25th May, 2022 Current Affairs

Archana Lakkavajula

NATIONAL

World Air Power Index 2022: Indian Air Force Ranks 3rd

World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) has released the World Air Powers Ranking of 2022. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been placed at the third position on the World Air Power Index in terms of the total fighting strength of the various air services of different nations of the world.
This report has placed the Indian Air Force (IAF) above the Chinese Aviation based armed forces (PLAAF), Japan Air Self-Preservation Power (JASDF), Israeli Aviation based armed forces, and French Air and Space Power. The report says that the Indian Air Force (IAF) currently counts 1,645 total units in its active aircraft inventory.
The Global Air Powers Ranking (2022) report has given the highest TvR score to the United States Air Force (USAF). It comprises a broad mix of aircraft types and many products are locally sourced from the massive industrial base of the country. The highest attainable TvR score is 242.9 held by the United States Air Force (USAF).
In addition, it maintains dedicated strategic-level bombers, a sizeable helo, CAS aircraft, fighter force and hundreds of transport aircraft and the USAF will be reinforced in the coming days with hundreds of units still on order.
The report has evaluated the total fighting strength of the various air forces of different nations of the world and ranked them accordingly. Currently, WDMMA is following 98 nations, covering 124 air administrations and following 47,840 aeroplanes.

India launching Project WARDEC AI-powered war-game centre

The Army Training Command and Gandhinagar-based Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a Wargame Research and Development Centre in New Delhi.
The project, dubbed ‘WARDEC’ as a prototype, will be India’s first simulation-based training centre, which will use artificial intelligence (AI) to create virtual reality wargames.
Soldiers will put their talents to the test in the metaverse, which will combine virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to imitate their surroundings.
The Army plans to use the gaming centre to teach military strategy to its officers.
The Army will give data to form the backdrop of the game, according to RRU officials, so that participants have a genuine experience.
The BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, in addition to the armed forces, might benefit from meta verse-enabled simulation exercises for enhanced training.

INTERNATIONAL

India-Jordan struck an agreement to cooperate in fertilizers sector

A high-level group led by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya visited Jordan in a first-of-its-kind endeavor with the goal of securing fertilizers and raw materials for the short and long term. The visit took place against the backdrop of the current global fertilizer crisis.
Dr. Mandaviya noted that the Jordan visit was historic in terms of assuring India’s supply of phosphoric and potassium fertilizers. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya called Jordan as India’s chosen fertilizer partner during the meetings.
According to Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, there is no shortage of fertilizers in the country.
Government has taken proactive measures to assure adequate supplies for farmers ahead of the Kharif season, including increasing local production and forming cooperation with other countries.

India joins US Indo-Pacific economic plan

India joined a dozen other nations to launch the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), a US-led trade initiative meant to counter China’s aggressive expansion in the region.
Among the 13 countries backing the initiative are Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, and the members jointly account for 40% of the global GDP.
The Indo-Pacific region is the centre of manufacturing, economic activity, global trade and investment. History is witness to the fact that India has been a major centre in the trade flows of the Indo-Pacific region for centuries. It is worth mentioning that the world’s oldest commercial port was in Lothal in my home state of Gujarat, India.
Therefore, it is essential that we find common and creative solutions for the economic challenges of the region. India is committed to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and believes that deepening economic engagement among partners is crucial for continued growth, peace, and prosperity.
India is keen to collaborate with partner countries under the IPEF and work towards advancing regional economic connectivity, integration and boosting trade and investment within the region.

Important Days

World Turtle Day 2022 observed on 23rd May

World Turtle Day is observed on May 23 every year by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization.
The day is celebrated to raise awareness among people to protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.
Tortoises and turtles play an important role in the ecological design of Earth. These reptiles are known to survive and thrive across a range of diverse habitats around the globe.
In order to acknowledge the importance of these creatures on Earth, World Turtle Day is celebrated on May 23. International World Turtle Day is a time to celebrate the importance of these creatures in our environment. The aim is to raise awareness about this rapidly disappearing group of creatures.

AWARDS

Music Academy announced Sangita Kalanidhi awards 2020-22

Renowned vocalist and guru, Neyveli R Santanagopalan, eminent mridangam artiste and guru, ‘Tiruvarur’ Bhakthavathsalam, and Lalgudi violin duo, G J R Krishnan and Vijayalakshmi were named for the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi awards of the Music Academy for 2020, 2021, and 2022.
The Academy has chosen nagaswaram exponent Kivalur N G Ganesan (2020), vocalist, musicologist, and guru Dr Ritha Rajan (2021), and Vainika and musicologist Dr R S Jayalakshmi (2022).

OBITUARY

Veteran Communist leader Shivaji Patnaik passes away

Veteran Communist leader and three-time Member of Parliament, Shivaji Patnaik passed away at the age of 93. Shivaji Patnaik is lauded as the founder of CPI (Marxist) in Odisha.
He was born on August 10, 1930, the veteran leader had joined the State student’s movement at the age of 17 when he was studying in Ravenshaw College.
He had a crucial role in the formation of CPI (M) when the Communist party faced division in 1964. He remained the party secretary from 1971 to 1990. He was also elected to the Central Committee of the party.

Published date : 27 May 2022 01:36PM