Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 02-06-2020

Useful compilation of Civil Services oriented - Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 02-06-2020

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• SECTION 1 - TEN NEWS HEADLINES

1. Indian Economy – Monsoon hits Kerala with cyclone in the background – The monsoon has arrived in Kerala, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. This is four days earlier than what the IMD had forecast in mid-May but is also the date on which the monsoon normally sets in over the State. However, 700 km from Mumbai, a nascent cyclone is brewing in the Arabian Sea and is likely to hit north Maharashtra as well as the Gujarat coast by June 3. The IMD’s latest cyclone update expects it to balloon into a ‘severe cyclone’ by the middle of the week. The presence of a cyclone near land during the monsoon onset could delay the progress of the monsoon and put it into a ‘hiatus’.
2. USA: George Floyd Protests Update – Clashes outside White House, more U.S. cities under curfew – The police fired tear-gas outside the White House as anti-racism protesters again took to the streets to voice fury at police brutality. Major U.S. cities were put under curfew to suppress rioting. With the Trump administration branding instigators of six nights of rioting as domestic terrorists, there were more confrontations between protesters and the police and fresh outbreaks of looting. Violent clashes erupted repeatedly in a small park next to the White House, with authorities using tear-gas, pepper spray and flash bang grenades to disperse crowds that lit several large fires and damaged property.
3. Indian Economy – Pulses, oilseeds see sharp hike in MSP – The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an increase in the minimum support prices (MSPs) for all mandated kharif crops, including paddy, pulses and cotton, for the 2020-21 marketing season. The Union Cabinet also extended the repayment date for standard short-term loans upto Rs. 3 lakh for agriculture and allied activities, till August 31, 2020. The MSP for paddy (common) has been increased by Rs. 53 per quintal, to Rs. 1,868 per quintal, while that of cotton was increased by Rs. 260 per quintal to Rs. 5,515 for medium staple variety, and by Rs. 275 per quintal to Rs. 5,825 for long staple variety.
4. Environment and Ecology – Locusts fly into Chhattisgarh from M.P. – Swarms of desert locusts flew into two villages of Korea district of Chhattisgarh from neighbouring Madhya Pradesh but caused minimal damage. A swarm remained between Punji and Jwaratola villages of Bharatpur block of the district. A further advance inside Chhattisgarh depended on Madhya Pradesh’s handling of swarms and the wind direction, Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Principal Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Agriculture Departmen.
5. COVID-19 Updates – COVID-19 strikes fear in Bru refugee camp in Tripura – The novel coronavirus has struck in a relief camp for about 15,000 displaced Bru tribal people in Tripura’s Kanchanpur subdivision. A man from the Damcherra area of North Tripura district’s Panisagar subdivision bordering Mizoram was prescribed home quarantine after he reached Agartala in May-end. But his swab sample tested COVID-19 positive the day after he reached his wife’s house at the Naisingpara relief camp on the morning of May 30. The camp is about 185 km northeast of Agartala.
6. Hong Kong Protests Updates – Hong Kong Police Block Tiananmen Square Vigil, Citing Coronavirus Concerns – For the first time in 30 years, police in Hong Kong have denied permission for organizers to hold an annual vigil for victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Police have cited concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. The rally has been held each year since 1990 to commemorate the lives lost in the June 4, 1989, crackdown in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. The Chinese military opened fire on citizens who were calling for economic and democratic reforms. The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which organized the vigil. The alliance also asked the public to join an online gathering and light candles across the city.
7. Daniel Pearl Case - SC rejects Sindh govt’s plea to suspend SHC verdict – The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan rejected the Sindh government’s plea to suspend Sindh High Court’s (SHC) judgement regarding the release and acquittal of accused in the murder case of American journalist Daniel Pearl. During the hearing, Justice Manzoor Malik said the petition seeking suspension of the judgment cites irrelevant provisions. The apex court ordered the counsel representing the provincial government, Farooq H Naek, to submit the detailed record before the court for the case to be further heard. The hearing was then adjourned indefinitely. The Sindh government had sought time to submit the record of the trial court.
8. Indian Economy – Moody’s trims India’s rating to lowest investment grade, retains ‘negative’ outlook – Moody’s Investors Service trimmed India’s sovereign rating by a notch to the lowest investment grade of Baa-2 and retained the “negative” outlook, giving effect to earlier warnings of a downgrade if the country’s fiscal metrics “weaken materially” in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the agency had warned of downgrade on May 8, the Centre unveiled an economic stimulus package of close to Rs 21 lakh crore (barely 10% of which was additional budgetary cost), the National Statistics Office announced the country’s GDP growth slowed to an 11-year low of 4.2% in FY20 and the Centre’s fiscal deficit in FY20 was revealed to be 4.6% of GDP, the highest level since FY13.
9. Indian Economy – Direct tax mop-up rises 39% amid sharp decline in disbursement of refunds – Gross direct tax collections recorded a 13 per cent fall up to May 23 this year, compared to the same period last year. This came on the back of economic disruption caused by the outbreak. However, a sharp decline in disbursement of refunds by the tax department has bumped up net collections, which rose 39 per cent during the period. Gross tax collections declined to Rs 91,646 crore between April 1 and May 23, compared to Rs 1.05 trillion in the corresponding period of FY20. Refunds worth Rs 16,242 crore were issued during this period, a 68 per cent fall compared to the Rs 51,655 crore disbursed last year.
10. COVID-19 Update – India records biggest spike again; death toll crosses 4,000 – India recorded roughly 7,000 new COVID-19 cases, marking its highest single-day jump in coronavirus infections for the fourth consecutive day. The nationwide tally has now crossed 1,38,000 while the death toll rose to 4,025. Five states and union territories independently reported their biggest spikes. Notably, Arunachal Pradesh, that had been declared coronavirus-free, reported a fresh case.

