Read Current Affairs Notes of 29th February 2020 for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains Examination 2020. Highlighting all National and International contemporary issues important from the exam point of view.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

Karnataka to allocate funds for Kalasa-Banduri project in Budget

• A day after the Centre’s notification of the Mahadayi inter-State water dispute tribunal award, Karnataka Chief Minister said that the State government would expedite the Kalasa-Banduri drinking water and hydropower projects in the region.
• The CM said that funds would be allocated in the 2020-21 Budget to resume the project on Mahadayi river’s Kalasa-Banduri tributaries in the northern districts in the State.
• The Chief Minister said the notification of the Union Water Resources Ministry would enable the State to complete the project for supplying drinking water to four drought-prone districts.
• SC passed an interim order allowing an application by the State of Karnataka to notify Mahadayi’s Water Dispute Tribunal’s award.
• Implementation of the award will be subject to final judgement of the Supreme Court in the civil appeals filed by Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, challenging the allocation of water from the Mahadayi river among them.
• The plea made by Karnataka to publish the August 2018 tribunal award in the official gazette of India, has not been opposed by either of the two States – Goa and Maharashtra.
• Tribunal allocated water from the Mahadayi river basin to the three States as follows:
  • Karnataka→ 13.42 TMC water
  • Maharashtra→ 1.33 TMC water
  • Goa→ 24 TMC
• The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal was formed in 2010.
• Karnataka had petitioned the tribunal seeking the release of 7.56 TMC water for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala (diversion) project→the project will utilize water form the inter-state Mahadayi river.
• The project is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply in twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag.

GS-1, Prelims

Topic: Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.

Summer to be hotter than usual, says IMD

• According to a forecast of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), summer months from March to May are poised to be hotter than normal.
• The averaged temperatures during March-May are likely to be at least half a degree hotter than normal over northwest, west and central India and some parts of south India.
• The season averaged maximum temperature is likely to be warmer than normal in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Above normal heatwave conditions are also likely in the core heat wave zone during the season (March-May).
• The core heatwave zone covers the States of:
  • Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Parts of Maharashtra and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
• According to experts, hot summer is key to timely monsoon.
• The southwest monsoon in 2019 (June to September) delivered rainfall 10% above average in the country → the highest in 25 years.
• In 1994, the rainfall was 110% during the June-September period. Before that, over 10% above average rainfall was witnessed in 1990 (119%).

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Delhi water fails to clear ISO norms

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) informed the Supreme Court that none of the drinking water samples randomly collected from across Delhi conforms to the ISO standards of purity.
• Out of a total of 11 domestic piped drinking water samples, one sample was collected from Union Consumer Affairs Minister’s house → that too failed on parameters of odour and aluminium and coliform contamination.
• All drinking water samples failed in one or more requirements as per IS 10500:2012 [specification for drinking water].
• The Supreme Court had on January 13 ordered the Central Pollution Control Board and the BIS to conduct a random check of water quality in Delhi and submit a report in a month.
• The court also asked the BIS to suggest ways to improve water purity.
• Coliform contamination leads to consumers facing dangerous gastrointestinal diseases like dysentery.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

India to attend U.S.-Taliban peace deal ceremony

• India accepted the invitation to witness the signing of the U.S.-Taliban peace deal in Doha.
• India will be represented by India’s Ambassador to Qatar → P. Kumaran.
• The event is to be hosted by the Government of Qatar.
• Foreign Secretary of India Harsh Vardhan Shringla also met the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Haroon Chakhansuri in Kabul and conveyed India’s support for the people of Afghanistan in their pursuit for sustainable peace, security and development.
• Both of them reviewed and positively assessed developments in bilateral strategic partnership.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

Core sector grows 2.2% as power output picks up

• Due to expansion in the production of coal, refinery products and electricity, eight core industries recorded a 2.2% growth in January.
• Infrastructure sector expanded by 1.5% in January 2019.
• The production of coal, refinery products and electricity grew by 8%, 1.9% and 2.8% respectively.
• Crude oil, natural gas and fertilizers sector recorded a negative growth during the same time period.
• During the April-January period, core industries growth slowed down to 0.6% against 4.4% in the year-ago period.
• The eight-core sectors recorded negative growth from August 2019 to November 2019.

The post 29 February 2020 Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam appeared first on IAS Hindu.

Read Current Affairs Notes of 28th February 2020 for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains Examination 2020. Highlighting all National and International contemporary issues important from the exam point of view.

28 February 2020

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

U.P. pollution control body pulled up for Ganga’s plight

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has pulled up the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) for its inability to prevent drains in Kanpur from polluting the Ganga.
• Some of these drains were tapped under the Namami Ganga Programme’s cleaning works.
• The CPCB and UPPCB had bee jointly monitoring 24 drains since March 2019 à 2 in Unnao and 22 in Kanpur.
• These 24 drains revealed “high colour” from chemical effluents or Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Dissolved Oxygen à an indicator of microbial presence.
• So, these drains were to be cleaned and errant municipal bodies or industrial units were to be fined or face shutdowns.
• The industries which were marked out and monitored for effluent load were from the following sectors:
  • Sugarcane
  • Pulp and paper
  • Tanneries
  • Slaughterhouses
• The CPCB has ordered the UPPCB to expedite surveillance of tanneries responsible for discharge directly into Ganga.
• Among all the cities of Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur contributes the highest pollution load and accounts for 75% pf pollution load in Ganga.

