Current Affairs January 13th 2023| Current Affairs News

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CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

National Road Safety Week 2023:

• Every year, National Road Safety Week is celebrated from January 11 to 17.
• Organized by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the week intends to spread awareness around road safety, which is a major concern for authorities as well as the government.
• National Road Safety Week was celebrated for the first time in 1989.
• On March 15, 2010, the Centre sanctioned the National Road Safety policy, recommended by the Sunder Committee.
• The Road Safety Week celebration is initiated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to raise public awareness about traffic rules.
• Charitable organizations, non-government organizations, and private firms across the country join hands with the government to provide logistic support for road safety measurements.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Home Minister inaugurates ‘Jai Hind- The New Light and Sound Show at Red Fort:

• Home Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Jai Hind- The New Light and Sound Show’ at Red Fort in New Delhi.
• On this occasion, according to Mr. Shah, the one-hour presentation did a fantastic job of showcasing India’s rich history and civilization.
• He asserted that no one can create a great nation if they do not learn from the past.
• During the Amrit Kaal, he urged the populace to work together to make their nation the best in the world within the next 25 years.

Centre named new Integrated Food Security Scheme as PMGKAY:

• The Centre has named the new Integrated Food Security Scheme Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana, PMGKAY.
• Earlier, the Union Cabinet had approved a new integrated food security scheme for providing free foodgrains to Antodaya Ann Yojna (AAY) and Primary Household (PHH) beneficiaries.
• Implementation of the new scheme has started from the 1st of January this year, benefiting more than 80 crores of poor and poorest of poor people.
• Keeping in view the welfare of the beneficiaries and to maintain uniformity across the States, free foodgrains will be provided under PMGKAY for the year 2023 to all Primary Household and Antodaya Ann Yojna beneficiaries, as per entitlement under National Food Security Act.
• The integrated scheme will strengthen the provisions of the National Food Security Act in terms of accessibility, affordability, and availability of food grains for the poor.
• Necessary steps have already been taken for the smooth implementation of the PMGKAY in the field.
• The Central Government will spend more than two lakh crore rupees in 2023 as food subsidies under NFSA and other welfare schemes, to remove the financial burden of the poor and the poorest of the poor.

Kisan Vikas Patra’s (KVP) interest rate was hiked for January–March 2023 quarter:

• The government has hiked the interest rate on Kisan Vikas Patra for the quarter of January – March 2023.
• The Kisan Vikas Patra is a small savings tool that will make it easier for people to contribute to long-term savings plans.
• Due to its low risk and assurance of profits, it is a well-liked investing tool
• At the end of the maturity period, you will receive the invested money with a guaranteed double increase in value, regardless of market volatility

Kisan Vikas Patra interest rates 2023:

• Deposits made into KVP accounts will now earn an interest rate of 7.2% annually compounded.
• Earlier the interest rate offered on KVP was 7%.
• At 7.2% interest, the investment in the KVP account will double in value after 120 months.
• A single adult, a Joint Account (up to 3 adults), a guardian on behalf of a minor or on behalf of a person of unsound mind, or a minor above 10 years in his name can open Kisan Vikas Patra.

Types of KVP accounts:

(1) On an application to the accounts office in Form-1, the following types of accounts can be opened under the Scheme, namely:

• Single Holder Type Account
• Joint A- Type Account

KVP can be transferred from one person to another person

• KVP may be transferred from one person to another person on the following conditions only.
• On the death of the account holder to nominee/legal heirs.
• On the death of the account holder to the joint holder(s).
• On order by the court.
• On pledging of account to the specified authority.

