Daily GK Updates - 4th June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. GoI starts SWADES scheme for skill mapping of overseas citizens: The government of India has launched a new initiative ‘SWADES’ (Skilled Workers Arrival Database for Employment Support) to conduct a skill mapping exercise of the Indian citizens returning from overseas under the ‘Vande Bharat Mission’. This initiative aims to make a database of qualified citizens supported their skillsets and knowledge to tap into and fulfil the demand of Indian and foreign companies.

Note: Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: Mahendra Nath Pandey;

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

Minister of External Affairs: Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

2. Virendra Nath Datt takes over as CMD of National Fertilizers Limited: Virendra Nath Datt has assumed the additional charge of Chairman & Managing Director of National Fertilizers Limited (NFL). He is serving as the Director (Marketing) of NFL since October 2018. He succeeded Manoj Mishra. V N Dutt has 35 years of experience with CPSEs like GAIL and ONGC in addition to NFL. He is credited with sustained growth in fertilizer sale from 43 Lakh MT in 2017-18 to 57 Lakh MT in 2019-20 (32% increase in two years).

Note: Note: Headquarters of National Fertilizers Limited: Noida, Uttar Pradesh; National Fertilizers Limited established: 1 September 1979.

3. “One Year of Modi 2.0” e-booklet released by I&B Ministry:  Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has released an e-booklet called ‘One Year of Modi 2.0 – Towards A Self-Reliant India’. The e-booklet highlights the achievements of the Modi government during its second term. This marks the first anniversary of the second term of the government. Highlights in the booklet: (1) Abolition of Article 370 Article; (2) Settlement of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya; (3) The criminalisation of Triple Talaq; (4) The Amendment to the Citizenship Act (CAA); (5) The book has a separate section containing the actions taken to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and how the economic fallout is being dealt with; (6) International event: The Howdy Modi event in the US, the Namaste Trump event in Gujarat and the Mamallapuram Modi-Xi Jinping summit.

4. Government launches electronic incentive scheme: Govt has launched three electronic incentive schemes with a total outlay of ₹48,000 crore to boost large-scale manufacturing of electronics. The three schemes are Production Linked Incentive (₹41,000 crores and will incentivize 10 firms), Component Manufacturing Scheme (₹3,300 crores) and Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (₹3,800 crores). It is aimed to manufacture electronics worth ₹8 lakh crore while generating employment for about 10 lakh people.

5. CSIR-CMERI develops new indigenous ventilator: Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur have indigenously developed ventilator for COVID-19. It is designed to meet the requirement as per the patient’s parameter. It will cost around Rs 80,000 to Rs 90,000. It automatically responds to the fluctuating variables of a patient. The ventilator will act as the substitute for imported ones. This will also help in massively upgrading the tertiary health care infrastructure of the Nation.

6. Govt approves EGoS and PDCs for attracting investments in India: Centre has approved setting up of Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) and Project Development Cells (PDCs) in Ministries/Departments for attracting investments in India. It will boost the economy and open employment potential in various sectors. EGoS: It will provide investment support to global investors by bringing synergies and timely clearances.  PDCs: It will enhance investible projects in coordination between the Center and State increasing FDI inflows.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Krishnendu Majumdar appointed as the chairperson of BAFTA: Television producer Krishnendu Majumdar is named as the chairperson of British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). He will be the first person of colour to hold this position and is the youngest chairperson in last 35 years. He will be replacing Pippa Harris. Harris will now continue as deputy chairperson. Majumdar with Richard Yee founded independent banner Me + You Productions in 2012, through drama series "I Am" for Channel 4 and comedy show Hoff The Record was produced.

Note: BAFTA CEO: Amanda Sonia Berry.

2. Gaitri Kumar appointed as the High Commissioner of India to UK: Gaitri I. Kumar has been appointed as the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom. She will be succeeding Ruchi Ghanshyam. Gayatri Kumar is an IFS officer of 1986 batch and is presently serving as the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the European Union. She will replace Ruchi Ghanashyam as the next High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.

Note: United Kingdom Capital: London; Currency: Pound sterling (UK Pound); Prime Minister of United Kingdom: Boris Johnson.

3. Sibi George appointed as the Ambassador of India to Kuwait: Sibi George (IFS officer of 1993 batch) has been appointed as Ambassador of India of Kuwait. He will be replacing K Jeeva Sagar. K. Jeeva Sagar assumed charge as Ambassador of India to the State of Kuwait in January 2018. Sibi George is presently serving as the Ambassador of India to Switzerland.

Note: Kuwait’s Prime Minister: Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah; Kuwait’s Currency: Kuwaiti dinar.

4. India signs MoU with Bhutan on environment cooperation: Govt of India and Bhutan has signed MoU on Cooperation in the areas of Environment. The MoU covers Air, waste, chemical management, climate change and other associated areas. It will enable establishment and promotion of closer and long-term cooperation with management of natural resources on the basis of equity, reciprocity and mutual benefits. The participants must hold Joint Group/ bilateral meetings to review and analyze the progress.

Note: Bhutan Capital: Thimphu.

5. International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression: 4th June: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed globally on 4th June every year. This day affirms the UN’s commitment to guard the rights of children. This day is to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the planet who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. The main aim of celebrating today is to spread the notice about the pain and sufferings faced by the victims as children.

