Current Affair October 28 2015

Economy

1.Good News: India is getting better for business

India moves up from 134 to 130 in World Bank Ease of Doing Business Ranking. Ranking reviews the business regulations and their enforcement across 189  countries. India's 'distance to frontier' a measure of countries sustainable performance has increased by two points. India ranks in top 10 in protecting Minority Investors(8 position). Stakeholders has extensive rights in major corporate governance decisions. Also law grants minority stake holders strong protection from conflict of interest. Two indicators starting business and getting electricity (14 days sooner than before ) has contributed largely to improved ranking.

2.Panel to simply tax laws

As a part of government move to improve the ease of doing business Income tax Department has set-up a panel to simply Income Tax Act 1961 . It has following mandate
A. To identify the provisions or phrases that are the  cause of litigations due to different interpretations 
B. To suggest alternatives to them without substantially affecting revenues collection or tax base which create environment of tax predictability and certainty

3. E-Sahyog :Income tax portal launched

e-sahyog is an online portal launched as a pilot project by Income Tax Department with the aim to help taxpayer resolve any mismatch in their return without visiting  the office of department. 
Any mismatch in returns will be informed to taxpayer via email or sms thereby taxpayer can rectify the problem by visiting e-filling website and provide supporting documents.

Separately, a two day drive to increase the penetration of PAN card in semi-urban and rural areas has been launched . This will ease the burden of compliance for people who wish to enter into transaction of purchase or sale above Rs. 1 lakh.

4. Telangana demands more fund

Telangana government   demanded increase of the loan limit from 3 percent of state gross domestic product to 3.5 percent under Fiscal Responsibility and Management Act(FRMA). It also demanded Central assistance for Telangana flagship programme - Mission kakatiya for irrigation development and Mission Jalaharam for improving drinking water supply.

Education

1. No reservation in higher education

Supreme court urged the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to stop their reservation policy in super speciality medical courses. These polices restrict admission to students domiciled in these states only.
Supreme Court cited two three reasons for this
A. Right to equality is a fundamental right and any disparity in access to higher education violates it
B. Majority of the States allow students from other state to take  admission in their institutions. This  is specially important for  students of those  states which do not have any super speciality institutions like Mizoram.
C. Allowing access to all irrespective of domicile will improve the standard of higher education thereby increasing the quality of medical services.

Apart from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadhu also has restrictive  education policy in higher education.

2. Uchatar Avishkar Yojna

HRD ministry has earmarked Rs.250 crore per year under " Uchatar Avishkar Yojna"  for fostering outcome based high quality research in IITs. Under the scheme IITs can apply with research proposal up to 5 crore. But there is a caveat. 25 percent of the expense has to be borne by industry. According to government this has been done so that research remain relevant for industry. This proposal has been viewed with scepticism in academic circle. There main concern are 
A. Proposal to involve private sector will shift the focus from fundamental research to applied research. This shift will not allow the scope of fundamental research to expand. Government view is that all fundamental research has one goal that is finally turn into product and services that will help people.

B. Issue of intellectual property right may arise . Who will own the research ?

Internatiol

1. China angry at U.S warship patrol in South China Sea

A U.S warship has been found patrolling near two artificial reef islands in South China Sea.
Few Fact : China claims full sovereignty over Zubi reef which are a part of Spratly islands called Nanshu islands in China
China View: Since China has full sovereignty over these Islands U.S action has threatened Chinese sovereignty , security and harmed the regional peace and stability. It asked the U.S.A to immediately correct its wrong doing. 
U.S.A View: Washington does not has to consult with anyone while exercising freedom of navigation in international water. It believes china's claim as questionable.

Environment

1.Massive forest to be diverted for Amaravati

A massive forest spread around 20sq km of area is under threat as Centre is planning to give go ahead for clearing it   for Amaravati land pool. This has worried  the environmentalist who believes that good political equation is being used to destroys the forest at the time when worldwide trend is to protect whatever is left. No natural forest can be replicated by any kind of compensatory afforestation.

