Current Affairs – May 19, 2018

S.No Topic Page Number

1 World News 2 – 3

2 National News 4 – 5

3 State News 6 – 7

4 Banking & Economy 8

5 Sports News 9

6 Awards & Honours 10 - 11

7 Appointments & Resignation 12 - 13

8 Science & Techonology 14

9 Obituaries 15

World News

Russian President Vladimir Putin reshuffles cabinet; keeps key figures in place

 He replaced some longtime members, yet maintained the important figures.  Important Cabinet figures like Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov are unchanged.  Also, Anton Siluanov was promoted to the post of first deputy prime minister.  Economics Minister Maxim Oreshkin, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov and Energy Minister Alexander Novak have also retained their positions.  Igor Shuvalov who was first deputy prime minister earlier, is not in the new Cabinet.  Also, Arkady Dvorkovich, who was a deputy prime minister has left. Dmitry Rogozin, who was a deputy prime minister in charge of military and space industries, has also left.

Russia unveils world’s first floating nuclear power station

 On 19 May, Russia unveiled the world’s first floating nuclear power station at a ceremony in the port of the city of Murmansk where it will be loaded with nuclear fuel before heading to eastern Siberia.  It will be primarily used to power oil rigs & supply electricity and heat to the most remote regions, supporting also growth and sustainable development.  This is called Akademik Lomonosovwas built by Rosatom in Saint Petersburg.  It is a 144 by 30 metre (472 by 98 foot) ship holds two reactors with two 35 megawatt nuclear reactors .  It is a 21,000-tonne barge that will produce enough electricity to power a town of 200,000 residents, far more than the 5,000 live in Pevek, Russia.  The floating reactors can save 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

MoS Defence Subhash Bhamre on 3 day visit to Nauru

 On 16 to 18 May 2018, Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre was on a three- day official visit to Republic of Nauru.  Subhash Bhamre participated in the 50th anniversary celebrations of Nauru’s Constitution Day on 17 May 2018 as the Chief Guest.  This is his first visit to Nauru. He had a meeting with Nauru President Mr Baron Divavesi Waqa.  Discussions were held on bilateral relationship and projects related to Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Health, Education, Capacity Building, Infrastructure etc.  Subhash Bhamre presented a copy of the Indian Constitution to President Mr Baron Divavesi Waqa along with compliments of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 Nauru will host the 49th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September 2018. Subhash Bhamre said that India will provide 22 Mahindra SUVs and two Tata buses worth $ 706,000 to Nauru for this meeting on their request.

WHO holds emergency meeting to discuss risk of Ebola spreading from Congo

 On 18 May 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting to discuss on the outbreak of Ebola in Congo.  WHO has declared the risk to the public in Congo “very high” and the regional risk “high.”  It has said that, no international travel restrictions have been placed. This outbreak tests the new experimental Ebola vaccine.  Over 4,000 doses of vaccine have arrived in Congo. Only one Ebola death has been confirmed so far.  On 17 May 2018, Congo’s health ministry said that, the total number of Ebola cases is 45 so far.  There is no specific treatment for Ebola so far. Symptoms are: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and at external bleeding.

20 Indian companies selected for expansion in London

 Twenty of India’s fastest growing companies have been recognised by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. They have been picked to join his India Emerging 20 (IE20) business programme.  These companies range from a cybersecurity startup that protects organisations against hackers, an artificial intelligence firm which provides humanlike conversation platform to a brand which has a chain of tea and snacks stores.

4th BRICS ministerial meeting held in Durban

 The BRICS environment ministers have formed a forum to focus on key strategic global issues such as the global economy, trade, peace and security and reform of multilateral institutions.  In a joint statement issued after 4th BRICS Ministerial Meeting in Durban, BRICS environment ministers urged developed countries to continue taking the lead and support developing countries, including the transfer of needed technology, in combating climate change.  The meeting was a part of preparations for the forthcoming BRICS Summit scheduled for July 25-27 in Johannesburg, themed: "Strengthening cooperation amongst BRICS on a circular economy in the context of the sustainable consumption and production”.

National News

NITI Aayog’s three day venture capital symposium 2018 begins

 On 18 to 20 May 2018, the Venture Capital Symposium 2018 is held in New Delhi.  Venture Capital Symposium 2018 is organized by NITI Aayog. Vision India Foundation is the Knowledge Partner for the event.  It aims to enhance the economic relationships between France and India and to support the Start-up India programme.  During the symposium, French investors interact with 100 early to mid-stage Indian start- ups.  The Symposium is attended by Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India and Shri Yves Jego, VicePresident of French Parliament etc.  Several investors from France like Safran Ventures, Eren Group, Luxury Tech, Fahsion Capital, Educlever, Olymp Capital, Affectio Familiae, Brands and beyond, Galileo Partners, Winevestworld, TNP, Claranova etc. are taking part in the symposium.

