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By admin: Jan. 13, 2023

India’s First Centre of Excellence in Online Gaming to be set up in Shillong

Tags: State News

Digital India startup hub through software technology parks of India will set up India’s first centre of excellence for online gaming in Shillong by March, said IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on 13 January 2023.

An overview of the news

• The Center of Excellence in Shillong is expected to catalyse startups and entrepreneurs from India's Northeast to build the next generation online gaming ecosystem.

• The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) recently released the draft amendments to the IT Rules 2021 with respect to online gaming for public consultation.

• MeitY will also set up a state-of-the-art facility under the National Institute of Electronics and IT (NIELIT) in Shillong to impart training on digital skills.

• A 10-acre campus will soon be prepared for this.

• Government is relaunching Skill India through PMKVY 4.0 which will provide skill training to around 50,000 youth in Meghalaya with industry supported job opportunities.

Gangasagar Mela 2023

Tags: Festivals State News

Lakhs of pilgrims have started flocking to Sagar Island on the southernmost tip of West Bengal for the annual Gangasagar Mela, held between January 12 and 14 to celebrate Makar Sankranti.

About Gangasagar Mela 

• Gangasagar is a place of Hindu pilgrimage. Every year on the day of Makar Sankranti (14 January), hundreds of thousands of Hindus gather to take a holy dip at the confluence of the river Ganges and Bay of Bengal and offer prayers (puja) in the Kapil Muni Temple. 

• The Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair is the second largest congregation of mankind after the triennial ritual bathing of Kumbha Mela.

• Gangasagar is a village in the Kakdwip subdivision of the South 24 Parganas district in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Sagar Island

• Sagar Island is an island in the Ganges delta, located on the continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal, about 100 km (54 nautical miles) south of Kolkata.

• The island forms Sagar CD block in Kakdwip subdivision of South 24 Parganas district in the Indian state of West Bengal.

• Although Sagar Island is a part of the Sundarbans, it does not have tiger habitat or mangrove forests or small river tributaries, as is characteristic of the overall Sundarbans delta.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board signs MoUs with chapters of eight countries of GOPIO

Tags: State News

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board signed MoU with eight country chapters of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at MP Tourism Pavilion, Brilliant Convention Centre, Indore at 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.

An overview of the news

• These MoUs were signed with France Metropole Paris, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Martinique, Sri Lanka, GOPIO International, Malaysia and Mauritius.

• The MoU was signed by Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture and Managing Director of Tourism Board Shiv Shekhar Shukla and presidents of eight countries of GOPIO.

• The objective of this MoU is to increase cooperation in the development of the tourism sector of the state and to promote tourist places.

Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)

• It was founded at the First Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York in 1989.

• Its primary objective is to fight against the violation of human rights of people of Indian origin.

• It currently has 76 chapters that operate in more than 45 countries around the world.

• These chapters represent the interests of the Indian diaspora, which numbers over 25 million worldwide.

Vidisha becomes first Indian district to implement state-of-the-art 5G use cases proposed by startups

Tags: National National News

Vidisha, an aspirational district of Madhya Pradesh became the first ever district in India for on ground deployment of innovative 5G use cases offered by startups.

An overview of the news

• This feat has been achieved through a joint initiative of Vidisha district administration and Center for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Department of Telecom (DoT) under the guidance of Additional Secretary (Telecom) and Administrator USOF.

• Department of Telecom (DoT) is promoting digital communication technology - partnership of startups and SMEs for potential user communities.

• This partnership is being done through Telecom Startups and MSME Mission (TSuM) and 5G Vertical Engagement Partnership Program (VEPP).

• This has been accomplished to accelerate digital transformation across socio-economic verticals.

What is 5G technology?

• The fifth generation mobile network is called 5G.

• The 5G network will operate in the millimeter-wave spectrum (30-300 GHz) which can send huge amounts of data at very high speeds.

• It is the newest upgrade in Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile broadband networks.

• Internet speeds in the high-band spectrum of 5G have been tested to exceed 20 Gbps (gigabit per second).

Startup firm IG Drones develops India's first 5G-enabled drone

Tags: Science and Technology National News

Tech startup firm IG Drones has developed India's first 5G-enabled drone capable of vertical take-off and landing.

An overview of the news

• This drone has been named Skyhawk.

