VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE TNPSC Current Affairs MARCH - 2020
An ISO 9001 : 2015 Institution | Providing Excellence Since 2011 Head Office Old No.52, New No.1, 9th Street, F Block, 1st Avenue Main Road, (Near Istha siddhi Vinayakar Temple), Anna Nagar East – 600102. Phone: 044-2626 5326 | 98844 72636 | 98844 21666 | 98844 32666
Branches
SALEM KOVAI No.189/1, Meyanoor Road, Near ARRS Multiplex, (Near Salem New No.347, D.S.Complex (3rd floor), Nehru Street,Near Gandhipuram bus Stand), Opp. Venkateshwara Complex, Salem - 636004. Central Bus Stand, Ramnagar, Kovai - 9 0427-2330307 | 95001 22022 75021 65390 Educarreerr Location Vivekanandha Educational Institutions for Women, Elayampalayam, Tiruchengode - TK Namakkal District - 637 205. 04288 - 234670 | 91 94437 34670 Patrician College of Arts and Science, 3, Canal Bank Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Opposite to Kotturpuram Railway Station, Adyar, Chennai - 600020. 044 - 24401362 | 044 - 24426913
Sree Saraswathi Thyagaraja College Palani Road, Thippampatti, Pollachi - 642 107 73737 66550 | 94432 66008 | 90951 66009
www.vetriias.com My Dear Aspirants, Greetings to all of you! “What we think we become” Gautama Buddha. We all have dreams. To make dreams come into reality it takes a lot of determination, dedication, self discipline and continuous effort. We at VETRII IAS Study Circle are committed to provide the right guidance, quality coaching and help every aspirants to achieve his or her life’s cherished goal of becoming a civil servant. The class room coaching at VETRII IAS Study Circle is meticulously planned to equip the aspirants with all the relevant facts and fundamentals of the subjects. Further the VETRII IAS Study Circle Study materials aim to support the candidate by providing the most relevant study material in a comprehensive manner.
Wishing You All The Very Best !!
DIRECTOR
(M.Shunmugam) Vetrii IAS Study Circle.
Published by VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE F Block New No. 1, 9th Street, 1st Avenue main Road, Chinthamani, Anna Nagar (E), Chennai – 102. Phone: 044 – 26265326 / 9600124042 / 9840097666 www.vetriias.com E-Mail: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] Feedback: [email protected]
© All rights reserved with the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmit- ted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, will be responsible for the loss and may be punished for compensation under copyright act. INDEX
01 01 - 10 HISTORY
. Important Days . Defence National Security and Terrorism . World Organisations – Pacts and Summits . Eminent Persons . Sports and Games . Books & Authors . Awards & Honours . Cultural Panaroma . India & its Neighbours . Appointments – Who is who?
11 - 13 POLITICAL SCIENCE 11 .India’s Foreign Policy .Latest Court Verdicts .Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility
14 -15 GEOGRAPHY 14 .Policy on Environment and Ecology .Natural Disasters – Safeguard Measures
16-21 ECONOMICS 16 .New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector .Current Socio - Economic Problems 22 22 - 28 SCIENCE .Latest Inventions in Science & Technology . Latest Discoveries on Health Science . Mass Media & Communication
29 29 NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENTS
38 38 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
39 TAMIL NADU AFFAIRS 39 Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Important Days History
1.1 Important Days
Date Day Theme / Remark “Recycling Heroes” as the theme for third March 18 Global Recycling Day Global Recycling Day. To raise the awareness about sparrows and other common birds affected by the March 20 World Sparrow Day environment which are on the verge of extinction. Theme of the year 2020: “Forests and March 21 International Day of Forests Biodiversity”. Every year since 1993, World Water Day is being celebrated on March 22. It is being celebrated to spread the importance of fresh water. The day is celebrated by March 22 Water Day United Nations as well along with various other organizations all over the world. The theme of World Water Day is Theme: Water and Climate Change. The theme of World TB Day 2020 is ‘It’s March 24 World Tuberculosis Day time’.
4,000 years old Red Cross painting at Junjipalli rock in Krishnagiri district Krishnagiri Government Museum archivist Govindaraj studied the 4,000-year-old Red Cross dance below the Jinjipalli Glacier. This entire painting is a white Red Cross painting. The group dances to a length of 7 meters and is bent. The rock has fallen in many places and the series is gone.
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 1 Defence, National Security and Terrorism Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Telugu new year day “Ugadi” being celebrated Telugu New Year day ‘Ugadi’ being celebrated today. The festival is being celebrated across the two Telugu states, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to mark the beginning of the Hindu Lunar calendar. Though the nation-wide lockdown due to coronavirus dampens the traditional fervour and gaiety, people are observing the customary festivities.
1.2 Defence, National Security Indian Army launches Operation and Terrorism Namaste: COVID-19 Army Chief of Indian Army General Approval for 83 LCA Tejas Mk-1A Manoj Mukund Naravane launched ‘Operation Namaste’ initiative to protect The Defence 1.3 million strong forces from coronavirus Acquisition Council and provide all possible assistance to the (DAC) chaired by government to control the pandemic. Defence Minister Key Points Rajnath Singh Under ‘Operation Namaste’, the army accorded approval for the procurement has issued a series of directives to all of 83 indigenous Light Combat Aircraft its bases to protect the force from the (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A from the Hindustan coronavirus & the army headquarters Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by “finalising issued a number of suggestions to deal the contractual and other issues”. The with the situation over the past few deal is expected to cost around `39,000 weeks. crore.
Defence Ministry places order for 1.3 World Organisations – 16,479 LMG Pacts and Summits The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a `880-crore contract with the Israeli World Cities Summit 2020 to be held Weapon Industries (IWI) for 16,479 Light in Singapore from July 5 to 9 Machine Guns (LMG). The 7th World Cities Summit (WCS) is to “The Acquisition Wing of MoD has be held from July 5 to 9, 2020 at Sands signed the capital acquisition contract Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay with Israel Weapons Industries for Sands, in Singapore. It is organized by procurement of 16,479 LMGs at a cost of Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities `880 crore with the approval of Defence and the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Minister Rajnath Singh. The theme for WCS 2020 is ”Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Adapting to a Disrupted World”.
2 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 World Organisations – Pacts and Summits
The WCS 2020 is held in conjunction with challenges posed by the outbreak of the Singapore International Water Week the COVID-19 pandemic and to forge a (SIWW) and the CleanEnviro Summit global coordinated response. Earlier, PM Singapore (CESG). had a telephonic conversation with the Singapore Government invited Uttar Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath The extraordinary G20 Summit was a to the WCS-2020 culmination of the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting and Saudi Arabia accepts India’s Proposal G20 Sherpas Meeting on the COVID-19 For Virtual G20 Summit pandemic. Saudi Arabia has accepted India’s proposal to hold a virtual conference WHO initiated mega trial “Solidarity” of G20 member nations to figure out of 4 promising drugs to cure Covid-19 a coordinated response to tackle the In accordance with the Science Magazine economic implications of COVID-19 report the World Health Organization during a telephone conversation between (WHO) has started a mega trial namely Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi “Solidarity” of four most promising drugs Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman and that may cure the novel coronavirus Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. (COVID-19). The trial consists of study, testing, and development of antidote th India ranks 120 , Singapore tops: against coronavirus through four most Economic Freedom Index 2020 promising therapies which are as follows: The Heritage Foundation published its Remdesivir– This experimental antiviral 26th annual edition of Economic Freedom compound was widely used to combat Index 2020 to measure the level of Ebola and other dangerous viruses in the economic freedom in 186 countries. India past. (56.5) ranks in 120th position & Singapore Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine: (89.4) tops the index for the 1st time. This is used to treat patients suffering from malaria. Indian Council for Medical Key Highlights Research (ICMR) has also recommended Hong Kong (89.1) for the 1st time secured this for healthcare workers and caregivers 2nd rank since the 1st publication in 1995. looking after positive COVID-19 patients. India secures 28th rank among 42 Combination of lopinavir and ritonavir: countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This drug combination is used for treating WHO Director-General calls on G20 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This combination slows down the process to Fight, Unite, and Ignite against of deterioration of organs.In India, it was COVID-19 used to treat the first case of coronavirus An Extraordinary Virtual G20 Leaders’ who were a couple from Italy. Summit was convened to discuss the
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 3 Places in News Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Ritonavir/lopinavir plus interferon- 1.4 Places in News beta: This combination is used to treat Middle-East respiratory syndrome Niue declared as world’s first ‘Dark coronavirus (MERS) patients in Saudi Sky Nation’ Arabia.Interferon-beta is immune system The International Dark-Sky Association messengers that can help cripple viruses. (IDA) has recognised Niue as a ‘Dark North Macedonia officially joins NATO Sky Place’. With this, Niue has become as its 30th member the world’s first whole country to be recognised as a ‘Dark Sky Place’. Niue is The Republic of North Macedonia a small island nation in the South Pacific has inducted officially as the 30th and Ocean. newest member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This membership Haryana’s Amin village renamed as comes after North Macedonia’s 2017 deal Abhimanyupur with Greece under which the former The Central Government approved changed its name from Macedonia (a name renaming the Amin village as same as Greek province). After the name Abhimanyupur in Kurukshetra district change, Greece agreed to drop objections of Haryana as per the request of the to its NATO and European Union (EU) State government. The decision has been membership. North Macedonia was taken by the Union Home Ministry after granted a protocol on accession to NATO getting permission from a few central membership in February 2019. organisations. About NATO: Key Points:
NATO’s purpose is to guarantee the The Union Ministry will approve the freedom and security of its members change of name of any place after through political and military means. taking no-objections from the Ministry Members– 30 of Railways, Department of Posts and Secretary General– Jens Stoltenberg Surveys of India. These organisations have to confirm that there is no such city, town or village in their records with a name similar to the proposed one.
Burial urns excavated near vedharanyam Two urns made of burnt clay containing jaw bones with a iron weapon found at chetipulam panchayat near vedhanarayam, nagapattinam district.
4 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Eminent Persons 1.5 Eminent Persons governing body FIFA that awarded him the Centennial Order of Merit in 2004.
