Daily GK Update- 29th Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Delhi Govt launched Mukhyamantri Covid-19 PariwarAarthikSahayata Yojana: Delhi government has launched “Mukhyamantri COVID-19 PariwarAarthikSahayata Yojana” to provide financial assistance to the families who lost a member due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to notification by Social Welfare Department, Rs 50,000 ex-gratia will be provided to every family that has lost a member amid a pandemic. A pension of Rs 2,500 per month would also be given to those families that lost the sole breadwinner to the Covid-19 pandemic. Children who lost their both parents or single parent to COVID-19 will also be provided ₹2,500 per month till they achieve 25 years of age. The Delhi government will also provide free education to them.

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

 

2. NSDC and WhatsApp Launch “Digital Skill Champions Program”: The National Skill Development Corporation and WhatsApp announced an alliance to launch the Digital Skill Champions Program that aims to train India’s youth on digital skills, in order to make them employment ready. The partnership identifies two broad areas of collaboration viz., WhatsApp Digital Skills Academy and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) and WhatsApp Business App Training sessions. Through this program, school and university students would be coached to imbibe digital and online skills that would culminate with WhatsApp and NSDC awarding ‘Digital Skill Champions’ certification. The course is based on a module format, is comprehensive and intensive in imparting knowledge about important aspects of the online ecosystem, equipping students with technology-based learning on campuses across tier 3 and 4 towns and cities throughout the country.

Note: WhatsApp Founded: 2009; WhatsApp CEO: Will Cathcart (Mar 2019–); WhatsApp Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States; WhatsApp Acquisition date: 19 February 2014; WhatsApp Founders: Jan Koum, Brian Acton; WhatsApp Parent organization: Facebook.

 

3. National Statistics Day: 29th June: The government of India is celebrated National Statistics day on 29th June on the birth anniversary of Prof. P C Mahalanobis. The Day is celebrated to create awareness among youth about the role of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation. The Day to popularize the use of Statistics in everyday life and sensitize the public as to how Statistics helps in shaping and framing policies. End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture (Sustainable Development Goal or SDG 2 of the UN) is the theme of this year’s National Statistics Day.

History of National Statistics Day: National Statistics Day was first celebrated on 29th June 2007. The Government of India decided to celebrate the outstanding contribution made by Late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the field of economic planning and statistical development and hence mark his birth anniversary as ‘National Statistics Day.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India-Bhutan: Tax Inspectors Without Borders Initiative: India and Bhutan have jointly launched the “Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB)”. It has been launched for strengthening the tax administration of Bhutan. It will focus on International Taxation and Transfer Pricing. TIWB programme aims to strengthen tax administrations among developing countries by transferring technical know-how and skills to their tax auditors and by sharing general audit practices & dissemination of knowledge products with them. This programme is another milestone in the relationship between India and Bhutan. It will be completed in 24 months’ duration. About the Tax Inspectors Without Borders:

(1) Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) initiative was launched in 2015.

(2) Its main aim is to strengthen developing countries’ auditing capacity.

(3) It is a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

(4) TIWB initiative has completed 80 programmes in 45 countries.

Note: Bhutan Capital: Thimphu; Bhutan Prime minister: LotayTshering; Bhutan Currency: Bhutanese ngultrum.

 

2. India hosts two-day summit on Green Hydrogen initiatives: India is all set to host a two-day summit on Green Hydrogen initiatives involving the BRICS nations. The prestigious event offers a platform to share their respective Green Hydrogen initiatives and views on how to take it to the next level in their own countries. The event will be anchored by India’s state-run power major NTPC. The virtual summit will bring the best brains, policy makers and major stakeholders from the BRICS nations deliberating and discussing at length the future of hydrogen in the energy mix.

 

3. ISRO, NOAA-led multinational project endorsed by UN body: UN body has endorsed a multinational project called “Committee on Earth Observation Satellites Coastal Observations, Applications, Services, and Tools (CEOS COAST)”. CEOS COAST programme is co-led by ISRO and NOAA from the US. This programme aims to improve the accuracy of coastal data on the basis of satellite and land-based observations. Its pilot projects are uniquely capable of using Earth Observation technologies to meet several of the 17 UN-designated sustainable development goals for the Ocean Decade initiative.

NOAA stands for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The themes of these projects include disaster risk reduction and coastal resilience among continental shorelines and small island nations. The CEOS COAST has been working collaboratively with stakeholders in industries such as agriculture, construction, and commercial/recreational fishing to support all forms of decision-makers from parents deciding which beach to take their kids to, to sailors navigating the coast, to policymakers taking action on climate change and more.

 

4. International Day of the Tropics: 29th June: The United Nations observe 29 June as International Day of the Tropics. The International Day of the Tropics celebrates the extraordinary diversity of the tropics while highlighting unique challenges and opportunities nations of the Tropics face. It provides an opportunity to take stock of progress across the tropics, to share tropical stories and expertise, and to acknowledge the diversity and potential of the region.

