Current Affairs Today 3rd June 2020-Download in PDF

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Current Affairs Today – 3rd June 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

  1. World Bicycle Day is observed on 3 June.
  2. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the extension of tenure for Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Subramanian Sundar by 6 months from May 31, 2020 to November 30, 2020.
  3. The Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad launched three new schemes to bbost electronics sector.
  4. The Public Sector Banks sanctioned collateral free loans that were worth Rs 200 crores.
  5. The Department of Science and Technology along with the office of Principal Scientific Adviser to GoI are to jointly formulate National Science Technology and Innovation Policy 2020.
  6. Centre today announced the development of a new Greenfield connectivity to Amritsar City from Nakodar via Sultanpur Lodhi, Goindwal Sahib, Khadoor Sahib as part of Delhi-Amritsar Expressway.
  7. Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy R. K. Singh today launched a pan-India Real Time Market in electricity through video conference in New Delhi.
  8. Union Government has launched a new initiative SWADES- Skilled Workers Arrival Database for Employment Support to conduct a skill mapping exercise of the returning citizens under the Vande Bharat Mission.
  9. The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched Delhi Corona App.
  10. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory administration has approved a Media Policy for the current year.
  11. Chhattisgarh State Police has started a Spandan campaign to protect the soldiers from depression and stress beginning from today.
  12. In Tamil Nadu, the State Government has started implementing a Rs. 300-crore Rural Rejuvenation Scheme to ensure sustained economic growth in rural areas.
  13. The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved renaming of Kolkata Port Trust to Shyama Prasad Mukerjee port trust.
  14. The Costa Rica and World Health Organization have launched C-TAP. C-TAP is COVID-19 Technology Access Pool.
  15. In accordance with the “Countries Global Ranking of Startup Ecosystem 2020” by global innovation mapping and research company StartupBlink, India ranked at 23rd position, a drop of 6 places from 17th position in 2019.
  16. Ircon International Ltd(IRCON), a Miniratna(Category-I) Schedule, public sector enterprise has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited(NIIFL) and Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited(AYANA), NIIF platform company to explore and collaborate on opportunities in the solar energy sector.
  17. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan on Cooperation in the areas of Environment.
  18. Tata Power Limited, an Indian electric utility company, has acquired 51% stake in TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPCODL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO), for a consideration of Rs 178.5 crore.
  19. The Bimal Julka Committee on Rationalization of Film Media operating under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting submitted its report to the ministry of Information and Broadcasting submitted its report to the ministry.
  20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed a committee headed by Rajnath Singh to solve the difficulties faced in the implementation of Rs.3 Lakh crore collateral-free loan for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises(MSME) announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 13th May 2020 as a part of Rs.20 Lakh crore Covid-19 aid to raise the economy.
  21. BJP President J P Nadda has appointed former mayor of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation Adesh Kumar Gupta as the new Chief of party’s Delhi Unit replacing Manoj Tiwari.
  22. Senior diplomat Raveesh Kumar has been appointed as the next Ambassador to Finland.
  23. Sibi George has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the State of Kuwait.
  24. Sushil Kumar Singhal has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
  25. Gaitri I. Kumar has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.
  26. Virendra Nath Datt, Director (Marketing), National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) has taken over the additional charge of Chairman & Managing Director (MD) of the Company on 3 June.
  27. The Hockey India recommended India Women Team Captain Rani Rampal for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awards.
  28. The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijju inaugurated the India Community Coach Development Programme
  29. A 92-page e-booklet called ‘One Year of Modi 2.0 – Towards A Self-Reliant India’ on the key achievements of the Modi government during its second term was released on June 1, 2020, by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B).
  30. Former International Archer turned coach Jayantilal Nanoma passed away.
  31. Former Union Minister and three-time Congress MP from Ladakh, P Namgyal passes away.

NEWS IN DETAILS

IMPORTANT DAYS AND THEMES

World Bicycle Day is observed on 3 June

  • World Bicycle Day is observed on 3 June.
  • The day aims to motivate and inspire people towards having more tolerance, understanding, and respect for one another.
  • Bicycle signifies a sustainable means of transport which is good for the environment and economy.

