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

May 23, 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 23 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 23 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 – 23 May 2023

International Day To End Obstetric Fistula 2023 Observed On 23 May

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2023

The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is observed on May 23. Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal that can develop when a woman has protracted, obstructed labour without medical care. It is a devastating childbirth injury that can cause lifelong physical and social problems for women.

The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula aims to increase awareness about this preventable and treatable ailment as well as mobilise support for women who are affected. The day provides an opportunity to advocate for increased investment in maternal healthcare, access to quality obstetric care, and the eradication of obstetric fistula.

History of International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

On May 23, 2013, the International Day to End Obstetric Fistulas was first observed. The United Nations General Assembly designated it to raise awareness about obstetric fistula and to advocate steps towards its prevention, treatment, and eventual abolition.

The resolution to establish the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was co-sponsored by more than 100 countries and received unanimous support from the UN General Assembly. The date of May 23rd was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the Campaign to End Fistula, which was launched in 2003 by the UNFPA and its partners.

About the Obstetric fistula

Obstetric fistula is a birth injury that happens when a hole or tear forms between a woman’s birth canal and her rectum or bladder due to protracted, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. It is primarily a consequence of inadequate healthcare services, particularly in low-resource settings.

Here are some key points about obstetric fistula:

Causes:

Prolonged, obstructed labour: When a woman goes through a lengthy and difficult labour, the pressure on the baby’s head can cause tissue damage, resulting in a fistula.
Lack of access to medical care: Inadequate access to skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, and cesarean sections can increase the risk of obstetric fistula.
Poverty and social factors: Women in poverty, with inadequate education and resources, are more likely to face barriers to proper maternity healthcare, making them more vulnerable to obstetric fistula.

Effects:

Incontinence: Urinary and/or faecal incontinence is the most prevalent symptom of obstetric fistula. Women are unable to control the flow of urine and/or feces, leading to constant leakage.
Physical discomfort and pain: Fistulas can cause irritation, infection, and inflammation in the affected areas, leading to pain and discomfort.
Social and psychological impact: Women with obstetric fistula often face social isolation, stigma, and discrimination due to the offensive odor and the perception of uncleanliness associated with their condition. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth.

Prevention and Treatment:

Access to quality maternal healthcare: Obestric fistula can be avoided by ensuring that women have access to trained birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, and caesarean sections when necessary.
Timely medical intervention: Prompt recognition and management of prolonged labor and obstructed labor are crucial in preventing fistulas.
Surgical repair: Obstetric fistulas can often be surgically repaired through a procedure called fistula repair surgery. Surgeons close the hole or tear, restoring normal urinary and/or bowel function.
Rehabilitation and support: Comprehensive care includes post-surgical rehabilitation, which involves physical therapy, counseling, and vocational training to help affected women reintegrate into society.

Global Efforts:

The Campaign to End Fistulas, led by the UNFPA, has been critical in increasing awareness, providing surgical treatments, training healthcare workers, and campaigning for policy reforms.
International organizations, governments, and NGOs work together to strengthen healthcare systems, improve access to maternal healthcare, and eliminate obstetric fistula.
The eradication of obstetric fistula requires a multi-faceted approach that includes improving healthcare infrastructure, ensuring universal access to quality maternal care, addressing socioeconomic factors, and empowering women through education and economic opportunities.

Neeraj Chopra Becomes World No.1 In Men’s Javelin Rankings

World No.1 in men’s javelin rankings

Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has risen to the top of the men’s javelin rankings for the first time. With 1455 points, Neeraj Chopra is 22 points ahead of Grenada’s Anderson Peters. The Indian javelin throw ace rose to World No. 2 on August 30, 2022, but has been locked behind Peters, the defending world champion, since then.

In 2022, Neeraj won the Diamond League 2022 finals in Zurich in September, which made him the first Indian athlete to do so. However, he was sidelined with an injury following his victory in Zurich. The Indian national record holder in men’s javelin throw, competed in the season-opening Doha Diamond League on May 5 and finished first with a throw of 88.67m. Anderson Peters finished third in Doha with a distance of 85.88m.

Neeraj will now compete in the FBK Games 2023 on June 4 in the Netherlands, as well as the Paavo Nurmi Games 2023 on June 13 in Turku, Finland. With the Olympics in Paris in 2024 approaching, Neeraj’s 2023 season promises to be vital. Neeraj will compete in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in addition to defending his Diamond League title and Asian Games javelin gold medal in Hangzhou.

