11th February Current Affairs : Vision IAS Current Affairs
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. Which Union Ministry has recently (in Feb ‘23) inaugurated Mission Antyodaya Survey (MAS) 2022-23, also launching the portal and mobile application at New Delhi, Delhi?
1) Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
2) Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj
3) Union Ministry of Rural Development
4) Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
5) Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
Option “3” is correct On February 9, 2023, the Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) inaugurated Mission Antyodaya Survey (MAS) 2022-23 including launching of its portal and mobile application at a function in New Delhi, Delhi. i.MoRD in consultation with NIC (National Informatics Centre)-DRD, has developed the android mobile application with geo-tag feature for 36 assets in villages. The Ministry has also set up an inhouse Help Desk for smooth resolution of queries related to the questionnaire and mobile application. ii.The village-wise survey is expected to be conducted over a period of one month involving Community Resource Persons (CRPs)
2. In which state/UT, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has recently (in Feb ‘23)discovered the Lithium Reserves for the 1st time?
Option “4” is correct Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached office to the Ministry of Mines, has discovered lithium inferred resources(G3) for the first time in India. A 5.9 million tonnes of lithium inferred resources have been established at Salal-Haimana in the Reasi district of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir(J&K). i.This was announced on 9th February 2023 by Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, during the 62nd Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) meeting in New Delhi, Delhi.
3. Name the Maharatna company that recently (in Feb ‘23) became India’s 1st Oil, Gas PSU to Sign Advance Pricing Agreement with the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
1) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
2) GAIL India Limited
3) Coal India Limited
4) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
5) Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited
Option “2” is correct GAIL (India) Limited entered into an Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) with the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for determining the transfer pricing margin payable on its long-term LNG ( Liquefied natural gas ) sourcing contract from the United States (US) for 5 years. GAIL became India’s first oil & gas Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) sector to successfully sign the APA. i. APA programmes are operational in a number of countries like Canada, the USA, Japan and the UK for almost 30 years.
4.The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) has recently (in Feb ‘23) approved the commercial release of nano-diammonium phosphate (nano-DAP), to minimise fertiliser subsidy and import dependence. Which cooperative society along with Coromandel International will manufacture the nanoDAP?.
1) India Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative
2) Anand Milk Union Limited
3) Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation
4) Farmers Agro Products Marketing Cooperative Society
5) Rural and Farmers Development Cooperative
Option “1” is correct The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) has approved the commercial release of nano-diammonium phosphate (nano-DAP), which is intended to minimise fertiliser subsidy and import dependence. The nano-DAP will be manufactured by India Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) and Coromandel International. i.India imports roughly 25% of its annual urea consumption, while more than half of the nation’s DAP supplies come from West Asia and Jordan. Imports contribute for nearly one-third of total domestic soil nutrient usage, which is estimated to be around 60 million tonnes per year
5. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to the “Digital Payments Utsav”, a comprehensive campaign recently (in Feb ‘23) launched by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (MeitY) aiming to promote digital payments across India?
1) Launching a G20 Co-branded QR code
2) Launching a G20 edition of the preloaded RuPay On-The-Go device
3) Hosting a joint campaign by MeitY and Delhi Police to promote secure digital payments
4) Introducing a Coffee Table Book titled “Towards a Developed India Catalysing Inclusive Growth Through Digital Payments.”
5) Presenting 48 Digital India Awards for outstanding achievement in the field of digital payments were presented to top-performing banks, bankers, and fintech firms in several categories.
Option “5” is correct Presenting 48 Digital India Awards for outstanding achievement in the field of digital payments were presented to top-performing banks, bankers, and fintech firms in several categories. Explanation: The “Digital Payments Utsav”, a comprehensive campaign aiming at promoting digital payments across India, has been launched by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). He also launched the Digital Payment Sandesh Yatra, which aims to educate the public about various digital payment solutions and the security and safety of digital transactions. Significant initiatives launched: During the occasion, a number of significant initiatives were introduced, including i.A G20 Co-branded QR code ii.A G20 edition of the preloaded RuPay On-The-Go device iii.A joint campaign by MeitY and Delhi Police to promote secure digital payments iv.A Coffee Table Book titled “Towards a Developed India Catalysing Inclusive Growth Through Digital Payments.” v.Furthermore, 28 DigiDhan Awards for outstanding achievement in the field of digital payments were presented to top-performing banks, bankers, and fintech firms in several categories. The awards honour the efforts of these organizations to promote digital payments and contribute to the expansion of the digital economy.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
6. As of February 2023, the National accreditation system of India under the Quality Council of India (QCI) was ranked ________ globally in the Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII)2021.
