Daily GK Update- 7th July, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Odisha tops state ranking for implementation of National Food Security Act 2022: Odisha has topped in the state ranking for implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) through ration shops, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal released the ‘State Ranking Index for NFSA’ 2022 during a conference of state food ministers on food and nutrition security in India. As per the government’s ranking, Odisha is at first position with a score of 0.836, followed by Uttar Pradesh (0.797) and Andhra Pradesh (0.794). Key point of the ranking:

a)      Among the special category states (the North Eastern states, Himalayan states, and the Island states), Tripura has obtained the first rank. Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim are at the second and third positions. Despite the logistical limitations in these areas, they displayed a high degree of accomplishment in competing with the general category states as well.

b)      Gujarat is at fourth place, followed by Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand.

c)       Kerala has been ranked at the 11th position, Telangana (12th), Maharashtra (13th), West Bengal (14th) and Rajasthan (15th). Punjab is at the 16th position, followed by Haryana, Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Goa.

 

2. IIT Hyderabad and Greenko inks a pact to establish sustainable sci-tech school: In order to establish a school where students would be trained toward sustainable goals like climate change mitigation, circular economy, energy transition, among others, the renewable energy company Greenko has partnered with IIT-Hyderabad. The Greenko School of Sustainable Science and Technology (GSSST) will open toward the end of this year, according to a statement from the company, and by June 2023, the first batch of students will be admitted for the MTech and Ph.D. programmes in sustainable science and technology, followed by the BTech programme. Key Points:

a)      It will be the nation’s first institution solely focused on teaching sustainable science and technology.

b)      Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister for Education, was present when the MoU was signed. Dharmendra Pradhan stated that in order to achieve self-sufficiency and advance global welfare, we must innovate and create our own models. India will take the lead in the fourth industrial revolution, and IIT Hyderabad will have a significant impact on the internationalisation of the Indian brand. Everyone must realise the goal of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat set forth by the prime minister.

Note: Union Minister for Education, GoI: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

 

3. Tata Power and Tamil Nadu inks a pact to establish a solar manufacturing facility: Tata Power revealed that it has reached a deal with the Tamil Nadu government to invest Rs. 3000 crore in the construction of a new solar cell and module manufacturing facility in the state’s Tirunelveli district. According to the agreement, both parties will endeavour to promote the switch to renewable energy and the creation of jobs in the state. The investment in the facility must take place over a period of more than 16 months and must result in the creation of jobs, the majority of which will be for women. Key Points:

a)      More than 2,000 direct and indirect job opportunities will be generated by the initiative, most of which will go to women.

b)      After the one in Bengaluru, this will be Tata Power’s second such production facility.

c)       Tata Power revealed that it has reached a deal with the Tamil Nadu government to invest Rs. 3000 crore in the construction of a new solar cell and module manufacturing facility in the state’s Tirunelveli district.

d)      According to a corporate statement, Tata Power, one of India’s leading integrated power firms, has struck an agreement with the Tamil Nadu government to invest roughly Rs 3,000 crore to build a 4GW solar cell and 4GW solar module manufacturing facility in the Tirunelveli region of Tamil Nadu.

 

4. To establish semiconductor park, IGSS Ventures and Tamil Nadu Govt signs MoU: In the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Tamil Nadu and the Singapore-based M/s. IGSS Ventures Pte Ltd to build a 300-acre semiconductor high-tech park in the State with an investment and grants of 25,600 crore. In the next five years, the project is expected to directly employ more than 5,000 individuals, according to an official press release. Key Points:

a)      By using renewable energy to cook, IGSS Ventures intends to take part in the India Semiconductor Mission and Project Surya, both of which aim to lessen air pollution and global warming.

b)      For a semiconductor fab that will produce wafers in three different technology nodes, including 28 nm, 45 nm, and >=65 nm, as well as an industry ecosystem infrastructure that includes semiconductor circuit designers, material suppliers, equipment suppliers, and outsourced semiconductor assembly and test players, Tamil Nadu has allocated nine strategic sites, including two near Chennai.

c)       According to the consortium, 1,500 semi-skilled and skilled workers might be employed when commercial production begins in two years.

d)      With an expected investment of roughly 76,000 crore, the ecosystem partners’ work in the high-tech park might result in an extra 25,000 jobs for people.

