Daily GK Update- 30th Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Bank Approves USD125 million financial support for Kerala: The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a $125 million support for the ‘Resilient Kerala Program’ to help the state in preparedness against natural disasters, climate change impacts, disease outbreaks, and pandemics. The $125 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 14 years including a grace period of six years. The heavy monsoons of 2018 were the worst Kerala had seen in nearly a century, triggering devastating floods and landslides. It impacted more than 5 million people, mainly in the Pamba River Basin.

The Resilient Kerala Program will focus on two key areas: First, it will incorporate disaster risk planning in the master plans of urban and local self-governments to ease financial constraints on the state government when faced with unexpected shocks; Second, it will help make the health, water resources management, agriculture, and road sectors more resilient to calamities.

Note: Kerala CM: PinarayiVijayan; Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan.

World Bank Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States; World Bank Formation: July 1944; World Bank President: David Malpass.

 

2. Goa becomes first state to go rabies free: Chief Minister Dr. PramodSawant announced that Goa has become the first state in the country to be Rabies free. CM informed that not a single case of rabies had been found in the state since the last three years. The team of mission rabies had been very effectively doing its job and had been also conducting vaccination for dogs. As per information, no rabies cases were reported in the state in 2018. The progress came on the heels of Mission Rabies, a statewide drive in place since 2014 which saw almost one lakh dogs given the anti-rabies vaccine yearly, and an awareness campaign that educated 5.2 lakh school children and 23,000 teachers about the virus. This included 50,316 vaccinations administered and 78,437 students reached until August 31st this year alone.

Note: Goa Capital: Panaji; Governor of Goa: Bhagat Singh Koshyari; Chief Minister of Goa: PramodSawant.

 

3. Vigilance Commissioner Suresh N Patel appointed as acting CVC: The incumbent Vigilance Commissioner, Suresh N Patel has been appointed as the acting Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) of India in the Central Vigilance Commission with effect. He has been appointed in place of Sanjay Kothari, who completed his term on June 23, 2021. He will remain on the post until the appointment of the new Central Vigilance Commissioner. The Central Vigilance Commission is headed by the CVC and can have a maximum of two vigilance commissioners. Currently, Mr Patel is the only VC in the commission. The Personnel Ministry has invited applications for the posts of CVC and a vigilance commissioner.

Note: Central Vigilance Commission Formed: February 1964; Central Vigilance Commission Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

4. A book titled “Fiercely Female: The Dutee Chand Story” by Sundeep Mishra: Journalist Sundeep Mishra’s book titled ‘Fiercely Female: The Dutee Chand Story’ chronicles Chand’s journey with a detailed narrative of the gender-identity controversy that made her an iconic figure in Indian sport. The book was published by Westland Books.

About the Dutee Chand:Dutee Chand, the first openly homosexual athlete from India, scripted history in 2019 when she became the first Indian to win gold in a 100-metre event at the World Universiade in Naples. Coming from a small village in Odisha, Dutee Chand went on to hold the national record in the women’s 100 metres and is only the fifth Indian to participate in the women’s 100 metres at the Olympics when she qualified for the 2016 Rio Games.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Denmark signs framework agreement on International Solar Alliance with India: Denmark signed the framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement (ISA FA) and Instrument of Ratification with India, informed Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson ArindamBagchi. Meanwhile, Denmark becomes first country to ratify International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement (ISA FA) after amendments to it entered into force on January 8. Kingdom of Denmark becomes 1st country to ratify International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement (ISA FA) after amendments to it entered into force on 8 January this year, opening its Membership to all Member States of the United Nations.

 

2. Ashgabat world’s most expensive city for foreign workers: Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan in Central Asia, has been named the world’s most expensive city for foreign workers. The city topped the list in a 2021 cost-of-living survey by consultancy firm Mercer. Hong Kong was on the second position, followed by Beirut in Lebanon and Tokyo in Japan. The annual report ranks 209 cities based on the cost of expenses like housing, food and transport. Most of the cities in the top 10 are those where economic growth has contributed to an increase in the cost of living. Three are Swiss cities, of which Zurich dropped to fifth, followed by Shanghai and Singapore. London was placed 18th.

About the Ashgabat: Ashgabat is known for its magnificent marble buildings and monuments. It is also home to one of Central Asia’s most colourful bazaars called Tolkuchka Bazaar. Other tourist attractions include the National Museum, White Marble, Turkmenbashi Cableway, Museum of Fine Arts, Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center, and Turkmen Carpet Museum.

Indian cities: Mumbai remains India’s most expensive city at 78th rank but has dropped 18 places in this year’s ranking “due to a relatively weak Indian rupee in comparison with other cities in the ranking.” Other Indian cities on the list are New Delhi (117), Chennai (158), Bengaluru (170), and Kolkata (181).

 

3. International Day of Parliamentarism: 30th June: International Day of Parliamentarism is observed globally on 30 June every year. The International Day of Parliamentarism is a time to review the progress that parliaments have made in achieving some key goals to be more representative and move with the times, including carrying out self-assessments, working to include more women and young MPs, and adapting to new technologies.

International Day of Parliamentarism History: The Day was established in 2018 through a United Nations General Assembly Resolution. This day also acknowledges the formation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the global organization of parliaments that was established in 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: International Asteroid Day is observed globally on 30th June every year. International Asteroid Day aims to raise public awareness about the asteroid impact hazard and to inform the public about the crisis communication actions to be taken at the global level in case of a credible near-Earth object threat.

International Asteroid Day History: In December 2016 the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/71/90, declaring 30 June International Asteroid Day in order to “observe each year at the international level the anniversary of the Tunguska impact over Siberia, Russian Federation, on 30 June 1908, and to boost public awareness about the asteroid impact hazard.”

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

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Cristiano Ronaldo becomes joint top-scorer in men’s international football: Cristiano Ronaldo has become the joint-top scoring men’s international player of all time. He is currently tied with Iran legend Ali Daei, who scored 109 times in 149 matches between 1993 and 2006. Cristiano Ronaldo scored two penalties to tie the overall men’s scoring record with 109 goals in 176 matches and Portugal advanced to the round of 16 at the European Championship after a 2-2 draw with France.

 

2. Max Verstappen Wins 2021 Styrian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen (Netherlands-Red Bull) has won the 2021 Styrian Grand Prix. This is the fourth win of Verstappen in the 2021 Formula One season. Also, with this win, Verstappen leads the 2021 driver’s championship standings with 156 points followed by Hamilton (138). Lewis Hamilton (Britain-Mercedes) stood second. ValtteriBottas (Finland- Mercedes) came third.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. LIC introduces Technology Platform ‘e-PGS’: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has launched a centralized web-based workflow-based IT platform called “e-PGS”. The new technology platform, e-PGS, has been designed to provide a centralized collection and payment accounting with a high level of bank integration. It has been designed to provide very innovative features of seamless and integrated banking with automatic reconciliations. This system is capable of providing comprehensive self-servicing capabilities through the customer portal. On this portal, corporate customers will be able to view their data, initiate actionable processes and lodge & track claims.

Note: Chairman of LIC: MR Kumar; LIC Headquarters: Mumbai; LIC Founded: 1 September 1956.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India’s bank credit-to-GDP ratio grows 56% in 2020: Notwithstanding incremental credit growth plunging to a 59-year low at 5.56 per cent in FY21, the bank credit-to-GDP ratio rose to a five-year high of a little over 56 per cent in 2020, according to the latest data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). At a 56.075 per cent credit-to-GDP ratio, total outstanding bank credit stood at USD 1.52 trillion in the country in 2020, according to the BIS data for the year, but this is still the second-lowest among all its Asian peers. And when it comes to the emerging market peers, it is 135.5 per cent and at 88.7 per cent in advanced economies. Bank credit growth is a key indicator of economic growth & credit-GDP ratio of 100% ideal.

 

2. Microsoft Officially Launches ‘Windows 11’: Microsoft officially launched its new Windows operating system ‘Windows 11’. It is being called as the “next generation” of Windows. The release comes nearly six year after the current latest Windows Operating System ‘Windows 10’ was launched in July 2015. Windows 11 is special because it focuses on a new user interface, a new Windows Store, and improvements to performance, including a centre-aligned Taskbar and Start button.

Key features of Windows 11:

(1) One of the unique features of Windows 11 is that it will support Android apps via Amazon’s app store. It will work better in touch mode as well.

(2) Windows 11 operating system (OS) will be available as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users in late 2021, as long as the user has a compatible PC that meets the requirements of Microsoft’s new operating system.

(3) Windows 11 OS will work on PCs having a processor that has two or more cores and a clock speed of 1GHz or higher.

(4) PCs having Intel’s sixth and seventh-generation processors will not be eligible to use Windows 11.

Note: Microsoft CEO and Chairman: Satya Nadella; Microsoft Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier to be commissioned in 2022: The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has informed that India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-I), is planned to be commissioned by 2022. Once commissioned, the carrier will be rechristened as INS Vikrant, in memory of India’s first aircraft carrier.

