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115th january current affairs Contents: CRZ rules eased for ‘Blue Flag’ beaches Iran nuclear deal: EU launches dispute mechanism ASER Study: Gender Disparity in Education system Improving the Credibility of India’s Statistical System Anti-profiteering body steps up GST compliance drive How India is Resetting its ties with the World SC rejects curative pleas of 2 Nirbhaya death row convicts Kerala govt. challenges CAA in Supreme Court CRZ RULES EASED FOR ‘BLUE FLAG’ BEACHES Why in news? The Environment Ministry has relaxed Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules that restrict construction near beaches to help States construct infrastructure and enable them to receive ‘Blue Flag’ certification. Management Regulations of Coastal Zones CRZ Coastal River Zone Regulation India Map Legacy IAS Academy Best IAS Academy in Bangalore Coastal Districts of India, Significance of CRZ More about Blue Flag Certification The Blue Flag Programme started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since 2001. The Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator meets its stringent standards. FEE’s Blue Flag criteria include standards for quality, safety, environmental education and information, the provision of services and general environmental management criteria. The Blue Flag is sought for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators as an indication of their high environmental and quality standards. IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL: EU LAUNCHES DISPUTE MECHANISM Why in news? Britain, France and Germany ratcheted up pressure on Iran on 14th January to cease its violations of a landmark nuclear deal, stressing that they want to resolve differences through talks. More about dispute resolution mechanism Under JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism, countries have 30 days to resolve their problem, though that can be extended. If it cannot be solved, the matter could be brought before the UN Security Council and could then result in the snapback of sanctions that had been lifted under the deal. Background The 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, seeks to prevent Iran from producing a nuclear weapon — something Iran insists it does not want to do — by putting curbs on its atomic programme in exchange for economic incentives. ASER STUDY: GENDER DISPARITY IN EDUCATION SYSTEM Why in news? The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) was released on 14th January. The report is based on a survey to assess learning outcomes in school-going children. The report was conducted in 26 districts across 24 states by education non-profit Pratham. It revealed gender disparity in parents opting for private schools over government schools for kids aged 4-8. What does the report show: Boys and Girls Going to Private Schools and Government Schools and Anganwadis ASER Report Legacy IAS Academy Best IAS academy in Bangalore Gender disparity in enrollment of boys in Private Schools and Girls in Government schools / Anganwadis The report shows at least 35% students lack age-appropriate skills; Education system is failing kids in 4-8 age group At least 25% of school children in the four-eight age group do not have age-appropriate cognitive and numeracy skills, making for a massive learning deficit at a very early stage. The government-run preschool system is losing out to private schools in terms of enrolment, said ASER 2019, which this year focuses on early education. The lack of age-appropriate skills is alarming as this gap at an early age can impact the entire education supply chain in India. Just 37.4% of children below six are able to recognize at least letters and only 25.6% can do additions, according to the report. Similarly, only 34.8% of children in Class II can read a text meant for the level below. And at Class III, only 50.8% can read texts meant for their juniors two levels below. Highlights The report underlined the need to focus on the early years to improve the basics of education. A focus on the “breadth of skills” and activities that strengthen cognitive skills rather than formal subject-learning in the early years may generate substantial benefits for later academic performance, it said. The study also showed how a better education level among mothers can lead to better outcomes among children in preschools and early schools. The findings also showed that more girls are enrolled in government institutions and more boys in private institutions. Among four-five year-old children, 56.8% of girls and 50.4% of boys were enrolled in government schools or preschools, whereas 43.2% of girls and 49.6% of boys were enrolled in private preschools or schools, the survey found. The gap in enrolment between boys and girls is larger among 6-8 year olds, with 61.1% of all girls versus 52.1% of all boys in this age group going to a government institution. ASER report Gender disparity private schools fared better than government schools and Anganwadis ASER Legacy IAS Academy Best IAS academy in Bangalore Five year old children Difference in learning tasks of five year old children in Private Schools and Government Schools or Anganwadis Way forward Most of the young mothers in the next decade will not be very young as the median age of marriage has increased over the years from 18.2 years in 2001 to nearly 21.7 in rural India and 23.4 in urban India by 2016. There is also the improvement of education among women. Such changes in the profile of young Indian mothers need to be taken into account when thinking of the education inputs to be designed for the young children. Coherence between central ministries is essential for improving early childhood education policymaking It is also better to encourage state and district administrations to have a greater say to make early education effective. Background ASER stands for Annual Status of Education Report. This is an annual survey that aims to provide reliable estimates of children’s enrolment and basic learning levels for each district and state in India. ASER has been conducted every year since 2005 in all rural districts of India. It is the largest citizen-led survey in India. It is also the only annual source of information on children’s learning outcomes available in India today. ASER tools and procedures are designed by ASER Centre, the research and assessment arm of Pratham. The survey itself is coordinated by ASER Centre and facilitated by the Pratham network. The government preschool system is managed through