Workshop on challenges and opportunities of arbitration in SAARC region

 On 19 May 2018, a workshop on challenges and opportunities of arbitration in SAARC region was held in New Delhi.  Workshop on Challenges and Opportunities of Arbitration in SAARC region was conducted in collaboration with FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), ICA (Indian Council of Arbitration) and SAARC Arbitration Council.  The workshop aims to focus on the role SARCO (SAARC Arbitration Council) in the SAARC region.  Discussions on judicial role in the arbitration of the SAARC region was the main focus.

Dr Harsh Vardhan’s ‘Green Good Deeds’ gets global recognition

 At the ongoing 4th BRICS Environment Ministerial in Durban, South Africa, Dr Harsh Vardan insisted the BRICS nations help in development of a social movement to safeguard the environment.  The BRICS Ministerial on Environment agreed to include “Green Good Deeds” in its official agenda in the next Ministerial in Brazil and another meeting in Russia.  The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has created a list of more than 500 Green Good Deeds.  These small deeds to be performed by individuals or organisations to participate in environmental protection has been put up in a mobile application named “Dr Harsh

Vardhan App”. Dr Harsh Vardhan had launched the campaign in January 2018.

Shivangi Pathak becomes youngest Indian woman to scale Mount Everest

 India’s Shivangi Pathak has become youngest women of the country to scale world highest peak, Mt Everest, from Nepal side.  Born in Hisar of Haryana Shivangi climbed Mt Everest to spread the message that women could overcome any obstacle to achieve their goals. She was inspired by Arunima Sinha, the first Indian amputee to climb Mt Everest.  Besides, two more mountaineers from India, Bhagwan Chawale and Prajit Pardesi have also successfully scaled tallest peak on the earth.

‘AYUSH’ Ffinds a place in english language

 Following the proposal from the Ministry of AYUSH, the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology has decided to adopt the word ‘AYUSH’ in Hindi and English languages for scientific and technical purposes.  The “AYUSH” became popular as the acronym for five traditional and complementary systems of medicine, namely Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy and successfully adopted and used in all Government communications.

15th Meeting of SCO cultural ministers at Sanya, China

 The Minister of State for Culture (I/c) and Minister of state for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma attended Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Cultural Ministers Meeting on behalf of India at Sanya in China. It is the first time that India participated in the SCO Culture Ministers’ Meeting.  India became full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on 9th June, 2017 during the SCO Heads of State Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.

State News

PM to visit Jammu and Kashmir on May 19, 2018

 On 19 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir.  He attended the closing ceremony of the birth anniversary of 19 Kushok Bakula Rinpoche in Leh and marked the commencement of the all weather connectivity tunnel between Srinagar, kargil and Leh called Zojila Tunnel.  For the construction, operation and maintenance of this tunnel between Baltaland Minamarg, on the Srinagar-Leh section of NH-1A, a total cost of Rs 6800 crore was allotted  This will cut the journey time from the present three and a half hours, to just fifteen minutes.  He dedicated the 330 MW Kishanganga Hydropower Station to the Nationand lay the Foundation Stone of the Srinagar Ring Road.  The Prime Minister will also laid the Foundation Stone of the Pakul Dul Power Project, Jammu Ring Roadand inaugurated the Tarakote Marg and Material Ropeway of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The Tarakote Marg will facilitate pilgrims visiting the shrine

Tripura sins MoU with Spicejet Merchandise to boost pineapple export

 On 19 May, state-run Tripura Horticulture Corporation Limited (THCL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Spicejet Merchandise Pvt Ltdto boost pineappe export.  The‘Queen’ variety of pineapples is considered as the pride of Tripura and approximately, more than 1 lakh metric of ‘Queen’ and ‘Kue’ pineapple is produced in Tripura annually.  This MOU was done to export the fruit not only to the rest of the country but also to the middle-east.  Pineapple is one of the major fruit crops in terms of area and as per the statistics, the productivity of pineapple per hectare is 18.73 tonnes, which is higher than the national average of 15.80 tonnes.  To avoid farmers to switch to rubber production from pineapple due to low profits.

HP govt sanctions Rs 25 cr for renovating Bantony Castle

 The Himachal Pradesh govt will spend Rs 25 crore on renovating and developing the historic British Raj ‘Bantony Castle Estate’ as a major tourist attraction.  The castle was one of the historic and monumental buildings of Shimla town with a very rich history.  ‘Gram Shilp Mela’ was a new beginning for the Bantony Castle as artisans from different parts of the state got an opportunity to exhibit their artifacts.

