28th January Current Affairs : Vision IAS Current Affairs
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. In January 2023, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled World’s 1st intranasal COVID-19 vaccine, ‘iNCOVACC’.
Which organisation developed the ‘iNCOVACC vaccine’ in collaboration with Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance (BIRAC)?
1) Biocon Limited
2) GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals
3) Panacea Biotech Limited
4) Serum Institute of India
5) Bharat Biotech International Limited
Option “5” is correct Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, unveiled the iNCOVACC, the world’s 1st intranasal COVID-19 vaccine to receive approval for the primary 2-dose schedule and as a heterologous booster dose, in the presence of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh. i. It is developed by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in collaboration with Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance (BIRAC), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
2. Name the company that has recently (in Jan ‘23) launched ‘Samadhan’, a one stop solution centre for oil palm farmers.
Option “2” is correct Godrej Agrovet Ltd. has launched ‘Samadhan’, a one stop solution centre for oil palm farmers, under its Oil Palm business. It will provide a comprehensive package of knowledge, tools, services and solutions to farmers. i. Through this initiative, Godrej Agrovet Ltd. will share global best practices with Indian oil palm farmers and help the farmers to adopt these practices. ii. It also became the first company in India to be awarded a verification Certification under the Indian Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) Framework. iii. Under this initiative, Godrej Agrovet will establish 50 Samadhan centers across India by 2027.
3. The Central Government has recently (in Jan ‘23) approved a proposal to sell _________ Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat under the Open Market Sale Scheme- Domestic (OMSS-D) to control the price of wheat and wheat flour
1) 80
2) 50
3) 60
4) 30
5) 20
Option “4” is correct The Central Government approved a proposal to sell 30 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat under the Open Market Sale Scheme- Domestic (OMSS-D) to control prices of wheat and wheat flour. i. This approval has been made amid rising prices of wheat. ii. The offloading of 30 LMT wheat will be done by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from the Central pool stock to the market through various routes under OMSS-D. iii. FCI will start the process of E-auction of stocks immediately, throughout India from January to March 2023 i.e. within 2 months.
4. Which of the following organizations/companies have recently (in Jan ‘23) signed a tripartite agreement with NITI Aayog- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) to bring a change in the education sector?
1) Central Board of Secondary Education
2) Intel India
3) Wipro Limited
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 1 & 3
Option “4” is correct A tripartite agreement has been inked between the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM); Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)- Ministry of Education (MoE); and Intel India to bring a change in the education sector by utilizing future skills, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), in the formal curriculum. i. It was signed during an event at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, Delhi which was attended by Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director, AIM.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
5. Which country has recently (in Jan ‘23) conducted the 1st edition of the bilateral Air Exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ along with India?
1) Singapore
2) Sri Lanka
3) Indonesia
4) Japan
5) Bangladesh
Option “4” is correct Veer Guardian-2023, a joint Air Exercise between India and Japan involving the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) was held at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan and its surrounding airspace in Omitama and Iruma Air Base in Sayama, Japan from 12th January 2023 to 26 January 2023. i. This is the inaugural edition of the bilateral Air Exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ between India & Japan.
6. Name the United Nations organisation that has recently (in Jan ‘23) announced the launch of a Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Education Program in Asia along with Solvay, a Belgian multinational chemical company.
1) United Nations Children’s Fund
2) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
3) United Nations Development Programme
4) United Nations Institute for Training and Research
5) United Nations Human Settlement Programme
Option “2” is correct The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Solvay, a Belgian multinational chemical company, announced the launch of a Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Education Program, aiming at engaging high schoolers and graduate students from Asia- India, Indonesia and South Korea. i. The Program was developed by UNESCO and Solvay, the 2-leading science-based organisations that have a 3-year partnership. ii. The program will explore the mutual impact on the environment by focusing on the theme “Sustainable living for one planet”.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
7. Who was recently (in Jan ‘23) honoured with the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Contribution Award 2022 for his contribution to India for Spreading Indian Cuisine Globally with Moksh Restaurant in South Africa?
Option “1” is correct Global Entrepreneur Sunil Krishnan was honoured with the coveted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Contribution Award 2022 for his contribution to India – for Spreading Indian Cuisine Globally With Moksh Restaurant in South Africa. i. Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshiyari presented the award during the ceremony organised at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
8. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the Padma Shri Award 2023?
A) A total of 91 Padma Shri Awards were announced for the year 2023.
