Current Affairs Today 19th June 2020-Download in PDF

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Current Affairs Today – 19th June 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

  1. Every year, Autistic Pride Day is observed on June 18 globally to create awareness about autism among people and recognise the importance of pride for autistic people and its role in bringing about positive changes in the broader society.
  2. International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed globally on 19th June every year.
  3. India’s 3rd largest lender, Bank of Baroda will completely digitize its lending operations including home, agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME), personal and auto loans.
  4. ICICI Home Finance Company Limited (HFC) has launched “SARAL” scheme for a special affordable house loan for urban and rural areas.
  5. With a view to helping customers get their business done in branches without having to wait in queues, Federal Bank introduces a facility for pre-booking their appointments.
  6. The global credit rating agency has affirmed the country’s sovereign rating at ‘BBB-’, the lowest investment grade.
  7. ADB Forecast India’s GDP at -4% for FY’21; 5% for FY’22
  8. Ola unveiled an emergency service in its application to serve people after the Tamil Nadu government announced the new phase of lockdown
  9. United Kingdom oil major “British Petroleum” is going to set up Global Business Service Centre in Pune, Maharashtra to support its global businesses.
  10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on 20 June 2020 from Beldaur of Khagaria District of Bihar.
  11. On 18 June 2020, Karnataka observed ‘Mask Day’ to create awareness about the importance of wearing a mask as a preventive measure against Covid-19.
  12. The Jammu & Kashmir Administration approved the Agriculture Production Department’s proposal to change its nomenclature to “Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department” and announced new rules for appointments to various posts.
  13. Maharashtra Government has launched a new portal which will be useful not only for those who are in search of Jobs but also for those entrepreneurs who are in search of skilled workforce.
  14. Germany sought to mobilize the public 0to download a new smartphone app that seeks to help break the chain of coronavirus infections, one of several such apps in Europe that governments hope will revive travel and tourism.
  15. Kubatbek Boronov was appointed as Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister. Kyrgyzstan’s President Sooronbai Jeenbekov signed an order to appoint him.
  16. International Workshop on “Good Governance Practices in a Pandemic for International Civil Servants” was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh.
  17. Tata AIA Life Insurance partnered with East Consultancy Services to offer Aadhaar-based paperless offline e-Know Your Customer(KYC) service. This tie up helps to service the customer during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
  18. Karnataka Bank in partnership with Universal Sompo General Insurance Company has launched a health insurance policy.
  19. Jio Platforms and Reliance Industries on June 18 announced an investment of Rs. 11,367 crore by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
  20. Two Indian firms namely ZestMoney and Stellapps have figured in the 2020 Technology Pioneers list released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on 16 June 2020.
  21. India’s first solar-powered ferry, Aditya has been shortlisted for the Gustave Trouvé Award as the only entrant from Asia.
  22. National Awards of Panchayat have been announced by the Government of India. As many as 15 panchayats of Madhya Pradesh have been honoured with the awards.
  23. Volkan Bozkır, a veteran Turkish diplomat and parliamentarian was elected as the President of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on June 17.
  24. India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term during the 2020 UNSC elections held on 17 June 2020.
  25. The Ministry of Finance notified the appointment of Devendra Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, as Central Government nominee Director on the Board of Directors of Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
  26. Earlier during the Indian Air Force Day on the 8th of October 2019, Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhaduria (Chief- India Air Force) stated about the plans for procuring additional aircraft.
  27. Within 10 days of the Galwan Valley Clash, the Armed Forces of India and China are set to take part in the 75th Victory Anniversary of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany at the Red Square in Moscow, Russia on 24th June 2020.
  28. The football club Napoli has won the 2019-20 Coppa Italia cup after defeating Juventus with 4–2 on shootout penalties in the final after a goalless draw on 17 June 2020.
  29. Bayern Munich have been crowned Bundesliga champions for an eighth successive season after a 1-0 win at Werder Bremen.
  30. The All India Football Consideration (AIFF) has been granted the rights to host AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 by The Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
  31. Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated and flagged off India’s first Infectious disease diagnostic lab (I-Lab) for COVID-19 testing in rural and inaccessible areas of India.
  32. CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) Lucknow received permission to carry out Phase III randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled trial of efficacy, safety, and tolerability of antiviral drugs Umifenovir.
  33. The Penguin Hamish Hamilton released the “A Burning”, debut novel of Megha Majumdar.
  34. Former Goa minister Achyut Kashinath Sinai Usgaonkar has passed away following age-related ailments. He was 92.
  35. Leading diamantaire Arunkumar Ramniklal Mehta who founded the B. Arunkumar & Co. six decades ago passed away at a private hospital. He was 80.
  36. Malayalam Film director, scriptwriter, and producer K.R. Sachidanandan passed away.

