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Current Affairs | February 2023
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Contents
Actor Ranveer Singh positioned as Brand Ambassador of Pepsi, Switches to a New Taglin... 2
North East India’s First-ever Compressed Biogas Plant to be Built in Assam, Inaugurat... 5
UIDAI Launches AI-based Fingerprint Authentication Facility for Aadhar Card Security,... 7
Lionel Messi Beats Karim, Kylian, Wins FIFA Best Men’s Player Trophy, Know Full List ... 9
PM Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone of Shivamogga Airport in Karnataka Today 12
India at 42 Rank among 55 Global Economies as per International Intellectual Property... 14
Unforgettable Moment for Australia, batters South Africa at ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 17
Victorious Moment for “RRR”, Bagged Five Awards at Hollywood Critics Association 2023... 20
NSE India Introduces first-ever Municipal Bond Indexes to Keep Record of Municipal Bo... 23
India Refrains from Voting in UN General Assembly, Resolution of ‘Lasting Peace’ in U... 25
Who is Ajay Banga, India-born nominated by President Biden to lead World Bank? Know a... 28
PM Narendra Modi delivers speech on Green Growth, Know key points of Post Budget Webi... 31
Massive Earthquake of 6.8 Magnitude knocks Tajikistan, Epicentre traced to be Afghani... 33
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy runs for GOP Presidential Bid, 2nd Indo-American after N... 36
Putin Declares Russian Withdrawal from New START Treaty, Know more about this treaty 38
Seattle forbids Caste Discrimination, Becomes First U.S. City to Initiate the move 40
India & Singapore Jointly Launches UPI PayNow Linkage, Incites Cross-Border Transacti... 43
Kashmir Files Awarded ‘Best Film’ Title at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festiv... 46
NITI Aayog Designates BVR Subrahmanyam as New CEO, Iyer Joins World Bank 49
India’s Moon Mission, Chandrayaan-3 clears a crucial Test of Space Capability, Expect... 51
Copyright © www.jagranjosh.com
Veteran Kannada Film Director SK Bhagawan Departs at 89 Today, Karnataka CM Pays Trib... 53
UNICEF India Appoints Actor Ayushmann Khurrana as National Ambassador for Child Right... 55
First Nuclear Power Plant to be set up in Northern India, Aims to Expand Nuclear Capa... 58
Chetan Sharma steps down from BCCI Chief Selector post Today, Know how he got trapped... 61
Indian-American Neal Mohan is the new CEO of YouTube, Know more about him! 63
Aero India 2023: New Solar Power ISR Drone ‘Suraj’ Launched by Garuda Aerospace, Chec... 65
World Bank Chief David Malpass to Resign before his Tenure, Know his Career Path from... 68
Lexi, India’s First AI-Based Chatbot Introduced in India, Let’s Know about its Key Fe... 71
Former UN Deputy Nikki Haley Declares her Candidacy for 2024 Presidential Bid 74
Joe Biden Calls Air India-Boeing Deal a Historic Event, Will Grant 1 Million Jobs in ... 77
Rayyana Barnawi Makes History, Becomes First Woman Astronaut from Saudi Arabia to Vis... 79
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurated the 14th Edition of Aero India 2023 81
Budget 2023 Highlights: PDF Download with Key Pointers & Summary 84
Agriculture Budget 2023 Highlights: PDF Download with Key Summary & Takeaways 96
Railways Budget 2023 Highlights: PDF Download with Key Summary & Takeaways 99
Economic Survey 2023: PDF Download, Key Highlights & Summary 101
Copyright © www.jagranjosh.com Page 1 of 103

Actor Ranveer Singh positioned as Brand

Ambassador of Pepsi, Switches to a New
Tagline
Soft Drink manufacturer Pepsi recently announced that famous Bollywood Actor Ranveer Singh
has been appointed as its new Brand Ambassador. The corporation also divulged a new Summer
Campaign that has been launched to target younger consumers as it prepares itself for an
extended summer season.
Through this campaign, the main aim is to boost sales of cold drinks. Ranveer Singh joins Pepsi's
growing alliance of celebrity endorsers. In the year 2019, the brand selected actor Salman Khan.
Pepsi’s Summer Campaign
In recent times, the Pepsi brand also declared KGF-fame Actor Yash to be screened as the
brand’s leading face. A leading female actor could also engage and get featured in the brand’s
summer campaign. This youth-centric beverage brand Pepsi is currently running under the new
tagline - “Rise up Baby".
India is expected to witness intense summers as the season is also covid-free having
encouraging brands and the rising demand for cold drinks and cooling appliances. The category
lead at Pepsi Cola, PepsiCo India, Saumya Rathor stated that “Rise Up Baby” is a youth
movement and efforts are being put to come up with new different flavours. So, one flavour will be
the whole Ranveer explosion while with actor Yash, there will be another blast from his own
perspective which is scheduled for a March-end release.
Pepsi signs Ranveer Singh as its brand ambassador
It’s so confusing, he was endorsing Thums Up just recently.
The carbonated beverage space and its khichdi of brand ambassadors continues.

Everyone has endorsed everything at some point. @PepsiIndia #FMCGisLife

pic.twitter.com/5delDzQKhj
— Mangalam Maloo (@blitzkreigm) February 27, 2023
Brand Rankings
Ranveer Singh’s brand rankings have significantly improved in 2021 wherein he held a brand
value of $158.3 million according to an official report by Duff & Phelps. He was the second-most
valued and desirable brand in the rankings after cricketer Virat Kohli. Singh is an endorser of 45
brands at present.
The company has initiated a new tagline - “Rise up Baby" which gives insight into the lifestyles of
the young generations as it continues to break age-old societal norms and also reformulates the
definitions of success and happiness, as noted by the cola maker. Additionally, it is well-known
that this generation lives life on their own terms.
Brand Positioning
Saumya Rathor, the category lead at Pepsi highlighted that the brand will continue to connect with
Salman Khan as of now. Moreover, this new campaign is not a celebrity replacement strategy and
Mr Khan is still on the brand. Pepsi has always onboarded a plethora of superstars and a few
more personalities are just being added to the list in order to bring light to this campaign.
Endorsements
Advertising experts asserted that frequent use of celebrities from rival brands can lead to
confusion among consumers and create a mess in the category. Various companies are using
celebrity faces as a backbone in the absence of big and inspiring ideas, as stated by Business
Strategist and Independent Director, Lloyd Mathias.
However, Mathias also added that over the last few decades, soft drinks as a category have also
gained far more prominence in India. Brands often depend on mass star power to reach remote
areas across the country. Sandeep Goyal, the Managing Director of Rediffusion further
proclaimed that the cola wars have transformed the world into a new arena, a new playground.
Both brands have adequate resources and are able to address large consumers. But keeping the
brand ‘newsy’ is a constant challenge faced by all corporations around the globe.

Also Read: North East India’s First-ever Compressed Biogas Plant to be Built in Assam,
Inauguration by CM Himanta

North East India’s First-ever Compressed

Biogas Plant to be Built in Assam,
Inauguration by CM Himanta
On February 25, 2023 (Saturday) Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated
North East India’s first ‘Compressed Biogas Plant’ to be set up at Damora Pathar located in
Sonapur, Kamrup Metropolitan District of Assam.
As per the official announcement, the CM laid the foundations stone and he attended the
ceremonial function as the Chief Guest. This project is recently initiated by the state government.
CM Delighted over Biogas Plant Venture
During the event held at Damora Pathar village, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed
contentment over entrepreneurs who are willing to carry out the venture into various segments
such as Biofuel and Biogas production. Moreover, the government’s full support will be assured
for Biofuel/Biogas production.
Laid foundation for a 5-tonne-per-day-capacity compressed biogas plant by Redlemon

Technologies Pvt Ltd at Domora Pathar, Sonapur.
The first-of-its-kind initiative in Northeast will bolster our efforts to transition towards cleaner &
greener energy. pic.twitter.com/YwGX4jHTu5
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) February 25, 2023
This event was also attended by Chief Executive of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Tuliram
Ronghang and Dispur Assembly Constituency Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) namely
Atul Bora, Lakhimpur MLA Manab Deka, along with several other invited guests and notable
officials.
An Alternative to Chemical Fertilisers

The Assam CM further goes on to explain that he hopes that the organic fertilisers produced as a
consequence of biogas in such compressed biogas plants would provide a safer and better
alternative to chemical fertilisers which are currently in use across the state.
In his speech, he also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitments and global
missions introduced at International platforms such as United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change to reduce India’s carbon emissions. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that
Assam similar to the rest of the states would do everything possible in its capacity in order to
ensure that the country’s promises and futuristic goals are being matched and attained. The
Government of India has been collectively working on alleviating the impact of Global Warming.
Businessmen Involved in this Project
Entrepreneurs Pankaj Gogoi and Rakesh Doley are designated to set up the first-ever
Compressed Biogas Plant across the state under the banner of Redlemon Technologies Private
Limited. In addition to this, the plant construction has been proposed to be functional from
November 2023. This will have a production capacity of about five tonne-per-day of compressed
biogas which will be further produced from raw materials such as cattle dung, municipal solid
wastes, etc.
Objective of Assam Government
At the inaugural event, Chief Minister Himanta gave an official statement confidently that the
Compressed Biogas Plant at Sonapur would help extensively in assisting the Government of
Assam. The government’s aim of a gradual transformation to cleaner and greener energy will be
fulfilled through the launch of this project.
Along with this, the development is intended to provide a solution to municipal solid waste
management crises. Not only this but instead the compressed biogas plants such as the one built
at Sonapur would also accelerate an additional source of income for several farmers as they will
be able to sell cattle wastes to the biogas producers.
Also Read: UIDAI Launches AI-based Fingerprint Authentication Facility for Aadhar Card
Security, Check out its usage

UIDAI Launches AI-based Fingerprint

Authentication Facility for Aadhar Card
Security, Check out its usage
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) recently instigated a new security mechanism
which is an AI-based fingerprint authentication. An official statement said on February 27, 2023
(Monday) that this step has been introduced for faster detection of fraudulent attempts in Aadhar
Cards.
This security feature is an amalgamation of both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
(ML) technologies. Also, it has been designed in-house by effectively using a "combination of both
finger minutia and finger image" which was put forth with the aim of checking the liveness or
genuineness of the fingerprint captured.
Aadhar Verification Transactions
The UIDAI Headquarters and its Regional Offices are connected with all entities for facilitating any
user agency (not migrated) to switch over to the newly developed secured authentication mode as
soon as possible, as requested by the authorities.
The Aadhaar-based authentication transactions have been significantly adopted as it has resulted
in availing several welfare benefits and services.
.@UIDAI rolls out new security mechanism for robust fingerprint based #Aadhaar authentication
The move will be of immense use in segments including banking and financials, telecom and
government sectors pic.twitter.com/2J2JD3IiId
— DD News (@DDNewslive) February 27, 2023
As per the official data released, the total number of Aadhar authentication transactions was
reportedly more than 88.29 billion by the end of December 2022. The average number of

transactions per day increased to 70 million. Most of these are fingerprint-based authentications
as it symbolizes their usage and utility in day-to-day lives.
Usage of Fingerprint Security Mechanism
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) further announced that the new security
instrument will be used for rigorous fingerprint-based Aadhar authentication. The government
body also stated that through this step, Aadhaar authentication transactions will become even
more secure than before and will expose spoofing activities.
Expectedly, the development will be very useful in the Banking, Telecom and Government
sectors. It will also enhance the Aadhaar-enabled payment system and curb unlawful attempts by
unscrupulous elements. Hence it is intended to highly benefit the global population.
Benefits of New AI-Based System
Talking about the latest designed security mechanism for Aadhaar-based fingerprint
authentication is now fully functional. The rollout and migration of user agencies happened after
several months of discussion and support by UIDAI.
UIDAI’s consistent engagement and intense efforts along with authentication user agencies
(AUAs) were carried out to inform them (AUAs/ Sub AUAs) about various benefits of the new
system brought by the authoritative body.
About AUAs
The Authentication User Agency (AUA) is an institution committed to providing Aadhaar-enabled

services to 12-digit Aadhar ID card holders using a verification process facilitated by the
authentication service agency. Sub-AUAs are those organizations that use Aadhaar
authentication to enable their services through an existing requesting entity.
Also Read: Lionel Messi Beats Karim, Kylian, Wins FIFA Best Men’s Player Trophy, Know
Full List of Winners here

Lionel Messi Beats Karim, Kylian, Wins FIFA

Best Men’s Player Trophy, Know Full List of
Winners here
Argentina's Professional Football Player Lionel Messi was honoured with the “FIFA Best Men’s
Player Award” at the FIFA Football Award Ceremony 2022. The Federation Internationale de
Football Association (FIFA), also known as the Sports Governing Body conducts the FIFA Awards
on annual basis and this time the event was held in Paris on February 28, 2023.
The legendary player Messi won the World Cup trophy with Argentina in Qatar last year and was
also nominated for the prestigious prize along with his Paris Saint Germain (PSG) team members
Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid Captain Karim Benzema.
The title of the ‘Best FIFA Men's Player Award’ has been officially announced to have been
bestowed on Messi for his exemplary performances in the Men's Football matches between the
period August 8 2021 to December 18 2022. Talking about Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert
Lewandowski's victory at the FIFA awards, the PSG superstar raised the famous trophy for the
second time at Salle Pleyel Concert hall located in Paris.
Lionel Messi’s Achievements
This world-renowned football player Lionel Messi first appeared at the FIFA fete in the year 2007.
After 15 years, Lionel Messi has been named the FIFA player of the year for the seventh time in
Paris on February 28 (Tuesday).
#TheBest FIFA Men’s Player Award 2022 goes to Lionel Messi! pic.twitter.com/HXEugVH1t9
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) February 27, 2023
Regarded as one of the greatest players in sports history, Messi has been titled the ‘FIFA World
Player of the Year’ in several past years such as 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and now in

2023. Ending its five-year partnership with the Ballon d'Or, FIFA first gave the special award in
2016. Earlier, he had won the Best FIFA Men’s Player award during his trophy-laden stint at
Barcelona in 2019 respectively.
Messi Emerges as Frontrunner
Messi leads Argentina to World Cup grandeur in the previous year 2022 and therefore emerged
as the frontrunner for the prestigious trophy. Messi's Argentina surpassed Mbappe-starred France
in the stirring FIFA World Cup final last year.
Messi overshadowed Mbappe for the Golden Ball, awarded by FIFA association which is given to
the exceptional player at the Qatar World Cup. He made multiple records and stunning seven
goals for Argentina at the Qatar World Cup of 2022.
How close was Kylian Mbappe in upstaging Lionel Messi at FIFA awards#FIFABestAwards
#Messi #Mbappe #Benzema #FootballTwitter #FIFAFootballAwards pic.twitter.com/FWYllIyIOM
— Siddharth Thakur (@fvosid) February 27, 2023
Worthy Finalist Benzema drops out at FIFA Awards
Kylian Mbappe's France teammate Benzema missed the FIFA World Cup due to injury issues.
The Real Madrid Captain was made the winner of the Ballon d'Or Award in October last year. He
scored a total of 44 goals in 46 football games for Los Blancos last season. The veteran French
Karim Mostafa Benzema guided Real Madrid Spanish Football Club to Champions League and
La Liga titles last season. He somehow managed to make it in 17 consecutive seasons of the
Champions League from years 2005-2006 to 2021-2022.
Spain's Alexia Putellas titled ‘Best Women's Player’
While Messi was named the Best Men's Player by FIFA, Spain's Alexia Putellas Segura was
honoured with the ‘Best Women's Player Award’ for the second time. Moreover, Argentina's World
Cup-winning manager Lionel Scaloni was voted the FIFA Men's Coach of the Year and Scaloni
strikes Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti as well as Manchester City Head Coach Pep Guardiola to
attain the Coach of the Year Award.

#TheBest FIFA Fan Award 2022 goes to the Argentinian fans! pic.twitter.com/ClFdracE3q
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) February 27, 2023
List of Winners at FIFA Awards
FIFA Fan Award 2022 - Argentinian fans
FIFA Fair Play Award 2022 - Luka Lochoshvili
The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2022- Lionel Messi (PSG/Argentina)
The Best FIFA Women’s Player 2022 - Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain)
The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper 2022 - Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina)
The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper 2022 - Mary Earps (England/Manchester United)
The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2022 - Lionel Scaloni (Argentina)
The Best FIFA Women’s Coach 2022 - Sarina Wiegman (England)
FIFA Puskas Award for the most spectacular goal in 2022 - Marcin Oleksy (POL/Warta Poznan)
Also Read: PM Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone of Shivamogga Airport in
Karnataka Today

PM Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone

of Shivamogga Airport in Karnataka Today
The Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrived in Kolkata for the inauguration of the
Shivamogga Airport located at Sogane. The inauguration ceremony was held today February 27,
2023. This domestic airport also called Kuvempu Airport has been built on 663 acres of land and
the government deployed an investment amount of Rs 449.22 crores for this project.
Along with this, the Indian Prime Minister attended the inaugural opening of the airport and also
took several other development projects in the poll-bound state. Days ahead of his visit to
Shivamogga, PM Modi said that the facility will boost commerce, and connectivity and enhance
tourism in the region.
While addressing the ceremonial function, PM Modi is delighted over the event and expressed
that the Shivamogga airport is a grand & beautiful airport which was built in two phases. At this
airport, there is an ideal combination of Karnataka's tradition and technology located at the
Sogane village, approximately 8.8 km from Shivamogga and 8.2 km from Bhadravathi. According
to PM Modi, it is not just an airport but it is a tour towards a new journey of the dreams of the
youth residing in this area.
Glad to have inaugurated the airport in Shivamogga. pic.twitter.com/I3cLj2y4n2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 27, 2023
Shivamogga Airport Construction Project
Shivamogga Airport is being built on 663 acres of land involving an investment of Rs 449.22
crores. The building was laid in June 2020 by former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa. The
Passenger Terminal Building of the airport can handle around 300 passengers per hour.
As per the official statement, the airport is working towards the improvement of its connectivity
and accessibility to the Shivamogga region and other neighbouring areas in the Malnad region.

