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By admin: May 1, 2023

Tiger at Kalesar National Park in Yamunanagar caught on camera

Tags: State News

A tiger has been spotted in a camera trap at Kalesar National Park in Yamunanagar district of Haryana. 

An overview of the news

• Recently tiger sightings in the Kalesar area have happened after a gap of 110 years.

• Kalesar Park is adjacent to the Simbalbara National Park in the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh.

• Both these parks are connected to Rajaji National Park through dense forest. It appears that tigers are using this corridor for roaming.

About Kalesar National Park

• It is located in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana.

• It is situated at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas.

• It was declared a National Park on 8 December 2003.

• It shares boundary with three States viz., Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal & U.P.

• It was named after a temple (known as Kalesar Mahadev temple) located inside the premise of the park.

• In earlier times, rulers under the Mughal and British Raj used the park as hunting grounds.

• The park is also famous for its Dak bungalows – the administrative architectural bungalows built in colonial times.

• Flora - Most of the forest is covered by tall and dense sal trees. Other trees that are found in the forest are Semul, Bahera, Amaltas, Shisham, Khair, Sain, Chhal and Jhingan.

• Fauna: It houses many animals like leopards, Ghoral, Barking deer, Sambar, Chital, Python, King Cobra, Monitor lizard etc.

Index of Eight Core Industries increases by 3.6 percent in March 2023

Tags: INDEX Economy/Finance

The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 3.6 percent (provisional) in March 2023 as compared to the Index of March 2022.

An overview of the news

• The production of Coal, Fertilizers, Steel, Natural Gas, and Refinery Products increased in March 2023 over the corresponding month of last year.

• ICI measures combined and individual performance of production of eight core industries viz Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement and Electricity. 

• The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 percent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

Summary of the Index of Eight Core Industries

• Coal - Coal production (weight: 10.33 percent) increased by 12.2 percent in March 2023 over March 2022. 

• Crude Oil - Crude Oil production (weight: 8.98 percent) declined by 2.8 percent in March 2023 over March 2022. 

• Natural Gas - Natural Gas production (weight: 6.88 percent) increased by 2.8 percent in March 2023 over March 2022. 

• Petroleum Refinery Products - Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04 percent) increased by 1.5 percent in March 2023 over March 2022. 

• Fertilizers - Fertilizer production (weight: 2.63 percent) increased by 9.7 percent in March 2023 over March 2022. 

• Steel - Steel production (weight: 17.92 percent) increased by 8.8 percent in March 2023 over March 2022. 

• Cement - Cement production (weight: 5.37 percent) declined by 0.8 percent in March 2023 over March 2022. 

• Electricity - Electricity generation (weight: 19.85 percent) declined by 1.8 percent in March 2023 over March 2022.

PM Modi launches 91 FM Transmitters of capacity of 100 Watt

Tags: State News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28th April virtually commissioned 91 FM Transmitters of capacity of 100 Watt at Diphu in Karbi Anglong district of Assam.

An overview of the news

• Priority has been given to Left Wing Extremism affected areas, aspirational districts and border areas of the country for setting up new transmitters.

• The transmitter will act as a vehicle to convey information about programs and policies of the government as well as entertainment content to every nook and corner of the country.

• This will strengthen cultural connectivity as well as intellectual bonding and is expected to benefit the underprivileged who may not have had access to this facility earlier.

• It will promote digital entrepreneurship in villages.

• It can be linked to the strength of the country and the collective power of duty among the countrymen.

About All India Radio

• All India Radio, formally known as Akashvani since 1957, is India's national public radio broadcaster and an arm of Prasar Bharati.

• It was established in 1936.

• It is run by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

• Its slogan is 'Bahujan Hitay: Bahujan Sukhay', which translates to 'serving, educating and entertaining the masses'.

National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021-22

Tags: Reports Economy/Finance

Dr. S. Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, released the “National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021-22: Summary for Policymakers" on April 27, 2023.

Major Findings of the report

• 25.01% of the 8,074 firms surveyed were considered innovative.

• The 25% of firms that reported innovation in the survey saw 83% increase in turnover and 80% opening up new opportunities in the market.

• Only 15% of micro firms are innovative while it is 56% in large firms.

• Over 45% of firms reported that lack of funding within the firm or group was the most common constraint, followed by high innovation costs (40.30%) and lack of finance from external sources (39.52%).

• The most important constraints were the low demand for innovations in the market (71.23%).

What is the NMIS survey?

• It is a joint study by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to evaluate the innovation performance of manufacturing firms in India.

• The study is a follow-up to DST's first National Innovation Survey conducted in 2011.

• The survey had two distinct components: the firm-level survey and the Sectoral Systems of Innovation (SSI) survey.

• The study was not designed to assess the effectiveness of specific policies individually or collectively.

Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty won men's doubles at the Badminton Asia Championships gold medal

Tags: Sports Sports News

On 30 April, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty created history by becoming the first Indian men's doubles pair to win a gold medal at the Badminton Asia Championships.

An Overview of the News

• Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Malaysian pair of Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yee in a three-game match.

• This historic achievement is only the second gold medal India has won at theBadminton Asia Championships, the first gold medal being won by Dinesh Khanna in 1965 in the men's singles category.

• He won the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022 and was part of the historic Thomas Cup winning team.

Badminton Association of India (BAI):

• It serves as the governing body for badminton in India.

• BAI is registered as an association under the Societies Act.

• Since 1936, BAI has been responsible for organising and hosting national level badminton tournaments in India.

Establishment -1934

Headquarters - New Delhi

President -Himanta Biswa Sarma

Badminton Asia Championship:

• It is an annual badminton tournament organised by the governing body Badminton Asia

• The tournament has been held since 1962 and has been an annual event since 1991.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023, won by Sergio Perez

Tags: Sports Sports News

Sergio Pérez won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the fourth round of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship held in Baku.

An Overview of the News

• Pérez won the race beating Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen.

• The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a Formula One race held annually since 2017 at the Baku City Circuit in the capital city of Azerbaijan.

• Azerbaijan is a country located in both Asia and Europe, bordered by the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains.

• The country's capital is Baku, known for its mediaeval walled Inner City.

• The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is located within the inner city of Baku. It was built in the 15th century as a royal residence.

About Azerbaijan

Capital - Baku

Currency - Azerbaijani manat

Official language - Azerbaijani

Government -Republic, Unitary State, Presidential System, Constitutional Republic, Semi-Presidential System

Continent - Europe, Asia

President -Ilham Aliyev

Vice President - Mehriban Aliyeva

Prime Minister -Ali Asadov

National Assembly Speaker -Sahiba Gafarova

India to join international climate action in civil aviation from 2027

Tags: Environment National News

India will join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and Long-Term Aspirational Goals (LTAG) from 2027.

An Overview of the News

• This announcement was made in the meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Parliament of the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the chairmanship of Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

• ICAO has adopted several key ambitious targets, including a two percent annual fuel efficiency improvement by 2050, carbon neutral development, and net zero by 2050, all covered under CORSIA and LTAG.

• India's Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that joining these measures from 2027 would help airlines from developing countries like India to achieve greater growth and avoid adverse financial consequences due to CORSIA.

• The financial impact caused by offsetting will be borne by individual airlines based on their international operations, and CORSIA only applies to flights originating from one country to another.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):

• It is a specialised agency of the United Nations and its primary function is to coordinate the principles and techniques of international air navigation.

• The organisation is also responsible for promoting the planning and development of international air transport.

• ICAO's mission is to ensure the safe and orderly development of the international aviation industry.

• The organisation works with its member states to develop and implement policies and regulations related to air navigation and air transport.

• ICAO also provides technical assistance and training to help its member states meet international aviation standards and regulations.

Established - 7 December 1944

Headquarters -Montreal, Canada

Carbon Offsetting and Mitigation Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA):

• It is a global plan developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to reduce CO2 emissions from international flights.

• It aims to achieve carbon-neutral growth for international flights by offsetting any increase in emissions through the purchase of carbon credits from eligible projects.

• The plan has a phased implementation and includes all international flights, except to least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.

Indian Army inducts five women officers into its Artillery Regiment

Tags: National Defence National News

The women officers, including Lt Mehak Saini, Lt Sakshi Dubey, Lt Aditi Yadav, Lt Pavitra Moudgil and Lt Akanksha, joined major artillery units of the Army after completing their training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai.

An Overview of the News

• The move is a significant step towards gender equality in the Indian Armed Forces and reflects the Army's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity.

• According to military sources, out of the five women officers, three have been posted on the forward front along theLine of Actual Control (LAC) with China, while the other two have been posted at challenging positions near the border with Pakistan.

• The Artillery Regiment is a major combat support branch responsible for various gun systems including the Bofors howitzer, Dhanush, M-777 howitzer and K-9 Vajra self-propelled guns.

• Women officers are being posted in major artillery units of all types, where they will get adequate training and experience in handling rocket, area and surveillance, and target acquisition (SATA) systems, as well as major equipment.

• The decision to induct women officers into artillery units was announced by Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey in January and later approved by the government.

About Indian Army

Established- 26 January 1950

Headquarters- New Delhi

Motto- Seva Paramo Dharma: (Sanskrit); "Service Before Self" (translation)

Colour- Gold, Red and Black

Part- Indian Armed Forces

Role- Land War

Rajneesh Karnataka appointed as new MD & Chairman of Bank of India

Tags: Person in news

Rajneesh Karnataka has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chairman of Bank of India (BOI) by the Government of India.

An Overview of the News

• Rajneesh Karnataka is currently serving as the Executive Director of Union Bank of India.

• He will hold the role of MD & CEO of Bank of India for a period of three years, from the date he assumes charge or until further instructions.

• With over 29 years of experience in the banking sector, Karnatak has served as the Chief General Manager of Punjab National Bank before being appointed as the Executive Director of Union Bank of India on October 21, 2021.

• Karnataka holds a Master of Commerce degree and is a certified associate from the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB).

About Rajneesh Karnataka's career and experience

• He has held several key positions in the banking sector, such as General Manager at Oriental Bank of Commerce, where he headed key departments such as large corporate credit branches, digital banking, credit monitoring and mid-corporate credit.

• Following the amalgamation of Oriental Bank of Commerce into Punjab National Bank, Karnatak took over as the head of both Credit Monitoring Division and Corporate Credit Division in PNB.

• Karnataka served as non-executive chairman of UBI Services on behalf of Union Bank of India and was a non-independent non-executive director on the board of UBI (UK).

• He was also a member of the Governing Board of the Indian Institute of Bank Management (IIBM) in Guwahati.

• Karnataka served as a nominee director on behalf of Punjab National Bank on the boards of PNB Housing Finance and India SME Asset Reconstruction Company.

• Additionally, he served as the Board Trustee at IIFCL Asset Management Company (IAMCL).

Bank of India:

Founder- Ramnarayan Ruia

Established- 7 September 1906

Headquarters- Mumbai

Debdutt Chand appointed as the new Managing Director of Bank of Baroda

Tags: Person in news

Debdutt Chand was appointed as the Managing Director (MD) of Bank of Baroda (BoB) on 29 April.

An Overview of the News

• Chand is currently serving as the Executive Director of the bank.

• He will assume the position of MD for a period of three years with effect from July 1, 2023 or until further notice.

• The appointment comes after the tenure extension of the previous MD, Sanjiv Chadha, which ended on January 19, 2021, was extended by the government for an additional five months till June 30, 2021.

• The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommended the name of Debdutt Chand for the post of Managing Director and CEO in Bank of Baroda.

About Debdutt Chand

• Chand started his career in 1994 as an officer in Allahabad Bank.

• He worked as a manager in Small Industries Development Bank of India [SIDBI] from 1998 to 2005.

• He joined Punjab National Bank (PNB) in 2005 as Chief Manager and eventually rose to the rank of Chief General Manager.

• Prior to his role as Executive Director in Bank of Baroda, Chand served as the CGM of Mumbai Region in PNB.

Bank of Baroda

Established- 20 July 1908, Vadodara

Founder- Sayajirao Gaekwad III

Headquarters- Alkapuri, Vadodara

Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh visits Science Museum

Tags: International News

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh inspected the operations of the 175 year old London Science Museum.

An Overview of the News

• The objective of setting up such museums in India is to enable the citizens, especially the youth, to discover their hidden potential and abilities and develop their scientific temper, creativity and innovation.

• The Science Museum, established in 1857, is located in South Kensington, London and is a major museum on Exhibition Road.

• The museum management was impressed by India's success in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Science Museum became one of the city's most popular tourist attractions, with 3.3 million visitors in 2019.

• As a publicly funded national museum in the UK, the Science Museum does not charge admission, but visitors are encouraged to make a donation if possible.

• The Science Museum is part of a group of five museums known as the Science Museum Group.

About the United Kingdom (UK)

• It is a country in Europe made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

• It has a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy with the monarch as the head of state and the prime minister leading the government.

• The UK has a mixed economy and is known for its strengths in the service sector, manufacturing and technology.

Prime Minister- Rishi Sunak

Capital- London

Currency- Pound Sterling (GBP)

Emperor- Charles III

Government- Parliamentary System, Unitary State, Constitutional Monarchy

Science 20 Engagement Group meeting under India's G20 chairmanship begins in Lakshadweep

Tags: Science and Technology Summits

On 1 May, the Science 20 Engagement Group meeting on Universal Holistic Health began under India's G20 chairmanship in Lakshadweep, Bangaram Island.

An Overview of the News

• The focus of the two-day event is to work towards better agricultural practices, greater access to nutritious food, healthier eating habits and more opportunities for ecologically conscious and sustainable food products.

• The meeting will address the interconnectedness of physical, mental and emotional well-being, recognizing that all aspects of health are equally important.

• The aim of the event is to develop a holistic approach to health that focuses on promoting wellness and preventing diseases rather than merely treating them.

• It is an effort to bring together scientists, experts and policy makers from different countries to exchange ideas and knowledge on health related issues.

• The Engagement Group will also explore the role of technology in promoting health and wellness, such as the use of telemedicine and digital health solutions.

• The event is a significant step towards achieving India's vision of universal health coverage and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals.

About Lakshadweep

Formation- 1 November 1956

Capital- Kavaratti

Administrator- Praful Khoda Patel

Largest city- Andrott

High Court- Kerala High Court

Bird- Brown Noddy

Labour Day: May 1

Tags: Important Days

Labor Day is celebrated every year on 1 May. The day is recognized as a global holiday that commemorates the hard work and achievements of the labour movement.

An Overview of the News

• It is known as International Workers' Day. It is observed as a public holiday in more than 80 countries around the world.

• Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September in many countries, including the United States. However, in most parts of the world it is celebrated on May 1st.

• The purpose of Labor Day is to acknowledge the contribution of working individuals to society and to recognize the importance of work. It commemorates the steps taken by the labour movement to fight for workers' rights and improve working conditions.

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History of Labor Day 2023:

• Labor Day, also known as International Workers' Day or May Day, is celebrated every year on 1 May.

• The origins of Labor Day can be traced to the labour movement of the late 19th century.

• The First International Congress of Socialist Parties, held in Paris in 1889, proclaimed 1 May as the "Workers' Day of International Unity and Solidarity".

• The purpose of the day was to draw attention to the labour movement and promote the idea of an eight-hour working day, a key demand of labour advocates around the world.

• However, the first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on the first Monday of September in 1882 and the day was used to promote the interests of trade unions and workers.

• May Day in the United States is associated with negative events following the Haymarket Riot in Chicago in 1886, a protest against police violence and the wrongful conviction of labour activists.

• May Day's association with communism also contributed to opposition to the holiday in some countries, including the United States.

• Despite this, May Day remains an important Labor Day for workers and labour advocates around the world, and is celebrated with rallies, marches, and other events.