Daily GK Update- 25th Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Minority Affairs Minister launched “JaanHaiToJahaanHai” awareness campaign: The Minority Affairs Minister, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launched a nationwide “JaanHaiToJahaanHai” awareness campaign on Corona vaccination for rural and remote areas. The aim of this campaign is to aware people of the Corona vaccination and to crush rumours and apprehensions related to Corona vaccination. It has been launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs in association with various socio-educational organizations, NGOs, and Women Self Help Groups. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi urged members of Central Waqf Council, Maulana Azad Education Foundation, and other social and educational institutions to take part in this awareness campaign. India is running the world’s largest Corona vaccination drive.

 

2. Bihar government launches ‘MukhyaMantriUdyaymi Yojana’: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has launched two ambitious schemes christened as the ‘MukhyaMantriYuvaUdyaymiYojna’ and the ‘MukhyaMantriMahilaUdyami Yojana. Both the schemes launched to promote entrepreneurship among youth and women of all sections under the state’s ‘MukhayaMantriUdyami Yojana scheme. The schemes were promised by the chief minister during the 2020 Bihar elections. Youth and Women-irrespective of caste and creed, wishing to start entrepreneurship, will get a loan of Rs 10 lakh, in which Rs 5 lakh would be a grant from the state government and the rest Rs 5 lakh will come as a loan, refundable in 84 instalments. He also launched a portal on which youth and women from all sections can register themselves for availing of the loan from the government.

Note: Chief Minister of Bihar: Nitish Kumar; Governor: Phagu Chauhan.

 

3. UpasanaKamineni named ‘Ambassador of Forest Frontline Heroes’ at WWF India: WWF India has inducted UpasanaKamineni, Director, Apollo Hospitals, as “Ambassador of Forest Frontline Heroes” with the aim to appreciate the efforts of frontline workers in hospitals and in the wildlife protection space. The focus of this will be on several States across the country covering most eco-regions. Frontline forest staff are often local community members themselves and play an important role in building an interface between communities and conservation.

Note: WWF India Headquarters location: New Delhi; WWF India Founded: 1969.

 

4. TahiraKashyapKhurrana announces new book ‘The 7 Sins of Being A Mother’: Filmmaker-writer TahiraKashyapKhurrana has announced her upcoming book about motherhood, titled “The 7 Sins of Being A Mother”. This is her fifth book and the second she wrote amid the pandemic. Last year, the filmmaker had released 12 Commandments of Being A Woman, which she finished writing during the coronavirus-induced lockdown. The writer has also penned books like Cracking The Code: My Journey in Bollywood and Souled Out.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Montek Ahluwalia named member of World Bank-IMF High Advisory Group: Former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia was named a member of a high-level Advisory Group formed by the World Bank and IMF. The group will be jointly led by Mari Pangestu, CeylaPazarbasioglu and Lord Nicholas Stern. The group was formed by the World Bank and IMF in the face of the dual crisis posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change. Mari Pangestu is Managing Director for Development Policy and Partnerships, World Bank. CeylaPazarbasioglu is Director, Strategy, Policy and Review Department, International Monetary Fund. The group will also include Gita Gopinath. Gita Gopinath as an Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department at the IMF.

 

2. British lawyer Karim Khan sworn in as ICC’s chief prosecutor: British lawyer Karim Khan was sworn as the new chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court. He pledging to reach out to nations that are not members of the court and to try to hold trials in countries where crimes are committed. He has defended clients at international courts including former Liberian President Charles Taylor & Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto. Khan, a 51-year-old English lawyer, has years of experience in international courts as a prosecutor, investigator and defence attorney. He takes over from FatouBensouda of the Gambia, whose nine-year term ended.

Note: International Criminal Court Founded: 1 July 2002; International Criminal Court Headquarters: The Hague, the Netherlands; International Criminal Court Member states: 123; International Criminal Court Working languages: English; French.

 

3. Day of the Seafarer: 25th June: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) celebrates the annual Day of the Seafarer (DoS) on June 25 each year to pay respect to Seafarers and sailors who help the entire world function by conducting sea transport. 2021 marks the 11th anniversary of DoS. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, seafarers found themselves both on the front line of the global response and subject to difficult working conditions surrounding uncertainties and difficulties around port access, re-supply, crew changeovers, repatriation, etc. The theme of the 2021 campaign is “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future”. The day was proposed by International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2010 to celebrate the contribution of the seafarer to the world economy and civil society. This special day has been celebrated since 2011.

 

4. World Vitiligo Day: 25th June: World Vitiligo Day is observed on June 25 to build global awareness about vitiligo. Vitiligo is a skin disorder leading to loss of colour in the skin creating a variety of patterns on the skin from loss of pigment. Vitiligo is often called a disease instead of a disorder and that can have a significant negative social or psychological impact on patients. The first World Vitiligo Day was observed on June 25, 2011.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. New Zealand crowned first ICC World Test Championship: New Zealand defeated India to win the first ICC World Test Championship. New Zealand chased down the target of 139 to win the first-ever World Test Championship final with eight wickets in hand. The last day of the match was played on June 23, 2021. The match saw 6 days play in place of the regular 5 days due to the rain factor. Kyle Jamieson (NZ) has been adjudged as the “Player of the match”, while Kane Williamson (NZ) is the “Player of the series”.

