IASbhai DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS(THE HINDU+LIVEMINT+PIB)
Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.-Marcus Aurelius
PINK COLOUR: Important for Prelims.
RED COLOUR: Important for Mains.
BLACK COLOUR: Must Read !
BLUE COLOUR : Important Links/Survey.
Page Contents:
A-SAT missile
HEADLINES:
India showcases A-SAT missile prowess
WHY IN NEWS:
Chinook heavy lift and Apache attack helicopters make their debut during the Republic Day flypast
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:Defence
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS this can be important question . Read features and the technology it is using.
For MAINS significance and its key role of deployment is very important
ISSUE:
Rising firepower: The anti-satellite missile system, Mission Shakti, being displayed during the Republic Day parade on the Rajpath in New Delhi on Sunday
PINPOINT ACCURACY
On March 27, 2019 the DRDO shot down a live satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of 300 km using a modified interceptor of the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system in ‘hit to kill’ mode with 10-cm accuracy.
This will “play a critical role in providing the necessary strategic deterrence”.
“The covert technology of ‘hit to kill’ developed for the first time in India for such applications enables it to destroy an enemy satellite by directly colliding with it with pinpoint accuracy,” a brochure issued by the Defence Ministry at the parade said.
THE ADTCR(Air Defence Tactical Control Radar) IS USED FOR:
- volumetric surveillance, detection,
- tracking and friend/foe identification of aerial targets of different types and
- transmission of prioritised target data to multiple command posts and weapon systems.
ANTI-SATELLITE WEAPONS (ASAT)
Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) are space weapons designed to incapacitate or destroy satellites for strategic military purposes.
Only the United States, Russia, China, and India have demonstrated this capability successfully.
FEATURES
- It is an interceptor missile that destroys or jams satellites in space.
- Two types of A-SATs: Kinetic and Non-Kinetic A-SATs.
- Kinetic A-SATs, like ballistic missiles physically strike an object in order to destroy it.
WORKING:
- To destroy any satellite, firstly exact speed and location of the same needs to be known in real time.
- The missile has a Kinetic Kill Vehicle (KKV) within it, which after sensing the satellite, hits it.
- Non-Kinetic A-SATs are the ones that use non-physical means to disable or destroy space objects, which include frequency jamming, blinding lasers or cyber attacks.
- The theoretical maximum range of A-SATs is limited which means satellites above 20,000 km are out of range.
SIGNIFICANCE OF A-SATS IN WAR
- A-SATS can intercept and jam communication or military satellites of enemy countries.
- They can also access critical information about troop movements or incoming missiles.
- They can even launch cyber attacks on space systems and thus can also direct laser based weapons.
MISSION SHAKTI
- Led by the DRDO, it is aimed at [wc_highlight color=”yellow” class=””]strengthening India’s overall security.[/wc_highlight]
- For testing its anti missile capabilities, India on 27th March, 2019, shot down one of its existing satellites operating in the low earth orbit.
- For this, India used DRDO’s Ballistic Missile Defence Interceptor as a Kinetic A-SAT missile. The missile hit the target within the three minutes of its launch with high degree of precision after travelling 300 kms from the earth.
IASbhai WINDUP:
Three CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters flew in a ‘vic’ formation followed by five AH-64E Apache helicopters, which flew in an ‘arrowhead’ formation.
Both these helicopters were inducted into service last year.
India has contracted 22 Apache helicopters and 15 Chinook helicopters from Boeing.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Fund crunch hits MGNREGA
HEADLINES:
Fund crunch hits MGNREGA scheme
WHY IN NEWS:
96% of annual allocation exhausted
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 2: MGNREGA: Right to Work
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS know the surplus and deficit states thats more than enough ! Lets concentrate on the scheme.
For MAINS drawbacks of this scheme are very important to quote while writing answers related to -Right to Work.
ISSUE:
ANALYSIS
Fifteen States are already in the red.
According to the scheme’s financial statement as on January 26, Rajasthan has the highest negative net balance of ₹620 crore, followed by ₹323 crore in Uttar Pradesh.
