Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 18-09-2020

Useful compilation of Civil Services oriented - Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 18-09-2020

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• SECTION 1 - TEN NEWS HEADLINES

1. Polity and Governance – Harsimrat Kaur quits Cabinet in protest against two agri Bills – Terming the two agriculture marketing reform Bills passed by the Lok Sabha as “anti-farmer” legislation, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP and Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal resigned from the Union Cabinet in protest. The SAD is one of the oldest allies of the BJP, and Ms. Badal was its sole representative in the Modi govt. Farmers groups, especially in Punjab and Haryana, have risen in protest against the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, which replace the Ordinances promulgated in June. The proposed legislations seek to promote barrier-free trade of farm produce by facilitating contract farming as well as agricultural marketing outside notified Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis. Farmers are worried about the dilution of the existing Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime, as well as the entry of corporates with greater bargaining power than small farmers.
2. CAA Protests case – Demand for probe into police role in Delhi riots – Opposition leaders met President Ram Nath Kovind and demanded an independent probe by a commission headed by a retired or sitting judge into the role of the Delhi police in the February riots and the ongoing probe into them. Congress treasurer and MP Ahmed Patel, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI general secretary D. Raja, DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi and RJD leader and MP Manoj K. Jha were part of the delegation. The Delhi police have set up special investigation teams and their Special Cell is probing the aspect of conspiracy behind the riots. In a memorandum, the leaders voiced their concern over the probe being conducted by the police and said that the entire investigation appears to be aimed at arriving at a premeditated theory.
3. Constitution and Law – Regulate digital and social media, not TV: Centre to SC – The Centre suggested to the Supreme Court to frame regulatory mechanisms for curbing hateful, insidious and communal content on digital and social media platforms rather than making a fresh bid to regulate content of print and electronic media, which already have a framework recognised by the court in recent judgments. Apparently anguished by Sudarshan TV’s 10-part programme allegedly insinuating that Muslims were infiltrating the civil services as part of a larger conspiracy, an SC bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra and K M Joseph had, stopped further telecast of the series, an order extended till Sept 18, and expressed keenness to frame guidelines for the electronic media.
4. COVID-19 Updates – Covid death rate drops across all ages in city, points to better mgmt. – Amid the continued rise in Covid cases in the city, there is a bit of a positive trend emerging. The case fatality rate (CFR, or ratio of deaths to positive patients) across age-groups has seen a decline, with the only exception being the age bracket above 90. While some say an increase in testing could have pulled down the fatality rate, doctors concur that the disease is now managed better than during the peak of May and June. Mumbai’s CFR, which had touched 7% initially, has dropped to less than 5% in September. Within age-groups, 60-69 years has seen a decline in CFR from 16% in April to 12% in July, 11.9% in August and 10% now. This age bracket has contributed to 28% of the city’s 8,227 deaths despite accounting for only 14% cases. For those aged between 50 and 59 too, the CFR has dropped from 10% in April to 6% currently. The age-group to have seen the second highest deaths after the 60s is the 50s, which account for 24% mortalities.
5. COVID-19 Updates – Vaccine may be ready by early 2021: Vardhan – Responding to queries in the Rajya Sabha about the status of a Covid vaccine, health minister Harsh Vardhan said on Thursday there are chances of it becoming available in early 2021. He also said the Centre is aiming to bring down Covid-19 mortality rate from the current 1.6% to less than 1%. Three vaccine candidates have reached different stages of trial—Phase 1, 2 and 3, he said. The minister, however, cautioned that even if the vaccine is developed, it will take time before it can be made available in large quantities, hence the battle against the pandemic will require people to strictly maintain hygiene, wear masks and stick to social distancing norms.
6. World – Trump contradicts CDC on vaccination – U.S. President Trump contradicted the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Robert Redfield on the efficacy of masks and the schedule for vaccine availability. Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House that Dr. Redfield had probably not understood the question on vaccine distribution correctly at a Senate hearing. Coronavirus cases in the U.S. are soaring with over 6 million infections and around 200,000 deaths.
7. India and its neighbourhood – Pak. to make Gilgit-Baltistan a full-fledged province: report – Pakistan has decided to elevate Gilgit-Baltistan’s status to that of a full-fledged province, a Pakistani media report quoted a senior Minister as saying. India has clearly conveyed to Pakistan that the entire union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, are an integral part of the country by virtue of its fully legal and irrevocable accession. According to a report in the Express Tribune, Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs, Ali Amin Gandapur, on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Imran Khan would soon visit the region and make the formal announcement to elevate Gilgit-Baltistan to the status of a full-fledged province with all constitutional rights. Mr. Gandapur said Gilgit-Baltistan would be given adequate representation on all constitutional bodies, including the National Assembly and the Senate.
8. Agriculture – MSP for paddy up 2.4 fold, wheat’s 1.7x in 5 years: BJP – Allaying doubts that the new legislations linked to agriculture tabled in Parliament may lead to scrapping of the crucial Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism, BJP sources claimed that under the Modi government, the MSP regime had both improved and increased. The government in 2018 had increased the MSP to 1.5 times the production cost, which was the chief determinant of MSP. It means the guaranteed price to farmers during normal times (good monsoon) or in times of price fluctuations and market uncertainties has further increased. BJP chief J P Nadda has also clarified that the MSP will continue to be provided to farmers.
9. World – U.S. Official Visits Taiwan, and China Warns of Consequences – The Trump administration has moreover stepped up navy help for Taiwan recently by means of elevated arms product sales. The U.S. authorities deliberate to promote as many as seven main weapon methods, along with mines, cruise missiles and drones, to Taiwan.  China has reacted angrily.
10. Economy  – Irdai to standardise insurance covers – The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has said that the insurance industry needs to operate in a counter-cyclical manner and grow as its services are most needed now. The regulator has announced a slew of standardised products for term life, dwellings and small businesses, in addition to health, so that first-time buyers can pick products without having to pore over documents or make comparisons. Irdai chairman S C Khuntia also promised to extend products specific for Covid-19 beyond March 2021 and said that the regulator would consider allowing companies to be involved in loan-restructuring schemes as they were already allowed to be part of intercreditor agreements.

