VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE TNPSC Current Affairs JUNE - 2020

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01 - 34 HISTORY 01 . Important Days . Defence National Security and Terrorism . World Organisations – Pacts and Summits . Eminent Persons . Sports and Games . Books & Authors . Awards & Honours . Cultural Panaroma . & its Neighbours . Appointments – Who is who?

35 - 39 POLITICAL SCIENCE 35 .India’s Foreign Policy .Latest Court Verdicts .Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility

40 - 45 GEOGRAPHY 40 .Policy on Environment and Ecology .Natural Disasters – Safeguard Measures

46 - 53 ECONOMICS 46 .New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector .Current Socio - Economic Problems 54 54 - 71 SCIENCE .Latest Inventions in Science & Technology . Latest Discoveries on Health Science . Mass Media & Communication

72

72 NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENTS

98

98 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

104 104 TAMIL NADU AFFAIRS

107 PRACTICE QUESTIONS 107 Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Important Days History

1.1 Important Days

Date Day Theme / Remark The Theme of World Environment Day 2020 is “Biodiversity” 05-06-2020 World Environment Day Aim: To create awareness on the effects of human demands on the biodiversity of nature.

08-06-2020 World ocean day Theme- Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean

World Day Against Child Theme of 2020: “COVID-19: Protect children 12-06-2020 Labour 2020 from labour, now more than ever”.

14-06-2020 World Blood Donor Day Theme : Safe Blood Saves Lives

Manipur observes the 19th Great June Uprising Day in memory of the 18 people who lost their lives on 18th June 2001 in the June uprising to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur. Events: The day is observed in all the parts of the Manipur Observes the 19th June 18 state and the main event took place at the Great June Uprising Day Kekrupat Martyrs memorial. The commemoration was organised by the observation committee headed by Sunil Karman and Pheiroijam Nando Luwang. The family of the martyrs and leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Meira Paibi groups and community leaders attended the anniversary commemoration.0

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 1 Important Days Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

The theme of 2020 World Refugee Day: June 20 World Refugee Day Every Action Counts. The theme of 2020 International Yoga Day: June 21 International Yoga Day Yoga for Health-Yoga at Home. The first Olympic Day was hosted by the National Olympic Committees (NOC) of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Great Britain, June 23 International Olympic Day Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Uruguay, and Venezuela in their respective countries on June 23, 1948. The Government of India celebrates Statistics Day on June 29 every year since 2007 to popularize the use of Statistics in everyday life and sensitize the public as to how Statistics helps in shaping and framing policies. The day marks the birth anniversary June 29 National Statistics Day of Father of Indian Statistics, Prof. P C Mahalanobis, in recognition of his invaluable contribution in establishing the National Statistical System. The theme of Statistics Day, 2020 is SDG - 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-be being for all at all ages).

2 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Defence, National Security and Terrorism 1.2 Defence, National Security One of the aircraft is scheduled to be delivered by middle of August while the and Terrorism other one is set for delivery by the end of September. The two aircraft will be DRDO develops ‘Ultra Swachh’ to delivered by Boeing to Air India. disinfect PPEs, electronics items, The two Boeing 777 aircraft will be fabrics operated by the pilots from Indian Air force. The Defence Research and Development The B777 planes will have state-of- Organization (DRDO) has developed a the-art missile defence systems called disinfection unit called ‘Ultra Swachh’ Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures to disinfect a wide range of materials (LAIRCM) and Self-Protection Suites (SPS). including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), electronics items, fabrics and Indian Navy inducts indigenously others. developed Advanced Torpedo Decoy The technology has been developed System Maareech by a Delhi-based laboratory of DRDO, The Indian Navy has inducted the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Advanced Torpedo Decoy System Sciences along with industry partner Gel ‘Maareech’ in its fleet on 26 June 2020, Craft Health care Private Ltd. The ‘ultra to further enhance the Anti-Submarine swachh’ uses an advanced oxidative Warfare capability of the Indian Navy process comprising of multiple barrier Maareech is capable of being fired from disruption approach using Ozonated all frontline warships. Space Technology for disinfection. The Design and Development of this It is double-layered with specialized anti-torpedo decoy system has been Ozone sealant technology assuring undertaken indigenously by DRDO labs- trapping of Ozone for the necessary (NSTL and NPOL). disinfection cycle. Meanwhile, the Bharat Electronics Air India set to receive Boeing-777 Limited, a Defence PSU, would undertake aircraft in August -September the production of this decoy system. India’s two most advanced security India ranked 6th as nuclear weapons system Boeing-777 aircraft are set to be increased since 2019; US tops: delivered in the months of August and SIPRI’s Yearbook 2020 September according to Ministry of Civil In accordance with the “SIPRI Yearbook Aviation officials. 2020-Armaments, Disarmament and The two aircraft will be used by Prime International Security” of Swedish think Minister and other top tank, Stockholm International Peace dignitaries. Research Institute (SIPRI), from 2019

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 3 Defence, National Security and Terrorism Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 there is an increase in the nuclear weapons Following table shows the number of stockpile of India and China. However warheads of top rankers (as of January India’s overall possession of nuclear 2020): weapons is less than half of Beijing’s and Rank Country Nuclear also slightly lower than what Pakistan Warheads possesses. 1 US 5800* The number of nuclear warheads in 2 Russia 6375 the Indian arsenal pegged at 150 in 3 UK 215 comparison to the 2019 report (on the basis of 2018) when India had 130-140. 6 India 150 On the other hand, China’s nuclear About SIPRI Yearbook 2020: arsenal calculated at 320 as compared to It presents a combination of original 290 of SIPRI’s 2019 report while Pakistan’s data in areas such as world military nuclear arsenal remained constant at 160 expenditure, international arms transfers, in comparison to 2019’s 150-160. arms production, nuclear forces, Importantly, in April 2020, SIPRI had armed conflicts and multilateral peace identified India as the 3rd largest military operations with state-of-the-art analysis spender in the world, behind the United of important aspects of arms control, States (US) and China. peace and international security. It is published by Oxford University Press.

4 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits 1.3 World Organisations – Donald Trump’s G-11 plan US President Donald Trump plans to Pacts and Summits invite Australia, India, South Korea and Russia to join an upcoming Group of WHO launches ‘C-TAP’ for equitable Seven meeting, in a move that has stoked speculation that he is trying to form a access to life-saving tech bloc to contain China.

World Health Organization (WHO) has India, which is at the centre of launched the ‘COVID-19 Technology Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy, also Access Pool’ for equitable access to life- has a range of disagreements with China, saving tech. This has been launched after including their current border stand-off the request from at least 37 countries who in Ladakh. jointly appealed to the World Health However, Russia has been building an Organisation for common ownership of economic and strategic partnership with vaccines, medicines and other diagnostic Beijing and was kicked out of the G8, tools to combat the global health crisis. as it was at the time, following the 2014 C-TAP aims to accelerate the development invasion of Ukraine and annexation of of vaccines and medicines through the Crimea – which calls its willingness to sharing of research and information and join any US-led bloc into question. to increase manufacturing capacity for Trump cited Beijing’s increasing sway in any products that are developed. the World Health Organisation when he announced that the US would terminate World Economic Forum will host its relationship with the body. ‘Twin Summit’ in January 2021 The idea of expanding G7, whose current The World members are the US, Italy, Germany, Economic Forum France, UK, Japan and Canada, could be has announced that Washington’s latest attempt to forge an it will be hosting a international coalition without China. unique “Twin Summit” in World Leaders Won’t Gather at U.N. January 2021. The summit will be held in for Annual Debate Davos, Switzerland and the theme of the The president of the U.N. General twin summit will be “The Great Reset”. Assembly announced that world leaders The 51st summit is expected to see wider will not be coming to New York for participation through virtual link-ups in their annual gathering in late September 400 cities across the world. for the first time in the 75-year history of the United Nations because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 5 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

But the General Assembly’s president, COVID-19 and Child Labour Report Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, told a news by the United Nations conference that he hopes to announce in The International Labour Organization the next two weeks how the 193 heads and the UNICEF have released a report of state and government will give their on Child Labour. The report has been speeches on pressing world issues during released under the title. the assembly’s so-called General Debate. Title: COVID-19 and Child Labour: A Time of Crisis, A Time to Act USCIRF Welcomes Release of State Department’s 2019 International Key Findings Religious Freedom Report The report says that millions of children are to be pushed to child labour due to U.S. Commission on International COVID-19 crisis. The report also says that Religious Freedom (USCIRF) appreciated the children already in laborious activities State Department’s 2019 Annual Report might end up working longer hours. on International Religious Freedom to improving religious freedom conditions Poverty abroad. According to the report, COVID-19 will On April 29, 2020, USCIRF’s Annual increase poverty that will eventually drive Report released and recommended the increase in child labour. The report that the State Department mentioned predicts that 1% increase in poverty will 14 countries as ‘country of particular lead to 0.7% increase in child labour. concern’( CPCs) and 15 countries on India with 12 Countries Leads “Verified” its Special Watch List (SWL). These 29 Initiative of United Nations to Counter countries are the world’s worst offenders Misinformation on COVID-19 against freedom of religion or belief. As per the report India was termed as India with 12 other countries lead the “country of particular concern’(CPC) for “Verified” initiative launched by the engaging in, tolerating systematic, and United Nations on 21st May 2020, to fight ongoing religious freedom violations the spreading of misinformation about including the Citizenship (Amendment) COVID-19 with fact-based accurate Act, 2019, continued enforcement of cow information. slaughter and anti-conversion laws, and Infodemic: the November Supreme Court ruling on The Infodemic – spread of misinformation, the Babri Masjid site. Therefore USCIRF is the secondary impacts of a pandemic recommends CPC designation for India which increase the risks of conflicts, in this report. violence, human right violations etc. VERIFIED: The initiative is led by the United Nations Department of Global Communication

6 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits

(DGC) with an aim to provide facts about for the years 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972- COVID-19 in the digital space. 1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 This will provide information on three and most recently in 2011-2012. theme: About UNSC: ff Science – to Save lives The Security Council is the only UN body ff Solidarity – to promote local and that can make legally binding decisions global cooperation like imposing sanctions and authorizing ff Solution – to advocate for support to the use of force. This 15 member council has impacted population five permanent veto-wielding members The initiative recruits information volunteers – “Digital first responders” and 10 non-permanent members. Each who will receive daily feeds on verified year the General Assembly elects five facts and will spread the information to non-permanent members (out of 10 in counter the misinformation. total) for a two-year term. This collaboration of the world’s leading The 10 non-permanent seats are social mobilization organisation and distributed on a regional basis – five for supported by IKEA foundation and African and Asian States; one for Eastern Luminate. European States; two for the Latin American and Caribbean States; and two India elected as non-permanent for Western European and other States. member of UN Security Council Permanent members – China, France, India was elected unopposed for an 8th Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, term as a non-permanent member of and the United States. the United Nations Security Council Non-permanent members for 2020-21 (UNSC) for two years (2021-22) starting – Belgium (2020), Dominican Republic January 2021 by gaining 184 votes in the (2020), Estonia (2021), Germany (2020), 193-member General Assembly. Along Indonesia (2020), Niger (2021), Saint with India, Mexico, Ireland and Norway Vincent and the Grenadines (2021), South were also elected. India was the only Africa (2020), Tunisia (2021), Viet Nam candidate for the lone seat from the Asia- (2021). Pacific category. Non-permanent members for 2021-22 – Key Points: India, Mexico, Ireland, Norway, Estonia, To be elected to the Council, candidate Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, countries need a two-thirds majority of Tunisia, Vietnam, and one more seat need ballots of Member States that are present to be filled. and voting in the Assembly. Headquarters – New York, United States.

India has previously been elected as a Presidency – It is held by each of the non-permanent member of the Council members in turn for one month. For June 2020 it is held by France.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 7 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Indian Officials Attend nd 32 Virtual Nearly 1% of world’s population, EAG Plenary Meeting 2020 Led by FATF “79.5 mn” forcibly displaced globally Indian official, including representatives at the end of 2019: UNHCR from enforcement agencies, have In accordance with the annual report participated in the 32nd special Eurasian on displacement titled “Global Trends- Group on Combating Money laundering Forced Displacement in 2019″ released by and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) UN refugee agency- United Nations High plenary meeting 2020, under the aegis of Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). in 2019, additional 11 million people The virtual meet, chaired by the EAG were displaced where 2.4 million sought protection outside their country, and 8.6 Chairman Mr. Yury Chikhanchin million were newly displaced within the (Russian Federation) and the EAG borders of their countries. Deputy Chairman Mr. Farhod Bilolov On the Global front, the displacement (Republic of Tadjikistan), is said to be number is 79.5 million or one in every 97 held in China in June 2020. people on the planet at the end of 2019. Pakistan and FATF: This number of forced displacement has As we know that Islamabad (Pakistan), almost doubled since 2010 (41 million). which continues to remain on the “grey It should be noted that this figure list” of FATF, had earlier been given is the highest since these statistics the deadline till the June 2020 to ensure have been systematically collected. It is approximately 1% of the world’s compliance with the 27 tasks, including population. stopping terrorist funding, eradicating Five countries account for two-thirds terrorism from its land (Out of this, (68%) of people displaced across borders: Pakistan was able to complete only 14 Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South tasks till February 2020). Sudan and Myanmar. EAG of FATF: For the first time, Venezuela’s 3.5 million The EAG is a regional body consisting of displaced people feature in the UNHCR 9 nations namely India, Russia, China, report, accounting for a significant rise, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, compared with the 2018-19 data. Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus. It About UNHCR: is an associate member of the FATF. ff High Commissioner – Filippo Grandis About FATF: ff Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland ff Headquarters– Paris, France st ff Membership– 39 India Ideas Summit 2020 on 21 & nd ff President– Xiangmin Liu 22 July The 45th annual meeting of the United States India Business Council (USIBC) will be marked with the 2020 India Ideas

8 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits

Summit. This year’s summit will be held What is INSPIRE? virtually on 21st and 22nd July. During the Launched in 2016, INSPIRE is a set of Summit, different sessions are organized, seven evidence-based strategies for with each session focusing on a particular countries and communities working issue related to India. In every session to eliminate violence against children. leaders, diplomats, scholars, senior INSPIRE is an acronym, with each letter executives of business companies, think representing a strategy: tanks are invited to share their thoughts ff I for the implementation and and opinions. enforcement of laws; 1 billion children experience violence ff N for norms and values; annually as countries fail to protect ff S for safe environments; them: UN Report ff P for parent and ff caregiver support; In accordance with the “Global Status Report on Preventing Violence Against ff I for income and economic strengthening; Children 2020”, a first of its kind report ff R for response and support services; by United Nations (UN), upto 1 billion and children are affected by physical, sexual ff E for education and life skills. or psychological violence, with long- About UNESCO: lasting and costly emotional, social ff Headquarter– Paris, France and economic consequences due to the ff Director-General– Audrey Azoulay inability of the countries to protect them ff Members– 193 Members and 11 by following the established strategies. Associate Members This COVID-19 lockdowns have made the situation worsen which have left far About UNICEF: too many youngsters stuck with their ff Headquarter– New York, United abusers. States (US) The report has been launched by the World ff Executive Director– Henrietta Health Organisation (WHO), the UNICEF Holsman Fore (United Nations Children’s Fund), the About WHO: United Nations Educational, Scientific ff Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), ff Director general– Tedros Adhanom the UN Special Representative of the Ghebreyesus Secretary-General on Violence against ff Chief Scientist– Soumya Swaminathan Children and the End Violence Against Children. It charted progress in 155 countries against the “INSPIRE” framework, a set of seven strategies for preventing and responding to violence against children.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 9 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 IIT-Delhi, UN-WFP to offer research- Covid-19 to Push 120 Million Children based solution to storage, supply of into Poverty in South Asian Region : food grains UNICEF Report The United Nations World Food The United Nations Children’s Fund Programme (WFP) India and Indian (UNICEF) released its first report focusing Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on the South Asian region on the impacts have joined hands to support state and of COVID-19 on children states that national governments in achieving food around 240 million children are classified and nutrition security. as poor and the current COVID-19 The overall objective of this partnership is situation will affect an additional 120 to use advanced analytics and operations million children, a total of 360 million research to develop practical solutions children will be pushed into poverty and that support long term strategic planning food insecurity in the next 6 months. of procurement, storage, and movement About the Report: of food grains by agencies such as the The report focuses on both the immediate Food Corporation of India (FCI). and long-term consequences of the It also focuses on to create cost-effective COVID-19 situation in the South Asia supply chain networks for distribution region. of food grains under the Targeted Public The report covers the 8 South Asian Distribution System (TPDS) at the state Countries Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, level. Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. About UNWFP: The report also states about the inequality

The United Nations World Food of electricity and internet access required Programme is the world’s largest to support the 430 million children humanitarian organization committed to depending on the remote learning and saving lives in emergencies and changing the disadvantaged children. lives through sustainable development. About UNICEF: In India, WFP has been working in partnership with the Government for ff Executive Director– Henrietta Fore more than 50 years to contribute to its ff Headquarters– New York, United efforts to achieve food and nutrition States of America security. About UN: About UNWFP: ff Secretary General– António Guterres ff Headquarters– New York, United ff Headquarters– Rome, Italy States of America ff Member States– 36

10 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits India joins ‘Alliance for Poverty Asean leaders cite 1982 UN treaty in Eradication’ at UN as founding South China Sea dispute member South-east Asian leaders announced a India has become a founding member 1982 UN oceans treaty should be the of an Alliance for Poverty Eradication at basis of sovereign rights and entitlements the UN, launched by the President of the in the South China Sea, in one of their General Assembly, aimed at focussing strongest remarks opposing China’s on efforts to boost global economy in the claim to virtually the entire disputed aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. waters on historical grounds. President of the 74th Session of the UN The leaders of the Association of General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad- Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) took the Bande will formally launch the ‘Alliance position in a statement issued by Vietnam for Poverty Eradication’ on June 30, on behalf of the 10-country bloc. Asean which he said will serve as a forum for leaders held their annual summit by video Member States to raise awareness about call, with the coronavirus pandemic and the danger that poverty poses to world the long-running territorial disputes high peace, human rights and sustainable on the agenda. development. The leaders were referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the World Bank Approves USD 500 mn Sea (UNCLOS), a 1982 international loan to improve quality of education agreement that defines the rights of system in 6 Indian States countries to the world’s oceans. It also The World Bank has approved loan demarcates stretches of waters called worth $500 million (about Rs 3,700 crore) exclusive economic zones where coastal for Strengthening Teaching-Learning states are given the right to exclusively and Results for States Program (STARS) tap fishery and fuel resources. on June 24, 2020, to improve quality and governance of school education in six Indian states. The STARS program builds on the long partnership between India and the World Bank (since 1994), for strengthening public school education and to support the country’s goal of providing Education for All. The six states are Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, , Odisha, and Rajasthan.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 11 Eminent Persons Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 1.4 Eminent Persons May’, the research firm has described it as the largest, definitive and independent survey consisting of responses from over Indian Scientist Part Of Oxford 3,000 people from each state and union Research Team On COVID-19 territory in the country. An Indian-origin Naveen Patnaik has been rated the scientist, who is most popular Chief Minister at 82.96%, part of a team of followed closely by Bhupen Baghel of Oxford University Chhattisgarh at 81.06% and Kerala’s CM, professionals on a Pinnarayi Vijayan at 80.28%. project to find a The top three states which are the vaccine to protect most satisfied with their governance against the are Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and coronavirus, says Chhattisgarh. The states least satisfied she feels honoured with their governance include Goa, to be a part of a humanitarian cause, with Haryana and Kerala. the world’’s hopes attached to the A poll for the race to become the next outcome. Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi Chandrabali Datta, who was born received 66.2% while Rahul Gandhi was in Kolkata, works in the Clinical rated as 23.21%. With a rating of 36.12% Biomanufacturing Facility at the in Tamil Nadu for the position of India’s university’s Jenner Institute where Phase next Prime Minister, 10 states gave Rahul II and III of human trials of the vaccine Gandhi a negative rating. named ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 are being conducted as a possible tool to fight the Former Miss World Manushi Chhillar deadly virus. joins UNICEF’s “Red Dot Challenge”

The 34-year-old’s role as a Quality On Menstrual Hygiene Day, 28th May Assurance Manager means it is her task 2020, 23-year-old, former Miss World to ensure all levels of compliance are met Manushi Chhillar collaborated in the before the vaccine could progress to the global initiative of the United Nations trial stage. Children’s Fund(UNICEF), the “Red Dot Challenge” to create awareness and to PM Modi’s approval rating over 65% educate the girls about menstrual hygiene According to a survey conducted by and construction of sanitation facilities CVoter, a research firm, Prime Minister and access to hygiene products. Narendra Modi enjoys over 65% support Key Points: and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has been Chhillar runs “Project Shakti”, an recognised as the most popular Chief initiative on menstrual hygiene to Minister in the country. create awareness on the importance of Calling it ‘State of the Nation, 2020:

12 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Eminent Persons

menstrual hygiene and the issues faced About Forbes: by the girls. Headquarters- New york, United States The Indian Foundation – Diya started Chief Executive Officer(CEO)–Michael the #proudtobleed campaign to provide Federle sanitary products to the underprivileged girls. Madurai girl declared ‘Goodwill Actresses like Dia Mirza, Diana Penty, Ambassador for the Poor’ Mrunal Thakur, Aditi Rao Hydari and International recognition others have participated in the Red Dot came calling the 13-year- Challenge. old girl as she was Red Dot Challenge: appointed as ‘Good Will The Red Dot Challenge of UNICEF Ambassador (GWA) for is an initiative to expose the false the Poor’ by the United Nations Association for beliefs, misinformations, taboos and Development and Peace inspire all men, boys, women and girls (UNADAP). to speak freely about menstruation Nethra’s feat came as a and to educate and provide the right double joy for her family as her father, information to every girl child about C Mohan, a resident of Melamadai, was their body. lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi The Red Dot Challenge is posting the in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme. photo of their palm with a red dot painted or edited with #RedDotChallenge. Former Planning Commission member Dr Vaidyanathan passes away Forbes 100 World’s highest-paid Dr A Vaidyanathan, a celebrities 2020 former member of the According to the Forbes 100 world’s Government of highest-paid celebrities 2020, Bollywood India’s Planning actor Akshay Kumar (52 years old) Commission, passed ranked 52nd with estimated earnings of away in Coimbatore. USD 48.5 million (M) & is the only Indian During his lifetime, featured on the list. The list is topped by Dr Vaidyanathan also served as professor at the Madras Institute 22 years old Kylie Jenner, model who of Development Studies and Centre for earned USD 590M & also topped in the Development Studies in Trivandrum. women category, followed by 42 years Dr Vaidyanathan chaired the Government old American rapper Kanye West (2nd, of India Task Force on Revival of USD 170M), 38 years old Tennis player Cooperative Credit Institutions in 2004 Roger Federer (3rd rank, USD 106 M) & and was a member of the K.N. Raj 35 years old Football Cristiano Ronaldo( Committee on Taxation of Agricultural 4th rank , USD 105 M). Income (1969-70).

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 13 Eminent Persons Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Kathy Sullivan becomes 1st Woman to among the martyrs who have dedicated Reach Deepest Point of Ocean themselves completely to our country’s Independence. He lived his life, his thought, his words and his actions. June 16, the birthday of the heroic martyr Amarakavi Viswanatha das. Martyr Viswanada das was born on June 16, 1886 in Sivakasi, Ramanathapuram district of the then integrated district of the family of doctors. The 68-year-old Kathy Sullivan, Former Gandhi visited Tuticorin in 1911. The NASA astronaut and Geologist became song that was sung in a theater then the first woman to reach the Challenger attracted people and Gandhi. Gandhi Deep, the deepest point in the ocean. was impressed by Viswanathan’s ability Challenger Deep: to attract large crowds. It is located in the Mariana Trench, 7 miles “Let your talent be used in the country below the surface of the Pacific Ocean and devote yourself to the freedom which is 200 miles southwest of Guam. of the motherland,” Gandhi advised. This is the deepest point known in the Viswanatha das, who fostered nationalism Ocean. through his music and theatrical Tamil, began to work more seriously. Kathy Sullivan: Started the Viswanatha das She joined NASA in 1978 and flew three Srisubhashbabu Youth Association shuttle missions and in 1993 she left NASA in 1938 with the headquarters of and started exploring oceanography. Thirumangalam in Madurai district.

She became the under-secretary of Murugabu Peruman-vishwanatha das Commerce for oceans and atmosphere in who plays the predator is the white man the United States. who plunders the motherland in a hook- Achievements: flying song. She was the first American Woman to “The crant, the crane, the crane that has walk in space in 1984. come to trade for us – the crane that In 2004 she was inducted into the brought us to life! “And here’s a loot, Astronauts Hall of Fame. Papal!” When the crane sings the whiwte She was the 8th human to take the dive to crane, the stage is shaken by the applause Challenger Deep. of the lame people, chanting slogans. She became the first human to visit both the space and the deepest known point in India’s oldest first-class cricketer the Ocean. Vasant Raiji passed away at 100 India’s oldest first-class cricketer Freedom Fighter Viswanatha das Vasant Raiji, a right-handed batsman birth anniversary passed away at 100 due to old-age at Amarakavi Martyr Vishwanada das are his residence in Walkeshwar in South

14 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Eminent Persons

Mumbai. He was born on January 26, AL Raghavan started his music career in 1920 in Vadodara(Baroda), Gujarat. 1947 and has sung a number of songs in Tamil with his last being ‘Nalla Ketukka st Anmol Narang becomes 1 observant Paadam’ in Sean Roldan’s music in the Sikh to graduate from US Military film Aadama Jeyichomada released in the Academy year 2014. Anmol Narang has made history Telangana govt pitches for Bharat by becoming the Ratna for Narasimha Rao 1st observant Sikh The year-long birth to graduate from centenary celebrations the distinguished of former prime United States (US) minister P. V. Military Academy Narasimha Rao by the at West Point. She Telangana was among about government got off to 1,100 cadets who a start with Chief graduated at the premier institution’s Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao making a campus in New York with the rank of strong pitch for conferring “Bharat 2nd lieutenant. She is hopeful that her Ratna” on the late leader, placing him on efforts to represent her religion and par with the country’s first PM Jawaharlal community will encourage Americans to Nehru. find out more about Sikhism. She was The Chief Minister paid glowing tributes born and raised in Roswell, Georgia. to the late leader, who hailed from the state, at his ‘samadhi’ “PV Gyan Bhoomi” Legendary singer AL Raghavan here on the occasion of his 99th birth passes away anniversary, saying he was “proud son of Renowned playback Telangana” and recalled his contributions singer and actor AL to the country, including ushering in bold Raghavan passed away, economic reforms. 19 June after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 80 years old. L. Raghavan (1933 – 19 June 2020) was an Indian playback singer, who sang many songs in Tamil language films. He was married to the veteran actress M.N.Rajam.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 15 Sports and Games Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 1.5 Sports and Games Virat Kohli features in Forbes’ 2020 list of world’s highest paid athletes India’s 1st online coaching programme India skipper Virat ‘Khelo India e-Pathshala‘ Kohli is the only cricketer to feature Sports Authority of India (SAI), the in Forbes’ list of the apex national sports body of India, top 100 highest- in association with National Sports paid athletes in the Federations (NSF) has launched India’s world for the year 1st-ever national-level open online 2020. He is ranked coaching and education programme at number 66 with called “Khelo India e-Pathshala” to estimated earnings grassroots players. of $26 million Key Points: while Swiss tennis Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports star Roger Federer topped the list of Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of Tribal world’s highest-paid athlete for 2020 with Affairs and Archery Association of India estimated earnings of $106.3 million. The president have inaugurated factors used by Forbes’ for calculation the programme via a webinar. were athletes’ revenue, including prize A total of 21 games are included in money, salaries, contract bonuses, this program, where veteran players endorsements, royalties, and appearance showcase their technical skills and talk fees from June 1, 2019, until June 1, 2020. to young players and help them improve their technical and overall game. India to host AFC Women’s Asian Cup The 21 games include, athletics, archery, 2022 boxing, cycling, fencing, football, Asian Football gymnastics, hockey, judo, kayaking & Confederation canoeing, kabaddi, para games, rowing, (AFC) granted shooting, taekwondo, table tennis, the hosting Volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and rights of the AFC wushu. Women’s Asian About Sports Authority of India (SAI): Cup 2022 to Headquarters– New Delhi India for the 1st Director General- Sandip Pradhan time since 1979. The tournament is likely to be held in the 2nd half of the year. The event will serve as the final qualification tournament for the 2023 Federation Internationale de Football

16 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Sports and Games

Association (FIFA) Women’s World Cup. 4th Asian Youth Para Games to be The tournament will feature 12 teams Held in Bahrain in December 2021 from an earlier slot of 8 teams. The Asian Key Points Paralympic India hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s Committee (APC) World Cup in 2021 will boost the All announced that India Football Federation (AIFF). the 4th Asian India has also hosted the AFC U-16 Youth Para Championships in 2016 and the Fifa U-17 Games will take World Cup in 2017. place in Bahrain from December (1-10) About AIFF: 2021. The event will be organised in partnership with the National Paralympic Headquarters– New Delhi, India Committee (NPC) of Bahrain with the About AFC: support of the local government. Headquarters– Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia This is the 1st time Bahrain will host a big India remains at 108 in FIFA rankings, para-sport event Venue– The competition will take place Belgium tops across numerous venues in Khalifa Sports According to the City, a multi-use stadium in Isa Town, FIFA (Federation and Isa Sports City. Internationale de Participants & sports– About 800 under Football 20 years of age are expected to compete Association) in 9 sports namely, Athletics, Badminton, world Ranking Boccia, Goalball, Para Taekwondo, released on June Powerlifting, Swimming, Table Tennis 11, 2020, India has and Wheelchair Basketball. retained the 108th Note– 1st Asian Para Youth Games was spot with 1187 hosted by Tokyo (2009). The last edition points as in 2017 was held in Dubai international About APC: football has been APC is the only official representative of suspended since the International Paralympic Committee March due to the (IPC) in Asia, and the owner of the Para Covid- 19. Belgium tops the ranking Games in the region. followed by France and Brazil. Qatar is Headquarters– Dubai, United Arab the host country of FIFA World Cup 2022. Emirates (UAE)

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 17 Sports and Games Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 P. Harikrishna becomes the 1st Indian Key Points: to join the USD 150,000 Chessable The state and UT will identify and Masters develop talents in each sport through the Grandmaster P. findings received by the centre.

Harikrishna debuted To improve the standards and the Magnus Carlsen performances of the athletes the Sports Chess MCC) Tour 2020 Authority of India will provide expertise, by joining the players resource and monitoring system. in the USD 150,000 New Zealand, Australia to jointly host Chessable Masters. He 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is the 1st Indian in the tour. Australia and New Zealand till jointly be Harikrishna exited from the Chessable hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup Masters with a final-round defeat to 2023. The Federation of International Alexander Grischuk Football Associations made the announcement on June 25, 2020 following Ministry of sports to establish and the voting done by FIFA Council during upgrade state facilities into Khelo its virtual meeting. New Zealand Football India State Centres of Excellence and Football Federation Australia had earlier submitted a joint bid for hosting The Sports Ministry prepared to establish Khelo India State Centres of Excellence the World Cup 2023. (KISCE) under the Khelo India Scheme About FIFA (Fédération Internationale and identified 8 state owned sports de Football Association): facilities to upgrade as KISCE. ff President– Gianni Infantino Purpose of KISCE: ff Secretary General– Fatma Samba The Centres are established to enhance Diouf Samoura the performance of India in Olympic ff Headquarters– Zurich, Switzerland games. The Centres are aimed to transform the facilities across the nation into academies of world class standard. The Selection Process of KISCE: The process of selection began in October 2019. The Ministry of sports asked the state and union territories to identify the best sport infrastructure available within them.

18 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Books & Authors 1.6 Books & Authors women: Penal provision of the bill states that a Muslim husband declaring instant Triple Talaq can be imprisoned for up to ‘One Year of Modi 2.0 – Towards A three years. Self-Reliant India’ e-book released The amendment to the Citizenship by Ministry of I&B Act (CAA) The Act seeks to amend the definition of an illegal immigrant who has lived in India without documentation. The goverment will grant fast track citizenship to people.

“Lockdown Liaisons: Leaving and A 92-page e-booklet called ‘One Year of Other Stories” Authored by Shobha Modi 2.0 – Towards A Self-Reliant India’ De on the key achievements of the Modi Writer and government during its second term was Columnist Shobha released on June 1, 2020, by the Ministry De’s new collection of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). of stories titled This marks the first anniversary of the “Lockdown second term of the government. Liaisons: Leaving A 92-page e-booklet called ‘One Year of and Other Stories” a Modi 2.0 – Towards A Self-Reliant India’ book reflecting the on the key achievements of the Modi impacts of government during its second term was COVID-19 on released on June 1, 2020, by the Ministry human lives of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). published by Simon This marks the first anniversary of the & Schuster India and released on May 30, second term of the government. 2020. Highlights in the book About Lockdown Liaisons: Abolition of Article 370 Article 370 (35a) Collection of short stories from different acknowledged the special status of the perspectives from men and women, state of Jammu and Kashmir in terms of young and old, brave and cowardly, autonomy, its freedom to make laws and cheerful and weighed down. follow its constitution, also, has a separate The book displays the shifting emotions flag for the state’s permanent residents of people during the pandemic and its all such privileges were scrapped to effect on people and their struggle to integrate Kashmir and put it on the same adjust to the “new normal”. footing as the rest of India. Criminalisation of triple talaq : Protection of Rights on Marriage for Muslim

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 19 Books & Authors Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro’s Harvard University Press in May 2020. New Novel ‘Klara and the Sun’ to be About Dinyar Patel: Released in March 2021 Patel is an assistant professor at the Nobel Prize winner Department of History at the University (2017) Kazuo Ishiguro of South Carolina. (Japan born British He researched the life and career of Indian author) will release his Nationalist Leader Dadabhai Naoroji. new novel ‘Klara and He focused on the Indian Nationalist the Sun’ & will be Movements, the city of Bombay and the published by Faber & Parsi Zarostrain community. Faber in the United About the book: Kingdom, Alfred A. The book displays the life chapters of Knopf in the United Dadabhai Naoroji like the chapters on States and Knopf in Canada on March 2, his campaign on the British parliament 2021. Elections and his political works in This is the first novel by him since he was London and his victory in the Central awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature Finsbury seat in 1892. Essence of the book– The book is about the artificial being called Klara and her The Debut Novel of Megha Majumdar desire to find a human owner. – “The Burning” About Kazuo Ishiguro Kazuo Ishiguro was born in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1954. His work has been translated into over 50 languages. He has been nominated 4 times for the Man Booker Prize. Notable works- When We Were Orphans, An Artist of the Floating World. Recent work- The Buried Giant (2015) The Penguin Hamish Hamilton released the “The Burning”, debut novel of Megha Naoroji: Pioneer of Indian Nationalism Majumdar. The 32-year-old New York’s Biography by Dinyar Patel writer who was born and raised in Historian Dinyar Patel’s Kolkata. biography of Dadabhai The Burning: Naoroji, “Naoroji The book is about the lives of three Pioneer of Indian characters, Tommy Orange, Yaa Gyasi Nationalism” was and Jhumpa Lahiri who want to rise to published by the

20 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Books & Authors

the middle class, to political power, to gain fame in the film industry and how their lives changed in Indian society.

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”. The book is published by Westland Publications Pvt Ltd. Essence of the book: The book is about the Indian King Suheldev who struggles to defend his homeland, makes tremendous personal sacrifices, shows glorious leadership & unites everyone in the country irrespective of their religion, caste, region, or status in society. Idea behind the book – To bring national awareness about the ignored pages of Indian history.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 21 Awards & Honours Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 1.7 Awards & Honours access to affordable life-saving medicine & transform the world in one of its kind virtual entrepreneurship award Indian writer Kritika Pandey wins ceremony. She became the 3rd Indian to regional award win this award, after Uday Kotak of Kritika Pandey, a Kotak Mahindra Bank (2014) and 29-year-old Indian Narayana Murthy of Infosys Technologies Writer from Ranchi, Limited (2005) was announced as Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw became the 2nd the winner of regional woman to hold the title, following Olivia award for Asia in Lum of Hyflux Limited from Singapore 2020 Commonwealth in 2011. short story prize for She was chosen for this title among 46 her story “The Great entrepreneurs from 41 countries. Indian Tee and Gist about Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Snakes” – about love Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw founded Biocon, in an age of hatred and prejudice. a bio-enzymes company in 1978 and her About Kritika Pandey firm became the 1st Indian company to Education: She is currently doing export enzymes to the US and Europe. her MFA degree at the University of About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year: Massachusetts, Amherst. EY World Entrepreneur of The Year Awards and Scholarship: honors the innovative business leaders She was nominated for the Pushcart Prize who have unstoppable vision and stop at and twice she has been shortlisted for the nothing to achieve their ambition to make Commonwealth short story Prize. a difference. It celebrates entrepreneurs She received the Elizabeth George with regional and national award Foundation Grant for 2020 and won the programs in more than 145 cities in over 2020 James W Foley Memorial Award. 60 countries. About EY: EY World Entrepreneur 2020 in a It may refer to one or more of the member virtual ceremony firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw each of which is a separate legal entity. (67 years old), Executive The 28 regions of EY are grouped under Chairperson of India- three geographic Areas: Americas; based Biocon Limited Europe, Middle East, India and Africa was named as EY World (EMEIA); and Asia-Pacific. Entrepreneur Of The EY Global Chairman and CEO– Carmine Year 2020 for her Di Sibio contribution to improve

22 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Awards & Honours Javed Akhtar became first Indian to About Richard Dawkins: bag Richard Dawkins Award 2020 He is one of the respected scientists in Javed Ahktar, the world who draws in secularism and renowned poet, worked at Oxford University as the lyricist and writer Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public became the first Understanding of Science from 1995 to Indian to receive 2008. the Richard He is a member of the Royal Society and Dawkins Award the Royal Society of Literature. 2020 for critical Indian Musician Shobha Sekhar thinking, holding receives “the Medal of the Order of religious principles Australia” up to scrutiny, advancing human progress and humanist Indian Musician Shobha Sekhar, values. the founder of Kalakruthi a music organization in Australia receives the Richard Dawkins Award: Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in It is presented to honor the individuals the Queen’s Birthday 2020 for her service in the field of science, scholarship, to Indian music and dance. education or entertainment who proclaim the values of secularism and rationalism About Shobha Sekhar: and contribute to the cause of reason and Shobha Sekhar is a management graduate science by the Center of Inquiry (CFI). and an artist based in Montreal The award was created by Margaret She works as a lecturer at the University Downey, Leader of Secular Community of Melbourne. in 2003. She was trained by DKP, DK Jayaraman Since the Richard Dawkins Foundation and K V Narayanaswamy. for Reason & Science became a part of She started the Kalakruthi in 1994 CFI, Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary affiliated with The Music Academy, biologist, bestselling author and atheist, Chennai and has been training many housed the award with the CFI. aspirants of Carnatic music. She had conducted several concerts in About Javed Akhtar: Australia and all around the world. Javed Akhtar is known for his strong and She had contributed to many charity independent views on politics, society, initiatives and conducted music and art, culture, religion. dance programmes to raise funds for the He admired Richard Dawkins since his victims of the Victoria Bushfire. first book “The Selfish Gene”. The Medal of the Order of Australia: The medal of the order of Australia is awarded to the individuals contributing

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 23 Awards & Honours Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

to their community or to Australia striker had debuted in the early 90s and globally or domestically. scored 40 goals in 79 matches. He was The recipients are nominated and honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2003. assessed independently as worthy of IM Vijayan had led the Indian team recognition. between 2000 and 2003 and formed a formidable pair with fellow striker Indian-American Dr. Rattan Lal Bhaichung Bhutia. awarded with World Food Prize 2020 Vijayan had scored one of the fastest international goals in just 12 seconds during a match against Bhutan in the 1999 SAF Games.

Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen Wins 2020 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade Indian economist, philosopher and Nobel Laureate Amartya Kumar Indian-American Dr. Rattan Lal has Sen (86) has been selected been awarded with the 2020 World for 2020 Peace Prize by Food Prize for developing a soil centric the Board of Trustees of approach for increasing food production the Peace Prize of the while conserving natural resources and German Book Trade for mitigating the climate change. Lal is a Soil his decades-long work Scientist who has been helping over 500 around issues of global million small farmers through measures justice. such as improved management, less soil He will be presented with the award by degradation and recycling of nutrients. German Publishers’ and Booksellers’ Association, Borsenverein in a ceremony AIFF recommends IM Vijayan for that will take place on October 18, 2020, Padma Shri in Paulskirche, Germany. The All India Football 10 MPs to be conferred with Sansad Federation (AIFF) has Ratna award recommended former Eight sitting members and Indian skipper IM two Rajya Sabha members will be Vijayan for India’s presented the Sansad Ratna Awards 2020 fourth-highest civilian under various categories, based on their award, Padma Shri. performance during the first year of the The legendary Indian

24 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Awards & Honours

Apart from individual parliamentarians, year, coinciding with the Lok Sabha are the departmentally related Standing Vishambhar Prasad Nishad (Samajwadi Committee on Agriculture headed Party, Uttar Pradesh) and Chhaya Verma by P.C. Gaddigoudar (BJP MP from (Congress, Chhattisgarh). Bagalkot, Karnataka) has been chosen for This category of honouring the sitting the Sansad Ratna Awards 2020 for their MPs of the Rajya Sabha has been performance in the 17th Lok Sabha. introduced this year. The Prime Point Foundation has been According to the Prime Point Foundation, awarding top performing Members of Bhartruhari Mahtab (BJD, Cuttack, Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha with the Odisha), (NCP, Baramati, Sansad Ratna award since 2010 following Maharashtra) and Shrirang Appa Barne the suggestion of former President late A. (, Maval, Maharashtra) will P. J.Abdul Kalam. be receiving the coveted ‘’Sansad Maha Supriya Sule (NCP MP from Baramati, Ratna Award’’ for their sustained Maharashtra) gets the Sansad Ratna qualitative performance in the 16th Lok Award 2020 for her overall performance Sabha. This Award is presented once in in initiating debates, the number of five years. questions asked and the Private Members The awardees were selected by a three th Bills in the first year of the 17 Lok Sabha. member Jury Committee chaired by Subhash Ramrao Bhamre (BJP MP from Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State Dhule, Maharashtra), Heena Gavit for Parliamentary Affairs. (BJP, Nandurbar, Maharashtra) and The other two members are Amol Ramsing Kolhe, (NCP, Shirur, parliamentarians N. K. Premachandran Maharashtra) will be receiving the and Shrirang Appa Barne. Sansad Ratna Award 2020 for Questions, All the three Jury Members have been Women and First-time MPs categories outstanding Parliamentarians and respectively. recipients of the Sansad Ratna Awards in

Shashi Tharoor (Congress, the previous Lok Sabha. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala), Nishikant According to Meghwal, recognition and Dubey (BJP, Godda, Jharkhand), Ajay performance review of parliamentarians Misra (BJP, Kheri, Uttar Pradesh) and by the civil society helps strengthen Ram Mohan Naidu (TDP, Srikakulam, democracy. Andhra Pradesh) have been nominated for the ‘’Jury Committee Special Award’’ for their overall qualitative performance and individual efforts, the statement said. The Members of the Rajya Sabha who have been nominated for the award based on their overall performance during the first

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 25 Awards & Honours Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Himachal Pradesh wins e-Panchayat 6 District Hospitals of J&K wins Puraskar 2020 Kayakalap Award Himachal Pradesh 6 Districts hospitals (DH) of the union state Panchayati raj territory of Jammu & Kashmir won the department wins 1st Kayakalap Award for their achievements prize under in the health sector and secured positions e-Panchayat in the best hospital category 2019-2020. Puraskar-2020. This Kayakalp Award: prize was given by The award was instituted as a part of the Union Ministry the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” on 15th of Panchayati Raj. All May 2015 to recognise the public health the 3,226 panchayats facilities that exhibit high levels of of the state have been provided internet cleanliness, hygiene and infection control facility and people can access various measures. services online. The various services such DH Reasi and 3 other district hospitals as family register, registration of birth, from Jammu division won the cash award death and marriages are registered online of Rs 50 Lakh each and the Government in the panchayats. Hospital (GH) Gandhi Nagar, DH Udhampur and DH Poonch won the Cleared of Doping Charges, K.Sanjita commendation award (Rs. 3 Lakh each). Chanu to receive Arjuna Award Secretary of Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) has informed on 25th June 2020 that K. Sanjita Chanu will receive the Arjuna Award for 2018. The two time Commonwealth Games Gold medalist was cleared of doping charges earlier this month by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). The Secretary of IWF has also informed that the Sports Ministry has confirmed that K. Sanjita Chanu will be awarded Arjuna Award for 2018.

26 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Cultural Panorama 1.8 Cultural Panorama ‘A’ temples (annual work schedule of January-June 2020).

Keeladi excavations: Furnace-like Built by the kingdom of Champa: structure found at Manalur site Completely protected, this Shivalinga is part of a complex of Hindu temples & was built by the powerful Champa kingdom between the fourth century and the 13th century in My Son. About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): Headquarters– New Delhi A furnace-like structure that may belong Director General– Smt. V Vidyavathi to the Sangam era was enearthed during excavations at Manalur near Keeladi. Bones of a Large Unknown Animal This is the sixth phase of excavations Unearthed at Keezhadi Archaeological at Keeladi site, being been taken up Site by the Tamil Nadu state archaeology department.

ASI team discovers 1100-year-old Shiva lingam in Vietnam during temple excavation

Keezhadi Archaeological Excavation has resumed after lockdown to find the remains of an animal. According to the chief of the excavation site, Deputy director of Archaeology department R A 4-member team of Archaeological Sivanandan, the found bones belong to a Survey of India (ASI) has discovered large animal. a 1100-year-old monolithic sandstone The sixth phase excavation resumed on Shiva lingam, a representation of the May 20 amidst the lockdown with some Hindu deity Shiva, at the Cham Temple restrictions at Manalur village, which is Complex located in My Son Sanctuary of one of the cluster villages of Keezhadi Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. like Agaram, Keezhadi and Kodandhai. They found during an excavation of the Piles of animal bones were excavated 4th season of conservation work of Group previously at the Keezhadi site and its

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 27 Cultural Panorama Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

cluster villages, but this newly found of archeology and the researcher bones are larger than them and has Lohanathan. Two adult corridors were different structure. found in the Sivagalai paddy field.

2 Older corridors in Sivalai excavation Excavations of 9th and 10th Centaury survey Sculptures at Poothalur In the excavation carried out in The Samana Tirthankara’s sculpture Thoothukudi district, Sivalai, two old is there in Tanjore. All of which date corridors have been found. back to the 9th and 10th centuries. It is In this, two elderly dorsal fronts were possible that there were Shiva, Vishnu found. and Samana temples in the area. Also, the Chola-era black and red colored pot tiles Statue of ‘hunters’ goddess’ are broken across the field. unearthed th A six-ft-tall statue of the Sangam-era 13 Century inscription in Antipati goddess, ‘Kotravai’, has been unearthed A 13th century inscription has been found by a farmer while ploughing his land at near Thenipatti in Theni district. Perumalpatti in Tenkasi district, making Antique statues and inscriptions abound it the first such statue to be discovered in the area, including Pratukkaranpatti, in southern Tamil Nadu. Archeologists Rosanapatti and Muthusangipatti near said a similar statue can be seen at the Antipati. government museum in Chennai. The inscription is four feet blue and Silappadikaram and Nedunalvaadai in a foot wide. Seven incomplete lines Sangam literature have reference to the were inscribed on it. With the help of goddess to whom people prayed for archaeologist C.Santhalingam, it was victory in wars. She was referred to as discovered. Accordingly, the inscription “goddess of the desert” by some while mentions the gift of the citizen of hunters called her their goddess as well Thripuvankon Angarayan to the little as of wild beasts. Chief Klangudi Devar Thondaiman who ruled the area. The discovery of 2 elderly corridors in Adichchanallur 500-year-old Odisha temple The Government of Tamil Nadu submerged under Mahanadi river is conducting excavation work at reappears Adichchanallur and Sivagalai near A 500-year-old ancient temple of Lord Srivaikundam in Thoothukudi district, Vishnu that was submerged in Odisha’s which is a civilized cradle of Tamils. Mahanadi river sometime in 19th century The excavations are being carried out due to change of course of the river, has by the staff led by Bhaskar, the director resurfaced after 15 years.

28 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Cultural Panorama

Pahili Raja, and it is called Sajabaja. Primarily, it is a time for the unmarried girls to prepare for their matrimony. During the Parba, Odia people do not undertake any construction works or tilling that requires the earth to be dug. And by not doing such activities, they pay ode to the Mother Earth who needs a An archaeological survey team from break from routine work. the Indian National Trust for Art and The festival concludes with a custom Cultural Heritage that visited the village called Vasumati Snana or the bathing of in Nayagarh district, said the top of the Bhuma Devi. Women worship a stone Gopinath Dev temple was visible due that symbolises the Mother Earth. to the reduction in the water-level of the river. Detection of drainage system in the Anil Dhir, project coordinator, Mahanadi Keezhadi excavation Project (INTACH), said the top of the The drainage system was found near submerged temple was discovered in Thirupavanam in Sivagangai district. the mid-river near Baideswar in the The sixth phase of the sixth phase of Padmavati area near Nayagarh district. excavation work began on February 19, The 60-ft tall submerged temple dates at Thirupavanam, at Kodai, Kondagai, back to late 15th or early 16th century, Agaram and Manalur. The curfew was considering the construction style of the discontinued and the excavation began Mastaka and the materials used for the on May 20. construction. It is made of sandstone and Burning furnace in Mangalore, animal among the oldest temples that have been bone in the bottom, human bone in the submerged in Mahanadi gutter in the mangroves, mud pots in the algae, are being discovered. Raja Parba festival of Odisha A gold coin was found. Subsequently, 2 elderly females were found in the same pit in Kodagu. A drainage system was also found near the 2 earthen pits already found underneath.

The first day of the festival is called Pahili Raja, the second is Mithuna Sankranti and the third Bhu daha or Basi Raja. The preparation begins one day before

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 29 Cultural Panorama Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

Ancient Lord Nageswara Temple A 17th – century gold coin was discovered Unearthed In Andhra Pradesh’ in the alphabet. Subsequently, 2 elderly Nellore District during Mining females were found in the same cavity in Kodagu. In this excavation it is revealed that the turmoil in ancient times was the image of the rituals. A drainage system was also found in the vicinity of the two earthen pits already found undemeath. Following this, for the first time, a full-sized skeleton of the baby In a unusual piece of news, an ancient has been discovered from the excavation temple of Lord Nageswara (Siva) was pit currently excavated in the mound. It found while mining sand in Penna river is 75 cm high. near Peramalla Padu village in Chejarla Keeladi excavations Mandal in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. Locals are guessing it could be 200 years old temple. Some locals believe it to be one of the 101 temples built by ‘Parashu Rama’ an incarnation of Hindu Lord Vishnu from Indian mythology, some opined the temple filled up with sand about 80 years ago.