• It can be used in other areas apart from defence and medical applications.

• The Skyhawk can fly for about five hours with a payload of 10 kg, as this drone is also equipped with capabilities like artificial intelligence and thermal imaging.

• Due to the facility of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), it does not require any special runway or track for take-off or landing, so it can be operated in any area.

• The drone is IP67 rated and can be controlled through a combination of NavIC + GPS navigational satellites.

• This drone can travel 100 km in 12 to 15 minutes at its maximum speed.

About IG Drones

• IG Drones is an India-based tech company providing drone survey, mapping and inspection services.

• It was established at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology in Sambalpur, Odisha.

• Its headquarter is located in New Delhi.

Uganda declares end of Ebola disease outbreak: WHO

Tags: International News

According to the statement released by the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda declared the end of the Ebola disease outbreak caused by Sudan ebolavirus on Jan 11, 2023.

An overview of the news

• Uganda has managed to bring the outbreak to an end in less than four months after the first case was confirmed on September 20, 2022, in Central Mubende District.

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

• Formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, it is a rare, severe and fatal disease in humans.

• The Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• The first case of the disease was reported in Guinea in December 2013. Later, the disease spread to neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Transmission of disease

• The virus is transmitted from wild animals to people and through human-to-human transmission (zoonotic nature) to human populations.

Symptoms of the disease

• Fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and sore throat.

• This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, liver and kidney dysfunction, and in some cases, internal and external bleeding.

Treatment of the disease

• The Arvebo vaccine has been shown to be effective in protecting people from the Zaire ebolavirus species.

• Remdesivir was also tested as an Ebola treatment.

Indian economy to grow at robust rate of 6.6% in FY24: World Bank

Tags: Economy/Finance National News

The World Bank projected the Indian economy to grow at a robust 6.6 per cent in 2023-24 (FY24), slowing down from an estimated 6.9 per cent in 2022-23 (FY23).

An overview of the News 

• According to the World Bank's latest “Global Economic Prospects” India's economic growth will slow to 6.6% in the next fiscal year from an expected 6.9% in the current year.

• It said that the slowdown in the global economy and rising uncertainty will have an impact on export and investment growth.

• After March 2024, India's potential growth rate is likely to return to above 6%.

• According to the World Bank, India will be the fastest growing economy among the seven largest emerging markets and developing economies.

• For the South Asian region, growth is expected to slow down to 3.6% and 4.6% in 2023 and 2024, respectively, due to weaker growth in Pakistan.

Global position

• The World Bank has predicted a sharp, long-lasting recession globally, with global growth slowing to 1.7% in 2023 from 3% six months earlier.

• Europe, which has long been a major exporter to China, will likely suffer from a weaker Chinese economy.

Former Union Minister Sharad Yadav passed away

Tags: Person in news

Former Union Minister and RJD leader Sharad Yadav passed away on 12 January 2023. The 75-year-old veteran politician breathed his last at Fortins, a private hospital in Gurugram. 

An Overview of the news

• His last rites will be performed on January 14 in his native village Aankhmau located in Babai Tehsil of Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh.

• Sharad Yadav had represented the Madhepura Lok Sabha constituency four times. Elected MP twice from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. Apart from this, he was also elected Member of Parliament from Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.

• Sharad Yadav was probably the first politician in India to be elected as a member of the Lok Sabha from three states. Sharad Yadav was the convenor of the National Democratic Alliance.

• Born on July 1, 1947, in Babai village in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, Sharad Yadav was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1974 in a by-election from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. In 1977, he was re-elected from the same constituency.

• He was elected from Badaun (Lok Sabha constituency) in the year 1989 as a member of Janata Dal.

• He was made the Union Cabinet Minister in the Ministry of Textiles and Food Processing Industries in the year 1989-90.

• He contested from the Madhepura Lok Sabha constituency in Bihar in a by-election caused by Lalu Prasad Yadav's resignation from his seat in 2004. He was elected from Madhepura four times in 1991, 1996, 1999 and 2009.

• Sharad Yadav contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on RJD ticket but had to face defeat.

• In May 2018, he launched the Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) after breaking away from the JD(U) due to its alliance with the BJP in Bihar. In March 2022, he merged his party LJD with the Rashtriya Janata Dal.

Indian peacekeepers honoured with UN Medal for Exemplary Service

Tags: Awards

Over 1,000 Indian peacekeepers serving in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were awarded the prestigious United Nations Medal at an award ceremony.

An overview of the news

• At a special award ceremony in Upper Nile, 1,171 peacekeepers from India deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan were awarded the United Nations Medal for their exemplary service.

• For the first time, a woman officer of the Indian Army, Major Jasmine Chatha, led the parade of the Indian contingent at the award ceremony in Upper Nile.

• India is one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions

• Peacekeepers of India are commended for their excellent work and duties while serving in missions.

• As of June 2022, 2370 Indian military personnel are deployed with UNMISS, second only to Rwanda (2637).

About UN Peacekeeping

• UN peacekeeping began in 1948 when the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of UN military observers in the Middle East.

• It helps to bring countries from conflict to a difficult path of peace.

• It deploys soldiers and police from all over the world for peacekeeping.

• India is one of the largest military and police contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.

• There are currently more than 5,700 Indian peacekeepers deployed in nine of the 12 UN peacekeeping missions.

India to send three person to 6,000 metre below sea level under Samudrayaan Mission

Tags: Science and Technology National News

India will send three men six thousand metres below sea level to search for mineral resources under the Samudrayaan mission.

An overview of the news

• Earth Sciences Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, a vehicle named MATSYA 6000 will carry three people and this mission is expected to be realized in the next three years.

• The vehicle is being designed and developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai.

• It can bear 12 hours under normal operation and 96 hours under emergency for human safety.

• PM Narendra Modi mentioned the Deep Ocean Mission in his Independence Day address for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022.

About Samudrayaan Mission

• It is a part of the Deep Ocean Mission.

• It was announced by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) with ISRO's Gaganyaan mission.

• It aims to develop a self-propelled manned submersible to carry 3 humans to a depth of 6000 meters in the ocean with scientific sensors and equipment for deep sea exploration.

• Under this mission, a manned submersible vehicle named MATSYA 6000 will be sent for deep underwater studies.

What is the Deep Ocean Mission?

• It was approved by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in June 2021.

• It aims to explore deep sea marine resources, develop deep sea technology for sustainable utilization of ocean resources and support the blue economy initiatives of the Government of India.

• The cost of the mission is about Rs 4,077 crore over a period of five years and will be implemented in phases.

Cognizant Appoints Ravi Kumar S as Chief Executive Officer

Tags: Person in news

On 12th January 2023, Cognizant IT head has announced the appointment of former Infosys chairman Ravi Kumar S as CEO and board member, with immediate effect.

An Overview of the news

• Ravi Kumar S has replaced Brian Humphries in both the roles. To facilitate a smooth transition, Brian Humphries will remain with the company as a Special Advisor until March 15, 2023.

• Ravi Kumar S has worked in Infosys for 20 years. During this time he held various leadership roles, including serving as the Chairman from January 2016 to October 2022.

• Ravi Kumar brings world-class expertise in consulting, process and technology transformation as well as building successful businesses.

• The company also announced that Stephen J Rohleder, a member of the board of Cognizant with effect from March 2022, has been elected as the chairman of the board.

• Former Chair Michael Patsalos-Fox will remain on the Board as an independent director. 

ICG ship ‘Kamla Devi’, last vessel of FPV series, commissioned

Tags: Defence National News

Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICG ship 'Kamala Devi' was commissioned on 12 January in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal.

An overview of the news

• This Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) designed, built and delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd to the Indian Coast Guard.

• A passenger-cum-cargo ocean going ferry 'MV Ma Lisha' built by the shipyard for the Republic of Guyana was also flagged off.

• This is the first such ship built by a Defense Public Sector Shipyard for export to a Latin American country.

About ICG Kamla Devi 

• ICG Kamla Devi is 48.9 meters long and 7.5 meters wide with a displacement of 308 tonnes.

• It is capable of a top speed of 34 knots and an endurance of over 1,500 nautical miles, with three engines and water jets.

• She also has an integrated bridge system and is fitted with a 40/60 gun as the main armament.

• The ship has advanced livable facilities with fully air-conditioned accommodation for 35 personnel.

• ICGS Kamla Devi will patrol the seas and undertake anti-smuggling, anti-poaching and search and rescue operations when required.

