Daily GK Updates - 26th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Justice A K Sikri inaugurates Indian Dispute Resolution Centre: Former Supreme Court judge Justice, A K Sikri has inaugurated the Indian Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) in New Delhi through video conferencing. IDRC will provide a paperless dispute resolution environment through its sophisticated e-arbitration, e-meditation, and e-conciliation software portal with offline and online facilities. The arbitration panel of IDRC will have former judges of SC, HC, district courts, senior advocates, former bureaucrats, CA, architects, corporate leaders.

Note: Chairman of IDRC: Mehar S Rathi; Head Office of IDRC: New Delhi.

2. Indian Navy formed “NavRakshak” breathable PPE kit: Indian Navy has formed “NavRakshak” PPE kit with innovative breathable fabric material. This PPE kit provides comfort to healthcare workers working against COVID-19 pandemic wearing multi-layered coverall PPE treating patients within the hot and humid condition for quite 12 hours.

Note: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

3. REC Limited ties up with TajSATS to provide nutritious meals to frontline healthcare workers: REC Limited, a central PSU under Ministry of Power, has started a new mission to feed the medical staff in key government hospitals as well as poor daily wage labourers across the nation, through collaborative efforts. The REC Foundation, the CSR arm of REC Limited, has partnered with TajSATS to distribute specially-made nutritious meal packets for medical staff in Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. Apart from this, REC in collaboration with various district authorities, NGOs and electricity distribution companies (DISCOMS) is already providing cooked meals and ration to the needy across the nation. 18,000 food packets will be delivered every day under this initiative. As of 24 May 2020, the corporation has distributed around 4.58 lacs Kilograms of food grains, 1.26 lac meal packets, 9600 litres of sanitizers, 3400 PPE kits and 83000 masks.

Note: REC Limited (formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited) is a Navratna NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India. It finances and promotes rural electrification projects across India. TajSATS is a joint venture of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and SATS Limited. It is India’s undisputed leader in airline catering with over 42 years of experience.

4. MP launches 'Everybody will get employment' scheme: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurates 'Everybody will get employment' scheme through video conferencing. MNREGA job cards will be distributed to the labourers under this scheme. In this, migrant labours of the state will be employed in their village and gram Panchayat area itself with various employment oriented. A per the report, 35,45,000 have already been employed under MNREGA during Corona crisis with 42.2% women.

5. Uttar Pradesh Government to Introduce ‘Startups’ as a Subject in Colleges & Universities: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh government has planned to introduce ‘startups’as a subject in colleges and universities to have more young entrepreneurs in the state. This is an effort of the government to make the youths job providers and not just be job-seekers. The government is also set to introduce a new policy under which students in the final year of their graduate and post-graduate courses will get one-year study leave. Students can undertake internships during study leave, and will also get an allowance of Rs 2,500 per month during internship period

6. New domicile rules notified by Jammu and Kashmir Administration: Jammu and Kashmir Administration has come up with new set of domicile rules to undo injustice done for 70 years. The new rules are framed with the principle of equality and the norms of a healthy democracy. Under this, people belonging to West Pakistan, Valmikis, women marrying outside communities, non-registered Kashmiri migrants and displaced people will get domicile.

7. CeNS develops face mask for longer hours use: Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) has developed a cup-shaped design (patent filed) comfortable mask. It has been transferred for mass production to a Bangalore based company. This mask causes no speech distortion, no fogging on glasses, and packs well all around, leaving practically no room for leakage while breathing. It has high breathability quality with triboelectric nature of the fabric and can be used for longer hours without any difficulty.

8. Salman Khan Launches his new Grooming & Personal Care Brand FRSH!: Bollywood actor Salman Khan has announced the launch of his own grooming and personal care brand named FRSH. The brand has been co-created by Scentials Beauty Care and Wellness Pvt. Ltd, a beauty brand co-founded by former tennis professional Mahesh Bhupathi. The first product launched under the brand is a sanitiser, considering the importance of hygiene and sanitisation during the coronavirus pandemic. Other products like deodorants, body wipes and perfumes will also be launched soon. These products can be purchased from http://frshworld.com. They will also be available at various stores across the country once the supply begins.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India sets up military war game centre for Ugandan Defence forces: Indian Association in Uganda along with Indian Military training team sets up a military war game centre in Jinja district for Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF). The war game centre is named as 'INDIA'. It is a type of strategic game that simulates warfare realistically as opposed to abstract strategy games like chess. The state of the art military training facility was handover by the Indian Association Uganda (IAU), in association with the Indian Military Advisory and Training Team to the UPDF. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda inaugurated the war game centre INDIA. It has been constructed with an amount of 1 billion Ugandan Shillings ($265,000) funded by voluntary contributions from Ugandans of Indian origin.

2. World Steel Report released by World Steel Association: World Steel Report has been released by World Steel Association depicting 64 countries crude steel production. The crude steel output of India declined over 65% to 3.13 million tonnes (MT) during April 2020 according to the report of World Steel Association (WSA). India had produced 9.02 MT of crude steel in April 2019. Similarly, India saw 14% decline in steel output at 8.65 MT in March 2020 as compared with 10.04 MT in March 2019. At the same time, the global steel output also declined 13% to 137.09 MT in April 2020 as compared with 157.67 MT in April 2019. The nationwide lockdown imposed to prevent spread of the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the production, demand and supply of steel in India.

