Current Affairs Today 8th July 2020-Download in PDF

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Current Affairs Today – 8th July 2020

NEWS AT A GLANCE

  1. The Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) has entered into a partnership with Star Health and Allied Insurance Co to provide a wide range of health insurance options to its customers.
  2. Fino Payments Bank Limited (FPBL) has launched a savings bank account ‘Bhavishya’ for minor children aged between 10 and 18 years on 7th July 2020 to make children banking ready from early age and inculcate a savings habit among them.
  3. Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited has launched a facility of opening account through video KYC.
  4. World Bank and the Government of India (GoI) signed a loan agreement to enhance support for the Namami Gange programme that seeks to rejuvenate the Ganga River.
  5. Brokerage firm Citi, has projected India’s GDP for FY21 to contract by 6%. The projection has been lowered by Citi, as compared to its earlier estimate of -3.5%.
  6. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Jharkhand new administrative and the academic building have been named after Bharatiya Jan Sangh founder Late Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on his 119th birth anniversary.
  7. A commemorative stamp would be released soon by the Centre in honour of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao on his 100th birth anniversary, said by Union Minister G Kishan Reddy.
  8. Fever Network, the country’s leading radio network and house to the most popular radio stations, Fever FM, Radio Nasha and Radio One is now live with its latest campaign – ‘Your Happiness Partner’.
  9. Karnataka Agriculture Minister B C Patil informed that central Government has sanctioned 4,000 crore rupees under Atmanirbhar programme to improve infrastructure for the Food Parks in the state.
  10. Private players will begin rail passenger services by April 2023, and they will run only five per cent of the Railways’ total mail and express trains.
  11. Over the period of next six financial year (2020-21 to 2025-26), an amount of Rs 23,848 crore for the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state of Odisha has been recommended by the 5th State Finance Commission of Odisha on 7th July 2020.
  12. The Jharkhand health department has launched a major campaign to immunize the deprived children.
  13. The Delhi government will set up a ‘COVID-19 War Room’, which will 24×7 monitor the city’s fight against the novel coronavirus, and suggest measures to effectively deal with the prevailing situation.
  14. The birth anniversary of Former and the 14th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy is celebrated as Rythu Dinotsavam meaning Farmer’s Day.
  15. India’s & Asia’s Largest and World’s Second Largest Uptime Tier IV Designed Data Centre was inaugurated virtually on 7th July 2020.
  16. German lawmakers have finalized the country’s long-awaited phase-out of coal as an energy source, backing a plan that environmental groups say isn’t ambitious enough and free marketeers criticise as a waste of taxpayers’ money.
  17. The United States Government has submitted its notice to the Secretary-General of the United Nations to withdraw from the WHO by the 6th of July 2021.
  18. Wrestler-turned-actor, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has been named Instagram’s highest-paid celebrity.
  19. India has been ranked at 117th position in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Index 2020, released on 30 June 2020.
  20. From 61st position last year, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore has broken into the global top 50 Executive MBA (EMBA) Rankings by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) this year at 36th position.
  21. National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under the AYUSH Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) under Department of Agricultural Research and Education on 6 July 2020.
  22. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Bakamla RI (Indonesian Coast Guard) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ‘Maritime Safety and Security’ to boost maritime relations
  23. Microsoft has partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to offer digital skills to India’s youth in the next 12 months amid the COVID-19 crisis.
  24. Mobility platform Ola has entered into a partnership with digital payments platform PhonePe to expand payment options for riders.
  25. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has constituted an 11-member expert committee to study the impact of Covid-19 on human rights and future response of the government.
  26. Rising tennis star Sumit Nagal has become the first Indian to win an international tournament in the Covid-19 era after he lifted the PSD Bank Nord Open trophy, a locally organised clay court tournament in Germany.
  27. Pune based molecular biology company- Mylab Discovery Solutions Private Limited has launched a cartridge-based machine named ‘Compact XL’ on 7th July 2020 that will be able to test and handle multiple samples at the same time.
  28. The Himalayan butterfly named Golden Birdwing has become India’s largest butterfly and broke the record set by an unknown specimen, which was held for 88 years.

