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INDIAN AFFAIRS
President Kovind inaugurates Global Exhibition on Services-2018
i. On 15th May, The President of India , Shri Ram Nath Kovind , inaugurated the 4th Global Exhibition on Services 2018 in Mumbai , Maharashtra. This exhibition was attended by 625 exhibitors, 500 international delegates from about 100 countries and 25 Indian states.
ii. He lauded the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Government of India, as well as the Government of Maharashtra, the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Services Export Promotion Council, for their participation in this initiative…………………………………………………………..Click here to Read more
Cabinet Approvals with Foreign Countries on May 16 2018
i. Union Cabinet has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Railways and SNCF Mobilites (a company owned by the French State) on Technical Cooperation in the field of Railways.
ii. Cabinet approves MoU between India and Morocco in the legal field
iii. Union Cabinet has given its ex post facto approval to the signing of MoU between India and Morocco in the field of mining and geology.
iv. Union Cabinet has given its ex-post-facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the India and Swaziland on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.
v. Cabinet approves MoU between India and Suriname for cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration
vi. Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Equatorial Guinea for Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine.
vii. Cabinet approves MoU on Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine between India and Colombia……………………………………………………………………….Click here to Read more
Cabinet Approvals On May 16 2018
i. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for enhancement of budget for the implementation of Network for Spectrum for Defence Servces by Rs. 11,330 crore .
ii. The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) at Bhopal ,Madhya Pradesh .It will be a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
iii. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today has approved setting up of a dedicated “Micro Irrigation Fund” (MIF) with NABARD under Pradhan MantriKrishiSinchayeeYojana (PMKSY) for an initial Corpus of Rs.5,000 crore .
iv. The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has has approved the strengthening of the mechanism for resolution of commercial disputes of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and also between CPSEs and different Government organizations & institutions.
v. The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved National Policy on Biofuels – 2018 today.
vi. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved setting up of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Deoghar, Jharkhand. With an allotment of Rs.1103 cr the AIIMS will be setup under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
v. Approval for establishing a Central University by the name of “Central University of Andhra Pradesh” in Janthaluru Village of Ananthapur District, Andhra Pradesh has been given. The initial corpus of Rs.450 cr has been made.
vi. The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved extension of Delhi Metro corridor from Noida City Centre to Sector-62, Noida Uttar Pradesh.
vii. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the proposal of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion regarding development of Trunk Infrastructure Components for Integrated Multi Modal Logistics Hub known as “Freight Village” at Nangal Chaudhary, Haryana…………………………………………………………………. Click here to Read more
CIPAM-DIPP organizes a conference on National IPR Policy
On May 16, 2018, Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) organised a conference on successful completion of two years of the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy adopted by the Government of India in New Delhi.
Highlights of conference on National IPR Policy:
i. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu, launched the IP Mascot at the event.
ii. In a bid to involve eminent personalities as ambassadors to spread awareness and importance of IP in India, an anti-piracy video featuring Mr. Amitabh Bachchan was also launched at the event.
iii. Focused sessions on women in innovation and creativity, commercialization and enforcement of IPRs were also held during the course of this conference.
Quick facts about CIPAM:
♦ Created in – 2016
♦ Operates under the aegis of – Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry
International Rail Coach Expo to be hosted by Integral Coach Factory Chennai
The first ever International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE) focusing on Rail Coaches and train sets will be held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from 17th to 19th May, 2018.
More information about International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE):
i. Objective of the expo is to bring reputed rail car, equipment builders and suppliers under one roof and create synergy for “Make in India”.
ii. The Expo will be hosted by Integral Coach Factory, in coordination with CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) and RITES Ltd.
iii. 100+ exhibitors from 10+ countries will participate in this expo.
iv. Conferences/seminars on specialized subjects on Rail Coach and Train sets will also be conducted during the course of this expo.
v. Key brands from rail coach and train sets will be displaying products and exclusive Rail Coach and train sets for the first time in India.
CM inaugurates Uttarakhand’s first City Gas Distribution system
On May 16, 2018, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated state’s first City Gas Distribution (CGD) network at Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar district.
