World Art Day 2023 observed on 15th April
UNESCO's General Conference declared April 15 as World Art Day to commemorate Leonardo da Vinci's birthday.
UNESCO’s General Conference declared April 15 as World Art Day to commemorate Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday, recognizing the importance of art in promoting creativity, cultural diversity, and information exchange. Art has always encouraged innovation and sparked discussion among individuals worldwide. However, to preserve artistic freedoms, it is crucial to safeguard the conditions that support and protect artists. This celebration is an opportunity to encourage the development, distribution, and enjoyment of art annually.
April 15 was selected as World Art Day because it coincides with Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday. As one of history’s most celebrated artists, da Vinci has come to represent ideals such as peace, freedom of expression, tolerance, and brotherhood. Art is a multifaceted medium that fosters creativity in all forms and is valued globally. Many well-known works of art can be found in museums across the world, and art serves as an essential tool for documenting history and educating people about past cultures
World Art Day 2023: History
World Art Day was officially established on April 15 during the General Assembly of the International Association of Art in 2012. This was the first year of celebration, and the date was chosen in honor of the renowned artist, Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday. Da Vinci has become a symbol of tolerance, multiculturalism, freedom of expression, and world peace. The inaugural World Art Day was supported by all national committees of the International Association of Art, and the event aimed to promote inclusivity by bringing together 150 artists from various countries worldwide. The celebration included conferences and extended museum hours. Outdoor art exhibitions featured various art forms such as paintings, prints, sculptures, and videos.
Turkey’s First Aircraft Carrier to Host World’s First Mainly Unmanned Air Wing
Turkish Navy introduces first unmanned air wing aboard TCG Anadolu.
Turkish Navy Receives First Aircraft Carrier
The Turkish Navy has received the TCG Anadolu, its first aircraft carrier, which is expected to house the world’s first air wing made primarily of unmanned aircraft. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the vessel would host many manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, with the TB3 from the Bayraktar family being the latest prototype tested on the carrier’s flight deck. The TB3 is a naval drone with foldable wings designed for ship decks and short runways, while its line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications capabilities allow it to be operated from far away locations. The TCG Anadolu is based on Spain’s flagship, the Juan Carlos I, with a displacement of 27,436 tons and a top speed of about 21 knots.
TCG Anadolu: Carrier of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Initially designed to transport helicopters and short takeoff and vertical landing fighters, the TCG Anadolu was modified to become a carrier of unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned combat aerial vehicles and uncrewed fighter jets, after the US cut Turkey from the global F-35 fighter jet development programme in response to Ankara’s decision to buy Russia’s S-400 air missile defence systems in 2019. The Anadolu’s air wing is anticipated to mainly comprise Bayraktar TB3s, along with domestically made T129 Atak, AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters and SH-70B utility helicopters.
TCG Anadolu to House Unmanned Air Wing and Battalion-Sized Force
The ship has undergone minor infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of drone control stations, a roller system at the bow of the ship to aid in uncrewed aircraft launch, an arresting gear system on the deck to facilitate UCAV landings and safety nets for the recovery of smaller drone types. The TCG Anadolu will be able to house a force the size of a battalion, along with flight and command personnel.
SBI launches its Coffee Table Book “The Banker To Every Indian”
State Bank of India (SBI) headquartered in Mumbai (Maharashtra) announced the launch of its coffee table book titled “The Banker to Every Indian”.
State Bank of India (SBI) headquartered in Mumbai (Maharashtra) announced the launch of its coffee table book titled “The Banker to Every Indian” which celebrates 75 years of Indian independence and the 200-year history of SBI, which was established in 1955. The coffee table book details the Bank’s history ever since independence.
The book is a tribute to the spirit of India’s independence and SBI’s contribution to nation-building. It showcases the ethics, technological advancements, and transformation with the important initiatives undertaken by the Bank. It showcases our ethics, technological advancements, and transformation with the important initiatives undertaken by the Bank. The book is not just a celebration of our past but a testament to our commitment to the future. I hope this book will inspire the future generation to strive for excellence and contribute to the growth of our great nation.
Minister Rupala to launch “Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)”
Shri Parshottam Rupala, launched two significant initiatives: the Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI) and the Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH) project.
On April 14th, 2023, Shri Parshottam Rupala, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, launched two significant initiatives: the Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI) and the Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH) project, which is funded by the World Bank. The launch event will take place at the India Habitat Center in New Delhi and will be held under the National One Health Mission.
More About This Initiative:
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has partnered with the World Bank on a collaborative project called the Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH), which aims to establish an ecosystem for better animal health management through the One Health approach.
Significance of this initiative:
The project will be carried out in five states and will focus on enhancing the capacity building of stakeholders involved in animal health and disease management. It also calls for the participation of the Human Health, Forest and Environment Department at the national, regional, and local levels to create and strengthen the One Health architecture, including community engagement.
The project has set a goal to cover 151 districts in five participating states, focusing on upgrading 75 district/regional laboratories, as well as strengthening 300 veterinary hospitals/dispensaries. It also aims to provide training to 9,000 para-veterinarians/diagnostic professionals and 5,500 veterinary professionals. Additionally, an awareness campaign on preventing zoonotic diseases and pandemic preparedness will be carried out at the community level by reaching out to six lakh households.
The collaborative project will be implemented over a period of five years as a Central sector scheme, with a financial provision of Rs. 1228.70 Cr. The project will also develop an ecosystem for continuous training of veterinarians and para-veterinarians on innovative disease management practices. Furthermore, it will establish a network of laboratories and integrate a disease reporting system for enhanced surveillance of zoonotic and other animal diseases. These activities will help in building preparedness for pandemic diseases that impact animals.
Philippines and US launch largest joint military exercises to counter China
18,000 troops participate in joint drills to counter China's growing assertiveness.
Philippines and US hold largest-ever joint military exercises
The Philippines and the United States have launched their largest-ever joint military exercises, called Balikatan, involving nearly 18,000 troops to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the region. The annual drills, which include a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea, are being held for the first time under President Ferdinand Marcos, who seeks to strengthen ties with the US. The maneuvers include military helicopters landing on the Philippine island of Luzon and the retaking of an island by amphibious forces.
Balikatan drills aimed at protecting Philippine sovereignty
Philippine exercises spokesman Colonel Michael Logico said the drills were aimed at protecting the country’s sovereign territory. The exercise features troops staging an amphibious landing on Palawan, the closest Philippine landmass to the Spratly Islands, where China and the Philippines have rival claims.
US troops to use Philippine bases, including one near Taiwan
The exercises follow China’s three-day military exercise, which simulated targeted strikes and a blockade of Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory. While the joint news conference did not address questions about the Taiwan tensions, U.S. troops will be allowed to use four Philippine military bases under the agreement, including a naval base near Taiwan.
Balikatan exercises to improve military tactics, techniques, and procedures
This year’s Balikatan exercises will see a significant increase in the number of troops involved compared to last year. Approximately 12,200 American, 5,400 Filipino, and over 100 Australian soldiers will participate in the two-week military drills. This represents almost twice as many troops as the previous year’s exercise. The Americans will also use their Patriot missiles, one of the world’s best air-defense systems, and the HIMARS precision rocket system, which has been used by Ukrainian forces fighting Russian troops. According to Colonel Medel Aguilar, spokesperson for the Philippine military, the exercises will improve “tactics, techniques, and procedures” for a broad range of military operations.
The Balikatan exercises are part of recent agreements between Manila and Washington to restart joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea and expand the US military’s presence in the Philippines, which has infuriated China. As a result, China accused the US of “endangering regional peace and stability”.
Andhra Pradesh’s CM Jagan Mohan Reddy wealthiest CM in India: ADR Report
According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), out of the 28 state chief ministers and two union territories, 29 of them are millionaires in India.
According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), out of the 28 state chief ministers and two union territories, 29 of them are millionaires in India. Jagan Mohan Reddy from Andhra Pradesh is the richest among them with assets worth ₹510 crore, while Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has the lowest assets worth around ₹15 lakh. The report also noted that Jammu and Kashmir, which is a Union Territory, does not have a chief minister at present. Out of the 30 CMs analyzed, 29 (97 percent) are crorepatis with the average assets being ₹33.96 crore for every CM, the ADR said. Out of the 30 CMs analyzed, 29 (97 percent) are crorepatis with the average assets being ₹33.96 crore for every CM, the ADR said.
Overview of the news:
The top three chief ministers in terms of assets are Andhra Pradesh’s Jagan Mohan Reddy (over ₹510 crore), Arunachal Pradesh’s Pema Khandu (over ₹163 crore), and Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik (over ₹63 crore), according to the ADR.
The three CMs with the lowest declared assets are – West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee (over ₹15 lakh), Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan (over ₹1 crore), and Haryana’s Manohar Lal (over ₹1 crore), the ADR said.
Both Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Delhi’s Arvind Kejriwal own assets worth over ₹3 crore, the report added.
G20 MACS meeting in Varanasi to feature the MAHARISHI Initiative
G20 MACS meeting in Varanasi will feature the MAHARISHI Initiative, which stands for Millets And OtHer Ancient Grains International ReSearcH Initiative.
A significant event, the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS), is scheduled to take place in Varanasi from 17 to 19 April. The meeting’s theme is Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for Healthy People and Planet, which aligns with India’s G20 presidency theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
Significance of this event:
About The MAHARISHI Initiative:
Additionally, the meeting will feature the MAHARISHI Initiative, which stands for Millets And OtHer Ancient Grains International ReSearcH Initiative. This initiative aims to promote research and awareness about agro-biodiversity, food security, and nutrition in line with the International Year of Millets 2023.
12th MACS meeting: the four priority areas:
The upcoming 12th MACS meeting will place particular emphasis on four priority areas. These areas are Food Security and Nutrition, which will explore the role of cutting-edge science and technology in addressing these issues. Another priority is Building Resilience and Sustainable Agriculture through Approaches such as climate resilient agriculture and One Health, which involves taking a holistic approach to human, animal, and environmental health.
Digitalization for Agricultural Transformation is another important area of focus, examining how technology can be leveraged to improve and streamline agricultural processes. Finally, Public-Private Partnerships for Research and Development will be discussed, as the meeting will explore how collaboration between different stakeholders can drive innovation and progress in the agricultural sector.
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