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Saudi Arabia to send its 1st female astronaut to space this year

Saudi Arabia will send its first ever woman astronaut on a space mission later this year. Rayyana Barnawi will join Ali Al-Qarni on a 10-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS), the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said adding that they will fly to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of a mission by the private space company Axiom Space.

India’s First AC Double Decker Electric Bus Introduced in Mumbai

India’s first air-conditioned double-decker electric bus was inducted into the fleet of BEST- the civic transport public body in Mumbai. The wet-leased e-bus will be registered at the Regional Transport Office before it hits the road for the public. This air-conditioned double-decker electric bus is likely to ply on the routes in suburbs where conventional double-decker buses that run on diesel are currently operated.

Lokesh Chandra, general manager of the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, informed that they are scheduled to receive 4-5 more double-decker air-conditioned e-buses in the next 8-10 days and a total of 20 such buses before March end from Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of automobile manufacture Ashok Leyland. The number of double-decker e-buses will reach 200 by this year-end.

Deliberations on agriculture were at full swing on the second day of the 1st Agriculture Deputies Meeting (ADM) at Indore

The first Agriculture Deputies Meeting (ADM) of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) under India’s Presidency entered day two. The Civil Aviation Minister, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the session on 14th February 2023.During his opening address of the inaugural session, Shri Scindia spoke about the 3 S template for development in agriculture sector - smart, serve all and sustainable. He also highlighted the importance of drones in India's agriculture growth story.During the issue note presentation, Secretary, Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) delivered the keynote address. Presentations were made on the Issue Note for AWG, covering the four key themes of food security and nutrition, sustainable agriculture with climate smart approach, inclusive agricultural value chains and food systems and digitalization for agricultural transformation. Member countries, invited countries and international organizations made their interventions on the Issue Note.

G20 member countries and guest countries also held bilateral meetings focusing on the G20 agricultural agenda.

Following the technical session, the delegates were taken for an excursion to the historical Mandu Fort.

PM to inaugurate Aadi Mahotsav on 16th February at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi

Prime Minister has been at the forefront of taking steps for the welfare of the tribal population of the country while also according due respect to their contribution in the growth and development of the country. In an effort to showcase the tribal culture on the national stage, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate "Aadi Mahotsav", the mega National Tribal Festival, on 16th February at 10:30 AM at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi.

The Aadi Mahotsav, which celebrates the spirit of tribal culture, crafts, cuisine, commerce and traditional art, is an annual initiative of Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. This year, it is being organised from 16 to 27 February at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi.

The programme will showcase the rich and diverse heritage of tribes from across the country in over 200 stalls at the venue. Around 1000 tribal artisans will participate in the Mahotsav. Since 2023 is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets, along with usual attractions like handicrafts, handloom, pottery, jewellery etc., a special focus in the Mahotsav will be on showcasing Shree Anna grown by tribals.

Angela Merkel awarded UNESCO Peace Prize in Ivory Coast

For her assistance to refugees in Germany, former German chancellor Angela Merkel was awarded the UNESCO peace prize. According to Politico, the former German leader received the UN prize for her choice to accept the refugees into German territory back in 2015.

The occasion took place in Yamoussoukro, the capital of the Ivory Coast, where the chancellor received the “Felix Houphout-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize.” Merkel thanked the jurors and spoke about the fate of Ukrainian refugees in her acceptance speech.

"Swastha Mann, Swastha Ghar"

As part of the ongoing “Swastha Mann, Swastha Ghar” campaign launched last year to enhance awareness surrounding healthy living, Health Melas will be organized on 14th of every month in 1.56 lakh Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC) across the country. Activities like Yoga, Zumba, Teleconsultation, Nikshay Poshan Abhiyan, Non-Communicable Diseases screening and Drug Distribution, Sickle Cell Disease screening will be undertaken as part of these countrywide health melas.In sync with this, a Cycle Event will be organized on 14th February 2023 at all AB-HWCs in the form of Cyclathon, Cycle Rally or Cycle for Health to promote and enhance awareness surrounding physical and mental well-being and environment friendly conveyance.

Pulwama Attack Anniversary: 14th February 2023 Tribute and Salute Martyred CRPF Jawans

Pulwama Attack Anniversary
On February 14, 2023, the world is celebrating Valentine’s Day and India will mark the fourth anniversary of the horrifying Pulwama terrorist assault that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF soldiers.A suicide bomber targeted a convoy of vehicles transporting security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway near Lethpora in the Pulwama area of Jammu and Kashmir40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed in the attack. Adil Ahmad Dar, a young local of Pulwama who was associated with the terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed located in Pakistan, was the perpetrator of the incident (JeM).
The attack, which provoked considerable indignation and condemnation throughout India, was claimed by JeM.

