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JUNE 2020

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JUNE 2020 (CURRENT AFFAIRS) 1

MADHYA PRADESH NEWS

Third Foundation Day of Pandit SN Shukla University inaugurated by Governor Lalji Tandon  Pandit Shambhunath Shukla University is located at Shahdol

Awareness campaign should be conducted in state to win over Coronavirus  The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that that despite continuous success in the efforts to control the Corona, there is a need to take full measures to control disease in the entire state. The battle has to be won against Corona at all cost. In this regard, awareness campaign should be conducted in the entire state.  NCC, NSS, Jan Abhiyan Parishad and Community leaders should be included in this. Prepare such a force, which should make people aware by explaining them all the measures in simple manner for protection from Coronavirus.

Chief Minister’s announcement to facilitate power consumers with relief of about Rs. 1150 crore  In compliance to the announcement made by the Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to give relief to the power consumers in view of the difficulties faced by them due to the lockdown, an order has been issued by the Energy Department. This announcement will facilitate about One crore 11 lakh power consumers with a relief of approximately Rs. 1150 crore.  As per the order issued, the recovery of fixed charges in the bills of April as well as in the bills of May and June, 2020 of all the low tension non-domestic, low tension industrial consumers and high tension HV-3 consumers has been postponed. The recovery of the postponed amount without interest should be done in 6 equal installments in the bills between October 2020 and March 2021.

Now Tiwada Mixed Gram Also To Be Procured On Msp  Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that now Tiwda mixed gram will also be procured on MSP from farmers. Madhya Pradesh government had requested the central government for this and the latter has accorded sanction for this. Farmers can sell this produce till June 30 at the procurement centres. Shri Chouhan has expressed gratitude to the Prime Minster and the Agriculture Minister for this.  The Chief Minister has said that gram could not be purchased on MSP from farmers because it was mixed with Tiwda in many parts of the state. To solve this problem the state government had requested the central government to permit purchase of such gram, that the central has granted. The Chief Minister has asked farmers not to worry and make no hurry as it Tiwda mixed gram will be purchased on MSP.

SELF-RELIANT MADHYA PRADESH  Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that as far as possible, 'local' should be used to make Madhya Pradesh self-reliant. The Self-Reliant mission of Government of India should be executed in Madhya Pradesh in tune with local conditions here.

Farmers can now conduct obstacle free trade of their produce  The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the approval given by the Union Government to the Farming Produce Commerce and Trade (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance 2020 will now facilitate farmers to conduct obstacle free trade. This will help in eradicating all the current obstacles faced by the farmers in selling their agriculture produce and facilitate them to earn good profit.

Background  Farmers of the country face lot of hardships in selling their produce because of the regulatory prohibitions. There are several kinds of prohibitions on farmers for selling produce outside the market of notified Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee. Farmers are bound to sell their produce to the traders with government license. Apart from this, there are many hindrances in the way of conducting trade from one state to other.

Advantage  The implementation of the ordinance will pave a way for creating a comfortable and free atmosphere for the farmers, who will have freedom to sell or purchase agricultural produce as per their convenience. The ordinance will also facilitate free trade of agricultural produce both within and outside the state, which are notified under the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC).

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 This will facilitate farmers with more options. The market cost will come down and farmers will be able to get better price for their produce. In addition, farmers of the excess production areas will also be able to get better price for their produce and on the other consumers of less production areas will not have to pay excess amount for the produce. The ordinance also has a provision for preparing an E-Platform to ensure smooth trade of agricultural produce.

One nation, one Agriculture Market  The basic objective of the ordinance is to provide additional opportunities of trade to the farmers outside the limits of the APMC markets to enable them to get good price of their produce in competitive market. Certainly, this will pave a way to create ‘One nation, One Agriculture Market’ and will ensure good value of the agricultural produce to our hardworking farmers.

Over Rs. 20 crore loan to 1743 Self-Help Groups for self-employment  Under the Deendayal Upadhyaya National Urban Livelihood Mission, loan of Rs. 20 crore 75 lakh has been made available to 1743 Women Self-Help Groups for self-employment by linking them with various financial institutions. Till date, as many as 25 thousand 478 Self-Help Groups have already been formed in 120 urban bodies of 52 districts of the state.

Raj Bhavan should present ideal of biodiversity and organic farming : June 5  Raj Bhavan becomes self-reliant in production of organic vegetables, milk, fertilizers and pesticidesPoly House inaugurated at Raj Bhavan on World Environment Day  Governor Shri Lalji Tandon has issued directives that attractive and self-sufficient parks should be developed as tourism centres in Raj Bhavan, Bhopal and Pachmarhi. The visitors of Raj Bhavan should get information and inspiration of biodiversity of Madhya Pradesh, gardening with modern organic method and beneficial and self- sufficient cultivation of fruit and flower gardens.

CM Shri Chouhan honours 2 women members of Gram Van Samiti on World Environment Day  On the occasion of the World Environment Day, the Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan honoured 2 women members of Gram Van Samiti- Maneri for their remarkable work to transform barren hills into lush hills. Shri Chouhan announced to give them Samman Nidhi of Rs. 25 thousand each to these members.  Both have accomplished a very difficult task. They took care of the alive tree stumps in the jungle and transformed the entire area into a dense teak wood jungle.

‘Ekal Nagrik Database’ to be prepared in state  The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that work to prepare ‘Ekal Nagrik Database’ will be started soon in the state. At present, information is sought frequently from citizens to provide benefits of various schemes. Once the Ekal Nagrik Database is ready, there is no need for the citizens to provide the information repeatedly. The information available with the government will be used to provide benefits of various schemes.

Separate registrations for different schemes at present  It is to be mentioned that currently about 600 to 700 beneficiaries oriented schemes are implemented in the state. Separate registration of beneficiaries is done to provide benefit of these schemes. On one hand, the government machinery has to spend a lot of time, while the citizens also have to provide information repeatedly. Shri Chouhan said that the creation of ‘Ekal Nagrik Datbase’ will save the time of government machinery, while the new system will be more convenient for the citizens.

System implemented in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana  Chief Minister Shri Chouhan informed that at present, a citizen database has been created in the states of Rajasthan, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. In Rajasthan, this scheme has been implemented under the name of “Bhamashah” and in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana under the name of “Praja Sadhikar”.

Forest Title Deeds distributed to 2 lakh 57 thousand claimants in state  More than 6 lakh 27 thousand claims have been received in the state under the Forest Rights Act. Out of these, more than 2 lakh 68 thousand claims have been accepted and Forest Title Deeds (Lease) of the occupied land have been distributed to 2 lakh 57 thousand claimants. Process to distribute Forest Title Deed in the remaining 10 thousand valid claims is underway. Over 3 lakh 60 thousand claims of Forest Rights have been rejected due to various reasons in the state. These rejected claims are being re-examined through M.P. Van Mitra Portal.

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CM Shri Chouhan presses button to inaugurate two coal mines  Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the Dhankasa and Sharda underground coal mines in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh online  Effort made in last term pays off There will be capital investment of Rs 515 crores 1.4 lakh tons of coal will be produced annually, 1000 people will get employment.

Madhya Pradesh ahead in mineral wealth  It may be noted that Madhya Pradesh ranks fourth in the country in coal production.  The state produces 239 million tonnes of coal in a year through which the state receives revenue of Rs. 2 thousand crores. Mining work is undertaken by Coal India Limited in six districts including Chhindwara, Betul, Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria and Singrauli. Of the 56 coal mines in the state, 23 are underground and 23 are open. Of these, a total of 16 mines are operational in Madhya Pradesh, which are mainly in Chhindwara and Betul districts.  Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh is a mineral-rich state with deposits of diamond, coal, methane gas, copper and limestone.  While Madhya Pradesh is the most prominent state in diamond production, it is second in manganese and copper production and fourth in coal production in the country. Various measures are being taken to increase production of the chief minerals of the state.

Chambal Express Way is actually Chambal Progress Way  Chief Minister said that the 309 km route from Madhya Pradesh’s Vindhya to Rajasthan border is being included under Chambal Expressway and a four-lane is being made.  There was a time when Chambal region was facing dacoit menace.  The rugged area here is spread over lakhs of hectare area. The Chambal Express-way will become Chambal Progressway to give new heights to the development of the region.

“Shahari Path Vyavasayi Utthan Yojana” and “Path Vikreta Portal” launched  Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday transferred an amount of Rs 330 crore from Mantralaya to 374 urban bodies and 5 Cantonment councils of the state through a single click. He also inaugurated the “Shahari Path Vyavasayi Utthan Yojana” and “Shahari Path Vikreta Portal”. Principal Secretary Shri Nitesh Vyas, Commissioner Urban Administration and Development Shri P. Narhari were present on the occasion.

Shahari Path Vyavasayi Uthhan Yojana  Chief Minister Shri Chouhan, while addressing the street vendors of different districts of Madhya Pradesh through video conferencing said that the Pradhan Mantri Path Vikreta Atmanirbhar Nidhi has been started by India’s visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, under which loan of Rs 10 thousand will be provided to urban street vendors. In this, the Central government will provide 7 percent interest subsidy. With this, the Madhya Pradesh government has started the Shahari Path Vyavasayi Utthan Yojana under which the state government will pay the remaining interest amount, which will be about 5 percent. In this way, the beneficiary will get an interest-free loan of Rs. 10 thousand guaranteed by the government.

Registration on portal must  Chief Minister Shri Chouhan informed that the Shahari Path Vikreta Portal has also been started by the Madhya Pradesh government with the purpose of providing benefits of various schemes to street vendors / businessmen. Under this, the urban unorganized workers – small traders running their business on roads, in gumtis, as hawkers, will be registered on the portal. This integrated portal will ensure that they get the benefits of various schemes. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan urged the street vendors to get themselves registered on the portal.

Raj Bhavan is becoming Model of Atmanirbharta  Governor peruses digital issue of News Letter ‘Pravah’

Madhya Pradesh reaches first position in the country in wheat procurement  Madhya Pradesh has reached the first position in the country in procurement of wheat on support price. So far 1 crore 27 lakh 67 thousand 628 metric tonne wheat has been procured in Madhya Pradesh.  Punjab ranks second in the country. Thirty-three percent of the total procured wheat by all the states of the country has been procured in Madhya Pradesh. Three crore 86 lakh 54 thousand metric tonnes of wheat have been procured throughout the country. JUNE 2020 (CURRENT AFFAIRS) 4

 Wheat procurement in Madhya Pradesh has increased by 74 percent as compared last year.

27 thousand as carpenters and 16 thousand identified as drivers in survey of migrant labourers  Many significant facts have come to light in the survey of migrant labourers. Among the labourers who have returned from other states to Madhya Pradesh during the Corona crisis, there are 27 thousand 721 labourers who are blacksmiths and carpenters and 16 thousand 900 labourers working as drivers. Similarly, one lakh 76 thousand 682 are engaged in construction of building and structures, 99 thousand 26 in agriculture sector, 37 thousand 805 in brick and tile manufacturing, 27 thousand 26 working in shops and restaurants, 20 thousand 124 in loading work, 16 thousand 208 in masonry, 12 thousand 629 in private security, 10 thousand 784 engaged as rehdi / hawkers, 10 thousand 356 in textile industry, 9 thousand 464 in garment industry, 8 thousand 252 in plastic and chemical industry, 7 thousand 939 as rickshaw drivers and 6 thousand 302 labourers engaged in painting work.

Major states from where migrant workers returned Migrant Number of family State labourers members Maharashtra 1,94,939 1,05,072 Gujarat 1,76,458 1,59,733 Rajasthan 78,274 80,555 Delhi 57,192 63,356 Haryana 51,300 55387 Uttar Pradesh 43,441 43,904 Telangana 39,314 18,898 Chhattisgarh 19,160 9,586 Karnataka 15,392 6,314 Andhra Pradesh 8,784 3,556

Rozgar Setu portal will provide employment to labourers as per their skills and efficiency  CM inaugurates Rozgar Setu portal Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to conduct survey of migrant labourers 79 skilled labourers get employment on the first day  Rozgar Setu Portal has been started by the Madhya Pradesh government to provide work to the migrant labourers who have returned to the state according to their skills and efficiency. All migrant labourers have been registered on the portal. Also, such employers who need skilled / unskilled labourers for various works have been registered.

Effective implementation of I.I.T.T. strategy must continue to tackle Corona  In order to prevent spread of Corona infection and reduce mortality rate in the state, effective implementation of the I.I.T.T (Identify, Isolate, Test and Treat) strategy should be continued.

