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

May 18, 2023

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 18 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 18 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 – 18 May 2023

International Museum Day 2023 Observed On 18th May

International Museum Day 2023

International Museum Day, which will be commemorated on Thursday, May 18, 2023, aims to raise awareness of the critical role that museums play in facilitating cultural exchange, enriching diverse cultures, and fostering mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among various groups.This day, as stated by the International Council of Museums, aims to raise awareness about the significance of museums as valuable platforms for promoting global harmony and development.

Theme for 2023 International Museum Day

The topic for International Museum Day 2023 is “Museums, Sustainability, and Well-being.” This theme emphasizes the crucial role that museums can assume in advancing the concepts of well-being and sustainability. Museums contribute to these goals by gathering, conserving, and showcasing artifacts that narrate the history of our planet and its diverse life forms.

Significance of International Museum Day

International Museum Day provides an occasion to underscore the significance of museums as crucial institutions dedicated to safeguarding and promoting our shared heritage. This day is used to highlight the social, cultural, and economic value of museums in society. It sheds light on the obstacles encountered in the preservation of artifacts, the provision of educational programs, and the pursuit of research. Furthermore, it calls for the acknowledgment of the cultural worth that museums possess and the imperative for their sustained presence.

History of International Museum Day

International Museum Day (IMD) has a long and illustrious history dating back to 1977. The International Council of Museums (ICOM), an organisation dedicated to promoting the role of museums in society, founded it. Initially, IMD was celebrated on May 18 each year, but the date later became flexible to accommodate different regions and their respective schedules.
The primary objective of IMD is to raise awareness about the importance of museums as crucial cultural and educational institutions. It aims to highlight the role of museums in preserving and promoting cultural heritage, fostering intercultural dialogue, and contributing to the development of societies.
IMD has increased in importance and engagement around the world over the years. Special events, exhibitions, seminars, guided tours, and other activities are organised by museums from across the world to engage the public and highlight the importance of museums in their communities. Each year, IMD is celebrated with a specific theme that reflects the current concerns and priorities of the museum community.
IMD has become an important occasion for museums to connect with their audiences, showcase their collections, and encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of art, history, science, and culture. It serves as a reminder of the vital role museums play in preserving and sharing our collective heritage, fostering mutual understanding, and promoting cultural exchange and cooperation.

World Bank Approves $82 Million Loan For Controlling Zoonotic Diseases In India

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a loan of $82 million to help India adopt global best practises for animal health management. The loan aims to prevent, detect, and respond to endemic zoonotic, transboundary, and emerging infectious diseases, recognizing the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the environment.

Risks of Animal Disease Outbreaks in India:

With India being home to the largest livestock population in the world, the risks associated with animal disease outbreaks are particularly high. These outbreaks not only endanger public health systems, but they also have enormous economic consequences. Foot and mouth disease, for example, costs the country more than $3.3 billion every year.

Livestock Health and Disease Control Program:

The loan will support India’s Livestock Health and Disease Control Program, which aims to control animal diseases and zoonoses. By implementing this program, the risks of animal disease outbreaks can be reduced through improved disease surveillance and veterinary services in the livestock and wildlife sectors.

Enhancing Animal Health Services:

The Animal Health System Support for One Health Programme would provide improved animal health services to at least 2.9 million livestock producers in the participating states of Assam, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. This will help ensure the early detection and timely response to potential disease outbreaks.

Strengthening Collaboration and Data Sharing:

The program will establish state-of-the-art laboratories to facilitate collaboration and data sharing between the animal health and human health sectors. This integrated approach will enable a more comprehensive understanding of disease patterns and help develop evidence-based policies for effective management of animal diseases and zoonoses.

Enhanced Food Quality and Safety:

In addition to disease control, the program will focus on enhancing food quality and safety, particularly in livestock and wet markets. This step aims to ensure that animal products meet stringent quality standards, reducing the risk of transmitting diseases to humans through food consumption.

Program-for-Results Financing:

The $82 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) utilizes the Program-for-Results (PforR) financing instrument. Funds are distributed under this technique based on the achievement of certain programme results. The loan matures in 11.5 years, including a 4.5-year grace period.

Key points about the World Bank:

The World Bank: The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries for development projects. It aims to reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic growth.
World Bank Group: The World Bank Group is made up of five institutions, the most notable of which are the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). The other three institutions are the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
Board of Executive Directors: The World Bank is governed by its Board of Executive Directors, which represents its 189 member countries. The Board makes decisions on key policies, strategies, and financial assistance provided by the World Bank.
President of the World Bank: The President of the World Bank is the highest-ranking official in the institution. Indian-American business leader Ajay Banga has been appointed as the President of the World Bank for a five-year term.

Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps Conducts Joint Flood Relief Exercise ‘Jal Rahat’ In Assam

The Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps recently held a joint flood relief exercise called ‘Jal Rahat’ at Hagrama Bridge on the Manas River in Assam. The exercise’s goal was to validate combined drills and improve cooperation among various entities participating in flood relief activities. The event witnessed the participation of various organizations, including the Indian Army, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and police representatives. The exercise focused on coordinating preparedness and conducting rescue missions in flood-affected areas.

Strengthening Collaboration and Coordination:

The ‘Jal Rahat’ exercise aimed to strengthen collaboration and coordination among different agencies involved in flood relief operations. By conducting joint drills and rehearsals, the exercise provided an opportunity for the specialist teams from the Army, NDRF, and SDRF to work together seamlessly. This joint effort ensured a more efficient and effective response to rescue and evacuate people from inundated areas during floods.

Utilizing Local Resources:

One of the key highlights of the exercise was the practice of using innovative expedients by the flood relief columns. Teams from the Indian Army and SSB demonstrated the utilization of local resources to tackle the challenges posed by floods. This approach showcased the importance of leveraging available materials and skills in the affected regions to enhance the effectiveness of relief operations. The teams demonstrated adaptation and resourcefulness in dealing with flood-related tragedies by incorporating local resources.

Evacuation of Thousands of Lives:

The Indian Army has been at the forefront of flood relief operations for several years. Through their relentless efforts, they have successfully evacuated thousands of lives from flood-affected areas, providing critical assistance during times of crisis. The ‘Jal Rahat’ exercise demonstrated the Army’s dedication to safeguarding the safety and well-being of the impacted populace. By taking part in such exercises, the Army continues to improve its flood relief methods, techniques, and collaboration with other agencies.

Senior Dignitaries Witness the Event:

The ‘Jal Rahat’ exercise received high-level attention and support, as senior dignitaries from the Army, Civil, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), DC Offices of Bongaigaon and Chirang, and SSB were present to witness the event. Their presence emphasised the significance of the exercise and the importance of a coordinated response to flood mitigation. Senior officials’ presence facilitated excellent communication, cooperation, and shared learnings among all stakeholders involved.

World Hypertension Day 2023 Observed On 17th May

World Hypertension Day 2023: World Hypertension Day in 2023 was observed on May 17th. This annual event aims to raise awareness about hypertension, its causes, and the importance of prevention and management. It serves as a platform to educate the public about the risks associated with high blood pressure and to promote healthy lifestyle choices, regular physical activity, and proper medical care to prevent and control hypertension.

Theme of World Hypertension Day 2023

World Hypertension Day focuses on a distinct theme associated with hypertension prevention, treatment, or awareness every year. The emphasis on early detection, good lifestyle choices, and adherence to medical treatments is a common theme. This year’s theme is ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.’

Significance of World Hypertension Day 2023

For this year, the theme of World Hypertension Day is Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer. The low awareness of Hypertension among people creates the space for the condition to get more serious. When Hypertension is regularly measured and kept under check, the risk of other chronic illnesses also reduces significantly. High blood pressure symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. This day promotes public awareness of hypertension and the search for treatment options to conquer it. World Hypertension Day also helps in creating awareness about the healthy lifestyle choices that we can adapt to avoid hypertension.

History of World Hypertension Day 2023:

World Hypertension Day, observed annually on May 17th, aims to promote awareness about hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. The day was first established in 2005 by the World Hypertension League (WHL), an international organization that is dedicated to the prevention and control of hypertension.

Zomato Partners With ICICI Bank To Launch Zomato UPI, Streamlining Payments For Users

Zomato, a food and grocery delivery service, has announced a partnership with ICICI Bank to launch its own unified payments interface (UPI) offering dubbed Zomato UPI. With this new feature, Zomato aims to enhance the payment experience for its users by allowing them to complete orders and make payments seamlessly within the Zomato app, without the need to switch to a separate payment app.

Streamlining Payments with Zomato UPI:

Zomato UPI eliminates the hassle of redirecting users to external payment apps like Google Pay or PhonePe. Users may now sign up for a new UPI ID directly from the Zomato app. This feature ensures that customers can complete their orders and make payments on the same page, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Reducing Cash on Delivery (COD) Orders:

The introduction of Zomato UPI aims to minimise the company’s dependency on cash on delivery (COD) orders. COD orders are difficult to manage and incur additional fees for cash handling. Zomato aims to eliminate these obstacles and provide a more seamless payment experience for its consumers. With Zomato UPI, the company hopes that more customers will opt for digital UPI payments, moving away from the traditional COD option.

Enhanced Control and Customer Satisfaction:

Zomato UPI allows the company to have more control over the success rate of payments, reducing dependence on third-party payment apps and their functionality. By relying on its own UPI offering, Zomato can ensure a seamless payment experience for its customers and potentially increase customer satisfaction. This move comes as the meal delivery sector slows, making customer satisfaction an important component of maintaining a competitive edge.

