Useful compilation of Civil Services oriented - Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 28-03-2020
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- SECTION 1 - TEN NEWS HEADLINES
- RBI cuts rate 75bps, steepest in over 10 yrs – The Reserve Bank of India cut interest rates by 75 basis points (bps)—the sharpest in over a decade. It also made available Rs. 3.74 lakh crore of additional liquidity to banks and allowed almost all borrowers to defer loan repayments by three months. The measures are aimed at buying time for the government to deal with the coronavirus crisis by preventing stressed borrowers from being ejected from the banking system and avoiding bond markets going into a freeze due to the sudden cessation caused by the lockdown.
- 60% of trucks on roads stalled by ‘non-essential’ tag – The domino effect of the three-day-old lockdown continued to tell on the goods supply chain across states, with government intervention failing to resolve operational complexities like 60% of the 1.2 crore trucks stuck on highways and cities being held up because they are laden with “non-essential” FMCG cargo. The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) said these trucks have to be allowed to reach their destinations quickly and unload the cargo before they can be deployed to carry essential items and replenish stocks in markets that are being allowed to open but don't have much to sell.
- Centre flags gap in screening travellers – Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has asked the States to effectively monitor 15 lakh international air passengers who came from January 18 to March 23 as there appeared to be a “gap” between the actual monitoring that “may seriously jeopardise the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.” Mr. Gauba wrote a letter to the Chief Secretaries that the list of such passengers as compiled by the Bureau of Immigration had been shared with all the States and Union Territories.
- Kerala man was among Kabul gurdwara attackers – A man from Kasaragod in Kerala is said to be one of the three terrorists who stormed a gurdwara in Kabul on March 25 and killed around 25 worshippers, a senior government. At least three terrorists of the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) had attacked the gurdwara. All were killed by Afghan security forces. The attacker was identified as Abu Khalid Al-Hindi by Al Naba, the ISKP’s propaganda wing.
- Concerns over privacy as details of air travellers are leaked online – The government’s efforts to monitor people advised quarantine for the COVID-19 ran into privacy issues, after the database of hundreds of passengers who returned from “coronavirus affected countries” was leaked online and shared by social media groups. In addition, the government defended its newly launched pilot or beta version of a mobile phone application called “Corona Kavach” which uses the data of confirmed COVID-19 patients to alert subscribers when they are in close proximity. A forward of a list containing details of 722 passengers who arrived in Delhi between March 9, and March 20 (which was the last day of commercial flights), was received on a number of “WhatsApp” and “Facebook” groups, who forwarded it further. The list included names, passport numbers, flight details, mobile phone numbers and addresses of all travellers.
- British PM tests positive for coronavirus – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he has tested positive for the coronavirus, while the number of infections in the U.S. surged to the most in the world and Spain announced a record number of virus deaths overnight. Mr. Johnson’s office said the Prime Minister was tested after showing mild symptoms for the new coronavirus and is self-isolating and continuing to lead Britain’s response to the pandemic.
- Home and auto EMIs, credit card dues deferred by three months - In a move to protect borrowers financially amid the nationwide lockdown, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed all banks and financial institutions, including non-banking finance companies, to extend a three-month moratorium period on the instalments due between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020 for all term loans. The relaxation is also applicable on consumer loans such as auto loans, home loans and personal loans, as well as credit card outstanding dues. A consumer may now choose not to pay the monthly equated instalments on their loans for the next three months.
- World is now in recession: IMF - The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the global economy into a downturn that will require massive funding to help developing nations, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said. With the worldwide economic “sudden stop,” Ms. Georgieva said the fund’s estimate “for the overall financial needs of emerging markets is $2.5 trillion.” But she warned the estimate “is on the lower end.”. Governments in emerging markets, which have suffered an exodus of capital of more than $83 billion in recent weeks, can cover much of that, but “clearly the domestic resources are insufficient” and many already have high debt loads. Over 80 countries, mostly with low incomes, have already requested emergency aid from the International Monetary Fund.
