IN NEWS: (April 21st Current Affairs – Vignan IAS)

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approvalfor the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for the formulation of exclusive subsidy policy for Urea produced through coal gasification route by Talcher Fertilizers Limited (TFL).

KEY POINTS:

About the Plant – (April 21st Current Affairs – Vignan IAS)

• The TFL is to commission a new fertilizer plant in Odisha. This plant will produce urea through coal gasification. The Government of India is to provide subsidy to establish the plant. It will be the only plant in India to produce nitrogenous soil nutrient through coal gasification process.
• Talcher Fertilizers is a joint venture of Fertilizer Corporation of India, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers, GAIL and Coal India.
• Talcher Fertilizer will establish a urea plant base on coal gasification technology at an estimated investment of Rs 13,277 crores.
• The annual capacity of the plant is 1.27 million tonnes per year.
• The plant is expected to be completed by 2023. It is currently facing delays due to COVID-19 pandemic.
• The tender to construct the TFL project has been provided to China-based Wuhan Engineering. This has been done to promote the innovative coal gasification technology.

Current Scenario of Fertilizer consumption in India

• India consumed 61 million tonnes of fertilizers in 2020-21. Out of this, 55% was urea.
• The import of fertilizers in India has been increasing since 2010 due to lack of investment.
• India has set a target of investing Rs 20,000 crores in coal gasification projects by 2030. This will help India reduce its dependence on imports.

Coal Gasification

• It is the process of producing syngas. Syngas is a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, natural gas, carbon dioxide and water vapour. It is produced from coal and water.
• The Coal Gasification adopted by Talcher Unit will release negligible nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.

Benefits of TFL plant

• Currently, India produces urea using natural gas. Import of Natural Gas is highly expensive. Therefore, India is adopting alternative routes such as coal gasification to produce urea with indigenous raw materials. The project will help India become self-sufficient in urea, reduce its dependence on imports and also use coal in an environment-friendly manner.

SOURCE:PIB (April 21st Current Affairs – Vignan IAS)

2.Chimera research

IN NEWS:

• Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in the US have for the first time grown human cells in monkey embryos.
• The results of their work were published in the journal Cell on April 15.
• While the results might imply progress for this particular field of research called “chimera research”, they have also ignited a debate about how ethical studies of this kind are.

KEY POINTS:

By integrating human cells into the embryos of macaque monkeys, researchers have created what is called a chimeric tool.

Chimeras are organisms that are made up of the cells of two distinct species, in this case humans and monkeys.

What’s the purpose of chimeric research?

• Researchers believe that this ability to grow cells of two different species together offers scientists a powerful tool for research and medicine, advancing current understanding about early human development, disease onset and progression and ageing.
• Further, research of this kind could also help in drug evaluation and address the critical need for organ transplantation.

What are the ethical concerns about this?

• Generally, different species don’t cross-breed and if they do, their offspring don’t survive for long and are prone to infertility. But, Some rare hybrid animals exist naturally and were probably the result of unintentional cross breeding between animals of different species.
• While further research into chimeras might lead to progress, which could mean that they could be used as a source of organs for humans, these chimeras would still be a mix of human and non-human cells, a thought that makes many uncomfortable.
• The research raises “the philosophical and ethical issue of moral status: how should we treat other life forms?”.
• Opponents argue that chimera research has the potential to worsen injustice against animals and also point out the fairness in using part-human animals to meet human needs.

Similar cases in the past:

• In 2018, Dr He Jiankui made headlines when he claimed to have produced genetically modified babies using the gene editing technique Jiankui claimed that he had altered the genes of a human embryo that eventually resulted in the birth of twin girls with specific desired attributes — supposedly the first instance of human offspring so produced.
• In developing countries like India, genetically modified crops are also a contentious topic.

SOURCE:IE (April 21st Current Affairs – Vignan IAS)

3. MoU between the India and Bangladesh

IN NEWS:

MoU between the India and Bangladesh on the establishment of a framework of cooperation in the area of trade remedial measures.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Objectives

• The primary objective of the MOU is to promote cooperation between the two countries in the area of Trade Remedies.
• MOU Covering the broad activities related to exchange of information, undertaking capacity building activities and activities in accordance with various provisions of World Trade Organization in the area of anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures in bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh.
• The MOU seeks to foster better cooperation between the relevant authorities of both the countries so as to discourage unfair trade practices and promote rule based bilateral trading between the two countries.

SOURCE:PIB (April 21st Current Affairs – Vignan IAS)

4. Russia says it will launch its own space station in 2025.

IN NEWS:

Russia’s space agency said on Tuesday it hoped to launch its own orbital station in 2025 as Moscow considers withdrawing from the International Space Station programme to go it alone.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Russia was considering pulling out of the ISS, one of the few successful examples of cooperation with the West. The announcement came with tensions soaring with the West.
• Russia’s was aiming to have the module “ready for launch” in 2025. Launched in 1998 and involving Russia, the United States, Canada, Japan, and the European Space Agency, the ISS is one of the most ambitious international collaborations in human history.
• Russia lost its monopoly for manned flights to the ISS last year after the first successful mission of U.S. company Space X.

