Daily Current Affairs : 11 May 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

PM Modi Inaugurates and Dedicates Multiple Scientific Projects Worth Over Rs 5,800 Crore in New Delhi

On 11th May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated several scientific projects worth over Rs 5,800 crore to the nation. This event took place in New Delhi on the occasion of National Technology Day. During the function, Prime Minister Modi unveiled a commemorative stamp and coin, and inaugurated an expo showcasing India's recent scientific and technological advancements.
The projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister include the following:

• Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory – India (LIGO-India) in Hingoli
• Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Jatni, Odisha
• Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai

LIGO-India is set to become one of the few Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave observatories in the world, working in synchronization with two similar observatories in the United States. Additionally, other projects such as the Fission Molybdenum-99 Production Facility in Mumbai, Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Plant and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Visakhapatnam, National Hadron Beam Therapy Facility, and Women and Children Cancer Hospital Building in Navi Mumbai were also dedicated to the nation during the event.

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Launches 'Harit Sagar' - The Green Port Guidelines 2023

To achieve the vision of Zero Carbon Emission Goal, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has introduced the 'Harit Sagar' Green Port Guidelines. These guidelines were launched by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi. The guidelines aim to incorporate ecosystem dynamics into port development, operation, and maintenance, while focusing on minimizing the impact on the harbor ecosystem. They emphasize the use of clean and green energy in port operations and encourage the development of port capabilities for handling greener fuels like Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, Green Methanol/Ethanol, etc.
The 'Harit Sagar' Guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for Major Ports to create action plans that ensure quantified reduction in carbon emissions over defined timelines. By implementing green initiatives and closely monitoring progress, these guidelines aim to achieve Sustainable Developmental Goals and contribute to a greener future.

Renowned Corporate Lawyer Rajiv Luthra Passes Away at 67

Renowned corporate lawyer Rajiv Luthra, founder of the law firm Luthra & Luthra, passed away at the age of 67 after a brief illness. Mr. Luthra began his career as a chartered accountant before pursuing law at the University of Delhi. In 1989, he established his own firm, Luthra & Luthra Law Offices, at the age of 31. Over the years, he specialized in acquisitions, mergers, finance, public-private partnerships, and project finance.
Luthra & Luthra Law Offices, with over 350 lawyers, has branches in Mumbai and Bangalore. Mr. Luthra's contributions to the field of law and his expertise in various areas of legal practice made him a respected figure in the industry.

Former AIFF Vice-President AR Khaleel Passes Away

AR Khaleel, former All India Football Federation (AIFF) vice-president, treasurer, and executive committee member, passed away after a brief illness at the age of 91. Khaleel, who was also the former president of the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA), made significant contributions to Indian football administration for almost six decades. He served as a member of Asian Football Confederation Standing Committees and played multiple roles in Karnataka football, including being the president of KSFA for 28 years.
Khaleel's notable achievements include his work in acquiring land and building the Bangalore Football Stadium, owned by the KSFA. He also contributed to the development of Indian national teams in various age groups.

NIIF Appoints Rajiv Dhar as Interim CEO

The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), a quasi-sovereign wealth fund, has appointed Rajiv Dhar as the interim Managing Director and CEO. This appointment follows the request of Sujoy Bose, the current MD and CEO, to be relieved of his responsibilities. Rajiv Dhar has been part of NIIF since 2017, serving as the executive director and chief operating officer.
NIIF, with a proposed corpus of Rs 40,000 crore, aims to fund commercially viable greenfield, brownfield, and stalled projects. The government plans to invest 49% in the fund, while the remaining Rs 20,000 crore will be raised from long-term international investors such as sovereign wealth funds, insurance and pension funds, and endowments.

National Technology Day - India

Every year on 11th May, India celebrates National Technology Day. This day commemorates the successful nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan, on May 11th, 1998. It serves as an occasion to honor the achievements of Indian scientists and engineers who have contributed significantly to technological development in various fields.
The theme for this year's National Technology Day, selected by the Technology Development Board (TDB), is "School to Startups - Igniting Young Minds to Innovate." The day reminds us of the crucial role technology plays in our lives and the importance of continued investment and innovation to ensure progress and growth.

Ministry of AYUSH and ICMR Collaborate on Integrative Health Research

The Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote and collaborate on integrative health research. This collaboration aims to focus on areas of national importance in healthcare and generate evidence through high-impact research using modern scientific methods. The MoU also includes strengthening research capacity through training of AYUSH researchers.
Under this MoU, Ayush-ICMR Centers for Advanced Research in Integrative Health will be established in all AIIMS with co-funding. The parties will explore opportunities for public health research, address diseases of national importance, and conduct high-quality joint clinical trials on identified areas/disease conditions using promising therapies from the Ayush system.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Honored with Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award

Former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, honored Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with the Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award for his efforts in creating a fear-free Uttar Pradesh. The award ceremony, organized by the Buddhanjali Research Foundation, took place at the Shri Shanmukhananda Auditorium in Mumbai. Dr. Lalji Prasad Nirmal, member of the UP legislative council, received the award on behalf of Yogi Adityanath.
The Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to society in the areas of education, social welfare, and economics, in the spirit of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.