Daily GK Updates - 16th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. FM announces 4th tranche of economic support under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan: In continuation to PM Modi’s announcement of Rs 20 lakh crore boost to the economy, and the announcement made by her on May 13, 2020, May 14, 2020 and May 15, 2020 the Finance Minister of India, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has made the announcement of the fourth tranche of economic support the Indian Economy’s fight against COVID-19. These are the announcements made on May 16, 2020. The announcement focuses on reforming 8 sectors which are:

(1) Coal- Commercial mining of coal on a revenue-sharing basis is being introduced.  Government will introduce competition, transparency and private sector participation through revenue sharing mechanism instead of the current fixed rupee per tonne. Coal Bed Methane will also be auctioned.

(2) Mineral- To enhance private investments in the mineral sector, a seamless composite exploration -cum-mining – cum production regime will be introduced. 500 mining blocks will be offered through an open and transparent auction process immediately.

(3) Make in India for Defence Production- Foreign Direct Investment limit in defence manufacturing under automatic route is being raised from 49% to 74% to boost indigenous defence production.

(4) Airports and airspace- 6 airports will be put up for bidding by the Airports Authority of India for operation and maintenance on PPP mode.

(5) Maintenance- Repairs and Operations (MRO)- Tax regime for MRO ecosystem has been rationalised. Convergence between defence sector and the civil MROs will be established to create economies of scale

(6) Power Sector- Power distribution companies in Union Territories will be privatised.

(7) Social Infrastructure Projects- Boosting private sector investment in social infrastructure projects through revamped viability gap funding scheme of Rs 8,100 crore. The government will enhance the quantum of viability gap funding up to 30 per cent each of total project cost as VGF by Centre and state

(8) Space & Atomic Energy- Private Sector will be allowed to use ISRO facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capacities. India to establish a research reactor in PPP mode for production of medical isotopes.

2. M/o Tribal Affairs Launches ‘Goal’ programme in partnership with Facebook for Digital Skilling of Tribal Youth across India: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has launched “GOAL (Going Online As Leaders)” programme in partnership with Facebook, to upskill and empower 5,000 tribal youths in the country through digital mode. The initiative was launched by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda at a Webinar in New Delhi on 15 May 2020. Under the GOAL programme, tribal youth will be provided mentorship to explore their hidden talents, which will help in their personal development as well as contribute to all-round upliftment of their society. The program will enable Scheduled Tribe (ST) youth in remote areas to use digital platforms for sharing their aspirations, dreams and talent with their mentors.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg; Facebook Headquarters: California, US.

3. Delhi Police Gets India’s First Ever ‘Thermal Corona Combat Headgear’ to detect body temperature from safe distance: Delhi Police has launched and inducted in service first-of-its-kind thermal detection headgear named Thermal Corona Combat Gear (TCCH) through which the police personnel will be able to detect temperature of a large number of people from a distance of 10-15 metres. The initiative has been launched by the Delhi police in collaboration with Indian Robotics Solution (IRS), to provide safety to frontline warriors. The unique equipment will ensure the safety of the frontline warriors and enforce social distancing while detecting the elevated body temperature (EBT), without coming in close contact with them in public areas such as hospitals, supermarkets and crowded areas. With the help of this equipment, live imagery can also be sent to a centralised control centre.

4. Gujarat launches Atmanirbhar Gujarat Sahay Yojana: Gujarat Government has launched Atmanirbhar Gujarat Sahay Yojana to provide credits to small businessmen. Under the scheme, one lakh rupees collateral free loan will be given at two per cent for the beneficiaries for three years. The beneficiaries will have to make only one application to avail the loan from state and District Cooperative Banks and credit agencies. Also, moratorium on payment of principal cost and interest for the first six months will be given by the govt on the loans. Gujarat government has a target of lending around Rs 5000 crore via the loan that carries a tenure of 3 years.

Note: Chief Minister of Gujarat: Vijaybhai R. Rupani; Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat.

5. Nabard sanctions Rs 1,500 cr for Punjab to ensure credit flow to farmers: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned Rs 1,500 crore for Punjab to ensure continuous credit flow to farmers, through state cooperative banks, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This is part of Nabard’s Rs 25,000 crore nationwide special liquidity facility (SLF), which has been made available to state cooperative banks, regional rural banks, and microfinance institutions (MFIs), to ensure flow of credit to farmers for agricultural operations during COVID-19 pandemic,

6. Union HRD Minister launches 7 books under Corona Studies series: Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launches print as well as e-editions of the set of seven books under the corona studies series published by NBT India. The 7 set is titled as "Psycho-Social impact of pandemic & lockdown and how to Cope With". The Corona Studies Series has been framed to document and provide relevant reading materials for all age-groups for the post-Corona readership needs. The set has been launched to guide people for mental well-being.

Note: Chairman of National Book Trust India: Prof. Govind Prasad Sharma.

7. Uttar Pradesh govt decides to give 50% subsidy on PPE kits: Uttar Pradesh Government has decided to provide 50% subsidy on PPE kits. The subsidy will be given to the healthcare centre who will treat patients on the rates decided under Ayushman Bharat scheme. Government will also extend the registration for hospitals registered under Ayushman Bharat for 6 months.