 

5. A new edition of Viswananthan Anand’s memoir ‘Mind Master’ released soon: Hachette India has announced the expanded paperback edition of five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand’s widely acclaimed memoir “Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion’s Life”. The book, featuring a bonus chapter on how to navigate uncertainty and rapidly changing realities in the wake of the pandemic, will hit the stands on July 15. It is written by Anand with author-journalist Susan Ninan.

In “Mind Master”, Anand looks back at a lifetime of games played, opponents tackled and circumstances overcome and draws from its depths significant tools that will help every reader to navigate life’s challenges. There are many nuggets that Anand touches upon with characteristic wit, easy wisdom and disarming candour in the book.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian-American Billionaire on Forbes’ List of America’s Richest Self-Made Women: Indian-American Jayshree Ullal, CEO of Arista Networks, an American computer networking company, and a member of the board of directors of Snowflake, was ranked near the top of 8th annual Forbes’ America’s Richest Self-Made Women, with a net worth of $1.7 billion as of May 2022. The list, released in June 2022, ranks her at #15, below Alice Schwartz, co-founder of Bio-Rad Laboratories, and above reality TV star Kim Kardashian.

Other Indian American women who made it to the Forbes list are Neerja Sethi, co-founder of Syntel; Neha Narkhede, co-founder and former CTO of Confluent; former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, and Reshma Shetty, co-founder of Ginkgo Bioworks. Diane Hendricks, co-founder and chairman of ABC Supply, topped the list for the fifth year.

 

2. World Kishwahili Language Day: 7th July: World Kiswahili Day is celebrated on the 7th of July every year following a declaration by UNESCO member states in this regard. Kiswahili is one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa and the most widely spoken in sub-Saharan Africa. Kiswahili is also the only African language that is an official language of the African Union. This first celebration of the World Kiswahili language day will be held under the theme ‘Kiswahili for peace and prosperity’. The mission of the annual celebration is to promote the use of Kiswahili language as a beacon for peace, and enhanced multiculturalism.

World Kishwahili Language Day History: In November 2021 at its 41st Session in Paris, the General Conference of UNESCO declared July 7th World Kiswahili Language Day. By Resolution 41 C/61, Member States recognized the critical role played by Kiswahili in promoting cultural diversity, creating awareness, and fostering dialogue among civilizations. On July 7th 2022, the Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations and UNESCO will held the first international celebration of the World’s Kiswahili Language Day at the United Nations Headquarter in New York.

 

3. World Chocolate Day: 7th July: World Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 7 every year to commemorate the invention of chocolate. This special day allows people around the world to indulge in their favourite treat without any guilt. The day also celebrates all kinds of goodies made from chocolate, including chocolate milk, hot chocolate, chocolate candy bar, chocolate cake, brownies, or anything covered in chocolate.

World Chocolate Day History: World Chocolate Day was first celebrated in the year 2009. However, some even believe that people started marking July 7 as International Chocolate Day because it was the day when chocolate was first introduced to Europe in 1550.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI updates agreement with Air Force for defence compensation package: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between State Bank of India (SBI) and the Indian Air Force for the Defence Salary Package (DSP) plan has been extended, according to SBI. All active-duty and former members of the Air Force, as well as their families, will be eligible for a number of advantages and features under this programme from the nation’s largest lender.

Key Points:

a)      Later that day, two additional state-owned institutions, Bank of Baroda (BoB) and Punjab National Bank (PNB), also announced agreements offering a range of goods to active-duty and retired members of the IAF.

b)      In a press release, SBI stated that as part of its agreement with the IAF, it will provide the Air Force’s members with a wide range of advantages, including free personal accidental insurance, free air accidental insurance, and enhanced coverage in the event of an on-duty death.

c)       The bank claimed that in the event of an Air Force member’s passing, the family of the dead would be given additional coverage for the female child’s wedding and education.

d)      In addition, regardless of age, retired staff will be qualified for free personal accidental insurance. Pensioners’ families would be eligible for a range of benefits.

e)      All Air Force personnel who are covered by SBI’s Defense Salary Package will automatically receive the enhanced benefits outlined in the MoU, according to SBI.