the Centre’s Integrated Child Development scheme, under the ministry of women and child development, while schools come under the education ministries at the Centre and in the states. IMPROVING THE CREDIBILITY OF INDIA’S STATISTICAL SYSTEM Why in news? A study by R.B. Barman, the former chairman of the National Statistical Commission shows: it is important to directly address the issues in growth calculations, and also to restore the credibility of the Indian statistical system Suggestions by Barman Mapping the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data, which was used in earlier GDP calculations, with the new corporate affairs ministry data (MCA-21) used in the current GDP calculations. This could fill in the gaps and better reconcile GDP and gross state domestic product numbers with old estimates. Use of better price deflators in GDP calculations. Deflators are price indices used to adjust GDP for inflation. Create regular processes within the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for systematically testing for data consistency. The difference between estimates on household consumption based on the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) surveys and the CSO data, which are large and widening over time, need to be addressed. The government could develop a well-integrated and advanced information technology infrastructure for producing more insightful and comprehensive macroeconomic data. The recent draft National Statistics Bill, if enacted, would improve accountability and credibility of Indian statistics. Background MoSPI The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is concerned with coverage and quality aspects of statistics released and the surveys conducted are based on scientific sampling methods. MoSPI has two wings, one relating to Statistics and the other Programme Implementation. The Statistics Wing called the National Statistical Office(NSO) consists of the Central Statistical Office (CSO), the Computer center and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). ASI Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) is conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). ASI is principal source of industrial statistics in India. ASI is an annual event. It facilitates suitable data collection based on appropriate sampling techniques. It ensures timely dissemination of statistical information to asses and evaluate the dynamics in composition, growth and structure of organized manufacturing sector. MCA-21 MCA21 is an e-Governance initiative of Ministry of Company Affairs (MCA), Government of India. It enables an easy and secure access of the MCA services to the corporate entities, professionals and citizens of India. It Enables the business community to register a company and file statutory documents quickly and easily. It Provides easy access of public documents It Helps to Provide faster and effective resolution of public grievances It also Helps in easy registration and verification of charges It Ensures proactive and effective compliance with relevant laws and corporate governance It Also Enables the MCA employees to deliver best of breed services CSO The Central Statistics Office (CSO) coordinates the statistical activities in the country and evolves statistical standards. It is a governmental agency in India under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). NSSO The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), formerly called the National Sample Survey Organisation was the largest organisation in India conducting periodic socio-economic surveys. The NSSO was set up in 1950 to conduct large-scale sample surveys throughout India. The employees of the NSSO are from the Indian Statistical Service (appointed through the UPSC) and the Subordinate Statistical Service (appointed through the Staff Selection Commission). ANTI-PROFITEERING BODY STEPS UP GST COMPLIANCE DRIVE Why in news? A wave of orders is expected from the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) in the months of February, March and April of 2020, with the Centre stepping up a goods and services tax (GST) compliance drive. Background The National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) was established under section 171 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The NAA was set up to monitor and to oversee whether the reduction or benefit of input tax credit is reaching the recipient by way of appropriate reduction in prices. Anti-Profiteering Authority Cases Flowchart RegulationNAA National Legacy IAS Academy Best IAS Academy in Bangalore Flowchart of role of National Anti-profiteering Authority in Adjudication National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) is therefore primarily constituted by the central government to analyse whether input tax credits availed by any registered person or the reduction in the tax is passed onto the consumer and he/she is protected from random price increase for self-interests in the name of GST. NAA has the authority to deregister an entity or business if it fails to pass on the benefit of lower taxes under GST to the customer. Deregistering a business will be the last course of action and extreme step against any violator NAA will recommend the return of undue profit which a business earned from not passing on reduction and benefit of tax to consumers along with an 18 per cent interest. It can also impose a penalty if it sees it necessary. HOW INDIA IS RESETTING ITS TIES WITH THE WORLD Why in news? India’s shift in trade strategy is evident from its decision to opt out of RCEP and the increasing engagement with the US and EU. Details India announced its exit from the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal at the Bangkok summit on 4 November. While countries like Japan are still trying to woo India back to the RCEP fold, India has now signaled a shift in strategy when it comes to signing free trade agreements. It is now showing readiness to renew negotiations on the long-pending free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union as well as with Britain after the impending Brexit deal is signed. India is currently negotiating a limited trade package with the US after which both sides may sit down for a comprehensive FTA negotiation. India’s FTAs Negotiations for the proposed India-EU FTA started in 2007 but talks were suspended in 2013 due to differences. FTAs with EU and the US have their inherent advantages for Indian exporters. India has lost preferential market access to both economic regions, which has adversely