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

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Subramanian Sundar’s tenure as LVB CEO extended by 6 months:  The tenure of Subramanian Sundar as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lakshmi Vilas Bank has been extended after the approval from the Reserve Bank of India. His tenure has been extended for a period of 6 months i.e. till 30th November 2020 or till the appointment of the new CEO, whichever is earlier.

Note: RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikanta Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

2. PM Modi appoints committee headed by Rajnath Singh for MSME loan scheme implementation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed a committee headed by Rajnath Singh to resolve any problem in the implementation of the Rs 3 lakh crore collateral-free loan schemes for MSMEs, said MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari. In an online interaction with the members of the Pune-based Mahratta Chambers of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), Gadkari asked small businesses to email him directly in case of problems faced by them in securing credit under the scheme. Gadkari also said that for MSMEs to foray into the solar park sector, being a good idea would be viable if state governments reduce transmission charges. He urged small businesses to reach out to Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for a cut in the transmission charges.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Patrick Pichette appointed as the board chairman of Twitter: Ex-Google chief financial officer, Patrick Pichette has been appointed as the board chairman of Twitter. He will be replacing Omid Kordestani. Pichette joined Twitter’s board of directors in 2017 and had been a lead independent director since the end of 2018. Prior to this, he served as Google’s CFO from 2008 until 2015. It is the first time in Twitter’s history that an outsider will preside over the group.

Note: Twitter’s CEO: Jack Dorsey; Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States.

Twitter was founded in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams.

2. Uday Kotak take charges as President of CII: MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Uday Kotak has assumed charges as the President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for 2020-21. He has replaced the chairman and MD of Kirloskar Systems, Vikram Kirloskar as the President of CII. He is associated with CII for 2 decades. V. Narendran, CEO & MD of Tata Steel Ltd has been appointed as the president designate for 2020-21. Sanjiv Bajaj, chairman and MD of Bajaj Finserv Ltd. has taken over as the vice-president of CII.

Note: CII HQ: New Delhi

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. World No Tobacco Day 2020 awards announced: World No Tobacco Day Award 2020 has announced. Every year, WHO recognizes individuals or organizations in each of the six WHO Regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control. This recognition takes the form of WHO Director-General Special Recognition Award and World No Tobacco Day Awards. Some of the awardees are:

WHO Director-General Special award: Dr Mom Kong, Executive Director, Cambodia Movement for Health, Cambodia. Six WHO Regions:

South-East Asia Region awardees:

(1) Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Kingdom of Thailand.

(2) Socio-Economic and Educational Development Society, Patna, Bihar, India (for its efforts to ban pan masala, gutkha, e-cigarettes and hookah in Bihar and Jharkhand).

African Region awardees:

(1) Mr Wondu Bekele Woldemariam, Executive Director, Mathiwos Wondu Cancer Society, Ethiopia

(2) Ms Rachel Kitonyo Devotsu, Regional Coordinator for Africa, McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, Kenya

Region of the Americas awardees:

(1) Antonio Drauzio Varella, medical doctor and influencer, Brazil

(2) Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela (Ministry of Health of Venezuela)

Eastern Mediterranean Region awardees:

(1) Ms Nesreen Osama Dabous, President of life without smoking (Haya Bela Tadkheen), Arab Republic of Egypt

(2) Professor Ahmad Jonidi Jafari, Head of the Environmental and Occupational Health Centre,

European Region awardees:

(1) Dr Arsen Torosyan, Minister of Health, Armenia

(2) Dr Ghenadie Turcanu, program coordinator, Center for Health Policies and Studies, Republic of Moldova

Western Pacific Region awardees:

(1) The Beijing Tobacco Control Association, People’s Republic of China

(2) Ministry of Health, Health Promotion Board, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore

OBITUARIES

1. Wes Unseld, NBA Hall of Famer, passes away: National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Famer Wes Unseld passed away.  He was one of the greatest American professional basketball player. He led his franchise ‘Washington Wizards’ (then Baltimore Bullets) to the NBA Championship in 1978. He played for Washington Wizards throughout his entire 13-season playing career and also worked for as a coach and general manager. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.

2. Legendary Filmmaker Basu Chatterjee passes away in Mumbai: Legendary Filmmaker Basu Chatterjee (93 years) passes away in Mumbai due to age-related ailments. He was known for films like Chhoti Si Baat, Khatta Meetha, Us Paar, Baton Baton Mein, Piya Ka Ghar and Rajnigandha also hit TV serials namely “Byomkesh Bakshi” and “Rajani”. He had worked in Hindi and Bengali. He was honoured with National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare for his film Durga in 1992.

Daily GK Updates - 3rd June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt unveils PM SVANIDHI scheme to provide affordable loans to street vendors: Union Government launched ’PM SVANIDHI – Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi’– a special micro-credit facility scheme for providing affordable loan to street vendors. The scheme is aimed at enabling the street vendors to resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to COVID-19 lockdown. The scheme targets to benefit over 50 lakh street vendors, who had been vending on or before 24th March this year, in urban areas. The duration of the scheme is till March 2022. Under this, street vendors can avail 10k, repayable in monthly installment in 1 year.

