others.

Kala Ghoda Art Festival
The Kala Ghoda Art Festival is celebrated in Mumbai. Every year the celebrations begin on
the first Saturday of February and end on the second Sunday of February. The festival is
celebrated in the Kala Ghoda, meaning Black Horse, a region in Mumbai. The celebrations
began in 1999. Since then it has attracted visitors from different parts of the country and
also from different parts of the world.
About the festival
The festival is organized by the Kala Ghoda Association. It is an NGO that works to make
Mumbai an art city. The celebrations are around cinema, music, literature, and theatres.
Workshops are conducted. Stalls selling crafts and eco-friendly products line up.
Kala Ghoda
The region is in the shape of a crescent. It is the seat of popular heritage buildings of the
metropolitan city such as the National Gallery of Modern Art, Jehangir Art Gallery, etc.
There is a controversy around the name of the region Kala Ghoda. During British rule, a
stone statue of King Edward VII riding a black horse was installed in the region. Since then
the region was called Kala Ghoda. In 1965, the statue was removed and placed in Byculla
zoo. In 2017, yet another black horse was installed. But this time without a rider!
February 11, 2023
Digital Forensic Laboratories
Digital Forensic science identifies, processes, acquires and reports electronic evidence.
This includes data capturing, emails, smartphone analytics, hard disk retrieval, and other
computer analysis tools. With the GST evasions increasing in the country, DGCI has joined
hands with NFSU to launch Digital Forensic Laboratories. They have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding to establish Digital Forensic Laboratories in the country.
What are Digital Forensic Laboratories?
They perform analysis and investigations on electronic evidence. This may be bank
accounts, online transactions, mobile communication, computer files, etc.
Need for Digital Forensic Laboratories
In the past three years, tax authorities discovered Rs 62,000 crores of GST evasion. This
was done using fake invoices. GoI struggling with the deficit, it is essential to curb such
evasions. The Digital Forensic Laboratories will help DGCI fight against tax evasion in the
country.
About the MoU
The MoU to create Digital Forensics Laboratories was signed between the National
forensics Science University and the Directorate General of GST Intelligence. The DGCI
works under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, CBIC. The main role and
responsibilities of DGCI are to collect information on tax evasion and disseminate them to
CBIC. With this CBIC will take action and make necessary measures to reduce such
instances.
National Philatelic Exhibition – AMRITPEX 2023

Stamps are reflections of the heritage and achievements of a country. They give a glimpse
of important things. The India Post is organizing AMRITPEX 2023 in New Delhi. It is
National Philatelic Exhibition spread over 50,000 square feet. More than 1400 frames are
to be exhibited in AMRITPEX. The focus of the event is on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
About AMRITPEX 2023
The themes of AMRITPEX are youth, Nature, women’s power, Wildlife, the Culture of India,
etc. It will also focus on Indian biodiversity. Apart from this, the exhibition will also include
a wall of stamps, live paintings, etc.
Philately
Collection of postage stamps is philately. The Government launches stamps
commemorating special events like centenary birth anniversaries of great leaders,
achievements of schemes, sports persons, honouring military officials and their sacrifices,
promoting tourist spots and heritages, etc. The stamps remind us of the richness of the
country and its pride.
National Philately Day
It is celebrated on October 13 to encourage philately as a hobby. During the celebrations,
India Post releases stamps on national interests and social relevance. For instance, during
the 2021 celebrations, India Post released stamps on unsung war heroes of India.
MobiKwik launches UPI Payment with RuPay Credit Card
UPI allows users to use multiple bank accounts on the same platform. Till 2022, credit
cards couldn’t be used on UPI. In June 2022, the Reserve Bank of India allowed linking
credit cards with UPI. Following this, MobiKwik is the first company to launch this feature.
Now you can use RuPay credit cards issued by MobiKwik on UPI.
About the launch
MobiKwik is a Fintech company that provides digital wallet services and phone-based
payment services. 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
UPI is Unified Payments Interface, meaning you can use multiple bank accounts on the
same platform. With UPI, you need not provide account numbers or IFSC codes during
transactions. It was developed by the National Payment Corporation of India. Say you
downloaded the UPI app. And linked your SBI account, and Canara Bank accounts with the
app. So far, with UPI you can use internet banking (of SBI or CANARA), and debit card (of
SBI or CANARA) transactions for shopping. But cannot use credit cards. Now with RBI
changing the rules, you can use credit cards as well. After RBI changed the rue, MobiKwik
is the first fintech to launch this. Other companies are yet to launch.
India-EU Trade and Technology Council
India and European Union recently established a new Trade and Technology Council. The
council will work to provide security and prosperity. Under the council, the countries will
focus on green technologies, connectivity, and resilient supply chains. The countries have
created three working groups under the council. They are Strategic Technology, Digital
Connectivity, and Digital Governance working group; Green and Clean Energy
technologies; Trade, investment, and resilient value working group.
Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity Working Group
This group will work on 5G, cyber security, cloud systems, semiconductors, Artificial
Intelligence, digital platforms, digital skills, etc. These areas are of mutual interest to both
India and the EU.
Green and Clean Energy Technology Working Group
This group will focus on researching investment standards, green technologies, clean
energy, waste management, circular economy, marine pollution, etc. Also, it will work to
increase the cooperation between the Indian and EU startups, and SMEs.
Trade, Investment, and Resilient Value Chains
This group will work on supply chain resilience, energy materials, raw materials, etc. The
group will identify trade barriers and will promote cooperation in different trade-related
areas. Also, the group will promote international standards. Above all, the group will
address geopolitical challenges at the world level.
World Unani Day 2023
Hakim Ajmal Khan was a famous Indian Unani scholar. World Unani Day is celebrated on
February 11 marking his birth anniversary. Unani, also called Yunani is Greek medicine. It
was mainly developed by the Arabs and Persians. World Unani Day is celebrated to spread
the findings of Hakim all over the world.
The theme of World Unani Day 2023
Unani Medicine for Public Health
History
Hakim invented the Unani Medical system. He worked hard and contributed several
advancements to the field of Unani medicine. He founded three Unani institutions such as
the Central College of Delhi, Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, and Hindustani
Dawakhna. All these institutions played a major role in spreading awareness of Unani
medicine. In 2017, the AYUSH Ministry decided to celebrate his birth anniversary as Unani
Day. In 2017, the CRIU in Hyderabad celebrated the first Unani day.
Awards
On World Unani Day, the CRIU, the Central Research Institute of Unani presents the
CCRUM awards. CCRUM is the Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine.
In 2018, GoI launched several categories in UNANI medicine in the AYUSH awards.
India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2023
The India-ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting was recently held in New Delhi. It was held
virtually. The theme of the meeting was “Synergy towards a Sustainable Digital Future”.
The main objective of the meeting was to enhance the strength between India and ASEAN
in the field of IT. To achieve this, the ministers launched a Digital Work Plan.
About the India-Asean Digital World Plan
Under the plan, the countries will work on emerging communication technology. Mainly
they will focus on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber security. India will take the leading role
in framing the plan and also in implementing the plan. The work plan includes the
following:
To boost the applications in the fields such as the Internet of Things and Artificial
Intelligence; here the countries will mainly work on smart cities.
To focus on standards and make sure they are in compliance with international levels
Security Protection
Digital health
5G technology
Significance
India is trying to elevate its strategic partnership with India to Comprehensive Strategic
Partnership. In 2022, India celebrated ASEAN India Friendship Year. India has huge plans
for ASEAN. The country is trying to use the North Eastern parts as a gateway to increase its
trade with ASEAN. With this, the development in the northeastern regions will also
increase exponentially.
Hyderabad Formula E-Championship
Formula E is an electric car race. It is a championship of single-seater electric cars. It was
conceived in 2011 in Paris. The championship is hosted by ABB FIA. The first Formula E
championship was held in Beijing in 2014. The 2023 Formula E championship is to be held
in Hyderabad.
About the Formula-E championship 2023
This is the first time the race is held in India. The electric cars will race each other near the
Hussain Sagar Lake of Hyderabad. More than 22,000 spectators are expected at the
championship. The top companies participating in the race are Nissan, Porsche, Jaguar,
Mahindra, Maserati, McLaren, etc. The cars will reach a top speed of 320 km per hr. The
companies participating in the race are releasing their third-generation electric race cars.
During the race, the cars have to complete 32 laps. Each lap has 18 turns.
Electric Motorsport
Electric sports cars lost their significance due to the speeds achieved by oil-based cars.
However, with the invention of lithium-ion batteries, cars have regained their significance
in the 21st century. Today, electric car engine capacities are even higher than oil-based or
gas-based racing cars!
IMF calls for reforms of China’s Growth model
The International Monetary Fund says that the potential growth of China is falling. The
country is in need of comprehensive economic reforms. The international organization
has made this call because Chinese investments are diminishing. Also, the growth model
of china completely depends on State–owned enterprises. Unfortunately, the state-owned
enterprises in the country are very less in number. This makes the economic growth
over–reliant on less supportive state-owned enterprises.
What is the issue?
The Chinese GDP is falling since COVID. According to the IMF, the growth of China is to be
around 5.2% in 2023. China was on the plan of doubling its GDP. At the current pace and
with growth rates falling down, China will not be able to achieve this target. In 2005-06,
the growth rate of China was 10%. In 2021, it was 4.7%. It will drop further in four to five
years.
Why is China facing this issue?
The issue arose because the working population of China is decreasing. To control
population growth, the country introduced the One Child policy. With advancements, life
expectancy in the country increased. Now China has come to a position where the
dependent population is more. The working population is forced to feed too many
mouths. The US-China trade war is another major reason for the reduced growth rate.
China’s overall trade plunged down when the US banned Chinese on-chip supplies.
Rajasthan Inflation Relief Package
State Budget was recently presented at the Rajasthan State Assembly. During the budget
presentation, it was announced that the State Government of Rajasthan has allocated Rs
19,000 crores as an inflation relief package. This has been done to relieve the people of
Rajasthan from the burden of increasing prices. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot holds the
finance portfolio as well.
About the Relief Package
Free food packets to families below the poverty line; This is being done under
National Food Security Act. The food packets include one kilogram of sugar, one kg
of pulses, and 1 litre of edible oil. The State Government has allocated 3000 crores of
rupees for this.
LPG cylinders at subsidised rates. This is to be provided under Ujjwala Scheme. The
cylinders are to be given at 500 rupees. More than 76 lakh families are to be
benefitted from this
100 units of free electricity per month; only to domestic electricity consumers and
not to commercial. Earlier this was 50 units per month. Rs 7000 crores have been
allocated for this
Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana
The scheme was launched to provide free treatment to the people of Rajasthan. It was
launched in 2021. Now, under the new relief package, the coverage amount has been
increased to 25 lakh rupees. It was 10 lakh rupees earlier.
The next assembly elections for Rajasthan are to be held in December 2023. Congress is
the current ruling party of the state.
World Government Summit 2023
Every year the World Government Summit is held in Dubai, UAE. During the summit, world
leaders discuss policies and governmental processes. More than 4,000 foreign delegates
from at least 100 countries attend the summit. The summit acts as a knowledge exchange
hub. Policymakers and the private sectors learn about mutual interests and future
requirements.
World Government Summit 2023
The 2023 summit is to begin in February 2023. More than 20 presidents will attend this
year’s summit. This includes Abdel El Sisi of Egypt, African Union chairperson Macky Sall,
Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, etc.
The main objective of the summit in 2023
Explore new technological innovations; explore the best government practices,
sustainable development discussions and debates; Interactive sessions on Artificial
intelligence and cyber security issues
The theme of World Government Summit 2023
Shaping Future Governments
History
The first World Government Summit was held in 2013. In 2017, the first Global Dialogue for
Happiness was conducted. In 2018, the first Global Artificial Intelligence Forum was
conducted.
India at the World Government Summit
India is to announce its partners of “India Stack” at the World Government Summit. The
India Stack is a collection of APIs. Around seven countries are to join India Stack. The
names of the countries will be announced at the World Government Summit.
Wetland Ex-Situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE)
The Rajasthan State Government recently announced the WESCE plan. The French
Government is to fund this project for a period of eight years. The total cost is estimated
to be around Rs 1200 crores. The WESCE is a zoo that will be launched within the World
Heritage site, Keoladeo National Park. The zoo will display dolphins, crocodiles, water
buffaloes, and other exotic species. The major attraction will be the wetland species to be
put in the zoo.
What is the plan?
The State Government is planning to introduce several changes to the World Heritage Site.
There is a plan to breed and re-introduce extinct species on the site. For this, the species
such as black bucks, otters, and hog deer have been selected. The other proposed
changes are as follows:
AN AQUARIUM: This is being planned for Gangetic dolphins and indigenous crocs
ENCLOSURES: To display wetland species like water buffalo, swamp deer, Indian
Rhino, etc
Residential Quarters for the park workers and managers
Veterinary care centres, tourist facilities, etc.
Keoladeo National Park
The park once served as a hunting reserve for kings from Afghanistan, China,
Turkmenistan, and Siberia. It is a migrating ground for waterfowl and some of the rare
Siberian cranes. It is a major stop point in the Central Asian Flyway.
Border Gavaskar Trophy: India wins first test
The Border Gavaskar Trophy is conducted by the BCCI and Cricket Australia; and is played
via ICC. This means the performances of the players in the match will be included in the
ICC rankings. It is played between India and Australia. It is a test cricket series. India won
the first test of the series. The first test was played at Nagpur. The test series was planned
for 2022 but was postponed because of the T20 World Cup.
First Test
Four tests are to be conducted. This is the first test that was held in Nagpur India won the
innings and 132 runs.
About Border Gavaskar Trophy
The match is being held since 1996. The frequency of the trophy is not as that of “The
Ashes”. The Ashes is a test series conducted between England and Australia.
BCCI
The current BCCI President is Roger Binny. GoI has very minimal regulation over the
council. It does not receive any grants from the Sports Ministry. It was formed by state
cricket associations in 1928. However, India’s cricket is controlled by BCCI. It is one of the
richest cricket governing bodies in the world. Cricket Australia is the first richest body
followed by the Cricket Board of England. And the third richest is the BCCI!
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. 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.
Organizer of the congress
The ARRW located at ICAR-NRRI organized the congress. ARRW is the Association of Rice
Research Workers. It was founded in 1961.
Significance
Low-income groups of India depend on rice. In fact, rice is the only source of nutrition for
these groups. India is planning to bring more bio-fortified paddy crops. Recently, NRRI
launched high-protein rice.
Need for the congress
The congress will serve as a common platform for international scientists to learn about
the new advancements in the field of agriculture. In 2010, India produced 89 million
tonnes of rice. In 2022, the production increased to 130 million tonnes. Such achievements
shall be progressed and new innovations shall be adopted through the congress.
Why Cuttack?
Cuttack is called Silver city and has several heritage values. The Jagannath Temple (74 km
from Cuttack), Konark city (65 km from Cuttack), Nandan Kanan National Park, Chilika lake,
etc.
The Government of India is planning on promoting its tourism at every international
event. For instance, the tourism ministry is presenting virtual tours of the popular tourist
destinations of India to foreign delegates attending G20 meetings.
Direct Tax Collections of FY 2022-23

The CBDT operating under the Finance Ministry recently released the Revised Estimates of
the Direction of Tax collection of the country. In accordance with the report released, the
direct tax collection of India has increased by 24% in 2022-23 as compared to that of the
previous year. In 2022-23, the total direct taxes collected were Rs 15.67 lakh crores.
Direct Tax collection in 2022-23
The budget estimates of the direct tax revenues were Rs 14.2 lakh crores. However, the
collected amount is higher than this. The figures provided are up to February 10, 2023.
Why the increase?
The tax collections increased mainly because of the Corporate Income Tax collections and
Personal Incomes Tax Collections. The corporate income tax collections were 19.33%
higher than the previous year. And the Personal Income Tax collection was 29.63% higher
than the previous year.
What is a direct tax?
The taxes such as income tax are categorised as direct taxes. That is, these taxes are
imposed on the profits of a person or an organization rather than on goods and services.
GST is not a direct tax. It is an indirect tax. This is because it is imposed on goods and
services and mostly includes service taxes, value-added taxes, excise duties, purchase tax,
etc.
February 12, 2023
Project Cheetah: India gets 12 cheetahs from South Africa
India and South Africa signed an agreement on Project Cheetah in January 2023.
According to the agreement, India will get 12 Cheetahs from South Africa. These cheetahs
will be dropped at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. In September 2022, eight
Cheetahs were introduced in the park. These eight were brought from Namibia. Namibia
gifted them to India. This was the first inter-continental transfer of Cheetahs in the world.
What is the plan?
Cheetahs became extinct in India in 1952. Project Cheetah, also called Action plan for the
introduction of Cheetah in India was launched to reintroduce the big cats in the country.
To achieve this, India signed an agreement with South Africa. Under this agreement,
South Africa will send 12 Cheetahs every year for the next 8 to 10 years.
Stakeholders of the plan
The project is implemented by the Forestry department, South African organizations,
National Biodiversity Institute, Endangered Wildlife trust, etc. The Indian Air Force flies the
Cheetahs from South Africa.
Concerns
Initially India had planned to introduce the African Cheetahs. However, this was against
the IUCN rules of reintroduction. According to IUCN, introducing an exotic species will
replace the native ones. So India moved on with Asiatic Cheetahs. Asiatic Cheetahs existed
in India and became extinct. Therefore, Asiatic Cheetahs are not exotic species to the
country.
HAL exports ALH Mk3 helicopters to Mauritius

India signed an agreement with Mauritius in January 2022 to export the ALH Mk3
helicopters to the country. In accordance with the agreement, HAL recently delivered an
ALH Mk3 chopper. The helicopter is to be used by Mauritian Police Force. In future, HAL
will provide technical and maintenance support for the helicopters.
About ALH Mk III
It is a multi-role helicopter. The chopper had proven its roles in several life-saving
missions and also during natural calamities. To date, India had produced more than 335
such helicopters. ALH stands for Advanced Light Helicopter. It is one of the advanced
helicopters of the Indian Air Force. It has Electro optical sensors, a full glass cockpit, Shakti
engines, searchlights with high intensity, etc. In June 2022, these helicopters were
commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard operating in the Gujarat coastal areas.
Significance
The delivery will boost the ties between India and Mauritius. The country is important for
India for its geopolitical location in the Indian Ocean. Also, such delivery aids India in
achieving its defence exports target. India has set a target of 5 billion USD in exports by
2025.
Starship Static Fire Test of SpaceX
The Starship is a reusable rocket developed by SpaceX. The company has huge plans for
the rocket. NASA will use Starship rockets to land its astronauts on the moon during the
Artemis III mission. SpaceX recently completed the static fire test successfully.
What is Static Fire Test?
During the test, the engines of the rockets are fired to their fullest thrust. And launch
mount holds the launch vehicle firmly. Scientists measure the pressure, propellant flow
gradients, and temperature during the test. It is a wet dress rehearsal. Meaning, the liquid
propellants are loaded during the test.
What is special about SpaceX’s recent tests?
SpaceX fired all its 33 engines at once. Earlier the company tested only 14 engines. This
time it ignited all 33 engines to test the performance of the rocket. To carry astronauts to
the moon and to other planets and return back, the rockets should have enough fuel and
high power. This is why SpaceX tested all its 33 engines together.
Raptor engines in Starship
The Starship rockets run on raptor engines. These engines are powered by liquid oxygen
and cryogenic liquid methane. Cryogenic means the fuels require very low storage
temperatures.
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: PM inaugurates first stretch
The Sohna-Dausa stretch in the Delhi-Mumbai expressway was recently inaugurated by
PM Modi. With this, the travel time between Sohna in Haryana and Dausa in Rajasthan will
be reduced to 2.5 hours. Earlier it was 5 hours. The distance between Sohna and Dausa is
246 km. This stretch is an alternate for the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway.
About the Sohna-Dausa stretch
It will pass through Gurugram, Palwal, and Nuh districtirs. The stretch will cover more
than 11 major villages of Guru gram; 47 villages in Nuh, and 7 villages in Palwal. It will be
connected with Mumbai – Delhi expressway. The connections are to be established near
the stretches between DND And Jaipur; and on the connection between Jaitpur and
Ballabhargh.
World Record
During the construction of this, a world record was achieved. The highest quality of dense
bitumen was applied to a 50-km stretch in just 100 hours!
Safe Corridors
The expressway is the first in the Asian continent to include safe corridors for the
movement of wildlife.
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
It is 1,350 km long and is under construction. It was started in 2019, Total project cost
including land acquisition is 13.1 billion USD. With this, the travel time between Delhi and
Mumbai will be reduced to 12 hours. Now the travel time between the two metropolitan
cities is 12 hours.
T20 World Cup 2023: India defeats Pakistan
The T20 Women’s Cricket World cup is being held in Cape Town, South Africa. As a part of
the world cup, the Indian and Pakistani teams played against each other. India won the
match. Pakistan won the task and chose to bat. The team set a target of 150 runs. India
won the match by reaching the target of 151 runs losing just three wickets. The Richa
Gosh and Jemimah partnership helped India win the match.
About T20 World Cup
ICC conducts the world cup. It is a biennial event, meaning held once in two years. The
2023 tournament is to be held in Bangladesh and the 2026 tournament is in England.
Australia is the most successful team at the T20 Women’s Cricket World Cup. The team has
won the cup five times. The first world cup was held in 2009 in England. India has not won
the cup yet. In 2020, India was the runner and Australia won the cup.
Former SC Judge Abdul Nazeer appointed Andhra Pradesh Governor
Abdul Nazeer is a retired Supreme Court Judge. The President of India appointed him the
Governor of the State of Andhra Pradesh under the recommendation of the Prime
Minister and his council. Nazeer has been a part of the SC benches that pronounced the
Triple Talaq verdict, privacy as a fundamental right case, the AGR case, and the Ayodhya
land case.
About Abdul Nazeer
Nazeer retired in January 2023. And his appointment comes within a few weeks of his
retirement. Justice Nazeer served as the judge of the Karnataka High Court. He was
elevated to the SC in 2017. He is a Muslim. The Collegium elevated him to include the
minority community in its recommendations. However, his appointment created
controversies as he superseded many senior judges. He was included in the Ayodhya
bench for the same reason.

During the Triple Talaq ruling, he opinioned that Talaq’s practice is legally valid.
Ayodhya ruling and appointments: An observation
The judges of the bench that heard the Ayodhya ruling are all in key posts after
retirement. The former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi headed the bench and is now
the Member of the Rajya Sabha, a nominated member. Justice Ashok Bhushan is now the
Chairperson of NCLT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal). Now Nazeer is being
appointed as Governor!
Cyclone Gabrielle hits New Zealand
New Zealand announced red heavy rain with Cyclone Gabrielle hitting its shore. Red Heavy
rain means the downpours cause an emergency. The rain pour is greater than 30
millimetres and it occurs within one hour! In India, a red alert is issued when the pour is
greater than 20 cm within 24 hours.
About Cyclone Gabrielle
It is a tropical cyclone.
It is a Severe Tropical Cyclone and belongs to Category 3; Speed of the cyclone
ranges between 119 km/hr to 157 km/hr
State of Emergency declared in Auckland
Rainy season in Australia
The Southern Hemisphere summer falls in the months of Dec-March. Rains are common
during 70% of these months. Of all these January is the wettest.
Why and when are severe rains in Australia and New Zealand?
During summers, the Pacific waters evaporate easily. They pump up moisture in the
atmosphere. When the cool breeze touches these vapours in the evening, they condense
and rain! Australia (and New Zealand) also gets snow. June to August are the snow
seasons in the country.
Cyclone Gabrielle spins clockwise
All the cyclones in the northern hemisphere rotate anti-clockwise. And the cyclones in the
southern hemisphere rotate clockwise direction. This is because of the Coriolis force of the
earth.
February 13, 2023
Aero India 2023: 251 MoUs signed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated Aero India 2023, an air show hosted
by the Department of Defence Production operating under the Defence Ministry. It was
held in Bengaluru, Karnataka. More than 32 defence ministers participated in the show.
251 Memorandum of Understandings worth Rs 75,000 crores were signed. THEME:
RUNWAY TO BILLION OPPORTUNITIES
About Aero India 2023
More than 809 Indian and foreign companies participated in the show. This is the 14th
edition. The show is conducted once in two years. Every year the show is hosted at the
Yelanhanka Air Base located in Bengaluru. Different Government entities take
responsibility for hosting the show at different times. For instance, in 2021 the show was
hosted by DRDO.
Key Highlights of the 2023 Aero India Air Show
Tapas-BH of DRDO made its debut in the show. Tapas is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. It
fulfils the ISTAR requirements of the Indian military. ISTAR is Intelligence, Surveillance,
Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance. It can operate to 28,000 feet.
US at Aero India 2023
Lockheed Martin is a US-based company. The company too showcased its defence
capabilities at the show. This is being done to let the IAF know about the company’s most
innovative defence capabilities such as F-21 fighter aircraft, MH-60R, C-130 transport
aircraft, etc. The Indian Navy recently acquired the Sea Hawk Helicopter from the
company. Apart from the US, more than 80 countries participated in the show.
Vintage DAKOTA too performed at the show
The Indian Air Force performed a scintillating performance with their Sarang Helicopters,
Tejas, Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, and Jaguar.
National Women’s Day 2023
India celebrates National Women’s Day on February 13. The celebrations commemorate
the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, the Nightingale of India. She stood for women’s
empowerment. She took an active part in the Indian independence movement. She is
popular for her poems on patriotism and other literary works.
Why do we celebrate National Women’s Day?
India celebrates National women’s day to honour the achievements of women in the
country, especially in the field of politics, culture, and economy.
About Sarojini Naidu
She 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. She was born in Hyderabad and
died in Lucknow.
International Women Day
It is celebrated on March 8 by the UN and other countries of the world. The day is being
celebrated since 1975. The day is marked to honour the achievement of women in the field
of politics, culture, and economy. (The same reason for which National women’s Day is
celebrated). Also, the celebrations aim to achieve Goal 5 of the SDG, which is, Achieve
Gender Equality.
International Epilepsy Day 2023
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. To increase awareness of the disease and to identify the symptoms at
early stages, International Epilepsy Day is celebrated. It is celebrated on the second
Monday of February every year.
The theme of International Epilepsy Day 2023
The celebrations are to focus on “STIGMA”. Stigma means fear or feeling negative
reactions.
About the day
The day is celebrated by the WHO of the UN and several other countries. The members of
UN spread the awareness of the disease on this day.
Need for Epilepsy Day
Around 50 million people in the world suffer from epilepsy. 80% of them are living in low
and middle-income countries. These countries are in shortage of funds to focus on the
disease and spread awareness. Four to Ten of thousand people suffer from epilepsy. In
high-income countries, 49 of 100,000 people suffer from epilepsy.
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.
World Radio Day 2023
In 2023, the United Nations and other countries are celebrating the 12th edition of World
Radio Day. It is celebrated on February 13. 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.
The theme of World Radio Day
Radio and Peace
Significance of the theme
The war between countries may translate into media conflicts. This increases tensions.
Radio can fuel conflicts. On the other hand, radios can also prevent conflicts from
escalating. Therefore, radio plays a huge role in maintaining peace and making people
safe. For sustainable democracy, radio should provide news independently. It should
gather evidence impartially and let the citizens know what exactly is happening in the
country and in the world.
Why is World Radio Day celebrated?
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.
Israel launches sniffing robots
The Locusts have very good smelling power. Israeli researchers have used the antennae of
the locusts to create sniffing robots. The bot is bio-hybrid and therefore its sniffing powers
are higher than the electronic sniffers. With Machine learning, the bot has been taught to
identify different smells.
How was the robot created?
The robot has four wheels. It was created by placing the antenna of locusts between the
electrodes. The electrodes send signals when the antenna grabs a nearby scent. Each
scent has a unique measurement of current. Based on the current generated, the bot
identifies the scent. The bot is calibrated previously for the scent it grabs and the
corresponding current value.
Applications
With this, Israel has taken investigative technologies to next level. The bot sniffers can be
used to detect drugs and explosives.
About the robot
The bot can detect even the tiniest particle or an organism in its surrounding. For
instance, it can even detect a mosquito!
Scientific Principle used
Every sensory organ of animals or insects generates an electric signal when they
encounter external stimuli or a smell. These electric signals are sent to their brain to be
processed and identified. The robot uses the same principle.
Italy discovers invisible Galaxy
Italian researchers have discovered a Black Galaxy or Invisible Galaxy using ALMA. ALMA is
Atacama Large Millimtre Array (Atacama Desert is in South America). The galaxy
discovered is compact. It is young and has interstellar dust. The galaxy is forming new
stars at the rate of 1000 times the Milky Way.
About Invisible Galaxy
The galaxy is termed invisible because the light emitted couldn’t be seen from the earth.
However, the presence of the galaxy has been discovered using the gravitational lensing
technique.
Gravitational Lensing Technique used
Scientists used this technique to discover the galaxy. The technique is generally used to
detect dark matter. The galaxy is located at long distances from the earth and also the
galaxy is young and compact. This makes it difficult to capture light or other wavelengths
emitted by the galaxy. In circumstances where light or its wavelength is not helpful,
gravitational lenses come in aid.
The gravitational field created by the invisible galaxy bends light from other galaxies.
These lights are studied to learn about the invisible galaxy. The technique where
gravitational waves are used to learn about the galaxy is called the gravitational lensing
technique.
Global Investor Summit: UP received Rs 33.5 lakh crores of investment
PM Modi recently inaugurated the Global Investor Summit in Lucknow. It was a three-day-
long summit. Invest UP 2.0 was launched during the summit. Also, Global Trade Show was
conducted. More than 18,605 Memorandum of Understanding were signed during the
summit. The state received Rs 33.5 lakh crores of investment. These investments are to
create 92.5 lakh employees in the state. The investments are primarily in real estate,
renewable energy, education, housing, electronic vehicle manufacturing, food processing,
and renewable energy.
UK investments in UP
During the summit, it was decided that the UK will invest in aerospace, defence, and in
medical sectors.
How did UP attract good investments?
The state of UP has been launching several investment attractive policies. Also, it has been
promoting investments in data centres, aerospace, electrical vehicles, tourism,
warehousing, etc. the state launched a medical device park. Several logistics hubs are
being developed in the Yamuna Expressway. A MEgal food park planned in Bareiily, a
Plastic park planned in Gorakhpur, and several other similar initiatives is increasing the
investments in the state.
President Murmu concluded the summit.
Region-wise investments received
The west of the state has the maximum investments. Around 45% of the investments
received were on this side. District-wise, Noida received the maximum investments
followed by Agra.
US shoots four unidentified objects
The United States Military has been shooting down unidentified objects for the last two
days. It all began with the US Military shooting down a Chinese Spy Ballon. The US Air
Force used its F-22 fighter jets to shoot a Chinese surveillance balloon near the South
Carolina coast. The next day it shot another object near Alaska Air Space. This shooting
was also done using F-22 jets. Yet another unidentified object was shot over northern
Canada. The fourth shooting was done in lake Huron.
About the objects shot
The objects were not like the spy balloon shot earlier. They were cylindrical in shape.
Canada helped the US in tracking and shooting the object. Earlier objects did not pose
threat to the public. But the recently shot object was 200 feet tall. The payload of this
object was more than 1000 pounds. Unlike the earlier objects the last one near Lake
Huron posed threat to civilians and their properties.
Why F-22?
The US military has not sold the F-22 fighter jets to any other countries. Not even the US
allies possess these jets. The jets are single seater with high power. AIM-9X missile was
launched from the F-22 to shoot the objects.
Six New Governors appointed
President Murmu recently appointed six new governors and reshuffled seven others. The
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh B D Mishra was made the LG of Ladakh. Ramesh Bais, the
Governor of Jharkhand was made the Governor of Maharashtra. In all, the president made
13 appointments. 12 were made in the states and one in the UT. Of these 13, 2 states
Nagaland and Meghalaya are election-bound.
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

Shiv Pratap Singh was appointed the Governor of HP
Chand Kataria was appointed the Governor of Assam
Retired SC Judge Abdul Nazeer was appointed the Governor of Andhra Pradesh
About the reshuffles
The Governor of AP Biswa Bhusan was appointed the Governor of Chhattisgarh
Governor of Chhattisgarh Sushri Anusuiya was appointed as the Governor of
Manipur
Governor of Manipur La Ganesh was appointed as the Governor of Nagaland
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
The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh was appointed the LG of Ladakh
Aksai Chin Railway Line
The Chinese Government is planning to build a new railway line in the Aksai Chin region.
The line will run till Pangong Lake. It will run very close to the Line of Actual control. Phase
one of the railway line will be completed by 2025. During this phase, China will lay a
railway line between Xiagtse and Pakhutso. The plan is to complete the line by 2035.
About the Railway Line
China recently proposed a medium-term railway plan and a long-term railway plan for the
Tibet area. The Aksai chin railway line is a part of this plan. Under the plan, China is to
increase the Railway connections of Tibet to 4000 km. Currently, it is 1400 km. And the new
railway line is to pass through the India-Nepal border. Also, it will pass through G219 NH.
G219 NH
It is a Chinese National Highway that connects the entire southern and western borders of
the country. It is 10,000 km long. The construction of the highway commenced in 2013 and
is expected to be completed by 2030. After completion, it will be the longest NH in the
world. Before 2013, the highway connected Xinjiang and Tibet.
1962 war and the new Railway line
The 1962 war was fought between India and China because of the G219 highway. The new
planned Railway line will run through this highway!
Wolf Prize Winners 2023
The Wolf prize is presented by the Wolf Foundation of Israel. It is being awarded since
1978. The Wolf Prizes are presented to scientists and artists. It was founded by a German
Ricardo Wolf. He was an ambassador to Israel. The awards are presented in six fields
namely arts, physics, agriculture, mathematics, chemistry, and medicine. The Arts Wolf
Prize rotates between music, painting, architecture, and sculpture.
Prize Money
The winners get 100,000 USD. The award presentation ceremony is held in Knesset, the
Parliament of Israel. It is said that the award is presented annually. However, it is not so.
Between 2000 and 2010 only six Wolf Prizes were awarded and only 4 prizes were awarded
in Physics. Of all the Wolf Prizes, Physics and Chemistry are the most prestigious.
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 dysfunctions of RNA; John T
Wilson, Hiroaki Suga, Jeffery W Kelly
Mathematics: Ingrid Daubechies of Duke University; for her work in wavelet theory
Arts: Fujiko Nakaya of Japan and Richard Long of England
Financial Literacy Week 2023
Financial Literacy Week is celebrated between February 13 and February 17. The
celebrations are organized by the Reserve Bank of India. RBI will conduct a mass media
campaign to spread financial awareness during the week. The week is celebrated by the
central bank since 2016. The main objective of the week is financial education.
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. Also, it
will create financial awareness among the public. This week’s celebrations are based on
this plan. In 2023, the RBI will focus on spreading the importance of financial savings,
planning, and efficient budgeting.
Need for the Financial Literacy Week
In India, only 27% of adults are financially literate. Financial literacy is completely different
from literacy. Though the literacy levels of the country are increasing; there is no
significant increase in the financial literacy levels. Understanding financial concepts and
using the money earned efficiently is financial literacy. This includes budgeting, managing
credit, investing, etc. Many literates are unaware of the basic principles of stock markets,
equity funds or mutual funds. Such knowledge is essential to invest in the right place. This
will help in the overall economic growth of the country.
Australia: Anniversary of Stolen Generation Apology
In 2008, the then Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd formally apologized to the
indigenous people of Australia. The successive governments in Australia removed the
Islanders of Aboriginal and Torres Strait. More than 1000s families were forcibly removed
from their lands by governments and churches. He referred to the children of these
families as the Stolen Generation. In 1995, the Human Rights Commission of Australia
launched a nationwide investigation and collected more than 1000s of stolen generation
children. In 1997, “Bringing them Home” was launched. The criticalities of the status of the
children shook the world. In 2008, the issue exploded and then PM Kevin apologized for
the actions of previous governments. He offered an apology on February 13, 2008. In 2023,
the Australian Government is marking the Anniversary of Stolen Generation Apology.
Current Scenario
The present Australian Government has allocated 424 million USD for the stolen
generation. It has launched the Closing Gap Implementation Gap to help these children.
Why were they forced to leave?
Racism. The islanders of Aboriginal and Torress Strait were black. The White invaded
Australia in 1788. Australia became a British colony. They started ruling the continent. The
indigenous black was forced to leave the land. Sadly, it continued even in the late 20th
century.
LTTE Chief Prabhakaran is alive
Velupillai Prabhakaran was the founder of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The
militant organization was responsible for killing Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. LTTE wants a
separate land for the Tamils in Sri Lanka. They waged a war against Sri Lanka 25 years
ago. The Sri Lankan Army killed the LTTE chief in 2009 and the war ended. However, a
Tamil Political leader Nedumaran recently claimed that Prabhakaran is still alive and
healthy.
What is the issue?
The Tamilians arrived in Sri Lanka during the Chola period. During British rule, the
Tamilians were favoured and the Sinhalese were isolated. After the British left the island in
1948, the scenario started reversing. 11.2% of the population are Tamilians and 74.9% are
Sinhalese. As days passed by, Sinhalese started occupying key government posts. This
isolated Tamil. Thus they formed a militant organization called LTTE claiming a separate
land.
How were they associated with Rajiv Gandhi’s murder?
The suicide bomber that killed Rajiv Gandhi was from LTTE. The LTTE did not like India
sending peacekeeping forces. The force was sent to help the Sri Lankan Government in
controlling LTTE.
Adani Row: SC to form panel
The Supreme Court took up a PIL filed on the Adani-Hinderburg issue on February 10,
2023. The SC asked the Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta to bring up solutions for
protecting the investors in the country. The apex court brought this up as many investors
lost their money due to the stock manipulation of Adani and its group. Two days’ time was
given; to this Mr Tushar who represented SEBI and GoI replied that the current provisions
are enough to keep the investors safe. However, the GoI has no objections to SC forming a
committee to look into the requirements; to check if they are sufficient to protect the
investors.
Why did SC interfere?
The international reputation of India was at stake. Gautham Adani, the CEO of Adani
group was the second richest person in the world. The opposition party is of the opinion
that he is a close associate of PM Modi. With the Hinderburg revealing stock manipulation
of Adani, many investors from India and from abroad lost their money. This affected the
overall reputation of India at the world level. So SC decided to take up the PIL filed on the
issue.
Russia supplied 13 billion USD worth arms to India in last 5 years
A report recently released by the Government of Russia states that the country supplied
13 billion USD worth of arms to India in the last five years. Apart from this, India has
placed 10 billion USD worth of military equipment orders with Russia. With this, India
becomes the biggest defence buyer of Russia. India accounts for 20% of Russia’s defence
trade. During the Aero India 2023 recently held in Bengaluru, Russia showcased more than
200 of its weapon samples.
India-US
India has been maintaining its trade ties between US and Russia in a diplomatic way. With
the US, India is now planning to launch a new defence innovation roadmap. Also, India is
trying to buy F-35 fighter jets from the US. The defence trade with the US increased
recently. In 2022, the India-US defence trade stood at 21 billion USD. Though India started
its journey of defence with Russia’s help, the US is one of its major defence partners of
India today. It is essential to maintain a neutral stand with the world powers.
February 14, 2023
Demand for a Greater Tipraland
The Tipra Motha Party was founded by Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma. The core
demand of the party is “Greater Tipraland”. Tipraland is a proposed region for the
Tripuris. They are now a part of Tripura state. They demand 68% of Tripura state. Also, the
party wants to add the Tripuris living outside the region to be added.
Why is it in news now?
The ECI is to conduct Tripura state elections in February 2023. Tripuris are the major tribes
in the state. They constitute more than 50% of the Tripura state population as of the 2011
census. Therefore, the party gaining their trust has a greater chance to win the elections.
In 2019, the Tipra Motha Party leader Bikram Manikya Deb Barma was appointed as the
president of the Tripura Congress Committee. However, he resigned alleging the
Congress party is forcing him to include corrupt people.
Constitutional features
The Tripuris want to form a separate state as per articles 2 and 3 of the constitution.
Article 2 says that territories acquired or in the possession of GoI shall be converted into a
separate state. Article 3 explains the rules and procedures of forming a new state. It also
speaks about changing the boundaries of the existing state.
What are micro LED displays?
The smartphone giant APPLE is shifting towards micro LED. The micro LEDs are self-
illuminating diodes. Their colour production and illumination are brighter than organic
LEDs. Their energy consumption is less compared to normal LEDs. Apple is planning to use
micro LEDs in its future watch models.
What is a micro LED display?
It is a flat-panel display. Its pixel elements are made of microscopic LEDs.
The main advantage of micro-LED display is greater control of pixel-level light control
The lifetime of micro LEDs is greater than the OLED (Organic LED)
Higher brightness at reduced risk of screen burning
Working Principle
The micro LED uses Indium Gallium Nitride semiconductors. In micro LEDs, each pixel can
be turned ON or turned OFF. This cannot be done with conventional LEDs. Therefore, you
get perfect colour control and contrast with micro-LED displays. The life of micro LEDs is
longer. They can emit light continuously for more than 100,000 hours. That is, non-stop
use for 11 years!
Why are micro LEDs better?
The LCD displays in the market today use LED as backing light and a liquid crystal layer to
create the image. The image is created by blocking the light on the crystal wherever
required. There are no such complications with micro LEDs. Each and every LED on the
screen can be controlled. Therefore, the image resolution is high, response time is less
and power consumption is less.
Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project - Update (February, 2023)
The Rajasthan State Government (Congress) allocated Rs 13,000 crores to the Eastern
Rajasthan Canal Project. The budget was presented by the CM of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot.
He also holds the finance portfolio of the state. Gehlot Government wants the centre to
share the cost of the canal. The canal is to run through 13 districts of the state.
What is Eastern Rajasthan Canal?
The canal will bring water to the water-scarce south-eastern districts of Rajasthan. It will
fulfil the drinking and irrigation needs of the people here. It is expected that the canal will
fulfil the water demands of the region by 2051. The canal will bring water from rivers in
the southern part of Rajasthan. This includes Chambal, Parvati, Kunnu, Kalisindh, etc.
Why is the Central Government share necessary?
Rajasthan holds 10.4% of the total land area of India. However, it has only 1.16% of surface
water and 1.72% of groundwater in the country. Therefore, it is essential that the central
government provide aid to construct the canal.
Concerns
The main objective of the canal is to bring “Surplus water”. Only river Chambal in the area
has surplus water. However, water from the river cannot be brought directly as the area
near Kota barrage has been declared as a crocodile sanctuary. Therefore, the project will
require environmental clearances as well.
Smart Cities Mission – Update on Progress
The Smart Cities Mission was launched in 2015 to provide clean mobility, air, public safety,
etc. The latest update on Smart Cities Mission released by GoI says that 22 cities will
complete their missions by March 2023. Agra, Chennai, Pune, Varanasi, and Ahmedabad
are some of them. The other cities are Madurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Amaravati, Kakinada,
Vizag, Surat, Ranchi, Erode, Udaipur, etc.

Funds
So far the GoI allocated Rs 36,447 crores for the mission. Of this Rs 32, 095 crores have
been utilized. In further stages, Rs 48,000 crores will be allocated. On average, a city
receives Rs 100 crores per year in this mission.
COVID Initiatives implemented under the mission
GPS tracking of workers associated with health care, CCTV surveillance, GIS mapping of
COVID infections, tele-counselling and tele-medicines, ambulance tracking, etc.
Other areas
The mission works in 24 areas. Of these 10 are directly and indirectly related to water.
They are smart metres, water quality monitoring, leakage identification, etc.
CBRN terror response in TARKASH Exercise
India and USA military recently conducted the TARKASHA exercise. It was held in Chennai,
Tamil Nadu. The Special Operation Forces of the US and the National Security Guard of
India participated in the exercise. Usually, military exercises focus on enhancing the skills
and weapon usage of the soldiers. In a unique way, this exercise focused on CBRN
TERROR RESPONSE. CBRN means Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear.
What are CBRN terror responses?
The training and strategies used against CBRN are called CBRN terror response. The CBRN
weapons cause mass destruction. One of the recent CBRN usages was in Syria in 2017.
Sarin gas was used to attack and the gas killed more than 100.
Why is CBRN coming up?
It is believed that the exercise was launched against the backdrop of the Ukraine war. In
2022, a chemical attack was done in the Kharkiv region, a Ukraine-Russia war-prone zone.
Both countries are blaming each other for the incident.
Need for CBRN response
CBRN war methods are increasing. When terrorists and enemy countries are unable to
fight directly, they use CBRN war tactics. For instance, chemical weapons like mustard
gases were used. There are biological weapons like Anthrax. It is believed that even COVID
virus was one such biological weapon used by China against its economic rivalries.
Marburg Disease Outbreak
The World Health Organization recently confirmed the Marburg disease outbreak in
Equatorial Guinea. Patients suffering from the disease experience diarrhoea, vomiting,
and stomach pain. Also, there is bleeding in severe cases. An e-bola-related virus is
causing the disease. The Spread of the disease is epidemic; meaning the disease is
widespread.
Marburg virus
The virus comes from bats. It spreads through close skin contact, bodily fluids, and also
through infected surfaces. It causes hemorrhagic fever. Fever affects the organs and they
start bleeding.
Symptoms of the disease
Vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhoea are the major symptoms
Incubation period: 2 days to three weeks
Severe cases face bleeding; that is, they may vomit blood; also they may find blood in
their gums, stools, nose, etc.
Incubation period: the time period between the people get exposure to the disease and
the appearance of the first symptom
Some Facts about Marburg Virus
Both Marburg and Ebola viruses belong to the Filoviridae family, that is, the Filovirus
Marburg virus was first identified in German cities in 1967
The disease is fatal. 88% of the people infected with the disease died
No approved vaccines are available for the virus
Before the outbreak of Equatorial Guinea, the Marburg outbreak occurred in Ghana
in 2022
TRIFED Aadi Mahotsav Festival
The Tribal Affairs ministry recently launched the Aadi Mahotsav festival. It is a ten-day long
festival. The festival is to be celebrated in New Delhi. PM Modi will inaugurate the festival.
More than thousands of artisans from different parts of India will take part in the festival.
The main objective of the Aadi Mahotsav festival is to promote tribal products. TRIFED is
hosting the festival on behalf of the tribal ministry.
Need for Aadi Mahotsav Festival
The middle man marketing and sales hinder the profit earned by the tribal population.
Middlemen sweep away most of the profits. Artisans’ hard work goes in vain. The Aadi
Mahotsav festival was launched to put an end to this middleman profiteering. The festival
acts as a good market for craftsmen and artisans to promote their products directly. It
provides direct access to bigger markets.
Significance of the 2023 Aadi Mahotsav Festival
Organic products produced by the artisans are to play a bigger role in the 2023 Aadi
Mahotsav Festival
More than 39 Van Dhan Vikas Kendra are to participate in the festival
Great opportunity to learn about the skills of artisans in remote places
The theme of the 2023 Aadi Mahotsav Festival
A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Crafts, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce
Shree Anna Products at the Festival
GoI is now promoting millet in the country and also in different parts of the world. To
create awareness tribal artisans from different parts of India have been invited to display
and sell Shree Anna, millet products and cuisines.
Khanan Prahari Application
Illegal mining is increasing in India. While the illegal mining of minor minerals is common
in states like AP, Telangana, and TN; illegal mining of major minerals like coal is common
in northeastern states like Assam and Meghalaya. To curb illegal mining in the country,
the GoI recently launched a mobile application and a surveillance system. The mobile app
launched is called KHANAN PRAHARI. The surveillance system is CMSMS, that is, Coal Mine
Surveillance and Management System.
About the app and the 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
Significance and Way forward
Illegal mining of minor minerals is increasing exponentially compared to major minerals.
This is because the demand for minor minerals like sand and gravel is increasing.
According to United Nations Environment Programme, India ranks topmost in illegal sand
mining. Fear and hesitation are the major reasons for the increase in illegal mining.
Commoners noticing the activities of illegal mining are scared to report them. The IT
technologies and mobile advancements and applications such as the KHANAN PRAHARI
APP will help to keep the identity anonymous. Eventually, the chances of reporting will
increase with these technology-related reporting systems
Saudi Arabia to send its first woman to space
Rayyana Barnawi. The legendary woman is to make history. She will be the first Arab
woman to enter space. This is a historical moment for the country that had centuries of
restrictions against Muslim women! Rayyana is to travel to the International Space Station
along with Ali Al-Qarni, a fighter jet pilot. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is to carry them. The
crews are to be launched from Florida.
Why is it historic?
Saudi Arabia has been very conservative about its women. However, Crown Prince
Mohammed Bin Salman brought in several changes. He allowed women to drive. Also,
permitted women to travel abroad.
First Arab Muslim to travel to space
The Royal Prince of Saudi Arabia Prince Sultan Bin Salman was the first Saudi Arabian to
travel to space in 1985. He too travelled in a US-organized space flight.
Significance
The Arab countries are relaxing their laws. They are liberalizing their restrictions on
Muslim women. The recent first woman space flight is one of the reflections of Arab
relaxation. The country is doing so to increase its trade relations. The only way to attract
investors to the country is to ensure their comfort and safety.
With the world moving towards alternate fuels, the future of oil is becoming unsure.
Therefore, the Arab world is forced to come out of its conservations. International
relations experts see this as trade-based changes!
What is Pulwama Attack?
Pulwama district is in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pulwama Attack killed more than 40 CPRF
personnel. It occurred on February 14, 2019. The Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group
claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack was conducted by a vehicle-borne suicide
bomber. The UN and several other countries condemned the attack. This includes China,
Russia, and France, the UK, the US, and Israel. In 2023, the CPRF marked the fourth
anniversary of its fellowmen.
The consequence of Pulwama Attack: Balkot Airstrikes
India launched the Balakot Airstrike in response to the Pulwama attack. During the
airstrike, The IAF dropped bombs into Balkot and blasted the training camps of Jaish-e-
Mohammed. Around 300 to 350 terrorists were killed during the operation. India
conducted the strikes crossing the Line of Control!
At the UN
India wanted the United Nations Security Council to designate the Jaish-e-Mohammed
Chief, Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. However, China blocked the resolution. If
marked as a global terrorist, all assets of Masood will be frozen. He will be banned from
travelling. Also, he cannot indulge in an arms embargo. However, after a big struggle, the
UN designated Masood as a global terrorist. However, the organization did not mention
the Pulwama attack marking him a terrorist. Meaning, he was not made a global terrorist
for the Pulwama attack; but for other reasons.
Income Tax Survey at BBC offices
The Income Tax Department operating under the Finance Ministry recently launched a
massive survey on BBC offices located in different parts of the country. The survey was
launched mainly in Delhi and Mumbai. Officials seized laptops and mobile phones.
According to the legal experts, the survey is a counter-action to the BBC document on the
2002 riots. The document links PM Modi with the riots.
What is the story?
In 2002, a train was set to fire in Godhra and the incident killed more than 58 Hindu
pilgrims. These pilgrims were returning from Ayodhya. Riots and anti-muslim activities
increased in the state of Gujarat because of the incident. It took three days to control the
riots. More than 1044 people were killed. PM Modi was the then CM of Gujarat. He was
linked with the riots. Congress party filed a petition regarding the “link”. SC took up the
case. SIT teams were established to investigate. Based on the findings of the SIT, SC
relieved him from the case.
Recent Developments
Recently, BBC created a document on the riots. The document was banned by GoI. A
month back, social activist Advocate Prashanth Bhushan and others filed a petition against
the ban in Supreme Court. The SC issued a notice asking for explanations of the ban. After
receiving the explanations from GoI, on February 10, 2023, the SC dismissed the case
claiming the petition is “misconceived”. Now with this judgement, the GoI claims that BBC
is corrupt. According to GoI, the organization is misleading the country with false
accusations and has launched the survey!
Who is Vivek Ramaswamy?
Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian American is the CEO of Anti-Woke Inc. The Republican is
planning to contest in the 2024 US elections. He is 37 years old and 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. He has
good connections with Republican politicians, farmers and businessmen!
About Vivek Ramaswamy
Vivek was born and brought up in Ohio. His parents are from Kerala. Vivek graduated
from Harvard as a biologist. Later he went to Yale Law school in 2013. In 2014, he
founded the Roviant sciences pharmaceutical company. In 2015, his works on drug
development appeared on the front cover of Forbes.
Vivek is also an author of Woke Inc. He is a co-founder of Strive Asset Management.
Vivek is a philanthropist. He serves as the director of the Philanthropy Roundtable.
What is Wokeism?
It is the attitude of people being sensitive towards political and social injustices.
Bima Sugam Portal
The growth rate of the insurance sector in the country is very slow. Indian insurance
sector accounts for less than 1.5% of world insurance. GoI has been taking several
measures to increase investment in the sector. The FDI limit was increased to 49% from
26%. LIC was disinvested; Sampoorna Bima Gram Yojana has launched; Jeevan Jyoti Bima
Yojana; Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, etc. Despite the steps, the sector remains
stagnant. To create a common platform for insurance buyers and sellers, the GoI recently
launched the Bima Sugam Portal. Here, you can find all the insurance companies in the
market. Also, you can buy insurance schemes here.
What is Bima Sugam Portal?
It is an electronic platform to sell insurance. Policyholders can view their insurance plans
here. They can manage their plans. The portal is accessible to insurance buyers, and
sellers. Agents and intermediaries can also have access to the portal.
Benefits
The portal will mainly help startups entering the insurance sector. Also, it is an attractive
option for the insure tech and wealth tech companies as the portal holds centralized data
of the products. There are hidden details in some insurance policies. Such issues can be
avoided. Buyers get to learn about different plans and choose the right one!
State of Emergency in New Zealand after Cyclone Gabrielle
Cyclone Gabrielle hit the New Zealand coast and caused severe damage. Heavy rains,
floods, and landslides forced the New Zealand government to declare an emergency. It
was a Category 3 cyclone. PM of NZ announced a 7.3 million USD relief package. Winds
reached a speed of 140 km/hr. Auckland was badly hit. Homes were left powerless. More
than 500 flights were cancelled.
Emergency in New Zealand
During emergencies, the local bodies of the country have greater power. They get the
power of restricting travel.
How does New Zealand work during Emergencies?
The National Emergency Management Agency takes full control. It operates directly under
PM. It connects the local bodies and the PM directly.