Important facts: The first test championship began in 2019 with the finals being played in 2021. The top three teams, as a result, are: First: New Zealand; Second- India; Third- Australia. The final match was played at Ageas Bowl Stadium (Rose Bowl Stadium) in Southampton, England. The next Test Championship will be held between 2021-2023.

 

2. TadangMinu becomes 1st Arunachali Woman to be appointed in AIBA: Arunachal Pradesh woman, DrTadangMinu, becomes the first in the state and the second Indian woman in the country to be appointed as a member of the Coaches Committee of the International Boxing Association (AIBA). She has been appointed by AIBA for her enormous knowledge and experience in the field of boxing. DrTadang is currently the HOD of Physical Education at Rajiv Gandhi University(RGU) and is the chairman of the Boxing Federation of India’s Women’s Commission for two years.

Note: AIBA Founded: 1946; AIBA Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; AIBA President: Dr Mohamed Moustahsane.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI General Insurance and IDFC First Bank tie-up for bancassurance: SBI General Insurance, one of the leading general insurance companies in India, has signed a corporate agency agreement with IDFC FIRST Bank for the distribution of non-life insurance Solution. Through this agreement, SBI general insurance will access the IDFC first bank’s larger customer base resulting in wider penetration of its insurance products through the latter’s digital-first approach. Under this strategic agreement, SBI General Insurance will offer insurance products such as health, personal accident, home, motor and travel along with the commercial line of insurance products such as property, marine and engineering insurance to the bank’s customers.

What is Bancassurance:Bancassurance is a collaboration between the insurance company and bank under which the former sells the insurance products to the bank’s customer base. This will benefit the bank too as it gets a commission amount from the insurance company.

Note: IDFC First Bank Establishment: 2018; IDFC First Bank MD & CEO: V. Vaidyanathan; IDFC First Bank Headquarters; Mumbai, Maharashtra;

SBI general insurance MD & CEO: Prakash Chandra Kandpal; SBI general insurance Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; SBI general insurance Tagline: Suraksha AurBharosaDono.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India was fifth largest recipient of FDI in 2020: UN Report: As per the World Investment Report 2021 by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India was the fifth-largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in the world in 2020. The country received USD 64 billion FDI in 2020, which is an increase of 27 per cent, over USD 51 billion inflows in 2019. The United States remained the largest recipient of FDI, although, the FDI inflow to the country decreased by 40 per cent, to $156 billion, in 2020. China was the second-largest recipient with USD 149 billion FDI. The global FDI flows decreased by 35 per cent in 2020 to USD 1 trillion from USD 1.5 trillion in 2019.

 

2. No tax on cash deposits made by housewives during demo 2016: The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Agra bench consisting of Judicial Member Lalit Kumar and the Accountant Member DrMitha Lal Meena has ruled that cash deposit made by the housewives during the demonetization scheme 2016, cannot be subject to addition if such deposits are below Rs 2.5 lakh and such amount shall not be treated as income of the assessee. The Tribunal was considering an appeal filed by a housewife, the assessee who deposited the cash of Rs 2,11,500 in the bank account during the demonetization period. It was the case of the assessee that she had collected/saved the above-said sum from her previous saving, given by her husband, son, relatives for the purposes of her and her family’s future.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India, Japan conduct bilateral naval exercise in Indian Ocean: Ships of the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) participated in a joint naval exercise at the Indian Ocean to realize “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). “JS KASHIMA (TV3508) and JS SETOYUKI (TV3518) conducted a bilateral exercise with INS KULISH (P63) at the Indian Ocean. Naval cooperation between India and Japan has increased in scope and complexity over the years. Naval cooperation between India and Japan has increased in scope and complexity over the years. Last year, in the month of September, the Indian Navy and JMSDF conducted a three-day naval exercise JIMEX-2020. It was the 4th edition of the India-Japan maritime bilateral exercise JIMEX.

Note: Japan Capital: Tokyo; Japan Currency: Japanese yen; Japan Prime minister: YoshihideSuga.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. C. R. Viswanathan, Former Vice-President of All India Football Federation (AIFF), Passes Away: The former vice-president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), C.R. Visswanathan, has passed away. He was 85. C.R. Visswanathan was also a well-known football administrator in Tamil Nadu who served as the president of Tamil Nadu Football Association (TFA) (1989-1993), Chennai District Football Association (1984-2009) and the Coimbatore District Football Association (‘72-74). He was affectionately called as CRV. CRV held various posts in AIFF, such as vice-president (2004-2008), member of the Executive Committee (2008-2012) and Chairman of the Technical Committee (2008-2012). He also played instrumental role in the construction of the Nehru Stadium in Chennai and helped the State in hosting the Nehru Gold Cup International tournament at the Stadium in 1993 and the SAF Games in 1995. 

Daily GK Update- 24th Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi launches crash course to train one lakh ‘Covid warriors’: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a crash course to train more than one lakh “Covid warriors” as he called on the country to be prepared for challenges the coronavirus pandemic may pose in the future. The programme will be to be carried out from 111 training centres spread across 26 states. Amid all these efforts, skilled manpower is critical. For this and to support the current force of coronavirus warriors, one lakh youths are being trained. This training should be over in 2-3 months. The training will be imparted to Covid warriors in six customised job roles — Home Care Support, Basic Care Support, Advanced Care Support, Emergency Care Support, Sample Collection Support, and Medical Equipment Support. This will include fresh skilling as well as upskilling of those who have some training in this type of work.

