Daily GK Updates - 10th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. SC ruling brings Cooperative Banks under “SARFAESI Act”:  The Supreme Court of India ruling has brought the state and multi-state cooperative banks under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002. The Judgement was delivered by a 5-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra. The ruling aims to remove the delays caused by going through the civil court or summary procedure under the Cooperative Societies Act.

The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (Sarfaesi) Act, 2002, allow banks and financial institutions to auction properties (residential and commercial) when borrowers fail to repay their loans. It enables banks to reduce their non-performing assets by adopting measures for recovery or reconstruction.

Note: The present CJI is Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde.

2. TN forms panel under ex-RBI Guv Rangarajan to improve fiscal position: The Tamil Nadu government set up a high-level committee headed by former Reserve Bank of India governor C Rangarajan to examine fiscal challenges facing the state owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest the way forward to improve its fiscal position. The committee, which will also consist of Finance Secretary S Krishnan as coordinator, will submit its report to the government within three months. The committee, with 21 members, would assess the overall immediate and medium term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on different sectors of the state’s economy including the impact of lockdown, additional costs and implications due to social distancing and their precautionary measures.

3. Uttar Pradesh Becomes First State to Provide Facility of Beds with Ventilators in Each District of State: Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to install ventilator-beds in all the government-run district hospitals in all 75 districts of the state. With this, the total strength of beds with ventilators in the state has increased to 1,300. The number of laboratories testing coronavirus samples has increased from 20 to 24 in the state. All these steps have been taken by the state health department to provide higher level of care to the patients of COVID-19.

4. ICMR, Bharat Biotech tie up to develop indigenous COVID-19 vaccine: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Bharat Biotech International Limited, Bengaluru have partnered to develop a fully indigenous vaccine for COVID-19. The vaccine will be developed using the virus strain which has been isolated from COVD-19 patients at ICMR's National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. ICMR and Bharat Biotech will seek fast-track approval to expedite vaccine development, subsequent animal studies and clinical evaluation of the vaccine. ICMR has also shared one of the 11 virus strains that it managed to culture with Bharat Biotech.

Note: Director-General of ICMR: Balram Bhargava; Headquarters of ICMR: New Delhi.

5. Tiger population in West Bengal’s Sunderbans rises to 96: The number of Royal Bengal Tigers in West Bengal’s Sundarbans has risen to 96 according to the latest census. The increase in the number by 8 is significant as it is the highest annual jump reported. In 2017-18, the total count was 87. The Sundarbans comprises 100 of islands constituting over 60% of country’s total mangrove forest area. It is the 27th Ramsar Site in India and is now the largest protected wetland in the country. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India Launches ‘Mission Sagar’ to Help 5 island nations in Indian Ocean during COVID-19 crisis: The Government of India has launched Mission Sagar on 10 May 2020 as part of it’s outreach initiative towards assisting five Island nations in the Indian Ocean amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Under the mission, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari has been deployed, carrying on board two medical assistance teams, essential Food Items and COVID related Medicines and Special Ayurvedic Medicines to five Island countries in the Indian Ocean. The five countries are Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros. The mission is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and is in line with India’s role as the first responder in the region. It highlights the importance of India’s relations with her neighbouring countries and further strengthens the existing bond. The operation is in close coordination with Ministry of Defence, External Affairs, and other agencies of Government.

2. WHO & UN’s Postal Agency Release Commemorative Stamp on 40th Anniversary of Smallpox Eradication: The World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Postal Administration – the postal agency of UN, have released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 40th anniversary of the eradication of smallpox on 9th May 2020. The stamp recognises the global solidarity in fighting smallpox and honours millions of people working together to eradicate smallpox. It was on this day, 40 years ago, in May 1980 that the 33rd World Health Assembly issued its official declaration that the world and all peoples have won freedom from smallpox. Smallpox is the only human disease to be eradicated so far.

Note: Headquarters of WHO: Geneva, Switzerland; Director-general of WHO: Tedros Adhanom.

3. Mother’s day 2020: 10th May:  Mother’s day is celebrated on every second Sunday of month of May. In 2020, it was celebrated on 10th May. The day is widely known to salute the motherhood, to extend the influence of mothers within the society, to extend the maternal bonds to children, etc. Mother, being a protector throughout her life loves her children unconditionally and plays a special role of a teacher, best friend and one’s who besides us under all circumstances.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Narinder Batra’s term as President of FIH extended: The tenure of Narinder Batra as the President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has been extended till FIH’s Congress meeting that is scheduled for May 2021. The Executive Board of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has also decided to postpone the 47th FIH Congress, initially planned on 28 October-1 November 2020 in New Delhi, to May 2021.

Note: FIH Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; FIH founded: 7 January 1924; CEO of FIH: Thierry Weil.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. SBI General Insurance Launches Arogya Sanjeevani Health Insurance Policy: The State Bank of India (SBI) General Insurance has come up with a standard health insurance policy named ‘Arogya Sanjeevani Health Insurance Policy SBI General Insurance’ to cover the hospitalisation treatment cost of COVID-19. The policy will provide hospitalisation cover anywhere in India with sums insured ranging from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakhs. The product Arogya Sanjeevani has been designed at the instance of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) with standard coverage and affordable premiums. It aims at making affordable health care more accessible in times of crises like these.

