Weekly Current Affairs Of July 1st week

Weekly Current Affairs Of July 1st week

We  bring you the complete and important daily Current Affairs  and Daily Quiz to achieve more marks in Banking, Insurance, UPSC, SSC, CLAT, Railways and all other competitive Exams. We prepare it based on our daily current affairs.Hope you like it.Current Affairs of March 2020 with Latest Current affairs March 2020 PDF for preparation of Bank Exam – PO & clerk, SSC, Railways & Insurance. Our Current Affairs of may 2020 PDF covers various sections like National March Current Affairs 2020, business & economy, Indian and International affairs 2020, defense, environment current affairs, persons and many for competitive exams preparing aspirants.

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Weekly Current Affairs Of July 1st week

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India Ranked 117th in SDG Index 2020, Sweden Tops: Sustainable Development Report 2020

The 2020 report has reviewed the performance of 193 UN Member States out of which 166 were ranked under SDG index 2020.

India-Afghanistan inked 5 MoUs for development of educational infrastructure in Afghanistan

In order to strengthen the bilateral development partnership, the Government of India has inked 5 Memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Afghanistan under the former’s high impact community development projects (HICDP) programme. 

About Afghanistan:
Currency– Afghan afghani
President– Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai

India Ranked 31st in INFORM Risk Index 2020 for Humanitarian crises & Disasters; Somalia Tops

In accordance with the “INFORM Report 2020:Shared evidence for managing crises and disasters” released by research centre INFORM, operating under European Commission (EU), India has ranked at 31st  place with an inform risk of 5.4, means risk of humanitarian crises and disasters .

Record 53.6 mt of E-waste Dumped Globally in 2019; China Tops: UN Global E-waste Monitor 2020 Report

In accordance with “The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 report-Quantities, flows, and the circular economy potential” report, the world dumped a record 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste in 2019, an increase of 21% in 5 years. 

China is the biggest contributor to e-waste with 10.1 million tonnes (mt) followed by the United States (US) with 6.9 mt and India with 3.2 mt at 2nd and 3rd rank respectively.

KKR to Buy 54% Stake in JB Chemicals for about Rs 3,100 crore

US private equity giant KKR has agreed to acquire a 54% stake(41.7 million or 4.17 crore fully paid up equity shares) in Mumbai-based drug manufacturer JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals for approximately Rs 3100 crore. 

77.9% Russians Grant Putin Right to Extend His Rule Until 2036

The 78% Russian electorate have voted in favour of constitutional amendments that will allow 67 years old President Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2036

About Russia:
Capital– Moscow
Currency– Russian Rouble
Prime Minister– Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin

PM announced extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana till November, 2020

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) has been extended from July, 2020 till the end of November 2020, with an outlay of more than Rs 90,000 crore. 

India, Japan Hold PASSEX Naval Exercise to Promote Understanding in Indian Ocean

Participants: The excercise consisted of four warships viz. Rajput-class destroyer INS (Indian Naval Ship) Rana and Kora-class missile corvette INS Kulish of Indian Navy and JS Kashima (TV 3508) and JS Shimayuki (TV 3513) of JMSDF’s training squadron. 

About Indian Navy:
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS)– Admiral Karambir Singh
Integrated Headquarters MoD (Navy)– New Delhi

Central govt Implemented Amendments in the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 and Rules from 1st July, 2020

These amendments are introducing a uniform rate of stamp duty on trading of shares and commodities which was being charged at different rates by different states.

Government Declares Entire Nagaland ‘Disturbed Area’ for 6 more Months Under AFSPA Act 1958

 The Government of India declared the entire Nagaland as a “disturbed area” for another six months from 30 June, 2020 to 31, December, 2020 by exercising the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (No.28 of 1958).

About Nagaland:-
Capital: Kohima
Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio

India-Bangladesh form 50:50 Joint Venture Company for LPG Business in Bangladesh

• It helps to reduce the cost of import of LPG for customers of Bangladesh.
• The JVC takes the ‘neighborhood first’ policy of Indian Government.
• The JV intends LPG export to north east India through pipeline between the nations.

About Indian Oil Corporation:
Headquarters: New Delhi
Chairman: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya

NITI Aayog in collaboration with RMI released ‘Towards a Clean Energy Economy’ report

The new report on clean energy transition in India titled “Towards a Clean Energy Economy: Post-Covid-19 Opportunities for India’s Energy and Mobility Sectors” brought out jointly by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) to support India’s clean energy future. 