1) 5th
2) 10th
3) 8th
4) 12th
5) 20th
Option “1” is correct The National accreditation system of India under the Quality Council of India (QCI) was ranked 5th globally in the Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII)2021. India’s overall QI (Quality infrastructure) system ranking continues to be in the Top 10 unchanged from GQII 2020 at the 10th position, with a GQII score of 0.932
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS
7. Which state government’s Department of Collegiate and Technical Education (DCTE), has recently (in Feb ‘23) signed an MoU with Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) to set up artificial intelligence (AI) “Industrial Internet of Things(IoT) Labs”?
1) Government of Andhra Pradesh
2) Government of Karnataka
3) Government of Kerala
4) Government of Telangana
5) Government of Tamil Nadu
Option “2” is correct On 9th February 2023, the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education (DCTE), the Government of Karnataka, and Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR), a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up artificial intelligence (AI) “Industrial Internet of Things(IoT) Labs” (IoT Innovation Labs) in 35 Government Polytechnics across Karnataka. The project costs Rs 1.52 crore and also includes setting up AI labs in at least two institutions.
BANKING AND FINANCE
8.Which of the following points is/are “Correct” with respect to ‘Bank of India Multi Cap Fund’, recently (in Feb ‘23) launched by Bank of India (BoI) Investment Managers Private Limited?
A) The scheme will be benchmarked against S&P BSE 500 TRI (first tier).
B) The multi-cap allocation strategy includes a spread of a minimum of 25% of its total assets each in large, mid, and small-cap companies
C) The minimum initial investment in the scheme is Rs 5,000 and Rs 1 thereafter.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Option “5” is correct Bank of India (BoI) Investment Managers Private Limited (Investment Manager for Bank of India Mutual Fund) launched ‘Bank of India Multi Cap Fund’ for investors to diversify their portfolio across large, mid and small-cap market cap categories. i.The multi-cap allocation strategy includes a spread of a minimum of 25% of its total assets each in large, mid, and small-cap companies ii.The minimum initial investment in the scheme is Rs 5,000 and Rs 1 thereafter. iii.The scheme will be benchmarked against S&P BSE 500 TRI (first tier).
9.To which State/UT, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently (in Feb ‘23) approved a loan of USD 130 million (over Rs. 1,072 crore)?
Option “3” is correct The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 130 million (over Rs. 1,072 crore) loan to Himachal Pradesh (HP) under the ‘Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation, and Value Addition Project’ to boost agricultural production, promote horticulture agribusinesses, and increase farmers’ income. Significance of the project The project will restore and construct new irrigation facilities and hence improve on-farm irrigation and water management on around 6,000 hectares (ha) of farmland. Additionally, it will create new water sources, enhance the capacity of the Water Resources Department (Jal Shakti Vibhag), and support water user associations.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
10.Who has recently (in Feb ‘23) been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Additional Director of Pfizer Limited (Pfizer India), Pfizer Inc’s commercial business in India?
1) Aamir Malik
2) Pradip Shah
3) S Sridhar
4) Meenakshi Nevatia
5) Meena Ganesh
Option “4” is correct Pfizer Limited (Pfizer India), Pfizer Inc’s commercial business in India, has appointed Meenakshi Nevatia as Managing Director (MD) and Additional Director of Pfizer Ltd for a period of 5 years with effect from 3rd April 2023. Meenakshi Nevatia will succeed S Sridhar who will be stepping down as Managing Director and Member of the Board on 31st March 2023.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
11.Which of the following satellites is/are launched (in Feb ‘23) successfully by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the 2nd edition of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)?
1) AzaadiSAT-2
2) ISRO’s Earth Observation Satellite-07/EOS-7
3) Janus-1
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Option “5” is correct On February 10, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the 2nd edition of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D2) from the first launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh (AP). It carried the following 3 satellites weighing 175.2 kg ISRO’s Earth Observation Satellite-07/EOS-7 AzaadiSAT-2 Janus-1 SSLV is the 6th launch vehicle designed and developed by ISRO with an outlay of about Rs 56 crore. It caters to the launch of up to 500 kg satellites to LEO on a ‘launch-on-demand’ basis.
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
12.Which E-commerce company recently (in Feb ‘23) sold its entire stake holdings of 3.16% equity in Paytm?