Prelims

Topic: Current events of national and international importance.

India evacuates 112 people from China, 124 from Japan

• India evacuated its nationals from Wuhan and brought back those who were quarantined on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked off Yokohama in Japan amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
• A civilian aircraft evacuated 119 Indian nationals and five foreign nationals à two from Sri Lanka and one each from Nepal, South Africa and Peru.
• All the evacuees will undergo a 14-day quarantine at the facility set up by the Army in Manesar.
• Mr. Jaishankar thanked Air India and also announced that an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft brought back 76 nationals and 36 foreign nationals from Wuhan after delivering 15 tonnes of medical cargo to the Chinese authorities.
• India’s restrictions on all incoming civilian flights from Tehran because of the COVID-19 outbreak has prompted widespread cancellation of tickets.
• Indians in Iran want to return home as soon as possible as there is no quarantine procedures in place in Iran. 

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.

India to carry out projects in Rakhine

• India will carry out some more development projects in Rakhine province of Myanmar, which is considered as the homeland of the Rohingya community.
• The decision was taken during the state visit of President U Win Myint of Myanmar. He is paying a four-day visit from February 26 to 29.
• As part of the plan for development in Rakhine, both the sides agreed to expedite 12 projects in Rakhine under the second phase of the Rakhine State Development Programme as part of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation mechanism.
• Rakhine was in news because of Myanmar’s military campaign against the Rohingya who were forced to live in refugee camps in Bangladesh.
• Main purpose of India’s developmental work is, creating hospitable conditions for the Rohingya community.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Lockheed to deliver six MH-60R copters in 2021

• Lockheed Martin will deliver six MH-60R Multi-Role Helicopters (MRH) to the Navy in 2021 and the order will be completed by 2025.
• The deal is worth around $2.2 billion.
• Navy said in a statement that as envisioned in the ‘Capability Based Performance Plan’, these helicopters were being procured under the ‘Buy (Global)’ Category through the Foreign Military Sales route of the U.S.
• The delivery of helicopters is planned in early 2021 and comes at a time when the Indian Ocean Region is witnessing increasing security threat due to proliferation of submarines.
• The new helicopters will replace the Sea King 42/42A helicopters (already decommissioned in 1990s).
• They are envisaged to operate from frontline ships and aircraft carriers providing them flexibility of operation, enhanced surveillance and attacking capability.

Prelims

Topic: Current events of national and international importance.

Toll rises to 38, Delhi limps to normalcy

• Death toll in the violence that rocked north-east Delhi rose to 38, with 11 more persons succumbing to injuries in various hospitals.
• The national capital was however spared any major clashes due to shifting focus to investigation, relief and rehabilitation.
• 48 FIRs have been registered, 514 suspects arrested and detained for questioning so far.
• Special teams also carried out raids in the Delhi-National Capital Region to arrest rioters.
• Delhi government announced Rs 10 lakh to families of those killed in the violence.
• Under the Farishtey scheme, the government will also pay for the treatment of those injured at private hospitals.
• Prohibitory orders under Section 144 would be relaxed for 10 hours today as no major incident had been reported over 36 hours.

The post 28 February 2020 Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam appeared first on IAS Hindu.

Read Current Affairs Notes of 27th February 2020 for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains Examination 2020. Highlighting all National and International contemporary issues important from the exam point of view.

GS-1, Prelims

Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

Assam at the centre of fresh border row

• Assam is at the centre of fresh border row in the northeastern region.
• Mizoram government has sought revision of boundary with Assam, based on the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873 and the Inner Line of the Lushai Hills Notification of 1993.
• This followed Assam police’s alleged bid to pitch a camp at Umlawi in West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and a Nagaland group’s reported attempt to grab land in eastern Assam’s Jorhat district.
• The BEFR allows Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland not to let non-resident Indians in without an inner-line permit for a temporary stay.
• Mizoram was Lushai Hills district of Assam before being made a Union Territory in 1972 and a State in 1987.
• Mizoram shares a 123-km border with southern Assam and has been claiming a 509 square mile stretch “occupied” by neighbouring State.

GS-1, Prelims

Topic: History of India and Indian National Movement.

152 households being shifted in Rakhigarhi

• As part of encroachment removal at the Rakhigarhi heritage site, 152 households are being shifted to flats.
• Many villagers say that this is not enough as they aren’t providing adequate space, “if they are taking away a 500 square-yard house, they are giving us a 100 square-yard flat in return. And what about the space to dry cow dung cakes? There is no talk of alternative land for that”.
• The Union Budget announced the development of Harrapan site at Hisar’s Rakhigarhi village, into an iconic site and develop it into a National Museum.
• Rakhigarhi is the largest Harappan site in Indian sub-continent→ spread across 500 hectares.
• The development of the site will help prevent encroachment by the locals, as Rakhigarhi village is settled exactly on top of the site.
• Developing Rakhigarhi as an iconic site would increase tourism→create jobs for the locals.
• Other than Rakhigarhi following sites will also be developed into national museums:
  • Hastinapur in Uttar Pradesh
  • Shivsagar in Assam,
  • Dholavira in Gujarat
  • Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Current events of national and international importance.

