8th February Current Affairs : Vision IAS Current Affairs
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. Name the country that has recently collaborated with the European Union (EU) to set up three working groups under the “Trade and Technology Council (TTC)”.
1) United States of America
2) India
3) United Kingdom
4) Germany
5) Australia
Option “2” is correct The European Commission (EC) announced that India and the European Union (EU) have formed three working groups under the ‘Trade and Technology Council (TTC)’ to strengthen strategic relationships with the trade bloc. The three working groups are, • Working Group on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity: Chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). • Working Group on Green & Clean Energy Technologies: Chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. • Working Group on Trade, Investment & Resilient Value Chains: Chaired by Secretary, Department of Commerce
2. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the Mobility Next Hyderabad Summit 2023 held at Hyderabad, Telangana in February 2023?
A) Telangana Government launched the Telangana Mobility Valley (TMV), India’s 1st mobility focused cluster to attract investments of around Rs 50,000 crore & generate more than 4 lakh
jobs in the next 5 years.
B) T-Hub, India’s largest innovation centre has signed an MoU with Plug and play to set up coworking and incubation space for startups.
C) During the event, 3 MoUs were announced, which includes the MoU signed between Automotive Test Systems (ATS) and TUV Rheinland of Germany & Telangana Government to develop and operate India’s 1st connected and automated vehicle (CAV).
1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A
Option “1” is correct K T Rama Rao, Minister for Information Technology(IT) and Industries, the Government of Telangana, launched the Telangana Mobility Valley (TMV), India’s 1st mobility focused cluster with an aim to attract investments of around Rs 50,000 crore and generate more than 4 lakh jobs in the next 5 years. • The TMV was unveiled during the Mobility Next Hyderabad Summit 2023 (1st edition) held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana. • The summit was organised as a part of the Hyderabad E-Mobility Week (5th to 11th February 2023). i. The TMV also aims to promote mobility startups in Telangana. T-Hub, India’s largest innovation centre has signed an MoU with Plug and play to set up co-working and incubation space for startups. ii. During the event, 3 MoUs were announced, which includes the MoU signed between Automotive Test Systems (ATS) and TUV Rheinland of Germany & Telangana Government to develop and operate India’s 1st connected and automated vehicle (CAV).
3. In February 2023, the Department of Expenditure (DoE) mandated all Departments and Public Sector Entities to refund _________ of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) securities in government tenders for over two years (i.e Feb 2020 to March 2022).
1) 75%
2) 85%
3) 95%
4) 60%
5) 80%
Option “3” is correct The Department of Expenditure (DoE) under Ministry of Finance mandates all Departments and Public Sector Entities to refund 95% of the performance or bid security and liquidated damages forfeited/deducted from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in government tenders for over two years i.e. between February 19, 2020, and March 31, 2022 (during COVID-19 pandemic). i. The relief will be provided in all contracts for the procurement of goods and services, entered into by any Ministry/ Department/ attached or subordinate office/ autonomous body/ Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE)/ Public Sector Financial Institution etc. with MSMEs. ii. This order by DoE followed the ‘Vivad se Vishwas-I’ scheme announced during the FY24 Union Budget which provided additional benefits for MSMEs in response to the difficulties they have faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic in executing contracts.
4. In February 2023, the GoI constituted an ‘inter-ministerial committee’ to draft a digital competition act within three months.
Who heads the 16-member inter-ministerial committee?
Option “1” is correct The Government of India (GoI) constituted a 16-member inter-ministerial committee to analyse the need for a separate law for competition in the digital market and to draft a digital competition act within three months. i. The inter-ministerial committee is headed by Manoj Govil, Secretary of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). ii. The committee recommended that India identify the small number of leading players and market winners that can negatively influence competitive conduct in the digital ecosystem as “systemically important digital intermediaries (SIDI)” and adopt definitions to ex-ante regulate their behaviour.
5. Which of the following points is ‘Incorrect’ with respect to the India Energy Week (IEW) 2023, held in February 2023?
1) The India Energy Week (IEW) 2023 was inaugurated by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
2) PM inaugurated the Helicopter Factory of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility, and unveiled the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) in Tumakuru district, Karnataka.