Note: Chairman of State Bank of India: Rajnish Kumar; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 July 1955.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Mahindra & Mahindra launches digital sales platform ‘Own-Online’: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has announced the launch of an online vehicle ownership platform named “Own-Online’. The portal will offer an end-to-end sales experience for prospective buyers. It will also help customers to finance, insure, exchange, accessorize, and own a Mahindra vehicle from home.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. ‘Startup India-Animal Husbandry Grand Challenge’ winners announced: The government awarded startups for finding innovative and commercially viable solutions to address the problems faced by animal husbandry and dairy sector announcing 'Startup India-Animal Husbandry Grand Challenge' The ministry in partnership with Startup India had launched the 'Animal Husbandry Startup Grand Challenge' to scout for innovative-commercially viable solutions to address the problems faced by the sector. The challenge was open for application to Startups from 11th of September, 2019 to 15th of November, 2019 on the Startup India portal– www.startupindia.gov.in. The startups will be given cash grants worth Rs 1,02,00,000. Here is the list of winners:

S.No.	Category	Winner
1	Value Added Products	Krushak Mitra Agro Services Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
2	Eliminating Milk Adulteration	White Gold Technologies LLP, Mumbai
3	Product Traceability	EmerTech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
4	E-commerce Solutions	MoooFarm, Gurugram, Haryana
5	Breed Improvement & Animal Nutrition	Adis Technologies, Belagavi, Karnataka

Note: Union Minister of State of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying: Sanjeev Kumar Balyan.

OBITUARIES

1. Story artist, writer and director Rob Gibbs passes away: Story artist, writer, and director Rob Gibbs (55 years) passed away. He worked at Pixar for over 20 year and has contributed to films like Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc. and Finding Nemo to Up, Wall-E, Inside Out and Onward. He directed the Cartoons: Mater's Tall Tales episodes Moon Mater and Air Mater. He was also one of the writers of Air Mater. He belongs United States 

Daily GK Updates - 9th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. AIIB approves USD 500 million loan to support India’s fight against COVID-19: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a loan worth USD 500 million to support India’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic The project is funded by AIIB’s COVID-19 Crisis Recovery Facility, having an initial size of USD 5 to USD 10 billion. The assistance will help India to scale up efforts to restrict the transmission of instances, strengthen the public health system to broaden its response capability and to improve preparedness to handle future outbreaks. Beijing-based AIIB has created the fund as part of the coordinated international response to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, to support its members’ urgent economic, financial and public health pressures and quick recovery from the coronavirus crisis.

Note: Headquarters of AIIB: Beijing, China; Membership of AIIB: 78 Members; President of AIIB: Jin Liqun.

2. UP govt launches 'Pravasi Rahat Mitra' App for migrant workers of state: Uttar Pradesh Government has launched the 'Pravasi Rahat Mitra' App for migrant workers of state who are returning from different parts of the country amidst lockdown. The app, developed in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to keep a watch on the migrants’ health, will also connect them to government schemes and collect their data to help them get a job in accordance with their skills. . In this, app, details of more than 65 types of skills will also be collected.

Note: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath; Governor of Uttar Pradesh: Anandiben Patel.

3. Jharkhand Bans 11 Pan Masala Brands for One Year: Jharkhand government has banned manufacture, sale and storage of 11 brands of pan masala for a year saying these products contain a chemical which is harmful to the heart and can cause various diseases. The order was passed by the Commissioner of Food Safety in the state, Nitin Kulkarni. The state had collected 41 samples of Pan Masala belonging to different brands from different districts to test and analyse during the year 2019-20. Jharkhand becomes the third state after Maharashtra and Bihar to impose a ban on pan masala. According to Jharkhand health minister Banna Gupta, the ban would also help contain the spread of Covid-19 in Jharkhand.

Note: Chief Minister of Jharkhand: Hemant Soren; Governor of Jharkhand: Droupadi Murmu.; Capital: Ranchi

4. Delhi Top State in Internet Penetration Followed by Kerala: IAMAI Report: Delhi has emerged as the top most state with the highest Internet penetration rate among all the other states of India, according to a study titled ‘Digital in India’ by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). The study has been curated by Nielsen and based on IRS data. Delhi is followed by Kerala at second position in terms of internet penetration, means the number of internet users.

In terms of cities, Mumbai has registered highest number of Internet users, which is estimated to be 13 million. Delhi is ranked second with 11.3 million, followed by Bengaluru (6.6 million), Kolkata (6.3 million) and Chennai (6 million) respectively.

5. TRIFED sings MoU with AOL for promoting tribal enterprises: Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Art Of Living, AOL Foundation have signed Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in programmes of each organisation for promoting Tribal Enterprises. AOL has agreed to provide Free Ration Kits to Tribal Artisans. TRIFED Regional Offices have compiled the list of 9,409 needy tribal artisans for distribution of ration kits under I Stand with Humanity campaign.

Note: Minister of Tribal Affairs: Arjun Munda; Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs: Renuka Singh Saruta.

Founder of Art of Living: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar; Art of Living Founded: 1981; Art of Living Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.

6. ICMR ties up with Indian Post to deliver COVID-19 testing kits: India Post has entered a tie-up with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for the delivery of Covid-19 testing kits across the country. The tie-up assumes crucial significance to carry out around 1 lakh tests across the country per day. India Post is making special arrangements with ICMR to deliver the kits that are packed in dry ice delivered from 16 depots (located in 14 postal circles/states) to 200 labs located across the country even in remote areas.

Note: Director-General of ICMR: Balram Bhargava; Headquarters of ICMR: New Delhi.

Indian Post Founded: 1 April 1854; Headquarters of Indian post: New Delhi.

7. Defence Ministry signs pact with Tata Power to modernize 37 Airfields: Defence Ministry has signed ₹1,200 crore deal with Tata Power SED to modernize infrastructure of 37 airfields for Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard. The project will boost over 250 MSMEs under phase II. Earlier, 30 airfields were upgraded under Phase I. The project is a turnkey project that includes installation and commissioning of modern airfield equipment like Cat-II Instrument Landing System and Air Field Lightning System (AFLS) etc. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs 1,200 crore.

