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Current Affairs (4th May, 2023)

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 04-May-2023

World Press Freedom Day 2023

  • World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3 to remind governments of their obligation to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression and to raise awareness about the significance of press freedom.
  • Following the recommendation of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, World Press Freedom Day was first observed in 1993.
  • The theme for World Press Freedom Day 2023 is "Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights."

“Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage” is a Ground for Divorce

  • The Supreme Court held its discretionary power under Article 142 of the Constitution can be utilized to do "complete equity" for couples caught in unpleasant relationships by giving them divorce by mutual consent, consequently saving them the "wretchedness" of waiting for six to 18 months local court to proclaim the revocation last.
  • A Constitution Bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul made the observation that the same extraordinary power could be used by the court to stop pending criminal or legal proceedings, whether they were about dowry or domestic violence between couples. They would be able to begin their separate lives fresh and clean with this.
  • Article 142 of Indian Constitution
  • Article 142 provides a unique power to the Supreme Court, to do “complete justice” between the parties, where, at times, the law or statute may not provide a remedy. In those situations, the Court can extend itself to put an end to a dispute in a manner that would fit the facts of the case.

Government Grant for Project in Kargil

  • The Australian High Commission in India has announced its Government Grant for a Project in Kargil for the first time in Ladakh's history. This was made public at a Special Meeting in Srinagar, which was presided over by Barry O'Farrell, the Australian high commissioner to India.
  • In accordance with the National Education Policy objectives, which include increasing tribal-based schoolchildren's scientific engagement, the project "Return to Roots" aims to incorporate traditional knowledge into the current science curriculum.

India Ranks 161 Out of 180 Countries in World Press Freedom Index

  • According to the most recent report released by global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index for 2023 has decreased to 161 out of 180 countries.
  • Pakistan, on the other hand, has performed better when it comes to media freedom, ranking 150, up from 157 last year. India was ranked 150 in 2022.
  • Reporters Without Borders
  • Reporters Without Borders (RWB) is an international non-profit organisation governed by principles of democratic governance. We are neither a trade union nor a representative of media companies.
  • Founded in 1985 in Montpellier by four journalists, RSF is at the forefront of the defence and promotion of freedom of information.
  • Recognised as a public interest organisation in France since 1995, RSF has consultative status with the United Nations, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the International Organization of Francophonie (OIF).

SpiceJet to Borrow Rs 400 Crore to Revive 25 Grounded Aircraft

  • According to a statement released, domestic airline SpiceJet will borrow nearly Rs 400 crore to rehabilitate 25 grounded aircraft.
  • The development follows its rival's filing with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for insolvency proceedings.
  • SpiceJet has devised a strategy for reviving 25 grounded aircraft that will use funds from the government's Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) and improved cash accruals.

Digital Distribution Platform Launched by HDFC Bank

  • The digital distribution platform (DDP) known as "HDFC Bank Smart Saathi" has been launched by HDFC Bank to facilitate the connection of business correspondents and facilitators to the bank.
  • This platform was launched in the capital by Department of Financial Services (DFS) Secretary Vivek Joshi and Smita Bhagat, Group Head, Government and Institutional Business, Alternate Banking Channels and Partnerships, Inclusive Banking Group and Start-Ups, HDFC Bank.
  • Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, announced that digital platforms such as these help India realize its vision of a cashless economy and true digital financial inclusion.
  • He stated that HDFC Bank Smart Saathi will contribute to the country's development by providing banking products and services, particularly credit, to rural customers.

Rise in APM Gas rice

  • The price of gas produced from the legacy fields of ONGC and Oil India Limited has been increased by more than 4% MoM to $8.27 per mBtu for May 2023 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
  • The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) said that the cost from the designation fields of both the Oil PSUs will be dependent upon a roof of $6.50 per million English Warm Units (mBtu).
  • Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
  • The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is concerned with exploration and production of Oil & Natural Gas, refining, distribution and marketing, import, export and conservation of petroleum products.
  • Oil and Gas being the important import for our economy, many initiatives have been taken by the Ministry for increasing production and exploitation of all domestic petroleum resources to address the priorities like Energy Access, Energy Efficiency, Energy Sustainability and Energy Security.

Participation of Indian Naval Ships in ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise

  • The Indian Navy's two frontline warships arrived in Singapore to take part in the first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise.
  • The harbour period of the activity is booked to be held at the Changi Maritime Base from May 2 to 4, while the ocean stage will be directed from May 7 to 8 in the South China Ocean.
  • The two Indian naval ships that arrived in Singapore are INS Satpura and INS Delhi.
  • Reference Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/two-indian-naval-ships-reach-singapore-to-participate-in-asean-india-maritime-exercise/articleshow/99915467.cms

Sumit Nagal Wins Rome ATP Challenger Tour 2023

  • Sumit Nagal, an Indian tennis player, won the ATP Challenger competition in Rome, Italy. It was his first ATP title in close to four years.
  • Summit Nagal beat Dutchman Jesper de Jong 6-3, 6-2 in the final to win his third career title.
  • In 2019, the Indian tennis player won the ATP title in Buenos Aires. In 2017, he won for the first time in Bengaluru.
  • ATP Challenger Tour
  • The Challenger Tour is a professional circuit that essentially serves as a feeder system for the proper ATP Tour.
  • Launched in 1978 with 18 events in a limited number of locations, today’s tour has grown to more than 180 events in 40 different countries.
  • Events are categorized, in descending order of prestige, as Challenger 125, Challenger 110, Challenger 75, and Challenger 50. This year will also include three elite “Challenger 175” events.