3) PM Narendra Modi launched the uniforms under the “Unbottled” initiative of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) and dedicated the twin-cooktop model of IOCL’s indoor solar cooking system
4) PM launched India’s 2nd Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) technology solution for heavy-duty trucks which was introduced by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
5) PM Launches E20 Fuel & Flags Off Green Mobility Rally in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Option “4” is correct PM launched India’s 2nd Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) technology solution for heavy-duty trucks which was introduced by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). Explanation: The India Energy Week (IEW) 2023, the first significant occasion under India’s G20 (Group of Twenty) Presidency, was inaugurated by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on February 6, 2023, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. • The IEW 2023 is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG) of the Government of India (GoI) and is officially supported by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI). i. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Helicopter Factory of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility, and unveiled the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) in Tumakuru district, Karnataka. ii. PM Narendra Modi launched the uniforms under the “Unbottled” initiative of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) and dedicated the twin-cooktop model of IOCL’s indoor solar cooking system and announced its commercial roll-out. iii. PM launched India’s 1st Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) technology solution for heavy-duty trucks which was introduced by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). iv. PM Modi Launches E20 Fuel & Flags Off Green Mobility Rally in Bengaluru, Karnataka which was organized by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) on behalf of Petronet LNG (PLL) and the oil and gas PSUs.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
6. Which country is the first World Trade Organization (WTO) member to formally accept the new agreement on fisheries subsidies in February 2023?
1) Germany
2) Albania
3) Finland
4) Switzerland
5) Japan
Option “4” is correct Switzerland became the first World Trade Organization (WTO) member to formally submit its acceptance of the WTO’s new “Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies”. i. The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was adopted on June 17, 2022, at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) held in Geneva, Switzerland. ii. It is the second agreement reached at the WTO since its inception, the first broad, legally binding multilateral agreement on ocean sustainability, and the first WTO agreement with an environmental focus. iii. The agreement must be ratified by two-thirds of WTO members in order to come into effect.
7. Which organisation has recently (in Feb ‘23) released the Asian Economic Integration Report (AEIR) 2023: Trade, Investment, and Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific, with the key finding that greener trade and investment play a major role in tackling climate change in Asia and the Pacific?
1) World Bank
2) International Monetary Fund
3) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
4) World Trade Organization
5) Asian Development Bank
Option “5” is correct According to the Asian Economic Integration Report (AEIR) 2023: Trade, Investment, and Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific, released by Asian Development Bank (ADB) in February 2023, Greener trade and investment play a major role in tackling climate change in Asia and the Pacific. • The greener trade and investment is also crucial for incorporating a separate chapter on efforts to mitigate environmental concerns in regional trade agreements that can help ensure their effectiveness in achieving climate goals. i. AEIR 2023 states that Asia and the Pacific are one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change risk and yet it is responsible for around 50% of global annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. ii. Trade and investment, which have played a major role in the economic growth of Asia in the past 10 years, have also led to an increase in CO2 emissions in the region.
ECONOMY AND BUSINESS
8. Name the company that has recently (in Feb ‘23) partnered with GSM (Groupe Speciale Mobile) Association (GSMA) to launch a digital skills programme to offer training to rural women in India.
1) Bharti Airtel
2) Reliance Jio
3) Vodafone Idea
4) Flipkart
5) Amazon India
Option “2” is correct Reliance Jio and GSM (Groupe Speciale Mobile) Association (GSMA), the global mobile network operators’ organisation, announced the national roll-out of their digital skills programme to offer need-based training to rural women in India. i. Aim: To give rural women and others from low-income/marginalized groups the training they need to effectively use their access to the internet. ii. Under this programme, the GSMA and Jio teams collaborated to identify existing digital skill gaps and develop need-based digital skills training toolkits that are India-specific. Note- As per the GSMA’s ‘Mobile Gender Gap Report 2022’, women in India are 41% less likely than men to use mobile internet.
BANKING AND FINANCE
9. In February 2023, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, stated that the GoI had approved increasing the number of executive director positions in the Indian Bank to _____ from three.
1) Eight
2) Five
3) Seven
4) Four
5) Six
Option “4” is correct The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, stated that the Government of India has approved increasing the number of posts of executive directors in the Indian Bank from three to four. i. In August 2019, DFS announced that nationalised banks with a total business of Rs 10 lakh crore or more as per the last declared results should have 4 executive directors.
10. Name the Payments Bank that has recently (in Feb ‘23) launched BizKhataa, a current account with unlimited transactions for small merchants and business partners in India.
1) Airtel Payments Bank
2) Paytm Payments Bank
3) Fino Payments Bank
4) India Post Payments Bank
5) Jio Payments Bank
Option “1” is correct Airtel Payments Bank has announced the launch of BizKhata, a current account with unlimited transactions and instant activation for small merchants and business partners in India. i. BizKhata by Airtel Payments Bank was created exclusively for small merchants and business owners who utilize savings accounts for business purposes since they cannot meet the minimum balance requirement of their business accounts. • This current account has no minimum balance requirement.
11. Which company has recently (in Feb ‘23) become India’s First Fintech Platform to support cross-border UPI Payments?
Option “2” is correct PhonePe has launched support for “UPI international” payments, making it India’s first fintech platform to enable cross-border Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments. • Indian users of PhonePe can utilize this feature to instantly pay foreign merchants using UPI when they are travelling abroad. i. UPI International is intended to make transactions safe and simple for millions of Indians travelling abroad. ii. It supports all international merchant outlets with a local QR (quick response) code in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Mauritius, Nepal, and Bhutan.
12. Name the Bank that has recently (in Feb ‘23) partnered with Geojit Financial Services to launch a wealth management platform.
1) Dhanlaxmi Bank
2) RBL Bank
3) South Indian Bank
4) IndusInd Bank
5) ICICI Bank
Option “3” is correct South Indian Bank (SIB) launched SIB Wealth, a wealth management platform in partnership with Geojit Financial Services to offer a range of financial services to its High-Net-worth Individuals (HNI) customers to invest their money in the best financial instruments available in the market. i. This platform will enable the bank’s account holders to maximize their wealth through personalized, efficient, and convenient investment solutions. ii. Geojit Financial Services is an investment services company with over 35 years of experience in providing effective financial solutions.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
13. Who has recently (in Feb ‘23) received ‘The Hurun Industry Achievement Award 2022’ for remarkable achievements in the world of business?
1) VP Nandakumar
2) Rishad Premji
3) Nandan Nilekani
4) N. S. Raghavan
5) N. R. Narayana Murthy
Option “1” is correct VP Nandakumar, Managing Director and Chief executive officer (CEO) of Manappuram Finance Limited, received The Hurun Industry Achievement Award 2022 for his remarkable achievements in the world of business. i. He received the award from Rupert Hoogewerf, Founder & Chairman of Hurun Global, at Hurun India’s award ceremony held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. ii. The award recognises the contributions of Manappuram Finance in the non-banking finance space.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
14. In February 2023, Indian Navy’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the MIG29K Fighter Aircraft successfully performed their maiden landing and take-off attempts on which Indian Naval Ship (INS)?
1) INS Viraat
2) INS Vikrant
3) INS Khanderi
4) INS Vikramaditya
5) INS Arihant
Option “2” is correct Indian Navy’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the MIG29K Fighter Aircraft successfully performed their maiden landing and take-off attempts on the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant, India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier. i. The indigenously developed LCA landings were carried out by the pilots of the Indian Navy. ii. The maiden landing of MIG-29K marks the integration of the fighter aircraft with INS Vikrant. Note- INS Vikrant was commissioned by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on 2nd September 2022. The carrier was built at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore by Cochin Shipyard Limited. • The 45,000 metric tons vessel is 262 meters (~860 feet) long and around 60 meters (~197 feet) wide.
15. Name the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) that has recently (in Feb ‘23) signed an MoU with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to collaborate on the application of Extended Reality (XR) in the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme (IHSP).
Option “4” is correct Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the application of Extended Reality (XR) and other technologies in the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme (IHSP). i. IIT Madras is set to develop a training module for the Indian Spaceflight Programme using Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR). ii. To advance Research and Development (R&D) in the domain of XR, ISRO would make use of the advanced technologies developed at the recently formed eXperiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC) at IIT Madras.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
16. Who has recently (in Feb ‘23) appointed as the Brand Ambassador of Myntra?
1) Shraddha Kapoor
2) Vicky Kaushal
3) Anushka Sharma
4) Sara Ali Khan
5) Ranbir Kapoor
Option “5” is correct Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Myntra, an Indian fashion e-commerce company owned by Flipkart, has appointed Ranbir Kapoor, an Indian Bollywood actor, as its new Brand Ambassador to endorse men’s fashion wear on the platform. i. He will feature in a brand campaign titled ‘Be Extraordinary Everyday’ slated to go live shortly alongside Kiara Advani. ii. Myntra’s association with Kapoor will help the brand tap into his popularity and national appeal. iii. This strengthens the platform’s ties to India’s film industry and establishes Myntra as the go-to source for the newest in on-trend fashion.
17. In February 2023, K Satyanarayana Raju was appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of which bank?
1) Union Bank of India
2) Punjab & Sind Bank
3) Canara Bank
4) Bank of India
5) Bank of Baroda
Option “3” is correct The Government of India (GoI) appointed K Satyanarayana Raju as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the state-owned Canara Bank, with immediate effect. i. K Satyanarayana Raju succeeds L V Prabhakar who resigned from office on 31st December 2022. ii. K Satyanarayana Raju joined the erstwhile Vijaya Bank in 1988 and has risen to the level of Chief General Manager at the Bank of Baroda (BoB) (Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank were merged with BoB in 2019).
SPORTS
18. Australian Cricketer Aaron James Finch recently (in Feb ’23) announced his retirement from International Cricket.
In which year, Australia won their 1st International Cricket Council (ICC) T20I World Cup under the captaincy of Aaron James Finch?
1) 2021
2) 2014
3) 2016
4) 2012
5) 2022
Option “1” is correct Aaron James Finch, Australia’s most successful Twenty20 International (T20I) Captain, announced his retirement from International Cricket. Under his captaincy, Australia won their 1st International Cricket Council (ICC) T20I World Cup in 2021 against New Zealand in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). i. In 2014, he was named Australia’s T20I captain, replacing George Bailey. He captained Australia in 76 T20Is, more than any other men’s player, leading the team to a maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2021. He has also won an ODI World Cup title with Australia in 2015. ii. He has played 92 matches in the IPL, scoring 2091 runs at an average of 25.19 and a strike rate of 128.20. Note- In September 2022, Aaron Finch announced his retirement from the One Day International (ODI), 50-over format.
STATE NEWS
19. Which of the following points is/are ‘correct’ with respect to the Telangana state government budget for 2023–24 presented in February 2023?
A) The Finance Minister of Telangana, Chamakura Malla Reddy, presented the tax-free State Budget worth Rs 5.20 lakh crore for next financial year (FY) 2023-24.
B) The total revenue expenditure is pegged at Rs 2,11,685 crore and the capital expenditure at Rs 37,525 crore.
C) The highest allocation of Rs 31,426 crore will be for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development departments.
1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C
Option “3” is correct The Finance Minister of Telangana, Thaneeru Harish Rao, presented the tax-free State Budget worth Rs 2.90 lakh crore for next financial year (FY) 2023-24 while giving priority to infrastructure development and public welfare in the latest budget. i. The total revenue expenditure is pegged at Rs 2,11,685 crore and the capital expenditure at Rs 37,525 crore. ii. The highest allocation of Rs 31,426 crore will be for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development departments.
IMPORTANT DAYS
20. What is the theme of Safer Internet Day (SID) 2023 that was observed across the globe on 7th February 2023?
1) An internet we trust: exploring reliability
2) All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online
3) Together for a better internet
4) Online rights responsibilities
5) Our Internet, Our Choice
Option “3” is correct Safer Internet Day (SID) is annually observed across the globe on the 2nd Day (Tuesday) of the 2nd week of February to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns and to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people. • Safer Internet Day 2023 is observed on 7th February 2023, marking the 20th edition of SID. i. The theme of SID 2023 is “Together for a better internet”. This has been the campaign slogan of SID since 2019. ii. The 1st ever Safer Internet Day was observed on 6th February 2004. By then, 14 countries (13 European countries and Australia) celebrated the day.
21. The United Nations (UN) World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) 2023 observed across the globe from 1st to 7th February 2023.
In which year the 1st ever WIHW was observed?