Note: Headquarters of TATA Power SED: New Delhi, India; TATA Power president: Natarajan Chandrasekaran.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UN appeals for USD 6.7 billion to fight corona virus pandemic in poor count: The United Nations called on governments, companies and billionaires to contribute to a USD 6.7 billion fund for immediate needs in fighting the coronavirus pandemic in vulnerable countries. The UN's initial USD 2 billion appeals unveiled on March 25 was being increased because there is already evidence of incomes plummeting and jobs disappearing, food supplies falling and prices soaring, and children missing vaccinations and meals.

2. India, Russia signs MoU on coking coal: India and Russia signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) to import coking coal to meet requirements of the Indian steel industry. Coal India signed MOUs with two Russian entities within the areas of coking coal mining within the Russian Far East and therefore the Arctic Region. The first MOUs was signed with Far Eastern Agency for Attracting Investments and Supporting Exports (FEAAISE), Russia and the second MoU was signed with Eastern Mining Company (FEMC) of Russian Federation for exploring, identifying, sourcing, negotiating and consummating interdependent investment opportunities within the mining sector within the Russian Far East . India is expected to play a key role in the resurgence of demand which will be pivotal in global economic revival after the COVID-19 crisis.

Note: Headquarters of Coal India: Kolkata; CEO of Coal India: Anil Kumar Jha.

3. World Migratory Bird Day 2020: 9th May: The World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is observed on Second Saturday in the month of May to raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. In 2020, the day is being held on 9 May 2020. The theme of 2020 World Migratory Bird Day is “Birds Connect Our World”. Officially, the World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice in a year, once on second Saturday in May and the other on Second Saturday in October. The Day was officially declared by the United Nations in 2006. It is organized by a collaborative partnership among two UN treaties namely the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and the Colorado-based non-profit organization, Environment for the Americas (EFTA).

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Kumar Sangakkara set to serve second term as MCC president: Former Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara tenure to serve as the President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is set to be extended by one more year, due to the unusual halt in all the activities of the club in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The recommendation for Kumar Sangakkara’s extension for second term will be sent to the club members at the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 24, 2020. Sangakkara became the first non-British President of MCC, after assuming the office on October 1 2019. The tenure of MCC Presidents is generally 12 months.

Note: Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Founded: 1787; Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. India's foreign exchange reserves up by 1.622 million dollars: According to an RBI press release, India's foreign exchange reserves has increased by 1.622 million dollars to reach 481.078 billion dollars in the week ended 1st May. A major part of the overall reserves rose by 1.752 billion dollars to 479.455 billion dollars. Gold reserves depleted by 623 million dollars to end at 32.277 billion dollars. India's special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund went up by 5 million dollars to 1.426 billion dollars.

2. Nabard disburses ₹12,767 cr to State Co-op Banks, RRBs: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has disbursed ₹12,767 crore to State Co-operative Banks (StCBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across the country to augment their resources for extending credit to farmers during the ongoing lockdown. There are 33 StCBs and 45 RRBs in the country, and they are important intermediaries in the rural credit structure. Nabard has extended the refinance (May 4 and May 5)to these rural banks in 15 States so far, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Moody’s Projects India’s GDP Growth at 0% for FY21: oody’s Investors Service has projected India’s growth at 0 percent for the current fiscal 2020-21. This is lower than 4.8 percent estimated in 2019-20. For the fiscal year 2021-22, the growth is expected to rebound to 6.6 percent. The country’s sovereign rating has also been downgraded from stable to negative, due to lower economic growth. The negative outlook reflects increasing risks that economic growth will remain significantly lower than in the past.

Note: Headquarters of Moody’s: New York, United States; President & CEO of Moody’s: Raymond W. McDaniel, Jr.

OBITUARIES

1. KFH Tournament founder Pandanda Kuttappa passes away: Founder of Kodava Family Hockey Tournament, Pandanda Kuttappa passed away. Kuttappa conceived the idea of Kodava family hockey festival in 1997. He was a former State Bank of India employee and an ex-first division hockey referee, Pandanda Kuttappa has bestowed the Karnataka Rajyothsava award in 2015. Kuttappa used to oversee the tournament for the last 22 years. Kodava Family Hockey Tournament held every year in Karnataka.

Daily GK Updates - 8th May,2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union Health & Family Welfare Minister launches “AYUSH Sanjivani” App: Union Health & Family Welfare Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan has recently launched the mobile application ‘AYUSH Sanjivani’ App and two AYUSH based studies related to COVID-19 situation. The app was developed by the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY). The app will help to generate data on acceptance and usage of AYUSH advocacies, measures and its impact in COVID 19 prevention. In addition to the App, collaborative clinical research study on Ayurveda interventions as prophylaxis and as an add-on to standard care to COVID 19 was also launched. It is developed by Ministry of AYUSH and MEITY with target of 50 lakh people.

Note: Minister of State (IC) of the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH): Shripad Yesso Naik

2. Government Launches Biggest Ever Evacuation Exercise ‘Vande Bharat Mission’ to bring Indians Stranded Abroad: The Government of India has launched its biggest ever evacuation exercises named the Vande Bharat Mission, to bring home nearly 15,000 Indian nationals stranded abroad due to the coronavirus lockdown. Under the mission, to be undertaken in phased manner, the government will operate 64 flights from 07 May till May 13, 2020, to repatriate its citizens from 12 countries. The 64 flights will include: 10 flights from the UAE, 2 from Qatar, 5 from Saudi Arabia, 7 from UK, 5 from Singapore, 7 from United States, 5 from Philippines, 7 from Bangladesh, 2 from Bahrain, 7 from Malaysia, 5 from Kuwait and 2 flights from Oman. Of the total flights, 15 would bring back people to Kerala, 11 each to Delhi and Tamil Nadu, 7 each to Maharashtra and Telangana, and the rest to Gujarat, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.

