Daily Current Affairs 29 February 2020

Current Affairs Of Today

1) Summer to be hotter than usual

The summer months from March to May are poised to be hotter than normal, a forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD)
The forecast indicates that the MAM (MarchMay) season averaged temperatures are likely to be at least half a degree hotter than normal over northwest, west and central India and some parts of south India.
The season averaged maximum temperature is likely to be warmer than normal in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh.
It is likely to be warmer than normal by over 0.5C to <1C over Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan, east and west Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch, Konkan and Goa, central Maharashtra, Marathawada, Vidharbha, north interior Karnataka, coastal Karnataka, Rayalaseema, and Kerala. Above normal heatwave conditions are also likely in the core heat wave zone during the season (March-May)
The core heatwave zone covers the States of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana and parts of Maharashtra and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
A hot summer, experts say, is a key factor to a timely monsoon. However, the impact of a warming ocean and its impact on the monsoon is likely to be more apparent around April when the IMD issues its first forecast for the monsoon.
The southwest monsoon in 2019 ( June to September) delivered rainfall 10% above average in the country the highest in 25 years. In 1994, the rainfall was 110% during the JuneSeptember period. Before that, over 10 % above average rainfall was witnessed in 1990 (119%).

Source: The Hindu

2) Second Advance Estimates of National Income, 2019-20 and Quarterly Estimates of Gross Domestic Product for the Third Quarter (Oct-Dec), 2019-20

India’s thirdquarter growth decelerated to 4.7%, the slowest pace in about seven years, as a slump in manufacturing weighed on overall economic momentum.
The National Statistical Office (NSO) released data showing that the Gross Domestic Product expanded by 4.7% in the quarter ended in December 2019, compared with 5.6% in the year-earlier period.
Sustained improvement in agriculture and services continue to drive growth. The turnaround in growth in the eight core sector industries index in December 2019 and January 2020 also augurs well for the manufacturing sector
The NSO also released the second advance estimates, projecting a GDP growth of 5% for 201920, in comparison with 6.1% in 201819. The projection remains unchanged from last month.
However, the NSO revised upward its GDP growth estimates for the first two quarters of the current fiscal year: growth in the first quarter of 201920 was pegged at 5.6%, higher than its earlier estimate of 5%. For the second quarter too, it increased the estimate to 5.1%, from 4.5%.
According to senior Finance Ministry officials, the government’s increased spending, especially on infrastructure, had helped spur a modest economic recovery. They also saw positive signs in foreign direct investment, mining, and agriculture, and claimed an improvement in demand in rural areas.

Source: The Hindu

3) Central Consumer Protection Authority

The government is all set to establish a Central Consumer Protection Authority.

What is the Central Consumer Protection Authority?

The authority is being constituted under Section 10(1) of The Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Aim: To protect the rights of the consumer by cracking down on unfair trade practices, and false and misleading advertisements that are detrimental to the interests of the public and consumers. It will be headquartered in the National Capital Region of Delhi but the central government may set up regional offices in other parts of the country.

Powers and Functions:

Inquire or investigate matters relating to violations of consumer rights or unfair trade practices suo motu, or on a complaint received, or on a direction from the central government.
Recall goods or withdrawal of services that are “dangerous, hazardous or unsafe.
Pass an order to a refund the prices of goods or services so recalled to purchasers of such goods or services; discontinuation of practices which are unfair and prejudicial to consumer’s interest”.
Impose a penalty up to Rs 10 lakh, with imprisonment up to two years, on the manufacturer or endorser of false and misleading advertisements. The penalty may go up to Rs 50 lakh, with imprisonment up to five years, for every subsequent offense committed by the same manufacturer or endorser.
Ban the endorser of a false or misleading advertisement from making an endorsement of any products or services in the future, for a period that may extend to one year. The ban may extend up to three years in every subsequent violation of the Act.
File complaints of violation of consumer rights or unfair trade practices before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, and the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

Composition:

It will have a Chief Commissioner as head, and only two other commissioners as members — one of whom will deal with matters relating to goods while the other will look into cases relating to services.
The CCPA will have an Investigation Wing that will be headed by a Director-General.
District Collectors too, will have the power to investigate complaints of violations of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and false or misleading advertisements.

