Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 08-01-2021

Useful compilation of Civil Services oriented - Daily Current Affairs - Civil Services - 08-01-2021

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• SECTION 1 - TEN NEWS HEADLINES

1. Economy – World food price index rises for seventh straight month in Dec. – World food prices rose for a seventh consecutive month in December, with all the major categories, barring sugar, posting gains in December 2020. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s food price index, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, averaged 107.5 points last month versus 105.2 in November. For the whole of 2020, the benchmark index averaged 97.9 points, a three-year high and a 3.1% increase from 2019. It was still down more than 25% from its historical peak in 2011. Vegetable oil prices continued recent strong gains, jumping 4.7% month-on-month in December after surging more than 14% in November. For the whole of 2020, the index was up 19.1% on 2019.
2. World – Biden win confirmed amid pro-Trump mob attack – The U.S. Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner early on January 7 after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in a stunning attempt to overturn the presidential election, undercut the nation’s democracy and keep Mr. Trump in the White House. Lawmakers were resolved to complete the Electoral College tally in a display to the country, and the world, of the nation’s enduring commitment to uphold the will of the voters and the peaceful transfer of power. They pushed through the night, with tensions high and the nation’s capital on alert. Before dawn on January 7, the lawmakers finished their work, confirming that Mr. Biden had won the election. Vice-President Mike Pence, presiding over the joint session, announced the tally — 306-232.
3. World – Indian-American named U.S. Army’s first CIO – Indian-American Raj Iyer has taken over as the first Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the U.S. Army after the Pentagon created the position in July 2020. One of the highest ranking Indian-American civilians in the U.S. Department of Defense, Dr. Iyer, who holds a PhD. in Electrical Engineering, serves as the Principal Adviser to the Secretary of the Army and directs representation of the Secretary in matters relating to information management/ information technology (IT). Equivalent in rank to a three-star General, Dr. Iyer will supervise an annual budget of $16 billion for the U.S. Army’s IT operations. Over 15,000 civilians and military personnel posted across 100 countries work under him.
4. Covid-19 – 4 States warned of virus spike – Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, urging them to take steps to curb the spike in COVID-19 cases. These States have been reporting an upsurge in the number of daily new cases in the recent days. The States have been advised to maintain a strict vigil and take steps to keep a check on the rising cases, especially in view of the new virus strain being observed in certain countries and reported in a few States in India. Meanwhile, Bharat Biotech has announced “successful completion” of volunteer enrolment for Phase-3 clinical trials of its indigenously manufactured vaccine, Covaxin.
5. People & Personalities – Satya Paul, who ‘reinvented’ the sari, passes away in Coimbatore – Satya Paul, best known as the designer who reinvented the sari for contemporary women, died at the Isha Yoga Centre on January 6. He was 78. Mr. Satya Paul had suffered a stroke last month and was recovering in hospital. Mr. Satya Paul’s inquisitive nature led him to be a pioneer in the field of retailing, starting in the late 1960s and expanding to exports of the finest Indian handloom products to high-end retail stores in Europe and the U.S. In 1980, he launched the first sari boutique in India, L’Affaire, and in 1986, India’s first designer label, with his son. The Satya Paul brand became one of the premier brands in the country and he passed on the mantle to his son in 2000. They exited the company in 2010.
6. Agriculture – SC expresses concern over farmers’ stir – Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad A. Bobde voiced the Supreme Court’s apprehension that mass gatherings of protesting farmers will lead to a “problem similar to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation” in March 2019 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The court was hearing a petition filed by Jammu-based advocate Supriya Pandita seeking a CBI probe into circumstances leading to the swelling of migrant workers, anxious to leave the national capital for their villages and hometowns, at the Anand Vihar Bus Terminal for buses, and the Tablighi Jamaat congregation, which even saw foreign delegates, in violation of the social distancing norms. Both incidents happened last March, the month which saw a complete lockdown to prevent the spread of the infection. The court issued notice to the Union and Delhi governments, and asked the person concerned to file a detailed report on the guidelines to prevent COVID-19, including restrictions on mass gatherings.
7. Economy – India’s fiscal deficit may exceed 7% in current fiscal, say sources – India’s fiscal deficit for the year ending in March is likely to exceed 7% of gross domestic product as revenue collections suffered from a lockdown and restrictions to rein in the spread of COVID-19. The government had in February projected a deficit of 3.5% for the current year. It estimated government borrowing of ₹7.8 trillion, later revised to ₹12 trillion, to provide relief to millions of people and businesses hurt by the pandemic. The revenue shortfall from tax and divestment of state-run companies could be as much as ₹7 trillion. The government has yet to release any revised fiscal deficit estimates.
8. Covid-19 – ‘Alarming’ U.K. virus variant needs bolder response: WHO – The WHO’s European branch has said more needed to be done to deal with the alarming situation brought on by a recently discovered variant of the novel coronavirus. The WHO’s regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, called the current situation “a tipping-point in the course of the pandemic”. While it is natural for viruses to change over time and the variant is not believed to cause more severe symptoms, its “increased transmissibility” still raises concerns, according to WHO Europe.
9. Education – JEE-Advanced to be held on July 3 – The Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced), 2021, the entrance test for the elite Indian Institutes of Technology, will be held on July 3. The 23 IITs will relax their eligibility criteria again this year, allowing students who scored less than 75% in the Class 12 board exams to apply. At its meeting on December 31, 2020, the IIT Joint Admission Board also decided to shortlist 2.5 lakh students to write JEE-Advanced, from among those who attempt the qualifying examination JEE-Main 2021. This is 55% higher than the 1.6 lakh students who registered for JEE-Advanced in 2020, which may have seen lower registrations than usual due to COVID-19.
10. Science & Technology – WhatsApp updates privacy policy – WhatsApp has updated its terms of service and privacy policy regarding how it processes user data and partners with Facebook to offer integrations across the platform’s products. Users have received in-app prompts informing them of the update in terms of use that take effect on February 8. Key updates include more information about WhatsApp’s service and how it processes user data; how businesses can use Facebook-hosted services to store and manage their WhatsApp chats; and how WhatsApp partners with Facebook to offer integrations across the company products. Users will need to accept these updates to continue using WhatsApp.