“January, February and March are months with little agricultural activity, when rural workers desperately need employment.
MGNREGA BACKGROUND:
In 1991, the P.V Narashima Rao government proposed a [wc_highlight color=”yellow” class=””]pilot scheme for generating employment in rural areas[/wc_highlight] with the following goals:
- Employment Generation for agricultural labour during the lean season.
- Infrastructure Development
- Enhanced Food Security
OBJECTIVES OF MGNREGA:
- Provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural unskilled labour
- Increase economic security
- Decrease migration of labour from rural to urban areas
SALIENT FEATURES:
- It gives a significant amount of control to the Gram Panchayats for managing public works, strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions.
- It incorporates accountability in its operational guidelines and ensures compliance and transparency at all levels.
- Gram Sabhas are free to accept or reject recommendations from Intermediate and District Panchayats.
IASbhai WINDUP:
A number of economists have recommended that putting money into the hands of rural consumers via MGNREGA is key to kickstarting the economy.
However, this year’s budget allocation was ₹60,000 crore, lower than the amount spent in the previous year.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
EU Parliament to vote on Kashmir, CAA
HEADLINES:
EU Parliament set to vote on Kashmir, CAA
WHY IN NEWS:
Six resolutions will be taken up for discussion this week
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 2:IR
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS the resolution and its importance are very important.
For MAINS nothing much here. Its a storyline.
ISSUE:
RESOLUTION DETAILS
The draft resolutions (numbering from B9-0077/2020 to B9-0082/2020) are due to be taken up during the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels on January 29 for discussion (around 6 p.m. local time) and January 30 for a vote.
The EU parliament had discussed developments in Jammu and Kashmir in September 2019, but had not ended in a vote.
EU MEPs’ visit
In October 2019, the Union government had even facilitated a visit by 22 EU MEPs to Delhi and Srinagar, but the effort doesn’t appear to have had the desired effect on the European Parliament.
The current resolutions, each of which is worded slightly differently and focuses mainly on the CAA, will be introduced by six different political groups representing 626 of the total 751 members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
The resolutions list more than a dozen different counts of actions by the government that are allegedly in violation of international norms and India’s international commitments on human rights and at the UN Security Council, including actions in Jammu and Kashmir after the dilution of Article 370, police firing on protestors against the CAA in Uttar Pradesh, reports of “torture during detention” and the potential for creating what it calls the “largest statelessness crisis in the world and cause immense human suffering” through the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
CENTRE’S RESPONSE
“As fellow democracies, the EU Parliament should not take actions that call into question the rights and authority of democratically elected legislatures in other regions of the world.
Every society that fashions a pathway to naturalisation, contemplates both a context and criteria. This is not discrimination. In fact, European societies have followed the same approach,”
IASbhai WINDUP:
The groups filing the resolutions include the largest group in the European Parliament, the Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) (PPE) with 182 members, the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D) with 154 members, the Renew Group with 108 members, as well as slightly smaller groups like the Greens/European Free Alliance (75), European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) (66), and the European United Left-Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) (41).
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Mongolian geese
HEADLINES:
Mongolian geese find new home in Davangere
WHY IN NEWS:
They move to another lake as residential layouts usurp their once-favourite haunt
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:Biodiversity Conservation
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS location and migratory route of these birds are very important. Dont forget IUCN status.
For MAINS go though conclusion part .
ISSUE:
Guests are in: Bar-headed geese at the Kondajji lake in Davangere district of Karnataka.
THE BAR-HEADED GEESE
The bar-headed geese, known for their ability to fly in extreme altitude and weather conditions, used to arrive at the Kundavada lake in the third week of November.
As the temperature drops in Mongolia in the last week of October, these birds migrate to comparatively warmer places in India.
They used to stay at the Kundavada lake till the first week of March. The lake is spread over 260 acres and is also a source of drinking water for Davangere city.
IUCN STATUS
IASbhai WINDUP:
Following the loss of habitat in Kundavada, the bar-headed geese have made the Kondajji lake, located in a forest 14 km from Davangere, their new abode.
As many as 430 geese have been counted .
