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 12 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 12 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 – 12 May 2023
International Day of Plant Health 2023 Celebrates On 12th May
International Day of Plant Health 2023
The United Nations established the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) on May 12 to increase global awareness about how safeguarding plant health may help end hunger, decrease poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.
Plants are essential for life on Earth. They provide us with food, oxygen, and shelter. They also play a vital role in the environment, helping to regulate the climate and prevent soil erosion. However, plants are also vulnerable to pests and diseases. These can cause severe crop damage, resulting in food shortages and economic losses. They may also have an adverse effect on the ecosystem. International Plant Health Day provides an opportunity to learn more about plant health and the threats that it faces. It is also a time to take action to protect plants and ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
Here are some things you can do to celebrate International Day of Plant Health:
- Learn more about plant health and the threats it faces.
- Support organizations that are working to protect plants.
- Make changes in your own life to help protect plants, such as composting, reducing your use of pesticides, and buying local food.
- Get involved in your community and help raise awareness of the importance of plant health.
- By taking action to protect plants, we can help ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
International Day of Plant Health 2023- Theme
The topic of this year’s International Day of Plant Health celebration is “Plant Health for Environmental Protection,” according to the IPPC website. The IPPC is a 1951 multilateral treaty overseen by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) which formulates action plans to prevent and control the introduction and spread of pests of plants and plant products.
International Day of Plant Health 2023- Significance
The International Day of Plant Health in 2023 continues to highlight the critical importance of plant health for global well-being. It underscores the need for collective action and awareness to protect plants from pests, diseases, and invasive species. Plants that are in good health are crucial for food security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. Individuals, organisations, and governments are reminded to prioritise and invest in plant health management, research, and education on this day. By promoting plant health, we can ensure resilient agricultural systems, protect biodiversity, mitigate climate change impacts, and safeguard the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on plants for sustenance and income.
International Day of Plant Health 2023- History
The United Nations established the International Day of Plant Health in 2022. Zambia proposed the suggestion, which was later unanimously endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution was co-signed by Bolivia, Finland, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Tanzania. The day is deemed a “key legacy of the International Year of Plant Health.” Since then, the International Day of Plant Health has been celebrated annually on July 12th to emphasize the significance of protecting plants from pests, diseases, and invasive species, which can have devastating impacts on agriculture, food security, and the environment. The day serves as a platform for promoting plant health initiatives, sharing knowledge, and mobilizing action to safeguard plants worldwide.
India, Canada Agree To Increase Discussions On Movement Of Skilled Professionals, Students
India, Canada agree to increase discussions on movement of skilled professionals, students:
India and Canada have agreed to intensify their negotiations on the migration of talented professionals and students in order to strengthen their bilateral economic partnership.This decision was made during the sixth India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment, where Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his Canadian counterpart Mary Ng reviewed the progress of the seven rounds of negotiations towards an early harvest trade deal.
Towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement:
Recognising the need for a comprehensive trade agreement that can create new opportunities for boosting trade and investment flows, the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations were formally re-launched last year. Both countries agreed that an early progress trade agreement (EPTA) would serve as a bridge to the CEPA. The EPTA is planned to include commitments in commodities, services, investment, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical trade obstacles, and dispute resolution, as well as other areas where mutual agreement is established.
Coordinated Investment Promotion and Information Exchange:
In addition to the EPTA, India and Canada also agreed to enhance cooperation for coordinated investment promotion and information exchange. Both nations aim to sign a pact regarding the same towards the end of 2023. Canadian Minister Mary Ng said that she will head a Team Canada trade trip to India in October 2023, which will provide an opportunity to strengthen bilateral trade and investment links as she is expected to bring a large business delegation.
Relaunching the Canada-India CEO Forum:
During the meeting, both ministers also held discussions on relaunching the Canada-India CEO Forum. India also invited top Canadian universities to set up their campuses in the country.
Boosting Bilateral Trade:
During April-February 2022-34, Canada was India’s 35th largest trading partner, with total trade of $7.5 billion. India’s exports to Canada totaled $3.8 billion from April to February, compared to $3.76 billion in 2021-22. Medicines, clothes, diamonds, chemicals, gems and jewellery, seafood, engineering goods, grains, and electric equipment are among the major items exported by India.
Imports from Canada stood at $3.77 billion during the 11-month period last year as against $2 billion in 2021-22. Key imports include pulses, fertilisers, aircraft and aviation equipment, diamonds, copper ores and concentrates, bituminous coal, among others.
Cooperation in Sectors:
The two countries also discussed ways to increase cooperation in sectors such as agricultural goods, chemicals, green technologies, infrastructure, automotive, clean energy, electronics, and minerals and metals. Both nations emphasised enhancing cooperation in sectors such as clean technologies for infrastructure development, critical minerals, electric vehicles and batteries, renewable energy/hydrogen, and artificial intelligence.