About NITI Aayog:
Chairman– Prime Minister of India (Narendra Modi)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Amitabh Kant
Headquarters– New Delhi

MoU Signed Between Indian Oil, NTPC Ltd, and SDMC for Waste to Energy Plant in Delhi

 A MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed between the Indian Oil, NTPC Ltd and South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) on setting up a waste to energy plant at Okhla in Delhi.

About NTPC:
Headquarters: New Delhi
Chairman & MD: Gurdeep Singh
About Indian Oil Corporation:
Headquarters: New Delhi
Chairman: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya

HRD Ministry Launches the World’s First Online B.Sc Degree in Programming and Data Science – Prepared by IIT Madras

Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Union Minister of Human Resource and Development (HRD) launched the world’s first online B.Sc Degree in Programming and Data science through the webinar, the programme was prepared by Indian Institute of Technology, Madras(IIT-Madras).

Government to release commemorative stamp to honour former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao

Government announced that it will release commemorative stamp to honour former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. He is regarded as the ‘Father of Indian Economic Reforms’. He was born on June 28, 1921 in Warangal. 

UNGA President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande Launched ‘Alliance for Poverty Eradication’; India Joins as Founding Member

India became a founding member of the United Nation(UN)’s ‘Alliance for Poverty eradication’ launched by Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of the 74th United Nation’s General Assembly(UNGA).

About United Nations:-
Headquarters: New York, United States.
Secretary-General:  Antonio Guterres

New Zealand Cancels the 2021 APEC’s Auckland Summit & Opts to Virtual Summit 

New Zealand cancelled the 2021 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum that was scheduled to be held in Auckland, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is opting to lead a virtual summit.
About APEC:
Executive Director– Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria
Headquarters– Singapore

Uganda, First African Country to Submit Results of REDD+ to UNFCCC

Uganda became the first African country to submit the results for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

45.8 million Women Missing in India Over the Past 50 Years: UNFPA Report

According to the report, “State of World Population 2020: Against my will – Defying the practices that harm women and girls and undermine equality”, which focuses on gender biased sex selection (GBSS) and female genital mutilation (FGM), released by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), India accounts for 45.8 million of the world’s 142.6 million “missing females” over the past 50 years & it has the highest number of missing women after China (72.3 million).

About United Nations Population Fund UNFPA:
Headquarters– New York,United States
Executive Director– Dr. Natalia Kanem

BANKING & FINANCE

SBM Bank India Partnered with Mastercard to facilitate Real-time domestic & cross-border payments & remittances through ‘Mastercard Send’

About Mastercard:
Headquarters– New York, United States
CEO – Ajay Banga ( Michael Miebach will take over as CEO on January 2021)

YES Bank Launches a Digital Solution, ‘Loan in Seconds’ for Instant Disbursement of Retail Loans

YES Bank launched a digital solution, ‘Loan in Seconds’ for instant disbursement of retail loans. It is available for the bank’s pre-approved liability account holders. The algorithm evaluates the loan application in real-time and eliminates the need for documentation.

About YES Bank:
Headquarters–  Mumbai, Maharashtra
MD and CEO- Prashant Kumar
Tagline– Experience our Expertise

UKIBC signed a MoU with MIDC for a sustainable business between UK & India

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), to improve the business relationship between India(Maharashtra) and the United Kingdom(UK).

IndiaFirst Life Insurance Associates with BOB Financial to Offer COVID-19 cum Hospital Cash Cover to BOB Credit Cardholders

IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited(IndiaFirst Life) associated with BOB Financial Services Limited (BOB Financial), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda(BOB) to offer a group insurance cover. The cover will provide financial support to the BOB credit card customers upon their hospitalisation or on COVID-19 diagnosis.

About BOB:
Headquarters– Alkapuri, Baroda(Vadodara) 
Managing Director & CEO– Sanjiv Chadha

Edelweiss AMC to Launch Second Tranche of ‘BHARAT Bond ETF’ ; Target to Raise Rs 14000 crore

Edelweiss Asset Management Company (AMC), a subsidiary of Edelweiss Capital Limited (ECL) has decided to bring the second installment of the Bharat Bond ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) with two new series to raise Rs 14,000 crore in July 2020.

NLC, Coal India to form 50:50 JV to develop solar and thermal power assets

NLC India Limited signed a pact with Coal India Ltd (CIL) to form a joint venture (JV) to develop 5,000 megawatts (MW) of solar and thermal power assets across the country.

ADB Joins Network For Greening the Financial System as Observer

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has joined the Paris (France)-based Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) as an observer.