Option “3” is correct On 10 February 2023, Alibaba Group Holding Limited (Alibaba), a Chinese multinational technology company owned by Jack Ma, sold its entire stake of 3.16% equity (2.1 crore shares) for around Rs 13,600 crore in a block transaction of One97 Communications Ltd. (OCL), the parent company of Paytm. Alibaba, which held 6.26% of Paytm as of September 2022, sold a 3.1% share in the company for USD 125 million in a block sale in January 2023.
13. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” with respect to acquisition and mergers done (in Feb ‘23) by the Competition Commission of India (CCI)?
1) Acquisition of up to 25% shareholding in Hindustan Ports Private Limited (HPPL), by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund(NIIF) and the proposed merger of Hindustan Infralog Private Limited (HIPL) into HPPL.
2) Acquisition of the textile effects business of Huntsman International by Archroma Operations S.à.r.l.
3) Acquisition of 20% equity share capital of Keimed by Shobana Kamineni through Prime Time Logistics Technologies Private Limited.
4) Acquisition of 100% equity and preference shares of Lanco Anpara Power Limited by Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited Group.
5) Subscription of Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares of Reliance Future Energies Global Limited by Mukesh Ambani.
Option “5” is correct Subscription of Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares of Reliance Future Energies Global Limited by Mukesh Ambani. Explanation: On 9th February 2023, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the following acquisition and mergers, Acquisition of 100% equity and preference shares of Lanco Anpara Power Limited by Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited Group. Internal restructuring involving certain subsidiaries of Keimed Private Limited. Acquisition of 20% equity share capital of Keimed by Shobana Kamineni through Prime Time Logistics Technologies Private Limited. Acquisition of the textile effects business of Huntsman International by Archroma Operations S.à.r.l. Subscription of Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares of Hero Future Energies Global Limited by Ardor Holdings II Pte. Ltd. Acquisition of up to 25% shareholding in Hindustan Ports Private Limited (HPPL), by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund(NIIF) and the proposed merger of Hindustan Infralog Private Limited (HIPL) into HPPL.
OBITUARY
14. Name the legendary American Composer who recently (in Feb ‘23) passed away, had won three Oscars and eight Grammys for his phenomenal composing.
1) Burt Bacharach
2) Miklos Rozsa
3) Max Steiner
4) Dimitri Tiomkin
5) John Williams
Option “1” is correct On 8th February 2023, American Composer, Burt Bacharach, who won 3 Oscars in 1982 and 1970 (twice) and eight Grammys, passed away in Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA) at the age of 94. He was born on 12th May 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. About Burt Bacharach: i. Burt Bacharach, who began his career in music in the late 1950s, is a singer, composer, and songwriter. ii. He also won BAFTA Awards (1971), ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (1991 & 1988), Golden Globes, USA (1982 & 1972), Laurel Awards (1970), and more.
IMPORTANT DAYS
15. When was the National Deworming Day (NDD) 2023 observed across India?
1) 9th February 2023
2) 13th February 2023
3) 12th February 2023
4) 10th February 2023
5) 8th February 2023
Option “4” is correct he National Deworming Day(NDD) is annually organised in all states and Union Territories (UTs) across India on February 10, with a mop-up day on February 15 with an aim to eradicate intestinal worms also referred to as Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH), among children of age 1-19 years. The National Deworming Day(NDD) is conducted as a bi-annual round on 10th February and 10th August. The 1st round is conducted in February and the 2nd round is conducted in August.
16.When was the United Nations (UN)’s World Pulses Day (WPD) 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 9th February 2023
2) 8th February 2023
3) 10th February 2023
4) 12th February 2023
5) 11th February 2023
Option “3” is correct United Nations (UN)’s World Pulses Day (WPD) is annually observed across the globe on February 10 to recognise the value of these food items and to increase knowledge of the nutritional benefits of consuming a variety of foods, including pulses. The theme of World Pulses Day 2023 is “Pulses for a sustainable future”. WPD is also observed to educate the public about pulses and the fundamental role they play in the transition to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems for greater production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for everyone. Aim: WPD aims to spread awareness about the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
17. Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS)General, recently (in Feb ‘23) released a book titled “A Chronicle of Central Command – Savdhaan”, Who authored the book “A Chronicle of Central Command – Savdhaan” along with Vikram D Souza?