Note: State Bank of India (SBI) chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara

 

2. South Indian Bank tie up with Kerala Forest & Wildlife Dept for digital payment collection: The South Indian Bank has signed an agreement with Kerala’s Forest and Wildlife Department to enable digital collection of payments at eco-tourism centres, Vanasree shops, mobile Vanasree units and eco-shops across the State. The Forest Department has set up Vanasree shops and units with the objective of marketing forest products, conserving and managing biodiversity, protecting the rich and sensitive ecosystem and uplifting the living standards of the tribals working in the area. Through this partnership, the digital collection system of South Indian Bank will now be available at all 124 tourist spots that fall under the Forest Department. The tie-up will commence with the setting up of 124 POS machines at various eco-tourism centres, Vanasree shops, mobile Vanasree units and eco-shops under 36 forest department agencies across Kerala.

Note: South Indian Bank Headquarters: Thrissur; South Indian Bank CEO: Murali Ramakrishnan (1 Oct 2020–); South Indian Bank Founded: 29 January 1929.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. IRDAI and NHA to develop National Health Claims Exchange to settle claims: IRDAI and National Health Authority (NHA) will develop a National Health Claims Exchange as a digital platform to settle health claims. The National Health Claims Exchange will be developed as a digital platform, for settling the health claims. Chairman of IRDAI, Debasish Panda, has also proposed for creation of a working group with representation from industry. The working group will decide on how to attract more people to buy health insurance, by making the largest segment of general insurance in India.

Note: IRDAI Founded: 1999; IRDAI Headquarters: Hyderabad; IRDAI Chairperson: Debasish Panda.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ukrainian mathematician Maryna Viazovska wins prestigious Fields Medal 2022: Ukrainian maths professor, Maryna Viazovska, who won the top mathematics prize, the Fields Medal 2022. Viazovska and three other mathematicians received the Fields Medal, dubbed the Nobel prize in maths, in Helsinki after the ceremony was moved from Saint Petersburg to the Finnish capital in response to Moscow’s war. Maryna is only the second woman to receive the award, which is awarded to mathematicians under 40, since it was created in 1936. The other female laureate, Iran’s Maryam Mirzakhani, died of breast cancer in 2017 just three years after winning the prize.

The four awardees of the prestigious prize include:

a)      France’s Hugo Duminil-Copin (36 years)- Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques

b)      US-based June Huh (39 years) – Princeton University

c)       Britain’s James Maynard (35 years) – University of Oxford

d)      Ukraine’s Maryna Viazovska ( 37 years) – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo passes away: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary-General, Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, passed away. He was born in April 1959 in northeast Nigeria’s Adamawa state, Barkindo assumed the office of the OPEC Secretary-General in 2016. His tenure was scheduled to expire in July.

About the OPEC:  OPEC is a permanent, intergovernmental organization, created at the Baghdad Conference in 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. It aims to manage the supply of oil in an effort to set the price of oil in the world market, in order to avoid fluctuations that might affect the economies of both producing and purchasing countries. It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.

Daily GK Update- 6th July, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurated Digital India Week 2022 at Gandhinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Digital India Week 2022 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The theme of this Digital India Week is ‘Catalyzing New India’s Techade’ to transform the nation into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Digital India Week 2022 will also have a three-day long orientation program ‘India Stack Knowledge Exchange- Showcasing India Stack and India’s Digital Products and Service’ from 7th July. Key Highlights:

a)      Mr. Modi has also launched ‘Digital India Bhashini’ that will enable Indians an easy access to the internet and digital services in vernacular languages.

b)      He also launched ‘Digital India GENESIS’ – Gen-next Support for Innovative Startups- a national deep-tech startup platform. The total budget of 750 crore rupees has been envisaged for these schemes.

c)       The Prime Minister has also dedicated ‘MyScheme’, which will provide access to government schemes at a single place.

About The Digital India Week 2022 Programme: The Digital India Week 2022 programme will demonstrate the digital platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, Cowin and Digilocker among others which have provided ease of life to the citizens. Startups, government leaders and industry and academia experts will participate in this programme. An exhibition with more than 200 stalls has been set up at Mahatma Mandir by Indian unicorns and startups. Prime Minister Modi also visited this exhibition and interacted with the people connected with startups and unicorns.