About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
Headquarters– Mandaluyong, Philippines
President– Masatsugu Asakawa
Membership– 68 countries

RBI conducted OMO of purchase and sale of G-secs for Rs 10,000 cr each; Borrowing facility to banks extended till Sept 30, 2020

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted the simultaneous purchase of Government Securities (G-Secs), and sale of day treasury bills (DTBs) under Open Market Operations (OMO) for Rs 10,000 crore each as a part of “Operation Twist”.

HDFC Bank to Offer ‘ZipDrive’, an Online Instant Auto Loans to its Customers

HDFC Bank announced that it will offer ‘ZipDrive’, an online instant auto loan to its customers  in 1,000 cities. 

About HDFC Bank:
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Managing Director(MD)– Aditya Puri 

Kotak Mahindra Bank & Innoviti Collaborates to Offer EMIs on Kotak Debit Cards Swiped on Innoviti POS Terminals

To provide Equated Monthly Installments(EMI) billing options on Kotak Debit Cards which are swiped on Innoviti Point of Sale(POS) terminals. 

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited:
Registered Office– Mumbai,  Maharashtra
Managing Director & CEO– Uday Kotak

GoI approved special liquidity scheme for NBFCs and HFCs through SBICAP as SPV

The Government of India (GoI) has approved a scheme for improving the short-term liquidity position of non-banking finance companies (NBFCs)/housing finance companies (HFCs) through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in the form of Special Liquidity Scheme (SLS) Trust set up by SBI Capital Markets Limited (SBICAP), a subsidiary of the State Bank of India (SBI). 

Period of scheme: The Scheme will remain open for 3 months for making subscriptions by the Trust i.e. till September 30, 2020. 

ICICI bank Launched a Facility, ‘Insta Loans against Mutual Funds’, in Partnership with Computer Age Management Services

ICICI Bank launched ‘Insta Loans against Mutual Funds’, a facility in partnership with Computer Age Management Services(CAMS). The facility is an extension of the Insta Loan Against Shares(LAS).

The facility enables the retail customers to avail loans upto Rs 1 crore instantly by pledging their holdings in both debt and equity Mutual Funds(MFs).

About ICICI bank:
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer(CEO)– Sandeep Bakhshi

World Bank Approves USD 750 Million MSME Emergency Response Program for India

The World Bank approved a  USD 750 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) Emergency Response Program to support severely impacted MSMEs in India due to COVID-19 crisis.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development(IBRD) will provide the loan.

Maturity Period of the loan– The loan has a maturity of 19 years including a 5-year grace period.  

FDI Up by $19 bn in FY20; Portfolio Investment Down by $13.7 bn: IIP Data Released by RBI

In accordance with the India’s International Investment Position (IIP) data as at end-March 2020, released by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country has raised by $19 billion while portfolio investment declined by $13.7 billion during 2019-20.

About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Formation– 1 April 1935
Governor– Shaktikanta Das

HDFC Bank Launches ‘e-Kisaan Dhan’ App for Farmers 

HDFC Bank has launched  ‘e-Kisaan Dhan’ App for Farmers in India. This app provides information and knowledge to farmers which will help them to meet the needs of the rural ecosystem.

About HDFC Bank:
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Chairman– Deepak S. Parekh
Managing Director– Aditya Puri 

GoI and World Bank Sign Agreement to Increase Access to Affordable Housing in Tamil Nadu

The World Bank and the government of India signed an agreement along with the Government of Tamil Nadu to help the low-income groups in the state of Tamil Nadu to get access to affordable housing.

Agreements signed:- 
Legal agreements of two projects were signed to strengthen the state’s housing sector policies, institutions, and regulations.

• First Tamil Nadu Housing Sector Strengthening Programme worth $200 million (Rs 1,510 crore),
• Tamil Nadu Housing and Habitat Development Project worth $50 million (Rs 377 crore).

Swiggy in Partnership with ICICI Bank Launches an Industry- First Instant Digital Wallet, ‘Swiggy Money’

Swiggy has launched its own digital wallet, ‘Swiggy Money’ in partnership with ICICI Bank to enable a ‘single-click checkout experience’ on its platform. It is an industry- first instant digital wallet. 

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Tourism Sector Could Lose 1.2 Trillion USD Due To Covid Pandemic: UNCTAD Report

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) published the report, COVID-19 and Tourism: Assessing the Economic Consequences stating that the World Tourism sector could lose around 1.2trillion USD or 1.5% of the Global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) because of the 4months lockdown due to global pandemic situation.