World Steel Association (WSA) headquarter- Brussels, Belgium

3. Israel's PM goes on trial for corruption: Benjamin Netanyahu will become the 1st serving Israeli prime minister to face criminal prosecution in a political witch-hunt case. His corruption trial will be held in a Jerusalem court by 3 judge panel. He was sworn as PM of Israel for 5th consecutive term. He is charged on bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges in 3 cases involving gifts from millionaire friends and for allegedly seeking regulatory favours for media tycoons in return for favourable coverage.

4. US Navy successfully tests laser weapon that can destroy aircraft midflight: US Navy warship has successfully tested high direct energy laser weapon that can destroy aircraft mid-flight in Pacific Ocean. The laser weapons system demonstrator (LWSD) will provide defence against drones or armed small boats. It is an electromagnetic systems capable of converting chemical or electrical energy to radiated energy and focusing it on a target, resulting in physical damage that degrades, neutralizes, defeats, or destroys an adversarial capability.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Italy beat Serbia to win the inaugural UEFA eEURO 2020: Italy has won UEFA eEURO 2020, beating Serbia in the final to clinch the inaugural virtual European Championship. Italy emerged triumphant by defeating Serbia 3-1 in the best-of-five series. The UEFA EURO 2020 eTournament was the biggest ever national team efootball competition, featuring all 55 UEFA national associations. The virtual tournament was played exclusively on Konami’s efootball PES 2020 on Playstation 4. The format of the tournament was similar to the template for UEFA EURO 2020, involving a qualification phase and culminating in the final tournament.

2. US Tennis Star Jamie Hampton Announces Retirement:  American tennis player and former world number 24 Jamie Hampton has officially announced her retirement from professional tennis, bringing a sudden halt to her career. She last played an official match six years ago. The 30-year-old has suffered numerous injuries and surgeries in the last 5 years, after reaching a career-high ranking of World No.24 in July 2013.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Airtel group ties up with Mastercard for customized products for farmers, SMEs: Airtel Payments Bank (APBL) has partnered with Mastercard to develop customized products for the underbanked spectrum including farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and retail customers. The collaboration aims at building a digital platform which provides farmers with knowledge about advanced farming techniques and connection to marketplaces, while simultaneously enabling them to receive payments directly in their Airtel Payments Bank account. The tie-up will bring together Mastercard’s global and local experience in developing advanced financial solutions and Airtel Payments Bank’s strong distribution network to reach the last mile and its large customer base.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. India’s GDP for FY21 to contract 5%: Crisil: The research and rating agency CRISIL has revised its forecast downwards again and expects Indian economy to contract 5 percent in fiscal 2020-21. This was 1.8 percent in last prediction. This means India’s GDP growth for FY21 has been estimated to be -5%. Extension in lockdown, higher economic costs and an economic package are the three basic reasons for the downward revision. It also said that the pre-Covid-19 gross domestic product (GDP) rate in India will not be possible for the next three fiscals.

OBITUARIES

1. Bollywood actor Mohit Baghel passes away: Actor Mohit Baghel, best known for playing Amar Chaudhary in superstar Salman Khan’s Ready, has died of cancer in his hometown Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. He was 26. He began his career with the comedy show “Chote Miyaan”. The actor has also appeared in Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra starrer “Jabariya Jodi”. He had recently finished shooting another film with Sidharth Malhotra. He was also a part of the cast of the upcoming film “Bunty Aur Babli 2”.

2. Former Inter Milan coach Gigi Simoni passes away: Former coach of the Italian professional football club ‘Inter Milan’ Gigi Simoni has passed away at the age of 81. As a player, Simoni played as an attacking midfielder for Mantova, Napoli, Torino, Juventus, Brescia and Genoa from 1959-1974. In 1998, he received the Panchina d’Oro as the best Italian coach. 

Daily GK Updates - 25th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Andhra Pradesh government releases 1st tranche of “ReStart Package”:   Andhra Pradesh government has released the 1st tranche of “ReStart Package” to help the lockdown-hit Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to reopen and become functional. The first tranche is of Rs 450 crore which will be used in clearing the pending industrial incentives that would benefit nearly 98,000 units. Under the “ReStart Package”, government will waive of all the minimum power demand charges of MSMEs of the months of April, May and June, and will provide input capital of Rs 200 crore to the firms at low-interest rates in order to bring the MSMEs back on rails. This will be done by providing loans in partnership with the Small industrial Development Bank of India at a low-interest rate. The 2nd tranche will be made on 29 June 2020.

Note: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy; Governor: Biswa Bhusan Harichandan.

2. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Participated in "SIDM MSME Conclave 2020": Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in MSMEs E-conclave, “Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) MSME Conclave 2020“. The SIDM MSME Conclave 2020 was jointly organized by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Department of Defence Production. The Theme of the E-conclave is ‘Business Continuity for MSMEs in Defence & Aerospace Sector’

More than 800 Defence MSMEs participated in it.