8. National Dengue Day: 16th May: In India, the National Dengue Day is observed every year on 16 May. The day is an initiative by the Ministry of Healthy and Family Welfare, to raise awareness about dengue and its preventive measures, and preparedness for control of the vector-borne disease before the transmission season begins. Dengue is caused by the bite of Aedes mosquito.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Dr Harsh Vardhan Attends 32nd Commonwealth Health Ministers’ meeting through video conferencing: The 32nd Commonwealth Health Ministers’ Meeting was organised through Video-conference mode. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan represented India in the conference. The theme of the meeting was: Delivering a co-ordinated Commonwealth COVID-19 response. Health Minister highlighted the timely, graded and pro-active measures taken by India towards COVID-19 management. He also talked about the economic packages launched by the government.

2. Endangered Species Day 2020: 15th May: The Endangered Species Day is observed on the third Friday of May to raise awareness about endangered species and how to protect them. In 2020, the day falls on May 15.  The day was proposed by National Wildlife Federation, United States’ largest private, nonprofit conservation education and advocacy organization. An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular region due to various risk factors such as habitat loss, poaching and invasive species.

3. Armed Forces Day 2020: 16th May: Armed Forces Day is observed on the third Saturday in May. In 2020, it falls on the 16th of May. This day is celebrated to pay tribute to the men and women who served the United States Armed Forces.

Note: Capital of USA: Washington, D.C; President: Donald Trump; Currency: United States dollar.

4. International Day of Living Together in Peace: 16th May: The International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed on 16 May every year to promote peace through a harmonious living together regardless of nationality, gender, language or religion, to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony. The first ever International Day of Living Together in Peace was observed in 2018. The day is recognized by the UN General-Assembly in December 2017.

5. International Day of Light: 16th May: The International Day of Light (IDL) is celebrated on 16 May each year to mark the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. The day celebrates the role that light plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy to help achieve the goals of UNESCO – ‘education, equality, and peace’. Due to the COVID-19 crises, the 2020 celebrations is being observed digitally through #IDL2020 and #SEETHELIGHT.

Note: Director-General of UNESCO: Audrey Azoulay.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI extends interest subsidy scheme for exporters till March 31, 2021: The Reserve Bank said a scheme providing interest subsidy for post and pre-shipment export credit has been extended by a year till March 31, 2021, a move which would provide relief to exporters. Exporters get the subsidy under the ‘Interest Equalisation Scheme for pre and post shipment Rupee Export Credit’. The scheme ended on March 31 this year.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Facebook acquires animated graphics startup GIPHY: Facebook has announced that it has acquired the animated graphics startup GIPHY. Facebook will now integrate GIPHY in its Instagram visual social network. GIPHY is known for its use of stickers and other products using the graphics interchange format or GIFs.

OBITUARIES

1. Renowned Bengali Author and Sahitya Akademi Winner Debesh Roy Passes Away: Veteran Bengali author Debesh Roy, known for his famous novel ”Teesta Parer Brittanto” has passed away. He was 84. Roy was conferred with the Sahitya Akademi award for ‘Teesta Parer Brittanto’ (translating to ‘Chronicles of the Banks of the Teesta’) in 1990. His famous works include Jajati, Borisaler Jogen Mondal, Manush Khun Kore Keno, and Samay Asamayer Brittanto.

Daily GK Updates - 15th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. FM announces 3rd tranche of economic support under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan: In continuation to PM Modi’s announcement of Rs 20 lakh crore boost to the economy, and the announcement made by her on May 13, 2020 and May 14, 2020 the Finance Minister of India, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has made the announcement of the third tranche of economic support the Indian Economy’s fight against COVID-19. These are the announcements made on May 15, 2020. The announcement focusses on Infrastructure Logistics, Capacity Building, Governance and Administrative Reforms for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Processing Sectors.

PART 1: Measures to strengthen Infrastructure Logistics and Capacity Building for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Processing Sectors

(1) Rs 1 lakh crore Agri Infrastructure Fund for farm-gate infrastructure for farmers- Financing facility of Rs. 1,00,000 crore will be provided for funding Agriculture Infrastructure Projects at farm-gate & aggregation points

(2) Rs 10,000 crore scheme for Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (MFE)- a new scheme will be launched to help 2 lakh MFEs who need technical up-gradation to attain FSSAI food standards, build brands and marketing.

(3) Rs 20,000 crore for fisherman through Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)- The Government will launch the PMMSY for integrated, sustainable, inclusive development of marine and inland fisheries. Rs 11,000 crore for activities in Marine, Inland fisheries and Aquaculture and Rs. 9000 crore for Infrastructure – Fishing Harbours, Cold chain, Markets etc shall be provided.

(4) Launch of National Animal Disease Control Programme- National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis launched with total outlay of Rs. 13,343 crore to ensure 100% vaccination of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population (total 53 crore animals) for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and for brucellosis. Till date, 1.5 crore cows & buffaloes tagged and vaccinated.

(5) Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund – Rs. 15,000 crore- An Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund of Rs. 15,000 crore will be set up, with an aim to support private investment in Dairy Processing, value addition and cattle feed infrastructure.

(6) Promotion of Herbal Cultivation: Outlay of Rs. 4,000 crore- The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) has supported 2.25 lakh hectare area under cultivation of medicinal plants. 10,00,000 hectare will be covered under Herbal cultivation in next two years with outlay of Rs. 4,000 crore.

(7) Beekeeping initiatives – Rs 500 crore- Government will implement a scheme for Infrastructure development related to Integrated Beekeeping Development Centres, Collection, Marketing and Storage Centres, Post Harvest & value Addition facilities etc.

