Daily GK Updates - 30th June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM extends “Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana” till November 2020: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the nation. This is the Prime Minister’s 6th address to the people of India since the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic in the country. India will enter into the Unlock 2 phase from 1st July onwards, the guidelines for which have been released by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 29 June 2020 itself.  Important Announcements by the Prime Minister:

(1) Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana will be extended till the end of November, an extension to cost over Rs 90 thousand crores. Over 80 cr people to get free food grain till Diwali and Chhath pooja.

(2) Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 20 crore accounts have received 31,000 crores in their Jan Dhan Accounts.

(3) PM urges the citizens to take the pledge of Vocal for Local and work for the betterment of the society and country at large.

(4) One Nation One Ration Card will be implemented on whole India. This will especially benefit those people who leave their native-place, native-state to find work in some other state.

2. Government of India bans 59 Chinese apps: The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology has announced that “Government of India Bans 59 Chinese mobile apps”, which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order”. The Ministry of Information Technology, invoking its power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009 and in view of the emergent nature of threats has decided to block 59 apps. Some of the apps are:  TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser, Helo, Likee, Club Factory, Beutry Plus, WeChat, Weibo, Xender, ES File Explorer, etc.

Note: Union Minister of Electronics and IT: Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and IT: Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao.

3. India’s first lichen park developed in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand: India’s first lichen park has been established in Kumaon’s Munsiyari village of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand, by the state forest department, to protect, conserve and cultivate lichen, which are the best bioindicators of the pollution levels. The park is spread across an area of 1.5 acres, with over 80 species of lichens collected from across the Himalayan state. Lichens are found in the Himalayas at a height of about 5000 metres, and are important species as they are the natural indicator of pollution levels in an area. If pollution levels increase in a certain area, the lichen species decline there. . The project aims to study the distribution of different lichen species, their habitat, their morphological and physiological aspects, surveying and literature review, the establishment of species, current threats to their habitat including anthropological and climatic factors, and coming up with suitable conservation strategies and protection strategies. These Jurassic-era lichen species are used in food, perfumes, dyes and traditional medicines.

Note: Chief Minister of Uttarakhand: Trivendra Singh Rawat; Governor: Baby Rani Maurya.

4. Maharashtra launches world’s largest plasma therapy trial ‘Project Platina’: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray virtually launched world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy trial project ‘Project Platina’ on 29 June 2020, for treating critical COVID-19 patients. The state government has approved Rs 16.65 crore for the project from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. 21 centres have been picked for the trial, including 17 medical colleges under the department of medical education and drugs, the government of Maharashtra and four BMC medical colleges in Mumbai. Under the project, critical patients will receive two doses of 200 ml of plasma recovered from COVID-19 patients. The treatment will be provided free of cost to all coronavirus patients under the trial project. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood which have antibodies to the coronavirus, thereby fight the infection and helping critically-ill patients to recover.

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

5. Madhya Pradesh to Launch Door-To-Door “Kill Corona” Drive From July 1: The Madhya Pradesh government has announced to launch 15-day long ‘Kill Corona’ campaign in the state from 1st July 2020 to control the spread of coronavirus in the state. Under the campaign, a door-to-door survey will be conducted and tests would also be done on citizens for other diseases. Around 2.5 lakh tests will be carried out and 15,000 to 20,000 samples would be collected daily.

Note: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Governor: Lalji Tandon; Capital: Bhopal

6. India’s first Plasma Bank to be set up in Delhi to treat COVID-19 patients: The Delhi government is all set to establish India’s first plasma bank in the national capital to fight the novel coronavirus. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced that the plasma bank will be set up at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in south Delhi’s Vasant Kunj. It will serve the purpose of coordination between plasma donors and recipients. The Minister has also requested those who have recovered from the infection to donate plasma to help other patients. The plasma bank will start its operation by 2nd July 2020.

Note: Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal

7. India-China border row: Govt grants emergency funds to armed forces for war preparedness: Amid the ongoing border tensions with China, the government has granted emergency funds to armed forces for war preparedness. The government has granted big financial power to the defence forces under which they can buy any weapon system under Rs 500 crore. The three services have been granted the financial powers by the Narendra Modi government to buy weapon systems under emergency requirement procedure. Now they can buy any in inventory or new weapon upto Rs 500 for each project under these powers.

8. DCGI approves human clinical trials of COVAXIN: Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given approval to ‘COVAXIN’ for human clinical trials. It is the 1st potential COVID-19 Vaccine developed in India. It is developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, in association with Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR). It is an inactivated vaccine which is created from a strain of the infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus. It has shown good results in the pre-clinical studies with effective immune responses.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Lazarus Chakwera Takes Charge as the new President of Malawi: Malawi’s opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera has been sworn in as the 6th President of the country on 28 June 2020, after being declared as the winner of the southern African country’s historic presidential election. The 65-year-old, leader of the Malawi Congress Party- MCP, defeated the incumbent President Peter Mutharika with 58.57% of votes. Peter Mutharika, 79, of the Democratic Progressive Party, secured 39.4% of the total votes. Lazarus Chakwera will have five-year term as Malawi president after historic win.

Note: Malawi Capital: Lilongwe; Currency: Malawian Kwacha

2. India & Bhutan inks JV Agreement for 600 MW Kholongchhu hydroelectric project: India and Bhutan have signed a concession agreement, on 29 June 2020, for the construction of 600 MW Kholongchhu hydroelectric project (KHEL), in Bhutan’s less developed eastern region of Trashiyangtse. KHEL will be the first joint venture project under an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) signed in 2014. The joint venture partners of the project are Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) from India and Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC). The project will be constructed as a 50:50 joint venture, and not as a government-to-government agreement. Kholongchu is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025 and generate about 2568.88 million units annually. Once the project is commissioned, the JV partners will run it for 30 years, called the concession period, after which the full ownership will transfer to the Bhutan government.