1) Lieutenant General Manjit Kumar
2) Lieutenant General Vivek Kashyap
3) Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita
4) Lieutenant General Vijay Nair
5) Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan
Option “2” is correct On 9th February 2023, Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS)General, released a book titled “A Chronicle of Central Command – Savdhaan”, authored by Lt Gen Vivek Kashyap, Chief of staff of the Central Command (Surya Command), and Vikram D Souza, in New Delhi, Delhi. The book was designed and produced by the Times Group, a media company. The book is a compilation and documentation of the proud heritage and transitions with deep research and creativity.
STATE NEWS
18. In which State/UT has the Pawan Hans Limited recently (in Feb ‘23) launched Multiple Helicopter Routes under RCS UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme- Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik)?
Option “5” is correct On February 8th, 2023, helicopter service provider, Pawan Hans Limited (PHL), a central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), launched its helicopter services on 6 routes in Assam under the RCS UDAN Scheme (Regional Connectivity Scheme- Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik). The new helicopter services will provide connectivity on the “Dibrugarh-Jorhat-Tezpur-GuwahatiTezpur-Jorhat-Dibrugarh” network
CA STATIC GK
19. Where is the Headquarters of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) located?
1) Rome, Italy
2) Geneva, Switzerland
3) New York, United States of America
4) Paris, France
5) Tokyo, Japan
Option “3” is correct About the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): United Nations Population Fund, formerly the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, is a UN agency aimed at improving reproductive and maternal health worldwide Executive Director- Dr Natalia Kanem Headquarters- New York, United States of America (USA) Establishment- 1969
20. The ‘Krishna Wildlife sanctuary’ is located in which state?
Option “5” is correct About Andhra Pradesh: Chief Minister– YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Governor– Biswabhusan Harichandan National Park– Sri Venkateswara National Park Wildlife Sanctuary– Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary; Krishna Wildlife sanctuary
21. In which state ‘Indravati (Kutru) National Park’ is located?
Option “4” is correct About Chhattisgarh: Governor – Anusuiya Uikey Chief Minister (CM) – Bhupesh Baghel National Parks – Indravati (Kutru) National Park, Kanger Valley National Park
22. Google Doodle celebrated the ________ birth anniversary of the first female lead in Malayalam Actress PK Rosy on 10th February 2023.
1) 120th
2) 90th
3) 85th
4) 100th
5) 130th
Option “1” is correct Google Doodle celebrated the 120th birth anniversary of the first female lead in Malayalam cinema – PK Rosy on 10th February 2023. Born in the year 1903, Rosy was born in Rajamma in Thiruvananthapuram, formerly Trivandrum in Kerala. i. Her debut film was Vigathakumaran (The Lost Child, 1928) in which she played the role of an upper caste Nair girl, Sarojini. She received much flak after the film’s release and stones were hurled at her in the inaugural screening.
23. Who has recently (in Jan ‘23) won the International Press Academy (IPA) award in the ‘Best Breakthrough Performance’ category at the 27th Satellite Awards?
Option “2” is correct Bhavin Rabari, the lead child actor in Pan Nalin’s Oscar-nominated Gujarati film Chhello Show (The Last Film Show), bagged the International Press Academy (IPA) award in the ‘Best Breakthrough Performance’ category at the 27th Satellite Awards held in the United States. i. The film is the first Indian film to be shortlisted for the Oscars in the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category after 21 years.
24. Which state/UT is hosting its maiden SARAS Fair 2023?
Option “1” is correct The Government of Jammu and Kashmir is going to host its maiden SARAS Fair 2023 from February 4 to 14 wherein artisans and women self help groups from across the country will showcase their crafts, handcrafts, handloom and foods. i. The fair would be organised at Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu. The fair is expected to witness the participation of women Self Help Groups from around 15 States and UTs across the country to sell their self made products.
25. In February 2023, the Delhi High Court has appointed ________________ as Administrator to oversee utilization of funds in the upcoming ISSF Shooting World Cup in 2023.
1) Ramesh Ranganathan
2) Anu Malhotra
3) M. Patanjali Sastri
4) Ashok Bhan
5) Arjan Kumar Sikri
Option “5” is correct Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri, a retired judge from the Supreme Court, has been appointed by the Delhi High Court as Administrator to manage the use of funds for the next ISSF Shooting World Cup in 2023. The ISSF World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) will take place in March in Bhopal. i. Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad’s divisional bench noted that if there is any obstacle to arranging the World Cup event, which would require funds from the Central Government, the prestige of the nation will be harmed.