- Moody’s cuts India GDP growth forecast to 2.5% - Moody’s Investors Service has slashed its GDP growth forecast for India to 2.5% in 2020 — a sharp drop from the earlier projection of 5.3% — due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown. The ratings agency expects the country’s economy to recover in 2021, estimating a growth rate of 5.8%, but warned that uncertainty regarding the virus’ spread and containment made it difficult to fully assess the economic toll of the crisis. India grew at 5% in 2019. Globally, the world economy was facing an ‘unprecedented shock’ and the G20 countries were likely to see an overall contraction of GDP by 0.5%.
- Satish Gujral, master sculptor and veteran artist, dies at 94 - Gujral’s works traversed multiple modes and moorings and, over the decades, he drew inspiration from deities, the edifice of tribal forms, the gravitas of geometrical projections, animals as well as humans, to create a repertoire that entwined multiple references for his paintings as well as his sculptures. He beat all odds of hearing impairment to garner international recognition for his creativity that spanned painting, graphics, murals, sculpture and architecture.
Important Exam Notifications
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S.
No.
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Institution
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Exam
or Post Name
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Vacancies
or Seats
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Qualification
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Last
Date to Apply
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Link
for Details
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1
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RBI
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Consultant/
Specialist/ Analyst
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39
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B.E/
B.Tech, PG CA/ ICWA
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April 29, 2020
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2
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IGIB
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Field
Data Collector, Lab Technician & Other
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11
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Diploma, Degree, M.Sc, Ph.D
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April 30, 2020
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3
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IHBAS
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Technician
& Technical Asst
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5
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10th
Class/ 10+2
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March 31, 2020
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4
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IHBAS
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Senior
Resident
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37
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MD/
MS/ DNB
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April 8, 2020
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5
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Dr Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan
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Senior
Resident
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8
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MBBS
with PG Degree/ DNB/ Diploma
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March 31, 2020
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6
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Lok Nayak Hospital
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Junior
Resident
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50
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MBBS
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March 28, 2020
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7
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Lok Nayak Hospital
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Senior
Resident
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46
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MBBS
with PG Degree/ DNB/ Diploma
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March 30, 2020
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- SECTION 2 - DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
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- 1. CONSTITUTION AND LAW (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)
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- 2. ECONOMY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper
- The Union Cabinet on March 22, 2020 approved the Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC) 2.0 Scheme to create infrastructure along with industry specific facilities like common facility centers, ready built factory sheds, among others.
- Towards this scheme, the government has allocated Rs. 3,762.25 crore for a period of 8 years.
- The scheme will provide financial assistance up to 50% of the project cost subject to ceiling of Rs. 70 crore per 100 acres of land for setting up of Electronics Manufacturing Cluster projects.
- For Common Facility Centre (CFC), financial assistance of 75% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs. 75 crore will be provided.
2.2 Govt buying/selling of companies
2.4 Japanese government funding agency JICA signs 3 agreements totalling Rs 15,295 crore with the Indian government for three mega rail infrastructure projects.
- Govt. sold its entire 74.5% stake in state-owned power company THDC India Ltd (THDCIL) to NTPC for Rs 7,500 crore.
- Govt. sells 66.67% stake in Kamrajar Port Ltd to Chennai Port Trust for Rs 2,383 crore.
- Govt. sells 100% stake in state-owned power company NEEPCO (North Eastern Electric Power Corp) for Rs 4,000 crore to PSU NTPC
2.4 Japanese government funding agency JICA signs 3 agreements totalling Rs 15,295 crore with the Indian government for three mega rail infrastructure projects.
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- 3. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper)
- 3. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper)
3.1 Not Available Today
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- 4. FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)
- 4. FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)
4.1 Extraordinary Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit convened to discuss the challenges posed by outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic
4.3 Britain: Prime Minister Boris Johnson (55), Health Secretary Matt Hancock (41) test positive for coronavirus
- An Extraordinary Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit was convened on 26 March 2020 to discuss the challenges posed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and to forge a global coordinated response.
- Meeting was chaired by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- G20 Leaders agreed to take all necessary measures to contain the pandemic and protect people. They also supported strengthening of the WHO’s mandate in the fight against pandemics, including delivery of medical supplies, diagnostic tools, treatments, medicines and vaccines.
- Leaders also committed to use all available policy tools to minimize the economic and social cost of the pandemic and to restore global growth, market stability and strengthening resilience. G20 countries committed to inject over USD 5 trillion into the global economy to counter the social and economic impact of COVID-19. Leaders also agreed to contribute to the WHO led COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund on a voluntary basis..
