Current Affairs (01-15 January 2023)
National:
India votes against the United Nations resolution on Israel.
Assam consolidates four districts and redraws boundaries before the Election Commission’s (EC) delimitation deadline.
A new integrated food security scheme will be implemented on January 1, 2023.
India assumes leadership of the Wassenaar Arrangement plenary.
The government has spent Rs 13,000 crore cleaning the Ganga since 2014.
According to the Ministry of Culture, 50 of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments are missing.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a cyber alert for the G20 Summit and has shared a list of cyber attackers who have targeted G20 Summits with all ministries and departments.
The Supreme Court is set to rule on a slew of petitions challenging the government’s 2016 decision to demonetize currency notes in denominations of $1,000 and $500 on January 2.
The International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 kicks off with activities organised by central ministries, state governments, and Indian embassies.
India has requested that Pakistan release and return 631 Indian fishermen as well as two civilian prisoners.
India and Austria will sign a “Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement” (MMPA).
The panel on OBC quotas in Uttar Pradesh will submit its first report in three months.
From January 2 to 7, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold its all-India coordination meeting in Goa.
The Supreme Court will hear a slew of petitions challenging contentious state laws governing religious conversions because of interfaith marriage.
The first underwater metro in India will open in December 2023.
Every year, the relatives of the tribals killed in the heinous incident commemorate January 2 as Saheed Divas.
This year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards have been announced. On January 2, 2023, 27 people were chosen to receive the highest honour for overseas Indians.
For the second week in a row, India sees a slight increase in COVID cases, with hints of a Karnataka spike.
The Supreme Court finds no flaws in the demonetisation process in a 4:1 majority decision.
The Election Commission has launched “Mission 929” to increase voter turnout in Tripura to more than 90%.
On January 5, 2023, the Supreme Court convenes a special bench to hear the EWS quota case.
The Wildlife Division of Thiruvananthapuram conducted an invertebrate survey.
The High Court orders the Delhi government to provide poor HIV-positive people with free food and treatment.
The Supreme Court of India stated that a state cannot presume that all religious conversions are illegal.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced the establishment of the Rs 101 crore CM’s Sukhashraya Sahayata Kosh for the state’s destitute.
The Indian government is proposing a ban on the promotion of online gambling on social media platforms.
The Uttarakhand government has decided to abolish the state’s revenue police system.
The second phase of the Sari Festival, “VIRAASAT,” will take place at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi, from January 3 to January 17, 2023, and will feature 75 handwoven saris from India.
Fifty electric buses were launched in Delhi with support from the Ministry of Heavy Industries’ FAME India Phase II scheme.
The Siyom bridge in Arunachal Pradesh, along with 27 other infrastructure projects completed by the Border Roads Organisation, was inaugurated by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh (BRO).
Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, stated that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be completed by January 1, 2024.
From January 2023, India will assume leadership of the Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU), which has its headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand.
On January 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the world’s longest cruise tour from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Assam to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh.
The Union Minister for Communications, Information Technology, and Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has launched high-speed fifth-generation (5G) communication services in Odisha.
Odisha was awarded the World Habitat Awards 2023 for the Jaga mission by the United Nations-Habitat.
The Union Cabinet has approved a budget of Rs 19,744 crore for the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The Union Cabinet has agreed to name Greenfield International Airport in Goa’s Mopa after Manohar Parrikar.
The Cabinet has approved a Rs 2,500-crore scheme to improve the infrastructure of Doordarshan and All India Radio.
The 36th India-France strategic dialogue will address bilateral and global issues.
India has launched an anti-dumping investigation into vitamin imports from China, the European Union, and Switzerland.
The longest river cruise in the world, the “Ganga Vilas,” from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh, will set sail on January 13 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the master of ceremonies.
The Election Commission named folk singer Maithili Thakur as Bihar’s state icon. The singer will raise voter awareness of the importance of voting in the election.
For the next year, beneficiaries of the State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) will receive five kilogrammes of rice free of charge each month, per order from Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
The Madhya Pradesh Residential Land Rights Scheme (Mukhyamantri Awasiya Bhu Adhikar Yojana) was launched by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to provide free leases of residential land to selected beneficiaries.
The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 19,744 crore initial budget for the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The Ghaziabad-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay section (762 km) becomes the longest fully automatic block signalling section in Indian Railways.
On the 5th and 6th of January 2023, the Ministry of Jal Shakti hosted the “1st All India Annual State Minister Conference on Water” with the theme “Water Vision @ 2027” in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The presidents of Guyana and Suriname will attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention.
Kerala’s Chief Minister has inaugurated the Palm Leaf Manuscript Museum with modern audio-visual technology in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
All cases involving same-sex marriage are heard by the Supreme Court.
The “Voice of the Global South Summit” will take place in India.
The government has formed a committee to preserve Ladakh’s culture, language, and employment.
With the door-to-door campaign “Quality Connect,” the Bureau of Indian Standards celebrates its 76th Foundation Day.
Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar unveiled the ‘North East Krishi Kumbha 2023″ initiative.
Beginning of the 12 crore-person caste survey in Bihar.
At India Gate in Delhi, a skygazing event for astrotourism was launched.
The Ministry of Culture estimates that roughly 50 ASI-protected monuments have gone missing.
The Supreme Court has tasked a committee with developing a framework to ensure road safety.
The Formula E World Championship race will be held in Hyderabad for the first time.
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has launched a website for mapping industrial and research facilities.
The draught of the UGC Regulations 2023 was just released by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
India’s “Neighborhood First” programme includes providing 75 buses to Sri Lanka.
Every year on January 9, NRI, also known as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, is observed.This day also commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to Mumbai on January 9, 1915.