(8) From ‘TOP’ to TOTAL – Rs 500 crore- “Operation Greens” run by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) will be extended from tomatoes, onion and potatoes to ALL fruit and vegetables. The Scheme would provide 50% subsidy on transportation from surplus to deficient markets, 50% subsidy on storage, including cold storages and will be launched as pilot for the next 6 months and will be extended and expanded.

PART 2: Measures for Governance and Administrative Reforms for Agriculture Sector

(1) Amendments to Essential Commodities Act to enable better price realisation for farmers- The Government will amend Essential Commodities Act. Agriculture food stuffs including cereals, edible oils, oilseeds, pulses, onions and potato shall be deregulated.

(2) Agriculture Marketing Reforms to provide marketing choices to farmers- A Central law will be formulated to provide adequate choices to the farmer to sell their produce at a remunerative price; barrier-free Inter-State Trade; a framework for e-trading of agriculture produce.

(3) Agriculture Produce Pricing and Quality Assurance- The Government will finalise a facilitative legal framework to enable farmers to engage with processors, aggregators, large retailers, exporters etc. in a fair and transparent manner.

2. Dr Harsh Vardhan dedicates “COBAS 6800” testing machine to the nation: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan has inaugurated the “COBAS 6800”, COVID-19 testing machine. COBAS-6800 is the first fully automatic high-end testing machine that has been procured by the Government for COVID-19. It is installed at the National Centre for Disease Control Delhi. The device will provide quality, high-volume testing with around 1200 samples in 24 hours increasing the testing capacity with reduction in pendency.

Note: National Centre for Disease Control Founded: 1909; National Centre for Disease Control Headquarters: New Delhi; National Centre for Disease Control Director: Sujeet Kumar.

3. World Bank Approves USD 1 billion Social Protection Package for India: The World Bank has approved USD 1 billion aid, under ‘Accelerating India’s COVID-19 Social Protection Response Program’, to support India’s efforts for providing social assistance to the poor and vulnerable households, severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new USD 1 billion support will be funded in two phases:

Allocation of $750 million in first tranche for fiscal year 2020. Of this, $ 550 million will be financed by International Development Association (IDA) and USD 200 million will be a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). The remaining $250 million second tranche will be made available for fiscal year 2021. The Phase I of the operation will be implemented countrywide through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY). With this, the total commitment from the World Bank towards emergency Covid-19 response in India reaches to $2 billion. Earlier in April 2020, World Bank announced $1 billion support for India’s health sector.

Note: President of World Bank: David Malpass; Headquarter of World Bank: Washington DC.

4. West Bengal Government Launches ‘Matir Smristi’ Scheme to Utilise 50,000-acre Barren Land in Six Districts: The West Bengal government under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched ”Matir Smristi” to utilise 50,000 acres of barren land in six districts of the states, for income-generating activities like horticulture and pisciculture. The ”Matir Smristi” scheme is expected to benefit around 2.5 lakh people in rural Bengal. As per the data, there is at least 50,000 acre of barren land in Bankura, Birbhum, Purulia, Jhargram, West Burdwan and West Midnapore districts of the state. Preference would be given to locals for carrying out the project in which “lakhs of women self-help groups” will be involved. Ad hoc bonus and festival advance for 2020-21 has also been increased to benefit over 10 lakh Government employees.

Note: Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar.

5. Centre sets up new body to promote rice exports- Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF): The Central Government has set up a new body – Rice Export Promotion Forum (REPF), under the aegis of the Agricultural and Processed Foods Export Promotion Development Authority (Apeda) to promote rice export. REPF will monitor, identify and anticipate developments pertaining to production and exports and recommend necessary policy measures. India is the second largest produce of rice in the world.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Slovenia becomes 1st European country to become coronavirus-free: Slovenia becomes the 1st nation in Europe to declare an official end to the COVID-19 pandemic. More restrictions have now been eased in the country and people entering from other European Union states. The country housing over 2 million people bordered with Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia has reported 1,464 cases of COVID-19 disease and 103 deaths after declaring a pandemic. According to data from Slovenia’s Ministry of Health, just one new case of the coronavirus was confirmed on Thursday, with no deaths reported. Over the past two weeks, just 35 people had been infected with the coronavirus.

Note: Capital of Slovenia: Ljubljana; Currency of Slovenia: Euro; Prime Minister of Slovenia: Janez Janza.

2. WTO Chief Roberto Azevedo to Step Down a Year Ahead: Roberto Azevedo, the head of the Geneva-based World Trade Organization (WTO), has announced his plan to step down from the post a year ahead, on 31 August 2020. He became the WTO chief in 2013.  The 62-year-old Brazilian career diplomat’s second four-year term was not scheduled to end until September 2021. He is cutting seven-year tenure marked in recent years by intense pressure from US President Donald Trump. Donald Trump had accused the Geneva-based trade body of an anti-US bias and other complaints.

Note: World Trade Organization Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; World Trade Organization Membership: 164 member states; World Trade Organization Founded: 1 January 1995.

3. International Day of Families: 15th May: The International Day of Families is observed every year on 15 May to reflect the importance that the international community attaches to families. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993. The theme of 2020 is “Families in Development: Copenhagen & Beijing + 25”. The 2020 theme highlights the 25th anniversary of Copenhagen Declaration and Beijing Platform for Action. In 1995, the conference of Beijing and Copenhagen proposed the importance of family and its role in our social development and agreed to specify its worldwide observance as an initiative for the well-being of all individuals in the family.

