1 March 2023 Current Affairs – The Day’s Top News | GKSERIES
Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 1 March 2023, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.
So, here is the Top News of the Day for 1 March 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.
Current Affairs for Competitive Exam – 1 March 2023
World Civil Defence Day 2023 celebrated on 01st March
World Civil Defence Day 2023: The 1st of March is designated as World Civil Defence Day to raise awareness about the importance of civil defence measures in protecting people and property from natural disasters, accidents, and other emergencies. The day honours the work of several civil defence organisations. The day also recognises the efforts put in by the organisations in protecting communities and saving lives. The day also honours civil defence personnel, who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
World Civil Defence Day 2023: Theme
The theme for this year is “Uniting the world’s leading specialists for the safety and security of future generations”. The theme is based on the interest and importance of the role of technical systems, technological applications, and artificial intelligence techniques in determining risks related to civil protection and civil defence.
World Civil Defence Day 2023: Significance
The theme for this year is “Uniting the world’s leading specialists for the safety and security of future generations”. World Civil Defence Day highlights the importance of civil defence measures taken to protect people and communities from disasters. It provides an opportunity for governments, civil society organisations, and individuals to review and assess their preparedness plans and identify areas for improvement.
World Civil Defence Day: History
In 1931, French Surgeon-General George Saint-Paul founded the Association of Geneva Zones. He was badly affected by the horrors of the First World War and thus aimed to create safety zones where people could seek protection in times of war. World Civil Defence Day was first celebrated in the year 1990 by the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO).
Zero Discrimination Day 2023 observed on 1st March
Zero Discrimination Day 2023: On Zero Discrimination Day, March 1, we celebrate everyone’s right to a full and productive life, lived with dignity. Zero Discrimination Day emphasises how people can learn about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace, and, most importantly, a movement for change. Zero Discrimination Day is helping to create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, age, religion, disability, or any other factor violates human rights and perpetuates poverty and inequality. Every year the day is marked with a theme dedicated to it.
Zero Discrimination Day 2023: Theme
On Zero Discrimination Day this year, under the theme “Save lives: Decriminalise”, United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is highlighting how the decriminalisation of key populations and people living with HIV saves lives and helps advance the end of the AIDS pandemic.
Zero Discrimination Day: Significance
Zero Discrimination Day is observed around the world to promote equality, inclusion, and tolerance. The day aims to highlight the importance of eliminating discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, age, religion, disability, and other factors.
Discrimination has a profound impact on individuals, communities, and societies. It violates human rights, creates barriers to access education, healthcare, and job opportunities, and perpetuates poverty and inequality.
Zero Discrimination Day: History
On World AIDS Day in 2014, UNAIDS Director-General Michel Sidibe launched Zero Discrimination Day, with a major event in Beijing supported by the Chinese government, civil society, and celebrities, as well as the China Red Ribbon Foundation and Hanergy Holding Group. Similar events were planned in countries all over the world in the days leading up to March 1, 2014.
Zero Discrimination Day seeks to inspire people globally to promote and celebrate every individual’s right to live a full life with dignity, regardless of their appearance, origin, or sexual preference. The butterfly is the symbol of Zero Discrimination, which is widely recognized as a sign of transformation.
India’s GDP growth slows to 4.4% in October-December quarter
India’s GDP growth slows to 4.4% in October-December quarter: India’s GDP growth rate fell for the second straight quarter in the October-December period, coming in at 4.4 percent, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
The 3rd Quarter(Q3) GDP Growth:
At 4.4 percent, the latest quarterly growth number is lower than the 6.3 percent growth that was recorded in the second quarter of 2022-23, which itself was less than half the 13.2 percent increase posted in April-June 2022 as the GDP growth rate benefitted from a low base in the early part of the year.
RBI’s forecasts of The Fiscal Year 2023-24 GDP Growth:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) forecasted 4.4 percent growth in the fourth quarter of 2022 in December. However, at the time, the central bank had projected this year’s growth rate at 6.8 percent.
