Daily GK Updates - 8th June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. WCD Ministry sets up task force under Jaya Jaitly to examine maternal mortality rate, women’s health among others: The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has constituted a task force to examine matters related to the age of motherhood, imperatives of lowering Maternal Mortality Rate and improvement of nutritional levels. It will also check correlation of marriage age and motherhood with health, medical wellbeing and nutritional status of mother and child, during pregnancy & birth. It will suggest measure for women’s higher education. The 10 member task force will be headed by Jaya Jaitly and is tasked to submit the report by 31st July 2020. The task force will be provided secretarial assistance by the Niti Aayog.

Note: Union Minister for Women and Child Development: Smriti Zubin Irani.

2. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches “COVID BEEP” App For Coronavirus Patients: The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched COVID BEEP, India’s first indigenous, cost effective, wireless physiological parameters monitoring system for the COVID-19 affected patients. COVID BEEP stands for Continuous Oxygenation & Vital Information Detection Biomed ECIL ESIC Pod. It has been developed by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College Hyderabad in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and Department Of Atomic Energy. The COVID BEEP has incorporated NIBP (non-invasive blood pressure) monitoring, ECG (electrocardiogram) monitoring and the respiratory rate. COVID BEEP will greatly reduce the transmission risk as well as help save resources like personal protective equipment (PPEs).

3. ISRO & ARIES signs MoU for cooperation in SSA & Astrophysics: Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has signed an agreement with Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) for cooperation in the field of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Astrophysics. The main objective of the MoU is to shield the Indian Space assets from the space debris’s conjunction threats and R&D of Astrophysics, solar sciences and space environment are the base for future space exploration projects and the key to progress in the Indian Space sector. It will help in tracking, analysis, and space weather studies. The MoU will pave way for future establishment of optical telescope observational facilities.

Note: ISRO Director: K. Sivan, Headquarters: Bengaluru; Established: 1969.

The ARIES was established on 20th April 1954; ARIES located: Nainital, Uttarakhand.

4. ARCI develops Magnetocaloric material for cancer treatment: The scientists at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) has developed Magnetocaloric material, a rare-earth-based material that can be effectively used for cancer treatment. In this material, the application and removal of a magnetic field causes the materials to become warmer or cooler and hence, it provides controlled heating. It will also reduce the treatment time of cancer tumours.

5. UVC-based disinfection cabinet developed by ARCI & Mekins: A UVC-based Cabinet has been co-developed by the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) and the MEKINS Industries. The device will disinfect non-critical hospital items, laboratory wear, and PPEs in order to prevent surface contamination of COVID 19. It will also have the capability to disinfect items that have been exhibited to customers in commercial establishments and several domestic items.

6. CSIR NCL develop indigenous nasopharyngeal swabs: CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune has developed an indigenous NP swab for collecting samples from the throat cavity of COVID-19. It is a medical device with stringent specifications of quality, polymer grade, dimensions and sterilization. It has cylindrical plastic stick with a brush-like tip of synthetic bristles/flocks that will help in easy and accurate testing. NCL has transferred the research to Mumbai-based chemical company for mass production.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. G20 group pledges over $21 billion to fight Covid-19 pandemic: Member countries of the Group of 20 (G20) has pledged more than $21 billion to fight COVID-19 pandemic. The group has coordinated the global efforts by pledging more than $21 billion to improve the global health and hence supporting the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. G20 leaders also appealed to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to facilitate their support to countries in need using all instruments to the fullest extent.

Note: The members of the G20 group are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union (EU).

2. Monika Kapil Mohta appointed as Indian Ambassador to Switzerland: Monika Kapil Mohta (IFS officer 1985 batch) has been appointed as the Ambassador of India to Switzerland. She is currently serving as the Ambassador of India to Sweden. She will replace Sibi George, the new Ambassador of India to Kuwait. She had worked as an Ambassador to Poland and Lithuania and as a director to Nehru Centre (Culture) at the high commission of U.K.

Switzerland’s Adm capital: Bern; Currency: Swiss franc; President: Simonetta Sommaruga

3. Rahul Shrivastava appointed India’s next Ambassador to Romania: Rahul Shrivastava has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Romania. He is presently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. He is an IFS officer of 1999 batch. He will replace Thanglura Darlong as the next Ambassador of India to Romania.

Note: Capital of Romania: Bucharest; President of Romania: Klaus Iohannis; Prime Minister of Romania: Ludovic Orban; Currency: Romanian leu

4. Salon owner’s daughter in Tamil Nadu, M Nethra, appointed UNADAP Goodwill Ambassador to Poor: M. Nethra, a 13-year-old girl and daughter of salon owner in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai has been appointed as a ”Goodwill Ambassador to the Poor” for United Nations Association for Development And Peace (UNADAP). Nethra convinced her father C. Mohan to spend his savings of Rs 5 lakh on the hapless migrant labourers and donate essential items to the poor who are hit hard by the Coronavirus-induced lockdown. The money had been saved for Nethra’s education and to pursue her goal of entering the civil service. Nethra will now be given the opportunity to speak at the United Nations (UN) conferences in New York and in Geneva addressing Civil Society forums and conferences, encouraging them to reach out to the poorest of the poor. Apart from this, Nethra has also been awarded the agency’s ‘DIXON Scholarship’ worth Rs 1 lakh.