Important Exam Notifications
S. No	Institution	Exam or Post Name	Vacancies or Seats	Qualification	Last Date to Apply	Link for Details
1	National Jalma Inst. for Leprosy & Other Mycob	Project Technician – III, Project Assistant	7	12th Class, Degree, PG (Relevant Disciplines)	09-01-2021	https://www.jalma-icmr.org.in/pdf/Online%20application%20are%20invited%20for%20various%20pot%20under%20NTM%20Project-merged.pdf
2	CMTI	Project Asst-I, Project Fellow I & II	13	ITI (Engg), B.E/ B.Tech, M.E/ M.Tech (Engg)	29-01-2021	http://cmti-india.net/themes/zeropoint/pdf/Rec_062021.pdf
3	ICAR-CIRCOT	Young Professional-I	11	Diploma, Any Degree, B.Com	15-01-2021 – Walk in	https://circot.res.in/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/YP-I-Advertise.pdf
4	ICMR – NRCL	Young Professional I & Project Asst cum Data Analyst	10	Degree (Relevant Discipline), Typing Knowledge	25-01-2021	https://www.nrclitchi.org/uploads/recruitments/Application%20Format%20for%20Young%20Professional%20&%20Project%20Assistant%2006-01-2021.pdf
5	Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax	Inspector of Income-tax, Tax Assistant, MTS	38	Matriculation, Any Degree	17-01-2021	https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/Lists/Recruitment%20Notices/Attachments/12/SPORTS_QUOTA_Notice_5_1_21.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 SC clears redevelopment plan for Central Vista project

 

 

Key points –

• The Supreme Court has cleared the road for the Central Vista project and allowed the government to go ahead with its construction in a near-unanimous decision.
• The top court was hearing a slew of petitions that questioned the lack of transparency and objectivity in awarding clearances to the project by the government and the Central Vista Committee.
• On the Centre’s grand redevelopment, the bench, headed by justice AM Khanwilkar and comprising Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and justice Sanjiv Khanna, found itself unanimous on the aspect of notice inviting bid, appointment and consultant for the project.
• The Supreme Court, while giving the verdict said the heritage conservation committee’s approval will be needed when construction work for Central Vista will begin.
• The court has also directed project proponents to get approval from the heritage committee.
• The top court has asked the redevelopment project proponents to set up smog towers as an integral part of the central vista project.