The spending cap for candidates in elections is increased by the election commission.
The 24th National Conference on e-Government was launched in Hyderabad, Telangana, by the Union Minister of Science and Technology. The two-day conference’s theme is “India’s Techade: Digital Governance in a Post-Pandemic World.”
The nation’s first mobile honey processing van was unveiled at Village Sirora in Ghaziabad by Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
To boost tourism, Ayodhya will receive ten solar ferries on the Saryu River.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, hosts the International Kite Festival 2023.
A 100-day statewide effort called “UP Global City” has been started in Uttar Pradesh to bring the state’s metropolitan areas up to par with international standards.
Keshari Nath Tripathi, former governor of Bengal and Bihar, has died.
In anticipation of the Global Investors Summit and the G20 summits, the Uttar Pradesh government has started a 100-day “UP Global City” campaign.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrated its 76th Foundation Day in New Delhi, and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution unveiled several programmes.
Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, launches 21 development projects in Manipur totaling 1,311 crore rupees.
The Aspirational Blocks Program will be introduced by the Union government.
The Rajasthan government has established the Social and Performance Audit Authority (SPAA) to improve accountability in the performance of government projects and programmes.
The India-US Trade Policy Forum (TPF) will convene on January 11 in Washington, D.C., to discuss trade and investment concerns between the two nations.
According to TRAI, Indian undersea cable landing stations would have a ninefold increase in capacity between 2016 and 2021.
The Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela will take place in 242 districts.
Every year on January 10, World Hindi Day, also known as Vishwa Hindi Diwas, is observed to raise awareness of the Hindi language worldwide.
According to a DPE study from 2021-2022, Power Grid Corporation is at the top of the services sector.
The 26th National Youth Festival will be introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2023, at Hubbali, Karnataka.
The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme, a new tourism policy that aims to boost destination tourism, would encourage travellers to visit Mysuru and Hampi, two well-known destinations in Karnataka.
Former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi has published “Chief Minister’s Diary No. 1.”
The Odisha Forest Department reports that the bird population in the Bhitarkanika National Park has increased this year.
The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister celebrated the traditional ‘Cherchera’ Festival in Raipur on January 10, 2023.
Joshimath has been classified a landslide-subsidence zone, with over 60 residents having moved to temporary relief centres from untenable buildings in the sinking town.
India and the United Kingdom have signed and exchanged letters in support of the Young Professionals Scheme.
The Parshuram Kund Festival (PKF), according to the Arunachal Pradesh government, would be observed from January 12 to January 16, 2023.
For the Young Professionals Scheme, India and Britain exchanged letters that were signed.
To promote collaboration in diplomat training, India and Panama have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The Government of India will observe Road Safety Week from January 11th to 17th, 2023, as part of the “Swachhata Pakhwada” initiative.
Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh, Governor of Uttarakhand, has approved a bill providing 30% horizontal reservation for state-domiciled women citizens in governmental services and offices.
In 2022, Delhi was the most polluted city in India, with average PM10 concentrations that were the third highest and PM2.5 concentrations that were more than double the permissible limit.
The 83rd All India Presiding Officers Conference was launched in Jaipur by Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Agartala has just launched the School of Logistics, Waterways, and Communication.
The WEF Global Dangers Report 2023 lists India’s cost of living issue and digital inequality as risks.
Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (retd) has authorised a 30% horizontal reservation for women who live in the state in the government jobs bill.
The world’s longest river cruise’s inauguration event in Varanasi featured a major curtain raiser cultural production called “Sur Sarita”—the Symphony of Ganga—organized by the Ministry of Culture.
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin’s chapters in eight countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (GOPIO).
The Prime Minister stated that the countries of the Global South will dominate the global economy in the twenty-first century while speaking at the Voice of the Global South Summit’s opening ceremony.
The National Judicial Appointments Commission’s (NJAC) judgement was criticised by the Vice President, but the Supreme Court ruled that its judicial declarations set the law.
A new challenge known as “Soul of Steel” will be introduced in India to assess one’s capacity for high-altitude endurance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will essentially flag off the semi-high-speed train Vande Bharat Express from Secunderabad Railway Station on January 15 as a Sankranti gift to the Telugu people.
In the upcoming month, the pilgrimage sites of Ayodhya in India and Janakpur in Nepal will be connected by the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train, according to an announcement from Indian Railways.
The Supreme Court of India has declared that it is illegal and constitutes gender discrimination to exclude Sikkimese women who marry non-Sikkimese males after April 1, 2008, from exemptions under the Income Tax Act.
The Rural Health Statistics Report 2021–22, just released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), gives a thorough assessment of the facilities and human resources for rural healthcare in India.
PM Narendra Modi unveiled a brand-new initiative called “Aarogya Maitri” in which India will donate vital medical supplies to any developing nation experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe or natural disaster.
The Mongeet Festival of Music, Culture, and Food will be held in Assam.
The “North East on Wheels Expedition” was launched in New Delhi by the Minister of State for Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, to promote the cultures of the northeastern states.
On Pongal, the Jallikattu bull-taming competition begins in Madurai.
A goat-headed Yogini went lost in Lokhari (UP) in the 1980s after being discovered in England.
- On Makar Sankranti, thousands of pilgrims visit Ganga Sagar to take a sacred bath while India and Japan participate in a maritime partnership exercise in the Bay of Bengal.
Important Dates:
The 75th Army Day will be observed on January 15.
Every year on January 14, India commemorates Armed Forces Veterans Day.
On January 3, the DRDO celebrated its 65th anniversary.
Every year on January 1st, Army Medical Corps Establishment Day is observed.