J&K an integral part, India tells Human Rights Council

• India told the Human Rights Council that Jammu and Kashmir will remain an integral part of India forever and the world should act against countries that shelter terrorism.
• Vikas Swarup, Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs, while speaking at the 43^rd Session of the Human Rights Council highlighted India’s heritage of non-violence and claimed that India believes in inclusive development.
• He added that transformative changes in Jammu and Kashmir wrought by our Parliament last August were meant to strengthen integration of the State →to provide fullest play to representative government from the grassroots level upward.
• Mr. Swarup also viewed that though Pakistan has been vocal about India ending Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and have raised the issue at multiple platforms but cross-border terrorism from Pakistan poses a grave challenge to India, which Pakistan doesn’t see.
• On this situation he paraphrased the poet Robert Burns, “someone should give them the power to see themselves as others see them.”

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cybersecurity; money-laundering and its prevention.

Centre set to revamp IT Act

• The government will soon start the process of revamping the 20-year old Information Technology Act, 2000.
• The aim of revamping is to bring it in tune with the technological advancements with a focus on stronger framework to deal with cybercrimes.
• An expert committee will be set up for discussion on the new IT Act.
• IT Minister said that the Act has become old and several changes have come up in the technology and challenges too have changed vastly.
• One of the major challenges is to handle the scale of users that consume technology.
• In India, technology has become the centre for digital payment and delivery of services such as GST and UPI→these platforms were not even contemplated when the IT Act came into being.
• Minister also said that the new Act will also take into account Supreme C
• ourt’s judgement on privacy.
• The old Act do not adequately respond to cyber issues. The government may include a separate chapter on cyber issues in the revamped Act.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Cabinet gives clearance for Technical Textiles Mission

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the setting up of a National Technical Textiles Mission at a total cost of Rs. 1,480 Crore.
• The aim of the mission is to position the country as a global leader in technical textiles and increase the use of technical textiles in the domestic market.
• The mission will be implemented for four years from 2020-2021.
• It will have four components:
  • Research and development and innovation
  • Promotion and development of market for technical textiles
  • Export promotion
  • Education, training and skill development
• Earlier it was in news that, under the Union Ministry of Textiles’ “Mega Textile Park Scheme”, Tamil Nadu is likely to get:
  • One mega textile park →
    • for which minimum 1,000-acre land should be provided by the State
  • A technology park for textiles machinery →
    • aim is to make textile machinery production indigenous by developing technology in-house or bringing in technology from other countries.
    • infrastructure for the project is to be developed in Surat and Coimbatore
    • this will be a smaller park
  • A technical textiles park →
    • Salem was likely to be the choice
  • A technology research centre →
    • It is to be probably set up in Coimbatore
• The efforts of Union Textile Ministry to help Indian textile and clothing sector have been welcomed by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry.

The post 27 February 2020 Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam appeared first on IAS Hindu.

Read Current Affairs Notes of 26th February 2020 for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains Examination 2020. Highlighting all National and International contemporary issues important from the exam point of view.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Ghaziabad most polluted city in the world

• According to a global compilation of PM2.5 particulate pollution data by IQAir (a company that primarily works on air filtration), following results have come up:
  • India is 5^th most polluted country.
  • Ghaziabad in NCR is the most polluted city in the world.
  • Air pollution in India has decreased (by 20%) in 2019 as compared to 2018  → due to “slowing of the market place”.
  • Half of the 50 most polluted cities are in India.
  • Cities in India exceed the World Health Organisation target for annual PM2.5 exposure by 500%.
• India launched a ‘National Clean air Programme’ (NCAP) in 2019. The programme commits to reduce air pollution in 102 most polluted cities by a maximum of 30% by 2024.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

India, the U.S. to upgrade ties, call on Pak. to curb terror

• India and the U.S. resolved to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership that will include issues such as:
  • Defence
  • Security cooperation
  • Revitalization of Indo-Pacific Quadrilateral dialogue →consisting of Japan, the U.S., India and Australia.
  • Cybersecurity
  • Countering terrorism
• Both nations have also called upon Pakistan to curb cross-border terror threats and sought justice for the victims of 26/11 attack and the Pathankot terror attack of 2016.
• Called for concentrated action against all terrorist groups and all their affiliates.
• Both the countries took note of the efforts done by ASEN region to create a code of conduct in the South China Sea.
• India and the U.S. also agreed to undertake development activities in third world countries and intensify cooperation in the space domain.
• They have resolved to maintain the Internet as a free and secure arena while recognizing the need for an innovative digital ecosystem that is secure and reliable and facilitates the flow of information and data.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed that defence had a major role in the relationship between India and U.S.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

The dairy sector may have to yield trade-offs to the U.S.

• Indian and American leaders have highlighted that mutual tariff concessions would be part of an upcoming trade deal → some of these concessions were expected to come from the Indian dairy sector.
• A senior Commerce Ministry official said that they are not looking at hugely disadvantaging India’s dairy sector but without some negotiations, we can’t expect to get something in return which can prove to be useful for some other section of the industry.
• He added that in a deal, the balance has to be struck.
• He said that the final decision would be based on political factors, given that the dairy sector provides livelihood to 15 crore Indian farmers, many of whom own just one or two animals.
• He viewed that it is not so much an economic issue as it is a political one.
• Farmer groups have been urging the Centre that agriculture and dairy be left out of trade deals.
• Another issue is that India has denied importing diary products because of presence of non-vegetarian elements in cattle feed abroad.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Current events of national and international importance.

