JUNE 2020 Current Affairs Monthly
2020 - 21 CURRENT AFFAIRS STRAIGHTZERO
BCCI nominated Rohit Sharma for an award .. 7 Contents TCS won two Stevie Awards ...... 7 Mergers and Events 8 Awards & Honours 0 HUL completed acquisition of VWash...... 8 UN honours Kerala Health Minister K.K Shailaja CCI approved an acquisition ...... 8 ...... 0 Mastercard to buy Fincity ...... 8 Sansad Ratna Award for Srikakulam MP ...... 0 Adani Power to acquire stake in Odisha Power Gulabbai Sangamnerkar to get lifetime honour 0 ...... 8 Himachal Pradesh won e-Panchayat Puraskar Piramal Pharma Solutions to acquire G&W Labs 2020 ...... 0 ...... 9 Six District Hospitals of J&K UT won an award 1 CCI approved acquisition of Metso Oyj ...... 9 Golden Globe awards postponed to February Facebook acquired Mapillary ...... 9 2021 ...... 1 Acquisition by MacRitchie in API ...... 9 Minerva Academy FC recommended for an award ...... 1 Cipla to acquire 21.85% stake in GoApptiv ... 10 Amartya Sen won Peace Prize ...... 1 Facebook to acquire 9.9% stake in Jio ...... 10 J&K conferred with three prestigious awards ... 2 Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler to merge ...... 10 AIFF recommended IM Vijayan for Padma Shri Tata Power acquired 51% stake in TPCODL 11 ...... 2 AGC Networks to acquire Fujisoft ...... 11 Deccan Development Society won an award ... 2 Days and Events 12 Hima Das nominated for Khel Ratna Award ..... 2 International Asteroid Day: 30 June ...... 12 ZestMoney awarded as technology pioneer ..... 3 International Day of the Tropics: 29 June ...... 12 • Chef Angad Singh Rana won a competition National Statistics Day: 29 June ...... 12 3 MSME Day: 27 June ...... 12 Shobha Sekhar conferred with an honour ...... 3 Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 13 Rattan Lal got 2020 World Food Prize ...... 4 Day in Support of Victims of Torture: 26 June 13 Asian Peace Prize cancelled due to COVID-19 Day of the Seafarer: 25 June ...... 13 ...... 4 Olympic Day celebrated on 23rd June ...... 13 Renjith Kumar honoured with “NASA Medal” ... 4 United Nations Public Service Day: 23 June . 14 India’s solar ferry shortlisted for an award ...... 4 International Widows’ Day: 23 June ...... 14 Javed Akhtar bagged Richard Dawkins Award 5 Day of the Celebration of the Solstice ...... 14 Gold rating for Trichy Railway Junction ...... 5 World Hydrography Day: 21st June ...... 14 Hyderabad airport received ACI recognition .... 5 World Music Day: 21 June ...... 15 Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw won an award ...... 5 National Reading Day: 19 June ...... 15 Delhi-based NGO won WHO award ...... 6 International Yoga Day: 21 June...... 15 Neeraj Chopra nominated for Khel Ratna ...... 6 World Sickle Cell Day: 19 June ...... 16 Indian writer won an award ...... 6 World Refugee Day: 20 June ...... 16 Amit Panghal nominated for Khel Ratna ...... 6
Autistic Pride Day: 18 June ...... 16 SOLV partnered with Standard Chartered Bank ...... 24 19th Great June Uprising Day: Manipur ...... 16 PhonePe partnered with ICICI Bank ...... 25 Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence .... 17 Pepsi joined hands with NRAI, Swiggy ...... 25 Karnataka to observe "Mask Day" on June 18 ...... 17 Haryana Govt and Reliance Jio signed agreement ...... 25 Sustainable Gastronomy Day: 18 June ...... 17 Intellipaat partnered with E&ICT Academy .... 25 Day to Combat Desertification and Drought ... 17 IOC joined hands with WHO, UN ...... 26 Int. Day of Family Remittances: 16 June ...... 18 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: 15th June Virgin Galactic announced deal with NASA ... 26 ...... 18 UCO Bank partnered with four insurers ...... 26 World Wind Day celebrated on 15th June ...... 18 Yes Bank partnered with Affordplan ...... 27 World Blood Donor Day: 14 June ...... 18 Biocon signed agreement with DKSH ...... 27 Green Mizoram Day 2020: June 11 ...... 19 Hyundai Motor India partnered with HDFC Bank ...... 27 International Albinism Awareness Day: 13 June ...... 19 France committed 200 mn euros to India ...... 27 World Day Against Child Labour: 12 June ..... 19 NITI Aayog collaborated with ITF ...... 28 World Accreditation Day: 9th June ...... 20 Park+ tied up with AarogyaSetu ...... 28 World Brain Tumour Day: 8 June ...... 20 Urban Affairs Ministry and SIDBI signed MoU ...... 28 World Oceans Day: 8 June ...... 20 Tata AIA Life tied up with ECS ...... 28 World Food Safety Day: 7 June...... 20 Serum Institute, UNICEF signed agreement . 29 Day for fight against illegal fishing: 5 June ..... 21 Vymo partnered with Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC World Pest Day 2020: June 6 ...... 21 ...... 29 UN Russian Language Day: 6 June ...... 21 Vivendi partnered with Ricky Kej ...... 29 World Environment Day: 5 June ...... 21 Maruti partnered with Karur Vysya Bank ...... 29 Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression India to construct a facility in Nepal ...... 30 ...... 22 Safal partnered with Zomato ...... 30 International Sex Workers Day: 2 June ...... 22 Maharashtra govt signed MoUs with companies World Bicycle Day: 3rd June ...... 22 ...... 30 Telangana Formation Day: 2nd June ...... 22 HDFC ERGO to launch 'Pay As You Fly' ...... 30 Global Day of Parents: 1st June ...... 23 Tata Power to develop solar project in Gujarat World Milk Day: 1 June ...... 23 ...... 31 Goa observed 32nd statehood day ...... 23 $216 million credit line to Malawi govt ...... 31 MOU and Agreements 24 Zydus Cadila signed agreement with Gilead . 31 TN University collaborated with IIHT, Salem .. 24 Dr Reddy's inked pact with Gilead Sciences . 31 Agreement signed between India and Bhutan Wipro partnered with Microsoft, Citrix ...... 32 ...... 24 IFFCO signed MoU with ICAR ...... 32 JLL India tied up with RoofandFloor ...... 24
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ePaisa joined hand with First Alliance Bank ... 32 Anandiben Patel gets additional charge of MP ...... 41 EPS Pvt Ltd partnered with Mastercard ...... 32 Mandip Singh Gill took over as Additional DG NFL inked MoU with ITI Nangal...... 33 ...... 41 TCS iON partnered with NSDC ...... 33 Sanjay Kumar: New Maharashtra chief IHBT, Himachal government joined hands ..... 33 secretary ...... 41 Google Cloud, Synechron signed a pact ...... 33 Sanjay Mahajan: MD Carrier Midea India ...... 41 Panacea Biotec to collaborate with Refana .... 34 Rajesh Shukla: 5th Lokayukta of Gujarat ...... 42 JNCASR signs MoU with Breathe Applied Justice Anant Manohar: Kerala High Court Sciences ...... 34 Judge ...... 42 NCERT, Rotary India inked MoU...... 34 T. Rabi Sankar becomes new Chairman of Maruti Suzuki partnered with Mahindra Finance IFTAS ...... 42 ...... 34 Wasim Jaffer appointed Uttarakhand head A2A Pharma collaborated with LAXAI ...... 35 coach ...... 43 India, Denmark signed MoU ...... 35 Geeta Pasi: US envoy to Ethiopia ...... 43 Wipro, IBM to collaborate ...... 35 Jaideep Nandi: New MD of Bajaj Consumer Care ...... 43 MG Motor, Tata Power signed a pact ...... 35 Sethuraman Panchanathan appointed head of ISRO and ARIES signed MoU ...... 36 NSF ...... 43 CSIR, AIM joined hands ...... 36 Niki Poonacha elected to ITF panel ...... 44 Fit India and MHRD launched special films .... 36 Vijay Khanduja: India's next Envoy to Zimbabwe EESL, USAID unveiled an initiative ...... 36 ...... 44 GAIL (India) Ltd & EESL signed MoU ...... 37 Urjit Patel named NIPFP chairman ...... 44 UP introduced a MoU Monitoring Mechanism 37 JSW Cement: Sourav Ganguly as Brand Mastercard launched digital payment solution Ambassador ...... 44 ...... 37 Vikram Pawah to take charge of BMW Group Tech Mahindra signed an Initiative ...... 37 India ...... 45 South Africa and NASA collaborate ...... 38 Kubatbek Boronov: New PM of Kyrgyzstan ... 45 IIT-Madras partnered with Chennai-based firm Pralay Mondal to join CSB Bank ...... 45 ...... 38 Sudarshan S Sarma: CEO Carzonrent India . 45 Cabinet approved MoU between India and Volkan Bozkir: President of UN Assembly ..... 46 Bhutan ...... 38 AK Jana took over as IGL's new MD ...... 46 Ircon inked pact with NIIFL, Ayana Power ..... 38 Ex-SC judge DK Jain got one-year extension 46 Uber launched zero-contact rides ...... 39 Nick Hockley: Interim Cricket Australia CEO . 47 Facebook and Saregama announce licensing Vinit Teredesai is the new CFO of Mindtree .. 47 deal ...... 39 Santosh Jha: Ambassador of India to Belgium BEML to sign MoU with MELCO ...... 39 ...... 47 ITC tied up with Amway ...... 39 NASA: 1st woman to head human spaceflight Appointment 41 ...... 47
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Devendra Kumar Singh: New Director of SIDBI 2 IAS officers appointed to World Bank, WTO ...... 48 ...... 54 Pankaj Tripathi: Brand ambassador Bihar Khadi Uday Kotak took over as CII President ...... 55 ...... 48 Sushil Kumar Singhal: HC to Papua New Imtaiyazur Rahman: CEO of UTI Mutual Fund Guinea ...... 55 ...... 48 V N Datt: CMD of National Fertilizers Limited 55 KK Venugopal to get 1-year extension ...... 49 Twitter: Ex-Google CFO as new board chairman Kaizad Bharucha reappointed to HDFC board ...... 56 ...... 49 Raveesh Kumar: Next Ambassador to Finland Dr J Radhakrishnan: Health Principal Secy ... 49 ...... 56 Biswajit Dasgupta: Chief of Staff, ENC ...... 49 Ipsita Dasgupta joins Apple as Country Manager ...... 56 3 advocates appointed as 'government pleaders' ...... 50 BAFTA: Krishnendu Majumdar as Chairperson ...... 56 Anshuman Sharma: Director IDBI Bank ...... 50 LVB CEO got extension ...... 57 1st local CAM of Srinagar Railways ...... 50 Rohit Sharma: IIFL Finance's Brand Sandeep Mahajan: MD of Goodyear India ..... 50 Ambassador ...... 57 Shambhu Kumaran: Next envoy to Philippines Sibi George: India's next Ambassador to Kuwait ...... 51 ...... 57 Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza died ..... 51 Ajoy Choudhury: Director (Finance) at REC .. 57 Javed Iqbal Wani: Judge of J&K High Court .. 51 Dr Chandrasekaran: Permanent director of Savitri Ratho appointed Orissa HC Judge ...... 51 CICT ...... 58 Steve Albrecht: Non-Executive Director Oyo . 52 Pradip Kumar: Secretary in Ministry of Steel . 58 Nisaba Godrej: MD and CEO of Godrej Adesh Kumar Gupta: Delhi BJP chief ...... 58 Consumer ...... 52 Gaitri Kumar: India's High Commissioner to UK Michael Clarke appointed as an officer ...... 52 ...... 58 Israel's first female ambassador to Egypt...... 52 R K Chaturvedi: Secretary, Dept of Chemicals Monika Mohta: New Ambassador to Switzerland ...... 59 ...... 53 Sanjiv Ghuratia: New AeSI Chairman ...... 59 Technosoft appointed Sean Narayanan as CEO Lt General Manoj Pande took over as CINCAN ...... 53 ...... 59 Anil Valluri: Senior director of Google Cloud .. 53 Mohandas Pai to chair an advisory committee M. Nethra appointed UN Goodwill Ambasador ...... 59 ...... 53 Anita Kotwani joined Carat India as CEO ...... 60 Adidas: Manushi Chillar as brand ambassador Arun Singhal: Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI ...... 54 ...... 60 Rahul Shrivastava: Next Ambassador to Himachal Pradesh: Sanjay Kundu is new DGP Romania ...... 54 ...... 60 Rajeev Ranjan Kumar: New CEO of KPKB .... 54 PR Jaishnakar appointed MD of IIFCL ...... 60 Indian-origin new Trustee of a Museum: UK . 61
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Obituaries 62 Kannada actor Chiranjeevi Sarja passed away ...... 70 Abdullah Khan Dogar passed away ...... 62 Kurt Thomas passed away ...... 70 Nimai Bhattacharya passed away ...... 62 Former India footballer Hamza Koya died ..... 70 Trinamool MLA Tamonash Ghosh passed away ...... 62 British Producer Rupert Hine passed away ... 71 K Raghunath passed away ...... 62 Bollywood producer Anil Suri passed away ... 71 Pournima Zanane passed away ...... 63 Riaz Sheikh passed away ...... 71 Vishwa Bandhu Gupta passed away ...... 63 Ved Marwah passed away ...... 71 Joel Schumacher passed away ...... 63 Pritam Singh passed away ...... 72 Lachhman Singh Lehl passed away ...... 63 Renowned lyricist Anwar Sagar passed away ...... 72 Rajinder Goel passed away ...... 64 Basu Chatterjee passed away ...... 72 Ramchand Goala passed away...... 64 Former Union Minister P Namgyal passed away Noted economist B P R Vithal no more ...... 64 ...... 72 Social worker Vidyaben Shah passed away .. 64 Archery coach Jayantilal Nanoma passed away KR Sachidanandan passed away ...... 65 ...... 73 Achyut Usgaonkar passed away ...... 65 NBA hall of famer Wes Unseld passed away 73 Heera Singh Rana passed away ...... 65 Bobby Morrow passed away ...... 73 Veteran journalist Dinu Ranadive passed away Music composer Wajid Khan passed away ... 73 ...... 66 International Affairs 75 Lt Gen Raj Mohan Vohra passed away ...... 66 Iran to set up permanent base in Indian Ocean SAIL director Atul Srivastava passed away .... 66 ...... 75 Former New Zealand cricketer Matt Poore died Russia: 1st tourist on space walk in 2023 ...... 75 ...... 66 Myanmar growth rate to slide 0.5% in 2019-20 Madhavrao Patil passed away in Nashik ...... 67 ...... 75 Arunkumar R. Mehta passed away ...... 67 IMF to provide assistance to Myanmar ...... 75 Mohammad Nasim passed away ...... 67 NASA HQs to renamed after Mary Jackson .. 76 Surinder Kaur passed away ...... 67 World Athletics launched 'Road to Tokyo' ..... 76 Sushant Singh Rajput passed away ...... 68 China to join UN arms trade treaty...... 76 Former cricketer Vasant Raiji passed away ... 68 Amazon announced a Climate Pledge Fund . 76 Veteran Urdu poet Gulzar Dehlvi passed away Donald Trump suspended H-1B ...... 77 ...... 68 China successfully launched a satellite ...... 77 Dr Vaidyanathan passed away ...... 68 China's high-speed maglev successfully tested Tony Dunne passed away ...... 69 ...... 77 Television Actor Jagesh Mukati passed away 69 IMF supports 70 nations with $25 bn financing DMK MLA J Anbazhagan died of coronavirus 69 ...... 78 Arjun Charan Sethi passed away ...... 70 World Bank approved $1.05 bn to Bangladesh ...... 78
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Germany launched coronavirus app ...... 78 Conor McGregor announced retirement again ...... 87 Bangladesh to get Zero Tariff facility ...... 78 Kushal Pal Singh retired as Chairman of DLF 87 Infosys joined The Climate Pledge ...... 79 Govt Policies & Schemes 88 Creation of Jet Zero Council in UK ...... 79 Harsimrat Kaur launched a scheme...... 88 France is fully reopening its economy ...... 79 Maharashtra govt announced Maha Parwana Boris Johnson set up new commission ...... 79 plan ...... 88 Biocon’s insulin glargine injection approved ... 80 Chhattisgarh government to launch a scheme UK economy shrinks 20.4% during April ...... 88 lockdown ...... 80 Surakshit Dada-Dadi, Nana-Nani Abhiyan .... 88 New Zealand declared itself coronavirus-free 80 Godhan Nyay Yojana in Chhattisgarh ...... 89 Myanmar military Tatmadaw returns to Cabinet approved a scheme ...... 89 Facebook ...... 80 Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan . 89 Bangladesh launched plasma network ...... 81 J&K Bank launched two products ...... 89 Legislators in 8 countries form alliance ...... 81 MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari launched CGSSD Michael Clarke appointed as an officer ...... 81 ...... 90 G20 countries pledge over $21 billion ...... 82 Kerala Government Laptop Scheme 2020 .... 90 SpaceX launched Starlink Internet satellites .. 82 Rajasthan Govt to launch Indira Rasoi Yojana UNSC adopted a resolution ...... 82 ...... 90 WHO launched ‘C-TAP’ ...... 82 Nishtha Vidyut Mitra Scheme started ...... 91 America terminating its relationship with WHO Jharkhand plans a scheme for urban poor .... 91 ...... 83 Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan launched ...... 91 US postponed G7 Summit till September ...... 83 GoI to launch “Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan” Person in News 84 ...... 91 Clare Connor: 1st female president of MCC .. 84 UP provided employment under MGNREGA . 92 Rachel Priest retires from Cricket ...... 84 SAUNI scheme to be completed by 2021 ...... 92 Sania Mirza signed up with Cornerstone ...... 84 Uttar Pradesh govt decides to adopt a scheme The Undertaker announced retirement from ...... 92 WWE ...... 84 UP CM launched Bal Shramik Vidya Yojana . 92 Suresh Narayanan's term extended by 5 yrs . 85 Andhra CM launched a scheme ...... 93 Ex-SC judge DK Jain got one-year extension 85 Himachal CM launched 'Panchvati Yojana' ... 93 Kyrgyzstan PM resigned from post...... 85 Madhya Pradesh launched a welfare Anmol Narang made history ...... 85 programme ...... 93 Shahid Afridi tests positive for COVID-19 ...... 86 PSBs sanctioned loans worth over Rs 17,705 cr ...... 93 Oleksandr Gvozdyk retires ...... 86 The ‘#iCommit’ initiative launched ...... 94 2 defence employees arrested in Rajasthan .. 86 Kerala implements 'Food forest' project ...... 94 Kathy: 1st to reach deepest point in oceans .. 86 Govt launched SWADES initiative ...... 94
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Odisha, Sikkim included in ONORC scheme . 94 SWSS bagged a solar project ...... 102 Govt unveiled PM SVANIDHI scheme ...... 95 ICICI Bank launched ‘Video KYC’ ...... 102 Odisha approved a Rs 17,000 cr plan ...... 95 Cooperative banks to be supervised by RBI 103 Science & Tech 96 Karnataka Bank launched KBL Micro Mitra . 103 CSIR scientists developed oxygen unit ...... 96 IIM Ahmedabad Endowment Fund launched ...... 103 Astronomers found two Super-Earths ...... 96 MSP for mature dehusked coconut declared Fully automated liquid oxygen tank ...... 96 ...... 103 A new ending app from Flipkart's Co-founder 96 BSE ranked among 10 most valued exchanges IIT-Bombay developed receiver chip “Dhruva” ...... 104 ...... 97 MCL plans to invest Rs 60,000 crore in Odisha Indian Institute of Science develops Nanozymes ...... 104 ...... 97 RBI doubled withdrawal limit to Rs 1 lakh .... 104 Fluorine detected in hot Extreme Helium Stars Procurement of MFP touched all time high .. 105 ...... 97 India's forex reserve rose to a life-time high 105 240-year-old Neutron Star discovered ...... 97 ICICI Home Finance launched a scheme .... 105 Fifth state of matter seen for the 1st time ...... 98 RBI proposed new rules ...... 105 New spider species found ...... 98 Reliance Industries is now debt-free ...... 106 New fish species discovered in Arunachal P. . 98 ICICI Bank sold ₹2,250 crore stake ...... 106 DRDO developed 'GermiKlean' ...... 99 Titan drifts away from Saturn 100 times faster PIF to invest in Jio Platforms ...... 106 ...... 99 PSBs disbursed Rs 18, 306 crore to MSME sector ...... 106 Kerala Startup launched mask disposal bin ... 99 Wheat procurement touched a record ...... 107 IIT Mandi researchers developed masks ...... 99 Funds allocated for a scheme in Andhra IIT-Guwahati students develop “Flyzy” app .. 100 Pradesh ...... 107 IAF develops rescue pod “ARPIT” for evacuation Acquisition by MacRitchie in API ...... 107 ...... 100 Alibaba Cloud to invest $283 million ...... 107 ARCI developed magnetocaloric material .... 100 ICICI Bank introduced ‘Insta FlexiCash’ ...... 108 NCL Pune developed nasopharyngeal swab ...... 100 L Catterton invested in Reliance Jio ...... 108 IIT Hyderabad researchers developed a test kit Airtel Payments Bank launched salary account ...... 101 ...... 108 CeNS developed low-cost catalyst ...... 101 Uttar Pradesh to set up Invest UP ...... 108 AI for detection of COVID-19: DIAT...... 101 Jio Platforms to raise ₹4,547 cr from TPG ... 109 Business & Economy 102 ArcelorMittal to make investment in Odisha 109 Government launched 7.15% floating rate Bharti Airtel arm bought stake in Robi Axiata bonds ...... 102 ...... 109 Myanmar growth rate to slide 0.5% in 2019-20 Tata Power to sell 3 ships to German company ...... 102 ...... 109
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Bank of Baroda, Union Bank reduced MCLR Bahrain to host 4th Asian Youth Para Games ...... 110 ...... 118 Indian economy will shrink 5% in FY21 ...... 110 Sports Ministry to establish KISCE ...... 118 Microsoft’s venture fund opened India office 110 Mamedyarov won Sharjah Online Chess C’ship ...... 118 IL&FS sold 50% stake in GIFT city ...... 110 FIFA team rankings: India at 108th position 118 Customs duty hiked on bamboo imports ...... 111 Sanjita Chanu cleared of doping charge ...... 119 Adani Green won world's largest solar bid ... 111 Russian high jumper Shustov got doping ban India's economy to contract by 3.2% ...... 111 ...... 119 SBI to cut MCLR by 25 bps from 10 June .... 111 DICC ODI World Cup 2021 ...... 119 OPEC agreed to cut oil production by about 10% Gomathi Marimuthu got four-year doping ban ...... 112 ...... 119 RBI proposed a comprehensive framework . 112 Conor McGregor announced retirement again Highest ever funds allocated under MNREGS ...... 120 ...... 112 Younis Khan appointed Pakistan batting coach ADIA: New investor in Jio Platforms ...... 112 ...... 120 Rs 270 cr for Assam Gramin Vikash Bank ... 113 Fit India and MHRD launched special films . 120 Facebook to acquire 9.9% stake in Jio ...... 113 Chelsea: Women's Super League winners .. 120 Indian economy to contract by 1.5% in FY21 India to host 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup ...... 113 ...... 121 Abu Dhabi company to invest in Jio ...... 113 SAI launched Khelo India e-Pathshala ...... 121 RBI to set up ₹500-cr fund ...... 114 36th National Games postponed ...... 121 Centre allocated Rs. 3 lakh crore for MSMEs Defence 122 ...... 114 “Defence Conclave 2020 Gujarat” ...... 122 Moody’s lowered India’s sovereign rating .... 114 Indian Navy inducted a system ...... 122 SBI: Separate vertical for micro credit ...... 114 India to send a Contingent to Russia ...... 122 RBI imposed Rs 4 crore penalty on Citibank 115 India-China border face-off at Galwan valley Sports 116 ...... 122 Liverpool won the English Premier League .. 116 GRSE delivered ICGS Kanaklata Barua to ICG Australia to host FIFA Women's World Cup . 116 ...... 123 Rachel Priest retires from Cricket ...... 116 Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle Complex ...... 123 Karate Association de-recognised by WKF .. 116 IAF develops rescue pod “ARPIT” for evacuation Niki Poonacha elected to ITF panel ...... 117 ...... 123 Nagaland Sports Academy to be made KISCE First Rafale fighters to join IAF ...... 123 ...... 117 Second phase of operation Samudra Setu Napoli won its sixth Italian Cup title ...... 117 began ...... 124 Sri Lanka to resume Cricket post COVID-19 117 Indian nationals back to Tamil Nadu...... 124 Books & Authors 125
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Dr Adyasha Das released poetry anthology . 125 KG Denim developed resuable PPE coveralls ...... 133 Karan Puri launched new book #MeToo ...... 125 SIDBI set up a fund ...... 134 Amish announced his new book ...... 125 Nasha Mukt Bharat: Annual Action Plan 2020- Kazuo Ishiguro's new novel to be out in Mar'21 21 ...... 134 ...... 125 Fully automated liquid oxygen tank...... 134 “A Burning” novel released ...... 126 15th Finance Commission held virtual meetings HRD Minister launched an information booklet ...... 134 ...... 126 Amdavad Municipal Corp slaps fine on hospital New book to promote benefits of a diet ...... 126 ...... 135 Modi government released an e-booklet ...... 127 12.5 crore e-cards issued under Jan Aarogya Behind the Mask: A book on COVID-19 ...... 127 ...... 135 Committees & Recommendation 128 TRIFED Digital Platforms launched ...... 135 Niti Aayog formed a panel ...... 128 4th phase of 'Vande Bharat Mission' to begin Petroleum Ministry constituted a Committee 128 ...... 135 RBI constitutes Internal Working Group ...... 128 Battery swap facilty launched in Chandigarh ...... 136 Delhi LG constituted expert committee ...... 128 Manoj Dwivedi appointed General Secretary: MHA reconstituted a new committee ...... 129 ...... 136 SEBI reshuffled a committee ...... 129 Safety eyewear developed by CSIO ...... 136 Leh DC constituted three-member committee 1971 war hero Sqn Ldr Parvez Jamasji dead ...... 129 ...... 136 National Affairs 130 108-feet tall statue of Kempegowda ...... 137 Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a Facility 130 Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated PADC in Rainwater harvesting project in Vadodara ... 130 Odisha ...... 137 34th anniversary of Mizo peace accord ...... 130 Amendment in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules Deadline to bid for Air India extended ...... 130 ...... 137 NFL launched 5 Mobile Soil Testing Labs .... 131 NS Tomar launched web portal ...... 138 Unlock -1 ends 30 June 2020 ...... 131 Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 ...... 138 Government banned 59 mobile apps ...... 131 Yes Bank launched a mobile payment app . 138 Online portal for issue of NOC launched ...... 131 6th Phase of Haritha Haram Programme CSIR scientists developed oxygen unit ...... 132 launched ...... 138 Indian Oil’s R&D Campus in Faridabad ...... 132 Niti Aayog launched a campaign ...... 139 MSME Forum for Indian Entrepreneurs ...... 132 BIAL: 1st airport to install AWMS technology Health Mstry recommended use of ...... 139 Dexamethasone ...... 132 CCEA approved an investment ...... 139 49th Governing Council Meeting of NPC ..... 133 IAS Civil List 2020 launched ...... 140 Ministry of Culture celebrated “Sankalp Parva” CBSE postponed CTET examination...... 140 ...... 133
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‘eBloodServices’ mobile app launched ...... 140 Sensitization-cum-Awareness Workshop in J&K ...... 148 'Atmanirbhar’ petrol pump started in Pune ... 140 Virtual Healthcare & Hygiene EXPO 2020 ... 148 IIT-Bombay developed receiver chip “Dhruva” ...... 141 Food Processing Edition launched ...... 148 Kushinagar Airport to get international status Himachal Pradesh govt allocated Rs 1990 cr ...... 141 ...... 149 Cabinet approved formation of IN-SPACe ... 141 Tripura govt announced a learning project .. 149 Devika Bridge in Udhampur inaugurated ..... 141 NTA launched Hindi Tests feature ...... 149 Cabinet approved establishment of a fund ... 142 Online Yoga Quiz Competition launched ..... 149 Tourism Ministry conducted a webinar ...... 142 Centre sanctioned Rs 190 crores ...... 150 Free Digital Learning Platform unveiled ...... 142 Insurance Scheme under PMGKP extended ...... 150 BMC launched ‘Mission Universal Testing’ .. 142 Anushka Sharma joined Ministry of AYUSH 150 WCF CyberSmart Portal launched ...... 143 Annular Solar Eclipse on 21 June ...... 150 Karate Association de-recognised by WKF .. 143 IIT-Palakkad developed ultrasound ...... 151 Karnataka govt to establish fever clinics ...... 143 Glenmark Pharma launched COVID-19 drug TN CM inaugurated compressed biogas plant ...... 151 ...... 143 Amazon, BigBasket get nod for liquor delivery Karnataka Bank launched KBL Micro Mitra .. 144 ...... 151 IIM Ahmedabad Endowment Fund launched Cipla, Hetero get nod to sell Remdesivir ..... 152 ...... 144 Ola unveiled 'Ola Emergency' service ...... 152 Ex-gratia for employees of power dept ...... 144 IIT Mandi developed Herbal Infusion UP Govt to establish COVID help desks ...... 144 Technology ...... 152 Chinese hackers attempted cyber-attacks ... 145 SATYABHAMA portal launched ...... 152 2 crore BOCWs received cash assistance ... 145 MNRE set up Project Development Cell ...... 153 2nd phase of YUKTI launched...... 145 International Workshop on Good Governance Patanjali launched Coronil kit for ₹545 ...... 145 ...... 153 Rs. 2,000 crore allocated by PM CARES Fund MP government banned online classes ...... 153 ...... 146 Sports Ministry to establish 1000 KIC ...... 153 ISRO got an Indian patent ...... 146 Tata Power subsidiary to develop solar project Mumbai’s civic body launched ‘Mission Zero’ ...... 154 ...... 146 Mobile app for weather info: Telangana ...... 154 Complete lockdown in Madurai district ...... 146 CSIR gets nod for phase III trials of a drug .. 154 Punjab govt to amend law & rules ...... 147 Maharashtra Govt launched a new portal .... 155 Uttar Pradesh govt to start antigen test ...... 147 BP to set up global business centre in Pune 155 300 ad-hoc posts in Medical Education Dept Telangana government promulgated an ...... 147 ordinance ...... 155 Palghar Police running Vishwas Abhiyan ..... 147
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Karnataka Bank launched COVID-19 health Feedback Call Centres on COVID -19 launched cover ...... 155 ...... 162 IIT Kanpur to produce 25,000 masks per day CBIC launched e-Office ...... 163 ...... 156 IITR developed microwave based system ... 163 'Air-Venti' App launched in Mumbai ...... 156 Swiggy launched a jumpstart package ...... 163 BMC installs huge liquid oxygen tanks ...... 156 Kishan Reddy launched microbe-killing device Aizawl’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium to be upgraded ...... 163 ...... 156 IISc developed ‘Workplace Readiness Indicator’ Indian Railways terminated Chinese Contract ...... 164 ...... 157 Full lockdown announced in Chennai ...... 164 World's largest COVID facility In Delhi ...... 157 Special campaign to be launched in Rajasthan IRB tied up $867 mn for Mumbai-Pune ...... 164 Expressway ...... 157 EPFO launched a facility ...... 164 Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched first mobile lab 157 DU to set up DSCC&S ...... 165 Odisha to set up Covid care homes ...... 158 DIAT developed biodegradable mask ...... 165 Wheat procurement touched a record ...... 158 Tata Power to develop solar project in Gujarat AHNA in Ahmedabad launched an initiative . 158 ...... 165 J&K: Agriculture Production Department India's first gas trading platform ...... 166 renamed ...... 158 MEIL entered Defence equipment Gujarat CM launched digital course material manufacturing ...... 166 ...... 159 New symptoms of COVID-19 ...... 166 2nd unit of Virus Research & Diagnostic Lab India to organise 4 more courses on COVID-19 ...... 159 ...... 166 J&K Lt Governor inaugurated Yoga Week-2020 India's 1st infectious disease diagnostic lab 167 ...... 159 Karnataka CM inaugurated a fertiliser unit .. 167 Tamil Nadu government launched new portal ...... 159 'Corona warriors' status to Divyang workers 167 Jitendra Singh addressed at ITEC-NCGG ... 160 MHSC developed a disinfectant solution ..... 167 Auction of 41 Coal Mines launched ...... 160 Robot 'Captain Arjun' to screen passengers 168 Chhattisgarh Govt to implement 'Roka-Chheka' Ghar Ghar Nigrani app launched in Punjab . 168 ...... 160 Centre launched Aarogyapath ...... 168 KGMU launched community radio service ... 160 Tata Motors, Jayem Automotives discontinue JV Assistive aids distributed to divyangjan ...... 161 ...... 168 Composite Regional Centre inaugurated ..... 161 Coronavirus recovery rate in India crosses 50% ...... 169 IIT researcher developed COVID-19 testing kit ...... 161 Migrants to receive COVID care ...... 169 KVIC launched project to produce Neera ..... 162 SBI relaunched a facility ...... 169 Workers welfare commission in UP ...... 162 'Sahakar Mitra' Internship programme launched ...... 169 Karnataka CM laid foundation for airport ...... 162
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RBI barred People's Co-operative Bank ...... 170 820 centrally protected monuments to open 177 ITBP released a song ...... 170 HRD Minister launched an information booklet ...... 177 2 defence employees arrested in Rajasthan 170 HDFC Bank launched summer treats ...... 178 NHAI: First to go ‘Fully Digital’ ...... 170 PM CARES fund now has an independent Ayush Ministry launched a competition ...... 178 auditor ...... 171 Hardeep Singh Puri launched three advisories ...... 178 Researchers developed low-cost COVID-19 test ...... 171 Govt promulgated ordinance to amend a Code ...... 178 Funding of Rs 1,829 cr for Maharashtra ...... 171 GRSE delivered ICGS Kanaklata Barua to ICG A National awareness campaign launched .. 179 ...... 171 Urban Forest Program launched...... 179 40th GST council meeting held ...... 172 IndusInd Bank launched a mobile app ...... 179 ISRO to organize an online competition ...... 172 TULIP Program launched ...... 179 'Doctors Without Borders' set up hospital ..... 172 DRDO developed a device ...... 180 Government approved Rs 1280 crore in MP 172 K-FON project to be rolled out by Dec 2020 180 1,000 water recharge bores in Haryana ...... 173 Google developed app for social distance ... 180 AYUSH Ministry partnered with Prasar Bharati Kolkata Port Trust to be renamed ...... 180 ...... 173 Ministry of MSME is set to implement new norms 29% rise in population of Asiatic lions ...... 173 ...... 181 270 MW thermal plant commissioned in Pan-India Real Time Market launched ...... 181 Telangana ...... 173 Kiren Rijiju inaugurated a programme ...... 181 Centre alloted Rs 4,000 crore to states ...... 174 Government launched Rs 50,000 cr plan .... 181 BRO to employ more than 11,800 workers .. 174 Centre approved Rs.812 crore for Odisha ... 182 “COVID BEEP” app launched...... 174 IIT, BHU to re-purpose approved drugs ...... 182 Engineer from Maharashtra developed 'Coro- Annual Action Plan of Arunachal Pradesh ... 182 bot' ...... 175 Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall on 3 June 182 CBIC launched its flagship programme ...... 175 Greenfield expressway to Amritsar announced Penalty on Gujarat's Yashashvi Rasayan Pvt Ltd ...... 183 ...... 175 Health Ministry released a rap song ...... 183 DIAT developed disinfectant spray ...... 175 Cyclone Nisarga likely to become severe .... 183 Government mandated a distinct colour strip ...... 176 PM launched tech-based solution CHAMPIONS ...... 183 Hero MotoCorp launched platform eSHOP .. 176 Centre approved 175 crore rupees ...... 184 Bande Utkal Janani: State song of Odisha ... 176 Kisan Credit Cards for 1 cr 50 lakh farmers . 184 'STREE' programme launched in Hyderabad ...... 176 DRDO developed Ultra Swachh for disinfection ...... 184 PSBs sanctioned loans worth over Rs 17,705 cr ...... 177 EPFO released 868 crore rupees pension .. 184
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Rare band-tail scorpion fish found ...... 185 Chhattisgarh's Solid Waste Processing Plant ...... 193 Indian Energy Exchange launched RTM ...... 185 Noida's Sector 50 metro station renamed .... 193 WeTransfer banned by the Dept of Telecom ...... 185 100% free admission to colleges: Assam .... 193 IIT-Guwahati students developed a mobile app Odisha plans mega educational complexes 193 ...... 185 Maharashtra’s Lonar lake turned pink ...... 194 Modi launched ‘My Life My Yoga’ contest .... 186 UP to commission TruNAT machines ...... 194 56 CNG stations dedicated to the nation ...... 186 Karnataka govt to ban online classes ...... 194 State Specific Current Affairs 186 Gairsain: Summer capital of Uttarakhand .... 194 UP: 1st state to prepare one lakh beds ...... 186 Tripura professor developed a robot ...... 195 "Thank Mom" drive started in Madhya Pradesh West Bengal govt launched a job portal ...... 195 ...... 187 Andhra government launched a platform ..... 195 Karnataka government launched an app ..... 187 Manipur CM inaugurated Plant Health Clinic Chhattisgarh govt starts a campaign “Spandan” ...... 195 ...... 187 Rajasthan Govt launched “Raj Kaushal Portal” Gujarat Aatmanirbhar package announced .. 187 ...... 196 Jammu DC launched mobile applications .... 188 Madhya Pradesh topped wheat procurement Leh DC constituted three-member committee ...... 196 ...... 188 U’khand opened its biggest biodiversity park Delhi CM launched an app ...... 188 ...... 196 Maharashtra CM inaugurated a coal mine ... 189 Sikkim: Weaker sections to get 10% reservation ...... 196 Punjab launched month-long awareness campaign ...... 189 UP govt to launch a state level campaign .... 197 Rajasthan to appoint 'swasthya mitras' ...... 189 Maharashtra renamed its Environment Ministry ...... 197 J&K L-G launched ''MeraVetan'' app ...... 189 1st local CAM of Srinagar Railways ...... 197 Maharashtra set to launch 'Project Platina' .. 190 Mumbai's new flood warning system launched Assam Council passed MSME Ordinance ... 190 ...... 198 Maharashtra govt extends lockdown till July 31 Hubballi station to get longest platform ...... 198 ...... 190 J&K Govt launched J&K Poultry Policy 2020 Delhi to set up plasma bank ...... 190 ...... 198 Haryana to recruit 1000 AYUSH assistants . 191 Odisha: 1st state to receive ISO certification MP govt to launch 'Kill Corona' campaign .... 191 ...... 198 Odisha Govt developed a portal ...... 191 MP forms migrant labour commission ...... 191 UP Govt to form force for industrial security . 192 Jharkhand extends lockdown till July 31 ...... 192 Tripura Govt to distribute Nutrition Kits ...... 192
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Awards & Honours Current Affairs
UN honours Kerala Health Minister K.K Shailaja • Kerala Health Minister K.K Shailaja was honored by the UN on June 24, 2020. • She was one among several leaders across the world invited to speak on the occasion of United Nations Public Service Day. • She was honored for her efforts to fight the COVID pandemic in her state. • She was the only speaker from the country to speak on the strategies adopted by Kerala to curb COVID-19 transmission.
Sansad Ratna Award for Srikakulam MP • Srikakulam TDP MP K Ram Mohan Naidu has created a record as he is the youngest MP to be honored with Sansad Ratna Award 2020. • Ram Mohan Naidu has been nominated for the ‘Jury Committee Special Award’ for his overall qualitative performance and individual efforts. • 8 MPs from the Lok Sabha and 2 from the Rajya Sabha have been selected for the 11th edition of Sansad Ratna Awards.
Gulabbai Sangamnerkar to get lifetime honour • The Maharashtra government has announced the Vithabai Narayangaokar lifetime achievement award to folk artist Gulabbai Sangamnerkar. • The Annasaheb Kirloskar award will be conferred upon veteran theatre actress-singer Madhuvanti Dandekar. • The award carries the cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a citation and a memento. • Sangamnerkar has been performing since the age of nine.
Himachal Pradesh won e-Panchayat Puraskar 2020 • Himachal Pradesh has secured first prize under e-Panchayat Puraskar- 2020, given by the Union ministry of Panchayati Raj. • The award is conferred to those states who have ensured maximum use of IT for monitoring the various works of the panchayats.
• Himachal Pradesh has been selected for this award for effective implementation of an e-application developed by the Centre.
Six District Hospitals of J&K UT won an award • 6 District Hospitals of Jammu and Kashmir have bagged Kayakalap award claiming notable positions in the best hospitals category 2019-20. • Four of these District Hospitals are from Jammu division including DH Reasi which has clinched the top spot winning a cash award of Rs. 50 lakhs. • The Kayakalp Award was instituted as part of the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' on 15 May 2015.
Golden Globe awards postponed to February 2021 • The annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony for film and television has been postponed to February 2021. • The Golden Globes ceremony, which kicks off Hollywood’s awards season, will now take place on 28 Feb 2021 • The decision follows the postponement by two months of the Oscars to 25th of April 2021 because of Coronavirus pandemic.
Minerva Academy FC recommended for an award • Minerva Academy Football Club has been recommended for 2020 Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar by the Punjab government and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). • The club has been recommended under the category of ''identification and nurturing of budding talent''. • The award carries a citation and a trophy. • There is no cash prize.
Amartya Sen won Peace Prize • Nobel-laureate Indian economist Amartya Sen has won the prestigious Peace Prize of the German Book Trade for his decades-long work on "questions of global justice".
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• He has been awarded for his pioneering work addressing issues of global justice, social inequality in education and healthcare. • He has been a professor of economics and philosophy at Harvard University since 2004.
J&K conferred with three prestigious awards • Jammu & Kashmir has been conferred with three prestigious Deen Dayal Upadhyay Sashaktikaran Puraskar awards. • It has been awarded for its outstanding contribution to the socio-economic development of the Gram Panchayats across the Union Territory. • Panchayat Rathal and Panchayat Badakana and Panchayat Meej of Pulwama district were adjudged the best performing panchayats
AIFF recommended IM Vijayan for Padma Shri • The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has recommended former skipper IM Vijayan for Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian award. • Vijayan, a former India striker, scored 40 goals in 79 matches for India since he made his debut in the early 90s. • He was awarded the Arjuna award in 2003. • He was also awarded the Indian 'Player of the Year' in 1993, 1997 and 1999.
Deccan Development Society won an award • Deccan Development Society has won the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Award, one of the most coveted environmental awards in the world for the year 2020. • It was announced by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Vice President and CEO, Olivier Wenden. • It has been awarded “in recognition of the work of DDS women to rehabilitate degraded lands and promote biodiversity”.
Hima Das nominated for Khel Ratna Award • Hima Das has been nominated for the Khel Ratna by the state government of Assam.
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• She is one of the youngest nominees for Khel Ratna 2020. • She is India's first track athlete to win a global title at U20 World Championship in Tampere, Finland in 2018. • She will compete with Neeraj Chopra, Vinesh Phogat, Manika Batra, Rani Rampal and Rohit Sharma for country's highest sporting honour.
Zest Money awarded as technology pioneer • India's first AI-driven digital financing platform Zest Money has been selected as one of the World Economic Forum's technology pioneers. • It was founded by Lizzie Chapman, Priya Sharma and Ashish Anantharaman in 2015. • Zest Money is built as a platform that can meaningfully improve the lives of more than 300 million households in the country, who currently have no access to credit cards.
• Chef Angad Singh Rana won a competition – Chef Angad Singh Rana has been announced as the winner of New Zealand’s first ‘Virtual’ Chef competition the ‘Quality NZ Culinary Cup’ held in India. • Launched in response to the Covid19 outbreak to help keep chefs motivated and connected during a challenging time, the competition had more than 120 entries. • He won the Cup along with INR 50,000 worth of Quality NZ lamb and seafood.
Shobha Sekhar conferred with an honour • Shobha Sekhar, founder of Kalakruthi, music organisation in Australia, will be conferred the Medal of the Order of Australia later in 2020. • The Montreal-based artiste and lecturer, University of Melbourne, figures in the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List. • Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia and Michael Clark, cricketer, are among those nominated.
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Rattan Lal got 2020 World Food Prize • Eminent Indian-American soil scientist Rattan Lal has been named the recipient of the 2020 World Food Prize. • He has been awarded for developing and mainstreaming a soil-centric approach to increasing food production that conserves natural resources and mitigates climate change. • He will receive the 2.5 lakh dollar award that honours his contribution throughout his career spanning 5 decades.
Asian Peace Prize cancelled due to COVID-19 • A Philippine peace award has been cancelled for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. • This marks only the third disruption in six decades for the annual prize regarded as an Asian Nobel. • The awards were also cancelled due to a financial crisis in 1970 and a disastrous earthquake in 1990. • They are named after a popular Philippine president who died in a 1957 plane crash.
Renjith Kumar honored with “NASA Medal” • Renjith Kumar, an aerospace entrepreneur hailing from Kerala, has been bestowed with NASA Distinguished Service Medal. • He is only the second Indian after R K Chetty Pandipati to win the coveted award. • During his 30-year long association with NASA, Kumar had helped redesign the International Space Station (ISS).
India’s solar ferry shortlisted for an award • India’s first solar-powered ferry, Aditya has been shortlisted for the Gustave Trouvé Award as the only entrant from Asia. • Aditya has been an icon on the Vaikom-Thavanakadavu route in Kerala for being the first solar-powered ferry in the country.
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• The ferry was built by Naval Solar and Electric Boats, Kochi and is currently being operated by the Kerala State Water Transport Dept (KSWTD).
Javed Akhtar bagged Richard Dawkins Award • Javed Akhtar has been named 2020's recipient of the Richard Dawkins Award. • Akhtar became the first Indian to be given the honour for critical thinking, advancing human progress and humanist values. • Every year, the award recognises a distinguished individual from the field of science, scholarship, education, or entertainment.
Gold rating for Trichy Railway Junction • The Trichy Railway Junction has been given the Gold rating by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) for implementing various environment-friendly measures. • The rating was awarded in accordance with the Green Railway Station Rating System. • This system takes into consideration the implementation of various national priorities like water conservation, handling of waste, etc.
Hyderabad airport received ACI recognition • Hyderabad Airport has received the highest Platinum Recognition in the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific Green Airports Recognition 2020 in the 15-35 million passengers per annum category. • The airport has a large reservoir with a water-holding capacity of 6,00,000 cubic meters, which is sufficient to meet the considerable quantum of airport’s requirement throughout the year.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw won an award • Biocon Ltd announced that its Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has been named the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 (WEOY). • She has been honored with the title from among a distinguished list of 46 EOY country award winners from 41 countries and territories.
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• In the award's 20-year history, Mazumdar-Shaw is the first woman entrepreneur from India and the third Indian to win it.
Delhi-based NGO won WHO award • WHO has conferred the World No Tobacco Day Award 2020 to the Socio- Economic and Educational Development Society (SEEDS), an NGO. • It was awarded for its efforts to ban pan masala, gutkha, e-cigarettes and hookah in Bihar and Jharkhand. • It has been working closely with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on prevention and control of smokeless tobacco use.
Neeraj Chopra nominated for Khel Ratna • The Athletics Federation of India has confirmed recommending star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra for the • Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, country’s highest sporting honour. • Asian Games gold medalists Arpinder Singh (triple jump) and Manjit Singh (800m) and reigning Asian champion middle-distance runner P. U. Chitra were recommended for the Arjuna Award, besides Dutee Chand.
Indian writer won an award • Indian writer Kritika Pandey has won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. • She won it for 'The Great Indian Tee and Snakes'. • It talks about love in an age of hatred and prejudice. • The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is awarded for the best unpublished short fiction. • Pandey had been previously nominated for the Pushcart Prize.
Amit Panghal nominated for Khel Ratna • The Boxing Federation of India has nominated Amit Panghal and Vikas Krishan for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. • Panghal (52kg), also an Asian Games champion, has not won any national sports award.
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• Commonwealth and Asian Games gold-medalist Krishan won the Arjuna award in 2012. • The BFI has nominated trio of Lovlina Borgohain, Simranjit Kaur and Manish Kaushik for the Arjuna awards.
BCCI nominated Rohit Sharma for an award • BCCI has nominated India vice-captain Rohit Sharma for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2020 • Meanwhile, the board has also nominated Ishant Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Deepti Sharma for the Arjuna Award. • Named the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2019, Rohit became the first player in the history of the game to score five ODI centuries in one edition of the World Cup.
TCS won two Stevie Awards • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has won two Stevies in the 2020 American Business Awards, the nation's premier business awards program, for the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon app. • TCS received a Gold Stevie® in the category Mobile Marketing Campaign of the Year and a Silver Stevie in the category Best User Experience. • The app was created by TCS Interactive in 2019.
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Mergers and Events Current Affairs
HUL completed acquisition of VWash • Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced that it has completed the acquisition of intimate hygiene brand VWash from Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. • It has acquired the intellectual property rights including trademarks, design, and knowhow related to the VWash brand worldwide. • VWash was launched by Glenmark in 2013.
CCI approved an acquisition • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved acquisition of 9.99% stake in Jio Platforms by Jaadhu Holdings LLC. • Jaadhu is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Facebook. • It is a newly incorporated company formed in March 2020 under the laws of the State of Delaware in United States. • Jio Platforms is a subsidiary of Reliance India Limited.
Mastercard to buy Finicity • Mastercard is buying another fintech, Finicity in a transaction valued at nearly $1 billion. • Its acquisition of Finicity will strengthen its open-banking platform, giving consumers more control of their financial data. • Open banking allows fintech apps to provide services using a consumer’s existing financial and banking credentials.
Adani Power to acquire stake in Odisha Power • Adani Power will acquire The AES Corporation's 49% equity stake in Odisha Power Generation Corporation for USD 135 million. • Adani Power Ltd (APL) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire stake in Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) from the affiliates of The AES Corporation.
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• The OPGC operates 1,740 MW thermal power plant at Banharpalli in Jharsuguda district, Odisha.
Piramal Pharma Solutions to acquire G&W Labs • Piramal Enterprises Ltd's Pharma Solutions business has entered into an agreement with G&W Laboratories • Inc. • It will acquire G&W's solid oral dosage drug product manufacturing facility located in Pennsylvania, USA, for $17.5 million. • Piramal Enterprises would acquire at closing a 100% stake in the entity that operates the facility and owns the related real estate.
CCI approved acquisition of Metso Oyj • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of Metso Oyj’s (Metso) minerals business by Outotec Oyj (Outotec) under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002. • Outotec is a public limited liability company incorporated and registered under the laws of Finland. • Metso is also a public limited liability company, incorporated and registered under the laws of Finland.
Facebook acquired Mapillary • Facebook Inc has acquired Swedish mapping technology company Mapillary. • Mapillary collects images from tens of thousands of contributors to build immersive and up-to-date maps. • The company's technology would be used to power products like Facebook Marketplace and supply data to humanitarian organizations.
Acquisition by MacRitchie in API • The Competition Commission has approved the acquisition of certain stakes in 91 Streets Media Technologies, Ascent Health and Wellness Solutions, and API Holdings by MacRitchie Investments.
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• It would provide an opportunity for MacRitchie to invest and participate in the long-term growth of the market for wholesale sale and distribution of drugs in India.
Cipla to acquire 21.85% stake in GoApptiv • Pharma major Cipla has announced it will acquire 21.85% stake in GoApptiv on a fully-diluted basis for ₹9 crores. • In the first stage, it will invest ₹5.80 crore and ₹3.20 crore in the second stage. • The entire transaction is expected to close by October 31, 2020. • GoApptiv offers digital solutions for integrated brand sales management and digital marketing.
Facebook to acquire 9.9% stake in Jio • Facebook will acquire 9.9% stake in Jio Platforms announced in May 2020, via a new entity -- Jaadhu Holdings LLC, as per regulatory documents. • In April 2020, Facebook had announced an investment of $ 5.7 billion (Rs 43,574 cr) in Jio Platforms. • According to a submission made to the Competition Commission of India, Jaadhu Holdings, LLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Facebook, Inc.
Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler to merge • The Competition Commission has approved the proposed merger between auto majors Peugeot S.A and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. • The merged entity would be the fourth largest original equipment manufacturer by volume and the third-largest by revenue. • FCA is a global automotive group engaged in designing, manufacturing, distributing and selling vehicles, components and production systems.
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Tata Power acquired 51% stake in TPCODL • Shares of Tata Power on 2 June 2020 rose 7% after the company has completed the acquisition of 51% stake in TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd for Rs 178.5 cr. • TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPCODL) carries out the business of Central Electricity Supply Utility of Odisha (CESU). • The acquisition paves the way for taking over the power supply business of 5 cities in Odisha by Tata Power.
AGC Networks to acquire Fujisoft • AGC Networks Limited will acquire Fujisoft (along with its associated companies in UAE) through its indirect subsidiary - Black Box Holdings Ltd. • The move that will strengthen AGC's presence and offerings in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. • The proposed acquisition will also enhance the current solution portfolio of AGC and Black Box across cloud computing, cyber security, etc.
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Days and Events Current Affairs
International Asteroid Day: 30 June • June 30th is celebrated as International Asteroid Day worldwide. • This year will mark the 6th anniversary of World Asteroid day. • The day is celebrated to spread awareness about the asteroid, its intensity, and how it will impact planet Earth if it crashes it. • The date of June 30th was selected as it marks the anniversary of the Tunguska event.
International Day of the Tropics: 29 June • International Day of the Tropics is observed on June 29 every year. • The Tropics are a region of the Earth that fall between the tropic of Cancer and the tropic of Capricorn and they are also referred to as the tropical zone and the torrid zone. • As per the United Nations, the Tropics are home to nearly 95 per cent of the world’s mangrove forests by area and 99 per cent of mangrove species.
National Statistics Day: 29 June • National Statistics Day is observed on June 29 every year. • The date has been chosen as June 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Professor PC Mahalanobis. • The theme of the day for 2020 is Sustainable Development Goals -3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) and Sustainable Development Goals-5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls).
MSME Day: 27 June • The UN, recognizing the need to improve small business development, decided to designate 27 June as Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day. • The goal is to encourage member states to facilitate observance of the day by increasing awareness and actions to support small business.
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• MSMEs make up over 90% of all firms and account, on average, for 70% of total employment and 50% of GDP.
Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking • International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed on 26th June every year. • The United Nations General Assembly decided to designate June 26 as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on December 1987. • The theme for the 2020 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is “Better Knowledge for Better Care”.
Day in Support of Victims of Torture: 26 June • International Day in Support of Victims and Torture is observed every year on 26 June. • The day spread awareness among the people about the human torture that it is not only unacceptable but it is also a crime. • The UN General Assembly on 12 December 1997, by resolution 52/149 proclaimed 26 June the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Day of the Seafarer: 25 June • June 25 is observed worldwide as the Day of the Seafarer every year. • In 2010, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), decided to designate June 25th as the International Day of the Seafarer. • The purpose of the day is to give thanks to seafarers for their contribution to the world economy and the civil society, and for the risks and personal costs they bear while on their jobs.
Olympic Day celebrated on 23rd June • International Olympic Day is celebrated across the world on June 23 every year.
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• The day marks the importance of games and sports in our lives and promotes participation in games and sports across the world. • It was first celebrated on June 23 in 1894 in nine countries -- Austria, Belgium, Canada, Great Britain, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
United Nations Public Service Day: 23 June • Every year on June 23rd, United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated as a tribute to the people who are associated with public service in all the countries of the world. • It is celebrated to acknowledge the creative achievements and contributions by the public service institutions. • The aim is to acknowledge as well as the reward public service so that they continue to work effectively.
International Widows’ Day: 23 June • International Widows' Day is celebrated every year on 23 June. • It was introduced to address poverty and injustice faced by widows and their children in many countries. • It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2010. • The aim is to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they need.
Day of the Celebration of the Solstice • International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on June 20th of 2019. • The observance brings awareness to the importance that solstices and equinoxes have for many religions. • The summer solstice occurs between June 20 and 22 every year. • June 21, 2020, was the longest day of the year.
World Hydrography Day: 21st June • World Hydrography Day is celebrated every year on June 21.
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• The day is celebrated to highlight the importance of Hydrography. • The theme for the year 2020 is 'Hydrography – enabling autonomous technologies'. • Hydrography is the branch of applied science which deals with measurements and descriptions of the physical features of water bodies like oceans, seas, rivers, lakes and coastal areas.
World Music Day: 21 June • World Music Day is celebrated every year on June 21. • World Music Day started in 1982 in France as 'Fete de la Musique', a music festival. • The man behind it was the then French Minister of Culture Jack Lang. • The primary aim of celebrating World Music Day is to provide free music to everyone, and also to encourage amateur musicians to showcase their work to the world.
National Reading Day: 19 June • India observes National Reading Day on June 19. • The celebration is marked in the honour of the father of the Library Movement, the late P N Panicker. • Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker is famously known as the Father of the Library Movement in the state of Kerala. • The following week will be celebrated as the Reading Week, while the entire month till July 18 will be marked as the Reading Month.
International Yoga Day: 21 June • Every year, June 21 is recognised as International Yoga Day. • The theme set by the United Nations for the year 2020 is “Yoga for Health – Yoga at Home”. • The proposal to observe Yoga Day was introduced by PM Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th Session of the General Assembly back in 2014. • This year the day is falling on an annular 'ring of fire' solar eclipse.
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World Sickle Cell Day: 19 June • World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated every year on June 19. • The day aims to increase awareness of sickle cell disorders at the national and international level. • The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing sickle cell disease as a public health problem on December 22, 2008. • Sickle cell disorders are a group of illnesses that affect red blood cells.
World Refugee Day: 20 June • UN World Refugee Day is observed every year on June 20. • The theme of World Refugee Day 2020 is "every action counts." • According to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention, people who fled their homes and countries due to "a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion" is a refugee.
Autistic Pride Day: 18 June • Autistic Pride Day is a celebration held each year for people with autism. • Every year on June 18, Autistic Pride Day is observed to respect the rights of persons with autism. • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in 160 children has Autism Spectrum Disorder. • Autism begins during childhood and tends to persist into adolescence and adulthood.
19th Great June Uprising Day: Manipur • The 19th Great June Uprising Day was observed on 18 June 2020 in Imphal and other places. • On June 14, 2001, the Union government signed the amended ceasefire agreement with the NSCN(IM), inserting the words “without territorial limits”. • As it had serious implications, Manipur objected. • On June 18, all sections of people came out on the streets and there was arson at many places.
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Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence • In 2015, the United Nations adopted June 19 every year as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. • The main aim of this day is to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence. • Also, the day honours all the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world.
Karnataka to observe "Mask Day" on June 18 • The Karnataka government has decided to observe June 18, 2020 as "Mask Day". • It will spread awareness about the use of masks, sanitizers, washing hands with soap, and maintaining social distancing among other things aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19. • Those participating in the march should compulsorily wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Sustainable Gastronomy Day: 18 June • Sustainable Gastronomy Day is observed every year on 18 June every year globally. • It is observed to acknowledge gastronomy as a cultural expression related to nature as well as the cultural diversity of the world. • The UN General Assembly designated 18 June as this day in 2016. • Gastronomy is sometimes called the art of food. • It can also refer to a style of cooking from a particular region.
Day to Combat Desertification and Drought • United Nations General Assembly acknowledged June 17 as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. • The day was officially declared by the UN General Assembly in the year December 1994 as “World Day to • Combat Desertification and Drought" (The resolution A/RES/49/115).
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• One of the objectives of the day as per UN is to promote public awareness of the issue.
Int. Day of Family Remittances: 16 June • International Day of Family Remittances 2020 is celebrated each year on June 16 across the world. • The day is organised by the United Nations and is universally accepted. • This day is celebrated to recognise the efforts of migrants who help to improve the lives of their family members back home. • A remittance is money sent back home by a worker who works in a foreign land.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: 15th June • The United Nations (UN) has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). • The day aims to focus global attention on the problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders. • The first WEAAD was observed in 2012, and was marked by meetings and conferences at the UN • headquarters in New York.
World Wind Day celebrated on 15th June • World Wind Day, also known as Global Wind Day, is observed every year on June 15. • The event is celebrated to spread awareness about wind energy, the various uses of wind energy, and the ways and possibilities as to how wind energy can help change the world. • European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) established the day as Wind Day in the year 2007.
World Blood Donor Day: 14 June • World Blood Donor Day is observed on every 14 June worldwide.
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• This day tries to create awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products. • It also thanks blood donors for their contribution in saving lives with blood. • The theme for the Blood donor day 2020 is 'Safe Blood Saves Lives' which was promoted with the slogan 'Give blood and make the world a healthier place.'
Green Mizoram Day 2020: June 11 • Green Mizoram Day is observed across the state on every first or second week of June. • The day fell on 11 June in 2020. • The state government has been observing the day since June 11 since 1999 and 38,46,043 trees have been planted across the state till 2018. • This day is being observed to protect the state’s diverse flora and fauna and preserve the ecological balance of the region.
International Albinism Awareness Day: 13 June • June 13 marks International Albinism Awareness Day around the globe. • This day is observed to educate everyone about the rights of people with albinism and celebrate them. • The theme for International Albinism Awareness Day 2020 is "Made to Shine." • This day is an appeal to stand in solidarity with people living with this condition.
World Day Against Child Labour: 12 June • World Day Against Child Labour is observed on 12 June every year. • The day is meant to foster a worldwide movement against child labour in any of its forms. • The theme for the year 2020 is COVID-19: Protect children from child labour, now more than ever. • The theme focuses on the need to protect children from under-age labour amid Covid-19 pandemic.
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World Accreditation Day: 9th June • World Accreditation Day is a global initiative observed on 9 June every year. • The day was established by ILAC and IAF to promote the value of accreditation. • The theme for the year 2020 is How Accreditation Improves Food Safety. • Accreditation has an important role in food safety, by ensuring competent and impartial inspection, certification and testing services in all parts of food chains.
World Brain Tumour Day: 8 June • World Brain Tumor Day is observed on June 8, which also coincides with World Ocean Day. • Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe, which is a Non-profit organisation declared June 8 as the World Brain Tumor Day in 2000. • It has been regarded as an international commemoration day as well as a tribute to the brain tumour patients and their families.
World Oceans Day: 8 June • June 8th is celebrated as World Oceans Day to remind everyone about the importance of oceans' role in our everyday life. • The day celebrates the role of the oceans in everyday life and inspires action to protect the ocean and sustainably use marine resources. • The theme for World Ocean Day 2020 is 'Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean'.
World Food Safety Day: 7 June • World Food Safety Day is observed on June 7 every year. • In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 7 as the World Food Safety Day. • The day draws global attention to the health consequences of contaminated food and water. • Through this Day, the WHO is pursuing its efforts to integrate food safety into the public agenda and globally reduce the burden of foodborne diseases.
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Day for fight against illegal fishing: 5 June • June 5 is celebrated as the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, or IUU fishing. • IUU fishing occurs in virtually all bodies of water. • It causes problems for varieties of fish struggling to survive. • Every year, as much as 26 million tons of fish are taken illegally from the world’s seas.
World Pest Day 2020: June 6 • Every June 6 is celebrated as World Pest Day or sometimes called World Pest Awareness Day. • The day was created to raise awareness of how pest management helps preserve the quality of life for you and your loved ones. • Pests fall into four different categories based on body types: 1. beetles; 2. flies; 3. moths and butterflies; and 4. ants, bees and wasps.
UN Russian Language Day: 6 June • UN Russian Language Day is celebrated on 6 June every year. • The United Nations marks the birthday of Alexander Pushkin, recognized as the father of Russian literature, on this day. • UN Russian Language Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010. • Russian is the most widely spoken Slavic language.
World Environment Day: 5 June • World Environment Day is celebrated on 5 June every year. • The theme of World Environment 2020 is 'celebrating biodiversity'. • The day is celebrated to encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect the environment. • Since 1974, World Environment Day has been celebrated every year on 5 June. • The Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972.
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Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression • International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed on June 4 every year. • The aim behind observing it is to acknowledge the pain suffered by children across the world, which is caused due to any kind of abuse including physical, mental and emotional. • The day came into being in a special UN General Assembly session, which was held to discuss the condition of Palestine.
International Sex Workers Day: 2 June • June 2 is observed as International Sex Workers Day every year. • It brings to the fore the miserable living conditions under which this community works. • The day is also known as International Whore's Day. • The starting point of the day as a memorial was 2 June 1975 in which more than 100 prostitutes occupied the Church Saint-Nizier in Lyon in order to get attention to their situation.
World Bicycle Day: 3rd June • World Bicycle Day is observed on 3 June every year. • In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared 3 June as the World Bicycle Day. • The day is celebrated to lay emphasis on the benefits of cycling. • Riding a bicycle is not only good for one’s health but is also good for the environment.
Telangana Formation Day: 2nd June • June 2 is celebrated every year as Telangana Formation Day. • This is the day when the Telangana state officially came into existence under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of Parliament in 2014. • On Telangana Formation Day, the state also awards its citizens for exemplary contribution in various fields like science, art, and literature.
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Global Day of Parents: 1st June • Global Day of Parents is celebrated on June 1, annually. • It is celebrated to pay respect to what parents do for their children and their selfless commitment and lifelong sacrifice towards this relationship. • The main aim of the celebration is the same and that is to give appreciation, love, care, and respect their parents.
World Milk Day: 1 June • World Milk Day is observed on June 1 in order to celebrate the dairy sector and recognise the importance of milk as a global food. • The day was founded by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. • This year marks the 20th anniversary of World Milk Day. • The theme for the year is “20th Anniversary of World Milk Day”.
Goa observed 32nd statehood day • Goa observed its 32nd statehood day on 30 May 2020. • On December 17, 1961 India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru ordered the military invasion and liberation of Goa. • On May 30, 1987, Goa got the full statehood. • Before this, Goa, along with Daman and Diu, was a union territory. • Statehood helped in shaping Goa’s distinct identity.
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MOU and Agreements Current Affairs
TN University collaborated with IIHT, Salem • The Central University of Tamilnadu, Tiruvarur has entered into a MoU with the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology of the Union Ministry of Textiles, functioning in Salem. • According to the MoU, the University will be examining and awarding the BTech degree in Handloom Technology from the current academic year. • The MoU will further the academic collaboration between the two institutions.
Agreement signed between India and Bhutan • A concession agreement for the 600 MW Kholongchhu Indo-Bhutan joint venture hydroelectric project was signed on 29 June 2020. • The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025. • The 600 MW project is located on the lower course of the Kholongchhu River in Trashiyangtse district in eastern Bhutan.
JLL India tied up with RoofandFloor • Property consultant JLL India has tied up with online marketplace RoofandFloor to facilitate prospective homebuyers in purchasing their properties. • The platform showcases properties across 24 cities and supports buying, selling and resale. • The partnership brings together JLL's long-established relationships with several top developers and RoofandFloor's tech-savvy online marketplace.
SOLV partnered with Standard Chartered Bank • SOLV has launched a credit card tailor-made for the MSME segment, in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank, India. • SOLV, registered as Standard Chartered Research & Technology India Pvt. Ltd., is a fully-owned entity of the London-headquartered Standard Chartered Group.
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• SOLV platform will help small businesses trade goods with each other and expand their customer base across India.
PhonePe partnered with ICICI Bank • PhonePe has partnered with ICICI Bank on UPI multi-bank model, giving its users the option to create and use multiple UPI IDs with ICICI and Yes Bank's handles. • This addition enables quick and contactless payments to over 200 million registered PhonePe users. • The new version of the app to add or create ICICI Bank's UPI ID will be gradually rolled out to the users in the coming weeks.
Pepsi joined hands with NRAI, Swiggy • Pepsi has announced a fund-raising initiative in association with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and Swiggy. • It will provide 25 lakh meals to the workers of restaurant community who are in distress. • Whenever any consumer adds any soft drink to a meal order on Swiggy from June 25 to July 19, Pepsi will contribute part of the proceeds to the NRAI COVID-19 Relief Corpus.
Haryana Govt and Reliance Jio signed agreement • The Haryana government has entered into an agreement with Reliance Jio TV under the Chief Minister's Distance Education Program. • Under the agreement with Reliance Jio TV, all four channels of EDUSAT will now be available on the Jio platform free of cost. • With this new initiative, students will be able to watch all four channels of EDUSAT through TV, laptop, desktop, tablet and mobile.
Intellipaat partnered with E&ICT Academy • Intellipaat has announced its partnership with IIT Guwahati's E&ICT Academy.
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• It will train professionals in cutting-edge technologies like Big Data Analytics, Cloud and DevOps, and Full-Stack Web Development. • The certification programs offered jointly will serve as a stepping stone for professionals in shaping their career. • PM Modi inaugurated the E&ICT Academy at IIT Guwahati in 2016.
IOC joined hands with WHO, UN • The International Olympic Committee and WHO together with the United Nations have launched a partnership to encourage individuals and communities around the world. • They will use the theme #HEALTHYTogether. • The three partners and Olympic athletes will spotlight the global collaboration needed to stay healthy and reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19.
Virgin Galactic announced deal with NASA • Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc. announced a deal with NASA to develop private trips to the International Space Station. • Such “private astronaut experiences” could range from citizen expeditions to scientific research missions. • Under its agreement with NASA, Virgin Galactic will identify candidates interested in buying trips to the ISS while also arranging transportation and other resources.
UCO Bank partnered with four insurers • UCO Bank has tied up with 4 insurers to offer various insurance products to its customers through its network of branches across the country. • It teamed up with SBI Life Insurance Company, the Oriental Insurance Company and Religare Health Insurance Company, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company for selling their products. • It will now be offering a much wider range of insurance products.
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Yes Bank partnered with Affordplan • Yes Bank in partnership with Affordplan, has announced the launch of ‘Swasth Card’, a co-branded healthcare card, under Swasth program. • Yes Bank’s wallet has also been integrated on Affordplan Swasth to enable wallet QR scan for making payments to merchant partners empaneled on the Affordplan Swasth app. • Swasth program extends access to a family seeking curative as well as preventive care.
