Daily GK Update- 3rd July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad launches ‘itat e-dwar’: Union Minister for Law & Justice, Communications and Electronics & IT, Ravi Shankar Prasad has formally launched the e-filing portal of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), ‘itat e-dwar’, in New Delhi. The newly developed e-Filing Portal would enable the parties to file their Appeals, Miscellaneous Applications, documents, paper books, etc., electronically. The portal will enable the online filing of appeals, applications and documents by various parties. According to Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, the launch of the e-filing portal of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), should be seen as a larger narrative of transformation the country is undergoing through the digital medium.

Key Highlights

(1) The ‘ITAT e-dwar’ portal aims to enhance accessibility, accountability and transparency in the day-to-day working of the ITAT.

(2) It would not only result in economization of the use of paper and cost savings but also rationalization of the fixation of cases leading to quicker disposal of cases.

(3) The e-Filing Portal will enable the parties to electronically file their Appeals, Miscellaneous Applications, documents and paper books.

(4) All the communication regarding their appeals, like filing of appeal or hearing date, adjournments, pronouncements and disposals will be sent to the appellant’s Mobile and E-Mail Id.

(5) The tribunal orders will also be sent on the given E-Mail Id.

 

2. Centre inaugurates Asia’s longest and world’s fifth-longest High Speed Track: Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Prakash Javadekar has inaugurated NATRAX- the High-Speed Track(HST) in Indore which is the longest such track in Asia. NATRAX, developed in an area of 1000 acres of land, is a one-stop solution for all sorts of high-speed performance tests for the widest categories of vehicles from 2 wheelers to heavy tractor-trailers. Launching the world-class 11.3 km High-Speed Track, Javadekar stated that India is destined to become a hub of automobiles, manufacturing, and spare parts.

The NATRAX centre has multiple test capabilities like measurements of maximum speed, acceleration, constant speed fuel consumption, emission tests through real road driving simulation, high-speed handling and stability evaluation during manoeuvred such as lane change, high-speed durability testing, etc. and is a Centre of excellence for Vehicle Dynamics.

 

3. PM Modi Launches Japanese-style Zen Garden and Kaizen Academy: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated a Zen Garden and Kaizen Academy at Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) premises in Ahmedabad. These two new initiatives are part of PM’s vision of creating a ‘Mini-Japan’ in Gujarat. The newly launched Zen Garden in Ahmedabad will showcase several elements of Japanese art, culture, landscape and architecture.

The Zen garden features a statue of Lord Buddha. The garden is built in partnership with the Japan Information and Study Centre at AMA and Indo-Japan Friendship Association (IJFA), Gujarat, supported by the Hyogo International Association (HIA), Japan.

 

4. Praveen Sinha appointed as Special Director of CBI: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Praveen Sinha as the Special Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Special Director is the second senior-most position in the agency after the Director. The post was vacant since the last three years and was earlier held by Rakesh Asthana. Sinha is an IPS officer of the 1988 batch from Gujarat-cadre and prior to this, he was posted as Additional Director in the CBI.

Note: Central Bureau of Investigation Headquarters: New Delhi; Central Bureau of Investigation Founded: 1 April 1963.

 

5. A book titled “Policymaker’s Journal: From New Delhi to Washington, DC” by Kaushik Basu: A book titled “Policymaker’s Journal: From New Delhi to Washington, DC” authored by Kaushik Basu released soon. This book charts the course of Kaushik Basu’s career over seven years, as he moved out of the cloisters of academe to the frenetic world of policymaking, first in India as Chief Economic Adviser to the Indian Government and after that as Chief Economist at the World Bank in Washington.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. ESA to hire first disabled astronaut: The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to hire and launch the world’s 1st physically disabled astronaut. The 22-member space programme has just closed its latest decennial recruitment call for astronauts and received more than 22,000 applicants. ESA will give a message to the world that ‘Space is for everyone. European Space Agency is facing tough competition from private players and other space agencies for launching commercial satellites. The ESA, whose Ariane rocket once dominated the market for commercial satellite launches, faces ever stiffer competition from tech-funded upstarts like Mr Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Mr Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Note: European Space Agency is an intergovernmental organization of 22 member states; European Space Agency was established in 1975 and headquartered in Paris.

 

2. Ukraine and U.S. launch “Sea Breeze drills”: Ukraine and the United States launched joint naval exercises “Sea Breeze drills” in the Black Sea in a show of Western cooperation with Kiev as it faces off with Russia. The drills come just days after the British Royal Navy’s HMS Defender passed near Russian-annexed Crimea in the Black Sea, with Moscow saying it fired warning shots at the destroyer to ward it off. The Sea Breeze drills, which have taken place 21 times since 1997, will involve some 5,000 military personnel from more than 30 countries. The exercises will last two weeks and involve around 30 ships, including the missile destroyer USS Ross.

Note: Ukraine President: VolodymyrZelensky; Ukraine Capital: Kyiv; Ukraine Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia;

US Capital: Washington, D.C.; US President: Joe Biden; US Currency: United States Dollar.