 

2. Start-up ranking 2021: Gujarat, Karnataka emerges as best performers: Gujarat and Karnataka emerged the “best performers” in the third edition of States’ Start-up ranking, 2021, while Meghalaya bagged the top honour among Northeastern (NE) states. In the second edition of the survey, which was conducted in 2020, Gujarat was the best performer. The rankings are based on the initiatives taken to develop the startup ecosystem for promoting entrepreneurs. These initiatives include the Startup India initiative, multiple funding and incubation support, and the government announcing January 16 as Startup Day. Key Points:

a)      Top performers among the larger states include Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha and Telangana.

b)      Among smaller states and UTs, Jammu and Kashmir was adjudged the top performer.

c)       Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, and Goa are in the leaders category.

d)      States and UTs in the aspiring leaders’ category include Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Puducherry and Nagaland.

 

3. CBSE launches Pariksha Sangam portal to streamline board examination results: The CBSE Board has launched a portal called ‘Pariksha Sangam’ to streamline board examination results, sample papers, and other details in one single window. According to cbsedigitaleducation.com, the newly launched Pariksha Sangam portal “will integrate various examination-related processes to be conducted by the school’s regional offices and the Headquarters of the CBSE Board”.

Pariksha Sangam: Pariksha Sangam is another portal where students will be able to check Class 10th and Class 12th board results easily. The Pariksha Sangam has been divided into three main sections: Schools (Ganga), Regional offices (Yamuna), and Head office (Saraswati). The Pariksha Sangam portal will streamline all the activities related to CBSE Board Result 2022 for classes 10th and 12th. For instance CBSE circular, Latest CBSE news, reference material, sample paper, model paper, Question Bank, school results, and much more.

a)      Pariksha Sangam Schools (Ganga) section: Under this section, students and all other stakeholders will be able to access exam reference material, information about pre-exam and exam activities, school DigiLocker and post-exam activities, communication, and an integrated payment system (IPS).

b)      Pariksha Sangam Regional offices (Yamuna) section: In this section, CBSE aspirants will find information about RO Dashboards for Command, Control, E-Sandesh, Integrated Payment Monitoring for Term 1 and Data Management, Historical Information Repository of Schools, etc.

c)       Pariksha Sangam Head office (Saraswati) section: Under this section, students will find information regarding Exam Reference Material, Pre-Exam Dates/MIS, Exam Conduct MIS, Post Exam Data, Centralized LOC Correction, CMTM, and many more.

 

4. PM Modi unveils 30-ft statue of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 30-feet bronze statue of Alluri Sitarama Raju at Bhimavaram in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district on the 125th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter. The 125th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju, along with 100 years of ‘Rampa Kranti’ will be celebrated throughout the year marking 75 years of Independence.

About the Alluri Sitarama Raju: Believed to have been born in present-day Andhra Pradesh in 1897 or 1898, Alluri Sitarama Raju is known for leading guerrilla resistance against the British in the region at a very early age. According to Dr Murali Atlury, a professor of history at the University of Hyderabad, at the age of 18, Raju became a sanyasi and began visiting the hill and tribal areas of the region. Raju was not a tribal himself, but as per Dr Atlury, his “great ability” lay in bringing people from various backgrounds together for the anti-colonial cause. He was eventually captured by the British and executed in 1924.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Lt. General Mohan Subramanian appointed as Force Commander of UN Mission in South Sudan: India’s ​Lieutenant General, Mohan Subramanian has been appointed the Force Commander in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). He succeeds Lieutenant General Shailesh Tinaikar of India.

Almost 20,000 peacekeepers serve with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to protect civilians and build durable peace in the conflict-affected country. The civilian, police and military personnel from 73 countries carry out many duties under the mandate provided by the United Nations Security Council.

 

2. World Zoonosis Day: 6th July: World Zoonoses Day is marked annually on 6 July to commemorate the first vaccination administered against a zoonotic disease like influenza, ebola and West Nile virus. Zoonotic diseases are caused by viruses, parasites, bacteria and fungi. These germs can lead to several kinds of illnesses, ranging in severity, in people and animals.

World Zoonosis Day History: World Zoonoses Day was instituted on 6 July 1885 to educate and raise awareness about zoonotic diseases that can transmit from animals to humans. It commemorates French biologist Louis Pasteur, who administered the first dose of the first vaccine against rabies.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Elorda Cup: Boxers Alfiya Pathan and Gitika clinch Gold medals: Reigning Youth World Boxing champions Alfiya Pathan and Gitika have won gold medals at the Elorda Cup in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Two other Indian female boxers Kalaivani Srinivasan and Jamuna Boro signed off with silver medals. In the women’s 81-kilogram final, Alfiya thrashed 2016 world champion and a strong contender for the title, Lazzat Kungeibayeva, by a 5-0 margin. Gitika clinched a thrilling 4-1 win over compatriot Kalaivani in an intense all-Indian women’s 48-kg final.

