Daily Current Affairs : 8 May 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

Shantanu Thakur Flags Off Vessel 'M.V. MSS Galena' from V.O. Chidambaranar Port

Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur, inaugurated the vessel 'M.V. MSS Galena' at V.O. Chidambaranar Port. This vessel marks the launch of the Direct Shipping Service between Tuticorin and Maldives. The establishment of better connectivity and infrastructure between India and Maldives was discussed during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Maldives in June 2019.
As a result, the Ministry of Port, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India, and the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, Government of Maldives signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 08.06.2019, solidifying their commitment to establishing Passenger and Cargo Services by Sea. The operation of the 'M.V. MSS Galena' is a significant step in strengthening the bilateral trade and relations between the two nations. This initiative aligns with the 'Neighbourhood-First Policy' and the vision of Security and Growth for all in the Region.

About M.V. MSS Galena

The vessel 'M.V. MSS Galena,' deployed by the Shipping Corporation of India, has a carrying capacity of 421 TEUs of containers and the ability to transport bulk cargo. Loaded with 270 TEUs of containers, it arrived at PSA SICAL Container Terminal on 04.05.2023. On 05.05.2023, it will set sail from Tuticorin to Male and is expected to reach Male on 07.05.2023. The shipping service's rotation is Tuticorin - Male - Tuticorin, with three monthly calls.

Uttar Pradesh to Establish Its First Pharma Park

The state government of Uttar Pradesh has approved the construction of the first Pharma Park in Bundelkhand, a backward area of the state. The project will be located in Lalitpur district, and 1500 hectares of land will be transferred to the Animal Husbandry Department for this purpose. The government has allocated Rs 1560 crore for development works and providing necessary facilities to investors in Lalitpur Pharma Park.
The policy for establishing Pharma Park in Uttar Pradesh has been revised to encourage industries in the region. Entrepreneurs setting up units in the Pharma or Medical Device Park will receive various benefits and subsidies, including 100% exemption in stamp duty on land purchase, capital subsidy, housing construction for workers, and employment generation.

Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Indian Air Force Heritage Centre in Chandigarh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Indian Air Force (IAF) Heritage Centre in Chandigarh, the first of its kind in the country. The centre, established under a memorandum of understanding between the Union Territory of Chandigarh and the IAF, showcases the courageous contributions of individuals who served in the force. The centre features displays on the Indian Air Force's role in various wars, including those in 1947, 1948, 1965, and 1971, as well as the Kargil Conflict and the Balakot Air Strikes.
Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari and Member of Parliament Kirron Kher were present at the inauguration. During the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh experienced sitting in one of the MiG-21 aircraft on display and also in a flying simulator. This initiative aims to preserve the rich heritage of the Indian Air Force and inspire young individuals to join the armed forces.

Carlos Alcaraz Wins Madrid Open Title

World number two Carlos Alcaraz successfully defended his title at the Madrid Open by defeating Jan-Lennard Struff. Alcaraz, a 20-year-old Spaniard, won the match 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, securing his fourth ATP Tour trophy of the year and his tenth overall. After facing initial injuries, Alcaraz made a remarkable comeback last month, winning the Barcelona Open for the second consecutive year.

About Madrid Open

The Madrid Open is an annual professional tennis tournament held in Madrid, Spain. It is part of the ATP Tour and the WTA Tour, which are the men's and women's professional tennis circuits, respectively. The tournament is renowned worldwide and takes place at the Caja Magica, a multi-purpose stadium with three clay courts.

Vineet Joshi Appointed as Chief Secretary in Manipur

Vineet Joshi, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1992 Manipur cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary in Manipur. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) selected Joshi for this position. Currently serving as the Additional Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Joshi has previously held various key positions, including Director-General of the National Testing Agency and Resident Commissioner of Manipur Government. His appointment reflects the government's trust in his capabilities and experience.

World Red Cross Day

Every year on May 8th, World Red Cross Day is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. Henry Dunant's experiences during the Second Italian War of Independence in 1859 led to the establishment of the ICRC.
This day honors the humanitarian work of the Red Cross movement, which aims to provide neutral and impartial aid during armed conflicts. World Red Cross Day was officially established during the 20th International Conference of the Red Cross in 1933, and it serves as a reminder of the organization's invaluable contributions to humanity.

World Thalassemia Day

World Thalassemia Day is observed on May 8th every year to raise awareness about thalassemia and show support for individuals affected by this genetic disorder. On this day, organizations, patient associations, public authorities, and healthcare professionals collaborate to promote prenatal screening, counseling, prevention, and management of thalassemia. Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects the production of red blood cells, leading to a lack of oxygen supply to the body. This year's theme for World Thalassemia Day is "Be Aware. Share. Care: Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassemia Care Gap," building upon the initiative from the previous year.

MoU Signed for Project SMART

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Railways have jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the 'Station Area Development along Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail' (Project-SMART). The objective of Project-SMART is to develop the areas surrounding the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) stations, enhancing accessibility, convenience for commuters and stakeholders, and promoting economic activities in the vicinity.
The MoU covers the four High-Speed Rail Stations, including Sabarmati, Surat, Virar, and Thane. The project will strengthen the institutional capacity of state governments, municipal corporations, and urban development authorities in planning, developing, and managing the station areas along the MAHSR route. Surat, Virar, and Thane are greenfield developments, while Sabarmati involves brownfield development.