Aim:

  • World Bicycle Day aims to devote special attention to the bicycle in cross-cutting development strategies.
  • It also aims to include the bicycle in international, regional, national, and subnational development policies and programmes.
  • The day aims to adopt best practices and means to promote the bicycle across the world.

History:

  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 3 June as International World Bicycle Day in April 2018.

BANKING & FINANCE 

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

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the extension of tenure for Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Subramanian Sundar by 6 months from May 31, 2020 to November 30, 2020.
  • This was the second extension given to Mr. Sundar, earlier as the MD and CEO (interim) from January 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020, his tenure was again extended from May 31, 2020 to November 30, 2020 or till the appointment of new CEO.

Extra Shots:

Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB):

  • Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
  • MD & CEO: Subramanian Sundar
  • Tagline: The changing face of prosperity

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

GoI launches three new schemes to boost Electronics sector

  • The Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad launched three new schemes to bbost electronics sector.
  • They are Production linked incentive scheme, cluster scheme (EMC 2.0) and component manufacturing scheme (SPECS).
  • The schemes were approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2020.

About the schemes

  • The schemes are expected to attract investments.
  • They will increase the manufacturing of mobile phones and their parts to around Rs 10 lakh crores by 2025.
  • Also, the scheme will help generate 5 lakhs direct and 15 lakhs of indirect jobs.

Production Linked Incentive Scheme

  • The scheme will provide an incentive of 4% to 6% to the goods manufactured in India.

SPECS

  • The Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) will provide incentive of 25% on the capital expenditure.
  • This is extended to certain identified lists such as semiconductor devices, electronic goods, display fabrication units, etc

EMC 2.0

  • The Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0) will support in creating world class infrastructure.
  • The scheme will help in attracting global electronics manufacturers and their supply chains.

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

Loans worth Rs 3,200 crores sanctioned under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

  • The Public Sector Banks sanctioned collateral free loans that were worth Rs 200 crores.
  • The complete Rs 200 crore sanction was done in a single day.
  • The PSBs are set to sanction Rs 3,200 crores under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
  • This will benefit MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) that are located in more than 3,000 TIER-2 towns.
  • These loans will help MSMEs meet their expenses towards rent, restocking of goods and payment of salaries.

GoI to formulate new STIP (Science, Technology and Innovation) policy

  • The Department of Science and Technology along with the office of Principal Scientific Adviser to GoI are to jointly formulate National Science Technology and Innovation Policy 2020.
  • The policy is to be formulated in bottom-up, decentralized process.

About the Policy

  • The fifth Science and Technology Policy is to be formulated by the Indian Government as the country and the world are tackling COVID-19pandemic problems.
  • The policy is to be formulated in four interlinked tracks.

Track 1

  • This track involved extensive expert and public consultation process. The consultation is to be done through Science Policy Forum.

Track 2

  • This track will use expert-driven thematic consultations.
  • The track will feed in evidence-based information and recommendations to the policy drafting committee
  • Around 21 thematic groups have been constituted

Track 3

  • This track involves consultations from the ministry

Track 4

  • In this track, apex level multi stake holder consultation will be involved
  • Industrial bodies, Institutional leaders, Global partners and inter-state consultations are to be adopted in this track

Nitin Gadkari announces development of new Greenfield expressway to Amritsar

  • Centre today announced the development of a new Greenfield connectivity to Amritsar City from Nakodar via Sultanpur Lodhi, Goindwal Sahib, Khadoor Sahib as part of Delhi-Amritsar Expressway.
  • The road from Amritsar to Gurdaspur will also be fully developed and made completely signal free.
  • With this, there will be options to travel to Gurdaspur onwards from Nakodar either via Amritsar or via Kartarpur.
  • This greenfield alignment will not only provide shortest and alternate express connectivity to Amritsar city but also to other religious centres of Sultanpur Lodhi, Goindwal Sahib, Khadoor Sahib as well as the recently developed Dera Baba Nanak/Kartarpur Sahib International Corridor in Punjab.
  • Once the project is completed, the travel time from Amritsar to Delhi International airport will reduce by about four hours.
  • The first phase of expressway would involve investment of about 25,000 crore rupees.

Power Minister launches pan-India Real Time Market in electricity

  • Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy R. K. Singh today launched a pan-India Real Time Market in electricity through video conference in New Delhi.