With the addition of two gold, two silver, and 10 bronze medals on the final day, the 33-member Indian contingent concluded its campaign with an overall tally of 14 medals. The tournament witnessed top players in action from countries such as India, Uzbekistan, and hosts Kazakhstan, Cuba, China, and Mongolia.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI imposes monetary penalty on IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 1.05 crore and Rs 1 crore on Kotak Mahindra Bank and IndusInd Bank, respectively, for deficiencies in regulatory compliance. RBI’s these penalties are based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and are not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.

In case of Kotak Mahindra Bank: The RBI found that the private lender failed to maintain margin on advances to stock brokers; credit (shadow reversal) the amount involved in the unauthorised electronic transactions to the customers’ account within 10 working days from the date of notification by the customer; and credit eligible amount to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund within the period prescribed. This was found in a statutory inspection for supervisory evaluation of the bank conducted by RBI with reference to its financial positions as on March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019.

As for IndusInd Bank: The monetary penalty was imposed on it as it failed to adhere to customer due diligence procedure in the accounts opened using OTP based e-KYC, in non-face-to-face mode.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Aviva India appoints Asit Rath as new CEO and MD: Aviva India has appointed Asit Rath as chief executive officer and managing director. Rath will succeed Amit Malik who is leaving the business after 10 years. The appointment will come into effect on July 11. Currently the CEO of Prudential Myanmar Life Insurance, Rath comes with 22 years of banking and insurance experience in India and Myanmar and has strong distribution experience with ICICI Bank and ICICI Prudential Life in India.

About the Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited: Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited is a joint venture between Dabur Invest Corp and Aviva International Holdings Limited, a UK-based insurance group. Aviva International has been associated with India since 1834.

 

2. Avanse Financial and Edelweiss collaborate to provide student travel insurance: Avanse Financial Services, an NBFC with an emphasis on education, and Edelweiss General Insurance (EGI) have teamed to offer student travel insurance to international students who are supported by Avanse. Student travel insurance from Edelweiss General Insurance covers medical costs and guards against emergencies and financial losses. The Edelweiss General Insurance plan ensures students have a worry-free time while studying and staying by providing comprehensive coverage against medical, lodging, and travel inconvenience-related covers. Additionally, students will have the option to modify their plan with optional covers in accordance with their demands and university standards.

The number of Indian students choosing to pursue higher education overseas is increasing quickly. According to industry forecasts, this number is anticipated to reach 1.8 million by 2024, increasing spending as a result. According to the company, this makes student travel insurance essential, particularly to cover medical costs given that healthcare costs abroad are far higher than in India.

Note: MD & CEO, Avanse Financial Services: Amit Gainda

Executive director & CEO, Edelweiss General Insurance: Shanai Ghosh

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO conducted successfully tests out Autonomous Aircraft’s Maiden Take-Off: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the Maiden flight of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator from Aeronautical Test Range at Chitradurga in Karnataka. The flight operated in a fully autonomous mode. The aircraft exhibited a perfect flight, including take-off, way point navigation and a smooth touchdown.

Key Points:

a)      The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) powered by a small turbofan engine.

b)      It has been designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru, one of the research laboratories of DRDO.

c)       The focus is now on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence and the government has urged the armed forces to buy the indigenous platforms and less imports. This year in the Union Budget, Rs 70,221 crore has been set aside for domestic defence procurement, and this accounts for 63 percent of the defence capital budget.

Note: DRDO Founded: 1 January 1958; DRDO Headquarters: New Delhi; DRDO Chairman: G. Satheesh Reddy; DRDO Motto: Strength’s Origin is in Knowledge.

 

2. IAF Father-daughter team of fighter pilots makes history: Father and daughter pair Flying Officer Ananya Sharma, who was commissioned as a fighter pilot in December 2021, and Air Commodore Sanjay Sharma, an experienced fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), made aviation history by flying in the same jet formation. At Air Force Station, Bidar, they flew in the same formation of Hawk-132 Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT).

