K.K.Venugopal reappointed as Attorney General for India

On 29^th June 2020, the President of India has reappointed Senior Advocate K.K. Venugopal as the Attorney General for India. The current tenure of K.K. Venugopal was up to 30^th June 2020, his tenure was extended for a period of one year effective from 1^st July 2020 to 30^th June 2021.

On 30^th June 2017, K.K. Venugopal succeeded Mukul Rohatgi to become the 15^th Attorney General of India.

K.K. Venugopal

• K.K. Venugopal has been conferred with the second highest( Padma Vibhushan) and the third-highest (Padma Bhushan) civilian honour by the Indian Government. 
• In 2002, he was conferred with Padma Bhushan while in 2015 he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
• When Bhutan’s Constitution was drafted, he served as the Constitutional Adviser for the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Attorney General for India

• On advice with the Union Cabinet, the President of India appoints the Attorney General of India under Article 76 (1) of the Indian Constitution. 
• The term of the Attorney General is decided by the President of India. 
• The Attorney General is the Chief Legal Advisor for the Government of India.
• M.C Setalvad served as the first Attorney General for India from 1950 to 1963.

Indigenously Developed ‘COVAXIN’ gets DGCI approval for Human Clinical Trials

The Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) has given approval for Phase I and Phase II human clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine ‘COVAXIN’. In association with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV), COVAXIN is developed by Hyderabad based vaccine & bio-therapeutics manufacturer-Bharat Biotech.  At NIV Pune, the strain of SARS-CoV-2 was isolated before being transferred to Bharat Biotech.

• COVAXIN is the first indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for Human Clinical Trials. 
• The approval was granted based on the results from the pre-clinical studies of the vaccine. 
• During preclinical studies, the vaccine has demonstrated safety and effective immune response.
• The vaccine is developed at the high containment facility of Bharat Biotech- BSL-3 (Bio Safety Level 3). 
• Human trials are expected to begin from the month of July in a phased manner.
• Bharat Biotech has developed several vaccines over the last decades such as Polio, Rabies, Chikungunya, Rotavirus, Zika.
• Last month, the Indian Government has announced that for developing a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus, as many as 30 Indian Companies are working on it.

New Strain of Swine Flu Virus having Human Pandemic Potential Discovered in China

A new virus has been discovered by scientists in China that is quite similar to the 2009 Swine Flu that caused a global pandemic. The new strain of the virus is named as ‘G4 EA H1N1 (commonly called G4 virus)’, it has human pandemic potential.

G4 Virus

• The G4 virus was detected by scientists at several institutions of China including the National Influenza Centre of China during a pig surveillance program. 
• The surveillance program was conducted in between 2011 to 2018 by collecting above 30,000 nasal swab samples from pigs across 10 provinces of China.
• A total of 179 swine influence viruses were identified during the program, mostly didn’t pose such concern for human transmission. 
• The new strain of the G4 Virus has sharply increased among the pigs since 2016 after which tests were conducted on the strain of the virus.
• The tests conducted found that the virus can cause zoonotic infection (animal to human) but there hasn’t been any evidence of person-to-person transmission of the virus yet. 
• The G4 virus can replicate in human cells and the test results have further shown that the immunity developed by a human body against seasonal flu won’t be able to provide protection to the human body against the G4 virus.

RBI to conduct Special OMOs on 2nd July to Pump up Liquidity

On 29^th June 2020, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that it will be conducting a special Open Market Operations (OMOs) on 2^nd July 2020. The Open Market Operations was announced after reviewing the market conditions and evolving liquidity situations in banks. Through this special Open Market Operations, the aim will be to pump up liquidity in the financial system of the country.

About the Special Open Market Operations

• Government Securities worth Rs 10,000 crore will be purchased and sold simultaneously during the special Open Market Operations.
• At first, the Reserve Bank of India will be selling short term government securities worth Rs 10,000 crore that is maturing in between 15^th October 2020 to 29^th April 2021.
• Then it will be purchasing new long term government securities worth Rs 10,000 crore that will have a maturity period between May 2027 to 5th December 2033.
• Such operations were simultaneous selling and purchase of government securities are conducted by the Central Bank of the country are known as Operation Twist. 
• This will be the second such operation in this financial year to be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India. 
• The first Operation Twist of this financial year was conducted on 27^th April 2020 of Rs 10,000 crore.

