Daily GK Updates - 17th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Govt to increase coal production to one billion tone by 2022-23: GoI plan to increase the total production of coal in the country to 1 billion tone by 2022-23. Coal minister said that the gap between demand and supply of coalcannot be bridged completely as there is insufficient domestic availability of coking coal.

Note: Union Coal Minister of India: Prahlad Joshi.

2. Rajya Sabha passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019: The Rajya Sabha passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The Bill aims the establishment of a Central University and Tribal University in Andhra Pradesh. The total outlay for the Central University project is Rs 902.07 crore and for Tribal University is Rs 836 crore. 

Note: Union HRD Minister of India: Ramesh Pokhriyal; Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy;Governor: E.S.L. Narasimhan.

3. Health Ministry to launch a "Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan" in Delhi: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will launch a Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan in Delhi to accelerate measures for prevention and control of Vector Borne Diseases like Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya. It will start from 17th to 19th July, 2019 in Delhi through active involvement of people’s representatives, officers from Government of India, Government of NCT Delhi, all three Delhi Municipal Corporations, New Delhi Municipal Council, Railways and Cantonment board and other stakeholders to combat malaria, dengue and chikungunya.

Note: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare: Dr Harsh Vardhan.

4. National Digital Health Blueprint released: Union Health Minister released National Digital Health Blueprint, bringing in the National Digital Health Eco-system that can ensure the availability of healthcare services on a wider scale. The objective is to establish state-of-the-art digital health systems, for managing the core digital health data, the infrastructure required for its seamless exchange.

Note: Union Health Minister of India: Dr Harsh Vardhan.

5. President appoints Governors for Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh: President Ramnath Kovind has appointed BJP senior leader Biswa Bhushan Harichandran (84-years) as Andhra Pradesh governor. He replaced ESL Narasimhan, serving as the governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Senior tribal BJP leader Anusuiya Uikey as Governor of Chhattisgarh. Anusuiya Uikey has replaced Anandiben Patel, who as Governor of Madhya Pradesh was also holding the charge of Chhattisgarh.

6. Maharashtra govt hikes compensation for kin of Jawans killed in the line of duty: Maharashtra state cabinet headed by CM Devendra Fadnavis has decided to increase the compensation from 25 lakh to one crore rupees for families of security personnel hailing from the state who lay down their lives in the line of duty. A cabinet note stated that personnel wounded in a conflict will get monetary compensations ranging from 20 lakh to 60 lakh rupees each, depending on the severity of their injury.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India, Italy to set up a fast-track mechanism to facilitate investment: India and Italy have decided to set up a fast track mechanism to facilitate investors and companies. The meeting was attended by Lorenzo Angeloni (Ambassador of Italy to India) and Ramesh Abhishek (Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)) in New Delhi. The fast-track system in Italy aims to identify and solve problems faced by Indian companies and investors.

Note: DIPP HQ: New Delhi; DIPP Established in: 1995.

2. China gifts warship 'P625' to Sri Lanka: China has gifted warship 'P625' to Sri Lanka. As a new member of the Lankan Navy, the 'P625' frigate will be mainly used for offshore patrol, environment monitoring and anti-piracy combats. The Type 053 frigate was commissioned into China's People's Liberation Army Navy in 1994 as the Tongling.

Note: China Capital: Beijing, Currency: Renminbi; Sri Lanka Capital: Colombo, Currency: Sri Lankan rupee.

3. European Commission elects first female president: German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen (60-years) has been elected as the European Commission's first female president. Leyen's nomination was approved by 383 votes (required 374), at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Von der Leyen was nominated to become the first woman in Brussels' top job last month by the leaders of the bloc's 28 member states, to the annoyance of many MEPs.

Note: The President of the European Commission is the head of the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union. The President of the Commission leads a cabinet of Commissioners, referred to as the college, collectively accountable to the European Parliament.

4. 13th Meeting of India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee: 13th meeting of the India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) was held in London. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways and Secretary of State for International Trade of the UKparticipated in the meeting. The 14th meeting of the JETCO would take place in New Delhi in 2020.

Note: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways: Piyush Goyal; Secretary of State for International Trade of the UK: Liam Fox.

5. India, Uzbekistan exchange views on combating terror financing: The 8th meeting of India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group onCounter-Terrorism was held in New Delhi. The Joint Working Group reviewed threats posed by terrorist groups worldwide and in their respective regions including cross border terrorism. The meeting was co-chaired by Mahaveer Singhvi, the Ministry of External Affairs' Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism and Ambassador Farhod Azriev of Uzbekistan.

6. Christine Lagarde resigns as managing director of IMF: International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Christine Lagarde has resigned ahead of a decision on her nomination to become head of the European Central Bank (ECB). Her resignation has been accepted by the IMF Executive Board, which will come into effect from 12 September. If the European Council approves Ms Lagarde's ECB nomination, she will become the central bank's first-ever female leader, responsible for the Euro and the monetary policy of the eurozone. The former French cabinet minister has been heading the IMF since 2011.

Note: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It consists of 189 countries working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.

7. World Day for International Justice: 17 July: World Day for International Justice (or International Criminal Justice Day) is being observed globally on 17th July every year to recognise the strengthening system of international justice. The day (17th - July) was chosen because it is the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the International Criminal Court.

Note: On 1 June 2010, at the Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala (Uganda), the Assembly of State Parties decided to celebrate 17 July as the Day of International Criminal Justice

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Anahat Singh, Neel Joshi claimed titles at Dutch Junior Open tournament: Anahat won the girls’ U13 title while Joshi won the boys’ U17 title. Two Indian players managed to win the titles on the final day of the Dutch Junior Open squash tournament in Amsterdam (Netherlands).

Note: Capital of Netherlands: Amsterdam; Currency of Netherlands: Euro.

2. India will host ISSF World Cup 2020: International Shooting Sport Federation approved India's application to host the ISSF World Cup stages. World Cup will be held in New Delhi from March 15 to 26, 2020. The last edition of ISSF World Cup was held in Munich, Germany.

Note: President of ISSF: Vladimir Lisin.