About the IAC-I: The IAC-1 carrier is being built at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, Kerala, under a public-private partnership. It comprises nearly 75 per cent of indigenous content from design, to steel used in construction, to key weapons and sensors. The IAC-1 will undergo a series of sea trials before it gets inducted into the Navy. Vikrant is 262 metres (860 ft) long and 62 metres (203 ft) wide, and displaces about 40,000 metric tons (39,000 long tons).

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Ex-Philippines President Benigno Aquino dies: Former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III died at the age of 61 due to health problems. Aquino, who served as president from 2010 to 2016, was the heir of a family that has been regarded as a bulwark against authoritarianism in the Philippines. His administration brought an unprecedented arbitration case challenging Beijing’s claim to historic and economic rights in the South China Sea. 

Daily GK Update- 29th Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Delhi Govt launched Mukhyamantri Covid-19 PariwarAarthikSahayata Yojana: Delhi government has launched “Mukhyamantri COVID-19 PariwarAarthikSahayata Yojana” to provide financial assistance to the families who lost a member due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to notification by Social Welfare Department, Rs 50,000 ex-gratia will be provided to every family that has lost a member amid a pandemic. A pension of Rs 2,500 per month would also be given to those families that lost the sole breadwinner to the Covid-19 pandemic. Children who lost their both parents or single parent to COVID-19 will also be provided ₹2,500 per month till they achieve 25 years of age. The Delhi government will also provide free education to them.

Note: Chief Minister of Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal; Lieutenant Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal.

 

2. NSDC and WhatsApp Launch “Digital Skill Champions Program”: The National Skill Development Corporation and WhatsApp announced an alliance to launch the Digital Skill Champions Program that aims to train India’s youth on digital skills, in order to make them employment ready. The partnership identifies two broad areas of collaboration viz., WhatsApp Digital Skills Academy and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) and WhatsApp Business App Training sessions. Through this program, school and university students would be coached to imbibe digital and online skills that would culminate with WhatsApp and NSDC awarding ‘Digital Skill Champions’ certification. The course is based on a module format, is comprehensive and intensive in imparting knowledge about important aspects of the online ecosystem, equipping students with technology-based learning on campuses across tier 3 and 4 towns and cities throughout the country.

Note: WhatsApp Founded: 2009; WhatsApp CEO: Will Cathcart (Mar 2019–); WhatsApp Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States; WhatsApp Acquisition date: 19 February 2014; WhatsApp Founders: Jan Koum, Brian Acton; WhatsApp Parent organization: Facebook.

 

3. National Statistics Day: 29th June: The government of India is celebrated National Statistics day on 29th June on the birth anniversary of Prof. P C Mahalanobis. The Day is celebrated to create awareness among youth about the role of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation. The Day to popularize the use of Statistics in everyday life and sensitize the public as to how Statistics helps in shaping and framing policies. End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture (Sustainable Development Goal or SDG 2 of the UN) is the theme of this year’s National Statistics Day.

History of National Statistics Day: National Statistics Day was first celebrated on 29th June 2007. The Government of India decided to celebrate the outstanding contribution made by Late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the field of economic planning and statistical development and hence mark his birth anniversary as ‘National Statistics Day.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India-Bhutan: Tax Inspectors Without Borders Initiative: India and Bhutan have jointly launched the “Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB)”. It has been launched for strengthening the tax administration of Bhutan. It will focus on International Taxation and Transfer Pricing. TIWB programme aims to strengthen tax administrations among developing countries by transferring technical know-how and skills to their tax auditors and by sharing general audit practices & dissemination of knowledge products with them. This programme is another milestone in the relationship between India and Bhutan. It will be completed in 24 months’ duration. About the Tax Inspectors Without Borders:

(1) Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) initiative was launched in 2015.

(2) Its main aim is to strengthen developing countries’ auditing capacity.

(3) It is a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

(4) TIWB initiative has completed 80 programmes in 45 countries.

Note: Bhutan Capital: Thimphu; Bhutan Prime minister: LotayTshering; Bhutan Currency: Bhutanese ngultrum.

 

2. India hosts two-day summit on Green Hydrogen initiatives: India is all set to host a two-day summit on Green Hydrogen initiatives involving the BRICS nations. The prestigious event offers a platform to share their respective Green Hydrogen initiatives and views on how to take it to the next level in their own countries. The event will be anchored by India’s state-run power major NTPC. The virtual summit will bring the best brains, policy makers and major stakeholders from the BRICS nations deliberating and discussing at length the future of hydrogen in the energy mix.

