Important Current Affairs 29th May 2017

Dear Aspirants,

Important Current Affairs 29th May 2017 in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It is useful for the preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs 29th May 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

5th India Morocco Joint Commission Meeting

The 5th India Morocco Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was held in Rabat on 25 and 26 May 2017. 
●    The JCM was anchored by Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister.
●    On 25 May 2017, the Minister was the keynote speaker at the Industry Day of Morocco in Casablanca, organised by the Ministry of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy of the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco. 
●    She visited the Centre for Excellence in Information Technology in Casablanca, a collaboration of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), India and Institut National des Postes et Télécommunications (INPT), Morocco. 
●    She called on Dr Saad Eddine El Othmani, Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco and had bilateral discussions with Mr. Abdelkader Amara, Minister of Equipment, Transport, Logistics and Water, and Mr. Mohamed Boussaid, Minister of Economy and Finance. On 26 May 2017, she met with Mr. Moulay Hafid El Alamy, Minister of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy. 
●    In all the interactions, the key element of excellent political relations that underpinned the economic context of the bilateral relations, was highlighted.

Current Affairs 29th May 2017: DEFENCE 

Martyrs’ Day observed at Air Force Station Sarsawa

Kargil Martyrs’ Day is observed all across the country to honour the martyrs who had laid down their lives in defence of our country. In keeping with the glorious traditions of the IAF, four air warriors of Air Force Sarsawa too had attained Martyrdom on 28 May 99 during Kargil Operations. 
●    On that day, one MI-17 Helicopter of the base took off for a mission with Squadron Leader Rajiv Pundir as pilot, Flight Lieutenant S Muhilan as co-pilot, Sergeant PVNR Prasad as Flight gunner and Sergeant RK Sahu as Flight Engineer. 
●    While carrying out a rocket attack on Tiger Hill in the Kargil Sector, the helicopter was shot down by the enemy and these air warriors made the supreme sacrifice in keeping with the highest traditions of service. 
●    Since then, 28th May is observed as Martyrs’ Day every year at this Station to honour these brave air warriors. 
●    This year, on 28 May the Air Officer Commanding and all air warriors of Air Force Station Sarsawa paid tribute to these brave air warriors by placing floral tributes at the War Memorial to commemorate the 18th anniversary of their supreme sacrifice. 
●    At the same time, four helicopters of the base took off for ‘Missing Man Formation’ in the sky, thereby, remembering the martyrs and showing gratitude towards them. 
●    Further, in the evening, a candle lighting ceremony was also organized where all families of the Station gathered and paid homage to the war heroes by lighting candles at the Station War Memorial.
 

Current Affairs 29th May 2017: ECONOMY

CSCs To Function As GST Suvidha Providers

A workshop on “CSCs as GST Suvidha Provider” to train the top performing VLEs and the State level representatives of CSC SPV for enabling implementation of GST scheme especially in rural India through CSC was organized here today. 
●    Common Services Centers are proposed to act as a GST Suvidha Provider. CSCs have been identified to facilitate the roll out of GST especially in rural India. 
●    CSCs will help merchants’ registration, filing returns and support them in fulfilling various requirements under GST. 
●    They will mobilize, conduct training and create advocacy of GST implementation across the country. 
●    The Union Minister for Electronics & IT and Law Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurated the event, appreciated the efforts of the enterprising VLEs in providing key services to the grassroots. 
●    He Said the Village Level Entrepreneurs are Rapid Action Force for Digital India and hoped they will truly be the harbingers of digital revolution in India and enable us to create digitally and financially inclusive society. 
●    India does not want to miss the digital revolution and, in fact, aims to become the leader of the revolution and CSCs will lead us in this endeavor.
 

Current Affairs 29th May 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Union Home Minister addresses the 30th Convocation of Kurukshetra University

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the youth to abide by the values in all situations of life, which will make them winner and help them achieve anything in life. 
●    Delivering the Convocation Address at the 30th Convocation of Kurukshetra University at Kurukshetra, Haryana today, Shri Rajnath Singh said that convocation connotes the completion of study for a degree, but not the completion of education, which is a lifelong process. 
●    In the Indian context, the convocation purports qualification of an individual to serve the society through the knowledge and skills imbibed through education. 
●    World remembers the people for their values and their service to the society and not because of their wealth, might or even knowledge, he added.
●    Shri Rajnath Singh said that India aspires to be a vishwa guru and  not a super-power because a nation becomes a super-power by might, dominance and even coercion and the nations come to it because of fear. 
●    As a vishwa guru, people will join with India because they would see their well being. 

Prakash Javadekar launches UGC App to fight Ragging 

Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar today launched an Anti-Ragging Mobile App introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) here in New Delhi. 
●    Speaking on this occasion Shri Javadekar said this mobile app will help students register complaints to counter the menace of ragging.
●    The Minister said earlier one had to visit the website for registering a complaint of ragging and our record shows that timely action was taken which in turn had resulted in the decrease of such instances. 
●    But still this ill has to be eliminated completely, he said.
●    Shri Javadekar said as per his knowledge in campuses majority of senior students actually help guide their juniors and properly mentor them, but in few cases ragging happens which needs to be completely eliminated from campuses. 
●    He said “physical or mental torture of a new student is ragging which we won’t allow, this is unacceptable and therefore this app will become a handy tool to any student who goes through such experience.”

DGT announces Introduction of Diploma Courses

The Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has announced the launch of five high end diploma courses in the skill ecosystem for the academic year 2017. 
●    The five courses in Welding Technology, Industrial Electronics and Automation, Manufacturing Technology, Automotive Technology and IT, Networking and Cloud Computing were cleared today at the Sub-Committee meeting of NCVT .
●    The need for advance level courses/ specialized courses has been long felt in the vocational training landscape in the country. 
●    The courses are of two years duration and will be introduced from August/September 2017 at Advanced Training Institutes (ATIs). 
●    These courses would enable trainees to acquire cutting edge training by providing an opportunity to sharpen their “hands-on skills” in specialized areas such as computerized pneumatic control (CNC) machining, automotive technology, welding, mechatronics, industrial electronics and automation. 
●    This would also extend the skill pyramid beyond current vocational training set up. 
●    Over and above this, one fourth of the training period is dedicated for on-the-job training in the form of an industrial attachment.

Bihar is the top litchi producing State

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the main objective of the Central Government is focused on research to develop new varieties and techniques of litchi farming to increase its production and to share information with the Extension Division. 
●    Shri Singh said this at the inauguration and co-training of Litchi processing plant here. 
●    Union Minister said that Bihar is the top litchi producing State in the country. In Bihar, about 300 thousand metric tonnes of litchi is being produced from 32 thousand hectares of area. 
●    Bihar's contribution in the production of litchi is about 40 percent. Considering the importance of litchi, National Research Centre on Litchi was established on June 6, 2001. 
●    Shri Singh said that the contribution of Muzaffarpur district in litchi’s production is impressive, but there is a need to increase the productivity of litchi, which is currently 8.0 tonne. 
●    For this, all the government institutions, cooperatives and farmers will have to come forward. 
●    Union Agriculture Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride that scientists at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and National Research Centre on Litchi have succeeded in treating litchi and preserving it for 60 days at low temperature. 
●    One of its processing plants has also been developed. Shri Singh said that this technique will be useful for the litchi producers and businessmen. 
●    Shri Singh also said that to make this technique effective, litchi producers will have to produce superior quality fruits for which National Research Centre on Litchi has developed several techniques. 
●    The National Research Centre on Litchi is providing about 35-40 thousand plants every year to various institutions/states in the country. 
●    Union Agriculture Minister said that the National Research Centre on Litchi is working closely with other institutions of ICAR and agricultural universities of the state and the development centres of the Central and State Governments like National Horticulture Board, APEDA, National Horticulture Mission etc.

Swachh Bharat Mission to go all out for ‘Darwaza Band’

For promotion of toilet usage across the country’s villages, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has come out with an aggressive new campaign called Darwaza Band starting tomorrow, May 30th, 2017.
●    Iconic actor, Shri Amitabh Bachchan, who leads the campaign, is proposed to be joined by Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer, and other dignitaries at the formal launch event in Mumbai tomorrow. 
●    Champion functionaries from the State will also be awarded on the occasion.
●    The campaign has been supported by the World Bank and is being rolled out countrywide immediately after the launch. 
●    It is designed to encourage behaviour change in men who have toilets but are not using them. 
●    The campaign also features actor, Ms Anushka Sharma, who will be seen encouraging women to stand up for this issue in their villages and assume a leadership role.
 

Important Current Affairs 28th May 2017

Dear Aspirants,

Important Current Affairs 28th May 2017 in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It is useful for the preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs 28th May 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Boost to Metro Rail Connectivity Cabinet approves Noida - Greater Noida Metro Rail Project 

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law on the southern island of Mindanao after about 100 Muslim fighters laid siege to a major city following a deadly gun battle with government forces. 
●    The emergency declaration took immediate effect and will last for 60 days, according to presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, who made the announcement on Tuesday from Russia, where Duterte was on a scheduled four-day official visit.
●    The president "has already declared martial law for the entire island of Mindanao", Abella said.Duterte cut short his trip to Russia, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said. "The president feels that he is needed in Manila as soon as possible."
●    Duterte met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday night rather than Thursday as planned, according to Russian state media.
●    The president said on Wednesday martial law could last a year as he vowed it would be similar to the late Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship.

