Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Examinations: January 31, 2023
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–Kevin Kruse
Current Affairs: Books and Authors
India, Pakistan Came Close to a Nuclear War, Claims Former U.S. Secretary of State in New Book
Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has claimed that he was “awakened” to speak to his then-Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj who told him that Pakistan was preparing for a nuclear attack after the Balakot surgical strike in February 2019 and India is preparing its own escalatory response.
About the Book:
In his latest book, “Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love” which hit the stores recently, Mr Pompeo says the incident took place when he was in Hanoi for the U.S.-North Korea Summit on 27–28 February, and his team worked overnight with both New Delhi and Islamabad to avert this crisis…;
Balakot was an operation to send a strong message to Pakistan that India will retaliate massively if they mess around with us. It was one of the main reasons why we didn’t have major trouble from across the border after Articles 370 and 35(A) were abrogated in August 2019.
Referring to this matter, Pompeo said that after the Balakot strike, his team held talks with India and Pakistan overnight to avoid a nuclear confrontation between the two countries. His effort prevented a possible war between the two countries, which could turn into a nuclear war at any time.
In his book, Pompeo does not use respectful words for former Indian External Affairs Minister late Sushma Swaraj while praising National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and in some cases describing S Jaishankar as his superior.
Question:
Who is the author of the recently published book “Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love” which claims that India and Pakistan came close to a nuclear war after the Balakot surgical strike in February 2019?
A. Michael R. Pompeo
B. Ajit Doval
C. Rex Wayne Tillerson
D. Imran Khan
Answer: A
Current Affairs: Defence and Banking
Bank of Baroda Introduces Vikram Credit Card Dedicated to Soldiers
BOB Financial Solutions Limited (BFSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, has announced the launch of Vikram, the contactless RuPay credit card dedicated to Indian defence, paramilitary, and police personnel, reinforcing its commitment to address the credit needs of personnel who are selflessly guarding us and serving our country.
The Indian Army (Yoddha), Indian Navy (Varunah), Indian Coast Guard (Rakshamah), and Assam Rifles already have exclusive co-branded credit cards with BFSL (The Sentinel).
About Vikram Card:
Vikram will be given Lifetime (LTF), which includes appealing reward points and activation gifts of a complimentary OTT subscription.
The credit card also has a ₹20 lakh accidental death insurance policy. Other benefits will include a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, LTF add-ons, EMI deals, and periodic merchant offers through BOB Financial and NPCI tie-ups.
Details:
Paying tribute to the defence, paramilitary, and police forces with this card launch, Shailendra Singh, MD and CEO of BOB Financial Solutions Limited, said, “Vikram means one who is wise, brave, strong as well as victorious”.
This credit card signifies the same – it lets you wisely manage your finances, makes you strong because you have credit available at your convenience and for your urgent needs, and gives you a sense of victory in all the savings you make on every purchase.
Question:
Which bank recently launched the Vikram Credit Card that is dedicated to soldiers?
A. Punjab National bank
B. State Bank of India
C. Bank of Baroda
D. ICICI bank
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: Science and Technology
Japan Launches an Intel Satellite to Watch North Korea
Japan successfully launched a rocket recently carrying a government intelligence-gathering satellite on a mission to watch movements at military sites in North Korea and improve natural disaster response.
Details:
The H2A rocket, launched by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., successfully lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, carrying the IGS-Radar 7 reconnaissance satellite as part of Tokyo’s effort to build up its military capability, citing growing threats in East Asia.
The Mitsubishi Heavy-operated, liquid-fuel H2A rocket has recorded 40 consecutive successes since its failure in 2003.
Mitsubishi Heavy and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency are co-developing their new flagship H3 rocket as the successor to the H2A, which is set to retire in 2024. The first launch of H3 is set for February.
Japan’s Effort to Strengthen Military Capability:
The launch is part of Japan’s effort to strengthen its military capability and address growing security concerns in East Asia.
The IGS program was launched after a North Korean missile flew over Japan in 1988 and aimed to set up a network of 10 satellites to spot and give early warning for possible missile launches.
The satellites can also be used for disaster monitoring and response.
Question:
Japan successfully launched a rocket recently carrying a government intelligence-gathering satellite on a mission to watch movements at military sites in North Korea. It is made by which of the following companies?
