7th February Current Affairs : Vision IAS Current Affairs
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. Which of the following companies along with National Fertilizers Limited has recently (in Feb ‘23) signed an MoU with Morocco’s OCP Group for annual imports of 1.75 million tonne (MT) of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilisers?
1) Paradeep Phosphates Ltd
2) Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd
3) Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3
Option “5” is correct
Four India-based fertiliser companies, the state-run National Fertilizers Limited, the private Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd, and Paradeep Phosphates Ltd, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OCP Group, a Moroccan state-owned fertilizer producer, for the annual importation of 1.75 million metric tonnes (MT) of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilisers at Rabat, Morocco. i. According to the MoU, 1 MT of diammonium phosphate (DAP), 0.7 MT of triple superphosphate (TSP), and 0.05 MT of mutate of potash (MOP) will be imported to cover the domestic requirements of the soil nutrient variety for the upcoming year.
2. Recently (in Feb ‘23) _______________ made public a revised doctrine, defining its Role in a ‘No War, No Peace’ Setting in India.
1) Indian Coast Guard
2) Indian Air Force
3) Indian army
4) Central Armed Police Forces
5) Indian Navy
Option “2” is correct The Indian Air Force (IAF) made public a revised doctrine which defines the role of air power in the “no war, no peace scenario” setting in India. i. The doctrine highlighted the use of air power as part of a joint military strategy involving the two other forces. ii. For the first time, the doctrine extensively detailed the “no war, no peace” (NWNP) environment, saying the condition requires the IAF to work towards shaping the behaviour of external threats. Note- The IAF first published a doctrine in 1995, which was revised in 2007. In 2012, a revised and unclassified basic doctrine was published. The latest doctrine revises the 2012 document
3. In February 2023, the Indian Railways (IR) announced a plan to introduce the “Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train ” to showcase the Cultural & Spiritual Heritage of Vibrant Gujarat under ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ Scheme. The entire tour will cover a distance of _______ Km during the course of the 8 days journey.
1) 2500 Km
2) 1500 Km
3) 2000 Km
4) 3500 Km
5) 4200 Km
Option “4” is correct The Indian Railways (IR) is set to introduce the “Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train” , a special tour Garvi Gujarat to showcase the Cultural & Spiritual Heritage of Vibrant Gujarat. i. On 28th February 2023, the train, operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation(IRCTC) will depart from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station on an 8 days tour. ii. The entire tour will cover a distance of 3500 kilometres(Kms) during the course of the 8 days journey. iii. The train Tour is designed in line with the “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat ” scheme of the Government of India, conceptualised on the life of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, to showcase the heritage of Gujarat
4. Name the union ministry who has recently (in Feb ‘23) launched the ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’, a campaign structured on a “whole of society” approach for wetlands conservation.
1) Bhupender Yadav (Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change)
2) Amit Shah (Union Minister of Home Affairs)
3) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Union Minister of Jal Shakti)
4) Jitendra Singh (Union Minister of Science and Technology)
5) Narendra Singh Tomar (Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Option “1” is correct Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, launched the ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’, a campaign structured on a “whole of society” approach for wetlands conservation, during the National level Celebration of World Wetlands Day (2nd February 2023)at Nanda Lake in Goa. i. The ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’, 1 year campaign will enable affirmative actions for wetlands conservation at all levels of society and involve all strata of society. ii. During the event, The “India’s 75 Amrit Dharohar- India’s Ramsar Sites Factbook” and “Managing Climate Risks in Wetlands – A Practitioner’s Guide” booklets were also released.
5. Which of the following countries were recently (in Feb’ 23) announced plans for Trilateral Framework cooperation with India?
