1st February Current Affairs : Vision IAS Current Affairs
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. In January 2023, United States (U.S.)-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) launched the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Initiative to increase women in
STEM education & workforce in India. Who is the current (as of Jan ‘23) president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the USISPF?
Option “1” is correct. Mukesh Aghi, president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the United States(U.S.)-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) launched the U.S.-India Alliance for Women’s Economic Empowerment STEM Initiative(STEM Collaborative) to increase the number of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and the workforce in India. i. The STEM initiative was launched during the US-India Alliance Shatter Summit.
2. In which state, Indian Army’s Exercise Topchi 2023, the annual firepower demonstration and training exercise, was conducted by the School of Artillery in January 2023?
Option “5” is correct. Indian Army’s ‘Exercise Topchi 2023’, the annual firepower demonstration and training exercise, was conducted by the School of Artillery at the Devlali field firing ranges, in Devlali, Nashik, Maharashtra. i. The highlight of the exercise was the display and firing of indigenously manufactured (Made in India) Artillery equipment. ii. The event was conducted under the stewardship of Lt Gen S Harimohan Iyer, AVSM, Commandant School of Artillery and Col Commandant Regiment of Artillery. iii. The highlight of the exercise was display and firing by indigenously manufactured artillery equipment viz K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, Indian field gun (IFG)/ light field gun (LFG) system and Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers.
3. According to the “State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India” report by Mercom India Research, released in January 2023, India’s solar module manufacturing capacity will reach 95
GW by which year?
1) 2026
2) 2028
3) 2025
4) 2027
5) 2024
Option “3” is correct. According to “State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India” report by Mercom India Research, India’s capacity to manufacture solar photovoltaic (PV) modules exceeded 39 gigawatts (GW) by the end of September 2022, and it is anticipated to reach about 95 GW by the end of the calendar year (CY) 2025. • The report offers an in-depth analysis of the solar PV module manufacturing landscape in India. i. As of September 2022, India had a solar cell manufacturing capacity of around 4.7 GW, which is predicted to rise seven-fold by the end of CY 2024.
4. In January 2023, the Ministry of Law and Justice constituted a working committee under the chairmanship of _________, to draft rules and standards for the implementation of the provisions
of the Mediation Bill/Act 2021 in India.
Option “4” is correct. The Ministry of Law and Justice has constituted a working committee under the chairmanship of former Law Secretary PK Malhotra to draft rules and standards for the implementation of the provisions of the Mediation Bill/Act 2021 in India. i. The committee will provide suggestions for setting various standards including, certifications, accreditation, grading, criteria etc, for various stakeholders under the Mediation Bill. ii. The committee would suggest a way for the online conduct of mediation as per subordinate legislation. iii. The committee will provide a roadmap regarding the implementation of the provisions of the Mediation Bill/Act.
5. Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has recently (in Jan ‘23) re-dedicated Sagar Samrat, as a Mobile Offshore Production Unit (MOPU). Sagar Samrat is the drilling rig of which company?
1) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
2) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
3) Hindustan Petroleum Limited
4) Bharat Petroleum Limited
5) Oil India Limited
Option “1” is correct. Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, re-dedicated Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) iconic drilling rig Sagar Samrat, as a Mobile Offshore Production Unit (MOPU) at a ceremony held on Sagar Samrat. i. MOPU Sagar Samrat commenced production on 23rd December 2022 and is currently deployed at the Western Offshore (WO)-16 field, located 140-145 kilometres west of Mumbai. ii. MOPU will handle up to 20,000 barrels per day of crude oil and is expected to add 6,000 barrels per day to India’s production. Note- Sagar Samrat, commissioned in 1973, has drilled almost 125 wells and has been involved with 14 key offshore oil and gas discoveries in India.
6. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting “Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels in India, 2022”, TV channels should show at least __________
of public broadcasting (PSB) content every day.