Boost to Metro Rail Connectivity Cabinet approves Noida - Greater Noida Metro Rail Project 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Noida - Greater Noida Metro Rail Project covering a length of 29.707 k.m.   
●    Total completion cost of the project is Rs.5,503 crore.
●    Metro rail connection between NOIDA and Greater NOIDA will result into people being assured about their mobility and thus more people will like to move to these satellite towns of Delhi, thus decongesting Delhi. 
●    As a result, more residential and commercial complexes will develop in this region. 
●    With metro rail in place, there will be less vehicular traffic on roads leading to less congestion, less time and cost of journey, less consumption of fossil fuel and less environmental pollution.  
●    People of Noida-Greater Noida, which has a population of approx. 7.50 Lakhs and people of surrounding areas will be benefitted with this metro link. 
●    Project will be implemented by Noida Metro Rail Corporation Limited, which will be a 50:50 jointly owned company of Govt. of India and Govt. of Uttar Pradesh.  
●    The existing Noida Metro Rail Corporation Limited (NMRCL) which is a State owned Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be converted into a joint SPV of Government of India (Gol) and Government of Uttar Pradesh (GoUP), for implementation of the project.

Union Cabinet approves setting up of AIIMS in Kamrup, Assam

Union Cabinet approves setting up of AIIMS in Kamrup. The Union Cabinet, presided by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 24 May 2017 gave its approval for the establishment of new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Kamrup in Assam.
●    The institute will be set up under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). The estimated cost of the project is Rs.1123 crore.
●    The new AIIMS will be completed in a period of 48 months from the date of the approval of Government of India. The pre-construction phase would be of 15 months, while a construction phase would be of 30 months. 
●    The stabilization/commissioning phase of would be of three months.
●    The establishment of AIIMS at Kamrup will serve the dual purpose of providing super speciality health care to the population while also help create a large pool of doctors and other health workers in the region.

Mumbai, Kota feature in the world’s top ten most crowded cities

Two Indian cities, Mumbai and Kota have been named among the world’s most crowded cities list, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) that cited UN-Habitat data.
●    While Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh topped the list with a population density of 44,500 people per sq km, Mumbai, India’s financial capital with a population density of 31,700 per sq km was placed second.
●    Medellin in Columbia features at the third place with 19,700 people per sq km.
●    The fourth, fifth and sixth position have been occupied by Manila, the capital city of Philippines, Casablanca, the port city of Morocco and Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos respectively.
●    Kota in Rajasthan with 12,100 people per square kilometre was ranked 7th.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates India's longest bridge Dhola-Sadiya in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26 May 2017 inaugurated India's longest river bridge- the Dhola- Sadiya Bridge in Assam. 
●    This three lane 9.15 kilometre bridge has been built over river Lohit, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, that links Dhola to Sadiya in Assam.
●    The total length of the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge project, including the approach roads on each side, is 28.50 km. The length of the bridge itself is 9.15 Km.
●    It was constructed on BOT Annuity basis at a total cost of Rs 2056 crore, as a part of the Arunachal Package of Roads and Highways.
●    It will ensure 24X7 connectivity between upper Assam and Eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh.
●    The bridge will reduce the distance from Rupai on NH- 37 in Assam to Meka/Roing on NH-52 in Arunachal Pradesh by 165 KM.

The government has increased the purchase price of sugarcane from farmers

The government has increased the purchase price of sugarcane from farmers, which may result in the hike of sugar price.
●    Finance minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said that Union Cabinet approved a Rs 25 per quintal, or 10.6%, hike in the fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane to Rs 255 for 2017-18 season beginning October.
●    He has also stated that while the government had kept sugarcane FRP, that is the minimum price that sugarcane farmers are legally guaranteed for the 2016-17 season is unchanged at Rs 230 per quintal. the situation has now improved.
●    The food ministry had earlier proposed an FRP of Rs 255 per quintal for the 2017-18 season after a recommendation by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). 
●    However, State governments are free to fix their own state advised price (SAP) and millers can offer any price above the FRP.
 

Current Affairs 28th May 2017: APPOINTMENT 

Anurag Tripathy appointed as Secretary of CBSE

Senior bureaucrat Anurag Tripathy was on 25 May 2017 appointed as the Secretary of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Tripathy will serve the post for a period of five years.
●    Tripathy is a 1998 batch officer of Indian Railway personnel Service (IRPS).
●    CBSE is a Board of Education for public and private schools under the Union Government.
●    It affiliates all Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), private schools and the other schools that have been approved by the Union Government. 
• It is responsible for conducting the final examinations for Class 10 and Class 12 every year. 
●    It is also responsible for conducting JEE(Main) examination for admission to undergraduate courses in engineering and architecture. 
●    It also conducts the NEET-UG (Undergraduate) examination for MBBS and BDS.

Important Current Affairs 27th May 2017

Dear Aspirants,

Important Current Affairs 27th May 2017 in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It is useful for the preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs 27th May 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Government tweaked Startup definition

The Union Government on 25 May 2017 introduced minor changes to the startup definition, saying a business not older than seven years will now qualify for benefits under the Startup India Action Plan.
●    Earlier, companies which were not older than five years from the date of incorporation were eligible for concessions under the plan, which was announced in 2016.
●    Under the new definition, an entity shall be considered as a startup if its turnover is less than Rs 25 crore - which remains unchanged - and has not completed seven years from the date of its incorporation/registration. 
●    However, in the case of startups in the biotechnology sector, the period shall be up to 10 years.
●    It also said that an entity shall be considered as a start-up if it is working towards innovation, development or improvement of products or processes or services. 
●    It will also be called a startup if it is a scalable business model with a high potential of employment generation or wealth creation.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath launches JE vaccination drive in 38 districts of UP

Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on 25 May 2017 launched a massive immunisation drive in 38 districts of the state to eradicate Japanese Encephalitis (JE).
●    This anti-encephalitis drive was launched from Kushinagar district. 
●    This government has fixed the target of immunisation of above 88 lakh 55 thousand children in the age group of 1 to 15 years during the drive in the targeted districts.
●    The government has also involved all the voluntary and social organisations in these JE prone districts.
●    CM Yogi also launched a toll free number to get or provide any information about encephalitis. 
●    The number is 18001805544.
●    The drive will be continued till 11 June 2017.

Uttarakhand CM launches water conservation campaign

Uttarakhand CM launches Water conservation campaign The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Trivendra Singh Rawat launched a campaign on water harvesting and conservation on the occasion of Water Day on 25 May 2017 in the state’s capital, Dehradun.
●    The Minister flagged off two mechanised rath, one each for Kumaon and Garhwal regions.
●    The vans would be using audio material and related literature to broadcast information on water conservation and spread awareness in the two regions.
●    The Minister stressed that the objective of the campaign cannot be achieved without the participation of the common people.
●    The CM has urged the members to have a rainwater harvesting system fitted in their residential premises.
●    The Minister also requested the common people not to use water beyond what is sufficient to flush toilets.
●    Uttarakhand with 1.10 Cr population has around 20 lakh toilets and on an average a person there uses about 7-10 litres of water daily in the toilet.

Union Environment Ministry bans sale of cattle for slaughter

Union Environment Ministry bans sale of cattle for slaughter. 
●    The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests on 23 May 2017 came up with new regulations that ban the sale of all kinds of cattle for slaughter across India.
●    The rules were issued under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. 
●    It requires anyone purchasing cattle to provide an undertaking that the animals are bought for agricultural purposes and not slaughter.
●    The definition of cattle includes bulls, bullocks, cows, buffalos, steers, heifers, calves and camels.
●    The new rules will be implemented in the next three months.
●    The cattle trade is permitted only among farmland owners across the nation.
●    Cattle can only be sold to a person possessing documents that he/she is an agriculturist. 
●    A trader has to submit five copies of proof of sale at the local revenue office, the local veterinary doctor in the district of the purchaser, animal market committee, apart from one each for seller and buyer.

Current Affairs 27th May 2017: ECONOMY 

Mukesh Ambani's RIL tops among 58 Indian firms on Forbes Global 2000 list

Huge public companies still prospered this past year despite wild swings between market uncertainty and volatility, punctuated by unexpected political outcomes, according to the Forbes’ Global 2000 list. 
●    Despite slowing GDP figures, China and the US, whose companies make up more than 40% of the list, continue to dominate the top 10 list. 
●    ICBC, China Construction Bank, Berkshire Hathaway, JPMorgan and Wells Fargo were the top five on the list. 
●    China’s two-year stronghold of the top 3 spots was disrupted this year by the company owned by Warren Buffett . 
●    The ranking is based on a composite score from equally-weighted measures of revenues, profits, assets and market value. 
●    The 2017 list features public companies from 58 countries that together account for $35.3 trillion in revenue, $2.5 trillion in profit, $169.1 trillion of assets, and have a combined market value of $48.8 trillion.