When can the NZ Govt declare an emergency?
The NZ govt. can declare three different types of emergencies namely local emergency,
national emergency, and regional emergency. The emergency shall be declared when
there is a threat to biosecurity, or defence, during earthquakes, epidemics, wildfires, etc.
El Nino and La Nina on Australian and New Zealand Cyclones
They face more cyclones during LA NINA. During EL NINO, the region becomes dry and
there are wildfires. EL NINO and LA NINA develop during Mar-Jun. Their intensities reach a
peak during Nov-Feb. Their effects weaken during summer.
February 15, 2023
States’ allocation towards education – Data
Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman presented the Union Budget in Parliament on
February 1, 2023. Following the union budget the state governments too presented their
budget for the financial year 2023-24 in their respective legislative assemblies. Of all the
states, the State Governments of Bihar and Chhattisgarh allocated more towards
education.
Allocations by the states
Maharashtra allocated Rs 80,437 for education. UP allocated Rs 75,165 crores. West Bengal
allocated Rs 43,466 crores. Rajasthan allocated Rs 49,627 crores, and Tamil Nadu allocated
Rs 43,799 crores. The Central Government allocated Rs 44,094 crores on education, that is,
16.51% of the total budget. This is 8% higher than the previous year. In 2022-23, the union
government allocated Rs 40,828 crores.
Observation
The most literate state in India is Kerala. The literacy rate in TN is 80%. The literacy rate of
UP is 67.68%. The literacy rate of Bihar is 61.8%. The literacy rate of Chhattisgarh is 70.28%.
The literacy rate of west Bengal is 76.26%. Rajasthan: 66.11%. So the overall observation
says that TN is planning on increasing its literacy rates further though it is already higher.
CPI and WPI based inflation Data Updates
The Wholesale Price Index reduced to 4.73% and the Consumer Price Index increased to
6.52% in January 2023. The WPI was 4.95% in December 2022 and the CPI was 5.72% in
December 2022. In January 2022, the WPI was 13.68%.
What caused WPI to reduce in January 2023?
The decline comes mainly due to chemicals, mineral oils, textiles, natural gas, textiles, food
products, and crude petroleum. The overall inflation in manufactured goods was reduced.
However, in food items, it increased to 2.38% in Jan 2023 and compared to -1.25% in Dec
2022.
Inflation in fuel and power reduced to 15.15% in Jan 2023. It was 18.09% in Dec 2022. Also,
inflation of manufactured goods reduced from 3.37% in Dec 2022 to 2.99% in Jan 2023.
Another main reason for the declining inflation is the reduction of global prices.
CPI breaching RBI targets
RBI had set a target of 6% for CPI inflation. It rose to 6.52% in Jan 2023 breaching RBI
targets. If it keeps increasing, by April there will be liquidity tightening.

The Reserve Bank of India recently increased the repo rate by 25 bps to control the
increasing inflation in the country. RBI has increased the repo rate by 250 bps since May
2022.
Note: CPI gives importance to the food products and other primary products used by the
citizens. While WPI is about manufactured products.
Fungal Attack in Neem Trees
The neem trees in the state of Telangana are affected by a fungus. The fungus is invisible
to the human eye and has been identified as Phomopsis azadirachtae. The trees are not
dying. However, the fungus is disturbing the capability of the trees to produce healthy
fruit. Also, the fungus is also affecting the flowers being produced by the trees.
How deep is the issue?
Neem trees have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. They have a huge role in the
field of Ayurvedic and other traditional Indian medicines. India is the largest exporter of
neem products in the world. The fungus may affect neem exports.
About the disease
The fungus is causing a disease called Twig Blight. The disease kills the twigs, shoots,
branches, and the starting tips of the neem trees.
Solution
Spraying fungicides is the best cure. However, each tree has to be given individual
attention. The fungicide cannot be sprayed in mass. Also, the trees need to be pruned now
and then. Twigs start to die after the fungicides are sprayed. So they need to be removed.
History of Twig Blight
The disease was first reported in Dehra Dun in the 1980s. It was found in the forests of the
Himalayan regions. Later it was found in parts of Karnataka and TN around 2000. It
reached the Rayalseema region of AP from Karnataka. From here it has now come to
Telangana.
CBDT notifies 6 income tax return forms
The taxpayer should fill out the income tax return form and submit it to the Income Tax
Department. The IT dept calculates the liabilities of the taxpayer. If he or she has paid
extra taxes, then a refund is made. ITR should be filed every year. The CBDT recently
notified six different ITR forms.
What are the forms notified?
ITR-1 SAHAJ: It is for individuals whose income is less than fifty lakh rupees. The
income shall be from house properties, salaries, and other sources. His agricultural
income should be less than five thousand rupees.
ITR-2: These forms are for individuals whose profits do not come from business and
professions
ITR-3: These forms are for individuals whose profits come from business and
profession
SUGAM ITR-4: These forms are for individuals whose income is less than 50 lakh
rupees. They can be residents or LLPs

ITR-5: These forms are for persons other than HUF, individuals filling ITR-7
ITR-6: These are for companies claiming exemptions
ITR-V: These forms are for persons whose above forms are filed but not verified
electronically
Who should file ITR?
Individuals up to the age of 59 years, companies registered under the Companies Act,
2013, persons or firms claiming a refund, foreign companies, NRI earning more than 2.5
lakhs per annum in India
Uttarakhand New Anti-Cheating Law
The Governor of Uttarakhand recently issued an ordinance to control unfair recruitment in
the state. In accordance with the ordinance, the State Government can impose fines of up
to 10 crores of rupees against unfair practices in exams and in recruitment. Since 2016,
there were multiple paper leaks in the state.
Features of the law
The ordinance is applicable to all the public examinations conducted by the state
government and also to the autonomous bodies that come under the purview of the
state government
If an examinee cheats during the exam, he shall be imprisoned for 3 years and fined
a minimum of 5 lakh rupees
Other persons punishable under the law
Presses that are printing the question paper fraudulently
Service providers or contractors who conduct the exam
Management that is conducting the exam
Coaching centres
Vehicles carrying unauthorized exam materials
Organizations that hold the question paper illegally
Provision for the applicant
The applicants found cheating shall not write any competitive exam for ten years. He or
she will be non-bailable.
Need of the law
Cheating in exams compromises merit, increases corruption in the country, reduces the
overall efficiency of the youth, discourages hard work, and ultimately creates an immoral
and unethical society which is not good for the future citizens of the country. The law is
required to discourage cheating practices and to maintain the quality of academics
BIMARU States Acronym
BIMARU is an acronym for the states BI: Bihar; MA: MP, R: Rajasthan, and U: UP. The
acronym was formed by Ashish Bose, an economist from the 1980s. BIMARU (Bimar) in
Hindi means sick. The economist framed the acronym to stress the fact that the poor
economic conditions of these four states are affecting the overall GDP growth of India.
During the Investors Summit conducted in UP, PM Modi recalled the term.
Who coined “BIMARU”?
Ashish Bose. He was an economist and a demographer. Demographers are persons who
study the changes happening in the economy due to population increase or decrease. In
these four states, the population increased tremendously. According to Bose, these four
states are economically backward in terms of health care, education, and other
developmental activities mainly due to population explosion.
What is the issue?
The Total Fertility Rate in these states is 2.1. The TFR is the number of children a woman
produces in her lifetime. Yet, family planning was not as efficient as in the southern states.
Role of BIMARU states in a population explosion
India is to beat China in population very soon and will become the most populous country
in the world. These four states have a major role in making India the most populous. They
account for 41% of the total Indian population! By 2026, they will account for 43.5%.
Kerala Stipend Scheme for Junior Lawyers
The Chief Minister of Kerala recently launched the Stipend scheme for lawyers in the state.
The scheme is to be implemented by the Bar Council of the state. The council will be
joined by the Advocates Welfare Trust. Under the scheme, the junior lawyers in the state
will be paid three thousand rupees every month.
Eligibility
Only junior lawyers are eligible to receive the benefits of the scheme. Also, the lawyers
should have at least three years of practice experience. Their annual income should be
less than one lakh rupees.
Need of the scheme
Junior lawyers are law graduates who work under attorneys or legal associates. They
mostly do the documenting work in a case. They do research and prepare notes for their
seniors. He is mostly a helping hand. The payment received by the junior lawyers is very
less. Apart from this, the training they receive is also very less. After legal education, it is
essential for every lawyer to get trained under a senior to learn practical experiences.
Rather than five years of study, this training period is crucial to them. However, they
struggle financially as all the seniors do not pay enough. Thus, Kerala Government has
launched this scheme to help the junior during their struggle period.
Discovery of New Quasicrystal
A US scientist recently discovered quasicrystals. The major difference between an ordinary
crystal and a quasi-crystal is that the atomic patterns in quasi-crystals do not repeat
themselves as that of an ordinary crystal. They are rare to occur naturally. However, can
be created artificially. So far, we have discovered only two naturally occurring
quasicrystals. The recently discovered is the third naturally occurring quasicrystal and was
formed accidentally from an electric discharge. This would have happened due to
lightning strikes or power line downing.
What is a Quasicrystal?
Scientists believed that the atomic patterns in crystals repeat and are symmetrical. This
assumption changed in 1982 when Dan Shechctman found that atomic structures in
crystals are mathematically identical but may or may not repeat themselves. Schechtman
found this by passing X-rays through crystals. He received Nobel Prize for this in 2011.
Such crystals whose atomic structure does not repeat are called quasi-crystals.
What is the new discovery?
The quasi-crystals are usually laboratory made. Quasi crystals require high pressure and
temperature to form such patterns where the atomic structures do not repeat themselves.
It is very rare to occur naturally. However, scientists have discovered a naturally occurring
Quasi crystal; twice before. The first discovery was in 2009 in Russia. The second discovery
was in 2021 in Mexico from a nuclear explosion. The recent and third discovery is from a
meteorite near Nebraska. The meteorite rock that hit the earth’s surface millions of years
ago has been hit by a lightning strike and the quasi-crystal was formed.
Hollow Hog to help Australia’s Endangered Wildlife
Logging and bushfires are destroying animal habitats in Australia and endangering
wildlife. To protect them and prevent their extinction, Matt Stephens created a tool. It is
called a Hollow hog and is used to make holes in trees. Matt is a conservation biologist.
The holes created using the tool act as homes for the animals and birds in the wild.
About Hollow Hog
The tool has tungsten blades and can create holes within one hour. The holes last for
more than a hundred years and will act as a home for the animals in the wild. More than
thousands of holes have been created in Australia using the tool.
Need for the tool
A natural hollow takes at least 70 years to form. And there are more than 303 animal
species in the country that depend on the hollows. They use the hollows as shelter and
nest. Some of the animals that use hollows are Rainbow Lorikeets, Marsupials, rosellas,
etc.
Working of Hollow hog
The tool first creates a 500 mm of entry hole. It then carves out wood up to 600 mm deep
and 600 mm wide. It can also create holes of different shapes and sizes.
Benefits
The holes will act as a good breeding spot for birds and animals. After creating the hole,
the tool inserts an entry modifier to ensure that the tree doesn’t grow over in that part.
This way the holes stand longer.
Postpartum Depression
After childbirth, mothers experience mood swings, anxiety, and crying spells. They are
generally referred to as “Baby Blues” and are technically called postpartum depression. It
occurs in every mom irrespective of their income level, support system, family, friends, etc.
It may last for two to three days or even for weeks. A recent UK study says that the
intensity of postpartum depression is increasing lately and has become one of the leading
causes of suicides among new mothers.
What is postpartum depression?
It is not a weakness or character flaw. It is a side effect of giving birth! The mothers feel
sad and have an urge to cry aloud; as if something terrible has happened.
Peripartum depression
Usually, depression occurs after childbirth. However, if the depression occurs before
childbirth, that is, during pregnancy, it is called peripartum depression.
Postpartum psychosis
It is a deep mood disorder. Here the mothers face terrible mood swings and anxiety. Such
mothers face sleep disorders, are pumped with energy, are delusive, and even may
attempt to harm the baby!
Causes of postpartum depression
Hormonal changes. The estrogen and progesterone change rapidly during childbirth.
Their levels drop all of a sudden Such sudden reduction cannot be handled by some ladies
and they face severe postpartum depression
Study: Noise from Deep Sea Mining disrupts Whale Song
The Whales create sound patterns to communicate with each other. These sounds are
generally referred to as whale songs. The songs are mostly about prey and breeding
grounds. Humpback whales create such songs during mating season alone. Only the
males of the species sing and the females don’t! Some other whale species create the
songs during feeding periods. Therefore, whale songs are very essential for the survival of
the largest mammal on the earth. However, a recent study says that deep-sea mining is
disrupting the whale song. The songs are not able to fulfil the purpose of their creation.
They are stopped midway by the vibrations and disturbances from the deep sea mining.
Thus, deep-sea mining may endanger the survival of whales.
What is the issue?
The whale song frequencies range between 20 Hz and 10 KHz. The songs can be heard
even if the mammals are miles apart and the songs may run for days together. Seabed
mining of nickel and cobalt is interfering with whale communication. The sounds
produced by the digging equipment, rock blasters, and vehicles operated on the sea floor
bed are overlapping with the frequencies of whale songs. Thus, the messages sent are
disrupted. This leads to wrong message delivery or no message delivery at all.
Impacts of deep-sea mining
The mothers may separate from their calves. Mating may be affected. Communication
disruption between groups will affect the biodiversity of the species.
Marine Spatial Planning Framework
The process of allocating spaces in marine zones for human activities is called the Marine
Spatial Planning Framework (MSPF). The space is allocated for economic purposes,
ecological purposes, or social purposes. The key elements of the framework are
ecosystem-based plans, integrated plans, area-based plans, strategic plans, and adaptive
and participatory plans.
Why is it in news?
The first MSPF in India was launched in Puducherry recently. The plan is to be
implemented by India and Norway together. It is being implemented under the Indo-
Norway Ocean Initiative. The initiative was created under an MoU signed between the
countries in 2019.
Objectives of Marine Spatial Planning Framework
To bring the diverse ocean users under the same platform
To create a broad and inclusive picture of the ocean
To provide a common platform for the policy builders and decision makers to discuss
with each other
To allocate marine spaces the right way
To increase transparency
Need for Marine Spatial Planning Framework
The stresses on the ocean ecosystem are increased due to an increase in anthropogenic
activities. As humans try to develop tourism, produce renewable energy, and use coastal
waters for aquaculture, the development pressures are creating spatial conflicts. Along
with climate change these pressures are creating new threats to the marine ecosystem.
Millet International Initiative for Research and Awareness
The Government of India is to launch Millet International Initiative for Research and
Awareness. It is in line with the United Nations’ plans for the International Year of Millets,
which is 2023. India brings in the concept of “SEED MONEY” in the initiative. Research
activities on millet, and increasing their productivity will be focused on the initiative.
Indian Institute of Millet Research located in Hyderabad will provide technical support to
the initiative.
Objectives of MIIRA
To coordinate the millet research programme
To involve different countries and increase the skill set of the research activities
To increase millet consumption in the world
To increase investment in millet research
What is SEED MONEY?
Every G20 member has to pay a membership fee to join the initiative. Food security is the
top priority of G20. The fees will be used in implementing the initiative in different parts of
the world.
Background
With India’s insistence, the UN declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. This will
help GoI in achieving its goal of making the country a “Global Hub for Millets”. India
produces one-fifth of the world’s millets and is to boost them in the name of “Shree
Anna”.
Why millets?
Millets require very less water to grow as compared to rice and wheat. The most common
and popular millet is jowar. It is grown in the US, Australia, China, India, Sudan, Nigeria,
and Argentina. Another popular millet is Bajra grown only in India and African countries.
As the millet production is very low in other countries, India has good opportunities to
capture the global trade of millet. Also, the world is moving towards a nutritious and
healthy diet. All these factors are in favour of India in its path of becoming the Global Hub
of millet.
Black Sea Grain Deal
Ukraine is one of the largest exporters of food grains such as rapeseed, maize, wheat, and
sunflower oil. The country has good access to the Black sea ports. Ukrainian ports in the
Black sea are the lifelines of the country’s trade with Europe and middle-east.
Unfortunately, the Ukraine-Russia war blockaded the ports. To aid Ukraine with its smooth
exports, United Nations and Turkey came forward. Under their brokering, Ukraine and
Russia signed the Black Sea Grain Deal in July 2022.
What is the Black Sea Grain Deal?
The deal was to provide a safe corridor for Ukrainian exports, especially food grains on
humanitarian concerns. The main objective of the deal was to calm markets and to reduce
increasing food inflation affecting several countries.
Features of the Deal
JCC – Joint Coordination Centre was created. All commercial ships carrying Ukrainian
exports should register with the centre. The representatives from Turkey, the UN, Ukraine,
and Russia will oversee the working of the centre. The deal was for 120 days. It was to be
renewed again.
Why is it news now?
The next renewal date has come. Russia is refusing to extend the deal. The country is
asking for the removal of its sanctions in different parts of the world in return!
Israel Judicial Reform Plans
The Knesset (Parliament of Israel) recently proposed a series of judicial reforms. Israelis
believe that the new changes will curb the power of the country’s judicial system to
question lawmakers. The reforms empower the Knesset to make judicial appointments at
will. Citizens believe that the new changes are limiting the power of the Israeli Judicial
System. Thousands are protesting against the reforms in the country.
Current Scenario
Under the current system, the Supreme Court (SC) of Israel has the power to strike down
legislation if they are in violation of the basic laws of the country. Basic laws include 13
laws related to individual liberty. So, this power of SC is essential to protect human rights.
Reforms planned
Knesset gets full power in making judicial appointments. This includes judges, bar
association members, judicial committee people, etc.
SC shall not review the laws legislated by the Knesset
Knesset gets the power to overrule SC order
Proposes to appoint legal advisors from independent authorities and not from SC or
other courts
Courts shall not hear appeals that are against government decisions
How are judges appointed in Israel?
A judicial selection committee comprising of the justice minister, SC president and other
two senior judges of the SC appoint the judges of the SC.
Earthquake of 6.1 magnitude hits New Zealand
After Cyclone Gabrielle, New Zealand faced yet another disastrous natural calamity. An
earthquake of 6.1 Ritcher shook the country. The epicentre was at a depth of 57.4 km and
50 km from Paraparaumu. According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre was right
at the Cook Strait. The strait divides the two main landmasses of the country. No tsunami
warnings were issued. People felt the shaking for ten to twenty seconds.
Is this an after-effect of the Turkey Earthquake?
Possibly yes! The Turkey earthquake was caused by the pushing of African and Asian
plates against the Eurasian plate. This means there were significant movements in the
African plate. The Australian plate adjoins the African plate. So does the Indian plate.
Experts believe that the recent Sikkim earthquake and the New Zealand earthquake may
have common connections with the Turkey earthquake.
COOK STRAIT: It separates the North and South islands of New Zealand. The strait
connects the Tasman sea and the south Pacific ocean.
West Bengal Budget 2023-24
The State Finance Minister of West Bengal Chandrima Bhattacharya recently presented
the state budget for the financial year 2023-24 at the assembly hall. Mamata-led
government is to focus on start-ups, rural connectivity and the manufacturing industry in
2023-24. The finance minister presented a 3.39 lakh crore rupees of budget. Another
major highlight of the budget was fund allocation to the startups. The State Government
allocated 350 crores of rupees for the startups. Each entrepreneur will be provided with
the financial assistance of five lakh rupees to build their startup.
Key Highlights
The State Government is to construct 12,500 km of the road at a projected cost of
3,000 crores of rupees.
Agricultural tax on the tea gardens will be waived for the next two years. That is,
2023-24 and 2024-25
Dearness Allowance increased by 3%
MLA Annual allocation funds will be increased. It is increased to Rs 70 lakhs.
Currently, it is Rs 60 lakh
Matsyajeebi Bandhu Scheme: to help dead fishermen families: one-time financial
assistance of Rs 2 lakhs
Stamp duty rebates to continue till September 2023
88 crores of women to be included in Lakshmi Bandhar Project
Current Outstanding debt of West Bengal Government: Rs 5.86 lakh crores
The growth rate of West Bengal is expected to be 8.4%.
Draft Geo-Heritage sites and Geo-Relics Bill