3. Chhattisgarh govt to observe May 25 as ‘Jhiram Tribute Diwas’: The state government of Chhattisgarh will observe May 25, 2020 as ‘Jhiram Shraddhanjali Diwas’ or ‘Jhiram Tribute Diwas’. Naxals had attacked a convoy of Congress leaders during the party’s rally in Jhiram valley on May 25, 2013. In this attack, 29 people were killed including then state Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel, former leader of opposition Mahendra Karma and former Union minister Vidyacharan Shukla. The day will be observed to pay tribute to Congress leaders who were killed in a Maoist attack in Jhiram Valley.

4. ICMR Revised Advisory on the use Of Hydroxychloroquine: The Indian Council of Medical Research has revised its advisory on the use of HCQ (Hydroxychloroquine).  According to the new advisory, the HCQ is only permitted and should only be given on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. Three new categories has been included to whom HCQ shall be prescribed as prophylactic treatment which are: Asymptomatic Health care workers, Asymptomatic frontline workers employed in containment zones, Paramilitary and police personnel.

5. ‘Hunar Haat’ to make comeback in September with theme ‘Local to Global’:  ‘Hunar Haat’ a platform for artisans/craftsmen which helps them to generate employment, will return in September with a ‘Local to Global’ theme after an over five-month gap due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is an initiative by the Minority Affairs Ministry. Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that ‘Hunar Haat’ had provided employment and employment opportunities to more than five lakh Indian artisans, craftspeople, culinary experts in the last five years and had become popular among the people. Hunar Haat is known for Empowerment Exchange of artisans and craftsmen from across the country providing employment to more than 5 lakh. “Jaan Bhi, Jahaan Bhi” pavilion will be created for health awareness with theme Say no to panic yes to precautions. Its product will also be launched digitally from now using GeM platform.

6. BSI discovered 3 new plant species of Western Ghats: Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has discovered 3 new plant species from the evergreen forest patches of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The new species are Eugenia sphaerocarpa of Rose apple family; Goniothalamus sericeus of custard apple and Memecylon nervosum of Kaasavu family. The species has shown purplish-blue flowers and mauve to purplish red fruits and can be characterized as small trees or shrubs.

7. CBIC sanctioned GST refund claims of Rs 11,052 crore: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes (CBIC) has sanctioned Rs 11,052 crore GST refund claims in last 47 days. The step was taken to ensure liquidity for GST taxpayers by Finance Ministry. All the pending GST and custom refunds will be issued benefiting around 1 lakh business entities including MSMEs. CBIC is the nodal national agency responsible for administering Customs, GST, Central Excise, Service Tax & Narcotics in India with headquarter at New Delhi.

8. National Skills Development Corp. will create platform for Skilled Workers: The National Skills Development Corp. along with an artificial intelligence company is working on a new platform to map skilled and certified workers. The skilled management information system aims to create a local ecosystem in every region to minimise the need to depend on migrants. The platform will map details of skilled professionals by region, as well as demand across industries, using artificial intelligence-based solutions.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Missing Children’s Day: 25th May: Every year, 25 May is observed as International Missing Children’s Day (IMCD) around the world to commemorate the missing children who have found their way home, remember those who have been victims of crime, and continue efforts to find those who are still missing. The symbol for IMCD is the forget-me-not flower.  The day was proclaimed in 1983, by U.S. President Ronald Reagan. The first IMCD was observed in 2001 through the joint efforts of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC), Missing Children Europe, and the European Commission.

2. World Thyroid Day: 25th May: The World Thyroid Day is celebrated every year on May 25 to promote awareness and understanding of thyroid health and the advances made in treating thyroid diseases. The World Thyroid Day was established in 2008 by the European Thyroid Association and the American Thyroid Association.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. 2,749 Khelo India athletes given Rs 30,000 each: SAI: Sports Authority of India (SAI) has deposited 30,000 rupees each as out of pocket allowance in accounts of 2,749 Khelo India athletes. A total of 2,893 athletes will be given the pocket allowance with the funds for the remaining 144 athletes to be transferred by the end of this month. Athletes from 35 states and UT have been given the allowances in 21 sporting disciplines with the maximum number of them from Maharashtra (386), Haryana (381), Delhi (225), Punjab (202).

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. ICICI Bank introduces special FD scheme for senior citizens with higher interest: The Private sector ICICI bank has introduced a special fixed deposit (FD) scheme for senior citizens called ‘ICICI Bank Golden Years FD’ which offers an interest rate of 6.55% per annum(p.a) for deposits up to Rs 2 crores with a tenure of more than 5 years(5 years and 1 day ) to 10 years. It is applicable for resident Indians & is available from May 20 to September 30, 2020.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Fintech startup Zaggle Joins Hand with Visa for innovative payments solutions for SMEs and Startups: India-based Fintech startup Zaggle has partnered with payments technology major Visa to launch innovative payment solutions for SMEs and startups in the country. Under this partnership, both the companies will jointly create solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups to improve productivity, efficiency, automate processes, and reduce costs, access to faster credit through a unique card, which would have both inbuilt forex and prepaid. Zaggle will leverage Visa’s expertise in the payments space to co-create and build new solutions for SMEs. Visa will also support Zaggle for new technological innovations and ideas. Zaggle is all set to launch ''Founders Card'' (credit card) soon. It has also announced free Zaggle SAVE Do-it-Yourself AI Powered Solution for SMEs.