 

2. Ease of Living Index: Bengaluru ‘most liveable’ city: Bengaluru has been named as the most liveable city of India, in the Ease of Living Index 2020, released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The Ease of Living Index 2020 is part of the report titled State of India’s Environment 2021. Bengaluru is followed by Chennai, Shimla, Bhubaneshwar, and Mumbai, as the top five best cities respectively.

 

3. Naveen Patnaik releases BishnupadaSethi’s ‘Beyond Here and Other Poems’: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik released a book of poems ‘Beyond Here and Other Poems’ written by senior bureaucrat BishnupadaSethi. It is a collection of 61 poems that are a reflection of a spectrum of experiences of life, perception of death and philosophical contemplation. Noted writer Haraprasad Das has written the preface. The cover design of the 161-page book has been made by eminent artist GajendraSahu. Sethi, Principal Secretary in the Information and Public Relations department has written several poetry and other books including ‘My World of Words’ and ‘Beyond Feelings’.

 

4. India’s Rank 120th in Sustainable Development Report 2021: According to the 6th Edition of ‘Sustainable Development Report 2021 (SDR 2021)’ released by Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), India with a score of 60.1 has been placed at 120th rank out of 165 countries. Finland topped the Index followed by Sweden & Denmark.

SDR Report: SDR is an annual report which ranks the 193 UN member countries based on their performance against the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It has been released since 2015 and is based on official data sources (UN, World Bank, etc.) and non-official data sources (research institutions and non-governmental organizations).

Note: Sustainable Development Solutions Network President: Jeffrey Sachs; Sustainable Development Solutions Network Headquarters: Paris, France & New York, USA.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. EbrahimRaisi wins Iran’s 2021 Presidential Election: EbrahimRaisi has won the 2021 Iranian presidential election, winning 62 per cent of the vote with about 90 per cent of ballots counted. The 60-year-old Raisi will succeed Hassan Rouhani in August 2021, to begin his four-year term. He is also the Chief Justice of Iran since March 2019.

Note: Iran Capital: Tehran; Iran Currency: Iranian Toman.

 

2. European Space Agency (ESA) will launch world’s first wooden satellite: The European Space Agency (ESA) has planned to launch the world’s first wooden satellite. It is going to be launched from New Zealand. It will be launched from a Rocket Lab Electron rocket by the end of 2021. The satellite is the brainchild of JariMakinen.

About the Satellite: The satellite, WISA Woodsat, is a nanosatellite. It is 10cm on each side, length, height, and width. The sensors of the satellite have been developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and designers have placed the wood in a thermal vacuum chamber to keep it dry. A very thin aluminium oxide layer has been used to minimize the vapour coming from the wood and to protect it from the erosive effects of atomic oxygen. The non-wooden external parts are made up of aluminium rails.

Note: European Space Agency Headquarters: Paris, France; European Space Agency Founded: 30 May 1975, Europe; European Space Agency CEO: Johann-Dietrich Worner.

 

3. India maintains 43rd rank on IMD’s World Competitiveness Index 2021: India maintained 43rd rank on an annual World Competitiveness Index compiled by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) that examined the impact of COVID-19 on economies around the world this year. The IMD World Competitiveness Ranking ranks 64 economies and assesses the extent to which a country promotes the prosperity of its people by measuring economic well-being through hard data and survey responses from executives.

Index:

Rank 1: Switzerland

Rank 2: Sweden

Rank 3: Denmark

 

4. World’s Third-Largest Diamond Unearthed in Botswana: A 1,098-carat diamond has been discovered in Botswana, by Debswana Diamond Company, a joint venture between the government of Botswana and the South African diamond company De Beers. The newly discovered diamond is believed to be the third-largest gem-quality stone ever to be mined in the world. The stone has been presented by Debswana Diamond Company to the President of Botswana, MokgweetsiMasisi. The largest diamond to be recovered to date is 3,106 carat Cullinan stone in South Africa in 1905, followed by the 1,109 carats Lesedi La Rona unearthed by Lucara Diamonds in Botswana in 2015.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will be first trans athlete to compete at Olympics: The New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard is poised to make history and headlines, as well as significant controversy, after being confirmed as the first transgender athlete to compete at an Olympic Games. The 43-year-old, who will be the fourth oldest weightlifter at an Olympics, is regarded as a genuine medal contender in the women’s super-heavyweight 87kg-plus category in Tokyo. But while her inclusion has been welcomed by trans groups, it has also been questioned by those who believe she has unfair advantages in strength and power, having gone through male puberty before transitioning in 2012.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SEBI reconstitutes Four-member Takeover Panel: Markets regulator Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reconstituted its four-member Takeover Panel. The Takeover Panel looks into the applications that seek exemption from the mandatory open offer that an acquirer needs to make to minority shareholders. SEBI has appointed N Venkatram MD and CEO, Deloitte India as the new member of this Takeover Panel. SEBI had first constituted this Takeover Panel in November 2007, under the chairmanship of former Bank of Baroda chairman K Kannan.

