Daily GK Updates - 31st May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Ravi Shankar Prasad launches program “Responsible AI for Youth”: National Program for the youth titled “Responsible AI for Youth” has been launched by the Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Communications and Law & Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad to empower the youth of India with appropriate new age tech mind-set, hence making them digitally ready for the future. The program has been rolled out by National e-Governance Division, Ministry of Electronics & IT in collaboration with Intel India, along with the support from Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Human Resource Development.

2. Carat India appoints Anita Kotwani as its Chief Executive Officer:  Anita Kotwani has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Carat India, a media agency owned by Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN). Prior to this, she was serving as the senior vice president, new business, and client lead, for The Walt Disney business at Mindshare India. Taking over as CEO of the media agency, she will work towards Carat India’s strategic progress and business growth nationally. She will also help the media agency to deliver enhanced integrated solutions to clients by focusing on developing and leading significant tools as well as capabilities within the agency.

3. Arun Singhal Appointed CEO of Food Regulator FSSAI: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of senior bureaucrat Arun Singhal as Chief Executive Officer of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He is currently serving as the special secretary to the department of health and family welfare. He will succeed GSG Ayyangar. The FSSAI comes under the purview of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It is responsible for setting up standards for the food industry and regulates the manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of foods.

Note: FSSAI Headquarter: New Delhi

4. PR Jaishankar Appointed as the MD of state-owned IIFCL: The appointments committee of the cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the appointment of PR Jaishankar as the Managing Director of India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd. (IIFCL). He will be assuming the office for tenure of 3 years. Prior to this, Jaishankar served as the executive director of the National Housing Bank (NHB). Some other appointmnets include: Vasantharao Satya Venkata has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director (DMD) for Small Industries Development Bank of India. Harsha Bangari has been appointed as DMD of Exim Bank. Sunil Kumar Bansal has been appointed as DMD of IFCI Ltd.

Note: IIFCL is a wholly owned Government of India company that was set up in 2006 to provide long term finance to viable infrastructure projects.

IIFCL HQ: New Delhi

5. Prime Minister Modi announces “My Life My Yoga” Video Blogging contest in Man Ki Baat: Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has called upon each and every individual at national and international level to participate in the “My Life, My Yoga”(also called “Jeevan Yoga”) Video Blogging Contest, while addressing his monthly Mann Ki Baat program on 31 May 2020. This contest is a joint effort by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Through the My Life-My Yoga video blogging competition, government seek to raise awareness about Yoga and to inspire people to prepare for and become active participants in the observation of IDY 2020. Due to the contagious nature of COVID-19, no mass gathering is allowed for IDY 2020, hence, this year the Ministry is encouraging the people to practice Yoga at their homes, with participation from the entire family. To enter into the contest the participants (from any country) are required to upload a 3 minutes duration video of 3 Yogic practices (kriya, asana, pranayama, bandha or mudra), including a short video message on how the said Yogic practices influenced their life. The video may be uploaded on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the contest hashtag #MyLifeMyYogaINDIA and appropriate category hashtag. Winners will be given cash prizes.

6. NCS ties up with TCS iON for free online skill training: National Career Service (NCS) has ties up with TCS iON to provide free-of-cost online skill training to registered job seekers. The training will be available in Hindi and English on the NCS portal. This course assists the learners in enhancing personality development with modules on corporate etiquette, improving interpersonal skills. National Career Service (NCS) is a labour and employment ministry project.

7. MoPPGP launches DARPG e-booklet: Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh has launched the e-booklet on DARPG achievements on the completion of 1 year of Modi Government 2nd term through videoconferencing. DARPG has provided immense impetus to e-Governance in India by implementation of e-Office and conduct of 22nd and 23rd National e-Governance Conferences. It has made significant reforms in handling Public Grievances by pursuing CPGRAMS reforms.

8. ‘One Sun One World One Grid’: India initiates talks on West to SE Asia solar grid: India has come up with a ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ (OSOWOG) initiative to set up a framework for facilitating global cooperation in this regard aiming at building a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources that can be seamlessly shared. It may also leverage the International Solar Alliance that has 67 countries as members. “The Sun Never Sets" is its vision. The Union Ministry of New and Renewable energy (MNRE), through this initiative, plans to build global consensus about sharing solar resources among more than 140 countries of West Asia and South East Asia.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. WHO along with 37 countries launch tool ‘C-TAP’ for common ownership of vaccines for Covid-19: The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an international project named ‘COVID-19 Technology Access Pool’ (C-TAP) on May 30, 2020. Till now 37 countries have joined this initiative of WHO, which calls for common ownership of vaccines, medicines and other diagnostic tools for COVID-19 treatment since patent right laws can act as a barrier to the sharing of crucial supplies. C-TAP aims to accelerate the development of vaccines and medicines through the sharing of research and information and to increase manufacturing capacity for any products that are developed. WHO has also issued a ‘Solidarity Call to Action’ urging other stakeholders of the UN health agency to join the cause.

2. Google launch a new app ‘Sodar’ that will help you maintain social distance: Google is trying to do its bit in helping people maintain their social distance. The tech giant has launched a new app that will help people maintain distance in real life using augmented reality. The app called ‘Sodar’, will create a visual boundary using the user’s smartphone camera and constantly show who’s breaching that distance.

Note: Google CEO: Sundar Pichai; Founded: 4 September 1998; Headquarters:  California, United States; Founders: Larry Page, Sergey Brin

3. World No Tobacco Day: 31st May:  World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates World No Tobacco Day every year on 31st May to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic including the preventable death and disease it causes. The World Health Organization is celebrating the World No Tobacco Day every year since 1987 on 31st May. This year, the celebration of day will aware the public on the risks of using tobacco, the business practices used by the tobacco companies to attract youth, the efforts made by WHO to fight the tobacco epidemic, and how people around the world can claim their right to health and healthy living in order to protect future generations. Theme 2020: 'Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use'.

