Daily Current Affairs and GK | 11 May 2023

Topic: Reports and Indices/Ranking

1. As per UN Study, India is on the top of 10 countries list that together account for 60 per cent of global maternal deaths.

• According to a United Nations report, India is leading the list of 10 counties that together account for 60 per cent of global maternal deaths, stillbirths and newborn deaths, and 51 per cent of live births globally.
• This report has been released at the ongoing ‘International Maternal Newborn Health Conference’ (IMNHC 2023).
• As per the report, 4.5 million deaths — maternal deaths (0.29 million), stillbirths (1.9 million) and newborn deaths (2.3 million) occurred in 2020-21.
• According to the first-ever joint Every Newborn action Plan (ENAP) and Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality (EPMM) progress tracking report, global progress has slowed in deaths of pregnant women, mothers and babies in the last eight years.
• Global progress has slowdown due to decreasing investments in maternal and newborn health.
• The largest number of newborn and maternal deaths has been witnessed in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia regions.
• In 2020, 7,88,000 maternal deaths, stillbirths and neonatal deaths occurred in India.
• India is followed by Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and China.
• India is responsible for 17 per cent of global live births which could be a factor for the large number of maternal deaths, stillbirths and neonatal deaths.
• Women and new borns need access to high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare before, during, and after childbirth in order to boost survival rates.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

2. Union Minister Smriti Irani launched the 'Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi' scheme.

• The main aim of the 'Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi' scheme is to strengthen Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
• 'Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi' scheme will help in making world's largest, universal, high-quality preschool network in India.
• Its main target is the overall development of children in every domain that is mentioned in the National Curriculum Framework.
• It will help in the physical and motor development, cognitive development, and socio-emotional-ethical development of children.
• EECE is the main component of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (Mission Poshan 2.0).
• Union Minister Smriti Irani said that the government is trying to upgrade more than 117,000 mini-Anganwadi centers into full-fledged centres.
• The launch event of the scheme was attended by 800 Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) functionaries from different states.
• 1.39 million operational Anganwadi centers across India are providing supplementary nutrition and early care and education to around 80 million children.

Topic: Environment and Ecology

3. “Harit Sagar” the Green Port Guidelines 2023 launched to achieve Zero Carbon Emission Goal.

• On 10 May, it has been launched by Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal at a function in New Delhi.
• In order to fulfil the Ministry's larger vision of achieving zero carbon emissions, the guidelines were launched.
• The Guidelines envisage enhancing the ecosystem performance in port development, operation and maintenance with the concept of 'working with nature' and minimizing the impact on the biotic components of the port ecosystem.
• The initiative emphasizes on use of clean/green energy in port operations, development of port capacity for storage, efficient management and safe use of green fuels like green hydrogen, green ammonia, green methanol/ethanol etc.
• These guidelines provide a framework for major ports to prepare a comprehensive action plan to achieve targeted outcomes in terms of quantitative reduction in carbon emissions in a stipulated time frame.
• It focuses on the implementation and close monitoring of green initiatives and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• It covers key points of National Green Hydrogen Mission related to ports, development of green hydrogen facility, storage of LNG, harnessing of onshore wind energy etc. and provides opportunity for adoption of Green Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard.
• Some important awards:
  • The Best Absolute Performance Award for the year 2022-23 has been awarded to Deendayal Port, Kandla for handling the highest ever cargo of 137.56 MMT.
  • Paradip Port has received the award for Best Performance shield on Ship Berth Day Output.
  • Kamarajar Port has been adjudged successful in pre-berthing detention time.
  • Cochin Port has been given the trophy for better performance in turn-around-time (non-container port).
  • Best Incremental Performance Award was given to Paradip Port for achieving highest cargo growth rate of 16.56% last year.
  • In the incremental category, Mormugao Port has been given another award for the best Ship Berth Day Output.
  • Kamarajar Port has been awarded for Best Pre-Berthing Detention Time.

(Source: News on Air)

Topic: Summits/Conference/Meetings

4. First meeting of the Steering Committee of the Deep Sea Mission organized in New Delhi.

• On 10 May, The Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired the first-ever high-level Steering Committee Meeting of Deep Ocean Mission at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi.
• During the meeting, he said that in the years to come, the "Blue Economy" would be a major contributor to India's overall economy and the Deep Sea Mission announced by Prime Minister would be a key component of this.
• Apart from the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, the Union Ministers of State for Environment, External Affairs, Defense and Finance were included in the committee.
• Deep Sea Mission is a high-level multi-ministerial, multi-disciplinary program for better understanding of living and non-living resources living in the deep sea of the Indian Ocean.
• This will prove to be helpful in India's efforts to achieve blue economy status.
• In September 2021, the deep-sea Mission was approved.
• The estimated cost of the mission is Rs 4047 crore for 5 years.
• It will be implemented in two phases with the first phase costing Rs 2823.40 crore - three years, and the second phase costing Rs 1223.60 crore which will be spent after successful review of the first phase.
• The Deep Ocean Mission consists of 6 themes:
  • Development of Technology for deep sea mining, manned submersible and underwater robotics
  • Development of Ocean and climate change Advisory services
  • Technology innovations for exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity
  • Deep Ocean survey and exploration
  • Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean
  • Advanced marine station for Ocean Biology

