EXPLAINED: HOW COVID-19 CAN HELP DEAL WITH THE SILENT TUBERCULOSIS CRISIS
What exactly has WHO said for TB patients during COVID-19? There is a need to maintain TB services during effective response to COVID-19. It is important that the progress made in TB prevention and care is not reversed by the COVID19 pandemic. TB patients who have lung damage or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may suffer […]
MASKS, FINES FOR SPITTING: WINDOW TO NEW NORMAL
What are the changes that we see following COVID-19 guidelines? Among the guidelines for COVID-19 management issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 15th April 2020 are: Face covers are to be worn at all times at work or public spaces Those found spitting in public spaces will be fined All workplaces will have […]
Indian Missile Systems for UPSC
Notable Missile Systems in India and their details Missile Type Range Astra air-to-air 80 km Trishul surface-to-air 9 km Akash 30 km Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) 2000 km Nag surface-to-surface Anti-tank missile 4 km Prahaar surface-to-surface SRBM 150 km BrahMos land, naval, air Supersonic Cruise Missile 300 […]
CEASE THE DISTRACTIONS, SEIZE THE MOMENT
Why in news? The government has issued two ordinances, Parliament has modified its rules to reduce the salary and allowances of Members of Parliament and Ministers, and the Union Cabinet has decided to cancel the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for two years. These measures are purportedly to save costs as the […]
END THE HARASSMENT OF FARMERS NOW
Why in news? An order dated March 28 said all agricultural, horticultural activities and those relating to harvesting, transportation, procurement, mandis, farming operations and the like are exempted from the lockdown. The order was made so that “harvesting would continue uninterrupted”. The exempted categories included “agencies engaged in procurement of agriculture products, including MSP operations; […]
HARMONISING WITH NATURE
Introduction and examples of learning from crisis Aristotle Onassis counselled, “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” So, even as we, along with millions of our fellow citizens, observe the curfew while under a lockdown, this hiatus offers a rare opportunity to reflect and take the long view. […]
EXPLAINED: AIR POLLUTION’S LINK TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Introduction to Connection between COVID-19 and Air Pollution Coronavirus (COVID-19): Even before the pandemic struck, outdoor air pollution was linked to the deaths of as many as nine million people each year. Now two new studies show that Covid-19 patients are more likely to die if they live in regions with high levels of air […]
THE NIHANGS: ONCE VALIANT WARRIORS
Why in news? The Patiala incident in which a group of Nihangs attacked a Punjab police party and chopped off the hand of an assistant sub-inspector when stopped for a curfew pass, and the subsequent seizure of weapons and narcotics, has put the spotlight on the Nihangs. Who is a Nihang? Nihang is an order […]
INVASIVE, ALIEN, MOST FEARSOME
Introduction to the scenario Given the little knowledge we have about its origin, and given its rapid spread and massive impact on our lives, novel coronavirus is the most fearsome invasive alien species mankind has ever had to confront. Invasive alien species are species of plants, animals and microbes which move out of their native […]
ECONOMIC LIBERALISATION AND ITS FAULTS
Privatisation and Liberalisation The 1991-92 Budget speech marked the beginning of the end of the ‘Licence Raj’ in India. The 1991-92 Budget also announced the reduction of import duties and paved the way for foreign-manufactured goods to flow into India. Following this, most of the manufacturing sector was opened up to foreign direct investment. India’s […]