 

Cyclone Gabrielle strikes Auckland, Houses evacuated, Power cuts and flights cancelled

Cyclone Gabrielle strikes Auckland
As Cyclone Gabrielle approaches the coast of the nation, residents of Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, and the surrounding area are being warned to prepare for more intense rain, flooding, and gale-force winds. Some homes are also being evacuated.

Cyclone Gabrielle strikes Auckland: Key Points
Currently 200 kilometers  (125 miles) northeast of Auckland, Gabrielle is expected to travel in close proximity to the east coast over the next 24 hours.
This cyclone is the second significant weather event to recently affect Auckland and the upper North Island.
Four people were killed by floods and unprecedented rainfall that pounded Auckland and the neighbouring areas last month.
Chris Hipkins, the prime minister of New Zealand, announced a $7.25 million package for flood victims and community organisations such as food banks.

Project Cheetah: India gets 12 cheetahs from South Africa

India and South Africa signed an agreement on Project Cheetah in January 2023. According to the agreement, India will get 12 Cheetahs from South Africa. These cheetahs will be dropped at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. In September 2022, eight Cheetahs were introduced in the park. These eight were brought from Namibia. Namibia gifted them to India. This was the first inter-continental transfer of Cheetahs in the world.

Israel launches sniffing robots

The robot has four wheels. It was created by placing the antenna of locusts between the electrodes. The electrodes send signals when the antenna grabs a nearby scent. Each scent has a unique measurement of current. Based on the current generated, the bot identifies the scent. The bot is calibrated previously for the scent it grabs and the corresponding current value

With this, Israel has taken investigative technologies to next level. The bot sniffers can be used to detect drugs and explosives.

The bot can detect even the tiniest particle or an organism in its surrounding. For instance, it can even detect a mosquito.

Every sensory organ of animals or insects generates an electric signal when they encounter external stimuli or a smell. These electric signals are sent to their brain to be processed and identified. The robot uses the same principle.

Sarojini Naidu 144th Birth Anniversary

Sarojini Naidu was a renowned poet and a prominent figure in Indian politics and in the Indian National Movement. Born in Hyderabad on February 13, 1879, she is known for her work as a social reformer, advocating for women's rights, education, and abolition of the caste system.

UP Government launched Family ID – One Family One Identity Portal

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched the portal for the creation of ‘Family ID – One Family One Identity’, to identify families as a unit for implementing the ‘one job per family’ proposal. According to a state government, all such families that are not eligible for the National Food Security Scheme will be able to avail of the ID, while the ration card ID of the families having it, will be considered as their family ID.

. This portal was developed to provide a 12-digit unique family ID to those families which were not ration card holders.

World Government Summit 2023 Set to Begin in Dubai

The World Government Summit 2023 is set to begin on 13th February 2023 in Dubai. The World Government Summit will be held under the theme of “Shaping Future Governments”. It will bring together global thought leaders, global experts, and decision-makers to share and contribute to the development of tools, policies, and models that will be critical in shaping future governments.

Prime Minister Modi Inaugurated Arabic Academy in Mumbai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, Arabic Academy of the Dawoodi Bohra Community in Mumbai. The Prime minister was accompanied by His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq, head of the global Dawoodi Bohra community and Rector of Jamea, Eknath Sindhe, Chief Minister of Maharashtra and deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Meta Launches #DigitalSuraksha campaign in partnership with MeitY for the G20 campaign

Meta, announced its partnership with the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) for the G20 stay safe online campaign. As part of the partnership, the company claims that it will create and share helpful resources in multiple Indian languages through various channels, and spread awareness on how to stay safe online. Moreover, Meta has also launched its #DigitalSuraksha campaign to build on the company’s efforts to offer a safer and more inclusive internet to everyone.

Lithium Reserves found in Jammu and Kashmir

The Geological Survey of India has found lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir. They have been found in the Reasi district. Today, India is importing Lithium from countries from Argentina and Australia. 

ICC T-20 Women’s World Cup Begins in South Africa.

The ICC T-20 Women’s World Cup is to begin in South Africa on 10th February 2023, with the opening match between the host team, South Africa and Sri Lanka. This is the first time that the ICC T-20 Women’s World Cup tournament is taking place in an African nation. The Indian team led by Harmanpreet Kaur will play their first match against Pakistan on 12th February 2023.

‘Operation Dost’: India went All Out To Help Quake-Hit Turkey, Syria

Operation Dost
As part of “Operation Dost,” India is deploying a field hospital, supplies, and rescue personnel to the earthquake-stricken countries of Turkey and Syria, the foreign minister S Jaishankar tweeted on Wednesday.A 7.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred on Monday while people were asleep destroyed thousands of buildings, trapped an undetermined number of people, and may have affected millions of people. 

UNESCO To Declare the World’s First Living Heritage University.

