VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE TNPSC Current Affairs MAY - 2020

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01 - 16 HISTORY 01 . Important Days . Defence National Security and Terrorism . World Organisations – Pacts and Summits . Eminent Persons . Sports and Games . Books & Authors . Awards & Honours . Cultural Panaroma . India & its Neighbours . Appointments – Who is who?

17 - 17 POLITICAL SCIENCE 17 .India’s Foreign Policy .Latest Court Verdicts .Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility

18-19 GEOGRAPHY 18 .Policy on Environment and Ecology .Natural Disasters – Safeguard Measures

20-26 ECONOMICS 20 .New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector .Current Socio - Economic Problems 27 27 - 38 SCIENCE .Latest Inventions in Science & Technology . Latest Discoveries on Health Science . Mass Media & Communication

39 39 NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENTS

52 52 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

53 TAMIL NADU AFFAIRS 53 Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Important Days History

1.1 Important Days

Date Day Theme / Remark

May 1 International Labour Day

May 3 World Press Freedom Day

May 5 World Hand Hygiene Day

The theme for 2020 International Day of International Day of the the Midwife is Midwives with women: May 5 Midwife celebrate, demonstrate, mobilise, unite – our time is NOW!. The theme for 2020 is ‘Enough Asthma May 5 World Asthma Day Deaths’. Theme : The drawing of a new era for Thalassemia: Time for a global effort May 5 World Athletics Day 2020 to make novel therapies accessible and affordable to patients May 8 World Thalassemia Day

The theme of World Migratory Bird Day May 9 World Migratory Bird Day 2020 is “Birds Connect Our World”.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 1 Important Days Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

This year’s focus is “Rebooting the economy through science and technology. PM Modi praises technology As the world continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted the importance of technology in the fight against the Coronavirus as Technology Day was May 11 National technology day observed. Technology Day is observed to mark the successful testing of nuclear missiles in 1998 under the leadership of Vajpayee and scientist and former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. It was after the successful completion of these tests that Vajpayee declared India as a nuclear state.

Theme: Nurses: A voice to lead-Nursing May 12 International Nurse Day the World to Health

2 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Defence, National Security and Terrorism 1.2 Defence, National Security at the Cochin International Airport in Kerala. and Terrorism The DRDO had deployed a similar disinfectant chamber at the All India Indian Navy launches “Samudra Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Setu” Operation Delhi on April 7 to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. The disinfectant chamber uses a solution that is known to kill COVID-19. It is expected to help in containing the spread of coronavirus. The DRDO has been lately working on providing a large number of medical and personal protection equipment for healthcare personnel in the country. The Indian Navy has launched ‘Samudra Setu’ operation as a part of the nation’s “The Resistance Front” efforts to bring back Indian citizens from “The Resistance Front” is the new name abroad. The operation’s name means ‘sea of terror group in Kashmir. The group is bridge’. made of existing terror groups such as Under the operation, INS Jalashwa and Jais-e- Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahidin, Magar have departed for the port of Male LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) and Al-Badr. in the Maldives to begin the evacuation The Resistance Front has claimed of Indian citizens. responsibility for the attack in Kupwara The Indian Mission in the Maldives is district along the Line of Control. preparing a list of Indian nationals, who Highlights will be evacuated by the Indian naval According to the Indian Army, The ships. The evacuees will undergo medical Resistance Front (TRF) is like the old screening before embarking the ships. wine in new bottle! The new terror Around 1000 people are expected to be group is being supported by Pakistan. evacuated in the first trip. This is being done to get deniability of action under the Financial Action Task DRDO installs its UV disinfection Force (FATF). Pakistan has been under chamber at Cochin International constant pressure from the FATF to Airport cut its financial support to the terrorist An Ultra Violet disinfection chamber has organizations. been installed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 3 Defence, National Security and Terrorism Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

WHO, UN postal agency release Three years’ service among new commemorative postage stamp on models Army is looking to use for 40th anniversary of eradication of recruitment smallpox The Army headquarters is considering The World Health Organization (WHO) two different models for recruitment and the UN’s postal agency have in the future one under which youth released a commemorative postage can voluntarily serve in the Army for a stamp on 9 May to commemorate the temporary period of three years, and the 40th anniversary of the eradication of other where they are recruited by Central smallpox. Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), trained WHO’s smallpox eradication campaign and posted in the Army for about seven was launched in 1967. WHO raised years, before being transferred back. awareness about smallpox across the The recruitment models are being world through postage stamps. In 1980 considered to attract more youth to join May, the 33rd World Health Assembly the Army, fill up officers’ vacancies, and issued its official declaration that the reduce burgeoning defence pensions, world and all its peoples have won which make up nearly 30 per cent of the freedom from smallpox. defence budget and ballooned after the Smallpox: ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP) scheme The causative agent of Smallpox is came into effect. the Variola virus. It is a member of The first model, of three years’ service, is the genus Orthopoxvirus, subfamily called ‘Tour of Duty’, while the other is Chordopoxvirinae of family Poxviridae. called ‘Inverse Induction’. The symptoms of smallpox include fever (range of 101 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), malaise, head and body aches, vomiting, rashes which turn into small red spots on the tongue and mouth, sores and bumps. In 1796, Edward Jenner developed the first successful vaccine. The smallpox disease has now been eradicated after a successful worldwide vaccination program.

4 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits 1.3 World Organisations – WHO released first “State of the World’s Nursing Report – 2020 Pacts and Summits Countries facing greatest shortfall of nurses are in Africa, South East Asia and 2 crore Indian babies will be born the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region amid COVID as well as some parts of Latin America. One in every eight nurses practices in a

India is projected to record the highest country other than the one where they number of births in the nine months since were born or trained. COVID-19 was declared a pandemic The report estimates that countries in March, with more than 20 million experiencing shortages need to increase babies expected to be born in the country the total number of nurse graduates by between March and December, according on average 8% per year. to a top UN body. About The State of the World’s Nursing The United Nations Children’s Fund 2020: warned that pregnant mothers and babies It provides an in-depth look at the largest born during the pandemic across the component of the health workforce. world were threatened by strained health Findings identify important gaps in the systems and disruptions in services. nursing workforce and priority areas for An estimated 116 million babies will be investment in nursing education, jobs, born under the shadow of COVID-19 and leadership to strengthen nursing pandemic, announced by the UNICEF, around the world and improve health for ahead of Mother’s Day, observed on May all. 10. Other countries with the expected highest About WHO numbers of births during this period are Director General– Tedros Adhanom China (13.5 million), Nigeria (6.4 million), Ghebreyesus Pakistan (5 million) and Indonesia (4 Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland million). Most of these countries had About ICN high neonatal mortality rates even before Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland the pandemic and may see these levels increase with COVID-19 conditions. India to participate in SCO foreign ministers’ virtual meet on coronavirus India will be participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting on Covid-19. The video conference is being hosted by Russia.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 5 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will sustainable, affordable, and inclusive be attending the conference to discuss future energy system. the global challenges, preparedness, and The scores of ETI are on a scale from 0% response to the coronavirus pandemic. to 100%. The ministers will discuss topical regional Rank List and global issues and particularly focus Rank Country on developing cooperation within the India 74 SCO in the context of the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), the Sweden 1 upcoming 75th anniversary of the Victory Switzerland 2 in WWII and the 75th anniversary of the Finland 3 United Nations France (8th) and the United Kingdom (7th) The grouping will share information on are the only G20 countries in the top ten. best practices and areas of cooperation China, India, and Italy made consistent to work on, particularly in the medicine, improvements on overall ETI score since medical equipment, and pharmaceutical 2015 & Russia, Japan, South Korea and sector, given the fact that three of the Germany made moderate gains. world’s biggest pharma manufacturers -- About WEF: India, China, Russia are part of SCP. Headquarters– Cologny/Geneva, Switzerland India ranks 74th, Sweden tops: WEF’s Founder and Executive Chairman– Klaus global Energy Transition index 2020 Schwab According to the World Economic India likely to miss global nutrition Forum (WEF)’s targets by 2025: WHO’s Global global Energy Nutrition Report 2020 Transition Index According to World Health Organization (ETI) 2020, India (WHO)’s Global Nutrition Report 2020, has moved up two places from India is one among 88 countries to miss rank 76th (2019) to 74th with a score of global nutrition targets by 2025 & is with 51.5%, Sweden (74.2%) topped for the 3rd highest rates of domestic inequalities in consecutive time followed by Switzerland malnutrition. (73.4%) and Finland (72.4%). The index is India along with Nigeria & Indonesia are a composite score of 40 indicators, worst in disparities in stunting & the levels benchmarks 115 countries on the current varied four-fold across communities. performance of their energy system, and Aim– To inspire governments, civil readiness for transition to a secure, society and private stakeholders to act to end malnutrition in all its forms.

6 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits

Targets Reduce stunting by 40% in children under 5; Reduce Anaemia by 50% in women of reproductive age (15-49 years); Reduce 30% in low birth weight; No increase in childhood overweight; Increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months up to at least 50%; Reduce and maintain childhood wasting to less than 5%. Stunting– It is the impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. About the report: It was conceived following the 1st Nutrition for Growth Initiative Summit (N4G) in 2013. The 1st publication was published in 2014. About WHO: Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland Director General– Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 7 Eminent Persons Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 1.4 Eminent Persons a Fellow for his seminal contributions in microstructural mechanics. His works include developing ‘metallic wood’, Tributes pour in for football legend sheets of nickel as strong as titanium, but Chuni Goswami four-times lighter thanks to their plant- Heartfelt tributes like nanoscale pores. poured in from all corners as India’s Donald Trump Nominates Indian- sporting community American Attorney As Federal Court mourned the death of Judge former football captain US President Donald Chuni Goswami, who Trump nominated an died at the age of 82 in Indian-American Kolkata. attorney to a federal

From Sunil Gavaskar to Sunil Chettri, court in New York. cricket and football stood united in grief Nominated as the judge for the loss of Subimal ‘Chuni’ Goswami, of the US District Court considered a colossus in Indian sports. for the Eastern District of New York,

Goswami, who led India to their first Saritha Komatireddy, is a prosecutor and Asian Games medal during the 1962 teaches law at the Columbia Law School. edition, also played for state team Bengal Komatireddy is currently Deputy Chief in first-class cricket tournament Ranji of General Crimes in the United States Trophy. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Indian-origin Cambridge Professor Previously she was Acting Deputy Chief, elected Fellow of UK’s Royal Society International Narcotics and Money Professor Vikram Deshpande from the Laundering (June, 2018 - January, 2019) Cambridge University have been elected and Computer Hacking and Intellectual as new Fellows of the prestigious Royal Property Coordinator (2016-2019). Society in the UK which recently added more than 60 exceptional scientists to its Israel names street after fold. Rabindranath Tagore on his 159th Active since 1660, the Royal Society is the anniversary oldest scientific academy in continuous Israel has named a street in Tel Aviv after existence. It is an independent scientific celebrated Indian poet Rabindranath academy made up of the most eminent Tagore as a tribute on his 159th birthday scientists, engineers and technologists on 08 May. Israel named it ‘Tagore from the UK and the Commonwealth. Street’ to commemorate the poet’s birth Deshpande, a Indian Institute of anniversary. Technology-Bombay graduate, becomes

