Daily GK Updates - 26th July, 2020

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. DST launches programme for India-Russia S & T cooperation: The Department of Science and Technology has launched ‘India-Russia Joint Technology Assessment and Accelerated Commercialisation Programme’. The objective of this program is to connect the Indian and Russian science and technology (S&T) led SMEs and start-ups for joint R&D for technology development and for cross-country technology adaptation. The programme has been jointly launched in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE) of the Russian Federation. FICCI will implement the programme in India, on behalf of DST and same will be done by FASIE in Russia. The programme will run over a period of two years and up to five projects will be funded each year. DST will fund up to Rs 15 crores to 10 Indian SMEs/start-ups and FASIE will provide similar funding to the Russian projects. Projects under the program will be mainly based on leading S&T focus areas, such as, IT & ICT, medicine and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, aerospace, alternative technologies, environment, new materials, biotechnologies, robotics, and drones.

Note: President of Russia: Vladimir Putin; Capital of Russia: Moscow; Currency: Russian Ruble.

 

2. Employees’ Welfare Scheme launched in Arun Jaitley’s name in Rajya Sabha: The Rajya Sabha secretariat has launched an Employees’ Welfare Scheme in the name of former Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, who was also the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha. The scheme has been formulated and approved based on the decision of Sangeeta Jaitley, wife of the senior leader who passed away in August last year. The scheme will be funded by the pension his family receives as he has been a member of the upper house. The scheme seeks to benefit group “C” employees of the secretariat by awarding their children three scholarships for higher technical and professional education.

 

3. Haryana CM launches e-Sachivalaya portal: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar launched e-Sachivalaya portal, a digital platform, facilitating people to take online appointments for virtual meetings with the CM , Deputy CM , Ministers and other Heads of Depts. The portal was launched to provide citizen-centric services to the people in a transparent and seamless manner by making the maximum use of the information technology. After taking the appointment, the person will be given a time slot for the virtual meeting within 24 hours.

 

4. Electric potter wheels distributed under “Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana”:  Under the “Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana” of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Union Home Minister Amit Shah distributed 100 electric potter wheels to 100 trained artisans in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The step was an effort to empower and associate the marginalized potters’ community. During the distribution of electric potter wheels, the minister assured the potters stating the arrangements made to help potters to sell their products, including tie-up with the Railways and proper marketing channels.

Note: Chairman of Khadi and Village Industries Commission: Vinai Kumar Saxena.

 

5. PM Modi lays foundation stone of Manipur water supply project worth Rs 3,000 crore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Rs 3,050-crore Manipur Water Supply Project under the Jal Jeevan Mission-Har Ghar Jal Scheme. The video conference event was held at the City Convention, Imphal, attended by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Manipur Governor Najama Heptulla, MLAs and ministers. Addressing the event, PM Modi said the project would reduce the water problems facing the state, and would be a huge relief for the women of Manipur. Apart from Greater Imphal, the project is to benefit 25 small towns and 1,700 villages in the state, said the PM.

 

6. Punjab approves world bank-supported US$ 286 million canal water supply project: The Punjab Cabinet on Wednesday approved a US$ 285.71 million project for canal-based water supply for Amritsar and Ludhiana cities under World Bank financing. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) would finance US$ 200 million (70%) and Punjab Government US$ 85.71 million (30%), as per the proposal mooted by the Local Government department for the adoption of Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) under Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project. A decision to this effect was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh held through video conferencing. The project would have four components including strengthening urban and water supply service management with a total cost of US$ 11.61 million, improving water supply infrastructure at US$ 240.38 million, besides Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation & Resettlement involving the cost of US$ 15.62 million, COVID-19 crisis response to the tune of US$ 10 million and project management at US$ 7.6 million, in addition to Front End Fee of US$ 0.5 million.

 

7. Kargil Vijay Diwas: 26th July: Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 since the year 1999, to mark India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict. The day is dedicated to our Kargil War’s Heroes and is named after the successful Operation Vijay. This year India is celebrating the 21 years of victory in Kargil war. It was in 1999 that a high altitude mountain war broke out along the peaks of Kargil near the Line of Control, the de-facto border that divides Kashmir between the two nations. After this, India successfully took command of the high outposts which had been lost to Pakistan. This year wreath lying ceremony will take place at Drass War Memorial

 

8. UP Governor Anandiben Patel Gets Additional Charge of Madhya Pradesh Post Demise of Lal Ji Tandon: The Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has been given the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh with effect from 24 July 2020. This decision was taken after the demise of Lal Ji Tandon, Governor of Madhya Pradesh on 21 July 2020. Anandiben Patel will discharge the functions of the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, in addition to her own duties, until the appointment of a regular incumbent for the office of the Governor of Madhya Pradesh. Earlier on June 28, Patel was given the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh during the absence on leave of Governor Lalji Tandon. She has served as the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, she was the first female chief minister of the state.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. EU approves biggest green stimulus in history with $572 Billion plan: European governments approved the most ambitious climate change plan to date, agreeing to pour more than 500 billion euros ($572 billion) into everything from electric cars to renewable energy and agriculture. At a marathon five-day summit in Brussels, heads of government reached a deal on an unprecedented economic rescue plan and seven-year budget for the region worth €1.8 trillion ($2 trillion). The plan is part of Europe’s bid to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Germany’s recovery plans are among the greenest so far, with about a third of the €130 billion ($145 billion) recovery budget going into areas such as public transport and development of green hydrogen.

