30th December Current Affairs : Vision IAS Current Affairs
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. Name the ministry that has recently (in Dec ‘22) launched ‘City Finance Rankings 2022’ & ‘City Beauty Competition’ in New Delhi, Delhi.
1) Ministry of Home Affairs
2) Ministry of Finance
3) Ministry of Corporate Affairs
4) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
5) Ministry of Tourism
Option “4” is correct. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched ‘City Finance Rankings 2022’ and ‘City Beauty Competition’ during an event in New Delhi, Delhi. The initiatives and draft guidelines for the same were released by the Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, MoHUA. • These two initiatives envisage taking India’s Urban Rejuvenation journey to the next level. i. City Finance Rankings 2022 aims to evaluate, recognize and reward ULBs (Urban Local bodies) on the basis of 15 indicators across three key financial parameters viz. resource mobilization, expenditure performance and fiscal governance systems. ii. City Beauty Competition aims to encourage and recognize the transformational efforts made by cities and wards in India to create beautiful, innovative and inclusive public spaces.
2. Which state government has recently (in Dec’ 22) implemented ‘India’s 1st Nilgiri Tahr Project’ with an outlay of Rs 25.14 crore for a period of 5 years (2022 to 2027)?
1) Karnataka
2) Tamil Nadu
3) Kerala
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Telangana
Option “2” is correct. The State Government of Tamil Nadu (TN) approved the implementation of India’s first The Nilgiri Tahr Project with an outlay of Rs 25.14 crore for a period of 5 years i.e. 2022 to 2027 to conserve Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), which is a state animal of TN. i. Under this, there will be restoration of its historic and fragmented habitat especially Shola grasslands in Upper Bhavani as pilot to reintroduce the Tahr population, and will ensure proper rehabilitation facilities. About Nilgiri Tahr: • Locally known as Varaiaadu, It is the endemic species of the Western Ghats. • It is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.
3. Which ministry has recently (in Dec ‘22) launched the Stay Safe Online campaign & G-20 Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA) program in New Delhi, Delhi?
1) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
2) Ministry of Home Affairs
3) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
4) Ministry of Science and Technology
5) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Option “1” is correct. The Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Stay Safe Online campaign and the Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA) program, the firstever programs to be launched worldwide as a G20 (Group of Twenty) initiative. • The launch was made during an event in New Delhi, Delhi. i. G-20 DIA Program to identify, recognize and enable the adoption of innovative and impactful digital technologies developed by 174 start-ups, from G20 nations and the invited 9 non-member nations. ii. Stay Safe Online Campaign will create awareness among citizens of all age groups and backgrounds about cyber risks and ways to tackle them. The campaign will be carried out via the MyGov website in English, Hindi and local languages to reach a wider audience.
4. In December 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare approved the formation of an Advisory Group for streamlining the development of the Bamboo sector.
Who will chair the National Bamboo Mission’s Advisory Group?
1) Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
2) Principal Adviser of Agriculture Department
3) Union Agriculture Secretary
4) Chief Knowledge Officer of Agriculture Department
5) Minister of State of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Option “3” is correct. The Union Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, had approved the formation of an Advisory Group for streamlining the development of the Bamboo sector. i. The Union Agriculture Secretary will be the Chairperson and Mission Director of National Bamboo Mission will be the Convener of the Committee. ii. The Advisory group is represented by various stakeholders including academicians, researchers, innovators, progressive entrepreneurs, designers, farmer leaders, marketing specialists and policy makers.
5. Name the department that has recently (in Dec ‘22) launched an ‘Online Request Transfer Portal’ for Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS).
1) Department of Labour
2) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
3) Department of Post
4) Department of Telecommunications
5) Department of Higher Education
Option “3” is correct. The Department of Post under the Ministry of Communication launched an ‘Online request Transfer Portal’ for Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS). i. The Portal was launched by Alok Sharma, Director of General Postal Services through Video Conference in the virtual presence of Chief Postmaster Generals of 23 Postal Circles and Senior Officers of the Department. ii. The portal aims to bring transparency and accountability to the governance process by leveraging technology. The online process also saves time and resources.
6. Which organisation has recently (in Dec ‘22) collaborated with Learning Links Foundation (LLF), to implement the ‘Amazon Future Engineer(AFE) Program’?
