Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 02-04-2020

Useful compilation of Civil Services oriented - Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 02-04-2020

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• SECTION 1 - TEN NEWS HEADLINES

1. Tablighi Jamaat headquarters cleared - All occupants of the Tablighi Jamaat headquarters, at the centre of an extensive net of the novel coronavirus transmission, were evacuated, even as the authorities scrambled to identify and quarantine visitors who had returned home to various parts of the country. At least 29 more occupants tested positive, taking the total in Delhi alone to 53. Of around 310 delegates from Kerala, only 60 have returned to the State, and are under quarantine. The missionary sect’s followers travel extensively, and efforts are on to trace the rest. At least 500 participants from Haryana are in quarantine. Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a videoconference with the Chief Secretaries of all the States.
2. 110 new cases from Delhi event in T.N. - Tamil Nadu’s tally of confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases crossed the 200-mark. With 110 more persons who attended the Tablighi Jamaat conference at Nizamuddin in Delhi testing positive for COVID-19 in 15 districts, the total number of cases in the State increased to 234. Health Secretary Beela Rajesh said of the 110, one person was from Myanmar and another from Indonesia.
3. India sees a sharp spike in infections - India reported three deaths and 376 new cases — the highest-ever single-day increase in its COVID-19 tally. This brought the total confirmed cases to 1,637 and took the death toll to 38. One hundred and thirty two persons have been cured/discharged from hospitals after recovery, the Union Health Ministry said at its daily press briefing, which was the shortest in a month as questions were restricted to a couple of media outlets. Reports from the State Health Departments put the number of positive cases at 1,897, with 1,702 active ones. The number of deaths stood at 55.
4. Centre defines J&K domicile rules - The Union government has issued a notification defining “domiciles” in the new Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir for protecting jobs in the Group D category and entry-level non-gazetted posts for the domiciles. On August 6 last, the Centre withdrew J&K’s special status under Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution and bifurcated it into the UTs of J&K and Ladakh. This notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) makes changes to the Public Safety Act (PSA) by removing a clause that prohibited J&K residents booked under the Act to be lodged in jails outside. The notification scraps all pension benefits such as car, driver, accommodation, phones, electricity, medical facilities and rent-free accommodation to former J&K Chief Ministers.
5. World could face a food crisis: UN, WTO - The heads of three global agencies warned of the risk of a worldwide “food shortage” if authorities fail to manage the ongoing COVID-19 crisis properly. Many governments around the world have put their populations on lockdown causing severe slow-downs in international trade and food supply chains. Panic buying by people going into confinement has already demonstrated the fragility of supply chains as supermarket shelves emptied in many countries.
6. India welcomes Ghani’s talk team - Welcoming Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani’s decision to form a team for intra-Afghan negotiations that will include the Taliban, the government said this is a “positive step” for the process of reconciliation in the country.
7. RBI relaxes export rules, allows States and UTs to borrow more - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced more measures to fight economic disruptions caused by COVID-19, including extension of the realisation period of export proceeds and allowing States to borrow more. The central bank has also formed an advisory committee to review the ways and means limit for State governments and union territories. Till the panel submits its report, the central bank has increased the ways and means advances limit by 30% for States and union territories.
8. SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank activate moratorium - State Bank of India, the country’s largest lender and private sector lenders ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank have started activating the loan repayment moratorium option for customers. The moratorium was announced by the Reserve Bank of India last week in view of the financial stress faced by borrowers following the lockdown declared on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
9. HRD ministry directs CBSE to promote all class 1-8 students to next class due to COVID-19 lockdown - The HRD ministry on Wednesday directed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to promote all students of classes 1 to 8 to the next class in view of the situation due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. Students of class 9 and 11 will be promoted on school-based assessments conducted so far.
10. S&P Global Ratings cuts estimate for India’s GDP growth in the fiscal starting April 1 to 5.2% from its earlier estimate of 6.5%.

