Current Affairs 15th May 2015

Current Affairs 15th May 2015

Updated : 15-May-2015

Current Affairs 15th May 2015 - Important Points
Current Affairs 15th May 2015 - Details
Gujarat State Climate Change Action Plan 2015-2020 was approved by - Union Government
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 14th May 2015, the Gujarat State Climate Change Action Plan 2015-2020 was approved by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). The plan was prepared by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

To create public health projects, environment-friendly water resource management, forest and environment improvement projects and agriculture improvement projects by 2020 the state government proposed to invest more than 21000 crore rupees in the action plan.
The plan also suggests radical changes in the functioning of government in nine sectors including forest and biodiversity, agriculture, urban development, water resource management, coastal infrastructure, healthcare, renewable energy, vulnerable community and green jobs.
Name the scheme launched by Union Ministry of Minority Affairs for Traditional Artisans - USTAAD Scheme
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 14th May 2015, The Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launched USTAAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) Scheme in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
<|strong>Features of USTAAD Scheme
- The aim of the scheme is to preserve rich heritage of traditional arts and crafts of minorities and build capacity of traditional artisans and craftsmen.
- Its motive is to establish linkages of traditional arts and crafts with the national and international market and ensure dignity of labour to artisans and provide employment opportunities and a better future to the youths belonging to the minority community.
- It will be financed by the Central Government and will prepare skilled and unskilled artisans and craftsmen to compete with major companies in terms of quality of products.
- It will be operated by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs across the country.
Name the contact-less card launched by SBI - sbiINTOUCH
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 14th May 2015, State Bank of India (SBI) launched contact-less credit and debit cards called sbiINTOUCH.
These cards are based upon the latest near-field technology (NFC). With these cards, a customer can transact by just tapping or waving it against the reader of the point-of-sale machine.

These cards are more secure, annoyance-free and come with a fraud accountability cover of Rupees 1 lakh. The card has been issued in the eight metros to 1.08 lakh customers of SBI and the remaining customers will get the cards in the following months.
Who has won 2015 National Geographic Bee Championship - Karan Menon
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 13th May 2015, the 2015 National Geographic Bee championship was won by a 14-year-old Indian-American student Karan Menon. All the questions were answered by him correctly by Menon related to places like the Oresund Strait, Telangana and Tashkent.
Apart from winning the title of National Geographic Bee champion, Menon received lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society, a 50000 US dollars college scholarship and an tour for two to the Galapagos Islands aboard the Lindblad ship National Geographic Endeavour.
A rare plant with anti-cancer properties was found in - Western Ghats
On 14th May 2015, a rare plant named Miquelia dentate Bedd with anti-cancer properties was found in Western Ghats by Indian Scientists.
The plant produces anti-cancer alkaloid Camptothecine (CPT) is a small climbing shrub. It grows scarcely in Madikeri Forests in Kodagu in Karnataka.
The team of scientists from Bengaluru and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment and Dharwad has found the plant.
Name the scheme launched by Union Government to improve cleanliness in Public Health Facilities - kayakalp Award Scheme
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 15th May 2015, The Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda launched kayakalp Award Scheme.
The scheme is deliberated to encourage and incentivize Public Health Facilities (PHFs) in the country for maintaining the facilities clean and hygienic.
Features of Kayakalp Award Scheme
- To promote cleanliness, hygiene and infection control practices in public health care facilities
- To encourage and recognize such public healthcare facilities that show exemplary performance in adhering to standard protocols of cleanliness and infection control
- To inculcate a culture of ongoing assessment and peer review of performance related to sanitation, cleanliness and hygiene
- To generate and share sustainable practices related to improved cleanliness in public health facilities linked to positive health outcomes