 

3. Mobile World Congress 2021 Kicks off in Barcelona: The Mobile World Congress 2021 (MWC), world’s biggest mobile event, kicked off on June 28 in Barcelona, Spain in a hybrid format, keeping COVID-19 pandemic in mind. The event continued till July 01, 2021. Mobile World Congress, better known as MWC Barcelona, is an annual trade show dedicated primarily to the mobile communications/telecom industry, organised by GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications) in Barcelona since 2006. The flagship event is attended by the major telecom operators, smartphone companies, component manufacturers, trade insiders, media, and representatives from telecom ministries around the world. The event serves as a platform to make major announcements by the tech giants.

 

4. International Day of Cooperatives: 3rd July: The United Nations celebrates the International Day of Cooperatives every year on the first Saturday of July to increase awareness of cooperatives. In the year 2021, the International Day of Cooperatives will be celebrated on 3rd July with a focus on the contribution of cooperatives to combating climate change. This July 3rd, the International Day of Cooperatives (#CoopsDay) will be celebrated as “Rebuild better together”. Cooperatives around the world will showcase how they are meeting the COVID-19 pandemic crisis with solidarity and resilience and offering communities a people-centred and environmentally just recovery.

History of the day:  United Nations is celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives every year on the first Saturday of July since 1923. Co-operatives have been acknowledged as associations and enterprises through which citizens can effectively make their lives better by contributing to the economic, social, cultural as well as political advancement of their community and nation. Cooperatives employ 280 million people across the globe which is 10% of the world’s employed population.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Indian shooter RahiSarnobat wins Gold at ISSF World Cup shooting: India’s RahiSarnobat clinched the gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol event at the ISSF shooting World Cup. She is the first Indian to win one silver and two bronze medals in the ongoing tournament. She scored 591 out of a maximum of 600 in the qualifying stage. France’s Mathilde Lamolle won a silver medal in the final. Russian VitalinaBatsarashkina won the bronze medal. Indian shooter Manu Bhaker finished at 7 positions. This is the last competition before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. ISSF World Cup 2021 is being held in Osijek, Croatia.

 

2. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to be Held in UAE: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, originally slated to be held in India, will now be shifted to the UAE. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which holds the hosting rights of this year’s event, will inform the International Cricket Council (ICC) in this regard. The T20 World Cup was postponed last year due to the pandemic. The BCCI will remain the hosts of the event, which will now be held in Dubai International Stadium, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Stadium, and the Oman Cricket Academy Ground, from 17 October to 14 November 2021.

Note: Secretary of BCCI: Jay Shah; President of BCCI: SouravGanguly; Headquarters of BCCI: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Founded: December 1928.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. LIC, SBI Life, Canara Bank pick up stakes in Indian Bank under QIP: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), SBI Life and Canara Bank were among the top investors picking up stakes in Indian Bank under a QIP, according to a regulatory filing. The country’s largest and the only state-owned life insurer, LIC, picked up 17.80 per cent of the shares issued under the qualified institutional placement (QIP).It was followed by SBI Life Insurance (11.87 per cent), SBI Mutual Fund and its various schemes (11.87 per cent), SocieteGenerale and its various schemes (9.74 per cent) and Canara Bank subscribing to 5.93 per cent of the shares offered in the issue. Indian Bank raised a total of Rs 1,650 crore in its QIP of shares, which were issued at Rs 142.15 apiece.

 

2. Nitin Gadkari launches Indian Bank’s ‘MSME Prerana’ in Maharashtra: Indian Bank launches its flagship Business Mentoring Program ‘MSME Prerana’ in the state of Maharashtra. It was launched by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of MSME and Road, Transport and Highway.  ‘MSME Prerana’ is a novel, unique and innovative business mentoring program, first of its kind to empower MSME Entrepreneurs. The program will begin from Nagpur followed by other important cities in Maharashtra. Indian Bank is providing financial support to its 20 lakhs MSMEs with credit exposure of over ₹70,180 cr ‘MSME Prerana’ has been launched with an aim to develop managerial and financial capabilities of MSME Entrepreneurs besides creating awareness on various initiatives taken by GOI / State Govts. / RBI and Other agencies.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Twitter appoints California-based Jeremy Kessel as India Grievance Officer: Twitter has announced the appointment of California-based Jeremy Kessel as the new Grievance Officer for India. Kessel is the Global Legal Policy Director of Twitter. The appointment of Grievance Officer by social media companies is mandated under the new Information Technology Rules, 2021. However, the appointment of Kessel is not seen to be in line with new IT rules guidelines, which mandate that the grievance redressal officer should be a resident of India.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Twitter: Jack Dorsey; Twitter formed: 21 March 2006; Headquarters of Twitter: San Francisco, California, United States.

 

2. WhatsApp appoints ManeshMahatme as Head of Payments in India: WhatsApp has appointed former Amazon executive ManeshMahatme as a director to lead the growth of its payments business in India. As Director, WhatsApp Payments-India, Mahatme will focus on enhancing the payments experience for users, scaling the service and work towards contributing to the messaging app’s vision of digital and financial inclusion in India.

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.

