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LAUNCH OF FIRST MCA BARGE YARD 75 (LSAM 7) AT M/S SECON, VISAKHAPATNAM

Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, Yard 75 (LSAM 7) was launched by RAdm Sandeep Mehta, ACWP&A on 24 Feb 23 at Guttenedevi, launch site of M/s SECON, Visakhapatnam. With all major and auxiliary equipment / systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, this Barge is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Ministry of Defence.

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Vadodara to host Youth 20 India Summit for environment conservation

More than 600 delegates from 62 countries will participate in two-day Y20 India Summit at the Maharaja Sayajirao University Vadodara in Gujarat. Focusing on the theme of climate change and environmental conservation this international conference  will be inaugurated by Shri Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat tomorrow.

Central Excise Day 2023 observed on 24th February

History of Central Excise Day

The Central Excise and Salt Act was passed on February 24, 1944, to make changes in the law related to salt and Central duties. In total, it was a combination of 11 Acts concerning the excise duties. In 1985, a Central Excise Tariff Act was introduced and it became a part of the old Central Excises and Salt Act. With effect from September 28, 1996, the Act was known as the Central Excise Act 1944.

Central Excise Day 2023
Every year on February 24, Central Excise Day is observed to recognise and honour the contributions made by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Every year, Central Excise Day is observed to raise public awareness of the dedication and labor-intensiveness of CBIC. The primary responsibility of CBIC is to prevent the tampering of manufactured items.

ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Disease detects Avian Influenza (H5N1) from the samples received from Government Poultry Farm at Bokaro, Jharkhand

Avian Influenza (H5N1) was detected by the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Disease, Bhopal from the samples received from Government Poultry Farm at Bokaro, Jharkhand on 17th February 2023 and the Department has issued notification on 20th February 2023.  The last occurrence of Avian Influenza was reported in Godda district of Jharkhand during January 2019. 

World Understanding and Peace Day

23 February 2023: World Understanding and Peace Day is celebrated annually on February 23. This day serves to remember Rotary International's inaugural convention. World Peace and Understanding Day emphasizes the Rotary Club's focus on promoting peace and understanding through various initiatives

Dr Mahendra Kumar Mishra to receive International Mother Mother Language Award 2023

Dr. Mahendra Kumar Mishra, an Indian educator and social worker for the advancement of indigenous languages in Odisha, received the World Mother Language Award from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

India’s First Hybrid Rocket launched in Chengalpattu

India’s first hybrid sounding rocket by private players was successfully launched from Pattipulam village in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu.India’s first hybrid sounding rocket by private players was launched from Pattipulam village, Chengalpattu in the presence of Tamilisai Soundararajan, Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Martin Foundation, in association with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone India, launched the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission- 2023.

World Thinking Day observed on 22nd February

World Thinking Day 2022:  World Thinking Day is also known as Thinking Day and is observed on 22 February annually by Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries. The day has been observed since 1926 and is celebrated as a day of international friendship. It is a time to stand up for causes that could improve the lives of girls across the globe.World Thinking Day is a platform for the World Association of Girl Guides, and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) members to discuss the issues that girls face and provides suggestions on how the problems can be solved or tackled.

The theme of World Thinking Day 2022 is "Our World: Our Equal Future:

PM lauds the initiative of ‘Suposhit Maa’ by Lok Sabha speaker, Om Birla

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has praised the initiative of ‘Suposhit Maa’ by Lok Sabha speaker, Om Birla. Shri Birla inaugurated Suposhit Maa Abhiyan in Ramganjmandi area of Kota. The goal of this initiative to keep every mother and child healthy.

Jnanappana Prize for 2023 went to poet V Madhusoodanan Nair

Poet V. Madhusoodanan Nair has been selected for the Jnanappana Award - 2023 instituted by the Guruvayur Devaswom. The award carries ₹50,001, a gold locket of Guruvayurappan and a citation. It will be presented to the poet by Minister for Higher Education R. Bindu at a cultural meet to be held at Melpathur Auditorium, Guruvayur. Madhusoodanan was selected for the prestigious award considering the overall contribution he made to the field of literature.

Former IAS BVR Subrahmanyam appointed new NITI Aayog CEO

Former IAS officer BVR Subrahmanyam was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog. Subrahmanyam will take over from current CEO Parameswaran Iyer who will join World Bank as executive director in Washington DC. Subrahmanyam’s appointment as NITI Aayog CEO was announced by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Mr. Subrahmanyam’s appointment is for two years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post.