Important Exam Notifications
S. No	Institution	Exam or Post Name	Vacancies or Seats	Qualification	Last Date to Apply	Link for Details
1	JIPMER	Computer Operator	20	Any Degree with Typing Speed	23-09-2020 – Walk in	https://main.jipmer.edu.in/sites/default/files/Detailed%20advertisement%20for%20the%20post%20of%20Computer%20Operator_%20on%20contract%20basis%20under%20TNCMCHIS.pdf
2	NPTI	Assistant Director	6	Degree (Engg)	NOV-17-2020	http://npti.gov.in/sites/default/files/careers_document/Appointment%20for%20Various%20Posts%20in%20NPTI_0.pdf
3	NGRI	Project Associate – I, II, Project Scientist – I, II	65	(Engg), PG, Ph.D	SEP-25-2020	https://rectt.ngri.res.in/pas32020/files/pas_advt.pdf
4	Sports Authority of India	Catering Manager	5	Degree	SEP-30-2020	https://sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in/tview3.asp?link_temp_id=10895
5	IHBT	Research Assco. Project Asst II, Field Asst	6	10+2, M.Sc, Ph.D	OCT-10-2020	https://www.ihbt.res.in/components/com_chronoforms5/chronoforms/uploads/Recruitment/20200916182018_Advt._13_by_2020.pdf
6	IHBT	Project Scientist I, II, Sr Project Associate, Project Associate I, II	25	B.Tech, PG, Ph.D	OCT-10-2020	https://www.ihbt.res.in/components/com_chronoforms5/chronoforms/uploads/Recruitment/20200916182913_Advt._14_by_2020.pdf
7	Army Recruiting Office, Rohtak	Soldier	-	10th Class, 10+2/ Intermediate	NOV-3-2020	http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/BRAVO_NotificationPDF/Rect_Rally_at_Rajiv_Gandhi_Sports_Complex_Rohtak_from_19_Nov_to_26_Nov_2020_for_Sol_GD_and_Sol_Clk_and_SKT.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 COVID-19 impact: India’s economy to contract 9% in FY21, says ADB

• Key points –

1. India's coronavirus-battered economy will shrink by 9 per cent this fiscal, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) predicted on Tuesday (September 15) saying growth outlook remains highly vulnerable to either a prolonged outbreak of the pandemic or a resurgence of cases.
2. This will be the first time in four decades that the Indian economic growth will contract.
3. In its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2020 Update, ADB forecasts a strong recovery for the economy in FY2021, with gross domestic product (GDP) growing by 8 per cent as mobility and business activities resume more widely.

• Highlights –

1. With lockdowns stalling private spending, ADB said GDP will shrink by 9 per cent in April 2020 to March 2021, sharply down from its June's forecast of (-) 4 per cent.
2. Other downside risks include increasing public and private debt levels that could affect technology and infrastructure investment, as well as rising non-performing loans caused by the pandemic that could further weaken the financial sector and its ability to support economic growth.
3. ADB said Government initiatives to address the pandemic, including the rural employment guarantee program and other social protection measures, will aid rural incomes protecting the vulnerable people, but private consumption may continue to suffer.
4. Investment is also expected to contract as investors remain deterred by heightened risks and uncertainties.
5. The fiscal deficit is expected to rise significantly in FY2020 as government revenues fall and expenditures rise.
6. The government also initiated reforms in response to the Covid-19 pandemic focusing on enhancing agriculture markets, upgrading industrial park infrastructure, and implementing the National Infrastructure Pipeline.
7. Inflation is expected to fall in the remainder of 2020-21 to 4.5 per cent with tamed food prices and decreased economic activity, and then further decline to 4 per cent in the next fiscal.
8. India's current account deficit is forecast to shrink to 0.3 per cent of GDP this fiscal year, then widen to 0.6 per cent of GDP in FY22 with exports expected to recover as global growth rebounds.
9. For Developing Asia, ADB forecasts a 0.7 per cent decline in the GDP in 2020. The contraction this year would be the first since 1962.
10. China is however forecast to buck the trend with a 1.8 per cent growth this year. Its growth is forecast to accelerate to 7.7 per cent in 2021. Developing Asia excludes advanced nations like Japan.

• What do the other rating agencies say –

1. S&P Global Ratings has slashed its FY21 growth forecast for India to (-) 9 per cent, from (-) 5 per cent estimated earlier, saying that rising Covid-19 cases would keep private spending and investment lower for longer.
2. Two other global rating agencies Moody's and Fitch have projected the Indian economy to contract 11.5 per cent and 10.5 per cent respectively in the current fiscal. However, Goldman Sachs has estimated the contraction at 14.8 per cent.
3. India Ratings and Research expects contraction at 11.8 per cent, while Crisil estimates the contraction at 9 per cent. For the 2021-22 fiscal, S&P expects economic growth at 10 per cent.

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• 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)

4.1 Weekly Round-up I  

• Japanese companies relocating from China to get Japan govt's subsidy - The Japanese government has said that it will provide subsidies to Japanese companies that shift their manufacturing setup from China to India, Bangladesh and ASEAN Countries. This comes as the world's supply chain was disrupted after the outbreak of COVID-19 which originated in China. Japan too aims to decentralise its supply chain by reducing its dependence on a particular country for medical and well as electronic components supply. The Japanese government has allocated 23.5 billion yen in the 2020 supplemental budget for the subsidy to encourage companies to disperse their manufacturing sites across the ASEAN region.
• Germany joins Indo-Pacific club aimed at securing trade routes from aggressive China - Germany has joined the Indo-Pacific club. The move is aimed at securing the trade routes from aggressive China. Germany has drafted guidelines as it formally adopts a strategy for the Indo-Pacific region. The move makes it the second European nation after France to formally adopt a strategy for the Indo-Pacific region. The strategy is designed to allow Germany to make an active contribution to shaping the international order in the Indo-Pacific. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Germany wants to help shape that order-so that it is based on rules and international cooperation, not on the law of the strong.
• Greece and Turkey holding talks over energy resources in Mediterranean - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on September 4, 2020 that Greece and Turkey have started technical discussions aimed at reducing the risk of conflict or accidents amid military tensions between the allies over offshore energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
• Palau invites US military to build bases - The Pacific Ocean island nation of Palau has urged the United States military to build bases on its territory. This was conveyed to US Defense Secretary Mark Esper by Palau’s President Tommy Remengesau recently. Palau has no military and the US is responsible for its defence under an agreement.
• Facebook limits forwarding to 5 people or group at a time on Messenger - In a bid to slow the spread of viral misinformation and harmful content, Facebook on September 3, 2020 introduced a forwarding limit on Messenger and users can now forward a message to five people or groups at a time, just like they do on WhatsApp.
• Iran's enriched uranium stockpile 10 times limit: IAEA - Iran now has more than 10 times the amount of enriched uranium permitted under an international agreement signed in 2015, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said. Iran's enriched uranium stockpile had reached 2,105kg - well above the 300kg agreed in 2015.  
• First International Day of Clean Air for blue skies celebrated on September 7 - The first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies was celebrated on September 7, 2020. The day aimed to raise public awareness that clean air is important for health, productivity, the economy and the environment. In December 2019, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on the issue and invited the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to facilitate the observance of the International Day, in collaboration with other relevant organizations. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) worked with UNEP and the Republic of Korea to advocate for the day in the lead up to the decision.
• World Coconut Day celebrated on September 2 - World Coconut Day was celebrated on September 2, 2020 to create awareness across the globe about the importance of the coconut and its benefits. The day is especially marked in countries under Asian and Pacific regions by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC). This year’s theme: ‘Invest in Coconut to save the world’.
• Wilmington declared first World War II Heritage City of US - US President Donald Trump on September 2, 2020 announced Wilmington in North Carolina state as the first World War II Heritage City. Wilmington was selected for its contributions in war efforts and keeping keep a historical record of those contributions along with honouring WWII veterans.
• First commercial direct flight between Israel and the UAE takes off - The first commercial direct flight between Israel and the UAE landed in Abu Dhabi on August 31, 2020. The flight of Israeli national carrier ‘El Al’ had taken off from the Ben-Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. UAE and Israel announced on August 13 that they were establishing full diplomatic relations.
• Qatar raises minimum wage by 25%, lifts restrictions on changing jobs - Qatar announced changes to its labour laws on August 30, 2020, raising the minimum wage by 25 percent to 1,000 riyals ($275) a month and scrapping a requirement for workers to get permission from their employers to change jobs. The 2022 FIFA World Cup host has faced accusations of migrant workers’ exploitation.
• Tunisia: Parliament approves Hichem Mechichi as new PM - Parliament of Tunisia approved Hichem Mechichi as the country’s new prime minister. Mechichi and his proposed government won a confidence vote on September 2, 2020 with 134 votes in favour and 67 against. No one abstained.
• Lebanon: Diplomat Mustapha Adib designated to form new government - Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun designated diplomat Mustapha Adib on August 31, 2020 to form a new government after he secured the support of a majority of MPs in the parliament. The previous government quit on August 10 in the wake of the catastrophic explosion at Beirut port. Adib was serving as Lebanon’s ambassador to Germany.
• Britain named former Australian PM Tony Abbott as a trade adviser - Britain named former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott as a trade adviser on September 4, 2020 Friday. The 62-year-old Abbott was PM from 2013 to 2015 and supported Britain's exit from the European Union.
• Pritam Singh takes charge as first Leader of the Opposition in Singapore - Pritam Singh (43), Singapore’s Indian-origin politician, took charge as the city-state’s first Leader of the Opposition on August 31, 2020. Singh’s Workers’ Party won 10 out of the 93 parliamentary seats in the July 10 General Election. The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) has an absolute majority with 83 elected members.
• Russian govt. poisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny using Novichok: Merkel - Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel on September 2, 2020 said that Russia had been responsible for the poisoning of opposition politician Alexei Navalny who is undergoing treatment in Germany. Merkel said Navalny had been poisoned with a Soviet-style Novichok nerve agent in an attempt to murder him.

