Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 02-12-2020

Useful compilation of Civil Services oriented - Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 02-12-2020

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• SECTION 1 - TEN NEWS HEADLINES

1. Indian Economy – GST inflows top ₹1 lakh cr. for second month in a row – Gross revenues from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) crossed ₹1 lakh crore for the second month in a row, with ₹1,04,963 crore collected in Nov 2020. This was 1.4% higher than a year ago but a tad lower than Oct’s collections. The pick-up in GST revenues over the last two months could reduce the shortfall in GST compensation dues to the States, but economists urged caution till December to assess if the economy is truly out of the woods after the festive demand factor has played out. Cumulatively, the GST revenues from the first eight months of 2020-21 add up to ₹6,64,709 crore, reflecting a 17.4% dip from the ₹8,05,164 crore collected in the same period of 2019-20.
2. Farmers Protests –  Farmers continue protest as no deal reached in talks with govt. – Talks between the Centre and the farmers demanding a rollback of the three farm sector legislations ended inconclusively. The farmers’ unions rejected the government’s proposal to set up a small expert committee to examine the three controversial laws. The lines of communication between the protesters and the government stayed open, however, with both sides agreeing to meet again. The farmer leaders were asked to submit a detailed critique with their specific objections to the new laws. The impasse on the ground continued, with several thousand farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, camped out on the borders of Delhi, blocking two entrances to the capital for the sixth straight day.
3. Covid-19 Updates – No move for universal vaccination – Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that the government has never spoken about vaccinating everyone against COVID-19. Mr. Bhushan added that it is important to discuss such scientific issues based on factual information only. “Vaccination would depend on the efficacy of the vaccine, and our purpose is to break the chain of virus transmission. If we’re able to vaccinate a critical mass of people and break virus transmission, then we may not have to vaccinate the entire population,” said Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Balram Bhargava, who was present at the press meet. Reacting to the recent allegation of an adverse reaction by a 40-year-old volunteer for ‘Covishield’, the candidate vaccine being tested by the Serum Institute of India, the Ministry said adverse events are unlikely to impact the delivery timeline of the vaccine.
4. Elections in J&K – 48.6% turnout in J&K despite the cold – Keeping up the momentum from the first phase, 48.62% of the voters exercised their franchise in the second phase of the District Development Council election in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Valley recording 33.4% voting. Polling was peaceful. With brisk polling despite the cold weather, men and women queued up outside polling booths in Bandipora in huge numbers, setting a record 69.66% turnout.
5. Farmer’s Protests – Trudeau backs ‘peaceful protest’ by farmers, India dubs it unwarranted – Canadian PM Justin Trudeau waded into the impasse over India’s new agriculture laws, throwing his lot with the protesting farmers and announcing that his government had approached Indian authorities to highlight Canada’s concerns on the issue. Trudeau’s comments triggered a diplomatic row, with India officially saying in a statement that such remarks were ill-informed and unwarranted, especially “when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country”. India also lodged a formal protest with Canada against the remarks made by Trudeau and members of his cabinet.
6. Defence – Naval version of Brahmos test fired from Navy’s INS Ranvijay in Bay of Bengal – A similar test firing of the missile was conducted by the Indian Navy in the Arabian sea six weeks back. BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russian joint venture, produces the supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or from land platforms. On Nov 24, the Indian Army had "successfully" test-fired the surface-to-surface BrahMos missile that flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound. The range of the new land attack version of the missile has been extended to 400 km from the original 290 km. India has already deployed a sizeable number of the original BrahMos missiles and other key assets in several strategic locations along the Line of Actual Control with China in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
7. World – China, Pakistan sign military deal –  China and Pakistan have signed a new military memorandum of understanding to boost their already close defence relationship, as China’s Defence Minister and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Wei Fenghe met Pakistan’s leadership in Islamabad and visited the headquarters of the Army at Rawalpindi. Gen. Wei met Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan. He called on both countries to “push the military-to-military relationship to a higher level, so as to jointly cope with various risks and challenges, firmly safeguard the sovereignty and security interests of the two countries and safeguard the regional peace and stability”, Chinese state media reported.
8. World – Iran’s Parliament advances Bill to stop nuclear inspections – Iran's Parliament advanced a Bill that would end UN inspections of its nuclear facilities and require the government to boost its uranium enrichment if European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal do not provide relief from oil and banking sanctions. The Bill will give European countries three months to ease sanctions on Iran's key oil and gas sector, and to restore its access to the international banking system. The Bill will allow the authorities resume enriching uranium to 20 per cent, which is below the threshold needed for nuclear weapons, but higher than that required for civilian applications. The vote to debate the Bill, which would need to pass through several other stages before becoming a law, was a show of defiance after the killing of a prominent Iranian nuclear scientist last month. 251 lawmakers in the 290-seat chamber voted in favour, after which many began chanting “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!”.
9. Corporate World  – SBI, NPCI and Japan's JCB International Co launch 'SBI RuPay JCB Platinum Contactless Debit Card – State Bank of India joined hands with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Japan's JCB International Co to launch new 'SBI RuPay JCB Platinum Contactless Debit Card’. The unique dual interface feature of this card enables the customers to use it for both contact and contactless trasaction. Customers can use this new debit card in the domestic market as well as for the transactions overseas. This card has been launched on the RuPay network by SBI in association with JCB, said the bank. Hence, the users will be able to transact on ATMs & POS terminals across the globe under JCB network. Customers can also use this card for online shopping from JCB partnered international e-commerce merchants.
10. Corporate World  – Indian Oil launches premium grade petrol (Octane 100) branded as XP100 -  Indian Oil launched a new premium grade petrol – Octane 100. Branded as XP100, the premium grade petrol was launched across ten cities by Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The technology for India’s first octane petrol has been indigenously created by Indian Oil Research and Development. The availability of XP100 puts India in an elite group of countries, having access to such high-quality oil. The petrol will provide high quality and power to the engine. Indian Oil plans to roll-out XP100 premium grade petrol in 15 identified cities across the country in two phases.