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

2.1 Service sector loses momentum

 

 

 

Key points –

• As per a private survey, growth in India's dominant services industry continued to lose momentum in December 2020 as a resurgence in coronavirus infections weighed on new business and employment.
• India has the second-highest number of coronavirus infections in the world.
• On December 3, it approved two coronavirus vaccines for emergency use but it could take years to vaccinate over 1.3 billion people with its rudimentary healthcare system.
• What does the report say –
• Indian economy has been gradually recovering from a coronavirus-induced recession but is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels soon, especially within the service industry - the engine of economic growth and jobs in the country.
• The Nikkei/IHS Markit Services Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 52.3 in December from November's 53.7 but held above the 50-mark separating growth from contraction for a third straight month.
• Although a sub-index monitoring overall demand ended a rough 2020 in growth territory, it declined to a three-month low as night curfews in some major cities depressed demand.
• Demand from abroad remained firmly in contraction territory as many countries reimposed lockdown measures to contain a fresh spike in COVID-19 cases.
• Weak demand forced firms to lower their prices despite an uptick in input costs, which increased at the quickest pace since February 2020.
• Meanwhile, job market conditions darkened, slipping back into contraction, although the pace of job shedding remained minimal.
• Despite a pick-up in factory activity, sluggish demand for services meant the India composite PMI fell to a three-month low of 54.9.

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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 President Trump confers Legion of Merit on PM Modi

 

 

• United States’ President Donald Trump has conferred the Legion of Merit, one of the highest military honours of the US, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• The award has been given for “exceptionally meritorious service” as the leader of India.
• India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, accepted the award on behalf of the prime minister from the US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien at the White House on December 21, 2020.

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

5.1 MoU between ITBP and KVIC for supplying Khadi durries for CAPF jawans

 

Highlights –  

• The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) for supplying 1,71,520 numbers of Khadi Durries for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
• The cotton khadi durries for CAPF jawans will be procured in a purchase order worth Rs 8. 73 crore.
• The ITBP has become the first paramilitary force among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to have supplies from the KVIC.
• The ITBP had signed an agreement with the KVIC in July 2019 for procurement of 1,200 quintal of mustard oil with a total financial implication of 1.73 crore.
• During the visit of Home Minister Amit Shah in December, 2019 to the ITBP Force headquarters here, an exhibition stall was prepared to exhibit the KVIC products.  

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• 6. MISCELLANEOUS (Prelims, Various GS Papers)

6.1 News Round-up – Arts, Culture and History

• Subhadra Sen Gupta, and Rajiv Eipe, have been honoured with the Big Little Book Award 2020 for their significant contribution, through their books and illustrations, to Indian children’s literature. This is the fifth edition of the Big Little Book Award; the chosen language this year was English. The Big Little Book Award was instituted by Parag to recognize and honour significant contribution of authors and illustrators to children’s literature in Indian language(s).
• Eminent Malayalam poet, conservationist and women’s activist, Sugathakumari, 86, who tested positive for COVID-19, died on December 24. She led the fiercest environmental campaign seen by Kerala — against a proposal to set up a hydel project in the Silent valley in the Western Ghats three decades ago.
• Malayalam filmmaker Shanavas Naranipuzha, 40, died in Kochi on December 23, 2020. He was the maker of the critically acclaimed film ‘Karie’, a darkly humorous take on caste oppression, and more recently, of ‘Sufiyum Sujathayum’.

