Global Peace Index 2021 announced
The 15th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) announced by Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) Sydney, the GPI is the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness. The index ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. This report presents the most comprehensive data-driven analysis to date on trends in peace, its economic value, and how to develop peaceful societies.
Global
- Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world, a position it has held since 2008.
- It is joined at the top of the index by New Zealand, Denmark, Portugal, and Slovenia.
- Afghanistan is the least peaceful country in the world for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, and Iraq.
South Asia:
- India has moved up two notches from its previous year’s ranking to become the 135th most peaceful country in the world and the 5th in the region.
- Bhutan and Nepal are named as the first and second most peaceful in this region.
- Bangladesh has been ranked 91th out of 163 countries in Global Peace Index for 2021. According to the list, Bangladesh is the 3rd most peaceful in South Asia.
- Sri Lanka has slipped down 19 rungs from 2020, to become 95th globally in this year’s rankings, and the 4th in South Asia.
- The largest improvement in peacefulness in South Asia occurred in Pakistan, which ranked 150th globally and 6th in the region, by moving up two notches from the previous year’s ranking.
Autistic Pride Day: 18 June
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.
India ranked 2nd in share of central bank surplus transfers
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was second in terms of reserves transferred to the government as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) for the fiscal year 2020-21. Turkey has been ranked first.
RBI has transferred Rs 99,122-crore surplus to the government for FY21 which is 73% higher than the Rs 57,128 crore paid out in 2019-20. The surplus transferred by RBI constitutes 0.44% of GDP, while that of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey constitutes 0.5% of GDP.
CII projects India’s FY22 GDP growth at 9.5%
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has estimated the gross domestic product (GDP) of India to grow at 9.5 per cent in the current financial year, i.e. FY 2021-22. This will take the GDP to a level that is slightly higher than in FY20. Rising medical expenditure has squeezed incomes and demand. But recovery is on the cards. Global growth and macroeconomic stability will support trade and investment flows.
LIC CSL launches prepaid gift card in collaboration with IDBI Bank
LIC Cards Services (LIC CSL) has launched a contactless prepaid gift card, ‘Shagun’, in collaboration with IDBI Bank on the RuPay platform. The purpose of this card is to expand the gift card market with an intent to promote cashless ways of gifting and present a wide range of end-use choices and in a future foray into the market of e-gift cards. NPCI partnered with LIC CSL & IDBI Bank for the launch of the Shagun Gift Card on RuPay network.
About the card:
- Shagun card, in the initial phase, will be available to LIC and its subsidiaries for official use. The card will be used to facilitate awards and special rewards during official conferences and functions.
- The Shagun gift card offers customisation in the form of flexible loading of any amount ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000. With this card, the customer can perform multiple transactions within the validity of 3 years.
- They can also use it to shop online, pay utility bills, book tickets for air, rail, bus, and so on through various mobile wallets and E-commerce portals or apps using this card. The contactless (tap & go) feature of the card is aimed at transforming the transaction experience for users.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- IDBI Bank CEO: Rakesh Sharma.
- IDBI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Govt appoints Aashish Chandorkar as director at India’s WTO mission
The government of India has appointed a private person Aashish Chandorkar as Counsellor in India’s Permanent Mission in the World Trade Organisation for three years. For the first time, a private person has been appointed at the Mission. Chandorkar is director of Bengaluru-based policy think tank Smahi Foundation of Policy and Research. The WTO is a 164-member multi-lateral body, which deals with global trade. India is a member since 1995.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- World Trade Organization Director-General: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala;
- World Trade Organization Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland;
- World Trade Organization Founded: 1 January 1995.
European Space Agency (ESA) will launch world’s first wooden satellite
The European Space Agency (ESA) has planned to launch the world’s first wooden satellite. It is going to be launched from New Zealand. It will be launched from a Rocket Lab Electron rocket by the end of 2021. The satellite is the brainchild of Jari Makinen.
About the Satellite:
- The satellite, WISA Woodsat, is a nanosatellite. It is 10cm on each side, length, height, and width.
- The sensors of the satellite have been developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and designers have placed the wood in a thermal vacuum chamber to keep it dry.
- A very thin aluminium oxide layer has been used to minimize the vapour coming from the wood and to protect it from the erosive effects of atomic oxygen. The non-wooden external parts are made up of aluminium rails.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- European Space Agency Headquarters: Paris, France;
- European Space Agency Founded: 30 May 1975, Europe;
- European Space Agency CEO: Johann-Dietrich Worner.
MP Govt launches ‘Yuva Shakti Corona Mukti Abhiyan’
The Government of Madhya Pradesh has launched ‘Yuva Shakti Corona Mukti Abhiyan’ to make the people of the state aware of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It translates to free from Corona with the help of the youth power campaign. Students in colleges in small groups will be given information and details about the significance of COVID-friendly behaviour and vaccination.
On the instructions of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the campaign has been launched by the higher education and the technical education department of the state in collaboration with the public healthcare and family welfare department.
Under the campaign:
- The teachers and about 16 lakh students of the Government colleges of higher and technical education will be given training in ‘COVID friendly behaviour and vaccination’. The people will be made aware of them through these students.
- Under the launched campaign, students in colleges in small groups will be given information and details about the significance of COVID-friendly behaviour and vaccination.
- These trained students will further disseminate the information to their families and the people in the surrounding areas about the benefits of vaccination and the prevention of Corona.
- A mobile app has also been developed for the effective real-time online monitoring of the campaign. Through the app, day to day activities and progress of the ‘Yuva Shakti Corona Mukti’ campaign will be reviewed.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Governor: Anandiben Patel.
UK and Australia agreed on historic free trade agreement
A new free trade agreement with the United Kingdom will deliver more Australian jobs and business opportunities for exporters, bringing both countries closer together in a changing strategic environment. Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and Boris Johnson have agreed on the broad outlines of an Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The FTA is the right deal for Australia and the United Kingdom, with greater access to a range of high-quality products made in both countries as well as greater access for businesses and workers, all of which will drive economic growth and job creation in both countries. Australian producers and farmers will receive a significant boost by getting greater access to the UK market.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- UK Capital: London;
- UK Prime minister: Boris Johnson;
- UK Currency: Pound sterling;
- Australia Capital: Canberra;
- Australia Currency: Australian dollar;
- Australia Prime minister: Scott Morrison.
Rajasthan govt will set Vedic Education and Sanskar Board
The Rajasthan government will soon set up a Vedic Education and Sanskar Board to revive the knowledge of Sanskrit scriptures and Vedas. The board is likely to be formed in the next four to five months.
A committee, formed to define aims, objectives and functioning of the board, has submitted its report to the state government, Minister of State (MoS) for Sanskrit Education Subhash Garg mentioned, adding modules will be presented before the board based on the report. He stated the Vedic board would come into function after approval from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Chief Minister of Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot; Governor: Kalraj Mishra.
Sports brand Puma India extends partnership with Yuvraj Singh
Global sports brand Puma India has extended partnership with former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who has been associated with the brand for over a decade. Moving from cricket to the fast lane, Yuvraj will now be seen in a new avatar as the face of Puma Motorsport in India, showcasing his passion for fast cars and sports-inspired fashion. With this, Yuvraj has joined the brand’s global league of legends like Thierry Henry, Boris Becker and Usain Bolt.
Globally, Puma is associated with Scuderia Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, BMW M Motorsport and Porsche Motorsport. With India being one of the biggest markets for Puma motorsport, the brand looks to capitalise on the growing demand for streetstyle products inspired by performance gear.
