Current Affairs in English – December 24 2022

National Events:

75th Amrut Mahotsav:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 75th Amrut Mahotsav of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan on December 24, 2022. The five day Amrit Mahotsav celebr were inaugurated by CM Bhupendra Patel in Rajkot on 22 December.
It was established in 1948 by Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami. Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan has more than 40 branches all over the world.

Reliance Jio:

Reliance Jio acquires 100 % stake in Reliance Infratel for Rs 3,720 cr Reliance Jio acquired the mobile tower and fibre assets of Reliance Infratel on 23 December 2022.
Reliance Infratel has fibre assets of about 178,000 route kilometres and 43,540 mobile towers across the country.
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) gave approval to Jio for the acquisition of Reliance Infratel (RITL). Reliance Jio Founded: 2007. Reliance Jio Founder: Mukesh Ambani.

“Bikakhor Babe Eta Pokhek”:

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated projects worth Rs 1220.21 crore in the Dhemaji district on 23 December 2022. The chief minister laid the foundation stone for a new medical college and hospital at Dhemaji.
It was launched under the initiative “Bikakhor Babe Eta Pokhek” (A fortnight for development initiatives). A milk processing unit would also be set up in the district.

UIDAI:

UIDAI wins Data Security Council of India award in Government Sector Data Security Council of India (DSCI) is a premier industry body on data protection in India. It is committed to making cyberspace safe and trusted by establishing best practices in cyber security.
It was setup by NASSCOM in Aug 2008. Chairman: Rajendra S Pawar. CEO: Vinayak Godse. DSCI engages with governments, regulators, industry associations and think tanks on policy matters. HQ: Noida.

‘Best Globally Competitive Power Company of India’:

NHPC Limited has been awarded winner of ‘Best Globally Competitive Power Company of India at PRAKASHmay’ 15th Enertia Awards 2022′ on 23 December 2022. It was awarded in Hydropower and Renewable Energy Sector category.
NHPC Limited presently has an installation base of 7071.2 MW from 24 power stations. The award is organized by ENERTIA Foundation. NHPC Headquarters: Faridabad.

IDFC FIRST Bank:

IDFC FIRST Bank has announced ZERO Fee Banking on savings accounts and waived fees on 25 commonly used banking services.
Customers maintaining as low as 10,000 Average Monthly Balance, as well as the 25,000 Average Monthly Balance Requirement ( AMB ) savings account variant, will be eligible for these benefits. IDFC FIRST Bank CEO: V. Vaidyanathan.

“KALYANI FERRESTA”:

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched India’s first Green Steel Brand “KALYANI FERRESTA” in New Delhi on 20 Dec 2022.
It is a first – of – its – kind steel which has been manufactured by a Pune-based Steel company, Kalyani group by using renewable energy resources, leaving zero carbon footprints in the environment. The steel industry produces 7 percent of CO2 emissions internationally.

Roots:

HDFC Securities has launched investor education platform ‘Roots’ in December 2022. It offers multiple forms of valuable information, including articles, podcasts by experts, video tutorials and explainers, and social media feed on the Indian financial markets.
The portal also includes an UGC section (User Generated Content) where investors and traders can suggest topics they want to learn.

National Consumer Rights Day: 24 December:

National Consumer Rights Day is observed on 24 December every year. The Consumer Protection Act, of 1986 received the assent of the President on this day. The theme for 2022 is “Fair Digital Finance”.
It also provides awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities. While World Consumer Day is celebrated on 15th March every year.

‘Gatka’:

Bandipora hosts J & K’s first-ever winter tribal tourism festival.A first – of – its – kind Tribal Winter Festival was held in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir in December 2022.
The ‘gatka’ was performed by two tribal communities Gujjars and Bakerwals portraying the fighting spirit of the Gujjars amid all geographic, social, and political odds. The Ketson winter tribal festival is the first of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir to promote tourism.

International Events:

Myanmar:

The United Nations Security Council has adopted its first ever resolution on Myanmar to demand an end to violence. It shares its border with India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand. It was reconquered by the Allies and gained independence in 1948.
Myanmar is not a member of the Commonwealth of Nations despite once being part of the British Empire. Capital: Naypyidaw. President: Myint Swe (acting).

“Veer Guardian 23”:

Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) are set to hold their maiden bilateral air exercise, “Veer Guardian 23”, from January 16 to 26, 2023 at Hyakuri air base and Iruma air base in Japan.
Japan also participated for the first time in the multilateral exercise MILAN hosted by the Indian Navy in February 2022. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): General Anil Chauhan.

Sitiveni Rabuka:

Sitiveni Rabuka has been appointed as the Fiji’s new prime minister on 24 December 2022. In the 55 member Parliament of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka secured 28 votes against Bainimarama’s 27 votes.
Fiji will have three deputy prime ministers in Biman Prasad (finance), Viliame Gavoka (tourism), and Manoa Kamikamica (external trade) under the coalition arrangement. Fiji Capital: Suva.

INR:

Sri Lanka has agreed to use the Indian rupee (INR) for foreign trade in December 2022. It was initiated to bring countries into the ambit of the Indian rupee trade settlement mechanism that has a shortage of dollars.
Apart from Sri Lanka, Russia, Cuba, Luxembourg and Sudan have also agreed to the use of the Indian rupee for international trade.

Sports Events:

IPL:

IPL began the auction of players for 2023 season. The Indian Premier League is a men’s T20 franchise cricket league of India.
The league was founded by the BCCI in 2007. Brijesh Patel is the incumbent chairman of IPL. In Dec 2022, IPL surpasses $ 10 billion mark, becomes a decacorn. Founded: 2008.

Sam Curran:

Cricketer Sam Curran on 23 December 2022 became the costliest cricketer ever to be bought by any franchise of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was bought by Punjab Kings during the IPL auction for 18.5 crores.
The IPL auctions for the 2023 season are being held in Kerala. He broke cricketer Ishan Kishan’s record who was picked last season for ₹ 15.25 crore by Mumbai Indians.

Kabaddi championship:

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the National level Kabaddi championship in Udupi in Karnatakaon December 24, 2022.
The National level Kabaddi tournament is being held under the floodlights in MGM grounds where twelve teams from different states will take part. The winner will get the Atal trophy and a prize money of one lakh rupees.