26 May 2016 – Daily Current Affairs

Pinarayi Vijayan elected as Kerala Chief Minister

On 25^th May 2016, Veteran Leader of CPI-M Pinarayi Vijayan was elected as the Kerala Chief Minister. His oath was administered by Governor of Kerala P Sathasivam and the secretary along with 18 other ministers of the office in Thiruvananthapuram. Vijayan won the KLA (Kerala Legislative Assembly) election 2016 from the Dharmadom constituency. Apart from him, the other ministers who were sworn included 4 from CPI and 3 from JD(S), Congress(S) and NCP. The BJP won this election in Kerala for first time. Pinarayi is a CPI (Communist Party of India, Marxist) member and was elected as a Politburo member in 2002.

EHS (Eclat Health Solutions) and Telangana Government sign MoU for investing $15 million

On 24^th May 2016, the US-based (healthcare) tech organization EHS (Eclat Health Solutions) and Telangana Government signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) for investing $15 million. This investment will be for improving the healthcare facilities across Telangana’s tier two cities. Apart from this agreement, the government of Telangana also signed another agreement with Afi Hasan, Safye Holdings’ CEO and Chairman of the Genesis Pharmaceuticals, Monif Matouk. Both the signing of these MoUs took place in Indianapolis, USA in presence of KTR Rao (Telangana IT and Industries Minister).

Engineer from US, Frances Arnold became the first woman ever to win the Millennium Technology Award

On 24^th May 2016, noted innovation and engineer from America Frances Arnold was awarded with the MTP (Millenium Technology Prize), 2016. The MTP is among the largest and most renowned technology award across the globe. Since its inception 12 years back, Arnold became the first women ever to win this prize. The prize was declared by TAF (Technology Academy Finland) and the prize amount is one million euros.  Arnold is a biochemical expert and received the prize for her significant discoveries that lead to the initiation of directed evolution field, mimicking natural evolution process for creating newer and more enhanced proteins in labs.

UNEP released report: Actions on Air Quality

On 24^th May 2016, the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) released a report titled ‘Actions on Air Quality’. During the 2^nd UNEA discussions, the members released the report. The report discusses decreased quality of air across the globe and the need for urgency from political fraternities towards tackling this global health emergency phenomenon. As per the WHO (World Health Organization) report, levels of air pollution across the globe have increased by almost 8 percent from 2008 to 2013. While there is scope for improvement among various areas, the actions taken by governments is still not impressive.

Nitin Gadkari (Union Road Transport Minister) launches safety features equipped Nirbhaya buses

Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari recently started a pilot project wherein 20 buses with safety features equipped were launched. This project has been initiated under the ‘NIRBHAYA’ Scheme and included 10 luxury as well as 10 ordinary buses. The various safety measures included were CCTV, VTS (Vehicle Tracking System) as well as panic buttons across every seat.