Current Affairs Today 15th May 2020-Download in PDF

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Current Affairs Today – 15th May 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

1. International Day of Families is celebrated on 15 May every year.
2. In continuation to PM Modi’s announcement of Rs 20 lakh crore boost to the economy, and the announcement made by her on May 13, 2020
3. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the third Tranche of Rs.20 lakh Economic Package on 15 May in New Delhi. On 12 May, Prime Minister Modi announced an Economic relief Package of Rs.20 lakh crore with an aim of making it “Atma Nirbhar” or self-reliant.
4. Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has developed an e-Governance platform, SAMARTH Enterprises Resource Planning (ERP), under the National Mission of Education in Information and Communication Technology Scheme (NMEICT).
5. Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan dedicated the COBAS 6800, first of its kind, testing machine at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to the nation on 14 May.
6. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous body under MEA, has unveiled a new song titled “United we Fight” to motivate people to be united, think positive and have never say die attitude in our collective fight against COVID 19.
7. The second phase of Vande Bharat Mission is being launched from tomorrow to 22nd of this month.
8. Gujarat state government is to implement a sensor-based service delivery monitoring system in the rural drinking water sector under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
9. The West Bengal government under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched ”Matir Smristi” to utilise 50,000 acres of barren land in six districts of the states, for income-generating activities like horticulture and pisciculture.
10. Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa announced a financial package of 500 crore rupees to benefit 10 lakh maize growers in state .
11. Kerala launched Mission Grand Care to take care of their elderly people, as the COVID-19 preventive measures enters next stage in the state
12. Himachal CM inaugurated the e-udyan portal and IHSMS application developed under World Bank funded Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project for providing services of Department of Horticulture.
13. The United Nations has projected the world gross domestic product (GDP) to contract sharply by 3.2 percent in 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the sharpest contraction since the Great Depression in the 1930s.
14. Slovenia becomes the 1st nation in Europe to declare an official end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
15. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare participated in the 32nd Commonwealth Health Ministers’ Meeting through Video Conference on 14 May.
16. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal participated in the second G-20 Virtual Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting.
17. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare stated that India’s foodgrain production has been estimated to touch a record of 295.67 million tonnes (MT) in the 2019-20 crop year.
18. According to the latest data of the United Nations World Tourism Organization(UNWTO) the international tourism could decline by 60-80% in 2020 when compared with 2019 figures, due to COVID-19 pandemic outbreak which will result in loss of USD 910 billion to USD 1.2 trillion and places millions of livelihoods at risk and threatens to curtail the progress made in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
19. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda launched the “Going Online As Leaders (GOAL) programme” of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in partnership with Facebook at a Webinar in New Delhi on 15 May.
20. MoneyGram Payment System, a subsidiary of MoneyGram International, global leader in P2P payments tied up with Federal Bank Limited, a private bank in India to provide the customers a cost-effective way to receive deposits directly in their bank accounts in India.
21. Indian Institute of Technology Madras is collaborating with industry bodies to understand the impact of COVID-19 crisis on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Tamil Nadu.
22. The Head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Roberto Azevedo has announced his resignation, a year before his term expires.
23. Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell (IPFC) of Ministry of Defence, in association with National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), has filed a patent for the low-cost Medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) developed by Indian Navy.
24. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sachet and two interceptor boats (IBs) C-450 and C-451 in Goa through video conferencing from Delhi on 15 May.
25. The national award winning publishing group in the global publishing of Hindi Literature, Vani Prakashan Group announces its newest acquisition of renowned author Alka Saraogi’s latest novel ‘Kulbhushan ka naam darj kijiye’.
26. Lieutenant Commander Akshay Kumar was awarded the Vice Admiral G.M. Hiranandani Memorial Rolling Trophy for the year 2020.
27. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) participated in the launch of the global ‘Solidarity’ trial by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
28. Researchers from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune developed a new process for the synthesis of quantum efficient and biocompatible quantum dots (QDs).
29. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a guideline for Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based pooled sampling for migrants, returnees from abroad, and green zones.
30. Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) has developed an injectable Silk fibroin-based hydrogel for sustained insulin delivery in diabetic patients.
31. INSPIRE under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India has developed porous carbon materials that have the potential to replace the lead grid in lead-acid batteries.
32. Actor Sai Gundewar, who rose to prominence through MTV’s show Splitsvilla, has passed away due to brain cancer, in US while undergoing treatment.

NEWS IN DETAILS

IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES

International Day of Families is observed on 15 May

• International Day of Families is celebrated on 15 May every year.
• The day is celebrated to raise awareness towards the significance of families and to overcome the aspects that might be negatively affecting these efforts.

Aim:

• The day highlights the various issues that plague the families around the world and suggests the necessary measures that can be taken to resolve these and build harmony. The day aims to strengthen a single family, as it will empower and strengthen the entire society and a nation.

Theme:

• The theme for 2020 International Day of Families is “Families in Development.” The theme aims to portray the importance of families and their roles in social development. The theme stresses the importance of families and how much they mean in the context of the pandemic COVID-19.

