25th January Current Affairs : Vision IAS Current Affairs
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. Name the platform that has recently (in Jan ‘23) launched by the Government of India (GoI) to digitize India’s Universal Immunization Program (UIP) in a pilot mode.
Option “1” is correct. The Government of India (GoI) has launched U-WIN, a platform to digitize India’s Universal Immunization Program (UIP) in a pilot mode in two districts from each State and Union Territory (UT). i. The GoI initiated this move due to the effectiveness of the Co-WIN platform, and replicated it in establishing this digital registration for routine vaccinations. ii. All states and UTs have been notified of the U-WIN features and objectives for the pilot in 65 districts, and staff and healthcare workers have been trained on all U-WIN modules. iii. The U-WIN platform is a replica of Co-WIN, which was introduced in January 2021 in 65 districts and has been the “digital backbone” for India’s COVID-19 immunization programme.
2. In January 2023, the Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings (AAAR) announced that the mangrove cultivation is different from agriculture and will be subjected to a _______ Goods and
Services Tax (GST).
1) 5%
2) 12%
3) 18%
4) 0%
5) 28%
Option “3” is correct. As per the Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings (AAAR), the cultivation of mangroves is different from agriculture and will not be exempted from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). It will attract 18% GST. i. With this, AAAR upheld the ruling of the West Bengal Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR)
3. Which ministry has recently (in Jan ‘23) signed an MoU with the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to Promote Medical Value Travel in India?
1) Ministry of Women and Child Development
2) Ministry of AYUSH
3) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
4) Ministry of Home Affairs
5) Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Option “2” is correct. The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) have signed an MoU with the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Ministry of Tourism to collaborate on the promotion of Medical Value Travel (MVT) in Ayurveda and other traditional medical systems. i. The implementation and progress of the MoU will be monitored by a Joint Working Group (JWG) cochaired by representatives from MoA and ITDC. ii. Under this MoU, the Ministry of AYUSH will train ITDC officials on the MVT in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine.
4. In January 2023, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) formed an “Oversight Committee” to enquire Allegations Against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
Who will head the committee, as of January 2023?
1) MC Mary Kom
2) Mirabai Chanu
3) PV Sindhu
4) Rani Rampal
5) Bhavani Devi
Option “1” is correct. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) has formed an Oversight Committee headed by Khel Ratna Awardee(Boxing) MC Mary Kom, Chairperson of the Athletes Commission of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), to enquire into the allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment and financial irregularities in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), levelled by prominent sportspersons. i. The oversight committee will complete the enquiry within 4 weeks and during the course of the enquiry, the Committee will also undertake the day-to-day administration of WFI.
BANKING AND FINANCE
5. Name the bank that has recently (in Jan ‘23) received the direction from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to stop all transactions under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS).
1) CSB Bank (India)
2) HSBC Bank (India)
3) DBS Bank (India)
4) Standard Chartered Bank (India)
5) SBM Bank (India)
Option “5” is correct. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in exercise of its powers under sections 35A and 36(1)(a) of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949, directed SBM Bank (India) Ltd to stop all transactions under Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) with immediate effect till further orders. i. This decision has been taken due to certain material supervisory concerns observed in the bank. ii. SBM Bank (India) Ltd is a Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based bank that has been operating as a branch of State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) Ltd since 1994.
6. RBI has recently (in Jan ‘23) extended the deadline for banks to complete the process of renewal of agreements for the existing safe deposit locker holders by 31st December, 2023
from 1st January, 2023.
The deadline has been extended in a phased manner with intermediate milestones of 50% by ___________, and 75% by 30th September, 2023.
1) 30th April 2023
2) 30th June 2023
3) 31st May 2023
4) 31st March 2023
5) 31st July 2023
Option “2” is correct. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended the deadline for banks to complete the process of renewal of agreements for the existing safe deposit locker holders by December 31, 2023 from January 1, 2023. i. The deadline is extended in a phased manner with intermediate milestones of 50% by June 30, 2023, and 75% by September 30, 2023. ii. The Banks are provided with a deadline of April 30, 2023, to notify all their customers regarding the revised requirements.
7. According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) data (as of Jan ‘23), the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has raised more than _________ in capital for
agricultural infrastructure projects.
Option “1” is correct. According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has raised more than Rs. 30,000 crore in capital for agricultural infrastructure projects, with a sanctioned amount of Rs. 15,000 crore. About the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW): Union Minister – Narendra Singh Tomar (Constituency- Morena, Madhya Pradesh) Minister of State (MoS) – Kailash Choudhary (Constituency- Barmer, Rajasthan)
8. Which Small Finance Bank (SFB) has recently (in Jan ‘23) launched the first-of-its-kind Credit Card Offering Platform called ‘SwipeUp’?
1) Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
2) Capital Small Finance Bank
3) Equitas Small Finance Bank
4) AU Small Finance Bank
5) Suryoday Small Finance Bank
Option “4” is correct. AU Small Finance Bank Limited, India’s largest Small Finance Bank (SFB), launched the first-of-itskind ‘SwipeUp’ platform that allows other bank Credit Cardholders to get upgraded AU Credit Cards. i. This new facility for credit card users is similar to mobile number portability which allows to change service provided while retaining the same number. ii. The cards issued in the SwipeUp platform are different from current credit cards offered by AU Small Finance Bank.
9. Name the organisation that has recently (in Jan ‘23) signed an agreement with Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal Private Limited (NSFTPL) to provide USD 131 million loan to upgrade the
Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Port Container Terminal in Maharashtra.
1) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
2) International Monetary Fund
3) Asian Development Bank
4) World Bank
5) African Development Bank
Option “3” is correct. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal Private Limited (NSFTPL) signed USD 131 million loan to upgrade the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Port Container Terminal located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra to enhance international trade in India through efficient, transparent, and state-of-the-art logistics infrastructure. i. The loan comprises USD 61.4 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and USD 69.6 million from Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund (LEAP) administered by ADB. ii. NSFTPL is a special purpose vehicle jointly owned by J M Baxi Ports and Logistics Limited (JMBPL) and CMA Terminals
10. In January 2023, Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) Limited announced a plan to raise at least _________ billion through the sale of bonds maturing in 10 years.
Option “2” is correct. Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) Limited plans to raise at least 30 billion rupees (USD 370.5 million) through the sale of bonds maturing in 10 years. The company has invited bankers and investors to bid for coupons and commitments. i. The issue will also have a greenshoe option to retain an additional Rs 20 billion and will close for subscription later this week. ii. The bonds are rated AAA by CRISIL and will have a put option at the end of the third year.
11. Name the bank that has recently (in Jan ‘23) partnered with the Tata Motors to offer Financing Solutions to its Electric Vehicle (EV) dealers.
1) IndusInd Bank
2) Axis Bank
3) YES Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) ICICI Bank
Option “5” is correct. Tata Motors has tied up with ICICI Bank to offer financing solutions to its authorized passenger Electric Vehicle (EV) dealers. i. Under this, the bank will provide inventory funding to the authorized passenger EV dealers in addition to the bank’s funding to dealers for diesel and petrol models. ii. This partnership envisages making EVs and their purchase process more accessible and seamless.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
12. According to the report “The World of Organic Agriculture Statistics & Emerging Trends 2022” released in January 2023, India secured _____ rank globally in Expanding Organic
Farming in 2020, while ________ tops the list.
1) 3rd; Uruguay
2) 5th; Argentina
3) 2nd; Uruguay
4) 3rd; Argentina
5) 5th; Brazil
Option “4” is correct. According to “The World of Organic Agriculture Statistics & Emerging Trends 2022” report by Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL & IFOAM – Organics International (formerly known as the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements), India is among the top 3 countries in the world (3rd rank), where the total area under organic agriculture expanded the maximum in 2020. i. Argentina (1st rank) topped the list with 7,81,000 hectares (up by 21%), followed by Uruguay (2nd rank) at 5,89,000 hectares (28%) and India at 3,59,000 hectares (16%). ii. The total increase under organic cultivation globally in 2020 was 3 million hectares (mh). iii. Of the world’s total 74.9 MH under organic farming, Australia has the highest at 35.7 MH, whereas India has 2.8 MH.
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS
13. Name the company that has recently (in Jan ‘23) partnered with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to promote an apprenticeship training
framework.
Option “3” is correct. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), under the Ministry of Defense (MoD), to create an apprenticeship training framework to address the need for the skilled and future-ready workforce in the Central Public Sector Undertaking and industries. i. More than 250 apprentices have been employed under the collaboration at the BDL facility in Hyderabad, Telangana, where the ‘Astra’ missile, the state-of-the-art air missile, is being manufactured.
14. Which company has recently (in Jan ‘23) partnered with the Common Service Centre (CSC) Academy, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to train 10,000 women
in Cybersecurity through the ‘Cyber Sangini’ program?