4. S Jaishankar Participates in SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meet on COVID-19: The Union Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar participated in an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the eight member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on 13 May 2020, via video conference. During the conference, the eight countries discussed sharing of information on best practices on containing COVID-19, particularly in the medicine, medical equipment, and pharmaceutical sector. The conference was held under the Presidency of Russian Finance Minster Sergey Lavrov. The SCO Summit 2020 is scheduled to be held in St Petersburg in Russia in July 2020.

Note: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation. Presently SCO comprises of eight member states: the Republic of India, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

5. Piyush Goyal Participates in Second Extraordinary G20 Virtual Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting on COVID-19: The Second Extraordinary G20 Virtual Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting on COVID-19 was held on 14 May 2020 under the Presidency of Saudi Arabia. The meeting will be chaired by the Saudi Minister of Commerce, Majid Al Qasabi, in the presence of the Minister of Investment, Khalid Al-Faleh. The Indian delegation was represented by the Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Purpose of the meet was to discuss the “G20 Actions to Support World Trade and Investment through the COVID-19 Pandemic” developed by the Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG). These designed actions aim to alleviate the impact of the pandemic in the short run, support the reform of the multilateral trading system, build resilience in global supply chains; and strengthen international investment over the long run.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. MoneyGram Ties up with Federal Bank to offer direct-to-account deposits in India: MoneyGram Payment Systems, a global leader in cross-border peer-to-peer payments and money transfers has entered into strategic partnership with the private sector Federal Bank to offer cost-effective direct-to-bank-account credit option for customers in India. This partnership will help the non-resident Indians (NRIs) to enjoy a modern, low cost, fast, easy and more reliable way of transferring money to India.

Note: Federal Bank Limited Chairperson: Grace Elizabeth Koshie; Federal Bank Limited MD & CEO: Shyam Srinivasan; Federal Bank Limited Headquarters: Aluva, Kerala.

MoneyGram Chairman & CEO: Alex Holmes; MoneyGram founded: 1988.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Vice Admiral GM Hiranandani rolling trophy awarded in Kochi: Lieutenant Commander Akshay Kumar was awarded the Vice Admiral G.M. Hiranandani Memorial Rolling Trophy for the year 2020. He commissioned in Anti-Submarine Warfare School of the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. The award ceremony was held at the Maritime Warfare Centre, Kochi, Kerala. This trophy was instituted in 2013 for the officer performing best in tactics during the year-long warfare specialisation course.

Note: Chief of the Naval Staff (CNC): Admiral Karambir Singh.

DEFENCE

1. Defence Minister commissions ICGS “Sachet” & two interceptor boats: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sachet and two interceptor boats (IBs) C-450 and C-451 in Goa via video conference.

This is the first time in the Indian maritime history that the coast guard ship was commissioned through the digital medium The ICGS Sachet is the first in the series of five offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and has been designed & built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). It is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment

Note: Chief of the Naval Staff (CNC): Admiral Karambir Singh.

OBITUARIES

1. Actor Sai Gundewar passes away: Film actor, model, voiceover artist and an entrepreneur, Sai Gundewar passed away due to brain cancer, in US while undergoing treatment. He was 42. He was known for his appearances in shows like Survivor and Splitsvilla. He had also worked in films like PK, Yuvraaj and Rock On. He was also a co-founder of Foodizm which is a healthy meal delivery service in Mumbai.

Daily GK Updates - 14th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Finance Minister announces 2nd tranche of economic support under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan: In continuation to PM Modi’s announcement of Rs 20 lakh crore boost to the economy, and the announcement made by her on May 13, 2020 the Finance Minister of India, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has made the announcement of the second tranche of economic support the Indian Economy’s fight against COVID-19. These are the announcements made on May 14, 2020. The second tranche of Economic Relief Package for “Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” is dedicated to migrant workers, street vendors, small traders, self employed people & small farmers.

(1) 2% Interest Subvention for 12 months for Shishu MUDRA loanees- Relief of Rs. 1,500 crore- Government of India will provide Interest subvention of 2% for prompt payees for a period of 12 months to MUDRA Shishu loanees, who have loans below Rs 50,000.The current portfolio of MUDRA Shishu loans is around Rs 1.62 Lakh crore. This will provide relief of about Rs 1,500 crore to Shishu MUDRA loanee.

(2) Free food grains supply to migrants for 2 months (i.e. May and June, 2020)

(3)Scheme for Affordable Rental Housing Complexes for Migrant Workers and Urban Poor to be launched

(4) Technology system to be used enabling Migrants to access PDS (Ration) from any Fair Price Shops in India by March, 2021-One Nation one Ration Card

(5) Rs 5,000 crore Credit facility for Street Vendors- Under this scheme, bank credit facility for initial working capital up to Rs. 10,000 for each enterprise.

(6) Rs 70,000 crore boost to housing sector and middle income group through extension of  Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme for MIG under PMAY(Urban)- The Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme for Middle Income Group (annual Income between Rs 6 and 18 lakhs) will be extended up to March 2021.