Roger Mayweather passes away Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz dies Roger Mayweather, a two-time world Lorenzo Sanz, the former champion turned president of Real Madrid, trainer and uncle of died after contracting unbeaten boxing great coronavirus, according to Floyd Mayweather, has multiple reports. He was 76 died at the age of 58. years old. “My uncle was one Jayalalithaa statue to be installed at of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring,” said Floyd State Council for Higher Education Mayweather, who was trained by his The campus of the Tamil Nadu State uncle for much of his illustrious career. Council for Higher Education will be Roger Mayweather, who had struggled named as Dr. J. Jayalalithaa campus to with diabetes, won world titles in super honour her contribution to enrolment of featherweight and super lightweight, students in higher education in the State, earning 59 wins in a near-20-year ring Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami career that included notable fights against announced. Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker. Former Indian footballer Abdul Latif Indian football legend PK Banerjee passes away dies aged 83 Renowned footballer and Legendary India footballer PK Banerjee coach Abdul Latif passed died after battling a prolonged illness. away last night after He was 83. Banerjee is survived by prolonged illness. He was daughters Paula and Purna, who are 72. The former renowned academicians, and younger international footballer brother Prasun Banerjee, who is a sitting left behind his wife and two daughters. Trinamool Congress MP. Latif, who played as a midfielder, The 1962 Asian Games gold-medallist, represented India in the 1970 Asian whose best days as a striker coincided Games where the team had won a with Indian football’s golden era, was bronze. He also represented two big suffering from respiratory problems due clubs of Kolkata-Mohammedan Sporting to pneumonia. and Mohun Bagan during late sixties and Banerjee’s contribution to Indian football early part of seventies. was duly recognized by the world
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 5 Sports and Games Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Chief of Brahma Kumaris Dadi Janki 1.6 Sports and Games passes away at 104 Rajyogini Dadi Janki, the Janani and Vrinda in International chief administrator of Panel of ICC Development Umpires Brahmakumari spiritual Tamil Nadu’s Janani Narayanan and organisation passed away Vrinda Rathi of Mumbai were named in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. in the International Panel of ICC She was 104. Development Umpires. Dadi Janki was running the international spiritual institution India’s Chhetri among top footballers spanning across 140 countries. in Fifa, WHO awareness campaign for coronavirus SP founding member & former Union Minister Beni Prasad Verma passed Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri away at 79 was among 28 past and present stars in world governing body Fifa’s awareness Beni Prasad Verma, a campaign to combat the coronavirus founding member of the pandemic. Samajwadi Party (SP) & Fifa and the World Health Organization former Union Minister have teamed to launch a new awareness passed away at the age of campaign led by world-renowned 79 in Lucknow, Uttar footballers, who are calling on all people Pradesh (UP). He was around the world to follow five key steps born on February 11, 1941, in Barabanki, to stop the spread of the disease. Uttar Pradesh (UP). The ‘Pass the message to kick out Air Vice-Marshal Chandan Singh coronavirus’ campaign promotes five key steps for people to follow to protect Rathore passed away their health in line with WHO guidance, Air Vice Marshall Chandan Singh Rathore focused on hand washing, coughing passed away at his Jodhpur residence etiquette, not touching your face, physical on March 29, 2020. He had served in the distance and staying home if feeling Indian Air Force at the time of the 1962 unwell. Indo-China war and the 1971 India- Pakistan war. Tokyo organisers ‘eye July 2021’ for The Air Vice Marshall had planned and delayed Olympics executed helicopter operations during Tokyo Olympics organisers are eyeing India’s 1971 war with Pakistan for the next July as a start date for the postponed liberation of Bangladesh. Games following the historic decision to
6 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Books & Authors delay the event due to the coronavirus. PM Modi compliments The Hindu The International Olympic Committee, Group for compilation on Swami the Tokyo metropolitan government and Vivekananda the local organizing committee are all Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expected to make adjustments to the task complimented The Hindu Group force plan. of publications for bringing out a The original plan was for a July 24, 2020 compilation on the life and thoughts of opening ceremony. A similar time frame Swami Vivekananda titled The Monk for 2021 would have the advantage of Who Took India to the World. reducing the number of changes to the Introducing the world to the grandeur of existing organizing plan. Vedic philosophy, Swami Vivekananda helped change the way the West saw 1.7 Books & Authors India. His panoramic vision was rooted in an all-embracing affection for every Book on Vivekananda launch human being that helped in building Sri Ramakrishna Math president Swami bridges between the East and the West. Gautamananda launched a book, The Monk who took India to the World, on A new book entitled ‘Messiah Modi: A Swami Vivekananda. Great tale of expectations’ penned by The first biography on Swami Tavleen singh released Vivekananda was brought out in 1933 A new book entitled ‘Messiah Modi: A after which more and more materials Great Tale of Expectations’ written by have been brought out by various senior journalist & author Tavleen Singh persons, including Mary Louis and Pro. has been released. Shankari Prasad Basu.
My Encounters in Parliament” authored by Bhalchandra Mungekar released The book titled “My Encounters in Key Points: Parliament” authored by Bhalchandra The book, published by HarperCollins Mungekar an Indian economist, former India, narrates the early support for member of Rajya Sabha, was released in Modi the candidate by the author, once the presence of former Vice President- a great supporter of the government. Hamid Ansari, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar, Communist A book titled ‘Legacy Of Learning’ Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D authored by Savita Chhabra released Raja and CPI (Marxist) General Secretary Savita Chhabra has launched her first Sitaram Yechury. novel titled ‘Legacy of Learning’. She is
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 7 Books & Authors Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 the chairperson at Hygienic Research National Book Trust, India of MHRD Institute Private Limited (HRIPL). The to launch ‘Corona Studies Series’ novel offers simplistic and relatable books interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita in National Book Trust (NBT), India, the an attempt to connect the youth of India national body for book publishing and to the age-old, but relevant scriptures. book promotion under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), “Stay Home India with Books” Government of India, is launching a initiative launched by GoI publishing series titled ‘Corona Studies The National Book Trust functioning Series’ to document and to provide under Ministry of Human Resources and relevant reading materials for all age- Development launches Stay Home India groups for the post-corona readership with Books initiative. Under the Initiative needs. more than 100 books can be downloaded Key Points: from the NBT website. The Corona Studies Series engages Missing in Action: The Prisoners Who readers with various aspects of the Never Came Back” Corona times by bringing out affordable books in various Indian languages. Senior Journalist Chander Suta Dogra The NBT has also started #Stay Home launched her 2nd book during an event India With Books initiatives by uploading hosted by United Service Institution of pdfs (portable document formats) of best India (USI)- “Missing in Action: The selling books for free download and had Prisoners Who Never Came Back” relies received a tremendous response. on de-classified records of the Ministry Other initiatives: MHRD also set- of External Affairs & other sources. It is up a Study Group comprising some published by Harpercollins. experienced & young psychologists/ Savita Chhabra authored her first counsellors to prepare books on the sub- book titled “Legacy Of Learning” series ‘Psycho-Social Impact of Corona Pandemic and the Ways to Cope’. Savita Chhabra, Chairperson of HRIPL It also prepares Children’s books to know (Hygienic Research Institute Private Our Corona Warriors, other story and Limited) and an award-winning picture books related to various aspects businesswoman, has authored & of Coronavirus. launched her first book titled “Legacy of Learning” (selected verses from Srimad Bhagavad Gita).
8 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 India and its Neighbours | Awards & Honours | Appointments – Who is who? 1.8 India and its Neighbours 1.10 Appointments – Who is India to provide NPR 107.01 million who? to build 3 schools in Nepal India assured to provide a grant of Former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi Nepalese Rupees (NPR) 107 million to Nominated To Rajya Sabha By construct 3 schools in Nepal & to create President better facilities for students. The Embassy Former Chief Justice of of India & the Ministry of Federal Affairs India Ranjan Gogoi was and General Administration (MoFAGA) nominated for Rajya Nepal signed 2 Memorandum of Sabha, the upper house of Understandings (MoUs). parliament, by President Ram Nath Kovind. The 1.9 Awards & Honours President’s move is unprecedented - no Chief Justice has been The Abel Prize Laureates 2020 nominated to the Upper House, usually announced dominated by celebrities and artistes, by the head of the state. And few members of the judiciary have crossed over to the space of legislature. Article 80 in The Constitution Of India 1949 The Norwegian Academy of Science and 80. Composition of the Council of States Letters has named Hillel Furstenberg 1) The Council of States shall consist of from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a) Twelve members to be nominated Israel and Gregory Margulis from Yale by the President in accordance with the University, the USA as winners of the provisions of clause (3). Abel Prize 2020 for their “pioneering use B.P. Kanungo reappointed as Deputy of methods from probability & dynamics Governor of RBI for a period of one in group theory, number theory and combinatorics”. They share the prize year & the amount of Norwegian Krone 7.5 The Appointments Committee of the Million (USD 8.3400). Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the tenure of RBI (Reserve Bank of India) Deputy Governor, Bibhu Prasad Kanungo for a period of one year up to April 3, 2021. His tenure is going to end on April 2, 2020.
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 9 Cultural Panorama Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020
Key Points: Old skeleton excavated at Kodagai Kanungo was appointed as the Deputy near Thirupavanam in Sivagangai Governor of RBI on April 3, 2017.He district was assigned the portfolio of monetary Sivagangai district has found an policy and forecasting department old digging ditch at Kondagai near in addition to his regular portfolio Thirupuvanam. A 2,000-year-old human currency management after the exit of skeleton was discovered Viral Acharya. The five-stage excavations that have already taken place revealed that the 1.11 Cultural Panorama underlying civilization dates back 2,600 years. At present, 3 pits are being dug in Phool Dei festival was celebrated in the land of Keezhidhiyathiyammal near Uttarakhand Tirupuvanam. 2 brick walls were found in it. Uttarakhand Chief Minister (CM) Trivendra Singh Rawat celebrated the traditional harvest festival “Phool Dei”. The festival also showcases the inner bonding between the communities who all are residing in the hills.