3. 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis C'ship begins: Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal  inaugurated the 21st edition of Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship at the Jawaharlal Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha. The event will witness the top players from India, Australia, England, Malaysia, Scotland and Singapore among other nations competing for coveted titles. Ghana, Guyana and Pakistan pulled out of the 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships.

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

4. Vijayveer wins his 3rd gold at ISSF Junior Shooting World Cup:  Vijayveer Sidhu picked up his third gold medal of the ongoing ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, combining with Rajkanwar Singh Sandhu and Adarsh Singh to clinch the men's 25m pistol.  For Adarsh, it was his second gold of the competition. India maintained its top spot at the medal standings after day three with 7 gold 7 Silver and 2 Bronze in a total of 16 medals won so far. China is second with 5 Gold 3 Silver and 5 bronze. 

Note: National Rifles Association of India President: Shri Raninder Singh.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Broadband Readiness Index for Indian States and Union Territories: The Department of Telecom (DoT) and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) signed a MoU to develop a Broadband Readiness Index (BRI) for Indian States andUnion Territories (UT).  The first estimate will be made in 2019 and subsequently every year until 2022.

2. Coca cola appoints Sarvita Sethi in M&A role: Global beverages major Coco-Cola announced top level changes in its india and southwest asia unit with the appointment of Sarvita Sethi as Vice president, M&A and New Ventures and Harsh Bhutani as Vice-president finance (CFO).

Note: Coca-Cola President and COO: Brian Smith. Coca-Cola HQ: Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

3. U.S. sets $5 bn fine for Facebook: U.S.'s Federal Trade Commission have approved a $5 billion penalty to be levied on Facebook. The penalty has been approved to settle a probe into the social network’s privacy and data protection lapses. It would be the largest penalty ever imposed by the FTC for privacy violations.

Note: Facebook Headquarters: California, US; CEO: Mark Zuckerberg; US President: Donald Trump; Capital: Washington, D.C; Currency: US Dollar.

4. OYO Hotels & Homes acquires co-working firm Innov8: OYO Hotels & Homes has formally announced its acquisition of co-working venture Innov8. OYO will operate the firm Innov8 as an independent brand, and alongside its existing co-working operations.

Note: CEO of OYO: Ritesh Agarwal; Founder of Innov8: Ritesh Malik.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. The Sangeet Natak Akademi announces winners for 2018: The 44 artists were selected from the field of Music, Dance, Theatre, Traditional, Folk, Tribal Music, Dance, Theatre, Puppetry and Overall contribution or scholarship in the Performing Arts for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for the year 2018. Zakhir Hussain (Tabla Maestro), Sonal Mansingh (dancer), Jatin Goswami (dancer and choreographer) and K Kalyanasundaram Pillai (Bharatnatyam exponent) have been selected in the Akademi Ratna category.

Diwan Singh Bajeli and Puru Dadhich have been selected for the Akademi Award 2018 in the field of Overall Contribution/Scholarship in the Performing Arts.

The artistes include, Mani Prasad (Hindustani Vocal), Tarun Bhattacharya (for Hindustani Instrumental-Santoor), Radha Sridhar (for Bharatanatyam), Akham Lakshmi Devi (for Manipuri), Rajiv Naik (for Playwriting) and Malini Awasthi (in Folk Music).

Note: The Sangeet Natak Akademi (since 1952) is an Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Culture.

The honour of Akademi Fellow carries purse money of Rs.3,00,000 and Akademi Award carries Rs 1,00,000 besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.

2. Rohan Bopanna and Smriti Mandhana got Arjuna Award: Sports and Youth Affairs Minister conferred Arjuna Awards to Rohan Bopanna (tennis player) and Smriti Mandhana (Women cricketer). Rohan Bopanna had won the Gold medal in tennis men’s double category in Asian Games 2018. Smriti Mandhana was the ICC women’s player of the year 2018. The award carries a cash prize of 500,000, a bronze statue of Arjuna and a scroll.

Note: The Arjuna Awards (started in 1961) are given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India to recognize outstanding achievement in sports.

3. Indian entries bag six awards at SAARC Film Festival:  Director Kaushik Ganguly's Bengali film 'Nagarkirtan', has won 4 awards in SAARC film festival. The movie was honoured with 'Best Feature Film', 'Best Director', 'Best Actor' and 'Best Original Score' awards. Two other Indian films have won awards at the fest,'Na Bole Wo Haram', a 20-minute film by debutant director Nitish Patankar, bagged the 'Best Short Film' award, while 'Walking With the Wind' by Praveen Morchhale received the Special Jury award for direction and story.

Defense

1. Israel Aerospace signs $50 million deal with Indian navy: Israel Aerospace signs $50 million follow-up deal with Indian navy. Under the deal, Israel Aerospace Industries will provide complementary missile systems to the Indian navy and India's MDL Shipyard. The agreement also involves a range of maintenance and other services for sub-systems of Israel Aerospace's naval medium range surface-to-air missile.

Obituaries

1. Raja Dhale co-founder of Dalit Panther passes away: Raja Dhale, one of the founders of the radical outfit Dalit Panther passed away.  Mr. Dhale along with others in 1972 founded Dalit Panther, a youth-based organisation inspired by the Black Panther outfit of African Americans in the US, with an aim to raise the voice of Dalits more aggressively in the State.

2. 1971 war hero Lt Gen Gharaya passes away: Retired Lt Gen Joginder Singh Gharaya, who was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and Kirti Chakra in the 1947 Hyderabad operations, passed away. Lt Gen Joginder Singh Gharaya was commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment in 1945 and commanded a brigade in the Jessore Sector on the eastern front during the 1971 war.

3. Lt Gen Jacob (1971 war hero) passes away: Lt Gen J F R Jacob (92-years) passed away after a prolonged illness. Lt Gen J F R Jacob (Retd) negotiated the surrender of Pakistani troops in Dhaka following the 1971 war and the liberation of Bangladesh. Jacob, then a Major General, served as the Chief of Staff of the Indian Army's Eastern Command during the war. Jacob joined the army at the age of 19 and also fought in World War II and the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 before he retired in 1978. Post-retirement, he also served as the Governor of the west Indian state of Goa and north Indian state of Punjab.

