Future Officers

Daily Current Affairs – October 1, 2022

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act:

Why in news?

AFSPA extended in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

About AFSPA:

Origin:

In order to put an end to the Quit India Movement, Viceroy Linlithgow issued the Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance of 1942 for the British colonial authority on August 15, 1942.

Act:

The Indian Parliament passed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in 1958, which gives the Indian Armed Forces special authority to uphold public order in disturbed areas.
According to this act, once the area is declared as disturbed it has to be maintained status quo for six months.
The Central Government, or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area.

Powers:

By this act, the army, state, and central police forces are given the authority to shoot people in the head, search residences, and destroy any property.
Along with the three regular armed services, the Act also covers paramilitary units like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Border Security Force
Normally, this Act would be enforced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, but there have been instances where the Center chose to forego its authority and left the decision to the State governments.

TRANSFER OF JUDGES

Why in news?

SC collegium recommends transfer of two Chief justice.

About:

Article 222 of the Constitution makes provision for the transfer of a Judge (including Chief Justice) from one High Court to any other High Court.
The initiation for transfer of judges should be made by chief justice of India.
Article 222 empowers the president to transfer the judge from one high court to another.
The transfer must be made on the recommendation of chief justice of India. The consent of the judge is not required.
It provides the compensatory allowance to the transfer judges.
Other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of India should take the views of the Chief Justice of the court concerned, as well as the Chief Justice of the court to which the transfer is taking place.

Vande Bharat express:

Why in news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s 3rd Vanda Bharat express departuring from Gandhinagar to Mumbai.

About Vande Bharat express:

Launched in 2019
The Train 18 was later named as Vande Bharat express under Government of India’s Make in India initiative.
Semi high-speed train with operational speed of 160kmph designed, developed and built by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai.
Self-propelled trains that don not require an engine.
Presently there are only 2 Vande Bharat trains running from Delhi to Varanasi and Delhi to Katra.

Benefits:

Reduces travel time
Energy efficient
Faster acceleration and deceleration
Passenger friendly

National Awards

Why in news?

President Draupadi Murmu gave away the National Film awards 2020 under various categories at 68th edition of the ceremony.

About:

Presented for the first time in 1954.
Directorate of Film Festival took the responsibility since 1973.
2 categories – Feature and Non feature films.
Winners chosen by National selection committee appointed by the government.
Famous Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime achievement award also presented at the National film awards.

National Film awards 2020

Best feature film – Soorarai pottru
Best Director – Sachidananthan KR (Ayyappanum Koshiyum)
Best Popular film providing wholesome entertainment – Tanaji
Best Actor – Suriya (Soorarai pottru), Ajay Devgan (Tanaji)
Best Actress – Aparna Balamurali (Soorarai Pottru)

SIRPI Scheme

Why in News?

Tamil Nadu government launched SIRPI scheme to reduce the crimes which occur during school days for children.
SIRPI – Student in Responsible Police Initiatives

Objectives:

Creating awareness of alcohol, drug and tobacco.
Reduce juvenile crimes.
Awareness of self-discipline, Obedience to parents.

Features:

Students participating in this program will be provided with separate uniform.
50 students each from 100 schools in Chennai will be selected.
Sprouted pulses, fruits will be provided during class hours.
Students will be taught dowry rules, protection mechanism for children.

Important News Articles – 1st October 2022

International

The Hindu – India abstains on UNSC resolution condemning Russia’s ‘referenda’ in Ukraine

Indian Express – India-US ties: Depth & nuance

National

The Hindu – Mahatma Gandhi makes special appearance at U.N., shares message on education.

The Hindu – AFSPA extended in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh

The Hindu – Letting go of a chance to democratise telecom services

Indian Express – Swachh Bharat 2.0: Moving forward together

Indian Express – Why Supreme Court’s abortion verdict must be read by Indian gynaecologists who live under a rock

Current Affairs Mcqs – September 30

1.The zonal councils have been established by

Options:
    A) Zonal council act
    B) by an order of president
    C) state reorganization act
    D) by Article 301.
Answer: C
Explanation:
The zonal councils have been established by state reorganization act,1956. There are 6 zonal councils:
1. Northern
2. Southern
3. Western
4. Eastern
5. Central
6. North Eastern.
Home minister is the common chairman for all the six councils.