The Country’s largest student-run festival ‘Saarang 2023’ will be held for five days:

• The Director of IIT Madras Prof. Kamakoti has said that the country’s largest student-run festival Saarang 2023 will be held for five days this mont
• Speaking with the media in Chennai, he revealed that participants from more than 500 universities throughout the nation will take part in the occasion, which is being conducted three years after COVID.
• He mentioned that the event, which would feature a hundred different kinds of sports and competitions, is projected to draw around 80,000 pupils.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Kerala becomes India’s first state with a fully digital banking service                                                  

• Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan declared that Kerala has become the first state in India to enable digital banking in all eligible accounts.
• The ambitious Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON) project of the state government, which was almost 90% completed, will reduce the digital divide.

Key Highlights : 

• The K-FON will ensure internet facilities to everyone in the state and a 17,155 km-long optic fibre cable network has been laid.
• Once the project gets completed, the internet will be available to everyone in the state either for a cheaper price or for free-of-cost.
• On the occasion, the CM also pointed out that Kerala received three ‘Digital India’ awards for its advancement in the digital sector.

1. Silver medal for Ksheerashree portal
2. Platinum award for Digital Workforce Management System 
3. Gold medal for District Administration of Kottayam

• The Kerala government has created an Economic Offences Wing in the state police to tackle such cyber crimes.

About KFON : 

• KFON is a radical public-funded project conceived to ensure high-speed Internet access to an entire Kerala.
• Under the project, a venture of equal partnership between Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL) and Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), 30,000 km of fibre optic cable will be laid connecting all parts of Kerala.

UP govt launches UP Global City campaign to make urban bodies on par with global standards

• The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has launched a statewide 100-day ‘UP Global City’ campaign to make urban bodies of the state on par with global standards.
• The campaign has been launched by the state’s Urban Development and Energy Minister Shri Arvind Kumar Sharma.

Aim :

• To bring urban areas in the state up to global standards, which includes improving urban amenities, air quality, cleanliness, and beautification as well as proper waste disposal.
• The campaign will be implemented in all 762 urban bodies of UP.

Key Highlights : 

• Global Investors’ summit (3-day summit) is scheduled to take place in Lucknow from February 10 to 12, 2023.
• The UP government has already started the preparations for the G-20 summit.
• In preparation for the G20 summit, the UP government will introduce “Brand UP” and has planned several events in Agra, Varanasi, Greater Noida, and
• Apart from the 100-day ‘UP Global City’, other similar campaigns being run by the UP government are – the Swachh Dhaba campaign, Swachh Virasat Abhiyan, etc. 

About Swachh Dhaba campaign : 

• A 3-month ‘Swachh Dhaba’ campaign is being run from January to March 2023 for disposing of the garbage coming out of dhabas, restaurants, hotels, and other small ‘gumtis’ in UP.

About Swachh Virasat Abhiyan : 

• The ‘Swachh Virasat Abhiyan’ is set to start on January 14, 2023.
• The campaign focuses on the cleanliness work of all tourist, historical and religious places.
• The UP government will also implement door-to-door garbage collection from February 1 to March 31, 2023, and will hold a marathon race later this month.

About UP :

• Governor : Anandiben Patel
• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Park: Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuary: Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Bird Wildlife Sanctuary

Madhya Pradesh is set to host 4th edition of the Mandu Festival

• The 4th edition of the Mandu Festival will be held between January 07-January 11, 2023 in Madhya Pradesh (MP)

Aim : 

• To showcase the destination’s historic heritage blended with a modern vibrancy.
• The first edition of the Mandu Festival began on 28 Dec 2019 at Mandu, MP.

Key Highlights : 

• The 5-day festival organized by the Madhya Pradesh government and curated by E-Factor Entertainment is set to showcase the historical legacy of Mandu.
• Meanwhile, Mandu has also been shortlisted in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites apart from Orchha.
• In addition to that, MP is hosting the Skydiving Festival and the Hriday Drishyam Kala Utsav in January 2023 and the Chanderi Mahotsav in February 2023
• The Hriday Drishyam will be organized in Bhopal and Indore and will go for 4 days January 8-11, 2023.
• The 6th edition of the Hriday Drishyam festival will be a musical extravaganza with artists showcasing their talents.