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran Bengali filmmaker Tarun Majumdar passes away: Veteran Bengali film director, Tarun Majumdar has passed away at the age of 92. Tarun Majumdar was known for helming popular Bengali films such as Smriti Tuku Thak, Shriman Prithviraj, Kuheli, Balika Badhu, Dadar Kirti, Chander Bari, among others in his lifetime. He created a significant impact in uplifting the Bengali film industry during the 60s, 70s and 80s. Tarun Majumdar was the recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 1990. He’s the recipient of four National Awards, 7 BFJA Awards, 5 Filmfare Awards, and an Anandalok Award.

Daily GK Update- 5th July, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Utilizing BiSAG-N app, Steel Ministry interfaces with GatiShakti portal: The Ministry of Steel said that it has joined the PM Gati Shakti Portal and uploaded the geo coordinates of important projects in an effort to detect and address connection gaps in the infrastructure. According to a press release, the ministry registered itself on the National Master Plan portal with the help of the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BiSAG-N) app. Key Points:

a)      All of the central public-sector enterprises’ (CPSE) steel plants’ geolocations have been published to the portal. All of these CPSEs‘ mine locations were in the process of being uploaded.

b)      The ministry also intends to post the locations of the country’s more than 2,000 steel production facilities.

c)       Future updates will also provide more pertinent information, such as production capacity and product specifics for each unit and mine.

d)      38 high-impact projects have been chosen by the steel ministry to create multimodal connectivity and fill in infrastructural shortages.

e)      In order to bring together various ministries for coordinated planning of infrastructure connectivity projects, the Prime Minister introduced the Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for Infrastructure Development in October 2021.

 

2. Himachal Pradesh CM launched ‘Nari Ko Naman’ scheme for women: Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur has launched ‘Naari Ko Naman’ scheme to provide 50 % concession on fares in Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses to women commuters within the state boundaries. Seema Thakur, the first woman bus driver in the state, drove him in a state transport bus to the event venue. The chief minister had announced the 50 per cent concession on bus fares to women on April 15, Himachal Day. CM has announced the minimum bus fare will also be reduced from Rs.7 to Rs.5 for all passengers. The government of HP will also sanction 25 new posts for female drivers in ‘Ride With Pride Government Taxi service’. The service is for female passengers and senior citizens of HP.

Note: Himachal Pradesh Capital: Shimla (Summer) , Dharamshala (Winter); Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur; Himachal Pradesh Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.

 

3. Rahul Narwekar, the youngest Speaker in the country: Mumbai lawyer and first-time legislator, Rahul Narwekar has been elected as the youngest Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and also becomes the youngest ever in India to hold this august Constitutional post. Narwekar scripted history to become the youngest legislator to be elected as the 16th Speaker (since 1960) and also is now the youngest ever lawmaker to occupy the coveted top legislative post in the country.

Narwekar received a total of 164 votes in support and 107 went to Shiv Sena candidate’s account. During the Speaker elections, 12 members were absent and 3 legislators abstained from the voting. Narwekar (45), a sitting MLA from Colaba, left Shiv Sena in 2014 to contest the 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Maval constituency as a NCP candidate. However, he suffered defeat but was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council and remained its member till 2019.

Note: Maharashtra Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari; Maharashtra Chief minister: Eknath Shinde; Maharashtra Capital: Mumbai.

 

4. BESCOM develops ‘EV Mitra’ mobile app: The Bengaluru Electricity Company BESCOM has developed EV Mitra mobile app to provide information about EV charging stations in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The information on charges in each station for the electric vehicles to recharge are also mentioned in the app. The user-friendly app can be used by electric vehicle users to book in advance a slot in the station.

BESCOM had earlier introduced the EV Jagruthi Web portal as a joint initiative of NITI Ayog and the United Kingdom. The web portal gives state specific information on the availability of electric vehicles, incentives, support mechanisms and initiatives of the state government regarding electric mobility. Key Points:

a)      BESCOM has started 136 charging stations in Bengaluru and another 152 such stations will be started soon.

b)      Under the Public Private Partnership model, tenders have been invited to establish 1000 charging stations across the state.

c)       EV Abhiyan will be held for a week from July 1st to 6th and EV Expo from July 1st to 3rd. On July 2nd EV Rally will be organised from Vidhana Soudha to Palace Grounds to promote EV usage in Bengaluru city.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. S Jaishankar to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Indonesia: The G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) will be held in Bali, Indonesia, and it will be attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, the meeting’s foreign ministers will discuss topics of current relevance, such as advancing multilateralism and current global concerns, such as the security of food and energy.