The skeleton of a child dating back to 2600 years: found in the excavation A 2600 years old excavation at Kondagai near Thirupavanam in Sivagangai district revealed that the child’s skeleton was in full swing. The sixth phase of excavation work was started on February 19 at Kizhadi, Kondagai, Agaram and Manalur Excavations in Keeladi prove that an near Tirupuvanam. urban civilization existed in Tamil Nadu in the Sangam era on the banks of the river Vaigai. Many antiquities have been unearthed that provide crucial evidence to understanding the missing links of the Iron Age (12th century BCE to 6th century BCE) to the Early Historic Period

30 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Cultural Panorama

(6th century BCE to 4th century BCE) and World’s largest chariot festival Rath subsequent cultural developments. Yatra in Puri: Odisha Literate society: Tamil Brahmi letters found were inscribed when the pot was wet or after the pot became dry. This clearly suggests literacy levels in the 6th century BC. Agrarian society that reared cattle: Skeletal fragments of cow/ox, buffalo, sheep, goat, nilgai, blackbuck, wild boar and peacock were found. World’s largest chariot festival Rath High standard of living: Long walls, Yatra of Jagannath temple held in coastal Well-laid floors along with roof tiles in a district of Puri, Odisha under curfew, collapsed state, iron nails fastened to the After Supreme Court had decided to poles and rafters prove a high standard of allow it to be held with the coordination of living during the Sangam age. the temple committee, State and Central Items found: Brick structures, terracotta government without compromising with ring wells, fallen roofing with tiles, the health issue pertaining to COVID-19. golden ornaments, broken parts of copper objects, iron implements, terracotta chess The discovery of a 2,000-year- pieces, ear ornaments, spindle whorls, old black and red mud vessel near figurines, black and redware, rouletted Khaliyarkovil ware and a few pieces of Arretine ware, Near 2,000 years old , a black and red besides beads made of glass, terracotta earthen vessel was discovered near and semi-precious stones. Kaliyarkovil in Sivaganga district . Graffiti marks are found in earthenware, The sixth phase of excavations is caves and rocks in or near the excavation underway at Thiruppavanam in four sites. locations - Kedadi, Agaram, Kondagai and Manalur. It is available in old age, human skeleton, animal bones, earthenware, furnace. In this case, kalaiyarkovil in the near area nallental utaintanilai urn found in a number of aldermen. Inside that old man’s cellar is a 2,000-year-old black- and-red clay vessel.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 31 Appointments – Who is who? Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Volkan Bozkir Becomes the 1st Turkish 1.9 Appointments – Who is who? to be Elected as the President of 75th Dr Chandrasekaran appointed first UN General Assembly permanent director of CICT Volkan Bozkir (69) from Turkey was This is the first time in 13 years since the elected as the president th Central Institute of of the 75 United Classical Tamil has Nations (UN) General st been selected. Assembly. He is the 1 turkish to hold this The Central Institute of Classical Tamil was post. He will hold the started in Chennai post for 1 year. Volkan in 2006 by the late Tamil Nadu Chief Bozkir will succeed Minister Karunanidhi. Tijjani Muhammad- Bande when the annual session opens on It is reported that Dr. Chandrasekaran (47) has been selected for the post of September 15, 2020.

Director. He won unopposed with the support of 178 UN member states by secret ballot. Tamilnadu Chief Secretary K. About 75th session of UN General Shanmugam gets 3 month extension Assembly: Centre approves the ff Date– September 15, 2020 to September 3-month extension 30, 2020 (August 1- October ff Location – New York, United States 31) of Tamil Nadu ff Organiser – UN Secretariat Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam, a Urjit Patel, former RBI governor, 1985-batch Indian appointed chairman of NIPFP Administrative Former governor of Service(IAS) officer Reserve Bank of India who assumed (RBI) Urjit Patel who charge on June 30, resigned from his 2019, after the retirement of incumbent post in December Girija Vaidyanathan. K. Shanmugam was 2018 after a tussle to retire from service on July 31, 2020. with the government Prior to becoming Chief Secretary he was over the central state’s finance secretary. He hails from bank’s autonomy has Salem. been appointed as the chairman of the New Delhi Based economic think tank National Institute of Public Finance and

32 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 India and its Neighbours Policy (NIPFP) for a period of four years. 1.10 India and its Neighbours ational Institute of Public Finance & Policy is privileged to have Dr. Urjit India-China Dispute: Pangong Lake Patel, former Reserve Bank Governor, as its Chairperson for a four year term The current eye-to-eye confrontation commencing June 22, 2020 between China and India is at the Pangong The governing body of NIPFP comprises Tso site. The countries have ramped up of three representatives of the Ministry their troops in the region since May. of Finance, one representative of the Niti Highlights Aayog, one representative of the Reserve India recently set up twin commands Bank of India, three representatives of headquartered at Chandigarh and sponsoring state governments, three Guwahati and has deployed 90,000 distinguished economists, three heads of troops. The troop personnel are all well sister research institutions, and members trained mountaineers. The issue began of other sponsoring agencies and invitees. in the patrolling of Indian troops in the border. This is an on and off issue where 1st Female President of Marylebone one country crosses the border while Cricket Club in 233 years patrolling. This happens as the border Former England dispute is unsolved and certain border Women Cricket areas are not yet demarcated. Captain Clare Connor What is the issue? (43 year old), an all- The disputed area between India and rounder, becomes the China mostly passes in the land. However, 1st female president of the Pangong Tso lake is unique where Marylebone Cricket the disputed border passes through the Club (MCC) in 233 water. years. Her tenure will begin on October 1, Work begins on first Hindu temple in 2021, and will end on Islamabad September 30, 2022. She will succeed Islamabad is all set to open its first Hindu Kumar Sangakkara. temple to promote interfaith harmony She is current head of women’s cricket in Pakistan, emerging as the “hub of in the England and Wales Cricket Board religious tourism. (since 2007). The groundbreaking ceremony was About MCC: performed by Parliamentary Secretary Headquarters– London on Human Rights Lal Chand Malhi in the city’s H-9/2 area. It will be first ever temple in Islamabad since centuries. The government has

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 33 India and its Neighbours Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

provided 4 canals of land for construction Key Highlights of temple. It will be implemented by Kholongchhu The 20,000 square feet of land was initially Hydro Energy limited, a joint venture assigned to the Hindu Council by the company formed between Drunk Green Capital Development Authority (CDA) power Corporation (DGPC) of Bhutan in 2017 but the construction was delayed and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited due to administrative issues. (SJVNL) of India. Pakistan government will bear the cost The 600 MW run-of-the-river project is of the construction of temple which located on the Kholongchhu River in is estimated at Rs100 million (Dh2.1 million), said the Religious Affairs Trashiyangtse District in Eastern Bhutan. Minister Pir Noorul Haq Qadri. The temple named as “Shri Krishna Mandir” would comprise of space for religious rites as well as a cremation site a long standing demand of the minority community.

1st Agreement for the 600 MW Kholongchhu Indo-Bhutan joint venture hydroelectric project Signed The Bhutan government and the Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited signed the Concession Agreement for 600 MegaWatt (MW) Kholongchhu hydroelectric Project (Joint Venture of India and Bhutan) in Thimphu, in virtual presence of Dr. S Jaishankar,Minister of External Affairs and his Bhutanese Counterpart Dr. Tandi Dorji. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

34 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Govt – Welfare oriented... POLITICAL 2. SCIENCE forest cover in urban areas. The 2.1 Govt – Welfare oriented programme has been launched with 200 corporations and cities across India and Govt schemes, their aims to develop 200 Urban Forests across India in next five years with the help of utility people’s participation and collaboration between Forest Department, Municipal MoHUA launches PM SVANidhi bodies, NGOs, Corporates and local scheme citizens. “PM SVANidhi” is a Special Micro- Credit Facility Scheme that has been Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan launched by the Ministry of Housing Reddy launches ‘Jagananna Chedodu’ and Urban Affairs. Street vendors will be scheme provided affordable loans under the PM Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Ministe Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM (CM) Yeduguri Sandinti (YS) Jagan SVANidhi) scheme, hence enabling them Mohan Reddy launched the ‘Jagananna to resume work and earn livelihoods. The Chedodu’ scheme to provide financial scheme is expected to benefit over 50 lakh assistance to tailors, barbers and dhobis people including hawkers, thelewalas, (washermen). vendors, rehriwala etc. Under the scheme, Rs 10,000 per person was provided to 2.47 lakh washermen Government of India launches “Nagar (82,347), barbers (38,767) and tailors Van” programme (1,25,926). Government of In total Rs.247 crore was transferred India has to their bank accounts under financial launched the liability so that bankers cannot use the “Nagar Van money to offset the loan repayment (Urban balances. Forests)” programme Narendra Singh Tomar virtually with an launched ‘Shakar Mitra’ scheme objective of Narendra Singh Tomar, Union increasing the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 35 Govt – Welfare oriented... Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

inaugurated a Sahakar Mitra: Scheme Van Dhan Yojana: Expanded from Internship Program (SIP) of the NCDC 18,000 Van Dhan SHGs to 50,000 (National Cooperative Development A webinar was organized by the Corporation). The program will provide TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing practical experience of the cooperative Development Federation of India). The sector and assured project loans on webinar was titled “Van Dhan: Tribal liberalized terms to young professionals Startups Bloom in India”. in the start-up industry. The portal for During the webinar, it was informed that online application is available on the current coverage Van Dhan scheme is to NCDC website:https://www.ncdc.in/. be increased from 18,000 SHGs to 50,000 Key Points SHGs. This is to be achieved through Van The young professionals from academic Dhan Start-up programme. institutions will be working with the What is the plan? NCDC under the scheme to develop The plan is to expand the Van Dhan SHGs leadership and entrepreneurial skills and cover 10 lakh tribal gatherers. The through the cooperative sector by aim is to transform tribal ecosystem as playing the role of FPO (Farmer Producer next Amul Revolution in terms of Minor Organisation). Forest Produce. The cooperatives provide paid Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram internships where the professionals can The Government of India has allocated practically learn while working and Rs 15 lakhs to every Van Dhan Vikas become self-reliant, emphasizing on the Karyakram centre. So far 25% to 30% of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ initiated by the the grant has been spent on these centres. Prime Minister of our country. Van Dhan Himachal Pradesh launches Under the Van Dhan Scheme, so far 1205 “Panchvati Yojna” Tribal enterprises have been established. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram The startup scheme launched has covered Thakur has launched “Panchvati Yojana” 10 lakh tribal gatherers. The startups that for the senior citizens of rural areas of the were started based on tribal produce state. Under this programme, the state are now spread across 22 states. These will set up parks and gardens in every Startups are called Van Dhan Startups. development block with all the necessary GoI to launch “Garib Kalyan Rojgar amenities. State government is eying to Abhiyaan” develop 100 such parks in the state in the current financial year. This will be “Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan” will be executed under the MNREGA scheme of launched by the Government of India from rural development. Village Telihar, Block Beldaur of Khagaria District of Bihar. It is a massive rural

36 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Govt – Welfare oriented...

public works scheme that will empower About Rule of Law Index and offer livelihood opportunities to the It is an Index released by an Independent returnee migrant workers as well as rural Organisation named World Justice citizens. The programme will be joined Project(WJP) by the villages across 116 districts in the The index Covers 128 countries and is a six States through the Common Service quantitative assessment tool that attempts Centres and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. The to measure the extent to which countries six states are: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya adhere to the rule of law in practice. Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand Measuring factors of the Index and Bihar. 1. Constraints on Government Powers 2. Absence of Corruption SC on Writ Petition Concerning Rule 3. Open Government of Law Index 4. Fundamental Rights The Supreme Court asked the government 5. Order and Security to treat a writ petition, for setting 6. Regulatory Enforcement up expert panels to improve India’s 7. Civil Justice performance in the Rule of Law Index, as 8. Criminal Justice. a “representation” and to decide further Definition of Rule of Law action within 6 months’ time. The World Justice Project defines the India was Ranked 69th in the WJP Rule of rule of law system as one in which the Law Index 2020. following four universal principles are India has never been ranked even among upheld: top 50 in the Index, but successive ff The government and its officials and governments did nothing to improve the agents are accountable under the law. international ranking of India. ff The laws are clear, publicized, stable Country Overall Global and fair, and protect fundamental Score Rank rights, including the security of India 0.51 69 persons and property. Denmark 0.90 1 ff The process by which the laws are Norway 0.89 2 enacted, administered, and enforced Finland 0.87 3 is accessible, efficient, and fair. Congo 0.34 126 ff Justice is delivered by competent, ethical, and independent Cambodia 0.33 127 representatives and neutrals who are Venezuela 0.27 128 of sufficient number, have adequate resources and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 37 Govt – Welfare oriented... Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

PM’s Adarsh Gram Yojana scheme has not made any perceptible impact. The CRM is of the opinion that in current format the scheme is not achieving the desired purpose. It is recommended that the ministry may review the scheme for enhancing its impact,” it said. The 31-member CRM team, led by retired IAS officer Rajeev Kapoor, and comprises Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheme academicians and research organisations for development of villages has not made as members. It visited 120 villages in 21 any perceptible impact or achieving districts across eight states in November. its desired purpose and, it should The commission reviewed all welfare be reviewed, a performance audit by schemes under the Rural Development the Rural Development Ministry has Ministry and gave suggestions for better suggested. implementation. The Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) 34 senior bureaucrats to supervise was announced by Modi in his first Central scheme for street vendors Independence Day speech as Prime Minister on August 15, 2014. As per the scheme, every member of Parliament or MP has to adopt a village and develop it into a model village under the scheme, which was launched on October 11, 2014, in its five phases. The Centre had constituted a common review commission (CRM) for performance audit to evaluate the proper implementation and effectiveness of Thirty-four senior bureaucrats have been various welfare schemes under the Rural made nodal officers to assist states and Development Ministry. supervise the implementation of Prime Even in villages adopted by MPs under Minister Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar this scheme, they did not allocate enough Nidhi scheme in the country funds from the Members of Parliament The scheme, to be implemented from Local Area Development Scheme July 1, is aimed at providing affordable (MPLADS). loans to street vendors to resume their In isolated cases, where MPs have livelihoods that had been hit due to been pro-active, some infrastructure lockdown. development has taken place, but the

38 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Latest Court Verdicts Under the scheme, vendors can avail 2.2 Latest Court Verdicts a working capital of up to Rs 10,000, repayable in monthly installments in one year. On timely/early repayment of the To Change India’s Name to Bharat loan, an interest subsidy at 7% per annum The Supreme Court of India recently will be credited to the bank accounts of ordered to change a plea that requested beneficiaries through Direct Benefit to change India’s name into Bharat Transfer on six-monthly basis. into a representation. The apex court also ordered to forward it to the Union Government, especially the Ministry of Home Affairs. Highlights The petition that was submitted to the court seeks to amend Article 1 of the Constitution. The petition demands to struck off ‘India’ from The petition demands to struck off ‘India’ from the Article. Article 1 Article 1 says “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”. India is already called Bharat according to the Constitution. Supreme Court The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed similar petition in 2016. According to the Apex Court judgement, the name India is derived from the Indus river. Also, the court pronounced that every citizen had his right to choose between calling his country India or Bharat.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 39 Policy on Environment and Ecology Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 3. GEOGRAPHY

3.1 Policy on Environment and Ecology

Millipede-like creature, Kampecaris This ranking is contrary to India’s annual obanensis is the world’s oldest- Ease of Doing Business ranking, which known land animal: Research continues to be on an improving path.

According to the research published It should be noted that India is home to in the journal Historical Biology, the third largest startup ecosystem. fossilized millipede-like Silurian Period Rank Country creature called as Kampecaris obanensis 1 United States (US) (approximately 450 million years old) is 2 United Kingdom (UK) unearthed on the island of Kerrera in the 3 Israel Scottish Inner Hebrides (Scotland), which 23 India is likely to be the world’s oldest-known Ups and Down of Indian cities; 4 Indian land animal. cities among top 100 in 2020 ranking Kampecaris obanensis is about an inch Among the top 100 startup cities, (2.5 cm) long with a segmented body, only four India cities were named in resembling modern millipedes. It is not “2020 Cities Global Ranking of Startup ancestral to millipedes alive today & was Ecosystem” while total of 38 cities made it a member of an extinct group. Its legs to the world’s top 1000 cities with startup were not preserved in the fossil. ecosystems. th India ranked 23rd for world’s best Bengaluru (down by three ranks to 14 position), startup ecosystems New Delhi (up by three spots to 15th In accordance with the “Countries Global position) Ranking of Startup Ecosystem 2020” by Mumbai (improved by seven spots to global innovation mapping and research 22nd position) company StartupBlink, India ranked Hyderabad (falling 21 ranks to rd at 23 position, a drop of 6 places from disappointing 96th position). Last year, th 17 position in 2019. The ranking has seven cities were ranked in the top 100 been topped by the United States (US), list versus four this year. followed by the United Kingdom (UK), and Israel at 2nd and 3rd position.

40 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Policy on Environment and Ecology

About StartupBlink: poaching, 17 in Assam, 14 in Uttarakhand, StartupBlink measures ecosystems based 12 in Uttar Pradesh, 11 in Tamil Nadu, six on the number of startups, their quality in Kerala and three in Rajasthan, among and business environment. The ranking is others. based on data from over 60,000 startups, Background: over 14,000 coworking spaces, 100 global The NTCA was asked to share the influencers based in multiple cities. details of tiger deaths between 2010 and May 2020. However, it provided data India loses 750 tigers during 2012- only for the eight years beginning 2012. 2019; Madhya Pradesh topped: NTCA It also did not provide the details of Data action taken in these tiger death cases in In accordance with the official data response to the RTI application. provided by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as a reply to RTI India ranks 168th in Environment (right to information) query, 750 tigers Performance Index 2020; Denmark have died in the country in the last eight tops years i.e. between 2012 and 2019 due to poaching and other causes. The state of Madhya Pradesh has topped these figures with highest casualities at 173. 38 were due to poaching, 94 natural deaths, 19 under scrutiny, six due to the unnatural causes and 16 seizures. Notably, Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of 526 tigers in the country. According to the biennial Environment Tiger Deaths State wise: Maharashtra has Performance Index (EPI) 2020 released reported second highest deaths, as it lost jointly by Yale University and Columbia 125 big cats during this period followed University, India has ranked 168 out of by 111 in Karnataka, 88 in Uttarakhand, 180 countries with a score of 27.6 out of 54 each in Tamil Nadu and Assam, 35 100. While the Denmark has been topped each in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, 17 in the list with a score of 82.5. Rajasthan, 11 in Bihar and West Bengal and 10 in Chhattisgarh. 7 each such Here’s the list of top 3 nations in EPI 2020: deaths were reported in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, 5in Telangana, 2 each Rank Country Name EPI score in Delhi and Nagaland, and one each in 1 Denmark 82.5 Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat. 2 Luxembourg 82.3 Tiger poaching state wise: Maharashtra 3 Switzerland 81.5 and Karnataka lost 28 tigers each due to 1 6 8 India 27.6

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 41 Policy on Environment and Ecology Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Key Points: a commendable rise to approximately The EPI provides a quantitative basis for 29% (28.87%) from 27% in 2015 i.e their comparing, analyzing, and understanding population went from 523 in 2015 to 674 environmental performance of the in 2020. countries based on 32 key sustainability Subsequently the distribution area of indicators across 11 categories & also the lions was also increased to 36% from gives a snapshot of the 10-year trends 22,000sq Km in 2015 to 30,000 sq Km in in environmental performance at the 2020. national and global levels. Note: This was an alternate approach Performance by South Asian region: for the counting of the Lion population Among the South Asian countries, Bhutan instead of the Census in Gujarat’s Gir topped in the list and Afghanistan was at forest due to the COVID -19 pandemic the bottom. requiring more officials for policing duties. India’s Performance on EPI: In EPI 2018, India’s rank was 177 with a About Poonam Avlokan exercise score of 30.57 out of 100. It is an observation method carried out India ranks 179 at the 2020 EPI under Air monthly and during every full-moon, all Quality category. the officers and field staff members assess India places 148th under biodiversity and the number of lions for 24 hours across habitat. various areas within their respective India places 106th in the world on climate jurisdictions. change mitigation. The exercise for the 2020 data included 10 districts where lions have been spotted Gir Sanctuary Gujarat’s Asiatic Lion over the years in 13 forest divisions which population risen to 29% in 5 years; are a part of the Lion census. “Poonam Avlokan” survey About Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary It is the largest compacted dry deciduous forest in the western region of India. It was declared a sanctuary in 1965.Is it the only place in the world to host the Asiatic lion, an endangered animal species. It also houses a number of species of exotic birds and animals in its flourishing flora and fauna.

According to the “Poonam Avlokkan” survey the population of the Asiatic lion at the Gir sanctuary in Gujarat has seen

42 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Policy on Environment and Ecology U’khand opens its biggest biodiversity team led by Prof D N Das from Rajiv park in Haldwani Gandhi University (RGU) discovered 5 Uttarakhand forest department has species of fish from the State. opened the state’s biggest biodiversity Huge Lightning ‘Megaflash’ in Brazil park in Haldwani on the occasion of World Environment Day, to encourage The world record for the longest lightning conservation of flora, especially medicinal flash has been recorded in Brazil, with a plants. The Uttarakhand Forest Research single strike traveling over 440 miles, Wing Biodiversity Park is spread across the World Meteorological Organization 18 acres and has 40 thematic sections (WMO). This is equivalent to the distance with around 500 species of plants. The between Boston and Washington D.C. plant species in the biodiversity park The record for the longest lasting is divided into spiritual & religious, lightning strike was also confirmed by the scientific, human health, and aesthetic organization, with an event in Argentina value sections. March 4, 2019, lasting 16.73 seconds.

New fish species ‘Schizothorax Dodamarg and Sawantwadi Range sikusirumensis’ discovered in Declared as Conservation Reserve Area Arunachal Pradesh Maharashtra forest department declared the 29.53 square kilometre Tillari forest area in Dodamarg and Sawantwadi range in coastal Sindhudurg district as a conservation reserve area. The Tilari ecosystem breeds tiger population and A new species of fish, ‘Schizothorax serves as the source population for the sikusirumensis’ discovered in Arunachal Sahyadri tiger reserve. Pradesh by Dr. Keshav Kumar Jha, Key Info Associate Professor & Head, Department This is the 1st conservation reserve in of Zoology, Jawaharlal Nehru College, Sindhudurg district, 62nd for the state. It is Pasighat. The fish species is from genus the 13th such reserve in the western ghats. Schizothorax. Tillari will be the 7th corridor in the state Reason behind the name: announced as a ‘conservation reserve’. The fish was discovered from the junction of River Siku and Sirum near Gakang area Global Startup Ecosystems Ranking under Mebo circle of East Siang District. 2020 Released by Startup Genome This Fish lives in a submerged area. According to the report, ‘Global Startup Fish species discovered in the state in Ecosystem Report (GSER) 2020; the New 2019 Normal for the Global Startup Economy The fisheries and aquatic ecology research and the Impact of COVID-19’ released by

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 43 Policy on Environment and Ecology Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Startup Genome, Bangalore, popularly Here’s the list of top 3 Global Startup known as the startup capital of India, has Ecosystems ranking: added another milestone as it become the Rank City Name only city in the country to be included in the world’s top-30 startup ecosystem 26 Bangalore ranking & placed 26th position. At the 36 Delhi same time, the nation’s capital Delhi has 1 Silicon Valley been ranked 36th in the list. 2 (tie) New York City While California’s Silicon Valley topped London the list, which ranks the top ecosystems by a number of metrics including About the ranking: performance, funding, connectedness, Startup Genome collected data and talent and knowledge. information from Google Trends, GitHub and Meetup & also considered the impact of coronavirus crisis on startups and public policy actions taken by governments to support startup ecosystems. About Startup Genome: ff Founder & CEO – J.F. Gauthier ff It is a California-headquartered innovation policy advisory and research firm.

44 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Natural Disasters – Safeguard Measures 3.2 Natural Disasters – Safe- India’s 1st ever Climate Change Assessment – Climate Change Tracker guard Measures India released its first national report on the state of the climate crisis titled Cyclone Nisarga likely to impact “Assessment of climate change over the Mumbai Indian region” prepared with the support of the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES) The India Meteorological Department and edited by the scientists of the Indian (IMD) has warned that the low-pressure Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), area developing over the Arabian Pune. sea is likely to intensify and develop into a severe cyclone and cross north Key Points Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts on The clear assessment on the possibilities June 3. of the future climatic change will provide According to the cyclone warning insights to policy makers, researchers, division of IMD, the depression building social scientists, economists and students. in the Arabian Sea will intensify into a The report reveals the local climate deep depression, which is the third and change, increase in air pollution, change fourth stage of any cyclone formation in land use pattern and warns about the by today evening and intensify into a increasing stress of climatic change on cyclonic storm by June 2. the ecosystem, freshwater resources and The cyclone Nisarga is likely to move agricultural outputs. nearly northwards initially till morning Unlike the United Nations of June 2 then recurve and move north Intergovernmental Panel on Climate and northeastwards and cross north Change (IPCC) reports this focus on Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts regional climate change projections during the night of June 3. It is also likely based on the IITM Earth System Model to have an impact on Maharashtra’s and Coordinated Regional Climate capital city Mumbai. Downscaling Experiment datasets.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 45 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

4. ECONOMICS 4.1 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector

India’s GDP growth slows to a 11- Fiscal deficit widens to 4.6%(4.59) of year low of 4.2%, Q4 slumps to 3.1 in GDP in 2019-20: CGA 2019-20%: NSO According to the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) data, the fiscal deficit for 2019-20 which signifies the gap between government revenue and expenditure has widened to 4.59%(4.6) of GDP, higher than the revised estimate of 3.8 %. Reason for increase in the fiscal deficit– It is mainly due to the shortfall in revenue collection during 2019-20, the revenue receipts during the year was 90 % of the revised estimate.