WHO warns of pandemic risk

• The World Health Organization has warned that although the COVID-19 cases have peaked in China but it could still grow into a pandemic as infections have spread to other countries.
• More than 2,000 cases and around 30 deaths have been recorded outside China → prompted several restrictions on travelers from infected nations.
• The countries which have logged sharp increases in infections and deaths include:
  • South Korea
  • Italy
  • Iran
• WHO chief praised China’s drastic quarantine measures in several cities for helping to prevent an even bigger spread.
• He said that virus could still be contained and countries should be “doing everything we can to prepare for a potential pandemic.”

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Current events of national and international importance.

Indian refiners buy crude bound for China at deep discounts

• Due to worsening effects of coronavirus on energy markets, China (the world’s largest importer of oil) has cut its refining output by over 1.5 million barrels per day (BPD).
• Due to this, Indian refiners are buying crude oil headed to China at deep discounts (between $3 and $5 per barrel of crude).
• The price of crude oil has also fallen down because of the spreading of the virus.
• India is the world’s third-largest crude importer and meets 83% of its crude requirements through imports.
• Iraq has become India’s top crude oil supplier (overtaking Saudi Arabia) by exporting 26 million tonnes to India during April-September 2019.

The post 26 February 2020 Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam appeared first on IAS Hindu.

Read Current Affairs Notes of 25th February 2020 for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains Examination 2020. Highlighting all National and International contemporary issues important from the exam point of view.

GS-2, GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc/ Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Collectors asked to increase fund use for children with special

• District Collectors in Odisha have been asked to spend the outstanding amount of funds allotted for development of Children With Special Needs (CWSNs)→ 70% of the fund allotted is lying unspent.
• Under an inclusive education intervention known as Samagra Sikshya scheme, Rs. 36.61 crore was allotted to all districts, out of which only Rs. 11.40 crore had been spent yet.
• State Project Director of Odisha School Education Programme Authority said that the physical and financial progress made under the scheme is not encouraging.
• He added that some activities like those mentioned below have not been taken up in most districts:
  • Escort and transport allowance
  • Stipend for girl CWSN
  • Assessment camps, assistive device, equipment
  • Corrective surgeries
  • Learning assessment study
• The District Collectors have been asked to improve expenditure in the scheme so that 100% expenditure could be achieved for 2019-20.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Current events of national and international importance.

Shun negativism, don’t encourage violence

• Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, while addressing a gathering at the 32^nd annual convocation ceremony of Goa University said, he was happy that in recent times people are talking about the importance of Constitution.
• He added that it is a positive sign and every citizen must follow the Constitution in letter and spirit.
• But he urged the youth to shun negativism and not to encourage violence. The youth should “academically study” all issues before forming their opinion.
• According to him, everyone should follow constitutional methods to achieve their goals and citizens should not only be concerned about the fundamental rights but also about duties. Rights and responsibilities must go together.
• In his address, he also said that we need to be constructive and not obstructive or disruptive.
• He called climate change and global warming as two of the biggest challenges faced by the world and that all nations have to step up their efforts to protect the environment and reduce carbon footprint.
• Another thing which he said was that we should always elect our leaders on the basis of “four Cs” of good:
  • Conduct
  • Character
  • Capacity
  • Calibre  
• And avoid electing leader on the basis of other four Cs of:
  • Caste
  • Community
  • Cash
  • Criminality   

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Income scheme to cover fewer farmers

• Centre has revised the farmer income support scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, by reducing beneficiary target from 14 crore to 12 crores.
• The scheme was launched last year.
• Empirical evidence shows that around 8.5 crore farmers have been benefitted and saturation level will reach around 10 crore families.
• Bihar and West Bengal has been tagged as the major culprits for the lag→ West Bengal government refused to join the scheme and Bihar government’s approach of waiting for applications means more than 60% of potential beneficiaries are yet to register.
• The scheme gives an annual sum of Rs. 6,000 to land-owning farmer families.
• The Centre’s beneficiary estimate of 14 crore was initially based on the number of landholdings recorded in the agricultural land census.
• The revised estimate of 11.97 crore is based on the 9.84 crore who have registered themselves on the portal so far plus an estimated 2.13 crore beneficiaries left out (mostly form West Bengal and Bihar).

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

‘M.P., Rajasthan letting loose cattle in U.P.’

• Ministers in U.P. claimed that there is a stray cattle problem in Uttar Pradesh because people from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are letting loose their cows and buffaloes in the State.
• The question on whether stray cattle were damaging crops was raised during the question hour of Uttar Pradesh Assembly to which the Animal Husbandry Minister replied that such data is not compiled by his department→opposition termed it as an “irresponsible reply” as several farmers are killing themselves as their crops are being damaged by stray cattle.
• One Minister suggested that the government should construct “Gauashray Sthal”.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Current events of national and international importance/ Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Energy to dominate India-U.S. relations, say experts

• Energy deals are expected to be a key part of discussions between Indian Prime Minister and U.S. President, with talks on India’s increasing import of American oil and gas.
• A clean energy deal will take place including MoU on building pipeline infrastructure for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) between American oil company ExxonMobil, gas transportation technology company Chart Industries and PSU Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
• Increasing import of American oil and gas is due to the fact that India had to slash imports from Iran and Venezuela under threat from the U.S.

