1. PM flags off Hydrogen Bus of Oil India Limited during India Energy Week
The Prime Minister , Shri Narendra Modi during the India Energy Week , in Bengaluru on February 6, 2023, indigenously developed Hydrogen fueled e-bus by Oil India Limited (OIL) Flagged off. In line with the National Hydrogen Campaign and the vision of a self-reliant India, OIL under its Start-up Program (SNEHA) has developed an indigenously developed hydrogen fueled bus. It is simply a hybrid version of a battery and a fuel cell. Hydrogen is used in the fuel cell, which produces electricity and the electric motor starts working. It also charges the auxiliary battery and provides back-up power during acceleration and braking. The fuel cell has a capacity of 60 kW and uses proton exchange membrane technology to generate electricity. The capacity of the tank fitted in the bus is 21.9 kg, whose bar-pressure is 350. Oil India Limited (OIL) is the oldest exploration and production company committed to India’s energy security.
2. Shamika Ravi appointed as member in EAC-PM
Economics professor and researcher Shamika Ravi has been appointed as a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) . She is currently a Non-Resident Senior Fellow in the Governance Studies Program at the Brookings Institution, Washington DC . The EAC-PM, headed by economist Bibek Debroy , currently has one member and six part-time members. Member Sanjeev Sanyal welcomed Ravi in a social media post. Part-time members of the advisory body include economist Rakesh Mohan and Sajid Z Chinoy, managing director and chief India economist at JP Morgan.
3. Defense Ministry signs contract with Larsen & Toubro for procurement of Indigenous Modular Bridges for Indian Army Corps of Engineers
The Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro for the procurement of 41 indigenous modular bridges worth over Rs 2,585 crore for the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army . This step will give a big boost to ‘self-reliance’ in the defense sector. These revolutionary bridges have been designed and developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation; DRDO and will be manufactured by Larsen & Toubro-L&T Company as a DRDO-designated production agency.
4. India to send another C-17 aircraft carrying relief material, equipment and personnel to earthquake-hit Turkey under Operation Dost
India will send another C-17 aircraft carrying relief material, equipment and personnel to earthquake-hit Turkey under Operation Dost . Earlier, four such aircraft have been sent there with relief material. Another C-130 aircraft carrying relief material has arrived in Syria to assist in the rescue and relief operations. Briefing the media about the ongoing Operation Dost in Turkey and Syria, Sanjay Verma, Secretary, Western Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, said that India is providing assistance at the request of the Turkish government. Regarding the Indian citizens in Turkey, Mr. Verma told that there are a total of 3,000 Indian citizens there. Ten Indian nationals are stranded in the affected remote areas, but they are safe, he added.
5. Central government constituted committee on digital competition law
The central government has ordered the setting up of a panel to review whether the existing antitrust laws in the country are ready to deal with the challenges emerging from the digital economy . Along with this, it will submit the draft of the Digital Competition Act to the government within three months. The committee is headed by Manoj Govil, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). do. Explain that eight other members including the Chairman of the Competition Commission of India will be included in this. The Joint Secretary of Competition in MCA will join the committee as Member Secretary. The move comes amid regulatory antitrust probes on tech giants like Google, which was sued by the Competition Commission of India last year in two separate cases for abusing its market dominance in the Android mobile device ecosystem and the App Store market. The fine was imposed.
6. Indore became the first municipal body to bring Green Bond
Indore Municipal Corporation has become the first urban body in the country to issue green bonds . The corporation plans to raise Rs 244 crore through this bond. The Indore Municipal Corporation bond will open on February 10 and close on February 14. It will be listed on the National Stock Exchange. The Bonds are likely to be listed on the NSE in the fourth week after launch. This amount will be used for a 60 MW capacity solar plant. Will be done to install. This plant will be installed at the water pump station of Indore. There is a plan to install a solar plant at the pumping station to make the city cleaner and save resources. There will be an investment of about Rs 305 crore on this. Electricity bill of Rs 5-6 crore will be saved after the solar plant is built. Indore Municipal Corporation pumps water from Jalud for drinking water supply in the city. For this, 25 crore rupees are spent on electricity bill every month.
