Instead of reading books to prepare for the Current Affairs section, use Embibe’s daily current affairs updates and continue the normal newspaper reading habit. Candidates with the correct resources and daily news analysis may ace any exam’s current events section. A thorough review of The Hindu, Economic Times, and India Today presents these questions to the aspirants. We have organised the most recent subjects for today’s current affairs into categories for general preparation.

Motivation++

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why” 

–Mark Twain

Current Affairs: International

Switzerland Becomes 1st in WTO to Formally Adopt Fisheries Deal

• Switzerland became the first World Trade Organization member to submit its acceptance of the fisheries subsidies agreement struck at the 12th Ministerial Conference—WTO announced 20 January. 
• The agreement bars subsidies to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; and bans subsidies for fishing overfished stocks and for fishing on the unregulated high seas. To take effect, the deal requires two-thirds of WTO members to accept it.

Key Features of the Agreement:

• Prohibits subsidies to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and bans subsidies for fishing overfished stocks and for fishing on unregulated high seas. 
• Recognises the needs of developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) and establishes a Fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building to help them implement the Agreement.
• No prohibition on a WTO Member regarding subsidy to its vessel or operator as long as it is not carrying out IUU. 
• No prohibition on subsidies that are implemented to rebuild the stock to a biologically sustainable level.

What Is India’s Stand?

• Members who have provided huge subsidies in the past and engaged in large-scale industrial fishing should take more obligations to prohibit subsidies based on the ‘polluter pay principle’ and ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’.

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

Current Affairs: Defence

Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (Tropex-23) Indian Navy’s Largest War Game

• The 2023 edition of the Indian Navy’s major maritime exercise TROPEX, is currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region. This operational level exercise is conducted biennially and witnesses participation not only by all Indian Navy units but also of Indian Army, Indian Airforce and Coast Guard assets.

Details: 

• TROPEX 23 is being conducted over a duration of three months, from January – March 2023. 
• As part of the exercise, all surface combatants of the Indian Navy, including Destroyers, Frigates, Corvettes, as well as submarines and aircraft, are put through complex maritime operational deployments to validate and refine the Navy’s Concept of Operations, including operational logistics and interoperability with other Services. 
• The exercise is being conducted in different phases, both in the harbour and at sea, encompassing various facets of combat operations, including live weapon firings.

Rationale:

• The biennial exercise aims to authenticate and refine the Navy’s concept of “operations”. The exercise also aims at testing the overall military capabilities. 
• Also, the maritime exercise will ease the operational level interaction with the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Coast Guard. 
• This will strengthen the interactions and joint operations in a complex environment.

Other Related Exercises:

• The Navy has also conducted the biennial tri-services amphibious exercise (AMPHEX) 2023 at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh from 17 to 22 January. 
• This exercise aimed at joint training of elements of all three services in various aspects of amphibious operations to improve interoperability and teamwork.

Question

Recently organised ‘Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise’ (Tropex-23) is the largest war game associated with which of the following?

A. Indian Coast Guard

B. Indian Navy

C. Indian Airforce

D. Indian Army

Answer: B

Current Affairs: Science and Technology

NASA to Test Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft by 2027

• In a first, the United States has announced that it will test a spacecraft engine powered by nuclear fission by 2027. 
• The programme is part of a long-term NASA effort to demonstrate more efficient methods of propelling astronauts to Mars in the future.
• The last nuclear thermal rocket engine tests conducted by the United States occurred more than 50 years ago under NASA’s Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application and Rover projects.

Benefits:

• NASA says it could allow spacecraft to travel faster, reduce transit time, and have other benefits, such as increased payloads on missions.
• With the help of this new technology, astronauts could journey to and from deep space faster than ever, a major capability to prepare for crewed missions to Mars.

Nuclear Safety Concerns:

• NASA abandoned nuclear thermal propulsion technology about 50 years ago due to a lack of funding and a shift in priorities toward developing chemical rocket engines for the Apollo program.
• There were also safety concerns.
• DARPA now says it uses high-assay low-enriched uranium instead of highly-enriched uranium.

Testing the Nuclear Thermal Rocket Engine:

• NASA successfully tested its new-era Artemis spacecraft last year, the first step toward putting humans back on the moon and then on Mars.
• The nuclear thermal rocket engine would be the first tested on DARPA’s experimental spacecraft. The US Space Force plans to provide the launch for the demonstration mission.
• NASA believes the agency could be ready to send humans to Mars by the late 2030s.

Question: 

Recently, which global space agency announced that it will test nuclear-powered spacecraft by 2027?