1) All India Council for Technical Education
2) National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation
3) National Education Society for Tribal Students
4) National Council of Educational Research and Training
5) National Assessment and Accreditation Council
Option “3” is correct. The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), Ministry of Tribal Affairs(MoTA), organised a 2 day face-to-face capacity building program in collaboration with Learning Links Foundation (LLF), philanthropic organization working for ‘Amazon Future Engineer(AFE) Program’. i. NESTS and Amazon India also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 28th December 2022 to seal this collaboration. ii. The partnership between NESTS and Amazon will empower students and teachers in the field of digital education.
BANKING AND FINANCE
7. Which organisation has recently (in Dec ‘22) released its web publication, “Statistical Tables Relating to Banks in India: 2021-22,” covering the activities of the Indian Banking Sector?
1) Reserve Bank of India
2) Securities and Exchange Board of India
3) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
4) Small Industries Development Bank of India
5) NITI Aayog
Option “1” is correct. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its web publication entitled ‘Statistical Tables relating to Banks in India: 2021-22’ covering the activities of the Indian banking sector. i. It presented entity-wise information on major items of liabilities and assets along with their maturity profile; income and expenses; select financial ratios, number of employees and details of priority sector advances for Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding regional rural banks), capital to risk weighted asset ratios (CRARs), non-performing assets (NPAs), among others.
8. Name the Indian company that has recently (in Dec ‘22) signed an MoU with UK based firm ‘Anuva’ to conduct genomic-based research on various communicable & non-communicable diseases in India.
1) Piramal Enterprise Ltd
2) Fortis healthcare Institute
3) Wockhardt Ltd
4) Max Healthcare Institute
5) Cipla Ltd
Option “4” is correct. Max Healthcare Institute and Anuva, a United Kingdom (UK)-based genomics biotech company, formerly known as the Global Gene Corp, have partnered to conduct genomic-based research on various communicable and non-communicable diseases in India. They have signed an MoU for a 5- year engagement. i. The research aims to discover new information for the application of precious medicine to diseases including breast cancer, lung cancer, diabetes, cardiac disease, kidney disease, and others.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
9. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s Annual Procurement Report 2022 released in December 2022, which company/organisation has ranked as the top consulting services firm in the water and other infrastructure sectors?
1) Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR)
2) Swades Foundation
3) National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
4) NITI Aayog
5) Water and Power Consultancy Services (India) Limited (WAPCOS)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in its Annual Procurement Report 2022, ranked Water and Power Consultancy Services (India) Limited (WAPCOS), a Government of India (GoI) enterprise under the Ministry of Jal Shakti as the top consulting services firm in the water and other infrastructure sectors, with the highest sanctioned financed amount. i. ADB, in another report on its Members’ Fact Sheet – 2022, figured WAPCOS amongst the ‘top 3 consultants from India’ involved in Consulting Services Contracts under ADB loan, grant and technical assistance projects in energy, transport and water & other urban infrastructure sectors.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
10. Name the company that has recently (in Dec ‘22) won the National Award for Safety Excellence (FY 2021-22) at the 10th Global Safety Summit (GSS) in the Large EnterpriseCement Manufacturing sector.
Option “2” is correct. ACC Limited (formerly The Associated Cement Companies Limited), the cement and building materials company of Adani Cement, has won the National Award for Safety Excellence (FY 2021- 22) at the 10th Global Safety Summit (GSS) in the Large Enterprise-Cement Manufacturing sector. i. The award was presented by Ratnesh, Executive Director of United Nations Global Compact Network India at Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi, Delhi. Note- The award was instituted by the Fire and Safety Forum and UN Global Compact Network India.
11. Which of the following personalities has recently (in Dec ‘22) received the United Nations (UN)’s Diwali Stamp- Power of One Award 2022 along with Kaha Imnadze and Georgi Velikov Panayotov?
1) Keisha McGuire
2) Jean-Claude do Rego
3) Eliot Lance Engel
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Option “5” is correct. The United Nations (UN) has honoured 4 diplomats and a United States (US) Lawmaker with the 2022 Diwali Stamp- The ‘Power of One’ Award, also known as “Oscars of Diplomacy”, for their efforts in working towards a peaceful and secure world. 2022 “Diwali Stamp – The Power of One” Awardees: • Kaha Imnadze– Former Permanent Representative of Georgia to the UN, currently an Ambassador to Canada. • Keisha McGuire– Former Permanent Representative of Grenada to the UN. • Georgi Velikov Panayotov– Former Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the UN, currently an Ambassador to the US. • Jean-Claude do Rego– Former Permanent Representative of Benin to the UN, currently an Ambassador of the US. • Eliot Lance Engel– Former Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives. • Engel has conferred the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony held in the UN Headquarters with the ‘Diwali Stamp Power of One Awards’, instituted in 2017 by the Diwali Foundation, USA.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
12. In December 2022, the first 3D-printed dwelling unit for the soldiers was inaugurated in which Indian Army cantonment?
