DAILY GK UPDATE 19th JUNE

1.    World Bank to provide $255 mn loan for AIDS control proj

i. World Bank will provide USD 255 million (Rs 1,499.6 crore) loan to India for National AIDS Control Project to promote safe behaviour among high risk groups.

ii. An agreement for loan of USD 255 million (equivalent) from World Bank for the 'National AIDS Control Project (NACP-IV)'was signed in New Delhi on Tuesday between India and the World Bank

iii. The objective of the project is to increase safe behaviours among high risk groups in order to contribute to India's national goal of reversal of the HIV epidemic by 2017."

iv. The project aims at scaling-up targeted prevention interventions, behaviour change communications and institutional strengthening at the national, state and district levels.

2.    National Cycling Coach killed in Road Accident in Noida

i. Ruma Chatterjee, the Cycling Coach of Indian national team on 18 June 2013 died in a road accident near Nalgadha village on Noida Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. She is now survived by her mother and five sisters. 

ii. Ruma Chatterjee died while training 20 junior team members on the expressway when she was hit by a speeding car from behind. She was attending the national camp ahead of the Indian team's visit to International Cycling Union (UCI) Academy, Switzerland for training. 

iii. The four-member squad will participate in the World Championships in Scotland in August 2013.

iv. Ruma was a former International Cyclist from India 
v. She represented India three times in international competitions. 
vi. She has served as coach of the national team in Asian Games, Asian Championships and during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi

3.    Govt panel for hiking FDI limits in def, retail, telecom

i. A govt panel proposed raising foreign investment limits in sectors like defence, multi-brand retail and telecommunications, to spur investment in the country and tide over the Current Account Deficit woes.

ii. The committee, which was set up by Finance Minister P Chidambaram to review the sectoral caps, has suggested that the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) ceiling in the Defence sector be raised to 49 percent under the government approval route from 26 percent at present.

iii. In order to make multi-brand retail more attractive to foreign investors, the panel suggested that the FDI limit be raised to 74 percent under the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) route from 51 percent.

iv. In case of single-brand retail, it suggested easing of the norms by advocating 49 percent investments under the automatic route.

v. Currently, the government allows 100 percent FDI under the approval route.

vi. Similarly in case of Pharmaceuticals sector, the committee recommended 49 percentunder automatic route as against 100 percent under the government approval route.

vii. As regards the Telecom sector, the Mayaram panel said that 100 percent FDI be allowed under the FIPB route as against 74 percent.

viii. The relaxation in foreign investment caps is aimed at check the widening CAD which is estimated to be 5 percent of the GDP in 2012-13 as against the Reserve Bank's comfort level level of 2.5 percent.

4.    Kochi to host WEF India chapter meet

i. Kochi will host the 29th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (India chapter) on November 8 and 9.

ii. The Chief Minister of Kerala along with officials of the World Economic Forum announced on 18 June 2013 that the 29th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (India chapter) scheduled for 8 November 2013 and 9 November 2013 will be hosted by Kochi, Kerala. 

iii. The World Economic Forum (India chapter) is an international event which will attract around 300 delegates.

iv. The annual meet would be attended by 96 Chief Executive Officers with various regional heads of MNCs. Apart from this; industry leaders, young global leaders as well as the heads of NGOs will also attend the meet.

NOTE: i. First World Economic Forum (India chapter) meeting was held in the year 1984.

ii. It is important to note that this is the second time that annual meeting of World Economic Forum (India chapter) was being hosted by a state other than Delhi. 

iii. Earlier, 27 Meetings of World Economic Forum were held in New Delhi and once in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

iv. This is the first time that World Economic Forum (India chapter) event was being planned for South India. 

5.    The future is now: By Shashi Tharoor

i. Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor's latest edited book brings together India's young parliamentarians, cutting across ideologies, geographies and political affiliations

ii. The young men and women who have contributed to 'India: The Future is Now' provide a perspective on a wide range of sectors, ranging from technology to infrastructure, healthcare, education and environmental issues.

iii. The book provides analysis and an insight into India and its role in the world economy.

iv. It is set to be launched in Thiruvananthapuram by Governor Nikhil Kumar Wednesday.

v. Priced at Rs. 495, 'India: The Future is Now (The Vision and Road Map for the Country by Her Young Parliamentarians)' has been published by Wisdom Tree. 

6.    Team India tops ICC ODI table 

i. India have strengthened their number one position on the ICC ODI Championship Table as they have added two more rating points to their kitty with an unbeaten run in the group stage of the Champions Trophy.

ii. India had entered the tournament on 119 ratings points and have moved to 121, thanks to victories over South Africa, West Indies and Pakistan.

iii. England are now ranked secondafter moving up two places from fourth, thereby pushing Australia to third position.

iv. Second-ranked England and third-placed Australiaare level on 113 ratings points, but Alastair Cooks side is ranked above Michael Clarkes team by a fraction of a point.

7.    CT 13 semis: South Africa bowled out for 175
i. England rampaged through South Africa's top order on an encouraging bowling morning at The Oval in the first Champions Trophy semi-final.

ii. It was advantage England as they bowled South Africa out for a paltry 175 in 38.4 overs in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2013 here at The Oval on Wednesday.

iii. Left-handed Miller hit a 51-ball 56 not out with 5 fours and 2 sixes. Kleinveldt had 4 fours and 1 six in his 61-ball innings

iv. Broad and James Tredwell had three wickets apiece while James Anderson had two.
v. Earlier, South Africa were off to a disastrous start losing openers Colin Ingram (0) and their best batsman against England, Hashim Amla (1) with just 4 runs on the board in 1.4 overs. They never recovered from this double-blow.

vi. It was a muggy start to the day, with the prospect of clearing skies later on, and England made good use of the advantage as they threatened to claim a place in the final with indecent haste.

vii. England and South Africa had not met in a major ICC semi-final since the 1992 World Cup