Daily Current Affairs : 12 May 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

PM Modi launches development projects worth Rs 4400 crore in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on 12th May. The total worth of these projects is approximately Rs 4400 crore. The projects encompassed initiatives in the Urban Development Department, Water Supply Department, Road and Transport Department, Mines and Minerals Department, as well as PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) projects. PM Modi handed over keys to beneficiaries of the Gruh Pravesh scheme, which included about 19,000 houses. 

Details of the Projects
The inaugurated projects include the expansion of multi-village drinking water supply schemes in Banaskantha district, the construction of a river overbridge in Ahmedabad, the establishment of a drainage collection network at Naroda GIDC, sewage treatment plants in Mehsana and Ahmedabad, and an auditorium in Dahegam, among others. The foundation stone was laid for other projects such as bulk pipeline projects in Junagadh district, augmentation of water supply schemes in Gandhinagar district, construction of flyover bridges, a new water distribution station, and various town planning roads.

Varanasi’s LBSI airport becomes first in the country to have a reading lounge

The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi has become the first airport in India to introduce a reading lounge. Awanish Awasthi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's advisor, inaugurated the lounge. This reading lounge, situated near the entrance of the airport's main lobby, was established in collaboration with the National Book Trust (NBT), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education. The lounge showcases India's culture, history, traditional knowledge systems, health and wellness, literature in various languages, and literary icons of Varanasi. It also features a shelf dedicated to recently published books by budding authors under the Prime Minister's Mentorship Scheme for Young Writers (PM-YUVA Scheme). Visitors to the lounge can access downloaded portions of any book through a QR code and also enjoy select free audio books through another QR code.

Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework Launched by Minister R Bindu

The Kerala Government has introduced the Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF) for higher education institutions. The new ranking system, launched by State Minister for Higher Education R Bindu, aims to bring a more democratic and secular approach to the ranking system in the state. Modeled after the National Institute of Ranking Framework, KIRF will be implemented annually by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC). With the implementation of KIRF, Kerala becomes the first state in India to have its own ranking system for higher education institutions.

Yashasvi Jaiswal smashes fastest fifty in the history of IPL

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the left-handed batter for the Rajasthan Royals, made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by scoring the fastest fifty ever. He reached the 50-run mark in just 13 balls, breaking the record jointly held by KL Rahul and Pat Cummins, who had achieved this feat in 14 balls. During the match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, Jaiswal hit 26 runs, including three fours and two sixes, in the very first over bowled by KKR captain Nitish Rana. After the match, Jaiswal expressed his emotions and revealed his dream of playing at the number three position in One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India.
About Yashasvi Jaiswal: Yashasvi Bhupendra Kumar Jaiswal is an Indian professional cricketer who represents Mumbai in domestic cricket and the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. He holds the distinction of being the youngest cricketer in the world to score a List A double century.

Yuzvendra Chahal creates history, becomes first Indian to take most wickets in IPL

Yuzvendra Chahal, the spinner for both India and the Rajasthan Royals, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 300 wickets in T20 cricket. In a match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chahal took four wickets for just 17 runs in four overs, leading his team to a 72-run victory. Chahal reached the milestone by dismissing Harry Brook with the last ball of the seventh over. He now has an impressive record of 303 wickets in 265 matches. Chahal's outstanding performance included taking the wickets of Mayank Agrawal, Adil Rashid, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar during the match.

International Day of Plant Health

The United Nations has designated 12th May as the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) to raise global awareness about the importance of protecting plant health. Protecting plant health contributes to ending hunger, reducing poverty, safeguarding biodiversity and the environment, and promoting economic development. Plants play a crucial role in providing oxygen, food, and various resources for humans and other living beings. However, diseases, pests, and the impact of climate change pose significant risks to plant health, with around 40% of food crops being damaged annually. The theme for this year's International Day of Plant Health is "Plant Health for Environmental Protection."

International Nurse Day

May 12th is recognized as International Nurse Day by the International Council of Nurses to honor the contributions of nurses to society and acknowledge their role in the healthcare system. This date marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Florence Nightingale was a British nurse, social reformer, and statistician known as "The Lady With the Lamp." The International Council of Nurses celebrated International Nurses Day for the first time in 1965. Each year, the day highlights a different aspect of nursing or the healthcare system. The theme for International Nurses Day 2023 is "Our Nurses. Our Future."

World Bank Approves USD 82 Mln for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in India

The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has approved an $82 million loan to India for the prevention of zoonotic diseases. The loan aims to support the adoption of global best practices in animal health management to prevent, detect, and respond to endemic zoonotic, transboundary, and emerging infectious diseases. The project will strengthen India's One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Animal disease outbreaks pose risks to public health systems and have significant economic costs. India, with its large livestock population, faces particularly high risks. The loan will contribute to mitigating these risks, as diseases like foot and mouth disease alone cost the country more than $3.3 billion annually.