29th June: National Statistics Day

To popularize the use of Statistics in everyday life, every year 29th June is celebrated as the National Statistics Day. The day 29th June was chosen to acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in establishing the National Statistical System. 29th June is the birth anniversary of Prof. P.C Mahalanobis.

• National Statistics Day was celebrated first in the year 2007. World Statistics Day is celebrated on October 20th every year.

Aim of the Day

• The day is being celebrated to sensitize the citizens of the country as to how Statistics helps in shaping and framing policies. 
• Statistics helps us in presenting a result much effectively through correct analyses and the proper methods for collecting the data.

Prof. P C Mahalanobis

• Recipient of Padma Vibhushan in 1968 Prof P.C Mahalanobis’s contribution in the field of Statistics is recognized all over the world. 
• He served as the Chairman of the United Nations Sub Commission on Statistical Sampling from 1947 to 1951.
• In 1931, Prof. P C Mahalanobis founded the ISI-Indian Statistical Institute (ISI formally registered in April 1932). 
• Post Independence, a comprehensive socio-economic national sample survey was designed and planned by ISI, for this survey-the National Sample Survey (NSS) was established by him in the year 1950. 
• To date, for the collection of sample surveys in the country, NSS is the premier agency of the Indian Government.

3 Million Houses will be Built under YSR Jagananna Colonies

The State Government of Andhra Pradesh will take up the construction of 3 Million (30 lakh) houses under the YSR Jagananna Colonies project after distributing the house sites to the beneficiaries on 8th July 2020. Jagananna Colonies is part of the State Government’s Navratnalu- Pedalandariki Illu (houses for all the poor) Program.

YSR Jagananna Colonies Project

• For the land acquisition of the colonies, the state government will bear around Rs 10,000 to Rs 11,000 crore. 
• The house sites will be provided at Rs 1 to the selected white Ration Card beneficiaries. 
• The total expenditure for the project including the share of the Central Government is estimated at RS 50,000 crore.
• The project will be implemented in two phases with 15 lakh houses being constructed in each phase. 
• Construction for the first phase will begin on 28th August this year while the second phase construction will begin from August 2021. 
• All necessary facilities will be provided in the colonies such as water, connecting roads, electricity, etc. 
• Each house will have a carpet area of 230 square feet. 
• The cost of each house is estimated to be around Rs 1.80 lakh.
• The State Government has set a target for completion of the project by 2024.

Delhi Government to set up ‘Plasma Bank’ at ILBS, the First Plasma Bank in India

To treat COVID-19 patients, on 29th June 2020 Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was announced that a ‘Plasma Bank’ will be set up at the National Capital in the next two days. The Plasma Bank will be set up at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS).

At the Delhi Government’s Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital, 35 people have been administered with Plasma Therapy out of which 34 have survived. In order to meet the demand of Plasma, the Chief Minister has urged cured COVID-19 patients to come forward and donate plasma.

Plasma Therapy

• A person who has recovered successfully from the COVID-19 infection can donate his/her plasma. 
• In the case of COVID-19, Convalescent Plasma is used to transfer antibodies to the patient suffering from the COVID-19 virus. 
• This helps the patient’s body to develop similar antibodies for fighting the COVID-19 virus.
• Trials with Plasma Therapy conducted to date have shown positive results. 
• The patients suffering from the virus at the second stage have either a decline in oxygen levels or the respiration levels have increased. 
• In both cases when the patient was given Plasma therapy, the levels have shown improvement.
• Plasma donation does not cause any weakness in an individual. 
• A person can donate plasma again in a gap of 10 days.

Concession Agreement Signed between India & Bhutan for Joint Venture Hydroelectric Project

On 29^th June 2020, a concession agreement was signed between the Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited and the Royal Government of Bhutan. The Concession Agreement provides the right to Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited to operate the Kholongchhu Hydroelectric Project within the jurisdictions of the Bhutanese Government.

