Current Affairs Today 1st May 2020-Download in PDF

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Current Affairs Today – 1st May 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

1. International Labour Day or Worker’s day is celebrated on 1 May every year
2. Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank(KVGB) has launched ‘Vikas Abhaya’ a loan scheme to provide some relief to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise(MSME) borrowers.
3. Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited(RSBVL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited(RIL), has increased its stake to 26.3% on a fully diluted basis in US-based SkyTran Incorporated(Inc), a venture-funded technology company which develops modern transport modes including personal rapid transit system.
4. The Singapore arm of Manulife, Manulife Investment Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd has acquired 49% stake in Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services’ (Mahindra Finance) wholly-owned subsidiary Mahindra Asset Management Company (AMC).
5. A programme titled AYURAKSHA “Corona Se Jung- Delhi Police Ke Sang” was organized for Delhi Police personnel at New Delhi on 30 April
6. NLC India Limited has commenced the production of Coal for the first time.
7. Ministry of Coal (MoC) launched a Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) for the facilitation of early operationalization of coal mines allocated by the Central Government. The move will promote Ease of Doing Business.
8. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) paid tribute to celebrated painter and artist Raja Ravi Varma on his 172nd birth anniversary on 29 April 2020 through a virtual tour.
9. Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and MSME Shri Nitin Gadkari has launched a portal on “MSME Bank of Schemes, Ideas, Innovation and Research”.
10. Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day is celebrated in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat on 1 May every year.
11. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched a unique scheme named ‘Jeevan Amrit Yojana’, to help in boosting immunity system of citizens of the state in order to fight the deadly coronavirus.
12. Chhattisgarh has topped the list of states in providing employment to unskilled labourers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
13. Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today transferred Rs 42 lakh honorarium of the month of April to the bank accounts of 2 lakh 10 thousand cooks of the state under the mid day meal programme from Mantralaya through single click.
14. Black rice of Manipur, also called the Chak-Hao, Gorakhpur Terracotta and Kadalai Mittai of Kovilpatti bagged Geographical Indication tag.
15. According to the 7th edition of ‘Open Budget Survey 2019’ conducted by International Budget Partnership (IBP), India has been ranked at 53rd position among 117 nations in terms of budget transparency and accountability with the score of 49 out of 100.
16. India’s epic mythological saga of the 1980s, ‘Ramayan’ has created the world record of Highest Viewed Entertainment Programme Globally.
17. The University of Oxford has today announced an agreement with the UK-based global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for the further development, large-scale manufacture and potential distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate currently being trialled by the University.
18. Former Axis Bank CEO, Shikha Sharma named advisor to Google Pay India. Google Pay is one of the leading apps on Unified Payments Payments Interface (UPI), battling with the likes of Amazon Pay, Paytm, etc.
19. Ajay Tirkey today assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) in New Delhi.
20. RBS India, the innovation and operations hub of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), today announced the elevation of Maneesh Menda as Head of HR, RBS India.
21. Fédération Internationale de Football Association(FIFA) has launched a campaign called “#WeWillWin”.
22. A book titled “The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir” authored by John Bolton.
23. Manipuri doctor, Thangjam Dhabali Singh conferred ‘Order of Rising Sun’ by Japan government.
24. An IIT Madras Professor Thalappil Pradeep has been selected for the Nikkei Asia Prize 2020.
25. Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, supported by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a microwave sterilizer named “ATULYA”.
26. National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science & Technology (DST) launched ‘Year of Awareness on Science & Health (YASH)’ a programme on health and risk communication with a focus on COVID-19.
27. Scientists at S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata (SNBNCBS) developed a nanomedicine that promises the treatment of a number of diseases by altering oxidative stress in the body.
28. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has identified the top 25 drugs/drug candidates for repurposing as they can be quickly deployed for treatment.
29. Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune, a deemed university supported by Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed a microwave steriliser named as ‘ATULYA’ to disintegrate (COVID-19).
30. The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-Guwahati) has designed low-cost bamboo furniture to meet the requirements of Primary Health Centers in Assam’s rural villages.
31. Freedom fighter and Padma Shri Gandhian Hema Bharali passed away at the age of 101.
32. Former India Football captain Chuni Goswami passed away.

