DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: July 22, 2023

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe's two-day visit to India

Tags: International Relations

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe made a two-day visit to India on 20 and 21 July 2023, during which several important agreements were signed between the two countries, which is considered very important in terms of relations between the two countries.

An Overview of the news:

• Delegation level talks were held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President on 21 July 2023 in New Delhi.
• This year both the countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Apart from this, the Tamil community of Indian origin is completing 200 years of its arrival in Sri Lanka.

Agreement on vision document to strengthen economic partnership:

• During the talks, a vision document has been adopted to take the bilateral economic partnership between the two countries to a new level.
• Through this, both the countries will increase mutual cooperation in tourism, energy, trade, higher education and skill development. Through this vision, it has been decided to strengthen maritime, air, energy and people-to-people connectivity among people.

India's Long Term Commitment:

• To get Sri Lanka out of the economic crisis, India will increase its economic activities through more investments there.

Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA): 

• Both the countries have decided to start negotiations on the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) at the earliest. This will open new avenues of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Agreements signed for UPI launch in Sri Lanka:

• India's UPI will be able to make payments in Sri Lanka. For this, India's UPI technology has now been accepted by Sri Lanka as well. This will also help in increasing fintech connectivity.
• Prior to this, France, UAE and Singapore have adopted this app-based service for payment of money.

Connectivity to enhance bilateral cooperation:

• Both countries have decided to increase air connectivity. Along with this, it has also been decided to start passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kanke-Santurai in Sri Lanka.
• The resumption of flights between Chennai-Jaffna is helping in increasing people-to-people contact between the two countries.
• Along with this, both the countries have also agreed to investigate the feasibility of the land bridge.

Cooperation in Energy Sector:

• Both countries have decided to expedite the work of connecting the electricity grid to enhance energy cooperation.
• Under this, both the countries have decided to conduct a feasibility study to give a realistic shape to the possibility of building a petroleum pipeline between the two countries.
• In this context, India has already provided petroleum products to Nepal and Bangladesh through pipelines.

Union Minister released 'Swachhata Chronicles: Transformative Tales from India'

Tags: Government Schemes

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat released 'Swachhata Chronicles: Transformative Tales from India', a compendium of 75 ODF Plus best practices to promote innovation and cross learning, during the National Convention of Rural Wash Partners Forum (RWPF).

An Overview of the News

• The anthology, titled "Swachhta Chronicles: Transformative Tales from India", showcases innovative approaches, measures to overcome bottlenecks, awareness raising efforts and special campaigns implemented by various States/UTs to achieve the targets of SBM-G Phase-II.

• The Union Minister emphasised the importance of the compendium as a resource for the States and stakeholders working towards achieving ODF Plus. They believe that this serves as an inspiration for others to replicate successful practices.

• This collection was developed by the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin IEC team and contains stories for each thematic pillar of SBMG Phase-II.

The stories in the anthology have been selected based on the following key criteria:

• Innovation: Demonstrating innovative approaches used to achieve ODF Plus, such as community participation and leadership that ensured ODF Plus Model Village status for Suanlo village in Bhingarpur Gram Panchayat, Khordha District, Odisha, or how live models of ODF Plus assets (to effectively manage solid and liquid waste) helped Shravasti district in Uttar Pradesh achieve ODF Plus status.

• Overcoming Obstacles: Highlighting the challenges faced and how they were overcome, such as Tamil Nadu's innovative mass cleaning initiative in Madurai's suburban panchayats.

• Raising Awareness: Describing measures taken to raise awareness about cleanliness, such as the "Wash Vani" magazine promoting positive WASH behaviour by children in government schools in Fatehpur district, Uttar Pradesh.

• Special campaigns: Discussion on special campaigns launched to achieve ODF Plus, such as Gujarat's "Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar (Clean Coast, Safe Sea)" campaign, which focuses on regular beach cleaning to protect the environment.

Seven-year-old Indian Moksha Roy receives 'Points of Light' award in UK

Tags: Awards

Indian-origin seven-year-old Moksha Roy has been honored with the British Prime Minister's 'Points of Light' award.

An Overview of the news:

• Indian-origin Moksha Roy has been working for the United Nations' sustainable initiative against microplastic pollution since she was just three years old.
• British Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden presented the award to seven-year-old Moksha Roy in the third week of July.
• Moksha Roy has been given the title as the world's youngest sustainability advocate.
• Moksha is recognized for her work in several sustainable campaigns including raising funds to help children in need.
• Moksha's parents Raginiji Roy and Sourav Roy said that their daughter's effort proves that even small children in the society can play an important role in combating climate change.

Ministry of Culture and Indian Navy Collaborate to Revive “Ancient Stitched Shipbuilding Method (Tankai Method)”

Tags: Latest Popular

The Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy collaborated to revive the 2000-year-old 'Stitched Shipbuilding Method'.

An Overview of the News

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on July 18, 2023 for 'Stitched Shipbuilding Method'.

'Stitched Shipbuilding Method':

• In traditional shipbuilding techniques, wooden planks are stitched together without the use of nails.

• Provides flexibility and stability, making vessels resilient to shallows and sandbars.

• This declined with the arrival of European ships but small fishing boats survived in some Indian coastal areas.

Indian Navy Participation

• The Indian Navy oversees the project because of its expertise in maritime security and shipbuilding.