Option “2” is correct. On 30th January 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting clarified that the topics of national importance and social relevance embedded in the programmes broadcast by private TV channels would qualify for their obligation under the “Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels in India, 2022”. i. The guidelines ask TV channels to show at least 30 minutes of public broadcasting (PSB)content every day and 15 hours monthly and submit a monthly report on the Broadcast Seva Portal on or before the seventh day of the following month. ii. Foreign television channels downlinking in India and channels broadcasting predominantly (more than 12 hours) sports, devotional, spiritual and yoga content are exempted from providing the monthly reports. • These norms will become effective from 31 March 2023
BANKING AND FINANCE
7. Name the bank that has recently (in Jan ‘23) partnered with ToneTag to launch the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Payment.
1) YES Bank
2) Axis Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) IDFC FIRST Bank
Option “5” is correct. IDFC FIRST Bank has partnered with ToneTag, the world’s largest provider of audio-based solutions, in order to facilitate the acceptance of digital rupee at merchant outlets. i. This collaboration comes after the pilot launch of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for retail users by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). ii. The RBI has identified 8 banks for phased participation in the CBDC retail pilot project. • The initial phase covers 4 banks in Mumbai (Maharashtra), New Delhi (Delhi), Bengaluru (Karnataka), and Bhubaneswar (Odisha): State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank, Yes Bank, and IDFC First Bank.
8. Which company has recently (in Jan ‘23) emerged as India’s first payment gateway player to process Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) or Digital Rupee (e-rupee) transactions for
online retail merchants?
Option “2” is correct. CCAvenue, the premier payments brand of Infibeam Avenues Limited (IAL), has emerged as India’s first payment gateway player to process Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) or Digital Rupee (erupee) transactions for online retail merchants. CBDC is a robust, efficient, trusted, and legal tender-based real-time payment option.
9. According to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), there was an increase in the number of micro Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) installed all over India in 2022, while no
major increase in the value of money withdrawn through ATMs. How many micro ATMs are operating across India, As of December 2022?
Option “3” is correct. According to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), there was a sharp increase in the number of micro Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) installed all over India in 2022. However, no major increase in the value of money withdrawn through these devices has occurred since June 2022. i. As of December 2022, there were 14.19 lakh micro ATMs operating across India. ii. Meanwhile, in December 2020, cash withdrawals amounted to Rs. 19.67 lakh crore. • It was Rs. 25.2 lakh crore in December 2021 and had grown to just around Rs. 25.5 lakh crore by November 2022, when the number of micro ATMs was at 13.3 lakh.
10. Which Insurance Company has recently (in Jan ‘23) launched ‘Pay as You Drive’ (PAYD) vehicle Insurance Policy to offer premiums based on the usage of the vehicle?
1) Royal Sundaram General Insurance Company
2) Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company
3) Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company
4) Star Health and Allied Insurance Company
5) New India Assurance Company
Option “5” is correct. New India Assurance (NIA) has launched its ‘Pay as You Drive’ (PAYD) vehicle Insurance Policy to offer a premium based on the usage of the vehicle. i. Usage-based insurance (UBI), also known as pay as you drive (PAYD), pay how you drive (PHYD) and mile-based auto insurance, is a type of vehicle insurance whereby the costs are dependent upon type of vehicle used, measured against time, distance, behavior and place. ii. Features of PAYD include discounts on renewals, coverage beyond distance limit, and enhanced protections such as zero depreciation, roadside assistance, engine protection, return to invoice, etc
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
11. According to the “Asia-Pacific Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2022: Urban Food Security and Nutrition” report jointly released by UN Agencies In January 2023, an increasing
number of people in Asia lack enough to eat as food insecurity rises with greater prices and worsening poverty.
Which of the following organizations has jointly released the report along with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)?