The Members of the Panel are:

(1) Chairman: Justice N. K. Sodhi (Former Chief Justice of High Courts of Karnataka & Kerala and Former Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal);

(2) Member: Darius Khambata (Former Advocate General, Maharashtra);

(3) Member: Thomas Mathew T (Former chairman of Life Insurance Corporation of India);

(4) Member: N Venkatram (MD and CEO, Deloitte India).

Note: Securities and Exchange Board of India Founded: 12 April 1992; Securities and Exchange Board of India Headquarters: Mumbai; Securities and Exchange Board of India Agency executive: Ajay Tyagi.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. PAN to be declared ‘INOPERATIVE’ if not linked before June 30, 2021: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had recently extended the deadline to link Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar number to June 30, 2021, due to the difficulties posed by the ongoing Covid pandemic. As per the new Section 234H of the Income-tax Act 1961, which has been recently introduced during Budget 2021, the PAN cards which are not linked to Aadhaar after June 30, 2021, would be declared “inoperative”, as well as a penalty of Rs 1,000 may also be imposed. On the other hand, the person will be considered as an individual without a PAN card.

Difficulties to be faced by not linking PAN and Aadhaar

(1) The KYC status will become invalid since PAN is a must for one’s KYC.

(2) An inoperative PAN card will have an effect on one’s bank account because that account will become an account without a PAN card.

(3) And in that case, if the bank account holder gets interested on savings above Rs. 10,000 then the TDS (Tax Deduction at Source) rate levied will be double i.e. 20 per cent. The TDS levied on bank account with PAN card is 10 per cent.

 

2. India ranked 51st in terms of Money Deposited in Swiss Banks: According to ‘Annual Bank Statistics of 2020’ released by Swiss National Bank (SNB), the Central Bank of Switzerland. India with Swiss Francs (CHF) 2.55 billion (INR 20,706 Crore) has been placed at 51st place in the list of foreign clients’ money in Swiss Banks during 2020. The United Kingdom (UK) topped the list with CHF 377 billion, followed by the US (152 billion). India was ahead of countries like New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Mauritius, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in terms of foreign clients’ money in Swiss banks.

Funds held by Indian individuals and firms in Swiss banks rose over 2.55 billion Swiss francs (over Rs 20,700 crore) in 2020 marking the highest level in 13 years. The figures stood at a record high of nearly CHF 6.5 billion in 2006, after which it has been mostly on a downward path, except for a few years including in 2011, 2013, and 2017, as per the Swiss National Bank (SNB) data.

Note: Swiss National Bank Chairman of the Governing Board: Thomas J. Jordan; Swiss National Bank Head Offices: Berne, Zurich.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. SumitaMitrahonoured with prestigious European Inventor Award: Indian-American chemist SumitaMitra has been honoured with the European Inventor Award 2021 in the ‘Non-European Patent Office countries’ category. She was the first to have successfully integrated nanotechnology into dental materials to produce stronger and more aesthetically pleasing fillings. The award, one of Europe’s most prestigious innovation prizes, is presented annually by the European Patent Office (EPO) to recognise outstanding inventors from Europe and beyond.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. DPIIT Secretary GuruprasadMohapatra Passes Away: GuruprasadMohapatra, the Secretary in the Department of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has passed away due to COVID-19 related complications. Before being appointed as DPIIT secretary in August 2019, Mohapatra served as Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). He was a Gujarat cadre 1986 batch IAS officer, who had earlier served as joint secretary in the Department of Commerce.

 

2. Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed, who first translated Quran into Gojri language, passes away: Renowned Jammu-based Islamic scholar Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed, who first translated Quran into Gojri language, has passed away in a Jammu. The scholar had also authored several booklets including ‘Siraj-um-Muneera’, ‘Ahkam-e-Mayyat’ and ‘NamazKaeMasayil Quran-o-Hadees Ki Roshni Mei’.

About the Gojri language:Gurjari – also known as Gujari, Gujri, Gojari, or Gojri – is a variety of Indo-Aryan spoken by the Gurjars and other tribes of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The language is mainly spoken in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Delhi and other parts of India. 

Daily GK Update- 23rd Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Narendra Modi launches mYoga App: On the occasion of the seventh International Yoga Day on June 21, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled the mYoga mobile app. The app has been developed in collaboration between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ministry of AYUSH), Government of India.

About the mYoga app: The mYoga app is preloaded with many yoga training videos and audio practice sessions, in different languages, that can be done in the comfort of our own homes. Currently, the mYoga app is available in English, Hindi and French, but will be made available in other UN languages in the upcoming months. Through this initiative, PM Modi government aims to achieve the ‘One World, One Health’ motto.”

 

2. Delhi CM Launches ‘Jahan Vote, Wahan Vaccination’ Campaign: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the ‘Jahan Vote, Wahan Vaccination’ campaign, with the aim to vaccinate all people above 45 years against COVID-19 in Delhi within the next four weeks. There are around 57 lakhs people above 45 years in Delhi. Among them, 27 lakhs have been administered the first dose. The rest 30 lakh people still remain to be vaccinated with the first dose. The booth level officers (BLO) are being trained for this purpose. The BLOs will reach every home and enquire about people above 45 years. These officials will inform about the slots for vaccination at the nearest booth. If a person refuses to go to the vaccination centres, the BLOs will request him and try to convince him in this regard.