Details about Uttarakhand’s first City Gas Distribution (CGD) network:
i. The network comprises 500 km long pipeline and ten CNG stations, one each in Jaspur, Bazpur, Khatima and Kiccha, two in Kashipur and three in Rudrapur
ii. Estimated cost for laying this pipeline is Rs 250 crore. The work will be completed by 2020 and would provide employment to 2,000 people.
iii. Uttarakhand’s first CGD network will be India’s eighth CGD system.
Quick Facts about Uttarakhand:
♦ Capital – Dehradun
♦ Current Chief Minister – Trivendra Singh Rawat
♦ Current Governor – Krishan Kant Paul
♦ Important National Park – Jim Corbett National Park
The 3rd Advance Estimates of production of major crops for 2017-18- Released by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare
On 16th May 2018, the 3rd Advance Estimates of production of major crops for 2017-18 was released by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare.
3rd Advance Estimates of production of major crops for 2017-18:
i. The assessment of production of various crops is based on the feedback received from States and validated with information from other sources.
ii. According to the 3rd Advance Estimates, the estimated production of major crops during 2017-18 is as follows:
- Foodgrains – 279.51 million tonnes (record)
- Rice – 111.52 million tonnes (record)
- Wheat – 98.61 million tonnes (record)
- Nutri/Coarse Cereals – 44.87 million tonnes (record)
- Maize – 26.88 million tonnes (record)
- Pulses – 24.51 million tonnes (record)
- Gram – 11.16 million tonnes (record)
- Tur – 4.18 million tonnes
- Urad – 3.28 million tonnes (record)
- Oilseeds – 30.64 million tonnes
- Soyabean – 10.93 million tonnes
- Groundnut – 8.94 million tonnes
- Rapeseed & Mustard – 8.04 million tonnes
- Castorseed – 1.49 million tonnes
- Cotton – 34.86 million bales (of 170 kg each)
- Sugarcane – 355.10 million tonnes
iii. Due to near normal rainfall in monsoon 2017 and several policy initiatives of the Government, India has achieved record Foodgrains production in the current year.
iv. As per Third Advance Estimates for 2017-18, total foodgrains production in the India is estimated at 279.51 million tonnes.This is higher by 4.40 million tonnes than the previous record production of foodgrain of 275.11 million tonnes in 2016-17.
v. The current year’s production is also higher by 19.33 million tonnes than the previous five years’ (2012-13 to 2016-17) average production of foodgrains.
Some important temples in India:
♦ Amarnath Temple – Jammu and Kashmir
♦ Meenakshi Temple – Madurai, Tamil Nadu
♦ Mahakaleshwar Temple – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Guwahati now has India’s first solar powered railway station
Now Guwahati has India’s first railway station run by solar power.
Guwahati now has India’s first solar powered railway station:
i. The project of installing solar panels was commissioned in April 2017. Nearly 2352 solar modules with a capacity of 700 kwp has been set up over the roof of the Guwahati railway station.
ii. The solar-powered station aims to reduce carbon-footprint and also to reduce power costs.
iii. Nearly, 6.3 lakh kg carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced from 12th April 2017 to 10th May 2018.
iv. The estimated project cost is Rs 6.7 crore. The solar power plant will save Rs 67 lakh worth of electricity.
v. The average power generation capacity per day is 2048 KW. Till now the solar panels have generated 96,669 KWH of electricity.
Some National Parks in Assam:
♦ Orang National Park
♦ Nameri National Park
♦ Kaziranga National Park
An Inter-Ministerial Task Force (IMTF) was constituted to review of existing coal sources of Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
An Inter-Ministerial Task Force (IMTF) was formed to perform a comprehensive review of existing coal sources of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) having linkages and consider the feasibility for rationalization of these sources to optimize transportation cost, keeping in mind the technical constraints.