10 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Latest Court Verdicts | Political parties and Political system in India POLITICAL 2. SCIENCE 2.2 Political parties and 2.1 Latest Court Verdicts Political system in India SC extends deadline of transition Rajya Sabha Passes Central Sanskrit from BS IV to BS VI University Bill 2019 The Supreme Court has extended the The Rajya Sabha passed the Central transition from BS-IV to BS VI vehicles Sanskrit University Bill 2019. It will by 10 more days given the current provide Central University status to three 21-lockdown scenario to fight the universities in India. Rajya Sabha passed COVID-19 virus. the Central Sanskrit University Bill 2019 The initial deadline was March 31, 2020. by voice vote. However, it has been extended keeping Human Resource Development Minister in mind the centre’s order of a complete Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said in the lockdown in the country for 21 days. Parliament that Sanskrit literature has The order comes after the Federation of the largest repository along with a rich Automobile Dealers Association had heritage. moved the apex court seeking a relaxation in the deadline to sell their BS-IV vehicle Background stock. There are currently around 7 lakh Lok Sabha passed the bill in December unsold two-wheelers, 12,000 commercial 2019 while it was introduced in the vehicles and 15,000 unsold cars of BS-IV Rajya Sabha on March 02, 2020. standard. It was introduced in Rajya Sabha by HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. Now, it will go back to the Lok Sabha for final stage.
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 11 Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 2.3 Govt – Welfare oriented No data concerning the property-less people is maintained by the ministry. Govt schemes, their utility The contribution of the housing sector is significant to the country’s Gross Govt sanctioned Rs 20,466.94 crore Domestic Product (GDP) which has a loan to women under ‘Stand up India direct impact on employment generation. scheme’: Anurag Singh Gist about PMAY(U): According to the Minister of State It was launched by the Ministry of (MoS) for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, the central (MoHUPA) on 25th June 2015 to build government has sanctioned a loan of Rs affordable pucca houses for all with 20,466.94 crores to over 91,000 accounts access to water, sanitation & electricity up to March 10,2020 since inception of the by 2022 when the nation completes 75 Stand-Up India scheme, as it counted the years of independence. The beneficiaries work being done for the empowerment of include low-income groups (LIGs), women. Middle Income Groups (MIGs) & EWS. About Stand Up India scheme: Ayushman Bharat Yojana to be It was launched on April 5, 2016, to promote entrepreneurship for economic implemented in Delhi empowerment and job creation. To set up Delhi Government will be implementing a new venture, it is mandatory for every the Ayushman Bharat Yojana due to branch of the scheduled commercial bank the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. to give a loan of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore Under this healthcare scheme, the state to a person belonging to Scheduled Caste government will provide health cover of (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) and at least up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for one woman. free. The scheme covers secondary and As on February 17, 2020, more than 81% tertiary care hospitalization expenses. account holders under this scheme are women National Forensic Science University Bill introduced in LoK Sabha Rs 6.16 lakh crore approved so far A bill to establish a National Forensic under PMAY(U) Sciences University by upgrading the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Gujarat Forensic Sciences University was Affairs independent charge (I/C), Civil introduced in LoK Sabha the National Aviation (I/C) and Minister of state of Forensic Sciences University seeks Commerce & Industry, Hardeep Singh to facilitate and promote studies and Puri stated that Rs 6.16 lakh crore (trillion) research, and to achieve excellence in the has been approved so far under Pradhan field of forensic science in conjunction Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)– PMAY(U).
12 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Govt – Welfare oriented Govt schemes, their utility with applied behavioural science studies, also pay all dues (Rs 11,499 crores) by law, criminology and other allied areas April 10, 2020. and technology and other related fields Key Points for strengthening criminal justice system With this increase in wages, the national in the country. average wage under MGNREGA will rise from Rs 182 to Rs 202 per day. Extend benefits of advocates ‘welfare Totally there are 13.62 crore job scheme’ cardholders under the MGNREGA, The Delhi High Court seeking direction to out of which 8.17 crores are active job the city government to extend the benefit cardholders. of ‘Chief Minister’s Advocates’ Welfare It also informed that Individual-oriented Scheme’ to all lawyers enrolled with the work(beneficiaries of Scheduled Castes Bar Council of Delhi (BCD), irrespective and Scheduled Tribes) & work done by of whether their names appear in the women under MGNREGA can continue voters list of the Capital or not. their work during the lockdown. The plea announced that in November 2019, the Delhi government had PM Narendra Modi formulated PM- announced the scheme for the welfare of CARES fund to fight coronavirus all practising advocates of the national outbreak capital who are on the rolls of BCD. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created of assistance and emergency FM Nirmala Sitharaman launches situation relief fund namely Prime Garib Kalyan Yojana for poor Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Emergency Situations Fund (PM- recently announced Garib Kalyan Yojana CARES) where people can contribute and to help poor and needy people during help in the government’s fight against the Coronavirus outbreak in India. coronavirus. This newly created public The Minister also announced special charitable trust has PM Narendra Modi insurance scheme for nurses and medical as the chairmanand defence minister service providers wherein Rs 50 lakh per (Rajnath Singh), home minister (Amit person insurance cover will be provided Shah) and the finance minister (Nirmala to all for next 3 months. Sitaraman) as its members. Centre releases Rs 4,431 crore to clear pending wages under MGNREGA The Centre released Rs 4,431 crores to clear pending wages under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005(MGNREGA) & will
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 13 Policy on Environment and Ecology Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 3. GEOGRAPHY
3.1 Policy on Environment and Ecology
Newly Discovered insect species first private firm to get such permission named after singer Lady Gaga after the government decided to allow A newly discovered species of treehopper accredited private labs to test for has been named “Kaikaia Gaga” after COVID-19. American singer Lady Gaga. The species Two Indian diagnostic companies was named by Brendan Morris, PhD Trivitron Healthcare and Mylab Discovery candidate in entomology from University Solution have also sought approval from of Illinois, United States (US). the DCGI for the coronavirus testing kits developed by them. Wildlife survey in Kodiyakarai sanctuary Chloroquine help treat coronavirus patients Wildlife surveying has begun at the Kodiyakkarai Wildlife Sanctuary next Hydroxychloroquine, a medicine for to the Vedaranyam in the Nagai district. malaria that President Donald Trump The sanctuary is home to animals like has touted as a treatment for coronavirus, goose, fox, rabbit, wild boar and monkey. was no more effective than conventional Kodiyakkarai Forest Officer Ayubkan care, a small study found. led by Vanvar Sathishkumar and Forest Hydroxychloroquine, particularly when Department personnel. Wildlife survey given with the antibiotic azithromycin, work is being carried out on 14 routes. has received widespread attention following a controversial, small study Roche Diagnostics is India’s first of about 40 patients hospitalized with private firm to get coronavirus test Covid-19 in France. In that study, the approval drug appeared to help clear the virus from the bodies of 26 patients who were Swiss firm Roche Diagnostics India given the medication, based on samples received the license for conducting taken from nasal swabs. Experts have coronavirus tests after approval from criticized the design of the study. drug regulator DCGI, making it the
14 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Policy on Environment and Ecology Indian scientists reveal first Earth Hour: A Symbolic Movement of microscopic image of novel “Lights OFF” to save environment coronavirus Since 2007, every year million participate in the campaign called “Earth Hour” on March 28. The event is organized by the World wide Fund for Nature. Highlights The event was first started in Sydney, Australia. The main aim of the marking Earth Hour is to call attention towards In a first, Indian scientists have revealed global warming, loss of biodiversity and a microscopic image of the SARS-CoV-2 climate change. During the one-hour virus. campaign, businesses and people all over The image is from the throat swab the world switch off unnecessary lights sample of the first laboratory-confirmed and electronic items between 8:30 PM COVID19 case in India, reported on and 9:30 PM. January 30 in Kerala. The Earth Hour is held every year on the The findings have been published in the last Saturday of March. latest edition of the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR).
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 15 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020
4. ECONOMICS 4.1 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector
Asian Development Bank to give (Baracus hampsoni), Medus brown Rs.48 thousand crore to developing (Orsotriaena medus), the commander member countries for coronavirus (Moduza procris) and the peacock royal response (Tajuria cippus). Manoj Sethumadhavan, a trustee from The bank classifies almost 40 member countries and territories as “developing,” the Wynter Blyth Association, said they including Cambodia, Pakistan and the had also noted the migration of the Philippines. common emigrant (Catopsilia Pomona), while they were undertaking the census. ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa The ADB has already given Rs.1673 Finance Commission sets up crores to governments and businesses in committee to review the fiscal developing countries so far during the consolidation road map coronavirus pandemic. An 8-member committee is set up by Census records rare butterflies in Finance Commission (FC) to review the Gudalur fiscal consolidation road map of state & central governments. The committee The Forest Department would only is headed by 15th Finance Commission estimate the population of large Chairman N K Singh. mammals. Enthusiasts from the Wynter Key Points: Blyth Association were roped in to count the different species of butterflies By considering all of India’s explicit inhabiting the Gudalur region. and measurable debt, it will make Among the 56 different species of recommendations on the definition of butterflies that were spotted during deficit & debt for central government, the exercise were “rarities” such as the overall states, general government and Pygmy scrub hopper (Aeromachus public sector enterprises (government pygmaeus), Hampson’s hedge hopper levels) by bringing consistency between the definition of debt(stock) and deficit(flow)
16 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector About FC: 28,000 petrol pumps dispensing ultra-low In 1951, under the article 280 of the sulphur fuel a good two weeks before the constitution it was established to assess April 1 deadline. the financial position of the Union and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and State Governments, recommend the Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL), sharing of taxes among them, and set out are also progressively supplying BS-VI policies to determine the distribution of grade fuel and the entire country will these taxes among the States. switch to the cleanest fuel. The FC (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, The government had set April 1 as the 1951 defines the terms of qualification, deadline for starting supply of Euro-VI appointment, disqualification, term, emission compliant fuels. With this India eligibility & powers of FC. joins the select league of nations using The 15th FC was constituted on 27 petrol and diesel containing just 10 parts November 2017 against the abolition of per million of sulphur in an attempt to the Planning Commission (the difference cut vehicular emissions that are said to between plan and non-plan expenditure) be one of the reasons for the choking & the introduction of Goods and Services pollution in major cities. Tax (GST). SBI becomes the 1st bank to launch Crisil lowers FY21 growth to 5.2% emergency credit facility from 5.7% State Bank of India (SBI), an Indian Crisil downgraded India’s Gross multinational, public sector bank, Domestic Forecast (GDP) for fiscal 2021 became the 1st bank to launch COVID 19 to 5.2% from 5.7% due to the coronavirus emergency credit line (CECL) to provide pandemic. funds to businesses affected by the Also, it is spreading rapidly in India infectious coronavirus. causing adverse effects on domestic consumption, investment, and production Fitch slashes India’s GDP growth and slowing the financial markets. outlook for FY21 As per Crisil, if the COVID 19 if not Fitch Ratings slashes its growth forecast tackled by April-June 2020 globally then for India from 5.6% to 5.1% for 2020-21, as it may lead to a severe slowdown. Covid-19 hit Indian manufacturers after supply chain disruptions in China. IOC becomes 1st company to begin Fitch joins a chorus of international supply of BS-VI fuel across country agencies that have made similar Indian Oil CorpNSE -7.45 % (IOC), the observations in recent days. Standard and nation’s biggest oil firm, has begun the Poor’s (S&P) on Wednesday had slashed supply of the world’s cleanest petrol its 2020 growth projection for India from and diesel across the country with all its 5.7% to 5.2% as it feared that the Asia
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 17 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020
Pacific region may slide into a recession, High-level committee approves Rs. with countries enforcing lock-downs to 5,751 crore worth fund for 8 states contain the pandemic. A high-level committee, chaired by Home Moody’s and the Organisation for Minister Amit Shah has approved funds Economic Cooperation and Development worth Rs 5,751 crore to eight states for (OECD) have cut their 2020 growth calamity damage relief. projections for India to 5.3% and 5.1%, The additional centre assistanmce has respectively. been approved under the National Disaster Response Fund. Indian Bank launched 5 special They will be given to eight states that were emergency loans for COVID affected by drought, floods, landslides 19-affected customers and cyclones in 2019. The states include Kerala, Bihar, Nagaland, Odisha, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Karnataka.
India’s GDP growth slashed to 2.5 percent in 2020 Moody’s Investors Service 2020 reduced Indian Bank has launched five special India’s GDP growth in 2020 to 2.5 percent emergency loans for large corporates, from the earlier estimate of 5.3 percent. medium enterprises, MSMEs, salaried Moody’s said that the COVID-19 and pensioners as a support to its pandemic will cause unprecedented customers effecting through economic shock to the global economy including slump and lockdown because of the Indian economy. COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, State Bank It said in its Global Macro Outlook 2020-21 of India (SBI), Union Bank of India (UBI), that India will see a sharp fall in incomes Bank of India (BOI) initiated schemes to at an estimated 2.5 percent growth rate. provide liquidity relief to borrowers. ff IND- COVID Emergency Credit Line I GDP growth rate may fall sharply to (IBCECL) 2.6 % in 2020-21: SBI’s Ecowrap ff IND- MSE COVID Emergency Loan According to a report titled “EcoWrap” (INDMSE-CEL) released by the economic research team ff SHG-COVID – SAHAYA LOAN from SBI (State Bank of India), India’s ff IND-COVID Emergency Salary Loan GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth is ff IND COVID- Emergency Pension expected to decline sharply to 2.6 % in the Loan next financial year 2020-21 amid the 21- day lockdown Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.
18 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector
Key Points: Covid-19 lockdown, along with insurance The GDP growth rate in 2019-20 can cover for frontline medical personnel. also be reduced from 5 % to 4.5 % with About 800 million people will get free a 2.5 % increment in the fourth quarter cereals and cooking gas apart from cash (Q4) of the current financial year. through direct transfers for three months. The 21-day lockdown began on March 25. GDP likely to grow just 2% in 2020- The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana 21: Icra includes higher wages under the Mahatma Despite the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Gandhi National Rural Employment Act massive actions to spur the economy, (MGNREGA), Rs 1,000 ex-gratia payment India’s gross domestic product (GDP) to nearly 30 million poor senior citizens, is likely to contract by 4.5 per cent in widows and disabled as well as insurance the April-June 2020 quarter and will coverage of as much as Rs 50 lakh each rise by only 2 per cent in 2020-21 on for about 2 million healthcare workers the coronavirus impact, according to battling the disease. domestic rating agency Icra Finmin writes to RBI on relief measures While announcing a number of measures The finance ministry has asked the in the policy review, the RBI refrained Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to consider from giving its estimate on both growth implementing a series of emergency and inflation, saying things are fluid and measures aimed at helping borrowers rapidly changing. cope with the economic havoc wreaked The Indian economy was already by the Covid-19 pandemic. supposed to clock a decadal low growth of 5 per cent in 2019-20, according to Seventh Bi-monthly Monetary Policy official estimates, and the coronavirus- Statement -2019-20 related worries have only compounded Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the problems. the Seventh Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Regardless of the measures announced Statement, 2019-20 Resolution of the now by the RBI, we are lowering our base Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), case scenario for GDP growth to (-)4.5 per RBI under which MPC has decided rate cent for Q1 FY2021 and to 2 per cent for changes with immediate effect due to FY21. the current and evolving macroeconomic situation impacted by COVID-19. FM Nirmala Sitharaman announces The meet was scheduled for 31st March, Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package for 1st and 3rd April 2020 but they advanced poor its meeting on 24th, 26th and 27th March. The government announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package aimed at providing a safety net for those hit the hardest by the
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 19 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020
Following table showing the policy rate against the approved government changed in 7th Bi-monthly Monetary securities is termed as MSF. Policy IMF launches Government Policy Policy rate New Previous Change Tracker: COVID-19 Rate Rate in Basis points The International Monetary Fund (IMF) (bps) has launched a policy tracker to track the Policy Repo 4.40 % 5.15% 75 policies of the governments so as to share Rate knowledge about COVID-19 which helps to tackle the crisis. Reverse 4% 4.90% 90 Repo Rate Key Points Marginal 4.65% 5.40% 25 The policy tracker helps the countries Standing to learn more about the experiences of Facility Rate others in combating the pandemic and adapt their policies and procedures to Bank Rate 4.65% 5.40% 25 their unique circumstances and needs. CRR 4% 4% 100 It summarizes the key economic Static Points: responses as of March 24, 2020. Repo Rate: It is the rate at which RBI It is not meant for comparison among the lends money to commercial banks. member countries as policy responses Reverse Repo rate: It is the rate at which differ according to the nature of shock & RBI borrows money from commercial the circumstance of a country. banks. It focuses on discretionary actions to Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): The share of support existing social safety nets & net demand and time liabilities (deposits) insurance mechanisms. that banks must maintain a cash balance It includes 186 economies (G20 and with the RBI. European Institutions) & more countries Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): The will be added & information will be share of net demand and time liabilities updated on a regular basis. (deposits) that banks must maintain in About IMF: safe and liquid assets, such as government Headquarters– Washington, United securities, cash, and gold. States. Bank Rate: It is the rate at which the RBI is ready to buy or rediscount bills of Merger of 10 state-run banks into 4 exchange or other commercial papers for to come into force from April 1: RBI the long term. The mega bank consolidation plan is Marginal Standing Facility Rate (MSF): all set to come into force from April 1, The rate at which the scheduled banks 2020. The branches of merging banks can borrow funds from the RBI overnight, will operate as of the banks in which
20 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 New Economic Policy & Govt. Sector these have been amalgamated. Also, PNB unveils new logo the customers of merging banks will Punjab National Bank (PNB) has unveiled be treated as customers of the banks in a new logo as it merges the United Bank which these banks have been merged of India and OBC with it, with effect from with effect from April 1, 2020. 1 April. ff The government on March 4 had The new logo will bear distinct signages notified the amalgamation schemes of all the three public sector lenders. for 10 state owned banks into four as With this, PNB is set to become the part of its consolidation plan to create second-largest lender in the country. bigger size stronger banks in the Ahead of its merger with the United Bank public sector. of India (UBI) and the Oriental Bank of ff As per the scheme, Oriental Bank Commerce (OBC) from April 1, Punjab of Commerce and United Bank of National Bank (PNB) unveiled a new India will be merged into Punjab logo which bears the signages of all the National Bank; Syndicate Bank into three PSU banks. From the next financial Canara Bank; Allahabad Bank into year, PNB will become the second largest Indian Bank; and Andhra Bank and lender in India after the State Bank of Corporation Bank into Union Bank of India (SBI). India.
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 21 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 5. SCIENCE
5.1 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology COVID-19 declared a notified disease Swiss scientists discover rain of The State government has declared molten iron on distant exoplanet COVID-19 a notified disease under the ‘WASP-76b’ Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939. A team of Scientists from the Astronomy Another testing laboratory has been Department of the University of Geneva readied in the State – at Tirunelveli. With (Switzerland) along with the teams in this, Tamil Nadu has a total of four testing Portugal, Italy and Spain, have detected facilities. liquid iron rain on the highly heated exoplanet WASP-76b. Methanotraphic Bacteria Culture first Key Points: time in India Scientists have speculated that the reason The Agharkar Research Institute of Pune for the liquid iron precipitation is due has isolated 45 strains of methanotrophic to inclement weather conditions on the bacteria. These bacteria are capable of exoplanet WASP-76b, which revolves reducing methane emissions in rice around its star ‘WASP-76’ so closely that plants. the temperature in the daytime is 1000 ° C Highlights: higher than the night and the temperature Apart from isolating the strains, reaches around 4,350 degrees Fahrenheit the scientists have also created (2400 ° C) during the day. methanotrophic culture. The isolated The observations came from using a new bacteria were from southern and western instrument named Echelle Spectrograph India. for Rocky Exoplanets and Stable What are Methanotrophs? Spectroscopic Observations (Espresso) Methanotrophs are environmental and fitted to the Very Large Telescope organisms that have a major role in (VLT) based at the European Southern cycling of methane. They oxidize Observatory (ESO) in Chile’s the Atacama methane in the environment. The Desert. methanotrophic bacteria oxidize methane through anaerobic metabolism. The methanotrophs are use as bio-inoculants.
