6th January Current Affairs : Vision IAS Current Affairs
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. In January 2023, the President of India Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Code of Criminal Procedure (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2021, which empowers the administration to register criminal cases against those who are staging protests in violation of Section ______ of the Code of
Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Option “4” is correct. The President of India Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Code of Criminal Procedure (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2021 which empowers the administration to register criminal cases against those who are staging protests in violation of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). i. Section 144 of CrPC enacted in 1973, Section 144 empowers the magistrate of any state or union territory in India to prohibit the assembly of four or more people so that law and order can be protected in an area. ii. The CrPC (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2021 amended Section 195 (1) (a) (ii) which prohibits the jurisdictional courts from taking cognisance of the offences except on the complaint in writing of the public servant concerned.
2. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the Cabinet Approvals on 4th January, 2023?
A) The Cabinet approved the Central Sector Scheme “Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development” (BIND) at a cost of Rs. 2,539.61 crores (up to 2025-26) for the infrastructure development of Prasar Bharati (Akashvani).
B) The Union Cabinet also approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission worth Rs. 19,744 crores.
C) The cabinet has approved the investment of Rs. 2614.51 crore for the 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydroelectric Project (HEP) in Himachal Pradesh (HP) by state-owned SJVN Limited.
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Option “1” is correct. On January 4, 2023, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the following proposals, i. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) proposal for the Central Sector Scheme “Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development” (BIND) at a cost of Rs. 2,539.61 crores for the infrastructure development of Prasar Bharati (Akashvani), i.e., All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD). ii. The Union Cabinet has approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission worth Rs. 19,744 crores. iii. The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has accorded ex-post facto approval for the naming of Greenfield International Airport in Mopa, Goa, as “Manohar International Airport – Mopa, Goa.” • The airport has been named after the late Dr. Manohar Parrikar, a four-time Chief Minister of Goa and former Defence Minister of India, in commemoration of his contribution to the development of modern Goa iv. The CCEA has approved the investment for the 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydroelectric Project (HEP) in Himachal Pradesh (HP) by state-owned SJVN Limited (previously Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd). • The project is estimated to cost Rs. 2614.51 crore, which includes budgetary support from the GoI of Rs. 13.80 crore for the cost of enabling infrastructure.
3. In January 2023, “World’s First Palm-Leaf Manuscript Museum” was inaugurated in which state of India?
1) Telangana
2) Kerala
3) Tamil Nadu
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Karnataka
Option “2” is correct. Kerala Chief Minister (CM) Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Palm leaf Manuscript Museum with modern audio-visual technology at the renovated Central Archives, Fort area in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. i. The Museum, promoted as “World’s First Palm-Leaf Manuscript Museum” was set up by the Archives Department in association with the Kerala Museum of History and Heritage at a cost of Rs 3 crore. ii. The Museum houses manuscripts in ancient scripts such as Vattezhuthu, Kolezhuthu, Malayanma, and ancient Tamil and Malayalam.
4. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the visit of Droupadi Murmu, President of India to Rajasthan in January 2023?
A) Droupadi Murmu, President of India inaugurated Samvidhan Udyan, Mayur Stambh, National Flag Post, and statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Maharana Pratap at Raj Bhavan, Jaipur.
B) She also virtually inaugurated the Transmission System for Solar Energy Zones in Rajasthan and laid the foundation stone for the 700 MW Pavagada Solar Power Project of SJVN Limited.
C) She participated in the event to launch the National Campaign on “RISE-Rising India through Spiritual Empowerment”, organized by Brahma Kumaris at Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
1) Only B
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Option “4” is correct. Droupadi Murmu, President of India, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various projects during her 2-day visit to Rajasthan from 3rd to 4th January 2023. i. She inaugurated Samvidhan Udyan, Mayur Stambh, National Flag Post, and statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Maharana Pratap at Raj Bhavan, Jaipur. ii. She also virtually inaugurated the Transmission System for Solar Energy Zones in Rajasthan and laid the foundation stone for the 1000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project of SJVN Limited. iii. Droupadi Murmu participated in the event to launch the National Campaign on “RISE-Rising India through Spiritual Empowerment”, organized by Brahma Kumaris at Mount Abu, Rajasthan. iv. The 18th National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was inaugurated by Droupadi Murmu, President of India at Pali, Rajasthan.