4.3 Britain: Prime Minister Boris Johnson (55), Health Secretary Matt Hancock (41) test positive for coronavirus
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- 5. GOVERNMENT SCHEMES (Prelims, GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3)
- The Ministry of Human Resource Development will launch e-classes on Swayam Prabha DTH channels for school students in view of coronavirus outbreak, Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' said on March 18, 2020.).
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- 6. MISCELLANEOUS (Prelims, Various GS Papers)
- US Space Force launches Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite (a military communication satellite) aboard an Atlas V551 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
- LCA Tejas in Final Operational Clearance-standard (SP-21) takes to the skies –
- The first Light Combat Aircraft Tejas in Final Operational Clearance-standard (SP-21) took to the skies for its maiden flight in Bengaluru on March 17, 2020, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited said. It was airborne for 40 minutes.
- This flight signifies exemplary team work among the stakeholders of the LCA Tejas programme such as HAL, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), IAF and Aeronautical Development Agency, HAL CMD, R. Madhavan said.
- This would pave the way for production of remaining 15 fighters from FOC [Final Operational Clearance] block, which are planned to be delivered during the next financial year. The FOC aircraft are equipped with advanced features such as Air-to-Air refuelling and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile system.
- Chhattisgarh: 17 security personnel killed in encounter with Naxals
- In Chhattisgarh, bodies of 17 security personnel, who were missing after an encounter with Naxals in Sukma district on March 21 were found on March 22, 2020. The personnel belonged to Special Task Force (STF) and District Reserve Guards.
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- 7. POLITY (Prelims, GS Paper 2)
7.1 Lok Sabha passes IIIT Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020
- The Lok Sabha on March 20, 2020 passed the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020, that seeks to declare five IIITs in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode at Surat, Bhopal, Bhagalpur, Agartala and Raichur as institutions of national importance along with existing 15 IIITs.
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- 8. SOCIAL ISSUES (Prelims, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2)
- 8. SOCIAL ISSUES (Prelims, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2)
8.1 COVID 19 relief packages and schemes
- COVID-19: U.S. relief to include $4 trillion of liquidity - The COVID-19 economic relief bill being finalised by the U.S. Congress will include a one-time $3,000 payment for families and allow the Federal Reserve to leverage up to $4 trillion of liquidity to support the nation’s economy, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on March 22, 2020.
- WhatsApp launches 'Coronavirus Information Hub' - Pledging its support to global fight against the pandemic, WhatsApp on March 18, 2020 announced two initiatives -- launch of 'Coronavirus Information Hub' in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and UNDP, and a USD 1 million donation to the Poynter Institute's International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).
- Coronavirus: ADB announces USD 6.5 billion package - The Manila-headquartered Asian Development Bank (ADB) on March 18, 2020 announced a USD 6.5 billion package for its developing member countries to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
- US Federal Reserve cuts benchmark borrowing rate to a range of 0-0.25% - Faced with a growing economic shutdown amid the global new coronavirus pandemic, the US Federal Reserve cut the benchmark borrowing rate to a range of 0-0.25%. The central bank also announced massive asset purchases, opened its discount lending windows to banks and urged them to use it to help businesses and households.
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- 9. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3)
9.1 Scientist Have Uncovered the Mechanism Behind Mesmerizing “Whiskey Webs”
- Spilled coffee forms a ring as the liquid evaporates, depositing solids along the edge of the puddle. This “coffee ring effect” has fascinated scientists for decades, but now a team says they have uncovered the mechanism behind an even more striking, web-like pattern that forms when drops of American whiskey dry up. The results, reported in ACS Nano, suggest that these distinctive ‘whiskey webs’ could someday be used to identify counterfeit spirits.
- When a drop of liquid evaporates, solids are left behind in a pattern that depends on what the liquid is, what solids are in it and the environmental conditions. Stuart Williams and colleagues previously found that drops of diluted American whiskeys — but not their Scotch or Canadian counterparts — formed webbed patterns when dried on a glass surface, and there were hints that the pattern was distinctive for different brands of whiskey.
- In the current study, the researchers wanted to see how the whiskey webs form in more detail, and whether they could serve as fingerprints of the spirits.