22 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology INST develops starch-based inside the tube to reach speeds of more ‘hemostat’ material than 1000 km/h
A starch-based ‘hemostat’ material The competition is open globally and has been developed by the Institute of the final round will take place in the IIT Nano Science and Technology (INST). Madras campus in July 2020. The material concentrates the natural IIT-M research shows concrete made clotting factors in blood that are critical from clay may replace cement for stopping the blood flow. This is done by physically absorbing the Indian Institute of Technology Madras excess fluid. The early-stage development (IIT-M) announced its new study shows of the starch-based ‘hemostat’ material that concrete made from clay fly ash, and has been published in the journal limestone hold promise as replacements Materialia. for cement. The IIT-M researchers have provided Ayushman Bharat to help fight clarity on the link between microstructural against COVID-19 development and durability performance The Ministry of Health and Family of concrete through their investigation on Welfare has included Ayushman Bharat concrete with ternary blended cements, or the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana which will help the construction industry to fight against Corona Virus. So far India to produce more eco-friendly concrete has recorded 168 confirmed cases of than available now. Corona Virus. OF these, India has cured Grade 7 Student In Dubai Creates 14 and three have so far died because of Sanitiser Robot To Tackle Coronavirus the virus An Indian expat student in Dubai has CSIR develops new Hand Sanitizer created a robot that dispenses sanitisers without using chemicals detecting a hand from a range of 30 cm.
The Scientists at the CSIR-IHBT (Council Washing hands from a robotic hand of Scientific and Industrial Research- sanitiser can be super fun. Not only does Institute of Himalayan Bioresource this discovery take your mind off from Technology) has developed a new the COVID-19 pandemic panic, but it sanitizer without using chemicals. intrigues you to dig deeper.
IIT Madras to host India’s First Global NASA’s CNEOS detects 4 asteroids Hyperloop Pod Competition approaching the earth
Hyperloop is the 5th mode of The National Aeronautics and Space transportation, a high-speed train that Administration’s (NASA) Centre for Near- travels in a near-vacuum tube. The Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) identifies 4 reduced air resistance allows the capsule asteroids namely, 2020 FK, 2020 FS, 2020
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 23 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 DP4 & 2020 FF1 approaching the earth is also known as the Reverse transcription which follows Earth-intersecting orbits. polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. Key Points: New COVID-19 Like Virus Emerged The 2020 FK asteroid is the smallest of the In China, Man Dies After Testing four, with a diameter of 43 feet Positive For Hantavirus The 2020 DP4 asteroid is the largest of the four, and is large enough to hit nearly 12 A man from Yunnan, China has tested limousines with a diameter of 180 feet positive for Hantavirus. It is said that The 2020 FF1 asteroid is 48 feet in he had died while on his way back diameter. to Shandong Province for work on a The 2020 FS asteroid is 56 feet in diameter. chartered bus, according to China’s Global Times. In a shocking event, 32 Reliance Sets Up India’s First other people have also been tested with COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital in the same virus. Mumbai Rodent infestation in and around the home Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) remains the primary risk for hantavirus announced that it has set up India’s first exposure. Even healthy individuals are at COVID-19 dedicated hospital in Mumbai. risk for Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome This first-of-its-kind-in-India centre is (HPS) infection if exposed to the virus. fully funded by Reliance Foundation and IIT-Madras to organize India’s 1st includes a negative pressure room that Global Hyperloop Pod Competition helps in preventing cross contamination and helps control infection. All beds Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) are equipped with the required Madras will organize India’s 1st Global infrastructure, biomedical equipment Hyperloop Pod Competition named as such as ventilators, pacemakers, dialysis ‘Indian Hyperloop Pod Competition’, machines, and patient monitoring to increase the awareness & enthusiasm devices. about Hyperloop in India. The competition aims to encourage 1st ‘Made in India’ COVID19 Test Kit student teams in India & abroad to gets CDSCO approval develop a Hyperloop Pod & compete to “Mylab PathoDetect COVID-19 construct the fastest, highly innovative, Qualitative PCR kit” has become the effective design & also prototypes of first ‘Made in India’ COVID19 Test Kit related technologies. to get the CDSCO approval. Central The final round to take place in the IIT- Drugs Standard Control Organisation Madras campus in July 2020. has given the commercial approval to the On March 14, 2020, IIT-Madras launched COVID-19 diagnostic test kit made by Career Back 2 Women (CB2 Women) Mylab Discovery Solutions Pvt Ltd which initiative through its “Digital Skills
24 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Academy ” to skill women who want to to develop a vaccine to provide an active return to a technical profession after a acquired immunity to the infectious break in their career. disease. What is Hyperloop Pod? Guwahati is also making efforts to Hyperloop is the 5th transportation develop rapid detection and portable mode, a high-speed train that travels in diagnostic kits for various viruses and a vacuum tube. It is a sealed pipe where microorganisms. a pod can travel on reduced air resistance Chennai corporation deploys drone to or friction. While being very efficient, the spray COVID-19 disinfectant reduced air resistance allows the capsule within the tube to reach speeds of up to The Chennai Corporation has successfully 1000 km/h conveying people or objects at completed trials for using drones to high speed. disinfect inaccessible and congested SpaceX & Tesla’s Chief Executive Officer neighborhoods in the city. Developed (CEO) Elon Musk proposed the idea of by the Abdul Kalam Advanced UAV Hyperloop to the world in 2013 through a Research Center in the Anna University, white paper “Hyperloop Alpha.” each of these drones can spray disinfectants over a large area of up to 2 India to be in lockdown for 21 days from 25 March 2020 lakh square meters
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi The usage of drones is meant to enhance has announced the complete lockdown of the efforts of the corporation which has the entire nation, as part of government’s already deployed over 500 vehicles to stringent efforts to tackle coronavirus disinfect the city. The drones would disease Covid-19. The entire country will provide additional reach by enabling be under lockdown from 25 March 2020 coverage of narrow lanes with buildings for 21 days. According to health experts, that are tightly packed. at least 21 days time is very important to IIT Gandhinagar launches Project break the coronavirus infection cycle. ‘Isaac’ IIT-Guwahati develops anti-virus The Indian Institute of Technology, face shield Gandhinagar (IITGN) has launched The Indian Institute of Technology- ‘Project Isaac’ to engage students in Guwahati (IIT-G) has developed a creative projects during the COVID-19 prototype of a face shield or mask that lockdown. adheres to the guidelines given by the The project aims to enhance the student’s World Health Organization (WHO). skills while they are confined in their The world is facing a major crisis due to homes. the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, The project is inspired by Sir Isaac the IIT Guwahati researchers are working Newton, who was similarly sent home
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 25 Latest Inventions on Science & Technology Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 due to the Great Plague of London in records the name and address of the 1665. prescriber, the name of the patient, the During that year, Newton had devloped name of the drug & the quantity supplied some of his most significant discoveries and such records will be maintained for including early calculus and his theories 3- years and is available for inspection. of gravity and optics. On the strip of hydroxychloroquine drugs it is marked ‘RX’ in red color and Chennai hospital to deploy robots to will be displayed on the left top corner of deliver food, medicines in wards the label. Robots will deliver food, beverages, and tablets to Covid-19 positive patients DST sets up COVID-19 Task Force to in the isolation ward of Rajiv Gandhi map technologies by start ups Government General Hospital here. They The Department of Science and will carry monitors and cameras to aid Technology (DST) under the Ministry of video conferencing between patients and Science and Technology set up COVID-19 care givers. Task Force for mapping technologies to Propellar technologies company in Trichy fund nearly market-ready solutions in the have developed a robot called “bashi” to area of diagnostics, testing, health care fight against Coronavirus. delivery solutions & equipment supplies. Key Points Health ministry categorises The technologies are mapped from hydroxychloroquine as schedule H1 Research and Development (R&D) labs, drug academic institutions, start-ups & Micro, Amid the growing coronavirus Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) pandemic, the Ministry of Health and The market solutions include masks, Family Welfare (MoHFW) in exercise of sanitizers, affordable kits for screening, the powers conferred by Section 26B of ventilators, oxygenators among others the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of and data analytics to track, monitor 1940), has declared hydroxychloroquine & control the outbreak by artificial (HCQS) drug as a schedule H1 drug– intelligence (AI) & Internet of Things which means it can’t be sold without (IoT) based solutions. the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. What are Schedule H1 Drugs? As per health ministry, these drugs should be sold in India with some conditions: It includes, The Schedule H1 drug supply should be registered in a separate register, which
26 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Latest Discoveries in Health Science | Mass Media & Communication 5.2 Latest Discoveries in 5.3 Mass Media & Health Science Communication Pune based ARI scientists develop ‘Bhoomi Rashi portal’- expedited Error biofortified high-protein wheat free & transparent land acquisition variety ‘MACS 4028’ for National Highways project A team of Scientists from Agharkar The Ministry of Road Transport and Research Institute (ARI) in Pune, Highways (MoRTH) announced that the Maharashtra, have developed ‘MACS ‘Bhoomi Rashi’ portal has significantly 4028’, a biofortified wheat variety, which increased the process of land acquisition shows high-protein content of around for National Highways project. The 14.7% good nutritional quality having portal has made the process error-free & zinc 40.3 ppm, and iron content of more transparent with the notifications at 40.3ppm and 46.1ppm (parts per million) every stage being processed in real-time. respectively. Key Points: Government launched MyGov Corona The development done by the scientist Helpdesk on WhatsApp has been published in the Indian Journal The government launched MyGov of Genetics and Plant Breeding. Corona Helpdesk on WhatsApp to create MACS 4028, a semi-dwarf variety, awareness among citizens about the matures in a period of 102 days and has a coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic. very good yielding ability of 19.3 quintals Key Points: per hectare. This variety also shows a The official Whatsapp chatbot can also better resistance to crop disease like be used to resolve queries in relation to stem rust, leaf rust and common pests of COVID-19 using the number 9013151515. dryland wheat including foliar aphids, Besides this, the government has also set root aphids, brown wheat mite. up 2 helpline numbers, +91-11-23978046 It has been included under the and 1075 (toll-free) & an email id Biofortified category by Indian Council ([email protected]) to resolve the queries of Agricultural Research (ICAR) during of Indian citizens. the year 2019. In addition to this Google has also What is the biofortified variety? initiated a campaign named ‘Do the Five. Fortified varieties are developed to Help stop Coronavirus’ in its search home provide the crop with the right amount of page that lists out the five things people essential nutrients. should follow to prevent coronavirus The quantities of iron, Zinc, Vitamin & also issued Push Notifications on A &D in these varieties are increased the Google App for Android & iPhone through changes in genes. Operating System (iOS) users in India.
