Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Examinations: January 27, 2023
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Current Affairs: Art and Culture
Ahom ‘Maidams’ India’s Sole Nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ahom era ‘Maidams’, the resting place of royal families in Assam’s Charaideo district, will be India’s sole nomination for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said recently.
Details:
The dossier prepared on the ‘Maidams’, also called “Assam’s Pyramids”, was selected by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi amongst the 52 heritage sites spread across the nation that are aiming at the coveted tag.
Facts:
The ‘Maidams’ of the Ahom dynasty at Charaideo were first included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in April 2014, ‘Maidams’ will be nominated in the category of cultural sites.
India currently has 40 World Heritage Sites – 32 of them cultural sites, seven natural sites and one mixed site.
Currently, Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park in Assam in the Northeast are among the seven natural sites, while there is no World Heritage Site in the cultural heritage category.
Question:
‘Maidams’, in Assam, will be India’s sole nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. What other name does it have?
A. Pagodas of Assam
B. Pyramids of Assam
C. Stupas of Assam
D. Fanes of Assam
Answer: B
Current Affairs: Science and Technology
JUICE Space Mission of Europe to be Launched in April 2023
The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) has been confirmed for launch from the agency’s spaceport in French Guiana in April 2023.
The mission will explore the large, frigid worlds that orbit Jupiter, Ganymede, Callisto and Europa.
It marks Europe’s biggest space venture yet, spanning a decade of precise monitoring and calculations to send the JUICE spacecraft into orbit not only around three large moons but also the largest planet in the solar system.
What Is JUICE?
JUICE is the abbreviation for Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer.
German engineers created the satellite, which France then tested.
The mission’s primary goal is to investigate the microbial life that exists on the icy moons.
Additionally, the planet’s polar regions and magnetosphere will be investigated.
JUICE will enter Ganymede’s orbit to investigate its composition.
The satellite is anticipated to join Jupiter orbit by 2034 if it is launched in April 2023.
In 2035, it will be deorbited.
Galilean Tribute on board:
Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei was the first person to identify Jupiter’s four largest moons orbiting their planet in 1610.
This led to his correct theory that, rather than the heavens revolving around the Earth, celestial bodies instead circle larger ones: the four moons around Jupiter and planets around the sun.
In tribute to his discovery, the ESA has inaugurated a plaque on the JUICE spacecraft, reproducing pages of Galileo’s observations in his pamphlet Sidereus Nuncius, where he first published his observations and turned human understanding of the universe on its head.
Question:
Which planet is associated with the recently announced April 2023 launch of Europe’s JUICE Space Mission?
A. Mercury
B. Mars
C. Jupiter
D. Neptune
Answer: C
Check out the Highlights of the Economic Survey 2022-23 by clicking on the link given below: Economic Survey 2022-23
Current Affairs: Defence
DRDO, Naval Group Reach Agreement on Indigenous AIP Modules on Scorpene Submarines
In an important step that will significantly enhance the endurance of the Scorpene-class conventional submarines of the Indian Navy, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Naval Group have reached an agreement to fit the indigenous fuel cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system on INS Kalvari soon.
The AIP has been developed by DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), and the land-based prototype has been tested.
What Is Air Independent Propulsion?
This new technology has a force multiplier effect on the lethality of a diesel-electric submarine
It will enhance the submerged endurance by several folds
It will enhance the performance as compared to other technologies
It will generate hydrogen onboard
NMRL and Indian industry partners together have generated this technology
The technology is ready for industrialisation
Other details:
Six Scorpene submarines are being built under Project-75 by the MDL under technology transfer from the Naval Group of France under a $3.75 billion deal signed in October 2005.
The project is about four years behind schedule. The first submarine INS Kalvari was commissioned in December 2017; the second one, INS Khanderi, in September 2019; the third, INS Karanj, in March 2021 and the fourth, INS Vela, joined service in November 2021.
Question:
Recently DRDO and Naval Group signed an agreement for fitting the indigenous fuel cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system on which of the following submarines?
The Centre has selected the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and the Lunglei Fire Station (LFS), Mizoram, for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar for 2023 for their work in disaster management.