1) 2014
2) 2012
3) 2010
4) 2009
5) 2011
Option “5” is correct United Nations (UN)’s World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) is annually observed across the globe during the 1st week of February (1-7 February) to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith. • WIHW 2023 is observed from 1st to 7th February 2023. i. The WIHW mantra, “Love of Good, Love of the Neighbor”, is not only a slogan but a plea and an existential imperative to ensure our survival as a species. ii. The 1st ever WIHW was observed on 1-7 February 2011. iii. The World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on the pioneering work of “The Common Word initiative”, which was authored by Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad and released in 2007.
CA STATIC GK
22. Which company has recently (in Feb ‘23) received an order from the Centre For Railway Information Systems (CRIS) for conversion of Freight Operating Information System (FOIS)?
Option “5” is correct The Centre For Railway Information Systems (CRIS) has decided to rope in IT company Orchasp Limited for conversion of Freight Operating Information System (FOIS) from existing VB application to web based model.
23. Who is the current (as of Feb ‘23) Comptroller and Auditor General of India?
Option “3” is correct Comptroller and Auditor General of India Girish Chandra Murmu announced that India aims to touch the $5 trillion economy by 2025, credible accounting amid expanded use of technology and digital payments will be key along with upgradation of existing data analysis tools. i. He also stressed the need for proper auditing of the country’s local bodies, which come under the ambit of the state governments. ii. Murmu, who is chairing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Supreme Audit Institutions conference in Lucknow, announced the state governments must be agile in feeding information.
24. What is the capital of Türkiye?
1) Damascus
2) Ashgabat
3) Seoul
4) Ankara
5) Dushanbe
Option “4” is correct Ankara is the Capital of Türkiye and Turkish Lira is the currency of Türkiye. i. Recently, powerful tremors were felt in Türkiye after an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck along a well-known fault line called the Anatolia tectonic block. Goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan passed away in the earthquake. ii. Türkiye prone to Earthquakes: In the region of Türkiye, Syria, and Jordan, tectonics are dominated by complex interactions between the African, Arabian, and Eurasian tectonic plates, and the Anatolian tectonic block.
25. In which year ‘Airtel Payments Banks’ is established?
1) 2021
2) 2014
3) 2017
4) 2010
5) 2015
Option “3” is correct About Airtel Payments Banks Limited: It was founded by Bharti Airtel, India’s largest telecom operator, and is regarded as India’s first payments bank. MD & CEO – Anubrata Biswas Launched – 2017 Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
26. The World Heritage Site, ‘Yosemite National Park’ is located in California, United States. In which year ‘Yosemite National Park’ was designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)?
1) 1984
2) 1972
3) 1995
4) 1990
5) 1965
Option “1” is correct Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California (United States). It is known for the giant & ancient sequoia trees, Tunnel View, granite cliff of El Capitan & iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall. i. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984.
27. Which company recently (in Feb ‘23) announced a plan to launch an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered chatbot called ‘Bard’, to counter Microsoft-backed ChatGPT tool?
1) IBM
2) Google
3) Oracle Corporation
4) Meta
5) Twitter
Option “2” is correct Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced that the tech giant will soon launch an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered chatbot called ‘Bard’, aimed at countering the popularity of the ChatGPT tool backed by Microsoft. i. Bard will be used by a group of testers before being rolled out to the public in the coming weeks, the firm said. ii. Bard is built on Google’s existing large language model Lamda, which one engineer described as being so human-like in its responses that he believed it was sentient. Note- According to a report by SimilarWeb, the ChatGPT – the popular artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot clocked 13 million users per day in January and reported to have reached 100 million users, just two months.
28. Who was recently (in Feb ‘23) appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the semiconductor unit of Vedanta Ltd?
Option “2” is correct Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Ltd named David Reed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its semiconductor unit, where it is looking to invest USD 20 billion to manufacture chips. i. The group is planning to start manufacturing semiconductors at Gujarat’s Dholera in two to three years.
29. In which state ‘Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?
Option “4” is correct About Telangana: Chief Minister– K. Chandrashekar Rao Governor– Tamilisai Soundararajan National Park– Mrugavani National Park Wildlife Sanctuary– Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary; Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary
30. Who is the current (as of Feb ‘23) Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South Indian Bank (SIB)?
Option “1” is correct About South Indian Bank (SIB): Managing Director (MD)and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Murali Ramakrishnan Headquarters– Thrissur, Kerala