Biocon signed agreement with DKSH • Biocon's subsidiary has collaborated with DKSH Business Unit Healthcare to commercialize 7 generic formulations in South East Asia markets. • Biocon Pharma and DKSH Business Unit Healthcare have signed an agreement. • Under the agreement, DKSH will sell and distribute seven of Biocon Pharma's generic formulations in Singapore and Thailand.
Hyundai Motor India partnered with HDFC Bank • Hyundai Motor India has announced a partnership with HDFC Bank • It will offer online auto retail financing solutions to the customers on its Click to Buy digital car buying platform. • Under the partnership, the customers will be offered customized car financing solutions from HDFC Bank on the Click to Buy online car buying platform.
France committed 200 mn euros to India • France and India have signed an agreement with Paris committing 200 million euros to support Delhi's COVID response. • Through this loan, France will work with India to increase the state and central governments’ capacities to support the country’s most vulnerable people in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. • The programme has been designed and developed by the World Bank.
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NITI Aayog collaborated with ITF • NITI Aayog in collaboration with International Transport Forum (ITF) will launch the “Decarbonizing Transport in India” project on 24 June 2020. • The intent is to develop a pathway towards a low-carbon transport system for India. • The online event will inform transport and climate stakeholders in India about planned project activities.
Park+ tied up with AarogyaSetu • Park+, a Delhi-based startup, is collaborating with AarogyaSetu app. • Through the tie-up, Park+ will leverage individual COVID-19 safety status provided by the AarogyaSetu app to enhance the efficacy of its tech-led social distancing solutions to curb the spread of the disease. • The collaboration will simplify this process by doing away with the need for mobile numbers and OTP.
Urban Affairs Ministry and SIDBI signed MoU • Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry and Small Industries Development Bank of India, SIDBI have signed a MoU to engage SIDBI as the implementation agency for PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi). • The Ministry had launched the PM SVANidhi on 1st June 2020 for providing affordable Working Capital loan to street vendors. • This scheme targets to benefit over 50 lakh Street Vendors.
Tata AIA Life tied up with ECS • Tata AIA Life Insurance (Tata AIA Life) has tied up with East Consultancy Services to offer Aadhaar-based paperless offline e-KYC service. • The e-KYC service will provide seamless customer on-boarding during online application process for the company’s life insurance solutions. • This will make Tata AIA Life's end-to-end digital sales system more efficient.
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Serum Institute, UNICEF signed agreement • The Serum Institute of India will provide ten million doses of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. • The vaccine helps to prevent severe pneumonia, every year to lower-income countries for the next decade. • This will be done under a new supply agreement with the UNICEF that helped dramatically decreased the price of pneumonia vaccine for those nations.
Vymo partnered with Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC • Vymo has announced that it is partnering with Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC (ABSLAMC) Limited to digitize its partner network. • With Vymo, ABSLAMC can drive remote partner engagement with real-time insights and improve goal tracking. • Over 800+ Relationship Managers, Cluster Heads & Zonal Heads across India will be using Vymo to engage with their partner distribution networks.
Vivendi partnered with Ricky Kej • Vivendi has partnered with Grammy winner Ricky Kej, an Indo-American composer, music producer and environmentalist for My Earth Concert for Kids. • The event will be live-streamed and broadcast globally on World Music Day, June 21 at 8 pm. • It will be streamed across MyEarthSongs.com, Dailymotion, Facebook and Instagram, as well as on Dish TV, Tata Sky, TikTok, Zee5, MX Player, etc.
Maruti partnered with Karur Vysya Bank • Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has partnered with Karur Vysya Bank to offer simpler and flexible financing schemes for new customers. • Through the partnership with the bank, the company is seeking to offer prospective buyers’ special scheme of up to 100 per cent on road funding with six months holiday period on all models, loans for both salaried and self- employed customers.
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India to construct a facility in Nepal • India has pledged to construct a Rs 2.33 crore sanitation facility at the iconic Pashupatinath Temple complex here to improve the infrastructure for the pilgrims. • The project would be constructed under the Nepal-Bharat Maitri: Development Partnership as a high impact community development scheme by India. • A MoU in this regard was signed on 15 June 2020.
Safal partnered with Zomato • Safal brand has partnered with Zomato to deliver fruits and vegetables to customers’ doorstep in select locations in Delhi NCR. • In the initial phase, key locations of Delhi-NCR like Saket, Vasant Kunj, Dwarka, Janakpuri and Panchsheel Enclave in Delhi and Sector 50 and sector 29 in Noida will be covered. • The company looks to scale up operations pan-Delhi in the coming time.
Maharashtra govt signed MoUs with companies • The Maharashtra Government has signed MoU worth Rs16,000 crore with companies spanning various industries, including two Chinese units, under its Magnetic Maharashtra 2.0 initiative. • The companies are from diverse sectors like automobile, logistics, banking, engineering and mobile production. • The business pacts were mostly signed by MIDC Chief Executive Officer P. Ambalgan.
HDFC ERGO to launch 'Pay as You Fly' • HDFC ERGO and TropoGo have partnered to offer commercial drone owners and operators Third Party Liability claims cover for property damage. • This policy is the first-of-its-kind in the non-life insurance segment in India which will be offered on-demand to customers on 'Pay as you Fly' concept. • HDFC ERGO is the country's third-largest non-life insurance provider in the private sector
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Tata Power to develop solar project in Gujarat • Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) has received a letter of award from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) to develop a 120-megawatt solar project in Gujarat. • The energy will be supplied to GUVNL under a power purchase agreement valid for a period of 25 years from scheduled commercial operation date. • The company won this capacity in a bid announced by GUVNL under phase 8 in Feb 2020.
$216 million credit line to Malawi govt • Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has extended a line of credit (LOC) worth $215.68 million to the Malawi government for drinking water supply schemes and other development projects. • With the signing of this agreement, Exim Bank, so far, has extended five LOCs to Malawi, on behalf of the Indian government, taking the total value of LOCs extended to $395.68 million.
Zydus Cadila signed agreement with Gilead • Zydus Cadila has signed a non-exclusive licensing pact with Gilead Sciences Inc. • It will manufacture and market antiviral drug remdesivir, the first treatment to show improvement in COVID-19 trials. • Zydus, listed as Cadila Healthcare, joins other Indian pharma companies Cipla Ltd, Jubilant Sciences Ltd and Hetero Labs Ltd in signing non-exclusive pacts with Gilead for the drug.
Dr Reddy's inked pact with Gilead Sciences • Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd has entered into a non-exclusive Licensing Agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. • It will grant Dr Reddy's the right to register, manufacture and sell Gilead's investigational drug, Remdesivir in 127 countries including India. • India currently does not manufacture Remdesivir.
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Wipro partnered with Microsoft, Citrix • Wipro will integrate a host of services offered by Citrix Systems and Microsoft to create high-performance virtual compute environments that leverage the power of Cloud architecture and next-generation digital workspace technology. • Wipro VirtuaDesk, Wipro's Desktop as a Service solution and Wipro's Digital Workspace solution will join forces with Citrix and Microsoft.
IFFCO signed MoU with ICAR • Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) has signed a MoU with The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). • It has been signed for joint research, testing and validation of different products through ICAR institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). • The objective is to serve farmers in reducing consumption of chemical fertilizers by effective use of technology.
ePaisa joined hand with First Alliance Bank • ePaisa, a point of sale (POS) solution provider in India, has entered into a partnership with First Alliance Bank (Z) Ltd in Zambia, Africa. • It will provide mobile point of sale (mPOS) solution to small and medium enterprises and other businesses in the country. • This partnership is considered as the first global expansion for ePaisa.
EPS Pvt Ltd partnered with Mastercard • Empays Payment Systems India Pvt Ltd has announced a partnership with Mastercard. • With this partnership, Empays will upgrade the basic technology behind the IMT Payment System to incorporate the requirements of Mastercard Cardless ATM enabling a true EMV-capable cash withdrawal transaction. • The IMT Payment System powers the largest ATM network for cardless cash withdrawals in the world.
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NFL inked MoU with ITI Nangal • National Fertilizers Limited, NFL, has started tying up with Industrial Training Institutes located near to its plants. • The Nangal plant of the company in Punjab has signed a MoU with ITI, Nangal to train youth in 12 trades. • The students will be skilled under Dual System of Training Scheme and they will learn theoretical skills in the institute and on-the-job training in NFL Nangal plant.
TCS iON partnered with NSDC • TCS iON, a strategic unit of Tata Consultancy Services has partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). • It will provide its training partners access to digital skilling tools using TCS' iON Digital Glass Room. • The partnership aims to strengthen NSDC's online content aggregation platform - eSkill India - through which it enables e-learning amongst skill seekers.
IHBT, Himachal government joined hands • The Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) and the Dept of Agriculture of Himachal Pradesh govt, have forged a strategic and implementation partnership. • This has been done to increase the production of heeng and saffron in the country. • The partnership is expected to provide immense benefits to Himachal Pradesh by way of increased farm income and livelihood promotion.
Google Cloud, Synechron signed a pact • Synechron Inc has tied up with Google Cloud to further build its centre of excellence and expand cloud offering to clients. • Under the partnership, Synechron will provide cloud-based solution architecture and operating models to support migration of legacy processes and establish cloud for new business activities for its clients.
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Panacea Biotec to collaborate with Refana • Panacea Biotec Ltd will collaborate with US-based Refana Inc for development, manufacturing and global distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. • Panacea Biotec will be responsible for product development and commercial manufacturing of an inactivated virus-based vaccine. • An inactivated vaccine consists of virus particles that have been grown in a culture and then lose disease-producing capacity.
JNCASR signs MoU with Breathe Applied Sciences • Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) has entered into an MoU with Breathe Applied Sciences. • It will convert Carbon dioxide to clean fuels such as methanol and other useful chemicals on a large scale. • Under the agreed terms, 300 kilogram of Carbon dioxide will be converted to useful chemicals per day. • This will be scaled up to 500 tons after one year.
NCERT, Rotary India inked MoU • The National Council of Educational Research and Training- NCERT and Rotary India have signed a MoU. • They will provide e-learning telecast content for class one to 12th over all NCERT TV channels. • Rotary International will also provide material for special needs children as well as contribute its entirety to the Adult Literacy Mission. • It will also provide Teacher Training content.
Maruti Suzuki partnered with Mahindra Finance • Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has joined hands with Mahindra Finance to ease the finance availability for customers looking at personal mobility solutions during ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. • Under the tie-up, Maruti Suzuki customers can avail wide options for getting their car financed from Mahindra Finance including buy now and pay later.
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A2A Pharma collaborated with LAXAI • A2A Pharmaceuticals has announced an agreement to co-develop SARS- CoV-2 Main Proteases inhibitors for the treatment of COVID-19 with LAXAI Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. • A2A will design the molecules using its proprietary computational AI-enabled drug discovery platform • SCULPT™. • Both parties will collaborate in preclinical optimization and selection of lead candidates to enter the clinic.
India, Denmark signed MoU • India and Denmark have signed an MoU for developing cooperation in the power sector. • The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Power and the Ministry for Energy, Utilities and Climate, Government of Denmark. • Under the MoU, a Joint Working Group will also be established. • It will be co-chaired by Joint Secretary level officials.
Wipro, IBM to collaborate • Wipro Limited has announced a collaboration with IBM to assist Wipro customers embark on a seamless and secure hybrid cloud journey. • Through this alliance Wipro will develop hybrid cloud offerings to help businesses migrate, manage and transform mission-critical workloads and applications, with security across public or private cloud and on-premises IT environments.
MG Motor, Tata Power signed a pact • MG Motor India Pvt Ltd has signed a MoU with Tata Power Ltd. • It will set up fast chargers for electric vehicles at select dealerships of the passenger vehicle manufacturer. • Both companies are also exploring opportunities to collaborate in the space of lifecycle management of lithium-ion batteries fitted in electric vehicles.
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ISRO and ARIES signed MoU • ISRO has signed a MoU with Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES). • It has been signed for cooperation in the field of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Astrophysics. • The MoU was signed by R Umamaheswaran, Scientific Secretary of ISRO and Dipankar Banerjee, Director of ARIES, Nainital through videoconference at ISRO and ARIES Headquarters' on June 4, 2020.
CSIR, AIM joined hands • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR has come together with Atal Innovation Mission, AIM to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in various sectors. • In this regard, a Letter of Intent has been signed between CSIR and Niti Aayog. • These 2 organizations joined hands to support world class start-ups through CSIR incubators under Atal Innovation Mission initiatives.
Fit India and MHRD launched special films • Ministry of HRD and Sports have collaborated to produce a series of special films promoting 10 indigenous sports of India. • The 'Dept of School Education and Literacy' has joined hands with sports ministry's flagship programme 'Fit India'. • The 10 sports to be covered in the series are Kho-kho, Gatka, Kalaripayttu, Mallakhamb, Thang-Ta, Sqay, Kabaddi, Roll Ball, Tug of War and Shooting Ball.
EESL, USAID unveiled an initiative • Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) jointly with the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) MAITREE program, has launched the “Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings” initiative. • Its aim is to make workplaces healthier and greener.
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• As part of this pilot initiative, EESL has taken the leadership by being the first to implement this framework in its own offices.
GAIL (India) Ltd & EESL signed MoU • GAIL (India) and Energy Efficiency Services have signed a MoU. • The MoU aims at building a closer strategic partnership between the two companies by jointly exploring business opportunities in Trigeneration business segment in India. • GAIL & EESL shall jointly undertake studies and if found viable, 50:50 joint venture between GAIL & EESL will be incorporated.
UP introduced a MoU Monitoring Mechanism • Uttar Pradesh has introduced a MoU Monitoring Mechanism. • The move is aimed at better implementation of investment proposals through handholding interested • investors and better tracking of the MoUs signed. • For this, the state will be launching a new MoU tracking portal that will be integrated with its single window system Nivesh Mitra.
Mastercard launched digital payment solution • Mastercard India, Axis Bank Ltd and Worldline India, have partnered to launch a digital point-of-sale solution, Soft POS. • It will help offline merchants and Kirana stores accept payments using their smartphones. • The solution allows merchants to accept payments through various digital form factors including Bharat QR, sending payment links to customers and even accept NFC-based payments.
Tech Mahindra signed an Initiative • Tech Mahindra has signed a joint declaration with UN Global Compact urging governments to align their COVID-19 recovery efforts with the latest climate science.
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• Furthermore, the company has also adopted a low emission technology path to increase the use of renewable energy from 1.7% in 2016 to 18% in 2020. • It has also set targets to increase the renewable source of energy to 50% by 2025.
South Africa and NASA collaborate • South Africa has partnered with NASA to host a deep-space ground station, which will support human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. • With this collaboration, South Africa became the fourth country after the US, Spain and Australia to host a deep space ground station. • The station will support human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
IIT-Madras partnered with Chennai-based firm • IIT-Madras has partnered with Chennai-based firm Shima Engineering to develop a touchless sanitizer dispenser that can be deployed in cars, vans, buses, and even auto-rickshaws. • This design is scalable for use with both AC and DC power supply. • Special care has been taken in the choice of materials so that they can be safely used with liquid and gel type sanitizers.
Cabinet approved MoU between India and Bhutan • The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing the MoU with the Royal Government of Bhutan on cooperation in the areas of the environment. • The MoU will enable establishment and promotion of closer and long-term cooperation between the two countries in the field of environment protection and management of natural resources. • The MoU will remain in force for a period of 10 years.
Ircon inked pact with NIIFL, Ayana Power • Ircon International Ltd has inked pact with NIIFL and Ayana Renewable Power for exploring opportunities in solar energy sector.
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• NIIFL and Ircon will evaluate strategic partnerships across infrastructure projects and have agreed in-principle to identify, bid and execute solar energy projects through joint ventures/consortium arrangements, as per the agreement.
Uber launched zero-contact rides • Uber has partnered with Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). • It will set up Uber sanitization hubs for disinfecting cars before every trip, using state-of-the-art equipment and disinfectants. • Uber is also ensuring contactless car entry and exit for riders.
Facebook and Saregama announce licensing deal • Saregama announced a global deal with Facebook, to license its music for video and other social experiences across Facebook & Instagram. • This partnership will allow users to choose from a wide variety of music to add to their social experiences such as videos, stories via music stickers and other creative content. • People will also be able to add songs to their Facebook Profile.
BEML to sign MoU with MELCO • The Board of Directors of BEML has approved signing a MoU with MELCO. • It will study and decide on the possibility of setting up a Joint Venture (JV) Company between BEML and MELCO for manufacturing of certain propulsion systems and other railway electrical equipment • BEML has manufactured and supplied over 17,000+ mainline passenger coaches of various types since its inception.
ITC tied up with Amway • ITC Ltd has partnered with Amway to expand distribution networks of its products in the health and nutrition space. • The partnership kicked off with the launch of B Natural+ range of fruit juices.
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• B Natural has been developed by ITC and will be distributed initially through Amway’s strong direct selling distribution network in India.
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Appointment Current Affairs
Anandiben Patel gets additional charge of MP • Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has been given the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh during the absence on leave of incumbent Lal Ji Tandon. • Anandiben Patel, former Chief Minister of Gujarat, was appointed as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh in 2019. • She was serving as the Madhya Pradesh Governor before that.
Mandip Singh Gill took over as Additional DG • Major General Mandip Singh Gill has taken over as the Additional Director General of NCC Directorate (Kerala and Lakshadweep). • Before taking over as the Additional Director General, he was the Group Commander of NCC Group HQ, Jammu. • Major General Gill is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune. • He was commissioned in 1987 into the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army.
Sanjay Kumar: New Maharashtra chief secretary • The Maharashtra government has appointed senior bureaucrat Sanjay Kumar as the new chief secretary. • Kumar will succeed Ajoy Mehta, who, post-retirement on June 30, 2020, will take over as principal advisor • to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. • Kumar is currently Additional Chief Secretary in the housing department and also holds the additional charge of the home department.
Sanjay Mahajan: MD Carrier Midea India • Carrier Midea India has appointed Sanjay Mahajan as the new Managing Director.
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• The incumbent Krishan Sachdev, who has been Managing Director of Carrier Midea India from 2012, will continue as Chairman. • Mahajan, has been the Chief Operating Officer of the company since 2016 and was previously leading customer and channel efforts as Vice President of Sales & Marketing from 2012 of the company.
Rajesh Shukla: 5th Lokayukta of Gujarat • Retired Gujarat High Court Justice Rajesh Shukla was sworn in on 23 June 2020 as the fifth Lokayukta of the state. • The post of Lokayukta had been vacant for two years since the former, Justice DP Buch completed his tenure of five years in December 2018. • The first Lokayukta of Gujarat was DH Shukla, who served from July 26, 1988, to July 25, 1993.
Justice Anant Manohar: Kerala High Court Judge • Justice Anant Manohar Badar, formerly a Judge of the Bombay High Court, was sworn in as a Judge of the Kerala High Court on 24 June 2020. • Chief Justice S Manikumar administered the oath to Justice Badar. • Justice Badar was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on March 3, 2014, and was made permanent in March 2016.
T. Rabi Sankar becomes new Chairman of IFTAS • IFTAS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI has announced the appointments of T Rabi Sankar as the Chairman effective May 15, 2020. • Dr N Rajendran has been appointed as the CEO of the organization effective May 27, 2020. • T Rabi Sankar is currently serving as Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India for Payment Systems, Information Technology, Risk Management, and Fintech.
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Wasim Jaffer appointed Uttarakhand head coach • Former India opener and domestic stalwart Wasim Jaffer has been appointed head coach of the Uttarakhand cricket team for the upcoming domestic season. • The highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy, Jaffer had announced retirement in March 2020 after playing for over two decades, primarily for domestic giants Mumbai and Vidarbha. • This will be his first stint as a head coach with a team.
Geeta Pasi: US envoy to Ethiopia • US President Donald Trump has nominated an Indian-origin American diplomat to be his country's ambassador to Ethiopia. • Trump announced the nomination of Geeta Pasi, who is now the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa at the State Department. • Pasi is a member of the US Senior Foreign Service and has served as US Ambassador to Djibouti and Chad.
Jaideep Nandi: New MD of Bajaj Consumer Care • Bajaj Consumer Care Limited has appointed Jaideep Nandi as its new Managing Director. • Nandi is currently the company's CEO, and will take over as the MD effective 1 July 2020. • He takes over from Sumit Malhotra, who will step down as the managing director with effect from 30 June 2020. • Malhotra however, will continue as Director and Advisor to the Board with effect from 1 July 2020.
Sethuraman Panchanathan appointed head of NSF • The US Senate has confirmed the appointment of Indian-American scientist Sethuraman Panchanathan as the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). • Dr Panchanathan currently leads the knowledge enterprise development at Arizona State University (ASU).
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• In 2014, Panchanathan was appointed by President Barack Obama to the US National Science Board (NSB), a body comprising 25 members.
Niki Poonacha elected to ITF panel • Niki Poonacha has been elected to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) men’s player panel. • He will represent the Asia-Oceania zone along with Ti Chen of Chinese Taipei. • Aldin Setkic and Francesco Vilardo were elected from Europe, while Juan Pablo Paz and Jose Bendeck were elected to represent South America.
Vijay Khanduja: India's next Envoy to Zimbabwe • Vijay Khanduja, presently Director in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has been appointed as India's next Ambassador to Zimbabwe. • He is expected to take up the assignment shortly. • Rungsung Masakui was serving as the Ambassador to the Republic of Zimbabwe prior to him. • Rungsung was appointed on 12 May 2016.
Urjit Patel named NIPFP chairman • Former RBI governor Urjit Patel will take charge as chairman of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) from June 22, 2020. • Patel will replace Vijay Kelkar, who assumed office on November 1, 2014. • Patel on December 10, 2018, had unexpectedly resigned months before the end of his three-year term in September 2019.
JSW Cement: Sourav Ganguly as Brand Ambassador • JSW Cement has roped in Sourav Ganguly as well as captain of the Indian national football team and Bengaluru FC, Sunil Chhetri as its brand ambassadors. • The company also rolled out its new multi-media marketing campaign ‘Leader’s Choice’ featuring both these sports icons on June 20, 2020, across West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.
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• Saurav Ganguly is the current President of BCCI.
Vikram Pawah to take charge of BMW Group India • Vikram Pawah has been appointed as the president of BMW Group India effective 1 August 2020. • The new role comes as an additional charge for Pawah who would continue to serve in his existing role as chief executive officer of BMW Group Australia and New Zealand. • Pawah, in his previous role, served as the President of India operations between 2017-18.
Kubatbek Boronov: New PM of Kyrgyzstan • Kyrgyzstan’s parliament confirmed Kubatbek Boronov as Prime Minister on 17 June 2020, after his predecessor resigned due to a corruption probe against former cabinet officials. • Boronov has served as the first deputy Prime Minister in the previous cabinet and worked as minister of emergency situations in the past. • He would be the 31st in the role since the country gained independence.
Pralay Mondal to join CSB Bank • CSB Bank has announced that its board has appointed Pralay Mondal as the organization’s President (Retail, • SME, Operations and IT). • Mr Mondal is expected to join the private sector lender in September 2020. • Mr. Pralay Mondal has recently tendered his resignation from his current position an executive director and head of retail banking at Axis Bank.
Sudarshan S Sharma: CEO Carzonrent India • Carzonrent India Private Limited, India's leading personal mobility service provider has announced the appointment of Sudarshan S Sharma as its Chief Executive Officer.
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• Sudarshan Sharma has worked with Google as the Head of Industry- automotive and until recently, he was the Industry Lead - Automotive at Facebook. • He has also worked with General Motors in channel and institutional sales roles.
Volkan Bozkir: President of UN Assembly • Turkish diplomat Volkan Bozkir has been elected President of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, which begins in September 2020. • Bozkir won unanimous support of the 178 UN members that were present and voting on 17 June 2020. • He will take over from Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, the current General Assembly president, in September 2020. • A General Assembly president has a one-year term.
AK Jana took over as IGL's new MD • Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) has appointed AK Jana as its Managing Director. • He has taken over from ES Ranganathan who ceases to be a Director and MD. • IGL is a joint venture of GAIL India Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Delhi government. • Before joining IGL as MD, Jana was CEO of Gail Gas Ltd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAIL) engaged in the business of city gas distribution.
Ex-SC judge DK Jain got one-year extension • Former Supreme Court judge DK Jain has been given a one-year extension by the Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) to serve as BCCI's Ethics Officer and Ombudsman. • He was initially appointed by the Supreme Court in February 2019 as BCCI's Ombudsman and later on handed the role of Ethics Officer. • Jain's term had ended in the last week of February 2020.
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Nick Hockley: Interim Cricket Australia CEO • Cricket Australia (CA) has appointed Nick Hockley as its interim Chief Executive following the resignation of • Kevin Roberts. • Hockley is currently the Chief Executive of the ICC T20 World Cup and also oversaw the conduct of the women's edition of the tournament earlier this year. • After Todd Greenberg (NRL) and Raelene Castle (Rugby Australia), Roberts had become the third CEO of CA.
Vinit Teredesai is the new CFO of Mindtree • Mindtree has announced the appointment of Vinit Teredesai as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company, effective 15 June 2020. • He has earlier served as the CFO and CIO of KPIT Technologies. • Teredesai will be taking over from Senthil Kumar, who was serving as CFO in the interim after Pradip Menon left the company in Nov 2019. • Kumar will continue as the Finance Controller.
Santosh Jha: Ambassador of India to Belgium • Santosh Jha has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Belgium. • He is presently the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Uzbekistan. • The 1993-batch IFS officer will also be accredited as Ambassador of India to the European Union. • In Vladivostok, he was Consul General of India during 1998-2000.
NASA: 1st woman to head human spaceflight • Kathy Luders, who managed the inaugural private crewed flight into space in May 2020 has been promoted to become the 1st female head of human spaceflight. • She has been selected to lead NASA's Human Exploration & Operations Mission Directorate.
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• Lueders oversaw the launch of 2 astronauts on a SpaceX rocket to the International Space Station, the first-ever crewed commercial flight into space.
Devendra Kumar Singh: New Director of SIDBI • The Ministry of Finance notified the appointment of Devendra Kumar Singh as Central Government nominee Director on the Board of Directors of Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). • He will be succeeding Ram Mohan Mishra, with immediate effect and until further orders. • He is currently the Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME.
Pankaj Tripathi: Brand ambassador Bihar Khadi • Eminent actor Pankaj Tripathi has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Bihar Khadi by the state government. • Pankaj is originally from Bihar. • The largest Khadi mall in the country has been set up in Patna. • In this, finished goods are being sold by dozens of Khadi institutions of the state. • Pankaj Tripathi will promote Bihar Khadi and the country's largest Khadi Mall.
Imtaiyazur Rahman: CEO of UTI Mutual Fund • UTI Asset Management Company (AMC) has appointed Imtaiyazur Rahman (pictured) as its CEO. • Rahman was appointed interim CEO in 2018 after Leo Puri’s term came to an end. • UTI MF’s asset base for domestic business has compounded annually at 3.54 per cent between 2017 and 2020. • In the same period, its domestic asset base has compounded annually at 13.88 per cent.
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KK Venugopal to get 1-year extension • Attorney General K.K. Venugopal is all set to get a one-year extension. • Mr. Venugopal’s three-year tenure comes to an end on June 30, 2020. • Mr. Venugopal was appointed in June 2017 after the former AG Mukul Rohatgi resigned citing personal reasons. • He was appointed the 15th Attorney General of India and continued in the post after the Narendra Modi government won a second term in 2019.
Kaizad Bharucha reappointed to HDFC board • The RBI has approved the re-appointment of Kaizad Bharucha as the executive director of HDFC bank. • In his current position, Bharucha is responsible for wholesale banking covering areas of corporate banking, emerging corporate group, business banking, capital markets and commodities business, agri lending, among others.
Dr J Radhakrishnan: Health Principal Secy • The Tamil Nadu Government has appointed senior IAS officer Dr J Radhakrishnan as the new Health Principal Secretary. • He had been the state Revenue Principal Secretary earlier, which will be looked after by him with additional charge. • He replaces Dr Beela Rajesh who has been shifted to the Commercial Taxes and Registration Department.
Biswajit Dasgupta: Chief of Staff, ENC • Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta has assumed the charge as Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam. • Biswajit Dasgupta is an alumnus of National Defence Academy. • He was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1985 and is a specialist in Navigation and Direction. • He has commanded frontline ships including the missile corvettes INS Nishank, INS Karmuk, and stealth frigate INS Tabar.
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3 advocates appointed as 'government pleaders' • The Andhra Pradesh government has appointed J Sumati, V Sujatha and T Kiran as the 'government pleaders' in the state high court. • According to the order issued by the law department, this appointment is necessitated due to the resignation of three government pleaders. • On June 5, 2020, P Venkata Rao, G Satish Babu and Habeeb Sheik had resigned as government pleaders.
Anshuman Sharma: Director IDBI Bank • IDBI Bank's board has approved the appointment of Anshuman Sharma as government nominee director with effect from June 11, 2020. • IDBI Bank is now being categorised as a private sector lender after majority stake acquisition by LIC. • Sharma has served on the board of State Bank of Travancore, Allahabad Bank, IFCI Ltd and IPPB. • He is currently serving on the board of IDFC Ltd.
1st local CAM of Srinagar Railways • In Jammu and Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf, an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, has become the first local to have assumed the charge as the Chief Area Manager of Srinagar Railways. • He cleared the UPSC exam in his second attempt and was allotted IRTS. o Yousuf then joined the Indian Railways Institute of Transportation Management, Lucknow for an 18-month training.
Sandeep Mahajan: MD of Goodyear India o Goodyear has appointed Sandeep Mahajan as the MD of India operations with effect from June 1, 2020. • He has been appointed for a period of 5 years or up to the date of superannuation or retirement. • Mahajan succeeds Rajeev Anand, who is superannuating from the company after completing more than 38 years of service. • Anand will continue as the chairman of the board till 31 Dec 2020.
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Shambhu Kumaran: Next envoy to Philippines o Diplomat Shambhu S Kumaran has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Philippines. • Kumaran is presently Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Morocco. • Kumaran's diplomatic assignments abroad include postings in Frankfurt and Berlin (1997-2002), as Political Counsellor in Kathmandu (2007-2009) and as Deputy High Commissioner to South Africa (2009-2012).
Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza died • Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza passed away in June 2020. • After 15 years in power, Mr Nkurunziza was due to step down in August 2020. • In 2015, the announcement that he would run for a third term plunged the country into chaos. • He was also due to receive a $540,000 (£440,000) retirement pay-out and a luxury villa.
Javed Iqbal Wani: Judge of J&K High Court • Javed Iqbal Wani has been appointed as a judge of the common high court of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and the UT of Ladakh. • His recommendation, made by the Supreme Court Collegium, was pending with the central government for the past few months. • Wani has represented the Union government in several cases in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
Savitri Ratho appointed Orissa HC Judge • Additional Government Advocate Savitri Ratho has been appointed Judge of Orissa High Court. • She is the third woman to be appointed Judge of Orissa High Court after Amiya Kumari Padhi and Sanju Panda. • On January 22, 2002, the SC Collegium had approved the proposal of Orissa HC collegiums for the elevation of Ratho.
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Steve Albrecht: Non-Executive Director Oyo • Oyo Hotels and Homes has announced the appointment of Steve Albrecht as Non-Executive Director on the company's board of directors. • Albrecht is a world-renowned expert in corporate governance. • The newly appointed director is a former president of the American Accounting Association and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Nisaba Godrej: MD and CEO of Godrej Consumer • Godrej Consumer Products Ltd’s MD and CEO, Vivek Gambhir, will step down on 30 June 2020. • Nisaba Godrej, the executive chairperson, will take up the additional role. • Nisaba Godrej has been appointed as managing director from 1 July 2020 to 30 September 2022. • She will also continue to be the chairperson of the board till 31 March 2022 and designated as chairperson and managing director.
Michael Clarke appointed as an officer • Michael Clarke has been honored in the Queen’s Birthday list for Australia with the former cricket captain recognised for both his sporting career and community work. • Clarke was appointed an Officer in the general division of the Order of Australia. • Former women’s captain Lynnette Larsen and Olympic hockey gold medalist Renita Garard were both named a Member of the Order of Australia.
Israel's first female ambassador to Egypt • Israeli government has appointed diplomat Amira Oron as the new ambassador to Egypt. • The Appointments Committee of Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had decided on Oct. 29, 2018, to appoint Oron as its ambassador to Egypt, to succeed former ambassador David Govrin. • Oron will be the first female ambassador to Egypt since the signing of the Egypt-Israel peace treaty in 1979.
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Monika Mohta: New Ambassador to Switzerland • Diplomat Monika Kapil Mohta has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Switzerland. • Presently, Mohta, an Indian Foreign Service officer of 1985 batch, is India's Ambassador to Sweden. • She is expected to take up the assignment shortly. • Mohta has served as the Ambassador of India to Poland and Lithuania from July 2011 to January 2015.
Technosoft appointed Sean Narayanan as CEO • Technosoft has announced that Sean Narayanan has been appointed as CEO and will join the Board of Directors of Technosoft. • Sean joins Technosoft from Atos, where he was a Senior Executive Vice President and CEO of the €4B • Business and Platform Solutions division. • Prior to Atos, Sean was Chief Business Officer at LiquidHub (now Capgemini).
Anil Valluri: Senior director of Google Cloud • Google Cloud has announced the appointment of former NetApp top executive Anil Valluri as senior director of Google Cloud in India. • The company had in March 2020, appointed former IBM India head Karan Bajwa as managing director of Google Cloud in India. • Valluri joins Google Cloud from NetApp where he was president of India & SAARC operations.
M. Nethra appointed UN Goodwill Ambassador • M Nethra, a 13-year-old girl has been appointed as 'Goodwill Ambassador (GWA) for the Poor' by the United Nations Association for Development and Peace (UNADAP). • The girl has also been awarded the agency's 'DIXON Scholarship' worth Rs 1 lakh.
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• She now gets the opportunity to address the upcoming Civil Society forums at the UN conferences in New York and Geneva.
Adidas: Manushi Chillar as brand ambassador • The Indian arm of Adidas has announced the appointment of former Miss World Manushi Chillar as its new • brand ambassador. • She will lead Adidas’s mission to inspire more women to embrace fitness, while creating a positive social impact through the power of sport. • Chillar joins other Adidas ambassadors including Ranveer Singh, Rohit Sharma, Hima Das, and over 20 other top athletes.
Rahul Shrivastava: Next Ambassador to Romania • Rahul Shrivastava, a senior diplomat has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Romania. • Rahul Shrivastava, an Indian Foreign Service officer of 1999 batch. • He is at present serving as a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). • He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
Rajeev Ranjan Kumar: New CEO of KPKB • The Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed Rajeev Ranjan Kumar as the new CEO of Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar (KPKB). • He replaced RM Meena in the post. • He has been appointed for a period of three months in place of RM Meena with Immediate effect. • The decision has been taken after ex-CEO RM Meena issued a list of 1,026 products to be de-listed from KPKB shelves.
2 IAS officers appointed to World Bank, WTO • The Modi government has appointed two members of the Prime Minister’s Office, senior IAS officers Rajiv Topno and Brajendra Navnit, to the World Bank and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), respectively.
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• Topno has been appointed senior advisor to the Washington-based World Bank. • Navnit has been appointed the Ambassador to the Permanent Mission for India (PMI) at the WTO in Geneva.