SOURCE:THE Hindu (April 21st Current Affairs – Vignan IAS)

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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 2ND CURRENT AFFAIRS – VIGNAN IAS

 

DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARD
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Rajinikanth after he has been conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2019.
About:
Dadasaheb Phalke award is India’s highest award in cinema.
It is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals (an organisation set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting).
The award prize consists of a golden lotus, a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and a shawl.
The award is given to people for their “outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema”.
It was first presented in 1969. The first recipient of the award was actress Devika Rani, “the first lady of Indian cinema.”
Important Info :
Dadasaheb Phalke?
Dadasaheb Phalke (1870–1944), was an Indian film-maker who directed India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913).
He is regarded as “the father of Indian cinema.”
Source : The Hindu
Awards and Recognitions

 

 

APRIL 2ND CURRENT AFFAIRS – VIGNAN IAS

LIGHT WEIGHT BULLET PROOF JACKET
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO and DMSRDE Kanpur for developing a Light Weight Bullet Proof Jacket.
About:
Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur, a DRDO laboratory has developed a Light Weight Bullet Proof Jacket weighing 9 kg meeting the qualitative requirements of Indian Army.
The Front Hard Armour Panel jacket was tested successfully at TBRL Chandigarh and met relevant BIS standards.
Source : All India Radio
Defence & Security

KARGIL ZANSKAR ROAD
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways has approved a 780 Crore rupees project for upgradation of Kargil Zanskar road.
About:
The 2 lane Kargil Zanskar NH 301 road is sanctioned under Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode.
Zanskar- Kargil road was declared National Highway in 2017 by the Centre.
This road from Zanskar valley, also connects Suru valley, Sankoo valley of Kargil Ladakh with the Highway.
The road will be a key for economic development of the remote region of Ladakh.
Source : All India Radio
Geography

HARYANA’S AMENDED RULES OF PROCEDURE, CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Haryana has amended several provisions under its Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Legislative Assembly of the state.
About:
Several new provisions have also been added in order to maintain the decorum of the House and to ensure that prompt action is taken on recommendations made by the committees constituted by the Speaker.
In Rule 76, a new provision has been added, according to which during every sitting of the House, presence of at least two ministers is a must, which was not maintained at times during discussion on certain Calling Attention Motions or other Business of the House.
To maintain decorum of the House, another new provision has been added, according to which the members “shall not tear off documents in the House in protest”.
The new Sub-Rule 46(11) reads: “The question shall not contain more than 150 words in any case either typed or handwritten on one side of the page.” Officials say it has been done to have better clarity for the Ministers to give a specific reply to the query raised by the Member.
As per the new definition, Leader of Opposition means Leader of a Legislative Party having the largest number of members other than the party/parties that has formed the government and having the strength at least equal to the strength of the quorum of the House
Source : Indian Express
Polity & Governance

APRIL 2ND CURRENT AFFAIRS – VIGNAN IAS

BAIKAL-GVD
Russian scientists launched one of the world’s biggest underwater neutrino telescopes called the Baikal-GVD (Gigaton Volume Detector) in the waters of Lake Baikail, the world’s deepest lake situated in Siberia.
About:
The construction of this telescope, which started in 2016, is motivated by the mission to study in detail the elusive fundamental particles called neutrinos and to possibly determine their sources.
The Baikal-GVD is one of the three largest neutrino detectors in the world along with the IceCube at the South Pole and ANTARES in the Mediterranean Sea.
Important Info :
Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is a rift lake located in southern Siberia, Russia.
Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world, containing 22 to 23% of the world’s fresh surface water.
With a maximum depth of 1,642 m (5,387 ft), Baikal is the world’s deepest lake.
It is the world’s oldest lake at 25–30 million years.
It is the seventh-largest lake in the world by surface area.
Lake Baikal formed as an ancient rift valley and has a long, crescent shape.
The region to the east of Lake Baikal is referred to as Transbaikalia or as the Transbaikal, and the loosely defined region around the lake itself is sometimes known as Baikalia.
UNESCO declared Lake Baikal a World Heritage Site in 1996.
Source : Indian Express
Science & Tech

MyNEP2020
Union Education Minister launched the “MyNEP2020” Platform of NCTE Web Portal.
About:
The platform seeks to invite suggestions from the stakeholders for preparing draft for development of National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) and National Mission for Mentoring Program membership (NMM).
The “MyNEP2020” platform will be operational from 1st April 2021 to 15th May 2021.
For preparing the documents on above two major recommendations of NEP 2020, NCTE will work in close consultation with individuals/organizations.
Expert committee will extensively review the inputs collected during the consultation period and will finally formulate the Drafts for public review. Comments by the reviewers from the stakeholders will then be used to prepare a final Draft for notification.
Important Info :
National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) is a statutory body of Indian government set up under the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993 in 1995 to formally oversee standards, procedures and processes in the Indian education system.
Source : PIB
Education

APRIL 2ND CURRENT AFFAIRS – VIGNAN IAS

 JOINT LOGISTICS NODE (JLN)

