National & International News :
1. Govt to develop Indian Carbon Market; MoP, MoEF&CC Plans to Develop Carbon Credit Trading Scheme
The Indian government plans to establish the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) to decarbonize the economy by pricing greenhouse gas emissions through carbon credit trading. The Ministry of Power, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, is developing the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme for the ICM. The scheme aims to enhance energy transition efforts and cover various energy sectors in India. A stakeholder consultation event was held in New Delhi to discuss the accreditation of carbon verifiers under the ICM.
- The key purposes of the ICM are :
(i) Creation of a competitive market to incentivize climate actors to adopt low-cost options and attract technology and finance for sustainable projects generating carbon credits.
(ii) Development of methodologies to estimate carbon emissions reductions and removals from registered projects.
(iii) Establishment of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) guidelines for the emissions scheme, including validation, registration, verification, and issuance processes.
(iv) Setting up a comprehensive institutional and governance structure with defined roles for each party involved in the ICM's execution.
(v) The ICM is being developed to support India's climate goals, including its ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and the target of reducing the Emissions Intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. It aims to mobilize new mitigation opportunities by creating demand for emission credits from private and public entities.
2. MHA prepares “Model Prisons Act 2023” to replace Existing British-era law
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has developed the "Model Prisons Act 2023" to replace the outdated "Prisons Act of 1894," a British-era law, with a focus on reforming and rehabilitating inmates. This decision was made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
- In addition to reviewing the "Prisons Act of 1894," the MHA also examined the "Prisoners Act of 1900" and the "Transfer of Prisoners Act of 1950." Relevant provisions from these acts were incorporated into the "Model Prisons Act 2023."
- The "Model Prisons Act 2023" introduces measures such as security assessment and segregation of prisons, dedicated wards for women and transgenders, and penalties for complicit prison staff.
Objective : The objective is to provide a comprehensive framework for states to adopt and enhance prison systems throughout India.
3. IIP’s 57th Foundation Day : IIP signed MoUs with various Institutions
On 14th May 2023, the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), Mumbai, Maharashtra, signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate with various prestigious institutions, universities & government bodies on the occasion of IIP’s 57th Foundation Day celebrations at Hotel The Lalit, Andheri, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- IIP has signed MoUs with various institutions including :
The Bihar Agriculture University, Bhagalpur, Bihar, The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Sonipat, Haryana, Thanjavur(Tamil Nadu-TN), The Tamilnadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Chennai(TN) and The North East Handloom & Handicraft Development Corporation (NHDC), Guwahati, Assam.
4. iDEX signs 250th contract, 1st under Mission DefSpace; & 100th SPRINT (Navy) Contract in New Delhi
On May 15, 2023, the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), achieved significant milestones by signing its 250th contract with InspeCity Space Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. in Thane, Maharashtra, and its 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract with Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd in Pune, Maharashtra, in New Delhi.
(i) Contract with InspeCity :
- This contract marks the first under the Mission DefSpace and was signed by Additional Secretary-Defence Production (AS-DP) and CEO of Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) T. Natarajan and CEO of InspeCity, Arindrajit Chowdhary.
- InspeCity is a winner of the 'Micropropulsion system for cubesats' challenge led by the Defence Space Agency.
(ii) Contract with Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd :
- This contract represents the 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract and was exchanged between CEO-DIO T. Natarajan and CEO of Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd, Sushil Eknath Ghule.
- Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd is the winner of the challenge focused on developing a lightweight ASIC-based communication system using a software-defined antenna for satellite communication in various orbits.
(iii) Mission DefSpace :
- Launched in October 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it addresses 75 Defence Space Challenges for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy (IN), and Indian Army (IA) through private sector participation.
- The challenges cover areas such as launch systems, satellite systems, communication and payload systems, ground systems, and software systems, providing a comprehensive overview of space-related aspects.
(iv) SPRINT initiative :
- Unveiled by PM Narendra Modi during the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar 'Swavlamban' in July 2022.
