Daily GK Update- 1st July, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Dak Karmayogi E-learning Platform launched by the Government: The Dak Karmayogi, which is an e-Learning portal of the department of posts was launched by Shri Ashwini Vaishnav minister of communication, railways, electronics, and IT, and Shri Devusinh Chauhan minister of state for communications. This portal has been developed under the vision of mission Karmayogi which was initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with a view of bringing efficiency in the actions of all the employees of the Government of India and transforming the efficiency of bureaucracy with minimum Government and maximum governance.

Dak Karmayogi: Objectives:

a)      Dak Karmayogi portal aims to enhance the competencies of about 4 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks and department employees by enabling the trainees to access the uniform standardized training content online and in blending campus mode to enable them to effectively deliver several G2C services for enhanced customer satisfaction.

b)      When the trainee completes the final summative assessment successfully, a system-generated course completion certificate will be sent to the trainee’s registered email ID automatically.

c)       The portal allows the train to give their feedback, ratings, and suggestions for every video and other learning content for future enhancement.

d)      The launch of the dark Karmayogi portal enables the department in employees and Gramin Dak Sevak to be able to avail training anytime and anywhere and upgrade their attitude, skills, and knowledge (ASK).

e)      To acknowledge the good performance of employees and to motivate them to improve their good work the department of posts gave the Meghdoot awards in eight different categories by Sri Ashwini Yadav Minister of railways, communications, and electronics, and information technology, and Shri Devusinh Chauhan, minister of state for communications. 

 

2. Eknath Shinde to take oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde, a rebel Shiv Sena MLA, will be sworn in as the new chief minister of Maharashtra. The dissident Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde and the BJP will form Maharashtra’s new government after nearly ten days of intense power struggles. The Maha Vikas Aghadi government’s authority in the state came to an end the day after Uddhav Thackeray resigned as chief minister. The Shinde camp announced that talks with the BJP have begun and that they will form the government.

Key Points:

a)      When announcing Shinde’s candidacy, Fadnavis stated that the BJP, the Eknath Shinde group, and 16 independents/smaller parties had all written letters of support to the governor.

b)      Shinde will take his oath in Raj Bhawan. Furthermore, Fadnavis declared that he will not serve in the upcoming week’s expected new cabinet.

c)       Uddhav Thackeray resigned as chief minister of Maharashtra due to a mutiny within his own Shiv Sena party and the realisation that he would not be able to demonstrate his government’s majority in the House. His resignation came after the Supreme Court declined to impose a stay on a floor test that the Governor had ordered.

 

3. National Doctor’s Day: 1st July: India celebrates National Doctor’s Day on July 1, the birth anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, an eminent physician, academician, freedom fighter and politician. National Doctor’s Day marks the role of doctors who work tirelessly to ensure that patients remain in good health. The day celebrates the efforts taken by the healthcare staff for their hardwork and dedication. For 2022, the theme for National Doctor’s Day is “Family Doctors on the Front Line.”

National Doctor’s Day History: It was in 1991, when the day was first established. Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy is remembered on this day. He was a famous doctor and West Bengal’s second chief minister. Interestingly, his birthday and death anniversary are on the same day. The day honor’s Dr Roy and also recognises everyone’s effort to patients.

 

4. Chartered Accountants Day: 1st July: The Chartered Accountants’ Day or CA Day is held on 01 July every year in India. It is also known as ICAI Foundation Day. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), which sets the requirements for chartered accountants, administers the exams, and issues certificates of practice, is a key player in the regulation of the accounting profession in India. Thus, the day is important for honoring the ICAI as well as appreciating the efforts and contributions of chartered accountants across the nation.

Chartered Accountants Day History: The Chartered Accountants’ Day honors the founding of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the second-largest accounting organization in the world and the country’s first national professional accounting body. It was created on July 1st, 1949, as a statutory body by the Indian Parliament under the Chartered Accountants Act. India celebrates this day each year to commemorate the founding of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UK announces 75 scholarships for Indian students on 75th year of Independence: The United Kingdom government has announced a partnership with leading businesses in India to offer 75 fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK from September, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. Additionally, the British Council in India is offering around 18 scholarships for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) covering over 12,000 courses across more than 150 UK universities.