A. ISRO

B. NASA

C. ESA

D. CNSA

Answer: B

Current Affairs: National

Chandigarh Gets North India’s Largest Floating Solar Power Project

• UT Administrator Banwari Lal Purohit recently inaugurated northern India’s largest floating solar power project of 2000kWp worth Rs 11.70 crore at waterworks, Sector 39.
• He also inaugurated a 500kWp floating solar project with fountains at Dhanas Lake. Adviser Dharam Pal, director (environment) Debendra Dalai and Mayor Anoop Gupta were present on occasion.
• These projects have been designed and executed by CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society) and will generate a minimum of 35 lakh units (kWh) of solar energy per year with 20% module efficiency.

Question: 

In which of the following cities is north India’s largest floating solar power project inaugurated recently?

A. Shimla

B. Chandigarh

C. Karnal

D. Nainital

Answer: B

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

Current Affairs: National

J and K to Host Its First-Ever SARAS Fair

• The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will host its maiden SARAS Fair 2023 at Bagh-e-Bahu in Jammu from 4 to 14 February.
• The SARAS fair will provide artisans and women’s self-help groups from across the country a platform to showcase and sell their crafts, Handicrafts, handloom, and food products.

Details:

• As per reports, the national-level food and cultural fair will have over 75 stalls and food courts.
• The 11-day fair will witness several cultural events, aids, and plays on several government schemes and campaigns.
• The SARAS Fair provides rural and marginal producers with an opportunity to showcase their products, capacity, and skills of livelihood. It is conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Rural Development.
• The Fair is organised jointly by the Central-State Government as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), where entrepreneurs across the country are brought together for marketing.

Question: 

Which of the following states/UT will host its first-ever SARAS Fair in February 2023?

A. Andaman and Nicobar

B. Jammu and Kashmir

C. Delhi

D. Tripura

Answer: B

Current Affairs: National

Visakhapatnam Railway Station Receives ‘Green Railway Station Certification’ with Platinum Rating

• East Coast Railways‘ Visakhapatnam railway station has received the prestigious ‘Green Railway Station Certification’ with the highest Platinum rating. 
• The certificate has been awarded by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for adopting green concepts. 
• It secured 82 out of 100 points in six environmental categories.
• Visakhapatnam railway station falls under the Waltair division of the East Coast Railway. 
• The railway station has performed well in various categories, such as sustainable facilities, health, hygiene, energy and water efficiency, smart green initiatives, innovation, and development.

What Is a Green Railway Station? 

• The Environment Directorate of Indian Railways (IR), with the support of IGBC, has developed the Green Railway Stations Rating System to reduce the adverse environmental impacts due to station operation and maintenance and enhance the overall experience of the passengers. 
• This is a voluntary and consensus-based program.

Why?

• The rating system helps to address issues of national priorities such as water conservation, handling of waste, energy efficiency, reduced use of fossil fuels, lesser dependence on usage of virgin materials, and health and well-being of occupants. 

Other ‘Green Railway Station’ 

• In 2022, Bhagalpur railway station (BGP) of Malda division, Eastern Railway (ER), received IGBC ‘Green Railway Station Certification’ with a Silver rating by CII (Confederation of Indian Industries). In 2021, Central Railways’ Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Railway Station (CSMT) was awarded IGBC Gold Certification.

Question: 

Which of the following Railway stations has recently received ‘Green Railway Station Certification’ with a Platinum rating by the Indian Green Building Council?

A. Dudhsagar Railway Station, Goa 

B. Char Bagh Railway Station, Lucknow

C. Vijayawada Railway Station, Andhra Pradesh

D. Visakhapatnam railway station, Andhra Pradesh

Answer: D

FactBook: 27-01-2023

Himachal Pradesh targets to be the first ‘green energy state’ by 2025

• The Himachal Pradesh government intends to make the State the first Green Energy State by the end of 2025 by harnessing hydro, hydrogen and solar energy and switching to green products.
• The State Government wants to refurbish the present system, and the focus is on harnessing green energy in the best interest of the State.
• The State government would also invest in solar plants and will install 500 MW solar projects during the year 2023-24. Out of this, 200 MW would be installed by HPPCL, for which land has been identified for 70 MW capacity, and the rest of the sites will be finalised soon.
• The Government of Himachal Pradesh has received a dividend of ₹2355 crores against the equity contribution of ₹1055 crore and 12 per cent power from Nathpa Jhakri and Rampur hydropower projects amounting to around ₹7000 crores so far.

Celebrated Architect BV Doshi Dies: “Pole Star in the World of Architecture”

• Balkrishna Doshi, a renowned Indian architect and Padma Bhushan award winner, passed away recently at 95. 
• He was widely regarded as one of the greatest modern Indian architects, and his death was met with a flood of condolences from prominent figures in the architecture and design community.
• Doshi’s contributions to architecture were widely recognised and celebrated, and he received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2018, the Padma Bhushan in 2020, and the Royal Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2022.
• Doshi is known for his work in designing buildings that are influenced by Indian architecture, climate, local culture, and craft traditions.

