Current Affairs Daily Digest – June 28 2020
1. Russia announces to take first tourist on space walk in 2023 yr
Russia’s Energia space corporation has announced that it is to take the first tourist on a spacewalk in 2023, under the terms of a new contract with a US partner. Energia has signed a contract with Space Adventures. Under this, two space tourists to the International Space Station (ISS).
2. Tripura launched Mukhyamantri Matru Pushti Uphaar scheme
Tripura State government announced the Mukhyamantri Matru Pushti Uphaar scheme. The scheme aims to provide nutrition kits to pregnant and lactating women. The scheme is expected to benefit 40,000 women from the state. The initiative was launched as many pregnant women and infants in the state suffer from malnutrition.
3. TPPA of USD 2.4 Billion Signed by Pakistan with China for Hydro Power Project in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
On 25th June 2020, a Tripartite Power Purchase Agreement (TPPA) was signed for the construction of the 1124 MW Kohala Hydro Power Project. The agreement was signed in between the Government of Pakistan, Chinese Company- China Three Gorges Corporation (State-owned company of Chinese Government), and Government of Azad Kashmir (Part of Pakistan occupied Kashmir).
4. SBI sanctions Rs 20,000 cr loans to MSMEs under credit guarantee scheme
State Bank of India (SBI) has sanctioned loans worth Rs 20,000 crore to over 400,000 micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) accounts under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS), according to its chairman Rajnish Kumar.
The scheme, funded by the Centre, provides guarantee for 20 per cent additional credit to the bank’s existing eligible borrowers from the MSME segment. It is part of the Rs 20 trillion package crafted to revive the economy disrupted by the lockdown imposed to contain the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
5. PhonePe launches UPI handle in partnership with ICICI Bank
Digital payments major PhonePe has officially launched ‘@ibl’ handle in partnership with ICICI Bank as part of an effort to diversify into a multi-bank partnership model. The Flipkart-backed payments player had started with Yes Bank and was offering the ‘@ybl’ handle.
6. HUL completes acquisition of female hygiene brand VWash from Glenmark
Leading FMCG player Hindustan Unilever (HUL) said it has completed the acquisition of VWash from pharma major Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. The company, however, did not disclose the value of the transaction.
The acquisition was announced in March and was subject to certain closing conditions, which have now been fulfilled, the FMCG firm said in a filing to BSE.
7. Carrier Midea India appoints Sanjay Mahajan as MD
Air-conditioners company Carrier Midea India Pvt. Ltd, a joint venture between Carrier and Midea, announced the appointment of Sanjay Mahajan as the new Managing Director. He has been the Chief Operating Officer of the company since 2016, said a Carrier Midea statement.
8. Maharashtra government announces Maha Parwana plan to attract fresh investments in industries
In a bid to attract fresh industrial investments in Maharashtra, the state government announced a new plan called ‘Maha Parwana’, which will offer several incentives and offer a single-window clearance system for project execution.
In a cabinet decision, the government has decided that henceforth companies investing in a project costing Rs 50 crore or more would not be burdened with getting clearances from several departments.