But as per the statistics ministry’s first advance estimate of GDP, released in early January, India’s GDP was set to grow by 7 percent in 2022-23. The government’s second advance estimate, released on February 28, maintained India’s full-year GDP growth estimate of 7% for this year.
Manufacturing: A cause of concern:
According to data released by the National Statistical Office, India’s GDP growth slowed to a three-quarter low of 4.4% in October-December 2022-23, primarily due to a 1.1% contraction in manufacturing, as well as weaker private consumption demand and government expenditure (NSO). Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran said manufacturing, on the face of it, has slowed down but there are enough high-frequency indicators showing fairly robust manufacturing activity. “Manufacturing appears to have slowed down on the face of it due to rising input cost, but if you look at PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) indicators, the manufacturing sector is in good health and performance of core sector in January tells us we do have a fairly robust manufacturing growth rate in the fourth quarter,” he said.
7 percent GDP growth in this Fiscal Year(2023-24):
“Despite the global slowdown, India is poised to achieve 7% GDP growth in 2022-23,” Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran said in a press conference following the release of the GDP figures. “The growth momentum carried on in October-December and it was the base effect which resulted in a GDP growth rate of 4.4 percent,” the CEA added. The gross value added (GVA) growth for the third quarter came in at 4.6 percent during the third quarter, as against 5.5 percent in the July-September period.
Consumption increased by 2.1 percent between October and December, compared to 8.8 percent between July and September. The capital formation growth also slipped to 8.3 percent in the third quarter, as against 9.7 percent in the second quarter of the current fiscal.
The Real & Nominal GDP Growth for This Fiscal Year(2023-24):
According to the second advance estimate, the country’s real GDP growth for FY23 is expected to be 7%. This is the same estimate that was shared in the first advance estimate. The nominal GDP growth is pegged at 15.9 percent in the second advance estimate, which is up from 15.4 percent in the first advance estimate. The government also reduced GDP growth for the April-June quarter from 13.5 percent to 13.2 percent.
World Seagrass Day 2023 observed on 1st March
World Seagrass Day 2023: Every year on March 1st, World Seagrass Day is observed to raise awareness about seagrass and its vital role in the marine ecosystem. Seagrasses are grass-like plants that grow near the sea. They are the only flowering plant to grow in the marine environment. There are more than 60 seagrass species in the world. They act as the best carbon sink and provide food for marine life.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Since the 1930s, seagrasses have been declining. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes nearly 21% of the world’s seagrasses as near threatened or vulnerable or endangered. Pollution, coastal development activities, and land-based run-offs are degrading the seagrasses.
Why seagrass matters?
Seagrasses are marine flowering plants found in shallow waters worldwide, from the tropics to the Arctic Circle. They form extensive underwater meadows, creating complex, highly productive and biologically rich habitats.
Covering only 0.1% of the ocean floor, these seagrass meadows provide food and shelter to thousands of species of fish, seahorses, turtles, etc. and sustain some of the world’s largest fisheries. They improve water quality by filtering, cycling and storing nutrients and pollutants, reducing contamination in seafood. Highly efficient carbon sinks, they can store up to 18% of the world’s oceanic carbon, making them a powerful nature-based solutions to tackle climate change impacts. They contribute to the resilience of the most vulnerable ecosystems and species, such as coral reefs, by buffering ocean acidification. And to the coastal populations, they act as the first line of defense along coasts by reducing wave energy, protecting people from the increasing risk of floods and storms.