1) United Arab Emirates
2) France
3) Australia
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 2 & 3
Option “4” is correct In the midst of the geopolitical unrest brought on by the conflict in Ukraine, India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced an ambitious roadmap for cooperation in a wide range of fields, including defence, energy, and technology under a trilateral framework. i. The trilateral initiative will act as a forum to encourage the creation and implementation of joint projects in the energy sector, with a focus on solar and nuclear energy. ii. A number of trilateral events will be organized to assist the efforts during the G20 Presidency of India and the hosting of 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by the UAE in 2023, respectively.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
6. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA)’s report released in February 2023, India’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Initiative can save consumers around USD 440 billion globally in __________.
1) 2027
2) 2030
3) 2025
4) 2028
5) 2026
Option “2” is correct The International Energy Agency (IEA) claimed in its country report titled “LiFE lessons from India – The benefits of advancing the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative through the G20” that if adopted worldwide, the measures specified under the LiFE initiative could save consumers around USD 440 billion in 2030, corresponding to around 5% of total fuel spending across the global economy that same year. i. It further said that implementing India’s “LiFE” initiative may help decrease worldwide carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 2 billion metric tonnes by 2030, or roughly one-fifth of the emission reduction required to reach global net-zero emissions. ii. India, the third-largest national market for renewable energy in the world, is currently 10% more energy efficient than the global and G20 averages, with various policies already integrated into its energy transition strategy.
BANKING AND FINANCE
7. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) framework to strengthen the green bonds, as of February 2023?
A) SEBI has strengthened the green bond framework by introducing “Blue” and “Yellow” bonds as new modes of sustainable finance.
B) These bonds are subcategories of Green Debt Securities (GDS), with ‘Blue Bonds’ pertaining to water management & the marine sector & ‘Yellow Bonds’ pertaining to crude oil.
C) A public offering of debt securities /non-convertible redeemable preference shares will be kept open for subscription for a minimum of 3 & a maximum of 10 working days.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Option “4” is correct The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), India’s capital market regulator, has strengthened the green bond framework by introducing “Blue” and “Yellow” bonds as new modes of sustainable finance. i. These bonds are subcategories of Green Debt Securities (GDS), with ‘Blue Bonds’ pertaining to water management and the marine sector and ‘Yellow Bonds’ pertaining to solar energy. ii. Subscription Period: A public offering of debt securities or non-convertible redeemable preference shares will be kept open for subscription for a minimum of three and a maximum of 10 working days. Note- SEBI revised its operational guidelines for Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs), mandating that by March 31, 2023, they have a detailed policy in place regarding the non-submission of crucial information by issuers, including quarterly financial numbers.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
8. Name the personality who has recently (in Feb ‘23) appointed as a full-time Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) in the rank of the Secretary to the Government of India (GoI).
Option “1” is correct Shamika Ravi, an Economics Professor and Researcher, has been appointed as a full-time Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) in the rank of the Secretary to the Government of India (GoI). i. She is currently a non-resident senior fellow of the governance studies program at the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C., United States of America (USA). ii. She had previously served as a part-time member of the EAC-PM from 2017 to 2019 and published extensively in peer-reviewed academic journals.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
9. Who was recently (in Feb ‘23) awarded with “The Most Distinguished Scientist of the Year 2022” at the Indian Achievers Award 2022 by the union minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur?
1) Arun Kumar Shukla
2) Amit Singh
3) R Vishnu Prassad
4) Karthik Pattabiraman
5) Vasan S. Ramachandran
Option “3” is correct R Vishnu Prassad, Founder and Chief Scientist at Vishnu Prasad Research Centre was awarded “The Most Distinguished Scientist of the Year 2022” at the Indian Achievers Award 2022 by Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi. RV Prassad was chosen by a jury headed by Justice Gyan Sudha Misra. i. He was recognised for working tirelessly on sustainability, smart cities, and a vision to create a clean India through solid waste management and the treatment of huge water bodies.
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
10. In February 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed DSP Investment Managers to increase their stake in _________ to 9.99% as part of investments made through various mutual fund schemes.