Political

1. Allow CM pictures on government advertisements

Centre has urged Supreme Court to review its earlier judgement limiting the use of picture to President and PM photos  on publication advertising the welfare schemes. Supreme Court in May 13,2015 issued such ban on the ground that photographs of politicians and other government functionaries defeat the public interest behind advertising public welfare schemes and encourage "personalty cult".
Centre's view is that this verdict is contrary to federal structure of governance. It gives Prime Minister and his party mileage over other parties. Such advertisements has potential to favour ruling party and put opposition in bad light.

Railway

1.First railway station for visually challenged 

Mysuru railway station will put navigation maps in various parts of railway station in Braille. Tactile layout maps of station premises will have distances in paces to utilities like toilet , canteen etc. Platform number in Braille will be written on railings of staircase. Menu cards in canteen will also be violable in Braille. These changes will help in seamless integration with Braille embedded signage in coaches. All coaches manufactured after  2013 comes with Braille embedded metal signage on berth , toilets , wash room.

Current Affair October 27

National Security

1. Chhota Rajan was arrested from Bali

Chhota Rajan underworld don who gained widespread sympathy from Indian public when he severed his ties with Dawood Ibrahim after Dawood's involvement in 1993 bomb blast in Mumbai.  He is the India's one of the most wanted fugitive and a major figure in Mumbai's underworld. Process to expedite his deportation has began.

Economic

1.Know Major recommendations in Atal Innovation Mission Report

FM minster Arun Jaitley allocated Rs.150 crore in the budget for Atal Innovation Fund(AIF) with an aim to build entrepreneur friendly system which will  drive growth and create jobs. Following that a committee was formed to suggest measures to be taken to achieve the goal.
Its recommendations are given below. Read carefully

A. Private sector should be incentivised to fund research in universities and start-ups by providing them improved tax benefits. For example a certain percentage of corporate profit can be diverted toward venture capital funds which will invest in start-ups or it can be used to fund industry-university collaborative research.

B. Government must step up its investment in start-ups. Report cited the example of Google and Apple. Google origin can be traced back to the research projects backed by U.S government and Apple success can be credited to investment assistance programme for small businesses extended by governments

 C. All defence contracts above $5 billion should have a clause for diverting 5 percent of contract's value to establish research universities with particular focus on core product and general focus in other areas.

D. 500 tinkering labs should be set-up under "Make in University programme" where new products experiments to solve locals problem can be done. A part of fund from Self Employment and Talent Utilization (SETU) scheme can be used for this purpose.

E. Concept of "Grand Prizes " in line with U.S  xPrize under which millions of dollars are given to those who provide solutions to major technical problems should be introduced . Around 12 "Grand Prices " worth Rs.10-20 crore can be give for disruptive and innovative ideas.

F. A 'Fund of Fund ' (FOF) worth 5000 crore should be created to seed early stage venture funds.

Moreover AIM will have four groups

1. Ideas and Network : institutionalise collaboration between all stake holders including universities , private sector and civil society.
2. Angel Fund: It will be Fund of Fund which will ensure that venture capital and angel funding  reaches innovative ideas.
3. Governance Innovation : will specifically focus on innovation which support daily governance challenges
4.Mission Group : It is a kind of coordination group for all three groups. It responsible to coordinate all levels of governance to bring target based outcome.

International

1. Why Russian submarines near undersea cables worrying America

 Protection of undersea cables which carry 95 percent of daily communication and $10 trillion a day in global business are more important then ever before.

Russian submarine and spy ships are aggressively operating near these vital under sea cables. This has raised American concerns because Russia in time of conflict can halt the instant communication on which U.S government and its entire economy depends by severing these optic fibre cable at hard -to-access locations .

2. Jimmy Morales a Comedian became President

Jimmay Morales who quit his comedy show last year become the President of Guatemala. His election to high post is seen as public outrage over corruption scandal of last government that has consumed one of the Central America's poorest country. There was deep yearning for change. Guatemala is a poor country with 54 percent of population living below poverty line. It is still recovering from a 36 year old civil war that ended in 1996.

Railway

1. Japan-China conducted studies for bullet train in India

Agencies from China and Japan has completed the studies on the scope of operation  of bullet train between Mumbai-Ahmedadbad and Chennai -New Delhi. Presently fastest train in India is between New Delhi and Agra which travel at the speed of 150km per hour.

