IN NEWS:

• Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman here today attended the Plenary Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the virtual Spring Meetings 2021.
• The meeting was attended by Governors/Alternate Governors representing 190 member countries of the IMF.

Key highlights:

• The discussions at the meeting were based on IMF Managing Director’s Global Policy Agenda (GPA) titled, “Bolstering the Recovery, Countering Divergence”.
• The IMFC was updated by the members on the actions and measures taken by the member countries to combat Covid-19.
• India emphasised that the GPA’s suggestion to hasten the transition to a low-carbon economy for promoting growth that benefits all needs to be viewed in the context of its implications for the Emerging Market and Developing Economies and low-income economies.
• The burden of economic transformation to a low carbon economy would disproportionately be higher for these countries, and positive benefits may not accrue in the short run.
• The focus needs to remain on the agreed principles of equity and differentiated responsibility of climate action.

Important value addition:

International Monetary and Financial Committee

• It is the Ministerial-level committee of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• It meets twice a year, once during the Fund-Bank Annual Meetings in October and once during the Spring Meetings in April.
• This year, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the meeting took place through video-conference.

Functions:

1. It discusses the management of the international monetary and financial system.
2. It advises the IMF on any other matters of common concern affecting the global economy.
3. IMFC has 24 members, drawn from the pool of 189 governors, and represents all member countries. India is one of the current members.
4. It operates on consensus, including on the selection of its chairman.

SOURCE:PIB (April 9th Current Affairs)

2. Copyright (Amendment) Rules, 2021.

Context:

The Government of India has notified Copyright (Amendment) Rules, 2021 vide Gazette notification under reference G.S.R. 225(E) dated 30th March, 2021.

Key highlights:

• In India, the copyright regime is governed by the Copyright Act, 1957 and the Copyright Rules, 2013.
• The Copyright Rules, 2013 were last amended in the year 2016.
• OBJECTIVE: bringing the existing rules in parity with other relevant legislations.
• AIM: to ensure smooth and flawless compliance in the light of the technological advancement in digital era by adopting electronic means as primary mode of communication and working in the Copyright Office.
• A new provision regarding publication of a copyrights journal has been incorporated, thereby eliminating the requirement of publication in the Official Gazette.
• The amendments have harmonised the Copyright Rules with the provisions of Finance Act, 2017 whereby the Copyright Board has been merged with Appellate Board.
• The time limit for the Central Government to respond to an application made before it for registration as a copyright society is extended to one hundred and eighty days, so that the application can be more comprehensively examined.
• To encourage accountability and transparency, new provisions have been introduced, to deal with the undistributed royalty amounts and use of electronic and traceable payment methods while collection and distribution of royalties.
• To reinforce transparency in working of copyright societies a new rule has been introduced, whereby the copyright societies will be required to draw up and make public an Annual Transparency Report for each financial year.

SOURCE:PIB (April 9th Current Affairs)

3.Monetary Policy Report:RBI

In News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the Monetary Policy Report for the month of April 2021.

Key Points

Unchanged Policy Rates:

Repo Rate – 4%.

Reverse Repo Rate – 3.35%.

Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) – 4.25%.

Bank Rate- 4.25%.

GDP Projection:

Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for 2021-22 has been retained at 10.5%.

Inflation:

RBI has revised the projection for Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation to:

5.0% in Quarter 4 of 2020-21.

5.2% in Quarter 1 of 2021-22.

5.2% in Quarter 2 of 2021-22.

4.4% in Quarter 3 of 2021-22.

5.1% in Quarter 4 of 2021-22.

Accommodative Stance:

• The RBI decided to continue with the accommodative stance as long as necessary to sustain growth on a durable basis and continue to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on the economy, while ensuring that inflation remains within the target going forward.
• An accommodative stance means a central bank will cut rates to inject money into the financial system whenever needed.

Support to Financial Institutions:

• RBI would extend fresh support of Rs. 50,000 crore to the All India Financial Institutions for new lending in Financial Year (FY) 2021-22.
• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will be provided a Special Liquidity Facility (SLF) of Rs. 25,000 crore for one year to support agriculture and allied activities, the rural non-farm sector and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) – Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs).
• An SLF of Rs. 10,000 crore will be extended to the National Housing Bank for one year to support the housing sector.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) will be provided Rs.15,000 crore under this facility for up to one year for funding of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs).
• All three facilities will be available at the prevailing policy repo rate.

Review Committee for ARC’s:

• Signalling the importance of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to deal with bad loans, the RBI would constitute a committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the working of ARCs in the financial sector ecosystem.
• The committee will recommend suitable measures for enabling such entities to meet the growing requirements of the financial sector.

Extension of Priority Sector Lending:

• A six-month extension to September 30,2021 for Priority Sector Lending (PSL) classification for lending by banks to NBFCs for ‘on-lending’ to sectors that contribute significantly to the economy in terms of export and employment — has been approved.
• On-lending means to lend (borrowed money) to a third party.
• This would provide an impetus to NBFCs providing credit at the bottom of the pyramid.

SOURCE:THE HINDU (April 9th Current Affairs)

4. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES ACQUISITION PROGRAMME (G-SAP)

IN NEWS:

RBI Governor has announced Government Securities Acquisition Programme (G-SAP), through which it will purchase government securities worth Rs 1 lakh crore in the first quarter of FY22.

KEY POINTS:

• It is part of RBIs Open Market Operations.
• Under the programme, the RBI will commit upfront to a specific amount of Open Market Purchases of government securities.
• The first purchase of government securities for an aggregate amount of Rs. 25,000 crore under G-SAP 1.0 will be conducted on 15th April, 2021.

Objective:

To avoid volatility in the G-sec market in view of its central role in the pricing of other financial market instruments across the term structure and issuers, both in the public and private sectors

Significance:

• It will provide certainty to the bond market participants with regard to RBI’s commitment of support to the bond market in FY22.
• The announcement of this structured programme will help reduce the difference between the repo rate and the 10-year government bond yield. That, in turn, will help to reduce the aggregate cost of borrowing for the Centre and states in FY 2021-22.
• It will enable a stable and orderly evolution of the yield curve amidst comfortable liquidity conditions.
• A yield curve is a line that plots yields (interest rates) of bonds having equal credit quality but differing maturity dates.
• The slope of the yield curve gives an idea of future interest rate changes and economic activity.

SOURCE:Indian Express. (April 9th Current Affairs)

5.NET-ZERO GOAL

CONTEXT:

Context:

In its bid to reclaim the global climate leadership, the US is widely expected to commit itself to a net-zero emission target for 2050 at the upcoming virtual Climate Leaders’ Summit convened by US President Joe Biden.

Net-Zero Goal

• Net-zero, which is also referred to as carbon-neutrality, does not mean that a country would bring down its emissions to zero.
• Rather, net-zero is a state in which a country’s emissions are compensated by absorption and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
• Absorption of the emissions can be increased by creating more carbon sinks such as forests, while the removal of gases from the atmosphere requires futuristic technologies such as carbon capture and storage.
• This way, it is even possible for a country to have negative emissions, if the absorption and removal exceed the actual emissions.
• A good example is Bhutan which is often described as carbon-negative because it absorbs more than it emits.

The global target

• The goal of carbon neutrality is only the latest formulation of a discussion going on for decades, on having a long-term goal.
• A very active campaign has been going on for the last two years to get every country to sign on to a net-zero goal for 2050.
• It is being argued that global carbon neutrality by 2050 is the only way to achieve the Paris Agreement target of keeping the planet’s temperature from rising beyond 2°C compared to pre-industrial times.
• Current policies and actions being taken to reduce emissions would not even be able to prevent a 3–4°C rise by the turn of the century.
• Long-term targets ensure predictability, and continuity, in the policies and actions of the countries. But there has never been a consensus on what this goal should be.

Going beyond emission reduction

• Earlier, the discussions used to be on emission-reduction targets, for 2050 or 2070, for rich and developed countries.
• These unregulated emissions over several decades are mainly responsible for global warming and consequent climate change.
• The net-zero formulation does not assign any emission reduction targets to any country.
• Theoretically, a country can become carbon-neutral at its current level of emissions, or even by increasing its emissions, if it is able to absorb or remove more.