Uday Kotak took over as CII President • Uday Kotak has assumed office as the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for 2020-21. • Uday Kotak, MD and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd, takes over from Vikram Kirloskar, chairman and managing director of Kirloskar Systems Ltd and vice-chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor. • T V Narendran, CEO and MD of Tata Steel Limited, is now the President- designate of CII for 2020-21.
Sushil Kumar Singhal: HC to Papua New Guinea • Sushil Kumar Singhal has been appointed as the next Indian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. • He is presently serving as the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). • Singhal is expected to take up the assignment shortly. • He will replace Vijay Kumar as the next High Commissioner to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
V N Datt: CMD of National Fertilizers Limited • Virendra Nath Datt, Director (Marketing), National Fertilizers Limited -NFL has taken over the additional charge of Chairman & Managing Director of the Company. • Datt is associated with Company as Director (Marketing) since October 2018. • Prior to joining NFL, he was Executive Director in GAIL (India) where he handled all India marketing operations of the company.
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Twitter: Ex-Google CFO as new board chairman • Twitter has appointed ex-Google chief financial officer (CFO) Patrick Pichette as the company's new chairman of the board. • Pichette who joined Twitter's board of directors in 2017, earlier previously served as Google's CFO from 2008 till 2015. • Pichette will take over from Omid Kordestani who will remain on Twitter's board.
Raveesh Kumar: Next Ambassador to Finland • Raveesh Kumar has been appointed as India's next Ambassador to Finland. • Kumar, a 1995-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, served as the spokesperson of the MEA from July 2017 to April 2020. • Before becoming the MEA spokesperson, Kumar was serving as Consul General of India in Frankfurt. • In Finland, he succeeds Vani Rao.
Ipsita Dasgupta joins Apple as Country Manager • Apple has appointed Ipsita Dasgupta as India Country Manager for its streaming services. • Dasgupta’s previous stint was at Hotstar where she was President, Strategy and New Ventures. • At Apple, she takes over from Khushboo Ponwar who, in 2019, moved on as Head of Business Development for Apple in India, Middle East, Turkey and Africa.
BAFTA: Krishnendu Majumdar as Chairperson • Krishnendu Majumdar is the first person of colour to be named as the chairperson of BAFTA in its 73 year-long history. • Majumdar, who succeeds Pippa Harris to the post, is also the youngest to be appointed as head in last 35 years of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). • Harris will now continue as deputy chairperson.
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LVB CEO got extension • The RBI has approved the extension of tenure for Lakshmi Vilas Bank’s MD and CEO, Subramanian Sundar by six months. • This is the second extension given to Mr Sundar who was the MD & CEO (interim) from January 1 to April 30, 2020. • On 1 June 2020, the board extended his tenure till November 30 or till the appointment of the new CEO, whichever is earlier.
Rohit Sharma: IIFL Finance's Brand Ambassador • Rohit Sharma has signed with IIFL Finance as its first-ever brand ambassador. • Besides being the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team in limited-overs format, Rohit also holds the record for the highest individual score in one- day internationals (ODI). • He is also the only player to hit three double centuries in ODIs, and four- times winning captain of Indian Premier League (IPL).
Sibi George: India's next Ambassador to Kuwait • Sibi George, an Indian Foreign Service officer of 1993 batch, has been appointed India's next Ambassador to Kuwait. • He is at present India's Ambassador in Switzerland. • George is expected to take up his new assignment shortly. • K Jeevasagar, the present Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, retired in the last week of May 2020.
Ajoy Choudhury: Director (Finance) at REC • REC Limited, a Government of India Navratna PSU and one of India's largest power financiers, has announced the appointment of Ajoy Choudhury to the post of Director (Finance) with effect from June 1, 2020. • He was appointed upon the superannuation of the outgoing Director (Finance) Ajeet Kumar Agarwal. • Prior to joining REC, he worked with PGCIL and NHPC Limited.
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Dr Chandrasekaran: Permanent director of CICT • Dr R Chandrasekaran has been appointed as the first permanent Director of the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) since it started functioning from Chennai in 2008. • He is the assistant professor of Tamil, Government Arts and Science College, Mullipuram, Kangeyam. • He will hold the post for a period of three years.
Pradip Kumar: Secretary in Ministry of Steel • Senior IAS officer Pradip Kumar Tripathi took over the charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Steel, according to an official statement. • Mr. Tripathi succeeds Binoy Kumar, who superannuated on May 31, 2020. • Prior to this assignment, he was serving as Special Secretary & Establishment Officer in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Adesh Kumar Gupta: Delhi BJP chief • BJP President J P Nadda has appointed former mayor of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation Adesh Kumar Gupta as the new Chief of party's Delhi Unit replacing Manoj Tiwari. • Mr Tiwari had been appointed as the BJP Delhi Unit Chief in 2016. • Besides, Mr Nadda also named former Union Minister Vishnu Deo Sai as its Chhattisgarh State President and S Tikendra Singh as its Manipur State Chief.
Gaitri Kumar: India's High Commissioner to UK • Diplomat Gaitri Kumar has been appointed as India's next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. • Ms Kumar, a 1986-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, succeeds Ruchi Ghanashyam. • At present, Ms Kumar is serving as Indian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union. • She also served as Joint Secretary in America's division at the Ministry's headquarters in Delhi.
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R K Chaturvedi: Secretary, Dept of Chemicals • R K Chaturvedi has assumed charge as Secretary in the Dept of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. • Before this, he was serving as an Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor in the Ministry of Culture. • He has worked as Chairman of CBSE and as DG in NSDA. • He has replaced P. Raghavendra Rao who superannuated on 31 May 2020.
Sanjiv Ghuratia: New AeSI Chairman • Air Commodore Sanjiv Ghuratia, Air Officer Commanding, No.3 Base Repair Depot, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), Chandigarh chapter. • He took over the post during an online ceremony from Dr Pravendra Kumar, Director, SPIC, DRDO, New Delhi on 1 June 2020. • He is a Flight Test Engineer who has served in the IAF for more than 32 years.
Lt General Manoj Pande took over as CINCAN • Lieutenant General Manoj Pande has taken over as the 15th Commander- in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN). • He was Director General at Army Headquarters dealing with subjects of Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare, prior to assuming the present appointment. • Lieutenant General Podali Shankar Rajeshwar, the 14th CINCAN retired from service on 31 May 2020.
Mohandas Pai to chair an advisory committee • The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has reconstituted its advisory committee on service providers. • It would now be chaired by Manipal Global Education Services Chairman T V Mohandas Pai. • The 12-member panel would advise and provide professional support on regulation and development of the service providers dealt with by the IBBI.
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Anita Kotwani joined Carat India as CEO • Carat India, media agency owned by Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN), has announced the appointment of Anita Kotwani as its chief executive officer (CEO). • Prior to this, Kotwani was senior vice president, new business and client lead, for The Walt Disney business at Mindshare India. • Kotwani will report to Kartik Iyer, president media brands and Amplifi.
Arun Singhal: Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Arun Singhal as CEO of India’s apex food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). • Singhal is a special secretary, department of health and family welfare. • He will succeed GSG Ayyangar who was briefly appointed as the CEO of the food regulator.
Himachal Pradesh: Sanjay Kundu is new DGP • Himachal Pradesh govt has appointed 1989-batch IPS officer Sanjay Kundu for the post of Himachal’s director general of police (DGP). • Kundu, who is currently principal secretary to chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, will succeed Sita Ram Mardi who will superannuate on May 31, 2020. • Kundu has worked in different leadership roles with the state and central government as well as the United Nations.
PR Jaishankar appointed MD of IIFCL • The Ministry of Finance has appointed PR Jaishankar as the managing director of the India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL) for 3 years. • The appointment comes after the Bank Boards Bureau (BBB) recommended Jaishankar on March 15, 2020. • The post lied vacant for three years before the appointment. • Jaishankar served as the executive director of the National Housing Bank prior to this.
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Indian-origin new Trustee of a Museum: UK • British PM Boris Johnson has appointed two new trustees for Natural History of Museum, one of them is Indian-origin professor Yadvinder Malhi FRS. • Both the trustees have been appointed for an initial term of four years. • Along with Yadvinder, Harris Bokhari OBE has also been appointed to the Board of Trustees until 2024.
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Obituaries Current Affairs
Abdullah Khan Dogar passed away • Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's India-born counsel passed away in June 2020. • Abdullah Khan Dogar was the father-in-law of former chief justice of Lahore High Court Mamoon Rashid Sheikh. • Dogar was the counsel of Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Saeed for many years and defended him in Pakistani courts following the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed.
Nimai Bhattacharya passed away • Eminent writer and journalist Nimai Bhattacharya passed away in June 2020. • Born in Magura district in present-day Bangladesh in 1931, Bhattacharya had penned over 150 books including ''Memsaheb'', ''Diplomat'', ''Minibus'', ''Inquilab'' and ''Imon Kalyan'' during his lifetime. • ''Memsaheb'' was adapted into a commercially-hit movie starring Uttam Kumar in the lead role.
Trinamool MLA Tamonash Ghosh passed away • Trinamool Congress MLA Tamonash Ghosh who tested positive for COVID- 19 and was undergoing treatment, passed away in June 2020. • He was a three-time MLA and represented Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. • Mr. Ghosh is the first elected public representative in the State to succumb to the contagious viral infection.
K Raghunath passed away • Former Karnataka basketball star K Raghunath passed away in June 2020. • Fondly referred to as ‘Pappachi’, Raghunath was one of the founding members of the still-popular Beagles Basketball Club. • He was a part of the Bangalore University team for five years, including a couple as captain, and won three championships with the side.
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Pournima Zanane passed away • Former India shooter Pournima Zanane passed away in June 2020. • She had represented India at multiple ISSF World Cups, Asian Championships, Commonwealth Championships, among others. • Zanane, who was a national record holder in 10m air rifle event, took to coaching and was honored with the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports award by the Maharashtra government.
Vishwa Bandhu Gupta passed away • Former MP and veteran journalist Vishwa Bandhu Gupta passed away in June 2020. • Gupta was associated with the Congress party during the 1980s and was a Member of Parliament from April 1984 to 1990, representing the state of Delhi in the Rajya Sabha. • He was also the Chairman and Editor-in-chief of the Tej-Bandhu group of publications.
Joel Schumacher passed away • Director Joel Schumacher passed away in June 2020 from cancer. • Schumacher directed the 80s hit movies St. Elmo's Fire and The Lost Boys, as well as two movies in the Batman movie franchise — Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. • He used his background in fashion to start working as a costume designer in Hollywood.
Lachhman Singh Lehl passed away • Major General (Retd) Lachhman Singh Lehl, passed away in June 2020. • He had commanded the 20 Mountain Division of the Army that exhibited massive courage and valour during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, • He assumed command of the 20 Mountain Division on November 13, 1970. • Major General (Retd) Lehl also commanded 3 Field Regiment, 301 Infantry Brigade and 20 Infantry Division.
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Rajinder Goel passed away • One of India's finest left-arm spinners, Rajinder Goel passed away in June 2020. • Goel played 157 first-class matches, most of them for Haryana, and finished with 750 wickets. • He holds the record for most wickets taken in Ranji Trophy as he scalped 637, 107 more than S Venkataraghavan who is second on the list. • Goel made his debut in the 1957-58 season.
Ramchand Goala passed away • Ramchand Goala, who is regarded as the pioneer in the art of left-arm spin in the Bangladesh, passed away in June 2020. • Goala was a regular feature for Abahani Krira Chakra for 12 years from 1981 to 1993, before retiring from competitive cricket at the age of 53. • He served as the coach for various local clubs and organizations including Abahoni, Mohammedan, Pandit Para, etc.
Noted economist B P R Vithal no more • Noted economist B P R Vithal, who served as a Member of the Tenth Finance Commission, passed away in June 2020. • Vithal had served as Secretary, finance and planning in the government of Andhra Pradesh from 1972 to 1982 and as Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board. • He was also Chairman of the Expenditure Commission, Government of Kerala.
Social worker Vidyaben Shah passed away • Social worker Vidyaben Shah passed away in June 2020. • Shah had established India's first ever Bal Bhavan in Rajkot in the 1940s, which was to become a harbinger of the entire Bal Bhavan Movement in India.
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• She was the President of the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW), India's single largest such institution, for 12 years from 1976 to 1979, and 1985 to 1994.
KR Sachidanandan passed away • Film director, scriptwriter, and producer K.R. Sachidanandan, popularly known as Sachy passed away in June 2020. • The director's recent Prithviraj-Biju Menon starrer Ayyappanum Koshiyum became a huge hit. • Sachy, who hailed from Kodungalloor, was active in theatre right from his college days. • He scripted hit films including Driving Licence, Ramleela, Seniors, and Run Baby Run.
Achyut Usgaonkar passed away • Former Goa minister Achyut Kashinath Sinai Usgaonkar passed away in June 2020. • Usgaonkar was a leader of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the oldest regional outfit in Goa. • He served as a cabinet minister from August 13, 1977, to April 27, 1979, in the then Shashikala Kakodkar government of Goa, Daman and Diu.
Heera Singh Rana passed away • Noted folk singer of Uttarakhand Heera Singh Rana passed away in June 2020. • Recently, he was appointed vice-chairman of Garhwal, Kumaoni and Jaunsari Academy by the government of Delhi. • In the 1980s and 1990s, his songs like ‘Rangile Bindi Ghanghri kai dhoti lal kinara yai hai-hair re mijata’ became were very popular among the hilly regions of the state.
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Veteran journalist Dinu Ranadive passed away • Veteran journalist and freedom fighter Dinu Ranadive passed away in June 2020. • Ranadive was widely respective throughout his career and even after for his investigative journalism, relentless coverage of social movements, and activism for the downtrodden. • Ranadive started his career as the founder-editor of Samyukta Maharashtra Patrika in the 1950s.
Lt Gen Raj Mohan Vohra passed away • Maha Vir Chakra awardee Lt Gen (retd) Raj Mohan Vohra died due to COVID-19 in Delhi in June 2020. • The Maha Vir Chakra is the country's second-highest gallantry award. • It is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy whether on land, at sea or in the air. • Lt Gen Vohra had received the coveted award in 1972.
SAIL director Atul Srivastava passed away • Atul Srivastava, Director, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) passed away in June 2020. • Srivastava assumed charge as Director (Personnel) of SAIL on March 12, 2018. • In his long-standing career spanning more than 35 years at SAIL, he had served in the Human Resources department of the company, while working at various SAIL Plants as well as at the Corporate Office.
Former New Zealand cricketer Matt Poore died • Former New Zealand cricketer Matt Poore passed away in June 2020. • Poore featured in 14 Tests for the Black Caps, scoring 355 runs and picking up nine wickets between 1953-1956. • He also played 61 Tests for Canterbury and scored 2,336 runs and ended up with 68 wickets.
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• He was involved in two of the landmark tours to South Africa in 1953, and to India and Pakistan in 1955.
Madhavrao Patil passed away in Nashik • Former Lok Sabha MP and founder of Janalaxmi Cooperative Bank Madhavrao Patil passed away in June 2020 in Maharashtra's Nashik district. • He was a staunch supporter of Sharad Pawar and was among the first to join when the latter formed the Nationalist Congress Party in 1999. • Patil had won from Nashik Lok Sabha constituency on a Congress ticket in 1998.
Arunkumar R. Mehta passed away • Leading diamantaire Arunkumar Ramniklal Mehta -- who founded the B. Arunkumar & Co. six decades ago, passed away in June 2020. • Mehta's granddaughter Shloka got married to Aakash Ambani in March 2019. • He was the founding-member of the influential body Diamond Exporters Association Ltd. besides being active with other prominent organisations.
Mohammad Nasim passed away • Former Bangladesh Minister and Awami League Presidium member Mohammad Nasim passed away in Dhaka in June 2020. • He had suffered a stroke and was also found Corona positive initially. • He was the Awami League praesidium member and former Health Minister of Bangladesh. • Mohammed Nasim served as Minister of Health and Family Welfare during 2014–2019.
Surinder Kaur passed away • Mrs. Surinder Kaur, former Head of Publications Division and Directorate of Advertising & Visual publicity passed away in June 2020.
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• A senior Indian Information Service Officer, and wife of former CBI Director late Joginder Singh, she held several important positions in All India Radio News and Press Information Bureau. • She also served as a Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Sushant Singh Rajput passed away • Actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his residence on 14 June 2020. • He committed suicide. • The actor was known for his performances in films such as Chhichhore, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and Detective Byomkesh Bakshy. • He started his career on television and is still remembered for his performance in Pavitra Rishta.
Former cricketer Vasant Raiji passed away • Former first-class cricketer and historian Vasant Raiji passed away in June 2020. • Raiji, a right-handed batsman, played nine first-class matches in the 1940s, scoring 277 runs with 68 being his highest score. • Raiji made his first-class debut in 1939 for a Cricket Club of India (CCI) team, which played against the Central Provinces and Berar in Nagpur.
Veteran Urdu poet Gulzar Dehlvi passed away • Veteran Urdu poet Anand Mohan Zutshi ‘Gulzar' Dehlvi passed away in June 2020. • A freedom fighter and a premier ‘inquilabi' poet, Dehlvi was admitted to a private hospital on 1st June 2020 after testing positive for coronavirus. • Born in Delhi in 1926, he was also the editor of 'Science ki Duniya', the first Urdu science magazine published by Government of India in 1975.
Dr Vaidyanathan passed away • Dr A Vaidyanathan, a former member of the Government of India's Planning Commission, passed away in June 2020.
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• During his lifetime, Dr Vaidyanathan also served as a professor at the Madras Institute of Development Studies and Centre for Development Studies in Trivandrum. • He also chaired the Government of India Task Force on Revival of Cooperative Credit Institutions in 2004.
Tony Dunne passed away o Manchester United’s European Cup-winning defender Tony Dunne passed away in June 2020. • Dunne, who joined United from Irish club Shelbourne in 1960, made 535 appearances for Matt Busby’s side and played an integral role in their European Cup triumph in 1968. • He also won two league titles and an FA Cup during his 13-year stint with United.
Television Actor Jagesh Mukati passed away • Popular television and Gujarati actor Jagesh Mukati, who worked in shows like Amita ka Amit and Shree Ganesh, passed away in June 2020. • Apart from Hindi and Gujarati TV shows and plays, Jagesh Mukati was also seen in a couple of films. • He has worked with Parineeti Chopra and Sidharth Malhotra in film Hasee Toh Phasee (2014).
DMK MLA J Anbazhagan died of coronavirus • DMK MLA J Anbazhagan, who was infected with coronavirus, passed away in Chennai in June 2020. • He was a strong leader of Dravidian movement pillar of DMK. • Anbazhagan, a three-time MLA, is the first prominent political leader to die of coronavirus in Tamil Nadu. • Tamil Nadu is the second worst-hit state in India with over 34,000 COVID-19 cases and 307 deaths.
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Arjun Charan Sethi passed away • Former Union minister Arjun Charan Sethi passed away in June 2020. • An eight-time MP from Bhadrak Lok Sabha constituency, Sethi was the Union Water Resources Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government from 2000 to 2004. • Sethi was elected to the Lok Sabha from Bhadrak constituency in 1971 and 1980 as a Congress candidate.
Kannada actor Chiranjeevi Sarja passed away • Kannada star Chiranjeevi Sarja passed away in June 2020. • Chiranjeevi Sarja, the grandson of noted Kannada actor Shakti Prasad and nephew of multilingual film actor Arjun Sarja, had acted in 22 films. • Chiranjeevi had made his debut with the movie 'Vayuputra,' which was a home production of Sarja family. • His recent movie was 'Shivarjuna'.
Kurt Thomas passed away • Former Olympian Kurt Thomas, the first American male to win the World Championship gold in gymnastics, passed away in June 2020. • In 1978, he captured gold in the floor exercise for the US's first men's title. • He repeated the floor exercise gold in the 1979 worlds in Fort Worth, Texas. • He earned a total of six medals in 1979.
Former India footballer Hamza Koya died • Former Indian footballer Hamza Koya has died of COVID-19 in Kerala, taking the death toll due to COVID-19 in the State to 15. • He was a former football player who had represented Maharashtra at the Santhosh Trophy and also an India team member in Nehru trophy. • He was a native of Parapanagadi, who had returned from Mumbai recently and passed away in Manjeri Medical College in Malappuram.
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British Producer Rupert Hine passed away • British producer and songwriter Rupert Hine have died passed away in June 2020. • He produced songs for Tina Turner’s 1984 comeback album Private Dancer and was instrumental in works by a host of other big names. • His works appeared on soundtracks for the films Better Off Dead, Golden Eye, The Fifth Element and The Addams Family, and several other television series.
Bollywood producer Anil Suri passed away • Bollywood producer Anil Suri, who bankrolled films like Raaj Kumar-Rekha starrer Karmayogi and Raaj Tilak, passed away due to coronavirus in June 2020. • Anil’s brother, film producer Rajiv Suri said he had fever initially but his condition worsened the next day with breathlessness. • He was rushed to the top hospitals, Lilavati and Hinduja, but both denied him a bed.
Riaz Sheikh passed away • Former Pakistan first-class cricketer Riaz Sheikh became the second professional player in Pakistan to die because of suspected coronavirus, in June 2020. • Sheikh was a leg-spinner who took 116 wickets in 43 first-class matches and was at one time considered for national selection. • Former Pakistani cricketer Zafar Sarfraz was the first professional player in Pakistan to die of it.
Ved Marwah passed away • Former Delhi Police commissioner Ved Marwah passed away in May 2020. • Marwah was the police commissioner of Delhi from 1985-88 and served as the third director general of the elite National Security Guard from 1988-90. • He was a former governor of Manipur, Jharkhand and Mizoram. • He had also penned a book "Uncivil Wars: Pathology of Terrorism in India”.
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Pritam Singh passed away • Acclaimed management guru and Padma Shri awardee, Pritam Singh passed away in June 2020. • He served as an independent director in several private companies and was a former director of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Lucknow. • He is author of seven books, over 50 research papers and was regarded as a pioneer of management education in India and abroad.
Renowned lyricist Anwar Sagar passed away • Veteran lyricist Anwar Sagar passed away in June 2020. • Anwar wrote many popular songs in the 80s and 90s. • The lyricist also has to his credit films like Yaarana, Salaami, Aa Gale Lag Jaa and Vijaypath among more. • Anwar Sagar also worked with music directors like Nadeem-Shravan, Rajesh Roshan, Jatin-Lalit and Anu Malik.
Basu Chatterjee passed away • Veteran filmmaker Basu Chatterjee passed away in June 2020. • The eminent director was known for popular television series Byomkesh Bakshi, and films like Piya Ka Ghar, Rajnigandha, Choti Si Baat, Baton Baton Mein, and Khatta Meeta, among others. • Chatterjee’s debut film, Sara Akash, in 1969, was set in Agra.
Former Union Minister P Namgyal passed away • Former Union Minister and three-time Congress MP from Ladakh, P Namgyal, passed away in June 2020. • He also served the Pradesh Congress Committee in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state as secretary general and vice president. • From 1960-73 and then from 1974-80, he remained a member of the then Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council until he got elected to seventh Lok Sabha.
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Archery coach Jayantilal Nanoma passed away • International archer-turned-coach Jayantilal Nanoma passed away in May 2020. • Nanoma is an Asia Cup and Asian Grand Prix medalist in compound individual and team events in 2010. • He was employed as a District Sports Officer in Dungarpur. • As a coach, he produced several national and international level archers from Rajasthan. • He has also received the Maharana Pratap State Sports Award.
NBA hall of famer Wes Unseld passed away • Baltimore and Washington Bullets legend Wes Unseld passed away in June 2020. • Unseld spent his entire career with the Bullets organization and finished with 10,624 points and 13,769 rebounds. • In 1969, Unseld became just the second NBA player to earn Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in the same season. • He led the team to its only NBA title in 1978 and was named Finals MVP that year.
Bobby Morrow passed away • American sprinter Bobby Morrow, who won three gold medals at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne passed away in May 2020. • Morrow won gold in the 100 and 200 metres and anchored the U.S. to victory in the 4x100m relay, in which they set a world record. • He is one of the four men to win these three events in a single game, alongside Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis and Usain Bolt.
Music composer Wajid Khan passed away • Music composer, director and singer Wajid Khan passed away due to Covid- 19 in May 2020. • He was also suffering from kidney ailments and had undergone a kidney transplant a few months ago.
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• Wajid Khan, of the famous Sajid-Wajid music composer duo, composed most of the songs of actor Salman Khan's movies. • He has given compositions for movies such as Wanted, Dabangg, and Ek Tha Tiger.
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International Current Affairs
Iran to set up permanent base in Indian Ocean • Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that it plans to set up a permanent base in the Indian Ocean in order to expand its presence in the international waters. • Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has tasked the IRGC with permanent presence in waters. • Accordingly, the IRGC is planning to create a permanent base in the Indian Ocean by the end of March 2021.
Russia: 1st tourist on space walk in 2023 • Russia's Energia space corporation will take the first tourist on a space walk in 2023, under the terms of a • new contract with a US partner. • Energia has inked a contract with Space Adventures, which promises to take two space tourists to the International Space Station that year. • The company together with the Russian agency previously took eight tourists to the ISS between 2001 and 2009.
Myanmar growth rate to slide 0.5% in 2019-20 • Myanmar is forecasted to suffer a severe economic blow due to the ongoing Corona pandemic as its economy is projected to grow by just about 0.5% in the fiscal year 2019-20. • According to the latest World Bank report, the Myanmar economy could actually contract by as much as 2.5% if the pandemic is protracted. • The GDP growth rate for Myanmar was 6.8 percent in 2018-19.
IMF to provide assistance to Myanmar • International Monetary Fund will provide assistance worth USD 356.5 mn to address the challenges posed by COVID 19 emergency. • The assistance will be provided under the Rapid credit facility and Rapid Financing Instrument to tackle Balance of Payment crisis.
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o This assistance will also help the Myanmar government to make expenditure on health facilities.
NASA HQs to renamed after Mary Jackson • NASA headquarters will be renamed after Mary Jackson to honour her efforts to place the first humans on the surface of the moon. • Jackson, an African American woman served NASA until 1985 and strived to help America excel in the space race. • She was a mathematician and an aerospace engineer, inducted into NASA in 1951. • She was honored with Congressional Gold medal in 2019. posthumously.
World Athletics launched 'Road to Tokyo' • World Athletics has launched 'Road to Tokyo', an online tool to track the qualification process for next year's Olympic Games. • Searchable by discipline, country and qualification status, the tool will provide a real time view of each event over the course of the Tokyo 2020 qualification period which ends on June 29, 2021. • The Games will now be held from July 23 to August 8, 2021.
China to join UN arms trade treaty • China will join a global pact to regulate arms sales that has been rejected by the United States. • It will the UN Arms Trade Treaty that is designed to control the flow of weapons into conflict zones. • A study in January 2020 by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute said China is now the second-largest arms producer in the world, behind the US.
Amazon announced a Climate Pledge Fund • Amazon has announced a $2 billion Climate Pledge Fund, a venture capital fund, in order to support green energy developments to fight climate change.
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• The goal of Amazon and other companies who have signed The Climate Pledge is to be net zero by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement target. • The Climate Pledge was founded on September 19, 2019, by Amazon and Global Optimism.
Donald Trump suspended H-1B • US President Donald Trump has suspended H-1B, L and other temporary work permits. • It is aimed at protecting local workers who are facing unemployment due to the spread of Covid-19. • The suspension will be effective till December 31, 2020. • Between February and April of 2020, more than 20 million US workers lost their jobs in key industries.
China successfully launched a satellite • China on 23 June 2020 successfully launched the last satellite of its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). • It is touted to be a competitor to the Global Positioning System (GPS) of the US, taking another step to becoming a major space power. • The satellite was successfully sent into space by a Long March-3B carrier rocket. • It was launched from southwest China's Sichuan Province.
China's high-speed maglev successfully tested • China's high-speed maglev test vehicle, with a speed of 600 km/h, successfully conducted its maiden test run on a maglev line on 21 June 2020. • The average air travel speed of jet passenger planes is 800km/h, while that of conventional bullet trains in China is around 300km/h. • The trial is the first dynamic operation of the prototype on the maglev test track.
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IMF supports 70 nations with $25 bn financing • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has supported 70 countries with roughly about 25 billion dollars of emergency financing as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ripple across the globe. o For the Asia and Pacific region, seven countries have received emergency financing totaling about $1.5 billion. • In Sub-Saharan Africa, 28 countries have received emergency financing totaling almost $10 bn.
World Bank approved $1.05 bn to Bangladesh • The World Bank has approved dollar 1.05 billion for three projects in Bangladesh to create quality jobs and accelerate economic recovery in the wake of the Corona pandemic. • The first project is worth a dollar 500 million called Private Investment and Digital Entrepreneurship (PRIDE) project. • The dollar 295 million 2nd project is Enhancing Digital Government and Economy (EDGE) Project.
Germany launched coronavirus app • Germany has appealed to the public to download a new smartphone app to help break the chain of coronavirus infections. • The Covid-Warn-App uses Bluetooth short-range radio to measure close contacts between people and issues a warning should one of them later test positive for COVID-19. • It is also one of several such apps that European governments hope will revive travel and tourism safely.
Bangladesh to get Zero Tariff facility • Bangladesh will start receiving zero tariff facility on 97% of its goods exported to China under the Duty-Free Quota Free (DFQF) scheme of WTO for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). • Bangladesh will get this facility on 5161 additional items from July 1, 2020.
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• Till now, 3095 commodities from Bangladesh have been enjoying zero tariff facility for export to China.
Infosys joined The Climate Pledge • Infosys Ltd has joined The Climate Pledge, an initiative co-founded by Amazon and environment firm Global Optimism, to make a commitment to meet the Paris Agreement 10 years early. • The Climate Pledge calls on new signatories to be net zero carbon across their businesses by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Accord’s goal of 2050. • Amazon plans to announce many more signatories throughout 2020.
Creation of Jet Zero Council in UK • The UK’s Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps has announced the creation of the Jet Zero Council. • The group will be responsible for making net-zero carbon emissions a reality for all flights in the future. • Funding for sustainable aviation fuels will help to pump-prime an entirely new industry, generating new jobs and economic growth, while reducing emissions from international aviation.
France is fully reopening its economy • French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France is fully reopening its economy, including all restaurants, to accelerate the country's recovery after virus crisis. • Restaurants in the Paris region will be allowed to open indoor seating starting 15 June 2020. • From June 22, 2020 all nursery schools, primary schools and junior high schools will be open and mandatory for all students.
Boris Johnson set up new commission • British PM Boris Johnson has announced a new cross-government commission to tackle racism and all other forms of inequality in the UK.
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• This was done in response to the worldwide anti-racism Black Lives Matter protests. • He is yet to lay out further details of the new commission, its make-up, remit and timetable.
Biocon’s insulin glargine injection approved • The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Biocon Biologics India Ltd’s insulin glargine injection • Semglee for controlling high blood sugar in adults with diabetes. • Semglee, co-developed by Biocon Biologics and Mylan, is a biosimilar to Sanofi’s Lantus insulin glargine injection. • This is the 3rd product of the Biocon subsidiary and Mylan that has been approved by the US FDA.
UK economy shrinks 20.4% during April lockdown • Official figures show that the British economy shrank by a colossal 20.4% in April, the first full month that the country was in its coronavirus lockdown. • All areas of the economy were hit, in particular pubs, education, health and car sales. • April's fall is “the biggest the U.K. has ever seen," and “almost 10 times larger than the steepest pre-COVID-19 fall."
New Zealand declared itself coronavirus-free • New Zealand has eliminated transmission of the novel coronavirus and will lift all containment measures except for border curbs. • This makes the South Pacific nation one of the first countries to do so. • The government dropped social distancing restrictions from midnight on 8 June 2020 as it moves to a Level 1 national alert from Level 2.
Myanmar military Tatmadaw returns to Facebook • Myanmar’s military or Tatmadaw has decided to use Facebook again, opening 2 accounts called “Tatmadaw True News Information Team” and “Zaw Min Tun”.
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• In response to misinformation and fake news the military has decided to use Facebook. • It will assist information flow and provide accurate news. • The military will post real-time updates on both accounts.
Bangladesh launched plasma network • The Bangladesh Govt has launched an online network to facilitate plasma exchange between recovered patients of COVID-19. • It will also help those undergoing treatment for Corona infection in the country. • The initiative named ‘Shohojodha’ has been launched by the ICT division of the government of Bangladesh in collaboration with Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Legislators in 8 countries form alliance • Lawmakers from eight democracies around the world came together on June 5, 2020, to launch The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China. • The formation of IPAC comes at a time when China is defending its position on the national security legislation that is poised to dilute Hong Kong's autonomy. • Some of the countries which are a part of it are Australia, Japan, Canada, etc.
Michael Clarke appointed as an officer • Michael Clarke has been honored in the Queen’s Birthday list for Australia with the former cricket captain recognised for both his sporting career and community work. • Clarke was appointed an Officer in the general division of the Order of Australia. • Former women’s captain Lynnette Larsen and Olympic hockey gold medalist Renita Garard were both named a Member of the Order of Australia.
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G20 countries pledge over $21 billion • Member countries of the Group of 20 have pledged more than $21 billion to fight the coronavirus pandemic. • The announcement comes after the G20 countries injected more than $5 trillion into the global economy in late March 2020 to fight the virus and its economic impact. o Emergency measures aimed at protecting health will be targeted, proportionate, transparent, and temporary.
SpaceX launched Starlink Internet satellites • SpaceX has launched 60 new internet satellites into orbit using another Falcon 9. • This was the eighth batch since May 2019 and takes the current count of Starlink constellation of satellites to 482. • The previous launch that took place in April 2020 also carried 60 satellites. • The company intends to launch 12,000 internet satellites into the lower orbit.
UNSC adopted a resolution • The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution extending until May 2021 an arms embargo on South Sudan and a travel ban and financial sanctions for targeted individuals. • The council additionally scheduled a midterm review of the measures to take place by December 15, 2020 and expressed its readiness to consider adjusting measures.
WHO launched ‘C-TAP’ • WHO launched the ‘COVID-19 Technology Access Pool’ on May 30, 2020. • This comes after at least 37 countries jointly appealed to WHO for common ownership of vaccines, medicines and other diagnostic tools to combat the global health crisis. • The total number of COVID-19 cases worldwide have now surpassed 5.9 million.
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America terminating its relationship with WHO • US President Donald Trump has announced that America is terminating its relationship with World Health Organization over its handling of the Coronavirus. • He blamed WHO and China for the deaths and destruction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. • The US will redirect those funds to other worldwide and deserving, urgent global public health needs.
US postponed G7 Summit till September • US President Donald Trump has postponed the G7 Summit till September 2020. • He has expressed his desire to expand the Group to G10 or G11, including India and three other nations Russia, Australia and South Korea to the grouping of the world's top economies. • The G7 members are US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and UK at present.
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Person in News
Clare Connor: 1st female president of MCC • Former England captain Clare Connor is set to become the first-ever female president of the Marylebone Cricket Club in its 233-year history. • She featured in 111 internationals, scoring 1,604 runs and taking 104 wickets across formats. • She was named the captain of her side in 2000 and held the position until her retirement from international cricket in 2006.