History:

• In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution and designated the observation of the International Day of Families. The day aims to encourage improved living standards and the social progress of families in the world. The day aims to cater to the changing socio-economic structures affecting the stability of families in different parts of the world. The day was first observed in 1994.

Extra Shots:

UNGA: The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, serving as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the UN. Its powers, composition, functions, and procedures are set out in Chapter IV of the United Nations Charter.

• President: Tijjani Muhammad-Bande
• Abbreviation: GA; UNGA; AG
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
• Founder: United Nations
• Founded: 1945, New York, New York, United States

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Finance Minister announces 2nd tranche of economic support under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan

• In continuation to PM Modi’s announcement of Rs 20 lakh crore boost to the economy, and the announcement made by her on May 13, 2020
• The Finance Minister of India, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has made the announcement of the second tranche of economic support the Indian Economy’s fight against COVID-19.

Highlights:

• The announcement focusses on short term and long-term measures for supporting the poor, including migrants, farmers, tiny businesses and street vendors.
• 2% Interest Subvention for 12 months for Shishu MUDRA loanees- Relief of Rs. 1,500 crore- Government of India will provide Interest subvention of 2% for prompt payees for a period of 12 months to MUDRA Shishu loanees, who have loans below Rs 50,000.The current portfolio of MUDRA Shishu loans is around Rs 1.62 Lakh crore. This will provide relief of about Rs 1,500 crore to Shishu MUDRA loanee.
• Free food grains supply to migrants for 2 months (i.e. May and June, 2020)
• Scheme for Affordable Rental Housing Complexes for Migrant Workers and Urban Poor to be launched
• Technology system to be used enabling Migrants to access PDS (Ration) from any Fair Price Shops in India by March,2021-One Nation one Ration Card
• Rs 5,000 crore Credit facility for Street Vendors- Under this scheme, bank credit facility for initial working capital up to Rs. 10,000 for each enterprise.
• Rs 70,000 crore boost to housing sector and middle income group through extension of Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme for MIG under PMAY(Urban)- The Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme for Middle Income Group (annual Income between Rs 6 and 18 lakhs) will be extended up to March 2021.
• Rs 6,000 crore for Creating employment using CAMPA funds- Compensatory Afforestation Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA)
• Rs 30,000 crore Additional Emergency Working Capital for farmers through NABARD- NABARD will extend additional re-finance support of Rs 30,000 crore for meeting crop loan requirement of Rural Cooperative Banks and RRBs. This refinance will be front-loaded and available on tap. This is over and above Rs 90,000 crore that will be provided by NABARD to this sector in the normal course.
• Rs 2 lakh crore credit boost to 2.5 crore farmers under Kisan Credit Card Scheme- A special drive to provide concessional credit to PM-KISAN beneficiaries through Kisan Credit Cards. 2.5 crore farmers will be covered.

Finance Minister announced third Tranche of Rs.20 lakh Economic Package

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the third Tranche of Rs.20 lakh Economic Package on 15 May in New Delhi. On 12 May, Prime Minister Modi announced an Economic relief Package of Rs.20 lakh crore with an aim of making it “Atma Nirbhar” or self-reliant.

Highlights:

• GoI is to create a facilitative legal framework to enable farmers to engage with processors, aggregators, large retailers, exporters in a fair and transparent manner.
• Centre will formulate a law to provide adequate choices to the farmers to sell produce at an attractive price, barrier-free interstate trade, and framework for e-trading of agricultural produce. GoI will implement a Rs.500 crore scheme of infrastructure development related to integrated beekeeping development centres, collection, marketing & storage centres, post-harvest, and value addition facilities. It is expected to lead to an increase in income of 2 lakh bee-keepers.
• The National Medicinal Plants Board will bring an 800-hectare area by developing a corridor of medicinal plants along the banks of river Ganga.
• Centre allocated Rs.4000 crore for the promotion of herbal cultivation. Under this, 10,00,000 hectares will be covered in the next 2 years.
• Government has decided to amend the Essential Commodities Act. It will enable better price realization for farmers and attract investments that will lead to deregulation of prices for cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions, and potatoes.
• Centre also announced the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund of Rs.15,000 crore to support investment in dairy processing.
• Centre announced Rs.4,000 crore for promotion of herbal cultivation to bring 10 lakh hectares of land under herbal growing in the next 2 years.
• A total outlay of Rs.13,343 crore has been allocated for the National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for the development of marine and inland fisheries will be given Rs.20,000 crore. It is expected to generate job opportunities for 55 lakh people.
• All Covid-19 related deadline extensions relating to fisheries activities which are aimed to help marine and coastal farmers will be undertaken.
• Government is to introduce a Rs.10,000 crores scheme for the formalization of Micro Food Enterprises (MFE).
• Government aims to create an Rs.1 lakh crore Agri-Infrastructure Fund for farm gate infrastructure for Indian farmers.
• As an additional step for agriculture during the lockdown, Centre has announced an amount more than Rs.74,300 crores for Minimum Support Price purchases and Rs.18,700 crore for Kisan fund transfer.

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

MHRD launched e-Governance platform, SAMARTH

• Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has developed an e-Governance platform, SAMARTH Enterprises Resource Planning (ERP), under the National Mission of Education in Information and Communication Technology Scheme (NMEICT).

