Current Affairs – May 15, 2018
S.No Topic Page Number
1 Important Days 2
2 World News 3 - 4
3 National News 5 - 6
4 State News 7 - 8
5 Banking & Economy 9 - 10
6 Sports News 11
7 Awards & Honours 12 - 13
8 Appointments & Resignation 14
9 Science & Techonology 15
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Important Days
International Day of the Families
On 15 May 2018, International Day of the Families was observed all over the world. When: In 1993, UN General Assembly declared that 15 May of every year should be celebrated as Why: The International Day of Families offers an opportunity to promote awareness of issues related to families and to improve the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families. Workshops, conferences, radio and television programmes, newspaper articles and cultural programmes are conducted to celebrate this day. The theme for International Day of Families 2018: “Families and inclusive societies”.
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World News
India 3rd largest solar market in world: Mercom
As per a report by Mercom Communications India, India emerged as the third largest solar market in the world in 2017 behind China and the US. In 2017, India set a new record with 9.6 GW of solar installations, which was more than double the 4.3 GW installed in 2016. On account of this stellar growth, India’s total solar installed capacity reached 19.6 GW as of December 2017. Out of the 19.6 GW installation, 92% is on account of large-scale project development. Mercom Communications India is the Indian subsidiary of Mercom Capital Group, a global clean energy consulting firm.
WHO launches ‘REPLACE’ to eliminate trans fat in foods by 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a comprehensive plan to eliminate industrially-produced artificial trans fats from the global food supply by 2023. The WHO launched an initiative called REPLACE that will provide guidance for all countries on how to remove artificial trans fats from their foods, possibly leading to a worldwide eradication. REPLACE stands for review dietary sources, promote use of healthier fats, legislate, assess changes, create awareness and enforce.
Mahira Khan becomes first Pakistani actor to debut at Cannes
Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has created history by becoming the first actor of Pakistani origin to make debut at Cannes Film Festival 2018.
China approves $1 bn loan for Sri Lanka expressway
China has approved a USD 1 billion loan to revive a long-delayed expressway in central Sri Lanka, the island’s government said today
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SAWEN’s 1st meeting in India
The South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), an inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement agency, held its first-ever meeting in India. Its member countries are India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, Pakistan & Maldives.
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National News
Prime minister Narendra modi reshuffles cabinet
In a surprise move Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a minor ministerial reshuffle his Cabinet on May 14. Smriti Irani was removed of the high-profile information and broadcasting ministry and is now only in charge of textiles ministry. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has being given independent charge of the prestigious Information and Broadcasting (I&B) ministry in place of Irani while continuing as Sports Minister. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has been given the additional charge of the Finance Ministry till Arun Jaitley, who underwent a kidney surgery, recovers. S S Ahluwalia, who was until recently the Minister of State for Drinking Water & Sanitation, has been assigned the portfolio of Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. Alphons Kannanthanam has been relieved as Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. He continues as Minister of State for Tourism.
Indian army women officers’ mountaineering expedition to Mt. Bhagirathi-II
Indian Army Women Officers’ Mountaineering Expedition to Mt. Bhagirathi-II (6512 metres) consisting of nine women officers, was flagged off by Director General of Military Training on 14 May 2018. The expedition will be conducted from 14 May to 11 Jun 18. The team also plans to set a new world record of practicing Yoga at 21000 ft on the occasion of Yoga Day 2018. The expedition aims at encouraging women in the field of adventure where dauntless courage, will-power and determination is put to test.
Government issues National Wind-Solar Hybrid policy
On 14 May 2018, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy issued National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy. The objective of National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy is to offer a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid system for efficient usage of transmission infrastructure and land. It also aims to reduce the variability in renewable power generation and to achieve better grid stability.