Important Exam Notifications
S. No.	Institution	Exam or Post Name	Vacancies or Seats	Qualification	Last Date to Apply	Link for Details
1	Hindustan Antibiotics Ltd	Marketing Officer	5	--	June 13, 2020	https://img.freejobalert.com/uploads/2020/06/Notification-Hindustan-Antibiotics-Ltd-Marketing-Officer-Posts.pdf
2	IARI	Research Associate, JRF, Young Professiona	18	Any Degree, PG	June 21, 2020	https://www.iari.res.in/bic/projectnew32/admin/jobs/Interview_Division_30052020.pdf
3	Tata Memorial Centre	Adhoc Jr Resident, Technician, Electrician	5	SSC, ITI, MBBS, B.Phar.	June 8, 2020	https://tmc.gov.in/m_events/Events/JobDetail?jobId=6909
4	IARI	Senior Research Fellow, unskilled labour	7	Ph. D	June 6, 2020	https://www.iari.res.in/bic/projectnew32/admin/jobs/SRF_Labor_Microbiology_23052020.pdf
5	ARIAS	Jr Data Analyst, Investment Facilitation Manager,	5	PG	June 10, 2020	http://www.arias.in/download/30May2020/Long%20REOI%20Version-ARIAS%20Society.pdf
6	MSU, Baroda	Computer Pro., DEO, Network Asst,	9	Degree, MCA	June 12, 2020	http://cc.msubaroda.ac.in/RecAdminStaff/MSUBRecruitmentData/Notifications/Notification_ADE_14_2020_2021.pdf
7	NHM, Sindhudurg	Medical Officer, Audiologist, Social Wor.	90	12th Class, GNM, Degree	June 3, 2020	https://img.freejobalert.com/uploads/2020/05/Notification-PCMC-ASHA-Posts.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 Tik Tok requires to be properly regulated - Orissa HC

• Justice S. K. Panigrahi, considering a bail plea, observed that the application 'often demonstrates a degrading culture and encourage pornography besides causing pedophiles and explicit disturbing content' and that the regulation of such is required 'to save the teens from its negative impact.'
• The accused in this case was the wife of the deceased.
• The deceased had committed suicide after the co-accused streamed in Tik Tok some of his intimate and private videos with the accused.
• Both were charged under Section 306 IPC for abetment of suicide though the Court granted bail to the accused.
• India lacks a specialized law to address the crime like cyber bullying. 
• The Court said that the appropriate Government has got the social responsibility to put some fair regulatory burden on those companies which are proliferating such applications.
• Though certain sections of the Information Technology Act in conjunction with other Acts in force, do have the teeth to bite such offenders especially Sections 66E, 67 and 67A,which stipulates punishment for violation of privacy, publication and circulation of what the Act calls "obscene" or "lascivious" content, but grossly insufficient.
• The Information Technology Act, 2000 does impose an obligation upon such companies to take down content and exercise due diligence before uploading any content, but India lacks a specialized law to address the crime like cyber bullying.
• The Court also observed that many investigating officers are neither well trained nor do they understand the nuances of cybercrime.
• The Madras High court had made similar observations about the Tik Tok Mobile Application and had even directed the Government to prohibit the download.
• Later this order was vacated with a warning to TikTok management that if it violates its undertakings to filter negative and inappropriate or obscene materials, it can amount to contempt of court.