Cabinet approves Raising of Bonds of Rs. 2360 crores for Renewable Energy 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to Raising of Bonds of Rs. 2360 crores for Renewable Energy.
●    The Bonds will be raised by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) through the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) during the 2017-18. 
●    These funds will be used by MNRE in the approved programmes/schemes for solar park, green energy corridor, generation-based incentives for wind projects, CPSU and defence solar projects, viability gap funding for solar projects, roof-top solar, off-grid/grid-distributed and decentralized renewable power, investment in corporations and autonomous bodies etc. 
●    Such timely investment would boost infrastructure in renewable sector and facilitate achievement of ambitious targets for the renewable energy sector.  
●    The resources raised would be used for developing additional capacity in renewable energy sector which would result in generation of additional employment.
●    The Government had declared additional finance mobilization of Rs. 31,300 crore bonds through NHAI, PFC, REC, IREDA and IWAI in the budget for FYT 2016-17. As a part of this, the Government had allocated Rs. 4000 crores to IREDA to raise “GOI fully serviced taxable Bonds” on behalf of the MNRE during the FY 2016-17. 
●    Out of this allocation, IREDA had raised Rs. 1640 crores as per the requirement of MNRE. The MNRE subsequently approached the Cabinet,   to approve raising  of the balance Rs. 2360 crores in the year 2016-17.
 

Demonetization move gave economy Rs 5 lakh crore advantage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move has given the economy a Rs.5 lakh-crore advantage, a high-level internal assessment report of the government on the drive has found.
●    By May 2017, the banknotes in use would have been of the value of Rs.19.25 lakh crore. 
●    However, according to RBI figures, at the end of April this year, the total amount of currency in circulation was Rs 14.2 lakh crore.
●    This means that the economy now has roughly Rs.5 lakh crore cash less than the amount it would have had if note ban had not happened. 
●    This also indicates that the amount of cash stashed away by citizens has come down.

Current Affairs 27th May 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Eating beans instead of beef would sharply reduce greenhouse gasses

The team, headed by Loma Linda University (LLU) researcher Helen Harwatt, PhD, suggests that one simple change in American eating habits would have a large impact on the environment: if Americans would eat beans instead of beef, the United States would immediately realize approximately 50 to 75 percent of its GHG reduction targets for the year 2020.
●    The researchers explained that beef cattle are the most GHG-intensive food to produce and that the production of legumes (beans, peas, etc.) results in one-fortieth the amount of GHGs as beef.
●    "Given the novelty, we would expect that the study will be useful in demonstrating just how much of an impact changes in food production can make and increase the utility of such options in climate-change policy," Harwatt said.
●    In a 10-page paper released May 12, Harwatt and her colleagues noted that dietary alteration for climate change mitigation is currently a hot topic among policymakers, academics and members of society at large. 
●    The paper, titled "Substituting beans for beef as a contribution towards U.S. climate change targets," can be found online.
●    In addition to reducing GHG, Harwatt and her team -- which included Joan Sabate, MD, DrPH; Gidon Eshel, PhD; the late Sam Soret, PhD; and William Ripple, PhD -- concluded that shifting from animal-sourced to plant-sourced foods could help avert global temperature rise.

Important Current Affairs 26th May 2017

Dear Aspirants,

Important Current Affairs 26th May 2017 in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It is useful for the preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs 26th May 2017: BOOK AND AUTHOR

President of India receives books ‘Mann Ki Baat: a social revolution on radio’ and ‘marching with a billion - analysing Narendra Modi’s government at Mid Term’

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received the first copies of books ‘Mann Ki Baat: A Social Revolution on Radio’ and ‘Marching with a Billion- Analysing Narendra Modi’s Government at Midterm’ from Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker Lok Sabha who formally released these books at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan today in the presence of Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India, Shri Arun Jaitley, Union Minister of Finance and Defence and other dignitaries. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said effective communication is important for any leader. 
●    Without having the capacity to communicate, a leader may not be able to inspire people to follow his ideas and approach. 
●    He said that undoubtedly, in the contemporary period Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is one of the most effective communicators of the times. 
●    In independent India, Prime Minister Pt. Nehru effectively propagated the values in our Constitution including secularism. 
●    Smt. Indira Gandhi mobilized public in favour of the Liberation war of Bangladesh effectively. 
●    Various initiatives taken by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have resulted in the Indian economy moving forward in a steadfast manner.

Current Affairs 26th May 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi assumes charge of Chairman of National Commission for Minorities

Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi assumed charge of the Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities in New Delhi today. 
●    After assuming the charge, Shri Rizvi said that the Commission will work for the welfare and development of minorities. 
●    Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi is a graduate in Arts and also holds Diploma in Mechanics. 
●    He served as Chairman, U.P Minority Finance Development Corporation Ltd. 
●    Shri Rizvi has been actively participating in social service. 
●    He worked for the improvement of the basic facilities and working conditions of Beedi workers and Weaver community in Uttar Pradesh. 
●    He also worked for Communal Harmony and National Integrity.

Prime Minister lays the foundation stone of the country's third Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Goghmukh, Dhemaji, Assam

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today laid the Foundation Stone of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute at Gogamukh in Assam.
●    Addressing a large public meeting on the occasion, the Prime Minister congratulated the State Government in Assam and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, for the work done by them in the State.  
●    The Prime Minister said the foundation stone of IARI laid today, had the potential to impact the entire region in a positive way in the future. 
●    He said agriculture needs to be developed in line with the requirements of the 21st century. 
●    He added that farmers must benefit from the changing technology.  
●    He stressed on the need of modern agriculture and technological interventions, keeping in mind the specific needs of the region.
●    The Prime Minister spoke of his vision of doubling farmers' incomes by 2022, the 75th anniversary of independence. 

Current Affairs 26th May 2017: COMMITTEES AND SCHEMES

Uma Bharti begins Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan

Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti today visited Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute located at Barrackpore, West Bengal during the first leg of her Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan. 
●    This institution is specialized in Fisheries Research on river Ganga. During her fortnight long tour the Minister will visit several places from Ganga Sagar to Gangotri along the river Ganga to personally monitor the progress of Namami Gange programme. 
●    During the 2500 km long tour the Minister will pass through  Kakdweep, Kapilmuni Ashram (Ganga Sagar),  Nabadweep, Murshidabad, Farraka, Sultanganj (Bhaglpur), Munger, Patna, Arrah , Buxar, Varanasi, Allahabad, Shringverpur, Fatehpur, Kanpur, Fatehgarh, Kasganj, Narrora, Bhrigu Ashram, Brijghat, Vidhurkuti, Haridwar and Uttarkashi to reach Gangotri.
●    The Minister will travel through Boat, Road, Rail, Air and on foot. 
●    During the Ganga Nirikshan Abhiyan Water Resources Minister will attend Ganga Chaupal at Cossipore ghat, Kapilmuni Ashram (Ganga Sagar), Gandhi ghat (Barrackpore), Diamond Harbour, Hooghly, Nabadweep, Murshidabad, Sultanganj (Bhaglpur), Munger, Arrah, Buxar, Shringverpur, Allahabad, Fatehgarh, Bhrigu Ashram, Fatehpur, Kanpur, Kasganj, Brijghat and Gangotri.  
●    In these Chaupals the Minister will interact with various stakeholders such as NGOs, Government agencies, other institutions and individuals to make Namami Gange programme a success.
 

Manoj Sinha launches Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Sanchar Kaushal Vikas Pratisthan Scheme

The Minister of State for Communications (IC), Shri Manoj Sinha today launches BSNL’s satellite phone service that will be offered to government agencies in phase one and later opened for others in phased manner. 
●    Shri Manoj Sinha also launched Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Telecom Skill Excellence Award Scheme and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Sanchar Kaushal Vikas Pratisthan Scheme on this occasion.
●    While launching the new service, Shri Manoj Sinha said that BSNL works there also where no one (network) is present. 
●    BSNL has played an important role in spreading communication network across the country. 
●    Global satellite phone service is modern satellite phone service. In first phase agencies handling a disaster, state police, railways, Border security forces and other government agencies will be given in the first phase. 
●    Later people while travelling in flight and on ships will be able to use it. The services will be provided by INMARSAT which has a constellation of 14 satellites. 
●    Shri Sinha said that 10,000 people from 10 States/UTs to be trained in the first phase under the scheme of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Sanchar Kaushal Vikas Pratisthan Scheme. 
●    Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Punjab and Haryana are included in the first phase. Shri Sinha also stated that the DoT to be established more than 1,000 Sanchar Kaushal Vikas Pratisthan in future under the newly launched scheme. 
●    Shri Sinha also informed that Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Telecom Skill Excellence Award will also be given the person who will perform at par excellence.
 