Cabinet gives nod to fund for reviving NPA accounts in MSMEs According to the Provisional Estimates MSME Minister announced of National Income for the financial that the Cabinet has approved the year 2019-20 by National Statistical distressed assets fund of Rs 4,000 crore Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and and Fund of Funds with a corpus of Rs Programme Implementation (MoSPI) 10,000 crore to support MSMEs. India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) The distressed fund is part of the Rs growth has slowed to an 11-year low of 20,000 crore subordinate debt announced 4.2% in 2019-20 & in the final quarter (Q4- by Finance Minister January to March) the GDP’s growth rate earlier this month as part of the economic fell to 3.1%, against 6.2% in the 2018-19, package. which reflects the impact of the first week The government will provide Rs 4,000 of the COVID-19 lockdown which began crore support to the CGTMSE, which will on March 25. give partial credit guarantee support to

46 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector banks, to lend to MSMEs. RBI creates Payments Infrastructure This distressed asset fund is of Rs 4,000 Development Fund crore wherein we will provide credit In order to encourage the deployment guarantee of up to Rs 75 lakh or 15 per of Points of Sale (PoS) infrastructure in cent of the credit. This is a 20,000 crore smaller cities and towns, the Reserve Bank fund for MSMEs under stress and will of India (RBI) has created a Rs 500-crore benefit 2 lakh units to restart operations. ($66 million) Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), in which it Kisan Credit Cards campaign will start with an initial contribution of launched for 1.5 crore dairy farmers: Rs 250 crore & the remaining half of the Government amount will be installed by card issuing banks and card networks working in the country. Through POS machine, businesses can accept payments in a digital way: The fund will encourage businessmen from Tier-3 to Tier-6 centers and in the northeastern states to adopt Point of Sale (POS) machines (both physical and Government under a special drive will provide Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to 1.5 digital modes). crore dairy farmers belonging to milk Fund will continue to receive other unions and milk producing companies capital at regular intervals: within the next two months (1st June- PIDF will continue to receive other cash 31st July 2020). contributions from card issuing banks The special drive is part of the Prime and card networks at regular intervals to Minister’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat package meet operating expenses. for Farmers. RBI will also continue to meet the capital deficit on an annual basis, if required. About KCC scheme: The PIDF will operate under the It was announced in the budget of 1998- supervision of the RBI & will be run by 99 & launched in August 1998 an Advisory Council. Aim of the scheme- To provide adequate & timely credit for credit requirements World Bank predicts Global economy of farmers under single window for their to witness deepest recession since cultivation and to meet the short term World War II credit requirements for cultivation of The World Bank has projected that the crops, post harvest expenses, produce Global Economy will witness the deepest marketing loan also the consumption ever recession since the World War II. requirements of farmer households The economy is expected to shrink by among others. Vetrii IAS Study Circle 47 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

around 5.2% in 2020. This contraction in in India based on the standards of EMV the economy is the result of shutdowns (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa). With and lockdowns imposed across the world this, India will be the first country outside by economies to contain the COVID-19 the United States (US) where this product pandemic. will be launched. This cardless ATM (automated teller Indian economy to contract by 3.2% machine) will enable the users to in FY20 withdraw their money just by scanning World Bank in its latest edition of a (Quick Response) code on the mobile the Global Economic Prospect (GEP) phone, using their banking app. June 2020 analytical chapters report, It should be noted that Empays is downgraded its projection of India by authorised by the Reserve Bank of India 3.2% for FY20 from 4.2% projected in (RBI) as a national payment system. FY19-20(year ending in March 2020). Point to be noted: The multiphased lockdown (since March Earlier, AGS Transact Technologies 2020) imposed to limit the spread of Limited (AGSTTL) has developed COVID-19 has resulted in the downgrade ‘touchless’ (based on QR code) solution of Indian economy. for cash withdrawals at ATMs. Acc. to the bank projections, the Indian economy will have a spillover impact in 40th GST Council meeting South Asian regional activities, In turn Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman affecting the global outcome. chaired the virtual 40th GST Council The massive shock of the COVID-19 Meeting. The key outcome of this meet Pandemic and lockdown measures for its was further relief on late fee and interest containment will lead to a contraction of payable on late payments as a part of the global economy by 5.2% in 2020. compliance burden of businesses. This The World Bank president David Malpass was the first meeting after COVID-19 stated that an estimated 60 million people breakout in India. could be pushed into extreme poverty in For Individuals 2020. No late fee for taxpayers with nil tax India becomes 2nd nation to have liability. For people who have tax liability, the contact-free ATM cash withdrawals maximum late fee for non-filing of GSTR- In order to eliminate the use a physical 3B returns has been capped to Rs 500 card or touch an ATM PIN pad, amid the on the condition that they will file their spread of coronavirus from contaminated returns between 1st July 2020 and 30th surfaces, Empays Payment Systems has September 2020. joined hands with Mastercard to launch “Cardless ATM powered by Mastercard”

48 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector For Companies: Direct Investments (FDI) and it said that Companies having no tax liability will the nation’s large market will continue to not be fined any late fee if they have not attract market-seeking investments. filed returns, since July 1, 2017. India was among the top five FDI recipient Companies with tax liabilities will now economies in the developing Asia region pay a late fee of Rs 500 per month, instead and the largest in South Asia. of Rs 10,000 per month. The foreign direct investment in India About GST Council has increased by 20 percent, sustaining GST Council is an apex member the country’s upward FDI trend. Most committee to modify or to procure any of the investments were in information law or regulation based on the context and communication technology and the of goods and services tax in India. The construction industry. council is headed by the union finance Indian Startups Stellapps and minister Nirmala Sitharaman assisted Zestmoney are a Part of the World with the finance minister of all the states Economic Forum’s List of Technology of India. Pioneers of 2020 It was constituted on 15th September 2016 under Article 279A of the Constitution. GST late fee reduction for prior periods 1st July 2017 to 31st January 2020 is as follows

India 9th largest FDI recipient in 2019: UN

Two Indian startups 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. Key Points: The List includes the pioneers focusing on carbon capture, alternative meat, circular India received USD 51 billion in foreign economies, food security and financial investment in 2019, stated the UN access. Conference on Trade and Development More than 25 industries in the list are led (UNCTAD) in its report. by females which is twice the industry The report revealed that India was the average. world’s ninth-largest recipient of Foreign

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 49 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

The economies represented in the list For Countries includes Argentina, Austria, Brazil, in ‘Developing China, Chile, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Asia’, ADB France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, forecasted India, Israel, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, growth of 0.1% Luxembourg, Singapore, Switzerland, in 2020. Taiwan (China), Spain, United States(US) ‘Developing and the United Kingdom(UK). Asia’ refers to The firms in the list will be invited to a group of over participate in the workshops, events 40 countries and discussions at the World Economic that are Forum for next two years. members of ZestMoney: the ADB.

ZestMoney uses Artificial Intelligence The growth (AI) based lending platforms to make of South-Asia a difference in the financial service is predicted industry. to contract by 3% in 2020. Stellapps: For FY21-22, Bangalore based Stellapps, first of its kind growth prospects revised down to 4.9% in India working to digitalise the supply from 6%. chain of the dairy from farm to consumer which is based on the Internet of Things About ADB: (IoT) with focus on data acquisition and ff Headquarters– Manila, Philippines machine learning. ff President– Masatsugu Asakawa About WEF: India’s GDP to Fall 3.1% in 2020 ff Founder & Executive Chairman–

Kalus Schwab According to the Moody’s Global Macro Outlook report for June 2020, there ff President– Børge Brende will be a contraction of 3.1 % in India’s Indian Economy to contract by 4% in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020 2020-21: ADB Forecast & expects a change in geographical conditions in Asia due to tensions at the In accordance with the Asian border between India and China. Development Outlook (ADO) by Asian Development Bank (ADB), for FY20-21, Expect better GDP in 2021: Indian economy is projected to contract The slight relief for India is that GDP by 4% in fiscal year (FY) 2020, ending on will reach the level of 6.9% in 2021. Till 31 March 2021, before growing 5.0% in then, there will be a slow recovery in the FY2021. Indian economy, which will start from the second half (H2) of this year.

50 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector India Retains its Position as 3rd largest World’s First Gold-backed US Digital Economy on PPP basis for 2017 Gold Currency Launched in India In accordance with the World Bank Data IBMC Financial Professionals Group in under the International Comparison partnership with US Gold Currency Inc Program (ICP), revealed by India’s and Blockfills introduced the world’s first National Statistical Office (NSO) of monetary gold-backed US Gold digital Ministry of Statistics & Programme currency in India, Gulf Cooperation Implementation (MoSPI), India has Council (GCC), Middle East and Africa. retained its position as the third-largest It was launched from Dubai, United Arab economy in terms of purchasing power Emirates (UAE) at a specially designed parity (PPP) for 2017 as it accounted for IBMC Hybrid Event in the virtual 6.7% or $8,051 billion out of world total of presence of officials from the US Gold $119,547 billion of global Gross Domestic Currency, Asia-Africa Development Product (GDP). Council, GSEF and Blockfills USA. India has followed China (16.4%) and the Each US Gold digital currency is backed United States-US (16.3%) which ranked by a US American Eagle one ounce 1st and 2nd respectively. (33.931 gram) gold coin, minted by the US On the other hand India is followed Federal Agency, US Mint. by Japan, Germany, and the Russian The holders of the currency can redeem Federation at 4th, 5th and 6th position their digital assets as physical gold coin respectively. or in US dollars anywhere in the world. What is PPP? About Blockfills: It states that exchange rates between Blockfills is a global digital financial currencies are in equilibrium when their service technology & trading firm which purchasing power is the same in each provides liquidity, execution and clearing of the two countries. For example- How of digital assets across time zones and much milk that Rs 75 can purchase in geographies. India and One Dollar can purchase in the Headquarter– Chicago, US US. On this basis (PPP) the GDP of India is measured. Govt decides to bring cooperative banks under RBI through an About World Bank: ordinance ff Headquarters– Washington, D.C., United States The Union Cabinet decided to bring all co- operative banks under the Reserve Bank ff Member Countries– 189 of India through an ordinance. This was ff President– David Robert Malpass announced by Union information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar during a virtual press conference. There are more than 8.6 crore depositors

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 51 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 in over 1,500 urban and multi-state quarter in FY21 (April 2020 to March cooperative banks across the country. 2021). For FY21-22, it is expected that “Depositors’ money amounting to `4.84 GDP growth would bounce back in the lakh crore in the cooperatives banks will range of 5-6%. stay safe. This will be the lowest GDP growth in The Union Cabinet has approved the the Indian history (Indian GDP data is scheme for interest subvention of 2% to available from FY51) and sixth instance Shishu loan category borrowers under of economic contraction, others being in PMMY, outstanding as on March 31, FY58, FY66, FY67, FY73 and FY80; the 2020, for a period of 12 months to eligible previous low was negative 5.2% in FY80. borrowers. About Ind-Ra:

Launched in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri It is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Fitch MUDRA Yojana provides loans up to Group. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) `10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm & Managing Director (MD) – Rohit small/micro enterprises. These loans Karan Sawhne Headquarter – Mumbai, are classified as MUDRA loans under Maharashtra. PMMY. Commercial banks, RRBs, small finance banks, MFIs and NBFCs provide Indian Economy will Shrink by 4.5% MUDRA loans. in 2020 The central government decided to extend the tenure of the OBC Commission by six months,. The government also announced `15,000-crore infrastructure fund to provide interest subvention of up to 3% to private players for setting up of dairy, poultry and meat processing units. “A fund worth `15,000 crore has been approved by the Cabinet that will be open to all and will help in increasing milk production, boost exports and create 35 lakh jobs in the country.

India’s GDP to contract by 5.3% in FY21, bounce back in FY22: Ind-Ra

In accordance with the India Ratings and The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Research (Ind-Ra), India’s Gross domestic in the June 2020 update “A Crisis Like Product (GDP) is likely to shrink by 5.3% No Other, An Uncertain Recovery” of in FY20-21, the lowest GDP growth in its flagship World Economic Outlook the Indian history. It will contract in each (WEO), has predicted that the Indian

52 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector economy will have a big 4.5 % contraction previous year i.e 2018. Indians account in 2020 and it will come down to a historic for only 0.06 % of the money deposited low. by foreigners in Swiss banks. This historical decline will be the lowest While, Britain holds the first place in level since 1961 due to the Coronavirus this list with a share of 27 % of the total (covid-19) epidemic, its prevention deposits. measures and slowdown of economic Here’s the list top three countries in activity. the statistics: Expects a Silverline: Rank Country Name However, it is predicted that in 2021 the 77 India country will return to the fast track and that year it may see a strong economic 1 United Kingdom (UK) growth of 6.0 %. 2 United States(US) Global Growth: 3 West Indies At the same time, the IMF has reported About Swiss National Bank (SNB): a global growth rate of negative 4.9 % ff Headquarters– Zurich, Switzerland in 2020,which is 1.9 % points lower than ff Chairman– Thomas Jordan the estimate made in April 2020 World Economic Outlook (WEO) forecast. For India’s PCI to decline by 5.4% during 2021, growth rate is expected to be 5.4 %. 2020-21 to Rs 1.43 lakh: SBI report About International Monetary Fund As per the report by the economic wing (IMF): of State Bank of India (SBI), Covid-19 ff Founded– 27 December 1945. pandemic is likely to bring down India’s ff Headquarters– Washington, D.C., per capita income (PCI) by 5.4% in the United States(US). financial year 2020-21 (FY21) to Rs 1.43 ff Managing Director (MD)- Kristalina lakh from Rs 1.52 lakh in FY20. Delhi, Georgieva Chandigarh, and Gujarat will be the ff Chief Economist– Gita Gopinath. worst hit with PCI falling 15.4%, 13.9% and 11.6% respectively in FY21 among India Ranks 77th in Terms of Money states. Deposited in Swiss Banks 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,compared to 74th the

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 53 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 5. SCIENCE

5.1 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology

AU researchers develop robot to help more than 140 countries of West Asia healthcare staff and SouthEast Asia. The grid will be The special features of the robot AU- interconnected with African power pools. MIT Bot include automated delivery of Its aim is to provide solar power to food packets, water, and medicine. The nations which lack sunlight, by building machine can carry a payload of 40 kg and a common transmission system. can be remote-controlled from a distance The proposal was mooted on the lines of about 500 metres. of PM Modi’s announcement on cross- This machine features a three-in-one border solar connectivity in October 2019. option. While the existing robots supply Implemented schemes regarding solar only food packets to the patients, the power sharing: robot they designed not only has the India has already initiated the option of automated delivery of food International Solar Alliance (ISA) which packets, water and medicine, but also aims to deploy over 1,000 GW of solar has an inbuilt sanitiser that would aid in generation capacity globally and mobilise spraying disinfectant in the wards investment of over $1 trillion towards by The robot ensures the safety of healthcare 2030. workers during the reloading process, The ISA, a treaty-based inter-governmental he said, noting, “In addition, patient’s organization headquartered in Gurugram, condition can be monitored remotely Haryana was established following the using a Wi-Fi-enabled camera.” Paris Declaration to promote solar energy among its member countries. One Sun One World One Grid: India initiated talks on West to SE Asia Swiz launches world’s first app solar grid “SwissCovid” with Exposure Notification API of Apple and Google The Union Ministry of New and Renewable energy (MNRE) proposed The developer team of Swiss Federal the ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ Institute of Technology Lausanne (Ecole (OSOWOG) to interconnect renewable polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne – energy by sharing solar resources with EPFL) and ETH Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)

54 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology

developed the “SwissCovid”, first of It is a technology-packed control room- its kind for digital contact tracing app cum-management information system. In utilizing the Exposure Notification API addition to ICT tools including telephone, (Application Programming Interface) internet, and video conference, the system of Apple and Google and based on a is enabled by Artificial Intelligence, decentralized approach to track the Data Analytics, and Machine Learning. It is also fully integrated on a real-time spread of coronavirus. basis with GOI’s main grievances portal SwissCovid: CPGRAMS and MSME Ministry’s own The application was tested by the Swiss other web-based mechanisms. army, civil servants and hospital workers in its pilot phase and will be available SANSA & NASA collaborates to to the users all around the world by the support human spaceflight missions mid-June after the approval of Swiss to the Moon parliamentarians. The South African National Space Agency Latvia also developed a similar app (SANSA) has partnered with National “Apturi Covid” based on the Exposure Aeronautics and Space Administration Notification API offered to the general (NASA) to host a deep-space ground public without parliamentary vote. station to support human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. PM Modi launches technology South Africa became the 4th country (4th platform ‘champions.gov.in’ for MSMEs site) after the United States of America, Spain and Australia to host a deep space Prime Minister Narendra Modi ground station. launched the Major Highlights technology The 4th site will be integrated into an platform existing network of three sites, will ‘Champions’ complement the other sites & provide improved coverage and redundancy for which stands for critical mission support. The station will Creation and be operated, maintained & managed by Harmonious SANSA. Application of Modern Processes About NASA: for Increasing the Output and National Headquarters – Washington, United States. Strength to empower MSMEs. Administrator–James Frederick “Jim” It is a one-stop place for the MSME sector. Bridenstine The focus areas are support & hand- About SANSA: holding, grievance redressal, harnessing Headquarters–Gauteng, South Africa entrepreneurial talent, and discovering Chief Executive Officer–Valanathan new business opportunities. Munsami

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 55 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 First human trial of potential “preventive and prophylactic simple coronavirus antibody treatment begins remedies” against Covid-19.

As the number of The debate stems from the fact that there coronavirus cases is no scientific evidence that the drug race beyond the 6 works against Covid-19, a fact stressed million-mark not only by medical scientists but also globally, scientists by some homoeopathic practitioners and experts are themselves. speeding up the Top 100 in THE Asia University effort to arrive at the potential vaccine for Ranking Covid-19. New Delhi has approved Gilead Sciences In the Times Higher Education (THE) Inc’s antiviral drug remdesivir for Asia University Ranking launched on 4th emergency use for five doses in treating June 2020, Indian became the Third most Covid-19 patients. represented country with 8 institutes in Remdesivir, which is administered the top 100. Indian Institute of Science intravenously in hospital, is the first (IISc) with 36th position on the list retains drug to show improvement in Covid-19 its top position in India. patients in formal clinical trials and Key Points: is at the forefront of the battle against Six Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) Covid-19, which has no approved are featured in the top 100 of list along treatment or vaccine. The drug was with Institute of Chemical Technology granted emergency use authorization by (ICT). the US Food and Drug Administration In India around 489 universities were last month and has received approval by qualified for this year’s ranking with 72 Japanese health regulators. additional institutes as compared to 2019. Besides the US and India, South Korea The most represented country was Japan has also approved the emergency use of with 110 institutes followed by China Gilead Sciences Inc’s remdesivir to treat and India with 81 universities and 72 Covid-19. institutes respectively. Tsinghua University, China Tops the List Debate over a homoeopathic drug following Peking University, China in Arsenicum album 30 2nd position and National University of A homoeopathic drug, Arsenicum Singapore, Singapore in 3rd position. album 30, has become a subject of debate The ranking is made based on the after several states recommended it for citations, industry income, international prophylactic (preventive) use against outlook, research and teaching. Covid-19. This was after the Ministry of AYUSH listed the drug among

56 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology

Indian Institutes in Top 100 Objective: To discuss and accelerate the process of the cost-effective Rank Institutes modernization measures in existing 36 IISc, Bangalore buildings and air conditioning systems 47 IIT-Ropar so that they are both healthy and energy- 59 IIT-Kharagpur efficient, for the better quality of life of citizens in India and South Asia. 55 IIT-Indore Pilot Phase Initiative: Leadership is 67 IIT-Delhi being taken by the EESL initiating the 69 IIT-Bombay first move to have implemented the 83 IIT-Roorkee framework in its office in Delhi. 92 Institute of Chemical About EESL technology, Mumbai Works under the administration of the Ministry of Power, Govt. Of India; IIT- Hyderabad’s Covid-19 kit can towards a goal of implementing the give result in 20 minutes world’s largest energy efficiency portfolio Researchers at the Indian Institute of in the country. Easy access to energy- Technology (IIT), Hyderabad, have efficient futuristic solutions. developed an artificial intelligence- About USAID powered low-cost testing kit to detect the World’s premier international novel coronavirus in flat 20 minutes. development agency and a catalyst in The cost of Covid-19 test using the new driving towards development goals. kit will be around Rs.600. At present, each test is being conducted Rs.4,500. ARCI develops Magnetocaloric material for cancer treatment “Healthy and Energy Efficient A team of Scientists from the International Buildings” Initiative by the EESL and Advanced Research Centre for Powder USAID Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an Under the Market Integration and autonomous R&D Centre of Department Transformation Program for Energy of Science and Technology (DST) has Efficiency (MAITREE) Program, an developed a magnetocaloric material announcement was made by the (a rare-earth-based material that can be partnering of the Energy Efficiency heated or cooled by applying or removing a magnetic field) that can be used in the Services Limited (EESL) and the U.S. treatment of cancer. Agency for International Development’s The material has been tested at the (USAID) to launch the “Healthy and Kerala based Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute Energy Efficient Buildings” that will for Medical Sciences & Technology pave way for a greener and healthier (SCTIMST) & the research work has been workplace on the occasion of the World published in the Journal of Alloys and Environment Day (June 5). Compounds.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 57 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 ‘Coro-bot’ to reduce physical contact Exoplanet-star pair: with COVID-19 patients The massive exoplanet KOI-456.04, which A robot named as ‘Coro- is less than twice the size of Earth, orbits bot’ has been developed its star located some 3,000 light-years by an engineer from away from us and it takes approximately Thane district of 378 days to complete one orbit. Maharashtra, in order to DIAT Develops “ANANYA” reduce the physical nanotechnology based disinfectant contact of care-givers spray to fight COVID-19 with COVID-19 patients. Instrumentation The Defence Engineer, Pratik Institute of Tirodkar developed the Advanced ‘Coro-bot’ to cut away Technology (DIAT), Pune the requirement of developed physical contact of “ANANYA” nurses and ward boys with the patient as water based they confronts a great risk while working disinfectant in the COVID-19 hospitals. The robot spray with nanotechnology assisted ‘Coro-bot’ will be operated by a special formulation. This can be used by the app from any location in the world based general public and healthcare workers on the idea of Internet of Things (IoT). and can be used for individual and large scale purposes. Scientists discover new star ANANYA: Kepler-160 & planet KOI-456 that The toxicity level of the spray is negligible are ‘mirror image’ of Earth and Sun to humans and it stays effective for more A team of scientists from the Max Planck than 24 hours. The spray can be stored Institute for Solar System Research and used for more than 6 months. (MPS) in Gottingen (Germany), the Uses: Sonneberg Observatory, the University The spray can be used on contaminated of Göttingen, the University of California, surfaces like masks, PPE, hospital linens, and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) led by MPS, have medical instruments, elevator buttons, discovered a new planet named KOI- door knobs, corridors and rooms. 456.04 & its host star called Kepler-160 by The spray is effective on materials like using Kepler Space Telescope. fabric, plastics and metallic objects. The research has been published in the The formulation of the ANANYA journal Astronomy and Astrophysics prevents the entry of coronavirus into the & lead author of the study was Dr Rene human body and kills the virus that gets Heller.

58 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology

in contact with the layer sprayed with the The new observations have been disinfectant. published in Astronomy & Astrophysics Production: journal & lead author of the study was Anthony Boccaletti, an astronomer at the The DIAT will file for the patent. PSL University. DIAT is planning for transfer of technology with industrial bodies for Evidence of the existence of a planet: large scale manufacturing. From the pictures, astronomers have The spray will be available in small bottles discovered the first direct evidence of for individual purpose and atomizer a new planet born around a distant star sprayer for large scale use. called ‘AB Aurigae’, about 520 light years from Earth in the constellation Auriga or For the first time in human history, the Charioteer. French astronomers witness signs of A dense disc of dust and orange mass of planet birth gas has been seen around the star, where some clear spiral-shaped signs are visible near this disc, in which the curves are visible which occur at the time of creation of the new planet.