impacted India’s labour-intensive textile exports. In June, 2019, the US also withdrew duty-free benefits to India’s exports, further denting India’s competitiveness in certain product lines. top 10 export Destinations FTA Singing free trade agreements (FTAs) legacy IAS Academy Best IAS Academy in Bangalore Existing Free Trade Agreements ( FTA s) of India and Export Destinations Most of India’s existing FTAs are poorly negotiated and remain under-utilized. For example, in Indonesia, the average tariff for India in non-agricultural goods was 5.5% in 2012, while that for China, it was 2.1%, as a result of the China-Asean FTA. This could be because India has been a reluctant globalizer and prefers to sign defensive trade deals that do not hurt domestic industry much, even though it means little additional market access in the partner country. Way forward A nation-wide, cross-sectoral campaign to increase awareness about existing FTAs and the ways in which specific provisions of FTAs can be leveraged by MSMEs would be critical. Greater information dissemination about compliance issues are all important for companies to truly be able to take advantage of FTAs SC REJECTS CURATIVE PLEAS OF 2 NIRBHAYA DEATH ROW CONVICTS Why in news? The curative petitions of Vinay Sharma, 26, and Mukesh Singh, 32, who were sentenced to death in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case, were rejected by a five-judge Supreme Court Bench, led by Justice N.V. Ramana, on 14th January 2020. A party can take only two limited grounds in a curative petition — one, he was not heard by the court before the adverse judgment was passed, and two, the judge was biased. What is Curative Petition? A curative petition is the last constitutional resort available for redressal of grievances in court after a review plea is dismissed or has been exhausted. The curative petition is normally decided by judges in-chamber, in rare and exceptional cases, it can be given an open-court hearing. A curative petition is a second-time review, but not a matter of right. The court will allow a curative petition only when certain requirements as laid down by it are fulfilled. The aggrieved parties have the statutory right to appeal. Once a decision is given by the Supreme Court of India, the same may be considered final and binding. However, in the interest of justice, Article 137 was incorporated into the constitution, which provided that the apex court subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, the Supreme Court has the power to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it. Constitutional Provisions regarding Pardoning powers Article 72 Article 72 provides the pardoning power to the President of India. It says: The President shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence- in all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court-martial; in all cases where the punishment or sentence for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends; in all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death. Article 161 Article 161 provides that the Governor of a State shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the State extends. In Dhananjoy Chatterjee alias Dhana v State of West Bengal, 1994 case the Supreme Court has said that “The power under Articles 72 and 161 of the Constitution can be exercised by the Central and State Governments, not by the President or Governor on their own”. The advice of the appropriate Government binds the Head of the state. Different types of Pardoning Powers Pardon The president can totally absolve/acquit the person for the offence and let him go free like a normal citizen. Commute To reduce the type of punishment into a less harsh one. For example Rigorous imprisonment to simple imprisonment. Remission To reduce the punishment without changing the nature of the punishment. For example 20 years rigorous imprisonment to 10 years rigorous imprisonment. Reprieve A delay is allowed in the execution of a sentence, usually a death sentence for a guilty person to prove his innocence. Respite Reduce the degree of punishment looking at specific grounds like pregnancy, old age etc. KERALA GOVT. CHALLENGES CAA IN SUPREME COURT Why in news? The State has approached the Supreme Court nearly 15 days after the Assembly unanimously requested the Centre to abrogate the law on December 31, 2019. The original suit has been Filed under Article 131 of the Constitution. The SC has “original” jurisdiction in disputes between States or the Centre and State(s). The Article allows it to directly take cognisance of such a dispute. Kerala said in its suit that it would be compelled under Article 256 to comply with the CAA. Related Articles in the Constitution Article 131 The Article vests the Supreme Court with original jurisdiction over disputes occurring between states or between states and the Centre. The original jurisdiction of a court means the power to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, in which the court reviews the decision of a lower court. Unlike the original jurisdiction under Article 32 (which gives the top court the power to issue writs, etc.), the jurisdiction in Article 131 is exclusive, meaning it is only the Supreme Court which has this authority. Under Article 226, the High Courts too have the power to issue writs, directions etc. Article 256 According to article 256: The executive power of every State shall be so exercised as to ensure compliance with the laws made by Parliament and any existing laws which apply in that State, and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose. What kinds of disputes are covered under Article 131? In ‘State of Rajasthan vs Union of India’, 1977, the Supreme Court ruled that the existence or extent of a legal right is a precursor before a suit under Article 131 is entertained, and that “mere wrangles between governments have no place in the scheme of that Article”, and upheld its jurisdiction in that case. Similarly, in the 1978 case, ‘State of Karnataka vs Union of India’, which involved the Centre’s authority to order an inquiry into a state Chief Minister’s conduct, jurisdiction under Article 131 was held valid. In the present case filed by Kerala, central legislation (CAA) is being challenged. In 2011, a two-judge Supreme Court Bench in ‘Madhya Pradesh v Union of India’ had held such a suit was not maintainable