 

2. India Ranks 3rd among top 10 countries gaining forest area in the world: FAO: India has been ranked third among the top 10 countries that have gained in forest areas in the last decade (2010-2020) as per the latest Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). FRA is a comprehensive assessment brought out by FAO after every five years since 1990 to assess the state of forests, their conditions and management for all member countries. Key points to the report of FRA 2020:

(1) Top 10 countries which recorded the maximum average annual net gains in forest area during 2010-2020 are China, Australia, India, Chile, Vietnam, Turkey, the United States, France, Italy and Romania; (2) India accounts for two percent of total global forest area; (3) The Asian continent reported the highest net gain in forest area in 2010-2020, with 1.17 million hectares (ha) per year net increase in forests. (4) India reported 0.38 percent annual gain in forest (266,000 ha) of forest increase every year at an average, during the same period. (5) The forest area managed by local, tribal and indigenous communities in India increased from zero in 1990 to about 25 million ha in 2015. (6) The report also assessed the employment in the forestry sector (including logging) with data from 136 countries (that represent 91 percent of the world’s forests ). India reported the maximum employment in the forestry sector in the world. (7) Globally, 12.5 million people were employed in the forestry sector. Out of this, India accounted for 6.23 million, or nearly 50 per cent.

 

3. ADB, GCF Commit To Partnership To Boost Green Recovery From COVID-19: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) agreed to partner toward a 'green recovery' from the impact of COVID 19. This collaboration focuses on enhancing the steps to reduce the carbon emission and for climate-resilient development in Asia-Pacific. ABD has offered a support package of USD 20 billion for COVID-19. Under Strategy 2030, ADB will ensure that 75% of its committed projects will support climate change mitigation and adaptation by 2030.

 

4. Maldives celebrates 55th Independence Day on 26 July 2020: Maldives celebrated its 55th Independence Day on 26 July 2020. 2020 also marks 55 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives. President Ramnath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their greetings to the neighbouring country on the occasion. Both leaders have written to Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conveying their greetings and assuring continued support to development and democracy in Maldives. Indian high commission in Male while extending its greetings, said India will continue to support post-COVID economic recovery in Maldives and additional financial assistance will be announced soon. It said India first’ policy of Maldives and Neighbourhood first policy of India has set the foundation of the growing relationship.

Note: Maldives Capital: Malé; Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa; President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Run to the Moon initiative raises Rs 19 lakh for Sport’s unsung warriors: 'Run to the Moon’ initiative has raised Rs 19 lakhs for unsung warriors of Indian Sports. It was an initiative of IDBI Federal Life Insurance and NEB Sports in which 14,000 runners participated across the world covering 9,08,800 kilometres over the 30-day span. It was led by badminton coach Pullela Gopichand and Arjuna Awardees Ashwini Nachappa and Malathi Holla. It was aimed at raising funds for needy coaches and sports support staff to make ends meet amid COVID-19

 

2. Indian 4x400m relay squad’s Silver medal at 2018 Asian Games upgraded to Gold: The silver medal which was won by the Indian 4×400 mixed relay quartet of Mohammed Anas, M.R. Poovamma, Hima Das and Arokia Rajiv at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta has been upgraded to gold. This decision was taken following the disqualification of original winners Bahrain on account of a four-year doping ban handed to Kemi Adekoya by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for failing a dope test. Additionally, with Adekoya’s disqualification, India’s Anu Raghavan has moved from fourth position to bronze medal position in the 400m hurdles final. Now India has become the first winner of the 4x400m mixed relay event, which was introduced in the Asian Games in 2018.

Note: President of Athletics Federation of India: Adille J. Sumariwalla.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Partha Pratim Sengupta takes over as new MD & CEO of Indian Overseas Bank: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has appointed Partha Pratim Sengupta as its new managing director and chief executive. The 57 year-old Sengupta will serve the post up to the date of attaining the age of superannuation, December 31, 2022, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The post of the MD and CEO at IOB was lying vacant after the superannuation of Karnam Sekar, who retired on June 30, 2020. Prior to this, Sengupta was the deputy managing director of State Bank of India (SBI).

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Ganesh Lakshminarayanan to be new chief of Airtel’s enterprise business: Bharti Airtel Ltd has appointed Ganesh Lakshminarayanan as chief executive officer (CEO) of the company’s enterprise business. Lakshminarayanan will succeed Ashish Arora, who has been promoted as the CEO for global business. Arora will look at expanding Bharti Airtel’s global networks, including submarine cable systems, to serve international and domestic customers.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Kala Narayanasamy honoured with President’s Award in Singapore:  Indian-origin nurse, Kala Narayanasamy in Singapore has been conferred with the President’s Award for Nurses for serving on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kala Narayanasamy, who is the Deputy Director of Nursing at Woodlands Health Campus, has been conferred with this award for utilising the infection control practices that she had learned during the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, in the current pandemic. Kala Narayanasamy was among the five nurses given the award, the Ministry of Health announced. Each recipient was awarded a trophy, a certificate signed by President Halimah Yacob and SGD 10,000 (USD 7,228).

The President’s Award for Nurses in Singapore recognises the efforts of nurses who have shown sustained outstanding performance and contributions to patient care delivery, education, research and administration.

 

2. Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson wins 2020 FWA Footballer of the Year award: Jordan Henderson, the captain of Premier League club Liverpool has been named the 2019-20 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association (FWA). The 30-year-old Henderson has played in 30 of Liverpool’s league matches so far this season and scored four goals. Kevin De Bruyne, Marcus Rashford and Virgil van Dijk are the runner-up. The Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year is an annual award given since the 1947–48 season, to the player who is adjudged to have been the best of the season in English football.