This page contains "22nd 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 notifies higher tariffs on U.S. imports
Why in news ?
India notified higher tariffs on several items imported from the U.S.
Joining the race with USA, China and EU etc, India too has notified higher tariffs on items imported from USA, however, these higher tariffs would come into effect from August 4, after discussions between the U.S. and India.
Items in which higher tariffs are imposed includes:
1) Agricultural products: apples, almonds, chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts.
2) Industrial inputs: some grades of iron and steel products.
Major India import products from USA - Gold, Turbojets, Coal, Petcoke, Parts of aircraft & spacecraft etc.
Government has already notified World Trade Organisation (WTO) about it's plans saying, imposition of tariffs amounting to $240 million are in retaliation to the U.S. action on steel and aluminium.
Donald Trump triggered tariffs includes 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminium imports.
2) Defective gene leads to SCD (Sickle cell anaemia)
Why in news ?
A Thalassemia Centre has been started at the Paediatrics Ward of the KGH, Visakhapatnam recently.
What is Sickle cell anaemia ?
SCD or Sickle cell anaemia, in which there are not enough healthy RBCs to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body is an inherited form of anaemia. RBCs can move easily through blood vessels because of being round and flexible.
The sickle cell anemia makes, red blood cells rigid and sticky, these distorted cells can stuck in small blood vessels to block block blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body.
What is Thalassemia ?
Thalassaemia is a genetic blood disorder commonly characterised by the abnormal production of haemoglobin in the body. The abnormality results in improper oxygen transport and destruction of red blood cells.
It has wide-ranging effects on the human body like iron overload, bone deformities and in severe cases can cause heart diseases. The disease has no cure and people living with thalassaemia require regular blood transfusions as an effective measure to prolong life.
3) Odissi - Dance form
Why in news ?
A three-day Odissi Festival was launched at the Rabindranath Tagore Centre , ICCR, Kolkata by Shinjan Nrityalaya.
About Odissi Dance
Odissi, is one of the 8, Indian classical dance forms, originated in Odisha India, some of the main features of the dance are as below:
1) The dance form is predominantly performed by female dancer.
2) Religious stories and spiritual ideas, particularly of Vaishnavism (Vishnu as Jagannath) are expressed.
3) Being a dance-drama genre, artists and musicians play out a mythical story from the Hindu texts, using symbolic costumes.
4) Traditional Odissi exists in two major styles, the first perfected by women in temple called maharis; the second perfected by boys dressed as girls called gotipuas.
4) Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016
Why in news ?
Proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 has been termed as Anti-Assam by assamese regional parties, who along with locals are engaged in a series of protest against the bill.
What is Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016
The government has introduced "Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016" in parliament in July 2016, to amend Citizenship Act, 1955, the bill seeks to achieve following things:
1) The bill seeks to provide citizenship to illegal migrants, from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, who are of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian communities.
2) Changes in conditions regarding acquiring "citizenship by naturalisation", by reduce the requirement of 11 years of continuous stay in the country to six years.
While seeking to provide citizenship to illegal migrants of 6 minorities (Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian), it excludes muslims like Shias and Ahmadis who also face persecution in Pakistan.
Why the bill is opposed ?
According to "Assam Accord (1985)", signed between the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the AASU; March 24, 1971, was decided as the cut off date for migrants from bangladesh into assam. As per the accord all persons coming to assam after March 24, 1971 are illegal immigrants and should be deported back.
Supreme Court of India has ordered to update NRC (National Register of Citizens of India) in Assam to detect Bangladeshi nationals who might have entered the State illegally after the midnight of March 24, 1971.
If the bill is passed that is to provide citizenship on the basis of religion, it is contradictory to NRC which does not distinguish people on the basis of religion.
5) Coal linkage policy (SHAKTI)
Why in news ?
Coal India Ltd has announced, auction of coal linkages for non-regulated sectors such as cement, steel/sponge iron, aluminium and others. The idea is to provide user sectors secure coal linkages irrespective of the size of the industry or their geographic location, through a market mechanism.
Scheme to Harness and Allocate Koyla (Coal)
Coal linkage policy scheme, Scheme to Harness and Allocate Koyla (Coal), is a government scheme to allocate coal among thermal power firms. The Policy is adopted to provide coal linkages to power plants which lacks fuel supply agreements (FSAs) through coal auctions.
The new coal linkage policy for power plants will help producers ensure fuel supplies in an organised manner. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the signing of Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) with the Letter of Assurance (LoA) holders.
Fact : Around 56% of the electricity in India is produced using coal
Additional Goodreads:
1) The Hindu : Dangerous spiral: on global trade war , 2) The Hindu : Tighter is better
Recommended books for UPSC/CSE IAS and State PSCs, click to purchase.