OBITUARIES

1. Australian tennis player Ashley Cooper passes away: Australian tennis player Ashley Cooper passed away at the age of 83 years. Ashley Cooper won the Australian championship, Wimbledon and U.S. Nationals in 1958. He is one of only 11 men to claim three Grand Slam crowns in a calendar year. Cooper had won all four of his Grand Slam crowns by beating compatriots in the final. His career concluded in 1959 after suffering from a back injury.

2. Former TN footballer and coach Shanmugam passes away: Former Tamil Nadu football player and coach R Shanmugam passed away at the age of 77 years due to age-related issues. Shanmugam, who was born in Burma (now Myanmar) in 1943, had represented the Burmese junior and senior national teams in 1966-’67. He coached ICF, Tamil Nadu and Indian Railways in the Santosh trophy and also served as selector for Tamil Nadu and Railways.

Daily GK Updates - 24th May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. MoHFW constitutes committee to reform Drug Regulatory System: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has constituted a committee to reform the Drug Regulatory System. The committee comprises of 11 members including the senior health officials, scientists and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry and is headed by Rajesh Bhushan. It has been tasked to examine the current drug regulatory system and to give recommendations for reforms in order to bring the system more efficient and to streamline it with global standards.

Note: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare: Harsh Vardhan.

2. India becomes world’s 2nd largest manufacturer of PPE body coveralls: India has become the second-largest producer of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits in the world, only behind China. PPE is important for frontline warriors to safeguard against the COVID-19 pandemic. A PPE kit basically consists of shoe cover, gloves, eye shield, mask, and gown. The Ministry of Textile has taken several steps to ensure both quality and quantity of PPE coveralls, to help India rise from zero to second largest in the world, within a very short span of time of two months. The ministry is also taking steps to ensure that only certified players across the entire supply chain are allowed to supply body coveralls to governments.

Note: Minister of Health and Family Welfare: Harsh Vardhan

3. Uttarakhand releases report on conservation of plant species: Uttarakhand has become the 1st state to release report on conservation efforts of endemic and threatened floras. ‘Ashwagandha’, ‘Giloy, Kalmegh, Sanjeevani, Brahmkamal, Thuner and ‘Chitrak’ herbs are the part of the report. As per the report, 1,145 plant species have been conserved covering 46 species that are endemic to Uttarakhand and 68 rare, endangered, or threatened species under red list of the IUCN. The report is one of the largest repositories of conserved plants.

4. Jahnabi Phookan takes charge as FICCI FLO National President: Assam-based entrepreneur Jahnabi Phookan has been appointed as the new National President of FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO) on 22 May 2020. She took over from outgoing National President Harjinder Kaur Talwar. FICCI FLO represents over 8000 women entrepreneurs and professionals across 17 chapters nationally and works aggressively towards promoting economic empowerment and equal opportunities for women. FICCI FLO is the women wing of the leading industry chamber, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Note: Phookan is the 37th National President of FICCI FLO

5. Govt extends validity of vehicle documents till July 31: The Union government has extended the validity of various motor vehicles related documents until 31st July 2020. No additional or late fee will be charged for delays invalidation of documents pending from February 1. Earlier, The ministry has issued an advisory on March 30, 2020, to all regarding extension of validity of the documents related to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.

6. Ladakh Police comes into existence, LG approves new insignia of Police: After the formation of Union Territory of Ladakh, separate Ladakh Police has come into being. Now, Police in Leh and Kargil districts will be called 'Ladakh police'. Ladakh Police will have its new symbols, insignia, formation sign and flag with a separate identity. LP in symmetric design and Juniper leaves (incense offered on religious occasions) covering the Ashoka and LP.  Ladakh police flag with 'Khidmat aur Himmat' reads service and courage is ready to fly high.

7. Government notifies BS-VI emission norms for quadricycles: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified BS-VI emission norms for quadricycles, paving the way for higher production of the new category of vehicle that was introduced less than two years ago. The emission norms are on the lines of the European Union’s World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC). A quadricycle cannot be more than 3.6 metres long, should have an engine smaller than 800cc, and should not weigh more than 475 kgs.

8. UP govt to set up a commission for employment of migrant labourers: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to set up a Migration Commission for the employment of migrant labourers(Over 23 lakh returned) in the state. The commission has been proposed to look into various factors associated with migrant workers' rights and to prevent exploitation while providing an official framework to ensure socio-economic-legal support for them. The chief minister Mr Yogi also suggested that a scheme be launched to ensure their job security.

9. ‘Break the Chain’ cartoon campaign inaugurated by Kerala: Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja has inaugurated the Kerala Cartoon Academy’s ‘Break the Chain’ campaign. Well-known cartoonists participated in the event and painted cartoons on walls to spread awareness amongst people about the campaign. In the first phase, 14 cities in 14 districts are selected to complete cartoon drawings. In the next phase, it will be extended to 28 cities.

