12th January Current Affairs : Vision IAS Current Affairs
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. Recently (in Jan ‘23) the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisitions, what is the value of the proposal?
Option “3” is correct. On January 10, 2022, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition – two of the Indian Army (IA) and one of the Indian Navy (IN) – proposals worth Rs 4,276 crore during a meeting under the chairmanship of Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD) in New Delhi, Delhi. • The three proposals, two of the IA and one of the IN, are under the Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)} category. • This approval will strengthen India’s deterrence and combat readiness. • Procurement of HELINA (Helicopter based NAG) Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
BANKING AND FINANCE
2. Recently (in Jan ‘23) the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) allowed the stock exchanges to launch future contracts on corporate bond indices of corporate debt securities
rated ______ and above
1) AA+
2) AA
3) AA4) A
5) None of the Above
Option “1” is correct. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) allowed stock exchanges to launch future contracts on corporate bond indices of corporate debt securities rated AA+ and above to enhance liquidity in the bond market and to provide an opportunity to the investors to hedge their positions. SEBI amends Portfolio Managers’ Norms SEBI also allowed portfolio managers under co-investment Portfolio Management Services (PMS) to terminate their services as per the provisions of the agreement signed with the client for early termination.
3. What is/are the company that recently (in Jan ‘23) got the in-principle authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to act as a payment aggregator?
1) Centrum Financial Services Ltd
2) Resilient Payments Private Ltd
3) Hitachi Payment Services
4) Both 2 & 3
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Option “4” is correct. On January 10, 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provided its in-principle authorization to Hitachi Payment Services to act as a payment aggregator (PA). • PAs are entities that facilitate e-commerce sites and merchants to accept various payment instruments from customers to complete payments. i.Hitachi Payment Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd. BharatPe receives in principle nod from RBI for online PA RBI also awarded its in-principle approval to Resilient Payments Private Ltd , a 100% owned subsidiary of Resilient Innovations Private Ltd (BharatPe), to operate as an online PA.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
4. What is the rank of India according to the ‘Henley Passport Index 2023’ released by Henley & Partners in January 2023?
Option “1” is correct. According to the ‘Henley Passport Index 2023’ released by Henley & Partners, a London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm, the Indian passport ranks 85th in the Henley Passport Index 2023, the world’s most powerful passport index, and gives visa-free entry to 59 destinations worldwide. i.The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, providing users with the most comprehensive and reliable information about their global access and mobility.
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS
5. As per the latest Global Economic Prospects (January 2023) report released by the World Bank (WB), what is the projected growth of the Indian economy in fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24)?
1) 7.9%
2) 6.6%
3) 6.9%
4) 8.9%
5) 8.6%
Option “2” is correct. According to the latest Global Economic Prospects (January 2023) report released by the World Bank (WB), the Indian economy is projected to grow at a robust 6.6% in fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), down from an estimated 6.9% in FY23 and 8.7% in FY22. India, Asia’s third-largest economy, is projected to be the fastest-growing among the seven largest Emerging-Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs): Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Russian Federation, and Turkey.
6. With which Info-Tech company did the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) recently (in Jan ‘23) sign an MoU for GIS Applications?
1) Indianic Infotech Limited
2) Larsen & Toubro Infotech Limited
3) Nascent Info Technologies Private Limited
4) Ids Infotech Limited
5) CA Infotech India Private Limited
Option “3” is correct. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nascent Info Technologies Private Limited for technical collaboration for the development of various Geographic Information System (GIS) applications. i. According to the MoU, Nascent Info Technologies will use its expertise and resources to research the functional requirements of various stakeholders in the fields of limestone, bauxite, clay, coal, etc.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
7. Who has recently (in Jan ‘23) been appointed as NASA’s new chief technologist?
Option “1” is correct. An Indian-American aerospace industry expert A.C Charania has been appointed as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s new chief technologist. He will serve as the principal advisor to Administrator Bill Nelson on technology policy and programmes at NASA’s headquarters. He replaced Indian-American scientist Bhavya Lal who has been serving as acting chief technologist, prior to Charania’s appointment.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
8. Who were the composer and lyricist of the song Naatu Naatu” of the movie “RRR”, who won the Best Original Song- Motion Picture at the 80th Annual Golden Globe® Awards 2023?