Current Affairs 26th May 2017: SPORTS

Union Minister Vijay Goel flags off Slum Yuva Daud

Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel here today flagged off the Slum Yuva Daud to mark the beginning of the Adopt Slum Campaign initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS). 
●    The run started from Delhi University’s Shankarlal Hall and ended at the Rugby Stadium with participation of about 5000 youngsters from various slums of Delhi . 
●    Boxer MC Mary Kom and Member of Parliament Shri Bhupender Yadav were also present on the occasion.
●    Shri Vijay Goel said, “This would enable us to gather the youth and know about their skills and ideas. 
●    We would organize mini-fests in slums with the themes of Swachhta, Digital India, BetiBachaoBetiPadao etc.” 
●    He said “We will aim at creating model slums and create groups of youth who will work as agents of change to work for the development of their respective slums/areas”.
●    Shri Goel also stated that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed for the cause of the weaker sections and we all must keep the fire burning, the fire that illuminates lives in a positive way and resolves social and economic issues. 
●    The Slum Yuva Daud and Adopt Slum campaigns aim at highlighting the government’s pro-people schemes among masses.

Manchester United beat Ajax to claim 2016–17 UEFA Europa League title

Manchester United on 24 May 2017 won their first ever UEFA Europa League title. The team defeated Ajax 0-2 to clinch the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League title.
●    It is the second major trophy of the season for the Manchester United. Their first win for the season was the 2016-17 EFL Cup.
●    Manchester United Football Club is a professional football club based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England.
●    It competes in the Premier League, the top flight of English football.
●    The team is nicknamed as "the Red Devils."
●    It was founded in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club. Its name was changed to Manchester United in 1902.
●    It is the most successful club in England, having won a record 20 League Titles, a joint-record 12 FA Cups, 5 League Cups and a record 21 FA Community Shields.

Important Current Affairs 25th May 2017

Dear Aspirants,

Important Current Affairs 25th May 2017 in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It is useful for the preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs 25th May 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Mountaineering expedition by Indian Air Force team to Mount Dhaulagiri 

An Indian Air Force mountaineering team comprising of 12 members including a lady climber was launched on a mountaineering expedition to Mt Dhaulagiri in Nepal on 15 Apr 2017.
●    Standing at 8167 M (26795 Ft) Mt Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world. 
●    The mountain's name Dhaulagiri comes from the Sanskrit word ‘dhawal’ meaning dazzling, white and beautiful and ‘giri’ meaning mountain.
●    The IAF team of mountaineers is led by Group Captain RC Tripathi who was the first 1AF air warrior to summit Mt Everest in 2005. 
●    The team reached the base camp after an arduous trek of eight days. At the base camp the team trained hard for a week to acclimatise and prepare itself for the challenge ahead. 
●    As the team was all set to start its summit attempt, a spell of bad weather forced it to literally cool its heels for almost one week.
●    Finally when the weather gods smiled on 18 May 17, the team set out on its summit attempt in two groups. 
●    The first group of three climbers led by Squadron Leader Kevin Nishant after an extremely challenging climb successfully summited the peak and hoisted the Indian and IAF flag on the summit of Mt Dhaulagiri on 20 May 17 at 1730 h. 
●    Other summiteers were Corporal Ravinder and Corporal JPS Raina along with three sherpas.

Current Affairs 25th May 2017: DEFENSE

Sanjay Mitra took charge as Defense Secretary

Sanjay Mitra took charge as the Defence Secretary on 25 May 2017. Mitra succeeds G Mohan Kumar. He is a 1982 batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre.
●    His appointment as the new Defence Secretary was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on 10 May 2017. He will have a fixed two-year tenure.
●    Earlier, he served as the Road and Transport Secretary.
●    Mitra has served as the Chief Secretary in West Bengal.
●    He also served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office of Manmohan Singh from November 2004 to July 2011.
●    He is a post-graduate in Physics and Economics. 

Current Affairs 25th May 2017: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Kiren Rijiju presents Country Statement at Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction at Cancun, Mexico 

A high level Indian delegation headed by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju is participating in the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) at Cancun, Mexico from May 22-26, 2017.
●    While presenting the Country Statement yesterday, Shri Kiren Rijiju briefed about the steps taken by India, after the adoption of the Sendai Framework. 
●    He said that in June 2016, Prime Minister of India launched the National Disaster Management Plan which aligns with the Sendai priorities. 
●    He said that, at Regional level, India had hosted the first Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction after the adoption of Sendai Framework in November 2016, which brought together more than 50 countries from the Asia-Pacific and adopted the Asia Regional Plan for the implementation of Sendai Framework.
●    The Minister said that, through strengthening statistical capacity, India is putting in place systems for monitoring progress and taking practical steps towards achievement of Sendai targets. 
●    He said that, with regards to Target A, India is analyzing the patterns of disaster mortality, both spatially and temporally, for different hazards and taking focused, urgent steps to reduce preventable deaths. 

Current Affairs 25th May 2017: DISCOVERY

Cobra lily rediscovered in Nilgiris after 84 years

The rare Arisaema translucens, more commonly known as the cobra lily, was recently rediscovered in the western Nilgiris after 84 years.
●    The discovery was made by nature enthusiasts K M Prabhu Kumar and Tarun Chhabra.
●    News of the discovery was published in a journal on botanical taxonomy Phytotaxa in May 2017.
●    Only a few hundred cobra lily plants are left in the wild and they can be found only in a small area measuring less than 10 square kilometres in the Nilgiris.
●    The plant features a distinctive translucent spathe. The species is probably the only member of the Arisaema family to have a translucent spathe.
●    It was last collected by E. Barnes in 1932 and described by C.E.C Fischer in 1933.
●    Prized for their beauty around the world, cobra lilies are at even greater risk of extinction from the commercial trade in exotic plants.
●    Of the handful cobra lily species found in the Nilgiris, only two are endemic.
●    Cobra lilies have vanished in the past decades along with the disappearance of the shola tree patches in which they were found.
●    The rediscovery of the plant highlights the importance of preserving whatever is left of shola tree patches, even inside plantations and tea fields.

Current Affairs 25th May 2017: SPORTS

P V Sindhu elected to Badminton World Federation Athletes’ Commission

Olympics silver medallist P V Sindhu on 24 May 2017 became the second Indian to be inducted in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Athletes' Commission.
●    Before Sindhu, Saina Nehwal was inducted to the Commission.
●    Sindhu emerged the highest voted player in the BWF Athletes' Commission election that took place on the sidelines of the Sudirman Cup in Gold Coast, Australia. She topped the ballot with 129 votes and will be joined by Marc Zweibler of Germany and Kristy Gilmour of Scotland for a four-year term.
●    The trio will be joined by Lithuania's Akvile Stapusaityte, who will be serving a two-year tenure after replacing China's Tan Yuanting, who retired after serving just two years on the panel.
●    Born on 5 July 1995, Pusarla Venkata Sindhu is an Indian professional badminton player.
●    At present, she ranks world no 4 in the BWF World Ranking.
●    She is one of the two Indian badminton players to ever win an Olympic medal, the other being Saina Nehwal.
●    The Badminton World Federation is the international governing body for the sport of badminton.
 

Current Affairs 25th May 2017: ECONOMY

Union Cabinet approves abolition of Foreign Investment Promotion Board

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 24 May 2017 approved the proposal to phase out the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). 
●    The proposal approved entails abolishing the FIPB and allowing administrative Ministries and Departments to process applications for Foreign direct investment (FDI) requiring government approval.
●    Hereafter, the work related to the processing of applications for FDI and approval of the Government thereon under the FDI Policy and FEMA, shall now be handled by the concerned Ministries in consultation with the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion(DIPP), Ministry of Commerce.
●    DIPP will also issue the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for processing of applications and decision of the Government under the extant FDI policy.
●    Presently, applications are considered by FIPB in Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) for making recommendation on FDI applications. But after this decision of Union Cabinet, the applications would now be handled independently by Administrative Ministries as per Sector.
 

Current Affairs 25th May 2017: SPACE

Neil Armstrong’s Moon Dust Bag to be sold at an auction

Neil Armstrong’s Moon Dust Bag will be sold at an auction at Sotheby’s auction house in New York on 20 July 2017. The announcement of the auction was made by Sotheby’s Auction House on 23 May 2017.
●    It will be up for auction along with a signed photograph of Armstrong’s companion Buzz Aldrin on the Moon and other noteworthy objects. 
●    The auction will coincide with 48th Anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the Moon.
●    The bag is expected to fetch up to  USD 4 million.
●    The bag is labelled as 'Lunar Sample Return'.
●    It is an extremely rare bag which was used by NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong to collect the first dust samples from the Moon. It contains remnants of moon dust.
●    The bag was brought back to Earth 48 years ago and is an exceptionally rare relic of humanity’s greatest achievement.
●    The bag is a collection pouch used by astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission.
●    During the Apollo 11 mission, Armstrong collected nearly 500 grams of material finer than 1 cm, as well as 12 rock fragments larger than one cm from five different locations on the lunar surface in the region known as the Sea of Tranquillity.
 

Current Affairs 25th May 2017: SCIENCE

World's largest aircraft Airlander 10 completes successful test flight

The world's largest aircraft, Airlander 10, on in the third week of May 2017 successfully completed a test flight. This brings the helium-filled behemoth one step closer to commercial use.
●    The hybrid aircraft dubbed the Airlander 10 merges technology from airplanes, helicopters and airships. 
●    The aircraft is designed to stay aloft at altitudes of up to 20000 feet for up to five days when manned. At a massive 302 feet long, it is the largest aircraft currently flying.
●    On 10 May 2017, the behemoth flew for a total of 180 minutes to test its handling, improved landing technology, among other things. It was only the third flight of the Airlander 10.
●    The manufacturer of the behemoth, Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), stated that the latest flight had two main objectives beyond safely completing a takeoff, flight and landing.
●    The first objective was to determine how the Airlander handles, including the aircraft's new, additional "landing feet" that make up the Auxiliary Landing System (ALS).
●    The second goal was to collect data on the flight's performance, such as airspeed.

Important Current Affairs 24th May 2017

Dear Aspirants,

Important Current Affairs 24th May 2017 in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It is useful for the preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs 24th May 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

J P Nadda Congratulates New WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare today congratulated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on his appointment as Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) and stated that India looks forward to working with the new Director-General of WHO to build a strong, resilient health system, especially in developing countries, to mitigate any vulnerability to health crises. 
●    Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was nominated by the Government of Ethiopia, and will begin his five-year term on 1st July 2017.
●    Earlier, Shri Nadda addressed the Plenary Meeting of the 70th World Health Assembly, at Geneva. 
●    The Union Health Minister spoke on the theme – ‘Advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: building better systems for health.’
●    “India remains committed to ensuring quality and affordable healthcare for all. We have made strategic investments under the National Health Mission and the national disease control programmes. 
●    We are committed to further strengthening the health systems,” Shri Nadda said.
●    Shri Nadda also informed the participants that the National Health Policy, 2017 lays down the roadmap for various milestones and targets. 
●    “To translate the Policy into affirmative action, we are working with the States, Union Territories, academicians and development partners. 
●    A National SDG-3 Task Force has been set up with representation of key ministries, agencies and experts,” he said.

CBDT felicitates Abhishek Verma, Income Tax Inspector at New Delhi, for India’s Gold Medal at World Championship of Compound Archery, Shanghai 

India clinched the compound team gold medal to conclude their Archery World Cup Stage 1 campaign in Shanghai on 21st May, 2017.  
●    Shri Abhishek Verma, Income Tax Inspector at New Delhi, was a member of the Indian Team that won the Gold defeating Colombia. 
●    The Indian team defeated Vietnam, Iran and USA to reach the final. The Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes, Shri Sushil Chandra felicitated Abhishek on behalf of the entire department and conveyed best wishes for an illustrious sports career. 
●    The Income Tax Department congratulates Shri Abhishek Verma on the achievement and wishes him many more successful championships. 
●    Currently ranked 5th in the World and 2nd in Asia, 27-year old Abhishek, is Number 1 in India. 
●    He is also a recipient of the prestigious Arjun Award in the field of Archery in 2014 and the Rajiv Gandhi State Award for outstanding excellence in Sports in 2007.
●    He has won laurels for the country at many International events in archery including Gold at the 12th South Asian Games (SAF Games), 2016 held in India and the 19th Asian Archery Championships, 2015 held in Thailand.  

Manoj Sinha launches BSNL’s satellite phone service and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Telecom Skill Excellence Award Scheme

The Minister of State for Communications (IC), Shri Manoj Sinha today launches BSNL’s satellite phone service that will be offered to government agencies in phase one and later opened for others in phased manner. 
●    Shri Manoj Sinha also launched Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Telecom Skill Excellence Award Scheme and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Sanchar Kaushal Vikas Pratisthan Scheme on this occasion.
●    While launching the new service, Shri Manoj Sinha said that BSNL works there also where no one (network) is present. BSNL has played an important role in spreading communication network across the country. 
●    Global satellite phone service is modern satellite phone service. In first phase agencies handling a disaster, state police, railways, Border security forces and other government agencies will be given in the first phase. 
●    Later people while travelling in flight and on ships will be able to use it. The services will be provided by INMARSAT which has a constellation of 14 satellites. 
●    Shri Sinha said that 10,000 people from 10 States/UTs to be trained in the first phase under the scheme of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Sanchar Kaushal Vikas Pratisthan Scheme. 
●    Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Punjab and Haryana are included in the first phase. 
●    Shri Sinha also stated that the DoT to be established more than 1,000 Sanchar Kaushal Vikas Pratisthan in future under the newly launched scheme.

Exhibition ‘Return of the Three Stone Sculptures from Australia to India’ begins in National Museum 

An exhibition “Return of the Three Stone Sculptures from Australia to India” has begun in National Museum, Janpath, New Delhi.  It has been organised to mark the safe return of three stone sculptures (Seated Buddha; Worshippers of Buddha; & Goddess Pratyangira) from Australia to India. 
●    These sculptures were purchased by National Gallery of Australia from the Nancy Wiener, New York in 2007 and Art of the Past, New York, 2005.
●    Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism Dr. Mahesh Sharma inaugurated the exhibition yesterday. 
●    He attended a special event at National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra, Australia in which Senator Mitch Fifield formally handed over three ancient artefacts stolen and smuggled out of India and inadvertently acquired by National Gallery of Australia.
●    Earlier, during the visit of Australian Prime Minister to India in September, 2014, the Australian government had also returned sculpture of ‘Dancing Shiva’.
●    This exhibition is important as it celebrates the return of rare heritage sculptures that were stolen from the country.

Swachh Bharat App Launched in National Museum 

“Swachh Bharat App” has been launched in National Museum under Ministry of Culture by the Minister of State (I/C) for Culture & Tourism Dr. Mahesh Sharma yesterday. 
●    The main focus of this “Swachh Bharat App” is to basically involve people actively to become part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Movement). 
●    At present, this App is available for Android Mobile phones which can be downloaded from Google Play Store. 
●    In this App the concept of Physical web is implemented. When you are in the monument or Museum it will deliver you the message about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and ask you to report the garbage around you. 
●    All you need is to enable the Bluetooth of your mobile device. 
●    Even if you did not have the App installed then also you will be delivered the message by Google about the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and which will give you the link to install the App. 
●    Once you start the App it will ask to take photograph of the garbage and write the comment and just submit. It will be reported to the authority on the backend. 

IIT-Kharagpur signs MoU with Madhya Pradesh for measuring happiness index

IIT Kharagpur’s Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness has signed an MoU with Madhya Pradesh government to collaborate on the development of a Happiness Index for measuring the wellbeing of the people of the state. The MoU was signed with MP government’s ‘Rajya Anandam Sansthan’ (Department of Happiness) in the presence of MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and IIT-KGP Director Prof P P Chakrabarti at Bhopal recently, an IIT-KGP press statement said today.
●    IIT-KGP will develop the index and analyse data collected by the state government to assess the level of happiness and chalk out recommendations that can be used to enhance happiness, the statement said.
●    IIT-KGP will also develop an online screening and assessment system in order to screen and identify suitable volunteers from the database of more than 30,000 people who have offered to be part of the collaborative exercise.
●    Satinder Rekhi, the patron of Rekhi Centre of Happiness at IIT Kharagpur, who was present at the MoU sign, agreed to provide funding for a District Happiness Centre for Jabalpur, where he studied 50 years ago.
●    The institute will also develop online courses on happiness through the evaluation system available at the Centre for Educational Technology of IIT-KGP.

Current Affairs 24th May 2017: SPORTS

Ashwin wins International Cricketer of the Year award

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was conferred the much-desired International Cricketer of the Year award at the CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) International awards 2017 on 24 May 2017.
●    The award was presented by former Indian Cricket Captain Sunil Gavaskar and Chairman of RPG Enterprises Harsh Goenka at a function held at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai.
●    The award is the player’s second one, as he had won the ICC Cricketer of the Year award in 2016 as well. 
●    With this, he has joined the ranks of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, the only two other Indian cricketers to have received the honour.
●    While receiving the award, Ashwin recalled of how he had taken his first autograph from Gavaskar himself at the Chepauk stadium in Chennai.

Current Affairs 24th May 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda resigns

Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda resigns Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' resigned on 24 May 2017, barely nine months after coming to power. 
●    He announced his resignation during a television address to the nation. Prachanda belongs to the CPN (Maoist Centre) party of Nepal.
●    It was his second term as the Prime Minister. 
●    He was elected as the 39th prime minister of Nepal on 3 August 2016 after forging an alliance with the Nepali Congress.
●    His resignation is an outcome of the power-sharing pact that was signed in August 2016 between Prachanda and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.
●    As per the pact, Prachanda will serve the term as PM for nine months and will thereafter resign to pave way for Deuba to become the next Prime Minister. 
●    The pact was to run the Nepal Government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018.

Important Current Affairs 22nd May 2017

Dear Aspirants,

Important Current Affairs 22th May 2017 in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It is useful for the preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs 22nd May 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

NDMA conducts training programme for CBRN emergencies

A training programme being conducted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) began here today to improve the preparedness of Parliament House Complex (PHC) security staff to respond to CBRN emergencies, encompassing threats emanating from the use of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and/or Nuclear (CBRN) material. 
●    The five-day training programme will train security personnel of PHC on various aspects of CBRN emergencies. 
●    Speaking on the occasion Shri R.K. Jain, Member, NDMA said, "In today's world, CBRN emergencies have become a reality. 
●    Comprehensive planning, preparedness and an effective response strategy will equip us to deal with such exigencies effectively." 
●    Underlining the need for CBRN training, Dr. D.N. Sharma, Member, NDMA, said that even small CBRN accidents can trigger immense psychological distress among people. 
●    "It is, therefore, important that our security personnel are able to deal with such eventualities holistically," said Dr. Sharma.

Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog to inaugurate National Conference of Micro Mission of National Police Mission being organised by the BPR&D

Shri Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), will inaugurate the 1st National Conference of Micro Missions of National Police Mission (NPM) here tomorrow. 
●    The two-day Conference is being organised by the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). 
●    During the conference, there will be sessions on the eight Micro Missions working under the BPR&D on issues including Proactive Policing and Visualizing Future Challenges (Extremism and Naxalism – Mob Violence – Cyber Crime – Money Laundering – Narco Terrorism – Human trafficking etc.) and Communication and Technology (Polnet – CIPA – Cyber Techniques – Forensic Science – DNA – Narco Analysis etc.). 
●    Panelists will include Shri RR Bhatnagar, DG, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Shri Krishna Chaudhary, DG, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Smt. Rina Mitra, Special Secretary (IS), MHA and Dr. Meeran C. Borwankar, Director General, BPR&D. 
●    Noble Peace Laureate Shri Kailash Satyarthi will be the Chief Guest during the Valedictory Session on May 24, 2017. 
●    NPM is working to transfrom the Police Forces in the country into effective instrument for maintenance of Internal Security and meeting challenges of the next century, by equipping them with the necessary material, intellectual and organisational resources and to create a “New Vision” for the police.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan assumes charge as Environment Minister

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Science and Technology and Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, assumed charge at the IP Bhavan here today, following the sudden and untimely demise of former Minister of State (Independent Charge) Shri Anil Madhav Dave, last Thursday.  
●    He commenced his visit to the office by first planting a sapling in the memory of Late Shri Anil Madhav Dave in the premises of IP Bhavan. He felt humbled at taking over charge of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and recalled the contribution of Late Shri Dave as a great champion of river conservation and environment.  
●    He pointed out that Shri Dave’s love for children was evident in his belief to restore our environment for our children.  “Dave ji did a great deal of work to protect our rivers, forests, ecosystem with the passion and the dedication of a true environmentalist”, he said. 
●    Dr. Harsh Vardhan recalled the words of Shri Anil Madhav Dave, who used to say, ‘If I can, so can we’. 
●    The Minister emphasised that the Ministry will always keep in mind the last wish of Late Shri Dave of environmental protection by planting, protecting and nurturing trees and of cleaning rivers and ponds.

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu launches high speed Tejas Express

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu on 22 May 2017 launched high speed, air-conditioned Tejas Express,  a premium luxury train that will run from Mumbai to Goa.
●    This luxury train boasts of several modern facilities on-board like LED TV and tea/coffee vending machine. The train will operate five days a week during non-monsoon period, and three days a week during monsoon period.
●    It encompasses ultra-modern amenities like on-board infotainment, Wi-Fi, CCTV, fire and smoke detection facilities, tea and coffee vending machine etc.
●    It is India's first premium train that is capable of running at 200 kms per hour, that is it is named as 'Aeroplane on Tracks'. However, due to constraints related to rail tracks, it will run at a speed of 160 kilometres per hour.
●    It is manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala. It has automatic entrance door, a first in non-suburban train in Indian railways. The graffiti proof and vinyl-wrapped exterior has a bright orange and yellow colour theme.
●    Tejas Express will operate between Mumbai and Karmali (Goa) for five days a week during non-monsoon period and three days a week during monsoon. It will have stops at Dadar, Thane, Panvel, Ratnagiri and Kudal stations.
●    Its executive AC chair car has 56 seating capacity and its AC chair cars has 78 seating capacity. There are 12 AC chair cars in Tejas.
●    Executive Class Fare of Tejas is Rs 2680 (with food) and Rs 2525 (without food). For AC chair car, the fare is Rs 1280 (with food) and Rs 1155 (without food).

Current Affairs 22nd May 2017: ECONOMY

Government of India announces the Sale/ Reissue of Floating Rate Bonds and Government Stock

Government of India has announced the Sale (re-issue) of:
●    “Government of India Floating Rate Bonds 2024” for a notified amount of Rs. 3000 crore (nominal) through price based auction
●    “6.79 per cent Government Stock, 2027” for a notified amount of Rs. 8,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction,
●    “7.73 per cent Government Stock 2034” for a notified amount of Rs. 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction,
●    “7.06 per cent Government Stock, 2046” for a notified amount of Rs. 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction.
●    The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on May 26, 2017 (Friday).
●    Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
●    Both competitive and noncompetitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on May 26, 2017. 
 

Current Affairs 22nd May 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Hassan Rouhani re-elected as President of Iran

Hassan Rouhani was on 20 May 2017 re-elected as the President of Iran after winning the Iranian presidential elections 2017. 
●    This will be his second term as Iran's President. Rouhani won his second term by presenting himself as the candidate of change and social freedoms that ended many sanctions.
●    Rouhani was first elected as Iran's President in 2013. He won 2013 elections by pledging to end Iran’s isolation and improve civil rights.
●    In the Iranian President Elections, Hassan Rouhani defeated his Conservative opponent Ebrahim Raisi by winning a total of 23549616 votes out of 41220131 votes. While Raeisi received around 15786449 ballots. 
●    Two other participants, who were defeated in the elections, Mostafa Mirsalim and Mostafa Hashemi won 478215 and 215450 votes respectively.
●    This year, Iran witnessed a heavy turnout in votes as more than 70 per cent of Iran’s 56 million voters casted ballots.

Current Affairs 22nd May 2017: DAYS AND DATES

International Day for Biodiversity Celebrated all over the Country

The International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) 2017 was celebrated all over the country today, by different States and various organisations. 
●    The national level celebrations of IDB were held at Dinanath Mangeshkar Auditorium, Kala Academy in Goa, with enthusiastic participation of all stakeholders. Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar was the chief guest on the occasion. 
●    In his address, Shri Parrikar stressed upon the community connect and people’s participation for Biodiversity Conservation. 
●    He also gave a message on afforestation and called for responsible development through effective and scientific pollution control system by citing the experiences of solid waste disposal of Goa, which is a model system for others to emulate. 
●    The Chief Minister inaugurated an exhibition on the theme and Green Haat, which had exhibits from 12 States including Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh besides stalls from UNDP, GIZ, Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Goa Forest Department, Goa State Biodiversity Board and NBA. 
●    Exhibits, posters and other material highlighting the role of biodiversity in sustaining livelihoods were depicted at the exhibition. 
●    Several students and others interested participated enthusiastically in the exhibition. The dignitaries too walked through the exhibition. 
●    In her opening remarks, Dr. Amita Prasad referring to the theme and key objective of the Day (Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism), highlighted the important role played by biodiversity in various economic sectors. 
●    Referring to the intrinsic linkages between biodiversity and tourism, she said that the country has succeeded in making the crucial paradigm shift from development and environment being seen as two ends of a spectrum, to having development while protecting the environment. 
●    Referring to the contribution of tourism industry in creating jobs, promoting local culture and fueling development, she highlighted the challenges and opportunities that sustainable tourism presents, while supporting nature conservation.

Important Current Affairs 21st May 2017

Dear Aspirants,

Important Current Affairs 21th May 2017 in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It is useful for the preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs 21st May 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Union Cabinet approves construction of 10 units of India’s indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors

The Union Cabinet, presided by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 17 May 2017 gave a green signal for the construction of 10 units of India’s indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR).  
●    The move aims to fast-track India’s domestic nuclear power programme and give a push to country’s nuclear industry.
●    The 10 PHWR project will result in a significant augmentation of nuclear power generation capacity. 
●    The total installed capacity of the Plants will be 7000 MW.
●    In a first of its kind project for India’s nuclear power sector, the ten new units will come up in fleet mode as a fully homegrown initiative. 
●    It would be one of the flagship “Make in India” projects in this sector.
●    At present, the installed nuclear power capacity of Indian is 6780 MW from 22 operational plants.

Union Cabinet approves pan-India implementation of Maternity Benefit Program

The Union Cabinet, presided by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 17 May 2017 gave ex-post facto approval to Pan-India implementation of Maternity Benefit Program.
●    The Program has been extended to all districts of the country with effect from 1 January 2017.
●    The Maternity Benefit Program will grant compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that the women can take adequate rest before and after delivery and not be deprived of proper nutrition.
●    The total cost of the proposal for the period from 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2020 including Union and State Governments share is Rs. 12661 crore. 
●    The Government of India’s share during the period is around Rs. 7932 crore.
●    To provide partial compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that the woman can take adequate rest before and after delivery of the first living child.