This is the 9th domestic airport established in Karnataka. At present, the state's domestic airports
are located in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Ballari, Bidar, Hubballi, Kalaburagi, Belagavi as well as
Mangaluru. Both Bengaluru and Mangaluru airports are the two international airports located
across the state.
The airport has the longest runway of about 3,200 metres which is the longest after Kempe
Gowda International Airport, Bengaluru. It has been designed to operate Boeing 737 and Airbus
A320 type Aircraft and holds the efficient capacity of handling nearly 200 peak-hour passengers.
Earlier, the former CM Yediyurappa stated that the Shivamogga Airport will have the second
longest runway in Karnataka after Bengaluru. He further added that it will fulfil the demands of the
people of the Malnad region with the aim of building strong connectivity, boosting tourism and
accelerating growth across Central Karnataka.
Other Development Projects
PM Modi also lay the foundation stones of two railway projects in Shivamogga which are the
Shivamogga-Shikaripura-Ranebennur new line and the Koteganguru railway coaching depot. The
new line will be developed at a cost of Rs 990 crores to be borne by the government and will
provide super connectivity between the Malnad region and Bengaluru-Mumbai mainline. The
coaching depot in Shivamogga city will be designed at a significant cost of over Rs 100 crores
and the objective is to help start new trains from Shivamogga and decongest maintenance
facilities in Bengaluru and Mysuru.
After this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting is lined up with Shivamogga and the Belagavi
districts as he will be visiting the places in order to inaugurate water supply projects worth more
than Rs 2,500 crores. This initiative comes under the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ which will benefit more
than 13 lakh people in these two districts, as stated in an official press release.
Also Read: India at 42 Rank among 55 Global Economies as per International Intellectual
Property Index 2023

India at 42 Rank among 55 Global Economies

as per International Intellectual Property
Index 2023
India has been ranked at the 42nd position among all 55 leading global economies as mentioned
in the official report of the International IP Index released by the U.S. Chambers of Commerce. It
reveals that the country is all set to lead the globally emerging markets that seek to reshape their
economic systems through IP-driven innovation.
Patrick Kilbride who serves as the Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Global Innovation Policy Center the annual International Intellectual Property report for the year
2023 on February 21, 2023.
On February 24, 2023 (Friday) he affirmed, “As India’s size and economic influence grows on the
world stage, India is ripe to become a leader for emerging markets seeking to transform their
economy through IP-driven innovation”. The United States has topped the International IP Index
2023 followed by UK and France while the US got the first rank in the previous year 2022 as well.
The 11th edition of the International IP Index is here, and it's not all good news. While 2023 was
mostly stable for intellectual property, our new report warns of a torrent of proposals that could
erode IP rights. #IPIndex https://t.co/82zfbK6v4g pic.twitter.com/2F7IOkfGDb
— U.S. Chamber (@USChamber) February 22, 2023
International IP Index 2023 Report Highlights
The eleventh edition of the report covers everything from Patent and Copyright Laws to the ability
to monetise IP assets. Also, it includes the ratification of international agreements. India has
shown determined efforts in Copyright Piracy through the issuing of “dynamic” injunction orders.
The country has not only initiated generous R&D and IP-based tax incentives but also has a
strong awareness-raising effort considering the negative impact of piracy and counterfeiting. The

report says that it is a global leader in targeted administrative incentives for the creation as well as
the use of IP assets for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Growth of IPR in Developing India
Patrick Kilbride mentions that India has taken progressive steps in order to enhance the
implementation against copyright-infringing content and also to provide a top-notch framework to
promote better understanding and utilisation of IP assets. However, as far as the limitations are
concerned, it is critical for India to strongly address these issues IP framework with the aim of
building a new model for the region and for India’s continued economic development.
Moreover, the 2021 dissolution of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board combined with the
long[1]standing issue of an under-resourced and overstretched judiciary hoists serious concerns
regarding the rights holder's ability to enforce their IP rights in India and also to further resolve IP-
related disputes.
India ranks 42 in 55 countries on International IP Index
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 25, 2023
IP Systems in Global Markets
Talking about the carriers to licensing and technology transfer which includes strict registration
requirements, the framework for the protection of biopharmaceutical IP rights is comparatively
scanty.
After analysing the expanding IP landscape in international markets, the annual Index guides
nations to help them traverse towards a brighter economic future through research, creativity,
innovation, as well as market competitiveness.
As per the official announcement, various proposals have been put forward considering the
augmentation of IP systems at a global level. This has been suggested by US and international
policy leaders, including a plethora of multilateral organisations. It leads to imperilling the arduous
economic gains and increments.

India’s Innovation Journey
In the past few years, India’s research and innovation journey has been significant as the nation
has emerged as one of the fastest-growing innovation-led economies across the globe. The
Indian Government has taken instigates several initiatives for IPR Sector.
New innovative technologies developed by the country have transformed India into the third-
largest startup ecosystem in the world. In order to strengthen India’s IP Ecosystem, the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has created beneficial systems and a few of the initiatives
designed by the association are Capacity Building, International IPR Conference, and National IP
Facilitation Centre.
Also Read: Unforgettable Moment for Australia, batters South Africa at ICC Women’s T20
World Cup

Unforgettable Moment for Australia, batters

South Africa at ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
World-beating Australia has recently won the Women's T20 World Cup for the sixth time. They hit
the jackpot by defeating South Africa by 19 runs in the entertaining final match. This match was
held at Newlands on February 26, 2023 (Sunday).
This was Australia’s seventh appearance in the final and the team celebrated the victorious
moment. Also, the opening batter professional cricketer Beth Mooney anchored the Australian
innings, scoring an unbeaten 74 in a total of 156 for six. South Africa did not match the required
run rate and was restricted to 137 for six while the Proteas opener Laura Wolvaardt hit 61 off 48
balls. This led to declining hopes in the 17th over.
The #T20WorldCup is in the dressing room!#TurnItUp pic.twitter.com/WEXPhsDVfp
— ICC (@ICC) February 26, 2023
Match Highlights
Australia has now won six Women’s T20 World Cup titles and completed three consecutive
championships under the captaincy of Meg Lanning. Three-peat have been won in 2018, 2020
and in the present year 2023.
Wolvaardt along with the South African athlete Tazmin Britts struggled to find gaps in the field and
they scored only 17 runs.
Australia’s bowlers accelerated the scoring rate of South Africa’s openers at the start of the game
recognizing just 22 runs in the Powerplay and with in-form Tazmin Brits sent back to the dugout
by the electric Darcie Brown.
South African Cricketers
South African International cricketer Marizanne Kapp was seen released for a run-a-ball 11 off

Ash Gardner as South Africa struggled to elevate the scoring rate, with 105 runs still required at
drinks with ten overs remaining.
The expertise of Laura Wolvaardt threatened to bring South Africa back into the game as she hit a
big remarkable shot after a big shot to surge to 61 from 48 balls.
Marizanne Kap hit two boundaries however she was out for 11 and also South African captain
Sune Luus was run out for two. During this stage, the home side needed another 103 runs off 56
balls.
How do you beat Australia
POTM Beth Mooney has opened up on what drives her and the team after Australia’s triumph
#AUSvSA | #T20WorldCup | #TurnItUphttps://t.co/tEkYcLAk2t
Wolvaardt and the uncompromising Chloe Tyron gave a near-capacity crowd of more than
15,000 hope with a striking fourth-wicket partnership of 55 off 37 balls. But the match was
effectively over when Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed before hitting the wicket to Megan Schutt in
the 17th over.
The left-handed Mooney played major innings producing a score of 74 runs off 53 balls while a
succession of partners batted strongly. Ash Gardner as well as Grace Harris both bashed before
captain Meg Lanning and it was apparent that they were in adherence to instructions to go for
their shots.
Formidable
Indomitable
The Greatest
Praise is being heaped on Meg Lanning’s triumphant Australia side #AUSvSA | #T20WorldCup |
#TurnItUphttps://t.co/ElSGDdzUu6

South Africa's bowlers performed uninterruptedly and were supported by enthusiastic fielding.
Two wickets were taken up by both Stalwarts Shabnim Ismail and Kapp. Moreover, Australia
showed their qualitative performance in defending their rival with athleticism and full commitment
that put the South African batters under continuous pressure.
About ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global-level regulating body of cricket and this
organization conducts the Women’s T20 World Cup event also referred to as the ICC Women’s
World Twenty20.
T20 World Cup

Cricket World Cup
Commonwealth Games gold medal
The incredible numbers behind Australia's dynasty
https://t.co/LbOdIu7LfC
Its first edition was held in the year 2009 in England. Meg Lanning as the captain remains the
holder of both the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as well as the 50-over Women’s World Cup titles.
He has won all of the last three editions of this tournament and was honoured with a total of
seven out of the last nine major ICC World Cups.
Also Read: Seattle forbids Caste Discrimination, Becomes First U.S. City to Initiate the
move

Victorious Moment for “RRR”, Bagged Five

Awards at Hollywood Critics Association
2023 Event
SS Rajamouli’s RRR has achieved laudable success as the spectacular action drama film bags
five awards at the Hollywood Critics Association Awards ceremony 2023 in Los Angeles,
California.
.@ssrajamouli & @AlwaysRamCharan’s acceptance speech for the Best International Film Award
at @HCAcritics !! #HCAAwards #RRRMovie pic.twitter.com/QEK3QxR4cQ
— RRR Movie (@RRRMovie) February 25, 2023
The film was honoured with various category awards which are five major category awards in the
Best Stunts, Best Original Song (Naatu Naatu), Best Action Film, Best International Film and
Spotlight award categories. The Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli along with the famous music
composer MM Keeravani and their families attended the big event.
Apart from this, the glorious Indian actor Ram Charan was present at the award function held in
Hollywood city. The 6th annual HCA Film Awards took place in the evening on February 24, 2023.
The Tollywood star Ram Charan even presented the award for the Best Voice Or Motion-Capture
Performance categories.
Honoured to be representing Indian Cinema at the @HCAcritics 2023 along with @ssrajamouli
Garu & @mmkeeravaani Garu.
I’m proud of the recognition we received as team @RRRMovie tonight.
pic.twitter.com/u44ee2peX5
— Ram Charan (@AlwaysRamCharan) February 25, 2023

A Proud Moment for Indian Cinema!
SS Rajamouli hit the jackpot with his Blockbuster film of the year 2022 ‘RRR’. He attended the
Hollywood Critics Association Awards 2023 with the whole team of RRR and represented Indian
Cinema.
In his acceptance speech, for the awards - Best Stunts, Best Action Film and Best International
Film categories, SS Rajamouli said, “In the innumerable action shots in the whole film, I can
hardly think of two or three scenes where we used body doubles. Each and every stunt was
performed by themselves (Jr NTR and Ram Charan). We put in 320 days of hard work to make
this film, most of those were taken up by stunts.”
Additionally, he also expressed his gratitude and said that he is proud to have received such an
honour and recognition. This award is a symbol of triumph for the whole Indian film industry.
And the HCA Award Acceptance …
RRR#RRR #RRRMovie #RamCharan #SSRajamouli #NTRamaRaoJr #HCAFilmAwards

#BestOriginalSong pic.twitter.com/rVuTJQzbBs
— Hollywood Critics Association (@HCAcritics) February 25, 2023
Most Stunts Performed by Actors
SS Rajamouli conveyed thanksgiving to all members of the Hollywood Critics Association (HCA).
Then he continued by saying that the film’s choreographer has put in great effort to execute all the
stunts that are being done in making the movie.
He also reveals that most of the stunts were performed by wonderful actors - Jr NTR and Ram
Charan. The director further hopes to make more such contributions in future. Lastly, he
concluded his speech by congratulating his entire team and said a few words for India which he
calls a land of wonderful stories, Bharath. Rajamouli addressed the country, “Mera Bharath
Mahaan, Jai Hind.”

He also urged the award shows to include a category for stunt choreographers. The stunt team
puts their life in order to entertain the world. Hence they also deserve such honour and prestige.
This is for all the stunt choreographers, not just in my country, but the world,” said SS Rajamouli.
Here’s @ssrajamouli’s acceptance speech of #HCAcritics award for Best Stunts.
Congratulations to our entire team #RRRMovie @HCAcritics pic.twitter.com/kRYW9PICau
— RRR Movie (@RRRMovie) February 25, 2023
Ram Charan Glad for Prestigious Award
Several videos of the HCA award function were posted on the online Twitter handle. On the
occasion, Ram Charan took to the stage while taking the Best International Film Award with SS
Rajamouli and thanked HCA for giving such honour and love from across the globe.
He realizes that it is a great responsibility and further proclaimed that they look forward to making
and coming up with better films in the coming times whereas the director said, “To all my fellow
filmmakers in India, it is for all of us to believe we can truly make international films.” The great
music composer MM Keeravani sang on stage while accepting the award for the world-acclaimed
song ‘Naatu Naatu’.
About Hollywood Critics Association
Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) is a film critic organization located in Los Angeles, California.
It was first discovered in the year 2016 and then named the ‘Los Angeles Online Film Critics
Society’. Then it was later renamed in 2019.
The HCA Association releases the nomination each December for the Film Awards Function and
the event is held in January. On February 24, 2023, the HCA Awards were organized in
Hollywood city where the epic movie ‘RRR’ directed by SS Rajamouli bagged 5 major awards.
Also Read: NSE India Introduces first-ever Municipal Bond Indexes to Keep Record of
Municipal Bonds

NSE India Introduces first-ever Municipal

Bond Indexes to Keep Record of Municipal
Bonds
On February 24, 2023 (Friday), the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE Indices Ltd) officially
announced the launch of the country's first-ever municipal bond index.
The new Nifty India Municipal Bond Index has been introduced in order to track the performance
of municipal bonds issued by Indian Municipal Corporations across maturities as well as those
institutions having investment grade credit ratings, as proposed by the NSE Indices in an online
tweet.
The company instigated the launch of the Nifty India Municipal Bond Index at a Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) workshop on Municipal Debt Securities in Bengaluru today.
NSE’s Vision
Talking about the current data, the index has 28 municipal bonds issued by 10 issuers all having
credit ratings in the AA category. There is a rising demand that can be seen for such Municipal
Bonds instruments among various investors.
Moreover, the index constituents are referred to as assigned weights based on their superlative
amount. NSE’s vision is to provide market representative benchmarks. Consequently, this index
will act as a benchmark for asset managers. Also, it will be a reference index tracked by passive
funds in the form of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), index funds along with structured products,
as asserted in the official notification.
Press Release: "NSE Indices launches India’s first Municipal Bond Index." For more details visit:
https://t.co/2ZvhLUI6t4 #NSEIndia #StockExchange #PressRelease #MunicipalBondIndex #Index
#bondindex @MoHUA_India @SEBI_India @ashishchauhan @mukeshagg67
pic.twitter.com/quIeMrDCDn
— NSE India (@NSEIndia) February 24, 2023

Municipal Bond Market
The Indian municipal bond market has seen an upturn in issuances after SEBI's Issue and Listing
of Municipal Debt Securities Regulations, 2015 was implemented and it led to an improved
emphasis on municipal finance by policymakers.
Raising money from capital markets stimulates municipal corporations to fund new projects as
well as further enhance civic infrastructure while encouraging them to become financially
disciplined and governance oriented.
Role of Municipal Bonds in the Economy
"The municipal bond market has the potential to play a pivotal role in financing the borrowing
requirements of different municipal corporations in India. The proceeds from bonds issued by
municipal corporations can be utilised to finance the expansion of essential municipal services
through growth-driven infrastructure projects and can contribute to bridging India's urban
infrastructure financing gap," as stated by Mukesh Agarwal, the CEO of NSE Indices company.
About NSE Indices Limited
NSE Indices Limited is a branch of the National Stock Exchange of India with its headquarters
located in Mumbai. This institution manages a portfolio of more than 350 indices under the NIFTY
Brand. The company provides several indices and index-related products as well as its services
to the Indian Capital Markets.
Union Budget 2023
In the Union Budget session 2023, the government mentioned that it will be granting incentives to
urban civic bodies for the improvement of their finances and creditworthiness. Around 9 municipal
bodies raised Rs 38.40 billion through bonds in the years 2016-17 and 2020-21, as stated in the
report of the Reserve Bank of India.
Also Read: India Refrains from Voting in UN General Assembly, Resolution of ‘Lasting
Peace’ in Ukraine

India Refrains from Voting in UN General

Assembly, Resolution of ‘Lasting Peace’ in
Ukraine
Among several other countries that restrain themselves from voting in the UN General Assembly,
India also announces its withdrawal from giving votes. This was regarding a resolution that was
decided on February 24, 2023 (Friday). Under this project, the aim is to end the war in Ukraine
and establish peace between Russia and Ukraine.
India’s representative Ruchira Kamboj addressed the assembly and declared that the move was
not enough to achieve the goal of ‘lasting peace’. According to the voting data, a total number of
141 member states voted in favour of the resolution at an emergency special session hours
before the conflict entered its second year whereas seven countries including Russia, Belarus as
well as North Korea voted against it.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that demands #Russia leave #Ukraine.
In favour: 141
Against: 7
Abstentions: 32 pic.twitter.com/WnEoRp94kx
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) February 23, 2023
Resolution Demanding Russia to Terminate War
Almost a year ago when Russia invaded Ukraine, since then situations have been alarming and
have shaken the whole world. The United Nations General Assembly voted and gave approval of
the demanding resolution that Russia should withdraw its military forces.
Out of the total, 141 countries voted in support of the resolution while 32 nations abstained

including India, China, Bangladesh, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, etc. It was
restated that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military
forces from the territory of Ukraine” and further called for a cessation of hostilities. As per the
resolution, all member states are requested to collaborate to address the global impacts of the
war on food security, energy, finance, the environment and nuclear security.
Excerpts from PR @ruchirakamboj’s explanation of vote at the #UNGA Emergency Special

Session on #Ukraine today. pic.twitter.com/tUptpHj09j
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) February 24, 2023
Why India abstains from Voting?
India’s Permanent Representative/Ambassador to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj explains

India’s voting abstinence by questioning the effectiveness of the United Nations along with the
Security Council in resolving contemporary conflicts. She points out the resolution’s “inherent
limitations”.
She further stated at the assembly session that India is committed to multilateralism and upholds
the principles of the UN Charter. India and Russia have a long history of diplomatic and defence
relations. Ruchira also asserted that the only applicable solution is dialogue and diplomacy. The
objective of today’s resolution, given its inherent limitations in reaching the desired goal of
securing a lasting peace, the country is compelled to abstain.
“Are we anywhere near a possible solution acceptable to both sides? Can any process that does
not involve either of the two sides ever lead to a credible and meaningful solution?” asked India’s
deputy Kamboj. She also questioned, “Has the UN system, and particularly its principal organ, the
UN Security Council, based on a 1945-world construct, not been rendered ineffective to address
contemporary challenges to global peace and security?”
PM Modi’s Meeting with Vladimir Putin
India has not publicly condemned Russia’s actions however the mission is for the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of all states to be respected. At a meeting with President Vladimir Putin held
last September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that “today’s era is not of war” and he

indicated the issues of food and energy security faced by developing countries while also
encouraging the Russian government to end the conflict.
Also Read: Who is Ajay Banga, India-born nominated by President Biden to lead World
Bank? Know all about his roles

Who is Ajay Banga, India-born nominated by

President Biden to lead World Bank? Know
all about his roles
US President Joe Biden announced the nomination of the former CEO of Mastercard, Ajay Bank
to lead the World Bank on February 23, 2023 (Thursday). He becomes the first Indian-American
to be chosen for the World Bank’s Presidency.
Ajay Banga is equipped with unique skillsets which will be required to become the Head or Chief
of the international financial organization World Bank. Joe Biden further gives an official statement
that this decision will be appropriate in light of the current crisis juncture prevailing across the
globe.
According to the White House, Banga is being considered for this role as he holds substantial
experience to administer prominent institutions in developing countries. Additionally, he is also
skilled in shaping public-private partnerships. He is the right choice for the World Bank as his
knowledge and experience add up to lead and tackle contemporary challenges such as climate
change and financial inclusion, as proclaimed by Joe Biden.
What makes Ajay Banga suitable for this role?
Janet Yellen, United States Secretary of the Treasury avowed that Ajay Banga’s experience along
with his wit and wisdom will help him achieve the objectives of the World Bank. The World Bank
institution is highly focused on eradicating penury. It aims at addressing global issues while also
expanding shared prosperity and changes needed to enhance the institution in an effective
manner.
This Indian-origin Ajay Banga has the capabilities to meet the organization’s ambitious goals for
climate adaptation as well as emissions reduction. He now becomes the first Indian to be
nominated for this prestigious position.
Another phenomenal addition to the list of Indian origin leaders at the helm of globally impactful
organisations.

