STIMULUS MUST PRECEDE LIFTING OF LOCKDOWN
Why in news? The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has said that before the lockdown is lifted, adequate notice should be given and an economic package announced. Views of the CII The principle should be that we look at opening up in concentric circles around the red zones. The radiating heat map should turn from […]
RESUME INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY IN 15 SECTORS: DPIIT
Why in news? The Commerce and Industries Ministry has called for far-reaching measures to be taken to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown, urging the Home Ministry to allow relaxations of the restrictions on a number of industry sectors. Recommendations Industrial activity be restarted in at least 15 sectors, including heavy electricals, electronics and […]
OIL UP OVER 2% ON OPEC CUT, STIMULI HOPES
Why in news? Oil prices jumped more than 4 per cent, up from multi-year lows hit earlier on 2nd March 2020, as hopes of a deeper cut in output by OPEC and stimulus from central banks countered worries about damage to demand from the coronavirus outbreak. The unprecedented disruption to economic activity in China has […]
MAJOR PORTS AUTHORITY BILL, 2020
Why in news? The Cabinet has given its nod to Major Ports Authority Bill that will replace a 1963 law governing country’s 12 major ports. Background: At present the ports are governed by a ports law of 1963. The major port sector has not seen the required level of fixed assets creation to pare the country’s high logistic costs owing […]
SAGARMALA PROGRAMME
What is Sagarmala Programme? The Sagarmala programme is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Shipping to promote port-led development in the country through harnessing India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes. Aims of Sagarmala Programme The main vision of the Sagarmala […]
TARGETS OF NH CONSTRUCTION AND PPP MODELS
Why in news? Development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) is a continuous process. NH projects are identified annually as per available budgetary outlay, inter se priority, requirement of connectivity and traffic density. Government has fixed a target of 11000 Km for construction in the country for the current fiscal year. Salient features of the […]
MINERAL LAWS (AMENDMENT) BILL 2020
Why in news? The Parliament has passed Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill 2020 that will amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 and Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act 2015. Under the Bill: Allocation of coal/lignite blocks for composite prospecting licence cum mining lease has been provided. o Currently, separate licenses are provided for prospecting and mining of […]
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 […]
CENTRE SET TO REVAMP IT ACT
Focus: GS-II Governance, GS-III Industry and Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Prelims Why in news? The government will soon kick-start the process of revamping the nearly 20-year old Information Technology Act, 2000, with an aim to bring it in tune with the technological advancements with a focus on stronger framework to deal with cybercrimes. An expert […]
WORLD STOCKS PLUNGE INTO BEAR MARKET, OIL SLUMPS – CONSUMERS TO GAIN FROM CHEAP OIL?
Focus: GS-III Indian Economy, Industry and Infrastructure, Prelims Why in news? Global stocks plunged into a bear market and oil slumped further on 12th March 2020, after stimulus efforts from the European Central Bank failed to calm investors alarmed by U.S. moves overnight to restrict travel from Europe over the spread of COVID-19. The price […]