Shri Nitin Gadkari lays Foundation Stone of the world's largest and unique Divyang Park - Anubhuti Inclusive Park in Nagpur, Maharashtra

Shri Gadkari said Nagpur city is one of the fastest growing cities of the country. In 2016, the central government passed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act for the rights of persons with disabilities. He said this law is to give the disabled the right to live with dignity. Taking initiative under this, the Central Government has created some Divyang Parks in South India and Madhya Pradesh, In this series, this 'Anubhuti Inclusive Park' is being built for disabled children and general citizens in Pardi campus of Nagpur ,he added.The Minister said this is the world's first inclusive disabled park, a provision of about Rs 12 crore has been made by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, for this park being built in an area of 90 thousand square feet. He said here, various projects have been conceptualized for the disabled as well as for the general public and senior citizens.

Madhya Pradesh Government passes New Liquor Policy

he State Cabinet of MP recently approved a New Liquor policy. According to the policy, the areas for drinking alcohol will be closed. These are areas that are usually attached to bars. The new policy is called the “NEW EXCISE POLICY”. The policy was launched after the BJP leader Uma Bharati’s demand.

Significance

In Madhya Pradesh, there are liquor shops within 50 metres of girls’ hostels and religious places. The policy will also make strict actions against drunk and driving cases.

Political Background

Madhya Pradesh is going in for an election by end of 2023. And the state has been having an unstable government for quite some time. In 2020, around 22 Indian National Congress MLAs resigned from their posts. It was during this time the current civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia quit Congress and joined BJP. This led to the fall of the Kamal Nath Government. Shivraj Singh Chouhan (of BJP) formed the fourth government. Like Scindia and Kamal Nath had clashes inside the party when they were together, there are clashes between Chouhan and Uma Bharati. Uma Bharati protesting against liquor is probably a political strategy.

World Day of Social Justice observed on 20th February

World Day of Social Justice
World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20. The main goal of this day is to raise a voice against social injustice and to bring together diverse communities around the world in an effort to eradicate poverty, physical discrimination, gender inequalities, religious discrimination and illiteracy, and create a society that is socially integrated. The day is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and governments to reflect on the progress made towards achieving social justice, as well as identify areas where more work is needed.

Theme of World Day of Social Justice 2023
This year’s theme focuses on the recommendations of Our Common Agenda to strengthen global solidarity and to re-build trust in government by “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice”.

SSC GD Answer Key 2022-23 released: Check the Download Link.

SSC GD Answer Key 2022-23 released
On the official website, ssc.nic.in, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) published the SSC GD Constable Answer Key 2023. Applicants who took the exam can get the GD answer key to find out how many correct and erroneous answers they provided.

Department of Fisheries to host Sagar Parikrama Phase III Program from Gujarat to Maharashtra

Sagar Parikrama is an evolutionary journey envisaged in the sea across the coastal belt demonstrating solidarity with all fisherfolk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholder’s as a spirit of 75th Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav saluting our great freedom fighters, sailors, and fishers. It is an initiative of Government of India, aiming to resolve the issues of the fishers and other stakeholders and facilitate their economic upliftment through various fisheries schemes and programs being implemented by the Government of India such as PMMSY.

Phase-III ‘Sagar Parikrama’ shall begin from Surat, Hazira Port, Gujarat on 19th February 2023 with Media interaction, followed by journey towards coastal belt of Maharashtra. Covering the coastal areas of northern Maharashtra namely, Satpati, Vasai, Versova, Sasson Dock, and other areas of Mumbai during 20-21 February 2023.

Maharashtra State has 720 Km of coastline covering 5 coastal districts Thane, Raigad, Greater Mumbai, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Fisher folk, vendors, and industries have a direct stake in the development of the fisheries sector in economic value, especially exports.

mPassport Police App: Police verification for passport in just 5 days

The “mPassport Police App, developed by the consular, passport and visa division of the external affairs ministry for law enforcement agencies, is being rolled out along with 350 tablets to personnel of the Special Branch of Delhi Police. These personnel are responsible for carrying out verification of antecedents of passport applicants. A new app developed by the external affairs ministry and rolled out in New Delhi is expected to cut the time for police verification of passport applicants to five days and reduce the scope for misuse of the process.The new digital services were launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the 76th Raising Day Parade of Delhi Police.

World’s First Cloud-Built Demonstration Satellite Launched JANUS-1 Successfully

Antaris announced that the world’s first satellite fully conceived, designed, and manufactured using the company’s end-to-end cloud platform, JANUS-1 has successfully reached orbit. JANUS-1 rode on the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) SSLV-D2 rocket.