Global actions for net-zero

• Several other countries, including the UK and France, have already enacted laws promising to achieve a net-zero emission scenario by the middle of the century.
• The EU is working a similar Europe-wide law, while many other countries including Canada, South Korea, Japan and Germany have expressed their intention to commit themselves to a net-zero future.
• Even China has promised to go net-zero by 2060.
• India, the world’s third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, after the US and China, is the only major player holding out.

India’s position is unique

• India is the only one opposing this target because it is likely to be the most impacted by it.
• Over the next two to three decades, India’s emissions are likely to grow at the fastest pace in the world, as it presses for higher growth to pull hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.
• No amount of afforestation or reforestation would be able to compensate for the increased emissions.
• Most of the carbon removal technologies right now are either unreliable or very expensive.

Why does India object to net-zero emissions?

• The net-zero goals do not figure in the 2015 Paris Agreement, the new global architecture to fight climate change.
• The Paris Agreement only requires every signatory to take the best climate action it can.
• Countries need to set five- or ten-year climate targets for themselves, and demonstrably show they have achieved them.
• Implementation of the Paris Agreement has begun only this year.
• Most of the countries have submitted targets for the 2025 or 2030 period.
• India has been arguing that instead of opening up a parallel discussion on net-zero targets outside of the Paris Agreement framework, countries must focus on delivering on what they have already promised.

India is already doing more

• India is hoping to lead by example. It is well on its way to achieving its three targets under the Paris Agreement and looks likely to overachieve them.
• Several studies have shown that India is the only G-20 country whose climate actions are compliant with the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global temperatures from rising beyond 2°C.
• Even the actions of the EU, which is seen as the most progressive on climate change, and the US are assessed as “insufficient”.
• In other words, India is already doing more, relatively speaking, on climate than many other countries.

Fuss over developed countries contribution

• New Delhi also repeatedly points to the fact that the developed nations have never delivered on their past promises and commitments.
• No major country achieved the emission-cut targets assigned to them under the Kyoto Protocol, the climate regime preceding the Paris Agreement.
• Some openly walked out of the Kyoto Protocol, without any consequences.
• None of the countries has delivered on the promises they made for 2020.
• Even worse is their track record on their commitment to providing money, and technology, to developing and poor countries to help them deal with the impacts of climate change.

India’s way forward

• India has been arguing that the 2050 carbon-neutrality promise might meet a similar fate, although some countries are now finding themselves in law.
• It has been insisting that the developed countries should, instead, take more ambitious climate actions now, to compensate for the unfulfilled earlier promises.
• At the same time, it has been saying that it does not rule out the possibility of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 or 2060.
• Just that, it does not want to make an international commitment so much in advance.

SOURCE:INDIAN EXPRESS (April 9th Current Affairs)

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April 6th current affairs

1. INS VIRAAT
   INS Viraat, the Navy’s decommissioned aircraft carrier, has become the “private property” of a ship-breaker who has already torn down 40% of its body, chiefly for scrap, the Supreme Court told a private company, that wants to turn the vessel into a maritime museum-cum-adventure centre.
   About:
   On February 10, the court had ordered a stay on the process of dismantling the ship.
   The carrier was bought by the Gujarat-based Shree Ram Group, a ship-breaking firm, in a bid. The 67-year-old iconic warship was towed to the breaking yard after over three decades’ service in the Navy.
   Important Info :
   Do you know?
   INS Viraat was a Centaur-class aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy.
   INS Viraat was the flagship of the Indian Navy before INS Vikramaditya was commissioned in 2013.
   The ship was completed and commissioned in 1959 as the Royal Navy’s HMS Hermes, and decommissioned in 1984. It was sold to India in 1987. INS Viraat was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987 served till 2016 when it was decommissioned.
   Source : The Hindu
   Defence & Security   (April 6th current affairs)

CHENAB BRIDGE

• The Prime Minister has lauded the completion of Arch closure of the Chenab Bridge, World’s highest Railway Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir by Indian Railways.
  About:
  The length of the Chenab bridge will be 1,315 metres with 17 spans, of which the span of the main arch across Chenab river will be 467m.
  The bridge is part of an ambitious 272-km rail link project and is being constructed by the Northern Railway at an estimated cost of ₹28,000 crore.
  The bridge will be able to withstand earthquakes with a magnitude of up to eight and high-intensity blasts.
  The bridge, which will include a 14-metre dual carriageway and a 1.2-metre-wide central verge, will have a design speed of around 100 kilometres per hour with a lifespan of 120 years.
  Source : PIB
  Geography (April 6th current affairs)

• TRIBUNALS REFORMS (RATIONALISATION AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE) ORDINANCE, 2021
  The President of India has promulgated the Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance, 2021, by which the appellate authorities under nine Acts have been done away with and the right to hear appeals under the statute has been conferred to High Courts.
  About:
  Section 184 of the Finance Act, 2017 has been amended to empower the Central Government to make rules for qualifications, appointment, term of office, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other terms and conditions of service of Members of Tribunals.
  The Ordinance omits following Tribunals/ Appellate Authorities from the purview of Finance Act:
  Airport Appellate Tribunal established under the Airport Authority of India Act, 1994
  Appellate Board established under the Trade Marks Act, 1999
  Authority for Advance Ruling established under the Income Tax Act, 1961
  Film Certification Appellate Tribunal established under the Cinematograph Act, 1952
  
  Further, it substitutes the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission established under the erstwhile Consumer Protection Act, 1986 with a National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
  Source : The Hindu
  Polity & Governance (April 6th current affairs)

• CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (CBI)
  The Supreme Court told the government that interim appointments to the post of CBI Director cannot go on.
  About:
  The remark came during the hearing of a petition filed by Common Cause, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, objecting to the appointment of Praveen Sinha as interim CBI Director following the retirement of Rishi Kumar Shukla on February 2.
  The petition said the government had failed to appoint a regular Director through the high-power selection committee of the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and Leader of Opposition.
  The Common Cause has argued that an interim appointment through an executive order was not envisaged in the statutory scheme of the 1946 Act.
  The agency should function independently outside the pale of the Executive or political powers. This was exactly why a high-powered committee selects the CBI Director.
  Important Info :
  Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)?
  The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating agency of India.
  It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
  (India), Originally set up to investigate bribery and governmental corruption, in 1965 it received expanded jurisdiction to investigate breaches of central laws enforceable by the Government of India, multi-state organised crime, multi-agency or international cases.
  The CBI headquarter is located in New Delhi.
  Source : The Hindu
  Polity & Governance (April 6th current affairs)

• SADABAHAR
  Shrikishan Suman (55 years), a farmer from Kota, Rajasthan, has developed an innovative mango variety which is a regular and round-the-year dwarf variety of mango called Sadabahar, which is resistant to most major diseases and common mango disorders.
  About:
  The fruit is sweeter in taste, comparable to langra and being a dwarf variety, is suitable for kitchen gardening, high-density plantation, and can be grown in pots for some years too.
  Besides, the flesh of the fruits, which is bourn round the year, is deep orange with sweet taste, and the pulp has very less fiber content which differentiates it from other varieties.
  The innovative attributes of the variety have been verified by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), India, an autonomous institution of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.
  NIF has also facilitated the plantation of Sadabahar mango variety in the Mughal Garden at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.
  Source : PIB
  Economy

INTEGRATED HEALTH INFORMATION PLATFORM (IHIP)

• The Union Minister of Health, Harsh Vardhan launched the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).
  About:
  The Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) is the next generation highly refined version of the presently used Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
  According to the minister, India is the first country in the world to adopt such an advanced disease surveillance system.
  The new version of IHIP will house the data entry and management for India’s disease surveillance program.
  In addition to tracking 33 diseases now as compared to the earlier 18 diseases, it shall ensure near-real-time data in digital mode, having done away with the paper-mode of working.
  Terming this as the world’s biggest online disease surveillance platform, he stated that it is in sync with the National Digital Health Mission.
  Source : PIB
  Health (April 6th current affairs)

• CHAFF TECHNOLOGY
  Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard the naval ships against enemy missile attack.
  About:
  Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ), a DRDO laboratory, has indigenously developed three variants of this technology namely Short Range Chaff Rocket (SRCR), Medium Range Chaff Rocket (MRCR) and Long Range Chaff Rocket (LRCR) meeting Indian Navy’s requirements.
  Chaff is a passive expendable electronic countermeasure technology used worldwide to protect naval ships from enemy’s radar and Radio Frequency (RF) missile seekers.
  The importance of this development lies in the fact that very less quantity of chaff material deployed in the air acts as decoy to deflect enemy’s missiles for safety of the ships.
  Source : The Hindu
  Defence & Security

LA PEROUSE

Indian Navy Ships INS Satpura and INS Kiltan along with P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft are participating, for the first time; in multi-lateral maritime exercise La Pérouse, being conducted in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region from 05 to 07 April 2021.

