BANK CREDIT SHOT UP JUST BEFORE LOCKDOWN
Why in news? Bank loans grew by a whopping ₹2.31 lakh crore in the fortnight ended March 27, indicating robust loan demand just when a nationwide lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19, according to the RBI. This was probably the highest fortnightly loan growth recorded in financial year 2019-20. Details The good […]
INDIA WELL-EQUIPPED, HAS ENOUGH STOCK OF HCQ
Why in news? Were matters to deteriorate, India had enough infrastructure to tide over the crisis said the Health Minister at an online conference. The Union government on 10th April asserted that India had “sufficient buffer” of the much in demand drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). A Well-Equipped India India had multiple strategies in place to contain […]
CHOKED SUPPLY LINES TO BE CLEARED, TOUGHER NORMS LIKELY FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Why in news? Stoppered supply lines with trucks waiting on highways, the ongoing harvest season and procurement of food grains in various parts of the country are some of the issues that will inform the kind of lockdown the country will continue to have post April 14. Motor Vehicles Department chalks out protocol for post-lockdown […]
BHILWARA BREAKS VIRUS TRANSMISSION CHAIN
Why in news? The “ruthless containment” model adopted in Bhilwara, which emerged last month as the worst-affected district in Rajasthan, has succeeded in breaking the chain of novel Coronavirus transmission. Details Since April 3, when an aggressive 11-day-long “all-down curfew” started with even essential services being curtailed, only two new cases have been reported in […]
READY TO FLY STRANDED INDIANS: UAE
Why in news? Responding to India’s concerns, the United Arab Emirates has offered to fly stranded Indian nationals who want to return home in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government of UAE has decided to help all countries fly their citizens home after the completion of the necessary medical tests. Details UAE has reached […]
NO EVIDENCE OF COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION, SCARCITY OF DRUGS, DEVICES IMMINENT
Why in news? The Union Health Ministry on Friday denied evidence of community transmission (CT) of COVID-19 while reporting at least 700 new cases since 9th April 2020. A countrywide shortage of medicines and medical devices is likely in the coming weeks, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has warned the Home Ministry. Denial of Community transmission […]
COMPUTER BASED NANO MATERIALS AND FUTURE OF NANO-ELECTRONICS
Why in news? Researchers from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali have made computer based designs of nano-materials with superhigh piezoelectricity which can be the building blocks of futuristic nano-electronics for applications like ultrathin, next-generation nano-transistors. Piezoelectricity Piezoelectricity is the generation of electricity in certain materials upon application of pressure. Its applications have […]
EPFO SETTLES 1.37 LAKH EPF WITHDRAWAL CLAIMS
Why in news? Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has processed about 1.37 lakh claims across the country disbursing an amount of Rs. 279.65 crore under a new provision especially formulated by amending the EPF Scheme to help subscribers fight COVID-19. Details The provision for a special withdrawal from the EPF Scheme to fight Covid-19 pandemic […]
G20 EXTRAORDINARY ENERGY MINISTERS MEETING
Why in news? Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel, participated in the G20 Extraordinary Energy Ministers’ virtual Meeting on 10th April 2020 called by Saudi Arabia, in its capacity as the G20 Presidency. The G20 Energy Ministers’ focused on ways and means to ensure stable energy markets, which are affected due to demand […]
ACTION TAKEN BY DAC&FW DURING LOCKDOWN
Why in news? In order to facilitate the farmers and farming activities at field level during the lockdown period, the Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Government of India is taking several measures. Measures Taken The Department has circulated the SOP related to crop harvesting & threshing during Kharif 2020 to the States to […]