2. Indian Energy Exchange launches “Real-Time Electricity Market”: The “Real-Time Electricity Market (RTM)” has been launched by the Indian Energy Exchange on its platform and it will be effective from 01st June 2020. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) envisages to make the power market dynamic via the recently launched real time market. The RTM will make the power market dynamic by enabling trade in electricity through half-hourly auctions, totalling 48 auction sessions per day. Features of Real-Time Electricity Market:

(1) It will facilitate the power utilities to reduce dependency on deviation framework and save on the huge penalties.

(2) It will aid the grid operators to improve the overall safety and security of the grid.

(3) It will help the utilities and system operators to forecast and schedule green energy in an effective way.

(4) It will make the power generators capable to sell their unrequisitioned capacity hence ensuring the efficient use of generation capacity.

Note: Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy: R. K.

3. DRDO creates disinfection unit named as “Ultra Swachh”: A disinfection unit named as “Ultra Swachh” has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to disinfect a wide range of materials such as electronics items, fabrics, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) etc. It has been developed in compliance with International Standards of Industrial, Occupational, Personal and Environmental Safety. It is disinfection unit that uses advanced oxidative process with multiple barrier disruption approach using double layer Ozonated Space Technology for disinfection. It also has catalytic converter for environment friendly exhaust. It operates on 15 Amp, 220 Volts, 50 Hts power supply.

Note: Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation: G Satheesh Reddy; Headquarters of Defence Research and Development Organisation: New Delhi.

4. Delhi Government launches mobile application “Delhi Corona”:  Delhi Chief Minister has launched a mobile application “Delhi Corona”. The mobile application will provide information to the people of Delhi about the availability of the beds and ventilators in government as well as private hospitals in Delhi. Hence, the mobile application “Delhi Corona” will enable people to check hospital-wise beds and ventilators available for COVID-19 patients. . It will support both Hindi and English language. A web page delhifightscorona.in has also been created to provide latest status of vacant hospital beds. Patients can dial helpline number 1031 for hospital bed.

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

5. IRCON signs MoU with NIIFL & AYANA for solar energy sector: IRCON has signed MoU with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIFL) and Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited (AYANA) for solar energy sector. The strategic partnerships will identify, bid and execute solar energy projects through joint ventures/consortium arrangements. It will also be used in Indian Railways and renewable energy projects by utilizing the complementary strengths of all partners. IRCON is a Miniratna (Category-I) Schedule PSU.

6. Adesh Gupta replaces Manoj Tiwari as Delhi BJP chief: Former Mayor of North Delhi Municipal Corporation Adesh Kumar Gupta as the new Chief of BJP’s Delhi Unit. He will be replacing Manoj Tiwari who had been appointed as the BJP Delhi Unit Chief in 2016. The appointed was made by BJP President J P Nadda. Former Union Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has been appointed as Chhattisgarh State President and S Tikendra Singh as BJP’s Manipur State Chief.

7. COVID-19 testing lab established in CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat: COVID-19 testing laboratory has been inaugurated in the Jorhat campus, North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST). Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Assam inaugurated the laboratory. It will be important milestone in the annals of CSIR-NEIST history. The lab will enhance the testing and vaccine process to help mitigate COVID-19 pandemic. NEIST is the first research and development institute in Assam with COVID-19 lab.

8. TRIFED announces plan through TRIBES India retail and e-Com platforms: TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs has announced an aggressive plan through its TRIBES India retail and e-Com platforms (www.tribesindia.com) to help artisans in their production and sales operations. TRIFED has also re-opened all its outlets and e-Commerce portals to support tribal commerce. It will also provide market through bulk sale of the products through e-com portals with attractive discounts. It will transfer 100% sales proceeds to the tribal artisans.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Raveesh Kumar becomes new Ambassador of India to Finland:  Raveesh Kumar has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Finland. He is presently serving as the Joint Secretary in the Ministry. He is an IFS officer of 1995 batch. He will replace Vani Rao as the next Ambassador of India to Finland.

Note: Prime Minister of Finland: Sanna Marin; Capital: Helsinki.

2. Sushil Singhal appointed India’s next High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea: Sushil Kumar Singhal has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. He is presently serving as the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. He will replace Vijay Kumar as the next High Commissioner of India to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

3. US President postpones G7 Summit: US President Donald Trump has postponed G7 Summit till September 2020. He has also expressed to expand the Group of G7 to G10 or G11 by including India and three other nations Russia, Australia, and South Korea to the grouping of the world's top economies. Group of Seven (G7) is an international intergovernmental economic organization. G7 members: US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and UK at present.

4. World Bicycle Day: 3rd June: United Nations celebrates World Bicycle Day every year on 3rd June to advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development. The day is being observed every year to encourage member nations to give particular attention to the bicycle in cross-cutting development strategies and to improve road safety and integrate it into sustainable mobility and transport infrastructure planning and design.

Note: Secretary-General of United Nations: António Guterres.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Cricket Australia announces India’s cricket tour to Australia dates: Cricket Association of Australia has announced the dates for India's tour to Australia that will consist of 4 Tests, ODIs as well as T20 International. Indian team will be facing first T20 series in October 11 at Brisbane followed by matches on October 14 and 17. In December 4-test series will be held at Brisbane followed by 3 ODI match series beginning from January 12, 2021. Indian women's team will also travel to Australia for an ODI series in January.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Moody’s Investors Service downgrades India’s sovereign rating to ‘Baa3’:  The sovereign rating of India has been downgraded by the Moody’s Investors Service from “Baa2” to “Baa3” citing the challenges faced by India in implementing the policies in order to reduce the risks of a sustained period of low growth and deteriorating fiscal position. “Baa3” is the lowest investment grade that is just a notch above the junk status. It has also expected contraction by 4% in the India’s real GDP in fiscal 2021, due to the shock from the coronavirus pandemic as well as the related lockdown measures taken by India to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The rating is in line with Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Fitch. The negative outlook reflects dominant, mutually-reinforcing factors. It has been downgraded for the 1st time in 22 years.