TCS, ITI Get ₹15,700 Crore Advance Orders For 1 Lakh BSNL 4g Sites

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) has issued advance purchase orders worth Rs. 15,700 crore to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and ITI Ltd for the deployment of 100,000 4G stations, in a significant move. The long-awaited announcement brings an end to months of speculation, with TCS emerging as the favored candidate for the contract. This collaboration marks a crucial milestone in BSNL’s journey to upgrade its infrastructure and expand its network across the country.

ITI’s Role in Next-Generation Network Deployment

As part of the agreement, the state-run ITI will play a key role by deploying one-fifth of the 4G sites. ITI has a 20% reservation in BSNL’s next-generation network deployment, demonstrating the government’s commitment to boosting indigenous telecom players. This strategic partnership between ITI and BSNL further strengthens the indigenous telecom manufacturing capabilities of the country.

Circle-Wise Purchase Orders and Equipment Procurement

BSNL plans to issue circle-wise purchase orders to procure the necessary equipment for the 4G network expansion. The advance purchase orders (APOs) were officially issued on May 19, paving the way for the commencement of the project. This systematic approach ensures a streamlined and efficient implementation process for BSNL’s ambitious network modernization plans.

Closing the Gap with Private Rivals

While BSNL has been a major player in fixed line and wireless telephony and data services throughout India (with the exception of Mumbai and New Delhi), its private sector competitors have already built 4G services and have even launched 5G offers in select places. This collaboration with TCS and ITI signifies BSNL’s commitment to catching up with the rapidly evolving telecom landscape and providing advanced services to its customers.

TCS Consortium and Tejas Networks

TCS, India’s largest software exporter, will lead the consortium responsible for implementing the BSNL 4G project. The consortium includes Tejas Networks, a telecom gear manufacturing company within the Tata Group. Tejas Networks will supply and service the Radio Access Networks (RAN) equipment, further enhancing the domestic telecom manufacturing ecosystem.

Revenue Boost for TCS, Potential Margin Impact

This deal comes at a crucial time for TCS, as its major markets in the United States and Europe are experiencing a slowdown. Being the frontrunner in the BSNL 4G project, TCS stands to benefit from significant revenue growth. However, the involvement of multiple players in the project may potentially impact TCS’s profit margins, as the company shares responsibilities and revenues with other consortium members.

Japan ‘Seriously Looking’ At Joining India’s Upi Payments System

Japan is “seriously” considering adopting India’s UPI payments system as both governments want to promote digital cooperation through interoperability, with the digital payments system potentially facilitating cross-border payments. Japan and India aim to boost digital collaboration by creating interoperability through the real-time funds transfer system to ease digital payments.

The potential for Japan to join UPI is significant. It would be the system’s first large adoption, and it might help expand digital payments in both countries. It would also be an indication of India and Japan’s burgeoning digital collaboration.

Here are some of the benefits that Japan could gain from joining UPI:

Increased convenience: UPI is a very convenient way to make payments. Users can make instant payments to each other using their mobile phones, without having to go through a bank or other financial institution.
Reduced costs: UPI is a low-cost payment system, with transaction fees that are substantially lower than those imposed by traditional payment methods such as credit cards and bank transfers.
Increased security: UPI uses a variety of security measures to protect users’ data. These measures include two-factor authentication and encryption.
Improved interoperability: Because UPI is an open platform, it can be used by any bank or financial institution. This could help to promote interoperability between Japan’s payment system and other nations’ payment systems.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

Japan Prime minister: Fumio Kishida;
Japan Capital: Tokyo;
Japan Currency: Yen;

Blackstone Acquires International Gemological Institute

Blackstone acquires International Gemological Institute

International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest certification player for lab grown diamonds and the second largest certification player for natural diamonds, has been fully acquired by global private equity firm Blackstone. The $535 million transaction sees Blackstone acquire the 80% interest held by China-based investment firm Fosun, as well as the 20% holding held by Roland Lorie, a founding family member.

Blackstone acquires International Gemological Institute: Key Points

IGI has pioneered the certification of lab-grown diamonds, as well as that of natural diamonds and colored stones, providing confidence to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers globally.
Through the transaction, Blackstone will be able to offer its operational skills and technology capabilities to IGI’s global footprint of 29 laboratories and 18 schools of gemology spread across ten countries.
Industry estimates suggest that the global lab grown diamonds retail market is currently valued at $7 billion, and has experienced a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% between CY19-22.
Global natural diamond jewellery retail sales are estimated to be approximately $80 billion, with a CAGR of 3%. It is worth noting that India polishes 90% of raw diamonds.
However, since June 2020 and the start of a geopolitical standoff with China which resulted in Chinese firms withdrawing their investments in India, Fosun has been divesting its portfolio in the country.