NEWS IN DETAILS

IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES

Autistic Pride Day observed on 18 June

  • Every year, Autistic Pride Day is observed on June 18 globally to create awareness about autism among people and recognise the importance of pride for autistic people and its role in bringing about positive changes in the broader society.
  • The day is represented by a rainbow infinity symbol which denotes the infinite possibilities that autistic people have.
  • Autistic Pride Day was first celebrated in Brazil in 2005, at the initiative of an organisation named Aspies for Freedom.

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict observed on 19 June

  • International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed globally on 19th June every year.
  • This day is seen to bring issues to light of the need to stop strife related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all or any those that have fearlessly dedicated their lives to and lost their lives in going to bat for the annihilation of those violations.

History:

  • On 19 June 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/69/293) announced 19 June of consistently the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The date was picked to recognize the selection on 19 June 2008 of Security Council goals 1820 (2008), during which the Council censured sexual savagery as a strategy of war and a hindrance to peace building.

BANKING & FINANCE 

BoB to completely digitize its lending operations

  • India’s 3rd largest lender, Bank of Baroda will completely digitize its lending operations including home, agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME), personal and auto loans. The bank has recently completed its merger with Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank.
  • The validation and disbursal of fresh loans will happen via this digital platform while past loans will also be digitised to cut costs and improve profitability.
  • The bank is planning to digitise a large proportion of its retail and MSME processes in the next six months.
  • The bank has set up a new vertical, digital lending department at the corporate office, which will have substantial overlap with various credit verticals including Retail, MSME, Agri & service verticals like Analytics centre, Risk Management, Marketing.
  • To set up this digital lending department the bank has reached out to the Big Four and some white shoe consultants like McKinsey and Boston Consulting Group.

Extra Shots:

Bank of Baroda

  • Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat.
  • MD & CEO: Sanjiv Chadha.
  • Tagline: India’s International Bank
  • Founder: Sayajirao Gaekwad III
  • Founded: 20 July 1908, Vadodara
  • Owner: Government of India (69.2%)

ICICI Home Finance launches “SARAL” scheme for affordable house loan

  • ICICI Home Finance Company Limited (HFC) has launched “SARAL” scheme for a special affordable house loan for urban and rural areas.
  • The beneficiaries are women, lower, middle-income customers and economically weaker sections, with a maximum household income up to Rs 6 lakh per annum.

SARAL Scheme:

  • The loan requires compulsory ownership of a woman in the country’s rural areas from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.
  • The maximum limit of the loan is Rs 35 lakh.
  • The interest rate of the loan starts from 7.98%.
  • The maximum tenure of the loan is 20 years. Customers with pre-existing loans can also transfer their loans.

Extra Shots:

ICICI Home Finance Company Limited

  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • Chairman: Anup Bagchi.
  • MD & CEO: Anirudh Kamani
  • Founded: 1999
  • Parent organization: ICICI Bank

Federal Bank to Offer Facility for Pre-Booking Appointments in Branches

  • With a view to helping customers get their business done in branches without having to wait in queues, Federal Bank introduces a facility for pre-booking their appointments.
  • Customers who wish to avail this facility can schedule their visits themselves online and free of charges.
  • The facility named FedSwagat has been rolled out in 50 branches now and by the end of June 2020, all the branches of the Bank will offer the facility.
  • Introduction of FedSwagat is a unique move by a bank in helping its customers carry on their normal life, maintaining social distancing protocols that the current situation demands.
  • Reservation of slots can be done on https://www.federalbank.co.in/fed-swagat. Confirmation will be received as SMS instantly.
  • The service will be available on mobile apps soon.
  • Non-customers who wish to visit Federal Bank branches also can book their slots and experience the convenience.
  • The Bank has already made available many of the banking services like opening and closing deposit and loan accounts, fund transfers, getting certificates, statements, cheque books etc. online for its mobile banking and internet banking users.
  • In addition, the Bank has commissioned doorstep ATM service in several cities.

