Future Officers

Daily current affairs – April 10

Gs – 2

International

New sectors to be added in the second phase of CPEC

• Pakistan announced that it is to add more sectors like agriculture and tourism in the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

• China, earlier, has committed to invest over $60 billion in Pakistan as part of the CPEC under which it planned to build a number of special economic zones (SEZ).

CPEC:

• The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China.

• It was initiated by the Chinese President Xi Jinping and launched in 2015.

• It aimed to enhance China’s influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects.

• India objected to being a part of the CPEC as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Health and welfare

Revised Version of Swachhata Application launched

• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched a revised version of Swachhata application.

Why Swachhta Application?

• The Application has more than 1.7 crore urban users all over the country, Therefore, the reach is faster.

• It has separate grievance redressal tool to address complaints of Swachh Bharat Mission.

About the Modified Version

• They are request for sanitation during COVID-19, reporting suspected cases, reporting violation of quarantine and lock down, requesting medicine during COVID-19, reporting suspected cases, reporting violation of quarantine and lock down, requesting medicine during COVID-19, requesting food, shelter and request of waste pick up.

National

‘CHARAK’ for zero-contact check-ups

• The West Central Railway’s Coach Rehabilitation Workshop (CRWS) in Madhya Pradesh’s (MP) Bhopal city,has created a mobile doctor booth called “CHARAK” to eliminate the possibility of physical contact between the doctor and the coronavirus (COVID-19) infected patient.

GS – 3

Economy

Goldman Sachs lowers India’s growth forecast for FY 21 to 1.6% from 3.3%

• American multinational investment bank and financial services company, Goldman Sachs lowered India’s growth forecast for Financial Year (FY) 21 from 3.3% (estimated on March 22, 2020) to 1.6% due to the lockdown & social distancing measures so as to control the COVID-19 pandemic spread.

• It stated that the revised growth will be deeper when compared to the recession India has experienced in 1970’s, 1980’s & 2009.

• Many analysts like Fitch, Moody are downgrading India’s growth rate due to the pandemic

Super Pink Moon

What is Super Pink Moon?

The Moon will be full for the three consecutive days, from Monday, April 6 night till Thursday, April 9 morning.
The reason behind this, the moon is at its closest point to Earth which is termed as perigee’ because of the elliptical orbit of the earth. Therefore the Moon appears to be 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than the average full moon.

How many Super moons are there in 2020?

Full moon Super moons in 2020

March 9, 2020: 357,404 km (222,081 miles)
April 7-8, 2020: 357,035 km ( 221,851 miles)
May 7,2020: 361,184 km (224,429 miles)

Why is the super pink moon so bright?

When the full moon appears at perigee, it is brighter and larger than a regular full moon. The moon is named after a pink flower ‘Wild Ground Phlox’, which blossoms at this time.
Therefore, the super moon in the month of April derives its name from this flower. It refers to the color of the flower not the color of the moon.

The moon is visible every day of the year.

The super moons tend to be bigger and brighter than the usual moons due to their closeness to the Earth.

UPSC Previous Year Questions

Consider the following statements. (2019)

1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment.

2. Cattle release ammonia into environment.

3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment.

Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 3

b) 2 and 3

c) Only 2

d) 1, 2, and 3

Ans: d

2. Consider the following events. (2018)

1. The first democratically elected communist party government formed in a state in India.

2. India’s then largest bank, ‘Imperial Bank of India’ was renamed ‘State Bank of India’.

3. Air India was nationalized and became the national carrier.

4. Goa became a part of Independent India.

Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?

a) 4-1-2-3

b) 3-2-1-4

c) 4-2-1-3

d) 3-1-2-4

Ans: b

3. The object of the butler committee of 1927 was to (2017)

a) Define the jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial government.

b) Define the power of the Secretary of state for India.

c) Impose censorship on national press.

d) Improve the relationship between the government of India and the Indian states.

Ans: d

4. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Asoka?

a) Georg Buhler.

b) James Princep

c) Max Muller.

d) William Jones.

Ans: b.

5. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of Buddha?