8 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Eminent Persons Gurudev : Journey of the Maestro Nation celebrates 480th birth through his visual vocabulary anniversary of Maharana Pratap Nation celebrates 480th birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap on 9 May. He was Born on 9 May 1540. To honour of the brave king, Maharana Pratap Jayanti is celebrated every year on 9 May. Battle of Haldighati The National Gallery of Modern Art has Maharana is known for his bravery in the organised a virtual tour to commemorate Battle of Haldighati. The battle was fought the 159th birth anniversary of Gurudev on 18 June, 1576 between Maharana and Rabindranath Tagore. The Virtual Tour the forces of Akbar. Rana fought with has been titled as “Gurudev: Journey 22,000 forces against 2 lakh soldiers of the of the Maestro through his visual Mughal army. The Mughals were led by vocabulary. Man Singh of Amber.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 9 Places in News Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 1.5 Places in News The research shows how rivers in drier Ladakh Himalaya are operating on Issue of geo-code to the kovilpatti longer time scales and how they respond to varying climates, an understanding peanut candy of water and sediment routing, which Kovilpatti, the so-called queen of the is important as the country improves its traditional food of Tamils, has been given infrastructure and develops smart cities. geological code. It helps To understand the landform Tamil Nadu already has Palani evolution in transitional climatic zone Panchamirtham, Madurai Jasmine, the Zanskar catchment was explored by Sungudi Sarees, Kodaikanal Hilltop, WIHG team by using morpho stratigraphy Pattamadai Boy, Kanchipuram Silk, and origin study of landforms like valley Bhavani Jamukalam, Thanjavur Plate, fill terraces, alluvial fans (triangle-shaped Thanjavur Painting, Thanjavur Veenai, deposit of gravel, sand, and even smaller Erode Yellow, Mahapalipattu Geodetic pieces of sediment, such as silt). code iss Bringing. Currently, the About WIHG: geopolitical code is provided for the f temple. f It was established in June 1968 Objectives - To undertake, aid, 35 thousand-year history of river promote, guide and coordinate erosion in Ladakh Himalayas research in geology of the Himalaya revealed: WIHG and foster a tradition of scholarships. ff Headquarters–Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur Netti, Arumbavur wood carvings get GI tag The Thanjavur Netti works (pith works) and Arambavur Scientists and students from Wadia Wood Carvings Institute of Himalayan Geology(WIHG), of Tamil Nadu an autonomous institute under the were accorded Department of Science &Technology, in the the study, published in the Global and Geographical Planetary Changes journal has revealed a Indication Tag 35 thousand-year history of river erosion by the GI and identified hotspots of erosion and registry. There wide valleys that act a buffer zones in has been a long-standing demand for GI Ladakh Himalayas Tag. The tag is awarded to products that

10 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Places in News

the special for a particular geographical tag from the Geographical Indications area and prevents misuse of the Registry. For the Sohrai Khovar painting popularity of the products by others. of Jharkhand, application of GI-tag Thanjavur Netti work is made from was made by Sohrai Kala Mahila Vikas Netti (pith) from a marshy plant Sahyog Samiti Limited. For the Telia called as Aeschynomene Aspera. The Rumal of Telangana, application of GI-tag traditional artform used widely in the was made by Consortium of Puttapaka Brihadeeshwara temple Idols. The Handloom Cluster-IHDS. government has recognised the pith work Telia Rumal industry as one of the major handicraft Telia Rumal is a method for the oil symbols. treatment of yarn. It originated from Pochampalli in Telangana. Jharkhand’s Sohrai Khovar painting It is an art of Ikat tradition using natural & Telangana’s Telia Rumal gets GI- vegetable dyes. Tag The Sohrai Khovar painting of Jharkhand and Telia Rumal of Telangana have received the Geographical Indication (GI)

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 11 Sports and Games Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 1.6 Sports and Games with Nadiia Kichenok, she secured the women’s double title at Hobart FIFA launches #WeWillWin campaign International. for health workers ICC India slips to 3rd Position Fédération Internationale de Football India has lost its top spot & has slipped to Association(FIFA), Switzerland the 3rd position(114) for the first time since based international governing body, 2016 in the International Cricket Council has launched a campaign called (ICC) test rankings, Australia(116) topped “#WeWillWin”, a special video to pay the rank, followed by New Zealand(115) tribute to health workers and other This is the second closest the top three professionals who ensure the society teams have been since the Test rankings continues to function among COVID-19 were launched in 2003. The closest for panademic. Former India football captain the top three teams were in January 2016, Bhaichung Bhutia who is also featured when India had led Australia and South among 50 past and present football stars. Africa by a single point. Sania Mirza, first Indian to be About ICC: nominated for Fed Cup Heart Award ff Headquarters– Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sania Mirza became ff Chairman– Shashank Manohar. the first Indian to be nominated for the Fed CGF postpones 7th season of 2021 Cup Heart Award Commonwealth Youth Games to 2023 from the Asia/Oceania

Zone along with Priska Commonwealth Games Federation Madelyn Nugroho of (CGF) has postponed the 7th season of Indonesia, Estonia’s Commonwealth Youth Games 2021, Anett Kontaveit and scheduled to take place from August Luxembourg’s Eleonora Molinaro from 1 – 7 2021 in Port of Spain, Trinidad Europe/Africa, Fernanda Contreras and Tobago, to the year 2023 following Gomes of Mexico and Paraguay’s a clash with Tokyo Olympic 2020 Veronica Cepede Royg from Americas. dates postponed by a year due to the The voting for the award opens from 1st coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic. Click May until 8th May. here to Read More Sania Mirza won the doubles match which About Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF): helped her to win against Indonesia in the final Group 1 match and secured her ff Headquarters– London, England a place in the playoff. ff President– Dame Louise Martin In her comeback after giving birth in October 2018 in January 2020 pairing

12 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Sports and Games

FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup to Sania is one of 4 winners chosen by be held in February 2021 a public vote, alongside Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia (wins Qualifiers The All India Football Federation (AIFF) award), Mexico’s Fernanda Contreras on declared that the FIFA Under-17 Gomez (Americas I zone) and Estonian Women’s World Cup will now be held Anett Kontaveit (Europe/Africa I zone). during February 17, 2021 - March 7, 2021 in India. The tournament was earlier About Fed Cup Heart Award: scheduled to be held on November 2, It is a UK (United Kingdom) based 2020. However, the AIFF had to cancel it International Tennis Federation (ITF) due to COVID-19 outbreak. initiative established in 2009 to recognise players representing their countries in Indian Tennis ace Sania Mirza the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas st becomes 1 Indian to win Fed Cup About Fed cup: Heart award 2020 It is the world’s largest annual Indian professional tennis player Sania international team competition in Mirza (33) has created new history by women’s sport with 108 nations entered becoming the 1st Indian to win Fed Cup in 2019 was launched in 1963. Heart Award 2020 for Asia/Oceania About Fed Cup Heart Award: zone. She decided to give a prize money It is an International Tennis of $ 2000 to the Telangana Chief Minister Federation(ITF) initiative established in Relief Fund to help battle against 2009 to recognise players representing coronavirus. their countries in the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas. About ITF: Headquarters– London, United Kingdom President– David Haggerty

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 13 Books & Authors Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 1.7 Books & Authors Union Culture Minister releases e-book “Prof. B.B. Lal: India Rediscovered” A book titled “The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir” Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh authored by John Bolton Patel has released an e-book titled “Prof. B.B. Lal: India Rediscovered” on the occasion of centenary year of great archaeologist Professor B. B. Lal. E-book titled “Prof. B.B. Lal: India Rediscovered” has been prepared by the Ministry of culture along with Prof B B Lal Centenary A book titled “The Room Where It Celebration Committee. Happened: A White House Memoir” A book titled as Vijyant at Kargil: The authored by John Bolton. The date of the Life of a Kargil War Hero authored by book release has been pushed back from May 12, 2020 to June 23, 2020, on Amazon. Colonel VN Thapar and Neha Dwivedi com and Barnes & Noble Bookseller The book titled as Company. ‘Vijyant at Kargil: The Life of a Kargil Hero’ A new book “Shivaji in South Block: authored by Vijyant’s The Unwritten History of a Proud father Colonel VN People” by Girish Kuber Thapar and writer A New book named” Shivaji in South Neha Dwivedi, a Block: The Unwritten History of a Proud martyr’s daughter. Its People” written by journalist Girish e-book will be released Kuber talks about the Maharashtra’s on May 15. It is evolution from the past to the modern published by Penguin Random House. times and its contribution to the tapestry of the country’s culture, politics, history and society.

14 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Awards & Honours 1.8 Awards & Honours Institute Chair Professor of Department of Chemistry, IIT Madras. The nation also conferred the Padma Shri on him American Academy of Arts and recently. Sciences honours Professor Shobhana Prof T Pradeep’s nanotechnology-enabled Narasimhan water filters have helped to deliver clean Professor Shobhana water for at a cost of just 2 paisa per litre Narasimhan has been in India. elected as an International He has demonstrated that completely Honorary Member to the home-grown nanotechnology, from American Academy of excellent science to relevant technology is Arts and Sciences. She possible in our institutions, with limited has been honoured for resources available from research grants, her distinguished work in the process transforming students to in the field of sciences. She has done entrepreneurs. remarkable work on the rational design of nanomaterials, determining the affect Indian journalists wins Pulitzer Prize of lowering of dimensionality and 2020 in feature photography reduction of size on the properties of Indian journalists namely Dar Yasin, material. Albert Einstein, Nelson Mandela Mukhtar Khan and Channi Anand and Charles Darwin are some of the have been honoured with the 2020 previous International Honorary Pulitzer Prize. These journalists have Members being honoured by the won the award in the field of feature American Academy of Arts and Sciences. photography. All the three journalists belongs to Associated Press. They have IIT Madras professor, Padma Shri been awarded for the lockdown coverage. awardee chosen for Nikkei Asia Prizes 2020 for clean water tech at ` 2 per litre IT Madras professor T Pradeep, a 2020 Padma Shri Awardee, was chosen for the prestigious Nikkei Asia Prizes 2020 in ‘Science and Technology’ category for his pioneering work in nanotechnology- based water purification. More than one crore Indians have benefitted from the research undertaken by the research group led by Prof T Pradeep, who is the Deepak Parekh

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 15 Appointments – Who is who | Latest Historical events Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 1.9 Appointments – Who is who? Ministry, he was serving as Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office Tarun Bajaj appointed as Economic (PMO). Affairs Secretary Indian-American lawyer Ashok Tarun Bajaj took charge Michael Pinto as US representative to as the new Economic World Bank’s lending arm IBRD Affairs Secretary on May United States President Donald Trump 1, 2020. He has assumed nominated Indian-American lawyer charge at a time when the Ashok Michael Pinto as a representative to economy is under severe the International Bank for Reconstruction stress due to the ongoing and Development (IBRD), the World coronavirus pandemic. Bank’s lending arm. He was nominated Tarun Bajaj is a 1988 batch IAS officer. He as US Alternate Executive Director of was previously serving as the Additional IBRD for a period of 2 years Secretary in Prime Minister’s Office. He About World Bank: has succeeded Atanu Chakraborty, who The World Bank is an international retired on April 30, 2020. financial institution that provides loans Before joining the Prime Minister’s Office and grants to the governments of poorer in 2015, Bajaj was the Joint Secretary in countries for the purpose of pursuing the Economic Affairs Department, where capital projects. It comprises two he primarily looked after multilateral institutions: the International Bank for funding agencies division. Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Ajay Tirkey assumes charge as Association (IDA). Secretary of WCD Ministry Headquarters– Washington D.C., US. President– David Robert Malpass. Ajay Tirkey has assumed charge as the Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development. He is a 1987 batch 1.9 Latest Historical events IAS officer from Madhya Pradesh cadre. “Ramayana” becomes Highest Arvind Kumar Sharma assumes Viewed Entertainment Programme charge as Secretary to MSME Ministry Globally Arvind Kumar Sharma India’s epic mythological saga of the has assumed the charge as 1980s, ‘Ramayan’ has created the world Secretary to the Ministry record of Highest Viewed Entertainment of Micro, Small and Programme Globally. On 16th April, 2020, Medium Enterprises. the mythological show was watched by Before assuming charge as 7.7 crore viewers all over the world. Secretary to MSME

