Daily Current Affairs, 20th May 2020

1) World Bee Day observed globally on 20th May

•World Bee Day is observed globally on 20th May every year. On this date, 20 May, the pioneer of beekeeping Anton Janša was born in 1734 in Slovenia. The purpose of the bee day is to acknowledge the role of bees and other pollinators for the ecosystem. About 33% of the world’s food production depends on bees thus they are vital for the preservation of biodiversity, ecological balance in nature and helpful in reducing pollution.

•Due to COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual event held under the theme “Bee Engaged”. The theme will specifically focus on bee production and good practices adopted by beekeepers to support their livelihoods and deliver good quality products.

2) India gives $2 million aid to UN agency for Palestinian refugees’ welfare

•India has provided USD 2 million aid for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency working for the welfare of Palestinian refugees. This aid is given for UNRWA core programmes and services, including education and health, amidst the coronavirus crisis. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) applauded India’s support to stay its basic services operating, especially under the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

•India has increased the annual contribution to the UNRWA from 1.25 million USD(Rs.9.45 crore) to five million USD (Rs. 37 crore) in 2019 and promised another 5 million USD(Rs. 37 crores) for 2020 this opens a chance for India to become a member of the agency’s advisory commission. The contribution was presented to the United Nations agency by the Representative of India (ROI) to the State of Palestine, Sunil Kumar. The UNRWA supports the Palestinians who fled and were expelled from their homes during the war in 1948.

3) Cyclone Amphan intensifies into Super Cyclone

•Cyclone Amphan intensified into a super cyclone with wind speed above 200 kmph moved further North-Northeastwards over West Central Bay. Amphan is the first super cyclone to hit the region in the last two decades since a super cyclone-hit Odisha in 1999 causing widespread damage and loss of life.

•India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain in Odisha and West Bengal under its impact. The coastal districts of Gangetic West Bengal, including North and South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, East and West Midnapore, Howrah and Hooghly will experience heavy rain.

4) Union HRD Ministry launches new mobile app “National Test Abhyas”

•The Ministry of Human Resources Development has launched a new mobile application called “National Test Abhyas”. The application was developed by the National Testing Agency.

•The application will help the candidates to take mock tests for exams such as JEE Mains, NEET, etc. The application is powered by Artificial Intelligence and therefore the students will get instant results after taking the tests. The main aim of the application is to help students during the closure of educational institutions.

5) WHO to initiate Independent Inquiry in handling of COVID-19

•The World Health Organisation will be initiating Independent Inquiry in the handling of COVID-19. In order to achieve this, the organization is to launch “Resolution on COVID-19 response”. The main aim of the review is to put an end to the international blame game in the origin of COVID-19. The resolution was taken at the 73rd World Health Assembly that was held through video conference. India was represented by the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.

•Around 116 countries backed the resolution of independent review. India backed the resolution. The idea of the resolution was initiated by Australia. However, the resolution was drafted by the European Union. China opposed the resolution.

6) China announces USD 2 billion help at WHO assembly

•China has announced to provide USD 2 billion over two years to fight the coronavirus pandemic at WHO assembly. The USD 2 billion over subsequent two years will support COVID-19 response efforts, particularly in developing countries.

•The decision comes after, when China faced growing global pressure over the lockdowns, the death toll and a huge increase in coronavirus cases that has brought the world to a standstill. WHO announced the coronavirus outbreak to be a worldwide health emergency on January 30. It declared the outbreak to be a pandemic on March 11, after the virus had killed thousands globally.

7) Lata Mangeskar sings “JAYTU BHARATAM” song for Atma Nirbhar Bharat

•Legendary singer Lata Mangeskar has sung a song titled as JAYTU BHARATAM saluting the spirit of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. She has dedicated the song to people of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

•More than 200 singers have sung the song including Anuradha Paudwal, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Shaan, Udit Narayan, Pankaj Udas, Alka Yagini, Rekha, Asha Bhonsle, SP Balasubrahmanyam, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam and Kailash Kher. Jayatu Jayatu Bharatam song has been written by renowned lyricist, poet, writer Prasoon Joshi.

8) Vice Admiral Vinay Badhwar wins Alexander Dalrymple Award 2019

•India’s Chief Hydrographer of Indian Naval Hydrographic, Vice Admiral Vinay Badhwar has been awarded the Alexander Dalrymple Award 2019. This award is given to him for his outstanding contribution to Indian hydrography and across the broader Indian Ocean region. The award was presented by the UK Ministry of Defence. The recipients of the award are selected by the chief Committee of the UK Hydrographic Office(UKHO) for his or her efforts in raising the standards of hydrography, cartography and navigation around the world.

•Vice Admiral Vinay Badhwar joined the Indian Navy in 1982. He leads the regional Capacity Building programmes of Indian Naval Hydrographic Office (INHO). In 2019, He honoured with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for “distinguished service of an exceptional order during peacetime”. He has been the member of the International Hydrographic Organisations (IHO’s) Capacity Building Sub-Committee since its creation.

9) Ruskin Bond’s new book released on his 86th birthday

•Ruskin Bond’s new book titled ‘Hop On: My Adventures on Boats, Trains and Planes’ was released on his 86th Birthday in an e-book format. The book narrates some of his memorable travel adventures on boats, trains and planes from his childhood. The book presents its readers with a number of the author’s hilarious journeys and travel adventures. The illustrations for Ruskin Bond’s new book has been done by Samrat Halder.