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

5.1 PM Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme for health workers fighting COVID-19 extended for 180 days

• Key points –  

1. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday (September 15, 2020) extended the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Insurance Scheme' for health workers fighting COVID-19 for another 180 days.
2. The scheme was announced on March 30, 2020, for a period of 90 days and was further extended for 90 days up to September 25.

• Important details –

1. This Central Sector Scheme provides an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh to healthcare providers, including community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients and therefore at risk of being infected.
2. It also includes accidental loss of life on account of contracting coronavirus.
3. The scheme also covers private hospital staff, retired, volunteer, local urban bodies, contract, daily-wage, ad-hoc, outsourced staff requisitioned by States or Central hospitals and autonomous hospitals of central, states, UTs, AIIMS and INI hospitals of Central Ministries drafted for COVID-19 related responsibilities.
4. The insurance provided under this scheme is over and above any other insurance cover being availed of by the beneficiary.
5. Notably, there is no age limit for this scheme and individual enrolment is not required. The entire amount of premium for this scheme is being borne by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
6. As per a report, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has collaborated with the New India Assurance (NIA) Company Limited for providing the insurance amount based on the guidelines prepared for the scheme.
7. Till date, a total of 61 claims have been processed and paid under the scheme, while, 156 claims are under examination by NIA and in 67 cases claims, forms are yet to be submitted by the States.

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• 6. MISCELLANEOUS (Prelims, Various GS Papers)

6.1 Weekly Round-up - Sports

 

• Centre increases disciplines for recruitment of sportspersons in govt jobs - The Centre has included 20 more sports disciplines like tug-of-war, mallakhamb and para-sports among others for direct recruitment of meritorious sportspersons in Group C level government posts. The list of sports/games for the purpose of recruitment of sportspersons by the centre will now have 63 sports disciplines.
• England batsman Ian Bell announces retirement - England batsman Ian Bell on September 5, 2020 announced he will retire from all forms of cricket at the end of the 2020 domestic season. Bell has scored 7727 runs, including 22 centuries, at an average of 42.69 in 118 Test matches while in the ODIs, he has 5,416 runs in 161 matches.
• David Capel, former England allrounder, dies at 57 - David Capel, the former cricket allrounder who played 15 Tests and 23 one-day internationals for England from 1987-1990, passed away at the age of 57 on September 2, 2020.
• India’s GM P. Iniyan wins 48th annual world open chess tournament - India’s GM P. Iniyan won the 48th annual world open chess tournament (online) recently. In a field that had 31 GMs, Iniyan scored 7.5 points from nine games. Iniyan and Sanan Sjugirov (Russia) were tied on points but the former won on better tie-break.
• Pierre Gasly wins Formula One Italian Grand Prix at Monza - French driver Pierre Gasly of Scuderia AlphaTauri team won the Formula One Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 6, 2020. Carlos Sainz of McLaren and Lance Stroll of Racing Point finished second and third respectively.
• Spain’s Jon Rahm wins US PGA Tour BMW Championship - Spanish golfer Jon Rahm won the US PGA Tour BMW Championship over World No. 1 Dustin Johnson on August 30, 2020.

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• 7. POLITY (Prelims, GS Paper 2)

7.1 Lok Sabha passes bill to cut salaries of MPs by 30%

• Key points –

1. The Lok Sabha has passed a bill to cut salaries of all MPs by 30 per cent for a year, to meet the exigencies arising out COVID-19 pandemic.
2. The Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was unanimously passed by the members of the Lower House.