Important Exam Notifications
S. No.	Institution	Exam or Post Name	Vacancies or Seats	Qualification	Last Date to Apply	Link for Details
1	ITI Limited	Diploma Engineer	10	High School with Diploma in Eng	08-12-2020	https://www.itiltd.in/Careers/Diploma%20Engineers%20Recruitment%20Advertisement%20FINAL.pdf
2	NTPC Limited	Diploma Engineer	70	Diploma	DEC-12-2020	https://www.freejobalert.com/ntpc-recruitment/17710/#DiplomaEngineer
3	NIAB	Sr Scientist, Jr Scientist & Technical Officer	8	M.Sc, Ph.D (Life Science)	08-12-2020	http://www.niab.org.in/Notifications/Advt_22_2020/Notification_22_2020.pdf
4	Min. of Env., Forest & Climate Change	Legal Asst, MTS, LDC/ UDC, Technical Officer, Scientist C, D	7	Matriculation, 12th Class, Degree, PG	DEC-26-2020	http://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NIC_Contractual-Staff_IRO_19.11.2020.pdf
5	Dr. YSR Aarogyasri HCT, Nellore	Aarogya Mithra & Team Leader	8	B.Sc, M.SC (Nursing), B Pharma, B.Sc	NOV-25-2020	https://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s39c82c7143c102b71c593d98d96093fde/uploads/2020/11/2020112141.pdf
6	NPS Trust	Officer Gr E & D (General Manager & Dy General Manager)	6	Degree (Law, Engg), PG	21-12-2020	http://npstrust.org.in/sites/default/files/Final%20Recruitment%20Notification%20Garde%20D%20and%20E%2020112020.pdf
7	Indian Air Force	Airmen (Group Y – Non-Technical Trades)	-	Intermediate / 10+2	DEC-22-2020	https://airmenselection.cdac.in/CASB/img/upcoming/rally/PUDUCHERRY%20RALLY%20GP%20'Y'.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 Marrying the person of one’s choice is fundamental right – Karnataka HC

 

• The Karnataka high court has said it “was well settled that the right of any major individual to marry the person of his/her choice is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution of India”.
• Decision is echoing the observations of the Allahabad and Delhi high courts upholding the right to marry a person of one’s own choice.
• The Karnataka high court, dealing with a case involving two software professionals on November 27, added that “the said liberty relating to personal relationships of two individuals cannot be encroached upon by anybody, irrespective of caste or religion”.

1.2 Kerala HC backs transgenders in NCC

• The world has progressed and the central government cannot remain in the 19th century, the Kerala HC remarked while considering a transgender student’s plea challenging exclusion from National Cadet Corps (NCC).
• Court was Considering a petition filed by Hina Haneefa.
• The court’s remark came after NCC’s counsel submitted that refusal of enrollment of the petitioner does not amount to discrimination. The counsel sought time to file an affidavit explaining the stance.
• Responding to the submission, the court said the stance that the Central government is taking is unfortunate. There certainly are three genders – male, female, and transgender, the court said.
• One of the benchmarks of a modern and progressive state lies in the way it treats its minorities. Transgenders are sexual minorities. They are often socially marginalized and excluded from activities that others take for granted. Their inclusion in the NCC would be a mini milestone in efforts to give them equality.

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

2.1 Weekly Round-up

• The Union Agriculture Ministry in Nov 2020 said it has given nod for subsidised loans worth Rs 3,971.31 crore for implementing micro-irrigation projects, and maximum loan has been approved for Tamil Nadu. The interest subvented loans are being offered under Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) created with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for implementing micro-irrigation projects.
• Under the MIF, subsidised loans are provided for not only taking up special and innovative projects but also for incentivising micro irrigation beyond the provisions available under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (Per Drop More Crop) to encourage farmers to install micro irrigation systems.
• The World Bank will provide advisory services for asset monetisation to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). DIPAM is mandated with facilitating monetisation of non-core assets of the public sector units under the strategic disinvestment or closure and enemy property of Rs 100 crore and above. In the wake of the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, there was migration of people from India to Pakistan. Under the Defence of India Rules framed under The Defence of India Act, 1962, the Centre took over the properties and companies of those who took Pakistani nationality which is referred as enemy property.
• The government has approved 28 Food Processing Projects worth over Rs. 320 crore in 10 states. These projects, supported with a grant of over Rs. 107 crore by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, were approved under the Scheme for Creation and Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities (CEFPPC) in the Inter-Ministerial Approval Committee (IMAC) meeting.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on November 19, 2020 launched a portal for defence land management system (LMS) that is expected to bring greater transparency, efficiency and speed in dealing with land management matters. The LMS has been developed by the Department of Defence (DOD) in conjunction with the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE) and Armed forces.