Nagaland Orange Festival Hosted in Nagaland

• In  Nagaland, the third edition of the annual Orange festival 2023 got accomplished recently at Rusoma village, under Kohima district. 
• The two-day festival is being organised in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Agriculture, Rural Development, Land Resources and Kohima Smart City.
• The first of July is recognised as International Fruit Day.

Fruit Festivals Are Well-Known Worldwide: 

1. The Orange Festival in Amsterdam
2. Mango Festival in India
3. Cranberry Festival in Canada
4. Pineapple Festival in Thailand
5. Pumpkin Festival in Germany

Fruit Festivals in India?

1. The Banana Festival: Kerala
2. Pineapple Festival: Manipur
3. Mango Festival: Delhi and different parts of India
4. Jack Fruit Festival: Kerala
5. International Orange Festival: Nagpur
6. Konkan Fruit Festival: Goa
7. Strawberries Fruit Festival: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

Extrass

‘Padma Awards 2023’ Announced

• On the occasion of Republic Day 2023, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced the winners of the Padma Awards on Wednesday. The long list of 106 awardees included Mulayam Singh Yadav, Zakir Hussain, KM Birla, Sudha Murty, Raveena Tandon, etc.

What are Padma Awards?

• Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian awards in India. 
• The award is presented in three categories—including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—to honour people for their notable work in different disciplines and fields like art, social work, literature and education, public affairs, etc.

Know the Complete List of Padma Awardees of this year

Padma Vibhushan Recipients List

Name	Field	State/Country
1. Shri Balkrishna Doshi (Posthumous)	Others	Gujarat
2. Shri Dilip Mahalanabis (Posthumous)	Medicine	West Bengal
3. Mulayam Singh Yadav (Posthumous)	Public Affairs	Uttar Pradesh
4. Shri Zakir Hussain	Art	Maharashtra
5. Shri S M Krishna	Public Affairs	Karnataka
6. Shri Srinivas Varadhan	Science and Engineering	USA

Padma Bhushan Recipients List

Name	Field	State/Country
1. Shri S L Bhyrappa	Literature and Education	Karnataka
2. Shri Kumar Mangalam Birla	Trade and Industry	Maharashtra
3. Shri Deepak Dhar	Science and Engineering	Maharashtra
4. Ms. Vani Jairam	Art	Tamil Nadu
5. Swami Chinna Jeeyar	Others-Spiritualism	Telangana
6. Ms Suman Kalyanpur	Art	Maharashtra
7. Shri Kapil Kapoor	Literature and Education	Delhi
8. Ms Sudha Murty	Social Work	Karnataka
9. Shri Kamlesh D Patel	Others- Spiritualism	Telangana