Key Points:

a)      Throughout the trip, the external affairs minister is expected to meet informally with his colleagues from other G20 members and invited nations.

b)      India’s interaction with G20 member nations would improve as a result of the EAM’s involvement in the G20 FMM.

c)       India’s participation in the upcoming FMM negotiations has much greater significance as a G20 troika member and as the future G20 Presidency.

d)      India will assume the G-20 presidency on December 1, 2022, and host the inaugural G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2023, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

e)      According to The Express Tribune, India intends to host certain G20 activities in J-K.

f)        Pakistan is urging its close G-20 allies China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia to abstain from the next summit in Jammu & Kashmir.

g)      Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, China, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United States, and United Kingdom are among the G20 nations.

Note: Members of G20 nations: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, China, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United States, and United Kingdom

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Carlos Sainz won the British Grand prix Title 2022: Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz registered his first Formula One win at British Grand Prix 2022, with the Spaniard finishing ahead of the Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. Carlos Sainz claimed his first Formula One victory in his 150th race.

World Championship leader Max Verstappen struggled with his car after suffering a puncture early on, which saw him finish the race in P7, whilst Leclerc couldn’t hold on towards the end of the race on his older set of hard tyres and slipped to finish P4 from leading the race on lap 43. Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris, Mick Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Kevin Magnussen rounded out the top 10, while six drivers failed to finish the race at Silverstone.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Card partners with Aditya Birla Finance to launch ‘Aditya Birla SBI Card’: SBI Cards and Payment Services announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Aditya Birla Finance (ABFL), the lending subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital for the launch of ‘Aditya Birla SBI Card’. The card has been designed to give customers significant reward points on their spending around telecom, fashion, travel, dining, entertainment, and hotels, among others.

This partnership will enable us to issue credit cards to Aditya Birla Group’s customer base, thereby providing them a great product for all their spending needs. This is in line with our strategy of enhancing value for both customers and co-brand partners. The customer acquisition process will be completely digital, thereby ensuring an enhanced customer experience.

About the Aditya Birla Finance: Aditya Birla Finance (ABFL), a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital is among the leading well-diversified non-banking financial services company in India. ABFL offers customized solutions in areas of personal finance, mortgage finance, SME finance, corporate finance, wealth management, debt capital markets and loan syndication.

About the SBI Cards: SBI Cards and Payment Services is a non-banking financial company that offers extensive credit card portfolio to individual cardholders and corporate clients.

Note: SBI Card Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana; SBI Card Managing Director & CEO: Rama Mohan Rao Amara.

 

2. SBI Life and Paschim Banga Gramin Bank sign a bancassurance agreement: A bancassurance agreement has been reached between the Paschim Banga Gramin Bank and SBI Life Insurance. Through the cooperation, SBI Life’s assortment of protection, wealth development, credit life, annuity, and savings products will be made available at all Paschim Banga Gramin Bank branches throughout West Bengal, therefore enhancing the region’s access to life insurance solutions.

Arun Kumar Patra, general manager of Paschim Banga Gramin Bank, and Jayant Pandey, regional director of SBI Life, both signed the contract. An agreement between a bank and an insurance firm known as “bancassurance” enables the latter to market its products to the clients of the lender.

Note: General Manager of Paschim Banga Gramin Bank: Arun Kumar Patra;

Regional director of SBI Life, West Bengal: Jayant Pandey

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Star Health and IDFC FIRST Bank joined together to offer Bancassurance: For the distribution of its health insurance options, the insurer and IDFC FIRST Bank have inked a corporate agency agreement. In accordance with this strategic partnership, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company will use IDFC FIRST Bank‘s cutting-edge digital platform and extensive distribution network to offer its best-in-class health insurance products to the Bank’s customers. Key Points:

a)      With a focus on going digital, IDFC FIRST Bank provides customer service through its mobile app and net banking platform, which supplement its network of branches, ATMs, and lending centres.

b)      As the first independent health insurance provider in India, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company began doing business in 2006. It specialises in health, personal accident, and international travel insurance.

c)       On June 27, 2022, shares of Star Health dropped 3.49 percent to Rs 514.80.

Note: MD and CEO of IDFC FIRST Bank: V. Vaidyanathan

MD of Star Health: Prakash Subbarayan

 

2. PokerBaazi appointed Shahid Kapoor as its brand ambassador: PokerBaazi.com, a poker platform, has onboarded actor Shahid Kapoor as its brand ambassador. PokerBaazi.com has launched its new brand campaign ‘You Hold the Cards’ featuring brand ambassador, actor Shahid Kapoor. The company said this association with the actor comes in line with its commitment to popularise and create awareness amongst the masses about poker.