Highlights:

  • This initiative has placed Indian electricity market amongst a league of few electricity markets in the world, which have real time market.
  • Real time market is an organized market platform to enable the buyers and sellers pan-India to meet their energy requirements closer to real time of operation.
  • Introduction of real time markets will bring required flexibility to provide real time balance while ensuring optimal utilization of the available surplus capacity in the system.
  • Real time market would be operational for every 30 minutes in a day based on double sided closed auction with uniform price.
  • The concept of “Gate Closure” has been introduced for bringing in the desired firmness in schedules during the hours of market operation. Buyers and sellers will have the option of placing buy and sell bids for each 15-minute time block.
  • The proposed real time market would provide an alternate mechanism for Power Distribution Companies to access larger market at competitive price.

Extra Shots:

The Ministry of Power is an Indian government ministry. The current Union Minister of State is Raj Kumar Singh. The ministry is charged with overseeing electricity production and infrastructure development, including generation, transmission, and delivery, as well as maintenance projects.

  • Founded: 2 July 1992
  • Officeholder: R. K. Singh (MOS independent charge)
  • Headquarters: Shram Shakti Bhavan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi
  • Preceding Ministry: Ministry of Energy Sources
  • Jurisdiction: India

Govt launches SWADES to conduct skill mapping of citizens returning under VBM

  • Union Government has launched a new initiative SWADES- Skilled Workers Arrival Database for Employment Support to conduct a skill mapping exercise of the returning citizens under the Vande Bharat Mission.
  • This is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Civil Aviation Ministry and External Affairs Ministry.
  • SWADES aims to create a database of qualified citizens based on their skillsets and experience to tap into and fulfil demand of Indian and foreign companies.
  • The collected information will be shared with the companies for suitable placement opportunities in the country.
  • The returning citizens are required to fill up an online SWADES Skills Card.
  • Commenting on the collaboration Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey said, it is crucial that the entire country supports the Centre in its efforts to address the challenges posed by the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Extra Shots:

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is a Ministry of Government of India set up on 9 November 2014 to coordinate all skill development efforts across the country.

  • Officeholder: Mahendra Nath Pandey (Minister)
  • Founder: Government of India
  • Founded: 9 November 2014, India
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Headquarters: New Delhi

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

“Delhi Corona” App launched by Delhi Government

  • The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched Delhi Corona App.
  • The application is to provide all required information that are related to ventilators and hospital beds in the city.
  • The Application mainly aims at providing real time information.

Highlights:

  • The Delhi Corona Application was launched by the Delhi CM through video conference. The application will provide information related to availability of hospital beds and ventilators in the city. It is now available on Google Play.
  • The application is being launched as there were complaints that there are no enough ventilators and hospital beds in Delhi to treat severely ill COVID-19 patients. The criticisms in Delhi have increased as the number of cases cross 20,000.
  • The application will provide information related to ventilators and beds in the city. A person that is in need of COVID-19 treatment can get information about availability of ventilator and beds by calling 1031. He will receive an SMS on dialing the number about the status of bed availability in Delhi.

J&K Govt approves Media Policy

  • In Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory administration has approved a Media Policy for the current year.
  • The policy aims to create a sustained narrative on the functioning of the Government in media.
  • With this approval, Government will be in a better position to carry the message of welfare, development and progress to the people in an effective manner, besides enabling the Department of Information & Public Relations J&K to keep pace with the demands of the media and reposition itself as a professional organization.
  • The key highlight of the Policy is to lay down a solid foundation to use all forms of media to build public trust, pay attention to grievances of people projected by the media and strengthen the relationship between the various stakeholders.
  • The new Media Policy includes institution of Media awards to be given each year to two outstanding media or communication professionals.
  • It also aims to thwart misinformation, fake news and develop a mechanism that will raise alarms against any attempt to use media to vitiate public peace, sovereignty and integrity of the country.

Extra Shots:

Jammu & Kashmir:

  • Capitals- Jammu (Winter), Srinagar (Summer)
  • 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

Chhattisgarh Police starts Spandan campaign to protect police personnel from depression and stress

  • Chhattisgarh State Police has started a Spandan campaign to protect the soldiers from depression and stress beginning from today.
  • Director General of Police Shri DM Awasthi has prepared an action plan in this regard in a detailed meeting held today in the presence of senior police officers and psychologists and has named it as Spandan to run this action plan in the spirit of a campaign.
  • This scheme has been implemented with immediate effect in the state.
  • Detailed guidelines in this regard have been issued to all Superintendents of Police and Commandants.
  • Chhattisgarh Police should prepare an action plan in this regard to remove the mental depression that is arising in the soldiers and prevent the violent incidents taking place due to it.
  • As part of the Spandan campaign, all police officers will visit police lines, police stations and armed forces companies and spend time with the jawans in order to be aware of their problems. All Commandants will rest at night in each company once a month.
  • Similarly, superintendents of police have also been directed to visit all the police stations and police lines and listen to the problems of the soldiers.

Extra Shots:

Chhattisgarh:

  • Capital: Raipur
  • Chief Minister: Bhupesh Baghel
  • Governor: Anusuiya Uikey
  • National Park: Indravati (Kutru) National Park, Kanger Valley National Park, Guru Ghasi Das (Sanjay) National Park

Tamil Nadu Govt starts implementation of Rs. 300-crore Rural Rejuvenation Scheme

  • In Tamil Nadu, the State Government has started implementing a Rs. 300-crore Rural Rejuvenation Scheme to ensure sustained economic growth in rural areas.
  • The scheme had been announced taking into consideration the continued stoppage of various economic activities because of COVID-19 lockdown.
  • Accordingly, each district in the state has been allocated around Rs. 10 crore to evolve development programmes taking into consideration the purely regional and local factors.
  • Under the scheme, Cauvery Delta region districts have started planning largely agriculture oriented schemes.
  • The loan-cum-subsidy rejuvenation scheme is turning beneficial to about 1,100 women members of Self-Help Groups who will be able to avail of a one time capital loan also.
  • Various Farmers Production Centres, which play a vital role in the economy of the Delta region, also are being provided subsidy- cum-loans to kick start the farm to family agricultural economic chain of activity.
  • In addition, about 200 labourers who had gone to other states for jobs and returned to their home states are also being helped under the rejuvenation scheme.

Extra Shots:

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.

Cabinet Approval: Kolkata Port Trust renamed to Shyama Prasad Mukerjee Port Trust

  • The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved renaming of Kolkata Port Trust to Shyama Prasad Mukerjee port trust.
  • The announcement of renaming of the port was given by PM Modi on January 11, 2020.
  • The announcement was made by PM Modi while he attended the 150th anniversary celebrations of Kolkata Port Trust.
  • The GoI has lately introduced several measures in the name of the legend.

Dr Shyama Prasad Mukerjee

  • Mr Mukerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951. The party was the predecessor of BJP (Bharatiya Janata PArty).
  • He died in Jammu and Kashmir Police custody for entering the state without permit. He battled for Kashmir immensely contributing to National Integration.

Extra Shots:

West Bengal:

  • Established on: 26 January 1950
  • Capital: Kolkata
  • Governor: Jagdeep Dhankhar
  • Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee

INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

WHO launches COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP)

  • The Costa Rica and World Health Organization have launched C-TAP. C-TAP is COVID-19 Technology Access Pool.
  • The C-TAP will act as an one-stop shop for information, scientific knowledge and intellectual property for global community. Around 30 countries, institutions and international partners have signed to support C-TAP. It is an initiative that aims to make vaccines, tests, health technologies and treatments.
  • The initiative was proposed by President of Costa Rica Mr Carlos Alvarado. The initiative will help to hasten the discovery of medicines, vaccines and other technologies that will help cure COVID-19.

Five Key Elements of the Pool:

  1. The five main elements of the pool include
  2. Public disclosure of gene sequences and data
  3. Governments and other funders that are encouraged to fund agreements with pharmaceutical companies
  4. Licensing potential vaccine
  5. Diagnostic treatment and other health technologies
  6. Promote innovative models.

