Hindu Notes from General Studies-02

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Will honour ceasefire if Pakistan curbs infiltration: India

News

• The Indian Army will “abide by its commitment” to uphold the ceasefire understanding of 2003 if the Pakistan Army “initiates positive steps to control infiltration and abetment of terrorism” in J&K, Pakistan was told.

Beyond News

• This was conveyed during a conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) over the established hotline, which was held on Pakistan’s request.
• The Pakistan DGMO made an assurance that Pakistan Army would take prompt action against move of inimical elements in proximity to the Line of Control and respond to information shared by the Indian side, thereby facilitating conduct of anti-terrorist operations.
• The Pakistan DGMO expressed satisfaction on the measures being taken along the LoC by troops to maintain peace and tranquillity. Over the last two months, there has been a sharp reduction in the quantum of ceasefire violations.
• Indian DGMO conveyed to his Pakistani counterpart that infiltration has increased in the north areas of Pir Panjal mountain ranges and stressed that Pakistan must initiate steps to prevent it, the statement added.

India’s oil import bill to jump by $26 billion

News

• India’s crude oil import bill is likely to jump by about $26 billion in 2018-19 as rupee dropping to a record low has made buying of oil from overseas costlier, government officials said.

Beyond News

• Besides, the rupee hitting a record low of 70.32 to a U.S. dollar in the opening deal will also lead to an increase in the retail selling price of petrol, diesel and cooking gas (LPG).
• India, which imports more than 80% of its oil needs, spent $87.7 billion (₹5.65 lakh crore) on importing 220.43 million tonne (MT) of crude oil in 2017-18. For 2018-19, the imports are pegged at almost 227 MT.
• The rupee has been among the worst performing currencies in Asia, witnessing an 8.6% slump this year.
• Fanned by a higher oil import bill, India’s trade deficit, or the gap between exports and imports, in July widened to $18 billion, the most in more than five years.
• Trade shortfall puts pressure on the current account deficit (CAD), a key vulnerability for the economy.
• Rupee depreciation will result in higher earnings for exporters as well as domestic oil producers like Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) who bill refiners in U.S. dollar terms.
• Prices of petrol and diesel were increased by 6 paise a litre each to ₹77.20 and ₹68.78, respectively in Delhi. Rates are the highest in two months.
• Fuel prices in Delhi are the cheapest in all metros and most state capitals due to lower sales tax or VAT.
• If oil prices continue at these levels and rupee at 70 a dollar, retail rates should go up by 50-60 paisa a litre.

Hindu Notes from General Studies-03

Massive rescue operation underway in Kerala

News

• A massive operation to rescue thousands of marooned citizens in three flood-hit districts in Kerala commenced at daybreak.

Beyond News

• Volunteers from far and near joined hands with personnel from the armed forces, National Disaster Response Force and State government agencies to reach food to stranded communities and rescue them in boats.
• As many as 23 helicopters of the Air Force and Navy and boats were also pressed into service from early morning.
• The breakdown of communication services and power lines hampered efforts to locate and zero-in on people in the worst affected areas.
• More than 100 people were killed in different rain-related incidents over the last 48 hours.
• With the strong currents in the Periyar and Chalakudy rivers making it difficult to operate boats, rescue teams sought the help of helicopters to drop food supplies and airlift flood victims to safety.
• Residents in the downstream areas of the Cheruthoni dam were put on high alert after the water level in the Idukki rervoir neared the 2403 ft mark.

Mumbai gives India its first baby penguin

News

• The first Humboldt penguin to be born in India, or as someone put it, ‘the freedom baby’, born on August 15.

Beyond News

• The seven penguins in Byculla zoo paired up soon after being placed in their enclosure more than two years ago, with only little Bubbles remaining single.
• The couple built a home using the bamboo, sand, and pebbles kept for the purpose.
• The chick remained with the parents.
• It weighed 75 gm and was reported to be healthy. The average weight of a healthy newborn penguin is 60-80 gm.
• The zoo will conduct a DNA test to determine its sex. On Thursday, the baby ate the same seafood as the parents, who regurgitate and feed it the slurry.
• The chick’s eyes have not fully opened, and it was in a prone position. It would be up on its feet only after a week. It can swim only after a few months from now.

Toxic algal bloom plagues Florida’s Gulf Coast

News

• Red tide, a naturally occurring toxic algae bloom that can be harmful to people with respiratory problems has spread throughout the Gulf of Mexico, drifting in the water since it began in October.

Beyond News

• Red tide happens due to the presence of nutrients in the water and an organism called a dinoflagellate.
• Stretching about 240 kilometers, it’s affecting communities from Naples in the south to Anna Maria Island in the north and appears to be moving northward. The algae turns the water toxic for marine life, and in recent weeks beachgoers have been horrified to find turtles, large fish like goliath grouper and even manatees wash up dead.
• In places like Longboat Key, more than 5 tons of dead fish have been removed from beaches. This week, nine dead dolphins were found in Sarasota County, and marine biologists are investigating whether the deaths are related to red tide.
• More than 450 stranded and dead sea turtles have been recovered in four affected counties this year, and the institute estimates that 250 to 300 died from red tide poisoning. In Bradenton Beach, the stench was impossible to ignore.

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