About MP : 

• Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
• Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
• Capital: Bhopal

Tripura Government launches ‘Saharsh’ in all govt, govt-aided schools

• The Tripura government introduced a special education program titled ‘Saharsh’ to encourage social and emotional learning in schools.
• The Saharsh Scheme was launched by State Education Minister Shri Ratan Lal Nath at the inauguration event of the 49th state-level science, mathematics, and environment exhibition in

Key Highlights : 

• The Saharsh initiative was launched in August 2022 in 40 schools in the state on a pilot basis.
• After the successful implementation of the project, it would be introduced in all government and government-aided schools in the state from the second week of January 2023.
• The Saharsh initiative, which was found to be effective in social and economic development in research studies of Harvard and Columbia Universities, is being first contextualized with local realities of India and implemented in Tripura.
• Meanwhile, the Tripura government has trained teachers in 204 schools for the Saharsh curriculum, while teachers in 200 more institutes are about to be trained soon.
• While Tripura was ranked among 5th grade in Performance Grading Index during the erstwhile Left Front government, the state now ranks among Grade 1 in the category.

About Tripura : 

• Governor : Satyadev Narayan Arya
• Chief Minister :  Manik Saha
• Capital : Agartala
• Tribes : Tripura/Tripuri, Riang, Jamatia, Noatia

Osmanabad District Court becomes 1st court in Maharashtra to introduce e-system of functioning

• The Osmanabad District Court has become the first court in Maharashtra to introduce an e-system of functioning.
• Under this system, all the court-related work including filing, payment, and other court services, etc. can be done through the mobile app or online modes.
• The system was inaugurated by the Bombay High Court, Aurangabad bench’s Judge, and Osmanabad Guardian Judge, Arun Pednekar.
• Chief District Judge of Osmanabad Anju Shende and Member of Maharashtra-Goa Bar Council Advocate Milind Patil, President of Osmanabad District Bar Association Advocate Sudhakar Munde were also present on the occasion.

Key Highlights : 

• The courts of all talukas of Osmanabad district are working on the e-system and 500 lawyers in the district have already registered for the new system.
• Besides, the library of the court has also been converted into digital mode.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Partners with Clootrack to Boost Customer Experiences 

• Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited (“Kotak General Insurance“) has partnered with Clootrack, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven, real-time customer experience platform.

About the Partnership : 

• The partnership will help Kotak Mahindra General Insurance understand gaps in the market to improve its customer experience.
• This will empower Kotak Mahindra General Insurance with insights into its non-life insurance products through customer feedback.
• Clootrack’s AI-driven comprehensive intelligent customer experience analytics platform will help Kotak Mahindra General Insurance understand why customer experience drops.

About Kotak Mahindra General Insurance : 

• Founded: 2015
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO: Suresh Agarwal

About Clootrack : 

• CEO: Shameel Abdulla
• Clootrack is a Kochi-based start-up for customer experience analytics.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Axis Bank Enters Into Revised Pact With Max Financial Services For Acquiring Additional 7% Stake In Max Life

• Axis Bank has entered into a revised agreement with Max Financial Services Limited to acquire an additional 7% stake in Max Life Insurance at fair market value using discounted cash flow method.
• The revision in the agreement follows the guidance issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) in October 2022.

About the Acquisition : 

• Axis Bank and its subsidiaries – Axis Securities and Axis Capital had 2021 entered into definitive agreements with Max Financial Services Ltd for acquiring a 20% stake in its subsidiary Max Life Insurance Co Ltd.
• Following this, Axis Entities have acquired a 12.99% stake in Max Life at Rs 35 per share with the right to acquire an additional 7% stake in the company.
• As per the revised agreement, the valuation for the right to acquire the balance 7% equity stake of Max Life would be at fair market value using discounted cash flows instead of valuation as per Rule 11UA of the Income Tax Rules, 1962.“
• In October 2021, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) imposed a penalty of Rs 3 crore on Max Life and Rs 2 crore on Axis Bank due to violations of rules in the proposed deal.

