The current affairs section needs to be given extra attention if you are preparing for competitive examinations. A candidate should constantly study fresh information about global events, country, state, and all other sectors. To maintain a level of general knowledge, all you need to know are the essentials. Reading about current events is not difficult; it is really interesting. To help all the candidates score well in this section, we have analysed the most recent news from The Hindu, Indian Express, the Economic Times, and so on.

Motivation++

“Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached”

-Swami Vivekananda 

Current Affairs: Days and Events

National Youth Day 2023

• National Youth Day is being celebrated on 12 January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. 
• In 1984, the Indian government declared Swamiji’s birth anniversary as National Youth Day, and since 1985, it has been celebrated to honour and recognise Vivekananda’s teachings. 

Theme: 

• The theme of National Youth Day 2023 is “Viksit Yuva-Viksit Bharat”.

Objectives:

• In India, National Youth Day is celebrated to promote awareness of people’s rights and to provide information about them. Keeping the ideals of Swami Vivekananda alive and motivating young people is the main objective of the celebration.

About Swami Vivekananda:

• The pre-monastic name of Swami Vivekananda was Narendra Nath Dutta. He was born on 12 January 1863 in Kolkata and died on 4 July 1902. 
• His father’s name was Vishwanath Dutta, and his mother’s name was Bhuvaneshwari Devi. 
• He became a disciple of Saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa after being introduced to him by one of his English professors in 1881 at Dakshineshwar’s Kali Temple. 
• The Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga were introduced to the Western World by him.

Famous Speech:

• Vivekananda is best known for his speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, when he began his speech by saying, “Sisters and brothers of America…” and introduced the culture of India, its importance, Hinduism, etc.

Question: 

What is the theme of National Youth day 2023, celebrated on 12 January every year?

A. ‘Channelising Youth Power for Nation Building’

B. ‘Fit Youth Fit India’

C. ‘YUVAAH – Utsah Naye Bharat Ka’

D. ‘Viksit Yuva-Viksit Bharat’

Answer: D

Current Affairs: Rank and Indexes

Henley Passport Index-2023

• For the fifth straight year, the Japanese passport is the most powerful among all passports in the world, as it allows visa-access to as many as 193 countries, according to Henley Passport Index 2023. 
• India, on the other hand, improved its position by two spots from last year and is currently ranked 85th on the index.
• A holder of an Indian passport can travel visa-to 59 countries (60 in 2022); Mauritanian and Uzbekistan passports are as powerful as that of India.

What Is Henley Passport Index?

• Invented nearly 20 years ago by Dr Christian H Kaelin, Chairman, Henley & Partners, the index is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). 
• It is the original ranking of all the passports according to the number of destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa.

Passports of these countries hold the top 10 spots on the Henley Index:

Rank	Passport(s)	Visa-travel to (out of 227 destinations)
1.	Japan	193
2.	Singapore, South Korea	192
3.	Germany, Spain	190
4.	Finland, Italy, Luxembourg	189
5.	Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden	188
6.	France, Ireland, Portugal, United Kingdom	187
7.	Belgium, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United States	186
8.	Australia, Canada, Greece, Malta	185
9.	Hungary, Poland	184
10.	Lithuania, Slovakia	183
85.	India, Mauritania, Uzbekistan	59

Passports of these countries hold the bottom 10 spots on the Henley Index:

Rank	Passport(s)	Visa-travel to (out of 227 destinations)
109.	Afghanistan	27
108.	Iraq	29
107.	Syria	30
106.	Pakistan	32
105.	Yemen	34
104.	Somalia	35
103.	Nepal, Palestinian Territory	38
102.	North Korea	40
101.	Bangladesh, Kosovo, Libya	41
100.	Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Sudan	42

Question: 

What is the ranking of India according to the Henley Passport Index 2023?

A. 27th

B. 85th

C. 92nd

D. 183rd

Answer: B

Check out the Highlights of the Economic Survey 2022-23 by clicking on the link given below:
Economic Survey 2022-23

Current Affairs: Report and Indexes

Global Economic Prospects Report by World Bank

• The World Bank slashed its 2023 growth forecasts recently to levels teetering on the brink of recession for many countries as the impact of central bank rate hikes intensifies, Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, and the world’s major economic engines sputter.
• The flagship report (issued twice a year) examines global economic developments and prospects, focusing on emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).

Key Highlights of the Report:

• Projections Global GDP Growth: 1.7% in 2023 – third-weakest pace since 1993, overshadowed only by 2009 and 2020 global recessions. 
• India is expected to grow at 6.6% in 2023.

What Are the Mentioned Reasons for the Slowdown?

• Elevated Inflation, Higher interest rates, reduced investment and disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. Any additional adverse shocks could push the global economy into recession.
• Recession is a significant, pervasive, and persistent decline in economic activity – at least for two consecutive quarters of negative GDP for most analyses.

Regional Outlooks:

• East Asia and Pacific: Growth is expected to increase to 4.3% in 2023 and to 4.9% in 2024 
• Europe and Central Asia:  Growth is expected to slow to 0.1% in 2023 before increasing to 2.8% in 2024
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Growth is projected to slow to 1.3% in 2023 before recovering to 2.4% in 2024
• Middle East and North Africa: Growth is expected to slow to 3.5% in 2023 and 2.7% in 2024
• South Asia: Growth is projected to slow to 5.5% in 2023 before picking up to 5.8% in 2024
• Sub-Saharan Africa: Growth is expected to be at 3.6% in 2023 and rise to 3.9% in 2024

Question: 

What is the expected growth rate of India in the year 2023, according to the recently published Global Economic Prospects report by the World Bank?

A. 6.6%

B. 7.2%

C. 7.9%

D. 8.1%

Answer: A

Current Affairs: Report and Indexes

Levels and Trends in Child Mortality: UN Report 2022

• An estimated 5 million children died before their fifth birthday, and another 2.1 million children and youth aged between 5–24 years lost their lives in 2021, according to the latest estimates released by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME).
• It is based on the latest estimates released by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality  Estimation (UN IGME). 

Major Outcomes of the Report:

• The global under-5 mortality rate has fallen by 50% since the start of the century. 
• An estimated 5 million children died before their fifth birthday, and another 2.1 million children and youth aged between 5 and 24 lost their lives in 2021. 
• More than 80% of under-five deaths and about 70% of all deaths among 5–24-year-olds occurred in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia.

Question:

According to the Levels and Trends in Child Mortality released by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) recently, which of the following regions has the highest number of child mortality?

A. Latin America and the Caribbean

B. Central Asia

C. Sub-Saharan Africa

D. East Asia and Pacific

Answer: C

Current Affairs: Science and Technology

India’s Highest Telescope Chandra Captures Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) That Last Came to Earth 50,000 Years Ago

• The Himalayan Chandra Telescope on the foothills of Mount Saraswati in Ladakh’s Hanle has captured the first images of a newly discovered comet named Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) that last arrived in the skies above Earth about 60,000 years ago. 
• At the time, Neanderthals, our ancient ancestors, roamed the planet.

Details:

• Comets are frozen leftovers from the formation of the solar system (4.6 billion years ago) composed of dust, rock, and ice. 
• When a comet’s orbit brings it close to the Sun, it heats up and spews dust and gases (forming a tail) into a giant glowing head larger than most planets. 
• Billions of comets are orbiting our Sun in the Kuiper Belt (called short-period comets) and even more distant Oort Cloud (called long-period comets).

Question: 

Which of the following Indian telescopes recently captured the first images of a newly discovered Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) that last arrived in the skies above Earth about 60,000 years ago?

A. Himalayan Chandra Telescope

B. GROWTH-India Telescope

C. High Altitude Gamma Ray Telescope

D. IIA-Washington University Cassegrain telescope

Answer: A

Current Affairs: Days and events

National Road Safety Week 2023

• The National Road Safety Week is being celebrated in India beginning from 11 January until 17 January. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has organised this awareness week with the aim of encouraging road safety practices among people.
• This event involves activities including workshops, seminars, and fatigue checks of truck drivers and educating them about road safety.
• The World Road Statistics 2018 ranked India first in terms of road fatalities across 199 countries. 
• The Central and State governments in India have come together in an effort to decrease road fatalities. 

History

• The first National Road Safety Week was introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and observed in 1989. This year marks the 34th National Road Safety Week.
• The number of people killed in car accidents in 2016 was 1.50 lakh, with the figure falling to 1.47 lakh in 2017. However, the following year, in 2018, it grew to 1.49 lakh, as per the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways report.

Theme

• The theme for this year has not been released yet. The 2022 year’s theme for National Road Safety Week was “Sadak Suraksha – Jeevan Raksha”. 

Significance

• According to reports, road accidents killed thousands despite COVID-19-induced restrictions and national lockdown.
• As a result, National Road Safety Week is critical in informing people about how to avoid such road accidents and the unfortunate consequences of disregarding safety measures on the road.

Question: 

What was the theme of National Road Safety Week 2022?