Note: Capital of Bhutan: Thimphu; Prime minister of Bhutan: Lotay Tshering; The currency of Bhutan: Bhutanese ngultrum.

3. International Day of Parliamentarism: 30th June: The United Nations International Day of Parliamentarism is held on June 30 to celebrate parliaments and the ways in which parliamentary systems of government improve the day-to-day lives of people the world over. It was first observed in 2018 as adopted by UN General Assembly. The 2020 event is the third edition of the celebration. The day marks the anniversary of the Geneva-based Inter-Parliamentary Union, the global organization of parliaments, that was established on June 30, 1889.

Note: Inter-Parliamentary Union Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; Inter-Parliamentary Union President: Gabriela Cuevas Barron; Inter-Parliamentary Union Founded: 1889; Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary-General: Martin Chungong.

4. International Asteroid Day: 30th June: The International Asteroid Day, also known as Asteroid Day is a United Nations proclaimed day observed globally on June 30 ever year to raise awareness about asteroids and what can be done to protect the Earth, its families, communities, and future generations from a catastrophic event. The event marks the anniversary of the Siberian Tunguska event that took place on June 30, 1908, and was the most harmful known asteroid-related event on Earth in recent history. The first International Asteroid Day was held in 2015.

Note: United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Director: Simonetta Di Pippo.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. German former professional footballer Mario Gomez announces retirement: Former Germany footballer Mario Gomez has announced his retirement from the sport on 28 June 2020. The 34 year old has represented the Germany national team over a period of 11 years between 2007 and 2018. He played as a striker and has scored 31 goals in 78 appearances for the national team. He is considered as one of the best German forwards of his time.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Government launches 7.15% Floating Rate Saving Bonds: The government has announced the launch of Floating Rate Savings Bonds, 2020 (Taxable) with an interest rate of 7.15 per cent. The bonds will be available for subscription from July 1, 2020 onwards.  As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) press release, the interest rate on these bonds will be reset every six months, the first reset being on January 01, 2021. There is no option to pay interest on cumulative basis i.e. interest will be payable in every six months instead of having an option to receive it at maturity.

2. YES Bank launches full service digital savings account: India-based Yes Bank has launched a full service digital savings account with video KYC facility as part of its strategy to build up a transformed digital bank. The digital savings account includes virtual Debit Card that can be used for online transactions, fund transfers and shopping. This new initiative will eliminate the need for the branch visit, physical documentation or any in-person interaction while ensuring physical distancing for customers.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Indian economy expected to contract 5% in FY21: S&P Ratings: The GDP growth of India is expected to contract by 5 percent in the fiscal year 2020-21, according to latest forecast by S&P Global Ratings. The growth is expected to rebound in 2021-22 at 8.5%. Summary:

2. Instamojo launches InstaCash to solve the liquidity challenge for MSMEs: Instamojo, has launched ‘InstaCash’ to enable merchants to gain access to working capital. Merchants can avail loans for upto Rs 1 lakh, for a period of 7–14 days. Instamojo will transfer the amount to the customer once the request has been placed. The company has also introduced mojoPlus which enables merchants to earn points on transactions and redeem it to avail discounts on Instamojo fees.

Note: Instamojo is one of the top rated payment gateway & eCommerce platform in India.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Beyonce Honored with Humanitarian Award at BET Awards 2020: The 20th edition of the annual BET Awards 2020 took place with a series of virtual performances on 28 June 2020. The renowned American Popstar Beyonce was honored with the 2020 Humanitarian Award during the event. Beyonce, 38, was honoured for her longstanding philanthropic work with her BeyGOOD Foundation, including her recent COVID-19 relief efforts such as #IDIDMYPART, a mobile testing initiative. The award was presented by the former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Note: The BET Awards is an American award show that was established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other American minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year.

OBITUARIES

1. Kannada novelist Geetha Nagabhushan passes away: Kannada novelist Geetha Nagabhushan (78 years) passes away at Kalaburagi, Karnataka. She was the 1st woman Kannada literature writer who was awarded with Kendra Sahitya Akademi and Nadoja award. Her works shows resistance to patriarchy and gender stereotypes. She wrote 27 novels, 50 short stories, 12 plays and 2 poetry collections. Works: Thavare Huvu, Baduku (novel), Jwalantha and Jogini (play). She was the President of 76th Karnataka Sahitya Academy.

Daily GK Updates - 29th June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal launches Pradhan Mantri Scheme for Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises: The Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur Badal formally launched Pradhan Mantri Scheme for Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises as a part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan on 29 June 2020. The scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of the existing individual micro enterprises by increasing their access to credit, modern technologies among other things. Salient Features of the scheme: (1) The All India Centrally Sponsored Scheme has an outlay of Rs.10,000 crore for 5 years from 2020-21 to 2024-25; (2) Provide employment to about nine lakh skilled and semi-skilled workers.; (3) Cover 2,00,000 enterprises; (4) Expenditure will be shared by Government of India and States at 60:40; (5) About Rs. 35,000 cr investment is expected under the programme.

2. Arjun Munda inaugurates Tribes India store on GeM: Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda has inaugurated the TRIBES India store on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and the TRIFED’s new website (trifed.tribal.gov.in). The store will help in facilitating purchases by Government. The newly launched website contains all important information about the schemes as well as initiatives underway to the benefit of tribal communities. The products and the website were launched during a webinar organised by TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal affairs with focus on “TRIFED Goes Digital” and “Be Vocal for Local”.