• Its objective is to ensure the successful implementation of the ancient sewing method.

Cultural Values and Heritage

• For India, the revival of a vanishing art has significant cultural value.

• It is part of India's rich maritime heritage.

• It aims to create a sea-going wooden stitched sailing ship showcasing traditional craftsmanship.

Exploration of Historic Sea Routes

• The ship will ply on ancient sea routes using traditional navigational techniques.

• The project seeks to gain insight into the historical interactions, exchange of culture, knowledge, traditions and technologies in the Indian Ocean.

Preservation of Maritime Memory

• Its importance lies in preserving maritime memory and fostering a sense of pride in India's heritage.

• Its objective is to promote cultural relations among the littoral countries of the Indian Ocean.

Documentation and Cataloging

• Detailed documentation and cataloguing of the project to preserve valuable information for future generations.

Julius Robert Oppenheimer: Father of the Atomic Bomb

Tags: Person in news

Christopher Nolan's film "Oppenheimer", now showing in cinemas globally, is based on the life of Julius Robert Oppenheimer, widely known as the "father of the atomic bomb".

An Overview of the News

Early Life and Education:

• Julius Robert Oppenheimer was born in New York in 1904 and displayed exceptional academic talent from an early age.

• He attended New York's Ethical Culture School and excelled in various subjects including physics and languages.

• Oppenheimer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Harvard University in 1925.

• He did his PhD in Physics from the University of Göttingen in Germany.

Scientific Career:

• Returning to the United States, Oppenheimer became a faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley.

• During the 1930s, he made important contributions to theoretical physics, focusing on quantum mechanics and spectroscopy.

Manhattan Project:

• In 1942, with World War II looming, he was appointed as the scientific chief of the top-secret Manhattan Project, which was tasked with developing the first nuclear weapon.

• Leading a team of talented scientists and engineers, Oppenheimer played a key role in the successful creation of the first atomic bomb.

Trinity test and results:

• In July 1945, the world's first atomic bomb was detonated in New Mexico, marking the culmination of the Manhattan Project.

• The successful test signalled the beginning of the nuclear age.

Post-War Conflicts:

• After World War II, Oppenheimer faced difficulties when his security clearance was revoked due to suspicions of his past association with left-wing organisations and alleged ties to communist sympathisers.

• This led to the end of his direct involvement in government science initiatives in 1954.

Later Years:

• In the latter part of his life, Oppenheimer focused on teaching and research.

• He returned to academia and lectured at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton.

• Despite facing criticism, he continued to make important contributions to theoretical physics and guide a new generation of scientists.

Death:

• Robert Oppenheimer died in 1967, leaving behind a complex and enduring legacy that continues to be the subject of study and debate.

Empowering women: Himachal Pradesh CM launches collateral-free loan scheme - 'Sashakt Mahila Loan Yojana'

Tags: Government Schemes

On 20th July 2023, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu launched 'Sashakt Mahila Loan Yojana', a collateral-free loan scheme for women.

An Overview of the News

• The initiative has been launched by the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (HPSCB) and aims to help women fulfil their daily needs to realise their entrepreneurial aspirations, engage in livelihood activities and uplift their families.

• The absence of collateral removes a significant barrier for women, especially those who lack valuable assets to offer as security for loan applications.

• 'Sashakt Mahila Loan Yojana' will provide financial assistance to women for self-employment and livelihood activities, which will contribute to their economic empowerment and financial independence.

• Through this scheme, women can improve their socio-economic status, which will have a positive impact on their lives and community.

• The Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank offers three credit options under this scheme: Rs 21,000, Rs 51,000 and Rs 1,01,000, all at a relatively low interest rate of 8.51 per cent.

About Himachal Pradesh

• Formation - 1 November 1956

• Capital - Shimla and Dharamshala (Winter)

• District - 12

• Governor- Shiv Pratap Shukla

• Chief Minister - Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu

• Rajya Sabha - 3 seats

• Lok Sabha - 4 seats

Symbol of Himachal Pradesh

• Bird - Western Tragopan

• Fish - Golden Mahseer

• Flowers - Pink Rhododendron

• Mammal - Snow Leopard

• Tree - Deodar Cedar

Shah Rukh Khan roped in as brand ambassador for ICC World Cup 2023

Tags: Sports News

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has been roped in as the brand ambassador for the ICC World Cup 2023.

An Overview of the News

• Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan launched the World Cup 2023 campaign 'It Takes One Day' with his iconic voiceover.

• The ICC World Cup 2023 is scheduled to be held in India from 5 October to 19 November 2023.

• India's first match will be against Australia on October 8 and it will face Pakistan on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

• A total of 10 teams will participate in the tournament, with India, Afghanistan, Australia, England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa qualifying directly based on their performance in the 2020–2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.

• The remaining two teams will be determined through the ongoing World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

About International Cricket Council (ICC)

• It is the global governing body for cricket.

• It was founded in 1909 as the Imperial Cricket Conference by representatives from England, Australia and South Africa.

• In 1989, its name was changed to International Cricket Council (ICC).

• Representing 108 members, it regulates and administers the game of cricket and works with members to develop the game.

• It presides over the ICC Code of Conduct, playing conditions, the Decision Review System and other ICC regulations.

• Headquarters - Dubai, United Arab Emirates