IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF JUNE 9th, 2017

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF JUNE 9th, 2017

UDAN scheme: Tamil Nadu govt signs MoU with Aviation Ministry

i. The Government of Tamil Nadu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry for the implementation of the UDAN scheme in the state.

ii. Under the Regional Air Connectivity scheme UDAN, three of the tier-two industrial towns such as Hosur, Salem and Neyveli are to be developed in the first phase where airstrips are available, though not in use.

Ministry of AYUSH inaugurates 2nd National Health Editors' Conference on Yoga

i. The second National Health Editors’ Conference on Yoga has begun in New Delhi. The conference aimed at giving insight to the journalists about the scientific aspects of yoga and its benefits for health.
ii. The theme of the conference is 'Yoga for Health and Harmony'. The event was inaugurated by Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik.

India signs OECD pact to check tax evasion by MNCs

i. India signed the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) multilateral convention that aims to check cross-border tax evasion by multinational companies.
ii. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley signed the multilateral convention in Paris, France to implement tax treaty- related measures to prevent base erosion and profit shifting.

iii. The Multilateral Convention is an outcome of the OECD/G20 Project to tackle Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) which is resorted to by MNCs through tax planning strategies by exploiting gaps and mismatches in tax rules.

Indian American Raja Chari among 12 new astronauts chosen by NASA

i. NASA has chosen 12 new astronauts, including an Indian American named Raja Chari, from a record number of over 18,000 applicants, who will be trained for missions into Earth orbit and to deep space.

ii. The 12 new candidates include six military officers, three scientists, two medical doctors, a lead engineer at SpaceX and a NASA research pilot.
iii. Lt. Col. Raja Chari is the first Indian American after Kalpana Chawla to be chosen by NASA for one of its missions at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. This is the largest group NASA has selected in almost two decades.

Shri J P Nadda launches Skill for Life, Save a Life initiative to promote skill development in the health sector

i. Shri J P Nadda has launched 'Skill for Life, Save a Life' initiative to promote skill development in the health sector. The Initiative aims to upscale the quantity and quality of trained professionals in the healthcare system.
ii. Under this initiative, various courses are planned to be initiated targeting specific competencies for healthcare professionals as well as for the general public.

Lakshmi Vilas Bank appoints B K Manjunath as part-time chairman for 3 years

i. Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) has appointed B K Manjunath as a part-time chairman for three years.

ii. Manjunath is a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a practicing charted accountant for the last 25 years.

Axis Bank, first to issue biodegradable prepaid gift cards

i. Axis Bank Ltd has announced biodegradable prepaid gift cards on the occasion of World Environment Day (05th June).
ii. With this, the bank has become the first to introduce biodegradable cards in the country. The card has the look and feel of regular plastic cards and can be used in PoS terminals and ATMs. Biodegradable cards can also be recycled. 

Civil Aviation Ministry to roll out ‘DigiYatra’ for air travellers

i. Civil Aviation Ministry is adding a digital experience for Air travelers through 'DigiYatra' Platform in New Delhi. This initiative aims at bringing together entire industry to develop a digital ecosystem that will deliver customers a seamless and paperless service experience at every stage of journey.

ii. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha stated that the initiative envisages providing airline travelers in India, a digitally unified flying experience across all stages of their journey.

Virat Kohli sole Indian in top 100 of Forbes list of world’s highest paid athletes

i. Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is the sole sportsperson from the country to feature in the world’s 100 highest paid athletes in the latest Forbes list topped by soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo.
ii. Virat Kohli has been ranked 89th on the 2017 Forbes list of ‘The World’s highest paid athletes’ with a total pay of $ 22 million that includes $ three million from salary and winnings and another 19 million from endorsements.
iii. Tennis star Serena Williams is at the 51 spot with $ 27 million, the lone female athlete to make the cut this year.

Ramkumar Ramanathan lifts ITF men’s Futures tennis title

i. India’s Ramkumar Ramanathan lifted the ITF (International Tennis Federation) men’s Futures tennis title after outplaying Raymond Sarmiento of the USA in straight sets in Singapore.

ii. The top-seeded Indian beat the second seeded player 6-2, 6-2 in the final of the event. It was the first title of the season for Ramkumar.

Muttiah Muralidaran becomes first Sri Lankan to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

i. Muttiah Muralidaran, the most successful bowler in Tests and One-Day Internationals, was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in London.

ii. The Sri Lankan spin great was honored during the innings break of the India versus Sri Lanka Champions Trophy match at The Oval.
iii. He became the first player from Sri Lanka and the 83rd overall to be inducted into the Hall of Fame when ICC CEO Dave Richardson presented him with a commemorative framed cap.