About UNCTAD:
Secretary-General– Mukhisa Kituyi
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland

India’s External debt increased by 2.8% to $558.5 bn in FY20: RBI data

In accordance with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, India’s external debt stood at $558.5 billion in March 2020, an increase of $15.4 billion or 2.8% as compared to the March 2019.

India’s GDP Likely to Contract by 6.4% in 2020-21 due to Lockdown: Care Ratings

About CARE Rating:
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Ajay Mahajan 

Fitch Slashes India’s Growth Forecast For FY22 to 8%; Projects Contraction at 5% For FY21

About Fitch Ratings:
Headquarters– New York, US
President– Ian Linnell

SAP India Rolls Out Global Bharat Program to Digitalise MSMEs

SAP India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Germany based enterprise technology firm, in partnership with NASSCOM Foundation, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Pratham InfoTech Foundation, has rolled out Global Bharat program to equip micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing them access to global marketplace, digital skilling for the workforce and transforming business processes.
About SAP India Private Limited:
Location– Bengaluru, Karnataka
President and Managing Director– Deb Deep Sengupta

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

President Ram Nath Kovind Inaugurates Dharma Chakra Day 2020 Celebrations On July 4

President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind has virtually inaugurated the celebrations for the Dhamma Chakra Day 2020 Organized by International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).

Union HRD Minister and Sports MoS launched ‘Fit Hai to Hit Hai India’ webinar & ‘Fit India Talks’ Sessions for School Students

“Fit Hai To Hit Hai India” webinar program was launched, under the India’s flagship Fit India campaign, by the Union Minister of Human Resource Development Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and Minister of State (MoS) for Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs and Ministry of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju. 

Delhi Govt Launches an E-Portal,‘LEAD’ for its Students

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and education minister Manish Sisodia launched an e- portal, ‘Learning through E-Resources Made Accessible for Delhi’(LEAD) for its students to strengthen the children’s online education. The e- portal contains 10,000 instructional materials and course content for Classes I to XII. 

UT Administration of Ladakh launched “Ladakh Food Security Scheme”

The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh launched the Ladakh Food Security Scheme (LFSS) and the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme (MMSFES) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was discontinued.

PM Modi Launches ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge’ for Techies, Start-up Community

The ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge’ for Indian tech entrepreneurs and startups was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, with an objective to support and build a strong ecosystem for Indian Apps, Meity in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission.

M.V Asiatic Moon : A New Shipping Service b/w Kolkata Port & Chattogram Begins to Ease Indo-Bangla Trade

Amid frequent disruption of cross-border trade via the Petrapole-Benapole land ports, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) [erstwhile Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT)] has started a new shipping service between Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Chattogram (Bangladesh ) through Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route to transport containers with the aim to increase the Indo-Bangla trade.

About Bangladesh:
Capital– Dhaka
Currency– Bangladeshi taka
President– Abdul Hamid
Prime Minister– Sheikh Hasina

Odisha Launches ‘Balaram’ scheme to provide Rs 1,040 crore credit to 7 lakh Landless Farmers

the Government of Odisha launched ‘Balaram’ scheme to provide agricultural credit of Rs 1,040 crore to landless farmers facing hardships during COVID 19.The Scheme is designed in collaboration with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

About NABARD:
Headquarters: Mumbai
Chairman: G R Chintala

Indian marine fish landings rose 2.1% to 3.56mt in 2019: CMFRI; Tamil Nadu tops

In accordance with the report “Annual Marine Fish Landings in India for 2019” by Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), India’s marine fish production has increased marginally by 2.1% to 3.56 million tonnes (mt) in 2019 as compared to 3.49 mt in 2018.

SERB Launches ‘Accelerate Vigyan’ Scheme to Provide Platform for Research Internships

The ‘Accelerate Vigyan’ (AV) scheme for research internships, was launched by the Union Government’s Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).

About SERB:-
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Secretary: Prof Sandeep Verma

Dr.Harsh Vardhan Released the Good Clinical Practice Guidelines Handbook and Prospectus for FPIS of NBE

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr.Harsh Vardhan with the Minister of State of Health, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, released the  Good Clinical Practice Guidelines Handbook and Prospectus for Fellowship Programme for International Students (FPIS) of the National Board of Examinations (NBE) on a virtual platform.

Committee for reform in criminal law to start online consultation from July 4, 2020: MHA

The objective of this excercise is to gather opinions by consulting with experts and collating material for their report to the government.

The committee is headed by Ranbir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, National Law University (NLU), Delhi.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal virtually launched Rs 10,000 cr PM-FME Scheme; Operation Greens scheme extended to 18 more fruits, vegetables

As a part of Rs 20 Lakh crore “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” to tackle the COVID-19 impact, Minister for Food Processing Industries (FPI) Harsimrat Kaur Badal launched Centrally Sponsored Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PM FME) scheme named “Sapno ki Udaan” to be implemented over a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25.

Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates Asia’s First Continuous Rebar Production Facility in Punjab

About Ministry of Steel:
Minister– Dharmendra Pradhan
Minister of State– Faggan Singh Kulaste

Government bans 59 Chinese mobile apps prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), invoking its power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009 has decided to ban 59 apps due to their activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

It should be noted that all of the blocked apps are Chinese including popular ones such as TikTok, Helo, WeChat, UC Browser, Shareit and CamScanner.

About Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY):
Union Minister– Ravi Shankar Prasad (Constituency- Patna Sahib, Bihar)
Minister of State (MoS)– Sanjay Dhotre

Nitin Gadkari publicized consolidated notification for classification and registration of MSME; MSME named as Udyam

About Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises:
Nitin Gadkari constituency– Nagpur, Maharashtra
Minister of State (MoS)– Pratap Chandra Sarangi

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Hardeep Singh Puri Launches Toolkit for 6th Edition of Annual Cleanliness Survey of Urban India ‘Swachh Survekshan 2021’

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA),has launched the toolkit for sixth edition of the annual cleanliness survey of urban India ‘Swachh Survekshan (SS) 2021’conducted by MoHUA.

About Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs:
Headquarters– New Delhi
Secretary– Durga Shanker Mishra

Freya Thakral, Delhi School Girl Added to 2020’s Diana Award roll of Honours

the birth anniversary of Princess Diana, Freya Thakral, a 13 year old student of the British School New Delhi received the 2020 Diana Award for her humanitarian work towards the ragpickers of Delhi.

Kritika Pandey, became overall winner of the 2020 Commonwealth Short Story Prize

The commonwealth writers announced Kritika Pandey, the winner of asian region prize as the overall winner of the 2020 Commonwealth Short Story Prize  for her story, “The Great Indian Tee and Snakes”. 

Mon District Administration received 3 SKOCH Awards in 65th SKOCH Summit

The District Administration of Mon, Nagaland received 2020 SKOCH awards under three categories in the 65th SKOCH summit from Sameer Kochar, Chairman of SKOCH group.

About SKOCH Group:
Chairman– Sameer Kochhar
Head Office– Gurgaon, Haryana

Pulitzer Prize Winner Siddhartha Mukherjee and Prof Raj Chetty Named among ‘2020 Great Immigrants’ Honourees

Carnegie Corporation of New York has named 2 renowned Indian-Americans, Siddhartha Mukherjee, a Pulitzer prize winner and Raj Chetty, Economics Professor at Harvard University among  ‘2020 Great Immigrants’ honourees.

   

India’s AI enabled “MyGov Corona Helpdesk” wins two global award at 4th Annual CogX 2020 

India’s Artificial Intelligence(AI) enabled “MyGov Corona Helpdesk” won two awards under the categories “Best Innovation for Covid-19 – Society” and “People Choice Covid-19 Overall Winner” in 4th CogX, the annual Global Leadership Summit and Festival of AI and Emerging Technology held in London from June 8th to 10th

All Rounder Ravinder Jadeja Named the Most Valuable Player of India by Wisden

Jadeja’s MVP rating is around 97.3 which is second only to Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka making him the second most Valuable Test Player of the 12th Century.  

Former RBI Governor Chakravarthi Rangarajan Receives the First Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis Award on National Statistics Day

On 29th June 2020, On account of National Statistics Day The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) presented the first Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis National Award in Official Statistics’2020 to Dr. Chakravarthi Rangarajan, Former Governor, Reserve Bank of India for his contribution to the National Statistical System(NSS).

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS 

Payments Platform Paytm to Acquire Raheja QBE General Insurance For $76 million

About Paytm:
Headquarters– Noida, Uttar Pradesh
President– Amit Nayyar

Intel Capital to buy 0.39% stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 1,894.50 crore 

US based Electronic chip maker Intel’s investment arm, Intel Capital to buy 0.39% stake in Reliance Industries Limited(RIL)’s Jio Platforms  for Rs 1,894.50 crore. 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS  

NHRC Constitutes 11-Member Committee Headed by K S Reddy to Assess Covid-19 Impact on Human Rights

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has set up an 11-member expert committee headed by Dr K S Reddy, president of Public Health Foundation of India to study impact of coronavirus (Covid-19) on human rights of individuals, particularly marginalised and vulnerable sections of the society, together with migrant labourers & will also study the future response of the government.

Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Chairman of NHAI gets 6 months extension

Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, the Chairman of National Highway Authority of India gets a 6 months extension in his tenure as Chairman of NHAI.

Shashank Manohar Steps Down as ICC Chairman, Imran Khwaja Takes Charge as Interim Chairman

About ICC:
Headquarters– Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Chief Executive Officer– Manu Sawhney

V Suryanarayanan Becomes the New MD of Chola MS General Insurance 

The Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company promoted V Suryanarayanan, President and COO of the company as the New Managing Director (MD) with effect from 1st July 2020 succeeding SS Gopalarathnam.

Agricultural Experts Prof. Rattan Lal & Dr. Uma Lele from India Named by UN Chief to Scientific Group for 2021 Food Summit

Antonio Guterres, Chief of United Nations, named Prof. Rattan Lal and Dr. Uma Lele (Agricultural experts) from India as members of International Scientific group to offer foremost scientific evidence for sustainable food systems for global food summit 2021.

Indra Mani Pandey appointed as Permanent Representative of India to UN and Others Organisations in Geneva

Indra Mani Pandey,Indian Foregin Services (IFS) Officer of 1990 and Additional Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs(MEA)was appointed as India’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations and the other International Organisations in Geneva, succeeding Rajiv Kumar Chander, IFS Officer of 1983 batch.

IRDAI Sets Up 9-Member Panel headed by G Srinivasan to study suitability of Surety Bond issuance by Indian insurers

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set up a nine member working Group (WG) under G. Srinivasan, director, National Insurance Academy, after the request made by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH). 

About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):
Headquarters– Hyderabad, Telangana.
Chairman– Subhash Chandra Khuntia

Rajkiran Rai G, Union Bank of India MD & CEO Term Extended for 2 yearsGovernment extends the term of Rajkiran Rai G as the Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Union Bank of India(UBI) by 2 years till May 31, 2022.

Ravinder Bhakar Assumes Charge as CEO of Central Board of Films Certification

About CBFC:
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Chairperson– Prasoon Josh

Shrikant Madhav Vaidya Assumes Charge as the Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation

Shrikant Madhav(S M) Vaidya assumed charge as the chairman of Indian Oil Corporation(IOC). He succeeds Sanjiv Singh who has superannuated.

KK Venugopal Reappointed as Attorney General of India for a Year & Tushar Mehta as Solicitor General for 3 Years

The Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet has approved the re-appointment of senior advocate  K.K. Venugopal as Attorney General of India for a year, whose 3 year tenure ends in June 2020.

Gudni Johannesson Re-elected as President of Iceland

About Iceland:-
Capital: Reykjavik
Currency: Icelandic Krona

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Elyments – India’s First Social Media Super App Launched by the Vice President of India

Vice President of India Shri Venkiah Naidu launched India’s first social media super application: Elyments virtually on 5th July 2020. The app provides free audio/video calls, and private/ group chats through vibrant feed.

Israel Successfully Launches New Spy Satellite ‘Ofek 16’ into Space Using Shavit Rocket

 The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMoD), and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), have successfully launched a new spy satellite “Ofek 16” into orbit by using a locally-developed Shavit rocket from a launchpad at Palmachim airbase in central Israel at 4:00 AM.

About Israel:
Capital– Jerusalem
Currency– Israeli Shekel
President– Reuven Rivlin
Prime Minister- Benjamin Netanyahu

India’s First NPNT Compliant Drone Flight Successfully Completed by Quidich & Asteria Aerospace

India’s First No-Permission No-Takeoff (NPNT) compliant drone flight on the A200 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) has been completed successfully by Quidich Innovation Labs and Asteria Aerospace in the green zone identified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), near Tumkur in Karnataka.

IIT Roorkee Develops “Unisaviour” – Disinfection Box to Sterilise Personal Belongings

The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee(IIT-R) announced that the IIT-R researchers team led by Prof. Soumitra Satapathi, Laboratory of Integrated Nanophotonics and Biomaterials, have developed the disinfection box – “Unisaviour” box, which can be used to sterilise various personal belongings to minimise the COVID-19 transmission.

IIT Kanpur Develops Virtual Classroom Aid, ‘Mobile Masterjee’

It is a classroom-to-home teaching setup, which enables students to record teachers’ lectures/instructions while using  smartphones. It is developed by the Imagineering Lab of IIT Kanpur.

Researchers Found Jupiter Like Planet :TOI-849b,  First Ever Planetary Core

TOI-849b was found in a survey of stars by NASA’s  Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).