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. National Award-winning cinematographer and director Sivan passes away: Mollywood’s veteran cinematographer and director, Sivan passed away recently. The ace cinematographer rose to fame in the Malayalam film industry with the photographs, he took for a film titled Chemeen. He has won a National Award three times in his career. His popular films include Abhayam, Yagam, Keshu, KochuKochuMohangal, OruYathra, etc. 

Daily GK Update- 2nd July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. FM Sitharaman’s announces relief package worth Rs 6,28,993 crore against COVID-19: Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a slew of measures, to provide relief to people and businesses affected by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minister announced a total of 17 measures worth Rs. 6,28,993 crore.

These 17 measures have further been grouped into 3 broad categories:

Economic Relief from Pandemic:

1. Rs 1.10 lakh crore Loan Guarantee Scheme for COVID Affected sectors:

2. Additional Rs 1.5 lakh crore for Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS)

3. Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro Finance Institutions (New scheme): Amount per loan capped at Rs 1.25 lakh at an interest rate of MCLR (the minimum lending rate for a bank) plus 2 per cent.

4. Scheme for Tourists guides/ stakeholders: TTS’s (Travel and Tourism Stakeholders) will be eligible to get a loan up to Rs. 10 lakh each while tourist guides can avail of loan up to Rs 1 lakh each.

5. Free one-month tourist visa to 5 lakh tourists:

6. Extension of AatmaNirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ANBRY): The date of registration under the scheme has been extended from 30 June 2021 to 31 March 2022.

7. Additional Subsidy for DAP & P&K fertilizers: Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) increased to Rs 42,275 crore in FY 2021-22

8. Free food grains under Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Yojana (PMGKY) to be provided from May to November 2021: The estimated financial implications of the scheme will Rs 93,869 crore

Strengthening Public Health:

Rs. 23,220 crores in 2021-22, for public health with emphasis on children and paediatric care/paediatric beds

The impetus for Growth & Employment:

1. Release of Climate Resilient Special Traits Varieties;

2. Revival of North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC);

3. Rs 33,000 crore additional boost for project exports through National Export Insurance Account (NEIA) over five years;

4. Rs 88,000 crore to be infused through equity in Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) over five years to Export Insurance Cover;

5. Digital India: Rs. 19,041 crore for Broadband to each Village through BharatNet PPP Model;

6. Extension of Tenure of PLI Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing

7. Rs 3.03 lakh crore for Reform-Based Result-Linked Power Distribution Scheme;

 

2. Andhra Pradesh introduces SALT programme: Andhra Pradesh has started a Supporting Andhra’s Learning Transformation (SALT) programme to transform foundational learning in government schools for which the World Bank has approved a loan of 250 million dollars. The main objectives of the programme are strengthening foundation schools and providing training and skill development to teachers. Andhra Pradesh’s public school education system has more than 40 lakh children and nearly 2 lakh teachers.

About the programme:

(1) The five-year programme is result-oriented with the WB releasing funds after key goals are achieved. The government has converted all Anganwadis into pre-primary schools and attached them to the nearest schools.

(2) The government’s document on SALT documents several challenges to improving the learning outcomes.

(3) These include inadequate facilities in schools and a need for increased focus on foundational learning, the need for upgrading teaching skills of teachers, improving teacher-student interactions in classes, and capacity development of state-level institutions such as the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT), State Institute of Education Management and Training (SIEMAT) and District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs).

(4) The government is also setting up new administrative structures which will monitor the working of schools, like the AP School Education Regulatory and Monitoring Commission.

Note: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy; Governor: BiswaBhusanHarichandan.

 

3. A book titled “Kashmiri Century: Portrait of a Society in Flux” released:  A book titled “Kashmiri Century: Portrait of a Society in Flux” authored by KhemlataWakhlu. She is a writer, a political leader and a social worker, who has devoted the past fifty years to using her many talents to improve a lot of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The essence of the book: A Kashmiri Century is a powerful and rare compilation of human-interest stories. Spanning a full century, it throws a compassionate light on the innocent and hard-working people who live in the beautiful valley of Kashmir. The stories are all based on the author’s personal experiences and her intimate understanding of what it means to be a Kashmiri-speaking native. They cover the period from the late 19th century to the present day.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Swedish PM Stefan Lofven resigns following no confidence vote: The Prime Minister of Sweden, Stefan Lofven, has announced his resignation on June 28, 2021, after he lost a confidence vote in parliament. The 63-year-old Lofven is the first Swedish government leader to be defeated by a no-confidence vote. He was serving as the prime minister of Sweden since 2014. The confidence motion was filed by the far-right Sweden Democrats after the Left Party said it was planning such a motion itself in protest against a plan to ease rent controls.

Note: Sweden Capital: Stockholm; Currency: Swedish krona.

 

2. Turkey, Azerbaijan begin joint military drills in Baku: Turkey and Azerbaijan have begun joint military drills “Mustafa Kemal Ataturk – 2021” in Baku, deploying tanks, helicopters and drones in an effort to improve the two countries’ combat interoperability. The exercises involve up to 600 personnel in an effort to improve the allies’ combat interoperability. The main purpose of the exercises is to improve the interaction between the two countries’ army units during combat operations, to develop the commanders’ military decision-making skills and their ability to manage military units.

Note: Turkey President: RecepTayyip Erdogan; Turkey Capital: Ankara; Turkey Currency: Turkish lira;

Azerbaijan Capital: Baku; Azerbaijan Prime minister: Ali Asadov; Azerbaijan President: IlhamAliyev; Azerbaijan Currency: Azerbaijani manat.

 

3. World Sports Journalists Day: 2nd July: World Sports Journalists Day is observed globally on 2nd July every year. The day aims to acknowledge the work of sports journalists & to encourage them to do better at their work. Sports journalists help millions of people in the world to receive information on various sports. This professional has helped in the development of many kinds of games all over the world. These journalists have their associations to maintain their standards in their profession. It was found all over the world and united by the International Sports Press Association.

History of the day: World Sports Journalist Day was established by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) in 1994 to mark the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the organization. AIPS was formed on July 2 of 1924, during the Summer Olympics in Paris.

Note: AIPS of Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland; AIPS of President: Gianni Merlo.

 

4. World UFO Day: 2nd July: The World UFO Day (WUD) is held on July 2 every year globally. It is a day dedicated to the existence of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) by the World UFO Day Organization (WUFODO). WUD aims to raise awareness about the existence of UFOs and encouraging people to think about the possibility of us not being alone in the Universe. Initially, the day was observed on June 24. Later, WUFODO established on July 2 to commemorate the day.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. ShafaliVerma becomes youngest Indian to make debut in all formats: Opener ShafaliVerma has become the youngest Indian cricketer to make a debut in all formats, when India took on England in the first ODI in Bristol. She took 17 years and 150 days to make her debut in all formats. She has become the fifth-youngest cricketer overall in the list of all format debuts. The list is topped by Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman at 17 years and 78 days is the youngest player to play all formats, followed by former England wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor. Australia’s Elysse Perry is third on the list, followed by Mohammad Amir.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Paisabazaar, SBM bank announce to launch Step Up credit card: Paisabazaar.com, India’s largest lending marketplace & Credit Score platform and SBM Bank India, the youngest universal Bank announced the launch of “Step Up Credit Card” – a credit-builder product designed for consumers with limited access to formal credit, due to ineligible credit score. It is the first product to be launched under Paisabazaar’s neo-lending strategy.

About the “Step Up Credit Card”: The Step Up Credit Card, built in partnership with SBM Bank India, is the first product to be launched under Paisabazaar’s neo-lending strategy. A secured card provided against a fixed deposit (with SBM Bank India), Step Up Card helps consumers with damaged credit or those with no credit history to steadily build their Credit Score.

Note: Paisabazaar Founded: 15 December 2011; Paisabazaar Founders: Naveen Kukreja, YashishDahiya.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Ind-Ra revises India’s GDP growth rate for FY22 at 9.6%: India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has projected the GDP growth rate of India for fiscal year FY22 (2021-22) at 9.6 per cent. Earlier this was estimated at 10.1 per cent by the rating agency. This rate is, however, contingent upon India vaccinating its entire adult population by December 31, 2021.

 

2. Amazon’s AWS Acquires Encrypted Messaging App Wickr: Amazon has acquired an American instant messaging app ‘Wickr’ to offer secure communications for businesses, government agencies, and individuals, who are moving to hybrid work environments, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It must be noted that Wickr offers the most secure, end-to-end encrypted, communication technology, with advanced security features, that are not available with traditional communications services across messaging, voice and video calling, file sharing, and collaboration.

About Wickr app: Wickr app has been acquired by Amazon.com Inc’s cloud computing unit Amazon Web Services (AWS), for an undisclosed amount. Wickr is an encrypted messaging services, founded in 2012, and primarily used by government agencies in the United States.

Note: Amazon CEO: Jeff Bezos (May 1996–5 Jul 2021); Amazon Founded: 5 July 1994.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Journalist P Sainath wins Japan’s Fukuoka Grand Prize: Journalist PalagummiSainath has been awarded the Fukuoka Grand Prize for 2021. He is a committed journalist who has continued to investigate impoverished farming villages in India and captured the reality of the lifestyle of the residents in such areas. The award, established by Japan’s Fukuoka city and the Fukuoka City International Foundation, is given to individuals and organisations for their work in preserving Asian culture.

Besides the Grand Prize, there are two more award categories, academics and culture. The Academics Prize was given to Professor Kishimoto Mio, a historian from Japan who specialisesin the socio-economic history of China in the Ming-Qing period. Thailand-based writer and filmmaker Prabda Yoon received the Arts and Culture Award.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO successfully flight-tests ‘Agni P’ Ballistic Missile off Odisha Coast: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested a New Generation Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missile “Agni P (Prime)” from Dr APJ Abdul Kalamisland off the coast of Odisha, Balasore. As per Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials, Agni-Prime is a new generation advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles.

About the Agni P: Agni P (Prime) is a new-generation advanced variant from the Agni class of missiles. It is a canisterised surface-to-surface ballistic missile having a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km. 

