Current Affairs Quiz - January, 2023

Notes:
The total investment made by the Department of Science & Technology in Science and Technology system in 2022-23 is Rs 6002 crore.
In the last 8 years, the investment has doubled from about Rs 2900 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 6002 crore in 2022-23. The Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) has increased more than three times in the last 10 years, as per the year-end review report of the Ministry.

Notes:
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is operating ‘DRDO Industry Academia- Ramanujan Centre of Excellence’.
Initially it was established by DRDO while IIT Madras has converted into a ‘Centre of Excellence,’ an interdisciplinary research group that brings in faculty and researchers. This centre conducts direct research in advanced technologies for defence and security.

Notes:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the Bailey Suspension Bridge over river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir.
The 240 feet high Bailey Suspension Bridge has been completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a month before the deadline. The launching of the new bailey suspension reinforced bridge was initiated in October.

Notes:
Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland were made the new members of the U.N. Security Council for the two-year seats they won unopposed in June.
The five countries would replace India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway in the Council. The ambassadors of the five countries installed their national flags alongside those of other members outside the council chambers.

Notes:
The Gaan Ngai festival of the Zeliangrong community is celebrated in Manipur. It is celebrated every year after harvesting.
During the festival, the Zeliarong community shows their gratitude by offering their harvest to the almighty. It is a custom to produce new fire by rubbing dry wood and split bamboo pieces and distribute them to other households. The Zeliarong community in Manipur comprises Rongmei, Liangmei, and Zeme tribes.

Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone of state-owned energy firm SJVN’s 1,000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
This project is being implemented by SJVN Limited through its wholly owned subsidiary SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL). Bikaner is one of the highest solar yield areas of the country. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by March 2024. SJVN is a leading power CPSE under Ministry of Power.

Notes:
Union Minister for MSME, Narayan Rane, inaugurated Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS) at MOPA (GOA) International airport.
ITRS is an Artificial Intelligence-based fully automatic machine that helps in providing enhanced passenger security with advanced screening technology. It is equipped with image analysis software with advanced tools to take correct decisions against baggages.

Notes:
Space Kidz India, a Chennai-based space tech start-up is set to launch their satellite made by 750 girls from government schools aboard an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launch vehicle.
A targeted launch date of January 16 has been set for the satellite named AzaadiSAT. Space Kidz India selected 10 girl students from 75 government schools across the country for this mission. The project is also supported by Niti Aayog.

Notes:
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur launched the themes of the Y20 summit, logo and website in the curtain raiser event of Y20 Summit India
Themes of Y20 India are Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation & 21st Century skills, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction: Making Sustainability a way of life, Peace-building and Reconciliation: Ushering in an era of No War, Shared Future: Youth in Democracy and Governance and Health, Wellbeing &Sports: Agenda for Youth.

 

Notes:
Union Commerce minister Piyush Goyal is visiting New York and Washington DC to participate in India-US Trade Policy Forum.
After roundtable meetings with business leaders and think tanks in New York, he will attend the 13th Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting in Washington DC.  The 12th TPF Ministerial meeting was held on 23 November 2021 after a gap of four years in New Delhi.