Daily Current Affairs : 17 April 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

China's First Satellite for High-Precision Rainfall Monitoring Launched

China successfully launched its first satellite dedicated to high-precision rainfall monitoring, called Fengyun-3G (FY-3G), on April 16. FY-3G is one of only three such satellites in the world. The satellite's primary mission is to measure precipitation on Earth and provide more accurate predictions of rainfall. Developed by an institute of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, FY-3G has a lifespan of six years.
The ground system for the satellite will be built and operated by the China Meteorological Administration. Chen Zhenlin, head of the central meteorological observatory, stated that FY-3G will enhance China's low-orbit meteorological satellite constellation and significantly improve the early warning capability for global rainstorms. The satellite will mainly provide precipitation data between 50 degrees north latitude and 50 degrees south latitude. Over the next six months, FY-3G will undergo in-orbit tests to prepare for meteorological disasters such as rainstorms and typhoons.

Bihu Dance Sets Guinness World Record in Assam

Assam's traditional Bihu dance entered the Guinness World Records on Thursday with a performance by 11,304 dancers and drummers at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. The Guinness World Records adjudicator presented the certificates to the Chief Minister in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening. Bihu is a vibrant folk dance that represents Assam's culture and identity. Originally scheduled for April 14 with the Prime Minister in attendance, the attempt to enter the record book was postponed to April 17 to align with the certificate presentation.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Panchayat Awards Week, which is being celebrated from April 17 to 21 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav 2.0. The week-long event will witness the participation of over 1,500 delegates from across the country. Awardee Panchayats will be felicitated during the ceremony, and the award money will be digitally transferred to them. The different categories of National Panchayat Awards for 2023 include Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar, Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar, Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar, and Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar.

World Hemophilia Day

World Hemophilia Day is observed globally on April 17 each year. This event, initiated by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WHF), aims to raise awareness and advocate for better treatment, care, and prevention of hemophilia. Hemophilia is a rare and severe inherited bleeding disorder caused by the malfunction of factor VIII and factor IX proteins, which are essential for blood clotting.
Although hemophilia can affect people of all races and ethnicities, men are more likely to be affected due to its connection to the X chromosome. The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2023 is "Access for All: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care." It calls for the provision of effective treatment and care to all individuals with hemophilia, emphasizing the importance of prevention, protection, and accessibility to quality healthcare.

Health Working Group Meeting and Army Commanders' Conference

• 2nd Health Working Group Meeting: The second Health Working Group meeting under the Indian G20 Presidency commenced in Goa and will conclude on April 19. More than 180 delegates from 19 G20 member countries, 10 invited states, and 22 International Organizations are participating in the meeting. The discussions will focus on health emergencies prevention and response, cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, and digital health innovations to improve healthcare service delivery.
• Army Commanders' Conference: The five-day Army Commanders' Conference, held biannually, began in a hybrid format. Army Commanders and senior officials will meet virtually on the first day and later hold physical meetings in Delhi. The conference will review the progress of the 'Year of Transformation-2023' initiatives, Agnipath Scheme, digitization, and automation projects. The operational preparedness of the Indian Army and emerging security scenarios will also be discussed. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the conference on April 19.
• G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS): The first G20 summit of the Agriculture Working Group under India's G20 Presidency will be held in Varanasi from April 17 to 19. The event aims to endorse nutritious foods, food security, and environmentally friendly farming practices. Representatives from 20 leading countries and delegates from partner countries will participate in the three-day meeting, organized by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education.
• Global Conference on Compressed Biogas (CBG): A two-day conference on Compressed Biogas will be held in New Delhi on April 17 and 18. The event, organized by the Indian Federation of Green Energy and CBG Producer Forum, aims to create a progressive policy framework for the development of the Compressed Biogas Industry. The conference will highlight the potential of CBG as an alternative green renewable fuel that can replace CNG in various sectors.