TNPSC Daily Current Affairs and GK May 01st to 09th, 2017 (English). This covers International Affairs, National Affairs, State Affairs, Sports Affairs, Awards and Prizes and Important Days.
International Affairs
Yusra Mardini has been appointed as new Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR
Yusra Mardini, a Syrian woman who helped save a boat carrying fellow refugees, has been appointed a new Goodwill Ambassador for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to work harder for people seeking shelter from war. She is the Syrian refugee & Olympic athlete and has been granted asylum in Germany.
India's New “Muktijodha scholarship” scheme for children of freedom fighters of Bangladesh
India will give Rs 35 crore to children of freedom fighters in Bangladesh during the next five years under the new ‘Muktijodha scholarship’ scheme. As per the scheme, all freedom fighters are eligible for five years multiple entry Indian visa and 100 of them will be provided free medical treatment in Indian hospitals every year.
International permaculture conference to be held in Hyderabad
Permaculture experts from around the world will attend the 13th International Permaculture Convergence (IPC) to be held in Hyderabad from November 27 to December 2, 2017. The primary objective of IPC 2017 is to provide Indian farmers an opportunity to get inspired and learn how their current challenges can be solved using permaculture principles.
World’s highest railway bridge will come up over Indian "Chenab" River
The world’s highest railway bridge will come up over Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir (J& K), which is expected to be completed in 2019. The bridge will form a crucial link in the 111-km stretch between Katra and Banihal, which is part of the Udhampur- Srinagar-Baramu rail link project. It will be constructed at a cost of around Rs 1,100 crore in hostile terrain, will use over 24,000 tonnes of steel and will rise 359 m above the river bed. It will be designed to withstand wind speeds of upto 260 km per hour, the 1.315 km long engineering marvel” will connect Bakkal (Katra) and Kauri (Srinagar). Once completed, it will surpass the record of the Beipan river Shuibai railway bridge (275 m) in China.
27th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, Switzerland
The 27th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group has started at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland from 1st to 12th of May. During the session, India’s National Report for the UPR-III will be reviewed on May 4, 2017. Attorney General of India Mukul Rohatgi is leading the Indian delegation.
Emmanuel Macron become the youngest President in French history
Emmanuel Macron, a former civil servant and investment banker, has won the 2017 Presidential election of France and will take office on May 14, 2017. With this, he will become the youngest President in French history and the youngest French head of state since Napoleon.
India elected as the new President of Governing Council of UN-Habitat
India has been unanimously elected as the new President of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN–Habitat), an organ of the United Nations’ Organisation (UNO) that promotes socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements across the world.
2017 Multinational Military Exercise “Eager Lion” has started in Jordon
The 7th edition of multinational military exercise “Eager Lion” has started in Jordon from May 8, 2017. Approx 7,400 troops from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Arab Gulf region are taking part in the exercises which run to May 18th, including from United States, Britain, Japan, Kenya, Pakistan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
2017 Joint Military exercise “Balikatan” has started between United States and Philippines
The 33rd edition of joint military exercise “Balikatan ( or Shoulder-to- Shoulder)” has started between Philippines and the United States on May 8, 2017 at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila, Philippines.
Sohail Mahmood as Pakistan's new Envoy to India
The Pakistan government has approved the appointment of top Pakistan diplomat Sohail Mahmood as Pakistan's next high commissioner to India.Mahmood has been given visa to allow him to take over from incumbent Abdul Basit this month.Mahmood is currently working as Pakistan's ambassador to Turkey.
Dubai becomes first city to get its own Microsoft Font
Dubai city has unveiled the new font, called simply “Dubai”, designed with Microsoft's help.The government communication office says the Dubai Font integrates Arabic and Latin alphabets and is available for use in 23 languages in versions of Microsoft Office around the world. Government bodies will now begin to use the new font in their official correspondence.
World Red Cross Red Crescent Day (WRCRCD) on May 8, 2017
The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed every year on May 8 to commemorate the birth anniversary Jean Henry Dunant, the founder of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. The 2017 theme is “Less Known Red Cross Stories”.