Padma Shri Recipients List

Name	Field	State/Country
Dr Sukama Acharya	Others- Spiritualism	Haryana
2. Ms Jodhaiyabai Baiga	Art	Madhya Pradesh
3. Shri Premjit Baria	Art	Dadra and Nagar Haveli
4. Ms Usha Barle	Art	Chhatisgarh
5. Shri Munishwar Chanddawar	Medicine	Madhya Pradesh
6. Shri Hemant Chauhan	Art	Gujarat
7. Shri Bhanubhai Chitara	Art	Gujarat
8. Ms Hemoprova Chutia	Art	Assam
9. Shri Narendra Chandra Debbarma	Public Affairs	Tripura
10. Ms Subhadra Devi	Art	Bihar
11. Shri Khadar Valli Dudekula	Science and Engineering	Karnataka
12. Shri Hem Chandra Goswami	Art	Assam
13. Ms Pritikana Goswami	Art	West Bengal
14. Shri Radha Charan Gupta	Literature and Education	Uttar Pradesh
15. Shri Modadugu Vijay Gupta	Science and Engineering	Telangana
16. Shri Ahmed Hussain and Shri Mohd Hussain	Art	Rajasthan
17. Shri Dilshad Hussain	Art	Uttar Pradesh
18. Shri Bhiku Ramji Idate	Social Work	Maharashtra
19. Shri C I Issac	Literature and Education	Kerala
20. Shri Rattan Singh Jaggi	Literature and Education	Punjab
21. Shri Bikram Bahadur Jamatia	Social Work	Tripura
22. Shri Ramkuiwangbe Jene	Social Work	Assam
23. Shri Rakesh Radheshyam Jhunjhunwala (Posthumous)	Trade and Industry	Maharashtra
24. Shri Mahipat Kavi	Art	Gujarat
25. Shri Ratan Chandra Kar	Medicine	Andaman & Nicobar Islands
26. Shri Mahipat Kavi	Art	Gujarat
27. Shri M M Keeravaani	Art	Andhra Pradesh
28. Shri Areez Khambatta (Posthumous)	Trade and Industry	Gujarat
29. Shri Parshuram Komaji Khune	Art	Maharashtra
30. Shri Ganesh Nagappa Krishnarajanagara	Science and Engineering	Andhra Pradesh
31. Shri Maguni Charan Kuanr	Art	Odisha
32. Shri Anand Kumar	Literature and Education	Bihar
33. Shri Arvind Kumar	Science and Engineering	Uttar Pradesh
34. Shri Domar Singh Kunvar	Art	Chhatisgarh
35. Shri Risingbor Kurkaland	Art	Meghalaya
36. Ms Hirabai Lobi	Social Work	Gujarat
37. Shri Moolchand Lodha	Social Work	Rajasthan
38. MS Rani Machaiah	Art	Karnataka
39. Shri Ajay Kumar Mandavi	Art	Chhatisgarh
40. Shri Prabhakar Bhanudas Mande	Literature	Maharashtra
41. Shri Gajanan Jagannath Mane	Social Work	Maharashtra
42. Shri Antaryami Mishra	Literature and Education	Odisha
43. Shri Nadoja Pindipapanahalli Munivenkatappa	Art	Karnataka
44. Prof (Dr) Mahendra Pal	Science and Engineering	Gujarat
45. Shri Uma Shankar Pandey	Science and Engineering	Gujarat
46. Shri Ramesh Parmar and Ms Shanti Parmar	Art	Madhya Pradesh
47. Dr Nalini Parthasarathi	Medicine	Puducherry
48. Shri Hanumantha Rao Pasupuleti	Medicine	Telangana
49. Shri Ramesh Patange	Literature and Education	Maharashtra
50. Ms Krishna Patel	Art	Odisha
51. Shri K Kalyanasundaram Pillai	Art	Tamil Nadu
52. Shri V P Appukuttan Poduval	Social Work	Kerala
53. Shri Kapil Dev Prasad	Art	Bihar
54. Shri S R D Prasad	Sports	Kerala
55. Shri Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri	Art	Karnataka
56. Shri C V Raju	Art	Andhra Pradesh
57. Shri Bakshi Ram	Science and Engineering	Haryana
58. Shri Cheruvayal K Raman	Others	Kerala
59. Ms Sujatha Ramdorai	Science and Engineering	Canada
60. Shri Pareshbhai Rathwa	Art	Gujarat
61. Shri B Ramakrishna Reddy	Literature and Education	Telangana
62. Shri Mangala Kanti Roy	Art	West Bengal
63. Ms K C Runremsangi	Art	Mizoram
64. Shri Vadivel Gopal and Shri Masi	Social Work	Tamil Nadu
65. Shri Manoranjan Sahu	Medicine	UP
66. Shri Patayat Sahu	Others	Odisha
67. Shri Ritwik Sanyal	Art	UP
68. Shri Kota S S	Art	Andhra Pradesh
69. Shri Sankurathri Chandra Sekhar	Social Work	Andhra Pradesh
70. Shri K Shanathoiba Sharma	Sports	Manipur
71. Shri Nekram Sharma	Others	Himachal Pradesh
72. Shri Gurcharan Singh	Sports	Delhi
73. Shri Laxman Singh	Social Work	Rajasthan
74. Shri Mohan Singh	Literature	Jammu and Kashmir
75. Shri T C Singh	Public Affairs	Manipur
76. Shri P C Sood	Literature	Andhra Pradesh
77. Ms Neihunuo Sorhie	Art	Nagaland
78. Janum Singh Soy	Literature	Jharkhand
79. Shri Kushok Thiksey Nawang Chamba Stanzin	Others	Ladakh
80. Shri S Subraman	Others	Karnataka
81. Shri Moa Subong	Art	Nagaland
82. Shri P K Sundaram	Social Work	Tamil Nadu
83. Ms Raveena Ravi Tandon	Art	Maharashtra
84. Shri V P Tiwari	Literature	UP
85. Shri Dhaniram Toto	Literature	WB
86. Shri T R Upreti	Others	Sikkim
87. Dr Gopalsamy Veluchamy	Medicine	Tamil Nadu
88. Dr Ishwar Chander Verma	Medicine	Delhi
89. Ms Coomi Nariman Wadia	Art	Maharashtra
90. Shri Karma Wangchu (Posthumous)	Social Work	Arunachal Pradesh
91. Shri G M Zaz	Art	Jammu and Kashmir

Also check:

Daily current affairs for January 23, 2023	Daily current affairs for January 24, 2023
Daily current affairs for January 25, 2023	Daily current affairs for January 27, 2023

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