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By admin: May 23, 2023

AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 Naval Exercise

Tags: International Relations Defence International News

AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 Naval ExerciseIndian Navy ships INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA arrived at Port Al-Jubail in Saudi Arabia on 21st May.

An overview of the news

  • The visit of these ships marks the beginning of the harbor phase of the second edition of the naval exercise between the two countries, known as 'Al-Mohad Al-Hindi 2023'.

  • This year the naval exercise also includes the participation of a Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

  • During the exercise, naval forces from both countries will engage in joint maneuvers, training activities, and exchange of expertise.

  • The exercise will focus on enhancing maritime security capabilities and promoting interoperability between the two navies.

  • The inaugural edition of the exercise was successfully conducted in 2021.

About Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise

  • The decision on this bilateral exercise between India and Saudi Arabia was taken at the Riyadh summit held in 2019.

  • Its aim is to carry out tactical maneuvers, search and rescue operations, and an electronic warfare drill to enhance interoperability.

  • It aims to strengthen the defense ties between India and Saudi Arabia.

Importance of the Exercise

  • AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 signifies the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia in the defense sector.

  • The exercise will provide an opportunity for both navies to learn from each other's experiences and improve their operational capabilities.

  • The naval exercise also serves as a platform for fostering diplomatic relations and strengthening regional security cooperation.

  • The successful conduct of AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 may pave the way for future collaborations in defense technology, intelligence sharing, and joint defense projects.

  • The exercise contributes to maintaining stability and security in the region by promoting cooperation and mutual understanding between the Indian and Saudi Arabian navies.

Andhra Pradesh CM launches Machilipatnam port project for economic growth

Tags: State News

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy formally launched the Machilipatnam port works worth Rs 5,156 crore recently.

An overview of the news

  • The port, with an initial cargo capacity of 35 million tonnes, will be completed in two years.

  • The capacity of the 4-berth deep water port will be increased to 116 million tonnes as cargo traffic gradually increases.

  • The port will help develop Machilipatnam on the lines of developed port cities like Mumbai and Chennai as it will be connected by National Highway 216 and Gudivada-Machilipatnam railway line soon.

  • This will increase the reach of the port and improve connectivity.

  • 25,000 new jobswill be created at each port and the fishing port and fish land center will help fishermen to improve their lives economically.

About Machilipatnam Port

  • It is a proposed deep sea port on the Bay of Bengal coast located at Machilipatnam, the district headquarters of Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh.

  • The port has been developed by the state government under the landlord model at a cost of Rs 5,156 crore.

  • The project is being implemented by the Machilipatnam Port Development Corporation Limited (MPDCL).

  • The first phase of the port is expected to have a capacity of 35 million tonnes.

  • It will cater to exports of fertilizers, coal, cooking oil, containers, agricultural products, cement, granite, cement clinker, iron ore from Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Telangana.

76th World Health Assembly at Geneva

Tags: Summits International News

76th-World-Health-Assembly-at-GenevaUnion Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will represent India in the 76th World Health Assembly at Geneva, Switzerland to be held from 21st to 30th May 2023.

An overview of the news

  • In line with India's commitment to a healthier world, the Union Health Minister will deliver the keynote address at the side events of 'Heal in India and Heal by India' as well as 'Together We Fight Against TB'.

  • During his stay till 24 May 2023, Mandaviya will participate in various bilateral meetings with countries across the world.

  • He will promote opportunities for health-related cooperation among the participating countries.

  • The bilateral meetings will engage representatives from Singapore, France, Netherlands, USA, Bangladesh, Argentina, Brazil, Qatar and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

  • Additionally, a multilateral meeting is also scheduled with representatives from BRICS (Brazil, Russia, China and South-Africa).

Key agenda for assembly

  • Discussions and deliberations on the issues of Universal Health Coverage. 

  • Public Health Emergencies 

  • Health & Well-Being

  • Emphasising the importance of global collaborations and partnerships for building resilient global health architecture. 

  • Collectively striving to achieve Universal Health Coverage through value-based healthcare.

About World Health Assembly

  • The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO. 

  • It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. 

  • The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget. 

  • The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.

India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development virtually launched

Tags: International Relations International News

India-US-WorkingThe Ministry of Education, Government of India and US Department of State on 22 May launched the India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development in virtual mode.

An overview of the news

  • Its aim is to enhance cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in the field of education and skill development. 

  • Both sides acknowledged the importance of skilling and vocational education in an industry-centric era.