Important Exam Notifications
S. No.	Institution	Exam or Post Name	Vacancies or Seats	Qualification	Last Date to Apply	Link for Details
1	Thiruvarur District Central Cooperative Bank	Assistant	45	Any Degree	April 9, 2020	http://www.tvrdrb.in/doc_pdf/Notification_1.pdf
2	Vellore District Central Cooperative Bank	Assistant	105	Any Degree	April 14, 2020	http://www.drbvellore.net/recruitment/admin/images/DRB%20VDCCB%20Credit%20Re-Notification%20-%202020809249_1584103061.pdf
3	Vellore District Central Cooperative Bank	Assistant	59	Any Degree	April 14, 2020	http://www.drbvellore.net/recruitment/admin/images/DRB%20Credit%20Institutions%20Re-Notification%20-%202020509681_1584103354.pdf
4	Coimbatore District Central Cooperative Bank	Assistant	81	Any Degree	April 15, 2020	http://www.cbedrb.in/doc_pdf/Notification_2.pdf
5	Coimbatore District Central Cooperative Bank	Assistant	55	Any Degree	April 15, 2020	http://www.cbedrb.in/doc_pdf/Notification_1.pdf
6	SHKM Govt Medical College, Mewat	Research Scientist, Lab Technician	9	MBBS, Degree (Relevant Discipline)	Every Day – Walk in	https://img.freejobalert.com/uploads/2020/04/Notification-SHKM-Govt-Medical-College-Research-Scientist-Lab-Technician-Posts.pdf
7	NHM, Parbhani	Medical Officer, Staff Nurse	80	GNM, B.Sc (Nursing), MBBS, MD	April 2, 2020	https://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s39cf81d8026a9018052c429cc4e56739b/uploads/2020/03/2020033099.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 Justice Rajnesh Oswal sworn in as Judge of J&K HC

• He is the first J&K judge to take oath under Indian Constitution.
• All previous judges of the HC had taken oath under the Constitution of Jammu & Kashmir, which ceased to have effect since August 5, 2019.
• Chief Justice Gita Mittal administered the oath to Justice Oswal in a ceremony held at the Jammu Wing of the High Court.
• With the appointment of Justice Oswal, the HC has a working strength of nine judges, including the Chief Justice, against a sanctioned strength of 17 judges.

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

2.1 Core Sector Growth at 5.5%

• The eight core sector industries recorded a growth of 5.5% in February, 2020 which is highest in 11-months.
• This spike is because of growth in refinery products, electricity, fertiliser, cement and coal production but crude oil, natural gas, and steel recorded negative growth rate in February.
• This was the fourth consecutive month when the index of eight core industries reported growth.
• The outlook may not be very bright for March 2020, as the lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19 has disrupted the production process in the country and globally.
• The eight core sector industries include coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity.
• The eight core industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
• The eight Core Industries in decreasing order of their weightage: Refinery Products (28.04) > Electricity (19.85) >  Steel (17.92) > Coal (10.33) > Crude Oil (8.98) > Natural Gas (6.88) > Cement (5.37) > Fertilizers (2.63).
• The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is an index which details out the growth of various sectors in an economy such as mineral mining, electricity,manufacturing, etc. It is compiled and published monthly by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation six weeks after the reference month ends, i.e a lag of six weeks. The Base Year of the Index of Eight Core Industries has been revised from the year 2004-05 to 2011-12 from April, 2017.

2.2 SBI to provide 0.25% of its annual profit for 2020-21 to fight the coronavirus outbreak in India.category to procure defence equipment at affordable rates.

2.3  Sumant Kathpalia succeeded Romesh Sobti as CEO & MD of IndusInd Bank.

2.4 Scientists from DST’s Agharkar Research Institute, Pune develop high protein content wheat variety MACS 4028.

2.5 DST’s ARCI (International Advanced Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials) in Hyderabad develops technology to improve fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines.