1) Axis Bank
2) Bandhan Bank
3) DCB Bank
4) Dhanlaxmi Bank
5) CSB Bank
Option “3” is correct The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed DSP Investment Managers to hike their stake in DCB Bank Limited, a private sector scheduled commercial bank in India, to 9.99% as part of investments made through various mutual fund schemes. i. The approval is valid for a year up to February 2, 2024. Currently, DSP Mutual Fund holds 4.23 per cent of the bank.
SPORTS
11. Who has recently (in Feb ‘23) won the gold medal in the men’s high jump event at the 2022 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold Series event, held in the United States of America(USA)?
Option “5” is correct Indian High Jumper & Commonwealth Games 2022 bronze medallist, Tejaswin Shankar won the gold medal in men’s high jump event with a leap of 2.26 metres at the 2022 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold Series event, held in Boston, United States of America(USA). i. 2007 world champion & four-time Olympian Donald Thomas (2.23 metres) of the Bahamas secured the 2nd spot and Darryl Sullivan of the USA came in 3rd with a season-best of 2.19 metres.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
12. Astronomers discovered 12 new Jupiter moons in February 2023, bringing the total number of moons (natural satellites) in Jupiter to _________ .
1) 88
2) 89
3) 92
4) 98
5) 95
Option “3” is correct Astronomers have discovered 12 new moons of Jupiter, taking the total number of natural satellites revolving around Jupiter from 80 to 92. Jupiter becomes the planet with the most number of moons overtaking Saturn which has 83 confirmed moons. i. The findings have been reported by astronomer Scott S. Sheppard from the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington DC who observed the planet between 2021 and 2022. ii. The Minor Planet Center (MPC) of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has published the orbits of the new moons
13. Which organisation has recently (in Feb ‘23) announced that the JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (Juice) mission is set to be launched in April 2023 to explore Jupiter and its three largest natural satellites?
1) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
2) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
3) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
4) European Space Agency(ESA)
5) Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
Option “4” is correct European Space Agency(ESA)’s JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (Juice) mission which aims to explore Jupiter and its three largest natural satellites – Ganymede, Callisto and Europa, is set to be launched in April 2023 onboard Ariane 5 (launch vehicle) from Europe’s Spaceport at Kourou, French Guiana in South America. i. The Juice mission will make detailed observations of the giant gas planet and its three large oceanbearing moons, Ganymede, Callisto and Europa, with a suite of remote sensing, geophysical and in situ instruments. ii. The Juice mission will also be the last ESA mission to launch on an Ariane 5 from ESA’s Spaceport in Kourou. After this launch, Ariane 6, the new heavy-lift launch system, will be used.
14. Indian high-temperature reactor (IHTR) and Indian molten salt breeder reactor (IMSBR), the noted Thorium(Th) technologies of _____________ can deliver clean energy – hydrogen and play a major role in India’s green energy transition.
1) Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
2) Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC)
3) Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD)
4) Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research
5) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre(BARC)
Option “5” is correct Indian high-temperature reactor (IHTR) and Indian molten salt breeder reactor (IMSBR), the noted Thorium(Th) technologies of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre(BARC), A premier multi-disciplinary Nuclear Research Centre of India under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) can deliver clean energy – hydrogen and play a major role in India’s green energy transition. i. Apart from Coal, Thorium is the only abundant energy source in India. ii. At present, BARC is working on several technologies for using thorium, of which IHTR and IMSBR are noteworthy.
OBITUARY
15. Recently (in Feb ‘23) Pervez Musharraf, retired General Passed away on 5th February 2023. He is the former President of which country?
Option “4” is correct Pervez Musharraf, Former President of Pakistan (2001-2008) and retired General, passed away at the age of 79 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pervez Musharraf was born on 11th August 1943 in Delhi, British India (now New Delhi, Delhi, India). • Pervez Musharraf was known as the architect of the 1999 conflict in Kargil. i. He rose to the rank of General and was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff in 1998, by then Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif. ii. Pervez Musharraf was honoured with the Imtiaz Sanad Medal for his gallantry during the IndoPakistan War of 1965. iii. He published his autobiography titled “In the Life of Fire: A Memoir” in 2006.
