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Important Current Affairs 27th June 2020

National

PM launches Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a 125-day campaign on 26th June 2020 that will provide employment migrant and daily wage workers in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The campaign is called Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan. The campaign was launched through video conferencing in the presence of Yogi Adityanath (Chief Minister Uttar Pradesh).

• The mega job scheme launched by Prime Minister today is part of the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan that was launched on 20th June 2020 by Prime Minister himself.

• The Campaign launched will focus on providing employment in a total of 31 districts of Uttar Pradesh. There are more than 25,000 returnee migrant workers in each of the 31 districts.It was also announced that 5000 tool kits will also be distributed under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Initiative in the state.

International

Russia plans to take first tourist for spacewalk in 2023

• Russia's Energia Space Corporation plans to take its first tourist for spacewalk in the year 2023. The Energia entered into a contract with Space Adventures of United States to take two space tourists in 2023 to the International Space Station (ISS).

• Energia is a part of Roscosmos, Russia’s Space Agency.

Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list

• Pakistan will remain on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for failing to suits the worldwide terrorist financing watchdog’s deadline to prosecute and penalise terrorist financing in the country.

• FATF had expressed serious concerns over Pakistan’s failure to finish its 27-point action plan in line with the agreed timelines, which led to September 2019.

Banking and Economy

IMF predicts Indian economy to contract by 4.5% in FY21

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Indian economy will experience a sharp contraction of 4.55% in Fiscal Year 2021, as compared to that of 1.9% expansion projected in the month of April 2020. The international organization has called this a “historic low” for India.

World’s First Gold-backed Digital Gold Currency launched in India

• IBMC Financial Professionals Group, an internationally recognized financial services institution and business consultants, has joined hands with US Gold Currency Inc and Blockfills to bring the world’s first monetary gold-backed digital gold currency to India.

• The currency is also being simultaneously introduced in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Middle East and Africa. Each US Gold digital currency is backed by US American Eagle one ounce (33.931 gram) gold coin, minted by US Federal Agency, US Mint.

• The holders of the currency can redeem their digital assets as physical gold coin or in US dollars anywhere in the world.

Science and Technology

NASA headquarters to be renamed for Mary W. Jackson

• NASA has announced that its headquarters in Washington, D.C., will be named after Mary W. Jackson, one of its history-making engineers. The information was passed by NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.

• Mary. W. Jackson was an aerospace engineer and a mathematician who was part of a group of very important women who had NASA succeed in getting American astronauts into space.

Sachin Bansal’s startup “Navi” launches new instant lending app

• Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal’s financial services startup “Navi” has launched a mobile app ” Navi lending” to provide instant personal loans targeted at consumers in the middle-income segment.

Obituary

1971 war hero SqnLdr Parvez Jamasji passes away

• Vir Chakra awardee, SqnLdr (retd) Parvez Jamasji passed away. He was commissioned in 1965 and retired in 1985. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for gallantry during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.

Sports

New Zealand, Australia to jointly host 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

• Australia and New Zealand till jointly be hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. The Federation of International Football Associations made the announcement on June 25, 2020 following the voting done by FIFA Council during its virtual meeting.

• New Zealand Football and Football Federation Australia had earlier submitted a joint bid for hosting the World Cup 2023.

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Important Current Affairs 26th June 2020

National

Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan launches eBlood Services Mobile App

• Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on June 25, 2020 launched the eBlood Services Mobile Application. The application is an initiative of the Indian Red Cross Society, which is dedicated to the fight against C-19.

• Those in need can get registered on the app and know where to get the required blood. The Health Minister stated that people can demand up to four units of blood.

• The Indian Red Cross Society's blood banks will wait up to 12 hrs for them.

Madhya Pradesh Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Introduces Nishtha Vidyut Mitra Scheme for Women Empowerment

•  The Madhya Pradesh Madhya Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited(MPMKVVCL) introduced the Nishtha Vidyut Mitra Scheme for women empowerment.

•  Under this scheme, women Self-Help Groups at Gram Panchayat level will act as Nishtha Vidyut Mitra.

International

Iran to develop military base in Indian Ocean

•  The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) of Iran is planning to set up its permanent military base in the Indian Ocean.

