Daily Current Affairs : 3 May 2023 | Daily GK & Current Affairs Tests - Bank Exams PDF Download

Luca Brecel Becomes Snooker World Champion for the First Time

Luca Brecel, the talented snooker player, secured his first-ever world title by defeating Mark Selby 18-15 in an exhilarating World Championship finale at the Crucible. Brecel, 28, had to wait for his crowning moment as Selby staged an impressive fightback after Brecel moved within two frames of victory. Selby won the final two frames of the first mini-session, including a century break along with a remarkable 147 he achieved on Sunday.
Selby's comeback reduced the score to 16-15 after the final interval. However, Brecel, known for his determination and flair, completed the job to claim the world championship for the first time in his career. This victory solidifies Brecel's position as one of the rising stars in the world of snooker. His hard work and dedication have earned him numerous admirers, and he is expected to achieve even greater success in the future. Winning the championship at the prestigious Crucible venue is a testament to his exceptional skills and sets the stage for his future endeavors in the sport.

Vanessa Hudson Appointed as Qantas Airways' First Female CEO

Qantas Airways Ltd, Australia's flagship carrier, announced Vanessa Hudson as its next CEO, making her the first woman to lead the century-old airline. Hudson, currently serving as the finance chief, will assume the position in November, succeeding Alan Joyce, who holds the record for being the longest-serving current CEO of a major Australian company. Hudson's appointment places her among the few female executives leading major companies in Australia, alongside Jayne Hrdlicka, the CEO of rival carrier Virgin Australia.
Qantas Chairman Richard Goyder praised Hudson for her outstanding handling of the finance and treasury portfolio during the challenging COVID crisis. Out of the approximately 40 candidates shortlisted globally for the role, Hudson's exceptional qualifications and achievements placed her ahead of the competition. Her appointment reflects Qantas' commitment to diversity and represents a significant milestone in the airline's history.

AI 'Godfather' Geoffrey Hinton Raises Concerns about Artificial Intelligence

Geoffrey Hinton, a renowned computer scientist who played a pivotal role in the development of AI technology powering chatbots like ChatGPT and Bing, has resigned from Google to raise awareness about the potential dangers associated with artificial intelligence. At the age of 75, Hinton, considered the "Godfather of AI," was instrumental in creating the foundational technology for AI in collaboration with two graduate students at the University of Toronto in 2012.
While acknowledging the immense potential of AI in the tech industry, Hinton believes it is crucial to highlight the risks that come with it. His resignation from Google reflects his dedication to promoting a responsible and thoughtful approach to AI advancement.

Yoga Mahotsav Marks Countdown to International Day of Yoga in Jaipur

In Rajasthan, the 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga commenced at Shri Bhawani Niketan College in Jaipur. The event was organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga. Speaking at the program, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra emphasized the significance of yoga as the cornerstone of Indian culture and its role in self-development. Over 15,000 participants took part in the event.
Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the importance of yoga for leading a successful life, noting that the entire world is embracing yoga as a scientific method. He also highlighted that this year's International Day of Yoga will witness several noteworthy initiatives, including the demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3, aims to raise awareness about the importance of a free and independent press. This day highlights the need for unbiased journalism and promotes the principles of freedom of expression. The concept of World Press Freedom Day was initially proposed in 1991 during the UNESCO General Conference, which recognized the need to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and defend them.
In 1993, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring May 3 as World Press Freedom Day. Since then, it has been celebrated each year to emphasize the significance of press freedom and remind governments of their responsibility to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression. It is also a day to honor journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty and support the safety and independence of journalists who strive to provide information to the public.
This year's theme, 'Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights,' emphasizes the critical role of freedom of expression in ensuring the enjoyment and protection of all other human rights. As World Press Freedom Day marks its 30th anniversary, UNESCO organized a special event at the UN headquarters in New York to commemorate this milestone. 
The anniversary edition of World Press Freedom Day included a full day of activities on May 2. According to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, India ranks 161st out of 180 countries worldwide, while Norway secured the top position.

India and Israel Sign MoU on Industrial Research and Development Cooperation

India and Israel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Industrial Research and Development Cooperation, with a focus on key technology areas such as aerospace, electronics instrumentation, civil infrastructure and engineering, environment, mining, chemicals and petrochemicals, and agriculture.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Directorate of Defense Research and Development in the Ministry of Defense of Israel finalized the multi-sectoral agreement in New Delhi. Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that this agreement will mark a new phase in the partnership between India and Israel, particularly in innovation, technology, and startups. He also mentioned the significance of 2023 as India holds the G20 presidency and celebrates 30 years of successful diplomatic relations with Israel.

India's MES Collaborates with IIT Kanpur to Create Carbon-Neutral Army Stations

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) and the Military Engineer Services (MES) Jhansi have signed an MOU to transform Army stations into carbon-neutral campuses. This collaboration aligns with Earth Day 2023 and contributes to India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The MoU aims to establish a demonstrable model by converting select campuses under MES Jhansi cantonment into NetZero Carbon, Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Water, and Net Zero Waste campuses in a phased manner.
The signing of the MoU took place in the presence of Prof. Ashish Garg, Prof. Rajeev Jindal, and Prof. Aakash C. Rai from the Sustainable Energy Engineering Department at IITK. This initiative showcases a real-world example of achieving carbon neutrality and supports India's commitment to environmental sustainability.

Pandit Ramkishan Awarded "Shatabdi Purush" Title

Pandit Ramkishan, a distinguished socialist leader in India, has been honored with the title of "Shatabdi Purush" (Man of the Century) in New Delhi for his significant contributions to the socialist movement. The award ceremony took place during the birth centenary celebrations of Madhu Limaye, a renowned socialist ideologue and parliamentarian. Ramkishan, considered a senior and iconic figure in Indian socialism, was recognized as the "Socialist Shatabdi Purush."
The event witnessed the presence of several senior politicians, including former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechuri, INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala, and JDU leader KC Tyagi. Throughout his political career, Ramkishan actively participated in movements led by socialist leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Lohia. He endured multiple imprisonments, including during the Emergency period.
Ramkishan also served as a member of the Lok Sabha in 1977 and was elected four times to the Rajasthan Assembly in 1962, 1967, 1974, and 1990. He dedicated his efforts to advocating for the rights of tribals, Dalits, and the underprivileged.