Current Affairs.

12th January 2023

Top 20 Daily Current Affairs: National & International News:

Here is the Current Affairs 12th January 2023 covering the following news headlines: National Road Safety Week, National Youth Day, Hockey India, VSHORAD Missile Systems, Kisan Vikas Patra.

National News

1. ‘Saarang 2023’ India’s Largest Student-Run Festival Begins at IIT Madras

·      Saarang 2023: The 28th edition of Saarang, India’s largest student-run festival begins at IIT Madras on 11th January 2023. Saarang 2023 will feature more than 100 events with participation from 500 colleges across the country.

·      The Saarang 2023 is one of the largest student-run festivals held completely in physical mode. It is expected to see over 80,000 people at the festival. The fest will be held till 15th January 2023.

·      The theme of this year’s Saarang edition is ‘Mystic Hues’ which celebrates how intertwined colors are with culture and tradition.

·      IIT Madras is hosting the Saarang 2023 after two years post Covid-19 pandemic.

·      Saarang 2023 launched ‘Panacea’ for this year’s social cause.

·      Panacea is a campaign aimed to encourage healthy habits to prevent disease outbreaks.

International News

2. United States Nuclear Submarine Visited Its Indian Ocean Military Base In Diego Garcia

·      In a rare announcement, the United States said its ballistic missile submarine, USS West Virginia, visited its Indian Ocean military base at Diego Garcia. Before it visited the base at Diego Garcia, the submarine had surfaced in the Arabian Sea and participated in a joint, US Strategic Command-directed communications exercise to validate emerging and innovative tactics in the Indian Ocean.

·      One of the 14 Ohio-class SSBNs in service with the US Navy, the boat is capable of carrying up to 20 Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles with multiple, independently targeted warheads. The submarine also conducted a complete crew exchange in Diego Garcia and a subsequent replenishment at sea, highlighting the SSBN force’s readiness and flexibility to remain on patrol for an extended period of time.

3. School Students In Australia To Soon Learn Punjabi

·      Now Punjabi is all set to be taught in public schools in Western Australia. The language is all set to be introduced into the school curriculum.

·      The Australian government is adopting Punjabi as the newest language after a 2021 census showed that it was the fastest-growing language in Australia with more than 239,000 people using it at home, an increase of over 80 per cent from 2016, reported SBS Punjabi.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

·      Australia Capital: Canberra;

·      Australia Currency: Australian dollar;

·      Australia Prime minister: Anthony Albanese.

4. What is U.S. ‘Title 42’ Immigration Policy?

·      The United States announced that it will extend COVID-19 pandemic-era restrictions, known as Title 42, to expel migrants from Nicaragua, Cuba and Haiti caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border back to Mexico.

·      The move would block more nationalities from seeking asylum in the United States, and raises questions about the implications of this policy expansion and its legality. At the same time, the White House said it would open more legal pathways for migrants from those nations to apply to enter the country from abroad.

·      Title 42 is an immigration policy that was implemented by the U.S. health authorities in March 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

·      The policy was implemented to allow border agents to rapidly send migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border back to Mexico or other countries. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said at the time it was needed to stem the spread of COVID-19 in crowded detention settings.

·      The policy was implemented under Republican former President Donald Trump.

State News

5. Kerala ‘Year of Enterprises’ Project Acknowledged as Best Practice Model

·      The ‘Year of Enterprises’ Project was recognized as the best practices model at the National Conference on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. The ‘Year of Enterprises’ aimed to create 1,00,000 enterprises and has successfully created 1,18,509 enterprises and got investment worth ₹7,261.54 crores.

·      The National Conference on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where he discussed enhancing cooperative federalism and smooth relations between the center and states.

6. Kerala breaks Guinness record for goals scored

·      Kerala has kicked itself into the Guinness Book of World Records by taking 4,500 penalty kicks in 12 hours. The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs made it possible for the football-crazy State to set the Guinness record at a Dream Goal penalty shootout organised at Payyanad Football Stadium at Manjeri.

·      The excitement was palpable at the stadium throughout the day as hundreds of footballers, students, teachers and football lovers queued up to take the penalty kicks. Many missed, but some netted with impeccable perfection. The zest of Malappuram was evident throughout.