Note: Chairman of TRIFED: Ramesh Chand Meena.

3. Anandiben Patel took additional charge as MP’s Governor: Anandiben Patel has been given additional charge as Governor of Madhya Pradesh. President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Anandiben Patel under Articles 155 and 160 of the Constitution. She is currently serving as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh since 2019. She will be discharging the functions of the Governor of Madhya Pradesh in addition to her own duties, as the present governor of Madhya Pradesh Lalji Tandon is undergoing treatment in Lucknow.

Note: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath; Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

MP's Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

4. Piyush Goyal chairs 49th Governing Council Meeting of NPC: Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industry Minister and President of NPC Governing Council chaired the 49th Governing Council Meeting of National Productivity Council (NPC). The participants in the meeting deliberated on increasing the productivity levels of the India in various sectors and put forward various suggestions such as interlinking of academia and industry for creation of a highly skilled labor force, identification of Champion sectors which has the potential to drive the economy, sector formulation of specific action plans by NPC especially in agriculture and logistics sectors, and adoption of technology to increase the productivity.

5. National Statistics Day: 29th June: Government of India celebrates the National Statistics day on 29th June on the birth anniversary of Prof. P C Mahalanobis. The National Statistics Day is celebrated to create awareness among youth about the role of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation. The National Statistics Day was first celebrated on 29th June 2007. Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis is known as the father of Indian Statistics. The theme of Statistics Day 2020 is selected as SDG- 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) & SDG- 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls).

Note: Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation: Rao Inderjit Singh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. G20 Extraordinary Virtual Education Ministers’ Meet: The G20 Extraordinary Virtual Education Ministers’ Meeting was held to address the widespread disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the education sector. Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ represented India in the meeting. The meeting held under the presidency of Saudi Arabia, was convened to deliberate the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic on the education sector, to discuss how different governments are dealing with it and how the Member States can collaborate to further the cause of education in these difficult times.

2. India among Switzerland’s top-3 partners for getting info on bank accounts: India is among the top-three countries to get detailed information from Switzerland on request about bank accounts and beneficiary ownership of entities established by their residents in the Alpine nation, as per the latest study by Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD’s) Global Forum on transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes. The Global Forum’s latest peer review report on exchange of information on request, during the period from July 2015 to June 2018, features India among the top-three jurisdictions, helping India to launch prosecution against a large number of alleged tax evaders. The report is topped by France and Germany.

Note: OECD headquarters: Paris, France

3. World Bank Approves USD 500 mn loan to improve quality of education system in 6 Indian States: The World Bank has approved loan worth $500 million (about Rs 3,700 crore) for Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States Program (STARS) to improve quality and governance of school education in six Indian states. The STARS program builds on the long partnership between India and the World Bank (since 1994), for strengthening public school education and to support the country’s goal of providing Education for All. The six states are Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan. It will be implemented through Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

4. International Day of the Tropics: 29th June: The International Day of the Tropics is a United Nations designated day, observed on 29 June every year. The main purpose of the day is to raise awareness about the specific challenges faced by tropical areas, the far-reaching implications of the issues affecting the world’s tropical zone and the need, at all levels, to raise awareness and to underline the important role that countries in the tropics will play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It was on this day in 2014, that Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi launched inaugural State of Tropics Report which is the culmination of collaboration between 12 leading tropical research institutions, and offers unique perspective on Tropics.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Indian umpire Nitin Menon inducted in ICC Elite Panel: Indian umpire Nitin Menon has been included in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) Elite Panel of Umpires for the upcoming 2020-21 season on 29 June 2020. The 36-year-old is the only third Indian umpire to feature in the prestigious panel after former captain Srinivas Venkatraghavan (2002) and Sundaram Ravi (2010). Menon replaces Nigel Llong of England in the list of 12 umpires for the season. He is the youngest umpire to join the elite panel. Earlier, Nitin Menon was a part of Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires. He has officiated 3 Tests, 24 One Day Internationals and 16 T20 Internationals.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Sidbi sets up Swavalamban Crisis Responsive Fund to facilitate free onboarding of MSMEs on TReDS platform: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has set up ‘Swavalamban Crisis Responsive Fund’ to support free onboarding for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on trade receivables discounting system (TReDS). The initiative aims to offer relief to the MSMEs from severely crunched cash flow, during these challenging times. The free onboarding of MSMEs would be available till September 2000. It is an open-ended fund with the target to onboard 10,000 MSMEs during this period. Usually, an MSME has to pay a fee of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 for getting registered on a TReDS platform. Three TReDS platforms namely Receivables Exchange of India Ltd (RXIL), M1xchange and Invoicemart will help MSMEs to gain access to working capital through invoice discounting via multiple financiers.

2. PhonePe partners with ICICI Bank on UPI multi-bank model: Flipkart-owned PhonePe has partnered with ICICI Bank on UPI multi-bank model giving its users the option to create and use multiple UPI IDs with ICICI and Yes Bank”s handles. The ‘@ibl’ handle for ICICI Bank users and ‘@ybl’ handle for YES Bank users will enable easy, quick and contactless payment services to over 200 million registered PhonePe users. The PhonePe customers will now be able to choose between multiple handles for their UPI IDs, thus making payments easy, secure and accessible to all.

Note: Phonepe founded: December 2015; CEO of Phonepe: Sameer Nigam; Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai Make Global Startup Ecosystem List: Two Indian cities made it onto the top 40 of the world’s most favourable ecosystems to build a globally successful startup, topped by the Silicon Valley in California. Bangalore was ranked 26th and Delhi 36th in The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2020′ by Startup Genome, with Mumbai topping a parallel Top Emerging Ecosystems ranking. London and New York also overtook Silicon Valley in the connectedness ranking, a factor based on the number of tech meetups in the ecosystem and a life sciences-focused measure of accelerators and incubators, research grants, and R&D anchors in the ecosystem.

