Daily GK Updates - 12th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Ministry of MSME launches CHAMPIONS Portal: The Union Ministry of MSME has launched CHAMPIONS portal www.Champions.gov.in. The CHAMPIONS stands here for Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength. It is a Technology driven Control Room-Cum-Management Information System, utilising modern ICT tools for assisting Indian MSMEs emerge as National and Global CHAMPIONS.. The portal will work to make the smaller MSME units big by solving their grievances, encouraging, supporting, helping and handholding. In addition to ICT tools like telephone, internet and video conference, the system is enabled by Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Machine Learning.

Note: Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Nitin Jairam Gadkari; Ministers of State (I/C) of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Pratap Chandra Sarangi.

2. CSIR Approves Project to develop human monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs) that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in patients: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has approved a project for the development of Human Monoclonal Antibodies (hmAbs) that have the ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in patients. CSIR has approved the project under its flagship New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) program. The project aims to generate hmAbs to SARS-CoV-2 from convalescent phase of COVID-19 patients and select high affinity and neutralizing antibodies as a therapeutic strategy. will be implemented by a multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary team comprising of academic institutes and industry with participants from NCCS, IIT-Indore, PredOmix Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL).

3. Bengaluru launches ‘Pranavayu’ programme: Bengaluru City Corporation has launched ‘Pranavayu’ programme to create awareness on the need to self-examine the respiratory health of the people as the district has 175 confirmed COVID 19 positive cases. Due to large number of cases in the district, it has been ordered to execute quarantine as well as surveillance activities including identifying persons prone to the deadly corona virus infection. It is an attempt to help people with low oxygen level in their blood to get themselves checked early before their ailments become fatal. The step is taken as several deaths due to COVID-19 are reported due to Severe Acute Respiratory illness (SARI).

Note: Chief Minister of Karnataka: B.S. Yediyurappa; Governor: Vajubhai Vala.

4. ‘Atal Pension Yojana’ (APY) Marks 5 Year’s of Successful Implementation with Remarkable Feat of 2.23 Crore Enrolment: ‘Atal Pension Yojana’ (APY), the flagship social security scheme of Government of India, has completed five years of successful implementation as on 9 May 2020. The scheme was launched on 09 May 2015 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for old age income security particularly to the workers in the unorganised sector. As on 09 May 2020, the total enrolment under the scheme stood at 2,23,54,028.  During the first two years of the launch, almost 50 lacs subscribers were enrolled. This doubled to 100 lacs in the third year. The milestone of 1.50 crore was achieved in the 4th year. In the fifth and last financial year, almost 70 lacs subscribers were enrolled under the scheme. Under the scheme, the male to female subscription ratio of stood at 57:43, across the country covering all states and Union Territories.

5. Madhya Pradesh Police Launches First-of-Its-Kind ‘FIR at Your Doorstep’ Scheme: Madhya Pradesh Government has launched a unique initiative called ‘FIR Aapke Dwar Yojana’, under which police officials will go to homes of victims to register a First Information Report (FIR). This makes, Madhya Pradesh the first state in the country to implement such an innovative initiative to alleviate the problems of people in the times of the coronavirus pandemic. The scheme was launched by Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Dr Narottam Mishra on 11 May 2020 in Bhopal. The ‘FIR Aapke Dwar’ scheme has been started as a pilot project in 23 Police Stations, which includes one urban and one rural Police Station at 11 Divisional Headquarters. The scheme will continue as a pilot project till August 31. For this Yojana “Dial 100” vehicle would have trained Head Constables to lodge FIR. The Minister also launched helpline 'Dial 112' to facilitate immediate availability of ambulance, police and fire fighting services.

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

6. CSIR-NAL develops Non-Invasive Ventilator to treat COVID-19 patients: CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) Bangalore has developed Non-Invasive ‘BiPAP’ Ventilator “SwasthVayu” in a record time of 36 days to treat COVID-19. This ventilator is a microcontroller-based precise closed-loop adaptive control system with “3D printed manifold & coupler” and HEPA Filter. It is certified for safety and performance by NABL accredited agencies. It is cost effective, compact, and configured with majority of indigenous components.

7. HRD Minister launches Central University of Odisha Helpline “Bharosa”: Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has launched Central University of Odisha Helpline “Bharosa”. This helpline has been launched with an objective of relieving the student community from the distress caused during the troubled time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Helpline Number 08046801010 was launched through a virtual platform in New Delhi. The helpline aims at providing Cognitive Emotional Rehabilitation Services to all University Students of Odisha.