2. Public sector banks sanction loans worth over RS 10,361 cr under ECLGS: Public sector banks have sanctioned loans worth over 10,361crore rupees under the 100 percent Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme. As per the Finance Ministry, out of this, over 3,892 crore rupees have already been disbursed. These loans are sanctioned under Aatmnirbhar Bharat package.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Infosys partners up with Avaloq for digital wealth management services: Infosys announced a strategic partnership with Zurich-based software company Avaloq o provide end-to-end (e2e) wealth management capabilities through digital platforms. The Indian tech major has partnered up with the Switzerland-based wealth management software and digital technology provider to “create a one-stop-shop” for its wealth management clients. The partnership is meant to offer e2e products and services as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), private cloud or public cloud across the globe to its clients.

OBITUARIES

1. International Archery coach Jayantilal Nanoma passes away: Former International Archer turned coach Jayantilal Nanoma (34 years) passes away in a road accident in Rajasthan. He won the medal in Asian Cup and Asian Grand Prix in 2010. He was the recipient of prestigious Maharana Pratap State Sports Award. He was presently serving as a coach at the District Sports Officer in Dungarpur and had worked in various overseas competitions. He is known for generating national and international archers from Rajasthan.

2. Former Union Minister & social worker P Namgyal passes away: Former Union Minister and three-time Congress MP from Ladakh, P Namgyal passes away. He has served as the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Surface Transport and Chemicals and Petro chemicals. He was the member of the then Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council from 1960-73 and then from 1974-80, and later served as the union deputy minister in the Central Government between 1988-89. 

Daily GK Updates - 2nd June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM launches technology-based solution CHAMPIONS to empower MSMEs: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched technology-based solution named as CHAMPIONS for MSME sector, in New Delhi. The platform CHAMPIONS which stands for ‘Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength’ is aimed to provide one stop solution to all the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the country. It will solve grievances of smaller units along with encouraging, supporting, and handholding them in becoming champions. CHAMPIONS platform will also help businesses to expand their horizons by opening up bigger avenues to them. It will boost potential enterprises with the help of latest communication tools including telephone, internet and video conferencing. It has ICT tools, AI, Data Analytics and Machine Learning.

2. Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) campaign launched for dairy farmers: The government has launched the Kisan Credit Cards campaign to benefit dairy farmers. Under the special drive, Kisan Credit Cards will be provided to 1.5 crore dairy farmers belonging to Milk Unions and Milk producing Companies within the next two months between June 1-July 31, 2020. It is a part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat package. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in association with the Department of Financial Services have already circulated relevant circulars and KCC application format to all the State Milk Federation and Milk Unions to implement the same on a mission mode. In the 1st phase, all farmers without KCC will be the target. Farmers with KCC can enhance KCC credit limit.

3. Centre approves 812 crore rupees for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Odisha: Centre has approved 812 crore rupees for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Odisha during 2020-21. Out of 81 lakh rural households in Odisha, State Government has planned to provide over 16 lakh household connections in 2020-21. Also, the state is planning 100 per cent household tap connections by the year 2024. Priority is being given for 100 per cent coverage of villages under water-scarce areas, quality-affected areas, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna villages, villages in Aspirational Districts and SC/ST dominated habitations. Jal Jeevan Mission encourages participation of local community in surveillance of water quality.

4. Centre announces ‘Mudra Shishu loan’ for small businesses and cottage industries: The centre has announced the launch of ‘Mudra Shishu loan’ to benefit small businesses and cottage industries. Under the scheme, one lakh beneficiaries can avail an interest benefit of 2 percent for a year. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the ‘Mudra Shishu loan’ while announcing the second tranche of the centre’s 20 lakh crore package to revive the Indian economy amid COVID-19 pandemic. All small businesses impacted by coronavirus will get 2 percent interest subvention on loans up to Rs 50,000 secured under the Mudra Shishu Loan.

5. Pradip Kumar Tripathi took charges of Secretary in Ministry of Steel: Senior IAS officer (1987 batch, Jammu and Kashmir (JK) cadre) ) Pradip Kumar Tripathi took over the charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Steel. Mr. Tripathi succeeds Binoy Kumar, who superannuated on May 31, 2020. Prior to this, Mr. Tripathi had been posted as Special Secretary and Establishment Officer in Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT)

Note: Union Minister of Steel: Dharmendra Pradhan.

6. R K Chaturvedi took charge as Chemical and Petrochemical Secretary: R K Chaturvedi has been appointed as the Secretary in Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt. of India. He will be succeeding P Raghavendra Rao. Prior to this, he was serving as an Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor in the Ministry of Culture. He has also worked as Chairman of CBSE and as Director General in the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA).