• About:
  The Indian Navy ships and aircraft will exercise at sea with ships and aircraft of French Navy (FN), Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and United States Navy (USN) during the three day exercise at sea.
  The exercise La Pérouse is led by French Navy.
  Exercise La Pérouse will witness complex and advanced naval operations including surface warfare, anti-air warfare and air defence exercises, weapon firing exercises, cross deck flying operations, tactical manoeuvres and seamanship evolutions such as replenishment at sea.
  Source : LiveMint
  International (April 6th current affairs)
•  
• SPICES BOARD INDIA
  Spices Board India and UNDP India’s Accelerator Lab signed a MoU, with the aim to build a blockchain based traceability interface for Indian spices to enhance transparency in supply chain and trade.
  About:
  The project will be piloted with over 3,000 farmers engaged in chilli and turmeric farming in select Districts of Andhra Pradesh.
  Blockchain is a decentralized process of recording transactions on an open and shared electronic ledger. This allows for ease and transparency in data management across a complex network, including, farmers, brokers, distributors, retailers and consumers, thus simplifying the supply chain.
  Important Info :
  About Spices Board?
  Spices Board is one of the five Commodity Boards functioning under the Ministry of Commerce &Industry.
  It is an autonomous body responsible for the export promotion of the 52 scheduled spices and development of Cardamom (Small & Large).
  Source : PIB
  Economy

• GLOBAL GENDER GAP REPORT
• India has fallen 28 places in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021, and is now one of the worst performers in South Asia, trailing behind neighbours Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
• About:

1. India is now ranked 140 among 156 countries.
   South Asia incidentally is one of the worst performing regions, followed only by the Middle East and northern Africa.
   many countries have fared worse in this year’s rankings compared to last year’s, on account of economic performance.
   On its current trajectory, it will now take 135.6 years to close the gender gap worldwide.
   The gender gap in political empowerment remains the largest: women represent only 26.1 per cent of some 35,500 parliament seats and just 22.6 per cent of over 3,400 ministers worldwide, according to the report.
   In 81 countries, there has never been a woman head of state, as of January 15, 2021.
   Source : Indian Express
   Social Issues (April 6th current affairs)

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 April 3rd Current Affairs – Vignan IAS

MATERNAL DEATHS
The failure of the health system to cope with COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in maternal deaths and stillbirths, according to a study published in The Lancet Global Health journal.

About:
Overall, there was a 28% increase in the odds of stillbirth, and the risk of mothers dying during pregnancy or childbirth increased by about one-third.
There was also a rise in maternal depression.
COVID-19 impact on pregnancy outcomes was disproportionately high on poorer countries.
The report is an analysis of 40 studies across 17 countries including Brazil, Mexico, the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, India, China and Nepal.
The study attributes the worsening trend to the failure of the “inefficiency of the healthcare system and their inability to cope with the pandemic” instead of strict lockdown measures. This resulted in reduced access to care.
In India, during the months of national lockdown last year between April and June, compared to the same period in 2019, there was a 27% drop in pregnant women receiving four or more ante-natal check-ups, a 28% decline in institutional deliveries and 22% decline in prenatal services.

Source : The Hindu
 Health

JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION (JCPOA)

The U.S. and Iran said that they would begin negotiations through intermediaries next week to try to get both countries back into an accord limiting Iran’s nuclear programme, nearly three years after President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the deal.

About:
The announcement marked the first major progress in efforts to return both countries to the 2015 accord, which bound Iran to restrictions on its nuclear programmes in return for relief from U.S. and international sanctions. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the accord in 2018, opting for a “maximum pressure” campaign of stepped-up U.S. sanctions and other tough actions. Iran responded by intensifying its enrichment of uranium and building of centrifuges, while maintaining its insistence that its nuclear development was
for civilian and not military purposes. Iran’s moves increased pressure on major world powers over the Trump administration’s sanctions and raised tensions among U.S. allies and strategic partners in West Asia. Agreement on the start of indirect talks came after the EU helped broker a virtual meeting of officials from Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and Iran, which have remained in the accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Source : The Hindu
 International

NEW EMISSION NORMS FOR COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS
The government has pushed back deadlines for coal-fired power plants to adopt new emission norms by up to three years, and allowed utilities that miss the new target to continue operating after paying a penalty, according to a notice.

About:
India had initially set a 2017 deadline for thermal power plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) units that cut emissions of sulphur dioxides. But that was postponed to varying deadlines for different regions, ending in 2022.
The new order dated April 1 from the environment Ministry said plants near populous regions and the capital New Delhi will have to comply by 2022, while utilities in less polluting areas have up to 2025 to comply or retire units.
Operators of coal-fired utilities have long been lobbying for dilution of the pollution standards, citing high compliance costs.
A task force will be constituted by the Central Pollution Control Board to categorise plants in three categories “on the basis of their location to comply with the emission norms”.
In case of non-compliance, a penalty of up to ₹0.20 will be levied for every unit of electricity produced.

Source : The Hindu
 Economy

April 3rd Current Affairs – Vignan IAS

WATERGATE SCANDAL

G Gordon Liddy, the former FBI agent and Republican adviser who was widely considered the mastermind behind the 1972 Watergate break-in, died at the age of 90.

About:
The Watergate scandal was a political scandal in the United States involving the administration of U.S. President Richard Nixon from 1971 to 1974 that led to Nixon’s resignation.
The scandal stemmed from the Nixon administration’s continuous attempts to cover up its involvement in the June 17, 1972 break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Washington, D.C. Watergate Office Building.
After the five perpetrators were arrested, the press and the U.S. Justice Department connected the cash found on them at the time to the Nixon re-election campaign committee.
It led to the country’s first and only presidential resignation.

Source : Indian Express
 International

April 3rd Current Affairs – Vignan IAS

The post April 3rd current affairs – Vignan IAS appeared first on Vignan IAS Academy.

April 1st current affairs – vignan ias

India-Mauritius
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement.

Context: India and Mauritius signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) on 22 February 2021. The CECPA is the first trade Agreement signed by India with a country in Africa. Both sides have completed their internal legal procedures and the India-Mauritius CECPA will enter into force on Thursday, 01 April 2021.

Key takeaways:

·        It is a limited agreement, which will cover Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Trade in Services, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Dispute Settlement, Movement of Natural Persons, Telecom, Financial services, Customs Procedures and Cooperation in other Areas.

·        CECPA providesfor an institutional mechanism to encourage and improve trade between the two
countries.

·         The CECPA between India and Mauritius covers 310 export items for India. 

·      Indian exporters have to obtain a Certificate of Origin (CoO) from the authorised Indian agencies to avail the preferential benefits under the CECPA.

 Important value addition:

CECPA(Comprehensive Economic
Cooperation and Partnership Agreement.)

v It is a kind of free trade pact that aims to provide an institutional mechanism to encourage and improve trade between the two countries.

v Under this agreement, countries reduce or eliminate the duties on the products. The countries also give relaxation in the norms to promote the services trade.

Types of Trade Agreements

Free Trade Agreement (FTA):  A free trade agreement is an agreement in which two or more countries agree to provide preferential trade terms, tariff concession etc. to the partner country. India has negotiated FTA with many countries e.g. Sri Lanka and various trading blocs as well e.g. ASEAN.

Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA): In this type of agreement, two or more partners give preferential right of entry to certain products. This is done by reducing duties on an agreed number of tariff lines. Tariffs may even be reduced to zero for some products even in a PTA. India signed a PTA with Afghanistan.

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): Partnership agreement or cooperation agreement are more comprehensive than an FTA. CEPA covers negotiation on the trade in services and investment, and other areas of economic partnership. India has signed CEPAs with South Korea and Japan.

Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): CECA generally covers negotiation on trade tariff and TRQ (Tariff Rate Quotas) rates only. It is not as comprehensive as CEPA. India has signed CECA with Malaysia.

SOURCE:PIB 

April 1st current affairs – vignan ias 

SMALL SAVINGS INSTRUMENTS
The government has sharply slashed the rates on all small savings instruments
for the first quarter of 2021-22.

About:
It has brought the rate of return on the Public Provident Fund down from 7.1% to 6.4% and effecting cuts ranging from 40 basis points (0.4%) to 110 basis points (1.1%) through a notification. The sharpest cut was seen in the quarterly interest rate paid on one-year term deposits, from 5.5% in the January to March quarter to 4.4% in this quarter. The rate of return on the Senior Citizen Savings’ Scheme was cut from 7.4% to 6.5%, while the Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme’s return was reduced from 7.6%
to 6.9%.
The interest rate paid on National Savings Certificate and Kisan Vikas Patra were also reduced significantly, from 6.8% to 5.9%, and from 6.9% to 6.2%, respectively. Consequently, the Kisan Vikas Patra, which used to mature in 124 months, will now mature in 138 months. While savings deposits earned the lowest rate of 4% till now, that return has now been further slashed to 3.5%. Among time deposits, the return on five year deposits has been reduced from 6.7% to 5.8%. For savers, the option with the highest returns at this point is the Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme, followed by the Senior Citizens’ Savings Schemes and the Public Provident Fund.
Important Info :
Comment – While the government resets the interest rate on small savings instruments every quarter, this round of rate cuts assumes significance as the government is keen to lower interest rates to make it easier to execute its borrowing plans for the year and spur growth. The government plans to borrow ₹12.05 lakh crore in 2021-22, on the back of a record gross borrowing of ₹13.71 lakh crore in 2020-21. High small savings rates have been cited by the central bank as a major impediment in ensuring policy rate cuts get transmitted into the banking system.

Source : The Hindu
Economy

April 1st current affairs – vignan ias

Mi;itary Farms:

Iindian Army Formally closes Down Military Farms

About:
Military Farms were set up with sole requirement of supplying hygienic cow’s milk to troops billeted in various garrisons across British India.
First Military farm was raised on 01 Feb 1889 at Allahabad.
After independence Military Farms flourished with 30,000 heads of cattle in 130 Military Farms all over India. Military Farms were even established in Leh and Kargil in late 1990s, with the role of supply of fresh and hygienic milk to troops at their locations on daily basis.
Another major task was management of large tracts of defence land, production and supply of Baled Hay to animal holding units. Military Farms are credited with pioneering the technique of Artificial Insemination of cattle and introduction of organised Dairying in India. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, they established “Project Freiswal”, credited to be the world’s largest cattle cross-breeding program. They also teamed up with DRDO in development of Bio-Fuel.
After 132 years of glorious service to the nation, curtains were drawn on this organisation.

Source : PIB
Defence & Security

ARTICLE 244(A) OF THE CONSTITUTION:
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi promised to implement Article 244 (A) of the Constitution to safeguard the interests of the people in Assam’s tribal-majority districts.
About:
Article 244(A) allows for creation of an ‘autonomous state’ within Assam in certain tribal areas.
Inserted into the Constitution in 1969, it also has a provision for a Legislature and a Council of Ministers.
Information:
How is it different from the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution?
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution — Articles 244(2) and 275(1) — is a special provision that allows for greater political autonomy and decentralised governance in certain tribal areas of the Northeast through autonomous councils that are administered by elected representatives.
In Assam, the hill districts of Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi and the Bodo Territorial Region are under this provision.
Article 244(A) accounts for more autonomous powers to tribal areas. In Autonomous Councils under the Sixth Schedule, they do not have jurisdiction of law and order.

Source: Indian Express
Polity & Governance

April 1st current affairs – vignan ias

ECLGS 3.0
In recognition of the continuing adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic on certain service sectors, the Government has now extended the scope of Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) through introduction of ECLGS 3.0.
About:
ECLGS 3.0 will cover business enterprises in Hospitality, Travel & Tourism, Leisure & Sporting sectors which had, as on 29.02.2020, total credit outstanding not exceeding Rs. 500 crore and overdues, if any, were for 60 days or less, on that date i.e., 29th Feb 2020.
ECLGS 3.0 would involve extension of credit of upto 40% of total credit outstanding across all lending institutions as on 29.02.2020. The tenor of loans granted under ECLGS 3.0 shall be 6 years including moratorium period of 2 years.
Further, the validity of ECLGS i.e., ECLGS 1.0, ECLGS 2.0 & ECLGS 3.0 have been extended upto 30.06.2021 or till guarantees for an amount of Rs. 3 lakh crore are issued. Last date of disbursement under the scheme has been extended to 30.09.2021.
The modifications introduced in the scheme, while providing an incentive to MLIs to enable availability of additional funding facility to the eligible beneficiaries will go a long way in contributing to economic revival.
The revised operational guidelines in this regard shall be issued by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd (NCGTC).
Source : PIB
Economy

FOREIGN TRADE POLICY 2015-2020
The Union Commerce and Industry Ministry announced extension of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) of Government of India.
About:
The present Policy which came into force on 1st April 2015, was for 5 years and was extended thereafter upto 31st March, 2021.
In view of the persisting COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has decided to continue benefits under various export promotion schemes by extending existing Foreign Trade Policy by another six months i.e., up to 30th September, 2021.
Exemption from payment of IGST and Compensation Cess on the imports made under Advance/EPCG Authorisations and by EOUs etc. has also been extended up to 30.09.2021.
Similarly, validity period of the Status Holder Certificates is also extended. This will enable the Status Holders to continue to avail the specified facilities/benefits.

Source : PIB
Economy

April 1st current affairs – vignan ias

JAL JEEVAN MISSION
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has decided to use sensor-based IoT devices to effectively monitor the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in more than six lakh villages.
About:
For this, National Jal Jeevan Mission in collaboration with Tata Community Initiatives Trust (TCIT) and Tata Trusts recently completed pilot projects in several remote villages of five States i.e., Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh.
The Internet of Things (IoT) based remote monitoring provides near real-time information without any manual intervention by using sensors.
This would not only allow effective monitoring and management on-ground, but also enable real-time visibility to State water supply/ PHED officials, and citizens.
Several types of sensors have been deployed including flow meters, ground water level sensors, chlorine analyzers, pressure sensors, pump controller etc. to measure all the relevant aspects of water service delivery.
Important Info :
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Union Government’s flagship programme, is implemented in partnership with States/ UTs to provide tap water connection to every rural household by 2024.
It envisions creating a Digital Wall and Remote Command & Control Centre for monitoring and managing supply of prescribed quality water in adequate quantity (55 Liters Per Capita per Day – LPCD) every day through household tap connections across all rural villages.

Source : LiveMint
Water

PRIME MINISTER’S YOGA AWARDS (PMYA)
The nomination process for this year’s Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards (PMYA) will begin from 30/03/2021, with the last date for the submission of the entries being 30/04/2021.
About:
One of the key initiatives of the Ministry of AYUSH (MoA), the International Day of Yoga (IDY), has gained international recognition.
PM Narendra Modi, on the second International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2016,had announced two categories of Yoga awards – one being International and other being National – to be announced on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga (IDY).
The purpose of the awards is to recognize and felicitate the individual(s)/organization(s) who/which have made a significant impact on the society, for a sustained period, by the way of promotion and development of Yoga.

