2 February 2020: PIB Summary & Analysis

Read the daily PIB update and stay up-to-date on current affairs for the UPSC exam.

February 2nd, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project
2. Clarification regarding Proposal in the Finance Bill 2020
3. Update on Novel Coronavirus

1. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project

Context:

The Vice President inaugurated the Hubbali-Dharwad Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project.

About BRT Project:

• Unlike conventional bus services that operate on streets with the rest of vehicular traffic, the BRT system is a bus-based transport system with much of the same benefits (e.g., efficiency, speed, capacity, and convenience) as a rail-based transport system.
• BRT also called a busway or transitway, and is a bus-based public transport system.
• Typically, a BRT system includes roadways that are dedicated to buses.
• The advantages of BRT systems include:
  • Lower capital, and operation and management costs compared with rail-based light rail transit (LRT) (i.e., tram) and mass rapid transit (MRT) (i.e., metro) systems, which medium-sized cities in developing countries usually cannot afford.
  • Higher capacity compared with conventional bus services.
  • More flexibility compared with LRT and MRT systems.
  • Easier integration with feeder systems.
  • Relatively simpler technology.
  • Bus-only lanes make for faster travel and ensure that buses are not delayed by mixed traffic congestion.
  • Station platforms should be level with the bus floor for quick and easy boarding.
  • Combination of the capacity and speed of a metro with the flexibility, low cost, and simplicity of a bus system.
  • Reduce delays caused by passengers boarding or leaving buses or purchasing fares.
• Typical BRT systems cost, in terms of unit cost per kilometer (km), between one-twentieth and one-quarter of LRT systems, and between one-fiftieth and one-twentieth of MRT systems.
• Also, BRT systems can be implemented in a relatively short period of time (typically 1–3 years after conception) and can be easily augmented and/or adjusted in phases.
• Throughout the world, more than 35 cities already have BRT systems, including successful model cases in developing countries such as Curitiba (Brazil), Bogotá (Colombia), and Jakarta (Indonesia). The first BRTS was launched in Curitiba in 1974.
• In India, after a few less-than-satisfactory early attempts, including those in Delhi and Pune, the BRT system in Ahmedabad has seen relative success. The one in Delhi was dismantled in 2016.
• The Hubballi-Dharwad Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is already ferrying close to one lakh passengers between the twin cities in its trial run.

2. Clarification regarding Proposal in the Finance Bill 2020

Context:

The Finance Bill, 2020 has proposed that an Indian citizen shall be deemed to be resident in India, if he is not liable to be taxed in any country or jurisdiction.

Details:

• This is an anti-abuse provision since it is noticed that some Indian citizens shift their stay in low or no tax jurisdictions to avoid payment of tax in India.
• The new provision is not intended to include in tax net those Indian citizens who are bona fide workers in other countries.
• In order to avoid any misinterpretation, it is clarified that in case of an Indian citizen who becomes deemed resident of India under this proposed provision, income earned outside India by him shall not be taxed in India unless it is derived from an Indian business or profession.

3. Update on Novel Coronavirus

Context:

A second positive case reported in Kerala.

Details:

• This is the second confirmed case of the Wuhan Coronavirus in India.
• Both the cases are from Kerala.
• The second patient has a travel history from China.
• The patient, who is stable, has tested positive for Novel Coronavirus and is in isolation in the hospital.

February 2nd, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here

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