5. World Oceans Day: 8th June: World Oceans Day is marked annually on the 8 June to celebrate the role of the oceans in our everyday life and inspiring action to protect the ocean and sustainably use marine resources. The theme of UN World Oceans Day 2020 is “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean.” World Oceans Day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2008. The concept was originally proposed in 1992 by Canada’s International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada (OIC) at the Earth Summit – UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

6. World Brain Tumor Day: 8th June: World Tumor Day is observed on June 8 every year to spread awareness about this deadly disease, ensure its early diagnosis, as well as as pay tribute to brain tumor patients and their families. The day was first initiated by the German Brain Tumor Association (GBTA) in 2000.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Fit India to launch special films promoting indigenous sports of India: Fit India along with Dept of School Education and Literacy is launching series of special films promoting 10 indigenous Indian sports. The 10 episodes series will be launched under the Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat initiative for school-going children. It is aimed at spreading awareness of indigenous game, culture and heritage of native states. It will include Kho-kho, Gatka, Kalaripayttu, Mallakhamb, Thang-Ta, Sqay, Kabaddi, Roll Ball, Tug of War and Shooting Ball.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. NABARD Extends Rs 270 crore to Assam Gramin Vikash Bank: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has extended a Special Liquidity Facility (SLF) of Rs 270 crore to Assam Gramin Vikash Bank for supporting the agricultural activities of the farmers in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This line of credit would enable the farmers in enhancing their crop production and hence this amount would prove to be a boon to the agriculture credit of the state at this difficult hour. This amount has been disbursed by NABARD from the Rs 25,000 crore fund announced by the institution for providing liquidity support to Cooperative Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) during 2020-21 with a view to ensuring continued flow of credit to farmers to carry out their agricultural operations smoothly even during COVID-19 pandemic period.

Note: Chairman of National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development: G R Chintala.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Kushal Pal Singh retires as DLF’s Chairman: Kushal Pal Singh retired as the Chairman of property firm Delhi Land & Finance Limited (DLF). Rajiv Singh, who was serving as the vice chairman of DLF has been appointed as the new chairman of DLF. Kushal Pal Singh will serve as non-executive role of Chairman Emeritus. He joined DLF in 1961 and took over charges as the chairman of DLF in 1995. DLF expanded beyond Gurugram, building apartments, shopping malls, and hotels under his leadership.

2. Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala to buy 1.85% stake in Reliance Jio platforms for Rs 9093.6 cr: Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company will buy 1.85 per cent stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 9,093.6 crore. With this investment, Jio Platforms has raised Rs 87,655.35 crore from leading global technology and growth investors, including Facebook, Silver Lake, Vista Equity Partners, General Atlantic, KKR and Mubadala.

3. Silver Lake to buy additional $600 million stake in India’s Reliance Jio Platforms: The investment by Silver Lake was announced later in the day, and came exactly a month after it had bought a 1.15% stake early May for Rs 5,655.75 crore. The latest round takes the investment by Silver Lake and its coinvestors to Rs 10,202.55 crore for a 2.08% stake.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. The Hindu group bags INMA Global Media Awards 2020: International News Media Association (INMA) has awarded The Hindu Group at the Global Media Awards 2020. There were 16 categories with Group 1(regional/local brands) and Group 2 (global/national brands). The Hindu secured first place for ‘Cadbury Sweet Kondattam’ for Client Mondelez India for ‘Best Idea to Acquire or Retain Advertising Clients’ in Group 2. It also secured 2nd place for ‘Stay home Stay vigilant’ campaign for ‘Best Initiative in Response to COVID-19’.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Footballer Hamza Koya passes away: Former National Football Champion Hamza Koya (61 years) passes away due to COVID-19 at a hospital in Malappuram, Kerala. He started his football his career with Western Railway and went on to play Mumbai clubs like Union Bank, RCF, Tata Sports and Orkay Mills. He had represented Maharashtra in the 1980 Santosh Trophy and had been called up for the National Team camps on 2 occasions. Native: Parappanangadi, Kerala.

2. Kannada actor Chiranjeevi Sarja passes away:  Kannada actor Chirranjeevi Sarja passed away in Bengaluru following a heart attack. He was 39. Chirranjeevi Sarja is the brother of actor Dhruva Sarja and nephew of actor Arjun Sarja. Chirranjeevi was launched by Arjun who bankrolled the former’s debut movie Vayuputra, the remake of Tamil film Sandakozhi, in 2009. And in a career spanning about ten years, he acted in more than 20 movies. He has featured in films such as Samhaara, Aadyaa, Khaki, Sinnga, Amma I Love You, Prema Baraha, Dandam Dashagunam and Varadhanayaka among others. 

Daily GK Updates - 7th June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Government Approves Historic Amendment to Essential Commodities Act to give boost to Rural India: The Union cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken three historic decisions in the field of agriculture to benefit farmers and transform the agriculture sector.

Amendment to the Essential Commodities Act (ECA) 1955: Cabinet has approved amending the over six-decade old Essential Commodities Act (ECA). Under the historic amendment, commodities like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion and potatoes will be removed from list of essential commodities.

 ‘The Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020’: The Ordinance will create an ecosystem where the farmers and traders will enjoy freedom of choice of sale and purchase of agri-produce. It will also promote barrier-free inter-state and intra-state trade and commerce outside the physical premises of markets notified under State Agricultural Produce Marketing legislations.

‘The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020’: The ordinance will empower farmers for engaging with processors, wholesalers, aggregators, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters etc. It will transfer the risk of market unpredictability from the farmer to the sponsor. Farmer will get access to modern technology and better inputs.

2. DRDO develops device SUMERU-PACS to keep PPE wearers comfortable, without sweating: The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a device dubbed as SUMERU-PACS, which will helps wearers of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to feel comfortable without sweating. On the basis of the feedback received from doctors and medical staff, the PPE wearers feel uncomfortable after wearing PPE for more than 30 to 45 minutes and start sweating which makes the situation worse. SUMERU-PACS is a personal air circulation system which can be used inside the PPE cover as a small backpack of approximately 500 grams weight. It works well at an ambient temperature of 39 degrees Celsius and keeps wearer comfortable and cool without sweating, as the system draws the outside air with the help of a filter and the moist air goes out from the front face opening thereby, cooling neck and head area. The device is suitable for doctors and other medical staff who wear PPE cover all six hours in the hospitals.

3. EESL Partners with USAID for “Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings” Initiative: The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under Ministry of Power, has partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) MAITREE program to launch the “Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings” initiative that will pioneer ways to make workplaces healthier and greener. The Market Integration and Transformation Program for Energy Efficiency (MAITREE) is a part of the US-India bilateral Partnership between the Ministry of Power and USAID to accelerate the adoption of cost-effective energy efficiency as a standard practice within buildings, and specifically focuses on cooling. As part of this pilot, “Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings” Initiative, EESL has taken the leadership by being the first to implement this framework in its own offices.

4. Nitin Gadkari launches UNDP national awareness campaign on ‘Prevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Highways’: Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and MSME Shri Nitin Gadkari launched an national awareness campaign on ‘Prevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Highways’ via video conference on the occasion of World Environment Day. It is an awareness campaign with focus on imparting education to masses at large towards reducing or eliminating mortality on the roads of both human beings and animals. The campaign is a joint effort of the MoRTH and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). As per the data, India witnesses nearly five lakh road accidents every year, in which about 1.5 lakh lives are lost. Through this campaign, government aims to bring down these figures by 20-25 percent by 31st March 2021.

5. India Loses 750 Tigers in Last Eight Years; Madhya Pradesh Reports Maximum Casualties: NTCA Survey: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has shared the data related to details of tiger deaths during the eight year period between 2012 and 2019. According to the official data of NTCA, as many as 750 tigers died in the country in the last eight years due to poaching and other causes. Of these total tiger mortalities, 369 were due to natural causes, 168 due to poaching, 70 deaths are under scrutiny and 42 due to unnatural reasons, including accident or conflicts events and 101 seizures. The data showed that Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of 526 tigers in the country. However, Madhya Pradesh reported the highest tiger deaths during this eight year period at 173, of which, 38 were due to poaching, 94 natural deaths, 19 under scrutiny, six due to the unnatural causes and 16 seizures. Maharashtra has reported second highest casualties at 125 during this period followed by 111 in Karnataka. It is reported that the present tiger population in the country is estimated at 2967 (lower and upper limits being 2603 and 3346 respectively).

6. Unmanned Aircraft System Rules 2020 notified: Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules 2020. It will regulate production, import, trade, ownership, and operation of drones. Under the new rules, only authorised entities can sell drones. Flight permit must be taken online with log sharing. Nano-drones (250 grams) can be operated without a drone pilot license. Drone Insurance policy is made mandatory. Businesses operating drones should be owned and controlled by Indian nationals.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. United Kingdom hosts virtual Global Vaccine Summit 2020: PM Narendra Modi addresses virtual Global Vaccine Summit elaborating the vaccination need in the world. The Summit was hosted by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and attended by business leaders, UN Agencies, and others of 50 countries. India has pledged $15 Million to Gavi, an international vaccine alliance. It witnessed new era of global health cooperation with commitment to equitable immunisation and health security due to COVID-19.

Note: Gavi HQ-Geneva‎, Switzerland; Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance: Dr Seth Berkley.

2. 8 Indian Institutes Make It To Top 100 in THE Asia University Ranking 2020: Time Higher Education (THE) released its annual THE Asia University Rankings 2020, which lists 489 institutions from 30 countries and regions. 56 Indian institutes participated in the 2020 ranking, out of which 8 have made it to the top 100. Among the Indian institutes, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore is the best institute. Globally it has been placed at 36th rank. 6 IITs have also made place in top 100. List of eight Indian institutes in the list: Rank 36 – IISc Bangalore; Rank 47 – IIT-Ropar; Rank 55 – IIT-Indore; Rank 59 – IIT-Kharagpur; Rank 67 – IIT-Delhi; Rank 69 – IIT-Bombay; Rank 83 – IIT-Roorkee; Rank 92 – Institute of Chemical Technology