6.2    News Round-up – Sports

• Former India pacers Chetan Sharma, Abey Kuruvilla and Debasish Mohanty have been appointed national team selectors. Chetan will replace Sunil Joshi as the chairman of the panel. Chetan represented India in 23 Tests and 65 ODIs from 1984 to 1994. He was the first Indian to perform a hat-trick in ODIs, against New Zealand during the 1987 World Cup.
• Former England cricketer and commentator Robin Jackman, who played four Test matches and 15 One Day Internationals between 1974 and 1983, died at the age of 75 on December 25, 2020 in South Africa.
• Former England opening batsman John Edrich passed away aged 83 on December 23, 2020. He played 77 Tests, scoring 5,138 runs at 43.54. He made 12 centuries and his highest score was 310 not out against New Zealand in 1965.
• India’s Nihal Sarin (under-18), Rakshitta Ravi (girls’ u-16), and D. Gukesh (u-14) claimed gold medals and Mrinmoy Rajkhowa (u-10) won a bronze at the FIDE Online World cadets and youth rapid chess championship.
• Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on December 23, 2020 flagged off the 917 km long “Brahmaputra Aamantran Abhiyaan” river rafting expedition in Gelling under Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The month-long expedition has been organised by the Brahmaputra Board under the Union Jal Shakti Ministry and supported by the Arunachal Pradesh and Assam governments and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
• Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on December 22, 2020 virtually inaugurated 8 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence across India. The 8 States include Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Kerala, Telangana, Nagaland, Karnataka and Odisha.
• Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on December 24, 2020 announced the construction of India’s biggest hockey stadium in Rourkela city which is set to host the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.
• Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Frances Tiafoe were among the winners of the ATP’s top awards for 2020 on December 20, 2020. Djokovic was the year-end No. 1. Federer was the singles fans’ favourite for a record-extending 18th straight year, and Nadal received the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award. Tiafoe was given the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for his social activity.

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• 7. POLITY (Prelims, GS Paper 2)

7.1 Kerala agrees to share cost of Sabarimala rail project

 

 

 

 Key points –

• The Kerala government has decided to put the Rs 2,815-crore Sabari rail project back on track. The state will fund half of the project through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
• The decision to restart the longpending project aimed at facilitating the Sabarimala pilgrimage also comes with an eye on the upcoming assembly elections, especially with the Central Travancore region having favoured LDF considerably in the recent local body polls.

Important details –

• While being a boon for passengers visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, the rail project will also pave the way for the development of the southeastern part of the state.
• The proposed 111-kilometre line from Angamaly in Ernakulam district to Erumeli in Kottayam district was announced during the 1997-98 railway budget. It was put in the cold storage after differences surfaced over its cost.
• In the meantime, the project cost has gone up from 517 crore to 2,815 crore. Currently, only seven kilometres between Angamaly and Kalady has been completed.
• The Railways had insisted on the state sharing 50% of the cost.
• Though the chief minister had requested the PM to direct the Railways to bear the entire cost considering the importance of the hill shrine, the response wasn’t favourable. The state government finally issued a statement saying it had decided to take a share of the burden considering the importance of the project.
• The move is seen as another step by the LDF to endear itself to the Hindu community.

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

8.1 Five states confirm bird flu outbreak

 

Highlights –

• Governments Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala have reported cases on bird flu till now.
• As per reports, the outbreak of Avian Influenza, which is commonly known as bird flu, is not a new thing in India and since 2015 every year during winters some cases of the disease are reported in the country.
• State governments have been asked to take all proper measures to contain the spread of the Avian Influenza and directed to dispose of dead birds properly.
• Considering the possibility of the spread of Avian Influenza (AI) Virus to humans and other domesticated animals and birds, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have directed all states and Union Territories to take all possible steps for containing the spread of the disease.
• Bird flu viruses have been circulating worldwide for centuries with four known major outbreaks recorded in the last century. India notified the first outbreak of avian influenza in 2006. Infection in humans is not yet reported in India though the disease is zoonotic.

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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 -

• Max Verstappen won the season-ending Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Dec 2020.
• Gen Chuck Yeager (age 97), first pilot to break sound barrier in 1947, passed away in US.
• Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) was signed between India and the US during the New Delhi visit of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mark Esper in October 2020.
• External Affairs Minister participated in the India-Japan Strategic Dialogue held in Oct 2020.
• The ancestral house of legendary actor Dilip Kumar is in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

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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