Current affairs 21 March 2023

India on track to achieve energy independence by 2047.

• According to the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, India can achieve energy independence by its 100th year of independence in 2047.
• Study title: Pathways to Atmanirbhar Bharat
• It has been suggested that achieving this goal would result in significant economic, environmental, and energy benefits for India, including USD 2.5 trillion in consumer savings by 2047.
• It also reduces fossil fuel import expenditure by 90% ($240 billion) annually.

ISRO to conduct young scientist programme in Bengaluru.

• The Indian Space Research Organisation is organizing a young scientist program named Yuva VIgyani Karyakram (YUVIKA).
• Aim: To impart basic knowledge on space technology, space science, and space applications to students of Class IX.
• Registration for the program has been started on March 20, 2023.
• The YUVIKA program will be conducted between May 15 and 26 at seven centers.
• Interested students studying in Class 9 as on 1 January 2023 within India are eligible to apply.

5th Poshan Pakhwada celebrations begins.

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development has organized the fifth Poshan Pakhwada from 20th March to 3rd April 2023 with various activities nationwide.
• Theme 2023: Nutrition for All: Together Towards a Healthy India
• Aim: To raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and promote healthy eating habits through Jan Andolan and Jan Bhagidari.
• Poshan Abhiyaan was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 8th March 2018 to improve nutritional outcomes in a holistic manner.

Africa-India field training exercise, AFINDEX-23 to be held in Pune, India.

• The 10-day Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX 2023) will be organized in Pune, India from March 21-30, 2023 to strengthen the military ties between the countries.
• The India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave will be held in Pune from March 28-29, 2023.
• The exercise will promote the idea of Africa-India Militaries for Regional Unity (AMRUT).
• A comprehensive validation exercise on the theme Humanitarian Mine Actions and Peace Keeping Operations.

LG Manoj Sinha laid foundation stone for a ₹250-crore mall in Srinagar.

• J&K LG, Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone for a ₹250-crore mega shopping mall at Srinagar’s Sempora area.
• This shopping mall will be constructed by Dubai-based Emaar Group.
• It is the first “foreign direct investment” in the Union territory.
• It will be constructed over an area of 10 lakh sq. ft. and is expected to be completed by 2026.
• Later, he also participated in the India-UAE investor meet at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre.