NATIONAL:
1. Coal Museum
Why in news – Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has set up an Eco-Park and Coal Museum in Jharsuguda, Odisha.
Key Points –
• The Coal Museum inside the park tells the history and heritage of coal mining in India
• MCL is a subsidiary of Coal India.
• Coal mining in India was started by M/s Sumner and Heatly of East India Company in 1774 in the Raniganj coalfield.
• Nationalisation of private mines was done on 1.5.1973 with the enactment of the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973.
2. Forensic Science University
Why in news – Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the Karnataka campus of National Forensic Science University at Dharwad.
Key Points –
• Gujarat Forensic Science University (GFSU) was formed by the Government of Gujarat in 2008.
• GFSU was upgraded to the National Forensic Sciences University in October 2020.
3. Ayodhya Temple
Why in news – Nepal sent two large rocks from the banks of the Gandaki river to Ayodhya to be used in making idols of Ram and Sita.
Key Points –
• Mother Sita was the daughter of King Janak from Nepal.
• The two shilas weigh about 18 tonnes and 12 tonnes each.
• These Shaligram rocks are 60 million-years-old (6 crore years).
• The two rocks were found at a place close to Muktinath (place of salvation) in Nepal's Mustang district.
4. M-Sand Plants
Why in news – Coal India Ltd has announced plans to launch M-Sand (manufactured sand) production projects.
Key Points –
• M-Sand is a substitute for natural sand, made by crushing rocks and stones.
• CIL subsidiaries aim to commission 5 M-Sand plants by 2024.
• Sand is classified as a “minor mineral” under The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
INTERNATIONAL:
1. “She Feeds the World” Program
Why in news – PepsiCo Foundation and CARE launched the program in India beginning with West Bengal.
Key Points –
• It is a USD 18.2-million global agriculture-focused women empowerment program.
• It is currently active in at least five countries. i.e., Egypt, Uganda, Peru, Thailand and Vietnam.
• CARE is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowerment of marginalised women and girls.
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES:
1. Interpol Youth Global Police Leaders Programme
Why in news – CBI has organized the Youth Global Police Leaders Program in New Delhi from Jan 25 to Feb 2, 2023.
Key Points –
• Aim - To build trust between the public and police as well as between international police forces.
• Theme - ‘Trust’.
• Interpol officials visited National Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar.
• Interpol Secretary General - Jurgen Stock.
ECONOMY:
1. T+1 Settlement Cycle
Why in news – India started the ‘trade-plus-one’ (T+1) settlement cycle in top listed securities from January 27, 2023.
Key Points –
• After China, India became the second country in the world to start the ‘trade-plus-one’ (T+1) settlement cycle.
About T+1 settlement plan –
• It means that trade-related settlements must be done within a day, or 24 hours, of the completion of a transaction.
2. Marine Diesel Engines
Why in news – Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has signed an MoU with Rolls Royce Solutions of Germany.
Key Points –
• Purpose – To manufacture high-quality marine diesel engines in Ranchi.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. Republic Day Parade 2023
Why in news – The best marching contingents and tableaux of Republic Day Parade 2023 have been announced.
Key Points –
I. Panel of Judges:
• Best three Tableaux (States/UTs) –
A. Uttarakhand (Manaskhand)
B. Maharashtra (Sade Tin Shaktipithe & Nari Shakti)
C. Uttar Pradesh (Ayodhya Deepotsav)
• Best Tableau (Ministries/Departments) - Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
• Best Marching Contingent among the three services - Punjab Regiment Centre Contingent.
• Best Marching Contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary forces - CRPF Marching Contingent.
II. Online Public Vote:
• Best three Tableaux (States/UTs) –
A. Gujarat (Clean-Green energy efficient Gujarat).
B. Uttar Pradesh (Ayodhya Deepotsava)
C. Maharashtra (Sade tin Shaktipeeth and Nari Shakti).
SECURITY:
1. Aero India 2023
Why in news – ‘Aero India 2023’ would be organized in Bengaluru at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, from February 13 to 17, 2023.
BRAND AMBASSADORS:
1. Nikhat Zareen
Why in news – National Mineral Development Corporation has made Nikhat Zareen its brand ambassador.
Key Points –
• NMDC is India’s largest producer of iron ore.
• Nikhat Zareen is World Boxing Champion and gold medal winner of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Air Marshal AP Singh
Why in news – Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh would take over as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Marshal Sandeep Singh.
BIHAR:
1. Night Time Light Atlas
Why in news – ISRO has released Night Time Light Atlas report prepared by National Remote Sensing Centre.
Key Points –
• Bihar has topped the country's most illuminated states with electricity.
• In the last decade (2012 to 2021), Bihar has seen an average increase of 474% in electricity. (National level – 43%).
• Top 3 increase (larger states) –
A. Bihar (474%)
B. Kerala (119%)
C. Madhya Pradesh (66%)
2. AISHE 2020-21
Why in news – All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21 was released by the Central Government.
Key Points –
• Bihar rank in Gross Enrollment Ratio – 7.
• The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of Bihar has increased to 15.9. (last year - 12.1).
• GER has increased by 3.4 It is 1.7 more than the national average.
• Total number of students in higher education in Bihar – 23,60,941 (2019-20 – 17,38,432).
POINTERS:
• Which state government announced jail term for men marrying minor girl below 14 years under the POCSO Act – Assam.
• On which river the gravity dam is being constructed under India's biggest hydroelectric project – Subansiri.
• On completion of 75 years of NCC, PM Modi released a commemorative coin of - Rs. 75.
• Where will the country's first green solar panel factory be built by Luminous Power Technologies – Uttarakhand.
• Where was North India's largest (2000 kWp) floating solar project inaugurated – Chandigarh.
• Who has been honoured with the Martin Luther King Grand Parade Special Award - Krishna Vavilala.
• Who has been given the Most Distinguished Scientist Award for the year 2022 - R. V. Prasad.
• Where has the National AIDS Control Organization formed the biggest 'Human Red Ribbon Chain' – Bhubaneswar.
• Who has ceremonially inaugurated the demo-run of Inland Water Vessel powered by Methanol blended Diesel (MD15) named 'SB Gangadhar' - Hardeep S. Puri.
• Who has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde - Prabha Atre and Hariprasad Chaurasia.