10. Lok Sabha Passed Mineral Law Amendment Bill: Lok Sabha has passed the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 which aims to amend Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 along with Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015. Commercial mining will completely be open up in the coal sector by this bill and it also intends to remove end-use restrictions to participate in coal mine auction.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Abhas Jha appointed as World Bank’s Practice Manager for Climate Change: World Bank has appointed Indian economist Abhas Jha as its Practice Manager for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management for South Asia. He will be looking after nurturing, leading, and inspiring professionals for best solutions in South Asian countries. He will also ensure to connect and unite the region with Global practices for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change. Abhas Jha joined World Bank in 2001 and has been working for South Asia since then.

Note: President of World Bank: David Malpass; Headquarter of World Bank: Washington DC.

2. Microsoft stopped online sale of Huawei laptops after US ban on Chinese tech companies: Microsoft has removed the Huawei laptops it sold on its online store. The move of Microsoft is to comply with the US President’s executive order to crack down on Chinese tech companies. Google cut off Huawei’s Android license but Microsoft stayed silent on whether it will prevent the Chinese company from obtaining Windows licenses. For now, Huawei has been granted a 90-day extension to provide software updates to Android-powered handsets and maintain continued operation of existing networks and equipment.

Note: Huawei CEO: Ren Zhengfei; Headquarters: Shenzhen, China

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Spanish football player Aritz Aduriz announces retirement: Spanish football player and Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz has announced his retirement citing medical reasons. He has won 13 caps for Spain and also become the Spain’s oldest goalscorer in 2016, scoring at the age of 35 years and 275 days. He has scored 141 goals in 296 appearances for Bilbao and has also represented Real Valladolid, Real Mallorca and Valencia.

2. Mizoram Cabinet grants “Industry” status to Sports:  The Mizoram Cabinet has granted “industry” status to “sports” to invest more in sports in order to generate employment and increase value. Giving the industry status to sports would also ensure sustainability, proper registration as well as management of sports. With this move, the sports and its infrastructure will be eligible to avail the facility of subsidy, loan and assistance from the private and government sources. Mizoram is known for its love for sports, especially football which is played competitively through the Mizoram Premier League, the state’s highest football league.

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

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Samsung India partners Facebook to enable offline retailers go digital: Samsung India has partnered with social media giant Facebook to train offline retailers to go digital. In the first phase, Samsung and Facebook have already trained more than 800 offline retailers, with more training sessions lined up in the coming weeks. The major focus of this training programme is on enabling offline retailers build a digital presence through the Facebook family of apps — Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp.

2. Maruti Suzuki ties up with Cholamandalam Investment & Finance; launches ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later Offer’: The country’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India announced partnership with Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Ltd to provide customised auto retail financing solutions to retail buyers. The new solution ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later Offer’ is aimed to provide customers with easy financing options.

3. Patanjali launches e-commerce app ‘OrderMe’: Swami Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurveda Limited has launched its e-commerce app named “OrderMe”. The name of the app represents the spiritual word ‘OM’ (O for Order and M for Me). OrderMe will limit its delivery and endorsing to swadeshi products.

OBITUARIES

1. Indian hockey legend Balbir Singh Dosanjh passes away: Former Indian hockey player Balbir Singh Dosanjh who was a part of three-time Olympic gold medal-winning Indian hockey team, i.e. in London Olympics (1948), Helsinki Olympics (1952), and Melbourne Olympics (1956), passed away. Balbir Singh Dosanjh was the only Indian among 16 legends who were chosen by the International Olympic Committee across modern Olympic history. He has also an unbeaten record of scoring most goals by an individual in the men’s hockey final of the Olympics, under his name.

2. Japanese professional wrestler Hana Kimura passes away: Japanese professional wrestler, Hana Kimura, passed away at the age of 22 years. The cause of the death is unknown. She has also starred in the latest season of Netflix reality series “Terrace House”. Kimura won her first title at the Japan Pro-Wrestling (JWP) Junior plate in 2016 and joined Stardom in 2019.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Important Cabinet Approvals: Following are the various approvals related to national level schemes made during the meeting of Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 20 May 2020.

(1) Modification in existing Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme (PCGS): approved Sovereign portfolio guarantee of up to 20% of first loss to Public Sector Banks (PSBs) for purchase of Bonds or Commercial Papers (CPs) with a rating of AA and below (including unrated paper with original/ initial maturity of up to one year) issued by NBFCs/ MFCs/Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs).

(2) Scheme for Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (FME): It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the Unorganized Sector on All India basis with an outlay of Rs.10,000 crore, to be shared by GOI and the States in ratio of 60:40.

(3) Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY): extended for further period of three years up to 31st March, 2023. The assured rate of return will be 7.40 % per annum for the year 2020-21 per annum and thereafter to be reset every year.

(4) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Scheme to bring Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India. Total investment– Rs. 20,050 crore, to be implemented during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.

(5) Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package: Allocation of foodgrains from Central Pool to approximately 8 crore migrants / stranded migrants @ 5 kg per person per month (May and June, 2020) for two months free of cost.

(7) Special Liquidity Scheme for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) to improve liquidity position of the NBFCs/HFCs.

(8) Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme: Total corpus of Rs. 41,600 crore. It will enable additional funding of up to Rs. three lakh crore to eligible MSMEs and interested MUDRA borrowers. 100% guarantee coverage to be provided by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC).

