Daily Current Affairs Notes for 31 March 2023

International Day of Drug Checking 2023

Since 2017, the International Day of Drug Checking has been celebrated annually on March 31st. Its aim is to provide education on drugs and their effects while promoting harm reduction initiatives to mitigate risks associated with drug use. The primary objective is to increase public awareness regarding the global availability of drug checking services and organizations. The day underscores the significance of harm reduction measures associated with drugs and seeks to minimize drug-related hazards.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that drug abuse was responsible for about 11.8 million deaths in 2017. Sadly, there has been an increase in the number of adolescents falling victim to substance abuse. The International Day of Drug Checking is a collaborative endeavor aimed at curtailing drug abuse and establishing a world free from drugs.

Organized crime and syndicate networks are frequently linked to drug supply. The Taliban in Afghanistan, for instance, has utilized opium trafficking to fund its activities. As we commemorate the International Day of Drug Checking in 2023, it is important to recognize and commend the efforts of anti-drug organizations. However, we must also make a commitment to strive for a drug-free society.

Swiss Open 2023

The highly regarded Indian doubles badminton duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, triumphed in the Swiss Open Super 300 finals to clinch their first doubles title of 2023. Despite being the tournament's second seeds, the pair played exceptionally well in the final match, securing the first set 21-19. Despite their Chinese opponents, Ren Xiang Yu and Tan Qiang, putting up a strong fight and forcing a deciding set, Satwiksairaj and Chirag remained composed and ultimately won the second set 24-22, sealing the match in a total of 54 minutes. In general, the Indian duo's performance was outstanding, with a clinical display of skill and determination.

Here is there table of Winners and runners-up:

History of Swiss Open 2023

Since 1955, the Swiss Open has been an annual badminton competition held in Switzerland. It is one of the oldest and most renowned badminton tournaments in Europe and is classified as part of the Badminton World Federation's Super 300 category. The competition initially took place in Geneva in 1955 and was known as the Geneva International. It has been hosted in several Swiss cities throughout the years, such as Zurich, Lausanne, Basel, and Bern. In 1962, the tournament was officially renamed the Swiss Open and has been held under this name ever since.

The Swiss Open has a storied history of luring some of the most prominent badminton players from around the globe. Over the years, the tournament has witnessed the participation of numerous legendary athletes, such as Rudy Hartono, Morten Frost, Liem Swie King, and Peter Gade, among many others. In recent times, the Swiss Open has emerged as a popular tournament on the badminton circuit, attracting players from all corners of the world. Alongside the men's and women's singles and doubles events, the tournament also comprises mixed doubles and has a prize pool of USD 300,000. Furthermore, the Swiss Open has been utilized as a test arena for new rule changes and formats in badminton.

Under the Buy (Indian) Category, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth more than Rs 1,700 crore with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) to acquire Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range) (NGMMCB-LR) and BrahMos Missiles.

The Indian Navy's capacity to conduct multi-directional maritime strikes will be significantly improved by the delivery of NGMMCBs equipped with supersonic BrahMos Missiles, which is scheduled to begin in 2027.

What is BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL):

As per the Ministry of Defence, BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) is a crucial joint venture between India and Russia responsible for the development of the next generation surface-to-surface missile with an augmented range.

The strategic alliance between the two nations has been crucial in bolstering India's defence capabilities and consolidating its position in the global strategic landscape.

Significance of This Contract:

This contract will provide a significant impetus to the domestic production of critical weapons systems and ammunition, with active participation from indigenous industries.

According to the Ministry of Defence, this project is estimated to generate over 90,000 man-days of employment during the four-year project period.

As the majority of the equipment and sub-systems will be obtained from indigenous manufacturers, these systems will symbolize the concept of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" or a self-reliant India.