PIB 17th April
Contents Organic Pseudocapacitor: Low-cost energy storage solution CeNS’s Gold Nanostructure Substrate Grant of Consular Services, Extended suspension of Existing Visas ORGANIC PSEUDOCAPACITOR: LOW-COST ENERGY STORAGE SOLUTION Focus: GS-III Science and Technology, Prelims Why in news? Scientists have developed a stable material for pseudocapacitors or supercapacitors which store electrical energy by electron charge transfer. The material […]
A HEALTH SCHEME SANS CLOUT
Why in news? Mainstreaming transformative technologies in the healthcare ecosystem and boosting innovation in delivery are a major focus under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) — with the three intentions of containing costs, improving care quality, and bridging existing gaps in service provision. The PMJAY – Capability and Scope The unremitting sluggishness […]
MISSING AT BIRTH
Why in news? Recent case of infanticide in Tamil Nadu’s Usilampatti, historically notorious for its crude methods of killing female babies, sent a chill down the spine of the country. Years after it was believed that awareness generation and targeted behaviour change communication had led to people giving up the inhuman practice of feeding female […]
HAVING AN EAR TO ADIVASI GROUND
Why in news? In November 2018, among the Adivasis of Jhargram, West Bengal- seven adults of the KhariaSavar community died within a span of just two weeks. Their lifespan is approximately 26 years less than the average Indian’s life expectancy. Their lives are full of uncertainties, and death is considered the most normal of happenings. […]
NO GREEN SHOOTS OF A REVIVAL IN SIGHT AS YET
Why is news? On February 28, as per its release calendar, the National Statistical Office (NSO) put out the third quarter gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, that is, for October-December 2019. Is it Economic Revival? Domestic output grew at 4.7% at constant prices (that is, net of inflation) in 2019, compared to the same period […]
DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD: ON SUPREME COURT’S CRYPTOCURRENCY RULING
Why in news? The Supreme Court has struck down a 2018 circular by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that directed entities not to provide services to those trading in “virtual currencies” (cryptocurrencies), as “disproportionate”. What was done about Cryptocurrencies? Ministerial committee recommendations, and warnings by institutions such as the RBI were: The problematic nature […]
MONETARY POLICY CAN’T COMBAT THE COVID-19 IMPACT
Why in news? The huge 50 basis points cut in rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve on 3rd March 2020, to lift economic sentiment hit by COVID-19 has disrupted central banking worldwide. Even as analysts debate whether a monetary policy response is the right strategy, central banks across the world are feeling the pressure to […]
BANKING ON BAILOUTS
Why in news? Just one day after it placed the financially troubled Yes Bank under a moratorium, the Reserve Bank of India announced a draft ‘Scheme of Reconstruction’ that entails the State Bank of India (SBI) investing capital to acquire a 49% stake in the restructured private lender. Views on the Moratorium on Yes Bank […]
MAKING THE ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE FOR JUSTICE
Why in news? Some of the areas affected by the recent riots in Delhi resemble a battlefield — and more than 50 people have died. Judiciary’s moral authority The role of the judiciary in riot situations is extremely important, in that it could prevent a slide into chaos. The judiciary does not wield a sword […]
EXPLAINED: MEGHALAYA VIOLENCE
Why in news? Last week of February 2020, ethnic violence left three dead in Meghalaya. A Khasi tribal was killed in a clash in a village near the Bangladesh border, followed by a stabbing spree by masked attackers in Shillong and attacks elsewhere, leading to the death of two non-tribal men, both Muslims. The violence […]