A. Mitsubishi
B. Honda
C. Toyota
D. Yamaha
Answer: A
Current Affairs: National
Govt Renamed Delhi’s Mughal Gardens as ‘Amrit Udyan’
The Central government recently renamed the Mughal Gardens in New Delhi’s Rashtrapati Bhavan as ‘Amrit Udyan’.
Keeping in line with the theme of ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ marking 75 years of India’s Independence, the Central government changed the name of Mughal Gardens to Amrit Udyan.
About the Garden:
Designed by Edwin Lutyens, the iconic garden is spread across 15 acres and incorporates both Mughal and English landscaping styles.
The main garden has two channels intersecting at right angles dividing the garden into a grid of squares – a Charbagh (a four-cornered garden) – a typical characteristic of Mughal landscaping.
There are six lotus-shaped fountains at the crossings of these channels, rising to a height of 12 feet.
The gardens house nearly 2500 varieties of Dahlias and 120 varieties of roses.
Latest Developments in the Garden:
During the term of former Presidents Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Ram Nath Kovind, more gardens were developed, including two herbal gardens, a tactile garden and a Bonsai Garden.
President Kalam had also constructed a Manipuri-style thinking hut at the gardens, where he claimed he wrote two of his books.
Question:
What is the recently changed name of the Mughal garden located in Rashtrapati Bhawan?
A. Amrit Udyan
B. Rashtrapati Udyan
C. Delhi Garden
D. Central Garden
Answer: A
Current Affairs: Sports
Novak Djokovic Won the Australian Open 2023 Title
Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open for the 10th time to equal Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 men’s Grand Slams singles titles.
The Serb beat Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) on Sunday (29th January) in Melbourne Park, returning to the world number one ranking for the first time since last June.
Details:
Novak Djokovic claimed the men’s singles title, his tenth Australian Open title and 22nd major title overall, tying Rafael Nadal’s all-time record.
Nadal was the defending champion but lost to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round. Ashleigh Barty was the reigning champion of Women’s singles, but she retired from the sport in March 2022.
Aryna Sabalenka won the women’s title, which was also her first major title.
Who among the following has recently won the Australian Open 2023 Men’s singles title?
A. Stefanos Tsitsipas
B. Mackenzie McDonald
C. Novak Djokovic
D. Rafael Nadal
Answer: C
Check out the Highlights of Union Budget 2023 by clicking on the link given below: Union Budget 2023-24
Current Affairs: Days and Events
Khadi Fest-23 Inaugurated in Mumbai
Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, inaugurated the Khadi Fest-23, which will run from 27 January to 24 February 2023 at the KVIC Headquarters in Mumbai.
Details:
In this Khadi Fest, Khadi and Village Industries Institutions, PMEGP units from various parts of the country affiliated with the Khadi and Village Industries Commission are showcasing their products for exhibit and sales.
In addition to cotton khadi, khadi silk, pashmina, poly vastra, patola Silk, kalamkari sarees, Kanjivaram silk, lightweight soft-silk sarees, tussar silk, phulkari dress materials and other attractive apparel made of khadi fabrics, Madhubani prints, dry fruits, tea, kahwa, beauty herbal and ayurvedic products, honey products, hand paper products, home decor products, Bamboo Products, Carpets, Aloe Vera Products, Leather Products and many other Khadi and Village Industries products are available.
About Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC):
The Khadi Village Industries Commission was established in 1957 under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act 1956.
It is under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
It is responsible, along with other agencies, for the planning, promotion, organisation and implementation of programs for the development of Khadi and other village industries in rural areas.
KVIC Chairman: Manoj Kumar
Question:
Khadi and Village Industries Commission recently inaugurated the Khadi Fest-23 in which of the following cities?
A. Pune
B. Gandhinagar
C. Mumbai
D. Ahmedabad
Answer: C
FactBook: 30-01-2023
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to inaugurate the Bookfair ‘Amar Ekushey Boi Mela’ on 1st February
The largest and longest book fair in Bangladesh ‘Amar Ekushey Boi Mela’ will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 1st February.
The historic ‘Amar Ekushey Boi Mela’ will be organised on the grounds of the Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital city, Dhaka. State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid visited the two venues today to see the progress of the preparations for the month-long book fair.