Its goal is to introduce at least 75 technologies/products into the Indian Navy (IN) by August 2023 as part of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations.
(v) iDEX :
- Launched in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it aims to foster co-creation and co-development in the defense sector, promoting startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs in indigenous defense production.
- Implemented by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), established under the Department of Defence Production, MoD.
5. MoC Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launches Sanchar Saathi Portal to Prevent Frauds by Misusing Mobile Phones
On May 16, 2023, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw of the Ministry of Communications (MoC) launched the Sanchar Saathi portal 'https://sancharsaathi.gov.in' to prevent mobile phone fraud.
- Developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), MoC, the portal is citizen-centric and aims to empower mobile subscribers, enhance their security, and raise awareness about government initiatives.
- The Sanchar Saathi portal includes the following modules to protect users from fraud :
(i) CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register): Allows blocking of stolen or lost mobile phones.
(ii) Know your mobile connections: Enables users to check the mobile connections registered under their name.
(iii) ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification): Identifies SIM cards issued with fraudulent or forged documents.
(iv) Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP): Helps detect unauthorized or fraudulent mobile connections and report them.
(v) Know Your Mobile: Allows users to verify the authenticity of their mobile device's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.
Important points :
(i) India has become the world's second-largest telecom ecosystem with 1.17 billion subscribers.
(ii) The first phase of ASTR analyzed 870 million mobile connections using the Param-Sidhhi Supercomputer. It identified numerous cases where a single photo was linked to hundreds of connections. As a result, 4.087 million suspicious connections were detected. Among them, 3.661 million have been disconnected after verification, and the remaining cases are being processed.
(iii) Around 40,123 Point of Sales (PoS) involved in selling these connections were blacklisted, and over 150 First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed across the country.
6. India & Bangladesh launched a " 50 start-ups exchange programme "
India and Bangladesh have jointly launched a '50 start-ups exchange program' aimed at fostering partnerships, expanding business relations, sharing knowledge and experience, and promoting youth and entrepreneurial cooperation. The program entails the exchange of visits between 50 start-ups from each country.
- In the first phase, a group of 10 start-up companies from Bangladesh, operating in sectors such as e-commerce, health, transport and logistics, energy, education, and skill development, visited India from May 8 to 12, 2023. The framework of the program was established during bilateral summits between the Prime Ministers of India, Narendra Modi, and Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina.
Key Events :
- Introduction to India's 'Start-up India' initiative for the Bangladeshi start-ups.
- Participation in interactive sessions covering topics like establishing start-ups, creating business models, the role of incubators, project marketing, cyber security, artificial intelligence, data protection, start-up evaluation, and funding strategies.
- An interactive session organized by the High Commission of India in Bangladesh on May 14, 2023, with the visiting group of 10 start-ups.
- The program holds potential for enhancing cooperation in new and emerging areas, cutting-edge technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
7. MCA launched C-PACE to Simplify Removal of company names from Register
On May 13, 2023, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) established the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) to streamline the process of removing companies from the MCA Register.
- The C-PACE office was inaugurated on May 1, 2023, by RK Dalmia, the Director of Inspection & Investigation at MCA. Harihara Sahoo, from the Indian Corporate Law Services (ICLS), serves as the first Registrar of C-PACE. The office operates under the supervision of the Director General of Corporate Affairs (DGCoA) in New Delhi, Delhi.
Objective :
(i) C-PACE has been established to promote ease of doing business and simplify the process of company exit.
(ii) It aims to provide a smooth, timely, and well-defined experience for companies seeking to strike off their names from the MCA Register.
Benefits :
(i) Centralized company striking-off process contributes to maintaining a clean registry.
(ii) It offers a hassle-free filing and well-regulated process for stakeholders.
(iii) Ensures prompt and efficient disposal of applications.
(iv) Enhances the availability of meaningful data for stakeholders.
8. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts celebrates Rabindra Jayanti; ‘Vigyan Vaibhav’ portal Launched
On May 12, 2023, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), in collaboration with Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University and Sanrachna Foundation, organized Rabindra Jayanti Celebrations at the Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA in New Delhi, Delhi.
- During the event, Meenakshi Lekhi, the Minister of State (MoS) for Culture of India, launched the "Vigyan Vaibhav" portal developed by IGNCA. Dignitaries present at the celebration included Riva Ganguly Das, former Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Goutam De, former Regional Director of ICCR, Rudranil Ghosh, an eminent actor from the Bengali film industry, Prof. O. P. Kalra from SGT University, Dr. Sachichidand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, and Prof. Pratapanand Jha, Dean Academics and HoD CIL, IGNCA.
(i) Vigyan Vaibhav Portal :
The Vigyan Vaibhav portal is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of 75 eminent Indian scientists who have made groundbreaking advancements in science and technology.
- The portal aims to highlight the equal participation and contributions of both women and men in the field of science.
- This launch follows the recent launch of the "Kala Vaibhav" portal at IGNCA and is part of a collective effort.
(ii) Rabindra Jayanti :
Rabindra Jayanti is an annual celebration held on the 25th day of the Bengali month of Boishakh to commemorate the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned Bengali polymath.
- Rabindranath Tagore became the first non-European to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poetry called "Gitanjali," originally written in Bengali and later translated into English.
- Rabindranath Tagore's ideals at the intersection of culture and science continue to be carried forward by Visva Bharati University.
9. ACC approved the appointment of Ravneet Kaur as Chairperson of CCI
On May 15 2023, The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Ravneet Kaur, a 1988 Punjab cadre IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer, as the Chairperson of Competition Commission of India (CCI). She has been appointed for a period of 5 years with effect from the date of assuming the charge or till the date of attaining the age of 65 or until further order.
- Ravneet Kaur becomes the first woman and non-secretary bureaucrat to be appointed as a CCI Chairperson.
- She will replace CCI Member Sangeeta Verma who has been serving as the interim (acting) chairperson of CCI since October 2022 after Ashok Kumar Gupta demitted office.
10. ACC appoints Anil Kumar Jain as New PNGRB Chairman
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the appointment of Anil Kumar Jain, a former Coal Secretary, as the new Chairman of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). He has been appointed for a period of 5 years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or till attaining the age of 65 years, or until further orders.
- The Chairman position of PNGRB has been lying vacant since Dinesh Kumar Sarraf retired on 4th December 2020.
11. Amy Pope of USA Elected as the 1st Woman Director General of UN’s IOM
On May 15, 2023, Amy E. Pope, a 49-year-old from the United States of America (USA), was elected as the first woman Director General (DG) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations' (UN) Migration Agency. She will assume the position as the 11th DG of IOM for a 5-year term starting from October 1, 2023.
- Amy E. Pope secured victory over the incumbent DG Antonio Vitorino of Portugal, the European Union (EU) candidate, who has been serving as the DG of IOM since 2018.
- Before joining IOM, Amy Pope held several significant positions, including Senior Advisor on Migration to President Biden in 2021, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor from 2015 to 2017, and Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director on Transborder Security from 2013 to 2015.
12. Netherlands becomes India’s 3rd Largest Export Destination in FY23 after US, UAE
According to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Netherlands has become the third largest export destination for India in the financial year 2022-23 (FY23), following the United States (US) and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- India's trade surplus with the Netherlands has increased from USD 8 billion in FY22 to USD 13 billion in FY23. This surplus was primarily driven by higher exports of petroleum products, electronic items, chemicals, and aluminium goods.
- Key petroleum products exported from India to the Netherlands include aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and diesel, as reported by the economic think tank GTRI (Global Trade Research Initiative). The largest electronic items exported were telecom equipment and smartphones, valued at over USD 1 billion.
- India's exports to the Netherlands witnessed a significant growth of approximately 48%, reaching USD 18.52 billion in FY23 compared to USD 12.5 billion in FY22.
- The Netherlands has surpassed other major destinations such as the UK, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Germany in terms of India's exports.
- In 2022, India's exports to the Netherlands amounted to USD 18.1 billion, marking a notable increase from USD 5.5 billion in 2017.
- In FY22 and FY21, outbound shipments to the Netherlands from India stood at USD 12.55 billion and USD 6.5 billion, respectively.
13. Karnataka DGP Praveen Sood Appointed as CBI Director for 2 years
On May 14, 2023, Praveen Sood, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Karnataka, was appointed as the new Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as per the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). His appointment was finalized by a three-member high-powered selection committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The Competent Authority approved the appointment of Praveen Sood as the Director of CBI for a period of two years, which can be extended up to five years.
- The current CBI Director, Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, a 1985-batch IPS officer from the Maharashtra cadre, is set to complete his two-year tenure on May 25, 2023. He assumed the position of CBI Director on May 26, 2021.
- Praveen Sood's appointment places him in charge of the premier investigating agency during the 2024 general elections.
14. Telangana’s Vuppala Prraneeth becomes India’s 82nd Grandmaster
On May 13 2023, 16-year-old Vuppala Prraneeth from Telangana, has become India’s 82nd GrandMaster (GM) by defeating GM Hans Niemann from United States of America (USA) in the penultimate round of the Baku Open 2023, which took place from May 4-12, in Baku Crystal Hall, Baku, Azerbaijan.
- With this win Vuppala Prraneeth crossed the required 2500 FIDE’s (International Chess Federation or World Chess Federation) Elo live ratings, to achieve the GM title.
- He is the sixth Grandmaster from the Telangana State.
15. Ruskin Bond Authored a New Book Titled “The Golden Years”
Renowned Indian author Ruskin Bond has penned a new book called "The Golden Years: The Many Joys of Living a Good Long Life," which is set to be published by HarperCollins India. The book, focusing on the author's life in his 60s, 70s, and 80s, is scheduled for release on May 19, 2023, coinciding with his 89th birthday.
- Ruskin Bond was born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, Punjab States Agency, British India. At the young age of 17, he wrote his first book titled "The Room on the Roof," a semi-autobiographical tale featuring the protagonist Rusty.
- Recognizing his literary contributions, Ruskin Bond received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 for his work "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra." In further recognition of his accomplishments, he was honored with the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014 for his contributions to literature and education.
16. MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Flags off 406 Veterinary Ambulances
On 12th May 2023, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister (CM) of Madhya Pradesh (MP) inaugurated a Gau-Raksha Sankalp Sammelan (Cow-Protection Resolution Conference) at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal, MP, and flagged off 406 veterinary ambulances under the “Pashu Chikitsa Ambulance” (animal ambulance) scheme. The ambulance, mainly meant for the treatment of cows, will operate in urban areas and all development blocks of MP.
Banking and Finance News :
1. BSE relaunches Sensex & Bankex Derivative Contracts
On May 15, 2023, BSE, the oldest stock exchange in Asia formerly known as the Bombay Stock Exchange, reintroduced derivative contracts for Sensex and Bankex in an effort to enhance derivative trading at India's premier bourse.
- The relaunch of derivative contracts includes a reduction in the lot size for futures and options, as well as a new Friday expiry cycle, replacing the previous Thursday cycle.
- The lot size for Sensex futures and options has been reduced from 15 to 10, while for Bankex, it has been reduced from 20 to 15.
- The relaunch received positive feedback from market participants, with nearly 100 members actively engaging in trading. The total turnover amounted to Rs 53.12 crores, and the open interest stood at 252 lots.
2. NSE India Launched Rupee-Denominated NYMEX WTI Crude Oil & Natural Gas Futures Contracts
On May 15, 2023, the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE India) launched the rupee-denominated New York Mercantile Exchange’s (NYMEX) West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Oil and Natural Gas futures contracts in its commodity derivatives segment.