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

2.1 Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal addresses Digital Summit on Exports organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on May 28

• The institutional partner for the summit is Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
• Exports are likely to improve in May 2020, with the contraction expected to be 30-35%, after outbound shipments crashed by a record 60% in April.
• 70% of exports are in raw materials and their remaining trade is affected by price shocks and supply volatility.
• These items command only 30%  of global product demand.
• Exports fell 60.28% in April and 34.5% in March.
• The fall can be narrowed 8- 10% by June 2020.
• The 28 of the 30 major product groups experienced the highest-ever double-digit contraction of up to 99% in April 2020.
• Even large quantities of petroleum products are unable to push value-wise exports as international prices were at low.
• Knock-on effects of historically low exports in April 2020 may reduce short outbound trade in FY21 as the March-June period is crucial in the export cycle for many sectors such as apparels and engineering goods.
• Once the current crisis ends, restating the domestic consumption will anchor industrial growth and exports.
• Ways to increase exports suggested by NASCOM -  

1. reviving manufacturing, diversifying the exports basket, and finding newer and more accepting markets.
2. India should be seen as a trusted partner and reliable friend in the world market,  especially when global supply chains are undergoing a restructuring.

• CII - It is a not-for-profit and non-government organization that is established to create a conducive environment for the development of industry and civil society in India through advisory and consultative services. Its Corporate Office is at New Delhi, India. Its President are Vikram Shreekant Kirloskar. Its Director General are Chandrajit Banerjee.
• New Definitions of MSMEs
• MSMEs with an investment of Rs one crore and turnover of Rs 5 cr will be classified as micro-units
• Units with an investment of Rs 10 crore and turnover of Rs 50 crore will be recognised as small units
• Units with an investment of Rs 50 crore and turnover of Rs 250 crore will be classified as medium units

2.2 Other Important News

• Union Administration orders ISPS (internet service providers) to block computer file-sharing website WeTransfer due to security reasons.
• Income-tax return (ITR) forms for assessment year (AY) 2020-21 to captures information on cash deposits exceeding Rs. 1 crore, expenditure on foreign travel exceeding Rs. 2 lakh and electricity expenses exceeding Rs. 1 lakh
• Govt unveils PM SVANIDHI (Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi) scheme to provide loans upto Rs. 10,000 to street vendors.
• PM launched technology platform CHAMPIONS (Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength.) for boosting growth in MSME sector.
• Indian Energy Exchange launches Real-Time Electricity Market (RTM) on its platform from June 1.

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

3.1 IMD announces onset of southwest monsoon

• The southwest monsoon season is extremely important to farmers of India.
• This monsoon replenishes the country's farm-dependent economy.
• Every year, it, first arrives at the southern tip of Kerala usually in the first week of June.
• The monsoon season in India from June to September accounts for 75 per cent of rainfall in the country.
• That the country is expected to see "normal" monsoon this year.
• Rainfall would be 102% of its LPA (long period average).
• The Long Period Average of monsoon at 96 to 104 per cent, is the good news the country had been waiting for after battling the horrors of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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

4.1 The US President has proposed the expansion of the G7

• The USA has suggested to delay the 46th Summit of G7. 
• It was scheduled to be held in June 2020 at Camp David (USA).
• G7 or Group of Seven consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US. It was formed in 1975 as an informal forum. 
• Initially it focussed on economic issues but later it focussed on the several challenges such as the oil crashes of the 1970s, terrorism, arms control, and drug trafficking, etc. The group does not have a formal constitution or a fixed headquarters and the decisions taken by leaders are non-binding.
• The G7 nations meet at annual summits. The host country holds the G7 presidency on rotational basis, sets the agenda for the year and also gets a chance to invite dignitaries from outside the G7.
• The groundwork for the Summit is done by the Sherpas – the personal representatives or members of diplomatic staff such as ambassadors.
• G7 has now been called out-dated and has suggested inclusion emerging economies. The G20 comprises present G7 countries, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey. The G20 countries make up around 80% of the world’s economy in comparison with 40% of G7. The nature of expansion, whether it will be permanent or temporary is unclear. 
• Russia was the member of the group from 1997 to 2014 (expelled after the annexation of the Crimea), and the group  was called G8. The proposal to re-admit Russia is expected to receive strong reactions from other members because Russia is seen as an ally of China.
• India had attended the G7 summit of 2019 at Biarritz in France as a special guest of French President. India has attended the G8 five times as special guests by various hosts.
• Despite being the world's biggest population and second-biggest economy China has relatively low levels of wealth per head of population thus it is not considered as an advanced economy and was not part of G7. 
• The expansion of G7 has been believed to be a plan to unite all traditional allies to deal with assertive diplomacy of China. The proposal comes amid on-going issues between the US and China which includes autonomy of Hong Kong to Taiwan, the origins of Covid-19, South China Sea tensions and trade issues.
• The rise of India, China, and Brazil  has reduced the relevance of G7. The proposed expansion may help G7 to be a more representative institution and subsequently to establish an equal platform for member countries at global level.