Daily GK Update- 1st July, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Odisha partners with UN WFP to empower, support women through self-help groups: The Odisha government and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have joined hands to improve household food and nutritional security by strengthening livelihood initiatives and reaching out to thousands of state-supported Women’s Self-Help Groups (WSHGs). This is a significant partnership for achieving nutritional security in Odisha focused on empowerment, livelihood and incomes of women. The partnership, effective till December 2023, will also be focusing on improving the linkage of women’s groups with government procurement systems, increasing awareness on entitlements, building capacity of women’s groups, and developing monitoring tools and undertaking evaluations to improve functioning of the groups.

 

2. Maharashtra govt increases honorarium of ASHA workers by Rs 1000 and gives additional Rs 500 as COVID allowance: The Maharashtra government has decided to increase the honorarium of ASHA workers by Rs one thousand and give an additional Rs 500 as COVID allowance. The pay hike will be implemented from 1st July. Further, as an additional incentive, the state government will provide each of the over 68,000 ASHA workers with a smartphone. Following this announcement, ASHA workers have called off their week-long strike and will resume work tomorrow onwards.

 

3. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates and lays foundation stones of several road projects worth over Rs 6000 crore in Himachal Pradesh: GrabUnion Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari performed inaugurations and laid foundation stones of several road projects worth Rs 6155 crore through video conferencing from Manali in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. On this occasion, MrGadkari said within the next two years the travelling distance between Delhi to Kullu would be reduced to seven hours. This would give a big boost to tourism. MrGadkari said, road projects worth Rs 15,000 crore would be awarded to Himachal Pradesh this year.

 

4. Cabinet Approves Extension of PMGKAY for 5 Months Till Nov: The Cabinet approved a proposal to extend the Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to provide free ration to over 80 crore people, mostly poor, by five more months till November-end. The PMGKAY was reintroduced for two months till June this year in order to minimise the economic hardships being faced by the poor PDS (public distribution system) beneficiaries during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

5. IFSCA constitutes committee to examine global best practices in ship financing & leasing: International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has constituted a committee to examine global best practices in ship financing and leasing. This Committee will also identify opportunities and devise a roadmap to enable such activities. The committee will be chaired by former Senior Economic Advisor, Vandana Aggarwal.

 

6. National Postal Worker Day: 1st July: The National Postal Worker Day is marked every year on July 1 globally in recognition of the contribution made by postal workers in our society. The day is a unique opportunity to say ‘thank you not only to postmen but also to all delivery personnel, as online shopping has become a lifeline for many of us. The day was initiated by a popular postal service provider from Seattle, the United States of America in 1997 to felicitate and honour the co-postal workers for their dedication.

 

7. National Chartered Accountants Day: 1st July: National Chartered Accountants Day or CA Day is celebrated on July 1 every year. This day is celebrated to commemorate the finding of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) by the parliament of India in 1949. Every year on the day of the establishment of the ICAI, CA Day is celebrated to honour the Chartered Accountant.

Note: Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Headquarters: New Delhi; President of ICAI: CA Nihar N Jambusaria.

 

8. National Doctors’ Day: 1st July: The National Doctors’ Day is organized on 01 July annually in India by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The day is celebrated to honour the great physicians and help us understand the importance of doctors in our lives and value them, to offer them our respects by commemorating one of their greatest representatives.

History of the day: The day commemorates the birth anniversary of the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, DrBidhan Chandra Roy who was born on July 1, 1882, and died on the same date in 1962.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. NSA AjitDoval attends SCO meeting in Dushanbe: National Security Advisor AjitDoval attended a meeting of the top security officials from the member nations of the Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) in Tajikistan capital Dushanbe. Tajikistan, the current president of the SCO, is hosting the meeting of the top national security officials of the eight-nation grouping. The NSA level meeting was preceded by a Senior Officials Meeting (SOM). In addition to other security concerns to be discussed, the security officials will set the course for the annual “Regional Anti-Terror Structure” (RATS) mechanism joint exercises by SCO member troops, to be held in Pakistan this year, where Indian troops are due to attend.

 

2. FATF adds Malta, Haiti, the Philippines and South Sudan to gray list: A watchdog on the lookout for money laundering and terror financing said it has placed the tiny Mediterranean island nation of Malta on a list for increased monitoring. The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force, or FATF, added the European Union member to its so-called gray list, along with Haiti, the Philippines and South Sudan.  It is exceptional for an EU country to be put on this list, which also includes Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Syria. The move raised concerns in Malta about the potentially damaging impact on the nation’s economy.

 

3. IFFCO to set up Nano Urea Fertiliser Plant in Argentina, Brazil: World’s biggest fertilizer cooperative Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) informed that it will set up a Nano Urea Liquid manufacturing plant in Argentina in partnership with the Cooperative Confederation of Argentina (Cooperar) and Instituto Nacional de Asociativismo y Economia Social (INAES). They will together analyze the feasibility of setting up a Nano Urea Fertiliser Manufacturing Plant in Argentina with mutual collaboration. They will also explore the possibility of cooperation in trade and investment in both the countries, in areas of mutual interest, including agrochemicals and agricultural inputs to achieve sustainable development.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. JSCA, SAIL-BSL inks MoU for International Cricket Stadium in Bokaro: The Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SAIL Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), for the construction of an International Cricket Stadium in Bokaro city. Once the stadium is ready, Bokaro will become the third city in Jharkhand to have an International Cricket Stadium after Jamshedpur and Ranchi.

