19 June 2024, The Indian EXPRESS
Biden’s poll-year gambit: Citizenship for migrants who married US citizens
Page no- the world section
GS2-Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora
- President Joe Biden announced a significant legalization effort on Tuesday, offering a path to citizenship to approximately 500,000 immigrants living illegally in the US who are married to US citizens and have been in the country for at least 10 years as of June 17.
- This move contrasts sharply with former President Donald Trump's policies advocating for mass deportations. Additionally, around 50,000 children under 21 with at least one US-citizen parent will also qualify for the program.
- The White House highlighted that these measures aim to promote family unity and bolster the economy.
- Biden, seeking re-election in November, has been working to reverse Trump's restrictive immigration policies, although he has faced challenges due to high levels of migrant arrests at the US-Mexico border, prompting recent tougher measures.
- The new program allows eligible spouses and children to apply for permanent residency from within the US, streamlining the process and avoiding family separation.
- However, individuals with criminal backgrounds or considered security risks will not qualify.
Met office downgrades June rainfall forecast to ‘below normal’
Page no- 1
GS1-Salient features of World’s Physical Geography
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its forecast for June rainfall in the country, predicting it to be "below normal."
- The IMD stated that the average June rainfall is expected to be less than 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA), which stands at 166.9 mm.
- This downgrade in the forecast was highlighted in the IMD's monthly update on rainfall.
Be self-assured, don’t overreach
Page no-11
GS2-Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
- As the NDA government begins its third term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India faces a markedly different international landscape from that of 2014 or 2019.
- Significant structural shifts are reshaping the global system, necessitating substantial adjustments in India’s strategic outlook and domestic policies.
- These changes underscore five key geopolitical imperatives that will define India’s engagement with the world.
- Foremost among these imperatives is the resurgence of great-power rivalry, which demands a pragmatic approach grounded in national interest rather than ideological alignment.
- The escalating tensions between the West, led by the United States, and an increasingly assertive China and Russia present a stark contrast to the post-Cold War era of 1991, when India could engage with major powers more independently.
- During the collapse of the Soviet Union, India enjoyed greater flexibility in its international relations, free from the intense rivalries now dominating global politics.
- Today, navigating these rivalries requires careful strategic maneuvering to safeguard India’s interests amidst shifting global dynamics.
Riding out a heatwave
Page no-11
GS3-Disaster and Disaster Management
- India is grappling with an intense heat wave affecting northern and eastern regions, where temperatures have surged, reaching as high as 46 degrees Celsius in places like Orai, Uttar Pradesh.
- The heat wave has caused unprecedented power demand spikes in Delhi, peaking at 8,647 MW, due to heightened use of air conditioners.
- The soaring temperatures have exacerbated water shortages, impacting agriculture and daily life severely.
- Hospitals are inundated with patients suffering from heat-related illnesses, while experts attribute the extreme heat to climate change and the El Niño effect.
- Governments are taking measures to provide relief, including distributing water and increasing gas-fired power generation to prevent outages.
Pro Tem Speaker
Page no- 14
GS2-Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges
- The 18th Lok Sabha is set to convene its first session from June 24 to July 3, during which the crucial election for the Speaker of the House will take place.
- Speculation is high regarding the identity of the new Speaker, given the strong performance of the NDA coalition in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
- Until the Speaker is elected, a pro-tem Speaker will be appointed to administer the oath to the newly elected Members of Parliament.
- According to a report by PTI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to propose the motion for the election of the Speaker in the Lok Sabha on June 26.
- Meanwhile, Kodikunnil Suresh, a senior leader from the Congress party and the most experienced member of the Lok Sabha, is expected to be appointed as the pro-tem Speaker.
Where is the monsoon
Page no- 14
GS1-Salient features of World’s Physical Geography
- In June, North and Northwest India have been consistently experiencing severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures reaching as high as 45-47 degrees Celsius.
- Despite the early onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala and its progression into Maharashtra, the plains of North India have remained extremely hot.
- The southwest monsoon, which spans from June to September, contributes over 70% of India's annual rainfall.
- Historically, the monsoon begins over the Andaman Sea around the third week of May and typically reaches the Indian mainland through Kerala by June 1st, marking its normal onset date.
Dormant supermassive blackhole roars to life: New Study
Page no- 14
GS3-Awareness in the fields of Space
- A recent study has highlighted the awakening of a dormant supermassive black hole, shedding light on an intriguing astronomical phenomenon.
- Researchers have reported the reactivation of a previously dormant supermassive black hole, marking a significant event in the realm of astrophysics.
- This discovery challenges the conventional understanding of how these celestial giants behave over time.
- The study suggests that the black hole, which had been dormant for an extended period, suddenly began emitting intense radiation and energy.
- This phenomenon, termed "roaring to life," underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of black holes.
- Observations indicate that the black hole's revival involved the accretion of vast amounts of material from its surroundings.
- This process generated powerful jets of particles and radiation, making it detectable to telescopes and observatories.
- The findings provide valuable insights into the evolution of galaxies and the role of supermassive black holes in shaping cosmic environments.
- They also contribute to ongoing efforts to understand the mechanisms behind black hole activity and their influence on galactic evolution.
- Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of how black holes transition between dormant and active phases, offering new perspectives on the dynamic nature of the universe.
Strategic imperative and environment concern in Great Nicobar project
Page no- 14
GS3-Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment
- The Congress party has strongly criticized the proposed Rs 72,000-crore infrastructure upgrade project at Great Nicobar Island, labeling it as a serious threat to the island's indigenous population and delicate ecosystem.
- They have demanded an immediate halt to all approvals and called for a thorough and impartial review of the project, including scrutiny by relevant Parliamentary committees.
- Great Nicobar Island, located in the southeastern Bay of Bengal, is the largest and southernmost island in the Nicobar group.
- It spans 910 square kilometers and is primarily covered with tropical rainforests.
- Indira Point, situated on this island, marks India's southernmost tip and is positioned just 90 nautical miles (approximately 170 kilometers) away from Sabang, the northernmost point of Sumatra, which is the largest island in Indonesia.
Disinflation process facing resistance from stubborn food inflation: RBI Governor
Page no- 15
GS3-Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das remarked on Tuesday that while inflation has shown signs of easing, the pace of this moderation remains slow, largely influenced by persistent food inflation.
- Despite these challenges, Das expressed confidence in achieving the target of 4% consumer price-based inflation (CPI).
Industry seeks removal of ‘Angel Tax’; to greatly aid capital formation, says CII
Page no- 15
GS3-Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development
- Amid a significant decrease in startup funding and subsequent job losses, Indian industry leaders have urged for the removal of the Angel Tax, a contentious provision under Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income-tax Act.
- The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) emphasized this recommendation in its recent Union Budget proposal, arguing that eliminating the Angel Tax would bolster capital formation in the country.
- This tax has been a focal point of debate between the government and the startup ecosystem since its scope was widened in the Finance Bill 2023.
- Its removal is seen as crucial to supporting the startup ecosystem and fostering economic growth.