16 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Govt – Welfare oriented... | Latest Court Verdicts POLITICAL 2. SCIENCE 2.1 Govt – Welfare oriented 2.2 Latest Court Verdicts Govt schemes, their SC refuses to order restoration of 4G services in J&K utility Govt to run awareness campaign in 1 lakh villages on balanced use of fertilisers for FY20-21 In this regard, Soil Testing Labs by youth having education in agriculture, Women Self Help Groups, FPOs (Farmer’s The Supreme Court, refused to order Produce Organization) etc. will be set up the restoration of 4G mobile internet at village level Soil Health Card (SHC) services in Jammu and Kashmir, but set scheme. up a special committee, led by the Union Also Department of Agriculture, Home Secretary to take a call on the issue Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare will after factoring in the security situation on launch a comprehensive campaign on the ground. soil test based rational application of Supreme Court explains reference to fertilisers and promotion of organic larger Bench farming including Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP). A nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court declared that superior courts enjoy About SHC scheme untrammelled power to take up any Launched in 2015, under this Soil Health cause to do complete justice. Cards are provided to all farmers at an It invoked Article 142 of the Constitution interval of 2 years. These cards provide “which enables this court to make any information to farmers on nutrient status order as is necessary for doing complete of their soil along with recommendation justice in any cause or matter pending on appropriate dosage of nutrients to be before it. applied for improving soil health and its fertility.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 17 Policy on Environment and Ecology Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 3. GEOGRAPHY

3.1 Policy on Environment and Ecology

Kashmir Saffron receives GI Tag IMD lists Gilgit-Baltistan, The Saffron cultivated Muzaffarabad under J&K in the Kashmir valley meteorological sub-division has received In a first, the Indian Meteorological Geographical Department has included regions of Indication Tag. It is Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad as part to be noted that three of its Jammu and Kashmir meteorological other products such as Gorakhpur sub-division. Teracotta, Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai and Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad are Black rice of Manipur also received GI tag territories currently under Pakistani recently. occupation. India says the whole of About Kashmir Saffron Jammu and Kashmir is part of India, The Saffron cultivated in Kashmir is long, something that is contested by Pakistan. thick and has natural deep red colour. That India had included the two regions Also, it has high aroma and is processed in its Jammu and Kashmir meteorological without adding any chemicals. sub-division The colour of the saffron is unique due The India Meteorological Department to the high quantity of crocin. It has (IMD) announced it had started a rich flavour because of safranal and mentioning the region in its national the bitterness is due to the presence of weather bulletin ever since Jammu and picrocrocin. Kashmir, and Ladakh were made two separate Union territories last year after the abrogation of Article 370. However, it was not explicitly mentioned in the regional forecast for northwest India.

18 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Natural Disasters – Safeguard Measures 3.1 Natural Disasters – Safeguard Measures

Disasters, conflicts trigger 5 million governments, United Nations(UN) displacements in India in 2019: IDMC agencies, international Non-Government According to a recent report from the Organisations (NGOs), journalists and Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, academics. titled ‘The Global Report on Internal About IDMC: Displacement (GRID 2020)’, nearly 5 It is the world’s authoritative source million(mn) people were displaced in of data and analysis on internal India in 2019, the highest in the world so displacement. It has been a part of the far. Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) since About GRID 2020: its establishment in 1998. It is a global reference for internal Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland displacement data and analysis and is Director– Alexandra Bilak widely used by policy-makers, national

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 19 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

4. ECONOMICS 4.1 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector

India ranks 53rd in budget Government, and assesses whether these transparency; New Zealand tops: are made public, in a timely manner, and IBP’s Open Budget Survey 2019 provide comprehensive information. According to the 7th edition of ‘Open RBI most popular among central Budget Survey 2019’ conducted by banks International Budget Partnership (IBP), India has been ranked at 53rd position The Reserve Bank of India is not the among 117 nations in terms of budget most powerful in terms of monetary fire transparency and accountability with the power like its peers in the US and Europe score of 49 out of 100. While New Zealand but when it comes to popularity, the has been topped the list with a score of 87. monetary authority is the most followed The global average transparency score on on Twitter. this survey was 45. With the microblogging site emerging Performance of India: As per IBP, the as a key platform for information Centre for Budget and Governance dissemination, many central banks are Accountability (CBGA) has helped to active on Twitter, especially in these know the performance of India in this times of economic uncertainties amid the survey, which is just a stagnation over coronavirus pandemic. the last few year.India also functioned The 85-year-old RBI and its Governor better in publishing timely and relevant Shaktikanta Das have separate Twitter information in the audit reports and in- accounts. year reports. RBI’s Twitter handle has 7.45 lakh followers. On April 20 alone, the handle About the ranking: saw 1.31 lakh new followers, according The survey ranked the countries in 5 to an official with the central bank, who different categories based on their scores. attributes the massive spike to an ongoing [0-20: scant, 21-40: minimal, 41-60:limited, campaign. 61-80:substantial,81-100:extensive]. Since March 2019, the count of followers It evaluates each nation’s 8 key budget has more than doubled from just about documents of the Central or Federal

20 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector 3,42,000 to over 7,50,000 to data Bank of Baroda disburses Rs 2,300 Closely behind RBI is the Bank Indonesia, cr to MSMEs under emergency credit the central bank of the East Asian nation, line facility with 7.15 lakh followers. At the third spot The MSME sector is key priority area and is Banco de Mexico - the apex bank of Bank of Baroda (BoB) is taking various Mexico - with 7.11 lakh followers on the steps, including a Rs 2,300-crore financial microblogging site. support, to help the sector hit hard by the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Growth in 8 sectors declined 6.5 The state-owned bank launched an percent in March emergency credit line to provide funds The country’s eight core sectors saw to its existing MSME and corporate growth of 6.5 per cent in March. borrowers in the last week of March, soon Crude oil, fertilizers, steel, cement and after the lockdown was announced. electricity have declined by 6.5 per cent, To provide relief to the stressed MSME mainly due to a sharp fall in production. sector, the RBI extended the one-time Crude oil, coal, natural gas, petroleum restructuring scheme by another one refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement year till March 2021. As per the central and electricity are the eight major sectors. bank’s directive, the restructuring under The eight core sectors grew by 5.8 per the scheme has to be implemented by cent in March last year. December 31, 2020.

India’s Jan-Mar gold demand falls CAIT to launch national e-commerce 36% due to volatile prices, economic marketplace “bharatmarket” for uncertainties: WGC retail traders Gold demand in India fell 36 per cent in Traders’ body Confederation of All India the January-March quarter of this year Traders (CAIT) has announced to launch to 101.9 tonne due to volatile prices, a national e-commerce marketplace economic uncertainties and coronavirus- ‘Bharatmarket’ soon for all retail traders induced nationwide lockdown towards in collaboration with several technology the end of the quarter partners. About WGC CAIT stated the marketplace will integrate The World Gold Council is the market capabilities of various technology development organisation for the gold companies to provide end-to-end industry. It works across all parts of services in the logistics and supply chains the industry, from gold mining to from manufacturers to end consumers, investment, and their aim is to stimulate including deliveries at home. and sustain demand for gold. CAIT Secretary General Praveen Headquarters: London, United Khandelwal said the e-commerce portal Kingdom will include a nationwide participation

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 21 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

by retailers and aims to bring 95 per cent (SAFE) loan limit has been increased to 2 of retail traders onboard the platform, crores from Rs 50 lakhs. who would exclusively run the portal. About SIDBI: Headquarters– Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh ‘India SME Services Platform’ to be Chairman & Managing Director (MD)– launched: SIDBI Mohammad Mustafa The Small Industries India’s Unemployment Rate rises to Development 27.11%: CMIE Bank of As per the data of Centre for India(SIDBI) informed that it will launch Monitoring India Economy (CMIE), ‘India SME Services Platform’, a digital the unemployment rate in India rose to platform to educate stakeholders in the 27.11 percent for a week on May 3 due small and medium enterprises(SME) to the COVID-19 lockdown. Earlier in a ecosystem and have information on week that ended on March 15, 2020, the coronavirus-related initiatives for the unemployment rate was 6.74%. During sector the lockdown, nearly all the economic Gist about the Platform activities were suspended which led to Provide Micro, Small and Medium the increase in unemployment in India. Enterprises (MSMEs) information about starting operations, getting finance, credit Iran changes national currency from enhancement and other support services. ‘rial’ to ‘toman’ Bring together all MSMEs, MSME Iranian lawmakers voted to change Iran’s ecosystem stakeholders, financiers, national currency from ‘rial’ to ‘toman’. corporates, government, regulators, The lawmakers approved an amendment employees and associations in an to Iran’s Monetary and Banking Act of interactive platform, where all will be Iran to make the change. at one place & one place for all kinds of Under the amended law, the existing initiatives. currency of Iran will continue to remain Other initiatives by SIDBI in relation to valid alongside “toman” for two years, COVID-19 during which the old coins and bills will Launched special liquidity schemes be gradually collected to replace them to support Micro, Small and Medium with new ones. Enterprises(MSMEs) The new currency is equal to 10,000 rials, Announced that it will provide emergency marking a reduction of four zeros. The working capital of up to Rs 1 crore to new currency has been introduced amid SMEs. The SIDBI Assistance to Facilitate the sharp fall in the value of Iranian Emergency response against coronavirus currency as a result of crippling sanctions imposed by the United States.

22 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector

The new bill will need to be approved by ‘Baa2’– is an investment grade rating the clerical body that approves legislation with moderate credit risk. before it comes into effect. About Moody’s: Headquarters– NewYork, United States. SBI launches special FD scheme for senior citizens Khadi & village industries turnover State Bank of India (SBI) has launched reaches to Rs. 88, 887 crore in 2019- a special fixed deposit (FD) scheme 20 for senior citizens called ‘SBI Wecare The total Khadi and village industries Deposit’. This has been introduced in the turnover in the year 2019-20, has reached retail term deposit segment to safeguard to Rs. 88, 887 crore. the interests of senior citizens in the In the last one year, the turnover of Khadi current falling rate regime in the time of registered a growth of 31 per cent. Khadi coronavirus pandemic. and Village Industry Commission, KVIC SBI says under this new scheme, an Chairman, Vinai Kumar Saxena has additional 30 basis points (bps) premium attributed Khadi’s phenomenal growth will be payable for senior citizen’s retail to the sustained efforts of Prime Minister term deposits with “5 Years & above” Narendra Modi. tenor only. In 2018-19, it registered an increase of 31 The ‘SBI Wecare Deposit’ scheme would per cent in the sale of Khadi and over 19 be in effect upto 30 September 2020. per cent rise in the sale of village industry products despite nationwide lockdown Moody’s slashes India’s GDP growth in wake of Covid-19. to zero in FY 21 from 2.6% The sale of Khadi fabric products Moody’s slashed down India’s Gross increased by 179 per cent from Rs. 1510 Domestic Product (GDP) growth to zero crore in 2015 -16 to Rs. 4,211 crore in for the current fiscal 2020-21 from its 2019-20. earlier forecast of 2.6%. In 2021-22 India’s About KVIC GDP growth rate will bounce back to ff Founded: 1956 6.6%. ff Headquarters: Mumbai Major highlights No change in sovereign rating which Central Board of Direct Taxes amends stands at ‘Baa2’ with ‘Negative’ outlook 44G of Income-tax Rules 1962 for India. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) The negative outlook reflects an increase amended Rule 44G of Income-tax Rules, in risk that economic growth remains 1962 for making an application to invoke significantly lower than in the past & is the mutual agreement procedure in Form triggered by COVID-19. no.34F which will be called Income-tax (8th Amendment) Rules, 2020