Women Self-Help Groups have important role in making Madhya Pradesh Self-Reliant  The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Women Self-Help Groups have important role in making Madhya Pradesh self-reliant.  Works worth Rs. 1433 crore for various economic activities will be provided to them by the government in the coming days. Women of self-help groups should manufacture items as per the requirement of their village and surrounding areas.  The Government will help them in providing market to them, he added.  Shri Chouhan was addressing about 10 lakh women members of Self-Help Groups of the state through video conferencing and web linking from Mantralaya today.  He also interacted with the women members of self-help groups, present at the NIC centers of the districts through VC.  The Chief Secretary Shri Iqbal Singh Bains, Additional Chief Secretary Panchayat and Rural Development Shri Manoj Shrivastava and other officers were present on the occasion

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CM Shri Chouhan pays tribute to Madhya Pradesh martyr Shri Deepak Singh  CM Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Shri Deepak Singh, resident of Rewa in a scuffle with Chinese troop at border.  He said that Shri Singh laid down his life while protecting the borders of the country displaying courage and valour

15 Panchayats of state honoured with National Award  National Awards of Panchayat have been announced by the Government of India. As many as 15 panchayats of Madhya Pradesh have been honoured with the awards. Two District Panchayats Neemuch and Mandsaur and 2 Janpad Pancahayts of Alot and Hoshangabad along with other 11 Gram Panchayats of the state have received the awards. The Panchayats have been conferred with the Deendayal Upadhyaya Panchayat Sashaktikaran Award for rendering better services.  The Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Government of India has honoured District Panchayats with certificate and a reward Rs. 50 lakh. Similarly, Janpad panchayats with certificate as well as reward of Rs. 25 lakh and Gram Panchayats as per the population were honoured with certificate and reward of Rs. 5 lakh to 15 lakh.  The eleven Gram Panchayats of the state have been awarded for increase in revenue income, better management of natural resources and works in the field of social development. The Gram Panchayats, which have brought laurel to the state at national level include Gram Panchayat Bharwadia of Neemuch district, 2 Gram Panchayats Maramadho and Tumri of Sagar district, Gram Panchayat Potlod of Indore district, Gram Panchayat Babaikhurd of Hoshangabad district, Gram Panchayat Sundarel of Dhar district, Gram Panchayat Panwar Chohanan of Sidhi district, Gram Panchayat Padliya Maru of Mandsaur district, Gram Panchayat Kansar of Ratlam district, Gram Panchayat Moogli of Sehore district and Gram Panchayat Barkhedi of Ratlam district.  These awards bagged by the Panchayats of Madhya Pradesh are result of better works done by them.

Perform yoga on International Yoga Day, June 21 at home itself  The International Day of Yoga will be observed on June 21.  The main objective of Yoga and Pranayam on Yoga day is to increase immunity and relieve stress. Each department will appoint a nodal officer in connection with this event.  By determining a common protocol, an e-book and video on information about Yogasans to be performed during the Yoga programme, have been prepared by the Ayush department of the Government of India.  This can be downloaded from the website yoga.ayush.gov.in. Necessary information pertaining to Common Yoga Protocol has been made available by the Ministry of Ayush for practicing yoga before the Yoga Day on different mediums like Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.

CM Shri Chouhan congratulates newly elected Rajya Sabha members  The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan congratulated the members of the Rajya Sabha elected from Madhya Pradesh.  While congratulating the elected member for Rajya Sabha Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, he said that your presence in Upper House will give strength to welfare issues of Madhya Pradesh as well as country and will pave a way for development and public welfare.  The Chief Minister Shri Chouhan also congratulated the newly elected members of Rajya Sabha Shri Sumer Singh and Shri Digvijay Singh.

Sambal Yojana is a boon for the poor  Chief Minister has said that the Mukhya Mantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal Yojana) is a boon for the poor.  Around one crore 37 lakh unorganized workers are registered under the scheme in the state. Assistance of Rs. 137 crore 41 lakh has been provided to a total of 24,507 beneficiaries since March one. Today, ex-gratia assistance amounting to Rs. 14 crore 13 lakh is being provided to the families of 664 beneficiaries.  Various benefits of the scheme  under Sambal Yojana, ex gratia, assistance for last rites, maternity assistance, rebate in electricity bills, payment of fees for higher education, marriage of daughters, etc. are provided to the poor.

Benefits given from March 1 till date in Sambal Yojana Components of the Assistance given to Aid given to the beneficiary so far scheme the beneficiary

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Last rites assistance Rs 5000 Rs 49.2 crore to 98,400 relatives Ex-gratia Rs 1416.70 crore to 70,839 Rs 2 lakh (normal death) relatives Ex-gratia Rs 4 lakh Rs 363.84 crore to 9,096 relatives (Death due to accident) Ex-gratia Rs 2 lakh Rs 1.38 crore to 69 beneficiaries (Permanent disability) Ex-gratia Rs one lakh Rs 1.61 crore to 161 beneficiaries (Partial disability) Rs 154.41 crore to 1,82,505 Maternity assistance Rs 16 thousand beneficiaries

CM Shri Chouhan pays tributes at the statue of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee  Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today paid tributes to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee at Mukherjee Tiraha on Balidan Divas. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan recalled the contribution of Dr.. Mukherjee for the welfare of the coutnry

10-hour power supply for irrigation and 24x7 for domestic use must be ensured  Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that power supply of 10 hours should be provided to farmers for irrigation and 24 x7 supply to domestic consumers. There is excess power available in the state, hence there should not be any shortage in power supply. For this, the electricity department should fix the system, improve arrangements.

MP State’s Power Capacity Source Capacity (in MW) State - Thermal 5,400 State - Hydel 917 Joint ventures and other Hydel 2,515 Central Zone 5,005 IPP 3,427 Renewable 3,963 Total 21,226

“Madhya Pradesh Migrant Labourer Commission” constituted  In compliance to the announcement of the Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, an order has been issued by the Department of Labour today for the formation of “Madhya Pradesh State Migrant Labourer Commission”. The tenure of the Commission will be of two years. An individual nominated by the state government will be the Chairman of the Commission.  Duties and objectives of the commission have been determined by the state government.  The Commission is required to present necessary recommendations in order to strengthen socio-economic status of the migrant labourers of the state.  The Commission will present its suggestions and recommendations to the state government after obtaining necessary advices from members of commission besides other individuals, organizations, departments, boards etc. This includes welfare of migrant labourers, creation of employment opportunities and skill development of migrant labourers and their families as well as effective implementation of existing laws for protection of their interest.  Along with this, the commission will also be able to give recommendations as regard to providing benefits of existing social security and welfare schemes to the migrant labourers and their families and any other recommendation in the interest of the migrant labourers.

Transform Van Mahotsav into Public Movement  The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan while extending best wishes on the occasion of Van Mahotsav, said that Van Mahotsav has been observed every year to generate consciousness about plantation among common man. The main basis of the state’s Forest Policy is to provide employment to local village community

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and environment conservation by better management of forests. The Chief Minister further mentioned that the Joint Forest Management has been adopted to make participation of villagers more practical and transparent in forest management. In order to protect environment and to reduce ill effects of climate change in the state, there is a need to make the state lush green by undertaking plantation at wide scale on non-forest lands.  The Chief Minister Shri Chouhan asserted that schemes are being run by the State Bamboo Mission and Green India Mission for plantation on lands of farmers to increase the green cover. Active participation of common man is needed in achieving success under these schemes and to make the state lush green. By conducting schemes under the mission, encourage farmers for plantation on private lands, which will lead to enhancement in forests cover, he added.  The Chief Minister Shri Chouhan urged the citizens of the state that they should transform Van Mahotsav into a Public Movement by undertaking plantation and also protect the plants. Nearest forest nursery can be contacted to obtain technical guidance for plantation and plants.

‘Kill Corona Campaign’ to begin in state from July 01  Door to Door survey to be conductedCM Shri Chouhan appeals general public for cooperation  A 15-day “Kill Corona Campaign” will be organized across the state for wide surveillance of Covid-19. The campaign commencing from July 01 will continue till July 15. The government and society will work together in all districts of the state in this campaign of virus control and health awareness.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Labour Ministry with TCS iON offers free online skill training through NCS portal  The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment partnered with TCS iON and offers free online career skills training through the National Career Service (NCS) project to enhance the corporate etiquette, interpersonal skills, presentation skills and other softs skills of the job-seekers. NCS partnered with HireMee (online assessment and hiring service provider) to offer creation of video profiles for job- seekers.

Ministry of Jal Shakti sanctions Rs. 445 crores for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Chhattisgarh during 2020-21

“My Life, My Yoga” Video Blogging contest launched; announced by PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat  PM Narendra Modi has announced the “My Life, My Yoga” (Jeevan Yoga) Video Blogging Contest, as one of the activities related to the observation of the 6thInternational Day of Yoga on June 21st, 2020. The contest being organized by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The objective of the contest is to focus on the transformative impact of Yoga on the lives ofindividuals.

Ravi Shankar Prasad launched India’s national Artificial Intelligence Portal & launched “Responsible AI for Youth”  Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology (IT), Ravi Shankar Prasad launched India’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Portal & National Program for the youth named “Responsible AI for Youth” during the occasion of the 1st anniversary of the second tenure of the government. The portal was developed jointly by the National e-Governance Division of Ministry of Electronics and IT and NASSCOM from the ITindustry.

India’s access to USD 50-60 billion worth of carbon credits can be achieved if it propagates agroecology: NITIAayog  The NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar stated that India’s access to USD 50-60 billion worth of carbon credits can be achieved if it propagates natural farming and agroecology.  Amitabh Kant is the CEO of NITIAayog.

Cabinet approvals on June 1, 2020  OnJune1,2020,UnionCabinetmeetwasheldwhichwaschairedbyPrimeMinisterNarendraModi.This was the first meeting of the Union Cabinet after the Central Government entered into its second year in office.  Cabinet approves extension of repayment date for short term loans for agriculture and allied activities by banks till August 31,2020  Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Kharif Crops for marketing season 2020-21increased  Cabinet approves Upward revision of MSME definition and modalities/ road map for implementing Atmanirbhar Bharat Packages forMSMEs

Kisan Credit Cards campaign launched for 1.5 crore dairy farmers: Government  The Union Government has planned to provide Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to 1.5 crore dairy farmers belonging to milk unions and milk producing companies within the next two months (1st June-31st July 2020) under a special drive. The drive is part of the Prime Minister’s AtmaNirbhar Bharat package for Farmers. The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 15 May 2020, announced that 2.5 crore new farmers will be covered under the KCC scheme which provides additional liquidity of Rs.5 lakh crore to farmers.

Odisha, Sikkim and Mizoram included in ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ scheme  The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan informed that Odisha, Sikkim and Mizoram have joined the ‘One Nation-One Ration Card’ scheme on ‘Integrated Management of Public Distribution System’(IM-PDS) a total of 20 states/Union Territories (UTs) in the scheme. All the states/UTs will be added to the scheme by March 31, 2021.

MEITY launched 3 new schemes worth Rs 50,000 cr to boost electronic manufacturing in India  Minister of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a trilogy of schemes namely “Electronics Manufacturing Scheme 2.0” with an outlay of Rs 50,000 crore (approximately $7 billion) to boost electronic manufacturing in India. These will contribute in achieving a USD 1 Trillion digital economy and a USD 5 Trillion GDP by 2025. The three schemes are namely,

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 Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for Large Scale ElectronicsManufacturing,  Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors(SPECS)  Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0) Scheme  .

MoD places orders with OFB to supply 156 upgraded tanks worth of Rs 1,094 crore for Army  The Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence (MoD) has ordered Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) in Telangana’s Medak, to supply 156 BMP 2/2k Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) worth Rs 1,094 crore for the Indian army with the approval of Defence minister Rajnath Singh. There are plans to induct these advanced feature vehicles into the army by 2023.

HRD&Urbandevelopmentministries&AICTEjointlylaunches1stofitskindstudentinternship programme,“TULIP”  Union HRD minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal `Nishank’ & Housing & Urban Affairs minister (MoS I/C) Hardeep  Puri,andAllIndiaCouncilforTechnicalEducation(AICTE)havejointlylauncheda1stofitskindonline portal for `The Urban Learning Internship Program (TULIP)’ – A program for providing internship opportunities to fresh graduates in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Smart Cities across the country. MoHUA and AICTE have signed a 5-year MoU for the implementation ofTULIP.

Citizen skill mapping under Vande Bharat Mission called “SWADES” launched by Govt.  UnderthejointinitiativebytheMinistryofSkillDevelopmentandEntrepreneurship(MSDE),Ministryof Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Union govt. has launched a new initiative Skilled Workers Arrival Database for Employment Support (SWADES). SWADES is launched to conduct a skill mapping exercise of the returning citizens under the Vande Bharat Mission(VBM).

Cabinet approvals on June 3, 2020  On June 3, 2020, Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has given the following approvals:  Cabinet approves renaming of Kolkata Port Trust as Syama Prasad MukherjeeTrust  Govt approved setting up of an “Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) and Project Development Cells (PDCs)” in Ministries/Departments for attractingFDIs  Cabinet approved historic amendment to the Essential Commodities Act,1955  Cabinet approved ‘The Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance,2020’  Cabinet approved ‘The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020’

Union Cabinet approved MoU between India and Bhutan on Cooperation in the areas of Environment  .TheMoU covers the following areas of the environment, namely-Air, Waste, Chemical Management, Climate Change, and any other areas jointly decided upon, by considering the bilateral interest of both countries. The capital and currency of Bhutan is Thimphu & Bhutanese Ngultrum respectively.