7. The first meeting of the G-20 tourism group under the chairmanship of India formally started in Dhordo, Gujarat
The first meeting of the Tourism Working Group under India’s G-20 Chairmanship was formally launched at Dhordo in Gujarat . Union Fisheries Minister Parsottam Rupala, Union Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy and State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel were present on the occasion. More than one hundred representatives of G-20 countries, invitees and international organizations are participating in the meeting. The inaugural session will be followed by a working group session in which the delegates will discuss five key issues including promoting green tourism, digitization and empowering youth through skill development. This is the second meeting out of the fifteen meetings being held in Gujarat under the G-20.
8. The government said that the number of recognized startups has increased from 445 in 2016 to 86 thousand 713 in 2022.
The government has said that the number of recognized startups has increased from 445 in 2016 to 86 thousand 713 in 2022 . Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Prakash said that maximum of more than ten thousand startups have been established in the information technology sector. More than eight thousand start-ups have been established in healthcare and human sciences. He said that various measures have been taken by the government under the Startup India initiative to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. He said that at least one recognized startup is present in more than 80 per cent districts of each state and union territory across the country.
9. Center decides to mark attendance through National Mobile Monitoring System app under MNREGA scheme
The Center has decided that States and Union Territories will ensure attendance through the National Mobile Monitoring System App for all works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme . This information was given by Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha. He said that this digital mode of marking attendance is effective from January 1 this year. For this, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has developed the National Mobile Monitoring Software App (NMMS) . Real time attendance with geo-tagged photographs of workers at the work sites of the schemes through this app Will be registered. This will bring transparency in schemes and speed up payment of wages to labourers.
10. Swaraj serial will be telecast on Doordarshan’s national channel from February 11
The serial ‘ Swaraj ‘ will be telecast on the national channel of Doordarshan from February 11 at 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Home Minister Amit Shah had launched this series on August 5 last year. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur and Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan were also present on the occasion. Swaraj – The Complete Saga of India’s Freedom Struggle is a 75 episode serial which traces the glorious history of India’s freedom struggle from the 15th century. The serial showcases the contribution of freedom fighters and unsung heroes of the freedom struggle.
11. RBI hikes repo rate by 25 basis points
The Reserve Bank of India has increased the repo rate by 25 basis points . The repo rate is now 6.5 percent. The Fixed Deposit Facility rate has been revised to 6.25 per cent and the Marginal Standing Facility rate and the Bank Rate have been revised to 6.75 per cent. Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das today announced the results of the bi-monthly monetary policy review of the Monetary Policy Committee. Shaktikanta Das said that on the basis of assessment of current and changing economic conditions, the Monetary Policy Committee decided to increase the repo rate. The Reserve Bank Governor said that the unprecedented developments of the last three years have influenced the monetary policy of countries around the world.
12. RBI announces launch of QR code based coin vending machines to improve coin distribution
The Reserve Bank of India announced the launch of QR code based coin vending machines in collaboration with some major banks to improve the distribution of coins. This pilot project will start at 19 locations in 12 cities of the country. The bank said that these vending machines will dispense coins as debited from the customer’s account using UPI . These vending machines are planned to be installed at public places like railway stations, shopping malls and marketplaces. Travelers from G-20 countries will be able to use UPI for their merchant payments during their stay in India. The Reserve Bank said that this facility will be extended at select international airports.
13. Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated sewerage treatment plant in Nainital district of Haldwani
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated sewerage treatment plant in Nainital district of Haldwani . Rs 35 crore 58 lakh has been spent on this. On its commencement, the Gola river will be saved from pollution. Sewerage plants have been built near 132 major drains. These big drains discharge polluted water from sewerage into the Ganga and its tributaries . Shri Dhami said that the construction work of 11 new sewerage plants is going on. The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister has approved Rs 2200 crore for the development of Haldwani. Soon it will become a smart city.
14. In Peru about 585 sea lions and 55 thousand wild birds died from F5N1 bird flu virus
In Peru , about 585 sea lions and 55,000 wild birds have been killed by the F5N1 bird flu virus in recent weeks . The Sarnamp Natural Area Conservation Agency said yesterday that after finding dead birds in eight protected coastal areas, rangers learned that the bird flu that killed sea lions and birds has also killed sea lions in seven protected marine areas.