NEWS IN DETAILS

IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES

International Labour Day is observed on 1 May

• International Labour Day or Worker’s day is celebrated on 1 May every year.
• The day commemorates the Haymarket affair or the Haymarket massacre in Chicago.
• The day aims to celebrate labourers and the working class. The day promotes international labour associations.

Events:

• The day is observed as a national holiday in many countries.
• On this special day, the composition of Faiz Ahmed ‘Faiz’ is remembered. He has spoken about the rights of the workers.
• Labour unions and socialists celebrate the day by organizing programs and improving wages and working conditions of the workforce.

BANKING AND FINANCE CURRENT AFFAIRS

KVG bank launches “Vikas Abhaya” loan scheme

• Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank(KVGB) has launched ‘Vikas Abhaya’ a loan scheme to provide some relief to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise(MSME) borrowers.
• This scheme is for those borrowers whose business activities are disrupted on account of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dharwad, Karnataka.
• The loan will be for the existing MSME customers who have been regular as on February 29, a maximum loan of up to Rs 1 lakh will be provided and no collateral security is emphasized & is repayable within 36 months.
• It is an additional credit facility to the eligible existing MSME borrowers & helps them to assist over the current crisis and ensures the continuation of viable business activity.

Extra Shots:

The Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank, an Indian Regional Rural Bank Sponsored by Canara Bank. The bank provides retail banking services to rural users and has 633 branches in areas of Karnataka, around Dharwad.

• Headquarters: Dharwad
• Founded: 12 September 2005
• Type of business: Publicly listed company
• Sponsored: Canara Bank.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Reliance increases its stake to 26.3% in US-based tech company SkyTran

• Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited(RSBVL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited(RIL), has increased its stake to 26.3% on a fully diluted basis in US-based SkyTran Incorporated(Inc), a venture-funded technology company which develops modern transport modes including personal rapid transit system.
• RIL has invested in SkyTran to play an active role in advancing solutions, especially in telecom, digital platforms and services, advanced materials, electric batteries and also to develop India’s first pod taxi prototype, a next-generation transportation system
• The idea of pod taxis in India was first undertaken by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in 2016, National Institution for Transforming India(NITI) Aayog in January 2017 had cleared the ministry’s proposal through its panel to test 3 rapid transport systems with the use of pod taxis.

Extra Shots:

SkyTran Inc:

• Founded: 2011
• Headquarters: Irvine, California
• Chairman and CEO: Jerry Sanders

RIL:

• Headquarters: Mumbai,Maharashtra
• CEO–:Mukesh Ambani

Manulife acquired 49% stake in Mahindra AMC for Rs 265 crore

• The Singapore arm of Manulife, Manulife Investment Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd has acquired 49% stake in Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services’ (Mahindra Finance) wholly-owned subsidiary Mahindra Asset Management Company (AMC).
• Both the companies aim to expand their fund offerings, drive fund penetration and achieve long-term wealth creation in India.
• The partnership will also accelerate efforts towards increasing mutual fund penetration, through innovative products and solutions
• It should be noted that Mahindra AMC’s annualized average assets under management stood at Rs 5,217 crore as of March 31, 2020.
• It has more than 2.12 lakh customer accounts and is offering over 13 investment schemes.
• On the other hand, Manulife provides wealth and asset management and life insurance solutions for individuals, groups and institutions around the world.

Extra Shots:

Manulife:

• Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
• President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Roy Gori

Mahindra AMC

• Headquarter: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Managing Director (MD) & CEO: Ashutosh Bishnoi

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

AYURAKSHA programme was organized for Delhi Police

• A programme titled AYURAKSHA “Corona Se Jung- Delhi Police Ke Sang” was organized for Delhi Police personnel at New Delhi on 30 April.
• The programme aims to fight against corona through simple and time tested Ayurveda immunity-boosting measures.

Organizing Team:

• The AYURAKSHA programme was organized by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), under the Ministry of Ayurvedic, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) and Delhi Police.

AYURAKSHA programme:

• The programme comes after the joint venture of AIIA and Delhi Police, which is the biggest ever first of its kind and will be successful and role model for others, in treating COVID-19 patients.
• Delhi Police proposed to maintain the health of front line COVID warriors through Ayurveda immunity-boosting measures.
• It highlighted the role of Giloy as Vayasthapana (Anti-aging herb).
• The programme also recommended formulations like Chyawanaprasha (Amla as main content), Anu Taila, and SanshamaniVati (prepared from Guduchi) which are time tested and scientifically proven for enhancing immunity.
• The programmes suggested the Ministry of AYUSH for the distribution of medicines, special Kits which will contain the formulations, method of use, and advisory issued by the Ministry of AYUSH in Hindi and English. The medicines would be procured from government pharmacies (IMPCL) under the Ministry.
• Delhi police have identified 15 nodal officers of AIIA for 15 districts of Delhi. The police personnel will be working in close coordination with 15 Nodal officers from Delhi Police.
• Phase I: All quarantined police officers and officials
• Phase II: Police officials/officers deputed in containment zones
• Phase III: Police officials/officers deputed in quarantine zones
• Phase IV: All policemen working as front line workers in the field.
• AIIA has suggested ways of identifying police officials/officers with comorbid conditions like Diabetes, Stress, Hypertension, etc. who are more susceptible to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Also, it was decided that a proper health record would be maintained in a digital format, at the Digital Arogya Sanjivani, for all the officers/officials taking these medicines.

NLC India Limited commences Coal production for the first time

• NLC India Limited has commenced the production of Coal for the first time.
• The coal produced from Talabira II and III Mines in Odisha will be used to meet the requirement of its existing and future coal-fired power plants.
• Odisha state allotted the mines to NLCIL in 2016 with a capacity of 20 Million Tonne (MT) per annum.

Highlights:

• The move by the company will aid the energy security of the country especially as the country is currently avoiding import of coal.
• This coal block has been developed through the mine developer and operator (MDO) model which is innovatively developed and successfully implemented by the NLC team.
• This Mine has a low stripping ratio of 1.09 and coal is of G 12 grade which will enable the company to generate competitive power. The coal production commenced on 26 April 2020.

Extra Shots:

NLC India Limited is a ‘Navratna’ government of India company in the fossil fuel mining sector in India and thermal power generation. It annually produces about 30 million tonne lignite from opencast mines at Neyveli in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India and at Barsingsar in Bikaner district of Rajasthan state.

• Founded: 1956
• Headquarters: Chennai, India
• Owner: Government of India
• Organization type: State-owned enterprise

Ministry of Coal launched a Project Monitoring Unit to facilitate early operationalisation of coal mines

• Ministry of Coal (MoC) launched a Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) for the facilitation of early operationalization of coal mines allocated by the Central Government. The move will promote Ease of Doing Business.

Highlights:

• PMC will support the Coal mines allocatees in obtaining timely approval or permissions to operationalize the mines.
• The allocatees to freely utilize the services of the Consultant in sorting out their issues so that the coal production may begin at the earliest.
• The Unit will help the allocatees of coal mines in obtaining various clearances required from the Central and State government authorities for the operationalization of coal mines. It will lead to a ramping up of coal production in the country.
• This move aims to attract bidders for the ensuing auction round of commercial blocks. This measure will improve the production and business environment in the coal industry.
• M/s KPMG, has been appointed as the Consultant, in Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) through a transparent bidding process.

Extra Shots:

The Ministry of Coal is an Indian government ministry headquartered in New Delhi. The portfolio is held by Cabinet Minister Pralhad Joshi.