Note: Director General of WHO: Tedros Adhanom; Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Yes Bank acquires 24.19% stake in Dish TV via pledged shares: Private sector lender YES Bank has acquired 24.19 percent stake in Dish TV India Ltd, making it the second-largest shareholder in the direct-to-home (DTH) company. Yes Bank Ltd has acquired the stakes by invoking pledges against 44.53 equity shares kept as collateral with the private lender for a loan. This is the fifth instance in the past one year that Yes Bank has acquired majority stake in a non-banking businesses simply due to invocation of pledge against shares of a company that had availed loans from the bank and later failed to repay the dues.

2. NABARD sanctions Rs 1,050 crore credit support to West Bengal: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned credit of Rs 1,050 crore in the current fiscal so far to West Bengal for benefit of farmers and poor people in rural areas. The credit support under special liquidity facility (SLF) will be extended to state cooperative banks, regional rural banks and micro-finance institutions (MFIs). The NABARD has already disbursed an amount of Rs 720 crore to state coperative and regional rural banks.

Note: NABARD Founded: 12 July 1982; Headquarters: Mumbai; Chairman: G.R. Chintala

OBITUARIES

1. Music director-singer Wajid Khan passes away: Bollywood music composer and Singer Wajid Khan (42 years) passes away He was renowned for his partnership with his brother Sajid and the duo was known as “Sajid-Wajid” who made their Bollywood debut in 1998 with movie Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya and went on to work in various films such as Garv, Tere Naam, Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, Partner and various others. Wajid Khan also mentored the participants of singing reality shows “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012” and “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar”.

Daily GK Updates - 30th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Uttarakhand governmentt starts “Mukhyamantri Swarozgar Yojana” for returnee migrants: Uttarakhand chief minister, Trivendra Singh Rawat has inaugurated the “Mukhyamantri Swarozgar Yojana” for returnee migrants. The project aims at giving self-employment opportunities to youth and a boost to reverse migration, especially entrepreneurs returning to Uttarakhand and encourage skilled and unskilled artisans, handicrafts and unemployed youths to start their own business. The scheme will offer credit facility through nationalised banks, scheduled commercial banks and cooperative banks.

Note: Capital of Uttarakhand: Dehradun; Governor of Uttarakhand: Baby Rani Maurya.

2. Madhya Pradesh Government Launches ‘Rozgar Setu’ scheme to provide employment to Migrant Labourers: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched a scheme ‘Rozgar Setu’ for skilled workers who have returned from other states. As per the state government, Madhya Pradesh is the first to devise such a work plan, to provide work to the maximum number of returned skilled workers. The State government will act as a setu [bridge] between workers and employers so that both are benefited. The scheme will provide a platform to the workers and connect them with those needing them, thus fulfilling the manpower requirement of industries as well as provide employment to workers during the COVID-19 pandemic The government will survey the skilled workers who were employed at industries elsewhere, but have now returned, based upon which they will be provided employment in industries, construction works and other activities according to their skills.

3. IndiGo appoints Venkataramani Sumantran as independent director: Venkataramani Sumantran has been appointed the independent director of airline company IndiGo for the next five years. Earlier, he served as the chairman and managing director of Chennai-based Celeris Technologies. He serves as an adjunct professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is on several statutory and advisory boards in India, Europe and the US. He will hold the post for the next five years.

Note: Indigo Airlines Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana; Indigo Airlines Established: 2006.

4. Power Finance Corporation board Appoints R S Dhillon as CMD: State-run Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has appointed Ravinder Singh Dhillon as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the company. He will succeed incumbent CMD Rajeev Sharma, who is attaining superannuation on May 31, 2020. Dhillon’s appointment will be with effect from 01 June 2020, till the date of his superannuation (May 31, 2023) or until further orders.

5. Govt. approves Rs. 445 cr for implementation of JJM in Chhattisgarh: The Union Govt. has approved 445 crore rupees for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Chhattisgarh during 2020-21. The aim of the mission is to provide adequate potable drinking water of prescribed quality on a regular and long-term basis to every rural household of the country by 2024. A budget of 3 lakh 60 thousand Crore rupees has been allocated for this scheme. Chhattisgarh has planned to have 100 Percent Functional Tap Water Connection by 2023-24.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. US joins G7 Group’s Partnership on Artificial Intelligence to counter China: United States has finally joined the rest of the G7 countries in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (AI), in an effort to contain China‘s influence on AI. The Trump administration had been the only nation among leaders of the Group of Seven which was not the part of the Global Partnership on AI, set up by France and Canada in 2019. However, looking at how Chinese technology companies are attempting to shape international standards on facial recognition and surveillance at the United Nations, the US decided to join the international panel for setting ethical guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence. The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence aims to guide the responsible adoption of AI based on shared principles of “human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation and economic growth”, among the member nations.

G7 Members: France, Canada, Italy, Germany, Japan, UK and US

2. IMF approves 732 million emergency assistance to Bangladesh for COVID-19: The IMF Executive Board approved an emergency financial assistance worth dollar 732 million for Bangladesh to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The assistance has been approved for Bangladesh to meet its urgent Balance of payment and fiscal needs as Corona pandemic has led to a sharp decline in its exports and income from remittances. Earlier, ADB provided 500 million assistance to Bangladesh to deal with the Corona pandemic

3. Russia hosts BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities meet: The meeting of the Heads of Tax Authorities of the BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa was held on 29 May. The meeting was hosted by the Federal Tax Service of Russia, which currently holds the BRICS Presidency, to discuss the response of BRICS Tax Authorities to the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore potential areas of cooperation in tax matters.

Note: Members of the BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

4. World No-Tobacco Day:  31st May: World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed every year on 31 May, globally to inform the public on the dangers of using tobacco and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form. Theme of the 2020 WNTD is ‘Tobacco and related industry tactics to attract younger generations’. The Day was created by the member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Sandip Pradhan's tenure as SAI Director General extended by two years: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has extended the tenure of Sandip Pradhan as Director-General of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) by two years. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the extension (effect from 6 June 2020). SAI's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the resumption of training in sports facilities was recently approved by the Sports Ministry.