World Seagrass Day: History
The General Assembly passed A/RES/76/265 in May 2022, announcing March 1 as World Seagrass Day. The resolution highlights the urgent need to raise awareness at all levels and to promote and facilitate actions for the conservation of seagrasses in order to contribute to their health and development, bearing in mind that enhancing ecosystem services and functions is important for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- IUCN Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland;
- IUCN Founded: 5 October 1948, Fontainebleau, France;
- IUCN Founder: Julian Huxley;
- IUCN CEO: Bruno Oberle (13 Jul 2020–);
- IUCN Motto: United for Life and Livelihoods;
- IUCN President: Razan Al Mubarak
Bank credit growth slowed to 16.8% in third quarter: RBI
Bank credit growth slowed to 16.8% in third quarter: RBI- Bank credit growth slowed down to 16.8% in the October-December 2022 period from a year earlier, RBI data showed. According to the Reserve Bank of India’s quarterly statistics on bank deposits and credit, this compares to 17.2% in the previous quarter. A year earlier, credit growth was 8.4%.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Bank branches which led the Credit Growth:
According to the RBI, credit growth was led by bank branches in metropolitan areas, which account for nearly 60% of total credit by scheduled commercial banks (SCBs), and these branches recorded 17.2% growth in lending. Urban, semi-urban and rural centres also recorded double digit credit growth, the central bank said.
Credit Portfolios of Public sector banks(PSBs):
Public sector banks increased their credit portfolio by 15.7% during the calendar year 2022 compared with 4.7% in 2021, the RBI said. Corresponding growth for private sector banks, however, remained higher at 19.1% (13.1% a year ago).
About The Deposits in the Banks:
Aggregate deposits increased by 10.3% in December 2022, compared to 9.6% the previous year, led by a 13.2% increase in term deposits. Current and savings deposits recorded moderate growth of 4.6% and 7.3%, respectively.
Deposit mobilisation by public sector banks improved to 8.8% growth in December 2022 (6.9% a year ago) though it remained lower than 13.2% growth in deposits with private sector banks.
About The Credit-Deposit (C-D) ratio:
The all-India credit-deposit (C-D) ratio increased to 75.9% in December 2022, up from 74.8% in the previous quarter and 71.6% in December 2021. It remained above 100% for Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
Risks for Further Credit Growth:
As per the Economic Survey 2022-23, if inflation declines in the upcoming fiscal and if real cost of credit does not rise, then credit growth is likely to be brisk in FY24.
The Economic Survey 2022-23 and The Credit Growth:
The rise in overall bank credit has also been influenced by borrowers’ shifting funding preferences away from volatile bond markets, where yields have risen, and external commercial borrowings, where interest and hedging costs have risen, according to the January Economic Survey. Growth in bank credit has kept pace with industrial growth, with a sequential surge evident since January 2022. While a large share of bank credit continues to be assigned to large industries, credit to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has also seen a significant increase in part assisted by the introduction of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS), which supports around 1.2 crore businesses of which 95% are MSMEs, the Economic Survey said.
“The impact of ECLGS on increasing the growth of credit to MSME was felt most during the pandemic impacted years of 2020 and 2021. It continued in 2022 as the scheme was extended to March 2023. Furthermore, growth in credit to MSME was buttressed by rebounding consumption levels, particularly in the services sector. Consequently, the share of MSMEs in gross credit offtake to the industry rose from 17.7 per cent in January 2020 to 23.7 per cent in November 2022,” it added.
Important Days observed on March 2023
Important Days observed on March 2023: March is the third month of the year according to both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. This month, which has a length of 31 days, is the second out of seven. The first of March marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The first month of the old Roman calendar, Martius, is where March gets its name.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
This month marks a number of significant national and international occasions, including World Water Day, National Safety Day, International Women’s Day, and Zero Discrimination Day. Several questions based on recent significant events were asked in the numerous competitive exams offered by banks, SSC, industries, RRB, UPSC, and many other organisations.
GKSERIES has compiled a comprehensive list of Significant Days and Events for the month of March.
March 1: World Civil Defence Day 2023
The 1st of March is designated as World Civil Defence Day to raise awareness about the importance of civil defence measures in protecting people and property from natural disasters, accidents, and other emergencies. The day honours the work of several civil defence organisations. The day also recognises the efforts put in by the organisations in protecting communities and saving lives. The day also recognises the contribution of civil defence personnel, who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities.
The theme for this year is “Uniting the world’s leading specialists for the safety and security of future generations”.
