Impact Writing

Today’s Current Affairs February 7

February 7, 2020

Front page

Opposition leading nation towards anarchy, warns PM
Reacting with anger and anguish, the Prime Minister said opposition to CAA being led by opposition could result in the country plunging into anarchy. The CAA is a law passed by the parliament, and disobeying it amounts to disregard for constitutional processes, said Mr. Modi. He blamed Nehru for engineering the partition of the country. Such an aspersion created drew sharp rebuttal from the opposition.
Good words used .. Anarchy, Anguish, Aspersion, Rebuttal

Lending rates could fall despite RBI keeping Repo rate unchanged at 5.5%
The Monetary Policy Committee met to discuss the situation arising out of the status quo maintained by the RBI with respect to the Repo rate. The RBI governor noted that the banks didn’t pass on the benefit of earlier Repo rate cuts to the borrower. They, therefore, had enough elbow room now to make further rate cuts in their lending to their borrowers.

President Trump is acquitted by Senate
President Trump heaved a huge sigh of relief when the Senate decided to drop the impeachment proceedings against him. However, the extraordinary lengths to which some of the Republicans went to ring fence their President was perceived to be immoral by many Americans. The acquittal paves Trump’s way to try for a second stint in the White House.
Good words and phrases used .. Heave a sigh of relief, Ring fence as verb, Pave the way

The 10 defector MLAs exact their price: get ministerial berths
The induction of the defectors has gone off rather peacefully for the Chief Minister, who was fearing a revolt from other contenders.

HC asks IISc to audit Bengaluru’s road repair work
The High Court, exasperated with the way the city’s roads remain in a state of disrepair round the year, has asked the IISc to carry out quality audit of the roads, and point out lapses in quality of work, if any. It has also asked IISc to suggest adoption of better technologies for maintaining the roads.

Uber driver waylays anti-CAA poet activist to police station
In a bizarre incident, a Uber passenger returning from an anti-CAA protest, was led in to a police trap, rather than being dropped home. The driver overheard the phone conversation of the passenger and handed him to police. Fortunately, he was let off after some questioning by the police. Uber is questioning the driver for his un-professional conduct.
Good words used .. Waylay, Exasperated

National

Air India crew brave the risks to fly in and out of Wuhan
The Boeing-747 used for VVIP flight brought back the 423 passengers from Wuhan in a daring rescue mission. The pilots and the crew had earlier been briefed about the nCoV infection, and its symptoms. They were provided with protective suits, masks and footwear. When they landed, they saw a still and silent airport bereft of a trace of its usual hustle and bustle. The streets looked desolate. The Air India crew accomplished their mission with aplomb. Happily for India, all 640 evacuees have tested negative on arrival.
Good words and phrases used … Hustle and bustle, Desolate, With aplomb

Lucknow defense exhibition attracts defense ministers from African countries
Rajnath Singh, the Indian defense minister, interacted with his African counterparts, and they reached a decision to cooperate in anti-terror measures.

India and Russia to join hands for helicopter production
The Indo-Russian Helicopter Ltd (IRHL), a joint-sector project will progressively move towards production of spares for the Ka-226T helicopters in India.

Andhra botches rumors about KIA car plant moving to TN
The Andhra government has aggressively denied any proposal of the newly-constructed KIA car plant to move out of the state to a location in Tamil Nadu.

Government hostels for backward classes in Bidar and Koppal in dismal state
The hostels have no toilets and bathrooms forcing the inmates, both boys and girls, to go out to ease themselves. The primitive state of these government facilities drew sharp deprecation from the High Court.
Good words used .. Deprecate, Dismal, Primitive

Bitter poll campaign in Delhi ends
The campaigning in Delhi drew to an end to day after weeks of bitter mud-slinging, rancor, and unsavory verbal attacks. Even, there were cases of fire arms being used by misguided youths to make their political point.
Good words used .. Mud-slinging, Rancor, Unsavoury

India mulls establishing air corridors with Central Asian countries
The Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Jaishankar has mooted the idea of establishing air corridors with the five Central Asia countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Such air links will cut the time of transporting goods to those countries drastically, and promote trade.
Good words used .. Mull, Moot

Union Law Minister frowns upon SC directive to Speakers
The Supreme Court of India had recently instructed the Speakers of Assemblies and Parliament to decide on disqualification of defectors within a time limit of three months. Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Union Law Minister felt it was an infringement of Speakers’ powers, expressed his disagreement with it. On the other hand, nearly all opposition parties showed their solidarity with the Apex Court’s decision.

Good words used … Frown upon, Infringement, Solidarity

Omar and Mehbooba booked under Public Safety Act
The two leaders have been confined for more than six months now. The authorities have booked them under the PSA, and extended their detention by three more months.

