GK Snapshots on 3 February 2021

1. Decision to tax PF interest based on the principle of equity: Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Revenue secretaryDecision to tax PF interest based on the principle of equity: Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Revenue secretary
2. In the budget announced on Monday, the govt said interest earned on Employees’ Provident Fund contributions of ₹5 lakh and above a year will be taxed at the prevailing income tax rates.
3. Info-based assessments will help reduce harassment of taxpayers: PC Mody, CBDT chairmanInfo-based assessments will help reduce harassment of taxpayers: PC Mody, CBDT chairman
4. Future Group challenges court order blocking its Reliance deal in dispute with AmazonFuture Group challenges court order blocking its Reliance deal in dispute with Amazon
5. GoM to decide bare minimum PSUs in strategic sectors: Tuhin Kanta Pandey, DIPAM secretaryGoM to decide bare minimum PSUs in strategic sectors: Tuhin Kanta Pandey, DIPAM secretary
6. Saudi bars entry from 20 countries as Covid-19 surges, India among one of themSaudi bars entry from 20 countries as Covid-19 surges, India among one of them
7. As India formally signed the Rs 48,000 crore contract to acquire indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jets today, a parliamentary committee pointed out delays of more than 30 years in implementation of the Tejas aircraft programme.
8. The 16th edition of Indo-US joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' will be held in Rajasthan between February 8 and 21, even as the United States urged India to refrain from military transactions with Russia, saying that there is no blanket waiver under its Sanctions Act for the recent S-400 missile system purchase.
9. "We have long witnessed unfortunate attempts to employ force to change the status quo at our unresolved borders", Rajnath Singh said at the inaugural ceremony of Aero India-2021.
10. In good news for students, an upcoming institute in Punjab will impart training to aspirants for induction into armed forces, keeping the entry at graduate level for CDSE/AFCAT.
11. In Industry news, Crown group has entered into a partnership with MiG for post-warranty support to Indian Navy fighter jets.
12. Kiren Rijiju says “Fitness and Sports now part of Gram Panchyat Development Programme”
13. Myanmar police file case against Aung San Suu Kyi
14. Import duty on copper scrap reduced from 5% to 2.5%, announced in Union Budget 2021-22
15. INCOIS celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day
16. Myanmar military announces new State Administrative Council
17. International students again demand a clear date for their return to China
18. Himachal Pradesh: Spiti Valley to re-open for outside visitors
19. Dutch buy delivery uniforms, borrow dogs to dodge curfew
20. Get the Bernie look, or something like it, with Vermont knitter's mittens
21. Swedish film festival to screen on remote island for audience of one
22. Lakers' James plays down row with spectators in win over Hawks
23. Missing customers, Belgian restaurateur serves mannequins
24. Mukesh Choudhary, the new big star in MMA professional Fight
25. PM to inaugurate ‘Chauri Chaura’ Centenary Celebrations on 4th February
26. World Bank to provide USD 500 million to Bangladesh for improving Road and Digital Connectivity
27. US threatens to reimpose sanctions on Myanmar
28. CSIR – CMERI dedicated Solar – Biodiesel Minigrid System to Nation
29. China yet to give any assurance on Anastasia crew change as humanitarian crisis deepens
30. China takes note, does not condemn Myanmar military coup
31. WHO team visits Huanan seafood market, Wuhan CDC in its first big visit; joint research program to be develop

Synopsis

Republic Day violence | Supreme Court declines to entertain pleas for independent probe

“We are sure that the government is inquiring into it. We saw a statement by the Prime Minister in the media that law will take its course. We don’t want to interfere at this stage,” Chief Justice of India Sharad A. Bobde told a PIL petitioner.

Republic Day violence | Shashi Tharoor, Rajdeep Sardesai move Supreme Court against FIRs

The FIRs, registered by the Delhi and Gurugram Police, accused them of posting instigating tweets and deliberately circulating fake news accusing the Delhi Police of the murder of a man driving a tractor during the violence on Republic Day.