15. Mission Life – Online Green Talk Series Gyan Vigyan Aur Hum
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and National Museum of Natural History is organizing online Green Talk Series “ Gyan Vigyan Aur Hum ” from 06 to 10 February 2023 as a part of Mission Life Awareness Programme . The five-day program began on February 6 and is being attended by a large number of students from the digital libraries of Jamalpur and Fazilpur Badli villages (Haryana) along with other students from across the country. In addition, scientists from reputed research organizations are sharing their experiences after interacting with the children. The objective of this program is to spread awareness on important issues related to the environment.
16. NTPC Wins ‘ATD Best Awards-2023’ For 6th Consecutive Year
Country’s largest power generation company NTPC Limited has been conferred with the ‘ ATD Best Awards – 2023 ‘ by the US – based Association for Talent Development (ATD) .‘ is awarded. This is the sixth time that NTPC Limited has won this award for showcasing the success of the enterprise in the area of talent development. The ATD BEST Awards recognize organizations that showcase their enterprise through talent development. NTPC has been successful in creating an ecosystem that empowers the employees to enhance their skills. This award is given to small and large private, public and non-profit organizations from all over the world. The US-based Association for Talent Development is the world’s largest talent development organization and the ATD BEST Awards are the most prestigious recognition in the field of learning and development.
17. Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched a month-long nationwide campaign under Operation “Narcos” and Operation “Aahat” in January 2023
RPF is working closely with other law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to identify and rescue victims of human trafficking under Operation ” Aahat “. To focus on this, the RPF has launched a crackdown on smuggling of narcotic products through the railway network under Operation ” Narcos ” and syndicates involved in human trafficking under Operation AAHT .A one-month nationwide all-India campaign was launched with the aim of curbing During this operation, RPF detected 88 cases and recovered NDPS worth Rs 4.7 crore with arrest of 83 peddlers/traffickers of NDPS and also succeeded in rescuing 35 boys and 27 girls from the clutches of traffickers. The 19 smugglers were handed over to the concerned law enforcement agencies for appropriate legal action.
18. Shri K.K. Rajaraman launched the ‘IEEE C-DOT Certified Expert Program (ICCTEP)’
Union Communications Secretary and Chairman of Digital Communications Commission Shri K.K. Rajaraman launched the ‘ IEEE C-DOT Certified Expert Program (ICCTEP) ‘, a collaboration between IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and C-DOT (Center for Development of Telematics). The program will drive learning in various areas of communication, including 5G, cyber security and quantum communication, to bridge the skill gap. The program began during an IEEE Standards Consortium workshop. The theme of this workshop was focused on “Next Generation Connectivity”.
19. Reliance Retail will do transactions in digital rupee
Reliance Retail has announced that it has started accepting retail payments through Government of India’s digital rupee across all its stores in the country. Reliance Retail launched the first in-store acceptance of RBI-created and blockchain-based Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) at its gourmet food store Freshpick here.
20. Government approves conversion of Rs 16,133 crore outstanding interest of Vodafone Idea into equity
The central government has presented a new offer to Vodafone-Idea to pay its dues . The central government has offered to hand over the equity of this debt-ridden company in lieu of interest . That is, now the government will have a stake in Vodafone-Idea. The government has asked them to give equity in lieu of outstanding interest. Government of India will take 33 percent stake in debt-ridden Vodafone-Idea . This stake will be taken from the government in lieu of interest and other dues related to payment of spectrum of Vodafone-Idea. After this, the government will become the third largest shareholder in the telecom company.
21. ITBP won the National Ice Hockey Championship for the third time in a row
The Central Ice Hockey team of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has won the National Ice Hockey Championship title. It was the 12th edition of the competition held in Ladakh, Leh. The championship was organized by the Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI). ITBP team defeated Ladakh Scouts 1-0 in the final match. This is the team’s third consecutive win.
22. Dr. Peggy Mohan wins ‘Mathrubhumi Book of the Year’ award
Author Dr. Peggy Mohan has won the ‘ Mathrubhumi Book of the Year ‘ award at the 4th edition of Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL 2023). Recently ‘MBIFL 2023’ concluded. His book ‘ Wanderers, Kings and Merchants ‘, which portrays the development of language as a result of migration, won the prize.
23. IIT-M to develop spaceflight training module for ISRO
The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) will develop training modules for the Indian Space Flight Program using Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality (AR/VR/MR) for the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) . IIT-Madras officials said an MoU has been signed between the two institutes recently in this regard, under which ISRO will set up a new research and development (R&D) facility at IIT-M to promote research and development in the extended area. Will use advanced technologies created at the established e-Experimental Technology Innovation Center (XTIC).
24. HDFC Bank partners with NIIT Ltd to train skilled virtual relationship management professionals for the banking industry
HDFC Bank has partnered with NIIT Limited to train skilled virtual relationship management professionals for the banking industry . This program is designed to create in-demand and advanced sales skills among the learners which will enable them to acquire new clients for a range of services. Virtual Relationship Managers (VRMs) act as a single point of contact for all the requirements or issues of the managed customers of the Bank. VRM is a high potential channel for banks for revenue generation through customer retention, cross-selling and portfolio management.
25. International Seabed Authority has officially designated India as a “Leading Investor” – Union Minister Dr.Jitendra Singh
Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh said that the world today recognizes India’s blue economy resources and the International Seabed Authority headquartered in Jamaica has officially designated India as a ” Leading Investor “. International Seabed Authority (ISA) and Ministry of Earth Sciences exchanged PMN (Polymetallic Nodules) Exploration Extension Contract in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh. The contract was initially signed on 25 March 2002 for a period of 15 years which was later extended twice by the authority for a period of 5 years during 2017 and 2022.
26. Government extends PM-KUSUM scheme till March 2026
The Central Government has extended the duration of PM Kusum Yojana till March 2026 . This scheme was started in the year 2019 . The objective was to have an additional solar capacity of 30,800 MW by the year 2022 . In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, New and Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh said that the pace of implementation of PM-KUSUM has been significantly affected due to the Corona pandemic. In response to another question, he said, “Out of 39 hydropower projects in the country, work on 9 is stalled.” Steps are being taken to restart the stalled projects.
27. Apsara of Indian origin elected President of Harvard Law Review
Apsara Iyer , a second-year Indian-American student at Harvard Law School , has been elected as the President of the prestigious Harvard Law Review . This is the first time in the 136-year history of the Law Review that an Indian-origin woman has held this position. The Law Review, operated under the Harvard Law School, is an organization that reviews and selects articles for general publications in the legal field. It was established in the year 1887. ‘The Harvard Crimson’ has said in one of its reports that Apsara Iyer has been elected as the 137th President of the Harvard Law Review.
28. Ban on 232 apps involved in betting and usury
The Government of India has once again taken major action against the Chinese app . According to the information, on the basis of the report of the Union Home Ministry , the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has closed 138 betting (betting) apps and 94 loan apps . The Ministry of Home Affairs on behalf of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) was suggested to ban Chinese apps. Which has been approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
29. Government of India announced a mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by the year 2047
Through the National Health Mission, the Government of India is contributing to the efforts being made by the states for the prevention and management of sickle cell disease. In the Union Budget 2023-24, the Government of India has announced a mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by the year 2047. SCD is a chronic single gene disease that causes a debilitating systemic syndrome characterized by anemia, acute pain and chronic injury, and a reduction in lifespan. Symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary, but some common symptoms include: Chronic anemia: This causes fatigue, weakness, and pallor. Acute pain (also known as sickle cell crisis): This can cause sudden and severe pain in the bones, chest, back, arms, and legs. Delayed development and puberty.
30. Australia’s T20 World Cup winning captain Aaron Finch announced his retirement
Australia ‘s T20 World Cup winning captain Aaron Finch has announced his retirement. With this, his 12-year international cricket career came to an end. Earlier, the opener had announced his retirement from the 50-over format in September last year. Finch has also played five Test matches for Australia. Talking to reporters, Finch told that it is important for the new captain and opener to give enough time for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The ICC tournament is scheduled to be held in West Indies and USA in June. He expressed his gratitude to his family, teammates, Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia and Cricket Australia. He also thanked all the fans who supported him during his international career.
31. ICCT-20 Women’s World Cup will start in South Africa from February 10
The ICCT-20 Women’s World Cup will begin in South Africa from February 10 . The opening match will be between South Africa and Sri Lanka. The ICCT-20 Women’s World Cup is being held in an African country for the first time. The Indian team, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, will play its first match against Pakistan on February 12, Sunday. The morale of the Indian team is high after the victory in the Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup. The introduction of the Women’s Premier League has also boosted the morale of the Indian team. Matches will be held in the South African cities of Cape Town, Abekha and Pearl. The final match will be held at the beautiful Newlands Stadium on 26 February.