International

Trump triumphant after acquittal
A jubilant Trump shredded the Democrats for their failed attempt to impeach him, and ridiculed the media for demonizing him. He claimed, no one could stop him from returning to the Presidency for the second term.
Good words used .. Triumphant, Jubilant, Shred, Demonize

Shortage of masks, beds, and medical supplies impede China’s war on nCoV
China, the world’s manufacturing powerhouse, has run short of masks and beds as the number of affected patents soars alarmingly. China is looking all over the world to source these.
Trump’s Palestine peace plan triggers intense anger among Arabs
In a recent incident, an Arab motorist ploughed into a group of Israeli soldiers injuring 12 of them. The Israelis are on tenterhooks now, as danger seems to stalk them at every step.
Good words used .. On the tenterhooks, Plough in, Stalk

Finance

ArcelorMittal reports $1.9 billion loss
ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaker reported a loss of 1.9 billion USD for the quarter ending December,’19. This was due to lower steel sales globally. However, Essar Steel that it acquired recently is doing well.

Volkswagen(VW) to focus more on India, and source its spares locally
Volkswagen, the German auto maker) has decided to reduce exports from its Pune plant, so that it can gain higher market share in the Indian market. VW will source more spare parts locally, so that long term maintenance costs of its cars come down.

Sovereign guarantee to policy holder to continue even after part of LIC is sold
Allaying the apprehensions of policy holders of LIC, THE Finance Minister has said that policy holders will continue to have the sovereign guarantee even after private players buy part of the Corporation.
——————————————-.—————————
Comprehension questions and their answers..

1. Why did the Peagasus Airlines flight break up?
Answer ..When the plane was landing in Istanbul air port, the atmospheric conditions were turbulent. Strong winds and heavy rains made landing a difficult job.
2. What was the casualty?
Answers .. Out of the 177 passengers and six crew members aboard the ill-fated carrier, just one person died, while 157 others had to be rushed to hospitals with injuries in their bodies. On the whole, the casualty was much less severe than what happens in such cases.
3. What do the television footages show about the ill-fated plane’s final moments?
Answer .. Television footages show the plane breaking up into three parts and the nose getting severed from the fuselage and flipping to one side. There were signs of fire coming out from the back of the plane.
4. How did Pegasus Airlines describe the accident?
Pegasus described the accident as ‘a runway excursion’ of the plane.

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Learn the use of the words you came across today.

Fill in the blanks by selecting the right word from the three choices given in the bracket.
1. When an oppressive dictator is dethroned by a popular revolution, the aftermath may not be always pleasant. Chaos descends on the streets, vigilante groups attack people, bandits loot shops. The police becomes ineffective. Courts don’t function. Such situation is described as ————- [a. Disturbing, b. Anarchy, c. Worrisome]
2. When Lord Rama left for the jungles accompanied by Laxaman and Sita, the situation in the palace was utterly gloomy with loud wails, and frantic requests to Rama from everyone around to stay back. King Dasharath sat in one corner filled with ———————— [a. Restive, b. Turbulence, c. Anguish]
3. The Late Dr. Abdul Kalam was so honest and simple that no one could cast ————- his character. [a. Aspersion, b. Doubts, c. Criticism]
4. The western countries continue to express their displeasure at the way India has dealt with the situation in Kashmir. They allege India has committed gross human rights abuses there. India has forcefully ————– the charges. [a. Recant, b. Rebut, c. Renege]
5. When a 10-year-old was retrieved alive from under the debris after nearly 26 hours of work by volunteers, the onlookers standing around ——————-. [a. Clapped in delight c. started praying God c. Heaved a sigh of relief]

Answers …
1. b, 2. c, 3. a, 4. b, 5, c

Today’s Current Affairs February 5

February 5, 2020

First page

No decision on NRC yet, & no need to produce papers for NPR: MoS(Home)
The government informed the parliament that no decision is on the anvil yet relating to NRC. Additionally, the Minister of State for Home stated that no papers will be sought from respondents during the National Population Register (NPR) compilation process. Nityanand Rai, the Minister (Home) tried to lay at rest the pervasive anxiety among the poor and the minorities about the dangers associated with identification papers that could either be missing or defective.
Good words and phrases yet .. On the anvil, To lay at rest, Pervasive

SC asks why the TN speaker hasn’t yet taken any decision on MLA’s disqualification yet
In February 2017, some members of the ruling AIDMK had voted against the government. Clearly, they should have been disqualified under the strict anti-defection law, but the Speaker has dragged his feet over the matter, and the errant MLAs continue to be members of the Assembly. The Apex Court has asked the Speaker to inform it when he intends to act in the matter. The Speaker’s obduracy violates the spirit of the anti-defection law, and the SC has taken a dim view of the matter.
Good words and phrases used .. Obdurate, Take a dim view, Drag one’s feet

Two suspected persons in nCoV quarantine in Kozhikode flee to Saudi
The incident has caused needless anxiety for the medical authorities of Kerala who are trying to locate the duo and bring them back.

Flower vendor baffled to see Rs.30 crore in his bank account
The bonanza brought little cheer to the humble flower vendor as the windfall carried a feeling of immorality with it. The bank and the police are now trying to locate the source of the huge amount of money.
Good words used .. Baffled, Bonanza, Windfall,

Private philanthropic institutions will receive government’s subsidized wheat and rice
Heeding the plea of Mr. Khader, the Karnataka cabinet decided to resume the supply of the subsidized grains to institutions like temples, mutts etc. who serve meals to students, and deprived people.