- The team used time-lapse microscopy to examine droplets of diluted American whiskey as the liquid evaporated.
- Non-volatile organic compounds, such as phenols, aromatics, and esters, clustered together and were driven to the surface of the droplet, where they formed monolayers.
- As the surface area of the droplet decreased, the monolayers collapsed, creating strands of the web. The researchers showed that different American whiskeys showed unique web patterns that could be correctly matched to unknown samples more than 90% of the time.
- The distinctive webs arise from the unique combination of solutes in each whiskey, the researchers say.
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- 10. FACTS, CHARTS, RANKINGS and EDITORIALS (Prelims + GS Mains)
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on Judiciary and the Changing World at the International Judicial Conference 2020 organised at the Supreme Court in New Delhi on February 22-23, 2020.
- United by Emotion is the motto of 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah inaugurated the Regional Hub campus of NSG at Kolkata in March 2020.
- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister in March 2020 said that his government has decided to pay Rs. 900 per month to those farmers who will keep stray cattle at their houses.
- India’s foreign exchange reserves in the week to Marh 20, 2020 was 469.09 bn.
10.3 Today's best editorials to read
- We offer you 7 excellent editorials from across 10 newspapers we have scanned.
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- SECTION 3 - MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
2.4 Govt exempted procurement agencies, mandis, farming operations, farm workers from lockdown rules.
2.5 Japanese government funding agency JICA signs 3 agreements totalling Rs 15,295 crore with the Indian government for three mega rail infrastructure projects.
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- 3. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper)
- 3. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper)
3.1 Excess March rainfall: What it means for COVID-19 outbreak
- Excessive rainfall in March 2020 — accompanied by thunder, hail and lightning — severely damaged crops. The irregular weather patterns come close on the heels of an economic quarantine, itself the fallout of a worldwide pandemic caused by the COVID-19 disease outbreak.
- The country recorded 77 per cent more rain than normal between March 1 and March 19, 2020. There was large excess rainfall more than 60 per cent than normal recorded in 381 districts, 57 per cent of all districts in India.
- Around 6,50,000 farmers in Uttar Pradesh suffered estimated economic losses up to Rs. 255 crore.
- he distribution of rainfall throughout the country was uneven. UP and Delhi recorded 698 per cent and 621 per cent excess rain respectively. Bihar received nine times the normal rain it usually receives at this time period, while Jharkhand received eight times more in the same period.
- Almost all districts in these states recorded large excess rainfall. Chhattisgarh similarly received large excess rainfall in 25 of its 27 districts. Jharkhand, Bihar, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Haryana also witnessed large excess rain.
- But States in the North East received next to no rain, with Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura recording large deficits of rainfall at 68, 77, 99 and 84 per cent, respectively. Assam and Nagaland were also not far behind, with 48 and 50 per cent deficit rainfall, respectively. Only Meghalaya and Sikkim, known to naturally receive more rainfall, recorded normal rainfall in March till date.
- Goa remained the only state in the country to receive no rainfall. The union territories of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Puducherry did not receive any rain either.
- The southern peninsula received moderately high rain, with Tamil Nadu receiving next to no rain, an 87 per cent deficit.
- Change in weather conditions - The copious amount of rainfall in March also meant cooler than normal temperatures in these regions, delaying the onset of summer. An extended winter season in 2019 had meant a sudden jump from cold to extremely warm temperatures.
- These weather conditions hold significance amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If the virus thrives in cooler temperatures, the districts that received large excess rain provide decent conditions for the virus to spread.
- But some research papers suggested high humidity and temperatures slow the spread of the virus, though these papers were not peer reviewed.
- Scientists warned that the virus spread faster in countries lying in the southern hemisphere, like Australia, set for cooler temperatures in the winter season. But this warning does not come with a detailed study of how weather affects SARS-CoV-2. It is based on the behaviour of other viruses, human behaviour (people mostly huddle together during wintertime) and reduced human immunity to viruses during this period.
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- 4. FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)
- 4. FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)
4.1 Cabinet approves Extradition Treaty between India and Belgium
- The Union Cabinet on March 22, 2020 approved signing and ratifying of the Extradition Treaty between India and Belgium. Offences relating to taxation, or revenue or offences of fiscal character also fall within the scope of the treaty.
