Daily Current Affairs Notes for 27 April 2023

The Dalai Lama was personally presented with the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award at his residence by members of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation after a wait of 64 years. This was the first instance of international recognition bestowed upon the spiritual leader for his exceptional leadership in the courageous fight to safeguard the Tibetan community's sacred religion, which serves as the foundation of their culture and way of life. The award was presented in August 1959 by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation located in the Philippines.

President of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, Susanna B Afan, and Foundation Trustee, Emily A Abrera, had the privilege of meeting in person with the Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, to present him with the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award, which had been awarded to him 64 years prior.

The office of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Magsaysay Award was accepted on behalf of the Dalai Lama by his elder brother, Gyalo Thonden, in Manila, Philippines in August 1959. After being exiled from Tibet in the same year, the Dalai Lama has been residing in India.

Who is Dalai Lama?

The Dalai Lama holds the position of spiritual leader for the Tibetan people and is considered to be one of the most significant figures in Tibetan Buddhism. The title "Dalai Lama" comes from a combination of two words - "dalai," which means ocean in Mongolian, and "lama," which refers to a guru, teacher, or mentor in Tibetan. It is believed that the Dalai Lama is the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, and has the responsibility of guiding the Tibetan people in both spiritual and secular affairs.

Tenzin Gyatso, born in Tibet in 1935, is the 14th and current Dalai Lama. He was recognized as the Dalai Lama when he was just two years old and was enthroned in 1950. Following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, he fled Tibet and has since been living in exile in India. The Dalai Lama is a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and has been an outspoken proponent of nonviolence, human rights, and religious harmony throughout his life. He is highly regarded and respected for his teachings, compassion, and wisdom, and has followers from all around the world.

About the Ramon Magsaysay Award

The Ramon Magsaysay Award is a yearly accolade that acknowledges individuals and groups in Asia who display outstanding courage, integrity, and service to their communities. It was founded in 1957 and was named after the former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, renowned for his honest leadership and unwavering commitment to public service. The award is sometimes referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Asia" and is managed by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, located in Manila, Philippines.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award is bestowed in six categories, which are government service, public service, community leadership, journalism, creative arts, and peace and international understanding. The awardees receive a certificate, a medal, and a monetary prize.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award has acknowledged exceptional individuals and groups from diverse domains, such as social work, education, arts, and science, among others. It has grown to become one of the most distinguished accolades in Asia, bringing attention to the substantial efforts of people and organizations in advancing social justice, human rights, and democratic principles in the area.

List of Indian recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Award:

Study in India Pavilion at GETEX 2023: Inauguration and Overview

On April 26, 2023, Dr. Aman Puri, the Consul General of India in Dubai, inaugurated the 'Study in India Pavilion' at the Global Education & Training Exhibition (GETEX) in Dubai. The India Pavilion is being organized by the Services Export Promotion Council, with support from the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. It is being held from April 26-28, 2023, at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE. The pavilion, which covers an area of over 200 sqm, showcases more than 30 universities and edtech stakeholders of Indian higher education.

Indian Institutions Expanding Global Reach:

Dr. Aman Puri expressed his enthusiasm about the growing number of Indian institutions that are extending their reach globally. He also emphasized that India is an excellent destination for students interested in pursuing fields such as Data Science and Cybersecurity. This is a positive development for Indian higher education as it indicates that Indian universities are becoming more competitive in the global market.

Major Exhibitors in the Pavilion:

The pavilion at the Global Education & Training Exhibition (GETEX) in Dubai showcases over 30 universities and edtech stakeholders of Indian higher education. Major exhibitors in the pavilion include renowned institutions such as Ajeenkya DY Patil University, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, and Tata Institute of Social Sciences, among others. The pavilion spans over 200 sqm and is organized by the Services Export Promotion Council with the support of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The pavilion's presence at GETEX 2023 in Dubai indicates that Indian universities are increasingly competitive in the international market, with a focus on promoting Indian higher education.

GETEX: An Efficient Platform for Educational Institutions:

GETEX is a prominent education fair that has been held in the region for over 30 years. It offers a valuable platform for educational institutions to meet their enrollment quotas and admission targets. The fair draws more than 25,000 local and expatriate students each year who are seeking higher education, professional development, and training opportunities. The India Pavilion at GETEX 2023 provides a chance for exhibitors to interact with their target audience and increase marketing awareness.

Quad Leaders to Meet in Sydney: A Boost for Indo-Pacific Cooperation

The upcoming Quad Summit in Sydney is a major step forward in the growing collaboration among the four democratic nations of the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad, consisting of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, has been working towards advancing a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, with a particular emphasis on maritime security, infrastructure development, and economic integration.

The Quad Summit, which is set to take place on May 24 in Sydney, will be the third in-person meeting of the four member countries. US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be in attendance. The leaders are expected to discuss various topics related to regional security, economic growth, and recovery from the pandemic.

Strengthening Partnerships with ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum:

The Quad Summit is expected to focus on strengthening partnerships with regional organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Islands Forum. The Quad has been engaging with these organizations to promote regional integration and cooperation, making it a key theme of the upcoming summit.

The Quad has recognized the significance of ASEAN in its efforts to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. The group has stressed the need to uphold international law, foster peace and stability, and promote economic growth in the region. Additionally, the Quad has sought to enhance its relations with the Pacific Islands Forum, which serves as an important platform for promoting regional cooperation and development.

Commitment to an Open, Stable, and Prosperous Indo-Pacific:

The Quad has clearly stated its dedication to promoting a stable, prosperous, and open Indo-Pacific region. The group has stressed the significance of upholding the international order based on rules, promoting economic development and growth, and strengthening regional security.

At the same time, the Quad has sought to be inclusive and transparent in its efforts. The group has emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and ensuring that all countries in the region benefit from its initiatives. The Quad has also worked to engage with other regional powers such as China, in order to promote greater dialogue and cooperation.