An old Kishore Kumar film believed lost surfaces and the fans go crazy
Someone has stumbled upon an old Kishore Kumar film that has song recordings of the legendary composers Shanker-Jailishan. The rare find has made Kishore Kumar’s many admirers euphoric.
Good words used .. Philanthropy, Euphoric, Stumble upon, Find as noun

National

NGT botches plans for high rises around Kaikondrahalli Lake
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has cancelled the permission obtained by the builders to construct high-rise flats on the banks of the Lake. The NGT cited breach of environmental and municipal laws, while deciding to quash the earlier Environmental Clearance (EC).
Good words used .. Botch, Breach, Quash

Center refuses to interfere in Telengana government’s decision to build capitals
Citing the principle that building a capital comes under the purview of states’ powers, the center refused to intervene in the Telengana government’s controversial order to build three capitals in the state. The matter has kicked a lot of dust in the state’s politics with parties displaying extraordinary belligerence in the matter.
Good words and phrases used .. Kick a lot of dust, Belligerence

Nirbhaya case: Delhi High Court to take the final call today
The hanging of the four accused has been caught in procedural tangle delaying the execution considerably. The High Court will decide on the matter today.

Anant Hegde’s intemperate outbursts against Gandhi provokes MPs
Lok Sabha witnessed outpouring of great resentment and anguish at the way Anant Hegde of the BJP belittled Gandhiji’s contribution to India’s winning freedom. Members chided Hegde for his callous remarks.
Good words used .. Intemperate, Outburst, Provoke, Belittle, Chide

Rajya Sabha rumbles on amid unceasing opposition uproar
Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha were unrelenting in their condemnation of Anurag Thakur for his incendiary election speeches. They also angrily demanded a discussion over the CAA. When the Chairman disallowed both, the House was filled with unruly scenes. The proceedings continued despite the din.
Good words and phrases used .. Unceasing, Unrelenting, Din, Rumble on

J&K leaders languish in jail for the sixth month in a row
J&K’s three erstwhile chief ministers continue to be held captive even after six months. As things stand now, Farooq, Omar and Mehbooba will not be let free anytime soon.

LIC staff agitate against part-privatization of the Corporation
Thousands of staff of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) staged demonstrations against the imminent sale of part ownership of the body. They feel such a move will undermine the trust of the policy holders in LIC. They think the sale amounts to selling the family silver.
Good words and idiom used .. Undermine, Selling the family silver

International

Computer glitch results in an anti climax for the Iowa caucus
A computer error threw the Iowa primary election to disarray as organizers scrambled to fix the error and declare the result. The declaration of the verified results will be delayed at least by a day.

Iran will hang the man who spied for the U.S.
A person accused to have spied for the CIA has been awarded death sentence by a local court. Iran routinely hands out such harsh punishments to people caught spying for a foreign power.

Gotabaya vows to treat all Sri Lankans equally irrespective of their ethnicity or political leanings
In a press conference, the newly sworn in President of Sri Lanka has dispelled the fear of the non-Sinhalese citizens by declaring that he would treat all citizens even-handedly.

Sleepless nights for Boris Johnson as EU refuses to give any concession on trade
Boris Johnson stares at difficult times ahead as he is determined I clinch a trade deal with the EU with liberal terms. EU, however, has poured cold water on Johnson’s hopes by reiterating that Britain must align its trade and Economic laws with that of the EU.
Good words and phrases used .. Clinch, Pour cold water on, Disarray

Finance

Crude prices fall leading to smart recovery in share prices
As war clouds recede over the West Asian skies, crude prices have begun to fall. Taking cue from such a positive development, stock prices have rebounded worldwide.

NCoV epidemic impacts diamond trade as overseas buyers down their shutters
Diamond exports to Hong Kong have been disrupted as the markets there have closed down. The market sentiments are dull, and India will miss its Q4 export targets.

Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, bans two-wheelers
This development has dampened the export prospects of Bajaj and TVS Motors. As a result their share prices fell today.

Paytm may need another two years to turn round
Paytm, the payment portal of completely Indian origin may need another two years to show profit.
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Learning to use the words and phrases ….

Fill in the gaps in the sentences selecting the right word/ phrase from the three options given in the bracket.