Option “2” is correct. The Indian Army has inaugurated the 1st 3D-printed dwelling unit for the soldiers at Ahmedabad Cantonment in Gujarat. The unit was constructed by the Military Engineering Services (MES) in collaboration with MiCoB Pvt Ltd incorporating the latest 3D rapid construction technology. i. The construction of the unit in a 71 sqm area with a garage space was completed in 12 weeks by using the 3D printed Foundation.
13. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recently (in Dec’ 22) conducted a trial run of the 4.1 km Emergency Landing Runway (ELR), constructed on National Highway-16 (NH-16) in _________.
Option “4” is correct. The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted a trial run of the 4.1 km Emergency Landing Runway (ELR) constructed on the National Highway-16(NH-16) at Pichikalagudipadu village in Korisapadu mandal in Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh(AP). • This is a first-of-its-kind exercise in Andhra Pradesh. i. The trial run of the facility was conducted with a transport plane AN-32(Antonov), 2 Sukhoi fighter aircraft and several Tejas-light combat fighters and the aircraft flew at a height of 100 metres above the ground. ii. The development of a similar facility between Singarayakonda and Kalikivayi in the Prakasam district on the national highway has been proposed.
14. Which organisation has recently (in Dec ‘22) launched 54 Starlink Internet satellites in lowEarth orbit Falcon 9 rocket from Florida, United States (US)?
1) SpaceX
2) National Aeronautics and Space Administration
3) Blue Origin
4) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
5) European Space Agency
Option “1” is correct. SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 54 Starlink Internet satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States (US). i. The mission was SpaceX’s 60th of the year, more than double the number from the previous year and it is SpaceX’s 1st mission for Starlink Gen2 constellation. ii. This launch marked the first of Starlink’s upgraded network and this Falcon 9 rocket was its 11th launch and landing.
15. Name the ministry that has recently (in Dec ‘22) designed a new online portal for the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) and a letter rogatory (LR) requests for probe agencies.
1) Ministry of Home Affairs
2) Ministry of Science and Technology
3) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
4) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
5) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Option “1” is correct. The Ministry of Home Affairs had designed a new online portal for the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) and a letter rogatory (LR) requests for probe agencies. i. Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Home Secretary, inaugurated the Interpol Liaison Officers’ conference organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in New Delhi, Delhi on ‘MLAT/LR and Extradition’ matters.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
16. Who was recently (in Dec ‘22) appointed as the new United Nations (UN) Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative?
1) Kevin Donegan (Iran)
2) Abdullah Abdul Samad Dashti (Kuwait)
3) Navdeep Singh Suri (United Arab Emirates)
4) Amir Mahmoud Abdulla (Sudan)
5) Amina J. Mohammed (Nigeria)
Option “2” is correct. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), appointed Abdullah Abdul Samad Dashti, a retired Kuwaiti Vice admiral, of Kuwait as the new UN Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative. i. Abdullah Abdul Samad Dashti succeeds Amir Mahmoud Abdulla of Sudan, who served as the UN Coordinator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative since August 2022. ii. The Black Sea Grain Initiative was launched in Istanbul, Türkiye on 22nd July 2022 by Ukraine, Türkiye, the Russian Federation and the United Nations to enable the resumption of exports from Ukraine of grain, foodstuffs, and fertiliser, including ammonia, through a safe maritime humanitarian corridor.
SPORTS
17. Which of the following points are ‘correct’ with respect to the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz
Championship 2022 held at Almaty, Kazakhstan in December 2022?
1) Magnus Carlsen (Norway) won the gold medal in the World Rapid Championship by defeating Fabiano Caruana (USA) and claimed his 6th World Rapid Championship title.
2) Tan Zhongyi (China) won the gold medal in the World Women’s Rapid Championship defeating Dinara Sadaukassova (Kazakhstan) in the Blitz tie-break.
3) Savitha Shri B (India) has won the Bronze medal in the World Women’s Rapid Championship and became the 3rd Indian to win a medal at the world rapid championship.
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Option “5” is correct. Norwegian chess grandmaster(GM) Magnus Carlsen won the gold in World Rapid Championship, defeating German GM Vincent Keymer, at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship 2022 held in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This marks his 4th World Rapid Championship title. i. Chinese chess grandmaster Tan Zhongyi won the gold in World Women’s Rapid Championship defeating Dinara Sadaukassova of Kazakhstan in the Blitz tie-break. She won the first Gold for China in Women’s rapid since 2018. ii. India’s Woman International Master Savitha Shri B has won the Bronze in World Women’s Rapid Championship and became the 3rd Indian after Viswanathan Anand and Koneru Humpy to win a medal at the world rapid championship.
