1 May 2023 Current Affairs – The Day’s Top News | GKSERIES

Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 1 May 2023, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

So, here is the Top News of the Day for 1 May 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.

Current Affairs for Competitive Exam – 1 May 2023

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Maldives

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on athree-day official visit to Maldives on 30th April. 

An overview of the news

During the visit, Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talkswith Maldivian Defense Minister Ms. Maria Ahmed Didi and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. All aspects of defense relations between the two countries will be reviewed during the consultations. Rajnath Singh will also meet Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. In line with India’s commitment to capacity building of friendly countries and partners in the region, Rajnath Singh will gift a Fast Patrol Vessel ship and a landing craft to the Maldivian National Defense Forces.

India and Maldives are working together to effectively address common challenges including maritime security, terrorism, radicalism, piracy, smuggling, organized crime and natural disasters. India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) along with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy as well as Maldives’ ‘India First’ policy seek to work together to jointly develop the capabilities within the Indian Ocean Region.

About Maldives

It is also called Maldives Islands, an independent island country in the north-central Indian Ocean. It extends more than 510 miles (820 km) from north to south and 80 miles (130 km) from east to west.

Basis of economy -fisheries, tourism

Industries – handicraft or cottage including the making of coir (coconut-husk fibre) and coir products, fish canning, and boatbuilding.

Capital -Male
President -Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
Official Language – Dhivehi (Maldivian)
Official Religion – Islam
Currency –Rufiyaa

Rajasthan Housing Board Got National Award For Real Estate

On April 26, 2023, the National Real Estate Award was presented to the Rajasthan Housing Board by the Central Government Agency National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO).

An overview of the news

National Real Estate Development Council National President Rajan Bandelkar and RERA Delhi Chairman Anand Kumarpresented the award to Rajasthan Housing Commissioner Pawan Arora at a national level function. The Rajasthan Housing Board was honored with the award for registering the maximum number of housing projects in the country under RERA, selling the maximum number of houses and doing excellent work in the field of real estate.

Earlier in the function, Rajasthan Housing Commissioner was specially invited for a panel discussion on the topic ‘Real Estate in the Era of RERA’. He was also honored on this platform. Rajasthan Housing Board has become the biggest organization to register 101 project RERA numbers.

Under the leadership of Housing Commissioner Pawan Arora, the board has received a total of 15 awards in the last four years. These include World Book of Records in house sales, Scotch Award-2021, Award of Excellence, Honor by National Real Estate Development Council, National Housing Award, I.B.C. and prestigious awards like ‘Star of Governance-Gold Award’.

India, Russia To Explore Possibility Of Accepting Rupay And Mir Cards

India and Russia will explore the possibility of accepting RuPay and Mir cards in each other’s country for hassle-free payments amid sanctions imposed by the West on Moscow.

An overview of the news

In the recent meeting of the High Level Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), it was discussed and agreed to explore the possibility of allowing acceptance of these cards. The mutual acceptance of RuPay (India) and Mir cards (Russia) will help Indian and Russian citizens to make hassle-free payments in Indian rupees and Russian ruble in their respective countries.The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russia Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

They agreed to explore the possibility of interaction with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of National Payment Corporation of India and the Faster Payments System (FPS) of the Bank of Russia. The two countries agreed to adopt the Russian Financial Messaging System, the Service Bureau of the Bank of Russia’s Financial Messaging System, for cross-border payments.

What is Mir?

Mir is a payment system in Russia. It was launched in 2017. The Central Bank of Russia has established the function of this payment option. The Russian national card payment system operatesit. Sberbank was the first Russian bank to issue payment cards under the Mir brand.

PM Modi’s 100th Episode Of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Broadcast Live At Un Headquarters

The 100th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ was broadcast live at the United Nations Headquarters here late on April 29, local time.

An overview of the news

India’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations Ruchira Kambojsaid that Mann Ki Baat was aired at the Trusteeship Council of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Indian missions in various countries including UK, China, South Africa, Chile, Morocco, Mexico, Congo, Iraq and Indonesia also made special arrangements to listen to the 100th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to Guyana, Panama, Colombia and the Dominican Republic, also attended the special event organized by the Indian community.

‘Mann Ki Baat’ program

The program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ started on 3 October 2014 and is broadcast on thelast Sunday of every month. It inspires millions of people to participate in India’s development journey. On 30th April it completed its 100th episode. The episodes aired between 2014 and 2019 were more general and motivational in nature, with the latter episodes discussing a lot of government policies and initiatives.

Labour Day 2023: Know Date, History And Significance

Labour Day 2023: May 1st is a globally recognised holiday commemorating the achievements of the labour movement. It is also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, and it is celebrated as a public holiday in over 80 nations. The celebration, known as Labour Day in several nations, honors the contributions of working individuals to society, emphasizing the importance of work and the strides made by the labour movement.

Labour Day 2023: Origin

Labour Day is a call to action for social and economic fairness that arose from a lengthy struggle for better working conditions and workers’ rights. Workers stand in solidarity, reflect on their progress, and reaffirm their dedication to constructing an equitable and fair world on this day.