•  Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri announced that the military base is expected to be developed by March 2021.

Banking and Economy

RBI directs banks, NBFCs, digital lending platforms to disclose full information

• The Reserve Bank of India has directed the banks, Non Banking Financial Corporations and digital lending platforms to disclose full information up front on their websites to customers to make the digital lending more transparent.

• The RBI’s follows several complaints against exorbitant interest rates and harsh recovery measures of the lending platforms.

• The RBI stated that a letter must be issued to the borrower on the letter head of the bank/ NBFC concerned immediately after the loan sanction. A copy of the loan agreement shall also be provided to all borrowers at the time of the disbursement of loans. The RBI also asked the banks and NBFCs to create awareness about the grievance redressal mechanism.

Awards

e-Panchayat Puraskar 2020 to Himachal Pradesh

•  Himachal Pradesh state Panchayati raj department wins 1st prize under e-Panchayat Puraskar-2020. This prize was given by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj. All the 3,226 panchayats of the state have been provided internet facility and people can access various services online.

•  The various services such as family register, registration of birth, death and marriages are registered online in the panchayats. Union ministry of Panchayati raj has made a lot of efforts to bring in transparency, efficiency and accountability in gram panchayats’s functioning.

Acquisitions and Mergers

CCI approves Jaadhu Holdings LLC’s acquisition of 9.99 percent stake in Jio Platforms

•The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Jaadhu Holdings LLC’s acquisition of a 9.99 percent stake in Jio Platforms. 

•Jaadhu Holdings LLC is a newly incorporated company, which was formed in March 2020 under the laws of the US state of Delaware. It is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Facebook.

•Jio Platforms hold 100 percent of the issued and outstanding share capital of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL).

Days

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed on 26th June every year. This day is observed by the United Nations to raise awareness among the people about the human torture that it is not only unacceptable but it is also a crime.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

•  International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed globally on 26th June every year. The day is observed by the United Nations as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

•  The theme of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2020: “Better Knowledge for Better Care”.

India's first Cricket World Cup lifted on this day in 1983

•  India lifted its first-ever ICC Cricket World Cup on June 25 in the year 1983. 37 years ago, India made history by lifting its Cricket World Cup by defeating West Indies by 43 runs at Lord's Cricket Ground, England.

•  Kapil Dev-led Indian cricket team managed to score only 183 runs that were enough to beat the West Indies.

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Important Current Affairs 25th June 2020

National

MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari launches CGSSD

•  The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Nitin Gadkari on 4June 24, 2020 launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Sub-ordinate Debt (CGSSD).

•  Under the scheme, a guarantee cover worth Rs 20,000 crore will be provided to the promoters who can take debt from the banks to further invest in their stressed MSMEs as equity.

•  The scheme aims to extend support to the promoters of the operational MSMEs that are stressed and have become NPA as on April 30, 2020.

•  Under the scheme, Promoters of the MSMEs will be given credit equal to 15 percent of their stake or 75 lakh rupees whichever is lower. There will be a moratorium of 7 years on payment of principal whereas maximum tenure for repayment will be 10 years.

India to give USD 10 million to UNRWA for Palestine Refugees

• India has pledged to contribute USD 10 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The amount would be contributed over the coming two years.

• The contribution of USD 10 million would be an additional amount over and above USD 5 million contribution announced for year 2020.

• The announcement was made by the Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan while addressing the Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA.

CCEA approves establishment of Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved setting up of Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) worth Rs 15000 crore.

• The fund is a part of the AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package that was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharam to revive economic growth.The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund would facilitate much-needed incentivisation of investments for dairy and meat processing and value addition infrastructure and establishment of animal feed plant in the private sector.

• The Indian Government would also set up a Credit Guarantee Fund worth Rs 750 crore to be managed by NABARD.

Govt forms IN-SPACe to guide private sector in space activities

• The Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space, Jitendra Singh announced that a new institution- Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has been formed. The institution will guide the private industries in the space activities with the help of encouraging policies in a friendly regulatory environment.