For manufacture, selling, storage, distribution, or import of adulterated products, the penalties are:

If an injury is not caused to a consumer, fine up to Rs 1 lakh with imprisonment up to six months.
If an injury is caused, fine up to Rs 3 lakh with imprisonment for up to one year.
If grievous hurt is caused, fine up to Rs 5 lakh with imprisonment up to 7 years.
In case of death, fine of Rs 10 lakh or more with a minimum imprisonment of 7 years, extendable to imprisonment for life.

Sources: Indian Express.

4) Kerala High Court bans all forms of agitations in schools, colleges

The Kerala High Court has ruled that strikes, rallies, and gheraos that affect regular classes should not be held on the campuses of schools and colleges.

Observations made by the Court:

Those who are not participating in the strike have every right to attend their classes and no one should force them to participate in agitations that affect the smooth conduct of classes.
Academic institutions are only meant for studies and they should not be venues for strikes and protests.
Nobody has the right to override a student’s right to study and action can be against those who indulge in strikes, rallies, and gheraos that affect regular classes.
Campuses can have peaceful discussions and sharing of thoughts in a peaceful manner.
Students and others who force students to take part in the strike can be dealt with the law as it was the infringement of the basic right of the student.

Background:

The important verdict came in the wake of some private schools in Pathanamthitta moving the court with a plea to restrain student politics. Though the court had banned politics on the campus earlier also it was not implemented properly and students were suffering due to frequent disruptions of classes during strikes, they contended.

Measures:

If such incidents take place in schools, the authorities concerned, including the district educational officer, can take action against erring students. They can even summon the police to restore peace on the campus.
Similar measures should be taken on college campuses as well. But, campuses can have peaceful discussions and sharing of thoughts on any issue. This, however, should not be done by causing inconvenience to students or lead to a strike.

Earlier judgments:

The HC also cited the long list of court verdicts on the issue over the years.
An earlier judgment had granted management the authority to ban politics on their respective campuses.
Another court order also stated that students should not be forcefully made to boycott classes.
The court had also ruled earlier that police should give protection if the authorities ask for it.
In the ‘Vijayakumar’ case, the court ruled that if criminal activities take place in college premises, police have the right to take action and enter the campus without permission.

Criticisms:

The HC verdict has evoked sharp reactions from many student outfits and political parties which they said would affect students’ rights and their plan to carry out peaceful protests.

Sources: The Hindu.

5) Indian Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Varad

Union Minister of State for Shipping (I/C)&Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya commissioned Indian Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Varad in Chennai. Indian Coast Guard officials, officials of the Ministry of Shipping and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Ministry of Shipping is working in close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard for collaborative efforts to secure the maritime interest and security of the nation. Indian Coast Guard ships will be given priority for berthing and infrastructural requirements at all Indian ports
The newly commissioned ICGS Varad with a gross tonnage of 2100 tons is 98 Mtrs long and has 15 mtrs breadth. The endurance of the vessel is 5000 nautical miles, with a maximum speed of 26 Knots. The ship is propelled by 2 diesel driven engines of 9000 KW each, with low-level fuel consumption, high TBO, and compliance to IMO Tier-II norms. The ship will be fitted with one CRN -91 and two 12.7 mm guns and will be capable of carrying an Integral Twin Engine Helicopter which will enhance its operational, surveillance, and search & rescue capability.
The exponential growth of the shipbuilding industry is perceived as ICGS Varad has been built indigenously by M/s L&T that will contribute immensely towards the vision of Make in India.

