This page contains "26th June 2018" current affairs analysis from different newspapers and magazines like The Hindu, Indian express, PIB and Yojna.
Quality and relevance are two key features considered while writing the content, all the topics are based on the pattern of previously asked questions in exams like UPSC CSE, IAS, State PCS, SSC, Banks PO and likewise competitive exams.
1) India, Seychelles talk of mutual welfare and Assumption Island project
Why in news ?
Seychelles parliament has recently refused to ratify an Indian naval base plan on its land.
More in news
To safeguard western Indian Ocean, India was planning to build its crucial for defence naval base on Assumption Island of Seychelles, which was rejected by Seychelles parliament.
However India has continued its major Line of Credit for Seychelles's defence sector, making it clear that the parliamentary move will not affect mutual relationships between two countries and security and strategic cooperation will go ahead. A Dornier aircraft is also gifted to Seychelles by India that is to reach Seychelles on its National Day, June 29.
Both countries are also engaged in hydro-graphical studies of the maritime region by exchanging necessary oceanic maps to each other. Three civilian infrastructure projects are also going to be financed by India in Seychelles.
2) BSF to prevent wildlife smuggling
Why in news ?
Border Security Force (BSF) has been roped in to prevent trans-border wildlife smuggling, with the help of WCS, a Bengaluru-based NGO.
More in news
Border Security Force (BSF) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to check wildlife smuggling in border areas.
WCS, a Bengaluru-based NGO will help BSF in capacity building and identifying wildlife threatened with trans-border smuggling. A 24-hour helpline and Mobile app is also proposed to be launched to support the initiative.
3) Powers of Governors and Lt. Governors
Why in news ?
State governmnets from Delhi, Puducherry and Tamilnadu are speaking speaking out against Governors and Lt. Governors.
Power of a governor
1) The power of a governor in a state they administer is equivalent to power of president.
2) A governor appoints many executives in the state including, Chief Ministers, Ministers, the State Election Commissioner and judges of the District Courts.
3) A governor also serves as Chancellor of all the universitites in respective state.
4) A governor can also dissolve state assembly if needed, if the assembly is not it session he can promulgate ordinances.
5) A governor can disqualify any legislator on the recommendation of Election Commission.
6) Governor can report to the President about the failure of constitutional machinery in the state.
7) The Governor can also reserve or refuse to sign a Bill that has been passed by the Assembly.
8) Discretionary powers like select a chief ministerial candidate, these powers are most controversial and ill-defined and causes most of state-governor conflicts.
Power of a Lt. Governors
Only three union territories named, Andaman and Nicobar, Delhi and Puducherry has a Lt. Governors, Lt. Governors also have same powers as a governor. Their powers are in place to ensure checks and balances for the state government and its functioning.
NOTE: Supreme Court stated in 2017 that "Governor of Delhi has more powers that the Governor of a State ? he does not have to listen to the advice of the Council of Ministers". This is because Lt. Governor is a representative of centre and land, police and public order fall under the domain of the Centre.
4) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Why in news ?
Third Annual Meeting of (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) AIIB, held in Mumbai, with theme "Mobilising Finance for Infrastructure: Innovation and Collaboration".
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with headquarter in Beijing, China is a multilateral development bank that aims to support the building of infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region.
The bank has started it's operations in January 2016, have 87 members and a total worth of 100 Billion USD, the bank was started as an initiative by Asian countries. Major economies like Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, and the United States are still not members of the bank.
With 100 billion USD capital the bank is equivalent to 2/3 of the capital of the Asian Development Bank and about half that of the World Bank. In a short age of 3 years the bank has started 25 projects in around 12 countries with a total worth of 4 billion USD.
Other tit bits seen in news
1) Crater Lake
Crater Lake is a caldera lake formed by the collapse of a volcano situated in Oregon United States. The lake including Crater Lake National Park is famous for its deep blue colour and water clarity.
2) NIIF
National Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF) is planning to start a new fund of worth 2 billion USD to finance long term mega projects. The fund already has two funds: 1) NIIF master fund that invests directly into companies. and 2) Fund of funds that invests in funds that are managed by third parties.
3) NASA's James Webb Space Telescope
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, will be used to study Jupiter?s Great Red Spot to shed new light on the enigmatic storm that has been raging on the planet for over 350 years. James Webb Space Telescope telescope's science goals is to study planets and unresolved mysteries.
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