According to the Geological Survey of India, a Geo-heritage site is a place that provides
insights into the evolution of the earth. Also, the place should be culturally significant. The
Mawmluh Cave of Meghalaya was the first geo-heritage site of India. The Ministry of
Mines recently notified a bill on geo-heritage sites of India. The bill also has features of
Geo-relics. Geo-relic means rock or sediment or mineral or meteorite.
Key Features of the Bill
Definition of Geo-heritage site: The sites with landforms, structures, caves, and rock
sculptures with geo-relic or geo-heritage phenomena. This includes the land
adjoining the site as well.
The geo-heritage sites in the country are threatened.
The bill gives full power to the central government to declare a site as the geo –
heritage site
No construction, repair, or renovation is allowed within the geo-heritage area
Fines shall be imposed for removing or destructing the site. Offenders shall be fined
RS 5 lakh and six months of imprisonment
Concerns raised against the bill
The bill gives enormous powers to the GSI. For instance, the GSI gets the power to acquire
any material such as minerals, sediments, fossils or meteorites. Also, there are land
acquisition issues. Local communities may raise voices against including the sites under
protected zones.
120 MCQs
These questions are sourced from GKToday’s Current Affairs 2023 Daily 20 MCQ Series in GKToday
Academy Android Application.
1. Which country issued a notice to Pakistan seeking modification of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty
(IWT)?
[A] USA
[B] India
[C] Russia
[D] China
Answer: India
India has issued a notice to Pakistan for modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960
following Islamabad's inflexibility on its implementation. The notice was sent through respective
commissioners for Indus waters. India and Pakistan signed the treaty in 1960 after nine years of
negotiations, with the World Bank being a signatory of the pact.
2. Which city hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival 2023?
[A] Gandhinagar
[B] Mumbai
[C] Mysuru
[D] Kochi
Answer: Mumbai
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival began with a grand opening ceremony in
Mumbai. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh
Thakur and Minister of State Meenakshi Lekhi inaugurated the SCO Film Festival. The SCO Film Festival
organized to mark India’s Presidency at SCO and to showcase the diversity of films from the SCO region.
3. Road Transport and Highway Ministry announced to scrap all government vehicles older than how
many years?
[A] 10
[B] 15
[C] 20
[D] 25
Answer: 15
Union Road Transport and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari announced from April 1, all government-
owned vehicles that are older than 15 years will be scrapped. As part of this, more than nine lakh
vehicles, owned by central and state governments, transport corporations and public sector
undertakings, and new vehicles with alternative fuels will replace them.
4. 'Nidhi Aapke Nikat' is an outreach programme of which institution?
[A] RBI
[B] IRDAI
[C] EPFO
[D] SEBI
Answer: EPFO
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, EPFO, launched a massive outreach programme in all the
districts through a revamped 'Nidhi Aapke Nikat' programme. The aim of this programme is to reach all
the districts on 27th of every month and strengthen the relationship between the organization and its
stakeholders.
5. When is the ‘International Customs Day 2023’ observed?
[A] January 25
[B] January 26
[C] January 27
[D] January 30
Answer: January 26
India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) celebrates International Customs Day, 2023.
The theme for this year, as given by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) was “Nurturing the Next
Generation: Promoting a Culture of Knowledge-sharing and Professional Pride in Customs”.
6. Which airline introduced a new software for real-time reporting of in-flight incidents?
[A] IndiGo
[B] Air India
[C] Spice Jet
[D] Vistara
Answer: Air India
Tata group-owned Air India said it will use a UK-headquartered Ideagen's enterprise cloud software
application Coruson. The safety data software application will help enhance the safety management
system and facilitate real-time reporting of in-flight incidents.
7. Which Union Ministry is set to launch the virtual facility for e-adjudication of company law
violations?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Answer: Ministry of Corporate Affairs
The Ministry of corporate affairs will roll out the facility for e-adjudication of company law violations
entirely in the virtual mode before the end of this financial year. The process of revamping the corporate
filing system will also be completed by end of March. The ministry is also setting up a new national
centre, the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit, to act as a single window facility for
companies that wish to voluntarily exit from business.
8. Which company has launched the first Made-in-India helmet to meet Europe’s ECE 22.06 standard
[A] Vega
[B] Steelbird
[C] Studds
[D] Royal Enfield
Answer: Steelbird
Steelbird has launched a new helmet named Ignyte IGN-7 to meet ECE 22.06 European certification for
the first time. It is also the first helmet in India to receive triple homologation as it conforms to DOT
FMVSS Noy, 218 for US market and India’s BIS safety standards.
9. What is the theme of the ‘International Holocaust Remembrance Day’?
[A] 24 January
[B] 27 January
[C] 30 January
[D] 2 February
Answer: 27 January
On 27 January, the international community comes together to commemorate the International
Holocaust Remembrance Day. The theme of this year is "Home and Belonging", which highlights the
humanity of the Holocaust victims and survivors. This Day was chosen by the United Nations General
Assembly to mark the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp
in 1945.
10. Which country signed an agreement with the European Union to collaborate on responsible
advancements in Artificial Intelligence?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Australia
[D] Germany
Answer: United States
The United States and the European Union have signed an agreement to collaborate on "responsible
advancements" in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The agreement aims to speed up and enhance the use of
artificial intelligence to improve agriculture, healthcare, emergency response, climate forecasting and
the electric grid.
11. What is the name of the ceremony which marks the end to the Republic Day celebrations?
[A] Beating Retreat Ceremony
[B] Martyrs’ Day Ceremony
[C] Presentation of Guard of Honour Ceremony
[D] Vijay Diwas Ceremony
Answer: Beating Retreat Ceremony
The Beating Retreat Ceremony held in Vijay Chowk, Delhi, marks the end to the four-day-long Republic
Day celebrations in India. It is also called ‘Beating the Retreat’. This year 29 Indian tunes were played by
the music bands of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the State Police and the Central Armed Police
Force (CAPF). Last year, an English hymn and a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi called Abide With Me was
dropped.
12. Mega International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) is proposed to be constructed in which
state/UT?
[A] Andaman and Nicobar Islands
[B] Lakshadweep
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
Answer: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is working towards development of Mega International
Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay of Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands. The 41,000 crore international transhipment port at Great Nicobar Island aims to match with the
global top container transhipment terminals. Other projects include, Airport, Township and Power plant.
13. As per the latest ‘All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)’, what is the trend of total
enrolment in higher education in 2019-20 compared to the previous survey?
[A] Increased
[B] Decreased
[C] Remained Same
[D] No Change
Answer: Increased
The Ministry of Education has recently released All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)
2020-2021. The Ministry has been conducting AISHE since 2011, which collects detailed information on
parameters such as student enrolment, teacher’s data, infrastructural information, financial information.
The total enrolment in higher education has increased to nearly 4.14 crore in 2020-21 from 3.85 crore in
2019-20. The Female enrolment has increased to 2.01 crore and the Gross Enrolment Ratio increased to
27.3 from 25.6 in 2019-20.
14. As per the recent RBI study, which state received the highest GST compensation from the
centre?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
Answer: Maharashtra
According to a study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat received
the top GST compensation, during the five-year transition period from July 2017 to June 2022. Tamil
Nadu was the fourth highest compensation receiving State, which is followed by Punjab. At least 10
States may fall short of the expected 14% GST growth, says the study. Puducherry, Punjab, Delhi,
Himachal Pradesh, Goa and Uttarakhand are likely to be most affected by the end of the compensation
regime.
15. Who is the head of the Commission for the sub-categorisation of OBCs?
[A] Justice G. Rohini
[B] Justice DY Chandrachud
[C] Justice Uday Umesh Lalit
[D] Justice Sanjay Karol
Answer: Justice G. Rohini
The Justice G. Rohini-led commission for the sub-categorisation of other backward classes (OBCs) has
now been given another extension in its tenure by the President. This was announced by the Union
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This is the 14th extension in tenure that the commission
has been given. The commission was formed in October 2017.
16. As per the ‘Annual Death Penalty Report, 2022’, which state accounted for the highest death row
inmate population?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Nagaland
Answer: Uttar Pradesh
Indian courts in 2022 awarded a 165 death sentences, the highest in over two decades, according to the
Annual Death Penalty Report. It was published by Project 39A, an advocacy group with the National Law
University. Uttar Pradesh accounted for the highest death row inmate population (100), followed by
Gujarat (61) and Jharkhand (46).
17. Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership hosted India’s first Model G-20 Summit in which
state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Gujarat
[D] Sikkim
Answer: Maharashtra
India’s G-20 Sherpa Mr Amitabh Kant inaugurated India’s first Model G-20 Summit organised by
Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini’s Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership. The two-day Model G-20
Summit starting has been organised near Mumbai to take the idea of G-20 to the youth. Rambhau Mhalgi
Prabodhini, the parent organisation of IIDL is also the Secretariat of the G-20 Civil Society engagement
group - Civil-20.
18. Which Indian state/UT launched the ‘Ladli Bahina Scheme’?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Odisha
Answer: Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently launched the Ladli Bahina Scheme, to
provide Rs 1,000 per month to women from financially poor background in the state. A sum of Rs 60,000
crore will be spent on this scheme in five years. The Ladli Bahina Scheme will benefit poor women from
lower and middle classes of all sections on the lines of the Ladli Lakshmi Scheme.
19. Which company has signed MoU to make Rolls-Royce marine engines?
[A] HAL
[B] GRSE
[C] BEML
[D] Mazagon Dock
Answer: GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Germany’s Rolls Royce Solutions for manufacturing high-quality marine diesel engines. Under the
agreement, GRSE and Rolls Royce Solutions will cooperate in the licence production and localisation of
the technologically advanced MTU S4000 governmental marine engines.
20. Which is the first district to register 10,000 new MSMEs?
[A] Coimbatore
[B] Ernakulam
[C] Lucknow
[D] Surat
Answer: Ernakulam
Ernakulam in Kerala has been named as the first district to achieve registration of 10,000 new MSMEs.
This will help boost the contribution of MSMEs by generating new jobs and diversifying India's GDP. The
availability of highly skilled Human Resources and the good industrial infrastructure are among the key
reasons for its excellent communication and networking systems.
21. A rare low-altitude basalt plateau in the Western Ghats has been discovered in which state?
[A] Goa
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Answer: Maharashtra
Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune have found a rare low-altitude basalt plateau
in the Western Ghats. This new plateau found by ARI team in Thane, Maharashtra could hold clues to
how plant species globally survive climate change.
22. Which city is the host of the first G20 International Financial Architecture Working Group
meeting?
[A] Mysuru
[B] Chennai
[C] Chandigarh
[D] Guwahati
Answer: Chandigarh
The first G20 International Financial Architecture Working Group meeting under the G20 Indian
Presidency was hosted in Chandigarh. International Financial Architecture Working Group focuses on
strengthening the international financial architecture. It also aims to address multiple challenges faced
by vulnerable countries.
23. On January 30, India paid homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his which death
anniversary?
[A] 70
[B] 75
[C] 80
[D] 85
Answer: 75
Martyrs' Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas, is observed in India on January 30 to commemorate the
assassination of Mahatma Gandhi The nation paid homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on
his 75th death anniversary. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948.
24. Which Indian conglomerate is setting up endowment funding entities?
[A] Reliance Industries
[B] Tata Trusts
[C] Adani Group
[D] Aditya Birla Group
Answer: Tata Trusts
Tata Trusts are setting up endowment funding entities on the lines of the US-based Burroughs Wellcome
Fund. This is aimed at reducing dependence on dividend income earned from Tata Sons. The Burroughs
Wellcome Fund is an independent foundation dedicated to advance medical sciences by supporting
research.
25. Which neighbouring country of India recently hiked its prices of petrol and diesel by 35 rupees?
[A] Nepal
[B] Afghanistan
[C] Pakistan
[D] Nepal
Answer: Pakistan
In Pakistan, the federal government has announced an increase in prices of petrol and diesel by 35
rupees. With this, petrol has reached 249.80 rupees per litre, while diesel prices have been raised to
262.80 rupees per litre. The Kerosene oil and light diesel oil prices also hiked by 18 rupees per litre. Last
week, the Pakistani rupee lost close to 12 per cent of its value.
26. Which country won the Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 in Bhubaneswar?
[A] France
[B] Australia
[C] Belgium
[D] Germany
Answer: Germany
Germany beat Belgium 5-4 in penalty shootout to win the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar.
Jean-Paul Danneberg, the German goalkeeper made three saves in the penalty shootout. Germany
became the fourth team to have won three or more hockey World Cup titles. Pakistan has won the title
four times and is the most successful team at the hockey World Cup. Earlier, the Netherlands beat
Australia 3-1 to claim the bronze medal.
27. ‘World Economic Outlook’ is the flagship publication of which institution?
[A] International Monetary Fund
[B] World Bank
[C] Asian Development Bank
[D] World Economic Forum
Answer: International Monetary Fund
According to the World Economic Outlook update released by the IMF, about 84 percent of countries are
expected to have lower headline (CPI) inflation in 2023 than in 2022. Inflation in India is expected to
come down from 6.8 percent in the current fiscal year to 5 percent the next fiscal, and then drop further
to 4 percent in 2024.
28. Which Department of the Finance Ministry prepares the Economic Survey?
[A] Department of Economic Affairs
[B] Department of Financial Services
[C] Department of Expenditure
[D] Department of Revenue
Answer: Department of Economic Affairs
The Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the guidance of the Chief
Economic Adviser (CEA) prepares the Economic Survey. The Chief Economic Adviser released the
Economic Survey for the current financial year (2022-23). The survey is always presented a day before
the presentation of the Union Budgets. Economic Survey is a detailed report of state of national
economy in the financial year.
29. Which country is the partner country for Telangana’s flagship event, BioAsia 2023?
[A] USA
[B] UK
[C] UAE
[D] Australia
Answer: UK
The United Kingdom will be the partner country for Telangana’s flagship pharma - biotech event, BioAsia
2023. With the theme of ‘Advancing for ONE: Shaping the next generation of humanized healthcare’,
BioAsia is set to be held in February 2023 in Hyderabad.
30. Which is the first Asian country to receive financing under Resilience and Sustainability Facility
(RSF) of the IMF?
[A] India
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Pakistan
[D] Nepal
Answer: Bangladesh
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board approved a total of USD 4.7 billion loan for
Bangladesh. It includes USD 3.3 billion under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund
Facility (EFF) and USD 1.4 billion under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). Bangladesh is
the first country in Asia to receive financing under the RSF.
31. India launched the ‘Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies’ with which country?
[A] Australia
[B] France
[C] USA
[D] UK
Answer: USA
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval launched the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging
Technologies (iCET) laong with his American counterpart Jake Sullivan. In May 2022, US President Joe
Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced iCET to expand their strategic technology
partnership and defense industrial cooperation between the governments, businesses, and academic
institutions.
32. What is the sanctioned judicial strength of the Supreme Court of India?
[A] 25
[B] 28
[C] 30
[D] 34
Answer: 34
The five-member Supreme Court collegium led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud
recommended to the government two High Court Chief Justices for appointment as apex court judges.
The Supreme Court has seven vacancies now while it has a sanctioned judicial strength of 34. The
central government is expected to clear the names of three high court chief justices and two HC judges.
With this, the working strength of the Supreme Court will go up to 32. Currently, it is 27.
33. Hibbertopterus lamsdelli, which was discovered, belongs to which species?
[A] Scorpion
[B] Turtle
[C] Spider
[D] Snake
Answer: Scorpion
Hibbertopterus lamsdelli is a new species of Giant Sea Scorpion. It belongs to Hibbertopteridae, an
extinct group of aquatic arthropods in the Order Eurypterida. Eurypterids are better known as sea
scorpions. The species existed during the Kasimovian age, between 307 and 303 million years ago. Its
diet included small crustaceans, ostracodes, conchostracans, invertebrate larvae and gastropod eggs.
34. National Commission for Women was founded in which year?
[A] 1952
[B] 1975
[C] 1992
[D] 1998
Answer: 1992
The President of India Droupadi Murmu addressed the 31st Foundation Day of the National Commission
for Women in Delhi. The theme of the programme is ‘Sashakt Nari Sashakt Bharat’ aimed at
acknowledging and celebrating the stories of women who have excelled and paved their journey to leave
a mark. NCW was founded in January 1992 as a statutory body under the National Commission for
Women Act, 1990.
35. Which city is the host of the first G20 Energy Transition Working Group Meeting?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Chennai
[D] Amritsar
Answer: Bengaluru
The first G20 Energy Transition Working Group meeting under India’s Presidency will be held in
Bengaluru from February 5th to 7th. Technology gaps in energy transition, low-cost financing for energy
transition, energy security and diversified supply chain, industrial low carbon transition and fuel for
future are the priority areas of the Working group discussion.
36. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan said the State capital would be shifted to which
city?
[A] Kurnool
[B] Visakhapatnam
[C] Vijayawada
[D] Guntur
Answer: Visakhapatnam
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan said the State capital would be shifted to
Visakhapatnam. He was addressing the preparatory meeting for Global Investors Summit to be held in
Visakhapatnam. The State government had proposed three capitals, Visakhapatnam (Executive capital),
Amaravati (Legislative capital) and Kurnool (Judicial capital). Amaravati is the present capital of Andhra
Pradesh.
37. 'VAYAM RAKSHAMAH (We Protect) is the motto of which armed force?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Answer: Indian Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard celebrated its 47th anniversary of its distinguished service’ to the nation. Its
motto is ‘VAYAM RAKSHAMAH’ meaning ‘We Protect’. The Indian Coast Guard over these four and half
decades has been patrolling the country’s maritime border. It stands tall as the fourth largest Coast
Guard in the world.
38. What is the GST collection in India in January 2023?
[A] Rs 0.97 Lakh crore
[B] Rs 1.21 Lakh crore
[C] Rs 1.55 Lakh crore
[D] Rs 2.01 Lakh crore
Answer: Rs 1.55 Lakh crore
The GST collection in January surged to over ₹ 1.55 lakh crore, second highest-ever collection recorded.
This is for the third time, in the current financial year that the GST collection has crossed ₹ 1.50 lakh
crore mark. The highest collection so far is the ₹ 1.68 lakh crore gross mop-up reported in April 2022.
39. WAPCOS, an engineering consultancy and construction services firm under which Union
Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[C] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of MSME
Answer: Ministry of Jal Shakti
WAPCOS is an engineering consultancy and construction services firm under the Jal Shakti Ministry. In
September 2022, it filed draft papers with market regulator SEBI for launching an IPO by selling 3.25
crore shares held by the Government. Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM)
announced recently that the Government is targeting to launch the initial public offering (IPO) of IREDA,
and WAPCOS, in the next fiscal.
40. Which country’s Chief Justice is the chief guest of the 73rd foundation day of the Supreme Court
of India?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Singapore
[C] USA
[D] France
Answer: Singapore
Singapore Chief Justice Sunadresh Menon attends as chief guest of the 73 rd foundation day of the
Supreme Court of India. The Singapore chief justice delivered a lecture on the “Role of judiciary in a
changing world” as this year’s event was aired on social media platforms. On January 28, 1950, two
days after India became the Sovereign Democratic Republic, the Supreme Court of India was
established.
41. Which Indian armed force unveiled a revised doctrine to lay out its role in “no war, no peace
scenario” (NWNP)?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Answer: Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a revised doctrine in which it laid out the role of air power in the “no
war, no peace scenario” (NWNP) that India typically faces. The doctrine, which refers to air power as
aerospace power, highlighted the use of air power as part of a joint military strategy involving the two
other forces. The doctrine also emphasised that defensive and offensive counter-operations are linked.
42. Which neighbouring country of India marked its 75th independence anniversary on 4th February
2023?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Afghanistan
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Nepal
Answer: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka marked its 75th independence anniversary on 4th February 2023. Several activists, Buddhists
and Christian clergy announced a boycott of the celebration in the capital. A group of activists began a
silent protest in the capital, condemning government's independence celebration and failure to ease the
economic burden. University students also attempted a protest march.
43. What is the disinvestment target of the Finance ministry for the year 2023-24?
[A] Rs 98000 crore
[B] Rs 82000 crore
[C] Rs 65000 crore
[D] Rs 51000 crore
Answer: Rs 51000 crore
For the next fiscal year 2023-24, the Union Budget has pegged disinvestment revenue at Rs 51,000 crore.
The government has also scaled down the disinvestment target for the current fiscal to Rs 50,000 crore,
from Rs 65,000 crore budgeted last year. The Government expects divestment processes initiated in the
current fiscal to be closed by the next fiscal year, including IDBI, Shipping Corporation of India and
NMDC Steel.
44. India agreed to establish a ‘Defence and Energy Bloc’ with which other countries, recently?
[A] USA, Israel
[B] France, UAE
[C] Germany, UAE
[D] Sri Lanka, UAE
Answer: France, UAE
The foreign ministers of France, India and the UAE have agreed to establish a formal trilateral
cooperation initiative. The ‘Defence and Energy Bloc’ aims to promote international stability and
prosperity, and expand their defence ties with a focus on the Rafale fighter jets.
45. ‘Doly Jahur and Ilias Kanchan’ who were seen in the news, are the eminent artists from which
country?
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Afghanistan
Answer: Bangladesh
Eminent artists Doly Jahur and Ilias Kanchan will be honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for
their contribution to the film Industry in Bangladesh. This was announced in the National Film Awards
2021 recently announced in the country. Lal Moroger Jhuti (Call of the Red Rooster) and Nona Joler
Kabbo (The Salt in our waters) will be jointly awarded in the Best Film Category.
46. The US Defence officials have shot down a surveillance balloon of which country?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] Afghanistan
Answer: China
After floating over the US for days, a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon has been shot down by the
US Defence officials. The balloon is said to have a payload the size of several buses. China’s foreign
ministry denied that the balloon was used for surveillance, and it said that it was a civilian airship used
for meteorological and other scientific research
47. As per the Union Budget 2023, what is the per capita income in India, as of date?
[A] Rs 4.15 lakh per annum
[B] Rs 3.75 lakh per annum
[C] Rs 2.55 lakh per annum
[D] Rs 1.97 lakh per annum
Answer: Rs 1.97 lakh per annum
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her Budget speech that the per capita income in India
has more than doubled to ₹ 1.97 lakh over the past nine years. The EPFO membership has more than
doubled to 27 crore. She also announced that the government made cash transfer of ₹2.2 lakh crore
under the PM-KISAN scheme.
48. Which state/UT recently notified directions to charge groundwater extraction by industries and
other establishments?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Punjab
[C] Bihar
[D] West Bengal
Answer: Punjab
The state government of Punjab notify a policy to meter and charge groundwater extraction by industries
and other establishments. Anyone with an existing bore-well or digging afresh will have to take
permission from Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA). There will be
exemptions including farmers using water for agriculture purposes, places of worship, drinking and
domestic Water Supply Scheme of Government, among others.
49. Which state/UT Child Rights body launched its WhatsApp chatbot for more effective interaction?
[A] Odisha
[B] Telangana
[C] New Delhi
[D] Goa
Answer: New Delhi
The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) launched its WhatsApp chatbot for more
effective interaction. The chatbot will be used for complaint registration, searching information, and
tracking complaint status. It will be used by the commission for nudge-based awareness
communications to children, women, Anganwadi workers, etc.
50. The Union Budget announced a Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by which year?
[A] 2025
[B] 2030
[C] 2035
[D] 2047
Answer: 2047
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while presenting the Union Budget 2023-24 that the
Centre will work in mission mode to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047. This programme will include
awareness creation and universal screening of 7 crore people in 0 - 40 years age group in affected tribal
areas and counselling through collaboration of central ministries and state governments.
51. Which institution released the 'Prospects for children in the polycrisis' Report?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] World Bank
[C] UNICEF
[D] World Economic Forum
Answer: UNICEF
The UNICEF recently released the ‘Prospects for Children in the Polycrisis: A 2023 Global Outlook’,
report. It explains ‘polycrisis’ as multiple, simultaneous crises that are strongly interdependent. As per
the report some effects of the crises include higher food and energy prices leading to global hunger and
malnourishment, limited access to healthcare, slow recovery from learning losses etc.
52. Which Union Ministry released the ‘E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2023’?
[A] Ministry of Electronics and IT
[B] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), issued the E-Waste (Management)
Amendment Rules, 2023. It seeks to amend the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, by adding Cadmium
and lead in Solar panels, solar Photovoltaic panels among others. They will come into force from April
01, 2023.
53. What is the expansion of PVTG, with respect to Government schemes?
[A] particularly vulnerable tribal groups
[B] primarily vulnerable tribal groups
[C] particularly valuable tribal groups
[D] primarily valuable tribal groups
Answer: particularly vulnerable tribal groups
Finance Minister stated that the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission will be launched, to
improve socio-economic conditions of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs). Rs.15,000
crore will be made available to implement the Mission in the next three years under the Development
Action Plan for the Scheduled Tribes.
54. Scientists from which institution sequenced the draft genome of four native Indian cow breeds?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IISc Bengaluru
[C] IISER Bhopal
[D] NIV Pune
Answer: IISER Bhopal
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, have sequenced the
draft genome of four native Indian cow breeds. For the first time, the genetic makeup of four native
Indian cow breeds — Kasaragod Dwarf, Kasaragod Kapila, Vechur, and Ongole has been unravelled.
55. India agreed to constitute task force to boost cooperation in semiconductor industry with which
country?
[A] USA
[B] Israel
[C] Australia
[D] Finland
Answer: USA
India and the USA have agreed to constitute task force to boost cooperation in semiconductor industry.
The task force will involve India’s Semiconductor Mission, India Electronics Semiconductor Association
and the US Semiconductor Industry Association. This was announced during the inaugural meeting of
the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).
56. Which city is the host of the First G20 Sustainable Financial Working Group meeting?
[A] Mysuru
[B] Guwahati
[C] Shimla
[D] Puducherry
Answer: Guwahati
First G20 Sustainable Financial Working Group meeting was recently inaugurated in Guwahati, Assam.
Guest delegates visited several places of importance like Kaziranga National Park, Pobitora Wildlife
Sanctuary, Gorbhanga Reserve Forest, Brahmaputra’s River Island and Brahmaputra Heritage Centre.
57. What is the total budget outlay announced for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana?
[A] Rs 49000 crore
[B] Rs 59000 crore
[C] Rs 69000 crore
[D] Rs 79000 crore
Answer: Rs 79000 crore
In the Union Budget 2023, the Government enhanced the outlay for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana by 66
per cent to 79000 crore. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is an initiative by the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Affairs. The Finance Minister also proposed to use Permanent Account Number (PAN) card as a
common identifier for all digital systems of government agencies.
58. Which institution releases the ‘Digital Payments Index’?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] RBI
[D] NPCI
Answer: RBI
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases the Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) twice a year, to measure the
adoption of online transactions, digital payments across India. As per the recent data, the digital
payments registered a growth of 24.13% in a year through September 2022. RBI-DPI stood at 377.46 in
September 2022 against 349.30 in March 2022 and 304.06 in September 2021.
59. Which country has found the radioactive capsule that went missing in January?
[A] USA
[B] Australia
[C] Russia
[D] Ukraine
Answer: Australia
Authorities in Western Australia announced that they have found a tiny radioactive capsule which went
missing last month. The capsule was found when a vehicle equipped with specialist equipment detected
radiation. The object was lost while being transported along a 1,400 km route across the state. It
contains a small quantity of Caesium-137, which could cause skin damage, burns or radiation sickness.
60. Which Union Ministry along with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment implements the
NAMASTE scheme?
[A] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[B] Ministry of Rural Development
[C] Ministry of MSME
[D] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Answer: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
NAMASTE is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) as a
joint initiative of the MoSJE and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). NAMASTE stands
for National Action Plan for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem). This year’s Union Budget has allotted
Rs 100 crore to the scheme. Finance Minister announced that the government is looking to enable 100%
mechanical de-sludging of septic tanks and sewers in all cities and towns.
61. Which state inaugurated the ‘MV Ganga Vihar floating restaurant’?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] West Bengal
[D] Uttarakhand
Answer: Bihar
Bihar Deputy Chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav inaugurated the MV Ganga Vihar at NIT Ghat in
Bihar. The floating restaurant operated by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC).
The two-storied floating restaurant has a restaurant on the ground floor with a seating capacity of 48
people along with a VIP lounge and a private lounge on the top floor.
62. Which state/UT is the host of the ‘Surajkund International Crafts Mela’?
[A] Jammu and Kashmir
[B] Haryana
[C] Bihar
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: Haryana
The 36th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was inaugurated by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar in
Faridabad, Haryana. For this year, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is the participating
international entity while eight northeast states, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, are the theme states. The artists of these states will come together to
showcase their art, handicrafts, and cuisines on a single platform.
63. Which country’s Prime Minister has been named as the most popular leader in Global Leader
Approval survey?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] India
[D] Australia
Answer: India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi named as the world’s most popular leader with an approval rating
of 78 per cent. The Global Leader Approval survey, carried out by the USbased Morning Consult, featured
22 global leaders. PM Modi stood on top of the list with 78% approval rating. The second most popular
leader as per the survey is Andres Manual Lopez Obrador ( Mexico ), while Alain Berset (Switzerland )
stood third. US President Joe Biden came seventh while UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was placed 12th.
64. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently found 1,200-year-old idols in Nalanda, in which
state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Gujarat
[C] Punjab
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: Bihar
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently found 1,200-year-old idols in Nalanda in Bihar. They were
found from a waterbody close to the ancient Nalanda University during desilting of a pond. Nalanda
Mahavihara is a world heritage site about 88 km from this place. The idols were found during desilting
under Bihar government’s ‘Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali’ project launched to protect and conserve water and the
environment.
65. Which institution releases ‘Food Price Index’ which tracks the most globally traded food
commodities?
[A] World Bank
[B] FAO
[C] World Economic Forum
[D] NITI Aayog
Answer: FAO
The United Nations food agency, the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) price index tracks the
most globally traded food commodities. As per the recent FAO Food Price Index (FFPI), World food
prices decline for 10th month as recorded in January- FAO Food Price Index (FFPI). The index averaged
131.2 points in January against 132.4 for December.
66. Which tech major has invested nearly USD 400 million in artificial intelligence start-up Anthropic
AI?
[A] Samsung
[B] Microsoft
[C] Meta
[D] Google
Answer: Google
Google has invested nearly USD 400 million in artificial intelligence start-up Anthropic AI. The two
companies announced a partnership that will see the AI start-up use Google's cloud computing services.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei announced that they would use Google Cloud to build reliable,
interpretable, and steerable AI systems and to create a robust AI platform.
67. Which Union Ministry implements the ‘FAME (faster adoption and manufacturing of electric
vehicles) scheme’?
[A] Ministry of Electronics and IT
[B] Ministry of Heavy Industries
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Answer: Ministry of Heavy Industries
Ministry of Heavy Industries implements the ‘FAME (faster adoption and manufacturing of electric
vehicles) scheme’. The government has nearly doubled its budgetary allocation for the FAME scheme to
subsidise the purchase of electric vehicles. As per the budget, the subsidy under FAME scheme for
fiscal 2024 is projected at Rs 5,172 crore, compared to the revised estimate of Rs 2,897 crore in the
current fiscal year. This is the highest allocation under the scheme since its launch in 2020.
68. Ministry of Cooperation signed MoU with which Ministry to enable Primary Agricultural Credit
Societies (PACS) function as Common Service Centers?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[B] Ministry of Electronics and IT
[C] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[D] Ministry of Rural Development and Entrepreneurship
Answer: Ministry of Electronics and IT
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology, NABARD and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited. It aims
to enable Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to provide services offered by Common Service
Centers. Over 300 services will be made available to the rural population including 13 crore farmer
members of PACS.
69. BIND Scheme, which was seen in the news, is associated with which Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of MSME
[C] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[D] Ministry of Power
Answer: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Of the Rs 1,100 crore estimated for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Rs 600 crore has been
set aside for the recently announced Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND)
Scheme. The scheme has a total outlay of over Rs 2,500 crore. The scheme aims to boost public sector
broadcasting in the country and focuses on infrastructure development of Prasar Bharati, including All
India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD).
70. Which country introduced new family laws called ‘Federal Personal Status Laws’?
[A] USA
[B] UK
[C] UAE
[D] Australia
Answer: UAE
A set of new family laws, referred to as ‘Federal Personal Status Laws’, for non-Muslims residing in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) came into force. These laws will apply to non-Muslim expatriates or
foreigners living in UAE and cover various aspects of family law like marriage, divorce, child custody,
inheritance, wills, and paternity. The new reforms to UAE’s judicial systems originate from Abu Dhabi’s
Civil Family Court System, which allows non-Muslim couples to divorce or marry without following the
Sharia laws.
71. Which Southeast Asian country partnered with the US to grant more access to its bases?
[A] Taiwan
[B] Philippines
[C] Singapore
[D] Malaysia
Answer: Philippines
The United States and the Philippines announced plans to expand America’s military presence in the
Southeast Asian nation. The countries decided to accelerate full implementation of their ‘Enhanced
Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)’. As part of the agreement, the U.S. has allocated $82 million
toward infrastructure improvements at five current EDCA sites. This will provide access to four more
bases to the US.
72. Which country announced India as the theme country at its 2025 International Book Fair?
[A] Sweden
[B] Spain
[C] Germany
[D] Italy
Answer: Spain
India will be invited as the theme country at the Madrid International Book Fair in 2025, the Ambassador
of Spain to the country Jose Maria Ridao. Spain is the theme country at the 46th International Kolkata
Book Fair, which began recently. As part of the cultural exchange between the two countries, Spain has
donated books to five universities in Bengal.
73. 'VIHANGAM' Web portal, which was seen in the news, is associated with which field?
[A] Digital Currency
[B] Drone technology
[C] E-Sports
[D] Defence
Answer: Drone technology
Coal India arm, Mahanadi Coal Fields (MCL) MCL has introduced drone technology in coal mines for
environmental monitoring, volume measurement and digital mapping of mines. The technology has been
introduced through the launch of a web-based portal 'VIHANGAM' along with a drone and ground control
system. The portal allows an authorised person to access real time drone video from the mine through a
dedicated internet lease line near the mines.
74. Which is the first Indian retailer to introduce Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)?
[A] Reliance Retail
[B] Titan
[C] Big Bazaar
[D] Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail
Answer: Reliance Retail
Reliance Retail has become the first Indian retailer to introduce Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC),
also known as digital rupee. The company has piloted the use of Digital Rupee in one store in Mumbai,
and is planning to make this facility available in all its stores in Mumbai within the next three to four
months, in accordance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms.
75. Which country is India’s top destination for goods exports during April-Dec 2022?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] USA
[C] UAE
[D] Singapore
Answer: USA
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that the US has emerged as India’s top destination
for merchandise exports during April-December this fiscal at USD 59.7 billion. The US was followed by
UAE (USD 23.31 billion); Netherlands (USD 14.1 billion); China (USD 11 billion); Singapore and
Bangladesh (about USD 9 billion each).
76. National Research Foundation is an autonomous agency that comes under the aegis of which
Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Education
Answer: Ministry of Science and Technology
National Research Foundation is an autonomous agency that comes under the aegis of Ministry of
Science and Technology (DST). The Union Budget 2023-24 has earmarked Rs.2,000 crore as an outlay
for the National Research Foundation to boost research and innovation within India.
77. When is the ‘International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation’ observed?
[A] February 1
[B] February 2
[C] February 4
[D] February 6
Answer: February 6
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is observed on February 6 each year to
raise global awareness about the issue concerning the female genital mutilation (FGM). This day was
established in 2003 after the Campaign against Female Genital Mutilation officially declared “Zero
Tolerance to FGM” in Africa on February 6.
78. Medium-density Amorphous Ice, which was seen in the news, was created in a container filled
with which material?
[A] Plastic
[B] Stainless Steel
[C] Water
[D] Paper
Answer: Stainless Steel
Medium-density Amorphous (MDA) Ice is a new form of ice that was recently discovered by scientists.
This ice has same density and structure as water. The ice was created by scientists in a container with
stainless steel balls at a -200°C. The MDA ice does not have any ordered structure. It will provide the
opportunity to improve the understanding of the properties of water.
79. Who is the only living Indian to win the Grammy Award thrice?
[A] A R Rahman
[B] Ricky Kej
[C] Resul Pookutty
[D] Babbu Mann
Answer: Ricky Kej
Ricky Kej is an Indian musician and environmental activist. The Indian music composer recently won his
third Grammy Award for the album ‘Divine Tides’. He is the youngest person to win this award and only
the fourth Indian to achieve this feat. He recently made another history by becoming the only living
Indian to win the Grammy Award thrice.
80. ‘Ukaguru spiny-throated reed frog’, which was seen in the news, has been discovered in which
country?
[A] Colombia
[B] Tanzania
[C] Greece
[D] China
Answer: Tanzania
A new species of frog known as the Ukaguru spiny-throated reed frog has been discovered in African
country Tanzania. The frog has an uncommon characteristic of being completely silent, unlike other
frogs that croak, sing, or ribbit. This frog belongs to the ‘spiny-throated’ group. They are only found in
small populations, making them vulnerable to extinction.
81. Kiruna, which was seen in the news, is a small town located in which country?
[A] Switzerland
[B] Sweden
[C] Argentina
[D] Ukraine
Answer: Sweden
Kiruna is a town in northern Sweden that houses over 18,000 individuals and a tonne wooden church.
This town is currently under threat of being consumed by the world’s largest iron ore mine that is under
the control of the Swedish state-owned company LKAB. This entire town is currently being relocated and
it is considered as one of the significant relocations happened in the world.
82. India established a ‘Trade and Technology Council (TTC)’ along with which bloc?
[A] SAARC
[B] ASEAN
[C] EU
[D] G-20
Answer: EU
The India-EU Trade and Technology Council was jointly established by the European Union and India.
Under this new council, three working groups have been set up with the focus on strategic technologies,
digital governance, and digital connectivity; green and clean energy technologies; and trade, investment,
and resilient value chains. The working groups will be responsible for preparing for the TTC meeting,
which is set to take place before the next bilateral India-EU summit.
83. The eXperiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC) is a newly established research institute
in which institution?
[A] IISc Bengaluru
[B] IISER Bhopal
[C] IIT Madras
[D] NIT Warangal
Answer: IIT Madras
The eXperiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC) is a newly established research institute in IIT
Madras. It is India’s research and product innovation centre focusing on extended reality and haptics
technology. An MoU was signed recently between ISRO and the IIT Madras to develop a training module
for the Indian spaceflight programme at the XTIC. It will be developed using the augmented reality,
virtual reality and mixed reality.
84. Which state budget announced a road map for setting up green hydrogen hubs with outlay of Rs
200 crores?
[A] Telangana
[B] Kerala
[C] Assam
[D] Odisha
Answer: Kerala
The Budget presented by Kerala announced a road map for setting up green hydrogen hubs in Kochi and
Thiruvananthapuram in the next two years. A scheme of ₹200 crore has been announced for viability gap
funding/grant/equity support to set up the green hydrogen hubs. An amount of ₹20 crore is earmarked
additionally for the purpose in the Budget.
85. Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is prevalently found in which Indian state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Odisha
[D] Goa
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
As per the CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
trade database, 28 incidents of Red Sanders confiscation, seizure, and specimen were exported from
India. These consignments were exported to China (53.5%), Hong Kong (25.0%), Singapore (17.8%) and
the United States of America (3.5%) from 2016 to 2020. Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) or red
sandalwood, is an endemic tree species with distribution restricted to the Eastern Ghats of India and is
found in Andhra Pradesh.
86. The Union Budget 2023-24 has allocated Rs. 2,516 crore for the computerization of which unit,
over the next 5 years?
[A] State Cooperative Banks
[B] District central cooperative banks
[C] Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
[D] Multi-state Cooperative Banks
Answer: Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
The Union Budget 2023-24 has allocated Rs. 2,516 crore for the computerization of 63,000 PACS over
the next 5 years. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are village-level cooperative credit
societies that act as the last link to the 3-tier cooperative credit structure, which is headed by the State
Cooperative Bank or SCB. Credit from the SCB is transferred to the district central cooperative banks
(DCCBs), which will then transfer the credit to the PACS.
87. Bard is an AI chatbot that is being developed by which tech major?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Google
[C] Meta
[D] Twitter
Answer: Google
Bard is an AI chatbot that is being developed by Google as a competitor for the popular Microsoft-
backed ChatGPT. Bard will use AI to generate answers in text when queries are typed by the users. This
chatbot will function based on the AI model called LaMDA, which was introduced by Google in 2021 as a
generative language model for dialogue applications.
88. ‘TReDS’ is an electronic platform that facilitates the transactions for which entitites?
[A] Pharma companies
[B] Exporters
[C] MSMEs
[D] Banks
Answer: MSMEs
The Trade Receivable Discounting System (TReDS) is an electronic platform that facilitates the financing
or discounting, trading and settling invoices of the MSMEs. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided
to expand the scope of the TReDS to allow the use of insurance facilities. This will facilitate secondary
market operations on the TReDS.
89. ‘Eagle 44 (Oghab 44)’ is the first underground air force base of which country?
[A] Iran
[B] North Korea
[C] Israel
[D] France
Answer: Iran
The Eagle 44 (Oghab 44) is the first underground air force base of Iran. It is capable of housing fighter
jets equipped with cruise missiles. The unveiling of the Oghab 44 is seen as a display of Iran's aerial
military strength in response to a joint drill conducted by the US and Israel. It will host jets and drones
equipped with long-range cruise missiles to destroy adversary targets in case of attack.
90. Which Indian state/UT proposed the Wetland Ex-Situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE)?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Sikkim
[D] Gujarat
Answer: Rajasthan
The Wetland Ex-Situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE) is a zoo that is being proposed by the state
government of Rajasthan. It is set to be established within the Keoladeo National Park, a World Heritage
Site also known as the Bharatpur bird sanctuary. The WESCE will display a range of wetland species like
water buffaloes, dolphins, crocodiles, and others.
91. The Indian Armed Forces are set to procure armed Predator MQ 9A drones from which country?
[A] France
[B] Israel
[C] USA
[D] Russia
Answer: USA
The Indian Armed Forces are looking to procure 18 armed Predator MQ 9A drones from the United
States. Of these 18 drones, six will be provided for each of the three armed forces. These unmanned
aerial vehicles are capable of flying up to 50,000 feet for a maximum duration of 24 hours. It is capable
of carrying air-to-ground missiles to target high-value ground targets or air-to-air missiles.
92. ‘High Mobility Artillery Rocket System’ (HIMARS) is manufactured by which country?
[A] France
[B] Israel
[C] USA
[D] Russia
Answer: USA
The US State Department gave the nod for the sale of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System
(HIMARS) launchers to Poland. The HIMARS and the related equipment will be sold to Poland at a cost
of around USD 10 billion. HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is a type of artillery system
that can fire long-range rockets with pinpoint accuracy. It has been used in the conflict between Ukraine
and Russia.
93. Which country is the host of the ‘International Marine Protected Areas Congress’ in 2023?
[A] Canada
[B] Australia
[C] Chile
[D] Argentina
Answer: Canada
Experts at the 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress in Canada have recommended the
setting up of Marine Protected Areas. Marine protected areas are regions in the ocean where human
activities are regulated by the government. These protected areas are set up to address issues such as
pollution, litter, overfishing, and climate change.
94. National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT) functions under
which Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[B] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[C] Ministry of Rural Development and Entrepreneurship
[D] Ministry of Defence
Answer: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT) is an apex government
body that comes under the aegis of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). It is
responsible for development of industrial corridors like Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, Bengaluru
– Mumbai Industrial Corridor and others. The Indian Government has sanctioned and approved 8
projects under NICDIT.
95. Which country is being hit by devastating forest fires following a blistering heat wave?
[A] Argentina
[B] Chile
[C] Brazil
[D] Uganda
Answer: Chile
In Chile, at least 23 people were killed in devastating forest fires which occurred after a blistering heat
wave in the central part of the country. The state of emergency has been extended in the South
American country. According to an official briefing on Saturday at least 979 people have been affected
following the calamity.
96. Visva-Bharati University, which was seen in the news recently, is located in which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] West Bengal
[D] Odisha
Answer: West Bengal
UNESCO is set to announce Visva-Bharati University as a heritage university and it is set to become the
world’s first living heritage university. It was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, as a center for
culture, promoting the arts, language, humanities, music, and culture studies. Rabindranath Tagore's
philosophy of open-air education is followed at the university.
97. Which institution launched the ‘Zero-Draft’ of the Pandemic Treaty?
[A] World Bank
[B] World Health Organisation
[D] International Monetary Fund
Answer: World Health Organisation
The ‘zero-draft’ of the pandemic treaty was launched recently by the World Health Organization’s
Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB). The international treaty is expected to be presented at the
World Health Assembly in 2024. The aim of the pandemic treaty is to strengthen national and
international-level preparedness against future pandemics.
98. ‘Paris Club’ an informal group of creditor nations, are the members of which organisation?
[A] OPEC
[B] OECD
[C] G-20
[D] G-7
Answer: OECD
The Paris Club is an informal group of creditor nations that functions as a platform for official creditors
that resolves payment issues faced by debtor countries. All of its 22 member states belong to the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Paris Club has recently decided
to offer financial support to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Sri Lanka's debt.
99. Who is the chairperson of the special committee to examine the need for a separate competition
law for digital companies?
[A] Manoj Govil
[B] Ashwini Vaishnaw
[C] Nirmala Sitharaman
[D] Ramesh Chand
Answer: Manoj Govil
The government has set up a special committee to examine the need for a separate competition law for
digital companies. Chaired by Corporate Affairs Secretary Manoj Govil, the committee will review
whether existing antitrust laws in the country are equipped to deal with the challenges that have
emerged from the digital economy, and submit to the government a draft Digital Competition Act within
three months.
100. Which institution has released operational guidelines on green bonds?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] IRDAI
Answer: SEBI
Capital market regulator SEBI has launched operational guidelines on green bonds asking issuers to
make additional disclosures along with its annual report and financial results. The disclosures are
pertaining to environmental sustainability objectives of such debt securities in the offer document. In
addition, issuers of green bonds will have to disclose brief details of decision-making process followed
for determining the eligibility of projects.
101. Aaron Finch, who announces retirement from International Cricket, is from which country?
[A] England
[B] South Africa
[C] Australia
[D] West Indies
Answer: Australia
Australian men’s T20 captain Aaron Finch announced his retirement from international cricket. The 36-
year-old led Australia to its maiden T20 World Cup victory in 2021. Aaron Finch has captained the team
in 76 of the 103 T20 internationals he has played since debuting against England in 2011. He retired as
Australia’s one-day skipper last September.
102. ‘Operation Aag’ is associated with which state Police?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Answer: Kerala
Kerala Police have recently arrested 113 people who were accused in various criminal cases, under
‘Operation Aag’. The raids are being held to arrest those who were placed under the Kerala Anti-Social
Activities (Prevention) Act. Other initiatives of the state police include ‘Pink patrol’ which is specifically
for women’s safety, ‘Prasanthi’ for senior citizens among others.
103. Everglades wetland restoration project is associated with which country?
[A] Australia
[B] USA
[C] France
[D] Russia
Answer: USA
The Everglades is a wetland ecosystem in the southern part of the US state of Florida. It spans across
the southern half of a large drainage basin in the tropical region. This wetland ecosystem experiences
fluctuating weather changes, habitat loss and environmental degradation. A 35-year plan with an outlay
of 10 billion USD is being implemented to restore this wetland. This is the world’s largest and most
expensive ecological restoration project.
104. PK Rosy, who was honoured in the Google Doodle, was the first actress in which language?
[A] Tamil
[B] Malayalam
[C] Kannada
[D] Telugu
Answer: Malayalam
PK Rosy, was the first actress in Malayalam cinema. She is famed for defying gender and social norms
by acting in a film. On her 120th birth anniversary, she was honored with a Google Doodle. PK Rosy
belonged to a Dalit subcaste and learnt the traditional Kakkarissi Nattakam. Her debut film was
Vigathakumaran (The Lost Child, 1928).
105. Which Union Ministry launched the ‘Digital Payments Utsav’?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Answer: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, launched a comprehensive
campaign plan, ‘Digital Payments Utsav, in New Delhi. Digital Payments Utsav, has been planned this
year to promote Digital Payments across the country and to celebrate the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and
G20 Presidency. Digital Payment Sandesh Yatra was also flagged off to make citizens aware of digital
payment solutions. DigiDhan awards were presented to banks that perform well in digital payments.
106. Which Indian state topped the medal tally in the 5th Khelo India Youth Games?
[A] Haryana
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Maharashtra
In the fifth Khelo India Youth Games recently concluded in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra ranks first in
the medal table with 161 medals including 56 gold medals. Maharashtra had already won the titles in
2019 and 2020. Haryana claimed the first runners-up trophy with 128 medals, followed by the hosts
Madhya Pradesh in the third place.
107. After the RBI Monetary Policy Statement announced in February 2023, what is the repo rate?
[A] 5.50 %
[B] 5.75 %
[C] 6.25 %
[D] 6.50 %
Answer: 6.50 %
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India hiked the key policy rate, the Repo
rate by 25 basis points to 6.50 per cent in a bid to control the retail inflation. The RBI has increased the
repo rate by a cumulative 250 basis points to 6.50 per cent since May this year. The RBI has projected
GDP growth for the next fiscal (FY2024) at 6.4 per cent.
108. Which country launched ‘Operation Dost’ to extend assistance to Turkey and Syria after the
massive earthquake?
[A] Pakistan
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Russia
Answer: India
India launched ‘Operation Dost’ to extend assistance to Turkey and Syria after the devastating
earthquake. The seventh 'Operation Dost' flight reached earthquake-hit Syria with over 23 tons of relief
material. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the flight is carrying more than 35 tons of relief
material, of which over 23 tons is headed for relief efforts in Syria, and around 12 tons to Turkey.
109. 'Gaziantep Castle', which was seen in the news, is a historical site located in which country?
[A] Russia
[B] Ukraine
[C] Turkey
[D] USA
Answer: Turkey
The earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria has badly damaged Gaziantep Castle, a historic site and
tourist attraction in south-eastern Turkey. The castle collapsed during the 7.8 magnitude earthquake
which hit Turkey. According to archaeological excavations, the castle was first built as a watchtower in
the Roman period in the second and third centuries C.E. and expanded over time. Most recently, it
served as ‘Gaziantep Defense and Heroism Panoramic Museum’.
110. Which Union Ministry signed an MoU with Digital Green to build a national-level digital
extension platform?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[C] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[D] Ministry of Finance
Answer: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare signed an MoU with Digital Green under a public-private
partnership framework to build a ‘National-level digital extension platform’. The platform will host a
digital library of multi-format multi-lingual content and upskill extension workers for agriculture,
horticulture, fisheries, livestock and rural livelihood missions through certified online courses.
111. Which country introduced new bank stress-test scenarios to examine the ability of the 23
biggest lenders?
[A] India
[B] USA
[C] UK
[D] China
Answer: USA
US Federal Reserve, the country’s central bank recently introduced Wall Street bank stress-test
scenarios. The central bank will examine the ability of the 23 biggest US lenders to withstand crisis
conditions without degrading their capital. For the first time, the so-called stress test will feature an
‘exploratory market shock’ to the trading books of the largest and most complex banks.
112. Which city is the host of the third edition of Khelo India Winter Games?
[A] Guwahati
[B] Shimla
[C] Gulmarg
[D] Leh
Answer: Gulmarg
The third edition of Khelo India Winter Games recently kicked off at Gulmarg, in the UT of Jammu and
Kashmir. Over 1500 sportspersons from across the country will participate in nine different winter sports
disciplines. Jammu and Kashmir holds the distinction to have topped in both the previous editions of the
Khelo India Winter Games held so far.
113. Which is the first Fintech company to launch cross-border transaction facility through UPI?
[A] BharatPe
[B] Razorpay
[C] PhonePe
[D] PayTm
Answer: PhonePe
PhonePe recently became the first Indian fintech company to enable payments abroad. It allows
international transactions through Unified Payments Interface (UPI). With this, Indian travellers can
make UPI transactions to foreign merchants using PhonePe platform. Cross-border transaction facility
by PhonePe will support all international outlets in UAE, Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan and Mauritius having
local QR Code.
114. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, which was seen in the news, is used to treat
which disease?
[A] Polio
[B] Cancer
[C] Tuberculosis
[D] Diabetes
Answer: Cancer
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is the latest innovation in the field of medicine, to treat
cancer. Rather than relying on drugs, like chemotherapy or immunotherapy, the CAR T cell therapy
treatments utilise a patient's own cells that have been altered in a lab to stimulate T-cells and attack
tumour cells. Currently, CAR T-cell therapy has received clearance for treating leukemia and lymphoma
types of cancer.
115. Nebraska’s Sand Hills, where a new type of quasi-crystal was discovered, is located in which
country?
[A] China
[B] Turkey
[C] USA
[D] Ukraine
Answer: USA
Quasicrystal is a substance that has atoms orderly arranged like a crystal but its atomic structure is
more complex and does not repeat periodically in all directions. This unique complex pattern makes it
different from a normal crystal. Recently, a new type of quasicrystal was discovered in the north central
Nebraska’s Sand Hills in the USA. It had 12-fold symmetry. It may have been created during an
accidental electrical discharge because of a downed power line or a lightning strike.
116. Which state/UT is the host of ‘India’s First Frozen Lake Marathon’?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Ladakh
[D] Uttarakhand
Answer: Ladakh
India's first "frozen-lake marathon" is going to be organised at Pangong Tso lake in the union territory of
Ladakh. This event will be held at an altitude of 13,862 feet and cover a distance of 21 kilometers. The
marathon will start at Lukung and end at Maan village. The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border
Police (ITBP) will oversee the event. This marathon is called the ‘Last Run’ to highlight the issue of
climate change.
117. Which African country recently announced demonetization to address corruption and bring
down inflation?
[A] Egypt
[B] Nigeria
[C] South Africa
[D] Tanzania
Answer: Nigeria
Nigeria has recently announced demonetization to address corruption and bring down inflation. Its
purpose is to bring back most of the money that is in circulation outside the banking system and to
minimize money laundering. Nigerians are required to turn in their old 1,000, 500 and 200 naira
banknotes as part of this initiative in return for new naira notes. With the African country being largely
dependent on cash, the shortage of new naira notes is causing chaos in Nigeria.
118. Which country has planned to launch Millet International Initiative for Research and Awareness
(MIIRA)?
[A] USA
[B] India
[C] Indonesia
[D] Sri Lanka
Answer: India
India has planned to launch a global initiative called the Millet International Initiative for Research and
Awareness (MIIRA) to promote the consumption and production of millets. MIIRA will coordinate
international millet research programs and support research on millet crops. This global initiative will
also raise awareness and promote millet consumption. India will provide the initial funding, while other
G20 countries will contribute to the budget.
119. What is the name of the exercise between National Security Guard (NSG) and US Special
Operations Forces (SOF)?
[A] VIKAS
[B] TARKASH
[C] BHIM
[D] VIRAT
Answer: TARKASH
The TARKASH exercise is a joint bilateral exercise between India's National Security Guard (NSG) and US
Special Operations Forces (SOF). The sixth edition of this exercise is being held in Chennai from January
16 to February 14. This is the first time that the ‘Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN)
terror response’ is included in TARKASH.
120. What is the name used to describe a group of synthetic chemicals called per-and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS)?
[A] Forever Chemicals
[B] Ultra-Synthetic Chemicals
[C] Eco Chemicals
[D] Ice Chemicals
Answer: Forever Chemicals
‘Forever chemicals’ is a term used to describe a group of synthetic chemicals called per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are highly persistent in the environment and resist degradation.
They are called ‘forever’ chemicals because they do not break down naturally and can persist for
decades or even centuries. A new study led by Oxford University found high levels of forever chemicals
in the ice around Norway’s Svalbard.
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Contents
......................... ....... _ _ ......... ......... .....................................................
News Headlines ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
February 16, 2023 ......................................................................................................................................... 3
February 17, 2023 ......................................................................................................................................... 3
February 18, 2023 ........................................................................................................................................ 4
February 19, 2023 ......................................................................................................................................... 5
February 20, 2023 ........................................................................................................................................ 6
February 21, 2023 ......................................................................................................................................... 6
February 22, 2023 ........................................................................................................................................ 7
February 23, 2023 ........................................................................................................................................ 8
February 25, 2023 ........................................................................................................................................ 9
February 25, 2023 ...................................................................................................................................... 10
February 26, 2023 ....................................................................................................................................... 11
February 27, 2023 ....................................................................................................................................... 11
February 28, 2023 ...................................................................................................................................... 12
February 16, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................... 13
What are Transfer Pricing Rules? ............................................................................................................ 13
Air India Deal with Airbus and Boeing ................................................................................................... 13
Second Advance Estimates of Production of major crops - Update (February, 2023) ............... 14
India's marine product export target by 2025 ...................................................................................... 15
Global sovereign debt roundtable ............................................................................................................ 15
India has 27K active tech startups ........................................................................................................... 16
Defence: 75% capital to be spent on domestic procurement ........................................................... 16
HARBINGER 2023: RBI announces 2nd global hackathon .............................................................. 17
EU formally bans gas, diesel car sales from 2035 ................................................................................ 17
National Tribal Festival - Aadi Mahotsav ............................................................................................... 18
Shinku La Tunnel ........................................................................................................................................ 18
Jal Jan Abhiyan ............................................................................................................................................. 19
U.N. draft resolution calls for ceasefire in Ukraine .............................................................................. 19
Study on Thwaites Glacier ....................................................................................................................... 20
Cabinet approves Vibrant Villages Programme .................................................................................... 20
IIT Kanpur develops energy-efficient system to transport minerals ................................................ 21
RBI gives licenses for 32 payment aggregators .................................................................................... 22
World Bank President Malpass to step down ....................................................................................... 22
February 17, 2023 .............................................................................................................................................. 23
Israel's New Law to strip Arab attackers of citizenship ..................................................................... 23
Textile Advisory Group for Manmade Fibre ........................................................................................ 23
'President's Colour' honour to the Haryana Police ............................................................................. 24
India's first waste-to-hydrogen plant to be set up in Pune ................................................................ 24
UNSC session on sea level rise ................................................................................................................. 25
US Bill on Arunachal Pradesh LAC ......................................................................................................... 25
Tripura Elections 2023: 81% Voter turn out ........................................................................................ 26
Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar ..................................................................................................... 26
Govt Plans OTT Platform and Direct to Mobile TV .......................................................................... 26
Vertiplane X3 Drone delivers TB medicines ......................................................................................... 27
IAF indigenous Vayulink platform .......................................................................................................... 27
OECD Services Trade Restrictiveness Index-STRI .............................................................................. 28
Global Labour Resilience Index 2023 .................................................................................................... 28
Karnataka State Budget 2023-24 ........................................................................................................... 29
February 18, 2023 .............................................................................................................................................. 30
Dharma Guardian 2023 Exercise ............................................................................................................ 30
Spain passes Europe’s first menstrual paid leave law .......................................................................... 30
New market segment for EXPENSIVE power ...................................................................................... 31
BEL and Israel Aerospace to form JV ...................................................................................................... 31
Ethanol interest subvention scheme- Updates ...................................................................................... 32
NASSCOM Report on AI skill penetration ........................................................................................... 32
Qatar lifts temporary ban on Indian Frozen Seafood ......................................................................... 33
World Pangolin Day: Data on Pangolin poaching in India ................................................................ 33
One Year of India-UAE CEPA ................................................................................................................. 34
Supreme Court Action in Adani Case .................................................................................................... 34
Manipur hosts B20 Conference ............................................................................................................... 35
49th meeting of GST Council ................................................................................................................. 35
February 19, 2023 .............................................................................................................................................. 36
North India First Nuclear Plant ............................................................................................................... 36
February 20, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................. 37
World Day of Social Justice 2023 ........................................................................................................... 37
Madhya Pradesh Government passes New Liquor Policy ................................................................. 37
President Murmu visits Arunachal Pradesh .......................................................................................... 38
Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day ......................................................................................................... 38
DUSTLIK 2023: India-Uzbekistan Military Exercise .......................................................................... 39
NEOM: Saudi’s Future Mega City .......................................................................................................... 39
Chandrayaan-3 lander clears key test .................................................................................................... 40
PFRDA launches T+2 settlement for NPS withdrawal ...................................................................... 40
Nepal celebrates Democracy Day ............................................................................................................ 41
Telangana’s Teja chilli ............................................................................................................................... 42
Residence by investment programmes ................................................................................................... 42
Hwasong-15: North Korea's Intercontinental ballistic missile ........................................................... 43
US President Joe Biden visits Kyiv amidst Ukraine-Russia war tensions ........................................ 43
INS Sumedha participated in IDEX and NAVDEX ............................................................................. 44
BVR Subrahmanyam appointed new CEO of NITI Aayog ............................................................... 44
February 21, 2023 .............................................................................................................................................. 44
International Mother Language Day 2023 ........................................................................................... 44
Cross Dependency Initiative: 9 Indian states most vulnerable to climate risks ............................. 45
EPFO new instructions .............................................................................................................................. 45
India-Singapore link Digital Payments UPI and PAYNOW ............................................................... 46
First Semiconductor plant of India ......................................................................................................... 47
IMF: India and China to contribute more than half of global growth ........................................... 47
SYL Canal come up in Haryana Budget 2023 ..................................................................................... 48
DGCA: Domestic Air Traffic increases in India .................................................................................. 48
UAE to host first I2U2 vice-ministerial meeting .................................................................................. 49
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2023 ............................................................ 49
State of Nation Address of Russian President Vladimir Putin ........................................................... 50
Learning-Teaching Material Jadui Pitara ................................................................................................ 51
Panel to assess impact of Higher temperature on Wheat Crop ........................................................ 51
Russia suspends START, the last Nuclear Treaty ................................................................................ 52
Ladakh sets Guinness record Pangong Tso Marathon ....................................................................... 52
February 22, 2023 .............................................................................................................................................. 53
ISSF Shooting World Cup: Rudrankksh Patil of India wins gold ..................................................... 53
US returns looted artifacts to Yemen ..................................................................................................... 53
Khajuraho hosts first G20 Culture Working Group meet ................................................................ 54
Eknath Shinde the new Chief of Shiv Sena ........................................................................................... 55
India to setup Digital University ............................................................................................................... 55
Guru Kripa Yara with Bharat Gaurav Trains ....................................................................................... 56
Seattle-First US city to ban Caste Discrimination ................................................................................ 56
Vivek Ramaswamy launches US Presidential bid ................................................................................. 57
Moon Venus Jupiter Conjunction ............................................................................................................ 57
Delhi Mayor Election ................................................................................................................................. 58
India-Guyana Air Service Agreement .................................................................................................... 59
UBER-TATA Deal for 25000 EV ........................................................................................................... 59
Uttar Pradesh Budget 2023-24 ............................................................................................................... 59
Losar Festival in Dharamshala ................................................................................................................. 60
India and Seychelles sign agreement on Maritime Cooperation ....................................................... 61
February 23, 2023 .............................................................................................................................................. 61
India-China hold WMCC Meeting .......................................................................................................... 61
Namami Gange Executive Committee approves nine projects ......................................................... 62
Asia Economic dialogue 2023 ................................................................................................................. 63
Climate Smart Wheat Variety of ICAR .................................................................................................. 63
Mandatory Certification for Cotton Quality ......................................................................................... 64
Google tests blocking news content ...................................................................................................... 64
Sikhs and Jews most targeted in hate crimes in US ............................................................................ 65
Innovative Extension Approaches for Revitalising Agriculture in J&K ............................................ 65
Tajikistan Earthquake ................................................................................................................................ 66
Brazil Mad Cow Disease ........................................................................................................................... 67
China-Japan Security Dialogue ................................................................................................................ 67
NTPC ranked top independent power producer ................................................................................ 68
What are the risks of Ohio Derailment? ............................................................................................... 68
Haryana Budget 2023-24 ........................................................................................................................ 69
India defeated by Australia in Women's T20 World Cup Semi Final ............................................. 69
February 24, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................. 70
New World Bank President: Ajay Banga, the former Mastercard CEO ......................................... 70
Ukraine War: India-China abstain from UN Voting ........................................................................... 70
India joins Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate ...................................................................... 71
China launches Zhongxing-26 satellite ................................................................................................... 71
Indian Submarine docks in Indonesia for the first time ...................................................................... 71
SC refuses to hear PIL on menstrual leave ........................................................................................... 72
Russia launches Soyuz Space craft to bring back stranded astronauts ........................................... 72
Full Emergency declared in Thiruvananthapuram Airport ................................................................ 73
Onion Shortage threatens the world ...................................................................................................... 73
Earthquake in Indonesia of magnitude 6.2 ........................................................................................... 74
Gujarat Budget 2023-24 .......................................................................................................................... 74
Central Excise Day 2023 ........................................................................................................................... 75
Sergio Ramos retires from international football ................................................................................. 75
Odisha Budget 2023-24 ........................................................................................................................... 76
IMF Nine Point Crypto Action Plan ....................................................................................................... 76
February 25, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................. 77
Pakistan receives $700 million from China ......................................................................................... 77
Kerala: First State to use Robotic Manhole cleaners .......................................................................... 77
China blocks ChatGPT ............................................................................................................................. 78
FSSAI Millet Standards ............................................................................................................................. 79
Bihar Fog Alert System at $50,000 ....................................................................................................... 79
Indian Army to end Colonial Practices .................................................................................................. 80
Meta launches New LLaMA .................................................................................................................... 80
Municipal Corporation of Delhi ............................................................................................................... 81
German Chancellor Olaz Scholz visits India ......................................................................................... 81
NASA Space-X Crew-6 Mission to ISS ................................................................................................ 82
APEDA signs pact with Lulu to promote millets in GCC .................................................................. 82
Desert Flag exercise VIII ........................................................................................................................... 83
February 27, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................. 84
PM-KISAN Scheme: PM Modi released Rs 16800 crores ............................................................... 84
Manish Sisodia Liquor Policy Case ......................................................................................................... 84
Cobra Warrior exercise ............................................................................................................................. 85
Scientists discover fifth inner core layer of the earth .......................................................................... 85
Australia won 2023 Women T20 World Cup ..................................................................................... 86
NOKIA changes its logo ........................................................................................................................... 86
Carabao Cup 2023: Manchester United wins ...................................................................................... 87
PM Modi inaugurated Shivamogga Airport and launched Development projects in Karnataka
................................................................................................................................................................. 87
Kerala Temple introduces mechanical elephant .................................................................................. 87
Germany to ease Visa applications to Indians ...................................................................................... 88
DGCA approves Hindustan 228 aircraft of HAL ............................................................................... 88
Sant Sevalal Maharaj Jayanti .................................................................................................................... 89
Kerala inks pact with UN Women .......................................................................................................... 89
NEET PG 2023: Supreme Court dismisses Plea ................................................................................. 90
February 28, 2023 ............................................................................................................................................. 90
National Science Day 2023 ...................................................................................................................... 90
Bird Survey Dharoi 2023 .......................................................................................................................... 91
Karnataka to get India’s first Marina ...................................................................................................... 92
Clean Plant Program: GoI to set up 10 Clean Plant Centres ............................................................ 92
France to unveil new strategy in Africa ................................................................................................. 93
Trends in Maternal Mortality Report ..................................................................................................... 93
120 MCQs ............................................................................................................................................................ 95
News Headlines
February 16, 2023
INDIA
In Tripura, voting begins to elect a new 60-Member Legislative Assembly.
India and Spain agree to collaborate on digital infrastructure, climate action and
sustainable development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the mega National Tribal Festival –
Aadi Mahotsav.
Cabinet approves construction of Shinku La Tunnel to provide all-weather
connectivity in Ladakh
PM Modi to virtually inaugurate Jal Jan Abhiyan in Sirohi district of Rajasthan
India earmarks 75 per cent of capital procurement budget for domestic industry
Two-day Global Tech Summit to begin in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) to provide maintenance and overhaul support for
MQ-9B drone engines in India.
ECONOMY
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announces 2nd global hackathon- HARBINGER 2023.
West Bengal state government announces its state budget for the year 2023-24;
broadens welfare schemes.
Foodgrain production is estimated to be over 3,235 lakh tonnes in agricultural year
2022-23: Second advance estimates.
WORLD
Death toll in Turkey and Syria climbs to more than 41,000 after devastating
earthquakes.
South Korea has said that a North Korean food crisis appears to be worsening.
Pakistan government introduces bill to raise Rs 170 billion in taxes
SPORTS
Women’s T20 World Cup: India beat West Indies by 6 wickets.
Akshdeep Singh and Priyanka Goswami win National Race Walking Championships.
Indian men’s cricket team tops in all three formats for the first time
February 17, 2023

INDIA
India International Seafood Show concludes in Kolkata.
The 4th edition of joint military exercise, ‘EX DHARMA GUARDIAN’, between India
and Japan begins.
Indian Railways launches Rail Post Gati Shakti Express Cargo Service to provide
logistics for services sector in country.
The Tourism Ministry will organise 1st Global Tourism Investors’ Summit from the
17th to 19th of May.

National level Hackathon ‘KAVACH-2023’ launched to advance India’s cyber-
preparedness.
Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2019, 2020 and 2021 have been awarded to102
artists.
81% polling recorded in Tripura Assembly Elections amid violence.
ECONOMY
India’s overall exports during April to January record positive growth of 17.33%.
David Malpass to step down from the position of World Bank chief before his five-
year term expires.
Paytm Payments Bank enables UPI LITE to promote small value transactions
India ranks 47th in OECD’s services trade restrictiveness index
WORLD
Spain Parliament passes a new law allowing gender self-determination
India and Fiji sign MoU on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official
passports
Resolution introduced in US Senate that reaffirms Arunachal Pradesh as an integral
part of India
Google, Twitter, Meta face tougher EU online content rules.
SPORTS
Khelo India: Indian Army organises Women’s Snow Cricket tournament.
P.V. Sindhu and H.S. Prannoy won singles matches as India beat Malaysia and
entered quarterfinals of Asia mixed team badminton championships.
February 18, 2023
INDIA
Twelve cheetahs from South Africa to arrive at Kuno National Park in Madhya
Pradesh.
Supreme Court rejects government’s sealed cover suggestions in Adani case
Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the
Jharkhand High Court.
India finalises 13 activities under 3 heads for trading of carbon credits
World Pangolin Day : Over 1,000 pangolins poached and trafficked in India in past
five years
Supreme Court to set up panel on investor protection regime.
ECONOMY
The 49th meeting of the GST Council will be held in New Delhi, to be chaired by
Finance Minister.
Several irregularities found during survey at BBC: I-T department.
Government reduces reserve price of wheat under Open Market Sale Scheme to
check inflation
Manipur hosts B20 Conference for delegates from 23 nations in Imphal

WORLD
One Year of India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
commemorated at Dubai.
Qatar lifts its temporary ban on the import of frozen seafood from India.
Japan’s space agency aborts launch of next-generation H3 rocket after engines
South Africa commences joint military exercise with Russia-China.
Nepal plane crash: Human error suspected behind the mishap.
Lancet: Immunity acquired from Covid infection provides protection against most
severe outcomes of illness.
SPORTS
Asia Mixed Team Badminton Championships: India enters semifinals.
Chetan Sharma step down as Chief Selector of Indian cricket team following a TV
sting operation.
February 19, 2023

INDIA
Third phase of Sagar Parikrama aimed to resolve fishermen issues to begin in
Gujarat.
AICTE launches curriculum for technical courses in semiconductor design
Northern India’s first nuclear plant to come up in Haryana’s Gorakhpur
Vice President arrives in Gujarat and attends Rann Utsav,
‘SemiconIndia Conference’of Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Ecosystem’
was inaugurated.
The birth centenary celebrations of freedom fighter and founder of ‘Lokmat’ Shri
Jawaharlal Ji Darda
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
GST council accepts GoM recommendation for setting up Appellate Tribunal for
dispute redressal
RBI issues draft guidelines for minimum capital requirements for market risk
GST Council decides to tax services supplied by courts and tribunals under the
reverse charge mechanism.
WORLD
UAE and India launch the UAE Chapter of the Business Council to Boost Bilateral
Trade & Investment.
The 12th World Hindi Conference concluded this morning in Nadi, Fiji.
World’s highest weather station rebuilt on Mount Everest
North Korea confirms ICBM test, warns of more powerful steps against rival’’.
More than 46,000 people have been killed in the earthquake that struck Turkey and
Syria
Study: Underwater noise emissions pose threat to marine life’
SPORTS
Indian team settle for Bronze at Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship in Dubai
Harmanpreet Kaur surpasses Rohit Sharma to become most capped T20I player
February 20, 2023
INDIA
HAL plans for medium-lift choppers to replace ageing Mi-17s.
12 cheetahs arrived and were released into quarantine enclosures at the Kuno
National Park (KNP), Madhya Pradesh.
India Meteorological Department issued season’s first heatwave warning in the
Konkan and Kutch areas of Gujarat.
ISRO says that the ‘Chandrayaan-3’ lander has successfully underwent the key test
on functioning of satellite in space
Tata Sons owned Air India and Vistara start Integration Process
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet brings new liquor policy, orders closure all bars.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to launch India’s first virtual shopping,
recharge app for metro.
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
PFRDA introduces T+2 settlement for partial withdrawal for NPS subscribers; from
the earlier T+4 settlement.
Indian economy to Grow at 6%: Former Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar.
Finance ministers and central bank chiefs of G-20 nations will meet for first time
under India’s presidency in Bengaluru.
India’s Russian oil imports surge to a record 1.4 million barrels per day in January.
WORLD
US plans new Russia export controls and sanctions on key industries.
India-Uzbekistan biennial military training Exercise DUSTLIK 2023 begins in
Uttarakhand.
Nepal celebrated Democracy Day on February 19.
North Korea confirms test of Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile
SPORTS
India retains Border Gavaskar Trophy, defeating Australia by 6 wickets in 2nd Test.
Saurashtra lifts Ranji Trophy title after defeating Bengal by 9 wickets.
February 21, 2023
INDIA
India aims to cut emission intensity of GDP by 20-25: Ministry of Environment, Forest
& Climate Change.
BEML signs MoU with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) led SPV for constructing
the Bahrain Metro Rail Project Phase-1.

