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Current Affairs 18 July 2019
INS Sagardhwani Embarks on Mission Sagar Maitri-2
- INS Sagardhwani, a Marine Acoustic Research Ship of the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi and operated by the Indian Navy, has been flagged off from Kochi for a scientific venture called ‘Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative (MAITRI)’.
- INS Sagardhwani will embark on a two-month long voyage to visit four eastern IOR nations namely Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia in the first phase of the mission SAGAR MAITRI-2.
- This mission is being implemented by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Kochi-based NPOL for a strategic-cum scientific oceanic expedition to enhance collaboration with eight Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) nations. .
- The mission named as SAGAR MAITRI-2 is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ to promote closer cooperation among 8 Indian Ocean Region countries in socio-economic aspects, as well as greater scientific interaction, especially in ocean research in underwater acoustics.
- Objectives of the SAGAR MAITRI mission are data collection from the entire North Indian Ocean, focusing on the Andaman Sea and adjoining seas and establishing long term collaboration with eight IOR countries in the field of ‘Ocean Research and Development’.
Tamil Nadu Carves out 2 new Districts Taking Total Number to 35
- The Tamil Nadu government has announced the creation of two new districts in the state, taking the total number of districts to 35.
- Tenkasi District would be carved out of Tirunelveli
- Chengalpet District would be carved by splitting Kanchipuram district.
- Since Tirunelveli and Kanchipuram are vast in area, the government is splitting them for better administration. Special Officers would be appointed to governor the new districts.
Maharashtra Government Hikes Aid to Kin of Martyred Jawans From Rs 25 Lakhs to Rs 1 Crore
- The State government of Maharashtra has increased the financial aid to four folds for families of jawans martyred in war or war-like situations or conflict related to national security from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
- The new rule will be applicable from January 1, 2019.
- Similarly, the monetary compensation to Personnel wounded in conflict has also been increased in the following range:
- For 1% to 25% injuries – Increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh
- For 26% to 50% injuries – Increased from Rs 8.50 lakh to Rs 34 lakh
- For 51% to 100% injuries – Increased from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 60 lakh
Garbage Cafe scheme launched in Ambikapur city of Chhattisgarh
- The Municipal Corporation of Ambikapur has launched a Garbage Cafe scheme under which any person fetching a kilo of plastic waste to the garbage cafe will be assured of a full meal while those collecting at least 500 grams will benefit from a substantial breakfast.
- Ambikapur is a city in Chhattisgarh. It should be noted that Ambikapur was ranked second cleanest city in India after Indore.
- This is also India’s first garbage cafe.
Rhino Bonds to be the world’s first financial instrument for species conservation
- Zoological Society of London and Conservation Capital will launch in 2020, a five-year Rhino Bond worth US$50 million. It would be the world’s first financial instrument for species conservation.
- The five-year bond will cover conservation efforts at five sites in South Africa and Kenya. Investors will be paid back their capital and a yield if the number of animals increases.
ADB cuts India’s GDP growth for FY20 from 7.2% to 7.0%
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reduced the GDP Growth rate for India in 2019-20 (FY20) from 7.2% to 7.0%.
- For 2020-21 India is expected to grow at 7.2% as per ADB. Earlier this was 7.3%.
- With this, India will remain to be the fastest-growing major economy in the world.
ICICI Bank launches digital platform InstaBIZ for MSMEs
- ICICI Bank has announced the launched a new digital platform named “InstaBIZ” that is made for MSME and self-employed customers.
- The platform will help the MSME and self-employed customers to undertake their business banking transactions digitally and instantly.
- Customers can avail around 115 feature and services on their mobile phone or internet banking.
- This is a first-of-its-kind comprehensive digital platform for businesses. It allows an overdraft of upto Rs 15 lakhs for its customers and upto Rs 10 lakh for its non-customer.
IRDAI changes norms for life insurance products
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has changed some of the key norms pertaining to life insurance products. These are mentioned below:
For non-linked policy
- The minimum death benefit has been decreased from 10 times to seven times.
- Policyholders will get a fixed amount if the policy is surrendered after two years.
- The revival period for this policy has been increased from two years to five years.
Unit-Linked Policies
- if the policy has a surrender value during the first five years, it will become payable only after the completion of the lock-in period.
- After the lock-in period, the surrender value shall be at least equal to the fund value as on the date of surrender.
Pension products
- policyholders can withdraw 25 percent of the insured during an emergency, including serious illness, marriage and the education of their children.
Ministry of Tourism’s Incredible India Campaign Wins Pata Gold Award 2019
- The Incredible India “Find the Incredible You” campaign of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, released during 2018-19 has won the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award 2019 in the “Marketing – Primary Government Destination” category.
- The 2019 PATA Grand and Gold Awards will be presented on September 19 during PATA Travel Mart 2019 in Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan.
- A total of 197 entries from 78 organisations and individuals worldwide were received for 2019 out of which 27 separate organisations and individuals have been selected.
- PATA Gold Awards are given to tourism industry organizations and individuals by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) for making outstanding contribution towards the successful promotion of the travel industry throughout the Asia Pacific Region.
- Pacific Asia Travel Association Headquarter- Bangkok, Thailand.
- Click Here to view the complete list of PATA Grand and Gold Award winners 2019.
Hima Das Wins 200m Gold at Tabor Athletics Meet in Czech Republic
- Star Indian sprinter Hima Das won the 200m gold in the Tabor Athletics Meet in Czech Republic with a timing of 23.25 seconds. Hima has a 200m personal best of 23.10 seconds.
- This is the fourth gold medal for the 19-year-old Hima in 15 days since she won her first gold on July 2, 2019.
- In men’s 400m, Muhammad Anas finished the race in 45.40 seconds to claim the gold medal.
World Emoji Day: July 17
- The World Emoji Day is celebrated on 17 July annually since 2014 to promote the use of emojis and spread the enjoyment that they bring to all of those around us.
- The Day was created by London-based founder of Emojipedia, Jeremy Burge.
Nelson Mandela International Day : July 18
- Nelson Mandela International Day or simply Mandela Day is held every year on July 18 globally in honour of Nelson Mandela. The day also marks the birth anniversary of the great South African leader.
- United Nations officially declared July 18 as UN Mandela Day in November 2009.