Centre approved funds for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Odisha, Meghalaya, Assam & Bihar  On the lines of the announcement made by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 regarding Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) which aims to provide “Functional Household Tap Connection” (FHTC) to 18 Crore rural households of the country by the year 2024, the Centre has approved funds for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in the following states during FY2020-2021:Centre approves Rs 812 crore for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission inOdish  Centre approves Rs 175 crore for implementation of JJM inMeghalaya  Centre approves Rs 1,407 crore for implementation of JJM in Assam during2020-21  Centre allocates over Rs 1,832.66 cr for implementation of JJM inBihar  Arunachal Pradesh plans to provide tap connection to all rural households by March2023  Puducherry plans to provide tap connections to all rural households in2020-21

Govt starts process of consultation for 5th science, technology and innovation policy 2020  The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India (GoI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have jointly started the process of consultation for the new & 5th national JUNE 2020 (CURRENT AFFAIRS) 10

Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP 2020) & it will last long for 6 months. The Present PSA – K VijayRaghavan.

200 Urban forests in 5 next years: ‘Nagar Van’ scheme  The“NagarVan”(Urbanforest)SchemelaunchedvirtuallybytheCentralGovt.onJune5,theoccasionof the World Environment Day 2020 (WED) announced the implementation to develop around 200 urban forests across the country over the span of 5 years. It stressed the theme of “Biodiversity” by the United Nation’s Environment Programme (UNEP), The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change celebrated the day by announcing the initiative of urban forests in India.

NSO released Annual Report of Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), 2018 – 2019  According to the annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) [July 2018 – June 2019] of National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), India’s unemployment rate fell to 5.8% between July 2018 and June 2019 from 6.1% during the same period of 2017-18 while the Indian economy grew 6.1% in 2018-19, slower than the 7% expansion recorded the year before.

India, Australia bilateral virtual summit held; 7 agreements inked along with announcement of CSP  The 1stever India-Australia virtual leader’s summit was held between Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison. The focus of the meet was to further strengthen the bilateral ties in areas like healthcare, trade and defence.

PowerMinisterRKSinghinitiated‘#iCommit’campaignontheoccasionofWEDonJune5,2020  As a part of World Environment Day (WED – June 5) celebrations, Minister of State (I/C) (Power, New & Renewable Energy) Raj Kumar Singh has initiated the “#iCommit” Campaign for building an energy resilient future. This initiative is headed by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the administration of the Ministry ofPower.

Nitin Gadkari launches UNDP national awareness campaign on ‘Prevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Highways’ On the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5)

Amritsar included in Delhi-Katra expressway; Punjab stretch to be converted into Greenfield Expressway  Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari accepted the Punjab state’s demand for including Amritsar in an expressway project that will connect Delhi and Katra, J&K. Now, the Greenfield connectivity will be developed in Punjab stretch of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway. It should be noted that this expressway is a part of BharatmalaPariyojana with a total outlay of Rs 60,000 crore.

DPIITrevisespublicprocurementordertoEncourage“MakeinIndia”andenhanceemployment  Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) revised the public procurement order, 2017 on 29thMay 2019 to encourage the Make in India initiative and to increase the income and employment generation.

India loses 750 tigers during 2012-2019; Madhya Pradesh topped: NTCA Data  AccordingtotheofficialdataprovidedbyNationalTigerConservationAuthority(NTCA)asareplytoRTI (righttoinformation)query,750tigershavediedinthecountryinthelasteightyearsi.e.between2012 and 2019 due to poaching and other causes. Also, Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of 526 tigers in the country. As per Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar there is an increase in tiger population by 750 in the last four years from 2,226 to2,976.

CSIR and Atal Innovation Mission sign a Letter of Intent to foster Innovation in India  TheCouncilofScientificandIndustrialResearch(CSIR)andAtalInnovationMission(AIM)havesigneda letter of intent (LoI) to promote innovation in the country. The collaboration is to support world class start-ups through CSIR Incubators under AIM initiatives and jointly work on new models of innovation, including setting up of CSIR InnovationParks.

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FSSAI State food safety index for 2019-20 released during webinar; Gujarat, Goa, Chandigarh topped  The 2ndedition of State Food Safety Index (SFSI) for 2019-20 of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been topped by Gujarat among larger states and by Goa among smaller states & Chandigarh among Union Territories. It was announced during a webinar conducted on the occasion of “World Food Safety Day” on June 7, 2020 on the theme “Food Safety is everyone’s business”. The State Food Safety Index ranks states on five parameters. Rank Winner Large States 1 Gujarat Small States 1 Goa Union Territories (UTs) 1 Chandigarh

Dr. Jitendra Singh launched COVID BEEP, India’s first physiological parameters monitoring system for COVID-19 patients

Govt changes public procurement rules, more preference to local suppliers  In accordance with the revised Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India), Order 2017, the government has modified public procurement norms for giving maximum preference to companies whose goods and services have 50% or more local content. In revised Public Procurement Order, 2017, a concept of Class-I (Domestic value will be 50% or more than that), II (20%-50%) and non-local suppliers (less than 20%) was introduced based on which they will get preference in government purchases of goods and services.

India to set up first coal trading exchange  India to set up its first coal trading platform -a sort of ‘Coal exchange’, where a large number of sellers and buyers can get together to trade coal as a commodity. It is to be noted that the coal ministry is likelyto initiate auctions of about 50 coal blocks for commercial coal mining on June 11, 2020. Also, it should be noted that India is the 2ndlargest producer of coal in the world, only behind China.

56 schools to be reconstructed by Govt. of India in Nepal  The Indian Embassy and the Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU) of the Ministry of Education, Nepal signed 7 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for re-building 56 higher secondary schools in Nepal. The schools will be built as a part of 2.95 billion (Nepali rupees) grant to Nepal by the Government of India post- earthquake reconstruction.

Rs. 4000cr allocated to State Governments under Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component of PMKSY for FY 2020-21  The Department of Agriculture Cooperation& Farmers’ Welfare (DAC&FW) has allocated Rs. 4000 cr to thestategovernmentsfortheyear2020-21forimplementingPerDropMoreCropcomponentofPradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY- PDMC). The PDMC is to enhance the use of water effectively at farm level through Micro Irrigation technologies viz. Drip and Sprinkler irrigationsystems.

MHRD&FitIndiacollaboratestoproduceseriesofspecialfilmstopromote10indigenoussports ofIndia  The Department of School Education and Literacy under Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has collaborated with Fit India under the” Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat” initiative to produce a series of special films to promote 10 indigenous sports of India.

Migrants facing job loss amid lockdown to get health insurance under AB-PMJAY  Indian government extended its health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) for migrant workers facing unemployment, across states. In this regard, the implementing agency

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of AB-PMJAY, National Health Authority (NHA) is coordinating with the states to identify the eligible beneficiaries under the scheme so that e-cards will be issued to them.

Vice-Admiral Atul Kumar Jain of ENC inaugurates a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle Complex in Vizag  Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, flag officer commanding in Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) inaugurated a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) complex in Visakhapatnam.

Centre approved funds for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand & West Bengal  The Central government has now approved funds to the Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand & West Bengal for FY2020- 2021 for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission.

HRDMinisterRameshPokhriyalreleases5theditionofNIRFRankings2020;IITMadrastopsthe list of ‘overallcategory’  The Union Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has virtually released 5th edition of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2020. The rankings are being announced for India’s best universities and institutions in 10 categories.

List of top 3 India Rankings 2020 (overall) is as follows:

Rank No. Name of Institute Score 1 Indian Institute of Technology Madras 85.31 2 Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 84.18 3 Indian Institute of Technology Delhi 81.33

Gir Sanctuary Gujarat’s Asiatic Lion population risen to 29% in 5 years; “Poonam Avlokan” survey  According to the “Poonam Avlokan” survey the population of the Asiatic lion at the Gir sanctuary in Gujarat has seen a commendable rise to approximately 29% (28.87%) from 27% in 2015 i.e their population went from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020. Also, the distribution area of the lions was also increased to 36% from 22,000sq Km in 2015 to 30,000 sq Km in 2020.

‘Turant customs’ a flagship programme launched in Bengaluru and Chennai by CBIC  The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) launched a flagship programme, “Turant customs” at Bengaluru and Chennai with technological support for faster clearance of imported goods and for the ease of doing business.

Narendra Singh Tomar virtually launched ‘Sahakar Mitra’ scheme to provide paid internship to the Youth; NCDC initiative  Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister inaugurated a Sahakar Mitra: Scheme on Internship Program (SIP) an initiative of the NCDC (National Cooperative Development Corporation).

Shipping Ministry approved revised cost estimates of Rs. 123.95 cr for Ship Repair facilities in Andaman & Nicobar Islands  Ministry of Shipping has approved the Revised Cost estimate of Rs. 123.95 crore for the project “ExtensionofDryDock-IIatamarineinPortBlair,SouthAndaman”foraugmentingShipRepairfacilities in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The project envisages extension of existing dock length by 90 meters by August2021.

NHAI Becomes First Fully DigitalisedOrganisation in Construction Sector  The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways becomes the first Organisation in the Construction Sector to become fully digitalisedutilising the cloud and artificial intelligence powered by the Data Lake, a Big Data Analytic platform and Project Management software.

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3 DST institutes among top 30 Indian Institutions in Nature Index 2020; CAS, China topped globally  According to the Nature Index 2020 ratings, 3 autonomous institutions of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India ranked among top 30 Indian Institutes. The Nature Index 2020 ratings has been globally topped by Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China while India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is on 160th position globally but stood first among Indian institutions.

SCL Das to head the committee constituted by Petroleum Ministry to inquire the Assam oil well disaster

3rd India-ASEAN youth dialogue held from June 8 to 10, 2020; youth-centric initiatives highlighted  The 3rd India-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) youth dialogue 2020 was held virtually on June 8-10, 2020 focusing on COVID-19 pandemic. The meet has regarded the youth as “vehicles of change” who are playing a pivotal role by leading the fight against the pandemic. The Vietnam holds the presidency of ASEAN for the year 2020.

MadhyaPradeshbecomesthetopwheatprocurer;PurchasedforRs25,000croresfromfarmers  Rural economy of the Madhya Pradesh (MP) was inducted with Rs 25,000 crore as the state government procured large amount of wheat from its farmers as a result MP becomes India’s largest wheat procurer for the year 20-21 surpassing Punjab. MP also produced the highest amount of wheat this year about 30 milliontonnes.

CM Uddhav Thackeray and Dr Harshvardhan e-launched ‘I-FLOWS’ a flood warning system in Mumbai

Dharmendra Pradhan Launched Nation’s 1st “Indian Gas Exchange”, an Online Delivery-Based Gas Trading Platform  India’s first nationwide online delivery-based natural gas trading platform, “Indian Gas Exchange (IGX)” hasbeenlaunchedbyUnionPetroleumandNaturalGasMinisterDharmendraPradhan.Notably,IGXwill work as a wholly owned subsidiary of the India Energy Exchange (IEX), which is India’s energy market platform. Headquartered in New Delhi.  IGX will offer six market products day-ahead, daily, weekly, weekdays, fortnightly and monthly. India target to raise natural gas share to 15% from 6% by 2030. Manikaran Power becomes the first member of India’s gas tradingplatform.

Employees Provident FundOrganisation (EPFO) Launches Multi-Location Claim Settlement  The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under Ministry of Labour and Employment has launched Multi-location claim settlement facility. This new facility has replaced the old using system of geographical jurisdiction for claim process.

India Builds First Ever Infectious Disease Diagnostic Lab  India builds the first ever Infectious Disease Diagnostic Mobile Laboratory with the support of the Department of Bio-technology as a part of AtmaNirbhar Bharat. The Laboratory was built within 8 days on receiving the chassis from Bharat Benz. The BSL-2 facility lab holds the Elisa, real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) test and Bio chemistry analyser. The laboratory is capable of testing around 200 Elisa tests and 50 rRT-PCR tests per day.

India to construct Rs 2.33 cr sanitation facility at Nepal’s iconic Pashupatinath Temple  India has extended its financial aid by NR (Nepalese rupee) 37.23 million (i.e. Equivalent of Rs. 2.33 cr INR) for the construction of the sanitation facility for the pilgrims at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, under the Nepal-Bharat Maitri: Development Partnership

Ministry of Sports Identified 8 State-Owned Sports Facilities to Upgrade into Khelo India State Centres of Excellence  The Sports Ministry prepared to establish Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCE) under the Khelo India Scheme and identified 8 state owned sports facilities to upgrade as KISCE. The purpose of KISCE are enhance the performance of India in Olympic games & transforming the facilities across the nation into academies of world class standard.

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Coal Ministry &FICCI Initiated e-Auction Process of 41 Coal blocks for Commercial mining; Launched by PM Modi  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the two-stage electronic auction of 41 coal blocks for commercial mining through video-conference. The e-auction was initiated by the Ministry of Coal in association with FICCI as an industry partner. The government has set a target to gasify around 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.

MNRE Sets Up Project Development Cell Under Amitesh Kumar Sinha For Investment in Green Energy Sector  The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set up a Project Development Cell (PDC) under the chairmanship of Amitesh Kumar Sinha (MNRE joint secretary) to attract investment in clean energy, especiallyinthesolarsector.Thecellwillhelpmeetcentre’s175GWtargetforgreenenergycapacityby 2022.

UP provided employment to 57 lakh 12975 migrant workers under MGNREGA; Highest in India  Uttar Pradesh (UP) has provided employment to 57,12,975 workers (around 18% of total work generated under MGNREGA & generated 7.93 crore man-days) in 56,981 village panchayats of the state under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), making it the top Indian state to provide highest employment under MGNREGS.

MoHUA Signs MoU to Engage SIDBI as Implementation Agency for PM SVANidhi  Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has inked MoU with Lucknow based Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to make latter as the implementation Agency for Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) – a Special Micro-Credit Facility for Street Vendors.

