EXTEND LOANS WITHOUT FEAR OF 3CS: FM
Why in news? Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 23rd May 2020 said banks had been asked to extend loans automatically to eligible borrowers without ‘fear of 3Cs — CBI, CVC and CAG’. Details Clear instructions had been given in a meeting with CEOs and MDs of public sector banks and financial institutions on 22nd May that the […]
PHASE-1 TRIAL: ADENOVIRUS COVID-19 VACCINE FOUND SAFE
Why in news? A phase-1 trial using a single dose of a vaccine (Ad5-nCoV) that uses a recombinant adenovirus type-5 vector that carries the genetic material that codes for spike glycoprotein of novel coronavirus was found to be safe, well-tolerated and able to generate immune responses against the virus. Details The adenovirus is a weakened […]
IMD HEATWAVE ALERT: DELHI, PUNJAB, HARYANA
Why in news? Severe heatwaves are likely to impact parts of northwest, central and peninsular India in next four to five days, while many parts of northeast India will experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall during the same period: India Meteorological Department (IMD). Under the influence of converging strong south-westerly winds from the Bay of […]
H-1B VISA REFORM PRIORITISING US DEGREE HOLDERS
Why in news? US lawmakers on 22nd May 2020, reintroduced a fine-tuned legislation aimed at reforming the skilled guest worker programme to prevent flight of American jobs and outsourcing, while giving priority to absorbing US-educated foreign technology professionals. Administration estimates around 65% of H-1B visas go to Indians. Details The bill would prioritise American workers and restore […]
CHINA SUGGESTS SHIFT IN BRI APPROACH
Why in news? China has hinted at a shift in how it will pursue its signature Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) amid growing concerns about debt repayments from many partner countries because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In recent weeks, China has faced calls from countries in Asia and Africa to delay or waive debt […]
DENGUE, JE STRIKE AS ASSAM BATTLES COVID-19
Why in news? Assam is facing crisis through a series of viral and pest attacks, Districts from different parts of Assam have reported cases of dengue and acute encephalitis syndrome. The heavy rainfall in the northern parts of the State had seen two rivers – Jia-Bharali and Puthimari – flowing above the danger mark. 2,980 […]
AAROGYA SETU: PROTECTION OR THREAT?
Introduction The Data of millions of Indians, collected through the Aarogya Setu app, could be vulnerable to threats from adversarial state and non-state actors and pose a national security challenge, according to cybersecurity experts and former intelligence officials. Indian government officials reject these concerns, saying their encryption standards have adequate protection against data or network […]
BIOMEDICAL WASTE DISPOSAL POSES A HUGE CHALLENGE
Why in news? The Covid-19 pandemic has presented a unique challenge where the country has to deal with an unestimated amount of such waste exclusively from Covid hospitals, quarantine centres and home quarantine facilities. How is it being handled now? The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had issued detailed guidelines in April on handing Covid-linked […]
WILL EXIT OPEN SKIES TREATY, ANNOUNCES U.S.
Why in news? The U.S. has given notice that it will exit the Open Skies Treaty (OST), an agreement that allows countries to monitor signatories’ arms development by conducting surveillance flights over each other’s territories. Details U.S. said Russia had “continuously and flagrantly” violated the treaty. The U.S.’s exit last year from another arms deal […]
CHINA SEEKS INDIA’S SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG LAW
Why in news? China has sought the support and understanding of India and other countries for its controversial decision to impose a new national security law on Hong Kong, saying the new legislation is aimed at containing the “secessionist” forces in the former British colony who have posed a “grave threat” to the country’s national […]