STATE NEWS
16. Which High-Speed Rail Project has recently (in Feb ‘23) Received in-principle Approval from the Railway Ministry?
Option “2” is correct Devendra Fadnavis, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, announced that the Ministry of Railways had accorded “in principle approval” for the Pune-Nashik (Maharashtra) high-speed rail project, which had been in the works since 2020. i. Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement after a meeting with Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, in New Delhi, Delhi. ii. The high-speed rail between Pune and Nashik will boost development and provide seamless connectivity to the industrial zones of both cities.
IMPORTANT DAYS
17. When was the United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) 2023 observed across the globe?
1) 6th February 2023
2) 5th February 2023
3) 4th February 2023
4) 7th February 2023
5) 4th February 2023
Option “1” is correct The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) is annually observed across the globe on February 6 to combat the horrific practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). • 6th February 2023 marks the 12th anniversary of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. i. The theme of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2023 is “Partnership with Men and Boys to transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM”. • The theme for 2023 was launched by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation: Delivering the Global Promise.
CA STATIC GK
18. In which state Kanger Valley National Park is located?
Option “4” is correct About Chhattisgarh: Governor – Anusuiya Uikey Chief Minister (CM) – Bhupesh Baghel National Parks – Indravati (Kutru) National Park, Kanger Valley National Park
19. The ‘Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located in which state?
Option “5” is correct About Andhra Pradesh: Chief Minister– YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Governor– Biswabhusan Harichandan National Park– Sri Venkateswara National Park Wildlife Sanctuary– Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary; Krishna Wildlife sanctuary
20. In which year the ‘United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)’ was established?
1) 1936
2) 1956
3) 1946
4) 1949
5) 1959
Option “3” is correct About the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): Executive Director- Catherine M. Russell Headquarters- New York, USA Establishment- 1946
21. In which City the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) was headquartered?
1) New York
2) London
3) Paris
4) Vienna
5) Rome
Option “1” is correct About the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): United Nations Population Fund, formerly the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, is a UN agency aimed at improving reproductive and maternal health worldwide Executive Director- Dr Natalia Kanem Headquarters- New York, United States of America (USA) Establishment- 1969
22. Who is the current (as of Feb ‘23) director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre(BARC)?
1) Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra
2) Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty
3) Kamlesh Nilkanth Vyas
4) Dr. T.V. Somanathan
5) Talleen Kumar
Option “2” is correct About Bhabha Atomic Research Centre(BARC): BARC was established as Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) in 1954. Renamed as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre(BARC) in 1966. Director– Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty Location– Mumbai, Maharashtra
23. Who is the current (as of Feb ‘23) chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)?
1) Dr Neelkanth Mishra
2) Bibek Debroy
3) Rakesh Mohan
4) Sanjeev Sanyal
5) Dr Poonam Gupta
Option “2” is correct EAC-PM: Chairman: economist Bibek Debroy Member: Sanjeev Sanyal & Part-time Members: Rakesh Mohan, Dr Sajjid Chinoy, Dr Neelkanth Mishra, Nilesh Shah, Prof. T.T. Ram Mohan, and Dr Poonam Gupta.
24. The Headquarter of the International Energy Agency (IEA) is in_______________.
1) Paris, France
2) Canberra, Australia
3) Beijing, China
4) London, United Kingdom
5) Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Option “1” is correct About International Energy Agency (IEA): Executive Director – Dr. Fatih Birol Headquarters – Paris, France
25. Who is the current President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
1) Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
2) Arif Alvi
3) Bidya Devi Bhandari
4) Sergio Mattarella
5) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Option “5” is correct About the United Arab Emirates (UAE): President – Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Capital – Abu Dhabi city Currency – Arab Emirati Dirham (AED) [called Dirhams]
