Current Affairs Quiz - July, 2020

Notes:
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced Rs 5,000 crore worth grant-based scheme for computerisation of about 35,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) by FY23.
The scheme, apart from providing assistance to state governments for the process also ensures integration of the PACS with the Core Banking System (CBS) of District Central Co-operative Banks.

Notes:
As per the recent data by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India posted a trade surplus of USD 790 million in June 2020.
This surplus has been recorded for the first time after over 18 years. Due to the Covid-19 induced decrease in domestic demand for crude oil, gold and other industrial products, the country’s import was deeply reduced. This led to a trade surplus with imports of USD 21.11 billion and exports of USD 21.91 billion.

Notes:
The BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) has launched a BRICS CCI Young Leaders Initiative.
The Initiative has been launched with an objective to support and empower young leaders and entrepreneurs. It also aims to provide industry exposure and job opportunities across member nations, to the youngsters.

Notes:
Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Giriraj Singh launched the implementation guidelines for Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, AHIDF.
The 15000 crore rupees worth fund was approved by the Union Cabinet last month under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan stimulus package. Under the fund, Farmer Producer Organizations, MSMEs, Private Companies and individual entrepreneurs with minimum 10% margin are given 90% loans from scheduled banks, for developing infrastructure for animal husbandry.

Notes:
The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has recently inaugurated the construction work at the Diamer-Bhasha dam in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
When completed, Diamer-Bhasha would be Pakistan’s third largest dam after Tarbela and Mangla dams. The project will generate 4,500MW electricity and is expected to be completed by 2028. Pakistan had signed a Rs 442 billion contract with a joint venture of Chinese state-run firm and Pakistan’s military arm.

Notes:
The Lourdes Roman Catholic shrine located in France has recently organised the world’s first ever e-pilgrimage after the coronavirus crisis.
About 80 million from across the world attended the programme. Mass and prayers are broadcasted on television and social media for the e-pilgrimage named ‘Lourdes United’. During summer, pilgrims visit the shrine and light candles in the sanctuary, where Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared.

Notes:
India’s third largest services company, HCL Technologies announced that its Co-founder Shiv Nadar had stepped down as Chairman of the board of directors.
His daughter Roshni Nadar Malhotra has been named as the next Chairperson of the company. Shiv Nadar will continue in the post of Chief strategy officer. Roshni Nadar became the vice-chairman of the board in 2018. HCL was founded in the year 1976 by Shiv Nadar as one of the 5 founders.

Notes:
UNICEF launched ‘YuWaah’ Generation Unlimited in India in the year 2019. It is a multi-stakeholder alliance that aims to impart skill development in adolescent boys and girls.
Recently, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs signed a Statement of Intent for partnership with UNICEF India, YuWaah India and United Nations in India. It aims to empower youngsters by providing them access to all socio-economic opportunities.

Notes:
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has approved insurance cover of ₹25 lakh to all panchayat members in the Union Territory.
All elected BDC chairperson, sarpanches, panches and elected members of municipal bodies are covered in the event of death due to militancy. Last month, a sarpanch was shot dead by militants in south Kashmir. The UT also made an amendment to grant short-term permits to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) on land up to 1 hectare, till September 30, 2021.

Notes:
The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) has released the Global Direct Selling –2019 Retail Sales report.
As per the latest edition of the report, India’s direct selling industry has recorded sales of USD 2.47 billion in 2019, reporting a growth of 12.1 per cent. Due to the growth in sales, India has been ranked 15th in the report, from its previous year rank of 19. The list is topped by the US. In terms of the number of direct sellers, India is at 6th rank.