The MoU is a lease agreement under which Bokaro Steel Plant will transfer 20.17 acres of its land to JSCA for 33 years, for the construction of an international cricket stadium in the Balidih area of Bokaro. The proposed stadium will also be the first stadium to be constructed in SAIL Township.

Note: Chief Minister of Jharkhand: Hemant Soren; Governor: ShrimatiDroupadiMurmu.

 

2. Tokyo 2020: IOA ropes in MPL, Amul and JSW Group as sponsors: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) roped in mobile gaming platform MPL Sports Foundation as the principal sponsor of the country’s contingent for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and next year’s Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The association is set to last till December 31, 2022. The IOA also said that diary giant Amul has agreed to be a sponsor for the Tokyo Games to be held from July 23 to August 8. The Indian Olympic Association also roped in the JSW Group as another sponsor for the country’s Tokyo Olympics contingent.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI launches FY21 round of survey on ITES exports: The Reserve Bank said it has launched the 2020-21 round of its annual survey on computer software and information technology enabled services (ITES) exports, results of which are used for compilation of balance of payments statistics. The RBI has been conducting this annual survey since 2002-03. It collects data on various aspects of computer services exports as well as exports of ITES and business process outsourcing (BPO). The RBI said it has also launched the 2020-21 round of the annual survey on ‘Foreign Liabilities and Assets of Mutual Funds and Asset Management Companies’.The survey collects information from mutual fund companies and asset management companies on their external financial liabilities and assets as at end-March of the latest financial year.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Jio and Google Cloud to collaborate on 5G Technology: Reliance JioInfocomm Limited and Google Cloud are embarking on a comprehensive, long-term strategic relationship with a goal of powering 5G in enterprise and consumer segments nationwide. In addition, Reliance will also take advantage of Google Cloud’s scalable infrastructure thereby enabling its retail business to achieve better operational efficiency, modernize and scale for growth, and deliver better performance and experiences to customers.

As part of the partnership, Reliance will also augment its compute workload for retail business taking advantage of Google’s AI/ML, e-commerce, and demand forecasting offerings. This will help Reliance to rapidly grow its new commerce business to leverage Google Cloud with increased reliability and performance, as well as scale up as needed to respond to customer demand. Jio will also adopt Google Cloud’s scalable, serverless data analytics platform to advance its data-led innovation strategy.

Note: Reliance Jio President Infocomm: Mathew Oommen; Reliance Jio Founder: MukeshAmbani; Reliance Jio Founded: 2007; Reliance Jio Headquarters: Mumbai.

Google CEO: SundarPichai; Google Founded: 4 September 1998, California, United States; Google Founders: Larry Page, Sergey Brin.

 

2. Adani Power to acquire 1,200 MW Essar Power’s Mahan project: Adani Power Limited is set to acquire the 1200 megawatt (MW) Essar Power’s Mahan Project situated at Singrauli district in Madhya Pradesh and is likely to spend around Rs 3000 crore for this project. The plant routes power through the Mahan-Sipat transmission line and is linked with a railway sliding situated 18 kilometers away for the purpose of coal supply and other raw materials.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. French non-fiction author Emmanuel Carrere wins top Spanish award: French author Emmanuel Carrere, popular for his non-fiction books in a high literary vein, has been granted this year’s Spanish Princess of Asturias Literature Award. The 50000-euro award is one of the 8 prestigious prizes by the foundation named after the heir to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor. The 8 prizes cover different disciplines-arts, social sciences, sports etc.

 

2. RK Sabharwal gets highest civilian award of Mongolia: Engineers India Limited (EIL) Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), RK Sabharwal has been honoured with the highest civilian award of Mongolia ‘The Order of Polar Star by his excellency. The President of Mongolia recognises the outstanding contribution made by him towards the establishment of the first-ever oil refinery in Mongolia. On behalf of the government of Mongolia, this award was presented by His Excellency, the Ambassador of Mongolia to India, GonchingGanbold, at a ceremony organised at the Embassy of Mongolia.

About the award: The ‘Order of Polar Star’ is the most desirable and prestigious state award bestowed by the President of Mongolia which is highly valuable and distinguished and recognises individuals who have made an invaluable contribution with their outstanding hard work, intelligence and sincerity to the prosperity of Mongolia and its friendship with other nations, as well for outstanding contributions in the fields of arts, culture, science and humanity.

Note: Mongolia Capital: Ulaanbaatar; Mongolia Currency: Mongolian Togrog; Mongolia President: UkhnaaKhurelsukh.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Successfully Test Fires Enhanced Pinaka Rocket off Odisha Coast: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired an extended-range version of the indigenously developed Pinaka rocket. The rockets were launched from a Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. The enhanced range version of the Pinaka Rocket System can destroy targets at distances up to 45 km. 25 Enhanced Pinaka Rockets were launched in quick succession against different range targets. The Pinaka Rocket system has been developed jointly by Pune based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) with manufacturing support from M/s Economic Explosives Limited, Nagpur. 