Note: Sports Authority of India Headquarters: Delhi; Sports Authority of India Founded: 25 January 1984.

2. WADA Imposes 4-Year Ban on Long-Distance Runner Kiranjeet Kaur For Doping Violation: The World Athletics’ anti-doping body has handed a four-year ban to long-distance runner Kiranjeet Kaur, for testing positive for a banned substance. The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) accredited laboratory tested her samples, taken in December 2019. Her ban period is effective from 15 December 2019. The 32-year-old Kaur won the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K among the Indians in December 2019. This award will also be taken away from her.

Note: President of WADA: Sir Craig Reedie; Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.

BANKING AND FINANCE

11. RBI Penalises Bank of India, Karnataka Bank and Saraswat Co-op Bank Over Deficiencies in Rule Compliance: The Reserve Bank said it has imposed a penalty of Rs 5 crore on state-owned Bank of India for non-compliance with certain provisions, including those related with NPA. The central bank also imposed a penalty of Rs 1.2 crore on Karnataka Bank for non-compliance with NPA norms. RBI also imposed a penalty of Rs 30 lakh on Saraswat Co-operative Bank for non-compliance with directions on ‘Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms.’

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. India’s GDP growth slows to 11-year low of 4.2%: National Statistical Office, under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, has estimated India’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.2 per cent in 2019-20 as compared to 6.1 per cent expansion in 2018-19, the slowest growth in GDP in 11 years. The earlier estimate by various arms of the government was 5 per cent growth in ‘19-20.

2. Zomato elevates food-delivery CEO Mohit Gupta as co-founder: Food ordering platform Zomato has elevated Mohit Gupta, the CEO of its food delivery business by making him a co-founder. Gupta had joined Zomato in 2018 from MakeMyTrip. Previously, Gaurav Gupta was promoted as a co-founder by Zomato in 2019.

DEFENCE

1. Foundation Stone for Missile Park ‘Agneeprastha’ Laid at INS Kalinga, Visakhapatnam: The foundation stone for setting up a Missile Park named ‘Agneeprastha’ was laid at INS Kalinga, Naval base in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, by Commodore Rajesh Debnath, Commanding Officer Eastern Naval Command (ENC), on 28 May 2020. Once completed, the Missile Park will be dedicated to all the officers, sailors and support staff of the INS Kalinga, who have served in this premier naval base of the ENC since its establishment in 1981. ‘AGNEEPRASTHA’ will have glimpses of Missile History of INS Kalinga since 1981 till date. A 2 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant was also commissioned at INS Kalinga by Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain. It is the largest plant in the Eastern Naval Command, and has an estimated life of 25 years. INS Kalinga is an Indian Navy establishment reporting to the Eastern Naval Command. It is responsible for preparing, storing and delivering advanced missiles to ships of the Eastern Fleet.

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran lyricist Yogesh Gaur Passes Away: Veteran Bollywood lyricist Yogesh Gaur, best-known as Yogesh in the film industry, has passed away. He was 77. Yogesh has given Bollywood several hit songs in the 60s and 70s. Some of his best known songs are Zindagi Kaise Yeh Paheli and Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye for Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna’s 1971 film Anand.

2. Veteran Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla passes away: The world-renowned astrologer, Bejan Daruwalla, has passed away suffering from pneumonia. He was 89. Daruwalla was a great Ganesha devotee. He combined the principles of various techniques like Vedic astrology, Numerology, Palmistry, I-Ching, Tarot, Kabalah and even Western astrology for his predictions. His name figured among the 100 great astrologers of the last 1,000 years in ‘The Millennium Book of Prophecy’, published by Harper Collins. His astrological predictions were keenly followed by millions of people in the country.

Daily GK Updates - 29th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. FM Sitharaman formally launches scheme for instant allotment of online PAN: In order to ease the process of allotment of PAN number, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on 28 May 2020, officially launched the facility for instant online PAN allotment on furnishing Aadhaar details. Under this system, Permanent Account Number (PAN) shall be instantly allotted online on the basis of Aadhaar without filling up the detailed application form. The ‘beta version’ for instant allotment of PAN on trial basis was started on February 12, 2020 on the e-filing website of the Income-Tax Department. Only those applicants who have a valid Aadhaar number and a mobile number registered with Aadhaar can use this facility. The electronic PAN (e-PAN) will be issued to applicants free-of-cost. A 15-digit acknowledgement number will be generated and after successful allotment can download e-PAN.

2. R Sreelekha became the first women DGP of Kerela: R Sreelekha (1987 batch IPS officer) has been appointed as the first woman Director General of Police in Kerala as the Kerala government has appointed her as Fire and Rescue Services DGP. She is presently an Additional Director General of Police, heading the Prisons and Correctional Services Department. She is a recipient of President’s police medal. She became first woman Superintendent of Kerela Police in 1991. She has been named for being elevated at the post of DGP in 2017 but got the status of pending promotion due to fewer seats. She will retire from service in December this year.

Note: Chief Minister of Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan; Governor of Kerala: Arif Mohammad Khan; Capital of Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram.

3. Centre Renames CIPET as Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology: The government has recently renamed Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET) as Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET). CIPET is a premier national institution under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt. of India. The new name has been registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act 1975 ( Tamil Nadu Act 27 of 1975). CIPET can now look after the growth of entire petrochemical sector with focus on Academics, Skilling, Technology Support and Research.

Note: CIPET Head office: Chennai.

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers: DV Sadananda Gowda.

4. ADB and GoI signs $177 million loan for road construction in Maharashtra: The Asian Development Bank and the Government of India have signed a $177 million loan to upgrade the 450 km of state highways and major district roads in the state of Maharashtra. The road improvement project consists of improving 2 major district roads and 11 state highways having the combined length of 450 km. The project will also involve the strengthening of road safety measures with the development of a road safety audit framework that will led to the protection of vulnerable groups including the elderly, women, and children. It will also train the Maharashtra Public Works Department project staff to enhance their capacity in climate change adaptation and disaster resilient features in various aspects such as road design, road maintenance planning and road safety.