JANUS-1 was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre of India under a commercial arrangement with New Space India Limited (NSIL). The JANUS-1 satellite features five payloads from a range of global providers, which will be commissioned and begin nominal operations.

World Pangolin Day 2023 observed on February 18th

World Pangolin Day 2023
World Pangolin Day is observed annually on the third Saturday in February, and this year it falls on February 18. It is a day to remember and celebrate pangolins, raise awareness, and fight against global pangolin capture in Africa and Asia. Pangolin Day marks the 12th edition of the event. An estimated one million of these magnificent creatures have been and continue to be harvested from the wild in African and Asian nations to meet the enormous demand for their scale, skin, blood, and even foetuses, which are believed to have multiple purposes in fashion,traditional medicine, and cookery.

AICTE and BPRD Jointly Launch KAVACH-2023

KAVACH-2023
Advancing India’s cyber-preparedness, KAVACH-2023, a national level hackathon was launched to identify innovative ideas and technological solutions for addressing the cyber security and cybercrime challenges of the 21st century. KAVACH-2023 is a one-of-a-kind national hackathon jointly developed by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.

CUET UG 2023: NTA issues notice for Tamil Nadu candidates

The NTA has announced that the 'Result Mode' field will be disabled for Tamil Nadu candidates, as they were not awarded any marks in their class 10, due to the Covid pandemic. 
To support the students from Tamil Nadu state, it has been decided that during the filling up of the online Application Form of CUET (UG) - 2023, when the candidate selects ‘Passing year’ as 2021 with ‘School Board’ as Tamil Nadu State Board of School Examination (Secondary), the Result Mode field will be disabled and the associated fields for Marks / CGPA will be invisible for Tamil Nadu State Board candidates who have passed their Class 10 in the year 2021.

Neal Mohan, the new Indian American CEO of YouTube

Indian-American, Neal Mohan will become the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alphabet-owned YouTube following Susan Wojcicki’s announcement that he will be stepping down from his role as the head of the video-sharing platform. With this, Mohan will be joining the elite list of global tech chiefs of Indian origin such as Google parent Alphabet’s Sundar Pichai, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, IBM’s Arvind Krishna, and Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen.

YouTube  Founders: Jawed Karim, Chad Hurley, Steve Chen;
YouTube  Founded: 14 February 2005, San Mateo, California, United States;
YouTube  Headquarters: San Bruno, California, United States;
YouTube  Parent organization: Google.

India’s first waste-to-hydrogen plant to be set up in Pune

The Government of India is to set up the first waste-to-hydrogen plant at a cost of Rs 430 crores in Pune. The plant will be built by a private company Green Billion Limited. The company has signed an agreement with the Pune Municipal Corporation for 30 years. The objective of the plant is to treat 350 tonnes of solid waste daily. From this, it will produce ten tonnes of Hydrogen every day. The plant is to be built in Hadapsar Industrial Estate in Pune. The plant is the first of its kind in the country.

Department of Posts organises AMRITPEX 2023 - National Philatelic Exhibition under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav after a decade

Department of Posts after a period of more than a decade organized, AMRITPEX 2023 National Philatelic Exhibition from 11th to 15th February 2023 under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations. AMRITPEX 2023 was organized in consultation with the Ministry of Culture and Philatelic Congress of India and designed and crafted as a visual and interactive treat for children and youth. The exhibition brought to the front the rich culture, heritage, history, nature, wildlife and achievements of India through stamps, letter writing and virtual displays. The exhibition was also an opportunity for the winners to participate in various International Philatelic Exhibitions and showcase their collections.

World Bank chief David Malpass to step down early

World Bank chief steps down
World Bank chief David Malpass has announced his resignation nearly a year early. He ending a tenure at the head of the development lender that was clouded by questions over his climate stance. The veteran of Republican administrations in the United States was appointed to the role in 2019 when Donald Trump was president and previously served as Under Secretary of the Treasury for international affairs. Malpass’s term would have originally ended in 2024.

building schools, providing water and electricity, fighting disease, and protecting the environment.

The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. They are not a bank in the ordinary sense but a unique partnership to reduce poverty and support development. The World Bank Group comprises five institutions managed by their member countries. The World Bank promotes long-term economic development and poverty reduction by providing technical and financial support to help countries implement reforms or projects, such as building schools, providing water and electricity, fighting disease, and protecting the environment.

5 branches of World Bank
IBRD: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
IDA: The International Development Association
IFC: The International Finance Corporation
MIGA: The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
ICSID: The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
World Bank Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States;

World Bank Founded: July 1944.