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

 

3. ReNew Power CMD Sumant Sinha recognised as SDG Pioneers by UNGC: United Nations Global Compact has recognisedSumant Sinha, Chairman & MD of ReNew Power, as one of the ten SDG Pioneers 2021, for his work to advance access to clean and affordable energy. SDG Pioneers are business leaders selected by the UN Global Compact for doing an exceptional job to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This honour comes in recognition of Sumant ‘s work to advance access to clean and affordable energy (SDG 7). As the leader of India’s leading renewable energy company, ReNew Power, Sumant has set an example by building the core business of ReNew Power around the targets of SDG 7.

 

4. Amitav Ghosh’s new book ‘The Nutmeg’s Curse’: Jnanpith Awardee and renowned author Amitav Ghosh’s authored a book titled, ‘The Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis’. It is published by John Murray. The book talks about the history of the influence of colonialism on the world today, through the story of the nutmeg. In ‘The Nutmeg’s Curse’, Ghosh discusses that the nutmeg’s journey from its native Banda islands sheds light on a widespread colonial mindset of exploitation of human life and the environment, which is present even today. Some of Ghosh’s other notable works include the Ibis trilogy and ‘The Great Derangement’ among others.

             

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Govt appoints AashishChandorkar as director at India’s WTO mission: The government of India has appointed a private person AashishChandorkar as Counsellor in India’s Permanent Mission in the World Trade Organisation for three years. For the first time, a private person has been appointed at the Mission. Chandorkar is director of Bengaluru-based policy think tank Smahi Foundation of Policy and Research. The WTO is a 164-member multi-lateral body, which deals with global trade. India is a member since 1995.

Note: World Trade Organization Director-General: NgoziOkonjo-Iweala; World Trade Organization Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; World Trade Organization Founded: 1 January 1995.

 

2. Global Peace Index 2021 announced: The 15th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) announced by Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) Sydney, the GPI is the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness. The index ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. This report presents the most comprehensive data-driven analysis to date on trends in peace, its economic value, and how to develop peaceful societies.

Global:

(1) Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world, a position it has held since 2008.

(2) It is joined at the top of the index by New Zealand, Denmark, Portugal, and Slovenia.

(3) Afghanistan is the least peaceful country in the world for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, and Iraq.

South Asia:

(1) India has moved up two notches from its previous year’s ranking to become the 135th most peaceful country in the world and the 5th in the region.

(2) Bhutan and Nepal are named as the first and second most peaceful in this region.

(3) Bangladesh has been ranked 91th out of 163 countries in Global Peace Index for 2021. According to the list, Bangladesh is the 3rd most peaceful in South Asia.

(4) Sri Lanka has slipped down 19 rungs from 2020, to become 95th globally in this year’s rankings, and the 4th in South Asia.

(5) The largest improvement in peacefulness in South Asia occurred in Pakistan, which ranked 150th globally and 6th in the region, by moving up two notches from the previous year’s ranking.

 

3. UK Scientists Develop Gadget That Sniffs Out Covid-19: Electronic devices may soon be used to identify the presence of infection in a crowded space using body odour profiles after scientists in the UK have tested a so-called “COVID alarm”. Early studies by scientists at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Durham University show that COVID-19 infection has a distinct smell, resulting from changes in the volatile organic compounds (VOC) which make up the body odour – generating an odour “fingerprint” that the sensors can detect. Led by researchers from the LSHTM and biotech company RoboScientific Ltd with Durham University, the study tested devices with organic semi-conducting (OSC) sensors, which could potentially be used as a COVID-19 screening tool.

 

4. United Nations Public Service Day: 23rd June: United Nations Public Service Day is observed globally on 23rd June every year. This day is to highlight the contribution of public service in the development process and to value public service to the community. This day is widely known by various public service organisations and departments around the world by organising several events to recognise the role of public servants in making developments and improvements in the community.

United Nations Public Service Day History: On 20 December 2002, the United Nations General Assembly designated 23 June per annum to watch as United Nations Public Service Day by passing a resolution 57/277. The day marks the anniversary of the date when the International Labour Organization adopted the Convention on Labour Relations (Public Service), 1978 (No. 151) for determining the working conditions of all civil servants across the world.

 

5. International Olympic Day: 23rd June: The International Olympic Day is held on June 23 each year. The day is celebrated to encourage more people to participate in the Olympic Games and spread awareness about the event and promote the Olympic Movement. Based on the three pillars – “move”, “learn” and “discover” – the National Olympic Committees are deploying sports, cultural and educational activities to encourage participation regardless of age, gender, social background, or sporting ability. The Olympic Day 2021 theme is “Stay healthy, stay strong, stay active with the #OlympicDay workout on 23 June.”

History of the day: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved to observe Olympic Day in January 1948 to commemorate the creation of the International Olympic Committee on 23 June 1894. The creation of the modern-day Olympic Games is inspired by the ancient Olympic Games held in Olympia, Greece, from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. The first Olympic Day was celebrated in the year 1948.

Note: International Olympic Committee Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; International Olympic Committee President: Thomas Bach; International Olympic Committee Founded: 23 June 1894 (Paris, France).