The Dhaka Literary Festival will celebrate its tenth anniversary from January 8 to 11.
Every year on January 11, the United States observes National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
- On January 1st, 2023, the world will celebrate Global Family Day.
Education:
The Tripura State Government has launched the “Saharsh” Special Education Program.
On January 11, 2023, the IIT Madras campus will host the 28th iteration of Saarang, the largest student-run festival in India. Over 100 events will be presented at Saarang 2023.
To engage young people in India’s G20 presidency, the Indian education ministry has established a novel outreach initiative called University Connect.
Udhayanithi Stalin, Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development, introduced the concept of simple learning for students using Japan Digital Technology tools in Chennai Municipal Schools.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will hold 10th and 12th-grade practical exams and project and internal assessment exams from January 2 to February 14.
The National Eligibility Entrance Test for Super-Specialty (NEET SS) counselling process for 2022 will be closed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
Amazon and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs are collaborating on a future engineering programme.
The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, launched the ‘SMART’ programme for Ayurveda professionals to regulate and boost R&D in Ayurveda.
Kerala University won the youth festival’s “Overall Championship.”
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Indian High Commission and Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa University to create a Hindi Chair at the university.
The international convention of the Theosophical Society begins at its headquarters in Chennai.
- The Supreme Court will launch a project to provide law students, lawyers, and the public with free access to official legal reports of its verdicts.
Defence News
On January 1, Pakistan and India exchanged a list of nuclear installations that could not be attacked if hostilities escalated, according to a Foreign Office statement issued in Islamabad.
The Defense Ministry has begun the procurement process for 100 more K9-Vajra-tracked self-propelled howitzers.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the Central Detective Training Institute (CDTI) in Devanahalli, Karnataka, and inaugurated the Indo-Tibetan Border Police residential and administrative complexes (ITBP).
The Defense Ministry has begun the procurement process for 100 more K9-Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzers, which are built by L and T using South Korean technology.
Rajnath Singh, the Defense Minister, virtually inaugurates the Bailey Suspension Bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu division.
Captain Shiva Chouhan is the first woman officer to be deployed operationally at Kumar Post in Siachen.
The 18th National Scout and Guide Jamboree will be inaugurated in Rajasthan by President Droupadi Murmu.
The IIT Madras Centre of Excellence collaborates with the DRDO on advanced defence technologies such as combat vehicle technologies.
Ajit Doval, the National Security Adviser of India, met with Emmanuel Bonne, the visiting Diplomatic Adviser to the French President.
To promote air defence cooperation between the countries, India and Japan are planning a combined air exercise called “Veer Guardian 2023” involving the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) at Hyakuri Air Base in Japan from January 12 to January 26, 2023.
The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs are collaborating to organize a Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival, “Aadi Shaurya-PParv Parakram Ka,” which will take place on January 23, 2023, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
The Indian Navy and Sagar Defense sign a contract for the “SPRINT” initiative’s armed autonomous boat swarms.
The largest women’s contingent of peacekeepers at a UN mission was sent by the Indian Army.
At the Combined Commanders’ Conference in March 2023 at Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka, CDS Gen Anil Chauhan will brief Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the steps taken toward the establishment of military theatre commands.
Sikh soldiers in the Indian army will soon receive ballistic helmets made specifically for them to put on their turbans.
The army has purchased around 2,000 drones, some of which will be used for reconnaissance and surveillance missions as well as for delivering essential supplies to forward locations.
Bharat Petroleum Launches High-Quality, Low-Smoke Kerosene Oil for the Indian Army
On January 10, India launched the tactical ballistic missile Prithvi-II after a successful test at a site off the coast of Odisha.
The Defense Research and Development Organization’s VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system acquisition request was approved by the Defense Acquisition Council.
At an awards ceremony, the renowned UN medals were presented to more than 1,000 Indian peacekeepers who are part of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The Fast Patrol Vessel for the Indian Coast Guard, the “Kamla Devi,” which GRSE designed, built, and gave to the Indian Coast Guard, was commissioned in Kolkata.
The BrahMos shore-based cruise missile system has been ordered by the Philippines, which is the first foreign nation to do so for its navy. The Indian defence industrial system will greatly benefit from this deal.
The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund will get 320 crores of rupees from the Defense Ministry for the benefit of veterans and their families.
- To swiftly resolve pension-related difficulties, the Defense Ministry has launched the Raksha Pension Shikayat Nivaran Portal.
Business & Economy
On the first day of the New Year, oil marketing companies raised the price of commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 25 across the country.
The unemployment rate in India increased to 8.30% in December, the highest in 16 months, from 8.00% the previous month, according to data from the Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy released on January 1.
According to the data (CMIE), the urban unemployment rate increased to 10.09% in December from 8.96% the previous month, while the rural unemployment rate decreased to 7.44% from 7.55%.
The Goods and Services Tax revenue in India increased to nearly Rs. 1.5 lakh crore in December 2022, a 2.5% increase over November collections and a 15% increase over December 2021.
Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das launched the central bank’s medium-term strategy framework, titled “Utkarsh 2.0.”
According to the CMIE Report, the unemployment rate rose to 8.3% in December, the highest level in 16 months.
According to RBI data, India’s forex reserves fell by USD 691 million to USD 562.808 billion.
India and Pakistan have exchanged nuclear asset and detainee lists.
According to the government, India’s goods and services tax receipts increased 15% year on year in December to Rs 1.49 lakh crore ($18.07 billion), implying strong economic activity throughout the holiday season.
On Monday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its list of domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) for 2021.
India’s coffee exports increased by nearly 2% to 4 lakh metric tons.
In December, UPI processed 7.82 billion transactions, bringing the year to a close on a high note.