Odisha celebrates Raja Parba – Festival of Menstruation and Womanhood  Raja Parba is a three-day festival celebrated during the mid-June (preferably starts from 14th June and ends on 16th June) in Odisha, marking the beginning of monsoon. On this day people celebrate menstruation and womanhood, based on the belief that mother earth menstruates for three days which is considered as a sign of fertility.

PM Modi launched Rs 50,000 cr Garib Kalyan RojgarAbhiyaan to boost employment and livelihood for migrant workers

Centre sanctions Rs 190 cr for augmentation of healthcare facilities in North Eastern States

CIL Joined Hands with NITI Aayog’s AIM to Boost Innovation Ecosystem in India  The Kolkata based PSU, Coal India Limited (CIL) has entered into the partnership with NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog’s flagship initiative Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), to actively support the latter’s key innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives across India.

IIT-Delhi, UN-WFP to offer research-based solution to storage, supply of food grains  The Rome based United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP) India and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have joined hands to support state and national governments in achieving food and nutrition security.

SC on Writ Petition Concerning Rule of Law Index  The Supreme Court asked the government to treat a writ petition, for setting up expert panels to improve India’s performance in the Rule of Law Index, as a “representation” and to decide further action within 6 months’ time. India was Ranked 69th in the WJP Rule of Law Index 2020 India has never been ranked even among top 50 in theIndex. Country Overall Score Global Rank India 0.51 69 Denmark 0.9 1 Norway 0.89 2 Finland 0.87 3

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Centre to allocate Rs 3,000 crore from PM CARES for ventilator supply & migrants’ welfare  The Central Government is all set to allocate Rs 3,000 crore from the PM CARES Fund for supply of ventilators and for the welfare of migrant labourers.

FPI Minister Harsimrat Kaur Launches Food Processing Edition of Exclusive Investment Forum Hosted by Invest India

Central Govt Approved Rs. 412.19 Crore for Implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Telangana  On the lines of the announcement made by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 regarding Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) which aims to provide “Functional Household Tap Connection” (FHTC) to 18 Crore rural households of the country by the year 2024, the Centre has approved Rs. 412.19 Cr for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission for Telangana. The Centre is hopeful that the state will provide 100% tap connections to all rural households in the year 2020-21 itself and become the first State to achieve the feat of ‘Har Ghar Jal Rajya’.

Ministry of Sports to Establish 1000 District Level Khelo India Centres to Engage Former Champions in training  The Ministry of Sports, GoI has decided to establish around 1000 district level Khelo India centres (KIC) all over the nation to engage the former champions in sports training and to ensure a source of income for them in the sports. The 14 Identified Sports for Excellence in Olympics (ISEO) will be trained at KIC.

MSMEs Launches Funding Scheme “Distressed Assets Fund–Sub-ordinate Debt for MSMEs” to Help the Distressed MSME Sector  MSME minister, Nitin Gadkari launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Sub-ordinate debt (CGSSD) which is also called the “Distressed Assets Fund–Sub-ordinate Debt for MSMEs” to provide Rs 20000crore guarantee cover to two lakh MSMEs. The scheme will be operationalised through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for MSEs (CGTMSE).

Harsh Vardhan released Annual TB Report 2020 prepared by Central TB Division; 14% rise in TB patients in 2019  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s (MoHFW) Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and its Minister of State (MoS), Ashwini Kumar Choubey launched the Annual “India TB (Tuberculosis) Report 2020” through a virtual event which is released by Central TB Division (CTD), MoHFW. According to the report, there were around 24.04 lakh TB patients in 2019, a 14% increase in as compared to the year 2018. The Minister also released a Joint Monitoring Mission report, a manual on Direct Benefit Transfer to TB patients under NIKSHAY system.

NITI Aayog & ITF Launch Decarbonizing Transport Project in India  The NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog and the International Transport Forum (ITF) of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) launched the ‘Decarbonizing Transport in Emerging Economies’ (DTEE) project in India. The 5-year project helps India in developing a pathway towards low-carbon transport system.

Jitendra Singh e-Inaugurates” Puneja Bridge” & “Devika Bridge” in J&K  MoS (I/C) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) &MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh inaugurated” Puneja Bridge” & “Devika Bridge” in Doda and Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir respectively over a virtual platform. Both the bridges were constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

Cabinet approvals on June 24, 2020  On June 24, 2020, Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has given its approval to the following proposals:  Cabinet approves declaration of Kushinagar Airport in Uttar Pradesh as an InternationalAirport  Union Cabinet Approves Term Extension of Commission to Examine Sub-Categorization of OBCs till Jan 31, 2021  Historic Reform: Private sector participation in Space activitiesapproved  Urban, multi-State cooperative banks to come under RBIsupervision

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Prime Minister Inaugurates ‘AatmaNirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan’  PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated ‘AtmaNirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Yojana’ through video conferencing for migrant workers of Uttar Pradesh.

NITI Aayog Launched Behaviour Change Campaign, ‘Navigating the New Normal’, and Website  Government think tank agency, NITI Aayog in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Centre for Social and Behavioural Change (CSBC) of Ashoka University, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), and Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) launched the behaviour change campaign ‘Navigating the New Normal’ and its website. The campaign has been formulated under the guidance of Empowered Group 6, chaired by NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amitabh Kant.

Karnataka Becomes the First State to Amend Industries (Facilitation)ActforSmall,Mediumand Large-scaleIndustries  TheKarnatakaGovernmentamendedthe“TheKarnatakaIndustries(Facilitation)act,2002”,inthestate cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa, to facilitate and attract investment in the state. Gujarat and Rajasthan are the only two states in the country that have amended the act for small scale industries. But Karnataka amended the act for small, medium and large-scale industries.

MoS of Defence Shri Shripad Naik Inaugurates Two-day Defence Conclave 2020 in Gujarat  Minister of State (MoS) of Defence, Shripad Naik inaugurated the two days ‘Defence Conclave 2020’ in Gujarat through video conferencing. The conclave was jointly organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Gujarat and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM). The Conclave is held in the defence and aerospace manufacturing sector. Focusing in strong defence is a great economic growth and helps in job creation in manufacturing.

President Promulgates Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 amending Banking Regulation Act, 1949  The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind in exercising the powers conferred under clause (1) of article 123 of the Constitution has promulgated the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 whichwill amend section 45, and 56 of Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as applicable to Cooperative Banks. This promulgation followed the Cabinet approval on June 24, 2020 regarding an ordinance to bring nearly 1,482 urban and 58 multi state cooperative banks under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) supervision.

Government Introduced New Floating Rate Savings Bonds, 2020 (Taxable) Scheme w.e.f July 1, 2020  Government has notified the new Floating Rate Savings Bonds (FRSB), 2020 (Taxable) Scheme in place of 7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018, with effect from July 1, 2020. The 7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018 Scheme was ceased for subscription from the close of banking business on May 28, 2020.

Nasha Mukt Bharat: Annual Action Plan (2020-21) for 272 Most Affected Districts E-Launched by Rattan Lal Kataria , MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment

Culture Ministry celebrating “Sankalp Parva” to plant trees from 28th June to 12 July 2020  The decision for tree plantation has been taken on the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has identified 5 trees representing the herbal heritage of our country. The trees are: Bargad, Awla, Pepal, Ashoka &Bel.

1stIndo-Bhutan Joint Venture Agreement for 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydroelectric Project Signed  The Bhutan government and the Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited signed the Concession Agreement for 600 Mega Watt (MW) Kholongchhu hydroelectric Project (Joint Venture of India and Bhutan) in Thimphu.

Uttarakhand Develops India’s First Lichen Park to Conserve Jurassic Era Plant in Munsiyar

Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually participated in G20 Extraordinary Virtual Education Ministers’ Meeting  Union HRD (Human Resource Development) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ participated in group of 20 (G20) Extraordinary Virtual Education Ministers’ Meeting which was focused on the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic on the education sector.

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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

UN extends arms embargo and other sanctions in South Sudan till May 2021  The capital and currency of South Sudan is Juba & South Sudanesepound.

India ranked 23rd for world’s best startup ecosystems; US topped: StartupBlink Ecosystem Rankings 2020  According to the report titled “Countries Global Ranking of Startup Ecosystem 2020” by StartupBlink, India ranked at 23rd position. The ranking has been topped by the United States (US)

Rank Country 1 United States (US) 2 United Kingdom (UK) 3 Israel 23 India

WHO Launched ‘COVID-19 Technology Access Pool’ for equal access to Life-saving Tech  The COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP) which was proposed by President Carlos Alvarado of Costa Rica has been launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) during an event co-hosted by WHO and Costa Rica. The C-TAP was supported by 35 countries (as on May 29, 2020).  The aim of this initiative is to provide access to all for making vaccines, tests, treatments and other health technologies to fight COVID-19. C-TAP will serve as a sister initiative to the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. Also, WHO, Costa Rica and all the co-sponsor countries have also issued a “Solidarity Call to Action” to join and support the initiative.

‘Virtual Global Vaccine Summit 2020’ addressed by the Prime Minister Modi  The virtual Global Vaccine Summit 2020 was hosted by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson from London. The Summit was organised by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI). Also, PM Modi addressed the event and pledged to support 15 million USD to GAVI during the Virtual Summit.

IISC Bangalore ranked 36, 8 Indian Institutes entered top 100 in THE Asia University Ranking  As per the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Ranking launched on 4th June 2020, India became the third most represented country with 8 institutes in the top 100. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) with 36th position on the list retains its top position in India. The Tsinghua University, China Topped the overall List.

‘The Great Reset’ 2021: 51stWEF annual summit, Davos at Switzerland  The 51st annual WEF Davos meeting to be held in January 2021 by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

India ranks 168thin Environment Performance Index 2020; Denmark tops  The biennial Environment Performance Index(EPI) 2020 released jointly by Yale University and Columbia University Rank Country Name EPI score 1 Denmark 82.5 2 Luxembourg 82.3 168th India 27.6

India and Denmark signed an MOU for developing cooperation in power sector  The Ministry of Power, Government of India and the Ministry for Energy, Utilities and Climate, Government of

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Denmark signed an MOU to develop strong cooperation and promote strategic intervention in the power sector on 5th June 2020.

India, China hold top military-level talks in Maldo, Ladakh amid May 2020 standoff  The Lieutenant General-level talks were held between India and China at the Border Personnel Meeting Point in Maldo in the Chushul sector, on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

QS ‘World University Ranking 2021’ 17th edition; 3 Indian Institutes among top 200

QS World University Rankings 2021 ( TOP 5) 2021 Institution Country 1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) USA 2 Stanford University USA 3 Harvard University USA

Mercer’s 26th Annual ‘Cost of Living Survey 2020 ‘: Mumbai ranks 60th globally, 19th in Asia  Mercer released its 26th Annual Cost of Living Survey 2020. From India, Mumbai city has been ranked 60th most expensive city globally and is the only Indian city ranked in the top 100. Hong Kong tops the list globally. New York City is used as the base city for all comparisons and currency movements are measured against the USD.

India with 12 Countries Leads “Verified” Initiative of United Nations to Counter Misinformation on COVID-19  India with 12 other countries lead the “Verified” initiative launched by the United Nations (UN) on 21st May2020,tofightthespreadingofmisinformation(Infodemic)aboutCOVID-19withfact-basedaccurate information. The theme of “verified” is Science, Solidarity andSolution.

India ranked 6th as nuclear weapons increased since 2019; US tops: SIPRI’s Yearbook 2020  According to the 51stedition of “SIPRI Yearbook 2020-Armaments, Disarmament and International Security” of Swedish think tank, SIPRI, the number of nuclear warheads in the Indian arsenal pegged at 150 in comparison to the 2019 report (on the basis of 2018) when India had 130-140. Importantly, in April 2020, SIPRI had identified India as the 3rd largest military spender in the world, behind the United States (US) and China. The yearbook was published by Oxford University Press.

Following table shows the number of warheads of top rankers (as of January 2020): Rank Country Nuclear Warheads 1 US 5800* 2 Russia 6375 3 UK 215 6 India 150

India is 9th largest recipient of FDI in 2019 with $51 billion; US topped: UN-World Investment Report 2020 Rank Country Amount 1 United States (US) 246 bn 2 China 141 bn 3 Singapore 92 bn 9 India 51 bn JUNE 2020 (CURRENT AFFAIRS) 19

India Stands at 43rd Position in 32nd edition of IMD’s Competitive Ranking 2020, Singapore Tops  As per the 32nd edition of World Competitiveness Index 2020, which ranked performance of 63 economies across the globe, prepared by Swiss-based Institute for Management and Development (IMD)’s World Competitiveness Centre (WCC), the Indian economy remained at 43rd position this year.  The list was topped by Singapore for the 2ndconsecutive year.

Rank CountryName 43rd India 1 Singapore 2 Denmark 3 Switzerland

Serum Institute of India signed supply agreement with UNICEF to supply pneumonia vaccine to low-income countries  The Pune based Serum Institute of India (SII) signed a new supply agreement with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Vaccine alliance Gavi’s procurement partner to supply Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine to low income countries all over the world. Under the agreement, SII will provide around 10 million doses of PCV to the lower income countries for the next 10 years for $2 per dose.