Extra Shots:

WHO:

  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded: 7 April 1948
  • Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council
  • Heads: Tedros Adhanom, Soumya Swaminathan, Jane Ellison, Peter Salama

RANKS AND INDICES

India ranked 23rd for world’s best startup ecosystems

  • In accordance with the “Countries Global Ranking of Startup Ecosystem 2020” by global innovation mapping and research company StartupBlink, India ranked at 23rd position, a drop of 6 places from 17th position in 2019.
  • The ranking has been topped by the United States (US), followed by the United Kingdom (UK), and Israel at 2nd and 3rd position.
  • It should be noted that India is home to the third-largest startup ecosystem.
  • Among the top 100 startup cities, only four India cities were named in “2020 Cities Global Ranking of Startup Ecosystem” while total of 38 cities made it to the world’s top 1000 cities with startup ecosystems.
  1. Bengaluru (down by three ranks to 14th position),
  2. New Delhi (up by three spots to 15th position)
  3. Mumbai (improved by seven spots to 22nd position)
  4. Hyderabad (falling 21 ranks to disappointing 96th position). Last year, seven cities were ranked in the top 100 list versus four this year.

Extra Shots:

StartupBlink:

  • CEO: Eli David
  • Headquarter: Zurich, Switzerland

AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED

IRCON signs MoU with  NIIFL & AYANA to explore and collaborate in the solar energy sector

  • Ircon International Ltd(IRCON), a Miniratna(Category-I) Schedule, public sector enterprise has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited(NIIFL) and Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited(AYANA), NIIF platform company to explore and collaborate on opportunities in the solar energy sector.

Highlights:

  • As per the MoU, NIIFL and IRCON have agreed in-principle to identify, bid and execute solar energy projects through joint ventures/consortium arrangements & will evaluate strategic partnerships across infrastructure projects
  • The partnership also considers suitable opportunities for solar energy production for Indian Railways as they seek to increase the share of renewables in their overall energy mix.
  • By utilizing the complementary strengths of all partners the collaboration will enable the execution of renewable energy projects at scale .

Extra Shots:

IRCON:

  • Registered Office: New Delhi, India
  • Chairman & Managing Director(MD): S.K. Chaudhary

NIIFL:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai , Maharashtra
  • Registered Office: New Delhi, India
  • MD & Chief Executive Officer(CEO): Sujoy Bose

AYANA:

  • Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka
  • Chairman: S. S. Mundra
  • MD & CEO: Shivanand Nimbargi

Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Bhutan on Cooperation in the areas of Environment

  • The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan on Cooperation in the areas of Environment.

Details:

  • The Memorandum of Understanding will enable establishment and promotion of closer and long-term cooperation between the two countries in the field of environment protection and management of natural resources on the basis of equity, reciprocity and mutual benefits, taking into account the applicable laws and legal provisions in each country.
  • Keeping in view the bilateral interest of both sides and mutually agreed priorities, a Memorandum of Understanding covering the following areas of environment has been considered:
  • Air;
  • Waste;
  • Chemical Management;
  • Climate Change;

Extra Shots:

Bhutan (Capital/Currency): Thimphu / Bhutanese ngultrum, Indian rupee

  • Prime Minister: Lotay Tshering
  • Official Language: Dzongkha

ACQUISITION & MERGER

Tata Power acquires 51% stake in Odisha’s TPCODL for Rs 178.5 cr

  • Tata Power Limited, an Indian electric utility company, has acquired 51% stake in TP Central Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPCODL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO), for a consideration of Rs 178.5 crore.
  • The remaining 49 % stake in TPCODL will be held by GRIDCO.
  • Tata Power to take over the business of Central Electricity Supply Utility of Odisha (CESU) carried out in 5 cities (Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Paradeep and Dhenkanal) in Odisha from TPCODL for a period of 25 years.
  • Tata Power will have a priority to improve reliability, reduce AT&C (Aggregated technical and commercial) losses and offer excellent customer service & will retain all the current employees of CESU and will govern them by their existing policy structure.

Extra Shots:

Tata Power Limited:

  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • CEO & MD: Praveer Sinha

Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO):

  • Headquarters: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
  • Chairman-cum-Managing Director: Dr. Saurabh Garg

RECENT COMMITTEES IN NEWS

Bimal Julka Committee on Rationalization of Film Media units

  • The Bimal Julka Committee on Rationalization of Film Media operating under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting submitted its report to the ministry of Information and Broadcasting submitted its report to the ministry.