The Concession Agreement signing was conducted at Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu. The Agreement signing was attended virtually by the Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Kholongchhu Hydroelectric Project

• The project will be located on the Kholongchhu River in Eastern Bhutan’s Trashiyangtse District. 
• The run of the river Hydroelectric Project will of 600 MW and is expected to be completed by the second half of 2025.
• For the implementation and development of the Hydroelectric project, a joint venture between Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation and India’s Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited was formed on 12^th June 2015. 
• The joint venture was named as Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited.

India-Bhutan Bilateral Hydropower Projects

• With the signing of the concession agreement, construction work at the Kholongchhu Hydroelectric Project will begin. 
• This is the 5^th Hydroelectric project under bilateral ties between the Governments of India and Bhutan.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric project in August 2019. 
• The Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project is of 720 MW. 
• The Tala Hydroelectric Project is the largest Hydropower project in Bhutan with 1020 MW. 
• Tala Hydroelectric Project is operational since 2007 and was financed by India through grants.

World’s Largest Plasma Therapy Trial under Project ‘Platina’ launched by Maharashtra

The World’s largest Convalescent Plasma Therapy Trial project was launch on 29^th June 2020 by the Maharashtra State Government.  The name of the project is Platina. The project was virtually launched by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray.

For this trial project, the Indian Council of Medical Research has given the approval to conduct plasma therapy in COVID-19 positive patients admitted in the 21 COVID-19 hospitals of the Maharashtra State Government.

Project Platina

• In the absence of a definite treatment or drugs for the COVID-19 positive patients, Convalescent Plasma Therapy has shown encouraging results on patients across the world. 
• As Maharashtra has been the worst-hit state in India by the COVID-19 pandemic, trial under project Platina will help in creating a robust data for the use of Convalescent Plasma Therapy. 
• The project will also help in establishing an infrastructure for plasma treatment in the state.
• Costs of Plasma Therapy trials under the project will be borne by the State Government of Maharashtra. 
• From Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Rs 16.85 crores have been sanctioned for the project.
• Under the trial project, two doses of 200 ml of convalescent plasma will be given to all critical patients in 21 State Government-run COVID-19 Hospitals of Maharashtra.

Plasma Therapy

• A person who has recovered successfully from the COVID-19 infection can donate his/her plasma. 
• In the case of COVID-19, Convalescent Plasma is used to transfer antibodies to the patient suffering from the COVID-19 virus. 
• This helps the patient’s body to develop similar antibodies for fighting the COVID-19 virus.

27th June: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day

The United Nations on 6^th April 2017 has adopted a resolution as per which 27^th June to be observed every year as the day of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The day was first observed in 2017, this year marks the 4^th MSME Day.

Importance of the Day

• For achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Governments across the globe are required to create an environment for promoting innovation and creativity. 
• For this, the importance of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises needs to be recognized. 
• This will further help in encouraging the formalization and growth of the MSME sector across the domestic and international markets. 
• Globally, the MSME sector is the largest employment provider and also the backbone of major economies.
• As per the International Council for Small Business data, MSMEs on average contribute 50 percent in the GDP and generate 70 percent employment in an economy. 
• Most of the employment generated by MSMEs is for the vulnerable sectors of our society.

MSME Day 2020

• At the time of a global pandemic when millions across the world have lost their jobs, MSMEs are creating the most significant employment and income generation opportunities, especially in rural areas. 
• But as countries across the globe have been imposing nationwide or partial lockdown, the business of the MSMEs have also affected significantly. 
• Their primary obstacle has been lack of access to financial support.
• This year’s MSME day is to raise awareness and remind the governments of the important role that MSMEs have played in their economy over the decades. 
• Reviving the MSME sector through financial support can revive the overall economy of a country.