Source: PIB

6) 11th National Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Conference

The Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has urged the agricultural scientists in the field to reach out to the marginalized farmers. Inaugurating the 11th National Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Conference -2020
KVKs should serve not only the affluent, resourceful and Progressive farmers but also focus on the small and deprived farmers. KVKs have a great responsibility by taking the fruition of the laboratories to the field
Enough R&D has been done in the Agriculture sector, - superior crop varieties released, 171 mobile apps developed for farmers and more than three lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) opened, but now this must percolate down to the poorest of poor farmers. This is crucial to fulfilling the target

eNAM

The eNAM portal has been created so that the farmer gets a better price for his produce. Already 585 Mandis have boarded the eNAM platform and another 415 Mandis will be added in due course. More than Rs.91,000 crore of eVyapar (e-trade) has been performed on the eNAM
The share of Agriculture & allied sector to India’s GDP is itself low, but it is a matter of concern that within this sector, the contribution of Agriculture alone is lower than that of Horticulture, Fisheries, and even Animal Husbandry.
the Government aims to set up at least two Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in each block. Three factors have contributed to surplus foodgrains, - primarily the farmers’ labor, secondly the role of agricultural scientists, labs, and universities and thirdly the central and state governments’ farmer welfare policies, schemes and incentives

About Krishi Vigyan Kendra

A Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is an agricultural extension center in India. The name means "farm science center". Usually associated with a local agricultural university, these centers serve as the ultimate link between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and farmers and aim to apply agricultural research in a practical, localized setting. All KVKs fall under the jurisdiction of one of the 11 Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs) throughout India.
As of January 2020, there were approximately 716 KVKs throughout India

Responsibilities of Krishi Vigyan Kendra

On-Farm Testing: Each KVK operates a small farm to test new technologies, such as seed varieties or innovative farming methods, developed by ICAR institutes. This allows new technologies to be tested at the local level before being transferred to farmers.
Front-line Demonstration: Due to the KVK's farm and its proximity to nearby villages, it organizes programs to show the efficacy of new technologies on farmer fields.
Capacity Building: In addition to demonstrating new technologies, the KVK also hosts capacity building exercises and workshops to discuss modern farming techniques with groups of farmers.
Multi-sector support: Offer support to various private and public initiatives through its local network and expertise. It is very common for government research institutes to leverage the network of KVKs when performing surveys with a wide range of farmers.
Advisory Services: Due to the growing use of ICT, KVKs have implemented technologies to provide farmers information, such as weather advisories or market pricing, through radio and mobile phones.
In each of these activities, the KVK focuses on crops and methods specific to the local climate and industry. Some factors which may impact this decision are soil type, crops grown, water availability, seasonal temperatures, and allied sectors such as dairy and aquaculture. In addition to addressing local factors, KVKs are also mandated to increase the adoption of practices that align with remunerative agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, and dietary diversification. Some KVKs also host social activities to facilitate rapport between the institutions and the local community.

Source: PIB

7) Assistance to Disabled persons for purchasing/fitting of aids/appliances (ADIP) scheme

PM will distribute assistive aids and devices to senior citizens (under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana-RVY) and the physically challenged (Under ADIP Scheme) at a mega distribution camp at Prayagraj.

The objective is to provide assistance through these aids and devices to the daily living and socio-economic development of the Divyangjan (physically challenged) and Senior Citizens.

About the ADIP Scheme

The Assistance to Disabled persons for purchasing/fitting of aids/appliances (ADIP) scheme:
Being implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Objective To assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances that can promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation, by reducing the effects of disabilities and enhance their economic potential.
Implementation: The scheme is implemented through implementing agencies such as NGOs, National Institutes under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and ALIMCO (a PSU that manufactures artificial limbs).

Eligibility:

A person satisfying all the following conditions are eligible:

Indian citizen of any age
Has 40% disability or more (must have the requisite certificate)
Monthly income, not more than Rs.20000.
In the case of dependents, the income of parents/guardians should not exceed Rs.20000.
Must not have received assistance during the last 3 years for the same purpose from any source. However, for children below 12years of age, this limit would be one year.

