Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2023

Notes:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued directions to block the first episode of BBC Documentary ‘India: The Modi Question’ on YouTube.
Over 50 tweets linking to the videos were also asked to be blocked. Directions to block the documentary on YouTube and Twitter were said to be issued using emergency powers under the IT Rules, 2021.

Notes:
Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina recently eliminated World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in straight sets to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals for the first time.
The Kazakhstan-based player clinched a 6-4, 6-4 win to make her maiden Australian Open quarterfinal. Rybakina is the 2022 Wimbledon winner from Kazakhstan beat Poland’s Swiatek, is a three-time major champion, including titles at the French Open and U.S. Open last season.

Notes:
Rajasthan has launched a scheme to provide drones to low-income farmers on rent to help them monitor crops and spray chemicals on the crops.
Around 1,500 drones will be made available at custom hiring centres by the state government in two years. Drone-based spray requires less quantity of water and pesticides and it also helps in saving water.

Notes:
National Tourism Day is celebrated across the country on January 25 every year. The Ministry of Tourism observes National Tourism Day to spread awareness about the importance of tourism and its impact on the economy.
This year National Tourism Day is celebrated in the village of Pochampally of Telangana.

Notes:
NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a research arm of the US Department of Defense, announced plans to test nuclear-powered rockets that would fly humans to Mars.
NASA will partner with DARPA on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations, or DRACO, programme. The mission is expected to happen by 2027. The nuclear thermal rocket will allow for a faster transit time and will also reduce the risk for astronauts.

Notes:
The biennial Tri-Services Amphibious Exercise, AMPHEX 2023 was conducted at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
The exercise witnessed the participation of a amphibious ships from the Indian Navy, 900 troops which included Special Forces, Artillery and Armoured vehicles of Indian Army and Jaguar fighters and C 130 aircraft from the Indian Air Force.

Notes:
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) decided to off load 30 LMT wheat from the Central pool stock to the market, through various routes under Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic).
Offloading of 30 LMT wheat within a span of two months through multiple channels will have immediate impact on the rising Wheat and Atta prices. Wheat will be offered to the Flour millers, Bulk Buyers etc through e-auction, and to State Governments/UTs for their schemes without e-auction.

Notes:
Kappad is the only beach in Kerala with the international Blue Flag certificate, which is given to beaches that meet guidelines on ensuring eco-friendly measures, safety and hygiene.
A team of experts commenced a scientific study to prepare a proposal on protecting the 3.5-km stretch of coastline from Thuvvappara at Kappad beach to Valiyamangad near Koyilandy, in Kozhikode district in the state.

Notes:
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel announced to give monthly allowance to unemployed youth from next financial year (2023-24).
Bhupesh Baghel also announced the formulation of a rural industry policy to boost the cottage industry-based rural economy. He also announced housing assistance scheme for labourers, scheme for women entrepreneurs.

Notes:
Sania Mirza is the first and only female Indian tennis player to win six grand slams, till date. Recently Sania and Rohan Bopanna lose Australian Open mixed doubles title to the Brazilian team.
Sania will retire in February following a competition in Dubai. Sania has won six Grand Slam tournaments, three of which were in mixed doubles and three in women’s doubles championships.