Extra Shots:

Federal Bank

  • Headquarters: Aluva
  • CEO: Shyam Srinivasan
  • Founder: K.P Hormis
  • Founded: 23 April 1931, Nedumpuram
  • Tagline: Your Perfect Banking Partner

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Fitch revises India’s outlook to negative from stable; affirms the sovereign rating at “BBB-“

  • Fitch Ratings has revised India’s long-term outlook to negative from stable, citing risks due to continued acceleration in the number of new Covid-19 cases as the lockdown is eased gradually in the country.
  • The global credit rating agency has affirmed the country’s sovereign rating at ‘BBB-’, the lowest investment grade.
  • Fitch expects Indian economic to contract by 5% (-5 percent) in the fiscal year ending March 2021 (FY21).
  • For the fiscal FY22, ending march 2022, GDP is expected to grow by 9.5%.

Extra Shots:

Fitch:

  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
  • CEO: Paul Taylor
  • Founder: John Knowles Fitch
  • Founded: 1914, New York, New York, United States

ADB Forecast India’s GDP at -4% for FY’21; 5% for FY’22

  • India’s economy is forecast to contract by 4 percent in 2020-21, as per the latest Asian Development Outlook (ADO) report of the Asian Development Bank released on 18 June 2020, due to the adverse effect of the coronavirus pandemic.
  • For FY2021, ending March 2022, India’s GDP is projected to grow at 5%.
  • GDP for 2020-21 : -4%
  • GDP for 2021-22 : 5%

Extra Shots:

ADB:

  • Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines
  • President: Masatsugu Asakawa
  • Founded: 19 December 1966
  • Purpose: Economic development
  • Membership: 68 countries

Ola unveils ‘Ola Emergency’ service in view of lockdown in Tamil Nadu

  • Ola unveiled an emergency service in its application to serve people after the Tamil Nadu government announced the new phase of lockdown which comes into effect from today.
  • The service would enable transportation of all non- COVID medical trips and also to people who need to reach the airport or railway stations during the lockdown.
  • Ola has mapped over 350 hospitals across the city into the mobile application and the service would also be available to ferry customers to airports and railway stations vice-versa.
  • All the driver partners are equipped with hygiene kits and safety equipment among others.
  • Ola Emergency’ services to enable essential mobility for the people of Chennai while following the highest standards of safety and hygiene,” Ola Emergency cabs would operate with no more than one driver and two passengers.
  • People requiring the service can book a cab by selecting the ‘Ola Emergency’ category to avail the service.

Extra Shots:

OLA

  • Founded: 3 December 2010, Mumbai
  • CEO: Bhavish Aggarwal
  • Headquarters location: Bengaluru
  • Founders: Bhavish Aggarwal, Ankit Bhati

Tamilnadu

  • Capital: Chennai
  • Chief Minister: Edappadi K.Palanisamy
  • Governor: Banwarilal Purohit
  • Chief Justice of Madras High Court: Vijaya Kamlesh Tahilramani
  • National Park: Guindy NP,Gulf of Mannar Marine NP, Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) NP,             Mudumalai NP, Mukurthi NP.

British Petroleum to set up Global Business Service Centre in Pune

  • United Kingdom oil major “British Petroleum” is going to set up Global Business Service Centre in Pune, Maharashtra to support its global businesses.
  • The centre would be established for its global business services (GBS) operations in Pune, Maharashtra.
  • The centre is expected to begin its operations by January 2021.
  • The planned Global Business Service Centre will employ around 2000 people and provide business processing as well as advanced analytics capabilities in support of British Petroleum businesses worldwide.
  • The GBSC in India will allow the oil major to tap into India’s digital talent pool and would result in its development and application of cutting-edge digital solutions.

Extra Shots:

British Petroleum (BP)

  • CEO: Bernard Looney
  • Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on 20 June

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on 20 June 2020 from Beldaur of Khagaria District of Bihar.
  • A curtain raiser Press Conference was held on the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on 18 June.

Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan:

  • Under Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, a campaign of 125 days will work in mission mode.
  • The campaign will focus to implement 25 different types of works to provide employment to migrant workers. It will also create infrastructure in the rural regions of the country on the other hand, with a resource envelope of Rs.50,000 crore.
  • The mission is a coordinated effort between 12 different Ministries/Departments, including Panchayati Raj, Road Transport & Highways, Mines, Rural Development, Drinking Water & Sanitation, Environment, Railways, Petroleum & Natural Gas, New & Renewable Energy, Border Roads, Telecom and Agriculture.
  • The move aims to provide employment for everyone who needs it and the money allotted to all these works will be pooled together and frontloaded for completion of asset creation within 125 days.