Some key points about Canada:
- Canada is a country in North America with a population of over 38 million people.
- Its capital city is Ottawa, located in the province of Ontario.
- The official languages of Canada are English and French.
- The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the official currency of Canada.
- Canada has a federal system of government, with a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The current Prime Minister of Canada is Justin Trudeau.
- Canada is the world’s second-largest country by land area, with 9.98 million square kilometres.
- The country has a diverse economy that includes industries such as natural resources, manufacturing, and services.
- Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the Canadian Rockies are among the most popular tourist sites in Canada. Canada is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, and the G7.
Varanasi’s LBSI Airport Gets India’s First Reading Lounge
The Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport here has become the first in India to have a reading lounge. Apart from books on Kashi, the lounge`s library has a collection of literature and books in many international languages besides books of youth authors published under Prime Minister Yuva Yojana. The airport in Varanasi is the first in the country to feature a free reading lounge. The lounge was built with the support of the National Book Trust (NBT), an Indian publishing house and independent entity under the Union government’s ministry of education.
The Airport Reading Lounge is a mirror of Kashi for both traditionalists and modern visitors and travellers, as well as those who want to learn more about the mystical heritage of this ancient city. Apart from India`s culture, history, traditional knowledge systems, health and wellness, literature in Hindi, French, Spanish, English and many other Indian languages, the reading lounge also celebrates literary icons of Varanasi through their works, iconic places and unknown facts and connections with the city.
About the Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport
- Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (LBSI Airport) was founded in the early 1950s. Initially named as Varanasi Airport, it served as a domestic airport connecting Varanasi to major Indian cities.
- In 2005, the airport underwent a significant transformation and expansion project. The terminal building was modernized and expanded to handle increased passenger traffic. The airport was also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities to enhance the overall travel experience.
- In 2006, the airport was renamed Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in honour of India’s former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Shastri, a Varanasi native, was a crucial figure in India’s freedom war and served as Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966.
- Since the airport’s expansion, there has been a steady growth in passenger traffic, both domestic and international. Airlines flying from Lal Bahadur Shastri foreign Airport serve local destinations like as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, as well as foreign destinations such as Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Dubai.
- The airport continues to undergo further development and upgrades to cater to the increasing number of passengers and meet international standards. It serves as a vital transportation hub for the region, contributing to the economic growth and tourism of Varanasi and its surrounding areas.
India Hosts the First-Ever Physical Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Startup Forum in New Delhi
In the guise of the first-ever physical event in New Delhi, India recently hosted the third edition of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Startup Forum. Startup India, the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Promotion for Industry and Internal Trade, organised the event. The forum aimed to increase startup relationships across SCO Member States while also encouraging innovation, job creation, and talent development.
Keynote Address by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Som Parkash:
The forum witnessed physical participation from SCO Member States, including a delegation of government officials, private industry players, incubators, and startups. Shri Som Parkash, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, made the keynote talk, emphasising the relevance of the startup ecosystem in strengthening a nation’s economy.
Smt. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, addressed the delegation about India’s startup journey and initiatives for promoting startups by the Government of India.
Collaboration and Entrepreneurship at the SCO Startup Forum:
The SCO Startup Forum focused on collaboration and entrepreneurship. It aimed to promote innovation development, particularly through the creation of common platforms and the facilitation of ideas and best practices among the SCO Member States. The forum facilitated various startup-to-startup bilateral meetings to promote and achieve this agenda.
Workshop on the Role of Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements in Developing Startup Ecosystem:
Delegates attended a Startup India workshop on the “Role of Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements in Developing Startup Ecosystem.” The workshop included an interactive session to understand various models of engagements that can be undertaken to develop closer ties between nations and boost the startup ecosystem in SCO nations.
Visit to Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi:
The delegation also visited the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, where a startup showcase was organized. The participants visited the facility to receive first-hand experience of the Indian startup ecosystem. The incubator visit focused on highlighting the nuances of funding, mentorship, and opportunities provided to support startups at the scaling stage in India.
Previous Initiatives by Startup India for SCO Member States:
Previously, Startup India organised several initiatives for SCO Member States, including the SCO Startup Forum 2020, which created the groundwork for multilateral cooperation and engagement for startups across SCO Member States. The SCO Startup Forum 2021 was held virtually through a customized platform representing Indian culture in augmented reality. It launched the SCO Startup Hub, a single point of contact for the SCO startup ecosystem. Startup India also organized a three-month-long virtual mentorship series called “Starting-Up” for nominated startups to build capacity among the SCO startup founders.
