Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Examinations: April 18, 2023

General Awareness Section can be the easiest and most qualifying section in most competitive exams with the right focus. To bag a good score in these sections one must follow the current affairs for at least a few minutes on a daily basis. Current affairs are vastly diversified with topics from politics, finance, sports, etc and getting lost in this vastness might be confusing sometimes. It is essential for candidates who are preparing for competitive exams to know what topics to focus on instead of wandering.

Current Affairs:  Policy and Governance

Centre launches Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative

• The Centre recently launched the ‘Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative’ (APPI) and the ‘Animal Health System Support for One Health’ (AHSSOH) to enhance India’s preparedness and response to potential animal pandemics and to control/prevent zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
• India has one of the largest national livestock populations in the world at 536.76 million, according to the livestock census, in 2019, which is a key source of income for nearly 80 million farmers. 
• The estimated indirect loss in India from zoonotic diseases is around $40 Billion. 

Key pillars under Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative:

1. Integrated disease surveillance and monitoring (built on National Digital Livestock Mission). Creating disease modelling algorithms and early warning systems. 
2. Strengthening regulatory system (e.g., Nandi online portal and Field trial guidelines). 
3. Initiate targeted R&D to develop vaccines/diagnostics/therapies for priority diseases.

What is Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH)?

• Animal Health System Support for One Health is a World Bank-funded project.
• AHSSOH aims to create an ecosystem for a better animal health management system using the ‘One Health’ approach. 
• It will be implemented over a 5-year period as a Central sector scheme. 
• It will initially cover five states—Assam, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. AHSSOH project aims to strengthen district laboratories, provide mobile veterinary units in remote locations and high-risk areas, and upgrade dispensaries and hospitals, besides training veterinarians as well as private diagnostic professionals.

Question: 1

Which of the following is not a key pillar under the recent Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)?

A. Integrated disease surveillance and monitoring

B. Creating disease modelling algorithms and early warning systems 

C. Strengthening regulatory system

D. Development of vaccines with the help of agrarian countries

Answer: D

Check out the Highlights of the Economic Survey 2022-23 by clicking on the link given below:
Economic Survey 2022-23

Current Affairs: Education in Focus

UGC proposes universities to include courses from the Indian Knowledge System (IKS)

• The University Grants Commission’s draft ‘Guidelines for Incorporating Indian Knowledge in Higher Education Curricula’ proposes the introduction of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in universities.
• As a concept, IKS was introduced through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 

What is the Indian Knowledge System?

• The draft guidelines define IKS as ‘systematised disciplines of knowledge developed to a high degree of sophistication in India from ancient times and all of the traditions and practise that the various communities of India—including tribal communities—have evolved, refined and preserved over generations’.

Rationale:

• Draft guidelines from UGC aim to help colleges and universities develop courses for introducing students to the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). 
• IKS encompasses knowledge in various disciplines that emerged systematically from ancient India. 
• IKS also includes traditions and practices that various communities of India have evolved, refined and preserved over generations. 

Some model curricula of courses in IKS for designing appropriate courses include:

Mathematics: 

1. Bodhayana Theorem (so-called Pythagoras Theorem) 
2. Pāṇini’s Ashtadhyayi 
3. Mathematics in the Jaina Texts: Law of indices, Permutations and Combinations. 
4. Āryabhaṭīya of Āryabhaṭa: Algorithm for finding the square root, some algebraic identities, the area of a circle, trapezium and other figures 
5. Brāhmasphuṭasiddhānta of Brahmagupta: Interest calculations, Progressions: Arithmetic and Geometric, Mathematical operations, etc. 
6. Bījagaṇita of Bhāskarācārya: Algebra
7. Līlāvatī of Bhāskarācārya 
8. Gaṇitakaumudī of Nārāyaṇa Paṇḍita: Solutions of quadratic equations 
9. Kerala School of Astronomy and Development of Calculus 

Indian Health Sciences: 

1. Vedic foundations of Ayurveda 
2. Suśruta-Samhitā (sections on plastic surgery, cataract surgery and anal fistula)

Indian Astronomy: 

1. Basic ideas of the planetary model of Aryabhata and its revision by Nilakantha 
2. Astronomical endeavours of Jaisingh, Sankaravarman, Chandrasekhara Samanta, etc. 
3. Indian Architecture and Town Planning
4. Importance of Sthapatya-Veda 
5. Building of Jaipur in the 18th century 
6. Ancient cities of the Indus Saraswati region

Question: 2

Which of the following organisations recently proposed Incorporating Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in higher education curricula?

