Daily Current Affairs for State Exams: 22 March 2022

Daily Current Affairs 22/03/2022

Important News: India

2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit

Why in News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison held the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit on 21 March 2022 during which they reviewed the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries and exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Key Points

Both the leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress made under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during the 1st Virtual Summit in June 2020.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction at the enhanced scope of the relationship which now covers diverse areas such as trade and investments, defence and security, education and innovation, science and technology, critical minerals, water management, new and renewable energy technology, COVID-19 related research, etc.

Note:

Prime Minister Modi thanked PM Scott Morrison for the special gesture in returning 29 ancient artefacts to India.
These artefacts comprise sculptures, paintings and photographs, across centuries, some dating back to the 9th-10th century, from different parts of India.
The artefacts include 12th century Chola bronzes, 11th-12th century Jain sculptures from Rajasthan, 12th-13th century sandstone Goddess Mahisasuramardini from Gujarat, 18th-19th century paintings and early gelatin silver photographs.

Source: PIB

14th India-Japan Annual Summit

Why in News

Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio made an official visit to India, as his first bilateral visit, from 19 to 20 March 2022 for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit with Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.
The Prime Ministers recognized that the Summit was taking place at a significant time as the two countries were celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and India was celebrating the 75th anniversary of its independence.

Key Points

India and Japan signed six agreements in the areas of cyber-security, sustainable urban development, wastewater management, water supply and connectivity and India-Japan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership Roadmap.
India and Japan launched a Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) for cooperation towards achieving sustainable economic growth, addressing climate change and ensuring energy security.
The two leaders expressed their commitment to promoting peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: PIB

Important News: State

35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela

Why in News

Governor of Haryana Bandaru Dattatraya and Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal inaugurated the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2022 at Faridabad near Delhi.

Key Points

More than 20 countries are participating in the event and the partner nation is Uzbekistan.
Jammu & Kashmir is the ‘Theme State’ of the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2022, which is showcasing its unique culture and rich heritage through various art forms and handicrafts from the state.
Jointly hosted by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, External Affairs and Government of Haryana, this festival has come to occupy a place of pride and prominence on the international tourism calendar for its display of crafts, culture & cuisine of India in aesthetically created ambience.
The Surajkund Crafts Mela was hosted for the first time in 1987 to showcase the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms, and the cultural heritage of India.

History of Surajkund:

Surajkund, the site of the popular Surajkund International Crafts Mela is located at a distance of 8 km from South Delhi in Faridabad.
Surajkund derives its name from the ancient amphitheatre, meaning ‘lake of the sun’ constructed here in the 10th century by Raja SurajPal, one of the Tomar chieftains.

Source: TOI

Nagaland Legislative Assembly becomes first in the country to have operationalised the National e-Vidhan Application programme

Why in News

Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) has become the first in the country to have operationalised the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) programme for conducting a session in paperless mode.

Key Points

E-Book installed in the NLA is the medium through which the member will be using the NeVA application in the Assembly in pursuit of the paperless Assembly.
The NeVA is a project which is funded by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India with 10 percent State share.

Source: newsonair

Important News: Defence

Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE-2022

Why in News

The 9^thJoint Military Exercise LAMITIYE-2022 between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) is being conducted at Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Seychelles from 22 March to 31 March 2022.

Key Points

An Infantry Platoon strength each from both the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces along with Company Headquarters will be participating in this exercise which is aimed at sharing experiences gained during various operations against hostile forces in a Semi-Urban environment and enhancing capability to undertake joint operations.
Exercise LAMITIYE is a biennial training event that is being conducted in Seychelles since 2001.

Source: PIB

Important News: Appointment

N Biren Singh takes oath as Manipur CM for second straight term

Why in News

N Biren Singh took oath as Manipur's Chief Minister for a second straight term.

Key Points

Manipur Governor La. Ganesan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Singh in the swearing-in ceremony that took place in Imphal.
The BJP won 32 of the 60 seats in the election. This is the first time that the party won an absolute majority in Manipur.
In 2017, the BJP had formed the government with the support of the Naga People's Front (NPF) and the National People's Party (NPP). Biren Singh was sworn in as the first-ever BJP Chief Minister in Manipur.

Source: HT

Important News: Award and Honours

Karolina Bielawska from Poland wins the Miss World 2021 crown

Why in News

Karolina Bielawska from Poland has won the 70th edition of the Miss World pageant (Miss World 2021) that took place in Puerto Rico.

Key Points

Indian-American Shree Saini from the United States bagged the first runner-up title, followed by Olivia Yace from Cote d'Ivoire as the second runner-up.
Femina Miss India World 2020 Manasa Varanasi represented India at the Miss World 2021. She reached the Top 13 contestants but could not make it to the Top 6 finalists.

Source: HT

Important News: Sports

Pankaj Advani wins Asian Billiards Championship for the eighth time

Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani defeated compatriot Dhruv Sitwala to win his eighth title at the 19th Asian 100 UP Billiards Championship 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
This is Advani’s 24th international title and 8th Asian crown.

Source: The Hindu

Important News: Important Days

March 22, World Water Day

Why in News

World Water Day is observed every year on 22nd March.

Key Points

The theme for World Water Day 2022 is ‘Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by which 22 March of each year was declared World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993.
A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Source: un.org