The universities are ranked by performance in five areas: teaching (learning environment); research (volume, income and reputation); citations (research influence); international outlook (staff, students and research); and industry income (knowledge transfer). Top 10 Global Universities in the list:

(1) Tsinghua University, China

(2) Peking University, China

(3) National University of Singapore, Singapore

(4) University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

(5) The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

3. Akshay Kumar lone Indian to feature on Forbes 2020 World’s 100 Highest-Paid Celebrities: Bollywood Actor Akshay Kumar is the only Indian to feature on Forbes 2020 list of World’s 100 Highest-Paid Celebrities. The 52-year-old superstar has been placed on 52nd spot with estimated $48.5 million earnings (approximately Rs 366 crore); he was on the 33rd spot in 2019 with earnings of $65 million. The 2020 Forbes 100 list is topped by model-entrepreneur Kylie Jenner with $590 million.

4. World Food Safety Day: 7th June: The World Food Safety day is celebrated every year on June 7 to remind people of the need to have safer and healthy food for disease-free life. Theme 2020: ‘Food Safety, Everyone’s Business’. The day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018 and the first World Food Safety Day (WFSD) was held on 7 June 2019 with the theme ‘The Future of Food Safety’. WFSD aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development.

Note: FAO HQ: Rome, Italy; WHO HQ: Geneva, Switzerland.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Adidas India ropes in former Miss World Manushi Chillar as brand ambassador: The Indian arm of German sports brand Adidas has appointed former Miss World Manushi Chillar as its new brand ambassador. Chillar will support #HOMETEAMHERO Challenge and lead Adidas’s mission to inspire more women to embrace fitness, while creating a positive social impact through the power of sport. Chillar joins the roster of Adidas ambassadors including Ranveer Singh, Rohit Sharma, Hima Das, and over 20 other top athletes.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. HDFC Bank launches ‘Summer Treats’ to meet post lockdown needs of customers: India’s largest private sector lender HDFC Bank has launched ‘Summer Treats’, to offers a range of products to help meet the changing needs of merchants as well as salaried and self-employed customers, due to COVID-19. As COVID-19 have changed consumer lifestyles and demands such as work from home and school from home, there have been an increased demand for phones, tablets, computers and related accessories. Similarly, demand for safe digital payments and private transport is also rising as well as the need for business finance has also increased. Summer Treats fulfills all such needs by providing a host of exciting offers. The key offers include:

(1) Exclusive discount for iPhone SE launch, no cost EMI and no down payment for large appliances,

(2) Discounts and cash back on select brands,

(3) 50% extra reward points on online spends using Credit Cards,

(4) Exclusive offers on the bank’s lending products and

(5) Extra rewards on online spends via Debit Card Credit Card or Payzapp

Summer Treats offers can be availed both digitally and through the bank’s extensive branch network.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. CCI approves merger of Peugeot S.A & Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.: The merger of Peugeot S.A (PSA) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) has been approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Peugeot S.A (PSA) is a publicly listed limited liability company incorporated in France. Headquartered in London, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) is a public company with limited liability with HQ at London and incorporated under Netherlands laws and is a global automotive group. PSA is an original equipment manufacturer and dealer of motor vehicles, passenger cars as well as light commercial vehicles.

Note: CCI Chairman: Ashok Kumar Gupta.

2. IIFL Finance Ropes in Rohit Sharma as its First-ever Brand Ambassador: India’s Non-Banking Finance Companies, India Infoline Finance Limited (IIFL) has signed up India’s leading batsman, Rohit Sharma as its first-ever brand ambassador. The company has launched 30-second message titled “Rohit Sharma Ki Seedhi Baat”, under its first-ever campaign #SeedhiBaat with Rohit Sharma, which is a public service message advising people on safety guidelines and rules to follow during lockdown to fight Covid19 outbreak.

Note: Chairman & Independent Director of IIFL: S. Sridhar; Headquarters of IIFL: Mumbai, Maharashtra

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Hyderabad airport wins ACI Asia-Pacific Green Airports Platinum Recognition 2020: The Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific announced the results of the ACI Asia-Pacific Green Airports Recognition 2020. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad has received the Platinum award in the 15-35 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) category for its water management practices. The award was presented in 3 categories. The winners of each category are as follows:

Over 35 million passengers per annum: Platinum – Taoyuan International Airport

Gold – Indira Gandhi International Airport

Silver – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

15 to 35 million passengers per annum: Platinum – Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

Gold – Muscat International Airport

Silver – Kempegowda International Airport

Less than 15 million passengers per annum: Platinum – Kaohsiung International Airport

Gold – Adelaide Airport

Silver – Sharjah Airport

OBITUARIES

1. Former US Gymnast Thomas passes away: Veteran American Olympic gymnast, Kurt Thomas, has passed away at the age of 64, from the complications of a stroke. Kurt was the first American male gymnast to win a gold medal at the 1978 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in France. He competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, but lost a chance to go for a medal in a second Olympics when the Americans boycotted the 1980 Moscow Games. He was a five-time NCAA champion at Indiana State University. 

Daily GK Updates - 6th June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Centre launches ‘#iCommit’ initiative to promote clean energy and smart energy use: The Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh, launched the ‘#iCommit’ campaign, on the occasion of World Environment Day on 5 June 2020, with the aim of building an energy resilient future. The initiative call upon all stakeholders and individuals to continue moving towards energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability to create a robust and resilient energy system for India in the future. The ‘#iCommit’ initiative will be implemented by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the administration of Ministry of Power, Government of India. It will unite Governments, Corporates, Multilateral and Bilateral Organisations, Think Tanks and Individuals for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability to create a robust and resilient energy system in future. It will ensure 24X7 energy access and security for all citizen.

2. Kerala set to become First Indian State to Provide Free Broadband for the Poor: The Kerala government has announced that its ambitious broadband project ‘Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON)’ project, envisaged to provide free internet access to the poor, would be rolled out by December 2020. K-FON project aims to provide free high-speed Internet to all the citizens below poverty live in Kerala and those who cannot afford will be provided high speed Internet at a subsidized rate. The Rs 1,500 crore K-FON project is being implemented by Kerala State IT Infrastructure Limited and Kerala State Electricity Board. Kerala is the first state to declare the internet as a fundamental right of the citizen, by providing free high speed broadband to the poor people.

Note: Chief Minister of Kerala: Pinarayi Vijayan; Governor of Kerala: Arif Mohammad Khan; Capital of Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram.

3. Information booklet “Safe online learning in the times of COVID-19” launched: Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank virtually launched an information booklet titled “Safe online learning in the times of COVID-19” to raise awareness among students and teachers on staying safe online. The book has been jointly developed by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and UNESCO New Delhi Office. The booklet aims at keeping children and young people safe online through basic do’s, and don’ts. It will help parents and educators to teach their children how to use the internet safely. It highlights the negative consequences of internet and ways to eliminate the same.

Note: UNESCO HQ: Paris, France.

4. J&K L-G launches salary tracking app ”MeraVetan” for government employees: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu launched a salary tracker mobile app ”MeraVetan” for providing salary-related information to government employees. The MeraVetan App (Version-1), will enable the employees to easily access their salary and other details anytime and anywhere. This app would especially be useful for those posted in remote and rural areas with no access to the drawing and disbursing officers (DDOs). MeraVetan mobile app has been developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC) J&K on the Android

Note: NIC Deputy Director-General: Abhay Kumar (State Informatics Officer); NIC Established: 1988; NIC Headquarters: Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir.

5. Government of India launches “Nagar Van” programme: Government of India has launched the “Nagar Van (Urban Forests)” programme with an objective of increasing the forest cover in urban areas. The programme has been launched with 200 corporations and cities across India and aims to develop 200 Urban Forests across India in next five years with the help of people’s participation and collaboration between Forest Department, Municipal bodies, NGOs, Corporates and local citizens. MoFECC Prakash Javadekar urged people to actively participate and increase the tree cover as they are the oxygen tanks. Government has set a target of planting 145 crore trees in 2020 under this.

6. India’s unemployment rate dipped to 5.8% in 2019 from 6.1% in 2018: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). As per the survey India’s unemployment rate dipped to 5.8% in 2019 from 6.1% in 2018 as per PLFS. It is India’s first computer-based survey that gives estimates of key employment and unemployment indicators.

Labour force participation rate: 37.5% in 2019 from 36.9% in 2018.

Urban unemployment rate: 7.7% in 2018-19 from 7.8%

Female participation rate: 18.6% in 2018-19 from 17.5%

7. CSIR comes together with AIM to Foster Innovation: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) along with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is all set to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in various sectors. CSIR has also signed Letter of Intent Niti Aayog for mutual interest implemented. They will together support world class start-ups through CSIR Incubators under AIM initiative along with setting up of CSIR Innovation Parks. Innovation and research in MSMEs by CSIR in collaboration with ARISE initiative.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi Holds India’s first virtual bilateral summit with Australian PM Scott Morrison; Signs 9 Agreements: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the India-Australia virtual summit on 4 June 2020 with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties. This is the first ever virtual bilateral summit that India is holding with any country, and also the first for Mr Modi with any foreign leader. One such Summit was held between Australia and Singapore in March 2020. The India-Australia bilateral virtual summit concluded with signing of nine agreements including one to raise their relationship to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ for wider and deeper cooperation in diverse areas ranging from trade to defence. PM Modi also pledged USD 15-million as India’s contribution to the international vaccines alliance GAVI during the summit. The virtual summit concluded with ”Samosa-Khichdi” diplomacy.

2. World Economic Forum to host 2021 Unique Twin Summit: The World Economic Forum has announced to hold its 51st Summit in Davos in 2021, in a new twin-summit format, keeping in mind the COVID-19 pandemic. “A unique twin summit” of WEF will be held in January 2021, with the theme “The Great Reset”. “The Great Reset” is a joint initiative of the World Economic Forum and HRH The Prince of Wales. As a part of “The Great Reset” dailogue, the World Economic Forum’s digital platform “UpLink” will contribute by crowdsourcing innovations for the Sustainable Development Goals. The twin summit will bring together leaders from across the globe for both in-person as well as virtual dialogues.  It would connect key global governmental and business leaders in Davos with a global multistakeholder network in 400 cities around the world for a forward-oriented dialogue driven by the younger generation.

Note: WEF HQ: Geneva, Switzerland; Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum: Klaus Schwab.