 

6. International Widows Day: 23rd June: International Widows Day is observed globally on 23rd June every year. The day is widely known to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they have. Several women around the world after losing her life partner faces challenges and do long-term struggle for basic needs, their human right and dignity.

International Widow’s Day History: Loomba Foundation initiated the International Widow’s Day in 2005. According to Loomba, women in various countries experience great hardship after their husband dies. They are not looked at by NGO’s, governments and also societies curse them. Finally, on 23 June 2010, it was officially recognised in the United Nations General Assembly.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Max Verstappen wins 2021 French Grand Prix: Max Verstappen (Netherlands-Red Bull) has won the 2021 French Grand Prix. This race is the seventh round of the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship. With this win, Max Verstappen has 131 points and now leads Lewis Hamilton (119 points) in the Formula One drivers’ title race, after seven matches. Lewis Hamilton (Britain-Mercedes) stood second and Sergio Perez (Mexico- Red Bull) stood third.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IndusInd Bank launches a digital lending platform “IndusEasy Credit”: IndusInd Bank announced the launch of ‘IndusEasy Credit’, a comprehensive digital lending platform that enables customers to meet their financial requirements from the comfort of their homes. With this, both existing, as well as non-IndusInd Bank customer, can instantly avail of personal loans or credit cards on a single platform in a completely paperless and digital manner. A first of its kind proposition, ‘IndusEasyCredit’ offers a fully digital end to end process that leverages the power of India’s public digital infrastructure – ‘Indiastack’ to offer personal loans and credit cards in a paperless, presence less and cashless manner.

Note: IndusInd Bank CEO: SumantKathpalia; IndusInd Bank Headquarters: Pune; IndusInd Bank Founder: S. P. Hinduja; IndusInd Bank Founded: April 1994, Mumbai.

 

2. Centrum gets RBI’s in-principle nod to take over PMC Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given “in-principle” approval to Centrum Financial Services Ltd (CFSL) to set up a small finance bank (SFB), which will take over the beleaguered Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank (PMC Bank). It will get 120 days to commence operations. The amalgamation with PMC Bank is a separate process that would involve notification of the scheme by the government. The first year the partners would put in Rs 900 crore, which will be used for starting the business and acquiring PMC Bank. The second round of equity funding of Rs 900 crore will happen in the following year.

Note: The Administrator of PMC Bank: AK Dixit; PMC Bank Founded: 1984; PMC Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. CII projects India’s FY22 GDP growth at 9.5%: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has estimated the gross domestic product (GDP) of India to grow at 9.5 per cent in the current financial year, i.e. FY 2021-22. This will take the GDP to a level that is slightly higher than in FY20. Rising medical expenditure has squeezed incomes and demand. But recovery is on the cards. Global growth and macroeconomic stability will support trade and investment flows.

 

2. India ranked 2nd in share of central bank surplus transfers: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was second in terms of reserves transferred to the government as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) for the fiscal year 2020-21. Turkey has been ranked first. RBI has transferred Rs 99,122-crore surplus to the government for FY21 which is 73% higher than the Rs 57,128 crore paid out in 2019-20. The surplus transferred by RBI constitutes 0.44% of GDP, while that of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey constitutes 0.5% of GDP.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. LTI Awarded Snowflake Global Innovation Partner of the Year: Larsen & Toubro Infotech, a global technology consulting and digital solutions company has been recognized as the Global Innovation Partner of the Year by Snowflake, the Data Cloud Company. LTI received this prestigious recognition during Snowflake Virtual Partner Summit. The award represents a key milestone for the strategic partnership between LTI and Snowflake and will strengthen collaboration between the companies to empower enterprises with innovative solutions and services.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Legendary India sprinter Milkha Singh passes away: Legendary Indian sprinter, Milkha Singh has passed away due to coronavirus disease (Covid-19), at the age of 91. A former army man, Milkha Singh won several laurels for the country in track and field events across the globe. Singh won four gold medals for India in the Asian Games, winning the 200 metre and 400-metre races in the 1958 Tokyo Asiad. He followed it up with gold medals in the 400 metre and 4×400 metre relay races in the 1962 Jakarta Asiad. He was unlucky to have missed out on an Olympic medal as he finished a close fourth in the 400 metres final at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

 

2. Zambia’s first President Kenneth Kaunda passes away: Zambian politician Kenneth Kaunda, who served as the first President of Zambia, has passed away. Mr Kaunda served as the first President of independent Zambia for 27 years from 1964 to 1991. Zambia gained independence from Britain in October 1964.

Note: Zambia Capital: Lusaka; Currency: Zambian kwacha. 

Daily GK Update- 22nd Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Rajasthan govt will set Vedic Education and Sanskar Board: The Rajasthan government will soon set up a Vedic Education and Sanskar Board to revive the knowledge of Sanskrit scriptures and Vedas. The board is likely to be formed in the next four to five months. A committee, formed to define aims, objectives and functioning of the board, has submitted its report to the state government, Minister of State (MoS) for Sanskrit Education Subhash Garg mentioned, adding modules will be presented before the board based on the report. He stated the Vedic board would come into function after approval from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

Note: Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot; Governor: Kalraj Mishra.

