5 April 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 5 April 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 5 April 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 – 5 April 2023
National Maritime Day 2023 observed on 05th April
National Maritime Day 2023: In India, National Maritime Week begins on March 30 and concludes on April 5 with National Maritime Day. The event, which celebrates India’s significant contribution to the maritime industry and its history as a seafaring nation, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. National Maritime Day plays a crucial role in promoting awareness about India’s maritime heritage and current role in supporting the country’s economy. The day is an opportunity to thank the sailors who work tirelessly at sea, often spending months away from their families, to keep the industry running smoothly.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
National Maritime Day 2023: Theme
Although the theme for this year’s National Maritime Day in India has yet to be announced, the theme for National Maritime Week 2023 has been revealed as “Amrit Kaal in Shipping.” The phrase “Golden Era in Shipping” refers to the 25-year period between India’s 75th and 100th years of independence. The theme emphasizes the potential for significant progress and development in the Indian maritime industry during this period, leading to a ‘golden era’ for the sector.
National Maritime Day: History
National Maritime Day in India has its roots in the country’s rich maritime history, which dates back to ancient times. The Rig Vedas mention Indian ships and the country’s trade with western Asia. In ancient India, the Gangaridai Empire, the Chola dynasty, and the Mauryan Empire were all powerful maritime civilizations. In modern times, National Maritime Day in India commemorates the maiden voyage of the first Indian steamship, the S.S. Loyalty, of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd. in 1919 from Mumbai to London. The Scindia dynasty of Gwalior owned the company, which was the second-oldest shipping company in India.
India’s maritime history includes many notable achievements, such as the discovery of a dry dock in Lothal, Gujarat, dating back to 2400 BC, which is believed to be the oldest in the world. The Marathas, led by Chatrapati Shivaji, also became a formidable maritime force, resisting British and Portuguese rule for over 40 years.
International Day of Conscience 2023: 05th April
International Day of Conscience 2023: International Conscience Day is celebrated on April 5 to promote peace. To lead a conscientious life, one must respect human rights and dignity as well as protect other living beings. Below, we look at the history and significance of International Day of Conscience. Conscience is the ability of a person to distinguish between what’s right and what’s wrong. The ability guides a person to be compassionate and mindful of their actions. Conscience enables people to have a moral compass and to protect the weak.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
International Day of Conscience 2023: Significance
The International Day of Conscience is a relatively new observance, having been established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019. Every year on April 5th, the day is observed to raise awareness about the importance of conscience and its role in personal decision-making, as well as to promote peace, justice, and sustainable development. The significance of the International Day of Conscience lies in its recognition of the power of individual conscience to promote positive change in the world. Conscience refers to the inner voice that guides our ethical and moral decisions, encouraging us to act with integrity and empathy towards others. The observance seeks to inspire individuals to reflect on their own conscience and to act in accordance with its principles.
The day also emphasizes the importance of promoting a culture of peace and non-violence, in which respect for diversity and human rights is prioritized. The International Day of Conscience emphasises the importance of individuals and societies working together to create a more just and sustainable world by recognising the role of conscience in promoting these values.
International Day of Conscience: History
The Declaration of International Day of Conscience was launched at the United Nations in New York on February 5th, 2019 by the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), which is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting peace and love worldwide. The Kingdom of Bahrain proposed a draught resolution titled “Promoting the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience,” which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on July 25th, 2019, during its 73rd session, declaring April 5th as the International Day of Conscience.
Israel launches new Ofek-13 spy satellite into orbit
Israel launches new Ofek-13 spy satellite into orbit: Israel successfully launched a new spy satellite, Ofek-13, into orbit on April 5th, 2023. Ofek-13, which was launched from the Palmachim Airbase in central Israel, is designed to provide advanced intelligence capabilities to Israel’s military and intelligence agencies.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Israel’s Ofek series spy satellites:
The Ofek-13 satellite is the latest addition to Israel’s Ofek series of spy satellites, which have been in operation since 1988. The satellite is said to have advanced capabilities, including high-resolution imaging and the ability to transmit real-time intelligence to ground stations.
