Daily GK Updates - 21st May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Didi Vehicle Service Launched in Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh by Rural Livelihood Mission for safe delivery of rural women: In the tribal-dominated Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh, the women of Rural Livelihood Mission have started an initiative called ‘Didi Vehicle Service’ for pregnant rural women for the safe delivery, at a time of COVID-19 outbreak. The service has been launched for 29 villages of 10 Gram Panchayats of Petlavad development block of Jhabua. The service is completely free and the women will bear the expenses of Didi vehicle service through the interest, they earn on their savings. The vehicle under the “Didi Vehicle Service” will also be available for other emergency services.

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

2. Maharashtra launches ‘Mee Annapurna’ programme: ‘Mee Annapurna’ initiative has been launched in Maharashtra by an IRDA licensed insurance intermediary “Integrated Risk Insurance”. This initiative has been launched by Integrated Risk Insurance as a part of its commitment as a Corporate Social Responsibility towards the welfare of the farmers and agriculture community in Maharashtra. Under the scheme, 1500 marginalized and small farmers will be provided free of-cost skill-based training across 35 districts in Maharashtra providing sustainable livelihood by engaging them in crop cutting experiments and audits. The programme revolves around 3 aspects: Expertise, Engagement and Entitlement.

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

3. Dilip Oommen appointed as the new President of Indian Steel Association (ISA): Dilip Oommen, has been sworn in as the new President of the Indian Steel Association (ISA) on 19 May 2020 for a period of two years till May 2022. He will replace Tata Steel CEO TV Narendran, who stepped down as President on May 1. Oommen is a veteran of the steel industry with more than 37 years of experience and an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT-K).

Note: Indian Steel Association Headquarters: New Delhi; Indian Steel Association Established: 2014.

4. National Anti Terrorism Day: 21th May: In India, the National Anti Terrorism Day is observed on May 21 to commemorate the death anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi. The day is also observed to spread the message of peace, harmony, and humankind and to promote unity among the people. Rajiv Gandhi was India’s youngest Prime Minister. He was appointed as the sixth Prime Minister of the country and served the nation from 1984 to 1989. He was killed in Tamil Nadu in a campaign by the Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE) a terrorist group on May 21, 1991 by a human bomb.

5. J&K launches ‘SUKOON’ initiative to beat COVID-19 stress: Jammu & Kashmir’s Department of Information and Public Relations has launched programme ‘SUKOON: COVID-19 Beat the Stress’. The programme is launched to spread awareness about psychological impact of lockdown and its measures. It will be telecasted on Doordarshan Kashmir Channel at 9 PM every Tuesday. Eminent doctors, psychiatrists and scientists will be chairing the show sharing their knowledge of stress management.

Note: Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir: Girish Chandra Murmu.

6. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana launched: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has been approved by the cabinet with an investment of Rs 20,000 crore. The yojana aims to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fishery sector. Central share will be 9,407 crore rupees, State share of Rs. 4,880 crore and beneficiaries' share of Rs 5,763 crore. It will be implemented for 5 years (2020-21 to 2024-25) creating employment with other facilities boosting fishery in India.

7. DGDE & eGov Foundation partners for Online Management of Cantonment Boards: The Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE), Ministry of Defence and eGov Foundation has inked an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Online Management of Cantonment Boards. Both entities will work together to drive e-governance and enhance citizen services across all cantonment boards in the country. These services will be delivered under a cloud-based platform DIGIT (Digital Infrastructure for Governance, Impact & Transformation) under e-Chhawani program. It will consist of Dashboards, Web Portals, Trade License, Fire NoC system, Public Grievance Redressal System, Property Tax, and Water & Sewerage Charges.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of eGov Foundation: Viraj Tyagi.

Director General Defence Estates: Smt Deepa Bajwa.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Bank names American Economist Carmen Reinhart as its Chief Economist: American economist and Harvard University Professor, Carmen M. Reinhart, has been named as the new Vice President and Chief Economist of the World Bank on 20 May 2020. Her appointment will be effective from June 15, 2020. She replaces Pinelopi Goldberg, who left on March 1 after only 15 months on the job. She was a Senior Policy Advisor and Deputy Director at the IMF and Vice President and Chief Economist of the investment bank Bear Stearns

Note: WB Headquarter: Washington, D.C., US.