Note: Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray; Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

President of Asian Development Bank: Masatsugu Asakawa; ADB headquarter Manilla, Philippine.

5. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairs 22nd Meeting of FSDC: The 22nd Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was chaired by the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. During the meeting, present global and domestic macro-economic situation was reviewed including the financial stability and vulnerabilities issues. They also reviewed major issues that are likely to be faced by banks as well as other financial institutions. Composition: RBI governor, chairpersons of SEBI, IRDA, PFRDA and finance ministry officials.

6. Labour minister inaugurates twitter handle for labour statistics: Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar has launched twitter handle @LabourDG for Labour Bureau to provide latest statistics for labour welfare. The handle will be a regular source of snapshot on Indian Labour Market Indicators that helps Government for formulation and implementation of policies. Labour Bureau has been collecting and disseminating information about wages, earnings, productivity, working and living conditions of labour with Index number.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Brazil’s Marcos Prado Troyjo Named as new President of NDB: The board of governors of the New Development Bank (NDB) has unanimously elected Marcos Prado Troyjo, former deputy economy minister of Brazil, as the new President of NDB. He will replace KV Kamath. Marcos is scheduled to take charge on July 7, 2020. The board of governors has also appointed India’s Anil Kishora as vice president of the NDB. Kishora has 38 years of experience at India’s largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI). The Board of Governors of the NDB held a Special Meeting in virtual format on May 27, 2020, in which finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman represented India.

Note: President of New Development Bank: K. V Kamath; Vice President and CRO of New Development Bank: Sarquis J. B. Sarquis. NDB Headquarter: Shanghai, China.

2. International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers: 29th May: The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed on May 29 annually to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and courage and to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. It was first observed on 29th May 1948 for deployment of UN military to Middle East. The theme for this year’s Day is “Women in Peacekeeping: A Key to Peace” to help mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

3. World Digestive Health Day: 29th May: Every year, the World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) is observed on 29 May. It is organised by the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) in collaboration with the WGO Foundation (WGOF). Each year the day focuses upon a particular digestive disease and/or disorder in order to increase general public awareness of prevention, prevalence, diagnosis, management and treatment of the disease and/or disorder. The theme for the World Digestive Health Day 2020 campaign is “Gut Microbiome: A Global Perspective.” World Digestive Health Day was launched in 2004 to mark the 45th anniversary of the creation of the World Gastroenterology Organisation.

Note: WGO Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States; WGO Founded: 1958.

4. International Everest Day: 29th May: International Everest Day is observed on 29 May every year. It was on this day in 1953 that Nepalese Tenzing Norgay and New Zealand’s Edmund Hillary had climbed the Mt. Everest, becoming the first humans to achieve the feat. The International Everest Day is held since 2008, when the legendary climber Hillary passed away.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. 36th National Games postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19: The 36th National Games, planned for October-November in Goa, was deferred indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Committee to convey a social event in September end and decide on fixing dates for National Games. Goa Government to require guidance from Union Sports Ministry, need four months notification ahead of time to compose games. The last edition of the Games was held in 2015 in Kerala.

Note: Indian Olympic Association President: Narinder Dhruv Batra; Indian Olympic Association Headquarters: New Delhi.

2. IOC appoints Narinder Batra as Olympic Channel Commission member: President of Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Narinder Batra has been appointed as a member of Olympic Channel Commission by International Olympic Committee (IOC). He had earlier served as the president of Hockey India (2014-2016) and Asian Hockey Federation (2003-2013). He also served as the treasurer of Delhi & District Cricket Association (2003-2013). The Olympic Channel Commission exhorts the IOC (International Olympic Committee) meeting, the IOC Executive Board, the IOC President and provides guidance throughout the launch and operation of the Olympic Channel. The commission advises the growth & development of the Olympic Channel from its initial launch phase through to its mature and established form.

Note: International Olympic Committee (IOC) Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; IOC President: Thomas Bach.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. SN Rajeswari appointed as the CMD of Oriental Insurance Company: SN Rajeswari has been selected as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Oriental Insurance Company (OIC) by Banks Board Bureau (BBB) for two years tenure. She will succeed AV Girija Kumar, who is retiring on 30 May 2020 on reaching 60. Rajeswari, a chartered accountant, is currently the second senior most General Manager and CFO of the public sector general insurance industry, New India Assurance (NIA) and will retire in May 2022. She had started her career as an insurer with United India Insurance Chennai and was later shifted to NIA as a deputy general manager.

Note: OIC Headquarters: New Delhi; OIC Founded: 12 September 1947.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Leo Puri to take over as new Chairman of JP Morgan’s South & Southeast Asia region: Former chief executive at UTI Mutual Fund, Leo Puri, has been named as the next Chairman of JP Morgan for the South Asia and South East Asia region. He would succeed veteran banker Kalpana Morparia who would retire from the post by the end of the first quarter of 2021 after leading the US bank in India and the region for nearly 12 years. In another major top-level change, Murali Maiya will become the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JP Morgan South and South East Asia.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of JP Morgan: Jamie Dimon.

2. Aiman Ezzat becomes new CEO of Capgemini Group: Aiman Ezzat has become the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of French technology major Capgemini Group and will replace the presently serving Paul Hermelin who will continue to serve as the Chairman of the Board. Aiman Ezzat was earlier serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the Capgemini Group and has also served as the Chief Financial Officer of the company in the past.

3. Thierry Delaporte appointed as new CEO and MD of Wipro Limited: IT major firm Wipro Limited has appointed Thierry Delaporte as it’s new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. He will take charge with effect from July 6, 2020. Before this appointment, Thierry Delaporte was the Chief Operating Officer of Capgemini Group and a member of its Group Executive Board. Mr. Delaporte will succeed company’s current CEO and MD Abidali Neemuchwala, who will relinquish his position as CEO and MD on June 1, 2020. Till then company’s Chairman Rishad Premji will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company until July 5.

