Daily Current Affairs : 16 May 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

Kerala Launches Welfare Fund for Workers Under Employment Guarantee Scheme

In a groundbreaking move, the Kerala government has introduced a welfare fund specifically for workers under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). With 27 lakh individuals relying on the MGNREGS in the state, the Left government aims to utilize the scheme for the overall social development of Kerala. 
Under this initiative, workers are required to contribute a nominal monthly amount of Rs 50 to the fund, while the government will match their contribution. For those who have paid contributions for ten or more years, their families will receive the benefits in case of the beneficiary's demise. The fund will provide various benefits such as pension for workers aged 60 and above, financial assistance for medical treatment, education, marriage, and more.

Union Minister Narendra Tomar Inaugurates Integrated Biological Control Laboratory in Hyderabad

Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India, has inaugurated the Integrated Biological Control Laboratory at the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) in Hyderabad, Telangana. This state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with advanced facilities that offer hands-on experience in the production of biopesticides, biocontrol agents, entomopathogenic fungi, biofertilizers, and more. 

The deployment of these biological control methods aims to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, minimize their adverse effects on the environment and human health, and contribute to improved soil and plant health. The laboratory will also house exhibits such as an insect museum, weed museum, exhibition hall, and natural farming cell, showcasing agriculturally significant insects and weeds.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Inaugurates National Homoeopathic Convention 'Homocon 2023'

The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has inaugurated the National Homoeopathic Convention 'Homeocon 2023' at Doon University in Dehradun. During the event, a documentary on homeopathy was also launched. The state government's commitment to establish Uttarakhand as a prominent AYUSH region is driven by the economic and effective nature of homeopathy. Homeopathy is recognized as the second most practiced system of medicine globally and has shown its significance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
AYUSH, which stands for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Society, is a government ministry established in 2014. It focuses on promoting education and research in traditional systems of medicine.

Barcelona Clinches 27th La Liga Title

Barcelona Football Club has emerged victorious, securing their 27th La Liga title with a remarkable 4-2 win over their rivals Espanyol. This triumph marks their first league title since 2019 and holds special significance as it comes after the departure of Lionel Messi from Camp Nou. The match witnessed outstanding performances from players like Robert Lewandowski, Alex Balde, and Jules Kounde, leading Barcelona to a commanding 4-0 lead within just 53 minutes at the RCDE Stadium. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski played a crucial role by scoring two goals in this title-winning game.

About Barcelona FC
Barcelona FC, also known as Barça, is a professional football club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It competes in La Liga, the top flight of Spanish football.

Manoj Soni Assumes Office as Union Public Service Commission Chairman

Eminent educationist Manoj Soni has taken the oath as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Smita Nagaraj, the senior-most member in the Commission, administered the oath of office and secrecy to him. The UPSC, established on October 1, 1926, is India's premier central recruitment agency responsible for the recruitment of Group 'A' officers under the Government of India. Headquartered in New Delhi, the UPSC has regional offices in various cities across the country.

Sikkim Celebrates its 48th State Day

Sikkim commemorates its 48th State Day on May 16. On this day in 1975, the erstwhile kingdom became the 22nd state of India. The state-level celebration will take place at Chintan Bhawan in Gangtok, with the presence of Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister PS Tamang. The program includes the presentation of civilian awards, the launch of a multimedia database management system by the IPR department, the release of a public awareness video on mobile village clinics, and the release of a book titled "Skill Gap Assessment Study of Sikkim" by the State Skill Development Department.

International Day of Light

Every year on May 16, the International Day of Light is observed to commemorate Theodore Maiman's successful operation of the laser in 1960. This day serves as a reminder to enhance scientific collaboration and leverage its capacity to promote peace and sustainable progress. The International Day of Light acknowledges the significant role light plays in science, culture, art, education, and sustainable development. It was established in 2015, following the International Year of Light, and was proposed by several countries and approved by the UNESCO General Conference in November 2017.

Ruskin Bond's Book "The Golden Years – The Many Joys of Living a Good Long Life"

Renowned Indian author Ruskin Bond has authored a new book titled "The Golden Years – The Many Joys of Living a Good Long Life." Published by Harper Collins India, the book is set to release on May 19, 2023, on the occasion of Ruskin Bond's 89th birthday. In his book, Bond shares insights and reflections on growing old and the positive aspects of aging. He describes it as a self-help book that addresses the concerns and experiences of people entering their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Through 60 short chapters, Bond expresses his perspective on aging and highlights the pleasant side of the golden years.