5. In which airport, Union Minister of MSME, Narayan Rane, has inaugurated an India made Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS) in January 2023?
1) Chennai International Airport (Chennai)
2) Sardar VallabhBhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad)
3) Manohar International Airport- MOPA International Airport (Goa)
4) Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Mumbai)
5) Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
Option “3” is correct. Narayan Rane, Union Minister for Micro Small & Medium enterprises (MSME) inaugurated an India made Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS), manufactured by M/s SJK Innovations Private Limited, an MSME-Make in India Company, at Manohar International Airport-MOPA (Goa) International airport, Goa. • This “Made in India” ITRS system is also a “Patented in India”. i. The ITRS is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based fully automatic machine with advanced screening technology that helps in providing enhanced passenger security.
BANKING AND FINANCE
6. Which bank has recently (in Jan ‘23) launched retail internet banking and a mobile banking app to provide secure banking?
1) Dhanlaxmi Bank
2) RBL Bank
3) South Indian Bank
4) IndusInd Bank
5) ICICI Bank
Option “1” is correct. Dhanlaxmi Bank has launched its new retail internet banking ‘DhanDelight’, and retail mobile banking app ‘DhanSmart’ featuring latest information system security features to provide secure banking. • The new services are built on an omni channel platform with multiple features covering various banking requirements. i. In DhanDelight, the latest UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) enable customers to do the financial transactions more securely. The mobile app, DhanSmart, also offers dark themes to improve visual ergonomics, reduce eye strain and helps in conserving battery power.
7. Which of the following points is/are ‘Incorrect’ with respect to the “Annual Report of the Ombudsman Schemes for the period April 01, 2021 – March 31, 2022 released by RBI in January 2023?
A) Issues related to ATM /debit cards were the highest at 17.28% of the total received at the Office of Banking Ombudsman (OBO) from April 1 to October 11, 2021.
B) Complaints relating to digital modes of payment and transactions were the highest in number, constituting 42.12% of the total complaints received during the year.
C) The volume of complaints received under the Ombudsman Schemes/Consumer Education and Protection Cells during 2021-22 increased by 9.39% at 4,18,184 as compared to FY21.
1) Only A
2) Only B
3) Only C
4) Only A & B
5) Only B & C
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Annual Report of the Ombudsman Schemes for the period April 01, 2021 – March 31, 2022. Its details are as follows- i. Issues related to ATM (Automated Teller Machine)/debit cards were the highest at 14.65% of the total received at the Office of Banking Ombudsman (OBO) from April 1 to November 11, 2021. • These were followed by mobile/ electronic banking at 13.64%. ii. Complaints relating to digital modes of payment and transactions were the highest in number, constituting 42.12% of the total complaints received during the year. iii. The volume of complaints received under the Ombudsman Schemes/Consumer Education and Protection Cells during 2021-22 increased by 9.39% at 4,18,184 as compared to FY21. Note- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lifted restrictions on Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL) on recovery operations via third party collection agents.
8. Name the bank that has recently (in Jan ‘23) partnered with the British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club to introduce first-of-its-kind multi-branded credit cards.
1) HDFC Bank
2) YES Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) Axis Bank
5) IndusInd Bank
Option “5” is correct. IndusInd Bank partnered with British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club to introduce the first-of-its-kind unique multi-branded credit card, powered by Visa. i. This multi-branded credit card will be launched and made available to consumers in the first quarter of FY 2023-2024. ii. The credit card will be available in the Infinite variant of Visa and offers best-in-class rewards along with multiple benefits that will elevate international travel experience of customers.
9. India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues increased 15% year-on-year to __________ in December 2022.
