Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 19-03-2020

Useful compilation of Civil Services oriented - Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 19-03-2020

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• SECTION 1 - TEN NEWS HEADLINES

1. COVID 19 pandemic: 276 Indians infected with virus abroad – With 255 Indians testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Iran and another 21 in other countries, the total number of Indian nationals afflicted with the pandemic rose to 413. The cases within the country touched 162, including 25 foreigners. Globally, the number of cases crossed 2,00,000. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed in the Lok Sabha that 255 pilgrims visiting Iran from Kashmir and Ladakh had been affected. A third batch of 195 Indians from Iran were brought to Jaisalmer by an Air India aircraft.19 new COVID-19 cases were reported within the country, while 14 persons had been discharged. The number of active cases is now 145.
2. Indian Politics: SCanxious to avoid horse-trading in MP – The Supreme Court on Wednesday said its primary duty in the Madhya Pradesh political controversy is to independently verify whether the 16 dissident MLAs are holed up in Karnataka or have been held “captive” in the BJP-ruled State.The court said it was anxious to avoid horse-trading in Madhya Pradesh but senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, for the Speaker, said the “horses are already in captivity”.
3. Corporate Affairs: GoAir staff left in the lurch after contracts end – A day after GoAir suspended international operations alongside putting its employees on a rotational leave-without-pay programme, letters terminating employee contracts, mostly those of expatriate pilots, went viral on social media.GoAir had temporarily suspended all international flights from March 17 to April 15.GoAir said the airline had to take these drastic steps as India had temporarily banned all passengers coming from a host of countries and vice-versa.
4. Defence: Nod for 83 LCA Tejas Mk-1A – The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded approval for the procurement of 83 indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A from the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) by ‘finalising the contractual and other issues’. The deal is expected to cost around Rs. 39,000 crore.The DAC had given initial clearance for the 83 aircraft in November 2016 and the IAF issued the Request For Proposal in December, 2017. However, negotiations got stuck due to the steep price quoted by HAL, which the IAF said was more than the price of a Su-30MKI.The 83 jets are in addition to the 40 LCA already ordered by the IAF in two batches of 20 each in the Initial Operational Clearance and the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) configurations.The DAC also accorded approval for acquisition of indigenous equipment for about ?1,300 crore.
5. COVID-19 pandemic: Pvt firms get nod to carry out performance studies–The drug regulator has given the nod to Roche Diagnostics and seven other private companies for conducting performance evaluation studies for Covid-19 tests with Roche saying the regulator has given its approval in record time. The approvals, however, mean that the companies cannot yet commercialise or conduct the tests in open market till the regulator gives a final approval following the validation process. Roche said the Indian regulator gave approval in “record time”, while the US regulator did so a few days earlier.
6. Economy:Hit by bug, sensex tanks 1,710 more points–Despite a 1,000-point rally in the Dow Jones, the sensex crashed another 1,710 points to close at 28,870 with banking & financial stocks, along with RIL, leading the slide as fears of a coronavirus-induced recession continued. On the domestic front, fears about rising bad loans for banks with exposure to the telecom sector also weighed on the index, market players said. And if early trades on the Wall Street are any indication—with the Dow and S&P500 indices each down over 6%—there could be more pain for Dalal Street.NSE Nifty crashes 498 points (–4.8%) to close at 8,469.
7. Infrastructure Projects on Project Monitoring Group (PMG) Portal reviewed by the Commerce Ministry – Minister of Commerce & Industry, chaired a meeting for the review of 17 large-size infrastructure projects in Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). PMG is an institutional mechanism of DPIIT to expedite resolution of issues and removal of regulatory bottlenecks in projects, with investments upward of Rs. 500 crores in India. Invest India provides implementation support to PMG in identifying and following up on issues with the States.
8. Eleven ‘Renewable Energy Management Centres' (REMC) inaugurated by Union Power Minister – These REMCs, built at a cost of Rs. 409 crore, will make it possible for the country to have more of renewable energy, particularly wind. Without these, absorption of large packets of intermittent electricity from wind and solar plants would not be possible. Public sector major Power Grid Corporation of India is overseeing the setting up of these REMCs on behalf of the Ministry of Power.One REMC will come up in the National Load Dispatch Centre, three in as many Regional Load Dispatch Centres and seven in the State Load Dispatch Centres.
9. Economy – RBI unveils regulatory guidelines for implementation of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) by NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) and ARCs (asset reconstruction companies) while preparing their financial results.
10. PM Modi to lead International Yoga Day (June 21) event in Leh this year -The main national event for the International Day of Yoga will be held at Leh, the capital of Ladakh this year. The event, which is held on the 21st of June every year, will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Important Exam Notifications
S. No.	Institution	Exam or Post Name	Vacancies or Seats	Qualification	Last Date to Apply	Link for Details
1	MDNIY	Media Consultant, Consultant, Sr Project Consultant	31	IT, Degree, PG/ PG Diploma (Relevant Discipline)	March 27, 2020	http://www.yogamdniy.nic.in/WriteReadData/LINKS/79e9ce5c8-5b5a-4436-8b0e-33e60400dbc1.pdf
2	National Green Tribunal	Office Assistant, Stenographer	90	Any Degree, Typing Knowledge	March 30, 2020	https://greentribunal.gov.in/sites/default/files/public_notice/Advertisement%20dated%2016.3.2020.pdf
3	SVNIRTAR	Audit Officer, Staff Nurse, Physiotherapist & Other	17	Any Degree, Typing Knowledge	-	https://www.becil.com/uploads/vacancy/0438dca25e05acf980ead4d8abebc7b9.pdf
4	Arunachal Pradesh PSC	Jr Engineer	63	Diploma/ Degree (Engg)	April 15, 2020	https://img.freejobalert.com/uploads/2020/03/Notification-Arunachal-Pradesh-PSC-Jr-Engineer-Posts.pdf
5	Office of the Settlement Officer, Cachar	Addl. Patwari	42	HSLC	March  23, 2020	https://cachar.gov.in/sites/default/files/swf_utility_folder/departments/cachar_epr_amtron_in_oid_2/latest/scan0001.pdf
6	DLSA, Vaishali	Para Legal Volunteer	100	10th Class	March 30, 2020	https://districts.ecourts.gov.in/sites/default/files/PLV_0.pdf
7	Dr YSP University of Horticulture & Forestry	Jr Project Fellow, Research Fellow, Research Associate III, JRF	5	M.Sc, Ph.D (Relevant Discipline)	March 31, 2020	http://www.yspuniversity.ac.in/jobs/dr9583.pdf

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• SECTION 2 - DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

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• 1. CONSTITUTION AND LAW (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)

1.1 Not Available Today

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• 2. ECONOMY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper

2.1 Parliament passes Mineral laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020

• It was an amendment in Mines & Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 and The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015.
• The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020, will open a new era in Indian coal and mining sector specially to promote Ease of Doing Business.
• The amended provisions clearly provide that companies which do not possess any prior coal mining experience in India and/or have mining experience in other minerals or in other countries can participate in auction of coal/lignite blocks. This will not only increase participation in coal/lignite block auctions, but also facilitate the implementation of FDI policy in the coal sector.
• Now, the companies which are not ‘engaged in specified end-use’ can also participate in auctions of Schedule II and III coal mines. The removal of the end use restriction would allow wider participation in auction of coal mines for a variety of purposes such as own consumption, sale or for any other purpose, as may be specified by the Central Government.
• The Bill also allows prospecting licence-cum-mining lease (PL-cum-ML) for coal/lignite which increases the availability of coal & lignite blocks, and coal blocks of varying grades in a wide geographical distribution will be available for allocation.
• The successful bidders/allottees have now been entitled to utilize mined coal in any of its plants or plants of its subsidiary or holding company.
• Amendments also provide for allocation of the coal mine to the next successful bidder or allottee, subsequent to termination of its allocation along with the matters incidental to it.
• A provision has also been made for appointment of designated custodian for management of the mines, apart from Schedule II mines, which have come under production and whose vesting/ allotment order has been cancelled.
• With the amendments, environment and forest clearances along with other approvals and clearances shall automatically get transferred to the new owners of mineral blocks for a period of two years from the date of grant of new lease. This will allow new owners to continue with hassle free mining operations. During the period, they may apply for the fresh licence beyond the period of two years.
• The auction of lease of mines can now be started before expiry of lease period. It will enable the state government to take advance action for auction of mineral blocks so that the new lease holder could be decided before the existing lease gets expired. This will help in seamless production of minerals in the country.
• The new provisions will also augment the exploration of the deep seated minerals and minerals of national interest by allowing Non Exclusive Reconnaissance Permit (NERP) holders to apply for composite licence or Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML).Various repetitive and redundant provisions of MMDR Act and CMSP Act have also been omitted for Ease of Doing Business.
• The Mineral laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed in Rajya Sabha with on March 12, 2020 and the Lok Sabha on March 6.

2.2  Shares of SBI Cards and Payment Services list at Rs 661, 12.45% below its issue price of Rs 755 after successful IPO.