·      Mappila songs (or Mappila Paattu) are a folklore Muslim song genre rendered to lyrics, within a melodic framework (Ishal), in Arabi Malayalam by the Mappilas of the Malabar region in Kerala, India. Mappila songs have a distinct cultural identity, while at the same time remain closely linked to the cultural practices of Kerala.

Economy News

7. Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) Interest Rate was Hiked for January–March 2023 quarter

·      The current interest rate on Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) account deposits is 7.2% compounded annually. The revised rate was announced on December 30. This rate would apply to KVP deposits made in the first quarter of the New Year 2023.

·      Amid rising inflation and repo rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of India, KVP depositors were expecting an upward revision in the interest rate. More so because even several banks are now offering higher interests on Fixed Deposit schemes than KVP. In past, KVP depositors have enjoyed a higher interest than bank FDs.

·      The KVP interest rate applicable in the first quarter of 2023 (January-March) was announced on December 30, 2022. The new interest rate is 7.2%. The Union Government revises the Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) interest rate on a quarterly basis. The next revision of the KVP interest rate will take place by the end of March 2023. At 7.2% interest, the amount invested in the KVP account will double in 10 years.

8. World Bank Predicts India’s Economic Growth to Slow to 6.9% in FY23

·      India’s growth is expected to slow to 6.9 per cent in Financial Year 2023, a 0.6 percentage point decrease since June, as the global economy and rising uncertainty weigh on export and investment growth, according to the World Bank.

·      However, India is expected to be the fastest growing economy among the seven largest developing economies. The World Bank predicted that global growth in 2023 would slow to 1.7 per cent from the 3 per cent expected six months ago, citing elevated inflation, higher interest rates, reduced investment and disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Defence News

9. Tribal Dance Festival & Military Tattoo to be held in New Delhi

·      The 23rd of this month will see the Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram Ka Tribal Dance Festival and Military Tattoo at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The two-day celebration, according to the Defence Ministry, would display the strength of the Armed Forces and the cultural beauty of India’s tribal cultures.

·      The schedule includes a military tattoo with paramotor flying, a hot air balloon ride, a horse show, a motorcycle display, an Air Warrior drill, a Navy band, and traditional dance performances by tribal artists from all throughout the nation.

·      According to the Ministry, the festival’s goals are to honour India’s rich cultural history, which contributes to its distinctiveness and diversity, and to remember the courageous hearts who gave their lives for the country.

Important Takeaways For All Competitive Exams:

·      Chief of Defence Staff: Gen Anil Chauhan

·      Chief of Army Staff: General Manoj Pande

·      Chief of Air Staff: Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari

·      Chief of Naval Staff:  Admiral R. Hari Kumar

10. India and Japan to conduct joint exercise to strengthen cooperation in air defence

·      The Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) and the Indian Air Force will participate in the joint air exercise “Veer Guardian-2023” starting on January 12 at Hyakuri Air Base in Japan.

·      The joint exercise, which will go through January 26th, intends to encourage international collaboration in air defence.

·      Four Su-30 MKI, two C-17, and one IL-78 aircraft from the Indian contingent will take part in the air exercise, while four F-2 and four F-15 aircraft from the JASDF will take part.

·      According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the first exercise would involve several aerial combat drills between the two Air Forces.

·      They’ll engage in sophisticated multi-domain air combat operations while exchanging best practises.

11. Defence Ministry Approves Proposals Worth Rs 4,276-cr for Anti-tank, Air Defence Missile Systems

·      Defence Acquisition Council(DAC) approved three proposals worth 4,276 crore rupees to strengthen the country’s deterrence and combat readiness. Defence Ministry said, a meeting of Defence Acquisition Council held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

·      The DAC has accorded approval for procurement of HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated to the Advanced Light Helicopter. This missile is an essential part of weaponization of Advanced Light Helicopter for countering enemy threats. The Ministry said, its induction will strengthen the offensive capability of the Indian Army.

12. DAC Nod to VSHORAD Missile Systems Being Designed by DRDO

·      In an effort to shore up the air defence systems all along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) facing China, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the proposal for procurement of VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system under design and development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO).

·      In view of the recent developments along the Northern borders(China) there is a need to focus on effective Air Defence (AD) weapon systems which are man portable and can be deployed quickly in rugged terrain and maritime domain. Procurement of VSHORAD, as a robust and quickly deployable system, will strengthen the Air Defence capabilities.