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 23 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

According to the Agreements between current financial year due to the impact India and the other countries or specified of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic territory within an average time period Key Points: of 24 months the authority in India will It means both the firms predicted a endeavour to arrive at mutually agreeable contraction of 0.4 % of India’s GDP in the resolution of the tax disruption. current financial year due to the impact of It states that the acceptance or non- the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. acceptance within 30 days. The Nomura’s forecast: It predicted India’s acceptance of the resolution, the assessed GDP growth forecast for 2020 to minus 5 shall withdraw any appeal field in this %. However it has been increased to 7.9 regard and pay the tax determined by the % for 2021 (from 7.3 % forecast). Nomura assessing officer after giving effect to the expects the central government’s fiscal resolution. deficit to rise to 7 % of GDP in FY21, The rule 44H has been omitted with this which is higher than the target of 3.5 & amendment. and much higher than the earlier forecast About CBDT: of 5.1%. ff Chairman– Pramod Chandra Mody Goldman’s forecast: In April 2020, it had ff Headquarters– New Delhi expected GDP growth to slip to 1.6 % in ff Established– 1924 FY21. However, it was earlier 2.7 % in the general opinion. Ratings agencies Goldman Sachs & Recently, global rating agency Moody’s Nomura cut India’s economic growth cut India’s growth estimate to 0 % for projections for 2020-21 the current fiscal 2020-21, which is lower than 4.8 % estimated in 2019-20. Goldman Sachs Group, About Nomura Holdings, Inc: Inc. has ff Headquarters– Tokyo, Japan predicted ff About Goldman Sachs Group, Inc: India’s GDP ff Headquarters– New York City, U.S. (Gross domestic PM Modi announces Rs 20 lakh crore product) growth for 2020-21 (FY21) at special economic package -0.4% following the expansion of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi lockdown. announced a Rs 20-lakh-crore stimulus While Nomura Holdings, Inc. has also package, equivalent to about 10% of lowered India’s FY21 GDP growth India’s GDP, aimed at making the country forecast to–5.2% from -0.4% predicted self-reliant and reviving the stalled earlier. economy. Details of the plan, dubbed It means both the firms predicted a the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, will contraction of 0.4 % of India’s GDP in the be unveiled by finance minister Nirmala

24 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector

Sitharaman enterprises (MSME) sector, Finance The package is for our labourers, farmers, Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced honest tax payers, MSMEs and cottage collateral-free automatic loan worth Rs 3 industry. lakh crore. 6 Covid relief measures announced by BRICS’ New Development Bank FM Nirmala Sitharaman to make MSMEs provides USD 1 billion loan to India ‘atmanirbhar’. to fight COVID-19 The Indian Finance Minister Nirmala The New Sitharaman announced six measures for Development the MSME sector as part of the Modi Bank of the government’s ` 20 lakh crores stimulus BRICS countries package. has fully The Six measures for the Micro, Small and disbursed USD Medium Enterprises (MSME) include one billion emergency assistance loan to collateral-free loans, additional debt and India to help it contain the spread of equity infusion. The government has also COVID-19 and reduce human, social and announced a new policy that will shield economic losses caused by the coronavirus the Indian MSME businesses from unfair pandemic. competition from foreign companies. The Shanghai-based New Development According to the MSME Development Bank (NDB) was established by the Act, 2006, enterprises which are in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South manufacturing and service sectors Africa) countries in 2014 and is headed by qualify as MSMEs. Subject to investment veteran Indian banker K V Kamath. and turnover limits. The purpose of the bank is to mobilise resources for infrastructure and PM Modi announces Atma Nirbhar sustainable development projects in Bharat Abhiyan BRICS countries and other emerging economies and developing nations, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Nirmala Sitharaman announces announced a new scheme called “Atma collateral-free loans for MSMEs worth Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan”. Under the Rs 3 lakh crore new scheme, 20 lakh crore of package has In a bid to provide support to the been announced. struggling micro, small and medium

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 25 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

Features of the scheme Govt to launch affordable rental Under the scheme, the government of housing scheme for migrant workers India is to support key sectors and also Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman help achieve measures undertaken by announced that the Government will Reserve Bank of India. The economic launch affordable rental housing scheme package is 10% of the GDP. for migrant workers.

The package will also focus on The Finance Minister also unveiled the strengthening local markets and supply contours of a scheme for affordable rental chains. housing for migrant workers to provide ease of living by converting government- UN forecasts India to grow at 1.2% funded housing in cities into Affordable in CY20 and global economy to shrink Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) by 3.2% under PPP mode through concessionaire. In the United Nations (UN) World For middle income group with Rs 6 lakh Economic Situation and Prospects to Rs 18 lakh annual income, Sitharaman (WESP) midyear report forecast that the announced an extension of the affordable COVID-19 pandemic situation will shrink housing scheme till March 2021. the world economy by 3.2% in 2020 this is For middle income group with Rs 6 lakh the sharpest contraction since the 1930’s Great Depression and India’s economy to to Rs 18 lakh annual income. Credit grow at 1.2% in 2020. linked subsidy scheme for affordable housing extended till March 2021. Key Points: Another 2.5 lakh families will benefit. The mid 2020 report of WESP states that Expected to give a Rs 70,000 crore boost to the COVID-19 pandemic situation is housing. The second tranche of economic expected to cut off the global economic output by arournd 8.5 trillion USD in the stimulus package will be for the benefit next two years which will nearly wipe of migrant workers, street vendors and out all the gains of the past four years. small farmers. At a press conference, The UN forecast in January before the she said 3 crore marginal farmers have COVID-19 pandemic expected a modest already availed Rs 4 lakh crore of loans acceleration of growth by 2.5% in 2020 on concessional rates. Around 90% of the world economy is Nirmala Sitharaman also declared a big under the form of lockdown, disrupting push towards One Nation, One Ration supply chain, depressing consumer Card. While announcing measures for demand and unemployment. migrant workers, Sitharaman said that About UN Department of Economic and 100 per cent of ration cardholders will be Social Affairs (DESA): covered in One Nation One Ration Card Under Secretary General(USG)- Liu scheme by March 2021. Zhenmin Headquarters- New York

26 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology 5. SCIENCE

5.1 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology

India installs 7.3 GW of solar power in Destined to become the CY 2019 & secures world’s 3rd largest first aircraft to attempt solar market: Mercom powered flight on another According to planet, NASA’s Mars Mercom India Helicopter officially Research’s ‘India named: Ingenuity, as Solar Market suggested by Ms Rupani. Leaderboard 2020’ While NASA announced in March that its report India has installed 7.3 Giga Watt next rover would be named Perseverance (GW) of solar power in CY 2019 which based on seventh-grader Alexander consolidates its position as the 3rd largest Mather’s essay, the agency decided to solar market in the world. also choose a name for the helicopter that India has total solar installations of will accompany the rover to Mars. approximately 35.7 GW by the end of Pune-based defence institute December 2019 develops microwave steriliser Atulya About Mercom India: to kill COVID- 19

Mercom Communications India is The Defence Ministry a subsidiary of U.S.-based Mercom announced that the Capital Group, it is a leading clean Pune-based Defence energy communications, a consulting Institute of Advanced firm & is widely recognized for its Technology (DIAT) leadership and influence in helping has developed a shape India’s rapidly growing clean microwave steriliser energy markets. ‘Atulya’ that can disintegrate the novel Coronavirus within 30 seconds by Indian-Origin Girl, 17, Names NASA’s differential heating in the range of 56 First Mars Helicopter degrees to 60 degrees celsius temperatures NASA’s first Mars helicopter has a name About Atulya: The steriliser was tested now and the credit goes to 17-year-old for human/operator safety and has been Indian-origin girl Vaneeza Rupani.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 27 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

found to be safe depending upon the size On average, temperatures above the and shape of various objects. Arctic aren’t quite as cold as those above Atulya is a cost-effective solution Antarctica, which makes the seasonal that can be operated in portable or appearance of ozone holes in the north fixed installations and weighs around rare, while it is a yearly phenomenon in 3 kilograms (Kg). It can be used for the south. sterilisation of non-metallic objects only. Ozone helps filter ultaviolet light from About DRDO: the atmosphere, and when holes appear ff Headquarters– DRDO Bhavan, New it means more harmful solar radiation is Delhi. penetrating the atmosphere and reaching ff Chairman– Dr G. Satheesh Reddy. the Earth’s surface. It’s been driven by an unusually strong Largest ozone hole ever recorded and long-lived polar vortex, and isn’t above the Arctic has CLOSED related to air quality changes.

The largest ozone hole ever documented FDA allows emergency use of anti- above the North Pole has closed almost as viral vaccine Remdesivir to treat quickly as it formed. COVID-19 patients The hole formed earlier this year and reached its maximum size in March some The US food 11 miles above the surface of the Earth. and drug It was the largest ozone hole ever regulatory documented over the Arctic, beating body has the previous record holder, which was allowed the observed during the 2011 winter. emergency Researchers with Copernicus’ use of an investigational anti-viral vaccine Atmospheric Monitoring Service believed to treat COVID-19 patients after some the hole was caused by an unusually researches, including one led by an strong polar vortex, which explained its Indian-American physician, found that relatively sudden growth, according to a the drug helped recover some of the report in CNN. infected cases faster.

The polar vortex is a high altitude current The Food and Drug Administration that circulates in an irregular ring-like (FDA) gave emergency use authorisation pattern around the Arctic and helps keep (EUA) for the use of investigational anti- cold air trapped above the pole. viral Remdesivir in the treatment of When temperatures drop to a low enough COVID-19 patients. point, polar stratospheric clouds (PCS) The FDA authorisation came after can form, which can in turn activate researches, including one led by Indian- ozone-depleting chemicals like chlorine American physician Aruna Subramanian, in the atmosphere. reported Remdesivir shortened the

28 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology recovery times in people who have fallen detect toxins, narcotic drugs and used as ill from the new coronavirus. a reliable tool to detect infectious diseases About NIAB: st Russia to launch its 1 satellite NIAB is an autonomous institute under ‘Arktika-M’ to monitor Arctic climate the department of Biotechnology, & environment Minister of Science and Technology. Russia will launch its 1st Arktika M Headquarters– Hyderabad, Telangana. satellite by December 9, 2020 to monitor the Arctic climate and environment. It UV Blaster: Disinfection Tower will be launched from Baikonur space developed by DRDO center (Kazakhstan) using a Soyuz-2.1b The Defence Research and Development carrier rocket with a freegate booster. Organization has developed Ultra Violet This announcement was made by Disinfection Tower for chemical free and General Director of Lavochkin aerospace rapid disinfection. The tower is to be company of Russia,Vladimir Kolmykov highly helpful in high infection prone on May 04, 2020. areas. The 2nd Arktika-M satellite is still under Highlights development and will be launched in The equipment named UV Blaster is a UV 2023. based sanitizer that was designed and About Arktika-M satellite: developed by DRDO. It is highly helpful This remote-sensing and emergency for disinfecting high tech surfaces such communications satellite is the No.1 as computers, electronic equipment and one spacecraft ever developed & is other gadgets. UV Blaster is helpful in being radio-electronic tested. offices where chemical methods may not It will collect meteorological data in be suitable. the Earth’s polar regions, which will The product is also very much suitable in help scientists to better study climate areas where chemical methods cannot be change, with permission to improve implemented. weather forecasts. IIG developed 1D fluid simulation NIAB develops portable coronavirus code to study electric field structure detection kit “eCovSens” in Earth’s Magnetosphere