The post 25 February 2020 Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam appeared first on IAS Hindu.

Read Current Affairs Notes of 24th February 2020 for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains Examination 2020. Highlighting all National and International contemporary issues important from the exam point of view.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Adequate water in Kawal Tiger Reserve

• The man-animal conflict in Kawal Tiger Reserve (KTR) over water seems to be a thing of the past.
• There was no incident of wild animals straying into human habitations for water last year and situation will remain same this year too as there is enough water for them to get through the harsh summer in the Reserve.
• The Reserve cover areas of Telangana.
• Because of the prolonged monsoon and efforts of the Reserve management, water will be available for a comparatively longer period.
• Several artificial water bodies have been created at strategic locations. Among them are the saucer pits which are 5m in diameter→made for large herds of bison.
• Bison are large animals and move in herds of 15-18, thus, require enormous quantum of water.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

One in three payments for maternity benefit scheme credited to wrong account

• According to a progress report on Poshan Abhiyan (Nutrition Mission) released by NITI Aayog → one in three Aadhar based payments for the Centre’s maternity benefit scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)- was credited to a wrong bank account.
• Sometimes these wrong transfers go into bank accounts which are untraceable by beneficiaries and field functionaries→ this is the prime cause for dissatisfaction among beneficiaries which needs to addressed urgently.
• A telephone survey of 5,525 beneficiaries, conducted by Ministry of Women and Child Development, revealed that only 60% were aware of the receipt of benefits.
• Under the PMMVY, pregnant women and lactating mothers receive Rs 5,000 for their first child in three instalments.
• The money is meant to:
  • Compensate women for the loss of wages
  • Ensuring healthy nutritional development of the newborn
• The NITI Aayog:
  • Called for simplification in the documentation and operational rules to avoid delays
  • Proposed to “rationalize” the mandatory period of 180 days before the second instalment and the compulsory birth certificate for the release of third instalment.
  • Called for training of auxiliary midwives who fill up mother-child protection card and data entry operators.
• This report on implementation of Poshan Abhiyan also scored States and Union territories to measure their readiness to execute programme across four themes:
  • Governance and institutional mechanism
  • Strategy and planning
  • Service delivery and capacities
  • Programme activities and intervention coverage
• States were divided into large and small categories for better comparison.
• Among 19 large States, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh were top three and Karnataka, Assam and Kerala were at the bottom.
• Among 8 small States, Mizoram and Sikkim were at top and Manipur and Goa were at the bottom.
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh and Daman and Diu were top performers among Union Territories, whereas Delhi and Lakshadweep were at bottom.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Regional integration pegged to SAARC revival

• Sri Lanka’s former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said, at a thought conclave organised by The Hindu, that successful regional integration, both economic and security, depends on the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) becoming fully functional at the highest levels.
• He added that the postponement of the Kathmandu SAARC Summit in 2017 due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan had brought the regional grouping “to a standstill”.
• He urged both the countries to iron out their differences otherwise outsiders will be “coming and telling [you] to sort it out…not us in South Asia”
• BIMSTEC is not a substitute for SAARC but it is a starting point for integration.
• He proposed an ‘Economic Integration Road Map (EIRM)’, and said that it was important to conceptualise a “sub-region”, consisting of five southern States of India, and Sri Lanka so as to tap the total population of 300 million people and a combined GDP of over $500 billion.
• He said that for such a roadmap, followings things are crucial:
  • Para-tariffs and non-tariff barriers for successful regional integration
  • Tapping e-commerce
  • Enhancing tourism→ Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world, have famous cities and scenic beaches, including the Andaman Islands and Phuket. Cruise tourism is a new commercial opening for the region.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.

New Highway threatens tiger territory in Arunachal Pradesh

• In 2013 a two-lane, 156 km road’s work was started. The road passes through the Namdapha National Park which is also India’s easternmost tiger reserve.
• Now a new highway project has been cleared through another tiger reserve in Arunachal Pradesh → Pakke Tiger Reserve.
• A green activist Tana Jorjo Tara filed an RTI enquiry which revealed that the government in State plans to build a 692.7 km highway through the 862 sq. km Pakke Tiger Reserve.
• The highway, named as East-West Industrial Corridor, aims to connect Bhairabhunda in West Kameng district to Changlang district along Arunachal Pradesh’s border with Assam.
• The project makes no mention of compensation for people likely to be displaced.
• A 40 km elevated stretch through the heart of the Tiger Reserve has alarmed the environmentalists the most.
• The activists are of the view that elevation is no guarantee against felling of trees and disturbing Wildlife. The corridor is also a threat to adjoining Nameri Tiger Reserve.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.