“GermiKlean”: Developed by DRDO to sanitise uniforms of police and security personnel The Defence Research and Development Organization has developed ‘GermiKlean’. GermiKlean is a sanitising chamber that can be used to sanitise uniforms of security and police personnel. Highlights The DRDO developed the sanitizing A team of Scientists from the Observatoie chamber after the Delhi Police raised their de Paris, PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres) requirement of sanitizing their helmets, University in France, have witnessed a uniforms, cane shields, etc. birth of a new planet for the first time in human history by using photographs of About GermiKlean the SPHERE (Spectro-Polarimetric High- GermiKlean is capable of sanitizing 25 contrast Exoplanet Research) instrument pairs of uniforms within 15 minutes on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) of the using dry heat treatment. Dry heating of European Southern Observatory (ESO) in an article is accomplished by conduction. Chile. Heat is absorbed by the exterior surface

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 59 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 of the article and passed inward. Dry element in station access control and will heat kills micro organisms by causing augment the station security plan. denaturation of proteins. Denaturation is Captain ARJUN is equipped with a a process in which the nucleic acids lose motion sensor, one PTZ camera and the quaternary structure. This kills the one Dome Camera. The Cameras use micro organisms. Artificial Intelligence algorithms to track suspicious and antisocial activity. Central Railway launches Robotic ‘CAPTAIN ARJUN’ to intensify India Builds First Ever Infectious screening, surveillance Disease Diagnostic Lab Railway Protection Force, Pune has India builds the first ever Infectious launched a Robotic ‘CAPTAIN ARJUN’ Disease Diagnostic Mobile Laboratory (Always be Responsible and Just Use to with the support of the Department of be Nice) to intensify the screening and Bio-technology as a part of Atma Nirbhar surveillance. Bharat. This Robot is launched to screen About the Laboratory: passengers while they board trains and The Laboratory was built within 8 days keep a watch on anti-social elements. on receiving the chassis from Bharat Benz. Captain ARJUN does thermal screening The BSL-2 facility lab holds the Elisa, and records the temperature in a digital real-time Reverse Tranion Polymerase display panel. 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. About Atma Nirbhar Bharat: The Indian government announced an economic package of Rs 20 lakh crore to achieve self-reliant India under the scheme Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. Atma Nirbhar Bharat health reforms and Initiatives, The National Institutional Platform for One health by ICMR will encourage research and enable setting up of Infectious Disease Hospital blocks in every district and strengthen the lab network. Captain ARJUN can be deployed for multiple uses and it is an effective

60 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Scientists observe “Fifth State of IIT Mandi Develops Herbal Infusion Matter” for first time in space Technology A team of NASA scientists has observed the fifth state of matter for the first time in space. This observation will help scientists in solving some of the Bose- Einstein Quantum universe’s difficult questions. The existence of Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) fifth state of matter was projected by Albert Einstein and Researchers of Indian Institute of Indian mathematician Satyendra Nath Technology (IIT) Mandi have developed Bose a century ago. a herbal infusion technology, as a source of income for local marginal farmers in Health Minister launches India’s first the mid-Himalayas. mobile testing lab Major Highlights The Researchers from the institute’s Botanical Garden and Medicinal Plant Lab have analysed a variety of herbs growing in the mid-Himalayan region in & around the villages around IIT Mandi, Kamand region to create value added products in the form of herbal infusions Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan known for their health benefits (mainly launched India’s first mobile lab for rich in antioxidants). COVID-19 testing to promote last mile The technology is ready to license testing access in rural India industries interested in working with The mobile lab will be deployed in the Enabling Women of Kamand (EWOK) interior and inaccessible parts of the - a rural incubator at IIT Mandi, in the country. The lab has the capability to interest of empowering the Kamand perform 25 RT-PCR and 300 ELISA tests Valley farmers. per day. The Infectious Disease Diagnostics Key Points Lab is supported by the Department EWOK has also received funding from of Biotechnology under the COVID NABARD to establish 3 farmer producer command strategy. companies (FPCs). Among 3, one FPC focuses on the aromatic and medicinal plant farming, value-addition and market linkages. Note– IIT Mandi & EWOK have signed a tripartite pact with the National Bank

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 61 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 for Agriculture and Rural Development & Allied Sciences (a DRDO laboratory) (NABARD) to set up 3 Farmer Producer has also certified the PPE Kit after testing. Organisations (FPOs) in Himachal NavRakshak Pradesh’s Mandi district. The PPE Kit was developed by a naval Where NABARD has sanctioned an doctor at the Innovation Cell of the amount of Rs 35 lakhs to IIT Mandi and Institute of Naval Medicine located at EWOK for this establishment in the next INHS Asvini in Mumbai, Maharashtra. 3 years. Top Medical Body Installs COVID-19 Low Cost Covid-19 Diagnostic Kits Testing Machine in Patna developed by IIT Guwahati A sophisticated COVID-19 testing In association with the Guwahati Medical machine has been installed by the Indian College and Hospital (GMCH) and RR Council of Medical Research (ICMR) at Animal Healthcare Limited, at the Indian the Rajendra Memorial Research Institute Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS) for kits for diagnosing Covid-19 has been carrying out faster testing of samples. developed by using material that is The COBAS 6800 machine, capable of available in the local market. 3 different conducting up to 1,500 tests per day, types of diagnosis low-cost kits have would help ramp up testing facility in been developed, they are Ribonucleic Patna acid (RNA) isolation kits, Viral Transport The machine, enabled with robotics, Media (VTM) kits, Real-Time Polymerase minimises the chance of contamination as Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test kits. The well as the risk of infection to healthcare materials used for manufacturing the kits workers since it can be operated remotely are as per the recommendations of the with limited human intervention. World Health Organisation (WHO). This is the first facility of its kind in Bihar and will help in capacity building of ICMR approves User-Friendly PPEs COVID-19 diagnostic laboratory in the “NavRakshak” institute,” Professor Balram Bhargava, director general, ICMR User-friendly Personal Protective At present the RMRIMS is testing around Equipment (PPE) Kit known by the name 2,000 samples per day with the help ‘NavRakshak’ are expected to be available of 4 RT-PCR machines, with 25 people in the Indian market as the Indian working 24x7 in three shifts. Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has After the COVID-19 spread is controlled, approved it earlier this week for mass the machine can also be used to detect production and use in the country. One other pathogens such as viral hepatitis B of the nine authorized NABL accredited and C, HIV, mycobacterium tuberculosis laboratories for PPE prototype sample (MTB), cytomegalovirus (CMV), testing, the Institute of Nuclear Medicine chlamydia, neisseria and dengue

62 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology

Hetero Labs gets DGCI nod to make It is a close fitting long garment and use Gilead’s remdesivir for COVID-19 as a single lightweight comfort inner treatment wear over which the flight suit is worn. It is designed according to specification filed by the organisation with the Patent office in 2016. Gaganyaan:- ISRO has initiated a Rs 10,000 crore project with a target to send humans to India’s drug regulator has given Hetero space by 2022 and has been preparing Labs the green light to manufacture various experiments to make the project and market its generic version of Gilead successful. Science’s experimental COVID-19 It also plans to send three astronauts to treatment remdesivir, the Indian orbit the Earth at an altitude of 400km, for pharmaceutical company said on Sunday. up to 7 days.

The drug, which will be marketed under It plans to conduct and execute the two the brand name Covifor, will likely be unnamed premission in the Human priced at `5,000 to 6,000 ($66-$79) for a Space Flight centre in Bangalore. 100 milligram dose. ISRO:- India’s Cipla Ltd has also received ISRO is an Indian Space Agency of approval from the Drug Controller Government of India, its vision is General of India (DGCI) to manufacture to “harness space technology for and market the drug natural development while pursuing Gilead Sciences Inc signed non-exclusive space science research & planetary licensing pacts last month with five exploration”. ISRO built India’s first generic drugmakers based in India and Satellite Aryabhata. Pakistan to expand the supply of its COVID-19 treatment. China successfully launches last satellite for its BDS ISRO Receives Patent for Liquid China has successfully launched the last Cooling and Heating Garment for Satellite of its BeiDou Navigation Satellite Astronauts System (BDS), which is a rival for the The ISRO has initiated a 10,000 crore Global Positioning System (GPS) of the project- Gaganyaan to send humans to US, to become a major space power. space by 2020, in accordance to which, The satellite was launched from the ISRO has received a patent for its Liquid Xichang Satellite Launch center in Cooling and Heating Garment (LCHG) for Sichuan Province. astronauts to use in space for protection from hot and cold environments.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 63 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

BDS is one of the four global navigation ‘Dhruva’ that can be mounted in networks among the US’s GPS, Russia’s smartphones and navigation devices to GLONASS and European Union’s find places and routes within the country. Galileo. Chip ‘Dhruva’ :

A Long March 3B rocket launched the To locate the accurate position of the final BDS into orbit from the satellite device, Dhruva sends and receives radio launch center. signals to India’s NAVIC (NAVigation The constellation of BDS-3 with an array with Indian Constellation) group of of 30 satellites flying on three different navigation satellites (i.e 36,000 km above orbits planes- three at the GEO, three at the earth’s surface) as well as US Global the inclined geosynchronous orbits, and Positioning System(GPS)-based satellites 24 at the medium Earth orbit- have higher to accurately determine these under all bandwidth. weather conditions. BDS-3 Background:

The first BDS-3 satellite was launched on India has built its navigation system, 30 March 2015. the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite Fifteen BDS-3 satellites have been System (IRNSS) or NAVIC, which is launched till October 2018. BeiDou-3 based on foreign technology. consists of 35 satellites and the final During the Kargil War (1999), Indian satellite was launched into orbit on 23 soldiers were not able to see the required June 2020. positions using foreign GPS satellites. The BDS-3 System satellite has a IRNSS or Navic satellite was sent by ISRO higher bandwidth, enabling enhanced to Orbit many years ago. communication. India to be World’s First Country to IIT Bombay Researchers Develops Use Drone Mounted ULV Sprayer for Chip ‘Dhruva’ to Navigate Locations Locust Control

Navigation is an essential feature in the Under the Make in India initiative the era of smart devices and IoT (Internet of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation things), which we use in various personal & Farmers’ Welfare (DAC&FW) has and commercial applications. Navigation initiated to develop a vehicle mounted technology enables the nation to manage ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayer for its territory, protect its borders and locust control to reduce the limitations of manage disaster response. importing equipment.

Keeping these requirements in mind, Note: India is to be the first country in researchers at IIT (Indian Institute of the world to control desert locusts using Technology) Bombay led by Rajesh drones. Zele from the Department of Electrical Engineering have created a chip named

64 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vehicle Mounted ULV: Govt approves use of Dexamethasone This initiative is led by the Mechanization steroid and Technology Division of DAC&FW Union Health Ministry has revised with a sprayer prototype developed by clinical management protocol for treating Indian manufacturer. Covid-19 patients. Moderate and severe The initial trial of the sprayer has been coronavirus patients. in need of oxygen conducted in Ajmer and Bikaner districts support who experience excessive of Rajasthan and is awaiting approval for inflammatory response, can now be given commercial launch. Dexamethasone steroid as an alternative to Methylprednisolone. NASA’s headquarter building named Revised clinical management protocol after “Mary W.Jackson” for Covid19 issued. Dexamethasone has NASA has named it’s headquarter also been allowed as an alternative to building at Washington D.C after its first Methylprednisolone African American Female Engineer Mary There are currently no approved W.Jackson. The announcement was made treatments or vaccines for COVID-19, the on 24th June 2020 by the Administrator disease caused by the new coronavirus of NASA. The story of success of Mary which has killed 4,80,000 globally. W.Jackson was shown in the 2016 What is Dexamethasone? biographical drama Hidden Figures. Dexamethasone is a steroid that has The street outside the headquarters of been used since the 1960s to reduce NASA at Washington D.C was renamed inflammation in a range of conditions, as Hidden Figures Way in 2019. including inflammatory disorders and Mary W.Jackson certain cancers. It has been listed on the National Advisory Committee for WHO Model List of Essential Medicines Aeronautics recruited Mary W.Jackson since 1977 in multiple formulations, and in 1951. The Committee was replaced is currently off-patent and affordably by the National Aeronautics and Space available in most countries. Administration (NASA) in 1958. Mary W.Jackson started her professional career as a research mathematician at the Langley Research Centre of NASA. Later she was promoted to become the first African American female engineer at NASA.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 65 Mass Media & Communication Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 5.2 Mass Media & time information and alerts on weather, rainfall, flooding in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) jurisdiction. Communication These were developed by Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre Rajasthan CM launches Raj Kaushal (KSNDMC), in collaboration with the Portal through video conference Indian Institute of Science (IISc) under Rajasthan Chief Minister (CM) Ashok the project ‘Urban Flood Model’ (UFM) Gehlot launched the Online Shramik for the city. The project is funded by the Employment Exchange, ‘Raj Kaushal Department of Science and Technology Portal’ developed by the department (DST), Government of India (GoI). of Information and Technology (IT) The app and web portal helps people & and Rajasthan Skill & Livelihoods civic agencies to tackle rain related issues. Development Corporation (RSLDC) Gist about the app: through video conference. The bilingual app provides data on 3 Purpose of the portal main modules namely live weather, To ensure employment for migrant forecast, and safe routes. The live weather workers from other states and assure and forecast tabs provide location unemployed persons who are available based information on the prevailing to work in industries that face a labor temperature, rainfall, wind speed and shortage. direction.

Gist about RSLDC: The safe route tab provides information on live rainfall and road flood on all Rajasthan is the first State to establish probable routes (location to destination). a Mission on Livelihoods. Rajasthan Mission on Livelihood (RMoL) was Union Minister Jitendra Singh created to address the challenges of launches “COVID BEEP” app for unemployment and ensure gainful and COVID-19 sustainable employment to the youth of the state in September 2004. Union Minister Objective – To formulate appropriate Jitendra Singh has and innovative strategies to promote and launched ‘COVID facilitate large scale livelihoods for the BEEP’ app, India’s poor and vulnerable. 1st indigenous wireless Karnataka launches “Meghasandesha” physiological App parameters monitoring system Karnataka Revenue Minister R.Ashoka launched Meghasandesha App & facilitated for COVID-19 affected patients. Varunamitra web portal to provide real- “COVID BEEP” stands for Continuous

66 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Mass Media & Communication Oxygenation & Vital Information NHAI Becomes First Fully Digitalised Detection Biomed ECIL ESIC Pod. Organisation in Construction Sector ‘COVID BEEP’ has developed by The National Highway Authority of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road (ESIC) medical college, Hyderabad in Transport and Highways becomes the collaboration with Indian Institute of first Organisation in the Construction Technology (IIT) Hyderabad and the Sector to become fully digitalised utilising Department of Atomic Energy. the cloud and artificial intelligence. IIT-Guwahati’s students develop mobile app “Flyzy” A group of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Guwahati students has developed a mobile application called “Flyzy” for seamless and contactless air travel. The aim of the mobile app is to provide contactless boarding, keeping in mind Key Points: the easier baggage drop, manageable The digitalisation is powered by the Data parking, better shopping experience. Lake, a Big Data Analytic platform and Project Management softwares. Lift majors roll out innovative The NHAI transformed the complete measures to help users beat Covid-19 project management workflow including challenges the timelines and alert mechanism The country’s two major lift and escalator workflow from manual to online portal companies, Kone and Johnson, are rolling based. out innovative measures to help the users The documentations, contractual of their products to beat the challenges decisions and approvals are made thrown up by the Covid-19 outbreak. through the online portal. From escalator handrail sanitisers to The National Highway Authority of elevator remote call using WhatsApp, India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road to elevator air purifiers to a smartphone Transport and Highways becomes the first app that allows for contact-free operation Organisation in the Construction Sector of lifts, the list is ‘heavy’ of solutions that to become fully digitalised utilising the support people transition into a new cloud and artificial intelligence powered normal. by the Data Lake, a Big Data Analytic A smartphone App named EyeRIS that platform and Project Management allows people to have a contactless lift usage experience, crucial in these times softwares. when Covid-19 is forcing us to look at our lives differently.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 67 Mass Media & Communication Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 “Arogya Path”: Portal to provide to eliminate COVID-19 pandemic. health care supply updates launched Highlights The mobile application was launched by the Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. The application is to be used as a tool for early detection and testing of COVID-19 and prevent community spread.

M. Ajit Kumar launched ‘e-Office’ The Council of Scientific and Industrial Application in all CGST Research National Health Supply Chain portal called “Arogya Path” was launched to provide real-time availability of health care supplies. Background The National Health Emergency that is currently arising due to COVID-19 is The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and disrupting ability to produce, supply Customs (CBIC), Chairman M. Ajit Kumar chain disruptions and compromises in launched the ‘e-Office’ application in delivery of critical items. These issues can over 500 CGST and customs offices across be addressed with the help of the portal. India, on 15th June at New Delhi. The e-Office is a Mission Mode Project(MMP) “Ghar Ghar Nigrani”: Mobile under the e-Governance of India. Application launhched by Punjab e-Office has been developed by the Government National Informatics Center(NIC), and supported by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). Objective: E-Office aims to improve governance by automating the internal processes of handling files and taking decisions within Government. ‘e-office’: Its main module, e-File, enables on-line file The Punjab Government has launched related work, operating a file, preparing “Ghar Ghar Nigrani” mobile application draft letters, its approval/signature and to undertake house to house surveillance dispatch of the signed letter.

68 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Mass Media & Communication

An inbuilt monitoring mechanism In the Indian Himalayas, one can see would identify where the files are held the pristine nature, snow covered thick up enabling quick disposal and fastener pine forests and hidden secrets that can decision making & it also ensures enthral and captivate trekkers from all enhanced security as no file or document over the World and across age groups can be altered or destroyed or backdated. and fitness levels. Exploring the myriad trails, engaging with the friendly local Mamata Banerjee launched Karmo villagers and taking in the wonder of the Bhumi lakes, rivers, meadows are guaranteed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata to leave one with experiences of a Banerjee launched Karmo Bhumi, a job lifetime to cherish and plan a trip again. portal to help Information Technology DekhoApnaDesh Webinar Series is an (IT) professionals who have lost their effort of Ministry of Tourism to showcase jobs after the outbreak of COVID-19 India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat and returned to the state. The portal will Shreshtha Bharat programme. enable them to get employment in the state. SATYABHAMA Portal for AtmaNirbhar Bharat in Mining and Mineral Sector Key Points launched The portal acts as a medium between the professionals and IT companies in A portal named ‘Science and Technology Bengal. Yojana for AtmaNirbhar Bharat in Mining It eliminates the need of middlemen who Advancement (SATYABHAMA)’ was waste the money of job seekers. The main launched by Union Ministry of Mines benefit of the portal is that the jobs will be and Coal, Pralhad Joshi. readily available for job seekers. About the Portal The portal can be accessed through The portal has been designed and http://karmabhumi.nltr.org developed by emphasizing the need for promoting the role of digital technology nd Ministry of Tourism organises 32 in the mineral and mining sector of the webinar “Trekking in the Himalayas country. The Mines Informatics Division - Magical Experiences” under of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) DekhoApnaDesh Webinar Series is the implementing agency of the portal. The 32nd session of the Dekho Apna Desh SATYABHAMA is also being integrated webinar series of Ministry of Tourism with the NITI Aayog portal- NGO titled “Trekking in the Himalayas- Darpan. The portal can be accessed at – Magical Experiences” highlighted research.mines.gov.in the potential of tourism in the Indian Himalayan mountain range that offers experiences that are unique and magical.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 69 Mass Media & Communication Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 ‘Air-Venti’ App to provide information Union HRD Minister virtually launches on ICU beds, ventilators: Mumbai ‘YUKTI 2.0’ platform Municipal Corporation of Greater “YUKTI 2.0” platform Mumbai (MCGM), Maharashtra, has been virtually has launched a mobile application launched by the “Air-Venti” developed by Octaware Union Minister of Technologies Limited in partnership Human Resource with Probity Soft Pvt Ltd, which helps to Development, provide information about availability of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds and ‘Nishank’, to help in Ventilators. systematically adopting the technologies having Odissa government controlling commercial potential and information coronavirus in Bhubaneswar related to incubated startups in our Corona impact has been restricted due higher education institutions. The Young to community participation and digital India combating COVID with Knowledge, initiatives in Odisha. Technology and Innovation (YUKTI) The Bhubaneswar Municipal platform seeks to cover the different Administration has created a special cell dimensions of COVID-19 challenges in a phone app called ‘Sadsedak’, to keep very holistic and comprehensive way. track of those who are in contact with The platform has been developed by the the infected and the senior citizens. Each Ministry of HRD. family is registered as guardian. For YUKTI 2.0: senior citizens living alone YUKTI 2.0 is a logical extension of In accordance with the Prevention YUKTI, which will help in fostering the of Disaster Management Act, 2005, innovation and entrepreneurship culture Prevention of Infection Act, 1897, and the in the academic institutions. Orissa Kovit-19 Regulation Act, 2020, the YUKTI 2.0 platform will provide a State Government of Odisha has given marketplace to connect the innovators the jurisdiction of the Gram Panchayats and investors and support the to the District Administrators. The move commercialization of the innovative effectively helps to monitor the 14-day technologies. isolation, especially the isolation of This will support the “Atmanirbhar migrant workers returning home. Bharat” mission launched by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to make India a self-reliant nation.

70 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Mass Media & Communication Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan launches eBlood Services Mobile App Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched the eBlood Services Mobile Application. The application is an initiative of the Indian Red Cross Society, which is dedicated to the fight against COVID-19. Those in need can get registered on the app and know where to get the required blood. The Health Minister stated that people can demand up to four units of blood. The Indian Red Cross Society’s blood banks will wait up to 12 hrs for them.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 71 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 6. NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENT

India Observatory launches GIS- It is freely available for civil society enabled dashboard, CoAST India organizations, students, government India Observatory, an open-source departments and citizens. database, launched a GIS-enabled dashboard, CoAST India (Collaboration/ “My Life My Yoga” Video Blogging Covid Action Support Group) in contest launched; announced by PM collaboration with Anand-based Forest Modi in Mann Ki Baat Ecological Security(FES) as its main nodal point, to help administrators, civil society organisations & volunteers to plan urgent steps to get the stranded migrant population to safety & care. Key Points The dashboard provides a repository of migrants data & requirements linked Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to the relevant service providers. It during his Mann Ki Baat address to the also visualises facilities like schools & nation announced the “My Life – My hospitals, road networks, relief camps, Yoga” (Jeevan Yoga) Video Blogging quarantine centers & healthcare workers. Contest, as one of the activities related to About India Observatory: the observation of the 6th International It is the country’s 1st socio, economic, Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21st, 2020. ecological open source integrated The contest being organized by the Geospatial data platform, set up in Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian December 2019, in the GeoSmart India Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is conference. open for participants from all countries. India Observatory has the ‘India Data It has already gone live on the social Platform’ at its core, which is built on media handles of the Ministry of AYUSH open source and brings together data on 31 May 2020. on over 1600 parameters ranging from The objective of the contest is to focus on village to national level in the form of the transformative impact of Yoga on the maps, graphs, tables and infographics. lives of individuals.

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About My Life – My Yoga video blogging The state had proposed to provide competition: 100 percent tap connections to all the The Ministry of AYUSH and ICCR seek to households by March 2023. The centre raise awareness about Yoga and to inspire has approved a fund worth Rs 255 crore people to become the active participants rupees to the state under Jal Jeevan in the observation of IDY 2020. The Mission (JJM) in 2020-21. contest will support participation via The states are being given additional the social media platforms of Facebook, funds under the mission in the form Twitter and Instagram. The contest will of performance grants, based on their have two parts. achievement in terms of tangible First part consists of an international outputs, which includes household tap video blogging contest, wherein the connections. winners will be picked within a country which will be followed by global prize PM Modi appoints committee for winners from different countries. MSME loan implementation headed To enter into the contest the participants by are required to upload a 3 minutes duration video of 3 Yogic practices (kriya, Prime asana, pranayama, bandha or mudra), Minister including a short video message on how Narendra the Yogic practices influenced their life. Modi Eligibility: Entries can be submitted appointed a by participants under three categories committee covering youth (aged under 18), adults headed by (above 18 years) and yoga professionals, Rajnath Singh to solve the difficulties separately for male and female faced in the implementation of Rs.3 Lakh contestants. crore collateral-free loan for Micro, Small Prizes: For the Indian contestants, prizes & Medium Enterprises (MSME) worth Rs. 1 lakh, 50K and 25K for 1st, 2nd announced by Finance Minister Nirmala and 3rd ranks respectively. Details of the Sitharaman on 13th May 2020 as a part of global prizes will be announced shortly. Rs.20 Lakh crore Covid-19 aid to raise the economy. Jal Shakti Ministry approves Arunachal Pradesh’s annual action Collateral-free loan scheme: plan to achieve 100% household tap The borrowers can borrow from the connections financial institutions without any asset or pledge collateral under this scheme. The Union Jal Shakti Ministry has Eligibility : The units with Rs.25 Crore approved the Annual Action Plan of outstanding credit and Rs 100 crore Arunachal Pradesh to achieve 100 per turnover cent household tap connections in the Tenure and rate of interest: 4-year tenure state.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 73 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 with interest rates capped according to Kondapochamma Sagar project the Finance Ministry and the moratorium inaugurated by Telangana CM will be for 12 months. Under the flagship of the multipurpose FM announced 100% cover to banks Irrigation project; Kaleshwaram Lift and non-banking financial corporations Irrigation Project (KLIP), the last and vital (NDFCs) on principal and interest to Markbook pump house was inaugurated benefit around 45 lakh MSME units to on May 29 2020 by the Chief Minister of resume their business and secure their Telangana K Chandrasekhar Rao. jobs. Note: Kaleeshwaram project is estimated to be around Rs One lakh crore and is R. K. Singh launches pan-India Real divided into different packages to lift the Time Market in electricity through VC water from Godavari river. Minister of State (IC) Power and New Project details & Renewable Energy & Minister The KLIP project entails an estimate cost of State (Skill Development and of Rs 3,500 crore. Entrepreneurship), R. K. Singh launched It has a storage capacity of 15 TMC or pan-India Real Team Market (RTM) in tmcft (one thousand million cubic feet). electricity through video conference in It will irrigate 2.85 lakh acres in Siddipet, New Delhi, which has positioned Indian Sangareddy, Medak, Yadadri -Bhongiri electricity market in the league of few and Medchal Malkajgiri districts. electricity markets in the world, which have a RTM. Govt amends essential commodities Gist about Real Team Market: act, wants farmers to benefit from RTM is an organized market platform one country one market that enables buyers and sellers pan-India Union Cabinet approved the amendment to meet their energy requirement closer of the Essential Commodities Act giving to real time of operation the Indian farmers freedom to sell his The introduction of a RTM will bring produce in any market across India. the necessary flexibility in the market Union Ministers Prakash Javadekar to provide real time balance & ensure and Narendra Singh Tomar announced optimal utilization of the available decisions taken by the union cabinet surplus capacity in the system. in a meeting held. The Union Cabinet It is based on double sided closed auctions approved the amendment of the Essential with uniform prices & will be for every Commodities Act giving a nod to the 30 minutes in a day. The “Gate Closure” removal of a number of items from the concept has been introduced to bring the Essential Commodities Act, the minister desired firmness in schedules during the informed. Prime Minister Narendra hours of market operation. Modi-led Union Cabinet approved

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decisions to help the poor Indian farmers TULIP portal: It was also launched as it aims to double the farmers’ income through which any student can fill his by 2022. / her full details where and in which The government is looking to help the subject he / she wants to do internship farm sector take benefit from one country with urban bodies. one market, while also allowing farm Who is eligible? produce to be sold across markets in College students having a level of B. Tech, India. B planning, B. Arch, BA, BSc, BCom, LLB Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh can register for internships as per their Tomar claimed that the decisions taken interest. by the Union Cabinet are historic and It is worth mentioning that this scheme with these, the Indian farmer will now was announced by Finance Minister get the independence that he has been Nirmala Sitharaman in the budget 2020- longing for. Farmers will now not be 21. Under this scheme, at least 25,000 taxed for any sale outside the APMC students will be provided internships in markets, the Union Cabinet decided. The urban bodies this year. Modi government has also accepted the Swaminathan report allowing 50% higher Citizen skill mapping under Vande MSP than input cost for farmers. Bharat Mission called “SWADES” launched by Govt HRD & Urban development ministries jointly launches student internship programme called “TULIP” Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, the Union Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) and Shri Hardeep S. Puri, (Minister of State Under the joint initiative by the Ministry of (MoS) for Housing & Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Urban Affairs, have jointly (MSDE), Civil Aviation Ministry and launched The Urban Learning Internship External Affairs Ministry (MoCA), the Programme (TULIP) developed by All Union govt. has launched a new initiative India Council for Technical Education Skilled Workers Arrival Database (AICTE) with the aim to provide for Employment Support(SWADES). internship opportunities to thousands of SWADES is launched in order to conduct fresh graduates and engineers of the a skill mapping exercise of the returning county under the ‘Smart City’ projects. citizens under the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM).

