Daily Current Affairs : 14 April 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

Ghana Becomes First Country to Approve Oxford's Malaria Vaccine

Ghana has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against malaria by becoming the first country to approve a highly effective malaria vaccine developed by scientists at the University of Oxford in the UK. The vaccine, named R21/Matrix-M, has exceeded the World Health Organization's target of 75% efficacy. This approval marks a historic moment as it is the first time a major vaccine has been approved in an African country before wealthier nations.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that claims the lives of more than 600,000 people annually, with the majority of victims being children in Africa. Scientists have been working tirelessly for years to develop vaccines to combat this deadly disease. The approval of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine brings hope for the prevention and reduction of malaria-related deaths.
It's important to note that the first malaria vaccine, Mosquirix, developed by British drugmaker GSK, received endorsement from the World Health Organization last year. However, due to funding constraints and limited commercial potential, the production of Mosquirix fell short of the global demand. GSK has committed to producing up to 15 million doses of Mosquirix annually until 2028, which is far below the estimated 100 million doses needed each year to cover approximately 25 million children.
Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi participated in the pilot program for the roll-out of Mosquirix and have been gradually introducing it in recent months. Since 2019, 1.2 million children across these three countries have received at least one dose of the Mosquirix vaccine. The introduction of this vaccine has already shown a 10% decrease in all-cause child mortality in the vaccinated areas, demonstrating its impact.

Juice Mission Blasts Off to Jupiter to Look for Signs of Life

The European Space Agency (ESA) has embarked on a new space mission called the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) to study the moons of Jupiter. On April 14, 2023, the mission launched from French Guiana in South America. This mission holds great significance due to the discovery of sub-surface saltwater oceans on Jupiter's moons, which has placed them at the forefront of potential locations for signs of life and habitability.
The presence of hydrothermal vents, similar to those found on Earth's ocean floors, on the Jovian moons could provide the necessary warmth for life to thrive in the darkness. The Juice mission will take approximately eight years to reach its destination, traveling hundreds of millions of miles from Earth. Its trajectory will involve multiple gravity assists around Earth and Venus to propel it towards Jupiter.
Upon arrival in 2031, the spacecraft will conduct a comprehensive survey of Jupiter and its icy moons using ten advanced instruments. Scientists aim to answer various questions, including the reasons behind the shrinking of Jupiter's Great Red Spot, the high volcanic activity on its third largest moon, Io, and the possibility of past or present life on Jupiter's ocean-bearing moons.

TCG Anadolu, Turkey's Largest Warship and World's 1st Drone Carrier

Turkey celebrated the commissioning of its largest warship, the TCG Anadolu, in a highly anticipated inauguration ceremony. The TCG Anadolu is not only Turkey's first aircraft carrier but also the world's first Unmanned Combat Aerial Aircraft (UCAV) carrier. The warship prominently featured the prototype of the latest Bayraktar TB3, an unmanned aircraft, on its deck during the ceremony.
The Bayraktar TB3 is set to become operational from the TCG Anadolu's flight deck by 2024. This development follows the unveiling of the Bayraktar TB3's production line by Selcuk Bayraktar, the CTO of Baykar Technologies, a few weeks prior. The TB3 will accompany the Bayraktar Kizilelma, a carrier-capable "unmanned fighter jet," which is expected to be operational by 2025.
The TCG Anadolu was delivered to the Turkish Navy three months ahead of the official inauguration ceremony. The presence of an air wing primarily consisting of unmanned aircraft marks a significant advancement in military technology and showcases Turkey's prowess in drone warfare.

Telangana CM KC Rao to Unveil 125-Ft Tall Statue of B R Ambedkar in Hyderabad

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is set to unveil a 125-ft tall statue of B R Ambedkar in Hyderabad on April 14, commemorating the birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian Constitution. The unveiling ceremony will witness flower petals being showered from a helicopter onto the statue as a tribute to Ambedkar. Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of B R Ambedkar, has been invited as the sole chief guest for the event.
The Chief Minister has expressed that this statue, located next to the State Secretariat and adjacent to the Telangana Martyrs Memorial, will serve as an inspiration to the people and motivate the entire State administration. Extensive arrangements have been made to ensure the presence of over 35,000 people from all 119 constituencies, with 300 individuals representing each constituency. Additionally, 750 state-run Road Transport Corporation buses will be deployed to facilitate transportation for the public attending the event.