7. Centre approves 175 crore rupees for implementation of Jal jeevan mission in Meghalaya: Centre has approved 175 crore rupees for implementation of Jal jeevan mission in Meghalaya during 2020-21. Jal Jeevan Mission was launched by Union Government last year aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connection to every rural household by 2024.

8. India Observatory launches GIS-enabled dashboard, CoAST India: India Observatory has come up with a Geographic Information System (GIS)-enabled dashboard called Collaboration/Covid Action Support Group (CoAST India) to monitor the movements of migrants. The dashboard has been made in collaboration with Foundation for Ecological Security (FES). The CoAST India dashboard includes an India map, which will show the movement of migrants in real time, often on foot.

9. IMD Reports ‘Cyclone Nisarga’ over Arabian Sea: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the cyclonic storm Nisarga has turned into a depression in the Arabian Sea. The storm is expected to hit Maharashtra and Gujarat on June 3. This cyclonic storm could be the first tropical cyclone in 129 years to hit Maharashtra in the month of June.

Note: Director-General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department: Mrutyunjay Mohapatra; India Meteorological Department Headquarters: New Delhi.

10. Telangana Formation Day observed on 2nd June: Telangana government celebrates 2nd June as the “Telangana Formation Day” every year. The idea to formed the state was coined in the year 2013 in both the Parliaments under the Prime Ministership of Manmohan Singh. Finally, it was on 2nd June 2014 when Telangana was inaugurated as a separate State by Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014 and Sri K Chandrashekhar Rao became its first Chief Minister. It is the youngest state of India.

Note: Capital: Hyderabad; Chief Minister: K. Chandrashekar Rao; Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft landed at International Space Station: SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft along with two NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley successfully docked with the International Space Station. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 with Crew Dragon capsule – Endeavour launched from Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida. The spacecraft has marked the dawn of a new age in commercial space travel after traveling 19 hours. With this, SpaceX became the 1st private company to launch people into orbit. US, Russia and China are the only countries which had made this significant move earlier.

Note: The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Jim Bridenstine; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States.

SpaceX founder & CEO: Elon Musk; SpaceX president & COO: Gwynne Shotwell; SpaceX Founded: 2002; SpaceX Headquarters: Hawthorne, California, United States of America.

2. India ranks 23rd in StartupBlink's Ecosystem Ranking Report: According to the global innovation mapping and research company StartupBlink, which gathers local data of every country to rank their startup ecosystem based on the quality of startups, business environment coupled with the quantity, India has moved down from 17th position in 2019 to 23rd this year out of 100 countries. The third-largest ecosystem- India, in terms of number of technology startups, has been ranked even behind emerging ecosystems such as Estonia, Lithuania, Brazil, Denmark etc. The ranking has been led by the US, the UK, and Israel while China has improved its rank by 13 spots to 14th position this year and Japan stood at 21st spot.

Moreover, among the top 100 startup cities, only four India cities were captured. Bengaluru (down by three ranks to 14th position), New Delhi (up by three spots to 15th position), Mumbai (improved by seven spots to 22nd position), and Hyderabad (falling 21 ranks to disappointing 96th position). Last year, seven cities were ranked in the top 100 list versus four this year.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Kiren Rijiju inaugurates “Khelo India e-Pathshala” programme: Khelo India e-Pathshala programme has been inaugurated by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Kiren Rijiju. The programme has been launched by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in collaboration with National Sporting Federations (NSF). It is India’s first ever National-level open online coaching and education programme for the grassroot level athletes across India. The webinar featured participation of young archers, archery coaches and experts from across the nation. Eminent athletes and coaches will teach modules to improve the technical skills of athletes across India.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Public Sector Banks sanction collateral free loans worth 3,200 crore rupees in a single day under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Public Sector Banks have sanctioned collateral free loans worth three thousand 200 crore rupees in a single day under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed that largely the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) located in over three thousand TIER-2 towns were covered on the first day of sanctions of the collateral free loans. The amount sanctioned will help the MSMEs to meet the expenses towards payment of salaries, rent and restocking of goods Under this scheme, MSME and borrowers from other stressed sectors with up to 25 crore rupees of total borrowing were allowed to avail an additional 20 per cent of the outstanding loan from banks and other financial institutions.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. ISED launches business clinic for MSMEs in Kerala: Institute of Small Enterprises and Development (ISED) has rolled out a unique platform for extending advisory services to Covid19-affected MSMEs in Kerala which is ranked 31 in terms of the number of self-employed, and second in relation to the size of casual labour. The initiative is aimed at offering free guidance to entrepreneurs to make self-evaluation for improving their performance. ISED Centre for Financial Education and Research, a division of the ISED, has opened a dedicated window to address issues related to MSMEs, with specific focus on Covid. ISED Finance Clinic for Small Enterprises (ISED-FCSE) will service the interests of MSMEs, entrepreneurial aspirants such as return migrants, start-ups, educated unemployed, and women entrepreneurs.Kerala

2. Fiscal deficit for 2019-20 at 4.6% in 2019-2020: India’s fiscal deficit widened to 4.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) for the previous fiscal, overshooting the government’s revised target of 3.8%, official data released showed. The fiscal deficit for April reached 35.1% of the FY21 target of Rs 7.96 lakh crore due to lower revenue, which was hit hard as economic activity stalled after the lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19. The government’s net tax revenue stood at Rs 21,412 crore in April revealing a massive 70% decline as against Rs 71,637 crore in April last year. The fiscal deficit, or the gap between the government’s revenue and expenditure, came in at Rs 9.35 lakh crore in March, which was 22% higher than the targeted Rs 7.66 lakh crore.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Olympic Sprint Champion Bobby Morrow Passes Away: Former Olympic American sprinter Bobby Joe Morrow (84 years) passes away. He was known as ‘The San Benito Bullet’. He won three athletics gold medals for 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. He was the first man after American Jesse Owens (1936) to win sprint treble. Carl Lewis (1984) and Usain Bolt (2012 and 2016) are other who won the three sprint titles at the same Games. He was named as the “Sportsman of the Year” in 1956.

