National
RVNL granted Navratna Status
⇒ Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Central Public Sector Enterprises of Ministry of Railways, has been granted Navratna Status in May 2023.
The grant of “Navratna” status to RVNL leads to enhanced delegation of powers, more operational freedom and financial autonomy which will give huge impetus to RVNL’s progress, particularly so, when RVNL is extending its footprints in sectors beyond Railways and even in projects abroad.
About RVNL:
- RVNL was incorporated as PSU on 24th January, 2003, with the twin objectives of implementation of projects relating to creation and augmentation of capacities of rail infrastructure on fast track basis and raising of extra budgetary resources for SPV projects.
- The company began its operation in 2005 with the appointment of Board of Directors.
- The company was granted Mini-Ratna status in September 2013.
23rd edition of FICCI FRAMES
⇒ Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Shri Apurva Chandra, presented the inaugural address at the 23rd edition of FICCI FRAMES in Mumbai on 03 May 2023.
» Shri Apurva Chandra, released the FICCI- EY Media and Entertainment Report titled ‘Windows of Opportunity: India’s M & E Sector Maximizing Across Segments’, at the inaugural session of FICCI Frames.
- As per the Report, the media and entertainment industry has cross the two lakh crore mark. The industry has witnessed 20 percent growth in comparison to 2021.
The 23rd edition of FICCI FRAMES, one of Asia’s largest and most definitive annual global convention on the business of Entertainment was held from the 3-5th May 2023 at, Powai, Mumbai.
About Convention:
The three-day FICCI Frames convention was an unparalleled platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge between individuals, countries and conglomerates.
Theme:
The theme of this year’s convention was ‘Inspire-Innovate-Immerse’, celebrating the evolution of the industry and reflect on its future.
Agenda:
The convention’s agenda included panel discussions, conferences, exhibitions, fireside chats, masterclasses, and workshops, covering various topics such as film, television, animation, gaming, music, and digital media and other sub sectors of Media & Entertainment industry.
President of India launches ‘Addiction Free Odisha’ campaign of Brahma Kumaris Centre
⇒ The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu launched the ‘Addiction Free Odisha’ campaign of Brahma Kumaris Centre at Hatbadra, Mayurbhanj on May 4, 2023.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that addiction is a disorder. It is a social, economic, physical and mental curse. Drug addiction causes tension in family and society. She appreciated Brahma Kumaris Centre for being engaged in building a healthy society through spirituality.
International
First cargo operation begins between Kolkata and Myanmar
⇒ Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur flagged off MV-ITT LION (V-273) from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata as the inaugural shipment to operationalise the Sittwe Port in Rakhine State of Myanmar on 04 May 2023. MV-ITT LION (V-273) was carrying 20,000 bags containing 1,000 metric tons of cement.
- The Port has been built under a grant assistance from the Government of India as part of Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP).
- The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), as a project Development Consultant for the implementation of Port and IWT components of the work, has successfully completed the work.
Key Points:
- Sittwe Port has been developed under a framework agreement between India and Myanmar for the construction and operation of a Multimodal Transit Transport Facility on Kaladan river connecting the Sittwe port in Myanmar with the state of Mizoram in India.
- The port connects to Paletwa in Myanmar through an inland waterway and from Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component.
- Once fully operationalised, KMTTP will provide alternate connectivity from Eastern coast of India to the North-eastern states through the Sittwe port.
The Port will open up new opportunities for trade and transit from and to Myanmar, particularly the Rakhine State and further enhance trade and commerce between the two countries and the wider region.
Important Day
Vaishakh Buddha Purnima 2023
⇒ This year the Vaishakh Buddha Purnima was celebrated on 5th May.
» The Ministry of Culture along with IBC celebrated the auspicious day of Vaisakh Purnima with reverence and piety on 5th May.
- International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in coordination with the Himalayan Buddhist Culture Association (HBCA) celebrated the event at the National Museum, New Delhi.
» Vaishakh Buddha Purnima is the most sacred day of the year for Buddhists all over the world as it marks the three main events of Lord Buddha’s life – Birth, Enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana.
- The day assumes special significance since Buddhism originated in India.
» Since 1999 it has also been recognized by the United Nations as the ‘UN Day of Vesak’.
UN Day of Vesak:
» “Vesak”, the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born.
» Sponsored by Sri Lanka and Thailand, in 1999, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Resolution 54/115, which internationally recognized the Day of Vesak at the United Nations.
- The General Assembly recognized internationally the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity.