EXPLAINED: BRITISH-ERA LAW INVOKED IN PANCHKULA TO CURTAIL MOVEMENT
In March end, authorities in Panchkula invoked an otherwise redundant British-era law, titled the “Punjab Village and Small Towns Act”, to curtail people’s movement during the lockdown. What is the law? The law was first enacted in 1918 in erstwhile Punjab to make provisions for nightly patrol duty by inhabitants of small villages and towns […]
Current Affairs for UPSC IAS Exam – 17 April 2020
Contents Golden Temple sees a big dip in offerings World’s gaze may shift from China to Make in India India eyes record food production China may have conducted Nuclear test: U.S. More time to renew policies, Insurers’ may be adversely impacted: IRDAI GOLDEN TEMPLE SEES A BIG DIP IN OFFERINGS Focus: GS-I Art and Culture […]
ANALYSIS| HOW PANDEMICS HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD
Introduction to influence of Pandemics in history Pandemics have had great influence in shaping human society and politics throughout history. From the Justinian Plague of sixth century to the Spanish flu of last century, pandemics have triggered the collapse of empires, weakened pre-eminent powers and institutions, created social upheaval and brought down wars. Justinian Plague […]
DISINFECTANT TUNNELS CAN CAUSE HARM
Why in news? The use of a “disinfectant tunnel”, in which sodium hypochlorite is sprayed to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), may give a false sense of security and cause harmful side effects, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has said. The Punjab Health Department had, on April 13, issued […]
11,077 FREED FROM PRISONS, SAYS NALSA
Why in news? The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has said that around 11,077 undertrials have been released from prisons nationwide as part of the mission to decongest jails following the COVID-19 pandemic. NALSA said it had been providing assistance to prisoners who were eligible to be released on parole or interim bail under the […]
OUTDATED CENSUS DATA KEEP 10 CR. OUT OF PDS: ECONOMISTS
Why in news? Over 10 crore people have been excluded from the Public Distribution System because outdated 2011 census data is being used to calculate State-wise National Food Security Act coverage. The disastrous impact of this gap is being seen in the midst of a crippling lockdown, as people who have lost their livelihoods depend […]
U.S. FREEZES WHO FUNDING OVER CORONAVIRUS CRISIS, INDIA STEERS CLEAR
Why in news? President Donald Trump said on 14th April 2020 he has instructed his administration to halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic while his administration reviews its response to the global crisis. Trump said WHO had promoted China’s “disinformation” about the virus that likely led […]
INDIA TO RECEIVE NORMAL MONSOON, MAY BE LATE IN MANY STATES: IMD
Why in news? India will likely have a normal monsoon, with a chance of ‘above normal’ rain in August and September, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on 15th April 2020. The monsoon is arriving late in many States and exiting even later, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said at its annual monsoon forecast conference. […]
170 DISTRICTS IDENTIFIED AS HOTSPOTS: HEALTH MINISTRY
Why in news? Nearly one in five districts in India is a hotspot, the Health Ministry said on 15th April 2020, a day that saw at least 1,036 COVID-19 infections. The government said it had classified every district into a hotspot, potential hotspot or a green zone. Of India’s 736 districts, 170 were ‘hotspots’, defined […]
HDFC CHAIRMAN SUGGESTION: EASING 90-DAY NPA DEADLINE NORM
Why in news? HDFC Ltd. chairman has suggested a relaxation in non-performing assets (NPA) classification to a period of six months. He said, instead of 90 days, a loan should be classified as NPA if repayment is due for 180 days. He also suggested that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approve one-time restructuring of […]