1. In the tribal areas under Maoist influence, mistrust of senior government officials is so ———–. [a. Penchant, b. Muted, c. Pervasive]
2. Building a Olympic-size swimming pool in the Sports stadium has been ————— for about two years, but funds constraint has held up the project. [a. Beleaguered, b. On the anvil, c. On the threshold]
3. The announcement in the press that the rapist has been taken to custody by the police ——– all rumours that a certain minister was harbouring the person. [a. Laid to rest, b. Nullified, c. Neutralized]
4. The politician failed to persuade the farmers to call off their agitation despite many assurances for loan waiver, and other such reliefs. The farmers had become —————, because the government had not kept its promise on many earlier occasions. [a. Vindictive, b. Obdurate, c. Mystified]
5. Parliamentarians in the European Union have —————————– of India’s stand on CAA, NPR, and NRC. Hundreds of MEPs recently tabled resolutions condemning Indian government’s actions. [a. Effusive, b. Taken a dim view, c. Been defensive]
6. I asked my father to buy me a new cycle. When I found that he was ——————– over the matter, I approached my maternal uncle. He readily obliged. [a. Demurring, b. Dragging his feet, c. Dismissive ]
7. When Sita was in captivity in Sri Lanka, she was ————- to see a monkey perched on the branch of a tree singing the praise of Lord Rama. [a. Muffled, b. Baffled, c. Numbed]
8. The discovery of huge shale gas deposits in the U.S. was an unexpected —————– that meant freedom from dependency on Arab oil. [a. Invention, b. Find, c. Bonanza]
Answers.. 1. c, 2. b, 3. a, 4. b, 5. b, 6. b, 7. b, 8. c,

Today’s Current Affairs February 4

February 4, 2020

First page

SC to frame issues for 9-judge bench on religious issues
While the CJI announced that the issues to be put before the 9-judge Bench will be decided, the decision attracted stiff opposition from some senior members of the Bar, who contended that such reference to a large bench y the earlier 6-bench court was illegal. Renowned advocates like Fali Nariman and Shyam Dhavan objected to such reference by citing a number of earlier judgments. The CJI conceded that there was ample merit in the learned Counsels’ argument, and the Court would take cognizance of their objections.

Kerala declares State Emergency in the wake of nCoV outbreak
Kearala registered its third death due to nCoV, and there are some 84 patients with suspected symptoms under observation. An Apex Committee under the Chief Secretary has been formed to ensure that all administrative and medical measures are undertaken.

Anant Hegde, the irrepressible BJP MP embarrasses his party by his loose tongue
Anant Hegde had said that Gandhiji was a stooge in the hands of the British, and did nothing to get freedom for India. He was just an actor in the drama staged by the British.
After he berated the Father of the Nation like this, a barrage of angry comments from the public appeared in the social media. Now, BJP has officially asked Anant Hegde to apologize for his indiscrete remarks.
Good words used .. Indiscrete, Berate, Barrage, Stooge, Irrepressible

Nirmal Sitharaman defends her budget
She said curtailing expenditure was a prudent decision, and reckless spending would have done the country more harm than good. Splurging would lead to run-away inflation.

National

Missing women and children cases: Maharashtra and M.P top the list
It is so disturbing to find that most number of missing women and children have been reported from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. It points to wide prevalence of social distress in these states.

Chinmayanand gets bail

The saffron-clad sex offender Chinmayanand managed to get bail from the Allahabad high court.
SC pulls up states for inaction States for ignoring deaths caused by incomplete borewells
The Court wants the Sates to furnish a record of the steps they have taken to stop toddlers falling into half-finished wells.

Gas leak in Godavari basin oil exploration work results in two women being taken ill
Gas accidentally leaked from two abandoned oil wells that had remained inactive for years in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Two women employees of PFH Oil & Gas company were taken ill due to the gas leak. Now engineers are working to plug the leaks.

Deities’ love for jaggery comes as a blessing to sugarcane farmers and traders
The biennial Sammaka Sarakka Jatara from February 5 to 8 in Medaram has come as a boon for sugarcane farmers, and those engaged in the production and marketing of jiggery. Many such Jataras are held in many locations in the Karimnagar district. It is believed that the tribal deities relish jiggery more than any other offering.

Telengana will see massive transfer of officials
It appears the Telengana government is now focusing on good governance to erase the picture of corruption and lethargy of the government machinery. To bring this about, officers of proven caliber are being brought to man key positions.

NIMHANS will help ITBP to lessen stress among its personnel
It is common knowledge that ITBP personnel often work in extremely harsh climatic conditions. Even when deployed for law and order duties, they face hostile crowds. Such continuing brush with harm and hazards stresses their mind and body accentuating their hardship. Their behavior pattern changes for the worse over a period of time. To alleviate their suffering, NIMHANS has stepped with its specialized knowledge and wherewithal to enable the harried soldiers to lessen their stress and unwind effectively.
Good words used … Accentuate, Alleviate, Wherewithal, Harried, Unwind, Biennial,

Learn the difference between Biennial and Biannual. Biennial means every alternate year. Biannual means twice in a year.

If tap water meets BIS norms, RO systems will be banned
As a matter of policy, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has decided that in areas where drinking water of purity level set by the Bureau of Indian Standars (BIS) is available, use of the Reverse Osmosis (RO) model of water purifiers will be proscribed. The RO water purifiers consume a lot of water and do not fully rid the water of harmful contents. The manufacturers do not explain these pitfalls of their products in their brochures.
Good words used .. Pitfall, Proscribe

Government shows no remorse as it asks the foul-mouthed Parvesh Verma to move the Motion of Thanks for the President
The treasury benches added insult to injury when they asked Parvesh Verma to move the Motion of Thanks for the President. Verma was punished by the Election Commission for the vitriol-filled election speech targeting the Shaheen Bagh protestors. His tirade of abuse was in very bad taste that forced the EC to bar Verma from electioneering for a few days. By choosing him to move the Motion, the government side seemed to endorse his venomous speech making. Quite predictably, the opposition took it as an insult to them. They blistered the government side for their insensitivity in the matter.