(9) Issuance of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of State Laws) Second Order, 2020 in relation of Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralisation and Recruitment) Act

2. India Launches Five initiatives to share its best practices and experiences in conserving biodiversity with the rest of the world: The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar virtually launched five key initiatives towards conservation of biodiversity on the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May 2020. These include:

(1) National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ‘Biodiversity Samrakshan Internship Programme which proposes to engage 20 students with postgraduate degrees for a period of one year through an open, transparent, online competitive process.

(2) Launch of UNEP Campaign on Illegal Trafficking of Endangered Species: ‘Not all Animals Migrate by Choice’.

(3) A Webinar Series on ‘Biodiversity Conservation and Biological Diversity Act, 2002’

(4) WWF Model Conference of Parties (MCoP), to involve the younger generation so they engage in conversations around impact of humanity’s footprint on biodiversity.

(5) An awareness campaign supported by WWF to highlight the crucial role played by nature through its free ecological services provided for humankind.

3. Defence Ministry approves procurement of 26 defence items from local suppliers: The Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence in an attempt to further encourage procurement from local suppliers to boost ‘Make in India’, has given approval to 26 defense items out of 127 already notified clause 3(a) of the Public Procurement ( Preference to Make in India) order 2017. The government will make individual budgetary provisions for procuring Indian made defense equipment to help reduce the defense import bills & boost the Make In India scheme.

Note: Defense Minister: Rajnath Singh; Minister of State for Defence: Shripad Yesso Naik

4. CBSE launches cyber security handbook for students: Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE has recently launched a Cyber Safety Handbook for the students of Classes 9 and 11 to ensure healthy digital habits in students. The handbook discussed topics such as digital security, digital rights and responsibilities and digital law. The three handbooks names are: ‘Cyber safety- A handbook for students’; ‘In pursuit of Excellence’ and ‘21st Century skills’. The handbook comes in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent nationwide lockdown that has forced many schools to move their teaching online.

5. Govt amends General Financial Rules to ensure procurement of goods & services below Rs 200 crore from domestic firms: The government has notified amendments to General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017 to ensure that goods and services valued less than Rs 200 crore are procured from domestic firms. This will give big boost to domestic suppliers, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The amendments will ensure that henceforth global tenders will be disallowed in government procurement up to Rs 200 crore, as announced in the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package.

6. India’s KHUDOL declared one of Top 10 Global Initiatives to fight COVID-19: The United Nations listed the KHUDOL initiative of Manipur as one of the top 10 global initiatives to fight against COVID-19. Khudol is a crowdfunded initiative of Ya_All, an Imphal-based NGO that had created India’s first transgender football team. Under the initiative, the NGO provides food, hygiene and health of LGBTQ community, daily wage workers, people with AIDS. The organization mobilized network of 100 volunteers. Through the volunteers the organization distributed 1000 health kits, 1500 condoms and 6500 sanitary pads. The initiative entails ensuring food, health and hygiene of the LGBTQI+ community, people living with HIV, daily-wage earners, children and adolescents.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Bank to rescue with $160-billion aid to 100 nations: The Covid-19 pandemic is expected to put over 60 million people into extreme poverty globally, the World Bank has said as it announced emergency operations worth $160 billion in 100 developing countries to fight the deadly virus. Of the 100 countries, home to 70 per cent of the world’s population, 39 are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nearly one-third of the total projects are in fragile and conflict-affected situations, such as Afghanistan, Chad, Haiti, and Niger

Note: Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States; President: David Malpass

2. USA withdraws from Open Skies treaty: The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in 2002 and recently US President Donald Trump has announced that the USA is to withdraw from Open Skies treaty accusing that Russia has not stuck to its part of the deal. This is the third international arms pact inline from which the US has pulled out since Donald Trump become President.

3. World Turtle Day: 23rd May: The World Turtle Day is observed on May 23 every year to raise awareness among people to protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. The day is being celebrated since 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle.

4. International Day to End Obstetric Fistula: 23rd May: The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) is observed every year on 23rd May by the United Nations (UN). The day is being observed to significantly raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula, as well as urging post-surgery follow-up and tracking of fistula patients. The theme for International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2020 is “End gender inequality! End health inequities! End Fistula now!”. In 2003, the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), and its partners had launched a global campaign to End Obstetric Fistula.

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

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Naomi Osaka becomes world’s highest-paid female athlete: Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has become the highest paid female athlete in the world, topping American great Serena Williams. According to the Forbes magazine, Osaka earned $37.4 million in the last 12 months from prize money and endorsements, $1.4 million more than Williams, setting an all-time earnings record for a female athlete in a single year.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. IRDAI allows Union Bank of India to continue 30% holding in IndiaFirst Life Insurance: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has allowed Union Bank of India’s proposal to continue with its 30 prcent holding in IndiaFirst Life Insurance with the condition that the lender will hold no control in the management of the insurer. Earlier, the bank was expected to divest either the entire stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance, or a considerable part of it, as IRDAI guidelines restrict a lender to own more than 10 percent stake in two insurance companies. The state-owned lender also holds 25.1 percent stake in Star Union Dai-Chi Life and it received a promoter stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance in April previously held by Andhra Bank following its ‘mega’ merger on April 1 with Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank.