About Axis Bank : 

• Founded: December 1993
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

India, Panama sign MoU to enhance cooperation in training of diplomats:

• India and Panama have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the training of diplomats.
• External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that in a bilateral meeting with Panama’s Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo in Indore.
• Also, they discussed the opportunities for greater economic, health, finance, and people-to-people linkages.
• Jaishankar informed that as democracies, both leaders have also shared their perspectives on global situations.
• He also appreciated the Panamanian Minister for participating in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.

About Panama:

• Capital: Panama City
• President: Laurentino Cortizo
• Currencies: Panamanian Balboa, United States Dollar

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Gabon appoints Ms. Ossouka Raponda as the first female vice president and Mr. Alain-Claude Bilie as the new prime minister

• Former minister Mr. Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze was appointed as the new Prime Minister (PM) of Gabon to replace Ms. Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda.
• Meanwhile, Gabon’s President Mr. Ali Bongo appointed Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda as the oil-rich central African nation’s first female vice president.

Role of VP : 

• The Role of VP is to assist the head of state though the position does not allow for an interim role as president.
• Nicole Jeanine Lydie Roboty remains as finance minister and Mr. Vincent de Paul Massassa is the oil minister in the revamped 45-member executive.
• Lee White was reappointed as environment minister. 

About Ms Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda : 

• Ms Raponda was born in 1964 in Libreville, Gabon.
• She served as minister of budget and public finance from February 2012 until January 2014.
• She was elected Mayor of the capital city Libreville in 2014, representing the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party & also she was the first woman to hold the position since 1956 and she served until 2019.
• She served as Prime Minister (PM) of Gabon from July 2020 to January 2023 & she was also the country’s first female PM.
• Her appointment is the 4th cabinet shuffle by Ondimba since the failed coup.

About Mr. Alain-Claude Bilie : 

• Mr Alain-Claude Bilie born on 16 September 1967, Makokou, Gabon.
• In 2006, he was appointed Minister of Communications and was elected to Gabon’s National Assembly.
• In March 2012, By Nze was made an advisor to the President and the government’s spokesperson.
• In July 2020, he became the Minister of State and the Minister of Energy and Water Resources.
• In 2022, he served as a Deputy Prime Minister.

About Gabon : 

• President : Ali Bongo Ondimba
• Capital: Libreville
• Currency: Central African CFA franc
• Gabon is the second-smallest member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

NASA appoints Indian-American space expert Mr. AC Charania as NASA’s chief technologist

• An India-American aerospace industry expert, Mr. AC Charania has been appointed as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA‘s) new chief technologist.
• He has been designated as principal advisor to Administrator Bill Nelson on programs and technology policy at NASA’s headquarters.
• He replaced Indian-American scientist Ms. Bhavya Lal.

About Mr. AC Charania : 

• Charania has also worked in strategy and business development for the Virgin Galactic (now Virgin Orbit) LauncherOne small satellite launch vehicle program.
• He also served in multiple management and technology roles at SpaceWorks Enterprises, including helping to incubate 2 startups, Generation Orbit and Terminal Velocity Aerospace.
• He also works at Blue Origin to mature its lunar permanence strategy, Blue Moon lunar lander program, and multiple technology initiatives with NASA
• Before joining NASA, he served as vice president (VP) of product strategy at Reliable Robotics, a firm that works to bring certified autonomous vehicles to commercial aviation.