Farmers’ protests | Centre issues notice to Twitter, warns of penal action

The Union government has issued a notice to Twitter to comply with its order related to removal of contents as well as accounts related to ‘farmer genocide’, while warning that refusal to do so may invite penal action, The Hindu has learnt.

Farmers’ protests | Comments of western celebrities not accurate, responsible, says India

The Ministry of External Affairs responds to a series of social media posts by singer Rihanna, activist Greta Thunberg and Meena Harris, niece of U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris.

Farmers’ protests | No informal talks with unions, says Agriculture Minister Tomar

Asked about the farm unions’ stance that they will not hold talks with the government until the barricades at protest sites are removed and farmers in police custody are released, Mr. Tomar said he did not want to comment on a law and order issue.

Farmers’ protests | No change in panel holding talks with government, says Rakesh Tikait

He was speaking at a well-attended “Mahapanchayat” held in Jind at the behest of Kandela Khap.

Parliament proceedings | Opposition demands repeal of farm laws

Opposition makes the demand during the debate on Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in the Rajya Sabha; Lok Sabha witnesses repeated adjournments as Opposition protests against farm laws.

Coronavirus | India records 11,039 new cases, 110 fresh fatalities

The death toll increased to 1,54,596 with 110 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 a.m. on February 3 showed.

Crimes against SCs, STs increased in 2019: Government tells Rajya Sabha

Crimes against members of the SC and ST communities have increased by 7.3% and 26.5% respectively in 2019, as per a NCRB report.

93,000 cybercrimes related to sexual exploitation, hate in 3 years: Home Ministry

44,546 cybercrimes were registered in 2019.

India prepared to defeat any misadventure to defend our people and territorial integrity at all costs: Rajnath Singh

HAL awarded contract for 83 LCA fighters in ₹48,000 crore deal at the 13th edition of Aero India.

Myanmar police file charges against Aung San Suu Kyi after coup

A police request to a court detailing the accusations against the 75-year-old Nobel laureate said walkie-talkie radios had been found in a search of her home in the capital,Naypyidaw. It said the radios were imported illegally and used without permission.

India does not agree with USTR’s report on ecommerce tax: Commerce Secretary

In January, an USTR investigation has concluded that India's 2% digital services tax on e-commerce supply discriminates against U.S. companies and is inconsistent with international tax principles.

EPFO faces ₹1,163 crore defaults in investments

Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar told the Rajya Sabha that securities belonging to the Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd (₹760.69 crore), Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (₹106.23 crore), Reliance Capital Limited (₹292.64 crore), Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (₹2.98 crore) and Punjab Financial Corporation (₹60 lakh) “have resulted in default of certain principal amounts and interest due”.

Sensex rallies 458 points to end above 50,000 for first time; Nifty tops 14,750

After touching a record intra-day high of 50,526.39, the 30-share index ended at 50,255.75, up 458.03 points or 0.92%.

Sri Lanka's tour of West Indies in doubt after COVID-19 cases

Head coach Mickey Arthur and opening batsman Lahiru Thirimanne tested positive for coronavirus.

US urges India to refrain from military deals with Russia, says no blanket waiver

s-400.

The US has said that there is no blanket waiver under its Sanctions Act for the recent S-400 missile system purchase, in the first detailed comments on the tricky issue after the Biden administration has come to power.

The S-400 purchase could be one of the prickly bilateral issues that will need to be resolved, given that formal deliveries for the system are starting shortly.

Sanctions were triggered against Turkey after it first received the system and the country was kicked out of the Joint Strike Fighter Program by the US.

Biggest ever single defence order placed on an Indian manufacturer formally signed

The mega contract will create over 5,000 jobs, with a new facility inaugurated by defence minister Rajnath Singh that will ramp up production capability to 16 jets annually. The minister described the LCA order as the “beginning of an inspirational story with many amazing chapters to unfold”, with the first aircraft to be delivered within three years.

Officials said that the new facility getting ready on 35 acres of land will enable HAL to enhance its production capacity to 16 from the current eight aircraft every year.

