BULLETS OF THE DAY FOR CRACKING IAS 2O20 THE HINDU

BULLETS OF THE DAY FOR CRACKING IAS 2O20 THE HINDU(#DAY 108) 

1) Following SC rap, telcos asked to pay AGR dues immediately

This article is all SC bench, issues show-cause notice to DoT for letter ‘staying’ judgment.

The Supreme Court ordered the managing directors and directors of companies, including telecom majors Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, to show cause why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for failing to pay even a “single penny” to the government in Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues, worth ₹1.47 lakh crore, despite an October 2019 judgment.

It also drew contempt proceedings against a Department of Telecom (DoT) officer responsible for issuing an order to the Accountant General, a constitutional authority, on January 23, 2020, to desist from taking any coercive action against the defaulting companies.

Failure to comply with the orders would entail company heads appearing in person in court at the next hearing on March 17, the court said.

2) European Union calls for swift end to all curbs in Kashmir

This article is all about the disturbances in Jammu and Kashmir and the reaction from E.U regarding that.

The European Union (EU) has called for a swift removal of communication and political restrictions in Kashmir and is in touch with the Indian authorities for a continuing dialogue on the situation in Kashmir.

Some restrictions remain, notably on Internet access and mobile services, and some political leaders are still in detention. While we recognise the serious security concerns, it is important that the remaining restrictions are lifted swiftly.

The statement was issued a day after a delegation of 25 diplomats, which included EU Ambassador to India Ugo Astuto and several other European envoys, returned from a visit to Jammu and Kashmir on February 12 and 13.

3) Scientists radio-tag Indian pangolin

This article is all about scientists have radio-tagged the Indian pangolin, an endangered animal that is rarely sighted in forests, for the first time.

The Indian pangolin, which dons a thick scaly skin, is hunted for meat and used in traditional Chinese medicine. Researchers say tagging the animal will help understand the habits of the reclusive, nocturnal animal.

Pangolins are among the most trafficked wildlife species in the world. The projected population declines range from 50% to 80% across the genus.

Out of the eight species of pangolin, the Indian and the Chinese pangolins are found in India. Both these species are listed under Schedule I Part I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

4) Ramayana-themed’ train on the cards, says Railways

This article is all about Ramayana theme trains and it is now set for working said by railways.

It is likely to be launched after Holi.

The Railways plans to run a new train, Ramayana Express, with Ramayana-themed interiors and religious songs playing on board to give the passengers a feeling of ‘traveling in a temple.’

The train will originate from different locations, north, south, east and west, so that people from across the country can avail its services. The exterior and the interiors of the train will be Ramayana-themed. We can have bhajans playing on board.

Railways has charted out a plan to complete long-pending projects of national importance in Jammu and Kashmir and in the northeast by 2023. Additionally, the Ministry aims to commission 50 ‘super critical’ projects where capacity enhancement is needed, by the way of doubling or tripling the lines, by 2022.

5) Troubling data

This article is all about green shoots in the economy, quoted by finance minister Nirmala sitharaman.

One of the variables she laid faith in was the industrial output data which showed a 1.8% growth in November after contracting from August to October. 

This is curious because the core sector, accounting for 40% of the index of industrial production, showed a 1.3% growth in December. 

This does not square up with anecdotal evidence from consumer durable manufacturers — of seeing a recovery. Be that as it may, what is clear is that the growth impulses are unstable yet and certainly not uniform across sectors. 

Manufacturers in India are reporting slim inventories for critical items of production and if factories do not begin to hum in China soon — the chances of that happening are remote given signs of an intensifying outbreak — it could spell trouble for India.

Meanwhile, inflation continued to hold sway with the January prints showing a rise in both consumer price inflation and wholesale price inflation. 

CPI- 7.59%

WPI - 3.1%

The surge in both numbers is largely due to rise in food prices, including of proteins and pulses but core inflation has also moved up to 4.1%.

The central bank has already paused on its rate cut cycle and going by the latest data it appears that the next rate cut — the last in the cycle — will not happen until later this calendar year. 

Banks are reporting poor credit growth because businesses are unwilling to invest. 

6) U.S., Taliban reach Afghanistan truce agreement, says official

U.S. and the Taliban have reached a truce agreement that will take effect “very soon” and could lead to withdrawals of American troops from Afghanistan.

The official said the agreement for a seven-day “reduction in violence” to be followed by the start of all-Afghan peace talks within 10 days is “very specific” and covers the entire country, including Afghan government forces.

Should the Taliban comply, the “reduction in violence” agreement would be followed by the signing of an agreement that would initiate peace negotiations that include all Afghan sides.

President Donald Trump previously called off the peace talks because of an attack that killed two Americans.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS:

I) With regard to Global Carbon Project, consider the following statements

1) It is a project initiated by the UN.

2) Its projects include global budgets for three dominant greenhouse gases namely CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

II) With reference to ‘Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA)’, consider the following statements

1) It is a byproduct of the sugar industry.

2) It is colourless food-grade alcohol that does not have any impurities.

3) It is the primary raw material for making alcoholic beverages.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

TODAY'S MAINS QUESTION:

13) IN THE CONTEXT OF RECENT COMMISSIONARATE SYSTEMS ADOPTED BY U.P, EXPLAIN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SUCH SYSTEM TO ADDRESS INCREASING POPULATION PROBLEM IN INDIA.

* THANK YOU AND ALL THE BEST..