Women

1. More women in combat role 

Following the suit of air force which allowed for first time commission of women into fighter stream army and navy are also considering appointing women in combat roles. This will disturb the status qua in male dominated military. The aim is to give almost equal status to women as fas there is no logistical , infrastructure and training issues.
Delhi High Court in a landmark judgement granted permanent commission(PC) for women while pulling up Defence Ministry for "sexist bias" and blocking women's progress.

Earthquake

1.Things to know about Hindukush earthquake

An earthquake on October 26 at Hindukush mountain range impacted various part of north India. Few facts to note

A. The felt area of earthquake was quite large because  of presence of soft sediments across Indo-Gangetic plan. When earthquake waves pass through soft segments they get trapped and amplified.

B. Ground shaking intensity of earthquake released energy equivalent to 50 Hiroshima atomic bombs.

Science

1.Processed meat can cause cancer

The World Health Organisation(WHO) announced that processed meat , red meat  such as bacon, sausages and ham can cause cancer. It is an very important news for meat industry as it can affect their revenue drastically.

2. Robot that  can both fly and swim

Harvard scientists designed insect-like robot smaller then a paper-clip which can both fly and swim. The biggest challenge during design was the conflicting design requirements. While aerial vehicles require large air foils like wings to generate lift, the underwater vehicles require  to maintain minimum surface area to reduce drag.
The team took the clue from puffins which employs flapping motion to propel themselves through air as well as water.

  

Current Affair October 26

Women

1.Madras High court suggest Castration as Punishment

 Madras high court has suggesting castration as an additional form of punishment for child rape. 

Below are the reasons given by the court

A. Since law and order enforcement  is ineffective and is unable to stop the rising instances of rape , courts cannot remain  a silent spectator. It must do something to reduce this menace

B. Barbaric crime must attract Barbaric punishment. Though castration looks barbaric but crime commuted is also barbaric. It will work like magic and very thought of punishment will deter culprit from commuting crime.

C. Aware of the criticism that such suggestion may raise Court said to those who oppose such punishment under the banner of " Human Right Violation " that they  must first sympathise with victims of such crime. And remember that human rights term is not reserved only for offenders.

Counter View : Castration is not the effective way of addressing the sexual abuses. Data shows there is no reduction in rape cases in countries which do provide for surgical or chemical casyration as punishment for rape.

2. Increase in reservation for women in government Jobs

Karnataka government has raised  the reservation for women from 30 percent to 33 percent. This will increase women representation in plum post.

International

1. Third Indian African Submit is happening in India from October 26-29.

Implication

A. Will strengthen Indian-African ties. For the first time all 54 countries of Africa  are participating.

B.  Great opportunity for India to pitch for its demand for permanent membership in UNSC . Neither country from Africa which is the largest continent nor India which constitute one-sixth population of world has permanent seat in security council. 

2. Iraq War

Tony Blair , Britain Pm during attack on Iraq has admitted that attack on Iraq was based on wrong intelligence as there were no weapons of mass destruction  found in Iraq after attack.

Science

1. NIHMANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurons Science) is planning to do  research on Buddhist Mediation technique which help in reducing stress hormone cortisol. 

Education

1. Non-NET fellowship

 Non-NET fellowship which is provided to students doing research in Central universities will continue. There were rumors that it may be discontinued. In addition plans to add more states and fund transfer through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer ) are under consideration.

Politicas

1. Threat Call to Karnataka Minister

Karnataka Minster of State for Youth empowerment has got a threat call reportedly from Ravi Poojary, an underworld don.

What's interesting in it ?

The threat call is made as voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) call which is very difficult to trace. This shows internet services are largely out of hand of state administration.

Others

1. Rainfall this year is 14% lower then long-term average.  Threat Call to Karnataka Minister
2. Apex Court Judge has suggested that experts be inducted into Cabinet for organised and fast paced growth of country.

PM Modi Mann Ki Baat highlight

A. Emphasized on unity in diversity and also diversity to be seen as a gift. Statement is important in background of rising incidence of intolerance  in the country.

B. He also announced that there will be no interview for Group B, C and D central government appointments in non-gazed  jobs from January 1, 2015.

C. Gold Monetization scheme will be launched before Diwali . The scheme will allow  people to get interest on their gold deposit just like they do on cash their deposit.

Current Affair October 25 , 2015

Human Rights

News : Karnataka first to propose separate welfare commission for transgender.

Issue: This step will ensure dignified position for transgender who are treated as "exiting invisible" in the society. From very young age they are ostracized by their families due to fear of social stigma. Most of them are illiterate, school drop-outs and very few has completed graduation. Due to lack of higher education and social stigma they are treated as social burden and forced into begging and bribery. Creation of constitutional body to uphold their rights will improve the condition of the community.

Science

1. A prototype for generating alert in event of wild elephant strays into human habitation has been invented under project "Fauna Espy" .Prototype uses RF camera and motion detector sensor which are mounted  on cable pole on boundary of reserve areas. Whenever an elephant crosses the reserve area alarm is set off. This will go in long way to minimize the loss life and crop that happen due to animals straying in human habitation. It is better option then electric fencing of farms that is dangerous for both animal and humans

Environment

News: India's first bird festival is being organized at Chambal Wildlife sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. U.P has 500 bird species which is almost half of countries total. 

Issue: It is a welcome step as it will sensitize  the people about rich biodiversity in state and also popularize the bird watching tourism , a growing sector worldwide.

History

Hampi festival is an annual cultural event where people have glimpse of ancient monuments under Word Heritage Sites in Vijaya Nagar in Karnataka  from the sky. It is in news because of introduction of “ paragliding service” which provide an opportunity to get 3-dimensional view of ancient monument.

Economy

A.      All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) has announced bank strikes on December 2 to press their demand for
1. Delinking of associate banks from SBI
2. Extending compassionate appointments according to government guidelines.

    B. Centre is asking tough question to Andhra Pradesh government on accounts furnished by it. Centre is reluctant to believe that such a huge revenue deficit run by state is due to bifurcation only. It has also asked for comparative statements in revenue and expenditure of both Andhra Pradesh and Telegana. It wants to ensure that state is not fettering away the limited resources it has before finalizing   the financial package under A.P Bifurcation Act 2013.

C.    News: RBI has issued guidelines to banks regarding gold monetization scheme which will allow banks to fix their own interest rate on gold deposit . Guidelines also mention that stocks of gold deposit will count toward general SLR request which means banks will have additional capital to invest in other productive sectors.

  

   CRR: portion of total deposit which has to be kept with RBI in cash

  SLR: portions of the total deposit compulsorily parked in government securities.

Issue : Gold monetization schemes are attempt to mobilize  a part of 20,000 tones of idle gold  with households and institutions. So that it can be used in more productive areas.  

Women Empowerment

A.     By June 2017 first batch of women fighter pilots will be inducted into Air force combat stream. It will be first formal entry of women into combat role for  any arm of military. This announcement was made by IAC chief on Air force Day on October 8 .

International

A.    News: Vice President Ahmed Adheef of Maldives was arrested on charge of high treason for his involvement into the  blast which hit Presidential boat on September 28,2015.

Issue: Maldives may be moving toward 'political emergency “.  Not good news for India as Maldives is very important ally.

  

B.   News : PM  Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan is facing contemplation charges for violating country's   Supreme Court order which require speech to be delivered in Urdu at U.N General assembly.

Issue : Let's see how story developed. Can be argued that democracy is progressing in Pakistan. But let's wait and watch.

Word Power made easy. Chapter 3

Chapter three in "Word Power Made  Easy”  deals with various personality types. It’s title is " How to talk about personality types. "  Get ready to know your personality.

Let's look at its summary.

Session 1

Below are 10 ideas to learn

1. Egoist : anyone who thinks of  himself before anything. Whatever he does he looks for his benefit first.

2. Egotist :  

           This person belief in showing . He shows how expert he is, how much knowledge he has , how good he is . In  short he just talks about his own capabilities

3. Altruist : anyone who things about others only. Others welfare is his prime concern.

4. Introvert : unsocial, shy quiet. You just do not like to talk to others. You are self reserved. And like to be away from social things like party

5. Extrovert : you are opposite of introvert . You like meeting people, making new friend, finding out what's happening next door.

6. Ambivert : You have both tendencies. Some time you are introvert and on other occasion extrovert. Most of people are like that.

7. Misanthrope : Anyone who hates people. Yes hate them. Always look evil in others. All humankind is bad for you

8. Misogynist: You hate all women's. Yes you just don't want to hear about them or be with them. You are women hater

9. Misogamist: You hate marriage. You like to have sex. But living with other in marriage? No never. You are marriage hater.

10. Ascetic: You have left the worldly pleasure in search of  more meaningful life . You use minimum required things needed  to live life. You are on path of spiritualism. And earthly pleasure does not  matter to you.

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Session 2 

Its next part of "How to talk about personality type " of Lewis word power made easy. In this we will learn the root of above words

1. Egoist

Root

a. Ego : I , one's concept of oneself

Egoist : I is greatest concern and most common word in egoist vocabulary.

2. Egocentric

Root 

a. Ego : I

b. Centre : you know the meaning of centre . Right?

Ego + centre = egocentric 

-- If you are egocentric you consider yourself the centre of universe. You are in a way extreme form of egoist

3. Egomaniac

Root

a.Ego : I

b. Mania : like something to the extend of becoming mad about it

Egomaniac

--

Adjective : ego maniacal

4. Altruism

Root

1. alter : other

Altruism is philosophy practice by altruist.

Adjective: altruistic

--Altruistic actions work toward welfare of

others

Others words with root 'alter'

1. Altercation : verbal dispute. Why dispute? Because you disagree with others ideas, opinions.

2. Alter ego = alter + ego

-- refer to someone who is just like you. He thinks like you, his eating habits are similar to you. So you call him your alter ego. (Or other version of yourself).

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Session 3

Chapter 3 "How to talk about personality type”. More roots covered.

   1.     Extrovert 

Root

1. Verto : to turn

2. Extro : outward

Extro +Verto = Extrovert

-- your thoughts constantly turn outward.

  2.     Introvert

Root 

1. Intro : inward

Intro +  Verto = Introvert

-- Your thought constantly turn inward.

  3.     Ambivert 

Root

1. Ambi : both

Ambi + Verto = Ambivert

-- your thought turns in both outward and inward direction. You are like most people.

  4.     Ambidextrous

Root

1. Ambi : both

2. Dexter : right hand. Anyone who is skilful

Ambi +Dexter = Ambidextrous

--Able to use both hand skill fully as if his both hand act as right hand.

Noun: ambidexterity

A. Opposite of dexter is sinister

Sinister means left hand and is historically considered evil or dangerous

B. Gauche: is French world for left hand

-- gauche person is without any skills.

Noun: gaucherie

C. Adroit : skilful

Root

1. Droit : French word for right hand which is considered more skillful then left hand.

--adroit person can handle situation cleverly and is quick-witted

Noun: adroitness

   5.     Misanthrope

Root

1. Misein : to hate

2. Anthropos : mankind

Misein +Anthropos = misanthrope 

-- refer to person who hate mankind.

Root anthropos is also used in anthropology which means study of mankind . It is also used in philanthropist who loves the mankind. And make substantial contribution to charitable causes.

   6.     Misogynist 

Root

1. Misein : to hate 

2. Gyne : women

Misein +Gyne = misogynist

-- a person that hates women may be due to bad past experience involving a women.

-- Gyne root is also used in gynaecologist who treats female disorders. It is also used in polygyny meaning having many (poly) wife's.

   7.     Misogamist 

Root 

1. Misein : to hate

2. Gamos : marriage

Misein + Gamos = Misogamist

-- one who hate marriage.

-- Similar words that uses gamos are

A. Monogamy : custom of only one(mono) marriage .

B. Bigamy : means doing two(bi) marriages . This is often illegal.

C. Polygamy : doing many marriages.

-- Polyandry : when a wife has more than one husband. Andros means male. So polyandry means  having many males as husband.

  8.     Ascetic

Root

1. Asketes : mink or hermit

--- So ascetic is anyone who lives life of a monk. Giving up all worldly pleasures.

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