Apollo Tyres commissions its Andhra Pradesh Manufacturing Plant

As per a 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the State Government of Andhra Pradesh and Gurugram headquartered Apollo Tyres Limited, the company will set up its new manufacturing unit at Chittoor district of the state. The foundation stone of the manufacturing plant was laid on 9^th January 2018 by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

• On 25^th June 2020, the company has announced the commissioning of the Manufacturing plant that is spread over 256 acres.  
• Rs 3,800 crores were invested for setting up the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. 
• Globally, this is the 7^th manufacturing unit of Apollo Tyres and the 5^th in India.
• For setting up the highly automated manufacturing plant that will cater to both domestic and international markets, It took 12 million (1.2 crores) man-hours of construction work, 35 million tonnes of steel used and 1.23 lakh cubic metre of concrete used.
• The company has employed around 850 people at present (most hired locally) at its shop floor. 
• The built-up area facility is 2,16,000 square metres. 
• The plant has a modular layout and uses Information Technology-driven systems and robotics.
• By 2022, through the manufacturing plant, the company has set a per-day target to roll out 15,000 passenger car tyres and 3,000 truck-bus radials.

‘At One Click’ Initiative launched by Gujarat Government for MSMEs & Other Bigger Industries

For 12,247 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and bigger industrial units (including the textile industry) in the state, the Gujarat Government on 26^th June 2020 has launched an online cash aid initiative. The initiative is named as ‘At One Click’. The initiative was launched by the Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani.

About the Initiative

• ‘At One Click’ is an online aid initiative for which the Gujarat Government has committed Rs 1,369 crore of financial aid for the MSMEs and bigger industrial units (including the textile industry).

Objective of the Initiative

• Through the initiative, the State Government looks to restore the former vibrancy of the state by motivating sectors such as MSME, traders, bigger industries, and businesses. 
• The online initiative is to encourage these sectors for taking up the challenge that the COVID-19 crisis has bought and convert this into an opportunity.

Launch of the Initiative

• By transferring Rs 768 crore directly into the bank accounts of 12,247 MSMEs the initiative was launched. 
• Bigger industrial units that include textile industries as well will be transferred Rs 601 crore under the initiative.
• The Chief Minister at the launch of the initiative has informed that 1.3 lakh loan applications from MSMEs and other industries have been received in the state under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Package of the Central Government. 
• The total loan amount of Rs 8,200 crore has been sanctioned as per the applications received to date, out of this, Rs 4,175 crore has already been disbursed.

PM launches Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a 125-day campaign on 26^th 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).

It was also announced that 5000 tool kits will also be distributed under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Initiative in the state.

• The mega job scheme launched by Prime Minister today is part of the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan that was launched on 20^th June 2020 by Prime Minister himself.
• The Campaign launched today 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. 
• More than 30 lakh (3 million) migrant workers have returned in the state of Uttar Pradesh following the loss of employment in urban cities of the country after the nationwide lockdown was implemented in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Under the campaign, employment to migrant workers in the remaining 44 districts of the state and for other daily wage workers in the state those who require a job will also be provided.

How the Abhiyan will be implemented?

• Different departments of the Central & State government have been assigned to provide under the campaign to those who need it. 
• 25 works related to public infrastructure and for improvement of livelihood opportunities have been chosen for the campaign such as the construction of rural houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, plantation drives, construction of roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, etc.  
• Work will be provided based on the skill set of the workers.

Russia’s Energia plans to take First Tourist on Space Walk in 2023

On 25^th June 2020, Russian Company- S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia (also known as RSC Energia) has announced that it will take the first tourist for a spacewalk in 2023. The announcement came after RSC Energia has signed a deal with Space Adventures (space tourism company in the United States). RSC Energia is a part of the Roscosmos (Russia’s space agency).

• As per the deal, two tourists will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) in the year 2023 under the joint agreement of both the companies. 
• From the end of RSC Energia, one of the two tourists will be able to do a spacewalk together with a cosmonaut from Roscosmos.
• Between 2001 to 2009, Space Adventures along with the Russian Space Agency has taken eight tourists to the ISS. 
• In 2001, Dennis Tito (a businessman from the United States) became the World’s First Private Space Explorer (first paying space tourist in the world). 
• Since 2009, no other space tourist program has been conducted in the world. 
• None of the space tourists to date have done a spacewalk.