Congrats #AjayBanga on being nominated as the next President of the @WorldBank

The perfect choice !!!@PMOIndia @ficci_india @wef @IMFNews @CIIEvents
pic.twitter.com/HoVV5ZE3jk
— Dr. Sangita Reddy (@drsangitareddy) February 23, 2023
More About Executive Ajay Banga
Ajay Banga is the first indigenous to be recommended for the World Bank Presidency. If he
becomes the president then he will be replacing David Malpass, a Trump administration deputy
who has already announced his resignation from the post by June this year.
Banga was brought up in India before obtaining United States citizenship. Also, he has a
Bachelor’s degree in economics from Delhi University’s St. Stephen College after which he
completed his MBA from IIM, Ahmedabad.
Born in Pune, Maharashtra, a western Indian state, on November 10, 1959, his father, Harbhajan
Singh Banga served as a Lieutenant General in the Indian Army. 63 years old Ajay Banga began
his career with Nestle, Citigroup, etc and now he has 30-plus years of business experience.
His Expertise in Various Roles
Having served in several job roles and working closely with the US government, Banga has a lot
of experience. In February 2015, he was elected by then-President Barack Obama to join the
President's Advisory Council on Trade Policy and Negotiations.
He is famous for openly expressing his concern about the complexity of addressing climate
change. Under his leadership as Mastercard CEO, he instigated the effort to form the Priceless
Planet Coalition in 2020, a collection of more than 100 businesses dedicated to making financial
contributions to halt environmental degradation.
Banga promotes closer connections between India and the US. In the year 2019, he posited that
the world needs a "mahagathbandhan" (known as Grand Alliance) represented by the Indo-US
strategic relationship and that the "two greatest democracies" can join this initiative.
How are Indians leaving footprints in the US?

As per the recent updates, the second member of the Indian-American community to enter the
2024 Presidential Bid after Nikki Haley is tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. He guarantees to
"put merit back" and reduce dependency on China as he officially launched his 2024 campaign.
Another one is Neal Mohan, who is made the new CEO of YouTube. Mohan replaced Susan
Wojcicki, a former Google executive who withdraw from the role for her family and personal
endeavours.
About World Bank
The World Bank is an international development institution owned by 187 countries. It is a unique
global partnership that fights to abolish poverty by providing financial assistance to the
governments of developing countries or low and middle-income members. Its aim is to help in the
growth of their economies and raise the standard of living for the masses.
Founded in 1944 after the Second World War, this organization provides research and
educational facilities. Among the biggest institution in the world, it includes specialist divisions that
counsel nations on issues pertaining to health, education, nutrition, finance, justice, law, as well
as the environment.
Also Read: PM Narendra Modi delivers speech on Green Growth, Know key points of Post
Budget Webinar here

PM Narendra Modi delivers speech on Green

Growth, Know key points of Post Budget
Webinar here
In an online webinar conducted by the Ministry of Power, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
discourse on ‘Green Growth’ marked key points about the Amrit Kaal Budget. He underlined the
fact that there is a rapid need for the implementation of budget policies. Furthermore, he
announced some schemes such as the ‘PM Kusum’ and ‘GOBARdhan’.
This post-budget webinar was held today i.e. February 23, 2023 (Thursday). Out of the series of
12 post-budget webinars, this is the first one put forth by the government. The main aim to
organize this online event was to come up with effective ideas and suggestions in order to
instigate the implementation of policies mentioned in the Union Budget session of the current year
2023.
Amrit Kaal Budget accelerates the momentum for green growth. Sharing my remarks at a
webinar. https://t.co/VHyTUqZWue
Top 5 Key Points by PM Modi on ‘Green Growth’
- PM Narendra Modi laid out 3 pillars for Green Growth as well as energy transmission. First of
all, it includes elevating the production of Renewable Energy. Secondly, the aim is the
reduction of fossil fuel usage in the economy. Lastly, to promote the gas-based economy
across the nation.
- As far as Renewable Energy is concerned, the country has witnessed a significant rise since
2014 among many economies. India has also made achievements ahead of time. PM Modi
notices that India’s contribution to Installed Electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels is 40 per
cent. This was achieved 9 years before the target completion date.
- The Prime Minister also said that India has the potential to manufacture 10 thousand million
cubic meters of biogas and 1.5 lakh cubic meters of gas from cow dung (cow dung). This

further contributes up to 8 per cent of city gas distribution in the country.

- Another initiative, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, under which India is advancing with
the target of producing 5 MMT green hydrogen. An amount of Rs 19,000 crores have been
allocated to encourage the private sector in this area.
- He stated that the country will have to enhance the Battery Storage Capacity to 125-gigawatt
hours in the coming 6-7 years. To support the battery developers to achieve this target, the
government has initiated a Viability Gap Funding Scheme in the Union Budget 2023.
Post Budget Webinar Sessions
The series of webinars hosted by the Union Ministry of Power will be including six breakout
sessions, covering both energy and non-energy components of green development. Green
Growth is one of the seven top priorities of the Union Budget 2023-24 for ushering in green
industrial and economic transformation, eco-friendly agriculture and sustainable energy in the
country.
Also Read: Massive Earthquake of 6.8 Magnitude knocks Tajikistan, Epicentre traced to be
Afghanistan-China Border

Massive Earthquake of 6.8 Magnitude knocks

Tajikistan, Epicentre traced to be
Afghanistan-China Border
Earthquake in Tajikistan
Today morning i.e. 5:37 am on February 23, 2023 (Thursday), an earthquake of a 6.8 magnitude
severely shook Eastern Tajikistan as detected by the US Geological Survey. The Earth tremor
was reportedly around 5:37 am local time at a depth of nearly 20.5 kilometres.
As per the official information, the epicentre emerged to be in Gorno-Badakhshan which is known
as the semi-autonomous eastern region that borders Afghanistan and China. Also, AFP reports
claim that this area is about 67 kilometres from the small mountain town of Murghob.
An aftershock of about 5.0 magnitude struck the area which happened almost 20 minutes after
the initial quake, followed by a 4.6-magnitude quake. This quake has resulted in tremors across
various regions covering China and Tajikistan.
Countries Affected by 6.8 Tajikistan Quake
This earthquake was actively felt in several countries like Tajikistan, Pakistan, China, Uzbekistan,
Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan. Acute damages were caused as an aftermath of the Tajikistan
earthquake of 6.8 magnitudes. The U.S. Geological Survey stated that it occurred 67 km west of
Murghob, Tajikistan and 20 km deep.
Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.8 - 67 km W of Murghob, Tajikistan https://t.co/41zyIIbysN
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) February 23, 2023
Are Earthquakes common in Tajikistan?
Tajikistan is a mountainous country having varied topography and this makes it vulnerable to

climatic dangers. As it is highly prone to natural disasters and has a remarkable history of floods,
earthquakes, landslides, avalanches as well as heavy snowfalls, two earthquakes were recorded
today in different areas.
This month, around nine people died in an avalanche that occurred earlier on February 15, 2023,
in Gorno-Badakhshan whereas another person was also killed the same day in an avalanche on a
highway near the capital Dushanbe.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 occurred 67 km west of Murghob in Tajikistan: USGS
— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2023
Another Earth Tremor hits the Country
After the 6.8 earthquakes on the Afghanistan-China border, Tajikistan faced another massive
attack of the earthquake. This time, the situation becomes more alarming as it is of a higher
magnitude. The Richter Scale measures an earthquake of approximately 7.2 magnitudes which
came at 8:37 am (0037 GMT or 6:07 IST).
It was observed that the epicentre was nearly 82 km from the nearest China border. Strongly hit
areas include China’s western Xinjiang region such as Kashgar and Artux, as recorded in the
CCTV Cameras.
Lake Sarez in Tajikistan
The official agency estimated that much population is not exposed to landslides from the
earthquake. Moreover, the territory is surrounded by the towering Pamir Mountains and is home
to Lake Sarez.
The aquamarine-coloured body of water was initially formed as a result of an earthquake that
occurred in the year 1911 and this Lake Sarez is among Tajikistan's largest lakes. Behind Lake
Sarez, a natural dam deep in the Pamir mountains is located and experts have already released
warnings against the catastrophic consequences in case the dam gets ruptured.
Disastrous Earthquakes in Turkey & Syria

In the meantime, in a fatal earthquake over 47,000 people were killed and the damage or
destruction of hundreds or thousands of homes in Turkey and Syria was reported. Just two
weeks after the earthquake, the countries were again shaken by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake
which killed six people.
The disastrous event did not end on this as it was further followed by 90 aftershocks. Turkey's
Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) stated that these repeated traumatic
situations have left the Antakya residents homeless and also those who used to make a living in
tents were grievously impacted by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that appeared on February 6,
2023.
Also Read: Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy runs for GOP Presidential Bid, 2nd Indo-
American after Niki Haley

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy runs for

GOP Presidential Bid, 2nd Indo-American
after Niki Haley
US Presidential Elections 2024
The Indian-American Biotech Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy officially declared today i.e.
February 22, 2023 (Wednesday) that he will participate in the 2024 Presidential Election in the
United States. He becomes the second Indian-American to launch his candidacy for the
Republican nomination. After Nikki Haley, former US Ambassador to the UN launched her US
Presidential Bid about a couple of days ago, now Ramaswamy will also be running for the same.
In different messages posted by Vivek Ramaswamy on the Twitter handle, he stated that “We’ve
celebrated our “diversity” so much that we forgot all the ways we’re really the same as Americans,
bound by ideals that united a divided, headstrong group of people 250 years ago.” He further
believes that these ideals still exist. Also, he declared his run for the next year’s US Presidential
Bid. Apart from Vivek and Nikki, former President Donald Trump also declared his candidature
recently.
We’ve celebrated our “diversity” so much that we forgot all the ways we’re really the same as
Americans, bound by ideals that united a divided, headstrong group of people 250 years ago. I
believe deep in my bones those ideals still exist. I’m running for President to revive them.
pic.twitter.com/bz5Qtt4tmm
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) February 22, 2023

About Vivek Ramaswamy
Vivek was born in August 1985 in Ohio’s Cincinnati. He is the son of Indian immigrants from
Kerala state who moved to the United States. His father worked at the General Electric Plant in
Evendale, Ohio whereas his mother was a geriatric psychiatrist in Cincinnati.
Talking about his educational background, he holds an Undergraduate Degree and Majors in
Biology from Harvard College in the year 2007. Later on, he went to Yale Law School to pursue a

Doctorate in Jurisprudence.
According to his profile in New York published in December 2022, he has served as the President
of the Harvard Political Union while completing his college studies. Also, he has given various
performances of “Eminem covers and original free-market-themed rap songs as a kind of alter
ego called Da Vek.” He often went to Kerala while growing up to spend summer time with his
family.
Upsurge in Entrepreneurship
After he started and then sold out his technology company in his early 20s, he joined a New York-
based hedge fund company and also took a standup-comedy class. In 2014 Ramaswamy set up
Roivant, a pharmaceutical venture which focused on applying technology to drug development.
The business quickly gained popularity and in 2015, it was featured on the cover of Fobes
magazine which showcased him as “The 30-Year-Old CEO Conjuring Drug Companies from Thin
Air.”
After he dropped out from the position of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Roivant Sciences in
2021, he co-founded Strive Asset Management, an Ohio-based asset management firm that
received financial support from the billionaire entrepreneur Peter Thiel along with his law school
friend, JD Vance, who is a venture capitalist. According to the American weekly magazine, New
Yorker, Ramaswamy considers Strive as an “anti-woke” asset-management firm, which does not
ask the companies it invested in to “push political agendas”.
Political Thoughts of Vivek Ramaswamy
In the most recent years, Ramaswamy has significantly emerged as a “conservative pundit”,
especially after his many appearances on Fox News Channel (FNC). Ramaswamy, a 37-year-old
businessman is widely known for his strong views and for opposing the “Black Lives Matter
Movement”, “cultural totalitarianism” enforced by “liberal elites”, mask mandates as well as US-
border protection. He is a stronger promoter of meritocracy in every field including immigration.
In an interview with The New York Times, he stated that if he will be elected as the US President,
his foremost action would be to revoke Executive Order 11246 which has banned discrimination
and necessary action will also be taken for federal contractors since 1965.
Also Read: Putin Declares Russian Withdrawal from New START Treaty, Know more about
this treaty

Putin Declares Russian Withdrawal from New

START Treaty, Know more about this treaty
Federal Assembly in Moscow
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin delivered a Presidential address to the Russian Federal
Council. In his speech on February 21, 2023 (Tuesday), he announced the suspension of the
country’s participation in the 'New START treaty', the last major arms control agreement with the
United States (US). Both US and Russian Federation agreed upon the extension of the treaty till
February 4, 2026. Also, this is towards strengthening US national security and limiting Russian
deployed nuclear weapons.
The move may intensify prolonged tensions between Russia and US which also led to the
Ukrainian war. Moreover, US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv which confirms its
abiding support for Ukraine and this further gives an indication to Putin.
About New START Nuclear Pact
The nuclear arms control treaty was signed in the year 2010 during the US Presidency of Barack
Obama along with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev and was implemented on February
5, 2011. After US President Joe Biden assumed his position in 2021, the treaty was extended for
five years, allowing both US and Russian inspectors to ensure that both sides were in adherence
with the treaty.
According to the official agreement, Moscow and Washington agreed to locate about 1,550
strategic nuclear warheads and 700 long-range missiles and bombers. Along with this, the use of
land-based and submarine-based missiles and bombers was also propagated to deliver them.
BREAKING: President Vladimir Putin of Russia just announced in a state of the nation address
that Moscow is “suspending” its participation in the New START nuclear nonproliferation
agreement with the United States. It is the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between
the… https://t.co/zYNK3YhBCx pic.twitter.com/CBnYAslMSK
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) February 21, 2023

What is the purpose of Russia's Suspension of the Treaty?
As Russia suspended its participation in the New START Treaty, the US will not be able to access
inspections and monitoring data on the number of deployed Russian nuclear warheads, as well as
the land and sea-based vehicles which are used to launch them.
It has been reported that approximately 200 inspectors from the Department of Defense, the
Intelligence Community, and the State Department in the US are assigned to execute verification
under the treaty. Earlier, Russia notified that it wanted to keep the treaty despite the destructive
approach of the US to arms control.
Russia and the US have control over roughly 90% of the world's nuclear warheads. Both the
nations emphasized that the nuclear war should not happen The US had previously accused
Russia of breaching the treaty by refusing to allow investigation on its soil while Moscow also
released a warning that the West's support for Ukraine and determination to defeat Russia could
prevent the treaty from being renewed when it expires in the year 2026.
Growing Concerns for America
The surprising decision of Russia has increased the concern for America in the midst of the
ongoing war with Ukraine. Additionally, Russia is now free to make a significant increase in its
arms fleet. With the increasing seriousness of the war, the race for nuclear weapons can also
start in future which is a matter of deep concern for the whole world.
Russia and America hold most of the world's weapons. Hence, after Russia's withdrawal from this
treaty, Russia has become free to conduct new nuclear weapon tests. As a consequence, this
increases the difficulties of America including NATO.
Also Read: Seattle forbids Caste Discrimination, Becomes First U.S. City to Initiate the
move

