MGNREGA JOBS CRASH TO 1% OF NORMAL
Why in news? Employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has collapsed to just over 1% of the usual rate in April, due to the COVID-19 lockdown. How many are affected? Data from the MGNREGA website show that less than 1.9 lakh families have been provided work under the scheme so […]
CENTRE MAY RAISE LOAN TO PAY GST DUES TO STATES
Why in news? The Union government is exploring raising a loan to pay the shortfall of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation amount to States as the latter have had to ramp up spending to combat the outbreak of COVID-19. Details The idea has been circulated and since the GST Act prohibits withdrawal of […]
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES HAVE SPECIAL ISSUES DURING VIRUS OUTBREAK
What are the unique challenges that people with disability face? People with disability have special issues in a situation like the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). People with disability are a diverse group, experiencing different hardships in accessing information on prevention and risk of infection. They may not be eating properly and may experience […]
STIMULUS MUST PRECEDE LIFTING OF LOCKDOWN
Why in news? The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has said that before the lockdown is lifted, adequate notice should be given and an economic package announced. Views of the CII The principle should be that we look at opening up in concentric circles around the red zones. The radiating heat map should turn from […]
RESUME INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY IN 15 SECTORS: DPIIT
Why in news? The Commerce and Industries Ministry has called for far-reaching measures to be taken to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown, urging the Home Ministry to allow relaxations of the restrictions on a number of industry sectors. Recommendations Industrial activity be restarted in at least 15 sectors, including heavy electricals, electronics and […]
GOVERNMENT SLOW TO ABSORB LOCKDOWN IMPACT ON THE POOR
Why in news? A response filed to a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) status report in the Supreme Court accused the Centre of being slow to absorb the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the poor. Why was such an accusation made? Kerala and Maharashtra have 72% of the total number of relief camps in […]
INDIA TALKING TO U.S. OVER VISA SANCTIONS
Why in news? The government is “engaged” in talks with the U.S. administration to reconsider President Donald Trump’s orders to impose visa sanctions on countries that don’t take back illegal “aliens” in the U.S. within a week. Details The order clashed with New Delhi’s decision to restrict all passengers, including Indian citizens from any other […]
BRACING FOR A RAPID SURGE IN CASES, SAYS GOVERNMENT
Why in news? With the nationwide death toll from COVID-19 touching 273 and the number of positive cases reaching 8,447 on Sunday, the Union Health Ministry said India is preparing for a possible exponential surge in cases. Details Amid demands for ramping up health surveillance, the Centre said it is expanding the COVID-19 testing capacity […]
AICTE GIVES INSTRUCTIONS TO COLLEGES/INSTITUTIONS
Why in news? Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic the country is currently observing a lock down till 3rd May 2020, AICTE has issued instructions to colleges/institutions and has directed them that ensuring safety precautions during the threat posted by COVID-19 would be fundamental responsibility of all citizens of India, during this hour of […]
PIB 16th April
Contents AICTE gives instructions to colleges/institutions FCI moved more than double of its average food grains Review meeting of all flagship schemes of Ministry of Rural Development AICTE GIVES INSTRUCTIONS TO COLLEGES/INSTITUTIONS Focus: GS-II Social Justice, Prelims Why in news? Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic the country is currently observing a lock down […]