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It offers integration of both wind and solar at AC and DC level. It offers flexibility in share of wind and solar components in hybrid project, subject to one condition that, rated power capacity of one resource should be at least 25 % of the rated power capacity of other resource for it to be recognised hybrid project. It will promote new hybrid projects and hybridisation of existing wind/solar projects. The existing wind/solar projects can be hybridised with higher transmission capacity than the sanctioned one, subject to availability of margin in the existing transmission capacity. NALCO inks MoU with Government of India, setting highest ever target
Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has signed MoU with Union Ministry of Mines, setting highest ever target of Rs 9350 crore revenue for financial year 2018-19. NALCO’s revenue target of Rs 9350 crore marks a 15% increment over previous year. In terms of production, target for production of Alumina has been set at 2.1 million tons and for Aluminium production it is 4.15 lakh tonnes. During 2018-19, NALCO will be incurring capital expenditure of Rs.1100 crore, mainly on projects like the 1 million tonne 5 stream of Refinery, wind power projects and modernization & up- gradation of plant equipments.
4 States Ink MoUs With Centre On Health Protection Mission
The states of Himachal Pradesh,Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Uttarakhand agreed to implement the ambitious national health protection mission, which aims to provide an annual coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family. The four states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh inked MoUs with the Union Health Ministry for the implementation ofAyushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission
Smt Smriti Irani Chairs Meeting of Stakeholders on ‘Samarth’- scheme for capacity building in Textile sector
It was attended by the senior officials of the Textiles Ministry, institutions and organizations under it, representatives of textile industry, State Governments, training institutions among others. Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta and Secretary, Textiles, Shri Anant Kumar Singh also addressed the stakeholders. The aim of the meeting was to familiarize the stakeholders with the objective and functioning of the scheme. The various challengesfaced by the stakeholders from the previous scheme were also addressed and the feedbacks on the concerned potential and benefits of the scheme to the betterment of textile sector were also discussed.
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State News
President Ram Nath Kovind launches welfare schemes in Rajasthan
President Ram Nath Kovind was on an official visit to Rajasthan on 13 and 14 May, 2018. This was President Kovind’s first trip to Rajasthan as head of the nation. On May 13, 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind launched Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Antyoday Swarojgar Yojana, Sundar Singh Bhandari EBC (economically backward class) Swarojgar Yojana and Rin Maufi Yojna of Rajasthan State Government. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Antyoday Swarojgar Yojana: loans of up to Rs 50000 on 4% cent interest will be given to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Class (OBC) families for selfemployment. Sundar Singh Bhandari EBC (economically backward class) Swarojgar Yojana: a loan of Rs 50000 on 4% interest will be given to economically backward families of the general category. Rin Maufi Yojna: loan waiver scheme of up to Rs 50000 to SC, ST, OBC, sweepers and ‘divyang’.
Roll out of e-Way Bill system for intra-State movement of goods in Assam & Rajasthan
Union Finance Ministry has announced that E-way bill system for intra-state movement of goods valued over Rs 50000 would be rolled out in Assam from May 16, 2018 and in Rajasthan from May 20, 2018. In context of this news, it is important to note that E-way bill system for moving goods worth over Rs 50000 from one state to another has already been rolled out since April 1, 2018. The same for intra or within the state movement has been rolled out in phased manner and so far 18 states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar have made e-way bill mandatory for intra-state movement of goods. Till May 13, 2018 more than 4.15 crore e-way bills have been generated, which includes more than 1 crore eway bills for intra-state movement of goods.
Highlights of first apex conference for Smart City CEOs, held in Bhopal
First apex conference for Smart City CEOs was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 8 and 9 May, 2018. The conference was inaugurated by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing & Urban Affairs, Hardeep Puri. The conference served as a platform to share knowledge and best practices among city leaders and various stakeholders in the Smart Cities Mission.
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Agence Française de Développement (AFD’s) programme to fund Smart City projects was also launched during the conference. Under this programme, Euro 100 million will be provided to 30- 80 selected projects (selected through a challenge) and Euro 6 million will be available for technical support.