The only way to get rid of plastic is to ban it

• Documentary filmmaker, environment and global sustainability ambassador for BNP Paribas, Mr. Craig Leeson said that the scourge of plastic is everywhere and needs to be rooted out.
• He had made a film on plastic in the oceans.
• He said that plastic is the most durable substance human has ever made, it doesn’t biodegrade ever. It has also entered our food chain possibly with all its chemicals.
• Everything made up of plastic ends up being thrown in the ocean or piles up on land → only way to get rid of it is to ban it.
• When asked that whether a ban will work, especially when it has financial repercussions → he answered by saying that Rwanda was the first country to ban plastic bags with strict punishments for its use, several states in the United States have also banned it.
• Maharashtra too has banned single-use plastic.
• He said that only legislation is not enough, effective implementation is required.
• Further he added that banning plastic, especially in a developing country like India, will hamper economic activity and will also lead to jobs being lost but, new economy towards sustainable growth will possibly give ample of opportunities.
• Speaking about today’s youth and their role towards achieving environmental goals he said that “This generation is smart, educated and informed. The future lies with them.”

The post 24 February 2020 Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam appeared first on IAS Hindu.

Read Current Affairs Notes of 22nd February 2020 for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains Examination 2020. Highlighting all National and International contemporary issues important from the exam point of view.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Matia Mahal MLA Iqbal appointed pro tem Speaker

• Lieutenant-governor of Delhi appointed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Matia Mahal legislator Shoaib Iqbal as the pro tem Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assemble.
• As provided by the Constitution, the Speaker of the last Legislative Assembly vacates his office immediately before the first meeting of the newly elected Legislative Assembly.
• Therefore, the Governor appoints a member of the Legislative Assembly as the Speaker Pro Tem.
• Usually, the senior-most member is selected for this.
• The Governor himself administers oath to the Speaker Pro Tem.
• The Speaker Pro Tem has all the power of the Speaker. He presides over the first sitting of the newly-elected Legislative Assembly.
• His main duty is to administer oath to the new members.
• He also enables the house to elect the new speaker.
• When the new Speaker is elected by the house, the office of Speaker Pro Tem ceases to exist. Hence, his office is a temporary office, existing for a few days.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

New solar energy park to come up in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer 

• A new 925 MW solar energy park will shortly come up at Nokh in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan.
• For the park, an implementation support agreement has been signed with the resolve to promote desert State as country’s top destination of renewable energy.
• Production of solar power at the plant will start before December 2021.
• Agreement is likely to bring investment worth Rs 4,000 crore in the State.
• The agreement was signed between following in the presence of State Energy Minister:
  • NTPC Limited à will develop solar photovoltaic projects in the park at an estimated investment of Rs 3,500 crore
  • Rajasthan Solar Park Development Company Limited (RSDCL) à will build infrastructure at the solar park’s 1,856.73-hectare land at an investment of Rs 450 crore
• RSDCL is a subsidiary of Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RREC).
• Rajasthan has an immense potential for solar power production due to availability of solar radiation throughout the year.
• New policies in the last year have provided several relaxations and facilities to the investors for tapping solar, wind and hybrid energy.
• The Ministry laid emphasis on research for developing capacity for solar energy storage so that energy could be stored and used by farmers for agricultural use during night too.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Tamil Nadu may get four major textile projects 

• Under the Union Ministry of Textiles’ “Mega Textile Park Scheme”, Tamil Nadu is likely to get:
  • One mega textile park à
    • for which minimum 1,000-acre land should be provided by the State
  • A technology park for textiles machinery à
    • aim is to make textile machinery production indigenous by developing technology in-house or bringing in technology from other countries.
    • infrastructure for the project is to be developed in Surat and Coimbatore
    • this will be a smaller park
  • A technical textiles park à
    • Salem was likely to be the choice
  • A technology research centre à
    • It is to be probably set up in Coimbatore
• The efforts of Union Textile Ministry to help Indian textile and clothing sector have been welcomed by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

GoM meet discusses Juvenile Justice Act

• A Group of Ministers (GoM), which was chaired by Union Home Minister, met on Friday to discuss proposed amendment to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) (JJ) Act, 2015.
• The meeting was steered by the Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani.
• 2015 Act addressed the following two key issues:
  • Apprehension. Detention, prosecution, penalty or imprisonment, rehabilitation and social re-integration of children in conflict of law
  • Procedures and decisions or orders relating to rehabilitation, adoption, reintegration and restoration of children in need of care and protection
• The meeting to discuss the proposed amendment was convened to seek views from all senior Cabinet Ministers.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.

India, Maldives agree to take on terrorism, radicalization

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Maldivian Home Minister on Friday.
• They discussed bilateral cooperation in the fields of:
  • Counter-terrorism
  • Counter radicalization
  • Security
  • Policing and law enforcement
  • Organised crime
  • Drug trafficking
  • Capacity building
• The delegation officers also met chiefs of the National Investigation Agency, Narcotics Control Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate.
• They also visited the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad, and the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU), Gandhinagar.

The post 22 February 2020 Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam appeared first on IAS Hindu.

Read Current Affairs Notes of 21st February 2020 for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains Examination 2020. Highlighting all National and International contemporary issues important from the exam point of view.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.

Govt. to hold a conference with experts to reduce pollution: Rai

• Delhi Environment Ministry will hold a conference on 27 February with experts, NGOs and officials to reduce air pollution in the city.
• After the conference the Ministry will send letters to the Environment Ministries of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab to hold a meeting in Marchà to find solutions to air pollution.
• Government is planning to make the fight against air pollution a mass movement because efforts only on the part of the government will not help to reduce the problem.
• The Delhi government aims to reduce air pollution by one-third in the next five years.
• The Environment Minister added that a joint meeting of all agencies will be held on February 28 to discuss on how to spearhead the Delhi government’s plan of planting 40 lakh trees across the city in a year.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.