Daily GK Update- 30th Jun, 2021

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World Bank Approves USD125 million financial support for Kerala: The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a $125 million support for the ‘Resilient Kerala Program’ to help the state in preparedness against natural disasters, climate change impacts, disease outbreaks, and pandemics. The $125 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 14 years including a grace period of six years. The heavy monsoons of 2018 were the worst Kerala had seen in nearly a century, triggering devastating floods and landslides. It impacted more than 5 million people, mainly in the Pamba River Basin.

The Resilient Kerala Program will focus on two key areas: First, it will incorporate disaster risk planning in the master plans of urban and local self-governments to ease financial constraints on the state government when faced with unexpected shocks; Second, it will help make the health, water resources management, agriculture, and road sectors more resilient to calamities.

Note: Kerala CM: PinarayiVijayan; Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan.

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

 

2. Goa becomes first state to go rabies free: Chief Minister Dr. PramodSawant announced that Goa has become the first state in the country to be Rabies free. CM informed that not a single case of rabies had been found in the state since the last three years. The team of mission rabies had been very effectively doing its job and had been also conducting vaccination for dogs. As per information, no rabies cases were reported in the state in 2018. The progress came on the heels of Mission Rabies, a statewide drive in place since 2014 which saw almost one lakh dogs given the anti-rabies vaccine yearly, and an awareness campaign that educated 5.2 lakh school children and 23,000 teachers about the virus. This included 50,316 vaccinations administered and 78,437 students reached until August 31st this year alone.

Note: Goa Capital: Panaji; Governor of Goa: Bhagat Singh Koshyari; Chief Minister of Goa: PramodSawant.

 

3. Vigilance Commissioner Suresh N Patel appointed as acting CVC: The incumbent Vigilance Commissioner, Suresh N Patel has been appointed as the acting Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) of India in the Central Vigilance Commission with effect. He has been appointed in place of Sanjay Kothari, who completed his term on June 23, 2021. He will remain on the post until the appointment of the new Central Vigilance Commissioner. The Central Vigilance Commission is headed by the CVC and can have a maximum of two vigilance commissioners. Currently, Mr Patel is the only VC in the commission. The Personnel Ministry has invited applications for the posts of CVC and a vigilance commissioner.

Note: Central Vigilance Commission Formed: February 1964; Central Vigilance Commission Headquarters: New Delhi.

 

4. A book titled “Fiercely Female: The Dutee Chand Story” by Sundeep Mishra: Journalist Sundeep Mishra’s book titled ‘Fiercely Female: The Dutee Chand Story’ chronicles Chand’s journey with a detailed narrative of the gender-identity controversy that made her an iconic figure in Indian sport. The book was published by Westland Books.

About the Dutee Chand:Dutee Chand, the first openly homosexual athlete from India, scripted history in 2019 when she became the first Indian to win gold in a 100-metre event at the World Universiade in Naples. Coming from a small village in Odisha, Dutee Chand went on to hold the national record in the women’s 100 metres and is only the fifth Indian to participate in the women’s 100 metres at the Olympics when she qualified for the 2016 Rio Games.

 

INTERNATIONALUPDATES:

 

1. Denmark signs framework agreement on International Solar Alliance with India: Denmark signed the framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement (ISA FA) and Instrument of Ratification with India, informed Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson ArindamBagchi. Meanwhile, Denmark becomes first country to ratify International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement (ISA FA) after amendments to it entered into force on January 8. Kingdom of Denmark becomes 1st country to ratify International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement (ISA FA) after amendments to it entered into force on 8 January this year, opening its Membership to all Member States of the United Nations.

 

2. Ashgabat world’s most expensive city for foreign workers: Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan in Central Asia, has been named the world’s most expensive city for foreign workers. The city topped the list in a 2021 cost-of-living survey by consultancy firm Mercer. Hong Kong was on the second position, followed by Beirut in Lebanon and Tokyo in Japan. The annual report ranks 209 cities based on the cost of expenses like housing, food and transport. Most of the cities in the top 10 are those where economic growth has contributed to an increase in the cost of living. Three are Swiss cities, of which Zurich dropped to fifth, followed by Shanghai and Singapore. London was placed 18th.

About the Ashgabat: Ashgabat is known for its magnificent marble buildings and monuments. It is also home to one of Central Asia’s most colourful bazaars called Tolkuchka Bazaar. Other tourist attractions include the National Museum, White Marble, Turkmenbashi Cableway, Museum of Fine Arts, Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center, and Turkmen Carpet Museum.

Indian cities: Mumbai remains India’s most expensive city at 78th rank but has dropped 18 places in this year’s ranking “due to a relatively weak Indian rupee in comparison with other cities in the ranking.” Other Indian cities on the list are New Delhi (117), Chennai (158), Bengaluru (170), and Kolkata (181).

 

3. International Day of Parliamentarism: 30th June: International Day of Parliamentarism is observed globally on 30 June every year. The International Day of Parliamentarism is a time to review the progress that parliaments have made in achieving some key goals to be more representative and move with the times, including carrying out self-assessments, working to include more women and young MPs, and adapting to new technologies.