B) Rakesh Radheshyam Jhunjhunwala, commonly referred to as “India’s Warren Buffet,” has been awarded the Padma Shri posthumously in the field of Science & Engineering.
C) M.M. Keeravaani, the composer who recently received a Golden Globe for his song “Naatu Naatu” from the film “RRR” was named for Padma Shri award in the field of Art.
1) Only A
2) Only B
3) Only A & C
4) Only B & C
5) All A, B & C
Option “3” is correct A total of 91 Padma Shri Awards were announced for the year 2023. i. Rakesh Radheshyam Jhunjhunwala, commonly referred to as “India’s Warren Buffet,” who died at the age of 62 on August 14, 2022, has been awarded the Padma Shri posthumously in the field of Trade & Industry. ii. M.M. Keeravaani, the composer who recently received a Golden Globe for his song “Naatu Naatu” from the film “RRR.” • The song was also nominated for an Oscar in the category of Best Song.
9. Which of the following is ‘Incorrect’ with respect to 2023 Padma Bhushan awardees and their field?
1) Deepak Dhar – Science & Engineering
2) Kumar Mangalam Birla – Trade and Industry
3) Vani Jairam – Art
4) S L Bhyrappa – Sports
5) Sudha Murty – Social Work
Option “4” is correct
• Deepak Dhar – Science & Engineering • Kumar Mangalam Birla – Trade and Industry • Vani Jairam – Art • S L Bhyrappa – Literature and Education • Sudha Murty – Social Work
10. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the 2023 Padma Award?
A) The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the 106 Padma Awards in 2023 which includes 19 awards to women and 2 to Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI.
B) Mulayam Singh Yadav, served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh 3 times, was named for Padma Vibhushan (posthumously) in the field of Public Affairs.
C) Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi (BV Doshi) is the only Indian to have received the Pritzker Architecture Prize, was named for Padma Vibhushan (posthumously) in the field of Others.
11) Only C
2) Only A & B
3) Only A & C
4) Only B & C
5) All A, B & C
Option “5” is correct The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the 106 Padma Awards in 2023 comprises 6 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan, and 91 Padma Shri Awards, including 3 duo cases (in a duo case, the award is counted as one) on the eve of India’s 74th Republic Day. • There are 19 women among the awardees, as well as 2 persons from the category of Foreigners/ Non-Resident Indian (NRI) / Person of Indian Origin (PIO) / Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and 7 Posthumous awardees
BANKING AND FINANCE
12. In January 2023, India sold its first sovereign green bonds worth a total of __________ at 5-6 Basis Points Below Sovereign Yields.
India sold its first sovereign green bonds worth a total of Rs 80 billion (USD 979.61 million) at yields below comparable government bonds. i. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) auctioned 40 billion rupees of 5-year bonds at a coupon rate of 7.10 per cent, 5 basis points below the 5-year sovereign yield. ii. Another 40 billion rupees in 10-year bonds were sold at a 7.29%, 6 basis points below comparable government securities.
13. Name the Insurance Company that has recently (in Jan ‘23) partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to allow policyholders to pay their premiums via “UPI 123PAY”.
1) HDFC Life Insurance
2) Exide Life Insurance
3) Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance
4) Canara HSBC Life Insurance
5) Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance
Option “1” is correct
HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (HDFC Life) has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to allow policyholders to pay their premiums via “UPI 123PAY”, a unique voice-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) service. i. The “first of its kind” UPI 123Pay aims to significantly streamline the premium payment procedure for HDFC Life policyholders. ii. In 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released UPI 123Pay, a voice-based payment feature developed by the NPCI and launched to improve the digital penetration of financial services.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
14. Name the country that has recently (in Jan ‘23) elected as Vice-Chair at the 12th session of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO’s) Intergovernmental Technical Working Group
(ITWG) on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) held in Rome, Italy.
1) Brazil
2) Spain
3) Germany
4) Japan
5) India
Option “5” is correct
During the 12th Session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group (ITWG) on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) at Rome, Italy from January 18-20, 2023, India was elected as the ViceChair and represented the Asia & Pacific region. • Dr Bhupendra Nath Tripathi, Deputy Director General (Animal Sciences), ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), and the National Coordinator, vice-chaired the Session and also acted as Rapporteur. i. There was an implementation of the Global Plan of Action for AnGR, monitoring of AnGR diversity and reviewing the 3rd Country Report. • ITWG was created by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO’s) Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) at its 7th Session in May 1997. • It reviews technical issues, advises and makes recommendations to the Commission and further implements the Commission’s programme related to AnGR at global level.