2. Former BJP member K. N. Lakshmanan passes away: Former Tamil Nadu BJP president and ex-MLA K.N. Lakshmanan (90 years) passes away. He started his career with RSS in 1944 and started Jana Sangh unit in Salem in 1957 along with the support of nine others. He joined the BJP since its foundation. He was appointed as BJP Tamil Nadu president in 1984 to 1989 and 1996 to 2000. In 2001, he won from Mylapore Assembly constituency. He was a member of the BJP’s national council since 2006. Origin: Salem, Tamil Nadu.

Daily GK Updates - 1st June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Ravi Shankar Prasad launches India’s National AI Portal www.ai.gov.in: The Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Law and Justice and Communications Ravi Shankar Prasad launched India’s national Artificial Intelligence Portal called www.ai.gov.in, on 30 May 2020, to mark the the first anniversary of the second tenure of the government. The portal has been jointly developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and IT Industry. It will be jointly run by National e-Governance Division of Ministry of Electronics and IT and NASSCOM from the IT industry. The AI portal shall work as a one stop digital platform for all AI related developments in India like sharing of resources such as articles, startups, investment funds in AI, resources, companies and educational institutions related to AI in India, among other things. The minister also launched a National Program for the youth, “Responsible AI for Youth”, to give the young students of our country a platform and empower them with appropriate new age tech mind-set, relevant AI skill-sets and access to required AI tool-sets to make them digitally ready for the future..

2. Gujarat is the first state to complete the migration of workers to their home state through Shramik Special trains: Gujarat is the first state to complete the migration of workers to their home state through Shramik Special trains. According to sources, it is the only state which had run more than 1,000 shramik special trains for sending 15 lakh 18 thousand migrant workers to their home state. According to Additional Chief Secretary of State Labor and Employment department Vipul Mitra, this was the biggest planned migration by any state in Independent India. From more than 40 trains earlier this week, the last 7 Shramik Special Trains departed from different stations of Gujarat. Maximum 8 lakh 20 thousand workers migrated to Uttar Pradesh followed by 3 lakh 50 thousand workers to Bihar and 1 lakh 31 thousand workers to Odisha.

Note: Gujarat Capital: Gandhinagar; Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani; Governor: Acharya Devvrat

3. Meghalaya plans to provide tap connection to all rural households by December, 2022: Meghalaya on 1st June presented the Annual Action Plan to achieve 100% household tap connections to National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti for approval. Meghalaya proposed 100% tap connections to all the households by December, 2022. Out of 5.89 lakh total rural households, the State is planning to provide 1.80 lakh tap connections in 2020-21. It was appreciatively noted that Meghalaya is planning to cover 1096 villages with 100% tap connection in 2020-21.

Note: Meghalaya Capital: Shillong; Governor: Tathagata Roy; Chief Minister: Conrad Sangma

4. Lt General Manoj Pande took charges as 15th CINCAN: Lt General Manoj Pande will take charges as the 15th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) succeeding Podali Shankar Rajeshwar. Prior to this, he was Director General at Army Headquarters. During his 37 years of distinguished service, he has taken part in Operation Vijay and Parakram. He was honoured with Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in 2020 and appointed as an Honorary Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India in November 2019.

5. Ravinder Singh Dhillon appointed as CMD of PFC: State-run Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has appointed Ravinder Singh Dhillon as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the company.  He will succeed incumbent CMD Rajeev Sharma, who is attaining superannuation on May 31, 2020. Dhillon’s appointment will be with effect from 01 June 2020, till the date of his superannuation (May 31, 2023) or until further orders. He is presently serving as Director (Projects) in the PFC and has more than 35 years of experience in various areas of the power sector.

Note: PFC Headquarter: New Delhi

6. UP govt signs MoU with industry associations boosting employment: MSME department of state signed MOUs with Industries and Business Chambers for providing 9.5 lakhs skilled and semi-skilled manpower. It will boost MSME sector along with providing employment to the migrant workers. Under the MoU, Indian Industries Association has asked for 5 lakh workers, National real estate Development Council asked for 2.5 lakh and CII has asked for 2 lakh workers. The moto behind this: Har Hath Ho kam, Har Ghar Mein Rojgar with special software.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UK to create 5G club of 10 democracies: British government has approached US with the prospect of creating ‘5G club of 10 democracies’, including India due to the growing security concerns related to Chinese telecom giant Huawei. The club will be named 'D10' and will include G7 countries: UK, US, Italy, Germany, France, Japan, and Canada along with Australia, South Korea, and India. It is framed to create alternative suppliers of 5G equipment and other technologies to avoid relying on China.

2. Global Day of Parents: 1st June: The United Nations has proclaimed to observe June 1 ever year as the Global Day of Parents to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship. The theme for Global Day of Parents 2020 is “Appreciate all parents throughout the world”. The day was designated by the General Assembly in 2012 to honour all the parents throughout the world.

3. World Milk Day: 1st June: World Milk Day is observed on June 1 each year since 2001 to recognize the importance of milk as a global food and provide an opportunity to bring attention to activities that are connected with the dairy sector. The international day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This year, the day was celebrated with a “Enjoy Dairy Rally” that commenced on 29th May 2020 and culminated with World Milk Day i.e. on 01st June 2020. The theme of 2020 is ’20th Anniversary of World Milk Day’ to mark the 20th anniversary of the day.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Virat Kohli only cricketer in Forbes’ 2020 list of world’s highest paid athletes: India skipper Virat Kohli is the only cricketer to feature in Forbes’ list of the top 100 highest paid athletes in the world for the year 2020. Kohli is ranked at number 66 with estimated earnings of $26 million. Swiss tennis great, Roger Federer has topped the list of world’s highest-paid athlete for 2020 with an estimated $106.3 million. Soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo ($105 million), Lionel Messi ($104 million) and Neymar ($95.5 million) and NBA’s LeBron James complete the top 5 positions in the list. The factors used by Forbes’ for calculation were athletes’ revenue, including prize money, salaries, contract bonuses, endorsements, royalties, and appearance fees from June 1, 2019, until June 1, 2020. The 2020 list included athletes from 21 countries and 10 sports.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Mohandas Pai to chair IBBI Advisory Committee on Service Providers: Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has constituted its advisory committee on service providers under T V Mohandas Pai (Manipal Global Education Services chairman). The 12-member panel would advise and provide professional support on regulation and development of the service providers dealt with by the IBBI, according to an order. The service providers include insolvency professionals, insolvency professional’s agencies, insolvency professional entities and information utilities.

Note: IBBI is an Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code implementation institution.

IBBI Headquarter: New Delhi

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Singapore top FDI source for India in FY20 with $14.67 bn in investments: Singapore was the top source of foreign direct investment into India for the second consecutive financial year, accounting for about 30 per cent of FDI inflows in 2019-20. According to the data of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), In the last financial year, India attracted $14.67 billion in FDI from Singapore, whereas it was $8.24 billion from Mauritius.  FDI in India rose by 13 per cent – the sharpest pace in the last four fiscals – to a record $49.97 billion in 2019-20.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Rajasthan BJP Chief Bhanwar Lal Sharma Passes Away: A veteran politician and former Rajasthan President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Bhanwar Lal Sharma passed away in Jaipur. He was 95-years-old. Bhanwar Lal Sharma became a municipal council chairman in 1961 and an MLA for the first time in1977 from the Hawamahel constituency. In 1978, he became a minister in the state government for the first time and held portfolios such as higher education, housing and sports among others. He also held the post of a minister again in 1990. He was an MLA from 1980 to 1990 and became the BJP President for the state of Rajasthan for the first time in 1986. Bhanwar Lal Sharma was re-elected to the post for the second time in 1989 and for the third time in 2000.

Daily GK Updates - 31st May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Ravi Shankar Prasad launches program “Responsible AI for Youth”: National Program for the youth titled “Responsible AI for Youth” has been launched by the Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Communications and Law & Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad to empower the youth of India with appropriate new age tech mind-set, hence making them digitally ready for the future. The program has been rolled out by National e-Governance Division, Ministry of Electronics & IT in collaboration with Intel India, along with the support from Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Human Resource Development.

2. Carat India appoints Anita Kotwani as its Chief Executive Officer:  Anita Kotwani has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Carat India, a media agency owned by Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN). Prior to this, she was serving as the senior vice president, new business, and client lead, for The Walt Disney business at Mindshare India. Taking over as CEO of the media agency, she will work towards Carat India’s strategic progress and business growth nationally. She will also help the media agency to deliver enhanced integrated solutions to clients by focusing on developing and leading significant tools as well as capabilities within the agency.

3. Arun Singhal Appointed CEO of Food Regulator FSSAI: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of senior bureaucrat Arun Singhal as Chief Executive Officer of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He is currently serving as the special secretary to the department of health and family welfare. He will succeed GSG Ayyangar. The FSSAI comes under the purview of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It is responsible for setting up standards for the food industry and regulates the manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and import of foods.

Note: FSSAI Headquarter: New Delhi

4. PR Jaishankar Appointed as the MD of state-owned IIFCL: The appointments committee of the cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the appointment of PR Jaishankar as the Managing Director of India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd. (IIFCL). He will be assuming the office for tenure of 3 years. Prior to this, Jaishankar served as the executive director of the National Housing Bank (NHB). Some other appointmnets include: Vasantharao Satya Venkata has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director (DMD) for Small Industries Development Bank of India. Harsha Bangari has been appointed as DMD of Exim Bank. Sunil Kumar Bansal has been appointed as DMD of IFCI Ltd.

Note: IIFCL is a wholly owned Government of India company that was set up in 2006 to provide long term finance to viable infrastructure projects.