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Karnataka observes Mask Day on 18 June 2020

  • On 18 June 2020, Karnataka observed ‘Mask Day’ to create awareness about the importance of wearing a mask as a preventive measure against Covid-19.
  • As a part of the event, the state also organised a mask rally from Vidhana Soudha to Cubbon Park.
  • Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, along with ministers, celebrities and a host of officials took part in the mask rally.
  • Wearing a mask is mandatory in Karnataka. A fine of Rs 200 will be imposed for not wearing a mask in public places.

Extra Shots:

Karnataka:

  • Capital: Bengaluru
  • Governor: Vajubai Rudabai
  • Chief Minister: B.S. Yediyurappa
  • National Park: Anshi NP, Bandipur NP, Bannerghatta NP, Kudremukh NP, Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarahole) NP.

Agri Dept of J&K Changed its Name to Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department

  • The Jammu & Kashmir Administration approved the Agriculture Production Department’s proposal to change its nomenclature to “Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department” and announced new rules for appointments to various posts.

Highlights:

  • The purpose for the proposal to rename the department is not only to address the role of the agricultural productions but also to focus on farmer’s welfare and help to evaluate the value of their produce.
  • Focusing on Farmers welfare, the department extends its role beyond extension activities and on-farm activities.
  • The decision of J&K administration lines with the centre’s decision in renaming the Ministry of Agriculture as the “Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare”.
  • This new rules for appointment is known as “Jammu and Kashmir Probationer (condition of Service, Pay and Allowances) and Fixation of Tenure Rules,2020”
  • The probation period of the new appointees is reduced to 2 years from 5 years.
  • The new appointees are entitled to annual increment, dearness allowance, house rent allowance and city compensatory allowance and others which are sanctioned by the government after the probation period.
  • After the initial appointment the new appointees should serve the fixed five-year tenure.

Extra Shots:

J&K

  • Capitals- Jammu (Winter), Srinagar (Summer)
  • Lieutenant Governor– G.C. Murmu
  • Chief Secretary J&K– B.V.R. Subrahmanyam
  • Lt Governor- Girish Chandra Murmu
  • National Parks: City Forest (Salim Ali) National Park, Dachigam National Park, Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Baltal-Thajwas WLS, Changthang Cold Desert WLS, Gulmarg WLS, Jasrota WLS, Karakoram (Nubra Shyok) WLS etc

Maharashtra Govt launches new portal for job seekers

  • Maharashtra Government has launched a new portal which will be useful not only for those who are in search of Jobs but also for those entrepreneurs who are in search of skilled workforce.
  • This unique initiative of the State Government is expected to offer many job opportunities to the unemployed youth and work as an online employment exchange.
  • Maharashtra Skill Development Minister Nawab Malik has said that the unemployed youth in the state will get all the information about various jobs in various sectors on mahaswayam.gov.in.
  • He has appealed the youth to visit the website as the website has the information about the vacant posts not only in government organizations but also in private sector.
  • The job seekers will have to register themselves on the portal with their educational and professional qualification. This information will be sent to the relevant companies and industries.
  • This website is also useful for the entrepreneurs who are in search of skilled work force and even they can register the information about their unit.
  • This unique initiative is also opening the avenues for the youth who want to become self-reliant.

Extra Shots:

Maharashtra:

  • Capital: Mumbai
  • Chief Minister: Uddhav Thackeray
  • Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
  • National Parks: Chandoli National Park, Nawegaon National Park, Gugamal National Park, Pench National Park, Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) National Park, Tadoba National Park
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Amba Barwa WLS, Bor WLS, Great Indian Bustard WLS,Lonar WLS, Melghat WLS, Gangewadi New Great Indian Bustard WLS, etc.

INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Germany launches “Corona-Warn-App”, coronavirus tracing app

  • Germany sought to mobilize the public 0to download a new smartphone app that seeks to help break the chain of coronavirus infections, one of several such apps in Europe that governments hope will revive travel and tourism.
  • The new Corona-Warn-App, which became available for download on Apple and Android phones overnight, uses Bluetooth short-range radio to monitor close contacts between people and issue a warning should one of them test positive

Extra Shots:

Germany (Capital/Currency): Berlin/Euro

  • President: Frank-Walter Steinmeier
  • Chancellor: Angela Merkel
  • Official Language: German

Kubatbek Boronov Appointed as Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister

  • Kubatbek Boronov was appointed as Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister. Kyrgyzstan’s President Sooronbai Jeenbekov signed an order to appoint him.
  • He succeeded Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziyev who resigned on June 15 following accusations of corruption.
  • Kyrgyzstan’s parliament approved the candidacy of Kubatbek Boronov with 105 votes out of 116.
  • Kubatbek Boronov has served as the first deputy prime minister(since April 2018) in the previous cabinet and also was the former Emergency Minister(from 2011 to 2018)
  • Kyrgyzstan parliamentary elections are expected to take place in October 2020.
  • Since 2010, the country had 9 different prime ministers including Kubatbek Boronov.