1) Arijit Singh & Sameer Anjaan
2) Shakti & Jaideep Sahni
3) Kumar Sanu & A. M. Turaz
4) M M Keeravani & Chandrabose
5) A. R. Rahman & Kumar
Option “4” is correct. On 11th January 2023, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association® (HFPA) announced the winners of the 80th Annual Golden Globe® Awards 2023, at an event held in The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA). “Naatu Naatu” Song from SS Rajamouli’s Telugu film “RRR” won the Best Original Song- Motion Picture. The award was shared among M M Keeravani, composer of the track, and Chandrabose, lyricist of the song. Keeravani received the trophy during the award ceremony. The fictional Telugu movie “RRR” starring Ram Charan, Jr NTR, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn and Shriya Saran was also nominated for ‘best picture-non English’.
9. Name the bank that recently (in Jan ‘23) won Best Digital Channel/Platform Implementation: Best Project Implementation’ at IBSi Global FinTech Innovation Awards 2022 along with
Clayfin Technologies?
1) City Union Bank Ltd.
2) Bandhan Bank Ltd.
3) Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd.
4) IDFC First Bank Ltd.
5) CSB Bank Ltd.
Option “2” is correct. Clayfin Technologies, a leading provider of Digital Customer Experience solutions for Banks and Financial institutions, and Bandhan Bank have been awarded ‘Best Digital Channel/Platform Implementation: Best Project Implementation’ at International Banking Systems Intelligence (IBSi) Global FinTech Innovation Awards 2022. This recognition was the basis of the implementation of Corporate Internet Banking (version 5.x) by Clayfin as part of Bandhan Bank’s vision to enhance its digital services to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector.
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
10. Axis Bank Limited has recently (in Jan ‘23) entered into a revised pact with Max Financial Services Limited to acquire an additional _____ stake in Max Life Insurance Company Limited.
1) 12.99%
2) 11.5%
3) 8%
4) 9.3%
5) 7%
Option “5” is correct. Axis Bank Limited has entered into a revised pact with Max Financial Services Limited to acquire an additional 7% stake in Max Life Insurance Company Limited at fair market value using discounted cash flow method. The agreement has been revised by the guidance issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) in October 2022. i. Axis Entities acquired 12.99% of Max Life’s equity share capital in April 2021 for a total of Rs 35 per share, with the right to purchase an additional 7% stake in the future.
SPORTS
11. Which hockey association recently (in Jan ‘23) launched the ‘Hockeyverse’ and also became the first National Sports Federation to enter the world of metaverse?
1) Hockey Newzealand
2) Hockey Netherlands
3) Hockey Australia
4) Hockey India
5) Hockey South Africa
Option “4” is correct. On 9th January 2023, Hockey India launched the ‘Hockeyverse’ on their social media platforms ahead of FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela. With this launch Hockey India became the first National Sports Federation to enter the world of metaverse. The Hockeyverse will provide a new virtual experience which has unique attractions such as a replica of the newly built Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
12. Name the Earth-sized rocky planet which was recently (in Jan ‘23) discovered by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)?
1) TOI 700 b
2) TOI 700 e
3) TOI 700 c
4) TOI 700 d
5) TOI 700 a
Option “2” is correct. NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission has made a discovery, identifying a 2nd Earth-sized, called TOI 700 e, a rocky planet within the habitable zone of a star. TOI 700 e: i. TOI 700 e takes 28 days to orbit its star called TOI 700, a small red dwarf star located around 100 light-years from Earth. ii. TOI 700 e is a member of the TOI 700 system, 95% the size of the Earth, and most likely rocky. Key Points: i. The three planets in the same system were previously found by NASA: • TOI 700 b (90% Earth’s size)- orbits the star every 10 days. • TOI 700 c (2.5 times bigger than Earth)- completes an orbit every 16 days. • TOI 700 d (near-Earth-sized)- a 37-day orbit
13. India successfully test launched nuclear capable tactical ballistic missile Prithvi-II from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
What type of ballistic missile is Prithvi-II?
Option “1” is correct. On January 10, 2023, India successfully test launched nuclear capable tactical ballistic missile PrithviII from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. • The missile struck its target with high accuracy. • This test was done to test the missile’s night time capabilities. Key Points: i. Prithvi-II, a short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile, is the first missile to have been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
14. Name the Earth-sized rocky planet which was recently (in Jan ‘23) discovered by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)?