Rachel Priest retires from Cricket • New Zealand wicketkeeper-batswoman Rachel Priest has announced her retirement from international cricket. • Rachel, who has signed up a contract with Cricket Tasmania to play in Australia Women's National Cricket League, played 87 ODIs and 75 T20Is for New Zealand. • She has brought an end to her 13-year long career.
Sania Mirza signed up with Cornerstone • Sania Mirza on 23 June 2020 signed a deal with talent management agency Cornerstone. • She will be working closely with the agency, which will be exclusively managing her brand endorsements, appearances, digital activations, and other potential business opportunities. • She became the first Indian to win the Fed Cup Heart Award for her successful return to the court post motherhood in May 2020.
The Undertaker announced retirement from WWE • Wrestling legend and WWE superstar The Undertaker has announced his retirement from World Wrestling Entertainment. • The Undertaker’s last match was against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36. • His actual name was Mark William Calaway, but popularly known by his ring name The Undertaker.
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• The Undertaker began his professional career in 1987.
Suresh Narayanan's term extended by 5 yrs. • Nestle India has received approval to extend the tenure of its Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Narayanan by another five years. • Narayanan's current five-year term was coming to an end on July 31, 2020 and the board had proposed to extend it by five more years. • Narayanan had joined Nestle India as managing director on August 1, 2015, when the company was facing the Maggi crisis.
Ex-SC judge DK Jain got one-year extension • Former Supreme Court judge DK Jain has been given a one-year extension by the Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) to serve as BCCI's Ethics Officer and Ombudsman. • He was initially appointed by the Supreme Court in February 2019 as BCCI's Ombudsman and later on handed the role of Ethics Officer. • Jain's term had ended in the last week of February 2020.
Kyrgyzstan PM resigned from post • Kyrgyzstan PM Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev has resigned, citing an ongoing criminal investigation into the assignment of national radio frequencies. • He was appointed as the PM by President Sooronbai Jeenbekov in April 2018. • Lawmakers had raised suspicions over his involvement in the suspect sale of radio frequencies involving a leading cable television company and a major telecoms company.
Anmol Narang made history • Anmol Narang has made history by becoming the first observant Sikh to graduate from the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point.
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• In 1987, the US Congress passed a law that prohibited Sikhs and several other religious communities from maintaining their articles of faith while in the military, despite a history of diverse service and simple accommodations.
Shahid Afridi tests positive for COVID-19 • Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first high-profile cricketer to be infected with the deadly virus. • Afridi played for Pakistan between 1998 and 2018, featuring in 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 99 T20 Internationals. • The Pakistan all-rounder is the third Pakistan cricketer to test positive for the novel virus after Taufeeq Umar and Zafar Sarfaraz.
Oleksandr Gvozdyk retires • The former world light-heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk has retired. • Gvozdyk won the WBC title in December 2018 when he knocked out Adonis Stevenson, who had held the belt for five years. • He also won a bronze medal for Ukraine at light-heavyweight at the 2012 Olympics. • His retirement was announced by his manager on 10 June 2020.
2 defence employees arrested in Rajasthan • The special branch of Rajasthan Police has arrested two civil defence employees on espionage charges. • Both the employees - Vikas Kumar and Chimal Lal were passing information to the Pakistani intelligence agency. • They work at an Army Ammunition Depot in Sri Ganganagar district. • Both were arrested under relevant sections of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
Kathy: 1st to reach deepest point in oceans • Astronaut Kathy Sullivan is now also the first woman to reach the Challenger Deep, about seven miles below the ocean’s surface. • She was also the first American woman to walk in space.
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• This also makes Dr. Sullivan the first person to both walk in space and to descend to the deepest point in the ocean. • The Challenger Deep is the lowest of the many seabed recesses that crisscross the globe.
Conor McGregor announced retirement again • Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has announced his retirement on Twitter for the 3rd time in the last four years. • McGregor is the first-ever two-division UFC champion in history and is the popular MMA fighter in the world. • He retired before the second Nate Diaz fight as he had negotiation issues with the UFC. • The second ‘retirement’ came in 2019 as he put out another tweet on 26 Mar 2019.
Kushal Pal Singh retired as Chairman of DLF • DLF on June 4, 2020 appointed vice-chairman Rajiv Singh as the new chairman of the company, replacing KP Singh. • The latter will continue in a non-executive role as Chairman Emeritus. • KP Singh, Non-Executive Director/ Chairman of the company, was at the helm of the affairs for over five decades. • DLF is headquartered in Delhi, India.
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Govt Policies & Schemes Current Affairs
Harsimrat Kaur launched a scheme • Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal launched the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) scheme on 29th June 2020. • It is a part of "Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan". • The Scheme would generate a total investment of Rs 35,000 crore and generate 9 lakh skilled and semi-skilled employment and benefit 8 lakh units.
Maharashtra govt announced Maha Parwana plan • Maharashtra government has announced a new plan called ‘Maha Parwana’. • It will offer several incentives and offer a single-window clearance system for project execution. • Companies investing in a project costing Rs 50 crore or more would not be burdened with getting clearances from several departments. • Such companies would be given an assurance letter (Maha Parwana).
Chhattisgarh government to launch a scheme • The Chhattisgarh government will launch Adarsh police station scheme from July 1, 2020. • Certain parameters have been fixed and those police stations meet the set criteria will be rewarded. • These parameters include the conduct of the police station in-charge and other staff with the general public, the environment of the police station etc.
Surakshit Dada-Dadi, Nana-Nani Abhiyan • Surakshit Dada-Dadi, Nana-Nani Abhiyan is a collaborative effort between NITI Aayog, Piramal Foundation, and 25 Aspirational Districts. • It will ensure the well-being of 2.9 million Senior Citizens during the COVID- 19 pandemic.
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• NITI Aayog has launched this campaign following the appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take care of senior citizens.
Godhan Nyay Yojana in Chhattisgarh • Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel has announced the launch of 'Godhan Nyay Yojana' in the state. • The scheme aims at making animal husbandry commercially profitable, prevent open grazing by cattle and solve the problem of stray animals on roads and for environment conservation. • Under the scheme, the government will procure cow dung from livestock owners at a fixed procurement rate.
Cabinet approved a scheme • Union Cabinet has approved a scheme for interest subvention of 2% for a period of 12 months, to all Shishu loan accounts under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) to eligible borrowers. • The scheme will be extended to loans which meet the following criteria - outstanding as on 31 March 2020; and not in Non-Performing Asset (NPA) category, as per RBI guidelines.
Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan • PM Narendra Modi launched Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan on 26 June 2020. • It is focused on generating employment for those migrant workers of Uttar Pradesh who recently returned from other states. • 'ROZGAR KA NAYA ABHIYAN, HAR SHRAMIK-KAMGAR KO KAM' - With this motto, the state government will provide employment to 1.25 crore workers of the state in different schemes.
J&K Bank launched two products • J&K Bank has launched two products titled ‘J&K Bank Business Support Loan Scheme 2019-20’ and ‘J&K
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• Bank Business Support Loan Scheme 2019-20 for Hotels and Guest Houses’. • These will provide adequate financial support to different business communities to overcome business challenges due to the prevailing conditions, • Lt Governor G C Murmu launched the schemes.
MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari launched CGSSD • MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Sub-ordinate Debt, CGSSD on 24 June 2020. • As per the Scheme, guarantee cover worth Rs 20,000 crore will be provided to the promoters who can take debt from the banks to further invest in their stressed MSMEs as equity. • Promoters of the MSMEs will be given credit equal to 15% of their stake or Rs 75 lakh whichever is lower.
Kerala Government Laptop Scheme 2020 • Kerala government is going to start Laptop Scheme 2020 for students from financially weaker sections to bridge digital divide in the state. • A joint venture between Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE) and Kudumbasree has been announced in this regard. • Under this scheme, govt will provide laptops worth Rs. 15,000 to poor students at an easy installment of Rs. 500 p.m. for 30 months.
Rajasthan Govt to launch Indira Rasoi Yojana • Rajasthan government will soon launch the Indira Rasoi Yojna for the poor to ensure that "no one sleeps hungry" in the state. • Under this scheme, pure and nutritious food on concessional rates will be provided to the needy twice a day. • The state government will spend Rs 100 crore every year on the scheme. • Local NGOs will also be roped in for the successful implementation of the scheme.
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Nishtha Vidyut Mitra Scheme started • In Madhya Pradesh, the Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company has started the Nishtha Vidyut Mitra Scheme for women empowerment in one of its kind of initiatives. • In this scheme, women Self-Help Groups at Gram Panchayat level will work as Nishtha Vidyut Mitra. • This scheme will increase the revenue collection of the company as well as women will also earn extra.
Jharkhand plans a scheme for urban poor • Jharkhand is set to become the 1st state to launch an employment guarantee scheme for urban poor on the lines of the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act. • The scheme, Mukhyamantri Shramik Yojna will guarantee 100 days of work in a financial year for urban unskilled labourers. • It would have a provision to pay an unemployment allowance if the state fails to provide 100 days of work.
Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan launched • PM Narendra Modi has launched a massive rural public works scheme, Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, in six states. • This Abhiyan will provide livelihood opportunities to the migrant workers and will help in the development of rural areas by creating local infrastructure. • The campaign will be operationalized through the Common Service Centres and Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the districts.
GoI to launch “Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan” • PM Narendra Modi will launch ‘Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan’ on June 20, 2020 to boost livelihood opportunities in rural India. • It will empower and provide livelihood opportunities to the returnee migrant workers and rural citizens. • The campaign is of 125 days across 116 districts in 6 states.
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• It will involve intensified implementation of 25 different types of works to provide jobs.
UP provided employment under MGNREGA • Uttar Pradesh has become the top state in the country to provide employment to the workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme MGNREGA. • According to the data released by officials, 57 lakh 12975 workers got employment in around 57 thousand village panchayats of the state which is 18% of the total work generated under the MGNREGA in the country.
SAUNI scheme to be completed by 2021 • The phase 2 and phase 3 of the Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) scheme to fill Saurashtra''s 115 dams with Narmada water will be completed by August 15 and March 2021 respectively. • The first phase of the scheme is completed and now filling of 16 dam reservoirs is possible. • 42 dam reservoirs need to be filled through 457 kilometres of the pipeline through 3 links in phase 3.
Uttar Pradesh govt decides to adopt a scheme • The UP Govt has decided to adopt the scheme of Flatted Factory Model. • It will ensure easy availability of land for industries, and in turn, generate employment also. • The new policy will allow the owner of an industrial land of at least five acres to develop one-fourth of it as flatted factory.
UP CM launched Bal Shramik Vidya Yojana • UP CM Yogi Adityanath has launched the Bal Shramik Vidya Yojana. • Under this, financial assistance will be given to the children of workers so that there is no hindrance in their education process.
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• Children between the ages of 8-18 will be given monthly and yearly financial assistance so that they do not have to give up their education to earn a livelihood.
Andhra CM launched a scheme • A scheme has been launched by Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy to provide financial assistance to barbers, dhobis (washermen) and tailors in the state. • The scheme is named as ‘Jagananna Chedodu (Handholding by Jagan)'. • It involves direct cash transfer of Rs 10,000 into the bank accounts of each of 2,47,040 beneficiaries every year.
Himachal CM launched 'Panchvati Yojana' • Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur has launched the "Panchavati Yojana" for senior citizens of rural areas in the state. • Under this scheme, parks and gardens will be developed in all the development blocks with necessary facilities under the MNREGA scheme. • The main objective of the scheme is to provide parks and gardens along with entertainment to the senior citizens of the state.
Madhya Pradesh launched a welfare programme • Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched Street Vendor Registration Portal and • “Mukhyamantri Shahri Path Vyavsayi Utthan Yojana”. • He transferred Rs 300 crore to urban local bodies. • A few days ago, Rs 1,555 crore were provided to 22,800 Gram Panchayats for development purposes.
PSBs sanctioned loans worth over Rs 17,705 cr • Until 5 June 2020, public sector banks (PSBs) have sanctioned loans worth Rs 17,705.64 cr to MSMEs under the government's newly-launched Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS).
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• Out of the amount, loans worth Rs 8320.24 crore have already been disbursed. • The loans are 100 per cent credit-free and include a moratorium for the first 12 months.
The ‘#iCommit’ initiative launched • Power Minister R K Singh initiated the ‘#iCommit’ campaign on the occasion of World Environment Day. • It is driven by Energy Efficiency Services Limited. • It can bring together a diverse spectrum of government and private players to build a new energy future for India. • The initiative is centred around the idea of building an energy resilient future.
Kerala implements 'Food forest' project • On World environment day, Kerala's first 'food forest' is being prepared at tribal belts of Attapady in Palakkad district. • It is a part of the Tribal Comprehensive Development Programme in Kerala and is being implemented in cooperation with the Mahila Kissan Saktheekaran Pariyojana of the Central Government. • The project aims to provide food security to 192 tribal villages in Attapadi.
Govt launched SWADES initiative • Union Government has launched a new initiative SWADES- Skilled Workers Arrival Database for Employment Support. • It will conduct a skill mapping exercise of the returning citizens under the Vande Bharat Mission. • This is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Civil Aviation Ministry and External Affairs Ministry.
Odisha, Sikkim included in ONORC scheme • Three more states have been included in One Nation, One Ration Card scheme. • They are Odisha, Sikkim and Mizoram.
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• Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on 1 June 2020 announced the inclusion of these states in the scheme on Integrated Management of Public Distribution System. • By August 2020, Uttarakhand, Nagaland and Manipur will also be added to the national cluster.
Govt unveiled PM SVANIDHI scheme • Union Government on 1 June 2020 launched PM SVANIDHI - Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi. • It is a special micro-credit facility scheme for providing affordable loan to street vendors. • The scheme is aimed at enabling the street vendors to resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to COVID-19 lockdown.
Odisha approved a Rs 17,000 cr plan o Odisha Council of Ministers has approved a 'Special Livelihood Intervention Plan' of Rs 17,000 crore to • increase the rural income. • It will increase the income opportunities in rural areas, wherein the State Government will spend Rs 17,000 cr from June 2020 to March 2021. • A provision of Rs 200 cr has been made for the Agriculture sector where 24.56 lakh farmers will be directly benefitted.
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Science & Tech Current Affairs
CSIR scientists developed oxygen unit • Scientists at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune have designed a portable oxygen unit which can be used in homes and hospitals. • One of the strengths of this unit is that it does not require an oxygen cylinder and the use of this unit can help in reducing the demand for ventilators and oxygen cylinders. • If the corona patients get oxygen initially, they do not need ventilators later.
Astronomers found two Super-Earths o Astronomers have discovered two super-Earth exoplanets that are orbiting a star 11 light-years away from Earth. • The results of the study were published in the journal Science. • The star, Gliese 887 is a small, dim red dwarf star with about half the mass of our sun, but due to its proximity, it is the brightest red dwarf in the sky and is one of the closest stars to our sun.
Fully automated liquid oxygen tank • The Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre of Ahmedabad has commissioned a fully automated liquid oxygen tank in its premises. • The institute started releasing uninterrupted oxygen supply in hospital wards from a 10000-litre capacity tank. o Earlier, the institute depended on cylinder deliveries for oxygen requirement but the installation of a tank would ensure a hassle-free supply.
A new ending app from Flipkart's Co-founder • Sachin Bansal, Flipkart's co-founder has launched a Navi Lending App that will provide FastTrack credit. • A loan of up to 5 lakhs can be availed via this app with a repayment period of 36 months. • No KYC or documents (other than PAN card) are needed for the process.
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• Customer data will be sourced from the trading and brokerage accounts, credit/debit card transactions and credit history by RBI.
IIT-Bombay developed receiver chip “Dhruva” • IIT-Bombay has developed a homegrown receiver chip - Dhruva. • It can be used in smartphones and navigation devices to find locations and routes within the country. • Dhruva will receive signals from India’s NAVIC group of navigation satellites as well as the US Global • Positioning System-based satellites to determine these accurately under all weather conditions.
Indian Institute of Science develops Nanozymes • A research team at the Indian Institute of Science has developed nanozymes that destroy the cell membrane of bacteria by directly targeting its phospholipids. • Nanozymes are nanomaterials that can disintegrate the cell membranes of a range of diseases causing • bacteria. • The study was conducted by the Dept of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry and the Dept of Microbiology and Cell Biology.
Fluorine detected in hot Extreme Helium Stars • A study by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has detected the presence of singly ionized fluorine for the first time in the atmospheres of hot Extreme Helium Stars. • The research has been published in the Astrophysical Journal. • Fluorine abundances determined from singly ionized fluorine (F II) lines suggest a very high enrichment of fluorine.
240-year-old Neutron Star discovered • Astronomers recently discovered the youngest known neutron star, only about 240 years old – a veritable newborn by cosmic standards.
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• The "infant magnetar", was born from an exploded star – a family of extreme cosmic objects called neutron stars. • It has been named Swift J1818.0-1607, as per a recent study published about it in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Fifth state of matter seen for the 1st time • Scientists have observed the fifth state of matter in space for the first time. • Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) -- the existence of which was predicted by Albert Einstein and Indian mathematician Satyendra Nath Bose almost a century ago. • These are formed when atoms of certain elements are cooled to near absolute zero (0 Kelvin, minus 273.15 Celsius).
New spider species found • A group of spiders have been named after Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. • Thunberga gen. nov. is a new genus of huntsman spiders from Madagascar, described by German arachnologist Peter Jager. • It has been named after her in honour of her commitment to tackling climate change. • Unlike most spiders, huntsman don't spin webs and hunt and forage instead for their food.
New fish species discovered in Arunachal P. • A new species of fish has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh. • It is named as Schizothorax sikusirumensis. • The name of this fish species has been derived from the name of the river where it was found. • It was collected from the junction of River Siku and Sirum near Gakang area under Mebo circle of East Siang District. • The fish inhabits the waterlogged area of torrential river drainage.
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DRDO developed 'GermiKlean' • DRDO has developed a sanitizing chamber named 'GermiKlean' to sanitize uniforms of security forces. • The sanitizing chamber has been set up at Parliament Street Police Station. • This chamber is designed to sanitize 25 pairs of uniforms within 15 minutes. • DRDO had earlier designed a sanitization tunnel and a mat for foot sanitization.
Titan drifts away from Saturn 100 times faster • Saturn’s moon Titan, is the second-largest moon in our solar system, nearly 50% larger than the Earth’s moon. • In a new study published in Nature Astronomy, a team of researchers report that Titan may be straying from its planet at a much faster rate than anticipated. • According to recent data, Titan actually drifts away 100 times faster than expected, at a rate of approx. 11 cm each year.
Kerala Startup launched mask disposal bin • VST Mobility Solutions, a Startup headquartered at Cochin, has launched an automated mask disposal machine. • It has been launched as part of efforts to develop products helping to combat the COVID-19. • The device, named BIN-19, developed Chitra UV based face mask disposal bin technology from the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST).
IIT Mandi researchers developed masks • Researchers at IIT Mandi claim to have developed a technology for making high efficiency masks. • They have been made using waste pet bottles that are not only more breathable than commercially available masks but also can be washed and reused up to 30 times.
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• The team has also filed a patent for the waste plastic bottles derived filter membrane technology based on electrospinning.
IIT-Guwahati students develop “Flyzy” app • Students of IIT Guwahati have developed a mobile application, called ‘Flyzy’. • It will provide a seamless air travelling experience to passengers during the pandemic. • The mission is to build Flyzy into India’s finest aviation IT technology company for providing a stress-free and safe journey to flyers. • The aim of the application is to provide contactless boarding.
IAF develops rescue pod “ARPIT” for evacuation • The Indian Air Force has designed, developed and inducted an Airborne Rescue Pod for Isolated Transportation (ARPIT). • It will be utilised for the evacuation of critical patients with infectious diseases including COVID-19 from high altitude areas, isolated and remote places. • It has been developed at a mere cost of Rs 60,000, compared to the imported systems costing up to Rs 60 lakh.
ARCI developed magnetocaloric material • Scientists at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) have developed a rare-earth-based magnetocaloric material. • It can be effectively used for cancer treatment. • The magnetocaloric materials developed by ARCI are being tested at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST).
NCL Pune developed nasopharyngeal swab o The National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Pune has successfully developed an indigenous nasopharyngeal (NP) swab. • It will collect samples from the throat cavity of patients affected with Corona Virus which causes the Covid-19.
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• The nasopharyngeal swab is a medical device with stringent specifications of quality, polymer grade, dimensions and sterilization.
IIT Hyderabad researchers developed a test kit • Researchers at IIT Hyderabad have developed a low cost and Artificial Intelligence-based test kit for COVID-19. • These kits can give results in about 20 minutes. • The test kits have already been tried at the ESIC hospital and the results are encouraging. • The test kits are Reverse Tranion Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)- free and get rid of many processes.
CeNS developed low-cost catalyst • Scientists from The Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), have found out a low cost and efficient way to generate hydrogen from water using Molybdenum dioxide as a catalyst. • The scientists have shown that Molybdenum dioxide nanomaterials annealed in hydrogen atmosphere can act as efficient catalysts to reduce the energy input to bring about water splitting with great efficiency.
AI for detection of COVID-19: DIAT • Researchers at the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) in Pune have developed an artificial intelligence enabled COVID-19 detection tool. • It uses chest x-rays of patients to identify the infection. • Chest x-rays of suspected patients can be uploaded on this AI tool, which immediately confirms any abnormality due to COVID-19 or other kinds of respiratory disorders.
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Business & Economy Current Affairs
Government launched 7.15% floating rate bonds • The government has announced the launch of Floating Rate Savings Bonds, 2020 (Taxable) with an interest rate of 7.15%. • The bonds will be available for subscription from July 1, 2020. • The interest rate on these bonds will be reset every six months, the first reset being on January 1, 2021. • Interest will be payable in every six months instead of having an option to receive it at maturity.
Myanmar growth rate to slide 0.5% in 2019-20 • Myanmar is forecasted to suffer a severe economic blow due to the ongoing Corona pandemic as its economy is projected to grow by just about 0.5% in the fiscal year 2019-20. • According to the latest World Bank report, the Myanmar economy could actually contract by as much as 2.5% if the pandemic is protracted. • The GDP growth rate for Myanmar was 6.8 percent in 2018-19.
SWSS bagged a solar project • Sterling and Wilson Solar Ltd's US subsidiary has bagged a contract worth USD 99 million (around Rs 747 crore) to construct a solar project in the USA. • Sterling and Wilson Solar Solutions Inc (SWSS), has been awarded the contract to construct a 194 MW project in the US. • Construction for the project will commence in September 2020 and the project will be commissioned by November 2021.
ICICI Bank launched ‘Video KYC’ • ICICI Bank has announced the launch of ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) verification process through video interaction. • So, now if one wants to open a new savings account, he/she can complete the documentation through
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• ‘Video KYC’. • The Bank has made the facility available for new customers keen to open a savings account, including a salary account, or avail a personal loan with the Bank.
Cooperative banks to be supervised by RBI • The Union government has decided to bring 1,482 urban cooperative banks and 58 multi-state cooperative banks, under the supervisory powers of the RBI. • The RBI's powers as they apply to the scheduled banks will also apply to cooperative banks. • The decision will give an assurance to more than 86 million depositors in these banks that their money amounting to Rs 4.84 trillion will stay safe.
Karnataka Bank launched KBL Micro Mitra • Karnataka Bank has launched a new product, KBL Micro Mitra, to provide financial assistance up to Rs 10 lakh to micro manufacturing and service enterprises towards working capital or for investment purposes. • The facility has a simplified procedure and a competitive rate of interest. • The facility will be available across the country through all branches of Karnataka bank.
IIM Ahmedabad Endowment Fund launched • Indian Institute of Management- IIM Ahmedabad has launched the ‘IIM Ahmedabad Endowment Fund’. • The fund has been launched with an initial commitment of Rs. 100 Crore from 10 founding alumni. • The endowment aims to raise Rs.1000 crore over a period of five years. • The fund will ensure financial health of the institute.
MSP for mature dehusked coconut declared • Govt has declared Minimum Support Price, MSP for mature dehusked coconut for the season 2020 at 2,700 rupees per quintal.
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• The Centre has hiked the MSP by 5.02 per cent. • During season 2019, the MSP was 2,571 rupees per quintal. • It will be a relief to the coconut farmers who are already affected by the pandemic and the consequent disruption in the supply chain.
BSE ranked among 10 most valued exchanges • BSE figures among the world's 10 largest exchanges in terms of cumulative market capitalization of all companies listed on its platform. • The data was given by the World Federation of Exchanges. • BSE is at the tenth place in the top-10 list, with a market capitalization of $1.7 trillion. • The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) tops the chart with a valuation of $19.3 trillion.
MCL plans to invest Rs 60,000 crore in Odisha • Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, will invest Rs 60,000 crore in Odisha by 2025-26. • The company targets to increase its coal production capacity to 300 million tonnes in about three years. • To increase the capacity building for the new and expansion of existing projects, the company would invest in procurement of heavy machinery.
RBI doubled withdrawal limit to Rs 1 lakh • The RBI has enhanced the withdrawal limit to Rs 1 lakh while extending the regulatory restriction on the cooperative bank by another six months till Dec. 22, 2020. • The earlier withdrawal limit was Rs 50,000 per depositor. • The RBI had placed regulatory curbs on the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank Limited, Mumbai, on 23 Sept 2019.
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Procurement of MFP touched all time high • The ongoing procurement of Minor Forest Produces under the Minimum Support Price for MFP Scheme in 16 states has hit a record-breaking high with the procurement touching Rs 79.42 cr. • With this, the total procurement for the year, both government and private trade, has crossed more than Rs 2000 cr. • Tribal Affairs Ministry had recommended the addition of 23 new items under the MFP list.
India's forex reserve rose to a life-time high • India's forex reserves rose to touch a life-time high of 507.64 US billion in the second week of June 2020. • In the previous week ended June 5, 2020 the foreign exchange reserves had crossed the half-a-trillion mark for the first time after it surged by a massive USD 8.22 billion and reached USD 501.703 billion, according to the weekly data released by the Reserve Bank of India.
ICICI Home Finance launched a scheme • ICICI Home Finance has launched a special affordable housing loan scheme, with special rates for women, lower and middle-income groups. • Called SARAL, it aims to fund homes in urban and rural areas. • SARAL offers affordable housing loans up to ₹35 lakh at an interest rate starting from 7.98 per cent onwards, for a maximum tenure of 20 years,
RBI proposed new rules • The RBI has proposed to tighten the rules governing home financiers. • The regulator’s proposal has also clearly defined home finance firms and those that are systemically important among them. o RBI has also proposed that home financiers should not be simultaneously allowed to lend to a real estate developer as well as homebuyers in the developer’s project.
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Reliance Industries is now debt-free • Reliance Industries (RIL) is now a net debt-free company, after having raised Rs1.75 trillion against its net debt of Rs1.61 trillion. • The company raised Rs1.15 trillion rupees through a 24.71% stake sale of equity of its subsidiary Jio Platforms to 11 investors. • The parent company also raised Rs53,124.20 crore through a rights issue of its shares.
ICICI Bank sold ₹2,250 crore stake • ICICI Bank has divested 18,000,000 equity shares of face value of ₹10 each of ICICI Lombard General • Insurance Company Ltd, • It represents 3.96% of its equity share capital at March 31, 2020, on the stock exchange for an approximate total consideration of Rs. 2,250 cr. • The ICICI Bank's shareholding in ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd now stands at approximately 51.9%.
PIF to invest in Jio Platforms • Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will invest Rs 11,367 crore for a 2.32 percent stake in Jio Platforms. • This is a historic eleventh investment in the Reliance Industries (RIL) digital unit in nine weeks. • PIF is among the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world with total estimated assets of nearly $400 billion.
PSBs disbursed Rs 18, 306 crores to MSME sector • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Public Sector Banks have disbursed Rs 18,306 crore to the MSME sector. • Public Sector Banks have sanctioned loans worth Rs32,049 crore under the 100 per cent Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme. • Maximum disbursements were made by the SBI followed by Canara Bank. • SBI disbursed Rs 9,488 crore whereas Canara bank disbursed Rs 1,619 crore so far.
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Wheat procurement touched a record • The procurement of wheat from farmers has touched an all-time record to 382 Lakh tonnes. • The earlier record was 381.48 lakh tonnes, achieved during 2012-13. • 42 Lakh farmers have been benefited from all over the country and a total of about 73 thousand 500 crore rupees has been paid to them towards Minimum Support Price for wheat.
Funds allocated for a scheme in Andhra Pradesh • Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kurasala Kannababu introduced agriculture budget for 2020-21 in the State Assembly on 16 June 2020. • The budget has allocated Rs 6,885.60 crore for the 'Rytu Bharosa-PM Kisan' scheme. • Also, Rs 207.83 crore is allocated for the agricultural mechanisation scheme and Rs 141.73 crore is allocated for the integrated agricultural program.
Acquisition by MacRitchie in API • The Competition Commission has approved the acquisition of certain stakes in 91 Streets Media Technologies, Ascent Health and Wellness Solutions, and API Holdings by MacRitchie Investments. • It would provide an opportunity for MacRitchie to invest and participate in the long-term growth of the market for wholesale sale and distribution of drugs in India.
Alibaba Cloud to invest $283 million • Alibaba Cloud will invest RMB 2 billion (US$283 million) this fiscal to empower global partners and accelerate joint innovations in the post- pandemic era. • With the investment, Alibaba Cloud aims to introduce new and improved work process with partners to increase communication efficiency so that parties can respond quickly to changing customer demands, especially during COVID-19 pandemic.
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ICICI Bank introduced ‘Insta FlexiCash’ • ICICI Bank has launched an overdraft facility, Insta FlexiCash, for its salaried account customers. • It is designed to protect ICICI Bank Salary Account customers from missing their Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs) or cheque bounces due to insufficient funds by providing short-term instant credit. • Customers can easily avail of this facility by initiating their application online.
L Catterton invested in Reliance Jio • Reliance Industries Ltd has confirmed that the global investment firm L Catterton has invested Rs 1894.50 crore in Jio Platforms. • This becomes the tenth investment in Jio Platforms in the past few weeks. • L Catterton’s investment will translate into a 0.39% equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis.
Airtel Payments Bank launched salary account • Airtel Payments Bank has announced a salary account for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). • Through the 'Suraksha Salary' account, MSMEs and other organisations will be able to make cashless payments and also provide financial security blanket to their employees. • The benefits under the account include Hospicash Insurance and Personal Accidental insurance cover.
Uttar Pradesh to set up Invest UP • The UP government has set a nodal agency--Invest UP-- headed by UP CM to streamline the state's investment approval and other related procedures. • Uttar Pradesh plans to clear investment-related proposals in not more than 15 days. • This is the first time in Uttar Pradesh that a special ministry has been set up for investment.
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Jio Platforms to raise ₹4,547 cr from TPG • Jio Platforms will raise Rs4,546.80 crore from TPG against 0.93% stake sale to the private equity giant. • The transaction gives Jio Platforms an equity valuation of Rs 4.91 trillion and an enterprise value of Rs5.16 trillion, the same as most of the eight deals have taken place at. • The list of investors in Jio includes Facebook, KKR, Vista Equity Partners, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, etc.
ArcelorMittal to make investment in Odisha • ArcelorMittal Group is planning to invest ₹2,000 crore in Odisha. • ArcelorMittal Group is the world's largest steel maker. • The company is also planning expansion of its iron beneficiation plant at Baduna in Keonjhar district from 5 MTPA to 16 MTPA. • Essar steel has also been acquired by ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel.
Bharti Airtel arm bought stake in Robi Axiata • Bharti Airtel's subsidiary has acquired an additional 6.3% stake in Bangladesh's telecom operator Robi Axiata from NTT Docomo. • The all-cash deal will raise the stake of Bharti International (Singapore) -- wholly-owned subsidiary of Bharti Airtel -- in Robi Axiata to 31.3 per cent from 25 per cent at present. o The deal has been approved by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.
Tata Power to sell 3 ships to German company • Trust Energy Resources Pte Ltd (TERPL), a fully-owned subsidiary of Tata Power Company Ltd (TPCL), will sell • three ships to German company Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG for an estimated cost of $212.76 million. • The sale of the 3 ships -- MV Trust Agility, MV Trust Integrity and MV Trust Amity -- currently owned by TERPL is expected to be concluded in the next three to four weeks.
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Bank of Baroda, Union Bank reduced MCLR • Bank of Baroda and Union Bank of India have announced cut in their marginal cost of funds-based lending rates (MCLR) across all tenors. • Bank of Baroda's MCLR cut of 15 basis points (bps) is effective from 12 June 2020 • The 10-bps revision in Union Bank of India's rates will come into force from 11 June 2020. • Bank of Baroda has revised its one-year MCLR to 7.65 per cent from 7.80 per cent.
Indian economy will shrink 5% in FY21 • S&P Global Ratings has said Indian economy will shrink 5 per cent in the current fiscal. • The fiscal stimulus worth 1.2 per cent of GDP will not be enough to provide significant growth support. • This was revealed in a report on emerging markets titled 'Financial Conditions Reflect Optimism, Lockdown Fatigue Emerges' by S&P Global Ratings.
Microsoft’s venture fund opened India office • M12, Microsoft’s venture fund, has opened its India office in Bengaluru. • The local arm will pursue investment opportunities across the region, focusing on B2B software startups in areas of applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), business applications, etc. • The Bengaluru office joins an M12 network that includes San Francisco, Seattle, London, and Tel Aviv.
IL&FS sold 50% stake in GIFT city • IL&FS has completed the sale of its 50 per cent stake in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) to the Gujarat government. • It generated over Rs 32 crore for its equity value and also reducing its consolidated debt by more than Rs 1,200 crore.
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• The stake in GIFT City was bought by Gujarat Urban Development Company Ltd (GUDCL), on behalf of the Gujarat government.
Customs duty hiked on bamboo imports • Union Government has hiked Customs duty on bamboo imports by agarbatti manufacturers from 10 per cent to 25 per cent with immediate effect. • The decision has been taken to encourage use of domestic bamboo under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat scheme. • The 25 per cent customs duty rate shall now uniformly apply to any import of bamboo, including by traders.
Adani Green won world's largest solar bid • Shares of Adani Green Energy (AGEL) hit a new high of Rs 312.75, up 5% on the BSE after the company said it has bagged the world's largest solar bid worth $6 billion. • The company has won the first of its kind manufacturing linked solar agreement from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). • As a part of the award, AGEL will develop 8 GW of solar projects.
India's economy to contract by 3.2% • India's economy will shrink by 3.2% in the current fiscal. • This data was given by the World Bank in its report titled Global Economic Prospect. • However, the Indian economy is expected to bounce back in 2021. • International rating agencies like Moody's Investors Service, Fitch Rating have all predicted a 4-5% contraction in India's economic growth rate during April 2020 to March 2021 fiscal.
SBI to cut MCLR by 25 bps from 10 June • State Bank of India has announced it will reduce marginal cost of fund-based lending rate (MCLR) by 25 basis points across all tenors from 10 June 2020. • The one-year MCLR has been revised to 7 per cent from 7.25 per cent, the bank said in a release.
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• This is the thirteenth consecutive reduction in the bank's MCLR.
OPEC agreed to cut oil production by about 10% • Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allied nations have agreed to extend a production cut of nearly 10 million barrels of oil a day through the end of July 2020. • The measure is aimed at cutting out the excess production depressing prices as global aviation remains largely grounded due to the pandemic. • It represents some 10 per cent of the world's overall supply.