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

8. Jharkhand Education Dept & Doordarshan launched online classes for students: Jharkhand State Education Department and Doordarshan started online classes to provide school education to students (Class 1 to 12) of the state through video-thematic lectures with special slots allotted for each class. It will go live on DD channel and free Dish TV from 10 am to 2 pm for five days a week. Apart from this, the classes will be available on YouTube channel DD Jharkhand and DIGI SATH for uninterrupted access by the students as per their convenience.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Prince Harry-Meghan Markle’s biography to be published in August: The first biopic on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s life, titled ‘Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of A Modern Royal Family’ would be published on August 11, 2020. The book is a biopic, written by royal reporters Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand. The book aims to portray a couple who continue to inspire many around the world through their humanitarian and charitable work but are often inaccurately portrayed. The book reveals details of the couple who stepped back as frontline royals to settle down in the US in April 2020. The book provides a glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of their romance and decision to go their separate way from Buckingham Palace.

2. International Nurses Day: 12th May: The International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, to mark the contributions and hard work of nursing staff around the world. The day was created by the International Council of Nurses, and is celebrated globally since January 1974. This day also marks the birth anniversary of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale. She was the founder of modern nursing and was a British social reformer and statistician. The theme of 2020 International Nurses Day is ‘Nurses: A voice to lead – Nursing the World to Health’. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also designated 2020 as International Year of the Nurse to mark the bicentenary (200th birth anniversary) of Florence Nightingale.

Note: International Council of Nurses headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; International Council of Nurses founded: 1899; International Council of Nurses President: Annette Kennedy.

3. Israel names a street after Rabindranath Tagore: Israel paid heartwarming tribute on the 159th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore by sharing a picture of a street named after him in Tel Aviv. The street starts right opposite the main gates of Tel Aviv University. The street was named “Rehov Tagore” where 'rehov' means street. As a symbolic gesture of friendship with Israel, India renamed the iconic Teen Murti Chowk, a war memorial as Haifa during the visit of PM Benjamin Netanyahu in 2018.

Note: Capital of Isreal: Jerusalem; Prime minister of Isreal: Benjamin Netanyahu; The currency of Isreal: Israeli Shekel.

4. IIM Bangalore, Only Indian Institute to Feature Among top 50 Global B-schools in FT Executive Education Rankings 2020: The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has been ranked among the Top 50 global schools providing executive education (open plus custom programmes), in the Financial Times (FT) Executive Education 2020 Rankings released. IIMB is ranked at 45th position in this list. This is the second time in row that IIMB is featuring in the list. IIMB is the only Indian management school to feature in this prestigious global list of executive education providers. The annual list comprised of top 85 B-schools for custom programmes, top 75 B- schools for open programmes and a combined ranking for the Top 50 providers of executive education (open plus custom programmes). IIMB has been ranked at 52nd spot in the custom list, and 55th in the open programmes. Iese business school, Barcelona (Spain), has topped the combined table for the sixth consecutive year.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Para-athlete Deepa Malik announces retirement, to head India’s Paralympic Committee: Para-athlete Deepa Malik has announced her retirement from Paralympics games to hold her post as the president of the Paralympic Committee of India. As per the National Sports Code, an active athlete cannot hold an official post in any federation. She has been awarded with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, Arjuna award (2012) and Padma Shri Award (2017). She is the first Indian woman to win Silver Medal at 2016 Summer Paralympics in the shot put. She is also the recipient of 58 national and 23 international medals.

Note: Paralympic Committee of India Founded: 1992; Paralympic Committee of India Secretary-General: Gursharan Singh.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Bank of America Downgrades India GDP Estimate for FY’21 to 0.5%: Bank of America has revised down their GDP growth estimate for India to 0.5 percent for the current fiscal year, 2020-21, from its earlier estimate of 1.5 percent. The foreign brokerage has also estimated the fiscal deficit to come at 5.8 percent of the GDP in FY21 as against the budget target of 3.5 per cent, after the government’s move to raise its market borrowing programme for the current financial year by Rs 4.2 lakh crore.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Bengaluru airport won ‘SKYTRAX award’ for being best regional airport: The Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru has won SKYTRAX Award 2020 for Best Regional Airport in India and Central Asia. It is for the third time in 4 years that it has been awarded as the best airport. ‘SKYTRAX Awards’ are based on the World Airport Survey questionnaires completed by over 100 nationalities during the 6-month survey. The survey evaluated customer experience from check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security to departure at the gate.

Note: Governor of Karnataka: Vajubhai Vala; Chief Minister of Karnataka: B. S. Yediyurappa.