STATE NEWS
18. Which state government has recently (in Dec ‘22) approved Rs 367.19 crore for Empowerment of Women in Agriculture for five years (2022-23 to 2026-27)?
Option “3” is correct. The Odisha Cabinet headed by Chief Minister (CM) Naveen Patnaik approved the provision of Rs 367.19 crores for five years from 2022-23 to 2026-27 for implementation of the State Sector Scheme-“Empowerment of women in agriculture-promotion of entrepreneurship for Women Self Help Group (WSHG)”. i. The scheme will ensure sustainable income generation of women beneficiaries/WSHGs, by which Odisha will emerge as the net exporter of mushroom and high-value flowers over the mission period. ii. The Odisha Cabinet has also approved the provision of Rs. 1142.24 crore for 4 years from 2022-23 to 2025-26 for implementation of the State Sector Scheme – ‘Development of Potato, Vegetable and Spices’ with the involvement of WSHGs and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
19. In December 2022, the Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) received the “Letter of Award” (LoA) from Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power -DDL) to set up a 255 MW hybrid power project in ______________.
Option “4” is correct. Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power has received the “Letter of Award” (LoA) from Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power -DDL), a joint venture of Tata Power and the Govt. of NCT of Delhi, for setting up a 255 MW hybrid power project in Karnataka. i. The project will be commissioned within 24 months from the Project Process Agreement (PPA)execution date. The letter was awarded through an e-reverse auction.
CA STATIC GK
20. Which country’s president ‘Mohamed Irfaan Ali’ is set to be the Chief Guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh in January 2023?
1) Chile
2) Guyana
3) Ghana
4) Venezuela
5) Brazil
Option “2” is correct. Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali is set to be the Chief Guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, scheduled to be held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh in January 2023. i. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians. ii. Ms. Zaneta Mascarenhas, Member of Parliament of Australia, will be the Guest of Honour at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas which will be held on 8 January, 2023,
21. Where is the headquarters of Asian Development Bank (ADB) located?
1) Bangkok, Thailand
2) Shanghai, China
3) Manila, Philippines
4) Tokyo, Japan
5) Jakarta, Indonesia
Option “3” is correct. About Asian Development Bank (ADB): President – Masatsugu Asakawa Headquarters – Manila, Philippines Establishment – 1966
22. In which country, the 17th Asia Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) was held in December 2022?
1) Thailand
2) Australia
3) Indonesia
4) Philippines
5) Singapore
Option “5” is correct. The 17th Asia Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) was held in Singapore in December 2022. i. It brings together representatives of governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations from Asia, the Pacific and the Arab states.
23. Every year Navy Day is celebrated across India?
1) 4th December
2) 4th November
3) 4th October
4) 4th August
5) 4th September
Option “1” is correct. President Droupadi Murmu approved the new design for the President’s Standard and Colour and Indian Navy Crest for the Indian Navy on December 4 on the occasion of Navy Day. i. The Naval Ensign was amended to a new Design, where the Red Horizontal and Vertical Lines on the White Ensign were replaced with a Blue Octagon with Twin Golden Borders encompassing the National Emblem atop a clear anchor and National Emblem ‘Satyamev Jayate’ inscribed on the stock of the Anchor. ii. In the new design, the motto of the Indian Navy ‘Sam No Varunah’ has been inscribed in golden Devnagri script within the blue octagon, which was inspired by Shivaji Maharaj Rajmudra, also known as the Seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
24. Who is the current (as of Dec ‘22) National Security Advisor (NSA)of India?
Option “4” is correct. Ajit Doval is the current National Security Advisor of India. i. For the first time, India will host a conclave of top security officials of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan with a focus on the evolving security situation in Afghanistan and ways to deal with threat of terrorism emanating from that country ii. The NSA-level conclave that comes around 10 months after the first India-Central Asia virtual summit is also set to deliberate on ways to boost India’s connectivity with the Central Asian region among other issues.
25. In which state ‘Eravikulam National Park’ is located?
1) Telangana
2) Karnataka
3) Kerala
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Andhra Pradesh
Option “3” is correct. About Kerala: Chief Minister– Pinarayi Vijayan Governor– Arif Mohammad Khan National Parks– Eravikulam National Park, Silent Valley National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park
