DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: May 15, 2023

INS Kavaratti arrives in Batam to participate in India-Indonesia exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’

Tags: Defence

INS Kavaratti, indigenously designed & built ASW Corvette, arrived at Batam, Indonesia to participate in the 4th edition of India-Indonesia Bilateral exercise Samudra Shakti-23 from 14-19 May 23. 

An overview of the news

• An Indian Navy Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and Chetak helicopter are also participating in the exercise.

• The Indonesian Navy is represented by KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and AS565 Panther helicopters.

• The Harbor Phase will include cross deck visits, professional interactions, subject matter expert exchanges and sports fixtures.

• During the sea phase, weapons firing, helicopter operations, anti-submarine warfare and air defense exercises and boarding operations are planned.

• Samudra Shakti-23 will showcase the high degree of interoperability between the two navies and their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.

About exercise 'Samudra Shakti'

• Samudra Shakti is a joint naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy.

• Objective of the exercise: The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance the interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.

• Activities during the exercise: The exercise includes a range of activities, including tactical exercises, communication drills, helicopter operations, and maritime patrol operations.

• Benefits of participating in joint naval exercises: Participating in joint naval exercises helps in building trust and understanding between countries, promotes interoperability between different navies, and enhances the security of the region.

About INS Kavaratti

• INS Kavaratti is a stealth corvette that belongs to the Indian Navy.

• Design and capabilities: INS Kavaratti has been specially designed for anti-submarine warfare operations. 

• It is equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems that make it highly capable in detecting and neutralizing submarines.

• Features of INS Kavaratti: The ship has a low radar cross-section and infrared signature, making it difficult to detect. 

• It is also equipped with a wide range of communication and surveillance systems, which enable it to operate in a network-centric environment.

• Operational history: INS Kavaratti was commissioned into the Indian Navy in October 2020. Since then, it has participated in several exercises and operations, including 'Operation Samudra Setu' and 'TROPEX.'

29th Biennial Conference of the All India Primary Teachers’ Federation

Tags: National Summits National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Addressed the 29th Biennial Education Conference of All India Primary Teachers’s Federation organized at Gandhinagar in Gujarat on 12th May.

An overview of the news

• In his address, the Prime Minister said that technology can provide information but the right approach can be given only by teachers.

• He said that with the changing times, the real challenge before teachers today is to satisfy the growing curiosity of children and keep themselves updated.

• The conference was a significant event that brought together primary teachers from across India to discuss pertinent issues in the education sector.

• The theme of this summit is ‘Teachers at the Heart of Transforming Education. 

Purpose of the conference

• The objective of the conference is to provide a platform for primary teachers to exchange ideas, share experiences and collectively address challenges in primary education.

Focus on primary education

• The conference mainly focused on issues related to primary education, including curriculum development, teaching methods, classroom management and welfare of primary school teachers.

Professional Development and Training

• The conference emphasized the importance of professional development and training for primary teachers.

Policy discussion

• The conference discussed education policies, reforms and initiatives at the national and state levels.

• The participants shared their views, suggestions and concerns regarding the policy implementation and its impact on primary education.

Teacher Welfare and Rights

• The conference addressed the welfare and rights of primary school teachers, including issues such as pay structure, job security, working conditions, and professional recognition.

2nd G20 Culture Group (CWG) Meeting in Odisha

Tags: Summits National News

The second G20 Culture Group meeting, also known as the CWG meeting, took place on 14 May in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Purpose of the meeting

• The CWG meeting aims to facilitate discussion and cooperation among G20 member states on cultural issues, heritage conservation, creative industries and cultural diplomacy.

Cultural Heritage Protection

• The meeting addressed the importance of preserving and protecting cultural heritage, including tangible and intangible cultural properties.

• The discussions included topics such as heritage conservation, cultural tourism and promotion of cultural diversity.

Creative Industries and Economic Development

• The meeting explored the role of creative industries such as art, design, film, music and fashion in economic growth, job creation and innovation.

• Participants shared best practices and discussed policies to support the growth of the creative sectors.

Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power

• The meeting recognized the role of cultural diplomacy in building bridges between nations and enhancing mutual understanding.

Youth Engagement and Cultural Education

• The meeting emphasized the importance of involving youth in cultural activities and promoting cultural education.

Outcome and Collaboration

• The outcome of the CWG meeting will be the adoption of joint statements, recommendations or action plans for cultural cooperation among G20 member states.

• These outcomes may include collaborative projects, capacity building initiatives, or cultural exchange programs.

What is the G20 Culture Group?

• The G20 Culture Group is a forum within the G20 framework that focuses on cultural cooperation and exchange.

• It brings together representatives of G20 member states to promote dialogue and cooperation in the cultural field.

S Jaishankar meets Sweden’s Defence, Foreign Ministers during his Stockholm trip

Tags: International Relations International News

During his visit to Stockholm, Sweden, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a meeting with the Defense Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden.

Purpose of meetings

• Discuss bilateral relations

• Strengthen diplomatic ties

• To explore opportunities for cooperation between India and Sweden in defense and foreign affairs.

Highlights of the meeting

Bilateral Relations

• Discussion on enhancing overall bilateral relations between India and Sweden including areas such as trade, investment, defense cooperation and cultural exchanges.

Defence Cooperation

• Defense cooperation, joint military exercises, defense equipment procurement and sharing of defense technologies discussed in the meeting with the Defense Minister of Sweden.

Security Cooperation

• The discussions included issues of regional and global security concern, counter-terrorism efforts and information sharing to address common security challenges.

Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy

• Discussion on regional and global issues of mutual interest, multilateral cooperation and coordination on matters such as climate change, sustainable development goals and human rights.

Economic and trade relations

• Ways were explored to enhance economic and trade ties between India and Sweden including investment opportunities, technology partnership and trade facilitation.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges

• The meetings emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges, academic cooperation and people-to-people interactions to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the two countries.

About Sweden

• It is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. 

• The ancient name of the country was Svitiod.

• Prime Minister - Ulf Kristersson

• Capital - Stockholm

• Currency - Swedish krona

• King - Carl XVI Gustaf

PM Modi meets Doug McMillan, CEO of Walmart

Tags: Economy/Finance International Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Doug McMillan, CEO of American multinational retail corporation Walmart.

An overview of the news

• The purpose of the meeting between PM Modi and Doug McMillan was to discuss and explore potential areas of collaboration, investment and partnership between the Government of India and Walmart.

• The meeting reflects the importance of the economic relationship between India and Walmart. The discussions covered topics such as trade, investment opportunities and promoting a conducive business environment in India.

• The meeting discussed opportunities to leverage digital technologies and innovation in the retail sector.

• The discussion centered around sustainable business practices, environmental initiatives and social responsibility.

Significance of the meeting

• The meeting between PM Modi and Walmart CEO Doug McMillan highlights the importance of promoting economic partnership and exploring investment opportunities between India and Walmart. 

• It highlights the potential for cooperation in various sectors, employment generation, economic growth and contribution to sustainable development in India.

About Walmart

• It is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores.

• It was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton.

• It has grown to become one of the world's largest retail chains. 

• It operates thousands of stores globally, serving millions of customers. 

• It offers a wide range of products, including groceries, apparel, electronics, household goods, and more.

MInister of State Dr L Murugan to lead delegation to Cannes Film Festival

Tags: Festivals International News

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan will lead the Indian delegation to the Cannes International Film Festival from May 16 to 27.

An overview of the news

• They will also be joined by filmmaker Guneet Monga of The Elephant Whispers fame, Indian actresses Manushi Chhillar, Esha Gupta and acclaimed Manipuri actor Kangabam Tomba.

• The India Pavilion is being conceptualised and designed by National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad with the theme - ‘Showcasing India’s Creative Economy’ to the global community. 

• The pavilion design has been inspired by the Saraswati Yantra, the abstract representation of goddess Saraswati.