  • Recognizing the need to align skill training programs with industry requirements, both sides agreed to promote partnerships between educational institutions, industry stakeholders and relevant government agencies.

  • The collaboration aims to bridge the skill gap, increase employability and promote entrepreneurship in both the countries.

  • The delegations from both sides expressed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in education and skill development between India and the United States.

  • The establishment of an India-US Working Group on Education and Skill Development was announced during the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held between India and the US in Washington DC in April 2022.

Topic of discussion

  • Skilling and vocational education

  • Certification and recognition

  • Matchmaking between U.S. and Indian higher educational institutions

  • Engaging with the Private Sector

WHO warns of possible rise in dengue cases in Afghanistan

Tags: International News

dengue-cases-in-AfghanistanThe World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alert on the recent cases of dengue fever in Afghanistan.

An overview of the news

  • The organization said that their medical staff has enough equipment to control the disease.

  • The organization said that the number of dengue patients may increase during the rainy season. Twelve groups of 65 women health professionals are participating in the three-day program to protect against dengue patients.

  • The WHO also urged the people of Afghanistan to avoid mosquito bites and adopt necessary safety measures to prevent dengue.

What is Dengue?

  • Commonly known as break bone fever, it is a flu-like illness caused by the dengue virus.

  • It occurs when an Aedes mosquito carrying the virus bites a healthy person.

  • The disease is mainly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.

Causes of Dengue

  • It is caused due to four viruses, namely - DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.

  • The virus enters the mosquito when it bites an already infected person.

  • The disease is transmitted when it bites a healthy person, and the virus is spread through the person's bloodstream.

Symptoms of Dengue

  • Headache, Muscle, bone and joint pain, Nausea, Vomiting, swollen glands, Rash.

Treatment

  • There is no specific treatment for dengue.

  • Early detection of severe dengue-associated illness and access to appropriate medical care reduce deaths from severe dengue.

  • Diagnosis of dengue infection is done with a blood test.

30 percent financial support from the Center to promote green shipping

Tags: National Economy/Finance National News

green-shippingUnion Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal has announced 30 per cent financial assistance to promote green shipping.

An overview of the news

  • Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal made five important announcements focusing on green shipping and digitization of ports at the end of the second Chintan Shivir of the ministry held in Munnar, Kerala.

  • Green Hydrogen hubs will be developed at the Deendayal Port at Kandla and Chidambaranar Port at Tuticorin. 

  • Two tugs each will be procured for Jawaharlal Nehru, VO Chidambaranar, Paradip and Deendayal ports under the Green Tug Transition Programme.

  • A single window portal will be prepared to facilitate booking of river and sea cruises.

  • Jawaharlal Nehru and Turicorin ports will be made smart ports by next year.

What is Green Shipping?

  • Green shipping is when people or goods are transported via ships using the minimum resources and energy possible to protect the environment from pollutants generated by the ships. 

  • Green shipping promotes clean practices by implementing emission control, efficient port management and equipment management.

Neeraj Chopra makes history, becomes World No 1 in men's javelin throw

Tags: Sports Person in news Sports News

Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra on May 22 achieved the number one ranking in men's javelin throw for the first time. This is a major milestone in his career.

An overview of the news

  • Neeraj Chopra is on top with 1455 points, 22 ahead of Anderson Peters of Granada.

  • Chopra rose to world No. 2 on August 30, 2022, but has since been overtaken by the defending world champion, Peters.

  • In 2022, Neeraj won the Diamond League 2022 final in Zurich in September, making him the first Indian athlete to do so.

  • Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of Czech Republic was third with 1416 points. 

  • The Indian national record holder in men's javelin throw, took part in the season-opening Doha Diamond League on May 5 and finished first with a throw of 88.67m.

  • Anderson Peters finished third in Doha with a throw of 85.88m.

Top 5 in Men's javelin throw

1. Neeraj Chopra (India) -1455 points

2. Anderson Peters (Granada) - 1433 points

3. Jakub Vadlejch (Czech Republic)- 1416 points

4. Julian Weber (Germany)- 1385 points

5. Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan) - 1306 points

BCCI ropes in Adidas as new kit sponsor of Indian cricket team

Tags: Sports Sports News

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Adidas as the new kit sponsor of the Indian cricket team, replacing interim sponsor Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited.

An Overview of the News 

  • Adidas is a German multinational corporation best known for the design and manufacture of athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment.

  • It is the largest sportswear manufacturer globally and has a significant presence in cricket, serving as the kit sponsor for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA).