International No diet day (INDD) is observed on May 6, 2017
The International No Diet Day (INDD) is observed every year on May 6 to promote a healthy life style and to raise awareness of the potential dangers of dieting and the unlikelihood of success. Its symbol is a light blue ribbon.
First-ever World Tuna Day (WTD) is observed by the United Nations (UN) on May 2, 2017
United Nations has marked the first World Tuna Day (WTD) on May 2, 2017 to conserve one of the globe’s most popular fish to be caught and eaten and to highlight the vital socio-economic importance of tuna to people around the world. Tuna plays a critical role in sustainable development, food security, economic opportunity, and livelihoods of people around the world.
National Affairs
GSLV Successfully Launches South Asia Satellite (GSAT-09)
India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09) successfully launched the 2230 kg South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9) into its planned Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- Launch of GSLV was its eleventh and took place from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota, the spaceport of India.
- This is the fourth consecutive success achieved by GSLV carrying indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage.
- In its oval shaped GTO, the South Asia Satellite is now orbiting the Earth.
- South Asia Satellite is a communication satellite built by ISRO to provide a variety of communication services over the South Asian region. For this, it is equipped with Ku-band transponders.
South Asia Satellite - Highlights
- Space diplomacy has touched new heights with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unique gift in the sky to South Asian neighbours.
- The gift of a communications satellite for use by neighbours at no cost has perhaps no precedent worldwide.
- The satellite, which weighs over 2 tonnes, has been fabricated in three years at a cost of over Rs. 230 crore.
- Its footprint that extends all over South Asia.
- The South Asia Satellite has 12 Ku band transponders which India’s neighbours can utilise to increase communications.
- Each country will get access to at least one transponder through which they could beam their own programming.
- The satellite will facilitate DTH television, VSAT links, tele-education, telemedicine and disaster management support. It will provide critical communication links in times of disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, floods, and tsunamis.
- Heads of Government from all the seven South Asian nations who are benefiting from the satellite, connected via video conference, in a unique celebration of the successful launch.
Anthony Lianzuala, newly appointed Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
Anthony Lianzuala, a 1982-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) Officer, took over as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA) in New Delhi on May 1, 2017. With this, he became the first person from the North-Eastern Region to hold this position.
Ganga Cleanliness Pledge Day (GCPD) observed on May 2, 2017
The Ganga Cleanliness Pledge Day (GCPD) will be observed by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) on May 2, 2017 to spread awareness and to promote active involvement of public for the Ganga swachhta abhiyan.
India’s First-ever Blind Football Academy (BFA) at Kochi in Kerala.
India’s first-ever Blind Football Academy (BFA) with full time training & rehabilitation for the visually impaired persons is expected to come up at Kochi in Kerala.
India’s most corrupt state, according to latest survey by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) is Karnataka
Karnataka is the India’s most corrupt state on the basis of people’s experience in paying bribes for public services, as per latest survey conducted by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) on corruption perception. Andhra Pradesh has acquired second position, followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. The annual corruption survey “CMS India Corruption Study 2017”, which covered 20 states, found Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Chhattisgarh to be the least corrupt.
A Nationwide “Vidya – Veerta Abhiyan” Launched
Prakash Javadekar, the Union Human Resource Development Minister, has launched Students for soldiers- a nationwide “Vidya – Veerta Abhiyan” on May 2, 2017 to encourage Universities to display portraits of Param Veer Chakra (PVC)-decorated soldiers.
Shobana Kamineni appointed as the first woman President of CII
Shobana Kamineni, executive vice chairperson of the Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, has been appointed as first Woman President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). She succeeded Dr Naushad Forbes and will hold the position for the year 2017-18.
Dr. Sanjay Pratihar chosen for the INSA Young Scientist Award 2017
Dr. Sanjay Pratihar, a scientist at Tezpur University, has been chosen for the prestigious Indian National Science Academy (INSA) medal for the Young Scientist Award for the year 2017 for his excellent contribution to multi-metal complexes, theoretical understanding, selective sensing of Hq2+ions and important applications in agriculture.