Findings of the report:

  • The Committee recommended roadmaps for the development of National Film Development Corporation, Children’s Film Society of India, etc.
  • The Committee recommended a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed between the Ministry and these institutes streamlining the performances of the institutes.
  • The committee has suggested for an umbrella configuration with four broad verticals under which the institutes should work.
  • This includes festival, production, heritage and knowledge. The verticals are to be headed by the professionals.

Recommendation:

  • The committee has also recommended creation of film promotion funds.
  • The funds will be used to fund independent film makers to make commercial films.
  • The committee has suggested measures to improve revenue generation and make institutions financially self-sufficient.
  • Price Indices have been suggested to be linked to user charges.

Extra Shots:

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is a ministerial level agency of the Government of India responsible for the formulation and administration of rules, regulations and laws in the areas of information, broadcasting, the press and the Cinema of India.

  • Departments: Films Division of India
  • Officeholder: Prakash Javadekar (Minister)
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Headquarters: New Delhi

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

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed a committee headed by Rajnath Singh to solve the difficulties faced in the implementation of Rs.3 Lakh crore collateral-free loan for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises(MSME) announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 13th May 2020 as a part of Rs.20 Lakh crore Covid-19 aid to raise the economy.
  • FM announced 100% cover to banks and non-banking financial corporations(NDFCs) on principal and interest to benefit around 45 lakh MSME units to resume their business and secure their jobs.

Collateral-free loan scheme:

  • The borrowers can borrow from the financial institutions without any asset or pledge collateral under this scheme.

Eligibility:

  • The units with Rs.25 Crore outstanding credit and Rs 100 crore turnover

Tenure and rate of interest:

  • 4-year tenure with interest rates capped according to the Finance Ministry and the moratorium will be for 12 months.

APPOINTMENT IN NEWS

Adesh Kumar Gupta replaces Manoj Tiwari as Delhi BJP chief

  • BJP President J P Nadda has appointed former mayor of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation Adesh Kumar Gupta as the new Chief of party’s Delhi Unit replacing Manoj Tiwari.
  • Mr Tiwari had been appointed as the BJP Delhi Unit Chief in 2016.

Other Appointments:

  • Former Union Minister Vishnu Deo Sai as its Chhattisgarh State President
  • S Tikendra Singh as its Manipur State Chief

Raveesh Kumar appointed as next Ambassador of India to Finland

  • Senior diplomat Raveesh Kumar has been appointed as the next Ambassador to Finland.
  • Kumar , a 1995 batch IFS officer was earlier the spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs.

Extra Shots:

Finland (Capital/Currency): Helsinki/Euro

  • Prime Minister: Sanna Marin
  • President: Sauli Niinisto
  • Official Languages: Finnish, Swedish

Sibi George appointed India’s next Ambassador to Kuwait

  • Sibi George has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the State of Kuwait.
  • He was presently serving as the Ambassador of India to Switzerland.
  • He is an IFS officer of 1993 batch.
  • Sibi George will replace K. Jeeva Sagar as the next Ambassador of India to the State of Kuwait.
  • He assumed charge as Ambassador of India to the State of Kuwait in January 2018.

Extra Shots:

Kuwait (Capital/Currency): Kuwait City/ Kuwaiti dinar

  • Prime Minister: Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah
  • Official Languages: Arabic

Sushil Singhal appointed India’s next High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea

  • Sushil Kumar Singhal has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
  • He is presently serving as the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.
  • Sushil Kumar Singhal will replace Vijay Kumar as the next High Commissioner of India to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

Extra Shots:

Papua New Guinea (Capital/Currency): Port Moresby / Papua New Guinean kina

  • Prime Minister: James Marape
  • Official Languages: Tok Pisin, English, Hiri Motu

Gaitri Kumar appointed India’s next High Commissioner to UK

  • Gaitri I. Kumar has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.
  • She is presently serving as the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the European Union.
  • Gaitri I. Kumar is an IFS officer of 1986 batch and will replace Ruchi Ghanashyam as the next High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.

Extra Shots:

United Kingdom (Capital/Currency): London/ Pound sterling

  • Prime Minister: Boris Johnson
  • Official Language: English

VN Datt takes over as Chairman and MD of National Fertilizers Limited

  • Virendra Nath Datt, Director (Marketing), National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) has taken over the additional charge of Chairman & Managing Director (MD) of the Company on 3 June.
  • Datt is associated with Company as Director (Marketing) since October 2018.