• Four Indian films,including Kanu Behl’s Agra and Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy, have made it to the official selection in the Cannes Film Festival. 

• Apart from these, many Indian films will be screened in Marche du Films. 

• A Manipuri film ‘Ishanhou’ will be showcased in the ‘Classics’ section.

About Cannes Film Festival

• The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious international film festivals held annually in Cannes, France.

History and significance

• The festival was first established in 1946 and has since become a prominent event in the global film industry. 

• It serves as a platform for showcasing and promoting a wide range of films from different countries and cultures.

Film screenings and competitions 

• The festival includes various competitive sections, such as the Palme d'Or for the best film, which is one of the most coveted awards in the industry.

Impact on filmmakers and films 

• The Cannes Film Festival serves as a launching pad for many acclaimed films and emerging talents. 

• Winning an award or receiving critical acclaim at Cannes can significantly boost a filmmaker's career and bring global recognition to their work.

G7 Ministerial Meeting on Health Innovation in Nagasaki, Japan

Tags: Summits International News

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the G7 Health Ministerial meeting on Global Health Architecture in Nagasaki, Japan on 13th May.

An overview of the news

• The meeting was organized to discuss the global health challenges and ways to ensure preparedness, prevention and response to future health emergencies.

• The health ministers of the G7 countries and the "Outreach 4" countries of India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand were invited to the meeting.

Objectives of the meeting 

• To foster collaboration and exchange ideas on health innovation.

• Addressing global health challenges, and promoting advancements in healthcare research, technology, and policies.

Topics discussed 

• The G7 health ministers discuss various pressing health issues such as infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, vaccine development, healthcare accessibility, digital health, and the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Sharing best practices 

• The meeting provides an opportunity for G7 countries to share best practices, success stories, and lessons learned in healthcare innovation and delivery.

About G7

• The G7 is a group of seven major industrialized countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

• The G7 holds annual meetings to discuss various global issues, but these meetings are usually held in different locations each year.

• The 48th G7 summit was hosted by Germany in 2022.

PM Modi visits ‘Jana Shakti Art Exhibition’ at National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi

Tags: National National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14th May visited 'Jana Shakti Art exhibition' at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Delhi.

An overview of the news

• Amazing samples of art based on some episodes of Mann Ki Baat have been displayed in the exhibition.

• This is an exhibition of wonderful samples of art based on some episodes of Mann Ki Baat. He congratulated all the artists who have enriched the exhibition with their creativity.

• Artists who have contributed to Jan Shakti include top names like Manu and Madhavi Parekh, Atul Dodiya, Paresh Maity, Iranna GR, Jagannath Panda and others.

About National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)

• NGMA is a prominent art museum located in New Delhi, India.

• NGMA aims to preserve, document, and promote modern and contemporary art in India. 

• It serves as a platform for showcasing and appreciating various forms of artistic expression.

• NGMA houses an extensive collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and installations. 

• NGMA organizes regular exhibitions and educational programs to engage visitors and promote art appreciation. 

• Apart from the main gallery in New Delhi, NGMA has regional branches in Mumbai and Bengaluru. These branches showcase regional art and provide a platform for local artists.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the National Homoeopathic Convention 'Homocon 2023'

Tags: Summits National News

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the National Homoeopathic Convention 'Homeocon 2023' at Doon University, Dehradun and launched a documentary on Homeopathy.

An Overview of the News

• Homeopathy has been recognized as the second most practiced system of medicine in the world and its importance has been demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The commitment of the state government to establish Uttarakhand as a major AYUSH region is due to the economic and effective nature of homeopathy.

Ministry of AYUSH:

• It is a government ministry in India.

• It is responsible for the development, promotion and regulation of traditional systems of medicine.

• AYUSH is the abbreviation of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Society and aims to promote education and research of the above.

• The ministry provides educational and training programs.