Maharashtra, Become the first Indian state to use Automated Weather Stations (AWS) for farmers
The Maharashtra government has recently launched the state’s first Automated Weather Stations (AWS) at Dongargaon in Nagpur. With this, the state has become the first Indian state to install first-of-its-kind service for farmers. Around 2,065 such weather stations will also install at the village/mandal level across Maharashtra.
Madhya Pradesh state has become the first Indian state to shift to to January to December financial year
Madhya Pradesh has become the first Indian state to announce shifting of its financial year format to January-December starting from 2018, as against the current practice of April-March cycle.
Padma Venkataraman, bestowed with the 2017 Avvaiyar Award
Padma Venkataraman, the chairperson of Women’s Indian Association (WIA) and daughter of former President R Venkataraman, has been bestowed with the 2017 Avvaiyar Award by the Tamil Nadu government for her efforts in the areas of women’s welfare and rehabilitation of leprosy-affected persons for the past 30 years.
Mallikarjun Kharge, appointed the new chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament
Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress leader, has been appointed as the new chairman of the 21-member Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament. He succeeded KV Thomas, whose term ended on April 30, 2017.
India’s first-ever private sector small arms manufacturing plant has set up at Malanpur in Madhya Pradesh
India’s first-ever private sector small arms manufacturing plant has set up at Malanpur in Madhya Pradesh in a joint venture with Israel. The purpose of the plant is to supply world class weapons to the armed forces in sync with the India’s defence indigenisation programme. The plant is a joint venture between Indian defence conglomerate ‘Punj Lloy’ and Israel Weapon Systems (IWS), which will produce four products — X95 carbine and assault rifle, Galil sniper rifle, Tavor assault rifle and Negev Light Machine Gun (LMG). The weapons will be assembled based on 100% transfer of technology.
Facebook social networking site has officially launched “Express Wi-Fi” internet services in India
Facebook has officially launched its “Express Wi-Fi” internet services in India, which are already available at 700 hotspots across Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Meghalaya. Facebook has partnered with 500 local entrepreneurs who will sell these services through vouchers that are priced ranging Rs 10-20 for a day or Rs 200-300 for a month.
Andhra Pradesh has recently become the registered proprietor of the GI tag for Banganapalle mangoe
Banganapalle mangoes, one of the most popular and finest varieties of mango from Andhra Pradesh, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) Registration Certificate by the GI Registry, Chennai. With this, the Andhra Pradesh government has become the registered proprietor of the GI tag for mangoes.
Braj Bihari Kumar has been appointed the new chairman of the ICSSR
Braj Bihari Kumar has been appointed the new chairman of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). He is the editor of quarterly journals Dialogue and Chintan Srijan. Kumar succeeded economist S K Thorat and will have a term of three years.
Dr. R. B. Barman committee has been constituted by the IBBI to lay down technical standards for performance of core services
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has constituted a technical Committee in accordance with Regulation 14 of the IBBI (Information Utilities) Regulations, 2017. The committee will be headed by Dr. R. B. Barman, who is the chairman of National Statistical Commission (NSC).
2017 India Integrated Transport and Logistics Summit was held in New Delhi
The 2017 India Integrated Transport and Logistics Summit (IITLS) was organized by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in New Delhi from May 3.
India’s First Bio Refinery plant has set up in Maharashtra
India’s first bio-refinery plant has been inaugurated by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highway Nitin Gadkari at Rahu in Pune district, Maharashtra. The plant will produce ethanol from variety of biomass.
Odisha to introduce boat ambulances in four districts
Odisha will introduce boat ambulance service in four districts where people face difficulties in getting health service.This is part of an MoU signed between the State Government and the Ziquitza Health Care.The boat ambulance service will be available in the districts of Koraput, Malkangiri, Kendrapara and Kalahandi where people face problems in availing 108 ambulance service due to intervening large water bodies in the form of rivers and dams disrupting road communication.
Sachin Tendulkar awarded "Asian Awards Fellowship" 2017
Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has become only the fourth person ever to receive The Fellowship Award since the inception of these awards seven years ago.
