17 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 17 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 17 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 – 17 May 2023

World Telecommunication And Information Society Day 2023 Observed On 17 May

World Telecommunication Day 2023

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) observes World Telecommunication Day, officially known as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, on May 17. 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.

World Telecommunication Day 2023: Theme

This year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day topic is “Enabling Least Developed Nations through Information and Communication Technologies.” The event will take place at the International Telecommunication Union headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland.

World Telecommunication Day 2023: Significance

World Telecommunication Day holds significant importance as it serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the role and impact of telecommunications and information technologies in our society. The day highlights the transformative power of communication tools, such as the Internet, mobile networks, and other digital technologies, in shaping economies, societies, and individual lives.

It emphasises the necessity of closing the digital gap and guaranteeing equitable access to communication infrastructure and services for all people, regardless of location or socioeconomic background. By focusing on empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies, World Telecommunication Day emphasizes the need to address the challenges and barriers that hinder connectivity and digital inclusion.

The day also commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which has played a crucial role in promoting international cooperation and standardization in the field of telecommunications. It provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of ITU and its member states in advancing global connectivity and fostering innovation in telecommunication technologies.

Overall, World Telecommunications Day aims to remind us of the critical role that telecommunications and information technologies play in creating a more inclusive, connected, and affluent world.

World Telecommunication Day: History

World Telecommunications Day was established on May 17, 1969, to commemorate the founding of the ITU, originally known as the International Telegraph Union. The ITU was created with the signing of the inaugural International Telegraph Convention on May 17, 1865, in Paris. In 1932, it changed its name to the International Telecommunication Union and later became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1947.

Furthermore, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared May 17 as World Information Society Day in a resolution passed in March 2006. Subsequently, in November of the same year, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference merged the two days together, forming World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

• International Telegraph Union Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland;
• International Telegraph Union Founded: 17 May 1865;
• International Telegraph Union Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council;
• International Telegraph Union Secretary-General: Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

Ludovit Odor Assumes Office As Slovakia’s Caretaker Prime Minister

Former Vice-Governor of the National Bank of Slovakia Ludovit Odour has been named as Slovakia’s new caretaker Prime Minister. Following the departure of former caretaker Prime Minister Eduard Heger on May 7, Slovak President Zuzana Caputova charged Odour with governing the country until the September snap elections. In his inaugural address, Odor expressed his commitment to bringing calm and professionalism to the governance of Slovakia.

Aim for Proper Functioning of the State Until Snap Elections:

Taking on his new role, Prime Minister Ludovit Odor emphasized the importance of ensuring the proper functioning of the state until the upcoming snap elections. With his background in the National Bank of Slovakia, Odor brings extensive experience in financial matters to the table. His administration wants to prioritise stability, tolerance, and civil discourse, with the goal of demonstrating that diverse ways may have positive outcomes.

Building Calm, Stability, and Civilized Discussions:

One of the primary objectives of Prime Minister Ludovit Odor’s caretaker government is to foster an atmosphere of calm and stability in Slovakia. This goal comes in response to the recent resignations of Acting Agriculture Minister Samuel Vlcan and Foreign Affairs Minister Rastislav Kacer, which prompted Heger’s decision to step down. Odor aims to restore faith in the government and promote a culture of civilized discussions, emphasizing that disagreements can be addressed constructively.

Continuity and Preparation for Snap Elections:

As Slovakia gears up for snap elections in September, Prime Minister Ludovit Odor’s government will work towards maintaining continuity in the functioning of the state. While acting as a caretaker administration, they will handle crucial tasks, uphold governmental processes, and ensure smooth governance. At the same time, preparations will be made for the upcoming elections, laying the foundation for a seamless transition of power and a strong democratic process.

With Ludovit Odor at the helm, Slovakia looks forward to a period of stability and efficient governance until the snap elections, as the caretaker government strives to demonstrate the potential for constructive and civilized discussions in shaping the country’s future.