Extra Shots:

Kyrgyzstan (Capital/Capital): Bishkek /Kyrgyzstani Som

  • Prime Minister: Kubatbek Boronov
  • Official Language: Kyrgz/Russian ‎

SUMMITS AND CONFERENCES

International Workshop on “Good Governance Practices in a Pandemic”

  • International Workshop on “Good Governance Practices in a Pandemic for International Civil Servants” was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh.
  • The workshop was organized by Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), Ministry of External Affairs and National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
  • The two-day Conference featured the participation of 81 International Civil Servants from 16 Countries.
  • The participants included the Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Army Major General HJS Gunawardena, 19 Senior Secretaries to Government from Bangladesh, 11 District Administrators from Myanmar, Senior officials from Bhutan, Somalia, Thailand, Tunisia, Tonga, Kenya, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Sudan and Uzbekistan.

AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED

Tata AIA Life Insurance Partners with East Consultancy Services

  • Tata AIA Life Insurance partnered with East Consultancy Services to offer Aadhaar-based paperless offline e-Know Your Customer(KYC) service. This tie up helps to service the customer during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
  • The e-KYC service will offer uninterrupted service to customers during the online application process for the company’s life insurance solutions.
  • It will create Tata AIA Life’s End-to-End Digital Sales System, enabling remote purchase of its life insurance solutions.

Extra Shots:

Tata AIA Life Insurance:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai,Maharashtra
  • MD & CEO: Rishi Srivastava
  • Chairman: Saurabh Agrawal

East Consultancy Services

  • Head Office : Bengaluru, Karnataka

Karnataka Bank Launches Health Insurance Policy to Cover COVID-19 in Partnership with Universal Sompo General Insurance Company

  • Karnataka Bank in partnership with Universal Sompo General Insurance Company has launched a health insurance policy. The policy aims to cover the individuals’ COVID-19 pandemic related health expenses.
  • The health cover can be availed at a nominal premium(current price without taking inflation or other factors into account) of Rs 399, inclusive of all taxes.
  • It will cover-in-patient hospital expenses up to Rs 3 lakh, outpatient treatment expenses of Rs 3000.
  • The policy will provide Rs 1000 per day against the expenses incurred towards 14 days of quarantine in a government or military hospital.
  • The validity period of the policy is 120 days.
  • The policy is available to all customers of the bank, between the ages of 18-65.

Extra Shots:

Karnataka Bank:

  • Headquarters: Mangaluru(Mangalore), Karnataka
  • MD & CEO: Mahabaleshwara M.S

Universal Sompo General Insurance Company:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai
  • MD & CEO: Sharad Mathur

ACQUISITION & MERGER

Saudi Arabia’s PIF to invest Rs. 11,367 crore in Jio Platforms

  • Jio Platforms and Reliance Industries on June 18 announced an investment of Rs. 11,367 crore by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
  • The announced investment now values Jio Platforms at an enterprise value of Rs. 5.16 lakh crore and an equity value of Rs. 4.91 lakh crore.
  • Saudi Arabia’s PIF investment will translate into a 2.32% equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis.
  • This is the eleventh investment in Jio Platforms within the time of nine weeks since April 22, 2020.
  • With Saudi Arabia’s investment, Jio Platforms has raised Rs. 1,15,693.95 crore from the leading global investors that include Silver Lake, Facebook, General Atlantic, Vista Equity Partners, KKR, Mubadala, ADIA, L Catterton, and TPG.
  • According to PIF’s governor, Yasif Al-Rumayyan, the investment will enable them to generate significant long term commercial return’s for the benefit of Saudi Arabia’s economy, in line with the mandate which is to safeguard and grow the wealth of the Kingdom.
  • He expresses his delight at an investment in an innovative business which is the symbol of the transformation of the technology sector in India.