Daily GK Updates - 28th June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India is the first country in the world to control Locust through Drones: India has become the first country in the world to control locust by using drones, as the Centre deployed drones, tractor mounted sprayers and fire tender vehicles to undertake locust control in the country. Under Make in India initiative, the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare (DAC&FW), Agriculture Ministry has indigenously developed a vehicle mounted Ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayer for locust control. In total 60 ground control teams of Locust Circle Offices and 12 drones are being used for locust control operations in the affected areas. The need of aerial spray for locust control was felt as the ground control vehicles sprayers can spray up to a height of 25-30 feet only. The tractor mounted sprayers also have a limitation in reaching inaccessible areas and tall trees. Locust is a crop-threatening migratory pest that has entered the country through the India-Pakistan border.

2. Chhattisgarh announces Godhan Nyay Yojana: The Chhattisgarh government, led by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has launched ‘Godhan Nyay Yojana’ in the state to make animal husbandry commercially profitable, prevent open grazing by cattle, solve the problem of stray animals on roads and for environment conservation. Under the scheme, the state government will procure cow dung from Livestock owners on fixed rate.  The cow dung will be used for the production of vermi-compost, which would then be sold through cooperative societies, to meet the fertilizer requirement of farmers. It is an effective initiative for cow dung management as well as to make animal husbandry more profitable. The scheme will be implemented in the state from Hareli Festival. It is an important festival of Chhattisgarh’s ‘Gond’ Tribe and is celebrated in The new moon day of Srawan (Sawan Amavsya) month of the Hindu calendar between July and August in rainy season.

3. Ministry of Culture to celebrate Sankalp Parva from 28th June to 12 July 2020: Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent charge) Shri Prahlad Singh Patel has announced that the ministry has decided to celebrate ‘Sankalp Parva’ from 28th June to 12 July 2020. This initiative is line with the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi’s call for planting at least five trees either in Office campus or wherever it is possible, to ensure clean and healthy environment of the country. The Ministry of Culture has asked all its Subordinate Offices, Academies, Attached Institutions, Affiliated Institutions to plant the five trees as identified by PM Modi, in its campus or at the surroundings wherever it is possible. These trees are “Bargad”, “Awla”, “Pepal”, “Ashok” and “Bel” and represent the herbal heritage of our country. However, people may do plantation of any other sapling of their choice, incase of non availability of the saplings of these trees.

4. Battery Swapping Facility Quick Interchange Service launched in Chandigarh: V P Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab-cum-Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, along with the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated Battery Swapping Facility Quick Interchange Service (QIS) at Chandigarh.  Battery swapping technology offers the best alternative to slow charging and helps the drivers to make optimum use of the operational hours. The battery swapping model is initially targeted at the commercial segment, i.e., electric autos, rickshaws and electric 2W also and the electric vehicle which is either factory fitted or retrofitted.

Note: Chairman of Indian Oil: Sanjiv Singh.

5. Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan releases annual TB Report 2020: Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan released the annual TB Report 2020 through a virtual event. According to the report, over 24 lakh TB patients have been notified in 2019. This amounts to a 14 percent increase in TB notification as compared to 2018. There has been a reduction in the number of missing cases to 2.9 lakh cases as against more than 10 lakhs in 2017. Private sector notifications increased by 35 percent with 6.78 lakh TB patients notified. The Minister also released a Joint Monitoring Mission report, a manual on Direct Benefit Transfer to TB patients under NIKSHAY system

6. Govt Approves Additional Rs 1,691 Crore for Highway Works in J&K, Uttarakhand for 2020-21: The government has approved an additional Rs 1,691 crore for highway works by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand for 2020-21. Of this, Rs 1,351.10 crore has been sanctioned to BRO for road works in Jammu & Kashmir and  Rs 340 crore ceiling has been approved for Uttarakhand for national highways. In addition, it has also given nod for additional sanction of Rs 71 crore for highway works by the state’s Public Works Department in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu. Besides, it has also enhanced the total ceiling to Rs 1,955 crore for highways work for under Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) from the existing Rs 1,081 crore.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Micheal Martin takes over as the Prime Minister of Ireland: Micheal Martin has been appointed as the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Ireland on 27 June 2020. The 59-year-old will lead a three-party coalition government consisting of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party. Martin is serving as the 15th Taoiseach of the country. He succeeds Leo Varadkar. He has been the leader of the Fianna Fáil party since 2011. Irish Lower House has 160 seats including the seat of the speaker who is generally not involved in the voting. Micheal Martin won the election by receiving 93 votes in favour, 63 votes against and 3 votes in abstention.

Note: Ireland's capital: Dublin; Currency: Euro; President of Ireland: Michael D Higgins

2. Gudni Johannesson Re-elected as President of Iceland for second 4-year term: The current President of Iceland, Gudni Johannesson has been re-elected as the head of the state. The former history professor won his second four-year term with 92.2 percent of the 168,821 votes cast. It is the second-highest margin of victory in the history of Iceland’s presidential elections. Vigdis Finnbogadottir, the first woman in the world to be democratically elected as head of state, holds the record, winning re-election in 1988 with 94.6 percent of the vote.