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

3.1 Improved Air Quality amid COVID-19 lockdown

• The nationwide lockdown has led to minimal air pollution in over 90 cities including Delhi.
• Other factors which have contributed to the improved air quality are shutting down of industries and construction sites and rains.
• According to the centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the measures against COVID-19 have led to a drop in –
• PM2.5 - It is an atmospheric Particulate Matter of diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres, which is around 3% of the diameter of a human hair. It causes respiratory problems and also reduces visibility. It is an endocrine disruptor that can affect insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity thus contributing to diabetes.
• Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) - NOx pollution is mainly caused due to a high motor vehicle traffic and can increase the risk of respiratory conditions. Generally in March, pollution is in the moderate category in the Air Quality Index while currently, it is in the satisfactory or good category.
• Air quality in the National Capital Territory of Delhi is presently in the good category.
• Kanpur, which has high pollution levels normally, is in the satisfactory category.
• 92 other cities with CPCB monitoring centres have recorded minimal air pollution, with the air quality ranging between good and satisfactory. 
• The low AQI and the blue skies prove that air pollution was mostly anthropomorphic (man-made), which can be reduced by conscious efforts.
• It was also emphasised that air pollution weakens the lungs so countries like India with higher pollution and lower nutrition levels will be more affected by COVID-19 leading to higher morbidity and deaths.
• Air Quality Index - The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It focuses on health effects one might experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. AQI is calculated for eight major air pollutants – Ground-level ozone, PM10, PM2.5, Carbon monoxide, Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Ammonia, Lead. 
• Ground-level ozone and airborne particles are the two pollutants that pose the greatest threat to human health in India.

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

4.1 India and China celebrate 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on April 1

• 1950 - India and China established diplomatic relations. India was the first non-socialist country to establish relations and the catchphrase ‘Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai’ became famous.
• 1955 - Both countries attended the Asian-African Conference at Bandung, Indonesia and jointly advocated the Bandung Spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation. It has led to the decolonisation of the whole of Asia and Africa and to the formation of a Non-Aligned Movement as the third Way between the Two Blocs of Superpowers. The First NAM Summit Conference took place in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in September 1961.
• 1962 - The border conflict led to a serious setback in bilateral relations.
• 1976 - China and India restored ambassadorial relations and bilateral ties improved gradually. 
• 1988 - Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited China, initiating the process of normalization of bilateral relations. The two sides agreed to look forward and develop bilateral relations actively in other fields while seeking a mutually acceptable solution to boundary questions.
• 1992 - Indian President R. Venkataraman visited China. He was the first President who visited China since the independence of the Republic of India.
• 1996 - Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited India. He was the first head of state from China who visited India since the establishment of bilateral ties. Agreement between the Government of China and the Government of India on Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas was signed.
• 2000 - Indian President K R Narayanan visited China on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India.
• 2008 - "A Shared Vision for the 21st Century" was agreed upon by the two governments.
• 2010 - The 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India. In December, the two countries issued a Joint Communiqué.
• 2011 - It was the ‘China-India Exchange Year’. Both sides held a series of people-to-people and cultural exchange activities. Both of them signed a memorandum on joint compilation for the ‘Encyclopedia of India-China Cultural Contacts’.
• 2012 - It was the ‘Year of China-India Friendship and Cooperation’. The head of the governments met each other on the sidelines of the 4th BRICS Summit and the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.
• 2015 - The two sides met on the sidelines of the 7th BRICS Summit in Ufa, Russia and the Leaders' Meetings on East Asia Cooperation in Malaysia. China decided to open the Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) to Indian official pilgrims to Xizang. India celebrated the India Tourism Year in China.
• 2018 - Chinese President held an informal meeting with Indian Prime Minister in Wuhan which set up a new model of exchanges between two leaders. Indian Prime Minister visited China to attend the SCO Summit in Qingdao. The two leaders met again on the sidelines of the 10th BRICS Summit and the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires.
• 2019 - The second informal meeting was held in Mamallapuram, Chennai which reaffirmed the Wuhan consensus. Both nations agreed to build a closer partnership for development, enhance the in-depth strategic communication, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and advance exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations. Both sides met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek and the 11th BRICS Summit.
• 2020 - It marks the year of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. It is also China-India Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges, where the two sides agreed to hold 70 celebratory activities to demonstrate the historic connection between the two civilizations as well as their growing bilateral relationship.

4.2 UN Security Council unanimously adopts resolution on the safety and security of peacekeepers.

 4.3 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated in 2nd Extraordinary G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under the Saudi Arabian Presidency through videoconferencing.

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

5.1 Not Available Today.

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• 6. MISCELLANEOUS (Prelims, Various GS Papers)

6.1 Weekly Roundup – Corporate

• IAG (Insurance Australia General) sells its entire 26% stake in SBI General Insurance to Premji Invest & Warburg Pincus group for USD 310 million.
• Punjab National Bank (PNB) unveils new logo following its merger with United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC).
• Volkswagen launches SUV T-Roc priced at Rs 19.99 lakh.
• Karur Vysya Bank launches pre-paid card Enkasu in Tamil Nadu.

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• 7. POLITY (Prelims, GS Paper 2)

7.1 Rajasthan Day celebrated on March 30

• This date marks state’s formation on this day in 1949.
• Rajasthan, earlier known as Rajputana.
• Rajasthan Day commemorates the valour, strong will power and sacrifice of the people of Rajasthan.  
• Before Independence, Rajasthan was comprised of around 21 small and big princely states. 
• The princely states were annexed to the union of India on 15th August 1947 but their unification could be accomplished only later. 
• Rajasthan Union came into existence by the union of states namely Banswara, Bundi, Dungarpur, Jhalawar, Kishangarh, Pratapgarh, Shahpura, Tonk, and Kota on 25th March 1948. 
• The United State of Rajasthan was inaugurated by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on 18th April 1948.
• Greater Rajasthan States like Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, and Jodhpur got merged and formed Greater Rajasthan on 30th March 1949 which was inaugurated by Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. 
• Later Rajasthan was further reorganised by the merger of Matsya Union on May 15th, 1949, Sirohi joined Rajasthan on January 26th, 1950 and annexation of Ajmer-Merwara region in November 1956. 
• Later Madhya Pradesh's Bhanpura tehsil and Abu of Gujarat also merged with Rajasthan.

7.2 Beni Prasad Verma, a founding member of the Samajwadi Party and former Union minister, died at 80 in Lucknow.

7.3 Uttarakhand Government removed reservation in promotions for SC/ST employees.

7.4 Information and Broadcasting Ministry made mandatory for cable operators to carry 25 DD, RS and LS TV channels.

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

8.1 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination observed by UN on March 21

• The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March.
• On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws. 
• Proclaiming the day in 1966, the United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
• In South Africa, Human Rights Day is a public holiday celebrated on 21 March each year. The day commemorates the lives of those who died to fight for democracy and equal human rights for all in South Africa during apartheid, an institutionally racist system built upon racial discrimination. 
• The Sharpeville Massacre on 21 March 1960 is the particular reference day for this public holiday.
• Theme 2019: Mitigating and countering rising nationalist populism and extreme supremacist ideologies.
• Theme 2020: Recognition, justice and development: The midterm review of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

 8.2 Rajyogini Dadi Janki, the chief of Brahmakumaris Sansthan, died at 104 in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.

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

9.1 First made-in-India testing kit for novel coronavirus named ‘Patho Detect’ launched at Mylab Discovery in Pune; developed by team led by virologist Minal Dakhave Bhosale.

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

10.1  Not Available Today

10.2 Daily dose of  FIVE Facts -

• Maharashtra government on March 5, 2020 renamed the airport at Aurangabad as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport.
• The World Intellectual Property Organisation is based at Geneva.
• N. S. Vishwanathan was RBI Deputy Governor who step down on March 31, 2020.
• The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) comprises Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, French Reunion and Mauritius.
• National Safety Day was observed on March 4, 2020.

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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