1. Avanti

2. Gandhara

3. Kosala

4. Magadha.

Select correct answer using the codes given below

a) 1, 2 and 3

b) 2 and 3

c) 1, 3 and 4

d) 3 and 4

Ans: d

Important News Articles – April 8

GS – 2

Indian Express – International – https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coronavirus-pandemic-cases-deaths-in-japan-sujan-r-chinoy-6352238/

The Hindu – National – https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/coronavirus-chief-minister-ashok-gehlot-writes-on-rajasthans-fight-against-covid-19-a-script-of-action-responsibility-and-compassion/article31283443.ece

The Hindu – National – https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/taking-a-long-view-of-the-pandemic-fight/article31283446.ece

GS -3

The Hindu – Science and Technology – https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/hydroxychloroquine-publisher-expresses-concerns-about-study/article31280828.ece

Live Mint – Economy – https://www.livemint.com/news/india/small-businesses-face-existential-threat-as-supply-and-demand-vanish-11586286894804.html

Daily current affairs – April 7

GS – 2

Health and Welfare scheme,

Ayushman Bharat scheme:

The Central government has decided to provide free testing and treatment of COVID-19 under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
These tests would be carried out as per the protocol set by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR). 
Private labs approved by the ICMR can carry out the tests. 
Private hospitals shall also be covered under Ayushman Bharat Scheme to increase the rate of testing. 
About scheme:
It is a flagship scheme of the Indian government’s National Health Policy. 
It aims to provide free health coverage at the secondary and tertiary level to its bottom 40% poor and vulnerable population. 
It is the world’s largest and fully state sponsored health assurance scheme.

“MHRD AICTE COVID-19 Student Helpline portal” launched

The Ministry of Human Resource and Development has launched “MHRD AICTE COVID-19 Student Helpline Portal”.
The portal aims to support students facing difficulties due to closure of hostel and colleges.
The AICTE is All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE): It is a statutory body operating under Ministry of HRD. It was an advisory body till 1945 and gained statutory status after parliament passed a law in 1987. The Council has powers to determine examination rules, curriculum, fee structure, etc. However, according to Supreme Court judgement 2013, the council has no rights to enforce sanction on an educational institution.
The ministry has launched a website https://helpline.aicte-india.org with the main objective of connecting those who are in need of help with those that are willing to help.

“Force Majeure” does not apply for COVID-19 cases:

Force Majeure clause was introduced for unforeseen circumstances. This includes natural disasters, accidents, epidemics, pandemics.
On April 6, 2020, the Life Insurance council announced that the “Force Majeure” clause will apply to COVID-19 deaths. Apart from the council, Kolkata Port Trust has also invoked force majeure.
Force Majeure is a French phrase. It is embodied under Indian Contract Act, 1972 under Sections 32 and Sections 56.

GS – 3

Science and Technology

Jeevan: Prototype ventilator

The Railways’ Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala has become the first PSU to develop a prototype ventilator that has an original design and will cost a fraction of what regular ventilators cost.
The prototype is named Jeevan. 
It shall go for final testing at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) before being put to production to aid the country’s fight against COVID-19.
The heart of the device is the compressed air container to work the Ambu bag with air.
It doesn’t have any moving parts like servo motor or piston or link mechanism.

Artemis: First Human Base Camp on moon’s south pole by 2024

The NASA project Artemis aims at placing first woman and next man on the moon.
The project aims to build a base camp on the moon’s south pole
The Artemis project aims to land humans on the moon by 2024. The project also aims to make a one month or two-month stay on the moon.
This project is first of its kind as no country has launched a stay mission to the moon.
The project is carried out in collaboration with European Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, Japan Space Agency and Australian Space Agency.
ARTEMIS: She was worshipped as the primary goddess of midwifery and child birth. Her temple Ephesus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The temple is currently located in Ionia, Turkey.

CAWACH: To support startups working on COVID-19

The CAWACH is being established by the DST (Department of science and technology) to support the start-ups. It is to be implemented by SINE, IIT Bombay.
The initiative will help identify innovative solutions to address the country’s need in diagnostics, ventilators and therapeutics.
The expertise of DST will be deployed to support the startups in order to fast track the journey and scale up across geographies.
The initiative will also help in fund deployment for the startups. It will identify 50 innovative startups based on factors such as novelty, cost, solutions for sanitizers, therapeutics, disinfectants, respiratory aids, informatics and protective gears.
SINE: SINE is Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. It is an incubator for technology solutions at IIT Bombay and is supported by Department of Science and Technology.