History of the day: The inaugural State of the Tropics Report was launched on 29 June 2014, as the culmination of a collaboration between twelve leading tropical research institutions. The report offers a unique perspective on this increasingly important region. Marking the anniversary of the report’s launch the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/70/267 in 2016, which declared that 29 June of each year is to be observed as the International Day of the Tropics.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Star Archer DeepikaKumari Wins Hat-Trick Gold Medal at Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Paris: The ace Indian archer DeepikaKumari, created a new world record as she claimed three back-to-back gold medals in a single day, on June 26, 2021, during the the Archery World Cup Stage 3, held in Paris from 21 to 27, June 2021. The Ranchi daughter claimed gold in each of women’s recurve individual, team and mixed pair events. India topped the medals tally with four gold medals. The fourth gold medal came by Abhishek Verma, from men’s individual event in compound section.

 

2. Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard Will Be First Trans Athlete to Compete at Olympics: New Zealand has named Laurel Hubbard to its women’s weightlifting roster for the upcoming Olympics in Tokyo, making her the first openly transgender athlete to compete in the games. Hubbard, 43, will compete in the category for women over 87 kg, about 192 pounds. Hubbard has met the International Olympic Committee’s requirements for athletes who transition from male to female. The requirements stipulate that the athlete must declare that her gender identity is female and can’t change that status for sports purposes for at least four years.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PayPoint India signs pact with banks, NBFCs for lending services: PayPoint India, a technology-enabled distribution network of financial services, intends to add lending vertical to its portfolio of services for which it has signed agreements with 12 financial institutions. The Mumbai-based company has signed ‘lead generation agreements’ with Punjab National Bank, ICICI Bank, Deutsche Bank and NBFCs such as Bajaj Housing, Piramal Housing and Hero Fincorp, among others and is close to entering into a similar agreement with State Bank of India. PayPoint India would be also introducing two more products – an investment related Systematic Investment Plan inter-operable wallets (in which cash can be loaded at the retail touch points) – to its service bucket.

 

2. Govt Eases Listing Norms for Companies Having Over Rs 1 Lakh Cr M-cap: Companies that have a market capitalisation of more than Rs 1 lakh crore at the time of listing can now sell just five per cent of their shares, with the latest amendment in rules, a move that will be beneficial for the government during the proposed initial public offer of LIC. Such entities will be required to increase its public shareholding to 10 per cent in two years and raise the same to at least 25 per cent within five years.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. SEBI imposes Rs 15 cr fine on Franklin Templeton, 8 others: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed a cumulative fine of ₹15 crore on nine entities, including Franklin Templeton Trustee Services, senior official and fund managers associated with the six debt schemes wound-up by the fund house. In its latest action, SEBI has issued a fine of ₹3 crore on Franklin Templeton Trustee Services Pvt Ltd, and ₹2 crore each on Franklin Asset Management (India) Pvt Ltd President Sanjay Sapre and its Chief Investment Officer Santosh Kamat.

 

2. Wipro Joins WEF’s Partnership for New Work Standards Initiative: Digital transformation major Wipro said it has joined the World Economic Forum’s Partnership for New Work Standards initiative to establish a healthy, resilient and equitable future of work. The initiative aims to co-create new frameworks, shape forward-thinking people policies, and utilise tools and technologies to collectively build human-first work standards with people at the heart of business.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Centre releases full list of Smart Cities Awards 2020 winners: The Central government has declared Smart City awards 2020 in which Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Surat (Gujarat) won the award jointly for their overall development. Whereas Uttar Pradesh emerged on the top among all states, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu under the Smart City award, 2020. The Smart City awards were given across the themes of Social Aspects, Governance, Culture, Urban Environment, Sanitation, Economy, Built Environment, Water, Urban Mobility. According to the Centre, of the total, proposed projects under the Smart Cities Mission, 5,924 projects (115% by number) worth ₹1,78,500 crore have been tendered so far. Whereas work orders have been issued for 5,236 projects (101% by number) worth ₹1,46,125 crore.