SBI Cards has collaborated with Punjab & Sind Bank to offer co-branded credit cards to the bank’s customers.
The DPIIT has identified 20 restrictive norms in ministries that violate the “Make in India” plan.
India’s manufacturing output hit a 13-month high in December.
UIDAI launches online address updates in Aadhar based on the Head of the Family (HoF).
The government maintained the interest rate for subscribers to the General Provident Fund and other similar funds at 7.1%.
The government exempts public-sector undertakings from the 25% public-float requirement.
Several loan agreements between India and the Asian Development Bank have been signed to assist the infrastructure sector.
The government raises the windfall tax on crude oil, diesel, and ATF exports.
India’s international financial assets fell by $56.5 billion between July and September 2022, with valuation losses accounting for most of the decline.
The Indian economy is expected to grow by 9.7% in the first half of 2022–2023, outpacing China’s 2.2%, the United Kingdom’s 3.4%, and the United States’ 1.8%.
HDFC Bank has partnered with Microsoft as part of its digital transformation.
The government will soon issue guidelines to assist startups interested in conducting research and innovation in the technical textiles segment, and a grant of up to Rs 50 lakh is being considered for approved proposals.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal has refused to stay the Rs 1,337.76 crore penalty imposed by CCI on Google India.
In 2021–22, ONGC and Indian Oil emerge as the top profit-making public sector firms.
The first green hydrogen blending project in India has been launched by NTPC Ltd. Green hydrogen blending has begun in the NTPC Kawas township’s piped natural gas (PNG) network in Surat.
ICICI Bank has announced the launch of digital solutions for exporters, which include a comprehensive set of banking and value-added services delivered through a single platform.
The Startup India Innovation Week will be held from January 10 to 16, 2023.
The Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) will take place on January 9, 2023.
The Reserve Bank of India has launched the Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH), which will provide useful monetary policy inputs. It aims to capture subjective price movement and inflation assessments based on individual consumption baskets.
To reduce a fiscal deficit that ballooned during the COVID-19 pandemic, India plans to cut spending on food and fertiliser subsidies by 26% in the fiscal year beginning in April.
The Reserve Bank of India has selected six entities for the “Test Phase” under the regulatory sandbox on the theme “Prevention and Mitigation of Financial Frauds.”
Jio Platforms has signed an agreement to become Manchester City’s network partner in India.
SEBI permits the government to reclassify its IDBI Bank stake as “public” to facilitate divestment.
The “Jahaan Bandhan, Wahaan Trust” campaign was launched by Bandhan Bank.
SEBI fines MCX Rs. 2 lakh for violating norms in awarding a software contract to a London firm.
According to the First Advance Estimates of National Income published by the National Statistical Office, India’s real GDP is predicted to increase by 7% in 2022–2023. (NSO).
India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s third-largest automobile market.
Axis Bank and OPEN are collaborating to launch a fully digital current account.
GoldenPi Technologies, which is backed by Zerodha, has been granted a debt broker licence by SEBI.
The RBI approves SBI MF’s acquisition of a 10% stake in Equitas Small Finance Bank.
The first tranche of Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) would be issued in two tranches of 8,000 crores each, according to the RBI.
India’s economy is in a relatively good situation, but it needs to increase exports, according to the IMF.
NABARD is selling three-year bonds to raise about Rs 5,000 crore.
The currency reserves have risen by USD 44 million to USD 562.85 billion.
The GDP growth estimate for India is lowered by Ind-Ra by 10 basis points to 9.3% in FY22.
The “BahaneChhodoTaxBachao” campaign was launched by SBI General Insurance.
Startup India Innovation Week will be hosted by the DPIIT and the Ministry of Commerce.
The government received many expressions of interest (EoIs) for the strategic sale of a stake in IDBI Bank.
Google appealed a decision of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to the Supreme Court.
According to the research, Bengaluru ranked first in the nation for the absorption of office space between October 2016 and December 2017.
The RBI is alleged to have halted licencing for the New Umbrella Entity (NUE) network, a fintech institution intended to compete with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
In accordance with the RBI’s sandbox programme, six businesses are permitted to test fintech products to combat financial fraud.
The Delhi government plans to introduce a new mobility card that would allow commuters to pay bus and metro fares electronically.
Apple begins employing staff as it gets ready to build its first retail locations in India.
One 97 Communications, the company that owns Paytm, names Surinder Chawla as its managing director and CEO.
Sri Lankan banks will have special rupee vostro accounts held by Indian banks.
Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services pays nearly Rs 1,300 crores to lenders as part of their repayment obligations.
The Reserve Bank of India announces a preliminary schedule for issuing sovereign green bonds.
Surinder Chawla has been appointed as the new MD and CEO of Paytm Bank.
The Startup India Innovation Week runs from January 10 to January 16.
While RS Sodhi steps down, Jayen Mehta takes over as interim CEO of Amul.
To determining bank capital adequacy, the RBI has designated six rating agencies.
The Ministry of MSME has launched an online portal for the World Bank-supported RAMP scheme.
The 7th edition of the Invest Madhya Pradesh-Global Investors Summit, a major event of the Madhya Pradesh state government, will be virtually inaugurated on January 11 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Axis Bank, a private lender, has informed the exchanges that it has altered its agreement with Max Financial to buy the latter’s remaining 7% stake.
The fintech upstart BharatPe recently declared that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had given it in principle authorization to function as a payment aggregator.
Vikas Purohit, a former CEO of Tata CLiQ, was appointed by Meta as the director of the global business group in India.
The Cabinet approves Rs 2,600 crore in spending to promote the use of the RuPay debit card and BHIM transactions.