Note: Iceland Capital: Reykjavík; Currency: Icelandic króna

3. IIT-Ropar Emerges as best Indian University in ‘THE Young University Ranking 2020’: The Times Higher Education (THE) has released the ‘THE Young University Rankings 2020’ which list the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger. The 2020 ranking includes 414 universities from across the globe, up from 351 in 2019. Overall, 26 Indian universities appear in the ranking of 2020, while only two Indian universities made it into the top 100, and none could enter the ’50 under 50′ category. The best Indian university among the youngest institutes in the country is IIT-Ropar, in Punjab. It is ranked at 62nd spot. The other Indian university in top 100 is IIT Indore at 64th rank. The overall ranking has been topped by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The universities are judged across all their core missions – teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook – to provide the most comprehensive and balanced comparisons available.

List of top 10 Universities

Rank 1: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Rank 2: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Rank 3: Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University, Paris

Rank 4: Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa

Rank 5: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

Rank 6: Maastricht University

Rank 7: City University of Hong Kong

Rank 8: Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)

Rank 9: Sorbonne University, France

Rank 10: Pompeu Fabra University, Spain

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI extends enhanced borrowing limit under MSF till 30 September: In March 2020, the Reserve Bank of India, had increased the borrowing limit of scheduled banks under the marginal standing facility (MSF) scheme from 2 percent to 3 percent of their Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) as a temporary measure to deal with cash crunch caused by coronavirus pandemic. This relaxation was effective from March 27, 2020 and was granted till June 30, 2020. Now, RBI has decided to extend this enhanced borrowing facility provided to the banks to meet their liquidity shortages till September 30, 2020. Apart from this, the Central Bank has also extended the relaxation on the minimum daily maintenance of the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 80 percent for a further period of three months till September 25, 2020. On March 27, the minimum daily maintenance of the CRR was reduced from 90 percent of the prescribed CRR to 80 percent till June 26, 2020 due to the hardships faced by banks in terms of social distancing of staff and consequent strains on reporting requirements.

2. IRDAI sets up panel on insurance for use drones: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has formed a working group to suggest insurance products covering the various risks involved in the use of drones. The nine-member panel headed by Anjan Dev, General Manager of The New India Assurance Co, has been asked to study and understand the insurance needs of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) owners and operators. Irdai has tasked the group to make recommendations relating to design and development of product/s meeting the needs of RPAS owners and operators, including third party liability.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. United Nations honours Kerala’s Health Minister KK Shailaja for efforts to fight pandemic: The state Health Minister of Kerala, KK Shailaja, has been honoured by the United Nations, during a virtual conference organised as a part of the occasion of the United Nations Public Service Day on 24 June 2020. The 63-year-old minister was honored for her efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic in the state by adopting the three strategies of “Trace, Quarantine, Test, Isolate and Treat”, “Break the Chain” and “Reverse Quarantine.” Shailaja was among 10 other world leaders invited to speak on the occasion. She was the only speaker from the country to speak at the event on the strategies adopted by Kerala to curb COVID-19 transmission.

Daily GK Updates - 27th June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Maharashtra Govt introduced “Maha Parwana” plan to boost investment: In a bid to attract fresh industrial investments in Maharashtra, the state government announced a new plan called ‘Maha Parwana’, which will offer several incentives and offer a single-window clearance system for project execution. In a cabinet decision, the government has decided that henceforth companies investing in a project costing Rs 50 crore or more would not be burdened with getting clearances from several departments. Such companies would be given an assurance letter (Maha Parwana).

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

2. Bengaluru International Airport becomes first in India to get AWMS technology on runway: The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has recently installed an indigenously-developed Aviation Weather Monitoring System (AWMS) at its new runway (south runway) on both ends. This makes BLR as the first airport in India to have this technology installed at both ends of the runway. The Aviation Weather Monitoring System has been developed by Bengaluru-based CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). Apart from this, four Drishti Transmissometers has also been installed to help in measuring the Runway Visibility Range (RVR). It has been made by NAL in association with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). With this, the number of RVRs installed at the both runways has reached six.

Note: National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) Headquarters: Bangalore, India; National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) Director: Jitendra J Jadhav.

3. Union Minister launches Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan web portal: Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Narendra Singh Tomar has launched Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan web portal through video conferencing. It will provide district and work-wise information about Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan. It will help in monitoring the completion of the works. Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan is a massive employment generation-cum-rural infrastructure creation programme. The launch was followed by Central Nodal Officers workshop.

4. AP govt. launches YSR Kapu Nestham, to provide Rs 15,000 for eligible women: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launched ‘YSR Kapu Nestham’ at his camp office for the welfare of the women from Kapu community. Under the scheme, the government will provide Rs 15,000 per year for all the eligible women aged between 45 and 60 years for a period of five years. Around 2.36 lakh women will benefit through the scheme in the first year and the amount will be credited in the bank accounts. The government allocated Rs 354 crore for the scheme in the first year.

5. Centre allocates Rs 4125 cr to rejuvenate Small, Medium & Tiny Industries sector in Tamil Nadu: The Central government has allocated 4125 crore rupeesfor rejuvenating the Small, Medium and Tiny Industries sector in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapadi Palanisamy told that this forms 10 per cent of the total allocation of the scheme. He said that the scheme is being effectively implemented in the state.

6. Vini Mahajan became the 1st woman Chief Secretary of Punjab: Vini Mahajan (1987-batch IAS Officer) took over as the first woman Chief Secretary of Punjab. She succeeded Karan Avtar Singh (1984-batch IAS Officer), who is posted as Special Chief Secretary, Governance Reforms and Public Grievances. She has superseded 5 senior IAS officers and a batch-mate, Viswajeet Khanna.

Note: Chief Minister of Punjab: Amarinder Singh; Governor of Punjab: Vijayender Pal Singh Badnore.

