Current Affairs 18 - 19 July 2019

Current Affairs 18 - 19 July

> Nelson Mandela International Day - 18 July

> ICICI bank launches InstaBiz for MSMEs

ICICI Bank has launched the digital platform 'InstaBiz' for MSME and self-employed customers to enable them to undertake business banking transactions digitally and instantly. They can get an instant sanction of an overdraft facility up to Rs 1 Lakh.

> Israel inks USD 50mn deal with India

Israel Aerospace Industries has inked a deal worth USD 50 million to supply complementary Naval MRSAM (Medium Range Surface to Air Missile) systems to the India Navy and the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. The IAI would provide complimentary systems for the air defense system.

> 'Find the Incredible You' campaign wins PATA award

Governments 'Find the Incredible You' campaign of the Tourism Ministry has won the Pacific Asia Travel Association Gold Award, 2019 under the 'Marketing Primary Government Destination' category.

> Cabinet approves Rs 1600 cr for Dibang Project

The cabinet has approved Rs 1600 crore for Dibang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a storage-based hydroelectric project with flood moderation. Also, it approved the doubling of a railway line connecting Guwahati with New Bongaigaon at a cost of Rs 20142 crore.

> Repco MFI wins NABARD's award

Repco Micro Finance has received NABARD's award for outstanding performing in terms of self-help group linkage in Tamil Nadu for 2018-19. It has provided SHG loans worth Rs 3600 Cr to over 12 L individual beneficiaries through 60,000 SHGs.

> Bimal Jalan panel to recommend transfer of RBI reserve surplus

Bimal Jalan panel that was set up to review the economic capital framework of the Reserve Bank of India has decided to recommend the transfer of surplus reserves to the government in a staggered manner over 3-5 years based on a predetermined formula.

> ADB cuts India's GDP growth forecast to 7% for 2019

As per the Asian Development Bank's Asian Development Outlook report, India is expected to grow by 7% in 2019 (FY20) and 7.2% in 2020 (FY21), slightly slower than projected in April because of the fiscal 2018 outturn fell short.

ADB is headquartered in Mandaluyong, Phillippines.

> MoU signed to eradicate TB by 2025

Union Health Ministry has signed an MoU with Ministries of Ayush, Defense and Railways to strengthen the efforts towards a TB-free India by 2025.

> India's deficit grew to $68bn in 2018-19: IMF

According to the International Monetary Fund. India's current account balance deficit grew to $68 billion in 2018-19 from $49 billion. The Chief Economist of IMF is Gita Gopinath.

> China gifts warship frigate P625 to Sri Lanka after refit

> Government cuts interest on GPF by 10 bps

The government cuts interest on General Provident Fund by 10bps to 7.9% from 8% for the period starting July 1 and ending on September 30.

> Andhra Bank unveils chatbot 'ABHi'

Andhra Bank launched its Artificial Intelligence interactive assistant 'ABHi' at a function held at Bank's Head office, Hyderabad.

> Ebix buys Yatra online for Rs 2,323.6 crore

Ebix Inc, the US-based supplier of on-demand software and e-commerce services to the insurance, healthcare, financial and e-learning industries, has acquired Yatra Online Inc, for an enterprise value of $338 million in an all-stock deal.

> Ambikapur, a city of Chattisgarh, launches India's first garbage cafe

Under this program, 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 gms will benefit from a substantial breakfast.

> Tamil Nadu has 35 districts now

Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswami announced that Tenkasi and Chenglepet districts would be carved out of Tirunelveli and Kanchipuram respectively, taking the total number of districts in the state of 35.

> PT Usha nominated for IAAF veteran pin

Former Olympic track and field athlete, also known as the 'Queen of track and field', PT Usha has been nominated for the IAAF Veteran Pin for her long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics.