1.World Metrology Day: 20 May
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Every annual year on May 20, the World Metrology Day is observed across the globe.It commemorates the anniversary of signing the famous Metre Convention in the year 1875 in Paris, France.
On this day, many nations internationally collaborate to create awareness about metrology and any advancement in the respective field.
The World Metrology Day celebrates the contribution of individuals engaged in field metrology nationally or on a global scale
The World Metrology Day 2020 theme is Global trade.
2.International Tea Day: 21 May
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International Tea Day is observed annually on May 21.The concerning resolution was adopted on December 21, 2019 and calls on the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to lead the observance of the Day.
The move could provide the much-needed push to create awareness for tea consumption.
The International Tea Day aims to raise awareness of the long history and the deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world.
Also, December 15 is celebrated as International Tea Day in tea producing nations such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, India and Tanzania. However, this was not really official and was done by an NGO.
3.World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development: 21 May
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World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed globally on 21 May every year.The day is a reminder of the world’s cultural richness and of the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
It provides an opportunity to celebrate all forms of cultural diversity and expression and to reflect on how these contribute to dialogue and development.
4.National Anti-Terrorism Day: 21 May
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May 21 is observed as Anti-terrorism day across India to commemorate the death anniversary of the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.He was assassinated on this day in 1991, by LTTE cadres in a suicide bombing attack at a rally at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.
First announced under V.P. Singh government after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, the day has been observed every year with the aim to highlight the importance of fighting with the activities of terrorism.
Rajiv Gandhi was the sixth PM of India after his mother Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984.
He served the nation as the prime minister from the year 1984 to 1989.
5.Cabinet approves Scheme for Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises
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Union Cabinet gave its approval to a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme named Scheme for Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises for the Unorganized Sector on All India basis with an outlay of Rs. 10 thousand crore.The expenditure will be shared by the Centre and the States in a ratio of 60:40.
The objectives of the scheme is to increase in access to finance by micro food processing units, increase in revenues of target enterprises, enhanced compliance with food quality and safety standards, strengthening capacities of support systems and transition from the unorganized sector to the formal sector, special focus on women entrepreneurs and aspirational districts, encourage Waste to Wealth activities and focus on minor forest produce in tribal districts.
Scheme will be implemented over a five-year period from 2020-21 to 2024-25 and two lakh micro-enterprises are to be assisted with credit linked subsidies.
6.Union HRD Minister launches IGNOU’s Online MA Hindi Programme
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Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has launched IGNOU’s Online Programme, MA (Hindi) through Facebook Live session.This would strengthen our ‘Padhe India’ Online initiative and commended IGNOU’s role in promoting online education.
He stressed on the role Hindi language plays not in India but in other countries including Mauritius, Fiji, Surinam etc.
Apart from MA in Hindi, the university has also launched programmes in MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies, BA in Tourism Studies, certificate course in Arabic, certificate in information technology, certificate programme in Library and Information Science.
The session was broadcast live through IGNOU’s Gyan Darshan TV Channel, Gyan Dhara, and Facebook page.
7.Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
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The Union Cabinet has approved Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.The scheme aims to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in the country.
It will be implemented at a total investment over Rs. 20 thousand crore .
The investment will comprise a Central share of nine thousand 407 crore rupees, State share of Rs. 4,880 crore and beneficiaries’ share of Rs 5,763 crore.
The scheme will be implemented during a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
It will create direct employment opportunities to about 15 lakh fishers, fish farmers, fish vendors and other rural and urban populations in fishing.
The scheme will also help in doubling the incomes of fish farmers and fish workers by 2024.
8.Cabinet approved extension of Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana up to 31st March, 2023
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Union Cabinet has approved extension of Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, PMVVY for the welfare of and to enable old age income security for senior citizens.The scheme has been extended up to 31st March, 2023 for a further period of three years beyond 31st March, 2020.
Cabinet to allow initially an assured rate of return of 7.40 per cent per annum for the year 2020-21 per annum and thereafter to be reset every year.
PMVVY is a social security scheme for senior citizens intended to give an assured minimum pension to them based on an assured return on the purchase price or subion amount.
9.UP govt launches ‘Startup Fund’ to encourage youth for entrepreneurship
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Uttar Pradesh government has launched the ‘Uttar Pradesh Startup Fund’ to encourage the youth of the state for entrepreneurship.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath handed over the first installment of 15 crore rupees to Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) at a function in Lucknow.
A MoU has been signed between the state government and SIDBI as a step in this direction, which will further strengthen the possibilities of job creation in the state.
10.Rural Livelihood Mission begins Didi Vehicle Service for safe delivery of rural women
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In the tribal-dominated Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh, the women of Rural Livelihood Mission have started Didi Vehicle Service for rural women for safe delivery. This vehicle service is completely free.Women of Rural Livelihood Mission have started this service for 29 villages of 10 Gram Panchayats of Petlawad development block of Jhabua.
The women are bearing the expenses of Didi vehicle service through the interest, they earn on their savings.
At a time of COVID-19 outbreak, when vehicles are not available for free even in cities, Didi vehicle service is proving to be a lifeline for pregnant rural women in tribal areas.
11.Centre launches scheme for 100% solarization of Konark Sun Temple & Konark town in Odisha
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Union Government has launched a scheme for 100 per cent solarization of Konark Sun Temple and Konark town in Odisha.The scheme is launched with an objective to take forward the Prime Minister’s vision to develop the historical Sun Temple town of Konark as Surya Nagri.
The scheme envisages setting up of 10 Megawatt grid connected solar projects and various solar off-grid applications like solar trees and solar drinking water kiosks.
25 crore rupees has been earmarked for this project.
The Scheme will meet all the energy requirements of Konark town with solar energy.
12.Flipkart ties up with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance for digital motor cover
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Flipkart and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company have partnered to offer a digital motor insurance policy to customers of the e-commerce major.
- Consumers can buy this motor-insurance policy using their Flipkart app.
- This partnership between the insurance company and an e-commerce major, will provide seamless, accessible as well as flexible insurance solutions to the customers of Flipkart in order to safeguard their vehicles.
- With this partnership, the Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company will have a wider distribution base on the e-commerce platform, hence enabling it to offer best in class services to the customers of Flipkart by offering them suitable solutions.