RBI proposed a comprehensive framework • The RBI has proposed a comprehensive framework for sale of loan exposures, which could be standard, sub-standard or non-performing assets (NPAs). • Presently, the guidelines for sale of loan exposures, both standard as well as stressed exposures, are spread across various circulars of the RBI. • The stakeholders can send their comments on the draft framework to the RBI by June 30, 2020.
Highest ever funds allocated under MNREGS • A provision of Rs 1,01,500 crore has been made under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in the current financial year 2020-2021. • It is the highest ever provision of funds under the programme. • A sum of 31,493 crores has already been released in 2020-2021, which is more than 50 percent of the budget estimate of the current Financial Year.
ADIA: New investor in Jio Platforms • Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), one of the world’s biggest sovereign wealth funds, will invest Rs 5,683.5 crore into Jio Platforms. • The decision by ADIA is 8th investment in Jio Platforms in less than seven weeks and marks the largest continuous fundraising action by a company anywhere in the world.
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• RIL has now sold a little over 21 percent stake in Jio Platforms.
Rs 270 cr for Assam Gramin Vikash Bank • National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has made available a Special Liquidity Facility of Rs 270 crore to Assam Gramin Vikash Bank. • It will support the agricultural activities of the farmers. • NABARD has provided Rs 25,000 crore nationwide for providing liquidity support to Cooperative Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) during 2020-21.
Facebook to acquire 9.9% stake in Jio • Facebook will acquire 9.9% stake in Jio Platforms announced in May 2020, via a new entity -- Jaadhu Holdings LLC, as per regulatory documents. • In April 2020, Facebook had announced an investment of $ 5.7 billion (Rs 43,574 cr) in Jio Platforms. • According to a submission made to the Competition Commission of India, Jaadhu Holdings, LLC is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Facebook, Inc.
Indian economy to contract by 1.5% in FY21 • A survey released by the Reserve Bank has showed that Indian economy may contract by 1.5 percent in FY21 though the next fiscal is expected to be much better. • The GDP is, however, expected to revert to growth terrain next year, when it is likely to grow by 7.2 per cent. • Real gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) is likely to register negative growth of 6.4 per cent in 2020-21.
Abu Dhabi company to invest in Jio • Abu Dhabi sovereign fund Mubadala Investment Company will inject Rs 9,093.6 crore in Jio Platforms in exchange for 1.85 percent. • It is the 6th investment in the RIL digital unit.
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• The investment by Mubadala, which manages about $229 billion in assets, at an equity value of Rs 4.91 lakh cr and an enterprise value of Rs 5.16 lakh crore, takes the total amount raised by Jio to Rs 87,655.35 cr.
RBI to set up ₹500-cr fund • The RBI has announced the creation of a ₹500 cr Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF). • It will encourage deployment of Point of Sale (PoS) infrastructure in tier-3 to tier-6 centres and the North-East. • The PIDF will be governed through an Advisory Council and managed and administered by the RBI.
Centre allocated Rs. 3 lakh crores for MSMEs • A sum of Rs. 3 lakh crores have been allocated to provide easy loans for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises by the Union Government. • MSMEs can also apply for a loan at the nearest bank or on their portals. • Government will provide 100 per cent guarantee for the loan taken by MSMEs. • Exemption in monthly EMI for one year will be provided with interest of only 7.5 per cent.
Moody’s lowered India’s sovereign rating • On 1 June 2020, Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) downgraded the Government of India’s foreign-currency and local-currency long-term issuer ratings to “Baa3” from “Baa2”. • It stated that the outlook remained “negative”. • Few reasons for the downgrade are weak implementation of economic reforms since 2017 and relatively low economic growth over a sustained period.
SBI: Separate vertical for micro credit • State Bank of India has created a separate vertical to focus on financial inclusion and micro markets (FI&MM).
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• The bank will offer loans predominantly for agriculture and allied activities and micro and small enterprises under the new vertical. • Under this plan, about 8,000 branches in rural and semi-urban areas have been identified to provide specialised services to the micro segment.
RBI imposed Rs 4 crore penalty on Citibank • RBI has imposed a penalty of ₹4 cr on Citibank for non-compliance of no- objection certificate (NOC) norms at the time of opening current accounts. • It had done the statutory inspection of the bank with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2017. • A few days ago, RBI had also imposed a fine of ₹6.5 crore on three banks, Bank of India, Karnataka Bank and • Saraswat Co-operative Bank.
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Sports Current Affairs
Liverpool won the English Premier League • Liverpool has won the English Premier League title 2019-20. • The team has been titled EPL champions after the defeat of Manchester City on the hands of Chelsea. • The team has been crowned EPL champions after a gap of 30 years (since 1989-90).
Australia to host FIFA Women's World Cup • The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ will be staged in Australia and New Zealand. • Following on from the astounding success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ in France and the subsequent unanimous decision by the FIFA Council, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will be the first edition to feature 32 teams. • It will also be the first to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Rachel Priest retires from Cricket • New Zealand wicketkeeper-batswoman Rachel Priest has announced her retirement from international cricket. • Rachel, who has signed up a contract with Cricket Tasmania to play in Australia Women's National Cricket League, played 87 ODIs and 75 T20Is for New Zealand. • She has brought an end to her 13-year long career.
Karate Association de-recognised by WKF • The Karate Association of India (KAI) has been provisionally de-recognised by the World Karate Federation with immediate effect. • It was de-recognised for infighting and violating WKF's statutes during the elections held in 2019. • The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had disaffiliated KAI in January 2020 for violating its constitution and guidelines.
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Niki Poonacha elected to ITF panel • Niki Poonacha has been elected to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) men’s player panel. • He will represent the Asia-Oceania zone along with Ti Chen of Chinese Taipei. • Aldin Setkic and Francesco Vilardo were elected from Europe, while Juan Pablo Paz and Jose Bendeck were elected to represent South America.
Nagaland Sports Academy to be made KISCE • Nagaland State Sports Academy at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima has been selected to be established as Khelo India State Centre of Excellence, KISCE. · It is a historic moment for the people of Nagaland. • Sports Ministry has identified state-owned sports facilities in eight states of India. • They are Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha
Napoli won its sixth Italian Cup title • Napoli has won its sixth Italian Cup following a 0-0 draw with Juventus. • The game went straight to penalties without extra time being played -- a precautionary measure for players still getting back into shape in only their second match of the restart. • In the first half, Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne hit the post with a free kick.
Sri Lanka to resume Cricket post COVID-19 • Cricket in Sri Lanka is all set to resume in the post-COVID-19 world. • Several Sri Lankan cricketers will be returning to action with the Puttalam District Cricket Association T10 League. • The PDC T10 League will start from June 25, 2020. • The PDC T10 League is a 12-day tournament. • It will be held at the world heritage site of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.
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Bahrain to host 4th Asian Youth Para Games • The Asian Paralympic Committee announced that Bahrain will host the 4th edition of the Asian Youth Para Games from Dec 1 to 10, 2021. • An estimated 800 athletes under 20 years of age are expected to compete in nine sports including athletics, badminton, powerlifting, swimming and table tennis. • The competition will take place across numerous venues in Khalifa Sports City and Isa Sports City.
Sports Ministry to establish KISCE • The Sports Ministry has decided to set up Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCE) under Khelo India. • While KISCE would be identified in every state, the first phase of the scheme will see eight state-owned facilities being upgraded. • The eight facilities have been selected on the basis of facilities available in priority sports, infrastructure and past champions.
Mamedyarov won Sharjah Online Chess C’ship • Azerbaijan’s Shakhriyar Mamedyarov bagged top honours at the World Stars Sharjah Online International Chess Championship. • Grandmaster Mamedyarov won the coveted title and pocketed $3000 with 7.5 points from 10 rounds. • Indian Grandmaster Pentala Harikrishna finished second with 6.5 points after losing his 10th and final round game to Radoslaw Wojtszek.
FIFA team rankings: India at 108th position • Indian football team has retained the 108th spot in the latest FIFA rankings issued on 11 June 2020. • Belgium remains at the summit ahead of France and Brazil, while England and Uruguay continue to occupy fourth and fifth position respectively. • Croatia and Portugal are on sixth and seventh place respectively followed by Spain, Argentina and Colombia.
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Sanjita Chanu cleared of doping charge • Two-time Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning weightlifter K. Sanjita Chanu was released from doping charges after more than two-and-a-half years. • The case has been closed and the IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) has decided to withdraw the charges. • On January 22, 2019, the IWF lifted the provisional suspension. • It took nearly one year and five months more to exonerate Sanjita.
Russian high jumper Shustov got doping ban • Russian high jumper Alexander Shustov, the 2010 European champion, has received a four-year ban for anti-doping violations. • Shustov, who retired from competition in 2017, has been suspended until 2024. • He has been suspended for "use or attempted use of a banned substance or prohibited method" in a ruling by the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
DICC ODI World Cup 2021 • The Indian deaf cricket team is set to take part in the DICC Cricket ODI World Cup 2021, scheduled to be held in UAE from 19-29 Oct 2021. • The team, under Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) has been invited by Deaf-ICC, South Africa to be a part of the tournament. • The invitation was received after DICC took cognizance of the team’s stellar performances in the previous • T20s and ODIs.
Gomathi Marimuthu got four-year doping ban • Gomathi Marimuthu, the 2019 Asian championship 800m gold medalist, has been stripped of her medal and banned for four years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). • She was banned after her ‘B’ sample also returned positive for anabolic steroid nandrolone.
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• All of Gomathi's competition results between March 18 and May 17, 2019, stand annulled.
Conor McGregor announced retirement again • Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has announced his retirement on Twitter for the 3rd time in the last four years. • McGregor is the first-ever two-division UFC champion in history and is the popular MMA fighter in the world. • He retired before the second Nate Diaz fight as he had negotiation issues with the UFC. • The second ‘retirement’ came in 2019 as he put out another tweet on 26 Mar 2019.
Younis Khan appointed Pakistan batting coach • Younis Khan, the first and only Pakistan batsman with over 10,000 Test runs, has been appointed as their batting coach for their upcoming tour of England. • In addition to Younis, former Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed will also join the touring party as the spin bowling coach. • In a career spanning over 17 years, Younis stacked up 10,099 runs at an average of 52 in 118 Tests.
Fit India and MHRD launched special films • Ministry of HRD and Sports have collaborated to produce a series of special films promoting 10 indigenous sports of India. • The 'Dept of School Education and Literacy' has joined hands with sports ministry's flagship programme 'Fit India'. o The 10 sports to be covered in the series are Kho-kho, Gatka, Kalaripayttu, Mallakhamb, Thang-Ta, Sqay, Kabaddi, Roll Ball, Tug of War and Shooting Ball.
Chelsea: Women's Super League winners • Chelsea has been awarded the Women's Super League title.
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o Aston Villa was declared the winner of the second-tier Women's Championship by England's Football Association (FA) on 5 June 2020. • Bottom-placed Liverpool, whose men's team are two wins away from securing a first top-flight crown in 30 years, will be relegated to the second- tier for the 2020-21 season.
India to host 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup • The Asian Football Confederation has awarded the hosting rights of the 2022 Women's Asian Cup to India for the first time since 1979. • The decision was taken at the AFC Women's Football Committee meeting. • In February 2020, the AFC Women's Football Committee had recommended India to be hosts. • The tournament will likely be held in the second half of 2020.
SAI launched Khelo India e-Pathshala • The Sports Authority of India (SAI) launched Khelo India e-Pathshala in association with National Sports Federations on June 1, 2020. • The programme is India's first-ever national-level open online coaching and education programme for grassroot-level athletes. • It will educate young athletes who have not been able to train in their academies in the past few weeks due to the pandemic.
36th National Games postponed • The much-delayed 36th National Games, scheduled for October-November 2020 in Goa, was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) recently asked the Goa government that it must host the National Games as scheduled from October 20 to November 4, 2020. • However, a spurt in the number of novel coronavirus cases has led to a postponement.
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Defence Current Affairs
“Defence Conclave 2020 Gujarat” • Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik inaugurated two-day Defence Conclave 2020 Gujarat on 25 June 2020. • It was jointly organised by Confederation of Indian Industry Gujarat and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM). • It aimed to bring together the high-level govt representatives to exchange ideas, viewpoints and knowledge regarding the critical defence offset policies.
Indian Navy inducted a system • Anti-Submarine Warfare capability of the Indian Navy has inducted the Advanced Torpedo Decoy System Maareech capable of being fired from all frontline warships. • Design and Development of this anti-torpedo decoy system has been undertaken indigenously by DRDO labs- (NSTL and NPOL). • The Bharat Electronics Limited, a Defence PSU, would undertake the production of this decoy system.
India to send a Contingent to Russia • India will send a 75-member Tri-Service contingent to participate in the military parade in Moscow on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War. • The parade will honour the heroism and sacrifices made by the Russian and other friendly people. • It will be held on 24 June 2020.
India-China border face-off at Galwan valley • 20 Indian soldiers were martyred in a face-off with Chinese soldiers at the border on 15 June 2020. • It began near the Pagong Lake in Ladakh on May 5-6, 2020. • This is the first deadly conflict between India and China in at least 45 years.
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• Around 43 Chinese soldiers have been injured in the violent face-off, pushing the bilateral relationship between the two nuclear powers to an all-time low.
GRSE delivered ICGS Kanaklata Barua to ICG • Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has delivered ICGS Kanaklata Barua, the fifth and final ship in the series of Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) for the Indian Coast Guard. • This is the 105th vessel delivered by the Miniratna Category 1 Defence PSU shipyard. • Yard 2116, the fourth ship in the series of FPVs is earmarked for export delivery to the Seychelles Coast Guard.
Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle Complex • The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) Complex was inaugurated at Visakhapatnam on 10 Jun 20. • The DSRV Complex is designed to accommodate the newly inducted Submarine Rescue System with state-of-the-art facilities to store the DSRV assets in a Rescue-Ready state. • The DSRV system consists of a Submarine Rescue Vessel, a Remote Operations Vehicle, Side Scan Sonar and associated equipment.
IAF develops rescue pod “ARPIT” for evacuation • The Indian Air Force has designed, developed and inducted an Airborne Rescue Pod for Isolated Transportation (ARPIT). • It will be utilised for the evacuation of critical patients with infectious diseases including COVID-19 from high altitude areas, isolated and remote places. • It has been developed at a mere cost of Rs 60,000, compared to the imported systems costing up to Rs 60 lakh.
First Rafale fighters to join IAF • The French Dassault Aviation’s `Rafale’ is expected to arrive India by July 2020 end.
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• These aircraft can easily integrate with the existing fleets in the IAF and will enhance the overall combat potential and deterrence value. • The first Rafale is expected to be commanded by the Commanding Officer (CO) of the 17 Golden Arrows’ squadron who will be accompanied by a French pilot.
Second phase of operation Samudra Setu began • Indian Navy ship INS Jalashwa will sail from Colombo port in Sri Lanka on 1 June 2020 carrying around 700
Indian nationals back to Tamil Nadu. • This will be the 1st operation as part of operation 'Samudra Setu' from Sri Lanka to repatriate Indian citizens as part of Vande Bharat mission. • Indian Navy has already repatriated 1,488 Indian nationals from Malè to Kochi during the previous phase.
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Books & Authors Current Affairs
Dr Adyasha Das released poetry anthology • Dr. Adyasha Das, well-known poet from Odisha has released her fourth book of poems, “The Yogini Poems: Love and Life”. • It is based on the Chausathi Yoginis of Hirapur. • Her first non-fiction book on the Yoginis, “The Chausathi Yoginis of Hirapur: from Tantra to Tourism” went on to earn the tag of Amazon Bestseller and remained among the top ten for four consecutive months.
Karan Puri launched new book #MeToo • Author Karan Puri has launched his new book titled #MeToo. • The book brings some never-shared before shy thoughts and dark secrets of some celebrities and other renowned personalities as well as common people coming from different walks of life. • After #MeToo transpired in the US, it was Tanushree Dutta who took Bollywood industry by storm as she opened up about getting sexually harassed.
Amish announced his new book • Author Amish Tripathi has announced the launch of his new book, Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India. • Published by Westland Publications Pvt Ltd, his latest fiction is set in 11th- century, India. • The book begins with Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion and the massacre of the holy Somnath Temple. • He is also the author of the book The Immortals of Meluha.
Kazuo Ishiguro's new novel to be out in Mar 21 • Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro will come out with his new novel Klara and the Sun in March 2021.
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• This is the first novel by Ishiguro since he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature and will be published by Faber & Faber in the UK, Alfred A Knopf in the US and Knopf in Canada on 2 Mar 2021. • His 8 previous works of fiction have earned him many honours including the Booker Prize.
“A Burning” novel released • The Penguin Hamish Hamilton has released the “A Burning”, a debut novel of Megha Majumdar. • The book is about the lives of three characters, Tommy Orange, Yaa Gyasi and Jhumpa Lahiri who want to rise to the middle class, to political power, to gain fame in the film industry and how their lives changed in Indian society. • The book was published by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.
HRD Minister launched an information booklet • HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has launched the information booklet titled 'Safe online learning in the times of COVID-19'. • It will raise awareness among students and teachers. • NCERT and UNESCO have jointly developed this booklet which will facilitate in raising awareness of students and teachers as well as ensure timely action in cases of cyberbullying.
New book to promote benefits of a diet • Luke Coutinho has come up with his new book, "The Dry Fasting Miracle: From Deprive to Thrive". • It is co-authored by Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Ali Bin Rashed Al Nuami, a member of the Ajman royal family in the UAE. • The book will be published under the Ebury Press imprint of Penguin Random House. • Dry fasting and intermittent fasting help the body to heal naturally and regenerate.
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Modi government released an e-booklet • The Modi government has released an e-booklet highlighting its key achievements during the second term. • The 92-page booklet 'One Year of Modi 2.0 - Towards A Self-Reliant India' has been brought out by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. • The booklet has a separate section for the actions taken to fight the Covid- 19 pandemic and deal with the economic fallout of the crisis.
Behind the Mask: A book on COVID-19 • Mohammed Abdul Mannan’s has authored a book titled Behind the Mask. • The book details the origin and spread of the coronavirus and how it has made the world sick, panicky and topsy-turvy. • This is the eighth book by Mannan who has worked for Deccan Chronicle, Indian Express and India Today, Doordarshan and Zee TV in the past. • Behind the Mask is available in print and digital format on Amazon.
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Committees & Recommendation
Niti Aayog formed a panel • NITI Aayog has formed a committee of top executives of technology companies like Google, Microsoft, etc. to provide information in their language about employment for migrant workers. • The aim is to create a platform where workers can find employment opportunities in their language around their place. • The platform will connect job seekers, employers, government agencies, and skill centers.
Petroleum Ministry constituted a Committee • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has constituted a three- member high-level committee. • It will inquire about the circumstances that led to the blowout incident at Baghjan in Assam. • The three-member committee comprises SCL Das, DG of Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, BC Bora, former chairman ONGC and TK Sengupta, former Director, ONGC.
RBI constitutes Internal Working Group • The RBI has constituted a 5-member Internal Working Group to review the guidelines related to ownership, governance and corporate structure of private sector banks. • RBI Central Board Director P K Mohanty will head the committee, which will submit its report by 30th September 2020. • The panel will also examine norms for promoter shareholding at the initial/licensing stage.
Delhi LG constituted expert committee • Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has constituted an Expert Advisory Committee to advise Delhi Disaster Management Authority, DDMA.
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• The committee will give advice on the challenges being faced in Delhi and suggest measures to ramp up medical infrastructure. • It will also advice DDMA on integration of measures being taken by the various agencies for effective mitigation of COVID-19.
MHA reconstituted a new committee • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reconstituted a committee to look into the welfare of freedom fighters. • The minister of state for home affairs G Kishan Reddy will be the chairman and nine “eminent freedom fighters” from across the country will be its members. • The ministry has a separate division to serve freedom fighters who are alive and their families.
SEBI reshuffled a committee • SEBI has re-constituted its 17-member commodity derivatives advisory committee (CDAC). • It examines issues related to contract designs and new products in the segment. • The same committee also advises on matters related to delivery mechanism and warehouses. • The committee has been mandated to recommend measures for improving market safety, efficiency, transparency and integrity, etc.
Leh DC constituted three-member committee • In UT of Ladakh, Leh District Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar has constituted a three-member committee. • It will enquire the lapses in dealing with the irregularities in handing over of body of a deceased COVID-19 positive case. • A serious lapse in the protocol in handling a COVID-19 suspect has punctured all the precautions taken in containment of Coronavirus in Leh district.
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National Current Affairs
Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a Facility • Union Minister of Steel Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated Continuous Galvanized Rebar Production Facility at Mandi Gobindgarh in Punjab. • The Continuous Galvanized Rebar production facility will support the much- awaited need of supplying galvanized rebar to the construction industry. • Galvanized steel is a material of strength which is environment-friendly and cost-effective.
Rainwater harvesting project in Vadodara • In Gujarat, Vadodara district has successfully set up the rainwater harvesting project at 1000 government schools in the district. • Vadodara has become the first district in the country to achieve this success. • The district administration completed the project within a short span of 9 months. • The project was completed at a total cost of Rs. 6 crores.
34th anniversary of Mizo peace accord • In Mizoram, the people celebrated the 34th anniversary of the signing of the historic Mizo peace accord on 30 June 2020. • The peace accord was signed between the Union government and the erstwhile underground Mizo National Front (MNF) on 30th June in 1986. • The state government has declared a public holiday for the celebration of this historic day.
Deadline to bid for Air India extended • The government has again extended the deadline to bid for Air India by two months till 31st August 2020. • This is the third time the deadline has been extended. • The divestment process for the national carrier was initiated on 27 January 2020.
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• Besides, the date for intimation to Qualified Interested Bidders has also been extended till 14th of September, 2020.
NFL launched 5 Mobile Soil Testing Labs • National Fertilizers Limited- NFL has launched five Mobile Soil Testing Labs for testing the soil samples at the doorstep of farmers free of cost. • It will give further boost to the Soil Testing facility in the country for promoting appropriate use of fertilizers. • These Mobile Labs, loaded with latest soil testing equipment will be used for macro and micro nutrient analysis of soil.
Unlock -1 ends 30 June 2020 • 30 June 2020 is the last day of the first phase of the three-phased exit plan from nationwide lockdown. • The Unlock 1 or fifth phase of lockdown began on the 1st June 2020 and allowed a phased reopening of most activities across India. o The government also allowed unfettered movement of goods and persons between states and within states.
Government banned 59 mobile apps • The Indian Government has banned 59 mobile apps. • These apps were banned in view of the information available they are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of the country, defence of the country and security of the state and public order. • The banned apps include TikTok, Helo, WeChat, Shein, Xender, ShareIt, etc.
Online portal for issue of NOC launched • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a new web portal for issue of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for power projects and Research Survey Exploration Exploitation (RSEE) activities in the Indian Territorial Waters (TW) and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
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• The Ministry has developed the online application portal with the assistance of National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
CSIR scientists developed oxygen unit • Scientists at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune have designed a portable oxygen unit which can be used in homes and hospitals. • One of the strengths of this unit is that it does not require an oxygen cylinder and the use of this unit can help in reducing the demand for ventilators and oxygen cylinders. • If the corona patients get oxygen initially, they do not need ventilators later.
Indian Oil’s R&D Campus in Faridabad • Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone of Indian Oil’s state-of-the-art Technology Development & Deployment Centre as its 2nd R&D Campus at IMT, Faridabad. • The new centre, with an investment of Rs 2282 cr, and covers an area of about 59 acres. • It would focus on demonstration and deployment of various technologies developed by Indian Oil R&D.
MSME Forum for Indian Entrepreneurs • Minister of State for MSME Pratap Chandra Sarangi launched an MSME Forum for Indian entrepreneurs on World MSME Day, i.e. 27 June 2020. • During the launch, the opening speech was given by the CEO of MSME Forum Ashutosh Kumar. • On June 1, the Union Cabinet approved the upward revision of MSME definition which is now Rs.50 crore of investment and Rs 250 crore of turnover.
Health Ministry recommended use of Dexamethasone • The Health Ministry has included the use of Dexamethasone as an alternative to Methylprednisolone for managing COVID-19 cases.
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o Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid drug used in a wide range of conditions for its anti-inflammatory effects. • The drug has been tested in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the Recovery clinical trial and was found to have benefits for critically ill patients
49th Governing Council Meeting of NPC • Union Railways and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal chaired the 49th Governing Council Meeting of National Productivity Council (NPC) via video conferencing, in New Delhi on June 27, 2020. • He suggested that adoption of technology and digital economy is going to play a vital role in not only transforming the business enterprises, but also in achieving the target of a 5 trillion-dollar economy.
Ministry of Culture celebrated “Sankalp Parva” • The Ministry of Culture has decided to celebrate Sankalp Parva from 28 June-12 July 2020 to plant trees. • It has recommended the people to plant 5 trees which have been identified by PM and represent the herbal heritage of our country. • These trees are Bargad, Awla, Peepal, Ashok and Bel. • If the saplings of these trees are not available then people may plant any other sapling of their choice.
KG Denim developed reusable PPE coveralls • KG Denim, Coimbatore-based textile manufacturer, has claimed to have developed personal protective equipment (PPE) coveralls which are reusable up to 80 washes. • It has the ability to recharge chlorine in fabric for nearly 80 washes. • The PPE kits which are presently used for COVID-19 treatment are not reusable and can be used only for one day. • The used PPE is destroyed using an incinerator.
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SIDBI set up a fund • Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has set up a fund to support free onboarding for MSMEs on trade receivables discounting system (TReDS). • The free onboarding of MSMEs would be available till September 2020. • The fund, Swavalamban Crisis Responsive Fund, is an open-ended fund and the target is to onboard 10,000 MSMEs during the period.
Nasha Mukt Bharat: Annual Action Plan 2020-21 • 'Nasha Mukt Bharat: Annual Action Plan (2020-21) for 272 Most Affected Districts’ was e-launched by Shri Rattan Lal Kataria, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment on 26 June 2020. • He also released Logo and Tagline for National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction and 9 Video Spots produced for Drug Abuse Prevention.
Fully automated liquid oxygen tank • The Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre of Ahmedabad has commissioned a fully automated liquid oxygen tank in its premises. • The institute started releasing uninterrupted oxygen supply in hospital wards from a 10000-litre capacity tank. o Earlier, the institute depended on cylinder deliveries for oxygen requirement but the installation of a tank would ensure a hassle-free supply.
15th Finance Commission held virtual meetings • The 15th Finance Commission held virtual meetings with its Advisory Council and discussed various issues confronting the Commission now. • The meeting was Chaired by the 15th Finance Commission's Chairman N. K. Singh. • The Commission will be closely monitoring emerging indications on the economic and fiscal front as they become available, in order to make the best possible assessment.
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Ahmedabad Municipal Corp slaps fine on hospital • In Gujarat, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has slapped a fine of Rs 77 lakh on a trust-run Rajasthan Hospital. • The fine was imposed for not allowing a bed with a ventilator to an advanced stage COVID-19 patient on 18th June 2020 which resulted in the death of the patient. • According to MoU signed with the hospital, 50% beds have been kept reserved for patients sent by Municipal corporation.
12.5 crore e-cards issued under Jan Aarogya • Dr Vipul Agarwal, Dy CEO of National Health Authority informed that under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana, around 12.5 crore e-cards have been issued till now. • Almost 1 crore 10 lakh people have availed free treatment. • COVID-19 testing and treatment packages were also introduced under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
TRIFED Digital Platforms launched • Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, through video conference, has launched the TRIFED Digital Platforms. • The main highlight was the launch of the TRIBES India products on the Government e-Marketplace and • TRIFED’s new website. • A webinar ‘TRIFED Goes Digital’ and Be Vocal for Local’ #GoTribal was also organised by TRIFED on 28 June • 2020 and was attended by over 200 participants.
4th phase of 'Vande Bharat Mission' to begin • The fourth phase of 'Vande Bharat Mission' is scheduled to commence from 3rd July 2020. • Air India will operate 170 flights and bring back Indian Nationals from 17 countries.
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• World's largest repatriation programme, 'Vande Bharat Mission' initiated by the Central Government has brought back nearly 1,50,000 Indian nationals till date through nearly 700 flight operations.
Battery swap facility launched in Chandigarh • VP Singh Badnore and Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a battery swap facility for the commercial vehicles in Chandigarh • There has been an agreement between Indian Oil & M/s Sun mobility to explore the opportunities to set up such infrastructure at the Indian Oil Retail outlets • Such steps can help India to promote the use of e-vehicles and complete its target under the climate change agreement
Manoj Dwivedi appointed General Secretary: • Manoj Dwivedi has been appointed the new Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department of Jammu and Kashmir. • He is currently the Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce of Jammu and Kashmir. • He will hold both the positions simultaneously. • Manoj Dwivedi is a 1997 batch IAS officer.
Safety eyewear developed by CSIO • Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) has developed safety glasses for the health professional working in close contact with Covid 19 patients. • The glasses were developed by a team of CSIR CSIO scientists lead by Dr Vinod Karar. • The glasses will be made out of polycarbonate and will completely protect the eyes as well as the area around the eyes from the suspended particles.
1971 war hero Sqn Ldr Parvez Jamasji dead • Sqn Ldr Parvez Jamasji (retd), a Vir Chakra awardee passed away at 77 at his house in Dadar.
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• He was commissioned into air force in 1965 and retired in 1985. • He was flight Lieutenant during the Indo Pak war of 1971 and was serving a helicopter unit. • The Vir Chakra citation lauded his bravery efforts and presence of mind with which he fought during the war of 1971.
108-feet tall statue of Kempegowda • Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa laid the foundation stone for the 108 feet tall bronze statue of Bengaluru founder Kempegowda near the state capital’s international airport. • The statue will cost around 78 crore rupees. • Also laid the foundation stone for the development of 23 acres theme park in memory of the founder of Bengaluru. • Its Kempegowda’s 511th Jayanti.
Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated PADC in Odisha • Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik virtually inaugurated Product Application and Development Centre (PADC) in Paradip. • It has been constructed on 5-acre of land with a capital expenditure of Rs 43 crore. • The PADC has been set up by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) adjacent to its Refinery complex in Odisha's Paradip.
Amendment in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules • The Road Transport and Highways Ministry has said that Citizens with mild to medium colour blindness can also obtain the Driving License. • The Ministry has issued a notification for amendment in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. • It has been taking many measures to enable divyangjan citizens to avail transport-related services and especially relating to the obtaining of the Driving Licence.
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NS Tomar launched web portal • Minister for Rural Development Narendra Singh Tomar has launched the web portal of the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan. • The Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan is the massive employment generation- cum-rural infrastructure creation programme of the Government of India. • Its objective is to provide employment to returnee migrant workers at their native places for the next four months.
Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 • President Ram Nath Kovind has promulgated the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 in pursuance of the commitment to ensure safety of depositors across banks. • The Ordinance amends the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as applicable to Cooperative Banks. • It seeks to protect the interests of depositors and strengthen cooperative banks by improving governance.
Yes Bank launched a mobile payment app • Yes Bank has launched its digital wallet solution ‘Yuva Pay’ in partnership with UDMA Technologies. • It will enable contactless payments for its customers. • The digital wallet issued under minimum KYC regulations to Yes Bank will offer bill payments via Bharat Bill Pay and provide Unified Payments Interface (UPI) facility to customers.
6th Phase of Haritha Haram Programme launched • Telangana CM K Chandrashekhar Rao has launched the sixth phase of Haritha Haram programme by planting a Black Plum (Neredu) sapling in the Narsapur forest area in Medak district. • He also inaugurated the Narsapur Urban Forest Park, which was developed in 636 acres. • He also examined the works related to natural forest, Rockfill dam, and water harvesting.
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Niti Aayog launched a campaign • NITI Aayog has launched a behaviour change campaign 'Navigating the New Normal' and its website. • It will help people follow norms to contain the spread of COVID-19. • The campaign has been developed under the guidance of Empowered Group 6, chaired by NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant. • The campaign has two parts. • The first is a web portal and the second is a media campaign.
BIAL: 1st airport to install AWMS technology • For the first time in India, an Aviation Weather Monitoring System has been installed at the Bangalore airport at both ends of the runway. • It is the first airport in India to have this technology installed at both ends of the runway. • Apart from this, Bengaluru airport has also installed four Drishti Transmissometers which is expected to help in measuring the Runway Visibility Range (RVR). • Serological survey to begin in Delhi • The serological survey in Delhi will begin on 27 June 2020 and it will be carried out jointly by the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC and Delhi Government. • Training of all the concerned survey teams was completed on 25 June 2020. • So far, 4,3812 tests have been conducted in the National Capital.
CCEA approved an investment • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved an additional investment of $121.27 million by ONGC Videsh Ltd for further development of Block A-1 and A-3 blocks in Myanmar. • OVL, the overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), had picked up a stake in the Shwe Project in Myanmar in 2002. • The firm has invested $722 million in the project till March 31, 2019.
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IAS Civil List 2020 launched • Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has launched the IAS Civil List 2020 and its e-version in New Delhi. • This is 65th edition of IAS Civil List and the 2nd e-Civil list with photographs of the IAS officers of all the State Cadres. • The List also contains the information of IAS as per batch, cadre state, present posting, pay and allowances, education and superannuation.
CBSE postponed CTET examination • CBSE has postponed the Central Teachers Eligibility Test (CTET) examination to be conducted on 5th July 2020. • Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said, the decision has been taken in in view of the present situation. • The new date of examination will be intimated when the situation is more conducive for it.
‘eBloodServices’ mobile app launched • Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan launched the ‘eBloodServices’ mobile App developed by the Indian Red • Cross Society, on 25 June 2020 through a video conference. • Through this App, four units of blood can be requisitioned at a time and the blood bank will wait for as long as 12 hours for the person to collect it. • This app makes it easy for those in need to request for Blood units.
'Atmanirbhar’ petrol pump started in Pune o A petrol pump in Pune has launched 'Atmanirbhar campaign' to incorporate social distancing measures to ensure the safety of its customers and employees. • This idea was floated by the petrol pump to maintain social distance between customer and salesperson, and also to lessen the disputes that often arise while filling fuel.
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IIT-Bombay developed receiver chip “Dhruva” • IIT-Bombay has developed a homegrown receiver chip - Dhruva. • It can be used in smartphones and navigation devices to find locations and routes within the country. • Dhruva will receive signals from India’s NAVIC group of navigation satellites as well as the US Global • Positioning System-based satellites to determine these accurately under all weather conditions.
Kushinagar Airport to get international status • The Union Cabinet has given its approval for declaration of Kushinagar Airport in UP as an international airport. • Kushinagar is the mid-point of the Buddhist circuit. • It has pilgrimage sites in Lumbini, Shravasti, Kapilvastu nearby it. • A 3-km-long runway strip has already been made. • Now, even a big aircraft of Airbus can land at the airport.
Cabinet approved formation of IN-SPACe • The Union Cabinet has announced the formation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). • It will promote the participation of private industries in space activities, including planetary exploration missions. • IN-SPACe will provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure and will guide them through encouraging policies.
Devika Bridge in Udhampur inaugurated • Dr Jitendra Singh e-inaugurated Devika Bridge in Udhampur on River Devika and 'Puneja Bridge' in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on 24 June 2020. • The Bridge on River Devika in Udhampur has been completed by Border Roads Organisation within 15 months’ time while Puneja Bridge was constructed in 36 months.
