Daily GK Update: 2nd July 2022

 National & International Appointments

1. T Raja Kumar becomes new President of Financial Action Task Force

• Indian- origin T Raja Kumar has been appointed as President of world's anti-terrorism financing agency, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for two years (July 2022 -June 2024).
• He succeeded Dr Marcus Pleyer, who served as the chief of the FATF.
• He will be responsible for enhancing the effectiveness of global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures.
• He has a working experience in home ministry of Singapore and police force.
• FATF HQ: Paris, France 

 Honours & Awards

2. Ashok Soota awarded CII Quality Ratna Award 2021

• Ashok Soota has been conferred with CII Quality Ratna Award 2021 for his contribution to building the competitiveness of the Indian industry through quality Initiatives.
• He is founder and Executive Chairman of Happiest Minds Technologies.
• The Annual CII Quality Ratna Award was constituted in the year 2019 for outstanding leadership, contribution, and distinguished service to the Quality Movement in India.
• CII President: Sanjiv Bajaj

 Important Dates

3. International Day of Cooperatives: first Saturday of July

• The first Saturday of July has been observed as the International Day of Cooperatives with an aim to raise the awareness of cooperation, solidarity, and the International Cooperative Movement in the society.
• This year, the International Day of Cooperatives is being observed on July 2.
• Theme 2022: Cooperatives Build a Better World.
• The International Day of Cooperatives is commonly known as Coops Day.
• Cooperation Minister: Amit Shah 

 National & International Appointments

4. Yair Lapid takes over as 14th prime minister of Israel

• Leader of Yesh Atid Party, Yair Lapid has been officially became the 14th prime minister of Israel, after replacing Naftali Bennett.
• His term could be a fairly short one, as he takes over a caretaker government ahead of national elections on November 1.
• He is a former journalist who serving as PM of Israel since July 1, 2022.
• Naama Schultz has been appointed as a director-general of the Prime Minister's office.
• Israel Capital: Jerusalem; Currency: New Shekel

 Agreement

5. ReNew Power, UNEP, SEWA collaborate to train women as solar technician

• ReNew Power has collaborated with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Self-Employed Women’s Association of India (SEWA) to launch ‘Project Surya’.
• Aim: To train low-income women salt pan workers to work as solar technicians.
• Women salt pan workers will be trained as solar panel and solar pump technicians at Dhokavada village in the Patan district of Gujarat.
• The programme will be supported by the government’s National Skill Development Corporation.

 National & International Organizations

6. QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023   released

• The London has emerged as the best city for students, according to the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023.
• Focus area of study: Affordable, student facilities, and university standard among other factors.
• Top four (2nd to 5th): Seoul, Munich, Zurich and Melbourne
• India’s highest-ranked student city is Mumbai at 103 spot, followed by Bengaluru at 114 ranks.
• Chennai and Delhi have made their entries to the list this year at 125 and 129, respectively.

 Banking & Finance

7. Bank deposit growth slows down in March 2022: RBI

• As per the Reserve Bank of India data, the growth of bank deposit has moderated to 10% in March 2022 as compared with 11.9% in 2021.
• Current, savings and term deposits have been increased by 10.9%, 13.3% and 7.9%, respectively, during 2021-22.
• The share of current account and savings account (CASA) deposits has been increasing over the years and stood at 44.8% in March 2022 as compared with 41.7% three years ago.

 Banking & Finance

8. Axis Bank partners with EazyDiner to launch Dining Delights

• Axis Bank (third-largest private sector bank) has joined hands with EazyDiner to launch of Dining Delights for the bank customers.
• It offers choice of over 10,000 premium restaurants across India and Dubai.
• 40% discount on specific credit cards at hand-picked premium restaurants in India and Dubai
• Customised birthday celebration offers for premium cardholders
• Aim: to serve customers who want choice, variety and convenience while dining out.

 National & International Appointments

9. PokerBaazi appoints Shahid Kapoor as its brand ambassador

• PokerBaazi has appointed actor Shahid Kapoor as its brand ambassador.
• Aims: to create a robust ecosystem for Poker in India.
• According to research firm Statista, the online gaming industry across India was valued at around ₹79 billion in 2021, marking a leap from about ₹65 billion in 2020.
• The sector is expected to be worth over ₹150 billion by 2024, indicating a compound annual growth of around 15%.
• PokerBaazi was owned by Navkiran Singh (founder of Baazi Game).

 State Affairs

10. Himachal CM launches ‘Naari Ko Naman’ scheme

• Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur has launched the ‘Naari Ko Naman’ scheme.
• Aim: 50 % concession on fares in Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses to women commuters within the state boundaries.
• He has also announced a reduction in the minimum bus fare from Rs 7 to Rs 5 to all passengers across the state.
• The government will sanction 25 new posts of women drivers in the 'Ride With Pride' government taxi service.