Details:
OSDMA was established in 1999 in the aftermath of the Super Cyclone and has been a part of several initiatives, such as
Raising the Odisha Disaster Response Action Force (ODRAF)
Multi-hazard Early Warning Service (MHEWS) framework
SATARK- System For Assessing, Tracking And Alerting Disaster Risk Information Based on Dynamic Risk Knowledge
Lunglei Fire Station, Mizoram, responded efficiently and effectively to a massive forest fire which was reported on 24 April 2021 in the uninhabited forest areas that surrounded Lunglei town and spread to more than ten village council areas.
Lunglei Fire Station personnel, assisted by local civilians, worked continuously for more than 32 hours, during which they motivated and provided on-the-spot training to residents.
Due to the valiant, brazen and prompt efforts of Fire and Emergency staff in putting out the flames, there was no loss of life and property, and the spread of fire to other parts of the State was prevented.
What Is Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar?
This award is instituted by the Government of India to recognize and felicitate the invaluable contribution and selfless service rendered by individuals and organisations in India.
Every year on 23rd January, this award is announced.
There is a cash prize of ₹51 lakhs and a certificate for the institutions and ₹5 lakhs and a certificate for the individuals.
Question:
In which of the following states is Lunglei Fire Station, which has been recently selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2023, located?
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Odisha
C. Manipur
D. Mizoram
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Awards and Recognitions
Eleven Children Conferred With Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP)
President Droupadi Murmu recently conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2023 on 11 children, including one with a rare bone disorder, who is now an accomplished singer and a youngster who jumped into a river to save the life of a woman.
About Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP):
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is awarded to children aged 5 to 18 for their exceptional performance, which deserves national recognition.
The awards are given in six categories—Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Scholastic, Social Service and Sports.
This year, awards were presented in the categories of Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Social Service and Sports.
The award consists of a medal, a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, book vouchers worth ₹10,000, a certificate and a citation.
It started in 1996 as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement and was renamed in 2018 as Bal Shakti Puraskar.
About Bal Kalyan Puraskar:
This is given as recognition to Individuals and Institutions, who have made an outstanding contribution towards service for children in the field of child development, child protection and child welfare.
An individual who is an Indian Citizen residing in India and should have attained the age of 18 years or above (as of 31st August of the respective year).
The awards are given in each of the two categories – Individual and Institution – along with cash prizes (₹1,00, 000 and ₹5,00, 000, respectively).
It was started in 1979 as the National Child Welfare Awards, and in 2018, renamed Bal Kalyan Puraskar.
Current Affairs: Arts and Entertainment
SCO Film Festival to be Organised in Mumbai from 27th to 31st January 2023
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is organising the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Film Festival in Mumbai from 27–31 January 2023, in Mumbai, through the National Film Development Corporation.
The SCO Film Festival is being organised to mark India’s Presidency at SCO.
A total of 57 Films will be showcased at the SCO Film Festival from SCO countries. In the Competition Section, 14 feature films are competing and will be screened, and the Non-Competition section will showcase 43 Films.
The Opening Ceremony will be held at Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai, on 27 January 2023.
Details:
The Competition section is for the SCO Member States only and comprises various prestigious awards like Best Feature Film, Best Actor (Male), Best Actor (Female), Best Director (Feature Film), and Special Jury Award.
The Non-competition section is for all SCO countries, viz., Member States and also the Observer States and Dialogue Partners States in the following categories:
SCO Country Focus films – selected to represent the respective SCO country at the film festival. Thus, enabling exchange among the different countries and acting as a bridge between the cultures of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation members.
Director Focus films – made by a well-known director of the SCO Country, an acclaimed veteran who is well respected in the country for their craft and lineage of cinema, contributing to the heritage of the Country.
Children Focus films – that educate and entertain the young audience while being easy to understand. Thus developing the interest of young children and nurturing their minds.
Short films – not exceeding 20 mins in duration that are artistically and cinematically adept and capture the audience’s imagination by applying original ideas.
Indian Restored Classic–5 films are being showcased.
Language:
The official language of the SCO, i.e., Russian and Chinese, will also be the official language of the Film Festival. English will also be included as the functional language of the festival as it is being hosted in India. The films to be screened will be required to be dubbed or subtitled in English for the benefit of the jury and local audience.