About Slovakia, key points:

• Currency: Slovakia’s currency is the Euro (€). Slovakia replaced the Slovak koruna as its national currency on January 1, 2009.
• President: The President of Slovakia is Zuzana Čaputová. She assumed office on June 15, 2019, becoming the first woman to hold the position. The President of Slovakia serves as the head of state and is elected by popular vote for a term of five years.
• Capital: The capital city of Slovakia is Bratislava. It is located in the southwestern part of the country, near the borders with Austria and Hungary. Bratislava is the largest city in Slovakia and serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country.
• Official Language: Slovakia’s official language is Slovak. It is a Slavic language that belongs to the West Slavic branch and is spoken by the majority of the population. Hungarian is recognized as a minority language in certain areas of the country.
• Government: Slovakia is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system. The government operates under a democratic framework, where the Prime Minister serves as the head of government. The National Council of the Slovak Republic is the unicameral parliament of the country.
• Population and Geography: Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It has a population of approximately 5.5 million people. The country is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Carpathian Mountains, lowlands, and numerous rivers. The Tatra Mountains, located in the northern part of the country, are a popular destination for outdoor activities and tourism.
• EU and NATO Member: Slovakia became a member of the European Union (EU) on May 1, 2004. It is also a member of the eurozone and uses the Euro as its currency. Additionally, Slovakia is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since 2004.

Uttar Pradesh Now Holds 2nd Position In GI Tagged Products

Uttar Pradesh now ranks second in the country in terms of the number of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged commodities. 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. Mainpuri tarkashi, Mahoba Gaura stone craft, and Sambhal horn craft are the three new ODOP crafts. The Geographical Indication (GI) label is a major 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.

While Tamil Nadu leads with 55 GI-tagged goods, UP and Karnataka follow with 48 and 46 GI products, respectively. However, UP is first in terms of GI-tagged handicrafts with 36 crafts to its credit. With this feat, UP, beating Karnataka, has become the second state with maximum GI-tagged goods in the country. UP also has the maximum number of GI tags in handicrafts in the country. According to him, 36 of the 48 GI goods of UP fall into the handicraft category. In the Varanasi region alone, 18 of the 23 GI-tagged commodities are handicrafts.

Why GI tag is important?

• GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The GI tag helps to protect the products from imitation and ensures that consumers get the genuine product.
• The state government is promoting GI-tagged items in a variety of ways. The government has established a GI Cell to make the procedure of getting GI tags for items easier. The government is also providing financial assistance to ODOP artisans to help them improve their products and marketing.
• The GI tag has the potential to transform the lives of ODOP artisans and help them to achieve better livelihoods. The government is committed to promoting GI-tagged products and helping ODOP artisans to succeed.

Brazil, Top Chicken Exporter, Confirms First Ever Avian Flu Cases In Wild Birds

Brazil, the world’s largest poultry exporter, has verified 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.

Detection of H5N1 Subtype in Wild Marine Birds:

The Brazilian government has officially acknowledged the detection of two instances of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. These cases were detected in wild birds belonging to the Thalasseus acuflavidus species, located on the coast of Espirito Santo, a southeastern state in Brazil. Notably, Espirito Santo is Brazil’s third-largest egg-producing state, with a focus on domestic market sales rather than exports. While surveillance services are being strengthened in the surrounding area, it is crucial to highlight that these cases were found exclusively in wild animals, thereby maintaining Brazil’s status as a country free of HPAI.

Brazil’s Preparedness and International Response:

The CEO of BRF, the world’s largest chicken exporting enterprise based in Brazil, Miguel Gularte, voiced his amazement at the avian flu infections. He emphasised that the organisation is still prepared for any circumstance, in accordance with WOAH standards. Gularte also highlighted the robustness of Brazil’s animal health services, which play a vital role in preventing and containing potential threats to industrial poultry farms. Importantly, no member countries within WOAH are expected to impose import bans due to cases detected solely in wild animals.