Note: Chairman of Wipro Limited: Rishad Premji.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. South African Researcher Quarraisha Abdool Karim wins France’s Christophe Merieux Prize: A South African based researcher, Quarraisha Abdool Karim has been awarded one of France’s top science prizes, Christophe Merieux Prize for the year 2020. The half a million-euro ($551,000) award is presented every year by the Institut de France to support research into infectious diseases in developing countries. The 60-year-old Karim has been awarded for her research work where she founded that a topical gel could stop many women catching the virus. She is the head at the Durban-based Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA).

Note: President of South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa; Currency: Rand

DEFENCE

1. Western Naval Command develops Ultraviolet Disinfection Facilities: Western Naval Command (Mumbai) has developed UV sanitisation bay to resume the work after lockdown. The UV bay will be used for decontamination of tools, clothes, and other items to control the spread of coronavirus. Large common room will be converted into a UV bay by fabrication of aluminium sheets electrical arrangements for UV-C lighting. The facility is placed at the entry/ exit points for mitigating transmission of COVID-19.

OBITUARIES

1. First Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Ajit Jogi passes away: The first Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Ajit Jogi has passed away. A bureaucrat-turned politician, Ajit Jogi was a mass leader who dominated the state’s politics for long time. He was an MLA from Marwahi seat in the current assembly. He served as the first Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh from November 2000 to November 2003.

Note: Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh: Bhupesh Baghel; Governor: Sushri Anusuiya Uikey.

2. Rajya Sabha MP Veerendra Kumar passes away: Rajya Sabha MP and former Union Minister of State for Finance Veerendra Kumar (83 years) passes away. He was the leader of Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD). He was also the MD of Mathrubhumi group of publications. He was elected as Lok Sabha member and since April 2016, he was a member of Rajya Sabha. He was associated with the Indian Newspaper Society as well as the Press Trust of India. He was honoured with Sahitya Akademi and Kerala Sahitya Academy award.

Daily GK Updates - 28th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Android version of Aarogya Setu App Becomes Open Source: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has made the Android version of the Aarogya Setu app as an open source on 26 May 2020. Opening the source to the developer community means that the developers and privacy & security experts will now be able to inspect the source code of the app and modify for changes. With this, Aarogya Setu becomes the first government product in the world to be made open source, as no other government product anywhere in the world has been open sourced at this scale. As per the Government data, 11.5 crore people have downloaded the app so far and 8 lakh people have done their self-assessment. The process of supporting the open-source development will be managed by National Informatics Centre (NIC). The source code of Aarogya Setu’s Android app has been published on GitHub. All developers and researchers can visit the following link to participate in review and collaboration programme: https://github.com/nic-delhi/AarogyaSetu_Android.git

2. SEBI imposes penalty of Rs 7 lakh on NHAI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been penalised with amount of Rs 7 lakh by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). SEBI has imposed the penalty on NHAI for delay in disclosing half yearly financial results between FY16 and FY19. The penalty has been imposed on the basis of SEBI’s listing obligation and disclosure norms (LODR) according to which half yearly results have to be filed within 45 days from the end of the half year.

Note: Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India: Ajay Tyagi; Headquarter: Mumbai.

Chairman of National Highways Authority of India: Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.

3. Flipkart Tie-up with Karnataka Mango Board to help farmers sell produce online: India’s leading E-commerce marketplace Flipkart has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Karnataka State Mango Department and Marketing Corporation, to enable mango farmers to sell their produce online through the Flipkart platform. The partnership will provide farmers with the much-needed market access to consumers and create a potential revenue stream. With this partnership, Flipkart is foraying into the Farmer Producer Organisation’s community further contributing to supporting the livelihood of mango growers and the farmer community in this difficult time of fighting with coronavirus. Consumers can place orders on Flipkart’s platform for several varieties of mangoes in batches of 3 kg. The varieties include Alphonso, Badami, Apoos, Banganpalli, Kesar, Neelam, Himam Pasand, Sendur and Mallika. Along with the Mango Board, Indian Post Offices would function as the last- mile delivery operation partners in this mango season.

Note: Flipkart established: October 2007; Headquarter of Flipkart: Bengaluru; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Flipkart: Kalyan Krishnamurthy.

4. IIT Madras develops light-weight Magnesium Alloy to replace steel & aluminium in Automobile Industry: A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), along with the University of North Texas and US Army Research Laboratory, have developed a magnesium alloy with significantly improved properties, that can replace steel and aluminium in automotive and aerospace components to make vehicles more fuel efficient. This Magnesium alloy is lightweight, which helps lower the carbon footprint of vehicles. Lightweight vehicles need lesser fuel to run and are therefore more fuel-efficient.

Note: IIT Madras Director: Bhaskar Ramamurthi; IIT Madras Established: 1959.

5. Indian start-up VAMS Global makes world’s first contactless visitor management software: A Mumbai based startup, VAMS Global, has come up with the world’s first contactless Visitor Management Software, having various features such as temperature scanner and mask detection, without coming in contact. The software, called VAMS SafeGuard, follows no touch no queue visitors entry and can scan body temperature, detect mask on faces among other things, while following social distancing on the premises. It uses AI to allow entry of only those visitors who are complying to all the COVID protection measures. It reads, scans and record one person at a time from a distance of 18 inch in less than 3-5 seconds.

6. NCSTC launches COVID Katha in Hindi: National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) along with Anamika Ray Memorial Trust has brought out the Hindi version of COVID Katha. COVID Katha is the Popular Multimedia Guide for Mass Awareness that carries information on A-to-Z of COVID-19 having Do’s & Don’ts, Scientoons, daily information, etc. It was already being released in English. The COVID Katha is being translated in the Khasi (Meghalaya), Tamil, Bengali and Assamese version.