Option “4” is correct. India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues increased 15% year-on-year to Rs 1.49 lakh crore (USD 18.07 billion) in December 2022, suggesting robust economic activity during the holiday season. i. In December 2022, for the 10th consecutive month, the GST revenues exceeded Rs 1.40 lakh crore. The GST collections were about Rs 1.46 lakh crore in November 2022.
10. Which finance company has recently (in Jan ‘23) applied for Universal Bank License to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
Option “4” is correct. RBI has received an application from Bhubaneswar (Odisha) based Annapurna Finance Private Limited (AFPL), formerly known as Annapurna Microfinance Private Limited, under the Guidelines for ‘on tap’ Licensing of Universal Banks in the Private Sector issued on 1st August 2016. i. AFPL was the only entity to apply for a universal bank licence during the quarter ended December 31, 2022.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
11. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the visit of Union minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to Republic of Cyprus and Republic of Austria from 29th December, 2022 to 3rd January, 2023?
A) During Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s visit to Cyprus, India signed agreements in a number of fields, including Defence and Military Cooperation with Cyprus.
B) Cyprus became the 111th country to sign the Framework Agreement of the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA), as well as the 92nd full-member country to join the ISA.
C) During his visit to Austria, India and Austria signed agreements on mobility and migration and the Working Holiday Programme.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Option “5” is correct. Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), visited the Republic of Cyprus from December 29 – 31, 2022 and the Republic of Austria from December 31, 2022 -January 3, 2023. i. During his visit to Cyprus, EAM witnessed the signing of agreements in a number of fields, including Defence and Military Cooperation between India & Cyprus. • The year 2022 commemorated the 60th anniversary of India-Cyprus diplomatic ties, which were established on February 10, 1962. ii. As a notable achievement, Cyprus became the 111th country to sign the Framework Agreement of the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA), as well as the 92nd full-member country to join the ISA. iii. Dr. S. Jaishankar, EAM of India, made an official visit to the Republic of Austria from December 31, 2022 to January 3, 2023, India and Austria signed a number of agreements, including ones pertaining to mobility and migration and the Working Holiday Programme. • The visit commemorated the 75 years of India’s diplomatic ties with Austria, which were established in 1949.
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS
12. Name the company that has recently (in Jan ‘23) signed an MoU with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to empower Space technology startups in India.
1) Wipro Limited
2) Microsoft India
3) Infosys Limited
4) Tata Consultancy Services
5) Larsen and Toubro Limited
Option “2” is correct. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Microsoft India signed an MoU to support and promote the growth of space technology startups in India. • The MoU aims to empower Indian space tech startups with technology tools and platforms, goto-market support, and mentoring to help them scale and become enterprise ready. • The government has opened up the space sector for private players. More than 100 active startups are based in India and work in the space-tech sector. i. Through this collaboration, the ISRO-identified space-tech firms will be added to the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub platform, which supports startups at every stage of their development, from idea to unicorn.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
13. Who has been recently (in Jan ‘23) appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the NLC India Ltd (NLCIL)?
Option “2” is correct. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli appointed as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the state-run NLC India Ltd (NLCIL), a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Coal. i. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Prasanna Kumar Motupalli till the date of his superannuation which is June 30, 2026.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
14. Name the Australian personality who has recently (in Jan ‘23) become the 1st female cricketer to get a bronze statue at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)’s Walk of Honour.
1) Beth Mooney
2) Alyssa Healy
3) Grace Harris
4) Belinda Clark
5) Ellyse Perry
Option “4” is correct. Belinda Clark, a Former Australia captain, has become the 1st female cricketer to get a Bronze statue, unveiled at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)’s Walk of Honour. i. Belinda Clark is the 15th sportsperson and the 3rd woman to have a statue as part of the SCG sculpture project. The other two are sprinters Betty Cuthbert and Marlene Matthews.
15. In January 2023, A total of 21 personalities (1 Assam Baibhav, 5 Assam Saurav & 15 Assam Gaurav) were chosen for the Assam State Civilian Awards 2023 by the Assam Government.
Who has recently (in Jan ‘23) received the “Assam Baibhav” award in the field of Healthcare (Cancer Care) & Public Service?
