Top Current Affairs – September 19, 2020 (Morning Digest)
GKToday presents daily digest of Top Current Affairs covering major news updates of the day. Here are the morning updates for Current Affairs of 19 September 2020:
Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020 introduced in LS
The proposed taxation Bill intends to replace the ordinance that provided relaxations related to compliance with certain Acts to mitigate COVID-19 led economic crisis. These laws include the IT Act, 1961, some finance Acts, the Central Excise Act, 1944, the Customs Act, 1962 and the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988.
7.1% rise in government’s total liabilities in April-June
According to a finance ministry report, the government’s total liability rose to by Rs.6.73 lakh crore in April-June to approximately Rs.101.35 lakh crore. In the previous quarter, it was just a 0.8% increase. This shows the extent of pressure exerted by the pandemic on the government’s finances.
Rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers causing water crisis
An ORF study found that the retreat of glaciers in the Himalayan Hindu Kush region is now adversely affecting the surface water and groundwater availability in the region, which are the lifeline for the population in the hilly region. An ISRO study revealed that around 75% of the Himalayan glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate.
Biodiversity index map prepared for Kochi
This is the first for a city in Kerala and the second in the country. 18 biodiversity indicators were taken into consideration for measuring the city’s native biodiversity, the ecosystem services provided and the biodiversity governance.
India suggests expansion of partnership with Japan in Russian Far East
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar suggested an expansion of India-Japan partnership in third countries, including Russian Far East. This is the first time India is formally expressing an interest to work with Japan in the region.
11 industrial corridors to be developed by 2024-25
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced that 11 industrial corridors are being developed across the country, which would be completed by 2024-25. These projects are part of the National Industrial Corridor programme that aims to develop futuristic industrial cities and boost employment opportunities.
Indus Water Treaty turns 60
September 19 marks the 60th anniversary of the IWT, which was signed between India and Pakistan. This treaty is often cited as an example for peace between the two countries.
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Month: Current Affairs - September, 2020