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15 April 2023
By GyanOk

Daily Current Affairs Notes for 15 April 2023

World Art Day 2023 observed on 15th April

UNESCO's General Conference declared April 15 as World Art Day to commemorate Leonardo da Vinci's birthday.

UNESCO's General Conference established World Art Day on April 15 to honor Leonardo da Vinci's birth anniversary and recognize the significant role of art in promoting creativity, cultural diversity, and exchange of information. Throughout history, art has stimulated innovation and sparked conversations across the globe. It is essential to maintain the conditions that support and protect artists to preserve their artistic freedom. This celebration aims to encourage the yearly development, distribution, and appreciation of art.

The date of April 15 was chosen to celebrate World Art Day because it coincides with the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most famous artists in history. Da Vinci is a symbol of values such as peace, freedom of expression, tolerance, and brotherhood. Art is a versatile medium that encourages creativity in various forms and is appreciated worldwide. Several renowned artworks are exhibited in museums worldwide, and art plays a vital role in documenting history and educating people about past cultures.

World Art Day 2023: History

In 2012, the International Association of Art established World Art Day on April 15 to honor the birthday of the legendary artist, Leonardo da Vinci. This inaugural celebration aimed to promote cultural diversity, tolerance, freedom of expression, and peace, values that da Vinci embodies. The event garnered support from the national committees of the International Association of Art, and it brought together 150 artists from different countries worldwide. World Art Day's first celebration featured conferences, extended museum hours, and outdoor art exhibitions that showcased various art forms such as paintings, prints, sculptures, and videos.

Philippines and US launch largest joint military exercises to counter China

18,000 troops participate in joint drills to counter China's growing assertiveness.

Philippines and US hold largest-ever joint military exercises

The Philippines and the United States have commenced their biggest-ever joint military exercises, named Balikatan, involving almost 18,000 troops aimed at countering China's increasing assertiveness in the area. This year's drills, which involve a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea, are being held under President Ferdinand Marcos for the first time. He is looking to bolster ties with the United States. The exercises consist of military helicopters landing on the island of Luzon in the Philippines and amphibious forces retaking an island.

Balikatan drills aimed at protecting Philippine sovereignty

Colonel Michael Logico, spokesperson for the Philippine exercises, stated that the purpose of the drills is to safeguard the country's sovereignty. As part of the exercise, troops will perform an amphibious landing on Palawan, the nearest Philippine territory to the Spratly Islands, which have competing territorial claims by China and the Philippines.

US troops to use Philippine bases, including one near Taiwan

The joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States are taking place in the context of China's growing assertiveness in the region, as evidenced by its recent military exercise simulating targeted strikes and a blockade of Taiwan. Although the joint news conference did not directly address the Taiwan tensions, the agreement allows US troops to use four Philippine military bases, including a naval base near Taiwan.

Balikatan exercises to improve military tactics, techniques, and procedures

The Balikatan exercises scheduled for this year will involve a much larger number of troops than the previous year. Nearly 12,200 American soldiers, 5,400 Filipino soldiers, and over 100 Australian soldiers will take part in the two-week military drills, which is almost twice the number of troops compared to the previous year. The American troops will utilize their air-defense system, the Patriot missiles, and the HIMARS precision rocket system, which was previously used by Ukrainian forces in their conflict against Russian troops. The exercises aim to enhance the military's tactics, techniques, and procedures for a wide range of operations, according to Colonel Medel Aguilar, the spokesperson for the Philippine military.

The Balikatan exercises are part of the recent agreements between Manila and Washington to resume joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea and increase the US military's presence in the Philippines, which has angered China. Consequently, China has accused the US of "jeopardizing regional peace and stability."

G20 MACS meeting in Varanasi to feature the MAHARISHI Initiative

G20 MACS meeting in Varanasi will feature the MAHARISHI Initiative, which stands for Millets And OtHer Ancient Grains International ReSearcH Initiative.

A major event, the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS), is set to occur in Varanasi from April 17 to 19. The conference's focus is on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for Healthy People and Planet, which is in line with India's G20 presidency theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future."

Significance of this event:

At the MACS event, specialists will deliberate on a range of subjects, including food and nutrition security, adapting to the impacts of climate change, One Health strategies, digital agriculture, and research, education, and extension collaborations between public and private entities.

About The MAHARISHI Initiative:

The MACS meeting will also highlight the MAHARISHI Initiative, which stands for Millets And OtHer Ancient Grains International ReSearcH Initiative. The initiative's goal is to increase research and awareness about agro-biodiversity, food security, and nutrition, in line with the International Year of Millets 2023.

12th MACS meeting: the four priority areas:

The 12th MACS meeting will focus on four priority areas. The first is Food Security and Nutrition, which will examine how advanced science and technology can help tackle these challenges. The second priority is Building Resilience and Sustainable Agriculture, which will explore approaches like climate-resilient agriculture and One Health to address the interdependent health of humans, animals, and the environment.

The MACS meeting will also focus on Digitalization for Agricultural Transformation, which will explore how technology can improve and streamline agricultural processes. Additionally, Public-Private Partnerships for Research and Development will be discussed as the meeting will explore how collaboration between different stakeholders can drive innovation and progress in the agricultural sector.