3. Russian Language Day: 6th June: The UN Russian Language Day is observed annually on 06 June. It is one of the six official languages used by the United Nations throughout the Organization. The day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010. 6 June is chosen as UN Russian Language Day as it coincides with the birthday of Aleksandr Pushkin, a Russian poet who is considered the father of modern Russian language. Each of the six official language has been assigned a day of celebration by UN’s Department of Public Information in 2010 to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six official languages throughout the Organization.

4. World Pest Day: 6th June: Every year, the World Pest Day (also sometimes called World Pest Awareness Day) is observed on 06 June. World Pest Day was initiated by the Chinese Pest Control Association, and co-sponsored by the Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers’ Association (FAOPMA), the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), and the Confederation of European Pest Management Associations (CEPA). The main purpose of the day is to increase public, government, and media awareness of the important role pest management organization plays in protecting public health, project the professional image of the pest management industry, promote the use of professional pest management in a scientific and socially responsible way and call attention to the big threats caused by small pests. The first World Pest Day was marked in 2017.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. India to host the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup: In Football, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has awarded the hosting rights of the Women’s Asian Cup 2022 tournament to India. The decision was taken after the AFC Women’s Football Committee meeting held on 5 June 2020. This is the first time that India will be hosting the event since 1979, in which India had finished as the runner-ups. The tournament will feature 12 teams, an increase from the previous slot of eight teams. As hosts, India will get an automatic qualification to the tournament. The event will also serve as the final qualification tournament for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Note: President of All India Football Federation: Praful Patel.

President of Asian Football Confederation: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa; AFC Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI creates Payments Infrastructure Development Fund: The Reserve Bank of India has announced the creation of a Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF). The aim of this fund is to promote the usage of Points of Sale (PoS) infrastructure. The fund will encourage acquirers to deploy Points of Sale (PoS) infrastructure (both physical and digital modes) in tier-3 to tier-6 centres and north eastern states. The Reserve Bank will make an initial contribution of Rs 250 crores to the PIDF covering half the fund. The remaining Rs 250 crores will be from card-issuing banks and card networks operating in the country. The PIDF will also receive recurring contributions to cover operational expenses from card issuing banks and card networks. The PIDF will be governed through an Advisory Council and managed and administered by Reserve Bank.

2. SBI creates separate business vertical for financial inclusion, agri biz: State Bank of India has created a new and separate business vertical to focus on financial inclusion and micro-markets (FI&MM). Under FI&MM, State Bank will offer loans predominantly for agriculture & allied activities, and micro/small enterprises and vastly improve the customer experience for the citizens.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Facebook Signs Global Licensing Deal with Indian Music Label Saregama: Facebook has entered into a global deal with Saregama, one of India’s oldest and largest music labels, to license its music for video and other social experiences across Facebook and Instagram. That means users can now add Saregama-owned music to their posts and stories on both Facebook and Instagram. Users can choose from over 1,00,000 songs across different genres including film songs, devotional music, ghazals and indipop in more than 25 languages, to add to their social experiences such as videos, stories via music stickers and other creative content. People will also be able to add songs to their Facebook Profile.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. India’s Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw named EY World Entrepreneur of the Year 2020: Indian billionaire entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has been named as the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 (WEOY). She has been emerged as the winner from among a distinguished list of 46 Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) country award winners from 41 countries and territories. Mazumdar-Shaw is the first woman entrepreneur from India and the third Indian to win the title in the award’s 20-year history. The other two are Uday Kotak (2014-MD of Kotak Bank) and Narayana Murthy (2005-Infosys). She is also only the second woman worldwide to hold this title, after Olivia Lum of Hyflux Limited, Singapore, who won the award in 2011. Uday Kotak of Kotak Mahindra Bank (2014) and N R Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys Ltd, (2005) are the other winners from India.

OBITUARIES

1. Bollywood producer Anil Suri passes away: Bollywood producer Anil Suri passed away due to COVID-19. He was renowned for producing bollywood films such as Raaj Kumar-Rekha starrer Karmayogi and Raaj Tilak. In 1991, he also directed a movie titled “Begunaah starring Rajesh Khanna, Farah Naaz and Jeetendra.

2. Producer and songwriter Rupert Hine passes away: British Producer and songwriter Rupert Hine passed away. He began his career as a musician in folk band Rupert & David and also worked with other bands such as Quantum Jump and Spin 1ne 2wo. He was a dominant producer in the 1980s and 1990s. His renowned works that appeared on soundtracks for the films Better Off Dead, Golden Eye, The Fifth Element, etc. 

Daily GK Updates - 5th June, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Important Cabinet Approvals: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi held meeting on 3rd June 2020. Following are the major approvals given during the meet:

(1) Renaming of Kolkata Port as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. The Kolkata Port is the first Major Port as well as the only riverine port of the country.

(2) Re-establish Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) as Subordinate Office under Ministry of AYUSH by merging into it Pharmacopoeia Laboratory for Indian Medicine (PLIM) and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory (HPL)- the two central laboratories established at Ghaziabad since 1975.

(3) Setting up of an “Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) and Project Development Cells (PDCs) in Ministries/Departments of Government of Indiafor attracting investments in India”. This new mechanism will reinforce India’s vision of becoming a US$ 5 trillion economy by 2024-25.