(7) Rs 6,000 crore for Creating employment using CAMPA funds- Compensatory Afforestation Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA)

(8) Rs 30,000 crore Additional Emergency Working Capital for farmers through NABARD- NABARD will extend additional re-finance support of Rs 30,000 crore for meeting crop loan requirement of Rural Cooperative Banks and RRBs. This refinance will be front-loaded and available on tap. This is over and above Rs 90,000 crore that will be provided by NABARD to this sector in the normal course.

(9) Rs 2 lakh crore credit boost to 2.5 crore farmers under Kisan Credit Card Scheme- A special drive to provide concessional credit to PM-KISAN beneficiaries through Kisan Credit Cards. 2.5 crore farmers will be covered.

2. CAPF canteen to sell only indigenous products: Home Ministry has decided that all the Central Armed Police Forces, CAPF canteens will now sell only indigenous products from 1st June 2020. This will be applicable to all or any CAPF canteens across the country from 01 June 2020. The move will affect 50 lakh families, of about 10 lakh CAPF personnel, using indigenous products. This decision was taken by Union Home Ministry after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the nation, urged citizens to make the country self-reliant and use locally-made products. The step is taken in a move to go vocal for local and making our nation self-reliant. After the move, total purchase value would be around 2800 crore rupees for the indigenous products.

Note: Union Home Affairs Minister: Amit Shah.

3. Uttarakhand CM launches ‘HOPE’ portal to help unemployed youth get jobs: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has launched a portal named ‘HOPE’ – Helping Out People Everywhere, aimed at creating employment opportunities for the trained youths of the state. The portal will also offer them skill development opportunities to increase their employability. The HOPE portal has begun collecting data on the youths staying in the state as well as migrant youths who have returned recently from outside. Once the database of HOPE portal is ready, the portal will be linked with the Mukhya Mantri Swarojgar Yojana.

Note: Capital of Uttarakhand: Dehradun; Governor of Uttarakhand: Baby Rani Maurya.

4. Haryana and J&K to provide tap connections to all rural households by December, 2022

Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir government have geared up to provide tap water connections to all the rural households in the area by December 2022, which is ahead of the national goal by 2024-25. The state governments of both Haryana and J&K presented their plan to the Department of Drinking water & Sanitation of the Jal Shakti Ministry. Government of India is implementing the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ (JJM) in partnership with States to ensure every rural household in the country has FHTC for drinking water in adequate quantity of prescribed quality on regular and long-term basis at affordable service delivery charges leading to improvement in their living standards.

Note: Minister of Jal Shakti: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti: Rattan Lal Kataria.

5. V Vidyavathi Appointed as Director General of Archaeological Survey of India: The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the appointment of senior bureaucrat V Vidyavathi as the new Director General (DG) of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Vidyavathi is a 1991-batch IAS Officer from the Karnataka cadre.

Note: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Founder: Alexander Cunningham; Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Founded: 1861; Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Headquarters: New Delhi.

6. ICCR Launches Song ‘United We Fight’ to Strengthen India’s Fight against COVID-19: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous body under MEA,  has unveiled a new song titled “United we Fight” to motivate people to be united, think positive and have never say die attitude in our collective fight against COVID 19. The musical creation has been dedicated to world by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India, to spread India’s message of hope, resilience and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). The 3.33 minutes long song ‘United We Fight’ is written and composed by Joe Alvares. The singers include: Usha Uthup, Salim Merchant, Shefali Alvares Rashid, Benny Dayal, Sonam Kalra, Chandan Bala Kalyan, Joe Alvares, Salome, and Samira. The music is created by Tubby, Pandit Ravi Chari, Pandit Rakesh Chaurasiya, and Ustad Faisal Qureshi.

7. TVS Group, Sundaram Med, IIT-M develop low-cost, automated respiratory assists: The TVS group, Sundaram Medical Foundation and IIT-Madras have jointly developed a low-cost, automated respiratory assist device called The Sundaram Ventago. This versatile and mobile device will assist the clinicians in constantly monitoring and reporting respiratory parameters. The device has been developed to provide respiratory support to patients through the controlled and automated squeezing of a self-inflating or AMBU bag. The device comprises various functionalities to control respiratory rate (breaths per minute), tidal volume, pressure parameters and I:E ratios.

8. Tribal Affairs Minister holds video conference on ‘Tribal livelihoods and safety’: A video conference was held by the Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda on “Tribal livelihoods and safety” in New Delhi. The conference featured Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, State Ministers for Tribal Affairs, and state ministers for Forests from more than 20 states/UTs. The conference was held with States/UTs in New Delhi. Shri Arjun Munda addressed the conference and commended the support given by the states by stepping up the procurement of Minor Forest Produce at the revised MSP.

9. Vasudha Mishra appointed as UPSC Secretary: The government has also appointed Vasudha Mishra of the Telangana cadre as the new UPSC secretary after Rakesh Gupta. In addition to this, Rajendra Kumar has been made DG of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation and Rajesh Ranjan as additional secretary, Department of higher education. Also, K. Srinivas has been appointed as Establishment Officer (EO) in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. US CDC Commits USD3.6 mn to Assist India’s fight against Covid-19: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has committed $3.6 million to the Government of India to support the country in prevention, preparedness, and response activities against the COVID-19 epidemic. The first tranche of funding will be utilised to further strengthen and support the Government of India’s efforts to increase laboratory capacity for SARS-COV-2 testing, including molecular diagnostics and serology. The funds will also be used to support the development of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) centres of excellence, that can help to imporove the ability of the hospital networks to detect COVID-19 and strengthen local health systems through enhanced surveillance and monitoring systems.