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 27 Mass Media & Communication Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Tech helps HC hear urgent cases IIT Bombay develops two apps A division bench of Justices Vineet “Corontine” and “Safe” to track Kothari and R Suresh Kumar, hearing the violations by those in quarantine proceedings through a video conferencing As the Coronavirus (COVID- 19) app COVID-19 has had a crippling effect crisis spreads, IIT (Indian Institute of on regular functioning of courts across the Technology)-Bombay developed 2 State, but telecommunication technology mobile applications called “Corontine” has helped them stay the course. Despite and “Safe”, that can track violations by the three-week lockdown, the Madras people supposed to be in quarantine. High Court used a video-conferencing The proposals of both apps have been mobile application to hear three urgent sent to officials in the Ministry of cases related to the pandemic and its Human Resource and Department, Niti aftermath. They also directed the AAG Aayog, the Maharashtra government to submit a report after four weeks listing and the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal out the number of criminal cases booked Corporation). by the police for violation of orders promulgated under Section 144.
28 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 National – Diary of Event 6. NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENT
WINGS INDIA 2020 an international of accidents in the country in one year. exhibition & conference held in Tamil Nadu has registered a 24 percent Hyderabad decrease in accidents.
A 4 day (March 12-15) biennial event Nitin Gadkari said that except for two WINGS INDIA 2020 themed as ‘Flying states, all states have registered good For All’ is an International Exhibition growth and a decline in the number of & Conference on Civil Aviation sector road accidents. held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, is First-ever Indore - Kishangarh flight organized by Ministry of Civil Aviation commenced under UDAN & Airports Authority of India(AAI) & Federation of Indian Chambers of The Ministry of Civil Aviation flagged Commerce and Industry (FICCI). off first-ever flight between Indore to Kishangarh. This flight will connect Key Points: Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan thrice in The purpose of the event is to provide a week. This flight has been started under assistance to the rapidly changing UDAN scheme. dynamics of the sector & focus on Now, 268 routes have been dedicated new business acquisition, investments, under UDAN scheme by the Ministry of policy formation and regional Civil Aviation. Thousands of people will connectivity. be benefitted as it will cover a distance of 550 kilometer. Road accidents decreased in country: It will be almost an hour travel between Nitin Gadkari Indore to Kishangarh while it takes more Road and Highways Minister Nitin than 10 hours by road. According to an Gadkari minister recently said in the estimate, now more tourists can visit parliament that India has registered a 10 Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Pushkar Lake, percent decrease in road accidents due to Roopangarh Fort in Rajasthan. the amended Motor Vehicle Act. According to the Nitin Gadkari, Tamil Nadu has decreased the most number
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 29 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Government targeted to achieve to equal opportunities. The campaign sales around 70 lakh hybrid & electric has been launched in partnership with vehicles by the end of 2020 Department of Empowerment of Persons The Minister of Environment, Forest with Disabilities, National Research and and Climate Change & Minister of Education Network, and Department of Information & Broadcasting Prakash Science and Technology. Javadekar informed that the government Banihal to Katra railway link to be has set an ambitious target to achieve completed by 2022 sales of around 70 lakh hybrid & electric vehicles by the end of 2020. Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal announced that Banihal to Katra railway Key points: link to be completed by 2022 which is part In 2015 as part of the National Electric of the Udhampur- Srinagar-Baramulla Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) rail link project. 2020, Department of Heavy Industry It is to be completed before the 75th formulated the Faster Adoption and Independence day of India. Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric This completion will pave the way for the Vehicles in India (FAME India) scheme. creation of Indian rail from Kanyakumari It is to promote the manufacturing of to Baramulla. electric and hybrid vehicle technology & The Katra-Banihal railway track is a 111- to ensure sustainable growth of the same. km long stretch which will link Kashmir The 1st Phase of FAME India Scheme was Valley with the rest of the country by implemented by 4 focus areas namely- train. Demand Creation, Technology Platform, Pilot Project & Charging Infrastructure. New definition of MSMEs The 2nd Phase is the expansion of 1st Union Minister for Micro, Small and phase & aims to generate demand by Medium Enterprises (MSME) Nitin way of supporting about 7,000 Electronic Gadkari told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (E)-buses, 5 lakh E- 3 wheelers, 55,000 E-4 that the government would come out wheelers passenger cars & 10 lakh E-2 with a new definition of MSMEs, which wheelers. are currently defined on the basis of Innovate for Accessible India investment in plant and machinery. campaign launched to empower PwD Sinha committee appointed by the Reserve Bank of India, including the setting up a Microsoft India and NASSCOM “fund of funds” for the sector. The MSME Foundation have jointly launched sector currently contributed 24% of the Innovate for Accessible India campaign GDP growth and 48% of exports, with an to empower people with disabilities with annual turnover of Rs. 1 lakh crore this the help of technology and tools to provide year. A target of Rs.5 lakh crore in five better integration into society and access years had been set. 30 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 National – Diary of Event
Indian Railways to electrify all broad The order of the state government stated gauge routes by December 2023 that it has abolished the promotion ban Minister of Railways and Commerce & dated September 11, 2019 according to Industry, Piyush Goyal informed that the Supreme Court decision. Indian Railway (IR) Ministry plans to Apart from that, the order of the state electrify all broad gauge (BG) routes by government dated September 5, 2012 to December 2023. ban reservation in promotions has also come into effect. Key Points: As a target to electrify 4,310 km of BG 34-crore projects for Ulliyeri grama route in the year 2023-2024 (till December panchayat 2023), it is planned to electrify a total of The Ulliyeri grama panchayat will 28,810 km of BG route. implement development projects worth As part of its solar mission, it plans to `34 crore during the 2020-21 fiscal. The source approximately 1000 megawatt highest allocation of `15 crore has been (MW) of solar power & to source around made to execute various asset creation 200 MV of wind power, based on the works under the employment guarantee techno-commercial assessment. scheme. Out of this power, about 204.82 MW The budget, presented by panchayat (101.42 MW of solar & 103.4 MW of wind vice president Chandrika Poomadathil, power) is already set up on the network gives top priority to housing schemes, Apart from the above to reduce the fuel agricultural projects and drinking water burden of IR, it also planned to install supply network. land-based solar plants on unused rail land across India to meet its energy Govt. approves land use change for requirements for traction and non- new Parliament traction purposes. The Centre notified the change in land Uttarakhand cancels quota in use for seven plots in the Master Plan promotion for state government for Delhi-2021, paving the way for employees the redevelopment of Rajpath and the construction of a new Parliament House Uttarakhand government cancelled and Prime Minister’s residence. reservation in promotion for state The government had announced in government employees. October 2019 its plan to revamp the It issued orders relating to the 3-km-long Central Vista from Rashtrapati departmental promotion committee Bhavan till India Gate, construct a new (DPC). Parliament and develop a new Central Leaves are granted to the striking secretariat along the stretch. employees for the period of the strike.
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 31 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020
SIDBI to launch a special train of Dairy cooperative scheme for dairy ‘Swavalamban express’ on June 5, cooperative society with the support & 2020, for new entrepreneurs sponsorship of the National Cooperative Small Industries Development Bank of Development Corporation (NCDC). India (SIDBI), a development financial The administrative council is headed by institution in India, engaged in the Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu. promotion, financing and development The scheme aims to increase the milk of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises production in J&K by empowering dairy (MSMEs), has decided to launch a special cooperatives with easy financial support train ‘Swavalamban Express’ on June 05, for production, processing, marketing & 2020, to empower budding entrepreneurs crate infrastructure for milk processing. under its mission Swavalamban. India Ranks 144th, Finland tops: UN’s Key Points: World Happiness Report 2020 The train will visit 11 cities in 15 days The United Nations (UN) released the 8th and will cover a 7000 km journey. World Happiness Report 2020 to measure Around 20 workshops and interactions the happiness of people of 156 countries will be held to promote entrepreneurial where India (3.573) ranks in 144th position culture among the youth about financial & Finland (7.809) tops the 3rd time. and non-financial aspects of enterprise running. Participant individuals should Key Points: be between the age of 20 and 35 years. The survey ranks the countries using Gallup World Poll, GDP levels, life J&K Government sets up Social and expectancy, generosity, social support, Educational: BC commission freedom & corruption income. The Jammu and Kashmir Government sets up a commission named as “J&K TRIFED launches ‘Tech For Tribals’ Socially and Educationally Backward program to bring technology to tribal Classes Commission” will be headed by entrepreneurs Justice (retired) GD Sharma to examine A 30- days long capacity building program the social and educational backwardness called “Tech for Tribal” has been launched of various backward classes people, by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing dalits, in the Union Territory. Development Federation of India (TRIFED), which works under Ministry Jammu & Kashmir administrative of Tribal Affairs in association with IIT- council to implement dairy Kanpur, IIT-Roorkee, IIM Indore, Kalinga cooperative scheme Institute of Social Science, Bhubaneshwar Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) administrative (Odisha) and SRIJAN, Jaipur (Rajasthan) council approved the implementation to provide entrepreneurship skills to the tribal people.