7. Ladakh’s first solar lift irrigation plant inaugurated: Director of Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Mohammad Raza has inaugurated the 1st Solar Lift Irrigation Plant of Kargil, Ladakh at Yak Breeding Farm. It has 5 KW Solar Plant and 3 HP Submersible Pump. This plant will solve the shortage of water to irrigate lands, drinking water issue making it carbon neutral and self-sufficient. The Pump is discharging 45,000 Litre water per day from Dawn to Desk and soon more such projects will be proposed.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen takes Oath for Her Second Four-year Term: Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has won the country’s 2020 Presidential election for the second straight year. The 63-year-old President Tsai took the oath for her second four-year term. She is from the Democratic Progressive Party. Tsai won the election with majority vote of 74.9%, the highest among nationwide elections since 2008 as well as the highest vote share won by a DPP candidate in presidential elections ever.

Note: Currency: New Taiwan dollar; Capital of Taiwan: Taipei.

2. Saudi Arabia extends tourist visas for 3 months: Saudi Arabia has announced the extension of tourist visas, which expired during the lockdown, for a period of three months. The extension will be done automatically through the system without the need for the visa holder to visit the passport department. The service will be free of charge. Saudi Arabia has also announced relaxation in lockdown within a month.

Note: Currency of Saudi Arabia: Saudi riyal; Capital of Saudi Arabia: Riyadh

3. World Hunger Day: 28th May: World Hunger Day is observed globally on 28 May every year to raise awareness about more than 820 million people living in chronic hunger worldwide. The day was started in 2011 by The Hunger Project to raise awareness about the people living in chronic hunger worldwide and celebrate sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty and to inspire everyone to be a part of the solution. The Hunger Project is US based organization committed to the sustainable end of world hunger.

Note: Global Hunger Index 2019: India at 102 out of 117 countries, falls behind Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan.

4. International Day of Action for Women’s Health: 28th May: International Day of Action for Women’s Health is observed globally on May 28 every year every year since 1987 to promote the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of all women all over the world. The day is being coordinated by the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR). Every woman has a right to sexual and reproductive health and rights, no matter which part of the world she hails from, what age she is, or what her ethnicity or religion is.

Note: WGNRR Headquarters location: Amsterdam, Netherlands; WGNRR Founded: 1984.

5. JK Rowling releases her new work ‘The Ickabog’ online for free for Children during COVID-19: The “Harry Potter” author, J.K. Rowling has released her new children’s story “The Ickabog” which will be published online for free, for the children during this lockdown period. The Ickabog’ is a story about truth and the abuse of power. The first two chapters of “The Ickabog” was released on a new website on 26 May 2020. The author will post the chapters (two or three at a time) every weekend over the next seven weeks. Rowling has pledged to donate all royalties when the book is published to “groups who’ve been particularly impacted by the pandemic.” The whole book format will be made available in November 2020. The book is an original fairy tale and is available at http://theickabog.com/read-the-story.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Sri Lanka fast bowler Shehan Madushankar suspended: Fast bowler of Sri Lanka Shehan Madushanka has been suspended from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) took the decision of suspension after he was arrested for possessing heroin. Madushankar was the first contracted player of Srilanka who was remanded over a drug charge. He was caught with 2 grams of heroin in Pannala town.

Note: President of Sri Lanka: Gotabaya Rajapaksa; Prime Minister of Sri Lanka: Mahinda Rajapaksa; Capital of Sri Lanka: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte; Currency of Sri Lanka:  Sri Lankan rupee.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. NPCI Launches AI virtual assistant ‘PAi’ to create product awareness: The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) based chatbot called PAi, to create awareness around its products like FASTag, RuPay, UPI, AePS on a real time basis. PAi is developed by Bengaluru based startup CoRover Private Limited. The AI virtual assistant, PAi will be available round the clock to provide accurate information on NPCI products. Customers can ask queries in English and Hindi, via text or voice on the websites of NPCI, RuPay, and UPI Chalega.

Note: Founder & CEO of CoRover: Ankush Sabharwal.

MD & CEO of National Payments Corporation of India: Dilip Asbe.

2. Government to withdraw RBI Bond scheme 2018: The government has announced to withdraw RBI bond or GoI Bonds scheme from 28th of May 2020 due to declining interest rates. The scheme is also known as 7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds scheme 2018 which is mostly subscribed by retail investors looking for safety of principal and regular income. These bonds are not available for NRIs. They are issued at par at ₹100 with min amount of ₹1,000. They are repayable at 7 yrs from the issue date with tax on the bond’s interest.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. RIL rolls out WhatsApp chatbot to address rights issue queries: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has launched a “WhatsApp chatbot” to address rights issue queries of its 2.6 million shareholders on the offering. With a task of executing massive Rs 53,125 crore rights issue amid a nationwide lockdown, RIL has turned to WhatsApp Chatbot which has been developed by Jio Haptik Technologies.

Note: Chairman & Managing Director of Reliance Industries Ltd: Mukesh D. Ambani.

2. Ola Electric acquires Etergo, to launch electric two-wheeler in 2021: Ola Electric Mobility Pvt Ltd, the electric vehicle arm of Ola, has acquired Amsterdam-based Etergo BV, manufacturer of electric scooters.  With this acquisition, Ola Electric will enter the premium electric two-wheeler market and look to manufacture these scooters. Still in the concept stage, Ola plans to bring these electric-scooters on Indian roads by the start of 2021, with manufacturing units set up in the country.

3. Fitch Ratings Projects India’s GDP at -5% in FY21: American credit rating agency Fitch ratings has drastically projects India’s economic growth forecast to contract 5 percent in the current fiscal year 2020-21 due to a prolonged lockdown. This means India’s GDP is estimated to be -5% in FY21. Earlier it had predicted the same at 0.8%. In its Global Economic Outlook, the rating agency has forecasted the GDP growth rate of the world and individual countries.

4. S&P forecasts Indian economy to contract 5% in FY21:  S&P Global Ratings has slashed India’s GDP growth rate to 5% in the Fiscal Year 2021. The reduction in the growth rates has been made due to slump in the economic activities in the whole country amid lockdown imposed to contain Covid-19 pandemic.