Source: PIB

8) Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana:

Coverage: Senior Citizens, belonging to BPL category and suffering from any of the age-related disability/infirmity Low vision, Hearing impairment, Loss of teeth and Locomotor disability.
What assistance is provided? Assisted-living devices which can restore near normalcy in their bodily functions, overcoming the disability/infirmity manifested. They are free-of-cost.
Funding: This is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Central Government. The expenditure for implementation of the scheme will be met from the “Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund “.

Other key facts:

In the case of multiple disabilities/infirmities manifested in the same person, the assistive devices will be given in respect of each disability/impairment.
Beneficiaries in each district will be identified by the State Governments/UT Administrations through a Committee chaired by the Deputy Commissioner/District Collector.
As far as possible, 30% of the beneficiaries in each district shall be women.

Need for the scheme:

With more than 70% of the 104 million elderly living in the rural hinterland, any serious initiative to improve a lot of senior citizens must incorporate adequate budgetary support for social welfare spending on the relevant programs.
With the number of the elderly in India set to surge by 2050 to almost 300 million, or about a fifth of the population, governments need to make more comprehensive efforts to address the problems of the elderly.

Source: PIB

9) Pigmentary disorder

Studies to understand the problem of pigmentary disorders are expected to get a major shot in the arm with Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance conferring an Intermediate Fellowship Award on Dr. Rajender K. Motiani, Assistant Professor at Faridabad-based Regional Centre for Biotechnology. The award consists of a grant of Rs 3.60 crore for a period of five years.

What are pigmentary disorders? Their effects?

Physiological pigmentation is a critical defense mechanism by which skin is protected against harmful UV radiation. Inefficient pigmentation predisposes to skin cancers, which are one of the leading causes of cancer-associated deaths worldwide.
Further, pigmentary disorders (both hypo and hyper pigmentary) are considered a social stigma and therefore they impart long-term psychological trauma and tremendously hamper mental well-being of patients.

Significance of the grant?

The current therapeutic strategies are not efficient in alleviating pigmentary disorders.
The research project to be taken up under the award would seek to identify novel targetable molecular players that critically regulate the pigmentation process.
Further, the researchers would try to repurpose commercially available drugs for the treatment of pigmentary disorders.
In the long run, this project is expected to have a two-pronged benefit for society – protection from UV-induced skin cancers and potential treatment options for pigmentary disorders.

Source: PIB

10) India and Myanmar Ink Various Pacts

India and Myanmar signed 10 agreements with a focus on the socio-economic development of Myanmar, during Myanmar President U Win Myint’s visit to India.
Myanmar stands at the confluence of India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East Policy and India-Myanmar partnership is at the heart of India’s vision to create a connected and cooperative neighborhood.

Key Points

Connectivity:

The two countries will start a coordinated bus service between Manipur’s Imphal and Myanmar’s Mandalay from April 2020.
India will assist Myanmar in the construction of Integrated Check Point at Tamu, Myanmar, bordering Manipur.

The two countries signed the Land Border Crossing Agreement in 2018, which allowed bona fide travelers with valid documents to cross the border at two international points of entry/exit- Moreh-Tamu and Zokhawathar-Rih.

Rakhine State Development Programme:

More projects will be added to this program.
India signed a development program for Rakhine State in Myanmar in late 2017 which was designed to assist the Myanmar government in Rakhine State to build housing infrastructure for displaced Rohingyas.
India had committed $25 million grant assistance to Myanmar and phase-I involved completion of 250 prefabricated houses in Rakhine State.

Infrastructure Development:

India will also support the establishment of Myanmar’s diplomatic academy, and extend the National Knowledge Network to Myanmar.
Both countries have decided to extend the Quick Impact Project schemes to Myanmar.
Under this, India will take up capacity development work in the form of small projects which yield quick beneficial results for the local people.

International Cooperation:

Both sides agreed to work together to promote principles of openness, inclusiveness, transparency, respect for international law and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) centrality in Indo-Pacific.

