CHINA, U.S. COMMIT TO IMPLEMENT TRADE DEAL
Why in news? Chinese and U.S. trade representatives agreed on 8th May to “create favourable conditions” for the phase one trade deal signed in January 2020, officials said, despite recent tensions over the coronavirus pandemic. Good progress Both sides said they should strengthen macroeconomic and public health cooperation, strive to create a favourable atmosphere and conditions […]
PHASE-2 TRIAL WITH THREE DRUGS OFFERS HOPE
Why in news? A phase-2 trial involving participants with mild to moderate coronavirus (COVID-19) illness found no detectable virus within an average seven days of starting treatment with a three-drug regimen compared with 12 days in people in the control group. Details Lopinavir-ritonavir is used for treating HIV, ribavirin for treating chronic hepatitis C virus, […]
SUSPEND LABOUR LAWS FOR 2-3 YEARS: EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS
Why in news? The Representatives of 12 employers’ associations and industry bodies on 9th May asked the government to suspend labour laws for the next two to three years to help industry come out of the present crisis. The Labour and Employment Ministry will handle by being sympathetic to the requirements of the industry and would […]
NGT: LG POLYMERS INDIA TO DEPOSIT RS. 50 CRORES, CITES OBSOLETE LAW
Why in news? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 8th May 2020 directed LG Polymers India to deposit an initial amount of Rs. 50 crore for the damage caused by the gas leak in Visakhapatnam. NGT’s Order found LG Polymers prima facie liable under the 19th century English law principle of “strict liability”, which was made […]
TRUMP: COVID CRISIS ‘WORSE THAN PEARL HARBOR’ OR 9/11
Why in news? Donald Trump has said the COVID-19 pandemic is a worse “attack” on the U.S. than either Pearl Harbor or 9/11. The Japanese assault on the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii drew the United States into Second World War. The September 11, 2001 jihadist attacks on that killed about 3,000 people and […]
U.S. RECOGNISES INDIA’S ROLE IN AFGHANISTAN
Why in news? The U.S. recognises India’s “constructive contribution” to Afghanistan, said U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation. Details The U.S. side recognised India’s constructive contribution in economic development, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. They laid importance to India’s crucial and continuing role in sustainable peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. Expressing deep concern […]
MADHYA PRADESH PUSHES WORKING HOURS
Why in news? Madhya Pradesh on 7th May 2020 allowed employers to increase working hours in factories by four hours, from eight to 12. It has also allowed up to 72 hours a week in overtime. Highlights The increased working hours are applicable only if employees are willing to work. And they must be paid for […]
VANDE BHARAT MISSION
Why in news? The Vande Bharat Mission to bring stranded Non-Resident Keralites back home in the wake of a global lockdown following the COVID-19 pandemic got off to a firm start with two flights from the Gulf carrying 363 passengers touching down at the Cochin and Karipur airports on 7th May 2020. Vande Bharat Mission India […]
NO SCIENTIFIC STUDIES REPORT STYRENE GAS CAUSING DEATHS
Why in news? The gas leak from LG Polymers, which led to the death of at least seven people in Visakhapatnam, is suspected to have been caused by styrene gas. Details Effects of Styrene Gas According to various studies The most common health problems when exposed to styrene involve the nervous system — both the […]
VISAKHAPATNAM GAS LEAK
Why in news? Eleven people, including a six-year-old girl, died and over 350 were admitted to hospitals after styrene monomer gas leaked from a chemical plant belonging to LG Polymers at RR Venkatapuram in Visakhapatnam on 7th May 2020. Details and Case Registered The company was earlier called Hindustan Polymers. It was taken over by the […]