Current Affairs

29th and 30th January 2023

Top 18 Daily Current Affairs: National & International News:

Here is the Current Affairs 29th and 30th January 2023 covering the following news headlines: Lala Lajpat Rai, Khadi Fest-23, Martyr’s Day (Shaheed Diwas), Hockey World Cup 2023, ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, Australian Open 2023.

National News

1. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates National Logistics Portal  

·        Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the National Logistics Portal (marine) in New Delhi. It is a one-stop platform aimed at connecting all the stakeholders of the logistics community using IT.

·        The National Logistic Portal (marine) (NLP) is a project of national importance. This will improve efficiency and transparency by reducing costs and promote the growth of the logistics sector.  National Logistics Portal will be a single window for all trade processes of the logistics sector spread across the country covering all modes of transport in the waterways, roadways, and airways to provide a seamless end-to-end logistic service coverage.

2.  Udyan Utsav 2023 – Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Amrit Udyan open from January 31

·        The Mughal Garden of Rashtrapati Bhavan has been called Amrit Udyan. As President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Udyan Utsav-2023, the opening of the Rashtrapati Bhavan grounds, the renowned park is expected to open to the public on January 31.

·        Once a year, the gardens are made available to the public.

·        It will be accessible to tourists this year from January 31 to March 26 between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.

·        However, it will be closed every Monday, March 1 and 2, the G20 summit, and March 8. (Holi).

·        Visitors will be able to view 12 different species of carefully cultivated tulips that are anticipated to bloom in stages, among other things.

·        This time, the public will be able to visit the Herbal Garden, Bonsai Garden, Central Lawn, Long Garden, and Circular Garden for around two months.

·        East Lawn, Central Lawn, Long Garden, and Circular Garden were all original parts of Rashtrapati Bhavan’s garden. Additional gardens, including Herbal-I, Herbal-II, Tactile Garden, Bonsai Garden, and Arogya Vanam, were created under the administrations of former presidents Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam and Ram Nath Kovind.

International News

2. Petr Pavel, Former Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Became the President of the Czech Republic

·        Petr Pavel, a former chairman of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) military committee, has become the new president of the Czech Republic. Pavel, 61, defeated billionaire Andrej Babis in a run-off vote to replace controversial President Milos Zeman as he emerged as the new Czech President. A former military general, Pavel got more than 58 per cent of the vote, according to the Czech Statistics Office.

·        As none of the eight initial candidates received an absolute majority in the first round of voting two weeks ago, the election was decided in a second-round run-off between Pavel and Babis. Pavel, a former paratrooper, won 58.3 percent of votes while Andrej Babis scored 41.7 percent.

·        The 61-year-old Pavel will in March replace President Milos Zeman, an outspoken and divisive politician who fostered close ties with Moscow before making a U-turn when Russia invaded Ukraine last year.

States News

3. Woxsen University Launched Project Aspiration for Girls in Telangana 

·        Woxsen University has launched Project Aspirations with its firm belief in developing its ecosystem and empowering the community around the campus.

·        Woxsen University has conceptualized the project for the ambitious girls of Classes IX-XII, Telangana Model School & Junior College. Under Project Aspiration, students are selected by the school principal to take part in the “Train the Trainer” workshop which commenced in December 2022.

·        The Training Program of Project Aspiration was led by Postgraduate students of Woxen University and mentored by Dr. Kakoli Sen, Dean- of the School of Business & Dr. Shubhendhu Patnaik.

·        The training programs will be for three weeks during which girls will be exposed to different aspects of the future. It will help them develop SMART Goals & learn how to work towards achieving them.

4. India’s First Green Solar Panel Factory to Build by Luminous in Uttarakhand

·        Luminous Power Technologies revealed that it has planned to build India’s first green energy-based solar panel manufacturing plant in Uttarakhand which will be operational by the end of this year. The location of the new India’s first green energy-based solar panel is Rudrapur which will be equipped with the latest technology to design and produce high-quality solar panels that will be used for both residential and commercial applications.

·        Once India’s first green energy-based solar panel will be operational, the facility, spread across 4.5 lakh square feet per 10 acres will help enable a solar production capacity of 500 MW per annum.

·        It is expandable up to 1 GW, producing a range of solar panels with a power output of 40W to 600W. Luminous would establish its first solar panel facility with this factory’s commencement.