Cooperation under other sectors:

India will offer medical radiation equipment Bhabhatron II for the treatment of cancer patients and strengthen cooperation in the health sector.
Both countries agreed to have government-to-government cooperation in petroleum, including in refinery, stockpiling, blending and retail.
In governance, India will help Myanmar with the project of e-ID cards, which is modeled after the Aadhaar project.
The two sides showed commitment to continue negotiations on pending treaties like the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) and the Extradition Treaty.
An MoU has also been signed on ‘Cooperation for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons; Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation, and Re-Integration of Victims of Trafficking’ between the two countries.

Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties

These are agreements between governments allowing for the exchange of evidence and information in criminal and related matters between the signing countries.

Extradition Treaty

This is an agreement or arrangement made by India with a Foreign State, relating to the Extradition of fugitive criminals.
Extradition treaties are traditionally bilateral in character.

Source: Indian Express

11) INCOIS launches Products

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has launched a trio of products to better cater to its diverse users. The Products are

Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System,
Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System and
Algal Bloom Information Service

Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast Services System

It is an innovative impact-based advisory and forecast service system for small vessels operating in Indian coastal waters.
It warns users about potential zones where vessel overturning can take place.
The warning system is based on the ‘Boat Safety Index’ (BSI) derived from wave models forecast outputs such as significant wave height, wave steepness, directional spread and the rapid development of wind at sea which is boat-specific.

Swell Surge Forecast System

Swell surge forecast system is an innovative system designed for the prediction of Kallakkadal/Swell Surge that occurs along the Indian coast, particularly the west coast.

Kallakadal

Kallakadal/Swell surge are flash-flood events that take place without any noticeable advance change in local winds or any other apparent signature in the coastal environment.
Kallakkadal is a colloquial term used by Kerala fishermen to refer to the freaky flooding episodes and in 2012 UNESCO formally accepted this term for scientific use. They are caused by meteorological conditions in the Southern Ocean, south of 30°S.
During Kallakkadal events, the sea surges into the land and inundates vast areas.

Algal Bloom Information Service

ABIS provides timely information on harmful algal blooms, which are detrimental to coastal fisheries, water quality and also tend to induce respiratory problems within the coastal population from time to time.
The target users- fishermen, marine fishery resource managers, researchers, ecologists, and environmentalists.
INCOIS-ABIS will provide near-real-time information on Spatio-temporal occurrence and spread of phytoplankton blooms over the North Indian Ocean.
Four regions have been identified as bloom hotspots-

North Eastern Arabian Sea
coastal waters of Kerala
Gulf of Mannar
coastal waters of Gopalpur.

Source: PIB

12) Farmers Producer Organisations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch 10,000 Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) all over the country, on 29 February, in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh.

What are FPOs?

It is a Producer Organisation (PO) where the members are farmers. Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is providing support for the promotion of FPOs.
FPOs help in the collectivization of such small, marginal and landless farmers in order to give them the collective strength to deal with such issues.
Members of the FPO will manage their activities together in the organization to get better access to technology, input, finance and market for faster enhancement of their income.

Support by the Government:

The government has launched a new dedicated Central Sector Scheme titled “Formation and Promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)” with a clear strategy and committed resources to form and promote 10,000 new FPOs.

Need for and significance of FPOs:

Nearly 86% of farmers are small and marginal with average land holdings in the country being less than 1.1 hectares.
These small, marginal and landless farmers face tremendous challenges during the agriculture production phase such as for access to technology, quality seed, fertilizers and pesticides including requisite finances.
They also face tremendous challenges in marketing their products due to a lack of economic strength.
FPOs help in the collectivization of such small, marginal and landless farmers in order to give them the collective strength to deal with such issues.

What are the essential features of a PO?

It is formed by a group of producers for either farm or non-farm activities.
It is a registered body and a legal entity.
Producers are shareholders in the organization.
It deals with business activities related to the primary produce/product.
It works for the benefit of the member producers.
A part of the profit is shared amongst the producers.
The rest of the surplus is added to its own funds for business expansion.

Source: PIB