Daily Current Affairs : 18 May 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

Tamil Nadu's CM M.K. Stalin Inaugurates India's Biggest Skywalk Bridge

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated India's largest Skywalk bridge on 18th May 2023. The skywalk bridge, measuring 570 meters in length and 4.2 meters in width, connects the Mambalam railway station and T Nagar bus terminus. Equipped with escalators, lifts, CCTV cameras, and a connection to the police control room, the skywalk ensures public safety. It also provides amenities such as restrooms, trash cans, and lighting throughout the bridge. Built by the Greater Chennai Corporation at a cost of Rs 28.45 crore from the Smart City funds, the skywalk aims to alleviate traffic congestion in areas like Ranganathan Street, Madley Road, and Market Street. It is expected to cater to approximately one lakh people daily.

PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates International Museum Expo 2023 in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International Museum Expo 2023 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on 18th May. The expo is organized as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to commemorate the 47th International Museum Day. During the event, PM Modi inaugurated a virtual walkthrough of the upcoming National Museum at the North and South Blocks. The museum aims to showcase India's historical events, personalities, ideas, and achievements that have shaped the country's present. Additionally, the Prime Minister unveiled the Mascot of the International Museum Expo, the Graphic Novel – A Day at the Museum, the Directory of Indian Museums, the Pocket Map of Kartavya Path, and Museum Cards.

PM Modi Launches Railway Projects Worth Over 8,000 Crore Rupees in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated several railway projects worth over 8,000 crore rupees in Odisha through video conferencing. During the event, PM Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah, covering a distance of 500 km and passing through various districts.
The train aims to provide a faster, comfortable, and convenient travel experience, boost tourism, and promote economic development in the region. The regular run of the Howrah-Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will commence from May 20, operating six days a week.
Furthermore, PM Modi dedicated 100% electrification of the rail network in Odisha and inaugurated the doubling of the Sambalpur-Titlagarh rail line, a new broad gauge rail line between Angul-Sukinda, the third line connecting Manoharpur-Rourkela-Jharsuguda-Jamga, and a new broad-gauge line between Bichhupali-Jhartarbha.

SP Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group, Passes Away at 87

Srichand Parmanand Hinduja, the eldest of the four Hinduja brothers and chairman of Hinduja Group, passed away at the age of 87 in London. S.P. Hinduja was born in 1935 in Pakistan and moved to India with his family in 1947 after the partition. After completing his education, he joined his father in the family business. S.P. Hinduja, a British national, is survived by his three brothers and two daughters. He had a significant impact on the business world but was also involved in a controversy related to the Swedish gunmaker AB Bofors contract, of which he and his brothers were later acquitted.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Global Accessibility Awareness Day is celebrated on the third Thursday of May each year. This day emphasizes the design of content and technologies for people with disabilities. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) celebrates the Global Accessibility Awareness Day on 18th May to build an inclusive society and provide equal opportunities for the growth and development of persons with disabilities. The aim is to transform the lives of over one billion people worldwide living with different kinds of disabilities and impairments.

International Museum Day

International Museum Day has been observed on May 18 every year since 1977. This day serves as a unique moment for the international museum community. It involves various events and activities that extend throughout the week or weekend. More than 37,000 museums from 158 countries and territories participated in the event last year. The day was created by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) to raise awareness about the importance of museums and promote public awareness, conservation, and education. This year's theme is "Museums, Sustainability, and Well-being," highlighting museums' contribution to the well-being and sustainable development of communities.

N Chandrasekaran Awarded France's Highest Civilian Honour

N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, was awarded France's highest civilian honour, "Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur," by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna. Chandrasekaran received this award for his significant role in developing and fostering commercial links between India and France. The National Order of the Legion of Honour, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is a symbol of France's national pride and is bestowed upon individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the country in various fields.

Zomato Launches UPI Service in Partnership with ICICI Bank

Zomato, a well-known online food delivery platform, has introduced its own UPI (Unified Payments Interface) service in collaboration with ICICI Bank. This real-time payment system enables users to make direct payments to both individuals and merchants. With this new payment service, Zomato aims to provide a streamlined and convenient payment experience to its users. Customers can now generate their UPI IDs within the Zomato application, allowing them to make payments directly through the app. This feature simplifies transactions and enhances the overall payment experience for Zomato users.