Science and Technology News

13. NASA named Indian-American space expert AC Charania as chief technologist

·      An Indian-American aerospace industry expert has been appointed as NASA’s new chief technologist to serve as principal advisor to Administrator Bill Nelson on technology policy and programmes at the space agency’s headquarters. A.C. Charania joined the space agency in his new role on January 3.

·      He replaces another Indian-American scientist Bhavya Lal, who served as acting chief technologist prior to the former’s appointment.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

·      NASA Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States;

·      NASA Founded: 29 July 1958, United States;

·      NASA Founder: Dwight D. Eisenhower;

·      NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

Books and Authors News

14. A book on “Jadunama” written on veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar by Arvind Mandloi

·      Jadunama, a book written on veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar by Arvind Mandloi, was released. Javed’s wife, actor Shabana Azmi and children Zoya and Farhan Akhtar were present at the book launch. Farhan’s wife, actor Shibani Dandekar also attended the event.

·      Jadunama is about a writer, poet, lyricist, and political activist. It is also about this one man’s struggle since childhood to become what he is today and to create a hallmark of success in everything he does.

15. Prince Harry released his Memoir titled “Spare”

·      Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, a member of the British royal family, has released his memoir titled “Spare”. The book was written with the assistance of American novelist J. R. Moehringer. The book is published by Transworld Publishers Ltd, a division of Penguin Random House.

·      The book reveals the details of Harry’s relationship with his father, King Charles, his elder brother, Prince William, and other members of the royal family.

·      Prince Harry announced that the proceeds from his memoir will be used to support British charities with donations including USD 1.5 million to Sentebale, an organization Prince Harry founded with Prince Seeiso in their mothers’ legacies, which supports vulnerable children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana.

Sports News

16. Hockey India enters the world of Metaverse

·     Hockey India has launched a new metaverse product to tie in with its hosting of the Men’s World Cup in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela from January 13-29. ‘Hockeyverse’, which Hockey India claims marks a first for a national sports federation, has been launched across the governing body’s social media platforms and is designed to enhance the tournament experience for fans around the world.

·      The ‘Hockeyverse’ features unique attractions such as replica of the newly built Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, there is also The Time Machine which is uniquely designed based on time travel elements, this building just outside the main entrance of the stadium has 2 rooms, consisting of a brief history of Indian Hockey’s achievements so far and their current achievements.

17. France captain Hugo Lloris announces retirement from international football

·      France team captain Hugo Lloris has announced his decision to retire from international football at the age of 36. Lloris represented France in four World Cups and three Euros and captained Les Blues to the World Cup trophy in 2018.

·      The Tottenham Hotspur shotstopper led his team to the World Cup final in Qatar, where they were beaten by Argentina on penalties.

Important Days

18. Nation celebrates National Youth Day On January 12

·      National Youth Day is celebrated every year on January 12 to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Every year on this occasion, the government organises National Youth Festival in collaboration with one state willing to host from January 12 to January 16. This year Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate the festival on January 12 in Huballi, Karnataka.

·      The Centre said the festival is held to provide exposure to youths at a national level and this year’s theme for the four-day programme is “Viksit Yuva – Viksit Bharat (Developed Youth – Developed India)”.

·      This year the festival is being organized by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in collaboration with the Karnataka. The event will be held from January 12 to January 16, 2023, at Hubballi- Dharwad, Karnataka.

19. National Road Safety Week 2023 is celebrated from January 11 to 17

·      Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India is observing the Road Safety Week from 11th to 17th January 2023, under “Swachhata Pakhwada”, to propagate the cause of safer roads for all.

·      During the Week, various activities is being organised throughout the Country to create awareness among general public and to give an opportunity to all stakeholders to contribute to the cause of road safety.

·      This includes various awareness campaigns related to causes of road accidents and measures to prevent them. Various activities with School/college students, drivers and all other road users have also been planned.

Obituaries News

20. Greece’s former and last king Constantine II passes away

·      Constantine II, the former and last King of Greece who ruled Greece before the country became a republic in 1974 passed away in Athens, Greece, at 82.

·      He was born of King Paul I, younger brother to King George II, of Greece and German aristocrat Princess Frederica of Hannover, Germany, on 2nd June 1940 in Psikhikó near Athens, Greece.