19th May CURRENT AFFAIRS IN ENGLISH

1. 4th BRICS Ministerial Meeting held in Durban

 

The BRICS environment ministers have formed a forum to focus on key strategic global issues such as the global economy, trade, peace and security and reform of multilateral institutions.

• In a joint statement issued after 4th BRICS Ministerial Meeting in Durban, BRICS environment ministers urged developed countries to continue taking the lead and support developing countries, including the transfer of needed technology, in combating climate change.
• The meeting was a part of preparations for the forthcoming BRICS Summit scheduled for July 25-27 in Johannesburg, themed: "Strengthening cooperation amongst BRICS on a circular economy in the context of the sustainable consumption and production”.

2. International Museum Day: 18 May

International Museum Day (IMD) is an international day a celebration that held every year on or around 18 May, coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

• The event highlights a specific theme that changes every year and that is at the heart of the international museum community’s preoccupations.
• The theme for the year 2018 ‘Hyperconnected museum: New approaches, new publics’.

3. Shivangi Pathak becomes youngest Indian woman to scale Mount Everest

India's Shivangi Pathak has become youngest women of the country to scale Mt Everest from Nepal side.

• Born in Hisar of Haryana Shivangi climbed Mt Everest to spread the message that women could overcome any obstacle to achieve their goals.
• In 2014, 13 year old Malavath Poorna from India had climbed Mt Everest from Tibet side and became youngest girl in the world to summit at Everest.

4. “AYUSH” finds a place in English Language

The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology has decided to adopt the word ‘AYUSH’ in Hindi and English languages for scientific and technical purposes.

• The “AYUSH” became popular as the acronym for five traditional and complementary systems of medicine, namely Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy and successfully adopted and used in all Government communications.
• The decision follows a proposal from the Ministry of AYUSH in this regards.

5. NITI Aayog’s three day Venture Capital Symposium 2018 begins

NITI Aayog, in association with Vision India Foundation, is organising the Venture Capital Symposium 2018 to deepen the economic relationships between France and India. Following the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, 20 of the biggest French venture capital and private equity funds are coming to India to explore investment opportunities.

• The Venture Capital Symposium 2018 is a three day event where the French investors will be interacting with 100 early to mid-stage Indian start-ups.
• Four investor groups - Eren Group, Claranova, Olymp Capital and TNP - made announcements of setting up offices in India and commitments to invest in various sectors such as energy, aerospace, blockchain and Internet of Things.

6. Reserve Bank of India slaps Rs 5 cr. fine on South Indian Bank

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has slapped a penalty of Rs 50 million on South Indian Bank Limited for non-compliance with the directions issued by it.

• The non-compliance pertains to Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms, Know Your Customer (KYC) norms and treasury function.
• Further, the bank is also pulled up for deficiencies in its compliance function and compliance culture.

7. Yudhvir Singh Malik given additional charge as NHAI chairman

Deepak Kumar, the chairman of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), was sent back to his cadre state Bihar before completion of his tenure.

• Yudhvir Singh Malik, the Secretary of Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, has been given additional charge of the post of NHAI chairman.
• Kumar, a 1984 IAS officer of Bihar cadre, had taken over as the NHAI chief on June 28 last year.

8. Ambika Sharma to head USIBC India office

The U.S India Business Council named Ambika Sharma as its head for India.

• Ms. Sharma was Director General for International at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
• As Director General of FICCI, Sharma is the highest ranked female executive of an Indian industry body, the USIBC said in a statement.

9. Sridevi honoured at the Cannes Film Festival

Veteran Bollywood actor Sridevi was honoured with the TITAN Reginald F Lewis Film Icon Award at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.

• The award traditionally celebrates women of the film industry all over the world and also salute the multi-cultural impact on the world of cinema.
• Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai and producer Namrata Goyal received the award on behalf of Sridevi's family.