Background

• The announcement came a month after SpaceX (the United States-based space transportation services and aerospace manufacturer company) broke the monopoly of the Russian space agency. 
• Until 30^th May 2020, only Russian Space Agency Roscosmos had the technology to successfully able to carry Humans to space. 
• All Human Space Flight missions until 30^th May 2020 were conducted with the help of Russian crew spacecraft Soyuz. 
• On 30^th May 2020, Falcon 9 rocket of SpaceX successfully carried two astronauts of NASA to the ISS.
• SpaceX in February 2020 has also signed an agreement with Space Adventures. 
• Under the agreement, both the companies have planned to carry a space tourism trip next year. 
• The number of space tourists for the trip will be 3. 
• Spacewalk for the tourists under this trip is not a part of the agreement yet.

Liverpool wins 2019-20 English Premier League title

Following Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on 25^th June 2020, Liverpool clinched the 2019-20 English Premier League season with 7 games still left in the season.  This is the first time that Liverpool has won the English Premier League title.

• As of 26^th June 2020, Liverpool by winning 28 of their 31 games in the season has accumulated 86 points. 
• Manchester City with 63 points in 31 games is at the second place of the standing table. 
• With 7 games remaining in the season, 3 points are being awarded for winning a game, if Liverpool loses their remaining 7 games as well then also Manchester City can finish the 2019-20 season with a maximum of 84 points.
• Liverpool’s performance has been exceptional since the last 2 years as they became the only English Club in 2019 to win the International treble of UEFA Champions League 2018-19, UEFA Super Cup 2019, and also the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup.
• Overall, this was the 19^th title for Liverpool in the 1st tier of club football in England and also the first since 1989-90 season. 
• The English Premier League replaced English Football League in the year 1992 as the 1st Tier of English football.

Behaviour Change Campaign launched by NITI Aayog

A behaviour change campaign named ‘Navigating the New Normal’ was launched on 25^th June 2020 by NITI Aayog. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a partner for the behavior change campaign.

Aim of the Campaign

• As the country is now in an Unlock phase, the aim is to develop an appropriate COVID safe behavior in the country, such as by making people adapt to wearing masks as a part of their daily routine. 
• Until a vaccine is developed, it is essential for the citizens of the country to adopt certain behavioral changes in their day to day life by practicing hand hygiene, wearing masks, etc.

About the Campaign

The behaviour change campaign has been designed under the guidance of the Empowered Group 6 (this Group addresses issues related to COVID-19 response activities through effective solutions and formulation of plans).

The behaviour change campaign has two parts:

1. The Web Portal (http://www.covidthenewnormal.com/): It contains behavioral norms required for being COVID-safe.
2. Media Campaign: As the pandemic has restricted the movement of people across the country, people are spending more time watching television or on the internet. The aim of the behaviour change campaign will reach millions across the country through advertisements, animation for children, virtual awareness campaigns on social networking sites, etc.

26th June: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

In order to make societies across the world free of drug abuse, on 7^th December 1987, by adopting resolution 42/112, the United Nations General Assembly declared 26^th June to be observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The Theme for 2020 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: Better Knowledge for Better Care

Focus of 2020 Theme

• For countering the impact that drug has on our societies, it is important that cross border cooperation increases among countries across the globe. 
• This will help in restricting the negative effects of many kinds of misinformation that has caused challenges for the authorities involved in addressing the drug problem.
• Drug trafficking has hindered the overall development of many developing countries over the years, as the financially weaker sections of society fall prey to various drug or trafficking networks for monetary stability in life. 
• For countering this, understanding has to improve for which better knowledge through greater international cooperation is important for countering these negative impacts on society.

Significance of the Day in 2020

• As per the World Drug Report 2020, if 2009 data are compared to the 2018’s, there has been a 30 percent increase in the number of drug consumers across the globe. 
• 269 million people have used drugs in 2018.
• At a time of a global pandemic, the day is to encourage individuals, private sectors, non-profit organizations, and the Governments across the world to continue their efforts in raising awareness about the adverse health consequences of drugs through social media campaigns.

World’s First Yoga University outside India, Vivekananda Yoga University launched in Los Angeles

The world’s first Yoga University outside India was launched on 23^rd June 2020 at United State’s Los Angeles city. The Yoga University has been named after Swami Vivekananda. The university will be known by the name- Vivekananda Yoga University.  The University was launched as a part of the commemorations for the 6^th International Yoga Day.

• The virtual launch event was organized at New York City’s Consulate General of India. 
• V. Muraleedharan (Union Minister of State for External Affairs) and PP Chaudhary (Chairperson of the Standing Committee on External Affairs) jointly launched the Vivekananda Yoga University during the virtual event.
• Programs based on the ancient traditional Indian practice of yoga will be offered at the university with a combination of scientific principles and modern research approaches. 
• For offering yoga-based higher education programs, the approval and official recognition for the launch of the university was received in November 2019 from California’s Bureau of Private Post-secondary Education.
• Chancellor of SVYASA- Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (Deemed University at Bengaluru for the study of yoga), Dr. H R Nagendra will be the first Chairman of the Vivekananda Yoga University. 
• SVYASA was founded in the year 2002, it is the first Yoga University of India and also of the World.
• Faculties for the Vivekananda Yoga University have been recruited from SVYASA. 
• The first day of classes for the fall 2020 semester of the University will commence on 24^th August 2020. 
• Online Master’s Program in Yoga (M.S Yoga) will also be offered by the University.

World’s Longest Internet Shutdown in Myanmar enters 2nd year

On 21^st June 2019, the mobile internet services were shut down by the Myanmar Government in eight townships of the conflict-hit Rakhine State and in one township in Chin State. Between September 2019 to February 2020 the restrictions were lifted in 5 states but were again reinstated. In Maungdaw township of Rakhine State, the restrictions were lifted on 2^nd May 2020. The internet services for the remaining townships will remain shut down till the 1^st of August 2020, this was announced by the Ministry of Transportation and Communication of the Myanmar Government.

Background

• Since January 2019, the Myanmar Government has been engaged in battle with the Arakan Army (Rakhine Armed Group). 
• This insurgent group is fighting for the independence of ethnic Rakhine Buddhists.

Rising Criticism for the Myanmar Government

• As lack of information would result in an underreported shortage of essential services from food, water to medical aid, etc. 
• At a time of a global pandemic, suspension of internet services would have also made it difficult for the people living in these townships to get proper information about the safety standard protocols related to COVID-19.
• The move of the Myanmar Government has continued to draw criticism from both the domestic as well as International Human Rights Organizations. 
• As per Myanmar’s Telecommunication law’s Article 77, the Government can suspend the service during an emergency situation. 
• Various Human Rights Organizations now call for the amendment of the Article as it is not in line with the international standards for freedom of expression.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to set up Permanent Base in the Indian Ocean

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced that it will set up its permanent military base in the Indian ocean by March next year. The announcement was made by Alireza Tangsiri on 23^rd June 2020. Alireza Tangsiri is the Navy Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

• The Navy Commander informed that the move of setting up a Permanent Base in the Indian Ocean is as per the instructions by Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 
• He further added that the move of setting up a permanent presence far away from the country in the waters was taken as a result of repeated harassment faced by Iranian Fishermen in the ocean from pirates and even encroachments made by foreign vessels in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

• The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was established on the order of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (1^st Supreme Leader of Iran). 
• It is a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces. It was founded on 22^nd April 1979 after the Iranian Revolution.
• At present, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.

China annexes parts of Nepal by diverting the flow of Rivers that acted as Natural Boundary

A report prepared by Nepal’s Agricultural Ministry’s Survey Department has indicated that China has diverted the flow of rivers in certain areas of the Nepal-China border. These rivers act as a natural boundary between the two countries.

As per the report, in a total of 11 places where the Chinese have encroached the Nepalese territory, in 10 places China has diverted the flow of rivers for encroachment. In these 10 places, the total area of Nepalese land encroached by China is said to be around 33 hectares.