Source : PIB
Awards and Recognitions

April 1st current affairs – vignan ias

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1.NACADUBA SINHALA RAMASWAMII SADASIVAN
A group of lepidopterists have found a new butterfly species in India.
IN News:
The discovery of the species Nacaduba sinhala ramaswamii Sadasivan, 2021 in the Agasthyamalais in the Western Ghats a decade ago has now found place in the Journal of Threatened Taxa.
The new taxon of Lycaenid butterflies belongs to the Nacaduba genus.
Line Blues are small butterflies belonging to the subfamily Lycaenidae and their distribution ranges from India and Sri Lanka to the whole of south-eastern Asia, Australia and Samoa.
It is the first time that a butterfly species was discovered by an all-Indian research team from the Western Ghats.
Important Info :
Do you know?
Lepidopterology is a branch of entomology concerning the scientific study of moths and the three superfamilies of butterflies.
Someone who studies in this field is a lepidopterist or, archaically, an aurelian.
Source : The Hindu
Environment

March 31st current affairs – vignan ias

2.CULEX MOSQUITOES
With the change in season and rise in temperature, culex or common house mosquitoes have made a reappearance across Delhi.
IN News:
Warmer temperatures are the main reason for the appearance of these mosquitoes.
Their presence is especially felt more in areas around floodplains in East and South Delhi as it is an ideal condition of breeding.
Culex mosquitoes are known carriers of Japanese encephalitis, a potentially life-threatening but rare viral disease that causes “acute inflammation” of the brain. They breed in dirty, stagnant water.
They can fly up to a distance of 1-1.5 km.
Unlike Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread dengue and chikungunya and breed in clean water, culex mosquitoes breed in unclean stagnant water.
Source : Indian Express
Health

 

March 31st current affairs – vignan ias

3.DUST WINDS
Dust-laden winds swept Delhi on Tuesday, pushing the air quality into the poor category and increasing the concentration of coarse particles in the air.
IN News:
According to forecasts, strong winds that are carrying dust to Delhi from Rajasthan are expected to continue until Thursday.
The concentration of particulate matter of 10 micrometres (PM10) — coarse particles suspended in the air — was 341 micrograms per cubic metre air (µg/m3) as of 5pm, against the 24-hour acceptable limit of 100 µg/m3.
The concentration of PM2.5 — particles that are smaller in size and are released from combustion activities — was about 105 µg/m3, a little higher than the 24-hour acceptable limit of 60 µg/m3.
The spike in PM10 concentration shows the impact of dust-laden winds on air quality, which, according to the Centre’s Early Warning System for Delhi, is expected to largely remain in poor category for the next five days.
Important Info :
Reason for Dust Winds in Delhi
Weather and environmental experts said a cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan and high temperatures over the past few days in northwest India is contributing to this phenomenon.
Delhi witnesses long-range transport of dust nearly every year from Rajasthan, and even from Afghanistan, during summer months.
Source : Indian Express
Geography

4.INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA’S HEALTHCARE SECTOR
NITI Aayog Releases Report ‘Investment Opportunities in India’s Healthcare Sector’.
IN News:
The report outlines the range of investment opportunities in various segments of India’s healthcare sector, including hospitals, medical devices and equipment, health insurance, telemedicine, home healthcare and medical value travel.
India’s healthcare industry has been growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of around 22% since 2016. At this rate, it is expected to reach USD 372 billion in 2022.
In the hospital segment, the expansion of private players to tier-2 and tier-3 locations, beyond metropolitan cities, offers an attractive investment opportunity.
Source : PIB
Health

March 31st current affairs – vignan ias

5.DIGHA & KANKARBAGH SEWAGE PROJECTS
Financing agreements for developing STPs and Sewerage network for Digha and Kankarbagh zones of Patna were signed between DK Sewage Project Pvt Ltd (a subsidiary of VA Tech Wahagh) and PFS.
IN News:
The scope of the project includes development of Sewage Treatment Plants of 150 MLD capacity along with sewerage network of over 453 km in the Digha and Kankarbagh zones of Patna, one of the most populous cities on the banks of the river Ganga.
This is the first of its kind project which comprises of a mix of Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (‘DBOT’) scope and Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) scope.
With the implementation of Digha and Kankarbagh sewerage projects all the sewage zones of Patna city will be covered with sewerage network and sewage treatment capacity to achieve the objective of the Namami Gange program of preventing any untreated waste water entering the river Ganga.
Source : PIB
Economy

 

6.WORLD IMMUNISATION AND LOGISTICS SUMMIT
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare digitally participated in a panel discussion on vaccine production and distribution across Asia at the “World Immunisation and Logistics Summit”.
IN News:
The HOPE Consortium’s World Immunisation & Logistics Summit opened on March 30, 2021 to enhance collaboration in the world’s approach to tackle COVID-19 and ensure a healthier future for all.
The two-day virtual Summit, hosted in by Abu Dhabi, kicked off under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with the participation of acclaimed global healthcare and philanthropic leaders, decision-makers, experts and senior government officials, to explore a unified global approach to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Important Info :
HOPE Consortium?
Spearheaded by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, who has led the formation of the emirate-wide consortium, the HOPE Consortium brings together leading brands to deliver an end-to-end solution to distribute COVID-19 vaccines globally.

Source : PIB
Health

7.ANANDAM: THE CENTER FOR HAPPINESS
Union Education Minister inaugurates Anandam: The Center for Happiness in IIM Jammu, to help students live a stress-free life.
IN News:
Incorporating happiness in the academic curriculum of students is a very crucial step towards empowering our nation. This step will take our education system to newer heights, similar to the times of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila.
Anandam: The Center for happiness aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 that aims to transform India’s education system by 2021.
Prime activities envisaged under the concept of ‘Anandam: The Center for Happiness’ will be divided into five broad categories, namely, Counselling, Holistic wellness, Elective courses on Happiness Development, Research and Leadership & Faculty Development.
The Center for Happiness acquires its name ‘Anandam’ from the Indian wisdom tradition where the pure consciousness is being as “Anandam”. “Anandam” doesn’t aim for only happiness but knowing the truth, doing good and enjoying the beauty around.
The tagline for “Anandam” further reinforces its ideology that it will work for the well-being of all. The tagline “Sarvabhūtahiteratāḥ” stands for being always engaged for the well-being of all.
Source : All India Radio
Education

 

March 31st current affairs – vignan ias

8.VAJRA PRAHAR 2021
The 11th edition of Indo-US Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR was conducted at Special Forces Training School located at Bakloh, HP in March 2021.
IN News:
The joint exercise by the Special Forces of both the countries is conducted alternatively between India and the United States.
Objective is to share the best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics as also to improve interoperability between the Special Forces of both nations.
Source : PIB
International

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March 30th Current Affairs – Vignan IAS Academy

JUDICIAL REVIEW:
A public interest litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court by Wasim Rizvi seeking declaration of 26 verses of the Quran as unconstitutional, non-effective and non- functional on the ground that these promote extremism and terrorism.
Power of judicial review:
Under Indian law, only a “law” can be challenged as unconstitutional.
Article 13(3) defines law, which includes any ordinance, order, by-law, rule, regulations, notification, custom or usage having in the territory the force of law.
“Laws in force” on the commencement of the Constitution include laws enacted by a legislature or other competent authority.
This definition certain does not cover any religious scripture including the Quran. Similarly, neither the Vedas nor the Gita, nor the Bible, nor the Guru Granth Sahib can be said to be “law” under Article 13 and thus challenged in a court of law.
The divine books can be sources of law but not law in themselves. Thus, Quran in itself is not “law” for the purposes of Article 13.
It is the paramount source of Islamic law and Muslim jurists extract laws from it through interpretation and also taking into account other sources of law such as Hadees (Prophet’s sayings), Ijma (juristic consensus), Qiyas (analogical deductions), Urf ( customs), Istihsan (juristic preference) and Istisilah (public interest).
Important Info :
Reaction to the petition
The petition has led to protests among Muslims, and several clerics have issued fatwas against the petitioner.
In Vishwa Lochan Madan (2014), the Supreme Court has already observed that such fatwas have no validity.
Source : Indian Express
Polity & Governance

March 30th Current Affairs – Vignan IAS Academy  

POLLING AGENTS

The Election Commission’s recent decision to change the rules for appointing polling agents has sparked off a debate in West Bengal.
Who is a polling agent?
A polling agent is a person appointed as a representative of a political party as it is not possible for a candidate to be physically present at every polling booth on the day of the elections.
Therefore, the Election Commission allows a candidate to appoint a polling agent who keeps an eye on the voting process.
What is the role of a polling agent?
As per the Election Commission’s rules, a polling agent should be familiar with the rules and procedures to conduct elections using EVMs and VVPATs, and with the working of these machines.
Towards this end, a polling agent attends the demonstrations arranged by the Returning Officer, where the functioning and operation of these machines are explained.
Important Info :
New regulations:
As per the new regulations, a political party can now nominate a polling agent for any booth within the assembly segment he/she is a voter from.
Earlier, the polling agent had to be a voter of the booth or an adjoining booth that he/she is working at.
The Trinamool has been opposing the change in rules, calling it “arbitrary, motivated and biased” and has also written to the Election Commission seeking withdrawal of the order.
Source : Indian Express
Polity & Governance