(Source: News on Air)

Topic: Sports

5. World Boxing Championships: Indian boxers won historic three medals.

• On 10 May, Indian boxers ensured three medals at the World Boxing Championships for the first time by reaching the semi-finals in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
• India scripted history when Deepak Bhoria in 51kg, Mohammad Hussamuddin in 57kg, and Nishant Dev in 71kg won their respective quarterfinal bouts.
• This is the first time that Indian men’s boxers will bring home three medals from a World Championship.
• In the first quarter-final, Deepak defeated Dyushebaev Nurzhigit of Kyrgyzstan.
• Two-time Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Hasamundin won a close contest against Bulgaria's J Diaz Ibanez.
• Nishant Dev defeated Jorge Cuellar of Cuba 5-0.
• On 12 May, all the three boxers will play their semi-final match.

(Source: News on Air)

Topic: Banking System

6. Rs 1.73-crore fine on HSBC slapped by RBI for wrong credit card data.

• On May 8, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1.73 crore on Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) for violation of Credit Information Companies Rules, 2006.
• HSBC submitted false credit information to all four credit information companies regarding multiple expired credit cards with zero balance due.
• The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (lSE) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2021.
• RBI examined the Risk Assessment Report and all related correspondences pertaining to the same revealed, inter alia, contravention of the aforesaid rules by the bank.
• After that the charge of contravention of the aforesaid CIC Rules was substantiated and warranted the imposition of monetary penalty.
• This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to affect the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.
• The penalty has been imposed in exercise of the powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of section 25(1) and section 23(4) of the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

7. A trial run of blood bag delivery by drones has been successfully conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

• ICMR has successfully carried out a trial run under its i-Drone initiative in New Delhi.
• As part of the inaugural trial flight, ten units of blood samples were carried from the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida and Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), New Delhi.
• The trial run has been undertaken for the first time in India by the collaborative efforts of ICMR, LHMC, GIMS and Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida.
• ICMR first used 'i-DRONE' during Covid19 pandemic for distributing vaccines to unreachable areas.
• Blood and blood-related products are supposed to be kept at a low temperature.
• Another sample has been transported in an ambulance.
• If no differences will be found in the samples sent using the two modes, then this drone will be used all over India.
• LHMC and GIMS are centres for supplying blood bags and testing the samples.
• JIIT is acting as the implementation centre for drone sorties.
• i-Drone initiative:
  • ICMR’s Drone Response and Outreach in North East (i-Drone) was launched by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya in October 2021.
  • It is a delivery model to make sure that life-saving vaccines reach everyone.

Topic: National News

8. PM Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple scientific projects on the occasion of National Technology Day on 11 May 2023.

• The projects are worth over five thousand eight hundred crore rupees.
• PM Modi also released a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion.
• The projects whose foundation stone was laid by the PM include Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory - India (LIGO-India), Hingoli, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jatni in Odisha and Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
• LIGO-India will be developed in Hingoli, Maharashtra. The LIGO-India will work in synchronisation with two Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave observatories operating in the United States
• PM dedicated to the nation Fission Molybdenum-99 Production Facility in Mumbai, Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Plant and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Visakhapatnam.
• Fission Molybdenum-99 Production Facility is located in Trombay Campus of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
• Molybdenum-99 is the parent of Technetium-99m. Technetium-99m is used in more than 85% of imaging procedures for early detection of cancer, heart disease etc.
• He also dedicated to the nation National Hadron Beam Therapy Facility and Women and Children Cancer Hospital Building in Navi Mumbai.
• National Technology Day:
  • The special focus of this year’s celebrations of National Technology Day is on Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
  • Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee started the celebration of National Technology Day in 1999.
  • It is celebrated every year on 11 May. This year's theme is ‘School to Startups- Igniting Young Minds to Innovate’.