About the Chevening scholarships programme:

a)      The programmes on offer include Chevening scholarships for a one-year Master’s programme, with the opportunity to study any subject at a UK university.

b)      HSBC, Pearson India, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Sons and Duolingo are among the companies supporting this initiative to celebrate India’s 75th year of independence. HSBC India will sponsor 15 scholarships, Pearson India will sponsor two, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Sons and Duolingo will sponsor one each as part of the 75 scholarships.

c)       The Chevening scheme is the UK government’s international awards scheme offered in 150 countries, aimed at developing global leaders since 1983. India’s Chevening programme is the largest in the world with over 3,500 alumni.

d)      The fully funded scholarships include tuition, living expenses and travel cost for a one-year-postgraduate programme. A minimum of two years’ work experience is required for candidates to be eligible for the award and details will be made available through the Chevening website.

Note: United Kingdom Prime minister: Boris Johnson; United Kingdom Capital: London; United Kingdom Currency: Pound Sterling.

 

2. ‘Partners in the Blue Pacific’: New programme started by US and Allies: The US and its allies, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United Kingdom, have launched a new initiative called Partners in the Blue Pacific for effective and efficient cooperation with the region’s small island nations in response to China’s aggressive push to expand its sphere of influence in the Pacific. After China pushed for a broad, common cooperation pact with 10 Pacific states, it became obvious the planned extent of its expanding influence and the geostrategic competition in the region increased. About Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP):

a)      A five-nation informal framework, the PBP aims to support Pacific islands and strengthen regional political and economic ties.

b)      It calls for further cooperation to improve “prosperity, resilience, and security” in the Pacific. It simply means that these nations will contribute more resources through the PBP, both collectively and individually, to block China’s aggressive outreach.

c)       Members of the initiative have also promised to strengthen ties with the Pacific Islands Forum and promote regionalism in the Pacific.

d)      The five member countries said in a joint statement announcing the project that the forum “remains open to engaging with additional partners,” adding that “at every point, the Pacific Islands will be led and guided by us.”

e)      On the choice of the PBP’s lines of effort and its flagship projects, we shall look to the Pacific for advice.

f)        The climate issue, connectivity and transportation, marine security and protection, health, prosperity, and education are among the sectors where PBP seeks to improve cooperation.

 

3. NASA launches CAPSTONE mission to the moon: The NASA researchers successfully launched CAPSTONE spacecraft to the moon from New Zealand. The launch took place on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket. Mission CAPSTONE stands for Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment. With a price tag just shy of $30 million, NASA hopes the mission will verify that a specific type of moon orbit is suitable for the lunar Gateway space station that the agency aims to launch later this decade.

About the CAPSTONE: CAPSTONE is a microwave oven-sized spacecraft with the aim to study a specific type of moon orbit that will be suitable for the lunar Gateway space station that NASA aims to launch later this decade. The lunar Gateway space station will be a small space station for astronauts in orbits where they can stop before and after going to the moon’s surface.

Note: NASA administrator: Bill Nelson; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States; NASA Founded: 1 October 1958.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Novak Djokovic becomes 1st player to win 80 matches in all four Grand Slams: Novak Djokovic became the first player in history to win 80 matches in all four Grand Slams when he defeated Kwon Soon-woo 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Centre Court his 80th win in Wimbledon. By virtue of his victory, the former world no.1 tennis players has created history winning his 80th match at the Wimbledon. The six-time champion has became the first male player in the Open Era to win 80 or more match at all four grand slams.

Number of matches won by Novak Djokovic at each Grand Slam:

a)      Roland Garros – 85

b)      Australian Open -82

c)       US Open – 81

d)      Wimbledon -80

 

2. U23 Asian Wrestling Championships 2022: Deepak Punia won bronze: Tokyo Olympian Deepak Punia won a bronze medal after defeating Maksat Satybaldy (Kyrgyzstan) in the 86kg freestyle weight category at the U23 Asian wrestling championships 2022 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Despite a win, it was an unimpressive result from him as the Indian contingent was expecting a better outing from the world championships silver medalist in the tournament. In the opening two rounds, the 23-year-old Punia lost to eventual gold medallist Azizbek Fayzullaev of Uzbekistan and Nurtilek Karypbaev of Kyrgyzstan. India won 25 medals in all in the U23 meet in the event, including 10 gold medals. The eight-day continental championship concluded.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. NITI Aayog releases a report on India’s Gig Economy: A report titled “India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy” was released by NITI Aayog. Suman Bery, vice chairman of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, and Dr K Rajeswara Rao, special secretary, released the report. The study, which is a first of its kind, offers in-depth viewpoints and suggestions on the gig-platform economy in India. CEO Amitabh Kant emphasised the industry’s potential to generate jobs in light of India’s growing urbanisation, and widespread access to the internet, digital technology, and cellphones. About the Report:

a)      According to the research, the gig economy employed 77 lakh (7.7 million) employees in 2020–21. They made up 1.5 percent of India’s total labour force or 2.6 percent of the non-agricultural workforce. By 2029–2030, there will be 2.35 crore (23.5 million) workers in the gig economy. By 2029–2030, it is anticipated that gig workers will account for 6.7 percent of India’s non-agricultural workforce and 4.1 percent of all income.

