4th May Current Affairs
Contents CII proposes different rules for top priority districts India slips in press freedom rankings Kerala scrambles for funds as Centre tightens Saudi Arabia’s investments in India on track Noted poet Nisar Ahmed passes away CII PROPOSES DIFFERENT RULES FOR TOP PRIORITY DISTRICTS Focus: GS-III Indian Economy Why in news? The country’s high performing economic […]
NITI AAYOG QUESTIONS IEP’S TERROR RANKING OF INDIA
Why in news? A report compiled by Niti Aayog has questioned the methodology adopted by an Australian based institute – Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)- to rank India as the seventh worst terrorism affected country. This IEP’s report has put India ahead of conflict-ridden countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, […]
USCIRF DOWNGRADES INDIA IN 2020 LIST
Why in news? The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has downgraded India to the lowest ranking, “countries of particular concern” (CPC) in its 2020 report. India was categorised as a “Tier 2 country” in last year’s listing. This is the first time since 2004 that India has been placed in this category. The […]
COST OF DOING BUSINESS TO SEE SIGNIFICANT RISE
Why in news? As COVID-19 takes its toll on the economy and on human lives, the cost of doing business is set to go up as companies gear up to adhere to new safety and hygiene standards in their daily operations despite likely scaled down business activity and lower earnings. Why would the Cost of […]
UN WARNS OF A ‘HUMAN RIGHTS DISASTER’
Why in news? The UN rights chief warned on 27th April, that countries flouting the rule of law in the name of fighting the novel coronavirus pandemic risk sparking a “human rights disaster”. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called upon countries to refrain from violating fundamental rights “under the guise of exceptional or emergency measures”. […]
56% MORE WATER IN RESERVOIRS THAN LAST YEAR
Do we have enough water? Under a lockdown with summer approaching and with the injunction of constant hand washing as a preventative for the spread of COVID-19 the water availability in India was a concern. The plentiful rains last year and heavy snowfall in the Himalayan States have ensured that in terms of just volumes, […]
INDIA AMONG TOP 3 MILITARY SPENDERS: REPORT
Why in news? The global military expenditure rose to $1917 billion in 2019 with India and China emerging among the top three spenders, according to a report ‘Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2019’ by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Details India’s tensions and rivalry with both Pakistan and China are among the major drivers […]
RBI OPENS RS. 50,000-CR LIQUIDITY TAP FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
Why in news? In a bid to address concerns arising out of Franklin Templeton’s decision to wind up six debt funds, the Reserve Bank of India on 27th April 2020, decided to open a special liquidity facility for mutual funds (SLF-MFs) of ₹50,000 crore. The move is aimed at easing the liquidity pressure that mutual funds […]
STOP VILLAINIZING BATS: SCIENTISTS, CONSERVATIONISTS
Why in news? There have been increasing incidents of the public destroying bat roosts and smoking them out. This is due to unverified news and social media posts linking bats to the COVID-19 outbreak. To raise awareness, 64 CHIROPTEROLOGISTS (THOSE WHO STUDY BATS) from six South Asian countries have released a document clarifying myths about bats and […]
STRATEGIC SHIFT – RESERVING HEALTHCARE FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST
Relaxation In a containment strategy tweak, those with a mild form of the disease, or are pre-symptomatic, would have the option of home quarantining. But their homes ought to have self-isolation facilities, a full-time caregiver, and daily health-status reports given to the district surveillance officer. Why is such a move done? The Health Ministry has […]