Aim:

• The aim of the e-Governance platform, SAMARTH, is to provide quality education to students across all Universities & Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
• The objective of this initiative is to automate the processes of the Institute.
• This initiative will also enhance productivity through better information management in the institute by seamless access to information, and its utilization for various purposes.

SAMARTH:

• SAMARTH is an Open Standard Open Source Architecture, Secure, Scalable, and Evolutionary Process Automation Engine for Universities and Higher Educational Institutions.
• It caters to faculty, students and staff at a University/Higher Educational Institutions.
• The platform has been implemented at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra, a participating unit under the World Bank-supported Technical Education Quality Improvement Program (TEQIP).
• So far, a total of 38 modules have been implemented in NIT, Kurukshetra. They are Organigram, Organizational Unit, Users, Employee Management, Grievance Management (Employee), RTI Management, Legal Case Management, Leave Management, Estate Management, Fee Management, Vendor Bill Tracking, File Management & Tracking, Inventory Management, Research Project Management, Programmes Management, Payroll, Recruitment Management, Health Facilities Management, Knowledge Management, Transport Management, Content Federation (CFS), Training & Placements, Hostel Management, Budget and Accounts, Sports Facilities Management, Uni Web Portal, Student Lifecycle, Endowment, College Affiliation, Student Feedback Management, Minutes and Retrieval/Document, Essential Services, Alumni Management, Core Communication, IT Service Desk, Training of Trainers Management(ToT) and Residence Allocation.
• SAMARTH team provides the software free of cost to NIT, Kurukshetra.

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MHRD: DescriptionThe Ministry of Human Resource Development, formerly Ministry of Education, is responsible for the development of human resources in India.

• Founded: 26 September 1985
• Officeholder: Ramesh Pokhriyal (Union Minister)
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Jurisdiction: India
• Annual budget: 99,312 crores INR (US$14 billion, 2020-21 est.)
• Departments: Department of Higher Education, Department of School Education and Literacy

Harsh Vardhan dedicated COBAS 6800 testing machine

• Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan dedicated the COBAS 6800, first of its kind, testing machine at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to the nation on 14 May.
• GoI has procured such testing machines for testing of COVID-19 cases for the first time. It is installed at NCDC.

COBAS 6800:

• COBAS 6800 is a fully automated, high-end machine that performs real-time PCR testing COVID-19 in the service of the nation.
• The device will provide high quality, high-volume testing with a high throughput of around 1200 samples in 24 hours. It will largely increase the testing capacity with the reduction in pendency.
• The machine is enabled with robotics that will minimize the chance of contamination and the risk of infection to the health care workers as it can be operated remotely with limited human intervention.
• The machine requires a minimum BSL2+ containment level for testing and hence it cannot be placed at just any facility.
• COBAS 6800 can also detect other pathogens like HIV, Papilloma, CMV, Chlamydia, Viral Hepatitis B & C, MTb (both rifampicin and isoniazide resistance), Neiserreia, etc.
• GoI has developed the capacity to conduct 1,00,000 tests per day.
• As of 14 May, nearly 20 lakh tests for COVID-19 have been tested in India at more than 500 laboratories including 359 Government laboratories and 145 private laboratories in the country.

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NCDC: National Centre for Disease Control is an institute under the Indian Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It was established in July 1963 for research in epidemiology and control of communicable diseases and to reorganize the activities of the Malaria Institute of India.

• Founded: 1909
• Headquarters location: New Delhi
• Jurisdiction: India
• Parent agency: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
• Total enrollment: 20 (2020)

ICCR Launches Song ‘United We Fight’ to Strengthen India’s Fight Against COVID-19

• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous body under MEA, has unveiled a new song titled “United we Fight” to motivate people to be united, think positive and have never say die attitude in our collective fight against COVID 19.
• The musical creation has been dedicated to world by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India, to spread India’s message of hope, resilience and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family).
• The 3.33 minutes long song ‘United We Fight’ is written and composed by Joe Alvares.
• The singers include: Usha Uthup, Salim Merchant, Shefali Alvares Rashid, Benny Dayal, Sonam Kalra, Chandan Bala Kalyan, Joe Alvares, Salome, and Samira.
• The music is created by Tubby, Pandit Ravi Chari, Pandit Rakesh Chaurasiya, and Ustad Faisal Qureshi.

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ICCR: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations, is an autonomous organisation of the Government of India, involved in India’s external cultural relations, through cultural exchange with other countries and their peoples.

• Founder: Abul Kalam Azad
• Founded: 9 April 1950, New Delhi
• Headquarters location: New Delhi
• President: Vinay Sahasrabuddhe
• Director General: Akhilesh Mishra
• Parent organisation: Government of India

Second phase of Vande Bharat Mission to be launched from May 16-22

• The second phase of Vande Bharat Mission is being launched from tomorrow to 22nd of this month.
• In this phase, Indians from 31 countries will be brought back. In all, 149 flights including feeder flights will be deployed.
• Additional 18 countries have been covered under the second phase.
• These include Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, Canada, Japan, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Krgyzstan, Belarus, Georgia, Tajikistan and Armenia. Till now, over 1,88,000 Indian nationals have registered for return on the portal.
• The second week of Vande Bharat Mission will be both more extensive and exhaustive.
• The priority is being given for travel from abroad to compelling cases in distress, including migrant workers who have been laid off.
• People faced with expiry of short term visas, those with medical emergency, pregnant women and elderly are also being given priority.
• The cost of travel will be borne by travellers.
• Under the Mission, Ministry of Civil Aviation is coordinating with Ministry of External Affairs and State Governments for bringing Indians back to their homeland.

