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 7&8 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 7&8 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 – 7&8 May 2023
World Thalassemia Day 2023 Celebrates On 08th May
World Thalassaemia Day 2023
The 8th of May is World Thalassaemia Day, a special day dedicated to raise awareness of a hereditary condition known as Thalassaemia. This condition causes the body to create insufficient levels of haemoglobin, which is required for oxygen transport in the blood. Individuals with Thalassaemia inherit this condition, and it results in reduced levels of oxygen-carrying proteins in their blood. The goal of World Thalassaemia Day is to raise awareness and understanding of this blood illness, as well as to show support for individuals who suffer from it.
World Thalassaemia Day-Theme
The theme for this year’s International Thalassaemia Day is “Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassaemia Care Gap.” The theme aims to improve individuals’ understanding and expertise of the disease, with the goal of closing the gap in thalassaemia care. The focus is on improving the skills and knowledge of patients to empower them to take control of their health and manage the condition more effectively.
World Thalassaemia Day-Significance
World Thalassaemia Day holds significant importance as it is dedicated to raising awareness about a genetic blood disorder called Thalassaemia. The day serves as an opportunity to educate people about the disease, its causes, and symptoms, and to encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles that can help prevent the onset of Thalassaemia. The day is particularly important in emphasising the difficulties that people with Thalassaemia encounter and emphasising the significance of providing them with appropriate care and support. Additionally, World Thalassaemia Day serves as a reminder to society about the need for continued research and development in the field of Thalassaemia treatment and management.
World Thalassaemia Day-History
The Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF), a non-profit organization that represents individuals and families affected by Thalassaemia worldwide, established and organized the first World Thalassaemia Day in 1994. Mr Panos Englezos, Thalassaemia sufferers and their parents from the United Kingdom, the United States, Greece, Italy, and Cyprus created the TIF in 1986. The day was created in memory of Mr Panos’ son, George, who had passed away due to Thalassaemia. Since then, World Thalassaemia Day is observed annually on May 8th to raise awareness about Thalassaemia and its impact on individuals and families worldwide.
About the Thalassaemia:
Thalassaemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Haemoglobin is composed of two proteins: alpha and beta globin. Thalassaemia is caused by a mutation in one or both of the genes that produce alpha or beta globin, resulting in diminished or missing production of one or both forms of globin. This leads to a shortage of haemoglobin, causing anaemia and other related complications.
There are two main types of Thalassaemia: alpha Thalassaemia and beta Thalassaemia.
- Alpha Thalassaemia occurs when there is a problem with the alpha globin gene, resulting in a reduced production of alpha globin.
- Beta Thalassaemia, on the other hand, occurs when there is a problem with the beta globin gene, leading to reduced or absent production of beta globin.
The severity of Thalassaemia depends on the specific genetic mutation and the number of genes affected. Individuals who inherit one mutated gene are carriers and do not usually exhibit symptoms of the disorder. However, those who inherit two mutated genes, one from each parent, will develop Thalassaemia and experience various symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, and jaundice.
Thalassaemia is more common in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian communities. There is currently no cure for Thalassaemia, but treatment options include blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, and gene therapy. Early diagnosis and management of Thalassaemia are essential to improve the quality of life of individuals with the disorder.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Thalassaemia International Federation: Nicosia, Cyprus;
- Thalassaemia International Federation President: Mr. Panos Egglezos;
- Thalassaemia International Federation Established: 1986.
Getvantage Secures NBFC Licence From RBI
GetVantage secures NBFC licence
GetVantage, a fintech platform offering alternative financing solutions, has obtained an NBFC licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Its lending operations will be managed by its NBFC subsidiary, GetGrowth Capital. The platform intends to raise a total of 200 crore to grow its lending operations, with 50 crore already invested by investors like Chiratae Ventures, InCred, Sony, and DI.
GetVantage secures NBFC licence: Key Points
- Founder and CEO Bhavik Vasa said the licence “reinforces our commitment to providing innovative and accessible financing solutions to the emerging SME sector in India.”
- The addition of NBFC will not only enhance the revenue pipeline of the three-year-old FinTech but also allow the co-investment feature with other financial institutions such as banks, NBFCs, and debt funds. Moreover, it will enable GetVantage to serve clients directly instead of solely operating as a loan service provider (LSP).
- GetVantage has become part of a limited number of fintech companies that have obtained an NBFC licence.
- GetVantage wants to inject INR 50 crore into its NBFC and secure a total of INR 200 crore in funding from investors including Chiratae Ventures, Varanium, InCred, DMI, and Japanese investors Sony and DI.
The company has set its sights on disbursing over INR 500 crore annually in short-term working capital finance and providing funding to 1,000+ emerging SMEs across India within the next 18 months.