2. Which of the following taxes are levied by union but collected and appropriated by states.

Options:
A)sales tax
B) stamp duties
C) excise duties
D)Newspapers

Answer: B
Explanation:
Taxes are levied by union but collected and appropriated by states ( Article 268) includes
stamp duties on bills of exchange,
cheques,
promissory notes,
policies of insurance,
transfer of shares;
excise duties on medicinal and
toilet preparations containing alcohol and narcotics.

3. which language has been added to Eight schedule by 21st amendment act.

Options:
A) Konami
B) Nepali
C) Sindhi
D) Bodo
Answer: C
Explanation:

Sindhi added as the 15th language in eight schedule by 21st amendment act,1967

4.In which language, the newspaper Kesari is published?

Options:

A) Bengali

B) Hindi

C) English

D) Marathi

Answer: D

Explanation:

The Kesari newspaper was edited by Bala Gangadhar Tilak and it was published in Marathi language. Another newspaper of Tilak is Mahratta.

5.Who is referred by the nickname Jail bird?

Options:

A) V O Chidambaram

B) Subramania Bharathiyar

C) E V Ramasamy Periyar

D) Kamarajar

Answer: c

Explanation:

Periyar who is considered as social reformer in Tamilnadu got the nickname ‘Jail Bird’ because he went to jail for 23 times in 15 years.

6.The idea of Constituent assembly to frame Constitution was first put forward by

Options:

B N Rao
M N Roy
B R Ambedkar
Alladi Krishnasamy

Answer: b

Explanation:

In 1934, the idea of Constituent assembly for India was first put forward for first time by MN Roy, a pioneer of communist movement in India.

Daily Current Affairs – September 30

Chief Defense Staff of Indian Army:

Why in News?

Lt. General Anil Chauhan appointed as new Chief of defence staff.

About CDS:

Highest-ranking uniform officer.
Head of the department for military affairs under ministry of defence.
He/she will serve as the government’s sole military advisor.
He/she will be the four-star general.
CDS serves as the permanent chairman of chiefs of staff committee.
Serve as the Defence Minister’s principal military adviser.
He/she will be the single point of contact for all defence issues.
Member of the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by the Minister of Defence.
Acts as a Military Advisor to the Nuclear Command Authority.

Cotton cultivation in India:

Why in News?

Cotton growers in Karnataka worried over excess of soil moisture.

Cotton:

One of the most important fiber crops and the basic raw material for textile industries.

Conditions for growth:

Temperature: between 21⁰c to 30⁰c.
Rainfall: 50-100cm Annually
Soil: cotton grows in variety of soil
Alluvial soil in North India.
Black clayey soil in central India
Black soil mixed with red soil in south India.

Dry period: cotton is a kharif crop needs 6 to 8 months with at least 210 days ice free days in a year.

Production of cotton:

India – largest area of cultivation in the world
3rd largest in production after China and USA.
In India – Maharashtra is the leading producer.

Cotton growing States: Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Benefits of cotton:

1. clothing and bedsheet making

2. seed oil of cotton is used for food and cosmetics.

3. To make rubber and plastics.

Atal Bridge

Why in News?

PM Modi inaugurated Atal bridge in Ahmedabad.

About Atal Bridge:

It is a foot over bridge (Bridge used by pedestrians).
Named in the honor of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Bridge connects the eastern and Western sides of River Sabarmati.
It is 300m long and 14m wide.
2,600 metric tons of steel pipe has been used in the construction of this bridge
Bridge can be used by people from both the upper and lower levels of the river.

Prohibition of Employment as Manual scavengers and their rehabilitation act 2013

About Manual scavengers:

In India, Manual scavenging is described as lifting and removal of human excreta manually at both private residences and toilets maintained by municipal authorities.