Visakhapatnam railway station cleanest, Darbhanga dirtiest

The Visakhapatnam railway station is the cleanest, followed by Secunderabad, among the 75 busiest stations in the country.
●    According to a survey, the report of which was released by railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Wednesday, the Jammu railway station occupied the third spot, while the New Delhi station was ranked at 39 among the busiest stations.
●    The survey was carried out by the Quality Council of India.
●    The Darbhanga railway station in Bihar was the dirtiest among the busiest stations.
●    Clean toilets at platforms, clean tracks and dustbins at stations were some of the criteria for judging railway stations for cleanliness.
●    This was the third survey on cleanliness done by the railways to keep a tab on rail premises as part of its ‘Swachh Rail’ campaign.
●    The Anand Vihar railway station was ranked at the 5th position, while Nizamuddin and Old Delhi stations were placed at 23th and 24th position.

BSF begins operation 'Garam Hawa' along international border

The BSF has started operation 'Garam Hawa' in the western sector in Rajasthan, under which vigil along the international border with Pakistan has been stepped up.
●    The operation, which started on Monday,will continue till May 23.
●    The operation is being conducted as chances of infiltration across the border increase during intense heatwave conditions, BSF DIG Ravi Gandhi said.
●    He said the main aim is to reinforce and strengthen the BSF's vigil along the border during the summer.
●    Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat will are also schedule to review the security situation and take stock of counter-terror operations in the Valley, which has been rocked with soaring turbulence recently besides the steady stream of ceasefire violations.
●    The visit comes in the wake of beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani Army in Poonch district earlier this month which was termed "barbaric" by India.
●    The spree in infiltration attempts, ceasefire violation, cross-border shelling along with the Valley's internal crisis has turned into a major crisis for the state government as well as the Centre.
 

Current Affairs 21st May 2017: AWARDS

Indian activists Sanjay Gubbi and Purnima Barman win Whitley Awards 2017

Two Indian activists Sanjay Gubbi and Purnima Barman on 18 May 2017 won the annual Whitley Awards, popularly known as the ‘Green Oscars’, for their works in the field of animal and bird conservation in India. 
●    These two Indians are among six global winners of the award shortlisted from 166 entries. 
●    The other winners of this year’s awards include
●    Indira Lacerna-Widmann from the Philippines
●    Ian Little from South Africa
●    Alexander Blanco from Venezuela
●    Ximena Velez-Liendo from Bolivia
●    Each winner will receive 35000 pounds prize money in project funding over one year. 
●    The Whitley Awards or Green Oscars are  rganized by UK-based  Whitley Fund for Nature to highlight grassroots leaders in nature conservation across the developing world.
●    Wildlife activist Sanjay Gubbi won the award for his work to protect Karnataka’s tiger corridors. 
●    Gubbi left his job as an electrical engineer to work with nature. 
●    In 2012, he secured the largest expansion of protected areas for conservation of tigers in state while working with Karnataka government.
 

Current Affairs 21st May 2017: DAYS AND DAYS

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2017 observed

The 2017 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was observed across the world on 21 May 2017 with an aim to bridge the gap between different cultures.
●    The Day celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
●    In December 2002, the UN General Assembly in its resolution declared 21 May as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development following UNESCO's adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001.
●    The day aims to deepen the understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance the four goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions:
●    Support sustainable systems of governance for culture
●    Achieve a balanced flow of cultural goods and services and increase mobility of artists and cultural professionals
●    Integrate culture in sustainable development frameworks
●    Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms

Current Affairs 21st May 2017: SPORTS

Indian cricket team retains No.1 spot in ICC Test rankings

India have retained the No 1 ranking in Tests after a magnificent performance in the last couple of seasons. 
●    South Africa are in second position but have cut down the deficit. 
●    In the latest rankings released by the ICC, India are on top with 123 points, followed by South Africa with 117 and Australia with 100 points.
●    Virat Kohli’s side enjoyed a magnificent 2016/17 season at home in which they secured series wins over New Zealand, England and Australia and claimed the one-off Test against Bangladesh. 
●    This extended the winning streak for India as they had secured series wins in Sri Lanka and the West Indies and beaten South Africa at home. 
●    The 2-1 series win over Australia gave Kohli’s side the unique distinction of holding bilateral series wins over all Test playing nations.

Important Current Affairs 20th May 2017

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Important Current Affairs 20th May 2017 in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It is useful for the preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs 20th May 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Kiren Rijiju to lead Indian delegation to the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction to be held at Cancun, Mexico

A high level Indian delegation headed by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju is leaving today for participating in the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) to be held at Cancun, Mexico from May 22-26, 2017. 
●    More than 5,000 delegates, including Heads of State, Ministers, CEOs, disaster experts, volunteers, representatives from science and technology sectors and academia are expected to gather in Cancun
●    GPDRR is a global forum for strategic advice, coordination, partnership development and review of progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030 which was adopted at the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in March, 2015 in Sendai, Japan. 
●    This will mark the first opportunity since 2015 that global leaders and stakeholders in disaster risk reduction will meet for the international community to review global progress in the implementation of SFDRR. 
●    It will also provide a platform for all stakeholders to galvanize their efforts in sustainable development and climate change adaptation, sharing of experiences, discussing innovative solutions, and charting out the course for an integrated approach at the international, regional, national and local levels.

Defence Acquisition Council Finalises Broad Contours of Policy to Engage Indian Private Sector in Manufacture of High-Tech Defence Equipment in India

Breaking new ground, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley, today finalised the broad contours of a policy aimed at engaging the Indian private sector in the manufacture of high-tech defence equipment in India.  
●    The policy is aimed at developing the defence industrial ecosystem in the country through the involvement of both the major Indian corporates as well as the MSME sector.
●    The policy, which was developed through extensive stakeholder consultations with Indian industry, envisages the establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with qualified Indian industry majors through a transparent and competitive process wherein the Indian industry partners would tie up with global OEMs to seek technology transfers and manufacturing know-how to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains.  
●    The policy will give a boost to the ‘Make in India’ policy in the Defence sector and set Indian industry on the path to acquiring cutting-edge capabilities which will contribute to the building of self-reliance in the vital sector of national security requirements.
●    The policy is expected to be implemented in a few selected segments to begin with, namely, fighter aircraft, submarines and armoured vehicles.  
●    In future, additional segments may be added.  Appropriate institutional mechanisms will be set in place to implement the policy.

First uterine transplant in India done successfully by Pune doctors

Galaxy Care Laparoscopy Institute (GCLI) in Pune has successfully conducted the first uterine transplant in Indian women. The surgery was done by a team of 12 doctors from the hospital under the guidance of Dr Shailesh Puntambekar. 
●    The uterus was transplanted from a 44-year-old woman from Solapur into her 21-year-old daughter, who was unable to conceive. 
●    The surgery began at around 12.30 pm and ended at 9.30 pm on 18th May. Here are few interesting facts about the first uterine transplant in India.
●    The 21-year-old woman who underwent uterine transplant was born with a condition known as Mayer Rokitansky K ster Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. 
●    It is a congenital abnormality in which there is no vagina, cervix and uterus and affects one in every 5,000 women. Here's more on born without a uterus: Can you have periods, get pregnant and other questions answered.
●    Before the surgery, both the donor and receiver has to undergo various screening tests so as to ensure that the uterus can be transplanted. 
●    For uterus transplantation, the uterus can be taken from a blood relative of the woman who is undergoing transplantation. 
●    Hence, a mother, daughter, cousin or sister can donate the uterus.

NGT bans open defecation, waste dumping on Yamuna floodplains

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 19 May 2017 banned open defecation and dumping of waste on the floodplains of the Yamuna. 
●    The tribunal also announced an environment compensation of Rs 5000 for those who violated the diktat.
●    The ban was announced by NGT bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar while hearing a plea on monitoring the implementation of the 'Maili se Nirmal Yamuna Revitalisation Project 2017'.
●    In addition to this, the bench also constituted a committee headed by Delhi Jal Board CEO to oversee the execution of work pertaining to the cleaning of the river and asked it to submit reports at regular intervals.
●    Besides, the bench also directed the Delhi government and the municipal corporations to immediately take action against industries which operate in residential areas and are a major source of pollution to the river.
●    Earlier on 1 May 21017, the apex green panel had ordered inspection of the STPs at Delhi Gate and Okhla with a view to ensuring that wastewater was cleaned before it reaches the Yamuna. 
●    It had sought a report with regard to the functioning of these plants.

Current Affairs 20th May 2017: AWARDS

Indian-American student Pranay Varada wins 2017 National Geographic Bee Competition

Pranay Varada, 14-year-old Indian-American student, on 18 May 2017 won the prestigious National Geographic Bee competition 2017. 
●    As National Geographic Bee champion, he gets USD 50000 in scholarship and other prizes.
●    He was declared the winner as he won the first tie breaker question when he correctly identified the Kunlun Mountains as the 1200 mile range that separates the Taklimakan Desert from the Tibetan Plateau.
●    Veda Bhattaram another Indian-American from New Jersey finished third at the finals, while Thomas Wright from Wisconsin was declared the runner up.
●    By winning the competition, Varada has maintained the dominance of the Indian-American community in the contest as for the past one decade, National Geographic Bee has been dominated by Indian-Americans.
●    In 2016, Rishi Nair, a sixth grader from Florida, won the contest. Varada was a runner up in 2016 National Geographic Bee.
 