  • The partnership with Adidas marks the commitment of a prestigious sponsor to support the athletes of the Indian Cricket Team.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI):

  • It is the national governing body for cricket in India and is headquartered near the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

  • The Headquarters serves as the administrative centre for the BCCI.

  • The BCCI manages and oversees all cricket related activities in India and it formulates and implements policies and regulations for Indian cricket.

  • The BCCI organises domestic and international cricket tournaments and series.

Establishment -December 1928

President - Roger Binny

CEO - Hemang Amin

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula - 23 May

Tags: Important Days

International-Day-to-End-Obstetric-Fistula---23-MayInternational Day to End Obstetric Fistula is observed on 23 May.

An Overview of the News

  • Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal and it develops when a woman experiences obstructed labour for a long time without medical intervention.

  • Obstetric fistula causes lifelong physical and social problems for women.

  • Advocacy to increase investment in maternal health care is encouraged.

  • Access to quality obstetric care is emphasised.

  • The ultimate goal is elimination of the obstetric fistula.

History of International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

  • International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was established on May 23, 2013.

  • It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly and the day aims to raise awareness about obstetric fistula.

  • It promotes actions for the prevention, treatment and elimination of the condition.

  • The Campaign to End Fistula was launched in 2003 by UNFPA and its partners.

Kabaddi competition begins in Uttar Pradesh, Khelo India University Games

Tags: Sports Sports News

Khelo-India-University-GamesThe third Khelo India University Games will begin with a Kabaddi event on May 23 in Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh.

An Overview of the News

  • 15 teams representing different universities are participating in the Kabaddi competition.

  • The matches will be held at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Gautam Budh Nagar district.

  • The official opening ceremony of the Khelo India University Games will take place on May 25 in Lucknow and will continue till June 3.

  • The Khelo India University Games will be held in four cities: Gautam Buddha Nagar, Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Varanasi and the closing ceremony of the Games will be held in Varanasi.

  • Wrestling and Yogasana (yoga postures) events will be organised in Varanasi during the Khelo India University Games.

  • A total of 240 players will participate in wrestling events, while 96 players will participate in Yogasana events.

Union Sports Minister - Anurag Singh Thakur

About Uttar Pradesh

  • Uttar Pradesh is a state located in the northern part of India.

  • It has a population of over 240 million, making it the most populous state in India as well as the most populous subdivision in the world.

  • The state was officially established in 1950.

Chief Minister - Yogi Adityanath

Capital - Lucknow

Governor - Anandiben Patel

Rajya Sabha - 31 seats

Lok Sabha - 80 seats

2nd Trade and Investment Working Group meeting begins in Bengaluru

Tags: Summits National News

2nd Trade and Investment Working Group meeting begins in BengaluruOn 23 May, the second Trade and Investment Working Group meeting under the G20 India Presidency began in Bengaluru.

An Overview of the News

  • It is a three-day meeting and is attended by 75 delegates from G20 countries, invited countries and regional/international organisations.

  • The objective of the Bengaluru meeting is to address issues related to international trade and investment and seek agreeable solutions.

  • Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Prakash inaugurated the seminar.

  • The meeting discussed reforming the multilateral trading system and finding agreeable solutions for international trade and investment.

  • An exhibition of Indian Startups is also a part of the event.

  • The first Trade and Investment Working Group meeting was held in Mumbai.

About the G20

  • It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.

  • Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.

  • The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.

Karnataka:

  • It is a state in southwest India and is bordered by Maharashtra to the north, Goa to the northwest, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the southwest.

  • Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is known as the "Silicon Valley of India" and is a major centre of technology and innovation.

  • Hampi, located in northern Karnataka, was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Kannada is the official language of Karnataka, although English and Hindi are also widely spoken.

Chief minister - Siddaramaiah

Governor - Thawar Chand Gehlot

Official Animal - Indian Elephant

Official Bird - Indian Roller

Official Dance - Yakshagana

Official Song - Jaya Bharat Jananiya Tanujate

Second G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meeting begins in Mumbai

Tags: Summits National News

The second meeting of the G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG)began on 23 May in Mumbai.

An Overview of the News

  • The objective of the meeting is to reduce the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities.

  • The meeting aims to identify opportunities and examine creative financing mechanisms for disaster risk reduction.

  • Government officials, industry experts, private sector representatives and stakeholders from more than twenty countries participated in the three-day meeting.

  • The meeting is based on the theme of "Financing for DRR" from the first DRRWG meeting held in Gandhinagar.

  • The Coastal Road Project in Mumbai was discussed during the DRRWG meeting.

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

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