To promote organic goods, seeds, and exports, the Union Cabinet approved the formation of three new multi-state cooperative organisations at the national level. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana is the name of the central government’s integrated food security scheme (PMGKAY).
According to the World Bank’s most recent economic analysis, India’s economic growth will decelerate from an anticipated 6.9% in the current year to 6.6% in the following fiscal year.
As of January 10, India had collected 12.31 lakh crore in net direct tax, or about 87% of the goal set for 2022–23.
The NPCI has given the UPI ecosystem’s participants instructions to permit non-resident account types, including NRE and NRO accounts with overseas mobile numbers, to sign up and conduct transactions through UPI.
The incentive programme for the current fiscal year’s promotion of BHIM-UPI (person-to-merchant) transactions and low-value RuPay Debit Cards has been approved by the Union Cabinet.
The multinational IT company Cognizant has named Ravi Kumar as its new CEO, starting right away, succeeding the departing Brian Humphries.
According to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the gradual roll-out of E20 (20% ethanol blend in gasoline) would start on April 1.
Tata Power installs India’s first solar power plant for a Mumbai housing development.
Despite a 43% decrease in the amount raised, India remained one of the top five markets for equity fundraising globally.
In collaboration with National e-Government Services Limited, the State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced the e-Bank Guarantee (e-BG) programme (NeSL).
According to figures issued by Chinese customs, commerce between China and India hit an all-time high of USD 135.98 billion in 2022, even though New Delhi’s trade deficit with Beijing for the first time exceeded USD 100 billion.
Garuda Aerospace and the Union Bank of India Work Together to Use Drones to Boost Agriculture.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will introduce the MAARG (Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and Growth) platform.
A 5G-enabled drone with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities has been created by startup company IG Drones.
Paytm Payments Bank Ltd. (PPBL) has become India’s largest and fastest-growing UPI beneficiary bank.
The Global Women’s Health Tech Awards went to NIRAMAI and InnAccel.
The foreign exchange reserves of India decreased by $878 million to USD 632.736 billion in the week ending January 7, 2022, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) weekly figures.
Indifi Technologies, a small business-focused online lending platform, has partnered with Google Pay to deliver immediate loans to eligible medium-, small-, and microenterprises.
India experienced a USD 142.44 billion trade imbalance between April and December 2021–22.
In 2021, bilateral trade between China and India would total USD 125.66 billion, with $69 billion going to China.
India offers Sri Lanka USD 900 million in aid, which includes a USD 400 million currency swap and a USD 500 million payment deferral.
Indian GDP growth is anticipated to be 9% in FY22 and 6.7% in FY23.
The RBI has proposed new standards for categorising and valuing bank investment portfolios.
SBI issues Formosa bonds to raise $300 million.
Inflation measured by the wholesale pricing index falls to 13.56% in December 2021.
- The top winners of city gas distribution licences were Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) and Adani Gas.
Sports
Haryana Minister Sandeep Singh resigns from his sports portfolio after being accused of sexual harassment.
Following a high-profile review meeting of the BCCI, the Yo-Yo fitness test was reintroduced into the eligibility criteria for selection in the Indian cricket team on January 1, 2023.
Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar Ramanathan advance to the second round of the men’s singles event at the Maharashtra Open tennis tournament.
Koustav Chatterjee, a 19-year-old chess player from Kolkata, became India’s 78th Grandmaster. He is also West Bengal’s tenth grandmaster.
Madhya Pradesh won the U-18 Khelo India Youth Games in 2022.
Former World Rapid Champion K. Humpy delivered an outstanding performance to win India’s first-ever silver medal at the World Blitz Chess Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Vaidehi Chaudhari defeated top seed Ksenia Laskutova to win the ITF women’s singles tournament in Gwalior.
Jaydev Unadkat, the captain of Saurashtra, became the first bowler to take a hat-trick in the first over.
Ramkumar Ramanathan of India has advanced to the quarterfinals of the doubles competition.
The BCCI has issued a tender for the ownership and operation of a women’s IPL team.
CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha, the largest hockey stadium in the world, ahead of the 2023 Hockey World Cup.
Divya Deshmukh becomes the youngest woman in history to retain the National Women’s Chess Championship.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced a partnership with the JSW Group for the upcoming FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, to be held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the Khelo India Youth Games 2022 mascot, torch, and anthem.
Manika Batra, an Indian table tennis player, has attained a career-high 35th place in women’s singles.
Sania Mirza, India’s most successful female tennis player, has announced her retirement.
The Rilton Cup Championship was won by M. Pranesh of Tamil Nadu. He is now India’s 79th chess grandmaster.
The new committee’s name has been released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The 6th National Boxing Championship for Men was held in Hisar, Haryana. The Services team once again won the championship with six gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.
The target Olympic podium scheme includes Md. Arif Khan, who will compete in the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
Suryakumar Yadav’s century helps India defeat Sri Lanka and win the T20I series 2-1.
Chirag Ghropade wins his second race of the year in the Indian National Car Racing Championship.
A statue of a polo player riding a Manipur pony measuring 122 feet tall was unveiled by the union home minister in Imphal.
Chetan Sharma was reappointed as Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee two months after the BCCI disbanded his whole panel.
K.K. Abdul Gaffar’s autobiography is published by M.S. Dhoni.
The Khelo India Senior Women National Kho Kho League will take place over three days, from January 10 to 13, 2023.
The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has found a substitute for one of Team India’s two shirt sponsors. Kewal Kiran Clothing, the manufacturer of Killer Jeans, has signed with the cricket governing body.
“Hockey Wali Sarpanch” signs an agreement with NABARD. To help the farmers of Lambi Ahir Village, Neeru Yadav, also known as “Hockey Wali Sarpanch,” has started a new initiative.