 

3. ISRO, NOAA-led multinational project endorsed by UN body: UN body has endorsed a multinational project called “Committee on Earth Observation Satellites Coastal Observations, Applications, Services, and Tools (CEOS COAST)”. CEOS COAST programme is co-led by ISRO and NOAA from the US. This programme aims to improve the accuracy of coastal data on the basis of satellite and land-based observations. Its pilot projects are uniquely capable of using Earth Observation technologies to meet several of the 17 UN-designated sustainable development goals for the Ocean Decade initiative.

NOAA stands for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The themes of these projects include disaster risk reduction and coastal resilience among continental shorelines and small island nations. The CEOS COAST has been working collaboratively with stakeholders in industries such as agriculture, construction, and commercial/recreational fishing to support all forms of decision-makers from parents deciding which beach to take their kids to, to sailors navigating the coast, to policymakers taking action on climate change and more.

 

4. International Day of the Tropics: 29th June: The United Nations observe 29 June as International Day of the Tropics. The International Day of the Tropics celebrates the extraordinary diversity of the tropics while highlighting unique challenges and opportunities nations of the Tropics face. It provides an opportunity to take stock of progress across the tropics, to share tropical stories and expertise, and to acknowledge the diversity and potential of the region.

History of the day: The inaugural State of the Tropics Report was launched on 29 June 2014, as the culmination of a collaboration between twelve leading tropical research institutions. The report offers a unique perspective on this increasingly important region. Marking the anniversary of the report’s launch the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/70/267 in 2016, which declared that 29 June of each year is to be observed as the International Day of the Tropics.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Star Archer DeepikaKumari Wins Hat-Trick Gold Medal at Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Paris: The ace Indian archer DeepikaKumari, created a new world record as she claimed three back-to-back gold medals in a single day, on June 26, 2021, during the the Archery World Cup Stage 3, held in Paris from 21 to 27, June 2021. The Ranchi daughter claimed gold in each of women’s recurve individual, team and mixed pair events. India topped the medals tally with four gold medals. The fourth gold medal came by Abhishek Verma, from men’s individual event in compound section.

 

2. Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard Will Be First Trans Athlete to Compete at Olympics: New Zealand has named Laurel Hubbard to its women’s weightlifting roster for the upcoming Olympics in Tokyo, making her the first openly transgender athlete to compete in the games. Hubbard, 43, will compete in the category for women over 87 kg, about 192 pounds. Hubbard has met the International Olympic Committee’s requirements for athletes who transition from male to female. The requirements stipulate that the athlete must declare that her gender identity is female and can’t change that status for sports purposes for at least four years.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PayPoint India signs pact with banks, NBFCs for lending services: PayPoint India, a technology-enabled distribution network of financial services, intends to add lending vertical to its portfolio of services for which it has signed agreements with 12 financial institutions. The Mumbai-based company has signed ‘lead generation agreements’ with Punjab National Bank, ICICI Bank, Deutsche Bank and NBFCs such as Bajaj Housing, Piramal Housing and Hero Fincorp, among others and is close to entering into a similar agreement with State Bank of India. PayPoint India would be also introducing two more products – an investment related Systematic Investment Plan inter-operable wallets (in which cash can be loaded at the retail touch points) – to its service bucket.

 

2. Govt Eases Listing Norms for Companies Having Over Rs 1 Lakh Cr M-cap: Companies that have a market capitalisation of more than Rs 1 lakh crore at the time of listing can now sell just five per cent of their shares, with the latest amendment in rules, a move that will be beneficial for the government during the proposed initial public offer of LIC. Such entities will be required to increase its public shareholding to 10 per cent in two years and raise the same to at least 25 per cent within five years.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. SEBI imposes Rs 15 cr fine on Franklin Templeton, 8 others: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed a cumulative fine of ₹15 crore on nine entities, including Franklin Templeton Trustee Services, senior official and fund managers associated with the six debt schemes wound-up by the fund house. In its latest action, SEBI has issued a fine of ₹3 crore on Franklin Templeton Trustee Services Pvt Ltd, and ₹2 crore each on Franklin Asset Management (India) Pvt Ltd President Sanjay Sapre and its Chief Investment Officer Santosh Kamat.

 

2. Wipro Joins WEF’s Partnership for New Work Standards Initiative: Digital transformation major Wipro said it has joined the World Economic Forum’s Partnership for New Work Standards initiative to establish a healthy, resilient and equitable future of work. The initiative aims to co-create new frameworks, shape forward-thinking people policies, and utilise tools and technologies to collectively build human-first work standards with people at the heart of business.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Centre releases full list of Smart Cities Awards 2020 winners: The Central government has declared Smart City awards 2020 in which Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Surat (Gujarat) won the award jointly for their overall development. Whereas Uttar Pradesh emerged on the top among all states, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu under the Smart City award, 2020. The Smart City awards were given across the themes of Social Aspects, Governance, Culture, Urban Environment, Sanitation, Economy, Built Environment, Water, Urban Mobility. According to the Centre, of the total, proposed projects under the Smart Cities Mission, 5,924 projects (115% by number) worth ₹1,78,500 crore have been tendered so far. Whereas work orders have been issued for 5,236 projects (101% by number) worth ₹1,46,125 crore.