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113th january current affairs 13th January Current Affairs Contents: 1. Crocodile population on the rise in Odisha’s Ghodahada reservoir 2. Maradu towers brought down with precision 3. Villagers give up stone-throwing ritual at Buddhist site 4. India’s under¬ 5 girls face high mortality 5. Kaziranga has one of the highest number of wetland birds ________________________________________ CROCODILE POPULATION ON THE RISE IN ODISHA’S GHODAHADA RESERVOIR Why in news? Example of peaceful coexistence of humans and crocodiles in the Digapahandi forest range under Berhampur forest division was revealed during annual crocodile census conducted. More about the report As per the census, the number of mature crocodiles in Ghodahada reservoir and its adjoining area has increased from 58 in January 2019 to 65 in 2020. Background: There are three species of crocodilians— Saltwater, Mugger and Gharial. IUCN Facts about Crocodile, Alligator and Gharial Mugger: • The mugger crocodile, also called the Indian crocodile, or marsh crocodile, is found throughout the Indian subcontinent. • It is listed as vulnerable by IUCN. • The mugger is mainly a freshwater species, and found in lakes, rivers and marshes. Gharial: • The Gharial or fish eating crocodile is native to the Indian subcontinent. • It is listed as a Critically Endangered by IUCN. • Small released populations are present and increasing in the rivers of the National Chambal Sanctuary, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Son River Sanctuary and the rainforest biome of Mahanadi in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, Orissa. Saltwater Crocodile: • It is the largest of all living reptiles. • It listed as least concern by IUCN. • It is found throughout the east coast of India.Crocodile conservation programmes in India: The Gharial and Saltwater crocodile conservation programme was first implemented in Odisha in early 1975 and subsequently the Mugger conservation programme was initiated, since Odisha is having distinction for existence of all the three species of Indian crocodilians. The funds and technical support for the project came from UNDP/ FAO through the Government of India. ________________________________________ MARADU TOWERS BROUGHT DOWN WITH PRECISION Why in news? It took around nine months and some tough talking by the Supreme Court for the State government to act against the violations and illegal encroachments. How was buildings brought down? The use of emulsion explosives and its reduced usage at the blast sites helped in the effective demolition of the concrete buildings while containing its impact Why was this operation done? • In 2006 Maradu Panchayat granted permission for the construction for five waterfront apartments overlooking the scenic canals of Kochi backwaters. • But, just nine months after granting permission, the panchayat issued a notice to the builders following a directive by the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA). • The government body said the site fell under the CRZ-III vulnerable category where no construction is allowed within 200 metres from the coast. Any such act will be identified and acted upon as a violation of the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) rules. • It was also revealed that a directive issued by the KCZMA makes it mandatory for self-government bodies to obtain its clearance before approving constructions in coastal areas. • But Maradu panchayat didn’t forward any application to gain a CRZ permit for the five complexes. What is CRZ? • The CRZ norms are framed under Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 to promote sustainable development based on scientific principles. • No construction is allowed within 200 metres from the coast in areas falling under CRZ-III zone while it is 50 metres from for CRZ-II. ________________________________________ VILLAGERS GIVE UP STONE-THROWING RITUAL AT BUDDHIST SITE Why in news? After a sustained campaign, heritage lovers and officials have been successful in almost stopping the stone pelting ritual at Bojjannakonda, a famous Buddhist site More about the site • “Bojjannakonda and Lingalametta are twin Buddhist monasteries dating back to the 3rd century BC. • These sites have seen three forms of Buddhism — • Theravada period when Lord Buddha was considered a teacher • Mahayana, where Buddhism was more devotional • Vajrayana, where Buddhist tradition was more practiced as Tantra and in esoteric form Bojjannakonda Buddhist monastery ________________________________________ INDIA’S UNDER 5 GIRLS FACE HIGH MORTALITY Why in news? India is among the few countries in the world where, in 2018, the mortality for girls under 5 years of age exceeded that of boys, according to the ‘Levels and Trends in Child Mortality’ report by the United Nations (UN) Findings of the report The report states that in 2018, fewer countries showed gender disparities in child mortality, and across the world, boys are expected to have a higher probability of dying before reaching age 5 than girls. But this trend was not reflected in India. Under 5 mortality in India • According to India’s 2017 Sample Registration System, the States with the highest burden of neonatal mortality are Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, with 32, 33 and 30 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. • India’s neonatal mortality rate is 23 per 1,000 live births. Gender Gap in Mortality rate of Girls and Boys under Five years of age ________________________________________ KAZIRANGA HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF WETLAND BIRDS Why in news? Kaziranga recorded 96 species of wetland birds — one of the highest for wildlife reserves in India, according to the second wetland bird count conducted on January 2020. Details With 6,181 individuals, the bar¬headed goose led the species count, followed by the common teal at 1,557 and northern pintail at 1,359. All three belong to the family anatidae . More about Bar headed goose • A Bar-headed Goose has been spotted in the wetlands of Karingali Puncha in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala. • In general, large flocks visit the Koonthankulam bird sanctuary at Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. It is very rare that the bird is spotted in Kerala. • The wetlands of Karingali Puncha is a major birding spot in the district. It reported the highest bird count in the Asian Waterbird Census of 2015. Bar-headed Goose in Kaziranga • Scientific Name: Anser indicus • Habitat • Bar-headed geese are found in central China and Mongolia and they breed there. • They start migration to the Indian sub-continent during the winter and stay till the end of the season.