NEWS IN DETAILS

BANKING & FINANCE 

Karur Vysya Bank partners with Star Health Insurance

  • The Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) has entered into a partnership with Star Health and Allied Insurance Co to provide a wide range of health insurance options to its customers.
  • Under the agreement, all the health insurance products of Star Health & Allied Insurance will be made available through all 780 branches of the Karur Vysya Bank.
  • This agreement helps the bank to provide cost-effective insurance products and quick settlement of claims its customers.

Extra Shots:

Karur Vysya Bank

  • Headquarters: Karur, Tamil Nadu.
  • Tagline: Smart Way to Bank.
  • Chairman: N. S. Srinath.

Fino Payments Bank launches ‘Bhavishya’ Savings Account for minor children

  • Fino Payments Bank Limited (FPBL) has launched a savings bank account ‘Bhavishya’ for minor children aged between 10 and 18 years on 7th July 2020 to make children banking ready from early age and inculcate a savings habit among them.
  • Bhavishya is an annual subscription-based savings account, which can be opened with just Rs. 349 (inclusive of GST).
  • Initially, the bank is introducing the Bhavishya Savings Account in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh and gradually it will launch in other states.

 Features of Bhavishya Savings Account

  • Monthly Average Balance requirement: Nil
  • Free Platinum RuPay Debit card which can be used at ATMs only to withdraw cash with Aadhaar authentication.
  • Accidental Insurance/Permanent disability cover of upto Rs.2 Lakhs linked with Rupay Platinum Debit Card
  • Upto 5 free ATM transactions in a month
  • Free cash deposit limit upto Rs.25,000 per month
  • Free cash withdrawal at Fino Bank branches
  • For security reasons minor should have a mobile number that is different from the parent’s number.
  • Upon attaining 18 years of age, the BhavishyaSavings Account will be upgraded to regular savings account on submission of Re-KYC with updated info.

Extra Shots:

Fino Payments Bank Limited

  • Headquarters location: Mumbai
  • CEO: Rishi Gupta
  • Founded: 13 July 2006
  • Subsidiaries: Fino Payments Bank, Alpha Payment Services India Pvt. Ltd, Fino Finance Private Limited

Equitas Small Finance Bank launches video KYC account

  • Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited has launched a facility of opening account through video KYC.
  • With this, any person anywhere in the country can open a savings account with Equitas Small Finance Bank; complete the full KYC through video with the Bank employee.
  • The new video KYC account is a step forward towards our vision.
  • This will ensure contact less, no branch visit and hassle free account opening and transactions for customers.

Extra Shots:

Equitas Small Finance Bank

  • Headquarters location: Chennai
  • Founded: 2007
  • Key people: Shri Arun Ramanathan; (Part-time Chairman); Mr. Vasudevan P N; (MD & CEO)
  • Parent organization: Equitas Holding

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

World Bank to provide USD 400 million to enhance support to rejuvenate Ganga

  • World Bank and the Government of India (GoI) signed a loan agreement to enhance support for the Namami Gange programme that seeks to rejuvenate the Ganga River.
  • The Second National Ganga River Basin Project aims to help stem pollution in river Ganga.
  • It will also strengthen the management of the river basin, which is home to more than 500 million people.

Highlights:

  • The $400 million projects comprise a loan of $381 million and a proposed Guarantee of up to $19 million.
  • The agreement aims to ensure that the river Ganga returns to a pollution-free, ecologically healthy state.
  • The new project will extend the engagement of India and the World Bank in this critical national programme to make the Ganga a clean, healthy river.
  • The project will help build infrastructure and institutions that are needed to make the Ganga clean.

Extra Shots:

World Bank:

  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
  • Parent organization: World Bank Group
  • Membership: 189 countries (IBRD); 173 countries (IDA)
  • Founders: John Maynard Keynes, Harry Dexter White

Citi projects India’s FY21 GDP forecast at -6%

  • Brokerage firm Citi, has projected India’s GDP for FY21 to contract by 6%. The projection has been lowered by Citi, as compared to its earlier estimate of -3.5%.
  • Citi has reduced the projection for the following reasons: Spread of the Corona Virus, Virus concentration risk and Macro Indicators.

Extra Shots:

Citi is a leading provider of transaction banking, liquidity, credit and capital markets services to retail and institutional broker-dealers, asset management and infrastructure companies worldwide.

NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

IARI Jharkhand’s bulding named after Late Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

  • The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Jharkhand new administrative and the academic building have been named after Bharatiya Jan Sangh founder Late Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on his 119th birth anniversary.
  • Shyama Prasad Mukherjee dedicated his life to the unity and integrity of the country, gave the call for one nation-one law and sacrificed his life in Kashmir.

Extra Shots:

IARI:

  • Founded: 1905
  • Headquarters location: New Delhi

Govt to Release Commemorative Stamp in Honour of Ex-PM Narasimha Rao: Union Minister

  • A commemorative stamp would be released soon by the Centre in honour of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao on his 100th birth anniversary, said by Union Minister G Kishan Reddy.
  • PV Narasimha Rao served as the ninth Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996.
  • He is revered as the ‘Father of Indian Economic Reforms.’

Fever Network launches ‘Happiness Partner’ initiative to help SMEs amid pandemic

  • Fever Network, the country’s leading radio network and house to the most popular radio stations, Fever FM, Radio Nasha and Radio One is now live with its latest campaign – ‘Your Happiness Partner’.
  • The initiative aims to support the pandemic-affected small and medium enterprises and help them bounce back faster with the right promotion plan, targeting the right audience.

Govt sanctions Rs 4,000 cr under Atmanirbhar programme to improve infrastructure for Food Parks in Karnataka

  • Karnataka Agriculture Minister B C Patil informed that central Government has sanctioned 4,000 crore rupees under Atmanirbhar programme to improve infrastructure for the Food Parks in the state.
  • Infrastructure will be improved in four Food Parks developed in the state and plans will be afoot to set up more.
  • Agri start-ups will be encouraged in the state to set up units in the Food Parks. Malur, Bagalkote, Hiriyuru and Jewargi have Food Parks.
  • Food Karnataka Limited is a special purpose vehicle appointed to manage these parks

Private players to begin rail passenger services by April 2023

  • Private players will begin rail passenger services by April 2023, and they will run only five per cent of the Railways’ total mail and express trains.
  • The rest of the 95 per cent of the trains in India will be operated by Railways.
  • All the train sets and coaches will be procured under this project will be as par Make in India policy

STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

State Finance Commission of Odisha Recommends Rs 23,848 crore for PRIs and ULBs in the state

  • Over the period of next six financial year (2020-21 to 2025-26), an amount of Rs 23,848 crore for the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state of Odisha has been recommended by the 5th State Finance Commission of Odisha on 7th July 2020.
  • These funds allocated will be for strengthening the ULBs and PRIs in the state financially so that various developmental projects and maintenance of existing assets can be taken up by these institutes and bodies.
  • Projects on which the funds will be invested by PRIs and ULBs: drainage networks, sanitation, drinking water, solid waste management, maintenance of public Health Sub Centers and Anganwadis, construction of roads, etc.

Breakdown of the Rs 23,848 crore funds

  • Rs 15,715.60 crore for Panchayat Raj Institutions
  • Rs 8,132.52 crore for Urban Local Bodies
  • These funds will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of Panchayati Raj Institutions (Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zilla Parishads) by using ‘PRIA Soft’- Panchayati Raj Institutions Accounting Software.
  • PRIA Soft for the fund transfer will be integrated with the IFMS- Integrated Financial Management System.
  • This Funds to be transferred in two tranches in a financial year: The first tranche will be released in the months on May-June while in the month of October-November the second tranche will be released.
  • For the second tranche to be released, the ULBs and PRIs will have to complete 30 percent of the work they had taken up under the first tranche provided in the financial year.

Jharkhand launches immunization drive for 44K kids of migrant workers

  • The Jharkhand health department has launched a major campaign to immunize the deprived children.
  • The Jharkhand Health Department identified the children during an intensive door-to-door survey.
  • The children between age group of zero to five who stayed with their parents at workplace in different states were deprived of immunization due to ignorance or time crunch due to work pres. sure
  • A senior official in the state health department, who monitors immunization, said they have set a target to immunize 8.30 lakh children between the age group of zero to five this year.