NTPC inks pact to acquire 3 projects in Bihar
In a bid to pursue the objective of acquiring state-owned generation units across the country, on May 15, 2018, NTPC inked acquisition pact with Bihar and its power utilities. As per the terms of MoU, Barauni Thermal Power Station will be transferred to NTPC and Bihar State Power Generation Co. Ltd. (BSPGCL’s) 27.36 per cent equity in Kanti Bijlee Utpadan Nigam Ltd (KBUNL) and 50 per cent equity in Nabinagar Power Generating Company will also be transferred to NTPC. As NTPC and BSPGCL own 72.64 per cent and 27.36 per cent equity holding in KBUNL and Nabinagar Power Generating Company (NPGC) is a 50:50 JV of NTPC and BSPGCL, post this transaction, Barauni plant will become part of NTPC portfolio and KBUNL and NPGC will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of NTPC.
Eco-tourism initiatives in rural belt of Assam
Shikdamakha, one of the cleanest villages in Assam, along with its neighbouring hamlets – Bormarjong, Maulen, Amsai, Langarkhon has taken an initiative to create a rural tourism model. This initiative is aimed at creating livelihood opportunities for local people. It is supported by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, and an NGO named Root Bridge Foundation, which is making a detailed plan for the development of the villages with participation of local youths and students of Tezpur University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and Guwahati University.
First all-woman Post office Passport seva kendra starts operations in Phagwara, Punjab
On 14 May 2018, the first Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) that is run by an all- woman team began operations in Phagwara, Punjab. The POPSK was inaugurated by Union Minister Vijay Sampla in the local head Post Office. It is the 192nd POPSK in India. But it is the first POPSK to be operated by an all-woman team. The Phagwara Kendra will be headed by department’s Verification Officer Madhuri Bhavi. The other two women staff members – Postal Assistants will be from the Post Office Department.
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Banking & Economy
RBI puts deposit, lending restrictions on Allahabad Bank
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has placed additional restrictions on Allahabad Bank, which is under prompt RBI has debarred Allahabad bank from high-risk lending and has advised to reduce exposure to unrated and high-risk advances. Allahabad Bank has also been restricted by RBI from creating non-banking assets and accessing or renewing wholesale or costly deposits or certificate of deposits. These actions have been suggested by RBI by considering Allahabad Bank’s Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR) and leverage ratio positions. Allahabad Bank is the second lender (after Dena Bank) among the 11 banks under prompt corrective action (PCA) that has been restricted by the RBI from lending to risky assets.
World Bank agrees to a grant for Bangladesh
World Bank (WB) has finally agreed to provide a grant to Bangladesh for meeting the basic needs of around one million Rohingyas who fled their homeland Myanmar. Bangladesh had asked World Bank’s assistance for this cause in October 2017. At that time, WB offered to provide a mix of soft loans and grant. However, Bangladesh refused to take loans. World Bank has now agreed to extend the grant as considering the case of Rohingyas as “exceptional”. WB, which has dealt with similar refugee crisis in Venezuela, Turkey and some other African countries has stated that grant provided to Bangladesh should be entirely spent for Rohingyas only.
Paytm introduced automatic recurring payments
On May 14, 2018, Paytm introduced ‘My Payments’, an automatic recurring payments feature that lets users of Paytm app to pay for periodic recurring expenses automatically. This feature is similar to standing instructions for bank accounts, that can be used for high-value payments for a variety of cases such as house rent, maid/driver’s salary, milk or newspaper vendor payments online. It is expected that ‘My Payments’ feature will significantly boost bank-to-bank transactions on Paytm. It is to be noted that Paytm processes about 1 billion transactions every quarter.
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YES Bank launches Agenda 25×25 for budding women entrepreneurs in India
Private sector bank, Yes Bank and its think tank YES Global Institute have launched ‘Agenda 25×25’, aimed at creating a synergetic startup environment for budding women entrepreneurs in India. This initiative was launched at YES Bank – YES Global Institute Annual Startup Conclave hosted in partnership with NITI Aayog, Invest India, Startup India and Atal Innovation Mission. ’Agenda 25X25’ is geared towards ensuring that by 2025, at least 25% of all entrepreneurs in India are women. A study by YES Bank-YES Global Institute, titled ‘Putting Women First: Building the Start- up Ecosystem Ground Up’ emphasised on the need to build a 10 Step Developmental Model focused on empowering women innovators, synergizing collaborations, catalyzing investments and increasing economic opportunities.