Agreements News

5. NMDC Signed Champion Boxer Nikhat Zareen As its Brand Ambassador 

·        NMDC has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with World Boxing Champion and gold medal winner of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Nikhat Zareen to represent NMDC as its brand ambassador. NMDC is a National miner and India’s largest producer of iron ore.

·        The company has chosen to be represented by someone who shares their commitment to bringing honor to the country. Nikhat Zareen represents the strength, courage, agility, and national pride that goes with the brand of the NMDC.

·        Sumit Deb, CMD, NMDC, informed that they are elated to welcome Nikhat Zareen to the NMDC family.

·        Deb also added that her personality is synonymous with NMDC’s brand values of reliability and sturdiness and this association will add to the overall brand personality of both stakeholders.

·        Nikhat Zareen on the occasion noted that it is an honor for her to join hands with the NMDC in bringing laurels to the country.

·        She is grateful to them for supporting me in training for the 2024 Olympics and she is committed to making her parents and the country proud.

6. GRSE Signs Pact with Rolls Royce Solutions to Manufacture Marine Diesel Engines

·        Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rolls Royce Solutions of Germany for manufacture of high-quality marine diesel engines at the former’s plant in Ranchi, an official said.

·        “The MoU deals with transfer of technology related to engine assembly, painting, parts sourcing and after-sales service for these engines that are to be assembled at GRSE’s Diesel Engine Plant in Ranchi,” the company official said in a statement. The Indian Navy’s Chief of Material Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani was present at the signing of the MoU.

Business News

7. Coal India Ltd to Launch M-Sand Projects in Broader Schemes 

·        Coal India Ltd (CIL) has envisaged processing the overburdened rocks for sand production in mines where fragmented rock or Overburden (OB) material contains about 60 percent sandstone by volume which is harnessed through crushing and processing of Overburden. During Opencast mining, the overlying soil and rocks are removed as waste to extract coal and OB is heaped in dumps.

·        Most of the waste is disposed of at the surface which occupies a considerable land area and requires extensive planning and control to minimize the environmental impact of mining.

·        Sand is classified as a ‘minor mineral’. The administrative control over minor minerals lies with the State Governments and is regulated through state-specific rules.

·        Due to high demand, regulated supply, and a complete ban on sand mining during monsoon to protect river ecosystems, finding alternatives to river sand became necessary.

Science and Technology News

8. India’s First Mission to Study the Sun, Aditya-L1, will be Launched by June-July: ISRO chairman 

·        Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) handed over to ISRO, the Visible Line Emission Coronagraph (VELC), the primary payload on board Aditya-L1, which is India’s first dedicated scientific mission to study the Sun, to be launched by June or July.

·        The handing over ceremony was held in the presence of the ISRO Chairman S Somanath at the Centre for Research and Education in Science and Technology (CREST) campus of IIA. IIA said it has successfully finished assembling, testing and calibrating the VELC, which is the largest and one of the most technically challenging of the seven payloads/telescopes that will fly on Aditya-L1, at its CREST campus.

Schemes News

9. Ministry of Culture to Hand Over 1,000 Sites to Private Sector Under Monument Scheme

·        The Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Govind Mohan announced that the government is to hand over around 1,000 monuments under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India to the private sector for their upkeep under the Monument Mitra Scheme.

·        Corporate entities will take over the monuments as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. Under the scheme, monument amenities will be revamped by the private sector.

·        The government has set the target to hand over 500 sites under the revamped Monument Mitra Scheme by the end of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on 15 August 2023.

·        The Monument Mitra Scheme had been started a few years back under the Ministry of Tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has transferred the scheme to the Ministry of Culture in respect of the monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India.

·        He also stated that the government will offer around 1,000 monuments across the country to the private sector for their upkeep and maintenance.

Awards News

10. New Zealand to introduce Debbie H. Medal to honour women cricketers

·        New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced that outstanding women’s cricketer will be honoured with the inaugural Debbie Hockley Medal at this year’s annual cricket awards ceremony.

·        Debbie, regarded as one of the world’s best batters during her playing days and one of the finest to have played the game, played 118 ODIs and 19 Tests for New Zealand from 1979 to 2000. She will present the new award in person on the awards night.

·        She also scored 4064 runs in ODIs at 41.89, including four centuries, 34 half-centuries – while taking 54 wickets. She was the first woman to eclipse 4000 ODI runs, and also the first to play 100 ODIs. Across both formats, she captained New Zealand on 33 occasions.