Important News Articles – April 7

GS – 2

Indian Express – International – https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/trump-hints-at-retaliation-if-india-doesnt-export-hydroxychloroquine-to-us-6350884/

The Hindu – National – https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/do-no-harm-on-safety-of-health-care-workers/article31274406.ece

The Hindu – National – https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/mind-the-gap-on-indias-focus-what-needs-to-be-done/article31274661.ece

GS – 3

The Hindu – Economy – https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/cash-less-indians-the-new-normal-and-survival/article31274464.ece

The Hindu – Economy – https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/farmers-are-at-their-wits-end/article31273857.ece

Live Mint – Economy – https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-lockdown-impact-unemployment-rate-rises-to-23-4-11586202041180.html

Indian Express – Environment – https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/world-health-day-coronavirus-india-lockdown-cases-deaths-venkaiah-naidu-6350460/

Daily current affairs – April 5

GS – 2

International and National

“Mo Prativa”: Programme to engage children during Lock Down

The Odisha Government recently launched “Mo Prativa” programme in collaboration with UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Funds).
The programme has been launched for the children to participate in online competitions such as writing slogans, drawings, short story writing, paintings, etc.
Under this programme, children have to upload their works and they will receive certificate every week. Children of age 5 to 18 years are eligible to participate in the competition. The competition is to be held under two themes namely
Theme: My Responsibility as a young citizen during COVID-19 and Being at home during lockdown.

Central government taking measures to ensure smooth harvesting of Rabi Crop:

Central government taking several measures to ensure the smooth harvesting of Rabi Crop and the sowing of the summer crop.
Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare conducted a video conference with all States and Insurance companies to review the payment of claims and also the status of Conduct of Crop Cutting Experiments, CCEs for Rabi crops.
The implementation of Smart Sampling Technique ensures that the farmers do not suffer from any adverse fall out during the lockdown period. The letters issued to all States for co-witnessing Crop Cutting Experiments.

GS – 3

Science and Technology

COVID – 19 can be tested using TB machines

The Indian Council of Medical Research approved the use of Tuberculosis machine for conducting COVID-19 tests.
Currently India is using the RT-PCR (Real time-Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing recommended by the US and approved by FDA.
Along with this, the ICMR has recommended the use of Truenat test. The Truenat test is currently used to detect drug-resistant TB.
The Truenat; is a battery-operated device that requires minimal training. The device uses chip-based technology and takes minimum of 60 minutes for a test. There are four-way truenat machines available in India.
These machines are capzable of running 32 to 48 samples of multiple diseases.

Sports

Asian Youth Games: November 2021

The Olympic Council of Asia announced that the third Asian Youth Games is to be held in China in November 2021.
Around 18 Olympic Games such as rock climbing, athletics, gymnastics, aquatics, boat racing are to be included.
The Asian Youth Games is held once in four years. It is organized by the Olympic Council of Asia. It is the second largest sports gamed after the Asia games.
The first Asian Youth Games was held in 2011 in Singapore, later in 2013 in China. More than 2,500 athletes take part in Asian Youth games every time.

Important day April – 5

5th April- National Maritime Day

On 5th April every year in India National Maritime day is observed because on this date in 1919 navigation history was created SS Loyalty, the first ship of The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd journeyed to the United Kingdom.

