Daily Current Affairs : 22 May 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA Arrive in Saudi Arabia, Kickstarting AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023 Naval Exercise

In a significant development highlighting the growing defense cooperation between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the flagship frigate of the Indian Western Naval Fleet, INS TARKASH, along with the offshore patrol vessel INS SUBHADRA, arrived at Port Al-Jubail on 22nd May 2023. This marks the commencement of the harbor phase of the second edition of the naval exercise between the two nations, known as 'AL-MOHED AL-HINDI 2023.'
The naval exercise, which also includes the participation of a maritime patrol aircraft this year, aims to strengthen the ties and enhance the coordination between the Indian and Saudi Arabian navies. The inaugural edition of the exercise was successfully conducted in 2021.
INS TARKASH, commissioned on November 9, 2012, is a state-of-the-art stealth frigate of the Talwar class. It is equipped with advanced weapon-sensor technology and possesses the capability to address threats in all dimensions. The vessel's design incorporates stealth technologies and a specialized hull for reduced radar cross-section. Accompanying INS TARKASH is the INS SUBHADRA, a patrol vessel of the Sukanya class, which has served as a test bed for the Dhanush ship-launched ballistic missile and associated stabilization and launch platforms.

Bhupender Yadav Inaugurates Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management in Dehradun

The establishment of the Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management (CoE-SLM) at the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) in Dehradun was announced by the Prime Minister of India during the 14th Conference of the Parties (COP-14) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on 9th September 2019.
The CoE-SLM, located at the ICFRE, aims to restore degraded land by providing technical support, capacity building, and knowledge sharing at the national and sub-national levels. It seeks to collaborate with developing countries that are party to the UNCCD in order to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets, promote south-south cooperation, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by international conventions.

Ministry of Education and World Bank Host Unique Workshop On School-To-Work Transition For STARS Program

A one-of-a-kind workshop on School-to-Work Transition under the STARS Program was organized by the Ministry of Education and the World Bank in Mumbai. The workshop was co-chaired by Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, School Education, and Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
The workshop witnessed the participation of the Secretaries of Education and Skill Department of the six STARS states, namely Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, along with the State Project Directors of Samagra Shiksha, respective officers, and representatives from the World Bank.
One of the key components of the STARS program is the strengthening of Vocational Education and School-to-Work Transition. The workshop focused on the discussion of the Skill Gap analysis of the six STARS States and Uttar Pradesh, along with the convergence of vocational and skill development initiatives.

Madhya Pradesh becomes first state to provide free air travel to pilgrims

Madhya Pradesh has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first state in India to provide free air travel facilities to senior citizens for holy pilgrimages. Recently, 32 elderly people, consisting of 24 men and eight women, flew from Bhopal to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh under the state's Mukhyamantri Tirth-Darshan Yojana.
The Mukhyamantri Tirth-Darshan Yojana, introduced in 2012, enables elderly persons to undertake free pilgrimages by special trains. With the inclusion of air travel facilities in this scheme, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan flagged off the first batch of senior citizens to Prayagraj. The state government covers both the lodging and travel expenses for the pilgrimage.

V.P Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurates Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Kerala Legislative Assembly building

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Kerala Legislative Assembly building in Thiruvananthapuram. Speaking at the event, the Vice President commended Kerala for its forward-thinking approach, and he acknowledged the Legislative Assembly of Kerala for its role in enacting progressive legislations. He urged the legislators to uphold this legacy by addressing the contemporary needs of society.
During the ceremony, the Vice President also released a souvenir of the Kerala Legislature International Book Festival and laid the foundation stone for various developmental projects on the legislative assembly premises. This visit marked Jagdeep Dhankhar's first visit to Kerala as the Vice President of India. He also visited Kannur to meet his teacher, Ms. Rathna Nair, at her residence in Thalassery.

International Day for Biological Diversity

The International Day for Biological Diversity, observed on May 22, is a global occasion that emphasizes the significance of biodiversity and its essential role in sustaining life on Earth. This day serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic resources that make our planet unique. It is a time to reflect on the intricate connections between humans and the natural world.
The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) was officially proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2000 to celebrate the adoption of the initial text of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on May 22, 1992. The CBD has participants from nearly all countries, and its efforts have played a crucial role in preserving biodiversity.
The theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023 is "From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity." This theme highlights the urgent need to move beyond commitments and translate them into tangible actions for the restoration and protection of biodiversity.

PM Modi honoured with the highest civilian award of Fiji and Papua New Guinea

During his recent visit to Papua New Guinea to attend the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with the highest civilian honors by Fiji and Papua New Guinea. His Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Rabuka, conferred upon him "The Companion of the Order of Fiji" as a recognition of his global leadership, making him the first non-Fijian to receive this honor. Additionally, PM Modi was honored with the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL), which is the highest civilian award of Papua New Guinea. Recipients of this award are given the title "Chief."
These honors reflect the growing ties between India and countries across the world and signify the recognition of PM Modi's leadership on the global stage.

Assam Governor releases book 'Partitioned Freedom' authored by Ram Madhav

Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria unveiled the book 'Partitioned Freedom' written by Ram Madhav at an event in Guwahati. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Kataria highlighted that India has always been regarded as a land of wealth and wisdom.
The book 'Partitioned Freedom' offers profound insights into the events that occurred in 1905 and during the pre-independence era. It explores and addresses the questions raised about why India, which successfully defeated the British designs to partition one province, failed to prevent the partition of the entire country four decades later.
Ram Madhav, an Indian politician, author, and thinker, served as the National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party. His book provides valuable perspectives on India's historical journey towards independence.