Current Affairs May – 20, 2017 –  Punjab launches campaign on Hypertension

NATIONAL

Luxurious Train “Tejas” flag off between Mumbai-Goa:

The luxurious train, Tejas Express set to be running between Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Karmali in North Goa on May 22. All preparations have been done for the launch of the 20-coach train, which will have secured gangways, automatic doors, and 22 new features.

Punjab launches campaign on Hypertension:

The Punjab Health Department has launched a State-wide programme to sensitise people about hypertension and to educate them on healthy lifestyle practices. The programme was launched to mark World Hypertension Day on May 17.

Punjab State, Health and Family Welfare Minister:  Brahm Mohinder

First flight of Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 prototype-2 takes off:

The first flight of prototype-two of India’s indigenous basic trainer aircraft, Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40), was successfully took place at the HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) in Bangalore. HTT-40 will replace Hindustan Piston Trainer (HPT)-32 ‘Deepak’ that was being used by the IAF for primary training.

Maharashtra to form “Good Morning” Squad:

The Maharashtra government has decided to form “Good Morning” squads in a bid to curb open defecation across the state and also asked to check whether residents have access to toilets.

INTERNATIONAL

US announce $110 billion deal for Saudi Arabia:

The US President Trump Administration plans to announce $110 billion of sale of arm sales to Saudi Arabia.  

This deal would improve Saudi’s targeting ability, particularly in Yemen where it has been criticised for civilian deaths in its fight against Iranian-backed rebels.

Banking & Business

India FDI inflow hit record high at $60.1Bn in 2016-17:

The commerce and industry ministry reported that country Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows hit an all-time high of $60.1 billion in 2016-17 whereas $55.6 billion in 2015-16.

India Rank at 154th in Global Burden of disease index:

India has placed a 154th among 195 countries in the healthcare index. Switzerland topped the health index, followed by Sweden and Norway.

BSNL signs pacts with Facebook, MobiKwik:

    State-owned telecom operator BSNL has inked a clutch of agreements with Facebook and MobiKwik as its looks to popularise the internet and its value added services among customers.

The pacts were signed to commemorate the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Facebook, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will provide connectivity for the social network’s `Express Wi-Fi Program’.

Appointments

One-year extension for DRDO chief Dr S Christopher

The government approved a one-year extension in service to DRDO chief Dr S Christopher, an aeronautical scientist who was to retire later this month after a two-year term.

“Aisha Mughal”- First Pakistan Transgender Lecturer:

    Pakistan got its first transgender lecturer as Aisha Mughal took the charge at the government-run Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad. Aisha Mughal has been appointed as the lecturer in the department of gender in the university.

AWARDS

Assam Conservationist Purnima Barman& Wildlife Activist Sanjay Gubbi has Won the ‘Green Oscars’:

    Assam’s Purnima Barman, who known as the force behind the ‘Hargila Army’ and for her efforts for the conservation of the Greater Adjutant Stork and its habitat, has won the Whitley Awards 2017. This award is also known as the ‘Green Oscars’.

    Karnataka’s famed wildlife activist Sanjay Gubbi won the annual Whitley Awards, dubbed as the ‘Green Oscars’, for his work in the field of animal conservation in India.

Historic Events of the Day

May 20 observed as World Metrology day:

World Metrology Day is an annual celebration of the signature of the Metre Convention on 20th May 1875 by representatives of seventeen nations.

The Convention set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and in its industrial, commercial and societal applications.

Theme of 2017: Measurements for Transport