ITR-2 launched on e-filing portal; total 3 ITRs available now
On May 15, 2018, Income Tax Department launched the ITR-2, the third income return form for assessment year 2018-19, on the official e-filing portal. ITR-2 is for individuals, Hindu Undivided families (HUFs) and NRIs who have income from any sources except income from profits and gains of business or profession. With this, a total of three Income Tax Returns (ITRs) have now been activated by Income Tax Department viz. ITR-1 (Sahaj), ITR-4 and ITR-2. ITR-1 is primarily for salaried class of taxpayers with income up to Rs 50 lakh from salary while ITR-4 is for professionals and self-employed individuals who have opted for the presumptive income scheme.
BSNL partners SAP to boost GST compliance in rural India
State-owned telecom operator BSNL has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with enterprise solutions provider SAP to jointly offer innovative GST (goods and services tax) solutions to enterprises across India. The MoU aims to ensure that every business in every town and village in the nation successfully adopts GST through BSNL’s country-wide reach and SAP’s expertise in providing robust technology offerings.
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Sports News
Heena bags gold in 10m air pistol in Hannover
On 13 May 2018, India’s Heena Sidhu won a gold medal in the 10m air pistol category at the International Shooting Competitions of Hannover (ISCH). In the final, Heena Sidhu was tied with France’s Mathilde Lamolle on 239.8 points. Heena Sidhu won the tie and secured the gold medal. India’s Shri Nivetha won a bronze medal with a score of 219.2.
Neymar named France’s player of the year
On 15 May, the Paris saint-Germain’s brazilian forward footballer Neymar was named France’s player of the Year at an award ceremony in Paris. He received his award from former Brazilian international player Ronaldo as a part of 27 UNFP (French National Professional Football Players Union) trophy Ceremony. He is considered to be the world’s most expensive player with a score of 19 goals in 20 leagues for PSG games before suffering from a foot injury that needed surgery. He is hoping to be back to full fitness in time to lead Brazil at the World Cup in Russia, which starts in a month’s time.
OA signs Li-Ning as apparel partner till Tokyo 2020
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced Asia’s leading sports apparel brand Li-Ning as the Indian contingent’s official sports apparel partner till the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. As part of the partnership, Li-Ning will provide Indian athletes and officials with sports competition and training apparel, leisure wear and footwear for the Asian Games 2018, 2018 Summer Olympic Youth Games and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Alexander Zverev beats dominic thiem to win Madrid open
World number three Alexander Zverev won his third Masters title by beating dominic thiem in the final of the Madrid open. He becomes only the fifth player to win at least three masters 1000 titles – joining Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
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Awards & Honours
DRDO Awards – 2016 & 2017 presented by Defence minister
On May 14, 2018, Union Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman gave away the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Awards- 2016 & 2017 to various DRDO scientists for their outstanding contributions. Former Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and Director General, DRDO Dr V K Saraswat was presented DRDO Lifetime Achievement Award – 2017, while former Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and Director General, DRDO Dr Vasudev Kalkunte Aatre was presented DRDO Lifetime Achievement Award – 2016. Other awardees included distinguished Scientist & Director General (Missiles & Strategic Systems) Dr G Satheesh Reddy for Technology Leadership Award – 2016. During the award function, Chairman of DRDO Dr S Christopher e-launched the ‘Navrachna’ (innovation) implementation programme. Anindita honoured with Jayadev Rastriya Yuva Puraskar award
On 14 May 2018, Anindita Anaam, a US-based Kathak dancer, was presented the ‘Shri Jayadev Rastriya Yuva Pratibha Puraskar 2018’, at the ‘Jayadev International Dance Festival’ in Bhubaneswar. Anindita Anaam was awarded for her remarkable contribution to art. The ‘Jayadev International Dance Festival’ is held for 4 days. Is started on 13 May 2018. It has is organised under the control of Odisha’s culture department and National Culture Mission. Anindita Anaam is a Kathak instructor in Wisconsin, United States. She is trained in both Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas.
