Daily Current Affairs – 19 & 20 March 2023

This post contains the current affairs for 19 & 20 March 2023. These current affairs are important for banking exams, insurance exams and other competitive exams like IBPS PO and Clerk, SBI PO and Clerk, RBI Assistant and Grade B, etc. You can also attempt our Current Affairs Quiz after reading our daily current affairs.

National

President Droupadi Murmu presents President’s Colour to INS Dronacharya

• The President of India, Droupadi Murmu awarded the President’s Colour to INS Dronacharya  on March 16, 2023, in Kochi.
• The President’s Colour is the highest honour bestowed on a military unit for its exceptional services to the nation.
• The award is also called Nishaan.
• It represents an emblem that is worn by all unit officers on the left-hand sleeve of their uniform..

PM Modi inaugurates first-ever India-Bangladesh energy pipeline

• The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP) through virtual mode on March 18, 2023.
• The foundation stone for the same was laid in September 2018.
• IBFP is the first cross border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh.
• It has the capacity to transport 1 Million Metric Ton Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) to Bangladesh.
• The 132-km pipeline has been built at a cost of ₹377 crore.
• It will be running from Siliguri in India to Parbatipur in Bangladesh.

Ministry of Earth Sciences implementing umbrella scheme ‘Research, Education and Training Outreach (REACHOUT)’ for capacity building

• The Ministry of Earth Sciences is implementing an umbrella scheme named Research, Education and Training Outreach (REACHOUT) for capacity building in the area of Earth Sciences.
• This was informed by the Union Minister of State, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, M/o Earth Sciences; MoS, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh.
• This scheme comprise of the following sub-schemes:
  • R&D in Earth System Science (RDESS)
  • International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean)
  • Program for Development of Skilled manpower in Earth System Sciences (DESK)
• The main objectives of the scheme is
  • Supporting various R&D activities helpful in attaining the National goals set up for MoES.
  • Develop useful collaborations with international organizations for mutual transfer of advanced knowledge in science and technology in Earth Sciences and to provide services to developing countries.   
  • Develop skilled and trained manpower in Earth Sciences with the support of academic institutions in the country and abroad.

International

US Bill Recognises McMohan Line as International Border Between India & China

• A bipartisan US Senate resolution has recognised the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and Arunachal Pradesh.
• This means that the resolution sees Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India.
• It must be noted that China claims Arunachal as its own territory.
• The McMahon Line separates the Chinese-occupied East Himalayan region from the Indian regions.

Books & Author

Book named ‘Bipin: The man behind the uniform’ by Rachna Biswat Rawat

• The bestselling author Rachna Bisht Rawat has come out with a book titled “Bipin: The Man Behind the Uniform”, as a tribute to India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat. 
• This book is a highlight of his life, personality and principles and also features in-depth interviews with Bipin Rawat’s friends, family members and comrades.

Sports

Sergio Perez wins 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

• Sergio Perez [Mexico- Red Bull] has won the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, held on 19 March 2023.
• Max Verstappen [Red Bull – Netherlands] came second
• Fernando Alonso [Aston Martin  – Spain] stood third.
• This was the second race of the 2023 Formula One season.

Rohan Bopanna becomes oldest tennis player to win ATP Masters 1000 title

• The Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna created historic moment as has become the oldest player ever to win the ATP Masters 1000 title on March 19, 2023.
• The 43-year-old achieved the feat at Indian Wells Masters, where he won the men’s doubles final with teammate Matthew Ebden of Australia.
• The duo defeated Dutch pair of Wesley Koolhof and Briton Neal Skupski 6-3, 2-6, 10-8.
• Men’s single title went to Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, 6–3, 6–2.

ATK Mohun Bagan beat Bengaluru FC to win ISL 2022-2023

• The ATK Mohun Bagan defeated Bengaluru FC 4-3, on penalties in finals, to win their first-ever Indian Super League (ISL) crown.
• The ISL 2022-2023 was the ninth season of the Indian Super League.
• The finals of ISL 2022-23 was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.

Important Days

International Day of Happiness 2023: 20 March 

• Every year the International Day of Happiness is celebrated on March 20.
• The day aims to promote happiness as a fundamental human right for all human beings across the world.
• The theme for 2023 International Day of Happiness campaign is “Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind.” .
• The first International Day of Happiness was officially held on 20 March 2013.
• It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 28 June 2012.

World Oral Health Day 2023: 20 March

• The World Oral Health Day is marked every year on March 20.
• The theme for World Oral Health Day 2021-2023 is: Be Proud Of Your Mouth. 
• The day aims to raise global awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene so that governments, health associations and the general public can work together to achieve healthier mouths and happier lives
• The day is an initiative of FDI World Dental Federation; an organization that brings together the world of dentistry with the aim of achieving optimal oral health  for everyone.

World Sparrow Day 2023: 20 March

• World Sparrow Day is celebrated every year on March 20.
• Theme of 2023 World Sparrow Day “I LOVE Sparrows”
• The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of House Sparrow and other common birds to urban environments, and of threats to their populations.
• The first World Sparrow Day was celebrated in 2010.
• The day was initiated by the Nature Forever Society of India in collaboration with the Eco-Sys Action Foundation (France) and numerous other national and international organisations across the world.

World Frog Day 2023: 20 March

• The World Frog Day is observed annually on March 20.
• The purpose of the day is to raise awareness about the tailless amphibian frogs: found on land and water both.
• The day was created in 2009 with the intention to save many different species of frogs from going extinct.

UN French Language Day 2023: 20 March

• The UN French Language Day is observed annually on 20 March.
• The day was established by UN’s Department of Public Information in 2010.
• It is one of the six official languages used throughout the Organization, and aims to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as promote equal use of all.
• March 20 was chosen as the date for the French language since it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the International Organization of La Francophonie, which represents countries and regions where French is a customary language.

World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People 2022: 20 March

• The World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People is celebrated all over the world on March 20.
• The day is celebrated every year since 2001 by the international community of theatre practitioners to attract the attention of a wider public to the art of theatre for children and young people.
• The event is basically organised by the ASSITEJ International, an international alliance of professionals involved in theatre for children and young people.

World Head Injury Awareness Day 2023: March 20

• The World Head Injury Awareness Day is observed annually on March 20, to educate and foster awareness among the general public about traumatic head injuries and strategies to prevent accidents and brain injuries.
• The theme for 2021-2023 campaign for world head injury awareness day is “More Than My Brain Injury”. 

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