1) World Food Programme (WFP)
2) World Health Organization (WHO)
3) united Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Option “5” is correct. According to a joint report by the United Nations (UN) Agencies titled “Asia-Pacific Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2022: Urban Food Security and Nutrition”, an increasing number of people in Asia lack enough to eat as food insecurity rises with greater prices and worsening poverty. i. This joint flagship report is published by 4 specialized agencies of the UN: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). • The report is the fifth annual assessment of food insecurity and hunger by the UN agencies. ii. According to the report, about a half billion people were undernourished in 2021, with more than eight in ten of them in South Asia, and more than 1 billion experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. • Since the Taliban seized control in Afghanistan in August 2021, its economy has collapsed, leaving 70% of the population with moderate to severe food insecurity. • In Cambodia, half of the population suffers from moderate to severe food insecurity.
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS
12. In January 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected India’s growth to decline from 6.8% in 2022 to ________ in 2023.
1) 6.2%
2) 5.9%
3) 6.5%
4) 6.1%
5) 6.4%
Option “4” is correct. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its World Economic Outlook- January 2023 update has projected India’s growth to decline from 6.8% in 2022 to 6.1% in 2023 before picking up to 6.8% in 2024. • The expected slowdown in FY24 is due to external factors. i. Global growth is projected to fall from an estimated 3.4% in 2022 to 2.9% in 2023, then rise to 3.1% in 2024. The global growth projected for 2023 and 2024 is below the historical (2000–19) annual average of 3.8% ii. Global inflation will decline from 8.8% in 2022 (annual average) to 6.6% in 2023 and 4.3% in 2024, above pre-pandemic (2017–19) levels of about 3.5%. iii. World trade growth is expected to decline in 2023 to 2.4%, despite an easing of supply bottlenecks, before rising to 3.4% in 2024.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
13. Name the personality who has recently (in Jan ‘23) appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unilever with the effect from 1st July 2023.
1) Hein Schumacher
2) Alan Jope
3) Conny Braams
4) Hanneke Faber
5) Sanjiv Mehta
Option “1” is correct. Unilever, the British multinational consumer goods company, appointed Hein Schumacher, as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO), replacing Alan Jope who announced his intention to retire from Unilever after strategy mishaps frustrated investors including Nelson Peltz. i. Hein Schumacher is the CEO of Royal FrieslandCampina, a Dutch multinational dairy cooperative based in Amersfoort, Netherlands. ii. He will take over as the CEO of Unilever on 1st July 2023, following a one-month handover
14. Who has recently (in Jan ‘23) appointed as the Brand Ambassador of Puma India?
Option “2” is correct. Puma India, one of the largest sportswear brands, has roped in Indian Women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur as its brand ambassador as a part of Puma India’s commitment towards the women’s business, particularly in the sports segment in India. i. As the brand ambassador, Harmanpreet will endorse the brand’s footwear, apparel and accessories throughout the year. About Harmanpreet Kaur: She won the ICC Player of the Month award in the ODI series in England in 2022. • Harmanpreet Kaur was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2017 for Cricket
15. Who was recently (in Jan ‘23) appointed as Morgan Stanley’s new country head for India?
Option “5” is correct. Morgan Stanley appointed Arun Kohli as the new Country Head for India to replace Sanjay Shah, a veteran of 26 years at the firm, who will be retiring from service. i. Presently, Arun Kohli, a veteran in the field of investment banking, serves as Morgan Stanley’s Managing Director (MD) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
16. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the Best marching contingents and tableaux of Republic Day (R-Day) Parade 2023 announced by the Ministry of Defence in
January 2023?
A) Madhya Pradesh was selected as the best state tableaux by a panel of judges with the theme of Sade Tin Shaktipithe & Nari Shakti.
B) Gujarat won the best state tableaux under online poll on MyGov category with the theme Clean-Green energy efficient Gujarat.
C) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Marching Contingent was declared as the Best Marching Contingent among Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)/other auxiliary forces under both
categories.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Option “3” is correct. The Ministry of Defence(MoD) announced the best marching contingents and tableaux of Republic Day (R-Day) Parade 2023 in two separate results, one selected by the 3 member Expert Committee of Ministry of Defence and the other through an online public vote conducted by MyGov platform. • A total of 23 tableaux- 17 from states and union territories (UTs) and six from various ministries and departments- participated in the R-Day parade 2023. i. The expert panel has declared Uttarakhand’s tableaux, featuring the Manaskhand, as the winner of the first prize under Best Tableaux of State/UTs. • Maharashtra’s tableaux with the theme Sade Tin Shaktipithe & Nari Shakti and Uttar Pradesh(UP)’s tableaux featuring the 3-day Deepotsav won the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. ii. As per the online poll results, Gujarat’s tableau with the theme Clean-Green energy efficient Gujarat was declared the winner of the 1st prize while UP and Maharashtra won the 2nd and 3rd prize respectively. iii. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Marching Contingent was declared as the Best Marching Contingent among Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)/other auxiliary forces under both categories.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
17. Name the drone start-up company that has recently (in Jan ‘23) showcased India’s 1st Drone with Parachute Integrated System.
1) Eminent Air Private Limited
2) DroneAcharya Private Limited
3) IoTech World Private Limited
4) Skylark Drones Private Limited
5) Endure Air Private Limited
Option “1” is correct. Eminent Air Private Limited, a New Delhi (Delhi) based drone start-up, showcased India’s 1st oneof-its-kind drone with a Parachute Integrated system as part of an event to mark its inaugural flight. The inaugural flight was a part of a live demonstration to highlight the drone’s capabilities and features. i. The custom-designed UAVs have a maximum takeoff weight of 35 kg and can travel more than 60 kilometres in 60 minutes during a single mission, depending on the load. • The UAV’s performance is inversely proportional to the weight it carries. ii. The drone with Parachute Integrated System’, ensures safe and dependable delivery of items and eliminates any potential risk during the operation.
IMPORTANT DAYS
18. When was Martyrs Day 2023, also known as Sarvodaya day, observed across India?
1) 29th January 2023
2) 31st January 2023
3) 27th January 2023
4) 30th January 2023
5) 28th January 2023
Option “4” is correct. Martyrs’ Day, also known as Sarvodaya day or Shaheed Diwas, is annually observed across India on January 30 to pay tribute to all who sacrificed their lives for India. • The day also marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was fondly called ‘Bapu’. i. 30th January 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi. Note- Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas is also observed across India on March 23 to commemorate the sacrifice of 3 young freedom fighters of India- Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar. • 23rd March 2023 marks the 92nd death anniversary of the 3 freedom fighters.
SPORTS
19. In January 2023, India won the 1st ICC (International Cricket Council) Under-19 Women’s T20 (Twenty 20) World Cup 2023 by defeating which country?
1) New Zealand
2) Australia
3) England
4) West Indies
5) South Africa
Option “3” is correct. India won the 1st ICC (International Cricket Council) Under-19 Women’s T20 (Twenty 20) World Cup 2023 by defeating England with 7 wickets. The Indian team was captained by Shafali Verma. i. It was the first edition of the ICC Women’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup and it was hosted by South Africa (SA) from January 14 – 29, 2023. ii. With this India became the first title holder of the ICC Women’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup. This is also India’s first World Cup win in the women’s section. iii. The matches were held at Absa Puk Oval and Senwes Park in Potchefstroom; and Willowmoore Park in Benoni, SA. Note- Following the win, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has announced prize money of Rs 5 crore for the India U-19 women’s team.
STATE NEWS
20. Which state’s Road Transport Corporation has recently (in Jan’ 23) signed an MoU with Nalsoft Private Limited for the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)?
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Telangana
3) Karnataka
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Jharkhand
Option “2” is correct. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nalsoft Private Limited for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation. i. TSRTC is the first State Road Transport Corporation undertaking in India to commission and implement ERP. ii. Over 10,000 vehicles are in the TSRTC’s fleet, and 47,528 employees (of whom 37,000 are drivers and conductors and the rest mechanics), are overseen by 200 officers. iii. TSRTC manages around 45 lakh passengers (30 lakh fare-paying and 15 lakh bus pass-holders), travelling 32 million kilometres daily, across 99 depots, 364 bus stops, and 3,000 routes.
