ENSURE WORKERS DOWNLOAD AAROGYA APP
Why in news? Central government organizations involved in construction, including various metro rail corporations, were instructed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to ensure that “all labour personnel/staff” returning to work from 20th April 2020 have downloaded the government’s COVID-19 tracking app — Aarogya Setu. Why was this needed? While the country remains in a […]
LIFELINE UDAN FLIGHTS
Why in news? ‘Lifeline Udan’ flights are being operated by MoCA to transport essential medical cargo to remote parts of the country to support India’s war against COVID-19. Air India operated two flights between Mumbai- Frankfurt and Mumbai- London last week under the Krishi Udan program, carrying seasonal fruits and vegetables from Mumbai and returning […]
PREVENTING FOOD SHORTAGES IS HIGH PRIORITY FOR SOUTH ASIA
Adverse Impacts of the World Bank’s Forecast The forecasted scenarios translate for South Asia into sharp declines in exports, disruptions in global value chains, deterioration of investment sentiment, reversal of capital flows, and reduced remittances. An extended lockdown for three months and a more partial lockdown in subsequent quarters would lead to a negative growth […]
A VIRUS, SOCIAL DEMOCRACY, AND DIVIDENDS FOR KERALA
Kerala’s Success in Flattening the curve Though Kerala was the first State with a recorded case of coronavirus and once led the country in active cases, it now ranks 10th of all States and the total number of active cases (in a State that has done the most aggressive testing in India) has been declining […]
IRONING OUT WRINKLES IN INDIA’S PANDEMIC RESPONSE
Why in news? Some critical weaknesses in the country’s health system can come in the way of a credible strategy to combat COVID-19 Much concern about the novel coronavirus in India is understandably about the number of cases and related deaths. Details It is important to remember that the vast majority (80%) of COVID-19 cases […]
LONG LIVE THE NATION-STATE: THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS DEMONSTRATED
Why in news? The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the nation-state is not only alive but absolutely essential. Paradoxical as it may sound, COVID-19, a global menace, has demonstrated the resilience of the nation-state often portrayed as antediluvian by the advocates of globalisation. It has ended up strengthening the relevance of national boundaries as the […]
COVID-19: MANY TASKS AT HAND
Why in news? India has a formidable challenge ahead as it needs to control the disease, combat misinformation and protect civil liberties. As COVID-19 continues its global rampage, India has taken drastic steps to stem its spread. It has banned incoming international commercial flights till March 31, established rules of quarantine for those returning from […]
LOCKDOWN AND BEYOND: GOVERNMENTS MUST AID PEOPLE
Why in news? India has responded to the spectre of large-scale transmission of the novel coronavirus and the unprecedented public health catastrophe it may bring by ordering a full national lockdown. Why and How? The goal is to flatten the transmission curve and help a frayed health system cope with a large number of cases. […]
A PANDEMIC, AN ECONOMIC BLOW AND THE BIG FIX
Why in news? India has just finished a day of curfew on 22nd March 2020, and clapping to practice ‘social distancing’ and to express gratitude to the millions of health and essential services workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a laudable initiative by the Prime Minister to rally the nation together. The nation is […]
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. […]