Key points :
(i) The NYMEX WTI contracts will be suitable for FPIs (Foreign Portfolio Investors) to get the benefit of margin collateral from their cash holdings in NSE to trade in these commodity derivative contracts.
(ii) The NYMEX WTI will provide effective trading and hedging opportunities to the market participants, with the availability of key energy products on a single trading platform.
(iii) The NYMEX WTI Crude Oil and Natural Gas contracts are among the world’s most traded commodity derivatives contracts generating interest from across the globe.
3. RBI asks banks to Ensure Complete Transition away from LIBOR from July 1, 2023
On May 12, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued an advisory to banks and other RBI-regulated entities to ensure a complete transition from the international benchmark reference rate US$ London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the Mumbai Interbank Forward Outright Rate (MIFOR) from July 1, 2023.
- After June 30, 2023, Financial Benchmarks India Pvt. Ltd. (FBIL) will cease to publish Mumbai Interbank Forward Outright Rate (MIFOR).
Important Points :
(i) Banks / Financial Institutions (FIs) have been advised to ensure that no new transactions undertaken by them or their customers rely on or are priced using the US$ LIBOR (including transactions that reference MIFOR).
(ii) In this regard, banks/FIs will develop systems and processes to manage the complete transition away from LIBOR. RBI will continue to monitor for ensuring a smooth transition from LIBOR.
4. IRDAI forms 5-Member Committee under Chairmanship of Pratima Murthy to Advice on Mental Health Cover
On May 15, 2023, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) established a 5-member expert committee led by Pratima Murthy, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). The committee consists of medical experts and insurers, and its purpose is to provide guidance and insights to IRDAI regarding mental health and insurance.
Objective : The committee's main objective is to thoroughly examine various aspects, including the types of conditions and treatments, from an insurance standpoint. Its focus is to address insurance products that cover mental illnesses and other related aspects.
The committee, with a tenure of 2 years, has been tasked with advising IRDAI on the coverage currently offered or to be offered under insurance products for mental illnesses.
Additionally, the committee will provide guidance on terminology and concepts from a medical perspective, as well as aspects pertaining to mental illnesses from an insurance standpoint.
5. IRDAI Directs Insurers To Provide Full Insurance Coverage For Surrogacy
On May 12, 2023, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issued a directive to all insurers, mandating comprehensive insurance coverage for surrogate mothers and oocyte donors in accordance with the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021.
The IRDAI has instructed insurers to ensure immediate compliance with the two Acts and make suitable products available.
Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 :
According to Section 4 (iii)(a)(III) of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, insurance coverage must be provided to the surrogate mother for a duration of 36 months (3 years) to cover postpartum delivery complications. This coverage should be obtained from an insurance company or agent recognized by the IRDAI.
As per Rule 5 of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022, the intending woman or couple must purchase general health insurance coverage for the surrogate mother for 36 months. The insurance coverage should be sufficient to cover all expenses related to pregnancy complications and post-partum delivery complications.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021 :
Under Section 22(1)(b) of the ART Act, 2021, insurance coverage for a duration of 12 months is mandated for the oocyte donor by the commissioning couple or woman. This coverage should be obtained from an insurance company or agent recognized by the IRDAI and should cover all expenses related to complications arising from oocyte retrieval.
6. WB Granted Rs 51 Crore to set up Integrated Road Safety Enforcement System in Shimla & Nurpur
World Bank (WB) has approved a grant of Rs 51 crore for the project to set up an integrated road safety enforcement system in the Shimla and Nurpur police districts of Himachal Pradesh (HP) and develop the Palampur-Sheela Chowk in Kangra (HP) as a “safe corridor”.
- Under the first phase of the project, Shimla and Nurpur have been selected and a sum of Rs 42 crore (out of Rs 51 Crore granted by WB) will be spent on both police districts to strengthen their emergency response systems.