Middle-East on the boil and the launch of Ofek-13:
The launch of the Ofek-13 satellite comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East are high, with Israel facing security threats from a variety of sources, including Iran and its regional proxies. The satellite is expected to provide the Israeli military with vital intelligence on potential threats to its security.
Significance of The Ofek-13 satellite:
In addition to military applications, the Ofek-13 satellite is expected to be used for civilian purposes such as monitoring natural resources such as water and agricultural land, as well as assisting in disaster relief efforts.
The successful launch of the Ofek-13 satellite is a significant achievement for Israel’s aerospace industry. Israel is a world leader in satellite technology, with a range of advanced capabilities in areas such as communications, navigation, and remote sensing.
The launch of the Ofek-13 satellite is also expected to have far-reaching consequences for the Middle East region and beyond. The satellite’s advanced capabilities may increase Israel’s intelligence-gathering capabilities, which could have implications for regional security and stability.
Ofek-13 satellite and Israel’s technological edge:
Overall, the launch of the Ofek-13 satellite is a demonstration of Israel’s commitment to maintaining its technological edge in the face of security challenges. The satellite’s advanced capabilities are likely to play a key role in enhancing Israel’s intelligence-gathering capabilities and providing vital support to its military and civilian agencies.
PM SVANidhi Scheme: Loans to Minority Street Vendors Remain Low
Ministry of Housing shares PM SVANidhi loan data: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha that 42.7 lakh loans worth 5,152.37 crore have been disbursed to street vendors under the PM SVANidhi scheme. Surprisingly, only 9.3% of these loans, totaling 3.98 lakh, were granted to hawkers from minority communities.
To assist street vendors in overcoming the economic difficulties caused by the pandemic, the government launched the PM SVANidhi micro-credit scheme in 2020. This initiative provides collateral-free loans of ₹10,000, with 7% interest subsidy, and subsequent loans of ₹20,000 and ₹50,000.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Decline in loans to minority street vendors
According to the data provided by the Ministry in response to MP Dr. John Brittas’ inquiry, the proportion of loans granted to street vendors from minority communities has decreased year on year. Minorities received 2,10,457 loans in 2020-21, but only 98,973 and 88,609 loans in 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively, with the lowest percentage of 7.76% in 2022-23.
Dr. Brittas expressed concern over the data, stating that it paints a bleak picture for minority street vendors. He emphasized that although minorities make up approximately 20% of the country’s total population, they are significantly represented among street vendors due to various socio-economic factors.
State-wise disbursal of loans under PM SVANidhi Scheme aligned with population
The Ministry’s data reveals that loans have been distributed in a state-wise manner, with Uttar Pradesh granting the highest number of loans at 11,22,397, while Sikkim issued only one loan. Furthermore, Uttar Pradesh has also issued the most loans to hawkers from minority communities, totaling 95,032.
RBI appoints Neeraj Nigam as executive director
RBI appoints Neeraj Nigam as executive director: On April 3, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the appointment of Neeraj Nigam as the new executive director (ED). Nigam was previously the regional director of the bank’s Bhopal office and will now take on his new role as ED. The RBI made this announcement through a press release.
With over thirty years of experience, Neeraj Nigam has worked in various roles such as regulation and supervision, human resource management, premises, currency management, and bank accounts at both the central office and regional offices of the RBI. As executive director, he will be in charge of the departments of financial inclusion and development, consumer education and protection, as well as the legal and secretary units.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Neeraj Nigam completed his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Barkatullah University, Bhopal. Additionally, he holds a professional degree from the Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (CAIIB). Neeraj Nigam has spent more than 30 years at the RBI, working in departments such as Regulation and Supervision, Human Resource Management, Premises, Currency Management, and Bank Accounts. He has worked in both the Central Office and Regional Offices of the RBI.
India and Romania sign first Defence Cooperation Agreement
Romania’s Deputy Defence Minister meets with Indian Defence Secretary: Simona Cojocaru, Romania’s deputy defence minister, recently met with India’s defence secretary, Giridhar Aramane, in New Delhi, where the two countries signed their first Defense Cooperation Agreement. Cojocaru emphasised the significance of the pact, saying that it would provide the basis for expanding their military relationship and offering opportunities to work together in various fields. She also mentioned that Romania and India had already worked together in a multinational setting, such as UN missions, and emphasised their joint contribution to enhancing stability and strengthening peace and security.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
Importance of the Defence Pact
Cojocaru also acknowledged the challenging times they were living in, with the multilateral system in crisis. She believed that Romania and India, as NATO and EU members, with the world’s fifth-largest economy and one of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, could play a constructive role in overcoming these challenges and strengthening democratic societies based on UN Charter principles and values.