Former AIFF Vice-President Khaleel Passes Away At 91
A.R. Khaleel, former Vice-President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), died. He was 91. Khaleel, the president of the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) for 28 years, was also the AIFF treasurer and a member of the executive committee. Khaleel has served on Asian Football Confederation Standing Committees on several occasions.A prominent face in the Indian Football administration for nearly six decades, Khaleel was also active at the continental level, and on occasion was a member of the Asian Football Confederation Standing Committees. A President of the KSFA for 28 years till 2018, Khaleel had worked for the game in various capacities. He was a footballer who headed Jawahar Union FC, one of Bengaluru’s ancient teams, was an excellent administrator, and served Karnataka football for many years as an office holder. He has served as a manager for the Indian National Teams at various ages.
Uttar Pradesh Introduces “School Health Program” Digital Health Cards For Children
According to a recent statement by the State government of Uttar Pradesh, the Urban Development Department and Lucknow Smart City have collaborated to launch a pilot project called the “School Health Program” in Lucknow. The programme, which aims to promote student health, has been introduced in three schools as part of a pilot experiment.
Three municipal schools in Lucknow – Aminabad Inter College, Kashmiri Mohalla Girls Inter College, and Kashmiri Mohalla Montessori School – have been charged with providing health checkups for a total of 1765 children as part of the trial project. The team responsible for the checkups is creating digital health cards by conducting thorough examinations of each child on-site.
Lucknow Smart City Limited has introduced a unique initiative called the “School Health Program”, which involves the creation of a digital health card for each child. This card can be downloaded by the child’s parents, school officials, and administrative officials. Each child receives a full health checkup based on 130 indicators relating to their physical and mental wellbeing. In addition, the health card offers a cashless health cover of up to Rs. 25,000 for hospitalisation charges.
The program aims to improve the academic performance and future prospects of the children by identifying and addressing any health issues they may have. The checkup includes a thorough assessment of physiotherapy-related parameters, eye tests to detect color blindness and eye diseases, and assessments of dental and oral health, hearing and speech abilities. The program also includes workshops on topics such as child psychology, first aid, and health and hygiene. Follow-up digital health reports are prepared every six months.
India among Top 5 Countries Where Babies Are Born Pre-Term: UN Report
According to a report, released by the UN, an estimated 13.4 million babies were born pre-term in 2020, with 45% of them being born in just five countries, including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, China, and Ethiopia.
Report title: Born Too Soon: Decade of Action on Pre-term Birth
It is jointly produced by the WHO, UNICEF, and Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH).
The global pre-term birth rate increased to 9.9% in 2020, compared to 9.8% in 2010.
GST: Government Lowers Threshold For E-Invoicing To Rs 5 Crore
As part of the phased reduction in the turnover limit for e-invoicing, the government informed on Wednesday night via a circular that e-invoicing will be required from registered entities with an annual turnover of Rs 5 crore from Aug. 1, 2023. Earlier, this limit was fixed at Rs 10 crore, as per the notification issued by the ministry in August 2022, according to a report published in BQ Prime.
It will be mandatory for smaller businesses to carry out business transactions via e-invoices from August 1, 2023. In the exercise of the powers of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017, the government has made the amendment in the notification on the recommendations of the Council.
The threshold was lowered to Rs 10 crore on October 1, 2022.
Yes Bank Launches Solar Financing Program to Aid MSMES
YES BANK announced the launch of YES KIRAN, an attractive lending proposition aimed at offering financial assistance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) manufacturers who wish to install solar panels at their premises. Through this programme, the Bank aims to support the adoption of sustainable energy practices by small and mid-sized enterprises while also bringing in cost efficiency by helping them curtail their expenses towards power and fuel.
Aim: To support the adoption of sustainable energy practices by small and midsized enterprises
MSMEs will get various benefits such as reduced operational cost, a flexible loan tenure at competitive interest rates, and a broad range of tie-ups with leading solar panel manufacturers and installers to help MSMEs.
Smriti Irani Launches “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” Campaign
Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched a campaign named “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” in the national capital, under which work will be undertaken in Anganwadis across the country for providing nutrition as well as better education to children in the age group of 3 to 6 years.
This unique initiative is aimed at ensuring that India has a high-quality preschool network.
ECCE is a significant component of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 and is envisaged under the NEP. The work will be taken by Anganwadis across the country for providing nutrition as well as better education to children.
The Union Minister said,
“For the improvement of education in Anganwadis and better future of the children, the qualification of the workers has been changed to class 12 pass. The Ministry of Women and Child Development of the Central Government is working closely with all the different ministries, including Textile Commerce. All Anganwadis across the country are being converted into full-fledged Anganwadis instead of mini Anganwadis, besides it is being ensured that Anganwadis have better infrastructure, water facilities and toilet facilities. India used to import 80 per cent of toys from other countries, but now these toys are being made in our own country. Apart from this, work is also being done on digitalisation in Anganwadis, along with nutrition and education of children. We are moving towards digitization for different works, she added.”
