NEW ROAD TO KAILASH MANSAROVAR
Why in news? Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday dedicated to the nation a new 80-km road in Uttarakhand which connects close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and opens a new route for Kailash Mansarovar yatra via Lipulekh Pass, significantly reducing the travel time for yatris. Read More about the new Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra […]
MASS HATCHING OF OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES: RUSHIKULYA ROOKERY
Why in news? Mass hatching of Olive Ridley turtles began at Odisha’s Rushikulya rookery, a major nesting site of these marine turtles, on 7th May night. Details Thousands of hatchlings came out of the nests buried in sand to crawl towards the sea to start their long journey. On an average 80 to 100 turtles hatch […]
EUROPE, US MARK 75 YEARS SINCE END OF WWII
Why in news? Europe and the United States mark 75 years since the end of World War II on 8th May 2020. Second World War (1939-1945) It was the most destructive war observed by the world which started in earnest on September 1, 1939 with the attack of Poland by Nazi Germany, and concluded on September […]
CHINA, U.S. COMMIT TO IMPLEMENT TRADE DEAL
Why in news? Chinese and U.S. trade representatives agreed on 8th May to “create favourable conditions” for the phase one trade deal signed in January 2020, officials said, despite recent tensions over the coronavirus pandemic. Good progress Both sides said they should strengthen macroeconomic and public health cooperation, strive to create a favourable atmosphere and conditions […]
PHASE-2 TRIAL WITH THREE DRUGS OFFERS HOPE
Why in news? A phase-2 trial involving participants with mild to moderate coronavirus (COVID-19) illness found no detectable virus within an average seven days of starting treatment with a three-drug regimen compared with 12 days in people in the control group. Details Lopinavir-ritonavir is used for treating HIV, ribavirin for treating chronic hepatitis C virus, […]
SUSPEND LABOUR LAWS FOR 2-3 YEARS: EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS
Why in news? The Representatives of 12 employers’ associations and industry bodies on 9th May asked the government to suspend labour laws for the next two to three years to help industry come out of the present crisis. The Labour and Employment Ministry will handle by being sympathetic to the requirements of the industry and would […]
NGT: LG POLYMERS INDIA TO DEPOSIT RS. 50 CRORES, CITES OBSOLETE LAW
Why in news? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 8th May 2020 directed LG Polymers India to deposit an initial amount of Rs. 50 crore for the damage caused by the gas leak in Visakhapatnam. NGT’s Order found LG Polymers prima facie liable under the 19th century English law principle of “strict liability”, which was made […]
TRUMP: COVID CRISIS ‘WORSE THAN PEARL HARBOR’ OR 9/11
Why in news? Donald Trump has said the COVID-19 pandemic is a worse “attack” on the U.S. than either Pearl Harbor or 9/11. The Japanese assault on the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii drew the United States into Second World War. The September 11, 2001 jihadist attacks on that killed about 3,000 people and […]
U.S. RECOGNISES INDIA’S ROLE IN AFGHANISTAN
Why in news? The U.S. recognises India’s “constructive contribution” to Afghanistan, said U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation. Details The U.S. side recognised India’s constructive contribution in economic development, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. They laid importance to India’s crucial and continuing role in sustainable peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. Expressing deep concern […]
MADHYA PRADESH PUSHES WORKING HOURS
Why in news? Madhya Pradesh on 7th May 2020 allowed employers to increase working hours in factories by four hours, from eight to 12. It has also allowed up to 72 hours a week in overtime. Highlights The increased working hours are applicable only if employees are willing to work. And they must be paid for […]