Solidarity with Ukraine Against Russian Aggression
Regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Cojocaru condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against a sovereign and independent country, which brought numerous challenges threatening stability and security in the region. She stated that Romania, along with like-minded partners, responded in solidarity and unity against tyranny, dictatorship, and the distortion of European history. Cojocaru expressed her country’s full solidarity with Ukraine, mourning the loss of human lives due to indiscriminate attacks by Russian forces against Ukrainian villages and towns.
Anjali Sharma conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, wearing Luanchari
Anjali Sharma conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, wearing Luanchari: Anjali Sharma has made her state and country proud by successfully scaling the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in South Africa while wearing a traditional Gaddi dress (Luanchadi). She is the first Indian woman to accomplish this feat while dressed in a Gaddi costume, and her goal is to spread Gaddi culture on mountain peaks. Anjali had previously climbed a peak of 5289 metres at the age of 15, as well as Hanuman Tibba and Pahar Deo, both of which were over 6001 metres in height. The Gaddi dress, or Luanchadi, is a traditional costume from the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
About the Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in Tanzania, East Africa. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain in the world, with its summit reaching an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. Mount Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a popular destination for hikers and climbers from all over the world. Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira are three distinct volcanic cones that make up the mountain. Kibo is the highest and most well-known of the three cones, and it is the one that climbers ascend in order to reach the summit. The mountain’s ecosystems are diverse, including rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging and rewarding experience, requiring physical and mental stamina as well as careful planning and preparation.
India could become world’s second-largest solar manufacturer by 2026
India could become world’s second-largest solar manufacturer by 2026: With 110 gigawatts (GW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) module capacity set to come online in the next three years, India will quickly become self-sufficient and the second-largest PV manufacturing country after China, finds a new joint report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and JMK Research & Analytics.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
“The future of the Indian PV manufacturing sector is bright. The favourable policy environment created by the Indian government is helping the PV manufacturing industry to grow rapidly, which is evident in the frequent announcements of expansions or new investments in the sector,” says the report’s co-author Vibhuti Garg, Director, South Asia, IEEFA.
India’s cumulative module manufacturing nameplate capacity more than doubled from 18GW in March 2022 to 38GW in March 2023. In terms of upcoming PV manufacturing installations, Gujarat would be the leading state in India.
Oscar-winning Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto passes away
Oscar-winning Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto passes away: Ryuichi Sakamoto, the Japanese musician whose remarkably eclectic career straddled pop, experimentalism and Oscar-winning film composition, has died aged 71.
Sakamoto had twice been diagnosed with cancer. In 2014, he took a year off from music as he recovered from throat cancer, describing the illness as “the most harsh, physically painful time in my life”.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
He was a Japanese composer, record producer, and actor who pursued a diverse range of styles as a solo artist and as a member of Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO).
As a film-score composer, he won an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Grammy, and two Golden Globe Awards. He won an Academy Award with his score for the 1987 period epic “The Last Emperor”.
World Bank: India’s economy to slow in FY24, GDP growth seen at 6.3%
World Bank: India’s economy to slow in FY24, GDP growth seen at 6.3%: SLOWER CONSUMPTION growth and challenging external conditions has prompted the World Bank to pare the country’s growth rate for 2023-24 to 6.3 per cent in its latest India Development Update compared with the earlier estimate of 6.6 per cent.
“Rising borrowing costs and slower income growth will weigh on private consumption growth, and government consumption is projected to grow at a slower pace due to the withdrawal of pandemic-related fiscal support measures,” the update released Tuesday said.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
The report estimates India’s inflation to moderate from 6.6% to 5.5% in the current fiscal. The Current Account Deficit (CAD) is expected to be 5.2% in FY24. The Economic Survey had projected a growth of 6.5% for the current fiscal while RBI’s latest projection pegs growth for FY24 at 6.4%.