DEFENCE

1. IAF inducts Tejas Mk-1 FOC aircraft in Squadron “Flying Bullets”: Tejas Mk-1 FOC aircraft has been inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) into the recently resurrected No 18 Squadron the “Flying Bullets” at Air Force Station Sulur. It is built under indigenous fighter aircraft program boosting ‘Make In India’ initiative. Tejas Mk-1 FOC is a single engine, light weight, highly agile and all weather multi role fighter aircraft. The aircraft is capable of air-to-air refueling and hence makes the Squadron the first in the IAF to induct this platform.

OBITUARIES

1. Padma Shri awardee, Urdu Writer Mujtaba Hussain passes away: Renowned Urdu satirist writer Mujtaba Hussain (87 years) passes away due to cardiac arrest. He was known for humorous Urdu writings in books and newspaper. He was honored with Padmashree in 2007. His work includes 'Japan Chalo Japan' and columns in Siasat. He was known as the Mark Twain of Urdu. The entire collection of his work can be accessed on www.mujtabahussain.com. He belongs to Hyderabad.

Daily GK Updates - 27th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Webinar on “Van Dhan Scheme: Learnings for post COVID-19”: The Department of Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan has organized a webinar on “Van Dhan Scheme: Learnings for post COVID-19” in assciation with TRIFED, under the Know Your Scheme-Lecture Series. TRIFED has partnered with UNICEF to initiate “Van Dhan Samajik Doori Jagrookta Abhiyaan” under which tribals will be provided with relevant information regarding COVID-19 along with several guidelines, nationwide and state-specific webinars and instructions on safety measures to be followed. TRIFED has also assured revenue of Rs 20k to 30k per person per year through Van Dhan Value addition Scheme’s minimum support price. TRIFED is also looking towards launching ‘Tech for Tribals’ with IITs. IIMs, MSME to form an Entrepreneurship Skill Development Program.

2. MoRTH inaugurates 440 metre-long tunnel in Chamba under Chardham Project: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the 440 metre-long tunnel, constructed below the busy town of Chamba, on Rishikesh-Dharasu road Highway(NH 94) as part of the Chardham Connectivity Project. The tunnel has been developed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). It will significantly reduce the time taken by travellers on the Rishikesh-Dharasu and Gangotri stretch of the Chardham Highway and also avoid congestion in the city of Chamba and open up avenues of socio-economic development in the region. The Rs 12,000 crore Chardham Project includes construction of National Highway with approximate length of 889 Km, to connect Gangotri, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Badrinath. Of this BRO is constructing 250 Km of National Highways leading to holy shrine Gangotri and Badrinath.

Note: Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: V. K. Singh.

3. Rehabilitation package for Amphan hit West Bengal & Odisha: Rehabilitation package for the “Cyclone Amphan” hit West Bengal & Odisha was announced by the Government of India. As part of rehabilitation package, the financial assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for cyclone hit West Bengal, and Rs 500 crore for Odisha was announced for immediate relief activities in the two states. Along with financial assistance, an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the dead, and Rs 50,000 for the injured was also announced.

Note: Chief Minister of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik; Governor: Ganeshi Lal.

Chief Minister of West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee; Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar.

4. Power Finance Corporation inks MoU with NBPCL to fund projects worth Rs 22,000 crore for 225 MW hydro-electric projects & Multipurpose projects in Madhya Pradesh: The Power Finance Corporation (PFC), a central PSU under Ministry of Power and India’s leading NBFC has entered into an agreement with Narmada Basin Projects Company Ltd. (NBPCL), a wholly-owned company of Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, to fund projects worth Rs.22,000 crore for 225 MW hydro-electric projects & multipurpose projects in Madhya Pradesh. The funds will be used for setting up hydroelectric projects of 225 MW and power components of 12 major multipurpose projects in the state. Some of the major multipurpose projects to be financed under the MoU are Basaniya Multipurpose Project Dindori, Chinki Boras Multipurpose Project Narsinghpur Raisen Hoshangabad, Sakkar Pench Link Narsinghpur Chhindwara, Dudhi Project Chhindwara Hoshangabad, etc.

Note: Chairman & Managing Director of Power Finance Corporation: Rajeev Sharma.

Managing Director of Narmada Basin Projects Company Ltd.: I.C.P. Keshari.

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Governor: Lal Ji Tandon.

5. NGMA commemorates 115th Birth Anniversary of Ramkinkar Baij: The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) organised a virtual tour to commemorate the 115th Birth Anniversary of iconic artist Ramkinkar Baij. The virtual tour was titled as “Ramkinkar Baij | Journey through silent transformation and expressions” and was conducted in five different themes namely:Portrait, Life Study, Abstract & Structural Composition, Nature Study & Landscape, Sculptures. Ramkinkar Baij was the one of the most seminal artists of modern India. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan Award by the Government of India in 1970, for his irrefutable contribution to Indian art.

Note: Director General of National Gallery of Modern Art: Adwaita Charan Gadanayak.

6. New species of fish discovered in Tamil Nadu: A new species of small freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae has been discovered in Velankanni in Tamil Nadu. It is a silver-hued fish and is of Puntius species that is locally termed as Paral’ in Kerala and ‘Kende’ in Tamil Nadu. It has characteristics of protractible mouth, a pair of maxillary barbels (a sensory organ near the snout), 24-25 lateral line scales and 10 pre-dorsal scales. This fish species belongs to freshwater and grows at 7 cm.

7. GIS-enabled dashboard CoAST India launched: GIS-enabled dashboard CoAST India (Collaboration/Covid Action Support Group) platform has been launched. It consists of India map reflecting the movement of migrants in real time to provide them with facilities and relief. It has been developed by India Observatory in collaboration with Anand-based Forest Ecological Security (FES) as nodal point. The map matches time and spatial data, on administrative facilities in the area, transportation and healthcare facilities

8. CSIR-IIIM & RIL to develop RT-LAMP based test for Coronavirus: CSIR ties up with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) to develop RT-LAMP based COVID-19 diagnostic kit. Reverse Transcriptase-Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) is a rapid (45-60min), accurate and cost-effective test that can be done with indigenous components with minimal expertise and instrumentation. It is a nucleic acid-based test that will be carried out from nasal or throat swab sample. It can be done in a basic lab set up like mobile units or kiosks.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Prem K Nair appointed as Indian Ambassador to Niger: Government of India has announced the appointment of Prem K Nair as Indian Ambassador to the Republic of Niger. Prem K Nair is currently serving as the Consul General of India to Hambantota. He will take over the position by replacing Rajesh Agarwal.

