Daily Current Affairs for 17 May 2023
IRDAI Relaxes Norms for Surety Bonds
- The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has recently made significant changes to the norms governing surety bonds, a type of insurance policy that protects parties involved in a transaction or contract from potential financial losses.
- The objective of the amendments is to promote the growth of the surety insurance market and enhance the accessibility of these products
UTSAH Portal and PoP Portal
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken significant steps towards improving the quality and effectiveness of higher education in India.
- Two new portals, namely the ‘UTSAH’ portal and the Professor of Practice (PoP) portal, have been launched with the aim of promoting transparency, access, and collaboration within the higher education sector.
- These initiatives align with the National Education Policy 2020 and its strategic goals.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh to Inaugurate 8th All India Pension Adalat in Delhi:
- Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singhis set to inaugurate the 8th All India Pension Adalatin Delhi on May 17.
- This initiative, organized by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare, aims to resolve chronic pension-related cases.
- Additionally, the Minister will preside over the 50th pre-retirement counselling (PRC) workshop, providing retiring civil employees with essential information and guidance for a smooth transition into retirement
INTERNATIONAL
50 Start-ups Exchange Programme
- India and Bangladesh have initiated a start-up exchange programme to foster collaboration and partnership between the entrepreneurial communities of both countries.
- The programme aims to explore opportunities, share knowledge, and enhance cooperation in various sectors.
- The first group of 10 start-up companies from Bangladesh recently completed a successful visit to India, marking the beginning of this exciting initiative
Brazil, top chicken exporter, confirms first ever avian flu cases in wild birds
- Brazil, known as the world’s leading chicken exporter, has recently confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)in wild birds.
- Although these cases mark the first-ever occurrence in the country, the Brazilian government emphasizes that the situation will not lead to a ban on the importation of Brazilian poultry products, in accordance with guidelines from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
- While the avian influenza virus poses a threat to bird populations and the farming sector, the impact on Brazil’s poultry industry remains limited
STATES
Dharavi Redevelopment Project
- The Dharavi Redevelopment Project in Maharashtra has gained momentum as the state government takes significant steps to revitalize the area.
- With the aim of transforming Dharavi into a modern urban space, Maharashtra has directed the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to provide Rs 300 crore for the project.
- This allocation is a crucial milestone towards the long-awaited redevelopment of Dharavi
Odisha Millet Mission
- The Odisha Millet Mission (OMM) has emerged as a significant initiative by the Odisha government to revive millet cultivation and support farmers in the state.
- Under this flagship program, the government has successfully procured a substantial quantity of ragi or finger millet, benefiting thousands of farmers.
Uttar Pradesh Now Holds 2nd Position In GI Tagged Products
- Uttar Pradeshnow holds the second position in the country in terms of having the maximum number of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged goods.
- The state has received GI tags for three more One District One Product (ODOP)crafts, taking the total number of GI-tagged products in the state to 48.
- The three newly-tagged ODOP crafts are Mainpuri tarkashi, Mahoba Gaura stone craft, and Sambhal horn craft.
- The GI tag is a valuable asset for the state of Uttar Pradesh. It helps to promote the state’s traditional crafts and products, and also helps to boost the local economy.
- The GI tag also helps to create awareness about the state’s rich cultural heritage
DEFENCE
India and Indonesia bilateral naval exercise Samudra Shakti-23
- The ASW Corvette, INS Kavaratti,which was built and designed in India, has reached Batam, Indonesia to participate in the 4th India-Indonesia Bilateral exercise, Samudra Shakti-23, from May 14 to May 19, 2023.
- The Indian Navy’s Dornier Maritime Patrol aircraft and Chetak helicopter will also be part of the exercise, while the Indonesian Navy will be represented by KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and AS565 Panther Helicopter
ECONOMY
India plans to challenge EU carbon tax at WTO
- According to government and industry sources, India is planning to lodge a complaint with the World Trade Organisation about the European Union‘s proposal to levy tariffs ranging from 20% to 35% on high-carbon goods like steel, iron ore, and cement from India
India remains a bright spot, economy expected to grow 6.7% in 2024: United Nations
- According to the World Economic Situation and Prospects reportreleased by the United Nations, India’s economyis projected to grow by 6.7% in the calendar year 2024.
- The report highlights India’s resilient domestic demand as a key factor driving this growth.
- However, it also cautions that higher interest rates and weaker external demand may continue to impact investment and exports in 2023
IMPORTANT DAYS
India observes National Dengue Day on May 16 every year
- National Dengue Dayis observed on May 16every year to raise awareness about the mosquito-borne disease.
- Dengue cases usually surge in India during and after the monsoon season.
- The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organises different events to observe National Dengue Day at several levels across the country.
- Dengue is caused by four distinct viruses and is spread by the female Aedes mosquitoes, which also transmit yellow fever, Zika viruses, and chikungunya.
- The recent information from a Lancet study indicates that between January and October of last year, approximately 1,10,473 cases of dengue were reported in India. As a result, it’s critical to be aware of the disease’s necessary preventative measures
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023 observed on 17 May
- World Telecommunication Day,now called World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, is observed on May 17under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
- This occasion serves to emphasize the influence of the Internet and various communication technologies on global communities.
- Numerous regions worldwide continue to encounter obstacles concerning connectivity, and the ITU endeavors to narrow this divide.