Government appoints retired civil servant B.V.R. Subrahmanyam as the new chief
executive of NITI Aayog.
INS Sumedha visits Abu Dhabi to participate in IDEX and NAVDEX 2023.
International ‘Khajuraho Dance Festival-2023 begins in Madhya Pradesh.
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities celebrated World Social
Justice Day
Union Agriculture Minister chairs the National Conference on Agriculture for Zaid
Campaign-2023.
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
Tata Motors signs MoU with Uber to supply 25,000 XPRES–T Electric Vehicles.
T-Hub and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) joined hands to support start-ups in
the aerospace and defence composite markets.
Income tax department releases a calculator to help compare savings under the new
income tax regime.
WORLD
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ wins 7 prizes including best film at UK’s BAFTAs
(British Academy Film Awards).
India to host Permanent Mission Roundtables at UN Head Quarter as Chair of G- 20.
U.S. President Joe Biden made a trip to Kyiv, promising USD 500 million in fresh arms
deliveries and support.
Union Minister of Food Processing Industry inaugurates India Pavillion at Dubai.
SPORTS
India enters semifinals of Women’s T20 World Cup beating Ireland.
Meghalaya made history by entering the semifinal of the Santosh Trophy National
Football Championship.
February 22, 2023

INDIA
First meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to be
inaugurated in Bengaluru.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was named the Shiv Sena chief leader.
Railways to launch Guru Kripa Yatra with Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina honours Dr. Mahendra Mishra with International
Mother Language Award in Dhaka.
The Government has emphasised on launching an Over-the-Top (OTT) platform for
Prasar Bharati.
The Centre approved the Quality Control Order for mandatory certification of cotton
bales.
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
RBI allows UPI transactions for inbound G-20 travellers.
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Singapore’s PayNow have been
integrated to enable faster remittances.
Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launches new guidelines for
employees to opt for higher pension.
WORLD
The 76th British Academy Film Awards, BAFTA Awards, were announced in London.
Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik André Henrik Christian is on a five-day visit to
India.
Russia decides to suspend participation in New START treaty for nuclear arms control
with US.
Indo-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy announces 2024 presidential bid.
UNDP: Recent earthquakes have left 1.5 million people homeless in Turkey.
Israel’s Parliament passes controversial Bills that seek to overhaul Israel’s judiciary.
SPORTS
India enters semi-finals of Women’s T20 World Cup beating Ireland.
India’s 14-year-old Tilottama Sen wins bronze medal in women’s 10m Air Rifle at ISSF
World Cup.
February 23, 2023

INDIA
Abu Dhabi defence firm signs MOU with India’s HAL at UAE’s Defence expo.
India and Chinese commanders to meet to resolve friction points in Eastern Ladakh.
Indian Textiles Ministry makes certification mandatory for cotton quality.
IIT Madras partners with General Insurance Corporation of India to develop Urine-
based TB diagnosis.
Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister tables Budget 2023-24 in State Assembly, the biggest
budget in the history of the state.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) develops wheat variety, which can
overcome rising heat levels.
External Affairs Ministry’s annual flagship event Asia Economic Dialogue to begin in
Pune
Government approves five-year project on “Innovative Extension Approaches for
Revitalising Agriculture in J&K”
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
State Bank of India (SBI) announced a partnership with PayNo, the online payment
system of Singapore, for cross-border payments.
India and the UAE are exploring creating a virtual trade corridor to facilitate quicker
clearance of shipments.
WORLD
G7 countries’ finance ministers and central bank governors will gather in Bengaluru
under the leadership of Japan.
An earthquake of 6.8 magnitude has hit eastern Tajikistan.
Brazil halts beef export to China, after a case of mad cow disease was confirmed.
The inaugural I2U2 Business Forum was held at Abu Dhabi, UAE .
Turkiye introduces temporary wage support scheme and bans layoffs in 10 cities.
SPORTS
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar wins gold medal in men’s individual 50m rifle
competition at ISSF World Cup at Cairo.
Young Indian shooter Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil won the gold medal in the 10m Air
Rifle individual event at ISSF Shooting World Cup at Cairo.
February 25, 2023

INDIA
CAG Girish Chandra Murmu selected as External Auditor of International Labour
Organization (ILO) in Geneva.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) specifies comprehensive group
standard for millets from September.
Chairman of EAC-PM Dr Bibek Debroy releases Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
report
President Droupadi Murmu presents Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships & Akademi
Awards in New Delhi.
Uttarakhand signs MoU to build ropeway to Yamunotri temple.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya releases working paper by Stanford
University and Institute for Competitiveness.
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
GST revenues hit ₹1.59 lakh crore in January 2023, the second highest monthly
collections on record.
Gujarat government presents ₹3.01 lakh crore budget. No new taxes proposed.
NSE gets final nod from SEBI for social stock exchange.
WORLD
UNGA passes resolution calling for immediate end to hostilities between Ukraine and
Russia
US President Joe Biden nominated Mr. Ajay Banga to lead the World Bank.
After Saudi Arabia, Omanis set to allow Israeli planes through its airspace.
SPORTS
Three-day All-India Taekwondo Championship has been recently inaugurated in New
Delhi.
T-20 Women’s World Cup: Australia reaches final beating India by 5 runs in semi-
final.
February 25, 2023

INDIA
Kerala government launched robotic scavenger, Bandicoot, to clean sewages under
the Guruvayur Sewerage Project in Thrissur district.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) directed the telecom service providers
to submit service quality reports for each state and UT.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to inaugurate New Delhi World Book
Fair.
International Bio-resource Conclave & Ethno-pharmacology Congress 2023
commences in Imphal.
Prime Minister to inaugurate ‘Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava’ cultural festival at
Talkatora Stadium in Delhi.
Women 20 (W20), an official G-20 engagement group inception meeting to be held at
Aurangabad.
Centre approves renaming Aurangabad to Chatrapati Sambhajinagar & Osmnabad
to Dharashiv in Maharashtra.
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
National Stock Exchange (NSE) launches India’s first municipal bond index, the India
Municipal Bond Index (IBMX).
Paytm becomes first to launch UPI LITE for small value transactions.
Report: Proportion of funding to women-led start-ups grew in 2022.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeks ideas on sovereign debt and climate
transition finance at the meeting of G-20 finance ministers and central bank
governors.
WORLD
Meta is releasing a new large language model based on artificial intelligence (AI)
aimed at the research community.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) suspended Russia’s membership over Ukraine
war.
World Bank announces $2.5 billion in additional Ukraine aid on war anniversary.
European Union member states backed a 10th package of sanctions on Russia.
SPORTS
Indian pair Anirudh Chandrasekhar and N Vijay Sundar Prashanth storm into doubles
final in Bengaluru Open ATP challenger tournament.
Women’s T20 World Cup: South Africa reaches maiden ICC final.
February 26, 2023

INDIA
Computer scientist Hari Balakrishnan has been awarded the 2023 Marconi Prize.
Indian Air Force contingent reaches in UAE to participate in Exercise Desert Flag VIII.
First G20 Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors meeting concludes in
Bengaluru.
World’s longest river cruise ‘MV Ganga Vilas’ to culminate its journey in Dibrugarh
Ellora -Ajanta International Festival 2023 begins in Maharashtra.
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
India ranks 42nd among 55 leading global economies on the International IP Index
released by the U.S. Chambers of Commerce.
India asks IMF and FSB to prepare technical paper on regulating crypto assets
WORLD
Russian space agency launches Soyuz spacecraft to bring back 3 astronauts stranded
on ISS
Bangladesh government signs agreement with ISA to increase use of solar energy in
country
Researchers demonstrated in mice the underlying neural mechanism that allows
mice to feel empathy.
Earthquake reveals Earth’s core has two distinct layers made of differently structured
iron crystals.
SPORTS
Indian Greco Roman wrestler Ankit Gulia bags Bronze medal in Ibrahim Moustafa
ranking series in Egypt.
Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament: Govind Kumar Sahani, Anamika and
Anupama storm into finals.
February 27, 2023

INDIA
Kerala inks pact with UN Women to empower women in tourism.
Karnataka to get India’s first Marina to promote coastal tourism.
Japan to invest ₹7,200 crores in Uttar Pradesh, HMI Group is developing 30 hotels in
the state.
PM Modi to inaugurate Shivamogga airport in Karnataka.
Rs 16800 to be disbursed to Farmers under Pm Kisan Today
CBI arrests Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in excise policy case.
Exercise Desert Flag VIII: LCA Tejas to take part in its maiden global air exercise.
ECONOMY
FM Nirmala Sitharaman meets heads of World Bank, IMF; discusses debt
restructuring.
Commerce Ministry: Services exports to cross USD 300 billion this fiscal
Pakistan govt raises policy interest rate by 200 bps for IMF Bailout.
Direct benefit transfers reach Rs 5.5 trillion so far in the current financial year.
WORLD
Elon Musk’s SpaceX set to launch next International Space station crew for NASA.
UAE to send its second astronaut to space on a long haul mission to ISS
Thousands of people take to streets in Portugal over cost-of-living crisis due to
inflation.
SPORTS
Tennis: Novak Djokovic breaks Steffi Graf’s record of 377 weeks at Number 1 rank.
Football: Lionel Messi scores 700th club goal; Mbappe crosses 200th goal for PSG club.
February 28, 2023

INDIA
Mizoram would export ‘Bird’s eye chilli’ of the state to the United States for the first
time.
Railways will spend Rs 32000 crore on new lines, Rs 13000 crore on customer
amenities.
Gujarat passes bill to extend period for filing applications to regularise illegal
constructions.
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) fixed retail prices of 74 medicines
including diabetes.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has found a 1,300-year-old Buddhist stupa in
Odisha’s Jajpur.
Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will offer the indigenous 5G testbed free
of cost to government-recognised startups.
ECONOMY
After Singapore, India’s UPI will be likely extended to UAE, Mauritius, Indonesia.
SEBI proposes uniform expense ratio for Mutual Funds to curb mis-selling.
Bloomberg Billionaires Index: Elon Musk surpasses France’s Bernard Arnault to
regain his spot as the world’s richest person.
WORLD
Canada announced that it is banning TikTok from all government-issued mobile
devices.
World Bank report: Earthquake damage in Turkey to exceed USD 34 billion.
India and the UK will launch the Young Professionals Scheme today.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to be chief guest at 8th Raisina Dialogue
SPORTS
Argentina’s Lionel Messi bagged the Best FIFA men’s player prize for 2022 after
beating World Cup final rival, Kylian Mbappe.
Australia lift ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Trophy beating South Africa by 19 runs in
Cape Town.
February 16, 2023

What are Transfer Pricing Rules?
The Income Tax department recently conducted surveys in BBC offices located in Mumbai,
Delhi, and in different other cities in the country. According to the IT Department, the BBC
has violated “TRANSFER PRICING RULES”. Transfer Pricing is a practice where one
company charges another (in the same division). The parent company of both companies
is the same.
In Simple Terms Example
Take, two Companies Company A and Company B. Parent Company of both companies
are the same. For instance, the parent company of “BBC UK” is in London. Now assume,
Company A is “BBC India” and Company B is “BBC USA”. Now company A is selling XYZ
goods and services. Company B is selling PQR goods and services.
Say company A is selling XYZ in the international market. It is also selling to Company B.
Now, company B is requesting A to provide the goods at reduced price. With the parent
company’s (BBC UK) insistence, company A too sells its goods to B at reduced prices. With
this, the profit of company B increases because its cost of raw material decrease. But the
profit of company A decreases because it is selling its products at a reduced rate.
However, the overall profit of the parent company is the same.
What is the issue?
Say company A is located in a higher tax country as compared to company B. In such
cases, the parent company saves taxes. Government loses its revenue!
Bottom Line
The companies use transfer prices to charge above or below the market price to reduce
the tax burden. According to the IT department, BBC is misusing transfer pricing.
Air India Deal with Airbus and Boeing
The Government of India recently disinvested Air India to TATA. Since TATA took over the
airlines, many changes were brought in. Air India was merged with VISTARA Airlines. The
company introduced the Coruson software for real-time data acquisition, to learn real-
time happenings during the flight. Now, Air India has signed a deal with Airbus and
Boeing. With this, Air India will acquire 470 aircraft.
How big is the deal?
PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron attended the deal-signing function. US
president Joe Biden, and UK PM Rishi Sunak congratulated India and the company for the
deal.
Why is the deal big?
The financial terms were not disclosed. However, the deal is worth tens of billions of
dollars. Boeing is to supply 190 of its 737 Max Single–Aisle planes, 10 of its 777X, and 20 of
its Dreamliners widebodies. The total deal is around 45.9 billion USD approximately.
Airbus is a European multinational aerospace corporation. However, the major business of
the company happens through the French. Most of its manufacturing facilities are in
Europe. Boeing is an American company. Its headquarters is in Virginia. In 2019, the
company produced 390 commercial aircraft and 229 military aircraft. As you see, India is to
buy almost half of its annual production!
Second Advance Estimates of Production of major crops - Update (February, 2023)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare recently released the second estimate of
the production of major crops. In accordance with the released date, the total food grain
production in the country in 2022-23 was 3235.54 lakh tonnes. Production was big in food
grains such as mustard, rapeseed, moong, gram, maize, rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
RICE
The total production of rice in 2022-23 was 1308.37 lakh tonnes. This is 13.65 lakh tonnes
higher than 2021-22
Wheat
The total Production of wheat in 2022-23 was 1121.82 lakh million tonnes. This is 44.40 lakh
million tonnes more than 2021-22
Maize
The total production of maize in 2022-23 was 346.13 lakh tonnes. In 2021-22, the maize
production was 337.30 lakh tonnes. Therefore, compared to the previous year, the maize
production in the country increased by 8.83 lakh tonnes.
Nutri cereals or Millet
The total production was 527.26 lakh tonnes. This was 16.25 lakh tonnes higher as
compared to 2021-22
Moong
The total production of moong is 35.45 lakh million tonnes in 2022-23 and is higher by 3.8
lakh million tonnes than the previous year
Pulses
The total production of pulses in 2022-23 was 278 lakh tonnes. It is higher by 5.08 lakh
tonnes than the previous year
Oil Seeds
Total production was 400 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. This is higher by 293.65 lakh tonnes than
the previous year
Sugar cane
Total Production in 2022-23: 4687.89 lakh tonnes; Higher by 293 lakh tonnes
Cotton
Total Production: 337.23 lakh bales
India's marine product export target by 2025

The Union Minister Smt Anupriya Patel recently inaugurated the India International
Seafood Show. While speaking at the show, the minister said that India has set a seafood
target of 14 billion USD. And the plan is to achieve the target by 2025. In 2021-22, the
seafood exports of the country were 7.76 billion USD. This was 17% of the total agricultural
goods exports.
Background
India is launching several measures to increase production in the seafood sector,
especially in the fisheries sector. Recently, the CMFRI identified sites for sea cage farming.
Fish production in sea cage farming is higher than in conventional fishing methods. More
than 146 spots were identified and with this, the overall fish production will increase by 3.2
million tonnes.
Also, the MPEDA is to organize a conference on seafood production during G20 meet. The
conference will focus on harmonizing the regulations on seafood.
Concerns
India is now exporting safe seafood to more than 100 countries. Also, India is exporting
fish under FTAs signed with different countries. However, the European markets are
recently complaining about the use of antibiotics on shrimps. This affected India’s fish
trade with the European markets. Major competitors of India in fisheries are China and
US.
Global sovereign debt roundtable
On the sidelines of the G20 meeting, Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable is to be held in
Bengaluru. The event will discuss issues that are obstructing the debt restructuring
processes. It will be co-chaired by IMF and World Bank along with India (the 2023
President). The main objective of the discussion will be on identifying the impediments in
debt restructuring processes.
G20 Finance Track
It will focus on inclusive finance and digital finance. During the meeting, G20 countries will
discuss financial issues faced by them during COVID. Also, the countries will share lessons
learnt through their fiscal policies and taxation.
Role of IMF and World Bank
Today we need more than 16.9 billion USD of loan resources and 3.1 billion USD of subsidy
resources. The loans are essential to support zero-interest lending to developing
countries. The IMF and World Bank will aid in providing funds and support poverty,
growth trust, and reduction. Also, the financial organizations will provide concessional
finances to countries that are economically vulnerable.
What is Sovereign debt?
It is the debt the government of a country owes to a financial organization. This includes
both domestic and foreign financial organizations.
Significance
Sovereign debt rating speaks about the amount of debt a country has. The higher the
debt, the greater the ratings. Investors plan their investments based on the sovereign
debt ratings of a country. Therefore, it is essential to keep these debts minimal. To reduce
sovereign debts, the debt restructuring processes were launched by World Bank and IMF.
However, countries are facing difficulties in implementing the plans. So they are to look
for the reasons why the countries are unable to implement the restructuring plans at the
Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable to be held in Bengaluru.
India has 27K active tech startups
The NASSCOM report recently said that there are more than 27,000 startups in India. Of
these, tech startups count to 1,300. The report further said that India is the third largest
tech startup holder in the world. The US is the first largest tech startup holder and China is
in second place. India also has the second-highest number of unicorns in the world. In
2022 alone, India added 23 unicorns.
Concerns raised in the report
The total funding to Indian startups decreased by 24% in 2022-23. In 2019, that is, before
the pandemic, the investments in startups were 13.1 billion USD. It decreased in 2020 and
increased largely in 2021. In 2021, the investments in startups were higher than the pre-
pandemic levels. It reached 18.2 billion USD in 2021. However, it reduced in 2022.
Why did startup funding reduce in 2022?
According to the NASSCOM report, the fear of global recession and increasing interest
rates made investors risk-averse. This slowed down the funding momentum.
Current Scenario as explained by the report
In 2022-23, the focus was on non-unicorns
More than 1,400 startups received funding in 2022. This is 18% higher than in 2021.
Seed stage investments increased to 1.2 billion USD in 2022-23
Early-stage investments increased to 5.9 billion USD in 2022-23
Late Stage investments declined by 41%
Way Forward
The tech startups are to increase their technology adoptions and innovations in the areas
related to SDG.
Defence: 75% capital to be spent on domestic procurement
Bandhan Ceremony was conducted at the AERO INDIA air show. During the ceremony, the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and technology transfer agreements were signed
by DRDO. Also, private defence companies launched their products and made key
announcements. Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh was the chief guest of the
ceremony. While addressing the ceremony, the minister said that India is to spend 75% of
its defence capital on “procurement” in 2023-24. In 2022-23, this was 68%. In this year’s
budget, the defence sector received Rs 5.94 lakh crores. This is 13.18% of the total budget.
Bandhan Ceremony
More than 266 partnerships were forged
201 MoUs signed; HAL and SAFRAN Helicopter of France MoU, BEL and IWBC MoU,
HAL and ELTA of Israel MoU, etc.
53 major announcements made

Three Technology transfer agreements signed
Nine new defence products launched
Budget and plans
In the 2023-24 budget, Rs 5.94 lakh crores were allocated to the defence sector. This
includes Rs 1.38 lakh crores of pension.
The budget allocation for defence increased by 12.9% compared to 2021-22. The
previous year’s budget allocated to the defence sector was Rs 5.25 lakh crores.
In 2022-23, 68% of the defence capital was used on indigenous sources. So far, the
defence ministry has not planned its allocation towards this for this year.
HARBINGER 2023: RBI announces 2nd global hackathon
The Reserve Bank of India recently announced the “HARBINGER-2023”. It is a hackathon.
The theme of the hackathon is “Inclusive Digital Services”. Competitors from 22 different
countries will participate in the hackathon. This includes Israel, the Philippines, Singapore,
Sweden, the USA, and the UK. RBI also received 363 proposals from Indian candidates. The
hackathon is to be conducted in four segments namely Digital Banking, regulations,
transactions, and the use of blockchain in transactions.
Significance
The central bank invited fintech to participate in the Hackathon. They will develop
solutions that will aid the differently abled to access digital financial services. Also, the
fintech will work on increasing the reach of digital currencies of the central bank.
Benefits of HACKATHON
Participants of the HACKATHON will get opportunities to interact with industrial experts.
Some of them will be mentored by them. Also, new fintech can exhibit their innovative
solutions.
Prizes
The winner of the hackathon will be awarded Rs 40 lakhs and the runner will receive Rs 20
lakhs.
History
The Global Hackathon was first started in 2021. The results of this hackathon were
announced in 2022. This is the second hackathon being conducted by RBI. The theme of
the first hackathon was “Smarter Digital Payments”.
Observation
RBI chooses the theme based on its current activities and requirements. In 2021, RBI was
promoting its BHIM app. International recognition of the app just began. And thus
“Smarter Digital Payments”. Today, RBI is focusing on its digital currency. Thus Inclusive
Digital Services!
EU formally bans gas, diesel car sales from 2035
The European Union recently planned to ban the sale of gas and diesel cars. The ban will
come into effect in 2035. The decision was made to increase the use of Electric Vehicles.
The main objective is to achieve zero emissions. To execute the plan successfully, the
European Commission will prepare a report on the progress every two years starting from
2025. Manufacturers welcome the move. Automakers like Volkswagen have already
started producing EVs only.
New Legislation
The European Union recently passed a law to reduce emissions. Under the law, the
commission will ban the sale of diesel and gas cars by 2035. Sale is to be banned only in
the EU. The manufacturers can still make the cars and sell them in other countries!
However, the cost of production is to be increased.
Why the new decision?
EU is planning on reducing the carbon dioxide emissions from cars and vans. A 100%
reduction has been planned as compared to 2021.
What is the plan?
The EU will prepare a plan and present it by 2025. The plan will assess the emissions
released by the cars and vans throughout their lifetime. The 2030 targets have been
revised.
Significance
EU had set a target of reaching “Climate Neutrality” by 2050. According to European
Union, the law will play a significant role in achieving this target.
National Tribal Festival - Aadi Mahotsav
The Tribal Ministry is conducting the Aadi Mahotsav festival to promote tribal products.
TRIFED organizes the festival on behalf of the ministry. The main objective of conducting
Aadi Mahotav is to prevent the middlemen from exploiting the tribals. Profits of the tribal
are swept away by the middlemen and their hard work goes in vain. To put an end to the
system and provide direct access to markets, TRIFED is organizing the National Tribal
Festival called the Aadi Mahotsav. The festival was conducted in New Delhi.
About National Tribal Festival 2023
PM Modi inaugurated the festival. Tribals from different parts of India participated in the
festival. They exhibited their products in more than 200 stalls.
The highlights of 2023 Aadi Mahotsav: MILLETS
The United Nations announced 2023 as the International Year of Millets on India’s
insistence. Furthermore, to boost the production of millets and increase their exports, GoI
is launching several initiatives. One such is the tag name “Shree Anna”. The Indian millets
are to be sold under the brand name Shree Anna. To promote this, millets were
showcased under the name of “Shree Anna” at the Aadi Mahotsav.
Apart from millets, the festival also focused on pottery, handloom, jewellery, handloom,
etc.
Shinku La Tunnel
The Shinku La or Shingo La is a mountain pass located on the border between HP and
Ladakh. It is at an altitude of 5,091 metres. In 2016, the Border Road Organization built a
road to the pass. However, the road couldn’t be accessed during winter and large-
wheeled vehicles couldn’t pass through. Following this, in 2020, GoI planned to build a
13.5 km tunnel in the pass. The Union Cabinet recently approved the construction of the
tunnel. With the Atal Tunnel and the completion of the Shinku La Tunnel in 2025, the
Nimmu – Padum – Darcha road shall be accessed all through the year.
Significance
The tunnel will help to boost the Zanskar valley economy. It reduces the travel time
between HP and Ladakh.
Currently, one has to travel 101 km on the Manali-Leh road and then take the Darcha
road to enter the Zanskar region. With the tunnel, you can drive to Darcha via
Padum.
The toughest hurdle is the 15-20 feet of snowfall the region received during winter.
Almost all roads are closed during this season. The Shink La Tunnel is to make the
Zanskar valley accessible 365 days.
Project Yojak
The Shinku La tunnel is a part of Project Yojak. This project is implemented by BRO. The
main objective of the project is to make sure Manali – Leh route is accessible all through
the year.
Jal Jan Abhiyan
The Jal Jan Abhiyan will be implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Brahma
Kumaris organization. The main objective of the campaign is water conservation. During
the campaign, the volunteers from the organization will conduct public awareness
campaign on preserving water. The campaign is to run for eight months. They will focus
on building new water bodies and also on preserving more than 5,000 water bodies. The
target of the campaign is to reach at least ten crore people and organize 10,000 programs.
What is the plan?
The Brahma Kumaris organization is deploying its Raja Yogis to conduct the campaign.
Raja Yogis are well-versed yoga practitioners. They will inspire people to prevent water
wastage and pull them into the concept of a sustainable world. During the campaign, the
participants will take a water pledge on using water wisely, and consume it judiciously.
Brahma Kumaris
The organization originated in Hyderabad, Sindh (today the place is in Pakistan). Today
the headquarters of the organization is located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The founder of
the organization was Lekhraj Kriplani. Today he is called the OM BABA. The organization is
spread across different parts of the world.
In 1980, the organization registered with the UN Department of Public Relations. In 1983,
it received “Consultative Status” from UNESCO.
U.N. draft resolution calls for ceasefire in Ukraine
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. To mark the one-year anniversary, the
European Union circulated a draft ceasefire resolution in European Union. The main
objective of the resolution is to gather international support. It calls the UN members to
refrain from the use of force against the political independence of a state.
Why is the EU involved in every Ukraine-Russia issue?
The issue started with Ukraine applying for EU candidacy. Other countries like Turkey
applied for EU candidacy and are yet to be admitted. However, the EU accepted Ukraine’s
request immediately. There are geopolitical intentions behind this. When USSR
disintegrated in 1991, the Crimean peninsula came under the control of Ukraine. The
peninsula is Russia’s major gateway to the western world and African countries. Blocking
this gateway will affect Russia’s trade. The US and Russia have been constantly fighting
since the world wars. The US and EU want to utilize Ukraine – Russia differences to win
over Russian trade in the world market. Once Ukraine becomes a member of the EU, the
western world shall have greater influence over Ukraine and eventually win over Russian
trade.
Earlier, the EU moved through France and Germany in the name of the Minsk Agreement.
It was a peace agreement. The Black Sea Grain deal was initiated by the EU. Under this,
the blockaded ports of Ukraine will be allowed to operate the food grain trade.
Study on Thwaites Glacier
The recent study on Doomsday Glacier, also called the Thwaites Glacier says that the weak
spots in the glacier are increasing. More and more warm water is seeping into the glacier.
There is a threat of massive sea rise. If the glacier melts the sea level will increase by more
than half a metre.
About the study
The study was conducted by the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration. It is one of
the biggest studies conducted on the glacier so far. More than 13 scientists participated in
the study from the UK, the US, and different other countries. They spent more than six
weeks coming to this conclusion.
Findings
Terraces in the glaciers are increasing. These openings are causing the sideways melt of
the glacier. Terraces are leading the warm water to the crevasses and increasing the
melting further.
What are Glacier Terraces?
It is a long segment of a glacier. It is formed due to the stripping of soft strata from hard
strata. In India, the glacial terraces are addressed as Karewas. They are found in Kashmir
valley.
Glacial Crevasses
They are deep cracks in glaciers. Their sizes range from a few inches to more than 40 feet.
They are formed due to shear stress. Say two big ice masses are moving. Friction develops
resulting in shear stress. This leads to breakings in the faces.
Cabinet approves Vibrant Villages Programme
The Vibrant Villages Programme focuses on developing the rural areas in the northern
border states and union territories. More than 663 villages will be developed under the
programme. It is to be implemented for two years, that is, between 2022-23 and 2025-26.
The Central Government allocated Rs 4,800 crores for the scheme. Of this Rs 2500 crores
will be used for building roads. Cabinet approved the scheme recently.
Key Features of the scheme
One – Village – One– Product concept will be adopted
Social entrepreneurship will be encouraged by opening growth centres. These
centres will work on “Hub and Spoke model”
Skill development programmes for youth and women
Heritage development and promotion of local traditional knowledge
Development of eco-agribusinesses
The NGOs, cooperatives, and Self Help Groups will be involved in the scheme
How will the scheme be implemented?
Each village panchayat will create Village Action Plan with the help of the District
administration. They should mainly focus on drinking water, 24/7 electricity, all-weather
roads, solar energy projects, wind energy projects, internet connections, tourist centres,
health and wellness centres, multi-purpose centres, etc.
Benefits and China factor
The scheme will help India retain its population in the border area. With the Chinese
infiltrations increasing at the border and China trying to increase its influence in the
disputed land areas, it is essential for India to increase its population in these fragile
zones. Recently China announced big railway plans in the disputed region. The 1962 Indo-
China war happened because of the 219 NH that connects Tibet with China. China recently
announced its plans to extend its railway line through this highway.
IIT Kanpur develops energy-efficient system to transport minerals
IIT – Kanpur has developed a compressed air-based mineral transport system. The project
was presented at the Global Investors Summit, in 2023. It received good feedback for its
less material loss, reduced air pollution, and efficiency to reduce travel time to a great
extent. The main objective of the system is to transport coal and slurry.
About the transport system
It is a hyperloop system and can reach speeds of 120 km per hour. The hyperloop
accommodates storage wagons, guiding rails, wheel assembly system, and enables
seamless mineral transportation.
Working of the system
It is a high-speed transportation system. It is designed to carry coal and other minerals.
There are three essential elements in the system. They are tubes, terminals, and pods.
Tubes in the system are sealed and controlled pressure is maintained in the tubes. Pods
carrying the goods levitate in the tubes. Levitation is achieved through magnetism.
The delivery rate of the system is 5.6 tonnes per minute per kilometre and it consumes
107 KW. The diameter of the pipe is 40 inches.
Elon Musk and Hyper Loop
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk started building the hyperloop project. However, he stopped in the
middle, as the cost of implementation increased exponentially.
RBI gives licenses for 32 payment aggregators

Payment Aggregator is a third-party payment solution provider. For instance, you use
YONO SBI to shop on Amazon. Therefore, SBI is an online payment aggregator. Recently,
RBI issued licenses to 32 payment aggregators to serve as online payment aggregators.
This includes Google, Computer Age, Amazon, NSDL, World Line, Reliance, Zomato,
Innnoviti, etc. Applications of 18 more are pending. The pending applications were from
Phone Pe, Bharti Pay, Unimoni, Adyen, etc.
How does the Payment Aggregator work?
The payment aggregator acts as an intermediary. Say you are purchasing in a shopping
mall, ABC shop. You swipe your debit card or pay using the mobile app XYZ. Now XYZ
collects money from your account and deposits it in the account of ABC shop. XYZ is the
payment aggregator.
There are two different types of payment aggregators. One is the third-party payment
aggregator and bank payment aggregator. RBI recently issued licenses to third-party
aggregators.
Is the payment aggregator the same as the payment gateway?
No. They look like they are doing the same job. However, there are many differences
between them. A payment aggregator handles funds. On the other hand, the payment
gateway provides technology.
World Bank President Malpass to step down
David Robert Malpass is an economist from the USA. He has been serving as the President
of the World Bank since 2019. He served as Economic Advisor to former US President
Donald Trump. He recently announced that he is resigning. He has not completed his term
yet. The term of the president of the world bank is five years.
Why is Malpass resigning?
He has been criticized by climate activists since September. He was asked if he agreed that
fossil fuel burnings are warming the planet. Malpass refused to answer. Being a physics
graduate and an economist, he is well aware of the fact that fossil fuel burnings warm the
planet. Yet he chose to stay silent! This is the criticism placed by climate activists.
About Malpass
He played a major role during the US financial crisis of 2007-08. He predicted the crisis and
the great recession that followed right.
Criticisms
Malpass was criticised for supporting the environmental policies of Trump. Also, he rarely
mentions climate change in his speeches and addresses. In 2021, when Joe Biden became
the President of the USA, the country prioritised the fight against climate change. He was
called a “Climate Denier”. Climate Denial is the term used to refer to concepts that are
creating unwarranted doubts about climate change. In other words, the people who
refuse the accept the fact that the “World is facing Climate Change” are called “Climate
Deniers”.
February 17, 2023

Israel's New Law to strip Arab attackers of citizenship
The Israeli Government has been making a series of changes recently. While the Judicial
reforms proposed are creating a ruckus in the country, Knesset recently approved a new
law against the Arabs involved in nationalistic attacks. According to the new law, the Israel
Government is to deport the Arabs who are convicted of attacks and receive financial
support from the Palestinian Government.
Background
The main reason for the Knesset to frame the law is age-old Israel – Palestine conflict. The
land over which Israel and Palestine are fighting was once under the Ottoman Empire.
After the First World War, it came under British control. There were very few Jews here.
During Hitler’s rule, Jews from Europe started fleeing here. According to them, their
ancestors lived here. As the Jewish population increased, they started demanding a
separate land for their community. Arabs resisted their claim.
Balfour Declaration
In 1917, the UK which was controlling the land assured that it will help the Jewish people
to establish a “National Home for the Jewish”. Arabs did not agree to this declaration. The
dispute started with Balfour’s declaration. However, the UK succeeded and created land
for Jews with the help of the League of Nations (org prior to the UN) in 1923.
Textile Advisory Group for Manmade Fibre
The Speaker of the house forms the advisory committees. One such committee was
recently formed to look into the issues of the textile sector. The committee also studied
the issues faced in the manmade fibres. The Minister of Textiles Shri Piyush Goyal recently
headed his first meeting with the advisory group.
What did the committee convey to the minister?
The imports of man-made fibres are increasing in the country. This is affecting the
local business
Of all the Man-made fibres, imports of fibres made of PTA (Poly Terephthalic Acid)
and MEG (Mono Ethylene Glycol) are the highest.
India has huge potential in man-made fibres and it remains unutilized
The committee suggested solutions to revamp the man-made fibres chain in the
country
Shortage of effluent treatment facilities
Shortage of quality processing facilities
Minister decisions after the meeting
To augment the Production Linked Incentive scheme and include man-made fibre-
dependent beneficiaries in the scheme.
A Quality Control Order is to be enforced
About the Advisory Group
The advisory group comprises of experts in the textiles sector, and associations like AEPC,
ASFI, and SIMA. SRTEPC, CPMA, etc. The group was led by the Association of man-made
fibre industry of India and the Association of the synthetic fibre industry
'President's Colour' honour to the Haryana Police
The President Color is the highest award presented to military units, federal forces, and
state police forces. The award has an emblem. The award is presented by the President of
India, the Supreme Commander of the Indian military. However, when the president is
absent or unavailable, then the award shall be presented by the Home minister or the
Prime Minister or Vice President. President Murmu is now on an official tour to the
southern states of the country. Therefore, Home Minister Shri Amit Shah presented the
President’s Colour honour. It was presented to the Haryana police.
Why to Haryana Police?
The award was presented to the Haryana Police for their bravery, dedication and courage
in the last 25 years. Owing to its proximity to the National capital, the state police force is
also patient in handling different issues. The Haryana police force has won the people’s
confidence all these years.
Technologies
The Haryana State police have been adopting several latest technologies under the Police
Technology Mission. The mission was launched by PM Modi to make technology available
for police forces all over the country. Some of them are ICJS and CCTN. ICJS is Inter
Operable Criminal Justice System. CCTN is Crime and Criminal Tracking Network.
India's first waste-to-hydrogen plant to be set up in Pune
The Government of India is to set up the first waste-to-hydrogen plant at a cost of Rs 430
crores in Pune. The plant will be built by a private company Green Billion Limited. The
company has signed an agreement with the Pune Municipal Corporation for 30 years. The
objective of the plant is to treat 350 tonnes of solid waste daily. From this, it will produce
ten tonnes of Hydrogen every day. The plant is to be built in Hadapsar Industrial Estate in
Pune. The plant is the first of its kind in the country.
About the Plant
Along with plant, the company will also construct a storage facility. It will also make
arrangements for logistics support. The company is to invest 350 crores of rupees to set
up the plant and 82 crores of rupees for logistics support and storage facilities.
Fee structure
The Pune Municipal Corporation will pay Rs 347 per tonne as fees to treat the waste.
Goal
The aim is to finish the plant construction by 2024
Technology used
The plant will use “Plasma Gasification Technology” to convert waste into hydrogen fuel.
The process of converting organic materials into hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon
dioxide is called plasma gasification. This is done at 700 degrees Celsius. Combustion is
the major process that occurs during gasification. That is the organic materials are burnt.
However, the combustion occurs in a controlled manner.
UNSC session on sea level rise

The United Nations Security Council recently warned about the high risks of sea level rise.
The council used the word “UNTHINKABLE” to stress the risks posed by sea level rise. The
impacts would be imprinted on international laws, security, and human rights. According
to the council, the sea level rise is already causing conflicts. The competition for
freshwater, land and other resources is to explode exponentially with rising sea levels.
Threats multiply
The UNSC conducted a debate on rising sea levels for the first time in its existence.
After the debate, the council said that the threats are to increase and jeopardize
access to water, health care, and food.
Saltwater intrusion is to affect agricultural economies, the tourism sector, and
fisheries.
The increase in sea level will also destroy schools, hospitals, and other important
infrastructure
Report
The UNSC quotes the World Meteorological Organization Data. According to WMO,
the sea levels increased rapidly after 1900 as compared to the last 3000 years.
Even if global warming is limited to a 1.5-degree temperature rises the world will
witness a sizeable sea level increase. With the current situation, controlling 1.5
degrees increase has become a miracle!
Devastation
Major cities that will face the impacts are New York, Mumbai, Bangkok, Lagos,
London, Buenos Aires
More than 900 million people living in the coastal areas will be affected
250-400 million people will go homeless
US Bill on Arunachal Pradesh LAC
The US senate recently passed a resolution condemning China. According to the
resolution, China is changing the status of LAC using its military force. Also, the resolution
lauded India for the country’s steps to defend itself against Chinese aggression at the
border.
About the resolution
The resolution title was long and self-explanatory. The title mentioned that Arunachal
Pradesh was an integral part of India. It also said that the actions of China in South Asia
are provocative.
Implications of the resolution
The USA is strongly supporting India and its international relations. US Congress had
passed such resolutions earlier too. For instance, in 2020, the US Congress passed a
similar resolution after the Galwan issue. However, this is the first time, the US is passing a
detailed and open resolution that is echoing the position of India in the border areas.
Political significance
The resolution had the support of both the Republican and conservative party support.
This is an additional benefit. This means the support from the US and its citizens is strong.
The increase in the number of Indian Americans in the country may be one of the major
reasons for such collective support.
Tripura Elections 2023: 81% Voter turn out
The biggest challenge of Indian elections is citizen participation. 81% of the state
population cast their votes in the recent Tripura Elections conducted by ECI. The voter
turnout was higher than in the 2018 polls. BJP is the current ruler in the state. In the 2023
assembly elections, three parties are contesting. They are the BJP, Congress, and the Tipra
Motha Party.
Tipra Motha Party
It was formed by the Tripuris, the indigenous tribe of the state. They are demanding a
separate state for their tribe. They want GoI to unite the Tripuris from other states along
with them in a separate land called Tipraland. The party is led by Pradyot Bikram Manikya
Deb Barma. Earlier he was with Congress. However, he quit saying the Congress party is
forcing him to accommodate corrupt people under him.
About Tripura Legislative Assembly
The state follows a unicameral legislature. There are 30 elected members in the assembly.
The first Tripura Legislative Assembly was formed in 1967.
Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
The award is presented by Sangeet Natak Akademi to artists in the field of dance, music,
and drama. It is presented annually to artists below the age of 40. Every year, more than
33 artists are presented with the award. 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.
Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
19 artists from North East India won the award. 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.
Who is Ustad Bismillah Khan?
He was a famous Shehnai musician. He was one of the few musicians in the country to
receive Bharat Ratna. Before him, musicians M S Subbalakshmi and Ravi Shankar were
honoured with the award before him and he was the third to receive the honour.
Sangeet Natak Akademi
It was established by the Education ministry of India in 1952. The main objective of the
academy is to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the country.
Govt Plans OTT Platform and Direct to Mobile TV
The Government of India has been making several changes in the broadcasting sector.
The intention is to increase its imprint among the public and gain their trust. For instance,
the broadcasting infrastructure and network development scheme was launched to
support Prasar Bharati. Now, the GoI is planning on launching an OTT platform and a
Direct to Mobile TV.
What is the plan?
The plan is to auction the FM radio stations and then broadcast them on OTT platforms.
GoI is planning to conduct trials for DTM broadcast. Initially, this will be implemented in
Tier II and Tier III cities.
Need for the plan
There are many FM radio stations. However, they cover only 60% of the country. The
objective is to reach remote areas, tribals, and mainly the border areas.
Benefits
With this, the government can reach the people quickly and with ease. As the FM stations
will be broadcasted to mobiles of the citizens directly, the reach is fast. There are more
than one billion smartphone users in the country. Also, smartphone prices have declined
big.
The concept is simple. To bring FM radio on mobile; broadcast government-related
information and news. However, the only challenge here will be the allocation of the
spectrum.
Vertiplane X3 Drone delivers TB medicines
The Ministry of Health recently conducted a trial of delivering TB medicines in a drone. The
trials were conducted in Rishikesh. Traversing through the Himalayas, especially during
rainy seasons and winter seasons is challenging and time-consuming. Drones can deliver
medicines to hilly regions quickly even during harsh weather conditions.
Drone delivery of TB medicines
The trials of TB medicine delivery using drones were conducted by the All India Institute of
Medical Sciences under the supervision of the Health ministry. The trial was successful.
The drone delivered 2 kilograms of anti-tubercular drugs to a hospital in Tehri Garhwal
from AIIMS.
Future plans
GoI is planning on using drone technology to deliver medicines and also sputum samples
to laboratories and eliminate TB by 2025. Further, government hospitals will be
encouraged to use this technology to deliver organs for transplantation.
About the drone used in the trials
The drone can carry 4 kilograms. It can traverse 50 km. The drone was designed and built
by Tech Eagle Innovations. The drones developed by the same company were used by the
Meghalaya government to transport medicines. The Government of Meghalaya set up a
drone station in Jengjal. Drones were also used by ICMR to deliver COVID vaccines in
Manipur.
IAF indigenous Vayulink platform
The Indian Air Force has developed a solution for its fighter pilots to deal with bad
weather. The innovative solution developed is a new data link communication called
VAYULINK. It will provide uninterrupted communication even during bad weather. Above
all the communication link is jammer-proof.
About VAYULINK
It uses IRNSS to send and receive signals. IRNSS is a satellite constellation of ISRO. It is
also called NAVIC. However, the unique feature of the communication link is that its
satellite usage is rare. It means the system uses the satellite only when the signals are
low.
Significance
VAYULINK prevents Fratricide. Meaning, killing your own sister or brother. During air force
fire operations, if the signals are misinterpreted there are chances that one IAF flight may
shoot another IAF flight. Also, there are chances that our own flights may shoot our own
ground stations. Such instances are referred to as Fratricide. And VAYULINK will aid in
preventing FRATRICIDE.
How does VAYULINK prevent Fratricide?
When VAYULINK is installed in spacecraft, it provides proximity to other aircraft. With
encrypted data about IAF flights, VAYULINK identifies it separately. Also, our own ground
stations shall be identified easily with VAYULINK.
Benefits of VAYULINK
It prevents aircraft collision, aids in multiple team coordination, aids pilots to traverse hilly
regions at ease
OECD Services Trade Restrictiveness Index-STRI
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development recently released the
Services Trade Restrictiveness Index. India ranked 47th. Last year, India was in the 46th
position. Unfortunately, India remains among the bottom five countries in the ranking.
Russia was in the 48 th position due to its war with Ukraine. STRI speaks about the
restrictions on the development of strategic services in the world. This includes freight
transport, accounting, legal services, etc.
STRI 2023
This year STRI covered around 50 countries. Japan was ranked topmost. It was 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 report covers service trade regulations in all of its members. The members of the
OECD account to more than 80% of World trade. Very minimal or no trade barriers were
seen in Japan, UK and Netherlands. Sound recording and architecture were the most
liberal services in 2022.
Why did India jump in the ranking?
India’s position moved on by one spot. This was mainly because of the privatisation of Air
India. Also, India eliminated pricing guidelines for share transfer between non-residents
and residents. These steps eased the economic stakeholders and pushed India ahead in
the ranking.
Global Labour Resilience Index 2023
The White Shield is a policy advisory firm. The company released the Global Labour
Resilience Index during World Government Summit. The index measures the capacity of
the economy to withstand employment fluctuations and the ability to fight back. The index
is the first of its kind. White Shield ranked 136 countries based on parameters such as
technological disruptions, pandemics, green economy transition, etc.
Key Findings
Denmark was ranked first in the index followed by Switzerland, Germany,
Netherlands, Singapore, and Sweden in second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth places
respectively.
India ranked 65th. All the other countries in South Asia ranked below 80. Pakistan
secured 97th
Resilience is stalling
More than one-third of countries are facing difficulties in labour resilience after
COVID
The USA has the highest adaptive capabilities to any kind of market changes
Regional positions
North America secured the top rank in the world followed by Europe at the second
position, East Asia and Pacific in the third position, Central Asia in the fourth position, and
the Middle East and North America in the fifth position. Latin America and the Caribbean
were in the sixth position. South Asia was in the seventh position and Sub-Saharan Africa
was in the eighth position.
Developed Economies
The USA was in position 15 and Canada at 16. Japan secured 19th place. Russia was on 45.
Israel at 20
Karnataka State Budget 2023-24
The State of Karnataka is entering elections in May 2023. The Interim budget for 2023-24
was presented by the State CM Basavaraj Bommai. The interim budget is the budget
presented ahead of elections. The Government of Karnataka is to set up a startup park
near Bengaluru Airport; provide free bus passes to students, toilets in government
schools; etc. The total budget outlay was Rs 9,698 crores
Key Highlights of Karnataka Budget 2023-24
Traffic signals are to use AI
“She Toilets” are to be constructed in Bengaluru
Flood control project to be implemented at a cost of Rs 3000 crores. Assistance
received from World Bank
Bengaluru Metro Rail Project: 40.15 km to be constructed
Satellite Town Ring Road to be constructed; 30% of acquisition cost to be borne by
State Government
75 new junctions to ease Bengaluru Traffic at Rs 150 crores
Karnataka Economic Scenario
Total Tax Revenue in 2023-24 estimated to be Rs 1,64,653 crores
Total Non-Tax revenue in 2023-24 is expected to be Rs 11,000 crores
Total Expenditure for the year 2023-24 is estimated to be Rs 3,09,182 crores

For the first time after the pandemic, in 2022-23, the revenue receipt was higher than
the revenue expenditure
The CM was proud to present a REVENUE SURPLUS BUDGET!
February 18, 2023
Dharma Guardian 2023 Exercise
India and Japan recently conducted the Dharma Guardian Exercise. The exercise was held
at Camp Imazu of Shiga province in Japan. Middle Army’s Infantry Regiment and the
Garhwal Rifle regiment of the Indian Army participated in the exercise. The armies shared
tactics and their best practices with each other. The exercise will boost the friendship
between the armies.
About Dharma Guardian Exercise
Indian Army and Japanese Army participated in the exercise. It was held in the Shiga
province of Japan. The exercise held in 2023 was the fourth edition.
During the exercise, the armies conducted joint tactical drills, employed aerial assets and
surveillance grids
Other Military exercises of India and Japan
MALABAR, JIMEX, SHINYUU
Other military exercises India holds with other countries
India and Myanmar: IMBAX
India and China: Hand–in–Hand, PASSEX
India and Oman
India and Russia: INDRA
India and Sri Lanka: MITRA SHAKTI
India and Nepal: SURYA KIRAN
India and UAE: BILAT
India and Bangladesh: BONO SAGAR
GARHWAL Rifle Regiment
It was created in 1887. During British rule, it was called the Royal Garhwal Rifle regiment.
There are more than 25,000 soldiers in the regiment.
Garhwal
Garhwalis are indigenous people of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Rajputs founded
the Garhwal kingdom 1000 years ago.
Spain passes Europe’s first menstrual paid leave law
The Government of Spain recently passed a Menstrual Paid Leave Law. According to the
law, women in the country can take paid leave during their periods. Usually, employees in
the country need to submit a medical certificate to take three days long leave. This
condition is being relaxed. With this, Spain has become the first country in Europe to pass
the law. The law exists in very few countries in the world such as Zambia, Indonesia, and
Japan. In India, very few states like Kerala have passed the law. Supreme Court of India is
to hear a case related to menstrual leave on February 24.
Need for the law
According to London University researchers, the pain a woman undergoes while
menstruating is equal to the pain encountered by a person during heart attacks.
Menstrual Leave in India
Indian Parliament is yet to take the subject. No bills have been introduced yet at the
central level. However, some private companies like BYJUS, ZOMATO, ARC, MAGZTER,
GOZOOP, etc are offering menstrual leave.
New market segment for EXPENSIVE power
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission recently approved a proposal to start a
separate market for expensive power. These expensive power markets are usually
referred to as spot power markets. What is expensive power according to the regulatory
body? Electricity derived from imported gas and imported coal and also from battery
storage has been put under the category of expensive power. Companies generating
electricity from low-cost fuel cannot operate in this market.
Role of Indian Energy Exchange
The entire implementation of the expensive power market will be done by IEX. CERC, the
regulatory body does the approval process alone.
Need for Expensive Power Market
The power demands are to increase this summer due to high temperatures. To fulfil the
demands and avoid power shortage, it is essential that GoI increases its power
generation. To achieve this, every possible pathway of power generation should be
opened. Though the power generation from imported raw materials is expensive, it aids in
fulfilling the overall power demand of the country.
What is the plan?
The CERC has fixed the price of electricity in expensive markets at Rs 50 per unit. Due to
high costs, distribution companies usually do not prefer to buy electricity from generators
using imported raw materials. The new market will help them find their buyers easily.
Background
In 2021, a cap was set on these spot power markets by CERC. The cap was set at Rs 12 per
unit. In 2022, the expensive power was sold at Rs 20 to the states and to farmers. Due to
such low rates, expensive power generation companies incurred severe losses.
BEL and Israel Aerospace to form JV
The Bharat Electronics Limited operating under the defence ministry recently signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) at the Aero
India Air Show. According to the agreement, BEL and IAI will establish a joint venture. The
JV will provide support to the missile defence system of the country.
About the Joint Venture
The JV will produce advanced phased array radar, interceptors, launchers, etc. These are
all the supporting systems of a missile. The JV will mainly focus on MRSAM.
Why the focus is on MRSAM?
MRSAM is Medium Range Surface to Air Missile. It was jointly developed by DRDO and IAI.
MoU to build LORA
Apart from the JV, the countries also signed an MoU under which IAI will help BEL in
producing the LORA weapon system. LORA is Long Range Artillery System. It is a sea-to-
ground long-range ballistic missile launcher. It shall also provide support to ground-to-
ground systems. It can launch missiles of multiple ranges, that is, between 90 km and 430
km. The maintenance costs of LORA are very less.
Way Forward
IAI subsidiary will be opened in India. And ASI (Aerospace Service India) is to be opened in
New Delhi to help India achieve its Atma Nirbhar Bhrat goals.
Ethanol interest subvention scheme- Updates
The Government of India recently approved nine ethanol blending projects. These projects
are to be implemented under the Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme. The newly added
projects are expected to produce 35 crore litres of ethanol. Of these nine, three are
molasses based and five are grain based. Around Rs, 1,034 crores of investments are
expected on these projects. Also, the projects will create hundreds of employment
opportunities.
Background
The Government of India had already approved 1,481 crore litres of ethanol projects
under the Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme. India has been promoting ethanol and
ethanol-blended fuels on a large scale in recent times. Recently, India launched ethanol-
blended petrol. And the blending ratio was increased to 20%. Brazil and USA are the
world’s leading manufacturers of ethanol fuel. Sale of the fuel in these countries is also
big. While they have reached 100% ethanol blending, India is a bit lagging compared to
them. However, compared to the development programmes of ethanol-based fuels in the
past 20 years, the growth rate has been exponential in the recent five years. Another
reason for India’s slow ethanol production is the country’s focus on green ethanol. India is
trying to generate most of its ethanol from agricultural waste, especially from sugar cane.
The natural way of producing ethanol is time-consuming.
NASSCOM Report on AI skill penetration
The National Association of Software and Services Companies, NASSCOM released a
report on “Artificial Intelligence Penetration”. The report was launched along with DRAUP
and SALESFORCE. According to the report, the AI penetration of India is 3.09. This is the
highest among all G20 countries and OECD countries. The report also says India will have
more than one million AI professionals by 2024.
Key Findings of the Report
AI-led core sectors of India are expected to add 500 billion USD to the economy
In 2022, the demand for AI in India was 629,000. However, the talent base stalled at
416,000
The current demand-supply gap of AI in the country is 51%. It is lower than the
developed economies like the United States
73% of the AI jobs in India are taken by five major role players. They are data
engineer, ML engineer, data architect, data scientist, data engineer, and DevOps
engineer
ML engineers and Data engineers alone constitute 46% of total AI jobs
Requirements
To achieve its complete potential in the AI field, India has to enhance its skills in the field,
launch more AI-related schemes, add AI to academics and put in other efforts.
Current Scenario of AI in India
Today there are 1,900 AI-based startups in India. Most of these startups operate in the
field of disease detection, NLP, fraud prevention, fake detection, etc. The government of
India is planning to establish three AI Centres of Excellence.
Qatar lifts temporary ban on Indian Frozen Seafood
In November 2022, Qatar detected Vibrio Cholera in Indian consignments. Following this,
the country banned seafood from India. This was done just before the FIFA world cup.
Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA and testing laboratories were occupied with FIFA-related
assignments. Due to a lack of testing laboratories, Qatar banned seafood from India.
China’s Ban on Indian seafood
Recently, China too lifted its ban on Indian sea foods. China banned seafood imports from
India in 2020. According to China, there were COVID traces on the seafood from India.
Background
India is planning to increase its seafood production and exports. The country has set a
target to achieve 14 billion USD by 2025. Also, India is promoting sea cage fishing. More
than 100 spots have been identified. It is essential for India to maintain good international
relationships to increase the export of seafood.
World Pangolin Day: Data on Pangolin poaching in India
In 2023, World Pangolin Day is celebrated on February 18. Every year the day is celebrated
on the third Saturday of February month. The main objective of the celebration is to create
awareness about the Pangolin population decline. The population of Pangolin are
decreasing rapidly in Africa and Asia. The main reason for the decline is their medicinal
value. Pangolin scales have several medicinal properties.
Pangolins in India
The World Wildlife Fund says that between 2018 and 2022, more than 1,203 pangolins
were poached and trafficked. Indian Pangolins are hunted and exported to markets in
South Asia and China.
State wise Pangolin illegal trade in India
Of all the states, Odisha had the highest seizures. More than 154 pangolins were seized in
74 encounters. Following Odisha, Maharashtra has the second-highest seizure incidents.
More than 135 pangolins were seized in Maharashtra between 2018 and 2022 according to
the WWF report. 50% of the seizures had live pangolins. 40% had pangolin scales.
Conservation
IUCN: Critically Endangered
CITES: APPENDIX I: This appendix prohibits international trade
Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Why is Pangolin highly demanded in International Market?
The scales of Pangolin have high medicinal properties. They are used to heal back pain
and treat strokes, and rheumatism.
How important is Pangolin?
Pangolins are very important to balance the ecosystem. They play a major role in the food
chain. A single Pangolin eats 70 million insects. They are natural pest controllers.
One Year of India-UAE CEPA
India and UAE signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022. In
2023, the countries celebrated one year of signing the agreement recently. CEPA is a Free
Trade Agreement. With UAE, India signed CEPA on agriculture, taxation, customs
valuation, trade in goods, import licensing, export subsidies, non-tariff measures,
intellectual property, dispute settlement, MSME, digital trade, etc.
Background
The countries signed the agreement on February 18, 2022, during a virtual summit held
between Indian PM Modi and the UAE President Zayed Al Nahyan.
Achievements with CEPA
Due to CEPA, the trade between the countries increased to 57.8 billion USD. Before the
agreement, the trade between the countries stood at 45.3 billion USD. Trade increased by
27.5%.
Significance
The India-UAE CEPA was the first bilateral agreement India signed with middle-east or
north African region.
Imports and Exports
Between April 20222 and November 2022, Indian exports to UAE increased by 19.32%. The
agreement came into force in May 2022. The major trade sectors were food security,
energy, education, and health care.
Way Forward
India is to promote tourism in UAE. The FICCI will showcase the strengths of different
Indian states in Dubai starting in April 2023.
Supreme Court Action in Adani Case
The Supreme Court had asked the GoI to set up an expert panel and check on the safety of
the investors in situations like Adani Stock Manipulation. The Government of India
prepared suggestions on what can be done during such cases and what existing
provisions led to the issue. However, the suggestions were submitted in a sealed
envelope. Meaning, the SC or any other body cannot reveal or read the contents. SC
rejected this as the suggestions came in sealed envelopes. The Apex court is to set up its
own committee now!
What is the sealed cover procedure in India?
When a sealed cover is provided, it shall be opened only during acquittal. That is, SC can
now open the cover only when Gautham Adani is acquitted.
Background
The financial research company Hindenburg released a report on the Adani Group.
According to the report, the Adani group has fraudulently increased its stock prices in
India. Gautham Adani and his cousins showcased a rise in revenue of their shell
companies set up in several countries. While in reality, no operations were actually
happening in these shell companies. The stock manipulation put the reputation of India at
stake. So the SC stepped in accepting a Public Interest Litigation on the issue.
What did the SC do?
The SC heard the case a week ago. According to the apex court, a lot of investors lost their
money in stock manipulation fraud. What safety features do you as the Ruling
Government possess to protect the investors in such cases? was SC’s Question. Two days’
time was given. GoI replied that the existing provisions are enough and satisfactory to
protect the investors in such cases. But if SC wished it can set up a committee to look into
the matter. SC asked the central government to create a panel and provide a report on
these safeguard provisions. Now, GoI put the suggestions made by the expert panel in a
sealed cover.
Manipur hosts B20 Conference
On the sidelines of the G20 summit, the State of Manipur hosted the B20 conference. The
theme of the conference was Sustainable Growth and Development. It was in line with the
theme of the G20 summit, which is One Earth One Family One Future.
About the B20 Conference
More than 23 countries attended the conference. Union Ministers for State for Commerce,
External Affairs, etc attended the conference. B20 means Business 20. It is one of the
engagement groups of G20.
Working of B20 Engagement Groups
The B20 engagement group or any other engagement group (like a startup group or
youth group, etc) is led by the host country. In 2023, India will work with other G20
countries and frame policies.
Why Manipur?
The population of Manipur is 2.72 million. The northeastern states including Manipur are
seen as the Gateway to South East Asia. Also, India is to implement its Act East Policy
through these states. The Seven Sisters including Manipur will act as a bridge between
South East Asia and India. After the India-Myanmar Asian Highway construction
completes, it will only take 16-18 hours to cover the distance between Bangkok and
Manipur. Also, there are plans to operate cargo flights between the Manipur capital
Imphal and Mandalay, Myanmar.
49th meeting of GST Council
The GST Council makes recommendations to the Union Government and the State
Government based on the issues related to GST. There are 33 members of the council. Of
these 31 are from states and UT and 2 are from the centre. The 49th meeting of the council
was recently chaired by Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman. Outstanding GST cess
dues to the states were cleared.

Key Highlights of the 49th GST Council Meet
GST on liquid jaggery, pencil sharpeners, and tracking devices was reduced
A report of the GST Appellate Tribunal was adopted; certain modifications were
introduced
Capacity-based taxation introduced in certain sectors
To Plug the leakages in GST collections
There are leakages in the revenue collection from certain products like tobacco, Gutkha,
Pan Masala, etc. The following recommendations were made for these products
The capacity-based levy will not be prescribed for these products
Compliance measures to plug evasions
Other changes introduced
GST on rab reduced from 18% to 5%
GST on pencil sharpener reduced from 18% to 12%
Council recommended Amnesty Scheme
Late Fees for returns rationalized
Compensation Pending
GST compensation pending as of June 2022 was the highest for Maharashtra, 2102 crores;
followed by Karnataka 1934 crores, followed by Delhi, Rs 1212 crores.
What is GST Appellate Tribunal?
It will act as a quasi-judicial body. It will solve disputes between individuals, governments,
businesses, etc.
February 19, 2023
North India First Nuclear Plant
The Union Minister for Science and Technology recently announced that a new nuclear
plant is to be built in Gorakhpur, Haryana. This will be the first nuclear plant in North
India. The plant is to be built on 560 hectares of land. It will generate 2800 MW. The
foundation stone was laid in 2014. However, construction is just beginning. The first phase
is to be complete by 2025 and the second phase is by 2028. As the second phase
completes the plant will be in full operation generating 2800 MW.
Who is constructing the plant?
National Power Corporation of India Limited. This Public Sector Unit is responsible for all
the nuclear power plants in the country.
Why the delay?
Land Acquisition issues. Owners of the land, where the plant is to be built refused to
vacate. To them, the compensation provided by the GoI to vacate the land was insufficient.
Due to the delay, the GoI was facing financial losses of Rs 7 crore to Rs 8 crore per day.
Cost of the project
The project is to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 20,594 crores. This cost estimation was
done in 2014. With increasing inflation, the cost would have now increased.
Zones in India:
NORTH INDIA: HP, Punjab, UP, and Haryana

SOUTH INDIA: AP, Karnataka, TN, Kerala
EAST INDIA: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, WB
WEST INDIA: Rajasthan, Goa, Gujarat
CENTRAL INDIA: MP, Chhattisgarharh
February 20, 2023
World Day of Social Justice 2023
Social justice provides equal social, political, and economic opportunities for all. The World
Day of Social Justice is celebrated by the United Nations and several other international
organizations on February 20. The main objective of observing world social justice day is
to spread awareness of the relationship between poverty eradication and social justice.
The day also focuses on decent work for labourers. For instance, manual scavenging is not
decent work. The day insists on removing such practices. The International Labor
Organization also celebrates the day with different themes.
World Day of Social Justice 2023
In 2023, the day focuses on building trust in world governments. With COVID, the Russian-
Ukraine war, and climate change-related disasters, the normal lives of the people were
disrupted. Also, with increasing inflation, unemployment, lack of food security, and food
scarcity; people lost their trust in governments. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen
the social system that is in a fractured state today.
The theme of World Day of Social Justice 2023
Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice
Focus of 2023 World Day of Social Justice
In 2023, the UN is to focus on the workers. Today, many labourers did not receive their
pre-pandemic incomes. An increase in commodity prices has affected small businesses.
Therefore, it is essential to increase investments, especially in the green economy.
Madhya Pradesh Government passes New Liquor Policy
The State Cabinet of MP recently approved a New Liquor policy. According to the policy,
the areas for drinking alcohol will be closed. These are areas that are usually attached to
bars. The new policy is called the “NEW EXCISE POLICY”. The policy was launched after the
BJP leader Uma Bharati’s demand.
Significance
In Madhya Pradesh, there are liquor shops within 50 metres of girls’ hostels and religious
places. The policy will also make strict actions against drunk and driving cases.
Political Background
Madhya Pradesh is going in for an election by end of 2023. And the state has been having
an unstable government for quite some time. In 2020, around 22 Indian National Congress
MLAs resigned from their posts. It was during this time the current civil aviation minister
Jyotiraditya Scindia quit Congress and joined BJP. This led to the fall of the Kamal Nath
Government. Shivraj Singh Chouhan (of BJP) formed the fourth government. Like Scindia
and Kamal Nath had clashes inside the party when they were together, there are clashes
between Chouhan and Uma Bharati. Uma Bharati protesting against liquor is probably a
political strategy.
President Murmu visits Arunachal Pradesh
The President of India Droupadi Murmu has been visiting the states of UP, Odisha, and
Tamil Nadu. She is now to visit Arunachal Pradesh and will participate in the 37th Statehood
Day celebrations of Arunachal Pradesh.
President’s visit to UP
President Murmu visited UP and participated in the Global Investors Summit held in
Lucknow. She also took part in the tenth convocation of Babasaheb Bhimarao Ambedhkar
University. From there she also visited KAshi Vishwanath temple and attended Ganga
Aarathi.
President’s visit to Odisha
During her visit to Odisha, the President attended the Foundation Day celebrations of the
Jnanaprabha Mission. Also, she attended the second convocation of a university. And she
inaugurated the Indian Rice Congress at ICAR.
President’s Visit to Tamil Nadu
During her visit to Tamil Nadu, the president graced Mahashivaratri celebrations
conducted by Isha Foundation. Also, she visited the Defence Service Staff College at
Wellington.
President’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh
During her visit, the president will take part in the celebrations of the statehood day and
will also address the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh.
Observation
The Government of India is now focusing on the developments and governance of Border
States. Also, the government is trying to increase the population in remote areas within
the borders. This is being done to reduce the Chinese and Pakistani influences here.
Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day
The State of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated its statehood day on February 20. President
Murmu attended the state celebrations. The statehood was granted in 1987. It was the 24th
state in the country.
How was Arunachal Pradesh formed?
The Union Government provided the Statehood of Arunachal Pradesh through the State of
Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986. In 1972, Arunachal Pradesh was made a union territory. Till
then the region was called the North East Frontier Agency.
55th Amendment of the Constitution
The amendment provided certain special privileges to the state of Arunachal Pradesh. This
was because of the sensitive location of the state. The Governor of the state has the
responsibility of law and order in the state.
Significance
The state has more than 26 major tribes. There are 750 bird species and 200
mammals. Thus, the state is highly diverse in culture and also in biodiversity.
The state is the largest of all the seven sister states in the North East
It borders Assam and Nagaland
The state is called the Land of Rising Sun
The state shares a 1,129 km border with Tibet. Also, it shares international borders
with countries Myanmar and Bhutan
Environmental importance
The National Parks in the state are Namdapha, Mouling, Dibang, Pakke Tiger Reserve, and
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary. The state also has the Dihang Dibang Biosphere Reserve. The
state bird is Hornbill and State animal is Mithun or Gayal.
DUSTLIK 2023: India-Uzbekistan Military Exercise
India and Uzbekistan conducted the fourth edition of the DUSTLIK 2023 military exercise in
Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. During the exercise, the countries trained their troops in multi-
domain operations and shared their skills. India’s GARHWAL Rifles from the Western
Command participated in the exercise. And from Uzbekistan, the North Western Military
command participated in the exercise. The exercise is biennial, meaning conducted once
in two years.
Uzbekistan Military Power
The country ranks 62 in its military power. It is a part of the Turkic world. With more than
65,000 soldiers, the Army of Uzbekistan is one of the largest in Central Asia.
Significance
The Hisar Air Base of Uzbekistan is jointly operated by Indian Air Force and Tajik Air Force.
It is also called the Gissar Air Base. India used the base extensively during the Afghan
crisis.
Why is DUSTLIK important?
Uzbekistan is important to India for connectivity to Iran and the Central Asian region.
India is trying to expand its trade in the Central Asian region. But the conflicts in
Afghanistan are a big hindrance. To counter such security issues, India needs the support
of other central Asian countries like Uzbekistan.
Observation
In recent times, Indian Army is deploying the Garhwal Rifles in military exercises. In the
recent DHARMA GUARDIAN military exercise conducted with Japan too, the Garhwal Rifles
participated.
NEOM: Saudi’s Future Mega City
Saudi Arabia recently announced that it has completed one-fifth construction of its
futuristic Mega city called the NEOM. The country is spending 500 billion USD to construct
the city. The engineering projects in the future city will be powered by clean energy. There
will be no cars in the streets. NEOM is a combination of two words NEO and M. NEO is a
Greek word meaning New. And M in the name stands for the word Mustakbal, meaning
the future. Also, the M stands for crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
Key Facts of NEOM
The proposal to construct the city was brought by crown prince Mohammed Bin
Salman
The city is located on the Red Sea Coast and is larger than Kuwait or Israel. The city is
spread around 26,500 square kilometres
There will be ten different regions in the city like the airport, bay, floating industrial
complex, etc.
OXAGON: It is a floating industrial complex. It will house a desalination plant, a
research centre, and a hydrogen plant
TROJENA: A skiing centre
Agriculture: 6,500 hectares of farmlands will be created outside the city
The 2029 Asian Winter Games will be hosted by NEOM
THE LINE: Smart city that will be housed within NEOM
Concerns
More than 20,000 people relocated. The Indigenous Howeitat tribe living in the area was
terribly affected. Local water resources will be detoured. Artifical ski slopes will cause
severe impact on the desert land. Unjust work terms with the employees in the project are
also creating a ruckus.
Chandrayaan-3 lander clears key test
The Chandrayaan 3 is the third lunar mission of India. Indian Space Research Organization
recently announced that the EMI-EMC test of the lander part was successful. The EMI-EMC
are Electromagnetic tests. During the test, the lander is checked if its operation is creating
EM interference in the nearby environment. Also, checks if its operation is affected by the
nearby EM waves.
What is the EMI-EMC test?
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.
Significance
If the lander did not clear the test or if tests were partially completed, the entire
Chandrayaan 3 may go in vain. 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 the signals received, sent, or
produced in the component are disrupted. Miscommunication happens and the mission
fails. Probably, the Chandrayaan 2 lander crashed onto the moon’s surface for this reason.
MISCOMMUNICATION.
About Chandrayaan 3
There are three main modules in the project. They are the Propulsion module, Rover
module, and Lander Module.
PFRDA launches T+2 settlement for NPS withdrawal
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority recently reduced the
turnaround time of the National Pension Scheme to T+2 years. Earlier, it was T+4 years.
What is T+2 or T+4? T is the date, the request was made. T+2 means, “after two days of the
request”, and T+4 means “after four days of the request”.

Partial Withdrawal
A subscriber of the National Pension Scheme can withdraw less than 25% of the funds.
However, this shall be done only after 10 years.
What is the change introduced?
Say a person subscribes to the scheme. He shall do this by depositing a minimum of Rs
1000. He can also open an NPS account by depositing Rs one lakh. When he exits from the
scheme, he gets a matured amount at an interest of 8% or 10%. You can deposit as much
ever money as you want. Money can be deposited at will. No restrictions on the timeline
or amount to be deposited. Now, the only rule is that you need to wait at least ten years
after depositing your money. You cannot withdraw in the middle. After ten years, you may
withdraw 25% of the amount.
Now say a subscriber wants to withdraw. He submits a withdrawal form to the bank in
which he opened the NPS account. With a savings account, you get the amount the same
day. But with an NPS account, you will need to wait at least 2 days to get the amount.
Earlier, the wait time was 4 days. The pension regulator has now reduced it to 2 days.
Nepal celebrates Democracy Day
Nepal recently celebrated its Democracy Day. Every year, Democracy day is celebrated on
Falgun 7. Falgun is the calendar of Nepal. 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.
Nepalese Democracy Movement
The Nepalis overthrew their Rana King taking inspiration from the Indian independence
movement. In 1949, a communist party was set up and the goal of the Nepal Communist
Party was to establish democracy.
Role of India in Nepal’s Democracy
When India became the union in 1947, Nepal refused to join India. Tribhuvan of Nepal was
anti-Rana and was operating secretly. As the news reached Rana that Tribhuvan wants to
establish democracy in Nepal, his life was at risk. Thus, he fled to India in 1950. Nehru
welcomes him. With Nehru’s help, a formal agreement was signed among Tribhuvan,
Ranas, and Nepali Congress. This was called the DELHI ACCORD. According to the
agreement, all three parties agreed to create a democratic constitution in Nepal. After
this. Tribhuvan returned to Nepal. Their return after the signing is marked as Democracy
day in Nepal.
Treaty of Sugauli
This treaty is defining the border between India and Nepal to date. The treaty was signed
by the Shah dynasty. The Ranas were the core rulers of the Shah dynasty. India and Nepal
are in dispute regarding the borders defined by the treaty. The treaty says that the Kali
river will act as the international border. However, the river has changed its course with
time. This led to a boundary dispute between the countries.
Telangana’s Teja chilli

The Teja Chilli of Telangana is the most popular chilli in many countries. Despite high
international demand, the farmers of Teja Chilli are facing heavy losses. They are
struggling to recover their investment.
Background
Khammam Agriculture market is one of the biggest chilli markets in Telangana. It is the
largest producer of Teja Chilli. The Teja Chilli is the major ingredient of Oleoresin.
Oleoresin is a chilli extract used in food processing units in Asia. Demand for Oleoresin
increases the demand for Teja chilli in Asia.
About Teja Chilli
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
SHU Range of Teja Chilli
SHU means Scoville Heat Units. It gives the amount of Capsaicin present in a food product.
Capsaicin is a chemical compound that gives a pungent flavour. Higher the SHU, the
hotter the food product. SHU in chillies and pepper are very high. Chillies with higher SHU
have high demand in the international market.
The SHU of Teja Chilli is 60,000 to 1,10,000. VERY HOT and HIGHLY PUNGENT
Reasons for the high demand for Teja Chilli
The Teja chilli is thin and very light in weight. A small quantity is enough to make the food
hot and spicy. For this reason, the demand of the chill is high.
Residence by investment programmes
The residence by investment programmes allows a foreigner to get a permanent
residence. The foreigner shall obtain this by making an investment. He may invest in a
business or purchase a property. They are sometimes called Gold Visa Programmes but
are not the same. A recent study says that Indians choose to go abroad for work. For the
environmental conditions (unlike Delhi pollution) and also for other comforts they take up
“resident by investment” programmes and choose to stay abroad. The common countries
where Indians choose such programmes today are USA, Greece, Australia, Portugal, and
Malta.
What is Residence by Investment programmes?
Resident by investment is different from citizenship by investment. In a resident-by-
investment programme, if you invest a certain amount in a country, you will gain
residency there. You only get residency. You are not eligible to enjoy government
subsidiaries provided to the citizens of that country. For instance, you put your money into
a property in the USA. With this, the US provides you with a residence. You and your family
may stay here. You can only stay like a foreigner, not like a citizen. For example, your kids
do not get free education like other American citizens.
Are Golden Visa and Resident by Investment the same?
NO. Many are of the misconception that they are the same. Though they work the same
way, the benefits gained are different. And therefore, the programmes are different.
Hwasong-15: North Korea's Intercontinental ballistic missile
The HWASONG-15 is one of the three major ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) of
North Korea. All the ICBMs of North Korea use liquid propellants. North Korean missiles
are of big trouble and great concern to the west for this reason. The liquid fuels used in
the ICBMs of North Korean missiles can stay stable only under controlled conditions. The
solid-fueled ICBMs are difficult to detect and NK is now building them.
HWASONG-15
North Korea recently demonstrated the HWASONG-15. The missile had its maiden flight in
2017. HWASAONG has the capability to reach the mainland of the USA. It can reach
altitudes of 4,475 km and travel 950 km downrange.
Engine of HWASONG-15
There are two chambers in the engines of HWASONG-15. Earlier versions like
HWASONG-14 and HWASONG-12 had only one chamber.
Launch Vehicle
The launch vehicle of HWASONG 15 is huge. It has nine axles. The missile vehicles are
generally referred to as the Transporter Erector Launcher. These vehicles can carry
missiles and can erect them for launch.
North Korea Crisis and HWASONG
The recent 2017 North Korean crisis began when the country test-fired its first HWASONG
15 missile. The test was successful. In July 2017, North Korea conducted a series of nuclear
tests including the HWASONG 15 to display its nuclear capability. With this, the US and the
world countries concluded that North Korea is producing missiles at a faster rate than
they believe. There was a possibility of war. However, the tensions eased in 2018.
US President Joe Biden visits Kyiv amidst Ukraine-Russia war tensions
US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. Tensions between
Ukraine and Russia are still strong with the first anniversary of the Russian Invasion fast
approaching. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Role of the US in the Ukraine-Russia war
The US provided 30 billion USD of aid to Ukraine. Ukraine disintegrated from USSR in 1991.
After the disintegration, the US established a diplomatic relationship with the US in 1991.
The US aims to develop Ukraine into a secure region and integrate the country with the
Europeans.
Observations
The US President’s next stop is Poland. After Kyiv, the president will hold discussions with
the Poland officials. The visit was not planned and is happening all of a sudden. Now the
question comes, why Poland? It is to be noted that the Yavoriv Military base is located on
the western border of Ukraine. The base is just 10 km from Poland. The base is operated
by the Ukraine-NATO Partnership for Peace program. The US and the west definitely have
influence over the operations in these bases through NATO! Also, Russia began its 2022
invasions with this base a year ago. Russia fired more than 30 rockets at the base.
INS Sumedha participated in IDEX and NAVDEX
INS Sumedha participated in the Naval Defence Exhibition called the NAVDEX and
International Defence Exhibition called the IDEX conducted in Abu Dhabi recently. The
Naval Ship showcased the indigenous ship-building skills of India at the exhibitions.
INS Sumedha
She is a SARAYU class NOPV. NOPV means Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels. The first INS
SUMEDHA was built in Goa and joined the Navy in 2011. The one that participated in the
exhibition was recently commissioned, in 2014. It was the third indigenously built INS
SUMEDHA. She can carry helicopters.
IDEX
The first IDEX was held in 1993. The exhibition is biennial and focuses mainly on defence
technologies rather than defence products. The exhibition is held in Abu Dhabi, UAE and is
one of the largest defence exhibitions in the middle east.
How big is the IDEX?
More than 4 to 5 billion USD of business happens during the exhibition. In the recent
AERO INDIA 2023 defence exhibition, the total business was around 90,000 USD.
Significance
India is trying to increase its defence exports. By 2025, India aims to achieve Rs 35,000
crores of defence exports. To reach the target, India is increasing its investment in the
defence sector. In the 2023-24 budget, the defence sector received the highest fund
allocation.
BVR Subrahmanyam appointed new CEO of NITI Aayog
The National Institution for Transforming India is a public policy think tank. It succeeded
Planning Commission in 2015. The council has all the chief ministers of the state and
Lieutenant Governors of UTs. Apart from them, there are temporary members such as
four ex-officio members, a CEO, and three part-time members. All the temporary
members including the CEO are appointed by the Prime Minister. Recently, PM Modi
appointed BVR Subrahmanyam as the new CEO of NITI Ayog.
Why a new CEO?
The previous CEO of NITI Aayog, Parameshwaran Iyer has been appointed as the
Executive Director of the World Bank. And so, Mr Subrahmanyam is moving to his place.
About BVR Subrahmanyam
He served as the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. He was a 1987 IAS officer from
the Chhattisgarh cadre. He served as the private secretary of Mr Manmohan Singh during
his reign from 2004 to 2008.
He was kept in the loop during the entire bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir.
February 21, 2023
International Mother Language Day 2023
International Mother Language Day is celebrated on February 21. The main objective of
celebrating the day is to increase the overall literacy level of the world. More than 40% of
the world’s population is unable to receive education in their mother tongue. There is a
need to promote education in the mother tongue, especially in hilly regions where the
tribal population is very high. The day also focuses on the ethnic minority population. The
International Mother Language Day celebrated by the UN insists on this. Apart from this,
the day also focuses on diverse cultures in the world.
Significance
According to the United Nations, education in the mother tongue increases the cognitive
actions of the brain. Thinking in your own mother tongue is always easy. It aids in
inclusive development. Also, it helps to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Even
people in remote areas can be taught about the global crisis. And what they can do to help
the world survive climate change-related issues.
The theme of International Mother Language Day 2023
Multilingual Education – A Necessity to Transform Education
History of International Mother Language Day
The proposal to celebrate International Mother Language Day was initiated by UNESCO in
1999. The resolution was passed by the UNGA in 2002.
Cross Dependency Initiative: 9 Indian states most vulnerable to climate risks
The Cross Dependency Initiative is a business consultant that specializes in climate risk. It
released a report on “Gross Domestic Climate Risk”. According to the report, the top 50
provinces facing climate risks are China, the US, and India. It says nine Indian states are
most vulnerable to climate risks. They are Punjab, UP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, TN,
Gujarat, Kerala, and Assam. Mumbai has the highest risk of all. 26 provinces in China, 9 in
India, and 5 in the US are the most vulnerable of all.
Key Findings
The most vulnerable states of China are in the eastern and southern parts of the
country
Delta regions of the Yangtze river and Pearl rivers are also highly vulnerable
Other than US, China, and India, other countries that are highly vulnerable are
Pakistan, Brazil, and Indonesia
What does the report say?
The report ranks the states based on eight climate change hazards. They are coastal
inundation, riverine and surface flooding, soil movement, forest fire, extreme heat, freeze-
thaw, and extreme wind.
How was the report prepared?
The Cross Dependency Initiative created a high-emission scenario based on the data
provided by the IPCCC. It fixed the global increase in temperature to 3 degrees Celsius as
compared to the pre-industrial temperature.
EPFO new instructions
The Employee Provident Fund Organization recently issued new instructions on how
employees should apply for pensions. Earlier the amount contributed towards the scheme
was capped at Rs 15,000. Now EPFO says the employees can contribute more than this.
That is, the capping has been removed and there is no limit to the contribution.
What is the EPFO saying?
Both employer and employees contribute a certain amount (from their salary) to the EPFO
scheme on monthly basis. The interest rate of this contributed amount (a part of the
contributed amount) is 8.33%. When the person retires he gets an accumulative sum.
Earlier, a sealing was fixed to the contributed amount. Now, this limit has been removed.
What is the role of SC in the issue?
The issue was, should the amount being contributed sealed at Rs 15,000 or not. GoI
wanted to seal it at Rs 15000. But SC ruled to remove the capping.
Background
The Employment Provident Funds Act 1952 did not include any pension scheme. The
pension was added to this in 1995 through an amendment to the act. In the 1990s, the
maximum pensionable salary was Rs 5000. This was increased to Rs 6500 later. Now the
pensions scheme works like this. The Employee puts 12% of his basic salary and dearness
allowance, the employer puts 12%, and the Government outs 1.16%. Now from the 12%
contributed by the employer, 3.67% is to the EPF and 8.33% is to the EPS. What is the
difference between EPF and EPS? In EPF, both the employer and employee contribute. And
in EPS only the employer contributes. Now the issue was around the EPS, that is, the
amount whose interest is 8.33%. EPS means Employer Pension Scheme and EPF means
Employees Provident Fund.
India-Singapore link Digital Payments UPI and PAYNOW
UPI is the mobile payment method in India. Similarly, PAYNOW is a mobile payment
method in Singapore. The countries have planned to link these two mobile payment
methods. The linking was done virtually inaugurated by the RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das
and the MD of the Monetary Authority of Singapore Ravi Menon.
Significance
With the linkage, the residents of both countries can transfer money at faster rates.
Migrant workers and students will be benefitted the most.
G20
The Linkage of UPI and Pay Now was a part of the G20 priorities. One of the key focuses of
the 2023 G20 summit is on cheaper, inclusive finance, and transparent cross-border
payments.
Benefits
The linkage enables person-to-person transfer and person-to-merchant transfer between
the countries. Thus, it helps in boosting trade, foreign remittance, etc. Above all the e-
commerce businesses will be benefited largely. As instant funds shall be received through
this linkage, online shopping becomes easy. Also, fund transfer from an e-wallet is also
possible.
Background
Indians contribute to 9% of Singapore’s citizens. Apart from this, there are Indian students
and businessmen living on visas. Tamil is one of the official languages of Singapore. Other
official languages are Malay, English, and Mandarin Chinese. The migration of Indians to
Singapore started thousand years back. Tamil people migrated to the island during the
Chola dynasty rule. Trade was the main reason for the Indians to travel to the country
back then.
First Semiconductor plant of India
The Vedanta group and the Foxconn of Taiwan have come together to build the first
semiconductor manufacturing unit in Dholera of Gujarat. The companies signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Gujarat Government. According to the
agreement, they will invest Rs 1,54,000 crores in this project.
Where?
The semiconductor plant will be built in the Dholera Special Investment Region in
Ahmedabad. It is a greenfield industrial city. The Dholera Special Investment Region
Development Authority handles the land and the projects. The project was started by PM
Modi when he was the CM of Gujarat.
Projects within Dholera Special Investment Region
Ultra Mega Solar Park: generating 4400 MW of electricity
An international airport
Freight transport railway line
Expressway to connect Ahmedabad. Dholera is 100 km from Ahmedabad
Background
The MoU to build the semiconductor plant was signed in 2022. The project is being
implemented under the Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-27. The project aims to
generate at least 2 lakh new employment opportunities.
What is a Semiconductor plant?
It manufactures ICs and semiconductor materials. The semiconductor materials are made
usable for electronic applications through a process called Doping. For instance, to create
an N-type semiconductor material, you need to add Phosphorous to Germanium. Such
doping processes are done in semiconductor plants.
Significance of Semiconductor plants
Currently, India is importing most of the semiconductor materials from China. With the
new plant, India will become self-reliant and can manufacture high-quality electronic
products rather than depending on inexpensive low-quality Chinese goods!
IMF: India and China to contribute more than half of global growth
The International Monetary Fund recently said that India and China will contribute more
than 50% of the global growth in 2023. Another 25% will be contributed by other Asian
countries. This is happening because the supply chains faded during the pandemic and
the service sectors boomed during the same period. The supply chains will take time to
recover. Things may change when they recover.
What is the IMF saying?
The Asian countries are back to their pre-pandemic growth. Especially countries like
Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are in full operation

The inflation will reach the targets set by the central banks of respective countries by
the end of 2023. In the recent MPC, RBI increased the interest rate and repo rate. RBI
has increased the repo rate by 250 points in 2022 alone. Still, the inflation is 6.25%,
which is higher than the target inflation of 6% set by RBI.
Central banks need to stay alert. As the Chinese are reopening their economy,
inflation may increase
Food and oil processes are coming to stable conditions
Growth
Asia is expected to grow by 4.7% in 2023 and by 4.5% in 2024. In 2022, the growth rate of
Asian countries was 3.8%
SYL Canal come up in Haryana Budget 2023
The Haryana Governor recently addressed the Budget session of the state. During the
address, he said that the State Government is very stubborn in implementing the SYL
Canal project.
What is SYL Canal?
It is a canal between Sutlej and Yamuna rivers. The canal is a river-sharing mechanism
between Punjab and Haryana. After completion, the states of Punjab and Haryana will
share the waters of Ravi and Beas.
Powers of Parliament
The central government has the power to make laws on water sharing between the states.
The rivers and the inter-state rivers fall under the union list.
History of the Canal
Indus Water Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan. India gained the rights of
Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. In 1966, the state of Haryana was carved out from Punjab. After the
division, Punjab refused to provide its water to the state of Haryana state. Haryana
proposed the SYL Canal.
In 1981, Punjab agreed. In 1982, the construction of the canal started. Protests and
agitations began and the issue intensified. Akali Dal was against the construction of the
canal claiming the waters belong only to Punjab by the Riparian principle.
In 1985, Rajiv Gandhi signed an accord with the Akali Dal to set up ‘ERADI TRIBUNAL”’ to
assess the water sharing between the states. In 1987, the tribunal increased the water
shares of Punjab. Haryana did not accept.
In 1996, Haryana went to the SC. SC ordered Punjab to complete its work in its territory.
Haryana had already completed 85% of the work on its land.
In 2004, Punjab passed a Termination of Agreement Act and stopped all the projects
related to the canal.
In 2016, SC took up the case again and ruled that Punjab backed out of its promise
DGCA: Domestic Air Traffic increases in India
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation releases reports on all Indian carriers on monthly
basis. According to the recently released report of January 2023, air traffic has increased
significantly. As compared to 2022, the growth of air traffic has increased by 95%. More
than 12.5 million passengers travelled in January 2023. In January 2022, the Omicron wave
affected air traffic. Only 6.4 million passengers used air transport in 202.
Current Status of the Airlines in the country
IndiGo is the largest airliner in the country. However, the market value of the airlines
has been decreasing in recent times
The Air-India was the second largest airline. It holds 9.2% of air traffic in the country.
Under the reigns of TATA, Air India has set a target to conquer 30% of the air travel
market
Vistara was the third largest airline in the country. VISTARA is a joint venture of TATA
and Singapore Airlines
AKASA is a new arrival. It started its operation in August 2022. The Airline has 2.8% of
the market share
Performance of the Airlines
INDIGO was the most punctual airline in the country. AKASA was the second most
punctual. VISTARA, AIR INDIA, AIR ASIA, and SPICE JET were the least punctual airlines.
UAE to host first I2U2 vice-ministerial meeting
I2U2 is a joint initiative of India, Israel, the USA, and the UAE. I2 stands for Israel and India.
U2 stands for USA and UAE. The main objective of the initiative is security cooperation,
technological hubs, food security, and other different energy fields. The UAE recently
hosted the vice-ministerial meeting of I2U2. It was held in Abu Dabi. It was attended by
the Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment secretary of the USA, the Prime Minister
of Israel, PM Modi, and the UAE President.
I2U2 Vice-Ministerial meeting
This is the first meeting of its kind. During the meeting, the leaders discussed regional
cooperation opportunities and investment opportunities among the countries. They also
discussed food insecurity and energy crisis issues.
Benefits for India
The grouping helps India gain political and social alliances. India can take the advantage
of Abraham Accord and deepen its relationship with Israel without affecting its ties with
UAE and the Arab world. Abraham Accord was signed by USA, Israel and UAE. The
agreement normalized the relations between the three.
Within the first two meetings, India gained 2 billion USD of investments in the states of
Gujarat and MP in the field of hybrid energy projects.
Principled Vision of I2U2
The leaders of the initiative aim to increase private sector investments in the field of clean
energy, emerging technologies, and waste treatment. The first summit of the initiative
was held in 2022.
Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2023
The DPIFF (Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards) was started in 2012. It is
an independent corporate film festival. It is not the same “DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARD”
presented at the National Film Awards. The DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARD is presented in a
ceremony organized by the Government of India (Directorate of Film Festivals). But the
DPIFF is completely a private ceremony organized by the family members of Dadasaheb
Phalke. 2023 was organized by his grandson. Dadasaheb is the Father of Indian Cinema.
The award presented in his name at the National Film Award ceremony is one of the most
prestigious awards in the country. It is not to be confused with DPIFF
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
State of Nation Address of Russian President Vladimir Putin
The State of Nation Address is the speech delivered by the Chief Executive of a country.
During the address, the chief talks about the agenda of the government and other plans
to solve troublesome situations. After Joe Biden’s surprising visit to Ukraine, the Russian
President recently delivered his State of the Nation Address in Moscow.
What did Putin say?
He openly accused the west of intensifying the war
According to Russia, the west is punishing itself with sanctions on the country
State funds announced to support soldiers fallen during the “Special Military
Operation” of Russia in Ukraine
The western countries started the war provoking Russia
Demanded the US withdraw its troops from Ukraine
Announced Russia’s withdrawal from the START treaty
Background
The Chinese diplomat Wang Yi visited Putin shortly before his address. Putin’s address
comes after Biden pledged 500 million USD of funds to Ukraine for artillery ammunition
during his visit.
Supporters of Ukraine
CANADA: Sent armed forces to Poland to help Ukraine refugees
Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia: Support Ukraine; Leaders of these countries
meet Ukraine’s President now and then
Australia: Imposed sanctions on Russian goods, Russian – state-owned undertakings;
no direct participation in the war
US And UK: Direct support to Ukraine
Japan, Germany, South Korea, Canada: indirect support
Supporters of Russia
Belarus: Strong supporter; Russian troops entered Ukraine taking help from Belarus
Syria: Indirect support
UAE, Saudi Arabia: Did not condemn Russian actions
Kazakhstan: Sent military troops; but stays away from public and international
discussions on the issue
Armenia: Voted ‘against’ the proposal introduced to remove Russia from the Council
of Europe
Italian diplomat is to meet the Russian President
Learning-Teaching Material Jadui Pitara
The National Education Policy 2020 envisaged play-based learning teaching material. In
accordance with the policy, Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan recently launched
the “JADUI PITARA”. It is a play-based learning material for children between the age of 3
to 8 years. It is available in 13 different Indian languages. It was developed under the
National Curriculum Framework. The material is easy to use and can be downloaded and
printed on paper.
What is JADUI PITARA?
It s a set of playbooks, puzzles, flashcards, posters, worksheets, and storybooks. The
material intrigues the curiosity of the children. The material focuses on five major
developmental activities namely literacy development, positive learning habits, cultural
development, cognitive development, socio-emotional development, and ethical
development.
The main objective is “LEARN THROUGH PLAY”
Significance
The Government of India is in the footsteps of creating AMRIT GENERATION. The teaching
material will help India achieve this. Amrit Generation is the future generation of India.
They are patriotic, responsible, and dutiful. They take part in government activities and
contribute largely to the welfare of the country.
Panel to assess impact of Higher temperature on Wheat Crop
In 2023, the winter rains were above normal only in the Himalayan regions. The rest of the
Indian states, the major wheat-producing states received no winter rains at all! Winter
rains occurring due to western disturbances caused over the Mediterranean Sea are
essential for growing wheat crops in winter. No winter rains this year are bringing adverse
impacts on the wheat production of the country. The Government of India is setting up a
panel to address the issues.
About the panel
The panel will look into the impacts of high temperatures on wheat crops in the country.
The Agriculture Commissioner of India will lead the panel. It will have members from key
wheat-producing states.
Background
Already Indian PDS system is facing wheat shortages. In 2023, wheat prices increased by
21% due to a decrease in wheat production and increasing export demands. The
increasing temperature and lack of winter rains are affecting wheat production further.
India may face more wheat shortages. So GoI has set up a panel to bring up solutions to
the issue.
How will high temperatures affect wheat crops?
Wheat grows comfortably at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The wheat can germinate at a
temperature range of 3.5 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. Reproduction, growth,
quality and quantity of wheat are affected largely due to high temperatures.
Russia suspends START, the last Nuclear Treaty
The START is a bilateral treaty signed between the US and the Soviet Union in 1991. It
came into force in 1994. Under the treaty, the countries agreed to bar 6,000 nuclear
warheads and 1m600 ICBMs. More than 80% of the nuclear warheads were removed in
2001 with this treaty. The treaty expired in 2009. THE NEW START Treaty was signed in
2010. This new treaty applies till 2026. Russia has now withdrawn from the treaty.
Why did Russia suspend START Treaty?
Russia-Ukraine war tension is one of the main reasons. The US is supporting Ukraine by
funding the country for its war ammunition. The US has funded more than 3 billion USD so
far. During his recent visit to Ukraine, Joe Biden announced 500 million USD more.
Countering US actions, Russia is suspending the START Treaty.
Background
US and Russia have been at constant war due to the differences in their ideologies. Russia
follows socialism and the US follows capitalism. The differences affect their trade interests.
They fight the cold war, the trade war, the space war, the proxy war, and every other war
sadly. Now, they are fighting against each other placing Ukraine at the centre.
Why is the UN silent about the war?
The UNSC is dominated by USA, UK, France, China and Russia. They are permanent
members. Most of the UN decisions have the influence of these countries. Now, the
countries are fighting amongst themselves. And the UN says no peace negotiations are
possible!
Ladakh sets Guinness record Pangong Tso Marathon
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council recently launched Pangong Tso
Marathon. The marathon is the first of its kind in India. It was held on the frozen Pangong
Tso lake.
Guinness World Record
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. It is the first frozen lake
marathon in India.
About the Marathon
The marathon included a 21 km long run. It began in Luking village. The marathon was
organized by the Council of Ladakh along with the Adventure Sports Foundation of
Ladakh.
Significance
The Government of India is now trying to increase the activities in remote border areas.
Also, it is in the footsteps of increasing the population in these areas. This is being done to
reduce the Chinese and Pakistani infiltrations here. To achieve this, several development
activities are bring brought. The marathon is one such step. The 2020 tensions between
India and China were around the Pangong Tso lake. The Chinese had occupied more than
14 points in the disputed region. After the face-off in 2020, Indian Army captured several
peaks in the region.
Pangong Tso Lake
The lake has saline water and is completely frozen during winter. Researchers believe that
the lake was a part of the Indus river system in early times. Today, however, the lake lies
separated from the Indus river. It is the highest saltwater lake in the world.
February 22, 2023
ISSF Shooting World Cup: Rudrankksh Patil of India wins gold
The International Shooting Sport Federation conducts the ISSF World Shooting
Championship. It was first held in 1897. The recent 2023 ISSF Shooting World Cup was held
in Cairo. India’s Rudrankksh Patil and R Narmada Nithin won gold. This is the first time
India wins gold in the competition.
ISSF Shooting World Cup
Rudrankksh won gold in 10 metre Air Rifle. He defeated Ulbrich of Germany with a score
of 16-8. Also, the pair Varun Tomar and Rhythm Sangwan won gold in the 10m Air Pistol.
About ISSF World Cup 2023
It 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.
The current ISSF Shooting World Cup being held in Cairo is for rifles and pistols. The
International Shooting Sport Federation also conducts the world cup for shotguns.
Rifles are used for long-range targets. Shotguns are used for short-range.
A pistol differs from a rifle in size. It is a handgun.
US returns looted artifacts to Yemen
The United States recently returned 77 artefacts to Yemen. These artefacts were illegally
imported into the US soil from Dubai. The returned artefacts include 11 Quran manuscript
pages, carved stone heads, bronze bowls, etc. They all belong to the Minean tribal culture
of Yemen and are from the 1st century BCE.
Tribes in Yemen
Tribal communities in Yemen are becoming almost extinct! 80-90% of the Yemen
population is tribal. Due to the civil war between the Yemeni government and the Houthi
forces, they are facing catastrophic disasters. Iran backs Houthi forces. Saudi Arabia
supports Yemen Government. The actions of Saudi Arabia in Yemen are backed by US and
UK.
Background
The New York State Justice Department has been worlding to return the looted artefacts.
The US returned a minimum of 700 artefacts to countries like Greece, Cambodia, Pakistan,
Italy, India, Egypt, and Italy.
To India
Under the same initiative under which Yemen Artifacts were returned, the US returned
307 artefacts to India in October 2022. They were worth 4 million USD. In 2021, the US
returned 15 million USD worth of antiques to India. In 2016, the US returned 100 million
USD worth of artefacts to India.
India received the stolen artefacts not only from the US, but also from the UK, Australia,
and several other countries. This was because the Government of India has been putting
on pressure to bring these artefacts back to the country.
Khajuraho hosts first G20 Culture Working Group meet
The UNESCO World Heritage site KHAJURAHO located in the state of Madhya Pradesh is
hosting the first Culture Working Group Meeting. More than 125 delegates from foreign
countries will attend the meeting. Pdam Shri Nek Ram also attended the meeting. He is
known as the “Millet man”.
About Khajuraho
It is a group of Hindu and Jain temples. They were built in 1000 CE during the Chandela
dynasty. There were more than 85 temples in Chandela times. Unfortunately, only 12 of
these temples survived. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is one of the 12 temples that
survived. This temple has various symbols and exhibits the richness of Indian art.
Significance of KHAJURAHO
The temples were built by Brahmacharis. They were built at the same time. However, after
completion were dedicated to both Hinduism and Jainism. This depicts India’s acceptance
of different religions since medieval times.
Chandela Dynasty
They ruled the Bundelkhand region. They belonged to the Rajputs clan.
KHAJURAHO Dance Festival
Khajuraho also hosted the International Dance Festival recently. The festival is a part of
Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. It was conducted by the MP Government and the Department of
Culture. The first KHAJURAHO dance festival began in 1975. Several dance artists of
different dance styles like Manipuri, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, etc
participated in the festival.