Seattle forbids Caste Discrimination,

Becomes First U.S. City to Initiate the move
Anti-Caste Movement in Seattle
The Seattle City Council took the decision to add caste to the city’s anti-discrimination laws on
February 21, 2023 (Tuesday). Seattle now becomes the first city in the United States to instigate
such prohibition on the basis of caste.
There has been discord among the South Asian diaspora communities across the nation based
on birth or descent which has increased over time. Hence in order to eradicate such bigotry
beliefs and practices, the committee implemented a ban. However, this anti-caste movement is
getting repulsive reactions from the Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus of
North America groups who asserted that such legislation is baleful for a particular community.
Ordinance Issued by Seattle City Council
The Seattle City Council mandates the prohibition of caste-based discrimination and related
practices across the city. It is the first city in the U.S. to take this initiative. The ordinance was
approved by a 6-1 vote on February 21, 2023 (Tuesday). The supporters of the edict said that
caste discrimination crosses national and religious boundaries and it is important to implement
such laws for the protection of those facing caste discrimination in the country.
Also, this is a very controversial issue, especially among the nation's South Asian diaspora.
Supporters argue that it is an immediate need as caste is not covered under existing civil rights
protections. Those groups who oppose the order claim that it will malign a community that is
already the target of prejudice.
It’s official: our movement has WON a historic, first-in-the-nation ban on caste discrimination in
Seattle! Now we need to build a movement to spread this victory around the country
pic.twitter.com/1mBJ1W3v6j
— Kshama Sawant (@cmkshama) February 22, 2023

Activists and Socialists
Council Member Kshama Sawant, a Socialist as well as the only Indian American on the City
Council, stated that the legislation proposed by her is not specifically for one community but it
accounts for how caste discrimination is widespread across national and religious boundaries.
She further tweeted that this historic movement is the first of its kind in the city and now the
victory should reach all around the country.
Before the city council meeting, various activists holding different perspectives on the issue
arrived in Seattle city. About a week ago, over 100 people requested to speak up at the meeting.
Activists gathered outside the City Hall as they seek a chance to speak to the council before the
vote. However, public comment at the meeting was not allowed.
Origin & Role of Caste System
The caste system is a social hierarchical structure that shows a person’s status in society. The
origins of the caste system in India and the related theories can be found as many as 3,000 years
ago based on one’s occupation and birth. This system has evolved over the centuries and has
been shaped tremendously during the Mughal empire and British Rule. Casteism plagues many
societies across the globe.
Talking about those who lie at the rock bottom of the caste pyramid referred to as Dalits, their
sufferings have continued over time. Caste discrimination has been prohibited in India since 1948,
a year after the national independence from Crown Rule. Dalit activists from Seattle and overseas
rallied at Seattle City Hall in support of the ordinance, as stated by the Founder and Executive
Director of California-based Equality labs, Thenmozhi Soundararajan.
Indian Diaspora in U.S.
As per the survey of the Migration Policy Institute, the U.S. is the second most popular destination
for Indians living overseas. The data reveals that the U.S. diaspora increased from about 206,000
in 1980 to about 2.7 million in 2021. The group South Asian Americans Leading Together reports
mentions that around 5.4 million South Asians live in the U.S. and this number rises from the 3.5
million counted in the 2010 census. The roots of most of the population can be tracked down to
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Over the past 3 years, several
colleges and university systems have moved to prohibit caste discrimination.

Also Read: NITI Aayog Designates BVR Subrahmanyam as New CEO, Iyer Joins World
Bank

India & Singapore Jointly Launches UPI

PayNow Linkage, Incites Cross-Border
Transactions
Cross-Border Connectivity
India has collaborated with Singapore in order to introduce the ‘UPI-PayNow’ linkage which is a
digital payment system. This payment linkage was initiated at 11 am today i.e. February 21, 2023.
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien
Loong participated in the virtual launch event of cross-border connectivity between the Unified
Payments Interface (UPI) of India and PayNow of Singapore on February 21 (Tuesday).
PM Modi announced that this digital initiative will help people from both countries to transfer funds
or initiate payments instantly and at a low cost from their mobiles. Through this facility, cheaper
and real-time options will be available for monetary transactions between the two countries.
Benefits of Digital India Campaign
The Indian Prime Minister identifies the developments that have come with the launch of India’s
Digital India initiative. Through this programme, the government makes sure that government
services reach all citizens electronically. He says that this programme has improved the ‘Ease of
Living’ as well as the ‘Ease of Doing Business’. This will lead to cross-border connectivity by
further giving “Gati” (progress) to digital connectivity and financial inclusion.
Technology and Fintech software is shaping world connections in today’s modern times. “Today’s
launch has begun a new era of cross-border Fintech connectivity,” stated PM Modi in the online
conference held today. Moreover, Singapore is the first country with whom India is launching a
global payment facility.
According to the agreement signed between the two nations, real-time payment systems across
borders will enable faster and more cost-efficient money transfers. The UPI PayNow was
inaugurated by Shaktikanta Das, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and Ravi Menon,
Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). They showcased a successful
transfer of overseas payments between the two countries.

Launch of UPI - PayNow Linkage https://t.co/4NUyU9Ap6S
— ReserveBankOfIndia (@RBI) February 21, 2023
FinTech Industry in India
India has emerged significantly over the past two decades as one of the emerging ecosystems for
FinTech innovation. “India’s success in fintech is being led by our tech-savvy youth. Today,
thousands of Indian startups are proving their mettle in the world of fintech,” expressed PM Modi
while emphasizing the digital revolution in India.
Financial technology. Also known as FinTech is used to describe new technology that seeks to
enhance and automate the delivery and use of financial services. At its core, fintech is used to
help various companies, business owners, merchants as well as consumers.
Impact of Digital Payment System
The Ministry of External Affairs reveals that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s insightful
leadership, globalisation has been conducive to India’s best-in-class digital payment
infrastructure. The major focus has been on assuring that the benefits of UPI are not limited to
India only, but other countries also avail of its benefits.
Discussing the emergence of digitalized systems, PM Modi stated that India’s Digital
infrastructure played a vital role and was effective during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The
government is promoting the globalisation of India’s digital payment infrastructure in order to meet
current and future needs.
The PayNow linkage would allow natives of both countries to make easier, faster, and more cost-
efficient transfers of cross-border remittances. It will also be advantageous to the Indian diaspora
population in Singapore, especially migrant workers and students who will now have the
opportunity to initiate transactions through the instantaneous and low-cost transfer of money from
Singapore to India or vice versa.
Digital Payments Surpasses Cash Payments in India

The data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) highlights that the UPI
payments set a record of more than 7.82 billion transactions worth Rs 12.82 trillion in December
2022.
This is considered a new record since it was launched in the year 2016. The value of transactions
has elevated from Rs 0.1 trillion to as much as Rs 100 trillion notably during this period. The
objective of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is to create an indigenous Indian payment
system. Modi further notified that UPI connectivity has become the most preferred payment
mechanism in India in the contemporary world.
Also Read: Kashmir Files Awarded ‘Best Film’ Title at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film
Festival 2023, Check Full Winner List Here

Kashmir Files Awarded ‘Best Film’ Title at

Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival
2023, Check Full Winner List Here
Kashmir Files a ‘Big Hit’
On February 20, 2023 (Monday), the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award
Ceremony was held. The grand celebration took place at Taj Lands End in Mumbai. The Indian
drama film ‘Kashmir Files’ was honoured with the ‘Best Film’ award at the festival. This tragic tale
has been directed by Indian filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri.
Along with this, the iconic actor Anupam Kher took the Most Versatile Actor Of The Year award
for the film. At the awards event, various celebrities, media staff, industrialists, ministers, etc were
also present. The adorable Bollywood couple Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor received awards.
While Alia Bhatt got the ‘Best Actress Award’ for ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ her husband Ranbir
Kapoor won the ‘Best Actor Award’ for ‘Brahmastra’. Alia took her husband’s award on his behalf.
Film of the Year 2023
The Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival 2023 was attended by Bollywood personalities such as
Rekha, Vidya Balan, and Varun Dhawan among other superstars. The award was also bestowed
for the film ‘RRR’ directed by S. S. Rajamouli. Talking about other category awards, the actor-
filmmaker Rishab Shetty was awarded the ‘Most Promising Actor Award’ for his adventure thriller
Kannada film ‘Kantara’.
Then, one of the highest-earning actors in the industry, Varun Dhawan won the ‘Critics Best Actor
Award’ for his 2022 film ‘Bhediya’. In the television category, the Rupali Ganguly-starter drama
series ‘Anupamaa’ won the ‘Television Series of The Year Award’ at the ceremony.
In addition to this, the veteran actor Rekha was honoured with an award for her ‘Outstanding
Contribution In The Film Industry’. She attended the event in a golden colour saree and was
spotted joining Alia, who was in a white saree. Both of them exchanged hugs and kisses and
further posed together for the paparazzi. Meanwhile, the Indian playback singer Hariharan
Anantha Subramani won an award for ‘Outstanding Contribution In The Music Industry’.

ANNOUNCEMENT:#TheKashmirFiles wins the ‘Best Film’ award at

#DadaSahebPhalkeAwards2023.
“This award is dedicated to all the victims of terrorism and to all the people of India for your
blessings.” pic.twitter.com/MdwikOiL44
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) February 21, 2023
Award Winners List 2023
The list of all the winners who won the prestigious level awards at the Dadasaheb Phalke
International Film Festival 2023 is mentioned below.
Outstanding Contribution In The Film Industry - Rekha
Best Film - The Kashmir Files
Most Versatile Actor Of The Year - Anupam Kher for The Kashmir Files
Best Actor - Ranbir Kapoor for Brahmastra: Part 1
Best Actress - Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Director - R Balki for Chup: Revenge of The Artist
Most Promising Actor - Rishab Shetty for Kantara
Best Actor In A Supporting Role - Manish Paul for Jugjugg Jeeyo
Best Web Series: Rudra - The Edge of Darkness
Critics Best Actor - Varun Dhawan for Bhediya
Film of The Year - RRR
Television Series of The Year - Anupamaa
Best Actor In A Television Series - Zain Imam for Fanaa- Ishq Mein Marjawaan

Best Actress In A Television Series - Tejasswi Prakash for Naagin
Outstanding Contribution In The Music Industry - Hariharan Anantha Subramani
Best Male Singer - Sachet Tandon for Maiyya Mainu
Best Female Singer - Neeti Mohan for Meri Jaan
Best Cinematographer - PS Vinod for Vikram Vedha
About Dadasaheb Phalke Award
India’s most prestigious award is Dadasaheb Phalke Award in the cinematic industry. It is
conducted on annual basis by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organisation which is
established by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Decades ago, this award event was launched by the Government of India in order to celebrate
Dada Saheb’s contribution to Indian Cinema.
Also Read: NITI Aayog Designates BVR Subrahmanyam as New CEO, Iyer Joins World
Bank

NITI Aayog Designates BVR Subrahmanyam

as New CEO, Iyer Joins World Bank
Who is NITI Aayog’s New CEO?
On February 20, 2023 (Monday), BVR Subrahmanyam was appointed as the new CEO of NITI
Ayog. The former head Parmeswaran Iyer now leaves the role and has shifted to World Bank.
Iyer has served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NITI Ayog Institution for a period of
around 2 continuous years.
However, he recently announced his drop out from this position. Also, the government appointed
BVR Subrahmanyam as the next CEO of the government nodal agency. Talking about the newly
appointed CEO BVR Subrahmanyam has also served in the Prime Minister’s office. According to
his background, he is a 1987-batch IAS officer who retired as the Commerce Secretary.
About NITI Aayog Agency
The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog is an apex government body that
operates to mobilize economic development. This institution is working towards becoming the
‘State of the Art Resource Centre’.
This organization was established in the year 2015 by the NDA government. The first official
meeting of the council was directed by PM Narendra Modi on February 8, 2015. A new initiative
called ‘NITI Lectures’ has also been implemented. There are several other entrepreneurship and
learning programmes instigated by NITI Aayog.
Furthermore, there are various members of this agency. It includes a governing council, regional
councils, the PM as Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Ex-Officio members, the CEO, etc.
BVR Subrahmanyam appointed as new CEO of NITI Aayoghttps://t.co/62chbnRxQ9
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 20, 2023

BVR Subrahmanyam’s Past Accomplishments
BVR Subrahmanyam was elected by the Prime Minister of India and sent to Jammu and Kashmir.
He is a Chattisgarh cadre IAS Officer who holds an engineering as well as a management
degree. He has extensively served under both PM Manmohan Singh and the current PM
Narendra Modi.
He is well known for his administrative role in the conflict zone. In the early phase, he was made
the principal secretary and later appointed as Additional Chief Secretary. Throughout his career,
he has seen a transformational phase such as Article 370 getting nullified and the state getting
bifurcated into two Union Territories. He served as the chief secretary for about three years before
relocating to the central government as the commerce secretary.
Former Head Parmeswaram Iyer
Parmeswaram Iyer who administered the position of NITI Aayog’s CEO is a retired 1981-batch
IAS officer. He has now been appointed as the Executive Director of the World Bank and will be
posted at the multilateral agency’s headquarters in Washington DC.
His tenure will be for a fixed period of three years and he repaces 1988 Haryana cadre IAS officer
Rajesh Khullar, as per an official announcement. Rajesh Khullar has been sent to his parent
cadre at the request of the Haryana government after an order was released by the Appointments
Committee of Cabinet on February 20.
Iyer’s term ended as the Niti Aayog CEO and his new role at the World Bank has baffled
everyone in the bureaucratic circle. Just before his retirement last September, BVR
Subrahmanyam was given additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director of the India
Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) after the incumbent of CMD LC Goyal completed.
Also Read: India’s Moon Mission, Chandrayaan-3 clears a crucial Test of Space Capability,
Expected to set off in 2023

India’s Moon Mission, Chandrayaan-3 clears

a crucial Test of Space Capability, Expected
to set off in 2023
Third Lunar Mission by ISRO
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will soon launch its third moon mission,
Chandrayaan-3. As per the official announcement, the spacecraft has cleared another round of its
space capability tests. The EMI-EMC (Electro-Magnetic Interference/ Electro-Magnetic
Compatibility) tests were successfully endured by the third spacecraft.
It is expected to set off in space by June 2023. In an official statement, the Indian Space
Research Organisation, ISRO notified that it is a big achievement in the realization of the
satellites. The space agency also announced that one of the most crucial tests was conducted
between January 31 and February 2 at U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru.
What is EMI/EMC Test?
The EMI-EMC test is organized for satellite missions in order to ensure the functionality and
productivity of spacecraft or satellite subsystems in the space environment. The compatibility with
the expected electromagnetic levels can also be verified through this test.
During the EMI/EMC test of the Chandrayaan-3 lander, satisfactory results came after several
tests such as Launcher compatibility, Antenna Polarization of all Radio-Frequency (RF) systems,
Standalone auto compatibility tests for orbital and powered descent mission phases, and Lander
& Rover compatibility tests for the post-landing mission phase. The performance of the systems
was ensured and there were positive outcomes in the process.
India’s lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 achieves another milestone; Clears key test on functioning
of satellite in spacehttps://t.co/G3Wka41xa6
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 20, 2023

Elements of Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft

The space agency has defined three interplanetary modules of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft.
These elements include the Propulsion module, Lander module and Rover. Moreover, the space
mission's complexity calls for establishing radio-frequency (RF) communication links between the
modules.
The lander of this spaceship will have 4 throttle-able engines. In addition to this, it will be
equipped with the Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDP). the impact legs are also strengthened as
compared to the previous second lunar spacecraft. ISRO agency is putting efforts to enhance
structural rigidity.
Brief History of Lunar Explorations
Under the ongoing series of the Chnandrayan program, Chandrayaan-1 was the first-ever space
exploration mission opened between 2008 to 2009. The second craft was developed by ISRO and
reached the moon’s orbit in 2019. Now, the third lunar mission comprises Lander and Rover
configuration and will be launched by GSLV MkIII from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC),
Sriharikota.
The propulsion module will carry the Lander and Rover configuration till the 100 km lunar orbit
and it has a Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload to study the spectral
and polarimetric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit.
The Lander payloads have Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) in order to
measure thermal conductivity as well as temperature. The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity
(ILSA) is for the measurement of seismicity around the landing site and Langmuir Probe (LP) to
estimate the plasma density and its variations. A passive Laser Retroreflector Array from NASA is
accommodated for lunar laser ranging studies.
The Rover payloads have an Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced
Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) for deriving the elemental composition in the vicinity of the
landing site. In the year 2019, India's maiden attempt to land a rover on Moon was unsuccessful
aboard the Chandrayaan-2 mission as it got crashed on the lunar surface.
Also Read: Veteran Kannada Film Director SK Bhagawan Departs at 89 Today, Karnataka
CM Pays Tribute

Veteran Kannada Film Director SK Bhagawan

Departs at 89 Today, Karnataka CM Pays
Tribute
SK Bhagawan’s Sudden Demise
Today morning i.e. February 20, 2023 (Monday) the well-known Veteran Kannada Filmmaker SK
Bhagawan passed away this morning in Bengaluru. He dies at the age of 89 and the cause of
death is unknown however it is surmised that age-related illness might lead to his demise. Further
information is awaited in this regard.
The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai confirmed the news on the official Twitter
handle. He also expressed grief and shared a condolence message online. Remembering SK
Bhagawan and his contributions, he writes for the late director in Kannada which translates to -
"Renowned director of Kannada film industry Shri S. K. I was very saddened to hear the news of
Bhagawan's death. I pray for his soul. I pray that God gives strength to his family to bear this
pain."
Karnataka CM Memorizes his Contributions
The state CM continues further by saying that SK Bhagawan is acclaimed for his collaborative
moves, especially in the Kannada film industry. ‘Dorai-Bhagawan’ duo has created several
superhit movies for Kannada cinema. SK Bhagawan and his friend Dorai Raj are reported to have
directed about 55 films including 'Kasthuri Niwas', 'Eradu Soyam', 'Bayalu Dari', 'Giri Kanye',
'Hosa Lekuk' (starring Rajkumar) as well as Om Shantih."
.. . . .
1/2 pic.twitter.com/KNUL0Gh1wt
— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) February 20, 2023
His life in a Nutshell