HDFC Bank Launched Programme for Bharat, To Onboard 1 Lakh Customers
HDFC Bank launched programme for Bharat, to onboard 1 lakh customers
HDFC Bank has launched a retail banking initiative called ‘Vishesh‘ aimed at customers in semi-urban and rural areas. Through the strategy, which includes expanding its branch network and producing specialised financial solutions for the target niche, the bank hopes to acquire approximately 100,000 new customers. HDFC Bank plans to add 675 branches in rural and semi-urban areas by 2024, with the total number expected to reach almost 5,000.
HDFC Bank launched programme for Bharat: Key Points
- The bank has already created a ‘Classic’ programme for HNI customers, which will be hived off under the new scheme.
- Features of the Vishesh programme include personal bankers, discounts on processing fees and access to healthcare.
- Furthermore, the bank will engage with rural seniors such as teachers and key officials who are instrumental to village growth.
- The programme includes a personal banker allocated to each member, expandable coverage for up to 8 family members, and up to a 50% savings on gold loan processing fees and a once-a-year valuation charge waiver.
- Additionally, processing fees for construction equipment, tractors, personal, business, auto, and two-wheeler loans are eligible for up to a 50% reduction.
HDFC Bank’s programme for Bharat: Benefits
Beyond financial benefits, the program also offers daily Hospicash benefits for up to 5 days, an annual preventive health check-up allowance of up to Rs 3,000, an annual complimentary and cashless health check-up, unlimited TeleHealth consultation, and agritech services such as soil testing, agri advisory, drone spraying, and agri machinery rental available through partnerships.
The program also includes a distinctive customer engagement model where rural seniors such as sarpanches, teachers, and other key officials are acknowledged for their vital contributions to village growth and progress.
World Red Cross Day 2023 Observed On 8th May
World Red Cross 2023
Every year on May 8th, World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, who founded the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and was the first person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a worldwide humanitarian network that operates in almost every country across the globe. The network offers aid and support to people in need during various emergencies, conflicts, disasters, and other crises. The movement strives to alleviate human suffering, safeguard human dignity, and promote health, peace, and overall well-being.
World Red Cross 2023- Theme
For 2023, the theme of World Red Cross Day is “Everything we do comes from the heart.” The goal is to recognise and honour those in our communities who are always willing to help others in need, often without receiving any recognition or praise. The focus is on honoring those individuals who selflessly extend a helping hand to those in distress, demonstrating the true spirit of compassion and kindness that lies at the heart of the Red Cross movement.
World Red Cross 2023-Significance
The primary objective of World Red Cross Day is to recognize and celebrate the humanitarian work accomplished by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement at an international level. It provides an excellent opportunity to educate people about the organization’s principles, mission, and undertakings, and to appreciate the dedication and bravery of its volunteers and employees. The importance of humanity, empathy, and unity during times of disaster is also emphasised on World Red Cross Day. It highlights the critical role played by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in offering humanitarian aid and advancing humanitarian values throughout the world.
World Red Cross 2023-History
World Red Cross Day has its origins in the efforts of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. The history of World Red Cross Day can be traced back to the establishment of the Red Cross movement itself.
During the Second Italian War of Independence, Henry Dunant witnessed the suffering of injured troops on the battlefield of Solferino, Italy. Shocked by the lack of medical attention and support, he organised local residents to help the injured, regardless of nation. World Red Cross Day has its roots in World War I, where the notion of an annual commemoration to honour those who contributed to global peace was initially suggested. The Tokyo conference in 1936 approved the proposal named the “Red Cross Truce,” but the League of Red Cross Societies (LRCS) postponed it until after World War II in 1946. The first-ever Red Cross Day was eventually observed on May 8, 1948.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- International Committee of the Red Cross Founder: Henry Dunant;
- International Committee of the Red Cross President: Mirjana Spoljaric Egger;
- International Committee of the Red Cross Founded: 17 February 1863, Geneva, Switzerland;
- International Committee of the Red Cross Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
Border Roads Organization Project Dantak 64th Raising Day
The Border Roads Organisation Project Dantak is an overseas project of India’s Ministry of Defence that was founded on April 24, 1961, as a result of an agreement between Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Bhutan’s third king, and then-Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. Project Dantak has been instrumental in developing infrastructure and providing connectivity in remote areas of Bhutan.
History and Milestones:
Project Dantak was primarily tasked with constructing motorable roads in Bhutan. In 1968, it completed the road connecting Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang, and in the same year, Thimphu was connected to Phuentsholing by Dantak. These pioneering projects were essential in connecting the remote areas of Bhutan to the rest of the world, promoting trade and commerce, and improving the living standards of people living in the region.
Since then, Project Dantak has completed several important projects, including the Paro Airport, Yonphula Airfield, Thimphu – Trashigang Highway, telecommunication and hydro power infrastructure, Sherubtse College, Kanglung, and India House Estate. These projects have significantly contributed to the growth and development of Bhutan.
Recruitment and Employment:
Project Dantak recruits local workers from Bhutan as well as Indian workers from adjoining districts along the India-Bhutan border. This approach has not only helped to provide employment opportunities for the local population but has also helped to build a strong bond between India and Bhutan.