2. Rate of Forest Loss globally declined between 2015 and 2020: FAO report: The Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 (FRA 2020) was released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 13 May 2020. As per the report, the rate of forest loss during 2015-2020 declined to an estimated 10 million hectares (mha), compared to 12 million hectares (mha) loss in 2010-2015. The FRA 2020 report is based on more than 60 forest-related variables in 236 countries and territories in the period 1990–2020.

Key Points of the Report: (1) As per the report, there is a decline of 178 million hectares in the forest area in last three decades with the growth of sustainable management. (2) The world’s total forest area was 4.06 billion hectares (bha), which was 31 percent of the total land area (or 1/3rd) and equivalent to 0.52 ha per person. (3) The largest proportion of the world’s forests were tropical (45 per cent), followed by boreal, temperate and subtropical. (4) More than 54 percent of the world’s forests were in only five countries: Russian Federation, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America and China. (5) Region wise, Africa had the largest annual rate of net forest loss in 2010–2020 (3.9 mha), followed by South America (2.6 mha). (6) Asia had the highest net gain of forest area in 2010–2020, followed by Oceania and Europe.

3. Italy develops ‘iFeel-You’ bracelet for social distancing: The Genoa-based Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) has come up with iFeel-You, an intelligent bracelet which will help users respect social distancing rules. The bracelet has been developed as the measures for safeguarding against the coronavirus lockdown is being gradually lifted. It uses a radio signal only when another bracelet is approaching, it does not use GPS and therefore does not keep track of user locations.

Note: President of Italy: Sergio Mattarella Trending; Capital of Italy: Rome; Currency of Italy: Italian lira.

4. Global Nutrition Report 2020 released: The Global Nutrition Report 2020 is a report card on the world's nutrition that is released independently. The Global Nutrition Report was conceived following the first Nutrition for Growth Initiative Summit (N4G) in 2013. As per the report, India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss global nutrition targets by 2025. India is also the country with the highest rates of domestic inequalities in malnutrition.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Akhil Kumar re-inducted into NADA disciplinary panel: Former Commonwealth Games gold-winning boxer Akhil Kumar has been re-inducted into the National Anti-Doping Agency’s (NADA) Disciplinary Panel. Akhil, who is also serving in Haryana Police as ACP Gurugram, was formerly in the panel from 2017 to 2019.

Note: National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Headquarters: New Delhi; National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Director-General: Navin Agarwal.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. United Nations Projects Global GDP to Shrink by 3.2 Percent in 2020: The United Nations has projected the world gross domestic product (GDP) to contract sharply by 3.2 percent in 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the sharpest contraction since the Great Depression in the 1930s. The World Economic Situation and Prospect (WESP) mid-2020 report was released on 13 May 2020 by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The global economy is expected to lose nearly $8.5 trillion in output over the next two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report estimates that the world GDP is expected to rebound to 3.4 percent in 2021, mostly recovering lost output. India’s economic growth is forecast to slow to 1.2 per cent in 2020, a further deterioration from the already slowed growth of 4.1 per cent in 2019.

OBITUARIES

1. Grammy winning-singer Betty Wright passes away: Iconic soul and R&B singer Betty Wright died after a battle with cancer. She was 66. The biggest hit of her career “Clean Up Woman” came a year later, which was certified gold barely days after her 18th birthday. At the age of 23, she went on to win her first Grammy Award for Best Song, “Where is the Love?”. She scored a Grammy nod for the song “Surrender” from the album.

Daily GK Updates - 13th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Prime Minister announces Economic Package of Rs 20 Lakh Crore: In continuation to PM Modi’s announcement of Rs 20 lakh crore boost to the economy, the Finance Minister of India, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has made certain announcements for relief and credit support related to businesses, especially MSMEs to support the Indian Economy’s fight against COVID-19. These are the announcements made on May 13, 2020. Some of them are mentioned below:

The Economic Package is called Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. The announced measures focused on Getting back to work i.e., enabling employees and employers, businesses, especially Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, to get back to production and workers back to gainful employment.

(1) Rs 3 lakh crore Emergency Working Capital Facility for Businesses, including MSMEs- This will be available to units with upto Rs 25 crore outstanding and turnover of up to Rs 100 crore whose accounts are standard.

(2) Rs 20,000 crore Subordinate Debt for Stressed MSMEs- Provision made for Rs. 20,000 cr subordinate debt for two lakh MSMEs which are NPA or are stressed. Government will support them with Rs. 4,000 Cr. to Credit Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small enterprises (CGTMSE).

(3) Rs 50,000 crores equity infusion through MSME Fund of Funds- Govt will set up a Fund of Funds with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore that will provide equity funding support for MSMEs. The Fund of Funds shall be operated through a Mother and a few Daughter funds.

(4) New definition of MSME- Definition of MSME will be revised by raising the Investment limit.  Additional criteria of turnover also being introduced.

(5) Employees Provident Fund Support for business and organised workers- The scheme introduced as part of PMGKP under which Government of India contributes 12% of salary each on behalf of both employer and employee to EPF will be extended by another 3 months for salary months of June, July and August 2020. Total benefits accrued are about Rs 2500 crores to 72.22 lakh employees.