Rare turtles rescued in city handed over to Delhi zoo

• 4 rare turtles were rescued by the Delhi Police and have been handed over to the Delhi zoo.
• An inspection of the turtles conducted by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau identified the three of the four turtles as Indian Tent Turtle (kachuga tecta tecta), which is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1962.
• Efforts are being made to identify the person who brought these turtles here because these are rarest of rare species and their possession is prohibited.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

SC passes interim order on Mahadayi tribunal’s award

• SC passed an interim order allowing an application by the State of Karnataka to notify Mahadayi’s Water Dispute Tribunal’s award.
• Implementation of the award will be subject to the final judgement of the Supreme Court in the civil appeals filed by Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, challenging the allocation of water from the Mahadayi river among them.
• The plea made by Karnataka to publish the August 2018 tribunal award in the official gazette of India, has not been opposed by either of the two States – Goa and Maharashtra.
• Tribunal allocated water from the Mahadayi river basin to the three States as follows:
  • Karnatakaà 13.42 TMC water
  • Maharashtraà 1.33 TMC water
  • Goaà 24 TMC
• The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal was formed in 2010.
• Karnataka had petitioned the tribunal seeking the release of 7.56 TMC water for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala (diversion) projectàthe project will utilize water form the inter-state Mahadayi river.
• The project is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply in twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

A.R. Rahman’s NGO gets FCRA licence

• Union government has granted Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence this year to more than 20 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), among them is the A.R. Rahman Foundation, which is run by A.R. Rahman and his family.
• Any NGO or association which receives foreign funding, compulsorily require registration under the FCRA, which is monitored by the Union Home Ministry.
• FCRA licenses of 20,674 NGOs were cancelled from 2012 onward.
• 10,002 registrations were cancelled in 2015 alone.
• Before 2011, the number of FCRA registrations stood at 40,376.
• Under the FCRA, 2010, registered NGOs can receive foreign contribution for five purposes:
  • Social
  • Educational
  • Religious
  • Economic
  • Cultural

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

Economy needs more monetary stimulus, says Das

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das stated that though there are certain ‘green shoots’, but still the economy needs more monetary stimulus.
• This statement indicated that the central bank was open to cutting interest rates.
• These are the minutes of the monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting held early in February.
• The six-member MPC unanimously voted for status quo at the February policy review on the back of an uptick in inflation.
• The RBI had reduced interest rates by 135 basis points (bps) between February and October of 2019 before pressing the pause button in next two policy reviews.
• The RBI Governor said that due to the overall growth-inflation situation, it would be prudent to continue focus on growth. He added that he was up for maintaining ‘accommodative’ stance as long as necessary to revive growth.  
• An external member of MPC, Chetan Ghate, highlighted the need for structural reforms as fiscal and monetary stimulus, so far, have been unable to revive economic growth.
• Another external member cautioned on inflationary pressures due to disruptions in supply of Chinese imports because of COVID-19.

The post 21 February 2020 Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam appeared first on IAS Hindu.

Read Current Affairs Notes of 20th February 2020 for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains Examination 2020. Highlighting all National and International contemporary issues important from the exam point of view.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

Muralidhar among 3 HC judges to be transferred

• The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the transfer of 3 HC judges. Among them is Justice S. Muralidhar, who is third in the order of seniority in the Delhi High Court.
• He has been recommended to be transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
• The Collegium is led by the Chief Justice of India Sharad A. Bobde.
• This resolution of the Collegium was uploaded on the court website.
• The Delhi High Court Bar Association has unanimously passed a resolution condemning the transfer of Justice Muralidhar, who has also been a part of the Bench that decriminalized homosexuality in 2009.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc/ Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

CPWD seeks environment nod to cut 194 trees

• To build a new Parliament building, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has sought environment clearance from the Union Environment Ministry for cutting 194 trees.
• The Building is estimated to take up a cost of Rs 776 crore and will take 12,700 workers, 260 days to construct.
• It is part of the Centre’s proposed to revamp of the Rajpath or Central Vista.
• The CPWD justified the plan by saying that “a larger Parliament building for the nation is needed for better functioning of the legislature” → and this new parliament will prove to be of “social” benefit.
• The application submitted by the CPWD to the Union Environment Ministry proposes planting 250 new trees in place of the 194 trees that are to be cut down.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Central govt. cuts its share in flagship crop insurance scheme

• The Central government has almost halved its contribution in its own flagship crop insurance scheme, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme.
• Centre has slashed its share of the premium subsidy from the current 50% to just 25% in irrigated areas and 30% for unirrigated areas from the Kharif season of 2020.
• Another step taken includes →  making enrolment in these two schemes voluntary for all farmers including those with existing crop loans.
• Earlier when PMFBY was launched in 2016, it was made mandatory for all farmers with crop loans to enroll for insurance cover under the scheme.
• The Agriculture Ministry said that 58% of farmers enrolled in the schemes are loanees and will no longer have to compulsorily take insurance cover.
• Objectives of PMFBY:
• It aims at providing insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in case of crop failure or crop damage of any notified crop.
• To stabilize the income of farmers so that they continue farming.
• It motivates farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.
• To ensure formal credit flow in the agricultural sector.
• Ensure food security and crop diversification.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Swachh Bharat Mission second phase gets the nod

