1st May CURRENT AFFAIRS IN ENGLISH

1. World Immunization Week: 24 April- 30 April 2018

World Immunization Week 2018 is celebrated from April 24 to April 30.

• Immunization is considered to be one of the most cost-effective and successful plans in the health industry.
• World Immunization Week aims at highlighting the collective effort which is needed to ensure that every person gets protection from diseases which can be prevented from vaccines.
• Theme for the year 2018 is “Protected Together, Vaccines Work”.

2. International Buddhist Conference concluded in Lumbini

International Buddhist Conference concluded in Lumbini, Nepal, which is the birth place of Gautama Buddha.

• It was organised as part of 2562nd Buddha Jayanti celebrations.
• The basic objective of the conference was to disseminate teachings of Gautam Buddha and spread the messages of nonviolence, brotherhood, co-existence, love and peace to the international community.

3. First Ever Joint Army exercise on Malaysian Soil Commences

Exercise Harimau Shakti 2018, between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army commenced on 30 April at Wardieburn Camp, Kuala Lumpur with a brief and impressive handing over of troops ceremony.        

• Lt Col Irwan Ibrahim, Commanding officer of the 1st Royal Ranger Regiment of Malaysian Army welcomed the Indian contingent and wished the Indian and Malaysian troops for a successful and mutually beneficial joint exercise.          
• First phase of the two week long joint military exercise begin with the formal handing over of the Regimental Flag to the Malaysian Army signifying merging of the two contingents under one Commander.

4. Swachh Bharat Summer Internship

 

Following the Prime Minister’s clarion call on 2nd October 2014 for each individual to devote at least 100 hours to Swachhata through the year, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) in association with Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has launched the Swachh Bharat Summer Internship – a novel and first of it’s kind initiative.

• The internship period commences from May 1, 2018 and ends on July 31, 2018.
• The programme aims to engage millions of youngsters across the country, to encourage them to contribute to the Swachh Bharat Mission in the spirit of a true janandolan.
• Under the internship, all interns who complete at least 100 hours of sanitation related work in villages would be given a Swachh Bharat certificate.
• Those who complete the internship with additional, specified outputs would also gain 2 curriculum credits specially allowed by UGC.
• Additionally, top performers would receive awards at the College and University / District (NYKS), State and National Level.

5. Pilot scheme Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW for three years

The Government kicks off a Pilot Scheme for Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW on competitive basis for 3 (three) years under medium term i.e. from generators with commissioned projects but without Power Purchase Agreement.

• The Ministry of Power had recently issued the model bid documents, model PAPP and PPSA on 6th April, 2018. The Guidelines for the said scheme were issued on 10th April, 2018.
• PFC Consulting Limited (A wholly owned subsidiary of PFC Ltd) has been appointed as Nodal Agency and PTC India Limited as the Aggregator.
• PTC India would sign three-year (mid-term) Agreement for Procurement of Power with successful bidders and Power Supply Agreement with the Discoms.
• Under the scheme a single entity can be allotted maximum capacity of 600 MW. The Scheme assures a minimum off-take of 55 per cent of contracted capacity.
• The Tariff will be fixed for three years without any escalation.

6. Swachh Bharat Mission launches GOBAR-DHAN

Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti launched the GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources - DHAN scheme at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) Auditorium, Karnal.

• The scheme aims to positively impact village cleanliness and generate wealth and energy from cattle and organic waste.
• The scheme also aims at creating new rural livelihood opportunities and enhancing income for farmers and other rural people.
• The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) comprises two main components for creating clean villages – creating open defecation free (ODF) villages and managing solid and liquid waste in villages.

7. Maharashtra government signs MoU with British Council

 

The government of Maharashtra has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the British Council to strengthen educational and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

• Under this new agreement, British Council would be training 30,000 teachers in the English language in the state.
• The training will be funded by Tata Trusts, the Tata group's philanthropic organisation.

8. Uday Kotak redesignated as MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank

 

The board of directors of Kotak Mahindra Bank has redesignated Uday Kotak as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 May, 2018.

• Mr. Kotak was earlier executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director.
• Mr. Kotak was the only official among private banks to have a Vice Chairman designation.
• All others have MD & CEO designation.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank also said Shankar Acharya, part-time Chairman, will retire on 19th July 2018 and he is not seeking reappointment as he has completed 70-years-of-age.
• He has been director of the Bank since May 2003 and part-time Chairman since July 2006.
• The bank's board had appointed Prakash Apte, 63 , as part-time Chairman of the Bank.

9. Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Awards 2018

Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Awards 2018 were held on April 29 in Mumbai.

• Best Actor: Akshay Kumar, for Padman (Jury) and for Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
• Best Actress: Bhumi Pednekar, for Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
• Best Actress in a leading role: Sonam Kapoor, for Padman
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Rakesh Roshan
• Most Versatile Actress: Manisha Koirala
• Saraswatibai Dadasaheb Phalke Best Actress (Lifetime) award: Farida Jalal
• Best Debut Director award : Konkona Sensharma
• Best Playback Singer Male: Armaan Malik
• The Best Playback Singer Female: Neeti Mohan