Daily Current Affairs Notes for 01 May 2023

Labour Day 2023: Date

Labour Day 2023: May 1st is a well-known holiday observed worldwide to recognize the achievements of the labor movement. It is commonly known as International Worker’s Day or May Day, and is marked as a public holiday in over 80 countries. The celebration, also called Labor Day in some nations, pays tribute to the valuable contributions of working people to society and highlights the significance of work and the progress made by the labor movement.

Labour Day 2023: Origin

Labor Day has its roots in a long struggle for improved working conditions and workers' rights, and serves as a reminder to strive for social and economic justice. On this day, workers come together in solidarity, reflect on their achievements, and renew their commitment to building a world that is fair and just for all.

Labour Day 2023: History

• May 1st, which is recognized as May Day, marks the anniversary of the initial workers' movement celebrations that took place in 1890.
• The first international congress of socialist parties, held on July 14th, 1889 in Paris, France, declared May 1st as the "Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity."
• The purpose of the occasion was to bring attention to the labor movement and advocate for an eight-hour workday, a cause that American labor activists had also been emphasizing in 1886.
• Unfortunately, the strike and subsequent Haymarket Riot in Chicago in 1886 led to protests, and the date became associated with these negative events.
• As a consequence, certain countries, such as the United States, commemorate a distinct Labor Day on the first Monday of September, and the May Day holiday was met with opposition in America due to its association with communism.

The origins of Labor Day can be traced back to the late 1800s, when workers in industrialized countries started uniting to demand better working conditions, fair wages, and other rights. In the United States, the Central Labor Union of New York City organized the initial Labor Day celebration on September 5, 1882. Following the deaths of several laborers during the Pullman Strike in 1894, the holiday was declared a federal one.

Labour Day 2023: Evolvement of Labour Day

Labor Day has developed into a global occasion celebrated on varying dates, symbolizing the accomplishments of the labor movement and the ongoing struggle for workers' rights. The day encourages recognition of the contributions of workers to society and renewal of the aspirations for a more equitable world.

• May Day is observed as a public holiday in the majority of nations worldwide and is occasionally known as the International Workers' Solidarity Day.
• Communist countries often celebrate the holiday with large military parades and shows of support for the government.
• In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the holiday is marked on the initial Monday of May.
• Although Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands observe Labor Day, the dates of these holidays differ depending on their specific historical backgrounds.
• Labour Day 2023: May Day
• May 1st is of importance as a pagan festival in numerous parts of Europe, with its roots stretching back to the Gaelic Beltane, which celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of summer.
• During Roman times, May 1st was associated with celebration, signifying the onset of spring and an opportunity to venerate the goddess of flowers, Flora. The festival spanned from April 28th to May 3rd.
• In Medieval England, May Day customs gained popularity, involving the coronation of a May Queen, Morris dancing, and circling around a Maypole.
• The official commemoration of Labour Day in India traces its roots to May 1st, 1923, when it was launched by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan in Chennai (formerly known as Madras).
• Currently, Labour Day is celebrated as a public holiday in various Indian states, including Assam, Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and West Bengal.
• Various names are used to refer to the day in India, such as Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas, Kamgar Din in Hindi, Kamgar Divas in Marathi, and Uzhaipalar Dhinam in Tamil.

Labour Day 2023: Significance

• Labour Day is a significant event that recognizes and celebrates the essential role of workers in society. The occasion honors the importance of work, acknowledges the significance of equitable labour practices, and upholds the rights of workers.
• Labour Day has its roots in the efforts of workers to improve their working conditions, secure better wages, and establish essential worker protections. It is an important occasion that acknowledges and celebrates the critical contributions of workers to society. The day honours the value of work, recognizes the significance of fair labour practices and the rights of workers. Additionally, Labour Day serves as a reminder of the continuous struggle for social justice, equality, and economic fairness.
• The day provides an opportunity for workers to unite in solidarity, express gratitude for progress made, and reflect on further progress required. Labour Day symbolizes the accomplishments of the labour movement and the strength of collective action in the pursuit of social and economic justice.

India Launches First-of-its-kind Millets Experience Centre in New Delhi:

India's Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has recently launched the Millets Experience Centre (MEC) in New Delhi's Dilli Haat. The MEC is a collaborative initiative between the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and the Ministry of Agriculture, aimed at promoting the consumption of millets among the public.

India Aims to Become Global Hub for Millets:

In his opening speech, Mr. Tomar commended India's active participation in celebrating the International Year of Millets 2023, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted India's efforts to become a 'Global Hub' for Millets and emphasized that the establishment of the MEC is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.

MEC to Promote Dietary Benefits of Millets:

The Millets Experience Centre, established as a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED), aims to promote millets among the general public. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the centre at Dilli Haat in New Delhi, praising India's role in celebrating the International Year of Millets 2023 and aiming to become a 'Global Hub' for millets. The centre, which is consumer-oriented, will promote the dietary benefits of millets and popularize them as a nutritional powerhouse. Customers can have a unique dining experience and purchase various ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products from local millet start-ups at the MEC.

The Purpose of Millets Experience Centre(MEC):

The Millets Experience Centre, established by NAFED and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), aims to raise public awareness about millets and promote their consumption. India's proposal for the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023), supported by 72 countries, led to the UN General Assembly declaring 2023 as the IYM. This put India at the forefront of the celebrations, and the government has been actively promoting millets as a crop that benefits farmers, the environment, and consumers.