Impact on Brazilian Poultry Exports:

China, Japan, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia are among the main importers of Brazil’s chicken products. Despite recent avian flu cases, Brazil’s poultry exports are not expected to be significantly affected, as the guidelines set by WOAH safeguard against imposing import bans for situations involving wild animals. This distinction provides assurance to importers, reinforcing Brazil’s commitment to maintaining high standards in its poultry industry.

About Avian Influenza:

Avian Influenza (also known as bird flu) is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds, but some strains can also infect humans. Here are key points about Avian Influenza:

1. Types of Avian Influenza: There are two forms of avian influenza viruses: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). HPAI strains are more severe and produce higher bird mortality rates.
2. Avian Influenza Subtypes: Avian Influenza viruses are further categorized based on different hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) proteins. Common subtypes include H5N1, H7N9, H9N2, among others. These subtypes can vary in their pathogenicity and ability to infect humans.
3. Transmission: Direct contact with diseased birds, their droppings, nasal secretions, or contaminated surfaces is the most common way that Avian Influenza viruses spread among birds. The viruses can also be carried by migratory birds, which can spread the disease over long distances.
4. Impact on Birds: Avian Influenza can cause mild to severe illness in birds, ranging from reduced egg production and respiratory issues to high mortality rates in HPAI outbreaks. Infected birds may show symptoms such as sudden death, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and swelling of the head, comb, and wattles.
5. Human Infections: While the primary hosts of Avian Influenza are birds, certain strains have the potential to infect humans. Human infections are rare but can occur through direct contact with infected birds or their secretions, or through exposure to contaminated environments. Close and prolonged contact with infected birds is usually required for transmission to humans.

Brazil Key Points:

President: The President of Brazil is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, also known as Lula da Silva.

Capital: The capital city of Brazil is Brasília.

Currency: The currency of Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL).

Official Language: The official language of Brazil is Portuguese.

Population: Brazil has a population of over 211 million people, making it the sixth most populous country in the world.

Geography: Brazil is located in South America and covers a vast area of approximately 8.5 million square kilometers, making it the fifth largest country globally in terms of land area.

Shri Bhupender Yadav Launches Meri Life App

The Meri LiFE app, unveiled by Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav, is designed to transform the way individuals and communities track their progress in the worldwide mass movement known as Mission LiFE. Inspired by the vision of the Prime Minister, this movement aims to nudge people towards taking action to protect the environment and adopt sustainable lifestyles. With a focus on youth engagement, the app encourages individuals to participate in a series of LiFE-related tasks, empowering them to make a positive impact on the environment.

Mission LiFE: A Lifestyle for Environment:

Mission LiFE, which the Prime Minister began on October 20, 2022, in Kevadia, Gujarat, aims to influence people’s behaviour through simple, concrete activities. It emphasizes mindful and deliberate utilization, encouraging people to move away from mindless and wasteful consumption patterns. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change serves as the nodal ministry for national-level coordination and implementation of Mission LiFE, collaborating with various stakeholders to spread awareness and foster sustainable actions.

The Meri LiFE App: Tracking Progress and Guiding Action:

The Meri LiFE app has been launched to increase youth climate change action in the run-up to World Environment Day on June 5, 2023. This mobile application is designed to provide a structured approach for tracking progress made on Mission LiFE and engaging users in a gamified experience. Upon signing up, users are guided to participate in a series of LiFE-related tasks under five themes: Save Energy, Save Water, Reduce Single-Use Plastic, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems, and Adopt Healthy Lifestyle.

Creating a Structured Reporting Format:

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has created two Mission LiFE portals: the Mission LiFE Portal (missionlife-moefcc.nic.in) and the Meri LiFE Portal (merilife.org). These portals aim to create a structured reporting format that allows for the tracking of progress made on Mission LiFE. While the Mission LiFE Portal offers open access to download a variety of creative materials and knowledge resources developed by the ministry, the Meri LiFE Portal enables ministries, institutions, and organizations to upload event reports and capture the progress of the ongoing mass mobilization drive.