A. “Parvah krenge surakshit rahenge”

B. “Sadak Suraksha – Jeevan Raksha”

C. “Bringing Change through Youth Power”

D. “Save yourself to save your family”

Answer: B

Check out the Highlights of Union Budget 2023 by clicking on the link given below:
Union Budget 2023-24

Current Affairs: National

14th Edition of the World Spice Congress (WSC) to be held in Mumbai

• India is known as the ‘Spice Bowl’ of the world. It produces a number of quality, rare and medicinal spices. 
• With an aim to open up newer opportunities to promote the international trade of Indian spices, the 14th edition of the World Spice Congress (WSC) is to be held in Mumbai from 16-18 February 2023.

What Is the World Spice Congress?

• It was planned and conceived in 1990 as a forum for discussion and interaction between the importers and exporters of spices.
• Since its inception, it has been organised under the leadership of the Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Theme:

• VISION 2030: S-P-I-C-E-S (Sustainability, Productivity, Innovation, Collaboration, Excellence and Safety).

Facts:

• Maharashtra has been chosen as a venue because it is one of the leading states producing spices 
• It is the largest producer of turmeric in India 
• Maharashtra produces two GI-tagged turmeric varieties and one GI-tagged chilli variety 
• Coastal areas of Maharashtra are also known for the production of GI-tagged Kokum
• Spices Board was constituted on 26th February 1987 under the Spices Board Act 1986 with the merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board (1968) and Spices Export Promotion Council (1960)
• It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Question: 

14th edition of the World Spice Congress-2023 will be held in which of the following cities in February?

A. Delhi

B. Thiruvananthapuram

C. Madurai

D. Mumbai

Answer: D

Fact Book – 12 January 2023

Adar Poonawalla gets Patangrao Kadam award

• Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India and its CEO Adar Poonwalla for their contribution to the fight against COVID-19.
• Adar Poonawalla was carrying forward the legacy of his father, Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, as SII has manufactured 160 vaccines.
• Dr Patangrao Kadam was a leader who created 190 institutes to provide quality education and created quality human resources.

India, Panama sign MoU to enhance cooperation in training of diplomats

• India and Panama have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the training of diplomats. 
• The agreement would allow diplomats from both countries to continue benefiting from the exchange of knowledge and experiences in their respective fields of diplomatic academics.
• Panama is the southernmost nation in Central America.
• The country is known for the Panama Canal, a man-made waterway that opened in 1914. 
• This canal passes through the country, connecting the Caribbean Sea (Atlantic) with the Pacific Ocean.

Delhi High court approves old pension scheme for Central Paramilitary forces

• In a move that is set to benefit Central Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), the Delhi High court on Wednesday said the old pension scheme will be made available to the CAPF as they are a part of the armed forces.
• Old pension scheme retirees can choose between 50% of their last drawn basic salary and a dearness allowance or their average pay over the previous ten months. Workers must serve ten years.
• Old pension scheme workers are exempt from pension contributions. Government jobs guaranteed retirement and family pensions.

• Government employees in this New Pension scheme contribute 10% of their base pay, while businesses may contribute up to 14%.
• Private sector employees are also permitted to actively engage in the NPS, although some rules have been altered.

US fund to help restore Paigah Tombs in Hyderabad

• The necropolis of noblemen dating from the Asaf Jahi era, known as Paigah Tombs Complex in Hyderabad, is set to be restored with funding from the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
• It is located 4 km southeast of Charminar. Paigah Tombs are 200-year-old tombs belonging to the nobility of the Paigah family.
• Paigahs were the influential families in the Princely State of Hyderabad.
• Currently, US Consulate Hyderabad is located in Paigah Palace located at Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet. From the palace, the Consulate covers three states, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.

Amul MD R S Sodhi resigns, Jayen Mehta takes over as interim chief

• RS Sodhi resigned as the Managing Director of the 7Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which owns the brand Amul.
• Jayenbhai Mehta will succeed RS Sodhi as the new Managing Director of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF).
• Jayen Mehta will remain the head of the Amul brand for an interim period. 
• Anand Milk Union Limited (AMUL) is an Indian dairy state government cooperative society based in Anand, Gujarat. Formed in 1946, it is a cooperative brand managed by Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF).

Turtle excluder device

• The US and India are developing a technique for Indian fishermen in order to export shrimps for American consumers from India. 
• An area that was banned by the US because of the concerns around turtles, in the areas where wild-caught shrimp was being fished in India. 
• To stop the extinction of turtles in the water, a turtle excluder device has also been designed with the technical support of the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) from the US. And now, that design has also been accepted between the two countries as a collaborative effort between India and the United States.
• The trials of that machine will ensure that the turtle excluder device will minimise the impact of fishing on the sea turtle population.

Also check:

Daily current affairs for January 09, 2023	Daily current affairs for January 10, 2023
Daily current affairs for January 11, 2023	Daily current affairs for January 12, 2023

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