Diverse participants at Aero India as India pitches itself as defence supplier

From the defence ministers of Iran and Ukraine, to major weapons manufacturers from the US, France and Russia, this edition of the air show has a dual focus – showcase home grown weapon systems that are now available for export and flaunt the unique strategic heft India has with a diverse set of friends and partners.

Of special significance is the presence of the Iranian defence minister at the conclave – the first such standalone visit since 1979 and at a time when the US has been upping ties with New Delhi as a key security partner for the region.

India invites global defence, aerospace companies to set up manufacturing units

India's setting the stage for a global influx into the country's defence production with #AeroIndia2021.

Lt Gens at war withdraw complaints as Army chief orders court of inquiry

The final decision will be taken by Army chief Gen M M Naravane as the “higher convening authority” of the CoI after the report is submitted to him in a few days. The CoI is headed by Lucknow-based Central Command chief Lt Gen I S Ghuman, who is senior to the two officers involved in the unseemly fracas.

The “serious” allegations and counter-allegations range from administrative lapses and major functional troubles to even misuse of authority on certain fronts, sources said.

Navy's Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft fires anti-ship missiles

"This reaffirms the Indian Navy's capability to carry out long range maritime strikes in the Indian Ocean Region, a capability that is central to meeting operational challenges and ensuring safe seas, secure coasts," a defence statement said.

The Combat Kh35E missiles launched from the aircraft successfully hit and sank the target on January 31.

Joe Biden administration asserts that it will counter China's "aggressive and coercive" actions

Acknowledging that the US is in "serious competition" with China, the Biden administration has asserted that it will counter Beijing's "aggressive and coercive" actions, sustain its key military advantages and restore America's vital security partnerships.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated on his first day in office that he believed genocide was being committed against Xinjiang's ethnic minorities, signalling that President Joe Biden plans to continue some of former President Donald Trump's tough stances against Beijing.

National

Delhi govt to help trace farmers missing from protest sites: CM Kejriwal

New Delhi: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said his government will help trace the farmers missing since the January 26 violence and if the need arises, he will approach the Lieutenant Governor and the Centre.

Jharkhand health worker dies after receiving COVID vaccine

A health worker has died 36 hours after being administered COVID vaccine in Jharkhand, officials said on Wednesday.

Holding no informal talks with farmers, barricading is local admin issue: Tomar

New Delhi: Agri Min Narendra Singh Tomar said the Centre is not holding any informal talk with protesting farmers and described putting up of more barricades and suspending internet in and around agitation sites as law and order issues related to local administrations.

NCPCR identifies 50 'religious places' to combat child labour, begging

Apex child rights body NCPCR has identified 50 "religious places", including the Taj Mahal and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, where interventions will be undertaken to ensure zero tolerance towards child labour.

Goa mining dependents to hold protest march on Feb 8

People dependent on Goa''s mining industry will hold a protest march here on February 8 to mark three years of the closure of iron ore extraction activity in the state, the Goa Mining People''s Front said on Wednesday.

International

Biden pays respects to Capitol officer as he lay in honour

Washington: Slain US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick lay in honour in the building he died defending, allowing colleagues and the lawmakers he protected to pay their respects and to remember the violent attack on Congress that took his life.

Pakistani police raid kills 3 suspected Baloch separatists

Pakistani police on Wednesday raided a suspected hideout of an outlawed separatist group in eastern Punjab province, triggering a shootout that killed three insurgents, authorities said.

Trump lawyers call impeachment trial unconstitutional

The impeachment of Donald Trump is unconstitutional as he is no longer ''President'' and should be dismissed, his lawyers said in an initial response ahead of his Senate trial.

Business

Sensex rallies 458 pts to end above 50K for first time; Nifty tops 14,750

Mumbai: Extending its Budget bull run for the third day, the Sensex rallied 458 points to end above the 50,000 mark for the first time ever on Wednesday, led by broad-based gains amid positive cues from global markets.

Jubilant FoodWorks Q3 profit rises 22 pc to Rs 123.91 cr

Food services firm Jubilant FoodWorks, which operates Domino ''s Pizza and Dunkin" Donuts chains in India, on Wednesday reported a 21.71 per cent increase in consolidated profit at Rs 123.91 crore in the third quarter ended December 2020.

Coal India signs Rs 2,900 cr pact for procurement of dumpers

State-owned CIL on Wednesday said it has entered into a pact worth Rs 2,900 crore with a Belarus-based mining equipment manufacturer for purchase of dumpers.

Sebi comes out with graded entry norms for innovation sandbox

Markets regulator Sebi on Wednesday said it has put in place the revised graded entry norms for innovation sandbox, to promote innovation in new products and services.

Rupee settles on flat note, higher by 1 paisa at 72.95 against US dollar

The Indian rupee ended on a flat note and settled 1 paisa higher at 72.95 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday amid a firm trend in the domestic equity markets.

Govt issues notice to Twitter on farmer genocide hashtags; warns of penal action

Government has directed Twitter to comply with its order to remove contents/accounts related to farmer genocide hashtags, and warned that the microblogging platform may face "penal action" for non-compliance of its order, according to sources.

Legal

SC refers to PM's statement, refuses to entertain pleas on tractor rally violence

New Delhi: The SC referred to PM Narendra Modi''s statement that law will take its own course on the Republic Day violence here and refused to entertain pleas for time-bound probe by an apex court-appointed panel, saying it doesn't want to "interfere at this stage".

Committee formed to suggest reforms in criminal laws, govt tells Parliament

The Centre has set up a committee to suggest reforms in criminal laws and sought suggestions from state governments, courts and bar councils, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

SC junks PIL seeking direction to CBI to submit status report in Sushant Singh death case

The Supreme Court Wednesday junked a PIL seeking direction to the CBI to submit a status report in Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput death case.

Suspended IAS officer M Sivasankar gets bail in dollar smuggling case

A court here on Wednesday granted bail to suspended IAS officer M Sivasankar in connection with the dollar smuggling case, which came to light during the probe into the gold smuggling racket in Kerala in which he is an accused.

Entertainment

Zachary Levi to lead 'Harold and the Purple Crayon' adaptation

"Shazam!" star Zachary Levi is set to headline Sony Picture''s adaptation of children''s classic "Harold and the Purple Crayon".

'The Nevers' to premiere on HBO in April

"The Nevers", a sci-fi period drama created by Joss Whedon, will air on HBO in April, the premium cable network has announced.

Indian documentary 'Writing with Fire' wins audience award at Sundance Film Festival

"Writing with Fire", an Indian film chronicling the rise of Khabar Lahariya, India''s only newspaper run by Dalit women, has won the audience award in the World Cinema Documentary category at the Sundance Film Festival 2021.

Weinstein accuser demands deposition as settlement looms

A producer who says disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped her over seven years says she wants him deposed for a lawsuit even though she might accept a settlement.

Jon M Chu to direct 'Wicked' musical

"Crazy Rich Asians" director John M Chu is stepping in to helm the feature adaptation of the musical "Wicked" following the exit of Stephen Daldry from the project.

Sports

Kane Williamson hails injury-ravaged India's "truly remarkable" triumph in Australia

New Delhi: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has hailed India's "truly remarkable" triumph in Aus, coming in the back of a disastrous Test series opener and injuries to innumerable players.

Serena Williams keeps rolling in tuneup for Australian Open

It''s a rare thing for Serena Williams to play a tournament the week leading into one of the tennis Grand Slams.

I would love to be part of England's T20 World Cup squad: Root

England''s Test captain Joe Root wants to be in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup though he understands it is not going to be a cakewalk for one of the country''s finest batsmen in the game''s traditional format.

Unbeaten TRAU look for second win against Punjab FC

Third-placed Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) would look to notch up their second win of the I-League when they clash with ninth-placed Punjab FC at the Kalyani Municipal stadium here on Thursday.

We did everything possible, also offered to host South Africa: CA chief executive Hockley

Cricket Australia''s interim chief executive officer Nick Hockley says they explored every possible option, including offering to host South Africa for a Test series, after postponing a tour of that country due to a fresh outbreak of COVID-19 cases.