Option “3” is correct. The Assam government has announced the list of winners of the Assam State Civilian Award 2023 which honours notable people for their admirable service to society. A total of 21 personalities were chosen for the Assam State Civilian Awards 2023. i. Renowned doctor Dr Tapan Saikia was honoured with the “Assam Baibhav” for his work in the healthcare (cancer treatment) and public service sectors, which included promoting early cancer detection in Assam and other northeastern regions. ii. The 2023 awards includes, 1 Assam Baibhav; 5 Assam Saurav; and 15 Assam Gaurav.
SPORTS
16. Which city will host India’s 1st ever ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race in February 2023?
1) Hyderabad, Telangana
2) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
3) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
4) Mumbai, Maharashtra
5) Panaji, Goa
Option “1” is correct. Hyderabad, Telangana is set to host the 2023 Hyderabad E-Prix, India’s 1st ever ABB FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) Formula E World Championship race, all-electric motorsports, on 11th February 2023. i. The 2023 Hyderabad E-Prix is round 4 of the 17 races for the 9th Season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. ii. The 2022–23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship marks the 9th Season Championship which will be organised between January and July 2023. iii. The race will be held at the new Hyderabad Street Circuit alongside Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad, Telangana.
STATE NEWS
17. In January 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry approved Rs 28.11 crore to provide immediate relief to over 28,000 flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers affected by Cyclone Mandous in _______.
1) Telangana
2) Tamil Nadu
3) Karnataka
4) Puducherry
5) Andhra Pradesh
Option “5” is correct. Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, approved Rs 28.11 crore to provide immediate relief to over 28,000 flue-cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco farmers affected by Cyclone Mandous in Andhra Pradesh (AP). i. The fund extends a special interest-free loan of Rs 10,000 to each member of Tobacco Boards Growers Welfare Schemes, which shall benefit around 28,112 farmers under the Southern Regions (Southern Light Soil and Southern Black Soil) of AP. ii. The interest-free loan to the eligible FCV Tobacco farmers will be administered by the Tobacco Board, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
IMPORTANT DAYS
18. When was Global Family Day, also known as World Peace Day, observed across the globe?
1) 2nd January 2023
2) 4th January 2023
3) 1st January 2023
4) 3rd January 2023
5) 5th January 2023
Option “3” is correct. Global Family Day, also known as World Peace Day, 2023 observed across the globe on 1st January 2023 to promote the concept of harmony and unity in the world. i. In 1999, UN members were given the chance to mark January 1 as “Global Family Day” officially. ii. The day was started in 1997, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) launched the International Decade for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, with effect from the 1st day of the new millennium.
CA STATIC GK
19. In which state, ‘Mukundara Tiger Reserve’ is located?
Option “1” is correct. About IndusInd Bank: Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Sumant Kathpalia Headquarters – Pune, Maharashtra Establishment – 1994
21. In January 2023, the Central government declared ‘The Resistance Front (TRF)’ as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Who is the current (as of Jan ‘23) presiding officer of the tribunal for the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)?
Option “2” is correct. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma of the Delhi High Court is the presiding officer of the tribunal for the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), related to the ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its associates. i. Centre Government has declared The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, UAPA. ii. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that TRF is recruiting youth through online mediums for the furtherance of terrorist activities. iii. The TRF came into existence in 2019 as a proxy outfit of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a proscribed terrorist organisation.
22. Adari Tulasi Rao, Chairman of Sri Vijaya Visakha Milk Producers Company Limited (Visakha Dairy), passed away in January 2023.
In which state ‘Visakha Dairy’ Head office is located?
Option “3” is correct. Adari Tulasi Rao, chairman of Sri Vijaya Visakha Milk Producers Company Limited (Visakha Dairy), passed away at Hyderabad, Telangana on 4th January 2023. i. Sri Vijaya Visakha Milk Producers Company Ltd (Visakha Dairy) is a company located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh which was established in the year 1973 under Co-operative Societies Act and commissioned a dairy plant at Akkireddypalem, Visakhapatnam, with 50,000 LPD handling capacity in the year 1977. ii. With the introduction of MACS Act in 1995 by Andhra Pradesh State Government, Visakha Dairy was converted into the said Act in the year 1999 and registered as “Sri Vijaya Visakha District Milk Producers Mutually Aided Cooperative Union Ltd”.
