Daily Current Affairs and GK | 03 and 04 May 2020

1. Lockdown 3.0 comes into effect with some relaxations

• The third phase of lockdown or Lockdown 3.0 has come into effect with some relaxations in certain areas.
• The districts in the country have been divided into Red, Orange and Green Zones, and the guidelines have been prepared accordingly.
• Buses can operate in the green zone but with 50% seating capacity.
• All activities, except those not permitted across the country, can be performed in the green zones.
• Activities prohibited throughout the country includes:
  • Travel be air, trains, metro or interstate travel by roads is still prohibited.
  • Schools and other educational institutions will continue to remain close.
  • Places of large gatherings like gym, theatre, malls, etc.
  • Religious, social and political gatherings
  • Movement between 7 pm and 7 am for non-essential activities
  • Hospitality services like hotels, restaurants, etc.

(Source: PIB)

2. NAM summit held through video conferencing

• Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) virtual summit was held through video conferencing.
• There was a discussion on the increased cooperation and coordination of the member countries in dealing with COVID-19 pandemic.
• The summit will conclude with the declaration of the Movement as Uniting Against COVID-19.
• The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the current chairman of NAM, initiated the virtual summit.
• Non-Aligned Movement (NAM):
  • The concept of NAM emerged in the backdrop of World War II.
  • The leaders of Yugoslavia, Egypt, India, Ghana and Indonesia agreed on the principles at the Bandung Conference in 1955.
  • The first conference was held in Belgrade in 1961.
  • Members: 120 countries
  • Current Chair: Azerbaijan

3. ‘CHDCOVID’ mobile app launched

• A mobile app named ‘CHDCOVID’ has been launched by the Administrator of Chandigarh V P Singh Badnore.
• The app has been developed by the Society for Promotion of IT in Chandigarh (SPIC).
• The app will give all information related to coronavirus infection cases in Chandigarh. Also, through the app, people will be able to know about the guidelines, orders and notifications issued by the government.
• Chandigarh:
  • Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab and Haryana and is also a Union Territory.
  • The Capitol Complex of Chandigarh was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
  • Sukhna wildlife sanctuary, Garden of Silence, Rock Garden, etc. are some of the must visit places in the city.

4. EPFO employees to contribute ₹2.50 crore to PM CARES Fund

• The employees of EPFO will be contributing Rs. 2.50 crore to PM CARES Fund.
• The employees voluntarily contributed their one day’s salary for the fight against COVID-19.
• Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO):
  • EPFO is a statutory body that was established under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
  • The organization works under the aegis of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
  • It is one of the world’s largest social security organizations.
  • It helps the central board of trustees in the administration of the Provident Fund Scheme, Pension Scheme and Insurance scheme for the organized sector workers. 

5. World Press Freedom Day: 3 May

• Every year on 3^rd May, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated to recognize the contribution of the media personnel in upholding the values of fair journalism.
• The day aims to create awareness regarding the importance of freedom of the press, which is part of Right to freedom of expression under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948.
• The day also marks the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration.
• World Press Freedom Day 2020 conference was held in The Hague, Netherlands.
• Theme 2020: “Journalism without Fear or Favour”

6. Coal Miners Day: 4 May 

• Coal Miners Day is celebrated annually on 4^th May to highlight the conditions of people working in coal mines and appreciate their sacrifices and efforts.
• Coal mining is one of the toughest and dangerous jobs.
• Coal mining began in India in 1774 when East India Company started commercial exploitation in the Raniganj coalfield.
• Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel on Earth. The four main varieties of coal are – Peat, Lignite, Bituminous, Anthracite.
• Coal is used in power generation, production of steel and cement.

7. CAT issued new guidelines for hearing cases in different zones

• New guidelines have been issued by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) for hearing cases in Red, Orange and Green Zones.
• The urgent cases can be filed through e-mail by contacting the Registrar for benches in Red and Orange Zones.
• The Head of the Bench will make the final decision regarding taking up the case.
• The cases shall be heard through CISCO WEBEX online video conferencing facility.
• In Green Zones, the courts will function as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs by maintaining social distance.
• Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT):
  • CAT is a constitutional body established under Article 323A of the Indian Constitution.
  • CAT comprises of a chairman who has been a sitting or retired Judge of High Court and other judicial members.
  • It adjudicates the disputes and complaints related to recruitment and conditions of service of central public servants.
  • Shri Justice L Narasimha Reddy is the current chairman of the tribunal.

8. IDEAthon on ‘The Future of River Management’

• IDEAthon on ‘The Future of River Management’ has been organized by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
• The event was organized to explore how COVID-19 crisis can transform the river management strategies for the future.
• Due to COVID-19 crisis, some positive developments have been observed, such as clean rivers, fresh air, drop in GHG emissions.
• NMCG was formed in 2011 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It is the implementing wing of the National Ganga Council.
• NIUA was established in 1976 as an autonomous institute for research, training and providing information regarding urban development. It is located in New Delhi.

9. FACT CHECK: Rashtriya Shikshit Berozgar Yojana not launched by the government

• There has been fake news circulating on social media that the government has launched Rashtriya Shikshit Berozgar Yojana under which the ration card holders will be given a relief package of Rs. 50,000.
• The central government has clarified that no such scheme has been launched by it and asked people to beware of such fake news.