7. Haryana govt, Reliance Jio TV enter agreement to educate 52 lakh students: Haryana has entered into an agreement with Reliance Jio TV under the Chief Minister’s Distance Education Programme that will benefit 52 lakh school students largely residing in villages amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the agreement, all four channels of Eduset will now be available on the Jio platform free of cost.  In order to ensure that knowledge reaches all children, the broadcast content on television will also be available for a week so that the students can watch it according to their convenience and time.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NASA Names its Washington, D.C. headquarters after Mary W. Jackson: NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has announced that the agency’s headquarters building in Washington, D.C., will be named after Mary W. Jackson, the first African American female engineer at NASA. It would be called as Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters. Jackson started her NASA career in 1951 as a human computer, a mathematician who performed hand calculations for NASA missions.

Note: Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States.

2. 36th ASEAN Summit held virtually, hosted by Vietnam: The 36th ASEAN Summit held via teleconference in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. Vietnam, as the ASEAN Chair, is to emphasize unity in the region to respond to current challenges, and it is expected that ASEAN leaders will discuss cooperation on public health, and draft a plan for post COVID-19 rehabilitation. With the theme “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN”, the summit discuss the regional comprehensive post-pandemic recovery plans, implement initiatives including establishing the ASEAN COVID-19 response fund, setting up a reserve for medical supplies to meet urgent needs during epidemics, building the ASEAN standard procedures of epidemic response in case of health emergency.

3. India ranks 77th in terms of money parked with Swiss banks, UK tops: India has moved down three places to 77th rank in terms of money parked by its citizens and enterprises with Swiss banks at the end of 2019, as per the latest annual banking statistics released by the Swiss National Bank (SNB). India was ranked 74th in 2018. As per the latest data, India accounted for just about 0.06 percent of the aggregate funds parked by all foreign clients of Switzerland-based banks. However, many neighbouring countries are below India in the list. Among them, Pakistan is ranked 99th, Bangladesh 85th, Nepal 118th, Sri Lanka 148th, Myanmar 186th and Bhutan 196th. UK has retained its top position, accounting for close to 27 percent of the total foreign funds parked with Swiss banks at the end of 2019. UK is followed by the US, West Indies, France and Hong Kong in the top five. These top-five countries alone account for more than 50 percent of the aggregate foreign funds parked with the Swiss banks.

Note: Swiss National Bank (SNB) Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss National Bank (SNB) Chairman: Thomas Jordan.

4. Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day: 27th June: The United Nations Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day is held on June 27 since 2017 to celebrate the work of MSME in local and global economies and their contribution to sustainable development. 2020 Theme is “COVID-19: The Great Lockdown and its impact on Small Business“.These enterprises, which generally employ fewer than 250 persons, are the backbone of most economies worldwide.

Note: International Society for Small and Medium Enterprises Headquarters: New Delhi.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Australia and New Zealand Named as co-hosts for 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The joint offer put together by Football Federation Australia and New Zealand Football got 22 of the 35 substantial votes cast by the FIFA Council individuals in the first voting form, with the Colombian Football Association having acquired 13 votes. It will be the first edition to feature 32 teams, up from 24 teams earlier. This will also be the first the time that the tournament will take place in two different countries from two separate confederations. The prize money for 2023 is expected to be $100 million. FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, has also approved $1 billion in investment in women’s soccer over the next four years.

Note: Headquarters of FIFA: Zürich, Switzerland; President of FIFA Gianni Infantino.

2. Rahul Dravid beats Sachin Tendulkar to emerge as India’s greatest Test batsman in Wisden poll: Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid has emerged as the greatest Indian Test batsman of all time, after beating legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in a poll conducted by Wisden India on social media recently. The poll was recently conducted on the website’s official Facebook account. Dravid got 52 percent of the votes, with as many as 11,400 fans taking part in the final round of voting. Dravid saw off Tendulkar within the final round of the voting by a narrow margin despite trailing at 42 per cent. The poll initially had 16 Indian batting greats.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Yes Bank launches mobile payment app ‘Yuva Pay’ in collaboration with UDMA Technologies: Yes Bank has partnered with UDMA Technologies to launch its digital wallet solution ‘Yuva Pay’ to enable contactless payments for its customers. Yuva Pay app will offer bill payments via Bharat Bill Pay and provide Unified Payments Interface (UPI) facility to customers. The app will enable the customers to pay their utility bills, make insurance renewals, FASTag recharges, EMI payments, and use the app to make payments at retail outlets. For feature set users, Yuva Pay will leverage Interactive Voice Response Services (IVRS) wherein all transactions are processed securely via OTP and T-PIN (telephone pin) authentication.

Note: Yes Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Yes Bank MD & CEO: Prashant Kumar.

2. President proclaims Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020: President Ram Nath Kovind has promulgated the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 to ensure depositors safety across banks. This ordinance amends Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as applicable to Cooperative Banks. It will not only protect depositors’ interest but will strengthen cooperative banks with improved governance. It will facilitate reconstruction or amalgamation scheme protecting the interest of public and banking system without making moratorium order.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Sachin Bansal’s startup ‘Navi’ launches instant lending app to disburse personal loans: Bengaluru-headquartered Navi Technologies, a financial services startup founded by Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal, has launched a mobile app to provide instant personal loans, and targeted at consumers in the middle-income segment. The ‘Navi Lending’ app will provide instant loans of up to Rs 5 lakh with repayment tenures of up to 36 months. The loan process will be done completely using digital and contactless process for customers. The loan amount will be sent directly into the bank accounts of consumers who will need to enter their permanent account number (PAN) and Aadhaar numbers to link their accounts.

