Current Affairs –June 3, 2018

Home , Piyush Goyal

S.No Topic Page Number

1 World News 2 - 3

2 National News 4 - 5

3 State News 6 - 7

4 Banking & Economy 8

5 Sports 9

6 Awards &Honours 10

7 Appointments & Resignations 11

8 Science & Technology 12

World News

US vetoes Arab-backed UN draft resolution to protect Palestinians.

 The United States vetoed an Arab-backed UN draft resolution calling for measures to protect the Palestinians.  Ten countries including China, France, and Russia voted in favour of the draft put forward by Kuwait on behalf of Arab countries at the Security Council.  A draft resolution requires nine votes to be adopted in the 15-member council and no veto from the five permanent members including the US.

China Successfully Launches New Earth Observation Satellite.

 China successfully launches a new Earth observation satellite ‘the Gaofen-6’ which will be mainly used in agricultural resources research.  The Satellite took a launch on a Long March-2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China.  It was the 276th mission of the Long March rocket series.

Saudi Arabia just announced it's forming a Ministry of Culture

 Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been undergoing extensive change of late.  A major focus area for the country is cultural reforms. Recent months have seen the opening of the country’s very first theatre after a gap of over three decades, plus plans to set up a national opera house.

Egypt Prez sworn in for 2nd term in office

 In Egypt, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was sworn in for a second four-year term in office.  Sisi won 97% of valid votes in the March presidential election.  Sisi ousted Egypt’s first freely elected president Mohamed Morsi and won his first term in 2014 with an overwhelming majority of the vote.

Cuba, US to restore direct postal service

 Cuba and the US have agreed to permanently restore the direct postal service between the two countries.

 This service allows the postal delivery of mail, parcels, and express courier deliveries on direct flights between Cuba and the United States, and through post offices in both countries.  The direct postal service between the two neighbouring nations was suspended by Havana in 1968.

National News

Central Government sets up Cauvery Water Management Authority to address water sharing dispute.

 The Centre constituted the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CMA) in compliance with a Supreme Court order.  On 16th of February, the Supreme Court had directed the government to form the CMA within six weeks.  The authority would comprise a chairman, eight members besides a secretary.  The central government will appoint the chairman for a tenure of five years.  Out of eight members, two each will be full-time and part-time members, while the rest four will be part-time members from states.

Union Government working on a long-term solution to deal with rising fuel prices.

 Union Minister Nitin Gadkari the government is working on a long-term solution to deal with rising fuel prices.  MrGadkari was addressing a press conference in Pune yesterday to highlight the achievements of NDA government in the past four years.  The Central Minister of the NDA Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to the development of the country.

Income Tax Department launches new Benami Transactions Informants Reward Scheme, 2018.

 The Income Tax Department has issued a new reward scheme titled “Benami Transactions Informants Reward Scheme, 2018.  Under the new rewards scheme, a reward up to Rs 1 crore would be given to those who can give specific information in a prescribed manner.  Substantial evasion of tax on income or assets in India which are actionable under the Income-tax Act, 1961.  People of foreign origin would also be eligible for such a reward if they can provide the required specific information.

Indian Navy sends ship to Socotra island

 Indian Navy launched ‘Operation Nistar’ to evacuate 38 stranded Indians around Socotra island located close to the horn of Africa between the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.  The Navy has already deployed its ship INS Sunayna as part of the ‘operation Nistar’ to evacuate the Indians.  Indian seafarers have been stranded due to Cyclone Mekunu.

Shri Shripad Yesso Naik to inaugurate National Health Editors’ Conference on Yoga in New Delhi

 The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik will inaugurate the 3rdNational Health Editors’ Conference on Yoga at Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) in New Delhi on June 05, 2018.  The Ministry of AYUSH is organizing this Conference in collaboration with the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY).  This Conference on ‘Evidence Based Recent Innovative Research on Yoga – A Review of Yoga Research’ is being organized to mark the beginning of International Day of Yoga, which takes place on 21st June every year.

Mahesh Sharma launches Drive for Plastic-Free Agra

 The Ministry of Culture held a high level stakeholders’ workshop on the Taj Mahal in Agra under the chairmanship of Minister of State (I/C) of Culture and Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma.  The workshop aimed to discuss the issues of pollution around Taj Mahal with focus on drawing short term and long term measures to deal with the problem and to protect the Taj from environment pollution.  The meeting was followed by the Taj Declaration to ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ pledging to make the 500 metres area in and around the Taj Mahal litter free.

State News

Maharashtra govt unveils ‘sandbox’

 The Maharashtra Government has announced the opening up of a ‘sandbox’ to boost start-ups.  Sandbox is seen as a safe zone to test financial innovation which sees a limited rollout of new products to select customers.  Reserve Bank panel had recommended introducing a “regulatory sandbox” to foster financial technology innovation.

Andhra introduces scheme for natural farming

 The Andhra Pradesh government launched a Zero Based Natural Farming (ZBNF) scale- out scheme, aimed at benefitting around six million farmers by 2024.  The state agriculture department also signed a MoU in this regard, with the Sustainable India Finance Facility (SIFF).  The SIFF will extend financial and investment support to the farmers.

Piyush Goyal flags off Humsafar Jodhpur Bandra Express in Rajasthan

 Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday flagged off Humsafar Jodhpur Bandra Express at Bhagat Ki Kothi Railway Station in Rajasthan's Jodhpur.  Speaking at the inauguration, Goyal said that adequate arrangements have been made in the trains, including mobile charging points, CCTVs and Bio Toilets.  He also mentioned that railway projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore have been undertaken in Rajasthan at present.  he Railway Minister also highlighted the doubling of 'road under-bridges' during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.  "Under previous government only 52 road under bridges were installed, however now the number has doubled up," he said.

EESL, Telangana partner to adopt E-mobility

 Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) signed up to lease electric vehicles and install EV chargers.

 The vehicles will be procured by EESL under the Centre’s National E-Mobility Programme.  This will not only reduce the costs of hired cars, but also substantially reduce emissions.

Banking and Economy

Banks Board Bureau to hold interviews for MDs and EDs of PSU banks from Jun 13

 Newly constituted Banks Board Bureau, headed by former DoPT Secretary B P Sharma, will undertake its first major assignment of shortlisting candidates for about 30 top level vacancies in the public sector banks beginning June 13.  There are already some vacancies at the managing director (MD) and at the executive director (ED) level and some would be created during course of the current fiscal, sources said.  In all, there are places for 12 MDs and 18 EDs who will be appointed during this fiscal, sources said, adding that confidential report of over 60 eligible candidates have been sought form various banks for these vacancies.

Financial Literacy Week to begins from June 4 to june 8, RBI sets consumer protection as this years theme

 The Financial Literacy week begins from June 4 to june 8 2018 the theme for this years Financial Literacy week has been declared by RBI as: Consumer Protection  The event would create awareness among customer of banks about the various financial products and services available to them and would encourage them to go digital.  It would consist of consumer protection messages like 'Good Practices for safe digital banking' and ' Know your liability' focusing on he liability of the customer for safe digital banking where if the bank is informed within 3 days of unauthorized digital transaction the customer won't be liable.

Resolution of the complaints would be received within 90 days from the date of recript of complaint

 Awareness regarding Banking Ombudsman scheme would be emphasized  Bankers, Financial Literacy Counsellors (FLCs) and other stakeholders will Participate to create awareness.

Sports News

India’s first national sports university to be set up in Manipur

 The Union Cabinet, had on May 23, approved an ordinance to set up the country’s first national sports university in Imphal.  The President of India has now given his assent to the Cabinet’s decision.  President Ram NathKovind has given his assent to the Union Cabinet’s approval on an ordinance to set up the country’s first national sports university in Manipur.  “National Sports University Ordinance, 2018 has come into force as the President of India has given his assent to the Union Cabinet’s decision to promulgate the said Ordinance,” stated an official release on June 1.

Barcelona extend Samuel Umtiti’s contract until 2023.

 France defender Samuel Umtiti has agreed to extend his contract with Barcelona for five more seasons, the club said on Sunday.  Umtiti arrived at Barca from Lyon in 2016 for 25 million euros ($29 million) and rapidly cemented his place in the starting lineup.  The agreement continues a wave of contract extensions at Barca following deals for Lionel Messi (until 2021), Sergi Roberto (2022) and goalkeeper Marc-Andre terStegen (2022).

Viswanathan Anand draws again at Altibox Norway Chess tournament.

 Viswanathan Anand played out his fourth draw on the trot, signing peace with Wesley So of United States in the fourth round of the Altibox Norway Chess tournament Stavanger.  Sergey Karjakin of Russia took the sole second spot on 2.5 points after defeating MaximeVachier-Lagrave of France.  Anand now shares the third spot along with LevonAronian of Armenia, Wesley and Nakamura.

Awards &Honours

KagisoRabada wins South Africa’s Cricketer of the Year Award.

 South African speedster KagisoRabada was named as South Africa’s cricketer of the year on Saturday.  This is the second occasion where Rabada has bagged the prestigious award after winning it in 2016.  Rabada has been one of the most prolific performers for his national team picking up 72 wickets in 12 Tests.

Appointments & Resignations

Pedro Sanchez Sworn In As Spain's New PM

 Spanish Socialist Pedro Sanchez has been sworn in as the country's new prime minister by King Felipe. He has replaced Mariano Rajoy.  Mr Sanchez took the oath to protect the constitution without a bible or crucifix - a first in Spain's modern history. He plans to see out the remaining two years of the parliamentary term.

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Sworn in as Egyptian President

 In Egypt, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was sworn in for a second four-year term in office as the country faces major economic and security challenges. Sisi won 97% of valid votes in the March presidential election.  His only opponent, Moussa Mostafa Moussa, was relatively unknown and a fervent Sisi supporter himself.

Science & Technology

China Successfully Launches New Earth Observation Satellite

 China successfully launched a new Earth observation satellite, Gaofen-6, which will be mainly used in agricultural resources research and disaster monitoring.  The satellite was launched on a Long March-2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. It was the 276th mission of the Long March rocket series.  A scientific experiment satellite named Luojia-1 was sent into space at the same time

India today successfully test fired the indigenously developed and nuclear Long Range Ballistic Missile Agni 5.

 This was the sixth trial of the surface to surface missile which has a strike range of 5,000 km.  Agni 5 is the most advanced missile with new technologies in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine  Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool called Norman which they claim is the worlds first 'psychopathic' AI.