Daily Current Affairs Notes for 15 February 2023

England’s World Cup-winning captain, Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan, who led England to their maiden ICC Men's Cricket World Cup victory in 2019, has announced his immediate retirement from professional cricket. Morgan's final match was for the Paarl Royals in the semi-finals of the recently concluded SA20 League, concluding a 16-year-long career that began with Ireland before moving to England. He went on to participate in various international franchise leagues throughout the world.

Career of Eoin Morgan

• Morgan, the former captain of the England cricket team, has retired from professional cricket immediately after his last match for the Paarl Royals in the SA20 League. During his 16-year career, he scored 5,042 first-class runs, 11,654 List A runs, and 7,780 T20 runs. Morgan is England’s leading run-scorer in ODIs with 6,957 runs in 225 matches, including 13 centuries, and the most successful captain in ODIs with 76 wins in 126 matches. He also scored 2,458 runs in 115 T20Is and led England to 42 T20I wins out of 72 matches.

International Childhood Cancer Day 2023

Every year on February 15, International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is celebrated to raise awareness and support for children and adolescents with cancer. The day is observed by Childhood Cancer International, which is a group of child cancer support organizations created by parents. Despite scientific advancements, childhood cancer remains the primary cause of death by disease among children.

International Childhood Cancer Day 2023: Theme

The ‘Better Survival’ campaign, which aims to achieve at least 60 percent survival for all children diagnosed with cancer globally by 2030, is the theme for the three-year campaign for International Childhood Cancer Day, launched in 2021 and ending in 2023.

International Childhood Cancer Day: Significance

Each year, around 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer. International Childhood Cancer Day is observed to create awareness and provide support to these children and their families. The day also serves as a tribute to those who have lost their lives to cancer. Organisations and individuals unite on this day to promote early detection as it is crucial in reducing mortality rates of childhood cancer.

International Childhood Cancer Day: History

Childhood Cancer International, the world's largest patient-support organisation for childhood cancer, was founded in 1994. The organisation is made up of over 170 groups, including childhood cancer survivor associations, parent organisations, cancer support groups, and cancer societies. International Childhood Cancer Day was established as an annual event by Childhood Cancer International in 2002.

HAL Unveiled HLFT-42

During the 14th edition of Aero India 2023 held in Bengaluru, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) showcased a scale model of the Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer (HLFT-42) design. The design of the HLFT-42 features a distinctive rail art depicting the Hindu God Maruti, which represents strength, speed, and agility. The HAL has named the project HF42 Marut, with "Marut" referring to the spirit of the winds. The aircraft has a similar configuration.

HAL Unveiled Next Gen Supersonic Trainer HLFT-42 at Aero India 2023- Key Point

• The HLFT-42, unveiled by HAL at Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru, is a Next Gen Supersonic Trainer with the tagline “The Storm is coming”. It includes advanced avionics such as Active Electronically Scanned Array, Electronic Warfare Suite, Infrared Search and Track, and Fly by Wire control system. The aircraft is expected to bridge the gap between training and combat conditions and is showcased for the first time at Aero India 2023. HAL is also displaying its products and technologies with the theme “Innovate. Collaborate. Lead”.

Why were the Hanuman Pictures Removed from the HLFT-42 Trainer by HAL?

HAL revealed the design for the HLFT-42 Trainer aircraft, featuring images of Hanuman on the aircraft. However, the inclusion of religious symbols on the aircraft was criticized by users who believed that the armed forces should not be associated with any particular religion. Following discussions, HAL Chairman and Managing Director CB Anathakrishnan announced that the images of Hanuman would be removed from the design due to concerns that it could cause offense.

Aero India 2023

Aero India 2023, a biennial air show and aviation exhibition, is taking place at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru from February 13th to 17th, 2023. The event is organized by the Defence Exhibition Organization of the Ministry of Defence and has the theme "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities." Aero India 2023 is a collaborative effort between several organizations, including the Indian Air Force, the Defence Ministry of India, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Defence Research and Development Organization, Department of Space, Union Civil Aviation Ministry, among others. The first Aero India event was held in 1996.