Daily Current Affairs : 26 May 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

Ireland to Label Alcoholic Drinks with Detailed Health Warnings

Ireland has taken a groundbreaking step in public health by becoming the world's first country to mandate comprehensive health warnings on alcoholic drinks. This progressive move aims to inform consumers about the risks associated with alcohol consumption, including its link to cancer. The World Health Organization, the European Union, and the World Trade Organization have all endorsed these health warnings. The new policy will be implemented starting from May 22, 2026, allowing businesses a three-year period to adjust to the new guidelines. Overcoming opposition from the alcohol industry, Ireland has successfully navigated challenges at the European Union and the World Trade Organization to introduce these health warning labels.

Amit Shah Inaugurates Guwahati Campus of National Forensic Science University

A significant development took place in Assam as Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, laid the foundation stone of the Guwahati campus of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU). This event also marked the launch of the web portal 'Assam Police Seva Setu,' aimed at enhancing accessibility and transparency in the services provided by the Assam Police. Furthermore, a book authored by Dr. J.M Vyas on the use of forensic science in judiciary was released during the ceremony.
The establishment of the Guwahati campus is part of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision to establish a network of National Forensic Science Universities across the country. The goal is to elevate India's criminal justice system, surpassing the conviction rates of developed nations. The Guwahati center will benefit not only the northeastern region of India but also neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Indonesia.

Arunachal Pradesh to Establish Institute for Transforming Arunachal

Arunachal Pradesh is set to establish the Institute for Transforming Arunachal (ITA) with the support of NITI Aayog. Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced this initiative, which aims to propel the state's development to new heights. The ITA will serve as a transformation leader, assisting various departments in advancing their development strategies and unlocking their potential. The institute will contribute to enhancing the ease of living for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, ensuring hassle-free access to various services. It will also promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the system, preventing leakages and spillovers.

Ministry of Civil Aviation Launches UDAN 5.1 for Helicopter Routes

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has introduced UDAN 5.1, the latest round of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN). This iteration of the program focuses specifically on helicopter routes, offering new opportunities for operators to expand their services. Unlike previous requirements, routes will now be permitted even if only one of the origin or destination locations is in a priority area. To make helicopter travel more affordable, airfare caps have been reduced by up to 25% for passengers. Moreover, Viability Gap Funding (VGF) caps for operators using single and twin-engine helicopters have been significantly increased, promoting the financial viability of operating the awarded routes.

Kerala Declared a Total E-Governance State by CM Pinarayi Vijayan

In a remarkable achievement, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared Kerala as a total e-governance state. The government has diligently pursued a series of policy initiatives to transform the state into a digitally empowered society. Kerala's comprehensive e-governance framework has successfully digitized the delivery of vital services across various domains, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and accessibility for all citizens. Key areas such as health, education, land revenue, documentation of properties, public distribution system, and social security payouts have been seamlessly integrated into the digital ecosystem. The initiative emphasizes the government's commitment to include all sections of society, providing easy access to essential services regardless of socio-economic backgrounds.

Harsh Jain Elected Chairperson of IAMAI

Harsh Jain, the founder of start-up Dream11, has been elected as the chairman of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) for the term 2023-25. He replaces Sanjay Gupta, the vice president and country manager of Google India. Additionally, Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip, and Satyan Ganjwani, vice chairman of Times Internet, have been elected as the vice chairman and treasurer of IAMAI, respectively. This new leadership will take charge of the association, with a new 24-member Governing Council and Executive Council being formed.

India and ADB Sign Loan Agreement for Industrial Corridor Development in Andhra Pradesh

The Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $141.12 million loan agreement aimed at supporting the development of high-quality internal infrastructure in three industrial clusters in Andhra Pradesh. The funds will be utilized to enhance road networks, water supply systems, and electricity distribution networks, fostering industrialization and job creation in the targeted areas. Specifically, the Visakhapatnam node will receive support for the development of internal infrastructure in the Rambilli and Nakkapalli industrial clusters. The multi-sectoral approach adopted by the ADB financing seeks to boost manufacturing, improve competitiveness, and increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to Andhra Pradesh's gross domestic product.

Axis Bank Launches Sarathi Platform for Merchant Onboarding

Axis Bank has introduced 'Sarathi,' a revolutionary digital onboarding journey for merchants to adopt Electronic Data Capture (EDC) or Point of Sale (PoS) systems. Sarathi streamlines the onboarding process, providing merchants with a hassle-free experience. The four-step onboarding procedure includes real-time database checks, live video verification, elimination of field verification, and immediate PoS installation. The paperless onboarding procedure eliminates the need for merchants to fill out documents or wait for PoS terminals to be installed. Sarathi also offers features such as instant status updates and same-day transaction capabilities, making the onboarding process efficient and convenient for merchants.