Monthly Current Affairs 1 May – 16 May 2021 With Video Lecture [Download PDF]

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm “Tauktae” over East central Arabian Sea: Warning for Gujarat & Diu coasts

• It is very likely to move north-north-westwards and reach Gujarat coast in the evening hours of 17th & cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar & Mahuva (Bhavnagar district) during early hours of 18th May as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained surface wind speed 155-165 kmph gusting to 185 kmph.
• This cyclone is named after a highly vocal lizard in Burmese by Myanmar. It means “gecko”.
• Tropical Cyclones are named by one of the warning centres of WMO.
• Northern Indian Ocean countries began a new system of naming cyclones since 2000, where the names are listed alphabetically country wise and are gender neutral.
• WMO Panel of Tropical Cyclones has members from India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Maldives, Oman, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen – that decide the name of the cyclone.

4^th India-Swiss (Virtual) Financial Dialogue

• Shri Ajay Seth, Secretary Economic Affairs led the Indian delegation. Swiss side was led by Ms. Daniela Stoffel, State Secretary for International Finance, Switzerland.
• The Dialogue, inter-alia, covered sharing of experiences by both countries for collaboration on various aspects including investments, International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA), National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), FinTech, sustainable finance and cross border financial services.

1^st BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting

• Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Labour and Employment chaired the 1st BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting held on 11-12 May 2021 in Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi in virtual format.
• The prime agenda for the discussions were Promoting Social Security Agreements amongst BRICS Nations, Formalization of labour markets, Participation of women in labour force and Gig and platform workers – Role in labour market.
• Representatives of International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Social Security Agency (ISSA) also made valuable interventions and suggestions on the agenda issues.

India-EU Leaders’ Meeting

• At the invitation of the President of the European Council, Mr. Charles Michel, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the meeting of the European Council on 08 May, 2021 as a special invitee. The India-EU Leaders’ Meeting was hosted by Prime Minister of Portugal, Mr. António Costa. Portugal currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
• Prime Minister participated in the meeting along with the Heads of State or Government of all the 27 EU Member States. The EU+27 have met in this format only once before, with the US President in March this year. The leaders exchanged views on the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare cooperation; fostering sustainable and inclusive growth; strengthening the India-EU economic partnership as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.
• The India-EU Leaders’ Meeting was an unprecedented opportunity for discussion with all the leaders of the EU Member States. It is a significant political milestone and will further build on the momentum witnessed in the relationship since the 15th India-EU Summit in July 2020.

India-UK Virtual Summit

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a Virtual Summit with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom The Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson on 4 May 2021.
• India and UK enjoy a Strategic Partnership since 2004. It has been marked by regular high level exchanges and growing convergences in diverse areas. The Summit was an important opportunity to elevate our multi-faceted strategic ties and enhance cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both leaders also discussed Covid19 cooperation and the global efforts to fight the pandemic.
• A comprehensive Roadmap 2030 was launched during the Summit, which paves the way for further expanding and deepening India-UK cooperation over the next decade across five key areas, namely people-to-people relationship, trade and prosperity, defence and security, climate action and healthcare.

PM reviews progress of converting Nitrogen plants to Oxygen Plants

• In the nitrogen plants Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) is used whereas Zeolite Molecular Sieve (ZMS) is required for producing oxygen. Therefore, by replacing CMS with ZMS and carrying out few other changes such as oxygen analyzer, control panel system, flow valves etc. existing nitrogen plants can be modified to produce oxygen.
• On deliberation with the industries, so far 14 industries have been identified where conversion of plants is under progress.
• Further 37 Nitrogen plants have been also identified with the help of industry associations.

Government take steps to ramp up availability of Amphotericin B – to fight Mucormycosis.

• After reviewing the stock position with the manufacturers / importers, and the demand pattern of Amphotericin B the Department of Pharma, has on 11th May 2021, allocated this drug amongst the States/UTs based on expected supply that will be available from May 10 to May 31, 2021.

Statehood Day of Gujarat and Maharashtra

• On May 1st, 1960, the bilingual state of Bombay was divided into two separate states by the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960: Maharashtra for Marathi speaking people and Gujarat for Gujarati speaking people.
• Gujarat was established as the 15th state of the Indian Union.

Cabinet approves MoU between India, UK and Northern Ireland on Migration & Mobility Partnership

• The MoU is aimed at liberalizing issuance of visas promoting mobility of students, researchers and skilled professionals and strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration and human trafficking between the two sides.
• The MoU would benefit Indian students, academics, and researchers, migrants for professional and economic reasons and those willing to contribute through various projects to the economic development of both countries without consideration of caste, creed, religion or gender. This MoU can support the innovation ecosystem in both countries by facilitating free flow of talent.
• Ministry of External Affairs would closely monitor the effective implementation of the MoU through Joint Working Group mechanism.

Statement on the US support for TRIPS Waiver

• India and South Africa proposed in WTO, on 2nd October 2020, a relaxation in the norms of the agreement on TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights), to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries.
• “The Administration believes strongly in intellectual property protections, but in service of ending this pandemic, supports the waiver of those protections for COVID-19 vaccines.” US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said.

India begins exports of organic millets grown in Himalayas to Denmark

• APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), in collaboration with Uttarakhand Agriculture Produce Marketing Board (UKAPMB) & Just Organik, an exporter, has sourced & processed ragi (finger millet), and jhingora (barnyard millet) from farmers in Uttarakhand for exports, which meets the organic certification standards of the European Union.
• The exports would also support thousands of farmers that are getting into organic farming. Millets are gaining a lot of popularity globally because of high nutritive values and being gluten free also.
• At present, organic products are exported provided they are produced, processed, packed and labelled as per the requirements of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). The NPOP has been implemented by APEDA since its inception in 2001 as notified under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulations) Act, 1992.