DEFENSE

1. Defence Minister abolished 9,304 post in military engineering services: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently approved the abolition of 9,304 posts in the military engineering services on the recommendation of Shekatar Committee. The step is taken to enhance combat capability and rebalance defence expenditure of the Armed Forces. The move will also equip MES with leaner workforce, well equipped to handle complex issues in the emerging scenario in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

OBITUARIES

1. Little Richard, Founding Father of Rock Who Broke Musical Barriers, passes away: Little Richard, a founding father of rock & roll whose fervent shrieks, flamboyant garb, and joyful, gender-bending persona embodied the spirit and sound of that new art form, died. He was 87. Starting with “Tutti Frutti” in 1956, Little Richard cut a series of unstoppable hits – “Long Tall Sally” and “Rip It Up” that same year, “Lucille” in 1957, and “Good Golly Miss Molly” in 1958 – driven by his simple, pumping piano, gospel-influenced vocal exclamations and sexually charged (often gibberish) lyrics

2. Former JDS MP Raja Rangappa Naik passes away: Former JDS MP Raja Rangappa Naik (61 years) passes away. He had represented the Raichur constituency (Karnataka) in the Lok Sabha. He had strived hard for the development of Kalyana Karnataka (old Hyderabad-Karnataka region). Naik was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996.

Daily GK Updates - `11th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. High-level digital conference ‘RESTART’ to be organised by DST Focusing on rebooting the economy through Science and Technology: The Technology Development Board (TDB) a statutory body of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) along with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will organise a high-level digital conference on ‘Rebooting the Economy through Science, Technology and Research Translations (RESTART)’ on May 11, 2020, to celebrate the National Technology Day. Union Minister for Science & Technology, Health and Family Welfare and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan would be the Chief Guest for the occasion. The conference will bring together Scientists, Technocrats, Government officials, Diplomats, WHO officials and dignitaries from national and international Industry, Research Institutions and Academic Institutions on a single platform to share their insights on the role played by S & T in the global healthcare crisis and find solutions that not only address the current pandemic but will also help us in facing the challenges ahead. The conference will have technical sessions on ‘Medicines & Medical Technologies’; ‘Advanced Materials – New Technology Horizons’;‘Advanced Manufacturing Technologies for Sustainable Future and Global Innovation’& Technology Alliance for Global Economic Leadership.

2. National Technology Day: 11th May: The National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11 since 1999 to mark the anniversary of 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests and India’s technological advancements in space. It was on this day in 1998 that India successfully fired an Operation Shakti missile at the Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. The Test was led by late aerospace engineer and President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. It also highlight the achievements of our scientists and engineers in the field of science and technology and encourage students to embrace Science as a career option.

3. ICMR-NIV develops COVID KAVACH ELISA test kit: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune has developed first indigenous antibody-based ELISA test kit - COVID KAVACH for diagnosis of Coronavirus. The ELISA - enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - antibody test is a kind of blood test. ELISA kits are similar to rapid antibody tests, which detect antibodies in the blood to find out if an individual was infected with COVID-19 infection or not. The kit has displayed high sensitivity and accuracy in the validation tests at different sites. It can test around 90 samples in approximately two and half hours. ICMR has partnered with Zydus Cadila for mass scale production of the ELISA test kits under “Make in India” in record time.

4. Indu Shekhar took charge as secretary of New & Renewable Energy Ministry: Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. Shri Chaturvedi (1987 Batch IAS officer) succeeded Anand Kumar in the Ministry who earlier took charge Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as Additional Chief Secretary and Additional Secretary (Climate Change Department) of the Ministry of Climate Change Department, Environment & Forest, Government of Jharkhand.

5. DRDO develops DRUVS to sanitize electronic gadgets, papers & currency notes: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced that it had built a solution to sanitize currency notes, electronic gadgets, and papers in an automated, contactless way in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The DRDO’s Hyderabad based lab, Research Centre Imarat (RCI), has developed an automated contactless UVC sanitisation cabinet, called ‘Defence Research Ultraviolet Sanitiser (DRUVS)’. The cabinet has been “designed to sanitise mobile phones, iPads, laptops, currency notes, cheque leafs, challans, passbooks, paper, envelopes, etc.”. The cabined sanitizes objects placed in it with the help of UVC. The cabinet is equipped with proximity sensor switches that are clubbed with drawer opening and closing mechanism that can be controlled with the sensor switches without actually touching the cabinet making its operation automatic and contactless. The DRUVs cabinet provides a 360-degree exposure of UVC to the objects that are placed inside the cabinet for sanitisation. Once the sanitisation is complete, the system goes in sleep mode. The operator thus does not need to supervise the machine to switch it off and need not wait or stand near the device.