Good words and phrases used .. Remorse, Foul-mouthed, Add insult to injury, Vitriol, Tirade, Endorse, Venomous, Blister as verb

Anurag Thakur draws sharp rebuke from the opposition for his incitement to violence during electioneering

Anurag Thakur, the Minister of State for Finance, was in the cross hairs of the opposition for his strident election speech that was a clear call for violence. The opposition speakers castigated Thakur for his reckless speeches.
God words and phrases used .. Castigate, To be on the cross hairs of, Incitement

Rajya Sabha witnesses angry scenes as the Cairman disallows motions against the CAA, and NPR
The opposition members had sought a discussion on the CAA and NPR that has caused widespread protests around the country. The Chairman disallowed the discussion. The opposition members sprang to their feet to air their displeasure at such a decision.

International

India cements its ties with Madagascar
Indian Navy’s INS Airavat delivered flood relief to flood affected Madagascar. Soon after this, the Defense Minister of the island nation paid a visit to Delhi and Lucknow to hold parley’s with his counterpart in Delhi.

Democrats begin their process of choosing their presidential candidate
Democrat hopefuls numbering more than twenty will meet in Iowa to hold primaries there. Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden appeared to be in the lead.

China concedes it faltered in its response to nCoV epidemic
China says it needs protective suits and masks as it gears up its nCoV response. It said that the U.S. attitude to the crisis has been unhelpful, and needlessly alarmist. Over all, despite their humongous efforts, the virus has refused to be controlled. The Chinese introspect and feel they could have done better.
Good words used .. Falter, Concede, Introspect,

Britain finds trade talks with EU a tough nut to crack
Britain wants to enjoy the same free trade privileges that Canada gets from the EU. However, EU insists that Britain must align its labour and tax laws with that of EU. This is a bitter pill to swallow for Boris Johnson, who walked out of EU precisely to have complete freedom to frame its own laws. Thus, for the U.K prime minister, it’s going to be very tough going.
Good words used … A tough nut to crack, A bitter pill to swallow, Align

Finance

SSRC jobs in RBI fail to attract candidates
There are about 1000 jobs in the Specialist Supervisory and Regulatory Cadre (SSRC). These are open to RBI staff from Grade B to Grade F. Although there are nearly 3500 staff members in RBI’s present employment, hardly 350 people have applied. Seeing such lukewarm response, RBI has extended the last date for applying by six more months.

India can create 70-100 million formal jobs: Tata group Chairman, Chandrasekhar
Mr. Chandrasekhar said that some policies will have t be tweaked and additional policy measures are to be brought in create these many jobs.

Manufacturing sector rebounds to reach 8-year high
Manufacturing sector has rebounded spectacularly to reach the highest level in eight years. The IHS survey has revealed it.
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Comprehension questions’ answers..

Q1. What, according to President Trump, countries must do to satisfy the U.S to permit their citizens to enter and work in Africa freely?

Answer .. President Trump wants that foreign countries must satisfy the basic security conditions of the United States before their citizens could move to the United States.

Q2. Which countries are being listed by Trump as targets of his upcoming travel ban?

Answer .. Tanzania and Sudan will be barred from taking part in the bidding process for H-1B visas. Citizens from Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria and Eritrea will be barred from entering the U.S. and seeking work here.

Q3. What harm will the ban do to the countries listed in Trump’s travel ban?
Answer . The U.S. being the largest economic and military power in the world, offers access to jobs to scores of qualified young men and women. Apart from this, it offers many commodities for import. In view of the these, maintaining normal relations with the U.S is essential. If the Bar is imposed, the victim country will find it hard to cope with the loss of contact with the U.S.
Q4. What steps Nigeria is taking to avoid the travel ban?
Answer ….
Ni¬ger¬ian President Muhammadu Buhari launched a committee to “study & address” the changes sought by the U.S.
He also affirmed that Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States.

Q5. Why Sudan is being targeted?

Answer ..
Sudan was perceived to be a state sponsor of terrorism. The U.S. dislikes the countries whose governments encourage and fund terrorist activities. This is why President Trump is irked with Sudan.

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Today’s Current Affairs February 3

February 3, 2020

Front page

Coronavirus claims second victim in India
A patient admitted to Alapuzha in Kerala succumbed to cornavirus (nCov) infection. In the meanwhile, central government has suspended grant of e-visas for Chinese national arriving in India.

Money earned in India by NRIs will be taxed, clarifies Sitaraman
The Finance Minister clarified that Indians working in zero-tax overseas destinations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will need to pay taxes on their incomes derived from their assets held in India. The clarification came after the Kerala Chief Minister sought clarifications from the Prime Minister over the matter.