Veteran journalist Mark Tully bags RedInk Award
British journalist and former BBC India correspondent Sir William Mark Tully has been selected for this year’s RedInk award for lifetime achievement in journalism. The RedInk awards for excellence in journalism are instituted by the Mumbai Press Club. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu will present the award to Sir William Mark Tully on 18 May 2018 in Mumbai. The award is presented to Sir William Mark Tully in recognition of his contribution to Indian journalism. Sir William Mark Tully worked with the BBC for 30 years. He was also the Chief of Bureau, BBC, Delhi.
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Faye D’Souze, executive editor of Mirror Now channel, has been chosen for the RedInk award for ‘journalist of the year’. Apart from these two awards, Redink awards for excellence in journalism are awarded in 13 categories to 32 journalists.
Sulabh International founder Dr Bindeshwar Pathak honoured with Nikkei Asia Prize
Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, the founder of Sulabh International, has been chosen for the Nikkei Asia Prize in Japan for his contribution to the development of Asia. Dr Bindeshwar Pathak is one among the three persons who have been selected for the award. The prizes will be awarded on 13 June 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. Nikkei Inc., is one of the largest media corporations in Japan. It has been presenting the awards since 1996. It honours people in Asia who have made remarkable contributions in: Economic and Business Innovation, Science, Technology and Environment and Culture and Community. The Sulabh International foundation has built Sulabh flush composting toilets all over India, which has helped in providing better sanitation, safety for rural women and freedom from the manual labour of removing human waste.
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Appointments & Resignation
Shahank Manohar elected unopposed, to serve 2nd term as ICC chairman
International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) incumbent chairman Shashank Manohar has been re-elected for a second term, after being the only nominee in the election for the post put forward by the ICC board. The former BCCI president had become the first-ever independent chairman of the ICC in 2016, and will now hold office for another two-year tenure.
Netmeds appoints MS Dhoni as brand ambassador
On 15 May 2018, Netmeds said that, it has appointed Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador. Netmeds CEO Pradeep Dadha said that, the company wants people to know that it intends to be a team member to help fight chronic diseases. Netmeds is promoted by Dadha family. At present it has an inventory of 35,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) of prescription drugs and 5,000 SKUs of OTC (Over-The-Counter) products.
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Obituaries
The South African Indian community is mourning the demise of musician and singer Ramesh Hassan
The South African Indian community is mourning the demise of musician and singer Ramesh Hassan, who changed his Muslim birth name to foster communal harmony in the country through his music. Hassan, aged 73, considered the face of Hindu-Muslim unity in South Africa, died of heart attack on Saturday.
Malayalam actor ‘Kalasala’ Babu dead
Noted Malayalam actor ‘Kalasala’ Babu (67) died at a private hospital in Kochi on Monday early morning. Hospital authorities said he was ailing for some time and his condition worsened by Sunday. The actor is survived by wife Lalitha, daughter Sreedevi and son Viswanathan.
Odia actress Anita Das passes away
Popular Odia film and TV actress Anita Das passed away at her residence due to a cardiac stroke. She was 62. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the untimely death of the veteran actress. In a career spanning over three decades, Anita Das won the hearts of many with her powerful roles in films like Suna Chadhei and Naga Phasa to name a few.
Renowned physicist E C G Sudarshan passes away at 86
Famous theoretical physicist Ennackal Chandy (EC) George Sudarshan passed away in Texas, USA. The renowned physicist E C G Sudarshan, who proved Albert Einstein wrong, was recommended for the Nobel Prize nine times but never awarded. The 86-year-old physicist was born in Kottayam on September 16, 1931.
Acclaimed Warli artist Jivya Soma Mashe dead
Internationally acclaimed artist Jivya Soma Mashe, who popularised the Warli tribal art form to the global stage, passed away at his native village in Dhamangaon in Talasari taluka of Thane district of Maharashtra after a prolonged illness. He was 84.
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