PM Modi Inaugurates Northeast's 1st AIIMS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly built AIIMS Guwahati on April 14, the first day of Assam's spring festival, Rongali Bihu. This hospital marks the establishment of the first AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) in the northeastern region of India. PM Modi inspected the AIIMS Guwahati campus and also inaugurated three medical colleges located in Nalbari, Nagaon, and Kokrajhar.
The operationalization of AIIMS Guwahati is a momentous occasion for Assam and the entire Northeast region, as stated by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The foundation stone for this hospital was laid by PM Modi in May 2017. AIIMS Guwahati is a state-of-the-art healthcare facility with a capacity of 750 beds, including 30 AYUSH beds. It has been built at a cost exceeding Rs. 1120 crores. Furthermore, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Assam Advanced Health Care Innovation Institute (AAHII), which will focus on cutting-edge inventions, research and development in medicine and healthcare. The AAHII, with an estimated cost of about Rs. 546 crore, aims to address the nation's unique health-related challenges and promote the development of innovative technologies to tackle those issues.

The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train Tour on Ambedkar Circuit Flagged Off from New Delhi

On April 14, the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train Tour on the Ambedkar Circuit was flagged off from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and DONER, and Dr. Virendra Kumar, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. This special initiative will take passengers on an eight-day tour to prominent places associated with the life of B R Ambedkar.
The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train will cover important locations such as New Delhi, Mhow, Nagpur, and various Buddhist sites including Sanchi, Sarnath, Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda. The objective of this tour is to promote and popularize the significant contributions of B R Ambedkar. Stakeholders including tour operators, tour guides, journalists, Buddhist associations, members of Gautam Buddha University, and Yuva Tourism Club have been invited to experience this specially organized trip firsthand.

Ambedkar Jayanti

Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti, is observed on April 14 to commemorate the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar, an Indian politician and social reformer. Ambedkar's birthday is also referred to as 'Equality Day' by some in India. His followers hold processions at Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai and Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur to pay homage. It is customary for senior national figures, including the President, Prime Minister, and leaders of major political parties, to pay respects at his statue in the Parliament of India.
Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated worldwide, particularly by the Dalit community, Adivasis, labor workers, women, and those who have embraced Buddhism following his example. It is a public holiday in most Indian states since 2015, with all government institutions, including schools and universities, closed on this day.

Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu

Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is one of the most significant festivals in Assam, marking the first day of the Hindu unisolar calendar and the beginning of the Assamese New Year. This seven-day festival is celebrated from April 14 to April 20. Bihu is celebrated three times a year, with Bohag Bihu heralding the seeding period in the second week of April.
Rongali Bihu brings joy and happiness to the Assamese community, who celebrate each day of the festival with great fervor and enthusiasm. Traditional musical instruments like dhol, pepa, gogona, toka, and taal are played, and young men and women participate in traditional dances. This festival signifies the start of the seeding season. Similar spring harvest festivals are celebrated in different parts of India, such as Baisakhi in Punjab, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Vishu in Kerala, and Pohela Baisakh in West Bengal.

All India Management Association's (AIMA) 13th Managing India Awards Ceremony

The All India Management Association (AIMA) held its 13th Managing India Awards ceremony, recognizing the achievements of several leaders and institutions in various fields. Kumar Mangalam Birla, the chairman of Aditya Birla Group, was honored with the prestigious 'Business Leader of the Decade' award. Birla's contributions to the Indian industry over the past decade have been recognized, as he successfully consolidated and led the diversified group.
Tata Steel Chairman T V Narendran received the 'AIMA-JRD Tata Corporate Leadership' award, acknowledging his outstanding leadership in the corporate sector. ABB India, a leading engineering services company, was awarded the 'MNC in India of the Year' for its remarkable contributions. Rahul Kanwal, News Director at India Today and Aajtak, and Executive Director of Business Today, was recognized for his 'Outstanding Contribution to Media.'
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), an umbrella organization for retail payments and settlement systems in India, received the 'Outstanding PSU of the Year' award, highlighting its significant contributions to the country.