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Other Services - BangaloreJan 14 -
112th january current affairs Contents: 1. Iran Admits its Missile Shot Down Ukraine Jet 2. Ukraine Demands Justice, Compensation 3. LCA Navy Varian successfully Lands on INS Vikramaditya 4. Transgender Persons Act Comes into Effect 5. We Won’t Leave Siachen: Army Chief 6. 34 lakh OCI Cards Issued: Centre 7. New method better estimates Melting of Debris-covered Himalayan Glaciers 8. VR and Visual Memory 9. Species-Rich forests offer stable Carbon Capture ________________________________________ IRAN ADMITS ITS MISSILE SHOT DOWN UKRAINE JET • Iran announced on 11th January, that its military ‘unintentionally’ shot down a Ukrainian jetliner, killing all 176 aboard, after the government had repeatedly denied Western accusations that it was responsible. • The plane was shot down early 8th January, hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on two military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in an American airstrike in Baghdad. No one was wounded in the attack on the bases. • It also said those responsible for the strike on the plane would be prosecuted. ________________________________________ UKRAINE DEMANDS JUSTICE, COMPENSATION • Ukraine on Saturday demanded that Iran punish those guilty for the downing of a Ukrainian airliner and compensate victims while praising Tehran for cooperating with an “objective” investigation. • Canada, Sweden and Afghanistan also called for accountability after Iran’s admission. Iran downs Ukrainian Aircraft with Missile ________________________________________ LCA NAVY VARIANT SUCCESSFULLY LANDS ON INS VIKRAMADITYA Why in news? • In a significant development, the naval version of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) made its first arrested landing on the deck of India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. • The Navy currently operates Russian MiG-29K fighters from INS Vikramaditya which will also fly from the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant once it enters service. Background Aircraft carriers: • An aircraft carrier is a naval warship from which the fighter jets and airplanes may take off and land on them. It serves as a seagoing airbase and allows the naval force to project air power worldwide without the requirement for local bases for aircraft operations. • Vikramaditya aircraft carrier is currently in service with Indian Navy. INS Vikrant is the indigenous aircraft carrier under construction. INS Vishal will be the next aircraft carrier of this class. INS Vikramaditya • INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev class aircraft carrier presently in service with the Indian Navy. It was originally commissioned in 1987 with the Soviet Navy and later served under the Russian navy and was decommissioned in 1996. • The aircraft carrier has been retrofitted with a Barak Missile system jointly developed by India and Israel. • INS Vikramaditya can carry out its operations up to a range of 13000 km and can carry over 1600 personal onboard. • The sensors and communication systems include the fitment of Long Range Air Surveillance Radar, Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite etc., to maintain surveillance in the area with radius of 500 km around the ship. • The aircraft carrier equipped with its kamov anti-submarine helicopters provides the Indian Navy a tactical advantage against the submarines which cannot hit back on the helicopters. • INS Vikramaditya has significantly increased the strength and overall effectiveness of the Indian Navy. INS Vikrant (IAC-I) • INS Vikrant (IAC-I) is the first aircraft carrier manufactured in India for the Indian Navy. The aircraft carrier has been built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited and Kochi, Kerala. • The motto of INS Vikrant is “Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprdhah (I defeat those who fight against me)”, is taken from Rigveda. • The construction of INS Vikrant received government approval in January 2003 and was ordered in 2004. It is still not commissioned. INS Vishal (IAC-II) • INS Vishal is a planned aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy which is currently in design phase and is to be built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. It will be the first supercarrier to be constructed in India. • INS Vishal will have a new design that will be featuring significant changes from INS Vikrant. It will have an increased displacement and possibly an EMALS CATOBAR system for launching heavier fighter jets and aircraft. ________________________________________ TRANSGENDER PERSONS ACT COMES INTO EFFECT Why in news? The Social Justice Ministry issued a notification on January 10, 2019, notifying the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which was passed by Parliament on November 26 and given Presidential assent on December 5, 2019. Background • The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 Bill defines a transgender person as one who is partly female or male; or a combination of female and male; or neither female nor male. • Additionally, the bill states that the person’s gender must not match the assigned gender at birth. • Every transgender person in the country must obtain an identity certificate which will be used as the proof of recognition of identity as a transgender person and to avail all the rights under the Bill. • The identity certificate would be granted by the District Magistrate on the recommendation of a Screening Committee. • The screening committee for recommending the certificate would comprise a medical officer, a psychologist or psychiatrist, a district welfare officer, a government official, and a transgender person. • The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 prohibits discriminating with transgender people in education, employment, healthcare and other areas. • The Bill directs the central and state governments for providing welfare schemes to the Transgender community in these areas. • The Bill also provides for the punishment of up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine for offences like compelling a transgender person to beg, denial of access to a public place, physical and sexual abuse, etc. ________________________________________ WE WON’T LEAVE SIACHEN: ARMY CHIEF Why in news? • The Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, said on 11th January, that the Army would not disengage from the Siachen Glacier as the world’s highest battlefield was key to deterring a two-¬front engagement with Pakistan and China. • He outlined an increase in focus on improving infrastructure and capabilities in the North and the East. Map of Siachen Glacier area ________________________________________ 34 LAKH OCI CARDS ISSUED: CENTRE Why in news? The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stated that more than 34 lakh Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registrations had been done but declined to divulge information relating to the number of persons whose OCI cards had been cancelled, citing non availability in a “consolidated form.” Background • The Diaspora encompasses a group of people who can either trace their origins to India or who are Indian citizens living abroad, either temporarily or permanently. • It includes Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). • PIO and OCI card holders were merged under OCI