 

2. Arjun Munda launches tribal livelihoods ‘Sankalp Se Siddhi- Mission Van Dhan’: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda launched Sankalp Se Siddhi – Mission Van Dhan to promote local products manufactured by tribal artisans to ensure the sustainable livelihood of the tribal population across the country. The Union Minister launched TRIFED’s new office premises at NSIC Complex at Okhla Industrial Area, which is built in around 30,000 sqft area and has state-of-the-art infrastructure. Besides, the minister also launched other initiatives such as Van Dhan software application, which is designed to receive and process the Van Dhan proposals online, GIS integration, monitor project implementation activities, etc. A digital connect programme, under which a two-way communication process is proposed to be established, was also launched by the minister. Munda also inaugurated seven more Tribes India outlets – two in Jagdalpur, three in Ranchi, one each at Jamshedpur and Sarnath.

 

3. Centre Allocates Whopping Rs 10,870.5 Crore to UP Under Jal Jeevan Mission: The Centre has allocated a whopping Rs 10,870 crore to Uttar Pradesh under the Jal Jeevan Mission for 2021-22, the highest allocation so far to any state, the Ministry of Jal Shakti said. The amount is more than four times what was allocated to the poll-bound state last year. Uttar Pradesh has assured to achieve the goal of providing water to every rural household by 2024.

             

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. UK and Australia agreed on historic free trade agreement: A new free trade agreement with the United Kingdom will deliver more Australian jobs and business opportunities for exporters, bringing both countries closer together in a changing strategic environment. Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and Boris Johnson have agreed on the broad outlines of an Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA is the right deal for Australia and the United Kingdom, with greater access to a range of high-quality products made in both countries as well as greater access for businesses and workers, all of which will drive economic growth and job creation in both countries. Australian producers and farmers will receive a significant boost by getting greater access to the UK market.

Note: UK Capital: London; UK Prime minister: Boris Johnson; UK Currency: Pound sterling;

Australia Capital: Canberra; Australia Currency: Australian dollar; Australia Prime minister: Scott Morrison.

 

2. PM Modi Virtually Addresses 5th edition of VivaTech in Paris: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi virtually addressed the 5th edition of VivaTech. VivaTech is one of the largest digital and startup events of Europe, held in Paris every year since 2016. PM Modi was invited as a Guest of Honour to deliver the keynote address at VivaTech 2021, which has been organised from 16-19 June 2021 in Paris. During his address, PM Modi invited the world to invest in India based on the five pillars: Talent, Market, Capital, Eco-system and, Culture of openness.

About the event: Other prominent speakers of the event include the President of France Mr. Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of Spain Mr. Pedro Sanchez, and Ministers/MPs from various European countries. VivaTech is jointly organized by PublicisGroupe, a prominent advertising and marketing conglomerate, and Les Echos, a leading French media group. The event brings together stakeholders in technology innovation and the startup ecosystem. It includes exhibitions, awards, panel discussions and startup contests.

 

3. SIPRI Yearbook 2021: China, India, Pakistan expanding nuclear arsenal: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released the SIPRI Yearbook 2021. The report assesses the current state of armaments, disarmament and international security. China is in the middle of significant modernisation and expansion of its nuclear weapon inventory, and India and Pakistan also appear to be expanding their nuclear arsenals.

Key findings of the SIPRI Yearbook 2021:

(1) According to the yearbook, India possessed an estimated 156 nuclear warheads at the start of 2021 compared to 150 at the start of last year, while Pakistan had 165 warheads, up from 160 in 2020.

(2) China’s nuclear arsenal consisted of 350 warheads up from 320 at the start of 2020.

(3) The nine nuclear-armed states – the U.S., Russia, the U.K., France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea – together possessed an estimated 13,080 nuclear weapons at the start of 2021.

(4) Russia and the U.S. together possessed over 90% of global nuclear weapons and have extensive and expensive modernisationprogrammes underway.

Note: Sipri Headquarters: Oslo, Norway; Sipri Founded: 6 May 1966; Sipri Director: Dan Smith.

 

4. Shenzhou-12: China launches first crew to new space station: China launched three astronauts as its first crew to its new Tiangong space station, the country’s first manned spaceflight in nearly five years. The high-stakes mission, named Shenzhou 12, was launched on the back of the Long March 2F rocket, at Jiuquan in the northwestern Gansu province. The mission is being led by 56-year-old NieHaisheng, accompanied by fellow spacefarers Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo who are aboard the spacecraft Shenzhou-12. The astronauts will be stationed in the core module and remain in orbit for three months.

 

5. World Humanist Day: 21st June: World Humanist Day is celebrated every year around the world on the June solstice, which usually falls on June 21. The day aims to spread awareness of Humanism as a philosophical life stance and means to effect change in the world. The day has been organised by the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), since 1980. IHEU is the global federation for Humanist, atheist, rationalist, ethical culture, secularist and other freethought groups.

Note: International Humanist and Ethical Union President: Andrew Copson; International Humanist and Ethical Union Founded: 1952; International Humanist and Ethical Union Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.