List of winning Smart Cities under the different categories:

 

Categories	Cities
Social Aspects	1. Tirupati: Health Benchmark for Municipal Schools
	2. Bhubaneshwar: Socially Smart Bhubaneswar
	3. Tumakuru: Digital Library Solution
Governance	1. Vadodara: GIS
	2. Thane: Digi Thane
	3. Bhubaneswar: ME app
Culture	1. Indore: Conservation of Heritage
	2. Chandigarh: Capitol Complex, Heritage Project
	3. Gwalior: Digital Museum
Urban Environment	1. Bhopal: Clean energy
	2. Chennai: Restoration of water bodies
	3. Tirupati: Renewable Energy Generation
Sanitation	1. Tirupati: Bioremediation & Bio-Mining
	2. Indore: Municipal Waste Management System
	3. Surat: Conservation through Treated Wastewater
Economy	1. Indore: Carbon Credit Financing Mechanism
	2. Tirupati: Boost Local Identity & Economy through Design Studio
	3. Agra: Micro Skill Development Centre
Built Environment	1. Indore: ChappanDukan
	2. Surat: Canal Corridor
Water	1. Dehradun: Smart Water Metering Water ATM
	2. Varanasi: Eco-Restoration of Assi River
	3. Surat: Integrated and Sustainable Water Supply System
Urban Mobility	1. Aurangabad: Majhi Smart Buses
	2. Surat: Dynamic Scheduling Buses
	3. Ahmedabad: Man-less parking system and automatic ticket dispensing machines AMDA Park
Innovative Idea Award	1. Indore: Carbon Credit Financing Mechanism
	2. Chandigarh: For Union Territories
COVID Innovation Award	1. Kalyan-Dombivali and Varanasi

 

Daily GK Update- 28th Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and World Bank signs USD 32 million loan for Mizoram: The Government of India, along with the Government of Mizoram has signed a $32 million loan agreement with World Bank for Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project. The project aims to improve the management capacity and quality of health services in Mizoram, with a focus on the benefit of under-served areas and vulnerable groups.

Benefits of the project:

(1) The project will strengthen the governance and the management structure of the Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW) and its subsidiaries, improve the quality and coverage of services delivered by the state government health systems, and invest in a comprehensive Quality Assurance program which would enable quality certification of health facilities.

(2) The Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project will benefit the people across all eight districts of the state. It will also benefit health sector staff, specifically at the secondary and primary levels, by strengthening their planning and management capacity along with building their clinical skills and competencies.

Note: World Bank Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States; World Bank Formation: July 1944; World Bank President: David Malpass.

Chief Minister of Mizoram: Pu Zoramthanga; Governor: P.S. Sreedharan Pillai.

 

2. ICCR was appointed as the personnel certification body of the Yoga Certification Board of India: Yoga Certification Board of India has appointed Indian Council for Cultural Relations as the personnel certification body. ICCR, along with the Ministry of Ayush, will now start Yoga Certification courses for the professionals across the world. Apart from holding Yoga courses, ICCR will now ensure Indian embassies become the centres for Yoga Certification

 

3. KarnamMalleswari appointed 1st vice chancellor of Delhi Sports University: The Delhi government appointed former Olympic medalist weightlifter KarnamMalleswari as the first Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Sports University. She is the first Indian woman weightlifter to bring home an Olympic medal. She created history at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 by lifting 110 kilograms and 130 kilograms in the ‘snatch’ and ‘clean and jerk’ categories. She has also been awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award and Padma Shri.

 

4. Ruskin Bond’s book titled ‘It’s a wonderful Life’ launched: Indian British author Ruskin Bond has authored a new book titled ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is published by Aleph Book Company. The book is written in a perceptive, uplifting, deeply moving, and non-fictional way.  He is a recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. His First Novel was the Room on the Roof’.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Narendra Singh Tomar addresses the 42nd session of the FAO Congress:Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar addressed 42nd session The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) conference virtually. The FAO and all 193 members of the European Union supported the new Strategic Framework 2022-2031 which will support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Hans Hoogwein, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to United Nations Organizations in Rome, as New Independent Chairman of the Council (ICC) for the next two years (2021–23).He will replace Khalid Mehboob of Pakistan.

 

2. Israel successfully tests laser that can shoot down drones mid-air: The Israeli military said it has successfully tested an airborne high-power laser that can shoot down drones, technology it hopes to deploy on a larger scale in the coming years. Israel already boasts a large and sophisticated air defense system, which the military says had a 90 per cent interception rate against thousands of rockets fired from Gaza during last month’s 11-day war. The laser technology would complement that system.

 

3. Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day: 27th June: The United Nations Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day is held on June 27 since 2017 to celebrate the work of MSME in local and global economies and their contribution to sustainable development. The day also recognises the contribution of these industries in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2021, the theme is “MSME 2021: key to an inclusive and sustainable recovery.” That is why the UN will be hosting a series of events to explore how MSMEs – the backbone of our economies – can be equipped to ensure an equitable and sustainable post-COVID-19 recovery.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown breaks 100-meter backstroke world record: Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown breaks the 100-meter backstroke world record at the South Australian Aquatic Centre with a time of 57.45 seconds from the previous mark of 57.57 seconds set by American Regan Smith in 2019. Emily Seebohm finished second in 58.59 to qualify for her fourth Olympics.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Card partners with Fabindia to launch Fabindia SBI Card: SBI Card, the country’s second-largest credit card issuer and Fabindia, a retail platform for a wide range of handcrafted products by the artisans of the country, have joined hands to launch an exclusive co-branded contactless credit card named “Fabindia SBI Card”. The card is designed with curated benefits and privileges to offer a rewarding shopping experience to its premium customers and comes in two variants — Fabindia SBI Card SELECT and Fabindia SBI Card. The introduction of the new Fabindia SBI Card further bolsters our premium portfolio, reinforces our commitment to enable our customers to embrace digital payments and contribute to the country’s digital economy.