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Gujarat to implement sensor-based service delivery monitoring system under Jal Jeevan Mission

• Gujarat state government is to implement a sensor-based service delivery monitoring system in the rural drinking water sector under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
• The pilot project is already underway in two districts of the state.
• The state is primarily a water-stressed state. It has dealt with the crisis with a very strategic approach so far.
• The state has good community involvement in drinking water supply management, which began in 2002 through Water and Sanitation Management Organisation (WASMO).
• The state recovers around 70% of annual O&M expenditure from the community in the form of water service charges.

Highlights:

• The project aims to monitor the functionality of water supply, which is potable water in adequate quantity and of prescribed quality being provided to every rural household on regularly on a long-term basis.
• The Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation finalized the Annual Action Plan for providing household tap connections to rural households for the FY 2020-21. The state also has set up plans to face the difficulties in achieving the Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs).
• Out of 93.6 lakh rural households in the State, 65 lakh, over 70%, are already having household tap connections.
• The state govt. plans to provide 11.15 lakh household tap connections in rural areas in 2020-21.
• Gujarat state has set the target year of 100% coverage by the year September 2022.

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Gujarat:

• Capital: Gandhinagar
• Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• State formed on: 1 May 1960
• Literacy Rate: 79.31%
• National Park: Vansda NP, Blackbuck NP, Gir Forest NP, Marine NP, Gulf of Kutch

West Bengal Government Launches ‘Matir Smristi’ Scheme to Utilise 50,000-acre Barren Land in Six Districts

• The West Bengal government under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched ”Matir Smristi” to utilise 50,000 acres of barren land in six districts of the states, for income-generating activities like horticulture and pisciculture.
• The ”Matir Smristi” scheme is expected to benefit around 2.5 lakh people in rural Bengal.
• As per the data, there is at least 50,000 acre of barren land in Bankura, Birbhum, Purulia, Jhargram, West Burdwan and West Midnapore districts of the state.
• Preference would be given to locals for carrying out the project in which “lakhs of women self-help groups” will be involved.

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West Bengal:

• Established on: 26 January 1950
• Capital: Kolkata
• Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar
• Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee

Karnataka CM announces financial package of RS 500 cr to benefit 10 lakh maize growers

• Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa announced a financial package of 500 crore rupees to benefit 10 lakh maize growers in state .
• Under the package each maize grower will get 5000 rupees.
• In another announcement made by him today, 40 thousand 250 ASHA workers will be given 3000 rupees per head incentive for performing during the pandemic.
• He also announced 5000 rupees financial package for those rearing sheep and goat.
• This is the third financial package announced by the Chief Minister.
• Earlier he had announced 1,610 crore rupees package and 162 crore rupees package for those in distress due to the lockdown.

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Karnataka:

• Capital: Bengaluru
• Chief Minister: B. S. Yediyurappa
• Governor: Vajubhai Vala
• National Park: Anshi NP, Bandipur NP, Bannerghatta NP, Kudremukh NP, Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarahole) NP.

Kerala launched Mission Grand Care to take care of their elderly people

• Kerala launched Mission Grand Care to take care of their elderly people, as the COVID-19 preventive measures enters next stage in the state
• The Kudumbasree Mission, had launched the scheme of Grand Care a massive awareness programme, prioritizing the safety and care of the elderly in the state and those arriving from abroad and other places.
• Kudumbasree, the women Self-Help Group is the pillar of COVID-19 awareness activities in the state from the beginning.
• The wide network of the group will be used to pass on the message of the vulnerability of elderly to the pandemic and the importance of them following safety protocol by avoiding contacts and observing strict  home quarantine for those returning from other hotspots.

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Kerala:

• Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
• Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
• Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan
• Festivals: Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, Nehru Trophy Boat Race
• National Parks: Anamudi Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Periyar National Park,Silent Valley National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Aralam WLS, Chimmony WLS, Idukki WLS, Periyar WLS, Wayanad WLS, Peppara WLS, Neyyar WLS, Kurinjimala WLS, Malabar WLS etc

Himachal Chief Minister inaugurates e-udyan portal

• Himachal CM inaugurated the e-udyan portal and IHSMS application developed under World Bank funded Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project for providing services of Department of Horticulture.
• The Management Information System (Integrated Horticulture Sector Management System) has been developed for all G2C services of the Horticulture Department through this portal.
• under the Horticulture Development Project, the beneficiaries will get registration of fruit nursery, demand for plants, demand of horticulture tools, purchase of pesticides, demand of compost for mushrooms, demand for beehive, subsidy etc. and online application facility has also been provided for the services of Horticulture sector.
• this portal would also provide online processing facility for the officers of the Horticulture Department, which would take less time to provide services to the horticulturists and would beneficial to work within the time frame.
• This portal would act as a single window for all the facilities of the department so that the farmers could take advantage of all the facilities from home.

