‘OPERATION SHIELD’ AT 21 LOCATIONS IN DELHI
Why in news? The Delhi government will carry out ‘Operation SHIELD’ at 21 locations identified as containment zones in the capital, Delhi Chief Minister said on 9th April 2020. What is Operation SHIELD? S-Sealing of the immediate area after geographical marking, H-Home quarantine of all in the area, I-Isolation and tracing of people who have been […]
INCREASE RATE IN COVID-19 POSITIVE CASES, PLASMA THERAPY IN KERALA, ODISHA LOCKDOWN
Why in news? The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on 9th April said the country has maintained a steady rate of COVID-19 positive cases — 3% to 5% over the past month and half — and has registered no significant increase in this trend so far. Kerala has won ICMR approval for the clinical protocol […]
IRDAI PERMITS INSURERS TO GRANT THREE MONTHS’ MORATORIUM ON TERM LOANS
Why in news? The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has permitted insurers to grant a moratorium of three months on repayment of term loans sanctioned by them. Details: Considering the cash flow problems faced by the borrowers and in line with the recent directions of the RBI on moratorium on term loans, […]
POST LOCKDOWN, CII FOR PHASED REOPENING
Why in news? Amid talks over over extending the 21-day nationwide lockdown, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has suggested to the government to follow a phased reopening plan with sectors such as manufacturing and construction, that provide mass employment, re-started first Details: The CII also sought a fiscal support package for FY21 limited to […]
CHILDLINE FIELDING CALLS AGAINST ABUSE
Why in news? One in every three calls made to the emergency helpline for children, ChildLine 1098, days before and during the nation-wide lockdown sought protection from abuse and sexual violence, according to a presentation made on 7th April 2020. Details Between March 20 and March 31, the helpline recorded a total of 4.3 lakh […]
CENTRE ROLLS OUT STEPS FOR WOMEN’S SAFETY
Why in news? Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani sought to send the message that “The government and its machinery are working for women who seek protection” through a video-conference on 8th April 2020. Why was this needed? The appeal comes at a time gender rights activists and the U.N. have called for […]
POACHING, NOT VIRUS, IS THE BIGGER THREAT, SAYS TIGER EXPERT
Why in news? Wildlife scientist cautions that a spurt in poaching during the lockdown period poses a greater threat to wildlife than the coronavirus (COVID-19). Background A tiger at the Bronx zoo in the U.S. tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The warning came after the advisory issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) […]
IMPORTANCE OF SOFT POWER IS INCREASING GLOBALLY
Views of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) president When the ICCR was established- Majorly, it was about scholarships to foreign students, cultural exchanges involving artistes and youths as also establishing some Chairs in some universities etc. Now, we are in a world where every nation wants to influence and occupy the mind space of […]
VIRUS HITS BOTH GENDERS EQUALLY, EXCEPT IN 2 NATIONS
Why in news? In a striking contrast with many countries, men in India more than women appear disproportionately likely to test positive for COVID- 19, an analysis of global data shows. This anomaly, experts told could be a statistical reflection of relatively low testing for the disease in India. Last week, the Health Ministry said […]
KERALA EXPERTS FOR 3-PHASED EASING OF CURBS
Why in news? An expert committee headed by former Chief Secretary K.M. Abraham has recommended a phased relaxation of the lockdown to contain COVID-19 for areas outside the seven hotspot districts in the State from April 15. What the Expert Committee said? It should be borne in mind that the phased withdrawal is sustainable only […]