• Officeholder: Piyush Goyal (MOS independent charge)
• Headquarters: Shastri Bhawan, Dr Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi
• Jurisdiction: India
• Minister responsible: Pralhad Joshi, Cabinet Minister

NGMA celebrated painter and artist Raja Ravi Varmas 172nd birth anniversary

• National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) paid tribute to celebrated painter and artist Raja Ravi Varma on his 172nd birth anniversary on 29 April 2020 through a virtual tour.
• This virtual tour showcased the entire collection of his artworks at reserve collection, NGMA in New Delhi.
• The website for Virtual Tour is http://www.ngmaindia.gov.in/virtual-tour-of-raja-ravi-varma.asp

 Raja Ravi Varma:

• Raja Ravi Varma was born into an aristocratic family in Kerala on 29 April 1848. He was largely a self-taught artist as European techniques. He was a master at handling the oil medium and achieved magical ease with European naturalism.

Nitin Gadkari launches “MSME Bank of Schemes, Ideas, Innovation and Research” portal

• Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and MSME Shri Nitin Gadkari has launched a portal on “MSME Bank of Schemes, Ideas, Innovation and Research”.
• The Portal gives access to all Schemes of Union, State and UT Governments related to MSME.
• The portal also provides for uploading Ideas, Innovations & Researches in the MSME sector.
• The URL of the portal is http://ideas.msme.gov.in/. The portal has been launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.

Extra Shots:

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, a branch of the Government of India, is the apex executive body for the formulation and administration of rules, regulations and laws relating to micro, small and medium enterprises in India.

• Founded: 2007
• Headquarters: Udyog Bhawan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi – 110 011
• Jurisdiction: India
• Annual budget: 6,552.61 crores INR (2018-19 est.)
• Departments: National Small Industries Corporation, National Institute of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
• Officeholders: Giriraj Singh (MOS independent charge), Nitin Gadkari (Union Minister)

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Maharashtra, Gujarat celebrates state formation day on 1 May

• Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day is celebrated in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat on 1 May every year.
• The day commemorates the formation of the state on this day in 1960.

History:

• In 1960, the Bombay Reorganization Act, 1960 was passed by India’s Parliament to divide the multilingual state of Bombay into Gujarat and Maharashtra. Bombay formerly consisted of speakers of different languages such as Gujarati, Marathi, Konkani, and Kutchi. As a result of the Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti movement, the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed.

Maharashtra:

• Capital: Mumbai
• Chief Minister: Uddhav Thackeray
• Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
• State Formed in: 1 May 1960
• Litracy Rate: 82.34%
• National Parks: Chandoli National Park, Nawegaon National Park, Gugamal National Park, Pench National Park, Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park, Tadoba National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Amba Barwa WLS, Bor WLS, Great Indian Bustard WLS,
• Lonar WLS, Melghat WLS, Gangewadi New Great Indian Bustard WLS, etc.

Madhya Pradesh Government Launches ‘Jeevan Amrit Yojana’ scheme to boost immunity system of citizens

• The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched a unique scheme named ‘Jeevan Amrit Yojana’, to help in boosting immunity system of citizens of the state in order to fight the deadly coronavirus.
• Under this scheme, the State Government will distribute packet of special Trikut Churna-kadha free of cost to the citizens, which is very effective in increasing immunity and has to be taken three to four times daily.
• Trikut, an ayurvedic product made of three spices, has been prepared by Madhya Pradesh Laghu Vanopaj Sangh in collaboration with the Department of AYUSH.
• 50 gms packet each of the kadha has been prepared which consists of peepal, ginger and black pepper.
• The state will distribute the packets free of cost to one crore people in rural and urban areas of the state.

Extra Shots:

Madhya Pradesh:

• Capital: Bhopal
• Chief Minister: Kamal Nath
• Governor: Lalji Tandon
• National Park: Bandhavgarh NP, Fossil NP, Kanha NP, Madhav NP, Panna NP, Pench NP, Sanjay NP, Satpura NP

Chhattisgarh top state in providing employment to workers under MGNREGS

• Chhattisgarh has topped the list of states in providing employment to unskilled labourers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
• The data was released by the Union Rural Development Ministry. Chhattisgarh has provided employment to 18.51 lakh workers under MGNREGS.
• Rajasthan is on second while Uttar Pradesh is on the third.

