Current Affairs Daily Digest – May 17 2020
1. Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal launched set of 7 titles on Psycho-Social impact of pandemic and lockdown and how to Cope With
Union Minister of Human Resource and Development Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched a set of seven titles on “Psycho-Social impact of pandemic & lockdown and how to Cope With” by NBT, India. The titles are placed under the corona studies series of NBT. NBT brought out a remarkable and unparalleled set of books that will serve as guides to the mental well-being of people at large.
2. GoI, AIIB signed a loan agreement for a USD 145 million project to improve irrigation services
The Government of India (GoI), West Bengal state government, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) signed a loan agreement for a $145 million project. The main objective is to improve flood management and irrigation services in the Damodar Valley Command Area (DVCA) in West Bengal state.
3. International Day of Light is observed on 16 May
International Day of Light is observed on 16 May. The day marks the 60th anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by Theodore Maiman, the physicist, and engineer. The day aims to raise awareness about the important role played by all the light-based technologies in the lives of people in areas of education, art, and culture sustainable development, science & technology, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy.
4. Sikkim celebrates 45th State Day
Sikkim Government celebrates its 45th Statehood Day. Every year Sikkim celebrates its State Day in May 16 as the state came into existence on this day in 1975. After India became independent in 1947, Sikkim continued to enjoy the protectorate status with the republic of India. However, in 1973, anti-royalist riots occurred in the state. The monarch was eventually deposed in 1975. A referendum led to the state joining India.
5. ENAM succeeds touching milestone of 1000 Mandis
The ENAM initiative is spread across 18 states and three union territories currently. The Government of India recently added 38 Mandi to the initiative and has reached its set target of 1000 Mandis.
Recently, the Government of India linked 200 Mandis to ENAM and another 117 in a short duration after this. Adding 38 more Mandis to the network, ENAM has achieved its set target of integrating 1000 mandis. Out of these 38 mandis, 19 were from Madhya Pradesh, four from Maharashtra, 10 from Telangana and one each from Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala.
6. Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana to be launched by Chhattisgarh
The Chhattisgarh State Government is to launch the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana. The scheme is to be launched on May 21, 2020. The scheme is being launched to commemorate the death anniversary of the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
7. World Bank approves 1 billion USD to India
The World Bank approved 1 billion USD aid to India to accelerate “India’s COVID-19 Special Protection Response Programme”. The fund will be used to provide social assistance to poor, severely impacted and vulnerable households.
8. Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana completes 4 years of success
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana was launched in May 2016. The scheme has successfully completed four years of its implementation. Under the scheme free cylinders were provided. Around 2.66 crore free cylinders were already delivered and 3.05 crore free cylinders have been booked.
9. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day May 17
The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.
Theme – “Connect 2030: ICTs for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”
10. Former Miss America, sportscasting pioneer Phyllis Ann George has passed away: reports
Phyllis George, the former Miss Texas won the national title of Miss America in Atlantic City on Sept. 12, 1970, having the crown placed on her head by the former Miss America. She was 70.