India Joined GPAI, 1st of its kind AI initiative as founding member  India has joined the first-of-its-type initiative namely Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence(GPAI) as a founding member to support responsible and human-centric development and use of Artificial Intelligence(AI).

India elected for 8th term as non-permanent member of UN Security Council for 2021 & 2022; will hold presidency in August, 2021

India Attend 32nd Virtual EAG Plenary Meeting 2020 Chaired by EAG Chairman Mr. YuryChikhanchin  The officials from India have participated in the 32nd special Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) plenary meeting 2020, under the aegis of the Paris based Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The meet was chaired by the EAG Chairman Mr. YuryChikhanchin (Russia).

France commits 200 Million Euros to Support India’s COVID-19 Response  France and India signed a credit financing agreement promising 200 million euros to support the social welfare system and India’s COVID-19 response. The fund will be provided to India through French Development Agency, AFD (AgenceFrançaise de Développement). The programme focuses on the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana” to benefit the low-income families.

Nearly 1% of world’s population, “79.5 mn” forcibly displaced globally at the end of 2019: According to the annual report on displacement titled “Global Trends- Forced Displacement in 2019″ UNHCR

India Committed USD 10 mn to UNRWA Over Next 2 Years During Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference  During an Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), India has announced a contributing United States (US) $10 million towards UNRWA over the coming two years. Indian delegation in the conference has been addressed by Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan.

India Became 12th Largest Holder of US govt Securities with Holdings of $157.4 bn in April end 2020; Japan tops

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Rank Country US Govt Securities Holdings US$ 12 India 157.4 billion 1 Japan 1.266 trillion 2 China 1.073 trillion 3 UK 368.5 billion

Pakistan remains in Financial Action Task Force’s Grey list

“Vivekananda Yoga University” World’s First Yoga University Outside India launched in Los Angeles

India Ranks 77th in Terms of Money Deposited in Swiss Banks, UK tops: SNB Statistics 2019  According to the ‘Annual banking statistics, 2019’ released by Switzerland’s central bank Swiss National Bank (SNB), India is at the 77th position in terms of money parked by its citizens and enterprises with Swiss banks at the end of the year 2019. Britain holds the first place in this list with a share of 27 % of the totaldeposits.

Rank Country Name 77 India 1 United Kingdom(UK) 2 United States (US) 3 West Indies

Overview of Rajnath Singh 3-day Visit to Russia from 23- 25, 2020 to Attend 75th Victory Day Parade of World War II  MinisterofDefenceRajnathSinghpaida3-dayvisittoRussiafromJune23-25,2020ontheinvitationof Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Shoigu to attend the 75th Anniversary of VictoryDay Parade and to strengthen the longstanding special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia.  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attends Victory Day Parade in Moscow, Russia on June24  75-member Tri-service: Indian military contingent participates in Victory Day Parade inRussia  Rajnath Singh met Russian Deputy PM Yury Borisov to review India-Russia defencecooperation  Rajnath Singh holds talks with Myanmar MilitaryChief

At 26th position, Bengaluru Becomes India’s Only City in Top 30 Global Start-up Ecosystems Ranking 2020 Released by Start-up Genome  According to the report, ‘Global Start-up Ecosystem Report (GSER) 2020; the New Normal for the Global Start- up Economy and the Impact of COVID-19’ released by Start-up Genome, Bangalore has become the only city in the country to be included in the world’s top-30 start-up ecosystem ranking & placed 26th position&SiliconValley,UStoppedtheranking.Further,Mumbairankedfirstinaparallel“100emerging ecosystem rankings 2020” followed by Jakarta,Zurich. Rank City Name 26 Bangalore 36 Delhi 1 Silicon Valley

New York City 2 London

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THE Young University Ranking 2020: HKUST topped; IIT Ropar ranked 62nd & topped among Indian Institutes  The Times Higher Education (THE) released THE Young University Rankings 2020 for the universities which are 50 years old or younger. Two Indian Institutes secured their ranks in the top 100 with IIT Ropar, the best 12-year-old institute of India at 62nd rank and IIT Indore at 64th rank. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Hong Kong topped the overall ranking.

FATF’sfirstglobalreportonillegalwildlifetradereleased;morezoonoticdiseasesinthefuture  According to the first ever report on illegal wildlife trade (IWT) titled “Money Laundering and the Illegal Wildlife Trade” report by Financial Action Task Force (FATF), illegal wildlife trade is a “global threat” which generate estimated revenues between $7 to $23 billion a year. This crime could lead to more zoonotic diseases in thefuture.

India named in Switzerland’s top-3 partners for info exchange on tax matters: OECD’s Global Forum study

NASA Renames Washington HQ after Mary Jackson, first black Engineer at NASA  The headquarter building of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) located at Washington D.C., has been renamed after Mary Winston Jackson (1921-2005), the first black female engineer at NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine made the announcement on 24th June.

36th ASEAN Summit chaired by Vietnam held via video conference; 1st session on Women Empowerment in the Digital Age held  The 36th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was held via video conference on the theme “Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN”. The summit was chaired by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc as Vietnam is ASEAN’s chair in 2020.

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BANKING & FINANCE

SEBI Extends Deadline for Power of Attorney Norms till August 1, 2020  Mumbai based Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the date for implementing norms pertaining to power of attorney (POA) given by clients to trading members or clearing members till August 1, 2020 from June 1, 2020. POA is a document allowing an individual or entity to appoint a person/organization for managing the former’s property, financial, or medical affairs if he/she/it becomes unable to do so.

IndusInd Bank rolls out India’s 1st mobile app based facility for opening current accounts  The Pune based IndusInd Bank Limited has introduced a first-of-its-kind facility for customers to open currentaccounts(CA)throughits‘IndusCorporate’mobileapp.ThecustomerwillnotneedphysicalKYC (Know your Customer) documents to open an account in this manner. The account will become operational within 24 hours of opening theaccount.

SBI launches separate FI&MM vertical for agriculture and small businesses

NABARD provides Rs 270 crore Special Liquidity Facility to Assam Gramin Vikash Bank

World Bank grants Rs. 1,950 cr loans to West Bengal to tackle COVID – 19: Mamata Banerjee  According to the Chief Minister (CM) of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee, the World Bank (WB) has granted loan worth of Rs. 1,950 crores to the state for tackling COVID-19 situation and developmental work. Out of the total amount, Rs. 1,100 crores will be allocated for creating Industrial infrastructures and the balance Rs. 850 crores will be spent for various Social-Welfare schemes.

RBI proposed Draft Frameworks for Sale of Loan Exposures and Securitisation of Standard Assets  The RBI has proposed two draft documents titled “Draft Comprehensive Framework for Sale of Loan Exposures” and “Draft Framework for Securitisation of Standard Assets” consisting of guidelines applicable to all Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs); All India Financial Institutions (NABARD, NHB, EXIM Bank, and SIDBI); and, all Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) including Housing Finance Companies (HFCs).

PhonePe along with ICICI Lombard launches ‘first of its kind’ domestic trip travel insurance  Flipkart-owned digital payments platform PhonePe along with ICICI Lombard, the non-life insurance company launched ‘first of its kind’ travel insurance, domestic multi-trip insurance to provide a stress- free travel experience to customers by covering risks associated with all modes of travel within the country.

India becomes 2nd nation to have contact-free ATM cash withdrawals; Empays Payment Systems partners with Mastercard

POS solution in Africa promoted by the partnership between ePaisa and First Alliance Bank

RBI setsup 5-member Internal working group headed by PK Mohanty to review ownership and control of Privatebanks  Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up a 5-member Internal Working Group (IWG) headed by Prasanna Kumar (PK) Mohanty to review ownership guidelines and corporate structure for private banks in light of recent developments in the banking sector.

Exim Bank sanctions $215.68 mn LoC to Malawi govt for Drinking Water Supply Schemes  The capital and currency of Malawi are Lilongwe & Malawiankwacha.

RBI Releases New Framework for Financial Market Infra, Retail Payment System; NPCI & NEFT classified as FMI Financial Markets Infrastructure.

RBI Proposes to Set Upper Age Limit of CEOs, Whole-Time Directors of Banks to 70 Years  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its Discussion Paper on ‘Governance in Commercial Banks in India’ proposed to set the upper age limit of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and whole-time directors (WTDs) belonging to the promoter group of banks to 70 years and maximum tenure of 10 years.

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Airtel Payments Bank launches ‘Suraksha Salary Account’ for MSMEs  The Airtel Payments Bank launched ‘Suraksha Salary Account’ for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The account will enable the MSMEs & other organisations to make cashless payments & provide financial security to their employees.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Approves 2nd Loan of USD 750 Million under COVID-19 CRF to India

SEBI panel headed by Anil Dave suggested measures to strengthen enforcement of SEBI  In order to strengthen the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) enforcement mechanism and also to improve its system of recovery of siphoned off money, the SEBI committee headed by Anil Dave has proposed a method of quantification of profit made by the defaulter and loss caused to investors in the report. The committee also examined the insolvency, recovery and securities laws jurisprudence of India and abroad and suggested suitable changes in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.

RBI Proposes New Rules for Housing Finance Companies; Increases Min NOF to Rs 20cr  RBI being a new regulator has proposed changes to be prescribed for HFCs with an aim to increase their efficiency and address concerns of liquidity and double financing. In exercise of powers conferred under Section 29A (1) (b) of NHB Act, 1987, RBI proposes to increase the minimum NOF for HFCs from the current requirement of Rs10 crore to Rs 20 crore.

SEBI amends SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011 to enhance promoter’s shareholding  The board of SEBI has amended the regulation 3, in sub-regulation (2) of Securities and Exchange Board ofIndia(Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations,2011(SEBI-SAST) to enhance the acquisition limit for promoters of a listed company. The amendment allows promoters owning 25% or more of the shares or voting rights in a company to increase his shareholding by up to 10% in a year in comparison to the earlier 5% limit.

ICICI Home Finance Launches SARAL, Affordable Housing Loan Scheme  The Mumbai headquartered ICICI Home Finance Company Limited (HFCL) launched ‘SARAL’, a special affordable housing loan scheme to finance homes in urban and rural areas.

Tata AIA Life Insurance Partners with East Consultancy Services to Offer Aadhaar-Based Paperless Offline e-KYC Service  The Mumbai based Tata AIA Life Insurance partnered with East Consultancy Services to offer Aadhaar- based paperless offline e-Know Your Customer (KYC) service. Also, Tata AIA Life Insurance will soon extend the service for verification of agents as part of” Know Your Agent” (KYA) requirement.

EXIM Bank Extends Line of Credit of USD 20.10 Million to Nicaragua Govt

Yes Bank &Affordplan Jointly Launches Co-Branded Healthcare Card Called ‘Swasth Card’  YES Bank Limited has joined hands with Delhi-based fintech start-up Affordplan, to launch a first of its kind co- branded healthcare card called ‘Swasth Card’ under Swasth program with the aim to enable families plan and manage their finances for their healthcare needs.

World’s First Gold-backed US Digital Gold Currency Launched in India, GCC, Middle East and Africa by IBMC

YesBankLaunchesDigitalWalletSolution‘YuvaPay’inPartnershipwithUDMATechnologiesto Enable ContactlessPayments  The Mumbai headquartered Yes Bank launches a digital wallet solution (app) ‘Yuva Pay’ in partnership with UDMA Technologies Pvt Ltd to enable contactless payments for its customers. The wallet is issued under minimum Know Your Client (KYC) regulations.

PhonePe Partnered with ICICI Bank on UPI multi-bank model  The Bengaluru based Flipkart-owned PhonePe announced that it has partnered with Mumbai headquartered ICICI Bank on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) multi-bank model.  Toprovideitsusers the option to create and use multiple UPI IDs with ICICI Bank’s “@ibl” handle and YES Bank’s

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‘@ybl’ handle on the PhonePe app. Through this ICICI Bank has become the second official UPI partner of PhonePe after YesBank.

SIDBI Set Up ‘Swavalamban Crisis Responsive Fund’ to Facilitate Free Onboarding of MSMEs on TReDS platform

SOLV partnered with Standard Chartered Bank to Launch Credit Card for MSMEs  The Bengaluru based SOLV, a B2B (business to business) digital platform for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), has launched a tailor-made credit card in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank,India.

World Bank Grants $500 Million to Bangladesh For Cross Country Road Projects  World Bank (WB) has sanctioned $ 500 million for “Western Economic Corridor and Regional Enhancement (WeCARE) Phase I project” to improve road connectivity in Bangladesh’s Jashore - Jhenaidah corridor, which consists of four western districts to connect with the capital Dhaka as well as with India and Bhutan.

World Bank Enhances the financial Support for Ganga rejuvenation with $400 million through SNGRBP  The World bank enhanced the support to India’s programme to rejuvenate the Ganga with $400 million through Second National Ganga River Basin Project (SNGRBP), for the development of infrastructure projects Under the National Ganga River Basin Project. This is the 1st Indian Project to get the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) Guarantee in the water sector in India. The NamamiGangeProgramme is an integrated conservation mission, approved by Union Government in 2014 with a budget outlay of Rs 20000 crore.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Board of BEML approved signing of MoU with MELCO as a part of Expression of Interest (EoI)  The Board of BEML has given its approval for signing a MoU with MELCO (Mitsubishi Electric Corporation) to study and plan for initiating a joint venture (JV) company between BEML and MELCO. This approval is on the lines of invitation of BEML regarding Expression of Interest (EoI) for Manufacturing, Partnerships under “Make in India” policy.