Current Affairs 20th May 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Japanese Cabinet approved bill to allow Japan’s first abdication of emperor in 200 years

Japan cabinet approves bill to allow emperor to abdicate Paving the way for the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in nearly two centuries, Japan’s Cabinet on 19 November 2017 approved a bill that would allow Emperor Akihito to step down.
●    The approval will allow Emperor Akihito to hand over the Chrysanthemum Throne to Crown Prince Naruhito, 57.
●    As per reports, the government envisions December 2018 as the possible timing for his abdication, the time when the Emperor will turn 85 years old. 
●    It also says that the abdication will also mark nearly 30 full years on the throne for the emperor.
●    Japanese Royal Couple, the Emperor and Empress to visit India
●    Earlier in 2016, the Emperor, who has had heart surgery and prostate cancer treatment, in a rare public remark feared that age might make it hard for him to fulfil his duties. 
●    Akihito has sought to soothe the wounds at home and abroad of World War Two, which was fought in his father Hirohito's name, and to bring the imperial family closer to the Japanese people.
 

Current Affairs 20th May 2017: OBITUARY

Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell died

The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office said it had completed the preliminary post-mortem examination on 52-year-old Cornell but that "a full autopsy report has not yet been completed".
●    Soundgarden's current tour kicked off in late April and was planned to run through until May 27.
●    Cornell was a leader of the grunge movement with Seattle-based Soundgarden - with whom he gained critical and commercial acclaim - but also found success outside the band with other projects, including Audioslave, Temple Of The Dog as well as solo albums.
●    He was widely respected in the music industry.
●    Cornell reached success in every band line-up he was part of, his voice was memorable and powerful, and he was a skilled songwriter.
●    He collaborated on a number of film soundtracks, including the James Bond theme song for 2006's Casino Royale and The Keeper from the film Machine Gun Preacher, which earned Cornell a Golden Globe nomination.
●    Cornell also released solo albums, and Nielsen Music said as a band member and solo act, the singer sold almost 15 million albums and 8.8 million digital songs in the US.
●    The music industry mourned his sudden death online.

Important Current Affairs 19th May 2017

Current Affairs 19th May 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

CIC organises Seminar on implementation of the RTI Act

The Central Information Commission organised a seminar on the Implementation of the Right to Information Act 2005 here today. 
●    The Seminar was attended by CIC, ICs, former CICs, State ICs, NGOs and other stakeholders. The Seminar began with an address by Shri Radha Krishna Mathur, Chief Information Commissioner, Central Information Commission. Shri Mathur highlighted the efforts made in the Commission over the past year to increase the pace of disposal of pending cases putting digitisation to good use.
●    In his address, Information Commissioner, Prof. M. Sridhar Acharyulu focused on the scope of privacy of Public Servants in analysing the case of Girish R Deshpande vis-a-vis other binding precedents. Shri Sanjoy Hazarika, Director, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), highlighted the issue “RTI as a tool for more Professional journalism”. 
●    Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj touched upon the adjudication of RTI Act. Ms. Amrita Johri addressed the topic of National assessments on implementation of the RTI Act. Shri S.C. Agrawal, RTI Activist, talked about misuse of RTI Act, by the applicants based on his personal experience. 
●    Shri Venkatesh Nayak, CHRI focussed on some contradictory developments in RTI jurisprudence. Ms. Pankti Jog of Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel, touched on the initiatives taken for “Reaching the unreached citizens with RTI to allow them to participate in Governance.”

BPR&D to organise National Conference of Micro Mission of National Police Mission on May 23-24, 2017

The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), will organise the 1st National Conference of Micro Missions of National Police Mission (NPM) on May 23-24, 2017. 
●    Shri Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), will deliver the Inaugural Address. 
●    Nobel Peace Laureate Shri Kailash Satyarthi will be the Chief Guest during the Valedictory Session. 
●    Briefing the media here today, Shri Nirmal Kumar Azad, Inspector General, Head, National Police Mission, BPR&D said that during the conference, there will be sessions on the eight Micro Missions working under the BPR&D on issues including Proactive Policing and Visualizing Future Challenges (Extremism and Naxalism – Mob Violence – Cyber Crime – Money Laundering – Narco Terrorism – Human trafficking etc.) and Communication and Technology (Polnet – CIPA – Cyber Techniques – Forensic Science – DNA – Narco Analysis etc.).

Manual titled “Living conditions in Institutions for Children in conflict with Law” released by WCD Ministry

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has developed a manual titled “Living conditions in Institutions for Children in conflict with Law” as per the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 05.02.16, in the matter of Re-inhuman conditions in 1382  prisons, WP (C) 406 of 2013,  in which the Apex court had directed the Ministry of WCD to prepare a manual similar to the Model Prison Manual as being prepared by Ministry of Home Affairs that will take into consideration the living conditions and other issues pertaining to juveniles who are in Observation Homes or Special Homes or Places of Safety in terms of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
●    The objective of preparing such a Manual for children in conflict with law is to provide guidelines to the States/UTs and other stakeholders which will help them to establish institutions for children in conflict with law and providing appropriate institutional and rehabilitative services to them.        
●    The Manual has been framed within the purview of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Model Rules, 2016. 
●    The Manual puts in one place all aspects of the living conditions and other issues pertaining to children in conflict with law who are in Observation Homes, Special Homes and Place of Safety. 
●    It also lays down the processes to be followed by all concerned stakeholders while providing services to children.

Anant Geete inaugurates Test Track Facility developed by GARC

Anant G. Geete, Union Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises Minister, on 18 May 2017 formally inaugurated the Test Track Facility at Oragadam, Chennai.  
●    The test track facility is developed by Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC). The facility has been notified to issue certificates under CMVR 1989.
●    The total cost of Test tracks project is Rs. 193.25 crore.
●    The Global Automotive Research Centre is a body working under the National Automotive Testing & R&D Infra Project (NATRiP).
●    The NATRiP is the largest and one of the most significant initiatives of the Government of India in the automotive sector. 
●    It represents a unique joining of hands between the Government of India, a number of State Governments and Indian Automotive Industry to create a state of the art Testing, Validation and R&D infrastructure in India.

GST Council announces GST Rates of 1211 items

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on 18 May 2017 fixed the GST rates for specific products which may lead to lower prices for a majority of products of mass consumption.
●    Moreover, the GST Council also fixed the deadline for rolling out the GST on 1 July 2017 to create a single national market.
●    GST Rates of 1211 items were finalised by the GST council with 81 per cent of them facing a levy of up to 18 per cent. 
●    However, GST  Council has still to decide on the GST levy on gold, biscuits, packaged and branded cereals, footwear, bidis and textiles.
●    Foodgrains, cereals and milk will cost less from 1 July as the GST Council decided to exempt these daily-use commodities from the GST levy.
●    Common use products like hair oil, soaps and toothpaste will be charged with GST of 18 per cent instead of present 22-24 per cent tax incidence.
●    Milk and curd will be exempted from taxation when the Goods and Service Tax.
●    'Mithai' or sweets will attract 5 per cent GST levy.
●    Daily-use items like sugar, tea, coffee (barring instant coffee and instant tea) and edible oil will attract the lowest tax rate of 5 per cent, almost the same as current incidence. 
●    Instant tea and coffee are expected to be in a separate bracket.

Indian Army gets M777 howitzers 30 years after Bofors scandal

After a 30-year wait for new artillery guns since the Bofors scandal, the Indian Army on 18 May 2017 received the first two M-777 A-2 (Indian) ultra-light howitzers (ULH) from BAE systems of the US.
●    This is a part of an order for 145 long-range guns which will be mostly deployed on borders. The M-777 A-2 (Indian) ultra-light howitzers (ULH) having a maximum range of 30 km were being taken to Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan for test firing.
●    After firing tables are ready, three more guns will be received in the second stage in September 2018 for training. 
●    Thereafter, induction will commence from March 2019 onwards at the rate of five guns per month till complete consignment is received by mid-2021.
●    While 25 guns will come in a fly-away condition, the rest will be assembled in India by the BAE Systems in partnership with Mahindra Defence. 
●    The 155 mm, 39-calibre guns will fire Indian ammunitions.

Current Affairs 19th May 2017: PERSONS

Anshu Jamsenpa became the first Indian woman to scale Mount Everest for the fourth time

Indian mountaineer Anshu Jamsenpa created history on 16 May 2017 by becoming the first Indian woman to scale the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest for the fourth time.
●    Jamsenpa, who is a native of Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh, scaled the peak successfully along with Furi Sherpa. 
●    The same was confirmed by Dawa S Lama, the Managing Director at Dream Himalaya Adventure.
●    Lama further stated that Jamsenpa would be attempting a double ascent to make it a total of five successful climbs.
●    Jamsenpa, the mother of two teenage children, started her climb at 1.45 am on 13 May and reached the top at 9 am on 16 May to unfurl the national flag.
●    The mountaineer’s double ascent expedition from Guwahati in Assam was flagged off by the Dalai Lama, Tibetan spiritual leader, on 2 April 2017.
●    She had started the summit expedition after 38 days of acclimatisation, climbing several nearby peaks and passes, at the Everest Base Camp from 4 April to 12 May.