Daily GK Updates - 16th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. ‘LaQshya’ to improve quality of care in the labour room, maternity Ots: The Union Government has launched “LaQshya” (Labour room Quality improvement Initiative) to improve the quality of care in the labour room and maternity operation theatres. It’s a multipronged approach focused on Intrapartum and the immediate postpartum period. The initiative primarily focuses on reducing preventable maternal and new-born mortality and morbidity due to haemorrhage retained placenta, preterm, preeclampsia and eclampsia, obstructed labour, puerperal sepsis, newborn asphyxia, and newborn sepsis.

2. Hrithik Roshan-starrer Super 30 made tax-free in Bihar: Vikas Bahl's ‘Super 30’ has been made tax-free in Bihar by the state government. The state's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil  Kumar Modi announced no entertainment tax will be levied from the film in Bihar. ‘Super 30’ is based on the life of Patna-based mathematician and teacher Anand Kumar. The teacher runs a coaching programme called Super 30 for underprivileged students to prepare them for IIT entrance exams. The film was released on 12th July 2019.

Note: If a movie is declared tax free it means the state has waived off the entertainment tax (similar to VAT or service tax) levied by the state governments.  The movie halls/producers collect the tax from moviegoers and pay it government.

3. ECI Appoints Sh B Murli Kumar as Special Expenditure Observer for Election to 8 – Vellore PC, Tamil Nadu: The Election Commission of India has appointed Ex- DG IT Chennai Sh B Murli Kumar (ex IRS – 1983) as Special Expenditure Observer for 8-Vellore Parliamentary Constituency that goes to polls now on 5th August 2019. It may be recalled that on 14th April 2019, the Commission had made a recommendation to the Hon’ble President of India, under Article 324 of the Constitution read with Section 21 of the General Clauses Act, 1897, to rescind the Election to 8-Vellore Parliamentary Constituency, Tamil Nadu.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Thailand’s new Cabinet sworn in, ending rule by army junta: Thailand’s new Cabinet has been sworn in, creating a nominally elected government after five years of military rule but keeping power in the hands of the same allies of the army. Prayuth Chan-ocha, who as army commander seized power in a 2014 coup and then served as junta leader and Prime Minister, returns to serve again as Prime Minister. This time he was elected by a parliamentary vote after a March general election gave pro-military parties a majority. The election was held according to laws enacted by Prayuth’s junta aimed at disadvantaging established political parties.

Note: Thailand Capital: Bangkok, Currency: Thai baht

2. Former SC Justice AK Sikri Appointed As International Judge Of Singapore International Commercial Court: The former Supreme Court Justice AK Sikri has been appointed as an international judge of the prestigious Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC). Sikri has been appointed to the post from 1 August this year by the President of the Republic of Singapore. The former SC judge’s term will expire on 4 January 2021.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Amir Khan wins WBC international welterweight title: Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan clinched the WBC international welterweight title. He knocked out Australian Billy Dib in the fourth round of his bout in the inaugural Super Boxing League held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is a British professional boxer who was also Britain’s youngest boxer to win a silver medal in the lightweight division at the 2004 Olympics at the age of 17.

2. Sharath Kamal voted IOC Sportsperson of the Year: Sharath Kamal was voted the Sportsperson of the Year in the annual Indian Oil Sports Conclave at an impressive function in New Delhi. The other nominees were cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, Grandmaster B Adhiban, hockey player Simranjeet Singh and table tennis player Manika Batra. Sharath Kamal is a professional table tennis player from Tamil Nadu, India. Recently he received the fourth highest civilian award, Padma Shri.

Note: Sharath Kamal is the first Indian table tennis player ever to become nine times Senior National Champion hence breaking the record of Kamlesh Mehta (eight times National Champion).  

3. Kiran More appointed interim USA Cricket Coach: Former India wicketkeeper-batsman ‘Kiran More’ (56-years) has been appointed the interim coach of the senior USA cricket team. He will replace the head coach Pubudu Dassanayake (resigned in July 2019). The USA Cricket has also appointed Sunil Joshi (former India spinner) as spin bowling advisor, and Pravin Amre and Kieran Powell as advisors for the batting department. Earlier, Kiran More (played for India in 49 Tests and 94 ODIs) had served as the chairman of the Indian selection committee and the wicketkeeping-consultant of Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

4. India bags 2 Gold medals at ISSF Junior World Cup in Germany: India bagged two Gold and one Silver medal in the Women’s 10-meter Air Rifle event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany. In the Individual section of the category, Elavenil Valarivan claimed the top honours with a total score of 251.6, while another Indian Mehuli Ghosh settled for a Silver with 250.2 points. India also clinched a Gold in the team section by creating a junior world record. The effort ensured that India remain at the top of the medals tally with 14 medals, six Gold, six Silver and two Bronze. China is second with two Gold and a total of six medals.

5. Hima Das wins third gold in less than 2 weeks: Hima Das won the women’s 200m event for her third international triumph in less than two weeks at the Kladno Athletics Meet in Czech Republic. Hima clocked a much improved time of 23.43 seconds to win the gold. She has a personal best of 23.10 sec in 200m. This was her third international gold in 11 days. In her first competitive 200m race of the year, the 19-year-old Assam runner had clocked 23.65 seconds on her way to gold at the Poznan Athletics Grand Prix in Poland on July 2. After that, she won her second 200m gold at the Kutno Athletics Meet, also in Poland, on July 7 with a time of 23.97 seconds.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI fines Union Bank and SBI for flouting norms:  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has penalised State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India for violating certain regulatory guidelines. SBI was fined Rs. 7 crores for non-compliance with the directions issued by the RBI on Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms, code of conduct for opening and operating current accounts and reporting of data on Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC), and fraud risk management and classification and reporting of frauds. The central bank also imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine on Union Bank of India for non-compliance with the directions on the cybersecurity framework in banks. According to RBI, the statutory inspection of the bank with reference to its financial position as on 31th, March 2017 revealed that the lender had violated those norms.