15. Who has recently (in Jan ‘23) appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tata Trusts, while Aparna Uppaluri has been appointed as the first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO)?
Option “4” is correct Tata Trusts has appointed former civil servant Siddharth Sharma, chief sustainability officer of Tata Sons, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and former Ford Foundation official Aparna Uppaluri as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO) with effect from 1st April 2023. The position of COO in Tata Trusts is created for the first time. i. Siddharth Sharma will succeed Srinath Narasimhan who stepped down as the CEO of Tata Trusts in 2022 following his retirement.
16. Who has been recently (in Jan ‘23) appointed as the Vice President (VP) and Head of Global Merchant & Network Services in American Express (Amex) India?
Option “3” is correct American Express Banking Corp., (AEBC) announced the appointment of Anurag Gupta as the Vice President (VP) and Head of Global Merchant & Network Services in American Express (Amex) India, bringing both the acquiring and the network cards issuance teams under one leader. i. Anurag Gupta will be in charge of extending Amex merchant coverage and the network that issues American Express Cards, through bank partnerships.
IMPORTANT DAYS
17. When was the United Nations (UN) International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust observed across the globe with the theme of “Home and Belonging”?
1) 27th January 2023
2) 24th January 2023
3) 26th January 2023
4) 23rd January 2023
5) 25th January 2023
Option “1” is correct United Nations (UN) International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust (International Holocaust Remembrance Day) is annually observed across the globe on January 27 to remember the victims of the Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, which was the genocide of European Jews during World War II. • 27th January 2023 marks the 78th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a Nazi German concentration and extermination camp. i. The theme of International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust 2023 is “Home and Belonging”. ii. The 1st ever International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust was observed on 27th January 2006. iii. UNESCO hosted the Wiener Holocaust Library exhibition “‘There was a time…’: Jewish Family Photographs Before 1939” from 17th January 2023 to 10th February 2023 in Paris, France.
18. The International Customs Day (ICD) 2023 was observed across the globe on __________________.
1) 27th January 2023
2) 24th January 2023
3) 25th January 2023
4) 23rd January 2023
5) 26th January 2023
Option “5” is correct International Customs Day (ICD) is annually observed across the globe on January 26 to acknowledge the role of customs officials in managing the efficient flow and exchange of goods and services across countries. i. 26th January 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the WCO, a unique Organisation dedicated to international cooperation and the sharing of knowledge. ii. The day also commemorates the inaugural session of the Customs Cooperation Council (now World Customs Organization) held in Brussels, Belgium in 1953. iii. The theme of International Customs Day 2023 is “Nurturing the Next Generation: Promoting a Culture of Knowledge-sharing and Professional Pride in Customs”.
19. Which of the following points is ‘Incorrect’ with respect to India’s 74th Republic Day events and parade held at the Kartavya Path on 26th January 2023?
1) Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro is the chief guest of the 74th Republic Day.
2) The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, awarded the President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) to 6 Indian Coast Guard(ICG) Personnel.
3) President Droupadi Murmu approved the conferment of the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards 2022 on 43 people.
4) President Droupadi Murmu approved 412 gallantry awards and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel.
5) A total of 23 tableaus- 17 from States and Union Territories, and 6 from Central Ministries and Departments participated in the parade on the Kartavya Path.
Option “1” is correct The republic day events and parade were held at the newly-renovated and renamed Kartavya Path (previously known as Rajpath) in New Delhi, Delhi. i. President of India, Droupadi Murmu, led her maiden Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path and unfurled the national flag. The flag hoist was followed by a rendition of the national anthem and a 21- gun salute. • For the first time, the 21-gun salute was presented with “Made in India” 105 mm field guns replacing the seven vintage Quick Fire 25-pounder guns which have been used since Independence. ii. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El –Sisi is the chief guest of the 74th Republic Day. iii. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, awarded the President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) to 6 Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Personnel. iv. President Droupadi Murmu approved the conferment of the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards – 2022 on 43 people. v. President Droupadi Murmu approved 412 gallantry awards and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel. vi. President’s Medal for Gallantry and President’s Medal for Distinguished Services as well as Gallantry Medal and Meritorious Services Medals are annually awarded to the personnel of the Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards on Republic Day and Independence Day.