Key Features:

Prohibits employment of manual scavengers, manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks without protective equipment’s.
Rehabilitate manual scavengers and provide for their alternative employment.
Prohibits construction or maintenance of insanitary latrines.
The local authority shall convert the latrine and recover the cost for its conversion from occupier of insanitary latrine.
Offences under the act are non bailable
Violation of the act leads to imprisonment or fine of Rs.50000 or both.

Tamil Nadu CM Fellowship Programme

The Tamil Nadu CM Fellowship programme aimed at harnessing the energy and talents of young professionals to improve governance process and enhance the service delivery of various programmes and policies.

The Government has appointed Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Tiruchirapalli as its academic partner to conduct the fellowship programme.
Duration – 2 years
Stipend – Rs.75000 per month

Objectives:

Create a pool of knowledgeable and action oriented resources for the Government to work on policy efficacy and build internationally referred benchmarks for policy and program outcomes.
Develop Key Perform Indicators for service delivery and compare them against global best practices.

Thematic areas:

Water resources
Agricultural production
Skill development
Heritage and culture
Education
Entrepreneurship
Health indicators
Housing for All

Rajendra Chola I

About:

Son of Rajaraja Chola I.
Military expedition to North India in 1023 AD.
Proclaimed himself as Gangaikondan (conqueror of the Ganga region).
Constructed a temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram to commemorate the victories in North India which was recognised as World heritage sites by UNESCO.
Invaded Malaya peninsula and Srivijaya kingdom with the help of naval forces.
Established Vedic college at Ennayiram.
Titles – Mudikonda Cholan, Gangaikondan, Kadaramkondan, Pandita Cholan.

Important News Articles – September 30

International

The Hindu – Putin recognises independence for two more Ukraine regions

Indian Express – G-20 presidency is an opportunity to position India as the voice of the Global South

National

The Hindu – Doctors need not report identity of minors seeking abortion, says Supreme Court

The Hindu – India lacks a complete paediatric cardio-care service

Defence

The Hindu – Army Aviation inducts 1st indigenous Light Combat Helicopter

Science and Technology

The Hindu – Explained | The NASA spacecraft-asteroid collision

Economy

The Hindu – How much should India prop up the rupee?

Indian Express – Macroeconomic environment calls for flexible currency movement

Current Affairs Mcqs – September 29

1. Which International Airport has named as Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport?

Options:

a. Mumbai

b. West Bengal

c. Chandigarh

d. Punjab

Answer: c

Explanation:

As a tribute of India’s greatest freedom fighter on his 115th birth anniversary, Chandigarh airport is now officially named as Shaheed Bhagat Singh International airport.

2. Who is the second Chief Defense Staff of India?

Options:

a. Bipin Rawat

b. Manoj Pande

c. Hari Kumar

d. Anil Chauhan

Answer: d

Explanation:

The centre has decided to appoint Lt General Anil Chauhan as the next Chied of Defence Staff. He is only the second person to hold the post after General Bipin Rawat who died in chopper crash in Tamilnadu.

3. Which Constitutional amendment act makes provisions for Cooperative societies in India?

Options:

a. 61st constitutional amendment act

b. 86th constitutional amendment act

c. 97th constitutional amendment act

d. 44th constitutional amendment act

Answer: c

Explanation:

The 97th Constitutional amendment act, 2003 provided legal status and protection to Cooperative societies and introduced Part IX B into the Constitution.

4. Choose the correct statement about western ghats.

Options:

a) Annaimalai is the highest peak in western ghats

b) western ghats runs through 5 States.

C) River hemavathi originates in western ghats

Options:

a. a only

b. both a and b

c. c only

d. both b and c

Answer: c

Explanation:

Annaimudi(2695m) in kerla is the highest peak in western ghats.
Western ghats runs through 6 States namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, karanataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu.
The rivers that originate in Western Ghats and flow towards east are Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri, and many smaller / tributary rivers such as Tungabadhra, Bhima, Malaprabha, Ghataprabha, Hemavathi, Kabini.
The rivers that originate in Western Ghats and flow towards west are Periyar, Bharathappuzha, Netravati, Sharavathi, Mandovi.