Note: Minister of State (IC) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation: Hardeep Singh Puri.

3. Visakhapatnam Gas Leak Tragedy: Styrene gas leaked from LG Polymers Plant in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The plant was located about 15 km from the coastal city of Vizag. The changes in temperature inside a storage tank resulted in a leak. The gas has spread across a radius of 3 km affecting at least 5 villages and over 3000 people. According to the sources, a gas leak occurred on 7th May – Thursday at 2 AM on in the morning and quickly spread to around 5 villages in the vicinity of RR Venkatapuram where the plant is located.

About Styrene Gas: Styrene is a chemical compound that has been identified as neuro-toxins. It is also known as ethenylbenzene, vinylbenzene, and phenylephrine. The chemical formula of Styrene Gas is C6H5CH=CH2. Styrene gas is a by-product of highly flammable raw material Styrene. Styrene is a flammable liquid that is used in the manufacturing of polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex. The gas produced by burning styrene is poisonous in nature. Coming to chemical properties, Styrene Gas is a colour-less and odour-less compound.

Health Impacts of Styrene Gas: Styrene gas affects the respiratory system. It causes chest congestion, gasping, air hunger and wheezing. It slowly paralyses the lung muscles causing complete respiratory paralysis. This leads to death due to oxygen deprivation. Death occurs within 10 minutes of continuous exposure to concentrate Styrene gas.

Note: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister: Y. S.Jaganmohan Reddy; Governor of Andhra Pradesh: Biswa Bhusan Harichandan.

4. Madhya Pradesh Becomes First State in the country to Deliver door to door Mid-Day Meal Ration: Madhya Pradesh has become the first state of India to provide door to door ration of mid-day meal amid corona crises. The state government has announced the transfer of Rs. 117 crore in the bank accounts of the parents of 66 lakh 27 thousand students of primary and middle school, in an effort to provide mid-day meal to school children in the corona outbreak. At the same time, ration of mid-day meal has already been delivered at the doorsteps of 56 lakh 87 thousand children, under door-to-door mid-day meal scheme. Anganwadi workers, Panchayat representatives and local teachers were deployed in sending ration to the students at their home after the school closing in April 2020.

Note: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Governor of Madhya Pradesh: Lal Ji Tandon.

5. Defence Minister Inaugurates Strategic Road in Uttarakhand Connecting Indian Posts on Indo-China Border: The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the strategically important Ghatiabagar-Lipulekh motor road in Uttarakhand, through video-conferencing on 8th May 2020. This key road connects the last Indian post on the Indo-China border in Uttarakhand’s Vyas valley. It has been built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The minister also flagged off a caravan of nine vehicles from Pithoragarh to Gunji to mark the opening of the 75.54-km road. It included four small vehicles and some loaded vehicles of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, to indicate that both passengers and load can be sent by the new road stretch through mountainous terrain. The road has been built from Ghatibagar in Dharchula to the 17,000 feet high Lipulekh pass. It is also known as Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra Route. The travel time via this road from Dharchula to Lipulekh will now be reduced to just four hours, which earlier took about five days.

6. Andhra Pradesh Unveils Mobile App CMAPP to Monitor agriculture needs of farmers: In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a mobile app CMAPP (Comprehensive Monitoring of Agriculture, Price, and Procurement) to monitor the agriculture needs of farmers. The CMAPP app will display data regarding cost, procurement, and marketing facilities of the farmers for their agriculture produce. The state government has assigned a joint collector in each district to oversee the farming-related issues.

7. IMD Forecast Now Includes PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan in Jammu and Kashmir: After the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu Kashmir and turning it into two separate Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has included regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad, territories currently under Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK), in its daily weather bulletin. The IMD has now included this addition in the Jammu and Kashmir meteorological subdivisions. The news of adding regions of POK into the Indian weather forecast came after Pakistan Supreme court’s decision to allow Islamabad to hold elections in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Note: Headquarters of Indian Meteorological Department: New Delhi; Indian Meteorological Department Founded: 1875.

8. Madhya Pradesh develops unique vehicle ‘Sanjeevani’: In Madhya Pradesh, in a first of its kind initiative, a unique vehicle has been developed at the local level. With the help of this vehicle, health workers can investigate any suspected patients without coming in to the contact of him. This vehicle has been named Sanjeevani. This unique vehicle designed at the initiative of Rajnagar administration of Chhatarpur district, is highly useful for health workers.

9. Tamil Nadu government increases retirement age to 59: Tamil Nadu government increases the retirement age of the government staff, teachers and those in public sector units from 58 years to 59 years. More than 25,000 government employees were set to superannuate this financial year. Those who are due for retirement on May 31 this year will now retire on May 31, 2021.

Note: Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: Thiru Edappadi K. Palaniswami; Governor of Tamil Nadu: Banwarilal Purohit.