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Cabinet approved establishment of a fund • Government announced historic reforms in space, banking and animal husbandry sector on 24 June 2020. • It will constitute Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACE) for effective socio-economic usage of space technology. • In another landmark decision, the government has introduced a Rs 15,000 crore Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund.
Tourism Ministry conducted a webinar • Tourism Ministry conducted a webinar on ‘Vedic Food and Spices of India’ under Dekho Apna Desh webinar series. • The webinar focused on the importance of Vedic food and spices of India which remain unexplained to the world and never bridged to modern world cuisines. • The benefits of cooking in the Earthenware was highlighted as food prepared in these vessels retains its natural flavor.
Free Digital Learning Platform unveiled • Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in partnership with IBM has unveiled Free Digital • Learning Platform ‘Skills Build Reignite’. • It will reach more job seekers and provide new resources to business owners in India. • A 10-week duration Skills Build Innovation Camp for students has also been announced providing hands-on project experience.
BMC launched ‘Mission Universal Testing’ • The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is launching ‘Mission Universal Testing’ in Mumbai under which one lakh antigen testing kits will be made available. • These kits would be available at all civic-run hospitals, government hospitals, COVID care centres, etc. • This kit is said to provide results within thirty minutes.
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WCF CyberSmart Portal launched • WNS Limited, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm WNS Cares Foundation (WCF) has announced the national launch of CyberSmart portal. • CyberSmart is a holistic cyber safety learning ecosystem for education and empowerment of students, teachers, volunteers and parents, supported by NASSCOM. • It is a free-for-all gamified learning platform that uses thematic quiz-based modules.
Karate Association de-recognised by WKF • The Karate Association of India (KAI) has been provisionally de-recognised by the World Karate Federation with immediate effect. • It was de-recognised for infighting and violating WKF's statutes during the elections held in 2019. • The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had disaffiliated KAI in January 2020 for violating its constitution and guidelines.
Karnataka govt to establish fever clinics o The Karnataka govt has announced that fever clinics would be established at all district-level and taluk-level hospitals, wherein fever cases would be screened in a separate area. • The private institutions in the corporation areas would also be designated as fever clinics. • According to the state health dept, the total number of positive cases has mounted to 9,721 and 150 deaths till now.
TN CM inaugurated compressed biogas plant • Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami inaugurated the compressed biogas (CBG) plant set up in Namakkal through video conference on 23 June 2020. • He also inaugurated the five CBG retail outlets in Namakkal, Salem, Puduchathiram and Rasipuram.
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• The CBG plant belongs to IOT, a joint venture between Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and German company Oiltanking GmbH.
Karnataka Bank launched KBL Micro Mitra • Karnataka Bank has launched a new product, KBL Micro Mitra, to provide financial assistance up to Rs 10 lakh to micro manufacturing and service enterprises towards working capital or for investment purposes. • The facility has a simplified procedure and a competitive rate of interest. • The facility will be available across the country through all branches of Karnataka bank.
IIM Ahmedabad Endowment Fund launched • Indian Institute of Management- IIM Ahmedabad has launched the ‘IIM Ahmedabad Endowment Fund’. • The fund has been launched with an initial commitment of Rs. 100 Crore from 10 founding alumni. • The endowment aims to raise Rs.1000 crore over a period of five years. • The fund will ensure financial health of the institute.
Ex-gratia for employees of power dept • Maharashtra govt has announced ex-gratia of Rs. 30 lakhs for employees of power department who die • due to COVID-19. • This monetary assistance will be given to regular as well as contractual staff. • Meanwhile, in positive news, over 100 private and not-for-profit entities have joined hands to launch a telemedicine platform.
UP Govt to establish COVID help desks • UP government will establish COVID help desks at every police station, hospital, collectorate, Block Development Office and major institutions including jails of the state. • These help desks will play an important role in generating awareness and giving first-hand help to the citizen of the state.
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• These help desks will act as support system for general public.
Chinese hackers attempted cyber-attacks • Maharashtra Police has said that Chinese hackers have attempted over 40,000 cyber-attacks on India's IT infrastructure and banking sector during the past five days. • Most of the attacks originated from Chengdu area in China. • Attacks were aimed at causing trouble in banking, infrastructure and IT services like hijacking of Internet Protocol and phishing.
2 crore BOCWs received cash assistance • 2 crores Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) have received cash assistance of Rs 4,957 crore during the lockdown. • 1.75 crore transactions were done directly into the bank accounts of the workers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). • Apart from cash benefits ranging from Rs 1000-6000 per worker, some of the States have also provided food and ration to their workers.
2nd phase of YUKTI launched • Union Minister of HRD Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has launched the second phase of YUKTI (Young India combating COVID with Knowledge, Technology and Innovation). • It will help in systematically assimilating technologies having commercial potential and information related to incubated startups in country's higher education institutions. • The YUKTI web portal was launched on 11 April 2020.
Patanjali launched Coronil kit for ₹545 • Patanjali has launched 'Coronil and Swasari', which it claims is the Ayurvedic cure for treating COVID-19. • The company claims that it has shown 100 per cent favourable results during clinical trials on affected patients, at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar. • The Corona kit will be made available at just ₹545.
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• The corona kit will have medicines for 30 days.
Rs. 2,000 crores allocated by PM CARES Fund • The PM-CARES Fund Trust has allocated Rs.2000 cr for supply of 50,000 ‘Made-in-India’ ventilators to government run COVID hospitals in all States and UTs. • In addition, Rs.1000 cr have been allocated for the welfare of migrant labourers. • Out of the 50,000 ventilators, 30,000 ventilators are being manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited. • 2,923 ventilators have been manufactured so far.
ISRO got an Indian patent • ISRO has got an Indian patent for its liquid cooling and heating garment (LCHG) that is suitable for space applications. • The patent is valid for 20 years from the date of application, that is, February 8, 2016, and was granted on June 19, 2020. • The garment is made of biocompatible fabrics and parts to provide comfortable body temperature and removal of sweat.
Mumbai’s civic body launched ‘Mission Zero’ • Mumbai’s civic body has launched ‘Mission Zero’, a rapid action plan to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. • 50 mobile dispensary vans have been inaugurated, which will visit the city’s hotspot areas to identify and conduct a preliminary examination of patients. • The vans will visit Mulund, Bhandup, Andheri, Malad, Borivali, Dahisar and Kandivali areas to conduct screening of patients.
Complete lockdown in Madurai district • Madurai district in Tamil Nadu comes under complete lockdown for seven days from 23 June 2020 midnight till June 30, 2020. • The state Govt has issued an order saying, the adjoining villages and towns of Madurai will also go for the full lockdown.
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• Shops selling essential things would be open from 6 am to 2 pm only. • In Tamil Nadu, the total number of Covid-19 infections has shot up to 62,087.
Punjab govt to amend law & rules • Punjab Govt has decided to amend the law and the rules to change the definition of large manufacturing units. • It also began a host of other reforms to enable such industries to operate with ease and boost employment generation. • The state cabinet has approved the necessary amendments in Section 45 (4) of the Factories Act, 1948 and in Rules 2(A), 3 (A) and 70 (5) of Punjab Factory Rules 1952.
Uttar Pradesh govt to start antigen test • The UP Govt is very soon going to start an antigen test for identification of COVID patients. • It is a test on swab-based nasal samples which gives early results and is very different from the Rapid Antibody Test, which tests blood samples for the presence of antibodies. • In the first phase Antigen tests will start in five cities Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Kanpur.
300 ad-hoc posts in Medical Education Dept • Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh has sanctioned 300 ad-hoc posts in the Medical Education Department, amid escalating COVID cases. • The posts include 100 each in the three-government run Medical Colleges, to handle the critical patients. • The Chief Minister also issued directions for expeditious recruitment of medical and technical staff against all vacant and sanctioned posts.
Palghar Police running Vishwas Abhiyan • In Maharashtra, Palghar District Police is running a 'Vishwas Abhiyan'. • The aim is to build rapport with tribal residents in the district.
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• This move comes after the killing of three seers and subsequent arrest of many villagers in April 2020. • The drive is yielding positive results. • The concepts of 'Police Mitra' and 'Dakshata Samiti' have helped in reducing complaints against the police.
Sensitization-cum-Awareness Workshop in J&K • In Jammu and Kashmir, the Budgam District Magistrate inaugurated two-day Sensitization-cum-Awareness Workshop on 22 June 2020. • It was for service providers affiliated with different types of business activities, particularly shopkeepers all across the district. • The aim of organizing such workshops is to impart training to stakeholders by various speakers consisting of trained medicos.
Virtual Healthcare & Hygiene EXPO 2020 • Union State Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated one of India's largest and first Virtual Healthcare and Hygiene EXPO 2020 on 22 June 2020. • The unique exhibition aims to give a boost to health and hygiene endeavours. • It has been organised by FICCI and will culminate after five days on 26 June 2020.
Food Processing Edition launched o Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal has launched the Food Processing Edition of the Exclusive Investment Forum. • Invest India has designed this forum of unique sectoral series to conduct detailed conversations between global industry leaders and key decision- makers from the highest levels of the Central and State Governments.
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Himachal Pradesh govt allocated Rs 1990 cr • Himachal Pradesh Govt has allocated Rs.1,990 cr under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan for the current financial year. • It will ensure empowerment and welfare of this vulnerable section of the society. • The State Government has spent Rs 1317.71 cr on providing better health, education, drinking water facilities, and skill development in the Scheduled caste majority areas during the year 2018-19.
Tripura govt announced a learning project • Tripura has announced a special initiative for activity-based learning named ‘Ektu Khelo, Ektu Padho’. • The project is scheduled to kickstart from June 25, 2020. • The new scheme called Ektu Khelo, Ektu Padho can be accessed via smartphones of guardians. • In case no smartphone is available, SMS services would be used to teach students.
NTA launched Hindi Tests feature • National Testing Agency (NTA) has launched Hindi Tests feature on National Test Abhyas mobile app. • Competitive exam students preferring Hindi can now practice on their mobile devices with Hindi mock tests released on the National Test Abhyas smartphone app by NTA. o NTA had launched its AI -powered smartphone app to empower engineering and medical aspirants to prepare safely from their homes.
Online Yoga Quiz Competition launched • HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has launched an Online Yoga Quiz Competition to promote integration of Yoga in school curriculum. • The objective of this competition is to create awareness and to motivate children to acquire comprehensive information from authentic sources on different yogic practices.
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• The questions asked in this online Competition will be of Multiple-Choice type.
Centre sanctioned Rs 190 crores • Ministry of DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) has decided to sanction Rs190 cr for augmentation of healthcare facility in the eight North Eastern States. • This is particularly for developing infrastructure for management of infectious diseases. • The Ministry has given the North Eastern States the option to send proposals for health-related projects to be funded up to over Rs 500 cr.
Insurance Scheme under PMGKP extended • The Insurance Scheme announced under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package for health workers has been extended for another three months till Sept 2020. • The scheme provides an insurance cover of 50 lakh rupees to around over 22 lakh public healthcare providers. • They include community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients.
Anushka Sharma joined Ministry of AYUSH • Actress Anushka Sharma has been roped in by the Ministry of AYUSH to promote the practice of Yoga and launch the video blogging contest. • The Ministry of AYUSH announced the #MyLifeMyYoga video blogging contest and urged people to send in their entries by June 21, 2020. • International Day of Yoga is held on the Summer Solstice (which falls between June 20-22 every year).
Annular Solar Eclipse on 21 June • A rare celestial event, annular solar eclipse popularly called as ring of fire eclipse will be visible on 21 June 2020.
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• The first solar eclipse of this year takes place on the summer solstice, which is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. • People living along the path of annular eclipse passing through Suratgarh, Sirsa, Jakhal, Kurukshetra, etc. will be able to see the annular phase.
IIT-Palakkad developed ultrasound • IIT, Palakkad, has developed an automated lung ultrasound (LUS) for COVID-19 screening and monitoring through cloud-based image analysis and scoring system. • The app, the first of its kind in India, is now available for clinicians to perform automated analysis by just uploading the ultrasound video. • The institute has developed the app in collaboration with La Paz Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Glenmark Pharma launched COVID-19 drug • Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has launched antiviral drug Favipiravir, under the brand name FabiFlu, for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. • Glenmark has received manufacturing and marketing approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on 19 June 2020. • FabiFlu is the first oral Favipiravir-approved medication for the treatment of COVID-19.
Amazon, BigBasket get nod for liquor delivery • E-commerce giant Amazon and Alibaba-backed BigBasket have got approval to deliver liquor in West Bengal. • This will be the BigBasket's first foray into the country's liquor delivery segment. • West Bengal State Beverages Corporation Ltd (BevCo) invited the two companies to sign the agreements for empanelment for home delivery after finding them eligible.
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Cipla, Hetero get nod to sell Remdesivir • India's top drug regulator has given nod to two domestic pharmaceutical companies--Cipla and Hetero for marketing authorization of anti-viral drug Remdesivir. • It is only for "restricted emergency use" on COVID-19 patients with moderate disease (those on oxygen). • Glenmark Pharmaceuticals was recently given permission to manufacture and market anti-viral drug favipiravir.
Ola unveiled 'Ola Emergency' service • Ola has unveiled an emergency service in its application to serve people after the Tamil Nadu government announced the new phase of lockdown. • The service would enable transportation of all non-COVID medical trips and also to people who need to reach the airport or railway stations during the lockdown. • Ola has mapped over 350 hospitals across the city into the mobile application.
IIT Mandi developed Herbal Infusion Technology • Researchers at IIT Mandi have developed an herbal infusion technology as a sustainable means of income for local marginal farmers in the mid- Himalayan region. • Till now, the team has successfully formulated nine different herbal infusions with constituents such as tulsi, mint, rose, amla, bayleaf, turmeric, rhododendron and lemongrass.
SATYABHAMA portal launched • Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs has launched SATYABHAMA (Science and Technology Yojana for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Mining Advancement) Portal. • It was launched for Science and Technology Programme Scheme of Ministry of Mines.
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• The portal has been designed, developed and implemented by National Informatics Centre (NIC), Mines Informatics Division.
MNRE set up Project Development Cell • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set up a Project Development Cell (PDC). • The cell’s main purpose is to create projects that have all prior approvals for investors to adopt them. • The approvals include detailed reports and readily available land for allocation for these projects.
International Workshop on Good Governance • Union Minister of State for Personnel, PG and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated an international • workshop through a webinar on 18 June 2020. • It was jointly organized by Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG). • The objective of the workshop was to disseminate India’s good governance practices to ITEC countries.
MP government banned online classes • In Madhya Pradesh, the state government has imposed a complete ban on online classes for pre-primary and primary classes. • The government has fixed the time period for conducting online classes for other classes as well. • Using the powers contained in the Right to free and Compulsory Child Education Rules, the time period of online classes has been fixed.
Sports Ministry to establish 1000 KIC • Government has decided to establish 1000 Khelo India Centers (KIC) at the district level across the country. • These centres will either be run by a past champion or have them as coaches.
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• The move is to tap into the expertise of past sporting champions for grassroot-level training of athletes and also to ensure a sustained source of income for them in the sports ecosystem.
Tata Power subsidiary to develop solar project • Tata Power's wholly-owned arm has bagged a contract to develop a 100-Mw solar project in Maharashtra. • Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited has received a letter of award from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (MSEDCL) for the project. • The energy will be supplied to MSEDCL under a power purchase agreement, valid for a period of 25 years from scheduled commercial operation date.
Mobile app for weather info: Telangana • The Telangana government has launched a mobile application that enables people to access information about weather conditions. • The app, TS-Weather, is especially useful for farmers in planning their agriculture-related activities while general public can plan their visits based on the info. o It has been designed and developed by the Telangana State Development Planning Society.
CSIR gets nod for phase III trials of a drug • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-constituent lab CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow has received permission to carry out Phase III trial of antiviral drug Umifenovir. • Umifenovir is mainly used for treatment of influenza and is available in China and Russia. • It has recently come into prominence due to its potential use for COVID-19 patients.
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Maharashtra Govt launched a new portal • Maharashtra Govt has launched a new portal which will be useful not only for those who are in search of Jobs but also for those entrepreneurs who are in search of skilled workforce. • The job seekers will have to register themselves on the portal with their educational and professional qualification. • The unemployed youth will get all the information about various jobs on www.mahaswayam.gov.in.
BP to set up global business centre in Pune • UK oil major British Petroleum will set up a major new centre for its global business services (GBS) operations in Pune, India. • The BP-owned centre, will provide business processing and advanced analytics capabilities in support of BP businesses worldwide. • It’s upcoming Pune centre is expected to employ around 2,000 employees once fully operational.
Telangana government promulgated an ordinance • The Telangana govt has promulgated an ordinance to make special provision for deferment of payments to any person, employees and pensioners in the event of disaster and public health emergency. • It is the 'Telangana Disaster and Public Health Emergency (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 2020' ordinance. • It was promulgated by Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on 16 June 2020.
Karnataka Bank launched COVID-19 health cover • Karnataka Bank has launched a health insurance policy to cover the uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. • With the objective of providing insurance cover to individuals against COVID- 19-related expenses, the bank, in association with Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Ltd, has launched this health policy. • At a premium of ₹399, one can avail health cover under this policy.
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IIT Kanpur to produce 25,000 masks per day • IIT Kanpur is going to produce 25 thousand N95 and N99 grade face masks per day to contribute to the country’s collective effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. • This is a first-of-its-kind initiative by any IIT or a Technology Business Incubator of an academic institution of India. • The production unit at IIT Kanpur was inaugurated on 18 June 2020.
'Air-Venti' App launched in Mumbai • Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has launched a mobile application “Air-Venti” to help residents in the city to know about the availability of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds and Ventilators in both government and private hospitals around them. • Octaware Technologies Limited, in partnership with Probity Soft Pvt Ltd, has developed this mobile application for MCGM.
BMC installs huge liquid oxygen tanks • The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is in the final stage of completing installation of huge liquid oxygen tanks at 20 places, including key hospitals-KEM, Nair, Sion-and at jumbo facilities. o Platforms to install the cylinders have been constructed and the installation process will be completed next week. • Oxygen demand in most hospitals in Mumbai has increased by nearly 5 times.
Aizawl’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium to be upgraded • Aizawl’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium will be upgraded as Khelo India State Centre of Excellence under the Khelo • India Scheme. • The Sports Ministry plans to establish one KISCE in each state and UT, with an effort to create a robust sporting ecosystem in the entire country. • This will be a platform for multiplying existing talents in the region towards India’s dream of excellence in the Olympics.
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Indian Railways terminated Chinese Contract • Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) has decided to terminate the contract with Beijing National Railway Research and Design Institute of Signal and Communication Group limited. • The contract has been terminated due to poor performance of the company. • In 2016, the Chinese company had won the contract to install signaling system and telecommunications work.
World's largest COVID facility In Delhi • The Delhi government has started converting the Radha Swami Spiritual Centre in South Delhi into world's largest temporary COVID-19 care facility with 10,000 beds. • One of the most interesting features of this facility would be its corrugated cardboard beds, which need not be sanitized but can be, and are recyclable. • These beds are also really light, easy to assemble and dismantle.
IRB tied up $867 mn for Mumbai-Pune Expressway • IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd has tied up ₹6,600 crore (about $867 million) of debt financing for acquiring tolling rights of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. • IRB's 15-year tolling contract for the Mumbai-Pune Expressway expired in August 2019. • After multiple rounds of bids, IRB emerged as the winner for the 10-year contract for consideration of ₹8,262 crore.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched first mobile lab • Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has launched India’s first mobile lab for COVID-19 testing to promote last-mile testing access in rural India. • The Infectious Disease Diag Lab (I-LAB) is supported by Department of Biotechnology under the Covid command strategy. • I-LAB has the capability to perform 25 RT-PCR and 300 ELISA test per day.
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Odisha to set up Covid care homes • Odisha Govt has announced setting up COVID-19 Care Home (CCHs) Facility in every Gram Panchayat. • It will also set up COVID-19 Management Committees on local level in both rural and urban areas to decentralize the COVID-19 management. • People with symptoms of cold, fever, and cough shall stay in these Care Homes. • About 10 to 20 persons can be accommodated in each CCH.
Wheat procurement touched a record • The procurement of wheat from farmers has touched an all-time record to 382 Lakh tonnes. • The earlier record was 381.48 lakh tonnes, achieved during 2012-13. • 42 Lakh farmers have been benefited from all over the country and a total of about 73 thousand 500 crore rupees has been paid to them towards Minimum Support Price for wheat.
AHNA in Ahmedabad launched an initiative • To ease the burden on COVID Care Centres, Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes’ Association, AHNA has launched home care initiative for mild to moderate COVID-19 patients in the city. • Initially, seven private hospitals have been included in the programme. • 80-85% of the patients in the city fall under this category who do not require special medical attention.
J&K: Agriculture Production Department renamed • In Jammu and Kashmir, the Administrative Council has approved the proposal of the Agriculture Production Department to change its nomenclature to Agriculture Production & Farmer Welfare Department with a greater focus on farmers’ welfare. • The decision is aimed at providing greater rigor and focus on farmer welfare by optimizing and helping farmers realize the true value of their produce.
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Gujarat CM launched digital course material • In Gujarat, CM Vijay Rupani has launched digital course material for more than 1 lakh students engaged in professional ITI courses. • The online material was made available to students considering the situation arising due to the Novel Corona Virus. • The course which has been prepared by more than 700 supervisors and instructors of I.T.Is stretches for more than 2000 hours.
2nd unit of Virus Research & Diagnostic Lab • Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries Jagadish Shetter, inaugurated the second unit of Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory in Hubballi on 17 June 2020. • In addition to this unit, the govt has another laboratory at Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (DIMHANS). • All the labs had been set up as per ICMR guidelines and accordingly tests were being conducted.
J&K Lt Governor inaugurated Yoga Week-2020 • Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu has formally inaugurated the Yoga Week-2020. • It is in connection with the International Day of Yoga (IDY) to be observed on 21 June 2020. • The Lt Governor also released Yoga Videos in Dogri and Kashmiri languages based on Common Yoga Protocol which will be telecast on TV Channels and Social media.
Tamil Nadu government launched new portal • The Tamil Nadu government's Employment and Training department has started a new portal to assist job seekers in the post COVID-19 scenario. • The Tamil Nadu Private Jobs portal is a unique venture that aims to connect job seekers with job providers digitally. • It is also unique because of the fact that it takes into consideration the needs of the private sector also.
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Jitendra Singh addressed at ITEC-NCGG • Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh delivered the inaugural address at the ITEC-NCGG Two-day Workshop on COVID-19 on 18 June 2020. • The Sessions on Day 1, covered State-level best practices in Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar and the District level best practices in Kerala, Telangana and Jammu and Kashmir. • The objective was to disseminate India’s good governance practices to ITEC countries.
Auction of 41 Coal Mines launched • PM Narendra Modi addressed the launching of the auction of 41 Coal Mines for Commercial Mining on 18 June 2020. • The commencement of this auction process of coal mines for sale of coal is part of the series of announcements made by the Government under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. • Coal Ministry in association with FICCI is launching the process for auction of these coal mines.
Chhattisgarh Govt to implement 'Roka-Chheka' • Chhattisgarh Government has decided to effectively implement "Roka- Chheka" technique in all the villages. • The objective is to revive traditional agricultural methods of Chhattisgarh and to strengthen rural economy. • State Government has taken this step to make cowsheds under Suraaji Gaon Yojana more useful and to prevent the crop damage due to the open grazing of stray cattle.
KGMU launched community radio service • The King George Medical University, Lucknow has started a community radio service to make people aware of health-related issues and their solutions.
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• The programmes on the radio station, which can be tuned into at 89.6 MHz, runs from 10 am to 2 pm and focuses on spreading awareness amongst the masses. • It will also run educational programs for medical, para-medical, and nursing students.
Assistive aids distributed to divyangjan • A Virtual ADIP Camp for free distribution of assistive aids and devices at Block level for Divyangjans under the ADIP scheme was organized at Talwandi Bhai Block of Firozpur district in Punjab on 15 June 2020. • Total 95 beneficiaries of Block Talwandi were provided with 166 different categories of assistive appliances. • 11 Motorized Tricycles were also distributed among the beneficiaries.
Composite Regional Centre inaugurated • The Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Thaawarchand Gehlot inaugurated Composite Regional Centre (CRC) in Ranchi on 17 June 2020. • CRC-Ranchi will provide rehabilitation services including Physical medicine, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Audiology and Speech Therapy, Psychology, etc., to persons with disabilities in the state of Jharkhand and adjoining areas.
IIT researcher developed COVID-19 testing kit • IIT Hyderabad researcher has developed an Artificial Intelligence-powered COVID-19 test. • It can be performed at an affordable cost. • The test kit can produce results in around 20 minutes for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. • A major benefit of this testing kit is that it does not require RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction).
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KVIC launched project to produce Neera • The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has rolled out a unique project to produce Neera and Palmgur which has huge potential to create employment in the country. • It aims at promoting Neera as a substitute to soft drinks while also creating self-employment traditional trappers. • It was launched in Palghar district of Maharashtra, a state with more than 50 lakh palm trees.
Workers welfare commission in UP o In Uttar Pradesh, a special commission has been set up for the employment generation and safeguarding • the interests of workers. • State Cabinet gave its nod to set up Uttar Pradesh workers welfare commission on 16 June 2020. • Named as the UP Kamgar Shramik Sevayojan Avam Rozgar Aayog, the commission will have an executive board in which many ministers will be members.
Karnataka CM laid foundation for airport • Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa on 15 June 2020 laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Rs 220 crore airport project in Shivamogga. • The project will be taken up in two phases. • The first phase consists of runway, taxiway, apron, approach road, peripheral road and compound wall construction, while the second phase consists of terminal building, ATC tower, fire station building, etc.
Feedback Call Centres on COVID -19 launched • Union Minister of State for Personnel, PG and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh has launched the “Feedback Call Centres on Public Grievances”. • They would operate in Hindi, English, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya, Bengali, Assamese and Rajasthani.
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• These are operational in cities like Bhubaneshwar, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Vadodara, to name a few.
CBIC launched e-Office • The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has launched 'e- Office' in over 500 GST and customs offices. • It will help improve governance by automating the internal processes of handling files. • The launch of the application marks a fundamental change in internal office procedures that are so far based on manual handling of files and paper movement.
IITR developed microwave-based system • The Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR) in tie-up with a Lucknow based start-up has developed a microwave-based disinfection machine 'Optimizer'. • It can make PPE kits and N95 masks reusable within 10 minutes. • It will to reduce the load of the availability of safety gears to our frontline workers in the wake of rising coronavirus cases.
Swiggy launched a jumpstart package • Swiggy has launched a ‘Jumpstart Package’ for all its restaurant partners who are either already delivering or restarting business operations with Unlock 1. • The package is designed to support business revival, continuity and growth of the restaurant industry. • It will focus on easing key aspects involved in resuming operations and reducing overall investment required to bring back customers.
Kishan Reddy launched microbe-killing device • Union Minister of State for Home affairs G. Kishan Reddy has launched ‘GermiBAN’.
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• It is a device developed by Atal Incubation Centre & Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India-Women Entrepreneurs HUB. • The device can kill 99.9% of the surface and air microbes and is useful for isolation wards, quarantine centres, hospitals and all general places for killing viruses like coronavirus.
IISc developed ‘Workplace Readiness Indicator’ • A team of researchers at Indian Institute of Science, IISc, Bengaluru have developed ‘Workplace Readiness Indicator’ for organizations to insulate their workplaces from Corona pandemic. • It is an online assessment tool developed in collaboration with the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority. • It will help plan and establish pandemic-specific policies and procedures.
Full lockdown announced in Chennai • The Tamil Nadu Govt has announced a full lockdown in Chennai and its adjoining areas from 19 June 2020 till the end of June 2020. • Shops will be allowed to operate from 8 am to 2 pm during the full lockdown. • A dole of Rs. 1,000 each was also announced for all families with ration cards living in the region where the full lockdown is to be implemented.
Special campaign to be launched in Rajasthan • A state-wide 10-day long special campaign will be launched in Rajasthan to create awareness about COVID-19. • The campaign will be launched from 21st of June 2020. • Under the campaign, State Health Department teams will conduct door-to- door active surveillance and make people aware of the precautions to be taken for prevention and control of COVID-19.
EPFO launched a facility • Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has recently launched a multi-location claim settlement facility.
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• It will allow settlement of online claims from any of its regional offices, across the country. • All types of online claims including provident fund, pension, partial withdrawal and transfer claims will be processed under this initiative.
DU to set up DSCC&S • The Delhi University will be setting up a School of Climate Change and Sustainability (DSCC&S) under the Institute of Eminence Scheme. • It will take up research in priority areas related to environmental challenges. • Professor C R Babu, an acclaimed Environmental Scientist, will head DSCC&S (honorary director). • Professor Inderjit Singh will act as Joint Director, DSCC&S.
DIAT developed biodegradable mask • The Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) has developed a cotton mask using an herbal extract. • It claims that it acts as virus-neutralizer and resists pathogens effectively. • An herbal extract obtained from neem oil, turmeric, tulsi, ajwain, black pepper, gum arabic, clove, sandalwood and saffron has been used in the three-layered biodegradable mask, named Pavitrapati.
Tata Power to develop solar project in Gujarat • Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) has received a letter of award from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) to develop a 120-megawatt solar project in Gujarat. o The energy will be supplied to GUVNL under a power purchase agreement valid for a period of 25 years from scheduled commercial operation date. • The company won this capacity in a bid announced by GUVNL under phase 8 in Feb 2020.
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India's first gas trading platform • Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) has launched the country's first gas trading platform, the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX), for physical delivery of natural gas. • The platform will help foster the government's vision of increasing the share of natural gas in the energy mix from 6% presently to 15% by the year 2030. • It provides a neutral and transparent marketplace to multiple buyers and sellers.
MEIL entered Defence equipment manufacturing • Megha Engineering and Infrastructures (MEIL) group has announced foray into defence weapons manufacturing by setting up a Greenfield production facility in Telangana. • It involves an initial capital outlay of Rs 500 crore. • MEIL currently has interests in hydrocarbons, power, aviation, EV buses, irrigation and drinking water, among others.
New symptoms of COVID-19 • The Centre has added 2 new symptoms of the COVID-19 disease, for the reference of medical professionals to help in detecting positive patients. • Loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (ageusia) have been added to the list of coronavirus symptoms by the Union Health Ministry. • The other symptoms are fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, expectoration, sore throat and diarrhoea.
India to organise 4 more courses on COVID-19 • The government of India will organise four more courses on various aspects of managing the COVID-19 pandemic for professionals. • These courses are part of the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) platform. • They are aimed at capacity building for professionals engaged in the COVID 19 pandemic management in Bangladesh and other countries.
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India's 1st infectious disease diagnostic lab • India's first infectious disease diagnostic lab is now ready. • This rapid response mobile laboratory is part of government Aatmnirbhar Bharat. • This laboratory was built in a record time of eight days from the date of receipt of Automotive Chassis, from Bharat Benz. • It is built with the support of Department of Bio-Technology.
Karnataka CM inaugurated a fertilizer unit • Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa inaugurated organic fertilizer unit in Yediyur ward on 13 June 2020. • The unit will process wet city waste and produce 12 lakh litres of organic fertilizer and micro-nutrients in a • month. • These will be used in 774 parks maintained by the Municipal Corporation in Bengaluru. • The Yediyur ward also generates 250 kw power from city garbage.
'Corona warriors' status to Divyang workers • The Madhya Pradesh govt has given status of Corona warriors to the Anganwadi workers. • In MP, Divyang Anganwadi workers are playing an important role in the state during the ongoing Corona crisis. • They are distributing nutritious food from house to house of the beneficiaries. • They are also advising people to avoid corona infection.
MHSC developed a disinfectant solution • Metal Handicrafts Service Centre (MHSC) based in Moradabad, UP has developed 'Suraksha 24'. • It is a chlorine-free disinfectant solution to sanitize handicrafts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. • The solution which is also 'non-acidic' in nature, thus protects the coating and quality of the finished product.
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• It helps in keeping products safe from contamination.
Robot 'Captain Arjun' to screen passengers • Railway Protection Force, Pune, has launched 'Captain Arjun', a robot to screen passengers while they boarded trains. • Robot 'Captain Arjun' (Always be Responsible and Just Use to be Nice) has been launched to intensify the screening and surveillance. • It is equipped with a motion sensor, one PTZ camera (Pan, Tilt, Zoom Camera), and one Dome Camera.
Ghar Ghar Nigrani app launched in Punjab • The Punjab government has launched a mobile application aimed at undertaking house to house surveillance to contain the spread of COVID-19. • The app, 'Ghar Ghar Nigrani', was launched by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh through video conference. • The entire rural and urban population of Punjab above 30 years of age shall be surveyed as part of the drive.
Centre launched Aarogyapath • In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the Centre has digitally launched a web- based solution for the healthcare supply chain portal ''Aarogyapath''. • It will provide real-time availability of critical healthcare supplies for manufacturers, suppliers and customers. • The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) launched the portal on June 12, 2020.
Tata Motors, Jayem Automotives discontinue JV • Tata Motors Ltd (TML) and Jayem Automotives Pvt Ltd have discontinued their 50:50 joint venture as a result of tough market conditions. • Diluting the JV, Tata Motors has purchased 50% stake of its partner Jayem Automotives in its performance car joint venture JT Special Vehicles Pvt Ltd (JTSV). • The JV was set up in 2017 by the two companies.
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Coronavirus recovery rate in India crosses 50% • Health ministry figures show so far 1,62,378 people have recovered from coronavirus while there are 1,49,348 active cases of the coronavirus in the country, indicating a recovery rate of 50.59%. • Overall, death toll has risen to 9,195. • Maharashtra continues to be the worst-affected state with as many as 1,04,568 cases, followed by Tamil Nadu (42,687) and Delhi (38,958).
Migrants to receive COVID care • The government is preparing a list of migrant workers from across states to offer health insurance benefits under the flagship Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) amid the coronavirus crisis. • It is setting up a process to issue AB-PMJAY e-cards to migrants at the earliest. • The move is aimed at ensuring health cover to the under-privileged during the pandemic.
SBI relaunched a facility • The State Bank of India (SBI) has relaunched its Aadhaar-based instant digital savings account facility for customers who want to open an online account using the Yono platform. • Yono is the lender’s integrated banking and lifestyle platform. • The ‘Insta savings bank account’ will offer a complete paperless and instant digital savings account opening with just PAN and Aadhaar number.
'Sahakar Mitra' Internship programme launched • Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has launched Sahakar Mitra Internship programme. • It will provide paid internship to youth and ensure availability of assured project loans to young cooperators. • Under the scheme, professionals in disciplines including Agriculture and allied areas, IT, Agri-business, Finance, International Trade, etc. will be eligible for the paid internship.
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RBI barred People's Co-operative Bank • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred Kanpur-based People's Co- operative Bank from granting fresh loans and accepting deposits for six months, due to its weak financial position. • The RBI also said no withdrawal of amount of a depositor will be allowed from the co-operative bank. • The bank will continue to undertake banking business with restrictions till its financial position improves.