A. Centre of Vedic Studies

B. University Grants Commission

C. Ministry of Education

D. Institute for Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge

Answer: B

Current Affairs: National Interest 

SEBI unveils a new logo on its 35th Foundation Day

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has unveiled a new logo on the occasion of the market regulator’s 35th Foundation Day on 12 April.
• The new logo retains the traditional blue palette but also reflects on a more modern design.
• Sebi’s new logo seeks to reflect the unique combination of its rich traditions and its new data and technology-based approach in all three areas of its mandate in the securities market – development and regulation of the securities market and investor protection.
• Sebi was established on 12 April 1988 under the Ministry of Finance, however, the body was granted statutory powers in 1992.
• Sebi functions as a quasi-judicial body and is to have more statutory powers than other market regulators like the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) of the United States.

Question: 3

Which of the following organisations recently unveiled a new logo on the occasion of the 35th Foundation Day on 12 April?

A. SBI

B. SEBI

C. BSE

D. IRDA

Answer: B

Current Affairs: International Relations

EAM Dr S Jaishankar inaugurates Buzi Bridge in Mozambique built by India

• Dr Jaishankar virtually inaugurated the Buzi Bridge, constructed as part of the 132 km Tica-Buzi-Nova-Sofala Road project. India has built the bridge.
• The bridge is a practical example of India-Mozambique solidarity and friendship.
• The 670-metre-long bridge over the Buzi River is part of the 132 km Tica-Buzi-Nova-Sofala Road project. The project has been underway since 2018 at a cost of US $118 million and financed by the Exim-Bank of India.
• It is being executed by Indian contractor AFLONS under the supervision of WAPCOS. The project has got delayed following the tropical cyclones Idai, Chalane and Eloise. 
• These phenomena forced the elevation of the platform quota and an increase in components unforeseen in the initial sketch.
• EAM Jaishankar visited Mozambique, on the southeast coast of Africa, from 13-15 April. 
• This is the first-ever visit by an External Affairs Minister of India to the Republic of Mozambique.

Question: 4

External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar recently virtually inaugurated the India-built Buzi Bridge in which of the following countries?

A. Iran

B. Israel

C. Mozambique

D. Egypt

Answer: C

Current Affairs: International 

Turkey Commissions “TCG Anadolu” as the world’s 1st UAV carrier

• Turkey commissioned its largest warship with a ceremony at the Sedef Shipyard in Istanbul, marking the official entry into service of the landing helicopter dock (LHD) TCG Anadolu.
• The ship, which will now become the Turkish flagship, is stated to have a deck capacity for ten helicopters plus 11 UAVs and a hangar capacity for 19 helicopters and 30 UAVs.
• For its commissioning ceremony, TCG Anadolu was presented with a Baykar Bayraktar TB3 armed UAV and Baykar Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) on its flight deck, along with four helicopters.
• 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.

Question: 5

Which of the following countries recently became the first country to commission ‘TCG Anadolu’ as the world’s first UAV carrier?

A. USA

B. China

C. Japan

D. Turkey 

Answer: D

Current Affairs: Days and Events

World Hemophilia Day 2023 

• 17 April is observed as World Hemophilia Day annually, commemorating the birthday of Frank Schnabel, who founded the World Federation of Hemophilia. 
• This occasion serves as a platform to increase awareness and provide education about haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
• Haemophilia is a rare disease characterised by the inability of the blood to clot properly due to a deficiency in specific clotting factors, resulting in prolonged bleeding that can be life-threatening in certain cases.