About SCO:
The SCO is a multilateral organisation established on 15 June 2001. The SCO currently comprises eight Member States (China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan), three Observer States (Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia) and fourteen Dialogue Partners (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives, Myanmar, UAE and Turkey)
Question:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is organising the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Film Festival from 27–31 January 2023 in which of the following cities?
A. Panjim
B. Mumbai
C. Delhi
D. Jaipur
Answer: B
Check out the Highlights of Union Budget 2023 by clicking on the link given below: Union Budget 2023-24
Current Affairs: Polity and Governance
13th National Voters’ Day
The Election Commission of India is celebrating the 13th National Voters’ Day on 25 January 2023.
Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, was the Chief Guest at the national function being organised in New Delhi by the Election Commission of India.
NVD is celebrated at the national, state, district, constituency and polling booth levels, which makes it one of the largest celebrations in the country.
Theme:
The theme for this year’s NVD, ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure’, is dedicated to voters, which conveys individuals’ feelings and aspirations towards participation in the electoral process through the power of their vote.
Logo:
The logo is designed to showcase the festivity and inclusivity of the electoral process.
Ashoka Chakra, in the background, represents the largest democracy in the world, whereas the inked finger represents the participation of each and every voter of the country.
The tick mark in the logo stands for informed decision-making by the voter.
ECI Song:
An ECI song- “Main Bharat Hoon- Hum Bharat Ke Matdata Hain”, produced by ECI in association with Subhash Ghai Foundation, will also be screened.
The song brings forth the power of the vote and celebrates the spirit of inclusive, accessible, ethical, participative and festive elections in the largest and most vibrant democracy of the world.
About National Voters’ Day:
Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January 25 every year, all across the country, to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, i.e., 25th January 1950.
The main purpose of the NVD celebration is to create electoral awareness amongst citizens and encourage them to participate in the electoral process.
Dedicated to the voters of the country, National Voters’ Day is also used to facilitate the enrolment of voters, especially the newly eligible young voters.
New voters are felicitated and handed over their Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) in the NVD functions held across the country.
About the Election Commission of India:
The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body
It was established by the Constitution of India to conduct and regulate elections in the country
Headquarters: New Delhi
Formed: 25 January 1950
Current executive: Rajiv Kumar
Question:
What is the theme of the 13th National Voters’ Day which is being celebrated on 25th January 2023?
A. Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative
B. Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure
C. Making Our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed
D. No voter to be left behind
Answer: B
Factbook 25-01-2023
Gujarat Court Describes Cow as a ‘symbol of religion’
Gujarat court, while awarding life term punishment to one Mohammad Ameen for illegally transporting cattle, described the cow as ‘Gaumata’, a mother.
The court said that cow dung could even prevent nuclear radiation from affecting houses made of cow dung.
The court has also stated that all of the earth’s problems will get solved the day cow slaughter ends.
The case against Ameen pertains to 18 July 2020, when a truck carrying 16 cows and bullocks was caught by the police.
The police caught the vehicles around 5.30 am at a subdivision between villages in Tapi and Banaskantha districts in Gujarat.
It was alleged that the cows were being transported without any food or water in the truck. Mandatory veterinary first-aid kits were also absent in the truck.
Also, out of 16 animals, one cow and one bullock had died.
Sebi Launches Information Database on Municipal Bonds
The database contains a wide range of information in the form of statistics and regulations, circulars, etc., issued by Sebi and information to be obtained by an Issuer to tap the Municipal Bond Market.
A municipal bond is a debt instrument issued by municipal corporations. Bengaluru floated municipal bonds for the first time in India in 1997.
Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme
Indian Coast Guard conducted a course for officers and sailors of several countries under ITEC.
ITEC Programme (Ministry of External Affairs) was instituted in 1964 as a bilateral programme of assistance to share India’s developmental experience.
ITEC has also been used for cooperation programmes such as the Commonwealth Secretariat, UNIDO, Group of 77 and G-15, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, etc.
Under ITEC and its sister programmes, SCAAP (Special Commonwealth Assistance for Africa Programme) and the Technical Cooperation Scheme (TCS) of the Colombo Plan, more than 160 countries have benefitted.
Major components of ITEC: Training and Capacity Building, Study Tours, and Deputation of Indian experts.