List of Asian Awards winners 2017 Winners:
- Asian Awards Fellowship - Sachin Tendulkar
- Chinese snooker player Ding Junhui: Outstanding achievement in sport
- Journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy: Outstanding achievement in television
- British doctor Jack Preger: Philanthropist of the year
- Sir Harpal Kumar: Outstanding contribution to the community
- Ajay Banga: Business leader of the year
- Masayoshi Son: Entrepreneur of the year award
- Nicha Dutt: Social entrepreneur of the year award
- Demis Hassabis: Outstanding achievement in science & technology
- Adnan Sami: Outstanding achievement in music
- Sunny Pawar: Rising star of the year
Prabhat Kamal bezboruah 1st non-IAS to head Tea board
Renowned tea planter from Assam Prabhat Kamal Bezboruah has been named the new chairman of the Tea Board of India.With this, Bezboruah becomes the first non-IAS to be at the helm of the Kolkata-headquartered Tea Board.Renowned coffee grower M S Boje Gowda was appointed as chairman of the Coffee Board.
Sports Affairs
Rafael Nadal won the 2017 Men’s Singles Barcelona Open Tennis Tournament
Rafael Nadal, a Spanish professional tennis player, has won the 2017 Men’s Singles Barcelona Open Tennis Tournament by defeating Dominic Thiem of Austria in the summit clash by 6-4, 6-1 in Barcelona, Spain. With this, Nadal has won the Barcelona Open singles title a record ten times.
Joshna Chinappa won the 19th edition of Women’s Asian Individual Squash Championships (AISC)-2017
Joshna Chinappa has won the 19th edition of Women’s singles Asian Individual Squash Championships (AISC) by defeating compatriot Dipika Pallikal Karthik in the women’s final at the Express Avenue Mall in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on April 29, 2017.
Mark Anthony Selby won the 2017 World Snooker Championship
Mark Anthony Selby, an English professional snooker player from Leicester, has won the 2017 World Snooker Championship by beating John Higgins 18–15 in the final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.
Indian boxer Shiva Thapa bags silver at Asian Boxing Championships
Indian boxer Shiva Thapa (60kg) had to settle for a silver medal after an injury-forced loss in the at the Asian Boxing Championships.However, with this medal Thapa became the first Indian to claim three back-to-back medals at the event.India’s last gold medal at the Asian meet had come in 2013 through Shiva, when he was competing in the bantamweight division.Prior to that M Suranjoy Singh (52kg) had won a gold medal in the 2009 edition of the Championship.
India's Vikram Malhotra wins 5th PSA Squash title
India's Squash player Vikram Malhotra won his fifth PSA (Professional Squash Association) title after beating Egypt's Youssef Ibrahim in the final of the Abu Dhabi Open.The US-based Indian won 6-11 11-4 11-3 9-11 13-11 against his opponent..
Saqib Majeed won the 2016 Wisden-MCC (Melbourne Cricket Council) Cricket Photograph of the Year
Saqib Majeed, a Srinagar based freelance photographer, has won the 2016 Wisden-MCC (Melbourne Cricket Council) Cricket Photograph of the Year. Majeed is the first Kashmiri and second Asian after Atul Kamble to receive the prestigious award. The MCC publishes a book titled ‘Wisden Cricketer Almanack’ every year, which includes best sports pictures from across the globe.
Olly Turtle the official mascot of the 22nd edition of Asian Athletics Championships 2017
The 22nd edition of Asian Athletics Championship will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, which has been scheduled to be held from July 1 to 4, 2017. Recently, the Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik has unveiled the logo and mascot of the championship. The logo depicts an athlete crossing the finishing line with historical tourist attractions of Odisha in the backdrop, while “Olly Turtle” has been declared the mascot of the Championship that represents the famous Olive Ridley sea turtle. The mascot personifies qualities like tactful planners and being cautiously wise. More than 700 athletes from around 45 Asian countries will participate in 42 sports of the tournament.
Great Britain won the 26th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2017
Great Britain has won the 26th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup by defeating Australia 4-3 in a thrilling hockey final at Ipoh, Malaysia on May 7, 2017. This victory came to Great Britain in the Azlan Shah Cup after 23 years. Australia Earlier, India outclassed New Zealand 4-0 to clinch a bronze medal in the hockey tournament.