Note: SBI Card MD and CEO: Rama Mohan Rao Amara; SBI Card Founded: October 1998; SBI Card Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana.

 

2. Google Pay expands cards tokenisation with more banks: Digital payments platform Google Pay has announced further expansion in the footprint of bank partners offering cards tokenisation on the Google Pay app. The platform had earlier rolled out tokenisation with Kotak Mahindra Bank, SBI Cards and Axis Bank. It has now added debit cards by SBI, IndusInd Bank and Federal Bank and Credit cards by IndusInd Bank and HSBC India to its slate. The feature also works with online merchants. With tokenisation, Google Pay users can use Near-field communication (NFC) capable devices/phones to make contactless payments at over 2.5 million Visa merchant locations. They can scan and pay at more than 1.5 million Bharat QR enabled merchants as well as pay bills and recharges from within their Google Pay app using their credit card.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. S&P Projects India’s Growth Forecast for FY22 to 9.5%: S&P Global Ratings cut India’s FY22 growth forecast for the current fiscal to 9.5 per cent, from 11 per cent earlier, and warned of the risk to the outlook from further waves of COVID pandemic. It also projected India’s growth at 7.8 per cent in the next fiscal ending March 31, 2023. The agency lowered the growth outlook saying that a severe second COVID-19 outbreak in April and May led to lockdowns imposed by states and a sharp contraction in economic activity.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Cochin International Airport won honour in airport service quality: Cochin International Airport (CIAL) won Airport Council International (ACI) Director General’s Roll of Excellence honour in Airport Service Quality. This recognition is awarded to those airports which, in the opinion of passengers, consistently delivered excellent services. Cochin International Airport has consistently delivered excellence in customer service by winning multiple awards for five years in past 10 years. It is one among six airports across the world that will receive recognition in 2021.

Note: Airport Council International Headquarters location: Montreal, Canada; Airport Council International Founded: 1991.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India- USA Navy Passage Exercise in Indian Ocean Region: The Indian Navy and the Air Force began a two-day passage exercise with U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Ronald Reagan during its transit through the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The exercise aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship and cooperation by demonstrating the ability to integrate and coordinate comprehensively in maritime operations.

Indian Composition: The Navy’s INS Kochi and Teg, along with P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft and MiG 29K fighters, are participating in the exercise. For the exercise, which is under the area of responsibility of the Southern Air Command, the IAF forces are operating from bases under four operational commands and include Jaguar and Su-30 MKI fighters, Phalcon and Netra early warning aircraft and IL-78 air to air refueller aircraft.

U.S. Composition: The U.S.’ CSG comprises Nimitz class aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey and Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh. It has fielded F-18 fighters and E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft in the exercise being carried out south of Thiruvananthapuram on the western seaboard.

 

2. India successfully test fires subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay off Odisha coast: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the subsonic cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’ on June 24, 2021, from an Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha’s Balasore. This was the eighth test flight of the missile. The first test flight of Nirbhay was held on 12 March 2013.

About the Missile: Nirbhay is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile indigenously designed and developed by DRDO. The missile can be launched from multiple platforms and is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads. Nirbhay is a two-stage missile and can engage several targets in a single flight. The missile has a length of 6 metres, a width of 0.52 metres, a wingspan of 2.7 metres and weighs about 1500 kg. It has a strike range of about 1500 km. 

Daily GK Update- 27th Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani e-launches Agricultural Diversification Scheme: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has virtually launched the ‘Agricultural Diversification Scheme-2021’, with the aim of making agriculture sustainable and profitable in the tribal areas of the state. The scheme will benefit more than 1.26 lakh vanbandhu- farmers from 14 tribal districts in Gujarat.

Under the scheme: The state government would distribute fertilizer-seed assistance worth around Rs. 31 crores to tribal farmers, which will also include 45 kg of urea, 50 kg of NPK and 50 kg of ammonium sulphate. Gujarat government has already provided assistance of Rs. 250 crore to 10 lakh tribal farmers under this scheme in the last ten years.

Note: Gujarat Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani; Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat.

 

2. World’s first-ever genetically modified rubber planted in Assam: In Assam, the world’s first genetically modified (GM) rubber plant has been planted by Rubber Board, at the board’s farm in Sarutari near Guwahati. The GM rubber sapling was developed at the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), in Puthuppally, Kottayam, Kerala.