List of winning Smart Cities under the different categories:

 

Categories	Cities
Social Aspects	1. Tirupati: Health Benchmark for Municipal Schools
	2. Bhubaneshwar: Socially Smart Bhubaneswar
	3. Tumakuru: Digital Library Solution
Governance	1. Vadodara: GIS
	2. Thane: Digi Thane
	3. Bhubaneswar: ME app
Culture	1. Indore: Conservation of Heritage
	2. Chandigarh: Capitol Complex, Heritage Project
	3. Gwalior: Digital Museum
Urban Environment	1. Bhopal: Clean energy
	2. Chennai: Restoration of water bodies
	3. Tirupati: Renewable Energy Generation
Sanitation	1. Tirupati: Bioremediation & Bio-Mining
	2. Indore: Municipal Waste Management System
	3. Surat: Conservation through Treated Wastewater
Economy	1. Indore: Carbon Credit Financing Mechanism
	2. Tirupati: Boost Local Identity & Economy through Design Studio
	3. Agra: Micro Skill Development Centre
Built Environment	1. Indore: ChappanDukan
	2. Surat: Canal Corridor
Water	1. Dehradun: Smart Water Metering Water ATM
	2. Varanasi: Eco-Restoration of Assi River
	3. Surat: Integrated and Sustainable Water Supply System
Urban Mobility	1. Aurangabad: Majhi Smart Buses
	2. Surat: Dynamic Scheduling Buses
	3. Ahmedabad: Man-less parking system and automatic ticket dispensing machines AMDA Park
Innovative Idea Award	1. Indore: Carbon Credit Financing Mechanism
	2. Chandigarh: For Union Territories
COVID Innovation Award	1. Kalyan-Dombivali and Varanasi

 

Daily GK Update- 28th Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and World Bank signs USD 32 million loan for Mizoram: The Government of India, along with the Government of Mizoram has signed a $32 million loan agreement with World Bank for Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project. The project aims to improve the management capacity and quality of health services in Mizoram, with a focus on the benefit of under-served areas and vulnerable groups.

Benefits of the project:

(1) The project will strengthen the governance and the management structure of the Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW) and its subsidiaries, improve the quality and coverage of services delivered by the state government health systems, and invest in a comprehensive Quality Assurance program which would enable quality certification of health facilities.

(2) The Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project will benefit the people across all eight districts of the state. It will also benefit health sector staff, specifically at the secondary and primary levels, by strengthening their planning and management capacity along with building their clinical skills and competencies.

Note: World Bank Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States; World Bank Formation: July 1944; World Bank President: David Malpass.

Chief Minister of Mizoram: Pu Zoramthanga; Governor: P.S. Sreedharan Pillai.

 

2. ICCR was appointed as the personnel certification body of the Yoga Certification Board of India: Yoga Certification Board of India has appointed Indian Council for Cultural Relations as the personnel certification body. ICCR, along with the Ministry of Ayush, will now start Yoga Certification courses for the professionals across the world. Apart from holding Yoga courses, ICCR will now ensure Indian embassies become the centres for Yoga Certification

 

3. KarnamMalleswari appointed 1st vice chancellor of Delhi Sports University: The Delhi government appointed former Olympic medalist weightlifter KarnamMalleswari as the first Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Sports University. She is the first Indian woman weightlifter to bring home an Olympic medal. She created history at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 by lifting 110 kilograms and 130 kilograms in the ‘snatch’ and ‘clean and jerk’ categories. She has also been awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award and Padma Shri.

 

4. Ruskin Bond’s book titled ‘It’s a wonderful Life’ launched: Indian British author Ruskin Bond has authored a new book titled ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is published by Aleph Book Company. The book is written in a perceptive, uplifting, deeply moving, and non-fictional way.  He is a recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. His First Novel was the Room on the Roof’.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Narendra Singh Tomar addresses the 42nd session of the FAO Congress:Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar addressed 42nd session The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) conference virtually. The FAO and all 193 members of the European Union supported the new Strategic Framework 2022-2031 which will support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Hans Hoogwein, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to United Nations Organizations in Rome, as New Independent Chairman of the Council (ICC) for the next two years (2021–23).He will replace Khalid Mehboob of Pakistan.

