Current Affairs for UPSC and TSPSC – 02 Oct 2015

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  • UNHRC unanimously adopts resolution on Sri Lanka

 

  • 2nd October: International Day of Non-violence

    2nd October is celebrated by United Nation Member countries as International Day of Non-Violence. UN acknowledged the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi in spreading the message of non-violence.  UN passed the resolution to establish International Day of Non-Violence in 2007.

 

  • Union Government notified mid-day meal rules under National Food Security Act, 2013
  1. Union Government has notified Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Rules, 2015 under the Food Security Act, 2013.
  2. The new rules have been finalized by Union Government after consultation with the States and other related Ministries of Union Government.
  3. New Rules are
    1. Temporary utilization of other funds available with the school for MDM in case school exhausts funds meant for meal for any reason.
    2. Food Security Allowance will be paid to the beneficiaries in case of non-supply of meal for continuous three days or five days a month.
    3. Meal will be tested randomly on monthly basis.
    4. Every child between the age group of 6 to 14 years old studying in classes from I to VIII standard will be provided hot cooked meal having nutritional standards. It is mandatory for schools to have the facilities for cooking meal in hygienic manner.
  • India ranks 55th on 2015 Global Competitiveness Report of World Economic Forum

 

  • India to cut 33-35 per cent of GHGs emission cut by 2030
  1. India has decided to cut its Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) emissions intensity by 33-35 per cent compared to 2005 levels by 2030.
  2. In order to achieve this target Union Government decided to boost the Renewable Energy Capacity to 40% by 2030.
  3. Increase tree cover to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
  4. In addition to a number of clean technologies India needs about 2.5 trillion dollars to meet these targets and measures for adaptation to climate change.

 

  • Maharashtra government imposes ‘Drought Tax” to tackle drought in the State

Maharashtra government has decided to impose additional ‘drought tax’ in order to raise funds to tackle the drought like situation in the state.

Drought tax will include

  1. Surcharge Tax of 2 rupees per liter of Petrol and Diesel.
  2. Value Added Tax (VAT) on liquor, cigarettes and beverages has been raised by 5 per cent.
  3. VAT on gold and diamond jewelries has been raised from 1% to 1.20%.

Drought Tax will be charged for the next 5 months and will be reviewed during the next budget session.