23. The Unique Identification Authority of India is a statutory authority under which ministry?
1) Ministry of Science and Technology
2) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
3) Ministry of Rural Development
4) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
5) Ministry of Home Affairs
Option “2” is correct. Aadhaar is a Unique Identification number (UID) issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which is a statutory authority established under the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 (“Aadhaar Act 2016”). i. UIDAI was established on 12 July 2016 by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). ii. Recently, UIDAI has put in place a resident friendly facility to help people update their address online in Aadhaar with the consent of the Head of Family (HOF). iii. It can be done by submitting Proof of Relationship documents like Ration Card, Marksheet, Marriage Certificate, Passport mentioning the names and relationship of both the applicant and HOF.
24. Manjula Subramaniam, 1st woman chief secretary of _________, passed away in January 2023.
Option “4” is correct. Gujarat’s first woman chief secretary Manjula Subramaniam passed away at a hospital in Vadodara (Gujarat) due to health complications. i. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed condolences. She had served as a chief secretary of the state during Modi’s tenure as the state’s chief minister and retired in 2008. ii. She was a 1972-batch IAS officer and also the chairperson and director in many state Public Sector Units and was appointed as the additional director on the Board of Directors of Gujarat Gas Limited in August 2020 for a tenure of five years.
25. In January 2023, Union minister of Communications, Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that State-owned BSNL will launch high-speed 5G services by _________.
1) May 2023
2) January 2024
3) April 2024
4) March 2024
5) December 2023
Option “3” is correct. Union minister of Communications, Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that State-owned BSNL will launch high-speed 5G services by April 2024. At a press conference after the launch of Jio 5G services by private telecom operators in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, Vaishnaw announced that BSNL does not have a legacy network.
26. Where is the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO)?
1) Vienna, Austria
2) Rome, Italy
3) Geneva, Switzerland
4) Paris, France
5) Washington, DC, United States
Option “3” is correct. About the World Health Organization (WHO): Director General- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland Establishment- 1948
27. Who is the current (as of Jan ‘23) Governor of Uttar Pradesh?
Option “3” is correct. Anandiben Patel is the present Governor of Uttar Pradesh (UP). i. UP Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to organise a ‘Nipun Samman’ ceremony every month to honour meritorious students as part of its efforts to promote quality education. ii. These meritorious students will play a supportive role for the others and Yogi Adityanath gave instructions to accelerate various activities to ensure effective implementation of the Skill India Mission.
28. What is the Tagline of Dhanlaxmi Bank?
1) Support All the Way
2) Always You First
3) Together We Can
4) Good People to Grow With
5) Tann Mann Dhan
Option “5” is correct. About Dhanlaxmi Bank: Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Shivan J K Headquarters– Thrissur, Kerala Tagline– Tann Mann Dhan
29. The Indian High Commission celebrated the 51st anniversary of Maitri Diwas in Dhaka (Bangladesh) on ___________.
1) 3rd December 2022
2) 5th January 2023
3) 12th December 2022
4) 6th December 2022
5) 2nd January 2023
Option “4” is correct. The Indian High Commission celebrated the 51st anniversary of Maitri Diwas in Dhaka on 6th December 2022. i. It was on this day in 1971 that India recognized an independent and sovereign Bangladesh, ten days before Bangladesh’s liberation.
30. Who authored the book, ‘Miracles of Face Yoga’?
1) B.K.S. Iyengar
2) Deborah Adele
3) Nischala Joy Devi
4) Mansi Gulati
5) Mira Mehta
Option “4” is correct. The Founder of Manasvani, Mansi Gulati has released her book ‘Miracles of Face Yoga’, which has been appreciated by the President of India Droupadi Murmu. i. Mansi Gulati, an international Yogi, celebrated author, and thought leader, devoted her efforts to learning everything possible about yoga practices and philosophy