ITBP released a song • The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has released a special song to pay tribute to the coronavirus warriors in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. • The song titled ‘Rakh Honsla Himatt Na Haar’ was written by Constable Varun Kumar and sung by Constable Vikram Jeet Singh in Hindi and has been released on social media handles. • The music of the song has been composed by Vikram Sangha.
2 defence employees arrested in Rajasthan • The special branch of Rajasthan Police has arrested two civil defence employees on espionage charges. • Both the employees - Vikas Kumar and Chimal Lal were passing information to the Pakistani intelligence agency. • They work at an Army Ammunition Depot in Sri Ganganagar district. • Both were arrested under relevant sections of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
NHAI: First to go ‘Fully Digital’ • The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has gone ‘Fully Digital’. • It has launched a unique cloud-based and Artificial Intelligence-powered Big Data Analytics platform – Data Lake and Project Management Software. • All project documentation, contractual decisions and approvals are now being done through the portal only.
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PM CARES fund now has an independent auditor • The PM CARES fund has now got an independent auditor. • The Prime Minister’s Office at South Block will be its “head office”, and two PMO officials will administer the fund on an honorary basis. • Trustees of the Fund during the second meeting held in April 2020 decided to appoint M/s SARC Associates, Chartered Accountants, New Delhi as the auditors of PM CARES Fund for 3 years.
Researchers developed low-cost COVID-19 test • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended only reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) test for novel coronavirus testing. • Researchers at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) have developed a new low-cost and low-tech required test for SARS-CoV-2 testing. • This test is known as reverse transcription nested PCR (RT-nPCR) test.
Funding of Rs 1,829 cr for Maharashtra • The Centre has approved funding of 1,829 crore rupees for the effective implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Maharashtra for 2020-21. • Jal Jeevan Mission is a flagship programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019. • It aims to provide tap water supply to all rural households by 2024. • Maharashtra plans to provide tap connections to 31.30 lakh households in 2020-21.
GRSE delivered ICGS Kanaklata Barua to ICG • Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has delivered ICGS Kanaklata Barua, the fifth and final ship in the series of Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) for the Indian Coast Guard. • This is the 105th vessel delivered by the Miniratna Category 1 Defence PSU shipyard.
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• Yard 2116, the fourth ship in the series of FPVs is earmarked for export delivery to the Seychelles Coast Guard.
40th GST council meeting held • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 40th GST council meeting on 12 June 2020. • This meeting of the GST council is the first meeting after the nationwide lockdown and the council is expected to discuss the revenue shortfall and the compensation to states. • The Council decided on ways to garner funds to compensate states for the revenue loss due to GST implementation.
ISRO to organize an online competition • ISRO will organize online ISRO Cyberspace Competitions-2020 to ignite young minds in the country. • ICC-2020 online competition will involve drawing competition for Class 1 to 3 students, model making competition for Class 4 to 8 and Essay competition for Class 9 and 10th students. • For the students of class 11-12, an essay competition is organized with space quiz contests in Hindi and English.
'Doctors Without Borders' set up hospital • International medical humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders has set up a 100-bed temporary hospital in Patna for treatment of COVID-19 patients. o The facility, set up in collaboration with the Bihar government, at Patliputra Sports complex in Patna will be fully managed by Doctors Without Borders in India. • It will provide medical care to patients with moderate symptoms.
Government approved Rs 1280 crore in MP • Government has approved 1,280 crore rupees for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Madhya Pradesh during 2020-21.
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• The State plans to provide tap connections to over 26 lakh households in rural areas in 2020-21. • Under this mission, Madhya Pradesh has planned to have 100 per cent Functional Household Tap Water Connection by 2023-24.
1,000 water recharge bores in Haryana • Haryana govt will construct 1000 water recharge bores in underground water-deficient areas of the state to recharge underground water with rainfall. • 90% of the cost of the bore will be borne by the government and 10% by the farmers. • In the paddy cultivation belt, the underground water level has gone down upto 80 meters and if timely measures are not taken, the future generations will suffer.
AYUSH Ministry partnered with Prasar Bharati • Ministry of AYUSH in association with Prasar Bharati is organizing a daily telecast of the Common Yoga Protocol on DD Bharati from 11 June 2020. • The Protocol sessions will be telecast daily in the morning from 8 AM to 8:30 AM. • This half an hour session will cover all the major aspects of the Common Yoga Protocol.
29% rise in population of Asiatic lions • The Asiatic Lion population in Gir national park has increased by 29% in the past five years — from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020. • The distribution area of lions in the Saurashtra region has increased by 36% from 22,000 sqkm in 2015 to 30,000 sqkm. • Asiatic lions are present in protected areas of Saurashtra in an expanse of over 30,000 sq. km, which is termed as the Asiatic Lion landscape.
270 MW thermal plant commissioned in Telangana • BHEL has successfully commissioned one 270 MW thermal unit at the 4x270 MW Bhadradri Thermal Power Project in Telangana.
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• Located at Manuguru in Kothagudem district of the state, the project was awarded to BHEL by Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Limited (TSGENCO). • The scope of work includes design, manufacture, erection and commissioning of 4 thermal sets of 270 MW.
Centre allotted Rs 4,000 crore to states • The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has made an annual allotment of Rs 4,000 cr to the state governments under “Per Drop More Crop” component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. • The PMKSY- PDMC focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at the farm level through Micro Irrigation technologies — Drip and Sprinkler irrigation systems.
BRO to employ more than 11,800 workers • Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has permitted the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to employ more than 11,800 workers from the state for critical national projects. • This also includes projects near the China border in Ladakh. • Jharkhand is also set to sign a first-of-its-kind MoU with the BRO for ensuring the welfare of workers in all recruitments in the future.
“COVID BEEP” app launched • Union Minister Jitendra Singh has launched the 'COVID BEEP' app. • It is the country's first indigenous wireless physiological parameters monitoring system for the affected patients. • COVID BEEP stands for Continuous Oxygenation and Vital Information Detection Biomed ECIL ESIC Pod. • The latest version of COVID BEEP has incorporated NIBP (non-invasive blood pressure) monitoring.
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Engineer from Maharashtra developed 'Coro-bot' • An Instrumentation Engineer Pratik Tirodkar, from Thane district in Maharashtra has developed a 'Coro-bot'. • It would cut away the requirement of physical contact of nurses and ward boys with the patient. • It is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of 'Make in India' and his clarion call for innovation. • Currently, it is being used at Holy cross Hospital in Kalyan.
CBIC launched its flagship programme • Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, CBIC has launched its flagship programme 'Turant Customs', at Bengaluru and Chennai. • This is a giant leap forward to leverage technology for faster Customs clearance of imported goods. • Importers will now get their goods cleared from Customs after a faceless assessment is done remotely by the Customs officers located outside the port of import.
Penalty on Gujarat's Yashashvi Rasayan Pvt Ltd • National Green Tribunal has directed Gujarat based chemical company Yashashvi Rasayan Private Ltd to deposit Rs. 25 crores. • NGT has imposed this penalty for the incident of blast at the company's Dahej plant, in which 10 persons were killed and over 75 injured. • After the blast in Dahej plant, the fire had spread rapidly and also damaged the second plant in the factory.
DIAT developed disinfectant spray • Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune has developed a Nano- technology based disinfectant spray to combat COVID-19 by disinfecting all types of surfaces. • It has been named “ANANYA”. • This can be used by anyone, from a common man to a healthcare worker, for an individual as well as large scale use.
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• This is a water-based spray and will be effective for more than 24 hours after spray.
Government mandated a distinct colour strip • Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has mandated a strip of green colour of 1 cm width on top of the existing sticker carrying details of registration for BS-VI vehicles of any fuel type i.e. for petrol or CNG which have a light blue colour sticker and a diesel vehicle which is of orange colour. • These stickers will now have a green strip of 1 cm on top for BS VI, as mandated.
Hero MotoCorp launched platform eSHOP • Hero MotoCorp has launched an integrated online sales platform, eSHOP, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. • The platform enables a seamless buying experience, which is completely digital. • All the purchase-related information and actions are built into the system, allowing customers to purchase their preferred motorcycle or scooter directly from the company website.
Bande Utkal Janani: State song of Odisha • The iconic ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ has been accorded the status of State Anthem of Odisha. • The decision was taken after a cabinet meeting over video conference which was chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. • ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ has been rendered by Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra. • The song’s tune, version, manner will be decided and recorded by the I&PR Department.
'STREE' programme launched in Hyderabad • Hyderabad City Security Council in association with Hyderabad City Police has launched a programme 'STREE'.
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• It will support and empower women undergoing domestic violence and abuse. • The name reflects the vision - "She Triumphs through Respect, Equality, and Empowerment" (STREE). • It will create awareness among the women on their rights, entitlements, laws and support systems available.
PSBs sanctioned loans worth over Rs 17,705 cr • Until 5 June 2020, public sector banks (PSBs) have sanctioned loans worth Rs 17,705.64 cr to MSMEs under the government's newly-launched Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). • Out of the amount, loans worth Rs 8320.24 crore have already been disbursed. • The loans are 100 per cent credit-free and include a moratorium for the first 12 months.
820 centrally protected monuments to open • Ministry of Culture has approved the opening of 820 centrally protected monuments under the Archeological Survey of India-ASI which have places of worship, from 8 June 2020. • All the protocols issued by the Home Ministry and Health Ministry will be followed in these monuments. • There are 3,691 Centrally-protected monuments and archaeological sites which were shut from 17 March 2020.
HRD Minister launched an information booklet • HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has launched the information booklet titled 'Safe online learning in the times of COVID-19'. • It will raise awareness among students and teachers. • NCERT and UNESCO have jointly developed this booklet which will facilitate in raising awareness of students and teachers as well as ensure timely action in cases of cyberbullying.
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HDFC Bank launched summer treats • HDFC Bank has announced a special Summer Treats campaign with offers for both merchants and, salaried and self-employed customers. • As part of the campaign, the bank will offer no cost EMI and no down payment for large appliances, discounts and cashbacks on select brands and 50 per cent extra reward points on online spend using credit cards.
Ayush Ministry launched a competition • Ayush Ministry has launched the My Life, My Yoga international video- blogging competition on 5 June 2020. • Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 'Mann Ki Baat' had informed that the competition would be open for everyone across the globe. • To participate in it, participants have been asked to post their videos of up to three minutes on social media accounts by tagging the Ministry of Ayush.
Hardeep Singh Puri launched three advisories • Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri has launched three advisories on the occasion of World Environment Day. o These advisories are- Advisory on Material Recovery Facilities for Municipal Solid Waste, Advisory on Landfill Reclamation and a Draft advisory on On-site and Off-site Sewage Management Practices.
Govt promulgated ordinance to amend a Code o Union Government has promulgated an ordinance to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. • Under it, fresh insolvency proceedings will not be initiated for defaults due to the COVID-19 pandemic. • Default on repayments from 25th of March 2020 will not be considered for initiating insolvency proceedings for a certain period of time.
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A National awareness campaign launched • Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has launched a national awareness campaign on Prevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Highways. • The country witnesses nearly five lakh road accidents every year, in which about 1.5 lakh lives are lost. • The Ministry is endeavoring to bring down these figures by 20 to 25 per cent by March 2021.
Urban Forest Program launched • Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar launched the Urban Forest program on the occasion of World Environment Day, today. • Despite all constraints, the country has managed to preserve around 8 per cent of the world's biodiversity through its rich culture. • In the initial phase, under this program, forests will be developed in 200 corporations and cities in the country.
IndusInd Bank launched a mobile app • The IndusInd Bank has launched a mobile application-based facility where customer can open current bank account in just few hours. • The new facility can be used to open current accounts for all kinds of businesses including proprietorship, partnership as well as private and public limited companies. • The app is named "Indus Corporate".
TULIP Program launched • An online portal for 'The Urban Learning Internship Program (TULIP)' has been launched. • It is a program for providing internship opportunities to fresh graduates in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Smart Cities across the country. • TULIP is a program for providing fresh graduates experiential learning opportunities in the urban sector.
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DRDO developed a device • DRDO has developed a device SUMERU-PACS that helps wearers of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to feel comfortable without sweating. • It has developed a personal air circulation system which can be used inside the PPE as a small backpack of approximately 500 grams weight. • It works well at an ambient temperature of 39 degrees Celsius and keeps wearer comfortable and cool without sweating.
K-FON project to be rolled out by Dec 2020 • The Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON) project would be rolled out by December 2020. • The project is aimed at providing free internet access to the poor, • Kerala is the first state to declare the internet as a fundamental right of the citizen. • As part of this, the K-FON project was launched to provide quality internet free of cost to the poor and at affordable rates to others.
Google developed app for social distance • Google has launched a new app that will help people maintain distance in real life. • The new app is used under augmented reality. • The new app ‘Sodar’, will create a visual boundary using the user’s smartphone camera and constantly show who’s breaching that distance. • Sodar uses WebXR to help visualize social distancing guidelines in your environment.
Kolkata Port Trust to be renamed • The Union Cabinet has approved the renaming of Kolkata Port Trust as Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port Trust. • Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made the announcement about renaming the port trust on January 11, 2020. • Syama Prasad Mukherjee was a minister in the central government and martyred in Kashmir.
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Ministry of MSME is set to implement new norms • Union Ministry of MSME has issued Gazette notification to pave the way for implementation of the upward revision in the definition and criteria of MSMEs in the country. • The new definition and criterion will come into effect from 1st July 2020. • As part of the new definition, Exports will not be counted in turnover for any enterprises whether micro, small or medium.
Pan-India Real Time Market launched • R. K. Singh, the Minister of State Power and New & Renewable Energy has launched pan-India Real-Time Market in electricity. • Real-time market would be for every 30 minutes in a day based on double- sided closed auction with uniform price. • This has placed Indian electricity market amongst a league of few electricity markets in the world, which have real time market.
Kiren Rijiju inaugurated a programme • Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on June 1, 2020, inaugurated the first Khelo India "Physical Education and Community Coaching" Programme. • The inaugural session was attended by experts from the United States, Venezuela. • The programme will reportedly go on for 25 days and the first day was attended by Prof. Rosa Lopez de • D’Amico.
Government launched Rs 50,000 cr plan • The Government has launched a Rs 50,000 crore plan to spice up electronics manufacturing within the nation. • It might begin by providing 5 world smartphone makers incentives to ascertain or increase home manufacturing. • The new plan additionally consists of schemes to drive up manufacturing of parts and create manufacturing clusters with pre-built manufacturing facility sheds.
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Centre approved Rs.812 crore for Odisha • The Central govt has approved Rs 812 crore for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Odisha for 2020-21 financial year. • Last year, Rs 297 crore was sanctioned for the mission. • Out of 81 lakh rural households in Odisha, the state government plans to provide 16.21 lakh household connections during the financial year and 100 per cent household tap connections by 2024.
IIT, BHU to re-purpose approved drugs • The Science and Engineering Research Board has approved support for research at IIT (BHU) Varanasi to identify lead compounds from available and approved drugs for fast-track anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug molecule. • The research group of Prof. Vikash Kumar Dubey is working on developing new drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2 by exploring Drug Bank (Drug Bank is a database of FDA approved drug compounds)
Annual Action Plan of Arunachal Pradesh • National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti has approved the Annual Action Plan of Arunachal Pradesh to achieve 100 per cent household tap connections in the state. • The state proposed to provide 100 per cent tap connections to all the households by March 2023. • Centre approved 255 crore rupees for the state under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in 2020-21.
Cyclone Nisarga to make landfall on 3 June • Severe cyclonic storm Nisarga is likely to brush off Alibaug. • It is likely to hit with a wind speed of about 120 kmph. • In view of the threat posed by impending cyclonic storm Nisarga, twenty-one teams of National Disaster Response Force and four teams of State Disaster Response Force have been deployed in Maharashtra to conduct evacuations and necessary relief and rehabilitation measures.
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Greenfield expressway to Amritsar announced • Centre on 2 June 2020 announced the development of a new Greenfield connectivity to Amritsar City from Nakodar via Sultanpur Lodhi, Goindwal Sahib, Khadoor Sahib as part of Delhi-Amritsar Expressway. • The road from Amritsar to Gurdaspur will also be fully developed and made completely signal free. • With this, there will be options to travel to Gurdaspur onwards from Nakodar.
Health Ministry released a rap song • The Union Health Ministry has released a rap song on its website exhorting people not to spit in public places as COVID-19 can spread through saliva. • The one-minute-25-second video clip explains why one should not spit in public places. • It also explains how spitting following consumption of smokeless tobacco can lead to the spread of COVID-19.
Cyclone Nisarga likely to become severe • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Maharashtra and Gujarat for 4 June 2020 due to the cyclonic storm Nisarga in the Arabian Sea. • Low pressure formed over the Arabian Sea is expected to move towards Maharashtra and Gujarat and will cause rainfall over both the states. • IMD has also issued orange code warning for Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and coastal Maharashtra.
PM launched tech-based solution CHAMPIONS • PM Narendra Modi launched technology-based solution named CHAMPIONS for MSME sector, on 1 June 2020 in New Delhi. • CHAMPIONS stand for Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength. • It is aimed to provide one-stop solution to all the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the country.
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Centre approved 175 crore rupees • Centre has approved Rs 175 cr for implementation of Jal Jeevan mission in Meghalaya during 2020-21. • Jal Jeevan Mission was launched in 2019 and aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connection to every rural household. • Meghalaya gets more than average rainfall and has abundant natural water resources. • However, due to detrimental human interference, the water levels are being depleted.
Kisan Credit Cards for 1 cr 50 lakh farmers • The govt has set a target to provide Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to 1 crore 50 lakh dairy farmers belonging to Milk Unions and Milk producing Companies under a special drive within next two months. • The card will be provided from June to 31st of July, 2020. • Farmers who already have Kisan Credit Card based on their land ownership can get their KCC credit limit enhanced.
DRDO developed Ultra Swachh for disinfection • DRDO has developed a disinfection unit named Ultra Swachh. • It can disinfect a wide range of materials, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), electronics items, fabrics and others. o Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, the Delhi-based laboratory of DRDO has developed this product with industry partner Gel Craft Health care Pvt Ltd.
EPFO released 868 crore rupees pension • Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has released Rs 868 cr pension along with Rs 105 cr arrears on account of restoration of commuted value of pension. • The EPFO has more than 65 lakhs pensioners catered through its 135 regional offices.
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• It is a historical step for the benefit of pensioners under the Employees' Pension Scheme.
Rare band-tail scorpion fish found • The researchers at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute have found a rare fish from Sethukarai coast of Tamil Nadu in the Gulf of Mannar. • The band-tail scorpionfish (Scorpaenospsis neglecta) is a rare marine species well-known for the stinging venomous spines and the ability for changing colour. • This is the 1st time this particular species was found live in the Indian waters.
Indian Energy Exchange launched RTM • Indian Energy Exchange has launched Real-Time Electricity Market (RTM) on its platform effective 1 June 2020. • There will be 48 auction sessions during the day with delivery of power within one hour of closure of the bid • session. • The market will greatly aid the distribution utilities to manage power demand- supply variation and meet 24x7 power supply aspirations in the most efficient way.
WeTransfer banned by the Dept of Telecom • Dutch internet-based computer file transfer service provider WeTransfer has been banned by the Department of Telecommunications. • WeTransfer is touted to be one of the world’s most popular file-sharing service provider. • The service can be misused as well as one can send or exchange sensitive content through WeTransfer and that is why the telecom department has imposed the ban.
IIT-Guwahati students developed a mobile app • A group of IIT Guwahati students have developed a contactless mobile application to ease air travelling for passengers amid the COVID-19 crisis.
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• The creators of the application 'Flyzy' have termed it as India's first dedicated modern aviation solution which enables safe and contactless air travel. • It has been developed as per International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines.
Modi launched ‘My Life My Yoga’ contest • PM Narendra Modi has launched “My Life – My Yoga” (also called “Jeevan Yoga”) Video Blogging Contest and invited mass participation. • It is a joint effort by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). • The contest comes as one of the activities related to the observation of the sixth International Day of Yoga (IDY) coming up on 21st June 2020.
56 CNG stations dedicated to the nation • Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on 29 May 2020 dedicated to the nation, 56 CNG stations spread over 11 States and UTs. • These stations are in Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, MP, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana and UP. • 72% population of the country will soon be covered through the City Gas Distribution network.
State Specific Current Affairs
UP: 1st state to prepare one lakh beds • UP has become the first state in the country to prepare one lakh beds for COVID-19 patients, with each of the 75 districts having dedicated beds for patients in the respective facilities. • The beds in the hospitals are classified into three categories- Level 1, level 2 and level 3. • While level 1 and 2 beds are for patients exhibiting mild symptoms, level 3 is meant for graver infections.
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"Thank Mom" drive started in Madhya Pradesh • In Madhya Pradesh, a plantation drive named "Thank Mom" has been started on the premises of Social Justice and Disabled Welfare Directorate from 5 June 2020. • All the plants which are planted during this period are being fitted with a plaque in the name of the mother of each employee. • The employees will take care of the plant just like their own mother.
Karnataka government launched an app • The Karnataka government has launched “Meghasandesha" App. • It would provide real-time information as well as forecast on rains, flooding and thunderstorm alerts in Bengaluru. • The app has been developed by Karnataka state natural disaster monitoring centre along with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Department of science and technology among others.
Chhattisgarh govt starts a campaign “Spandan” • The Chhattisgarh government has launched the Spandan Campaign to contain incidents of suicide and fratricide involving police personnel. • Instructions were issued to senior officers to strictly adhere to guidelines in this regard. • The order made it mandatory for superintendents of police to facilitate counselling for depressed officers and staff by psychiatrists or psychologists.
Gujarat Aatmanirbhar package announced • Gujarat govt has announced a Gujarat Aatmanirbhar package worth Rs 14,000 cr to help individuals, industries and businesses in the state. • The package gives relief worth Rs 2,300 cr by partially waving off property tax, electricity bill and motor vehicle tax for individuals, commercial establishments and industrial entities. • The govt is also giving subsidies worth Rs 3,038 cr to industries.
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Jammu DC launched mobile applications • DC Jammu, Sushma Chauhan has formally launched IT-enabled solutions with mobile applications. • They will keep systematic records of all passengers arriving at Jammu railway station and inform them about the results of COVID-19 tests. • A Control Room has been established at Railway Station which monitors data being captured through mobile app on real-time basis at Railway Platform itself.
Leh DC constituted three-member committee • In UT of Ladakh, Leh District Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar has constituted a three-member committee. • It will enquire the lapses in dealing with the irregularities in handing over of body of a deceased COVID-19 positive case. • A serious lapse in the protocol in handling a COVID-19 suspect has punctured all the precautions taken in containment of Coronavirus in Leh district.
Delhi CM launched an app • Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on 2 June 2020 launched a mobile app to help people know how many beds are • lying vacant in which hospital in the national capital. • The app will be updated twice daily - at 10 am and 6 pm - so that people are aware of the latest status of hospitals. • A web page has also been created www.delhifightscorona.in to provide the latest status of the vacant beds in hospitals.
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Maharashtra CM inaugurated a coal mine • Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated the Western Coalfields' Adasa coal mine near Nagpur on 6 June 2020. • Simultaneously, two mines in Madhya Pradesh were inaugurated by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. • The Adasa coal mine is set up with an investment of Rs 334 crore and will produce 1.5 million metric tonnes of coal per year. • About 550 people will get jobs at the mine.
Punjab launched month-long awareness campaign • Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has launched a month-long drive to spread mass awareness about the coronavirus pandemic. • The campaign, which is part of the ''Mission Fateh'', will bring the people of Punjab into its fold to make the fight against COVID-19 a battle of the people, by the people and for the people. • A series of activities will be launched as part of the campaign.
Rajasthan to appoint 'Swasthya Mitras' • The Rajasthan government will appoint Swasthya Mitras in all villages to advice people against falling into any kind of addiction. • The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Health Minister Raghu Sharma on 1 June 2020. • They will be appointed under the Nirogi Rajasthan campaign and offer services for free. • A Swasthya Mitra will be a healthy person of over 40 years of age.
J&K L-G launched ''MeraVetan'' app • Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu has launched a salary tracker mobile app ''MeraVetan''. • It is aimed at providing salary-related information to government employees.
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• With the launch of the MeraVetan App (Version-1), the employees will easily be able to access their salary and other details anytime.
Maharashtra set to launch 'Project Platina' • The Maharashtra government has launched 'Project Platina', the largest plasma therapy trial for COVID-19. • Maharashtra will be the first state in the country to conduct an overarching trial on convalescent plasma therapy. • The first plasma therapy trial was first conducted in April 2020, after which permission was sought from the Centre to undertake more trials.
Assam Council passed MSME Ordinance • The Council of Ministers in Assam have passed the MSME Ordinance which puts an end to the process of taking multiple permissions for setting up MSMEs in the state, for the next 3 years. • It also allocated 200 bigha of Ashok PaperMill at Jogighopa for India's first International Multi-Modal Logistic Hub. • It has decided to change the academic year of schools from Jan-Dec to April- Mar from 2021.
Maharashtra govt extends lockdown till July 31 • The Maharashtra government has extended the COVID-19 lockdown till July 31, 2020, while imposing stricter restrictions like reduced time allowed for shopping. • As per the new set of instructions, people will be allowed to travel within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to only attend offices and for essential services and not for shopping. • Malls, schools, colleges, etc. continue to remain shut.
Delhi to set up plasma bank • Delhi will get a plasma bank for the treatment of the novel coronavirus patients, CM Arvind Kejriwal announced on 29 June 2020. • The plasma bank will start operation in the next two days.
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• The bank will be set up at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in Delhi, which is not a COVID hospital.
Haryana to recruit 1000 AYUSH assistants • 1000 AYUSH Assistants and 22 AYUSH Coaches will be recruited on contract basis soon in various 'Yogshalas' to popularize yoga across Haryana. • The recruitment will be done by the District Level Selection Committee, which will be chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the respective District Councils. • These Ayush Assistants will work as In-charge of 'Yogshalas'.
MP govt to launch 'Kill Corona' campaign • Madhya Pradesh govt will launch a 'Kill Corona' campaign from July 1, 2020 to control the spread of coronavirus in the state. • Under the campaign, a door-to-door survey will be conducted and tests would also be done on citizens for other diseases. • During the 15-day 'Kill Corona' campaign in MP, 2.5 lakh tests will be carried out and 15,000 to 20,000 samples would be collected daily.
Odisha Govt developed a portal • To efficiently address cases of labourers and employees in Odisha, the state Labour and ESI Dept has developed a Labour Case Management System portal. • The objective of the initiative is to allow all stakeholders-claimant workers, advocates and employers to track all the labour cases online under the Employee's Compensation Act 1923, Payment of Gratuity Act 1972 and Minimum Wages Act 1948.
MP forms migrant labour commission • Madhya Pradesh State Migrant Labourers Commission has been constituted for the welfare of migrant labourers and protection of their interests in Madhya Pradesh.
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• The term of ‘Madhya Pradesh State Migrant labourers Commission’ will be of two years. • The commission will have to submit necessary recommendations to strengthen the social and economic status of the migrant labourers of the state.
UP Govt to form force for industrial security • UP government has decided to form a dedicated force for security of courts, metro rail, airports, industrial • establishments, banks and other organizations in the state. • The force will be given special training and will be provided with security equipment. • It can be placed at important establishments including religious places. • CM Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to constitute (UPSSF).
Jharkhand extends lockdown till July 31 • Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has extended the lockdown till July 31, 2020, in wake of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases detected in the state. • As per the new state directives, all religious places, educational institutions, coaching classes, shopping malls, etc. will remain closed. • All movement except for essential services shall remain prohibited from 9 pm to 5 am in morning.
Tripura Govt to distribute Nutrition Kits • The Tripura govt has launched a scheme -- Mukhyamantri Matru Pushti Uphaar -- under which it would provide nutrition kits for free to pregnant and lactating women. • At least 40,000 women would benefit from the kits, each worth Rs 500. • The state government is expected to incur an expenditure of Rs 8 crore every year for the initiative.
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Chhattisgarh's Solid Waste Processing Plant • Chhattisgarh's biggest solid waste processing plant was inaugurated in Raipur, where 500 tons of garbage will be disposed off daily. • The plant, constructed at a cost of around Rs 127 crore, will be operated on public-private partnership (PPP) mode. • Chhattisgarh has become the first state in the country, where 100% of the waste collected in any city is disposed through scientific method.
Noida's Sector 50 metro station renamed • The Sector 50 metro station of Aqua-Line (Noida-Greater Noida Line), which would be dedicated to the transgender community, will now be called 'Rainbow' station. • Employment will be provided to the members of the transgender community so that they get a chance to connect with the mainstream. • The station will be open for all commuters.
100% free admission to colleges: Assam • The Assam Government has made all admissions from Higher Secondary (HS) to Post Graduate (PG) level including medical, engineering, polytechnic for the academic year 2020-21 absolutely free. • The decision was taken considering the present COVID-19 scenario and this shall be a big relief to families. • This was announced by Assam Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma on 7 June 2020.
Odisha plans mega educational complexes • The Odisha government is coming up with 3 mega educational complexes exclusively for tribal students, where both academic and sporting skills will be harnessed. • The complexes will be established in tribal-dominated districts such as Keonjhar, Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj. • Each complex will house 3,000 tribal students.
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Maharashtra’s Lonar lake turned pink • The colour of water in Maharashtra's Lonar lake has changed to pink. • It is also known as Lonar crater, which was formed after a meteorite hit the Earth some 50,000 years ago. • Low water level along with an increase in salinity and change in the behaviour of algae due to atmospheric changes could be behind the change in the colour of the water.
UP to commission TruNAT machines • UP CM Yogi Adityanath has directed to commission TruNAT machines in all 75 districts by 15 June 2020. • These machines are reaching the state and with the help of these machines number of tests can be increased. • TruNAT machines have been procured to get prompt COVID-19 testing results which will enable hospitals to start the treatment of patients early.
Karnataka govt to ban online classes • The Karnataka government has decided to ban online classes for the students up to 5th standard in the State. • Minister for Primary and Secondary Education S. Suresh Kumar said that online classes should be stopped immediately and it is banned throughout the State. • He also directed the schools not to hike school fees for the forthcoming academic year.
Gairsain: Summer capital of Uttarakhand • Gairsain in Chamoli district was declared as the summer capital of Uttarakhand on 8 June 2020. • A notification in this regard was issued by Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh after Governor Baby Rani Maurya gave her assent to the move. • CM Trivendra Rawat had made this announcement during the budget session of the state assembly on March 4, 2020.
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Tripura professor developed a robot • A young assistant professor in Tripura has developed a robot, named ‘COVID-19 WARBOT’. • It can serve food, medicines and other essential items to the patients without human intervention. • It’s a four-wheeled robot which he has developed at his home using the waste material. • The main objective is basically ensuring and safeguarding our health workers who are working in COVID hospitals.
West Bengal govt launched a job portal • The West Bengal government has launched a job portal for IT professionals who have returned to the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic. • The professionals can use the portal ''Karmo Bhumi'' to connect with companies based in the state. • People can connect now to IT companies of Bengal through karmabhumi.nltr.org.
Andhra government launched a platform • The Andhra Pradesh government launched an online waste management platform on the occasion of World Environment Day. • The platform will look after the collection and disposal of liquid waste, air pollutants, and hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste in a comprehensive manner. • It will abide by the principles of 6 ‘R’s – Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Redesign, Refurbish and Remanufacture.
Manipur CM inaugurated Plant Health Clinic • Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated a Plant Health Clinic at the Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Imphal on 8 June 2020. • The aim is to boost the economic growth of Manipur through agriculture and horticulture.
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• During the inaugural function, the Chief Minister also launched a mobile soil testing laboratory van.
Rajasthan Govt launched “Raj Kaushal Portal” • The Rajasthan govt has launched centralised manpower repository ”Raj Kaushal”. • It is the first of its kind portal in the country to connect migrant workers with job opportunities in their home state. • This centralised system ensures jobs for migrants which will also help to start industries in the state. • The portal has a database of more than 50 lakh people categorised by their skill set.
Madhya Pradesh topped wheat procurement • Madhya Pradesh has emerged the top state in the country in wheat procurement on support prices. • The state government has purchased over 1.27 crore tonnes from farmers. • It is almost equal to the 33 per cent of total wheat procured in the country. • Out of the total wheat procured, 118 lakh metric tonnes has been safely stored, which is almost 95 per cent of the quantity purchased.
Uttarakhand opened its biggest biodiversity park • The biggest Biodiversity park of Uttarakhand was inaugurated in Haldwani on 5 June 2020 on the occasion of the World Environment Day. • The park named “Uttarakhand Forest Research Wing Biodiversity Park” is spread over an area of 18-acre. • It has around 500 different plant species and over 40 sections that revolve around different environmental themes.
Sikkim: Weaker sections to get 10% reservation • In Sikkim, the State Cabinet has decided to allow Economically Weaker Sections of people who do not fall in the reserved category of ST, SC and OBC for 10 per cent Central reservation.
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• This was informed by Secretary to Chief Minister S.D. Dhakal in a press conference in Gangtok. • The reservation will not apply to technical and scientific posts and other such posts.
UP govt to launch a state level campaign • The UP govt is launching a state-level sample collection campaign on 12 June 2020 to find out the level of corona infection among the different sections of society. • The campaign will run for one week in which various clusters of the society will be tested. • Under this campaign samples to those people will be taken who move frequently due to their work.
Maharashtra renamed its Environment Ministry • Maharashtra has renamed its Environment Ministry as Environment and Climate Change Ministry. • The dept is handled by Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray. • The newly renamed department will work on 'the five elements of nature'. • Maharashtra is among a few states in the country which have a dedicated dept to address climate change. • Gujarat, UP, Haryana are some other states to have such a dept.
1st local CAM of Srinagar Railways • In Jammu and Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf, an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, has become the first local to have assumed the charge as the Chief Area Manager of Srinagar Railways. • He cleared the UPSC exam in his second attempt and was allotted IRTS. • Yousuf then joined the Indian Railways Institute of Transportation Management, Lucknow for an 18-month training.
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Mumbai's new flood warning system launched • Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on 12 June 2020 inaugurated the new integrated flood warning system (IFLOWS) developed for Mumbai. • The system will help the people of Mumbai in a big way as it can predict floods. • The Ministry of Earth Sciences has developed this system using in-house expertise and in close coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Hubballi station to get longest platform • Karnataka’s Hubballi station is set to get the world’s longest railway platform that will be 1,400 metres long and 10 metres wide. • The extension work at Platform No. 1 of the Hubballi Junction will be completed in a year. • The Gorakhpur railway station has the longest platform at the moment which is 1,366m long. • The Kollam Junction with a length of 1,180 metres is the second-longest.
J&K Govt launched J&K Poultry Policy 2020 • The Govt of Jammu and Kashmir has launched J&K Poultry Policy, 2020/Operational Guidelines. • It will promote the establishment of poultry units in the region. • The govt also announced a dedicated UT allocation of Rs. 50 crores as subsidy per annum for the establishment of broiler/layer farms and other allied activities.
Odisha: 1st state to receive ISO certification • Odisha became the 1st state in the country to receive ISO certification for hostels meant for tribal students. • Comprehensive assessment of all hostels was conducted with the objective of improving the standard and quality of the hostels to lead them to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification.
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• In the first phase, hostels of Keonjhar and Sambalpur districts were taken up for assessment.
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