Physical and social infrastructure for regional development’ conference held in Guwahati

 The two days regional conference on ‘Physical and Social Infrastructure for Regional Development’ has been held in Guwahati, Assam.  It was inaugurated by Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, the Governor of Assam.

Banking & Economy

Reserve Bank of India slaps Rs 5 cr. fine on South Indian Bank

 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has slapped a penalty of Rs 50 million on South Indian Bank Limited for non-compliance with the directions issued by it.  The non-compliance pertains to Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms, Know Your Customer (KYC) norms and treasury function.  Further, the bank is also pulled up for deficiencies in its compliance function and compliance culture.

Walmart seeks CCI nod for Flipkart buy

 Global retail giant Walmart has approached fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) for approval of its proposed acquisition of a majority stake in ecommerce major Flipkart, saying the deal doesn’t raise any competition concerns.

NABARD Sanctions Solar street lighting system in Arunachal Pradesh

 On 18th May, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu launches LED Solar Street Lighting System in 4 Districts.  Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh launches the Scheme by dint of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD),which Sanctioned the Scheme Under its Rural Infrastructure Development Fund.  The NABARD has given a total amount of Rs 87.83 lakh for implementing LED Solar Street lighting System in the State.  The C.M. Pema Khandu Launched the Scheme in four districts of Arunachal Pradesh namely, Tirap, Longding, Namsai and Tawang in the presence of NABARD Chairman Harsh Kumar Bhanwala.

Sports News

Simona Halep retains top spot in WTA rankings

 On 19 May, Tennis Star Simona Halep of Romania retains her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) ranking at the number one spot.  She retained her spot after qualifying for thesemi finals of the Rome Masters where she will face Maria Sharapova from Russia.  She leads the second position by 425 points.  The WTA top 5 ranking are as follows  Simona Halep  Caroline Wozniacki  Garbine Muguruza  Elina Svitolina  Karolína Pliskova

First Para-National Games to be held in Bengaluru

 The inaugural National Para Games, on the lines of National Games for able-bodied athletes, will held under the Khelo India Scheme from Jun 28 to Jul 07 in Bengaluru.  The Paralympic Committee of India will be responsible for the technical conduct of the Games while all the funding will be done by the sports ministry under the Khelo India Scheme.

BFC (Bengaluru Football Club) Awards night

 On 17 May 2018, Bengaluru FC (Football Club)’s Awards night was held in Bengaluru.  Captain Sunil Chhetri was named Bengaluru FC’s top scorer for the fifth consecutive season. He was also presented the Players’ Player of The Year award.  Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was named Fans’ Player of the Year. List of awardees is as follows:  Top scorer: Sunil Chhetri  Players’ Player of the year: Sunil Chhetri  Fans’ Player of the Year: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu  Goal of the Season: Miku  Upcoming Player of the Year: Asheer Akhtar  U-18 Player of the Year: Biswa Darjee  U-15 Player of the Year: Bekey Oram

Awards & Honours

NRI industrialist Swraj Paul wins lifetime achievement award in UK

 On 17 May 2018, NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul was presented a lifetime achievement award for his contributions in promoting brand India in the UK, at a UK & Asia Business awards ceremony in London.  Swraj Paul is the founder of Caparo Group of industries. The Awards ceremony was organised by World Consulting and Research Corporation (WCRC).  Swraj Paul was presented the award by the Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK, Dinesh K Patnaik.  Dinesh K Patnaik was also honoured as an “iconic leader”. Business Leader of the Decade honour was presented to Indian-origin, Lord Karan Bilimoria, who is the founder of Cobra Beer.  A Champion of International Trade and Investment award was given to Dr Mohan Kaul, President of the Indian Professionals Forum (IPF).  Iconic Leader award was given to Vijay Goel, founder of the Indo-European Business Forum (IEBF).  At the event the ‘Iconic Brands’ publication was also launched as part of the WCRC Brands and Leadership Conclave 2018.

Nara Lokesh receives award for ‘Digital Leader of the Year’

 On 19 May, The Minister of IT, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development of Andhra Pradesh Shri Nara Lokesh has received an award for ‘Digital Leader of the Year’.  This award was given during the Businessworld Digital India Summit Award 2018 held in New Delhi.  This award was announced for the best utilization of technology governance and Nara Lokesh got it for development of the rural sector and water supply departments.  The state Panchayat Raj and Rural Water Supply Department officials have won another award for the ultramodern tracking system for water supply program.

Continental Hospitals founder receives UK & ASIA Inspirational Business Leaders Award

 On 19 May, the founder, promoter and director of Continental Hospitals Dr. Guru N Reddy was presented with the UK & Asia Inspirational Business Leaders Award inLondon, UK at the Assembly Hall, Westminster.  The citation reads -“Boldly envisioning, realization and substantiation of aspirations to create the future and transform the world”.

 Dr. Reddy was chosen among 200leaders by distinguished jury of ibrands 360 and the editorial team of Leaders Asia Magazine.  He has received several awards these past five years including two “Lifetime Achievement Awards” in healthcare.  He will be featured in WCRC Leaders Magazinein June 2018 issue.

Sridevi honoured at the Cannes Film Festival

 Veteran Bollywood actor Sridevi was honoured with the TITAN Reginald F Lewis Film Icon Award at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.  The award traditionally celebrates women of the film industry all over the world and also salute the multi-cultural impact on the world of cinema.  Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai and producer Namrata Goyal received the award on behalf of Sridevi's family.

Appointments & Resignation

Amit Khare to be new I&B Secretary

 On 18 May 2018, Amit Khare was appointed secretary to the information and broadcasting ministry.  Amit Khare is a 1985-batch IAS officer. Currently, he is serving in Jharkhand, his cadre state.  He will take charge as secretary to the information and broadcasting ministry from incumbent N K Sinha, who will superannuate on 31 May 2018.

Justice C K Prasad likely to get second term as PCI chief

 On 19 May, Justice C K Prasad is likely to become the chief of Press Council of India for the second time.  A committee of three members headed by Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu has given their approval for his appointment for a second term.  He has been the chief of PCI for three yearsfrom November 2014.  He has earlier replaced Justice Markaday Katju.

Harish Manwani appointed as independent director of Tata Sons

 On 19 May, Non-executive Chairman Of TATASons Mr . Harish Manwani has been appointed as an independent director to the firm.  He was earlier the Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Unileverand also the Global Executive Advisor of BlackStone Private Equity.  He also serves on the board of Qualcomm, Gilead Sciences, Nielsen Holdings, Whirlpool, Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore and is theChairman of the Executive Board of the Indian School of Business.

US President Trump nominates Pacific Command chief Harry Harris to be South Korean ambassador

 On 18 May, The President of the United States Mr. Donald Trump nominates Pacific Command Chief Harry Harris to be South Korean ambassador ahead of bilateral talks with North Korean leader Kim JongUn on June 12 in Singapore.  Harry Harris has been working as a Naval officer and was earlier selected as ambassador of Australia and later Seoul.

 He is the first Asian-Americanto achive a rank of admiral in US Navy.

Anil Kumar Jha to head Coal India Ltd. as CMD

 Anil Kumar Jha, chairman and managing director of subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields, is likely to take over as the chairman of its holding company, Coal India.  Jha will replace acting chairman Suresh Kumar, an IAS officer, who has been holding the post of additional secretary at the ministry of coal. Jha will remain the chairman till his retirement which falls due on January 31, 2020

Rajinder Singh named Hockey India president

 On 19 May, Rajinder Singh was named Hockey India’s president.  Prior to this he was the Senior Vice President of Hockey India.  He will replace Mariamma Koshywho resigned recently.  He was earlier the Treasurer of HIand currently serves as the Treasurer of Hockey Jammu & Kashmir.

Science & Techonology

A Chinese based pace start up, OneSpace launched its OS-X rocket

 On 19 May, a Chinese based space startup named OneSpace launched its OS-X rocket.  This was a 30 feetlong satellite named “Chongqing Liangjiang star” was launched from an undisclosed location form north western part of China.  It is the first private Chinese farm to launch a commercial rocket.  The company further plans to launch another series called M-seriesof micro satellites that are cheaper to build.

NASA spots Pac-Man shaped crater on Mars

 On 19 May, National Aeronautics Space Association (NASA) spotted a Pac-Man shaped crater on Mars. Pac-Man is a video game character from the 80s.  NASA and Hirise team of University of Arizona spotted this unusually shaped crater on Mars Using Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO)  The image shows the impact crater with a crescent-shapedbarchan sand dune inside.

Obituaries

Muzaffarnagar’s last freedom fighter passes away at 95

 On 19 May, The lone freedom fighter of Muzaffarnagar district Mr. Raghubir Singh passed away at the age of 95 at Noida.  He was a part of Subhas Chandra Bose’ Azad Hind Fauj.  He died due to brief illness.