OPEN UP E-COM SERVICES: IAMAI
Why in news? The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on 20th April 2020 said it had requested the government to open up e-commerce services, adding that the online vs offline debate is an ‘incorrect portrayal’ of the ground reality as lakhs of sellers from the physical markets also sold online. This follows the ‘last-minute […]
U.S. OIL PRICES FALL BELOW ZERO, GOES TO MINUS $37.63 PER BARREL
Why in news? Traders fled from the expiring May U.S. oil futures contract in a frenzy, this led to sending the contract into negative territory for the first time in history. May U.S. crude futures plunged to a depth never before seen, settling on the day at minus $37.63 a barrel. Why did this happen? […]
WHERE DOES COVID-19 VIRUS FIRST STRIKE?
Why in news? Scientists reported that they have identified two specific types of cells in the nose as the likely initial infection points for SARS-CoV2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. How does it work? The entry of the virus takes place by means of a “lock and key” effect. Like all coronaviruses, SARS-CoV2 consists […]
NATIONS OPTING TO TRADE WITH ECONOMIES HAVING POLITICAL TRUST
Context For decades, the West, led by US strategic thinking, bet that full-on engagement with Beijing would alter the opaque nature of Chinese politics, making it more liberal and open. The free and open liberal world order has run into the great political wall of China with deleterious consequences. Many liberal democracies have also adopted […]
PROTECTING THE POOR FROM BECOMING POORER
Need to take a long-term view Economically vulnerable groups are being forced to sacrifice disproportionately more for the better health of society. To mitigate these deprivations, it is necessary for government safety net programmes to provide broad-based long-term support focused on specific vulnerable populations. Social inequities are seen in the current COVID-19 pandemic — note, […]
AT THE EDGE OF A NEW NUCLEAR ARMS RACE
Why in news? In mid-April, a report issued by the United States State Department on “Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments (Compliance Report)” raised concerns that China might be conducting nuclear tests with low yields at its Lop Nur test site, in violation of its Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty […]
NATURAL PRODUCT-BASED ALZHEIMER INHIBITOR
Why in news? JNCASR scientists have modified the structure of Berberine, a natural and cheap product similar to curcumin, available commercially, into Ber-D to use as an Alzheimer’s inhibitor. Details Berberine is poorly soluble and toxic to cells, so they had to modify berberine to Ber-D, which is a soluble (aqueous), antioxidant. Ber-D was found […]
SHRI SURESH N. PATEL TAKES OATH AS VIGILANCE COMMISSIONER
Why in news? Shri Suresh N. Patel took oath as Vigilance Commissioner on 29th April 2020. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an apex Indian governmental body created in 1964 to address governmental corruption. The CVC became a Statutory Body with the enactment of CVC Act, 2003. The CVC is an independent body, free of control from […]
INDIA SIGNS $1.5 BILLION LOAN WITH ADB
Focus: GS-II Indian Economy, Prelims Why in news? The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $1.5 billion loan that will support the government’s response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on 28th April 2020. Earlier, the ADB’s Board of Directors approved the loan to provide budget support to the government […]
FIRST EVER VIRTUAL PETERSBERG CLIMATE DIALOGUE
Focus: GS-II Environment and Ecology, Prelims Why in news? The 11th session of Petersberg Climate Dialogue witnessed India along with 30 other countries deliberating over ways and means to tackle the challenge of reinvigorating economies and societies after COVID-19, while enhancing collective resilience and catalysing climate action while also supporting in particular those most vulnerable. The […]