Extra Shots:

Jharkhand

  • Capital: Ranchi
  • Chief Minister: Hemant Soren
  • Governor: Draupadi Murmu

COVID-19 War Room to be set up in Delhi to check the spread of virus

  • The Delhi government will set up a ‘COVID-19 War Room’, which will 24×7 monitor the city’s fight against the novel coronavirus, and suggest measures to effectively deal with the prevailing situation.
  • The ‘COVID-19 War Room’, which is being set up at the Delhi Secretariat, will be manned by around 25 experts.
  • It is expected to become operational in the next few days

New Delhi:

  • Chief Minister: Arvind Kejriwal
  • Governor: Anil Baijal

On 8th July Rythu Dinotsavam (Farmer’s Day) in Andhra Pradesh

  • The birth anniversary of Former and the 14th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy is celebrated as Rythu Dinotsavam meaning Farmer’s Day.
  • The day was first celebrated in 2019 when the current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy issued a government order designating the day as Farmer’s Day in Andhra Pradesh.

Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy

  • Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy was elected as a member of Lok Sabha for 4 consecutive terms.
  • He served as the full term Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 2004 to 2009 and was re-elected as the Chief Minister in the 2009 Assembly Election.
  • On 2nd September 2009, Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy died in a helicopter crash. In his career, he had never lost in an election.

Extra Shots:

Andhra Pradesh:

  • Capital: Amravati
  • Chief Minister: Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy
  • Governor: Biswabhusan Harichandan
  • Literacy rate: 67.4%
  • National Park: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park

INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS

World’s Second Largest Tier IV Designed Data Centre ‘NM1’ Inaugurated at Navi Mumbai

  • India’s & Asia’s Largest and World’s Second Largest Uptime Tier IV Designed Data Centre was inaugurated virtually on 7th July 2020.
  • The Data Centre is named ‘Yotta NM1 or NM1’ is located inside the 600-Acre Hiranandani Fortune City at Navi Mumbai’s Panvel region.
  • Inside the Hiranandani Fortune City, a Data Centre Park named Panvel Data Centre Park or Integrated Yotta Data Centre Park has been developed, NM1 is located inside the Panvel Data Centre Park.
  • The NM1 Data Centre was inaugurated virtually in the presence of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray and Ravi Shankar Prasad (Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology).

NM1 Data Centre

  • The NM1 Data Centre has been developed by Yotta Infrastructure Solutions LLP (a subsidiary of Hiranandani Group. A total of five Data Centre Buildings will be developed at the Panvel Data Centre Park by Yotta Infrastructure. NM1 is the first of the five such building. The five buildings at Panvel Data Centre Park will be spread in over 18 acres of land.
  • NM1 Data Centre has received certification from the United States-based Uptime Institute as the Largest Tier IV Designed Data Centre in India & Asia and the World’s Second Largest. This certification is valid up to 27th April 2022.

Specifications of NM1 Data Centre:

  • 7,200 Racks
  • 50 MW Power
  • 4 Fibre Paths
  • 4 Design PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness)

Germany to become first major economy to phase out coal, nuclear power

  • German lawmakers have finalized the country’s long-awaited phase-out of coal as an energy source, backing a plan that environmental groups say isn’t ambitious enough and free marketeers criticise as a waste of taxpayers’ money.
  • Bills approved by both houses of parliament envision shutting down the last coal-fired power plant by 2038 and spending some 40 billion euros ($45 billion) to help affected regions cope with the transition.
  • The plan is part of Germany’s ‘energy transition’ – an effort to wean Europe’s biggest economy off planet-warming fossil fuels and generate all of the country’s considerable energy needs from renewable sources.

Extra Shots:

Germany (Capital/Currency): Berlin/ Euro

  • Chancellor: Angela Merkel

United States submits notice to U.N Secretary-General to withdraw from WHO by 6th July 2021

  • The United States Government has submitted its notice to the Secretary-General of the United Nations to withdraw from the WHO by the 6th of July 2021.
  • The withdrawal of membership from the WHO will be a yearlong process as several factors are likely to come up in between in which the Donald Trump-led administration won’t have control.

RANKS AND INDICES

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson becomes Instagram’s highest-paid celebrity

  • Wrestler-turned-actor, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has been named Instagram’s highest-paid celebrity.
  • Dwayne has dethroned Kylie Jenner as Instagram’s highest-paid celebrity.
  • According to social media marketing firm Hopper HQ, Johnson has 189 million followers while Jenner has 183 million followers.
  • He can charge advertisers roughly $1,015,000 for a sponsored post.
  • He was also named Hollywood’s highest-paid actor of 2019 by Forbes.
  • Also on this year’s list were pro soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, who charged about $889,000 per post and Jenner’s Sister Kim Kardashian, who could charge $858,000. Ariana Grande rounds out the top five, charging about $853,000.