4.2 Two visa assistants of the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi nabbed by Delhi Police for spying. They asked to leave the country within 24 hours.

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

5.1 AYUSH Ministry and ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) jointly launch video blogging contest named as My Life – My Yoga (Jeevan Yoga)

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• 6. MISCELLANEOUS (Prelims, Various GS Papers)

6.1 Not Available Today

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• 7. POLITY (Prelims, GS Paper 2)

7.1 R. Sreelekha becomes first woman DGP in Kerala

• Transport Commissioner R Sreelekha, who was elevated to the DGP rank is Kerala’s first woman IPS officer to reach the DGP post.
• A 1987 batch officer, she is also the first woman IPS officer of Kerala.
• It was in September 2017 that four IPS officers of the 1987 batch including R Sreelekha, Tomin Thachankary, Arun Kumar Sinha and Sudesh Kumar were cleared for promotion to the DGP rank.
• Since Kerala has only four DGP posts — two cadre and two ex-cadre — the promotion was pending.
• A recipient of President’s police medal, she’s also a writer.
• Sreelekha has also served as the managing director of Rubber Marketing Federation, Kerala State Construction Corporation and Road and Bridge Development Corporation.
• She is slated to retire from service in December this year. 

7.2 Former Union Minister and three-time Congress MP from Ladakh, P Namgyal, passed away at 83.

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

8.1 World No Tobacco Day observed on May 31

• The day is observed every year to highlight the risk associated with the use of tobacco.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes World No Tobacco Day each year to highlight the health risks of using tobacco and to encourage governments to put policies into action that help to reduce smoking and the use of other tobacco products.
• According to WHO, tobacco use kills more than 8 million people around the world each year.
• Theme 2020  - 'Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use'.
• Theme 2019 - 'Tobacco and Lung Health' and in 2018, it was 'Tobacco and heart disease'.
• History - In 1987 the World Health Organisation passed a resolution that announced April 7, 1988, as 'World No Smoking Day'. The act was passed to motivate people to prevent using tobacco for at least 24 hours. Later in 1988, the organisation passed another resolution that the 'World No Tobacco Day' will be observed May 31. In 2008, the WHO banned any kind of advertisement or promotion about tobacco, thinking that probably the ads attract youth to indulge in smoking.
• ~ Quotes ~

1. Quitting smoking is rather a marathon than a sprint. It is not a one-time attempt, but a longer effort – Aristotle
2. Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times - Mark Twain

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

9.1 COVID-19 innovations

• DRDO develops Ultra Swachh disinfection unit for sanitisation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and other materials. 
• Rajendra Jadhav of Nashik develops tractor mounted sprayer for COVID-19 sanitisation.
• CSIR-IIIM, Jammu ties up with Reliance Industries Limited to develop RT-LAMP (Reverse Transcriptase-Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification) based COVID-19 diagnostic kit.
• Tata Sons ties up with SCTIMST (Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology), Trivandrum for commercial production of Covid-19 testing kits based on RT-LAMP (Reverse Transcriptase Loop-Mediated Amplification) technology.

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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 -

• Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru R&D lab has developed a three-layered antimicrobial composite material of low-cost for making masks.
• Zero malaria starts with me was the theme of World Malaria Day observed on April 25.
• Padma Bhushan Ashok Desai passed away at the age of 77 in April 2020.
• Karnataka Bank received RBI’s approval in April 2020 for reappointment of Mahabaleshwara M S as MD and CEO for next three years.
• Jeevan Lite is the low-cost, portable, emergency-use ventilator developed by Aerobiosys Innovations at Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad.

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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