Study on bats and bat-hunters in Nagland causes a flutter.
The study was conducted by researchers from the U.S., China and India. The findings assume importance because it was found that the people there carried antibodies for deadly viruses like Ebols in their bodies. Such viruses thrive in bats that infest the jungles in Nagaland. The study was authorized by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), who have submitted the compiled report to the government. The matter has fueled tremendous interest among scientists looking for vaccines for the deadly coronavirus (nCoV). The researchers are accused of not procuring the special permission needed to enter Nagaland’s jungles.

Yediurappa faces tough times as February 6, the date for ministry expansion draws near
With too many aspirants vying for just three ministerial berths, the Chief Minister has come under tremendous pressure from the large number of MLAs vying for ministerial jobs. The unsavory tactics they have adopted to push the CM have distressed him on end.

National

Hindu outfit activist shot dead during his morning walk
Ranjeet Bachhan was shot dead by motor cycle borne assailants while he was doing his morning walk with his brother. The assassins sped away leaving Ranjeet’s brother wounded. The police have stated a massive manhunt to nab the culprits.
Good words used … Assailant, Manhunt

Chhatradhar Mahato, Leftist revolutionary freed from jail
Chhatradhar Mahato, the firebrand left activist who spearheaded a massive Maoist movement away from mainstream politics, was released from jail in Bengal. He was serving a life sentence. Mahato headed straight to his home town Lalbagh in Bengal-Jharkand border. Mahato formed the People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA). He incurred the wrath of the Leftist government in Bengal at that time for instigating people to resist police crackdown on Left wing activists, often through violent ways.
Good words used .. Firebrand, Spearhead, Incur the wrath, Instigate

Super specialty hospital for Bhopal gas heading towards ruin as doctors leave, and medical facilities dwindle
This is an epic case of government apathy towards a hospital specially created to cater to the needs of Bhpal gas tragedy’s survivors who are still battling cancer and other such diseases. The 35-bedded hospital was taken over by the Center as per a Court order, but since then, its conditions went downhill. Clinical facilities became scarce due to lack of budgetary and administrative support. Disgruntled doctors number a dozen or more left in frustration, and the patients were left to fend for themselves. The hospital despite being under the central government, has become a virtual graveyard for patients.
Good words used … Dwindle, Downhill, Apathy, Epic, Fend for, Disgruntled

Doctors become ant-herbicide campaigners in Burla in Odisha
Paraquet is a very potent herbicide popular with farmers in western Odisha, but it is also a deadly poison. Ingesting small quantities of it can prove to be lethal. Farmers facing uphill economic struggle often take it to commit suicide, while others accidentally ingest it due to carelessness. The plight of these Paraquet victims moved the young doctors of MISAR, a renowned medical facility in western Odisha, who started a vigorous campaign to spread awareness of the dangers of Paraquet, and prevail upon the government to curb its sale. They had to go on hunger strike, address farmer gatherings, and highlight the risks of Paraquet use through the media. In the face of such sustained campaign of the doctors, the government has acted by withdrawing subsidies on Paraquet, and severely restricting its sale.

Good words and phrases used .. Herbicide, Prevail upon, Potent. Lethal, Uphill, Prevail upon,

2130 Kerala islands under CRZ rules
After the Maradu demolitions, the government has rose to the occasion by declaring as many as 2130 backwater islands to be under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). This will mean that no development activities will be permitted between the High Tide Line and 50 meters away from it towards the land side. HTL is the limit to which sea water reaches during high tides. The 50 meter band between HTL and land will constitute the CRZ.

Jagan carries the three-capital battle right into Naidu’s turf
MPs, and MLAs of Jagan’s YSRCP organized meetings in locations in Naidu’s constituency to explain the desirability of the three-capital idea for the state. Such aggressive campaigning in the area most affected by the decision signals Jagan’s readiness to take Naidu head-on in the latter’s turf. On the eve of the meeting, the area was gripped by fear and anxiety of a possible violent outburst by the villagers, but happily, nothing like that happened.
Good words and phrases used .. Carry to battle to, Outburst, Turf, Signal as verb

Anointing of Bahubali’s statue in K. R. Pet draws thousands of devotees
Thousands of devotees from far and wide converged on the area in K. R. Pet where a giant statue of Bahubali to witness the anointing of he statue.

Shahhen Bagh sit-in annoys locals
Local shop-keepers, and people commuting through the road daily staged angry protests against the sit-in that has stopped their business and forced commuters to make a detours.
Good words used .. Commute, Detour

International

Benie Sanders and Joe Biden remain top two contenders for Democratic nomination
The congregation of Democratic party hopefuls in IOWA, and the slugfest that would follow will give a head-start to the contender who wins it. However, Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden seem to be in the ead.
The U.K to seen Canada style free trade agreement with E.U
However, Boris Johnson’s desire to have a free trade agreement with E.U, similar to what the latter has with Canada will be conditional to Britain enforcing labour regulation similar to that of the EU. Ironically, this is what the Brexiteeers didn’t like, fueling their urge to walk away from EU. Boris Johnson will have to eat humble pie, if he accedes to EU’s conditions.
Good words used .. Slugfest, Eat humble pie

End in sight for Iraq’s disruptive road protests
The Iraqi cleric Moqtodor al-Sadr has called upon the protesters to clear the streets andhead home, so that the new Prime Minister, Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi gets a ree hand to heal the scars left after prolonged anti-government stir. It’s not certain if the cleric’s message will be heeded by the unarmed student groups, otherwise known as ‘Blue Hats’.