1) TOI 700 b
2) TOI 700 e
3) TOI 700 c
4) TOI 700 d
5) TOI 700 a
Option “2” is correct. NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission has made a discovery, identifying a 2nd Earth-sized, called TOI 700 e, a rocky planet within the habitable zone of a star. TOI 700 e: i. TOI 700 e takes 28 days to orbit its star called TOI 700, a small red dwarf star located around 100 light-years from Earth. ii. TOI 700 e is a member of the TOI 700 system, 95% the size of the Earth, and most likely rocky. Key Points: i. The three planets in the same system were previously found by NASA: • TOI 700 b (90% Earth’s size)- orbits the star every 10 days. • TOI 700 c (2.5 times bigger than Earth)- completes an orbit every 16 days. • TOI 700 d (near-Earth-sized)- a 37-day orbit
15. Which company recently (in Jan ‘23) launched 40 satellites from SpaceX’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States of America?
Option “3” is correct. OneWeb, a United Kingdom-based satellite broadband connectivity company backed by the Bharti group, has launched another 40 satellites from SpaceX’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States of America to achieve over 80% deployment of its planned in-orbit low-earth orbit (LEO) constellation.
OBITUARY
16. Name the Greece’s Last King & 1960 Olympic Gold Medalist who recently (in Jan ‘23) Passed Away.
1) King Paul III
2) King Paul II
3) Constantine I
4) King Paul I
5) Constantine II
Option “5” is correct. On 10th January 2023, Constantine II, the former and last King of Greece who ruled Greece before the country became a republic in 1974 was passed away in Athens, Greece, at 82. He was born for King Paul I, younger brother to King George II, of Greece and German aristocrat Princess Frederica of Hannover, Germany, on 2nd June 1940 in Psikhikó near Athens, Greece. • He was elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee and became an IOC Member in 1963 and served until 1974. He was then made an Honorary Member.
IMPORTANT DAYS
17. National Road Safety Week is annually observed across India from 11th to 17th January.
What is the edition of 2023 National Road Safety Week?
Option “4” is correct. National Road Safety Week is annually observed across India from 11th to 17th January to create awareness about the importance of road safety and to highlight the importance of road safety measures to prevent accidents. • The observance of the week is led by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways(MoRTH). • 2023 marks the observance of the 34th Road Safety Week. • Road Safety Week 2023 is observed under “Swachhata Pakhwada 2023” to propagate the cause of safer roads for all.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
18. What is the name of a memoir, which was recently (in Jan ‘23) released by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex?
1) Wave
2) Spare
3) Educated
4) The Glass Castle
5) Night
Option “2” is correct. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, a member of the British royal family, has released his memoir titled “Spare”. The book was written with the assistance of American novelist J. R. Moehringer. The book is published by Transworld Publishers Ltd, a division of Penguin Random House. The book reveals the details of Harry’s relationship with his father, King Charles, his elder brother, Prince William, and other members of the royal family
STATE NEWS
19. Who has been recently (in Jan ‘23) appointed as the acting Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court (HC), Assam?
1) Justice R. F. Lodge
2) Justice T. V. Thadani
3) Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh
4) Justice Sarjoo Prasad
5) Justice Rashmin Manharbhai Chhaya
Option “3” is correct. On 10th January 2023 Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh has been appointed as the acting Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court (HC), Assam and will take charge from 12th January 2023 after the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Rashmin Manharbhai Chhaya on 11th January 2023. A notification has been issued by the Department of Justice, under the Ministry of Law.
CA STATIC GK
20. Where is the headquarters of Axis Bank Limited located?
1) Mumbai, Maharashtra
2) Ahmedabad, Gujarat
3) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
4) New Delhi, Delhi
5) Bengaluru, Karnataka
Option “1” is correct. About the Axis Bank Limited: Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Amitabh Chaudhry Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra Establishment- 1993
21. As of Jan’ 23 who is the Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe)?
1) Gautami Sudarshan
2) Somanath
3) Darukesha B H M
4) Sandhya Venugopala Sharma
5) Pawan Kumar Goenka
Option “5” is correct. About the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe): Chairman- Pawan Kumar Goenka Headquarters- Ahmedabad, Gujarat Establishment- 2020
22. Which movie won the 80th Annual Golden Globe® Awards 2023 in the category of Best Motion Picture – Drama?
1) Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
2) Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
3) The fablemans
4) Argentina, 1985
5) The Banshees of Inisherin
Option “3” is correct.