Eknath Shinde the new Chief of Shiv Sena
The Shiv Sena party of Maharashtra recently elected the Maharashtra Chief Minister as its
new Chief. The decision was made during the National Executive Meeting of the party.
Shiv Sena Party
The party is a right-wing Marathi regionalist. It was founded by Balasaheb Thackeray.
Their main focus is to get preferential status to the Marathis in the state as compared to
the increasing number of migrants.
What is the issue?
Under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray (son of Balsaheb Thackeray), the party became
secular and adopted nationalism. It formed an alliance with Congress. The party is usually
more inclined towards BJP. This deviated the party from its traditional stand. And
eventually, the party split into two. One, under Shinde and the other, under Uddhav
Thackeray. Eknath Shinde wanted to bring the party back to its original ideologies.
What is Uddhav Thackeray’s next move?
He has moved to the SC regarding the faction.
Background
Shinde and the other 40 MLAs withdrew their support to CM Uddhav Thackeray. They left
for Assam creating high drama. Thackeray was supported only by 15 MLAs. And therefore,
he resigned. After the resignation of Thackeray, they returned from Assam. It was
expected that Devendra Fadnavis of BJP will become the next CM. But surprisingly Eknath
Shinde became the CM!
India to setup Digital University
The Minister of Skill Development Shri Dharmendra Pradhan recently announced that
India will soon set up Digital University. The main objective of establishing a Digital
University is to reduce the cost of higher education. Also, the university will increase
access to several skill programmes. The minister made the announcement at the SCO
virtual summit.
Background
The Government of India is trying to empower the youth in the country. To achieve this, it
has been creating several entry points in the education system. The focus is to uplift the
youth by training them in the skills that the Indian industry requires. This will help India
become self-reliant.
Significance
With Digital Universities, the youths can develop their skills at very fewer expenses. This
will help India achieves the five pillars of Atma Nirbhar Bharat namely Economy, system,
infrastructure, demand, and Vibrant Demography.
How will Digital Universities help India create Vibrant demography?
Vibrant demography means a population with high skills. Population explosion is of
course not good for the country. But what if the increasing population is of high literacy
levels? The good education system of India has increased the NRI working population and
overall remittance. While China is now launching birth-boosting plans like 30-day paid
leave to newly married, India is focusing on skilling the population! Within 10 years, the
Skilled Indian population will take the economy to a developed zone.
Guru Kripa Yara with Bharat Gaurav Trains
The Indian Railways is to launch the Guru Kripa Yatra with Bharat Gaurav Trains in April
2023. During the Yatra, the tourists will visit the holy sites of Sikhism.
About the Yatra
During the Yatra, the passengers shall board and de-board at Lucknow, Pilibhit, Sitapur,
and Bareilly. The yatra is for 11 days. Totally 678 passengers shall participate in a single
yatra. Three different types of categories are offered based on comfort. They are Standard
(sleeper class), Superior (3rd AC), and Comfort (2nd AC). This way families of all income
levels can take the yatra.
Sites included in the yatra
Sri Kesgarh Sahib Gurudwara
Virasat-e-khalsa at Anandpur Sahib
Gurudwara Sri Patalpuri Sahib at Kiratpur Sahib
Gurudwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib at Sirhind
Akal Takht Sahib
Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar
Damdama Sahib at Bathinda
Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib at Nanded
Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib at Bidar
Gurudwara Sri Harmandarji Sahib at Patna
Five Takhts included in the package
All five major Takhts of Sikhism are included in the package. The first Takht was
established by Guru Hargobind in 1609. TAKHT means the seat of Authority. The five
Takhsts are generally referred to as the Panj Takht. Hey are the Akal Takht, Damdama
Sahib, KEshgarh, Hazur Sahib, Patna Sahib.
Takhts issue orders and regulations to the Sikhs from time to time. Of all the Takht, Akal
Takht is the supreme.
The Bharat Gaurav trains were launched under the “Deko Apna Desh” initiative. The main
objective of launching these trains was to boost tourism.
Seattle-First US city to ban Caste Discrimination
Caste discrimination does not exist in the US by law. However, the tech sector in the
country has been facing caste discrimination. A group of Dalit female engineering from
tech big giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Google passed a resolution against caste
discrimination in the country. Protests against the issue have increased in the US in recent
times. The Dalits account for 1.5% of the Indian immigrants. More than 67% of the Indian
Dalits are facing caste-based harassment at work places. To put an end to such
discrimination, the City Council of Seattle recently introduced a Ban on caste
discrimination.
Background
Caste is a social system that divides people based on their birth. Racism existed in the US
but not caste discrimination. Caste discrimination has increased in the country in the
recent past due to migrants from Asian countries, especially from India, Nepal,
Bangladesh, Myanmar, etc. According to the Equity Labs Caste Census, one in four Dalits
in the US faces caste discrimination. Caste discrimination is also increasing in universities,
especially among students pursuing higher studies.
There are many controversies arising due to the ban introduced. Why the ban when the
law already condemns caste discrimination? According to the Seattle City Council, the ban
is being introduced to let its support the students being discriminated against on the basis
of caste.
Vivek Ramaswamy launches US Presidential bid
Vivek Ramaswamy is an Indian American. He is a republican (Joe Biden and Barack Obama
are all from the Democratic Political party) and an anti-environment activist. Anti-
environmentalists are those people who believe that environmental regulation is
unnecessary. He established a company to ban environmental governance initiatives. He
is a biotech investor.
Others Contesting the US Elections 2024
Former President Donald Trump announced his candidacy already. Also, Nikki Hayley, the
Governor of South Carolina has announced her candidacy for the US elections in 2024. The
Republican party will hold primary elections to choose its nominee. The US constitution
does not provide any rule for these elections. Joe Biden, the current President of the US
will also run for the 2024 US President Election. He was the Vice President of the country
during Obama’s time. In the US, you can contest the presidential elections twice, that is,
for two terms.
2024 US President Elections
It is to be held in November. To contest 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. This is the first
election after the 2020 Census. Elections after the census are important because census-
based data are used to distribute political power.
Moon Venus Jupiter Conjunction
Skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts have something to look forward to in February
2024. On February 22, the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter will align in the sky, creating a
stunning celestial display. This rare conjunction will be visible to the naked eye and
promises to be a breathtaking sight for all who witness it.
What is a Conjunction in Astronomy?
In astronomy, a conjunction occurs when two or more celestial objects pass close to each
other in the sky. This can happen with planets, moons, or even stars. For example, the Sun
and Moon are in conjunction during a new moon, when the Moon is between the Sun and
Earth.
Planetary conjunctions occur when two or more planets come close to each other in the
sky. These events are relatively rare and provide a unique opportunity for stargazers to
witness the planets’ alignment.
Magnitude of Venus, Jupiter, and Moon during Conjunction
During the 2024 conjunction, Venus will have a magnitude of -4.0, Jupiter will have a
magnitude of -2.1, and the Moon will have a magnitude of -9.8. Magnitude is a measure of
brightness, with lower numbers indicating brighter objects. Venus and Jupiter are the two
brightest planets in the solar system, with Jupiter being the brightest relative to its size,
and Venus being the brightest due to its reflective atmosphere.
Why is the 2024 Conjunction Special?
While conjunctions between Venus and Jupiter happen every year, the 2024 conjunction is
unique because it will be visible to the naked eye. Typically, Venus-Jupiter conjunctions
occur close to the Sun, making them difficult to observe due to the Sun’s brightness.
However, the 2024 conjunction will be visible since it will occur further from the Sun.
How to Watch the Conjunction
To watch the conjunction, simply look towards the western horizon after sunset on
February 22, 2024. The Moon will be the first object to appear, followed by Venus and then
Jupiter. Without a telescope, the planets will appear as bright stars, but their proximity to
each other will make them stand out from the other stars in the sky.
Delhi Mayor Election
The Delhi Mayor elections were postponed thrice due to the State Government – Central
Government tussle. The Municipal elections were held in January 2023. The meeting of the
Municipal house was adjourned thrice without electing a mayor. The mayor election
couldn’t happen in the house due to AAP – BJP tussles. Shelly Oberoi won the election.
What is the issue?
The BJP members wanted the Aldermen to vote in the polls. Aldermen are those persons
nominated by councillors or governors. In this case, the Governor nominated the
Aldermen. Nominated persons act as members of the municipal house. AAP party
members did not want the Aldermen to vote. So they went to the Supreme Court.
What did the SC say?
SC ruled that the nominated persons, that is, the Aldermen shall not participate in the
election by the constitution.
Municipal House procedure
After electing the Mayor, the members will elect the Deputy Mayor. The members of the
Standing Committee will also be elected on the same day. The Standing Committee is the
most powerful body in the municipality. It takes the major decisions of the city
governance.
Why did AAP-BJP fight over Aldermen?
The fight was over electing the members of the Standing committee. The standing
committee has six members. AAP has 150 votes. The total strength of the house is 274. As
AAP has a majority, it gets to appoint three members to the Standing Committee. BJP will
appoint two members. Now one is left. BJP wanted to grab this leftover seat by allowing
the alderman to vote. If BJP got three seats just like AAP, it would have got more powers in
the standing committee.
India-Guyana Air Service Agreement
The Union Cabinet recently approved the air Service Agreement that was signed between
India and Guayana. India has Air Service Agreement with more than 116 countries. The
ASA covers several aspects such as flight landing points, the number of flights operated
between the countries, seat allotments, codeshare, etc. However, no air service shall have
the option of an unlimited number of flight operations under the agreement.
Why is Air Service Agreement with Guyana important?
40% of Guyana’s population is Indians. The agreement will allow the countries to enable
provisions of air services between them. With India liberalizing air transport, the
agreement is essential to boost international connectivity. Flight schedules and details of
flights operations from and to the country are detailed in the agreement
Background
The Air Service Agreement initiations started in 2016 after India framed its National Civil
Aviation Policy.
Open Sky Agreement
This agreement is different from Air Services Agreement. It gives freedom of air to a
country. The International Civil Aviation lists nine such freedoms. If two countries sign this
agreement, they can enjoy the freedoms listed in each other skies. India has Open Sky
Agreement with the USA, Jamaica, Greece, Japan, etc.
UBER-TATA Deal for 25000 EV
TATA is one of the largest electric vehicle manufacturers in India. The UBER recently
signed a mega deal with TATA. According to the deal, TATA will produce 25,000 Electric
Vehicles for UBER. This means usage of Electric Vehicles is to increase in the country
indirectly. UBER is a transportation company. The usage of EVs in the country has been
slow despite government efforts. Manufacturing of EVs is also slow. However, with this
deal, the manufacturing and the use of EVs will increase in the country.
Other Companies that signed deals for EV
Several other companies too signed deals with TATA for electric vehicles. However, their
numbers were small like 1000s. For instance, EC Wheels signed a deal with TATA for 1000
EVs, Prakriti signed a deal for 2000 EVs, etc.
Background
The demand for EVs started showing a small increase with the launch of the XPRES-T EV
brand of TATA. It was launched in 2021 for Fleet customers. Fleet customers are those
people who buy in bulk. For instance, UBER is a fleet customer buying 25,000 cars.
Today TATA holds more than 70% of the Indian EV market.
Uttar Pradesh Budget 2023-24
The Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh Suresh Kumar Khanna recently presented the
Budget of the State in the UP legislative Assembly. The state has focused on youth in this
year’s budget. And a total of Rs 6,90,000 crores have been allocated. This is the largest in
the history of UP. The Budget aims to build a self-reliant UP and make UP a 1 trillion USD
economy. Ayodhya to be developed as model solar city.
Key Highlights of UP Budget 2023-23
Chief Minister Kanya Sumangala Yojana: Rs. 1050 crores allocated
The State Government allocated Rs 4,032 crores for destitute widows
Samuhik Vivah: Rs 600 crores allocated. This scheme is for girls of all classes and will
help in their marriage
Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme: To provide tablets and
smartphones; Rs 3600 crores allocated
Rs 21,159 crores allocated for the construction of roads and bridges
Rs 6,209 crores for maintenance of roads and bridges
Rs 3,473 crores for building agricultural marketing facilities
Rs 1,525 crores to construct rural roads
Rs 1,850 crores to construct railway overhead bridges
Rs 2,588 crores to widen the state highways
Rs 2,538 crores for widening district roads
DHARMARTH MARG: To boost religious tourism: Rs 1000 crores
Rs 150 crores allocated for the Marriage Grant Scheme. It is for daughters of OBC
families
Rs 3000 crores proposed from State Road Fund to maintain roads in the state
Investment Target set to Rs 10 lakh crores
Target: 20,000 new jobs to be created within one year
Rs 7,248 crores proposed for a Pension scheme
Rs 12,631 crores proposed for National Rural Health Mission
Losar Festival in Dharamshala
The Tibetan New Year is called the Losar. Tibetan Buddhists follow the Lunisolar calendar.
The first day of the Luni Solar calendar is celebrated as Losar. The Buddhists in Nepal
celebrate the same festival in the name of Lhochhar and celebrated eight weeks before
Tibetan Losar. Different Indian states celebrate Losar in different ways. Recently the
Tibetans in Dharamshala celebrated the festival.
Himachal Pradesh
The Tibetan Buddhists in the State of HP celebrate Losar in November. They celebrate it to
mark the arrival of winter.
Arunachal Pradesh
Here the Monpa tribes celebrate Losar in February. During Losar, they clean their house
and make a special offering to the local deities
Ladakh
The Tibetan Buddhists in the Ladakh region celebrate the Losar Festival in January. They
follow the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Southern States
Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu celebrate their New Year in the month of April. In
Kerala, the festival is called “Vishu”. In TN, it is called “Puthandu”. In AP, it is “Ugadi”.
History of Losar
Losar was actually celebrated in Tibet. It was a winter festival celebrated with a Bon. The
main objective was t please the local deities. However, today Buddhists celebrate it as a
thanksgiving to the gods after harvest. Also, some other Buddhists celebrate it as the new
year.
India and Seychelles sign agreement on Maritime Cooperation
The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region of India and the RCOC (Regional
Coordination Operations Centre) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on
maritime cooperation. India has a military base on the Assumption Island of Seychelles. It
was built in 1990 and was extended in 2016. The country is important for India for its
geopolitical location.
About the MoU
According to the MoU, the countries will work together and improve maritime safety in the
Indian Ocean Region. The safety provisions will be based on the SAGAR initiative – Security
and Growth for All in the Region. With this, they will be able to correlate better and can
share information in a more compressed way.
IFC-IOR
The IFC-IOR hosts the ILO – International Liaison Officers meet. 12 countries participate
and are the US, UK, Singapore, Seychelles, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius,
France, Italy, Australia, and Japan.
Background
It is essential for India to sign this agreement with Seychelles to learn about the maritime
safety measures being implemented in this region. The Western Indian Ocean is governed
by the “Maritime Security architecture”. This architecture is implemented by Indian Ocean
Commission. The IOC is supported by Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre,
RCOC, and other countries like Djibouti, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, France, Seychelles,
and Madagascar. India has no maritime agreements related to this part of the Indian
Ocean with these countries except Seychelles. Even if it does, those agreements do not
talk about sharing information! Thus, it is essential to sign the MoU with the country.
Note: India is only an observer at the Indian Ocean Commission; not a member.
February 23, 2023
India-China hold WMCC Meeting
India and China recently held the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination
meeting. This is the 26th meeting and the first since the Galwan standoff, and the 14 th
physical WMCC meeting. A virtual WMCC meeting was held during the Ladakh standoff in
2020. The countries discussed the issues along the LAC on the western border. Also, they
discussed the disengagement of troops in the remaining areas. It was a secretary-level
meeting.
Why was the meeting held?
To bring back normalcy in the bilateral relations between India and China
To restore peace along the Line of Actual Control

Future Plans
The countries have decided to conduct the Senior Commanders meeting soon. This is in
accordance with the bilateral agreements signed between India and China.
Observation
The Chinese have been causing tremendous trouble at the border in recent years.
Infringements in the Panong Tso region, Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh, and many
more. In 2021, the Chinese forces blocked the Depsang Plains and Charding Nala regions.
These are traditional patrolling spots of the Indian military. They were causing trouble in
Arunachal Pradesh even in December 2022. Then, why the sudden change? Why the
WMCC meeting? Probably because, the President of China, Xi Jing Ping is to visit India for
SCO and G20 meetings. Most of the negotiations during his visit will depend on how China
is cooperating in the LAC region.
Namami Gange Executive Committee approves nine projects
Three million litres of sewage are dumped into the holy Ganges every day. It is the fifth
most polluted river in the world. To reduce the pollution in the river, the Namami Gange
Executive Committee recently approved nine projects. These projects are to be
implemented at a cost of Rs 1,200 crores. Of these, seven projects are related to reducing
pollution and two of the projects will work on Ghat development.
About the nine projects
The National Mission for Clean Ganga will implement the project
The projects will be executed in MP, UP, and WB
Atal Ghat Manjhi in Bihar will be developed at Rs 10 crores
Development of Ngeshwar Dham Ashram Ghat in Fatehpur: Rs 2.84 crores
Pollution Abatement Projects
In West Bengal, two sewage-treating plants will be set up. One sewage plant will treat 13
million litres per day. The other plant will treat 300 Kilo litres per day. These plants are to
be set up in Chakdaha Municipal Town. They will be established at a cost of Rs 123 crores
In UP, three sewage treatment plants will be built and 13 drains will be diverted. One of
the plants will be built in Prayagraj and it will treat 43 million litres of sewage per day.
In Bihar, two plants. One with 10,91 MLD capacity and the other with 10.66 MLD capacity.
The cost of these projects is Rs 94.12 crores
In MP, two projects were approved. One in River Saraswati and the other to reduce the
pollution in river kahn. Another two projects were also sanctioned in MP. They are in Ujjain
and in River Kshipra. But have currently been put on hold for further clarification.
Rejuvenation of River Kali
This is also one of the nine projects sanctioned by the committee. The cost of this project
is Rs 95.47 crores. Also under this project, artificial wetlands will be created in 8 locations
to treat sewage water, industrial water, grey water, etc.
Special First of its kind project
The Survey, Investigation for Rejuvenation and Conservation of Shahdara drain was also
approved. This project is the first of its kind as it uses Nature based treatment, that is, the
Soil Biotechnology method. It will be implemented using modern surveys such as drones,
water quality testing, inlet drain discharge, etc.
Project PIAS approved
PIAS means Pollution, Inventorization, Assessment, and Surveillance on the Ganga Basin.
The project will be implemented at RS 114 crores to monitor industrial pollution.
Asia Economic dialogue 2023
The Ministry of External Affairs recently hosted the Asia Economic Dialogue in Pune. The
main focus of the dialogue was on Geo-economics. It was conducted under the theme
“Asia and the Emerging World Order”. The dialogue also focused on the metaverse, the
role of the global south in shaping the G20 agenda, meeting climate targets, etc. More
than 44 countries participated in the dialogue. This includes Mexico, Singapore, Maldives,
South Africa, the USA, Brazil, Switzerland, etc.
Significance of the dialogue
There are 4.7 billion people in Asia and it accounts for 60% of the world’s population.
According to the IMF, Asia is one of the fast-growing markets in recent days. The major
consumers of the world India and China are in Asia. Therefore, no country shall increase
their trade market without including Asia!
Future
The major powers in Asia are India, China, Japan, and South Korea. They will grow
exponentially in the near future. COVID recovery has been rapid here. Indonesia, Thailand,
Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka are in need of assistance.
Why is Asia the primary focus of the global market?
Very cheap labour and easy land availability make Asia attractive. The disputes across
borders are advantageous for defence trade. The region has a tropical climate and is very
rich in resources. Therefore, the availability of raw materials is easy.
Climate Smart Wheat Variety of ICAR
In recent times, India has been facing several issues with the wheat crop. Production of
wheat was affected due to high temperatures and scanty winter rainfall. Prices shot up.
People faced a shortage of wheat all over the country this season. The main reason
behind the chaos is climate change. The winter rainfall that usually occurs in January-
March is very essential for the crop. Without these rains, the temperature increases. Due
to this, the wheat seeds face difficulty in germinating, flowering, and also in growing to
their full ability. To put an end to such nuances, the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research recently introduced a climate-smart wheat variety called the HD-3385.
About HD-3385
Plant height: 95 cm
Time to heading: 100 to 110 days
Least Lodging prone
Suitable for early sowing
What is the issue?
The major wheat-producing states (producing during winter) are Rajasthan, MP, Punjab,
and Haryana. They sow in early November. States UP and Bihar, sow in late November.
They come to heading in 140-145 days (by mid-march). Heading means bearing flowers
and then producing grains eventually. During heading, the wheat crops require the right
temperature (20 to 25 degrees Celsius). High heat is damaging their grain-producing
ability. So the solution is to prepone the sowing so that the crops can reach the heading
stage in late February or early March before heat waves begin. But if you prepone and
sow in October, heading occurs within 70 days affecting the yield. If sown in early
November, premature flowering occurs. This is because the crops cannot bloom at very
low temperatures if sown early. So the solution is to reduce their blooming temperature!
SOLUTION
The HD-3385 will come to heading within 100 days and therefore shall be sown early. Also,
the new variety accumulates biomass along with grain weight.
The technique used to create HD-3385
MILD VERNALISATION REQUIREMENT.
The Vernalisation is the plant’s dependence on low temperatures to bloom. Here,
scientists have changed the wheat crop’s ability to bloom in lower temperatures.
Mandatory Certification for Cotton Quality
The Minister of Textiles Shri Piyush Goyal recently headed the Textile Advisory Group
meeting. During the meeting, the issues in the cotton value chain were discussed. After
the discussion, the minister issued a Quality Control Order. The order reads that it is
mandatory to certify cotton bales. This is being done to increase the supply of good-
quality cotton in the country.
What is the plan?
The Textiles Ministry has formed Steering Committee and Apex Committee to work on the
certification process.
Background
The TEXPROCIL and Cotton Corporation of India signed an agreement in 2022. According
to the agreement, the brand “KASTURI COTTON” was to be promoted.
Need for the order
India produces one of the healthiest cottons in the world. There are four different cotton
species in India. Indian cotton is infection free, non-allergic, durable, and breathable.
Lately, the cotton quality in the country has been reducing due to extended monsoons.
Because of delayed rains, the cotton lengths were reduced by 0.5 mm to 1 mm. To solve
this issue, GoI introduced KASTURI COTTON and has been promoting among farmers to
cultivate this brand. Now, the government wants the buyers to use high-quality cotton,
preferably KASTURI COTTON. Though the order doesn’t mention the word KASTURI
COTTON, the quality check provisions are to the standard of KASTURI COTTON.
Google tests blocking news content
The tech giant Google recently announced that it is to block news content to at least 4% of
Canadians. Google is doing this as a response to a new Canadian Law. However, Google
has announced that it will be temporary. The testing is to happen only for four to five
weeks.
What is the issue?
Canada legislated a new law called the Online News Act. According to the law, the digital
data giants Meta, Google, etc should provide compensation to the platforms that are
republishing Google’s content on their platform.
Why should Google pay for the news channels?
Say company A (Indian Express or The Hindu) is producing news on the Turkey
earthquake. The company would have sent its agent to collect information, invested in
professionals to write the news, and technocrats to publish the news. Google and other
platforms use this information to list their search pages. They collect data from news
channel websites. As Google is gaining benefits from the investments put in by the news
channel, the Canadian Government wants Google to provide a small compensation to the
news channels.
Sikhs and Jews most targeted in hate crimes in US
The FBI recently released its annual compilation of nationwide incidents. According to the
report, Sikhs and Jews are the most targeted in hate crimes. There were 1005 religion-
related hate crimes in the US in 2021. Of these, anti-Sikhs were 21.3% and Anti-Jews were
21.3%.
Key findings of the report
Anti-Muslim hate crimes were 9.5% of the total religion-based hate crimes
Anti-Catholic hate crimes were 6.1%
Anti-Eastern Orthodox, mostly against people from Greece and Russia was 6.5%
There are 7,262 hate crime incidents in the country. The crime rates have decreased and
so did the reporting agencies.
The anti-black crime rates remain the highest in the country. Of the total crimes, the anti-
black account to 63.2%.
Why are anti-Sikh crimes high in the US?
In the Sikh religion, men cannot shave or cut their hair. They use a turban and wrap their
hair. Almost every Sikh is committed to their religious belief. Unfortunately, in the US
beards and turbans are associated with terrorists! This has put the Sikh community in the
US vulnerable to hate violence and discrimination.
Innovative Extension Approaches for Revitalising Agriculture in J&K
The Government of India recently issued an order to boost sustainable agriculture in
Jammu and Kashmir. According to the order, a project called “Innovative Extension
Approaches for Revitalising Agriculture in J&K” will be implemented in the Union Territory.
The project is to be implemented in five years. The project was recommended by the UT
Apex committee.
What are the key objectives of the project?
Two thousand Kissan Khidmat Ghars will be created. They are to be created at
Panchayat levels and will act as One-stop Centre for all agriculture-related issues.
Business orientation centres are to be established in SKUSAT (Sher – E Kashmir
University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology).
Problems will be addressed through RS-GIS-driven advisories. RS-GIS is a cyber-
based problem redressal facility
ICT-based virtual contacts will be created
Strong MIS systems will be created
Transparency is to be maintained between the department for good administration
and service delivery
The project will use real-time agro-ecology information
Farm-centric planning using IoT
Funds allocated
The Government of India allocated Rs 463 crores for this project.
Need for the project
There is a wide gap between the farmers and workers in the UT. The ratio between
workers and farmers is 1:!000. Also, there is a lack of coordination.
Tajikistan Earthquake
An earthquake of 7.2 Ritcher recently hit Tajikistan. The epicentre of the earthquake was
just 82 km away from China border. The quake was felt in the western part of the Xinjiang
region. The earthquake was first reported by the Chinese.
Recent earthquakes
A severe earthquake of 7.8 Richter struck Turkey and Syria. There were 2100
aftershocks. On 20 February 2023, more than 6,000 aftershocks were recorded. It was
one of the deadliest earthquakes in the history of Turkey. More aftershocks are
expected. The earthquake in the region is highly disastrous as Turkey is located in a
seismically fragile zone. It is at the tri-junction of three plates namely the Arabian
plate, the African plate, and the Eurasian plate.
The Maluku Earthquake in Indonesia that occurred mid-Feb of 2023 was also big. It
recorded 7.6 on the Ritcher scale. Any earthquake above 6 Ritcher is big.
The earthquakes in Australia and India and other earthquakes were less than 6
Richter. They were in the range of around 4.
Why are earthquakes increasing these days?
There are no specific reasons for the increase and decrease in the frequency of
earthquakes. Earthquakes occur when the tectonic plates collide with each other.
According to the National Earthquake Information Centre of the US, around 20,000
earthquakes occur in the world every year. That is, 55 per day! Some are violent and
others are soft. In 2012, there were 23 major earthquakes. A major earthquake means
more than 7 Richter. This year has the maximum number of earthquake occurrences so
far.
The recent earthquakes are because of the movement of the African plate, Arabian plate,
and Indian plate. After the collision, they release a few aftershocks to settle down.
Brazil Mad Cow Disease

Brazil is the largest beef exporter in the world. And China is one of the largest beef
consumers in the world. Brazil recently suspended its beef exports to China due to mad
cow disease. The disease is also called Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy.
What is Mad Cow Disease?
It is incurable. The disease occurs due to an infection in a protein called a prion.
The disease spreads when cows consume the meat of the cattle that are already
infected with the disease.
It is a fat neurodegenerative disease, meaning affects brain cells
Symptoms of the disease include weight loss, trouble walking, etc.
It has a long incubation period and therefore very difficult to identify. The incubation
period is the time between the infection and the occurrence of the first symptom.
The outbreak of the disease occurred in the US, China, Egypt, Hong Kong, Chile, UAE, etc.
What will China do now?
The Chinese may look for alternatives. They will probably turn to Australia, Japan or Korea.
The relations between Australia and China were not too good in recent times. Australian
government ordered the removal of all the Chinese-made cameras in public offices.
Maybe, this is an opportunity for the countries to reconcile. However, China may have to
pay the extra price as the situation is in favour of Australia!
China-Japan Security Dialogue
China and Japan held a security dialogue for the first time in four years. It was held in
Tokyo. During the meeting, the countries agreed to strengthen their security relations and
communication. They will work to gain mutual trust. Also, they agreed to bring upon a
framework of maritime and air liaison.
Why is China being nice all of a sudden?
If you notice, China recently held the WMCC meeting with India on withdrawing troops in
the borer. China is planning on holding talks with Australia.
China has been changing its tone of business in recent days, that is, 30-40 days. This is
because the economy of the country is becoming more and more fragile. And with the
dependent population increasing and the working population decreasing in the country
because of its birth control policies, China will face a big setback in its economic growth
coming days. These predictions are being repeated by the IMF and World Bank only to
remind world business investors about the Chinese state!
Right now China is facing a lack of promising jobs for the youth in the country, the
property market is declining, the growth rate has been the slowest in a decade, consumer
confidence has become zero due to cheap low-quality products, etc.
China’s policy change
China was a pro-business market for quite some time in the past. Meaning, the capitalists
were given preference. But lately, the Chinese Communist Party’s (the ruling government)
goals are prioritized over business interests. The case of Jack Ma is the best example of the
Chinese policy shift.
What are China-Japan issues?
The dispute between the countries is over the Senaku islands. The islands is being
administered by Japan since 1972. However, the legal status of the islands is still disputed.
After the world war, II Japan gave up its claims over several parts of the world. In 1951,
Japan gave up Taiwan under the Treaty of San Fransico. The Senaku islands are near
Taiwan. And according to Japan, the islands belong to the country under the US
Trusteeship treaty signed in 1971.
China did not raise any issues when Japan signed the San Fransico agreement. In 1969, oil
reserves were found in the Senaku islands. Since the discovery of oil reserves, China is
making the claim on the island.
Of all this, CHINA HAS NOW ENTERED UKRAINE WAR TALK BACKING RUSSIA!
NTPC ranked top independent power producer
The S&P Global commodity insights recently released the ranking of the top 250
independent energy producers in the world. The energy producers were ranked based on
four criteria such as return on investment, revenue generation, total assets, and profits
gained. NTPC topped the ranking.
Role of NTPC in India’s Energy Sector
Currently, NTPC produces 24% of India’s electricity. By 2050, the corporation will
contribute 50% of the total power production in the country.
The National Thermal Power Corporation offers diversified energy production such
as hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind power, thermal power, coal-based
thermal power, gas, etc.
The NTPC is now marching to achieve its set target of 50% of energy generation
using non-fossil sources. This is to be achieved by 2032. And it is to generate 130 GW
of renewable energy
NTPC has also set a target of producing 60GW of renewable energy by 2032.
NTPC is one of the pioneer partners of NITI Aayog in its Net Energy Zero Effort
What are the risks of Ohio Derailment?
On February 3, 2023, a freight train derailed in the East Palestine town of Ohio state in the
US. The train was carrying hazardous chemicals. Following the derailment, the train
company burnt the carcinogenic chemicals in the freights. This released toxic smoke in the
region. Hundreds were forced to vacate their homes. Residents complained of nausea and
severe vomiting after the incident.
How did Ohio Derailment happen?
The freight train was pulling 150 cars and was moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois. It
derailed due to a mechanical issue in the axle.
What chemical was in Ohio Train Derailment?
PVC and several other toxic chemicals. Vinyl chloride, a poisonous gas was released as the
freight cars were burnt. Following this, there was fear of an explosion in the region. Black
smoke fumes from the burning touched skies and so netizens called it “AMERICA’s
CHERNOBYL”
Risks
Vinyl chloride gas is carcinogenic and highly flammable. It causes liver cancer, lung
cancer, and leukaemia.
Ohio river was contaminated
Haryana Budget 2023-24
The Chief Minister of Haryana Lal Khattar presented the state budget for the year 2023-24.
No new taxes were introduced in the budget. The state government is to focus on rural
welfare, healthcare, environment, and education sectors in the year 2023-24. The total
funds in the budget are Rs 1.83 lakh cores. This is 11.6% higher than the previous budget
Key Highlights of Haryana Budget 2023-24
Chirayu-Ayushman Bharat Scheme extended to families with annual income between
Rs 1.8 lakhs and Rs 3 lakhs
More buses are to be added to Haryana state transport. Currently, there are 4,500
buses. The number will be increased to 5,300
800 MW of thermal power plant to be established
Private and government ambulances will be integrated
Paddy stubbles will be bought from the farmers at Rs 1000 per tonne
Every girl child taking training from the Industrial training institute will receive Rs
2,500
Rs 5,408 allocated for highways and railways
20,000 acres of land allocated for natural farming
Anganwadis to be converted into play schools;s
Cycling Velodrome to be established in Kurukshetra district
A water sports centre is to be established in Karnal
India defeated by Australia in Women's T20 World Cup Semi Final
ICC is conducting the T20 Women’s World Cup in South Africa. India entered the semi-
finals after beating Ireland. It played its semi-finals against Australia. India battled under
the captainship of Harmanpreet Kaur. The captain was suffering from a high fever and
was doubtful to play the match. Fortunately, she did participate in the match and scored
52 runs.
Australia entered the field to bat and scored 172 runs losing four wickets. The target was a
bit tough for the Indian team. The strike rate had to be at least 8.6 to win the match. In 15
overs, India had scored around 135 runs and had lost six wickets. In 19 overs, India’s score
was 157/7. At 19.5 overs, India lost another wicket and was at 163/8. And Australia won by
5 runs in the last.
The Australian women’s cricket team is a bit challenging to win. In the last year’s World
Cup, India lost the finals to the Australian team.
About Women T20 World Cup
It is a biennial championship. It was first organized in England in 2009. Australia is the
most successful champion in the world T20 world cup. The 2023 Women’s T20 world cup is
being held in South Africa. The 2024 Women’s T20 world cup will be held in 2024, in
Bangladesh. India participated in the first T20 Women’s world cup that was held in 2009.
The team was runner-up in the 2020 championship.
February 24, 2023
New World Bank President: Ajay Banga, the former Mastercard CEO
David Malpass, the former World Bank President resigned before his term was completed
due to climate-related controversies. After his resignation, US President Joe Biden recently
nominated the former Master Card CEO Ajay Banga as the new World Bank President. Ajay
has expertise in handling climate change-related economic issues.
About Ajay Banga
He is now serving as the Vice Chairman of General Atlantic, a private firm. His business
experience with the master card is more than 30 years. He is the first Indian-born
nominee to serve at the World Bank. With the recent FBI reports talking about the hate
crimes against Sikhs in the country, the US’s political decision on choosing Ajay Banga as
the head of the key organization is commendable.
Background
David Malpass was nominated by former US President Donald Trump. The duo was
criticized for their anti-environmental policies.
Is it a brain drain for India?
Ajay did his schooling and college in India. He is an IIM, Ahmedabad alumni, one of the
prestigious central government institutes. GoI puts in crores and crores of money in IITs
and IIMs offering quality education at affordable prices. Though the nomination of Ajay is
a prestigious moment for India, the sad part is the country failed to reap the benefits of its
investments made.
GoI should take more steps to identify qualified graduates in the country and provide
them with a good platform to serve the country. It is to be noted that Nambi Nayar, the
former ISRO officer faced false accusations. He rejected his NASA offer and chose to join
ISRO.
Ukraine War: India-China abstain from UN Voting
The United Nations recently voted in a resolution of peace in Ukraine. According to the
resolution, the members wanted Russia to withdraw its troops. The number of member
countries in the United Nations is 193. Of these, 141 members voted in favour of the
resolution. However, India and China abstained from voting. Despite Ukraine’s personal
call to India, “Support us” India abstained from voting. Ukraine’s Presidential office called
on the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and asked India to support Ukraine.
Observation
Just before the voting, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that “The US and NATO
should understand why India and China are still reluctant to join NATO”. In 2011, NATO
invited India to join the alliance. But India has not responded to the invite yet.
Why did India abstain from voting?
India has always been diplomatic in the issues between Russia and US. Both countries are
important for India. India’s defence trade with the US is around 21 billion USD. As
compared to the India-US defence trade, the India-Russia defence trade may increase or
decrease. BUT! Russia is still the largest exporter of defence goods for India. This means
India is still dependent on Russia as far as the overall security of the country. The US is
important from an economic point of view. With the US, the defence trade is increasing,
not national security. Most of the Military strengthening is done through Russian defence
trade even today.
India joins Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate
The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate is a joint initiative of the US. It was started
by UAE and USA. The main objective of the initiative is to address hunger and climate
change. This is to be achieved by inviting countries and other private organizations to
invest in innovative and climate-smart agricultural systems.
Key Focus of the mission: Gender Equity, Inclusion, and Equity
Objectives of the Mission
The mission will demonstrate the benefits of collective commitment. It will aim to
increase investments in smart agriculture, innovative agricultural technologies, and
food system
Frameworks will be created to promote knowledge, expertise, and technical
discussions. This is to be achieved by amplifying national and international level
investments
To create platforms and infrastructure for governments, scientists, and other
stakeholders to share information and take climate-related actions
Stakeholders
There are three major stakeholders in the mission. They are government partners,
innovation sprint partners, and knowledge partners.
China launches Zhongxing-26 satellite
China recently launched the Zhongxing-26 satellite at a cost of 333 million USD. It was
launched on Long March 3B rocket. The main objective of the satellite is to provide
broadband connectivity for aviation and ship-related operations. The satellite was
launched by the China Academy of Space Technology. The CAST is planning to make 60
more launched in 2023.
What is special about March 3B Rocket?
The rocket uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuel in the third stage. Liquid rocket
fuels require a controlled temperature to stay in their form.
China’s recent space plans
China is to launch more than 200 spacecraft in 60 missions.
It is to send a cargo craft, Tianzhou-6 by the end of 2023
Also, it is to send Shenzhou-16 and Shenzhou-17 to strengthen its Tiangong space
station. Both these are crewed missions
Change – 7 spacecraft is to be launched to the South pole of the moon
Indian Submarine docks in Indonesia for the first time
After traversing the Sunda Strait, the Indian submarine INS Sindhukesari docked in
Indonesia. This is the first time an Indian submarine is docking in Indonesia. With this, INS
Sindhukesari makes history in India-Indonesia relations.
Significance
The docking shows India’s increasing military outreach in the region. Also, it depicts
India’s nature of being a diplomatic role player in ASEAN. India ships visit Indonesia and
other ASEAN countries. However, this is the first time, a submarine is visiting Indonesia.
INS Sindhukesari
It is a diesel-electric submarine. It belongs to Sindhughosh class designed as a part of
Project 877. The Sindhughosh class is basically the replica of the KILO class of the Soviet
Union. It can launch missiles up to 220 km.
The China factor
India docked its submarine when the dispute over the South China sea is at its highest.
The dispute is between China and other countries in the region. China is creating artificial
military islands in the region and extending its EEZs. Now apart from INS Sindhukesari, the
biggest aircraft carrier of the US called the USS Nimitz is also docked in the region.
India recently conducted training sessions for Philippines personnel.
SC refuses to hear PIL on menstrual leave
A Public Interest Litigation was filed with the Supreme Court on Menstrual leave. The apex
court first agreed to take up the PIL and said “will hear it in a week”. However, recently the
SC refused to take the PIL. According to SC, creating laws or passing judgement on such
leaves will become a deterrent to women’s employment. Also, the Supreme Court added
that the solution is in the hands of the government. And asked the petitioner to approach
the Women and child development ministry.
Background
State Governments like Kerala and other countries have been creating laws on menstrual
leave. Spain introduced the Menstrual law recently. Many Indian companies like Swiggy
and Zomato are offering menstrual leave.
Can Supreme Court choose cases?
The power of SC to choose cases is called its jurisdiction. There are three different types of
jurisdictions. Original jurisdiction, Appellate jurisdiction, and Writ Jurisdiction. Original
jurisdiction means the cases that were directly filed in SC and not originated from other
lower courts. Under writ jurisdiction, SC can issue orders and directions. Under the
appellate jurisdiction, the apex court hears appeals that are against the lower courts.
Russia launches Soyuz Space craft to bring back stranded astronauts
Roscosmos recently launched an empty SOYUZ spacecraft to bring back the stranded
astronauts in space. Three astronauts were stranded in space as the Soyuz MS-22 capsule
started leaking coolant. The astronauts were to return to the earth in the capsule. Now,
with the leak, the astronauts will return only by September. The leak was due to a
micrometeoroid, possibly the size of a small rock hitting the satellite.
Soyuz MS-22 is one of the major life-threatening impacts that happened in space missions.
The consequences of space impacts have never been this serious.
Current Scenario
The temperature of the module is increasing due to a coolant leak. The Soyuz MS23
capsule was launched in automatic mode and it will bring back the astronomers safely.
Future plans
Russia is to leave the International Space Station in 2028. The country is to start its own
space station just like China. Tiangong is a Chinese space station.
Soyuz MS22
It was launched at the International Space Station with three cosmonauts. It was a
rotational mission.
Full Emergency declared in Thiruvananthapuram Airport
A flight was diverted to the Kerala capital Thiruvananthapuram due to a hydraulic failure.
The tail of the Air India Express hit the runway during takeoff. There were 182 passengers
in the plane and it was flying from Calicut to Dammam. The flight requested an
emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram. Following this, a full emergency was declared
at the airport. This is the second time a full emergency is being declared. Earlier, similar
emergencies were declared on February 19 after an Air India flight from Dubai requested
an emergency landing.
What is an emergency landing in the airport?
A full emergency is declared when there are chances that an approaching aircraft is a
threat or may cause an accident at the airport.
What is the definition of an emergency in aviation?
It is an urgent condition and is usually declared during mechanical failure, structural
damages, or distress such as fire. It is initiated by the pilot of the plane. However, an
emergency in the airport is not within his powers.
Difference between local stand-by and emergency
During a full emergency, the RFFS that is, the Rescue and Fire Fighting Services is in a
“ready” position. And in the local stand by the RFFS is in their normal position. The
possibility of fire is more during emergency conditions.
Onion Shortage threatens the world
Onion shortages are increasing all over the world. From Morocco to the Philippines, the
governments are protecting their onion supplies. Morocco, Turkey, and Kazakhstan have
stopped exporting onions due to their increasing demand and soaring prices in their
homeland.
Why are onion prices increasing?
Different factors contribute to the price rise and shortage of onions. First and foremost is
the war in Ukraine. Following this, the other factors that contributed to the price rise are
the Pakistan floods, Central Asia frosts that damaged the stockpiles, severe droughts in
North Africa, and poor weather in Morocco. Of all the countries, the Philippines is facing
the highest crisis. The onion prices in the Philippines have become higher than the price of
a meal. This is mainly because a series of typhoons hit the country in 2022 damaging the
crops.
India
With the prices of wheat falling in the market, it is now the turn of onions to contribute to
food inflation in the country. However, we are well equipped and stocked to face the crisis,
unlike the others according to the Food Corporation of India.
Vegetable crisis
To worsen the conditions, United Nations and the World Bank warned that the availability
of carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and apples may be hampered.
Earthquake in Indonesia of magnitude 6.2
The National Center for Seismology said that an earthquake of magnitude 6.2 hit
Indonesia. The epicentre was at a depth of 99 km. The quake was powerful and
fortunately, no casualties were reported. No tsunami warnings were issued. Though the
quake was massive, damages were minimal as compared to other recent earthquakes in
the country. This is because the epicentre was deep under the sea bed.
National Centre for Seismology
It operates under the Ministry of Earth Science. It conducts seismological research and
provides earthquake surveillance. Various divisions operate under the centre namely
earthquake monitoring services, geophysical observation systems, and earthquake hazard
and risk assessments.
Why are earthquakes frequent in Indonesia?
Earthquakes of magnitude greater than 6 or 7 are usually referred to as major
earthquakes. And such earthquakes are very common in Indonesia. This is because the
Indonesian Archipelago is in the tri-junction of the Eurasian, Pacific, and Indo-Australian
plates.
Categories of earthquakes
<2: Micro
2-3.9: Minor
4-4.9: Light
5-5.9: Moderate
6-6.9: Strong
7-7.9: Major
8-9.9: Great
>10: Epic
Gujarat Budget 2023-24
The Finance Minister of Gujarat Kanubhai Desai presented a State Budget of Rs 3.01 lakh
crores recently in the legislative assembly. This is 23% higher than the previous year’s
budget. No new taxes were introduced, Several schemes were announced during the
budget and the schemes were part of the 2022 election promises made by the BJP. 17.76%
of the total budget allocation was made to the agriculture department. 21.36% for
education; 15.08% for Energy; 8.71% for transport; 5.49% on social services; 8.54% on
health and family welfare; 15.43% on water supply and urban; 5.89% on social welfare and
nutrition
Key Highlights
Five high-speed corridors: Rs 1,500 crores
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya – MA: Doubled to Rs 10 lakhs from Rs 5 lakhs
Rs 18,000 crores allocated for the Ahmedabad Metro train project
Rs 10,000 crores for eco-tourism and heritage
Two gas cylinders free of cost to 30 lakh families every year
Rs 905 crores for metro projects in Ahmedabad
Rs 1415 crores to build the Bhadhut reservoir
Rs 150 crores to develop Sabarmati riverfront
Rs 640 crores to develop new fishing ports
Rs 76 crores to develop GIFT city
Rs 27 crores for GIR sanctuary; Two more lion safaris will be added
Way ahead
The state government will spend Rs 5 lakh crores in the next five years
Central Excise Day 2023
Central Excise Day is celebrated to honour the works of CBIC. The day honours the CBIC
employees who work hard to collect the taxes. The main objective of celebrating the day is
to motivate the CBIC employees to deliver their duties effectively and to prevent
corruption in the country.
Why is Central Excise Day celebrated on February 24?
On February 24, 1944, the Central Excise and Salt Act was passed. Later, the Central Excise
Tariff Act was introduced in 1985. After some time, this act was integrated with the Central
Excise and Salt Act. In 1996, it was called the Central Excise Act of 1944.
Background
The tax system in India started with salt. Salt is one of the most essential ingredients in
our daily life. When the British Government imposed taxes on salt through the salt law,
the entire nation joined together against the act and raised their voices in unison.
CBIC
It operates under the Revenue Department of GoI which comes under the purview of the
finance ministry. It calculates central excise duties, IGST, and CGST, and prevents
smuggling. The other organization that operates under CBIC are Central GST
Commisionerate, Custom Houses in the country, central revenue laboratories, etc.
Sergio Ramos retires from international football
Sergio Ramos Garcia is a Spanish Football player. He is popular for his aggressive play. He
played for Real Madrid for more than sixteen seasons. He has won four UEFA
championship leagues, two UEFA European championships, and also the 2010 FIFA World
Cup. He was one of the youngest players to reach 100 caps. Cap is awarded to players
appearing in the national team. In simple terms, it is the number of times a player plays
for the national team. Till today, Ramos is the most capped player.
Real Madrid
It is a football club in Madrid, Spain that was started in 1902. The team is one of the most
internationally recognized teams in the world. It is the most valuable team in the world
and its worth is around 5.1 billion USD. The annual revenue of the team is 640.7 million
Euros and is the second-highest revenue-earning team in the world. Also, Real Madrid is
one of the founders of La Liga.
Odisha Budget 2023-24
The Odisha State Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari presented a budget of Rs 2.3 lakh crores
in the assembly. According to the minister, Odisha is one of the few states in the county to
become revenue surplus in 2023-24. The Government is to keep Rs 94,000 crores under its
control. As compared to 2022-23, the state government increased its programme
expenditure by 25%.
Key Highlights
Rs 2,000 crores for paddy procurement
Rs 1879 crores for KALIA Scheme
Rs 24,829 crores for State Agriculture
Mission Shakti: Rs 6224 crores
Disaster Risk Management: Rs 3700 crores
For piped water connection: Rs 13,215 crores
Internal Security: Rs 8,130 crores
Handloom: Rs 219 crores
Development of SC and ST: Rs 38,437 crores
Education: Rs 30,030 crores
Observation
The budget of Odisha was evenly spread. All the sectors received equal importance. On
the other hand, the budget of UP and the budget of Gujarat focused more on road
construction and infrastructural-related developments. Though the budget of Odisha was
less as compared to several BJP-ruled states, the budget was in equity. Importance was
given to the development of SC and ST, education, agriculture, and disaster management.
IMF Nine Point Crypto Action Plan
The International Monetary Fund recently unveiled a Crypto Action plan to safeguard
monetary sovereignty in the world. The action plan will help countries to frame their
crypto policies. The following are the nine points:
Details how a country should treat cryptocurrencies. That is, they should choose the
currency very carefully in providing the legal status
Establish international arrangements to increase enforcement regulations
set up methodologies to monitor the impact of cryptocurrency
Strengthen monetary frameworks
Guard against excessive capital flows
make laws on cryptocurrencies and assets;
impose taxes on organizations using crypto
Be cautious as the crypto assets may circumvent capital flow management and also
may undermine the monetary policy’s efficiency
Do not grant legal status or official status to cryptocurrency

The IMF quoted El Salvador as an example. The country lost more than 60 million USD
during its bitcoin experiment. It spent 375 million USD in implementing the experiment.
Due to this, the country faced an economic crisis and a very high deficit. The country
implemented bitcoin.
February 25, 2023
Pakistan receives $700 million from China
The foreign exchange reserves of Pakistan fell to 2.9 billion USD. It is now slowly rising to 4
billion USD. The cash injection was the need of the moment for Pakistan. And China
stepped in offering 700 million USD to help its “all-weather” friend. China Development
Bank transferred the funds to Pakistan State Bank. Pakistan was also asking for help from
the IMF. Unfortunately, the talks ended in failure. IMF is planning on sending 1.1 billion
USD but no decision has been made yet.
Why is Pakistan in Economic Crisis?
Taxes are increasing in the country; oil prices are shooting up rapidly, the rupee value of
the country is falling, etc. Pakistan is facing an economic crisis because of ill-planned tax
reforms. Another reason is the weak regulatory system.
What should Pakistan do?
The country should introduce structural reforms and economic reforms. Also, Pakistan
should try and bring in investments. When it comes to trade, the country should remove
the bias. Public finances should be strengthened; the energy sector reformation,
removing biasing non-agricultural sector and strengthening competition law.
In what areas did Pakistan fail?
Any country should give equal importance to the private sector. In the same way, the
private sector should not be prioritized. The right balance should be maintained between
the public and private sectors.
Kerala: First State to use Robotic Manhole cleaners
Kerala uses a BANDICOOT robot to clean sewage. With this, it has become the first state to
launch robotic scavengers. BANDICOOT was launched in the temple town Guruvayur.
Genrobotics developed the robot. The main objective of developing the robot is to
eliminate manual scavenging. The robot has been in use since 2018. However, this is the
first time, it is being used to clean public manholes, replacing humans. The robot fulfils its
purpose of the invention for the first time. BANDICOOT was already used in several other
states but not for scavenging purposes and not in public places.
Working of BANDICOOT
The Bandicoot has a robotic Tron unit. It is the major component of the robot and the unit
operates just like the limb of man. The Tron enters the manhole, digs and collects the
waste. The robot is waterproof and fireproof. It has cameras and sensors. Bandicoot can
detect harmful gases.
Awards for BANDICOOT
Genrobotics received the “Kerala Pride” award for building BANDICOOT. The award was
presented under Kerala Startup Mission. Also, Genrobotics received National Award for
developing the robot.
Why the name BANDICOOT?
The Bandicoots are terrestrial omnivores endemic to Australia. The animal is a digger. The
robot operates just like the animal digging the waste from the manhole and thus the
name.
About BANDICOOT
It is the first robotic scavenger in the world. It was developed under the Swachh Bharat
Abhiyan and Make in India initiative. IOCL announced that it will use BANDICOOT robots
to clean certain spots in its refineries.
China blocks ChatGPT
ChatGPT is a popular search engine that uses artificial intelligence and natural language
processing to provide mostly accurate and relevant results to users. However, the Chinese
government has decided to block this search engine in the country, citing concerns about
propaganda and censorship.
China’s Great Firewall Blocks ChatGPT
ChatGPT is not accessible to internet users in China, as it is blocked by the country’s
internet like other foreign web platforms. This is because ChatGPT does not conform to
China’s censorship laws. The Chinese government has a strict policy when it comes to
social media platforms and other internet services. Most American platforms, including
Facebook, Reddit, Google, Instagram, Wikipedia, and YouTube, are all blocked in China.
Chinese State Media Claims ChatGPT as a Potential Enabler for American Propaganda
According to Chinese state media, ChatGPT is a potential enabler for American
propaganda. Last week, a Chinese newspaper, China Daily, released a video titled “How
the US Uses AI to Spread Disinformation,” which shows ChatGPT as an American
propaganda tool. The Chinese government is afraid that ChatGPT could provide access to
information that could be used to spread anti-government sentiment or even incite social
unrest.
Chinese Tech Companies Need to Seek Permission Before Launching Chatbot Services
Not just ChatGPT, but Chinese tech companies will also need to report to regulators and
seek permission before they launch their own chatbot-like AI services. Earlier this month,
Chinese search giant Baidu revealed it was working on its own AI-powered chatbot called
“ERNIE.” Since 2019, the company has been developing the service, which it plans to
launch to the public later this month. This shows that China is also developing its own
version of ChatGPT, as there is a growing demand for Chinese search engines that can
provide accurate and reliable information in the Chinese language.
China’s Shock and Demoralization in the AI Space
Earlier reports claimed that China could become the leader in AI. Still, it seems like the
launch of ChatGPT and its popularity has shocked and demoralized China. With the rise of
AI-powered chatbots and the increasing demand for accurate and reliable information,
China cannot afford to lag behind in this field.
The Curiosity to Use Chinese Chatbot Ernie
Despite the ban on ChatGPT, users can still access alternative search engines in China.
Personally, the curiosity to use the Chinese chatbot ERNIE and see how it responds to
queries based on sensitive issues related to the United States is worth exploring. As the
world becomes more interconnected, access to information is essential, and alternative
search engines like ERNIE could play a significant role in shaping our understanding of the
world.
FSSAI Millet Standards
The Government of India has been working hard to push millet production in the country.
Upon India’s insistence, the United Nations declared 2023 as the International Millet Year.
Following this, India introduced an international brand name for millet “SHREE ANNA
during the budget. Now, taking a step further, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India has issued standards for millets. These standards are to be implemented from
September 2023.
Why the new standards for millet?
So far, India had only individual standards for millet. There are standards for sorghum,
bajra, and ragi. Now, FSSAI has issued standards for 15 types of millets.
Background
Millets are climate-resilient crops. They require very low fertilizers and chemicals. They are
tolerant of drought. In 2018, GoI rebranded millets as Nutri Cereals. And now again
rebranded as SHREE ANNA. Millets are being promoted for their nutritious value. Millet
crops are native to India.
Millet Production in India
India is currently growing three major millets namely Ragi, Bajra, and Jowar. The major
millet-producing states are AP, Rajasthan, TN, Gujarat, Karnataka, Haryana, and
Telangana. The production of millets was 14.52 million tonnes in 2015-16. It increased to
17.96 million tonnes in 2020-21.
Bihar Fog Alert System at $50,000
Dense fog affects visibility. Daily life disrupts due to fog and results in economic losses. To
give an early warning about fog in the country, the Bihar Government approved 50,000
USD. The funds will be used to develop the warning system. The system is to be developed
in collaboration with the US National Center for Atmospheric Research.
How is fog formed?
The presence of moisture and very low temperature are two essentials of fog formation.
The fog forms when the water vapour in the air condenses. Fogs are denser in the regions
near water bodies. Fog occurs early in the morning when the earth cools completely and
when the temperatures are very low.
Types of Fog
Radiation Fog: Forms during calm winds; localized fog
Advection fog: Larger in scale; forms in the presence of warm air; mostly the sea fog
transported to the land areas is advection fog
Valley Fog: Here the fog is trapped as the mountains do not allow the dense and
heavy air to move away
Freezing fog: Common in cloud-covered mountain tops
What is the issue?
The temperature in the winter is lower than normal level these days. The western
disturbances are now decreasing the temperature further and causing thick dense fog.
Indian Army to end Colonial Practices
On Prime Minister Modi’s directions, the Indian Army Chief recently initiated the process
to end Colonial practices such as buggies, pipe bands and functional ceremonies on
retirement. Also, the English names of some of the units are to be changed.
What is the retirement ceremony that is being ended?
During the retirement ceremony, the vehicle of the retiring officer is pulled by troops and
another officer. The ceremony is conducted during the posting of the new officer as well.
Why is Indian Army removing the practices?
PM Modi listed five pledges during his speech on red fort. They are making India a
developed country, taking pride in the heritage of the country, fulfilling the duties, and
removing traces of bondage, and unity. In accordance with the five pledges, India is
removing the practices.
Colonial Imprints in India
Though we had a printing press in 1947, our leaders chose to write the constitution just
like other British colonies such as the USA. Many laws that were created by the British
Government are still in practice.
Governors in the state are colonial imprints
Two types of colonialism that existed in India were settler colonialism and exploitation
colonialism. In settler colonialism, people arrive at a country on a large scale. Exploitation
colonialism is through trade.
Who started colonialism?
Surprisingly, it was the Portuguese who started colonialism and not the British.
Meta launches New LLaMA
In the world of artificial intelligence, chatbots have become a ubiquitous tool for
communication. Companies have been striving to create their own chatbots to cater to the
needs of their customers. After the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, several companies have
launched their own versions of chatbots to grab a share of the market. META, which loves
to monopolize the “Internet Chat” world, has launched its new chatbot called LLaMA.
LLaMA: Large Language Model Meta AI
LLaMA is a large language model developed by META that is similar to ChatGPT. The main
objective of the model is to assist researchers in the field of AI. LLaMA is the third large
language model developed by META. The first was Glactica, and the second was Blender.
However, unlike its predecessors, LLaMA requires fewer resources and computing power.
LLaMA is yet to be released in the market, and only the research paper has been
published. However, the announcement of the launch was made in a grand Mark
Zuckerberg style, creating a buzz in the industry.

Objective of LLaMA
While LLaMA works almost like ChatGPT, its main objective is to assist researchers in their
work. LLaMA can fetch information from the research field, making it a valuable tool for
researchers. META aims to establish its top position in the world of chats by creating its
own chatbot.
META’s History of Monopolization
META is known for its tendency to absorb its competitors to establish its top position in
the market. The company has acquired several popular chat boxes such as Instagram and
WhatsApp. However, for a change, META has developed its own chatbot, the LLaMA.
Privacy and Copyright Issues
Details on how the LLaMA will handle privacy and copyright issues are yet to be revealed.
Privacy and copyright issues have been a major concern for chatbots in the past, and it
remains to be seen how META will address these concerns.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi
The Municipal Corporation is a local body. A region with a population of more than one
million is categorized as Municipality. There were three Municipal corporations in Delhi,
the East Delhi Municipal Corporation, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, and the North
Delhi Municipal corporation. All three were re-unified as the Municipal Corporation of
Delhi in 2022. It is one of the largest municipal bodies in the world with more than 20
million people.
Who unified the Municipal Corporation of Delhi?
The Central Government. The Delhi Municipal Corporation (Amendment) bill was passed
in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to unify the corporation.
Current Scenario
During the election of the standing committee, Mayor Shelli Oberoi was attacked. BJP-AAP
members entered into the clash.
The root cause of the clash goes back to the unification of the municipal corporation.
Root Cause of the clash
The three municipal corporations were facing a financial crisis. According to the BJP, the
main objective of the unification is to reduce the funds spent on the salaries of employees
in the municipality. If unified, the number of employees can be reduced greatly. Also,
there would be a balance of resources, funds, etc. Now, this is the economic benefit. What
about the political advantages? The BJP campaigned saying it can solve the financial crisis
if voted to power again. The unification will help BJP to lift Delhi municipality from its
economic issues. Basically, the centre wants more financial and administrative power over
Delhi.
German Chancellor Olaz Scholz visits India
The Inter-Governmental Consultation mechanism was established between India and
Germany in 2011. After IGC, this is the first visit of a German Chancellor to India. Also, this
was the first visit of Olaz Scholz as a chancellor. He visited India to discuss the Ukraine
crisis and trade, China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific, the green transition, etc.
About the visit
Apart from the Ukraine war, the chancellor will also discuss trade-related matters. More
than 12 CEOs have accompanied the chancellor. This includes Siemens and SAP.
PM Modi and the Chancellor will discuss four key areas apart from those above. They are
environment, climate change, business, and mobility of Indian workers.
How will the German Chancellor’s visit benefit India?
India can get a better understanding of Germany’s intentions in the Indo-Pacific. While
China is the cause of concern, he will discuss the
Observation
The Chancellor recently asked his allies to supply Ukraine with more weapons and aid. The
MINSK Agreement was signed between Ukraine and Russia upon the initiatives of France
and Germany.
Background
Germany has allocated 1.3 billion Euros for green energy projects. It is expected that India
and Germany will sign several agreements focusing on increasing bilateral trade. The
current bilateral trade between the countries is 1.3 billion Euros.
NASA Space-X Crew-6 Mission to ISS
The Crew-6 mission is to be launched on February 27 from the Kenedy Space Centre of
NASA located in Cape Canaveral. It is a joint operation of both NASA and SpaceX. The Crew
Dragon capsule will be carried by the Falcon 9 rocket of SpaceX. The capsule is being sent
to the International Space Station.
Crew-6 mission
The mission is launching 2 US astronauts, one Russian Cosmonaut, and a UAE astronaut.
This is Crew Dragon’s fourth flight. Previous flights of Crew Dragon were as follows:
Demo-2 Crew Test flight
Crew-2 flight in 2021
Private Axiom Mission-1
The landing site of the mission is the Atlantic Ocean. It is a part of the Commercial Crew
Program of NASA. The program provides crew transportation services, that is, carrying
cargo and astronauts from and to ISS.
Crew Dragon
It is a reusable spacecraft. It supplies cargo to the International Space Station. Earlier, the
crew dragon was called the Dragon rider.
Background
The Crew-6 launch comes after Russia is preparing to send Soyuz MS-23 to replace Soyuz
MS-22. Due to a coolant leak in Soyuz MS-22, the astronauts were stranded in space.
APEDA signs pact with Lulu to promote millets in GCC
The FSSAI recently released standards for millets; GoI is to promote millets in the brand
name “Shree Anna”; millet production is to be boosted in the country, 2023 was made the
International Millets Year by UN. More and more plans are coming up in promoting millet.
One such is the recent MoU signed by APEDA with the LULU group. Under the agreement,
APEDA will promote millets in GCC.
What is the plan?
The APEDA operating under the Ministry of Commerce signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the LULU group of Dubai to promote millets in GCC countries. The
GCC countries are Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. The plan is to
promote millet products in these countries during the international millet year 2023.
APEDA is the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
Role of APEDA
APEDA will assist the millet manufacturers to send product samples to LULU
supermarkets. The supermarket will showcase the millet of India. This includes “READY TO
EAT” and “READY TO SERVE” millets.
LULU Group
The Headquarters of LULU is in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is an MNC with more than 232 stores
operating in GCC alone. Basically, they do a supermarket kind of business.
Desert Flag exercise VIII
The exercise Desert Flag VIII was held in the UAE air base Al Dhafra. Indian Air Force
participated in the exercise. The other countries that participated were the USA, Korea,
Spain, Morocco, Bahrain, the UK, Australia, Kuwait, France, and UAE. For the first time, LCA
Tejas of India is participating in a military exercise that was held outside the country. India
sent two C-17 transport aircraft and five Tejas to the exercise.
Why is exercise important for India?
The UAE Air Force is one of the largest air forces in the world. There are more than 4,000
personnel in the UAE Air Force. In the 1970s-80s, the UAE Air Force was not this strong. It
received training from Pakistan Air Force during those times. Even today, you can find
many of retired Pakistani Air Force officers in UAE.
UAE started building its Air Force in 2007. Some of the largest procurements began during
these days. 3.4 billion USD worth of Mirage 2000, 6.4 billion Lockheed Martin, etc. were
purchased. Missiles like AIM-120, AGM Mavericks, etc were also purchased.
Observation
If you look at the air force power of UAE (that leads the exercise), it is not as strong as
India. India has S400 and nuclear missiles. Today UAE Air Force ranks 56th in the world.
Indian Air Force ranks third. But still, why is India keen on joining the exercise? There are
political and economic intentions. Military exercises are often considered a friendly
gesture. Through the exercise, we are extending our strong partnership to the country.
Recently, the trade between India and UAE shot up exponentially. Geopolitically, UAE is
very important to India. It is located in the Persian Gulf, the major sea route in the world.
80% of India’s oil trade happens through this pathway. Also, India gets a chance to meet
its other friends.
India’s first in the Exercise
India participated in the Desert flag Exercise for the first time in 2021.
Background
UAE leads the exercise. India conducts two other exercises with UAE. They are the bilateral
naval exercise called BILAT and the Air Force Exercise called the EAGLE-II.
February 27, 2023
PM-KISAN Scheme: PM Modi released Rs 16800 crores
The Government of India launched the PM-KISAN scheme in 2019 to provide financial
support to the farmers in the country. Under the plan, Rs 6,000 is provided annually.
Recently, PM Modi released Rs 16,800 crores under the scheme. More than 80 million
farmers benefited from this. The Prime Minister released the funds from Bellavi,
Karnataka.
Background
The scheme was launched on February 24, 2019. Since then, the union government
released 12 instalments. This is the 13th. So far, Rs 2.24 lakh cores have been disbursed.
Scheme is funded by the central government entirely. State Governments have no role.
The 11th and 12 instalments were released in May 2022 and October 2022.
PM-KISAN during COVID
During COVID, agriculture was the only thriving sector in the country. Around Rs. 1.75 lakh
crores were disbursed during the COVID lockdown. This benefitted more than 30 million
women farmers. During this time, the women farmers alone received Rs 53,600 crores.
Significance
The scheme was launched to help the farmers increase their income. According to the
union government, financial aid will help in doubling farmers’ income. All land-holding
farmer households are eligible to receive the amount.
Why now?
The government is releasing the funds to aid the farmers in their Rabi harvesting ahead of
Holi.
Manish Sisodia Liquor Policy Case
Manish Sisodia is the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi holding the education portfolio. He is
from the political party AAP. The AAP party won the Punjab elections in 2022. According to
the CBI, Manish was involved in providing illegal support to the liquor companies.
Eventually, he used the benefits to win the Punjab elections in 2022. CBI arrested him
convicting him in Delhi Excise policy.
What is Delhi Liquor Policy?
With the Delhi Liquor Policy, the Government exited from selling liquor. Only private shops
were allowed to sell liquor. It was proposed in 2020. Under the policy, Delhi was divided
into 32 zones. Each zone had 27 liquor vendors. The policy aimed to increase liquor
revenue, end the black market, and improve the consumer experience. The shops were
allowed home deliver liquor till 3 AM. Shops can sell liquor on their own MRPs. Also, the
shops were allowed to provide discounts.
The government gained a 27% increase in the liquor policy. Rs 8900 crores generated.
Why was Manish Sisodia arrested?
According to the CBI, Manish provided licenses to private liquor shops for his own benefit.
He then used the money gained from the private liquor companies in the Goa elections
and Punjab elections.
Cobra Warrior exercise
The Cobra Warrior Exercise is to be held at Waddington Air Force Base in the UK in March
2023. It is a multinational exercise. Countries like Singapore, Finland, the USA, South
Africa, and Sweden will participate in the exercise. India is also participating in the
exercise. The IAF will send five Mirage 2000 fighters along with IL-78 mid-air refueller
aircraft, and two C-17 Globemaster.
Background
The Cobalt Warrior is one of the largest Royal Air Force exercises. During the exercise, the
Royal Air Force provides special training to pilots from different countries. The exercise is
being conducted for more than a decade. The exercises are considered one of the most
challenging exercises in the world. Therefore, the participating air forces gain good
exposure. During the exercise, the Royal British Air Force offers Qualified Space
Instructors Courses, surveillance, Multi-Engine Tactics, Qualified Weapons Instructors, etc.
To qualify for these war strategies the Air Force crew has to seek intense training provided
by the British Royal Air Force.
India – UK Military Exercises
The navies of the countries hold “KONKAN”. The Indian Air Force and Royal Air Force hold
a bilateral exercise called the INDRA DHANUSH. The Indian Army and the Royal British
Army hold AJEYA WARRIOR.
Aim of the exercise
To provide operational exposure to the participating Air Forces
To enhance the combat capability
Build strong friendship bonds
Scientists discover fifth inner core layer of the earth
The recent frequent earthquakes have helped scientists discover a new core. This fifth
inner core is a solid ball of nickel and iron and is the innermost layer.
What is the new discovery?
So far scientists believed that there are only four layers in the earth. They are the
outermost layer called the crust, and the middle layer called the mantle. And the
innermost layer is called the core. The core is divided into two parts namely the inner core
and the outer core. Recently, scientists discovered that there is another layer in the core.
About the new fifth layer
Unlike the inner core and outer core, this new fifth layer is solid. It may be 650 km in
diameter. Scientists believed that the inner core of the earth is 2,440 km in diameter. It is
about 70% of the moon’s size. Also, it was believed that it was the hottest and densest of
all layers. However, this new layer is denser than the other two cores.
Also, scientists discovered that the inner core slowed down its spin recently with respect to
the mantle. In a while, the inner core will reverse its direction of spinning. Because of
these changes, there will be changes in the magnetic field of the earth.
Role of the core
The interaction between the inner and outer core creates and maintains the magnetic
field of the earth. While the inner molten material solidifies, they release an immense
amount of heat. This heat energy along with the convection current generated by the
inner and outer core creates the magnetic field of the earth.
Australia won 2023 Women T20 World Cup
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. 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. India was the runner-up in the previous women’s T20 world
cup.
Australia
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.
South Africa
This is the first time South Africa is entering the T20 finals. The name of the South Africa
Women’s team is Proteas. The women’s cricket team was first formed in South Africa in
1888. However, they played their international match only in 1960.
India
The name of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team is Women in Blue or sometimes also called
Team India; the captain is Harman Preet Kaur. It was founded in 1976. The team is
governed by the BCCI, that is, the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
NOKIA changes its logo
The smartphone giant NOKIA recently changed its brand identity for the first time in 60
years. The telecom equipment maker is now focusing on growth. The iconic blue colour of
NOKIA was dropped. And a new logo has been adopted. The new logo has five different
shapes.
Why did Nokia change its logo?
With the new logo, NOKIA is sending information to the international market. The
changed logo says NOKIA has emerged as a technology company. According to NOKIA,
the world is of the assumption that the company produces only smartphones. But it is not
so. NOKIA is into the technology business and not the Smartphone business. To deliver
this to the international market, NOKIA changed its logo.
Why did Nokia fail in India?
Trends in India changed significantly in 2007. Nokia failed to adapt to the changing trends.
Competition increased aggressively and NOKIA couldn’t withstand the competition.
About NOKIA
It is a Finnish company. It is in the business of information technology, multinational
telecommunication, consumer electronics, etc. The company is spread over 100 countries.
In terms of revenue, it is the 415th largest company. In 2009, it was in the 85th position.
NOKIA grew after Pekka Lundmark became the CEO in 2020.
Nokia signed a contract with NASA to build a 4G mobile network on the moon
Flipkart-NOKIA collaboration to sell NOKIA products in India
Carabao Cup 2023: Manchester United wins
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. Liverpool is the most successful club in the competition. The team
has won more than nine championships. (Carabao is an energy drink in Thailand).
Winning the Carabao cup is essential to enter the UEFA Champions League. Apart from
winning the Carabao cup, the team should also finish the Premier League in the top four.
Finals
The final battle was fought between Manchester United and Newcastle. Manchester
United is winning the trophy after six years. Newcastle is a Saudi Arabia-backed club.
UEFA Champions League
This championship league is conducted among top European clubs. Around 80 clubs
participate in the championship. It is organized by the Union of European Football
Association. The participating clubs receive 5 million Euros apart from winning prize
money.
PM Modi inaugurated Shivamogga Airport and launched Development projects in Karnataka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Shivmogga airport in the state of
Karnataka. The airport was built for Rs 450 crores. The Passenger Terminal of the airport’s
main building is in the form of a lotus. It can accommodate more than 300 passengers.
Apart from this, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of two railway projects and a new
railway line Shikaripura – Ranebennur. The new railway line will be built at a cost of Rs 990
crores.
Other Development projects launched
PM Modi launched multiple road projects of Rs 215 crores were
Construction of new bypass and new bridges in NH – 169A, Teerthahalli Taluk,
Megaravalli, and Ranebennur was launched
Widening of the national highway was launched
Apart from these projects, the PM also released the 13th instalment of the PM-KISAN
scheme. The assembly elections of the state are to be held in May 2023.
Why the airport in Shivamogga?
Shivmogga or Shimoga lies on the bank of the Tunga river. It is a hilly region and is world-
renowned for Siddha and Ayurvedic medicines. Cancer, heart disease, and several other
ailments are healed naturally here. People visit the place from foreign countries as well.
GoI is to build an airport here to ease transportation.
Kerala Temple introduces mechanical elephant
For the first time in Indian history, the Shree Krishna temple in Kerala introduced a
mechanical elephant. The mechanical elephant will perform temple rituals here. It was
presented by PETA India. The name of the elephant was Raman. It weighed 800 kg in
weight and can carry 4 people. The parts of the elephant, that is, the eyes, ears, and
mouth worked on electricity.
Need for Mechanical elephant
In the last 15 years, more than 526 people died in the state of Kerala due to the man-
elephant conflict. PETA India designed the robotic elephant to reduce this.
Why are the man-elephant conflicts increasing?
Elephants sometimes turn violent when kept in captivity. For instance, the Chikkatukavu
Ramachandran is the most used elephant in Kerala. People have been using him in
festivals for more than 40 years now. He had killed 13 persons. Many temples in the state
are unable to feed their elephants properly due to a lack of funds.
PETA India
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. It is a Mumbai-based NGO working to end the
abusive treatment of animals. It was launched in 2000. PETA mostly works in the areas
where the animals suffer the most like laboratories, entertainment businesses, etc.
Germany to ease Visa applications to Indians
The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited India recently. During his visit, the chancellor
announced that Germany will ease the visa for Indians. This is being done to make
Germany an attractive spot for IT investors and software developers. Applying German
visa for work is very difficult. One needs to gain the right to be employed in German.
Germany is now relaxing these terms for India. However, a Schengen visa or a tourist visa
is easy to get.
Background
Most Germans do not speak English. And for this reason, the country did not or couldn’t
allow foreigners inside. For some time, non-German speakers were not allowed to enter
the country. You would get a visa only if you knew German. However, Germany is now
relaxing its rules.
Current Scenario
Indians shall get Schengen Visa or a tourist visa to visit Germany. Schengen visa means a
short-stay visa. With this visa, you may stay in Germany for 90 days. 27 European countries
are offering this visa.
What are Schengen countries?
Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, Portugal, Poland, Norway, Netherlands, Malta,
Luxembourg, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Italy, Iceland, Hungary, Greece, Germany,
France, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Czech Republic, Croatia, Belgium, and Austria
DGCA approves Hindustan 228 aircraft of HAL
The Director General of Civil Aviation recently granted permission to HAL to build
Hindustan 228 variant aircraft. The Hindustan-228-201W is a 19-seater. Take off weight of
the aircraft is 5695 kg. The variant requires fewer pilot requirements. Any pilot with a
commercial pilot license can fly the aircraft.
Background
In 1983s, HAL and Dornier signed an agreement to build 150 Dornier 228 planes.
According to the agreement, the joint venture will build 150 aircraft. So far these planes
were used only in the military. Also, the venture was exported to Indian Ocean countries
like Mauritius and Seychelles. Widely, the planes were used for surveying purposes,
monitoring purposes, guard duties, and saving people during disasters.
About Hindustan 228
HAL added some advanced features to the Dornier 228 like the FLIR system, satellite
communication tools, ESM technology, speech encryption equipment, enhanced ground
proximity warning system, Traffic Collision Avoidance System, etc. In 2016, HAL decided to
create a civilian version of the product and so launched Hindustan 228.
It is a civilian version of the Dornier 228. Dornier is a German-based company. The civilian
version was produced by the Aircraft division in Kanpur.
Hindustan 228 will support UDAN
The variant is being brought in to support the UDAN scheme and increase local
connectivity. The aircraft will make air travel affordable. Small towns and remote places
can be reached easily.
Sant Sevalal Maharaj Jayanti
Sevala Maharaj was a spiritual guru and a socio-religious reformer from the Banjara
community. He lived between 1739 and 1773. He was against animal sacrifices and
baptism. The culture ministry recently announced that the Government of India will
launch yearlong celebrations marking the 284th birth anniversary of the reformer. Banjara
Community is a Scheduled Tribe community.
About Santh Sevalai Maharaj
He was a disciple of Jagadamba
He fought against the Nizam ruler, the Mysuru ruler
He fought for the traditional rights and the land rights of the Banjara Community
The Britishers call him the Siva Rathod
He was born in Sevagad, near Anathpur in AP
Banjara Community
The Banjara people are also known as the Lambadi or the Labana or Gour Rajput. They
were nomadic and are believed to have come from the Mewar region of Rajasthan. There
are 17 subgroups in the community.
The language of Banjaras is Gour Boli, an Indo-Aryan language. They are ST in AP,
Telangana, and Odisha. They are categorized under SC in Delhi, Karnataka, and Punjab.
They are OBC in MP, Haryana, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
Kerala inks pact with UN Women
The Kerala State Government recently signed an agreement with the United Nations
women to increase the role of women in the tourist industry of the state. Under the
agreement, the Responsible Tourism Mission is to be implemented in the state. It will be a
gender-inclusive mission. The mission will promote women-friendly tourist spots.
What is the role of women in tourism?
The role of men and women in the tourism sector in India is different. Traditionally, men
in tourist spots are involved in high-paying jobs. On the other hand, women are involved
in low-skill and low-paid work. Most women in Indian tourist spots are involved in the
hospitality sector, cooking, cleaning, homestay services, shops, etc. This is mainly because
of the difference in literacy level. The situation prevails even in Kerala, the state with the
highest literacy levels.
What is UN Women saying about developing Women in tourism?
Women should be placed at the centre of labour policies
Women tourism enterprises should be targeted and their financing should be
boosted
Women tourism enterprises should be identified at the earliest and integrated with
national and international tourism chain
Data collection in tourism should be sex-disaggregated
Include women in all stages of decision making
NEET PG 2023: Supreme Court dismisses Plea
NEET is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. The National Testing Agency conducts
the NEET-UG and the National Board of Examinations conducts the NEET-PG. NEET–UG is
for MBBS and NEET-PG is for MD. The recent issue on the NEET exam is around the
postponement of the exam. Few medical students have appealed to the SC asking for the
postponement of NEET.
What is the issue?
The NEET-PG 2023 was scheduled on March 5, 2023. The internship cutoff date in some
states was first fixed on Jan 7, then on June 30, and now it has been extended to August
11. During internships, MBBS graduates work full-time and gain practical experience.
According to them, if the NEET-PG 2023 is held on March 5, they will not have enough time
to prepare for the exam. So they are asking to postpone the exam.
The accusation made on NBE
The National Board of Examination that conducts the NEET – PG 2023 has issued notice
without consulting the State Medical Councils. Also, the NBE modified the eligibility criteria
twice.
More than 2 lakh students have applied for NEET and it will affect their preparations.
SC Judgement on NEET – PG 2023
SC dismissed the petitions to postpone NEET – PG 2023. The exam is to be held as planned
on March 5, 2023.
February 28, 2023
National Science Day 2023
India celebrates National Science Day on February 28. National Science Day is celebrated
in the country to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect. Raman discovered the Raman
Effect on February 28, 1928, and received Nobel Prize for his discovery in 1930.
History of National Science Day
The National Council for Science and Technology 1986 proposed to mark National Science
Day on February 28. The Government of India agreed to the proposal.
The objective of National Science Day
National Science Day is celebrated to spread the importance of science in day-to-day life.
On the occasion, the importance of science and achievements in the field are discussed.
New technologies are implemented.
The theme of National Science Day 2023
Global Science for Global well being
Raman Effect
The wavelength of light changes in the air as it is deflected by molecules. This is referred
to as scattering. The sky is blue in colour because of the Raman effect. Smaller
wavelengths scatter easily. The wavelength of blue is small and is scattered the maximum
as compared to all the other colours. For this reason, the sky is blue in colour.
National Council for Science and Technology Communication
It operated under the purview of the Department of Science and Technology, Government
of India. The main objectives of NCSTC are to develop and build scientific thinking, develop
scientific knowledge, conduct training, and spread awareness.
Bird Survey Dharoi 2023
The Gujarat Forest Department, BCSG (Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat), and the
Adams Nature Retreat Resort together organized the bird survey in Dharoi Gujarat. It is a
wetland and is spread over 107 square kilometres. The wetland is located in the trijunction
of the Mehsana, Banaskantha, and Sabarkantha districts. During the survey, the bird
watchers mapped and recorded the population and diversity of waterfowl in Dharoi. For
this reason, the survey was unique and the first of its kind. The first Bird Survey Dharoi
was conducted in 2022.
Key Findings of the survey
As the temperature has started increasing during winter, the population of birds in
the region has reduced. Only black ducks are left
There are more than 616 bird species in the state of Gujarat. The surveyors found
only 193
International migratory species such as European wigeons, garganeys, gadwalls,
northern shovelers, and northern pintails were also spotted
Background
The Dharoi reservoir, where the survey was held was created by constructing dams on
HArnoi and Sabarmati rivers in 1978. The purpose of the dam was irrigation.
Significance
The bird survey helped to learn about the declining population of the birds in the area.
Immediate government actions are required to conserve bird diversity and save the bird
population.
Karnataka to get India’s first Marina

Marina is a specially designed place of pleasure for small boats and yachts. The Chief
Minister of Karnataka recently announced that the first Marina of India will be constructed
in Byndoor, Udupi district, Karnataka. He announced this while addressing a function
“Seven Wonders of Karnataka” organized by the Tourism department.
Significance
The project will help in boosting coastal tourism. Marina provides active and passive
recreation. The beach in Byndoor is called Someshwara beach. The place has several
tourist attractions such as Koosalli waterfalls, Kshitija Nesara Dharma, Sri Seneshwara
Temple, butterfly camp, etc. The place has been facing poor revenue collection due to very
less developmental activities. The launch of the Marina in the place is expected to boost
tourism and increase employment and tax collection.
Background
According to the tourism ministry, India has the potential to earn 250 billion USD from
tourism. It can generate 137 million jobs. If the reach is right, tourist spots in India can
attract 25 million foreigners. To extract the complete tourism potential of India,
Government has taken several measures. During the G20 summit, models of the tourist
spots were created and exhibited to foreign delegates. The venue of the summit was
carefully chosen from major tourist spots, especially the places with high cultural heritage
value. The leaders attending the summit were toured around the cultural heritage places.
Clean Plant Program: GoI to set up 10 Clean Plant Centres
The Government of India is planning to create ten clean plant centres. These centres will
focus on increasing fruit crop production. During the Union Budget 2023-24, the finance
minister Nirmala Sitaraman announced the Atma Nirbhar Clean Plant Program. Under the
programme, the Government of India will focus on increasing fruit production in the
country.
About the Clean Plant Centres
The centres will be created based on the model centres in Israel, the Netherlands,
and the USA
Centres will focus on fruit crops such as walnut, apple, almond, pomegranate,
mango, almond, grapes, and others
GoI will invest Rs 2,200 crores in these centres by 2030
Need for the centres
The major challenge in horticulture is getting disease-free plant materials. Importing plant
materials is expensive. Also, it is difficult to store the plants in quarantine for two years.
The centres will help in reducing this period to six months.
Demand for planting material has increased in the country. Unfortunately, India is now
importing these plant materials. For instance, between 2018 and 2020, 21.44 lakh apple
plant materials were imported. In 2020, 49,57 lakh apple plant material was imported.
What will the centres do?
The centres will provide services such as disease diagnosis, therapeutics, creating baby
plants from the mother, multiplying the plants, etc.

What will the plan be?
The centres will be funded completely by the Central Government. The centres will be
implemented in the PPP model. The National Horticulture Board is the implementing
agency.
France to unveil new strategy in Africa
French President Emmanuel Macron recently unveiled a new economic and military
strategy for Africa. According to the new strategy, the French Government is to reduce its
troops in the African region. Dropping the military approach, France is to boost its
economic influence in the region. France refers to the change as the beginning of a “New
Era”. France is to bring in a new security partnership. However, France will not close its
military bases. Rather, the bases are to be utilized based on the needs of the African
partners.
Background
Africa is the new “field of competition”. The eyes of developed and developing economies
are on the African region. The region is of interest to investors for its rich oil resources,
mineral deposits, and also agricultural potential. But France is still in its age-old style of
military dominance while China and the USA have already in the race to capture African
markets.
Recent Africa-France relations
French troops left Mali and Burkina Faso.
French has been helping the Islamic extremists in the Sahel region
France is to extend its cooperation with Kenya and Ghana
French companies are increasing their investments in the African region
The French President is touring Africa to increase investments in the region
Trends in Maternal Mortality Report
The United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter–Agency Group, called the MMEIG
recently released a report on the maternal mortality rate. The report shows the maternal
mortality rates between 2000 and 2020. The MMEIG comprises of World Health
Organization, UNFPA, UNICEF, and the World Bank. The report presents data on maternal
mortality trends at the global level, regional level, and country levels.
In 2020, around 800 women died during pregnancy and childbirth. This means two
women died every two minutes. Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 aims to reduce
maternal mortality to less than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. And this is
to be achieved by 2030
At the country level, the three countries namely South Sudan, Chad, and Nigeria
recorded the highest MMR. Their MMR were greater than 1000
The decline in maternal rates declined in north Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, western
Asia, and southeastern Asia
Around 46 Least Developed Countries recorded high HIV-related indirect maternal
deaths. Of these, 33 were in Africa, three were in the Pacific zone, one in the
Caribbean, and nine were in Asia
HIV infections were at their highest in 2005. Maternal mortality due to HIV infections
have decreased since 2005
Sub Saharan Region
70% of maternal deaths were reported here. Maximum HIV-related maternal deaths were
also reported here. The world average MMR in 2020 was 223. The average MMR here was
545; higher than the world’s average
120 MCQs
These questions are sourced from GKToday’s Current Affairs 2023 Daily 20 MCQ Series in GKToday
Academy Android Application.
1. Which planet has the highest number of moons, as of 2023?

[A] Saturn
[B] Jupiter
[C] Mars
[D] Venus
Answer: Jupiter
Jupiter recently became the planet with the most moons, after a dozen new moons were discovered
around it. The planet has surpassed Saturn with its list of 92 moons in all. The spacecraft, dubbed
Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer or Juice, has arrived at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. It is a new
mission from Earth is ready to explore the planet's biggest moons and will be launched in April this year.
2. Which Telescope has been selected for the ‘2023 John L. Jack Swigert, Jr.’ Award for Space
Exploration?
[A] James Webb Telescope
[B] Hubble Space Telescope
[C] Chandra X-ray Observatory
[D] Spitzer Space Telescope
Answer: James Webb Telescope
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope team has been selected to receive the ‘2023 John L. Jack
Swigert, Jr.’ Award for Space Exploration. It is a prestigious award from the Space Foundation. This
annual award honors a space agency, company, or consortium of organizations in the realm of space
exploration and discovery.
3. How many satellites were placed in the orbit aboard the SSLV D2 launch vehicle of ISRO?
[A] One
[B] Three
[C] Five
[D] Seven
Answer: Three
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its second developmental flight
of a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle — SSLV-D2. It placed three satellites into a 450 km-circular orbit,
which are ISRO’s Earth Observation Satellite - EOS 07, U.S.-based firm Antaris’ Janus-1 and Chennai-
based space start-up SpaceKidz’s AzaadiSAT-2.
4. Which company launched the World’s first satellite-based two-way messaging system?
[A] Meta
[B] Qualcomm
[C] AMD
[D] Samsung
Answer: Qualcomm
Snapdragon Satellite, which was launched recently, is the world's first ‘satellite-based, two-way capable
messaging solution’. The solution works for smart-phones developed by Qualcomm in partnership with
Iridium Inc. The technology was initially introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023. On a
Snapdragon Satellite, emergency messaging will be activated on the next-gen smart-phones.
5. As per a recent report, what was the top financial activity done in India in the last 12 months?
[A] Putting money in savings
[B] Paying for health insurance
[C] Investments in stocks and shares
[D] Repaying Loans
Answer: Putting money in savings
As per YouGov’s latest report, over a third of urban Indians have claimed that their disposable income
has decreased in the last 12 months. Putting money in their savings (33 per cent), paying for health
insurance (26 per cent) and investments in stocks and shares (21 per cent) were the top three financial
activities done in the past 12 months, as per the report.
6. As per the annual report of International Energy Agency, which region will use half of world's
electricity by 2025?
[A] North America
[B] Europe
[C] Asia
[D] Oceania
Answer: Asia
According to a new forecast released by the International Energy Agency, Asia will use half of the
world's electricity by 2025, for the first time. As per the annual report, China will be consuming more
electricity than the European Union, United States and India combined. Africa, which is home to almost a
fifth of world's nearly 8 billion inhabitants, will account for just 3% of global electricity consumption in
2025.
7. Prime Minister recently flagged off two Vande Bharat trains in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Bihar
Answer: Maharashtra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat trains in Maharashtra high-speed rail
connection. The Mumbai-Solapur and Mumbai-Sainagar Vande Bharat Express were flagged off from
Mumbai. With this, the number of Vande Bharat Express trains running from Mumbai will increase to
three and the count will go up to 10 for the country.
8. Natalia Gavrilita stepped down from the position of Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Moldova
[B] Malta
[C] France
[D] Italy
Answer: Moldova
Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita stepped down from her position citing a lack of support in the
country. Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe and a former Soviet Republic. The pro-
Western government had been in power for just 18 months. Moldova's President Maia Sandu accepted
Gavrilita's resignation.
9. Which app has been India's most accessible app for persons with disabilities, in a recent report?
[A] Zomato
[B] WhatsApp
[C] PayTm
[D] Bhim
Answer: WhatsApp
WhatsApp has been named India's most accessible app for persons with disabilities in a report titled
‘Making the Digital Ecosystem Disabled Friendly’. The report was released by the Vidhi Centre for Legal
Policy, which evaluated accessibility features of messaging, online payments, transport, e-commerce,
and food delivery. WhatsApp was the only app rated as ‘highly accessible’ based on the Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
10. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) partnered with which company for R&D in electrostatic
discharge protection?
[A] Meta
[B] Samsung
[C] Apple
[D] Nokia
Answer: Samsung
Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have recently
announced a partnership. The partnership aims to promote research and development in an on-chip
electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.
11. Which city is the host of India’s first ever Formula E Championship?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Kochi
[D] Bhubaneswar
Answer: Hyderabad
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur flagged off the Formula E
Championship in Hyderabad. Hyderabad city hosts India’s first ever Formula E-race Hyderabad E-Prix at
the ‘Hyderabad Street Circuit’ on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake. This is also the first motorsport
event in the country in the last 10 years. Hyderabad is the 27th city in the world to host the race as non-
carbon emission event.
12. Jerlin Anika, who was seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
[A] Tennis
[B] Badminton
[C] Squash
[D] Chess
Answer: Badminton
Eighteen-year-old Jerlin Anika Jayaratchagan, a Deaflympic champion, qualifies in the general category
at the Olympics. Jerlin Anika became the first Woman Deaflympian to receive the prestigious Arjuna
Award. She holds the record of the youngest player to represent India in Summer Deaflympics at the age
of 13 She clinched three gold medals at the 2021 Summer Deaflympics.
13. A.B.K. Prasad, who was chosen for Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award, is associated with
which profession?
[A] Businessperson
[B] Scientist
[C] Journalist
[D] Sportsperson
Answer: Journalist
Veteran journalist A.B.K. Prasad has been chosen for the prestigious Raja Ram Mohan Roy National
Award for excellence in journalism. This was announced by the Press Council of India, New Delhi. He
has a journalistic career over 75 years. He has the honour of being the editor of all mainstream journals
of Andhra Pradesh. He also served as the chairman of the Official Language Commission in Andhra
Pradesh.
14. Bharatpur bird Sanctuary, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Bihar
Answer: Rajasthan
The Rajasthan state Forest Department has proposed to construct a zoo inside Keoladeo National Park,
a World Heritage Site popularly known as Bharatpur bird sanctuary. The Wetland Ex-Situ Conservation
Establishment (WESCE) aims to display a range of wetland species, including rhinos, water buffaloes,
crocs, dolphins and exotic species. AFD, an arm of the French government, has agreed to fund up to Rs
1,200 crore over eight years. Experts raise questions about the zoo coming up in a significant habitat for
migratory birds.
15. Brigadier B D Mishra (retired) has been appointed as the Governor/L-G of which state/UT?
[A] Kerala
[B] West Bengal
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Ladakh
Answer: Ladakh
President of India Droupadi Murmu appointed governors in 12 states and a Union Territory while
accepting the resignation of two Governors namely Maharashtra’s Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Ladakh’s
Radha Krishnan Mathur. Jharkhand Governor Ramesh Bais is now Governor of Maharashtra and
Arunachal Pradesh governor Brigadier B D Mishra (retired) has been appointed as Lieutenant Governor
of Ladakh.
16. What is the rate of inflation based on WPI for the month of January 2023?
[A] 4.73 %
[B] 5.73 %
[C] 6.73 %
[D] 7.73 %
Answer: 4.73 %
The annual rate of inflation based on all India Wholesale Price Index (WPI) number is 4.73% (Provisional)
for the month of January, 2023 against 4.95% recorded in December 2022. Decline in the rate of inflation
is primarily contributed by mineral oils, chemicals and chemical products, textiles, crude petroleum and
natural gas, textiles, and food products. DPIIT releases index numbers of wholesale price in India on
monthly basis.
17. Kala Ghoda Art Festival, which was seen in the news, is held at which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Mumbai
[C] Kolkata
[D] Bhopal
Answer: Mumbai
The Kala Ghoda Association's Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2023 was recently organised in Mumbai,
Mahrashtra. The festival began in 1999 and has evolved into a first-of-its-kind multi-disciplinary street
art festival. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival was held after two years at its iconic venue in Mumbai. It
includes a number of verticals such as children, food, dance, literature, heritage walks among others.
18. Which country awards the prestigious ‘Wolf Prize’?
[A] USA
[B] Russia
[C] Israel
[D] Germany
Answer: Israel
The winners of the 2023 Wolf Prize were announced recently. The eight recipients come from five
different countries and three of the laureates are from the United States. Israel's Wolf Prize has been
awarded since 1978 and is considered one of the world’s most prestigious awards for scientific and
artistic achievements. The scientific categories include Medicine, Agriculture, Mathematics, Chemistry,
and Physics. The art categories are in Painting and Sculpting, Music, and Architecture.
19. Which country observed the anniversary of 'Stolen Generation' apology?
[A] Germany
[B] Australia
[C] UK
[D] Israel
Answer: Australia
Australia recently observed the 15 year Anniversary of 'Stolen Generation' apology, for forcibly removing
Indigenous children from families under old assimilation policies. Australia committed about USD 300
million to improve life outcomes including safe and reliable water for remote Indigenous communities,
building of new homes, making essential food affordable and accessible, and supporting families
impacted by family violence.
20. Which tech major is set to shift to the ‘microLED display technology’?
[A] Samsung
[B] Apple
[C] Google
[D] Microsoft
Answer: Apple
MicroLEDs are self-illuminating diodes that have brighter and better colour reproduction than Organic
Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display technology. Apple is currently working on this display technology
and plans to implement on future watch models starting in 2024 and expand to phones and desktops.
This is considered as the next big transition in display technology.
21. 'Khanan Prahari' application, which was seen in the news, is associated with which Union
Ministry?
[B] Ministry of Mines
[C] Ministry of Power
[D] Ministry of Steel
Answer: Ministry of Mines
The government has launched a mobile app namely ‘Khanan Prahari’ and a web app Coal Mine
Surveillance and Management System (CMSMS) for reporting unauthorized coal mining activities. The
objective of the CMSMS application was to detect participation against illegal mining by receipt of
citizen’s complaints through mobile app.
22. Saur Revolution, which was seen in the news, is associated with which country?
[A] USA
[B] Afghanistan
[C] Germany
[D] Russia
Answer: Afghanistan
The Saur Revolution was launched by the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) in 1978 to
overthrow Afghan president Mohammed Daoud Khan, who had set up an autocratic one-party system.
This socialist revolution is also known as the April Revolution. The Saur Revolution led to the creation of
a socialist Afghan government that was closely aligned to the USSR.
23. Article 93 of the Indian Constitution, which was seen in the news, is associated with the
appointment of which position?
[A] Governor
[B] Supreme Court Judge
[C] Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha
[D] Deputy Speaker of Rajya Sabha
Answer: Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha
Article 93 of the Indian Constitution mandates the election of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha. The
Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha is the second-highest ranking legislative official in the House of the
People. The Supreme Court recently issued notices to the Centre and five states namely Rajasthan,
Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand over the failure to elect a Deputy Speaker.
24. Which Union Ministry released the ‘Draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics Bill’?
[A] Ministry of Tourism
[B] Ministry of Mines
[C] Ministry of Culture
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: Ministry of Mines
The Draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill was released recently
by Ministry of Mines for public suggestions. This proposed legislation has provisions concerning the
declaration, preservation, protection and maintenance of geo-heritage sites and geo-relics of national
importance. Its objective is to promote research, education and awareness about these sites.
25. Which state recently approved Competitive Examination Ordinance, to prevent unfair means in
recruitment?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Bihar
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Telangana
Answer: Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Control and Prevention of Unfair Means in
Recruitment) Ordinance, 2023 was approved by the state government recently. The objective of this
ordinance is to prevent offences that adversely affect the process of competitive examinations. The
anti-cheating law has provisions providing hefty fines of up to Rs.10 crores and life imprisonment for the
guilty.
26. Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was a militant organisation formed in which country?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] India
[C] Nepal
[D] Malaysia
Answer: Sri Lanka
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), also known as the Tamil Tigers, was a militant organization
in Sri Lanka that fought for an independent Tamil state called Tamil Eelam. The militant group was
founded in 1976 by Velupillai Prabhakaran. It engaged in armed clashes against the Sri Lankan
government and armed forces. The LTTE was widely regarded as the most dominant Tamil militant
group in Sri Lanka and a feared guerrilla force.
27. Who coined the term ‘BIMARU’ the acronym for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh?
[A] Ashish Bose
[B] Amartya Sen
[C] Jayati Ghosh
[D] Manmohan Singh
Answer: Ashish Bose
The term BIMARU was coined by the late demographer Ashish Bose in a paper that was presented to the
former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The term BIMARU is an acronym for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. BIMARU states are those that are considered to be lagging behind in the
overall economic growth and basic amenities like education, healthcare.
28. Coradion calendula, which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Turtle
[B] Fish
[C] Snake
[D] Spider
Answer: Fish
Coradion calendula is a new species of butterfly fish belonging to the genus Coradion. It was recently
discovered in Australian waters. Coradion calendula has characteristics that are similar to those of
Coradion chrysozonus. Its habitat spans from the North West Shelf east to the northern Cape York
Peninsula, close to the Torres Strait. It is likely to feed on sponge tissue and benthic invertebrates.
29. Lumpy skin disease (LSD) occurs prevalently in which species/group?
[A] Cattle
[B] Human beings
[C] Poultry
[D] Fish
Answer: Cattle
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral illness that affects cattle, caused by the lumpy skin disease virus
(LSDV) of the Capripoxvirus genus. This disease is characterized by the formation of nodules or lumps
on the skin, accompanied by fever and other symptoms. It causes reduced milk production, weight loss,
damage to hides and welfare issues.
30. National Productivity Council (NPC) is an autonomous government body under which Union
Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of MSME
Answer: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
National Productivity Day is observed on February 12 every year in India. It is coordinated by the
National Productivity Council (NPC), an autonomous government body that comes under the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry. The day commemorates the founding of the NPC, which was set up in 1958 to
promote the productivity culture in India.
31. JANUS-1 Satellite, which was seen in the news, was successfully launched by which country?
[A] India
[B] USA
[C] UK
[D] Japan
Answer: India
The JANUS-1 Satellite is the world’s first cloud-built demonstration satellite. It was fully conceived,
designed, and manufactured with Antaris’ end-to-end cloud platform. This satellite was successfully
launched recently with the help of the SSLV-D2 rocket developed by the Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO).
32. Shinku La Tunnel is proposed to be constructed in which state/UT?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Ladakh
[C] Sikkim
[D] West Bengal
Answer: Ladakh
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the construction of the Shinku La Tunnel. The proposed tunnel will
provide all-weather connectivity in Ladakh. This is expected to be a major asset for tourism and other
economic activities in the region. It will also benefit the economy of the Zanskar Valley. Covering a
distance of 4.1 km, it will be constructed at an altitude of 16,580 feet by the Border Roads Organization
(BRO). It is expected to be the world’s highest tunnel.
33. The ‘International Seabed Authority’ is based in which country?
[A] USA
[B] Jamaica
[C] Egypt
[D] Australia
Answer: Jamaica
The International Seabed Authority is an organization of 167 countries and the European Union based in
Kingston, Jamaica. It is an intergovernmental organization that was established under the 1982 UN
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its 1994 Agreement on Implementation. The Authority
recently announced that Minerals in Indian Ocean can turn India self-sufficient in nickel and cobalt.
34. 22nd Rang Bharat Mahotsav was organised in which city?
[A] Panaji
[B] New Delhi
[C] Mumbai
[D] Kolkata
Answer: New Delhi
The 22nd edition of the Rang Bharat Mahotsav, an international theatre festival, is being organized in
New Delhi by the National School of Drama. The festival will showcase 33 plays in New Delhi and 47
plays in nine other major cities, which include Jammu, Bhopal, Guwahati, Ranchi, Nasik, Rajahmundry,
Kevadia, Jaipur, and Srinagar. The festival will also feature various related events such as book
launches, national and international seminars, and master-classes by theatre experts.
35. What is the name of the first cruise ship manufactured in India?
[A] Ganga Vilas
[B] Bharat Vilas
[C] Histo Brustro
[D] Bharat Café
Answer: Ganga Vilas
The MV Ganga Vilas is a river cruise ship manufactured in India. It was flagged off in January 2023 by
the Prime Minister. Ganga Vilas is also the longest Motor Vessel of its kind in the world. It is also
significant as the first cruise ship to be manufactured in India. It is on course to creating a world record
for sailing the longest along several river systems, entered Assam from Bangladesh, 39 days after
leaving Varanasi.
36. Which city is the host of the ‘Technotex 2023’ event of Ministry of Textiles?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Mumbai
[C] Guwahati
[D] Gandhi Nagar
Answer: Mumbai
'Technotex 2023: Envisioning Indian Technical Textiles at 2047' is the flagship event of the Ministry of
Textiles. It will be organised in Mumbai in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry. Its main purpose is to promote textiles that are specifically designed for
specific purposes.
37. ‘Jal-Jan Abhiyan’ was recently inaugurated in which state/UT?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
Answer: Rajasthan
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Jal-Jan Abhiyan’ in Rajasthan. It is jointly
implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Brahma Kumaris organization. The Jal Jan Abhiyan is
a campaign that seeks to promote the conservation of water. It involves raising public awareness about
the importance of water preservation. It aims to reach at least 10 million people and organise 10,000
programs. The Brahma Kumaris organization is currently headquartered in Mount Abu in Rajasthan.
38. ‘KAVACH-2023’ is a national-level hackathon organised by which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Education
[C] Ministry of Skill Development
[D] Ministry of Defence
Answer: Ministry of Education
KAVACH-2023 is a national level hackathon that was launched to find innovative ideas and technological
solutions to address the cyber security challenges. It is being organized by the Union Education
Ministry’s Innovation Cell, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Bureau of Police Research
and Development (BPR&D, MHA) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C, MHA).
39. ‘eSanjeevani’ platform is associated with which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Education
Answer: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
eSanjeevani, also known as National Teleconsultation Service, is a government initiative that provides
online outpatient doctor (OPD) consultation service to citizens. This first-of-its-kind scheme was
launched in 2019 and it is being implemented by the Union Health Ministry. The eSanjeevani OPD portal
and system was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). The
platform recently registered a new record by delivering teleconsultation services to 10 crore
beneficiaries.
40. The Delhi Police is a law enforcement agency that comes under the aegis of which Union
Ministry?
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Culture
Answer: Ministry of Home Affairs
The Delhi Police is a law enforcement agency that comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Home
Affairs. It is responsible for the National Capital Territory of India (NCT) and is currently one of the
largest metropolitan police forces in the world. On February 16, the Delhi Police Raising Day was
observed. The year 2023 marks the 76th Raising Day.
41. ‘H3 Rocket’, which was seen in the news, has been developed by which country?
[A] USA
[B] Israel
[C] Japan
[D] UAE
Answer: Japan
The H3 rocket is a Japanese launch vehicle developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The first launch attempt of the H3 rocket was expected to take
place in February, 2023. However, it was aborted due to an anomaly in the first stage system. The
second launch attempt is expected to take place at the end of March this year.
42. When is the ‘Global Tourism Resilience Day’ observed every year?
[A] February 10
[B] February 12
[C] February 14
[D] February 17
Answer: February 17
The Global Tourism Resilience Day (GTRD) is observed on February 17 each year. It was adopted by the
United Nations in the year 2023 and this year marks the inaugural edition. Its objective is to highlight the
importance of tourism resilience at the international level. In 2019, tourism sector accounted for 7
percent of global trade and 10 percent of global GDP. It is the third largest export industry in the world.
43. Which institution launched the ‘Government Securities Lending Directions, 2023’?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] RBI
[C] SEBI
[D] World Bank
Answer: RBI
The Reserve Bank of India released the Draft Reserve Bank of India (Government Securities Lending)
Directions, 2023. These draft norms seek to regulate the lending and borrowing of government
securities (G-secs) in the securities lending market. According to the draft norms, the Government
Securities Lending (GSL) transactions can be done for a minimum duration of 1 day and a maximum
duration of 90 days.
44. Which legislation seeks to combat espionage activities in India?
[A] Official Secrets Act, 1923
[B] Foreigners Act, 1946
[C] Indian Evidence Act, 1872
[D] Indian Penal Code, 1860
Answer: Official Secrets Act, 1923
The Official Secrets Act, 1923 is a colonial-era legislation that seeks to combat espionage activities in
India. It strongly prohibits activities that involve helping adversary countries against India. It also bans
the entry, inspection, or even passing over a prohibited government area or site like an electrical
substation. Recently, 10 sensitive installations in 6 states and 1 union territory were declared as out of
bounds under the Official Secrets Act.
45. Which state/UT recently launched the ‘Shrama Shakthi Scheme’?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Karnataka
The Shrama Shakthi Scheme was launched recently by the Karnataka Government. Under this scheme,
the state government will provide a financial aid of Rs.500 per head every month to landless women
farm labourers. It will be implemented through the direct benefit transfer (DBT). Free bus passes for
working women, school and college going girl students, Free skill training initiative for women are part
of the scheme.
46. India’s first ring metro corridor is expected to be operationalized in 2024 in which state/UT?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Mumbai
[C] Kolkata
[D] Hyderabad
Answer: New Delhi
India’s first ring metro corridor is expected to be operationalized in 2024 in Delhi. The Majlis Park-
Maujpur corridor will be the first and only ring metro corridor in India. The total length of this ring metro
corridor is 71.15 km and it will have a total of 8 stations. This ring metro corridor is expected to ease
travel for passengers from Faridabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Bahadurgarh.
47. The mPassport Police App was introduced recently by which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of External Affairs
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Electronics and IT
Answer: Ministry of External Affairs
The mPassport Police App was introduced recently by the Union External Affairs Ministry. The aim of
this application is to simplify and hasten the process of police verification of passport issuance. It will
reduce the verification time by five days from the previous verification time of 15 days to complete this
process. With this application, the police personnel can submit digital and paperless verification reports
via mobile tablets. It was launched for the Delhi Police jurisdiction alone.
48. Which state government has announced ‘24X7 Cyber Security Operation Centre’?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] West Bengal
[D] Odisha
Answer: Karnataka
The state government of Karnataka is planning to establish a 24x7 Cyber Security Operation Center
(CSOC) to safeguard government websites and online services. The CSOC will help the government keep
pace with emerging technologies and cyber threats and minimise the cost of upgrading and maintaining
these technologies. This first-of-its-kind centre will help cloud-based technologies and data centres
increase access to critical infrastructure by improving their security.
49. Which country has recently terminated the ‘Immigrant Investor Programme’?
[A] Sweden
[B] Ireland
[C] USA
[D] Australia
Answer: Ireland
The government of Ireland has recently terminated the Immigrant Investor Programme. Under this
initiative, citizens of the non-EU countries were permitted to acquire residency in Ireland if they make an
investment of at least 1 million euros in the country. This programme also provided visas to those
donating 5 lakh euros to philanthropic causes. This programme has overseen investments of around 1.2
billion euros for almost 10 years. It was terminated as such initiatives are seen as a security risk.
50. What per cent of India’s capital procurement budget has been earmarked for domestic industry?
[A] 25
[B] 50
[C] 75
[D] 100
Answer: 75
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh announced that a record 75 per cent of the defence capital procurement
budget has been earmarked for domestic industry in 2023-24. In 2023-24, the Ministry of Defence has
been allocated a total Budget of 5.94 lakh crore rupees, which is 13.18 per cent of the total budget.
Capital outlay pertaining to modernisation and infrastructure development has been increased to 1.63
lakh crore rupees.
51. 'HARBINGER 2023’ is the global hackathon organised by which institution?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] RBI
[C] ISRO
[D] SEBI
Answer: RBI
The Reserve Bank announced its second global hackathon 'HARBINGER 2023 - Innovation for
Transformation' with the theme 'Inclusive Digital Services'. Fin-tech companies have been invited to
develop solutions that have the potential to make digital financial services accessible to the differently-
abled, facilitate efficient compliance, extend the reach of Central Bank Digital Currencies and enhance
the scalability of blockchains. Winner of the hackathon will be given a prize of Rs 40 lakh and runner-up
Rs 20 lakh.
52. Lakshmi Bhandar is a scheme implemented by which state/UT?
[A] Odisha
[B] West Bengal
[C] Assam
[D] Jharkhand
Answer: West Bengal
West Bengal state government announced its state budget for the year 2023-24 and broadens several
welfare schemes. The state Budget for the year 2023-24 widened the ambit of social welfare schemes
like Lakshmi Bhandar, added a new scheme providing death benefits for fishermen, promised financial
assistance for micro-enterprise and allocated ₹3000 crore for rural road connectivity and repair of urban
roads in the State.
53. India agreed to collaborate on digital infrastructure, climate action and sustainable development,
with which country?
[A] Australia
[B] Spain
[C] Germany
[D] USA
Answer: Spain
India and Spain agreed to collaborate on digital infrastructure, climate action and sustainable
development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Mr Pedro Sánchez discussed
several bilateral and international issues of mutual interest. They have also reviewed ongoing bilateral
initiatives and expressed satisfaction at the high-level exchanges and growing cooperation in defence,
economic and commercial sectors.
54. Which institution is set to provide maintenance and overhaul support for MQ-9B drone engines
in India?
[A] BHEL
[B] HAL
[C] DRDO
[D] ISRO
Answer: HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) announced that it would provide maintenance and overhaul support
for MQ-9B drone engines in India. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and General Atomics announced
at Aero India that the turbo-propeller engines which power the MQ-9B Guardian High Altitude Long
Endurance (HALE) RPAS will be supported by HAL engine division for Indian market.
55. Akshdeep Singh and Priyanka Goswami, who were seen in the news, play which sports?
[A] Chess
[B] Badminton
[C] Race-walking
[D] Squash
Answer: Race-walking
Akshdeep Singh and Priyanka Goswami have won the National Race-Walking Championships 2023 in
Ranchi, Jharkhand. With this, both have qualified for this year's World Championships and next year's
Olympics in Paris. India’s Ram Baboo and Manju Rani set new national records to win the men’s 35km
and women’s 35km races, respectively.
56. Which city is the host of the ‘India International Seafood Show’?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Kochi
[C] Kolkata
[D] Chennai
Answer: Kolkata
India International Seafood Show (IISS) concluded in Kolkata, as the government aims to double
seafood exports by 2025. A total of 370 business meets were held during the event to boost seafood
export. Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and Seafood Exporters Association of
India organised the event. India’s renewed seafood exports target will earn 14 billion US dollars by 2025
as against USD 7.76 billion in 2021-22.
57. ‘EX DHARMA GUARDIAN’ is a joint military exercise held between India and which country?
[A] Australia
[B] Japan
[C] France
[D] Sri Lanka
Answer: Japan
The 4th edition of joint military exercise, ‘EX DHARMA GUARDIAN’, between India and Japan has recently
commenced in Japan. This annual exercise will promote bilateral relations between India and Japan and
enhance the level of defence cooperation between the two forces. The last edition of Exercise Dharma
Guardian was held in Belgaum, Karnataka in 2022.
58. Indian Railways launches ‘Rail Post Gati Shakti Express Cargo Service’ along with which
institution?
[A] DMRC
[B] India Post
[C] Blue Dart
[D] LIC
Answer: India Post
Indian Railways launches Rail Post Gati Shakti Express Cargo Service to provide logistics for services
sector in country simultaneously on four sectors. The Cargo Service is a joint parcel product of the two
entities between Indian Railways and India Post. The service was among the announcements made by
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in last year's Budget.
59. Which city is the host of ‘Global Tourism Investors’ Summit’?
[A] Mumbai
[B] New Delhi
[C] Kolkata
[D] Bengaluru
Answer: New Delhi
The Tourism Ministry will organise first Global Tourism Investors' Summit from this year in New Delhi to
showcase opportunities in the Tourism and hospitality sector. The Summit will deliberate on potential
opportunities for investment across tourism segments including hotels and restaurants, adventure and
eco-tourism, cruise, and other related tourism sectors.
60. David Malpass is the head of which international organisation?
[A] World Bank
[B] International Monetary Fund
[D] Asian Development Bank
Answer: World Bank
World Bank President David Malpass said he would leave his post well before his five-year term term
ends His five-year term was due to end in April 2024. Malpass has been under pressure in recent months
to accelerate reforms aimed at changing the way the World Bank operates to to combat climate change.
61. What is the maximum limit of instant transactions made using UPI LITE wallet?
[A] Rs 100
[B] Rs 200
[C] Rs 500
[D] Rs 1000
Answer: Rs 200
Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) has enabled UPI LITE, a feature designed by National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI). With this launch, PPBL has become the first payments bank to launch the
feature. A UPI LITE wallet allows a user to do instant transactions of up to ₹200. A maximum of ₹2,000
can be added twice in a day to UPI LITE, making the cumulative daily usage up to ₹4,000.
62. What is the rank of India in the OECD Services trade restrictiveness index (STRI)?
[A] 35
[B] 47
[C] 54
[D] 65
Answer: 47
India is ranked at 47th position in Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI) conducted by the
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for the year 2022. The index includes
sectors like air transport, road freight cover and government regulations. The STRI indices takes into
consideration the government policies in several sectors that define the ease of trading in those sectors
and industries. Based on these factors, STRI indices assign value to countries between zero and one.
63. India signed MoU on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports?
[A] Switzerland
[B] Fiji
[C] Israel
[D] Australia
Answer: Fiji
India and Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and
official passports. Under this agreement, diplomatic and official passport holders will be able to enter,
transit, and stay in each other territories without a visa for a period not exceeding 90 days.
64. Which country has reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India?
[A] USA
[B] Australia
[C] Germany
[D] Russia
Answer: USA
A bipartisan resolution was introduced in the US Senate to recognise Arunachal Pradesh as an integral
part of India. The resolution commends India for taking steps to defend itself against aggression and
security threats from China.
65. Kuno National Park, which was seen in the news, is in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Assam
Answer: Madhya Pradesh
Kuno National Park is a wildlife sanctuary and national park located in Madhya Pradesh. It is named
after the Kuno River and was initially established in 1981 as a wildlife sanctuary. In 2018, it was granted
national park status. As part of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, 12 more cheetahs were released into
the Kuno National Park, bringing the total number of cheetahs to 20.
66. Which state/UT is expected to be the most climate-vulnerable region in India, as per a recent
report?
[A] Bihar
[B] New Delhi
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Maharashtra
Answer: Bihar
As per the XDI’s Gross Domestic Climate Risk report, the economies of India, China and the US will
witness the worst impact of the climate change. This report revealed that 14 Indian states will remain
within the top 100 most climate-risk prone territories among more than 2,600 regions in the world by
2050. Bihar, with a global ranking of 22, is expected to be the most climate-vulnerable region in India by
2050.
67. Which city is the host of the first-ever G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting?
[A] Panaji
[B] Khajuraho
[C] Mysuru
[D] Jaipur
Answer: Khajuraho
The first-ever G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting is set to take place in Khajuraho, India. It will
focus on protecting and restoring cultural property. This exhibition will showcase 25 artifacts that have
been returned to India after being smuggled out of the country. The CWG's goal is to reduce illicit
trafficking of cultural property by 2030, regulate online trading platforms, and raise public awareness
about restitution laws and conventions.
68. What is the expansion of ‘ecDNA’, which are recently found by the scientists as helping agents
for cancer to spread?
[A] existential DNA
[B] extrachromosomal DNA
[C] evolutional DNA
[D] extra-resistant DNA
Answer: extrachromosomal DNA
Scientists have found small pieces of DNA known as extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) that help cancer
to spread. The discovery was made by a team of researchers working on the Cancer Grand Challenges
initiative. These small pieces of genetic material, also known as oncogenes, can make cancer cells more
resistant to current cancer treatments.
69. Which institution released the ‘Global Security Outlook Report 2023’?
[A] World Bank
[B] NITI Aayog
[D] International Monetary Fund
Answer: World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum (WEF) recently released the ‘Global Security Outlook Report 2023’ in
collaboration with Accenture. It warned that the cyber-attacks are expected to cause an unprecedented
threat in the coming 2 years. The report also predicts catastrophic cyber events mainly due to the
present geopolitical instability.
70. The term ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ is officially defined in which law/statute?
[A] Rome Statute
[B] Statute of the International Court of Justice
[C] Charter of the United Nations (UN)
[D] International Human Rights Law
Answer: Rome Statute
Crimes against humanity are atrocities committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack
targeting any civilian population. The term ‘crimes against humanity’ has been officially defined in the
1998 Rome Statute. In a recent Security Conference, United States Vice President Kamala Harris says
Russia committed ‘crimes against humanity’ in Ukraine.
71. Which act governs a civil marriage where the state sanctions the marriage rather than religion?
[A] Secular Marriage Act of 1954
[B] Special Marriage Act of 1954
[C] Sikh Marriage Act of 1954
[D] Sovereign Marriage Act of 1954
Answer: Special Marriage Act of 1954
The Special Marriage Act of 1954 (SMA) was passed by the Indian Parliament to govern the civil
marriages that are sanctioned by the state instead of the religion. It is designed to enable interfaith or
inter-caste marriages without the couple giving up their individual religious identities. This law applies to
people of all faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists living across
India.
72. ‘Aircraft’s Feathered Position’ has been revealed as the human error in the airplane crash
occurred in which country?
[A] USA
[B] Nepal
[C] Bangladesh
[D] China
Answer: Nepal
A preliminary report on the recent Yeti Airlines crash in Nepal revealed that the plane’s propellers were
found in an unusual ‘feathered position’. Feathering is part of the checklist that needs to be followed
when faced with emergencies such as a forced landing. This report assessed that this might have
occurred because of a human error. All 72 people aboard the plane, including 68 passengers and 4 crew
members, lost their lives in the crash.
73. ‘Mehrauli Archaeological Park’ is a heritage area located in which state/UT?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] New Delhi
[C] Kolkata
[D] Punjab
Answer: New Delhi
The Mehrauli Archaeological Park is an archaeological area in Mehrauli, one of the seven mediaeval
cities that constitute present-day Delhi. It is situated adjacent to the Qutub Minar World Heritage Site
and the Qutb complex. It houses over 100 historically important monuments. It is the only area in Delhi
that has had over 1,000 years of continuous occupation. A G20 meeting is set to take place in the park in
this year.
74. Lavani Folk Art is a traditional dance form famous in which state/UT?
[A] Goa
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Odisha
[D] West Bengal
Answer: Maharashtra
Lavani folk art is a traditional art form in which women dancers wearing brightly coloured sarees,
perform on stage before live audience. This indigenous art form gained popularity during the Peshwa era
in the 18th century. There are various sub-genres of Lavani. The most popular among them is the
Shringarik or the erotic kind. A younger generation of women dancers is accused of vulgarising the
traditional folk-art form.
75. As per a recent report, fossil fuel-related items contributed to what percent of India’s annual
inflation rate?
[A] 10
[B] 20
[C] 30
[D] 50
Answer: 20
A report titled ‘Fossil Fuel Prices and Inflation in India’ was released recently by Cambridge
Econometrics. According to this report, fossil fuel-related items like transport and household energy
contributed to 20 percent of India’s annual rate of inflation between April and May 2022. Between
January 2021 and August 2022, prices of fuel and power surged nearly 5 times faster than the overall
consumer price in India. This has increased household expenses on fuel and electricity.
76. APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission-2023 was launched from which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Goa
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Answer: Tamil Nadu
The APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission-2023 was launched from Pattipolam village in
Tamil Nadu by the Martin Foundation in association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation
and Space Zone India. More than 5,000 students from grades six to twelve across the country designed
and developed 150 PICO satellites, which were launched. The selected students were taught about
satellite technology.
77. What is the name of the indigenous data link communication developed by the Indian Navy?
[A] Vayulink
[B] Rakshalink
[C] Radiolink
[D] Commlink
Answer: Vayulink
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has developed an indigenous data link communication named 'Vayulink'. It
uses the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) that is also known as NAVIC, to send radio
communication to the base station when the signals are low. The Vayulink system also prevents aircraft
collision, provides better combat teaming and helps plan real-time basis.
78. Amrutha Nagarothana Scheme is implemented in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Answer: Karnataka
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has announced ₹9,698 crore-worth projects in the State Budget
2023-23 for comprehensive development of Bengaluru city. Under the Amrutha Nagarothana Scheme,
works worth ₹6,000 crore are being implemented in Bengaluru. Development of 108 km of roads has
been taken up under the high-density corridors scheme.
79. CERC has approved a proposal to start a spot market segment for which category of power?
[A] Expensive power
[B] Nuclear power
[C] Renewable Power
[D] Wholesale Power
Answer: Expensive power
India's power regulator has approved a proposal to start a separate spot market segment for 'expensive'
power, according to an order given to the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX). The approval from the Central
Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), given to the country's largest spot power market, is for
electricity derived from costlier sources of imported coal and gas, as well as battery storage.
80. Israeli Aerospace Industries(IAI) signed MoU with which Indian organisation to form a joint
venture related to Armed Forces?
[A] HAL
[B] ISRO
[C] BEL
[D] DRDO
Answer: BEL
Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India's Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), both owned by their
respective Governments, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to form a joint venture firm
for extending product support services for Indian Armed Forces. MRSAM is an advanced air and missile
defence system that provides protection against a variety of aerial platforms. The MRSAM is used by the
Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy and Israeli Defence Forces.
81. Which country ranks first in AI skill penetration and talent concentration, as per the recent
NASSCOM report?
[A] USA
[B] India
[C] China
[D] Russia
Answer: India
According to a recently published NASSCOM report, India ranks first in AI skill penetration and talent
concentration and fifth in AI scientific publications. The report states that tech talent in India is three
times more likely to have AI skills than in other countries. India’s AI skills Penetration Factor leads all
countries across education, finance, hardware and networking, manufacturing, software and IT services.
82. Which state hosted the B20 Conference, the official G20 dialogue forum for business community?
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Odisha
[D] Gujarat
Answer: Manipur
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated a conference on ‘Opportunities for Multilateral
Business Partnerships in ICT, Tourism, Healthcare and Handloom’ in Imphal. This was the first of the
four sessions of B20 scheduled in Northeast India. B20 is the official G20 dialogue forum for the global
business community. Manipur had launched new Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy, Industrial
Single Window Clearance Act, 2021 and Integrated Logistics Policy, 2022 for ease of doing business.
83. ‘DUSTLIK’ is a military training exercise undertaken by India with which country?
[A] Iran
[B] Uzbekistan
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Bangladesh
Answer: Uzbekistan
India-Uzbekistan biennial military training Exercise DUSTLIK 2023 will be conducted in Pithoragarh,
Uttarakhand. The Indian contingent will be represented by the 14th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, part
of Western Command in this bilateral exercise. This joint exercise is aimed at enhancing military
capability to undertake multi-domain operations in a Sub Conventional scenario under United Nations
Mandate.
84. Teja variety of red chilli is prevalently grown in which state/UT?
[A] Odisha
[B] Telangana
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Answer: Telangana
The rising demand for the popular Teja variety of red chilli in the export market is aiding the Khammam
Agriculture Market, which is Telangana’s second largest chilli market yard. The chilli is famous for its
culinary, medicinal and other wide-ranging uses. It is also a main ingredient in making pepper spray. The
huge demand for Oleoresin, a natural chilli extract, is mainly driving the export of Teja variety of red chilli
from Khammam to various Asian countries.
85. Which country launched the ‘Hwasong-15’ is the Intercontinental ballistic missile?
[A] Israel
[B] France
[C] North Korea
[D] USA
Answer: North Korea
The Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has been recently launched at Pyongyang
International Airport, in North Korea. South Korea alleged that North Korea could test-fire
intercontinental ballistic missiles on a lower, longer trajectory and conduct its seventh nuclear test this
year. North Korea has so far conducted ICBM tests only on lofted trajectories.
86. Which institution announced to set up panel on investor protection regime?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] Supreme Court
[D] NITI Aayog
Answer: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has rejected the government's submission of a list of experts in a sealed cover for a
panel to examine the country's investor protection regime. The court will select the committee's
members on its own, said a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud. The apex court is hearing
public interest litigation (PIL) on the Hindenburg Research report into the Adani Group and the impact it
has had on investors. The top Court also rejected the government’s proposal of sealed cover
suggestions.
87. Northern India’s first nuclear plant is set to come up in which state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Haryana
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Punjab
Answer: Haryana
North India’s first nuclear power plant is coming up in Gorakhpur, Haryana, about 150 km north of the
national capital. Department of Atomic Energy has been given permission to set up joint ventures with
PSUs for resources to open atomic energy plants.
88. The term ‘Corrupt Practice’ is defined in which act in India?
[A] Indian Penal Code
[B] Representation of People’s Act
[C] Code Of Criminal Procedure
[D] Indian Evidence Act
Answer: Representation of People’s Act
Issues concerning ‘corrupt practice’ is dealt with by Section 123 of the Representation of People’s Act,
1951. Recently, the Supreme Court observed that no individual in India cast their votes based on the
education qualifications of the candidate. Therefore, false information regarding the electoral
candidate’s education qualifications cannot be considered as corrupt practice.
89. ‘New START Treaty’ which was seen in the news, is a treaty between which two countries?
[A] USA-UAE
[B] USA-Russia
[C] France-India
[D] India-Sri Lanka
Answer: USA-Russia
The New START Treaty is the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between the US and Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced Russia’s intention to suspend the participation in
this treaty. The treaty caps the number of strategic nuclear warheads that the two countries can deploy.
It was signed in 2010 between former US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry
Medvedev.
90. ‘The Mukaab’ is a new development project, associated with which country?
[A] Saudi Arabia
[B] Israel
[C] France
[D] Australia
Answer: Saudi Arabia
The Mukaab is a new development project that has been announced by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and
Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The ambitious plan aims to build the largest inner-city building
in the world named ‘The Mukaab’ in Riyadh, the country's capital. It aims to develop the world's largest
modern downtown in Riyadh in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
91. ULTRASAT, is the first telescope mission of which country?
[A] UAE
[B] Israel
[C] Iran
[D] France
Answer: Israel
ULTRASAT, Israel's first telescope mission, is set to be launched into a geostationary orbit in early 2026
through a partnership between NASA and the Israel Space Agency. The ultra-violet observatory will
focus on observing short-duration space events such as supernovae and the merging of neutron stars,
utilizing its wide field of view to quickly capture ultraviolet light from such sources.
92. When is the ‘International Mother Language Day 2023’ observed?
[A] 18 February
[B] 21 February
[C] 24 February
[D] 27 February
Answer: 21 February
February 21 is observed as the International Mother Language Day Its aim is to promote linguistic and
cultural diversity and multilingualism across the world. It was first announced by the UNESCO’s General
Conference in 1999 and formally recognized by the UNGA in 2002. The year 2008 marked the
International Year of Languages. The theme for 2023 is ‘Multilingual education – a necessity to
transform education’.
93. As per a recent study, people in India, Pakistan, Peru and China are more vulnerable to which
condition?
[A] Glacial lake outburst
[B] Heat Waves
[C] Landslides
[D] Dust Storms
Answer: Glacial lake outburst
Glacial lake outburst is an occurrence where water is suddenly released from a lake that is dammed by a
glacier, causing flooding downstream. According to a study titled ‘Glacial Lake outburst floods threaten
millions globally,’ around 15 million people around the world are vulnerable to the glacial lake outburst.
More than half of the vulnerable population live in India, Pakistan, Peru, and China.
94. FLDG arrangement, which was seen in the news, is related to which field?
[A] Sports
[B] Diplomacy
[C] Finance
[D] Agriculture
Answer: Finance
First loss default guarantee (FLDG) arrangement allowed fin-tech companies to provide a guarantee to
compensate for up to a certain percentage of default in a loan portfolio. The RBI has banned the FLDG
arrangement under its digital lending guidelines due to concerns regarding fin-techs taking on default
risks without regulation. Fintech lenders are exploring alternative business models.
95. A severe form of ‘Mpox Virus’ has been found in immunosuppressed people suffering from which
disease?
[A] HIV
[B] COVID-19
[C] Cancer
[D] Tuberculosis
Answer: HIV
Mpox virus is an orthopoxvirus that causes monkeypox or mpox, a disease that has symptoms similar to
smallpox but less severe. This pathogen is deadly in 15 percent of affected people and it was largely
confined to Africa. A severe form of this virus has been found in immunosuppressed people living with
the advanced stage of HIV.
96. Horaglanis populi, which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Cat fish
[B] Spider
[C] Turtle
[D] Snake
Answer: Cat fish
Horaglanis populi is a newly discovered species of aquifer-dwelling catfish. It was found in the lateritic
aquifer systems in Kerala. The state currently has 4 endemic species of Horaglanis genus. The new
species has 4 pairs of well-developed barbels and a blood-red body. Its length is less than 3.2 cm. It is
blind and does not have pigments. It is highly vulnerable to extinction due to its small ranges.
97. Who is the chair of the 22nd Law Commission, which was recently extended until 2024?
[A] Justice Rituraj Awasthi
[B] Justice Ranjan Gogoi
[C] Justice Chandru
[D] Justice Jasti Chelameswar
Answer: Justice Rituraj Awasthi
The Union Cabinet has granted an extension of the 22nd Law Commission's term until August 31, 2024.
The Commission is chaired by former Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Rituraj Awasthi. The
Commission is responsible for identifying and repealing outdated laws, reviewing existing laws, and
proposing necessary changes. It will also simplify Central Acts and remove inconsistencies. The
Commission is also investigating key issues such as the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code and
holding simultaneous elections.
98. Rideau Canal Skateway, which was seen in the news, is in which country?
[A] Australia
[B] Canada
[C] Germany
[D] USA
Answer: Canada
The Rideau Canal Skateway is a popular winter attraction in Ottawa, Canada. It is the world's largest
skating rink. It is part of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the first time since it was
built in 1971, Rideau Canal Skateway will not open because of the lack of ice. This is due to the
unusually high temperature in the region.
99. Which country has launched ‘Commercial Arms Transfer (CAT) Policy’?
[A] USA
[B] UK
[C] Germany
[D] Russia
Answer: USA
The US administration has unveiled a new Commercial Arms Transfer (CAT) policy that places greater
emphasis on human rights in its arms export policy, This is in contrast to the Trump-era policy that gave
more importance to commercial considerations. The new policy covers the review of government-to-
government weapons transfers, security assistance, and licensed commercial sales of US-origin military
equipment overseen by various government departments.
100. Which by-product of fertilizer production also weakly radio-active, is to be used in construction
of roads by NHAI?
[A] Sulphur-gypsum
[B] Phosphor-gypsum
[C] Benzyl-gupsum
[D] Potash gypsum
Answer: Phosphor-gypsum
Phosphor-gypsum, a by-product of fertilizer production, is composed of gypsum but is weakly radio-
active due to naturally occurring uranium and thorium. It is not commonly used in construction due to
concerns about its radioactivity, resulting in indefinite storage. The NHAI is exploring the possibility of
using phosphor-gypsum waste material in the construction of national highway and achieve circular
economy. An Indian fertilizer company recently constructed a road using the neutralised phosphor-
gypsum waste material.
101. The Union Cabinet approved the air services agreement between India and which country?
[A] Namibia
[B] Egypt
[C] Guyana
[D] South Africa
Answer: Guyana
The India-Guyana air services agreement has been approved by the Union Cabinet recently. The
agreement will enable flight services between the two countries. According to the 2012 census, Indians
comprise about 40 per cent of the population in Guyana. Both India and Guyana are signatories to the
Convention on International Civil Aviation. India has air services agreements with around 110 countries.
102. Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) Meeting was held in which
country?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] Australia
[D] Myanmar
Answer: China
The Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was
established as a result of a 2012 agreement between India and China Its main purpose is to facilitate
regular and institutional exchanges between the two neighbours. Recently, the top official in India’s
External Affairs Ministry visited China to attend the 26th WMCC. It was held in Beijing.
103. Which country recently recorded the ‘Anopheles Stephensi’ mosquito species?
[A] South Africa
[B] Congo
[C] Egypt
[D] Kenya
Answer: Kenya
Anopheles stephensi is a mosquito species that can transmit both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax
malaria parasites. Recently, Kenya recorded this species, making it the sixth and the latest country in
Africa to report the invasion of this vector. The species is well adapted to urban areas and has been
spreading to new regions, including parts of East Africa.
104. Where is the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)
located?
[A] Gurugram
[B] Vishakhapatnam
[C] Panaji
[D] Bhubaneshwar
Answer: Gurugram
The Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) is located in Gurugram. It
is a regional maritime security centre that was launched in 2018. It aims to promote maritime security in
the western Indian Ocean. It recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Regional
Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) of Seychelles.
105. le Clot, which was seen in the news, is an ancient crater located in which country?
[A] Australia
[B] France
[C] New Zealand
[D] USA
Answer: France
le Clot is an ancient crater located within the Domaine du Meteore vineyard in France. It measures 220
meters in diameter and 30 meters in depth. This is a major discovery since finding of small crater is
rare. Currently, only 3 structures have been recorded -one in France and two in Germany. The presence
of the le Clot was confirmed after finding the presence of iron oxide spherules, shock microdiamonds,
and a magnetic low within the crater.
106. ‘Super Pigs’ have been recently spotted in which country?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] United States
[D] North Korea
Answer: United States
Canada’s super pigs have been recently spotted in the United States. These non-indigenous species
cause major damage to the North American region by spreading diseases and eating away the crops.
Super pig came as a result of the cross-breeding of domestic pigs and wild boars. It is highly intelligent
and elusive. The crossbreed was created to help pigs withstand the subzero temperature in Canada.
107. Mad Cow Disease has been confirmed in cattle of which country?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Brazil
[D] Argentina
Answer: Brazil
Mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), is a fatal and progressive
disease affecting the central nervous system of adult cattle. Brazil, one of the world's largest beef
exporters, has temporarily suspended its beef exports to China after a confirmed case of mad cow
disease.
108. ‘National Health Authority's Scan and Share Service’ was launched as part of which scheme?
[A] Swachh Bharat Mission
[B] Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
[C] Mission Indradhanush
[D] Janani Suraksha Yojana
Answer: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
National Health Authority’s Scan and Share service has been adopted by 365 hospitals across 25 states
and UTs in India within five months of its launch. It was launched as part of Ayushman Bharat Digital
Mission. The service enables paperless and instant token generation for outpatient department (OPD)
registration using a unique QR code displayed by participating hospitals.
109. Kaziranga National Park is located in which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Assam
[C] Odisha
[D] Sikkim
Answer: Assam
Kaziranga National Park is a protected area located in the Indian state of Assam. It is home to a large
population of one-horned rhinoceroses, As of 2018 census, 2,613 rhinos are living in the park. The
Central government has sought a factual report on the rhino population numbers in the National Park
and Tiger Reserve based on the survey conducted in March 2022. Earlier, an activist found the possibility
of number of rhinos being inflated.
110. Which state was ranked the top performer in the ‘Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Index
2022’?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Karnataka
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Answer: West Bengal
The Institute for Competitiveness released the second edition of the Foundational Literacy and
Numeracy Index 2022. It measures the literacy of children below the age of 10. The index measures
states based on five key parameters including educational infrastructure, access to education, basic
health, learning outcomes, and governance. It ranked West Bengal as the top performer and Uttar
Pradesh as the lowest among large state category.
111. A mix of Fentanyl and animal tranquilizer called Xylazine, known as ‘Tranq Dope’ is causing
concerns in which country?
[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] USA
[D] China
Answer: USA
A dangerous mix of Fentanyl and animal tranquilizer ‘Xylazine’, known as "Tranq Dope," is being sold in
the US. Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, is known for destructive effects on people's skin. The substance
is being used as a synthetic cutting agent for opioids like heroin and is causing outbreaks of skin
infections and overdoses in major cities across the country.
112. What is the name of the small space rock, which is responsible for the coolant leakage of the
Soyuz MS-22 capsule?
[A] Mini-meteoroid
[B] Micro-meteoroid
[C] Ultra-meteoroid
[D] Milli-meteoroid
Answer: Micro-meteoroid
Micrometeoroid is a small space rock that weighs less than 1 gram. It is responsible for the coolant
leakage of the Soyuz MS-22 capsule. This prevented the spacecraft from being either used as a refuge
or a return vehicle as its cabin temperature cannot be regulated. As per International Astronomical
Union (IAU), the term ‘meteoroid’ is used to describe any solid object that is found to be moving in space
while being less than 1 meter in size.
113. United States conducted a simulated table-top exercise called ‘DSC TTX’, along with which
country?
[A] India
[B] South Korea
[C] Japan
[D] China
Answer: South Korea
The United States and South Korea recently conducted a simulated table-top exercise called DSC TTX. It
is aimed at determining actions to be taken in the event of a possible nuclear attack by North Korea. The
exercise was the eighth edition of the US and South Korean deterrence strategy committee table-top
exercise.
114. Where is the Urban 20 Engagement Group’s inaugural event held?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Ahmedabad
[C] Varanasi
[D] Guwahati
Answer: Ahmedabad
The Urban 20 (U20) Engagement Group held its inaugural event in Ahmedabad, attended by more than
70 delegates from 42 cities. This is the largest recorded attendance since the inception of U20. The U20
meeting focused on the role of cities in economic prosperity and ecological harmony. The meeting
aimed to equip city governments with on-ground solutions to close the gap between policy and practice.
115. Which country is the host of ‘Asia Pacific Conference of German Business’ in 2024?
[A] India
[B] Germany
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Sri Lanka
Answer: India
The Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) is a flagship event that provides platform to
strengthen personal and economic ties between countries in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. India is
likely to host the Asia Pacific Conference of German Businesses in 2024. This was announced during
the visit by German chancellor Olaf Scholz to India. The visit largely focused on the war in Ukraine and
cooperation in green hydrogen.
116. Tribeni, which is the host of Kumbho Mohotshav, is located in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] West Bengal
[C] Odisha
[D] Karnataka
Answer: West Bengal
Tribeni Kumbho Mohotshav is an age-old festival that is celebrated on the banks of Ganga River.
However, it was stopped 700 years ago and revived only 2 years ago by locals. Its origins can be traced
back to thousands of years and it finds mention in Bengali literary works like Mangalakavya, Vaishnava
literature, Shakta literature and others. Various Bengali traditional genres like Kirtan, Baul, Godiyo Nritto,
Sree-Khol, Poter Gaan, and Chou-Nach were included.
117. ‘Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGT)’ is a division of which institution?
[A] International Monetary Fund
[B] World Bank
[D] Asian Development Bank
Answer: International Monetary Fund
The Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) is a division of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
that provides financial assistance to the world's most impoverished countries. It was established in
1999, to replace the Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility. The IMF recently sought urgent action
from the international community to strengthen the global financial architecture, including global
financial safety net and the debt resolution.
118. Which department released the ‘Secretariat Reforms’ Report, which shows progress in
government operations
[A] Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
[B] Department of Personnel and Training
[C] Department of Expenditure
[D] Department of Revenue
Answer: Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
The 2nd Edition of the Secretariat Reforms report for January 2023 shows significant progress in
various areas of government operations like decision-making and public services. It was released by the
Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). The report focused on areas
such as Swachhata Campaign, efficiency in government decision-making, e-Office implementation and
the government’s best practices.
119. The 18th World Security Congress witnessed the adoption of which declaration?
[A] Varanasi Declaration
[B] Jaipur Declaration
[C] Pune Declaration
[D] Mysuru Declaration
Answer: Jaipur Declaration
The conclusion of the 18th World Security Congress witnessed the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration. It
was held jointly by India’s Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Paris-based International Union of
Railways (UIC). This globally-recognized platform focuses on the current security challenges in the
railways sector.
120. Which country created a ‘Recovery Visa’ recently to help bring in specialist workers?
[A] India
[B] New Zealand
[C] China
[D] Sri Lanka
Answer: New Zealand
New Zealand created a Recovery Visa recently to help bring in specialist workers required to support the
rebuilding efforts in the disaster-hit regions of the country. It was launched after the Gabrielle cyclone
and Auckland flooding. It covers experts such as insurance assessors, infrastructure and utilities
engineers and technicians, heavy machinery operators and debris removal workers.
The above 120 questions are part of Daily Current Affairs 20 MCQs Series in GKToday Android
Application. This series with daily 20 MCQs, Answers and Explanations can be subscribed in the app
only for Rs. 799/- for entire year. Download Now.

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Current Affairs [PDF] - February 1-15, 2023

Published by: https://www.gktoday.in/ebooks/ | © 2023 GKToday | All Rights Reserved

Finance Minister announced an initiative called MISHTI ‘Mangrove Initiative for

India signs MoU with Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Joint Business

February 11, 2023

February 12, 2023

appoints Ramesh Bais as new Governor.

passengers on a public road.

February 15, 2023

third time GST collection crossed Rs 1.5 lakh crores.

Enhance the participation of the public

Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman: PM - VIKAS

state government positions.

Delegates were taken on the Brahmaputra cruise

departure 30 years ago.

Deoghar Mart: Online Marketplace for Jharkhand Local Artisans

Launch of 20% ethanol blend petrol, E20

environmentalists are welcoming the step.

breakthroughs in the space field.

Telangana Budget 2023-Highlights

National Level Digital Extension Platform

Where is ‘Gaziantep Castle’?

of green energy with these countries.

sports goods, power tools, agriculture machinery manufacturing, etc.

other social media activities. Ransomware attacks, malware, software vulnerabilities, AI

One-third need help in using investments

146, four sites are from Kerala.

use their spines to call upon others.

National Philatelic Exhibition – AMRITPEX 2023

Direct Tax Collections of FY 2022-23

HAL exports ALH Mk3 helicopters to Mauritius

bench for the same reason.

CP Radhakrishnan was appointed the Governor of Jharkhand

Vizag, Surat, Ranchi, Erode, Udaipur, etc.

PM. It connects the local bodies and the PM directly.

targets. If it keeps increasing, by April there will be liquidity tightening.

rupees. They can be residents or LLPs

Draft Geo-Heritage sites and Geo-Relics Bill

Published by: https://www.gktoday.in/ebooks/ | © 2023 GKToday | All Rights Reserved

February 17, 2023

17th to 19th of May.

Manipur hosts B20 Conference for delegates from 23 nations in Imphal

February 19, 2023

the Bahrain Metro Rail Project Phase-1.

February 22, 2023

February 23, 2023

February 25, 2023

February 25, 2023

February 26, 2023

February 27, 2023

February 28, 2023

February 16, 2023

India's marine product export target by 2025

53 major announcements made

RBI gives licenses for 32 payment aggregators

February 17, 2023

UNSC session on sea level rise

Total Expenditure for the year 2023-24 is estimated to be Rs 3,09,182 crores

Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

dues to the states were cleared.

NORTH INDIA: HP, Punjab, UP, and Haryana

request”, and T+4 means “after four days of the request”.

Telangana’s Teja chilli

Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are in full operation