The researchers from the Department of Scientists, under the guidance of Dr. Biotechnology (DBT), National Institute of Amar Kakad, at the Indian Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) developed Geomagnetism (IIG) an autonomous a biosensor “eCovSens” to detect the institution of the Department of Science novel coronavirus within 30 seconds and Technology have developed a using 20 microliters of the sample of generalized one-dimensional (1D) fluid saliva The Biosensors is currently used to simulation code capable of studying

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 29 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 a wide spectrum of coherent electric Wenchang Space Launch Centre in China’s field structures in near-earth plasma island province of Hainan. Around 488 environment or earth’s magnetosphere. seconds later, the experimental spacecraft This development will help in planning with no crew separated from the rocket of future space missions. and entered its planned orbit along with The results obtained through fluid the cargo return capsule. simulation code, published in the journal The successful launch of the spacecraft is Physics of Plasmas. the third step towards China’s manned What is magnetosphere? space program, which includes the A magnetosphere is the region around construction of a space station. a planet dominated by the planet’s The large rocket, Long March-5B carries, magnetic field. Earth has the strongest has been developed primarily for China’s one of all the rocky planets. manned space programme. It will be How it is formed: Sun forces plasma used to launch the various modules of the towards the earth in the form of the solar future space station. wind. The solar wind carries with it a solar ‘Feluda’: Made-in-India paper-based magnetic field, called an Interplanetary strip for rapid, mass testing for Magnetic Field (IMF).The interaction of Covid-19 the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) with Earth’s magnetic field results in the A lab of the formation of Earth’s magnetosphere. Council of Different regions of earth’s Scientific and magnetosphere: 1) Bow shock, 2) Industrial Magnetosheath, 3) Magnetopause, 4) Research (CSIR) Northern tail lobe, 5) Southern tail lobe, which developed 6) Plasmasphere, 7) Solar wind ‘Feluda’ paper-based test strip for About Indian Institute of Geomagnetism Covid-19 which is named after the (IIG) fictional detective created by Satyajit Ray Establishment– 1971 joined hands with Tata Sons for its Location– Mumbai, Maharashtra deployment and widespread use for rapid mass testing. China launches large rocket ‘ Long A completely indigenous scientific March 5B carrier’ invention, ‘Feluda’ has been designed for mitigating the ongoing Covid-19 China’s new Long March 5B carrier rocket took its maiden flight on May 5, 2020 situation and to cater to mass testing. carrying the trial version of the country’s Its main advantages are its affordability, new-generation manned spaceship and a relative ease of use and non-dependency cargo return capsule for test into space. on expensive Q-PCR machines. The large white rocket blasted off from

30 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Italian researchers claim world’s first NSAFE : First antimicrobial and Coronavirus vaccine washable Face Mask An Italian medical firm has claimed to The Startup of have developed a vaccine that neutralises IIT Delhi has the novel coronavirus in human cells. found an According to tests carried out at Rome’s antimicrobial infectious-disease Spallanzani Hospital, face mask that the vaccine has antibodies generated in can be washed mice that work on human cells. and reused for 50 times. The Nanosafe Tests conducted on mice by a team of Solutions at IIT Delhi has developed the scientists at Italian medical firm Takis masks to fight against COVID-19. showed they developed antibodies after a Highlights single vaccination that can block the virus The NSAFE face mask provides 99.2% of from infecting human cells. bacterial filtration. This is the first fabric- based face mask that is antimicrobial and Scientists find coronavirus outbreak washable. The mask complies ASTM started late 2019 standards. Investigators, who analysed virus genomes from over 7,500 infected people, JNCASR scientists fabricate energy- find nearly 200 mutations in the SARS- efficient photodetector for security CoV-2 virus since China’s outbreak application but say this does not mean it is getting deadlier. Scientists have found the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 has been in circulation since possibly October last year, evolving ever since it struck China with close to The scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru 200 “recurrent genetic mutations” in the Centre for Advanced Scientific Research virus. (JNCASR) have developed an economical The study “Emergence of genomic and energy-efficient wafer-scale diversity and recurrent mutations in photodetector. SARS-CoV-2” was carried out by a The thin slice-based photodetector has group of international scientists led by been fabricated using gold – silicon University College London. interface for security applications. The technology could help detect weak scattered light as an indication of unwanted activity. Photo detectors are one of the most significant part of any optoelectronic

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 31 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

circuit. They can detect light and are used This robust test will play a critical role in for a wide variety of applications, ranging surveillance of proportion of population from controlling automatic lighting in exposed to SARSCoV2 infection. supermarkets to detecting radiation from the outer galaxy as well as security- DRDO- DFRL’s mobile microbial related applications. containment lab handed over to However, the cost of the material and MMCRI processes involved in making high- Defence Food Research Laboratory performance detectors make them (DFRL), an Indian defence laboratory of unaffordable for day to day applications. the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has handed DRDO develops devices to sanitise over an innovative, state of the art phones, currency notes Mobile Microbial Containment (BSL-3) The RCI, a premier laboratory of DRDO Laboratory ‘PARAKH’ to the Mysuru based at Hyderabad, has developed an Medical College and Research Institute automated contactless UVC sanitising (MMCRI) to test samples of coronavirus cabinet to sanitise mobile phones, iPads, (Covid-19) at its hi-tech Viral Research laptops, currency notes, cheque leafs, and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL). challans, passbooks, and paper. It is to be noted that Defence minister Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a part Rajnath Singh on April 23, 2020, had of Defence Research Development dedicated the 1st corona sample collection Organisation (DRDO), developed the mobile lab “Mobile BSL-3 VRDL Lab” to Defence Research Ultraviolet Sanitiser the nation through video conference in (DRUVS). New Delhi. The DRUVS provides 360 degree About Parakh: exposure of UVC to the objects placed It is a fully autonomous containment inside the cabinet. Once the sanitisation lab, developed within record time is done, the system goes in sleep mode, of 2 weeks by ministry of Defence in hence the operator need not wait or stand collaboration with ESIC (Employees’ near the device. State Insurance Corporation) Medical College & Hospital, Sanathnagar, First indigenous kit for COVID-19 Hyderabad with the permission from developed by National Institute of Indian Council of Medical Research Virology (ICMR). National Institute of Virology, Pune has It is designed on ISO (International successfully developed the 1st indigenous Organization for Standardization) 20 anti-SARS-CoV-2 human IgG ELISA test feet container and installed on Ashok kit for antibody detection of COVID-19. Leyland 1618-2C-4700 wb cabin Chassis.

32 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Indian Scientists discover 3 new CSIR-NAL develops BiPAP Non species of fishes under genus Invasive Ventilator “SwasthVayu” ‘Dawkinsia’ in western ghats A Non Invasive BiPAP Ventilator According to the published in the “SwasthVayu” has been developed by international journal Vertebrate Zoology, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories, Scientists from the Bombay Natural Bangalore to treat COVID-19 patients. History Society (BNHS),the Kerala The unique features of the Non Invasive University of Fisheries and Ocean BiPAP Ventilator “SwasthVayu” helps to Studies (KUFOS) and the Indian Institute alleviate the fear of the virus spread. The of Science Education and Research ventilator is very simple to use without (IISER), Pune (Maharashtra), have jointly any specialized nursing and is cost discovered a three new fish species under effective, compact and configured with the genus ‘Dawkinsia’ namely Dawkinsia majority of indigenous components. apsara, Dawkinsia austellus, Dawkinsia crassa. NIV-Pune develops India’s 1st antibody testing kit “ELISA” Key Points: The species’ common names are filament India’s first barb, an active, lively, and peaceful fishes indigenous found in the rivers of peninsular India antibody testing and Sri Lanka . They are marketable kit “ELISA” has among aquarium hobbyists and are wild- been collected and captive-bred for trade. successfully developed by About the 3 species: the National Institute of Virology, Pune. The 1st species ‘Dawkinsia apsara’, found This antibody testing kit will help in in Karnataka’s Sita and Sowparnika surveillance of proportion of the rivers, has been christened after the population exposed to SARSCoV2 beautiful celestial nymphs in Hindu infection and hence, it will help in mythology. combating COVID-19. For mass scale The 2nd species ‘Dawkinsia austellus’, production of the ELISA test kits, ICMR found from the Muvattupuzha river has tied-up with ZYDUS CADILA. in Kerala, has been named referring to the Latin word for ‘South’ and refers to IIT-M develop automated respiratory the distribution range of the species in assist device “Sundaram Ventago” Southern Kerala. The TVS (Thirukkurungudi Vengaram The 3rd species ‘Dawkinsia crassa’, Sundram) group, the Sundaram Medical found in the Netravati river of Coastal Foundation, IIT (Indian Institute of Karnataka, has been named after the Technology)- Madras, have jointly Latin word for ‘round/thick’ referring to developed a low-cost, automated the rounded appearance of the fish.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 33 Latest Discoveries in Health Science Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

respiratory assistance device called The coating can be easily washed and “Sundaram Ventago” that will be useful cleansed of the top of the coat when in remote and rural areas where ventilator preparing the armor. facilities are not available and would This will prevent the corona fire from have a great impact of post COVID-19. spreading through the armor. About TVS Groups: About Sundaram Ventago: It provides 5.2 Latest Discoveries in breathing support to patients through controlled and automated squeezing of Health Science a self-inflating or Ambu bag. Headquarters– Chennai, Tamil Nadu Men are more vulnerable to (TN). coronavirus than women JNU to develop portable coronavirus Researchers have found that men seem testing device to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 than women. It suggested the reason might The Jawaharlal Nehru University’s be related to the concentration of the (JNU) is developing a low-cost, enzyme Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme portable and battery-operated device 2 (ACE2) in the blood of men and women. to test coronavirus, the varsity said in a statement. According to JNU, the device Key Findings: can complete testing in 50 minutes while The ACE2 enzyme in blood responds to it takes 120-180 minutes through the the novel coronavirus and enables it to conventional method. infect the human cell. It has designed a chip-based spatial ACE2 is also a receptor present on the reverse transcription-polymerase chain surface of healthy cells. The SARS-CoV-2 reaction (RT-PCR) where PCR has been virus uses this receptor to enter inside integrated with an in-built detection cells. ACE2 receptors are present in system containing LED and diode abundance in the lungs, heart, kidneys, detector. and testes. The study found men have higher Fireproof armor concentrations of ACE2 in their blood US scientists have discovered a topical than women. It also showed heart failure anti-corrosive agent in the armor used patients who are taking a certain class of by doctors and nurses who are battling drugs, called RAAS inhibitors, did not corona virus infection. have higher concentrations of ACE2 in Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh their blood. But, some studies suggested in the United States, have found a coating RAAS inhibitors might increase ACE2 that prevents the corona virus from concentrations in blood plasma. sticking tightly in armor and face shields.

34 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Mass Media & Communication 5.3 Mass Media & Communication Arogya Setu app mandatory for govt, private sector employees Janaushadhi Sugam app to access The Centre made it mandatory generic medicine benefits 325000 for government and private sector users employees to use Arogya Setu mobile application to bolster the efforts to fight More than 325000 users are benefited the COVID-19 pandemic, and entrusted by the “Janaushadhi Sugam” a mobile the organisational heads with ensuring its application developed by the Bureau of 100 per cent coverage. The Union Home Pharma PSUs of India(BPPI) under the Ministry also said the mobile app will Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry be must for people living in COVID-19 of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government containment zones. of India for the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Use of Arogya Setu app shall be made Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) mandatory for all employees, both private The Janaushadhi Sugam App helps the and public. It shall be the responsibility of consumers to use the digital technology the head of the respective organisations to to locate the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya ensure 100% coverage of this app among Janaushadhi Kendra (PMJAK) and the employees. provide directions through Google Maps and search for the availability of BharatPe launches two apps to affordable generic medicine, analyze limit the need to touch handsets for the comparison of generic and branded checking transactions medicine in MRP and overall savings. The BharatPe, a Merchant payment and a “Kisan Sabha App” developed by leading network provider launched two CSIR-Central Road Research Institute voice based applications Paisa Bolega and BharatPe Balance for the account “Kisan Sabha App” has been developed holders to access transactions and balance by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute using without touching the phones in the (CSIR-CRRI) to connect farmers to COVID-19 pandemic supply chain and freight transportation The Paisa Bolega is a button introduced management system. The portal will be in the BharatPe which converts the a single stop for every entity related to smartphone into a speaker with this voice agriculture such as farmer who needs alerts of transactions by providing loud good price for the crops, mandi dealer instant confirmations for all the received who needs to connect to more farmers, payments through their BharatPe quick and truckers who repeatedly go empty response (QR). from the mandis. The prime objective of BharatPe Balance will provide the Kisan Sabha app is to provide the most information about total available balance economical as well as timely logistics help across the deposits, loan and daily to the farmers.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 35 Mass Media & Communication Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 collections through the QR. This will About DAY-NRLM: provide a snapshot of the shopkeepers DAY-NLRM aims to reduce poverty daily QR collections, balance in 12% through promotion of diversified and interest a/c and the loan limit. gainful self-employment. About GeM: Dr Harsh Vardhan launches Government e Marketplace (GeM) is a multimedia guide ‘COVID Katha’ 100 percent Government owned Section Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan 8 Company set up as the National Public has launched a multimedia guide on the Procurement Portal to provide online, end Covid-19 disease named ‘COVID Katha’. to end solution for procurement of goods and services for all Central Government The guide is launched on the occasion of and State Government Ministries the 50th DST (Department of Science and Technology) Foundation Day. West Bengal government rolls out Chennai defence lab develops “Exit App” ‘Kavasam’ app The West Bengal government has rolled out an “Exit App” for people from other The Chennai-based Combat Vehicles states who are stucked in West Bengal Research and Development Establishment amid the nationwide lockdown and (CVRDE) has developed an app called desires to return to their native place. ‘Kavasam’ to contain the COVID-19 It will enable these people who are pandemic, which is wreaking havoc in willing to go back to their native states, the city. by applying online on this app. It can be Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar accessed by the stranded people from the launched “The Saras Collection” on West Bengal government’s ‘Egiye Bangla’ GeM portal from New Delhi website. It aims to provide SHGs in rural areas Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath with market access to Central and State launches ‘Ayush Kavach-Covid’ App Government buyers. Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) The Saras Collection is an initiative of Yogi Adityanath launched the “Ayush GeM and the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Kavach-Covid app” that will provide Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods health-related tips and information about Mission (DAY-NRLM). ayurvedic medicines to people during The first phase is a pilot stage under the coronavirus crisis. The App provides which 913 SHGs from 11 States have measures to boost immunity based on already registered as sellers and 442 natural resources. It delivers information products have been on-boarded. about Ayurveda and traditional medicines and prescriptions in simple language with ease among the masses

36 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Mass Media & Communication

About Ayush Kavach-Covid App: The Key Points: mobile app Ayush Kavach has been The ‘Pravasi Raahat Mitra’ helps the developed by the AYUSH (Ayurveda, migrants to monitor their health and Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha provide the requirements like job and and Homoeopathy) Department of UP in livelihood related to their skills. view of the COVID-19 health crisis. The app will collect the basic information The App provides measures to boost such as name, educational qualification, immunity based on natural resources. temporary and permanent address, bank account details, Corona-related screening Minister K Pandiarajan calls for status and experience as data from the enhanced use of Tamil on internet migrant citizens and will have full details Tamil development and archaeology of the people staying in the shelter center minister K Pandiarajan urged the Public and the people who reached their homes to enhance the use of Tamil on internet from other states. to make it one of the top influential languages in the world. Aarogya Setu becomes world’s 7th The minister made the statement while most downloaded app inaugurating e-Sangam in Madurai. The Aarogya Setu, the Covid-19 tracking app e-Sangam was launched as part of the that has already reached the 9 crore user third anniversary of Digit-all, an initiative of the Tamil Nadu chamber Foundation milestone within weeks, is now also one to take technology to the villages. of the world’s top 10 most downloaded He announced the Use of Tamil saalai apps. app for Tamil development work. According to Sensor Tower’s April numbers, NITI Aayog’s app secured the Yogi Adityanath launches ‘Pravasi 7th position in the “Top Apps Worldwide Raahat Mitra’ app for migrant for April 2020 by Downloads” list, Workers overtaking other popular apps like Chief Minister Of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and even Adityanath launched the ‘Pravasi Raahat the streaming app, Netflix. The top six Mitra’ mobile application developed apps were Zoom, TikTok, Facebook, by the state revenue department in WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger. collaboration with United Nation Protocol laid down for sharing, Development Program to provide collecting data of Aarogya Setu App support for the migrant workers of Uttar Pradesh in other states to access the The ministry announced that the National advantages of the government schemes. Informatics Centre (NIC), the developer The app collects basic information like, of the application, shall collect only such name, address, bank details and others of response data which is necessary and the people. proportionate to formulate or implement

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 37 Mass Media & Communication Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 appropriate health responses. Further, staying in as well as the recently returned such data shall be used strictly for the migrant youths. purpose of formulating or implementing This platform will help the unemployed appropriate health responses and youths in job hunting and skill constantly improving such responses. development and the database will The government launched the app in help the employers to find the suitable April for contract tracing in the wake of candidates for their requirements. spread of coronavirus. But now it is used About Uttarakhand: for providing various other activities State was formed on- 9th November 2000. including e-pass, telemedicine and others. MSME Ministry launches CHAMPIONS Chennai Corporation launches app Portal for free telemedicine consultation Union Ministry of Micro, Small and The Greater Chennai Corporation Medium Enterprises (MSME) launched launched a mobile application ‘GCC CHAMPIONS (Creation and Harmonious Vidmed’ to provide free telemedicine Application of Modern Processes for consultations for Chennaiites. Increasing the Output and National Considering the difficulties faced by the Strength) portal (www.Champions.gov. public in visiting a doctor or hospital in), a Technology-driven control room- for simple ailments, the app was jointly cum-Management Information System. launched by the civic body and Dhanush The system utilises modern Information Healthcare,” an official release from and Communications Technology (ICT) the Corporation announced adding tools. that special officer and Commissioner Gist about the portal of Revenue Administration Dr J Aim- To assist Indian MSME’s to become Radhakrishnan launched the application. National and Global CHAMPIONS in the Uttarakhand CM launches ‘HOPE’ a big league. portal to help unemployed youths 3 basic objectives

The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand To help the MSMEs in this difficult Trivendra Singh Rawat launched ‘HOPE’- situation in terms of finance, raw Helping Out People Everywhere a portal materials, labour, permissions, etc. to create employment opportunities To help them capture new opportunities for the youths in their expertise and to like manufacturing of medical accessories provide skill development opportunities. and products like Personal Protective Equipments (PPE), masks, etc. Key Points: To identify the sparks, particularly The portal HOPE will be used to collect the bright MSMEs who can not only the data on the youths of the state who are withstand but can also become national and international champions.

38 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 National – Diary of Event 6. NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENT

Delhi Police & AIIA jointly launches About All India Institute of Ayurveda ‘Ayuraksha’ programme to fight (AIIA): COVID-19 ff Location– New Delhi In view of increasing coronavirus About Ministry of AYUSH: (COVID-19) cases, the Delhi Police in ff Headquarters– New Delhi association with All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has jointly run the DST launched ‘Year of Awareness on program called ‘Ayuraksha – Corona se Science & Health (YASH) jung, Delhi Police ke sang’, under which This programme will provide scientific Ayurveda immunity boosting kit will awareness and health preparedness be distributed to the Delhi Police in 4 to combat the pandemic scenario like different phases by Ministry of AYUSH COVID-19 outbreak which has posed (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, concerns and challenges around the Siddha and Homoeopathy). globe. About Ayuraksha: Under this programme, It is launched by the National Council for Ayurveda immunity boosting kit, which Science & Technology Communication contain medicine formulations, method (NCSTC) under DST. of use and advisory, will be distributed Its aim is to convey authentic best practices by Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga to the general public to minimize the & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and risk of transmission of virus at all levels, Homoeopathy) to the Delhi Police in 4 in the absence of vaccines and cure for different phases. It includes, COVID-19. ff Phase I: All quarantined police officers This programme will provide clarity and officials on the misperceptions, misbeliefs by ff Phase II: Police officials/officers introducing practices based on authentic deputed in containment zones knowledge duly verified by scientific ff Phase III: Police officials/officers processes deputed in quarantine zones ff Phase IV: All policemen working as front line workers in field.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 39 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

About NCSTC: movement, the states of Maharashtra and Established in 1982 by under DST, Gujarat were formed. NCSTC is a scientific programme Maharashtra: of the Government of India for the ff Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari popularisation of science, dissemination ff Chief Minister: Uddhav Thackeray of scientific knowledge and inculcation ff Capital: Mumbai, Nagpur (Winter) of scientific temper. ff Official language: Marathi Tripura government launches agro ff Bird: Yellow-footed green pigeon entrepreneur facilitation desk to ff Flower: Jarul boost economy ff Tree: Mango Tree The Tripura government launched an Gujarat: “Agro-Entrepreneur Facilitation Desk” to ff Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat help the entrepreneurs of the state to get ff Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani subsidies and incentives from ff Capital: Gandhinagar Central government funding agencies. ff Bird: Greater flamingo The state cabinet has approved the ff Flower: Marigold setting up of the desk, which will operate ff Tree: Banyan from the Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation in the state capital, E-Nam: 200 new Mandis integrated Agartala. Around 200 Mandis Maharashtra, Gujarat celebrates were added to the state formation day on 1 May E-NAM platform. The mandis were Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day from 7 different is celebrated in the Indian states of states. They were Maharashtra and Gujarat on 1 May joined through a video conference held every year. The day commemorates the by the Union Minister of Agriculture Shri formation of the state on this day in 1960. Narendra Singh Tomar. History: Highlights In 1960, the Bombay Reorganization Act, The mandis added were from the states 1960 was passed by India’s Parliament of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, to divide the multilingual state of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka Bombay into Gujarat and Maharashtra. and Uttar Pradesh. These addends have Bombay formerly consisted of speakers brought the number of E-Nam mandis in of different languages such as Gujarati, the country to 785. Marathi, Konkani, and Kutchi. As a result of the Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti

40 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 National – Diary of Event E-Nam Maharashtra the first state The National Agriculture Market government to announces free and was launched in 2016. It facilitates cashless insurance to the people farmers, buyers and traders to trade After the events of their commodities online. More than 90 Maharashtra Day The commodities are listed and are available Health Minister of for trade. The features of E-NAM were Maharashtra Rajesh enhanced by attractive launchings such Tope announced that as BHIM, MIS dashboard, etc Maharashtra will be the first state to provide IDEAthon launched by Jal Shakti free and cashless Ministry insurance protection to The National Mission for Clean Ganga the people and the covered under the operating under Ministry of Jal Shakti state governments health scheme and for launched “IDEAthon”. It focuses on “The the treatment of COVID-19 patients at the Future of River Management” to explore private hospitals in Pune and Mumbai how the COVID-19 crisis will change the the government has signed a MoU with river management strategies. the General Insurance Public Sector Highlights Association (GIPSA). The IDEAthon event examined how About MJPJAY: social angle of rivers can be leveraged to Implemented under the name of RAjiv address the crisis. It also discussed about Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana the lessons taught by COVID-19 crisis. (RGJAY) on 1st April 2017 throughout Namami Gange Maharashtra in a phase manner for 4 years The Namami Gange, also called the period. On 13th April 2017 the name of the National Mission for Clean Ganga was scheme is changed to Mahatma Jyotiba launched in 2011. The initiative focuses on Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY). controlling the pollution of River Ganga. The main pillars of the mission include Government to set up panel to give sewerage treatment, industrial effluent clearances in 3-month time frame for monitoring, bio-diversity, development businesses of river surface cleaning, afforestation, The government will set up a panel to and public awareness. provide necessary clearances needed In order to implement the scheme India by businesses within a time frame of has joined hands with Germany. three-months in a bid to attract foreign investment in MSMEs, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced . Addressing Chartered Accountants Association

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 41 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

of India, the minister informed that a HP govt to launch ‘Mukhya Mantri Joint Secretary level officer has already Shahari Rojgar Guarantee Yojna ‘ for been appointed to look after the foreign urban employment investment in micro, small and medium In a bid to revive the economy of the enterprises (MSMEs). state affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Himachal Pradesh India ranked 3rd among countries (HP) state government has decided to in scientific publication in 2018; launch employment guarantee scheme expenditure on R&D tripled: NSTMIS called “’Mukhya Mantri Shahari Rojgar rd India occupies 3 rank in terms of Guarantee Yojna” that will provide 120 number of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. days of employment to those living in D.)’s awarded in Science and Engineering urban areas. (S&E) after USA (39,710 in 2016) and The state also decided to provided China (34,440 in 2015). Rs 2,000 to about one lakh workers The Gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) in the country has nearly tripled from registered under the Building and Other Rs. 39,437.77 crore in 2007- 08 to Rs. Construction Workers Board. 1,13,825.03 crore in 2017-18. IIT Launches India’s first COVID-19 During 2017-18 a total of 47,854 patents were filed in India. Out of which, 15,550 test bus in Mumbai (32%) patents were filed by Indian residents. Department Of Science & Technology (DST) & Department of Biotechnology (DBT) were the two major players contributing 63% and 14%, respectively of the total extramural R&D support in the country during 2016-17.

Indian Railways starts Shramik The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Special Trains Alumni Council launched a “COVID-19 As per the guideline issued by the test bus” in Mumbai, Maharashtra and Ministry of Home Affairs, which has inaugurated by Chief Minister Uddhav decided to run “Shramik Special” trains Thackery, Health Minister Rajesh Tope from “Labour Day”(May 1,2020), to move and Praveen Pardeshi migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, Key points: students and other persons stranded The COVID-19 Testing bus will at different places due to lock down. reduce 80% of the testing cost without Indian railways has already run the first such train with 1,200 passengers from compromising on the testing capacity. Hyderabad to Jharkhand. According to the IIT alumni council,

42 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 National – Diary of Event

a global alumni body for all the 23 IITs maintenance, landwork and afforestation this will increase the testing capacity through MNREGA. within 100 days and support the health Veer Sahid PotoHoKhel Vikas Scheme department in controlling the COVID-19 (VSPHKVS) is for linking sports with rural pandemic. job schemes in order to provide boost to PAN IIT ALumni India: sports through the scheme around 5,000 Pan IIT Alumni India is an organisation sports grounds are planned to set up for representing alumni of all IIT. one each in all 4300 panchayats. Registered on– 20 September 2006 Surakshit Dada-Dadi & Nana-Nani Headquarters– IIT Delhi, New Delhi Abhiyan campaign to protect senior Jharkhand launches three schemes citizens during COVID-19: NITI for rural job creation Aayog In Ranchi, Chief Minister, HemantSoren The National Institution for Transforming launches three schemes, BirsaHarit Gram India(NITI) Aayog in association with Yojana (BHGY), Neelambar Pitambar Piramal Foundation(the philanthropic JAL Sammridhi Yojana (NPJSY) and arm of the Piramal Group) launched Veer Sahid PotoHoKhelVikas Scheme virtually the ‘Surakshit Dada-Dadi & (VSPHKVS) to prove wage employment Nana-Nani Abhiyan’ campaign to ensure for the workers in the rural area devised well being of senior citizens during the in convergence with the Mahatma COVID-19 pandemic Gandhi National Rural Employment What are Aspirational Districts? Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA) in These are districts in India, that are the presence of rural development affected by poor socio-economic minister AlamgirAlam, water resources indicators. Improvement in these districts minister Mithilesh Thankur and other can lead to the overall improvement in administrative officials human development in India. Neelambar Pitambar JalSammridhi About NITI Aayog: Yojana (NPJSY) is aimed for the ff Headquarters– New Delhi, India conservation of water, recharge of ground ff Chairperson– Narendra Modi. water, creation of agro-water storage units for saving rainwater and runaway Himachal Pradesh to launch ‘Nigah’ ground water. to aware family members of migrant

BirsaHarit Gram Yojana (BHGY) is aimed returnees to use the two lakh acres of government

lands for afforestation by providing Himachal Pradesh (HP) government 100 fruit-bearing plants to more than 5 plans to launch a new programme lakh families to initiate the plantation, ‘Nigah’ to sensitize and educate the

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 43 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 family members of the people coming to at 2 AM on in the morning and quickly the state from other parts of the country spread to around 5 villages in the vicinity The programme will deploy ASHA of RR Venkatapuram where the plant is (Accredited Social Health Activist) located. workers, health and Anganwadi What is Styrene Gas? workers to create general awareness in Styrene is a chemical compound that has maintaining social distancing during been identified as neruo-toxins. It is also home quarantine, to save themselves known as ethenylbenzene, vinylbenzene, from any possible infection. and phenylethene and has chemical The residence of such persons who have formula of C6H5CH=CH2. Styrene Gas recently returned to the state from other is a by-product of highly flammable raw states must be properly labelled. material Styrene. The gas produced by burning styrene is poisonous in nature. Vande Bharat and Samudra Setu Coming to chemical properties, Styrene Missions to repatriate Indian Gas is a colour-less and odour-less nationals compound. However, in few cases, the In an effort to bring back its stranded gas has been reported as having a mild citizens abroad due to the spread of the sweet odour. It quickly spreads in air. novel coronavirus and the resulting In which products it is used as a raw lockdown thereof, India has rolled out material? massive evacuation plans called ‘Vande Styrene is used as a raw material for Bharat Mission’ and ‘Samudra Setu’ – making products that are commonly perhaps one of the largest evacuation used in electric fan blades, cups and drills since the Kuwait airlift in 1990, will cutlery as well as containers in which take place from May 7 to May 13. The first cosmetic products are stored. It is widely phase of the mass evacuation mission used in plastic and rubber industry as a will roll out. raw material. Vizag gas leak How does inhalation of Styrene Gas Af- fect a Human Body?

Styrene Gas was leaked from the LG Going by the reports coming in from Polymers Plant in Visakhapatnam, Vizag, inhalation of Styrene gas affects which has so far claimed over 8 lives in body in following stages Andhra Pradesh. Media reports have ff Step 1: Upper respiratory irritation indicated that following the leak, the and burning chest sensation gas has spread across as radius of 3 km ff Step 2: Chest Congestion: Wheezing, affecting at least 5 villages and over 3000 Air hunger and Gasping people. Initial reports indicate the gas f leak occurred on 7th May – Thursday f Step 3: Muscular Weakness Abrupt Paralysis

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ff Step 4: Full Respiratory Paralysis Additional Chief Secretary Panchayat ff Step 5: Comatose state and Rural Development, informed that ff Step 6: Death from oxygen depravation this information has been given in the review meeting conducted by the Central Health Impact of Styrene Gas (Long Term) Government According to experts, Styrene is a Key Points: neuro-toxin and its inhalation can lead Amidst Corona crisis, an amount of Rs. to immobilisation and eventual death 117 crore has been transferred online (in confused in concentrated doses) by the state government in the bank in ten minutes. Some of the common accounts of the parents of total 66 lakh implications of inhalation of Styrene Gas 27 thousand students of primary and on human body are as follows: secondary school.

ff Adverse Impact on Nervous System In addition, under door-to-door mid- leading to unconsciousness day meal scheme, ration has also been provided to 56 lakh 87 thousand ff Difficulty in Breathing children. ff Changes in vision and colour of vision Distribution of door to door mid-day along with watering of eyes meal ration: Manoj Shrivastava also ff Headache, Fatigue, Weakness, And added that since the schools were closed Depression in the month of April 2020, with the help ff Hearing Loss, And Peripheral of Anganwadi workers, representatives neuropathy i.e. Muscle Weakness of Panchayats and local teachers mid- ff Irritation in the Eye day meal ration were delivered at the ff Gastrointestinal effects (such as doorsteps of the children. stomach upset) st ff Irritation of the epithelial lining India for the 1 time has more ff It has also been listed as a possible internet users in rural areas than carcinogen by the International urban: IAMAI report Agency for Research on Cancer According to ‘Digital in India’ report (IARC) by the Internet & Mobile Association of ff Nervous system and kidney effects India(IAMAI) & Nielsen shows that for ff Balance and concentration problems the 1st time has more internet users in rural areas than urban, where rural India MP becomes the first state in country had 227 million active internet users, to provide Mid-Day Meal ration 10% more than urban India’s about 205 The Central Government appreciated million, as of November 2019 that Madhya Pradesh (MP) has become Major Highlights the first state in the country to provide a India exceeds another milestone with mid-day meal ration. Manoj Shrivastava, 504 million active Internet users aged 5

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 45 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020

years old or above, 53 million more than “The ‘Sanjivani’ mobile app, which has 451 million in March 2019, which makes been launched, will help to generate it the 2nd largest internet user behind data on acceptance and usage of AYUSH China, which has about 850 million users. advocacies and measures among The United States (US) has about 280-300 the population and its impact in the million users. prevention of COVID 19. It is developed There was an increase in female internet by Ministry of AYUSH and MEITY and users at 21% as compared to 9% for males shall reach out to a target of 50 lakh during the March-November period & 26 people. million new female users accessed online during this period. These changes can UP passes ordinance to suspend most Labour Laws for 3 years be found on sites such as women-centric POPxo, which has increasing users from The Uttar small towns and in local languages. Pradesh (UP) Delhi tops in state-level Internet Pene- government tration followed by Kerala has passed an At the state level, Delhi retains the top ordinance spot in terms of Internet penetration ‘Uttar Pradesh followed by Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Temporary Exemption from Certain Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. Labour Laws Ordinance, 2020’, to suspend most of the labour laws for 3 India starts clinical trial of Ayush years, where all factories & manufacturing medicines like Ashwagandha establishments will be exempt from The Union government announced that existing labour laws except few the health ministry has today started Gist about the ordinance a clinical trial of traditional medicines like Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, Aim – To encourage industries to employ Guduchi Pippali amid rising number of the large number of migrant workers that coronavirus positive cases in the country. have come back & new investments to set The clinical trials of Ayush medicines like up new industrial infrastructure and to Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi benefit the existing industries & factories Pippali, Ayush-64 on health workers Purpose – There is a slow industrial and those working in high risk areas has activity (state) & the state needs to revive begun. the economy back on track due the Sanjivani App COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Health Ministry launches ‘Sanjivani App’, two AYUSH based studies related to COVID-19.