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Himachal Pradesh:

• State formed on: 25 January 1971
• Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya
• Chief Justice: Lingappa Narayana Swamy
• Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur
• Official language: Hindi

INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

United Nations Projects Global GDP to Shrink by 3.2 Percent in 2020

• The United Nations has projected the world gross domestic product (GDP) to contract sharply by 3.2 percent in 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the sharpest contraction since the Great Depression in the 1930s.
• The World Economic Situation and Prospect (WESP) mid-2020 report was released on 13 May 2020 by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
• The global economy is expected to lose nearly $8.5 trillion in output over the next two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• The report estimates that the world GDP is expected to rebound to 3.4 percent in 2021, mostly recovering lost output.

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USA (Capital/Currency): Washington, D.C./ United States Dollar

• President: Donald Trump
• Official languages: English

Slovenia becomes 1st coronavirus-free country in Europe

• Slovenia becomes the 1st nation in Europe to declare an official end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• More restrictions have now been eased in the country and people entering from other European Union states.
• The country housing over 2 million people bordered with Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia has reported 1,464 cases of COVID-19 disease and 103 deaths after declaring a pandemic.
• The government has considerably eased many restrictions that were initially imposed to flatten the curve of disease spread.
• The educational institutions will be allowed to accept students in preschools along with in the first three grades in primary schools.
• All shops and driving schools are also given a green signal to resume their services.

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Slovenia (Capital/Currency): Ljubljana/ Euro

• President: Borut Pahor

SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES

Harsh Vardhan participated in the 32nd Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting

• Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare participated in the 32nd Commonwealth Health Ministers’ Meeting through Video Conference on 14 May.
• The timely, graded, and proactive measures taken by the Indian government towards COVID-19 management were highlighted during the meeting.

Highlights:

• The theme of the conference was “Delivering a co-ordinated Commonwealth COVID-19 response.”
• GoI’s aim to protect lives by mitigating the explosive growth of the disease and by ensuring that the healthcare system is able to cope up with the growth of the disease was discussed.
• The need to work on the causes of the pandemic and discover drugs and vaccines to control transmission and prevent a recurrence.
• The Indian government has announced an economic package of more than $265 billion to support economic recovery and to support vulnerable segments of the population.
• India has provided essential medicines such as Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to around 100 needy countries, extending solidarity and support during this time of crisis.

Minister Piyush Goyal participated in 2nd G-20 Virtual Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting

• Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal participated in the second G-20 Virtual Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting.
• The meeting focused on immediate and concrete actions that can ease the distress being faced by people all over the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The second G20 Ministers Virtual Meeting was held under the Saudi Presidency.

Highlights:

• The Ministers agreed to provide diagnostic and protective equipment and health care professionals across borders where they are most needed.
• India suggested the G-20 nations to ensure access to essential medicines, treatments, and vaccines at affordable prices.
• India has proactively partnered in global efforts to develop vaccines and effective treatment for this disease.
• The meeting also stressed the urgent need to build the digital skills and capacities of developing countries and LDCs.
• Discussion on the need to make binding rules on digital trade and e-commerce, which will freeze the extremely non-level playing field against their interests, and deprive them of the opportunity to benefit from the immense potential in these areas was held.

Extra Shots:

The G20 is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union.

• Founder: Group of Seven
• Founded: 26 September 1999
• Leader: Salman of Saudi Arabia (2020)

RANKS AND INDICES

Foodgrains production in India to touch record 295.67 MT in 2019-20 crop year

• Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare stated that India’s foodgrain production has been estimated to touch a record of 295.67 million tonnes (MT) in the 2019-20 crop year.
• The Ministry released the third advance estimate.

Highlights:

• As per the data provided by the Agriculture Ministry, it is the fourth consecutive year that the country has witnessed record production buoyed by good rains.
• This data showed an increase of 10.46 MT from 285.21 MT achieved in the 2018-19 crop year.
• Record output is estimated in rice, wheat, coarse cereals, oilseeds, and cotton during the 2019-20 crop year (July-June).
• Rice and wheat production is estimated to set a record with 117.94 MT and 107.18 MT, respectively this year.

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, a branch of the Government of India, is the apex body for formulation and administration of the rules and regulations and laws related to agriculture in India. The three broad areas of scope for the Ministry are agriculture, food processing and co-operation.

• Founded: 1947
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Jurisdiction: India

International tourism to decline 60-80% in 2020

• According to the latest data of the United Nations World Tourism Organization(UNWTO) the international tourism could decline by 60-80% in 2020 when compared with 2019 figures, due to COVID-19 pandemic outbreak which will result in loss of USD 910 billion to USD 1.2 trillion and places millions of livelihoods at risk and threatens to curtail the progress made in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).

