Today’s Current Affairs
18th March 2023 Current Affairs are incorporated with the important news that made the current affairs headlines for banking, UPSC or other competitive exams. Daily Current Affairs is the complete bag of important news that is held all day long. One should have complete knowledge about banking terms, current affairs news, etc. So, here is the Top News of the Day for 18th March 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.
Here is the Current Affairs 18th March 2023 covering the following news headlines: McMahon Line, International Criminal Court, India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, Droupadi Murmu’s Colour Award.
International News
1. US recognized McMahon Line as international border
A bipartisan resolution was passed by the US, formally recognizing the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and India’s Arunachal Pradesh. The resolution rejected China’s claim that the state belongs to its territory and instead acknowledged Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. Furthermore, the resolution expressed support for India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
2. ICC issues arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin over Ukraine war crimes
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the forced transfer of children to Russia after the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainians accuse Russia of attempting genocide against them and seeking to destroy their identity — partly through deporting children to Russia.
3. India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline to be jointly inaugurated by PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina, will inaugurate the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline via video conference. It is first such pipeline through which refined diesel will be supplied to Bangladesh from India. The project is built under grant assistance from the government of India.
Agreements News
4. Government signs MoU with 27 steel companies, kickstarting Rs 6,322-crore PLI scheme
The Ministry of Steel has signed 57 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 27 companies for specialty steel production under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. The government has allocated Rs. 6322 crores to boost the steel sector and generate an investment of about Rs. 30,000 crores, creating an additional capacity of approximately 25 million tonnes of specialty steel over the next five years. This move is expected to create numerous direct and indirect job opportunities while helping India achieve its goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030-31.
Economy News
5. OECD raises FY24 India growth forecast to 5.9 per cent
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has increased its growth projection for India by 20 basis points to 5.9% for the fiscal year 2024, according to its latest interim outlook report titled “Fragile Recovery.” The report also predicts that India’s GDP will grow by 6.9% in the fiscal year 2023, and around 7% in the following fiscal year, despite tighter financial conditions.
Defence News
6. INS Dronacharya Receives Prestigious President Droupadi Murmu’s Colour Award
The Indian Navy’s top gunnery school, INS Dronacharya, will be presented with the President’s Colour in honor of its outstanding services. President Droupadi Murmu will be conferring the award as the highest recognition bestowed upon a unit by the President, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, for its exceptional service to the country.
7. Union Home Ministry announced 10% reservation for former Agniveers
The Union home ministry has announced a 10 per cent reservation for former Agniveers in vacancies in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), just after taking a similar initiative for jobs for them in the BSF. As per the notification, the upper age limit for candidates of the first batch of Agniveers shall be relaxed by up to five years, whereas the other batches shall get age relaxation by up to three years.
Ranks and Reports News
8. Literacy rate in India: Bihar lowest at 61.8%, Kerala highest at 94%
According to the data shared by the Ministry of Education, Bihar (61.8 %) has the lowest literacy, followed by Arunachal Pradesh (65.3 %) and Rajasthan (66.1 %). Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India at 94%, followed by Lakshadweep at 91.85% and Mizoram at 91.33%. The literacy rate in rural India is 67.77 per cent as compared to 84.11 per cent in urban India.
9. TIME list of World’s Greatest Places of 2023 Released, 2 Indian Places Makes the list
India’s Mayurbhanj and Ladakh, which have been chosen for their endangered tigers and historic temples, as well as their adventures and cuisine, respectively, are two of the 50 locations which are featured in the TIME Magazine’s list of World’s Greatest Places in 2023. Check out the entire TIME Magazine’s list of World’s Greatest Places of 2023.
Science and Technology News
10. Svaya Robotics unveils India’s first homegrown quadruped robot and exoskeleton
Svaya Robotics, a Hyderabad-based company, has partnered with two DRDO labs, the Research and Development Establishment in Pune (R&DE) and Defence Bio-engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory in Bengaluru (DEBEL), to create India’s first quadruped robot and wearable exo-skeleton. The company has designed both robots to serve multiple purposes in industries and healthcare, and they are dual-use robots.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- DRDO founded: 1958;
- DRDO Chairman: Dr Sameer V Kamath;
- DRDO Headquarters: DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi.
11. Sivasankari, the Renowned Tamil Writer, Honored with Saraswati Samman 2022
The KK Birla Foundation has announced that Tamil writer Sivasankari will be the recipient of the prestigious Saraswati Samman award for the year 2022, for her 2019 memoir, Surya Vamsam. This award is one of the most esteemed recognitions in Indian literature, and comes with a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a plaque, and a citation.
Books and Authors News
12. “Women and Men in India 2022” launched by MoSPI Rao Inderjit Singh
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Rao Inderjit Singh, launched the 24th edition of “Women and Men in India 2022” in New Delhi. This publication offers comprehensive information on various topics, such as political participation, employment, and health, while also providing gender-disaggregated data that can help us understand the differences between various groups of men and women living in rural and urban areas across different regions of India. It is a valuable resource for gaining insights into gender-related issues in India.
13. Snakes in the Ganga: Breaking India 2.0 authored by Shri Rajiv Malhotra and Mrs. Vijaya Viswanathan
The book “Snakes In the Ganga: Breaking India 2.0” authored by Shri Rajiv Malhotra and Mrs. Vijaya Viswanathan has received considerable recognition in India. It sheds light on the various threats to India’s national security from the United States, which is not typically perceived as a major risk by the average Indian. While many Indians tend to view the primary threats to national security as coming from Pakistan, China, terrorism, illegal migration from Bangladesh, left-wing extremism, and Islamic radicalization, the book suggests that the US also poses a significant danger to India’s security.
14. “Bipin: The Man Behind the Uniform” written by Rachna Biswat Rawat
Rachna Biswat Rawat, a journalist and writer from India, has recently written a book called “Bipin: The Man Behind the Uniform.” The book is published by Penguin Veer, a Penguin Random House imprint, and focuses on the life, personality, and principles of General Bipin Rawat. Rawat was India’s first Chief of Defence Staff and one of the country’s most notable military leaders until he tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2021. The book was presented to India’s Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh, by the author. It serves as a fitting tribute to General Rawat’s life and achievements.
Sports News
15. Irani Cup 2022-23 final: Rest of India crowned champions
In the final of the Irani Cup 2022/23, Team Rest of India secured their 30th title win in the Indian domestic tournament, continuing their dominant performance. They defeated Madhya Pradesh by 238 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who showcased brilliant batting skills across both innings, was adjudged the Player of the Match. He smashed a double century and a century in the two innings, contributing significantly to ROI’s victory.
Important Days
16. Global Recycling Day 2023 observed on 18th March
Global Recycling Day 2023: Every year on March 18th, Global Recycling Day is celebrated to increase people’s comprehension about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. This day also promotes recycling as a crucial concept and encourages people to organize events throughout the year to spread awareness about this cause.
17. India’s Ordnance Factories Day 2023: 18th March
Ordnance Factory Day 2023: In India, Ordnance Factory Day is celebrated annually on March 18th, marking the establishment of the first Ordnance factory by the British in Cossipore, Kolkata, in 1801 during colonial rule. The Ministry of Defence celebrates this day by raising the Indian flag, singing the national anthem, and showcasing various artillery and military equipment used by the Indian Armed Forces to the public. Ordnance Factories are a government branch responsible for researching, developing, testing, producing, and marketing weapons for the military.