About the Plant: This first of its kind plant has been developed exclusively for the northeast so that they can thrive in the climatic conditions of the region. The need to develop the GM rubber plant was felt because Natural rubber is a native of warm humid Amazon forests and is not naturally suited for cold conditions in the northeast. The crop is currently planted on an experimental basis and once the trials are over, the new crop will greatly benefit farmers as well as give a big boost to rubber production in the country.

Note: Assam Governor: JagdishMukhi; Assam Chief Minister: HimantaBiswaSarma.

 

3. RaghuramRajan named in Tamil Nadu economic advisory panel: The Tamil Nadu government named Nobel laureate Esther Duflo and former Reserve Bank of India Governor RaghuramRajan as part of a five-member Economic Advisory Council for the state. The other members in the council are former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian, development economist Jean Drèze and former Union Finance Secretary S Narayan.

The five-member team was put together by finance minister PalanivelThiagaRajan, who was an investment banker in the US and Singapore before he entered politics. Based on the recommendations of this Council, the government will revitalise the state’s economy and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach all segments of society.

Note: Tamil Nadu governor BanwarilalPurohit; MK Stalin chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

 

4. Harsh Vardhan unveils ‘My Joys and Sorrows – as a Mother of a Special Child’ book: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has unveiled Krishna Saksena’s book “My Joys and Sorrows – as a Mother of a Special Child”. It is the epitome of the bravery and endurance of a mother, in the best tradition of Indian motherhood. The book is full of beautiful photographs, including some black and white ones which have historical significance, not only because some of them feature public personalities but also because it chronicles the domestic as well as the professional context of the times.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. NikolPashinyan elected as Armenia Prime Minister: Armenia’s acting prime minister, NikolPashinyan, kept power in a parliamentary election that boosted his authority despite being widely blamed for a military defeat last year in the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. Nikol’s Civil Contract party won 53.92% of the votes cast. An alliance led by his rival, ex-leader Robert Kocharyan, came second with 21%, according to the results based on ballots from 100% of precincts counted. Kocharyan was Armenia’s president from 1998 to 2008.

Note: Capital of Armenia: Yerevan; Currency of Armenia: Armenian dram.

 

2. 9 Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable to be hosted by India: International Energy Forum (IEF) announced that India has agreed to host the 9th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER9). The 9th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable will be held in 2022. Dates of this conference will be announced later and it will take forward the understandings reached in the previous meeting in Abu Dhabi during 2018.

About the conference: The decision of India to be the host of this Energy Roundtable came after a virtual meeting between IEF Secretary-General Joseph McMonigle and Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Chief executive officers of Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum Corp, in addition to senior officers from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, were also present at the meeting.

International Energy Forum (IEF):

The International Energy Forum (IEF) is the world’s largest energy organization with 71 member countries, accounting for 90 per cent of the global energy market. It holds energy dialogue promoting energy security, market stability, and transparency in the transition to a sustainable and inclusive future.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. India’s official Olympic theme song ‘Lakshya Tera Samne Hai’ released: Ahead of the Tokyo Games, the official Olympic theme song for the Indian contingent was launched. Mohit Chauhan has composed and sung the song titled “Lakshya Tera Samne Hai”. The Games will open on July 23 and over 100 Indian athletes have qualified for the event so far. The event was organised by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and attended by its President, Secretary-General, Deputy Chef De Mission, Sports Secretary and DG Sports Authority of India (SAI). Sports Minister KirenRijiju was the chief guest at the event.

Note: Indian Olympic Association President: Narayana Ramachandran; Indian Olympic Association Founded: 1927.

 

2. JaspritBumrah roped in as brand ambassador OnePlus: OnePlus, the global technology brand welcomed cricketer JaspritBumrah as Brand Ambassador for its Wearables category. The partnership with Bumrah reiterates the brand philosophy of ‘Never Settle’ and the company’s pursuit towards perfection. The OnePlus Wearable category includes the OnePlus Watch, the first global smart wearable from OnePlus that offers a premium design, seamless connection, smart fitness tracking and an incredible battery life.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI launches Aarogyam healthcare business loan: The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched the Aarogyam healthcare business loan to provide enhanced support to the healthcare sector amid the pandemic. Under this new product, the entire healthcare ecosystem such as hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, pathology labs, manufacturers, suppliers, importers, logistic firms engaged in critical healthcare supply can avail of loans up to Rs 100 crore (as per the geographic location) repayable in 10 years, the country’s largest state-owned bank.

About the Aarogyam loan:

(1) The Aarogyam loan can be availed either as a term loan to support expansion or modernisation or as working capital facilities such as cash credit, bank guarantee/letter of credit.

