Daily GK Update: 20th March 2023

Defense

The 10-day Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX 2023) will be organized in Pune, India from March 21-30, 2023 to strengthen the military ties between the countries.
The India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave will be held in Pune from March 28-29, 2023.
The exercise will promote the idea of Africa-India Militaries for Regional Unity (AMRUT).
A comprehensive validation exercise on the theme “Humanitarian Mine Actions and Peace Keeping Operations”.

Important Dates

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has organized the fifth Poshan Pakhwada from 20th March to 3rd April 2023 with various activities nationwide.
Theme 2023: "Nutrition for All: Together Towards a Healthy India"
Aim: To raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and promote healthy eating habits through Jan Andolan and Jan Bhagidari
Poshan Abhiyaan was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 8th March 2018 to improve nutritional outcomes in a holistic manner.

Science & Technology

The Indian Space Research Organisation is organizing a young scientist program named Yuva VIgyani Karyakram (YUVIKA).
Aim: To impart basic knowledge on space technology, space science, and space applications to students of Class IX.
Registration for the program has been started on March 20, 2023.
The YUVIKA program will be conducted between May 15 and 26 at seven centers.
Interested students studying in Class 9 as on 1 January 2023 within India are eligible to apply.

Important Dates

The International Day of Happiness (World Happiness Day) is celebrated every year on March 20 to create a kinder and happier world by urging people to adopt simple, daily practices to be happy.
Theme 2023: Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind
On 12th July 2012, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 20 as the International Day of Happiness in its resolution 66/281.
This day was first celebrates in 2013.

State Affairs

J&K LG, Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone for a ₹250-crore mega shopping mall at Srinagar’s Sempora area.
This shopping mall will be constructed by Dubai-based Emaar Group.
It is the first “foreign direct investment” in the Union territory.
It will be constructed over an area of 10 lakh sq. ft. and is expected to be completed by 2026.
Later, he also participated in the India-UAE investor meet at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre.

National Affairs

According to the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, India can achieve energy independence by its 100th year of independence in 2047.
Study title: Pathways to Atmanirbhar Bharat
It has been suggested that achieving this goal would result in significant economic, environmental, and energy benefits for India, including USD 2.5 trillion in consumer savings by 2047.
It also reduces fossil fuel import expenditure by 90% ($240 billion) annually.

Important Dates

World Oral Health Day is observed globally on March 20 every year with the primary aim of creating awareness about the importance of oral health.
The theme for 2023 is 'Be Proud of Your Mouth,' which is the same theme used for the past three years.
World Oral Health Day was celebrated first on September 12, 2007, by the World Dental Federation (FDI).
It is the birth date of Dr. Charles Godon (founder of FDI).

Banking & Finance

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched ICICI Pru Gold.
It is an innovative long-term savings product designed to enable customers to create an additional income stream to meet their diverse income requirements.
Besides receiving guaranteed lifelong income, the life cover component in the product provides financial security to the family.
This product is available in three variants i.e. Immediate Income, Immediate Income with Booster, and Deferred Income.

Agreement

The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry has signed an MoU with the World Food Programme (WFP) during the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference.
The MoU between WFP and the Government of India for cooperation between 2023-2027 was signed in the presence of Agriculture Minister Tomar.
The WFP is working towards promoting food self-sufficiency and supporting governmental and global efforts to ensure long-term solutions to the challenge of hunger.

National & International Appointments

Luxor Writing Instruments Private Limited has signed cricketer Virat Kohli as its new brand ambassador.
He will represent Luxor’s stationery products and help the company increase its appeal among young writers.
He will also help to enhance the market position in the country.
Luxor International Private Limited is a well-known Indian stationery manufacturer.
Managing Director of Luxor: Pooja Jain Gupta