 

2. Israel successfully tests laser that can shoot down drones mid-air: The Israeli military said it has successfully tested an airborne high-power laser that can shoot down drones, technology it hopes to deploy on a larger scale in the coming years. Israel already boasts a large and sophisticated air defense system, which the military says had a 90 per cent interception rate against thousands of rockets fired from Gaza during last month’s 11-day war. The laser technology would complement that system.

 

3. 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. The day also recognises the contribution of these industries in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2021, the theme is “MSME 2021: key to an inclusive and sustainable recovery.” That is why the UN will be hosting a series of events to explore how MSMEs – the backbone of our economies – can be equipped to ensure an equitable and sustainable post-COVID-19 recovery.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown breaks 100-meter backstroke world record: Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown breaks the 100-meter backstroke world record at the South Australian Aquatic Centre with a time of 57.45 seconds from the previous mark of 57.57 seconds set by American Regan Smith in 2019. Emily Seebohm finished second in 58.59 to qualify for her fourth Olympics.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Card partners with Fabindia to launch Fabindia SBI Card: SBI Card, the country’s second-largest credit card issuer and Fabindia, a retail platform for a wide range of handcrafted products by the artisans of the country, have joined hands to launch an exclusive co-branded contactless credit card named “Fabindia SBI Card”. The card is designed with curated benefits and privileges to offer a rewarding shopping experience to its premium customers and comes in two variants — Fabindia SBI Card SELECT and Fabindia SBI Card. The introduction of the new Fabindia SBI Card further bolsters our premium portfolio, reinforces our commitment to enable our customers to embrace digital payments and contribute to the country’s digital economy.

Note: SBI Card MD and CEO: Rama Mohan Rao Amara; SBI Card Founded: October 1998; SBI Card Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana.

 

2. Google Pay expands cards tokenisation with more banks: Digital payments platform Google Pay has announced further expansion in the footprint of bank partners offering cards tokenisation on the Google Pay app. The platform had earlier rolled out tokenisation with Kotak Mahindra Bank, SBI Cards and Axis Bank. It has now added debit cards by SBI, IndusInd Bank and Federal Bank and Credit cards by IndusInd Bank and HSBC India to its slate. The feature also works with online merchants. With tokenisation, Google Pay users can use Near-field communication (NFC) capable devices/phones to make contactless payments at over 2.5 million Visa merchant locations. They can scan and pay at more than 1.5 million Bharat QR enabled merchants as well as pay bills and recharges from within their Google Pay app using their credit card.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. S&P Projects India’s Growth Forecast for FY22 to 9.5%: S&P Global Ratings cut India’s FY22 growth forecast for the current fiscal to 9.5 per cent, from 11 per cent earlier, and warned of the risk to the outlook from further waves of COVID pandemic. It also projected India’s growth at 7.8 per cent in the next fiscal ending March 31, 2023. The agency lowered the growth outlook saying that a severe second COVID-19 outbreak in April and May led to lockdowns imposed by states and a sharp contraction in economic activity.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Cochin International Airport won honour in airport service quality: Cochin International Airport (CIAL) won Airport Council International (ACI) Director General’s Roll of Excellence honour in Airport Service Quality. This recognition is awarded to those airports which, in the opinion of passengers, consistently delivered excellent services. Cochin International Airport has consistently delivered excellence in customer service by winning multiple awards for five years in past 10 years. It is one among six airports across the world that will receive recognition in 2021.

Note: Airport Council International Headquarters location: Montreal, Canada; Airport Council International Founded: 1991.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India- USA Navy Passage Exercise in Indian Ocean Region: The Indian Navy and the Air Force began a two-day passage exercise with U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Ronald Reagan during its transit through the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The exercise aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship and cooperation by demonstrating the ability to integrate and coordinate comprehensively in maritime operations.

Indian Composition: The Navy’s INS Kochi and Teg, along with P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft and MiG 29K fighters, are participating in the exercise. For the exercise, which is under the area of responsibility of the Southern Air Command, the IAF forces are operating from bases under four operational commands and include Jaguar and Su-30 MKI fighters, Phalcon and Netra early warning aircraft and IL-78 air to air refueller aircraft.

U.S. Composition: The U.S.’ CSG comprises Nimitz class aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey and Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh. It has fielded F-18 fighters and E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft in the exercise being carried out south of Thiruvananthapuram on the western seaboard.

 

2. India successfully test fires subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay off Odisha coast: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the subsonic cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’ on June 24, 2021, from an Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha’s Balasore. This was the eighth test flight of the missile. The first test flight of Nirbhay was held on 12 March 2013.