(2) In metro centres loans under Aarogyam can be availed up to Rs 100 crore, Tier I & Urban centres up to Rs 20 crore and in Tier II to Tier VI centres up to Rs 10 crore.

(3) The beneficiary units/borrowing Companies availing loan of up to Rs 2 crore will not be required to offer any collateral or security to the bank as this will be covered under the guarantee scheme of Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).

Note: SBI Chairperson: Dinesh Kumar Khara; SBI Headquarters: Mumbai; SBI Founded: 1 July 1955.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Moody’s Revises India’s GDP growth rate to 9.6%: Moody’s Investors Service has slashed India’s growth projection to 9.6 per cent for the 2021 calendar year, from its earlier estimate of 13.9 per cent. For the calendar year 2022, GDP growth is projected at 7 per cent. In its report titled ‘Macroeconomics India: Economic shocks from second COVID wave will not be as severe as last year’s, Moody’s said high-frequency economic indicators show that the second wave of COVID-19 infections hit India’s economy in April and May.

 

2. Jamsetji Tata tops inaugural list of Top Philanthropists of the Century: JamsetjiNusserwanji Tata, Indian pioneer industrialist and founder of the Tata Group, has topped the inaugural, EdelGiveHurun Philanthropists of the Century list, which ranks the world’s 50 most generous individuals in the last century. As per the report, the total donations made by Mumbai-based Jamsetji Tata is estimated at US$102.4 billion. He is the only Indian among the top 10 list, compiled by Hurun Research and EdelGive Foundation.

The only other Indian in the list of 50 global philanthropists is Azim Premji, former chairman of Wipro. He is ranked at 12th position. Bill Gates & Melinda French Gates ranked second with donations worth $74.6 billion. They are followed by Henry Wellcome ($56.7 billion), Howard Hughes ($38.6 billion), and Warren Buffett ($37.4 billion) respectively.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. NTPC wins recognition of India’s best employers among Nation-Builders 2021: For the first time, NTPC won recognition as India’s Best Employers among Nation-Builders 2021. It has been recognized as the ‘Great Place to Work’ for the 15th straight year by the Great Places to Work Institute. It has been ranked at 38th. It was ranked 47 last year. It also won its first-ever recognition of India’s Best Employers among Nation-Builders 2021. NTPC, a Maharatna Community and Public Sector Unit work under the Ministry of Power. The PSU has also won the CII HR Excellence Role model award in March 2021. It is the highest award in the field of people management in the country. The ‘Great Place to Work’ certification is recognised worldwide and is considered the gold standard in identifying and recognizing great workplaces with high trust and high-performance cultures. It is the most definitive ‘Employer of Choice’ recognition certification that the organization aim to achieve.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. John McAfee, founder of McAfee antivirus software, passes away: British-American Software pioneer, John David McAfee, the creator of the McAfee antivirus software, has passed away. John was found dead in his cell in a jail near Barcelona, where he had been since October 2020, for evading taxes. The incident happened shortly after his extradition to the United States was authorized by Spain’s National Court, on criminal charges filed in Tennessee by the Justice Department’s tax division. He was accused to have deliberately failed to file tax returns between 2014 and 2018, despite earning millions from consulting work, cryptocurrencies, among other things. 

Daily GK Update- 26th Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Odisha CM launches ‘Ashirbad’ for education and health of Covid orphans: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a new scheme ‘Ashirbad’ for the education, health and maintenance of Covid orphans. The Chief Minister announced that Rs 2500 per month will be deposited in the bank accounts of family members who have taken the responsibility for the children after the death of their parents.Children who lost their parents or the main earning person of the family on April 1, 2020, or thereafter to Covid-19 will be eligible to be covered under the scheme. Such children under distress have been divided into three categories. Those who have lost both their parents, those who have lost either father or mother and those whose main earning member of the family, either father or mother have died.

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

 

2. Maharashtra’s GI certified Jalgaon banana exported to Dubai: The Ministry of Commerce has announced that India has exported 22 tonnes of Geographical Indications (GI) certified fiber and mineral-rich Jalgaon banana to Dubai. This marks a major boost to exports of Geographical Indications (GI) certified agricultural produce from India. The Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, got GI certification for their Jalgaon banana in 2016. The GI tag helps farmers to get the premium price for their product as no other producer can misuse the name to market similar goods.

 

3. Bengaluru ranked as one of the Top 5 technology centers in Asia Pacific: Bengaluru has emerged as the top five technology centres in the APAC region while Hyderabad is ranked in the Top 10 list, a report by Colliers titled ‘Growth Engines of Innovation: How Asia Pacific Technology Hubs are Reshaping Regional Real Estate’. The report ranks the most attractive technology submarkets within major APAC cities, which should serve as a navigation tool for technology groups, as they plan their expansion.