2. HDFC Bank, CSC launch credit card for village entrepreneurs and small traders: HDFC Bank and Common Services Centres (CSCs) on Tuesday launched a co-branded ‘Small Business Money Back Credit Card’ for small traders and village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs). The credit card is specifically designed for VLEs and VLE-sourced customers. It would give users easy access to credit for their day-to-day business expenses, according to a statement. The card was launched by HDFC Bank MD Aditya Puri and CSC Chief Dinesh Kumar Tyagi. Personalised cards were handed out to a few women entrepreneurs during the occasion. CSCs act as access points for delivery of various services and there are 3.6 lakh such centres operating across the country. Note: HDFC BANK CEO/MD: Aditya Puri, Headquarters: Mumbai, Founded: August 1994, India

OBITUARIES

1. Boxing legend ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker passes away: Former Olympic boxing gold medallist and four-weight World Champion ‘Pernell Whitaker’ (55-years) passed away after he was hit by a vehicle in Virginia. Pernell Whitaker won world titles at lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight. He enjoyed a successful professional career after winning gold as a lightweight at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Whitaker retired from fighting in 2001 and worked as a trainer. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007.

2. Computer password inventor Fernando Corbato, dies aged 93: Computer pioneer Fernando Corbato, who first used passwords to protect user accounts, has died aged 93. Dr Corbato introduced the basic security measure while developing methods that let more people use a computer at the same time. He developed a technique, called time-sharing, that divided up the processing power of a computer so it could serve more than one person at once.

Daily GK Updates - 15th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Over 30 lakh persons enrolled under "PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme": Under "Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme", total 30,85,205 persons have been enrolled. This voluntary and contributory pension scheme is  benefited for unorganized workers. Under this scheme assures the minimum monthly pension of 3000 rupees to the beneficiaries after attaining the age of 60 years.

Note: Union Labour and Employment Minister: Santosh Kumar Gangwar.

2. Kalraj Mishra appointed Himachal Pradesh Governor: President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Kalraj Mishra as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. Acharya Devvrat has been transferred from Himachal Pradesh and appointed as the governor of Gujarat. 

Note: CM of Gujarat : Vijay Rupani; CM of Himachal Pradesh: Jai Ram Thakur.

3. Chandrakant Kavlekar to be the new Deputy CM of Goa: Chandrakant Kavlekar to be the new Deputy Chief Minister of Goa. He will replace Vijai Sardesai as the deputy chief minister of Goa.

Note: Chief Minister of Goa: Pramod Sawant; Governor: Mridula Sinha.

4. Navjot Singh Sidhu resigns as Punjab Cabinet Minister: Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu (56-years) has resigned from Punjab Cabinet. According to Navjot Singh Sidhu, he sent his resignation to Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi on 10th June and would send it to Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh also. Mr Sidhu had been sulking after being stripped of key portfolios in the Punjab cabinet reshuffle in June.

On 6th June 2019, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had divested Sidhu of the Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the power and new and renewable energy portfolio.

5. Goa cabinet reshuffled; four BJP ministers inducted: The Goa cabinet was reshuffled with the induction of four BJP ministers Michael Lobo, Chandrakant Kavlekar, Jennifer Monserratte and Philip Nery Rodrigues. Governor Mridula Sinha administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula near Panaji. Earlier today, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant dropped ministers Vijai Sardesai, Vinod Palyenkar, Jayesh Salgaonkar and Rohan Khaunte before inducting four new BJP ministers. Deputy Speaker of Goa Legislative assembly Michael Lobo resigned before taking oath as a minister. On Wednesday, 10 of the total 15 Congress MLAs in the Goa legislative assembly had split to merge with the BJP.

Note: The 40-member Goa assembly currently has 27 BJP legislators, five Congress MLAs, three each from Goa Forward Party and independents, and one each from Nationalist Congress Party and Maharasthrawadi Gomantak Party.

6. Chandrayaan-2 launch called off due to technical snag: ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has called off the launch of India's second mission to Moon ‘Chandrayaan-2’ onboard GSLV MkIII-M1 due to a technical snag. The countdown for the launch scheduled for 2.51 AM was stopped 56 minutes and 24 seconds before lift-off following the announcement from the Mission Control Centre. ISRO Associate Director (Public Relations), BR Guruprasad, revised launch date will be announced later. The lift-off of the three-component spacecraft comprising an orbiter, the lander and the rover was scheduled from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Note: The Chandrayaan-2 was supposed to explore the uncharted lunar south pole, 11 years after ISRO's successful first lunar mission - Chandrayaan-1. Chandrayaan-2 onboard the heavy-lift rocket Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle GSLV-MkIII-M1 (nicknamed Baahubali) would have taken 54 days to accomplish the task of landing on the Moon. Chandrayaan-2 would make India the fourth country to soft-land a rover on the lunar surface after Russia, the US and China.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 2nd formal discussion on holy Gurdwara of Kartarpur Sahib: 2nd formal discussion on holy Gurdwara of Kartarpur Sahib between India and Pakistan was held in Wagah. Agreements made in the discussion were: Pakistan agreed to allow visa-free travel for the Indian passport holders and Overseas Citizenship of India card holders seven days a week. 5,000 pilgrims will be allowed to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara per day throughout the year. The pilgrims will be allowed to travel as individuals or in groups and also on foot.

Note: Pakistan Capital: Islamabad; PM: Imran Khan; President: Arif Alvi.

2. France celebrates 14th july as its "National day": The French government marked the national day on July 14th. The day is also known as Bastille Day. This is the 230th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison which took place in Paris on 14 July 1789. Armed forces from France and allied countries will march, drive, ride and fly over the central Champs Elysee.

Note: President of France: Emmanuel Macron; Capital of France: Paris; Currency of France: Euro, CFP Franc.

3. World Youth Skills Day: 15th July: The United Nations observes 15 July every year as World Youth Skills Day. This year the UN’s observance of the World Youth Skills Day will shed light on the mechanisms needed to operationalize lifelong learning and raise awareness about the importance of youth skills development.

