Daily Current Affairs : 17 May 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

Indian Army Conducts Exercise Jal Rahat in Assam

On 17th May 2023, the Gajraj Corps of the Indian Army conducted a joint flood relief exercise called 'Exercise Jal Rahat' at Hagrama Bridge on Manas River in Assam. The purpose of the exercise was to validate joint drills and coordinate preparedness by multi-agency flood relief columns. In addition to the Indian Army, other participating organizations included the SSB, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and police representatives. 
The event focused on coordination and rehearsals for rescue missions in inundated areas, involving specialist teams from the Army, NDRF, and SDRF. The exercise also showcased the use of innovative expedients by the flood relief columns, demonstrating the utilization of local resources during such calamities.

Government Launches Sanchar Saathi Portal for Mobile Phone Security

The central government launched the Sanchar Saathi Portal, a significant step toward enhancing the safety and security of mobile phone users in the digital ecosystem. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the portal on May 16th. The purpose of the portal is to prevent various frauds, including identity theft, forged KYC, and banking frauds, that can occur by misusing mobile phones. The Sanchar Saathi Portal allows mobile users to track and block their stolen or lost mobile phones.
It also provides information about mobile connections issued in their names and enables them to disconnect unnecessary connections. The portal integrates with the Telecom Service Providers and Law Enforcement Agencies, blocking stolen mobile phones from being used on Indian networks. In case the stolen device is recovered, the portal allows Law Enforcement Agencies to trace the device and unlock it.

Uttar Pradesh Ranks Second in Geographical Indication (GI)-Tagged Products

Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the second state in India with a high number of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products. The state recently received GI tags for three more crafts under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, namely Mainpuri tarkashi, Mahoba Gaura stone craft, and Sambhal horn craft. With these additions, the total number of GI-tagged products in Uttar Pradesh has reached 48. 
The Geographical Indication (GI) label plays a vital role in promoting the state's traditional crafts and products, contributing to the local economy and creating awareness about the state's rich cultural heritage. A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used to identify products that have specific geographical origins and possess qualities or a reputation associated with that origin.

Ravneet Kaur Appointed as CCI Chairperson

Ravneet Kaur, a 1988-batch Punjab-cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for a five-year term. Kaur becomes the first woman to lead the country's chief national competition regulator since October last year. She brings more than two decades of experience in the government, having held various key positions including chairman of India Tourism Development Corporation and joint secretary in the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. Prior to her appointment as CCI chairperson, Kaur served as special chief secretary in the Punjab government's agriculture and cooperation departments.

Anil Kumar Jain Takes Charge as PNGRB Chairman

Anil Kumar Jain, a seasoned bureaucrat and gas sector expert, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). Jain, who retired as coal secretary in October last year, has been approved for the position by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). He will serve as the PNGRB chairman for a period of five years. 
With a wealth of experience in the government, Jain has held several leadership roles in areas such as payments, technology, retail loans, digital lending, and retail banking. Prior to joining PNGRB, he served as the CEO of Clix Capital and Head of SME & Business Banking at IDFC Bank.

Bhavesh Gupta Appointed as President and COO of Paytm

Bhavesh Gupta has been appointed as the president and chief operating officer (COO) of One 97 Communications Ltd (OCL), the company that owns Paytm. Gupta, who previously served as the Senior Vice President of Paytm, will be responsible for leading various verticals including lending, insurance, online and offline payments, and consumer payments. 
With over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector, Gupta has a strong background in building businesses in payments, technology, and analytics platforms. Before joining Paytm, he held leadership positions in organizations such as Clix Capital, IDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated annually on 17th May. This day recognizes the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and raises awareness about the value of telecommunications and the information society. The ITU, founded in 1865, has played a significant role in influencing international telecommunications standards and policy.
WTISD provides an opportunity to discuss the potential and challenges posed by the developing information society and showcase advancements in the fields of telecommunication and information technology. The day aims to bridge the digital divide and promote the widespread adoption of inclusive information and communication technologies (ICTs). It recognizes the transformative impact of ICTs in various sectors such as education, healthcare, business, governance, and interpersonal relationships.

World Bank Approves Grant for Road Safety Enforcement System in Himachal Pradesh

The World Bank has approved a grant of Rs 51 crore to establish an integrated road safety enforcement system in Shimla and Nurpur police districts of Himachal Pradesh. The project also includes the development of the Palampur-Sheela chowk in Kangra as a "safe corridor". The initiative aims to enhance road safety by setting up a traffic enforcement control room, providing interceptors and patrol vehicles, implementing an intelligent traffic management system, deploying AI-powered cameras, and supplying rescue equipment.
The first phase of the project will focus on Shimla and Nurpur, with Rs 42 crore allocated to strengthen their emergency response systems. Approximately 120 locations in Shimla district, including Theog, Rampur, Rohru, Kumarsain, Kotkhai, Nerva, Jubbal, Chopal, and Sunni, have been identified for the installation of AI-powered cameras to monitor traffic and enforce safety measures.