• The Centre will begin implementing the second phase of Swachh Bharat Mission in rural areas from April.
• The second phase will focus on:
  • Solid and liquid waste management
  • Abolition of open defecation
• Union Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs 52,497 crore for the scheme from the budget of Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation over the next 4 years.
• The remaining outlay of Rs 88,384 crore until 2024-25 will come via a convergence model, depending on funds released under the 15^th Finance Commission and money allocated to the rural jobs guarantee scheme, as well as a revenue generation model being developed for solid and liquid waste management.
• The scheme will be implemented by States, with a fund sharing pattern of 60:40 between the Centre and the States.
• The Centre’s share in northeastern and Himalayan states will be 90%.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

ART Bill proposes national registry of clinics

• The Union Cabinet approved the Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill, 2020 →  to monitor medical procedures used to assist people to achieve pregnancy.
• The Bill establishes the National Board, the State Boards, and the National Registry to regulate and supervise Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics.
• It establishes ART banks to promote ethical practices.
• The Bill proposes stringent punishment for those who attempt to control the offspring’s sex, sell embryos or gametes.
• India has one of the highest growths in the number of ART centre and ART cycles performed every year and has become a major centre of global fertility industry  →  reproductive medical tourism has become an important activity.
• As of Feb. 20, there are 517 ART clinics under the National Registry of ART clinics and banks in India, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The post 20 February 2020 Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam appeared first on IAS Hindu.

Read Current Affairs Notes of 19th February 2020 for UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Mains Examination 2020. Highlighting all National and International contemporary issues important from the exam point of view.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora-their structure, mandate.

Pakistan to remain in terror financing watchdog’s ‘Grey List’

• The International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommended that Pakistan be retained on the grey list– because it failed to completely implement the 27-point action plan to check terror financing.
• Ahead of the important meeting of the international terror financing watchdog, Pakistan had in January urged the US to support its bid to exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is based in Paris, France.
• Pakistan has been added to the Grey List for its failure at curbing funnelling of funds to terror groups LeT, JeM and others.
• Pakistan had submitted a report to FATF on January 8, answering 150 questions raised by the FATF over Pakistan’s policies on money laundering.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.

SC voices concern over deforestation

• The SC, while hearing a plea challenging cutting of old trees for an overbridge in an accident-prone area of a highway in West Bengal, said that deforestation is so rapid that before anyone knows everything will be lost.
• In the coming 50 years, the effects of climate change might take a turn for the worse.
• The CJI condemned humanity’s tendency to abuse natural resources for greed and profit and said that humans lack brains to create new conservation systems and just keep on destroying the existing environment.
• He said that people are not willing to explore alternatives, there may be another way of solving the accident problem on the concerned highway without cutting the trees, maybe it will be a little more expensive.
• The Bench went on to describe the value of a tree in terms of oxygen it emits in its lifetime. He said when you cut an old tree imagine the amount/value of the oxygen the tree produced all these years and then compare it with the amount of money you will have to pay for that much of oxygen from somewhere else.
• So, spending a little more money on finding out a different alternative wouldn’t cause much harm.

GS-2, Prelims

Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.

China thanks India for support during health crisis

• India’s support to China in its fight against COVID-19 has been appreciated by China at a press conference.
• Sun Weidong said at the press conference that China and India had been in close contact to deal with the threat. He added that Beijing would look after Indian nationals in China as its own.
• He said that the virus is a common threat as it is borderless. To fight such threats, we need to:
  • Strengthen cooperation
  • Enhance mutual understanding
  • Show solidarity
  • Jointly overcome difficulties
• He stated that the virus is “preventable, controllable and curable” and China is acting in a decisive manner to deal with this health crisis.
• The crisis has led to a great impact on the Chinese economy but according to Mr. Sun the setback is “local, temporary and limited”.
• The envoy said that both the countries have huge potential for collaboration and China is ready to explore opportunities with India for cooperation in areas of public health and science.

Prelims

Topic: Miscellaneous

Ghani named winner of Afghan election

• The results of September 28, 2019 poll of Afghanistan have been released after lengthy delays following vote rigging allegations by the opposition.
• Ashraf Ghani has secured the second term as President of Afghanistan.

GS-3, Prelims

Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

Foodgrain production set to touch a record high

• According to Agriculture Ministry’s second advance estimates, total foodgrain production is set to scale an all-time high in 2019-20à almost 292 million tonnes which is six million tonnes higher than the 285.21 million tonnes produced in 2018-19.
• Production of various crops, including rice and pulses, was lower than targeted in the monsoon/Kharif season.
• With the abundance of late monsoon rains the production of rabi/winter harvests is set to be larger-than-expected in almost all crops.
• Rice and wheat will be the highest produced.
• Despite the government’s drive to encourage millets and nutri-cereals, the production has failed to meet targets and this year the estimates have been kept low.
• Pulses output is estimated to be higher than last year, same is with oilseeds.

The post 19 February 2020 Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam appeared first on IAS Hindu.