Report Highlights:

• As per the latest (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a 22% fall in international tourist arrivals during the 1st quarter(3 months) of 2020.
• Arrivals dropped by 57% in March after the lockdown began in many countries & the widespread introduction of travel restrictions and the closure of airports and national borders. This translates into a loss of 67 million international arrivals and about USD80 billion in receipts (exports from tourism).
• Even though Asia and the Pacific shows the highest impact in relative and absolute terms (-33 million arrivals), the impact in Europe, though less in percentage, is high in volume (-22 million).
• This year’s prospects were downgraded several times since the outbreak and uncertainty continues to dominate.
• The current scenarios indicate a possible decline in arrivals of 58% to 78% for the year. These depend on the speed of the control and the duration of travel restrictions and shutdown of borders.

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UNWTO : The World Tourism Organization is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

• Headquarters location: Madrid, Spain
• Head: Taleb Rifai
• Founded: 1 November 1974
• Area: Europe
• Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council

AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED

Tribal Affairs Ministry, FB launched Goal programme for Digital Skilling of Tribal Youth across India

• Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda launched the “Going Online As Leaders (GOAL) programme” of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in partnership with Facebook at a Webinar in New Delhi on 15 May.
• The programme is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

GOAL programme:

• The GOAL programme has been designed to provide mentorship to tribal youth through digital mode.
• The digitally-enabled program envisages acting as a catalyst to explore the hidden talents of the tribal youth, which will help in their personal development and contribute to all-round upliftment of their society.
• Digital literacy has gained importance in view of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The program intends to upskill and empower 5,000 tribal youths in the current phase to harness the full potential of digital platforms and tools to learn new ways of doing business, explore and connect with domestic and international markets. The digital skilling and technology will integrate them into the mainstream.
• The programme has been designed with a long term vision to develop the potential of tribal youth and women to help them acquire skills and knowledge through mentorship in various sectors including horticulture, food processing, bee keeping, tribal art and culture, medicinal herbs, entrepreneurship among others.
• It will enable Scheduled Tribe (ST) youth in remote areas to use digital platforms for sharing their aspirations, dreams, and talent with their mentors.
• The programme also aims to create awareness amongst tribal beneficiaries about various schemes initiated by Central and State Governments for welfare of STs as well as their fundamental duties.

Extra Shots:

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, a branch of Government of India, looks after the affairs of the tribal communities in India.

• Officeholder: Jasvantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor (Minister of State)
• Founded: October 1999
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Jurisdiction: India

Federal bank, MoneyGram tie up for direct-to-bank deposits in India

• MoneyGram Payment System, a subsidiary of MoneyGram International, global leader in P2P payments tied up with Federal Bank Limited, a private bank in India to provide the customers a cost-effective way to receive deposits directly in their bank accounts in India.

Extra Shots:

Federal Bank:

• Founder: Kulangar Paulo Hormis
• Chairperson: Grace Elizabeth Koshie
• MD & CEO: Shyam Srinivasan
• Headquarters: Aluva, Kerala
• Formed on: April 23, 1931

MoneyGram Payment System:

• Chairman & CEO: Alex Holmes
• CFO: Larry Angelilli
• Founded in: 1988

IIT Madras Collaborates with Industry Bodies to Study the Impact of COVID-19 on MSMEs in Tamil Nadu

• Indian Institute of Technology Madras is collaborating with industry bodies to understand the impact of COVID-19 crisis on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Tamil Nadu.
• The study is expected to be completed within three to four weeks.
• Tamil Nadu accounts for one of the largest number of MSMEs in the country with more than 6.89 lakh registered enterprises.
• This, in turn, accounts for more than 15 per cent of the total MSMEs in India. Given the significance of MSMEs in Tamil Nadu, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 is a major concern.
• The study is being led by IIT Madras Department of Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty, Dr. Subash Sasidharan, Associate Professor of Economics, and Dr. Santosh Kumar Sahu, Assistant Professor of Economics.
• Based on the outcome of this study, the researchers plan to analyse the Adaptation and Coping Strategies to overcome the shock due to the pandemic, which could help in quick recovery of the MSMEs in Tamil Nadu.

Extra Shots:

Tamilnadu

• Capital: Chennai
• Chief Minister: Edappadi K.Palanisamy
• Governor: Banwarilal Purohit
• Chief Justice of Madras High Court: Vijaya Kamlesh Tahilramani
• National Park: Guindy NP,Gulf of Mannar Marine NP, Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) NP,             Mudumalai NP, Mukurthi NP.

APPOINTMENT

WTO Chief Roberto Azevedo to resign a year before his term expires

• The Head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Roberto Azevedo has announced his resignation, a year before his term expires.
• He will step down on 31 August 2020.

Roberto Azevedo:

• Roberto Azevedo is a former diplomat from Brazil. He is cutting short a seven-year tenure marked in recent years by intense pressure from US President Donald Trump. had accused WTO of an anti-US bias and other complaints.
• Under Azevedo’s leadership, there have been important practical moves towards reform, including through the use of flexible negotiating structures, were done.

Extra Shots:

World Trade Organization:

• Established on: 1 January 1995
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Membership: 164 member states
• Official languages: English, French, Spanish

DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Low cost PPE developed by Indian Navy for rapid mass production to be patented

• Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell (IPFC) of Ministry of Defence, in association with National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), has filed a patent for the low-cost Medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) developed by Indian Navy.
• The aim is to initiate a rapid mass production.

Low cost PPE:

• The PPE is made of a special fabric that affords a high level of protection along with high breathability as against other PPEs available in the market. The PPE will be suitable for use in hot and humid weather conditions as prevalent in India.
• The technology has been tested, validated, and approved by ICMR approved Testing Lab. A pilot batch of PPEs has already been produced at Naval Dockyard Mumbai.
• The commencement of low-cost PPE for mass production is to be done by a core team of the Indian Navy, IPFC, and NRDC. Also, eligible firms will be identified by NRDC for taking up licensed production of the PPEs on a fast track.

Extra Shots:

The Indian Navy, is the naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff, a four-star admiral, commands the navy.

• Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS): Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, AVSM, VSM
• Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS): Vice Admiral M. S. Pawar, AVSM, VSM
• Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM
• Headquarters: Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy)
• Founded: 5 September 1612
• Roles: Naval warfare, Power projection, Sealift, Massive retaliation

Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Coast Guard ships

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sachet and two interceptor boats (IBs) C-450 and C-451 in Goa through video conferencing from Delhi on 15 May.
• The ships are indigenously designed and built in the line of the Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ vision.

Highlights:

• Commissioning of these ships is an important milestone in India’s coastal capability building process.
• The move is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’.

ICGS Sachet:

• The ICGS Sachet, the first in the series of five offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). It is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment.
• Sachet is 105 metre long. It displaces approximately 2,350 tons and is propelled by two 9,100 KW diesel engines designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots, with an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles.
• The ship has been designed to carry a twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats and one inflatable boat for swift boarding and search and rescue operations.
• The ship can carry limited pollution response equipment to undertake oil spill pollution response at sea.

IBs C-450 and C-451:

• The IBs C-450 and C-451 are indigenously designed and built by Larsen & Toubro Shipyard Hazira. It is fitted with the latest navigation and communication equipment.
• The 30 metre longboats are capable of achieving speeds in excess of 45 knots and designed for the high-speed interception, close coast patrol, and low-intensity maritime operations.
• The quick response capability of the IBs makes it an ideal platform to respond and thwart any emerging maritime situation.
• IBs have about 70% of indigenous content, thus providing the necessary fillip to the Indian shipbuilding industry.
• The ships will join the Coast Guard fleet. It will be deployed extensively for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, coastal security, and other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard charter of duties, to safeguard the maritime interests of the Nation.

Extra Shots:

IGC:The Indian Coast Guard is an armed force that protects India’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.

• Founder: Parliament of India
• Founded: 18 August 1978
• Motto: वयम् रक्षामः (Sanskrit); Vayam Rakṣāmaḥ (IAST); We protect (English)
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Patrol: Dornier Do 228

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Sahitya Akademi award-winning author Alka Saraogi’s new novel ‘Kulbhushan ka naam darj kijiye’

• The national award winning publishing group in the global publishing of Hindi Literature, Vani Prakashan Group announces its newest acquisition of renowned author Alka Saraogi’s latest novel ‘Kulbhushan ka naam darj kijiye’.
• Vani Prakashan Group has been publishing the best of Indian literature in various genres for 57 years.

AWARDS

Admiral G. M Hiranandani Memorial Rolling Trophy 2020 announced

• Lieutenant Commander Akshay Kumar was awarded the Vice Admiral G.M. Hiranandani Memorial Rolling Trophy for the year 2020.
• He commissioned in Anti-Submarine Warfare School of the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
• The award ceremony was held at the Maritime Warfare Centre, Kochi, Kerala.

Other Awards:

• Book prizes were awarded by the Commander-in-chief to commissioned naval officer Anshu Bhau for standing second and to commissioned naval officer Kuldeep Tyagi for the third position.
• Lieutenant Commander Mohit Kumar was also commended for performing exceeding well within the oral board like a Viva.
• On the Occasion, A.K. Chawla also emphasised the role of specialist officers stumped & the necessity for officers to be excellent professionals.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ICMR to participate in Solidarity trial by WHO for COVID-19 treatment

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) participated in the launch of the global ‘Solidarity’ trial by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
• The aim of the trial is to help find an effective treatment for COVID-19.

Highlights:

• The international clinical trial ‘Solidarity’ compares four treatment options against the standard of care to assess their relative effectiveness against COVID-19.
• Four potential anti-viral agents, Remdesivir, Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine, Lopinavir-Ritonavir, and Lopinavir-Ritonavir with Interferon will be evaluated in the trial.
• The solidarity trial focuses to discover whether any of the drugs slow the disease’s progression or improve survival, by enrolling patients in multiple countries. This special feature of the initiative is it provides both speed and scale.
• ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute (NARI) is the national coordination site for the trial in India.

Extra Shots:

ICMR: The Indian Council of Medical Research, the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research, is one of the oldest and largest medical research bodies in the world.