COPAL-19”app to track plasma donors launched

AIIMS(All India Institute Of Medical Science) doctor along with a team of IIT-Delhi students have developed an app “COPAL-19” which enables users to track willing plasma donors who have recovered from Covid-19.

Indian Air Force & CSIO Have Develops Indigenous ‘Airborne Locust Control System’ on Two Mi-17 Helicopters

Chandigarh based 3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) have indigenously developed an Airborne Locust Control System (ALCS) for two Mi-17 helicopters for spraying atomised pesticide malathion to arrest locust breeding.

Swedish Institute of Space Physics to Return to Venus on Indian Space Mission Shukrayaan-1

The Indian Venus Mission Shukrayaan-1, the Swedish Institute of Space Physics will explore Venus for the second time. The Shukrayaan-1 is scheduled for launch at the end of 2023 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

About Indian Venus Mission:
Operator: ISRO
Launch: 2023

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh launches NOC issuance portal for power, oil and gas projects

Defence minister Rajnath Singh launches a online Portal for issue of No Objection Certificate(NOC) for power projects and research, survey, exploration and Exploitation(RSEE) and activities in the Indian Territorial Waters (TW) and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),  in the presence of Minister of state for Defence Shri Shripad Y Naik.
Portal: https://ncog.gov.in/modnoc/home.html

About Ministry of Defence:-
Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh
Union Minister of Defence: Shri Shripad Y Naik

Kiran Rijiju Launches NADA App to Help Athletes Stay Updated on Banned Substances

The first mobile app for the National Anti-Doping Agency was released by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. The initiative is an important step towards dope free sports, providing updates about the banned substances and their use.

About National Anti-Doping Agency:-
Headquarters: New Delhi
CEO: Navin Agarwal
Motto: ‘Play Fair’

Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs Launches Webportal for Street Vendors loan scheme ‘PMSVANidhi’

Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary of Housing & Urban Affairs has rolled out the Beta version webportal for street vendors loan scheme Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors’ AtmaNirbhar Nidhi –PMSVANidhi (http://pmsvanidhi.mohua.gov.in/) developed by SIDBI to provide end-to-end solutions for scheme management.

SPORTS

Akash Become India’s 66th Grandmaster

The 23 year-old G. Akash from Chennai, Tamil Nadu become the country’s 66th Grandmaster with rating of 2495.

Lt Col Bharat Pannu Becomes First Indian To Secures Podium Position In International Ultracycling Race: Finished 3rd In 1st Edition VRAAM 2020

Lt Col Pannu finished with a total distance of 4086km in 12 days and a total elevation gain of 71,000 meters in a stationary bicycle in Pimple Nilakh, Pune.

Nitin Menon Becomes the 3rd Indian & Youngest Umpire to Enter ICC Elite Panel 

 Nitin Menon(36 years old) from India became the youngest member of the International Cricket Council’s(ICC) Elite Panel of Umpires. 

Liverpool wins the top-flight title in 2020 Premier League Championship 

Liverpool won its 19th top-flight title of the 2020 Premier League Championship football tournament after Manchester City lost to Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

OBITUARY

West Indies Cricketer Everton Weekes Passed Away at 95 

Veteran Bollywood Choreographer Saroj Khan Passes Away

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Zoonoses Day 2020: July 6

3rd Anniversary of GST day 2020: July 1

Goods and Service Tax(GST) day is observed annually on July 1. This year marks the 3rd anniversary of the launch of the day and was marked by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs(CBIC).

International Day of Cooperatives 2020 – 4th July (First Saturday of July)

The theme of the 2020 celebration is “COOPS 4 Climate Action”, 

World Sports Journalists Day 2020: July 2 

World Allergy Week 2020 – June 28 to July 4

The theme of World Allergy Week 2020 is “Allergy care does not stop with COVID-19”.

National Doctors Day 2020 – July 1

The theme of 2020 Doctors Day is “Lessen the Mortality of COVID-19” 

72nd National Chartered Accountants Day 2020: July 1

The theme of the event is,‘Transforming the Future: Enabling Excellence, Augmenting Trust’.

International Day of Parliamentarism 2020: June 30

International Asteroid Day 2020 – June 30

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel Authored a Book Titled ‘Overdraft: Saving the Indian Saver’

Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel has authored a book titled ‘Overdraft: Saving the Indian Saver’, which focuses on the issue of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) that has affected  Indian banking in recent years and also its causes. 

“Getting Competitive: A Practitioner’s Guide for India” authored  by R C Bhargava, Chairman of Maruti Suzuki on Industrialising India

RC Bhargava, the Chairman of Maruti Suzuki authored the book “Getting Competitive: A Practitioner’s Guide for India” from his experience of around 60 years as a policymaker and a leading industrialist. The book published by HarperCollins India, provides practical suggestions to make India a competitive industrialised country.

Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu Virtually Releases a Book “Future of Higher Education – Nine Mega Trends”

Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu virtually released a book, “Future of Higher Education – Nine Mega Trends“. The book is authored by CA V Pattabhi Ram, a Public Speaker, author and Teacher. The Virtual event was hosted by ICT Academy.

Hindi Literature Writer Priyamvad’s New Book, ‘Bharatiya Loktanktra Ka Koras: Kuch Bisari Bikhari Dhwaniyan’ to Release in 2021

Hindi literature writer Priyamvad to release his new book, ‘Bharatiya Loktanktra Ka Koras: Kuch Bisari Bikhari Dhwaniyan’ in 2021. The book is published by Penguin Random House India’s Indian language publishing division, Hind Pocket Books.

STATE NEWS

Ladakh LG RK Mathur E-Launches Mission Organic Development Initiative & Greenhouse Project  

Radha Krishna Mathur, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh launched Mission Organic Development Initiative(M.O.D.I) and Greenhouse Project, to lead the Union Territory on a sustainable path, over a virtual platform from Raj Niwas, Ladakh.

Delhi Govt to Launch ‘Podhe Lagao Prayavaran Bachao’, a 17 day Campaign to Reduce Air Pollution

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai informed that a  17 day campaign ”Podhe Lagao, Paryavaran Bachao” (Plant Trees, Save Environment) will be launched from July 10 to July 26  from the National Highway(NH) 20 near ITO to reduce air pollution. During the campaign 31 lakh saplings  will be planted.

Dadasaheb Phalke and Sahitya Akademi Winner Ratnakar Matkari Posthumously Honoured by Maharashtra Government

The Natvarya Prabhakar Panshikar award comprises a citation, a memento and a cash prize of Rs.5 Lakh.

About Maharashtra:
Capital– Mumbai
Chief Minister– Uddhav Thackeray
Governor– Bhagat Singh Koshyari

Telangana amends state FRBM Act 2005; accepting govt’s decision to extend borrowing limit to 5% from 3%

About Telangana:
Capital– Hyderabad

Odisha Government to Implement an Initiative ‘Sabuja Odisha’ to Increase Green Cover through Extensive Plantation

Odisha government in a high-level meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy decided to implement a new initiative ‘Sabuja Odisha’. 

About Odisha:
Capital– Bhubaneswar
Governor– Ganeshi Lal
Chief Minister– Naveen Patnaik

Maharashtra CM Launches ‘Platina’, World’s Largest Convalescent Plasma Therapy-Cum-Trial Project

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray launched the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy-cum-trial  project, ‘Platina’ to treat COVID-19 patients, through video conference at Nagpur’s government medical college.

About Maharashtra:
Capital– Mumbai
Governor– Bhagat Singh Koshyari

Arvind Kejriwal Launched India’s First Plasma Bank for COVID-19 Treatment

Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal launched India’s first Plasma Bank for the treatment of the patients tested positive for coronavirus.

Madhya Pradesh launches “Hamara Ghar-Hamara Vidyalaya” scheme 

Principal Secretary Rashmi Arun Shami launched “Hamara Ghar-Hamara Vidyalaya” over a virtual platform to maintain academic regularity of the students during the Lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme will start from 6th July 2020.
Department of School Education(M.P.):
Minister– Prabhu Ram Choudhary
Principal Secretary– Rashmi Arun Shami

Goa Government Allots Land to 49 MSME Units to Set Up India’s First Marine Cluster

The Government of Goa allotted land to a consortium of 49 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME) units to set up India’s first Marine Cluster, Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa provided 14,380 square Metres of land to set up the Common Facility centre.

Karnataka Chief Minister Launches a Portal, ‘Skill Connect Forum’ to Connect Job Seekers and Employers

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa launched a portal, ‘Skill Connect Forum’ to connect job seekers(skilled workers) and employers(private entrepreneurs) on a common platform. The portal provides information on available jobs and those who need job.

Madhya Pradesh to launch ‘Kill Corona’ campaign

In order to control the spread of Covid-19, Madhya Pradesh has decided to launch a 15-day campaign called ‘Kill Corona’ from July 1, 2020.This campaign includes door-to-door surveys and tests would also be done on citizens for other diseases.