Beijing, Shanghai, Bengaluru, Shenzhen and Singapore currently rank as the top five technology centres in APAC; they offer a compelling balance of infrastructure and talent for occupiers and are well-positioned to deliver future growth and investment opportunities for owners. Other cities are developing strengths in specific areas of technology, e.g., Seoul and Hong Kong in fintech, while new centres such as Hyderabad and Sydney are emerging.

 

4. Senior psychiatrist Pratima Murthy appointed as director of NIMHANS: Dr Pratima Murthy, head of Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru has been appointed as Director of the Institute for a period of five years. She will retire in March 2026. She was awarded the WHO Regional Director’s Special Recognition Award on ‘World No Tobacco Day 2021’. She has been appointed by NIMHANS on the approval of the central government as the full-term director of the institute of national importance after Prof and Head of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Dr Padma Srivastava could not assume the top office due to some technical reasons.

 

5. Arvind Gaur releases book ‘HabbaKhatoon’ written by Kajal Suri: Theatre personality Arvind Gaur has released the book ‘HabbaKhatoon’ written by Kajal Suri. The book ‘HabbaKhatoon’ was Published by SanjanaPrakashan. HabbaKhatoon, also known by the honorary title ‘The Nightingale of Kashmir’, was a Kashmiri poet and ascetic. She was the wife of Yousuf Shah Chak, the last Emperor of Kashmir.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. India and Fiji inks MoU for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors: A virtual meeting was held between the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, GoI, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar with Dr.Mahendra Reddy, Minister of Agriculture, Waterways & Environment, Government of Fiji. During the meeting, both the ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and allied sectors. This MoU will further strengthen the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries.

Some of the fields in which MoU was signed: (1) Dairy Industry Development, (2) Rice Industry Development, (3) Root crop diversification, (4) Water Resources Management, (5) Coconut Industry Development, (6) Food Processing Industry Development, (7) Agriculture Mechanization, (8) Horticulture Industry Development, (9) Animal Husbandry, Pest and Disease, (10) Breeding and Agronomy

Note: Fiji Capital: Suva; Fiji Currency: Fijian dollar; Fiji President: JiojiKonousi.

 

2. Actor Will Smith announced his autobiography ‘Will’: Actor Will Smith, who revealed the title and cover of his upcoming autobiography “Will”. The book, to be published Nov. 9 by Penguin Press. Will Smith is co-writing the book with author Mark Manson, and the cover is designed by New Orleans artist Brandan “BMike” Odums. Smith will also narrate the audiobook of Will from Penguin Random House Audio.

The essence of the book: The book will delve into him being raised in West Philadelphia to entering superstardom as an actor and rapper. He’s a two-time Academy Award nominee and won a four-time Grammy winner. Smith starred in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Bad Boys, Men in Black and Pursuit of Happyness. He’s won Grammys for Summertime, Men In Black, Gettin’ JiggyWit It and Parents Just Don’t Understand.

 

3. International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: 26th June: International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed on 26th June every year. This day is observed by the United Nations to raise awareness among the people about human torture that it is not only unacceptable but it is also a crime.

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture History: On 12 December 1997, The UN General Assembly passed a resolution 52/149 and decided to watch 26 June because the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture to eradicate torture and therefore the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. it’s to be remembered that pain or suffering caused by the legal penalty isn’t considered as torture. On 26 June 1998, the primary International Day in Support of Victims of Torture was held.

 

4. International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: 26th June: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed globally on 26th June every year. The day is observed by the United Nations as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. The theme of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2021 is “Share Facts On Drugs, Save Lives”.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking History: On 7 December 1987, the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse by passing a resolution 42/112.

Note: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Headquarters: Vienna, Austria; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Founded: 1997.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce becomes second fastest woman of all-time ahead: Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce became the second-fastest woman of all-time behind 100 metres world record holder Florence Griffith-Joyner when she clocked 10.63 seconds at a meet in Kingston. American Griffith-Joyner still holds the women’s 100m world record of 10.49 seconds, set in Indianapolis in 1988, as well as the three fastest times ever, with 10.61 and 10.62, also in 1988.

 

2. Rani Rampal, Manpreet Singh named captains of Indian hockey teams: Midfielder Manpreet Singh was named captain of the 16-member Olympic-bound Indian men’s hockey team, while experienced defenders, BirendraLakra and Harmanpreet Singh, were named vice-captains. This will be Manpreet’s third Olympics. Under Manpreet’s captaincy, the Indian team won the Asia Cup in 2017, the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018 and the FIH Series Final in 2019. The team led by Manpreet also made it to the quarterfinals of the FIH Men’s World Cup 2018 in Bhubaneswar.