World Seagrass Day 2023
Every year on March 1st, World Seagrass Day is observed to raise awareness about seagrass and its vital role in the marine ecosystem. The seagrasses are grass-like plants that live close to the sea. They are the only flowering plant to grow in the marine environment. There are more than 60 seagrass species in the world. They act as the best carbon sink and provide food for marine life.
March 1: Zero Discrimination Day 2023
On Zero Discrimination Day, 1 March, we celebrate the right of everyone to live a full and productive life and live it with dignity. Zero Discrimination Day highlights how people can learn about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace, and, most importantly, a movement for change. Zero Discrimination Day is helping to create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination.
On Zero Discrimination Day this year, under the theme “Save lives: Decriminalise”.
Supreme Court Dismissed NEET PG 2023 Petition to Postpone Exam
NEET PG 2023: The petition seeking the demand to postpone the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test NEET PG 2023 Exam has been dismissed by the Supreme Court of India. The NEET PG 2023 exam is set to take place on March 5, 2023. The petition was filed by the NEET PG 2023 Aspirants to postpone the exam and to extend the internship cut-off date. Aspirants who are also in their internship period have requested that the NEET PG 2023 Exam be postponed because they are finding it difficult to prepare for the exam while also continuing with their internship.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
NEET PG 2023 Petition Dismissed
NEET PG 2023 is scheduled to take place on March 5, 2023, and there has been no change in the schedule since the Supreme Court of India dismissed the aspirants’ petition. The Union Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed the Lok Sabha that the NEET PG 2023 exam will not be postponed.
NEET PG 2023 Dates
The NEET PG 2023 Exam will be held for a variety of MD/MS and PG Diploma programmes. The NEET PG 2023 Admit Card has been released, and students can download it from the official site.The results for NEET 2023 will be declared on 31st March 2023.
The National Board of Education (NBE) informed the Supreme Court that a total of 2.09 lakh students had registered for NEET PG, and that if NEET PG 2023 is cancelled, it will be difficult to hold the exam later. Concerning this, the Petitioner informed the Supreme Court that if NEET PG 2023 is held on 5th March, counseling can begin only after 11th August which is the internship cut-off date.
How to Download NEET PG Admit card 2023?
- Step 1: Visit the official website of NBE NEET at natboard.edu.in
- Step 2: On the home page, click on NEET PG Admit Card 2023 link available.
- Step 3: Candidates can enter the login details and click on submit.
- Step 4: The NEET PG Admit Card will be displayed on the screen.
- Step 5: Save and download the NEET PG Admit card for further reference
Kerala temple become India’s first to induct robotic elephant for ritual duties
India’s first to induct robotic elephant for ritual duties: The Irinjadappilly Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala’s Thrissur district is the country’s first to use a mechanical, lifelike elephant for temple rituals. The temple priests performed ‘Nadayiruthal’ or ceremonial offering to the deity, of Irinjadappilly Raman, a magnificent, lifelike mechanical or “robotic” elephant.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India donated Irinjadappilly Raman to the temple, with the help of award-winning Indian film actor Parvathy Thiruvothu. ‘Irinjadappilly Raman’ will help conduct ceremonies at the temple in a safe and cruelty-free manner and thereby support real elephants’ rehabilitation and life in forests, ending the horror of captivity for them.
Head priest of the temple Rajkumar Namboothiri said:
- The majority of elephants in captivity in India, including Kerala, are held illegally or have been transported to another state without permission. Because elephants are wild animals that would not willingly obey human commands, they are trained and controlled through severe punishments, beatings, and the use of weapons with a metal-tipped hook when used for rides, ceremonies, tricks, and other purposes. Many have extremely painful foot ailments and leg wounds from being chained to concrete for hours on end, and most do not get adequate food, water, or veterinary care, let alone any semblance of a natural life.
- The frustration of captivity leads elephants to develop and display abnormal behaviour. At their wit’s end, frustrated elephants often snap and try to break free, running amok and so harming humans, other animals, and property.
- According to data compiled by the Heritage Animal Task Force, captive elephants killed 526 people in Kerala over a 15-year period.