Virendra Nath Datt:

  • Virendra Nath Datt has a professional experience of over 35 years with premier Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) such as GAIL and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) besides the Fertilizer Industry. Prior to the appointment, he served as the Executive Director (ED) in GAIL Limited. He handled all India marketing operations of the company in addition to Corporate Strategy, Planning, and Advocacy. He was also a Director on the Board of Mahanagar Gas Ltd., Mumbai.

Extra Shots:

NFL:

  • Headquarters: Noida
  • Founder: Government of India

SPORT CURRENT AFFAIRS

Khel Ratna Award: India Women’s Team Captain Rani Rampal recommended

  • The Hockey India recommended India Women Team Captain Rani Rampal for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awards.
  • Monika, Vandana Kataria and Harmanpreet Singh were recommended for Arjuna Awards.
  • Besides the Captain, India Stalwarts Tushar Khandker and RP Singh have been recommended for Major Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement.
  • The coaches Romesh Pathania and BJ Kariappa have been nominated for Dronacharya Award
  • A panel from the Sports Ministry will shortlist the nominations received from several other federations. The awards are to be presented on National Sports Day, August 29.

Khelo India Community Coach Development Programme

  • The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijju inaugurated the India Community Coach Development Programme

Highlights:

  • The India Community Coach Development Programme is a 25-day long programme for community coaches and PE teachers all over the country.
  • The programme has been launched to give more importance to Physical Education in schools. Both the Ministry of HRD and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports are to work together to take the programme to every school. Besides regular sessions by eminent educationalists in the sports field, international expert will also participate in the programme.
  • The Physical Education teachers and community coaches have major role to reach every child, motivate them to participate in fitness and sports activities.
  • The GoI has also launched several steps to encourage people to take up fitness as their way of life. The Fit India Movement is one such step.

Fit India Movement

  • The Fit India Movement was launched by PM Modi. The movement highlighted the need to stay healthy amidst the modern lifestyle disorders. It was announced to celebrate the National Sports Day.

Extra Shots:

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is a branch of the Government of India, which administers Department of youth affairs and Department of Sports in India. Kiren Rijiju is the current Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, who is in the capacity of Minister of State.

  • Officeholder: Kiren Rijiju (MOS independent charge)
  • Founded: 27 May 2000
  • Jurisdiction: India
  • Headquarters location: New Delhi
  • Annual budget: 1,943.21 crores INR (2017-18 est., US$270 million)
  • Departments: Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Department of Youth and Sports Development

BOOKS & AUTHORS

‘One Year of Modi 2.0 – Towards A Self-Reliant India’ e-book released by Ministry of I&B

  • A 92-page e-booklet called ‘One Year of Modi 2.0 – Towards A Self-Reliant India’ on the key achievements of the Modi government during its second term was released on June 1, 2020, by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). This marks the first anniversary of the second term of the government. The book has a separate section containing the actions taken to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and how the economic fallout is being dealt with.
  • Also, Government decisions on the farmer’s welfare such as PM-KISAN(Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) to all farmers, pensions to small traders and farmers, forming a unified Jal Shakti Ministry and more. The e-book highlights the idea on how under the leadership of the Prime Minister of the nation India has turned its crisis into an opportunity for the self-sustaining economy and sprung into action to become ‘Aatmanirbhar‘(self-reliant India).
  • The booklet also mentions that India is one of the first countries to put up a comprehensive action plan to stop the spread of the virus and limit the number of infections during the COVID-19 crisis and the production of N-95 masks and PPE(Personal Protective Equipment) initiative in the country.
  • Highlights on the introduction of a Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package, which is about 10 % of the GDP to boost the economy and sustain growth is also mentioned in the e-book.

OBITUARY

Archery coach Jayantilal Nanoma passes away

  • Former International Archer turned coach Jayantilal Nanoma passed away.
  • He was an Asian Cup and Asian Grand Prix medallist in compound individual and team archery in 2010.
  • He was also the recipient of prestigious Maharana Pratap State Sports Award and was presently serving as the District Sports Officer in Dungarpur.
  • After becoming archery coach, Jayantilal Nanoma produced several national and international level archers from Rajasthan, and also worked as a coach of Indian team in various overseas competitions.

Former Union Minister & social worker P Namgyal passes away