category in 2015. • A person with OCI status is not an Indian citizen. The person does not have voting rights in India, nor can contest elections or hold any constitutional office. • An Overseas Citizen of India is however entitled to some benefits such as a multiple-entry, multi-purpose life-long visa to visit India. • They are exempted from police reporting for any length of stay in the country. • They are also granted all rights in parity with NRIs except, the right to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties. ________________________________________ NEW METHOD BETTER ESTIMATES MELTING OF DEBRIS-COVERED HIMALAYAN GLACIERS Why in news? A study of the Satopanth glacier in order to model the melting of debris-covered glaciers has been carried out by a group of Indian researchers. Their new method gives a better estimate of the glacier’s melting than existing ones. Why is this study important? Studying debris-laden Himalayan glaciers is important from the point of view of how climate change affects them. About 20% of Himalayan glaciers are debris-laden, and their dynamics are very different from the ones without debris cover. Effect of debris: In glaciers without a debris cover, the rate of melting increases as the elevation decreases. However, in glaciers covered with debris, the thick cover partially insulates the glacier from the warm exterior and thereby slows down the melting. The thickness of the debris cover, by and large, increases as the glacier flows down. This works against the general trend that the lower the elevation, the higher the rate of melting. Matters are further complicated because the thickness of the debris cover is not uniform but fluctuates randomly. Satopanth glacier: • Satopanth glacier is located in Garhwal in Central Himalaya, in Uttarakhand. • It is the origin of the river Alaknanda, one of the two main tributaries of the Ganga. • The other tributary is Bhagirathi, which originates from the Gangotri glacier. • These two rivers join at Devprayag, around 70 km upstream of Rishikesh. • Downstream of Devprayag, the river is called Ganga. Satopath Glacier Area ________________________________________ VR AND VISUAL MEMORY Why in news? • Researchers have found that virtual reality (VR)—a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment usually experienced using head mounted displays (HMDs)—may interfere with visual memory, a finding that may lead to better application of the technology. • They speculate that the enhanced sense of realism and immersion created by the ability to look around freely, tires the brain and consequently prevents the formation of visual memory. • In further studies, the research team hopes to find out why visual memory is hindered when the participants can look around freely in VR. Background: What is Augmented Reality? Augmented reality is the blending of virtual reality and real life, as developers can create images within applications that blend in with contents in the real world. With AR, users are able to interact with virtual contents in the real world, and are able to distinguish between the two. The best example of AR can be – ‘Pokemon Go’. What is Virtual Reality? Virtual reality is all about the creation of a virtual world that users can interact with. This virtual world should be designed in such a way that users would find it difficult to tell the difference from what is real and what is not. Furthermore, VR is usually achieved by the wearing of a VR helmet or goggles similar to the Oculus Rift. Difference and similarities Both virtual reality and augmented reality are similar in the goal of immersing the user, though both systems to this in different ways. With AR, users continue to be in touch with the real world while interacting with virtual objects around them. With VR, the user is isolated from the real world while immersed in a world that is completely fabricated. As it stands, VR might work better for video games and social networking in a virtual environment, such as Second Life, or even PlayStation Home. Virtual reality and Augmented Reality Comparision ________________________________________ SPECIES-RICH FORESTS OFFER STABLE CARBON CAPTURE Why in news? Spending over six months conducting surveys inside Anamalai Tiger Reserve and using satellite data from multiple locations in the Western Ghats, an international team of researchers has shown that carbon storage was highest in species-rich evergreen forest. What is found in study? • The results showed that the species-rich evergreen forests stored carbon at approximately 300 tons per hectare. • The storage in teak and eucalyptus plantations was 43% and 55% less, respectively. • The researchers also found that the rates of carbon capture remained nearly the same year after year in natural forests compared with plantations. • This study can help transform reforestation policies. • Protecting and regenerating natural forests comprising a diverse mix of native tree species is more reliable in the long term than raising monoculture or species-poor plantations as a strategy for mitigating climate change. • Species-rich forests are beneficial for biodiversity as they also provide habitat to many other components — insects, birds, etc. Previous studies have shown that species-rich forests are also resistant to diseases.
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Other Services - BangaloreJan 14 -
111th january current affairs 11th January Current Affairs SC TELLS GOVT. TO REVIEW ORDERS CURBING BASIC RIGHTS IN J&K Why in news? The Supreme Court on 10th January ordered the government to review “forthwith” any existing orders that restrict basic rights and free movement in Jammu and Kashmir. SC and basic rights • The court upheld the freedoms of free speech, expression and trade or business on the Internet as fundamental rights to be constitutionally protected. • It, however, refused to express any views on whether the very access to the Internet is a fundamental right or not. • The Supreme Court directed the government to review orders suspending Internet services in the erstwhile State instantly. • It ordered any order suspending the Internet found to violate the law should be revoked at once. • It further instructed the government to consider restoring government websites, localised/limited e-banking facilities, hospital services and other essential services in areas in the Union Territory, where it was otherwise not thinking to do so immediately. Background: What has happened after removal of article 370? • Following the Abrogation of Article 370 from J&K, the Indian Government had passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill, 2019 which contains the provisions to reconstitute the state into two separate Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. • While the new UT of J&K will have an assembly like the existing UTs of Delhi and Puducherry, the UT of Ladakh will be directly governed by the Central Government. • This bill came into full effect by October 31, 2019. • With this bill, the Government had also dissolved the IAS & IPS cadres of Jammu & Kashmir and now all officers are part of the existing Central government pool of bureaucrats. ________________________________________ STEEL MESH TO REPLACE BARBED WIRE FENCES ON BORDERS Why in news? The ‘rickety’ barbed wires along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders are being replaced with meshed fence made of steel and coated