Topic: State News/ Punjab

9. Punjab became first state to implement the ‘right to walk’.

• The Punjab government has announced to enforce the ‘right to walk’ due to consistent rise in deaths of pedestrians and cyclists.
• The Punjab government has made it mandatory for all road-owning agencies, including NHAI, to provide footpaths and cycle tracks in the future expansion of roads and construction of new roads.
• After PILs were filed at Punjab and Haryana High Court and Supreme Court, the state government issued these directions.
• To prepare an action plan for constructing footpaths and cycle tracks, public works department, local bodies, NHAI and urban development departments have been instructed to prepare an action plan.
• Punjab:
  • It is made of two words Punj (Five) + Aab (Water) i.e. land of five rivers. 
  • Punjab’s economy is mainly based on Agriculture.
  • According to the 2011 Census of India, the total population of Punjab is 2,77,43,338. 
  • The total area of the state is 50,362 square kilometers (19,445 square miles), 
  • It is a state in the northwest region of India and is one of the most prosperous states.

Topic: Defence

10. 35th edition of Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) was conducted from 03 – 10 May 2023.

• Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy participated in the 35th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT).
• Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari and Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Saiburi along with Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both navies participated in the CORPAT in the Andaman Sea.
• The Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy have been organizing CORPAT bi-annually since 2005 along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
• CORPAT help in building understanding and improving interoperability between both navies.
• CORPAT gives an opportunity to facilitate instituting measures to prevent and suppress unlawful activities like fishing, drug trafficking, piracy and armed robbery.
• It will enhance synergy for exchanging information for the prevention of smuggling, and illegal immigration and for the conduct of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations at sea.
• As part of the ‘SAGAR’ initiative, the Indian Navy is proactively engaging with the countries in the Indian Ocean Region towards enhancing regional maritime security. 
• The 35th Indo-Thai CORPAT is another step towards enhancing the bonds of friendship between India and Thailand.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

11. 36th Chief Information Security Officer Deep-Dive Training program organized by National e-Governance Division (NeGD).

• The program is being organized Under Cyber Surakshit Bharat from 8th to 12th May 2023.
• It is being organised at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, and 24 participants from Central Ministries, States, and Union Territories are participating in the exercise.
• The five-day intensive training program is designed for designated CISOs from Central and State/UT Governments, Subordinate Agencies/PSUs.
• In addition, the training program also covered officers who are deputed to oversee the security of Information Technology systems in their respective organizations.
• The program was inaugurated by Shri RS Mani, Deputy Director General, NIC.
• This training program has brought subject matter experts from industry, academia and government on a common platform to discuss key domain issues of cyber security.
• Cyber Surakshit Bharat is an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• It was launched with a mission to spread awareness about cybercrime and enhance the capabilities of CISOs and frontline IT personnel in all government departments.
• The deep-dive training program is specifically aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of cyber-attacks to the CISO and train them to fully understand its modus operandi and enable them to execute.
• NeGD has effectively conducted 36 batches of CISO deep-dive training program for more than 1,419 CISO and frontline IT personnel over a total time period of June 2018 to May 2023.

Topic: Defence

12. Common uniform for officers of the rank of Brigadier and above in the Army from August 1.

• The Army has decided that from August 1, officers of the rank of Brigadier and above will have a common uniform irrespective of their different parent cadre and appointment.
• The decision was taken after detailed deliberations during the recently concluded Army Commanders' Conference.
• As part of the decision, headgear, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches, belts and shoes of senior officers will be standardised.
• There will be no change in the uniform worn by officers of the rank of Colonel and below.
• The Indian Army has decided to adopt this common uniform to promote and strengthen common identity and approach in service matters amongst senior leadership, beyond the boundaries of regimentation.
• The officers of brigadiers and above in the Indian Army are those who have already commanded units or battalions and are mostly posted at headquarters or establishments where officers from all arms and services work together.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

13. 42nd ASEAN Summit formally started in Labuan Bajo town Indonesia.

• Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo urged unity and economic integration for regional peace and development.
• The summit is expected to produce a roadmap for Timor-Leste's full membership.
• Last year, ASEAN countries agreed to include Timor-Leste (East Timor) as the 11th member.
• Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak attended the summit as Observer.
• The theme of this year’s summit is "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth".
• The East Asia Summit will be held on September 6-7 in Jakarta.
• ASEAN:
  • It was established on 8 August 1967. Its headquarters are in Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are members of the ASEAN.

Topic: Committees/ Commissions/Taskforces

14. Government will form a task force for land governance in North-Eastern states.

• The Union Rural Development Ministry announced that a task force will be set up for land governance in the North-Eastern states.
• This decision was taken at National Conference on "Land Governance in North Eastern States" held in Guwahati, Assam.
• Sessions on current state practices and modernisation of land records and land governance assessment framework were held during the conference.
• The Assam, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya territorial and autonomous district councils held that digitisation and modernisation of land records are necessary for the development of the region.
• In a part of Assam, the initiatives of computerisation and digitisation of land records and maps have shown good progress.
• The Bodoland Territorial Council had proposed the digitisation and modernisation of land records and the Department of Land Resources has approved it.
• The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous Council has eight districts.
• The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council have a system of issuance of Annual Pattas by the District Council.