Inter-Ministerial Task Force (IMTF) to review existing coal sources of Independent Power Producers (IPPs):
i. The recommendation of the IMTF has been approved by the Competent Authority.
ii. In Coal linkage rationalization, the coal linkage of a Thermal Power Plant (TPP) of an Independent Power Producer (IPP) may be transferred from one Coal Company to another based on the availability during the fiscal and future coal production plan of the coal company.
iii. The objective of this exercise is to reduce the landed cost of coal due to reduction in transportation cost. The savings obtained from this reduction of landed price of coal needs to be passed on to the Discom/consumer of power.
iii. This exercise is voluntary for the TPPs. It aims to reduce the distance by which coal travels.
iv. The one time process of calling for the requests of the IPP for linkage rationalization will be done jointly by CIL, SCCL and CEA in a transparent process.
v. This linkage rationalization will be considered only for IPPs having linkages through allotment route. The IPPs shall also be stating the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for which the linkage rationalization may be requested and their preferred mode of transportation after the linkage rationalization.
vi. The Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) of the rationalized source from any coal company will be signed and implemented only after the approval of appropriate Electricity Regulatory Commission.
vii. If any dispute arises, it would be resolved as per the provision of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act.
viii. The reduced landed price of coal will result in savings in cost of power generated and might reduce transportation cost of coal. It will also reduce the load on the transportation infrastructure.
Some important dams in India:
♦ Ramganga Dam – Ramganga River
♦ Nagarjuna Sagar Dam – Krishna River
♦ Kakki (Eb) Dam – Kakki River
Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, MP launches ‘Swachhata Pakhwada’ undertaken by DARPG
On 16th May 2018, Meenakshi Lekhi, MP (Lok Sabha), New Delhi and Member, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice launched the “Swachhata Abhiyan” of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
‘Swachhata Pakhwada’ undertaken by DARPG:
i. DARPG is observing the ‘Swachhata Pakhwada’ from 16th May to 31st May 2018 at its premises at Sardar Patel Bhawan, New Delhi.
ii. ‘Swachhata Pakhwada’ is being observed with an aim to renew and reinforce the concept of cleanliness in the Department.
iii. Several activities have been planned which involves the participation of the staff.
iv. Joint Secretary, DARPG, Smita Kumar said that, DARPG has implemented 100% e-office and digitised all records.
v. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh will visit the office premises on 29th May 2018 to inspect the implementation of Swachhata Action Plan.
About Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions:
♦ Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions – Jitendra Singh
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
State Startup Ranking Framework 2018 launched by DIPP
On 6th February 2018, The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion(DIPP) launched the initiative of a competitive ranking framework system called ‘State Startup Ranking Framework 2018’ . This was done to grow a sense of competition in the field of providing and promoting the startup environment in different states. This exercise included 30 states and Union Territories.
Salient Features of this exercise:
i. Two rounds of video conferencing between states and UTs with the DIPP was conducted in march and april 2018 and participated in conducting ranking awareness and workshops. 3 knowledge exchange workshops were conducted at leading incubators in the country. The workshops were organised at T-Hub, Hyderabad on 9th April, 2018, iCreate, Ahmedabad on 11th April, 2018 and Sunrise Incubation Tower, Vishakhapatnam on 16th April, 2018.
ii. With the submission in 30th april a total of 30 states and UTs were ranked and interestingly majority of the enthusiasm was from North-Eastern states .
iii. These states and UTs will be evaluated based on 38 parameters categorized into 7 areas and on a score of 100 they will be ranked. The 7 parameters are Startup Policy and implementation, Incubation support, Seed Funding, Angel and Venture Funding, Simplification of Regulations, Easing Public Procurement and Awareness & Outreach.
iv. DIPP has also appointed seven dedicated evaluation committees involving members from all relevant departments and reputed players in the ecosystem, for evaluating States’ responses in each area of intervention. The performance of the States will be dynamically presented on the State Startup Ranking dashboard hosted on www.startupindia.gov.in. The overall exercise is expected to be complete with announcement in ranking in June, 2018.
v. Following are the impacts of the initiative as per the responses of the state governments.
- Announcement of Startup Policy
- Introduction of specific incentives in State Startup policy for women lead Startups
- Constitution of State Startup nodal team
- Provision of financial support to State Incubators
- Design of guidelines for Seed Funding for Startups
- Launch of State chapters of angel networks
- Hosting discussions/workshops to identify Startups in disruptive technologies
- Conducting State Startup Yatras – a series of boot camps in colleges/ universities to generate ideas
Startup India:
It is a scheme of the government of India that was launched on 15th August 2015. It has 3 main action plans: i. Help in funding and providing incentives, ii. Simplifying the registration process and handholding, iii. Industry-academia partnership and incubation. A total of Rs.10000 cr was the pool fund . Atal Innnovation Mission was lauched under it. It also launched the MUDRA scheme to help fund the start ups and according to the recent Union budget 2018-19 the allocation target is Rs. 3 lakh crore.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
WHO launches ‘REPLACE’ to eliminate trans fat in foods by 2023
On 15th May, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a campaign called ‘REPLACE’ . It is aimed to eliminate industrially produced trans fat from global foods by 2023.
This campaign has six strategic elements that are to be implemented for it’s success.
Key Points:
i. Trans fat are used in hardened vegetables fats such as in ghee, margarine and are often present in snacks, baked foods and fried foods. These are mainly used by the manufacturers becausethey have longer shelf life .
ii . Transfat are known to cause5,00,000 death every year worldwide and is the main cause for cardio vascular disease.
iii. In light of the above effects WHO has decided to implement this campaign targeting low and middle income countries where provision for control is often weak.
iv. Denmark was the first countryto implement such restrictions and following its success New York has also eliminated trans fat a decade ago.
WHO:
♦ Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
♦ Head: Tedros Adhanom.
WHO publishes its first essential diagnostics list
World Health Organisation (WHO) has published its first ‘essential diagnostics list’, a list of tests needed to diagnose the most common conditions as well as a number of global priority diseases.
WHO’s first essential diagnostics list:
i. Objective behind publishing this list is to address the problem of people’s inability to access diagnostic services.
ii. WHO outlined that an estimated 46 percent of adults with Type 2 diabetes worldwide were undiagnosed, thereby facing serious health risks and complications.
iii. WHO’s essential diagnostics list concentrates on in-vitro tests like tests of blood and urine.
iv. tests have been enlisted for detection and diagnosis of a wide range of common conditions while 55 tests are designed for the detection, diagnosis and monitoring of ‘priority’ diseases such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, human papillomavirus and syphilis.
v. As WHO will update the essential diagnostics list on a regular basis, the list will expand significantly over the next few years, and will incorporate other important areas including antimicrobial resistance, neglected tropical diseases and emerging pathogens.
Quick Facts about World Health Organisation (WHO):
♦ Formed in – 1946
♦ Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
♦ Current Director General – Tedros Adhanom
BANKING & FINANCE
Karnataka Bank to sell part of stake in insurance co
Karnataka Bank will sell 8.26 % stake in Universal Sompo General Insurance to Dabur Investment Corporation and Sompo Japan.
Karnataka Bank will sell 8.26 % stake in Universal Sompo General Insurance:
i. This transaction is waiting for approval from Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
ii. After this transaction, Karnataka Bank’s stake in the general insurance company will reduce to 6 percent from the current 14.26 percent.
iii. Sompo Japan’s stake will increase to 34.61 percent from 28.42 percent and Dabur Investment Corporation’s stake will increase to 12.81 percent from 10.74 percent.
About Universal Sompo General Insurance:
♦ Type – joint venture between Indian Overseas Bank, Karnataka Bank, Allahabad Bank and Dabur Investment Corporation
♦ Foreign Partner – Sompo Japan
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Inflation to average around 5.1% this fiscal: Report
As per a report by HSBC inflation is set to rise further during Oct 2018 to March 2019 and could average 5.1 per cent for financial year 2018-19.
Inflation projection – HSBC:
i. This year’s projection of 5.1 per cent is higher as compared to 3.6 per cent last year.
ii. Higher oil prices, a weaker rupee, higher minimum support prices (MSPs) for agricultural commodities and more currency in circulation have been identified as factors that will fuel higher inflation.
iii. However, the report has outlined that if appropriate actions are taken now, inflation may move lower in 2019-20, and could even fall back towards the RBI’s 4 per cent target by the second half of 2019-20.
iv. It is to be noted that in April 2018, retail inflation inched up to 4.58 per cent, reversing the declining trend of past three months, while Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation also rose to 3.18 per cent on account of spike in fuel prices.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
President of India Presents National Geoscience Awards
On 16th May, the President of India Mr. Ram Nath Kovind, presented the National Geoscience Award in New Delhi.