(4) Signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan on Cooperation in the areas of Environment.

2. Government launches Internship Program ‘TULIP’ for fresh graduates in all ULBs across the country: The Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal `Nishank’ and MoS (I/C), Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep. S. Puri jointly launched a first of its kind initiative `The Urban Learning Internship Program (TULIP)’ on 04 June 2020 in New Delhi. TULIP is a program to provide internship opportunities to fresh graduates in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Smart Cities across the country. A portal has also been launched for this programme. The programme would also facilitate practical experience to the students of India and hence help in infusing fresh ideas and innovative thinking into the working of Urban Local Bodies and smart cities. This programme is an initiative of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Ministry of HRD, and Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

Note: Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE): Anil D. Sahasrabudhe.

3. IIT Madras Researches Uses Dredging Methodology to help triple Irrawaddy Dolphin’s population in Odisha’s Chilika Lake: A research project undertaken by the team of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has helped Chilika lake in Odisha, in tripling the population of the Irrawaddy dolphins. Chilika lake is Asia’s largest and world’s second largest brackish water body and home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals. The researchers developed a dredging methodology for enhancement of fishery resources and the increase of population of Irrawaddy dolphin with minimum impact on the lake ecosystem. Dredging is a four-part process consisting of the excavation (loosening or dislodging) of the material from the bottom of the river, bringing the material to the surface (together extraction), transportation and disposal. As a result, the fish production increased 7-fold and the population of highly threatened Irrawaddy dolphin also increased, thus promoting ecotourism which immensely benefitted the local fishers The team carried out the restoration work in 6 months at a cost of Rs 10 crore and the lake is now off the threatened list.

4. Total 20 States/UTs Included under One Nation One Card scheme till date: As per the data by the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, three more states namely Odisha, Sikkim and Mizoram joined the ‘Integrated Management of Public Distribution System’ (IM-PDS) on 01 June 2020. With this, now total 20 states and UTs are included under this scheme. Other states/UTs are: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Telangana, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh.

It is also likely that by August 2020 three more States namely Uttarakhand, Nagaland and Manipur will also be added to the national cluster. Governments aim to add all the states to One Nation One Ration Card scheme by 31st March 2021 so that the scheme will be operational all over India. Under the IM-PDS initiative, eligible beneficiaries would be able to avail their entitled foodgrains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) from any ePoS enabled Fair Price Shop of their choice anywhere in the country, using the same ration card.

5. Chhattisgarh Govt launches ‘Spandan Campaign’ to check suicide and fratricide among police personnel: The Chhattisgarh Police have launched a special campaign named ‘Spandan Campaign’ to check mental stress and depression among their personnel. Under the campaign, authorities will be conducting interactive programmes and arranging counselling sessions, music and yoga therapies for the police personnels. A mobile application is also being prepared for monitoring the problems of police personnel. The decision to launch the campaign was taken after the state reported over 50 cases of suicide by police personnel, and a number of incidents of policemen attacking their colleagues in the past two years.

Note: Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh: Bhupesh Baghel; Governor: Anusuiya Uikey.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Brajendra Navnit appointed as India’s new Ambassador to WTO: Brajendra Navnit, a 1999 IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the Geneva-based World Trade Organization (WTO). He will be posted at the Permanent Mission of India (PMI) to the WTO in Geneva for a period of three years. Navnit succeeds JS Deepak, a 1982 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, whose tenure as India’s Ambassador to the global trade watchdog ended on May 31. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet also approved the appointment of Anwar Hussain Shaik for the post of Counsellor, at the PMI to WTO, Geneva.

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

2. Rajeev Topno appointed as Senior Advisor to WB’s Executive Director: Senior bureaucrat Rajeev Topno (1996 batch IAS officer) has been appointed as the Senior Advisor to Executive Director (ED) of World Bank. He was presently serving as the Private Secretary to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. He is a 1996 batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre. He has been appointed as the Senior Advisor to the Executive Director (ED) of World Bank for a period of three years.

Note: WB HQ: Washington DC, USA; President of World Bank: David Malpass.

3. World Environment Day: 5th June: World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated on 5 June every year to encourage awareness and action for the protection of our environment. World Environment Day Theme 2020: “Biodiversity”. The host nation for 2020 WED is Colombia in partnership with Germany. UN General Assembly in 1972 established World Environment Day on the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment and later United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) was created. It was first observed in 1974 with the theme “Only One Earth”.

4. World Day against Speciesism: 5th June: World Day Against Speciesism is marked on June 5 every year, to stop discrimination based on species membership. The term “speciesism” refers to the assignment of different rights, values, or special consideration to individuals solely on the basis of their species. World Day against Speciesism is supported by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), and other animal rights groups to promote this idea among the general public.