India’s GDP to contract by 4% in fiscal 2021 & downgraded its sovereign rating to ‘Baa3’ from ‘Baa2: Moody’s  The New York based rating agency Moody’s expects India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to contract by 4% in fiscal 2021. The expected growth is 8.7% in fiscal 2022. Also India’s foreign-currency and local-currency long-term issuer ratings have been downgraded to Baa3 from Baa2 & India’s local- currency senior unsecured rating was also reduced to Baa3 from Baa2, and its short-term local currency rating to Prime (P)-3 from P-2. The outlook remains negative.

IRCON signs MoU with NIIFL & AYANA to explore and collaborate in the solar energy sector  Ircon International Ltd (IRCON), a public sector enterprise (miniratna) has signed a MoU with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIFL) and Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited (AYANA),NIIF platform company to explore and collaborate on opportunities in the solar energy sector.

GAIL (India) Ltd & EESL signs MoU for development of Trigeneration projects in India through VC  State-owned Natural gas company GAIL (India) Ltd and Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for development of” trigeneration” projects in India.

Indian economy to contract by 3.2% in FY 20-21: World Bank GEP report June 2020  World Bank in its latest edition of the Global Economic Prospect (GEP) June 2020 report, states that India’sgrowthiscontractby3.2%(ie.-3.2%)forFY20-21..

Recykalpartnered with UNDP, HCCB for plastic waste management Project Prithivi  The digital technology company, Recykal, collaborated with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

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and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCB) for Project Prithvi, a joint initiative for developing sustainable plastic waste management practices in the country.

IFFCO signs MoU with ICAR for collaborative research, testing and validation of different products  Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) signs MoU with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for joint research, testing and validation of different products through ICAR institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

IBBI restructures committee on corporate insolvency resolution & Liquidation under the chairmanship of Uday Kotak  The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has restructured an advisory committee on Corporate Insolvency Resolution and Liquidation process by including four new members. Now, the committee consist of 14 members which will be chaired by Uday Kotak.

CBIC Chairman, M. Ajit Kumar launched ‘e-Office’ Application in all CGST  M. Ajit Kumar, chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), launched the ‘e-Office’ application in over 500 Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and customs offices across India at New Delhi. The e-Office is a Mission Mode Project (MMP) under the e-Governance of India.

India’s foreign exchange reserves cross $500 bn for the first time  According to the data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s foreign reserves crossed the$500 billion mark as the nation had forex reserves of $501.7 billion as of June 5, 2020 a rise of $ 8.22 billion in a week. FOREX in India = Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs) + Gold Reserves + Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) + India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Infosys becomes 1st Indian Company to sign Climate Pledge with Amazon and Global Optimism to Become Net-Zero Carbon  The Bengaluru based Infosys becomes first Indian company to sign the ‘Climate Pledge’, of Amazon and Global Optimism. The climate pledge an initiative by Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and Christiana Figueres, founder of Global Optimism & former United Nations Climate chief to become net-zero carbon by 2040, ten years ahead of the Paris Agreement.

Indian Economy to contract by 4% in 2020-21: ADB Forecast  According to Mandaluyong, Philippines based Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Asian Development Outlook (ADO) for FY20-21, Indian economy is projected to contract by 4% in fiscal year (FY) 2020, ending on 31 March 2021, before growing 5.0% in FY2021.

RIL Becomes India’s 1st Firm to Hit Rs 11 Tn Market Cap on June 11, 2020 after Valuing at Rs11.15 tn; Mukesh Ambani became world’s 9th richest  Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) became the first Indian company to reach a market capitalisation of Rs 11 trillion/$150 billion, as the company was valued at Rs 11.15 trillion (on June 19, 2020). With this, RIL accounts for nearly 9% of the country’s total m-cap of Rs 138 trillion.

Indian Economy will Shrink by 4.5% in 2020, Global Economy will Come Down to -4.9%: IMF  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the June 2020 update “A Crisis Like No Other, An Uncertain Recovery” of its flagship World Economic Outlook (WEO), has predicted that the Indian economy will have a big 4.5 % contraction in 2020. IMF has reported a global growth rate of negative 4.9 % in 2020 & for 2021, growth rate is expected to be 5.4 %.

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ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

YES Bank picks 24.19% stake in Dish TV by invoking pledged shares  The Mumbai based Private sector lender Yes Bank has acquired a 24.19% stake in Dish TV India Ltd, a compan yproviding Direct to Home(DTH) television service in India ,following invocation of 44.53 crore pledged shares due to default in payment of debt by Dish TV and some other companies. This is the 6th such transaction done by Yes Bank to pick majority stake in a non-bankingentity.

Tata Power acquires 51% stake in Odisha’s TPCODL for Rs 178.5 cr  Tata Power Limited has acquired 51% stake in TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPCODL), a wholly- owned subsidiary of Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO), for a consideration of Rs. 178.5 crore. The remaining 49% stake in TPCODL will be held by GRIDCO.

US private equity firm Silver lake to invest ₹4,546.80 cr for 0.93% additional stake in Jio platforms  The US (United States) based private equity company Silver Lake partners announced an investment of Rs 4,546.80 crore for an additional 0.93 % stake in Jio Platforms, a subsidiary of Asia’s richest man  Mukesh Ambani-controlled Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL). It is to be noted that, earlier on May 04, 2020, Silver Lake had invested Rs 5,655.75 crore ($750 million) for a 1.15 % stake. The total share of Silver Lake in Jio platforms now reached to 2.08% stake.

Bharti International (Singapore) buys additional 6.3% stake in Robi Axiata from NTT Docomo  Bharti Airtel’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Bharti International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., (BISPL) directly and through its affiliate entities, has acquired an additional 6.3% stake in Robi Axiata Limited, Bangladesh from Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) Do Communications over the Mobile network (Docomo) Inc and its group entities for an undisclosed sum. This all-cash deal will raise the BISPL’s stake in Robi Axiata to 31.3% from 25%.

CCI Approves Acquisition by MacRitchie in 91Streets, Ascent and API  The New Delhi based Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves acquisition by MacRitchie Investments Pte. Ltd. (MacRitchie) in 91Streets Media Technologies Private Limited (91Streets), Ascent Health and Wellness Solutions Private Limited (Ascent) and API Holdings Private Limited (API) under section 31 (1) of the competition Act, 2002.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund Buys 2.32% Stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 11,367 Crores  Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)’s Jio Platforms stepped into 11th deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), who bought 2.32% stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 11,367 crores. With this investment, Jio Platforms has raised Rs. 1.15 lakh crores (approx.) from leading global investors since April 22, which is the largest continuous fund raised by a company in the world.

CCI approves acquisition of Metso Oyj’s minerals business by Outotec Oyj  The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of Metso Oyj’s (Metso) minerals business by Outotec Oyj (Outotec) under section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002.

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Irrawaddy Dolphin population at Odisha ‘s Chilika lake increased with the help of IIT Madras’ dredging methodology  Theproject involved the excavation (loosening or dislodging) of unwanted substances from the foothills without damaging the lake’s ecosystem, removing the loosened material to the dredge vessel & transportation of the material to the placementarea.

NASA astronauts fly SpaceX spacecraft ‘Dragon’ first private company to dock with ISS  The US based SpaceX became the first private company to fly astronauts into orbit. NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley docked the SpaceX“ Dragon” spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts named the SpaceX Crew Dragon Capsule, “Endeavour” after the retired winged orbiters, stating that they both had their first flight on the shuttle Endeavour.

Karnataka launches COVID-19 tracking platform built by NASSCOM  The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) announced that it has delivered an end-to-end coronavirus tracking platform for Karnataka, called the Karnataka Listening DashboardforCOVID- 19.Aspartofthelaunch,NASSCOMhasprovidedthe1stsetofdashboardstostate government’s userecently.

PM Modi Launches ‘CHAMPIONS’ portal to empower MSMEs  PM Narendra Modi has launched CHAMPIONS (Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern ProcessesforIncreasingtheOutputandNationalStrength)tohelpthesmallerMSMEs(Micro,Smalland MediumEnterprises)byresolvingtheirgrievancesandthecomplaintsreceivedontheportalwillalsobe redressedwithintheprescribedlimit.TheCHAMPIONShasbeenlinkedtoCPGRAMS(CentralizedPublic Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) of the Government ofIndia.

DRDO develops ‘Ultra Swachh’ to disinfect PPE and other materials  Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Science (INMAS) a Delhi based laboratory of Defence Research and DevelopmentOrganisation (DRDO) in association with M/s Gel Craft Healthcare Private Ltd., Ghaziabad developed “Ultra Swachh”, a disinfection unit to disinfect Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs), electronic items, fabrics and other materials.

SANSA & NASA collaborates to support human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond  The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has partnered with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to host a deep-space ground station to support human space flight missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. South Africa became the 4th country after the United States of America, Spain and Australia to host a deep space ground station.

Rare ‘first of its kind’ Trojan asteroids called 2019 LD2 detected near Jupiter’s Orbit by astronomers at the “ATLAS” Institute of Astronomy  The Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) revealed the discovery of a rare asteroid named ‘2019 LD2’ with a comet-like-tail among the Jupiter Trojans, moving in the same orbit as Jupiter moves around the sun. This was the first time astronomers had ever seen a Trojan spewing out gas as a comet, 2019 LD2 is a” first-of-its-kind” Trojan as most Jupiter Trojans were captured billions of years ago.

Scientists at ARCI develops magnetocaloric material for the treatment of Cancer  According to the research work published in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds, a team of Scientists from the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad has developed a magnetocaloric material (a rare-earth-based material that can be heated or cooled by applying or removing a magnetic field) that can be used in the treatment of cancer.

Airborne Rescue Pod for Isolated Transportation (ARPIT) inducted by the Indian Air Force  ARPIT (Airborne Rescue Pod for Isolated Transportation) was designed, developed and inducted by the Indian Airforce (IAF) for the evacuation of critical patients with infectious diseases from high altitude area, isolated and remote places. The design requirements are developed on the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH)

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and Centre for Disease Control (CDC), USA. The IAF is inducting a total of 7 ARPITs.

Scientists discover new star Kepler-160 & planet KOI-456: ‘mirror image’ of Earth and Sun  According to the research published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, a team of scientists led by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Gottingen (Germany) have discovered a new planet named KOI-456.04 & its host star called Kepler-160 by using Kepler Space Telescope.

Thane engineer develops world’s first ‘Internet-controlled’ robot ‘Coro-bot’ for COVID-19 hospitals  Pratik Tirodkar (23), Thane based engineer & founder of a start-up PNT Solutions, Dombivali developed theworld’s1st‘Internet-controlled’robotnamed‘Coro-bot’toaddresstheneedsofthehospitalstreating COVID-19 patients. It is deployed for the 1st time in Holy Cross Hospital,Maharashtra.

The Pune based Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) develops “ANANYA” nanotechnology based disinfectant spray to fight COVID-19

GRSE delivered 5th & final ship in FPV series, ICGS KanaklataBarua; 4th FPV to be exported to Seychelles Coast Guard  The 5th and last ship in the series of Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) namely “ICGS Kanaklata Barua” or “Yard 2117” for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has been delivered by Kolkata based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. This was the 105th vessel delivered by GRSE. It was named after a freedom fighter from Assam. 4th in the series FPV, “Yard 2116” is set to export to Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG).

Ministry of Health launches a CSIR National Healthcare Supply Chain Portal ‘Aarogyapath’  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a National Healthcare Supply Chain Portal ‘Aarogyapath’ to provide real-time availability of critical healthcare supplies with the involvement of manufacturers, suppliers and customers. The portal, developed by CSIR team led by Anjan Ray Director of Dehradun based CSIR-IIP.

Central Railway Launched Robotic ‘CAPTAIN ARJUN’ to Boost Screening, Surveillance in Pune along with ‘Febri Eye’ in Mumbai  The Railway Protection Force of Central Railway (CR), Pune division, Maharashtra launched a Robotic ‘Captain Arjun’ (Always be Responsible and Just Use to be Nice) to intensify the screening and surveillance of passengers. The Brainchild behind this innovation is Alok Bohra DIG/RPF, Central Railway.  Also, the “FebriEye thermal cameras”, developed by Vehant Technologies was set up by central railway to ensure contactless entry.

NASA Astronomers Discover 240-year-old Neutron Star ‘Swift J1818.0−1607’ After Recent X-ray Burst  Astronomers at the US based space agency NASA have discovered the youngest known magnetar (a type of neutron star) named “Swift J1818.0-1607” which is about 16,000 light years away from Earth. The study has been published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

IIT Mandi Develops Herbal Infusion Technology to Help Farmers in the Mid-Himalayan Region  The Researchers of IIT Mandi have developed an herbal infusion technology, as a source of income for local marginal farmers in the mid-Himalayas. The technology is ready to license industries interested in working with Enabling Women of Kamand (EWOK)- a rural incubator at IIT Mandi.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches ‘SATYABHAMA’ Portal to Promote R&D in Mining & Mineral Sector  Pralhad Joshi, Union Ministerfor Mines has launched SATYABHAMA (Scienceand Technology Yojana for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Mining Advancement) Portal, developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), Mines Informatics Division. The Portal, integrated with NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog, will promote research and development in the mining and mineralssector.