Partnership with ICICI Bank:

Zomato has partnered with ICICI Bank, one of the largest private banks in India, to develop the necessary technology infrastructure for Zomato UPI. The agreement uses ICICI Bank’s expertise in digital payments and banking services to provide Zomato users with a secure and convenient payment solution. This collaboration exemplifies Zomato’s commitment to providing creative and user-friendly solutions to improve the entire customer experience.

Future Plans and Expansion:

Zomato UPI is currently in its pilot phase, allowing the company to assess adoption rates and customer engagement. Depending on the success and reception of the feature, Zomato may consider partnering with additional banks or proceed with a gradual rollout. The introduction of Zomato UPI marks a significant step towards reducing dependence on dominant players like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm, who currently control a significant share of the UPI market.

Mission Amrit Sarovar: Rejuvenating Water Bodies Nationwide for Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

Why the scheme is in the news?

A high-level conference was conducted, headed by Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, to review the progress, monitor, and ensure the quality of Mission Amrit Sarovar. The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, and Secretary of Rural Development from all States/Union Territories (UTs), the State Nodal officer for the Mission Amrit Sarovar, DM/DC/CEOs of over 700 districts, and District Nodal officers of the Mission.

What is Amrit Sarovar Mission?

As part of the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Amrit Sarovar Mission was launched on 24th April 2022 with the objective of developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district across the country. The mission is to produce 50,000 water bodies, each covering an acre or more and contributing to the protection and enhancement of water resources.

Ministries Involved:

The Amrit Sarovar Mission has been initiated with a comprehensive approach involving six Ministries/Departments, which are as follows:

Department of Rural Development
Department of land resources
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
Department of Water resources
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Changes

Technical Partner:

The Mission’s technical partner is the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N).

Collaborations with various Schemes

The Mission operates in collaboration with States and Districts, leveraging the refocused implementation of multiple schemes including Mahatma Gandhi NREGS, XV Finance Commission Grants, PMKSY sub schemes like Watershed Development Component, Har Khet Ko Pani, along with the respective State’s own schemes.

Target:

The target completion date for Mission Amrit Sarovar is August 15, 2023.
An estimated 50,000 Amrit Sarovar are planned to be constructed across the country.
Each of these Amrit Sarovars will be around 1 acre in size and have a water storage capacity of 10,000 cubic metres.
Active involvement and participation of the people is the key focus of the Mission.
Local freedom fighters, their families, the families of martyrs, Padma Awardees, and citizens from the local area where an Amrit Sarovar is to be constructed will be engaged at every stage of the project.
National Flag hoisting ceremonies will be held at each Amrit Sarovar site on the 15th of August.

Inauguration Of Online Education Program ‘Pahal’ For Rural Children

The online rural education initiative ‘Pahal’ was officially launched by Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra at Government UP Sainik Inter College in Sarojini Nagar. This programme, created in collaboration with the Department of Secondary Education and IIT Kanpur, intends to give education to rural areas using online platforms.

Overview of the news

In the initial phase of the program, 10 government secondary schools in the state will offer free online education as part of the ‘Pahal’ initiative.
During his speech, the chief secretary expressed his appreciation for the introduction of the online rural education program, considering it a positive and promising start.
The online classes will provide students from rural areas with up-to-date knowledge in the fields of science and mathematics. The rural online education programme was launched in 10 government schools in Uttar Pradesh as part of the occasion.
In the near future, this service will be extended to 40,000 schools across the state. Emphasizing the importance of skill, scale, and speed, Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated for these principles.
The approach entails acquiring knowledge, expanding its reach, and ultimately benefiting the entire population by leveraging technology. Mishra emphasised that reaching a broader audience will be possible only if the people of the state embrace and successfully use technology.

Nobel laureate and pioneering economist, robert E. Lucas Jr. Passes away

An American economist, Robert E. Lucas Jr. passed away at 85. He was honoured with the Nobel Prize in Economics for having developed and applied the hypothesis of rational expectations, and thereby having transformed macroeconomic analysis and deepened our understanding of economic policy in 1995.

He was well known for his investigations into the implications of the assumption of the rational expectations theory.

Kerala Launched Welfare Fund For Workers Under Employment Guarantee Scheme

Kerala becomes the first state in India to launch a welfare fund for Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers.

The workers who have completed the age of 60 will be entitled to a pension under this fund and it will also provide financial assistance for medical treatment, and other benefits. The workers need to pay a nominal monthly amount of Rs 50 as a contribution to the fund and the government will also contribute an equal amount.

Economist Ludovit Odor Appointed As Slovakia’s Caretaker Prime Minister

Economist Ludovit Odor was appointed as the interim prime minister of Slovakia, who will lead the country until early elections.

He is a politically independent economist who comes to the job straight from the board of the country’s central bank.

Odor and his caretaker cabinet were picked by President Zuzana Caputova.

Slovakia is a member of the European Union, the Euro Zone, and NATO. Slovakia is struggling with high inflation due to war in neighboring Ukraine.