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 […]
CHILDLINE FIELDING CALLS AGAINST ABUSE
Why in news? One in every three calls made to the emergency helpline for children, ChildLine 1098, days before and during the nation-wide lockdown sought protection from abuse and sexual violence, according to a presentation made on 7th April 2020. Details Between March 20 and March 31, the helpline recorded a total of 4.3 lakh […]
CENTRE ROLLS OUT STEPS FOR WOMEN’S SAFETY
Why in news? Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani sought to send the message that “The government and its machinery are working for women who seek protection” through a video-conference on 8th April 2020. Why was this needed? The appeal comes at a time gender rights activists and the U.N. have called for […]
POACHING, NOT VIRUS, IS THE BIGGER THREAT, SAYS TIGER EXPERT
Why in news? Wildlife scientist cautions that a spurt in poaching during the lockdown period poses a greater threat to wildlife than the coronavirus (COVID-19). Background A tiger at the Bronx zoo in the U.S. tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The warning came after the advisory issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) […]
IMPORTANCE OF SOFT POWER IS INCREASING GLOBALLY
Views of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) president When the ICCR was established- Majorly, it was about scholarships to foreign students, cultural exchanges involving artistes and youths as also establishing some Chairs in some universities etc. Now, we are in a world where every nation wants to influence and occupy the mind space of […]
VIRUS HITS BOTH GENDERS EQUALLY, EXCEPT IN 2 NATIONS
Why in news? In a striking contrast with many countries, men in India more than women appear disproportionately likely to test positive for COVID- 19, an analysis of global data shows. This anomaly, experts told could be a statistical reflection of relatively low testing for the disease in India. Last week, the Health Ministry said […]
KERALA EXPERTS FOR 3-PHASED EASING OF CURBS
Why in news? An expert committee headed by former Chief Secretary K.M. Abraham has recommended a phased relaxation of the lockdown to contain COVID-19 for areas outside the seven hotspot districts in the State from April 15. What the Expert Committee said? It should be borne in mind that the phased withdrawal is sustainable only […]
FOCUS SHIFTS TO CONTACT TRACING, INFRASTRUCTURE
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management Why in news? With 32 deaths reported in the past 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry on 8th April 2020 said building hospital infrastructure, aggressive contact tracing and total enforcement of the lockdown with the help of people were the main focus now in the fight against COVID-19. Views of the […]
NOT POSSIBLE TO LIFT THE LOCKDOWN IN ONE GO, TASK FORCE FOR CONTINUING CURBS
Why in news? Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting with parliamentary floor leaders of both Houses on April 8 said it didn’t seem possible that the countrywide lockdown can be lifted as per the original schedule of April 14, but added that he will consult the Chief Ministers before deciding the exit strategy. A […]
ECONOMY TO CONTRACT 4.5% IN FOURTH QUARTER, SAYS ICRA
Why in news? The Indian economy is likely to witness a sharp contraction of 4.5% during Q4FY20 and is expected to recover gradually to post a GDP growth of just 2% in FY21, rating agency ICRA said. Details: ICRA said it reduced the growth forecast due to the nationwide lockdown imposed in the backdrop of […]