ISRO Receives Patent for Liquid Cooling and Heating Garment for Astronauts  The ISRO has initiated a 10,000 crores project- Gaganyaan to send humans to space by 2022, in accordance to which, ISRO has received a patent for its Liquid Cooling and Heating Garment (LCHG) for astronauts to use in space for protection from hot and cold environments. JUNE 2020 (CURRENT AFFAIRS) 29

China successfully launches last satellite for its BDS  China has successfully launched the last Satellite of its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), The satellite was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch centre in Sichuan Province. BDS is one of the four global navigation networks among the US’s GPS, Russia’s GLONASS and European Union’s Galileo. India is building its Indian Regional Navigation Satellite system (IRNSS), with operational name NAVIC.

IIT Bombay Researchers Develops Chip ‘Dhruva’ to Navigate Locations

HRD Ministry Launches YUKTI 2.0 for Higher Education Institutes  “YUKTI2.0”–(Young India combating COVID with Knowledge, Technology and Innovation 2.0), a platform to support the start-ups incubated in the institutes of higher education over the virtual platform.  YUKTI 2.0 is a logical extension of YUKTI, which will help in fostering the innovation and entrepreneurship culture in the academicinstitutions.

Union Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launches Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan web portal  Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Rural Development launched a web portal of the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan (GKRA) through video conferencing from New Delhi.

Indian Navy Inducts Advanced Torpedo Decoy System ‘Maareech’ Indigenously Developed by DRDO labs-NPOL & NSTL  Indian Navy inducted an Advanced Torpedo Decoy System (ATDS) namely ‘Maareech’ that is capable of being fired from all frontline warships. The design and development of this ATDS have been done by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) labs viz. Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, Kerala and the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Russia is Set to Take First Tourists on Space Walk in 2023  Russia’s Space Corporation RSC Energia in contract with Space Adventures of US announced that it is set to take its first tourist on space walk in 2023. Note: Roscosmos and RSC Energia in collaboration with Space Adventures took 8 tourists to ISS between 2001 and2009.

ENVIRONMENT

Researchers of CMFRI have found a rare bandtail scorpion fish in Gulf of Mannar  This was the first time that the particular species was found alive in Indian waters during the exploratory survey of the seagrass ecosystem. The specimen was deposited in the National Marine Biodiversity Museum of the CMFRI and the research work was published in the latest issue of the journal “CurrentScience”.

Millipede-like creature, Kampecarisobanensis is the world’s oldest-known land animal: Scotland Research  According to the research published in the journal Historical Biology, fossilized millipede-like Silurian Period creature called as Kampecarisobanensis (approximately 450 million years old) is unearthed on the island of Kerrera in the Scottish Inner Hebrides (Scotland), which is likely to be the world’s oldest- known land animal.

ASI team discovers 1100-year-old Shiva lingam in Vietnam during temple excavation  A 4-member team of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered a 1100-year-old monolithic sandstone Shiva lingam, a representation of the Hindu deity Shiva, at the Cham Temple Complex located in My Son Sanctuary of Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.

500 Years Old Temple Found Submerged in Mahanadi River of Odisha  The Researchers at Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) along with heritage enthusiast of Odisha, Rabindra Rana have located the 500-year-old submerged temple in the Mahanadi rivernear Baideswar in Padmavati area, Cuttack,Odisha.

New fish species ‘Schizothoraxsikusirumensis’ discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

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SPORTS

Indian long distance runner Kiranjeet Kaur handed 4-year ban for violation of anti-doping rule  The World Athletics anti-doping body handed a four year ban to Kiranjeet Kaur (32), long-distance runner, for violation of anti-doping rule with the abuse of Enobosarm and its metabolite. The period ofher ban started from December 15 and on February 26 she was provisionally suspended by World Athletics.

SAI in collaboration with NSF launches India’s 1st online coaching programme ‘Khelo India e- Pathshala‘  SportsAuthorityofIndia(SAI),theapexnationalsportsbodyofIndia,inassociationwithNationalSports Federations (NSF) has launched India’s 1st -ever national-level open online coaching and education programme called “Khelo India e-Pathshala” to grassrootsplayers.

Kiren Rijiju launches 25 day Khelo India Community Coach Development programme  Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju inaugurated & launched a 25-day Khelo India Community Coach Development programme, an online development programme to equip 15,000 Physical Education Teachers and community coaches across India to train students to take up fitnessand sport as a way of life. The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) & the sports ministry ensures to take this programme to every school inIndia.

2020 World Archery Field Championships postponed to 2022 due to COVID-19

Former European high jump champion Alexander Shustov of Russia banned for 4 years for doping  The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), informed that Former European high jump champion (2010) Alexander Shustov (35) of Russia banned for 4 years for the use or attempted use of a banned substance or method (doping) & did not provide any further details.

4th Asian Youth Para Games to be Held in Bahrain in December 2021  The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) announced that the 4th Asian Youth Para Games will take place in Bahrain from (1-10), December 2021. The event will be organised in partnership with the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Bahrain with the support of the local government. The competition will take place across numerous venues in Khalifa Sports City, Bahrain. 1st Asian Para Youth Games was hosted by Tokyo (2009). The last edition was held in Dubai (2017).

The Madrid, Spain headquartered World Karate Federation provisionally de-recognised the Karate Association of India

Australia and New Zealand to Host The 2023 Women’s Football World Cup

Grandmaster P. Harikrishnabecomes the 1st Indian to join the USD 150,000 Chessable Masters  Grandmaster P. Harikrishna debuted the Magnus Carlsen Chess (MCC) Tour 2020 by joining the players in the USD 150,000 Chessable Masters. He is the 1st Indian in the tour. He exited from the Chessable Masters with a final-round defeat to Alexander Grischuk. The Magnus Carlsen Chess Tour is an online series hosted by chess24.

New Zealand Cricketer Rachel Priest Announces Retirement from International Cricket

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

Mohandas Pai to chair the advisory committee on Service provider of IBBI

Finance Ministry appoints PR Jaishankar as MD of IIFCL  The Ministry of Finance appointed PR Jaishankar as the MD (Managing Director) of the India Infrastructure

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Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) for 3 years.

Arun Singhal becomes new CEO of FSSAI  The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), has approved the appointment of Arun Singhal, as chief executive officer (CEO) of New Delhi based Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

PM Modi appoints committee for MSME loan implementation headed by Rajnath Singh

Reserve Bank approves Lakshmi Vilas Bank’s MD and CEO, Subramanian Sundar extension

Uday Kotak Take over from Vikram Kirloskar as the new CII President

Virendra Nath Datt took additional charge as CMD of National Fertilizers Limited  Virendra Nath Datt has taken over the additional charge as chairman and managing director (CMD) of Noida, Uttar Pradesh based National Fertilizers Limited (NFL).

Former Miss World Manushi Chhillar joins Rohit, Hima as brand ambassador of Adidas  The former Miss World ManushiChhillar joined Rohit Sharma, Indian star Batsman, Hima Das Sprinter from Assam and Actor Ranveer Singh as the brand ambassador of Adidas.

On Menstrual Hygiene Day 28thMay2020, Former Miss World Manushi Chhillar joins UNICEF’s “Red Dot Challenge”  The “Red Dot Challenge” to create awareness and to educate the girls about menstrual hygiene and construction of sanitation facilities and access to hygiene products.  Chhillar runs “Project Shakti”, an initiative on menstrual hygiene to create awareness on the importance of menstrual hygiene and the issues faced by thegirls.

PMO officers Rajeev Topno to be senior advisor at World Bank, Brajendra Navnit India’s permanent representative to WTO

SEBI rearranges its Commodity derivatives advisory committee

Rohit Sharma becomes 1st ever brand ambassador of IIFL Finance  Indian cricketer &limited overs team vice-captain Rohit Sharma became the first brand ambassador of the IIFL Finance. The IIFL finance is known for the straight talk and honesty with their customers and Rohit Sharma who is popular for his #SeedhiBaat (doing business in a straight way) attitude towards both life and game.

Krishnendu Majumdar, the 1st Indian origin from UK appointed as Chair of BAFTA

Gargo International presents its brand ambassador SonuSood in its TVC  The Gargo International, the delhi based lubricant company under the RG group appoints SonuSood as the brand ambassador in January 2020 & praised him now for his support works for the migrants and went live with their TVC starring SonuSood.

Pankaj Tripathi becomes brand ambassador of Bihar’s Khadi  Pankaj Tripathi, Bollywood Actor, was appointed as the brand ambassador of Bihar’s Khadi by the Government of Bihar. He will promote the usage of Khadi product as well as the Patna’s Khadi Mall. The Khadi Mall in Patna is India’s first ever Kadhi mall & it was inaugurated by Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar in November 2019.

DK Jain, BCCI’s 1st Ever Ombudsman Gets a 1-year Extension as Ethics Officer and Ombudsman  The tenure of former supreme court judge DK Jain as the ethics officer and ombudsman of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) got 1-year extension in June 2020 due to the current COVID-19 situation. He was the first-ever ombudsman of BCCI appointed by the supreme court in February 2019.

Volkan Bozkir Becomes the 1st Turkish to be Elected as the President of 75th UN General Assembly

JSW Cement signs Sourav Ganguly& Sunil Chhetri as Brand Ambassadors  JSW Cement, a part of JSW Group, signed former Indian cricket captain & the current president of Board of JUNE 2020 (CURRENT AFFAIRS) 32

Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Sourav Ganguly and Sunil Chhetri.

Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel Appointed as the Chairman of NIPFP  TheformergovernorofReserveBankofIndia(RBI)UrjitPatelwasappointedastheChairmanofNational Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) succeeding Vijay Laxman Kelkar, with effect from June 22, 2020.

Tata’s Natarajan Chandrasekaran Re-nominated as a Part-Time Non-Official Director on RBI Central board

Former England Women Cricket Captain Clare Connor Becomes the 1st Female President of Marylebone Cricket Club in 233 years  Former England Women Cricket Captain Clare Connor (43), an all-rounder, becomes the 1st female president of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 233 years. Her tenure will begin on October 1, 2021, and will end on September 30, 2022. She will succeed Kumar Sangakkara.

Lazarus Chakwera Sworn in as Malawi’s NewPresident  Lazarus Chakwera, won Malawi’s President Elections and sworn in as the 6th President of Malawi on 28 June. He succeeded Peter Mutharika of Democratic Progressive Party by winning 58.57% of total votes. The capital and currency of Malawi are Lilongwe & Malawian Kwacha respectively.

Anandiben Patel, Governor of UP is given additional charges as Governor of Madhya Pradesh  The President of India has assigned Anandiben Patel, UttarPradesh(UP) Governor with additional charge as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh (MP) due to the absence of Lalji Tandon, Governor of MP. The Lal Ji Tandon has been under treatment at a private hospital in Lucknow since 11th June2020.

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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Virat Kohli, the only cricketer and Indian in the Forbes top 100 highest paid athletes of 2020 topped by Federer  Virat Kohli, Indian cricket team captain becomes the only cricketer and the only Indian to feature in the Forbes’ Top 100 highest paid athletes of 2020. He ranked 66 with Forbes Magazine estimated earnings of around 26 million USD. Tennis player Roger Federer tops the list for the first time with estimatedearnings 106.3 million USD. Cristiano Ronaldo stands 2ndwith 105 million USD and Lionel Messi ranked 3rdwith 104 million USD.

Indian writer Kritika Pandey wins regional award for Asia in 2020 Commonwealth short story prize

SEEDS, an Indian NGO wins ‘World No Tobacco Day Award 2020’: WHO

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon named EY World Entrepreneur 2020 in a virtual ceremony

Akshay Kumar ranked 52nd, the only Indian on the list, Kylie Jenner tops: Forbes 100 world’s highest-paid celebrities 2020

Hyderabad International Airport receives Platinum Recognition in ACI Asia-Pacific Green Airports recognition 2020  The GMR led Rajiv Gandhi Hyderabad International Airport (RGHIA) was awarded the highest Platinum Recognition in Asia-Pacific Annual Green Airport Recognition 2020 Airports Council International (ACI) for their effective water management under the 15-35 Million Passengers per annum (MPPA) category. The focus of Green Airport Recognition 2020 is Water Management.

Poet and writer Javed Akhtar becomes the first Indian to receive Richard Dawkins Award 2020  JavedAhktar, renowned poet, lyricist and writer became the first Indian to receive the Richard Dawkins Award 2020 for critical thinking, holding religious principles up to scrutiny, advancing human progress and humanist values. The award was created by Margaret Downey, Leader of Secular Community in 2003.

Indian Entrepreneur Renjith Kumar honoured with “NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal”

Indian Musician Shobha Sekhar receives the “Medal of the Order of Australia”  Indian Musician Shobha Sekhar, the founder of Kalakruthi a music organisation in Australia receives the Medal of the Order of Australia on the occasion of Queen’s Birthday 2020 for her service to Indian music and dance.

Former NASA Astronaut& Oceanographer Kathy Sullivan becomes 1st Woman to Reach Deepest Point of Ocean which is located in Mariana Trench. She was the first American Woman to walk in space in 1984. She became the first human to visit both the space and the deepest known point in theOcean.