10. Delhi Govt launches e-token system for liquor sale: Delhi Government launched e-token system for liquor sale in the national capital to ensure social distancing and to stop overcrowding. The decision was taken to encourage people to avoid long queues by applying for an e-token with time slot at any nearby shop to buy liquor. Any person can apply for an e-token through the link qtoken.in. Name and phone number will be required while applying and the e-token will be sent at the registered mobile number.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China Successfully Test Flights New Long March-5B Rocket Carrying Next-Generation Space Capsule: The Ch ina space agency, CNSA, successfully completed the maiden test launch of its heavy-lift Long March 5B rocket on 05 May 2020. This rocket is launched in Wenchang launch site that is located on the island of Hainan, china. The 849 tonnes and 54-metre Long March 5B rocket will be used to carry the country’s Mars mission, dubbed Tianwen, that is scheduled to launch in July 2020.  The rocket carried with it a prototype crewed deep-space spacecraft, demonstrating the launcher’s capability to carry space station modules to low Earth orbit. It is expected that the craft will transport astronauts to a space station by 2022 and eventually to the Moon.

Note: China Capital: Beijing; Currency of China: Renminbi; President of China: Xi Jinping.

2. Iran introduces new currency “Toman” to tackle Inflation: The Parliament of Iran has passed a bill to change the country’s national currency from the Rial to the ‘Toman’, after a sharp fall in the value of the currency as a result of crippling U.S. sanctions. The bill state to effectively cut four zeros from its existing currency, which will make each toman equal to 10,000 rials. For this an amendment has been made to the country’s Monetary and Banking Act. The bill now requires to be approved by the clerical body– The Guardian Council that supervises the Parliament and examines legislation before it takes effect. Once approved, the Central Bank of the country will have two years to implement the change, by removing rials from circulation and issuing tomans instead.

Note: Iran Capital: Tehran; President of Iran: Hassan Rouhani.

2. World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: 8th May: The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed every year on 8 May to celebrate the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The day also marks the anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant (8 May 1828), who was the founder of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). He was the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. This day is dedicated to the people who suffer from shortage of food, several natural calamities, war as well as from an epidemic disease.

Note: President of the ICRC: Peter Maurer; Headquarters of ICRC: Geneva, Switzerland.

3. Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War: 8-9 May: Every year during May 8-9, the United Nations marks the Time of Remembrance and reconciliation for those who lost their lives during the Second World War. The day pays tribute to all the victims of the Second World War. This year is the 75th Anniversary of World War II.

Note: Secretary-General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres.

4. World Thalassaemia Day: 8th May: World Thalassaemia Day is observed globally on 8th May every year. This day is observed to raise awareness about thalassaemia disease, its preventive measures and to avoid transmission and the importance of vaccination for children’s health, society and among the people throughout the world. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, World Thalassaemia Day 2020 will be celebrated through different online activities. The World Thalassaemia Day 2020 theme: “The dawning of a new era for thalassaemia: Time for a global effort to make novel therapies accessible and affordable to patients”.

Note: Thalassaemia is a blood disorder in which your body has less hemoglobin than normal.

5. UNEP extends Dia Mirza’s term as Goodwill Ambassador till 2022: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has extended the term of environmentalist and actor-producer Dia Mirza as the National Goodwill Ambassador of the agency for another two years till the end of 2022. The actress is also the United Nations Sustainability Development Goal Advocate. As a Goodwill Ambassador, Mirza will continue work with the UN to further spread the message on key areas including clean air, clean seas, wildlife protection and climate change.

Note: Headquarters of United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP): Nairobi, Kenya; Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP): Inger Andersen.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Centre Extends Deadline for Filing Annual GST Return for FY19 until September 2020: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has extended the last date for filing annual GST return for financial year 2018-19 by three months till September 2020. CBDT has also extended the validity of e-way bills, generated on or before March 24, and had expiry between March 20 and April 15, 2020. The validity of e-way bills has now been extended till May 31. All these measures have been taken in wake of extension of lockdown, making it difficult for the industry to meet the timeline.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. India’s unemployment rate soars to 27.11% amid Covid-19 crisis: CMIE: According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the Covid-19 crisis has led to a spike in the country’s unemployment rate to 27.11 per cent for the week ended May 3, up from the under 7 per cent level before the start of the pandemic in mid-March. The rate of unemployment was the highest in the urban areas, which constitute the most number of the red zones due to the Covid-19 cases, at 29.22 per cent, as against 26.69 per cent for the rural areas. As per CMIE’s data, the monthly unemployment rate in April stood at 23.52 per cent, up from March’s 8.74 per cent.

Daily GK Updates - 7th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Gujarat Assembly Passes Act to Allow Shops & Businesses Remain Open 24X7: ‘Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2019’ passed by Gujarat Assembly which came into force from May 1, 2019. The Act will allow the shops and other businesses in the state to operate 24×7. The Act replaced the Gujarat Shops and Establishments Act, 1948which prevented shops and other businesses from operating between 12 to 6 a.m. 

2. Last captive white tiger Bajirao dies at 18: The last captive white tiger ‘Bajirao’ at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai died at the age of 18. He was suffering from chronic ankylosis on the left shoulder and chronic senile generalised arthritis for the last four years. The tiger’s autopsy carried out by the pathology department of BVC indicated multiple organ failures along with old age as the probable cause of death.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Japan’s First Privately Developed Rocket 'Momo-3' Reached Outer Space: A Japanese aerospace start-up Interstellar Technology Inc. has successfully launched a first privately developed rocket ‘Momo-3’ into space.  The unmanned Momo-3 was launched from a test site in Taiki on the northern Japanese island of Hokkiado and reached about 110 kilometers (68 miles) in altitude before falling into the Pacific Ocean after 10 minutes of flight time.

2. ADB Launches $5 Billion Healthy Oceans Action Plan: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a $5 Billion Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies for the Asia and Pacific region at the 52nd Annual Meeting of ADB’s Board of Governors in Fiji. It will expand financing and technical assistance for ocean health and marine economy projects to $5 billion from 2019 to 2024.

3. SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 Rocket With Dragon Spacecraft: Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Space X) launched its 17th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) by using Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon Spacecraft. The 213-foot-tall rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This mission is a part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program, which uses commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to the ISS.

4. The US Air Force Successfully Tested A Laser System To Shoot Down Multiple Missiles: The US Air Force Research Laboratory tested a laser system called Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) at the US Army’s White Sands Missile range in New Mexico which successfully shot down multiple air-launched missiles while in flight. The system is designed for the purpose of protecting the aircraft from incoming surface-to-air and air-to-air launched missiles. 

5. IBSA Sherpas Meet Concluded In Cochin:  The IBSA (India, Brazil & South Africa) Sherpas’ Meeting, following the 9th IBSA Trilateral Ministerial Meeting, was held in Cochin. Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. T.S. Tirumurtiled the Indian delegation. Sherpas reviewed the progress made under IBSA, since their last meeting. The Sherpas also appreciated the work done by the IBSA Fund on Poverty and Hunger Alleviation which funded 31 projects spread over in 20 countries.

6. World Asthma Day 2019: 7 May: World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) on the first Tuesday in May to increase awareness about asthma and aims to improve the lives of people with asthma across the world. This year it was observed across the globe on May 7, 2019. The theme of World Asthma Day 2019 was ‘STOP for Asthma’.

Note: In 1998, the first World Asthma Day was celebrated in more than 35 countries in conjunction with the first World Asthma Meeting held in Barcelona, Spain.

7. Chandrayaan-2 to be launched in July this year: According to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), India's second lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 will be launched on a day between 9 and 16 July this year. Chandrayaan-2’s lander will touch down near the Moon's south pole on 6th September. The National space agency said Chandrayaan-2 will have three modules in it, an orbiter, a lander named Vikram and a rover known as Pragyan. Chandrayaan-2 will be launched using India's most powerful rocket GSLV-Mark-3.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Dragan Mihailovic Appointed As Coach Of Indian Volleyball Team: The Volleyball Federation of India appointed Serbian Dragan Mihailovic as head coach of the men’s national team in a move linked to the long term goal of Olympic Games qualification. Mihailovic has more than 25 years of experience as a coach. The VFI also announced the appointment of Pryemyslaw Gaszyoski and Valadimir Radosevic as the team’s physio trainer and physiotherapist respectively.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI Enhances Housing-Loan Limits Under Priority Sector Lending For RRBs, SFBs: The Reserve Bank of India has decided to enhance the housing loan limits for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Small Finance Banks (SFBs) for eligibility under priority sector lending, in a bid to give them a level playing field with other Scheduled Commercial Banks. Henceforth, housing loans given by RRBs and SFBs to individuals up to INR 35 lakh in metropolitan centers (with population of 10 lakh and above) and INR 25 lakh in other centers.

2. Mastercard Announces $1 Billion Investment In India: Global card payments brand Mastercard has announced its plan of investing $1 billion in India operations over the period of next 5 years. About $350 million of the total amount would be invested in setting up a local payments processing center as per the Reserve Bank of India’s mandate to store all payments data locally. The rest of the investment will go towards existing services and expanding capacity among others. This is the first such processing center of the company outside of the US and could provide service markets such as Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Vodafone Idea signs multi-million Dollar IT deal with IBM: Information Technology major ‘IBM’ announced signing a multi-million-dollar with Vodafone Idea Limited to deliver an enhanced customer experience to millions of connected consumers and businesses in India. This partnership will offer Vodafone Idea with a hybrid cloud-based digital platform to enable engagement with its 387 million subscribers. The new infrastructure platform would help remove constraints to the exponential growth of data usage driven by increasing consumption of video, streaming and digital commerce.

2. Microsoft Unveils Its Own Blockchain-Based Service: Microsoft has unveiled fully-managed Azure Blockchain Service that would simplify the formation, management, and governance so that businesses can focus on workflow logic and application development.  Instead of supporting cryptocurrency transactions, Azure Blockchain Service will let businesses develop their applications on its Cloud-based platform.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. G D 'Robert' Govender Conferred with V K Krishna Menon Award: GD 'Robert' Govender, an Indian-origin journalist in South Africa, has been honoured in the UK with 2019 V K Krishna Menon award for his outstanding contribution as a pioneer of decolonised journalism. The South Africa-born journalist was awarded posthumously during an event to mark the 123rd birth anniversary of the Indian diplomat and politician V K Krishna Menon. 

2. Israel honours 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War Hero Lt. Gen JFR Jacob: Israel honoured Lt. Gen. (retd) Jack Farj Rafael (JFR) Jacob, with a plaque on the Wall of Honour at the Ammunition Hill. Lt. Gen. (retd) JFR Jacob negotiated the historic surrender of Pakistani troops in Dhaka after the 1971 Bangladesh’s liberation war. Ammunition Hill was a fortified Jordanian military post in the northern part of Jordanian ruled East Jerusalem. Lt. Gen. Jacob (died in 2016 at the age of 92 years) served as a Lieutenant General in the Indian Army and later as a Governor of two Indian states-Goa and Punjab.

Note: The Wall of Honour at the Ammunition Hill pays tributes to the heroism and courage of Jewish soldiers who fought in the defence of their countries they lived in “implementing values of bravery, loyalty, commitment and dedication to a mission, leadership, creativity, camaraderie and sanctity of life”.

OBITUARIES

1. Noted Writer, Academician Maramraju Satyanarayana Rao Passes Away: Prominent writer and academician, Maramraju Satyanarayana Raopassed away following a cardiac arrest. He was 84. He was born at Jayyaram village in Mahabubabad district in Telangana. He had worked as professor of political science and registrar of Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad.