March 30th Current Affairs – Vignan IAS Academy

 UNIFORM CIVIL CODE (UCC)

Chief Justice of India (CJI) S A Bobde lauded Goa’s Uniform Civil Code, and encouraged “intellectuals” indulging in “academic talk” to visit the state to learn more about it. Earlier in September 2019, the Supreme Court had described Goa as a “shining example” with a Uniform Civil Code.
About:
A Uniform Civil Code is one that would provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc.
Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
Directive Principles of State Policy
Article 44 is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
These, as defined in Article 37, are not justiciable (not enforceable by any court) but the principles laid down therein are fundamental in governance.
While Article 44 uses the words “state shall endeavour”, other Articles in the ‘Directive Principles’ chapter use words such as “in particular strive”; “shall in particular direct its policy”; “shall be obligation of the state” etc.
Important Info :
Does India not already have a uniform code in civil matters?
Indian laws do follow a uniform code in most civil matters — Indian Contract Act, Civil Procedure Code, Sale of Goods Act, Transfer of Property Act, Partnership Act, Evidence Act, etc.
States, however, have made hundreds of amendments and, therefore, in certain matters, there is diversity even under these secular civil laws. Recently, several states refused to be governed by the uniform Motor Vehicles Act, 2019.
Source : Indian Express
Polity & Governance

HEART OF ASIA – ISTANBUL PROCESS (HoA-IP)

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar reached Dushanbe on a three-day visit to Tajikistan. He will attend the 9th Ministerial Conference of Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process on Afghanistan.
About:
The Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) is an initiative of Afghanistan and Turkey, which was officially launched at a conference hosted by Turkey in Istanbul on 2 November 2011.
Since then, Afghanistan supported by fourteen Participating Countries of the Heart of Asia Region and 16 Supporting Countries beyond the region as well as 12 Regional and International Organizations is leading and coordinating this Process.
It is a platform for promoting regional security, economic and political cooperation centred on Afghanistan through dialogue and a set of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).
The Directorate General for Regional Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan is acting as the de facto Secretariat of the Process.
The Heart of Asia Region: The geographical area covering the 15 Participating Countries of the HoA-IP is defined as the Heart of Asia Region. It is one of the biggest regions in the world with a collective geographical area of more than 40 million km2 covering around 27% of the land area of the Earth.
Important Info :
Recent conference
As the lead country for Trade, Commerce and Investment Confidence Building Measure under Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process, India has made concerted efforts for strengthening regional connectivity for the greater economic integration of Afghanistan with the region.
A dedicated Air Freight Corridor between cities of India and Afghanistan and operationalisation of Chabahar Port in Iran are steps in that direction.
After arriving in Dushanbe today, Dr Jaishankar visited the Dushanbe-Chortut Highway Project He lauded the Good work being done by Border Roads Organisation BRO under Indian grant assistance. The 8-lane highway will decongest Dushanbe.
Source : All India Radio
International

 ROLE OF MICRO FORESTS IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underlined the role of micro forests in minimising the havoc caused by cyclones in coastal areas.

About:
Through his Mann ki Baat program, the Prime Minister, commended two odia activists- one, Mr. Vijay Kumar Kabi of Kendrapara and the other Mr. Amaresh Samanta of Paradeep, for their individual efforts in raising micro forests to fend coastal villages from the wrath of high tides.
Prime Minister’s emphasis on creating micro forests in coastal villages assumes greater significance for a state like Odisha, which has been witnessing cyclones almost on a regular basis, be it Phailin in 2013, Hudhud in 2014 down to Titli 2018, Fani 2019 or for that matter, Amphan only last year.
Source : All India Radio
Disaster Management

INTERNATIONAL RANGER AWARD
Union Minister for Environment has congratulated Mahinder Giri, range officer of Rajaji Tiger Reserve for being the only ranger from Asia to win the prestigious International Ranger Award for his contribution towards conservation.
About:
The award has been announced for 10 professionals across the world by the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN and World Commission on Protected Areas WCPA.
Developed through a collaboration between the IUCN WCPA, the International Ranger Federation, Global Wildlife Conservation, and Conservation Allies, these awards, created in 2020, aim to highlight and felicitate the extraordinary work that rangers do in protected and conserved areas worldwide.
Source : All India Radio
Environment

 March 30th Current Affairs – Vignan IAS Academy

 PROROGATION

President Ram Nath Kovind has prorogued the fifth session of 17th Lok Sabha. The session had commenced on 29th January. President also prorogued the Rajya Sabha. The House was adjourned sine die on 25th of this month.
About:
Termination of a session of the House by an order made by the President under article 85(2) is called ‘prorogation’.
The President in exercising the power to prorogue the House acts on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Usually, prorogation follows the adjournment of the sitting of the House sine die.
The time-lag between the adjournment of a House sine die and its prorogation is generally two to four days, although there are instances when a House was prorogued on the same day on which it was adjourned sine die.
It is not necessary that both the Houses should be prorogued simultaneously.
Important Info :
Effects of prorogation on different categories of business pending before the House
Article 107(3) of the Constitution of India expressly provides that a Bill pending in Parliament shall not lapse by reason of the prorogation of the House. This also covers Bills pending before a Select or Joint Committee of the House(s).
Notices of intention to move for leave to introduce Bills also do not lapse on prorogation and no fresh notice is necessary in the next session for that purpose except where any sanction or recommendation granted under the Constitution in respect of a Bill has ceased to be operative.
On the prorogation, all pending notices of Motions and Resolutions except those relating to introduction of Bills as mentioned above, lapse and fresh notices must be given for the next session.
Any business pending before a committee shall not lapse by reason only of the prorogation of the House and the committee shall continue to function notwithstanding such prorogation.
On prorogation of either House of Parliament, the President has the power to issue Ordinances under article 123.
Source : All India Radio
Polity & Governance

EXAM WARRIORS
PM Modi unveils new version of ‘Exam Warriors’ to make them stress free before examinations.
About:
The new version of Exam Warriors written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now available with many new mantras for students as well as parents.
It is available at retail stores as well as online. The Exam Warriors module is also available on the NaMo App.
The new edition of the book has been enriched with valuable inputs from students, parents and teachers. Substantive new parts have been added that would especially interest the parents and teachers.
Source : All India Radio
Education

SABARMATI RIVER FRONT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, in its draft budget for 2021-22, has set aside Rs 1,050 crore for the Sabarmati River Front Development phase 2, work on which is to begin soon.
About:
Sabarmati Riverfront is a waterfront being developed along the banks of Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad.
Proposed in the 1960s, the construction began in 2005.
The major objectives of project are environment improvement, social infrastructure and sustainable development.
By channelling the river to a constant width of 263 m along the part that passes Ahmedabad city, 204 hectares have been reclaimed along the 11-km stretch of the Sabarmati Riverfront in the first phase of the project, on both the banks.
Important Info :
Sabarmati river?
The Sabarmati river is one of the major west-flowing rivers in India.
It originates in the Aravalli Range of the Udaipur District of Rajasthan and meets the Gulf of Khambhat of Arabian Sea after travelling 371 km in a south-westerly direction across Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Source : Indian Express
Geography

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March 28th Current Affairs – Vignan IAS Academy

UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING:
India delivered on its promise of 2,00,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the
United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNPKF) worldwide, sending a shipment bound
for Copenhagen.
UN Peacekeeping:
UN peacekeepers provide security and the political and peacebuilding support to
help countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace.
Principles: UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
Consent of the parties;
Impartiality;
Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.