About the Missile: Nirbhay is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile indigenously designed and developed by DRDO. The missile can be launched from multiple platforms and is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads. Nirbhay is a two-stage missile and can engage several targets in a single flight. The missile has a length of 6 metres, a width of 0.52 metres, a wingspan of 2.7 metres and weighs about 1500 kg. It has a strike range of about 1500 km. 

Daily GK Update- 27th Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani e-launches Agricultural Diversification Scheme: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has virtually launched the ‘Agricultural Diversification Scheme-2021’, with the aim of making agriculture sustainable and profitable in the tribal areas of the state. The scheme will benefit more than 1.26 lakh vanbandhu- farmers from 14 tribal districts in Gujarat.

Under the scheme: The state government would distribute fertilizer-seed assistance worth around Rs. 31 crores to tribal farmers, which will also include 45 kg of urea, 50 kg of NPK and 50 kg of ammonium sulphate. Gujarat government has already provided assistance of Rs. 250 crore to 10 lakh tribal farmers under this scheme in the last ten years.

Note: Gujarat Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani; Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat.

 

2. World’s first-ever genetically modified rubber planted in Assam: In Assam, the world’s first genetically modified (GM) rubber plant has been planted by Rubber Board, at the board’s farm in Sarutari near Guwahati. The GM rubber sapling was developed at the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), in Puthuppally, Kottayam, Kerala.

About the Plant: This first of its kind plant has been developed exclusively for the northeast so that they can thrive in the climatic conditions of the region. The need to develop the GM rubber plant was felt because Natural rubber is a native of warm humid Amazon forests and is not naturally suited for cold conditions in the northeast. The crop is currently planted on an experimental basis and once the trials are over, the new crop will greatly benefit farmers as well as give a big boost to rubber production in the country.

Note: Assam Governor: JagdishMukhi; Assam Chief Minister: HimantaBiswaSarma.

 

3. RaghuramRajan named in Tamil Nadu economic advisory panel: The Tamil Nadu government named Nobel laureate Esther Duflo and former Reserve Bank of India Governor RaghuramRajan as part of a five-member Economic Advisory Council for the state. The other members in the council are former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian, development economist Jean Drèze and former Union Finance Secretary S Narayan.

The five-member team was put together by finance minister PalanivelThiagaRajan, who was an investment banker in the US and Singapore before he entered politics. Based on the recommendations of this Council, the government will revitalise the state’s economy and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach all segments of society.

Note: Tamil Nadu governor BanwarilalPurohit; MK Stalin chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

 

4. Harsh Vardhan unveils ‘My Joys and Sorrows – as a Mother of a Special Child’ book: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has unveiled Krishna Saksena’s book “My Joys and Sorrows – as a Mother of a Special Child”. It is the epitome of the bravery and endurance of a mother, in the best tradition of Indian motherhood. The book is full of beautiful photographs, including some black and white ones which have historical significance, not only because some of them feature public personalities but also because it chronicles the domestic as well as the professional context of the times.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. NikolPashinyan elected as Armenia Prime Minister: Armenia’s acting prime minister, NikolPashinyan, kept power in a parliamentary election that boosted his authority despite being widely blamed for a military defeat last year in the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. Nikol’s Civil Contract party won 53.92% of the votes cast. An alliance led by his rival, ex-leader Robert Kocharyan, came second with 21%, according to the results based on ballots from 100% of precincts counted. Kocharyan was Armenia’s president from 1998 to 2008.

Note: Capital of Armenia: Yerevan; Currency of Armenia: Armenian dram.

 

2. 9 Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable to be hosted by India: International Energy Forum (IEF) announced that India has agreed to host the 9th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER9). The 9th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable will be held in 2022. Dates of this conference will be announced later and it will take forward the understandings reached in the previous meeting in Abu Dhabi during 2018.

About the conference: The decision of India to be the host of this Energy Roundtable came after a virtual meeting between IEF Secretary-General Joseph McMonigle and Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Chief executive officers of Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum Corp, in addition to senior officers from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, were also present at the meeting.

International Energy Forum (IEF):

The International Energy Forum (IEF) is the world’s largest energy organization with 71 member countries, accounting for 90 per cent of the global energy market. It holds energy dialogue promoting energy security, market stability, and transparency in the transition to a sustainable and inclusive future.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India’s official Olympic theme song ‘Lakshya Tera Samne Hai’ released: Ahead of the Tokyo Games, the official Olympic theme song for the Indian contingent was launched. Mohit Chauhan has composed and sung the song titled “Lakshya Tera Samne Hai”. The Games will open on July 23 and over 100 Indian athletes have qualified for the event so far. The event was organised by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and attended by its President, Secretary-General, Deputy Chef De Mission, Sports Secretary and DG Sports Authority of India (SAI). Sports Minister KirenRijiju was the chief guest at the event.