• The Union Minister informed that Indian National Space, Promotion & Authorisation Centre is not a new institution but now its role has been extended into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

International

World's first yoga University outside India launched in LA

• The world's first yoga university outside India has been launched in Los Angeles, United States as a part of the 6th International Yoga Day commemorations.

• The Vivekananda Yoga University (VaYU) will offer programmes that combine scientific principles and modern research approaches to the ancient Indian practice of yoga.The university combines best of the East, which is yoga and its applications and best of the West, which is modern scientific research.

Banking and Economy

GoI brings all cooperative banks under supervision of RBI

• The Union government on June 24 has decided to bring 1,482 urban cooperative banks and 58 multi-state cooperative banks under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The news was announced by I&B Minister, Prakash Javadekar after the Union Cabinet’s meeting.

• The Union minister informed that RBI’s power as they apply to the scheduled banks will now also apply to the cooperative banks. He added that the government has decided to introduce an ordinance that will put cooperative banks under RBI’s supervision.

• This decision will give an assurance to more than 86 million depositors in these banks that their money amounting to Rs 4.84 trillion will stay safe.

India retains its position as 3rd Largest Economy on PPP basis for 2017: World Bank Report

• The World Bank has released the new purchasing power parity (PPP) for the reference year 2017, under the International Comparison Program (ICP), that adjust for differences in the cost of living across economies of the world. Globally, 176 economies participated in 2017 cycle of ICP.

• India has retained its position as the third-largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) for 2017, as per the World Bank data. India was 3rd largest in 2011 round of World Bank’s International Comparison Program (ICP) also.

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Important Current Affairs 24th June 2020

National

Patanjali launches Ayurvedic medicine, claims 100 pc recovery within 3-7 days

•  Patanjali on June 23, 2020 launched 'Coronil and Swasari', its Ayurvedic medicine, which it claims can treat C-19. There is no official confirmation on the same by any scientific or government authority.

•  Patanjali stated that the medicines showed 100 percent favourable results during clinical trials on the confirmed  patients. Two clinical trials were conducted, the first clinical controlled study that took place in Delhi and Ahmedabad and many other cities.

•  Around 280 patients were included in the trial and as per Patanjali, 100 percent of those recovered.

•  However, the efficacy of Patanjali’s medicines has not received any backing from any medical body as yet. The World Health Organization (WHO) had recently said that though many drug trials are going on, there is currently no proof that any drug can cure or prevent C-19.

Rajasthan Government to launch “Indira Rasoi Yojana”

Rajasthan state government will soon launch Indira Rasoi Yojana for the poor. This scheme will start to ensure that “no one sleeps hungry” in the state. Under this scheme, pure and nutritious food on concessional rates is going to be provided to the needy twice each day. The State government will spend Rs.100 crores every year on the scheme.

Banking and Economy

Moody’s Projects India’s GDP at -3.1% for Calendar Year 2020 and 6.9% in 2021

•   Moody’s Investors Service has sharply revised its forecast for India’s annual GDP growth and has projected the Indian economy to shrink 3.1 percent in the Calendar year 2020, caused by the disruptions due to the C -19.

•    Moody’s released its June update to Global Macro Outlook (2020-21) on 22 June 2020.

Awards

Nobel-laureate Indian economist Amartya Sen wins 2020 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade

• Nobel-laureate Indian economist and philosopher Amartya Sen has been selected for the 2020 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade for his decades-long work around issues of global justice.

• The 86-year-old Harvard professor and past Nobel prize winner will be awarded during a ceremony on 18 October 2020 in Frankfurt. The Peace Prize of the German Book Trade comes with a cash prize of €25,000 euros ($28,000).

• He has been chosen for the prestigious prize for his pioneering work addressing issues of global justice, social inequality in education and healthcare.

Science and Technology

ISRO receives patent for “Liquid Cooling and Heating Garment”

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has received a patent for its Liquid Cooling and Heating Garment (LCHG). Liquid Cooling and Heating Garment (LCHG) is a protective garment for human spaceflight. It is a close fitting long garment that covers the torso as well as the limbs from neck to toe as a single piece lightweight comfort inner wear.

• The flight suit has to be worn by the astronauts over the LCHG. The garment permits the long term use without any impact on the wearer in terms of skin irritation or infection.

Obituary

Former Indian shooter Pournima Zanane passes away

• Former Indian shooter and coach Pournima Zanane passed away due to cancer. She represented India at multiple ISSF World Cups, Asian Championships, Commonwealth Championships, amongst other tournaments.

• Pournima Zanane was a national record holder in 10m Air Rifle event.

Appointments and Resignations

T. Rabi Sankar becomes new Chairman of IFTAS

• Indian Financial Technology & Allied Services (IFTAS) has announced the appointments of T Rabi Sankar as the Chairman of the organization. IFTAS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reserve Bank of India.

• T Rabi Sankar, currently serving as Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India for Payment Systems, Information Technology, Risk Management and Fintech has taken over concurrent charge, ex officio, as the Chairman of IFTAS.

Days

United Nations Public Service Day

• The United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated on June 23 every year, as a tribute to the people who are associated with public service in all the counties of the world.

• The Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003 to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community.

• Theme of 2020 is ‘On the frontlines: honouring public servants in the C-19  response.’

International Olympic Day

• The Olympic Day is celebrated globally on 23rd June every year. This year the Olympic Movement will celebrate Olympic Day 2020 by creating the world’s largest 24 hour digital-first Olympic workout.

• For this, the Olympic Channel is making a brand new home workout video made by Olympic athletes.The Olympic Day 2020 theme is “Move, learn and discover”

Books and Authors

Amish Tripathi launches his new fiction book – ‘Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India’

• The author of The Immortals of Meluha has announced the launch of his new book, Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India. Published by Westland Publications Pvt Ltd, his latest fiction is set in 11th-century, India.

• The book begins with Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion and the massacre of the holy Somnath Temple. The book has been published by Westland Publications.

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Important Current Affairs 23rd June 2020

National

NITI Aayog to launch project “Decarbonising Transport in India”

• NITI Aayog has collaborated with International Transport Forum (ITF) for “Decarbonising Transport in India” project, with the aim to develop a pathway towards a low-carbon transport system for India.

• The project will be launched online on 24 June, 2020, at YouTube livestream, which can be accessed at https://youtu.be/l2G5x5RdBUM.The “Decarbonising Transport in India” project will provide the government with a detailed understanding of current and future transport activity and the related CO2 emissions as a basis for their decision-making.

• ITFis Paris, France based intergovernmental organisation for transport policy. India has been a member of ITF since 2008.The project is part of the ITF’s “Decarbonising Transport in Emerging Economies” (DTEE) family of projects, which supports transport decarbonisation across different world regions.

France commits 200 million Euros loan for India to scale up Government’s existing response

• France has signed a loan agreement of 200-million-euros with India to boost India’s C-19 response. With the loan agreement, France aims to increase the state and central governments’ capacities to support India’s most vulnerable people in the wake of the C-19 crisis.

• World Bank has developed the programme design in collaboration with the Indian authorities to optimize and expand the existing social protection measures taken by India.

Emergency funds granted to Indian armed forces amid Indo-China clash

• Central government has granted emergency funds to all the three armed services to acquire arms and ammunition amid the border standoff at Indo-China border.

• The funds of Rs 500 crore are granted for per procurement project. Moreover, special financial powers have been granted to armed forces for procurement of weapons and military equipment.

Obituary

Rajinder Goel, highest wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy, passes away at 77

• The legendary first-class cricketer player, Rajinder Goel, who holds the record for most wickets in the history of Ranji Trophy, has passed away due to age related issues. He was 77.

• In all, the left-arm spinner took 750 wickets, in 157 first-class matches which he played.

Major General (Retd) Lachhman Singh Lehl passes away

• Major General (Retd) Lachhman Singh Lehl passed away. He was one of India’s finest military brains and one of its last surviving officers to have taken part in both the 1948 and 1971 wars.

• He was commissioned in the Regiment of Artillery in 1943.

Appointments and Resignations

World Athletics appoints Laurent Boquillet as new Head of Global Development

• World Athletics on June 22 announced that Laurent Boquillet has been appointed as the Head of Global Development. World Athletics mentioned that the global search to fill out the new position was conducted in January 2020.