5. International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing: 5th June: The International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing is organised every year on 5 June by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to protect the fisheries sector and highlight efforts taking place globally, regionally and nationally to combat illegal fishing. The day was recognised by the United Nations General Assembly on 5 June 2017. The first International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing was celebrated globally on 5 June 2018. UN has also declared 2022 as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, to help focus attention on the small-scale fishermen and women who comprise 90 percent of the world’s fisheries work force.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Government changes Definition of MSME: The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises has once again changed the definition of MSME. Before this, the change in definition was made while the Finance Minister announced the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Package’. The definition of MSME is now based on “Investment (Capital) And Annual Turnover”. The new and old definition of MSME is mentioned below:

Category	New Capital	New Turnover	Old Capital	Old Turnover
Micro	1 Crore	5 Crore	25 Lakh	10 Lakh
Small	10 Crore	50 Crore	5 Crore	2 Crore
Medium	50 Crore	250 Crore	10 crore	5 Crore

The turnover with respect to exports will not be counted in the limits of turnover for any category of MSME units whether micro, small or medium. This will help in attracting investments and creating more jobs in the MSME sector. The government has made the following approvals related to MSME sector: (1) Provisioning of Rs 20,000 crore as subordinate debt to provide equity support to the stressed MSMEs. This will benefit 2 lakh stressed MSMEs. (2) Equity infusion of Rs. 50,000 crore for MSMEs through Fund of Funds (FoF).

2. IndusInd Bank Launches India’s First Mobile-based current account opening facility: IndusInd Bank has launched first-of-its-kind mobile app-based facility for opening current accounts in a paperless manner. IndusInd is the first bank in India to introduce this assisted mobile application based facility which will enable the Bank to open current accounts for self-employed individuals and businesses digitally, in just a few hours. The IndusInd app uses multiple ‘Application Programme Interface’ (APIs) and enables secured validation of KYC documents from authorised government platforms such as the Goods and Service Tax (GST), Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), Import Export Code (IEC) and Aadhaar.

Note: Managing Director & CEO of IndusInd Bank: Sumant Kathpalia; Chairman of IndusInd Bank: Arun Tiwari; Headquarter of IndusInd Bank: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Amazon tops Brand Finance Global 500 2020 report; Tata Group top Indian brand: Brand Finance has released its annual Brand Value Report 5000 for the year 2020. It is for the third consecutive year that Amazon has retained the title of the world’s most valuable brand having brand valuation of $220,791 million. It is also made history by becoming the first brand in Brand Finance Global 500 to exceed US$200 billion value mark. Google has jumped one place up to come second in the list at $159,722 million. In 2019 it was at 3rd spot. Apple ($140,524M), Microsoft ($117,072M) and Samsung Group ($94,494M) makes top 5 brand in the list. Among Indian companies, Tata Group has once again retained its position as top Indian brand. It is the only Indian brand to feature in top 100. Globally, it is ranked at 85th spot with brand value of USD 20 billion, becoming the first Indian brand to cross this mark. Top 5 Indian brands in the list are:

1)      Tata Group (Global Rank – 85, Brand Value – $20,001 million)

2)      LIC (Rank – 238; $8,106 million)

3)      Reliance Industries Limited (Rank – 244; $7,927 million)

4)      Infosys (Rank – 282; $7,087 million)

5)      State Bank of India (Rank – 323; $6,434 million)

2. Facebook to acquire 9.9% stake in Jio Platforms via Jaadhu Holdings: Facebook has announced in April 2020 to acquire 9.9 per cent stake in Jio Platforms, at an investment of USD 5.7 billion (Rs 43,574 crore). As per a nee notification, Facebook will acquire this stake in Jio Platforms via a new entity named Jaadhu Holdings LLC. According to a submission made to the Competition Commission of India, Jaadhu Holdings, LLC is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Facebook, Inc. Jaadhu is a newly incorporated company formed in March 2020 under the laws of the State of Delaware, US…Jaadhu is not engaged in any business in India or anywhere in the world.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Kritika Pandey awarded with Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2020: Indian writer Kritika Pandey has won the coveted honour of the regional award for Asia in Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2020. She is awarded for her unpublished work ‘The Great Indian Tee and Snakes’. The story is about a Hindu girl falling in love with a Muslim man and how these two young people are trying to navigate the idea of love in an era of hatred and prejudice. She has been nominated for Pushcart Prize earlier. The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is awarded since 2012, for the best piece of unpublished short fiction to commonwealth citizens aged 18 and above.

OBITUARIES

1. Renowned lyricist Anwar Sagar passes away: Renowned lyricist Anwar Sagar (70 years) passes away in Mumbai: He is known for writing various popular Songs of 80s and 90s. He wrote the lyrics of the song “Waada Raha Sanam” from 1992 film Khiladi starring Akshay Kumar and Ayesha Jhulka. He also gave song lyrics to films like Yaarana, Salaami, Aa Gale Lag Jaa and Vijaypath among more. He also worked with music directors Nadeem-Shravan, Rajesh Roshan, Jatin-Lalit and Anu Malik.

2. Former Delhi Police Commissioner Ved Marwah passes away: Former Commissioner of Delhi Police, Ved Marwah (87 years) passed away in Goa due to lung ailment. He was the Police Commissioner of Delhi from 1985-88 and served as the third director general of the National Security Guard from 1988-90. He also served as the governor of Manipur, Jharkhand, and Mizoram. He wrote a book titled Uncivil Wars: Pathology of Terrorism in India in 1995. Place of birth: Peshawar, Pakistan (1932). He moved to Delhi after Independence in 1947