Note: Indian Olympic Association President: Narayana Ramachandran; Indian Olympic Association Founded: 1927.

 

2. JaspritBumrah roped in as brand ambassador OnePlus: OnePlus, the global technology brand welcomed cricketer JaspritBumrah as Brand Ambassador for its Wearables category. The partnership with Bumrah reiterates the brand philosophy of ‘Never Settle’ and the company’s pursuit towards perfection. The OnePlus Wearable category includes the OnePlus Watch, the first global smart wearable from OnePlus that offers a premium design, seamless connection, smart fitness tracking and an incredible battery life.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI launches Aarogyam healthcare business loan: The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched the Aarogyam healthcare business loan to provide enhanced support to the healthcare sector amid the pandemic. Under this new product, the entire healthcare ecosystem such as hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, pathology labs, manufacturers, suppliers, importers, logistic firms engaged in critical healthcare supply can avail of loans up to Rs 100 crore (as per the geographic location) repayable in 10 years, the country’s largest state-owned bank.

About the Aarogyam loan:

(1) The Aarogyam loan can be availed either as a term loan to support expansion or modernisation or as working capital facilities such as cash credit, bank guarantee/letter of credit.

(2) In metro centres loans under Aarogyam can be availed up to Rs 100 crore, Tier I & Urban centres up to Rs 20 crore and in Tier II to Tier VI centres up to Rs 10 crore.

(3) The beneficiary units/borrowing Companies availing loan of up to Rs 2 crore will not be required to offer any collateral or security to the bank as this will be covered under the guarantee scheme of Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).

Note: SBI Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara; SBI Headquarters: Mumbai; SBI Founded: 1 July 1955.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Moody’s Revises India’s GDP growth rate to 9.6%: Moody’s Investors Service has slashed India’s growth projection to 9.6 per cent for the 2021 calendar year, from its earlier estimate of 13.9 per cent. For the calendar year 2022, GDP growth is projected at 7 per cent. In its report titled ‘Macroeconomics India: Economic shocks from second COVID wave will not be as severe as last year’s, Moody’s said high-frequency economic indicators show that the second wave of COVID-19 infections hit India’s economy in April and May.

 

2. Jamsetji Tata tops inaugural list of Top Philanthropists of the Century: JamsetjiNusserwanji Tata, Indian pioneer industrialist and founder of the Tata Group, has topped the inaugural, EdelGiveHurun Philanthropists of the Century list, which ranks the world’s 50 most generous individuals in the last century. As per the report, the total donations made by Mumbai-based Jamsetji Tata is estimated at US$102.4 billion. He is the only Indian among the top 10 list, compiled by Hurun Research and EdelGive Foundation.

The only other Indian in the list of 50 global philanthropists is Azim Premji, former chairman of Wipro. He is ranked at 12th position. Bill Gates & Melinda French Gates ranked second with donations worth $74.6 billion. They are followed by Henry Wellcome ($56.7 billion), Howard Hughes ($38.6 billion), and Warren Buffett ($37.4 billion) respectively.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. NTPC wins recognition of India’s best employers among Nation-Builders 2021: For the first time, NTPC won recognition as India’s Best Employers among Nation-Builders 2021. It has been recognized as the ‘Great Place to Work’ for the 15th straight year by the Great Places to Work Institute. It has been ranked at 38th. It was ranked 47 last year. It also won its first-ever recognition of India’s Best Employers among Nation-Builders 2021. NTPC, a Maharatna Community and Public Sector Unit work under the Ministry of Power. The PSU has also won the CII HR Excellence Role model award in March 2021. It is the highest award in the field of people management in the country. The ‘Great Place to Work’ certification is recognised worldwide and is considered the gold standard in identifying and recognizing great workplaces with high trust and high-performance cultures. It is the most definitive ‘Employer of Choice’ recognition certification that the organization aim to achieve.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. John McAfee, founder of McAfee antivirus software, passes away: British-American Software pioneer, John David McAfee, the creator of the McAfee antivirus software, has passed away. John was found dead in his cell in a jail near Barcelona, where he had been since October 2020, for evading taxes. The incident happened shortly after his extradition to the United States was authorized by Spain’s National Court, on criminal charges filed in Tennessee by the Justice Department’s tax division. He was accused to have deliberately failed to file tax returns between 2014 and 2018, despite earning millions from consulting work, cryptocurrencies, among other things.