• The new position of Head of Global Development supports the body’s vision which is ‘to use the power and accessibility of athletics and our athletes to create a healthier and fitter world.

• Laurent Boquillet spent his entire career in athletics, in a diverse range of roles and most recently as the CEO of the European Athletics Championships Paris 2020.

Nirakar Pradhan becomes new chief of PRMIA

• Dr Nirakar Pradhan has appointed as new as the Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA) of its new India office.

• Pradhan has led teams at State Bank of India and Generali Group in India and Europe.

Ranking

India becomes 12th largest US govt securities holder

•  India has become the 12th largest holder of US government securities at the end of April 2020 with a holding worth USD 157.4 billion. The US Treasury Department data showed that after significantly reducing the exposure in March to USD 156.5 billion, India marginally hiked the holding by USD 0.9 billion to USD 157.4 billion the next month.

•  While India’s holding touched a record high of USD 177.5 billion in February, the same was drastically reduced in March. The exposure had stood at USD 164.3 billion in January. At the end of April, Japan remained the country with the maximum exposure at USD 1.27 trillion, followed by China at USD 1.1 trillion and the UK at USD 368.5 billion.

Days

International Widows’ Day

• International Widows Day is observed globally on 23rd June every year. The day is widely known to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they have.

• Several women around the world after losing her life partner faces challenges and do long-term struggle for basic needs, their human right and dignity.

World Hydrography Day

• World Hydrography Day is observed globally on 21st June every year. This day was adopted by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) as an annual celebration to publicise the work of hydrographers and the importance of hydrography.

• World Hydrography Day 2020 theme is “Hydrography enabling autonomous technologies”.

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Important Current Affairs 21st June 2020

National

PM Narendra Modi addresses the nation, promotes yoga to fight

• PM Modi in his message on sixth International Yoga Day stated that Yoga has emerged as a force of unity and it also deepens the bonds of humanity. It doesn't discriminate and goes beyond color, race, faith, gender, and nations.

• It was the first time that Yoga day celebration was held virtually, ever since it was instituted in 2015.This day is celebrated every year on June 21.The date June 21 was suggested by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UN address.

• PM Modi picked this date, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere. This day also shares a special significance in many parts of the world.

Union Minister launches R&D Portal “SATYABHAMA”

• Union Minister for Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi has launched R&D Portal “Science and Technology Yojana for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Mining Advancement (SATYABHAMA)”.

• The R&D Portal SATYABHAMA has been designed, developed and implemented by National Informatics Centre (NIC), Mines Informatics Division.It has been integrated with NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog.

• The newly launched portal will increase efficiency as well as effectiveness in the implementation of the Scheme as it allows online submission of project proposals along with monitoring of the projects and utilization of funds/grants.

Banking and Economy

RIL reaches $150-billion market valuation mark

• The Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has reached $150-billion mark in term of market capitalisation. Hence, the Mukesh Ambani-helmed RIL has become India’s first $150-billion company in terms of market capitalisation.

• RIL achieved this milestone when its share price had gained 6.23% to close at Rs 1,759, taking its market capitalisation to Rs 11.15 lakh crore i.e. around $150 billion.

• With this achievement, the market capitalisation of Reliance Industries Limited is more than that of Total SA, Royal Dutch Shell and BP among the top global energy players.

Appointments and Resignations

Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel appointed as Chairman of NIPFP

• Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP).His four-year term will begin from June 22, 2020.

• The National Institute of Public Finance and Policy is an autonomous research institute under the Ministry of Finance, based in New Delhi. It conducts research on public finance and contributes to the process of policy-making relating to public finance.

Days

World International Day of Yoga

• United Nations celebrates International Day of Yoga globally on 21 June every year to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

• The theme of International Day of Yoga 2020 is ‘Yoga for Health – Yoga at Homeand Yoga with Family'.

Father's Day

• Father's Day is a day of honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. In Catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated on March 19 as Saint Joseph's Day since the Middle Ages.

• Father's day is celebrated in many parts of the world at different times of the year, mostly in March, May, and June. However, Father's Day is usually celebrated in India on the third Sunday in June, meaning that Father's Day 2020 will be celebrated on June 21.

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Important Current Affairs 20th June 2020

National

India will serve as UNSC president for August 2021

• India will be serving as UNSC President for August 2021. India was earlier elected as the non-permanent member of the 15-member United Nations Security Council. The UNSC presidency is held for a month by each of its members in alphabetical order.

• For a two-year term beginning on January 1, 2021, India, Norway, Mexico, Ireland, and Kenya were elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on June 17, 2020.

• This will be the eight-time that India will sit at the council’s table. India was elected previously for the years 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92 and the most recent in 2011-12

Coal Ministry & FICCI Initiated e-Auction Process of 41 Coal blocks for Commercial mining

• On the lines of the announcement made by Central government under the 20 Lakh crore Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, on June 18, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the two stage electronic auction of 41 coal blocks for commercial mining through video-conference.

• The commencement of the auction process of these blocks is likely to contribute Rs 20,000 crore revenues annually to the state governments. On the Central Government front, it is expected to garner Rs 33,000 crore of capital investment over next five to seven years.

Manipur Observes the 19th Great June Uprising Day

• The 19th Great June Uprising Day was observed on 18th June at Kekrupat, Manipur. The day is being observed every year on 18 June to pay tribute and respect to 18 persons who lost their lives in June, 2001 to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

• On the occasion, family members of the 18 martyrs and leaders of some organisations paid floral tribute & respect to 18 persons at Kekrupat, Manipur.

Banking and Economy

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.

Summits and Mou’s

MoHUA& SIDBI signs Mo/U for PM SVANidhi scheme

• Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for PM Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi). PM SVANidhi is a Special Micro-Credit Facility for Street Vendors.

• The credit guarantee to the lending institutions would also be managed by the SIDBI through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).

Obituary

Veteran economist & FC memeber B.P.R. Vithal passes away

• Veteran economist and the member of 10th Finance Commission, B.P.R. Vithal passes away. He was a former IAS officer of the 1950 batch.

•  He also served as the Secretary, Finance and Planning, government of Andhra Pradesh, from 1972 to 1982.

Sports

India to host 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup

• The All India Football Consideration (AIFF) will be hosting the Women’s Asian Cup 2022 of Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The decision was taken during the AFC Women’s Football Committee. The Committee had recommended India to host the tournament earlier in February 2020.

•  It will be the first time for India to host the Women’s Asian Cup 2022 since 1979.

Days

World Refugee Day

• United Nations celebrates World Refugee Day globally on 20 June every year. The World Refugee Day 2020 aims to remind the world that everyone, including refugees, are capable in contributing towards society and Every Action Counts in the effort to create a more just, inclusive, and equal world.

• The theme of World Refugee Day 2020 is “Every Action Counts”.

World Sickle Cell Day 2020

• Every year on June 19 the World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is observed to increase public knowledge & understanding about sickle cell disease.The day also aims to put forth the challenges faced by these patients, their families and caregivers.

• World Sickle Cell Day was 1st organised by the United Nation General Assembly in the year 2008 to recognise sickle cell disease as a public health problem.

Books and 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 was published on 2nd June 2020 by Knopf Doubleday publishing Group.

• The book is about the lives of three characters, Tommy Orange, YaaGyasi 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.

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Important Current Affairs 19th June 2020

National

PM Modi to launch Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on 20 June

• “Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan” will be launched by the Government of India from Village Telihar, Block Beldaur of Khagaria District of Bihar. It is a massive rural public works scheme that will empower and offer livelihood opportunities to the returnee migrant workers as well as rural citizens.

• The programme will be joined by the villages across 116 districts in the six States through the Common Service Centres and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. The six states are: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar.

Harsh Vardhan launched India’s 1st Mobile Lab

• Union Health Minister, Harsh Vardhan has launched India’s first mobile lab for C-19 testing. The Rapid Response Mobile Laboratory has been developed with the support from the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology and Andhra Pradesh Med-tech Zone (AMTZ) under DBT-AMTZ COMManD (COVID Medtech Manufacturing Development) Consortia.

•  The mobile lab which is also called Infectious Disease Diagnostic Lab or I-Lab will be able to run 25 RT-PCR and about 300 ELISA tests in a day. The lab can also take additional tests for TB, HIV as per CGHS rates.

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.

International

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.

Banking and Economy

AIIB Approves $750 million loan to India

• Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved USD 750 million as a loan to India to help government to strengthen its response to the effect of the Chinese virus on millions of poor households.

• AIIB is co-financing the loan with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).This is the second loan for India under AIIB’s C-19 Crisis Recovery Facility (CRF).Earlier, the bank had provided USD 500 million C-19 emergency response to India.

• With this, AIIB’s total sovereign loans to India that have already been approved amount to USD 3.06 billion.

Fitch revises India’s outlook to negative from stable

• Fitch Ratings has revised India’s long-term outlook to negative from stable, citing risks due to continued acceleration in the number of new C-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).

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%

Appointments and Resignations

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.

Days

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

• 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.

Autistic Pride Day

• 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.

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Important Current Affairs 18th June 2020

National

Uttar Pradesh becomes top state to provide employment to workers under MGNREGA

• Uttar Pradesh has become the top most state in the country to provide employment to the workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme MGNREGA.

• According to the data released by officials, the state provided employment to 57 lakh 12975 workers on 15 June 2020. These workers are engaged across 56,981 panchayats out of the total 58,000 panchayats in the state.

• Uttar Pradesh now accounts for 18 percent of the total workers employed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the country and has generated 7.93 crore man-days.

Sports Ministry to set up “Khelo India State Centres of Excellence”

• Under the Sports Ministry’s flagship programme “Khelo India Scheme“, the ministry is going to set up Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCE).

• To create a robust sporting ecosystem in the entire country, as well as to strengthen India’s pursuit for excellence in Olympics, one KISCE will be identified in each state and unionterritory (UT).

• In the first phase of setting up KISCE, sports ministry has identified state-owned sports facilities in eight states of India. These states are: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Kerala, Telangana, Nagaland, Karnataka, and Odisha.

Trustees of PM CARES fund appoints SARC & Associates as its auditor

• The Trustees of the Prime Minister’s Citizens Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) fund has appointed, New Delhi based Chartered Accountants, SARC & Associates, as its auditors for the next three years.

• The SARC & Associates headed by Sunil Kumar Gupta is also the auditor of the PM’s National Relief Fund(PMNRF) appointed in 2019.

AYUSH Ministry launches ‘Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family’ Campaign

• The AYUSH Ministry has launched 'Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family' campaign to mark the International Yoga Day 2020.

• Under the campaign, the Ministry will encourage people to perform Yogasanas from their homes, while maintaining social distancing and other restrictions imposed during the C-19 pandemic.

Science and Technology

Scientists observe “Fifth State of Matter” for first time in space

• A team of NASA scientists has observed the fifth state of matter for the first time in space. This observation will help scientists in solving some of the Bose-Einstein Quantum universe’s difficult questions.

• The existence of Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) fifth state of matter was projected by Albert Einstein and Indian mathematician Satyendra Nath Bose a century ago.

Obituary

Maharashtra based senior journalist & freedom fighter Dinu Randive passes away at 95

• Senior journalist and freedom fighter from Maharashtra, Dinu Randive has passed away due to old age. He was 95.

• Randive played a key role in the struggle movement called Samyukta Maharashtra movement to carve out Maharashtra state. He also participated in the Goa liberation movement.

Maha Vir Chakra Awardee Lt Gen Raj Mohan Vohra passes away

• MahaVir Chakra awardee Lt Gen (retd) Raj Mohan Vohra passed away due to C-19. He was a 1971 war hero. Lt Gen Vohra had received the coveted award in 1972.

• The MahaVir Chakra is that the country’s second-highest gallantry award. It is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry within the presence of the enemy whether on land, at sea or in the air.

Days

Sustainable Gastronomy Day

• Sustainable Gastronomy Day is observed globally on 18th June every year. This day is observed to acknowledge gastronomy as a cultural expression related to nature as well as the cultural diversity of the world.

• It also reaffirms that each one culture and civilizations are contributors and crucial enablers of sustainable development throughout the planet.