32 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 National – Diary of Event
101 Special Economic Zones Key Points: denotified: Government The taser guns were used in agencies Commerce and Industry Minister such as the UK Metropolitan Police, the Piyush Goyal informed that The Board Los Angeles Police Department and the of Approval on Special Economic Zones New York Police Department. (SEZs) has approved 101 cases of de- About taser guns: The taser guns have notification between April 1, 2008 & been introduced to find an alternative February 29, 2020 on the request of SEZ between “ineffective lathis” and private developers which include poor “deadly guns”. market response, lack of space demand & a change in the fiscal regime for SEZs. Land acquisition done in Tamil Nadu The denotified approval is subject to the and Uttar Pradesh to increase defence refund of all obligations and tax credits production obtained by SEZ Private Developers The Ministry of Defence announced and on receipt of no-objection from the in Parliament that the land acquisition concerned State Governments. process has been done in Uttar Pradesh Under the Chairmanship of Baba and Tamil Nadu to increase defence Kalyani the chairman of Bharat Forge production. Ministry also said that it the government formed a committee was important for the government to to study the SEZ Policy of India on take such steps because of development 04.06.2018. Several recommendations works. of the committee have already been The Government of India plans to increase implemented. defence exports to USD 5 billion in the About SEZ: next five years. The central government It is an area within the country which is expanding its investment opportunities has more liberal economic laws than to achieve this goal. the country’s domestic economic law to The Government of India has expand the Foreign Direct Investment initiated several programs to enhance (FDI). SEZ in India is under the ministry manufacturing in the defence sector. of commerce & industry. The “strategic partnership” model has been introduced. It highlights that the Gujarat Police becomes first in India manufacturing company will have to to introduce taser guns partner with Indian institutions. The Gujarat Police is equipped with E-passes for essential services taser guns in order to ensure safety and security of the public. By introducing The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Delhi the taser guns as part of police weapons, government announced a helpline Gujarat becomes the first state in India. number (1031) through which staff delivering essential goods can get
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 33 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 e-passes on their mobile phones, which works with several states/UTs of India can be used as identification during the to build capacity and bring the best lockdown. global practices in investment targeting, The step comes after various people promotion and facilitation areas. involved in essential services including vegetable vendors, grocery, milk Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launched vendors, pharmacy, e-commerce delivery “Mo Jeeban Programme” personnel were being allegedly harassed Odisha Chief Minister (CM) Naveen by the police while conducting their Patnaik launched “Mo Jeeban (My Life) duties. Programme” and urged people to take a pledge to stay indoors.The programme Invest India launched The Invest was launched due to the Coronavirus India Business Immunity Platform (COVID- 19) outbreak. Invest India launched a platform named Key Points: “The Invest India Business Immunity The objective of the programme is to Platform”. The platform is hosted on the keep everyone safe in the state due to the Invest India website. dangerous spread of the virus. Invest India Business Immunity Plat- Patnaik also cautioned the people that the form: virus which has created havoc in China, The Business Immunity Platform (BIP) Iran, US (United States) & other countries, has been designed as a comprehensive has now reached Delhi and also at their resource to help businesses and investors doorstep. get real-time updates on India’s active response to COVID-19. Goa becomes the 1st Indian state to The platform operates 24/7. launch assessment tool for COVID-19 The platform is dynamic and constantly Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane provides an update about the pandemic. launched Test Yourself Goa, a self- Invest India has also announced a assessment tool for COVID-19 to help partnership with Small Industries people identify if they are infected by the Development Bank of India (SIDBI) virus without visiting a doctor or hospital. to respond and resolve queries for the Goa has partnered with Innovaccer Inc, a Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium United States (US)-based healthcare data Enterprises (MSMEs). analytics company, to launch the tool. Invest India: st Invest India was established in 2009. IRSDC is developing 1 of its kind It is a national Investment Promotion “Form-Based Codes”: Railway land and Facilitation Agency. It functions The Indian Railway Stations Development under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce Corporation Limited (IRSDC) with and Industry, GoI. The organization
34 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 National – Diary of Event support from Shakti Sustainable Energy CII sets up “CII COVID Rehabilitation Foundation is developing a 1st of its kind and Relief Fund” “Form Based Codes” for the development The Confederation of Indian Industry of railway land. (CII) has set up a CII COVID Key Points Rehabilitation and Relief Fund (CRR) for The code is being designed & approved Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for layout plans, building plans for (MSME) to tackle Covid-19. The fund station areas which will ensure a will assist small enterprises or MSME in compact, pedestrian-friendly, market rehabilitation and is expected to curtail responsive, transit oriented & sustainable the impact of Coronavirus on the MSME development. sector. It will enable the desired kind of CII will also request to all its members to development around station areas contribute an amount from their Corporate & includes Layout Regulating Plans, social responsibility (CSR) allocation for Sub Plot Property Development Card, the CII COVID Rehabilitation and Relief Building Design Codes. Fund (CRR). Several stations across the country are being developed into world-class transit India’s largest COVID-19 hospitals to hubs; the first two being Habibganj in be set up in Odisha Madhya Pradesh and Gandhinagar in Odisha government will set up two of Gujarat. the largest Covid-19 hospitals having a combined capacity of 1,000 beds. With Indore becomes the 1st city in India this, Odisha will be the first state in to use drones to sanitize the city: the country to set up such a large-scale COVID-19 hospital exclusively to treat Covid-19 Indore (Madhya Pradesh), the cleanest patients. The state government signed city in India becomes the 1st city in India two tripartite agreements with Kalinga to use drones to sanitize the city against Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM COVID-19 scare. Hospital to set up the state-level hospitals Key Points in Bhubaneswar for treatment of Covid-19 Indore Municipal Corporation has hired 2 patients. drones from a private company to sprinkle NGMA launches virtual tour of chemicals with sodium hypochlorite and permanent collection amid lockdown bio-clean in crowded areas like vegetable markets, streets. Iconic paintings by Amrita Sher-Gil, The drones will depart with 16 litres of M.F. Husain, Jamini Roy and Raja Ravi chemicals in each flight, spray chemicals Verma were among the artworks on in an area spanning 8-10 km & return display in a virtual tour by the National after 30 minutes. Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) as it
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 35 National – Diary of Event Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 commemorated its 66th foundation day real time treatment of COVID-19 patients. amid the COVID-19 lockdown. About CoNTeC
The virtual tour of the NGMA’s CoNTeC is a telecommunication hub. permanent collection was launched on The hub will act 24/7 where experts its website ngmaindia.gov.in on the from different clinical domains will foundation day. answer questions from specialists spread across the country. The initiation is to be 500 officials of TRIFED Vab Dhan extended widely all over the world in the India unlesh power of Webinars to future. Work from Home Around 500 officials of TRIFED (The Tribal UP CM Yogi Adityanath sets up ‘Team- cooperative Marketing Development 11’ to beat Coronavirus federation of India) operating under Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister Ministry of Tribal Affairs unleashed the (CM), Yogi Adityanath, set up “Team- power of Webinars. 11” consisting of inter-departmental Highlights: committees with over 2 dozen senior The Trifed Social Media team has reached officials to fight the coronavirus spread. 2.5 million people in three days. TRIFED Each of the committees will be headed by Van Dhan GIS based website gathered a senior bureaucrat of the state while the more than 50 lakh tribal gatherers spread CM will be the head of the Team-11 across 27 different states. Through “Tech for Tribals” scheme that was recently Railway extends its medical services launched in March 2020, around 3.5 lakh to all central govt employees tribal entrepreneurs were gathered. Indian Railways has extended services of all its hospitals and dispensaries to Corana Virus: GoI launched CoNTeC all central government employees and to connect Doctors in India with their families in view of the spread of AIIMS coronavirus. The Minister of Health and Family The services include those of all 128 Welfare launched CoNTec. CoNTeC is hospitals and 586 dispensaries of the COVID-19 Telecommunication Centre. Indian Railways all over the country. The platform aims to connect the doctors The Ministry of Railways has decided in the country with AIIMS (All India that the services of railway hospitals Institute of Medical Sciences). and health units across the country Highlights would be available for use by all Central The platform is to be active 24/7. government employees, on showing their Doctors will be available in the platform identity cards, at railway hospitals and throughout to answer queries and help in health Units.
36 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 National – Diary of Event Government set up 11 different About Disaster Management Act, empowered groups: Lockdown 2005: It was established by Government of The government has set up 11 different India on 23rd December, 2005 for efficient empowered groups under Disaster management of disasters and related Management Act, 2005 to suggest or incidental matters which extends to measures to improve health, restore the the whole of India. National Disaster economy, & ease the suffering of people Management Authority (NDMA) was after a 21-day lockdown which is imposed formally constituted on September 27, for the control of the COVID-19 outbreak. 2006 as per the act. The following are the 11 different empowered groups & their heads (9 are headed by Secretary level officers, 1 by NITI Aayog member, and 1 by NITI Aayog CEO).