Indian filmmaker SK Bhagawan who directed many Rajkumar starrer films was born on July 5,
1933. He joined stage acting at a considerably young age. Also, he gave various performances in
theatre plays at an early age along with the Indian actor Hirannaiah Mithra Mandali. In the year
1956, he began working in the movie industry as an assistant to Kanagal Prabhakar Shastri.
He directed his debut film ‘Sandhya Raga’ in 1966. Soon, he was positioned alongside A.C.
Narasimha Murthy as the co-director of Rajadurgada Rahasya (1967). When he co-directed
Jedara Bale (1968) with Dorai Raj under the label Dorai-Bhagavan, he made his professional
directorial debut. These two were the first Kannada filmmakers to make James Bond-style films.
SK Bhagawan’s Remarkable Career
Talking about the different endeavours of SK Bhagawan, the Dorai-Bhagawan duo gained notable
recognition throughout their lives. Both of them jointly directed many films such as Kasturi Nivasa,
Eradu Kanasu, Bayaludaari, Gaalimaatu, Chandanada Gombe, Hosa Belaku, Benkiya Bale,
Jeevana Chaitra, and more James Bond-style films, for instance, Goa Dalli C.I.D 999, Operation
Jackpot Nalli C.I.D 999, and Operation Diamond Racke Together with Rajkumar.
The team produced numerous movies in Kannada cinema with Anant Nag and Lakshmi, most of
which were adapted from books and also based on novels. After Dorai Raj passed away,
Bhagawan took a long significant gap from his career in directing. Their last film together was
Baalondu Chaduranga in the year 1996. SK Bhagawan made a comeback in 2019 with Aduva
Gombe which is considered the 50th movie he directed at the age of 85.
Awards & Filmmaking
Apart from the directing roles, SK Bhagavan has been the principal of the Adarsha Film Institute.
Dorai–Bhagavan has directed a wide range of films. Along with it, Bhagavan has also acted in
some famous movies such as Hosabelaku, Bhagyodaya, Mangalasootra, Rowdy Ranganna,
Vasantha Geetha, Sootradhaara, Vasantha Geetha, Haalu Jenu, Jeevana Chaithra and
Bangalore Mail. He has mostly worked with the music director duo Rajan-Nagendra as well as
G.K. Venkatesh in most of his films.
Also Read: UNICEF India Appoints Actor Ayushmann Khurrana as National Ambassador
for Child Rights

UNICEF India Appoints Actor Ayushmann

Khurrana as National Ambassador for Child
Rights
Ayushmann Khurrana as UNICEF’s strong voice
On February 18, 2023, UNICEF India made an official announcement of the appointment of the
National award-winning film star Ayushmann Khurrana as a National Ambassador. The actor
collaborates with UNICEF in order to support ensuring the rights of each and every child to
survive, thrive, and be protected. His role is also to encourage their voice and agency in
necessary decisions that are related to them.
At the appointment ceremony, he was bestowed with the honour and position of ambassador
Ayushmann Khurrana expressed his gratitude at the event stating that this acknowledgement will
further advance his advocacy for children’s rights. In the role of the National Ambassador of
UNICEF India, he will bring forth his strong voice for the overall well-being of all children. He is
passionate about giving an effective contribution to the issues facing children and adolescents in
India.
UNICEF India is proud to announce @ayushmannk as our National Ambassador.
Ayushmann has previously supported #UNICEF as a Celebrity Advocate, raising awareness

about ending violence against children.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you.
— UNICEF India (@UNICEFIndia) February 18, 2023
Celebrity Advocacy at UNICEF
The film ‘Dream Girl’ fame actor Ayushmann Khurrana added that as the Celebrity Advocate of
the United Nations Children;’s Fund (UNICEF), he has had several interactions with deprived

children.
He also has made his presence in the cause by speaking up on varied areas such as internet
safety, cyberbullying, mental health, as well as gender equality. In this new role with UNICEF, he
promises to raise a strong voice for children’s rights, especially for the most susceptible ones and
will stand in supporting solutions for various targeted problems that affect them the most.
Strong Voice for Children's Rights
The actor Ayushmann Khurrana was greatly welcomed as the National Ambassador for children’s
rights. At this event, Cynthia McCaffrey as UNICEF India Representative conveyed her regards to
him and said, “I am delighted to welcome Ayushmann Khurrana as UNICEF India’s National
Ambassador. Ayushmann’s strong commitment over the last two years as UNICEF’s Celebrity
Advocate has helped amplify and drive the work of protecting the rights of children.”
She also expressed that he is one of India’s biggest movie stars and the organisation is already
excited that he will be using that powerful voice to abide by the goals of supporting children, and
challenging derogatory social norms and gender stereotypes. Moreover, his voice matches
UNICEF’s work and ethos both in its sensitivity and passion. Now that the organisation has him
as their envoy, it looks forward to working with him on the most critical issues of contemporary
times and stopping violence, mental well-being, and gender equality and rights granted to every
child. This step will be towards a better and bright future for the youth.
An honor to be appointed as the @UNICEFIndia National Ambassador.

I’ve been closely associated with UNICEF for the past two years and look forward to advocating
for the rights of every child across India. pic.twitter.com/GAZYTUK1zs
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) February 18, 2023

Ayushmann’s Active Participation in the Cause
Ayushmann assumed the position of UNICEF India's Celebrity Advocate in September 2020. At
that time, his role was to advocate against violence committed against children and the agenda of
broader child rights. He has actively engaged while working on the cause at the root level.
At World Children’s Day, he further influenced and promoted International Women’s Day,
International Day of the Girl Child, World Day Against Child Labour and Safer Internet Day.
Through this, he raised the profile of children’s issues and received wide public attention.

Talking about his most recent contributions, he focused attention on inclusion and non-
discrimination through gender-inclusive sports on World Children’s Day 2022 along with Sachin
Tendulkar, Regional Ambassador for UNICEF South Asia. Girls and boys were also present and
participated across the globe.
About his Glorious Career
On the professional front, Ayushman Khurrana marked his debut in this acting career with Vicky
Donor. He achieved success by playing diverse roles in several films. The actor has also been a
successful radio jockey, actor as well as a singer. He will now be seen in the upcoming romantic
comedy film 'Dream Girl 2'.
Global, Regional and National Ambassadors are among the most distinguishable faces of the
UNICEF corporation. Most prominent personalities from all walks of life come from different fields
such as art, music, film, sport and more. They play a critical role in children’s welfare and the
challenges that they face around the world. Ambassadors volunteer their time to spread
awareness and provide support. This helps UNICEF to reach the most disadvantaged children
and adolescents with lifesaving help and hope.
Ayushmann has also given support by joining hands with the Ministry of Women and Child
Development. This includes sarong his thoughts related to National Girl Child Day and initiatives,
the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). It aims at making people aware of
the protection and legal support that the Act offers against child sexual abuse. He commends the
government through his actions and UNICEF’s cause of protecting the future generations of the
country.
Also Read: First Nuclear Power Plant to be set up in Northern India, Aims to Expand
Nuclear Capacity

First Nuclear Power Plant to be set up in

Northern India, Aims to Expand Nuclear
Capacity
About Nuclear Energy Plant’s Construction
On February 18, 2023 (Saturday), the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr
Jitendra Singh declares that the first nuclear power plant will be constructed in the Northern part
of the country. This will be initiated in the Gorakhpur village in the Fatehabad district in Haryana,
Uttar Pradesh.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regime, the construction of nuclear/atomic energy plants
in Pan India would be considered one of the major developments among other projects taken up
by the government. Earlier the achievements were only restricted mostly to south Indian states
like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh or in the western regions such as Maharashtra, as per an
official statement that recently came from the Department of Atomic Energy.
Minister Jitendra Singh stated that the installation of a nuclear energy plant in Northern India will
be undertaken due to prioritising the increase in the nuclear capacity of India. It is one of the
innovative decisions that has been taken in the past eight years.
North India's first Nuclear Plant is coming up in Haryana in the town of Gorakhpur, which is about
150 km north of the national capital of New Delhi. This is keeping in line with the priority to
increase India’s nuclear capacity said Union Min Jitendra Singh yesterday
(file pic) pic.twitter.com/OGXSxPgwwu
PM Modi’s Approval of Bulk Construction
The Minister of Earth Sciences in India, Jitendra Singh further notified that this significant step is

in line with the overall development of the Nuclear Energy sector, Also, Prime Minister Narendra
Modi has given approval for the construction of as many as 10 nuclear reactors initiated by the
state government.
The Atomic Energy Department has also permitted the implementation of joint ventures with
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for resources. This will further open up the atomic energy
plants and will eventually lead to the fulfilment of the country’s nuclear energy requirements in the
coming future.
This futuristic approach will stimulate growth in the Nuclear Power Industry. At Gorakhpur
Haryana, Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) will have two units of about 700 MWe capacity each of
pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR) indigenous design, which is under implementation near
Gorakhpur village in Fatehabad district in Haryana.
Financing Nuclear Energy
A subsequent amount of Rs 4,906 crores has been spent from the total allocated funds of Rs
20,594 crores so far. Moreover, the total financial progress currently is 23.8 per cent across India.
According to the public notice, the construction of other main plant buildings or structures, such as
the fire water pump house (FWPH), safety-related pump house (SRPH), fuel oil storage area,
ventilation stack, overhead tank (OHT), switchyard control building, among others is underway.
There are purchase orders have been placed for major long manufacturing cycle types of
equipment or components like primary coolant pumps, calandria, reactor headers, refuelling
machine heads, moderators as well as other heat exchangers, etc.
It was also added that the end shields and all steam generators for the first unit had been
received at the construction site. Manufacturing of other pieces of equipment is going on in
various stages and timely delivery is expected at the site in order to meet the prescribed
construction schedule.
Other Construction Projects
Talking about other such projects, Safety-related & Non-safety related tunnels & trenches,
retaining walls and garland drains are advancing as per the needs. The completion of Turbine
Building -1 & 2, 220 kV Switchyard and IDCT-1A are other examples of improvements done by
the government.

Areas like IDCTs, 400kV Switchyard, and Emergency makeup water ponds along with station
roads are still in progress. The contractors for the IDCT package and Turbine Island Package
have activated the site.
Also Read: Chetan Sharma steps down from BCCI Chief Selector post Today, Know how
he got trapped in TV Sting Dispute

Chetan Sharma steps down from BCCI Chief

Selector post Today, Know how he got
trapped in TV Sting Dispute
Chetan Sharma’s Resignation
BCCI Chief Selector Chetan Sharma decides to leave his post amid a Media Sting Operation. He
made some bombarding comments which further caused chaos in the Indian Cricket Team. He
officially sent a resignation letter to the Secretary of the BCCI committee, Jay Shah. His
retirement was immediately accepted by the senior officer.
This Indian Cricketer is regarded as a fast bowler for Indian Cricket Team who played several test
matches as well as One Day Internationals (ODIs). Talking about his achievements, Chetan
Sharma made his first-ever hat trick in the 1987 World Cup and made history of the tournament.
Even after the World Cup, he did not stop and gave extraordinary performances by playing the
most innings against England at the Nehru Cup Tournament of 1989. Throughout his career, he
has been regarded as the natural descendant of Kapil Dev in the all-rounder category.
Chetan Sharma as Chairman
The selection panel now has 4 officials after Chetan Sharma resigned from the post. Subroto
Banerjee, Salil Ankola, and S Sharath along with SS Das are the ones who took charge in
January.
After the T20 World Cup concluded, the BCCI opted to change the entire selection committee and
invited fresh applications. However, nobody came forward to join the panel so the committee then
decided to appoint Sharma as the chairman. But this time, the tenure ended for about a month
only.
BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma resigns from his post. He sent his resignation to BCCI
Secretary Jay Shah who accepted it.

(File Pic) pic.twitter.com/1BhoLiIbPc
Information Leaked about Indian Cricket Team
Shocking remarks which were given by Chetan landed him in trouble. He was kicked out after
revealing sensitive information about the Indian Cricket Team. He took over the position of the
Chairman of the selection committee of the Indian Cricket Team in December 2020.
Later on, he was dismissed from the position however again he got elected to the same post
when he applied for it. This year in February he got involved in a controversy where he allegedly
spoke about the cricketers that they take injections for staying fit. He also leaked the names of
some of the renowned personalities.
His image got tarnished after he also claimed that players like Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya
often came to visit him. BCCI wanted his resignation for violating his contract for disclosing team
information. During the Sting operation held by Zee News, Sharma tells that there are clashes
between the famous cricketers.
Response from BCCI Officials
As per the media reports, a senior official told that none of the senior Indian players had
interactions with him. Additionally, a source said that nobody has ever seen Sharma and other
cricket players in public during any of the training sessions.
"Chetan spoke a bit too much. None of the top Indian players talks to him. Have you seen him
speak to Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma publicly in any training session? He would
stand in one corner during the T20 World Cup in Australia and no one bothered to speak to him,"
as stated by another BCCI source who was present in Australia.
Also Read: Indian-American Neal Mohan is the new CEO of YouTube, Know more about
him!

Indian-American Neal Mohan is the new CEO

of YouTube, Know more about him!
Do you know about New YouTube Head?
YouTube designates Neal Mohan as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on February 16,
2023 (Thursday). The former head Susan Wojcicki announced her resignation from the role and
administered the position for nine continuous years.
Talking about the YouTube head, the Indian-American Neal Mohan took over the post after
having served as YouTube’s Chief Product Officer since 2015. His educational background
includes a graduation degree in Electrical Engineering from the Stanford University of California.
Neal Mohan’s Other Ventures
Indian origin Neal Mohan is considered a prominent figure in the tech industry. On his succession
of the CEO post, he received many gratifying remarks and support from several users as well as
creators. Here are a few facts to know about Neal Mohan.
- He becomes the current and fourth CEO of the global online platform YouTube.
- In 2007, he joined the multinational company Google along with the DoubleClick acquisition.
- Earlier, he also worked with Microsoft corporation, an American technology firm.
- Moreover, he became Chief Product Officer in the year 2015 and has been focusing on
building YouTube Shorts and Music among other contributions.
- Lastly, he currently sits on the board of a personal styling company Stitch Fix and a
Genomics & Biotechnology company 23andMe.
Thank you, @SusanWojcicki. It's been amazing to work with you over the years. You've built
YouTube into an extraordinary home for creators and viewers. I'm excited to continue this
awesome and important mission. Looking forward to what lies ahead... https://t.co/Rg5jXv1NGb
— Neal Mohan (@nealmohan) February 16, 2023
His Multifarious Roles

When he joined Google in 2007, Neal Mohan's role was SVP of Display and Video Ads. After
becoming YouTube’s Chief Product Officer in 2015, he set up a top-notch product and UX team
and since then played central roles in the launch of some of the firm's biggest products which
include YouTube TV, YouTube Music, Premium and Shorts. He also supervised the Trust and
Safety team.
Susan Wojcicki in her official statement appreciates Neal Mohan and said that he has a wonderful
talent for product, business, creator and user communities as well as employees. She believes in
him and further stated that he will definitely be an exemplary leader for YouTube and help in the
overall company's future growing endeavours.
As Wojcicki concludes her position on February 16, she believes that Neal is the right person for
this CEO role and with the current online streaming of Shorts, and subscriptions, together with AI,
YouTube’s most exciting opportunities can be achieved in the coming years.
Mohan responded through a tweet in which he expressed his sincere thanks and now looking
forward to his new position and future missions as the CEO of the most popular firm YouTube
which has around 2 billion users coming from all parts of the world.
Neal Mohan’s Financial Status
According to the 2013 official report of Business Insider, it has been revealed that Neal Mohan
was once offered a Chief Product Officer position at Twitter. However, Google paid him a 100
million dollar of bonus in 2013 to make him stay. A former boss describes him as a “rare”
combination, “an ‘insatiable technologist’ who is also an efficient business savvy” to interact with
customers on a business strategy level.
This Indian-origin man is among other CEOs who are running other global technology
corporations including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen and
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai.
Also Read: Aero India 2023: New Solar Power ISR Drone ‘Suraj’ Launched by Garuda
Aerospace, Check its Specifications & Uses

Aero India 2023: New Solar Power ISR Drone

‘Suraj’ Launched by Garuda Aerospace,
Check its Specifications & Uses
Do you know about New ISR Drone ‘Suraj’?
This highly capable ISR drone named ‘Suraj’ carries a versatile payload of high-resolution zoom
cameras designed with thermal imagery as well as foliage-penetrating lidar sensors. Also, the
maximum capacity of this device is approximately 10 kg, as per the announcement.
Garuda Aerospace held its unveiling ceremony on February 15, 2023 (Wednesday) to showcase
this exemplary piece of technology. The Garuda corporation presented the latest solar-powered
unmanned reconnaissance aerial J-Glider - SURAJ at the Aero India 2023 show which was
conducted in Bengaluru, India.
Dr Satheesh Reddy who is the former DRDO Chairman and current Principal Scientific Advisor to
the Defence Minister unveiled the ISR drone. Talking about its usage, SURAJ is an ISR high-
altitude drone invented to provide assistance in surveillance operations. It can help in providing
real-time information to the high command and protecting Indian Armed Forces deployed on
borders and crucially high altitudes. This will prove beneficial in carrying out security operations
and other military processes.
The wait is over! Unveiled our new Solar Powered High Altitude ISR Drone #SURAJ at Aero India
2023 @AgnishwarJ @AeroIndiashow #SolarPowered #SOLAR #AeroIndia2023 #AeroIndia
pic.twitter.com/oxxSQZ5ooN
— Garuda Aerospace Pvt Ltd (@garuda_india) February 15, 2023

Unique Features of Suraj Drone
First of all, this drone has J-shaped wings that are equipped with solar-powered cells. These
Solar cells serve as their primary fuel source whereas an auxiliary battery is fixed inside which
provides additional propulsion or decreased speed as per requirement.