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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 Shanghai bloc members except India reaffirm support to China's Belt and Road project

 

• Barring India, all other member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) reaffirmed their support to China's so-called "One Belt and One Road" (OBOR) project during a virtual meeting of the influential grouping.
• India has been severely critical of the project as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is part of the OBOR, passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• A joint communique, issued at the end of the 19th meeting of the Council of Heads of Governments of the SCO, said Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan reaffirming their support for the OBOR initiative.
• The virtual summit was hosted by India and it was chaired by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.
• The SCO member states of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan attended the meeting at the level of prime ministers. Pakistan was represented by its parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs.
• India has been maintaining that it cannot accept a project that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• The SCO is an eight-nation bloc which is being increasingly seen as a counterweight to NATO.
• India and Pakistan became permanent members of the SCO in 2017.

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

5.1 West Bengal govt launches 'Duare Sarkar' programme for doorstep delivery of govt schemes

 

• The Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal has launched a massive outreach programme named "Duare Sarkar" (Government at your doorstep) to make schemes of the state government more accessible to the public.
• "Duare Sarkar" aims to bring 11 schemes of the state government, including Swastha Sathi (health scheme), Khadya Sathi (public food distribution scheme), Jai Johar and Kanyashree (a cash transfer scheme aimed at retaining girls in schools and preventing their early marriage) to the doorsteps of the people.
• Visuals from the camp in Asansol in the Paschim Bardhaman district showed large crowds gathering outside the camps in long queues to apply for and avail of the services.
• In addition, applications related to schemes, including social pensions like old age, widow, persons with disabilities implemented by any government department would be received during the course of this outreach programme for appropriate action.

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• 6. MISCELLANEOUS (Prelims, Various GS Papers)

6.1 Weekly Round-up – Arts and Culture

• Mexico passed the 1,00,000 mark in COVID-19 deaths, becoming the fourth country after United States, Brazil and India to do so.

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• 7. POLITY (Prelims, GS Paper 2)

7.1 Not Available Today

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

8.1 The World Malaria Report 2020 - India recorded largest reductions in malaria cases between 2000-2019 

Key Features -

• The World Malaria Report 2020 was released by World Health Organisation.
• India made impressive gains in the global fight against malaria, recording the largest reduction in cases in South-East Asia from 20 million in 2000 to about 5.6 million last year.
• In 2019, malaria cases globally numbered about 229 million, an annual estimate that has remained virtually unchanged over the last four years.
• Last year, the disease claimed about 409,000 lives, compared to 411,000 in 2018.
• Countries in South-East Asia made particularly strong progress, with reductions in cases and deaths of 73 per cent and 74 per cent, respectively.
• The WHO South-East Asia Region accounted for about 3 per cent of the burden of malaria cases globally.
• Malaria cases reduced by 73 per cent in the region, from 23 million in 2000 to about 6.3 million in 2019.
• India also recorded a decrease in the number of deaths from malaria between 2000 and 2019.
• Malaria deaths in India declined from about 29,500 in 2000 to about 7,700 last year, the report said.
• In the WHO South-East Asia Region, malaria deaths reduced by 74 per cent, from about 35,000 in 2000 to 9,000 in 2019.
• India, however, still accounted for 88 per cent of malaria cases and 86 per cent of malaria deaths in the WHO South-East Asia Region in 2019.
• The 11 highest burden countries - Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, India, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania - account for 70 per cent of the global estimated case burden and 71 per cent of global estimated deaths from malaria.
• Gaps in access to life-saving tools are undermining global efforts to curb the disease, and the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to set back the fight even further.
• As in past years, the African Region shouldered more than 90 per cent of the overall disease burden.
• Since 2000, the region has reduced its malaria death toll by 44 per cent, from an estimated 680,000 to 384,000 annually.
• However, progress has slowed in recent years, particularly in countries with a high burden of the disease.
• A funding shortfall at both the international and domestic levels poses a significant threat to future gains.
• In 2019, total funding reached USD 3 billion against a global target of USD 5.6 billion.

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

9.1 Not Available Today

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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 -

• Prime Minister of Bahrain Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa passed away at the age of 84 in Nov 2020.
• The 44th Annual Meeting of the G77 Foreign Ministers was held in Nov 2020.
• In the small State category, Goa topped the Public Affairs Index-2020 released by the Public Affairs Centre (PAC) in Oct 2020.
• Mrutyunjay Mohapatra is the Director General of India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• SLINEX was the joint exercise conducted by Navies of India and Sri Lanka in October 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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