with anti-rust paint, a senior government official said on 10th January 2019. Details • India shares a 4,096.7 km long border with Bangladesh and 3,323 km with Pakistan. • The Border Security Force (BSF), deployed along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders, has been tasked with ensuring that the fence is installed in a time-bound manner. • This will be a complete overhaul of the security system. The unique quality of the new fence is that it cannot be snipped and nobody can climb it. • There are many pockets along the border where the old barbed wires are so fragile that they can be destroyed with a mild push. ________________________________________ ALL SET FOR WATER BIRD CENSUS IN A.P Why in news? • The annual bird census will commence in the Corniga Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) and surrounding wetlands in the Godavari mangrove cover on the east coast Mangroves Sanctuaries In Andhra Pradesh • Indian Skimmer, a water bird species, has started visiting the Godavari mangroves for three years. The species can be sighted only in three places in the country, including the Chambal river in Central India. The census will document such incredible findings of the avian life surviving in the Godavari mangroves • IUCN status of Indian skimmer Indian Skimmer – Water Bird • The conservation status of the Indian Skimmer is ‘vulnerable’, according to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources ________________________________________ MoD APPROVES RULES OF BUSINESS FOR DMA Why in news? The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the rules of business for the newly created Department of Military Affairs (DMA), headed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Details • The DMA, headed by Gen. Bipin Rawat, will have two Joint Secretaries, 13 Deputy Secretaries, 25 Under Secretaries and 22 Section officers • Most of the training establishments and cadre management of the Services would be under the purview of the DMA. • Deputations to the training establishments, such as the National Defence Academy, the Indian Military Academy, the Officers Training Academy and the Defence Services Staff College would also be under the CDS. Extra information • The DMA is the fifth department in the MoD — the others being the Department of Defence, the Department of Defence Production, the Department of Defence research and Development and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. ________________________________________ CENTRE GETS NOTIFICATION ON PLEA FOR POPULATION CONTROL Why in news? The Supreme Court on 10th January 2020, sought a response from the government to a petition for population control measures, including a two-child norm. Background • Delhi High Court dismissed a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) petition seeking urgent steps to control the country’s rising population. • Petition was filed in Supreme Court by the advocate challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to dismiss the PIL petition. • A SC Bench issued notice to the government on the petition. • High Court had refused to intervene saying it was up to the legislature to enact laws. • Contention was that the HC had failed to appreciate that the right to clean air, drinking water, health, peaceful sleep, shelter, livelihood and education, which are guaranteed under Articles 21 and 21A of the Constitution, could not be fully secured without controlling the population. ________________________________________ SECTION 144 IS NOT A TOOL TO SUPPRESS OPINION: SC Why in news? The orders of restriction issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal procedure (Cr.PC) could not be used as a tool to suppress legitimate expression, opinion and grievances in a democracy, the Supreme Court ruled on 10th January. Details • Referring to the submissions by petitioners that the police were still restricting the movement of people during the day in Jammu and Kashmir, the court said it was neither proper nor correct on the part of the State to resort to such acts. • Supreme Court said “If a government thinks there is a threat to law and order…, it must follow due procedure, taking into consideration the rights of citizens, and pass only appropriate and need-based restrictive orders” Specifics of Court Order • The court noted that the orders issued under Section 144 in Jammu and Kashmir did not explain that restrictions were imposed in anticipation of a threat to law and order or to prevent loss of life and property. • This was despite the fact that government had argued that the restrictions were imposed because of the erstwhile State’s history of cross-border terrorism and infiltration and other security issues. • Divergent views and disapproval of government action could not lead to imposition of Section 144. • The power was meant to be used o only in case of public emergency or in the interest of public safety. • Magistrates could not apply a straitjacket formula without assessing the objective and material facts. Restrictions could not be excessive in nature or duration. • On the contention whether Section 144 could be invoked against the public in general or against specific groups or persons, the court referred to the Madhu Limaye judgment that a general order could be passed if the number of persons was so large that a distinction could not be made without risk. ________________________________________ IIP REVERSES SLUMP, GROWS BY 1.8% IN NOVEMBER Why in news? • Having contracted for three months in a row, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a growth of 1.8% in November 2019, mainly on account of an improvement in the manufacturing sector, official data showed on 10th January 2020. • The IIP growth in November 2018 was 0.2%. Details • According to the National Statistical Office (NSO) data, the growth in the manufacturing sector was 2.7% as against a contraction of 0.7% in the same month on 2018. • Electricity generation shrank by 5%, as against a growth of 5.1% in November 2018. • The IIP growth during April-November in the current fiscal came in at 0.6%, far slower than the 5% in the same period of 2018-19. • Mining sector output decelerated to 1.7%, from 2.7% in the year earlier period. Background NSO: • NSO as an agency was envisaged firstly by Rangarajan Commission to implement and maintain statistical standards and coordinate statistical activities of Central and State agencies as laid down by the National Statistical Commission (NSC). • This commission had also recommended setting up of the NSC, headed by a person with a Minister of State-level designation, to serve as a nodal and empowered body for all core statistical activities of the country. • NSO was formed with the merger of National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and Central Statistics Office (CSO) under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). IIP: • The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is an index that shows the growth rates in different industry groups of the economy in a fixed period of time. • It is compiled and published monthly by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. • IIP is a composite indicator that measures the growth rate of industry groups classified under: • Broad sectors, namely, Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity. • Use-based sectors, namely Basic Goods, Capital Goods, and Intermediate Goods ________________________________________ WEST BENGAL TOPS IN 2018 ACID ATTACK CASES: NCRB Why in news? West Bengal accounted for the highest number of acid attack cases, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NRCB) report released on January 2020. Details • There has been a marginal decline in the incidents of acid attacks in the country in 2018 compared to the previous year West Bengal tops with 50 cases Uttar Pradesh comes second with 40 and Delhi third with 11 cases. • The common perception is that acid attack are mainly targeted towards women, but in some cases enmity and dispute results in acid attacks on men as well. • Acid attacks are registered under Section 326 A of the Indian Penal Code, with a minimum punishment of 10 years of imprisonment. NCRB Report on Acid Attacks on Women ________________________________________ INS VIKRAMADITYA DEPLOYED IN THE ARABIAN SEA Why in news? India has deployed its aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya in the Arabian Sea at a time China and Pakistan are holding a nine-day mega naval exercise in the region. Details • Pakistan and China on Monday launched a major drill in the north Arabian Sea called “Sea Guardians”. • Aim is to increase interoperability and strategic cooperation between their two navies. • The exercise is taking place in the midst of heightened tension between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue. • Key platforms of both China and Pakistan, including submarines, destroyers and frigates, are part of the exercise. • Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, with MiG29K fighters on board, has been sent with a strategic objective
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Other Services - BangaloreJan 14 -
18th january current affairs Contents: 1. 4 Nirbhaya case convicts to be hanged 2. Genome sequencing of Indian cobra 3. HighRadius: A business Unicorn of 2020 4. Cutting Expenditure to curb deficit 5. Nation pension scheme 6. GOCO MODEL to identify industry partners 7. NETSCOFAN ________________________________________ 4 NIRBHAYA CASE CONVICTS TO BE HANGED Why in news? All four convicts in the December 16, 2012, Nirbhaya gang¬rape and murder case will be hanged on January 22,2020 at 7 a.m. inside Tihar jail Justice Verma Committee • Justice Verma Committee was constituted to recommend amendments to the Criminal Law so as to provide for quicker trial and enhanced punishment for criminals accused of committing sexual assault against women. The Committee submitted its report on January 23, 2013. • Punishment for crimes against women: The Committee rejected the proposal for chemical castration as it fails to treat the social foundations of rape. It opined that death penalty should not be awarded for the offence of rape as there was considerable evidence that death penalty was not a deterrence to serious crimes. It recommended life imprisonment for rape. Reforms in management of cases related to crime against women: • A Rape Crisis Cell should be set up. The Cell should be immediately notified when an FIR in relation to sexual assault is made. The Cell must provide legal assistance to the victim. • All police stations should have CCTVs at the entrance and in the questioning room. • A complainant should be able to file FIRs online. • Police officers should be duty bound to assist victims of sexual offences irrespective of the crime’s jurisdiction. • Members of the public who help the victims should not be treated as wrong doers. • The police should be trained to deal with sexual offences appropriately. • Number of police personnel should be increased. Community policing should be developed by providing training to volunteers. ________________________________________ GENOME OF INDIAN COBRA SEQUENCED Why in news? A consortium of scientists, including some from India, have mapped the genome of the Indian Cobra, among the most poisonous snakes in the country Use of genome sequencing Knowing the sequence of genes could aid in understanding the chemical constituents of the venom and contribute to development of new antivenom therapies, which have remained practically unchanged for over a century ________________________________________ HIGHRADIUS Why in news? Indian origin person has innovated the product and it has been selected as unicorn business for 2020 Details It is an Artificial Intelligence based platform facilitating back office functions such as trade receivables and treasury management. ________________________________________ CUTTING EXPENDITURE TO CURB DEFICIT Why in news? Government is planning to cut its expenditure Details • Government may look to cut expenditure as it is eying one of the highest tax shortfall • As the economy is growing at its lowest in the last 6 years, this move might create further problems • Private investment is at an all-time low • Lack of demand and weak corporate earnings have led to this revenue shortfall • The centre is likely to keep its fiscal deficit within 3.8 percent What is fiscal deficit? • The difference between total revenue and total expenditure of the government is termed as fiscal deficit. • It is an indication of the total borrowings needed by the government. • While calculating the total revenue, borrowings are not included. ________________________________________ NATIONAL PENSION SCHEME Why in news? Only 10 lakhs employees are covered under the NPS as per assessment by (PFRDA) Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Details about NPS • National Pension Scheme (NPS) is a government-sponsored pension scheme. • It was launched in January 2004 for government employees. • In 2009, it was opened to all sections. • The scheme allows subscribers to contribute regularly in a pension account during their working life. • On retirement, subscribers can withdraw a part of the corpus in a lumpsum and use the remaining corpus to buy an annuity to secure a regular income after retirement. • PFRDA mentioned that it is the mindset of the people that makes NPS less attractive ________________________________________ GOCO MODELTO IDENTIFY INDUSTRY PARTNERS Why in news? Army gets working on GOCO model to improve efficiency Details • Government owned Contractor operated model for army workshop and ordnance depots • Agenda is to understand the industry perspective on opportunities envisaged and issues • GOCO model was one of the recommendations of the Lt. Gen. DB Shekatkar (Retd.) committee to ” enhance the combat capability and rebalancing defence expenditure” ________________________________________ NETSCOFAN Why in news? NETSCOFAN has been launched by Union Health Minister Details • NetSCoFAN (Network for Scientific Co-operation for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition) is a network of research & academic institutions which will work in the area of food & nutrition. • Comprising of eight groups of institutions working in different areas like food of animal origin, food of plant origin, biological, chemical, nutrition & labelling, food testing, water & beverages and safer & sustainable packaging. • FSSAI has identified eight Nodal Institutions to develop inventory of all research work, experts and institutions and would carry out and facilitate research, survey and related activities. • Research gaps in respective areas and collect, collate and develop database on food safety issues for risk assessment activities will be identified.
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