With the campaign titled ‘You Hold the Cards’, the brand aims to create awareness about poker as a skill-based sport and establish that in Poker, the game is under your control, and one can emerge victorious basis of skills, determination, and the right strategy.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Karnataka’s Sini Shetty crowned Femina Miss India 2022: Sini Shetty has won the title of Femina Miss India 2022. She will now represent India at the 71st Miss World pageant. Shetty was crowned Femina Miss India World 2022 by her predecessor Miss India 2020, Manasa Varanasi at JIO World Convention Center in Mumbai. Femina Miss India 2022’s first runner-up is Rubal Shekhawat from Rajasthan, while the second runner-up is Shinata Chauhan, who hails from Uttar Pradesh.

Jury panel of Femina Miss India 2022: The jury panel of Femina Miss India 2022 comprised actors Neha Dhupia, Dino Morea and Malaika Arora, and legendary cricketer Mithali Raj. The panel also included Rahul Khanna, Rohit Gandhi and Shiamak Davar.

 

2. UK Parliament honours Tanuja Nesari with Ayurveda Ratna award: Tanuja Nesari, Director of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) was awarded with the Ayurveda Ratna Award by the UK Parliament. The UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences (ITSappg) conferred the award recognising her contribution to prmoting the growth of Ayurveda in India and abroad. Dr Nesari has been honoured for her exceptional service of the highest order for the promotion of Ayurveda by an ITSappg committee represented by dignitaries, including Amarjeet S. Bhamra, Ambassador for Ayurveda and Yoga in Great Britain; Virendra Sharma, MP, UK Parliament and Chair, ITSappg; and Bob Blackman, MP, UK Parliament and Chair, ITSappg.

 

3. Michelle Poonawalla received the coveted Shiromani Award: Michelle Poonawalla has received the Shiromani Award at NRI World Summit 2022 in the United Kingdom for her contribution to the field of art. In addition to Poonawalla, the Shiromani Award was also awarded to Shri Sadhu Bhramvihari, Lord Rami Ranger, Rita Hinduja Chhabria.

Michelle Poonawalla was a key note speaker at the House of Lords and accepted the Shiromani Award for her contribution to the field of Art. Poonawalla unveiled her artwork ‘Reserve’ at the JMS Foundation Charity Gala on 23 June. Her film ‘Reserve’ highlighted water scarcity as a global crisis and accentuated pollution and contamination of water reserves.

About the Shiromani Award: The Shiromani Award was instituted in 1977 and has been bestowed on Mother Teresa, Chief Marshal Manekshaw, Raj Kapoor, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, PT Usha, Leander Paes, Vishwanathan Anand, The Dalai Lama, Jaya Bachchan and Asha Bhosle in the past.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Visionary British theatre director Peter Brook passes away: Peter Brook, one of the world’s most innovative theatre directors who perfected the art of staging powerful drama in bizarre venues, has died aged 97. The British director mounted productions ranging from challenging versions of Shakespeare through international opera to Hindu epic poems. He brought a stunning nine-hour adaptation of the Sanskrit epic “The Mahabharata” from France to New York in 1987.

Brook was called many other things: a maverick, a romantic, a classicist. But he was never easily pigeonholed. British by nationality but based in Paris since 1970, he spent years in commercial theater, winning Tony Awards in 1966 and 1971 for the Broadway transfers of highly original productions of Peter Weiss’s “Marat/Sade” and Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

 

2. Former India goalkeeper EN Sudhir passes away: Former India international EN Sudhir, who played as a goalkeeper for India in the 1970s, died in Mapusa, Goa. Sudhir, who made his international debut against Indonesia in Rangoon (currently Yangon) in the Olympic qualifiers in 1972, represented India in 9 matches. He was also part of the national team in the 1973 Merdeka Cup and the Asian Games squad in 1974.

At the domestic level, he played for three different states in the Santosh Trophy Kerala (1969 and 1970), Goa (1971, 1972, 1973), and Maharashtra in 1975.  Sudhir also played for Young Challengers (Kerala), Vasco Sports Club (Goa), and Mahindra & Mahindra at the club level.