Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 04 Apr 2023
Autism Awareness Day
Autism, also known as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disorder that affects a broad range of people, is typically diagnosed in early childhood and can impact individuals throughout their lives. Those with autism may experience social difficulties and display repetitive behavior patterns or speech, as well as other behavioral issues. And those with this condition may require different levels of care and support. To raise awareness of autism and promote acceptance and support for those affected by the condition, the United Nations established World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. The first World Autism Awareness Day was observed in 2008.
The theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2023 is "Contribution of Autistic Individuals at Home, at Work, in the Arts, and Policymaking." The day serves as an opportunity to increase public understanding of autism and encourage individuals, communities, and organizations to take action to support people with autism. Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 of India deal with rights of people with disabilities including autism.
Read more: Autism Spectrum Disorder
India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline
The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP) was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a virtual mode. The pipeline, with a capacity to transport 1 million Metric Ton Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) to Bangladesh, is the second cross-border energy pipeline between India and its Neighbours. While IBFP is the first cross-border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh. This pipeline will further strengthen their relationship, enhancing connectivity and people-to-people linkages between the two sides. And enhance ongoing energy cooperation between the two countries and will further growth in Bangladesh, especially in the agriculture sector.
Read more: India Bangladesh Relations
Bastille Day Parade
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to France for the Bastille Day parade. Since80, the French military parade known as the Bastille Day military parade, also referred as the 14 July military parade, has been performed on the morning of July 14 in Paris. This day is marked as France's National Day. It is celebrated with a mixture of solemn military parades and easygoing dancing and fireworks.
Mahavir Jayanti
Recently, on The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has greeted the people of the nation on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. It is an auspicious day for the followers of Jainism as it marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, who was the last Tirthankara of Jainism. Lord Mahavira was born on the 13th day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Chaitra. As per the Gregorian calendar, it is usually celebrated in the month of March or April. On Mahavir Jayanti, A procession is held with the idol of Lord Mahavira called the Rath Yatra, and the statue is given a ceremonial bath called abhisheka. Devotees recite Jain prayers or stavans in praise of the Lord.
Mahavira's teachings revolved around the principles of ahimsa, Satya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha. He emphasized the importance of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment, which were later compiled into Jain Agamas. His teachings were simple and easy to understand as they were in Prakrit, a language that ordinary people could comprehend. It is believed that Lord Mahavira passed away at the age of 72 and attained moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death at Pavapuri near modern-day Rajgir in Bihar. The celebration of Mahavir Jayanti is an opportunity for people to reflect on these principles and strive to lead a more ethical and spiritual life.
Read more: Mahavir Jayanti
Cope India Exercise
The Air Forces of India and the U.S. are set to conduct the Cope India exercise from April 10 to 21 at the Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal, with Japan as an observer. Cope India Exercise is a bilateral combined training session involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the US Air Force (USAF). Cope India started out as a fighter-training drill in 2004. The most recent iteration of the practice took place in 2019. The exercise has developed to include, in addition to fighter-training exercises, subject matter expert exchanges, air mobility training, airdrop training, and large-force exercises.
Other joint defense drills between India and the US include Yudh-Abhyas (Military Exercise), Vajra Parhar, and Dharma Guardian with Japan. And a Trilateral Maritime Exercise Malabar is scheduled between the navies of India, Japan, and the USA.
Read more: India - US Relations.