First Anti-Deforestation Raids in Amazon
Brazil’s environmental protection agency IBAMA launched its first anti-deforestation raid in search of illegal loggers that are contributing to the Amazon’s deforestation.
Prior to winning the elections, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva pledged to rid the forest of illegal loggers in October 2022.
Most of the destruction that occurs in the Amazon is owed to Jair Bolsonaro, who suspended the Amazon Fund in November 2019 following a quarrel with Norway.
‘Ops Alert’ Exercise
Recently, the Border Security Force (BSF) has started a seven-day “Ops Alert” exercise.
It commenced on 21 January and will continue till 28 January.
All along the Indo-Pak international border from Sir Creek (marshy area) to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and Barmer district of Rajasthan.
The BSF will carry out special operations in forward and depth areas as well as creeks and ‘Harami Nalla’ as part of the exercise.
It has also planned public outreach programmes as part of the exercise.
To enhance its security, “permanent vertical bunkers” of concrete are being constructed for the first time to station BSF troops right at the strategically significant Sir Creek and Harami Nalla marshy areas.
Extrasss:
Republic Day 2023: History, Importance and Interesting Facts
Every year, Republic Day is celebrated on 26 January to commemorate the day on which the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950.
This year, the day falls on Thursday, with citizens of the country marking it as the 74th Republic Day.
This occasion marks the day when India became a republic and was no longer under the British Empire.
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of our country.
It is the framework the citizens follow when it comes to fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties that all citizens and government institutions have to follow.
History and Significance:
Republic Day commemorated the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950.
While India gained independence from the British Raj in 1947, it was not until 26 January 1950 that the Constitution of India came into effect, and the country became a sovereign state, declaring it a republic.
The Constituent Assembly held its first session on 9th December 1946, and the last on the 26th November 1949, and then the Constitution was adopted a year later.
Dr BR Ambedkar headed the Drafting Committee of the Constitution. On this day, India also marks Constitution Day.
Republic Day commemorates the spirit of independent India. On this day, in 1930, the Indian National Congress proclaimed Purna Swaraj from colonial rule.
Republic Day also commemorates Indian citizens’ power to choose their government democratically.
The country marks it as a national holiday to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Constitution.
Republic Day Celebrations:
Republic Day celebrations are marked with much enthusiasm in the country. On this day, the President unfurls the national flag, followed by spectacular military and cultural pageantry.
Additionally, the President of India distributes Padma Awards to the deserving civilians of the country, and brave soldiers are awarded Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra. Live webcast of the Republic Day Parade is also made accessible every year to millions of people.
This Year’s Tableaux:
“Twenty-three tableaux—17 from states and union territories and six from various ministries and departments—will be displayed and will depict the nation’s rich cultural heritage, economic progress and strong internal and external security”.
Difference between ‘Flag Hoisting’ and ‘Flag Unfurling’:
On both 15 August and 26 January, the national flag is hoisted. There is an important similarity between these two important events, yet they are a little different. There is a distinction between hoisting the flag on Independence Day and Republic Day because the customs for each day are different.
While both the events honour and pay respect to the national flag and might look the same, there is a distinction between the two events regarding how the flag should be raised.
The position of the flag also matters a lot.
One can spot the difference in unfurling and hoisting in the positioning of the flag. When the national flag is hoisted on Independence Day, it is tied and sits at the bottom of the pole.
It is the Prime Minister who raises the national flag up and hoists it with the aim to honour the historical event of the day.
Whereas when the flag is unfurled on Republic Day, it is closed and tied at the top of the pole.
The President unfurls it without pulling the flag up as it takes place on Independence Day. On Republic Day, the country celebrates the day when the Constitution was adopted.
Prime Minister Hoists National flag on Independence Day:
On Independence Day, the hoisting of the flag signifies the rise of a new nation from colonial domination. To raise the flag on Independence Day, 15 August, a rope is pulled from below. Following that, it is unlatched and raised into place.
President Unfurls the Flag:
The difference between the two ceremonies is that when India became a Republic in 1960, it was already Independent, so there was no reason to hoist the flag from bottom to top.
Furthermore, on the first Independence Day in 1947, Independent India had no President. Lord Mountbatten was the Governor General of India, the position equivalent to the President, and being a representative of a coloniser couldn’t have raised the flag of an Independent.
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