The onus is on the Department of Forest and Wildlife to ensure minimum human interference near the Kondajji lake to ensure a comfortable stay for the birds.
Large tracts of agricultural land in the vicinity of Kundavada have been converted into residential layouts in recent times.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
AnSI explores the ‘anthropologist’ Gandhi
HEADLINES:
AnSI explores the ‘anthropologist’ Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary
WHY IN NEWS:
Dedicates an issue of its journal to ‘Gandhian insights into applied anthropology’
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 2:3:AnSI
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS some names are mentioned in this article which is totally not important. Just remember the facts if you can which are not so important .
For MAINS fabulous lines in co relation with Anthro-Gandhian philosophy have been mentioned here.Note them now!
ISSUE:
Mahatma Gandhi
STORY OF BELIEFS AND PRACTICES
“There was something for Gandhi to approve of in each ritual posture of the Bengali village,” anthropologist and an authority on the beliefs and practices of rural Bengal.
Professor Nicholas, also known for his work on ‘Gajan’ (a rural festival of Bengal), added that the “equality and human community of the Gajan, which had so much in common with the Gandhian yatra, embodied the equality of citizens in democratic India for which he sacrificed his life”.
GANDHIAN THOUGHT
In his essay, Prof. Syiemlieh points out, “Gandhi was not the only national figure during this phase who visited the northeast, but his direction and call was stirring and had a lasting effect more so in the impact his messages had on the Gandhian way of life practised by many in the region”.
IASbhai WINDUP:
MORE ABOUT AnSI:
Anthropological Survey of India is the only research organisation to pursue anthropological research in a Governmental setup.
The Anthropological Survey of India’s genesis was from the Zoological and Anthropological section of the Indian Museum, which became the Zoological Survey of India in 1916.
In 1945, Anthropology section of the Zoological Survey was carved out to become the Anthropological Survey of India (An.S.I) with Dr B.S.Guha as the founding Director, in 1946.
The head office was shifted from Banaras to Calcutta in 1948.
Efforts were made to understand the people in a scientific way, not only for the furtherance of scientific knowledge but also for its application towards the country’s needs and for its national wellbeing.
The An.S.I rose to every occasion to contribute its might, through its mandate of pursuing research in socio-cultural and biological aspects of the Peoples of India in a holistic perspective, with an emphasis on the matters of contemporary relevance and national significance.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Districts in Manipur may be named after fruits
HEADLINES:
Districts in Manipur may be named after fruits: CM
WHY IN NEWS:
‘Plants give district a unique identity’
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 2:Governance
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS you should know who names a district, state and the process of renaming it
For MAINS go through geography of Manipur once.
ISSUE:
Manipur has 16 districts, five in the central Imphal Valley and the rest in the hills around.
Each district is known for growing a specific variety of fruit or herb.
IASbhai WINDUP:
Government is weighing the option of naming the districts after fruits and other special plants for granting recognition to the growers for such varieties.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Khelo India Games
HEADLINES:
PM congratulates Government and People of Assam for successful conclusion of Khelo India Games
WHY IN NEWS:
‘Khelo India University Games’ to be held every year on the pattern of ‘Khelo India Youth Games
First edition of ‘Khelo India University Games’ to be held in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 22nd February to 1st March
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 2:Khelo India Youth Games
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS you will know Fit India campaign through this article.
ISSUE:
FIT INDIA
Prime Minister lauded the ‘Fit India School’ campaign for bringing positive results.
He noted that more than 65,000 schools have obtained the ‘Fit India School’ certificates through online registration.
He urged the rest of the schools in the country to integrate physical activity and sports with education and ensure that they become a ‘fit school’.
The Fit India Movement is a movement to take the nation on a path of fitness and wellness. It provides a unique and exciting opportunity to work towards a healthier India.
As part of the movement, individuals and organisations can undertake various efforts for their own health and well-being as well as for the health and well-being of fellow Indians.
Next month the first edition of ‘Khelo India University Games’ is being organized in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 22nd February to 1st March. And more than 3000 players have qualified for participating in these games.