Daily GK Updates - 6th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Bamboo Conclave held via Video Conferencing: Union Minister for the Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jitendra Singh, addressed a Bamboo Conclave through video conference on 03 May 2020 to discuss how country’s bamboo reserve can help strengthen its economy. It featured the participation of representatives of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Union Ministry of Agriculture and various stakeholders from different sectors. The minister informed that northeast has 60 percent of India’s bamboo reserves. In the post-COVID-19 era, it is an opportunity for the Northeastern region to help India become world competitive and self-sufficient in this sector. For this, DoNER will work out a time bound plan for promotion of bamboo manufacturing and trade, and also work out feasibility of Public Private Partnership (PPP). Bamboo can be processed into multiple products such as bio-diesel and green fuel, wooden lumbers and plywood, which can change the entire face of the economy and create employment opportunities in multiple sectors.

2. DRDO Develops UV disinfection tower ‘UV Blaster’ To Sanitize High Risk Prone Areas: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an Ultra Violet (UV) disinfection tower named ‘UV Blaster’ for rapid and chemical-free sanitization of high-risk areas where the flow of people is heavy and chances of infection is large. The equipment has been designed and developed by Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), the Delhi-based premier laboratory of DRDO, with the help of New Age Instruments and Materials Private Limited, Gurugram.

Features of UV Blaster: The disinfection tower can be used remotely through laptop or mobile phone using a WIFI link. The device is effective for disinfecting areas having large flow of people such as airports, shopping malls, metros, hotels, factories, offices, etc. It is also useful for high tech surfaces like electronic equipment, computers and other gadgets in laboratories and offices that are not suitable for disinfection with chemical methods. UV Blaster has six lamps each with 43 watts of UVC power at 254 nanometre wavelength for 360 degree illumination. The disinfection time for a room of about 12×12 feet dimension will be about 10 minutes. A 400-square-foot area can be sanitized within 30 minutes if the device is positioned at different places within the room.

3. Jharkhand Government Announces Three New Employment Schemes to Boost Rural Economy: The Jharkhand Government has launched three mega employment schemes for its people, especially the migrant labourers who are returning home from various states, in order to boost the rural economy of the state. The three new schemes are: ”Birsa Harit Gram Yojana”, ”Nilamber-Pitamber Jal Samridhi Yojana” and ”Veer Shahid Poto Ho Khel Vikas Yojana. These schemes will be run by state’s rural development department under MGNREGA mission, and aims to create about 300 million (30 crore) person days for MGNREGA. These schemes will enable the workers earn wages, and also help to bring in a long-term plan to provide steady income to the poor households.

(1) Birsa Harit Yojna: The aim of this scheme is to increase the forest cover. Around 5 lakh families will be given nearly 100 fruit bearing sapling on a lease for five years to preserve them, and MGNREGA will help in initial plantation, maintenance, land work etc. It would create 25 crore man-days for the key rural employment project.

(2) Nilamabar Pitambar Jal Samridhi Yojna: This is a water conservation scheme, in which government has envisaged to conserve 5 lakh crore litre water. This scheme would generate 10 crore man-days

(3) Poto Ho Khel Vikas Yojana: This schemes aims to make Jharkhand a sports powerhouse. The sportsmen and sportswomen would be given skill training by a skilled coach and there are plans to absorb them after completion of their skill programme. It aims at creating one crore man- days for MGNREGA

4. “NGMA KE SANGRAH SE” presented by National Gallery of Modern Art: National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi has presented a virtual program “NGMA KE SANGRAH SE”. This virtual program will showcase the rarely seen or unseen jewels from its repository for art lovers, artists, art connoisseurs, etc. This program is based on various weekly/daily themes from NGMA’s prestigious collections. The theme for the current week of the virtual program is “ARTIST BY ARTISTS” and has been dedicated to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore due to his 159th birth anniversary on 7th May 2020. Various other exciting and thought-provoking themes are planned for the coming days and will provide art lovers, artists, art connoisseurs, students, teachers, an opportunity to see the rarely presented artworks from their homes.

5. CSIR-IGIB signs MoU with TATA Sons for licensing of COVID rapid diagnosis: Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) has partnered with TATA Sons for licensing of KNOWHOW for FNCAS9 EDITOR LINKED UNIFORM DETECTION ASSAY (FELUDA) for rapid diagnosis of COVID-19. The partnership aims to provide license which will enable transfer of the knowledge for scaling up the KNOWHOW in the form of a kit in order to employ it for COVID-19 testing on ground as soon as possible. The main advantage of FELUDA is its affordability, relative ease of use as well as non-dependency on expensive Q-PCR machines. FELUDA has been designed for mitigating COVID-19 by mass testing with affordability & ease.

6. MCA constituted committee to enhance audit independence and accountability: The Corporate Affairs Ministry (MCA) has constituted a 7 member committee to examine the comments on the consultation paper floated by it for enhancing audit independence and accountability in the country. It will make recommendations for amendments in law, rules and standards. The panel has been asked to submit its report by June 30. It will address 5 “threats” for auditor independence: self-interest, self-review, advocacy, familiarity, and intimidation.

7. UP Government Launches Ayush Kavach App for Tips to Boost Immunity through Ayurveda: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a mobile app named ‘Ayush Kavach’ in order to provide health-related tips and information about ayurvedic medicines to the people amid the coronavirus pandemic. Ayush Kavach has been developed by the Ayush Department of Uttar Pradesh. The ‘Ayush Kavach’ App will provide measures to boost immunity based on natural resources such as tulsi, clove and cinnamon to fight COVID-19. It also offers users the opportunity to seek advice from experts.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Ashok Michael Pinto nominated as US representative to IBRD: Indian-American lawyer Ashok Michael Pinto has been nominated by the United States President, Donald Trump as US representative to World Bank’s lending arm International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). He has been nominated as US Alternate Executive Director of IBRD for the duration of 2 years. Pinto is currently serving as Counsellor to the Under Secretary for International Affairs at the United States (US) Department of the Treasury.