• The UN General Assembly adopted on 21 December 2016 its resolution A/RES/71/246 and designated 18 June as an international observance, Sustainable Gastronomy Day.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed on 17th June every year. The day is observed to spread awareness among people about the cooperation required to combat desertification and the effects of drought.

• The theme of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2020: Food. Feed. Fibre. – the links between consumption and land.

Others

New fish species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

A new fish species named as “Schizothoraxsikusirumensis” has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh. The new fish species was discovered by Dr. Keshav Kumar Jha. He discovered a new fish species from genus Schizothorax.

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Important Current Affairs 16th June 2020

National

Centre Launches ”Aarogyapath” Healthcare Supply Chain Portal

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has launched a healthcare supply chain portal named ”Aarogyapath”, to provide real-time availability of critical healthcare supplies to manufacturers, suppliers and customers.

• The portal AarogyaPath can be accessed at https://www.aarogyapath.in.

• The initiative aims at filling a critical gap in last-mile delivery of patient care within India through improved availability and affordability of healthcare supplies.

India gets first diagnostics lab for infectious diseases

• India has got its first infectious disease diagnostics lab as a part of PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’. This mobile laboratory has been built in a record time of only 8 days after the receipt of Automotive Chassis from Bharat Benz.

• The Department of Bio-Technology has supported the development of this lab.

PepsiCo to invest USD 3 million for safe water access

•  PepsiCo Foundation announced on June 15, 2020 that it will invest USD 3 million to provide safe water access to agricultural communities and help women in high water-risk areas in West Bengal and Maharashtra in association with Water Aid.

•  The safe water access programme will provide around 2 lakh farmers and their families access to piped water supply for household use and increased water resources. It will also help establish community-managed water distribution systems in these communities.

•  This decision is a part of PepsiCo Foundation's new goal of reaching 100 million people with safe water access worldwide by 2030. The foundation has helped more than 44 million people gain access to safe water since 2006.

International

Kathy Lueders becomes first female to head Human Space Flight Program of NASA

• Kathy Lueders has been appointed as the new Associate Administrator of Human Exploration and Operations (HEO) Mission Directorate. With this, she becomes the first female to head the human space flight program of NASA.

• Lueders has been assisting NASA in sending astronauts to space since 2014 on private spacecraft.

Banking and Economy

Bank of Baroda to completely digitise lending operations

•  Bank of Baroda, India’s third-largest lender has decided to completely digitise it’s lending operations including agriculture, home, MSME, auto and personal loans.

•  The bank is looking to completely do away with paper-based lending. It has reached out to the big four consultants like McKinsey and Boston Consulting Group to help set up a “digital lending department”.

•  The approval and disbursal of fresh loans will now happen through the new digital platform while past loans will also be digitised to cut costs and improve profitability. The bank is planning to set up its digital department within two months.

Obituary

India’s oldest first-class cricketer Vasant Raiji passes away at 100

• Vasant Raiji, the oldest first-class cricketer of India has recently passed away. He was 100-year-old.

• The legendary cricketer Vasant Raiji celebrated his 100th birthday on 26 January 2020.

• Raiji, a right-handed batsman, played in 9 first-class matches from 1939 to 1950, scoring 277 runs with 68 being his highest score.

Former New Zealand cricketer Matt Poore passes away

• Former New Zealand Test cricketer, Matt Poore passed away. He was featured in 14 Tests for New Zealand, scoring 355 runs and picking up nine wickets between 1953-1956.

• He also played 61 Tests for Canterbury and scored 2,336 runs and ended up with 68 wickets.

Days

International Day of Family Remittances

• International Day of Family Remittances is observed on 16th June every year. The day recognizes the contribution of over 200 million migrants to improve the lives of their 800 million family members back home and to create a future of hope for their children.

• This year International Day of Family Remittances is celebrated under the theme: “Building resilience in times of crisis”

World Blood Donor Day

• World Blood Donor Day is marked by the World Health Organization (WHO) all around the world on every 14 June to create awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood.

• The theme for the Blood donor day 2020 is ‘Safe Blood Saves Lives’. It would be promoted with the slogan ‘Give blood and make the world a healthier place.’

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