•  Highlights –

1. The bill was introduced in the Lower House on September 14 (Monday).
2. Earlier this year, the government had brought the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, which provided a 30 per cent cut in sumptuary allowance payable to each minister for a period of one year commencing from April 1, 2020.
3. On April 5, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved an ordinance to amend salaries of parliamentarians and ministers, reducing allowances and pension by 30 per cent.
4. The Cabinet had also decided to suspend the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme for two years and transfer the amount into the government's consolidated fund.
5. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, while addressing a press briefing, had said that President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-president Venkaiah Naidu and Governors too had offered to take the 30 percent cut in their salaries.
6. The Union cabinet also approved temporary suspension of MPLAD Fund of MPs during 2020-21 & 2021-22 for managing health and the adverse impact of Covid-19 outbreak.
7. The consolidated amount of MPLAD Funds for 2 years - Rs 7900 crores will go to consolidated Fund of India.

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

8.1 PM Modi launches seven urban infra projects in poll-bound Bihar

•  Key points –

1. PM Modi has inaugurated seven urban infrastructure transformation projects in Bihar, which is scheduled to go to polls this year.
2. Among the seven projects, six are under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme, while one is under the Namami Gange Mission.

• PM’s views & other details –

1. PM Modi has inaugurated seven urban infrastructure transformation projects in Bihar, which is scheduled to go to polls this year.
2. Recently, PM Modi has inaugurated three petroleum projects in Bihar and also launched a scheme for sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the poll-bound state.
3. Modi inaugurated four water supply plans and two sewerage treatment plan and laid the foundation for riverfront development in Muzaffarpur which are being developed at a cost of ₹541 crore.
4. PM Modi said such schemes ensure that access to basic facilities like water and sewerage connection are being taken care of and that every house has a piped water connection in a few years.
5. These projects would ensure that untreated water doesn’t flow directly into the Ganga and that villages along the river are also developed as 'Ganga Gram'.
6. Modi said the pace of development seen in Bihar under the leadership of chief minister Nitish Kumar could not have been imagined a decade and a half back.

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

9.1 Engineer’s Day 2020

 

• Highlights –

1. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, popularly called 'Sir MV' was one of India's finest engineers.
2. The birth anniversary of M Visvesvaraya, on September 15, is celebrated as Engineer's Day in India every year.
3. He was born in 1861 to a Telugu family at Chikkaballapur, a little over 55 km from Bengaluru.
4. Both his parents were well-known Sanskrit scholars. M Visvesvaraya lost his father early in life.
5. He did his primary education in his hometown but later moved to Bengaluru for higher education.
6. After completing his undergraduate degree in Arts, M Visvesvaraya changed track and went for a degree in civil engineering from the College of Engineering in Pune.

• Key facts –

1. M Visvesvaraya was an expert in irrigation techniques and flood disaster management.
2. He became famous for his pioneering work in irrigation techniques and flood control.
3. One of M Visvesvaraya's key contributions was designing the 'automatic barrier water floodgates' - installed for the first time at the Khadakvasla Reservoir near Pune in 1903.
4. M Visvesvaraya served as the Diwan of Mysore, where he founded the Mysore Soap Factory, Bangalore Agricultural University, State Bank of Mysore and Mysore Iron and Steel Works.
5. In 1917, Sir MV founded the Government Engineering College, now known as University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering.
6. M Visvesvaraya was a member of the Governing Council of the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.
7. Sir MV was also a member of the Governing Council of Tata Iron and Steel Company.
8. As a fine engineer and statesman, M Visvesvaraya was made part of a committee constituted in 1917 to advise on the future of Indian States.
9. M Visvesvaraya was the architect of the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, one of the biggest dams in India.
10. In 1955, M Visvesvaraya was awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna for his immense contribution to the development of the country.

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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 -

• The pan-India Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) in Electricity was launched in Sept 2020.
• A virtual meeting of the BRICS Foreign Ministers was convened in Sept 2020.
• CSTO stands for Collective Security Treaty Organization.
• The World Humanitarian Day is observed in memory of the people who were killed in a bomb attack at a hotel in Baghdad in 2003.
• United Arab Emirates became only the third Arab nation after Jordan and Egypt to establish diplomatic ties with Israel in Aug 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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