Daily current affairs – May 8/2020

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History

May 8-9 Remembrance and Reconciliation for victims of WWII:

Why it is in news?

• The Time of remembrance and reconciliation for those who lost their lives during the Second World War is observed on 8-9 May every year.
• On this day people across the world and many authority bodies including UNGA, pay tribute to all victims of World War-II (WWII).

About the day:

• After WWII, the United Nations was created as a body to promote international co-operation and to create and maintain international order.
•  UN was established on 24 October 1945. It replaced the ineffective League of Nations that was disbanded in 1946 after WWII following its failure in preventing the conflict.
• The time of remembrance and reconciliation was designated by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) by resolution 59/26 of 22 November 2004. On 2 March 2010, UNGA passed resolution 64/257 and designated 8-9 May as the day to honour the victims of the Second World War.
•  It also encouraged its Member States, NGOs and individuals to honour the victims of WWII.
• UNGA plans to make every effort to settle all disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and in such a manner that international peace and security are not endangered.

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International

Dharchula – Lipulekh road link:

Why it is News?

• Defence Minister inaugurated the road link from Dharchula (Uttarakhand) to Lipulekh (China Border) 
• The road link was constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) engineers and personnel. 

About road link:

• The crucial Dharchula-Lipulekh road link is expected to increase the local trade and economic growth in the region.
• It will boost the operationalization of this roadway.
•  Dharchula-Lipulekh is an 80 km road. The altitude rises from 6,000 to 17,060 feet.

• The road link will make the Kailash-Manasarovar pilgrimage easy. Currently, the travel to Kailash-Mansarovar takes around two to three weeks through Sikkim or Nepal routes.
• The arduous trek will now be entailed approximately 20% of land journeys on Indian roads and 80% of land journeys in China. 

Government policy and Interventions

AYUSH Sanjivani APP:

Why it is in News?

• Union Health & Family Welfare Minister launched the mobile application ‘AYUSH Sanjivani’ App and two AYUSH based studies related to COVID-19 situation.
•  The app was developed by the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY).

About the app:

• The AYUSH Sanjivani mobile app will help to generate data on acceptance and usage of AYUSH advocacies and measures among the population and its impact on the prevention of COVID-19. 
•  It is expected to reach out to a target of 50 lakh people.
•  The COVID-19 management has provided a potent platform for the alliance between MoHFW, MoAYUSH, and technology organizations such as CSIR, ICMR, and UGC to not only develop AYUSH interventions and solutions but also help in promoting AYUSH knowledge for the larger good of the global community. 
• These organizations are partnering with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for this regard.
•  ICMR and DCGI will support and guide AYUSH in propagating the wholesomeness and holistic health benefits of the age-old traditional medicinal knowledge of Ayurveda.

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Economy

International Exchanges at GIFT – IFSC:

Why it is in News?

• Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, launched INR-USD Futures and Options contracts on the two International Exchanges, namely BSE’s India INX and NSE’s NSE-IFSC, at GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)

Brief of News:

• The launch of INR-USD contracts at the exchanges in GIFT-IFSC is a step in bringing the international financial centre’s to India. 
• Before, the significant market share in financial services related to India has moved to other international financial centres. 
• The move will be available 22 hours across all time zones for all global participants from GIFT IFSC.
• It is expected that trading of INR-USD contracts will bring volumes to India. 
• The move would also bring larger global participation in India through IFSC and connect India’s IFSC globally.