- The chikkattukavu Ramachandran, who has been in captivity for about 40 years and is one of the most often used elephants in Kerala’s festival circuit, has reportedly killed 13 beings – six mahouts, four women, and three elephants.
J&K won best adventure tourism destination award
Best adventure tourism destination award: Jammu and Kashmir Tourism has won the best adventure tourism award in the India Today Tourism Survey. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs, presented the awards in New Delhi. The award has been given to the J&K Tourism Department in recognition of its efforts in promoting ‘Gulmarg’ as an adventure destination of international order. Alyas Ahmad, Deputy Director of Tourism, accepted the award on behalf of the Department.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Ministers from Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, representatives of Tourism Boards of several states and UTs, representatives of national travel trade and business bodies were present on the occasion.
Overview of the news
Expo(SATTE), one of the best trade expos in the country in which the J&K Tourism Department was awarded for its efforts in post COVID-19 recovery of the tourism sector. It is in place to mention here that last year J&K received a record number of tourists and the Department for the last two years has been consistently diversifying its tourism products which has gone well among the tourists.
Several new initiatives have been launched by the Department in the last two years to jumpstart tourism in the UT. This winter, besides Gulmarg, resorts of Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri and other resorts were kept open and these destinations received a considerable footfall.
Besides, new trekking routes, rafting and adventure activities were added to the recreation portfolio for sustaining the interest of coming tourists. This is besides the opening of new areas like Gurez and other border areas for tourism which have enhanced the attraction and urge for visiting J&K. Last year Gurez was adjudged as the best offbeat destination in the country.
Ranveer Singh appointed as the brand ambassador of Pepsi co
Ranveer Singh appointed as the brand ambassador of Pepsi co : Beverage maker PepsiCo has appointed actor Ranveer Singh as its brand ambassador and also unveiled a new campaign targeting younger consumers.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Ranveer Singh joins the growing list of celebrity endorsers for Pepsi. Salman Khan joined the brand in 2019. It has also recently announced popular Kannada actor Yash of KGF fame as the brand’s new face. A prominent female actor could soon join Pepsi’s summer campaign, “Rise up Baby”, which is currently running.
He joined Pepsi’s growing league of celebrity endorsers. More recently, it also announced KGF actor, Yash as the brand’s new face. “Rise up Baby” is a youth movement that brings alive in different flavors.
MP Cabinet approves Ladli Behna Yojana
MP Cabinet approves Ladli Behna Yojana: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said that the cabinet approved the Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana which will empower women at every level. A virtual meeting of the Council of Ministers was organised under the chairmanship of CM Chouhan at CM’s residence office in the state capital Bhopal on Saturday.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Under this scheme, Rs 1000 (month) will be deposited in the account of women, irrespective of their class or caste, whose age is above 23 years. The Yojana will be launched on March 5, 2023. The applications are very simple, the team will visit to fill out the application in their village itself.
IOC plans to set up green hydrogen plants
IOC plans to set up green hydrogen plants: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), India’s top oil firm is planning to set up green hydrogen plants at all its refineries as it pivots a Rs 2-lakh crore green transition plan to achieve net-zero emissions. The company plans to achieve the target by year 2046-47. It is also planning to set up a 7,000 tonnes p.a. green hydrogen-producing facility. IOC is restructuring its business with a greater emphasis on petrochemicals to hedge volatility in the fuel business.
February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
The company is planning to replace liquid fuels in refineries with natural gas, as well as to replace grey hydrogen (made from fossil fuel) with green hydrogen produced from renewable energy. Around 96% of current emissions are caused by operations-related processes such as direct fuel burning for heating, steam generation, power generation, and cooling. These are the emissions that fall within Scope-1. The remaining 4% comes from using the grid to obtain electricity, which results in Scope-2 emissions. Indian Oil Corporation wants to install electric vehicle charging stations at 10,000 gas stations during the next two years, increasing the capacity of renewable energy from 256 MW to 12 gigawatts.