International Day of Parliamentarism History: The Day was established in 2018 through a United Nations General Assembly Resolution. This day also acknowledges the formation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the global organization of parliaments that was established in 1889.

Note: Inter-Parliamentary Union Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; Inter-Parliamentary Union President: Gabriela Cuevas Barron; Inter-Parliamentary Union Founded: 1889; Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary-General: Martin Chungong.

 

4. International Asteroid Day: 30th June: International Asteroid Day is observed globally on 30th June every year. International Asteroid Day aims to raise public awareness about the asteroid impact hazard and to inform the public about the crisis communication actions to be taken at the global level in case of a credible near-Earth object threat.

International Asteroid Day History: In December 2016 the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/71/90, declaring 30 June International Asteroid Day in order to “observe each year at the international level the anniversary of the Tunguska impact over Siberia, Russian Federation, on 30 June 1908, and to boost public awareness about the asteroid impact hazard.”

Note: United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Director: Simonetta Di Pippo.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Cristiano Ronaldo becomes joint top-scorer in men’s international football: Cristiano Ronaldo has become the joint-top scoring men’s international player of all time. He is currently tied with Iran legend Ali Daei, who scored 109 times in 149 matches between 1993 and 2006. Cristiano Ronaldo scored two penalties to tie the overall men’s scoring record with 109 goals in 176 matches and Portugal advanced to the round of 16 at the European Championship after a 2-2 draw with France.

 

2. Max Verstappen Wins 2021 Styrian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen (Netherlands-Red Bull) has won the 2021 Styrian Grand Prix. This is the fourth win of Verstappen in the 2021 Formula One season. Also, with this win, Verstappen leads the 2021 driver’s championship standings with 156 points followed by Hamilton (138). Lewis Hamilton (Britain-Mercedes) stood second. ValtteriBottas (Finland- Mercedes) came third.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. LIC introduces Technology Platform ‘e-PGS’: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has launched a centralized web-based workflow-based IT platform called “e-PGS”. The new technology platform, e-PGS, has been designed to provide a centralized collection and payment accounting with a high level of bank integration. It has been designed to provide very innovative features of seamless and integrated banking with automatic reconciliations. This system is capable of providing comprehensive self-servicing capabilities through the customer portal. On this portal, corporate customers will be able to view their data, initiate actionable processes and lodge & track claims.

Note: Chairman of LIC: MR Kumar; LIC Headquarters: Mumbai; LIC Founded: 1 September 1956.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. India’s bank credit-to-GDP ratio grows 56% in 2020: Notwithstanding incremental credit growth plunging to a 59-year low at 5.56 per cent in FY21, the bank credit-to-GDP ratio rose to a five-year high of a little over 56 per cent in 2020, according to the latest data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). At a 56.075 per cent credit-to-GDP ratio, total outstanding bank credit stood at USD 1.52 trillion in the country in 2020, according to the BIS data for the year, but this is still the second-lowest among all its Asian peers. And when it comes to the emerging market peers, it is 135.5 per cent and at 88.7 per cent in advanced economies. Bank credit growth is a key indicator of economic growth & credit-GDP ratio of 100% ideal.

 

2. Microsoft Officially Launches ‘Windows 11’: Microsoft officially launched its new Windows operating system ‘Windows 11’. It is being called as the “next generation” of Windows. The release comes nearly six year after the current latest Windows Operating System ‘Windows 10’ was launched in July 2015. Windows 11 is special because it focuses on a new user interface, a new Windows Store, and improvements to performance, including a centre-aligned Taskbar and Start button.

Key features of Windows 11:

(1) One of the unique features of Windows 11 is that it will support Android apps via Amazon’s app store. It will work better in touch mode as well.

(2) Windows 11 operating system (OS) will be available as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users in late 2021, as long as the user has a compatible PC that meets the requirements of Microsoft’s new operating system.

(3) Windows 11 OS will work on PCs having a processor that has two or more cores and a clock speed of 1GHz or higher.

(4) PCs having Intel’s sixth and seventh-generation processors will not be eligible to use Windows 11.

Note: Microsoft CEO and Chairman: Satya Nadella; Microsoft Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States.

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier to be commissioned in 2022: The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has informed that India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-I), is planned to be commissioned by 2022. Once commissioned, the carrier will be rechristened as INS Vikrant, in memory of India’s first aircraft carrier.

About the IAC-I: The IAC-1 carrier is being built at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, Kerala, under a public-private partnership. It comprises nearly 75 per cent of indigenous content from design, to steel used in construction, to key weapons and sensors. The IAC-1 will undergo a series of sea trials before it gets inducted into the Navy. Vikrant is 262 metres (860 ft) long and 62 metres (203 ft) wide, and displaces about 40,000 metric tons (39,000 long tons).

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Ex-Philippines President Benigno Aquino dies: Former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III died at the age of 61 due to health problems. Aquino, who served as president from 2010 to 2016, was the heir of a family that has been regarded as a bulwark against authoritarianism in the Philippines. His administration brought an unprecedented arbitration case challenging Beijing’s claim to historic and economic rights in the South China Sea.