Labour Day 2023: History

• May 1st, known as May Day, commemorates the first celebrations of the workers’ movement in 1890.
• On July 14th, 1889, the first international conference of socialist parties in Paris, France, declared May 1st as “Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity.”
• The event was intended to draw attention to the labour movement and promote the idea of an eight-hour workday, which was also the focus of American labour advocates in 1886.
• Unfortunately, the strike and subsequent Haymarket Riot in Chicago in 1886 led to protests, and the date became associated with these negative events.
• This resulted in some countries, such as the United States, observing a different Labour Day on the first Monday of September, and the May Day holiday was resisted in America due to its communist associations.

Labour Day dates back to the late 1800s, when workers in industrialised nations banded together to demand improved working conditions, a fair salary, and other rights. The Central Labour Union of New York City arranged the first Labour Day observation in the United States on September 5, 1882. In 1894, following the Pullman Strike, the holiday became a federal one after the deaths of multiple labourers.

Labour Day 2023: Evolvement of Labour Day

Labour Day has evolved into a worldwide event celebrated at differing dates, serving as a symbol of the labour movement’s triumphs and the ongoing fight for worker’s rights. On Labour Day, people are encouraged to recognise the societal contributions of workers and to rekindle their hopes for a better future. May Day is celebrated as a public holiday in most countries around the world and is sometimes referred to as the Day of the International Solidarity of Workers.

• Communist countries often celebrate the holiday with large military parades and shows of support for the government.
• In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the holiday is observed on the first Monday of May.
• While Labour Day is celebrated in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, the dates for these holidays vary based on their unique historical origins.

Labour Day 2023: May Day

• May 1st is a pagan celebration celebrated in various parts of Europe, dating back to the Gaelic Beltane, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of summer.
• In Roman times, May 1st was synonymous with festivity, as it represented the arrival of spring and an occasion to worship the goddess of flowers, Flora. The festival was held between April 28th and May 3rd.
• Medieval England saw an increase in popularity of May Day rituals, including the crowning of a May Queen, Morris dancing, and weaving around a Maypole.
• Labour Day was first observed in India on May 1st, 1923, by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan in Chennai (Madras).
• Today, the day is commemorated as a holiday in states such as Assam, Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and West Bengal.
• It is known by various names, such as Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas, Kamgar Din in Hindi, Kamgar Divas in Marathi, and Uzhaipalar Dhinam in Tamil.

Labour Day 2023: Significance

• Labour Day is a significant occasion that recognises and celebrates employees’ crucial contributions to society. The day celebrates the value of work, as well as the importance of fair labour practises and worker rights.
• Its origins date back to the efforts to improve working conditions, secure better wages, and establish necessary worker protections. Moreover, Labour Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice, equality and economic fairness.
• It provides an opportunity for workers to unite in solidarity, express gratitude for progress made, and reflect on further progress required. Overall, Labour Day is a symbol of the accomplishments of the labour movement, and the strength of collective action in the pursuit of social and economic justice.

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar Launches ‘Millets Experience Centre’ At Dilli Haat

India Launches First-of-its-kind Millets Experience Centre in New Delhi:

India’s Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar recently launched the Millets Experience Centre (MEC) at Dilli Haat in New Delhi. The MEC was founded in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) to promote the adoption of millets among the general people.

India Aims to Become Global Hub for Millets:

In his inaugural address, Mr Tomar praised India’s dynamic role in celebrating the International Year of Millets 2023 led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said India is gearing towards becoming a ‘Global Hub’ for Millets, and the setting up of the MEC is a step in that direction.

MEC to Promote Dietary Benefits of Millets:

The Ministry-led initiative of establishing a consumer-oriented Millets Experience Centre would not only promote the dietary benefits of millets but also popularize Shree Anna as a nutritional powerhouse. At the MEC, customers can enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience and purchase a selection of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook millet products from local millet start-ups.

The Purpose of Millets Experience Centre(MEC):

The purpose of the Millets Experience Centre, founded by NAFED and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), is to enhance public awareness about millets and encourage their utilization. In response to India’s proposal, which was endorsed by 72 countries, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 to be the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). The declaration put India at the vanguard of the celebrations, and the government has been working in ‘mission mode’ to promote millets as a crop that benefits farmers, the environment, and consumers.

Debadatta Chand Named As New Managing Director Of Bank Of Baroda

Debadatta Chand has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) of Bank of Baroda (BOB), according to a government announcement made on April 29. Chand is currently serving as the Executive Director of the bank. He will assume the position of MD for a term of three years, effective from July 1, 2023, or until further notice. This appointment follows the term extension of the former MD, Sanjiv Chadha, which ended on January 19, 2021 and was extended by the government for an additional five months until June 30, 2021.

After receiving approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the appointment notifications were issued. In January of this year, the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), which is responsible for recruiting directors for state-owned banks and financial institutions, recommended Debadatta Chand’s name for the position of Managing Director and CEO at Bank of Baroda.