The 26th National Youth Festival is being organized by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in partnership with the Government of Karnataka from January 12th to 16th in Hubballi-Dharwad, Karnataka.
Smriti Mandhana, an international women’s cricket player, has a sponsorship deal with the nutrition business Herbalife Nutrition India Private Limited.
The FIH Men’s World Cup of Hockey 2023 in Odisha begins with a ceremony at Barabati Stadium.
Kerala took 4,500 penalties in a 12-hour period, kicking itself into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Swastika Ghosh becomes the fourth Indian to earn a spot in the World Table Tennis Championship.
Hockey India has launched a new metaverse product to coincide with the Men’s World Cup, which will be held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela from January 13 to 29.
In partnership with drone manufacturer Garuda Aerospace, former India cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has unveiled the “Droni” surveillance drone.
In the 23rd National Square Championship, Jammu and Kashmir’s Falak Mumtaz won the gold medal.
The stunning opening ceremony for the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup took place at Cuttack’s gorgeous Barabati Stadium.
- South Africa (223/198) defeated India (210 and 212) by 7 wickets at Newlands to win the third Test and series 2-1.
Authors & Books
Former IAS officer Kaki Madhava Rao has authored a new book titled “Breaking Barriers: The Story of a Dalit Chief Secretary.”
- A British historian, Simon Sebag Montefiore, discussed his recent book, “The World: A Family History of Humanity,” in an interview with an Indian historian, Manu S. Pillai.
Awards & Recognition
The Assam government has decided to bestow the state’s highest civilian honour, the “Assam Baibhav,” on Dr. Tapan Saikia.
Ambikasuthan Mangad, a writer, has been chosen for the Odakuzhal Award 2022 for his collection of short stories titled Pranavayu. The award includes Rs. 30,000, a citation, and a plaque.
The Varanasi Cantt Railway Station of Indian Railways has been recognised as an “Eat Right Station” with a 5-star rating for its provision of wholesome cuisine to travellers.
Shashi Tharoor, a parliamentarian and author, recently launched his latest book, Ambedkar: A Life, at the Kitaab Kolkata event.
The “Best Police Unit” award in Maharashtra was given to the Jalna and Nagpur Police.
The Harvard Law School Center has chosen Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud for the “Award for Global Leadership’ in appreciation of his lifetime service to the legal profession throughout the country and around the world.
On January 7, 2023, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu presents the Digital India Awards 2022 for 22 innovative digital initiatives in New Delhi.
The National Water Awards 2020 recognised Uttar Pradesh as the best state for its efforts to conserve water.
- Dhirendra Jha’s new book, “Gandhi’s Assassin: The Making of Nathuram Godse and His Idea of India,” is available now.
New Appointments
Shri Vinaya Prakash Singh has been appointed as the Asian Pacific Postal Union’s Secretary General (APPU).
The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) has elected Saiyam Mehra as chairman and Rajesh Rokde as vice chairman for the next two years (2023–24).
Kuldeep Singh Pathania, a five-time MLA from Bhattiyat, is set to become the next Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.
The United Nations-Habitat (UN-Habitat) has honoured Odisha for its efforts to empower slum dwellers and build a slum-free state in India through its 5T programme, Jaga Mission.
The Railway Board’s new chairman and CEO is Anil Kumar Lahoti.
Santhi Kumari, a senior IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Telangana. She took charge as the first female Chief Secretary of the State.
- Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has appointed Ajay Kumar Srivastava as its new MD and CEO.
Entertainment
Senior Tollywood actor V.K. Naresh announced on Saturday that he will soon marry Kannada actress Pavitra Lokesh.
The Kashmir Files, a movie by Vivek Agnihotri, has been shortlisted for the 2023 Oscars. That indicates that this movie is now eligible for an Oscar.
The Indian movie RRR’s wildly popular song Naatu Naatu has won the coveted Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
The “Naatu Naatu” song from the movie “RRR” wins the inaugural Golden Globe for “best original song.”
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, the 20th Dhaka International Film Festival begins. Between January 15 and January 23, multiple venues in Dhaka will host the festival, which will exhibit 225 films from 70 different nations in 10 categories.
Science & Technology
The Center has signed an agreement with the Institute of Veterinary Biological Products (IVBP) to commercialise “Lumpi-ProVac,” a vaccine for lumpy skin disease in cattle.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh briefs the media on the “2023 Science Vision” in New Delhi.
The Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO), the National Centre for Earth Sciences (NCES), and the Andhra University (AU) investigated and concluded that constant rip current zones at blue flag-certified Rushikonda and RK beaches have become a hazard to beachgoers.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will deliver a video message to the 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC) on January 3, 2023.
ISRO will conduct the first test flight of its most ambitious mission, Gaganyaan, in 2023.
Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) scientists in Pune have discovered a ruthenium-ferrocene bimetallic agent with a highly potent antitumor effect in platinum-resistant cancers.
The Department of Posts has released a special cover featuring the Institute of Mathematical Sciences.
The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy will issue detailed guidelines and standards to make India a global hub for hydrogen manufacturing.
ISRO, in collaboration with the National Centre for Earth Sciences (NCES) in Thiruvananthapuram and Andhra University, will set up equipment to forecast rip currents at Visakhapatnam’s Rushikonda and RK beaches.
ISRO will launch the Space Kidz India satellite, which was created by 750 government schoolgirls.
The Indian government has identified two lithium mines and one copper mine in Argentina and is in the process of acquiring or leasing them.
A testing kit for the Omicron type of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The first open rock museum in India was opened in Hyderabad, Telangana, by the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology.