Visva-Bharati University
Visva-Bharati University was founded by Rabindranath in 1921. It will soon receive the UNESCO ‘heritage” tag. This will allow it to be the first university of living heritage. Bidyut Chakraborty, Vice-Chancellor of Visva-Bharati University, stated that the university would be designated a heritage university. 
According to UNESCO, in 1922, Visva-Bharati was inaugurated as a Centre for Culture with exploration into the arts, language, humanities, music and these are reflected in diverse institutes that continue in their educational programmes like including Hindi studies, Sino-Asian studies, humanities, fine arts, and music. 

UNESCO----  (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a specialised agency of the United Nations that promotes cooperation among nations through education, science, culture, and communication.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France;
UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945, London, United Kingdom.
UNESCO Director-General: Audrey Azoulay.

World Pulses Day 2023 is Observed On 10 February

World Pulses Day 2023
Every year World Pulses Day is celebrated on February 10 with an aim to spread awareness about the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production. In 2019, the UN General Assembly dedicated a day to Pulses to increase awareness and access to pulses globally. Pulses also known as legumes, are considered as global foods, and are produced in almost every country. 

World Pulses Day 2023: Theme
‘Pulses for a Sustainable Future’ as the theme for the 2023 celebration. This year’s celebration will highlight the contribution of pulses towards improving soil productivity, increasing the resilience of farming systems, providing a better life for farmers in water-scarce environments, and more. Since pulses have a low water footprint and can better tolerate drought and climate-related disasters, they are imperative to sustainable food production.

UPSC has released vacancies for 1105 civil services posts

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released vacancies for 1105 posts under the Civil Services Prelims Exam 2023. Candidates between the age of 21 to 32 years can apply till February 21 by visiting the official website of UPSC, upsc.gov.in.  

The Civil Services preliminary examination will be held on 28 May 2023, while the main examination will be held on 15 September 2023. 

Eligibility 

It is necessary to be a citizen of India for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Students with having Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized institute or university can apply for this exam. 

Age Limit

The minimum age of the candidate should be 21 years and the maximum age should be 32 years to appear in the recruitment process. However, there is a relaxation in the upper age limit for certain categories like SC, ST, OBC, Defense service personnel, and others. 

How to apply?

Go to the official website of UPSC, upsconline.nic.in.

Scroll down the page, then click on the 'Apply Online' button on the right.

Now, click on the link 'Online Application for Various Examinations'.

Search the link to apply online for the required recruitment.

The application process for UPSC IAS and IFS has to be completed in two parts.

In the first part, provide the basic details and then read the necessary instructions for image specification, fee payment, correction etc.

Click on 'Submit' and then go through the next steps.

Now Pay the Application Fee Online.

Select the exam center.

Finally, upload the required documents.

Nearly 600 sea lions die due to bird flu outbreak in Peru

Peru reported the death of 585 sea lions and 55,000 wild birds due to the H5N1 bird flu virus in recent weeks. Following the discovery of 55,000 dead birds in eight protected coastal areas, rangers found the bird flu that killed them had also claimed 585 sea lions in seven protected marine areas, the Sernanp natural areas protection agency said.

Salman Rushdie new novel ‘Victory City’ released.

Salman Rushdie published his new novel “Victory City”, an “epic tale” of a 14th-century woman who defies a patriarchal world to rule a city. The much-anticipated work tells the tale of young orphan girl Pampa Kampana who is endowed by a goddess with magical powers and founds the city, in modern-day India, of Bisnaga, which translates as Victory City. Brilliantly narrated in the style of an ancient epic, Victory City is a saga of love, adventure, and myth that is in itself a testament to the power of storytelling.

RBI expands scope of TReDS platform to allow insurance facility, secondary market ops & to improve cashflow of MSMEs

The Reserve Bank of India decided to expand the scope of the Trade Receivable Discounting System or the TReDS platform allowing the use of insurance facilities, permitting entities eligible to undertake factoring business to participate as financiers on TReDS and allowing secondary market operations on the platform. The central bank’s decision is expected to boost trade of receivables increasing cash flows to MSMEs.
enhance liquidity on the TREDs platform and, ultimately, for MSMEs.
 Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) Platform:

TReDS is an electronic platform for facilitating the financing / discounting of trade receivables of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through multiple financiers. These receivables can be due from corporates and other buyers, including Government Departments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

TReDS is a payment system authorised under the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007. It is a platform for uploading, accepting, discounting, trading and settling invoices / bills of MSMEs and facilitating both receivables as well as payables factoring (reverse factoring). MSME sellers, corporate and other buyers, including Government Departments and PSUs, and financiers (banks, NBFC-Factors and other financial institutions, as permitted) are direct participants in the TReDS and all transactions processed under this system are ‘”without recourse” to MSMEs.

CBSE has released Admit Cards for 10th & 12th examinations

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the admit cards for the upcoming 10th and 12th examinations. Students and school management can now download the admit card from the official website of the board i.e. cbse.gov.in. 

The 10th and 12th board exams across the country are scheduled to begin on February 15, 2023. The 10th exam will end on March 21 and the 12th exam will end on April 5.