SPORTS
20. Hugo Lloris, Captain of ________ national football team, has recently (in Jan ‘23) announced his retirement from international football.
1) Morocco
2) Brazil
3) Spain
4) France
5) Argentina
Option “4” is correct Hugo Lloris, Captain of France national football team, retired from international football. He retired from playing for France after a record 145 appearances. He will be focusing on his Tottenham club career in the English Premier League. i. He captained the France team that won the 2018 FIFA(Fédération Internationale De Football Association) World Cup in Russia.
21. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the International Cricket Council (ICC) awards 2022?
A) India’s Suryakumar Yadav has won the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2022 and became the 2nd batter after Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan to score more than 1000 runs in 2022 in T20Is.
B) Renuka Singh has won the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2022 award.
C) Pakistan’s Babar Azam won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2022 as well as ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2022.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Option “5” is correct The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners of the ICC awards 2022, India’s Suryakumar Yadav has won the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2022 • Suryakumar Yadav became the 2nd batter after Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan to score more than 1000 runs in 2022 in T20Is and finished the year as the highest run-getter by scoring 1164 runs at a strike rate of 187.43. i. Renuka Singh (India) has won the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2022 award. ii. Babar Azam (Pakistan) won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2022 as well as ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2022.
STATE NEWS
22. Which country has recently (in Jan ‘23) announced the introduction of the Debbie Hockley Medal to honour the outstanding female cricketer?
1) New Zealand
2) Australia
3) West Indies
4) England
5) Pakistan
Option “1” is correct The New Zealand government announced the Debbie Hockley Medal to honour top women cricketers. i. The honour, which will be presented annually at the NZC Awards, will be the female equivalent of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal given annually to the top male cricketer. The 2022/23 awards ceremony will take place on March 23 in Auckland. ii. Debbie Hockley was the only woman to receive the New Zealand Cricketer of the Year award 13 years ago before it was changed to the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal.
23. In January 2023, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a penalty of Rs. 10 lakhs on _____________ (company) for leaving behind 55 flyers in the passenger coach at Bengaluru airport.
1) IndiGo
2) SpiceJet
3) Vistara
4) Air India
5) Go FIRST
Option “5” is correct Indian civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a penalty of Rs. 10 lakh rupees on Go FIRST for leaving behind 55 flyers in the passenger coach at Bengaluru airport on 9 January, 2023. i. The regulator had issued a show cause notice to the accountable manager of the airline as to i. why enforcement action should not be taken against them for dereliction of their regulatory obligations.
24. Who was recently (in Jan ‘23) appointed as the General Manager of Central Railway?
Option “2” is correct Naresh Lalwani has taken over as the new General Manager of Central Railway. He is a senior officer of the Indian Railway Engineering Service of 1985 batch. i. Before taking over as General Manager, Central Railway, he was working as Senior Deputy General Manager and Chief Vigilance Officer of Western Railway. ii. He succeeds Ashok Kumar Misra, General Manager Western Railway who was holding the additional charge of Central Railway as well
25. In which city ‘Buckingham Palace’ is located?
1) The Hague, Netherlands
2) Rome, Italy
3) Geneva, Switzerland
4) London, United Kingdom
5) Paris, France
Option “4” is correct Prince Andrew, Duke of York, who was stripped of his royal and military honours by mother late Queen Elizabeth II after he was hit by multiple scandals, has been banned from Buckingham Palace London, United Kingdom (UK) by King Charles III.
26. Every year ‘National Geographic Day’ is observed across the globe on __________.
1) 28th January
2) 26th January
3) 24th January
4) 27th January
5) 25th January
Option “4” is correct Every year on January 27, National Geographic Day is observed all across the globe. It is a day to honour the “National Geographic Magazine,” which has been published continuously for more than a century.
27. In which state ‘Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?
Option “5” is correct Governor – Anusuiya Uikey Chief Minister (CM) – Bhupesh Baghel National Parks – Indravati (Kutru) National Park, Kanger Valley National Park Wildlife Sanctuaries – Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary
28. Where is the headquarters of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) located?
1) Brussels, Belgium
2) Rome, Italy
3) Geneva, Switzerland
4) London, United Kingdom
5) Paris, France
30. Which of the following Fields are included in the Padma Awards?
1) Sports
2) Art
3) Trade & Industry
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Option “5” is correct The Padma Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