Extra Shots:

Chhattisghar:

• Capital: Raipur
• Chief Minister: Bhupesh Baghel
• Governor: Anusuiya Uikey
• Literacy Rate: 60.21%
• National Park: Indravati (Kutru) National Park, Kanger Valley National Park, Guru Ghasi Das (Sanjay) National Park

Madhya Pradesh CM Chouhan transfers honorarium of Rs 42 crores to the accounts of cooks

• Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today transferred Rs 42 lakh honorarium of the month of April to the bank accounts of 2 lakh 10 thousand cooks of the state under the mid day meal programme from Mantralaya through single click.
• Additional Chief Secretary Panchayat and Rural Development Shri Manoj Shrivastava, Director Public Relations Shri O.P. Shrivastava were present on this occasion.
• Honorarium amount being sent every month.

Extra Shots:

Madhya Pradesh:

• Capital: Bhopal
• Chief Minister: Kamal Nath
• Governor: Lalji Tandon
• National Park: Bandhavgarh NP, Fossil NP, Kanha NP, Madhav NP, Panna NP, Pench NP, Sanjay NP, Satpura NP

Manipur black rice & Gorakhpur terracotta gets GI tag

• Black rice of Manipur, also called the Chak-Hao, Gorakhpur Terracotta and Kadalai Mittai of Kovilpatti bagged Geographical Indication tag.
• The application for Chak-Hao was filed by the Consortium of Producers of Chak-Hao (Black Rice), Manipur and was facilitated by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur and the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC).
• In the case of Gorakhpur terracotta, the application was filed by Laxmi Terracotta Murtikala Kendra in Uttar Pradesh.

Extra Shots:

Manipur

• Capital: Imphal
• Chief Minister: Nongthombam Biren Singh
• Governor: Najma Heptulla

RANKS AND INDICES

India ranks 53rd in budget transparency; New Zealand tops: IBP’s Open Budget Survey 2019

• According to the 7th edition of ‘Open Budget Survey 2019’ conducted by International Budget Partnership (IBP), India has been ranked at 53rd position among 117 nations in terms of budget transparency and accountability with the score of 49 out of 100.
• While at the same time New Zealand has been topped the list with a score of 87.
• The global average transparency score on this survey was 45.
• India ranked 53^rd with 49 score point.

Top three countries with their scores:

1. New Zealand -87
2. South Africa- 87
3. Sweden- 86

Extra Shots:

IBP: International Budget Partnership (IBP) The International Budget Partnership (IBP) focuses on government budgets because they are at the core of development. Budgets are the government’s most powerful tool to meet the needs of its people, especially those who are poor and marginalized.

• Headquarters location: Washington, D.C., United States
• Founded: 1997

“Ramayana” becomes Highest Viewed Entertainment Programme Globally

• India’s epic mythological saga of the 1980s, ‘Ramayan’ has created the world record of Highest Viewed Entertainment Programme Globally.
• On 16th April, 2020, the mythological show was watched by 7.7 crore viewers all over the world.
• India’s epic mythological saga “Ramayana” was written and directed by Ramanand Sagar.
• In 2003, the show made its name in the Limca Book of Records for “the most watched mythological series in the world.”

AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED

Oxford University announces landmark partnership with AstraZeneca

• The University of Oxford has today announced an agreement with the UK-based global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for the further development, large-scale manufacture and potential distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate currently being trialled by the University.
• The partnership is to begin immediately with the final terms being agreed in the coming weeks. This will allow for rapid vaccination around the world if the COVID-19 vaccine candidate proves to be effective.
• The vaccine candidate was developed by the University’s Jenner Institute who began trials in humans last week jointly with the University’s Oxford Vaccine Group.

Extra Shots:

The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s second-oldest university in continuous operation.

• Address: Oxford OX1 2JD, United Kingdom
• Acceptance rate: 17.5% (2015)
• Founded: Oxford, United Kingdom
• Undergraduate tuition and fees: 9,250 GBP (2017 – 18)

AstraZeneca

• Headquarters: Cambridge, United Kingdom
• CEO: Pascal Soriot

APPOINTMENT

Shikha Sharma appointed as advisor of Google Pay India

• Former Axis Bank CEO, Shikha Sharma named advisor to Google Pay India. Google Pay is one of the leading apps on Unified Payments Payments Interface (UPI), battling with the likes of Amazon Pay, Paytm, etc.
• Sharma’s appointment could be a way forward for Google Pay India’s attempt at a card-based offering, which could be launched soon.
• Sharma quit ICICI Bank in 2008 to join Axis Bank. She steered Axis Bank till 2018 and transformed it into a major banking entity of the country.
• Sharma also serves in the board of IT major Tech Mahindra as an independent director.

