Indian Commonwealth Day 2023 observed on 24th May

Commonwealth Day is a worldwide celebration that takes place every year on March 13, although India and certain other countries mark it on May 24. The theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day is “Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future.” Commonly known as Empire Day, the occasion aims to bring together 2.5 billion citizens of the Commonwealth to recognize their shared values and principles. It also emphasizes the importance of working together towards a sustainable and peaceful future for all.

Theme for Commonwealth Day 2023

Commonwealth Day provides an opportunity to promote understanding and acknowledge the accomplishments of the 54 Commonwealth nations across various domains, including efforts to address climate change and promote gender equality.

The chosen theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day, “Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future,” reflects the shared aspirations of member countries to create a better and more harmonious future. It underscores their joint commitment to working together towards a world that is both sustainable and peaceful.

MP becomes 1st state in country to provide free air travel to pilgrims

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to provide government-funded air travel for pilgrimage under the Mukhya Mantri Teerth-Darshan Yojana. Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan has flagged off a batch of 32 senior citizens on pilgrimage to UP’s Prayagraj from Bhopal via flight under the ‘Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana’. So far, 7, 82,000 elderly people have undertaken pilgrimage in 782 special trains under the scheme.

Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to approve Good Governance Regulations

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has approved the first Good Governance Regulations of the country. Objective – To make the State administration more accountable, accessible, dynamic, and transparent. The good governance manual will provide end-to-end online services to the citizens within stipulated time frames by expanding the scope of the ‘Aaple Sarkar Seva Kendra’ and citizens’ grievances will be redressed at a faster speed. A separate cell will be set up to address the effects of climate change.

Chandigarh bags first rank in National Water Award 2022

Chandigarh has received the first rank in the best Urban Local Body category of the National Water Award 2022. The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation declared the 4th National Water Award in 2022. The Ground Water Augmentation Awards and National Water Awards were launched in 2007 to encourage all stakeholders for adopting innovative practices of groundwater augmentation through rainwater harvesting.

India & Saudi Arabia to conduct Naval Exercise AL MOHED AL HINDI 2023

INS TARKASH and INS SUBHADRA have arrived in Saudi Arabia to participate in the AL MOHED AL HINDI 2023 naval exercise. The exercise will involve the participation of naval forces from both countries and focus on joint operations and training. The inaugural edition of the exercise was successfully conducted in 2021. The exercise encompasses a series of exercises conducted on land and at sea by the two friendly navies. Accompanying INS TARKASH is the INS SUBHADRA, a patrol vessel of the Sukanya class. This vessel has served as a test bed for the Dhanush ship-launched ballistic missile, as well as associated stabilization and launch platforms.

Dr K. Govindaraj Elected As New President of Basketball Federation of India

Dr K. Govindaraj elected as the President of International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Asia. He is a Congress MLC. He is also the President of Basketball Federation of India and President of Karnataka Olympic Association. Govindaraj was unanimously nominated to take over as President of FIBA Asia. This is the first time that an Indian has been nominated as the President of FIBA Asia. The nomination was ratified at the FIBA Asia Congress making Govindaraj, the first Indian to lead the International Basketball Federation in Asia, which includes 44 countries.

Axiom Space’s Private Astronaut Mission to Test Cancer Drugs in Space

Axiom Space, a private space habitat company, recently launched their latest mission, Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission aims to conduct experiments on human stem cell ageing, inflammation, and cancer in the unique microgravity environment of space. The findings from these experiments not only contribute to the well-being of astronauts but also hold potential for advancing cancer treatment on Earth.

Sourav Ganguly named as brand ambassador of Tripura Tourism

Former India cricket captain and ex-BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly was roped in as the brand ambassador for Tripura Tourism. Ganguly expressed his willingness to be the brand ambassador for Tripura tourism after the state’s Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury met him at his residence in Kolkata. Ganguly’s selection as the brand ambassador for Tripura Tourism is expected to draw significant attention to the state’s unexplored tourist destinations. The Tripura government is confident that Ganguly will be a successful brand ambassador for the state. They believe that his popularity and charisma will help to attract more visitors to Tripura and boost the tourism industry.

Namdev Shirgaonkar elected unopposed President of Taekwondo India

Namdev Shirgaonkar of Maharashtra was re-elected unopposed as the President of India Taekwondo in elections for the executive committee. Shirgaonkar, who holds a black belt in Taekwondo is also secretary-general of Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA), voiced his approval of being elected unopposed as chief of India Taekwondo. Kiarash Bahri (Coordinator – World Taekwondo) as well as (Observer – Asian Taekwondo Union – ATU) and Wanyong Lee (2nd Observer – Asian Taekwondo Union – ATU) and Prashant Desai (Observer – Paralympic Committee of India – PCI) played their role in the smooth conduct of the elections.

Third Edition of Khelo India Games Kicks Off in Uttar Pradesh

The highly anticipated third edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) has commenced in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in the state’s sporting endeavors. With over 4,000 athletes and officials from 207 universities across the country participating in 21 disciplines, the event is set to span 12 action-packed days. While the majority of events will take place in five cities of Uttar Pradesh, the shooting competitions will be held in New Delhi.

Indian Railways Hands Over 20 Broad Gauge Locomotives to Bangladesh

In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations, Indian Railways has handed over 20 broad gauge (BG) locomotives to Bangladesh. The virtual handing over ceremony, held at Rail Bhavan, was attended by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Bangladesh’s Minister of Railway, Md Nurul Islam Sujan. This gesture fulfills a commitment made by the Indian government during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in October 2019. The locomotives, valued at over Rs 100 crore, will help augment Bangladesh’s railway network and improve passenger and freight train operations.

Daniil Medvedev wins maiden clay court title at Italian Open 2023

In the Italian Open final, world number three tennis star Daniil Medvedev defeated Holger Roon to win his first claycourt title. In the men’s singles final, the Russian player defeated the 20-year-old Danish player 7-5, 7-5. This is Medvedev’s fifth title of 2023 and the win has lifted him above Novak Djokovic to the second spot in the world rankings.

China claims record 13th Sudirman Cup title

China has claimed a record 13th Sudirman Cup title defeating South Korea 3-0 at Suzhou. Chen Yufei defeated World Number two An Se Young 21-16,22-20, in the women’s singles to seal the victory. In the men’s singles, Korea’s Lee Yun Gyu was easily outmatched by Shi Yuqi. The tournament is one of badminton’s most important because performances will count towards qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Chennai to Host Squash World Cup

The city of Chennai is abuzz with anticipation as it prepares to host the highly anticipated 2023 Squash World Cup. This prestigious event, organized by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) in partnership with the World Squash Federation (WSF), will showcase the world’s top squash players competing for the coveted trophy.

Date and Venue

From June 13 to 17, the squash enthusiasts of Chennai will witness intense matches at two prominent locations – the Express Avenue Mall and the Indian Squash and Triathlon Academy (ISTA). These state-of-the-art facilities are fully equipped to host this prestigious tournament and provide an immersive experience for both players and fans.