Note: About IRDAI: Founded: 1999; Headquarters: Hyderabad; Chairperson: Subhash Chandra Khuntia

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Flipkart partners Vishal Mega Mart for home delivery of essentials: Walmart-owned Flipkart said it has partnered with retail store chain, Vishal Mega Mart for home delivery of essential items in 26 cities in the country, including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Under the partnership, consumers will be able to order products from over 365 Vishal Mega Mart stores and get them delivered at their doorstep by Flipkart. Consumers can order essential products like flour, rice, oil, pulses, beverages and other items from various brands as well as Vishal’s own labels.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Bengaluru doctor Hema Divakar gets “Global Asian award”: Bengaluru-based medical doctor Hema Divakar was honoured with the ‘Global Asian of the Year 2018-19’ award in Dubai recently for her yeomen services and contributions to the women’s healthcare ecosystem, in India, said its organiser ‘Asia One’ magazine’s publisher. Hema received the award at the Asian Business & Social Forum 2019 under the ‘In Service of the Society and the Nation’ category from UAE’s Trade Promotion Director Mohammed Naser Hamdan Al Zaabi.

OBITUARIES

1. Renowned vocalist Shyamala G Bhave passes away: Renowned vocalist Shyamala G Bhave, who had an equal command over Hindustani and Carnatic style of music, has passed away. She was 79. She was bestowed with the title of “Ubhaya Gaana Vidushi (expert in both styles)” by Sir M Visvesvaraya, the 19th Diwan of Mysore. 

Daily GK Updates - 22nd May, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Government launches scheme to solarise Konark sun temple & Konark town: A scheme has been launched by the central governemnt for complete solarization of Konark Sun Temple and Konark town in Odisha to develop the historical Sun Temple town of Konark as Surya Nagri. As a part of scheme, 10 Mega Watt grid connected solar project along with various solar off-grid applications such as solar trees and solar drinking water kiosks would be set up in the area. For the execution of project, Government of India will provide a 100% Central Financial Assistance (CFA) support of around Rs 25 Crores through Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.

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

Ministers of State for New and Renewable Energy: Raj Kumar Singh.

2. Uttar Pradesh governement rolls out ‘UP Start-up Fund’: Uttar Pradesh government has set up ‘UP Start-up Fund’ to support the registered start-up ventures present across different verticals in Uttar Pradesh. An MoU has been signed between the Uttar Pradesh government and the Small Industries Development Bank of India, and the fund will be managed by SIDBI. Initial contribution of Rs 15 crore has been made to the fund. This fund will take part in Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved Alternative Investment Funds and would not be invested directly into start-ups.

Note: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Aditya Nath; Governor: Anandiben Patel.

3. IGNOU’s “Online Master’s Programme in Hindi” launched by HRD Minister: Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has launched the IGNOU’s Online Master’s Programme in Hindi via Facebook Live session. This programme is expected to strengthen “Padhe India Online” initiative. The programmer is launched to focus on Hindi language role in India and other countries. IGNOU has also launched various other programmes namely: MA in Gandhi and Peace Studies, BA in Tourism Studies, certificate course in Arabic, certificate in information technology, certificate programme in Library and Information Science. It will go live on IGNOU’s Gyan Darshan TV Channel, Gyan Dhara, and Facebook page.

Note: Union Minister of Human Resources Development: Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.

4. NTPC & ONGC partners to set up JVC for Renewable Energy Business: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by NTPC Limited, and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) to form a Joint Venture Company for Renewable Energy business. This partnership will enable both the companies to accelerate their mark in the field of Renewable Energy as the two companies will explore the setting up of offshore wind and other Renewable Energy Projects in India as well as overseas. This tie-up will increase NTPC’s Renewable Energy capacity addition program and also the presence of ONGC in the Renewable Power business.

Note: Chairman & Managing Director of NTPC Limited: Gurdeep Singh.

Chairman & Managing Director of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited: Shashi Shanker.

5. “Rajiv Gandhi Kisaan Nyay Yojana” launched in Chhattisgarh:  Chhattisgarh government has launched “Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana”, a farmer centered scheme that aims to stimulate the rural economy in the state, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, Rs 10,000 per acre will be deposited in the bank accounts of farmers (based on registered area and area under cultivation, during Kharif crop season 2019), as agriculture assistance grant for sowing crops such as paddy, maize and sugarcane. The state government had allocated Rs 5,756 crore in the budget 2020-21, for the scheme. The amount will be given to the farmers in four instalments and at least 19 lakh farmers will benefit from the scheme. The scheme was jointly launched by Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on 21 May 2020, to mark the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Note: Governor: Anusuiya Uikey.

6. Mysore, Indore, Surat among 6 cities declared as ‘5-star garbage-free cities’: The Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri announced results of garbage-free star rating of cities. The garbage-free star rating initiative was launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission to achieve the goal garbage-free nation. A city can be declared as “Garbage Free” if it complies with the conditions as prescribed under this protocol. The star rating is based on 25 key parameters and ranges from 1 star, 3 star, 5 star and 7 star.

Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), Rajkot, Surat, Mysore, Indore and Navi Mumbai have got the ‘5-star garbage-free cities’ rating. Karnal, New Delhi, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Chandigarh, Bhilai Nagar, Ahmedabad are among ‘three-star garbage free rating. The cities with one star garbage free ratings include: Andhra Pradesh: GVMC Visakhapatnam, Sattenapalli, Chiralla, Palamaneru; Chattisgarh: Berla, Baramkela, Chikhalakasa, Katghora, Pakhanjur; New Delhi: Delhi Cantt; Haryana: Rohtak; Madhya Pradesh: Gwalior, Bandawar, Sardarpur, Maheshwar, Hathod, Khandwa, Shahganj; Uttar Pradesh: Noida, Gajraula, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Lucknow, Jhansi

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Airtel Africa & UNICEF partners to support children & families affected by COVID-19: UNICEF and Airtel Africa has partnered to support children & families affected by COVID-19. The partnership aims to provide children with access to remote learning and enable access to cash assistance for their families through mobile cash transfers. Airtel Africa will zero-rate the selected websites which are hosting educational content and will provide children with remote access to digital content at no cost. The partnership will benefit the children and families in 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa namely: Zambia, Congo, Nigeria, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Rwanda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Chad.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa: Raghunath Mandava.

Executive Director of UNICEF: Henrietta H. Fore; Headquarter of UNICEF: New York, US.

2. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan to Take Charge As Chairman of WHO Executive Board: The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan, will take charge as the Chairman of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board on May 22, 2020, at the Executive Board meeting of WHO. Mr Vardhan would succeed Dr Hiroki Nakatani of Japan as the Chairman of the 34-member WHO Executive Board. The chairman’s post is held by rotation for one year among regional groups.

Note: WHO is a UN body responsible for international public health that consist of two bodies: World Health Assembly and Executive Board. India is a member state of WHO’s South East Asia Region.

Headquarters of WHO: Geneva, Switzerland; Director-general of WHO: Tedros Adhanom.

3. International Day for Biological Diversity: 22th May: International for Biological Diversity (IDB) is observed every year on May 22 to raise awareness about the issue of significant reduction in biological diversity due to certain human activities. Theme for International Day for Biological Diversity 2020 is “Our solutions are in nature”. This day was earlier declared to be observed on 29 December by UN General Assembly in 1993. However, UN General Assembly in 2000 declared 22 May as IDB to commemorate adoption of Nairobi Final Act on Biological Diversity Convention.

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

4. CSIRO develops ‘heat resistant’ corals to fight bleaching: Researchers from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the University of Melbourne has successfully developed a potential agent helping coral reefs to increase their heat tolerance. The agent built using ‘directed evolution’ will manipulate the microalgae, which is a key factor in the coral's heat tolerance. This came in the wake of threat over coral reefs due to global warming.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI reduces Repo Rate by 40 bps to 4.0% in Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Meet May 20 to 22, 2020: The Reserve Bank of India in its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on May 22, 2020 has decided to:

Reduce Repo Rate by 40 bps to 4.00% from 4.40% earlier.

Reverse Repo rate is adjusted to 3.35% from 3.75%.

Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate is also reduced from 4.65% to 4.25%.

Bank Rate stands at 4.25%.

Terms and conditions of the extant MSF scheme has no changes as per the monetary policy.

2. FM exempts B2B firms from using only electronic payment modes: Finance Ministry exempted B2B transactions companies having more than Rs 50 crore turnover from using only electronic payment modes like RuPay or BHIM-UPI. The provision of paying only through online mode was inserted by Government by section 269U in the finance act, 2019. The step is taken by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), a statutory authority under the Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance.

3. Franklin MF ropes in Kotak Mahindra Bank to wind-up 6 schemes: In April 2020, Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund company had closed 6 of its debt schemes in consultation with SEBI. SEBI had advised it to bring in an independent advisor on board ahead of the unitholders’ vote on the winding-up process. In compliance with it, Franklin Templeton MF has appointed Kotak Mahindra Bank to expedite the process of monetizing the assets in the portfolios of the six wound-up schemes and make payouts to the affected investors.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. “iTurmeric Fincloud” platform launched by Intellect Design Arena :  “iTurmeric FinCloud” is a cloud-ready, API-first, microservices-based platform which has been launched by the Intellect Design Arena Ltd, a full spectrum banking and insurance products company. This platform has been launched through IBM public cloud and enable the new digital banks’ systems to be tested and run in isolation or in parallel with core legacy systems. The platform comprises of various facilities such as retail banking, lending, origination, and corporate banking API.

Note: Chairman & Managing Director of Intellect Design Arena Limited: Arun Jain.

2. Facebook Launches Shopping Platform ‘Facebook Shops’ for Small Businesses: Facebook has announced the launch of a new feature, ‘Facebook Shops’, on its platform as an important tool for small businesses to create online stores on Facebook and Instagram. The new service was launched by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Facebook Shops will allow businesses to sell their product both on Facebook and Instagram by setting up storefronts on the apps. The new initiative will bring more local businesses online and help them to survive amid the coronavirus pandemic, while also creating big new business opportunities for Facebook itself.