24 May 2016 – Daily Current Affairs

NGT bans 10-plus years old heavy and light diesel vehicles across six cities of Kerala

On 23^rd May 2016, NGT (National Green Tribunal) officially banned the usage of heavy as well as light diesel vehicles with manufacturing date of 10 or more years. This ban was introduced across six big cities in Kerala. These major cities include Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kannur, Kochi, Kollam and Tiruvananthpuram. The order was issued during the first sitting of NGT Circuit Committee headed by Justice S Kumar and BS Sajwan. Justice Kumar issued this order after the LEAF (Lawyers’ Environmental Awareness Forum) filed the petition against diesel vehicles like buses and trucks causing high pollution.

S K Sharma selected as NPCI (Nuclear Power Corporation of India) CMD

On 23^rd May 2016, SK Sharma, a renowned scientist in India was selected as the CMD (Chairman and Managing Director) of NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited). His responsibilities will include designing, constructing, commissioning as well as managing operations of the reactors of the plants. He will be working in this post for five years period. Presently, Sharma is Operations Director in NPCIL. The NPCIL is a government owned corporation with its headquarters in Mumbai. The company generates nuclear power which in turns generates electricity. The Central Government is the owner and its administration is managed by DAE (Department of Atomic Energy).

World Bank initiates PEF (Pandemic Emergency Financing) Facility

On 21^st May 2016, the WBG (World Bank Group) initiated the PEF (Pandemic Emergency Financing) Facility with the objective of protecting the poorest nations against various dangerous pandemics. The PEF has become a fast-disbursing and innovative global financing process. It aims to enhance both national and global responses to various future outbreaks having pandemic potential. It was designed and built in assistance with the WHO (World Health Organization) as well as top private sectors with the objective of introducing new rigorous policies into the financing world. The PEF works as a window of insurance combining reinsurance market funding with the World Bank-proceeds.

Denmark wins it’s first-ever TCB (Thomas Cup badminton) tournament

On 22^nd May 2016, Denmark won it’s first-ever TCB (Thomas Cup badminton) tournament. During the final match who took place in Kunshan (China), Denmark defeated Indonesia by 3-2 to clinch the title. During the final set, IN Mustofa from Indonesia was defeated in the two games 21-16 & 21-7 by Hans-Kristian Vittinghus from Denmark. After a wait of 67 years, this is the first time that Denmark won an international tournament. With this, Denmark also becomes the first nation from Europe to win Thomas Group.

Kiran Bedi selected as Puducherry’s Lieutenant Governor

On 22^nd May 2016, Former IPS and BJP Leader Kiran Bedi was selected as the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Puducherry. After a two years gap, a full-time Lieutenant Governor will be serving Puducherry. Bedi will be succeeding AK Singh. AK Singh is the LG of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and was holding this additional charge since 2015. After the sacking of Virendra Kataria (Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry) from his post, the position was vacant.