Extra Shots:

Public Investment Fund

  • Assets under management: 32,000 crores USD
  • Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Founded: 1971
  • Key people: Mohammad bin Salman, (Chairman); Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, (Governor)
  • Subsidiaries: Sanabil Investments, Saudi Arabian Military Industries, Qiddiya Investment Company

Jio

  • Founder: Mukesh Ambani
  • Founded: 2007
  • Subsidiaries: LYF, Reliance Jio Infocomm Pte. Ltd
  • Parent organizations: Reliance Industries Limited, Jio Platforms

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL  AWARDS

Two Indian Companies – ZestMoney and Stellapps – Named in WEF’s Technology Pioneers of 2020

  • Two Indian firms namely ZestMoney and Stellapps have figured in the 2020 Technology Pioneers list released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on 16 June 2020.
  • 2020 Technology Pioneers is the 20th edition of the annual list and comprises the names of companies from around the world that are poised to have a significant impact on business and society by addresing global issues with cutting-edge technology.
  • Of the 100 companies in the 2020 class, one-fourth are led by female founders.

India’s first solar ferry sails into global contest

  • India’s first solar-powered ferry, Aditya has been shortlisted for the Gustave Trouvé Award as the only entrant from Asia.
  • Aditya has been an icon on the Vaikom-Thavanakadavu route in Kerala.
  • It is a 75-seater boat fitted with 78 rooftop solar panels, with a maximum speed of 7.5 knots without any noise and minimal vibrations.
  • The per km energy cost of Aditya is low.
  • It operates 22 trips a day carrying 75 passengers per trip covering a total distance of 66 km with just Rs180 per day energy cost.

15 panchayats of Madhya Pradesh have been honoured with National Awards of Panchayat

  • National Awards of Panchayat have been announced by the Government of India. As many as 15 panchayats of Madhya Pradesh have been honoured with the awards.
  • Two District Panchayats Neemuch and Mandsaur and 2 Janpad Pancahayts of Alot and Hoshangabad along with other 11 Gram Panchayats of the state have received the awards.
  • The Panchayats have been conferred with the Deendayal Upadhyaya Panchayat Sashaktikaran Award for rendering better services.
  • The Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Government of India has honoured District Panchayats with certificate and a reward Rs. 50 lakh. Similarly, Janpad panchayats with certificate as well as reward of Rs. 25 lakh and Gram Panchayats as per the population were honoured with certificate and reward of Rs. 5 lakh to 15 lakh.
  • The eleven Gram Panchayats of the state have been awarded for increase in revenue income, better management of natural resources and works in the field of social development.

Extra Shots:

Madhya Pradesh:

  • Capital: Bhopal
  • Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
  • Governor: Lalji Tandon
  • National Park: Bandhavgarh NP, Fossil NP, Kanha NP, Madhav NP, Panna NP, Pench NP, Sanjay NP, Satpura NP

APPOINTMENTS IN NEWS

Turkish diplomat Volkan Bozkir Elected President of 75th UN General Assembly

  • Volkan Bozkır, a veteran Turkish diplomat and parliamentarian was elected as the President of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on June 17.
  • He was the sole candidate for the post.
  • Bozkır is the first Turkish national who has become the President of the General Assembly.
  • He will take over the Presidency from the incumbent Tijjani Muhammad-Bande in September 2020, for a duration of one year, when the 75th session will resume.

Extra Shots:

The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, serving as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the UN. Its powers, composition, functions, and procedures are set out in Chapter IV of the United Nations Charter.

  • President: Tijjani Muhammad-Bande Trending
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
  • Founder: United Nations
  • Founded: 1945, New York, New York, United States
  • Parent organization: United Nations
  • Subsidiaries: UNICEF, United Nations Development Programme, etc

India elected as non-permanent member of UN Security Council for a two-year term

  • India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term during the 2020 UNSC elections held on 17 June 2020.
  • India’s two year term for the 2021-22 will begin on January 1, 2021.
  • The country won 184 votes out of 192 valid votes polled in 193 member UN General Assembly.
  • India was the sole candidate from the Asia-Pacific category.
  • This is the eighth time that India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Council. Its previous terms are 1950—1951, 1967—1968, 1972—1973, 1977—1978, 1984—1985, 1991—1992 and 2011—2012.
  • Along with India, Ireland, Mexico and Norway were the other countries that also won the 2020 Security Council election.

Extra Shots:

The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN Charter.

  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
  • Founded: 24 October 1945
  • Subsidiaries: MINUSCA, United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee
  • Parent organization: United Nations

Devendra Kumar Singh appointed as the new Director of SIDBI

  • The Ministry of Finance notified the appointment of Devendra Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, as Central Government nominee Director on the Board of Directors of Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
  • He will be succeeding Ram Mohan Mishra, with immediate effect and until further orders.

Extra Shots:

SIDBI:

  • Headquarters location: Lucknow
  • Founded: 2 April 1990

DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS

Urgent Procurement of 21 MiG 29s, 12 Su 30s following Border Tensions

  • Earlier during the Indian Air Force Day on the 8th of October 2019, Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhaduria (Chief- India Air Force) stated about the plans for procuring additional aircraft.
  • Now, following the clashes and intense faceoff along the Line of Actual Control over the last couple of months the proposal for procurement is likely to get its final approval next week.
  • A fast track purchase of 21 additional MiG 29 and 12 Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets with an estimated cost of around Rs 6,000 crore is likely to be made, though the delivery of the fighter jets may take a couple of years from the date of purchase.
  • Since the 2017 Rafael deal, this combined 33 fighter jets will be first to be ordered for the Indian Air Force. India has purchased a total of 36 Rafael fighter jets from French company Dassault Aviation at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore.

MiG 29 Fighter Jets

  • Indian Air Force has already three Squadrons of MiG 29 fighter aircraft in service. Russian company Mikoyan is the manufacturer of MiG 29 aircraft. All equipment and radar of the newly procured fighter jets will be as per the latest standards.

Su-30 MKI

  • Russian Company Sukhoi designed Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is under license manufactured for the Indian Air Force in India by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. At Present the Indian Air Force has a total of 260 Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft in service. The 12 Su-30MKI fighters will be manufactured at the Nasik, Maharashtra facility of the HAL.

Armed Forces of India and China to take part at Moscow Military Parade on 24th June 2020

  • Within 10 days of the Galwan Valley Clash, the Armed Forces of India and China are set to take part in the 75th Victory Anniversary of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany at the Red Square in Moscow, Russia on 24th June 2020.
  • A contingent of 75 all rank personnel from the Tri-service of the Indian Armed Forces will participate in the Parade. The contingent will be lead by a Colonel rank officer of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment.
  • A total of 20 foreign countries are invited by the Russian armed forces to mark the diamond jubilee celebrations, this also includes armed forces from the United States, United Kingdom, and France.

Moscow Victory Day Parade

  • The victory day parade is conducted by the Russian Armed Forces every year on 9th May. This year due to the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak the parade was postponed to 24th June. As the Supreme Commander of the Russian Armed Forces, the Russian President is the Guest of Honor for the parade.

History:

  • On 9th May 1945: Nazi Germany surrendered to the Soviet commanders, while on 24th June 1945: a victory parade held at the Red Square of Moscow for the Soviet Armed Forces.

Significance:

  • The military parade is to honor the sacrifices made by the Russian and citizens of the other friendly allies of the Soviet Union during the Second World War.

SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS

Napoli beats Juventus in penalty shootout to win its sixth Italian Cup Football title

  • The football club Napoli has won the 2019-20 Coppa Italia cup after defeating Juventus with 4–2 on shootout penalties in the final after a goalless draw on 17 June 2020.
  • This is the sixth time that Napoli has won the title. The last time it won was in 2014.

Bayern Munich win eighth successive Bundesliga title

  • Bayern Munich have been crowned Bundesliga champions for an eighth successive season after a 1-0 win at Werder Bremen.
  • Bayern’s domination of German football continues as an 11th successive win means Borussia Dortmund can no longer catch them.

India get rights to host AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022

  • The All India Football Consideration (AIFF) has been granted the rights to host AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 by The Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
  • The decision regarding the hosting rights was taken at the AFC Women’s Football Committee.
  • The tournament will encourage the aspiring women players and will bring social revolution as far as women’s football in India is concerned.
  • This will be the first time that India will be hosting the event since 1979, at that time India had finished as a runner-up.

Other Football events in India:

  • While India is all ready to host FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020 from February 17 to March 7, 202.
  • AIFF had also successfully organised FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 in 2017.
  • India had also hosted the AFC U-16 Championship Indian 2016.

Extra Shots:

AIFF

  • President: Praful Patel
  • Founded: 23 June 1937
  • FIFA affiliation: 1948
  • AFC affiliation: 1954
  • SAFF affiliation: 1997
  • Headquarters: Dwarka, Delhi

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched DBTAMTZ Mobile Diagnostic Unit for COVID Testing I-Lab

  • Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated and flagged off India’s first Infectious disease diagnostic lab (I-Lab) for COVID-19 testing in rural and inaccessible areas of India.

I-Lab:

  • The infectious disease diagnostic laboratory is a mobile testing facility that was dedicated to providing COVID-19 testing access to rural India.
  • India’s first I-lab has been built at AMTZ in the record time of 8 days from the date of receipt of Automotive Chassis, from Bharat Benz.
  • This mobile testing facility will be deployed through the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) testing hubs to remote regions of the country for COVID-19 testing.
  • The I-lab is a BSL-2 facility with on-site ELISA, RT-PCR, Biochemistry analyzers.
  • It can run 50 RT-PCR reactions and about 200 ELISA in a day. Double set of Machines can help increase the capacity to about 500 per day in 8 hours shift.
  • The BSL-2 Lab is as per NABL specifications and is being attached to DBT’s certified Testing centres.
  • The I-lab will be deployed through the DBT-AMTZ COMManD [COVID Medtech Manufacturing Development] Consortia. DBT-AMTZ COMManD aims to address the shortage of critical healthcare technologies in India and move progressively towards a stage of self-sufficiency.
  • Around 20 hubs with 100 testing laboratories are there in India. These have tested more than 2,60,000 samples.

CSIR-CDRIs candidate drug Umifenovir secures DCGI approval for Phase III Clinical Trial against COVID-19 disease

  • CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) Lucknow received permission to carry out Phase III randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled trial of efficacy, safety, and tolerability of antiviral drugs Umifenovir.
  • The Phase III Clinical Trials will be carried out at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS), and ERA’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Lucknow.

Umifenovir Clinical Trial:

  • Umifenovir drug has a good safety profile. It prevents the entry of the virus into human cells and also by priming the immune system.
  • Umifenovir is used to treat influenza.
  • The drug is available in China and Russia. The drug has recently come into prominence due to its potential use for COVID-19 patients.
  • CSIR-CDRI is to conduct a clinical trial to evaluate its efficacy in Indian patients.
  • CSIR-CDRI developed the process technology for Umifenovir in record time. It has also licensed the economical process technology for manufacturing and marketing the drug to M/s. Medizest Pharmaceuticals Private Ltd. Goa, who have already received a test license from Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).
  • The clinical trial was successful and Umifenovir can be a safe, efficacious, affordable drug against COVID-19 and can be part of the National Program against COVID-19.
  • The clinical trial application was processed on high priority as per the DCGIs initiative against COVID-19.
  • The next steps of the trial are being fast-tracked to enable the availability of the drug to Indian patients as soon as possible.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

The Debut Novel of Megha Majumdar – “A Burning”

  • The Penguin Hamish Hamilton released the “A Burning”, debut novel of Megha Majumdar.
  • The 32-year-old New York’s writer who was born and raised in Kolkata.
  • The book is about the lives of three characters, Tommy Orange, Yaa Gyasi and Jhumpa Lahiri who want to rise to the middle class, to political power, to gain fame in the film industry and how their lives changed in Indian society.
  • The book was published on 2nd June 2020 by Knopf Doubleday publishing Group.

Extra Shots:

Knopf Doubleday publishing Group

  • Headquarters location: New York, New York, United States
  • Founded: December 2008
  • Imprints: Doubleday, Alfred A. Knopf, Vintage Books, MORE
  • Parent organization: Penguin Random House LLC.

OBITUARY

Former Goa minister Achyut Usgaonkar passes away at 92

  • Former Goa minister Achyut Kashinath Sinai Usgaonkar has passed away following age-related ailments. He was 92.
  • Usgaonkar was a leader of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the first and oldest ruling party in Goa.
  • He served as a cabinet minister from August 13, 1977 to April 27, 1979 in the then Shashikala Kakodkar government of Goa, Daman and Diu.
  • He was the father of the Bollywood and Marathi film actress Varsha Usgaonkar.

Leading Mumbai diamantaire Arunkumar R. Mehta passes away

  • Leading diamantaire Arunkumar Ramniklal Mehta who founded the B. Arunkumar & Co. six decades ago passed away at a private hospital. He was 80.
  • Described as a ‘visionary’ by the industry, Mehta was born in 1940 in the small town of Patan, Gujarat and had humble beginnings in life.
  • Almost 20 years later he moved to Mumbai, the hub of the Indian gems and jewelleries industry and founded a small diamond cutting and polishing unit, naming it as “Arunkumar & Company’ in 1960, which later became the Rosy Blue Group.
  • Mehta later became the founding-member of the influential body Diamond Exporters Association Ltd. besides being active with the Bharat Diamond Bourse, the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Rajkamal Rikhabchand Charitable Trust, Bombay Diamond Merchants Association Relief Fund, headed the Palanpur Samaj Kendra and was involved with other prominent organizations

Malayalam film director KR Sachidanandan passes away