First consignment of non-basmati rice exports from Paradip port, Odisha flagged off to Vietnam

• In a major boost to India’s rice exports potential especially from eastern region, a consignment has been officially flagged off on 03 May 2021 from the Paradip International Cargo Terminal (PICT), Odisha to Vietnam.
• Non-basmati rice exports to African and Asian countries are undertaken from various ports of India such as Kakinada, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai, Mundra and Krishnapatnam. Paradip will soon emerge as one of the major rice-exporting port of the country, Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA said.
• APEDA has promoted rice exports through collaborations with various stakeholders in the value chains. The government had set up the Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF), under the aegis of the APEDA. REPF has representations from rice industry, exporters, officials from APEDA, ministry of commerce and directors of agriculture from major rice producing states including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

IAF Covid Air Support Management Cell (CASMC)

• The IAF is operating a Covid Air Support Management Cell (CASMC) at Palam Air Base since 27 Apr 21. The primary task of the cell is to efficiently coordinate for the distribution of all the relief aid coming from foreign countries.
• The cell is operational round the clock. Resources have been coordinated to cater for surge operations which include manpower, ground handling and loading eqpt and vehicles like flat top trailers and fork lifters.
• One C-130 and two AN-32 transport aircraft are operating at Palam from 28 Apr 21 to air lift load on short notice across the country. A mock drill for such an emergency airlift was also carried out on 29 Apr 21, to streamline coordination amongst various stakeholders.
• Communication links with all important stakeholders like MoHFW, Secy COVID, Hindustan Latex Limited (HLL) and the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) have been established for seamless flow of information and to reduce time delays. A meeting with Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), Air India SATS and Air Force Movement Liaison Unit was held to streamline custom and warehousing related issues.

Asiatic Lions housed in Hyderabad zoo infected with SARS-COV2 recovering well

• On the 24th April 2021 with an abundance of caution , Nehru  Zoological  Park  (NZP),  Hyderabad shared samples (as collected from nose, throat and respiratory tract under anesthesia) with  CCMB-LaCONES for eight  Asiatic  lions  housed  in  the Zoo that had showed signs of respiratory distress. 
• Based on detailed diagnostic tests and report as shared by CCMB-LaCONES on 4th May 2021, it was confirmed that the lions have tested positive for SARS-CoV2 virus.
• The eight lions have been isolated and due care and necessary treatment has been provided. All the 8 lions have responded well to the treatment and are recovering. They are behaving normally and eating well.
• Preventive measures are already in place for all zoo staff and the zoo has been closed to visitors to avoid minimal external contact.

MoT’s 86^th Dekho Apna Desh Webinar on “Mountains to Mangroves – A Journey of 1000 Kilometers”

• In this webinar, the journey of 1000 kilometers from mountains to mangroves were focused on two of the most picturesque states – West Bengal and Sikkim.
• The marvelous journey started from the Himalayan range of mountains from Sikkim through the Queen of the hills Darjeeling to the Gangetic Plains in south across the coastal region to the world’s largest Delta which is known for the natural habitat of Royal Bengal tigers of Sundarbans.
• A journey through spirituality, breathtaking landscapes, tea gardens, trekking trails, UNESCO World Heritage site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway &Sundarbans National Park, heritage & colonial rich architectural treasures of West Bengal.

11 May 2021 – National Technology Day

• On National Technology Day, we salute the hard work and tenacity of our scientists and those passionate about technology. We remember with pride the 1998 Pokhran Tests, which demonstrated India’s scientific and technological prowess.
• In any challenging situation, our scientists and innovators have always risen to the occasion and worked to mitigate the challenge. Over the last year, they have worked industriously to fight COVID-19.

Cabinet approves MoU between Institute of Chartered Accountants India & Qatar Financial Centre Authority

• ICAI has a strong membership base of over 6000 members in Middle East and Qatar (Doha) Chapter is amongst the most vibrant Chapters of ICAI.
• ICAI members hold key positions in various private and public companies and are actively involved in development of the accounting profession in Qatar.
• This MoU will endeavour to:
• Increase opportunities for ICAI to provide professional services in the State of Qatar in the areas of assurance and auditing, advisory, taxation, financial services and allied areas.
• Nurture and develop local Qatar entrepreneurs.
• Explore the opportunities for Indian businesses in Qatar
• Collaborate on corporate governance, technical research and advice, quality assurance, forensic accounting.

REVIEW QUIZ

1. President of the European Council
2. Herman Van Rompuy
3. Charles Michel
4. Donald Tusk
5. Fredrik Reinfeldt

ANSWER: B

• India-UK comprehensive Roadmap 2030 has explained five key areas. Which among these is not one of them?
• People-to-people relationship
• Trade and prosperity
• Defence and security
• Toll-free Transport

ANSWER: D

• In the nitrogen plants Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) is used whereas ___ Molecular Sieve (ZMS) is required for producing oxygen.
• Zeolite
• Activated charcoal
• Silica gel
• None of the above

ANSWER: A

• On ____, the bilingual state of Bombay was divided into two separate states.
• 01 May 1960
• 01 May 1962
• 01 May 1964
• 01 May 1966

ANSWER: A

• Which country, along with India, proposed in WTO, on 2^nd Oct 2020, a relaxation in the norms of TRIPS agreement to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries?
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia

ANSWER: C

• India recently began exporting organic millets grown in Himalayas to which country?
• South Africa
• Denmark
• Norway
• United Kingdom

ANSWER: B

• On 24^th April 2021, the Asiatic lions of which national park were tested positive for corona virus?
• Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam
• Tata Steel Zoological Park, Jamshedpur
• Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
• Alipore Zoological Gardens, Kolkata

ANSWER: C