India Ranks 117th in 2020 SDG Index, Sweden Tops

  • India has been ranked at 117th position in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Index 2020, released on 30 June 2020.
  • The overall score of India in SDG Index 2020 is 61.9.
  • Sweden has topped the 2020 SDG Index with a score of 84.7.
  • The 2020 SDG Index covers 166 countries, compared with 162 countries in 2019.

SDG Index

  • The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and Bertelsmann Stiftung publish the global SDG Index and Dashboards every year since 2016.
  • The SDG Index tracks the performance of a country on the 17 SDGs and equal weight is given to all 17 goals.
  • The score gained by each country signifies their position between the worst (0) and the best or target (100) outcomes.

Extra Shots:

SDSN:

  • Headquarters location: New York, New York, United States
  • Founded: August 2012

IIM Bangalore jumps 25 places to break into top 50 of QS EMBA Rankings

  • From 61st position last year, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore has broken into the global top 50 Executive MBA (EMBA) Rankings by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) this year at 36th position.
  • There are also two new Indian entries into the EMBA Rankings this year, including Indian School of Business (ISB) debuting at 81st position, while IIM Kozhikode ranks in the 101+ grouping.
  • However, the Executive MBA sector is still one dominated by institutions in the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) with 62 of the 141 single-provider programs ranked are offered by American or British providers.

Extra Shots:

QS:

  • Headquarters location: London, United Kingdom
  • Founded: 1990

AGREEMENTS AND MOU SIGNED

NMPB signs MoU with ICAR-NBPGR to conserve Germplasm on long-term basis

  • National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under the AYUSH Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) under Department of Agricultural Research and Education on 6 July 2020.
  • The agreement aims to conserve the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Genetic Resources (MAPGRs).
  • It will be preserved at ICAR-NBPGR’s designated space in the long-term storage module in the National Gene bank and Regional Station for a medium-term storage module, as per the availability.

Highlights:

  • The MoU aims to acquire hands-on training on the conservation techniques of plant germplasm to the NMPB working group.
  • NMPB and ICAR-NBPGR will serve the National interests through conservation of germplasm on a long-term basis, safely and cost-effectively for present and future generations.
  • The move also aims to ensure social and economic security.
  • Under the MoU, NMPB and the ICAR-NBPGR will develop modalities for seed storage of MAPGRs in detail and submit a periodic progress report to their respective organizations.

Extra Shots:

AYUSH Ministry

  • Founded: 9 November 2014, India
  • Officeholder: Shripad Naik (MOS independent charge)
  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • Jurisdiction: India

India, Indonesia Coast Guards sign MoU to boost maritime relations

  • The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Bakamla RI (Indonesian Coast Guard) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ‘Maritime Safety and Security’ to boost maritime relations.
  • India and Indonesia are historically connected through the Indian Ocean and it has been the resolve of both nations to ensure safe and secure sea passage for all seafarers in the region.
  • This MoU will strengthen cooperation by augmenting information exchange mechanisms.
  • This real-time Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) will then be the foundation for controlling and responding to incidents of piracy, smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal migration and other such maritime crimes which will bring safety and security to the region and also result in protection of our precious marine environment.
  • The MoU will also provide avenues to improve our interoperability and carry out joint search and rescue when required.

Extra Shots:

Indonesia (Capital/Currency): Jakarta/ Indonesian rupiah

  • President: Joko Widodo

Microsoft partners NSDC to provide digital skills

  • Microsoft has partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to offer digital skills to India’s youth in the next 12 months amid the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Microsoft will provide free access to learning resources and conduct digital skilling awareness drives by collaborating with eSkill India portal of NSDC.
  • This partnership will help in creating a digital skills ecosystem which will prepare India’s workforce for jobs of the future.
  • As a part of the partnership, “Microsoft Learn” a learning resource center of Microsoft will be integrated with the eSkill India digital platform and offer access to personalized learning paths and resources that are required in today’s economy and expected to continue to grow in the future. e-skilling events, webinars and virtual sessions would be co-hosted across the country by eSkill India and Microsoft in order to support students, training partners and higher-education trainees enrolled under NSDC’s skill training programs.