Extra Shots:

Google Pay is a digital wallet platform and online payment system developed by Google to power in-app and tap-to-pay purchases on mobile devices, enabling users to make payments with Android phones, tablets or watches.

• Developed by: Google
• Initial release: September 11, 2015; 4 years ago (as Android Pay); January 8, 2018 (as Google Pay)
• License: Proprietary
• Operating system: Android Lollipop 5.0 and above

Shri Ajay Tirkey assumes charge as Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development

• Ajay Tirkey today assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) in New Delhi.
• He is 1987 batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre.
• He succeeds Shri Rabindra Panwar who retired on superannuation yesterday.
• Before assuming the charge of Secretary, Shri Ajay Tirkey was holding the post of Special Secretary in the same Ministry.
• He worked as Joint Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India in the year 2017 before joining as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
• He has also been on deputation to the Ministry of Defence as Director and Joint Secretary from 2004 to 2009.

Extra Shots:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development, a branch of the Government of India, is an apex body for formulation and administration of the rules and regulations and laws relating to women and child development in India.

• Founded: 30 January 2006
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Jurisdiction: India
• Annual budget: 24,700 crores INR (2018-19 est., US$3.6 billion)
• Officeholders: Debasree Chaudhuri (Minister of State), Krishna Raj (Minister of State), Smriti Irani (Union Minister)

Maneesh Menda appointed as the Head of HR, RBS India

• RBS India, the innovation and operations hub of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), today announced the elevation of Maneesh Menda as Head of HR, RBS India.
• In this role, Maneesh will build the organisation’s talent strategy and capabilities, supporting the Bank to achieve its goals.

Extra Shots:

RBS:

• Headquarters: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• CEO: Alison Rose Founded: 1727
• Parent organization: Royal Bank of Scotland Group

SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS

FIFA launches #WeWillWin campaign to pay tribute to health workers

• Fédération Internationale de Football Association(FIFA) has launched a campaign called “#WeWillWin”.
• Through this campaign FIFA tribute a special video to health workers and other professionals who ensure the society continues to function among COVID-19 pandemic.
• Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia who is also featured among 50 past and present football stars.

Extra Shots:

FIFA: The Fédération Internationale de Football Association is a non-profit organization which describes itself as an international governing body of association football, fútsal, beach soccer, and efootball. It is the highest governing body of football.

• President: Gianni Infantino
• Headquarters: Zürich, Switzerland
• Founded at: Paris, France
• Founded: 21 May 1904, Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, France
• Senior Vice-President: Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (AFC)
• Subsidiaries: Confederation of African Football, United States Soccer Federation, Early Warning System GmbH

BOOKS & AUTHORS

A book titled “The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir” authored by John Bolton

• A book titled “The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir” authored by John Bolton.
• The date of the book release has been pushed back from May 12, 2020 to June 23, 2020, on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble bookseller company.
• The book was published by an American publishing company Simon & Schuster.

AWARDS

Thangjam Dhabali Singh conferred ‘Order of Rising Sun’ by Japan

• Manipuri doctor, Thangjam Dhabali Singh conferred ‘Order of Rising Sun’ by Japan government.
• This award is given for him to promoting a better understanding of Japan in India and deepening ties between the two countries.
• Thangjam Dhabali Singh, an allopathic doctor by profession and founder of the Manipur Tourism Forum (MTF).
• He had organised the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal of the Second World War.
• Several Japanese citizens, including officials from the Embassy of Japan in India, had participated in the event.

Extra Shots:

The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government, created on 10 April 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun.