This latest move represents one of the final investments from Fosun’s decade-long portfolio, following the sale of stakes in companies like Ixigo, Kissht, and Delhivery. Fosun is also looking to leave Trell, Gland Pharma, and other investments.

PM Modi Releases Tamil Classic ‘Thirukkural’ In Tok Pisin Language

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape released the Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’ in the Tok Pisin language.

Aim: To bring Indian thought and culture closer to the people of this southwestern Pacific nation.

Tok Pisin is the official language of Papua New Guinea. Thirukkural is a collection of couplets on ethics, political and economic matters, and love, is written by Poet Thiruvalluvar.

“Indian diaspora keeping alive connect with the motherland! PM@narendramodi & PM James Marape launched a translation of the Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’ in the Tok Pisin language of Papua New Guinea,” the Ministry of External Affairs tweeted. Co-authored by Subha Sasindran and Governor Sasindran Muthuvel of West New Britain Province, the book brings Indian thought and culture closer to the people of Papua New Guinea, it said. “In Papua New Guinea, PM James Marape and I had the honour of releasing the Thirukkural in Tok Pisin language. Thirukkural is an iconic work, which provides valuable insights across different subjects,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

Indian Athlete Shaili Singh Bags Bronze Medal At Golden Grand Prix 2023

Indian athlete Shaili Singh clinched a bronze medal at the Golden Grand Prix 2023 athletics meet in the women’s long jump in Japan.

The thrilling competition took place on May 21, where Shaili Singh showcased her prowess with a remarkable jump of 6.65 meters, securing her spot on the podium at the Yokohama meet. This World Athletics Continental Tour gold label event witnessed some of the world’s finest athletes vying for supremacy, and Shaili’s performance solidified her position among the elite.

Expressing her joy and gratitude, Shaili took to Twitter and shared, “I’m really happy to tell you all that I got my first major Grand Prix medal (senior) today, and it’s a bronze in Japan. Thanks to my coach, all well-wishers, my sponsors, TOPS, AFI, Sai Bangalore NCOE, OGQ, and Anju Bobby Sports Foundation. Thank you!”

The top podium spot was claimed by Germany’s Maryse Luzolo, who soared to an impressive 6.79 meters, clinching the gold medal. Australia’s Brooke Buschkuehl secured the silver medal with her commendable 6.77-meter leap, making it a closely contested battle for the top honors.

SPACEX Sends Saudi Astronauts, Including First Arab Woman, To ISS

Saudi Arabia’s Rayyanah Barnawi has made history as the first Arab woman astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the private Ax-2 mission.

She is a breast cancer researcher and was joined on the mission by fellow Saudi Ali Al-Qarni, a fighter pilot. The Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) crew took off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The team also includes Peggy Whitson and John Shoffner.

The mission is not Saudi Arabia’s first foray into space. In 1985, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, an air force pilot, took part in a US-organized space voyage. But the space mission involving a Saudi woman is the latest move by the oil-rich Gulf kingdom.

Among the team of four astronauts, the two other included Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut, and John Shoffner, a businessman from Tennessee who is serving as a pilot. Among the four Whitson is the most experienced astronaut, it is her 4th flight to the ISS. The private mission was organised by Axiom Space. The astronauts rocketed toward the ISS in a chartered multimillion-dollar flight in the US.

PM Modi Conferred With The Highest Honours Of Fiji And Papua New Guinea

PM Modi has been conferred with the highest honors by Fiji and Papua New Guinea. He was conferred with the “The Companion of the Order of Fiji” by his Fijian PM, Sitiveni Rabuka for his global leadership.

While Papua New Guinea conferred its highest civilian order, Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu for championing the cause of unity of Pacific Island countries. PM Modi is on a visit to Papua New Guinea to attend the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit.

Prime Minister Modi Unveils Mahatma Gandhi Bust In Hiroshima

During the visit to Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan on 20 May 2023. The Mahatma Gandhi bust has been gifted by the Government of India to the city of Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between India and Japan.

The 42 inches tall bronze bust has been sculpted by Padma Bhushan awardee Ram Vanji Sutar. The bust site, adjacent to the Motoyasu River, is close to the iconic A-Bomb Dome.

The location has been chosen as a mark of solidarity for peace and non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi dedicated his life to peace and non-violence. The location truly resonates with the principles and life of Gandhiji, which continue to inspire the world and its leaders.