Role of Security Council: The United Nations Charter gives the United Nations
Security Council the responsibility to maintain international peace. For this
reason, the international community usually looks to the Security Council to
authorize peacekeeping operations through Chapter VII authorizations.
Present status: There are currently 12 UN peacekeeping operations deployed.
For its services, UN Peacekeeping has also received the Nobel Peace Prize.
UN peacekeepers are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of
their light blue berets or helmets.
Source : The Hindu
International

HYPNEA INDICA; HYPNEA BULLATA:
Two new species of seaweed have been discovered by a group of marine biologists
from Central University of Punjab, Bathinda.
About:
Named Hypnea indica (after India) and Hypnea bullata (because of the
blisterlike marks on its body – bullate), the seaweeds are part of the genus
Hypnea or red seaweeds.
While Hypnea indica was discovered Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, and Somnath
Pathan and Sivrajpur in Gujarat, Hypnea bullata was discovered from Kanyakumari
and Diu island of Daman and Diu.
They grow in the intertidal regions of the coast, namely the area that is
submerged during the high tide and exposed during low tides.
The genus Hypnea consists of calcareous, erect, branched red seaweeds. There
are 61 species of which 10 were reported in India. With our two new species,
the total number of species now would be 63.
Source : The Hindu
Environment

CHINA, IRAN SIGN 25-YEAR ‘STRATEGIC PACT’:
China and Iran signed what was described as a 25-year “strategic cooperation
pact”.
About:
While details of the new 25-year pact were not immediately available, it
includes “political, strategic and economic” components.
This document can be very effective in deepening relations and would establish
a blueprint for “reciprocal investments in the fields of transport, ports,
energy, industry and services”.
Background: Nuclear Deal and Sanctions
The agreement comes amid a major push from China to back Iran, which counts on
Beijing, its largest trading partner, as it deals with the continuing weight of
sanctions re-instated following then U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to
withdraw from the Iranian nuclear deal.
Earlier this week, China and Russia called for the U.S. to “unconditionally
return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as soon as possible
and revoke the unilateral sanctions against Iran”.
In this context, they proposed “the establishment of a regional security
dialogue platform to converge a new consensus on resolving the security
concerns of countries in the region”.
Important Info :
China and West Asia
This was signed during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s ongoing six-nation
tour to West Asia. Mr. Wang is visiting Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, the UAE,
Bahrain and Oman.
Five-point initiative: In Riyadh, Mr. Wang proposed “a five-point initiative on
achieving security and stability in the Middle East” advocating “mutual
respect, upholding equity and justice, achieving non-proliferation, jointly
fostering collective security, and accelerating development cooperation.”
Source : The Hindu
International

March 28th Current Affairs – Vignan IAS Academy

MOITREE:
On the occasion of the birth centenary of the founding father of Bangladesh
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, renowned vocalist Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty has composed a
new Raag named ‘Moitree’ as a tribute to the Bangabandhu.
About:
The new Raag is dedicated to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with elements of
‘maitree’ or India Bangladesh friendship.
It is a newly composed Raag incorporating the classical rules for the
composition of Raag.
Three compositions will be presented which are written in Sanskrit, Hindi and
Bengali languages.
Source : All India Radio
Culture

INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS:
India and Bangladesh signed 5 MoUs in the fields of Disaster Management, trade,
NCC, ICT and setting up of sports facilities during the official visit of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh.
About:
Foundation stone was laid for infrastructure development for power evacuation
facilities from the Rooppur Nuclear power plant.
The Bangladesh leg of the Banagabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition was inaugurated
by the two Prime Ministers. It will be taken to other parts of the world
including the UN.
Both the leaders also unveiled the foundation stone for the construction of a
memorial at Ashuganj honoring the martyrs of Indian armed forces in the 1971
Liberation War of Bangladesh.
India gifted 109 life support ambulances to Bangladesh and also 1.2 million
doses of the Covishield vaccine.
Three border haats were also opened along the India-Bangladesh border.
During the visit a number of announcements were made.
A direct passenger train named ‘Mitali Express’ will run between Dhaka and New
Jalpaiguri.
Prime Minister Modi invited 50 young entrepreneurs from Bangladesh to connect
with India’s start up ecosystem.
1000 Subarno Jayanti Scholarships were announced for the Bangladeshi students
to study in India at the Undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
A Bangabandhu Chair will be established at Delhi University to facilitate
Bangladesh studies.
Both countries agreed to start a new area of cooperation in the Civil nuclear
and space sectors.
Important Info :
Places visited
Prime Minister also visited the birthplace of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
at Tungipara and placed a wreath at his mausoleum to pay tribute to the father
of the nation of Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Modi visited the Jeshoreshwari temple in Satkhira. He announced
that a cyclone shelter cum community hall will be built at the temple for use
by the people.
He also visited Orakandi where he was given a community reception. He paid
respect at Harimandir in Orakandi and addressed the representatives of the
Matua community.
Source : All India Radio
International

March 28th Current Affairs – Vignan IAS Academy

RESOLUTION 46/L1:
India abstained from voting on a resolution in the United Nations Human Rights
Council (UNHRC) that makes a wide-ranging and damaging commentary on the human
rights situation in Sri Lanka.
About:
Resolution 46/L1 has decided, among other things, to “strengthen” the Office of
the High Commissioner on Human Rights to collect evidence and develop possible
strategies for future accountability processes for gross violations of human
rights in Sri Lanka.
It refers to “persistent” lack of accountability for rights abuses committed
through the years by “all parties” in Sri Lanka, including the LTTE.
Most seriously, it expresses a lack of confidence in the ability of the present
government in Colombo to address the shortcomings.
Among the 14 countries that abstained were Japan, Indonesia, Bahrain and Nepal.
Among the 11 that voted against were China, Cuba, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia,
and Venezuela.
Important Info :
Comment
This is the eighth resolution on Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council since
the end of the war against the LTTE in 2009.
India’s record of voting on these resolutions shows the ups and downs of New
Delhi-Colombo relations, the pressures on coalitions in India, the influence of
politics and parties in Tamil Nadu, and the ebb and flow of regional and
international geopolitics.
Source : Indian Express
International

CRYPTOCURRENCY:
The corporate affairs ministry has announced companies will have to disclose
any holding or dealings in cryptocurrencies or virtual currencies in their
financial statements filed with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).
About:
All companies will now have to disclose in their statutory financial filings to
the RoC
any profit or loss on transactions involving cryptocurrency,
the amount of cryptocurrency held on the reporting date, and
any deposits or advances received from anyone for the purpose of investing in
cryptocurrencies or virtual currencies.

Some experts have said these disclosure requirements indicated the government
is open to regulating cryptocurrencies instead of banning them.
Important Info :
View of Government on Cryptocurrency
The government’s new bill – Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital
Currency Bill, 2021 — aims to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies while
setting the stage to roll out the legal framework for an “official digital
currency”.
However, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the Centre will
take a calibrated approach to cryptocurrencies and will not close the window on
experimentation with cryptocurrencies.
Source : Indian Express
Economy

BIHAR SPECIAL ARMED POLICE BILL, 2021:
The Opposition in Bihar has called a statewide bandh on March 26 to protest the
passed of the Bihar Special Armed Police Bill, 2021 by the Bihar Assembly.
About:
The bill aims to develop the Bihar Military Police into a well-trained and
fully equipped armed police force with multi-domain expertise to cater to the
development needs and the larger interest of the state.
At present, the Bihar Military Police is entrusted with the security of the
Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, the Darbhanga airport, and other industrial and
commercial establishments.
The new Bill renames the Bihar Military Police as the Bihar Special Armed
Police, and gives the force more teeth, on the lines of the Central Industrial
Security Force (CISF), so it can better secure the commercial and industrial
assets of the state.
Mandate of the force will be the “maintenance of public order, combating
extremism, ensuring the better protection and security of specified
establishments in such manner as may be notified and perform such other duties,
as may be notified.”
It empowers Special Armed Police officers to carry out searches and arrests
without warrant, and courts being able to take congnizance of certain offences
by the officers only after government sanction.
The mahagathbandhan in Bihar has called the Bill “draconian”.
Source : Indian Express
Defence & Security

 

INDIAN RHINOCEROS:

With the BJP frequently invoking Assam’s
world-famous one-horned rhino to connect with the people of the state, the
animal has now become a part of poll rhetoric, with promises to save “the pride
of Assam”.

 

About:

The projection of rhino as the pride of Assam began during the
Assam Movement (1979-85).

Rhino started emerging as a player in the political narrative of
Assam as “its poaching was linked to the control of indigenous people over
land, resources and influx of immigrants”.

According to the rhino census of 2018, there are 2,413 rhinos in
Kaziranga alone.