Note: Headquarters of United Nations: New York, USA; Founded: 24 October 1945; Secretary General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Kiran More appointed USA cricket team's interim coach: Former India wicket keeper-batsman Kiran More will take charge as the interim coach of the senior USA cricket team. He will replace the head coach Pubudu Dassanayake. Kiran More was also appointed as the USA's director of cricket in June 2019.

2. Sreeshankar wins gold at Tatyana Kolpakova International Athletics: M. Sreeshankar has won the long jump gold at the Tatyana Kolpakova International athletics. The tournament was held in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).

Note: Capital of Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek; Currency of Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstani Som.

3. India wins three gold medals in Yasar Dogu Ranking series: India has secured three Gold Medals in the Yasar Dogu Ranking series wrestling tournament being held in Turkey. Rahul Awaare (in 61 Kg), Seema Bisla( in 50 Kg) and Manju Kumari (in 59 Kg) categories clinched the yellow metal. Utkarsh Kale secured a Bronze in 61 Kg category. Commonwealth and Asian Gold medal winner Vinesh Fogat in 53 kg category and Dipak in 86 kg competition have stormed into the finals. Sumit, Vicky and Sonba Tanaji will compete for the bronze medal.

4. Pardeep Singh creates new Commonwealth record in the clean & jerk category: Pardeep Singh has created a new Commonwealth record in the clean and jerk category on the way to a gold medal as Indian weightlifters continued their impressive run on the Commonwealth Championships in Apia (Samoa). Pardeep smashed the record in the clean and jerk event by lifting 202 kg.  His earlier successful attempt of 148 kg took his total to 350 kg. Two-time Commonwealth Games medallist Vikas Thakur clinched the silver medal in the men's 96 kg event, lifted a total of 338 kg (153kg&185kg). India ended their campaign with a rich tally of 35 medals in the youth, junior and senior categories, breaking numerous national, Commonwealth, world and Asian records.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Retail inflation increases marginally to 3.18 pc in June: As per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation data, Retail inflation increased marginally to 3.18% in June this year over the previous month, mainly due to the rise in food prices. The retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 3.05 per cent (in May) and 4.92 per cent (in June) last year. As per the CPI data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the food inflation was 2.17% in June this year, up from 1.83 per cent in the preceding month.

Note: Inflation is a quantitative measure of the rate at which the average price level of a basket of selected goods and services in an economy increases over a period of time. It is the constant rise in the general level of prices where a unit of currency buys less than it did in prior periods.

OBITUARIES

1. Bangladesh ex-dictator H.M. Ershad passes away: Bangladesh’s former military dictator H.M. Ershad passed away. He became the president of Bangladesh in December 1983 and ruled the country till 1990. Note: Bangladesh Capital: Dhaka, Currency: Taka, Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina.

Daily GK Updates - 14th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Meghalaya becomes 1st state to ensure water conservation: Meghalaya became the first state in India to ensure the conservation of water and have own water policy following a nod given by the State Cabinet. The draft policy was approved by the State Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. It is historic for Meghalaya as the state has become the first state in the country to have a State Water Policy.

2. IFFI’s Golden Jubilee Edition to be celebrated in Goa: The Golden Jubilee Edition of International Film Festival of India will be held from 20th Nov till 28th November 2019 in Panaji, Goa. President of Oscar Academy John Bailey and other eminent cinematographers and producers have been invited for the event. Russia will be IFFI partner in this edition.

3. Delhi Police reunited 333 children with their families this year under ‘Operation Milap’: Under Operation Milap this year, The Delhi Police’s crime branch has reunited 333 children with their families after they separated from their parents. Under this project, the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Delhi Police develops information, rescues the trafficked or kidnapped person and arrests the kidnapper. The ‘Operation Milap’ is carried out by the crime branch’s ‘Anti Human Trafficking Unit’ (AHTU).

4. Devika Sethi pens books titled ‘War over Words: Censorship in India, 1930-1960’: The book named “War over Words: Censorship in India, 1930-1960” has been authored by Devika Sethi. This book recovers narrates and interrogates the history of censorship of publications in India over three crucial decades – encompassing the Gandhian anti-colonial movement, the Second World War, Partition, and the early years of Independent India. Devika Sethi teaches modern Indian history at IIT-Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The book has been published by Cambridge University Press.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Russia launches space telescope Spektr-RG: Russia launched a space telescope from the cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. It was a joint project with Germany. The Russian space agency, showed a Proton-M rocket carrying the Spektr-RG taking off from the launch pad. The Spektr-RG, is a space observatory intended to replace the Spektr-R, known as the “Russian Hubble”, Spektr-R was launched in 2011 to observe black holes, neutron stars and magnetic fields. Its successor will take up similar duties.

2. Nagarkirtan: wins Best Feature Film award at SAARC film festival: Director Kaushik Ganguly’s Bengali outing Nagarkirtan, has won big at prestigious 2019’s SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) film festival, bagging 4 awards in total, including Best Feature Film.

3. India lifted 271 mn people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016: UN: India lifted 271 million people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016, recording the fastest reductions in the multidimensional poverty index values during the period. This is according to a report by the United Nations which stated there have been strong improvements in areas such as assets, cooking fuel, sanitation, and nutrition. The 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index from the UN Development Programme, the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative was released recently.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. England scripts history, claims maiden ICC World Cup title 2019: England lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy 2019 at the Lord’s cricket stadium in London. England defeated New Zealand with more number of boundaries in the Super Over thriller in the grand finale of ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy 2019. Player of the tournament: Kane Williamson (New Zealand); Player of the Match Award: Ben Stokes (England); Highest run scorer of the tournament: Rohit Sharma (India); Highest wicket taker of the tournament: Mitchell Starc (Australia).

Note: The ICC Cricket World Cup is the international championship of One Day International (ODI) cricket (50-over cricket) organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) every 4 years. The 12th edition of the world’s biggest cricketing event, the ICC Men’s cricket World Cup 2019, was played in England and Wales.