Additional characteristics include having a versatile payload of high-resolution zoom cameras with
thermal imagery and foliage-penetrating lidar sensors created with a maximum capacity of 10 kg.
The Gauruda company claims that it has an endurance capacity of about 12 hours and can fly at
an altitude of 3000 feet respectively.
It is further equipped with cutting-edge technology which allows it to capture, process, and
transmit photos and videos simultaneously. It can also display valuable information to
headquarters before planning strategic operations. The drone is extensively designed to cater to
the Indian Army, Navy, Airforce, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, DRDO, MOD, as well as MHA. Garuda
Aerospace recently raised 22 million dollars in funding which will be spent on developing a
prototype of the SURAJ. This device is ready to fly by August 2023.
Development of Suraj Drone
As per the official reports, Garuda Aerospace company has been working on this project with a
professional team of scientists and experts from the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL),
DRDO, and other organizations to invent the SURAJ drone. The drone is prepared with AI, ML,
and Bionic Chips for advanced real-time processing making it an analytical component in
safeguarding the security of India.
The significant development of the SURAJ drone marks a historical milestone in the Indian drone
industry. With a rise in the use of drones in military and surveillance operations globally, the
demand for technologically advanced drones such as SURAJ is undoubtedly expected to grow.
About Garuda Aerospace
Dr Satheesh Reddy, Former DRDO Chairman and current Principal Scientific Advisor to the
Defence Minister praised the duly efforts made by the Garuda Aerospace corporation. This
company is one of the upcoming digital technology companies in the drone sector that are
developing many technological or modern solutions for different sectors like Defence, Agriculture
and Industrial Automation, stated the Chairman.
Another official, Agnishwar Jayaprakash the Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace added, “We
are confident that the SURAJ drone will play a vital role in safeguarding the security of our nation
and the people. Suraj will have ISR capability and will be equipped with AI, ML and Bionic Chip
for advanced real-time processing."

The 22 million dollars of funding amount raised by the Garuda company will help in the
development of a 1:1 prototype of SURAJ which will be ready to fly by August in the current year
2023. Moreover, the company has over 400 drones and 500 pilots across 84 cities in India in
order to support different emergencies.
Also Read: World Bank Chief David Malpass to Resign before his Tenure, Know his Career
Path from Trump’s Advisor to President

World Bank Chief David Malpass to Resign

before his Tenure, Know his Career Path from
Trump’s Advisor to President
David Malpass Quits World Bank’s Presidency
On February 15, 2023 (Wednesday), the 13th President of the World Bank, David R. Malpass
officially declared his early retiral before his incumbency. He fails to acknowledge the scientific
agreement on Global Warming, stirring concerns about the bank’s inefficiency to halt funding of
fossil fuels.
He remarks that it has been a matter of glory and prestige to administer the position of the World
Bank’s President. He expresses his hearty gratitude to be able to contribute to the esteemed
development institution, as mentioned by him in a public statement.
He further concluded by saying, "With developing countries facing unprecedented crises, I'm
proud that the Bank Group has responded with speed, scale, innovation, and impact." Malpass
might leave this position on June 30 at the end of the World Bank's fiscal year, after having
served for over four years in the role, the World Bank stated.
About World Bank
The World Bank is a group of 189 member countries, an international financial institution that
lends money to developing or middle-income countries to eradicate poverty. Former US President
Donald Trump elected David Malpass as World Bank Chief in 2019 for a five-year period.
The United States being the largest shareholder, traditionally appoints its president. During David
Malpass's tenure, the World Bank organization responded to multiple setbacks, including a global
pandemic along with Russia's war in Ukraine. The corporation stated that Malpass implemented
record surges in finances in response to the predicament.
Malpass focused on initiating policies to elevate economic growth, reduce government debt
burdens, and help reduce poverty. However, several reports reveal that his tenure has been
controversial. He plans to exit the post after his failure to admit the scientific consensus that fossil

fuels were warming the planet.
This afternoon, I met with the @WorldBank Group’s Board of Directors and informed them of my
intention to step down by the end of our June 30 fiscal year.
It has been an honor & privilege to serve as World Bank President. I have written more on
@LinkedIn: https://t.co/ZGtTjh4BpL
— David Malpass (@DavidMalpassWBG) February 15, 2023
Heavy Criticism Faced by Malpass
David Malpass censures the outgrowing environmental concerns related to Global Warming. He
falls under attack after he refused his confirmation of the scientific evidence on climate change
that burning fossil fuels are perilously warming the planet Earth. Climate activists criticised him
during a climate panel held in September.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen appreciated and thanked Malpass for his service and
further said that everyone ought to come together and raise their voices in order to take
appropriate actions towards the menacing climatic conditions prevailing around the globe. Also,
during President Malpass's tenure, the World Bank has recently made necessary advances in this
area.
Massive Efforts of David Malpass
Janet Yellen complemented David Malpass for his assistance and the improvements that he has
made to make the world a better place during his Presidency. The world has benefitted from his
strong support for Ukraine countering Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion. Then, David’s
work to assist the Afghan people and also his unbreakable commitment to providing help to low-
income countries.
He helped developing nations in achieving debt sustainability through debt reduction and
overcoming the financial crisis. Additionally, the departure of David allows the Biden
administration to locate a new head in the World Bank institution. The US traditionally picks up the
President of the World Bank, which is a five-year post, whereas the European Union appoints the

head of the International Monetary Fund.
Also Read: Lexi, India’s First AI-Based Chatbot Introduced in India, Let’s Know about its
Key Features

Lexi, India’s First AI-Based Chatbot

Introduced in India, Let’s Know about its Key
Features
India now has its own ChatGPT-powered AI chatbot called Lexi that Velocity, a financial
technology company, launched a few days ago. This chatbot is designed to provide assistance to
e-Commerce founders with business insights in a simplified manner. Moreover, it has been
integrated with Velocity’s own analytics tool i.e. Velocity Insights. The Velocity firm made the
official chatbot announced in an online blog post.
Velocity Creates Indigenous Lexi Chatbot
In a blog posted on February 13, 2023 (Monday), the revenue-based financing company Velocity
stated that "We are thrilled to launch India’s first chatbot tool that is integrated with ChatGPT. We
have integrated this latest advancement in artificial intelligence with our existing analytics tool -
Velocity Insights."
Talking about the benefits, the CEO and co-founder of Velocity, Abhiroop Medhekar speaks in the
same blog post that the available product teams are already thinking of different possible ways to
use the ChatGPT technology for the benefit of their consumers.
He further added that efforts are being put in order to provide leverage to eCommerce founders.
Since the ChatGPT has been launched, so the product team members have been conceptualising
how it can be used to assist the founders.
All about AI-powered Business Insights
Velocity customers use Insights on a daily basis hence there is a need to integrate ChatGPT with
the same interface and this has been done by the corporation so that they leverage it for driving
business decisions.
In terms of its benefits, Velocity insights help businesses to monitor the activities related to their
market spending, revenues, and many other developments under close observation. It can
provide founders with essential business insights. This feature can be accessed through

WhatsApp in the form of a daily business report.
The Generative Pre-Traind Transformer (ChatGPT) has been integrated into the same WhatsApp
interface. This will give customers an opportunity to use the AI-based Lexi and they will be able to
ask questions or enquire with the help of this software.
At Velocity, we’re super excited to introduce you to Lexi – India's first AI-powered D2C #chatbot
integrated with OpenAI's #ChatGPT.
With its intelligent responses & user-friendly interface, Lexi has already ruffled some feathers in
the eCommerce industry. Check it out! pic.twitter.com/QsyAo2R2SO
— Velocity (@velocity_in) February 14, 2023
What are AI Chatbots & How do they function?
To be very basic, a chatbot is software that imitates human conversations. With the use of
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP), these chatbots decode
customers’ questions and generate automated responses. These intelligent machines have been
around for quite some time however lack a ‘human touch’.
ChatGPT has human-like answers and this feature unlocks tremendous growth which encouraged
Google to create its own AI chatbot, Bard. Microsoft recently partners with ChatGPT’s parent
company OpenAI to introduce a new version of Bing that has a chat option. The responses are
quite similar to what ChatGPT provides.
Integration of ChatGPT with Velocity
The amalgamation of ChatGPT with Velocity Insights allows eCommerce founders to access AI-
powered business insights in a conversational manner. This will free up their time for critical
business functions, as mentioned by the company.
However, both Bing and Bard have their own set of challenges and goals so far. Also, they are
currently in the initial testing phases. While Bard was held for making a factual error in its very first
demo video, Bing was accused by users of ‘gaslighting them and refusing to accept its mistakes’,

as stated in several reviews.
ChatGPT - A New Record in Technology Industry
ChatGPT was first made available to the public in November 2022. The developers of this model
had initially launched the AI chatbot as a test. However, when many people started using it, they
were surprised and excited also.
Students used ChatGPT to write their academic assignments whereas engineers used it to help
them write their codes. For musicians, it could be used to compose music and content creators
used it to generate video scripts and engaging content. This has been a popular tool ever since
globally used and gained popularity quickly. A paid version of ChatGPT was also announced
some time ago.
Also Read: Joe Biden Calls Air India-Boeing Deal a Historic Event, Will Grant 1 Million
Jobs in US

Former UN Deputy Nikki Haley Declares her

Candidacy for 2024 Presidential Bid
Nikki Haley launches Presidential Election Campaign for the Republican party nomination in
2024. She has administered the position of UN Representative and is regarded as the first Asian
American woman in the GOP nomination. Previously, she worked as a Governor of South
Carolina and UN Ambassador.
Three Facts About Nikki Haley
Nikki Haley is a 51-year-old American politician who was earlier elected by former US President
Donald Trump as the 29th ambassador to United Nations. On February 14, 2023 (Tuesday) she
announced that she is looking for the Presidential nomination for the next year 2024. Also, she is
challenging fellow Republican candidate Donald Trump with an official proposal for a "new
generation" of leadership in Washington DC, USA.
Nikki is the second candidate to initiate the nominating contest after Donald Trump. Other
potential contenders remain inactive as she announced her candidacy in order to win the
Republican Presidential nomination in 2024.
Very few people know that as a daughter of Indian immigrants, she is the first person to lead
South Carolina in terms of ethnicity and the first Indian-American to be a part of the Presidential
Cabinet.
Nikki Haley for Presidential Elections
Nikki Haley is seeking to create history through the GOP Presidential nomination in 2024. She
recently proposed her run for the White House. In an official video statement, she stated that "I'm
Nikki Haley and I'm running for president".
Moreover, she calls for a new generation of leadership in order to rediscover fiscal responsibility,
provide security to the border, and build the country by fulfilling its purpose. A video was shot in
Bamberg, the South Carolina town of her birth and was posted on her Twitter handle.

Get excited! Time for a new generation.
Let’s do this! pic.twitter.com/BD5k4WY1CP
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 14, 2023
Nikki Haley’s Ethnic Background
Nikki Haley reminisces about her young old days and considers herself a suitable alternative to
the 76-year-old former President Donald Trump. Haley is indicating towards the White House
Presidency for a few weeks and released a "big announcement" on February 14, 2023 (Tuesday).
Concluding her speech, she makes her presidential goals official a day early, on Valentine's Day
i.e. February 14. She is representing herself as a changemaker who can renovate the republican
party along with the country. She talks about how racial tensions grew up in recent times and also
discussed her personal background as she is the first woman of colour to administer South
Carolina.
She says in that video clip that she is a proud daughter, not black or white but different in her own
way. She spoke unabashedly about how her gender and ethnicity have shaped her as a person.
Furthermore, she recalls her mother’s advice to focus on her work rather than the disparities.
Governorship of Nikki Haley
Nikki Haley who aspired for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, started her political
career as a State Representative. In the year 2014, she initiated a bill and signed for the
redistribution of education funding to various districts with the highest poverty levels and this was
aimed at granting money for coaches in schools. When she worked in the office, Nikki Haley also
signed a bill for eradicating illegal immigration when a new law enforcement unit was also set up
for the mission.
She was initially elected as a Governor by a narrow margin for a state steadfast Republican of
South Carolina with a ratio of 51 per cent to 47 per cent for her Democratic opponent. In 2014,
when she was re-elected, she almost more than tripled that margin.
Also Read: Joe Biden Calls Air India-Boeing Deal a Historic Event, Will Grant 1 Million
Jobs in US


Joe Biden Calls Air India-Boeing Deal a

Historic Event, Will Grant 1 Million Jobs in US
An official statement has been recently released wherein Joe Biden at the White House stated
that the United States will be leading the world in manufacturing in the coming future. He also
cherished India’s purchase of more than 200 American-made Aircraft through a historic
agreement signed between Air India and Boeing.
He further concluded, "This purchase will support over one million American jobs across 44
states, and many will not require a four-year college degree. This announcement also reflects the
strength of the U.S.-India economic partnership”.
This Air India-Boeing deal will result in as many as 1 million jobs across several 44 regions in the
United States of America. President Joe Biden conveyed his regards to the Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in a call on February 14, 2023 (Tuesday).
Air India to purchase 220 Boeing aircraft, US President Joe Biden hails it as a "historic
agreement" pic.twitter.com/ahLCs3r9Ig
Strengthening US-India Relations
On the official announcement of the Air India-Boeing deal on February 14, 2023 (Tuesday), Joe
Biden propounded that with Prime Minister Modi's government, he looks forward to intensifying
the ties between India and the US government.
From the White House, the US President declared that Boeing and Air India have reached an
accord under which the Indian airline will acquire 190 B737 MAX, 20 B787 as well as 10 B777X
for a total of 220 firm orders at worth USD 34 billion list price.
It includes customer options for an additional 50 Boeing 737 MAX along with 20 Boeing 787,
adding up to 290 aeroplanes. The money invested will be USD 45.9 billion at the list price. Joe
Biden discusses the "landmark" agreement with PM Narendra Modi.
AI is committed towards its transformation journey. As a part of the same, we are celebrating the
order of 470 aircraft with @Airbus @BoeingAirplanes @RollsRoyce @GE_Aerospace

@CFM_engines pic.twitter.com/NvkeZqZ0xt— Air India (@airindiain) February 14, 2023
Growing Job Demands in US
According to the pact signed between India and US government, the purchase value of about 34
billion dollars will support about one million American jobs. These jobs will be created across 44
states and several students will not require a four-year college degree, Biden affirms.
Moreover, the Air India order is being considered Boeing's third biggest sale ever in dollar value
as well as second in terms of the number of planes bought.
Glad to speak with @POTUS @JoeBiden. Excellent discussion to review the ongoing and new
initiatives to further deepen India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership. We welcome the
landmark @airindiain-@Boeing agreement which will help create new opportunities in both
countries.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2023
Expansion of Economy
The two leaders connected over a phone call to discuss the strengthening plans for the US-India
relationship. They also committed to continuing working together or in groups like the Quad in
order to escalate economic growth for both countries. This will not only lead to expanded
cooperation on shared priorities but will also contribute to the overall development of the
economic systems globally.
This official announcement follows the inaugural launch of the US-India recent initiative on Critical
and Emerging Technology (iCET) which was put forward by the two countries. This initiative aims
at broadening the strategic technology partnership along with defence industrial cooperation
between the governments, businesses as well as different universities of the two nations. US
President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicized the iCET scheme in
May 2022. The iCET event was organized in Washington DC.
It came to light that PM Modi expressed a desire to enhance bilateral cooperation in major
developing areas comprising space, semiconductors, supply chains, defence co-production and
co-development and knowledge and innovation ecosystems. Additionally, the two leaders agreed
to remain in further contact during India’s ongoing G20 Presidency to corroborate its success.
Also Read: Rayyana Barnawi Makes History, Becomes First Woman Astronaut from Saudi
Arabia to Visit Space Station, Read About Her

Rayyana Barnawi Makes History, Becomes

First Woman Astronaut from Saudi Arabia to
Visit Space Station, Read About Her
Saudi Arabia will set history by sending its first woman Astronaut, Rayyana Barnawi to the Space
Station this year. The country takes its first-ever move by trying to change its conservative image.
The first-ever woman astronaut from Saudi Arabia will be going to space this year. It can be seen
as a symbol of ameliorating the old conventional system of beliefs.
Rayyana Barnawi is the first female astronaut from Saudi Arabia who will be sent to the
International Space Station. She will join fellow Saudi Ali Al-Qarni on a 10-day mission to the
International Space Station (ISS) in the current year.
Both of these Saudi Arabian astronauts will travel to the Space Station probably in the second
quarter of 2023 as part of the crew members of the AX-2 Space Mission. This mission is led by a
private space company called Axiom Space.
Who is Rayyana Barnawi ?
It was officially announced on February 12, 2023, that Rayyana Barnawi, a Saudi woman
astronaut has been selected by the Saudi Space Commission for Axiom Mission 2. Talking about
her education, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science (ReGD) from Otago
University, New Zealand.
Further, she completed her Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Riyadh’s Alfaisal
University. She also has around 9 years of experience in Research for Cancer Stem Cells and
worked as a research laboratory technician.
.@NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for @Axiom_Space’s second
private astronaut mission to the space station, Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), targeted to launch in
spring 2023. https://t.co/ZhCnsDAlXf
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) February 13, 2023
AX-2 Space Mission Highlights

All crew members will be sent to the space station through a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from
Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
As per the official statement by Saudi Press Agency (SPA), it has been decided that Rayyana
Barnawi and Al-Qarni will embark on a journey to space through the International Space Station
(ISS) aboard a SpaceX Dragon spaceship.
Axiom Space initiated its first mission to the ISS in April 2022, under which four private astronauts
travelled to the space station. They spent 17 days in orbit.
UAE Achievements in 2019
In the year 2019, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the first Arab country to send one of its
citizens into space. Now Saudi Arabia is planning to become the second Arab country by
following the same path.
Sultan al-Neyadi nicknamed the "Sultan of Space" is likely to become the first Arab astronaut to
spend 6 months in space when he will take off for the ISS in a Falcon 9 rocket in February 2023.
Another fellow Emrati, Astronaut Hazzaa al-Mansoori spent 8 days on the ISS.
New Initiative by Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman introduces various reforms in order to
change the conservative perspective of the country. Efforts are being made to allow women to
drive and travel abroad without a male guardian.
This is a very positive step towards the overall development of the nation. Apart from this,
women's proportion in the workforce has elevated since 2016 reportedly from 17% to 37%.
However, Saudi Arabia's expedition into space is not of its first kind. In 1985, the oil-rich country
sent the country's royal Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz along with an air force pilot on a
US-organised mission. At that time it became the first Arab Muslim country to travel into space.
In 2018 as well, the country launched a space program and sent astronauts into space last year
as part of Prince Salman's Vision 2030 agenda for economic expansion.
Also Read: Current Affairs Quiz in English: 13 February 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurated

the 14th Edition of Aero India 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 14th edition of its flagship aero show in
Bengaluru on Monday, 13 February 2023.
Asia's largest aero show will run from February 13 to February 17. The show will encompass the
display of locally-produced equipment and technologies to attract partnerships with foreign
companies proving to be a great business opportunity.
The event will feature aerial exhibits by aircraft and helicopters. It will also have a large exposition
and trade fair for aerospace and defense companies.
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri

Narendra Modi to inaugurate the 14th edition of #AeroIndia2023 at Yelahanka,#Bengaluru on
13th Feb 2023 at 9.30 a.m.
The event is all set to showcase aerospace & defence capabilities of India & project India as a
global Defence manufacturing hub. pic.twitter.com/PefEpjcdxg
— Aero India (@AeroIndiashow) February 13, 2023

Aero India 2023: Key Features
- The Aero Showcase: The five-day event, on the theme 'The runway to a billion
opportunities', will showcase India's growth in aerospace and defense capabilities.
- First Day: The first day of Aero India 2023 featured aerobatics along with an extravagant
exhibition and trade fair.
- Companies coming: About 809 companies from 98 countries will be taking part in Aero India
2023.
- The theme of Aero India 2023 is "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities".
- Under its "Make in India" policy the government of India has been insisting that manufacturers
such as Lockheed Martin Corp, Boeing, and Airbus share technology or make more than
parts.
- Signed Agreements: Nearly 251 agreements with expected investments of 75,000 crores
are likely to be signed between various Indian and foreign defense companies.
- Record Deals: Air India is expected to announce a potential record deal to buy nearly 500
jets from Airbus SE and Boeing Co, worth more than $100 billion at list prices.