(6) EPF Contribution to be reduced for Employers and Employees for 3 months- Statutory PF contribution of both employer and employee reduced to 10% each from existing 12% each for all establishments covered by EPFO for next 3 months. This will provide liquidity of about Rs.2250 Crore per month.

(7) Rs 30,000 crores Special Liquidity Scheme for NBFC/HFC/MFIs- Government will launch Rs 30,000 crore Special Liquidity Scheme, liquidity being provided by RBI. This will be 100 percent guaranteed by the Government of India.

(8) Tax related measures- The due date of all Income Tax Returns for Assessment Year 2020-21 will be extended to 30 November, 2020.

(9) The TDS rates for all non-salaried payment to residents, and tax collected at source rate will be reduced by 25 percent of the specified rates for the remaining period of FY 20-21.This will provided liquidity to the tune of Rs 50,000 Crore.

(10) The date for making payment without additional amount under the “Vivad Se Vishwas” scheme will be extended to 31 December, 2020.

2. Jharkhand’s Sohrai Khovar painting & Telangana’s Telia Rumal gets GI-Tag: The Sohrai Khovar painting of Jharkhand and Telia Rumal of Telangana have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indications Registry. For the Sohrai Khovar painting of Jharkhand, application of GI-tag was made by Sohrai Kala Mahila Vikas Sahyog Samiti Limited. For the Telia Rumal of Telangana, application of GI-tag was made by Consortium of Puttapaka Handloom Cluster-IHDS.

The Sohrai Khovar painting is a traditional and ritualistic mural art being practised by local tribal women during local harvest and marriage seasons using local, naturally available soils of different colours in the area of Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand.

Telia Rumal cloth involves complex handmade work with cotton loom which can be only created by using the traditional handloom process and and not by any other mechanical means. The teila rumal exhibits a variety of designs and motifs in three particular colours namely red, black and white.

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

Chief Minister of Telangana: K Chandrasekhar Rao; Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan.

3. Gujarat mandates digital payment for home delivery in Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government has mandated the digital payment for all home delivery services in Ahmedabad. This step has been taken by the state government in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through currency notes. Therefore, the payment of all the home delivery services in the city would be cashless i.e. via digital mode of payment. Hence the Cash On delivery (COD) option will not be available to the customers. Apart from this, the state government has also issued a protocol involving the use of hand gloves, sanitation cap as well as sanitizer and Aarogya Setu app for the delivery person.

Note: Chief Minister of Gujarat: Vijaybhai R. Rupani; Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat.

4. Manoj Ahuja Appointed as new Chairperson of CBSE: Manoj Ahuja, a 1990 batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE). Before this, he was serving as special director at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. He replaces Anita Karwal who has been appointed as the secretary at the Department of School Education and Literacy.

Note: Headquarters of CBSE: New Delhi; CBSE was established on 3 November 1962.

5. Indian Railways mandate Aarogya Setu mobile application: The Indian Railways has now made installation of Government’s Aarogya Setu mobile application mandatory for passengers before commencing their journey. The step is applicable to all the passengers who are either availing the special train or passenger train services. Passengers, who do not have the app installed on their mobile phones, might be asked to do so after their arrival at the station.

Note: Union Minister of Railways: Piyush Goyal; Minister of State of Railways: Angadi Suresh Channabasappa.

6. CFTRI develops Spirulina groundnut Chikki to boost immunity: The Mysuru-based Central Food Technological Research Institute, CFTRI has developed Spirulina groundnut Chikki that can provide micro-nutrients and boost immunity of people during this time of pandemic. Spirulina is a biomass of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can be consumed by humans and animals. The Income Tax Department of Karnataka and Goa region has distributed 500 kilograms of CFTRI Chikkies to migrant labourers in Bengaluru and surrounding areas.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China Launches Two Satellites to Test Space-based Communications Technology: China successfully launched two satellites into orbit on 12 May 2020, to test the space-based Internet of Things (IoT) communications technology. The satellites, Xingyun-2 01 and 02, were launched by a Kuaizhou-1A (KZ-1A) carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The satellites will be useful to conduct tests on technologies including space-based IoT communications, inter-satellite laser communications and a low-cost commercial satellite platform.

2. External Affairs Minister held virtual joint commission with Denmark: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held his first virtual joint commission with Denmark Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod and reviewed bilateral ties. The two leaders discussed COVID-19 and close cooperation in green and sustainable economic recovery. The joint meet strengthened focus on clean technology, urbanization, renewable energy, green solutions, and food processing.

3. ASSOCHAM organises Indo-Bangladesh “Virtual Conference”: Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has organised the Indo-Bangladesh “Virtual Conference”. Union DoNER Minister of State (I/C) Dr Jitendra Singh addressed the virtual conference. The conference featured the participation of Minister of Commerce Bangladesh Tipu Munshi, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma and Riva Ganguli Das High commissioner to Bangladesh.

Note: Prime Minister of Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina; Capital: Dhaka; Currency: Taka.

4. India up at 74th place on WEF’s global energy transition index: India has moved up two positions to rank 74th on a global ‘Energy Transition Index’ with improvements on all key parameters of economic growth, energy security and environmental sustainability. Sweden has topped the Energy Transition Index (ETI) for the third consecutive year and is followed by Switzerland and Finland in the top three. Surprisingly, France (ranked 8th) and the UK (7th) are the only G20 countries in the top ten. The WEF said the “emerging centres of demand” such as India (74th) and China (78th) have made consistent efforts to improve the enabling environment, which refers to political commitments, consumer engagement and investment, innovation and infrastructure, among others.