46 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 National – Diary of Event

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh operation is being conducted under inaugurates 80 km link road for close cooperation of Ministry of Defence Kailash Mansarovar through VC and Ministry of External Affairs. The Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh mission has been deployed under close has inaugurated 80km strategically consonance with the India’s vision crucial road link connecting Lipulekh “SAGAR” in the Indian Ocean. pass (China Border) with Dharchula in What is SAGAR Vision? Uttarakhand through video conferencing In 2015, India introduced its vision of (VC). Indian Ocean called “SAGAR”, Security It will help pilgrims visiting Kailash and Growth for All in the Region. India Mansarovar in Tibet as it is around 90 aims to seek economic and security kms from the Lipulekh pass cooperation with its neighbours Key Points: (especially maritime neighbours) under Road for Kailash- Mansarovar Yatra: the vision.

ff The Border Roads Organization In order to achieve this India would (BRO) has constructed the road that cooperate on exchange of information, originates from Ghatiabagarh and building of infrastructure, coastal it ends at Lipulekh Pass which is a surveillance and strengthening mutual gateway to Kailash-Mansarovar. capabilities. f f It will help pilgrims visiting Kailash African swine fever kills over 13,000 Mansarovar in Tibet as it is around pigs in Assam 90 kms from the Lipulekh pass. This road, which has an altitude ranging The outbreak of African swine fever from 6000 to 17060 feet, constructed (AFS) has claimed more than 13,000 pigs along the banks of river Kali between in the last few days in parts of Assam, India and Nepal. affecting the livelihood of hundreds of people involved in the animal husbandry GoI launches “Mission Sagar” in the state. The infection has spread rapidly as the The Government of India has launched “Mission Sagar”, an outreach programme deaths have been reported from nine amidst COVID-19 pandemic. The mission districts in Assam.

aims at providing food items, Ayurvedic A total of 13,013 pigs have died in the last medicines related to COVID-19, HCQ few days due to the ASF, which was first tablets to Maldives, Madagascar, detected in Assam in February this year.

Seychelles and Comoros. The infection has spread from six districts to three more, namely Majuli, Golaghat Highlights and Kamrup Metropolitan. The Indian Naval Ship Kesari has been deployed under the mission. The

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 47 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Giriraj Singh presents awards to the National Gallery of Modern Art winners of “Startup India- Animal launches a virtual program ‘NGMA Ke Husbandry Grand Challenge” Sangrah Se’ to showcase artworks Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) Husbandry and Dairying, Giriraj New Delhi, has launched a virtual Singh(chief guest) presented the award program called “NGMA KE SANGRAH to the winners of “Startup India-Animal SE” to showcase an iconic and rare Husbandry Grand Challenge”. collection of artifacts from its repository. About “Startup India- Animal Husbandry The event is based on various weekly/ Grand Challenge” daily themes & for the current week, the Launch theme is ‘Artist by Artists’ and dedicated it to Poet Rabindranath Tagore, whose It was launched by the Department of 159th birth anniversary was celebrated on Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in 7th May 2020. partnership with Startup India to look It showcases 102 original paintings by out for innovative and commercially Tagore, a virtual tour called ‘Gurudev, viable solutions to address the problems Journey of the Maestro Through His faced by the Animal Husbandry and Visual Vocabulary’ and different Dairy sector. exhibitions is being held with the aim to Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched give the opportunity to art lovers, artists, the challenge on 11th September 2019 art connoisseurs, students, teachers etc. at a national animal disease control to see the rarely presented artworks programme in Mathura. from their homes due to coronavirus Pranavayu Programme launched in (COVID-19) lockdown. Karanataka Union Health Ministry to hold Sero The Bengaluru City Corporation recently Survey launched “Pranavayu Programme” to The Union Health Ministry will be create awareness about the respiratory conducting the population-based Sero health of Bengaloreans. survey in a few districts to monitor the Highlights trends of COVID-19 infection. Under the

The initiative aims to help people in survey, the ministry will collect throat increasing oxygen level of the people and nasal swabs for RT-PCR tests. These by themselves. This will help them to tests will be done in addition to the keep track about their health before their routine testing. ailments become fatal. The survey would be conducted in 69 districts of 21 states and Union Territories, the apex health research body said in a statement on Tuesday.

48 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 National – Diary of Event

Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Launched helpline ‘Dial 112’ to facilitate Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, immediate availability of ambulance, West Bengal, Assam and Bihar are some police and fire fighting services wherever of the states where the survey would be needed. conducted. Gist about ‘FIR Aapke Dwar Yojana’ Sero-survey The yojana will be implemented in a A survey of the serostatus of a sample of police station under 11 divisions (both blood serum with respect to a range of urban and rural) of the state and also substances. under one police station in Datia & will cover a total of 23 police station areas. Bengaluru Airport: Voted as best It is a pilot project under which a regional airport in India & Central complainant is supposed to dial police Asia emergency number 100 to lodge an FIR The Kempegowda International Airport, for this purpose the Head Constables are Bengaluru has won this year’s SKYTRAX trained. Award for Best Regional Airport in India and Central Asia. The airport was Gujarat based Macpower produces st voted by customers because of the Best India’s 1 indigenous Seam Sealing Regional Airport in India & Central Asia Machine for PPEs for the third time in four years at the 2020 Macpower CNC Machines Ltd, a Rajkot World Airport Awards. (Gujarat) based manufacturer of CNC (Computerized Numerical Control), has st MP becomes 1 in the country to made India’s 1st indigenous hot air seam launch ‘FIR Aapke Dwar Yojana’ sealing machine used to manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) kits. The make in India machine, manufactured with the guidance of doctors at Indian Medical Association (IMA), was launched by Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani The machine, prepared in a short span of time, is used to seal the seam of the PPEs Madhya Pradesh (MP) Home Minister so that viruses cannot penetrate from the Narottam Mishra launched the country’s small pores and infect the coronavirus 1st ‘First Information Report (FIR) Aapke (COVID-19) warriors fighting to treat Dwar Yojana ‘(FIR at your doorstep) at those affected by the disease. the new Police Control Room, Bhopal to enable people to file FIRs from their homes instead of visiting police stations

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 49 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Video conference held on “Tribal horticulture and pisciculture involving livelihoods and safety” the locals. Chief Minister (CM) Mamata A video conference was held by the Banerjee also added that the scheme will Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun benefit around 2.5 lakh people in rural Munda on “Tribal livelihoods and safety”. Bengal. The conference was held with States/UTs About Matir Smristi: There is at least in New Delhi. The conference featured 50,000 acre of barren land in Bankura, the participation of Chief Ministers, Birbhum, Purulia, Jhargram, West Deputy Chief Ministers, State Ministers Burdwan and West Midnapore districts, for Tribal Affairs and state ministers for which cannot produce anything naturally Forests from more than 20 states/UTs. nor can the farmers cultivate on the strip.

Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh CSIR and AYUSH Ministry begin Chouhan launched Sambal Yojana clinical trials of four Ayurvedic Drugs

Madhya Pradesh(MP) Chief Minister(CM) The Shivraj Singh Chouhan re-launched Council of Sambal Yojana to strengthen the lives Scientific of the poor and Scheduled Caste (SC) and and Scheduled Tribe(ST) communities Industrial by providing them social security cover, Research right from birth to death. He transferred and the Rs 41.33 crores to 1903 beneficiaries Ministry of AYUSH began clinical trials account. of four Ayurvedic drugs. The four formulations include Ashwagandha, Gist about Sambal Yojana Guduchi + Pippali, Yashtimadhu and Sambal Yojana was started in April 2018 AYUSH-64. & Rs 703 crore was spent in 2018-19 for its implementation. Highlights

Objective- To provide social security to It is usually consumed to increase the poor and the beneficiaries of Sc and immunity of the body against cold, cough ST from birth to death. and viral infections. Ashwagandha is a leaf. West Bengal govt launches ‘Matir Ashwagandha Smristi’ scheme It is usually consumed to increase The West Bengal (WB) Government (govt) immunity of the body against cold, cough launched ‘Matir Smristi’ scheme to utilise and viral infections. Ashwagandha is a 50,000 acres of barren land in 6 districts leaf. for income-generating activities like

50 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 National – Diary of Event Guduchi Guduchi is an Ayurvedic root. It possesses antipyretic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant properties. It helps to fight respiratory issues and also heal digestive problems. Yashtimadhu Yashtimadhu is a stem. It is used to heal sore throat, irritation in the throat and cough. Apart from this, it also has ulcer fighting fighting properties. Pippali Pippali is a medicinal herb. The root of the herb is used. It is used to improve blood circulation and treat asthma.

Jal Jeevan Mission: Haryana and J&K to provide tap water to every household by Dec 2022 The Union Territory (UT) Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and the state Government of Haryana have planned to provide tap connection to supply water to all rural families by December 2022 under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). While the national target has been set for the year 2024-25. About Jal Jeevan Mission: It is a central government initiative works under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It aims to provide drinking water to every rural household.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 51 International Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 7. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Vladimir Putin honours Kim Jong-un with a World War II medal Russian President Vladimir Putin has honoured the North Korean Leader Kim Jong- un with a World War-II memorial medal marking the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. The North Korean leader was awarded with medal for his role in preserving the memory of Soviet soldiers who died on North Korean territory.

52 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 Tamilnadu Affairs 8. TAMILNADU AFFAIRS

Special committee to attract take a headcount of Tamils stuck in any corporates from Corona affected part of the world. After launching one countries in TN such portal for gathering information In a bid to woo foreign investments in about Tamils working abroad, the the wake of some companies mulling government is all set to launch another moving out of some countries in view portal, to gather information about of the corona virus impact, Tamil Nadu people from Tamil Nadu stuck in other Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami states in the country. announced formation of a Special Those wanting to return home can log in Committee to attract them to invest in to nonresidenttamil.org and fill out the the State. ‘Return to Tamil Nadu’ form. The website Several firms from Japan, Taiwan, also has a form for guests stranded in the South Korea, Singapore and the United state, wanting to return to their respective States were planning to exit from some hometowns, called ‘Return to Other State’ countries due to the economic setback form. caused by the COVID impact and were Tamil Nadu government increases planning to expand their manufacturing retirement age to 59 base to other countries, including India. Tamil Nadu government increases the Tamil Nadu govt launches website retirement age of the government staff, to help non-resident Tamils return teachers and those in public sector units home from 58 years to 59 years. More than 25,000 government employees were set to superannuate this financial year. Those who are due for retirement on May 31 this year will now retire on May 31, 2021.

Tamilnadu tops India in corona test with 52 laboratories

Launching portals seems to be the only Tamil Nadu tops in coronavirus test. way known to the state government to There are 52 laboratories for testing in

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 53 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, May - 2020 India. Similarly, Tamil Nadu has a large Sophisticated X-ray Equipment for number of experiments. Tamil Nadu Diagnosing Coronary Heart Disease ranks 3rd in terms of coronavirus infection Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy in India. Maharashtra and Gujarat are in inaugurated the state-of-the-art X-ray the second position. The death toll is low instrument equipped vehicles for the in Tamil Nadu compared to other states. rapid detection of coronavirus infection. This state-of-the-art X-ray instrument TN govt. forms high-Level Committee is equipped with automobiles to take to assess impact of COVID-19 patients to an X-ray, where doctors can pandemic quickly diagnose and treat the test results. The Tamil Nadu government has constituted a high-Level Committee World Health Organization commends to assess the overall immediate and Tamil Nadu Government medium-term impact of COVID-19 on The Government of Tamil Nadu has done the state’s economy. The committee will a good job in preventing the spread of be headed by Dr. C Rangarajan, former corona virus announced that the World Reserve Bank of India Governor. Health Organization’s medical officer Highlights: Surendran. The committee will access the impact of The Government of Tamil Nadu has been the lockdown imposed to prevent spread effective in preventing corona spread. of the coronavirus. An investigation is being carried out to The committee will also assess the ascertain whether arrangements, facilities additional costs and implications due to and medical equipment have been made social distancing and other precautionary in government hospitals as a preventive measures. measure for corona spread. It will also assess the opportunities and threats in the short and medium-term, apart from seeking measures to help the important sections of the economy to overcome the impact of the pandemic.

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