2. Sreeshankar wins gold at Tatyana Kolpakova International Athletics: M. Sreeshankar has won the long jump gold at the Tatyana Kolpakova International athletics. The tournament was held in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).

3. World Tour Platinum Australian Open: Indian Duo win bronze: The Indian pair of G. Sathiyan and Anthony Amalraj won bronze in Men’s Doubles at World Tour Platinum Australian Open Table Tennis 2019 held in Geelong near Melbourne in Australia.

4. Lewis Hamilton wins sixth British Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton made a thrilling victory in the Silverstone circuit to win his sixth British Grand Prix, his seventh victory in ten races in 2019 and the 80th win of his career.

5. Djokovic beats Federer to win fifth Wimbledon title: Serbian Novak Djokovic won his fifth Wimbledon title after defeating Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer. This is Djokovic’s 16th Grand Slam and 5th Wimbledon title. He is now level with Bjorn Borg as a five-time Wimbledon winner.

6. Simona Halep beats Serena Williams to win first Wimbledon title: Simona Halep won her first Wimbledon title and crushed Serena Williams’ latest bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam success with a devastating 56-minute display of athleticism. The Romanian won 6-2 6-2 in front of an incredulous Centre Court, running after everything the American threw at her.

7. Boxer Vijender Singh wins 11th consecutive pro bout: Boxer Vijender Singh remained an unstoppable force, clinching a Technical Knockout over Mike Snider on his debut in the US professional circuit at Newark in the US. The 33-year-old from Haryana prevailed in four rounds for his 11th consecutive victory in the circuit.

8. Vinesh Phogat wins gold at Yasar Dogu International: India wrestler Vinesh Phogat has won her second consecutive gold in 53kg, at Yasar Dogu International in Istanbul. Phogat beat her Russian opponent Ekaterina Poleshchuk in the final match to bag the gold medal.

Daily GK Updates - 13th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. West Bengal govt observes “Save Water Day”: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and eminent persons of different fields, School students took part in a Padayatra in Kolkata to spread the message of water conservation. CM announced that the Day will be observed in the state each year from now to create awareness among people to check misuse of water.

Note: World Water Day: 22 March.

2. West Bengal Govt has decided to construct 8.3 Lakh houses under BAY: The West Bengal Government has decided to construct 8 lakh 30 thousand houses under Bangla Abas Yojana for the people belonging to Economically Weaker Section. Under the scheme, the Rural Development Department has constructed more than 14 lakh houses.

Note: CM of West Bengal: Mamta Banerjee; Capital of West Bengal: Kolkata.

3. Agri-Business Incubation Centre started in Chhattisgarh: Agri-Business Incubation Centre has started in Chhattisgarh. The centre is set up by the Union Agriculture Ministry in the Indira Gandhi Agriculture University of Raipur. Incubation Centre is set up under the National Agriculture Development Scheme Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RAFTAAR). This Incubation centre is focused on innovations, skill-building and entrepreneurs development in agriculture and allied sectors.

Note: Union Agriculture Ministry: Narendra Singh Tomar.

4. Gujarat to develop Centres of Excellence for skill development in the aviation Industry: According to Captain Ajay Chauhan (Director of Civil Aviation- Government of Gujarat), Gujarat Government will develop Centers of Excellence for skill development in the Aviation industry. The Gujarat government is focusing on identifying land which can be used for the future growth of airports. The state government is tying up with Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) to bring up new courses and new aviation institutes, where youth can get training.

Note: The one-day power-packed conclave held in Ahmedabad. It was jointly organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Limited, Dholera Industrial City Development Limited and Airports Authority of India.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Russia-India meets on space cooperation: India and Russia bilateral co-operation to the next level in the field of space, including assistance in India’s maiden human space flight mission ‘Gaganyaan’. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Dmitry Rogozin, Director General of Russia’s space agency (ROSCOSMOS) led the two sides in the meeting. 

Note: President of Russia: Vladimir Putin; Capital of Russia: Moscow; Currency of Russia: Ruble; PM of Russia: Dmitry Medvedev.

2. Tropical Storm Barry hits Louisiana in US: In the United States, Tropical Storm Barry began hitting Louisiana. President Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency in Louisiana.

Note: resident of USA: Donald Trump; Capital of USA: Washington, D.C.

3. India to host 14th Conference of Parties: According to Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar, India is set to host the 14th Conference of the Parties (COP). (From 02 to 13 September). The global conference will be hosted at India Expo Mart Limited in Greater Noida. As many as 197 countries are expected to participate in the conference. The 14th session of COP will stress on three crucial issues - desertification, land degradation and drought.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Army International Scout Masters Competition: The fifth edition of International Army Scout Masters Competition is being held at Jaisalmer Military Station under the aegis of Southern Command of Indian Army. The competition is a part of International Army Games and consists of five stages of competitions which will be conducted over a period of nine days from 06 August 2019 to 14 August 2019 at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It is the first time that India has got an opportunity to host and participate in this prestigious event. Elite teams from eight participating countries including India will undergo a gruelling experience

The other seven countries are Armenia, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe.

2. ‘Robot umpires’ debut in U.S. baseball league: The Independent Atlantic League became the first American professional baseball league to let a computer call balls and strikes. The umpires have the ability to override the computer, which considers a pitch a strike when the ball bounces and then crosses the zone.

Note: National game of USA: Baseball.

3. G. Sathiyan, Anthony Amalraj win bronze in Australian Open: In Table Tennis, Indian pair G. Sathiyan and Anthony Amalraj won the bronze at the World Tour Platinum Australian Open. They defeat Korean pair of Jeoung Youngsik and Lee Sangsu.

Note: President of Table Tennis Federation of India: Dushyant Chautala.

4. Over 2000 sporting talents identified for support under Khelo India Scheme: According to Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, a Total number of two thousand 437 sporting talents have been identified for support under the Khelo India Scheme. Under the scheme, the government provides financial assistance of about five lakh rupees per annum for a period of eight years.