Indian-American Soil Scientist Dr. Rattan Lal Honoured as 2020 World Food Prize Laureate  Indian-American Soil scientist, Dr. Rattan Lal has received the 2020 World Food Prize Laureate (popularly referred as ‘Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture’) for developing and mainstreaming a soil centric approach to increase food production that conserves natural resources and mitigates climate change.

Deccan Development Society won the Biodiversity Award 2020 of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation  The Hyderabad based NGO, Deccan Development Society (DDS), has won the ‘Biodiversity award’ of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation for the year 2020. The award was presented for the contribution of DDS women in rehabilitation of degraded lands and to promote biodiversity. International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Sri Lanka has won ‘water award’ & Professor John Rockström has won ‘climate change award’.

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Indian Startups Stellapps and Zestmoney are a Part of the World Economic Forum’s List of Technology Pioneers of 2020  Two Indian start-ups named Stellapps and Zestmoney were featured in the List of Technology Pioneers of 2020, released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) which consist of pioneers addressing the global issues with advanced technologies. More than 25 industries in the list are led by females which is twice the industry average.

Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen Wins 2020 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade  Indian economist, philosopher and Nobel Laureate Amartya Kumar Sen (86) has been selected for 2020 Peace Prize by the Board of Trustees of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade for his decades-long work around issues of global justice.

Gulabbai Sangam nerkar & Madhuvanti Dandekar to get Lifetime Achievement Award: Maharashtra  Maharashtra Culture Minister Amit Deshmukh announced that Vithabai Narayangaokar lifetime achievement award 2018-19 will be conferred upon the senior tamasha (folk art) artist, GulabbaiSangamnerkar. Also, SangeetacharyaAnnasaheb Kirloskar musical theatre lifetime achievement award 2019-20 will be given to Veteran theatre actress-singer Madhuvanti Dandekar.

Overview of 47th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards of NATAS  National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced the winners of the 47th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, the presentation was hosted by the Sharon Osbourne, Shery Underwood, Eve, Carrie Ann Inaba and Marie Osmond, the hosts of CBS’ Daytime Emmy Award-winning show THE TALK which was broadcasted on the CBS Television Network.

24-time Grammy winner Popstar Beyonce to receive Humanitarian Award at the virtual 20th edition of BET Awards 2020  The 24-time Grammy winner Popstar Beyonce (38) to receive the Humanitarian Award at 20th edition of annual BET Awards (established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network) 2020, for her long- standing philanthropic work, including her recent COVID-19 relief efforts. The awards will honour 2 personalities namely, basketball legend Kobe Bryant & Little Richard.

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BOOKS & AUTHORS

‘One Year of Modi 2.0 – Towards A Self-Reliant India’ e-book released by Ministry of I&B on the key achievements of the Modi government during its second term was released on June 1, 2020, by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). This marks the first anniversary of the second term of the government.

Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank launches information booklet “Safe online learning in the times of COVID-19” digitally to raise awareness  Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) Ramesh PokhriyalNishank launched information booklet “Safe online learning in the times of COVID-19” digitally to raise awareness to students and teachers about online safety & ensure timely action in cases of cyberbullying in New Delhi. The booklet is developed by NCERT and UNESCO New Delhi Office.

“Lockdown Liaisons” Authored by Shobhaa De published by Simon & Schuster India  WriterandColumnistShobhaaDe’snewcollectionofstoriestitled“LockdownLiaisons”abookreflecting the impacts of COVID-19 on human lives published by Simon & Schuster India and released on May 30, 2020.

Naoroji: Pioneer of Indian Nationalism Biography by Dinyar Patel  Historian Dinyar Patel has written the biography of DadabhaiNaoroji titled “Naoroji Pioneer of Indian Nationalism” was published by the Harvard University Press in May 2020. The book displays the life chapters of DadabhaiNaoroji, who had become the first Asian to be elected to the British parliament in 1892.

Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro’s New Novel ‘Klara and the Sun’ to be Released in March 2021  Nobel Prize winner (2017) Kazuo Ishiguro (Japan born British author) will release his new novel ‘Klara and the Sun’ & will be published by Faber & Faber in the United Kingdom, Alfred A. Knopf in the United States and Knopf in Canada on March 2, 2021. He won Man Booker Prize in 1989 for the novel, ‘The Remains of the Day’.

Penguin Hamish Hamilton released, “A Burning”, the Debut Novel of Megha Majumdar

Amish Tripathi Released the Book” Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India”  Best-selling author and the Director of Nehru Centre, London (since 2019) Amish Tripathi released his fiction book,”Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India”.  He is currently working on the 4th book of his Ram Chandra series, the sequel to” Raavan – Enemy of Aryavarta”.

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IMPORTANT DAYS

World Dugong Day 2020: May 28  The World Dugong Day 2020 is observed on May 28 to raise awareness and conserve an endangered marine species from extinction. The dugongs commonly known as the sea cow and its Scientific name is Dugong dugon, which is the world’s only vegetarian marine mammal threatened with extinction and is fighting for its survival in Indian waters.

International Everest Day May 29  May 29th is observed as the International Everest Day to commemorate the first summit of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal in the year 1953. In 2008, the Government of Nepal made the decision to mark this day as the international Everest Day when Sir Edmund Hillary passed away.

World No Tobacco Day 2020, May 31

20th Anniversary of World Milk Day: June 1, 2020  Theme for the year 2020: 20th Anniversary of World Milk Day.  The Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) to recognize the importance of milk. The day was first celebrated on June 1, 2001. WMD 2020 celebrations started with the “#Enjoy Dairy” rally from May 29- 31, 2020. The International Dairy Federation (IDF) will host a virtual ‘raise a glass’ event on June1,2020.

Global Day of Parents 2020: June 1  Global Day of Parents is celebrated every year on June 1 globally. The day was organized by the United Nations(UN)toemphasizethecriticalrolethatthefamilyhastheprimaryresponsibilityforthenurturing andprotectionofchildren.In2012,theGeneralAssemblymanifestedJune1astheGlobalDayofParents, to be observed annually in honour of parents throughout theworld.

International Sex Workers Day 2020 – June 2  International Sex Workers Day was observed on June 2 every year to ensure that the sex workers enjoy the same rights as all the other human beings and tackle the abuse and trafficking problems.

World Bicycle Day 2020 – June 3  The World Bicycle Day is celebrated every year on June 3rdto promote simple, affordable, reliable, clean andeco- friendly sustainable transportation.

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2020 – June 4  4th June of every year is observed as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression decided by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to acknowledge the physical, mental and emotional abuse on the children around the world. The day is observed to commemorate the 1982 Lebanon War victims.

World Environment Day 2020 – June 5  The Theme of World Environment Day 2020 is “Biodiversity”.

World Pest Day 2020: June 6  World Pest Day or World Pest Awareness Day is celebrated every year on June 6 to raise awareness of how pest management helps preserve the quality of life. The day is initiated by the Chinese Pest Control Association. The inaugural ceremony of the day was held at the Beijing Hotel on June 6th, 2017.

UN Russian Language Day 2020 – June 6  June 6th is annually celebrated as the Russian Language Day by the United Nations (UN) to promote and support Multilingualism and cultural diversity and to celebrate the birthday of the famous Russian poet AlexanderPuskinwhowasbornon6thJune1799.Toraiseawarenessaboutthehistory,cultureandthe development of all the six official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) of the UN. JUNE 2020 (CURRENT AFFAIRS) 37

World Oceans Day 2020: June 8  Every year on June 8 World oceans day, the United Nations (UN) day is celebrated across the world to inform the public about the impact of human activities on the ocean, create a global citizens’ movement fortheocean,andmobilize&unitetheworld’spopulationforthesustainablemanagementoftheworld’s oceans. The theme of 2020 is “Innovation for a SustainableOcean”.

World Brain Tumor Day 2020 – June 8  June 8th is annually celebrated as the World Brain Tumour Day which was initiated by the Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe (German Brain Tumour Aid) in 2000 to pay respect to all the brain tumour patients and their families. The grey ribbon is the international symbol for the solidarity with brain tumour patients.

World Food Safety Day 2020 – June 7  On 7th June 2020, The 2ndWorld Food Safety Day was celebrated to promote actions that support food security, human health, agriculture and sustainable development and prevent, detect and manage foodborne diseases. The First World Food Safety Day was celebrated on 7th June 2019. The Theme of World Food Safety Day 2020 remains the same as the theme of 2019 “Food Safety, everyone’s business”.

World Accreditation Day 2020 – June 9  World Accreditation Day (WAD) is observed every year on June 9, It is an initiative established by the InternationalLaboratoryAccreditationCooperation(ILAC)andInternationalAccreditationForum(IAF) to promote the value of accreditation. The Theme of World Accreditation Day 2020 is “Accreditation: Improving foodsafety”.

World Day Against Child Labour2020 – June 12  June 12 of Every year is observed as the World Day Against Child Labour which was launched by the International Labour Organization(ILO in2002 to focus on the global extent of child labour and the steps

International Albinism Awareness Day 2020 – June 13

World Blood Donor Day 2020 – June 14  World Blood Donor Day was observed June 14 every year all over the world since 2005 to create awareness about the need for safe blood and their importance in treatments and role in maternal and neonatalcare.

Global Wind Day 2020 – June 15  GlobalWindDaywasobservedeveryyearonJune15todiscover,encourageandcreateawarenessabout the renewable natural form of energy and the advantages of the use of wind energy like, reducing emission, improving air quality and generating employment.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2020 – June 17  World day to combat desertification and drought was observed on June 17 every year since 1995 to educate the genera public on the international efforts to fight against desertification and to promote the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’s(UNCCDs) motto “Healthy land= Healthy people”.  The theme of World day to combat desertification and drought 2020 is “Food. Feed. Fibre. – the link between consumption andland”.

Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2020 – June 18  The Sustainable gastronomy day was observed on June 18 every year to celebrate seasonal ingredients and producers, preserve wildlife and culinary traditions. The UNESCO, FAO and UNGA facilitate the day in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) organisations and their member states with other international organisations works to create an awareness to the general public on their contribution in sustainable development.

World Sickle Cell Day 2020: June 19

World Refugee Day 2020 – June 20  World Refugee Day was observed on June 20 every year to celebrate the strength and courage of the people who were forced to leave their homes and flee their country due to conflicts or persecution. The day was designated by the United Nations (UN) to honour the refugees all around the world. The theme of this year is “Every Action Counts”. JUNE 2020 (CURRENT AFFAIRS) 38

International Day of Yoga 2020 – June 21  International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated on June 21 to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga and to educate the public on the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle to achieve good health. The first IDY was celebrated on 21st June 2015. UN declared IDY 2020 theme as “Yoga for Health – Yoga at Home”.

World Hydrographic Day 2020: June 21  World Hydrographic Day is observed annually on June 21 to highlight the importance of hydrography & its relevance in our lives. Theme of World Hydrographic Day 2020: ‘Hydrography Enabling Autonomous Technologies’. International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) initiated the idea of the day in 2005.

International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice 2020 – 21 June  Every year, the United Nations (UN) International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice is globally observed on 21st June to create awareness about the solstices and equinoxes and their cultural and religious significance.

World Music Day 2020: June 21  World Music Day (Fête de la Musique) is celebrated annually on June 21 around the world to honour amateurandprofessionalmusicians.Thedayaimstoprovidefreemusictoeveryone&topromotepeace and spread goodwill throughmusic.

International Olympic Day 2020 June 23  International Olympic Day and observed all over the world on June 23 every year. The first Olympic Day washostedbythe National Olympic Committees(NOC) of Austria, Belgium, Canada, GreatBritain, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Uruguay, and Venezuela in their respective countries on June 23, 1948. June 23rd is designated as the International Olympic Day in 1948. On Olympic Day 2020, The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) advocates#BeActive.

United Nations Public Service Day 2020: June 23  UnitedNationsPublicServiceDayisobservedannuallyonJune23tohighlightthecontributionofpeople associated with public service to the community. The General Assembly designated the day by adopting resolution 57/277 on December 20,2002.

World Vitiligo Day 2020 – June 25  World Vitiligo Day was observed on June 25 every year as a campaign to raise awareness about vitiligo and to recognise the challenges, bullying, social neglect and psychological trauma faced by the people who have this disease. The day was created by the non-profit organization’s VR Foundation of USA and VITSAF of Nigeria and the first World Vitiligo Day was held on 25th June 2011.

Micro-, Small and Medium – Sized Enterprises Day 2020 – June 27  UnitedNations(UN)Micro-,SmallandMedium–SizedEnterprises(MSME)Dayisobservedannuallyon 27th June to recognise the contributions of these enterprises to the global economy and sustainable development and their focus on promoting innovation and creativity. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), designate June 27th as the Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day in the resolution A/RES/71/279 on 6th April 2017. According to the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) the formal and informal MSME makes up over 90% of the firms and accounts for about 70% of total employment and 50% ofGDP.

National Statistics Day 2020 – June 29  The day was chosen to celebrate the National Statistics Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis “Father of Indian Statistics”.

International Day of the Tropics – June 29  United Nations (UN) International Day of the Tropics is observed annually on 29th June to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the tropical areas and the importance of the tropical areas in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDG).  The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared June 29th as the International Day of the Tropics in its resolution A/RES/70/267 adopted in 2016.

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