- Equipment Exports: India, which was for decades an importer in the defense sector, is now
exporting defense equipment to 75 countries.
- Helicopter Display: The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will display an 'Aatmanirbhar
Formation' flight of 15 helicopters, comprising all variants of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH),
'Prachand' Light Combat Helicopter, and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).
- Round Table: The defense ministry will also be organizing a 'CEOs Round Table' today,
under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi On The Aero Event
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Aero India reflects India's new strength and aspirations
while inaugurating the event.
He added that the made-in-India Tejas aircraft and INS Vikrant as examples of India's potential.
"India's successes are giving proof of its possibilities and capability and added that Tejas aircraft
roaring in the sky is the proof of the success of 'Make in India'.
The new India of the 21st century will neither miss any opportunity nor leave any stone unturned
in its hard work. We are gearing up," stated PM Modi in his address.
The Prime Minister also expressed the importance of Aero India taking place in Karnataka which
is the hub of India's technological advancement.
Aero India 2023 showcased the strides India is making in defence and aerospace. It has brought
together people from various countries who are showcasing their innovations.
pic.twitter.com/EFL35j9LwL

Aim Of Aero India 2023 And Upcoming Endeavors
- Record Deal: At the Aero India show, Air India is likely to announce a potentially record deal
to buy nearly 500 jets from Airbus SE and Boeing Co, valued at over $100 billion.
- IndiGo Deal: According to Reports from aviation consultant CAPA India, India's biggest
carrier IndiGo may also make a blockbuster order of a similar scale. CAPA predicts Indian
carriers may buy 1,500 to 1,700 aircraft in coming years.
- TAPAS-BH Debut: Medium Altitude Long Endurance class unmanned aerial vehicle TAPAS-
BH (Tactical Aerial Platform for Advanced Surveillance - Beyond Horizon) developed by
Defence Research and Development Organisation will make its flying debut at Aero India.

PM @narendramodi inaugurated #AeroIndia2023 in Bengaluru today.
Check out some of the mesmerising glimpses from the event@IAF_MCC

pic.twitter.com/ocuYbgZZ8b
— DD News (@DDNewslive) February 13, 2023
The exhibition for the year 2023 is expected to be the biggest air show with the highest rate of
participation. Aero Show 2023 will be featuring top international think-tanks, major aerospace
companies, and world leaders, according to Defence Ministry.
ALSO READ|Aero India 2023: Dates, Theme Ticket Price, Booking, Venue, Schedule,
Highlights & More
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Budget 2023 Highlights: PDF Download with

Key Pointers & Summary
Budget 2023 Highlights: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget
2023, the fifth budget on February 01 (Wednesday). The Finance Minister said that the Union
Budget 2023-24 aimed at the overall development of the Indian Economy with respect to the
global perspective. She also said that the Budget proposals for the 2023-24 financial year rest on
envisioning a prosperous and inclusive India, in which the fruits of development reach all regions
and citizens, especially our youth, women, farmers, OBCs, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said “This Budget hopes to build on the foundation laid in
the previous Budget, and the blueprint drawn for India@100. We envision a prosperous and
inclusive India, in which the fruits of development reach all regions and citizens, especially our
youth, women, farmers, OBCs, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.”
While presenting the Budget 2023-24, the Finance Minister also said “ In these nine years, the
Indian economy has increased in size from being 10th to 5th largest in the world. We have
significantly improved our position as a well-governed and innovative country with a conducive
environment for business as reflected in several global indices. We have made significant
progress in many Sustainable Development Goals.”
The economic agenda for achieving this vision focuses on three things: first, facilitating ample
opportunities for citizens, especially the youth, to fulfill their aspirations; second, providing a
strong impetus to growth and job creation; and third, strengthening macroeconomic stability.
India Budget 2023 Overview
- In RE 2022-23, the total expenditure has been estimated at 41,87,232 crore which is more
than the Actuals of FY 2021-22 by 3,93,431 crore. The total capital expenditure in RE 2022-
23 is estimated at 7,28,274 crore.
- The total expenditure in BE 2023-24 is estimated at 45,03,097 crore of which total capital
expenditure is 10,00,961 crore. Budget 2023-24 reflects continuing strong commitment of the
Union Government to boost economic growth by investing in infrastructure development
leading to an increase in capital expenditure by 37.4 percent over RE 2022-23. Effective

Capital Expenditure, at 13,70,949 crore in BE 2023-24, shows an increase of 30.1 percent

over RE 2022-23.
- Total resources being transferred to the States including the devolution of State’s share,
Grants/Loans and releases under Centrally Sponsored Schemes, etc. in BE 2023-24 is
17,97,537 crore, which shows an increase of 1,43,056 crore over Actuals of FY 2021-22.
Priorities of Budget 2023-24:
The Budget 2023-24 adopts the following seven priorities. They complement each other and act
as the ‘Saptarishi’ guiding us through the Amrit Kaal.
1. Inclusive Development
2. Reaching the Last Mile
3. Infrastructure and Investment
4. Unleashing the Potential
5. Green Growth
6. Youth Power
7. Financial Sector
Budget 2023 Highlights: Top 10 Key Summary
In the Union Budget 2023-24 there were remarkable changes to the new personal income tax
structure in a year. Currently, those with income up to Rs. 5 lakhs do not pay any income tax in
both old and new tax regimes. The rebate limit has been increased to Rs. 7 lakhs in the new tax
regime. Thus, persons in the new tax regime, with income up to 7 lakhs will not have to pay any
tax.
The second proposal relates to middle-class individuals and was introduced, in the year 2020.
According to the new personal income tax regime with six income slabs starting from Rs.2.5
lakhs. The change in the tax structure in this regime by reducing the number of slabs to five and
increasing the tax exemption limit to Rs. 3 lakhs. The new tax rates are.
Annual Income New Tax Slab
0-3 lakh Nil
3-6 lakh 5 percent
6-9 lakh 10 percent
9-12 lakh 15 percent

12-15 lakh 20 percent
Above 15 lakh 30 percent
Budget 2023 Highlights: Union Budget FY 2023-2024 in a Glance
- Per capita income has more than doubled to 1.97 lakhs in around nine years
- The Indian economy has increased in size from being 10th to 5th largest in the world in the
past nine years
- EPFO membership has more than doubled to 27 crores.
- 7,400 crore digital payments of 126 lakh crore have taken place through UPI in 2022.
- 11.7 crore household toilets constructed under Swachh Bharat Mission.
- 9.6 crore LPG connections provided under Ujjwala.
- 220 crore covid vaccination of 102 crore persons.
- 47.8 crore PM Jan Dhan bank accounts.
- Insurance cover for 44.6 crore persons under PM Suraksha Bima and PM Jeevan Jyoti
Yojana.
- Cash transfer of 2.2 lakh crore to over 11.4 crore farmers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
- Seven priorities of the budget ‘Saptarishi’ are inclusive development, reaching the last mile,
infrastructure and investment, unleashing the potential, green growth, youth power, and the
financial sector.
Let’s take a look at the Union Budget 2023-24 highlights and how it affects various sectors. Here
are the key changes announced by FM Sitharaman and download Budget 2023 highlights PDF
here.
Budget 2023-24 PDF Download
Budget 2023 at a Glance (Full) PDF File
Budget 2023 at a Glance PDF File
Budget 2023 Deficit Statistics PDF File
Transfer of Resources to States and Union Territories with Legislature PDF File
Budget 2023 Profile PDF File
Budget 2023 Receipts PDF File
Budget 2023 Expenditure PDF File

Budget 2023 Major Schemes PDF File
Also Read -
- Union Budget of India 2023: Definition, Types & More

- Difference Between Interim Budget and Vote on Account
Last 5 Years Budget Highlights & Speeches PDF
The highlights of the Budget for the last five years has been provided below. You can download
the Budget copies from the provided link for your future reference.
Budget Year Highlights PDF Speech PDF
Budget 2023 - 2024 PDF Download PDF Download
Also Read - Budget Meaning in Hindi
Ministry Wise Budget 2023 Key Highlights are as follows:
Road Transport Budget:
- By 2030, the govt aims to produce 5 MMT of green hydrogen. Recently launched National
Green Hydrogen with an outlay of Rs 19,700 crore
- To achieve net zero and transition to a sustainable energy system, Rs 35,000 crore has been
allocated to the Ministry of petroleum and natural gas.
- 100 critical transport infrastructure project for last and first-mile connectivity for ports, coal,
steel, fertilizer, and food grains sectors have been identified. They will be taken up on priority
with an investment of Rs 75,000 crore, including Rs 15,000 crore from private sources.
- Rs 5,172 crore has been allotted for the FAME II scheme.
- Rs 2.70 lakh crore has been allotted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
(MoRTH).
Railways Budget:
- Major push for Railways with Rs. 2.4 lahks crore capital outlay

- Railways plan to refurbish more than 1,000 coaches of premier trains

- Proposed to manufacture 35 hydrogen fuel-based trains, 4,500 newly designed automobile
carrier coaches with side entry, 5,000 LHB coaches and 58,000 wagons
Agriculture Budget:
- Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture: Digital public infrastructure for agriculture will
be built as an open source, open standard, and interoperable public good. This will enable
inclusive, farmer-centric solutions through relevant information services for crop planning and
health, improved access to farm inputs, credit, and insurance, help for crop estimation,
market intelligence, and support for the growth of the agri-tech industry and start-ups.
- Agriculture Accelerator Fund: An Agriculture Accelerator Fund will be set up to encourage
agri-startups by young entrepreneurs in rural areas. The Fund will aim at bringing innovative
and affordable solutions for challenges faced by farmers. It will also bring in modern
technologies to transform agricultural practices and increase productivity and profitability.
- Enhancing the productivity of cotton crop: To enhance the productivity of extra-long
staple cotton, we will adopt a cluster-based and value chain approach through Public Private
Partnerships (PPP). This will mean collaboration between farmers, the state, and industry for
input supplies, extension services, and market linkages.
- Atmanirbhar Horticulture Clean Plant Program: We will launch an Atmanirbhar Clean Plant
Program to boost the availability of disease-free, quality planting material for high-value
horticultural crops at an outlay of ` 2,200 crores.
- Global Hub for Millets ‘Shree Anna’: Now to make India a global hub for 'Shree Anna', the
Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad will be supported as the Centre of Excellence
for sharing best practices, research, and technologies at the international level.
- Agriculture Credit: The agriculture credit target will be increased to 20 lakh crore with a
focus on animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries.
- Fisheries: A new sub-scheme of PM Matsya Sampada Yojana with a targeted investment of
` 6,000 crores to further enable activities of fishermen, fish vendors, and micro & small
enterprises, improve value chain efficiencies, and expand the market.
- Cooperation: For farmers, especially small and marginal farmers, and other marginalized
sections, the government is promoting a cooperative-based economic development model. A
new Ministry of Cooperation was formed with a mandate to realize the vision of ‘Sahakar Se
Samriddhi’. To realize this vision, the government has already initiated the computerization of
63,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) with an investment of 2,516 crores. In
consultation with all stakeholders and states, model bye-laws for PACS were formulated

enabling them to become multipurpose PACS. A national cooperative database is being

prepared for the country-wide mapping of cooperative societies.
MSME Budget:
- Deduction for expenditure incurred on payments made to MSMEs to be allowed only when
payment is actually made in order to support MSMEs in timely receipt of payments.
- Revamped credit guarantee scheme for MSMEs to take effect from 1st April 2023 through the
infusion of Rs 9,000 crore in the corpus. This scheme would enable additional collateral-free
guaranteed credit of Rs 2 lakh crore and also reduce the cost of the credit by about 1 percent.
Skill Development Budget:
- Aspirational Blocks Programme covering 500 blocks launched for saturation of essential
government services across multiple domains such as health, nutrition, education, agriculture,
water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and basic infrastructure.
Education Budget:
- As many as 38,000 teachers and support staff are to be recruited in the next 3 years, for 740
Eklavya Model Residential Schools serving 3.5 lakh tribal students
- The government will launch Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0
- 100 labs will be set up for developing apps using 5G services in engineering institutions
- Teacher training will be envisioned through innovative pedagogy, continuous professional
development, curriculum transaction, and ICT implementation. The district institutes of
education and training will be developed into vibrant institutes of excellence for this purpose
- National Child Trust, Children's Book Trust and other sources to be encouraged to provide
and replenish non-curricular titles in regional languages and English, to these libraries;
collaboration with NGOs working in literacy also to be done
- PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman), which was announced in
Budget 2023, will include skilled people who are engaged in various traditional and skilled
professions.
- To skill the youth for international opportunities, 30 Skill India International Centres will be set
up across different States
- To provide support to 47 lakh youths in 3 years, a Direct Benefit Transfer under a pan India
national apprenticeship scheme will be rolled out
- A National Digital Library for children and adolescents will be set up for facilitating the
availability of quality books across geographies, languages, genres, and levels and device-
agnostic accessibility

- States will be encouraged to set up physical libraries for them at panchayat and ward levels
and provide infrastructure for accessing the National Digital Library resources
- 157 new nursing colleges will be established in colocation with the existing 157 medical
colleges established since 2014
- Indian Institute of Millet Research will be supported as a center of excellence
- For realising the vision of Make AI in India and Make AI work for India, 3 Centres of
Excellence for Artificial Intelligence will be set up in top educational institutions
- Leading industry players will partner in conducting inter-disciplinary research, and develop
cutting-edge applications & scalable problem solutions in the areas of agriculture, health, and
sustainable cities
Health Budget:
- The Union health and family welfare ministry has been allocated Rs 89, 155 crores in the
Union budget FY24
- For the upcoming financial year, Rs 86,175 crore has been allocated to the department of
health and family welfare while Rs 2,980 crore has been allocated to the department of health
research.
- In the ongoing fiscal, the budget spent on the department of health and family welfare is Rs
76, 370 while Rs 2,775 crore had been marked for the department of health research.
Banking Budget:
- National Financial Information Registry to be set up to serve as the central repository of

financial and ancillary information for facilitating the efficient flow of credit, promoting financial
inclusion, and fostering financial stability. A new legislative framework is to be designed in
consultation with RBI to govern this credit public infrastructure.
- Financial sector regulators to carry out a comprehensive review of existing regulations in
consultation with public and regulated entities. Time limits to decide the applications under
various regulations would also be laid down.
- To enhance business activities in GIFT IFSC, the following measures are to be taken.
- Delegating powers under the SEZ Act to IFSCA to avoid dual regulation.
- Setting up a single window IT system for registration and approval from IFSCA, SEZ
authorities, GSTN, RBI, SEBI, and IRDAI.
- Permitting acquisition financing by IFSC Banking Units of a foreign bank.
- Establishing a subsidiary of EXIM Bank for trade refinancing.
- Amending IFSCA Act for statutory provisions for arbitration, and ancillary services, and
avoiding dual regulation under SEZ Act

- Recognizing offshore derivative instruments as valid contracts.

- Amendments proposed to the Banking Regulation Act, the Banking Companies Act, and the
Reserve of India Act to improve bank governance and enhance investors’ protection.
- Countries looking for digital continuity solutions would be facilitated for setting up their Data
Embassies in GIFT IFSC.
- SEBI to be empowered to develop, regulate, maintain, and enforce norms and standards for
education in the National Institute of Securities Markets and to recognize the award of
degrees, diplomas, and certificates
Urban Planning Budget:
- Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) will be established through the use of priority
Sector Lending shortfall, which will be managed by the National Housing Bank, and will be
used by public agencies to create urban infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
- Encouragement to states and cities to undertake urban planning reforms and actions to
transform our cities into ‘sustainable cities of tomorrow.
Fiscal Management Budget:
The key highlights of the Budget 2023-24 Direct Taxes (Part B) are as follows:
- Direct Tax proposals aim to maintain the continuity and stability of taxation, further simplify
and rationalize various provisions to reduce the compliance burden, promote the
entrepreneurial spirit, and provide tax relief to citizens.
- The constant endeavor of the Income Tax Department to improve Tax Payers Services by
making compliance easy and smooth.
- To further improve taxpayer services, a proposal to roll out a next-generation Common IT
Return Form for taxpayer convenience, along with plans to strengthen the grievance
redressal mechanism.
- Rebate limit of Personal Income Tax is to be increased to Rs. 7 lakhs from the current Rs. 5
lakhs in the new tax regime. Thus, persons in the new tax regime, with income up to Rs. 7
lakhs do not pay any tax.
- Tax structure in the new personal income tax regime, introduced in 2020 with six income
slabs, to change by reducing the number of slabs to five and increasing the tax exemption
limit to Rs. 3 lakhs. Change to provide major relief to all taxpayers in the new regime.
- Proposal to extend the benefit of a standard deduction of Rs. 50,000 to salaried individuals,
and deduction from family pensions up to Rs. 15,000, in the new tax regime.
- The highest surcharge rate is to reduce from 37 percent to 25 percent in the new tax regime.