CA STATIC GK
21. Who is the current (as of Jan ‘23) Managing Director (MD) of Infibeam Avenues Limited (IAL)?
Option “5” is correct. Infibeam Avenues Limited (IAL) IAL is an Indian multinational financial technology (fintech) company. Founder & Managing Director (MD) – Vishal Mehta Founded – 2007 Headquarters – Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT), Gandhinagar, Gujarat
22. Where is the headquarters of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) located?
1) Vienna, Austria
2) Paris, France
3) Geneva, Switzerland
4) Rome, Italy
5) Madrid, Spain
Option “4” is correct. About the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP): The World Food Program (WFP) is the largest humanitarian organisation in the world. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020. Executive Director – David Beasley Headquarters – Rome, Italy Established – 1961
23. Who is the current (as of Jan ‘23) Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IDFC FIRST Bank?
1) Murali M. Natrajan
2) Shanti Lal Jain
3) V. Vaidyanathan
4) Shyam Srinivasan
5) Vikash Verma
Option “3” is correct. About IDFC FIRST Bank: IDFC FIRST Bank was formed by the merger of erstwhile IDFC Bank and Capital First, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) on 18th December 2018. MD & CEO – V. Vaidyanathan Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
24. In January 2023, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the __________ International Kolkata Book Fair at Salt Lake.
1) 46th
2) 48th
3) 50th
4) 52nd
5) 54th
Option “1” is correct. West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair at Salt Lake on January 30, 2023. i. Spain is the theme country at the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair held at West Bengal between 31st January, 2023 to February, 2023. ii. The Ambassador of Spain to the country Jose Maria Ridao announced that India will be invited as the theme country at the Madrid International Book Fair in 2025
25. In January 2023, Mughal Garden in Delhi University’s North Campus was renamed as ___________________Garden.
1) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Centenary
2) Gautam Buddha Centenary
3) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Centenary
4) Mahavira Centenary
5) C. V. Raman Centenary
Option “2” is correct. Mughal Garden in Delhi University’s North Campus has been renamed as ‘Gautam Buddha Centenary’ Garden. i. The garden does not have a Mughal design, was the rationale given by the university behind the rechristening, which was done on 27th January 2023.
26. Who was recently (in Jan ‘23) conferred with the prestigious Gangadhar National Award for poetry-2021 by Sambalpur University?
1) Rafeeq Ahamed
2) Rajeev Alunkal
3) P. Bhaskaran
4) K G Sankara Pillai
5) Punaloor Balan
Option “4” is correct. Eminent Malayalam poet, K G Sankara Pillai was conferred with the prestigious Gangadhar National Award for poetry-2021 by Sambalpur University on the occasion of its 56th foundation day (10th January, 2023). i. The award carries Rs 1 lakh, a shawl, a citation and a memento.
27. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty20 International (T20I) Rankings (as of 1st February 2023), Indian cricketer, _________ has climbed to the second spot in
the T20 bowling rankings in Women’s Cricket.
Option “2” is correct. In Women’s Cricket, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has climbed to the second spot in the T20 bowling rankings, released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on 1st February 2023. i. England’s Sophie Ecclestone, who is at the top of the ranking, has 763 points while 25-year-old offspinner Deepti has 737 points. The third position is held by South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba with 732 points.
28. In which city, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival was held in January 2023?
Option “3” is correct. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival concluded in Mumbai, Maharashtra in January 2023. This event was the biggest ever SCO Film Festival, with 58 films from 14 countries being showcased.
29. Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is situated in which state?
Option “1” is correct. About Madhya Pradesh (MP): Chief Minister (CM) – Shivraj Singh Chouhan Governor – Mangubhai Patel National Parks – Panna National Park; Pench National Park Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLS) – Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary; Ghatigaon wildlife sanctuary