IIT Madras Professor T Pradeep selected for Nikkei Asia Prize 2020

• An IIT Madras Professor Thalappil Pradeep has been selected for the Nikkei Asia Prize 2020.
• Professor Thalappil Pradeep will be conferred with the Nikkei Asia Prize 2020 in the category of ‘Science and Technology’.
• He would be honoured with the prize for his pioneering work in nanotechnology-based water purification.
• Complete list of winners of the prize is as follows:

1. Science and Technology: Professor Thalappil Pradeep (India)
2. Culture and Community: Ram Prasad Kadel (Nepal)
3. Economic and Business Innovation: Anthony Tan (Malaysia) & Tan Hooi Ling (Malaysia)

• Professor Thalappil Pradeep has worked on the nanotechnology-enabled water filters which can deliver potable clean water for 2 paisa per litre in India. He was recently awarded by the government of India with the highest civilian honour of the country i.e. Padma Shri Award.
• The Nikkei Asia Prizes recognizes those individuals who have contributed to the region’s sustainable development and to a creation of a better future of Asia. The prize is conferred annually in three areas i.e. “Economic and Business Innovation“, “Science and Technology”, and “Culture and Community”.

Extra Shots:

The Nikkei Asia Prize  is an award which recognizes the achievements of people and organizations that have improved the lives of people throughout Asia. The awards were created and presented by Nikkei Inc, one of the largest media corporations in Japan.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

DIAT develop sterilizer ATULYA to disintegrate coronavirus

• Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, supported by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a microwave sterilizer named “ATULYA”.
• The sterilizer will disintegrate coronavirus

ATULYA:

• The sterilizer will disintegrate the coronavirus by differential heating in the range of 560 to 600 Celsius temperatures.
• The product is a cost-effective solution.
• ATULYA can be operated in portable or fixed installations.
• This system was tested for human and operator safety and has been found to be safe.
• Depending upon the size and shape of various objects, the time of sterilization is from 30 seconds to one minute.
• Approximate weight of the system is 3 Kg and it can be used for non-metallic objects only.

Extra Shots:

DIAT: Defence Institute of Advanced Technology is the Premier Deemed University under the Department of Defence Research & Development, Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

• Address: Girinagar, Next to Khadakwasla Dam, Pune, Maharashtra 411025
• Products and Services: diat.ac.in
• Founded: 1952
• Chancellor: Rajnath Singh
• Total enrollment: 547 (2020)
• Vice-Chancellor: Dr. CP Ramnarayanan
• Suggest an edit

DST launches programme YASH focus on COVID-19 pandemic

• National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science & Technology (DST) launched ‘Year of Awareness on Science & Health (YASH)’ a programme on health and risk communication with a focus on COVID-19.

YASH Programme:

• YASH Programme is a comprehensive and effective science and health communication effort for promoting grass-root level appreciation and response on health and would help to save and shaping the lives of people at large and build confidence, inculcate a scientific temper, and promote health consciousness among them.
• The programme aims to convey the authentic best practices of cutting down on the transmission of coronavirus.
• The programme will encompass development of science, health, and risk communication software, publications, audio-visual, digital platforms, folk performances, trained communicators, especially in regional languages to cater to various cross-sections of the society in the country.
• Under the programme, strategies have been worked out to involve academic, research, media, and voluntary organizations to facilitate necessary actions and emergency preparedness of society to address the challenge.
• The programme is aimed at minimizing risks at all levels with the help of public communication and outreach activities, promoting public understanding of common minimum science for community care and health safety measures like personal sanitation and hygiene, physical distancing, maintaining desired collective behaviour and so on.

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

SNBNCBS develops Nanomedicine to alter oxidative stress to treat viral infections including coronavirus

• Scientists at S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata (SNBNCBS) developed a nanomedicine that promises the treatment of a number of diseases by altering oxidative stress in the body.
• The research will support India in its fight against COVID-19.

Highlights:

• The nanomedicine can decrease or increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the human body, depending on the situation and cure the disease.
• The newly developed nanomedicine is safe and cost-effective.
• The ability of the research for controlled enhancement of ROS in mammals controls virus infections, including COVID-19.
• Animal trial for the Reduction & Oxidation processes (Redox) healing of several diseases has been completed, and now the institute is looking for sponsors to start clinical trials on humans.

