Current Affairs Headlines 17th &18th May 2020

Important Days

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day: 17th May

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. This day in acknowledges raising awareness of the opportunities and use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies. The theme of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day of 2020: “Connect 2030: ICTs for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.

Useful Notes for all competitive exams:

ITU Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
ITU Head: Houlin Zhao.
ITU Founded: 17 May 1865.

International Museum Day celebrated on 18 May

This day is observed globally to raise awareness about the value of Museums which are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples. The theme of the day is “Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion”.

Useful Notes for all competitive exams:

President of International Council Of Museums: Suay Aksoy.

National Current Affairs Headlines

Lockdown 4.0: Lockdown extended until 31st May 2020

The extension of the lockdown due to COVID-19 has been announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs with an official notice stating that the lockdown has been extended for a further period of 14 days i.e. 31st May 2020.

Check the details in the link given below:

MHA Orders Extension of Lockdown till 31 May- Download Guidelines

Madhya Pradesh launches Charan Paduka initiative for migrant labourers

In Madhya Pradesh, in a first of its kind of initiative, Charan Paduka campaign has been started for the migrant labourers passing through the state. Under this campaign, the migrant labourers going barefoot are providing shoes and slippers to reduce their pain.

Maharashtra govt approves formation of AYUSH task force

The Maharashtra government has approved the formation of a task force which will give recommendations to it to incorporate AYUSH treatment modalities specifically for increasing immunity against COVID-19, stated the state medical education and drug department.

Business And Economy Current Affairs Headlines

India GDP to fall 45 per cent in June quarter, predicts Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs now expects India’s gross domestic product (GDP) to contract by a record five per cent during 2020-21 against a contraction of 0.4 per cent estimated earlier.

The -5% growth forecast for FY21 would be deeper compared to all recessions India has ever experienced, it stated.

Appointments and Agreements

NRAI partners with DotPe to build tech platform

National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI) has tied-up with fintech start-up DotPe to build its own tech platform which will enable them with online payments for digital ordering, bill settlements, and contactless dining. Food-tech aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy are also able to use this. NRAI is also looking to work with social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram to provide and ordering facilities and visibility for restaurant partners who could potentially be its members.

Useful Notes for all competitive exams:

President of NRAI: Riyaaz Amlani.
NRAI Founded: 1982.
NRAI Headquartered: Delhi.
DotPe was founded by the erstwhile PayU co-founder and Managing Director: Shailaz Nag.
DotPe Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana.

Zubair Iqbal becomes new MD of Jammu & Kashmir Bank

Zubair Iqbal who was a senior vice president of HDFC Bank now has been appointed as new managing director of Jammu and Kashmir Bank for a period of three-year tenure.

Useful Notes for all competitive exams:

Jammu and Kashmir Bank Headquarters: Srinagar.
Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited was incorporated on 1st October 1938 and commenced its business from 4th July 1939 at in Kashmir (India).

Alibaba’s Jack Ma resigns from SoftBank board

SoftBank Group Corp stated that Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma will resign from its board, in the latest departure by a high-profile ally of CEO Masayoshi Son.

Books and Authors

A Book titled “Wuhan Diary: Dispatches from a Quarantined City” authored by Fang Fang

The book named “Wuhan Diary: Dispatches from a Quarantined City” authored by Chinese literary writer Fang Fang. It is a collection of online diary entries and social media posts that document 60 days of lockdown during Coronavirus pandemic.