Current Affairs June 28, 2017

1. US Lists China Among Worst Human Trafficking Offenders

US President Donald Trump's administration hit China over its rights record, listing the country alongside Sudan and North Korea on a list of the world's worst human trafficking offenders.

The State Department downgraded China in its annual “Trafficking in Persons Report,” saying Beijing is doing little to combat the phenomenon or protect its victims.

2. Social Progress Index 2017: India ranks 93rd

It is observed that the world incorporating 128 countries scores 64.85 on social progress. It registers a 2.6 percent increase from 2014.

India which is ranked at 93rd position performs within the expected range on a relative basis.

Denmark ranked first, followed by Finland and Iceland.

3. US designates Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin as global terrorist

The US has designated Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist.

Salahuddin joins the likes Lashkar chief Hafiz Mohammed Saeed and Dawood Ibrahim in the list.

Designations of terrorist individuals and groups expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and result in denial of access to the US financial system.

4. Indians become second largest group of migrants in Australia

Indians have become the second largest group of migrants living in Australia since 2011 at 1,63,000, following people of Chinese origin, according to the latest census data.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the latest figures of the country's fast changing population and demographics that has recorded 1.3 million new migrants settled in Australia since 2011 from around 180 countries, including India and China.

According to official data, Census 2016 recorded new migrants from India at 1,63,000, emerging as the most common country of birth of new arrivals after China at 1,91,000 new migrants.

5. Kalraj Mishra Launches Digital MSME Scheme

Union Minister for MSME Shri Kalraj Mishra launched ‘Digital MSME Scheme’ and handed over three Memorandums of Understandings to SAP India, Intel and HMT respectively.

These steps would further boost Ministry’s effort towards making the Digital India Mission successful.

The Digital MSME Scheme is revolving around Cloud Computing which is emerging as a cost effective and viable alternative in comparison to in-house IT infrastructure installed by MSMEs.

The United Nations has declared 27th June as the UN Day for MSMEs.

6. Mihai Tudose designated Romania's new prime minister

Mihai Tudose, the outgoing economy minister of Romania, has been appointed as prime minister, days after the ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) removed its own government.

He will replace Sorin Grindeanu.

The 50-year-old Tudose now has 10 days to gain the vote of confidence in his government and his programme.

7. Dhanraj Pillay to be awarded with Bharat Gaurav

Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay will be awarded with East Bengal football club’s highest honour – Bharat Gaurav on their foundation day.

The ceremony will be held on August 1.

Pillay has played a huge role in reviving the Indian team and performed brilliantly during his 15-year career, representing the country in four Olympics, World Cups, Champions Trophy and Asian Games.

He played total 339 matches for India, scoring 170 goals.

8. Srinivas becomes 1st Indian to finish Race Across America

Srinivas Gokulnath created history by becoming the first Indian to complete what is considered to be the toughest cycle race in the world -- the 4,900-km Race Across America (RAAM) in solo category.

Another Maharashtrian, Dr Amit Samarth of Nagpur, followed him at the finish line.

Among the nine men who finished, Gokulnath stood 7th while Samarth was right on his heels at number 8. The race was won by Christoph Strasser.

9. Rajeev Shukla to head BCCI Special Committee

Rajeev Shukla, a former vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will head a newly-formed seven-member Special Committee, to suggest a way forward for implementing the administrative overhaul prescribed in the Supreme Court order on July 18 last year.

Besides Shukla and BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary, the committee will include former India captain Sourav Ganguly (Bengal), T.C. Mathew (Kerala), Naba Bhattacharjee (Meghalaya), Jay Shah (Gujarat) and BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry.