National news:
1) Inauguration of School of Logistics in Agartala by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha
Important Points:
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the School of Logistics, Waterways, and mmunication in Agartala.
- The institution aims to provide top-notch education and training to enhance the skills of individuals in the transportation and logistics industry.
- The focus is on empowering talented individuals in the region to excel in the dynamic field of logistics.
- The initiative is geared towards contributing to the development of the transportation sector in the area.
- The inauguration marks a significant step towards fostering excellence and growth in the logistics and communication domain in the region.
2) MS Dhoni and Garuda Aerospace Launch ‘Droni’ Surveillance Drone:
- Dhoni as Ambassador and Investor: Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni partners with drone market Garuda Aerospace, launches ‘Droni’ as an ambassador-cum-investor.
- Low-Cost Drone Manufacturer: Garuda Aerospace, a low-cost drone manufacturer, introduces the battery-operated quadcopter surveillance drone ‘Droni.’
- Unveiling at Global Drone Expo: Dhoni had unveiled ‘Droni’ at The Global Drone Expo in Chennai the previous year.
- Drone’s Purpose: ‘Droni’ designed for surveillance purposes, emphasizing its potential role in benefiting farmers and agriculturalists.
3) Socialist Stalwart Sharad Yadav Passes Away at 75:
- Demise of Former JD(U) Chief: Sharad Yadav, a prominent socialist figure and former JD(U) chief, passes away at the age of 75.
- Political Legacy: Yadav served as a 7-term Lok Sabha member and a 4-term Rajya Sabha member, contributing significantly to Indian politics.
- Former Union Minister: The late leader had a notable stint as a Union Minister and played a crucial role in shaping policies during his political career.
- Health Struggles: Yadav had been facing health issues for some time, and his demise marks the end of an era in socialist politics.
- Educational Background: Born on July 1, 1947, in Babai, Madhya Pradesh, Yadav was an engineering gold medallist from Jabalpur Engineering College.
- Youth Politics and Ideological Influences: Actively involved in youth politics, Yadav was greatly influenced by socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, shaping his political ideologies.
- Survived by Family: He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son, leaving behind a legacy of political service and contributions to the socialist cause.
Appointment: Senior IAS Officer A Santhi Kumari has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Telangana. Santhi Kumari took charge as the first women Chief Secretary of the State at the Secretariat in BRK Bhavan
Mou: Heading: Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Signs MoU with 8 GOPIO Chapters for International Collaboration
Important Points:
- Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with chapters of 8 countries affiliated with the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO).
- The signing ceremony took place at the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas convention held at the MP Tourism Pavilion in Brilliant Convention Centre, Indore.
- The countries involved in the MoU include France Metropole Paris, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Martinique, Sri Lanka, GOPOI International, Malaysia, and Mauritius.
- Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, representing the Tourism Board, signed the MoU with the Presidents of the respective GOPIO chapters.
- This collaboration aims to strengthen ties and foster international cooperation in the field of tourism between Madhya Pradesh and these diverse global entities.
Economy:
1) Union Cabinet Approves Incentive Scheme for RuPay Debit Cards and BHIM-UPI Transactions
Important Points:
- The Union Cabinet has given the green light to an incentive scheme to boost RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions in the fiscal year 2022-23.
- The approved scheme allocates a financial outlay of Rs 2,600 crore for the promotion of RuPay Debit Cards and BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M).
- Acquiring banks will receive financial incentives under this scheme for encouraging Point-of-Sale (PoS) and e-commerce transactions using RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions.
- The initiative aims to promote digital transactions and enhance the usage of indigenous payment systems, contributing to the government’s push for a cashless economy.
- This step aligns with the broader goal of fostering a robust and inclusive digital financial ecosystem in the country.
2) Retail Inflation Hits One-Year Low in December 2022:
- Deceleration to 5.72%: Retail inflation drops to a one-year low at 5.72% in December 2022, attributed mainly to a decline in food prices.