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Aim: To create a database of qualified therapies.The motive of the campaign is citizens based on their skillsets and prevent the force from depression and experience to fulfill the demand of Indian stress pushing them to take extreme steps. and foreign companies. Reason: Due to the Pandemic COVID-19 Hyderabad airport receives ACI crisis across the globe it has had a recognition for green practices significant impact on the economy with GMR led Hyderabad International workers losing their jobs as companies are Airport received the highest Platinum shutting down globally. Many Citizens Recognition in the Airports Council who are returning to the country through International (ACI) Asia-Pacific Green VBM of the Govt. of India are faced Airports Recognition 2020 in the 15- with uncertainty in their employment 35 Million Passengers Per Annum opportunities on return. (MPPA) category for its efficient water management practices Benefits of SWADES The recognition was the outcome of the The SWADES Skill Card will help the submissions shared this year focused citizens with job prospects and bridge the on water management documenting demand-supply gap. approaches to wastewater treatment, This initiative will help in deployment water harvesting, water recycling and of the returning Indian workforce with water reduction. matching skill set. ACI’s Green Airports Recognition The highest number of returning labor programme promotes environmental best belong from states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, practices to minimise aviation’s impact on the environment and recognises ACI Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana. Asia-Pacific’s members for outstanding About Vande Bharat Mission: accomplishments in their environmental Government initiated to bring back projects. stranded Indian nationals home during coronavirus-induced lockdown from Power Minister RK Singh launched other countries. Flights have been ‘#iCommit’ initiative deployed for the mission to bring back its As a part of World Environment Day citizens since May 2020. (WED) celebrations, Minister of State (IC) (Power, New & Renewable Energy) Raj Chhattisgarh govt launches a Kumar Singh has initiated the “#iCommit campaign “Spandan” for police initiative” for building an energy resilient Chhattisgarh Police have launched a future. special campaign titled “spandan” to This initiative is headed by Energy check mental stress and depression Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under among their personnel by conducting the administration of the Ministry of interactive programmes and arranging Power. counselling sessions, music and yoga

76 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 National – Diary of Event How will #iCommit work? products, The local suppliers are eligible This initiative aims towards the to bid for the estimated procurement enhancement of the energy system by value between Rs.5 lakh to Rs. 50 Lakh. involving governments, corporates, multilateral and bilateral organisations, CSIR and Atal Innovation Mission Think Tanks, and individuals. But to meet sign a Letter of Intent to foster this objective of energy access and security Innovation in India for all, it is essential to have a flexible and Council of Scientific and Industrial agile power system. Therefore, #iCommit Research (CSIR) and Atal Innovation focuses on the innovative changes in Mission (AIM) have signed a letter of the current power system including intent (LoI) to promote innovation in decentralised solar and electric vehicles, the country in the presence of Dr Rajiv among others through the collaboration Kumar, Vice Chairperson, Niti Aayog, between all stakeholders. Shri Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Niti Aayog and Dr “Make in India” and enhance Shekhar C Mande, Director-General (DG) employment CSIR and other senior officials from both the organizations. Focus of CSIR-AIM LoI: Supporting world class start-ups through CSIR Incubators under AIM initiatives and jointly work on new models of innovation, including setting up of CSIR To encourage the Make In India Innovation Parks. initiative and to increase the income and Stimulating innovation and research in employment generation the Department the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises of Promotion of Industry and Internal (MSME) industry by CSIR in collaboration Trade (DPIIT) revised the public with ARISE, an initiative of AIM to procurement order, 2017 on 29th May stimulate innovation and research in the 2019. MSME industry. Key Points: About CSIR:

The Department of Chemicals & Headquarter– New Delhi Petrochemicals identified around 55 President– Prime Minister of India i.e. types of chemicals, petrochemicals, Narendra Modi pesticides and Dyestuff and assessed the About AIM: domestic manufacturing capacity and It was mooted by a Think Tank at the Niti local competition. Aayog, and approved by the Cabinet on For the 27 out of the 55 identified Feb 24th 2016.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 77 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 India’s 1st online waste management Key Points: platform In the current COVID-19 situation, for Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister YS development purposes the Government Jagan Mohan Reddy launched India’s 1st has provided Rs 1,555 crore to 22,800 “online waste management platform” Gram Panchayats. of Andhra Pradesh Environment CM Chouhan mentioned that it is not Management Corporation (APEMC) on possible to impose lockdown for a longer the occasion of World Environment Day term will affect the economy so in order to ensure 100% safe disposal of industrial to retrieve the businesses we must take toxic wastes. The State Department of precautions to stay safe in the pandemic. Environmental Management, APEMC, The urban businessman of the state will take over responsibility of the online will gain benefits through the Pradhan platform. Mantri Path Vikreta Aatmanirbhar Nidhi Also released the poster APEMC of Karyakram and Shehri Path Vyavasayi e-platform highlighting its salient Utthan Yojana started by the Prime features, of the portal. Minister Narendra Modi which will provide Rs. 10,000 as a working capital to Key Point the small businessmen and vendors. APEMC has been set up as a government The new MP Shahri Path Vyavasayi company to handle the industrial waste Utthan Yojana is an extension of the & will work in coordination with Andhra PM Street Vendor Atmanirbhar Nidhi Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) (PM SVANidhi) Scheme in the Madhya with a strong regulatory framework Pradesh state. To handle the waste from its generation till the end of its life cycle including sorting The Cabinet of Odisha gives state & streamlining the waste as hazardous or anthem status to “Bande Utkala non-hazardous or e-waste according to Janani” category, scientifically disposing of the The Cabinet of Odisha chaired by Naveen waste at the disposal centres. Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha Madhya Pradesh launches Welfare approved the proposal to give the status programme for Street Vendors of State anthem to “Bande Utkala Janani”, a poem written by Kantakabi Laxmikanta , Chief Minister Mohapatra in 1912. of Madhya Pradesh launched Street Vendor Registration Portal http://www. Background: mpurban.gov.in/ and “Mukhyamantri The song gained immortality when it Shahri Path Vyavasayi Utthan Yojana” was sung as the opening song in the and transferred Rs 300 crore to the urban Utkal Sammilani during the formation of local bodies. Odisha as a separate province in 1912. In 1994 the Assembly of Odisha was set

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on to sing “Bande Utkala Janani” at the of the Constitution of India. Dehradun end of every session and considered to (the largest city) will remain the winter make it the anthem of the state. capital. With this decision, Uttarakhand The song reflects the glory and natural became the 2nd state in India after Jammu beauty of Odisha. and Kashmir with two separate capitals (summer and winter). Madhya Pradesh starts a plantation Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister(CM) drive named “Thank Mom” announced that Madhya Pradesh has started a Gairsain will have an e-Vidhan Sabha on plantation drive named “Thank Mom” World Environment Day (June 5,2020). on the premises of its Social Justice and The state Assembly is located Dehradun, Disabled Welfare Directorate on World but sessions are held in Gairsain as well. Environment Day. As per the instruction Key Points from Commissioner Renu Tiwari, a Uttarakhand was made as a separate variety of plants such as Neem, Guava, state from Uttar Pradesh on November Mango, Moonlight, Parijat and Tulsi were 9, 2000 & became India’s 27th state. The planted with a plate in the name of each state has two divisions namely Garhwal employee’s mother. and Kumaon with 13 districts. Key Point Statehood activists felt that Gairsain On the theme ‘Time for Nature’, online was best suited to be the capital of the and offline programs were organized in mountainous state as it is between all the districts to focus on conservation Kumaon and Garhwal regions, but of biodiversity across the state. Dehradun in the plains was named as the Each employee has been insisted to plant temporary capital. one tree in a year and they should take care of their plant. Plastic waste management Project Essay, painting & discussion among Prithivi others were organized online to raise Recycling plays an important role awareness on environmental protection in enhancing the circular economy. in different sections of the society. However, lack of awareness poses challenges towards management of Gairsain in Chamoli district declared plastic waste and recycling. In order as summer capital of Uttarakhand to overcome this situation, Recykal, a Uttarakhand Governor Baby Rani Maurya digital technology company in the waste approved the declaration of Bhararisen management space collaborated with (Gairsain) in Chamoli district as the United Nations Development Programme state’s summer capital in compliance with (UNDP) and Hindustan Coca-Cola the provisions of clause (3) of Article 348 Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCB) for Project Prithvi, a joint initiative for developing

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sustainable plastic waste management It will also help in resolving 30,000 cases practices in the country. in a time bound manner.

It should be noted that in 2019, IT giant About CAT: Mindtree in partnership with HCCBPL Chairman of CAT – L Narasimha Reddy. and UNDP launched Project Prithvi which is operational in 28 cities across New Panel for Welfare of Freedom India and plans to roll out in 50+ cities fighters across India by 2020. MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs ) Project Prithvi reconstituted a new committee for the The initiative will also focus on informal welfare of the freedom fighters with the sector inclusion activities like providing chairman G Kishan Reddy and 9 other soft skills training, opening of bank “eminent freedom fighters” from across accounts, enabling digital transactions for the country. Along with Reddy, former waste pickers, kabadiwalas, aggregators, Congress MLA from Gujarat Dinakar etc. Bhai Desai, who took part in 1942 Quit Notably, the programme aims to collect India Movement is one among the 9 over 5,000 metric tons of recyclable and member panel. non-recyclable plastic waste over the next 12 months and channelize them to UP govt. clears “Cow Slaughter registered recyclers and co-processors. Prevention (Amendment) Ordinance, About Recykal: 2020” to prevent cow slaughter It is a winner of NASSCOM Emerge In order to protect cows and prevent 50 Award 2019, FICCI Indian Circular their slaughter, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Economy Award 2019 and ASSOCHAM government approved a draft ordinance Best Digital Technology Provider for titled “Cow Slaughter Prevention Waste Management in 2019. (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020” by amending the Uttar Pradesh cow th 18 Bench of CAT inaugurated in slaughter act, 1955. Jammu This proposed law provides a maximum Union Minister Jitendra Singh has rigorous imprisonment of 10 years and a inaugurated 18th Bench of Central fine up to Rs 5 lakh. Administrative Tribunal (CAT) through The ordinance was cleared during a Video Conference for the UT of Jammu meeting held in Lucknow, UP chaired by and Ladakh. Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath to enable It will deal exclusively with service the conservation and preservation of matters of govt employees reducing the bovine animals effectively. burden of various Courts and speedy relief in respect of their grievances and service matters.

80 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 National – Diary of Event Key Points of Ordinance: Seven task forces set up for efficient First offence: Offender can be given a implementation of ‘’Atmanirbhar rigorous punishment of one to seven Bharat Abhiyan’’ in J-K years with a fine ranging from Rs 1 lakh The Jammu and Kashmir administration to Rs 3 lakh. has constituted seven task forces for

Second offence: Offender can be given efficient and speedy implementation of a 10-year rigorous imprisonment with a ‘’Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’’ (ABA) fine up to Rs 5 lakh. in the Union Territory, with a focus on

Illegal Transportation: In case of illegal economic recovery from the COVID-19 transportation of cows and other bovines, crisis. the driver, operator and the owner of the The task forces, which have been vehicle shall be charged under the new constituted under the chairmanship of Act. This has amended the Section 5 of UP various administrative secretaries, are Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955. mandated with the task of ensuring hassle-free implementation of all the Kerala govt gives NOC to Athirapally elements of ABA in mission mode. project These task forces would have other The Kerala government has issued a secretaries and heads of departments as fresh no-objection certificate (NOC) for members, and will work on convergence the state electricity board to proceed models to ensure optimum utilisation of with the implementation of the proposed resources and time-bound outcomes. Athirapally hydro-electric project, which had been shelved several times in the past Mercer’s 26th Annual ‘Cost of Living due to protests by green activists. Survey 2020

CPI, a partner in the CPI(M)-led LDF Mercer released its 26th Annual Cost of government, joined the Congress-led Living Survey 2020. From India, Mumbai Opposition and environmentalists in city has been ranked 60th most expensive demanding the withdrawal of the NOC, city globally and also 19th in Asia. which was issued on June 4. A fresh NOC Mumbai is the only Indian city ranked was mandatory for the state electricity in the top 100. Hongkong tops the list board for getting the techno-economic globally. clearance revalidated from the Central Mercer’s 26th annual Cost of Living Electricity Authority. The clearance of Survey will help employers navigate the project had expired in 2008. The NOC non-native packages, essential due was granted for seven years as per the to uncertainty from the COVID-19 demand of the electricity board. pandemic and consider alternate forms of international assignments to sustain overseas operations. The survey includes over 400 cities

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 81 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 throughout the world; this year’s ranking NIRF Rankings 2020: includes 209 cities across five continents. The rankings are being announced for It measures the comparative cost of more India’s best universities and institutions than 200 items in each location, including in 10 categories namely- Overall, housing, transportation, food, clothing, Universities, Engineering, Colleges, household goods, and entertainment. Management, Pharmacy, Medical, Dental Most expensive Indian cities Architecture, and Law.

Mumbai tops the list at a global rank of 60 In the same way last year (i.e 2019), and also the 19th most expensive city in Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Asia. Followed by New Delhi at 101 and Madras (Tamil Nadu) has topped the list Chennai at 143. Bengaluru and Kolkata of ‘overall ranking’ category with a score are the least expensive Indian cities with of 85.31 followed by Indian Institute of ranks (global) 171 and 185 respectively. Science, Bengaluru (2nd with a score of 84.18) and Indian Institute of Technology City Rank (Global) Delhi (3rd with a score of 81.33). Mumbai 60 IISc Bangalore has been declared as New Delhi 101 the top Indian university followed by Chennai 143 Jawaharlal Nehru University and Banaras History Hindu University. Established in 1937 in the United States About NIRF Ranking: as the employee benefits department of This ranking is released every year since Marsh & McLennan, Inc. The company September 2015 by the Ministry of Human took the name of “William M. Mercer” in Resource Development, Government of 1959 when Marsh & McLennan acquired India (GoI). William M.Mercer Limited, a Canadian The NIRF rankings are awarded to firm founded by William Manson Mercer institutions based on Teaching, Learning, in 1945. and Resources (TLR), Research and Professional Practices (RP), Graduation 5th edition of NIRF Rankings 2020 Outcomes (GO), Outreach and Inclusivity The Union Minister of Human Resource (OI) and Perception (PR) with the aim to Development (HRD) Ramesh Pokhriyal help guide to students looking for higher ‘Nishank’ has virtually released 5th educational institutions in India. edition of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Ranking 2020, which ‘Turant customs’ a flagship accounted 5805 institutes for the ranking. programme launched in Bangaluru The ranking was to be announced in The Central Board of Indirect Taxes April 2020 but was postponed due to and Customs (CBIC) launched a to coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis and flagship programme, “Turant customs” lockdown. at Bengaluru and Chennai with

82 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 National – Diary of Event technological support for faster clearance What is ICE GATE? of imported goods and for the ease of Indian Customs Electronic Gateway doing business. (ICEGATE) is the national portal of The start of Turant customs in Bengaluru Indian Customs of Central Board of and Chennai would be the beginning of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) the nationwide program and is expected that provides e-filing services to the to be completed by December 31, 2020. Trade, Cargo Carriers and other Trading Key Points: Partners electronically. Turant customs is a continuation reform for the pilot phase that was initiated SAUNI schemes 3rd phase to fill in August 2019 at Chennai and later Saurashtra Dams by 2021 extended to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Visakhapatnam Customs Zones for select commodities. Note: This reform resulted in improvement of India’s World Bank ranking for Trading Across Border Category of Doing Business Report from 146th position in 2017 to 68th position in 2019. Turant Customs: The first phase would include import of mechanical, electrical and electronics pieces of machinery at the ports/ Gujarat Chief Minister, airports/ICDs (Inland Container Depots) announced the phase 2 and phase 3 of the of Bengaluru and Chennai. Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and (SAUNI) scheme to fill 115 dams with Customs (CBIC) launched a flagship Narmada water by August 15, 2020 and programme, “Turant customs” at March, 2021 respectively. Bengaluru and Chennai with technological The SAUNI yojana is a multipurpose support for faster clearance of imported project designed to provide irrigation and goods and for the ease of doing business. drinking water in the Saurashtra regions. The start of Turant customs in Bengaluru Key Points and Chennai would be the beginning of The first phase of SAUNI yojana was the nationwide program and is expected inaugurated in 2016 by Prime Minister to be completed by December 31, 2020. Modi in Gujarat at Aji-3 dam connecting What is e-Sanchit Platform? Machhu-II dam of Morbi district to 30 It is a step by step procedure (manual) dams in 3 other districts ( covering and platform for paperless processing by area of 2.02 lakh acres). electronically uploading the documents. The second phase of the scheme included

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 83 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 541 kms of pipeline works to fill 57 emphasise sustainable and impactful reservoirs is set to finish by August ,2020. change by involving women in the The third phase includes 42 dam community. reservoirs that need to be filled through 457kms of pipeline which is estimated to Odisha becomes 1st state in India be completed by March 2021. to receive ISO certification for tribal About SAUNI Yojana hostels Sauni Yojana has been launched in Odisha became the first State in India to Gujarat in 2016 by PM Narendra Modi receive prestigious ISO (International to divert one MAFt(Million Acre Feet) Organization for Standardization) excess over flowing flood water of 9001:2015 certification for its 44 tribal Narmada to Saurashtra Region that will hostels of Keonjhar (32 hostels) and be distributed to 115 reservoirs of 11 Sambalpur (12 hostels) districts districts of Saurashtra through total 1126 improving their overall infrastructure km long four link pipelines. and standards under Mission Suvidya. Assessment: ‘STREE’ for women The Odisha state’s department of ST & SC Hyderabad City Security Council Development in association with Quality (HCSC) along with Hyderabad City Control of India (QCI) has conducted a Police launched “She Triumphs through comprehensive assessment & evaluation Respect, Equality, and Empowerment of all hostels with the aim to improve the (STREE)”, a programme to support and standard and quality of the hostels. empower women victims of domestic During 1st phase of the assessment, all violence and abuse. 60 hostels were selected for intensive Objective of the programme: interventions of gap filling out of 156 To promote a common platform for all hostels in Keonjhar. Similarly 12 were women to join together and work with selected out of 90 hostels of Sambalpur. police to deal with issues related to 5T Framework: women’s safety and security The certification is an example of the To raise awareness among the women transformation targets set under the on their rights, entitlements, laws and state’s 5T (Technology, Transparency, support systems & also to build a network Teamwork, Time and Transformation) of partners to ensure women’s safety, framework that aims to bring in equality and empowerment. transformational, and institutional-level Background changes in state governance. The idea for the programme for women’s About Mission Suvidya: empowerment was emerged by Launched in December 2019, it aims to recognizing the International Women’s improve the quality of basic facilities Day theme 2020, ‘Each for Equal’ to

84 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 National – Diary of Event in the SC (Scheduled Castes) and ST machine “BIN-19” & “UltraViolet (UV) (Scheduled Tribes) hostels like safe SPOT”, a UV light-based multipurpose building, functional toilets, safe drinking disinfector in association with Sree Chitra water, proper kitchen and dining, safety, Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and security, health, hygiene and food Technology (SCTIMST). provisions for students.

UP launches ‘Bal Shramik Vidya Yojana’ Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) launched ‘Bal Shramik Vidya Yojana’ for child labourers who are 8-18 years old, through video conference. The launch is in line with the ‘World Day Against Child Labour’(June 12, 2020). UP Labour Minister Swami Prasad Maurya The BIN-19 is developed using Chitra UV was also present during the launch. based face mask disposal bin technology Aim of the yojana– To educate orphans from SCTIMST. This is the 1st time such and worker’s children or child labourers facilities are available in Kerala. & ensure their healthy life. Indian Railways runs Double-Stack Major Highlights of the yojana: Container Train in OHE electrified

Financial assistance – This scheme region provides financial assistance of Rs 1000

per month (pm) to boys, Rs 1200 pm to Indian railways created a benchmark girls & children studying 8th, 9th and by setting a new world history on the 10th will be given Rs 6000 per annum successful running of the first Double- along with a monthly incentive. decker Container Train with a contact Beneficiaries – Child laborers without wire of 7.57-metre height on its high reach parents or neither of them or handicapped pantograph in the high rise Over Head parents or landless or parents with Equipment (OHE) electrified territory on incurable disease. the western railway from Palanpur and Botad stations in Gujarat. Kerala Startup ties up with SCTIMST What is a pantograph? to launch IoT based BIN-19 & UV The pantograph is an apparatus which SPOT: COVID-19 mounted on the roof of the electric train to Kerala Startup VST Mobility Solutions, collect power through with an overhead has launched Internet of Things (IoT) tension wire. based (facility that works without any Note: The double-stack dwarf container human touch) automated mask disposal service was introduced in 2018 at the

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Rajkot division of Western Railway. In The system can estimate floods up to 3 December 2019, successful conduction days in advance, It was developed by of the trial run of double-decker freight Meteorological Department (IMD) and trains on the newly-built Western Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) in (IITM) functioning under the Ministry of Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur district was Earth Sciences (MoES). done. Background Indian railway initiatives during the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) was Pandemic: approached by the Govt of Maharashtra From 1st April 2020 to 10th June 2020 to develop an Integrated Flood Warning Indian Railways has transported 178.68 System for Mumbai – ‘IFLOWS-Mumbai’. million tonnes of commodities 24X7 The development of I-FLOWS-Mumbai uninterrupted in freight trains across the was initiated in July 2019 by the MoES with country. the expertise available within the Ministry The government also supplied 12.74 of Earth Sciences and coordination with million tonnes of food grains this year as the Municipal Corporation of Greater opposed to 6.79 million last year around Mumbai (MCGM) (formerly the BMC/ the same period. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation).

MP govt gives ‘corona warriors’ status Top 30 Indian Institutions in Nature to Divyang Anganwadi workers Index 2020 Madhya Pradesh government gives In accordance with the Nature Index 2020 ‘corona warriors’ status to Divyang ratings, 3 autonomous institutions of the Anganwadi workers. These divyang Department of Science & Technology Anganwadi workers are playing an (DST), Government of India ranked important role in the state during the among top 30 Indian. The Nature Index ongoing Corona crisis. 2020 ratings has been globally topped by Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Harshvardhan e-launched ‘I-FLOWS’ China while India’s Council of Scientific a flood warning system in Mumbai and Industrial Research (CSIR) is on The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, 160th position globally but stood first Uddhav Thackeray and Union Earth among Indian institutions. science Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan The Indian institutions in the Nature jointly launched the state-of-the-art index consist of Indian Institute of Integrated Flood Warning System Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of (I-FLOWS) in Mumbai with an aim to Science Education and Research (IISER), alleviate and monitor the flood activities and Research Institutions. by providing early warning in the city Following tables are proving information during high rainfall and cyclone events. about Nature Index 2020 ratings:

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Top 3 Institutions (Global) institutional, national and regional level. The Nature Index 2020 Annual Tables Rank Institution highlight the institutions and countries 1 Chinese Academy of Sciences that dominated high quality research in (CAS), China the natural sciences based on the research 2 Harvard University, United published in the top journals. The 2020 States of America (USA) tables are based on Nature Index data 3 Max Planck Society, Germany from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. Top 3 Indian Institutions (Global) Indian Global Institution Jammu and Kashmir UT Rolls out Rank Rank Poultry Policy 2020 1 160 Council of Scientific The Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Industrial and Kashmir (J&K) has prepared a Research (CSIR) J&K Poultry Policy, 2020/Operational Guidelines for the first time to boost 2 184 Indian Institute poultry production in the region. of Science (IISc) Features: The government will give a Bangalore subsidy of 50 crore annually for broiler/ 3 260 Tata Institute of layer farms and related activities. This Fundamental subsidy will be for the existing poultry Research (TIFR) industry and new industry. Under the Top 3 DST Institutions (Among India) industrial policy in the poultry policy, all 7 376 Indian Association central and state schemes will be given for the Cultivation benefits. Eligibility: All new farmers, Individual of Science (IACS), entrepreneurs, NGOs, Companies/ Kolkata, West Bengal Cooperatives, Groups of unorganized 14 *Not Jawaharlal Nehru and organized sectors which include Available Centre for Advanced Self Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Scientific Research Groups (JLGs) etc will be eligible to avail (JNCASR) Bangalore, assistance for all the components under Karnataka the scheme. 30 *Not S. N. Bose National Available Centre for Basic India’s first gas trading platform Sciences, Kolkata, launched West Bengal The Indian Energy Exchange launched the About Nature Index: first gas trading platform. The platform The Nature Index provides a close was inaugurated by the Minister of to real-time proxy of high-quality Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra research output and collaboration at the Pradhan.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 87 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 AYUSH Ministry launches ‘Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family’ Campaign The AYUSH Ministry has launched ‘Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family’ campaign to mark the International Yoga Day 2020. Under the campaign, the Ministry will Highlights encourage people to perform Yogasanas The Indian Gas Exchange, the online gas from their homes, while maintaining trading platform will act as a subsidiary social distancing and other restrictions of Indian Energy Exchange and is to be imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. launched in July 2 020. It will be the first AP, 1st Indian State presented its online gas trading platform for physical Budget amid COVID-19 delivery of natural gas. The trading of natural gas in the platform is to be done in Finance Minister of Andhra Pradesh (AP) rupees. The minimum lot size allotted is Buggana Rajendranath presented the AP 100 million British Thermal Unit (MBTU). state budget for Rs 2.24 lakh crore for the FY20-21. With this, AP became the first Indian Railways installs Automated Indian state to convene its Legislative Ticket Checking and Managing Access Assembly and Council which will adopt Machine a budget for FY21 amid the Covid-19 Indian Railways’ Central Railway zone pandemic. Apart from this, AP Governor has installed an Automated Ticket addressed Checking & Managing Access (ATMA) the Assembly through video conference, machine, 1st of its kind at Nagpur station. which is also another first for the country. The machine has been introduced at the The budget amount stated a decrease of station under the New, Innovative Non 1.4% over FY19-20 due to major economic Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (NINFRIS) slowdown caused by Covid-19. policy to prevent transmission of The direct money transfer schemes COVID-19. implemented in the last fiscal, at least This is an Innovative Earning Contract, seven others will be launched this implemented by Nagar (NGP) Central year under the government’s flagship Railways (CR) for the prevention of “Navaratnalu” programme. COVID-19. Background: ATMA ensures safety for passengers The AP state government could not & railway staff as it adheres to social hold a regular budget session owing to distancing norms the nationwide lockdown earlier. It had obtained approval for a three-month budget of Rs 71,000 crore for the April- June period through an Ordinance in the

88 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 National – Diary of Event last week of March, 2020. granted reservations to other reserved categories (SC/ST/EWS), while it failed th Karnataka Observes Mask Day on 18 to provide such benefits to the aspirants June 2020 belonging to OBC category. BS Yediyurappa, Chief Minister of Reservations in NEET UG and PG Karnataka announced that Karnataka courses will observe 18th June 2020, as “Mask In medical undergraduate and Day” to create awareness to the general postgraduate courses in NEET, 15 percent public on the importance of wearing a of UG and 50 percent of PG seats in state mask, using sanitisers, washing hands medical and dental colleges belong to the and maintaining social distancing against All India Quota and for them, counselling COVID-19. is conducted centrally and as per the central reservation policy. Plea in HC to follow 27% reservation for OBC students in medical colleges Noida Metro is Building a New ‘She- A petition was moved in Delhi High Man’ Station to Make it More Trans- Court seeking directions to the Central Friendly Government for 27 percent reservation In a first-of-its-kind initiative by a for students from Other Backward metro rail system in northern India, Classes, or OBC, in admission to medical the Noida-Greater Noida Metro has and dental colleges for the academic year decided to convert the Sector 50 station 2020. into a “She-Man” station that will have As per the petition, from academic years special facilities and employment for the 2017 to 19, as much as 5,530 seats were transgender community. allotted to candidates belonging to a This step is being taken by the Noida general category when it was supposed Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) for the to be granted to OBC candidates. “inclusion and meaningful participation” OBC Reservation for All India Quota of the members of the transgender As per the Hindustan Times, the plea community. was filed after the NEET PG result was India will be global manufacturing published. The group discovered that the 27 percent reservation for the OBC hub for electric vehicles in five years: was not being implemented during Nitin Gadkari admission to medical and dental college Union Road Transport Minister Nitin seats capitulated by the state government Gadkari stated that he believes India to the All India Quota of the Union will be a manufacturing hub for electric government. vehicles within the next five years, adding The plea further stated that the Union that several countries do not want to deal Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with China after the COVID-19 crisis

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 89 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 which can be an opportunity for India Niti Aayog Forms Panel Led by The minister said the government has Amitabh Kant lowered the GST on electrical vehicles to NITI (National Institution for 12 per cent. Transforming India) Aayog has formed a high-powered committee of top executives Himachal School to be named after of technology companies like Google, Sepoy Ankush Thakur killed in Galwan Microsoft and Tech Mahindra under the valley leadership of its CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Amitabh Kant to develop a job platform that will help migrant labours & blue-collar workers, who have lost their jobs during the lockdown, to find better employment opportunities in their language and around their place. A government school in Himachal The committee will look into technology- Pradesh’s Hamirpur district will be based measures to address the issue named after Sepoy Ankush Thakur who related to migrant laborers laid down his life in a face-off with China About NITI (National Institution for in Ladakh’s Galwan valley announced by Transforming India) Aayog: the Chief Minister . The ff Headquarters– New Delhi. chief minister made the announcement ff Chairperson– Narendra Modi. after visiting the soldier’s home in Karohta ff Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - village. He also said that the financial Amitabh Kant. help of Rs 20 lakh will be provided to the ff Vice Chairperson– Rajiv Kumar. family of the sepoy. Tripura to launch ‘Play little, Study IIT, IIM students for Workers to find little’ scheme jobs in Delhi NCR The Tripura government has decided to Students from the Indian Institutes of launch a scheme called ‘Ektu Khelo, Ektu Management and the Indian Institutes Padho’ which means ‘Play little, Study of Technology along with other reputed little’, from June 25, 2020. institutions have launched a pilot project Under the scheme, the students would and helpline number to help those who be getting audio and video content on lost employment due to the lockdown to learning activities projects as well as fun find jobs. and gaming activities through SMS or The ‘Students for Involved Governance WhatsApp. and Mutual Action (SIGMA) launched The state education headquarters would by the students was assisted by Deputy be sharing the learning contents with Commissioner, Delhi. different district academic coordinators

90 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 National – Diary of Event and they would be sharing the same with citing dissatisfaction with the India the headmasters of the schools in their Meteorological Department (IMD). concerned areas. In an order issued by the the state’s The headmasters will then give the Disaster Management Department on responsibility to the teachers to share the June 19, the government authorised a contents among the students. release of Rs 95 lakh to three private firms to use “ensemble predictions to improve Mansukh Mandaviya introduce India’s extreme weather alert services in the State st 1 Virtual Healthcare & Hygiene EXPO The government’s fresh decision comes 2020 after an earlier order issued on April 30 it The Minister of State for Shipping was dissatisfied with the IMD. The order (Independent charge) and Chemicals stated that the weatherman had promised & Fertilisers Mansukh Mandaviya has the state to ready 15 Automatic Weather introduced India’s largest 1st Virtual Stations (AWS) before the monsoon, Healthcare & Hygiene EXPO 2020. This however, no new AWS came up and Expo has been organised by Federation the near-time data streaming remained of Indian Chambers of Commerce & minimum to nil. Industry (FICCI). After Cyclone Ockhi claimed several lives in 2017, the IMD committed to installing Rajasthan Govt to Launch Indira 100 AWS, however, it could only be Rasoi Yojna installed in lines with a pre-defined IMD Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot protocol. The state government wanted announced that his government will soon the IMD to install AWS in a few places launch the Indira Rasoi Yojna for the poor and it could not follow suit to ensure that “no one sleeps hungry” in Nishtha Vidyut Mitra Scheme for the state. Women Empowerment Under this scheme, pure and nutritious food on concessional rates will be The Madhya Pradesh Madhya Kshetra provided to the needy twice a day. Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited The state government will spend Rs 100 (MPMKVVCL) introduced the Nishtha crore every year on the Indira Rasoi Yojna Vidyut Mitra Scheme for women (Indira Kitchen Scheme). empowerment. Under this scheme, women Self-Help Groups at Gram Dissatisfied With IMD, Kerala Ropes Panchayat level will act as Nishtha in Pvt Firms Vidyut Mitra. In a first, the Kerala government has Gist about the scheme issued an order to fund private firms The scheme will increase the revenue for receiving weather updates and collection of the company & women alerts about extreme climate changes, will also earn additional income as the

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 91 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

company will pay an incentive to Nishtha Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Vidyut Mitra for recovery of dues and launch Atmanirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar new connections. Abhiyan through video conference. The It has been implemented in the Gram UP Chief Minister and other Ministers of Panchayats of all 16 districts of Bhopal, the state will also be present at the virtual Narmadapuram, Gwalior and Chambal launch. divisions of the company’s jurisdiction. PM Modi will be interacting with Role of Women Self-Help Groups in the villagers from six districts. The villages scheme across all districts of Uttar Pradesh will The women Self-Help Groups will be joining the program through the encourage consumers to pay bills online Common Service Centers and Krishi or through the Upay App. They will Vigyan Kendras, while maintaining the rectify various consumer complaints like social distancing norms in the wake of the faulty meters and replace them with new Covid-19 pandemic. connections through online processes. Almost 30 lakh migrant workers have They will provide information about returned to Uttar Pradesh due to a the electricity theft and illegal use of nationwide lockdown imposed to electricity to the company. control the COVID pandemic. At least 31 districts of the state have more than 25000 UN Secretary-General praises Kerala returnee migrant workers, which include in fight against Corona 5 aspirational districts as well. Public Service Day is celebrated in the The Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh United Nations. Organized by a video Rojgar Abhiyan will focus on conferencing, the ceremony also included providing employment, promoting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres local entrepreneurship and creating and other top UN dignitaries, praising all partnerships with Industrial associations leaders who are effectively dealing with and other organizations to provide the coronavirus. Kerala Health Minister employment opportunities. KK Selja was also named in this list of Cabinet gives International airport leaders. status to Kushinagar Airport PM Modi to launch Atmanirbhar Uttar Union Cabinet has given International Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan Airport status to Kushinagar Airport in Uttar Pradesh. The International status to the Airport will end in boosting of domestic/international tourism and economic development of the regions. It will be a crucial strategic location with the international border accessible.

92 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 National – Diary of Event NITI Aayog & ITF Launch Decarbonizing National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). Transport Project in India In addition to AWMS, BIAL has also The NITI (National Institution for installed 4 Drishti Transmissometers to Transforming India) Aayog and the measure the Runway Visibility Range International Transport Forum (ITF) of (RVR). Organisation for Economic Co-operation About NAL and Development (OECD) launched the ff Headquarters– Bangalore, India ‘Decarbonizing Transport in Engineering ff Director– Jitendra J Jadhav Economies’ (DTEE) project in India. ITF Secretary General Young Tae Kim Tripura gov launches Mukhyamantri and NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant Matru Pushti Uphaar Scheme inaugurated the launch. Tripura government has launched Key Highlights Mukhyamantri Matru Pushti Uphaar The project designs a tailor-made scheme to provide nutrition kits to transport emissions assessment pregnant and lactating women. The framework for India. scheme is a part of the state’s efforts The Five year project helps India in to fight malnutrition and maternal developing a pathway towards low- mortality. The scheme was announced carbon transport system through by state Minister for Social Welfare and development of modelling tools and Social Education Santana Chakma. policy scenarios. The government expects to incur an NOTE expenses of about Rs 8 crore annually for The Transport sector of India is the third this scheme. most greenhouse gas emitting sector The scheme will be in addition to the (max contribution from Road transport). Pradhan Mantri Matru Bandana Yojana 13% of total CO2 emissions in India is under which Rs 5000 each was given from the transport sector. to 58,996 beneficiaries, after the birth of their first child. Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport Union Cabinet approves formation of “IN-SPACe” Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB/ BLR Airport) Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister becomes the 1st airport in India to get Shri Narendra Modi has approved the an indigenously-developed Aviation establishment of Indian National Space Weather Monitoring System (AWMS) at Promotion and Authorization Centre both ends of the runway. (IN-SPACe). It has been approved to AWMS is set up by Bangalore International encourage the participation of private Airport (BIAL). The technology is sector in the entire range of space developed by Bengaluru-based CSIR- activities. It will also enable Indian

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 93 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Industry in becoming an important being of 2.9 million Senior Citizens during player in global space economy. the COVID-19 pandemic. NITI Aayog has launched this campaign Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy following the appeal by Prime Minister Launches YSR Kapu Nestham Scheme Narendra Modi to take care of senior YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launched the citizens. Surendranagar district is one of Kapu Nestham scheme to provide the 25 aspirational districts of the country, financial support of Rs 75000/- (Rs which is implementing this scheme very 15000/- per annum) to women of Kapu successfully. community. More than 150 volunteers are engaged The objective of the scheme is to in this campaign. They are contacting financially empower Kapu women by about 25000 senior citizens of the district enhancing their livelihood and living through phone calls by taking the contact standards with financial assistance. details from the district administration. Key Points:- NITI Aayog Launched Behaviour Women in the age group of 45-60 Change Campaign, ‘Navigating the belonging to Kapu Community are New Normal’, and Website benefited with this scheme. In a period of Five years an eligible In order to aware people about the woman will get a sum of Rs 75000. norms to contain the spread of Covid-19 About 354 crore is distributed to over 2.36 in “Unlock” phase, NITI (National lakh womens belonging to Kapu, Balija, Institution for Transforming India) Telaga and Ontari communities and Aayog in partnership with Bill and having rice cards. Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Centre for Social and Behavioural ‘Surakshit Dada-Dadi, Nana-Nani Change (CSBC) of Ashoka University, Abhiyan’ launched Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ‘Surakshit Dada- (MoHFW), and Ministry of Women and Dadi, Nana-Nani Child Development (WCD) launched the Abhiyan’ has behaviour change campaign ‘Navigating been launched to the New Normal’ and its website. ensure well-being Maharashtra Announced “Maha of Senior Citizens Parwana” to Attract Fresh Industrial amid COVID-19 Investment pandemic. The campaign is a collaborative effort between The government of Maharashtra NITI Aayog, Piramal Foundation and 25 announced the “Maha Parwana” to Aspirational Districts to ensure the well- attract fresh investment in industries, for project execution, this plan will offer

94 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 National – Diary of Event incentives and a single window clearance Awla, Pepal, Ashok and Bel. These 5 system. trees represent the herbal heritage of the Key Points: country. The companies with investment “At One Click” Initiative launched by proposals for Rs.50 crore or more will Gujarat Government for MSMEs & get relaxation on getting clearances from Other Bigger Industries multiple departments with assurance letters(Maha Parwana). For 12,247 Micro, Small, and Medium These companies should apply at the Enterprises (MSMEs) and bigger Maharashtra Industry, Trade and industrial units (including the textile Investment Facilitation Cell (MAITRI), industry) in the state, the Gujarat single window system and get an online Government on 26th June 2020 has permission within 48 hours. launched an online cash aid initiative. About MAITRI: The initiative is named as ‘At One Click’. The initiative was launched by the Chief ff Chairman– Harshadeep Kamble Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani. ff Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra About the Initiative ff Objective– to attract investment and ‘At One Click’ is an online aid initiative employment in the State. for which the Gujarat Government has “Sankalp Parva” on the call of Prime committed Rs 1,369 crore of financial Minister by Ministry of Culture from aid for the MSMEs and bigger industrial 28th June to 12th July 2020 units (including the textile industry). The Union Ministry of Culture has Andhra Pradesh, gas leak in Kurnool th announced on 27 June 2020 that on the factory call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi The general manager of an Andhra the Ministry has decided to celebrate a Pradesh-based firm was killed while four 2-week long tree plantation campaign others fell ill due to an ammonia gas leak called ‘Sankalp Parva’ from 28th June to in Nandyala town of Kurnool district. Of 12th July 2020. the four, two are believed to be in critical This was informed by the Union Minister condition. of State for Culture (Independent Charge) The gas leak occurred at SPY Agro Prahlad Joshi. Industries owned by former MP S P Y During the nationwide lockdown due to Reddy. the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has experienced the importance of a clean and healthy environment. Under the Sankalp Parva, the Ministry of Culture has recommended planting 5 tress: Bargad,

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 95 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 chairs 49th Governing former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Council Meeting of NPC Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was born on Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industry July 1, 1882. He died on the same day in Minister and President of NPC Governing 1962. Council chaired the 49th Governing As a mark of respect to the exemplary Council Meeting of National Productivity services rendered by the doctors and Council (NPC). The participants in paramedical staff in fighting COVID-19, the meeting deliberated on increasing we will observe doctors day as a State the productivity levels of the India in holiday. various sectors and put forward various Chhattisgarh becomes the 1st state to suggestions such as interlinking of launch “Godhan Nyay Yojana” academia and industry for creation of a highly skilled labor force, identification of Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister of Champion sectors which has the potential Chhattisgarh announced the launch of to drive the economy, sector formulation “Godhan Nyay Yojana” through an online of specific action plans by NPC especially press conference to promote animal in agriculture and logistics sectors, and husbandry and make it a commercially adoption of technology to increase the profitable practice and to procure the cow productivity. dung from the farmers at a fixed rate. Objectives: Madhya Pradesh to launch ‘Kill To prevent the cattles from open grazing Corona’ campaign from 1 July and solve the problems due to stray Madhya Pradesh Government will animals. be launching ‘Kill Corona’ campaign Godhan Nyay Yojana: with effect from July 1, 2020. Under the The scheme will commence from the campaign, all the households in the state Hareli Festival on 20th July 2020. will be screened. The Government aims Under this scheme the government will to generate health awareness and contain collect the cow dung from the farmers the spread of COVID-19 pandemic for a fixed price and convert it into through this campaign, which is slated to vermicompost fertilizers which will be be implemented from Bhopal. sold through the cooperative societies to meet the fertilizer requirement of National Doctor’s Day 2020 farmers, Forest Department, Agriculture, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Horticulture and Urban Administration Banerjee announced that July 1, observed Department for plantation campaigns. as National Doctors Day, will be a State holiday. National Doctors Day is observed on July 1 in memory of legendary physician and

96 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 National – Diary of Event

Uttarakhand Develops India’s First Certain parameters were set by the Lichen Park to Conserve Jurassic Era government & if the Police station meets Plant in Munsiyar the criteria then it will be rewarded. The parameters are: ff The conduct of the police station in- charge and other staff with the general public. ff Maintenance of records should be up to the mark, ff Environment should support the victims, women and children to speak The Forest Department of Uttarakhand freely about their problems without has developed India’s First Lichen fear. Park in Munsyari, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand as a research centre with over 150 Lichen species – Jurassic Era plant which was inaugurated on 27th June 2020, the development process of the 1.5 acres park began in 2019. Aim: The park is developed with an aim To protect, conserve and cultivate the lichen To provide employment to the locals To educate the importance of lichens Lichen: Lichen is a composite organism. They grow on the surface of the trees, walls, rocks and soil due to the symbiotic relationship between Algae or Cyanobacteria with fungi species.

Chhattisgarh government to launch Adarsh police station scheme The Adarsh Police stations scheme will be launched in Chhattisgarh. It will develop the police stations in the state as Ideal Police stations.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 97 International Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 7. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India, France agree to strengthen India ranked 56th safest country in bilateral defence cooperation the world Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh In a detailed study of 200 countries, had a telephonic conversation with Switzerland has been found to be the French Armed Forces Minister Florence safest place on earth to escape from the Parly . The two ministers discussed ongoing coronavirus pandemic while matters of mutual concern including India has been ranked amongst the the COVID-19 pandemic and regional second most riskiest group of countries security and appreciated efforts made by in the third tier. the armed forces of the two countries in India ranks 56th in the COVID-19 ranking battling the crisis. of 200 countries by Deep Knowledge India and France further agreed to strengthen the bilateral defence Group. The first tier comprises a list of cooperation between the two countries. 20 most safe countries while those in the France reaffirmed its commitment to fourth tier are amongst the riskiest lot. ensure timely delivery of Rafale Aircraft The study focuses on nations and their despite the challenges posed by the safety capability against the pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic. Top 10 safest countries from coronavirus: PM Modi’s first-ever virtual bilateral 1. Switzerland summit with Australian PM Scott 2. Germany Morrison begins 3. Israel Prime Minister Modi and his Australian 4. Singapore counterpart PM Scott Morrison are 5. Japan taking part in the first-ever virtual 6. Austria bilateral summit. The event signifies “the 7. China strengthening of ties with Australia and 8. Australia its upward trajectory. 9. New Zealand The Ministry of External Affairs issued, 10. South Korea stating that the virtual summit is being held as PM Morrison’s visit to India could not take place amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

98 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 International Affairs India surpasses UK in COVID-19 on its website since 13 June 2020 to raise cases, at 4th position the awareness on heritage appreciation With 2,97,001 lakh cases so far (as per and preservation as well as the cultural worldometers.info), India surpassed exchanges of the two countries. United Kingdom in total coronavirus QS ‘World University Ranking 2021’ cases to become the fourth worst-hit 17th edition; 3 Indian Institutes country in the world. among top 200 With 357 fatalities in the last 24 hours, India recorded biggest jump in COVID-19 QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) is a global th related deaths, taking the total toll to education analyst that released the 17 8102 as per union ministry of health edition of the QS World University and family welfare. The total number of Rankings 2021. This year only 3 Indian Institutions were among the top cases as per government is 2,86,579 till two hundred ranks 2 IIT’s and IISC. Thursday morning after 9,996 new cases Globally, MIT (Massachusetts Institute were detected. of Technology), USA continues to be the The highest number of confirmed cases number one for the 9th year in a row. For in the country are from Maharashtra at the first time more than ever, about 26 94,041 followed by Tamil Nadu at 36,841, Asian Institutions have been featured in Delhi at 32,810, Gujarat at 21,521, Uttar the global top 100. Pradesh at 11,610, Rajasthan at 11,600 The six QS rankings indicators to qualify and Madhya Pradesh at 10,049 according for ranking are based on: to the health ministry’s data ff academic reputation(40% weightage) Data Countries ff employer reputation(10% weightage) 1 USA ff citations per faculty(20% weightage) 2 Brazil ff faculty/student ratio(20%weightage) 3 Russia ff international faculty ratio and 4 India international student ratio(5% weightage) 5 UK Top 5 Global ranking Institutions: QS World University Rankings 2021 China Cultural and Natural Heritage ( TOP 5) Day 2020 2021 2020 Institution Country As June 13th, 2020 marks the 2020 China 1 1 Massachusetts USA Cultural and Natural Heritage Day Institute of and given the situation of COVID-19, Technology(MIT) the China Cultural Center is going to 2 2 Stanford USA launch an online presentation of world University heritage sites and elements in China and information of Luxembourgish elements 3 3 Harvard USA University

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 99 International Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

Indian Institutions stakeholder initiative, and initiative first-of-its-type initiative for evolving This year only 3 Institutions from India better understanding of challenges and were among the top two-hundred ranks, opportunities around AI. It was officially with IIT’s dominating the list. proposed by France and Canada at the Indian Institutes Ranking in Top 200: Biarritz Summit in August 2019. The

IIT Bombay with the top spot at rank 172 GPAI will initially be comprised of four (152 in 2020) working groups focused on responsible

IISc Bengaluru was at the 185th spot (184 AI, data governance, the future of work, in 2020) and innovation and commercialisation. IIT Delhi was ranked 193 in the globe (182 in 2020) India ranked 43rd on IMD’s World About QS World University Ranking: Competitiveness Index QS World University ranking is the India continues to remain ranked 43rd world’s leading provider of services, on an annual World Competitiveness analytics and insight to the global higher Index compiled by Institute for education sector it was inaugurated in Management Development (IMD) with 2004. It is the worlds most consulted some traditional weaknesses like poor source of comparison on University infrastructure and insufficient education performance. QS releases the World investment keeping its ranking low. University Ranking of top 1000 Singapore has retained its top position on universities every year. the 63-nation list. Head office- the United Kingdom Denmark has moved up to the second position (from 8th last year), Switzerland India Joined GPAI as founding has gained one place to rank 3rd, the member Netherlands has retained its 4th place India has joined the Global Partnership and Hong Kong has slipped to the fifth on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) as a place (from 2nd in 2019). founding member to support responsible India was ranked 41st on the IMD and human-centric development and use World Competitiveness Ranking, being of Artificial Intelligence (AI). produced by the business school based With this, India has joined the league of in Switzerland and Singapore every year leading nations and economies including since 1989, but had slipped to 45th in 2017 the US, the UK, EU, Australia, Canada, before improving to 44th in 2018 and then France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, to 43rd in 2019. New Zealand, Republic of Korea, and Singapore for launch of GPAI. About GPAI: GPAI is an international, multi-

100 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 International Affairs India 2nd Major Driver of Global India becomes 12th largest US govt Energy Consumption in 2019 After securities holder China According to the 69th edition of “Statistical Review of World Energy 2020”, which collects and analyses energy data for 2019 , released by UK (United Kingdom) based oil and gas company BP plc, India was the 2nd major market after China to India has become the 12th largest holder increase primary energy consumption in of US government securities at the end the year 2019. of April 2020 with a holding worth USD Primary energy consumption comes 157.4 billion. under total energy consumption, which The US Treasury Department data also includes oil, natural gas, coal, showed that after significantly reducing electricity, carbon emissions, renewables, the exposure in March to USD 156.5 hydro and nuclear energy. billion, India marginally hiked the India’s position at total energy holding by USD 0.9 billion to USD 157.4 consumption: On the other hand, India’s billion the next month. energy consumption in 2019 was the third While India’s holding touched a record largest (34.06 EJ-an increase of 2.3%) only high of USD 177.5 billion in February, the after China (141.70 EJ) and United States same was drastically reduced in March. (94.65 EJ). Despite, the rate of growth in The exposure had stood at USD 164.3 energy consumption in the year 2019 has billion in January. been slower than in 2018. At the end of April, Japan remained the country with the maximum exposure at Mukesh Ambani joins club of world’s USD 1.27 trillion, followed by China at 10 richest USD 1.1 trillion and the UK at USD 368.5 Asia’s richest man has entered a new billion. league of wealth. The net worth of Mukesh Ambani, 75th Victory Day Parade of World War chairman of RelianceNSE 0.11 % II Industries Ltd., has jumped to $64.5 In the midst of India’s escalating border billion, making him the only Asian row with China, Defence Minister tycoon in the exclusive club of the Rajnath Singh left for Russia on a three- world’s top 10 richest people, according day visit during which he is likely to to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He press for the timely delivery of the S-400 overtook Larry Ellison of Oracle Corp. missile defence systems and discuss ways and France’s Francoise Bettencourt to further expand bilateral military ties. Meyers, the wealthiest woman, to reach Singh is primarily visiting Russia to the No. 9 spot.