DEFENCE

1. Navy Inducts Indigenously Developed Advanced Torpedo Decoy System: Navy has inducted an advanced Torpedo Decoy System giving a major boost to anti-submarine warfare. It is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO labs (NSTL and NPOL). It is capable of being fired from all frontline warships. User evaluation trials have been successfully completed along with demonstration of its feature. Its induction was jointly done by Indian Navy and DRDO. It has given major boost to Government's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar' initiative.

OBITUARIES

1. Vir Chakra awardee Sqn. Ldr. Parvez Jamasji passes away: Vir Chakra awardee, Sqn Ldr (retd) Parvez Jamasji passed away. He was commissioned in 1965 and retired in 1985. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for gallantry during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. During the operations against Pakistan in December 1971, Flight Lieutenant Parvez Rustom Jamasji was serving with a helicopter unit. His Helicopter flown by him was attacked twice by machine gun and twice by mortars.

Daily GK Updates - 26th June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NITI Aayog launches behaviour change campaign ‘Navigating the New Normal’: NITI Aayog has launched a behaviour change campaign titled ‘Navigating the New Normal’ and its website to guide people to follow norms during the ‘Unlock’ phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to contain the spread of the deadly virus. The campaign has been developed under the guidance of Empowered Group 6, constituted by the GoI, under the Chairmanship of NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant. The campaign and website have been launched in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Centre for Social and Behavioural Change (CSBC), Ashoka University, and the Ministries of Health and WCD. The campaign consists of two parts. The first is a web portal http://www.covidthenewnormal.com, containing resources related to COVID-safe behavioural norms. The second is a media campaign focused on the wearing of masks.

Note: CEO of NITI Aayog: Amitabh Kant.

2. Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates Indian Oil’s PADC at Paradip, Odisha: Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated a Product Application and Development Centre (PADC) set up by Indian Oil at Paradip, Odisha. It has been setup by Indian Oil with Rs 43 crores value and 4 labs: Polymer Processing, Analytical Testing, Chemical Analysis and Characterisation Lab It will act as incubation centre for new entrepreneur development in the field of Plastics and will also generate employment with Government's aid.

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

           

3. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan Launches mobile app ‘eBloodServices’ for easy access to blood: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has launched the ‘eBloodServices’ mobile App, in partnership with the New Delhi based Indian Red Cross Society, on 25 June 2020 for easy access to blood, to fight with the critical coronavirus pandemic. The application has been developed under the Digital India scheme of GoI by the E-Raktkosh team of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing. The app will enable the user to view the availability of blood with the blood bank using their phone and also enable them to place order. Then the blood bank will get to know about the same through their ‘ERatkosh dashboard’, after which, they will keep the request active for 12 hours. The app has the facility of placing an order for up to four units of blood in one go.

Note: Chairman of Indian Red Cross Society: Harsh Vardhan.

4. Tripura govt launches Mukhyamantri Matru Pushti Uphaar scheme: The state government of Tripura has launched a scheme called Mukhyamantri Matru Pushti Uphaar, under which it would provide nutrition kits to pregnant and lactating women in an effort to fight malnutrition and maternal mortality.  The state government is expected to incur an expenditure of Rs 8 crore every year for the initiative. Under the new scheme, each nutrition kit would cost Rs 500 and contain food items, such as peanuts, soya beans, mixed pulses, jaggery and ghee. It is expected to benefit atleast 40,000 women.

Note: Chief Minister of Tripura: Biplab Kumar Deb; Governor: Ramesh Bais; Capital: Agartala

5. IIM Ahmedabad rolls out IIM Ahmedabad Endowment Fund: Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad has rolled out ‘IIM Ahmedabad Endowment Fund’ to ensure financial health of institute with initial commitment of Rs. 100 Crore. It is aimed at raising Rs.1000 crore in 5 years. The fund is raised from 10 founding alumni of IIM-A as a part of long term goal of retaining autonomy. IIMA is the 1st management school in India to come up with this initiative.

Note: IIMA Governors Board Chairperson: Kumar Mangalam Birla; Founded: 1961

6. “Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan” launched in UP:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has virtually launched a path-breaking scheme “Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan” in Uttar Pradesh. The scheme aims to generate employment for the migrant workers of the state who recently returned from other states. The scheme has been launched in 31 districts of Uttar Pradesh constituting more than 25,000 returnee migrant workers. It is an unique initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government to generate employment, promote local entrepreneurship and create partnership with Industrial associations and other organizations to facilitate employment opportunities to the returnee migrant workers.

Note: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Aditya Nath; Governor: Anandiben Patel.

7. J&K launches two J&K Bank Loan Scheme 2019-20: J&K has launched 2 schemes to provide financial support to business communities. (1) J&K Bank Business Support Loan Scheme: There will be 10% increase in existing working capital limit with upper limit Rs 5 cr (SMA2) and Rs 20 cr (SMA1). (2) ‘J&K Bank Business Support Loan Scheme for Hotels and Guest Houses’: It has upper limit of Rs 2 cr with 1 yr moratorium and 36 months repayment. It has no processing and foreclosure charges. Interest rate: 8.80%, 3 year MCLR.

8. Shripad Naik inaugurates “Defence Conclave 2020 Gujarat”: Defence Conclave 2020 Gujarat has been inaugurated by the Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik. It is a two-day digital conference on the defence & aerospace manufacturing sector, organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Gujarat along with Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM). The conclave aims to bring together the high-level government representatives to deliberate and exchange ideas, viewpoints and knowledge regarding the critical defence offset policies, sector analyses and review choices of technology presently available globally for the manufacturing and production of indigenous defence systems.

