Daily Current Affairs 2nd February 2023: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 2nd February 2023. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 2nd February 2023. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 2nd February 2023 Current affairs test.
National & International Appointments
1. Manuela Roka Botey: Equatorial Guinea’s First Female Prime Minister
- President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has appointed Manuela Roka Botey as Equatorial Guinea’s first-ever female prime minister. She takes over from Francisco Pascual Obama Asue, who held the position since 2016. Botey previously served as the education minister, joining government service in 2020. In the recent November 2022 election, President Teodoro Obiang secured his sixth consecutive term.
- Capital of Equatorial Guinea: Malabo
Domestic News
2. Defense Ministry: Top MSME Goods Purchaser in 2022
- According to the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) data, the Defense Ministry emerged as the largest buyer from MSME vendors in 2022. Their procurement from the MSME sector soared to Rs 16,747 crores, indicating a 250% increase compared to 2021. Uttar Pradesh led the states in purchases via GeM, amassing Rs 9,642 crore. GeM’s 2022 turnover touched Rs 106,647 crores and is expected to double in the subsequent year. Since its 2016 launch, GeM’s turnover has grown 17 times.
- About GeM: Established in 2016, GeM is an e-platform designed to streamline procurement processes. It aims to promote transparency, encourage small and local vendors, and support the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative. The platform operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Banking & Finance Updates
3. British Monarchy Image Replaced on Australian Banknotes
- The Reserve Bank of Australia announced its decision to replace Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on its A$5 banknotes with an Indigenous design. While the image of King Charles III is excluded, the representation of the Australian Parliament remains unchanged. King Charles III remains the head of state in the UK, Australia, NZ, and 12 other Commonwealth realms.
4. Leadership Transition at Morgan Stanley India
- Arun Kohli is set to take the helm of Morgan Stanley’s operations in India, succeeding Sanjay Shah, who is nearing retirement. With a 15-year tenure at Morgan Stanley, Kohli is currently the COO for the EMEA region. Between 2007 and 2012, he also served as MD for firm strategy and execution.
- Other Prominent Appointments:
- Gujarat Maritime Cluster’s First CEO: Madhvendra Singh
- Amul’s Chairman: Shamalbhai B Patel
- Administrator for Shooting World Cup 2023: Ex-SC Judge AK Sikri
- DGCA’s Head: Vikram Dev Dutt
- National Health Authority’s Director: Praveen Sharma
5. Union Budget 2023-24: Presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman
- On February 1, 2023, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Union Budget for 2023-24 in Parliament. The budget emphasized seven pillars: Inclusive development, Infrastructure and investment, Reaching every corner, Harnessing potential, Green strides, Empowering youth, and Strengthening the financial sector. Allocation of funds was distributed across multiple ministries, with Defense receiving 5.94 lakh crore rupees and Road and Highways getting 2.7 lakh crore.
Innovations in Science & Technology
6. DRDO Unveils Space Radar’s Unfurlable Antenna
- The Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) in Bengaluru, a DRDO wing, launched a vital subsystem for space radars. This development holds immense significance for both ISRO and defense agencies. The LRDE developed a space-borne imaging radar suitable for satellite deployment and introduced an UnFurlable Reflector Antenna (UFRA), a vital radar system component.
Significant Dates & Themes
7. World Wetlands Day 2023: Focus on Wetlands Restoration
- Annually, on February 2, World Wetlands Day is observed to amplify awareness about wetlands and their vital role for both humans and the environment. The 2023 theme emphasizes the urgency for wetland restoration, titled “It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration”. On February 30, 2021, the UN General Assembly passed resolution 75/317 in its recognition. Historically, the day aligns with the Ramsar Convention on wetlands’ signing on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