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat operationalised and dedicated to the Armed forces the 3rd Joint Logistics Node (JLN) in Mumbai.
About:
These JLNs will provide integrated logistics cover to the Armed Forces for their small arms ammunition, rations, fuel, general stores, civil hired transport, aviation clothing, spares and also engineering support in an effort to synergise their operational efforts.
Establishment and operationalisation of JLNs is a very important first step in the direction of logistics integration of our three Services. The JLN would enhance joint inter-operability between the Services.
The Joint Operations Division (JOD) under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (Hq IDS) enabled establishment of the JLNs
Government Sanction Letter for establishment of JLNs in Mumbai, Guwahati and Port Blair was signed on October 12, 2020.
The JLNs in Guwahati and Tri-Services, Andaman and Nicobar Command, Port Blair were operationalised on January 01, 2021.
Source : PIB
Defence & Security

EXERCISE SHANTIR OGROSHENA 2021
Multinational Military Exercise SHANTIR OGROSHENA 2021 (Front Runner of the Peace) will be held at Bangladesh to commemorate the birth centenary of Bangladesh ‘Father of the Nation’ Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and mark 50 years of liberation.
About:
Indian Army contingent comprising of 30 personnel including Officers, JCOs and Jawans of a Battalion from The DOGRA Regiment will participate in the exercise along with contingent of Royal Bhutan Army, Sri Lankan Army and Bangladesh Army from 04 Apr to 12 Apr 2021.
The theme of the exercise is “Robust Peace Keeping Operations”.
Military observers from USA, UK, Turkey, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Singapore will also be in attendance throughout the exercise.
Source : All India Radio
International

 

UTKAL DIWAS
In Odisha, a number of programmes have been organised to mark the 86th statehood day today. Celebrated as Utkal Diwas, the day commemorates the coming into being of Odisha as a state in 1936.
Modern History of Odisha:
The British had occupied the Northern Circars, comprising the southern coast of Odisha, as a result of the Second Carnatic War by 1760, and incorporated them into the Madras Presidency gradually.
In 1803, the British ousted the Marathas from the Puri-Cuttack region of Odisha during the Second Anglo-Maratha War. The northern and western districts of Odisha were incorporated into the Bengal Presidency.
In 1903, the Utkal Sammilani organisation was founded to demand the unification of Odia-speaking regions into one state.
On 1 April 1912, the Bihar and Orissa Province was formed.
On 1 April 1936, Bihar and Orissa were split into separate provinces.
The new province of Orissa came into existence on a linguistic basis during the British rule in India, with Sir John Austen Hubback as the first governor.
Following India’s independence, on 15 August 1947, 27 princely states signed the document to join Orissa.
Source : All India Radio
History

SHIVAKUMARA SWAMIGALU
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has bowed to Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu on his Jayanti.
About:
Shivakumara Swamigalu (1907 – 2019) was an Indian spiritual leader. He was a Lingayat religious figure and head of the Siddaganga Matha in Karnataka. He was described as the most esteemed adherent of Lingayatism.
Educationist: He founded the Sri Siddaganga Education Society. He founded over 100 institutions for education and training, that range from nursery to colleges for engineering, science, arts and management as well as vocational training.
Awards and Honours:
in 2007, the Government of Karnataka awarded him the Karnataka Ratna award, the highest civilian award of the state.
In 2015 the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan.
He was also referred to as Nadedaaduva Devaru (walking God) in the state of Karnataka.

Important Info :
Do you know?
The Lingayats is a numerically and politically strong community of Karnataka.
They are followers of Basaveshwara, a 12th century Kannada philosopher during the reign of the Kalachuri-dynasty king Bijjala I in Karnataka who founded the Lingayats sect.
Source : PIB
Culture

APRIL 2ND CURRENT AFFAIRS – VIGNAN IAS

 

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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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• According to the circular of SCHOOL BAG POLICY- 2020 is schoolteachers should inform the students in advance about the books and notebooks to be brought to school on a particular day and frequently check their bags to ensure that they are not carrying unnecessary material.
  
• The weight of the school bags, as per the policy, should be 1.6 to 2.2 kg for students of Classes I and II, 1.7 to 2.5 kg for Classes III, IV and V, 2 to 3 kg for Classes VI and VII, 2.5 to 4 kg for Class VIII, 2.5 to 4.5 kg for Classes IX and X and 3.5 to 5 kg for Classes XI and XII.
  
• The teachers should take the responsibility of checking the weight of school bags of the students every three months on a day selected for the whole class and any information about heavy bags should be communicated to the parents.
  
• To reduce the weight of the school bag, the school management should provide quality potable water in sufficient quantity to all the students in the school so that they do not need to carry water bottles from their homes.
  

Important Info :

• Heavy school bags are a serious threat to the health and well-being of students.
• The heavy school bag has severe/adverse physical effects on growing children which can cause damage to their vertebral column and knees.

Source : The Hindu

Recent Current Affairs

• September 3rd Current Affairs
• September 1st and 2nd Current Affairs
• August 30th Current Affairs
• August 27th and 28th Current Affairs
• August 26th Current Affairs

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