Note: The founder and Chairman of WEF: Klaus Schwab; WEF Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. FIFA postpones U-17 Women’s World Cup India to 2021:  FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020 has been postponed to 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic. FIFA-Confederations Covid-19 Working Group has taken the decision to hold the U-17 Women’s World Cup in India from February 17-March 7, 2021. Japan and North Korea have qualified from the two available slots for Asian teams, with India qualifying for the main tournament as hosts. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held from November 2 to 21 this year.

Note: President of FIFA: Gianni Infantino; Founded: 21 May 1904; Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland.

2. China Wins FIDE Chess.com Online Nations Cup: China won the inaugural $180,000 FIDE Chess.com Online Nations Cup following a 2-2 draw against USA. China was adjudged the winner on the basis of its topping the points table in the round-robin stage. China won $48,000, USA $36,000 and others received $24,000 each. The Superfinal concluded 6 days online competitive chess at the highest level between 6 international teams full of top grandmasters. Co-organized by FIDE and Chess.com, the event had a peak of over a million concurrent viewers across all languages and broadcast partners.

3. French cyclist Remy Di Gregorio banned by UCI for 4 years: French cyclist Remy Di Gregorio has been banned for 4 years by the International Cycling Union (UCI) for using a form of banned blood-boosting hormone EPO (Erythropoietin). Remy Di Gregorio had tested positive for the hormone during a long-distance trip from Paris to Nice during a doping test on March 8, 2018. His suspension starts from the date of the test so he is going to be suspended until 7 March 2022.

Note: International Cycling Union (UCI) Headquarters: Aigle, Switzerland; International Cycling Union (UCI) President: David Lappartient.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. BRICS’ New Development Bank provides USD 1 billion loan to India to fight COVID-19: The New Development Bank of the BRICS countries has fully disbursed USD one billion emergency assistance loan to India to help it contain the spread of COVID-19 and reduce human, social and economic losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The ‘Emergency Assistance Program Loan’ to India was approved by the NDB Board of Directors on April 30, and it is aimed at supporting the Indian government to contain the spread of COVID-19 and reduce human, social and economic losses caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Sania Mirza becomes 1st Indian to win Fed Cup Heart Award: Indian tennis player Sania Mirza becomes 1st Indian to win Fed Cup Heart Award 2020 for Asia/Oceania zone. She beats Indonesia’s 16-year-old Priska Madelyn Nugroho for this category & received the award for her successful return to the court after becoming a mother. She is one of 4 winners chosen by a public vote, alongside Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia (wins Qualifiers award), Estonian Anett Kontaveit (Europe/Africa I zone) and Mexico’s Fernanda Contreras Gomez (Americas I zone).

Note: Fed cup is the world’s largest annual international team competition in women’s sport with 108 nations entered in 2019 was launched in 1963. Fed Cup Heart Award is an International Tennis Federation (ITF) initiative established in 2009 to recognise players representing their countries in the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas.

International Tennis FederationHeadquarters: London, United Kingdom; International Tennis Federation President: David Haggerty.

2. Indian Journalist Siddharth Varadarajan Conferred with Deutsche Welle Freedom of Speech Award: Indian journalist Siddharth Varadarajan is among the 17 recipients of the 2020 Freedom of Speech Award presented by German public news outlet Deutsche Welle on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day. The award was presented to journalists worldwide who have disappeared or been arrested or threatened because of their reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic. 17 journalists from 14 countries have been given the award, on behalf of all media professionals around the world, for showing “outstanding commitment to human rights and freedom of expression in the media”.

Note: Deutsche Welle Freedom of Speech Award: Since 2015, German public news outlet Deutsche Welle has presented the Freedom of Speech Award annually to a person or initiative that has shown outstanding commitment to human rights and freedom of expression in the media.

OBITUARIES

1. US actor and comedian Jerry Stiller passes away: US comedian Jerry Stiller (92 years) passes away. He was renowned for his recurring role as George Costanza’s father on TV’s Seinfeld for which he was also nominated for Emmy Awards in 1997. His other popular roles include that of Arthur Spooner in TV sitcom “The King of Queens”. He received joint star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame along with his wife Meara in year 2007. He also wrote an autobiography, Married to Laughter, about his 50-plus years marriage to soul mate and comedic cohort Meara, who died in 2015

2. TV actor Shafique Ansari passes away: Actor Shafique Ansari, best-known for his appearance in TV series ‘Crime Patrol’, has passed away of cancer. He was 52. Ansari was battling with thoracic cancer for two years and some months ago, he was also diagnosed with a lung infection. Shafique Ansari was a member of The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) since 2008. He began his career as an assistant director and writer and was screenwriter for Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini starrer Baghban (2003). Some of his other films as a writer are Dost (1974); Izzatdaar (1990); Pratiggya (1975); Dil Ka Heera(1979).

3. Former national TT champion Manmeet Singh Walia passes away: Former national table tennis champion Manmeet Singh Walia, who was suffering from rare ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) disease for nearly two years, has died in Montreal, Canada. He was 58. One of the finest and consistent performers in the ’80s, Manmeet became the national champion in 1989 when he beat S Sriram in the men’s singles final in Hyderabad. He had represented the country at multiple international events after making his debut at the Asian Championships in 1980 along with eight-time national champion Kamlesh Mehta.