Direct cash transfer to women PMJDY account holders under PM Garib Kalyan Package
Why in news: Direct cash transfer to women PMJDY account holders under PM Garib Kalyan Package for the month of April 2020 in the light of COVID-19 pandemic. Ministry involved: Ministry of Rural Development Details: The Ministry of Rural Development is releasing the lump sum amounts of Rs. 500/- per woman to Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) account holders (as per number of such accounts intimated by banks), for April 2020, and […]
‘Stranded in India’ portal launched
Why in news: Ministry of Tourism launches ‘Stranded in India’ portal to help foreign tourists stuck in various parts of India. Details: The portal will disseminate information regarding the services that can be availed by foreign tourists who have stuck far away from their homeland. It aims to act as a support network for foreign […]
DST approves 5 technology projects to combat Covid-19
Why in news? Recently, the Department of Science and Technology – Science and Engineering Board (DST-SERB) has approved several special research projects to urgently ramp up national R&D efforts against the epidemic. Details: About Technology Projects The first project is led by IIT-Bombay to search for potential metabolite biomarker signature for COVID infection and recognition of novel targets for therapy. The second project is led by […]
Indian Space Missions for UPSC Exam
GSAT-30 Why in news? Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched telecommunication satellite GSAT-30 into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Kourou launch base, French Guiana by European Ariane-5 VA-251. Details: GSAT-30 satellite will replace INSAT-4A which was launched in 2005. A European communication satellite named EUTELSAT KONNECT was also launched with GSAT-30. GSAT-30 derives its heritage from ISRO’s earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series and will replace INSAT-4A in […]
Union Minster releases National Corona Survey:
Why in news? Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions today released the National Preparedness Survey on COVID 19 – Responses of District Collectors and IAS Officers (2014-2018 batches). The objectives of this preparedness survey are as follows: to develop a comparative analysis of COVID 19 preparedness across States; to […]
Government of India launches ArogyaSetu App
Why in news? The Government of India launched a mobile app ArogyaSetu developed in public-private partnership to bring the people of India together in a resolute fight against COVID-19. Details: The App, called ‘AarogyaSetu’ joins Digital India for the health and well-being of every Indian. It will enable people to assess themselves the risk of their catching the […]
Coating developed by JNCASR may prevent transmission of infection:
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) has developed a one-step curable anti-microbial coating which, when coated on different surfaces such as textile, plastic and so on could kill a range of virus types including COVID 19. Details: The recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has created an unprecedented stir in global public health. Like influenza, Coronavirus […]
Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of State Laws) Order, 2020
Why in news? The Central government passed Jammu And Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of State Laws) Order, 2020 recently. Details: The order defined new domicile rule for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) according to which a person residing in J&K for at least 15 years will now be eligible to be a domicile of the Union Territory. If a person has studied for a period of 7 years and appeared in class 10th […]
Lifeline Udan
Why in news: As part of India’s war against COVID-19, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched “Lifeline Udan” flights for the movement of medical and essential supplies across the country and beyond. Details: Under this initiative, 62 Lifeline Udan flights have been operated for five days towards March 2020 end, transporting over 15.4 tons […]
Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 extended for one year
Why in news? Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020 extended for one year till 31st March, 2021. Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry Objectives of FTP 2015 – 20: To increase India’s merchandise and services exports from US$ 465. 9 billion in 2013-14 to US$ 900 billion by 2019-20. To increase India’s share in the […]