Finance

Budget fails to cheer investors and markets
There is an undercurrent of helplessness and frustration at the way the Budget failed to ignite hope and instil confidence among industrialists and the business community. The ailing economy needed a jerk to shed its slumber, but the budget poured cold water on such hopes. So, the pain of a slowing economy could continue.

Jayati Ghosh tears into the Budget doubting the stated figures’ accuracy
Jayati Ghosh, the noted economist and JNU professor, has expressed doubts about the data and figures mentioned in the budget, terming them as ‘lies’.

CEA Krishnamurthy Subramanian upbeat.

Thinks free markets will create wealth on their own.
Just a day before the Budget, the CEA said ‘invisible hands of markets’ will assert themselves, and propel the economy towards a high trajectory of growth.
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Writing exercise…

[Read the following news item carefully.]

Nigeria scrambles to escape Trump’s immigration ban
President Trump’s addition of four African countries to his administration’s travel ban could fuel discrimination and stifle business, leaders warned Saturday as people across the continent reeled at the news.
Most citizens of Nigeria — Africa’s most populous nation and biggest economy — and Eritrea would be blocked from coming to live and work in the United States under the measure, which takes effect Feb. 22, while Tanzania and Sudan would be barred from the competitive U.S. visa lottery.

The White House called the new restrictions “the height of common sense” in a statement Friday, adding that foreign countries must “satisfy basic security conditions” before their citizens could move to the United States.
Most citizens from Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan would also be banned in the policy shift.

Following Trump’s announcement, Ni¬ger¬ian President Muhammadu Buhari launched a committee to “study & address” the changes, his office tweeted Saturday.
“Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and other international allies especially on matters of global security,” the president’s office said in a statement.
Sudan, Tanzania and Eritrea had issued no official response by Saturday afternoon.
U.S. officials remained vague on why, exactly, the African nations were added to the list, citing concerns about exposing vulnerabilities to “nefarious” actors. The countries had either failed to meet the administration’s intelligence-sharing standards, they said, or lacked updated passport systems.
Sudan was viewed as a state sponsor of terrorism, the officials said, despite the country’s widely praised transition last year from military rule to a civilian-led government.

The impact was expected to be particularly pronounced for Nigeria, which has more than 300,000 immigrants in the United States.
Nigerians also accounted for one of the biggest groups of visa overstays in 2018, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Ni¬ger¬ian Sen. Mohammed Sani Musa, who represents part of central Niger state, said lawmakers would work to reverse the move.
“We are a giant of Africa — the biggest population of black people in the world,” Musa said, “so this is unfortunate. It’s harsh. And I hope it’s temporary.” [Courtsey: Washington Post]

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Comprehension questions ..

Read the full article thoroughly before attempting to answer the questions.

Q1. What, according to President Trump, countries must do to satisfy the U.S to permit their citizens to enter and work in Africa freely?

Q2. Which countries are being listed by Trump as targets of his upcoming travel ban?

Q3. What harm will the ban do to the countries listed in Trump’s travel ban?
Q4. What steps Nigeria is taking to avoid the travel ban?
Q5. Why Sudan is being targeted?
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Answers will be posted tomorrow.
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Today’s Current Affairs February 2

February 2, 2020

Front page

Union Budget uninspiring and tepid
Many economists have been lukewarm in their response to the Union Budget of 2020-21 unveiled by the Finance Minister yesterday. They are some laudable features in it, though. The much-deserved impetus to agricultural growth, and government’s seriousness about alleviation of farmer distress come out loud and clear from the many measures the Finance Minister has underlined. However, there is no indication how the government would mobilize additional revenue to fund its ambitious social welfare schemes like MGNAREGA, Ayushman Bharat, PM-Kisan programmes. There is also no clue as to how the government plans to give a forward jerk to the sputtering economy. Nonetheless, the Finance Minister has done a bold job of preparing the budget when almost all economic indices are heading south. In a major policy shift, the government wants to bring in foreign players into the field of education, privatize part of the Life Insurance Corporation, and run nearly 150 Tejas trains through private sector participation.
Good words used .. Uninspiring, Tepid, Sputter, Alleviation, Impetus, Laudable

Stock markets spooked by the budget and share prices crash
The Stock Markets had anticipated a big-bang, growth-oriented budget with market-friendly measures, but were utterly disappointed to see nothing like that coming. The BSE SENSEX plunged by a whopping 998 points, and the NIFTY by 373 points.

Income Tax rates unchanged, but dual-track option made available
The Finance Minister has not ceded any ground on Income tax rates, but has announced reduced rates for those who don’t claim exemptions. This, she said, would leave more money in the pockets of the middle class people, and consequently boost consumption.