IASbhai WINDUP:
Prime Minister said, “We all know that National Games is an arena, where players get a chance to display their passion besides becoming acquainted with the culture of other states. Therefore, we have decided to organize ‘Khelo India University Games’ every year on the pattern of ‘Khelo India Youth Games’” .
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Bharat Parv 2020
HEADLINES:
Bharat Parv 2020 inaugurated with fanfare at Red Fort today; will be celebrated till 31st January
WHY IN NEWS:
Central theme of Bharat Parv 2020 is ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and ‘Celebrating 150 Years of Mahatma Gandhi’
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 2:3:Miscellaneous
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS note down the current theme and the objective.
ISSUE:
MINISTRY
Ministry of Tourism
THE OBJECTIVE of Bharat Parv is to encourage Indians to visit different tourism places of India and to inculcate the spirit of ‘Dekho Apna Desh’.
More than 50 food stalls, 79 handicrafts / handloom stalls and 27 theme pavilions have been setup during Bharat Parv.
Bharat Parv has many attractions :
- Tableaux of the Republic Day parade,
- Performance by armed forces bands,
- Tourism theme pavilion by State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations and line Ministries,
- Handicraft & Handloom Stalls by the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations,
- Commission Handloom / Handicrafts / TRIFED, food Court by State Governments, Institutes of Hotel Management and other organizations,
- Cultural Performances by North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) and State Governments / UT Administrations and cookery demonstrations by State Governments and Institute of Hotel Management.
IASbhai WINDUP:
Bharat Parv, 2020 is being celebrated from 26th to 31st January, 2020 in front of Red Fort at Gyan Path and Red Fort grounds.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Jal-Shakti Campaign
HEADLINES:
PM says Jal-Shakti Campaign is taking rapid, successful strides with the aid of public participation
WHY IN NEWS:
In Mann Ki Baat today Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said Jal Shakti Campaign is taking rapid, successful strides with the aid of public participation.
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:Water Conservation:Scheme
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS everything about JSA has been mentioned below . Go through it .
ISSUE:
JAL SHAKTI ABHIYAN
Jal Shakti Abhiyan – a campaign for water conservation and water security commenced last monsoon in July, 2019.
The campaign focussed on water stressed districts and blocks.
Phase I: 1st July to 15th September 2019 (all States)
Phase II: 1st October to 30th November 2019 (States with retreating monsoon)
Inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s impetus on Jal Sanchay, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) is a time-bound, mission-mode water conservation campaign.
The JSA will run in two Phases: Phase 1 from 1st July to 15th September 2019 for all States and Union Territories; and
Phase 2 from 1st October to 30th November 2019 for States and UTs receiving the retreating monsoon (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu).
During the campaign, officers, groundwater experts and scientists from the Government of India will work together with state and district officials in India’s most water-stressed districts* for water conservation and water resource management by focusing on accelerated implementation of five target intervention.
FIVE INTERVENTION AREAS
- Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
- Renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks
- Reuse and recharge structures
- Watershed development
- Intensive afforestation
The JSA aims at making water conservation a Jan Andolan through asset creation and extensive communication.
*Water-stressed districts: Districts with critical or over-exploited groundwater levels as per the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) 2017.
SPECIAL INTERVENTION AREAS
Block and District Water Conservation Plan- (To be integrated with the District Irrigation Plans)
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Mela-Krishi Vigyan Kendra Melas to promote efficient water use for irrigation (Per Drop More Crop), and better choice of crops for water conservation
Urban Waste Water Reuse-In urban areas, plans/approvals with timebound targets to be developed for waste water reuse for industrial and agriculture purposes. Municipalities to pass by-laws for the separation of grey water and blackwater
Scientists and IITs-Scientists and IITs to be mobilised at the national level to support the teams
3D Village Contour Mapping-3D Village Contour Maps may be created and made accessible for efficient planning of interventions
IASbhai WINDUP:
Prime Minister urged everyone to share their stories of such endeavours of water conservation and water harvesting by using #Jalshakti4India.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Let us ‘Discuss’
IASbhai WINDUP:
Let us know what you think about this in the comment section.