5. Tributaries of Krishna River.

Hemavathi
Ghataprabha
Dhansiri
Tungabhadra
Musi

Options:

a. 1,2 and 4

b. 2,4and 5

c. 1,3,4 and 5

d. 1,4 and 5

Answer: b

Explanation:

Ghataprabha, the Malaprabha, the Bhima, the Tungabhadra and the Musi are the major tributaries of river Krishna.
Tungabhadra is the largest tributary.

6.Choose the incorrect statement about kaziranga national park.

It has one third of the world’s one horned rhinoceros population.
River kosi flows through the park.
NH – 57 forms the southern boundary of the park.

Options:

a. 2 only

b. 1 and 2

c. 3 and 1

d. 1,2 and 3.

Answer: d

Explanation:

Kaziranga national park has two third of world’s one horned rhinoceros’ population (2413 rhinos).
Brahmaputra, Diphlu, Mora Diphlu and Mora Dhansiri are the rivers flows through the park.
NH-37 forms the southern boundary of the kaziranga national park.

Daily Current Affairs – September 29

Attorney General

Why in News?

R Venkataramani was appointed as Attorney General (AG) of India for period of 3 years succeeding K K Venugopal whose term will end on September 30.

About AG:

AG is the highest law officer in the country

Article 76 provided for the office of Attorney General of India

Qualification:

1. High court of Judge for 5 years

2. Advocate of high court for 10 years

3. Eminent jurist

Appointment and Tenure:

1. Appointed by President

2. Holds office during pleasure of President

Functions:

1. To give advice to the Government of India upon legal matters which are referred to him by President.

2. To discharge functions conferred on him by the Constitution.

Duties:

1. To appear on behalf of Government of India in Supreme court / High court in which Government of India is concerned.

2. To represent Government of India in any reference made by President to the Supreme court under Article 143 of the Constitution.

Limitations:

1. Not advise or hold a brief against GoI.

2. Not defend accused persons in criminal prosecutions without permission of GoI.

3. Not accept appointment as Director in company without permission of GoI.

Unlawful activities prevention act (UAPA)

Why in news?

Union home ministry declared popular front of India for five years under UAPA

Unlawful activities prevention act:

It is also known as Anti-terrorist law.

Objective:

To make powers available for dealing with activities against the integrity and sovereignty of India.

Recent amendment:

Unlawful activities prevention amendment act,2019.
It has made possible for union government to designate individuals as terrorists without due process of law.

Significance:

Under UAPA both Indians and foreign nationals can be charged.
UAPA has death penalty and life imprisonment as highest punishment.

Union government may designate an organization as terrorists’ organization if it

Commits are participated in act of terrorism
Prepares for terrorism
Promotes terrorism
Otherwise involved in terrorism

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

Why in news?

Centre extends PMGKAY for three months from October 1

About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana:

PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana is a food security scheme launched by Government of India in March 2020 during Covid-19 pandemic.

Largest food security program in the world.
Free food grains at 5kg per person per month for all the Beneficiaries of NFSA.
This scheme is introduced by PM Modi during covid pandemic.
It provides free ration to poor through public distribution system.
Part of AtmaNirbhar Bharat to supply free food grains to migrants and the poor.
Implemented by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Objective:

To support the needy and poorest citizens of India by providing food grains through Public Distribution System.

Beneficiaries:

Eligible beneficiaries will receive 5kg of food grains and 1 kg Gram per month.

Families belongs to following categories are eligible

Below Poverty line
Antyodaya Anna Yojana
Priority households

Households headed by widows or disabled persons or persons aged above 60 years
All primitive tribal households.
Fund allocation: Government of India will all expenditure.
Cons: Beneficiaries are based on 2011 census.

Bandhavgarh Tiger reserve

Why in news?

Buddhist caves and temples revealed in bandhavgarh tiger reserve by Archaeology survey of India.

Findings:

Buddhists caves and stupas dated back to 2nd century.
Hindu temples from 9th – 11th century
Varaha sculpture

Bandhavgarh tiger reserve:

Bandhavgarh national park(1968) was declared as tiger reserve in 1993.

Location: Umaria district of madhya pradesh. Eastern satpura hill ranges.

Name Bandhavgarh means: Bandhav – brother and garh – fort.

Significance:

One of the highest density of Tigers in India.
Also has high population of leopards.
Many streams flow through this tiger reserve which merges to form son River, tributary of river Ganges.

Current Affairs Mcqs – September 28

1.Who was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2019?

Options

a. Lara Dutt

b. Rajinikanth

c. Asha Parekh

d. Vinod Khanna

Answer: b

Explanation:

Options

The Dadasaheb Phalke award for 2020 has been given to veteran actress Asha Parekh, making her the 52nd winner of the distinction.
Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, revealed her identity.
She participated in over 95 films, and from 1998 to 2001, she served as chair of the Central Board of Film Certification.
She was also given the Padma Shri by the Indian government in 1992 for her contributions to cinema.
What was the mobile app launched by Ministry of Rural development and Panchayat raj to monitor groundwater levels across the country?

a. Jaldoot

b. Bandicoot

c. Aaykar setu

d. Umang

Answer: a

Explanation:

A JALDOOT app was created by the Rural Development Ministry.
On September 27, 2022, the app was introduced by Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State for Rural Development, and Ministers of State for Panchayati Raj, Kapil Moreshwar Patil and Faggan Singh Kulaste.

3. The Tamilnadu Slum Clearance Board was constituted during whose tenure?

Options:

a. Kamarajar

b. Karunanithi

c. MG Ramachandran

d. Jayalalitha

Answer: b

Explanation:

The Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board was established in September 1970 by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi with the aim of ridding Chennai of slums by 2023.
It was the nation’s first board of its kind.

4. Niligiri blue robin

a. Endemic to western ghats

b. Iucn status – critically endangerd

c. Lives in low latitudes

Options:

a only
both a and b
both b and c
all the above

Answer: A

Explanation:

The Nilgiri Blue Robin is endemic to the higher slopes of southern India’s Shola forests.
Occurs only above 1200m altitude in the higher hill ranges of western ghats
Iucn status – Endangerd

5. Environment performance index released by

Options:

a. UNDP

b. NITI Aayog

c. World economic forum

d. United nations environment program

Answer: C

Explanation

Environmental Sustainability Index produced by the World Economic Forum in association with the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy and the Columbia University Center for International Earth Science Information Network.

India is ranked 180th among 180 countries

6. QUBIT is related to

Options:

a. Artificial intelligence

b. Wireless communication technologies

c. Super computers

d. Quantum computers

Answer : d

Explanation :

QUBIT – Quantum bit, smallest unit of quantum information.
Quantum computing uses quantum bits or qubits.

Daily Current Affairs – September 28, 2022

Niligiri blue robin

Why in News?

Listed as endangered by IUCN

About Niligiri robin:

This species is otherwise known as niligiri sholakili.

Habitat: The Nilgiri Blue Robin is endemic to the higher slopes of southern India’s Shola forests, particularly those north of the Palghat Gap.

The sholas, or high altitude grasslands. Occurs only above 1200m altitude in the higher hill ranges of western ghats

Dadasaheb Phalke award

Why in News?

Actor Asha parekh to get dadasaheb Phalke award.

About award

India’s Highest award in the field of cinema.
The award, which was first given out in 1969, was created by the Indian government to honour Dadasaheb Phalke’s contribution to Indian film,who directed Raja Harishchandra,
India’s first full-length feature film.
Each year, it is given out during the National Film Awards event. For their contribution to the growth and development of Indian film. The Hon.President of India will present the award.

Last three recipient:

2017-vinod khanna
2018- Amitabh Bachchan
2019- Rajinikanth

West seti hydroelectric project

Why in News?

Investment board of Nepal signed Memorandum of understanding with India’s national hydroelectric power corporation to develop seti and west seti river projects.

History:

Two Chinese corporations pulled out of the West Seti Hydropower Project and the Seti River Hydropower Project. So, Nepal signed MoU with Indian government.

West seti power Project:

It is proposed 1400 megawatt hydropower project, which is to be laid on seti river.
It is expected to provide India the much needed leverage in future hydropower cooperation.

Seti river:

Originates from the glaciers around the twin peaks of api and nampa.

Near the tri junction of borders of Nepal, india and china.

Ennum Eluthum Scheme

About the Scheme:

This scheme is Tamil Nadu government led programme to bridge the learning gap due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Commence from academic year 2022-23 across all government schools.
Madhi foundation, a NGO collaborating with state government for implementation.

Vision :

To ensure foundational literacy and numeracy by 2025

Significance :

All students by the age of 8 years can able to read with comprehension and passes basic arithmetic skills.
The subjects taught in Class 1 to 3 will be Tamil, English and Maths integrated with Environmental studies.
Students will be divided into 3 levels in class based in learning level

a. Arumbu – letters

b. Mottu – letters, words

c. Malar – letters, words, sentence

National Investigation Agency

Why in News?

The National Investigation Agency carried out at Popular Front of India offices in 11 states for allegedly supporting terror activities in India.

About :

The National Investigation Agency is the central counter terrorism law enforcement agency of India.

Constituted in 2009 under NIA act, 2008.
Established in backdrop of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
Works under Ministry of Home affairs.
Headquartered in New Delhi and has 8 regional offices across India.

Vision :

Professional investigative agency matching international standards.
Develop as storehouse of all terrorist related information.
Ensure effective and speedy trial.

Functions :

To investigate and prosecute offences affecting sovereignty, security and integrity of India.
To implement NIA act, International treaties, resolutions of UN.

EWS – 10% reservation

Why in News?

The Attorney General of India conveys that 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections does not harm the rights of Other Backward classes, Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.

About :

The EWS reservation is of aim to provide 10% reservation in education and government jobs for General category candidates.

The 10% EWS reservation was introduced by Parliament under 103^rd Constitutional amendment act, 2019 by amending Articles 15 and 16 thereby inserting Article 15(6) and 16(6).

Eligibility :

The conditions of eligibilty are determined by Central Government.

Only for persons belongs to General category.
Family’s annual income should be below Rs. 8 lakhs.
Family should not own agricultural land of size 5 acres or more.
Family should not own residential flat of 1000 sq.feet or more.
Family should not have residential plot more than 100 sq. yards in notified municipalities.
Family should not have residential plot more than 200 sq. yards in areas other than notified municipalities.

Important News Article – September 28

International

The Hindu – Permanent membership of the UNSC is another story

The Hindu – Energising India-Nepal ties, the hydropower way

Indian Express – C Raja Mohan writes: Russia’s nuclear threat may force Europe to build a nuclear arsenal

Indian Express – Leaks on Russian gas pipelines raise concerns about sabotage

National

The Hindu – PFI, eight front organisations including Campus Front of India banned for five years.

The Hindu – Government app Jaldoot to capture data on ground water tables

The Hindu – The AAP’s economic challenge in Punjab

Governance

The Hindu – Approach to democracy, human rights, governance is country-specific, says Jaishankar

The Hindu – Constitution Bench to consider questions of law on demonetisation on September 28

Environment

The Hindu – The disappearing song of the Nilgiri Sholakili

Economy

Indian Express – ‘Price of oil is breaking our back’: Jaishankar responds to queries imports from Russia

Live Mint – How Italy’s far – right swing affects the world

Live Mint – How government finances have fared so far in FY23

Live Mint – Indians are dipping into savings to beat inflation