Sports News

11. Australian Open 2023: Check the complete list of winners

·        Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final of men’s singles match of the Australian Open 2023. Djokovic wins 10th Australian Open and 22nd grand slam. He levels Rafael Nadal with his 22nd Grand Slam title.

·        In the Women’s Singles category, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina in the final, 4–6, 6–3, 6–4 to win the women’s singles tennis title at the 2023 Australian Open.

Table showing Winners in all categories:

12. ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup: India beat England to win the inaugural Women’s U19 T20 World Cup

·        India beat England in the first-ever ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup final in Potchefstroom, South Africa. India bowled out England for a paltry 68 and won by 7 wkts. This is the first ICC trophy India has won in women’s cricket.

·        The Indian women’s cricket team has never won a World Cup at any level. The seniors reached the World Cup final on three occasions across formats but failed to go the distance. Bowling first, India cleaned up the English side for mere 68 runs in 17.1 overs.

·        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.

13. Hockey World Cup 2023: Germany beat Belgium 5-4 in the finals

·        Germany beat Belgium 5-4 in the penalty shootout to win the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India. The scores were level at the end of regulation time at 3-3.

·        This is Germany’s third Hockey World Cup title after they won it in 2002 and 2006. With this, they draw level with Netherlands and Australia. Germany also became the fourth team to register a come-from-behind win in a World Cup final. From a 2-0 deficit to a 3-2 to lead and ultimately a shootout, they eventually became champions.

Important Days

14. Martyr’s Day (Shaheed Diwas) 2023: Mahatma Gandhi death Anniversary

·        On January 30, 2023, India observed Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas to pay tribute to all the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country. The day is also marked as the death anniversary of the nation’s ‘Bapu’, Mahatma Gandhi.

·        On this day in 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in the compound of Birla House after one of his routine multi-faith prayer meetings. Godse, a member of Hindu Mahasabha, blamed Gandhi for favouring the Muslim community during the partition of India in 1947. It is said that the last words Gandhi uttered were “Hey Ram”. 

15. World Leprosy Day 2023 is observed 29th January

·        World Leprosy Day (WLD) is celebrated on the last Sunday of January. In 2023, World Leprosy Day is observed on 29 January. This international day is an opportunity to celebrate people who have experienced leprosy, raise awareness of the disease, and call for an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination.

·        This date was chosen by French humanitarian, Raoul Follereau as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who did much work with persons affected by leprosy and died at the end of January in 1948.

·        The theme of World Leprosy Day 2023 is “Act Now. End Leprosy.”

16. World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day observed on 30th January

·        World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (World NTD Day) is observed on January 30 every year to raise awareness about neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as a critical public health challenge so that we can progress towards their elimination. 2023 theme is “Act Now. Act Together. Invest in Neglected Tropical Diseases”.

·        The proposal to recognise the day was floated by the United Arab Emirates. It was adopted unanimously by the delegates. The first World NTD Day was celebrated informally in 2020.

Miscellaneous News

17. Khadi Fest-23 Inaugurated in Mumbai

·        The month-long Khadi Fest- 23 was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission(KVIC) Mr. Manoj Kumar in Mumbai.

·        The Khadi Fest will run until the 24th of February 2023 at the KVIC Headquarters in Vile Parle.

·        The fest will showcase apparel made of Khadi, Pashmina, Kalamkari, Phulkari,  Tussar silk, etc while Dry-fruits, Tea, Kahwa, Honey, Bamboo Products, Carpets, Aloe Vera Products and others will be up for sale.

Important Takeaways For All Competitive Exams:

·        KVIC Chairman: Manoj Kumar;

·        Union Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME): Narayan Rane.

18. India Observes 158th Birth Anniversary of Freedom Fighter Lala Lajpat Rai

·        The nation observes the 158th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, popularly known as Punjab Kesari. Lala Lajpat Rai was born on 28th January 1865 to his maternal grandparents in Dhudike. On the occasion of the 158th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, the cabinet minister announced a grant of Rs 12 lakh on the demand of the villagers.

·        Lala Lajpat Rai has made a huge contribution to the struggle for the independence of the nation. He was also known as the leader of the Swadeshi movement.

·        Lala Lajpat Rai is an Indian writer and politician. He was born on 28th January 1865 and died on 17th November 1928. He is popularly known as ‘Punjab Kesari’ and played a pivotal role in the Indian Independence movement. People also called him ‘Punjab da Sher’ which means ‘Lion of Punjab’.