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 101 International Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 attend a grand military parade in Moscow and Development’s (OECD’s) Global on June 24 to mark the 75th anniversary Forum on transparency and exchange of of the Soviet victory over Germany in information for tax purposes. the Second World War. However, it is The Global Forum’s latest peer review learnt that the minister will also discuss report on exchange of information on with Russian leaders regional security request, during the period from July scenario and bolstering of overall defence 2015 to June 2018,features India among cooperation. the top-three jurisdictions, helping India to launch prosecution against a large number of alleged tax evaders.. Russia plans to take first tourist for The other two countries were France and spacewalk in 2023 Germany.

World’s first yoga University outside India launched in LA The world’s first yoga university outside India has been launched in Los Angeles, United States as a part of the 6th International Yoga Day commemorations. The Vivekananda Yoga University (VaYU) will offer programmes that Russia’s Energia Space Corporation plans combine scientific principles and modern to take its first tourist for spacewalk in research approaches to the ancient Indian the year 2023. The Energia entered into a practice of yoga. contract with Space Adventures of United The university was jointly launched by States to take two space tourists in 2023 Chairperson of the Standing Committee to the International Space Station (ISS). on External Affairs P P Chaudhary and Energia is a part of Roscosmos, Russia’s Minister of State for External Affairs Space Agency. V Muraleedharan on June 23 during a India among Switzerland’s top-3 virtual meeting in New York. partners for getting info on bank The university combines best of the accounts East, which is yoga and its applications and best of the West, which is modern India is among the top-three countries to scientific research get detailed information from Switzerland on request about bank accounts and THE Young University Ranking 2020 beneficiary ownership of entities The Times Higher Education (THE) established by their residents in the released THE Young University Alpine nation, as per the latest study by Rankings 2020 for the universities which Organisation for Economic Cooperation

102 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 International Affairs are 50 years old or younger. Two Indian Top 5 Universities: Institutes secured their ranks in the top Rank Name Country 100 with IIT Ropar, the best 12 year old institute of India at 62nd rank and IIT 1 The Hong Kong Hong Kong Indore at 64th rank. University of Science and Key Points: Technology The Indian Institute of Science Education (HKUST) and Research (IISER) (Pune) and Indian 2 Nanyang Singapore Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar Technological ranked 101-150. University Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, IIT- Bhubaneswar, IIT Guwahati and IIT 3 Paris Sciences France Hyderabad secured 151-200th rank. et Lettres – PSL Research Pondicherry University ranks 201-250th Rank in the list. University 4 Sant’Anna School Italy The Parameter of judging: of Advanced ff Teaching (30%) Studies ff Research (30%) 5 Korea Advanced South Korea ff Citation (30%) Institute of Science ff International Outlook (7.5%) and Technology ff Industrial Income (2.5%) (KAIST) About THE: ff Editor– John Gill ff Location– London, United Kingdom

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 103 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 8. TAMILNADU AFFAIRS

TN CM lays foundation stone for collected as market fees from traders, TIDEL IT park at Pattabiram who procure the produce from farmers. The model APMC Act was introduced Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K in 2003, and many reforms have been Palaniswami laid the foundation stone proposed in 2007, 2013, and 2017. As of for the construction of a TIDEL IT Park now, 17 states have amended the Act at Pattabiram, with an aim to usher in according to their convenience. The Act development in the northern parts of the isn’t implemented in Kerala while Bihar city. Palaniswami laid the foundation repealed it in 2006. Each state has its own stone via video conferencing for the 5.57 regulation and functioning of mandis lakh sq.ft facility. under APMC. The estimated Rs 235 crore facility will be the second TIDEL Park in the city, Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswamy assures with the first one being located on the more relaxations for industrialists busy Rajiv Gandhi Salai, also known as would be announced the city’s IT Corridor for the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi various software companies along the Palaniswamy has assured industrialists route. in the state that more relaxations Centre’s plans for farm reforms may from lockdown restrictions would be announced. Addressing a CII seminar not cut ice with TN farmers on the industrial prospects in the state Farmers’ bodies instead demand to fix through video-conferencing, he said the minimum support price and regulate Covid-19 situation is being assessed in markets; experts say government should various regions and relaxations are being introduce farmers to online platforms to announced based on the ground realities. sell produce directly Chief Minister highlighted that industrial In Tamil Nadu, the APMC known as the practices and announced the Government Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing would always stand by the industry even Board, was established in 1977. At least while taking care of the safety of all. 21 market committees functioning under He assured that all efforts will be made it oversee 277 regulated markets. Earlier to improve further the ease of doing a per cent of the value of the produce was business index in the state.

104 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Tamilnadu Affairs Tamil Nadu plans ordinance for 10% as recommended by the 15th Finance NEET quota for govt students Commission. The grant had been released for 14 states including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Sikkim and six North Eastern states excluding Arunachal Pradesh. The government on June 10, 2020 released Rs 6,195.08 crore to 14 states as the third equated monthly instalment of the Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant Tamil Nadu government school students as recommended by the 15th Finance who clear NEET may get 10% horizontal Commission. This would provide them reservation in medical admission from additional resources during the Corona this academic year, highly placed sources crisis told TOI. The AIADMK government may The money has been released ahead of soon promulgate an ordinance on this schedule and as a special dispensation following recommendations made by to meet immediate funding needs of the Justice P Kalaiyarasan-led commission in state governments looking to restore its report field. economic activity and minimise losses to The panel was constituted by the state its citizens due to disruptions caused by government last March to analyze the lockdowns. reason for government school students

not being able to gain admission to Of the 14 states, the maximum grant- medical colleges after it came under in-aid has gone to Kerala -- an amount attack from opposition parties over the of 1,277 crore followed by Himachal issue. Pradesh with revenue deficit grant of Rs 953 crore. Andhra Pradesh received Rs Centre releases Rs 6,195 crore to 14 491 crore, while Tamil Nadu received Rs states from post devolution revenue 335 crore. deficit grant This comes after the Finance Ministry In an attempt to assist state governments released Rs 36,400 crore to states as to effectively address situation arising compensation for their revenue loss in out of Covid-19, the Central Government the goods and services tax (GST) regime released the third instalment of states’ for the period from December 2019 to share of revenue deficit grant amounting February 2020. to over Rs 6,000 crore. This is part of the With this the Centre has released its ‘Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant’ entire GST compensation due to states

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 105 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 for financial year 2019-20 and also given Narendra Modi’s vision of sustainable extra compensation for February that is energy future for India. accounted for in the current fiscal FY21. A compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant of IOT, a joint venture of Indian Oil Corporation Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami open with Oiltanking GmbH of Germany, at Mettur dam Namakkal in Tamil Nadu together with five CBG stations for automobiles were remotely inaugurated jointly by Mr. Edappadi K. Palaniswami

Centre Allocates Rs 4125 cr to Rejuvenate Small, Medium & Tiny Industries Sector in Tamil Nadu The Central Government has allocated 4125 crore rupees to Tamil Nadu for rejuvenating the Small, Medium and Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami Tiny industries sector. will be inaugurating two flyovers a two- It forms 10% of the total allocation of tier flyover constructed at a cost of Rs 441 the scheme, and the scheme is being crore between Kuranguchavadi and Four effectively implemented in the state. Roads and another flyover built between TN Chief Minister Edapadi K. Palanisamy Shevapet and Leigh Bazaar for Rs 46.35 has laid the foundation stone for 166 crore crore. rupees Pilloor joint water supply scheme. Shri Edappadi K Palaniswami CM The newly redesigned Ukkadam pond inaugurated CBG plant and CBG fuel and pedestrian amenities built at a cost of stations at Namakkal 39 crore rupees are opened to the public.

Virtually inaugurated CBG plant and CBG fuel stations at Namakkal, Tamil Nadu along with Hon. CM Edappadi K Palaniswami. These projects will harness the potential of biofuels, generate alternate clean energy and fulfil PM

106 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Practice Questions 9. PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. Choose the correct statement regarding Bharatmala Pari Yojana. 1. The scheme was launched for road construction in India. 2. It gives special importance to projects connecting rural areas only. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 2. The World Day against child labours was launched in ______? (A) 1948 (B) 1964 (C) 2002 (D) 2012 3. Choose the correct statement regarding official secrets Act? 1. In India It was enacted in the year of 1923. 2. In 2017 The Home Ministry submitted a report on amending the act. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 4. The Asiatic Lion is listed under which of the following category in IUCN Red List? (A) Extinct (B) Critical Endangered (C) Endangered (D) No threat 5. National institutional Ranking Frame work (NIRF) has been released by which of the following Ministry? (A) Ministry of Higher Education (B) Ministry of Finance (C) Ministry of Home (D) Ministry of HRD 6. Which was the safest year in the Indian Railways with Zero Passenger fatality for the first time? (A) 2018-2019 (B) 2019-2020 (C) 2016-2017 (D) 2017-2018 7. Who is the current President of United Nations General Assembly? (A) Tijiani Muhammed-Band (B) Gofi Anan (C) Antanio Guteress (D) Maria Fernanda 8. The International Religious Freedom Report is published by______. (A) UNGA (B) UNESCO (C) US State Department (D) None of the above 9. The Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act-1974 provided for the establishment of ______. (A) Central Pollution Control Board (B) National Green Tribunal (C) National bio diversity Authority (D) Air pollution Control Board 10. Who is the head of the committee which is recently constituted by ministry of Home Affairs to welfare of the freedom fighters? (A) Kiren Rijiju (B) Kishan Reddy (C) Prahalad Singh Patel (D) Jitendra Singh 11. Which country was the largest source of FDI in India during 2019-20 Financial Year? (A) Singapore (B) Mauritius (C) France (D) USA

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 107 Practice Questions Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 12. Who is the head of Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)? (A) Home Minister (B) Prime Minister (C) Union Finance Minister (D) RBI Governor 13. Which organisation conducted “Digital summit on Exports” recently? (A) FICCI (B) CII (C) FCI (D) NASSCOM 14. Which Indian Personality has been selected by the UNICEF to spread awareness on menstrual hygiene? (A) Priyanka Chopra (B) Deepika Padukone (C) Manushi Chillar (D) Smriti Mandana 15. Choose the correct Statement regarding Right to Information? 1. NRI’s cannot file RTI Applications. 2. Obtaining Information under RTI is free of cost for all. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 16. Vellayani Lake is in the state at? (A) Tamil Nadu (B) Karnataka (C) Kerala (D) Andhara Pradesh 17. Which state has launched the “Rozgar setu” scheme for skilled migrant workers? (A) Maharashtra (B) Madhya Pradesh (C) Uttar Pradesh (D) Odisha 18. The foundation stone for a missile park named AGNEE PRASTHA was laid in which city? (A) Cochin (B) Mumbai (C) Visakapattinam (D) Ahmadabad 19. G.Rohini committee recently seen in News that is related which of the following? (A) Reservation for Transgenders (B) Sub categorisation of OBC (C) To improve the performance of MSME (D) Ganga Rejuvanation 20. Which protected area is considered to be the only sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh for Asian Elephants? (A) Coringa Wild Life Sanctuary (B) Papikonda National Park (C) Koudinya Wild Life Sanctuary (D) None of the above 21. World Economic outlook is published by ______. (A) World Bank (B) International Monetary Fund (C) World Trade Organisation (D) World Economic Forum 22. Choose the correct statement. 1. Shwe oil & Natural Gas Project field located along the Rakhine coast of Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal. 2. ONGC Videsh Ltd has been associated with exploration and development of Shwe Project. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 23. Which E-commerce Portal has mandated the sellers to mention “Country of Origin”? (A) Amazon (B) Flipkart (C) Government e-market place (GEM) (D) Bharat Mart

108 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Practice Questions 24. As per the National Statistical office survey what is the rank of India in terms of purchasing power parity PPP for 2017? (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 5 25. The world’s fastest super computer Fugako belongs to which of the following countrty? (A) China (B) South Korea (C) Japan (D) USA 26. Choose the correct statement. 1. Aravalli ranges is one of the oldest mountain ranges of India. 2. Mount abu wildlife sanctuary is located in this ranges. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 27. Choose the correct statement regarding Albinism. 1. International Albinism awareness day is celebrated on June 13 every year. 2. This year marked under the theme of made to shine. 3. Albinism is genetically inherited, non contagious. (A) 1 only (B) 1, 2 (C) 1, 3 (D) All the above 28. COVID-19 and child labour: A Time of crisis A Time to Act report has been released by _____. (A) UNESCO (B) UNICEF (C) International Labour Organisation (D) B & C 29. Choose the correct statement regarding GST Council. 1. It is a Constitutional body. 2. It will be chaired by Prime Minister. 3. State’s Finance Minister only can be a member of GST Council. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) 1, 3 (D) All the above 30. Bio Medical Waste Management Rules was created in which of the following year in India? (A) 1986 (B) 1998 (C) 2002 (D) 2014 31. India’s first Integrated Flood warning System was installed in which city? (A) Chennai (B) Mumbai (C) New Delhi (D) Kochi 32. Which of the following countries are not signed the Non proliferation of Nuclear weapons Treaty? 1. India 2. Pakistan 3. Israel 4. South Sudan (A) 1, 2 (B) 1, 2, 3 (C) 1, 2, 4 (D) All the above 33. M. B Lal Committee recently seen in news is related to which of the following? (A) Environmental Impacts (B) IOCL – Fire Accident (C) Financial Inclusion (D) Digital Transaction 34. Magallunodon baikashkenke recently seen in news is a ______. (A) Snake (B) Dinosaur (C) Bacteria (D) Small Mammal 35. Narcondom Hornbill is the Endemic to which of the following Indian Region? (A) Western Ghats (B) Eastern Ghats (C) Andamar (D) Aravalli Ranges 36. Kole Wetlands is recently seen in news which is located in which of the following state? (A) Andhra Pradesh (B) Karnataka (C) Kerala (D) Telangana

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 109 Practice Questions Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020

37. Kholongchhu hydroelectric project belongs to which country? (A) West Bengal (B) Nepal (C) Srilanka (D) Bhutan 38. India’s First Lichen Park to conserve Jurassic Era Plants that is developed by______. (A) Gujarat (B) Bihar (C) Uttarkhand (D) Assam 39. Chattisgarh Government recently launched Godhan Nyay Yojana is to promote ______. (A) Self help groups (B) Animal Husbandary (C) Jobs for migrants (D) Rain water harvesting 40. Choose the correct statement regarding Kayakalp Award? 1. It was instituted as a part of Swacch Bharat Abhiyan. 2. The award is to recognise the public Health Facilities that Exhibit high levels of cleanliness hygiene and infection centre. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 41. Which of the following country is going to Host the 2023 women’s FIFA World Cup? (A) Brazil (B) Australia (C) Newzeland (D) B & C 42. When Micro, Small, Medium – sized Enterprises (MSME) Day celebrated every year? (A) June 26 (B) June 27 (C) June 28 (D) June 29 43. Who is the head of the committee constituted to investigate the Assam’s Baghjam oil well fire incident? (A) A.K.Sikri (B) Siddhanta Das (C) S.P. Wangdi (D) B.P.Katakey 44. Choose the correct statement regarding National Statistics Day? 1. PC Mahalanobis remembered as the father of statistics in India. 2. His birth anniversary observed as National Statistics Day every year. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 45. Which State the River Vamsadhara Originates? (A) Maharashtra (B) Madhya Pradesh (C) Karnataka (D) Odisha 46. Choose the correct statement regarding Earth Quake. 1. The Magnitude Scale is known as the Richter Scale. 2. The Intensity scale named mercalli. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 47. Arya Bhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is in the State of? (A) Uttarkhand (B) Himachal Pradesh (C) Punjab (D) Arunachal Pradesh 48. Who is the Chairman of National Tiger conservation Authority? (A) Prime Minister (B) Environment Minister (C) Cabinet Secretary (D) Secretary of Environment Ministry 49. What is the corpus of the Payment Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) recently set up by the RBI? (A) 5000 Cr (B) 4000 Cr (C) 1000 Cr (D) 500 Cr

110 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Practice Questions 50. Which Country is going to host 2022 Asian Fool Ball Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup for the First Time? (A) Nepal (B) Japan (C) India (D) Srilanka 51. Ambarnaya River was recently seen in news is located in which country? (A) USA (B) Germany (C) Russia (D) Australia 52. Which of the following countries hosted the World Environment Day 2020, Themed Biodiversity? (A) Colombia – Germany (B) Germany - Russia (C) Colombia - Japan (D) Germany - Japan 53. Which country has launched National Campaign on prevention of Human and Animal Mortality on Highway? (A) Germany (B) India (C) Japan (D) Brazil 54. What is the main objective of the scheme Gariba Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan? (A) Loans for MSME (B) Programmes for self help groups (C) Employment for Migrant workers (D) Rural Development 55. Which of the following statements are correct ? 1. The historic Puri Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 2. It is located at the state of Jharkhand. 3. The great saints such as Ramananda and Ramanuja were closely Associated with this temple. (A) 1, 2 (B) 1, 3 (C) 3 only (D) All the above 56. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pari Yojana (PMBJP) is implemented by which Union Ministry? (A) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (B) Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (C) Ministry of Women and Child Development (D) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment 57. Choose the correct statement regarding Asian Development Bank. 1. Its Membership restricted to Asian countries alone. 2. China and India hold the largest proportion of shares at this Bank. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 58. Kodumanal in Tamil Nadu is an important archaeological site as per inscriptions found in sangam literature Kodumanal was ______. (A) Agrarian Centre (B) Indo-Roman trade point (C) Industrial Centre (D) B & C 59. Which of following institution is the regulator of Housing Finance Companies (HFC)? (A) National Housing Bank (B) Reserve Bank of India (C) SIDBI (D) SEBI 60. Who has been elected as the president of 75th United Nation General Assembly? (A) Gita Gopinath (B) Volkan Bozkir (C) Masat Sugu Asakawa (D) David Malpasis

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 111 Practice Questions Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 61. What is the name of India’s first mobile COVID-19 testing lab recently launched by Union Health Minister? (A) Bharat Lab (B) CO-LAB (C) GRAM LAB (D) I-LAB 62. Vadhavan Port is proposed to be built in which Indian State? (A) Gujarat (B) Maharashtra (C) Odisha (D) Kerala 63. Jim Corbat National Part is located in which state? (A) Uttar Pradesh (B) Uttarkhand (C) Assam (D) West Bengal 64. Tulip Internship programme has been launched for______. (A) Research Candidates (B) 10 & 12 School Students (C) Engineering Graduates (D) Medical Students 65. Muthanga Wild life Sanctuary is located in which state? (A) Karnataka (B) Andhar Pradesh (C) Kerala (D) Odisha 66. What is the theme of World Environment day celebrated on June 5, 2020? (A) Celebrate Biodiversity (B) Protect Bio Diversity (C) Man vs Biodiversity (D) Trees are the Key of Bio diversity 67. Who has been appointed as the next high commissioner of India to the United Kingdom? (A) Gaitri I. Kumar (B) Ruchi Ghanshyam (C) Vijaya Kumar (D) Alok Kumar Sinha 68. Which of the following is seen as a defining element in India’s relations with Bhutan? (A) Counter terrorism cooperation (B) Hydro power co-operation (C) Linking of Pilgrimage sites (D) Land Border dispute 69. Which viceroy of India took measures to conserve the Rhino Population in Kaziranga? (A) Lord Mayo (B) Lord Curzon (C) Lord Minto (D) Lord Irwin 70. Which Indian state declared Internet as Fundamental right? (A) Goa B) Maharashtra (C) Kerala (D) Haryana 71. Name the longest expressway of India, which is likely to be completed by 2021? (A) Delhi meerut express way (B) Yamuna Express way (C) Purvanchal Express way (D) Belghoria Express way 72. Konda Pochamma Sagar Project was inaugurated in which state? (A) Andhra Pradesh (B) Kerala (C) Karnataka (D) Telangana 73. Who has been appointed as the new president of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) ? (A) Vikram Kirloshka (B) Uday Kotak (C) Sunjiv Mehta (D) Sangita Reddy 74. YUKTI 2.0 (Young India Combating COVID with knowledge, Technology and Innovation) Platform has been launched by ______. (A) Ministry of Commerce and Trade (B) Defence Ministry (C) Ministry of HRD (D) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

112 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Practice Questions 75. Which of the following state launched Indira Rasoi Yojna to provide pure and nutritious food to the economically weaker section people? (A) Kerala (B) New Delhi (C) Punjab (D) Rajasthan 76. Todoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in which of the following state? (A) Madhya Pradesh (B) Odisha (C) Maharashtra (D) West Bengal 77. Choose the correct statement regarding Kani Shawl. 1. It is a type of Kashmir Shawl. 2. It has the geographical indication tag. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 78. Ambubachi Mela annually celebrated in which of the following state? (A) Gujarat (B) Bihar (C) Assam (D) Rajasthan 79. Senkaku Islands is a disputed Region between which two countries? (A) Russia and China (B) China and Vietnam (C) Japan and China (D) North Korea and South Korea 80. Choose the correct statement regarding Panchganga River. 1. It flows in the state of Maharashtra 2. It is a major tributary of Krishna River. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 81. Which year Forest (Conservation) Act has been enacted in India? (A) 1972 (B) 1980 (C) 1984 (D) 1992 82. Titan is the moon of ______. (A) Mars (B) Satum (C) Venus (D) Mecury 83. According to mercer’s 2020 cost of living Survey which is the 60th most expensive city in world? (A) Chennai (B) New Delhi (C) Mumbai (D) Pune 84. Choose the correct statement regarding Ayushman Bharat? 1. It was launched in 2018. 2. The Scheme aims to provide health cover up to Rs.5 Lakhs per family. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 85. What is the objective of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana? (A) High Yield (B) Per Drop more crop (C) Double the income of farmers (D) Easy Market Access 86. Which of the following Statement Correct regarding skilled workers arrival database? 1. It is an initiative of ministry of Labour. 2. It will help the migrant workers find jobs in the home state. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 87. What is the Name of Tropical Storm recently hits Louisiana? (A) Arthur (B) Fay (C) Cristobal (D) Bertha

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 113 Practice Questions Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 88. Choose the correct statement regarding UN Security Council. 1. Each year the 193 member of General Assembly elects five non-permanent members for two years term. 2. A retiring member is not eligible for immediate re-election. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 89. Which of the following ministry is the Nodal Agency for the Scheme Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD)? (A) Ministry of Finance (B) Ministry of Home (C) Ministry of Rural Development (D) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation 90. Choose the correct statement regarding Recent Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Report. 1. Russia and the USA together posses over 90 percent of the global nuclear weapons. 2. Both China and Pakistan have larger nuclear arsenals than India. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 91. A New Fish Species called “Schizothoraks Sikusirumansis” has been discovered in which of the following state. (A) Arunachal Pradesh (B) Kerala (C) Assam (D) Megalaya 92. IM Vijayan Famous sports person recently seen in news associated with which sport? (A) Cricket (B) Football (C) Archery (D) Basket Ball 93. Choose the correct statement regarding Pangong Tso Lake. 1. It is a Fresh Water Lake. 2. Located in the height of more than 14000 ft in the Ladakh Himalayas. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above 94. What is the theme of “Verified” which is the initiative launched by the United Nation to fight against misinformation about COVID-19? (A) Verify, Announce, Follow (B) Science, Solidarity & Solution (C) Find, Curb, Inform (D) Curb, Inform, Cure 95. Who authored the biography of Dadabhai Naoroji titled “Naoroji Pioneer of Indian Nationalism”? (A) Romila Thapar (B) Jairam Ramesh (C) Dinyar Patel (D) R.C.Majumdar 96. Keibul Lamjao National Park is located which state? (A) Manipur (B) Nagaland (C) Mizoram (D) Megalaya 97. Choose the correct statement regarding Narcotics Control Bureau. 1. It was established in the year of 1986. 2. It is the nodal drug Law enforcement and intelligence agency coming under the Ministry of Home Affairs. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above

114 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, June - 2020 Practice Questions 98. “Sankalp Parva” a Tree Plantation Campaign has been launched by______. (A) Ministry of Environment (B) Ministry of Culture (C) Ministry of Tourism (D) Ministry of home 99. Choose the correct statement regarding Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. 1. The Symptoms for Type 1 appear more quickly than Type 2. 2. Type 2 affects more people than Type 1. (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both (D) None of the above

100. What is the name of the mobile app developed by the Indian Red Cross Society to provide easy access to blood? (A) e Blood Services (B) Rakt Kosh (C) Bharat Blood (D) Blood Bank

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

A C C C D B A C A B 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

A C B C D C B C C C 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

B C C C A C D D A B 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

A D B D C C D C B C 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

D B D C D C A B D C 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60

C A B C C B D D B B 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70

D B B C C A A B B C 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80

C D B C D C C C C C 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90

B B C C B C C A C 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

C A B B B C A B C A

Vetrii IAS Study Circle 115

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Contact Address: ACCOUNT NO : 50200000435399

VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE IFSC CODE : HDFC 0000017 F Block New No. 1, 9th Street, 1st Avenue Main AMOUNT Road, Chinthamani, Anna Nagar (E), Chennai - 102. Ph : 044-26265356 / 9790874927 DEPOSITED : ......

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