6. CII organises virtual townhall on 'Health and the Economy' topic: Confederation of Indian Industries organized a virtual town hall on the topic 'Health and the Economy.' Eminent personalities from the Industry and health sector participated in the program. The discussion was moderated by Director General CII Chandrajit Banerjee. The virtual townhall focuses on post-covid world that will need to address the dichotomy between formal and informal labour.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Saudi Arabia to increase VAT from 1 July: Saudi Arabia has decided to raise value added tax (VAT) from 5% to 15% starting from 1st July and has taken a decision to suspend cost of living allowance from 1st June. It has also decided to cancel, or postpone some operational and capital expenditures for government agencies. It will reduce several Vision Realization Programs and projects for the fiscal year 2020. The measure is taken to protect and overcome the financial-economic ramification of the nation.

2. UK announces once in a generation transport sector investment: UK government has announced 'once in a generation' transport sector investment of around 2 billion pounds for country's green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The new investment in transport is to ensure the public is supported to use more greener travel options and avoid overcrowding in public transport as travel restrictions are gradually eased in the coming weeks. The major chunk ear-marked for emergency improvements to cycling and walking infrastructure.

3. US approved antigen test for coronavirus detection: US Food and Drug Administration announced emergency authorization for antigen tests developed by Quidel Corporation of San Diego. The test can rapidly detect earliest toxic traces-fragments of virus proteins in samples collected from swabs swiped inside the nasal cavity within 15 minutes. The antigen test is the third type of test to be authorized by the FDA.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. SAI forms 6-member panel to prepare SOP for phased resumption of training post COVID: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has formed a six-membered committee that will prepare Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the phased resumption of training of sports after the lockdown due to COVID-19 is lifted. The committee is headed by Rohit Bharadwaj. He is a secretary at the Sports Authority of India.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. FM launches INR-USD futures and options contraction at GIFT, IFSC: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched INR-USD (Rupee-Dollar) Futures and Options contracts on the two International Exchanges, BSE’s India INX and NSE’s NSE-IFSC at GIFT International Financial Services Centre in Gandhinagar through video conference. This will be available 22 hours across all time zones for all global participants. This would be beneficial for economic activity, employment gains, and larger global participation connecting India’s IFSC’S globally.

2. Government Raises Market Borrowing Limit for 2020-21 to Rs 12 Lakh Crore amid COVID-19: The Government of India has announced an increase in its gross market borrowing estimate to Rs 12 lakh crore for the current financial year 2020-21 to deal with the expected shortfall in revenue due to the impact of COVID-19 crisis on the economy. This is an increase of Rs 4.2 lakh crore over Rs 7.8 lakh crore announced in the Budget Estimates for FY21. The government has also increased the weekly borrowing target to Rs 30,000 crore from Rs 21,000 crore planned earlier on March 31.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Vista Equity Partners Buys 2.32% Stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 11,367 crore: US-based private equity firm Vista Equity Partners has become the third company to buy a stake in billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s digital unit, Jio Platforms. It has bought 2.32 percent stake for Rs 11,367 crore in the company. This investment values Jio Platforms at an equity value of Rs 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise value of Rs 5.16 lakh crore. This is the third high-profile investment in the Reliance Industries Ltd  (RIL) unit within three weeks. Earlier in April 2020, Facebook had bought 9.99 per cent stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 43,574 crore. That deal was followed by Silver Lake, buying 1.15 percent stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 5,665.75 crore on May 4.

OBITUARIES

1. Eminent historian Hari Shankar Vasudevan passes away: Eminent historian Hari Shankar Vasudevan (68 years) passed away due to COVID-19. He was renowned worldwide for his work on Russian and European history and Indo-Russian relations. Vasudevan was the author of Shadows of Substance: Indo-Russian Trade and Military Technical Cooperation (2010), and Footsteps of Afanasii Nikitin: Travels through Eurasia and India in the Early 21st Century (2015). His most recent publication was the chapter “India and the October Revolution: Nationalist Revolutionaries, Bolshevik Power and Lord Curzon’s Nightmare”

2. Former Minister Ratnakar Rao passed away: Congress veteran and former minister Juvvadi Ratnakar Rao passed away at a hospital in Karimnagar district of Telangana on due to age-related illness. He was 92. Ratnakar Rao was elected to Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly thrice in 1989, 1999 and 2004 from Buggaram assembly constituency and served as a Minister for Endowments between 2006 and 2009, Reddy, who was his cabinet colleague.

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.