This to further result in the reduction of the maximum personal income tax rate to 39 percent.
- The limit for tax exemption on leave encashment on the retirement of non-government
salaried employees to increase to Rs. 25 lakhs.
- The new income tax regime is to be made the default tax regime. However, citizens will
continue to have the option to avail the benefit of the old tax regime.
- Enhanced limits for micro-enterprises and certain professionals for availing the benefit of
presumptive taxation were proposed. Increased limit to apply only in case the amount or
aggregate of the amounts received during the year, in cash, does not exceed five percent of
the total gross receipts/turnover.
- Deduction for expenditure incurred on payments made to MSMEs to be allowed only when
payment is actually made in order to support MSMEs in timely receipt of payments.
- New co-operatives that commence manufacturing activities till 31.3.2024 to get the benefit of
a lower tax rate of 15 percent, as presently available to new manufacturing companies.
- The opportunity provided to sugar co-operatives to claim payments made to sugarcane
farmers for the period prior to the assessment year 2016-17 as an expenditure. This is
expected to provide them relief of almost Rs. 10,000 crores.
- Provision of a higher limit of Rs. 2 lakh per member for cash deposits to and loans in cash by
Primary Agricultural Co-operative Societies (PACS) and Primary Co-operative Agriculture and
Rural Development Banks (PCARDBs).
- A higher limit of Rs. 3 crores for TDS on cash withdrawal is to be provided to cooperative
societies.
- Date of incorporation for income tax benefits to start-ups to be extended from 31.03.23 to
31.3.24.
- Proposal to provide the benefit of carrying forward losses on change of shareholding of start-
ups from seven years of incorporation to ten years.
- Deduction from capital gains on investment in residential houses under sections 54 and 54F
to be capped at Rs. 10 crores for better targeting of tax concessions and exemptions.
- Proposal to limit income tax exemption from proceeds of insurance policies with very high
value. Where the aggregate premium for life insurance policies (other than ULIP) issued on or
after 1st April 2023 is above Rs. 5 lakhs, income from only those policies with aggregate
premiums up to Rs. 5 lakhs shall be exempt.
- Income of authorities, boards, and commissions set up by statutes of the Union or State for
the purpose of housing, development of cities, towns, and villages, and regulating, or
regulating and developing an activity or matter, proposed to be exempted from income tax.
- The minimum threshold of Rs. 10,000/- for TDS to be removed and taxability relating to online

gaming to be clarified. Proposal to provide for TDS and taxability on net winnings at the time
of withdrawal or at the end of the financial year.
- Conversion of gold into the electronic gold receipt and vice versa is not to be treated as a
capital gain.
- TDS rate to be reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent on the taxable portion of EPF
withdrawal in non-PAN cases.
- Income from Market Linked Debentures to be taxed.
- Deployment of about 100 Joint Commissioners for disposal of small appeals in order to
reduce the pendency of appeals at the Commissioner level.
- Increased selectivity in taking up appeal cases for scrutiny of returns already received this
year.
- Period of tax benefits to funds relocating to IFSC, GIFT City extended till 31.03.2025.
- Certain acts of omission of liquidators under section 276A of the Income Tax Act to be
decriminalized with effect from 1st April 2023.
- Carry forward losses on strategic disinvestment including that of IDBI Bank to be allowed.
- Agniveer Fund to be provided EEE status. The payment received from the Agniveer Corpus
Fund by the Agniveers enrolled in Agnipath Scheme, 2022 proposed to be exempt from
taxes. Deduction in the computation of total income is proposed to be allowed to the Agniveer
on the contribution made by him or the Central Government to his Seva Nidhi account.
The key highlights of the Budget 2023-24 Indirect Taxes are as follows:
- The key highlights of the Budget 2023-24 Sector-Specific are as follows:

- The number of basic customs duty rates on goods, other than textiles and agriculture,
reduced to 13 from 21.
- Minor changes in the basic customs duties, cesses, and surcharges on some items including
toys, bicycles, automobiles, and naphtha.
- Excise duty is exempted on GST-paid compressed biogas contained in blended compressed
natural gas.
- Customs Duty on specified capital goods/machinery for the manufacture of the lithium-ion cell
for use in batteries of electrically operated vehicles (EVs) extended to 31.03.2024
- Customs duty exempted on vehicles, specified automobile parts/components, sub-systems,
and tyres when imported by notified testing agencies, for the purpose of testing and/ or
certification, subject to conditions.
- Customs duty on the camera lens and its inputs/parts for use in the manufacture of the
camera module of cellular mobile phones was reduced to zero and concessional duty on

lithium-ion cells for batteries was extended for another year.

- Basic customs duty reduced on parts of open cells of TV panels to 2.5 percent.
- Basic customs duty on electric kitchen chimneys increased to 15 percent from 7.5 percent.
- Basic customs duty on heat coil for the manufacture of electric kitchen chimneys reduced to
15 percent from 20 percent.
- Denatured ethyl alcohol used in the chemical industry is exempted from basic customs duty.
- Basic customs duty reduced on acid grade fluorspar (containing by weight more than 97
percent of calcium fluoride) to 2.5 percent from 5 percent.
- Basic customs duty on crude glycerin for use in the manufacture of epichlorohydrin reduced
to 2.5 percent from 7.5 percent.
- Duty reduced on key inputs for domestic manufacture of shrimp feed.
- Basic customs duty reduced on seeds used in the manufacture of lab-grown diamonds.
- Duties on articles made from dore and bars of gold and platinum increased.
- Import duty on silver dore, bars, and articles increased.
- Basic Customs Duty exemption on raw materials for the manufacture of CRGO Steel, ferrous
scrap, and nickel cathode continued.
- Concessional BCD of 2.5 percent on copper scrap is continued.
- The basic customs duty rate on compounded rubber increased to 25 percent from 10 percent
or 30 per kg whichever is lower.
- National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) on specified cigarettes was revised upwards by
about 16 percent.
- Legislative Changes in Customs Laws
- Customs Act, 1962 to be amended to specify a time limit of nine months from the date of filing
the application for passing the final order by the Settlement Commission.
- Customs Tariff Act to be amended to clarify the intent and scope of provisions relating to Anti-
Dumping Duty (ADD), Countervailing Duty (CVD), and Safeguard Measures.
- CGST Act to be amended
- to raise the minimum threshold of tax amount for launching prosecution under GST from one
crore to two crores
- to reduce the compounding amount from the present range of 50 to 150 percent of the tax
amount to the range of 25 to 100 percent;
- decriminalize certain offenses;
- to restrict the filing of returns/statements to a maximum period of three years from the due
date of filing of the relevant return/statement; and
- to enable unregistered suppliers and composition taxpayers to make the intra-state supply of

goods through E-Commerce Operators (ECOs).
Also Read:-
Agriculture Budget 2023 Highlights: PDF Download with Key Summary & Takeaways
Railways Budget 2023 Highlights: PDF Download with Key Summary & Takeaways

Agriculture Budget 2023 Highlights: PDF

Download with Key Summary & Takeaways
Agriculture Budget 2023 Live Updates by FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech: The Union Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2023 in Parliament on February 01.
This is the fifth budget presented by the Finance Minister since she took over the Ministry of
Finance of the country. Union Budget 2023 is the last full-fledged budget before the Lok Sabha
polls next year.
Over the next 3 years, one crore farmers will get assistance to adopt natural farming. 10,000 bio
input resource centres will be set up: FM Nirmala Sitharaman#UnionBudget2023
pic.twitter.com/jcbHRS75ZW

Agriculture Budget 2023 Live Updates What’s New: Funds, Schemes, Projects
- Rs 2 lakh crore for the entire year will be introduced by the center under “PM Garib Kalyan
Anna Yojana” which will aim to supply free food grains for one year to all Antyodaya and
priority households.
- The government will introduce a sub-scheme under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana with a
total of Rs 6,000 crore to encourage those who are involved in fishing.
- FM announces that Govt would encourage mangrove plantations along the coastline under
the MISHTI scheme.
- PM Pranam is to be launched to incentivize states and UT to promote alternative fertilizers
and balanced use of chemical fertilizers.
- Indian Institute of Millet Research will be supported as a center of excellence.
- FM Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government will adopt a cluster-based approach and will
promote collaboration between farmer state and industry for input supply, extension service
sand market linkages.
- The government will launch the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme to improve the
availability of disease-free quality planting material for high-value horticultural crops at an
outlay of Rs 2,200 crore.
- The government will also bring in Agriculture Accelerator Fund to boost agriculture startups
by young professionals. It will aim for bringing affordable solutions to challenges faced by
farmers and will provide modern technology to increase productivity and profitability.

Agriculture Budget Highlights: Important Facts & Figures of Indian Agriculture Budget
2022-23
The Government of India is continuously working for enhancing agricultural productivity, farmers’
income, and their welfare in a sustainable manner. Accordingly, the Budget for the Department of
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA & FW) has been increased from Rs. 21933.50 crores
(2013-14) to Rs. 124000 crores (2022-23), which is a 465% increase for the implementation of
various agricultural development and welfare schemes aiming to increase agriculture production
and farmers’ welfare across the country. Besides, Rs. 8513.62 crore have been allocated during
2022-23 to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education for the development of several
new high-yielding, biotic/ abiotic stress tolerant, disease/ insect resistant, and bio-fortified varieties
of seed, etc.
In order to enhance the production and productivity of food crops, the Government is
implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in
the country. The mission aims at increasing food grain/ food crop production through area
expansion in niche regions and productivity improvement. The mission also provides support to
the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) & State Agriculture Universities (SAUs)/Krishi
Vigyan Kendras (KVKS) for the technology backstopping and transfer of technology to the farmer
under the supervision of Subject Matter Specialists/Scientists. The research organizations are
supported for undertaking research projects that can help enhance the production and
productivity of crops. For the welfare of farmers, the Government has launched various initiatives
viz. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan
Yojana (PM-KMY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay
Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PMAASHA), Price Support Scheme (PSS) for pulses and oilseeds, Price
Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), Interest Subvention Scheme, Kisan Credit Card (KCC),
etc.
Highlights of Union Budget 2022-23 in the Agriculture Sector
- Agriculture and rural startups will receive funds from NABARD.

- The government will ensure wheat and paddy farmers get assured income by making direct
payments of Rs.2.37 lakh crore for minimum support price (MSP) from April 2022 to March
2023.
- Oilseed cultivation will be expanded to reduce dependency on imports and the production of
millet will be encouraged.
- Kisan drones will be employed for crop assessments, digitization of land records, and

spraying of pesticides and nutrients.

- Chemical-free natural farming will be promoted all over India which will help farmers improve
their income as well as sustainable agricultural productivity.
- About 9 lakh farmers will benefit from the Ken-Betwa River linking project. A total of
Rs.44,000 crore has been earmarked for this project.

Railways Budget 2023 Highlights: PDF

Download with Key Summary & Takeaways
Railways Budget 2023 Live Updates by FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech: The Union Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2023 in Parliament on February 01,
2023. This is the fifth budget presented by the Finance Minister since she took over the Ministry of
Finance of the country. Union Budget 2023 is the last full-fledged budget before the Lok Sabha
polls next year.
Railways Budget 2023 Live Updates What’s New: Funds, Schemes, Interventions
- Shares of railway-related companies, including Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd and IRCON
International, witnessed an up-trend on February 1, 2023, ahead of the Union Budget
presentation in Parliament.
- Experts believe that shares of railway-related companies are in the focus as Dalal Street
expects a boost to railways’ capital expenditure.
- Expectations of higher allocations are driving the stocks.
- Railway outlay highest ever, 9x over FY14.
Railways Budget Highlights: Important Facts & Figures of Indian Railways Budget 2022-23
- Revenue: Railways’ internal revenue for 2022-23 is estimated at Rs 2,40,000 crore, an

increase of 19% over the revised estimates for 2021-22. In 2021-22, revenue is estimated to
be 7% lower than the budget estimate.
- Traffic revenue: Total revenue from traffic for 2022-23 is estimated to be Rs 2,39,600 crore,
an increase of 19% over revised estimates for 2021-22. Freight revenue is estimated to be
Rs 1,65,000 crore in 2022-23, an increase of 14% over the revised estimates for 2021-22.
The passenger revenue is estimated to be Rs 58,500 crore, an increase of 32% over a low
base in 2021-22 (due to COVID-19). In 2021-22, passenger revenue is estimated to be 27%
lower than the budget estimate, whereas freight revenue is estimated to be 5% higher than
the budget estimate.
- Expenditure: The total revenue expenditure by Railways for 2022-23 is projected to be Rs
2,34,640 crore, an increase of 17% over revised estimates for 2021-22. In 2021-22, revenue
expenditure is estimated to be 5% lower than the budget estimate. In 2022-23, capital
expenditure is projected at Rs 2,45,800 crore, an increase of 14% over the revised estimates
for 2021-22. The revised estimates for capital expenditure in 2021-22 are marginally higher

than the budget estimate.

- Operating Ratio: The operating Ratio is a ratio of working expenses to the receipts from
traffic. A lower ratio implies better profitability and availability of resources for capital
spending. In 2022-23, the Railways’ Operating Ratio is estimated to be 96.98%. This would
be an improvement over the operating ratio of 98.93% in 2021-22 (revised estimates). An
operating ratio of 96.15% was estimated at the budget stage in 2021-22.
Key Announcements and Proposals related to Railways made in Budget 2022-23 include:
- Railways will develop new products and efficient logistics services for small farmers, and
small and medium enterprises. It will also take steps towards the integration of postal and
railway networks to provide seamless solutions for the movement of parcels.
- 100 PM-GatiShakti Cargo Terminals for multimodal logistics facilities will be developed over
the next three years.
- Multimodal connectivity between mass urban transport and railway stations will be facilitated
on priority.
- 400 new-generation Vande Bharat trains will be manufactured over the next three years.
- 2,000 km of the network will be brought under Kavach, the indigenous technology for safety
and capacity augmentation.
- The ‘One Station-One Product’ concept will be popularised to help local businesses and
supply chains.

Economic Survey 2023: PDF Download, Key

Highlights & Summary
Budget Economic Survey 2023: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman represents the country’s
annual pre-budget economic survey at Parliament on January 31, 2023. According to the
Economic Survey 2022-23, the following fiscal year will see real GDP growth of 6.5 percent.
The Indian Economy would also increase by 7% for 2023-24. This growth also depicts that India
has become the world's fifth-largest economy.
Economic Survey 2023 Key Highlights
- Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey in both Parliament Houses ahead of the
Union Budget.
- According to the survey, the Indian economy would increase by 7% in real terms in the
current fiscal year. It also stated that India will continue to be the world's fastest-growing
major economy.
- According to the poll, India has become the world's fifth-largest economy, with a nominal
GDP of roughly 3.5 trillion US dollars in March 2023.
- According to the poll, the growth in consumer prices has slowed significantly. According to the
poll, the annual rate of inflation is less than 6%, and wholesale prices are growing at less than
5%.
- Exports of products and services increased by 16% in the first nine months of the current
fiscal year.
How to Download the Economic Survey 2023 PDF?
The documents of Economic Survey 2023 are presented by CEA V Anantha Nageswaran, they
can be downloaded from the government’s official website https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/.
Click on the below available links to download the pdf of Economic Survey 2023.
Economic Survey 2022-23 Official Documents Download P
Preface Click Here
State of the Economy 2022-23: Recovery Complete Click Here
India’s Medium-term Growth Outlook: With Optimism and Hope Click Here
Fiscal Developments: Revenue Relish Click Here
Monetary Management and Financial Intermediation: A Good Year Click Here
Prices and Inflation: Successful Tight-Rope Walking Click Here

Social Infrastructure and Employment: Big Tent Click Here

Climate Change and Environment: Preparing to Face the Future Click Here
Agriculture & Food Management: From Food Security to Nutritional Security Click Here
Industry: Steady Recovery Click Here
Services: Source of Strength Click Here
External Sector: Watchful and Hopeful Click Here
Physical and Digital Infrastructure: Lifting Potential Growth Click Here
Economic Survey 2023: Highlights of President’s Speech
President Draupadi Murmu addressed the Budget session and highlighted some of the points,
such as:
- India is in a better position as compared to other countries due to the decision of the
government for the national interest.
- The government e-marketplace has witnessed transactions worth over Rs 3lakh crore.
- GST, Ayushman Bharat are boons for India.
- The government has passed legislation to tackle fugitive economic offenders.
- The Centre is working for women's empowerment.
- Taxpayers are receiving refunds within a few days of filing IT returns.
- 11 crore small farmers are the government’s priority.
- 36,000 Adivasi families have been covered under Adivasi Ekta Mission.
- Government praise people who support fighting against corruption.
What is an Economic Survey?
The economic survey is an annual report of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Every
year the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance introduces the survey in the
parliament prior to the Union Budget.
The Budget is prepared under the guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser of India. The
economic survey is presented to both the Parliament House during the Budget session.
What are the contents of the Economic Survey?
The economic survey contains the Ministry’s view on the economical state of the country. It
represents the development in the Indian economy over the past financial years and exhibits the
country’s performance on essential development programs, highlighting the policy initiatives of the
government and the economic prospects in the short to medium term.
Economic Survey 2023: Significance

The Economic Survey represents the country’s economic trends and ensures a better
appreciation of the resource mobilization and their allocation in the Union Budget. It analyzes the
agricultural, industrial, employment, import, and export trends in the country.
The survey also directs the Gross Domestic Product for the coming financial year and comprises
insights into India’s economic growth.
Who Publish the Economic Survey?
The survey is prepared by the Economics Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under
the guidance of the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA). The current CEA of India is Dr. V Anantha
Nageswaran.
The first Economic Survey of India was prepared by the Finance Ministry in 1950-51. At that time,
the survey was represented along with the Union Budget. However, later it was de-linked from the
budget in 1964 and unveiled priorly to provide a context of the latter.
Economic Survey 2023 Theme?
Every year the theme of the Economic Survey is different. The theme for the Economic Survey
2023 is likely to take note of inflation levels, likely pressure on the Indian Rupee due to RBI’s
tightening of monetary policy, employment conditions, pick-up in private investment, infrastructure
spending, and improvement in the financial growth of the Indian banking sector.

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