It is common for every party contesting in Bokakhat and Kaliabor,
the two constituencies that cover most of Kaziranga (the park spreads over
six constituencies), to say that they will protect the rhino.

Important Info :

•The
Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is also called the Indian rhino,
greater one-horned rhinoceros or great Indian rhinoceros.

It is a
rhinoceros species native to the Indian subcontinent.

 

Subject: Environment

March 28th Current Affairs – Vignan IAS Academy

The post March 28th Current Affairs – Vignan IAS Academy appeared first on Vignan IAS Academy.

JUDICIAL VACANCIES
The Supreme Court asked the government to clarify on the status of 55 recommendations made by the Collegium for judicial appointments to High Courts six months to nearly a year-and-a-half ago.
About:
Of the pending recommendations, 44 were made to fill vacancies in the Calcutta, Madhya Pradesh, Gauhati, Rajasthan and Punjab High Courts. These recommendations have been pending with the government for over seven months to a year.
The total sanctioned strength in the 25 High Courts is 1,080. However, the present working strength is 661 with 419 vacancies as on March 1.
The Supreme Court has been repeatedly conveying to the government its growing alarm at the judicial vacancies in High Courts.
Important Info :
Appointment of Judges
Article 124(2) says that the President of India Shall appoint the judges after consultation with such number of Judges of the SC/HC as he deems necessary. For appointment of any Judge of SC (other than CJI), the CJI must be consulted.
The three Judges case of 1981, 1993 & 1998 has formalised the collegium system for the purpose of consultation.
The collegium for appointing SC judge consists of the CJI and 4 senior-most judges of SC.
Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) was set up after the Third Judge Case of 1998 to provide the process of how the Collegium would recommend names to the Executive.
The President of India can either accept the recommendation or send it back for reconsideration. The reconsidered advice must be accepted by the President.
Source : The Hindu
Polity & Governance

WOMEN IN ARMED FORCES
The Supreme Court held that the Army’s “selective” evaluation process discriminates against and disproportionately affects women short service commission officers seeking permanent commission.
About:
The evaluation pattern of women officers has caused them economic and psychological harm, the court said.
The court ordered that the cases of women officers who have applied for permanent commission should be reconsidered in a month and the decision on them should be given in two months.
They would be considered for permanent commission subject to disciplinary and vigilance clearance. The court said physical standards should be kept at a premium during selection.
Important Info :
Supreme court judgement of February 2020
The Supreme Court declared that Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers are eligible for permanent commission and command posts in the Army irrespective of their years of service.
The Supreme Court dismissed the Union government’s submissions that women are physiologically weaker than men as a “sex stereotype.”
The court struck down a part of the government’s 2019 circular that had proposed Permanent Commission to women officers if they had not completed 14 years in service. It commented that there was a “fundamental fallacy” in the centre’s policy of considering only women with less than 14 years for Permanent Commission.
The verdict came on a nearly 10-year-old appeal filed by the government against a 2010 decision of the Delhi High Court to grant SSC women officer’s permanent commission.
Source : The Hindu
Defence & Security

INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM TO EXPLORE POTENTIAL OF YOGA
AYUSH Ministry has set up an interdisciplinary team of experts to explore the potential of Yoga as a productivity enhancing tool for the population.
About:
The committee is chaired by Dr. H. R Nagendra, Chancellor, SVYASA and its members include representatives from AIIMS New Delhi, IIM Bangalore, IIT Bombay, various leading Yoga institutions, the corporate sector and the AYUSH Ministry.
One of the primary tasks of the committee was to review evidence that linked Yoga to productivity and analyse the same. The various possible directions of the productivity dimension could then be identified systematically, and along these directions, protocols could be developed.
The committee will submit its preliminary recommendations by May 2021.
Source : All India Radio
Health

‘MICE ROADSHOW – MEET IN INDIA’; CHHATRASAL CONVENTION CENTRE
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture and Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh will inaugurate the ‘Chhatrasal Convention Centre at Khajuraho developed under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism.
About:
The Ministry of Tourism has framed ‘Development of Iconic Tourist Destinations Scheme’ a Central Sector Scheme for development of nineteen identified iconic destinations in the country following a holistic approach.
They will also launch “MICE Roadshow – Meet in India” Brand and Roadmap for the Promotion of India as MICE Destination (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Source : PIB
Culture

100+ CURRICULUM BASED COMIC BOOKS:
Union Minister of Education launched 100+ comic books created by teachers and students of CBSE schools and curated by NCERT on 24th March 2021.
About:
Department of School Education and Literacy, in its endeavour to provide holistic learning to students and to usher in vision envisaged in New Education Policy 2020 has launched comic books aligned to chapters of NCERT textbooks across grades 3-12.
This innovative initiative will help in increasing the cultural and social sensitivity in our children while imparting knowledge.
These comics can be accessed online on DIKSHA web portal (diksha.gov.in) or via the DIKSHA app on any android Smartphone.
The comics can also be accessed through a new WhatsApp powered Chatbot. The chatbot presents a unique opportunity to expand the scope of digital learning.
Source : PIB
Education

 CENTRAL SCRUTINY CENTRE (CSC); IEPFA MOBILE APP
Union Minister for Corporate Affairs launched Central Scrutiny Centre (CSC) and Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority’s (IEPFA) Mobile App — two tech-enabled initiatives by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
Central Scrutiny Centre (CSC)
MCA being one of the key primary sources of corporate data, is required to ensure that the data quality is uncompromised and free from flaws.
With this objective in mind, the MCA has established a Central Scrutiny Centre
The Central Scrutiny Centre will scrutinize certain Straight Through Process (STP) Forms filed by the corporates on the MCA21 registry and flag the companies for more in-depth scrutiny.
Important Info :
Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority’s (IEPFA) Mobile App
The IEPFA Mobile App aims at achieving the goal of financial literacy, spreading investors’ awareness, education, and protection among investors.
The IEPFA App will have the facility of tracking the status and progress of the IEPF claim refund process. Moreover, it also provides a mechanism for investors and common citizens to report on the suspected fraudulent schemes.
Source : PIB
Economy

2nd TRANCHE OF COMMERCIAL COAL MINING:

India launched its 2nd Tranche of auction for commercial coal mining offering 67 mines for sale of coal. Union Coal Minister launched the auction process.
About:
This is the highest number of mines on offer in a particular tranche of auction after commencement of the auction regime since 2014.
Out of the total 67 mines offered by the Ministry of Coal, 23 mines are under CM(SP) Act and 44 under MMDR Act.
The coal mines on offer are spread across 6 States Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
Important Info :
Rolling auction?
Government of India is moving towards adopting a ‘Rolling Auction’ mechanism for conducting future auctions.
Coal is the first mineral resource where Rolling Auction mechanism is being implemented in which a pool of coal blocks will always remain available for auctions.
Source : PIB
Economy

CLIMATE DATA SERVICE PORTAL:
India Meteorological Department celebrated World Meteorological Day on 23rd March, 2021. Dr. M. Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Science inaugurated Climate Data Services Portal of IMD on this occasion.
About:
Climate Data Services Portal has been developed by IMD, Pune with user-friendly platforms for climate data management and supply to the users.
The Web Portal will be available through IMD Website (http://www.mausam.imd.gov.in/) and IMD Pune website (http://www.imdpune.gov.in/).
It complements fully automated climate data management process from real-time data acquisition to expeditious data dissemination.
The major components of the portal are listed below:
Real-Time monitoring of weather observations recorded by IMD Observatories.
Encapsulated IMD Metadata Portal, other reports and dashboards
Online access to meteorological data through Data Supply Portal.
Free download facility for Gridded Temperature and Rainfall Data of India.
Climatological Tables, Extremes and Normal.
Information on Monsoon Rainfall and Cyclone frequencies.
Data analytics and info graphics.

Source : PIB
Environment

 YAMUNA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Yamuna International Airport sign LoA for civil aviation security.
About:
A Letter of Agreement (LoA) was signed between the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL).
The LoA defines provisions for civil aviation security responsibilities and functions at the upcoming international airport at Jewar, Noida.
The contract of construction of the airport has been awarded to YIAPL, which is a joint venture of the Airport Authority of India (AAI), the Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Zurich international airport.
Source : PIB
Economy

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