History and Significance:

• World Hemophilia Day is observed on 17 April in commemoration of Frank Schnabel’s birthday, the founder of the World Federation of Hemophilia. 
• The World Federation encourages people worldwide to illuminate in red as a symbol of solidarity with those affected by haemophilia. 

The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2023:

• The theme for World Hemophilia Day in 2023 is “Access for All: Partnership, Policy, Progress, Engaging Government, Integrating Inherited Bleeding Disorders into National Policy”.

What causes Hemophilia?

• When individual experiences bleeding from an internal or external wound, the body responds by gathering blood cells to form a clot in order to stop further bleeding.
• Clotting is facilitated by the interaction of blood proteins with platelet-like cells. However, in cases where a clotting factor is missing, haemophilia can develop. 
• Haemophilia can be either congenital, meaning it is present from birth, or acquired, where it develops later in life.

Check out the Highlights of Union Budget 2023 by clicking on the link given below:
Union Budget 2023-24

Factbook: 17-April-2023

Australia: Tropical cyclone Ilsa hits Northwest coast

• Tropical Cyclone Ilsa made landfall in Western Australia.
• Conditions favourable for Tropical cyclones
  • Large sea surface with a temperature higher than 27° C 
  • The presence of the Coriolis force is enough to create a cyclonic vortex 
  • Small variations in the vertical wind speed 
  • A pre-existing weak low-pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation 
  • Upper divergence above the sea level system

India to supply 10000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan, signed an MoU with World Food Programme (WFP)

• India signed an MoU with WFP for sending wheat to Afghanistan. 
• WFP, established in 1961, is the food-assistance branch of the UN and the world’s largest humanitarian organisation addressing hunger and promoting food security. 
• WFP works in over 120 countries and territories to enhance nutrition in women and children, support smallholder farmers, help prepare for climate-related shocks, and boost human capital.
• Executive Board (India’s term to end in 2024) is WFP’s supreme governing body. WFP’s funding comes from governments, corporations, individuals, etc. 

Ghana is the first country to approve the Oxford malaria vaccine

• Ghana has made history 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, called R21/Matrix-M, has exceeded the World Health Organization’s target of 75% efficacy, making it a significant milestone in the fight against malaria.
• In Ghana, where malaria is endemic and perennial, an estimated 5.3 million cases and 12,500 deaths were recorded in 2021. 
• The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, which has shown promising results in clinical trials, could be a game-changer in reducing the burden of malaria in Ghana and other sub-Saharan African countries.
• It is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. It has exceeded the WHO target of 75% efficacy. 
• However, WHO is yet to recommend the R21 vaccine for widespread use. WHO has earlier approved RTS,S malaria vaccine in 2021. 
• It acts against Plasmodium falciparum. 
• Five Plasmodium parasite species cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species—P. falciparum and P. vivax—pose the greatest threat.

Question:

Which country has recently made history by becoming the first to approve a highly effective malaria vaccine called R21/Matrix-M?

A. South Sudan

B. Vietnam

C. India

D. Ghana

Answer: D

12th Session of India-Spain Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation held in New Delhi

• Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal and Ms Xiana Mendez, Secretary of State for Trade, Government of Spain, co-chaired the 12th Session of India-Spain Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) on 13th April 2023 in New Delhi. 
• Both sides celebrated this Golden Jubilee edition of the India-Spain Joint Commission mechanism, which was established in 1972.
• One of the key topics of discussion was market access, as both India and Spain faced various challenges related to their exporters. The officials from both sides agreed to hold bilateral discussions to address these issues and find solutions.
• The Indian and Spanish governments have recently agreed to strengthen their collaboration in several key sectors, including renewable energy, shipping, ports, tourism, infrastructure, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and defence.
• India and Spain expressed optimism about the possibility of making substantial progress in the negotiations during the Spanish Presidency of the EU, which is set to take place from July to December 2023.

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