South Asian film festival of Montreal honors ‘Gauri’ with ‘best long documentary award’

‘Gauri’ wins ‘Best Long Documentary Award’ at South Asian Film Festival of Montreal

Kavitha Lankesh’s documentary “Gauri” won the “Best Long Documentary Award” at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal 2023. The film is about journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who was assassinated in 2017, and the current political crisis in India.

South Asian Film Festival: ‘Gauri’ wins ‘Best Long Documentary Award’

• The award citation describes the film as a courageous and uncompromising examination of the events surrounding Gauri Lankesh’s murder, and praises Kavitha Lankesh’s energetic direction and narration.
• The documentary was commissioned by Free Press Unlimited, Amsterdam, an organisation that campaigns for freedom of expression and access to information in accordance with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• The documentary “All That Breathes”, which was nominated for an Oscar, was also in competition and received the runner-up prize.

About the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM)

• The Kabir Centre for Arts and Culture in Montreal is organizing the 13th South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM) in 2024.
• The festival will be a hybrid event, combining both in-person cinema screenings and online presentations.
• Its principal goal is to promote cultural unity and understanding within the diverse South Asian population, as well as to foster cross-cultural engagement between South Asia, Quebec, and Canada as a whole.

Through showcasing the rich cultural diversity of South Asia to Western audiences and bringing together the South Asian diaspora, the festival aims to challenge and overcome stereotypes, prejudices, and biases related to South Asia.

Gatka Martial Art To Feature In 37th National Games

Gatka Martial Art to feature in 37th National Games

Gatka, a traditional game, is expected to gain a huge boost on a national level after being formally included in the 37th National Games-2023, which will be held in Goa in October of this year. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will be organizing competitions for a total of 43 disciplines during this national event, in collaboration with the Government of Goa.

Gatka Martial Art to feature in 37th National Games: Key Points

• Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) and State Awardee, thanked the IOA President, Rajya Sabha member PT Usha, and the Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) Chairman, Amitabh Sharma, member Bhupiner Singh Bajwa, and other members for including Gatka, a martial art, in the national games for the first time.
• Although the NGAI has been promoting Gatka through its affiliated state Gatka associations in 22 states, Grewal believes that this decision will be a significant step in the overall development of Gatka across the country.
• Preparations are already underway for participation in the National Games, and the NGAI is holding meetings with its affiliated state units in all states to ensure readiness.

Important Takeaways For All Competitive Exams

• President of the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI): Harjeet Singh Grewal
• IOA President: PT Usha
• Gatka Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) Chairman: Amitabh Sharma

Instagram To Launch Amber Alerts To Help In Finding Missing Children

Meta has announced that AMBER alerts will soon be rolled out to Instagram in 25 countries. With the help of this alerts, users will get notifications of missing children in the area.

This feature was already available on Facebook and helped to find hundreds of children since it was introduced in 2015.

This was developed in partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in US and International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children.

RBI Releases Provisioning Norms for Upper-Layer NBFCS

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the provisioning guidelines for outstanding loans extended by ‘NBFC-Upper Layer’. These guidelines shall be effective from October 1, 2022.

Individual housing loans and loans to Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) : 0.25%

Housing loans extended at teaser rates: 2% (decrease to 0.4% after 1 year from the date on which the rates are raised.)

Advances to Commercial Real Estate- Residential Housing (CRE – RH) Sector: 0.75% 

Multinational Peacekeeping ‘Ex Khaan Quest 2022’ Begins In Mongolia

A multinational peacekeeping exercise, ‘Ex Khaan Quest’ 2022 has started in Mongolia. 16 countries are taking part in this exercise including India.

This exercise has been inaugurated by the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. Indian Army is represented by a contingent from the Ladakh Scouts.

Aim: Enhance interoperability, building military to military relationships, developing peace support operations and military readiness among participating nations.