Daily Current Affairs : 29 May 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

PM Modi Flags Off Maiden Vande Bharat For the North East Region in Assam

In an important development for the northeast region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the maiden Vande Bharat Express train for the North East. The train will run from Guwahati to West Bengal's New Jalpaiguri Station, significantly reducing travel time. The new Vande Bharat Express will cover the journey in about five-and-a-half hours, while the current fastest train takes around six-and-a-half hours to cover the same distance.
This initiative aims to provide faster and pollution-free transportation by introducing electric traction trains in Meghalaya. As part of the event, the Prime Minister also dedicated 182 Route Kms of newly electrified sections and inaugurated a DEMU/MEMU shed at Lumding in Assam. The new facility will enhance operational feasibility in maintaining DEMU rakes in the region.

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni arrives in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India

The King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni, arrived in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India. Accompanied by a 27-member high-level official delegation, the Cambodian King was received by MoS MEA Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. During his visit, King Norodom Sihamoni will have bilateral meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will also receive a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar are scheduled to meet the King. President Murmu will host a State Banquet in honor of the visiting dignitary in the evening.

Sudarshan Shakti Exercise 2023

The Sapta Shakti Command of the Indian Army recently conducted the 'Sudarshan Shakti 2023' exercise along the western borders in Rajasthan and Punjab. This exercise is part of the Indian Army's transformation process aimed at building a modern and agile fighting force capable of utilizing new-age technologies. The exercise focused on validating operational plans in a network-centric environment, encompassing combat power, combat support, and logistic support.
It simulated various enemy threats, including Grey Zone Warfare, and emphasized the integrated use of force multipliers such as special forces and niche technologies like drones, tethered drones, and loiter ammunition. The exercise aligned with the objectives outlined by COAS General Manoj Pande in January 2023.

ISRO successfully launches its next-generation navigational satellite – NVS-01

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved another milestone with the successful launch of its next-generation navigational satellite, NVS-01. The GSLV F12 rocket carrying the satellite lifted off from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The NVS-01 satellite, weighing 2232 kilograms, is the first of the second-generation satellites envisioned for the Navigation with Indian Constellation series.
This satellite series aims to establish a constellation and operationalize the indigenously made rubidium clock. The initial phase has shown promising results, and further orbit-raising maneuvers will be conducted to position the satellite at the desired level. The data from NVS-01 will serve both individual and strategic purposes. ISRO also announced its plans to launch Chandrayaan-3 in July this year, along with future missions and collaborations with NASA.

Praveen Kumar Srivastava sworn in as Central Vigilance Commissioner

Praveen Kumar Srivastava has been sworn in as the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) by President Droupadi Murmu. He previously served as the acting CVC since December last year. Praveen Kumar Srivastava, a retired Indian Administrative Service officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, brings a wealth of experience to this important position. His appointment aims to strengthen the probity watchdog and ensure the effective functioning of vigilance activities.

International Day of UN Peacekeepers

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed on 29 May each year. This date commemorates the establishment of the first UN peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), in 1948, which operated in Palestine. The day serves as an opportunity to honor the professionalism, dedication, and courage of all men and women serving in UN peacekeeping operations and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.
UN Peacekeeping missions actively engage with local communities through various activities such as sports events, school visits, art competitions, clean-up drives, tree plantations, and conferences to promote peace. The theme for 2023, "Peace begins with me," calls for global participation in the peace movement while acknowledging the service and sacrifices made by peacekeepers, including the over 4200 who have lost their lives under the UN flag.

Dr Vijay Darda’s new book ‘RINGSIDE’ to be released by Shashi Tharoor

Renowned author and Congress MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor will release the book "RINGSIDE – Up, Close and Personal on India and Beyond" written by Dr. Vijay Darda, Chairman of the Editorial Board of Lokmat Media Group and former MP. The book, which will be released on May 30 at the Speaker Hall of the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, is a captivating compilation of Dr. Darda's weekly articles published in Lokmat Media Group newspapers and other prominent national and regional dailies from 2011 to 2016. This latest work delves into a diverse range of subjects beyond political developments and offers unique insights into various topics.