Career of Debadatta Chand

Debadatta Chand has an educational background that includes completing his Plus 2 in the Science stream at Rajendra College, Bolangir. He also has a B.Tech from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, as well as an MBA in Finance from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management.

Chand began his career as an Officer in Allahabad Bank in 1994 and later worked as a Manager at the Small Industries Development Bank of India [SIDBI] from 1998 to 2005. He joined Punjab National Bank (PNB) in 2005 as Chief Manager and eventually rose to the position of Chief General Manager. Prior to his role as Executive Director at Bank of Baroda, Chand served as the CGM for Mumbai Zone at PNB.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Bank of Baroda Founder: Sayajirao Gaekwad III;
• Bank of Baroda Founded: 20 July 1908, Vadodara;
• Bank of Baroda Headquarters: Alkapuri, Vadodara.

Rajneesh Karnatak Named As New Md And Chairman Of Bank Of India

The Indian government has selected Rajneesh Karnatak as the Managing Director (MD) of the Bank of India (BOI). Karnatak is now the Union Bank of India’s Executive Director. According to the release, he will serve as MD & CEO of Bank of India for three years, beginning on the date he takes office and continuing until further orders.

Experience and Career of Rajneesh Karnatak:

• Rajneesh Karnatak, who has over 29 years of experience, was previously the Chief General Manager of Punjab National Bank before being named as the Executive Director of Union Bank of India on October 21, 2021. He holds a Master of Commerce degree and is a certified associate from the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB).
• Throughout his career in banking, Karnatak has held key positions such as General Manager in Oriental Bank of Commerce, where he headed critical divisions like large corporate credit branches and strategic verticals such as credit monitoring, digital banking, and mid corporate credit.
• After the amalgamation of Oriental Bank of Commerce into Punjab National Bank, Rajneesh Karnatak held positions as the head of both the credit monitoring division and corporate credit division in PNB. He has extensive experience in project funding and working capital funding, as well as risk management, with a particular focus on credit risk.
• Karnatak was a non-independent non-executive director on the Board of UBI (UK) and served as the non-executive chairman of UBI Services on behalf of Union Bank of India. He was also a member of the governing board of the Indian Institute of Bank Management (IIBM) in Guwahati.
• Karnatak acted as the nominee director on behalf of Punjab National Bank on the board of PNB Housing Finance and India SME Asset Reconstruction Company. Additionally, he served as a board trustee on IIFCL Asset Management Co (IAMCL).

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Bank of India  Founder: Ramnarain Ruia;
• Bank of India  Founded: 7 September 1906, Mumbai;
• Bank of India  Headquarters: Mumbai

Renowned scientist Dr.N. Gopalakrishnan passes away at 68

N. Gopalakrishnan, the creator of the Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage (IISH) and a former scientist at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has passed away at the age of 68. Gopalakrishnan held a Master of Science degree in Chemistry, a Master of Arts degree in Sociology, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. His parents were Narayanan Embranthiri and Satyabhama, and he was born in Kochi, Kerala’s Ernakulam district.

Carrier:

For a period of 25 years, beginning in 1982, he worked as a Senior Scientist in the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Government of India. From 1993 to 1994, he was a Visiting Scientist at the University of Alberta in Canada, as well as a Visiting Scientist at the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati.

Additionally, he served as the Director of the Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage (IISH-Registered Charitable Trust) and was a guest faculty member at various Indian and foreign universities and institutions. Overall, he has contributed significantly to the field of scientific research and education both in India and internationally.

Professional Contribution:

Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to the field of science and technology. He has published 50 research papers in various national and international scientific journals and has obtained six patents in science and technology. He has received nine National and International level awards from Science & Technology Scientific Societies, as well as thirteen awards for popularising science and culture.

In addition to his research work, he has authored over 135 books in English and Malayalam, covering both scientific and cultural topics. His books have been widely read and appreciated for their insights and contributions to the fields of science and culture. Overall, his work has made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology, as well as to the promotion of cultural understanding and appreciation.

Indian Army Inducts First Women Officers Into Regiment Of Artillery

In a historic first, the Indian Army has inducted five women officers into its Regiment of Artillery. After successfully finishing their training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, Lt Mehak Saini, Lt Sakshi Dubey, Lt Aditi Yadav, Lt Pious Mudgil, and Lt Akanksha have joined the Army’s elite artillery battalions.

Women Officers Posted to Frontline Formations:

Military sources have reported that three of the five women officers have been posted to frontline formations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, while the other two have been posted to “challenging locations” near the frontier with Pakistan. The Regiment of Artillery is a major combat support arm with approximately 280 units handling various gun systems such as Bofors howitzers, Dhanush, M-777 howitzers, and K-9 Vajra self-propelled cannons.

Women Officers to Receive Adequate Training:

The sources also stated that the young women officers are being posted to all types of key artillery units, where they will receive adequate training and exposure to handle rockets, field and surveillance, and target acquisition (SATA) systems, as well as key equipment.

Approval of the Proposal by the Government:

Gen Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff, announced the decision to commission women officers into artillery units in January. The government later approved the proposal.