Important Articles – April 6

GS – 2

The Hindu – International – https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/coronavirus-our-911-moment-says-doctor-as-us-braces-for-hardest-week/article31266388.ece

The Hindu – International – https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/mockery-of-justice-the-hindu-editorial-on-daniel-pearl-murder-case-acquittals/article31264465.ece

The Hindu – National – https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/enemy-at-the-gates-the-hindu-editorial-on-kerala-karnataka-border-issue/article31264459.ece

Indian Express – National – https://indianexpress.com/article/india/armed-with-crowdsourced-farm-equipment-telangana-set-for-bumper-paddy-harvest-amid-covid-19-6349433/

GS – 3

Indian Express – Economy – https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/coronavirus-crude-oil-in-a-post-covid-world-saudi-opec-russia-vikram-s-mehta/

Live Mint – Science – https://www.livemint.com/news/world/tiger-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-at-new-york-city-s-bronx-zoo-11586135747637.html

Important articles to read – 5th April

GS – 1

The Hindu – International affairs – https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/trump-requests-pm-modi-to-release-hydroxychloroquine-ordered-by-us/article31261271.ece?homepage=true

The Hindu – National – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/icmr-rule-book-on-large-outbreaks/article31259619.ece

The Hindu – National – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pil-in-supreme-court-seeks-full-wages-for-mgnrega-workers-for-coronavirus-lockdown-period/article31258686.ece

GS – 2

The Hindu – Science – https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/coronavirus-tcs-uses-ai-for-drug-discovery/article31257352.ece

GS – 3

The Hindu – Economy – https://www.thehindu.com/business/centre-tweaks-rules-to-make-inactive-accounts-functional/article31259624.ece

Live mint – Science – https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/-proposal-to-reintroduce-the-cheetah-to-india-is-an-exciting-opportunity-11585927439599.html

Quarantine and the law

Context:

Analysis is based on quarantine.

What is quarantine?

Quarantine is considered the oldest mechanism to reduce the rapid spread of bacterial infections and viral attack.
It has been legally sanctioned by all jurisdictions in the world for the maintenance of public health and to control the transmission of diseases.
Since ancient times, societies have practiced isolation, and imposed a ban on travel or transport and resorted to maritime quarantine of persons.

When should quarantine to be enforced?

This is enforced during the wide spread of disease to safeguard the citizens these measures were often forcibly enforced.

Other quarantine diseases:

Cholera, diphtheria, infectious tuberculosis, plague, smallpox, yellow fever and viral hemorrhagic fever.
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome that can go on to become pandemic has been recently added to the existing ones
Quarantine is issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Courts have the power to review movement curbs during disease outbreaks, but have upheld them in public interest.

When does quarantine enforced first?

The first law on medical isolation was passed by the Great Council in 1377, when the plague was rapidly ruining European countries.
Detention for medical reasons was justified and disobedience made a punishable offence. The law prescribed isolation for 30 days, called a ‘trentino’. Subsequently, many countries adopted similar laws to protect the people.
When the duration of isolation was enhanced to 40 days, the name also changed to ‘quarantine’ by adopting the Latin quadraginta, which referred to a 40-day detention placed on ships.
It was about 196 years ago (1824) that the U.S. Supreme Court, in an en banc sitting led by Chief Justice John Marshall, affirmed the powers of the state to enact quarantine laws and impose health regulations.

Measures taken in India:

In India, the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, a law of colonial vintage, empowers the state to take special measures, including inspection of passengers, segregation of people and other special steps for the better prevention of the spread of dangerous diseases.
It was amended in 1956 to confer powers upon the Central government to prescribe regulations or impose restrictions in the whole or any parts of India to control and prevent the outbreak of hazardous diseases.

Issues behind:

The Supreme Court suo motu took cognisance of fears over the COVID-19 pandemic affecting overcrowded prisons in India, on March 16.
The difficulties in observing social distancing among prison inmates, where the occupancy rate is at 117.6%, were highlighted and directions issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in prisons in India.
The setting up of isolation cells within prisons across Kerala, and the decision of the Tihar Jail authorities to screen new inmates and put them in different wards for three days are appreciated as reasonable preventive measures.
Further, notices were issued to all States to deal with the present health crisis in prisons and juvenile observation homes.

Way forward:

In common parlance, ‘quarantine’ and ‘isolation’ are used interchangeably, but they convey two different meanings and are two different mechanisms in public health practice.
The world has since faced many health emergencies caused by dangerous diseases. This virus crisis is also not new.
Quarantine is not an alien concept or strange action and it has been invoked several times during the bizarre situations caused by the cholera, smallpox, plague and other diseases in India.
Under the sun every object is subject to judicial review and quarantine orders are not exempted from it.