2.3  Share of Indian vendors in defence contracts grew from 39.06% in 2015-16 to 75.03% in 2019-20: Government.

2.4  Moody’s Investors Service lowered India’s GDP growth forecast for 2020 calendar year to 5.3%.

2.5 Microsoft India and NASSCOM Foundation launched Innovate for Accessible India campaign aimed at empowering people with disabilities.

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• 3. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper)

3.1 Renewable energy: Why competitive bidding did not help wind power

• Wind power in India -The Indian manufacturers have been a forerunner in the development of wind energy sector. Strong engineering developments helped the industry to reduce capital cost and make itself competitive. They have helped manufacture turbines of power 250 kilowatt (kW)-2.5 megawatt (MW) and hub heights of 120 meters.With a proven track record in technological advancementsit attracted foreign companies and investors for in-house manufacturing of towers, blades, generators, convertors, etc. 
• Competitive bidding didn’t helped -The established model was driven by original equipment manufacturers (OEM) which played a major role in sector by playing a crucial role in land acquisition, micrositing, data collection and sale of projects.They also helped with operations and services to small developers on an open-access basis. But the business modelchanged with the advent of competitive bidding mechanism. Ideally, this should have expanded the market but as ground situations were not thoroughly assessed, it adversely affected the manufacturing sector. 
• Policy missteps –

1. Auctions are carried out, as part of the bidding mechanism, without a time-table; there is no assurance of a take off.
2. India's total installed capacity in 2016-17 was 5,500 MW, while manufacturing capacity was 10,000 MW. But auctions fell to 1,500 MW.
3. The process lacks clarity and auctions are not being announced regularly. This limits growth of the sector. 
4. Auctions are based on unrealistic tariff caps. The rush for cheapest tariffs is creating more problems. 

• Failing businesses -Persisting problems such as auction cancellations, PPA renegotiations, payment delays are eroding the trust of investors. The combined effect of these challenges and failing projects are forcing manufacturers to lay-off or shut operations. Ex. Suzlon Group, one of the biggest wind sector companies in India, reported a net loss of Rs 778 crore in the second quarter of the year through March 2020 — up by 64 per cent from the same period previous year when the net loss was Rs 280 crore.
• No incentives for exports -The industry is not supported for exports, despite its state-of-the-art wind energy equipment and potential to become significant part of global supply chain. Indian manufacturers lose competitive edge over freight, logistics costs and high bank rate.Currently, the industry exports worth $500 million per annum of wind turbine and components. If it is provided incentives, the same can increase four-fold to $2 billion.But the government has no such plans. 
• Concerted efforts required - The wind sector is struggling to survive. Meanwhile, the government is focusing to develop a solar manufacturing industry.Concerted efforts are needed to revive the industry by eliminating suffocating policies.A timetable for auctions, with a capacity addition of about 10 GW per annum, would give the industry a much required market. In addition, the capacity for equipment production for offshore installations should be enhanced. The sector could take the centre-stage in many countries, and help India attain its target of adding 30 GW of capacity to the sector.

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• 4. FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)

4.1 Ajay Kumar appointed as next High Commissioner of India to Uganda

• Ajay Kumar reputed of Indian Foreign Services, 2001 back will take up the assignment shortly.
• Presently he is Joint Secretary in the Ministry.

4.2 Donations, actions to fight COVID-19 pandemic

• WhatsApp launched 'Coronavirus Information Hub' in partnership with WHO, UNICEF and UNDP.
• WhatsApp donated US $ 1 million to the Poynter Institute's International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) for coronavirus data.
• Asian Development Bank announced US $ 6.5 billion package for its developing member countries to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

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• 5. GOVERNMENT SCHEMES (Prelims, GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3)

5.1 Punjab Govt. launches “Cova Punjab” mobile app

• The Punjab government on March 9, 2020 launched the “Cova Punjab” mobile app to spread awareness about the precautions to be taken against coronavirus. 
• The app provides options to check for symptoms as provided by the government and follow the advice given thereafter. 
• The application also suggests the nearest hospital where people can report.