Extra Shots:

Microsoft

  • CEO: Satya Nadella
  • Founded: 4 April 1975, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
  • Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States
  • Founders: Bill Gates, Paul Allen

Ola partners with PhonePe for digital payments

  • Mobility platform Ola has entered into a partnership with digital payments platform PhonePe to expand payment options for riders.
  • The partnership will help the mobility platform enable better digital payments experience on its Ola app.
  • Ola customers across the country can now pay for their ride using PhonePe.
  • It will also benefit the digital payments platform in order to help it expand its user base.
  • Ola’s customers can use all of PhonePe’s payment options, including the PhonePe wallet, to make payments in addition to UPI.
  • Ola had recently launched its Ride Safe India encouraging customers to opt for digital payment channels amid Covid-19 to minimise the risk of exposure and avoid physical contact.

Extra Shots:

Ola:

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

PhonePe

  • Parent organization: Flipkart
  • Founded: December 2015
  • CEO: Sameer Nigam
  • Headquarters location: Bengaluru
  • Founders: Sameer Nigam, Burzin Engineer, Rahul Chari

RECENT COMMITTEES IN NEWS

NHRC sets up panel, headed by Dr K S Reddy, to assess Covid-19 impact on human rights

  • The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has constituted an 11-member expert committee to study the impact of Covid-19 on human rights and future response of the government.
  • The expert panel would be headed by Dr K S Reddy, president of Public Health Foundation of India.

Key Functions of the expert committee:

  • Assess the impact of Covid-19 on human rights of people, especially marginalised and vulnerable sections of the society, including migrant labourers.
  • Suggest the future policy for the Centre and state governments based on the best practices being followed abroad and even in India.

Extra Shots:

NHRC:

  • Website: nhrc.nic.in
  • Formed: 12 October 1993
  • Jurisdiction: Government of India
  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • First executive: Ranganath Misra
  • Preceding executive: K. G. Balakrishnan

SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS

Sumit Nagal wins PSD Bank Nord Open tournament in Germany

  • Rising tennis star Sumit Nagal has become the first Indian to win an international tournament in the Covid-19 era after he lifted the PSD Bank Nord Open trophy, a locally organised clay court tournament in Germany.
  • Nagal, , who is currently India’s highest-ranked singles player at 127, recently defeated second seed German Daniel Masur 6-1, 6-3 in the final match at the tournament held at the Pinneberg tennis club.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CURRENT AFFAIRS

Mylab launches India’s First Machine to Automate the Manual Processes of Molecular Diagnostic Tests

  • Pune based molecular biology company- Mylab Discovery Solutions Private Limited has launched a cartridge-based machine named ‘Compact XL’ on 7th July 2020 that will be able to test and handle multiple samples at the same time.
  • The machine will reduce the need for laboratory technicians for handling and testing samples to one, as an individual will be able to operate the machine.

Compact XL

  • Compact XL is a 4X3 benchtop machine that is 100 percent indigenously developed and the first Machine in India that will fully automate the manual lab oratory operations required for testing molecular diagnostic samples of COVID-19. This automated system will be able to handle samples of RNA/DNA based test, RT-PCR test, Plasma, Tissue, Swab, and Sputum.
  • A total of 32 samples can be handled and tested by the machine in an hour. The machine is priced at Rs 40 lakh (4 million Rupees). The pre-ordering of the machine begins on 13th July 2020. The testing capacity of the machine can be increased from 32 per hour in the future based on the demand.

WEBPORTALS & APP IN NEWS

Himalayan butterfly is Indias largest Butterfly

  • The Himalayan butterfly named Golden Birdwing has become India’s largest butterfly and broke the record set by an unknown specimen, which was held for 88 years.
  • The unknown specimen was recorded by a British Army officer Brigadier William Harry Evans in 1932.

Highlights:

  • The wingspan of the female of the Golden Birdwing species is 194 mm which is marginally larger than the Southern Birdwing. The wingspan of the Southern Birdwing is 190 mm. The female Golden Birdwing was recorded from Didihat, Uttarakhand
  • The length of the largest female Golden Birdwing’s forewing is 90 mm.
  • Also, the male Golden Birdwing, Troides Aeacus, is much smaller at 106 mm.
  • The smallest butterfly is the Quaker (Neopithecops zalmora) with a wingspan of 18 mm and forewing length of 8 mm

The three species followed by the Golden Birdwing are: