PM Narendra Modi to launch ‘Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan’ to boost livelihood opportunities in rural India

1.Sustainable Gastronomy Day: 18 June

Sustainable Gastronomy Day is observed globally on 18th June every year.This day is observed to acknowledge gastronomy as a cultural expression related to nature as well as the cultural diversity of the world.As the COVID-19 pandemic is still unfolding across the globe, sustainable gastronomy – celebrating seasonal ingredients and producers, preserving wildlife as well as our culinary traditions – is today more relevant than ever.

2.India to send Tri-Services Contingent to participate in Russia’s Victory Day parade

India will send a 75-member Tri-Service contingent to participate in the military parade in Moscow on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War.The parade will honour the heroism and sacrifices made by the Russian and other friendly people.The Defence Minister of Russia had invited an Indian contingent to take part in the Victory Day Parade scheduled to be held on 24th June.The participation will be a mark of tribute and solidarity with the people of Russia at a time when they remember their heroes of the Great Patriotic War.

3.PM Narendra Modi to launch ‘Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan’ to boost livelihood opportunities in rural India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch ‘Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan’ on June 20 to boost livelihood opportunities in rural India.The Government of India has decided to launch a massive rural public works scheme ‘Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan’ to empower and provide livelihood opportunities to the returnee migrant workers and rural citizens.The campaign of 125 days across 116 districts in 6 states aims to work in mission mode to help migrant workers.It will involve intensified and focused implementation of 25 different types of works to provide jobs and create infrastructure in the rural regions of the country.

4.India elected as non-permanent member of UN Security Council for a two-year term

India was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a two-year term after winning 184 votes in the 193-member General Assembly.Along with India, Ireland, Mexico and Norway also won the Security Council elections.India was a candidate for a non-permanent seat from the Asia-Pacific category for the 2021-22 term.Its victory was certain as it was the sole candidate vying for the lone seat from the grouping. India’s two year term will begin on January 1, 2021.This is the eighth time that India will sit at the UN high-table, which comprises five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members.

5.Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain tested positive for COVID-19

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain has tested positive for COVID-19.He was admitted to a hospital following high fever.The first report of Mr Jain was negative.The minister was tested again after 24 hours today and this time, he tested positive.

6.Maruti partners with Karur Vysya Bank for flexible financing schemes

Car market leader Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has partnered with Karur Vysya Bank to offer simpler and flexible financing schemes for new customers.Through the partnership with the bank, the company is seeking to offer prospective buyers special scheme of up to 100 per cent on road funding with six months holiday period on all models, loans for both salaried and self-employed customers and repayment period up to 84 months.Karur Vysya Bank offers customers in-principle loan sanction in 15 minutes and existing customer of the bank can get their loans disbursed on the same day with the entire process from application to disbursement of the loan being digitised with no manual intervention.The schemes through the partnership will be available across Maruti Suzuki’s network of 3,086 new car retail outlets across 1,964 cities and towns, along with 780 branches of Karur Vysya Bank across 22 states across India.

7.BCCI’s DK Jain gets one-year extension as ethics officer and ombudsman

Former Supreme Court judge DK Jain will continue as Board of Control for Cricket in India’s ethics officer and ombudsman after getting a one-year extension from the cricket Board.Jain was appointed by the Supreme Court in February 2019 as BCCI’s first-ever ombudsman.He was later given the additional role of ethics officer.His term ended on February 29 this year but his contract was renewed only last week.

8.Two Indian firms in WEF list of tech pioneers for 2020

Two Indian firms – ZestMoney and Stellapps – figure in a new list of Tech Pioneers released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).The list described these 100 entities as future headline-makers addressing global issues with cutting-edge technology.From artificial intelligence (AI) to carbon capture, these companies are using innovations to protect the climate, improve healthcare and much more, helping us to reset society and build towards a better future.This year’s class of Technology Pioneers are improving society and advancing their industries around the world.

9.4th Asian Youth Para Games to be held in Bahrain in December 2021

The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) announced that the fourth Asian Youth Para Games will take place in Bahrain from December 1-10, 2021.Around 800 athletes under 20 years of age are expected to compete in nine sports: athletics, badminton, boccia, goalball, para taekwondo, powerlifting, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair basketball.The competition will take place across numerous venues in Khalifa Sports City, a multi-use stadium in Isa Town, and Isa Sports City.The event is being organised in conjunction with the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Bahrain with the support of the local government.

10.Mamedyarov wins Sharjah Online Chess C’ship

Azerbaijan’s Shakhriyar Mamedyarov bagged top honours at the World Stars Sharjah Online International Chess Championship.Grandmaster Mamedyarov won the coveted title and pocketed $3000 with 7.5 points from 10 rounds Indian Grandmaster Pentala Harikrishna finished second with 6.5 points after losing his 10th and final round game to Radoslaw Wojtszek.Both Mamedyarov and Harikrishna had chances to win the title as at the start of the final round they were on 6.5 points each.Luck eluded the Indian as he lost his 10th and final round game to Poland’s Radoslaw Wojtszek. Harikrishan finished second with 6.5 points.Mamedyarov, who remained the only unbeaten player in the double round-robin tournament, got the better off UAE Grandmaster Salem Abdulrahman Mohamed Saleh to grab the victory.

11.Former India football captain IM Vijayan recommended for Padma Shri

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has recommended former skipper IM Vijayan for Padma Shri.The 51-year-old former India striker, who scored 40 goals in 79 matches for India since making his debut in early 90s.He was awarded the Arjuna award in 2003.He was also awarded the Indian ‘Player of the Year’ in 1993, 1997 and 1999.Vijayan, who led Indian team from 2000 to 2004, used to form a formidable pair with fellow striker Bhaichung Bhutia.

12.Former Goa minister Achyut Usgaonkar passes away

Former Goa minister Achyut Kashinath Sinai Usgaonkar passed away following age-related ailments.Usgaonkar was a leader of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the oldest regional outfit in Goa.He served as a cabinet minister from August 13, 1977 to April 27, 1979 in the then Shashikala Kakodkar government of Goa, Daman and Diu.Before serving as a minister, Achyut Usgaonkar was the deputy speaker of Goa during the Dayanand Bandodkar-led government.Bandodkar was the first chief minister of the coastal state.