Note: The Khelo India programme has been introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in our country and establish India as a great sporting nation. Khelo India Scheme is the national level multidisciplinary grassroots games in India held for two categories, namely under-17 years school students and under-21 college students.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Samsung joins hands with Paisabazaar.com to offer financial products: South Korean tech giant Samsung announced its partnership with Paisabazaar.com, an online marketplace for financial products in India. Now, Paisabazaar.com will support Samsung Pay to provide users with a one-stop solution to their financial requirements. Users can apply for credit cards and personal loans from the platform.

2. India’s Anshula Kant is World Bank MD and CFO: The World Bank Group announced that Anshula Kant, an Indian national, has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Kant will be the first woman CFO of the Bank.

Note: Headquarter of World Bank: Washington DC (USA);  Established in: 1944; President: David Malpass.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. IBM acquired American software company Red Hat Inc: International Business Machines Corp acquired a software company Red Hat Inc in $34 billion for the ramp-up its cloud computing business. This is the company’s biggest acquisition in its more than 100-year.

Note: Founder of IBM: Charles Ranlett Flint; Established in June 16, 1911.

2. Reebok signs Katrina Kaif as its new brand ambassador: Fitness brand Reebok has announced Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif as its new brand ambassador in India. This association would further Reebok’s commitment to be the best fitness brand in India. Katrina, who trains hard towards a fitter and better self each day, embodies the brand's ethos and is an inspiration for today’s generation.

Note: Reebok is an English footwear and apparel company, subsidiary of German sports giant Adidas (since 2005). Reebok produces and distributes fitness, running and CrossFit sportswear including clothing and footwear.

3. YouTube Introduces ‘Learning Playlists’ for Educational Videos:  YouTube is bringing a new education feature “Learning Playlists” with dedicated landing pages for educational videos on topics like math, science, music and language. YouTube was investing $20 million to fund resources for educational creators and organisations through a Learning Fund initiative.

Note: CEO of YouTube: Susan Wojcicki; YouTube Established: February 2005.

OBITUARIES

1. Former BSFI secretary C.Kapur passes away: Former Billiards and Snooker Federation of India secretary C.Kapur passed away. Mr. Kapur served for the cue-sports for more than 40 years.

Note: Present BFSI President: Uthappa M.C.

Daily GK Updates - 12th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Rajghat coal plant to be turned into solar park: The Delhi government has announced that the Rajghat thermal power plant will be officially shut and turned into a solar park. A 5,000 KW of solar power will be produced at the 45 acre plant site. The coal-based plant, whose current units were commissioned in 1989, has been lying in a shutdown mode from 2014. 

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

2. Election notification issued for Vellore Lok Sabha seat: Notification for the election of Vellore Parliamentary Constituency (in Tamil Nadu) was issued by the Election Commission of India. Vellore was the only seat that did not go for polling in the whole country during the General Elections. During the recent General Elections, polling to the seat was rescinded following a huge haul of money by the Income Tax authorities that were hoarded purportedly for distribution to the voters.

Note: Nominations date:  18th July 2019; Polling date:  5th of August; Counting of votes: 9th August.

3. Uttarakhand to get Asia’s first six sigma Institute of Mountain Medicines & high-altitude rescue: According to Trivendra Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand Chief Minister), Asia’s first Six Sigma Institute of Mountain Medicines and High-Altitude Rescue will be established at Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand. The institute would train armed forces as well as para-military personnel in Mountain Medicines. The mountain institute will be Specialised healthcare, advance education and Rescue Training in the state.

4. President Kovind to be on a four-day visit to TN, AP: President Ram Nath Kovind will be on a four-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh from today. The President will present Doctor of Laws degree to former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice (Retd) P. Sathasivam (Governor of Kerala). He will also present the degree to Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde (Supreme Court judge) and Justice Vijaya Kamlesh Tahilramani (Chief Justice of Madras High Court) at a special convocation of the Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University in Chennai. The President will visit the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota and witness the launch of Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission being undertaken by the ISRO.

5. PAN not linked to Aadhaar card will become invalid from 1st September 2019: The Union government will invalidate all PAN cards that are not linked to Aadhaar by 1st September 2019. To validate and continue using the existing PAN cards, citizens will have to link them to Aadhaar. A person will be permitted to use Aadhaar instead for filing returns and while making other high-value transactions, specified under the Income Tax Act. At present 180 out of the existing 400 million PAN cards are not linked to Aadhaar.

Note: The Budget fine print also reveals the amended I-T Act would put the onus on the person receiving any document relating to specified high-value transactions or tax returns, to ensure that the PAN or the Aadhaar number are duly quoted, and as importantly “authenticated”.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. North Korea revises constitution: North Korea has revised its constitution to make Kim Jong Un as official head of state, a promotion that could help normalise the isolated country’s diplomatic relations with the rest of the world. Earlier Kim ruled as a chairman of state Affairs Commission. The previous constitution stated that the chairman of SAC served as a Supreme Leader. 

Note: North Korea Capital: Pyongyang; Currency: North Korean won.

2. The 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index: UN Development Programme (UNDP) has released the 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index. Highlights of the reports are: India’s MPI value reduced from 0.283 in 2005-06 to 0.123 in 2015-16; India has lifted 271 million people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016, recording the fastest reductions in the multidimensional poverty index; India and Cambodia has reduced their MPI values the fastest among the 10 selected countries for which changes over time were analysed.

Note: Administrator of UNDP: Achim Steiner.

3. Kalyani JV gets missile kits order: A joint venture of a Kalyani group firm and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Systems has secured a $100 million contract for manufacturing 1,000 Barak-8 MRSAM missile kits. Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems will manufacture the kits at its production facility near Hyderabad and supply them to Bharat Dynamics for further integration. The product will be used by the Indian Army and the Air Force.

Note: Capital of Israel: Jerusalem; Currency of Israel: Israeli New Shekel.

4. India hands over pre-fabricated houses to Myanmar: India handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to Myanmar in Maung Daw for use of displaced returnees from Bangladesh. The Indian government had taken up the project under its Rakhine State Development Programme for $ 25M for a period of five years.

Note: Capital of Myanmar: Naypyitaw; Currency of Myanmar: Burmese Kyat.

