Current Affairs for IAS Exams - 23 September 2020

::NATIONAL::

Loksabha passes bills aimed at improving condition of workers

The LokSabha on Tuesday cleared three labour Bills amalgamating laws on social security, occupational safety and industrial relations which would usher in changes including allowing companies with less than 300 workers to hire and fire without prior approval and provide gig and platform workers social security.
Union Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar while speaking about the bill in the lower house said that the labour Codes have been brought with a view to balance the interests, rights and obligations of employees and the employers in the country.
He stressed that these Labour codes will prove to be a Game-Changer milestone in ensuring the welfare of labours in the country.
Referring to several provisions made for the first time in 73 years, he informed that these include the right of letter appointment which will encourage formal employment.
He also said the definition of migrant labour has been expanded to also include those who move to other states for work without routing through the contractors.This will help them secure entitlement of and better targeting of welfare schemes in the country.
The minister added that recognising the importance of the Trade Unions, a tri-stage process of conciliation has been proposed at Enterprise level, State level, and the National level for speedier resolutions of labour issues.

Parliamentary panel finds massive backlogs in recruitment/promotion of SC/ST's

A massive backlog exists in the direct recruitment and promotion of SCs and STs in various posts at the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), a parliamentary panel has pointed out.
According to a report of the committee on the welfare of SCs and STs on the subject "Reservation for and employment of SC and ST in NDMC", representation of SC/ST employees, who attended the training, seminars, symposia, conferences in foreign countries during the last five years, is not adequate.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CURRENT AFFAIRS (Only for Course Members)

::ECONOMY::

TRAI recommends creation of MSB to monitor net neutrality

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Tuesday recommended the creation of a multi-stakeholder body (MSB) to ensure that Internet access providers adhere to the provisions of net neutrality.
The MSB, which could include telecom service providers, Internet service providers, content providers, researchers, academic and technical community, civil society organisations, and the government, should be set up as a non-profit entity.
“The role of the MSB shall be to provide advice and support to DoT in the monitoring and enforcement of net neutrality principles,” TRAI said.
The MSB may also be required to investigate complaints regarding the violation of net neutrality.
TRAI also suggested that the MSB help DoT in maintenance of a repository of reasonable traffic management practices.
The net neutrality principles adopted by DoT were technology neutral and would apply equally to 5G technology, the telecom regulator clarified.

Borrowing s by states governments increase by 45% this fiscal

Eleven States raised a total of ₹14,298 crore at the auction of State government securities or State development loans (SDLs) held on Tuesday.
This is ₹1,500 crore more than the notified amount of the auction as Maharashtra and Gujarat had accepted an additional ₹1,000 crore and ₹500 crore respectively, CARE Ratings said in a report based on RBI data.
From April 7 to September 22 in this financial year, 27 States and 2 Union Territories have cumulatively raised ₹3.26 lakh crore via market borrowings, which is a 45% increase from the borrowings in the corresponding period of 2019-20.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CURRENT AFFAIRS (Only for Course Members)

JOIN Full Online Course for UPSC PRE Exam

UPSC IAS Exam Complete Study Materials

::INTERNATIONAL::

EAM moots development of African region during global rebalancing

Outlining India's strong commitment in supporting Africa in its development journey, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today said that any broader global rebalancing is incomplete without the genuine re-emergence of the Africa.
In an address at a conclave on India-Africa partnership, Dr Jaishankar said, only after genuine emergence of Africa, world’s strategic diversity will come into full play.Hesaid, New Delhi welcomes the evolution and rise of the continent as a key factor in the contemporary world.
The Minister also talked about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and said its consequences will be far-reaching and will define the world order as de-colonisation did in 1950s and 1960s.
He said, the pandemic is the most debilitating global event of the past 80 years and we are at a point in history that is comparable to the aftermath of the Second World War.DrJaishankar said, the pandemic has infected more than 31 million people and killed nearly 9 lakh 60 thousand people around the world.
The External Affairs Minister said, the challenge to the global economy, to the reliability of supply chains and the achievement of the sustainable development goals should not be discounted.
On Africa's development journey, Dr Jaishankar said India is committed to supporting the countries in the continent as per their individual priorities and our shared ethics.
He said India's relationship with Africa is based on four key pillars -- development partnership, trade, people-to-people contact and cooperation in defence and security sector.

India explores ways to utilise Arab FTA’s

India has pitched for elevating India-Arab economic partnership commensurate with the strategic partnership between the two sides and exploring opportunities to utilise Arab World’s FTA with US and EU for Indian businesses.
High Technology cooperation, especially in defence and space has potential to be stepped up. “We have cooperation agreements in both sectors with most Arab countries. With the increased participation of private sector in these areas, the potential for cooperation is much higher. In defence sector, we can expand equipment and armament export. In space sector, there is potential for training, launch of satellites, sharing of satellite data etc,” a senior diplomat recommended.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CURRENT AFFAIRS (Only for Course Members)

::SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY::

DRDO conducts test flight of ABHYAS

The successful flight test of ABHYAS - High-speed Expendable Aerial Target was today conducted by Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO from the Interim Test Range, Balasore in Odisha.
During the trials, two demonstrator vehicles were successfully test flown. The vehicle can be used as target for evaluation of various missile systems.Abhyas is designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment of DRDO.
The air vehicle is launched using twin underslung booster. It is powered by a small gas turbine engine and has MEMS based Inertial Navigation System for navigation along with the Flight Control Computer for guidance and control.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CURRENT AFFAIRS (Only for Course Members)

::SPORTS::

Rajasthan Royals wins over CSK on Sanju’s knock

Rajasthan Royals, riding on brilliant knocks from Sanju Samson and skipper Steve Smith, began its IPL campaign with a 16-run win over Chennai Super Kings at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing 217 for victory, Super Kings started well, scoring 53 in the PowerPlay overs. Shane Watson looked good during his knock of 33 before Rahul Tewatiacastled him. ShreyasGopal accounted for M. Vijay in the next over.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CURRENT AFFAIRS (Only for Course Members)