IIFCL HQ: New Delhi

5. Prime Minister Modi announces “My Life My Yoga” Video Blogging contest in Man Ki Baat: Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has called upon each and every individual at national and international level to participate in the “My Life, My Yoga”(also called “Jeevan Yoga”) Video Blogging Contest, while addressing his monthly Mann Ki Baat program on 31 May 2020. This contest is a joint effort by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Through the My Life-My Yoga video blogging competition, government seek to raise awareness about Yoga and to inspire people to prepare for and become active participants in the observation of IDY 2020. Due to the contagious nature of COVID-19, no mass gathering is allowed for IDY 2020, hence, this year the Ministry is encouraging the people to practice Yoga at their homes, with participation from the entire family. To enter into the contest the participants (from any country) are required to upload a 3 minutes duration video of 3 Yogic practices (kriya, asana, pranayama, bandha or mudra), including a short video message on how the said Yogic practices influenced their life. The video may be uploaded on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the contest hashtag #MyLifeMyYogaINDIA and appropriate category hashtag. Winners will be given cash prizes.

6. NCS ties up with TCS iON for free online skill training: National Career Service (NCS) has ties up with TCS iON to provide free-of-cost online skill training to registered job seekers. The training will be available in Hindi and English on the NCS portal. This course assists the learners in enhancing personality development with modules on corporate etiquette, improving interpersonal skills. National Career Service (NCS) is a labour and employment ministry project.

7. MoPPGP launches DARPG e-booklet: Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh has launched the e-booklet on DARPG achievements on the completion of 1 year of Modi Government 2nd term through videoconferencing. DARPG has provided immense impetus to e-Governance in India by implementation of e-Office and conduct of 22nd and 23rd National e-Governance Conferences. It has made significant reforms in handling Public Grievances by pursuing CPGRAMS reforms.

8. ‘One Sun One World One Grid’: India initiates talks on West to SE Asia solar grid: India has come up with a ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ (OSOWOG) initiative to set up a framework for facilitating global cooperation in this regard aiming at building a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources that can be seamlessly shared. It may also leverage the International Solar Alliance that has 67 countries as members. “The Sun Never Sets" is its vision. The Union Ministry of New and Renewable energy (MNRE), through this initiative, plans to build global consensus about sharing solar resources among more than 140 countries of West Asia and South East Asia.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. WHO along with 37 countries launch tool ‘C-TAP’ for common ownership of vaccines for Covid-19: The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an international project named ‘COVID-19 Technology Access Pool’ (C-TAP) on May 30, 2020. Till now 37 countries have joined this initiative of WHO, which calls for common ownership of vaccines, medicines and other diagnostic tools for COVID-19 treatment since patent right laws can act as a barrier to the sharing of crucial supplies. C-TAP aims to accelerate the development of vaccines and medicines through the sharing of research and information and to increase manufacturing capacity for any products that are developed. WHO has also issued a ‘Solidarity Call to Action’ urging other stakeholders of the UN health agency to join the cause.

2. Google launch a new app ‘Sodar’ that will help you maintain social distance: Google is trying to do its bit in helping people maintain their social distance. The tech giant has launched a new app that will help people maintain distance in real life using augmented reality. The app called ‘Sodar’, will create a visual boundary using the user’s smartphone camera and constantly show who’s breaching that distance.

Note: Google CEO: Sundar Pichai; Founded: 4 September 1998; Headquarters:  California, United States; Founders: Larry Page, Sergey Brin

3. World No Tobacco Day: 31st May:  World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates World No Tobacco Day every year on 31st May to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic including the preventable death and disease it causes. The World Health Organization is celebrating the World No Tobacco Day every year since 1987 on 31st May. This year, the celebration of day will aware the public on the risks of using tobacco, the business practices used by the tobacco companies to attract youth, the efforts made by WHO to fight the tobacco epidemic, and how people around the world can claim their right to health and healthy living in order to protect future generations. Theme 2020: 'Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use'.

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

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Yes Bank acquires 24.19% stake in Dish TV via pledged shares: Private sector lender YES Bank has acquired 24.19 percent stake in Dish TV India Ltd, making it the second-largest shareholder in the direct-to-home (DTH) company. Yes Bank Ltd has acquired the stakes by invoking pledges against 44.53 equity shares kept as collateral with the private lender for a loan. This is the fifth instance in the past one year that Yes Bank has acquired majority stake in a non-banking businesses simply due to invocation of pledge against shares of a company that had availed loans from the bank and later failed to repay the dues.

2. NABARD sanctions Rs 1,050 crore credit support to West Bengal: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned credit of Rs 1,050 crore in the current fiscal so far to West Bengal for benefit of farmers and poor people in rural areas. The credit support under special liquidity facility (SLF) will be extended to state cooperative banks, regional rural banks and micro-finance institutions (MFIs). The NABARD has already disbursed an amount of Rs 720 crore to state coperative and regional rural banks.

Note: NABARD Founded: 12 July 1982; Headquarters: Mumbai; Chairman: G.R. Chintala

OBITUARIES

1. Music director-singer Wajid Khan passes away: Bollywood music composer and Singer Wajid Khan (42 years) passes away He was renowned for his partnership with his brother Sajid and the duo was known as “Sajid-Wajid” who made their Bollywood debut in 1998 with movie Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya and went on to work in various films such as Garv, Tere Naam, Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, Partner and various others. Wajid Khan also mentored the participants of singing reality shows “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012” and “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar”.