The Palampur-Sheela Chowk stretch of road in Kangra has been chosen to be developed at a cost of Rs 9 crore as a safe corridor under the Safe Corridor Demonstration Programme (SCDP) by making safety interventions and design improvements.
Other News :
1. National Dengue Day - 16th May , 2023
National Dengue Day is annually observed across India on 16th May to create awareness about dengue among general public and to promote the preventive measure against dengue.
The observance of the National Dengue Day is led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoH&FW).
- The government of India observes the 16th May as National Dengue Day and the month of July as the Anti Dengue Month to create awareness about Dengue- a mosquito-borne viral infection, which is predominantly found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide.
- Since 2011, The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) annually celebrates the ASEAN Dengue Day on 15th June to create awareness of dengue.
In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) joined ASEAN to mark 15th June as AESAN Dengue Day.
- Dengue in India :
According to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), around 2.3 lakh dengue cases and around 303 deaths due to dengue were recorded in 2022.
The National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) administers an umbrella programme NVBDCP for the prevention and control of 6 vector-borne diseases namely Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue, Chikungunya, Kala-azar and Lymphatic Filariasis.
About National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) :
Director : Dr. Tanu Jain
Headquarters : Delhi
2. International Day of Living Together in Peace 2023 - 16th May
- The day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.
- The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/72/130 on 8th December 2017 and proclaimed May 16 of every year as the International Day of Living Together in Peace.
- The 1st ever International Day of Living Together in Peace was observed on 16th May 2018.
About the United Nations (UN) :
Secretary General : António Guterres
Headquarters : New York, USA
Establishment : 1945
3. International Day of Light 2023 - 16th May
The International Day of Light (IDL) is a global initiative, annually observed on 16th May to celebrate the contribution of light in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development. The day also celebrates the role of lights in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy.
- 16th May 2023 marks the 6th edition of International Day of Light.
- The International Day of Light is observed by the United Nations (UN)s and administered from the International Basic Science Programme (IBSP) of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The observance of the International Day of Light is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and harness its potential to foster peace and sustainable development.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) :
Established in : 1945 (entered into force in 1946)
Director-General : Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters : Paris, France
4. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023 - 17th May
The United Nations(UN)’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day(WTISD) is annually observed across the globe on 17th May to create awareness about the uses of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) in societies and economies. The day also aims to raise awareness about the ways to bridge the Digital divide.
- WTISD 2023 is observed on 17th May 2023 under the theme - “Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies”.
About International Telecommunication Union (ITU) :
ITU is the UN’s specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs.
Secretary General : Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Founded : 1865
Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
5. World Hypertension Day 2023 - 17th May
World Hypertension Day is annually observed across the globe on May 17 to raise awareness about hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, and promote its prevention, detection and control.
World Hypertension Day 2023 was observed on 17th May 2023 under the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”.
Aim : The day aims to communicate to the public the importance of hypertension and its serious medical complications.
Important points :
(i) Worldwide, 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 are believed to have hypertension, with two-thirds of them living in low- and middle-income countries.
(ii) Adults with hypertension are reportedly 46% less likely to be aware of their condition.
(iii) According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only 42% of persons with hypertension receive a diagnosis and treatment. 1 in 5 (21%) persons with hypertension have it under control. Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.
(iv) The reduction of hypertension prevalence by 33% between 2010 and 2030 is one of the global goals for non-communicable diseases.
6. International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2023 - 17th May
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) is annually observed across the globe on May 17 to raise awareness about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) issues.
IDAHOTB 2023 was observed on 17th May 2023 under the theme “Together Always: United in Diversity”.
Key points :
(i) The United Nations (UN)’s LGBTI Core Group hosted an event at UN headquarters to commemorate the 2023 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT), cosponsored by UN Women.
This is the 5th year that the Core Group holds an IDAHOTB event.
(ii) This event is being held to raise awareness of the discrimination, violence, and marginalisation that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people face across the globe, emphasising the importance of creating an inclusive society that respects and protects the human rights of all people, including trans people.
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