1) OPPO India
2) HUAWEI India
3) Vivo India
4) Samsung India
5) Motorola India
Option “1” is correct. OPPO India, a Mobile phone brand, partnered with the Common Service Centre (CSC) Academy, the Education & Corporate social responsibility (CSR) wing of Common Services Centres (CSC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), GoI, for the Cyber Sangini program, 45- day course, to empower rural and semi-urban women by training them in the fundamentals of cybersecurity and cyber wellness. i. This initiative aims to equip women with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified ‘Cyber Sanginis’ and act as Cyber Security Ambassadors in their area. ii. Cyber Sanginis will be trained in the existing laws and frameworks that every citizen can use to protect themselves from such cyber incidents.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
15. Name the personality who has recently (in Jan ‘23) appointed as Acting Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court (HC).
Option “1” is correct. Justice Sabina, the senior-most judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court (HC), was appointed as Acting Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh HC, in the exercise of the power conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, with effect from 21st January 2023. i. She has been appointed following the retirement of Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice, Amjad Ahtesham Sayed.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
16. How many children have recently (in Jan ‘23) received Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar award for 2023 from President of India, Droupadi Murmu for their exceptional
achievement?
1) 15
2) 11
3) 9
4) 5
5) 20
Option “2” is correct. President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for 2023 to 11 children for their exceptional achievement at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Delhi. The 2023 awardees are from 11 states and Union territories (UTs) include 6 boys and 5 girls. i. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar formerly called the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement, is India’s highest civilian honour for children, awarded annually by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD). ii. The award is conferred on children in the age group of 5 to 18 years for their excellence in different fields of art and culture, bravery, innovation, social service, and sports.
17. Which of the following organisations were recently (in Jan’ 23) selected by the Government of India (GoI) for the Subhash Chandra Bose Apda Prabandhan Puraskar (SCBAPP) in the
institutional category for 2023?
1) Odisha State Disaster Management Authority
2) Lunglei Fire Station (LFS)- Mizoram
3) Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Option “4” is correct. On 23rd January 2023, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the Government of India (GoI) has selected the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and Lunglei Fire Station (LFS), Mizoram, for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar (SCBAPP) for 2023 under the Institutional category for their excellent work in Disaster Management. i. For Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2023, 274 valid nominations were received from institutions and individuals.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
18. Which country’s Naval Group has recently (in Jan’ 23) signed an agreement with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to safely integrate indigenous
systems in Kalvari-class submarines?
1) Germany
2) United States of America
3) Japan
4) Russia
5) France
Option “5” is correct. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Naval Group France have signed an agreement that would greatly improve the endurance of the Indian Navy’s Scorpene-class (Kalvari – class) conventional submarines. i. According to the agreement, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kalvari will soon be equipped with the fuel cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system of Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), giving a significant boost to “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”. With this agreement, cooperation will be enhanced to include the design process for integrating indigenous AIP into Kalvari-class submarines. Kalvari class submarines have been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
IMPORTANT DAYS
19. When was National Girl Child Day (NGCD) 2023 observed across India?
1) 24th January 2023
2) 21st January 2023
3) 23rd January 2023
4) 20th January 2023
5) 22nd January 2023
Option “1” is correct. National Girl Child Day (NGCD) 2023 was observed across India on 24th January 2023 to spread public awareness about inequities that girls face in Indian society. The day also promotes awareness about the rights of the girl child. The day is observed by holding a variety of events to honour girls. i. National Girl Child Day was established in 2008 (1st ever observance-24th January)by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD). ii. The event of National Girl Child Day 2023 is organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education (MoE), with the theme “Self Defence Training for Girls”.
20. What is the theme of United Nations (UN) International Day of Education (IDE) 2023 that was observed across the globe on 24th January 2023?
1) Recover and Revitalize Education for the COVID-19 Generation
2) Changing Course, Transforming Education
3) To Invest in People, Prioritize Education
4) Learning for people, planet, prosperity and peace
5) Education: A Key Driver for Inclusion and Empowerment
Option “3” is correct. The United Nations (UN) International Day of Education (IDE) is observed annually across the globe on January 24 to celebrate the role of education in peace and development with the theme of “to invest in people, prioritize education”. i. 24th January 2023 marks the 5th observation of International Day of Education. ii. The 1st ever International Day of Education was observed on 24th January 2019.
CA STATIC GK
21. Himachal Pradesh is celebrating its ________ Statehood Day on 25th January 2023.
1) 51st
2) 53rd
3) 54th
4) 50th
5) 52nd
Option “2” is correct. Himachal Pradesh is celebrating its 53rd Statehood Day with full enthusiasm across the state on 25th January 2023. i. On December 18, 1970, the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament, and the new State came into being on January 25, 1971. ii. Himachal Pradesh became the 18th State of the Indian Union with Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar as its first chief minister
22. Which company has recently (in Jan ‘23) launched India’s first indigenously developed human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) “CERVAVAC,” against cervical cancer in women?
1) Biocon Limited
2) GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals
3) Panacea Biotech Limited
4) Serum Institute of India
5) Bharat Biotech International Limited
Option “4” is correct. On the occasion of National Girl Child Day (24th January ), the Serum Institute of India launched India’s first indigenously developed human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV)– “CERVAVAC,” against cervical cancer in women.
23. Who has been named as the captain of the ICC Women’s One Day International (ODI) Team of the Year 2022?
Option “4” is correct. The Indian cricket team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has been named the captain of the ICC Women’s One Day International (ODI) Team of the Year 2022. i. The list also includes opener Smriti Mandhana and pace bowler Renuka Thakur
24. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently (in Jan ‘23) slapped a fine of ________ on Air India for not reporting two incidents of unruly behaviour by passengers onboard
the Paris-New Delhi flight.
Option “5” is correct. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) slapped a fine of Rs 10 lakh on Air India for not reporting two incidents of unruly behaviour by passengers onboard the Paris-New Delhi flight on December 6 last year (2022). i. This is the second time in less than a week that Air India has been fined by the DGCA. On 21st January 2023, the DGCA imposed a penalty of Rs 30 lakh on Air India over the incident involving a person allegedly urinating on an elderly female co-passenger. ii. It has also suspended the pilot of the New York-Delhi flight and slapped a penalty of Rs 3 lakh penalty on Air India’s Director of in-flight services for failing to discharge her duties.
25. Name the ministry that has recently (in Jan ‘23) approved the proposal of installing an antidrone system (ADS) for the Republic Day parade (26th January 2023) in Delhi.
1) Ministry of Civil Aviation
2) Ministry of Culture
3) Ministry of Science and Technology
4) Ministry of Home Affairs
5) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Option “4” is correct. The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the request of the Delhi Police to deploy the latest antidrone system (ADS) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which has features like radar and soft kill and hard kill, as part of security arrangements for the Republic Day parade on January 26 and the Beating Retreat Ceremony on January 29
26. Who is the current (as of Jan ‘23) Chairman of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)?
1) Shirley Garrood
2) Richard Sharp
3) Shumeet Banerji
4) Tim Davie
5) Damon Buffini
Option “2” is correct. About British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC): Chairman– Richard Sharp Headquarters– London, United Kingdom
27. For the first time, a third-gender personnel from ‘Bastar Fighters’ will take part in the Republic Day Parade (26th January 2023) at Jagdalpur, ____________.
Option “3” is correct. For the first time, a third-gender personnel from ‘Bastar Fighters’ will take part in the Republic Day Parade at Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. The “Bastar Fighters” is the special unit of the Chhattisgarh police department deployed in the Maoist-affected divisions of Bastar. i. This is the first time the third gender would be included in the parade. It will send a positive message to the region.
28. Who has been crowned as the ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year 2022?
1) Gerhard Erasmus
2) Stephan Baard
3) Bernard Scholtz
4) Jan Frylinck
5) Karl Birkenstock
Option “1” is correct. Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus was crowned as the ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year 2022. i. On the T20I front, Erasmus continued to evolve in the power game. He made an unbeaten century against Uganda in a home T20I series, before making multiple contributions in his team’s historic T20I series win over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
29. Name the India’s 1st Sindhi OTT Platform that was recently (in Jan ‘23) launched by Vicky Rajani & Gurvinder Singh Butter, Directors of Sai Digital Broadcast Media Pvt. Ltd.
Option “3” is correct. SindhiPlex is India’s 1st Sindhi OTT Platform launched by Directors of Sai Digital Broadcast Media Pvt. Ltd, Vicky Rajani & Gurvinder Singh Butter on 20th January 2023. SindhiPlex has a subscription model where VARIOUS packages will be introduced for users. i. Sindhiplex is an OTT platform that is under the banner of Sai Digital Broadcast Media Pvt. Ltd.
30. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has recently (in Jan ‘23) participated in FITUR (International Tourism Trade Fair) held at _____________.
1) Vienna, Austria
2) Paris, France
3) Geneva, Switzerland
4) Rome, Italy
5) Madrid, Spain
Option “5” is correct. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India participated in FITUR (International Tourism Trade Fair) from 18th to 22nd January in Madrid, Spain which is one of the world’s largest international travel exhibitions. i. India’s participation at FITUR is significant to step up the recovery of inbound tourism to prepandemic levels. ii. The Ministry of Tourism has taken a space of 253 sq. mtr., with over 30 participants co-exhibiting with the India Pavilion to participate in the Exhibition.