 

6. World Hydrography Day: 21st June: Every year the World Hydrography Day is observed on 21 June to make the public aware of hydrography and the essential role that it plays in everyone’s life. The main objective of this day is to attract people’s attention to the work of the IHO at the international level. It is also celebrated to urge countries to work together to protect the marine environment and seek safe international navigation around the world. The theme for 2021 WHD is “One hundred years of international cooperation in hydrography”. The United Nations General Assembly accepted a resolution to celebrate World Hydrography Day on every June 21 in 2005. The day is organised by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) since 2006 to publicise the work of hydrographers and the importance of hydrography.

Note: International Hydrographic Organization Headquarters: Monte Carlo, Monaco; International Hydrographic Organization Secretary-General: Dr Mathias Jonas; International Hydrographic Organization Founded: 21 June 1921.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien Announces Retirement from ODIs: Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien has announced his retirement from one-day internationals. The 37-year-old Dubliner, who remains available for Test and T20 cricket, won 153 caps in the 50-over format, scoring over 3,000 runs and taking a national record 114 wickets in the format with his lively medium pace. But he is best known for a blistering World Cup hundred that saw Ireland beat England by three wickets in Bangalore during the 2011 edition. His 50-ball hundred remains the quickest in World Cup history, with O’Brien hammering an England attack that featured James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and off-spinner Graeme Swann.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. LIC CSL launches prepaid gift card in collaboration with IDBI Bank: LIC Cards Services (LIC CSL) has launched a contactless prepaid gift card, ‘Shagun’, in collaboration with IDBI Bank on the RuPay platform. The purpose of this card is to expand the gift card market with an intent to promote cashless ways of gifting and present a wide range of end-use choices and in a future foray into the market of e-gift cards. NPCI partnered with LIC CSL & IDBI Bank for the launch of the Shagun Gift Card on RuPay network.

About the card:

(1) Shagun card, in the initial phase, will be available to LIC and its subsidiaries for official use. The card will be used to facilitate awards and special rewards during official conferences and functions.

(2) The Shagun gift card offers customisation in the form of flexible loading of any amount ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000. With this card, the customer can perform multiple transactions within the validity of 3 years.

(3) They can also use it to shop online, pay utility bills, book tickets for air, rail, bus, and so on through various mobile wallets and E-commerce portals or apps using this card. The contactless (tap & go) feature of the card is aimed at transforming the transaction experience for users.

Note: IDBI Bank CEO: Rakesh Sharma; IDBI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

2. Centre appoints Finance Ministry official Anand Mohan Bajaj to SEBI Board: The Centre has appointed Anand Mohan Bajaj, Additional Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) as Member of the Board of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which is the capital markets as well as commodity derivatives market regulator. In the SEBI Board, he is replacing Tarun Bajaj, who is now the Revenue Secretary. The other Central Government appointed official in the SEBI Board is K V R Murty, Joint Secretary in Ministry of Company Affairs.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Ambuja Cement Foundation and NABARD to skill rural youth across the nation: Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Ambuja Cements Ltd, which is working towards empowerment of rural communities joins hands with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for the implementation of its ‘Employability through Skill Initiative Project (ESIP) Phase II. ACF received grant assistance from NABARD under the GramyaVikas Nidhi, a fund created for the development of off-farm sector activities. ESIP will provide skill training across 19 ACF locations for a period of two years in 12 trades and has already reached over 4000 youth despite the pandemic. Besides skill training, the course also includes soft skills and leadership skills as part of the training module. On completion of training, the students will be provided with placement and hand-holding support post placement.

 

2. Tata Digital to Acquire Majority Stake in 1MG: Tata Digital Ltd, a wholly-owned arm of Tata Sons, said it will acquire a majority stake in 1MG Technologies Ltd, an online healthcare marketplace. The company, however, did not disclose the financial details of the transaction. The investment is in line with Tata group’s vision of creating a digital ecosystem that addresses consumer needs across categories in a unified manner.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Environmental Organisation ‘Familial Forestry’ wins prestigious UN Award: The 2021 Land for Life Award has been won by Familial Forestry of Rajasthan, a unique concept that relates a tree with a family, making it a green “family member.” The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) organises the Land for Life Award every two years to recognize excellence and innovation in efforts towards land in balance. The theme for the 2021 Award is “Healthy Land, Healthy Lives”. The Land for Life Award was launched at the UNCCD COP (Conference of Parties) 10 in 2011 and is considered as the world’s highest reward regarding land conservation and restoration.

About the Familial Forestry: Familial Forestry is an environment conservation concept by climate-activist Shyam Sunder Jyani, an Associate Professor for Sociology in Rajasthan, who has been campaigning for Familial Forestry for over 15 years. Familial Forestry means transferring the care of the tree and environment in the family so that a tree becomes a part of the family’s consciousness. More than a million families from more than 15,000 villages of desert-prone northwest Rajasthan in over 2.5 million saplings have been planted in the past 15 years, with the active participation of students and desert dwellers.”

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Senior Congress Leader Indira Hridayesh Passes Away: Leader of Opposition in the Uttarakhand assembly, Indira Hridayesh, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest in New Delhi. She was 80. Hridayesh was a Congress MLA from Haldwani and one of the seniormost Congress leaders from the state. Hridayesh was the finance minister of Uttarakhand from 2012 to 2017 and also held the portfolios of parliamentary affairs and higher education and planning in the Congress government led by Harish Rawat.