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 37 International Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 7. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 3rd edition of WION Global Summit home to Abu Dhabi. The exercise saw 2020 held in Dubai,UAE 4,000 U.S. troops from the Army, Marines WION (World Is One News), the India’s and Navy position armoured vehicles first International News Channel, has and other equipment from Kuwait and organized its 3rd edition of Global summit the island of Diego Garcia in al-Hamra 2020 based on the theme “Navigating and using a portable pier system. negotiating global imperatives” in Dubai, UAE (United Arab Emirates). India is on the list of worst countries About Bhoomi Rashi portal: MoRTH for washing clothes has launched the portal BhoomiRashi on Handwashing is a ritual everyone is April 1, 2018. following religiously to stay off the novel coronavirus infection, a study has st UK becomes 1 co-chair of India-led revealed that prior to this, many countries global climate initiative ‘CDRI’ were not habituated to automatically The Government of United Kingdom wash hands after using the toilet. At (UK) has become the first co-chair of the least 50% people did not have the idea of Governing Council on the India-led global washing hands. India ranks 10th on this climate initiative ‘Coalition for Disaster chart, 1st being the worst handwashing Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)’,which country. In China, 77% people didn’t was created by the Prime Minister (PM) use to wash hands. Japan, South Korea, Narendra Modi on September 23, 2019 the Netherlands, Thailand, Kenya, Italy, during the UN (United Nations) Climate Malaysia, Hong Kong and India are the Summit in New York, US(United States). worst 10 performers. The secretariat of the Coalition will be in New Delhi. India and France conduct joint patrols for the first time US & UAE troops launch biennial For the 1st time India & France conducted exercise “Native Fury” joint patrol from the Reunion Island US Marines and UAE Emirati forces in February 2020 by P-8I aircraft with conducted the biennial exercise, named French Navy personnel to maintain the Native Fury at Abu Dhabi. The biennial security of international maritime routes for trade and communications. exercise, called Native Fury, shows the close ties between American forces and Key Points: the United Arab Emirates, a federation of The patrols will be conducted periodical & seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula there is no set pattern to the arrangements. 38 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Tamilnadu Affairs 8. TAMILNADU AFFAIRS
Keeladi museum by next January and 11.84, respectively. Puducherry Minister for Tamil Official Language and topped the list of underage enrolment Tamil Culture announced that by January at the primary level of school education, 2021, the State government plans to with 18.75%, followed by Haryana and complete the on-site museum at Keeladi Andhra Pradesh. While Tamil Nadu’s for which the Tamil Nadu government numbers were low, they were still higher had allocated `12.21 crore in 2019. than the national average of 6.98% in 2017-18. Retired Madras High Court judge appointed chairman of fee fixation Tamil Nadu’s Sixth Finance committee Commission constituted
Owing to the demise of The vexatious issue of local bodies not former chairman Justice paying their bills to service providers N.V.Balasubramaniyan, such as Tamil Nadu Generation and The ministry of higher Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) education as appointed is among three new issues to be retired madras high court addressed specifically by the 6th State Judge Mr.K.Venkatraman Finance Commission (SFC) that has been as the chairman of fee fixation committee. set up under the chairmanship of retired bureaucrat Mohan Pyare. 11.64% of Class 1 students in T.N. in Local bodies, both urban and rural, have 2017-18 were underage also been found to be have outstanding bills with the Tamil Nadu Water Supply Nearly 11.64% of children in Class 1 in the & Drainage Board (TWAD) and Chennai 2017-18 academic year, in Tamil Nadu, Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage enrolled before they turned six, which is Board (CMWSSB) for water charges. the minimum age mandated by the Right The Commission will go into the entire to Education (RTE) Act for Class 1. subject of devolution between the State In 2015 and 2016, the percentage of government and local bodes, apart children below six years of age was 11.95
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 39 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020
from identifying measures needed to As part of afforestation efforts, tree improve the financial position of the local saplings would be planted using bodies and new avenues for resource the Miyawaki method in empty mobilsation. spaces available in Corporations and The Commission is expected to present Municipalities across the State, the CM its report by July 31, 2021 covering the said. Mr. Palaniswami also announced period of five years commencing on April that the 64,583 sanitary workers 1, 2022, according to a gazette notification involved in cleaning activities across 15 issued earlier this month. Corporations, 121 Municipalities, 528 Town Panchayats and 12,525 Village CM announces ₹1,000-croreprojects Panchayats would henceforth be called to boost infrastructure thooimai paniyalargal. Damaged roads and other infrastructure in areas falling under the Greater Chennai Govt. to open 189 Amma mini marts Corporation, other Corporations, The government will open 189 more Municipalities and Town Panchayats Amma Mini Cooperative Supermarkets across the State will be repaired at a cost in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Edappadi of `1,000 crore, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced in the State K. Palaniswami informed the Assembly. Assembly. Mr. Palaniswami said a total of `610 Over 300 non-controlled products are crore would be spent on an underground being sold at 5% lesser than MRP in sewerage system for the Coimbatore the existing Amma Mini Cooperative Corporation, under which 14 new wards Supermarkets. These supermarkets are have been included. aimed at providing quality products to Funds to the tune of `310 crore would consumers at a reasonable price and to be allocated towards ensuring piped control the price of commodities in the drinking water supply in 57 wards of the open market. Madurai Corporation, as part of the third phase. The CM said `50 crore would be Sanitary personnel in Tamil Nadu to earmarked for boosting infrastructure at be called as ‘cleanliness workers’: CM Bodinayakkanur in Theni district. According to the Tamil Nadu (TN) A detailed project report would be Chief Minister (CM), Karuppa Gounder prepared for establishing efficient Palanisamy (known as Edappadi K. transport systems in the cities of Palaniswami), a total of 64,583 sanitary Coimbatore and Madurai. personnel employed by urban and rural Under the Smart City project, an civic bodies in the State will be called Innovation Exhibition Centre would be as ”cleanliness workers” (Thooimai set up in Chennai with new ideas from Paniyalargal in Tamil) to honour their entrepreneurs and students. work.
40 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Tamilnadu Affairs
The state will also implement a scheme has advised maintaining only “essential worth of Rs 4,300 to install smart meters services” in view of the COVID-19 for 42 lakh electricity consumers to outbreak. On Sunday, three more patients compute their power consumption. tested positive for COVID-19. The state will launch other schemes worth In a first, Karur Vysya Bank introduces of Rs 1,998 crore to develop the power pre-paid card ‘Enkasu’ in Karur, TN distribution infrastructure, under which it will upgrade 230 kV (Kilovolt) sub- In a bid to promote digital India initiative station at Alagarkoil in Madurai district of the central Government, Karur Vysya into a 400 kV station and enhancing two Bank (KVB), a Scheduled Commercial 110 kV sub-stations into 230 kV facilities. Bank in India, has launched India’s 1st prepaid wallet card ‘Enkasu’ (My cash in 80 districts in lockdown to contain Tamil) in Karur, Tamil Nadu (TN) under virus spread its Quit cash movement.
The central government essentially put Key Points: the entire urban India on lockdown till The card functions based on Near Field the end of March as it ramped up efforts Communication Technology (NFC) to curtail the spread of coronavirus. in a semi closed loop & the customers A list of 80 affected districts showed buying this card can make ‘tap & go’ that all seven districts in Delhi as well payments for even small purchases to as metro cities of Mumbai, Bengaluru, merchants from an amount of Rs. 1 to Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata will be doing away with the need for cash & under lockdown. small change. The districts where lockdown was announced are from states that include Coronavirus Lockdown Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, The State has ordered private hospitals Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. State with 100 or more beds to reserve 25 per governments will issue orders allowing cent for COVID-19 isolation facility.A only essential services to operate in these Health Department official said, “A 80 districts with confirmed COVID-19 communication has been sent to all private cases or casualties hospitals with 100 beds and above to keep the beds ready. From the government’s T.N. to decide on curbs in three side, we are shifting other patients from districts Government IRT Perundurai Hospital, The Tamil Nadu government will take a Erode, to different hospitals. decision on imposing stringent restrictive The Indian Council for Medical Research measures in Chennai, Kancheepuram and has approved two private testing centres Erode districts, which figure among the in Tamil Nadu. Department of Clinical 80 districts countrywide where the Centre Virology, CMC Vellore and Department
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 41 Tamilnadu Affairs Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 of Laboratory Services Apollo Hospitals Palaniswamy on assembly. Enterprises LTD, Chennai are the two The Tamil Nadu government announced centres approved. The State already has a Rs 3,280 crore special relief package, eight government testing centres. including Rs 1,000 each cash assistance to rice ration card holders, autorickshaw Tamil Nadu to get 4,000-acre drivers and construction workers. e-vehicle park Registered pavement hawkers will also Five months after rolling out its get Rs 1,000 assistance while people who electric-vehicles policy, the Tamil have worked under the Mahatma Gandhi Nadu government said it will set up an Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme exclusive industrial park for manufacture this month will get two day additional and assembly of e-vehicles. special wages. While government officials are tight lipped about the location of the park, land Mayiladuthurai to become Tamil th parcels have been identified in Manalur Nadu’s 38 district : CM in Tiruvallur district, some 50km north of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) Chennai. Edappadi Palaniswamy announced at the Legislative Assembly that Nagapattinam Pharmaceutical industry Airborne district will be bifurcated and a new Ambulance Service district (38th) will be formed with its Edappadi K. Palanisamy announced headquarters at Mayiladuthurai. that a separate industrial park for Currently, in Tamil Nadu there are 37 pharmaceuticals will be opened in the districts out of which 5 districts were Thiruvannamalai district. formed in 2019 namely; An ambulance ambulance service will Kallakurichi was the 1st new district to be be launched at a cost of Rs.10 crore to formed in January 2019 by splitting from take patients in critical conditions to the Villupuram. hospital immediately. Chengalpattu and Tenkasi districts The 108 Emergency Ambulance Service, were formed in July 2019 by slicing which specializes in saving lives ins Kanchipuram and Tirunelveli districts times of emergency, will be further respectively. strengthened. Accordingly, 500 new Tirupathur and Ranipet were formed in ambulance vehicles will be purchased August 2019 by trifurcating Vellore. coming year. 13 departments in Ezhilagam to get 25 thousand acres of barren land will new building be reformed Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami 25 thousand acres of barren land will be announced construction of a new reformed that announced by Edapadi building at a cost of Rs 120 crore to 13
42 Vetrii IAS Study Circle Vetrii's Current Affairs, March - 2020 Tamilnadu Affairs important departments functioning from Chennai Port Trust to buy Ezhilagam. government’s 67 per cent stake in A new building will be constructed Kamarajar Port for about Rs 2,380 cr in such a manner that its design will In a government-brokered deal, state- match the traditional architecture of the owned Chennai Port Trust will buy the neighbouring buildings. 67 per cent stake it does not already own The compound wall the remaining six in Kamarajar Port Ltd, for about Rs 2,380 kilometres of the Tamil University in crore. Thanjavur would be constructed at a cost The inter-ministerial group, the core of Rs 10 crore. group on disinvestment and the alternative mechanism headed by the Tamil Nadu to explore textile export Finance Minister, cleared the Chennai- potential in districts Kamarajar deal. Tamil Nadu will be conducting a detailed study on new and emerging textile products which can be produced and exported from here with competitive pricing through the public-private partnership model on 75:25 funding pattern with the support of organisations like Federation
Vetrii IAS Study Circle 43