Note: Niger is a landlock country of West Africa which is named after the prominent river Niger.

Niger Capital: Niamey; Currency of Niger: West African CFA franc; President of Niger: Mahamadou Issoufou.

2. WFIRST Telescope of NASA renamed after ‘Mother of Hubble’ Nancy Grace Roman: US Space agency NASA has announced to name its next-generation space telescop, the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), currently under development, in honor of Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief astronomer, who paved the way for space telescopes focused on the broader universe. The WFIRST Telescope will now be called Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (or Roman Space Telescope, for short). It is set to be launched in the mid-2020s. Dr. Nancy Roman is considered as the Mother of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, which was launched 30 years ago. It was because of Nancy Grace Roman’s leadership and vision that NASA became a pioneer in astrophysics and launched Hubble, the world’s most powerful and productive space telescope The Roman Space Telescope will investigate long-standing astronomical mysteries, such as the force behind the universe’s expansion, and search for distant planets beyond our solar system. It will be the successor to NASA’s Hubble and Webb Telescopes.

Note: The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Jim Bridenstine; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States.

3. WHO suspends clinical trail of HCQ on COVID-19 patients: Director General of World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus suspended the clinical trial of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on COVID-19 patients. The move came from the study that shows high mortality rate due to the use of HCQ alone or with macrolide. WHO in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs against Covid-19 intitated Solidarity trial that included HCQ. HCQ are effective for autoimmune diseases and will be suspended temporarily for COVID.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. WHO and IOC ties up to promote healthy living through sports: World Health Organization and International Olympic Committee signed an agreement to promote health through sport and physical activity. The concern come out in the wake of COVID-19 as it is affecting people with Non communicable diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, lung disease severely. The partnership will bring together the sports and health sectors at global, regional and national levels leaving healthy legacy and value of physical activity in host countries.

(1) The agreement that has been signed will focus on some of the key areas:

(2) To strengthen collaboration between Health ministry and sports ministry.

(3) To promote grassroots and community sports programmes.

(4) To strengthening the legacy of the Olympics and Paralympics.

(5) To advocacy for physical activity

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. LIC launches “PM Vaya Vandana Yojana” for senior citizens:  Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has announced the launch of modified Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, a social security scheme for senior citizens. This plan starts from May 26 for three financial years up to March 31, 2023. The policy term is of 10 years and for policies sold during the first financial year up to March 31, 2021, the scheme will provide an assured rate of return of 7.40 per cent once a year payable monthly (which is like 7.66 per cent per annum) for the whole duration of 10 years.

Note: Head office of LIC: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Chairman of LIC: M R Kumar; LIC Established: 1 September 1956.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Facebook launches its Audio-only Calling App ‘CatchUp’: The internal R&D group of Facebook, the NPE (New Product Experimentation) Team, has come up with a calling application called Catch-Up. This audio-only unique app has been developed to coordinate call timings with friends and family members and enables to set up group calls with up to 8 people. CatchUp won’t need a Facebook account to use the service and the app works with your phone’s contacts list.Through this app, user will get to know who all in their contact list are free to talk, and which contact is offline.The CatchUp app has currently been launched in the United States for testing purpose.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg; Facebook Headquarters: California, US.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Indian-American IBM scientist Rajiv Joshi wins Inventor of the Year Award: An Indian-American inventor Dr. Rajiv Joshi has bagged the prestigious Inventor of the Year award for the year 2020 for his pioneering work in advancing the electronic industry and improving artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Dr Joshi works at the IBM Thomson Watson Research Center in New York. The $5,000.00 award is presented every year by the New York Intellectual Property Law Association (NYIPLA) in recognition of the contribution that the invention has and/or will make towards society as a whole.

Note: NYIPLA President: Colman B. Ragan; NYIPLA Established: March 7, 1922.

2. Major Suman Gawani Becomes first Indian peacekeeper to be honoured with UN Military Gender Advocate award: Major Suman Gawani, an Indian Army officer and woman peacekeeper who has served with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has been selected for the prestigious United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award (2019). She is the first Indian peacekeeper to be given the UN Military Gender Advocate award, for her outstanding contribution to peacekeeping efforts in the UNMISS. Major Gawani, along with Brazilian Naval Officer Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo will receive the award by United Nations Secretary-General Guterres on May 29, the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

Note: The UN Military Gender Advocate award was created in 2016 to honour the dedication and effort of individual military peacekeepers in promoting the UN principles on Women, Peace and Security in peace operations as nominated by Heads and Force Commanders of peace operations.

DEFENCE

1. Army Commanders’ Conference commences in New Delhi:  The Army Commanders’ Conference has commenced in New Delhi. It is an apex level biannual event that was earlier scheduled to be held in April 2020, but was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. The 1st phase of the conference is to be held from 27 May to 29 May 2020 and the second phase is expected to be held in June 2020. In the first phase of Army Commanders’ Conference, the apex level leadership of Indian Army will deliberate on various aspects pertaining to operational and administrative issues including studies pertaining to logistics and human resources.

OBITUARIES

1. Renowned vocalist Shyamala Bhave passes away: Classical musician Shyamala G. Bhave (79 years) passed away. She was well versed with Hindustani and Carnatic music and was the member of Karnataka Sangeeta Nrithya Academy (1997 to 2001). She is the music composer in India’s first Sanskrit serial titled ‘Kadambari’ and Adi Shankaracharya. She was honoured with ‘Ubhaya Gaana Vidushi’ and Karnataka Rajyotsava Award. She belongs to Bengaluru.