• Establishment - 2014

• Responsible Ministers - Sarbananda Sonowal, Cabinet Minister and Mahendra Munjapara, Minister of State

• Ministry Executive - Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary

• Ministry of Motherhood - Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India

About Uttarakhand

• It is a state in North India.

• Rishikesh is a major centre of yoga studies and gained prominence in 1968 after the Beatles' visit. 

• The Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is home to the Bengal tiger and other wildlife.

Capital - Dehradun (Winter)

Chief Minister - Pushkar Singh Dhami

Governor - Gurmeet Singh

Official Animal - Alpine Musk Deer

Amit Shah inaugurates training program on legislative drafting

Tags: National National News

Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a training program on legislative drafting in New Delhi on 15 May.

An Overview of the News

• The event is organised by the Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies in association with the Institute of Parliamentary Research and Training for Democracy.

• The objective of the program is to create an understanding of the principles and practices of legislative drafting among officials of Parliament, State Legislatures, Ministries, Statutory Bodies and other Government Departments.

Legislative Drafting:

• It is the process of making legislation and related written material and includes the formulation and structure of laws enacted by the legislature.

• Enacted laws are the official laws of the country and are legally binding.

• Legislative drafting considers legislative intent, which refers to the aims and objectives of proposed legislation.

• Specific legal language and terminology are used in legislative drafting to ensure precision and clarity.

• Its goal is to create laws that are clear, consistent and accessible to the general public.

• The purpose of legislative drafting is to develop laws that serve the intended purposes and are in tune with the needs of the society.

3rd Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting

Tags:

The 3rd Energy Transition Working Group Meeting (ETWG) under India's G20 chairmanship began in Mumbai from May 15 to 17, 2023.

An overview of the news

• The meeting was organized to discuss and address issues related to energy transition in the context of global energy challenges and sustainable development.

Purpose of the meeting

• To facilitate dialogue, knowledge-sharing and cooperation among countries and stakeholders to accelerate the transition to clean, sustainable and affordable energy sources.

Topic of discussion

• Discussions focused on understanding and addressing the challenges associated with the transition from traditional fossil fuel-based energy systems to renewable energy sources.

• This includes topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy deployment, grid integration and energy access.

Policy Framework and Regulatory Measures

• The meeting is likely to include discussion on the policy framework and regulatory measures that promote energy transition.

Technological progress and innovation

• Discussions could include topics such as energy storage, smart grids, electric mobility and digitisation, as well as their role in facilitating the energy transition.

Around 2,500 kg of methamphetamine worth around Rs 12,000 cr in Indian waters seized by NCB, Navy

Tags: State News

A total of 2,500 kg of methamphetamine worth about Rs 12,000 crore was seized from a vessel by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy in a joint operation in Indian waters off the coast of Kerala.

An Overview of the News

• The seized methamphetamine is believed to be the biggest ever of its kind in India.

• In this, maritime drug smuggling originating from Afghanistan was targeted.

• This is the third major seizure of NCB in drug smuggling through the southern route in the last year and a half.

• Recent shipments of methamphetamine from Afghanistan were to India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

• The drugs were transported on a "mother ship" that distributes narcotics to various boats along the Makran coast.

'Operation Samudragupt'

• A total of 3,200 kg of methamphetamine, 500 kg of heroin and 529 kg of hashish have been seized so far as part of Operation Samudragupt.

• Previous seizures as part of Operation Samudragupt include the seizure of 529 kg of hashish, 221 kg of methamphetamine and 13 kg of heroin off the coast of Gujarat in February 2022.

• In October 2022, an Iranian boat was intercepted off the coast of Kerala, resulting in the seizure of 200 kg of high-grade heroin and the arrest of six Iranian drug smugglers.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB):

• It is a respected central law enforcement and intelligence agency operating in India.

• It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is a part of the Government of India, and is responsible for maintaining law and order in the country.

• One of the primary objectives of the NCB is to combat drug trafficking and use of illegal substances within Indian territory.

• The agency functions in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, which is an important legislation to regulate and control drug-related offences.