b)      Currently, medium-skilled occupations make up approximately 47% of gig labour, high skilled jobs make up about 22%, and low-skilled jobs make up about 31%.

c)       The trend indicates that the concentration of workers with medium skills is gradually decreasing while it is rising for those with low and high skills.

d)      The report suggests connecting self-employed people in the business of selling regional and rural cuisine, street food, etc., with platforms in order to enable them to sell their products to larger markets in towns and cities to accelerate access to finance through products specifically designed for platform workers.

e)      The report recommends platform-led transformational and outcome-based skilling, improving social inclusion through programmes that educate workers and their families about gender issues and accessibility, and extending social security measures in partnership as envisioned by the Code on Social Security 2020.

f)        Other suggestions include conducting a second census exercise to calculate the size of the gig and platform workforce and gathering data during official censuses (Periodic Labour Force Survey) to identify gig workers.

Note: Chairperson of NITI Aayog: PM Narendra Modi; Vice chairman of NITI Aayog: Suman Bery

 

2. To provide e-PAN Services, Protean and PayNearby collaborate: In order to provide PAN-related services for PayNearby‘s retail partners through Aadhaar and biometric or SMS-based OTP authentication for their clients, Protean eGov Technologies Ltd (previously NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Ltd) and PayNearby have formed a cooperation. For millions of citizens, the cooperation seeks to improve service delivery. Key Points:

a)      It would make it simpler and faster for local businesses to offer affordable online PAN services, doing away with the need to submit paper applications and supporting documentation.

b)      A digital copy of the ePAN will be generated shortly after the online application form is submitted, and a physical copy will be given to the clients at their preferred address in 4-5 working days.

c)       For the Government of India’s Income Tax Department, Protean accepts and handles PAN applications. PayNearby will serve as Protean‘s PAN Service Agency (PSA) as part of the agreement.

d)      Retailers may now accept PAN applications in paperless mode because PayNearby serves over 75% of the Indian market, and Protean will be able to significantly expand PAN service coverage throughout the nation, particularly to distant places, through a PayNearby store.

e)      The cooperation will increase the country’s tax revenue and give microbusiness owners another source of income by bringing the underbanked and unbanked parts of the population into the tax system through dependable local touchpoints.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Coast Guard launched “PADMA” centralised payment system: Pay Roll Automation for Disbursement of Monthly Allowances (PADMA), an automated Pay & Allowances module for the Indian Coast Guard was inaugurated by Shri Rajnish Kumar, Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), Ministry of Defence. The CGDA emphasized that the Government has campaigned for Digital India to ensure dedicated services and reduce manual intervention at every level & to promote E-Governance in a big way. Launch of PADMA will strengthen the Digital India concept. Also, it is an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative as the entire module has been designed and developed by Indian entrepreneurs assisted by domain experts.

About the PADMA:

a)      PADMA is an automated platform leveraging latest technology which will provide seamless and timely disbursal of Pay & Allowances to around 15,000 Indian Coast Guard personnel.

b)      This module has been developed under the aegis of Defense Accounts Department and will be operated by Pay Accounts Office Coast Guard, Noida.

c)       The launch marked the beginning of the Centralized Pay System (CPS), the foundation of which is being laid down by the Defence Accounts Department Headquarters to provide one stop pay accounting solutions for all organisations under the Ministry.

Note: Indian Coast Guard Director-General: Virender Singh Pathania; Indian Coast Guard Founded: 1 February 1977; Indian Coast Guard Headquarters: Ministry of Defence, New Delhi.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Olympic Medallist and Hockey World Cup winner Varinder Singh passes away: Indian hockey stalwart and member of the gold medal winning 1975 World Cup team, Varinder Singh passed away. He was 75. Singh was part of the gold medal-winning Indian team at the 1975 men’s Hockey World Cup in Kuala Lumpur. Singh was also part of the bronze medal-winning team at the 1972 Munich Olympics and silver medal at 1973 World Cup in Amsterdam. In 2007, Varinder was conferred with the prestigious Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award.