‘Paro Boi, Garo Desh: Bangabandhur Bangladesh’, meaning “Read Book, build country: Bangabandhu’s Bangladesh”, is the theme of the fair this year.
The book fair started in 1972 to commemorate the sacrifices of people killed by Pakistani forces on 21st February 1952, demanding Bangla as the mother language for then East Pakistan. It has been organised every year by the Bangla Academy since 1978.
Question:
A bookfair named ‘Amar Ekushey Boi Mela’ has recently been started in which of the following neighbouring countries?
A. Nepal
B. Bangladesh
C. Sri Lanka
D. Bhutan
Answer: B
APEDA plans to brand food products using river names
As part of its promotion strategy for Agri exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) proposes to use river names as taglines and branding for Indian Agri products.
APEDA is identifying Agri products that can be sourced from the Gangetic, Brahmaputra, Cauvery and Godavari river basins, among others, across the country.
APEDA
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority is an Indian Apex-Export Trade Promotion Active government body
Founded: 13 February 1986
Headquarters: New Delhi
Abbreviation: APEDA
Parent organisation: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India
Purpose: Export promotion of agricultural and processed food products
Question:
Which of the following food-related organisations has plans to brand food products using river names?
A. Agricultural and Processed Food and Export Development Authority (APEDA)
B. Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
C. National Horticulture Board.
D. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI)
Answer: A
First Made-in-India helmet launched to meet Europe’s ECE 22.06 standard
Steelbird has launched the new Ignyte IGN-7 helmet to meet ECE 22.06 European certification. The Ignyte IGN-7 helmet is also the first helmet in India to receive triple homologation as it conforms to DOT FMVSS Noy, 218 for the US market and India’s BIS safety standards. This helmet is priced from ₹6,199 onwards.
What is IGN – 7?
There is a NACA airflow system in the helmet
The US created the NACA vent system
The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics is referred to as NACA
NACA draws outside air in to keep the user ventilated
Different speeds of 6, 7, and 8 miles per second are tested
What is ECE 22.06?
In ECE 22.06, low-speed impact testing was the primary addition
Helmets typically shield riders from high-speed contact
However, a number of international studies have found that low-speed impacts are much more harmful to the brain than high-speed ones
A spin-on-impact test is also included in the ECE 22.06 standard of tests
Tests on shell sizes and retention mechanisms are also included in ECE 22.06
The first helmet standard issued in India by ISI was IS:4151 in 1993
Joe Biden nominates Indian-American astronaut Raji Chari for US Air Force Brigadier General post
US President Joe Biden has nominated Indian-American astronaut Raja Chari for appointment to the rank of Air Force brigadier general, according to the US Defense Department.
According to the department, the Senate, which approves all top civilian and military appointments, must ratify the nominee before it can become official.
In the past, Chari was one of the four astronauts aboard the SpaceX spacecraft that successfully docked with the orbiting lab in May of the previous year.
Noble’s Helen butterfly
The extremely rare Noble’s Helen butterfly was recorded for the first time in India from the Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh
It is a swallowtail butterfly with a wingspan of 100–120 mm
It has an extra white spot in the dorsum of the forewing
Scientific name: Papilio noblei
Distribution: They are found in Myanmar, Yunnan, Hubei (China), North Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam
The species is known to be very rare in occurrence in its previously known ranges
India beat England to win the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 World Cup title
India beat England in the first-ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup final on Sunday, 29th January
Chasing a meagre 69, India lost Shafali Verman and Shweta Sehrawat early. But G Trisha and Soumya Tiwari built a solid partnership to guide India home.
India bowled out England for a paltry 68 after England’s batting once again faltered in a crunch game.
Titas Sadhu did the damage early on and picked up the in-form Liberty Heap in the first over, and off-spinner Archana Devi also bowled well to dent England right at the start.
The rest of the bowlers chipped in with regular breakthroughs as the England batting lineup had no answers.
England captain and stellar all-rounder Grace Scrivens has been named Player of the Tournament after a run of outstanding performances with bat and ball.
Titas Sadhu of India poses after being named Player of the Match following the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2023 Final match.
Germany beat Belgium 5-4 in a penalty shootout to win the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar
In the FIH Hockey World Cup, Germany lifted the World Cup after 17 years beating Belgium 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the game ended 3-3 in the final at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Germany has won the World Cup three times, first in 2002 and second in 2006.
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