A pat from the Prime Minister for the Budget that many termed ‘underwhelming’
As expected, the Prime Minister hailed the Budget. He said it has vision and would spur the country towards action and growth.
Good words used .. Pat, Underwhelming, Hail, Spur

National

Chinese toys get costlier as they face higher customs duty
The indigenous toy manufacturers will heave a sigh of relief as the cheap Chinese toys can’t price them out. The enhanced customs duty will rob the Chinese toys of their price advantage.
Major disappointment for the ailing Realty Sector, despite boost for affordable housing
One of the major factors behind the slowing down of Indian economy is the realty sector that has been mired in multiple woes – Slack demand, accumulated debts, unsold properties, financial frauds, and court litigation. This gargantuan problem has led to huge NPAs, loss of jobs, and a consumer apathy towards buying new houses. However, the Budget does propose reliefs for buyers of low-cost housing through tax holidays.

States’ share of the Divisible Pool of tax collections to remain unchanged at 42%
The Fifth Finance Commission headed by N. K. Singh has decided to keep the share due to states from the central pool unchanged at 42%.

Military Budget allocation not increased as demanded
The cash-strapped government has been forced to reduce military budget’s annual increase. This will retard modernization of the armed forces.

J&K expenses weighs heavily on Home Ministry
The political steps taken by the government in J&K is costing the government hard. The deployment of armed forces, additional administrative expenses and unforeseen liabilities are making huge demands on the Home Ministry. Accordingly, the Budget has made appropriate provision.

Opposition parties dismiss the Budget as escapist and irresponsible
The Congress Party was scathing in its attack on the Budget. Mr. Chidambaram said that the BJP has already abdicated its responsibility of consolidating the economy that has lost steam, and heading towards a collapse.
Good words and phrases used .. To loose steam, Abdicate

Kunal Kamra sends legal notice to Indigo
Kunal Kamra, the stand-up comedian known for his acidic satires on BJP and some of the TV channels, has demanded Rs.25 lakh and an apology from Indigo for putting him in the no-fly list for six months. He was punished arbitrarily for accosting Arnab Goswami on board an Indigo flight. As the Republic TV anchor, Mr. Goswami is famous for his noisy, vitriol-filed evening shows.
Good words used .. Accost, Vitriol

Delhi sees another anti-Shaheen Bagh firing
A young man fired two rounds in the air inside the Shaheen Bagh protest area apparently to scare the women there. The man appeared to be heavily influenced by Hindu right wing ideology. This was evident from the hate-filled slogans he shouted when the police was whisking him away.

Government says it’s ready to talk to Shaheen Bagh protesters
Ravi Shanker Prasad, the Union Law Minister has, for the first time, declared that the government is willing to hold parleys with the protesters to break the impasse and address the concerns of the minorities on CAA, and NPR, so that the country-wide agitation could end.
Good words used .. Parley, Impasse

International

Palestinians sever security ties with the U.S. and Israel
Aggrieved by the lop-sided Palestine peace plan crafted by the Trump administration, Mr. Abbas rejected it on behalf of the Palestinian side. He alleged that the terms of the plan brazenly favor the Israelis.
China faces severe international isolation as all nations cut physical ties with it
One after another, most countries have suspended flights to and from China. They have pulled out their diplomatic staff from their embassies and consulates. The effect on China’s economy has been quite devastating.

Maldives returns to Commonwealth after three years
Maldives had been expelled from Commonwealth during the former President Yameen’s tenure. His rule was marked by erosion of democratic values, and a visible slide towards authoritarianism. The situation has improved considerably under the present regime, paving the way for the country’s return to the Commonwealth.

U.S. reassures Ukraine about its continuing support
Mike Pompeo, the visiting Secretary of State, assured President Zelensky that the ongoing impeachment trial might have dragged Ukraine to unwelcome limelight, but that wouldn’t impact the abiding bilateral relations.

Finance

Stock market sulk’s at Sitaraman’s budget and nosedives
The Budget dampened the spirit of the brokers and investors, and there was massive sell-off of shares. The bearish trend led to sharp fall in share values.
E-Commerce firms to deduct 1% TDS on deals
The government hopes to collect a good amount of interview through this channel.
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Questions..
1. Where is Omar Ameen now? What are the charges against him?
Answer .. Omar Ameen is now being held in Scramento County Jail. He is accused of murdering someone in rural Iraq.
2. How does Ameen’s lawyer plan to prove his innocence?
Answer . Ameen’s lawyers have been able to marshal a lot of evidence to prove his innocence. The most clinching evidence is the fact that Ameen was away in Turkey when the murder took place.
3. Who is trying to implicate him and why?
Answer .. An Iraqi FBI agent is trying to implicate Ameen in the crime to avenge his old grudge against Ameen’s family arising out of some feud. For this, the FBI agent has roped in a mentally ill person as witness. Curiously, this man has never seen Ameen in person.
4. What key evidence Ameen and his lawyer still trying to obtain?
Answer .. Thy are looking for mobile phone records of Ameen. Ameen made these calls from his Tturkish location to his friends and brother in Iraq.
5. What Ameen’s brother Huhayfah has to say about his Ameen’s innocence?
Answer .. Huhayfah maintains that he was in regular touch with Ameen over telephone when the latter was in Turkey. The murder took place during the period Ameen was away in Turkey.