In women’s category: Rani Rampal was named the captain of the 16-member Olympic-bound Indian Women’s Hockey Team, announced Hockey India. Rani is the obvious choice not just for her on-field exploits but also for her innate ability to guide the youngsters in the team. Under Rani’s Captaincy, the Indian team over the past four years have achieved significant results including winning the Asia Cup in 2017, Winning Silver at the Asian Games 2018, Silver at Asian Champions Trophy 2018 as well winning the FIH Series Final in 2019. The team led by Rani also made it to the quarterfinals of the FIH Women’s World Cup 2018 in London for the first time.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank launches ‘Pay Your Contact’ service: Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced the launch of ‘Pay Your Contact’ the new feature that enables its customers to send money or make payments to any of their contacts across all payment apps simply by the beneficiary’s mobile number. The ‘Pay Your Contact’ service is available on the lender’s mobile banking app and uses the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform. The ‘Pay Your Contact’ feature on Kotak mobile banking app has made payments as easy and simple as can be. Kotak customers can now make their payments to a friend, household help, neighbourhood shop etc. just by knowing the beneficiary’s mobile number.

Note: Kotak Mahindra Bank Establishment: 2003; Kotak Mahindra Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Kotak Mahindra Bank MD & CEO: Uday Kotak; Kotak Mahindra Bank Tagline: Let’s Make Money Simple.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Finance Ministry allows HFCs above Rs 100 cr to use to SARFAESI law: Ministry of Finance has allowed housing finance companies (HFCs) with asset size of over Rs. 100 crore to recover the dues using SARFAESI law. This move is expected to be a shot in the arm for thousands of small HFCs, as it will facilitate quick recovery of dues and encourage these companies to lend more.Earlier HFCs with assets over Rs. 500 crore (and notified by Finance Ministry) were allowed to use SARFAESI law to recover dues. Currently, there are nearly 100 HFCs that are registered with NHB. The top-10 HFCs account for 70-80 per cent of the assets of the housing finance industry. SARFAESI Act 2002 allows banks and other financial institutions to auction residential or commercial properties (of Defaulter) to recover loans.

Note: Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs: Nirmala Sitharaman.

 

2. Airtel, TCS partner for 5G network solutions: Bharti Airtel and Tata Group have announced a strategic partnership for implementing 5G network solutions for India, which will be available for commercial development from January 2022. Tata Group has developed an O-RAN (open-radio access network)-based radio and non-standalone architecture/stand-alone architecture (NSA/SA) core and has integrated a totally indigenous telecom stack, leveraging the capabilities of the group and its partners. The NSA/SA are radio technology that controls the signalling of 5G radio. While NSA can control signalling of 5G to the 4G core, the SA can connect the 5G radio directly to the 5G core network and control signalling does not depend on the 4G network.

Airtel will pilot and deploy this indigenous solution as part of its 5G rollout plans in India and start the pilot in January 2022, as per the guidelines formulated by the government. According to sources, Tata Group will work with Indian tech companies and start-ups for hardware solutions, Tata ‘acting as a super integrator’. It can benefit from this partnership to export the technology to other countries such as Africa and Sri Lanka.

Note: Bharti Airtel CEO: Gopal Vittal; Bharti Airtel Founder: Sunil Bharti Mittal; Bharti Airtel Founded: 7 July 1995.

Tata Group Chairman: Natarajan Chandrasekaran; Tata Group Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. KK Shailaja awarded prestigious CEU Open Society Prize for 2021: The Central European University (CEU) Open Society Prize for 2021 has been awarded to KK Shailaja, the former Health Minister of Kerala. The award was presented to her in recognition of “her determined leadership and community-based public health work, saving lives during the pandemic”. She demonstrates to the world that determined leadership, community-based public health and effective communication can save lives.

The CEU’ Open Society Prize is awarded annually to an individual or organisation “whose achievements have contributed substantially to the creation of an open society”.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Mawya Sudan becomes IAF’s 1st woman fighter pilot from J&K: Flying Officer Mawya Sudan has become the first woman from Jammu and Kashmir to be inducted as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF). She is the 12th female fighter pilot to be inducted in the IAF. The 24-year-old Mawya hails from Lamberi village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu division. Mawya was commissioned as a fighter pilot at the Airforce Academy in Hyderabad on June 19, 2021, during the Combined Graduation parade ceremony. She will now undergo rigorous fighter training for over a year to become ‘fully operational’ as a fighter pilot.

 

2. Indian Navy and European Naval Force hold first joint exercise: In a first, the Indian Navy is participating in a joint exercise with the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). Stealth frigate INS Trikand, will participate in the two-day exercise in the Gulf of Aden as it is already deployed in the region on anti-piracy operations. The aim of the exercise is to enhance and hone their war-fighting skills and their ability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the maritime domain. Along with the Indian Navy, other naval forces are from Italy, Spain and France. The naval exercise included advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, tactical manoeuvres, Search & Rescue, and other maritime security operations.