Candidates aspiring to crack bank exams, SSC exams or UPSC exams know very well, the importance of preparing for current affairs section. It consists of atleast 15-20 questions.
The easiest way to scoop up full marks in this section, is to keep a track of the important daily events. With vast information available in newspapers, it will be really tough for you to follow everything at one go.
To help you in these preparations, we are here with the daily current affairs for May 15, 2020
Landing Craft Utility Ship ‘INLCU L57’ commissioned into Indian Navy
The indigenously designed Landing Craft Utility Ship ‘INLCU L57’ was commissioned into Indian Navy in Port Blair.
- The ship was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilder and Engineers, GRSE, Kolkata.
- It is an amphibious vessel with a designated primary role of transporting and deploying main battle tanks like Arjun, T72 etc. armoured vehicles, troops and equipments from ship to shore.
- The ship is capable of carrying 160 troops and can also be deployed for multirole activities like search and rescue, disaster relief operation, supply and replenishment and evacuation from distant islands.
This is the seventh Landing Craft Utility (LCU) MK-IV class to be inducted into Indian Navy.
Indian Exports down by record 60.28% in April; Trade deficit also hits 4-year low
Due to the coronavirus lockdown, India’s exports shrinked by a record 60.28% in April to $10.36 billion while imports were down by 58.65% to $17.12 billion, as per the data released by the commerce ministry.
The nation`s trade deficit was at $6.76 billion in April compared to $15.33 billion from the previous year.This is the lowest trade deficit since May 2016.
Aatma Nirbharat Abhiyan Economic Package Day 3 announcements for Agriculture Sector made by FM
A total of 11 measures were released today with 8 relating to strengthening the infrastructure and storage facilities and 3 related to governance & administrative reforms.
- Rs 1 lakh crore Agri Infrastructure Fund for farm-gate infrastructure for farmer
- Rs 10,000 crore scheme for formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (MFE)
- Rs 20,000 crore for Fishermen through Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
- National Animal Disease Control Programme
- Setting up of Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund – Rs. 15,000 crore
- Promotion of Herbal Cultivation : outlay of Rs 4,000 crore
- Beekeeping initiatives –Rs 500 crore
- ‘Operation Greens’ From ‘TOP’ to TOTAL – Rs 500 crore
- Measures for Governance and Administrative Reforms for Agriculture Sector
- Amendments to Essential Commodities Act to enable better price realisation for farmers
- Agriculture Marketing Reforms to provide marketing choices to farmers
- Agriculture Produce Price and Quality Assurance
For detailed information on these measures, see Atmanirbhar Bharat Economic Package Set 3: Agriculture [PDF download]
Cyclone Amphan: IMD issues storm warning to Indian coastal states
Cyclone Amphan is likely to form in the southern Bay of Bengal on Saturday that will bring rain to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Odisha and West Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
- Heavy rainfall expected in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Odisha, and Bengal
- The department expects it move to the North-West (initially approaching the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coasts) but later re-curve to the North-North-East (generally towards Bangladesh-Myanmar).
World Bank approves $1 billion to support India’s fight against COVID-19
The Government of India will be provided by another $1 billion loan by the World Bank to support its COVID-19 relief measures.
- Funding will happen in two phases – $750 million (approx ₹5,600 crore will be made immediately to fund the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana)
- The second phase will provide $250 million (approx ₹1,900 crore) post July, which will fund cash benefits based on local needs through the State governments.
The bank had approved a $1 billion loan to India for supporting the health sector, last month.
Earth’s largest and hottest shield volcano found in Hawaii
Hawaii’s “Pūhāhonu” volcano is the Earth’s largest and hottest active shield volcano, as revealed by the researchers at the University of Hawai’i.
- The volcano is nearly twice as big as “Mauna Loa”, which was earlier considered the largest volcano.
- A shield volcano is mostly filled with fluid lava flows and resembles a warrior’s shield.
WTO chief Roberto Azevêdo to step down a year before his term ends
Roberto Azevêdo, the Director-General at World Trade Organization (WTO), has announced that he will step down on August 31, 2020 which is one year before his term ends.
German football league Bundesliga to start on May 16
Bundesliga becomes Europe’s first major league to resume after two-month shutdown due to coronavirus pandemic.
- The games are to be played in empty stadiums with only about 300 essential staff and officials attending.
- Players have been told not to spit, celebrate in groups or touch hands with teammates.
- The teams will not be allowed to get their photos taken before the kick-off to maintain physical distancing.
English Premier League to resume from June
The English Premier League (EPL) might resume from June 12, after the British Government cleared professional football to resume.
- EPL season was suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 33,000 deaths in UK.
- Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur likely to be the first fixture.
The British government has asked football authorities to ensure the safety of all players.