23. Name the Prime Minister of Japan as of January ‘23.
1) Yukio Hatoyama
2) Fumio Kishida
3) Yoshihide Suga
4) Yoshihiko Noda
5) Naoto Kan
Option “2” is correct. About Japan: Prime Minister – Fumio Kishida Capital– Tokyo Currency– Japanese Yen
24. Which automobile manufacturer has been recently (in Jan ‘23) named the fastest-growing brand in South Africa for the year 2022?
1) Hyundai
2) Toyota
3) KIA
4) Mahindra
5) Maruti Suzuki
Option “4” is correct. The Indian auto manufacturer Mahindra has been named the fastest-growing brand in South Africa for the year 2022 as the company’s local subsidiary set several records in the last year, according to a report by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). The report said that ‘Mahindra SA’ increased its sales volume by a massive 78 per cent compared to 2021, the highest of all the vehicle brands that report their sales to NAAMSA and more than five times the market average.
25. Which of the following places is/are the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)?
1) Elephanta Caves
2) Jaipur City
3) Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
4) Great Living Chola Temples
5) All the Above
Option “5” is correct. UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its special cultural or physical importance. UNESCO inaugurated the list by adopting a treaty known as the World Heritage Convention in November 1972.
27. Which community celebrates Imoinu Iratpa or Emoinu Iratpa festival in Manipur?
1) Koireng
2) Maram
3) Aimol
4) Meitei
5) Monsang
Option “4” is correct. Imoinu Iratpa or Emoinu Iratpa is a festival celebrated majorly by the Meitei community in Manipur. It is dedicated to the Goddess ‘Imoinu Ahongbi’. The day is observed on the 12th day of the Meitei lunar month, Waakching. This means the festival falls either in December or January according to the Gregorian calendar. This year the festival is falling on January 3.
28.As of (in Jan ‘23) which Urban Co-operative Bank continues to remain under RBI’s direction?
1) Saraswat Co-operative Bank
2) Cosmos Co-operative Bank
3) Sikar Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd
4) Shamrao Vithal Co-operative Bank
5) Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank Ltd
Option “3” is correct. Sikar Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Sikar, Rajasthan will continue to be under RBI’s direction. The Directive shall continue to apply to the bank for a further period of three months from December 10, 2022 to March 09, 2023, subject to review, RBI says in a release. The UCB was placed under All-Inclusive Directions from close of business on November 09, 2018 for a period of six months , the validity of the directions was last extended for three months up to December 09, 2022.
29. With which central bank did RBI recently (in Jan ‘23) sign the Currency Swap Agreement?
1) Maldives Monetary Authority
2) European Central Bank
3) Bank of England
4) Bank of Japan
5) Bank of Canada
Option “1” is correct. The Reserve Bank of India has signed a Currency Swap Agreement with the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) to enable MMA to make drawals in multiple tranches up to a maximum of $200 million from the RBI. • This agreement has been signed under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework.
30.How many Zonal Cultural Centres were recently (in Jan ‘23) set up by the Ministry of Culture to conserve, develop art, culture & crafts across the country?
1) Two
2) Nine
3) Eight
4) Six
5) Seven
Option “5” is correct. The Ministry of Culture has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) with headquarters at Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur. These centers aim to conserve and develop art, culture and crafts across the country. The government provides regular annual grant-inaid for conducting various activities and programmes to ZCCs. However, no State and Union Territory wise funds are released by the Ministry for the purpose.
31. What is the new name of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Ko Kaam Karyakram (PMKKK)?
Option “3” is correct. The Minister of Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani informed that the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Ko Kaam Karyakram (PMKKK) has now been named as Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme. The integrated scheme converges five erstwhile schemes of the Ministry viz. Seekho aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni and Nai Manzil. The scheme has been approved by the Cabinet for the period of 15th Finance Commission. PM VIKAS aims to improve livelihoods of the minorities, particularly the artisan communities, using the components of skill development, education, women leadership & entrepreneurship. These components compliment each other in the ultimate objective of the scheme to increase the incomes of the beneficiaries and provide support by facilitating credit and market linkages