9. Priyanka Chopra & Anurag Kashyap among 50 ambassadors for TIFF 2020: Actor Priyanka Chopra and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap have been among the 50 celebrated global filmmakers and actors invited as ambassadors of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2020 (45th edition). For the first time, the festival, is being organised virtually, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 45th edition of the festival is scheduled to take place from September 10 to September 19, 2020. It is expected that around 50 films will be screened in physical theaters through socially-distanced screenings, during its first five days.

Note: Toronto International Film Festival starts: 1976; Toronto International Film Festival Headquarters: Toronto, Canada.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Pakistan to remain in Financial Action Task Force Grey list: Pakistan is likely to remain on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as it has failed to comply with the tasks given by the global terrorist financing watchdog to stop terror financing in the country. Islamabad is yet to complete 13 out of 27 items of its FATF Action Plan. This decision was taken at the third and final plenary meeting of FATF, under the Chinese Presidency of Xiangmin Liu. Pak’s progress on its Action Plan would now be evaluated in the next plenary meeting to be held in October 2020, under the Presidency of Germany.

Note: The headquarters of FATF is in Paris, France; FATF was founded in July 1989.

2. World Vitiligo Day 2020: 25th June: The World Vitiligo Day is observed on June 25 to build global awareness about vitiligo. Vitiligo is a skin disorder leading to loss of color in the skin creating a variety of patterns on the skin from loss of pigment. Vitiligo is often called a disease instead of a disorder and that can have a significantly negative social or psychological impact on patients. The first World Vitiligo Day was observed on June 25, 2011.

3. International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: 26th June: The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is a United Nations recognized day observed every year on 26 June to speak out against the crime of torture and to honour and support victims and survivors throughout the world. It was on this day on 26 June 1987 when the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect. 2020 Theme is Torture: a crime against humanity.

4. International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: 26th June: The United Nations recognized International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed annually on 26 June, since 1989 to fight against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. The theme of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2020 is “Better Knowledge for Better Care”. The main purpose of the theme is to improve the understanding of the world drug problem and at fostering greater international cooperation for countering its impact on health, governance and security.

Note: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Headquarters: Vienna, Austria; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Founded: 1997.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Liverpool Wins 2019–20 Premier League title: Liverpool has won the 2019–20 Premier League title on 25 June 2020, putting an end to 30 years wait for the title. This is the nineteenth English league title for Liverpool and their first in the Premier League era, having last won in 1990. Liverpool was declared winner after Manchester City lost 1-2 to Chelsea. The 2019–20 Premier League is the 28th season of the top English professional football league, since its establishment in 1992.

2. Former England Women Cricket Captain Clare Connor Set to become first female President of Marylebone Cricket Club in 233 years: Former England’s women captain Clare Connor has been named as the first female president of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in its 233-year history. Connor will replace incumbent President Kumar Sangakkara. She will take charge of her new post on 1 October 2021. Connor is currently the managing director of women’s cricket of England and Wales Cricket Board. Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara, who is the first non-British MCC president, appointed in 2019 for one-year tenure, has been invited to hold the position for another 12-month period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Connor made her England debut in 1995 at the age of 19, and took over the captaincy in 2000, leading England at Lord's against Australia a year later.

Note: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Founded: 1787; Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.

3. New Zealand’s Women wicketkeeper Rachel Priest announces retirement from international cricket: Rachel Priest, New Zealand’s wicketkeeper-batswoman, has announced her retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a 13-year-old career with the White Ferns (nickname of New Zealand’s women national team). The 35-year-old played 87 ODIs and 75 T20Is for New Zealand. After her retirement, she has now signed up a contract with Cricket Tasmania to play in Australia Women’s National Cricket League and will represent Tasmanian Tigers for the 2020/21 season.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI instructs Banks, NBFCs digital platforms to disclose full information: RBI has instructed banks, NBFCs and digital lending platforms to disclose full information on their websites to customers. The move is taken to make digital lending transparent as several complaints relating to exorbitant interest rates and harsh recovery measures has been reported. Banks and NBFCs also have to issue letter after loan sanction along with agreement and enclosures immediately. They must also follow regulatory instructions on financial and IT services.

2. Govt to launch new Floating Rate Savings Bonds 2020 (Taxable) scheme: Govt will launch Floating Rate Savings Bonds 2020 (Taxable) scheme with effect from July 01, 2020. Issuing Authority: RBI only in electronic form. Eligibility: Person resident in India and person from Hindu Undivided Family. Subscription: Cash (₹20,000 only)/drafts/cheques or any electronic mode acceptable to the Receiving Office. It will not be transferable except transfer to nominee or legal heir. Interest on the bonds will be payable at half yearly interval. Rate: 7.15%

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. India Ratings projects India’s GDP to contract by 5.3% in FY21: India Ratings and Research has projected the GDP growth of India to contract by 5.3% in 2020-21 (FY21). India Ratings and Research expects the GDP of India to grow in the range of 5-6% in FY22. This will be the lowest GDP growth in Indian history and the sixth instance of economic contraction, others being in FY58, FY66, FY67, FY73 and FY80.

2. Govt extends deadline to file ITR for FY19 till July 31; PAN-Aadhaar till March 2021: The Central Government has extended the deadline for the following: (1) for filing income tax returns (ITR) for FY 2018-19 by one month to July 31, 2020; (original as well as revised income tax returns); (2) for linking biometric Aadhaar with PAN till March 31, 2021. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) through a notification also extended the time limit for making various investments for claiming deductions under the I-T Act for the 2019-20 fiscal by a month till July 31, 2020. The due date for filing ITR for FY2019-20 has already been extended till November 30, 2020.