5. Delhi Based Isha Kanth Selected for ICJ Internship Programme: Delhi girl Isha Kanth (20-year) has been selected for the prestigious two-month internship at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based at The Hague. Only two law students from across the world get selected for this internship programme. Currently, Isha Kanth pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Law from the Queen Mary University of London.

Note: The ICJ (the principal judicial organ of the United Nations) offers internships for one to three months to students and young professionals who are in the early stages of their careers. The interns get an opportunity to put their knowledge and experience into practice while performing certain tasks for the Court under the supervision of registry officials.

6. India-ASEAN Troika Trade Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi: India-ASEAN Troika Trade Ministers’ meeting was held in New Delhi for informal consultation on the ongoing Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). India looks at RCEP as a logical extension of its Act East Policy and it holds enormous potential for economic growth and stability for the entire region.

Note:  The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and the six Indo-Pacific states (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand).

7. India, EU hold high-level talks on migration, mobility: The 5th India-EU High-Level Dialogue on Migration and Mobility was held in New Delhi. External Affairs Ministry said in a release said the discussion was held in a highly friendly and constructive spirit. It encompassed a wide range of issues of mutual interest in the context of migration and mobility along the India-EU corridor. Both sides reaffirmed that migration and mobility are important dimensions of the strategic partnership between India and EU and exchanged views on further initiatives and steps aimed at realizing the full potential of further strengthening cooperation in this area.

8. India-US trade talks restart in New Delhi: India and US trade negotiators will hold talks in New Delhi to discuss bilateral and economic issues. The US delegation is being led by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Christopher Wilson. The Indian side is being led by Additional Secretary level officer from Commerce and Industries Ministry. This would be the first meeting on trade issues after the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump in Japan on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The visiting USTR delegation will also call on Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

9. First Global Conference for Media Freedom in London: The first Global Conference for Media Freedom co-hosted by the UK and Canada in London. A three members Indian media delegation, including Prasar Bharati Chairman A.Surya Prakash, Rajya Sabha MP and journalist Swapan Dasgupta, and journalist and political analyst Kanchan Gupta, have attended the first Global Conference for Media Freedom.

Note: World Press Freedom Index 2019: Rank of India 140th out of 180.

10. USISPF second annual leadership summit held in Washington: The US India Strategic and Partnership Forum 2nd annual leadership summit held in Washington. "US India Bilateral Trade Report" was released on the occasion. Some findings of the report are: US India bilateral trade could reach USD 238 billion by 2025; Sectors such as defence trade, commercial aircrafts, oil and LNG, coal, machinery and electronics  are areas of potential growth; The US-India trade balance has grown 3.8 per cent on an average in favour of India.

Note: President of United States: Donald Trump; Capital: Washington, DC.

11. 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London: The 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting was held in London. External Affairs Minister conveyed India’s stand at the meet.

Note: External Affairs Minister of India: S. Jaishankar; UK Capital: London; Currency: Pound sterling.

12. Vikas Swarup appointed Secretary of Overseas Indian Affairs: According to an order issued by the Personnel Ministry, Senior diplomat Vikas Swarup (1986-batch officer-Indian Foreign Service) has been appointed as Secretary, (consular, passport, visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) in the External Affairs Ministry. His appointment will come into effect from August 1, 2019. Currently, Mr. Swarup is India's High Commissioner to Canada.

Note: The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) was a ministry of the Government of India, dedicated to all matters relating to the Indian diaspora around the world. The MOIA was merged with the Ministry of External Affairs on 7th January 2016.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

                                            

1. 4 gold medals for India in Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships: India have won 4 gold medals in Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held in Apia, Samoa. The Indian medallists are: Men (Elite and junior): Achinta Sheuli has won 2 gold medals in 73kg event; Junior: Gulam Navi has won gold medal in 67kg event; Junior and youth: L. Sadananda Singh has won Bronze & Gold medals in 73kg event; Women (Elite): Manpreet Kaur has won silver medal in 76kg event; Junior: R. Arockiya Alish has won silver medal in 76kg event.

2. Mexico wins CONCACAF Gold Cup final: Mexico defeated USA to claim their eighth CONCACAF Gold Cup title. Jonathan Dos Santos scored the winning goal in 73rd min for Mexico in the thrilling final.

Note: Capital of Mexico: Mexico City; Currency of Mexico: Mexican peso.

3. Dutee Chand bags Gold medal in 100-metres event at World Universiade: India's sprinter Dutee Chand (23-years) has clinched a Gold medal in the 100-metre dash event at the World Universiade at Napoli in Italy. She clocked 11.32 seconds as she led the race from start to finish. Del Ponte of Switzerland won the Silver, while German Lisa Kwayie took home the Bronze. With the Gold, Dutee has become the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win the coveted yellow metal at the event. Now, she is the only second Indian sprinter to win a Gold in a global event after 19-year old Hima Das. Hima Das had clinched the top spot in the 400-metres race in the World Junior Athletics Championships last year.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. UBS pegs down GDP growth to 6.7%, rules out revival this year: According to Swiss brokerage firm UBS, India’s GDP growth rate for FY20 (2019-20) predicted at 6.7%. This is 20 bps less than its earlier prediction of 6.9%. As per UBS, India’s GDP growth rate in FY19 was 6.8%. The brokerage expects the Reserve Bank to ease the policy rate by another 75 basis points as against its previous forecast 25 basis points in FY20. The lack of fiscal impetus in the budget opens the door for higher monetary easing than market expectations.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. BCC signs MoU with BRICS chamber to promote trade: The Bharat Chamber of Commerce and the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi, signed an MoU  for promoting trade and investments between theBRICS countries and the eastern part of India.

Note: BRICS Headquarters: Shanghai, China; President of BRICS: K V Kamath; Members of the BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

OBITUARIES

1. Soumendranath Kundu passes away: Former Bengal and Railway leg-spinner Soumendranath Kundu passed away. Kundu was conferred the CAB Kartick Bose life- time Achievement Award 2014. Kundu took 127 wickets in 30 First Class matches between 1958-59 and 1968-69. He also took 10 wickets in a match thrice.