Formation - 17 March 1986

Headquarters - New Delhi

Coastal Road in Mumbai renamed after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Tags: State News

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently renamed the Coastal Road in Mumbai to the new name Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

An Overview of the News

• In the memory of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, on his 366th birth anniversary, a grand ceremony was organised for the first time at the Gateway of India.

• As an additional tribute, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced plans to install a grand statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj along the Coastal Highway.

About Maharashtra

• It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.

• Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde

• Governor - Ramesh Bais

• Official Animal -Indian giant squirrel

• Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon

• Official Dance- Lavani

Sumit Mukherjee wins gold at BFAME Championships in Lahore

Tags: Sports Sports News

Sumit Mukherjee, a metro employee from Kolkata, won four gold medals at the Bridge Federation of Asia and Middle-East Championship (BFAME) held in Lahore, Pakistan.

An Overview of the News

• The championship took place from 5 May to 13 May and featured teams from five different countries.

• Sumit Mukherjee was the only railway staff member in the 24-member Indian contingent.

• The games were divided into four categories: Open, Women's, Mixed and Senior, and Sumit represented India in the Open category.

• Sumit Mukherjee had earlier won a bronze medal at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and the 4th Asia Cup Bridge Championships to be held in Jakarta in 2022.

Pakistan Bridge Federation (PBF):

• It is the official governing body for bridges in Pakistan.

• It was established in 1972 as Pakistan Bridge Association and in 1993 it was renamed as Pakistan Bridge Federation.

• The PBF is responsible for regulating and overseeing the sport of bridge across the country.

Headquarters - Karachi

Regional Affiliation - Bridge Federation of Asia and the Middle East

President - Khurshid Hadi

International Day of Families - 15 May

Tags: Important Days

International Day of Families is observed on 15 May to raise awareness about the importance of families and their role in society.

An Overview of the News

• It is a global observance observed by countries around the world, including the United States.

• The theme for International Day of Families 2023 is 'Demographic Trends and Families', while the theme for 2022 was 'Families and Urbanisation'.

• The significance of the day lies in raising awareness about the importance of families as the basic unit of society.

History of International Day of Families

• This day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993.

• It aims to promote awareness of the importance of families as the basic unit of society and to address issues related to the global family.

• The first International Day of the Family was observed in 1994, and is observed annually on 15 May.

• The United Nations recognizes the challenges that families face around the world, such as poverty, inequality and social exclusion.

• International Day of Families provides an opportunity to raise awareness of these challenges and advocate for policies and programs that support families.

Ministry of Defence approves fourth positive indigenization list

Tags: Defence National News

The Defence Ministry approved the fourth positive indigenization list, which includes 928 strategically important line replacement units, sub-systems, spares and components.

An Overview of the News

• The list aims to promote self-reliance ('self-reliance') in the defence sector and reduce imports by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

• The import substitution value of the approved list is Rs 715 crore.

• The Defence Public Sector Undertakings will indigenize these items through various routes including 'Make'category and in-house development through the capabilities of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and private Indian industry.

Ministry of Defence (India):

Formed - 1776

Predecessor Ministry -Department of Defence (1938–47)

Headquarters - Secretariat Building Raisina Hill, New Delhi

Defence Minister - Rajnath Singh

Praveen Sood appointed as new CBI director

Tags: Person in news

Praveen Sood, a 1986 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Karnataka cadre, has been appointed as the next director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

An Overview of the News

• Praveen Sood will replace current CBI Director Subodh Jaiswal when his term ends on May 25.

• The Department of Personnel and Training approved the appointment of Sood as CBI Director for a period of two years.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):

• CBI is the premier investigative agency of India.

• It was established in 1941 as Special Police Establishment and later renamed as Central Bureau of Investigation in 1963.

• Its primary objective is to maintain the integrity and credibility of administration, ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

• It is responsible for the investigation of a wide range of cases including corruption, economic offences, fraud, organised crime and other serious crimes of national and international importance.

• Headquarters - New Delhi