About NASA : 

• Established: July 29, 1958
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C, United States of America
• Administrator: Bill Nelson

Justice N Kotiswar Singh appointed as acting chief justice of Gauhati HC

• According to the notification issued by the Department of Justice in the Law Ministry, Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh was appointed as the acting chief justice of the Gauhati High Court (HC), Assam.
• Justice Singh’s appointment will come into effect following the retirement of Chief Justice Rashmin Manharbhai Chhaya.
• In May 2022, Justice Kotiswar Singh was appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court following the elevation of the then Chief Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia to the Supreme Court.
• While Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65 years, high court judges retire at 62.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance ropes in Suryakumar Yadav to launch the “360° Financial Protection” campaign

• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance announced an association with the world’s top T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav, to launch a new digital-first campaign – “360° Financial Protection with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance”.
• The campaign’s central message is how ICICI Prudential Life Insurance offers a comprehensive suite of protection products providing all-around life cover that offers 360-degree financial protection in any critical situation, together with trust, dependability, and

About ICICI Prudential Life Insurance : 

• Founded: 2000
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO: Narayanan Srinivasa Kannan
• It is established as a joint venture between ICICI Bank Limited and Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS

 DRDO develops unmanned aerial vehicles for operations in the Himalayan frontier

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an untethered multi-copter payload, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Aim : 

• To carry out logistic operations in the Himalayan frontier.
• The multicopter was exhibited by DRDO at the 108th Indian Science Congress in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Key Highlights : 

• DRDO is developing a multicopter with a payload capacity of 5kg to 25kg and is working to increase the capacity to 30kg
• It can perform autonomous missions with waypoint navigation with a radius of up to 5 km.
• The payload UAV can be helpful to drop medicines for soldiers deployed at high altitudes or war zones
• It can travel to a designated location in auto mode and release payload and return to the home location.
• Beacon-based landing accuracy of 100 mm, ground vehicle follow mode and modular design for ease of operation are some of the other features of the multi-copter payload.
• Successful trials of the multi-copter were conducted at Sikkim at an altitude of 14,000 ft.
• The product will be ready for induction in the Armed Forces after two remaining trials.

About DRDO : 

• Established: 1958
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Chairman: Dr. Sameer V Kamath
• The DRDO is the premier agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India.

India successfully carries out a test launch of the Prithvi-II ballistic missile from Chandipur, Odisha

• India successfully carried out a test launch of the tactical ballistic missile Prithvi-II from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

About Prithvi-II : 

• The Prithvi-II is a tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
• The Prithvi-II missile has a range of around 350 kilometers & can carry 500-1000 kg of warheads.
• It has been an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence. 
• The missile struck its target with high accuracy.
• The user training launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.

About IGMDP : 

• The IGMDP was established by the Indian government in 1983 

Goal : 

• To become independent in the development and manufacture of a wide range of missiles, including ballistic and surface-to-air missiles.
• Prithvi was the first missile developed under this program.

About MoD : 

• Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State: Ajay Bhatt
• Defence Secretary: Giridhar Aramane

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

France captain Hugo Lloris announces retirement from international football:

• France team captain Hugo Lloris 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 showstopper led his team to the World Cup final in Qatar, where they were beaten by Argentina on penalties.
• The 36-year-old holds many records and is France’s most-capped player with 145 appearances to his name.
• Lloris made his debut for Les Blues back in November 2008.
• He was handed the armband two years after his international debut and would go on to captain France in 121 matches.

Hockey India enters the metaverse ahead of home World Cup:

• 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.
• Before the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela, Hockey India launched the ‘Hockeyverse’ on their social media platforms.
• Hockey India has taken a giant leap into the future with this innovative initiative of launching the Hockeyverse which is a great way to get people, particularly youngsters, engaged and excited about hockey.
• This new metaverse platform is immersive and interactive and those who can’t be here in Rourkela and Bhubaneswar to experience the best of world hockey can use this platform to connect with the event.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS AND AUTHOR

A book about “Jadunama” by legendary author-lyricist Javed Akhtar, authored by Arvind Mandloi:

