Current Affairs for IAS Exams - 03 June 2020

::NATIONAL::

NCMC reviews preparations by states ahead of cyclone Nisagra

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired the second meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee, NCMC to review the preparedness of States and central government agencies to deal with cyclonic storm-Nisarga.
Reviewing the preparedness, Cabinet Secretary directed that all necessary measures must be taken to complete the evacuation process and ensure the return of all fishermen from the sea.
He said, special efforts are to be made to ensure that essential medical services to Covid 19 patients are not disrupted. Agencies are also directed to activate contingency plans for power, telecommunication, nuclear, chemical, aviation and shipping infrastructure.
States and Central government officers apprised about the preparatory measures taken to deal with the situation. Officers assured that adequate stocks of essential supplies are available and SMS messages have been sent to warn the residents likely to be affected by the cyclone.
They also informed that evacuation of people is underway. NDRF has deployed 40 teams and additional teams are also been airlifted. Rescue and relief teams of Army and Navy have been put on standby. The storm is likely to impact the coastal districts of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

NIC portals to be used by MP’s for parliamentary proceedings

Existing secure e-portals are likely to help MPs participate in live Parliament proceedings in the forthcoming monsoon session. Members have been using the facility, hosted on LokSabha and RajyaSabha websites, to give notices online and also by LokSabha ..............................................................................................................

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::ECONOMY::

DPIIT to boost Make in India initiative by revising public procurement order

Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, DPIIT has recently revised the public procurement order to encourage Make in India initiative with an aim to enhance income and employment generation in the country.
Minister of State for Shipping and Chemicals and Fertilizers, MansukhMandaviya today said that mandatory public procurement of chemicals and petrochemicals to boost manufacturing and production of goods and services will promote Make in India.
He said, this step will strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan launched by the Prime Minister NarendraModi.
Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals prescribed minimum 60 per cent for 2020-21, 70 per cent for 2021-23 and 80 per cent local content for 2023-25 respectively of local chemicals and petrochemical contents in public procurement.

New incentive scheme launched for electronics sector

Telecom and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday launched three incentive schemes with a total outlay of about ₹48,000 crore to boost large-scale manufacturing of electronics in the country.
The three schemes — Production Linked Incentive.................................................................................................................

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::INTERNATIONAL::

India vindicates Pakistan for terrorist activities citing UNSC report

India has said recent UN Security Council report vindicates India’s long standing position that Pakistan remains the epicentre of international terrorism.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson AnuragSrivastava said this in response to media queries regarding the report submitted by the UN Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning individuals and entities constituting a threat to the peace, stability and security of Afghanistan.
He said India notes with serious concern the reference in the Report to the continued presence of the senior leadership of the UN designated terrorist organisation Al Qaeda and its affiliates in Afghanistan.
India has also expressed concern at the large number of foreign terrorist fighters, including up to 6500 Pakistan nationals, operating in Afghanistan.
Besides, UN designated entities like Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-i-Mohammed, operating from Pakistan controlled territories are facilitating trafficking and imparting training to other terrorists in Afghanistan.
The spokesperson said that proscribed terrorist entities and individuals continue to enjoy safe havens and recruit, train, arm, finance and operate with impunity from Pakistan with state support. He said they inflict violence and spread terrorism in the region and other parts of the world.
Mr Srivastava said Pakistan has failed in fulfilling its international obligations to put an end to support to terrorism emanating from territories under its control. He said India will continue to contribute and support all efforts towards securing peace, security and stability in Afghanistan.

India-U.S discuss emerging realities in post COVID world

Prime Minister NarendraModi held a telephonic conversation with United States President Donald Trump. They discussed US Presidency of G-7, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other issues.
During a telephone conversation yesterday, President Trump expressed his desire to include India in the ambit of Group of Seven and invited Prime Minister NarendraModi to attend the next G-7 Summit to be held in USA.
According to an official statement, President Trump spoke about the US Presidency of the G-7, and conveyed his desire to expand the ambit of the grouping beyond the existing membership, to include other important countries including India.
Prime Minister Modi commended President Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post-COVID world. The Prime Minister has said that India would be happy to work with the US and other countries to ensure the success of the proposed Summit.
During the phone call, Prime Minister Modi expressed concern regarding the ongoing civil disturbances in the US, and conveyed his best wishes for an early resolution of the situation.
The two leaders also exchanged views on other topical issues, such as the COVID-19 situation in the two countries, the situation on the India-China border, and the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation.

::SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY::

DRDO develops disinfection unit named Ultra Swachh

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed a disinfection unit named Ultra Swachh to disinfect a wide range of materials, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), electronics items, fabrics and others.
Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, the Delhi-based laboratory of DRDO has developed this product with industry partner Gel Craft Health care Private Ltd. The system uses an advanced oxidative process comprising of multiple barrier disruption approach using Ozonated Space Technology for disinfection.
Ultra Swachh is double-layered, with specialized Ozone sealant technology assuring trapping of Ozone for the necessary disinfection cycle.
It also has catalytic converter to ensure environment friendly exhaust. The system is in compliance with International Standards of Industrial, Occupational, Personal and Environmental Safety.
Ultra Swachh comes in two variants namely Ozonated Space and Trinetra Technology. Trinetra technology is the combination of Ozonated space and radical dispenser. Treatment is optimized with automation for quick disinfection cycle.