Current Affairs Daily Digest – May 19 2020
1. India-World Bank: Social Protection Response Programme
The World Bank and Government of India have signed agreement of 750 million USD recently. The World Bank has assured 1 billion USD assistance to accelerate India’s COVID-19 Social Protection Response Programme. It aims to protect vulnerable households that are impacted due to COVID-19 pandemic.
2. What is Baltic Travel Bubble recently in news?
The Baltic countries have opened their borders to one another creating “travel bubble”. This is being called the Baltic Travel Bubble. With the opening of the borders, the citizens and residents of the European Nations can move freely. However, people coming from outside the zone are being quarantined for 14 days. This is the first travel bubble since the lock down.
3. India participated in 73rd WHA
India participated in the 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) on 18 May. India was represented by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare through video conference. WHA addressed Global Vaccine Plan, polio eradication, and neglected tropical diseases other than COVID-19.
4. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs launches ‘Goal’ programme
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda launched the “GOAL (Going Online As Leaders)” programme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in partnership with Facebook at a Webinar in New Delhi today.
MoS , M/oTribal Affairs Ms Renuka Singh Saruta; Secretary, M/o Tribal Affairs, Shri Deepak Khandekar and senior officers of the M/o Tribal Affairs as well as representatives of Facebook were present at the launch through webinar.
5. Govt accepts Shekatkar recommendations to boost border roads projects
In a major boost to building strategic roads along India’s northern border with China, the government accepted and implemented three important recommendations relating to border infrastructure, made by the Shekatkar Committee in 2016.
The recommendations accepted were aimed at speeding up road construction in remote areas, providing easier access to the military and leading to socio economic development in the border areas.
6. Italy develops ‘iFeel-You’ bracelet for social distancing
The Genoa-based Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) has developed “i-Feel you”, an intelligent bracelet which will help users respect social distancing rules. The technology was launched at a video conference which involved the participation of Liguria governor Giovanni Toti and IIT President Giorgia Metta.
7. Facebook acquires Giphy
The social media giant Facebook just acquired Giphy— a popular website for making and sharing animated images or GIFs. Facebook and Giphy have not disclosed the cost of the acquisition, but according to news website Axios, the deal is placed at around $400 million.
8. LIBERTY Steel Appoints Mr Paramjit Kahlon as CEO for Primary Steel and Integrated Mining Businesses
LIBERTY Steel Group has announced the appointment of Mr Paramjit Kahlon as CEO, Primary Steel and Integrated Mining, LIBERTY Steel Group. This newly created role will bring together all of LIBERTY’s primary steel making and integrated mining operations into one global structure to drive synergies and operational efficiencies.