• The book Jadunama, authored by Arvind Mandloi about the eminent poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar, was published.
• At the book event were Javed’s children Zoya and Farhan Akhtar as well as his wife, actor Shabana Azmi. Actress Shibani Dandekar, Farhan’s wife, also attended the function.
• In Jadunama, a writer, poet, lyricist, and political activist are featured.
• Jadu was given the name at birth; it was inspired by a poem of Javed sahab’s father, Jan Nisar Akhtar, titled “Lamha, lamha kisi jadoo ka fasana Hoga” (“Every instant shall be the story of a specific enchantment”). The tiny kid was given the new name Javed (which means “forever”) and Akhtar (meaning “star”) because everyone saw that Jadu was not a serious name when he was in kindergarten.
• He has not only been in the spotlight ever since, but he also keeps shining brilliantly like the ever-present star
• The Padma Shri (1999), Awadh Samman Uttar Pradesh (2001), Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Ekta Puraskar (2005), and Padma Bhushan were among the many honours he received during his lifetime

Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi releases Assam chief minister’s Diary No.1:

• Former Chief Justice of India and member of the Rajya Sabha Ranjan Gogoi has released a book ‘Chief Minister’s Diary No.1’ containing the account of events of the first year in office of Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.
• Terming him a fortunate Chief Minister who did not have to face any situation like a catastrophic earthquake of 1950, the Indo-China War of 1962, or the Assam Agitation.
• His diary essentially featured the growth initiatives that the state has witnessed over the last 11 months.
• He said that without violating the sanctity of the oath of office he took while assuming the office of the Chief Minister, he enumerated the day-to-day development activities that he undertook as the Chief Minister of the state.
• He also said that in the next four years, he would bring out subsequent editions of his diary.
• CM Sharma also thanked former Chief Justice, India Ranjan Gogoi for releasing the book.

Daily CA on January 13:

• Every year, National Road Safety Week is celebrated from January 11 to 17.
• Home Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Jai Hind- The New Light and Sound Show’ at Red Fort in New Delhi.
• The Centre has named the new Integrated Food Security Scheme Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana, PMGKAY.
• The government has hiked the interest rate on Kisan Vikas Patra for the quarter of January – March 2023.
• The Director of IIT Madras Prof. Kamakoti has said that the country’s largest student-run festival Saarang 2023 will be held for five days this mont
• India and Panama have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the training of diplomats.
• France team captain Hugo Lloris announced his decision to retire from international football at the age of 36.
• 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.
• The book Jadunama, authored by Arvind Mandloi about the eminent poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar, was published.
• Former Chief Justice of India and member of the Rajya Sabha Ranjan Gogoi has released a book ‘Chief Minister’s Diary No.1’ containing the account of events of the first year in office of Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.
• Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan declared that Kerala has become the first state in India to enable digital banking in all eligible accounts.
• The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has launched a statewide 100-day ‘UP Global City’ campaign to make urban bodies of the state on par with global standards.
• The 4th edition of the Mandu Festival will be held between January 07-January 11, 2023 in Madhya Pradesh (MP)
• The Tripura government introduced a special education program titled ‘Saharsh’ to encourage social and emotional learning in schools.
• The Osmanabad District Court has become the first court in Maharashtra to introduce an e-system of functioning.
• Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited (“Kotak General Insurance“) has partnered with Clootrack, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven, real-time customer experience platform.
• Axis Bank has entered into a revised agreement with Max Financial Services Limited to acquire an additional 7% stake in Max Life Insurance at fair market value using discounted cash flow method.
• Former minister Mr. Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze was appointed as the new Prime Minister (PM) of Gabon to replace Ms. Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda & Meanwhile, Gabon’s President Mr. Ali Bongo appointed Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda as the oil-rich central African nation’s first female vice president.
• An India-American aerospace industry expert, Mr. AC Charania has been appointed as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA‘s) new chief technologist.
• According to the notification issued by the Department of Justice in the Law Ministry, Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh was appointed as the acting chief justice of the Gauhati High Court (HC), Assam.
• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance announced an association with the world’s top T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav, to launch a new digital-first campaign – “360° Financial Protection with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance”.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an untethered multi-copter payload, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
• India successfully carried out a test launch of the tactical ballistic missile Prithvi-II from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.