- Ajay Kumar has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to Uganda, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on March 17, 2020.
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- 5. GOVERNMENT SCHEMES (Prelims, GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3)
- Finance Minister announced Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) for the poor in view of coronavirus lockdown.
- Insurance cover worth Rs 50 lakh per person for sanitation workers, ASHA workers, doctors, nurses and paramedics who are on the frontlines of the coronavirus battle.
- 80 crore poor people will get 5 kg wheat or rice and 1 kg of preferred pulses for free every month for the next three months.
- Women Jan Dhan account holders to get Rs 500 per month for next three months.
- MNREGA wage increased to Rs 202 a day from Rs 182.
- For old age pensioners and widows, an additional ex-gratia amount of Rs 1,000 for the next three months available in two instalments.
- For the beneficiaries of Women Ujjwala Scheme, free cylinders will be given to 8.3 crore BPL families for three months.
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- 6. MISCELLANEOUS (Prelims, Various GS Papers)
- Defence Ministry places order for 16,479 LMG - The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on March 19, 2020 signed a ₹880-crore contract with the Israeli Weapon Industries (IWI) for procurement of 16,479 Light Machine Guns (LMG). The contracted Negev 7.62X51 mm LMG is a combat-proven weapon and currently used by several countries.
- Maruti Suzuki India expands commercial vehicles portfolio with Tour range - Maruti Suzuki India announced the expansion of its commercial network portfolio. The Company's Commercial network will now also sell the extensive Tour range of vehicles, namely Tour H1 (hatchback), Tour H2 (hatchback), Tour S (sedan), Tour V (van) and Tour M (MPV). Maruti Suzuki Commercial network already retails light commercial vehicle Super Carry and van Eeco.
- Volkswagen launches SUV T-Roc priced at Rs 19.99 lakh - Volkswagen India on March 18, 2020 said it has launched new SUV T-Roc in the country at an introductory price of Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
- SBI Cards and Payment Services lists after successful IPO - The shares of SBI Cards and Payment Services listed at Rs 661 on March 16, 2020, 12.45% below its issue price of Rs 755, as the uncertainty regarding the fallout of coronavirus epidemic continued to keep investor sentiment in check.
- Karur Vysya Bank launches pre-paid card Enkasu - Karur Vysya Bank has launched Enkasu, a pre-paid card in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The bank undertook a Quit Cash Movement in Karur - a movement to reduce the usage of cash in the district of Karur.
- Microsoft India and NASSCOM Foundation launch Innovate for Accessible India campaign - Microsoft India and NASSCOM Foundation on March 17, 2020 launched the Innovate for Accessible India campaign aimed at empowering people with disabilities with the technology and tools required for better integration into society and access to equal opportunities.
- TCS launches business ecosystem integration services suite - Tata Consultancy Services has launched the Business Ecosystem Integration Services (BEIS) suite to help businesses integrate with larger ecosystems and create new customer-centric, augmented offerings.
- Arundhati Bhattacharya to join Salesforce as Chairperson, CEO India - Global leader in customer relationship management (CRM) Salesforce said on March 18, 2020 that Arundhati Bhattacharya will join the company on April 20 as Chairperson and CEO of its India subsidiary to lead the company's growth and expansion across the market. Bhattacharya is a former Chairperson of the State Bank of India.
- COVID-19: Singer Rihanna donates $5 million in aid - Singer Rihanna’s non-profit organisation, the Clara Lionel Foundation, has donated $5 million to COVID-19 response efforts. The charity will be supporting Direct Relief, Partners In Health, Feeding America, the International Rescue Committee and World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund as they continue to fight the pandemic in the U.S., the Caribbean and Africa.
- Ravinder Singh Dhillon appointed CMD of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) - The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cleared the appointment of Ravinder Singh Dhillon as Chairman and Managing Director of Power Finance Corporation (PFC), according to an order on March 16, 2020.
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- 7. POLITY (Prelims, GS Paper 2)
7.1 Lok Sabha passes Appropriation Bill
- The Lok Sabha on March 16, 2020 passed the Appropriation Bill 2020-21 that empowers the government to draw over ₹110 lakh crore from the Consolidated Fund of India for its working, as well as for the implementation of its programmes and schemes.
- With the passage of the Appropriation Bill, two-thirds of the exercise for the approval of the 2020-21 Budget has been completed as both Houses had debated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget proposals in the first half of the current session.
- The Appropriation Bill, passed by a voice vote, envisages spending of ₹110.4 lakh crore during the Financial Year 2020-21. Speaker Om Birla applied “guillotine” — the Parliamentary tool to club all other pending subjects for discussion — after the discussion on the demand for grants to the Ministry of Tourism was completed. Earlier, the House had discussed in detail the demands for grants for Railways, and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The Lok Sabha on March 16, 2020 passed the Appropriation Bill 2020-21 that empowers the government to draw over ₹110 lakh crore from the Consolidated Fund of India for its working, as well as for the implementation of its programmes and schemes.
- With the passage of the Appropriation Bill, two-thirds of the exercise for the approval of the 2020-21 Budget has been completed as both Houses had debated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget proposals in the first half of the current session.
- The Appropriation Bill, passed by a voice vote, envisages spending of ₹110.4 lakh crore during the Financial Year 2020-21. Speaker Om Birla applied “guillotine” — the Parliamentary tool to club all other pending subjects for discussion — after the discussion on the demand for grants to the Ministry of Tourism was completed. Earlier, the House had discussed in detail the demands for grants for Railways, and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
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- 8. SOCIAL ISSUES (Prelims, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2)
- 8. SOCIAL ISSUES (Prelims, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2)
8.1 Tamil Nadu: Sanitary personnel to be called 'cleanliness workers'
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on March 19, 2020 announced in the Assembly that 64,583 sanitary personnel employed by urban and rural civic bodies in the State will from now on be called 'cleanliness workers' to honour their work.
- A book on Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, published by The Hindu Group of Publications, was launched at Sri Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu on March 20, 2020. It has been titled, Who Am I, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, 1879-1950.
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- 9. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3)
9.1 Digital Industry to temporarily default HD content streaming to SD till April 14
9.2 Govt banned export of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine
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- 10. FACTS, CHARTS, RANKINGS and EDITORIALS (Prelims + GS Mains)
- CISF was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent in the category of paramilitary forces in the Republic Day Parade in January 2020.
- Tímea Babos & Kristina Mladenovic won the Women’s Doubles title at the 2020 Australian Open tennis.
- World Cancer Day was observed on February 4, 2020.
- The President of Portugal is Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
- Ramesh Sippy won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 65th Filmfare Awards presented in Mumbai in Feb 2020.
10.3 Today's best editorials to read
- We offer you 7 excellent editorials from across 10 newspapers we have scanned.
- [message]
- SECTION 3 - MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
2.4 Govt exempted procurement agencies, mandis, farming operations, farm workers from lockdown rules.
2.5 Japanese government funding agency JICA signs 3 agreements totalling Rs 15,295 crore with the Indian government for three mega rail infrastructure projects.
- [message]
- 3. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper)
- 3. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3, Essay paper)
3.1 Excess March rainfall: What it means for COVID-19 outbreak
- Excessive rainfall in March 2020 — accompanied by thunder, hail and lightning — severely damaged crops. The irregular weather patterns come close on the heels of an economic quarantine, itself the fallout of a worldwide pandemic caused by the COVID-19 disease outbreak.
- The country recorded 77 per cent more rain than normal between March 1 and March 19, 2020. There was large excess rainfall more than 60 per cent than normal recorded in 381 districts, 57 per cent of all districts in India.
- Around 6,50,000 farmers in Uttar Pradesh suffered estimated economic losses up to Rs. 255 crore.
- he distribution of rainfall throughout the country was uneven. UP and Delhi recorded 698 per cent and 621 per cent excess rain respectively. Bihar received nine times the normal rain it usually receives at this time period, while Jharkhand received eight times more in the same period.
- Almost all districts in these states recorded large excess rainfall. Chhattisgarh similarly received large excess rainfall in 25 of its 27 districts. Jharkhand, Bihar, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Haryana also witnessed large excess rain.
- But States in the North East received next to no rain, with Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura recording large deficits of rainfall at 68, 77, 99 and 84 per cent, respectively. Assam and Nagaland were also not far behind, with 48 and 50 per cent deficit rainfall, respectively. Only Meghalaya and Sikkim, known to naturally receive more rainfall, recorded normal rainfall in March till date.
- Goa remained the only state in the country to receive no rainfall. The union territories of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Puducherry did not receive any rain either.
- The southern peninsula received moderately high rain, with Tamil Nadu receiving next to no rain, an 87 per cent deficit.
- Change in weather conditions - The copious amount of rainfall in March also meant cooler than normal temperatures in these regions, delaying the onset of summer. An extended winter season in 2019 had meant a sudden jump from cold to extremely warm temperatures.
- These weather conditions hold significance amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If the virus thrives in cooler temperatures, the districts that received large excess rain provide decent conditions for the virus to spread.
- But some research papers suggested high humidity and temperatures slow the spread of the virus, though these papers were not peer reviewed.
- Scientists warned that the virus spread faster in countries lying in the southern hemisphere, like Australia, set for cooler temperatures in the winter season. But this warning does not come with a detailed study of how weather affects SARS-CoV-2. It is based on the behaviour of other viruses, human behaviour (people mostly huddle together during wintertime) and reduced human immunity to viruses during this period.
- [message]
- 4. FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)
- 4. FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Prelims, GS Paper 2, Essay paper)
4.1 Cabinet approves Extradition Treaty between India and Belgium
- The Union Cabinet on March 22, 2020 approved signing and ratifying of the Extradition Treaty between India and Belgium. Offences relating to taxation, or revenue or offences of fiscal character also fall within the scope of the treaty.
- Ajay Kumar has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to Uganda, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on March 17, 2020.
- [message]
- 5. GOVERNMENT SCHEMES (Prelims, GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3)
- Finance Minister announced Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) for the poor in view of coronavirus lockdown.
- Insurance cover worth Rs 50 lakh per person for sanitation workers, ASHA workers, doctors, nurses and paramedics who are on the frontlines of the coronavirus battle.
- 80 crore poor people will get 5 kg wheat or rice and 1 kg of preferred pulses for free every month for the next three months.
- Women Jan Dhan account holders to get Rs 500 per month for next three months.
- MNREGA wage increased to Rs 202 a day from Rs 182.
- For old age pensioners and widows, an additional ex-gratia amount of Rs 1,000 for the next three months available in two instalments.
- For the beneficiaries of Women Ujjwala Scheme, free cylinders will be given to 8.3 crore BPL families for three months.
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- 6. MISCELLANEOUS (Prelims, Various GS Papers)
- Defence Ministry places order for 16,479 LMG - The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on March 19, 2020 signed a ₹880-crore contract with the Israeli Weapon Industries (IWI) for procurement of 16,479 Light Machine Guns (LMG). The contracted Negev 7.62X51 mm LMG is a combat-proven weapon and currently used by several countries.
- Maruti Suzuki India expands commercial vehicles portfolio with Tour range - Maruti Suzuki India announced the expansion of its commercial network portfolio. The Company's Commercial network will now also sell the extensive Tour range of vehicles, namely Tour H1 (hatchback), Tour H2 (hatchback), Tour S (sedan), Tour V (van) and Tour M (MPV). Maruti Suzuki Commercial network already retails light commercial vehicle Super Carry and van Eeco.
- Volkswagen launches SUV T-Roc priced at Rs 19.99 lakh - Volkswagen India on March 18, 2020 said it has launched new SUV T-Roc in the country at an introductory price of Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
- SBI Cards and Payment Services lists after successful IPO - The shares of SBI Cards and Payment Services listed at Rs 661 on March 16, 2020, 12.45% below its issue price of Rs 755, as the uncertainty regarding the fallout of coronavirus epidemic continued to keep investor sentiment in check.
- Karur Vysya Bank launches pre-paid card Enkasu - Karur Vysya Bank has launched Enkasu, a pre-paid card in Karur, Tamil Nadu. The bank undertook a Quit Cash Movement in Karur - a movement to reduce the usage of cash in the district of Karur.
- Microsoft India and NASSCOM Foundation launch Innovate for Accessible India campaign - Microsoft India and NASSCOM Foundation on March 17, 2020 launched the Innovate for Accessible India campaign aimed at empowering people with disabilities with the technology and tools required for better integration into society and access to equal opportunities.
- TCS launches business ecosystem integration services suite - Tata Consultancy Services has launched the Business Ecosystem Integration Services (BEIS) suite to help businesses integrate with larger ecosystems and create new customer-centric, augmented offerings.
- Arundhati Bhattacharya to join Salesforce as Chairperson, CEO India - Global leader in customer relationship management (CRM) Salesforce said on March 18, 2020 that Arundhati Bhattacharya will join the company on April 20 as Chairperson and CEO of its India subsidiary to lead the company's growth and expansion across the market. Bhattacharya is a former Chairperson of the State Bank of India.
- COVID-19: Singer Rihanna donates $5 million in aid - Singer Rihanna’s non-profit organisation, the Clara Lionel Foundation, has donated $5 million to COVID-19 response efforts. The charity will be supporting Direct Relief, Partners In Health, Feeding America, the International Rescue Committee and World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund as they continue to fight the pandemic in the U.S., the Caribbean and Africa.
- Ravinder Singh Dhillon appointed CMD of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) - The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cleared the appointment of Ravinder Singh Dhillon as Chairman and Managing Director of Power Finance Corporation (PFC), according to an order on March 16, 2020.
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- 7. POLITY (Prelims, GS Paper 2)
7.1 Lok Sabha passes Appropriation Bill
- The Lok Sabha on March 16, 2020 passed the Appropriation Bill 2020-21 that empowers the government to draw over ₹110 lakh crore from the Consolidated Fund of India for its working, as well as for the implementation of its programmes and schemes.
- With the passage of the Appropriation Bill, two-thirds of the exercise for the approval of the 2020-21 Budget has been completed as both Houses had debated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget proposals in the first half of the current session.
- The Appropriation Bill, passed by a voice vote, envisages spending of ₹110.4 lakh crore during the Financial Year 2020-21. Speaker Om Birla applied “guillotine” — the Parliamentary tool to club all other pending subjects for discussion — after the discussion on the demand for grants to the Ministry of Tourism was completed. Earlier, the House had discussed in detail the demands for grants for Railways, and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The Lok Sabha on March 16, 2020 passed the Appropriation Bill 2020-21 that empowers the government to draw over ₹110 lakh crore from the Consolidated Fund of India for its working, as well as for the implementation of its programmes and schemes.
- With the passage of the Appropriation Bill, two-thirds of the exercise for the approval of the 2020-21 Budget has been completed as both Houses had debated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget proposals in the first half of the current session.
- The Appropriation Bill, passed by a voice vote, envisages spending of ₹110.4 lakh crore during the Financial Year 2020-21. Speaker Om Birla applied “guillotine” — the Parliamentary tool to club all other pending subjects for discussion — after the discussion on the demand for grants to the Ministry of Tourism was completed. Earlier, the House had discussed in detail the demands for grants for Railways, and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
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- 8. SOCIAL ISSUES (Prelims, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2)
- 8. SOCIAL ISSUES (Prelims, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2)
8.1 Tamil Nadu: Sanitary personnel to be called 'cleanliness workers'
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on March 19, 2020 announced in the Assembly that 64,583 sanitary personnel employed by urban and rural civic bodies in the State will from now on be called 'cleanliness workers' to honour their work.
- A book on Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, published by The Hindu Group of Publications, was launched at Sri Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu on March 20, 2020. It has been titled, Who Am I, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, 1879-1950.
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- 9. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Prelims, GS Paper 3)
9.1 Digital Industry to temporarily default HD content streaming to SD till April 14
9.2 Govt banned export of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine
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- 10. FACTS, CHARTS, RANKINGS and EDITORIALS (Prelims + GS Mains)
- CISF was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent in the category of paramilitary forces in the Republic Day Parade in January 2020.
- Tímea Babos & Kristina Mladenovic won the Women’s Doubles title at the 2020 Australian Open tennis.
- World Cancer Day was observed on February 4, 2020.
- The President of Portugal is Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
- Ramesh Sippy won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 65th Filmfare Awards presented in Mumbai in Feb 2020.
10.3 Today's best editorials to read
- We offer you 7 excellent editorials from across 10 newspapers we have scanned.
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- SECTION 3 - MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
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