IIT-Kharagpur provides Garden Reach shipbuilders and engineers with innovative software to identify welding flaws.
A novel molecular sponge-like substance that can successfully clean dirty water has been created by scientists at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Pune, India.
The Kerala Health Department urges vigilance due to the confirmation of avian flu in numerous districts of Kerala.
The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library (NMML) are organising a sky gazing event at India Gate Lawns, Kartavya Path, Delhi.
The annual mean land surface air temperature in India in 2022 was 0.510 degrees Celsius higher than the long-term average (1981–2010 period). As a result, the year ranked fifth in terms of temperature since national records began in 1901.
International
Former Pope Benedict XVI died at 95 years old.In 2013, he became the first pope in 600 years to resign.
Magnus Carlsen wins all three world chess championships for the third time in his career.
Fears of a fourth COVID-19 wave loom as China struggles to deal with a surge in coronavirus cases following the relaxation of nationwide restrictions.
A 119-million-year-old beaked bird’s fossil remains were recently discovered in China.
The first 54 Starlink satellites of the new generation, or v2.0 or Gen2, were launched into low-Earth orbit by the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
Pokhara Regional International Airport was inaugurated by Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Brazil’s President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, was sworn in for a third term.
Croatia adopted the euro and became a member of Europe’s borderless zone.
SpaceX launches 54 upgraded Starlink internet satellites and successfully lands a rocket at sea in its 60th flight of the year.
Most foreigners in Canada are barred from purchasing a home for two years.
The United States and South Korea may conduct a nuclear test in response to North Korea’s threat.
According to the Russian defence ministry, 63 Russian soldiers were killed on Monday in a Ukrainian military attack on a military facility in the eastern Donetsk region.
Evacuation orders have been issued in California as a result of significant flooding caused by a storm.
The Taliban has banned women’s education, and there have been protests in the United States.
A new US rule requires Chinese travellers to show proof of negative coronavirus testing.
Kim Jong Un dismisses his military deputy in North Korea.
Australia reverses course and now requires Chinese visitors to undergo COVID-19 pre-departure testing.
China’s Flyers Will Be Tested in Italy as 50% of Milan Passengers Vote “Yes”
Twitter has banned 48,624 Indian accounts for violating its terms of service.
Apple is raising the cost of replacing the battery on iPhones that are no longer under warranty.
The new Twitter navigation tools from Elon Musk will be available in January.
China has named Qin Gang, its ambassador to the United States and a trusted aide to President Xi Jinping, as its new foreign minister as the two countries seek to repair strained relations.
Georgieva, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has warned of a “tough year” for the global economy.
Rafael Nadal, the world’s No. 2, suffered his second consecutive defeat at the United Cup.
According to local media, Iran released a prominent actress from an Oscar-winning film on Wednesday, nearly three weeks after she was imprisoned for criticising a crackdown on anti-government protests.
More than 30 graves at a historic Christian cemetery in Jerusalem were discovered toppled and vandalised on Wednesday, shocking the city’s Christian minority. The attack was described as an “immoral act” and an “affront to religion” by Israel’s Foreign Ministry.
In his first major speech of 2023, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to halve inflation, grow the UK economy, and end illegal immigration.
According to Turkey’s defence minister, Turkish and Russian troops may “expand” their joint patrols in northern Syria as part of efforts to bring security to the region.
Beijing slammed the COVID-19 testing requirements imposed on Chinese passengers and threatened retaliation against the countries involved, including the United States and several European nations.
The first transgender person is executed in the United States.
Tesla was fined USD 2.2 million by South Korea for exaggerating its EV range.
Japan intends to increase financial assistance to households relocating away from the capital city of Tokyo.
King Charles III of the United Kingdom spoke by phone with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about India’s G-20 presidency.
Ireland fines Facebook parent Meta €390 million for violations of online privacy.
Britain’s power grid achieves a record 88% zero-carbon power generation, delivering the cleanest energy to households and businesses on record.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a 36-hour cease-fire in Ukraine between January 6 and 7.
Russia shipped 1.17 million barrels per day (mbd) of crude in December.
Following sanctions, Russia sent more Arctic oil to China and India at steeper discounts.
Elon Musk has stated that Twitter Inc. will lift its ban on political advertisements in 2019.
Ash Barty, a former Australian Open champion, will coach Olivia Gadecki, who received a wildcard to the season’s first Grand Slam.
China became the first Asian country and the world’s second to launch hydrogen-powered urban trains.
Lionel Messi has been named the International Football Federation’s best player for 2022.
The country of Cape Verde is the first to name a stadium after Pele.
Japan has pledged to strengthen its alliance with the United States as part of its new defence policy.
WhatsApp is developing a new chat transfer feature for Android phones that will allow users to move chat history without relying on Google Drive backups.
A strange fossil with a dinosaur-like head and a bird-like body was discovered in China.
New satellite imagery shows the impact of Europe’s “winter heatwave” during the continent’s winter skiing season.
In Bangladesh, the Dhaka Lit Fest (DLF) begins its tenth edition.
Jason Moo has been appointed as the Bank of Singapore’s new chief executive officer (CEO).
The Taliban announced a deal with a Chinese firm to extract oil from the Amu Darya basin.
Belinda Clark is the first female cricketer to have a statue erected at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Every year on January 6, the World Day of War Orphans is observed to raise awareness about children orphaned in wars.
The United States is considering enacting a new border crossing law.
The US has announced military aid for Ukraine and its allies in Europe totaling more than $3.75 billion.
The year 2022 has been declared by the United Kingdom to be the warmest on record.
China orders the release of COVID detainees ahead of the removal of travel restrictions.
The response from India to Sri Lanka’s request for debt restructuring is expected by the end of January.
Social media profiles of COVID-19 policy critics are suspended by China.
Amidst drought and war, global food prices in 2022 reached a record high.
After a turbulent week, Kevin McCarthy was chosen as the new Speaker of the United States House in Vote 15.
India and the United States are very much in agreement on restoring long-term peace in Ukraine.
The Orthodox celebrate Christmas in the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The United States created the world’s first bee vaccine.
Kuwait’s Haitham Al Ghais has been named OPEC’s new secretary general.
The first female Supreme Court judge in Pakistan will be Justice Ayesha Malik.
Sidney Poitier, the first African-American to win Best Actor at the Academy Awards, has died.
Elon Musk said that Twitter will roll out the long-form text capability in February after making changes to the user interface.
Kevin McCarthy, a leader in the Republican Party, was chosen as the new speaker of the US House of Representatives.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States has granted Alzheimer’s Disease Accelerated Approval.
A monoclonal antibody created by Eisai and Biogen for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has received FDA approval as lecanemab.
The United States has declared that it will extend COVID-19 pandemic-era regulations, known as “Title 42,” to deport migrants found crossing the United States-Mexico border back to Mexico.
The Sydney Cricket Ground unveils the first statue of a female cricketer, Belinda Clark.
Pakistan intends to send to Ukraine 159 ammunition containers.
China conducts combat drills surrounding Taiwan for the second time in less than a month.
Southwest England will be the launch site for the first orbital satellite to leave Western Europe for space.
Novak Djokovic won the Adelaide International by defeating American Sebastian Korda 6-7 (8), 7-6 (3), 6-4.
Anahat Singh wins the girls’ U-15 squash title at the British Junior Open in Birmingham.
Dwaine Pretorius, a South African all-rounder, announced his immediate retirement from international cricket on January 9, 2023, per Cricket South Africa (CSA).
Gareth Bale has decided to retire from football.He is the all-time leading scorer for Wales and a five-time Champions League champion for Real Madrid.
China suspends the issue of short-term travel visas to Japanese and South Korean citizens in retaliation for the two nations imposing travel restrictions on Chinese citizens in response to the recent COVID-19 increase.
The Corruption Eradication Commission arrests Papua Governor Lukas Enembe as part of an inquiry into corruption in the region’s infrastructure development.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announces the suspension of joint military exercises with the Russian Armed Forces under the Collective Security Treaty Organization this year, citing the organization’s failure to denounce Azerbaijan over the conflicts.
Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands wins his first ATP Tour championship by defeating France’s Benjamin Bonzi.
The ambitious Indo-Bangla Friendship Pipeline Project (IBFPL) between Bangladesh and India will begin the following month.
In honour of an Indigenous campaigner, scientists have named a new species of dwarf boa that they found in the Amazon of Ecuador.
The 80th Golden Globe Awards were presented on Wednesday in Beverly Hills, California.
As a tribute to the Rolling Stones and to usher in a new age of British space exploration, the mission was given the moniker “Start Me Up.”
According to the current Henley Passport Index, Japan’s passport remains the most desirable in the world, providing visa-free admission to 193 global destinations.
The ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2022 is England’s young prodigy Harry Brook, who made an immediate impact in Test cricket.
The United Kingdom and Japan sign a defence agreement that permits troop deployments in each other’s nations and strengthens security cooperation.
After a meteorite damaged the International Space Station, Russia sends a rescue capsule to save three crew members.Uganda declares an end to the Ebola virus outbreak that claimed 55 lives.
Punjabi is now going to be taught in Western Australian public schools. The language will soon be included in the school curriculum.
According to the United States, the ballistic missile submarine USS West Virginia stopped by the Diego Garcia military outpost in the Indian Ocean.
Hugo Lloris, the captain of the France national football team, declared his intention to stop playing for the United States at the age of 36.
Sônia Guajajara has been named the inaugural minister of Brazil’s new Ministry of Indigenous People, according to President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
This month, a “green” comet from the outer solar system will cross our region of space for the first time in 50,000 years.
Alibaba Group of China sold a 3.1% stake in Paytm, an Indian company that handles digital payments, in a block transaction for a total of $125 million.
At least 40 people have died in skirmishes between security forces and protestors, which have caused Peru to experience its worst outbreak of violence in more than 20 years.
S. experts estimate that the average global temperature now is between 1.1 and 1.2 degrees Celsius higher than it was before the industrial revolution.
The first mainland orbital launch facility for the EU was officially opened by representatives of the EU and the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf. The EU intends to increase its satellite launch capability.
An issue with a computer system that sends pilot alerts caused the closure of American airspace for many hours on Wednesday morning.
Sweden has discovered Europe’s largest rare earth deposit, which is used in everything from mobile phones to missiles.
Airtel-backed Onboard a SpaceX vehicle, OneWeb successfully launched and deployed 40 satellites.
Emirati authorities appointed Sultan al-Jaber, a confidant of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, to lead the COP28 Climate Talks.
Lisa Marie Persley, a popular American singer, died of a heart attack.
The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) leader José Daniel Ortega Saavedra of Nicaragua took the oath of office to begin a second term as president.
Peru is currently experiencing its worst outbreak of violence in almost 20 years, with at least 40 people killed in clashes between police forces and demonstrators.
A massive cyberattack on Ukraine prompts the government to issue a “be frightened and anticipate the worst” warning to citizens.
As the NATO-Russia Council discussions conclude in Brussels, there has been no progress on Ukraine.
Prime Minister Imran Khan unveiled Pakistan’s first national security strategy.
- China’s global trade surplus reaches a new high of $676.4 billion in 2021.