2. World Metrology Day: 20th May:  World Metrology Day is observed globally on 20th May every year. Many nations on this day internationally collaborate to create awareness about metrology and its advancement in the respective field. This year theme for World Metrology Day: ‘Measurements for global trade’. This theme was chosen to create awareness of the important role measurement plays in facilitating fair global trade, ensuring products meet standards and regulations, and satisfying customer quality expectations.

Note: International Organization of Legal Metrology Headquarters: Paris, France; International Organization of Legal Metrology Founded: 1955.

3. International Tea Day: 21th May: The International Tea Day is observed annually on May 21 by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to raise awareness of the deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world and promote its importance in fighting hunger and poverty. Tea producing countries make a lot of profit but the condition of the labourers working in the tea plantations is very bad. Therefore, the purpose of International Tea Day is to encourage the status of tea workers, workers’ rights, daily wages, social security, employment security, and health. The day was adopted by United Nations on December 21, 2019.

Note: Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General: QU Dongyu; Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters: Rome, Italy; Food and Agriculture Organization Founded: 16 October 1945.

4. World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development: 21th May: The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is held every year on May 21 to celebrate the richness of the world’s cultures and highlight the significance of its diversity as an agent of inclusion and positive change for achieving peace and sustainable development. In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and in December 2002, the UN General Assembly declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

Note: Director-General of UNESCO: Audrey Azoulay; UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946; UNESCO headquarters: Paris, France.

5. Health Minister participated in NAM health Minister’s meet: Harsh Vardhan (Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare) participated in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Health Ministers’ meeting through video conference. The Health Minister’s meeting was chaired by Mr. Ogtay Shiraliyev, Minister of Health, Republic of Azerbaijan. The meeting was organized to share the concern of COVID-19 pandemic and its proper preparedness, prevention, resilience-building, and greater national, regional and international collaboration.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. NADA provisionally suspends powerlifters Savita Kumari & Ankit Shishodia: Two Indian Powerlifters namely Savita Kumari & Ankit Shishodia have been provisionally suspended by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA). The powerlifters have been provisionally suspended for violating the anti-doping rules.

Note: Director General of National Anti Doping Agency: Navin Agarwal.

The National Anti-Doping Agency is an independent Anti-Doping Organization for India having a vision of dope free sports with headquarters at New Delhi.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Govinda Rajulu Chintala appointed as chairman of NABARD: The Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet has appointed Govinda Rajulu Chintala as the Chairman of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). He is presently serving as the Chief General Manager at NABARD and will remain on the post till his superannuation in July 2022. Presently, Dr. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala is serving as the Chairman of NABARD. Apart from him, Shaji KV (General Manager of Canara Bank) and P V S Suryakumar have been appointed as deputy managing directors in the NABARD.

Note: Headquarter of NABARD: Mumbai.

2. Government Notifies Cut in EPF Contribution to 10% Three Months till July 2020: The Ministry of Labour & Employment has announced a cut in the rate of employees’ provident fund (EPF) contributions to 10 percent from the existing 12 percent, for three months till July 2020. This means that the new rate would be applicable on May-June-July salary period. The existing rate of contribution by both employee and employer is 12%. The decision is estimated to infuse liquidity of Rs 6,750 crore in next three months. This reduction of the EPF contributions will be applicable for those workers who are not eligible for 24 percent EPF support under PM Garib Kalyan Package and its extension. However, the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and public sector undertakings (PSUs) will continue to contribute 12 percent.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Flipkart partners with Bajaj Allianz to offer digital, hassle-free motor insurance: India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace Flipkart and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, India’s leading private general insurer have partnered to offer a digital motor insurance policy to Flipkart customers. The interested consumers can avail the motor-insurance policy on the Flipkart app. Benefits of the motor insurance include:

(1) For 4 Wheeler: MOTOR OTS (Motor On the Spot): Motor OTS allows consumers to self-inspect their vehicle in case of an accidental damage; Zero Depreciation; 4000+ Network Garages; 24×7 Roadside Assistance

(2) For 2 Wheeler: Instant Support: Round the clock assistance and instant resolution of customer queries through SMS, toll-free number, WhatsApp Service, Missed Call Facility, chat bot BOING; Hassle Free Renewal; Transfer of NO-CLAIM BONUS: NCB – a unique feature wherein consumers get a reward for every claim-free year. Consumers can transfer up to 50% the NCB from their previous policy when they switch insurers.