- Within RBI Comfort Zone: Data from the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation reveals that the inflation rate is well within the RBI’s comfort range of 2%-6% for the second consecutive month.
- CPI-Based Inflation Eases: Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation eases to 5.72% in December, down from 5.88% in November and 6.77% in October 2022.
- Consistent Decline: After consistently exceeding the RBI’s upper tolerance threshold of 6% since January 2022, retail inflation shows a notable decline, reaching 5.72% in December.
- Significance for Economic Stability: The decline aligns with economic stability, providing relief to consumers and adhering to the RBI’s inflation targeting framework.
- Historical Comparison: In October 2022, inflation stood at 6.77%, highlighting a significant reduction over the following months.
- Data Source: The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) releases the relevant economic data.
2) Heading: Union Cabinet’s Rs 2,600 Crore Boost: Incentive Scheme for RuPay Debit Cards and BHIM-UPI Transactions
Important Points:
- Approval granted for a Rs 2,600 crore incentive scheme to propel RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions in FY 2022-23.
- Financial incentives designated for acquiring banks promoting Point-of-Sale (PoS) and e-commerce transactions using RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions.
- Objective is to stimulate digital transactions, amplify usage of indigenous payment systems, and advance the agenda for a cashless economy.
- Aligned with the government’s vision, the initiative contributes to fostering a robust and inclusive digital financial ecosystem in the country.
Sports:
1) Harry Brook Wins ICC Men’s Player of the Month:
- Recognition for Outstanding Performance: Harry Brook receives the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for his exceptional contributions during England’s historic World Test Championship series victory in Pakistan.
- Blistering Run of Scores: Brook’s impressive run of scores played a crucial role in England’s success, earning him the prestigious cricket accolade.
2)Ashleigh Gardner Clinches ICC Women’s Player of the Month:
- Australian Triumph: Ashleigh Gardner secures the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for her outstanding all-round performance in the T20I series against India.
- Contributions with Bat and Ball: Gardner’s notable contributions with both bat and ball in the T20I series highlight her versatility and impact on Australia’s success.
Books and author:
1)Amit Shah Releases “Revolutionaries” by Sanjeev Sanyal:
- Book Release: Home Minister Amit Shah unveils the book “Revolutionaries- The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom” at a function in New Delhi.
- Author and Background: Economist Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, pens the book, bringing a unique perspective to India’s freedom struggle.
- Former Best-Selling Author: Sanjeev Sanyal, a seasoned economist, and former Global Strategic and Managing Director of Deutsche Bank till 2015, is known for his previous best-selling works.
- Exploring Lesser-Known Narratives: “Revolutionaries” promises to shed light on lesser-known stories and perspectives surrounding India’s journey to independence.
2) Book “Irrfan Khan: A Life in Movies” Explores Iconic Actor’s Journey:
- Compelling Biography: The upcoming book, “Irrfan Khan: A Life in Movies,” delves into the life and achievements of the iconic actor, tracing his trajectory from the National School of Drama (NSD) to a distinguished career in television and film.
- Author and Approach: Film critic Shubhra Gupta skillfully engages with key figures such as Mira Nair, Vishal Bharadwaj, and Anurag Basu in conversations, providing insights into Irrfan Khan’s art, craft, and lasting legacy.
3) Health Minister Launches “Braving A Viral Storm: India’s Covid-19 Vaccine Story” Book:
- Book Launch in New Delhi: Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launches the book “Braving A Viral Storm: India’s Covid-19 Vaccine Story” ahead of the second anniversary of India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive.
- Co-Authors: Co-authored by Aashish Chandorkar and Suraj Sudhir, the book provides an inside look at India’s battle against the pandemic and the challenges faced in developing a vaccine.
- Comprehensive Storytelling: The book covers the entire journey, from India’s preparations for dealing with the pandemic to actively participating in the global vaccine race, offering a comprehensive narrative of the nation’s efforts.