About MV Ma Lisha

• It has been designed and built by GRSE and will be housed at Chennai, a semi-submersible vessel MV Sun Rise for the long voyage to Guyana.

• The ship was launched on June 15, 2022 and within six months, GRSE secured the 'technical acceptance' of the ship on December 16.

• The 70 metre long vessel with a displacement of 1,700 tonnes is propelled by two diesel engines and can attain a maximum speed of 15 knots.

• The ship can accommodate 294 passengers including 14 crew members along with 14 cars, two trucks and 14 containers and cargo.

'Year of Enterprises Project'

Tags: Government Schemes State News

Kerala's 'Year of Enterprises' project has been awarded as a best practice model at the 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries.

• It has been selected under the Throughput on Micro Small and Medium (MSMEs) category.

• The project was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on 30 March 2022.

• The project was launched with the aim of creating one lakh enterprises in a year, while the state achieved the target in eight months.

• The project has successfully created 1,18,509 enterprises and received an investment of Rs 7,261.54 crore.

• The 'Year of Enterprises' project has created 2,56,140 jobs so far.

• 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries

• The 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries was held in New Delhi.

• Which was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• The conference was attended by representatives of the Central Government and Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories besides subject experts.

Alibaba sells $125 million stake in Paytm through block deal

Tags: Economics/Business

Alibaba Group has sold its majority stake of 3.1% in Paytm's parent company One-97 Communications.

• Ant Financial, a company of Alibaba Group, has sold shares of Paytm worth $ 125 million, or about Rs 1,125 crore, through a bulk deal.

• Alibaba Group company Ant Financial has sold 2 crore shares of Indian Digital Payment and Financial Services Company Paytm at Rs 536.95 per share.

• Earlier, Alibaba Group had 6.26% stake in Paytm.

• Paytm shares fell 6.16%, or Rs 35.65, to close at Rs 543.50 after Alibaba's stake sale.

• Paytm's IPO of $ 2.5 billion i.e. Rs 20,361 crore was presented in November 2021. At that time it was the biggest IPO in the country.

• What is block deal?

• Block deal refers to a trade in which 500,000 shares or shares of a particular company listed on the exchange are traded for a value of more than Rs 5 crore.

• Block deals can only be conducted during a particular trading window in the opening trading hours.

The first woman officer to be posted on foreign assignment in the Border Roads Organization (BRO) - Captain Surabhi Jakhmola

Tags: Person in news

• Captain Surabhi Jakhmola, an officer of the 117 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army, has become the first woman officer of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to be posted on a foreign project.

• BRO has deployed Surabhi for Project Dantak in Bhutan.

• The Indian Air Force recently deployed Squadron LeaderAvani Chaturvedi, a woman fighter pilot, to Japan for Veer Guardian 2023 training.

• Border Roads Organization (BRO)

• It has functioned under the Ministry of Defense since 2015.

• BRO was established on May 7, 1960.

• It is responsible for maintaining the road network in the border areas of India.

• This organisation plays an important role in the development of the infrastructure of the border areas of the country.

• One of the biggest infrastructural achievements of BRO is the construction of Atal Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in Himachal Pradesh.

• Director General Border Roads Organization -Lt. Gen. Rajeev Chowdhary

IAS 'Shanti Kumari' becomes first woman Chief Secretary of Telangana

Tags: Person in news State News

Following the Telangana High Court's order, 1989 batch IAS officer A. Shanti Kumari was appointed as the Chief Secretary of Telangana.

• Shanti Kumari has become the first woman to hold the post of Chief Secretary in Telangana.

• He has replaced Somesh Kumar, who was the Chief Secretary earlier.

• Prior to his appointment as Chief Secretary, IAS officer A.K. Shanti Kumari was holding the post of Special Chief Secretary, Forest.

• a. Shanti Kumari is a post graduate in Marine Biology.

• During her three decades of service, Shanti Kumari held various positions in education, health, poverty alleviation, skill development and forest departments.

• About Telangana -

• It was the 29th state (there are now 28 states in India) to be formed on 2 June 2014. It was carved out of Andhra Pradesh.

• The Telangana region was a part of Hyderabad State from 17 September 1948 to 1 November 1956, later it was merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh State.

• Capital: Hyderabad

• District :33

• Chief Minister - K. Chandrasekhar Rao

• Governor: Dr. Tamilisai Sundarraj