Key Points:
i. After the commencement of the programme the President praised the geoscientists saying that with their deep understanding of landform dynamics, geoscientists have an important role to play in enhancing agricultural productivity and farmer incomes; in providing a bedrock to the Smart Cities initiative; and in helping our fellow citizens fight the challenge of water scarcityas well.
ii. He further said that India being one of the fastest growing major economies in the world. The mining and mineral sector contributes a considerable part of the GDP.It varies from 2.2% to 2.5% only but going by the GDP of the total industrial sector it contributes around 10% to 11%.
iii. To expand this sector high-quality research initiatives for sustainable, ecologically-friendly resource generation – and meaningful investment in technological innovation in the mining sector.
iv. With different reforms being taken in this sector .Steps taken by the Ministry of Mines have led to identification of promising mineral blocks in states for auction. It is local communities that must benefit from the discovery, extraction and development of mineral resources.
About National Geoscience Awards :
The award was instituted in 1966 and is an incentive of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India conducted annually . it is a means to encourage geoscientists for their contribution in the field. It consists of 3 awards: i. National Geoscience Award for Excellence: consists of cash prize of Rs. 5,00,000 and a certification ,ii. National Geoscience Awards : 19 awards are given in this category each carrying a cash prize of Rs. 3,00,000 and a certification, iii. Young Scientist Award : consists of a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000 and a certificate.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS
Gujarat Governor to hold additional charge of MP
On May 15, 2018, Gujarat Governor Om Prakash Kohli was given the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh as the incumbent Governor, Anandiben Patel is on leave.
i. In the past, Mr. Kohli held the additional charge of the office of Governor of Madhya Pradesh from 8th September 2016 to 19th January 2018.
ii. In January 2018, Anandiben, became the Governor of Madhya Pradesh.
Quick Facts about Madhya Pradesh:
♦ Capital – Bhopal
♦ Current Chief Minister – Shivraj Singh Chouhan
♦ Important National Park – Bandhavgarh National Park
Sr lawyer Mukul Rohatgi appointed as eminent jurist in Lokpal panel: Govt
On 15th May 2018, the Central Government told the Supreme Court that Mukul Rohatgi was appointed as an eminent jurist in the selection committee for appointment of the Lokpal.
Mukul Rohatgi appointed as eminent jurist in Lokpal panel:
i. Decision was taken on 11th May 2018 to appoint senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi as an eminent jurist in the selection committee, which is chaired by the Prime Minister.
ii. Mukul Rohatgi was appointed as Attorney General of India in May 2014. He resigned from the position in June 2017.
About Supreme Court of India:
♦ Chief Justice of India – Justice Dipak Misra
♦ Location – New Delhi
Shashank Manohar elected unopposed, to serve 2nd term as ICC chairman
Shashank Manohar has been elected for a second term as the independent chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Shashank Manohar – 2nd term as ICC chairman:
i. Shashank Manohar was elected unopposed as ICC chairman as he was the only nominee named by the ICC Board.
ii. Each of the ICC directors were allowed to nominate one candidate, who had to be either a present or a past ICC director. Shashank Manohar became the first independent ICC chairman in 2016.
About International Cricket Council (ICC):
♦ Purpose – global governing body for cricket
♦ Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
AQUISITIONS & MERGERS
Tata Steel to acquire Bhushan Steel through its subsidiary Bamnipal Steel
Tata Steel will be acquiring debt-ridden Bhushan Steel as its bid has been approved by National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
Details about Tata Steel’s acquisition of Bhushan Steel:
i. Tata Steel will be acquiring Bhushan Steel through its step-down subsidiary Bamnipal Steel Ltd, which will invest in Bhushan steel and acquire the controlling stake.
ii. As per the resolution plan, Bamnipal Steel will subscribe to the equity share capital of Bhushan Steel on a preferential basis at a price of Rs 2 per share, and provide additional funds in the form of inter-corporate loans of which up to Rs 9000 crore loans have an option of conversion into equity shares of BSL.
iii. These investments of Bamnipal Steel in Bhushan steel will raise Rs 35132.58 crore, which will be used to settle the existing debts of Bhushan Steel.
Quick Facts about Tata Steel:
♦ Founded in – 1907
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Tiny NASA satellite maps global ice clouds
“IceCube”, a tiny NASA satellite which is about the size of a loaf of bread has developed the first global map of ice clouds.
Tiny NASA satellite maps global ice clouds:
i. The IceCube spacecraft was deployed from the International Space Station (ISS) in 2017.
ii. It is testing instruments for their ability to make space-based measurements of the small, frozen crystals that create ice clouds.
iii. Ice clouds start as tiny particles high in the atmosphere. They absorb moisture, and become heavier. This make them to fall to lower altitudes.
iv. The ice clouds affect Earth’s energy budget by reflecting or absorbing the Sun’s energy and by affecting the emission of heat from Earth into space.
v. Ice clouds are major variables in weather and climate models. IceCube was equipped with a sub-millimetre radiometer that links the missing sensitivity between infrared and microwave wavelengths.
vi. IceCube weighs only 10 pounds. It has three-axis attitude control, deployable solar arrays and a deployable UHF communications antenna.
vii. The CubeSat spins around its axis. It points at Earth to measure and looks at the space to calibrate.
viii. It was started as a 30-day technology-demonstration mission. It still operates in low-Earth orbit, measuring ice clouds and providing data.
ix. IceCube charges its batteries when the Sun shines on its solar arrays. During the test, safeguards prevented the satellite from losing all its power and ending the mission.
x. The batteries operated the IceCube throughout night and recharged during the day. IceCube will operate for a year, and then it will reenter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up.
About National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):
♦ Headquarters – Washington, D.C., U.S.
♦ Administrator – Jim Bridenstine
SPORTS
Football Delhi to launch Pro League in October
Football Delhi has planned to launch a Pro League in October 2018 and a community league in January 2019.
Football Delhi to launch Pro League in October:
i. On 15th May 2018, Football Delhi finalised and approved the Annual Calendar of football activities for the season 2018-19.
ii. Earlier, Football Delhi, was known as Delhi Soccer Association. The new season will start in July 2018 with the Golden League (U9 & U11 league), a mixed league for boys and girls.
iii. Football Delhi will organise Futsal competitions in December 2018. It will also organise an Amateur league for A and B Division clubs in August 2018.
iv. It has also planned to launch a corporate league. It will launch a U15 School league for girls and a proper women’s football league. It will initiate a school league for private and government schools.
About Football Delhi:
♦ Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
♦ Feroz Shah Kotla
♦ Dhyan Chand National Stadium
OBITUARY
Tom Wolfe, author of ‘The Right Stuff’ dies at 88
On 14th May 2018, Tom Wolfe, a journalist and novelist, passed away after he was hospitalized with an infection, in Manhattan, United States.
Death of Tom Wolfe:
i. Tom Wolfe was 88 years old. He joined The New York Herald Tribune as a reporter in 1962.
ii. He published his important novel “The Right Stuff,” in 1979. It spoke about the first American astronauts and the Mercury space program.
Lavani singer Yamunabai Waikar passes away
On 15th May 2018, Lavani singer Yamunabai Waikar died after a short term illness, in Maharashtra.
Death of Yamunabai Waikar:
i. Yamunabai Waikar was 103 years old. She received Padma Shri award in 2012.
ii. She was popular for her Lavani sings. She was born in Satara district, Maharashtra as Yamuna Vikram Jawale.
iii. She had also worked to create awareness about water conservation during the 1972 drought in Maharashtra.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day of Living Together in Peace
May 16 is declared as International Day of Living Together in Peace by UN General Assembly,by dint of its resolution 72/130.
International Day of Living Together in Peace:
i.International Day of Living Together in Peace is celebrated to Promote Peace,Tolerance,Inclusion,Solidarity & Understanding.
ii.The Aim of Celebrating International day of Living Together in Peace is to build a world which is surrounded by peace & to enrich the quality of forgiveness and Compassion.
International Day of Light
International Day of Light is Celebrated every year on May 16th to create awareness about the primary usage of Light & to describe the importance of Light based Science & technologies.
International Day of Light:
i.The Day is celebrated as an initiative that provides appreciation of Light & the role it plays in Science,Culture,Education & Art.
ii.This day is Celebrated with an Objective to offer UNESCO and opportunity to fulfill its mission of promoting international cooperation in the basic sciences and STEM Education.
iii.The Official Inauguration Ceremony will take place at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris during which Nobel Laureated,Scientists,Industry Leaders presents the Presentations.