Impact and Recognition:
Project Dantak has been instrumental in transforming the infrastructure and connectivity of Bhutan. Its efforts have led to better trade and commerce, improved access to healthcare and education, and a better standard of living for the people of Bhutan. The project has also been recognized for its contribution to the development of Bhutan by the Bhutanese government.
Uttar Pradesh to Get Its First Pharma Park in Lalitpur District
Uttar Pradesh to get its first Pharma Park in Lalitpur district:
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the establishment of the state’s first Pharma Park in Lalitpur district of Bundelkhand. The project will require the transfer of 1500 hectares of land from the Animal Husbandry Department to the Industrial Development Department. The government has allocated a budget of Rs 1560 crore for the development and provision of necessary facilities to investors in Lalitpur Pharma Park.
To begin with, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared soon after selecting a consultant for the development of the Pharma Park. Entrepreneurs who establish units in the Pharma Park will benefit from a number of incentives, including a 100% exemption from stamp duty on land purchases, capital subsidies, labourer housing building, and and employment generation.
Medical Device Park in Gautam Buddha Nagar:
Apart from the Pharma Park, the Uttar Pradesh government is also setting up a Medical Device Park on 350 acres of land at the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YIDA) in Gautam Buddha Nagar. The park is located in Sector 28 of YIDA, where plots have been allotted to 50 entrepreneurs so far.
The government has made complete preparations to connect the Medical Device Park with metro, expressway, transport city, and bullet train. The Medical Device Park will also have a flatted plant with a common hydrant facility. In addition, a proposal has been made to establish a police station in the region to help entrepreneurs.
Investment proposals worth Rs 16,420 crore in the medical devices manufacturing sector:
The state has received investment proposals worth Rs 16,420 crore in the medical devices manufacturing sector at the Global Investors Summit (GIS) held in February this year. A total of 175 MoUs have been signed in this area, with most investors expressing their willingness to set up units in the Medical Device Park and Pharma Park.
Benefits for Entrepreneurs:
The government will provide various benefits to entrepreneurs who establish units in the Pharma Park and Medical Device Park, including a 100% exemption from stamp duty on property purchases, capital subsidies, and the development of labourer housing. The government aims to encourage investment in the medical devices manufacturing sector and create employment opportunities for the people of Uttar Pradesh.
Border Haat between India and Bangladesh Inaugurated at Bholaganj In Sylhet
On 6 May a newborder-haat was inaugurated between India and Bangladesh at Bholaganj under Companyganj Upazila of Sylhet.
An overview of the news
Bangladesh’s Minister for Migrant Welfare and Overseas Employment Imran Ahmed and India’s Assistant High Commissioner Neeraj Kumar Jaiswal jointly inaugurated the border-haat. The opening of the border haat at Bholaganj on theborder between Sylhet in Bangladesh and the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya was greeted with great enthusiasm by people on both sides of the border.
This is the fourth border haat in Sylhet division, out of which three are currently functioning. There are plans to open three more border haats in Sylhet division. The Border Haat will open from 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Bholaganj Border Haat will have 26 stalls from India and 24 stalls from Bangladesh, where traditional items from both the countries will be sold duty free. The first border haats were inaugurated in 2011 at Kalaichar in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya and Kurigram in Bangladesh.
Charles iii Crowned As The King Of UK At Historic Ceremony In London
Charles III has taken his oath and been crowned King in a ceremony in London witnessed by over two thousand guests and dignitaries in Westminster Abbey.
The Archbishop of Canterbury placed the St Edward’s Crown on the King’s head during a ceremony at Westminster Abbey and after the King was crowned, his wife Camilla was crowned as the Queen.
King had taken the solemn oath to govern the United Kingdom people with justice and mercy.
WHO Declares End To Covid-19 Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that Covid-19 is no longer a global public health emergency.
It represents a major step towards ending the pandemic & comes 3 years after it first declared its highest level of alert over the virus. WHO’s emergency committee first declared that Covid represented its highest level of alert more than three years ago, on 30th January 2020.
WHO’s headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
On 6 May, Ins Magar Decommissioned after 36 Years of Glorious Service
INS Magar, the first amphibious warfare ship, was finally decommissioned after 36 years of service to the nation. The decommissioning ceremony of the INS Magar, carrying the naval designation of Landing Ship Tank (LST), Large (L) for its ability to carry tanks and other weapons, was held at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, on 6 May. The chief guest for the event was Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande.
On April 10, 2018, the ship changed its base port to Kochi from Vishakhapatnam for training sea officers, after decades of active operational deployment.
INS Magar was built by the Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and was commissioned on July 15, 1987. INS Magar is 120 metres long and has a beam of 17.5 metres. It was deployed for milestone operations like Operation Pawan to support Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka. INS Magar also served as Humanitarian Aid Disaster Response (HADR), the latest operation was the evacuation of Indians from Malé (capital of Maldives) in 2020 following the Covid pandemic. But, the most notable operation was in the wake of the 2004 tsunami, in which the ship provided relief to more than 1,300 survivors.