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• 6. MISCELLANEOUS (Prelims, Various GS Papers)

6.1 Weekly Roundup – Corporate

• The US-based all-terrain vehicles major Polaris on March 13, 2020 launched Sportsman 570 tractor in India at an introductory price of Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom), thus making its foray into farm products segment. Powered by a 34 hp, 4 stroke 567cc engine with electronic fuel injection system, the vehicle has four-wheel drive features and can tow up to 810 kg.
• Bajaj Auto on March 11, 2020 launched Dominar 250, a variant of the Dominar Sports Tourer model, priced at Rs 1.6 lakh (ex-showroom in Delhi).
• In U-turn, govt. moots 20-year window to clear telco dues - Nearly five months after winning its legal battle in the Supreme Court against telecom majors, including Vodafone and Bharti Airtel, for payment of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues worth several lakhs of crores of rupees, the Centre did a virtual U-turn by urging the court to give the companies a 20-year window to pay the money back. In an application mentioned for urgent hearing in the top court, the government said it has, after “detailed and long-drawn deliberations”, devised a “formula” to soften the blow of the October 24, 2019 judgment directing the companies to cough up the AGR in three months.
• Hyundai Motor India rolls out all-new Creta - SUV prices start at Rs. 9.90 lakh - South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) rolled out its sport utility vehicle (SUV) the all-new Creta in New Delhi.
• Bajaj Auto announced the launch of their BS VI range of three-wheeler commercial vehicles across its three-wheeler brands — RE, Maxima and Maxima Cargo.

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• 7. POLITY (Prelims, GS Paper 2)

7.1 New advisor to J&K Lieutenant Governor 

• IAS officer Baseer Ahmed Khan has been appointed as fourth Advisor to Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Girish Chandra Murmu.
• Other three Advisors are: former CRPF DG Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar, IPS officer Farooq Khan and IAS officer K. K. Sharma.

7.2 Founder secretary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti dies at 91

• Sadanand Fulzele, founder secretary of the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti which looks after Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, died on March 15, 2020 at the age of 91. Fulzele was instrumental in building the stupa at Deekshabhoomi, the site of Babasaheb Ambedkar's conversion to Buddhism in 1956.

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• 8. SOCIAL ISSUES (Prelims, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2)

8.1 25,782 people belonging to minority communities in Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan granted Long Term Visa (LTV) in last five years: Government

8.2 Coronavirus outbreak: Central Railway and Western Railway hike platform ticket price to Rs 50.

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• 9. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3)

9.1 6.4 trillion tons of ice lost: Antarctica, Greenland melting six times faster than in the 1990s

•  The two regions have lost 6.4 trillion tons of ice in three decades.
• Observations from 11 satellite missions monitoring the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have revealed that the regions are losing ice six times faster than they were in the 1990s.  
• If the current melting trend continues, the regions will be on track to match the “worst-case” scenario of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of an extra 6.7 inches (17 centimeters) of sea level rise by 2100.
• The Ice Sheet Mass Balance Intercomparison Exercise team combined 26 surveys to calculate changes in the mass of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets between 1992 and 2018.
• The assessment was supported by NASA and the European Space Agency. 
• The surveys used measurements from satellites including NASA’s Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite and the joint NASA-German Aerospace Center Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment. 
• Andrew Shepherd at the University of Leeds in England and Erik Ivins at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California led the study.
• The team calculated that the two ice sheets together lost 81 billion tons per year in the 1990s, compared with 475 billion tons of ice per year in the 2010s – a sixfold increase. 
• All total, Greenland and Antarctica have lost 6.4 trillion tons of ice since the 1990s.
• The resulting meltwater boosted global sea levels by 0.7 inches (17.8 millimeters). 
• Together, the melting polar ice sheets are responsible for a third of all sea level rise. Of this total sea level rise, 60% resulted from Greenland’s ice loss and 40% resulted from Antarctica’s.
• The IPCC in its Fifth Assessment Report issued in 2014 predicted global sea levels would rise 28 inches (71 centimeters) by 2100.

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• 10. FACTS, CHARTS, RANKINGS and EDITORIALS (Prelims + GS Mains)

10.1   Ranking–  Not Available Today

 10.2 Daily dose of  FIVE Facts -

• The National Health Authority in Jan2020 signed an MoU with ITC e-Choupal to help farmers avail benefits under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.
• Ashwini Kumar Chopra died at the age of 63 in Gurugram on January 18, 2020. He was Editor of Hindi newspaperPunjab Kesari.
• Poll strategist and JD(U) national vice-president Prashant Kishor has been included a ‘list of 20 people to watch in the 2020s’ byForbes.
• CISF has decided to observe 2020 as the ‘year of mobility’ that will have a special focus on creation of more residential units and implementation of various welfare measures for the troops.
• The newly created chief of defence staff (CDS) will be member of the Defence Planning Committeechaired by the National Security Advisor (NSA). 

10.3 Today's best editorials to read

• We offer you 7 excellent editorials from across 10 newspapers we have scanned. 

CLICK HERE TO OPEN AND READ!

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• SECTION 3 - MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

Solve the online quiz given, right now. Check scores, and relative performance!

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