Highlights from the Report

• Humla District: Route of Bagdare Khola River and Karnali River are diverted. 
• By this diversion, China has annexed 10 hectares of land under its Tibet Autonomous Region.
• Rasuwa District: Routes of 3 rivers- Jambu Khola, Sinjen, and Bhurjuk are diverted. 
• The total area of about 6 hectares annexed in this district.
• Sindhupalchowk District: In this district, a total of 11 hectares of land has already been claimed by China as its own territory. 
• This was done by diverting the route of Bhote Kosi and Kharane Khola rivers.
• Sankhuwasabha District: Routes of 3 rivers- Arun, Sumjung, and Kam Khola are diverted. 
• The total area annexed by China in this district is 9 hectares.

China have also annexed Nepalese Villages Rui and Teigha

• Another report that was published by media houses in Nepal claims that 2 villages in the northern part of the Gorkha district have been annexed by China. 
• The name of the villages is Rui and Teigha. These villages are currently included in the map of Nepal (also included in the newly amended map of Nepal that was passed on 13^th June). 
• But as per the reports, the boundary pillars that demarcated as the border between the two countries have been removed.

Mobile Application ‘eBloodServices’ launched by Union Health Minister

As the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted activities and movement of people across the globe, one challenge that has emerged for all the States and as well as Central Government of India is in ensuring safe blood for the citizens who require regular blood donation for blood or bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, etc.

• On 25^th June 2020, a mobile application named ‘eBloodServices’ was launched for the citizens of the national capital New Delhi by Dr. Harsh Vardhan (Union Health Minister). 
• The mobile application is an initiative of the Indian Red Cross Society. Mobile blood collection units will be sent across all localities of New Delhi by the Indian Red Cross Society for conducting blood donation camps. 
• This will help in ensuring no shortage of blood in the city.
• Through the app, the government aims to end the worries of those who require regular blood by bringing transparency in the blood donation program. T
• he mobile application will provide information about the availability of blood in blood banks in the city. 
• A person will be able to place orders for four units of blood at a time.
• The ‘eBloodServices’ mobile application is developed by the ERaktkosh team of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

23rd June: United Nations Public Service Day

By adopting resolution 57/277 on 20^th December 2002, the United Nations General Assembly designated 23^rd June to be observed as ‘United Nations Public Service Day’ in order to highlight the value and virtue of public service to the community.

The day is also observed so that the value of public service for the development of the society can be understood by the younger generation, further they can be encouraged to pursue careers in the public sector.

Significance for 2020

• The COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions and has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of people globally.  
• At these difficult times when health care organizations are strained, lockdowns have led to a loss of jobs and financial crisis, education system, social life, etc are disrupted, this year’s United Nations Public Service Day is to honour the frontline workers (Healthcare, sanitation, public servants, social welfare groups, transportation, law enforcement etc) who risk their lives to provide the essential services for the society.

Public Service for SDGs

• For countries to achieve their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is essential that the public institutions in an economy are inclusive, effective, and accountable for all in society. 
• The day is also to remind Governments across the world that the critical and essential role public administration plays towards improving people’s lives.

Healthcare & Hygiene EXPO 2020- India’s first-ever Largest Virtual Exhibition

Organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), the five-day Virtual Healthcare & Hygiene Expo was e-inaugurated on 22^nd June 2020 by Mansukh Mandaviya (Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers).

As Digital India is making a way forward, the exhibition is the first-ever virtual exhibition in India. The virtual event will be live daily from 22^nd to 26^th June.

Aim of the Event

• The event is to create a self-reliant ecosystem in the Pharmaceuticals and Health & Hygiene Sector by ramping up domestic production. 
• In our resolute fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, this sector has a greater significance.
• During the five day event, the focus will also be on (i) Health Infrastructure such as medical devices, ventilators, etc, (ii) Benefits of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and (iii) On Medical Textiles & Consumables.

Bulk Drug Park in India

• At the beginning of the Pandemic in March 2020, India’s dependence on foreign imports for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) was highlighted. 
• Indian Pharmaceutical Companies imported more than 70% of the API used for manufacturing medicines in the country.
• In order to end this dependency, the Government of India has taken steps for setting up Bulk Drug Parks in the country. 
• API is also known as Bulk Drug, it is the most essential component for the manufacturing of any drugs.
• At the inauguration event, Mansukh Mandaviya informed that by equity participation, the Government is ready to provide the private sector for setting up of Bulk Drug Parks in the country. 
• This will further help in building an AtmaNirbhar Bharat.

23rd June: International Olympic Day

On 23^rd June 1894, the International Olympic Committee was founded in Paris. The day 23^rd June was chosen to be celebrated as International Olympic Day to commemorate the foundation day of the International Olympic Committee.

• International Olympic Day was first celebrated in the year 1948. 
• A total of 9 countries celebrated the day in their respective countries in 1948. 
• But today with time the energy and positivity with which the Olympians have inspired millions across the globe, the celebrations for the day are truly global in nature now.
• Irrespective of any sort of discrimination based on age, gender, etc, the National Olympic Committees across the world conduct creative events on this day that are based on three pillars ‘Move, Learn, and Discover’.

Significance for 2020

• During these times of a pandemic, by sharing their home workouts, Olympians have become a source of inspiration and motivation for many across the world.  
• These efforts made by Olympians at the time of a pandemic is to make everyone realize the importance of being active for staying healthy in mind and body.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

• Summer and Winter Olympic Games are organized by the IOC. 
• It is a non-governmental sports organization headquartered at Lausanne, Switzerland. 
• It was founded by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas on 23^rd June 1894.

Rs 2000 Crore from PM CARES Fund allocated for 50,000 Made-in-India Ventilators

The Government of India on its way to create an AtmaNirbhar Bharat had allocated Rs 2000 crore for 50,000 Made-in-India ventilators. The entire sum of Rs 2000 crore was allocated from PM CARES Fund Trust.

These ventilators will be supplied to various government-run COVID hospitals based on priority across the country. To date, a total of 1340 ventilators have already been delivered out of 2923 that have been manufactured. A total of 14,000 ventilators will be delivered by 30^th June to various government-run COVID hospitals across the country. Out of the total 50,000 ventilators, 30,000 will be manufactured by the state-owned company- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

PM CARES Fund for Migrant Labourers

• From PM CARES Fund, a sum of Rs 1000 crore was also released for the welfare (arranging food, accommodation, medical treatment, etc) of migrant labourers in the country.  
• Maharashtra with Rs 181 crore was the highest recipient for this sum followed by Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with Rs 103 and Rs 83 crore respectively.

PM CARES Fund

• Prime Ministers Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARE) Funds is a dedicated national fund that was created on 28^th March 2020. 
• The fund was created for raising funds for providing help to the affected during any sort of distress situation or emergency (such as COVID-19 pandemic) in the country.

Bill to Rename ‘Tonoshiro’ to ‘Tonoshiro Senkaku’ triggered tensions between Japan and China

A group of Islands without inhabitants located at the South China Sea has been a point of disagreement between Japan and China since 1972. The island is known by the name Senkakus in Japan, while in the People’s Republic of China the Islands are known by the name Diaoyu.

The island group is at present administered by the administrative authority of Ishigaki city of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture. The islands are located in the southern part of Japan, the entire area under which the Senkaku Islands are located is known by the name Tonoshiro in Japan.

History

• The group of islands was controlled by the Ryukyu Kingdom of China as per records available. 
• But during the First Sino-Japanese War the Islands were annexed by the Japanese Central Government.
• As Japan surrender at the end of 2^nd World War, the islands came under the power of the United States Government. 26 years later in 1971, the United States Senate passed the Okinawa Reversion Treaty to return the group of islands back to Japan. 
• Japan took over the control of the islands from 1972. Since then China began to declare its ownership over the islands based on the fact that the islands were discovered during the 14^th century by the Chinese Ryukyu Kingdom.

Present Day

• On 22^nd June 2020, the assembly of Ishigaki city passed the bill under which from 1^st October 2020- the Tonoshiro area will be renamed as Tonoshiro Senkaku.