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Secretary & Director General: Dr. Balram Bhargava
• Founder: Government of India
• Founded: 1911
• Leader: Balram Bhargava
• Formation: 1911 (as IRFA); 1949 (renamed to ICMR)

ARI develops novel process for synthesis of Quantum Dots used in photographing cellular organelles

• Researchers from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune developed a new process for the synthesis of quantum efficient and biocompatible quantum dots (QDs).
• It can be used in capturing images of cellular organelles and processes within the visible wavelength ranges across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Highlights:

• Bioimaging applications such as visualization of cellular organelles, tracking cellular processes, etc. rely on the traditional fluorophores which are fluorescent chemical compounds that can re-emit light upon excitation.
• These fluorophores are vulnerable to photobleaching, have low signal intensity, and overlapping spectra which restrict their use, particularly in multispectral bioimaging.
• Quantum Dots overcomes the issues faced in traditional fluorophores.
• The synthesized QDs were rendered biocompatible by coating with silicone. The coating provides biocompatibility, enhanced quantum efficiency, and photostability.
• The method could make industry viable by automation and could be scaled-up in the future.
• This will pave the way for cost-efficient production of monodispersed, quantum efficient, photostable, and biocompatible quantum dots, that might serve as an excellent alternative to traditional fluorophores.

Extra Shots:

ARI: The Agharkar Research Institute is located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Agharkar Research Institute is an autonomous, grant-in-aid research institute of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

• Director: Dr Kishore M Paknikar
• Founded: 1946
• Founder Director: Shankar Purushottam Agharkar

Health Ministry issued guidelines for RT-PCR pool sampling for migrants

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a guideline for Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based pooled sampling for migrants, returnees from abroad, and green zones.

Guidelines:

• The guidelines are for the surveillance purposes of migrant labourers and international passengers who are in institutional quarantine facilities.
• Pooled sampling will be conducted for surveillance purposes in green zones districts which have not reported any COVID-19 positive case in the last 21 days.
• The guidelines state that a cohort of 25 people will be identified and the throat or nasal swab will be collected as per the Indian Council for Medical Research’s (ICMR) protocol.
• The pooled samples from 25 specimens will be tested in the lab by the RT-PCR method. The report will then be conveyed to the quarantine facility within 24 hours.
• If any of the pooled samples are tested positive, then individual samples from the preserved pool would be tested. Samples will be preserved in the laboratory.

Extra Shots:

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is an Indian government ministry charged with health policy in India. It is also responsible for all government programs relating to family planning in India. The Minister of Health and Family Welfare holds cabinet rank as a member of the Council of Ministers.

• Founded: 1976
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Jurisdiction: India
• Departments: Department of AIDS Control, Suraksha Clinic, Department of Health Research
• Officeholders: Harsh Vardhan (Minister), Faggan Singh Kulaste (Minister of State)

JNCASR develop injectable Silk Fibroin-based hydrogel for sustained Insulin delivery in diabetic patients

• Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) has developed an injectable Silk fibroin-based hydrogel for sustained insulin delivery in diabetic patients.

Highlights:

• The injectable Silk fibroin-based hydrogel is developed using the biocompatible additives, The injectable SF hydrogel (iSFH) can ease insulin delivery in diabetic patients.
• The injection was tested on diabetic rats.
• The injection of insulin with-iSFH formed an active depot under the skin from which the insulin trickled out slowly and restored the physiological glucose homeostasis for a prolonged period of 4 days with no risks of low blood sugar through sudden bursts of high concentration of insulin into the blood.
• The iSFH is expected to be an effective insulin delivery tool for diabetic patients with excellent mechanical strength, biocompatibility, encapsulation, storage, and demonstration of its sustained delivery of active insulin in the diabetic animal.

DST INSPIRE develops lightweight carbon foam that can replace lead batteries

• INSPIRE under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India has developed porous carbon materials that have the potential to replace the lead grid in lead-acid batteries.
• The carbon foam was developed by Dr. Rajeev Kumar from CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, Bhopal, a recipient of the INSPIRE Faculty Award.

Highlights:

• The carbon foams are non-toxic, easy to fabricate, affordable, and insoluble in water.
• It is cost-effective for the removal of arsenic, oil, and other metals from contaminated water.
• It can be used for heat sinks in power electronics, electromagnetic interference shielding in aerospace, hydrogen storage, and electrode for lead-acid batteries and water purification systems.
• The carbon foam has been developed with a density of less than 0.3g/cc, high porosity of over 85%, good mechanical strength.
• The foam is highly resistant to corrosion. It has good electrical and thermal conductivity with the high surface area.
• The carbon foams have recently attracted a lot of attention owing to their potential applications in various fields.

Extra Shots:

DST: The Department of Science and Technology is a department within the Ministry of Science and Technology in India.

• Headquarters location: New Delhi
• Founded: May 1971
• Subsidiary: National Innovation Foundation – India

OBITUARIES

Splitsvilla Famed PK Actor Sai Gundewar Passes Away at 42

• Actor Sai Gundewar, who rose to prominence through MTV’s show Splitsvilla, has passed away due to brain cancer, in US while undergoing treatment.
• He was 42.
• Sai has also acted alongside Aamir Khan in PK, and Rock on.

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