Redox reaction:

• Redox reactions in cells can add or remove oxygen. They are essential for many processes such as generating energy in cells. The redox reactions create products harmful to cells called ROS, which can instantly oxidize lipids (fat), proteins, and nucleic acids, accelerating the ageing process. Naturally, the immune cells produce ROS or generate oxidative stress to kill viruses or bacteria and infected cells in the human body.

CSIR identifies top 25 drug candidates for repurposing

• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has identified the top 25 drugs/drug candidates for repurposing as they can be quickly deployed for treatment.

Highlights:

• On of the top 25 drugs is Favipiravir.
• Favipiravir is a broad-spectrum inhibitor of viral RNA polymerase and has emerged as one of the most promising drugs.
• Favipiravir was developed by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical Ltd. It is an approved treatment for common influenza and is marketed in Russia, China, and Japan.
• Hyderabad-based CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) has developed a convenient and cost-effective synthetic process for Favipiravir.
• As a collaborative effort with industry, CSIR-IICT transferred the entire process and significant quantities of pharma grade API of Favipiravir to Cipla a leading pharmaceutical company.
• Cipla will be conducting the investigations prior to launching on the drug against COVID-19 in India.
• The drug will be launched after the approval of the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).
• Favipiravir is a generic drug and already being used for the treatment of influenza and also is in clinical trials for COVID-19 in many countries such as in China, Japan, and Italy.
• Under the auspices of ICMR, Cipla will conduct a suitable limited trial prior to marketing the product as Ciplenza.

Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune developed a microwave steriliser to disintegrate COVID-19

• Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune, a deemed university supported by Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed a microwave steriliser named as ‘ATULYA’ to disintegrate (COVID-19).
• The virus gets disintegrated by differential heating in the range of 560 to 600 Celsius temperatures.
• The product is cost effective solution, which can be operated in portable or fixed installations.
• This system was tested for human/operator safety and has been found to be safe.
• Depending upon size and shape of various objects, time of sterilisation is from 30 seconds to one minute.
• Approximate weight of the system is three kilogrammes and it can be used for non-metallic objects only.

Extra Shots:

DIAT: Defence Institute of Advanced Technology is the Premier Deemed University under the Department of Defence Research & Development, Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

• Products and Services: diat.ac.in
• Founded: 1952
• Chancellor: Rajnath Singh
• Total enrollment: 547 (2020)
• Vice-Chancellor: Dr. CP Ramnarayanan

IIT-Guwahati designs low-cost bamboo furniture for hospitals

• The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-Guwahati) has designed low-cost bamboo furniture to meet the requirements of Primary Health Centers in Assam’s rural villages.
• The furniture was designed by the institute’s Department of Design
• The project aimed for a sustainable and participatory design approach by utilization of locally available materials, craft skill manpower led by the active participation of local government departments to achieve the goals.

OBITUARIES

Freedom fighter & Padma Shri awardee Hema Bharali passes away

• Freedom fighter and Padma Shri Gandhian Hema Bharali passed away at the age of 101.
• She was well known as Freedom Activist, social worker & Sarvodaya leader.
• She was born in Assam on 19th February 1919.
• Hema Bharali participated in the relief operations during the earthquake in North Lakhimpur in 1950 and helped the people in the Assam- Arunachal Pradesh border in the Chinese aggression in 1962.
• She joined the Bhoodan movement launched by Vinoba Bhave in 1951 and became one of its leaders.

Former India football captain Chuni Goswami passes away

• Former India Football captain Chuni Goswami passed away.
• He was the captain of Indian Football Team that won the 1962 Asian Games gold medal. Under his captaincy, India finished as runner-up at the Asian Cup in 1964.
• Chuni Goswami commenced his international career in 1957 and emerged as one of the biggest stars of the national team.
• At the age of 27, he quit international football in 1964. He played for Mohun Bagan in Club Football.
• He was also a good cricketer as he was appointed the captain of Bengal Ranji Trophy team in 1971-72 season.

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