Note: World Bank Headquarters: Washington D.C., US; World Bank President: David Robert Malpass.

2. 50.37 lakh people internally displaced in India in 2019: UNICEF: More than five million people (50,37,000) were internally displaced in India due to natural disasters, conflict and violence in 2019 as per “The Lost at Home’ report”, published by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). India has the highest number of new internal displacements in the world in 2019. Philippines, Bangladesh and China are on 2nd, 3rd and 4th spot respectively. The report is about the risks and challenges for internally displaced children and the urgent actions needed to protect them.

3. Amazon tops the BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable Global Retail Brands 2020 Ranking: Amazon has topped the BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable Global Retail Brands 2020 ranking. BrandZ ranking was unveiled by WPP and Kantar. It has a brand value of $ 415.855 billion Alibaba is on the second rank followed by McDonald’s on the third spot.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Badminton World Championships 2020 postponed: The Badminton World Championships 2020 has been postponed to November 2021. The tournament will be held at the Carolina Marin Stadium in Huelva, Spain. The Championship would be organised by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Spanish Badminton Federation (FESBA).

Note: Badminton World Federation Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Badminton World Federation Founded: 5 July 1934; Badminton World Federation President: Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. SIDBI to launch digital platform for SMEs: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is all set to launch a digital platform that will educate stakeholders in the small and medium enterprises (SME) ecosystem. 'India SME Services Platform' will give MSMEs information of operations, finance, credit and other services. It's webpage will show all schemes implemented by the govt, banks, and associations. It will give an opportunity to look for marketplace, documentation support and loan management.

2. IRDAI sets up panel to frame standard professional indemnity policy: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set up a panel to frame standard professional indemnity policy for insurance intermediaries that can be issued by all the insurers.

It is headed by Yegnapriya Bharat. Professional indemnity policy offers protection to professionals against potential claims for injury or loss. Other members of the panel are Umesh Rathod, Kasturi Sengupta, Surbhi Goel, and Najim B.

Note: HQ of IRDAI: Hyderabad, Telangana.

3. Krishnan Ramachandran appointed as new MD & CEO of Max Bupa: Krishnan Ramachandran has been appointed as the new managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Max Bupa Health Insurance. He succeeds Ashish Mehrotra. Prior to this, he has served as the CEO of Apollo Munich Health Insurance. He has over 23 years of experience in health insurance, healthcare and life sciences segments.

Note: Max Bupa Health insurance established: 2008; Max Bupa Health insurance Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. DST Awards IIT Bombay Professor Saurabh Lodha with 2020 Young Career Award In Nano Science And Technology: Professor Saurabh Lodha, from Indian Institute of Technolgy (IIT) Bombay has been conferred with the 2020 Young Career Award in Nano Science and Technology. The award is presented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Lodha has received the award for his contributions in the development of logic transistor technologies, beyond silicon and nanoelectronic devices, based on two-dimensional Van der Waals materials. Using this technology, the electronic devices can perform faster by consuming less power and last longer that too with low failure rates. It can be used for any device including mobile phone, laptop, serves etc.

2. Joseph J. Landsberg, Richard H. Waring and Nicholas C. Coops Jointly Wins 2020 Marcus Wallenberg Prize: Three researchers Joseph J Landsberg (Australia), Richard H Waring (USA) and Nicholas C Coops (Canada), has won the 2020 Marcus Wallenberg Prize, presented annually for contribution in the field of forestry and forest industries. The trio have been awarded for their Physiological Principles Predicting Growth (3PG) model, developed to predict forest growth under changing environmental conditions. The purpose of the Marcus Wallenberg Prize is to recognize, encourage and stimulate path-breaking scientific achievements which contribute significantly to broadening knowledge and to technical development within the fields of importance to forestry and forest industries. The prize 2020 will be presented by King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden during a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden & the prize money is 2 million Kronor.

3. Russian Prez Vladimir Putin Awards Commemorative WWII Medal to North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un: Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded a Commemorative World War II medal to North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un on 5 May 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany. The medal has been conferred upon Kim Jong Un for his role in preserving the memory of Soviet soldiers who died on North Korean territory, fighting for its liberation. The award was presented by Russia’s ambassador in North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, to the country’s Foreign Minister Ri Son-gwon.

Note: Russia Capital: Moscow; Russia Currency: Russian ruble;

North Korean capital: Pyongyang; North Korea currency: North Korean won.

DEFENCE

1. Indian Navy launches Operation Samudra Setu: On 5th May 2020, the Indian Navy announced the launch of Operation ‘Samudra Setu’ (Sea Bridge), to repatriate (bring back) Indian citizens who are stranded abroad, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and are not able to return due to global grounding of airlines. This Operation will be carried out in phased manner. As part of Phase-1 of operation “Samudra Setu”, Indian Naval Ships Jalashwa and Magar are presently proceeding to the port of Malè, Republic of Maldives to start evacuation operations from 08 May 2020. This operation is being progressed in close coordination with Ministries of Defence, External Affairs, Health, MHA and various other Government agencies and State governments.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Union Minister of India, Dalit Ezhilmalai Passes Away: Former Army Officer and Union Minister Dalit Ezhilmalai has passed away. He was 74. Dalit Ezhilmalai had served as Union Minister of State, Health and Family Welfare (Independent Charge) in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1998–99. As an army officer he took part in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. He was also awarded with the K Sainik Seva Medal from the president for meritorious service in the Army